Sri Lanka will continue to cremate those dying from the novel coronavirus as per the recommendation by an experts' panel, the country's health minister said on Thursday, despite strong opposition from the minority Muslim community. Sri Lanka amended a law in April last year to make cremations compulsory for people dying from coronavirus to prevent any potential threat even as the World Health Organisation (WHO) approves the burials.

The government appointed an experts' panel to give it recommendations if the deceased be buried. Health minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi told parliament that the panel reported that cremations would be the ideal method for the deceased.

"We have no intention to deviate from the report based on any ethnic or religious considerations, Wanniarachchi said. She was answering a query from the opposition legislator Gajendra Kumar Ponnambalam who noted that virologists had certified that burials did not lead to the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Muslim groups have been protesting that COVID-19 victims from their community were being forcibly cremated against their religious belief. The process of cremation is forbidden within Islam and Judaism, which require members of the faiths to be buried. Muslim civil society groups said at least 60 per cent of the current 200 plus deaths were from their community. They say that some of the deceased were buried secretly as they did not want to be cremated.

The authorities claim that burials may lead to further spread of the pandemic with the contamination of the water table. The UN has also appealed to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to allow burials as Muslim funeral rites were among the WHO guidelines on disposal of the COVID-19 dead bodies.

Rajapaksa has said he has instructed the authorities to find suitable land for the burial of coronavirus victims. Sri Lanka has reported 46,248 coronavirus cases so far with 219 deaths.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it is in countries self-interest to shun vaccine nationalism and work toward the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, noting that people must come first over short-term profits.

WHOs Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said this at the first COVID-19 news conference for the year at WHO headquarters in Geneva.

Vaccine nationalism is when a country manages to secure doses of vaccines for its own citizens and prioritises its own domestic markets before they are made available in other countries.

This is done through pre-purchase agreements between a government and a vaccine manufacturer.

In a series of tweets posted on the UN health agency Twitter account @WHO, Ghebreyesus also urged all governments to be committed to equitable distribution of the vaccine.

I urge all governments to work together and live up to their commitments to equitable distribution globally and all pharmaceutical groups to boost supply as quickly as possible and to fully participate in COVAX, he said.

According to him, vaccination of health workers against COVID-19 and those at high risk of serious disease is the fastest way to stabilise health systems.

Vaccinating health workers and those at high risk of serious disease is the fastest way to stablise health systems, ensure all essential health services are up and running and that a truly global economic recovery can take place.

We owe it morally to health workers everywhere who have been fighting this pandemic around the clock for the best part of a year to vaccinate them all as soon as possible.

The WHO chief, however, said that it was important to remember that COVID-19 was just one of a number of major disease outbreaks facing communities across the world.

Mr Ghebreyesus said that WHO was also picking up and analysing hundreds of potential signals every week, concerning other life-threatening illnesses.

But he made it clear that COVID-19 remained a major public health crisis, while assuring that WHO is working day and night to accelerate science, provide solutions on the ground and build global solidarity.

This is as important for tackling the pandemic as it is for getting essential services back up and running again, he said.

While pointing out that WHOs work stretches far beyond emergencies, the UN official explained that its operations encompass improving human health in all its aspects from birth to old age.

He elaborated on the breadth of the agencys activities  from keeping mothers and babies alive during childbirth to tackling mental health and controlling HIV/AIDS and other diseases.

We have learned a lot in 2020, not least that health is an investment in overall development critical for thriving economies and a key pillar of national security.

According to him, integrated primary healthcare systems are imperative to prevent, screen and treat infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Citing the pandemic, Mr Ghebreyesus said that infectious viruses put those with underlying conditions at highest risk of dying, and that countries with high numbers of people with health conditions put extra stress on the health system.

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He maintained that health cannot be an afterthought when we have an emergency and underscored the need to invest in preparedness and surveillance to stop the next pandemic.

In addition, he said at the dawn of 2021, scientists and public health experts from inside and outside WHO are continuing to break down the latest data and put forward solutions to `build back greener and stronger health systems.

My one hope is that theres less politicking about health in the year ahead.

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He noted that the scientific community has set a new standard for vaccine development, and urged the international community to set a new standard for access.

On December 31, 2020, the WHO cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency use and on Monday, rollout of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine developed by Oxford University began in the United Kingdom.

With 190 countries and economies backing the COVAX international vaccines-for-all initiative, the WHO director-general wanted to see all manufacturers quickly channel supplies there to enable rollouts to protect high-risk people globally.

(NAN)
El Peru sigue con preocupacion y rechaza los actos de violencia en las instalaciones del Congreso de los EE.UU. durante la ceremonia de confirmacion del voto de los colegios electorales. El respeto absoluto a los resultados electorales es la piedra angular de la democracia.
Washington: Jerry Daniele believes things that arent true. He is confident, for example, that Donald Trump received 75 per cent of the vote in the November election  the largest share of the popular vote of any candidate in modern US history.

The fact the official results show Trump won only 47 per cent of the vote is because of rampant fraud committed by Democrats in multiple states, Daniele says.

Trump supporters Michelle and Jerry Daniele believe Democrats stole the presidential election. Credit:Matthew Knott

"This was not an election  this was a soft coup," Daniele says. He believes truckloads of illegal ballots for Joe Biden were shipped into key swing states on election night, depriving Trump of his rightful victory.

Daniele and wife Michelle flew six hours from their home in New Mexico to Washington on Thursday (AEDT) to join tens of thousands of Trump supporters at a protest against the looming certification of Joe Biden's election victory.
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Kareena Kapoor, who is pregnant with her second baby, has shared a glamorous new picture on Instagram. She is seen wearing a stunning dress while hinting at something exciting to come.

The monochrome photo shows Kareena in a black dress with a thigh-high slit. She is wearing stylish black heels and posing on a couch, looking away from the camera. Im waiting, she wrote in the caption. Commenting on her picture, best friend Malaika Arora wrote, Am also waiting. Her stylist Tanya Gharvi wrote, Uffffffd bebo.

While fans tried to guess what Kareena was actually waiting for, one guessed, Bebo is waiting for baby. Another fan wrote, We are all also waiting Queen. Hope its a princess and looks as beautiful as you are. Kareena is expecting her baby to arrive soon. She and husband Saif Ali Khan are already parents to their four-year-old son Taimur.

Kareena recently spoke to Neha Dhupia on her radio show What Women Want about the prospective name for her baby. After the whole controversy of Taimur, both Saif and me have not even thought about it. Were like going to leave it last minute and then spring a surprise, she told Neha on the show. Kareena and Saif were trolled online when they had announced Taimur's name, as many believed it was inspired by the Turkish ruler who invaded India.

Also read: Inside Deepika Padukone birthday celebrations: Ranveer plays host, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt attend. See pics

Talking about working through pregnancy, Kareena told Bombay Times, Kareena said, Its just that I have never been that kind of a person who would sit at home and say, Now I want to put my feet up. I am doing what I want to do. Working  whether its during my pregnancy or post-delivery  has been a point to just say that when has anyone ever said that pregnant women cant work? In fact, the more active you are, the healthier the baby is and the happier the mother is. After delivery, too, once you feel fit enough, one should do what they feel like doing, and try to balance it out between giving time to the child as well as your work and yourself. I have always been very proud of being a working mother.

Kareena was last seen in Angrezi Medium, which released in March last year. Her next release will be Laal Singh Chaddha with Aamir Khan.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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Three cellphone towers in KwaZulu-Natal have been burnt and destroyed as a result of conspiracy theories that link the emergence of COVID-19 with the rollout of 5G infrastructure.

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams released a statement condemning the destruction of cellphone network tower infrastructure and urged the South African Police Service to arrest those responsible.

The burning of the cellphone towers follows a resurgence in conspiracy theories which link the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic to 5G, Ndabeni-Abrahams said.

So far, three telecommunications network infrastructure towers belonging to Vodacom and MTN were burnt and destroyed between Tuesday and Wednesday this week in KwaZulu-Natal.

Ndabeni-Abrahams described the misinformation campaign as a threat to investments made into telecoms network infrastructure.

It is regrettable that the much-needed network infrastructure is being destroyed, she said.

The country currently needs resilient and high-speed connectivity for every citizen to enable them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

Furthermore, mobile telephony is crucial in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, she added.

5G conspiracy theories

Ndabeni-Abrahams said the destruction of network towers compromises multi-pronged efforts and initiatives to stem the spread of the virus.

We, therefore, urge the police to arrest anyone who is threatening of removing infrastructure network stations or towers, she said.

The Minister noted that several social media campaigns have emerged since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that link 5G network infrastructure to the outbreak of the virus.

This is a myth that has been dispelled by a number of experts, including the World Health Organisation (WHO).

To date, and after much research performed, no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to wireless technologies, the WHO has stated.

The South African Department of Health has also described these theories as unfounded.

These acts of vandalism follow comments from ANC KwaZulu-Natal councillor Sfiso Mngadi, who shared these conspiracy theories in a voice note.

Mngadi said that 5G towers were the cause of COVID-19 and called for them to be disconnected.

As leaders of eThekwini we need to take action against this disease. It is not COVID. We are getting this thing from 5G towers, [some] installed during this period in preparation of the second wave, Mngadi said.

Speaking to News24, an ANC KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson called Mngadis comments lunacy of the highest order and condemned the spreading of this misinformation.
SMITHFIELD, Va., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. today announced new executive leadership appointments following Dennis Organ's recent assumption of the president and chief executive officer role.

"These key leaders represent decades of collective company and industry expertise. It is a testament to our depth and strength at Smithfield that such talented individuals are within our ranks," Mr. Organ said. "Building on our guiding principles of Responsibility, Operational Excellence and Innovation, this team will carry our company forward and make Operational Excellence our standard. I am thrilled to work with them to shape Smithfield's promising future."

Senior Leadership Appointments:

The following seven leaders report directly to Mr. Organ effective immediately. Each has been given a C-level title, which is representative of the strategic value of their respective roles.

Russ Dokken is appointed chief sales officer, responsible for aligning sales, marketing, product innovation and business management initiatives. He has held multiple leadership positions at Smithfield Foods, including his most recent role as executive vice president, U.S. packaged meats. Mr. Dokken began his career in 1986 with John Morrell Food Group, a former independent operating company, where he held various positions in sales until it was acquired by Smithfield Foods in 1995.

Keira Lombardo assumes expanded responsibility as chief administrative officer and leads the company's administrative operations, including corporate communications, external affairs, government affairs, human resources, investor relations, legal and sustainability functions. Mrs. Lombardo joined Smithfield Foods in 2002 and has worked in a number of capacities for the company, including executive vice president, corporate affairs and compliance; senior vice president, corporate affairs; and vice president, investor relations and corporate communications.

Glenn Nunziata continues in his role as chief financial officer and leads the finance, accounting, treasury, tax, risk management and IT functions. He is also the principal accounting officer. Mr. Nunziata joined Smithfield as chief financial officer in September 2015. Prior to joining Smithfield, he spent 19 years at Ernst & Young, most recently as a partner in assurance services. He has extensive experience in finance, capital markets, operational analysis, internal control and corporate governance.

Scott Saunders is appointed chief supply chain officer, with responsibility over the company's entire vertically integrated domestic supply chain. His previous roles at Smithfield include executive vice president, U.S. supply chain, and president, fresh pork division. Additionally, Mr. Saunders spent seven years as chief financial officer of John Morrell Food Group, a former independent operating company. He has more than 30 years of experience in the food industry having joined John Morrell in 2002 and beginning his career at Hormel Foods Corporation in 1986.

Shane Smith is appointed chief strategy officer and helps develop, execute and sustain the company's efforts to achieve growth through its own resources, as well as through mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Smith also continues to oversee the company's European operations, including expansion into new markets, mergers and acquisitions and capital investments in Smithfield's businesses. He joined Smithfield Foods in 2003 and previously served as executive vice president, European operations.

Brady Stewart is appointed chief manufacturing officer and is directly responsible for Smithfield's strategy implementation across the more than 500 company-owned farms and 45 production facilities in the United States, while overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company's entire vertically integrated domestic business. He joined Smithfield in 2017 as vice president and general manager of Kansas City Sausage Company and Pine Ridge Farms when Smithfield acquired the companies. In 2019, Mr. Stewart was promoted to executive vice president, U.S. hog production.

Joe Weber is appointed chief commodity hedging officer, responsible for commodity hedging activities and research, and analysis of economic factors that impact business. In addition, Mr. Weber manages the price and cost risks associated with commodity inputs and leads Smithfield's hog procurement efforts. He joined Smithfield Foods in 1994 and most recently served as executive vice president, growth and emerging business.

Executive Vice President Appointments:

The following five individuals have been promoted to executive vice president to support the senior leadership team:

Luis Cerdan is appointed executive vice president, European operations, reporting to Mr. Smith. He is responsible for the profitability of Smithfield's European operations in Poland, Romania and the U.K. Mr. Cerdan joined Smithfield in 2002 and most recently served as president of Smithfield Poland.

Jamie Dik is appointed executive vice president, fresh meats, and oversees the domestic and international sales and business management for Smithfield Foods' fresh meats portfolio where she is responsible for achieving revenue and profit goals. Mrs. Dik joined Smithfield in 2012 and has held a variety of sales and business management roles in the company's fresh pork business, most recently as senior vice president, business management.

Steve France is appointed executive vice president, packaged meats, and is directly responsible for Smithfield's packaged meats and value-added fresh sales, with accountability for revenue and profit goals across all trade channels. In this role, he also leads the company's marketing and innovation teams. Prior to this role, Mr. France served as senior vice president, packaged sales.

Mrs. Dik and Mr. France both report to Mr. Dokken.

Mark Hall is appointed executive vice president, finance, reporting to Mr. Nunziata. His responsibilities include financial planning and analysis, operations and logistics finance, trade spend, data analytics and project and capital management in support of U.S. business. Mr. Hall joined Smithfield Foods in 2014 as vice president of finance and was promoted to senior vice president, finance, in 2019.

John Sargent is appointed executive vice president, hog production, reporting to Mr. Stewart. He is directly responsible for the profitability of Smithfield's U.S. hog production operations, which are comprised of roughly 530 company-owned and 2,100 contract farms in 15 states producing nearly 18 million hogs per year. Mr. Sargent joined Smithfield Foods in 2007 and most recently served as vice president, U.S. hog production.

Senior Leadership Retirements:

Smithfield also celebrates the service of four outgoing leaders who have chosen to retire:

Dhamu Thamodaran, executive vice president, chief strategy officer and chief commodity hedging officer will retire after a 35-year career at Smithfield and legacy independent operating companies, John Morrell & Co. and Farmland Industries. His knowledge and understanding of world agricultural markets, macroeconomics and the pork value chain have been a significant asset to Smithfield's business and have made him a sought-after advisor, keynote speaker and guest lecturer.

John Pauley, chief commercial officer of packaged meats, will retire after 20 years of service. He joined Smithfield Foods 20 years ago as president of Curly's Foods, Saratoga Spice and Iowa Quality Meats following two decades of service at Campbell Soup Company and H.J. Heinz Company. Mr. Pauley has held a variety of sales and marketing positions in his time at Smithfield and has made substantial contributions to the growth of the business.

Bill Michels, senior vice president of operations, packaged meats, will retire after four decades of service. He has been directly responsible for overseeing and directing the day-to-day operations of Smithfield's packaged meats business and has supported Smithfield's business growth through strategic planning and goal setting to ensure daily business practices meet and exceed operational goals and maximize efficiency.

Michael Cole, senior advisor to the chief executive officer and corporate secretary, will retire after 24 years of service. Mr. Cole joined Smithfield Foods in 1996 as its only corporate attorney and was appointed corporate secretary in 1999 when Smithfield Foods listed its shares for trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Between 2006 and 2019, he served as the company's chief legal officer overseeing the Smithfield law department. During his career, he has advised Smithfield's senior leadership team and public company board of directors on many key business issues, including the company's merger with WH Group Limited in 2013.

About Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Va. since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. Our 40,000 U.S. team members and 14,000 European employees are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly." and have made us one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including many industry firsts, such as our ambitious commitment to cut our carbon impact by 25 percent by 2025. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our neighbors in need. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield, Eckrich and Nathan's Famous, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

SOURCE Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Related Links

www.smithfieldfoods.com



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Kathmandu, January 7

Nepals Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali is preparing to visit India next week for a meeting of the joint commission between the two countries.

Although the meeting will have a regular agenda covering a host of issues concerning bilateral relations between the two countries, experts and stakeholders say Gyawali will talk more about politics with Indian leaders than anything else during this visit.

There are a few reasons to justify the claim. First, the visit is taking place at a time when the countrys domestic political crisis has reached its peak. The ruling party has split and Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis decision to dissolve the House of Representatives and announce fresh elections dates is challenged at the Supreme Court.

In such a situation, traditionally, the visitor informs the other party of the political situation at home, a Foreign Affairs Ministry official says.

Geopolitical analyst Chandra Dev Bhatta says India inviting Gyawali at this time suggests it wants to discuss Nepali politics with him.

The second reason why Gyawali is likely to talk about politics than anything else is that he is not authorised to make crucial agreements of long-term importance as the government, which he is a part of, has already turned into a caretaker one with new election dates announced.

Former secretary Shanta Raj Subedi says the minister should not go to India around this time if possible. But, even if he goes, he should not make any crucial agreement, he suggests.

However, the ministry officials also say Gyawali will raise concerns about the border dispute between the two countries and the import of Covid-19 vaccines also during the joint commission meeting.



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Exhibit 1

Location of exploration targets of the Nassau gold project, Suriname.

Location of exploration targets of the Nassau gold project, Suriname.

Exhibit 2

Geology and sampling results of the Witlage target, Nassau gold project.

Geology and sampling results of the Witlage target, Nassau gold project.

TORONTO, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 79North Inc. (CSE: JQ; OTC: SVNTF; FRA: 6120) (79North or the Company) is pleased to announce results from the first 45 rock chip samples from the Witlage Gold Zone (summarized in Table 1), one of four key target areas identified on the Companys large, 20,000-hectare Nassau Gold Project in Suriname. Reconnaissance geological work and sampling that commenced September 2020, was successful in delineating and improving our understanding of the gold-bearing quartz stockwork systems to define drilling targets. Very encouraging results were obtained from a 300-metre-long zone with rock chip samples containing up to 8.76 grams of gold per tonne (g/t Au). Additional shipments of rock chip samples from other targets on the property have been shipped and additional results are pending.



Table 1. Summary of rock sampling results from the Witlage gold zone

Sample Type Description Au ppm (g/t) 31066 rock chip 15 cm smoky quartz vein in stockwork 1.48 31067 rock chip 30 cm smoky quartz vein in stockwork 3.40 31069 rock chip 15 cm glassy quartz vein in stockwork 1.30 31071 rock chip panel 10 cm glassy quartz vein in stockwork 2.97 31073 rock chip Smoky quartz vein fly rock from shaft 4.66 31074 Rock chip Smoky quartz vein fly rock from shaft 6.09 31076 Rock chip Smoky quartz vein fly rock from shaft 8.76 31085 Rock chip 15 cm quartz vein, coarse grained with sulphide boxwork 5.49 31086 Rock chip 10 cm coarse grained quartz vein with sulphide boxwork 4.13 31089 Rock chip panel Quartz veinlet stockwork with hematite in fractures 1.10

The Companys 70%-owned Nassau gold project is located 20 kilometres south of Newmont Corporations Merian gold mine and 60 kilometres east of Iamgold Corporations Rosebel gold mine. The Nassau gold project has similar geological stratigraphy and structures as both the Rosebel and Merian gold mines (see Press Release August 11, 2020 https://79north.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/11-August-commencement-of-exploration-at-Nassau-gold-project-FINAL.pdf). This Press Release describes the initial sampling results from the Witlage Target, the first of the four key targets (Exhibit 1).

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Jon North, Ph.D., P.Geo., and Chief Executive Officer commented I was pleased to be able to spend eight weeks on-site in October and November 2020, working in the field with our exploration team as the Nassau exploration program got underway. We have been very fortunate to put an enthusiastic and qualified exploration team together and put appropriate COVID-19 safety protocols in place to allow work to proceed. The Witlage Target is the first of four primary targets and these initial results confirm Witlage as our first priority drilling target. Although this is an area that has had protracted and widespread informal gold mining, there has never been any drilling here, in fact we made the first geologic map of this prospective area (Exhibit 2). In addition to Witlage, three other quality targets are being evaluated simultaneously which we expect will form the basis of our first multi-target diamond drilling program. Drilling will proceed as soon as possible once results are integrated with our geological models, stated Jon North, Ph.D., P.Geo., Chief Executive Officer.

Witlage Gold Zone

The Witlage area is an area of partially exposed, gold-bearing rocks on the edge of a vast area of informal alluvial gold mining. Alluvial mining is the mining of creek gravels and the source of the gold in the creek gravels is probably the gold-bearing rocks at the Witlage target. The purpose of the rock sampling at the Witlage target was to determine the nature and grade of gold-bearing quartz veins and their host rocks to prioritize and refine drilling targets. This work was successful in defining an area of gold-bearing bedrock which can now be evaluated by diamond drilling (Exhibit 2).

The results of the initial forty-five rock chip samples from the Witlage Target are illustrated in Exhibit 2 and the top ten samples are listed in Table 1. Of the 45 samples analyzed, 13 samples contained more than 1 gram gold per tonne and five samples had gold concentrations below the detection limit of 10 ppb gold. The Witlage gold zone is contained in a shear zone on the northeast margin of a sequence of mafic to felsic volcanic rocks and intrusions, interpreted as the Paramaca or Armina assemblage. This sequence is in contact with heterolithic conglomerate and cross-bedded arenites interpreted as the Rosebel Formation. This is the same gold-bearing stratigraphy of the Rosebel gold mine.

The Witlage gold zone is a 20-metre wide, quartz vein stockwork trending 140 degrees within a wider deformation corridor defined by planar fabric development that is 150 to 200 metres wide. The southwest side of the quartz vein stockwork is partially exposed and is where many of the rock samples were collected, however the northeast side is covered and could not be delineated or sampled (Exhibit 2). The quartz vein stockwork and foliation is tilted 70 degrees northeast. Nearest the quartz vein stockwork in the centre of the Witlage gold zone, quartz veins contain up to 8.76 grams gold per tonne whereas adjacent to the main quartz vein stockwork, quartz veins and host rocks in a mafic intrusion contain on the order of 1 ppm gold. For context, the overall average grade of gold deposits in the Guiana Shield is in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 grams gold per tonne.

During the current program, the quartz vein stockwork was traced for 300 metres. As it is covered by colluvium and tailings from artisanal miners to the northwest and southeast (Exhibit 2), 300 metres is probably a minimum strike length and the actual width of the quartz vein stockwork and hosting deformation corridor will not be accurately known until diamond drilling has been completed. The trend of the gold-bearing rocks is partially defined by two vertical shafts excavated by local informal miners that are 150 metres apart. The shafts were located and mapped in 2016 but have recently been flooded and covered by tailings from informal miners.

Summary for non-technical readers

The Witlage area is an area of exposed, gold-bearing rocks on the edge of a vast area of informal alluvial mining. Alluvial mining is the mining of creek gravels and the source of the gold in the creek gravels is probably the gold-bearing rocks at the Witlage target. This work was successful in defining an area of gold-bearing bedrock which can now be evaluated by diamond drilling.

About 79North Inc.

79North, is led by a team with extensive mineral exploration expertise and a track record of discoveries and exits in South America and globally. 79North currently holds an indirect interest in mineral concessions in northern Suriname and aims to become the premier junior exploration company in this under explored district of the prolific Guiana Shield. 79Norths growing portfolio of high-quality targets which have not undergone modern exploration or drilling have a long history of artisanal mining and are strategically located near modern gold mines operated by major mining companies. 79North is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of properties for the mining of gold and other minerals. 79North has 85,878,941 common shares issued and outstanding and 137,826,826 common shares on a fully diluted basis.

Statement of the Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jon North, P.Geo., who is 79Norths Chairman, President, and CEO and a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.

Please refer to the technical report of 79North entitled NI-43-101 TECHNICAL REPORT  NASSAU GOLD EXPLORATION PROJECT, SIPALIWINI DISTRICT, SURINAME SOUTH AMERICA dated effective May 14, 2020 for further details. The technical report is available in 79Norths SEDAR profile at www.SEDAR.com.

Further Information For further information please visit www.79North.ca or contact: Jon North, President and Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (416) 786-6348 Email: jon@79north.ca info@79north.ca

Sampling protocols and security

When samples are collected, they are registered to UTM coordinates by GPS receiver and packed in a clear plastic sample bag with a waterproof, numbered assay tag and the sample bag is tied with a non-reusable cable tie. The samples are stored at the field camp under continuous, direct, supervision in rice bags with 5 samples per rice bag which is also sealed with a non-reusable cable tie. Sample shipments from the field are periodically made overland by company employees to the company office in Paramaribo which is a secure site with an electronic security system. The samples are collected from the company office by a representative of MSALABS and entered the MSALABS system where they are prepared and shipped to Canada for analysis. Rock samples were analyzed by MSALABS in Langley, BC, Canada. The rock samples (nominally 2 kg at the sample site) are prepared by MSALABS PRP-920 in which they are dried, crushed to < 2 mm, and a 1 kg split is collected and pulverized to 85% passing a 75-micron screen. A 500 g split of the pulp is analysed by Au-CN01 which is a Bulk Leach Extractable Gold (BLEG) method with a 12-hour leach period. For analytical quality control, sterile blank samples of locally sourced coastal sand and commercially prepared and certified gold control standards (CRM) with a range of grades are inserted at a frequency of one blank for every 10 samples and one CRM for every 25 samples. NSV means no significant values, g/t means grams gold per tonne, ppm means parts per million which is the same as grams per tonne and ppb means parts per billion where 1,000 ppb equals 1 ppm.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation, including information with respect to the exploration program at the Nassau gold project. 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 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 are necessarily based upon several estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties, including related to Covid-19; and the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder, or regulatory approvals. 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, 79North assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Exhibit 1:

Location of exploration targets of the Nassau gold project, Suriname, is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18c6573f-49be-49bc-842d-176a17c3e0b1

Exhibit 2:

Geology and sampling results of the Witlage target, Nassau gold project, is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3adfa7b2-0d53-48f4-81ed-bd235fe7debe




Director of operations at Jubilee House, Lord Commeys wife, Mrs. Anita Commey celebrated her birthday recently in a very special way.



Anita turned a year old on Sunday January 3, 2021 and her husband made her day special with a lavish beach teamed birthday party at their residence in Accra.



The entire flour of their McCarthy Hills mansion was filled with beach sand to get a beach feel and the dress code was beach wear.



Anita had three birthday cakes imported from Nigerian, America and Europe with enough to eat and drink. Celebrities spotted at the party includes; Nana Ama McBrown and her husband, Kumi Guitar, Tinny, among others.



Several politicians, Businessmen, Security Executives and other high profile personalities were also present at the party to celebrate with Anita.



Watch video below:



Lord and Anita have been for 15 years of happy marriage on 22 January, 2020 while he was away for official duties in Davos, Switzerland.Mrs. Anita Commey is a Canadian trained beauty therapist who owns a chain of high end luxury salons in Accra and beyond and they have 3 Beautiful daughters namely, Naa, KK and Eliena.

Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/Peacefmonline.com









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The Government has announced a series of new Covid-19 restrictions to tackle Ireland's surge in cases.

The measures were agreed by Cabinet and will be in place until the end of January.

Schools will close until February 1st at the earliest, except for special schools and for Leaving Cert students who can attend three days a week starting from January 11.

Non-essential construction work will have to finish at 6pm on Friday, while certain essential construction projects will be exempt including health projects specific to Covid-19, housing adaptation grants, repairs critical maintenance for rail and utility projects and roads.

Childcare services, including regulated childminders, will remain closed with the exception of services for vulnerable children and children of essential workers. Other existing childcare arrangements can continue to operate for vulnerable children and children of essential workers only.

In addition, a household of an essential worker, without an existing childcare arrangement, can form a bubble with another household for the purpose of providing childcare. The resumption of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is delayed until 1st February.

Click and collect from non-essential retail outlets is no longer permitted with immediate effect. Existing orders may be collected, while click and deliver services will continue to be permitted.

The government also agreed that the current travel moratorium in place for travel from Great Britain and South Africa is extended until midnight Friday, January 8.

From January 9, all passengers arriving at Irish airports and ports whose journey originates in Great Britain or South Africa will be requested to have evidence of a negative result from a PCR Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland. This new mandatory requirement will be in place until January 31, and will be kept under review in light of the evolving epidemiological situation.

More information on the latest Level 5 restrictions can be found here.

US-headquartered Qualcomm has appointed Cristiano Amon as the new CEO, who will take over from Steve Mollenkopf. The Board of Directors has unanimously selected Cristiano Amon for the leadership role, who is currently the President of the company. Amon joined Qualcomm as an engineer in 1995 and has held several business and technical leadership positions.

In this role, Amon will be responsible for Qualcomm's semiconductor business (QCT), which includes Mobile, RF Front End, Automotive and IoT revenue streams, and the Company's global operations. He has driven the expansion and diversification of the business across industries and customers, overseen Qualcomm's 5G strategy, and for almost 15 years has been steering the development of a leading and differentiated product roadmap.

Amon has also overseen the successful execution of M&A to augment Qualcomm's capabilities and accelerate growth in key areas, including RF Front End, Connectivity and Networking. Amon holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and an honorary doctorate from UNICAMP, the State University of Campinas, Brazil. He also serves as the co-Chairman of the World Economic Forum IoT Council. "I am honored to be named the next CEO of Qualcomm and appreciate the confidence that Steve and the Board have in me," said Amon.

"Qualcomm is an incredible Company. We have been at the forefront of innovation for decades and I look forward to maintaining this position going forward. In addition to driving the expansion of 5G into mainstream devices and beyond mobile, Qualcomm is set to play a key role in the digital transformation of numerous industries as our technologies become essential to connecting everything to the cloud. The need for our solutions has never been more pronounced and our leadership position has never been more evident. I look forward to working with our 41,000 employees around the world to create technologies that revolutionise the way people live, work and connect with each other."

Mollenkopf who would be retiring took the CEO position in March 2014. For nearly three decades, has helped define and lead Qualcomm's strategy and technology roadmap. Mollenkopf work helped propel smartphones into the mainstream and made Qualcomm a leader in 3G, 4G and now 5G, and he also oversaw the expansion into new industry segments such as the Internet of Things (IoT), RF Front End and Automotive. Mollenkopf was also instrumental in Qualcomm's rise as a smartphone technology supplier.

Also read: US says India's digital tax discriminates against American companies

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Lenovo has taken to CES 2021 to announce a new Show Mode for its laptops and PCs. As the branding implies, the new mode lets users effectively turn their Lenovo PC into an Amazon Echo Show device.

For clarity, Echo Show is Amazons Alexa AI- and display-enabled product line. It provides users a full-blown interface for interacting with Alexa while simultaneously functioning like an Alexa smart speaker.

Echo Show can stream movies or music, launch apps, display calendar or weather data, and act as a photo frame. And it can also do a whole lot more. As shown in the featured image above, the service allows easy voice control over a smart home or media playback. As well as video chatting, information searches, reminders, and more. All controllable via voice.

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So what does Show Mode do for Lenovo PCs and how does that work?

As indicated by Lenovo in its announcement, Show Mode allows all of that functionality and more. And thats all enabled by the mics on the PCs in question. Presumably, Show Mode will arrive on PCs as part of an update. Then, users will simply need to enable the feature on a device with support for far-field mics and then ensure the device is unlocked with an open lid.

Then, interactions will work precisely as they do on any Amazon Echo Show device. The only real caveats are going to be based on the fact that a PC is not necessarily designed to work as a smart speaker. So device volume, the volume of users voices, and background noise will be a factor in how well it works. Although Lenovo says it has tested the service  in English  from more than 9.8-feet away. And that it plans to support other languages in the future.

Which PCs will get this and when is it coming?

Since not every Lenovo Windows 10 PC supports far-field mics, not every PC is going to get this feature though. In fact, its limited to just a handful of products for starters. Those include the Yoga Slim 9i, Yoga 9i, Yoga 7i, Yoga AIO 7, and the Ideapad 5 series. More devices will undoubtedly ship with the feature in the future.

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Similarly, the features will only initially be available in the US and Canada. Thats at some unspecified time in Q2 2021. But Lenovo does plan to add support for the UK, Germany, Austria, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, India, Australia, and New Zealand in the future as well.
Orange County Residents Gather to Support Trump as Congress Counts Electoral Votes

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.Two rallies in support of President Donald Trump in Orange County, California, taking place at the same time as the large-scale demonstration in Washington, D.C., were relatively peaceful compared to the eventual takeover of the U.S. Capitol Building later in the day Jan. 6.

In Huntington Beach, nearly 100 people at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Main Street waving U.S. and Trump flags, and signs showing support for the president, were joined by drivers and passengers of about 60 vehicles circling the section across from the citys pier.

Counter-protesters werent present, and only a few drivers passing through the scene shouted back opposition to those rallying for Trump to win an electoral challenge of Joe Bidens election victory claim.

I really believe that President Trump won the election, Huntington Beach resident Carmela Avila, 63, told The Epoch Times. Shes been to about a half-dozen of the Stop the Steal rallies held locally since the election.

This one is very important today because theres a lot going on in D.C., and we dont know whats going to happen. I needed to be here today to be with like-minded people.

A woman in a car waves a Trump 2020 flag at a Stop The Steal Rally, in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Jan 6, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

An openly gay married couple from Long Beach at the rally told The Epoch Times that the reason they were there supporting Trump was that they respect his support of the LGBT community and believe he won the election. The couple says they dont vote based on their sexuality.

What we love most about Donald Trump is that hes not a politician. He doesnt fall into politics, Dhani Carter, 39, said. We absolutely believe that the election was stolen. You could love him, you could hate him, but that doesnt mean that he didnt win by a landslide.

Aric Roddy of Huntington Beach told The Epoch Times that he was at the rally to observe why Trump supporters were so passionate about him.

I just wanted to see what everybody thinks, Roddy said. There really is no chance of him being reinaugurated on the 20th.

I know all these people are trying to be patriots, but I think theyve been brainwashed by a president thats capable of brainwashing. What bothers me most is that he lies.

Demonstrators partake in a Stop The Steal Rally, in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Jan 6, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Just a few miles south, another Trump support rally was held in Newport Beach on the corner of PCH and MacArthur Boulevard with about 100 people.

Like the gathering in Huntington Beach, it was peaceful and counter-protesters didnt appear.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7)  The revival of debates on charter change in both chambers of Congress is being used as a "smokescreen" to keep the Duterte administration in power, a Makabayan lawmaker said Thursday.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate and other members of the Makabayan bloc lamented in a media briefing how renewed efforts to amend the Constitution would always occur as the election season approaches.

"Ang tingin namin, sa pagbuhay muli ng cha-cha, smokescreen ito at bahagi ng kasalukuyang plano ng administrasyon na manatili ito sa kapangyarihan even beyond the 2022 election," Zarate said.

[Translation: We think that with the revival of cha-cha, this serves as a smokescreen in line with the current plan of the administration to stay in power even eyond the 2022 election.]

"Kung kailan magkakaroon ng eleksyon, talagang malinaw na na meron itong politikal na kadalihanan," he added.

[Translation: Whenever election nears, this always comes up with a political agenda.]

ACT-Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro said those who are aiming to open the discussion are likely doing so to suit their "personal interests" ahead of the polls.

Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite said the public is not leaning towards charter change anymore, citing a 2018 Pulse Asia survey which showed that 2 out of 3 Filipinos oppose it.

On Wednesday, AKO BICOL Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr., head of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, posted photos of some lawmakers meeting with Speaker Lord Allan Velasco with the caption gearing up for constitutional amendments. Garbin said they will neither tackle federalism nor term extension.

It was Velasco's directive to renew talks to amend "restrictive economic provisions" in the charter, and allow foreign ownership of lands, educational institutions, public utilities, and mass media firms. A deliberation will be held on Jan. 13.

Meanwhile, Senators Francis Tolentino and Ronald dela Rosa filed on Dec. 20 a resolution seeking to convene Congress as a constituent assembly to introduce amendments to the Constitution. Talks will be limited to the provisions on democratic representation and the economic provisions of the Constitution, the resolution states.

READ: Charter change talks being revived in Congress

In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said the proposal will be a "dead end" in the Senate, noting that he will oppose it along with his colleagues in the minority, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Pangilinan.

Pangilinan added that it would be best to hold a caucus to have a general consensus on the sentiments of senators on charter change.

"Among the issues that can be discussed in the caucus would be the timing of charter amendments considering that the country is facing the worst economic and health crisis in recent memory. Ngayon ba ang tamang panahon para pag-usapan ito? (Is it the right time to tackle this?)" he said in a statement.

Cha-cha to get rid of progressive groups?

In an interview with reporters on Thursday, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said a 3/4 vote or the absolute majority of members would be needed to approve constitutional amendments.

He also noted that President Rodrigo Duterte may be using cha-cha to abolish the party-list system as part of his crackdown against the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army.

"Wala siya (Duterte) na sinabi na term limits, extension of terms," Sotto said. "Mainit siya sa CPP-NPA issue. Ang dating sa kanya, some members of the House, Makabayan bloc, are sympathizers or connected to the CPP-NPA. Karamihan, party-list."

[Translation: Duterte did not mention anything about term limits, extension of terms. He was focusing on the CPP-NPA issue. It seems to him that some members of the Makabayan bloc are sympathizers or connected to the CPP-NPA. Most of them are party-lists.]

Back in November, no less than Duterte himself said in his public address that the government is not "red-tagging" the Makabayan bloc, but rather, "identifying" them as part of a "grand conspiracy" among all legal fronts of communist groups.

But on Thursday's briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque downplayed the President's supposed involvement on the matter, stressing that only Congress can initiate charter change, and that Duterte's top priority is the pandemic. He also stressed that the President has no intention of extending his term.

"Chismis lang po iyan. The President has made it clear: Wala po siya kahit anong kagustuhan na manatili ng isang minuto man lang beyond his term of office on June 30 of 2022."

[Translation: Those are only rumors. The President has made it clear. He has no in intention of going even a minute beyond his term of office on June 30 of 2022."

READ: Duterte to Makabayan bloc: 'We are not red-tagging you, we are identifying you as communists'
Law enforcement from across Alabama gathered Thursday to celebrate the life of DeKalb County Senior Lt. Deputy Jeff Bain.

Bain died Sunday from complications due to coronavirus.

DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Deputy Lt. Jeff Bain (Image from CASA of North Sand Mountain Facebook page) DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Deputy Lt. Jeff Bain (Image from CASA of North Sand Mountain Facebook page)

Right now, the sign outside the fire department in Mentone reads "Thank you for your service Lt. Jeff Bain."

Bain served in the Mentone Police Department, but spent the majority of his three-decade law enforcement career at the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.

Everyone we talked with from his hometown said he was well known and loved in the community. The DeKalb County sheriff described him as the big brother of the sheriff's office and a hero.

"A great community man, great police and a great friend," said Mentone Police Chief Gene McKee. "Jeff was a big brother to anybody and everybody, whether you're an officer or a civilian."

That statement was echoed by Mentone-area fire chief, Joseph Lee.

"We could always count on him if he was there to do the right thing," said Lee.

That love for Bain was shown clearly as a processional full of law enforcement headed through his hometown. The processional had around 100 vehicles, law enforcement and civilian.

Bain is remembered as an accomplished law enforcement professional who was always there when you needed advice, a friend who cared deeply about his community and a husband and father who put his family at the forefront.

"He was a great husband, a great father, a great son...He was great for this community," explained McKee.

Bain's three decades in law enforcement came after his time serving in the United States Army. The DeKalb County Sheriff, Nick Welden, told WAAY 31 that Bain's commitment to law enforcement inspires him and his office to push forward.
Selcuk Ozdag of the Future Party said ratifying it without one would be a disgrace to Uyghurs.

Turkish opposition leader Selcuk Ozdag has called on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to withdraw an extradition treaty with China, saying ratification should not proceed until Beijing allows independent monitors to probe reports of human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).

Chinas National Peoples Congress ratified a treaty with Turkey last week allowing for the forcible deportation of ethnic Uyghurs fleeing persecution by authorities in the XUAR, with opposition lawmakers in Turkey vowing to block ratification in their own parliament.

Beijing has described the treaty signed in 2017 as a measure to defeat Islamic terrorism in the XUAR, where up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and members of other Muslim minority groups accused of religious extremism are believed to have been held in a vast network of internment camps since April of that year.

Turkey is home to more than 50,000 of the worlds nearly 12 million Uyghurs, who historically have viewed a fellow Turkic nation as a refuge and advocate for their religious and cultural rights.

On Tuesday, Selcuk Ozdag, vice chairman of Turkeys Future Party, met with Uyghurs protesting on behalf of missing or detained family members in front of the Chinese consulate in Istanbul and called on Erdoganhead of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)and Turkish lawmakers to refrain from ratifying the treaty until Beijing allows foreign investigations of the situation in the XUAR.

He said that doing so without an agreement from Beijing would be a disgrace to the Uyghur community.

China must open its doors to all NGOs, law-enforcement agencies, politicians, and journalists around the world, he said.

If whats happening in East Turkestan is a lie, we want to see it with our own eyes, hear it with our own ears, and know it in our own hearts, he added, using the name preferred by Uyghurs for their homeland.

Chinese officials have said the camps in the XUAR are centers for vocational training, but reporting by RFAs Uyghur Service and other media outlets shows that detainees are mostly held against their will in cramped and unsanitary conditions, where they are forced to endure inhumane treatment and political indoctrination.

Amid growing international scrutiny of the extralegal penal system, reports suggest that Uyghurs are being transferred from internment camps to forced labor situations.

Until China opens its doors, the Republic of Turkey should not [ratify] an extradition agreement with China, Ozdag said. If they sign it, they will have committed a betrayal.

In my role as a leader of the Future Party, I, along with leaders from parties across the whole of parliament, want to go and see the mosques of East Turkestan, to see whether there are camps. Let us take the names of the missing, one by one, so that the Turkish Republic might investigate them.

Attempts by RFA to contact the Chinese consulate in Istanbul went unanswered Tuesday.

The statement by Ozdag, thought to be the first Turkish politician to have visited the Uyghur-led protests held at the Chinese consulate since the extradition treaty was signed on Dec. 21, represents the strongest challenge yet to the Erdogan government over the agreement.

In particular, Ozdag called on Erdogan and his ally Nationalist Movement (MHP) Party leader Devlet Bahceli to break with Dogu Perincek, the leader of the radical left-wing Vatan Party (Homeland Party), who is known in Turkey for his pro-China support.

Mevlut Cavusoglu, the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated last week that he would not extradite Uyghurs to China, however his comments have done little to comfort to members of the ethnic group living in Turkey in exile, who say they are concerned by ambiguities in the terms of the agreement. The treaty was submitted to the Turkish Parliament for approval by Erdogan last year and is still awaiting ratification.

Concerns well-placed

Mustafa Akyol, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington who monitors Turkish politics, told RFA that the concerns of Uyghur refugees in Turkey are well-placed.

In Chinas view, all who have criticized the government or violated its restrictions on religion and ethnicity are terrorists, he said. We cannot accept such an interpretation of terrorism.

But the terrifying part of the issue is that Turkeys own interpretation of terrorism is as ambiguous as this one, meaning theres a commonality between them. This worries me, because Turkey also has a political mentality in which it is easy to label people as terrorists.

Akyol stressed that there are a number of opposition parties and other groups across Turkish society, including Islamic groups, who are putting pressure on the government of Turkey not to ratify the treaty. But he noted that, ultimately, the decision rests with Erdogan.

My hope is that the governmentor in reality, to put it more correctly, Erdogan, because the government and parliament dont have much of a role left to play in Turkeyis forced to withdraw from the treaty as a result of pressure from public opinion, he said.

If Erdogan takes the public pressure to heart and signals that he has decided not to ratify the treaty signed with China, the AKP in parliament and the MHP will act accordingly, and the treaty will not be put on the agenda. And thus, the Uyghurs in Turkey would be able to breathe a bit easier.

Akyol noted that a decade ago, Erdogan accused China of trying to wipe out the Uyghurs, but that his political opinions were different at the time and he was on a path toward making Turkey a member of the European Union. Now, however, the Turkish government appears to be taking great pains to avoid angering China.

The commonality between Erdogans absolute rule and the 2016 military coup is that Turkey has latched onto a mindset in which the West is the enemy and countries like Russia and China are allies, he said.

Stronger relations

Analysts have noted that the relationship between Turkey and China is increasingly growing stronger, with Erdogan recently pledging security cooperation with Beijing and saying that residents of the XUAR live happy and prosperous lives under Beijings rule, according to reports in Chinese state media.

The Turkish government had long refused to deport Uyghurs back to China, but that changed in June 2019two months after the extradition treaty was submitted to the parliamentwhen Turkey sent several Uyghurs home via Tajikistan, including a woman named Zinnetgul Tursun along with her two toddler daughters.

A month later, Tursuns sister, who lives in exile in Saudia Arabia, learned from her mother in the XUAR that Tursun had disappeared and that her family had no information about what had happened to her, and was warned by her mother to end all further communication.

Last week, the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress exile group called on Turkey to refrain from ratifying the extradition treaty, which it said is likely to become another instrument of persecution for China, aiding the Chinese government in its coordinated efforts to forcibly return Uyghurs living abroad.

Reported by Jilil Kashgary for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by the Uyghur Service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.


A medical researcher wont serve more time behind bars after pleading guilty to lying to a federal official about 21 vials of lab material inside his luggage as he prepared to fly to his native China, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Zaosong Zheng, 31, who was locked up for nearly three months after his December 2019 arrest, was sentenced to time served during a hearing held via videoconference due to the coronavirus pandemic. He has been ordered to leave the U.S. and is scheduled to board a flight to China on Wednesday, his lawyers said.

Zheng was initially charged with with smuggling the vials that were related to cancer cell research, but pleaded guilty only to making false statements in an agreement with prosecutors.

His lawyers deny that he stole the material from the lab at the Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston where he was conducting cancer cell research. His attorneys say he took the vials with him to continue the research he was doing.

When asked by a federal agent whether he had any biological materials in his suitcase, Zheng lied and said no, authorities said. Authorities found the the vials hidden in a sock inside one of Zhengs bags, prosecutors said.

Zheng entered the U.S. in August 2018 on a Harvard University-sponsored visa and conducted cancer cell research at Beth Israel from September 2018 until December 2019. The hospital fired him after his arrest. He has been held in home detention since his initial release from custody.

Zheng will not be allowed to to return to the U.S. for at least 10 years.

Former President Barack Obama condemned the violence at the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday, referring to the rioting as a moment of great dishonor and shame and incited by President Donald Trump.

History will rightly remember todays violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation.

Earlier in the day, after more than 100 Republican members of Congress moved to object to President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College victory, a pro-Trump mob infiltrated the Capitol, prompting law enforcement and National Guard to lockdown the building.

The unrest saw rioters wearing Make America Great Again hats and shirts, carrying American flags and thin blue line flags in honor of law enforcement, climb the Capitol and clash with police before streaming through the building. A woman was shot and killed inside, according to multiple reports.

Former President George W. Bush in a statement described the scenes as sickening and heartbreaking, and like something out of a banana republic, not a democratic republic.

Obama said hes been heartened to see many members of the presidents party speak up forcefully today as Democrats and Republicans alike have spoken out in condemnation of the mayhem.

Their voices add to the examples of Republican state and local election officials in states like Georgia whove refused to be intimidated and have discharged their duties honorably, Obama said. We need more leaders like these  right now and in the days, weeks, and months ahead as President-elect Biden works to restore a common purpose to our politics.

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A robber has been jailed for six years after he was caught stealing an elderly woman's purse - which had 200 inside.

Jay Makwana, 40, played the good samaritan and waited with his 81-year-old victim after he pushed her as she left a bank in Market Place, Bexleyheath, south east London.

The elderly woman hit her head on the floor and lay defenceless as Makwana slipped her purse into a plastic bag while speaking to police officers about her fall.

Footage from an officer's body-worn camera captured the moment Makwana slyly snatched the woman's purse from a newspaper she had hidden it inside.

Jay Makwana (pictured), 40, played the good samaritan and waited with his 81-year-old victim after he pushed her as she left a bank in Market Place, Bexleyheath, south east London

Footage from an officer's body-worn camera captured the moment Makwana slyly snatched the woman's purse from a newspaper she had hidden it inside

CCTV pictured the woman leaving a nearby bank just after 10.30am last November 9 when she was approached by Makwana.

The robbery left the woman with facial injuries and she was taken by paramedics to hospital where her condition was assessed as not life-threatening.

At Woolwich Crown Court Makwana pleaded guilty to robbery before being jailed for six years on Wednesday.

The elderly woman hit her head on the floor and lay defenceless as Makwana slipped her purse into a plastic bag while speaking to police officers about her fall

The defendant, from Erith, south east London, was also ordered to pay a 190 victim surcharge.

Sergeant Matt Taylor, of the Met Police's Burglary Robbery Investigation Team, branded it a 'truly shocking assault' on a woman targeted just because of her age.

He said: 'This was a truly shocking assault on a woman who was deliberately targeted because of her age and vulnerability.

'It has had a huge impact on the victim's life and left her scared to leave home alone. I hope the fact that Makwana received a significant custodial sentence will bring her some closure as she continues to come to terms with this terrible ordeal.'
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You've lost count of the sleepless nights spent in a hospital, but now your loved one is finally ready to go home following a stroke. Are you prepared to care for them?
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Pennsylvania has the largest full-time and second-most-expensive state legislature, for which taxpayers deserve much more than what the Republican majority leadership in the Senate delivered Tuesday.

Mirroring the theater of the absurd that congressional Republicans staged Wednesday by objecting to certified electoral votes from Pennsylvania and several other states for President-elect Joe Biden, state Senate Republicans refused to seat a Democrat whose narrow election had been certified by the Department of State and upheld by the state Supreme Court.

Incumbent Democrat Jim Brewster defeated Republican challenger Nicole Ziccarelli by just 69 votes. But there is no law against a close election. Yet President Pro Tem Jake Corman of Centre County oversaw the exclusion of Brewster from the swearing-in ceremony, based on Ziccarellis 11th-hour appeal to federal court.

The chambers Senate majority did not leave it even with that extraordinary act. It also voted to remove from the chamber Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, the Senate president, after he confronted them on the exclusion. Now Corman has created a precedent whereby any losing candidate can delay the winners ascent to office by simply filing a lawsuit.

The federal court scheduled a hearing on the complaint for Friday. Ideally, it will conclude, as scores of courts did in the Trump campaigns challenges to election results, that elections are state business and that the states are competent to conduct them.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania taxpayers are left to marvel that Tuesdays spectacle is what they get for the nearly $350 million a year that it costs to operate the Legislature.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath has appointed two longtime special education administrators to oversee wide-ranging changes in Houston ISDs delivery of services to students with disabilities, which last year came under withering criticism from state investigators.

The selection of conservators Molly Cordeau and Fred Shafer follows a state-initiated special accreditation investigation completed in September 2020 that found HISD has failed to rectify significant, systemic and widespread issues in the districts special education department. Cordeau and Shafer will have the power to order changes in the district, though much of their work likely will involve coordination with district staff implementing new policies and practices.

HISDs special education department has remained under scrutiny for more than a decade from analysts hired by the district and families of students with disabilities. Following their 11-month investigation, state officials concluded HISD still is failing to identify all students entitled to special education services, provide legally entitled supports to students or hold district staff accountable for shortcomings, among other issues.

HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathans administration called the investigators findings factually and legally incorrect, arguing they relied on outdated and incomplete information. District administrators also noted the Texas Education Agencys role in creating a since-abandoned artificial cap on the percentage of students with disabilities who could receive services.

Jeff Cottrill, the TEAs deputy commissioner of governance and accountability, addressed HISD trustees about the appointment Thursday, telling board members that the agency went through a very deliberative process to select Cordeau and Shafer.

Im very encouraged that youve got two of the finest in your region that will be providing that support, Cottrill said.

Shafer and Cordeau have both spent about four decades working on education matters, with the vast majority of time spent focusing on special education.

Cordeau worked for eight years as an education specialist and three years as director of special education services at the Region 4 Education Service Center, which supports nearly 100 traditional and charter school districts in the Houston area, according to her LinkedIn profile. She started a consulting firm in 2008 and served as a conservator in HISD following a 2010 state investigation into the districts program for students with disabilities who were in the custody of residential facilities.

I feel like Im relatively familiar with at least some of the campuses and some of the issues that the special education department might be facing, Cordeau told HISD board members Thursday.

Shafer spent about 40 years working in the public school field, including 10 as Katy ISDs executive director of special education and three as director of special education solutions for the Region 4 Education Service Center.

Shafer later served as a state-appointed monitor and conservator in Beaumont ISD amid its financial turmoil in the mid-2010s, then oversaw the districts special education department for two years.

During Shafers two-year tenure in Beaumont, which was marked by significant administrative upheaval and a 15 percent reduction in the teaching staff, the district received state-issued special education ratings of needs intervention and needs assistance. Following his departure, Beaumont received four straight needs substantial interventions ratings, the worst possible score.

TEA officials did not respond to a request for comment Thursday about Shafers performance in Beaumont.

Jackie Cross-Ecford, a longtime special education advocate who served on a committee examining HISDs practices in 2017 and 2018, called Shafer very much by-the-book in her experiences working with him during his time as a Katy ISD official and TEA dispute facilitator.

You might have to really fight to prove your case, but he has knowledge and experience, Cross-Ecford said. My only concern would be how long it will take him to come up to speed on the size, dynamics and diversity of the district.

HISD has had another conservator, Doris Delaney, working in the district since 2016. Delaneys responsibilities have centered on academic performance at Kashmere High School, which has made gains in the past few years after a decade of failing grades from the state, and low-rated campuses throughout the district.

jacob.carpenter@chron.com
China gained the most during the covid-19 pandemic and its economy recovered the fastest, while India continues at a slow pace, experts of NITI Aayog said. An expected shift of manufacturing from China to India in the next few years could boost local production, the experts said during a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on finance on The long-term impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the global economy, trade flows, and financial markets on Wednesday.

It was a cordial meeting and most of the discussion was about the post-pandemic situation in the world and economies of the world, how different economies, especially the US, European countries, and China have recovered from the impact of covid-19. Experts also said that countries should see the economic recovery path of China since the outbreak of coronavirus," a person aware of development said on condition of anonymity.

The committee members, however, were not satisfied with the presentation, and asked them for a written submission on the impact of covid-19 on Indian economy. The panel also asked the NITI Aayog experts to suggest an economic recovery path for the country and sought another report on the economic recovery paths of different global economies.

The next meeting is on 19 January and it has been decided that NITI Aayog will provide two different presentations and written submissions on the post-covid situation in India and different economies of the world, especially the US, European countries, and China," a second person aware of the development said, also on condition of anonymity.

There is a need for India to focus on development of ports and infrastructure to benefit from the possibility of manufacturing shifting from China to India. The manufacturing sector in India needs to be more competitive than some of the developing and world economies," the first person said.

Some standing committee members also pointed to how the Union government must do more to help small-scale and rural enterprises affected by the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. The Centre should focus more on reviving Indian pharmaceutical companies,

The experts of NITI Aayog said that India has been one of the most affected countries and it could take nearly two years before we make any major improvements in our economic situation. We were told that a large section of manufacturing in India is still dependent on China. Members wanted to know what the NITI Aayogs advice has been to the Centre over making the country more Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) in this sector," added a third person aware of the developments.

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U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a visit to Rock Springs Church to campaign for GOP Senate candidates in Milner, Ga on Jan. 4, 2021. (Megan Varner/Getty Images)

Trump Attorney Jenna Ellis Deeply Disappointed in Pence Amid Electoral Vote Battle

Trump campaign legal adviser Jenna Ellis on Wednesday said that she was deeply disappointed in Vice President Mike Pence, who refused to reject disputed electoral votes, saying that he believes he lacks the power to do so under the U.S. Constitution.

Pence, the presiding officer of the joint congressional session where electoral votes are formally counted, said earlier in the day that he believes the Constitution constrains him from claiming unilateral authority to make decisions about rejecting or accepting votes even if he has concerns about election integrity.

Instead, he said that when disputes about elections arise, it is the responsibility of the peoples representatives who review the evidence and resolve disputes through democratic process.

Vesting the Vice President with unilateral authority to decide presidential contests would be entirely antithetical to that design, he said in a letter to Congress.

Ellis, who has been representing the campaign in President Donald Trumps post-election challenges, said that although the U.S. Constitution limits Pences role, the vice president still had constitutional options that he could have taken to protect election integrity.

The Constitution constrains, yes, and thats why we worked hard to provide him with a constitutional option to protect election integrity, Ellis wrote in a statement on Twitter. BUT, he should not have been in that positionstate leadership was cowardly first; SCOTUS was also.

Earlier this week, Ellis had suggested that Pence could have delayed the certification of the Electoral College votes and asked the legislatures in six disputed statesGeorgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Nevadawhich slate of electors should be selected.

Republican electors on Dec. 14 in the six states cast dueling Electoral College votes, citing pending legal challenges. Those votes have not been authorized by their state officials.

[Pence] can ask that question to the states and say, Well, legislators, you know I have an oath to the Constitution to uphold the Constitution as written in Article II Section 1.2, [which] says the state legislatures direct the manner in which electoral delegates are selected. So you tell me which of these two slates was selected in the manner that your state general assembly has designated, Ellis said during an interview on the program The Water Cooler with David Brody.

And thats a fair question. Thats not exercising discretion. Thats not setting up any sort of bad precedent, she added. Thats actually returning the authority to the constitutionally vested entity, and to simply direct that question I think would then require a response from these very timid, to put it lightly, state legislators that havent been willing to act, and it would in fact then give a very clean outcome to this election.

Under Article II of the U.S. Constitution, presidential electors must be appointed by each state in the manner prescribed by the states legislature.

Pences role during the Jan. 6 session has been heavily debated in recent days, as Trump and his allies hope that the vice president will reject the slate of electors for contested states. Meanwhile, critics have said that Pences role is simply ministerial in that he only has the ability to count the votes even if he has concerns over their validity.

Republican lawmaker Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) attempted to seek clarification from the federal courts last week by filing a lawsuit against Pence. His lawsuit, which was dismissed by a district and appeals court, argued that Pence had the exclusive authority and sole discretion under the 12th Amendment to determine which slates of electors for a state, or neither, may be counted.

The vice president believes his role is largely ceremonial, he said in his letter to Congress, but he added that he will ensure that any objections that are sponsored by both a Representative and a Senator are given proper consideration, and that all facts supporting those objections are brought before the Congress and the American people.

He also rejected claims that raising objections during the Electoral College vote count is undemocratic.

Trump responded to Pences remarks, saying that the vice president didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution.

The joint session was forced to suspend following civil unrests on U.S. Capitol grounds. A subgroup of protesters breached the Capitol building after breaking windows to enter as members of Congress were sitting during a joint session to count Electoral College votes.

After police dispersed protesters, who also had to return home due to a city-wide curfew, and secured the Capitol, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced that the House will proceed with the count.

Its unclear whether House GOP representatives and senators will continue their plan to object to the electoral counting efforts. Before the House and Senate chambers were evacuated and put into lockdown, lawmakers were debating a challenge to the electoral votes for Arizona.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and dozens of Republican representatives objected to Arizonas electoral certification.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
Sixmilebridge are "taking a public stand" against the "sustained personal abuse" which has been directed online at Davy and Pat Fitzgerald.

Sixmilebridge insist that "a line has been crossed" with regards to the vitriol that has been aimed at Clare secretary Pat Fitzgerald  both online and in person  and his son Davy, the current Wexford manager, and they are adamant that "it has to stop".

The abuse which has been aimed at the elder Fitzgerald  a paid employee of Clare GAA in his full-time role as secretary  is already the subject of a criminal investigation while Davy was subjected to verbal abuse from a Clare backroom team member in Wexford's All-Ireland SHC Qualifier loss to the Banner in November.

Sixmilebridge officials are calling for something to be done about such "unfair treatment" for two of their club members, as well as tackling a societal issue, and they outlined their stance in a letter which appears in this week's 'Clare Champion'.

The letter reads: "We are a club that represents community, promoting a deep sense of place and a sense of belonging. All of this adds up to a club which will not stand aside if we as a club believe any of our members are being unfairly treated.

"Two of our members, Pat and Davy Fitzgerald, have been subject to sustained personal abuse (online and in person) due in part to the prominent public positions they hold on a National and County stage.

"We fully accept that both, in the prominent roles which they have, will be subject to criticism, strong at times. This comes with the job. What is not acceptable is when criticism morphs into personal abuse.

Read More

"Sixmilebridge have decided to take a public stand against this abuse, which at its core is simply bullying by another name. Unfortunately, online forums have made it very easy for people to hide behind the cover of anonymity to personally abuse people in the public eye.

"We, as a club, are highlighting this issue as it pertains to our club. Unfortunately, what we are highlighting in this letter, is not unique to Sixmilebridge and its members but it is part of a broader societal issue.

"People in the public eye will always be open to criticism and justifiably so, but a line has been crossed here which is not acceptable. It has to stop."

Online Editors
WASHINGTON - As President Donald Trump told a sprawling crowd outside the White House that they should never accept defeat, hundreds of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in what amounted to an attempted coup that they hoped would overturn the election he lost. In the chaos, law enforcement officials said, a California woman was shot and killed by Capitol Police and three people died of medical emergencies.

The violent scene - much of it incited by the president's incendiary language - was like no other in modern American history, bringing to a sudden halt the congressional certification of Joe Biden's electoral victory.

With poles bearing blue Trump flags, a mob that would eventually grow into the thousands bashed through Capitol doors and windows, forcing their way past police officers unprepared for the onslaught. Lawmakers were evacuated shortly before an armed standoff at the House chamber's entrance. The woman who was shot, 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt of San Diego, was rushed to an ambulance, police said, and later died. Canisters of tear gas were fired across the Rotunda's white marble floor, and on the steps outside the building, rioters flew Confederate flags.

"USA! USA!" chanted the would-be saboteurs of a 244-year-old democracy.

The Senate stopped its proceedings, and the House doors were closed. In a notification, U.S. Capitol Police said no one would be allowed to come or go from the building as they struggled to regain control. "Stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover," police warned.

All 1,100 members of the D.C. National Guard were activated, and Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, imposed a citywide curfew. From 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, Bowser said, no one other than essential personnel would be allowed outdoors in the city.

The mob had arrived hours earlier, charging past the metal barricades on the property's outer edge. Hundreds, then thousands followed them. Some scaled the Capitol's walls to reach entrances; others climbed over one another.

On the building's east side, police initially pushed the pro-Trump demonstrators back but soon gave up and fell back to the foot of the main steps. Within a half-hour, fights broke out again, and police retreated to the top of the stairs as screaming Trump supporters surged closer. After the police perimeters were breached, the elated crowd began to sing the national anthem.

For an hour, they banged on the doors, chanting, "Let us in! Let us in!" Police inside fired pepper balls and smoke bombs into the crowd but failed to turn them away. After each volley, the rioters, who were mostly White men, would cluster around the doors again, yelling, arguing, pledging revolution.

Sometime after 2:10 p.m., a man used a clear plastic riot shield to break through the windows on a first floor to the south side of the building, then hopped in with a few others. Once inside, police suspect, rioters opened doors to let in more of their compatriots.

A Capitol Police officer shouted from a higher stairway at the intruders, yelling at them to stop, but when they didn't, the officer fired at a man coming at him, two law enforcement officials said. Amid shouts and people rushing to get away from the sound of gunfire, protesters saw a woman in their group collapse. Police believe she was unarmed, a law enforcement official said, but the officer who shot her did not know that. Capitol Police had already been warned by D.C. police that many protesters were secretly carrying weapons.

"They shot a girl!" someone yelled as a group of Trump supporters ran out of the southeast entrance.

A team of paramedics with a gurney soon arrived and a Capitol Police officer stepped aside to let them pass. "White female, shot in the shoulder," the officer said as they hurried past. They emerged minutes later.

On the gurney was a woman in jeans, gazing vacantly to one side, her torso and face covered in blood. As the gurney was loaded into the back of the ambulance, pro-Trump protesters swarmed around it, screaming, "Murderers!"

Capitol Police officers with long guns pushed the rioters back, and the ambulance drove off.

Babbitt was shot while trying to climb through a broken window in an area behind the House chamber. Her ex-husband confirmed her death Wednesday night.

Three other people died of medical emergencies, D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee said in a Wednesday-night news conference.

The people's names, and the circumstances of their deaths, were not released during the news conference with Contee and Bowser.

Also at the news conference, Bowser declared a public emergency in the city until Jan. 21, to improve security "through the inauguration." The declaration gives her more authority to draw on resources to maintain city security. Inauguration Day is scheduled for Jan. 20.

Bowser called the attack on the Capitol an "affront on our American democracy" and implored city residents to abide by the city's curfew.

"I urge anyone who is not in place in your home or your hotel - and if you mean to cause trouble in the streets of D.C. you will be arrested," she said.

Bowser blamed the president for the rioting.

"We saw an unprecedented attack on our American Democracy incited by the United States president," Bowser said. "He must be held accountable. His constant and divisive rhetoric led to the abhorrent actions we saw today."

Contee said 14 D.C. officers were injured. One was pulled into a crowd, assaulted and hospitalized. Another received "significant facial injuries" after being hit by a projectile. Others are not as serious.

Contee said police had made at least 52 arrests: four for carrying pistols without licenses, one arrest for possession of a prohibited weapon and 47 arrests for curfew violations and unlawful entry. Twenty-six of the 52 arrests were made on Capitol grounds, Contee said.

The chief also confirmed that police recovered two pipe bombs at the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee offices. A cooler that contained molotov cocktails was also found on Capitol grounds, the chief said. Bowser said officials will review video and issue alerts for people who breached the Capitol, adding that they "need to be held accountable for the carnage."

Contee also said in the news conference that D.C. police had participated in "several planning meetings with Capitol Police" and other agencies to plan for protests on Wednesday. He said Capitol Police called for help at 1 p.m. because of "significant activity" outside the Capitol and that "we immediately deployed platoons to assist the Capitol Police."

During the siege in the Capitol, where lawmakers had donned gas masks kept under their chairs, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., could only think of his family as he and other lawmakers hid from the mob. Reeling from the loss of his 25-year-old son last week, Raskin had taken one of his daughters and his son-in-law to the Capitol to watch the debates unfold over certification of Biden's election, he said, "because we wanted to be together." Raskin was helping lead Democrats' arguments against Republican objectors.

"I thought I could show them the peaceful transfer of power in the United States of America," Raskin told C-SPAN earlier. "What was really going through my mind was their safety because they were not with me in the chamber, and I just wanted us all to get back together."

Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., said members were told that chemical irritants had been released in Statuary Hall and, for a moment, braced for the possibility that they would be exposed to tear gas. Capitol Police barricaded the doors with tables and bookshelves.

Spanberger, a former CIA case officer, said that it was a crisis she would only expect to see unfold in fragile, faraway places.

"This is what we see in failing countries," she said. "This is what leads to a death of democracy."

The shooting and the breach triggered an instant call for help across Washington to other law enforcement agencies. At the U.S. Secret Service, headquarters sent out an emergency alert to all gun-carrying Secret Service personnel to report to headquarters in preparation to help secure the Capitol.

Meanwhile, dozens of other rioters streamed into the building, where they smashed windows and vandalized offices.

"MURDER THE MEDIA," read a message written on one door.

"WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN," read another left in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who also refused to back down, later directing her colleagues to return and finish validating Biden's victory.

Rep. Karen Bass, a Democrat from California, shared a photo on Twitter of a long-haired man in a Trump hat carrying a rostrum adorned with the gold-colored seal of the speaker.

"Arrest this man," she demanded.

At 3:30 p.m., more law enforcement in riot gear arrived at the Capitol.

"Traitors," Trump supporters shouted. "What's your oath?"

Biden condemned what he called an "unprecedented assault" on American democracy, "unlike anything we've seen in modern times."

"This is not dissent. It's disorder. It's chaos," he said. "It borders on sedition, and it must end now."

For hours, Trump made little effort to quell the violence he had helped instigate, finally sharing a video at 4:17 p.m. in which he told people to "go home" - while continuing to promote the falsehood that he had won the election.

"We love you," he told them. "You're very special."

The Capitol has been the target of violence before. In 1954, Puerto Rican nationalists opened fire from a House gallery, injuring five lawmakers on the floor below. In 1971, a bomb planted by a radical left-wing group exploded, though no one was harmed. In 1998, a gunman opened fire, killing two Capitol Police officers. But not since the British set fire to the Capitol in 1814 has a mob overrun the ultimate symbol of American freedom.

At about 8:30 p.m., just more than an hour after hundreds of law enforcement officers had at last finished clearing the mob and removing Trump flags left inside the building, heavily armed FBI agents and police officers in riot gear escorted lawmakers back to work.

D.C. police had arrested 13 people by early evening, they said, including three in possession of firearms. About 6 p.m., a man was stabbed at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near Freedom Plaza, though it was unclear whether the attack was related to the demonstrations.

At the Capitol, those who had made it inside took on a celebrity status when they came back out. A woman who said she had footage on her phone of Capitol Police pointing guns at rioters was circled by dozens who wanted to see it. People traded what information they had about the woman who was shot inside. Some called her a "martyr."

After she was taken away, the mood soured, though many remained joyous. "We're making history," one woman said as she strolled down Independence Avenue with friends.

Beneath streaming flags, including some that read "F--- Biden" and that depicted Trump as the movie character Rambo, people loudly exhorted Jesus and chanted "USA!"

Many called friends and family and took videos.

"We weren't violent before, but we are now," a middle-aged White man said, talking into his cellphone. "There's no going back."

- - -

The WashingtonPost's Peter Hermann, Rachel Chason, Marissa J. Lang, Carol D. Leonnig, Perry Stein, Emily Davies, Jessica Contrera, Katie Mettler, Michael Brice-Saddler, Harrison Smith, Clarence Williams, Antonio Olivo, Teo Armus, Justin Wm. Moyer and Fredrick Kunkle contributed to this report.
New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Collin Arnold was arrested early Thursday on charges of crashing his city-owned vehicle into another car while drunk, the second high-profile public servant to be arrested in the city on drunk-driving charges in less than a year.

Arnold, who heads New Orleans disaster response operation, was booked at around 5 a.m. with driving while intoxicated and careless driving, according to Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office records and city officials.

A City Hall spokesperson said Arnold was driving a city-owned car that struck another car hours earlier in the 2800 block of Canal Street. The identity of the other driver was not immediately clear.

Examining New Orleans' take-home car policy: See which 72 people use them and who pays the bill When New Orleans City Councilman Jared Brossett barreled down a Gentilly street, jumped the neutral ground and crashed head first into an onco

When New Orleans police investigated the scene, Arnold showed signs of being intoxicated but refused a Breathalyzer test, the spokesperson said. Arnolds arrest follows City Councilman Jared Brossetts June arrest on similar charges after Brossett crashed his taxpayer-funded SUV into another car.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell called Arnold's arrest disappointing, while praising the work he has done as head of his department for the past nearly three years.

My last communication with Director Arnold was last night around 10:15 p.m., regarding potential weather challenges in our area. I am disappointed by the incident that occurred hours later and deeply relieved that no one was hurt," Cantrell said.

A City Hall spokesperson added that Cantrell "expects this to be handled like any other case," and that "appropriate disciplinary action will be taken" once she understands all the facts.

Arnold, 46, was tapped to oversee the department in 2018, a role that has placed him in the spotlight for every natural disaster New Orleans has faced in recent years, including seven hurricanes that took aim at or near the city last year. He served as a deputy director under Mitch Landrieus administration.

Arnolds office also helps coordinate the citys response to special events that occur each year, and it has managed a food service program during the pandemic that worked with federal and local partners to provide meals to New Orleans residents.

Cantrell urged other employees in Arnolds department Thursday to not let (the arrest) hinder their work. She said later Thursday that Arnold's arrest could absolutely impact his employment with the city of New Orleans, while adding that Arnold would receive due process and that residents should pray for him.

Councilman Jared Brossett completed rehab once before, after 2006 DWI case When New Orleans City Councilman Jared Brossett on Monday announced he was enrolling in rehab after an alleged drunken crash a day earlier, it

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Arnold is authorized to use a city-owned 2018 Ford Expedition, according to city records. He is one of more than 70 administrative employees who are granted taxpayer-funded vehicles to take home, a perk that has been criticized by some government watchdogs as a dubious use of public resources.

The city, meanwhile, has defended the cars as a necessity for some officials who are expected to respond quickly to incidents as they arise.

Under city policy, employees are allowed to use the cars for personal reasons, but only when they are running brief errands on their way to and from work. They are also supposed to document their use, personally insure their cars, and send proof of that insurance to the city.

When asked for proof of insurance for senior officials and rank-and-file workers assigned cars last year, the Cantrell administration failed to provide those documents.

The citys rules also state that employees could lose their driving privileges permanently or temporarily if arrested for a DWI in a city-owned car.

The rules came into tighter focus last year after Brossett careened over an Elysian Fields Avenue neutral ground and smashed his city-financed 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe into resident Minghong Lins 2019 Nissan Rogue. Lin was treated by a doctor for injuries to his back and head; the city, which insured Brossett's car, has never released the total costs of the incident.

Recall launched against New Orleans City Councilman Jared Brossett after drunk-driving crash 'Any other job where somebody took the boss car and crashed it into somebody on the way home, they would have lost their job,' organizer says

The council is not beholden to the mayors rules for her employees, but the crash spurred pledges from council members to create rules of their own.

A Gentilly resident, Anthony Doby, also started a petition to recall Brossett after the latter said he would attend rehab, but refused to resign. That petition had only garnered around 800 signatures as of Dec. 12, far short of the more than 14,000 needed to oust Brossett from office.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article provided an incorrect year for when Arnold was appointed to oversee the city's department of emergency preparedness.
"Minari," an Academy Award-winning film will be screened at Tango Theaters, Micronesia Mall on the evening of May 28 as part of a cultural eve Read more

What started as a Covid-19 vaccine appointment ended in a marriage proposal for two South Dakota health care workers.

Registered nurse Eric Vander Lee, 26, has been helping to administer Covid-19 vaccines at a hospital in the state, while his boyfriend of five years, Robbie Vargas-Cortes, 31, works as a paramedic.

Eric Vander Lee, left, and his fiance Robbie Vargas-Cortes. (Courtesy Eric Vander Lee)

When Vargas-Cortes came in to Lee's hospital for his scheduled vaccination appointment on Dec. 23, he had a surprise up his sleeve  literally. When Vargas-Cortes rolled up his shirt so Lee could give him the vaccine, Lee was shocked to find an engagement ring taped to his boyfriend's arm.

Its been kind of a crazy year, and you know its been a fun ride to have you in my life, Vargas-Cortes told Vander Lee in a video of the proposal that has since gone viral.

I saw tape, and I did not understand for like 30 seconds what was going on until finally it hit me, Lee told NBC News. It was just the happiest moment probably of my life.

Lee said he later found out that Vargas-Cortes had been holding on to the ring for three years, waiting for the perfect moment to pop the big question.

Shortly after the surprise proposal, Lee shared an image of his new engagement ring on Instagram, writing, As we usher Covid into history, I am so excited for the future."

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Lee, who has experience working as a nurse in an intensive care unit, began volunteering to administer Covid-19 vaccines last month at Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center in southeastern South Dakota, near the Iowa border. Amid the death and suffering he has witnessed because of the pandemic, he said it is rewarding to help provide patients with a potentially life-saving vaccine.

Giving that shot is like a sigh of relief," he said, adding that it's like "giving someone a shield  equipping them with something thats potentially going to save them."

Helping others get vaccinated has also helped Lee cope with the loss of his grandfather Norman Vander Lee, who died at 86 in November after contracting Covid-19.

Story continues

Related: An employee told the brides-to-be that the Winston-Salem event space does not host same sex marriage ceremonies.

Lee said the response to Vargas-Cortes' viral proposal has brought a wave of positive responses, but he noted there have also been some homophobic trolls.

We live in South Dakota, and its not a typically progressive state, he lamented.

As the proposal video continues to garner attention, Lee said he hopes it makes a positive impact for South Dakota's LGBTQ community.

Thats my main focus, Lee said. I just want people to know that if they feel hopeless, Robbie and I have been there. Both of us have felt hopeless about finding someone and actually finding someone to truly love. So I just want people to know that things can get better.

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HOUGHTON, MI  He will be back.

Thats the word from city workers in Houghton after an iconic statue celebrating the mining heritage of the Upper Peninsula was badly damaged by a speeding car around 11:15 p.m. on Sunday.

The 6-foot tall bronze statue crafted by Elizabeth Biesiot has stood downtown since 1980. It depicts a young miner in his jacket and lantern helmet striding forward carrying his lunch pail and pick to go to work in a mine.

The statue honors the spirit that gave birth to Houghton and our region, city staff wrote on Facebook.

The Houghton Department of Public Works removed the statue from its normal location on Franklin Square until it can be repaired.

This isnt a piece of steel you just start welding on, City Manager Eric Waara told the Associated Press. This is a bronze piece of art. He is an iconic part of the community, so were going to try to do right by the original artists vision and get that right. Its going to take us a little time.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the statue was not injured, according to the Facebook post.
The Saudi cabinet, chaired by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, has given approval to the Real Estate Development Fund regulation, reported Saudi Press Agency.

The cabinet also approved the setting up of a central risk classification units in the Ministry of Finance as well other ministries and the government agencies, it stated.

A key fund, REDF offers provisions for developing diversified and balanced financing programmes to suit all segments of society in co-ordination with the Ministry of Housing.

The Saudi Cabinet also approved the new REDF law, which comprises 18 articles.

Under the new law, the REDF will stand as a legal personality, and a financially and administratively independent entity, with a similar structure to the National Development Fund, stated the SPA report.

Under the new law, the fund can conclude more partnerships with municipalities and other real estate development companies, in line with the housing development plans, it added.
New mothers are struggling because of the lack of supports available during the lockdowns, according to a leading Cork GP.

Dr Mary Favier said that while some services have continued virtually, the women have become isolated.

Dr Favier said: "New mothers are struggling and incredibly apologetic to be bothering you. They are really apologetic and so much of it is because the usual supports are gone."

Some health services are significantly curtailed, but, Dr Favier said, the women are now often isolated from their own mothers.

First time mothers

This is a particular problem for first-time mothers, she said, as they have not built up a support network of experienced mothers.

"Now, we have a situation where older parents and people with other illnesses can't do that and can't help out," Dr Favier said.

"New mothers, and particularly those who might be living away from home, don't have parents or siblings living close by; women here from other countries: They are in really, really challenging circumstances."

Read More Covid-19: Restrictions reimposed on maternity hospitals

Dr Favier said that in normal times, new mothers might have had too many visitors, but that has completely changed now.

The challenges are often compounded by new working patterns for her partner, if a woman is in a relationship. The partner might be working from home, but unable to offer much practical support, or might be working longer hours than before the pandemic.

Among the patients Dr Favier and her colleagues see are women in the early and later stages of maternity leave.

Dr Favier said: "The women in the first half of their maternity leave say they feel very isolated and dont know how to cope; they're unsure about the practicalities of feeding and changing.

For women in the second half, you do notice that the sociability is really gone, the breastfeeding support groups are gone, and all of the learning that comes from that

Dr Favier said that as the cases of Covid-19 continue to rise, this situation is unlikely to change soon.

"We have no choice but to continue. Women have always historically stepped up to this and they will do it again, she said.

Support groups

Among the groups offering breastfeeding support in Ireland is the network of La Leche League meetings.

Volunteer breastfeeding consultant Jane Farran said the Cork City groups, like everywhere else, have been on Zoom since March.

"It is very hard; it is dreadful for some mothers," Ms Farran said. "New mothers, especially, are very isolated. We offer phone support, too; they would call looking for reassurance. There's problems, too, of course, she said.

Read More Minister for Justice Helen McEntee tests positive for Covid-19

The Zoom classes take place once a fortnight and women can choose to turn their camera on for a more interactive experience; and for the simple joy of showing off a new baby's smile.

The groups fell under guidelines restricting indoor social gatherings to six. But some mothers might need to bring other children with them, so the HSE felt the limit could be too easily breached.

"One or two mothers have said they feel less pressure about being out and about, but now it's going on so long, they are very isolated," Ms Farran said.

Mothers can contact local La Leche League groups in Munster, and elsewhere, through Facebook.
(Newser)  Lots of people are laying blame for Wednesday's violence at the Capitol on President Trump. But the Kansas City Star editorial board points to another Republican: Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley. The 41-year-old senator elected in 2018 "deserves an impressive share of the blame for the blood that's been shed," the board writes. Indeed, "no one other than President Donald Trump himself is more responsible." More:



Hawley was the first senator to say he would challenge the 2020 election results. "That action, motivated by ambition, set off much that followedthe rush of his fellow presidential aspirant Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and other members of the Sedition Caucus to put a show of loyalty to the president above all else," the board writes. "This revolt is the result, and if you didn't know this is where we've been headed from the start, it's because you didn't want to know."

Apart from Hawley, Cruz was the "most ardent" Senate advocate for blocking certification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory, per the Dallas Morning News. After Cruz condemned Wednesday's violence, Texas Rep. Beto ORourke noted "it is your self-serving attempt at sedition that has helped to inspire these terrorists and their attempted coup."

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Julian Castro, housing secretary under former President Obama, said Cruz "has embarrassed Texas and the entire nation" and "would watch democracy burn if he got to rule the ashes," just like the president. He was joined by his brother, Rep. Joaquin Castro, in calling on Cruz to resign.

Many onlookers have accused Trump of inciting the coup, including Sen. Mitt Romney, Sen. Bob Corker, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, and Trump's first defense secretary James Mattis. In a statement, per CNBC, Mattis said the "violent assault  was fomented by Mr. Trump," who sought to "destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens." He "will deservedly be left a man without a country," he added.

The New York Times editorial board says Trump must face "impeachment proceedings or criminal prosecution" for his role. "He summoned his supporters to gather in Washington on this day, and encouraged them to march on the Capitol. He told them that the election was being stolen. He told them to fight. He told them he might join them and, even as they stormed the building, he declined for long hours to tell them to stop," the board writes.

It also faults the GOP. "The modern Republican Party, in its systematic efforts to suppress voting, and its refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of elections that it loses, is similarly seeking to maintain its political power on the basis of disenfranchisement. Wednesdays insurrection is evidence of an alarming willingness to pursue that goal with violence."

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Star editorial board puts some onus on supporters of Trump. "Those of you who have excused all of the brazen lawlessness of this administration can take a little bit of credit for these events, too," it writes. "They couldn't have done it without you."

(Read more U.S. Capitol stories.)

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New Delhi, Jan 7 : Thursday marks the 54th birth anniversary of Irrfan Khan, and filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, who was a close friend of the late actor, fondly recalled shooting with him for his 2015 release, Piku.

Sircar tells IANS: "On the last few days of his schedule he would say, 'dada can't we go on shooting like this. I am feeling like free bird, I don't want this moment to stop. Please aap kuch bhi kara lo mujhse (you make me do anything). I can't explain this feeling. Can't we just go on and on?'" Piku, also starring Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, went on to become a commercial hit.

"I really miss him," Sircar concluded with a note of sadness in his voice.

Irrfan passed away on April 29 last year after suffering colon infection. He had also battled neuroendrocrine cancer and received treatment in the UK, before he came back to India in February 2020.
The Income Tax Department on Thursday conducted surveys at the headquarters of Instakart (a group company of Flipkart) and food ordering and delivery company Swiggy in Bengaluru in connection with an alleged bogus input tax credit, connected to an external vendor, ANI reported on Thursday.

Here is what happened:

> The Directorate General of GST Intelligence has reported some GST invasion in both their accounts and reported it to the income tax department.

> The DGCI is currently running a nationwide drive against GST evaders to minimise the misuse of the system.

> A Flipkart spokesperson confirmed the survey was conducted by the IT department and said that the company is ensuring full compliance. The officials from the Income Tax Department have contacted us. We are providing them with all the required information and are extending our full co-operation. We believe we are in full compliance with all applicable tax and legal requirements, the Flipkart spokesperson said.

> Swiggy also issued a statement in which it said the company is complying with the tax and legal mandates. As a law-abiding company, we are in full compliance with the tax and legal mandates. The survey by the IT officials is currently underway and our team is extending full cooperation in the matter, the statement read.

> Last week in an interview to ANI, Finance Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey had said that to minimise the misuse of the system, the government has kept a check on those persons who were claiming excess Input Tax Credit (ITC).

> The department has got to know that there are a number of people who are showing income of a few lakhs in their income tax returns but in GST they are showing turnovers in crores.
SunPower said Thursday it will close the former SolarWorld factory in Hillsboro, eliminating 170 jobs in the latest in a long string of manufacturing setbacks at the 47-acre site.

Japanese semiconductor producer Komatsu Silicon America spent $500 million to build the 480,000-square-foot plant during the 1990s but never opened it. The factory sat idle for a decade until a German company, SolarWorld, began manufacturing solar panels there with help from $100 million in Oregon tax breaks.

But Chinese rivals, backed by government subsidies, outflanked SolarWorld and the company laid off most of its Oregon workers in 2017. The plant appeared doomed until SunPower, based in Silicon Valley, bought it three years ago.

SunPower began production there in 2018 but, amid shifting dynamics in the highly competitive solar industry, began scaling back its aspirations almost immediately. Last year it announced plans to sell the Hillsboro property to Japanese technology giant NTT, which said it would build a 1 million-square-foot server farm on the site.

SunPower said at the time that it planned to continue making solar products on a portion of the site, but said Thursday that it has changed its mind after spinning off a portion of its business that manufactured solar panels.

We made the difficult but necessary decision to close our plant after careful evaluation and the change in focus of our business over recent months, SunPower CEO Tom Werner said in a written statement. We recognize how hard this is for all the employees impacted and are dedicated to helping them through this transition.

SunPower plans to cease operating in Hillsboro by March and clear out by early June. The company said it may end up selling the solar factory or seeking a joint venture or other partnership. It has leased back its factory space since selling the property to NTT.

Oregons jobless rate is at 6.0% amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has had a disproportionate impact on the states manufacturing sector. Factory employment fell by more than 8% when the pandemic hit last spring and has shown little sign of a rebound.

-- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699

After Joe Biden won the US presidency in the November election, his victory was tempered by concern that he would have a Republican Senate majority blocking his agenda at every turn. But Mr Biden is now heading to the White House with many of his ambitions intact after his party claimed control of the Senate for the first time in six years.

Wins by the Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in two Senate run-off elections in Georgia this week mean the chamber will have a 50-50 partisan split, with Kamala Harris, incoming vice-president, having the tiebreaking vote

Georgias voters delivered a resounding message yesterday: they want action on the crises we face and they want it right now, Mr Biden said on Wednesday morning. On Covid-19, on economic relief, on climate, on racial justice, on voting rights and so much more.

The political feat of clinching the Senate with dual wins over Republican incumbents in the traditionally conservative southern state  where Democrats have not held a Senate seat since the early 2000s  is reassuring in itself for Mr Biden.

Mr Warnock, the Atlanta pastor from Martin Luther King Jrs Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Mr Ossoff, a 33-year-old documentary film producer, received strong support from black and suburban voters  the same coalition that made Mr Biden the first Democratic presidential candidate to win Georgia in almost three decades.

The vote also suggested Donald Trump was becoming a weaker political force, after his conspiracy-fuelled tirades against the integrity of the vote and chaotic leadership on economic stimulus failed to pay off for Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, the two Republican incumbents.

For the Democratic party, the ramifications of Tuesdays vote will reach far beyond Georgia. Chuck Schumer, the New York senator, will take over leadership of the upper chamber from Republican Mitch McConnell. And Ms Harriss tiebreaking vote will give Mr Biden a far better chance of implementing the more sweeping agenda that he campaigned on, particularly on economic policy to tackle the fallout from the pandemic.

In the near term, there could be a new round of economic stimulus, including more direct cheques to Americans, an extension of emergency jobless benefits beyond their current expiration in March and aid to state and local governments.

In the longer term, it could deliver more spending on everything from infrastructure to clean energy and education, which would be partially paid for by higher corporate taxes and higher taxes on the wealthy.

Government becomes a whole lot more manageable for the incoming president. Democrats controlling committee chairmanships and the legislative calendars in the House and Senate is extremely significant, said Izzy Klein, a Democratic strategist and lobbyist in Washington.

First, hell get his nominees confirmed more quickly by the Senate. Second, it is much more likely that another meaningful economic and Covid relief package, an infrastructure bill and some other bills can be enacted, Mr Klein added.

Passing legislation through Congress will nevertheless be challenging for Mr Biden, given Democrats slender edge in both the House and the Senate  where conservative Democrats such as Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona will have huge sway. That could give the centrists power to water down the new presidents plans, triggering disappointment on the progressive left.

Yet political analysts in Washington said that Democrats  including Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker  would try to aggressively plough ahead with their plans under unified control of Congress, which the party last enjoyed in the first two years of Barack Obamas presidency.

Expect the Democratic leaders to go as big as they can, as Pelosi and Biden eye the next two years as the legacy markers of their careers and see a challenging 2022 midterm map on the horizon, Beacon Policy Advisors wrote in a note on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Democrats turned their attention to a host of other possibilities that could be unlocked with two Senate victories in Georgia. Some of Mr Bidens more challenging cabinet picks, such as Neera Tanden for budget director and Lloyd Austin for defence secretary, will probably face fewer roadblocks to Senate confirmation, which could mean his top team could be in place more rapidly.

In Congress, Mr Biden would be able to press ahead with his legislative priorities with a new slate of committee chairs from his own party, some of whom he has known for many years.

Among them are likely to be Ron Wyden of Oregon, who is expected to take over as chair of the Senate finance committee, which oversees taxes and trade. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, a Wall Street critic and champion of tougher financial regulation, could be installed at the helm of the Senate banking committee.

Mr Bidens administration will also be poised to avoid additional scrutiny from congressional investigations like the one Senate Republicans launched this year into Hunter Biden, the president-elect son, for his business dealings in Ukraine.

On Wednesday morning, Mr Schumer and Ms Pelosi celebrated the early results, despite the potential difficulties and internecine battles ahead.

Ms Pelosi vowed to deliver extraordinary progress for Americans. We will pursue a science and values-based plan to crush the virus and deliver relief to struggling families, safeguard the right to quality affordable healthcare and launch a plan to Build Back Better powered by fair economic growth, she said.

Mr Schumer said that beefing up stimulus cheques to $2,000 per person, which had been previously blocked by Republicans on Capitol Hill, was one of the first things we want to do once our new senators are seated. They campaigned on it.
Two men were arrested on Thursday for burning an Activa and damaging three vehicles in Sector 25 on January 3.

The accused have been identified as Monu, 25, and Gaurav, 18, both residents of Dainik Bhaskar Colony, Sector 25, Chandigarh. Police said 20 cases have already been registered against Monu for rioting, assault, robbery and preparation of robbery.

In her complaint, Pushpa of Dainik Bhaskar Colony, said that on the intervening night of January 2 and 3, she saw the accused moving in the locality with sticks and breaking windows of vehicles. She added that they even pelted stones at a house, set her Activa scooter on fire and damaged three vehicles before leaving.

A case has been registered under Sections 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting armed with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 336 (act endangering personal safety or life of others), 435 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage), 427 (mischief causing damage) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.

The accused were produced before a court that sent them to judicial custody.
He was announced as the replacement for 50 Shades Of Gray's Jamie Dornan in October after scheduling conflicts forced him to leave the project.

And Joshua Jackson looked the part when he was seen Thursday on the set of the upcoming Peacock miniseries Dr. Death in New York City.

The 42-year-old actor was in full costume with a white lab coat for his role as the imprisoned former neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch.

Joshua Jackson will see you now! The 42-year-old actor donned a white lab coat as he got into character on set of his true crime series Dr. Death on Thursday

Jackson's lab coat featured Duntsch's name and position embroidered over the breast pocket, and he wore an unassuming lavender button-up shirt underneath.

He looked ready to visit with patients with his blue-and-white striped tie and black trousers, and he capped off the look with black loafers.

His TV series is an adaptation of the popular podcast of the same name, which aired in 2018.

The majority of Duntsch's crimes were committed while he worked at various hospitals around Dallas.

Professional attire: Jackson's lab coat featured Duntsch's name and position embroidered over the breast pocket, and he wore an unassuming lavender button-up shirt underneath

Business casual: He looked ready to visit with patients with his blue-and-white striped tie and black trousers, and he capped off the look with black loafers

The former doctor had had a checkered past in medical school, when he was removed from his residency temporarily over suspicions that he was under the influence of cocaine while operating, though he was later allowed to graduate.

While operating in the Dallas area, his gross malpractice led to the deaths and maiming of 33 patients.

Alec Baldwin and Christian Slater are also featured in the series as neurosurgeon Robert Henderson and vascular surgeon Randall Kirby, respectively.

The two surgeons were both rushed in to repair Duntsch's failed surgeries, which Kirby described as the work of a 'crazed maniac.'

In 2017, Duntsch was convicted of maiming on of his patients and sentenced to life inprisonment.

Chilling: Duntsch was imprisoned for life after being convicted of maiming a patient. He's believed to have killed or maimed 33 people during his operations

All-star cast: Alec Baldwin and Christian Slater are also featured in the series as fellow surgeons who had to try to save his patients and later blew the whistle on him

Last-minute replacement: Jackson replaced 50 Shades Of Gray star Jamie Dornan in October after he withdrew due to scheduling conflicts

Jackson appeared to be about to film another take, as he wasn't wearing a mask or a face shield to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, though a crew member that he conversed with was masked up.

The Dawson's Creek star's newest role comes amid a career resurgence that began with his role in an episode of Ava DuVernay's acclaimed Netflix miniseries When They See Us about the trial of the Central Park Five, a group of five Black teenagers who were wrongfully convicted of the aggravated assault and rape of a white woman who had been jogging in the park in 1989.

The five were exonerated after a man who was already locked up confessed to the crime, and they later settled a lawsuit against New York City for $41 million.

He followed up the role with a more substantial one in the Hulu miniseries Little Fires Everywhere, which was based on the acclaimed novel of the same name and starred Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington.

On top again: The Dawson's Creek star has been having a career resurgence with a role in Ava DuVernay's When They See Us and a lead role on Little Fires Everywhere with Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington; still from Little Fires Everywhere

Growing family: In April, his actress wife Jodie Turner-Smith gave birth to their first child, eight-month-old Janie Jackson; seen together in February in London

In April of last year, Jackson's wife Jodie Turner-Smith gave birth to their first child, Janie Jackson.

He and the Queen & Slim star have been together since late 2018, and they tied the knot in secret in December 2019.

Prior to his relationship with the actress and model, the Canadian star had a decade-long relationship with German actress Diane Kruger.

(Natural News) The false flag raid on the Capitol Building yesterday, led by Antifa and BLM operatives dressed as Trump supporters, set the stage to justify the final betrayal of America as Dems and Republicans voted to install Joe Biden as president, even after irrefutable proof of widespread election rigging and fraud across the swing states.

Now, the left-wing media, Big Tech and lawmakers are pushing the narrative that Trump incited terrorism, that all Trump supporters are violent insurrectionists and that President Biden must invoke the Insurrection Act to purge all Trump supporters from the nation. One ABC News director is even calling for a cleansing of the nation by eliminating / executing all Trump supporters.

The Left is using the storming false flag event to whitewash all evidence of election fraud. Somehow, since people pretending to be MAGA supporters stormed the building, now the massive evidence of Bidens overwhelming fraud and cheating no longer matters. The Left is once again pretending to occupy the moral high ground, even as they operate as criminals and scumbags.

In todays Situation Update, we provide more details on the false flag attack and what it means for Trumps remaining (shrinking) options.

Notably, the only reason Sen. Schumer and others are calling to immediately remove Trump from office under the 25th Amendment is because they know he is about to move against them and carry out what attorney Lin Wood describes as mass arrests of traitors.

Many traitors will be arrested & jailed over the next several days, Wood posted on Parler in the early morning hours. President Donald J. Trump will serve 4 more years!!!

Here are the highlights of whats covered in todays Situation Update, which is shorter than usual (just 37 minutes):

Dems and GOP conspire to put DC under martial law, then install Biden as president under the cover of night.

Congresswoman Cori Bush calls for all members of Congress who objected to the Biden fraud to be expelled from Congress. If you question the fraud, you are banished!

Details on the false flag operation and how Antifa / BLM coordinated with Capitol Police to make sure they breached the building, staging the storming event for the news cameras.

The only actual violence that took place yesterday was the Capitol Police murder / execution of a young female Trump supporter who was unarmed.

How quickly the left-wing media forgets about all the actual violence of the radical Left and their protests, arson, assaults on law enforcement, burning of buildings and police cars, etc.

How Antifa operatives were bussed into place, with police protection, to carry out their false flag attack.

Twitter and Facebook move against Trump, blocking all his posts and tweets. Total censorship of the President of the United States.

VP Mike Pence finally exposed as a full-blown traitor to America, another Benedict Arnold of our time. Even Rand Paul refuse to object to the Biden steal, in the end.

Why Biden will invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy the military against Americas patriots and conservatives.

Trump issues declaration to disperse, tells people to go home in peace.

The remaining scenarios: 1) Trump invokes military authority, 2) An armed uprising against tyranny, 3) States may secede from the union or nullify federal laws.

Listen to the full episode here:

Brighteon.com/36a99416-d5ef-4ef8-9249-e99192ae6b96

Hear a new episode each day at this channel:

https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport
Mick Mulvaney, Donald Trumps former chief of staff, has resigned as special US envoy to Northern Ireland and accused the President of "lighting the fuse" that led to riots at the US Capitol on Wednesday.

Mr Mulvaney told CNBC he rang Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday night to tell him he "couldn't stay" in the post to which he was appointed in March.

The South Carolina politician visited Dublin, Belfast and London in September after his first trip as envoy was delayed due to the Covid pandemic. His role had been expected to end in 13 days time after Joe Biden takes office.

Speaking to the BBC on Thursday, Mr Mulvaney said he believed President Donald Trump had incited scenes anarchy during the disturbances in Washington DC in which four people died and 52 were arrested.

Read More

"I don't understand how you can interpret it any other way, when he gets to the crowd and says we're going to go down the street and do this, unless he was really believing they wouldn't take him seriously, that you could interpret it any other way," he said.

Mr Mulvaney described the riots as "an insurrection" that was "completely unacceptable" to most in the United States.

"I cannot tell you the number of people from both parties who have reached out to me this morning who are just in a stupor over what happened yesterday," he said.

However he disagreed with suggestions that such scenes were inevitable, saying even the strongest Trump opponents didn't believe such scenes were possible.

Read More

"This is something that was played up by fringe elements in the media, folks on the hardcore left-wing who said Donald Trump was the devil," he said.

"Donald Trump did not build the bomb that went off yesterday, he did not even build the fuse but he did light it.

"The fact that there was a bomb there and a fuse to be lit is something we need to struggle with as a nation.

"I never thought I'd see the day in my country where otherwise law-abiding citizens, that's what I assume those folks are, in fact I knew many people at the rally, they're from my home state of South Carolina, I saw them on the airplane going to Washington.

"We never thought we'd see the day that folks would do what they did in this riot yesterday. There is a lot of soul searching to be done," he added.

Mr Mulvaney said rhetoric used by Donald Trump since November, in which he claimed both the election and democracy had been stolen, is commonplace in the US.

"Rhetoric of that kind is used often in my country. No one ever acts on it," he said. "In a properly functioning United States of America, what happened yesterday would never happen."

President Trump's behaviour is not that of the President Mr Mulvaney knew, he claimed: "What we see now since the election is a different president and a different group of advisers. When he floats an idea that could be extreme, like X, they say "oh that's a great idea Mr President, we should do X plus three. It's not the A-team by any stretch of the imagination. It's a bizarre set of circumstances."

Donald Trump is unlikely is be impeached with less than two weeks left of his presidency but Mr Mulvaney believes he will attempt to pardon himself over any potential legal implications resulting from the events at the Capitol.

"The fact he put out a tweet overnight saying there would be a smooth transition leads me to believe cooler heads are prevailing in the West Wing today," Mr Mulvaney added.

Download the Belfast Telegraph App Get quick and easy access to the latest Northern Ireland news, sport, business and opinion with the Belfast Telegraph App.

Belfast Telegraph

The Minister of Education, Sorin Cimpeanu, held discussions on Thursday with education trade unionists and representatives of the organizations in the field and stated in a press conference that no reference was made to the cancellation or postponement of national exams.

Minister Cimpeanu met with representatives of the trade unions Spiru Haret, FSLI, Alma Mater, the National Council of Students, the National Federation of Parents' Associations from Pre-university Education, but also of the students from the National Alliance of Romanian Student Organizations, the National Union of Romanian Students and the Union of Romanian Students.

According to the minister, the national exams must take place on the planned dates, with physical presence and on subjects that must be adapted to what has been taught and what the students have assimilated.

"Under no circumstances has there been any discussion about cancelling or delaying the national examinations. For predictability, national exams must be conducted on the planned dates, with physical presence and on subjects that will really have to be effectively adapted to what has been taught and what the student has assimilated. What has been taught we know from the reports, what the student has assimilated you will be able to know after a personalized evaluation. Because there are big discrepancies that we need to recognize, to assume and see what we can do better to mitigate the losses. No one claims that we will be able to compensate for absolutely all losses, it is important to compensate as much of these losses as possible," the Education Minister said.

Asked about the amount of the Education budget he expects this year, Sorin Cimpeanu replied: "A budget higher in absolute value than the 2020 budget."


Vice President Constantino Chiwenga yesterday toured the site of the Mbuya Nehanda statue and was satisfied with the work done so far which is 80 percent complete.

He was accompanied by Local Government and Public Works Acting Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere and Deputy Minister Marian Chombo. The tour was to allow the Vice President to assess progress made to date.

During the tour, the contractor said progress now stands at 80 percent with 20 percent still remaining on site with all concrete works, that is staircases, ramps and foundations, and fabrication of the steel bridge now complete.

VP Chiwenga thanked all involved for their commitment and dedication.

Government is erecting a memorial statue for Zimbabwes First Chimurenga war heroine  Mbuya Nehanda  in Harare to honour her for her heroic rebellion against colonialism, resulting in her paying the ultimate price by being hanged in 1898.

The memorial statue is being erected at the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way.

Construction started on June 25 last year. The Mbuya Nehanda statue project is about remembering and paying tribute as a nation, as a people, to an ancestor whose contribution to history deserves recognition.

President Mnangagwa recently said Mbuya Nehandas statue must be redone to capture the image that all recognise, backed by contemporary photographs.

This followed the Presidents visit to Nyati Gallery near Snake Park late last year, where he was presented with a youthful version of Mbuya Nehanda by sculptor David Mutasa, who has been tasked with making a statue of the iconic spirit medium.

However, the youthful portrayal of the heroine in was contrary to the older image that Zimbabweans had become accustomed to through archival memory, leading to public outrage. Herald
Joe Scarborough drops F-bomb on TV, calls for Trumps arrest

Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough is furious after a pro-Trump mob breached the U.S. Capitol, dropping an F-bomb on live TV Thursday. If these insurrectionists were Black, they would have been shot in the face, the MSNBC host said. And my god, if these insurrectionists were Muslim they would have been sniped from the top of buildings. So I want to know from the Capitol Hill police  what, is it just white people? Or is it Donald Trump supporters? Why do you scream at people for walking across the street three blocks away from the Capitol? Why are you known as these badasses around the Capitol? But then Trump supporters come in and you open the f---ing doors for them. You open the doors for them and let them breach the peoples house. What is wrong with you?

Scarborough, a former Republican lawmaker who represented Florida in the House of Representatives, said President Donald Trump, his lawyer Rudy Giuliani, and the presidents son, Donald Trump, Jr., should be arrested for insurrection. Are we a nation of laws? Are we a nation of one man? Scarborough asked, blaming Trump for inciting violence with comments Wednesday like take back our country and Lets walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. Scarborough further demanded every person that invaded our Capitol be arrested and brought to justice; police said 54 people were arrested as of Wednesday night, but many left the Capitol freely.

Joe Scarborough calls for the immediate arrest of Trump, Giuliani and Trump Jr. for insurrection against the United States pic.twitter.com/4z5CPjATwQ  John Kruzel (@johnkruzel) January 7, 2021

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The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
From what I could see, while visiting the outdoor Trump rally and the Capitol protest wearing a mask and from a safe social distance, most of the crowd was no less peaceful than those at other Trump rallies. Whether I agree with their views or not, they certainly have a right to peacefully protest.
New York City is looking into legal options to challenge state vaccination rules that have left thousands of Covid-19 doses unused.

Health officials have thousands of shots available "without arms to give injections to," Mitchell Katz, chief executive officer of NYC Health and Hospitals, said in a Thursday briefing.

Now that every eligible worker in the city's 11 public hospitals who wants to be vaccinated has received a shot, Mayor Bill de Blasio is pushing Governor Andrew Cuomo to give the city the freedom to expand eligibility for police, firefighters, correction officers and people over 75 to get inoculated. So far, Governor Cuomo has resisted.

New York City's public hospital system, the largest in the U.S., has "almost no one left to vaccinate within its employee base," de Blasio said in the briefing. "We could be reaching folks this minute who are vulnerable. I'll speak to our law department further, because I think what's happening here makes no sense."

The initial batch of vaccines is reserved for health-care workers. Until all those people are vaccinated, Cuomo has said he doesn't want to provide vaccines to other vulnerable groups. That's left the city with thousands of vaccinations in storage.

Cuomo's office did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Around 30% of health-care workers in New York City have resisted getting vaccinated, either because they distrust the shot or believe they have become immune through prior infection, said Katz. "All of a sudden, we have appointments available."

Some surplus doses are being distributed to health workers outside the city's system, to private hospitals, dentists, home health aides and optometrists, Katz said. Even with that effort, thousands more doses remain unused, which could be given to patients in public hospitals over 75, who statistically are most at risk of severe illness and death if infected, he said.

The issue has become yet another point of division between the mayor and the governor. The feud flared up this week after New York City tried to offer the shots to firefighters and other first responders. Police, firefighters, and correction officers are included in the next tier of eligibility, so the state instructed the city to stand down.

"The city had a plan to vaccinate 10,000 police and fire personnel by Sunday and the state said you can't do that," de Blasio said. "I have a huge number of folks over 75 who are ready right now, correctional officers, firefighters, but the state wont allow it."
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) -Silver Dollar Resources Inc. (CSE: SLV) (OTCQB: SLVDF) ("Silver Dollar" or the "Company") announces that it has been requested by OTC Markets Group Inc. ("OTC Markets") to issue this statement about promotional activity concerning its common stock.

On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, OTC Markets informed the Company that it became aware of certain promotional activities concerning the Company and its common stock traded on the OTCQB Marketplace, including the distribution of two promotional newsletter emails published by CrushTheStreet.com ("CTS") and Wealth Research Group ("WRG") discussing the emerging bull market for commodities, particularly silver, and citing the Company in both publications. OTC Markets provided examples of the promotional material for reference.

Both CTS and WRG are third-party marketing and advertising firms retained by the Company to provide content distribution and advertising services. Each of the newsletters presented factual statements regarding the silver market and indicated the Company's potential for growth as a result of the Company's advanced stage La Joya Silver Project in Durango, Mexico. The Company provided CTS and WRG publicly available source information for the newsletters and did have editorial control over the materials, including reviewing the materials for factual accuracy prior to their dissemination.

The Company does not believe the statements in the newsletters were false or misleading. The Company has been advised by OTC Markets that OTC Markets takes the position that aspects of the statements were overly promotional. The Company wishes to caution readers that these statements are speculative in nature. For more complete and specific information regarding the Company, its prospects and the risks associated with those prospects, readers should consult the Company's public filings on SEDAR, its website and other reliable sources. The Company encourages investors to contact their investment advisors prior to making any investment.

Further, the Company understands this promotional activity may have coincided with increased trading activity in the Company's common shares beginning on or about January 4, 2021. The Company does not believe the promotional activities were a factor in the recent increase in trading volume in the Company's common shares. Instead, the Company attributes the increase to currently heightened interest in development-stage mineral projects, particularly gold and silver.

After an inquiry by management, none of the Company's executive officers, directors or, to the knowledge of the Company, any controlling shareholders, except as outlined below, sold or purchased shares of common stock of the Company within the past 90 days.

Within the past 90 days, Mr. Joseph Jerome Smulders and Mr. Garry Clark, directors of the Company, sold shares in the context of the market and made all required securities filings in connection with such trades. Further information on these transactions can found at www.sedi.ca .

In the last twelve months, the Company has engaged Joseph Cullen, Gold Standard Media LLC, Future Money Trends LLC, Wallace Hill Partners Ltd., Pinnacle Ad Network and David Skarica to provide investor relations, public relations services, marketing or other related services.

The OTC Markets has further requested that the Company state whether it has issued any shares or convertible instruments allowing conversion to equity securities at prices constituting a discount to the current market rate at the time of the issuance. The Company represents, as disclosed in its public filings on SEDAR and allowed under the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, that is has issued common shares at a discount to the market price at the time of the offering, as more fully described below.

On September 17, 2020, pursuant to a private placement the Company issued 7,500,000 common shares at a price of $1.40 per common share. The market price of the Company's common shares on September 17, 2020 was $1.70. On December 29, 2020, pursuant to a private placement the Company issued 400,000 common shares at a price of $1.40 per common share. The market price of the Company's common shares on December 29, 2020 was $1.77.

About Silver Dollar Resources Inc.

Silver Dollar Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration company focused on creating shareholder value by finding and developing economic precious and base metal deposits. Having completed its initial public offering in May 2020, the Company trades on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "SLV". Silver Dollar's projects are located in two of the prolific mining jurisdictions in the world and include the advanced exploration/development stage La Joya Silver Project in Durango, Mexico, and the discovery-stage Pakwash Lake and the Longlegged Lake properties in the Red Lake Mining District of Ontario, Canada. The Company has an aggressive growth strategy and is actively reviewing projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions internationally for potential acquisition.

For additional information, you can visit our website by clicking here, download our latest presentation by clicking here and you can follow us on Twitter by clicking here.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "Michael Romanik"

Michael Romanik,

President, CEO & Director

Silver Dollar Resources Inc.

Direct line: (204) 724-0613 | Email: romanikm@mymts.net

108 - 800 Kelly Road, Suite 416, Victoria, BC, V9B 6J9

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71594
The richest private colleges in the U.S. will see about $85 million less in government stimulus money to contend with the covid-19 crisis.

Harvard, Princeton and Yale are among the wealthy institutions that would be affected because of a provision that singled them out. The American Council on Education, a trade group, estimated the loss for the group of about 30 schools that are subject to the college endowment tax.

The stimulus payments will be reduced by 50% under the legislation passed last month, which allocated about $20 billion for non-profit higher education institutions. The cut is being made as U.S. colleges and universities face financial turmoil with the pandemic leading to a drop in enrollment, empty dorms and increased expenses.

"We're getting this weaponization of tax and funding policy against institutions that are seen as affluent," said Steven Bloom, the American Council's assistant vice president for government relations. "They're seeing financial challenges too. They're not immune to it. They're taking steps to cut costs because they have lost revenue and increased financial burdens across the board."

Slashing the stimulus is another blow for colleges that in 2017 were hit with the federal endowment tax. The levy, passed with the Republican tax cuts, amounts to 1.4% of net investment income. The wealthiest private schools, those with endowment assets of more than $500,000 per student and more than 500 tuition-paying students, are subject to it.

The same group is slated to receive less money this time -- and with strings attached, legislative documents show. Buried deep in the law is a provision mandating that schools spend the money only on pandemic-related expenses. In the first stimulus allocation, they had some discretion on spending.

Several schools including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and Yale universities declined the payments they were entitled to last year. President Donald Trump and U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos denounced them before the schools took a pass on the aid.

Representatives from Harvard and Stanford didn't respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for Princeton declined to comment while Yale didn't immediately provide comment.

Washington and Lee University may see its current payment reduced to about $710,000 from $1.4 million in the aid program, according to estimates from vice president for finance Steve McAllister. The school passed on the money from the first stimulus and its finance committee is exploring what to do now, he said in an email.

The University of Notre Dame is expected to forgo the money, having already turned down the first round last year, said Paul Browne, a spokesman.

"The tax is unfair and can be used as a continual model for mischief making, in some cases with malicious intent, toward the most successful universities in the country," Browne said.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of today's events, the American Sustainable Business Council released the following statement from CEO Jeffrey Hollender and President David Levine:

"The assault on our nation's Capitol is sad and horrifying, but unfortunately is the culmination of serious and repeated attacks on our democracy, and too many who now condemn the mob either enabled the lies and lawless behavior or at best averted their eyes. This behavior is not only unacceptable, but those responsible, as well as those who encouraged and incited it, must be held accountable.

"This riot was frankly an act of domestic terrorism and was both a physical and symbolic desecration of the citadel of our republic, a citadel long recognized around the world as the representation of the rule of law and government of the people. But as disgusting and dangerous as today's events were, we should neither have been surprised nor unprepared. While the mob attacked from the outside, members of Congress inside the building were in the midst of their very own assault on democracy, challenging a free and fair election with no basis or evidence. Just yesterday, ASBC and over 100 of our members, including Ben and Jerry's, Patagonia and Seventh Generation called on members of Congress to defend democracy by not challenging an election that local, state and federal election experts, the U.S. Attorney General and dozens of courts have found was fair and free of any serious issues, notwithstanding the repeated lies of President Trump and his allies, lies he repeated tonight even as he told the mob occupying the Capitol that he loved them.

"As such, we call on Congress to move as quickly as possible to unanimously confirm the Electoral College victory of Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris.

"We call on Vice President Pence and the current Cabinet to execute the provisions of the 25thAmendment to remove Donald Trump immediately to avoid further violence and his efforts to undermine our democracy.

"We finally call on Congress to impeach and convict Donald J. Trump of high crimes against the United States to protect our democracy by assuring he is no longer eligible to serve in any federal office.

"It is time to recommit ourselves to our values and our principles, on which we depend on our ability to restore our economy, overcome this pandemic and rebuild a better and more equitable and just society.

US business organizations and individual businesses from all sectors must stand together now to reclaim our democracy."

The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) partners with business organizations and companies to advocate for solutions and policies that support an equitable, sustainable, stakeholder economy. ASBC represents over 250,000 sustainable businesses in a wide range of industries and geographies.

Media Contact:

Thomas Oppel

(202) 660-1455

[email protected]

SOURCE American Sustainable Business Council

Related Links

http://asbcouncil.org


The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), under the Govt. of Gujarat, has invited online applications format from eligible and interested candidates for filling One Thousand One Thirty-Six (1,136) vacancies to the post of Female Health Worker (FHW), Multi-Purpose Health Worker (MPHW), Female Health Supervisor (FHS), Multi-Purpose Health Supervisor (MPHS) through direct recruitment to be posted at Surat in Gujarat, India on a fulltime basis. The application process towards the same started on January 04, 2021 and closes on January 13, 2021 by 11:30 pm.

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Female Health Worker (FHW), Multi-Purpose Health Worker (MPHW), Female Health Supervisor (FHS), Multi-Purpose Health Supervisor (MPHS) Organisation Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) Educational Qualification Class 10/Matriculation or equivalent; possess a General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) Degree/B.Sc Nursing and other required qualifications Experience Freshers can apply Job Responsibilities null Skills Required Desirable Job Location Surat Salary Scale As per the SMC Surat Recruitment 2021 norms Industry Civic Body, Surat Application Start Date January 4, 2021 Application End Date January 13, 2021

Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2021: Age Criteria And Fees

Candidates interested in applying for SMC Surat Jobs 2021 through Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2021 must meet the age criteria as per the SMC Gujarat norms, with relaxation (upper age limit) for reserved categories as per the SMC norms and Gujarat Govt. guidelines as mentioned in the Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment Notification 2021.

For details regarding fee towards application processing for SMC Surat Jobs 2021 through Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2021, refer to the official SMC Surat Recruitment Notification 2021 notification given at the end of the article.

Also Read: Indian Army Recruitment 2021 For 55 SSC Officers Under NCC (Spl) Entry Scheme, Apply Online Before January 28

Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2021 Vacancy Details

Post Name No. Of Vacancies Female Health Worker (FHW) 487 Multi-Purpose Health Worker (MPHW) 487 Female Health Supervisor (FHS) 81 Multi-Purpose Health Supervisor (MPHS) 81 Total 1,136

Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2021: Educational Criteria And Eligibility

Desirous candidates applying for SMC Surat Jobs 2021 through Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2021 must have passed Class 10/Matriculation or equivalent; possess a General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) Degree/B.Sc Nursing and other required qualifications from a recognised University/Institution as detailed in the Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment Notification 2021.

Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2021: Selection And Pay Scale

The selection of candidates for SMC Surat Jobs 2021 through Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2021 will be done through Shortlisting, Writing/Practical Test and Interview.

Candidates shortlisted for SMC Surat Jobs 2021 through Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2021 will be paid emolument as per the SMC Surat Recruitment 2021 norms.

Also Read: Income Tax Department Recruitment 2021 For 38 Tax Assistant, IT Inspector And MTS Posts In Tamil Nadu IT Dept.

Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2021: How To Apply

Candidates applying for SMC Surat Jobs 2021 through Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2021 must register online on the official Surat Municipal Corp website and submit their applications on or before January 13, 2021.

Download Surat Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2021 Notification PDF for FHW, FHS, MPHW and MPHS posts
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A group of about 30 people gathered Wednesday evening at the site where a Newark detective fatally shot Carl Dorsey III on New Years Day and called for the release of body or dashboard camera video of the incident, though it is unclear if such video exists.

He didnt even stand a chance, Sharif Amenhotep, of the New Black Panther Party for Self Defense, told the crowd of Dorseys death.

Dorsey, of South Orange, was fatally shot by Newark police minutes into the new year, authorities said. Newark police were called to the area of Woodland Avenue and South 11th Street at 12:03 a.m., but authorities have not said what officers were responding to.

The attorney generals office, which is investigating the shooting, on Wednesday identified the police officer involved as Detective Rod Simpkins. Simpkins has been a member of the department for 18 years, according to state pension records.

The office has released few other details about the shooting.

Wednesday night, signs that read Long live Turtle - an apparent nickname for Dorsey - were placed near the mostly vacant Woodlawn Village apartments. The complex closed in 2019, but the Newark Housing Authority gained funding to renovate 47 units this year.

Amenhotep said at Wednesdays protest that eyewitnesses told him Dorsey was not armed at the time of the shooting, but investigating authorities have not yet commented on whether he had a weapon. Amenhotep also called for the officer involved to be criminally charged in the shooting.

Sharif Amenhotep, of the New Jersey chapter of the New Black Panther Party, pays respect to Carl Dorsey prior to the rally. The Newark AntiViolence Coalition sponsors a vigil and rally on S. 11th St. for Carl Dorsey who was killed by Newark Police early New Year's Day. Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Newark, N.J. USA (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media) Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media

Peoples Organization for Progress Chairman Lawrence Hamm was doubtful that the police officer would be charged.

Other people are gonna say Well, were going to make an impartial investigation, Hamm said. Yknow what the end of that impartial investigation is gonna be? No police are gonna go to jail because there are two systems of justice in this country: one system of justice for us and theres another system of justice for the police.

The attorney generals office is handling the investigation per a law that was enacted last year. The law requires the state attorney generals office, instead of county prosecutors, to investigate shootings involving police.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka issued a statement  hours after the attorney generals office sent out a short release about the shooting in the afternoon on New Years Day  that said plainclothes officers arrived to a scene where shots were being fired. The officer, Baraka said, was placed on administrative leave.

Two firearms were also recovered and at least one arrest was made, Baraka said.

Its unclear if any body camera or dash camera footage exists if plainclothes officers were the only cops to respond to the scene. Thats why activists at the rally called on the mayor and city council to require undercover officers be equipped with body cameras.

Newark BOE VP Dawn Haynes speaks to about 30 gathered near where Carl Dorsey was shot. pic.twitter.com/wDNNBf8kQL  Rebecca Panico (@BeccaPanico) January 6, 2021

NJ Advance Media asked authorities on Jan. 2 for the names and charges of those who were arrested in the shooting on New Years Day. The Newark Public Safety Department referred all questions to the state Attorney Generals Office, which did not respond at the time.

The Newark Public Safety Department and the state Attorney Generals Office did immediately not respond to a public records request made on Wednesday seeking the same information. Generally, the identities and charges of those who are arrested should be made public within 24-hours of the incident under state law.

Newark Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 12 President James Stewart told NJ Advance Media that officers heard gunfire and drove toward it, finding themselves in the middle of a running gunfight between multiple people.

They became targets and did what they had to do to protect themselves, Stewart previously said. Their actions were nothing short of heroic, and Newark is lucky to have officers like these out there every day working to make the city a safe place.

Sharif Amenhotep, left, of the New Jersey chapter of the New Black Panther Party, addresses the crowd Wednesday night. The Newark AntiViolence Coalition sponsors a vigil and rally on S. 11th St. for Carl Dorsey who was killed by Newark Police early New Year's Day. Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Newark, N.J. USA (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media) Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media

The shooting comes at a time when activists and city leaders are re-examining the relationship with the police department, more so in the wake of George Floyds death in Minneapolis polices custody. Baraka in the summer signed a local ordinance that diverted $11 million from the public safety department to social services shortly after protesters marched in Newark against police brutality.

For years, Barakas administration pushed for a civilian complaint review board with subpoena power to investigate allegations of police misconduct. The boards creation was challenged by the Newark Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 12, and the state Supreme Court ruled against the boards subpoena power this summer.

Newark police are also under a federal review after a pattern of unconstitutional practices were found in the department around 2014 in a U.S. Department of Justice investigation. The city and police department agreed to a list of reforms known as a consent decree.

The police department has made strides since then. Newark Public Safety Department Director Anthony Ambrose touted at the end of 2020 that no officers fired their guns throughout the year, due in part to de-escalation training.

The last time a Newark cop fatally shot someone was in 2019, when officer Jovanny Crespo killed Gregory Griffin and wounded Andrew Dixon as their car fled from police. Crespo was indicted on charges including manslaughter, and court records indicate that his case is still ongoing.

Zaid Muhammad, of the Newark AntiViolence Coalition, listens to a speaker during the rally. The Newark AntiViolence Coalition sponsors a vigil and rally on S. 11th St. for Carl Dorsey who was killed by Newark Police early New Year's Day. Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Newark, N.J. USA (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media) Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media

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Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com.

With drawn guns and teargas, police sought to clear the U.S. Capitol building of hundreds of protesters who stormed the building and sought to force Congress to undo President Donald Trumps election loss on Wednesday as lawmakers convened to certify President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate were evacuated after pro-Trump protesters surged through the halls of Congress, forcing both chambers to suspend deliberations.

One protester occupied the Senate dais and yelled, Trump won that election. Protesters overturned barricades and clashed with police as thousands descended on the Capitol grounds.

Biden, a Democrat who defeated the Republican president in the Nov. 3 election and is due to take office on Jan. 20, said the activity of the protesters borders on sedition.

The former vice president said that for demonstrators to storm the Capitol, smash windows, occupy offices, invade the halls of Congress and threaten the safety of duly elected officials: Its not a protest, its insurrection.

I call on this mob to pull back and allow the work of democracy to go forward, Biden added, urging Trump to go on national television to demand an end to this siege.

In a video posted to Twitter, Trump repeated his false claims about election fraud but urged the protesters to leave.

You have to go home now, we have to have peace, he said.

Video showed protesters breaking windows and police deploying teargas inside the building. Local media reported that one person had been shot and video showed a person being wheeled from the building on a stretcher.

Vice President Mike Pence, who had presided over the joint session of Congress, had already been escorted from the Senate.

The chaotic scenes unfolded after Trump, who before the election refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he lost, addressed thousands of protesters, repeating unfounded claims that the contest was stolen from him due to widespread election fraud and irregularities. Lawmakers had been debating a last-ditch effort by pro-Trump lawmakers to challenge the results, an effort that was unlikely to succeed.

Critics had called the effort by the Republican lawmakers an attack on American democracy and the rule of law and an attempted legislative coup.

The top two Democrats in Congress, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer, called on Trump to demand that all the protesters leave the Capitol and its grounds immediately.

Capitol Police told lawmakers in the House chamber to take gas masks from beneath their seats and prepare to put them on. Officers at the front door of the House chamber had their guns drawn as someone attempted to enter the chamber.

Officers ordered people in the chamber to drop to the floor for their safety. Several hundred House members, staff and press were evacuated to an undisclosed location and were told not to leave.

Election officials of both parties and independent observers have said there was no significant fraud in the Nov. 3 contest, which Biden won by more than 7 million votes in the national popular vote.

Weeks have passed since the states completed certifying that Biden, a Democrat, won the election by 306 Electoral College votes to Trumps 232. Trumps extraordinary challenges to Bidens victory have been rejected by courts across the country.

WE WILL NOT TAKE IT

Trump had pressed Pence to throw out election results in states the president narrowly lost, though Pence has no authority to do so.

Our country has had enough and we will not take it any more, Trump said at the rally.

The certification in Congress, normally a formality, had been expected to stretch for several hours as some Republican lawmakers mounted an effort to reject some state tallies, starting with Arizona.

Republicans and Democrats, who had been bitterly divided over that effort, both called on protesters to stand down.

This is un-American and this has to stop, said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, a Trump ally who supported the Republican effort to challenge the results.

That attempt was unlikely to succeed, as even many Republicans opposed it.

If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side, our democracy would enter a death spiral, said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who helped give Trump some of his biggest accomplishments.

Schumer called the challenges in Congress by Trump allies an attempted coup and said, The Congress does not determine the outcome of an election. The people do.

Outside the Capitol, members of militia groups and far-right groups, some in body armor, mingled with the crowds.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered a citywide curfew starting at 6 p.m. (2300 GMT).

Pence rebuffed Trumps demand that he reject state electoral votes on the same day Trumps fellow Republicans were poised to lose their majority in the Senate.

We will never give up, Trump earlier told thousands of cheering supporters on a grassy expanse near the White House called the Ellipse. We will never concede. It doesnt happen. You dont concede when theres theft involved.

Mike Pence, I hope youre going to stand up for the good of our Constitution and the good of our country. And if youre not, Im going to be very disappointed in you, Trump said.

In a statement, Pence said he shares the concerns about the integrity of the election but that is not correct that he should be able to accept or reject electoral votes unilaterally.

The U.S. Constitution does not give Pence the power to unilaterally overturn the results of the election.

The protests drew international condemnation, with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said democracys enemies would be cheered by scenes of violence at the U.S. Capitol.

Trump and his supporters must accept the decision of American voters at last and stop trampling on democracy, Maas said.

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When a mob of pro-Trump insurgents rushed the U.S. Capitol yesterday, conspiracy theorists and extremists were among them in full force.

Groups including QAnon and the Proud Boys have been linked to the Jan. 6 failed insurrection, according to CNN's Casey Tolen, Rob Kuznia and Bob Ortega. During the Capitol breach, one woman was killed, three died of health issues, two pipe bombs were found and dozens were arrested for violating curfew, according to the Associated Press.

In a stunning video from HuffPost's Igor Bobic, insurgents broke through the building and made their way into a Senate Chamber.

"Leave now!" one of the rioters shouted. "This is our government!"

One of the most notable protestors is known is Jake Angeli, also known as "QAnon Shaman." Shirtless and donning a horned helmet, Angeli is shown roaming through the Capitol halls. When you take a look at Angeli's Facebook page, his posts embrace the theories of QAnon. According to Arizona Republic's Richard Ruelas, Angeli has proclaimed his QAnon beliefs outside the Arizona Capitol since 2019.

"The snowball has been rolling and it's only getting bigger," Angeli said. "We're the mainstream now."

What is QAnon?

Followers of QAnon adhere to a conspiracy theory asserting that President Trump is waging a war against Satan-worshipping pedophiles in business, media and government, according to the BBC's Mike Wendling. Believers of QAnon want to fight until the end when there is a day of reckoning and Hillary Clinton is arrested and executed, according to Wendling.

Who are the Proud Boys?

The Proud Boys are a far-right men's organization of "Western chauvinists." According to extremism researchers, the Proud Boys have embraced anti-homosexual, anti-Muslim, and anti-immigration views on social media, Wall Street Journal's Rachel Levy reports.

After the insurrection at the Capitol, far-right extremists falsely blamed Antifa for the pro-Trump insurrection. Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona spread an evidence-free conspiracy theory on Twitter, ironically blasting Antifa for the pro-Trump mob.

"This has all the hallmarks of the Antifa provocation," Rep. Paul Gosar tweeted. The tweet was flagged by Twitter.
(Newser)  The woman fatally shot as rioters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday has been identified by relatives as Ashli Babbit, a 35-year-old San Diego resident. Her husband tells KUSI that Babbit was a four-term Air Force veteran and a "strong supporter of President Trump." DC Police Chief Robert Contee says the woman was shot by a Capitol Police officer as rioters tried to break into the House chamber, WUSA-9 reports. "This is a tragic incident," Contee says. "And I send my condolences to the victim's family and friends." Social media postings suggest Babbit supported the QAnon conspiracy theory.

story continues below

Video of the shooting shows that the woman was shot after rioters smashed the glass at the top of barricaded doors to the corridor leading to the House chamber, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "We had stormed into the chambers inside. And there was a young lady who rushed through the windows," a witness told WUSA-9. "A number of police and Secret Service were saying get back, get down, get out of the way. She didnt heed the call and as we kind of raced up to grab people and pull them back, they shot her in the neck." She died after being hospitalized in critical condition. Contee says three other people died after suffering "medical emergencies" during the breach, the AP reports. (Read more U.S. Capitol stories.)

Mumbai:

Malaysian budget airlines group, AirAsia on Thursday announced discounted fares, starting as low as Rs 1,099 for domestic destinations operated by its Indian joint venture carrier and Rs 2,999 for International flights operated by other group airlines under a limited period offer.

Travellers can enjoy fares from as low as Rs 1,099 to domestic destinations such as Bengaluru, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa, Srinagar, Ranchi, Kolkata operated by AirAsia India, AirAsia said in a release.

The tickets under the discounted ticket offer can be booked from June 4 to June 11 for a travel period between January 15, 2018 and August 28, 2018, it said.

AirAsia India currently flies to Bengaluru, Kochi, Goa, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Pune, New Delhi, Guwahati, Imphal, Vizag, Hyderabad, Srinagar and Bagdogra, Kolkata and Ranchi with a fleet of ten A320 aircraft.

The big sale promotion will connect travellers to over 120 destinations across Asia, Australia and beyond, the release said adding that the fares are for a single journey and inclusive of all charges, including airport fee.

The customers can also fly to international destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and many more destinations operated by AirAsia Berhad, Thai AirAsia, AirAsia X Berhad and Indonesia AirAsia X with their fares starting from as low as Rs 2,999, it said.

Guests travelling on AirAsia X will also be able to enjoy its premium flatbed (business class) to Sydney, Melbourne, Korea, Bali as well as destinations in Japan for just Rs 11,999, the release said.

Big sale is the best time to lock down travel plans for next year. With so many fantastic destinations on offer, its perfect for a long break or even just a quick weekend getaway, AirAsia India Chief Executive Officer Amar Abrol said.

The lowest fare under the big sale offer applies to all bookings made through AirAsia portal and its mobile app, the airline said in the release.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The team working to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsom condemned the mob of Trump supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol building Wednesday, in addition to an ally who pushed a baseless theory that antifa  an umbrella description for far-left militant groups  are the ones responsible for the violence.

"We have no interest in what took place in D.C. yesterday and we had no part in it," said Orrin Heatlie, the lead proponent of the recall efforts and a retired sergeant in Yolo County Sheriffs Office. "We condemn all acts of violence and vandalism committed yesterday."

The recall organizers have been called "pro-Trump, anti-vaccine extremists"  a label the group strongly rejects  by Newsom spokesperson Dan Newman.

Since the beginning of the recall campaign, Newsom allies have worked to tie the recall to President Donald Trump since the president is deeply unpopular in the state, losing it by nearly 30 percentage points in the 2020 presidential election.

Recall campaign senior advisor Randy Economy characterized the attempts as a cynical, ineffective ploy.

"Weve had people come to our table, sign our petition, and then say right afterwards, 'Yeah! Now lets go impeach Trump!'" he said. "We've got people who are very dissatisfied with Trump signing it, we have lifelong Democrats on our team who are frustrated with Newsom. Newsom has frustrated everyone in this state."

The recall campaign also distanced itself from California Senate Minority Leader Shannon Grove, a Bakersfield Republican who sits as an honorary co-chair of Rescue California, a political action committee aiding the recall efforts that received a pair of large donations two weeks ago. Economy and Heatlie's group had a subsequent falling out with Rescue California.

On Wednesday, Grove shared a tweet from pro-Trump attorney and conspiracy theorist Lin Wood (who has since been banned from Twitter) claiming antifa members were the ones who ransacked the Capitol. Grove has since deleted the tweet.

"Shannon Grove's comments are not at all associated with the recall in any way," Heatlie said. "These are irresponsible reports on social media and we should all wait for official information that will be uncovered by the FBI."

Conservative activist Andy Ngo  one of the right's leading voices on antifa  has strongly pushed back on the baseless theory propagated by Grove and other elected Republican officials, including Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. A well-known QAnon promoter who was shirtless and wearing a fuzzy hat in the Capitol building has even taken to Twitter to try to clear his name after Wood accused him of being an antifa member.

Many Californians attended the Wednesday protest and subsequent riot. Former San Francisco mayoral candidate Ellen Lee Zhou attended and said some California Trump supporters drove five days to attend the event, and the woman who was shot dead inside the Capitol was a QAnon supporter from San Diego who had a number of anti-Newsom tweets.

Heatlie said he's not worried about the possibility that the Capitol chaos could give pause to Californians who dislike both Trump and Newsom but do not want to make common cause with those tied to Wednesday's national embarrassment.

"Around 1 million people have signed so far, and a large portion of those people are Democrats," he said. "We've got libertarians, Republicans, some who are pro-Trump some who are against Trump; it's completely a state issue. This is about Gavin Newsom and his handling of California. Not Donald Trump."
New Delhi, Jan 7 : With over 1,600 tech start-ups and a record number of 12 additional unicorns added in 2020 -- the highest ever in a single calendar year -- the Indian tech start-up base witnessed a steady growth at a scale of 8-10 per cent (year-on-year), Nasscom said on Thursday.

Nearly 14 per cent of total investments in 2020 were in deep-tech start-ups, up from 11 per cent in 2019.

Further, 87 per cent of all deep-tech investments were in AI/ML start-ups, according to the annual report by Nasscom in partnership with a global management and strategy consulting firm Zinnov.

"With the continued addition of new start-ups, booming unicorns and increased adoption of deep-tech, the ecosystem shows an even more promising future," said Debjani Ghosh, President, Nasscom.

Despite a lower number of total start-up deals in 2020, seed-stage investments are recovering at a good pace as investor activity at lower ticket sizes has increased, the report mentioned.

Seed-stage funding in 2020 recovered to more than 90 per cent of 2019 levels.

"Early and Late-stage investments are also recovering steadily. An increase in median deal size is further underscoring investor confidence and a willingness to take big bets," the report added.

Sectors with Covid-19 tailwinds such as EdTech, BFSI, AgriTech, Gaming, etc., are witnessing a steady increase in first time funding, up from 29 per cent in 2019 to 42 per cent in 2020, garnering a 14 per cent growth in absolute numbers.

Investor sentiment is also recovering with the second half of 2020 funding up by two times over the first half.

"2021 will be the 'Decade of Collaboration' where entrepreneurs engaging more with not just their peers but also with the government, corporates, and the manufacturing ecosystem, will catapult India's dreams of becoming a trillion-dollar economy," said Pari Natarajan, CEO, Zinnov.

Remote working continues to see significant adoption amongst tech start-ups, with around 30-35 per cent offering remote roles and 15-20 per cent companies having committed to remote work culture, as per NASSCOM tech start-up survey.

2021 promises a return to normalcy for the Indian tech start-up ecosystem.

"Deep-tech and new start-up hubs will continue to grow at 40-45 per cent CAGR. While the investments in 2020 were significantly lower than in 2019, recovery in deal pace and investments is expected to return to 2019 levels, if not exceed in 2021," the report noted.

In terms of total unicorns, India is on track to have a 50-plus strong Unicorn club in 2021.
[January 06, 2021] Wave Money reports record growth in 2020 as Myanmar embraces mobile financial services to cope with COVID-19

Impact, Innovation and Inclusion Through Difficult Times Highlights for 2020: Remittance value totalled 12 Trillion Myanmar Kyat ( US$ 8.7 billion )

) 88 Billion Myanmar Kyat ( US$ 65 Million ) distributed as agent commissions

) distributed as agent commissions Over 5.4 million monthly active users, comprised of:

over 1.5 million WavePay digital monthly active users



over 3.9 million Wave Money OTC monthly active users

32 Billion Myanmar Kyat ( US$ 24 Million ) disbursed for NGOs, humanitarian and government agencies, and over 300,000 recipients YANGON, Myanmar, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wave Money, the leading mobile financial services provider in Myanmar, moved a total of 12 trillion Myanmar kyat (US$ 8.7 billion) in 2020 as the country rapidly embraced digital financial services in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This figures doubles from last year's 6.4 trillion kyat (US$ 4.3 billion) and is equivalent to 11.5% of Myanmar's estimated 2020 gross domestic product (GDP) of US$ 75.5 billion. From January to December in 2020, Wave Money also reported over 1.5 million monthly active users (MAU) of its digital application WavePay and more than 3.9 million MAU of its agent-led money transfer services. "Wave Money's commitment to create a fairer future for Myanmar proved stronger than ever amid this year of disruption and adversity. Through all the challenges, we continue to focus on driving impact, innovation and inclusion as we provide an essential service to millions of customers, businesses, government and humanitarian organisations," said Brad Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Wave Money. Of the 2020 figures, donation and disbursements to those severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic reached 32 billion kyat (US$ 24 million), peaking during the first wave of the crisis from April to June 2020. To date, relief efforts facilitated by Wave Money have reached more than 300,000 people. Economic Lifeline Through its agent network comprised mostlyof women, Wave Money has created sustainable livelihood, especially in the countryside. From January to December 2020, the company paid 88 Billion Myanmar Kyat (US$ 65 million) in agent commissions, which is nearly 60% more than in 2019.



"Beyond contributing to the COVID-19 efforts, we are delighted to help keep the wheels of Myanmar's economy moving. Money transfers, utilities payments, shopping for food and other necessities have all had to be done mostly digitally for people's safety. This has helped businesses, particularly SMEs to stay afloat, and allowed all of us to cope and carry on with our daily lives," Brad Jones added. Wave Money is a convenient, secure and reliable mobile financial service that can be widely accessed via mobile phone and through an extensive agent network across the country. It is the largest in Myanmar with more than 68,000 agents and coverage of 91% of the country.

In recognition of its innovative services and social impact, Wave Money was named "Best Digital Wallet of the Year" and "Best Mobile Payments Services" by Digital Banker at the 2020 Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards in Singapore in December 2020. Essential Service When the Myanmar government released its COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan, mobile financial services were among the list of essential services and Wave Money was singled out as an example of a digital payment platform onto which government services would be delivered. In early April 2020, Wave Money was the first to announce that it would make all COVID-19 related disbursements free-of-charge to help organisations that are delivering aid to vulnerable sectors. "We have an agile team with a clear purpose of serving Myanmar while accelerating financial inclusion. Our technology is excellent, secure and always ready to be used for greater good," said Brad Jones. Wave Money is currently supporting 37 projects, including social security payments under the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population; loan disbursements for farmers from the Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank; cash transfers to pregnant women and children under the Maternal and Child Cash Transfer program of the Department of Social Welfare, and the emergency funds for laid off garment workers from the Myan Ku Fund project of the European Union which is financed through the European Union's Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus Response Mechanism managed by the United Nations Office for Project's Services. Wave Money also continues to mobilise and disburse donations in partnership with various corporates, individuals, and social impact organisations for the National Level Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19 under its kindness initiative "WavePay it Forward." About Wave Money Wave Money is the leading mobile financial services provider operating with over 68,000 Wave shops across Myanmar. Wave Money is a joint venture between Telenor Group, Yoma Bank and Singapore Exchange listed Yoma Strategic Holdings and provides easy, fast and reliable mobile financial services through a nationwide agent network. Wave Money introduced a unique way of transferring money, bringing millions of people in Myanmar access to formal financial services. Through Wave Money, thousands of people a day are sending money anywhere and at any time. The Wave Money call center operates 24/7 and is always available to respond to any customer queries. For more information, please visit: http://www.wavemoney.com.mm. About WavePay Introduced by Wave Money, WavePay is a mobile wallet application that delivers a new era of digital finance for Myanmar. WavePay was launched in 2018 to make every day financial transactions more convenient and accessible for the people of Myanmar. WavePay offers major use cases such as money transfer services, mobile top-up, bill payment, loan repayment, basic utility services payment, merchant payments, ticketing services and donations. In partnership with other digital companies, WavePay fosters a vibrant fintech ecosystem and an enriching, secure and convenient digital payment experience. SOURCE Wave Money

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Sasikala to be released from Parappana Agrahara jail on January 27?

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Jan 07: Late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's aide V K Sasikala, who is serving a four year prison term in a Bengaluru prison, is expected to be released on January 27

after she deposited Rs 10 crore fine at a special court. Sasikala, lodged at the Parappana Agrahara Prison Bengaluru, was convicted and sentenced in February 2017 in the Rs 66 crore disporportionate assets case.

However, she had applied for remission of her jail term to come out early, sources close to the leader told PTI. The prison authorities have forwarded her application to higher officials.

When the remission of 129 days is applied, the release will be by November end and not the previously expected date of January 2021, he had said. Sasikala has already spent a total of 35 days in jail in 1997 and 2014 and availed a 17 day parole in 2017, which is deducted from the period she already served, he had said.

As per Karnataka Prison Manual, three days of remission for good conduct isavailable for every month in jail and so far, she has completed 43 months, making her eligible for a reduction of 129 days in prison, N Raja Senthoor Pandian, lawyer of the jailed confidante of the late AIADMK supremo said.

"The Karnataka Prison Manual does not have any provision barring remission to those convicted for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. As per the manual, I strongly believe that she will be released by the month end," he said answering a question. When the remission of 129 days is applied, the release will be during the month end and not the previously expected date of January 2021, he said.

Sasikala seeks remission, learnt Kannada while in prison

Efforts are afoot to pay the fine of Rs 10 crore as per the court order, he said. Sasikala has already spent a total of 35 days injail in 1997 and 2014 and availed a 17 day parolein 2017, which is deducted from the period she alreadyserved, he said.

Asked for his reaction to expectations that Sasikala may be released soon, AIADMK senior leader and Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar told reporters that whether she walked out of jail or not will be based on law and regulations and the outcome was immaterial for the party.

As far as AIADMK was concerned, there is no change in its stand, which is that Sasikala, her supporters and in particular her family members, cannot getback to the party, he asserted.

After the Supreme Court restored the trial court judgement in toto againstSasikala and two of her close relatives in the disproportionate assetscase,(V N Sudhakaran and J Elavarasi), she surrendered before the courtin Karnataka on February 15, 2017 and has been lodged in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail.

Her two relatives are also undergoing four years simple imprisonment and all three of them were slapped with a fine of Rs 10 crore each.

With the death of Jayalalithaa in 2016, who was the first accused in the case, the appeal by Karnataka against her stood abated.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 23:34:16|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Two more Cambodian migrant workers tested positive for the COVID-19, bringing the total number of infected workers from Thailand to 20 so far, said a Ministry of Health (MoH) statement on Thursday.

The two, both male in their 20s, returned to Cambodia on Jan. 2 and 4 via land borders, the statement said.

"The results of their samples' tests showed that the two men above were positive for the COVID-19," MoH's secretary of state and spokeswoman Or Vandine said in the statement.

Currently, one patient is undergoing treatment at the Pailin Provincial Referral Hospital and the other at the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Referral Hospital, she added.

Cambodia has so far recorded a total of 385 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with zero deaths and 362 recoveries, Vandine said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 22:27:34|Editor: huaxia

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Photo shows a joint session of Congress to certify the 2020 election results at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 6, 2021. (J. Scott Applewhite/Pool via Xinhua)

Soon after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying Biden's victory, Trump, who had repeatedly refused to concede the election, pledged that there will be an "orderly transition" of power on Jan. 20.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Congress certified President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election early Thursday morning, after supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol, halting the certification process for several hours.

In declaring the final vote totals, Vice President Mike Pence certified the Electoral College count of 306 votes in favor of Biden against 232 in favor of Trump.

It takes at least 270 electoral votes to win the White House. The former U.S. vice president also won the popular vote by more than 7 million ballots.

"The announcement of the state of the vote ... shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of the persons elected President and Vice President of the United States," Pence said.

Soon after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying Biden's victory, Trump, who had repeatedly refused to concede the election, pledged that there will be an "orderly transition" of power on Jan. 20.

"Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," Trump said in a statement.

The U.S. Congress met Wednesday afternoon in a joint session to formally count the electoral votes -- a traditional, ceremonial event.

The moment of security staff in the U.S. Capitol building reacting to the chaotic situation is captured on a screenshot in a video feed from NBC news seen in Arlington, Virginia, the United States, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

Police announced a lockdown on the Capitol after protesters forced their way into the historic building where lawmakers were debating an objection to Arizona's results separately in their own chambers.

A picture showed officers inside the House chamber drawing their guns near a barricaded door in a standoff with protestors.

Four people, including a woman who was shot by Capitol Police, died on Wednesday amid violence on Capitol Hill, which also led to dozens of arrests, according to police. At least 14 officers sustained injuries.

Congress reconvened Wednesday night after the Capitol was cleared for use and riot police secured the perimeter around the complex as a curfew for the District of Columbia took effect.

"Today was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol," Pence said when presiding over a Senate session.

Republicans also launched a formal objection to Pennsylvania's results, in addition to challenging Arizona's. The challenges failed in both the Democratic-led House and the Senate, where Republicans have a slim majority.

Trump has been pushing claims of a "fraudulent" election, which had been dismissed by U.S. courts at different levels due to a profound lack of evidence.

On Wednesday noon, the president addressed a massive crowd of his supporters on the Ellipse, a park just south of the White House, and encouraged demonstrations on Capitol Hill.

In a video clip posted later, he urged the protesters to "go home" but fell short of denouncing the chaos while doubling down on allegations that the election had been "stolen."

Supporters of sitting U.S. President Donald Trump gather at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

A growing number of political figures of both parties, including former U.S. presidents, have denounced the violence at the Capitol. Many took a shot directly at Trump, accusing him of fanning the flames of unrest.

"What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States," Senator Mitt Romney of Utah said in a statement on Wednesday.

Multiple Trump administration officials, including Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger, resigned on Wednesday, with others reportedly considering resignations. Some Cabinet members were reportedly holding preliminary discussions about invoking the 25th Amendment to force Trump's removal from office.

Biden will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, with his party controlling both chambers of Congress, after Democrats were projected to win both U.S. Senate runoffs in the southeastern state of Georgia.

The victories will allow Democrats to split the 100-seat U.S. Senate 50-50 with Republicans. Kamala Harris, after she is sworn in as vice president of the United States, will be in a position to cast the tie-breaking vote. Democrats keep a majority in the House in the 2020 elections but their advantage over Republicans is narrow.

"Biden will be in a much stronger position dealing with Congress because House and Senate Democrats will control the committees, confirmation hearings, and calendar for the legislative agenda," Darrell West, vice president and director of Governance Studies at Washington, D.C.-based think tank Brookings Institution, told Xinhua.

"Even though their majorities are not large, Democrats will be able to move many of their top priorities," West said. "This will include some progressive legislation, but the narrow majorities will force Democrats to focus on a more moderate course of action."

Biden, also a former six-term U.S. senator representing Delaware, vowed on Wednesday to "work with people in both parties -- at the federal, state, and local levels -- to get big things done," including fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. 




Haiti - News : Zapping...





Thomassin 25: robbery defeated

On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, unidentified armed men burst into a supermarket in Thomassin 25 at midday, according to initial information, they sought to seize the money from the safe, but their attempt failed following interventions by security guards at the supermarket, assisted by police officers from a sub-station next door, at least one of the attackers was shot and several others arrested.



Decrees : Referendum and Constitution

In the official journal Le Moniteur supero speicl N1 of January 5, 2021 was published the decree giving the Proviosire Electoral Council (CEP) a legal framework for "the organization and control of the constitutional referendum, as well as the publication of its results. throughout the national territory. Suffrage is direct universal, secret and free" And the decree granting a new period of 2 months to the Independent Advisory Committee for the preparation of the draft of the new Constitution.



Release of Guy Philippe, rejected

Tuesday, January 5, district judge Cecilia M. Altonaga of the Miami Court, rejected the request for early release submitted by Guy Philippe on December 10, 2020. Recall that Guy Philippe was sentenced on June 21, 2017 to a 9-year sentence of prison for money laundering from drug trafficking https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21301-haiti-flash-9-years-in-prison-for-guy-philippe.html , sentence he is serving in a Federal Detention Center in Georgia.



US Consular Section out of fuel

Due to the fuel shortage, the consular section of the United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince is unable to provide routine services until January 10, 2021. Appointments are postponed directly with the candidates. Please call + 509-2229-8000 if you have an emergency.



Incidents at the US Capitol

"The Republic of Haiti deplores the acts of violence that occurred in the Capitol (Parliament), in the United States, on Wednesday, December 6. These actions, of which we had the bitter experience in the Haitian Parliament on September 11, 2019 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-28727-haiti-flash-the-senate-stormed-and-ransacked-by-armed-militants-of-the-opposition.html , constitute threats to democracy. We are confident that the great tradition of its democratic institutions will enable the United States to rise again and quickly turn this dark page in its history," declared Chancellor Claude Joseph



Education : 3 new installations at the Ministry

On Wednesday January 6, 2021, Three executives from the Ministry of National Education were installed, they are: Marie Claire Nadine Henry (34 years of service at the Ministry) promoted as Inspector General of Education at the head of the Directorate of Basic Education (DEF) - Pierrin Thervil, (career 21) as Director of Fundamental Education (DEF) and Jean Lucien Louisme (26 years of experience) as Deputy Director in the Departmental Directorate of Education of West (DDEO)



HL/ HaitiLibre


















(Newser)  Alize James loves "all types of animals," and she proved just how much on Nov. 4. That's when the worker at BullyKamp, a pet shop in Houston, says a man and woman entered the store and, after checking out different dog breeds, decided to buy a bully puppy worth $10,000, per KPRC. James says she left the room for a moment, which is when the couple rushed out of the store, the woman still clutching the dog in her arms, as shown on surveillance footage. James, who says the 7-month-old pup needed medication for a surgery it had recently undergone, ran out after the couple and confronted them at their car. She demanded the dog back, which is when the car lurched forward, throwing her onto the hoodand then kept going, speeding and weaving around the streets of Harris County.

story continues below

"I was hanging on for dear life," James says, per NBC News. (KPRC shows a short clip of James on the hood as the car speeds down the street). After a terrifying 10 minutes, the car finally stopped in a parking lot, at which point the man got out of the car and started punching James in the head, while the woman ripped off James' necklace and scratched her face, police say, per the Star-Telegram. The two ended up getting away with the puppy, but a phone number the woman had given James inside the store led police to 21-year-old Royshana King, whom they arrested and charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. They haven't yet IDed the man. For her part, James says she doesn't regret what she did, though she doesn't think she'd go on such a chase again. The puppy, meanwhile, hasn't been found. (Read more puppy stories.)
Members of Congress evacuate the House Chamber as a group of protesters attempt to enter during a joint session of Congress in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Pelosi: House Will Proceed With Electoral Certification After Its Cleared by Police

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said that after speaking with House leaders and White House officials, the House will proceed at the Capitol in the electoral certification.

In consultation with Leader Hoyer and Whip Clyburn and after calls to the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the Vice President, we have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use, Pelosi said in a statement on Wednesday night, referring to Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.).

She added that we always knew this responsibility would take us into the night, adding that members of Congress and staff should remain on the Capitol complex until they are notified by the United States Capitol Police.

It came after President Donald Trump called on protesters to go home with love [and] peace and to remember this day forever, according to a Twitter post that was later deleted by the social media platform.

Another Twitter post, a video of Trump telling supporters to leave while asserting that election fraud occurred, was also deleted by the company. Facebook appeared to have removed both of Trumps posts as well.

Before that, Trump wrote that the election was unceremoniously and viciously stripped away from patriots who have been treated badly [and] unfairly for so long.

People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo)

Its unclear whether House GOP representatives and senators will continue their plan to object to the electoral counting efforts. Before the House and Senate chambers were evacuated and put on lockdown, lawmakers were deliberating on the electoral votes for Arizona. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and dozens of Republican representatives objected to Arizonas electoral certification.

Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), among those challenging Democratic nominee Joe Bidens win, blamed both sides for the chaos at the Capitol. What do you think was taking place in this country? he told reporters. Theres been a lot of people during the last four years that have just been getting more and more incensed over what is going on around the country, on both sides. Its just too bad. This is not how we handle things in America.

Vice President Mike Pence, who was presiding over the session, was evacuated from the Senate as protesters and police shouted outside the doors. Police evacuated the chamber at 2:30 p.m., ushering senators to the first of what would be several undisclosed locations.

Clerks grabbed boxes of electoral college certificates as they left, before protesters began entering the halls, with one getting on the dais of the Senate.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The US has witnessed a tragic event on Wednesday; an event that didnt just built chaos but drew shock around the world. Supporters of US President Donald Trump breached the Capitol building in Washington DC on Wednesday in an attempt to stop the US Congress from ratifying the Electoral College vote that would officially confirm Joe Bidens victory over Donald Trump. Not just that but, Trump supporters created chaos that resulted in rioting and violence, forcing world leaders to condemn the ugly scenes. The situation went out of control and caused the death of four people, including one woman who was shot by a police officer.

According to the report, supporters of Donald Trump swarmed inside the building amid the session of Congress to certify Joe Bidens election win, which triggered unprecedented chaos and violence at the heart of American democracy and accusations the outgoing president was attempting a coup.

In a late-night news conference, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert J Contee said that 52 were arrested over the violence that saw pro-Trump rioters breaking windows, climbing on rafters, ripping down US flags and roaming the Senate chamber. Lawmakers were told to grab gas masks as police deployed tear gas inside the Rotunda, the ornate area under the dome that connects the House and the Senate, according to the Washington Post. Both the House and Senate and the entire Capitol were placed under a lockdown. Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers were evacuated to safe locations.

Security forces fired tear gas in a four-hour operation to clear the Capitol. Vowing not to be deterred, lawmakers resumed business after dark and voted down the first challenge to Bidens win. The chaos at the Capitol came a day after Biden enjoyed a new triumph, with his Democrats projected to win two Senate seats in runoffs in Georgia -- handing the party full control of Congress and dramatically increasing Bidens ability to pass legislation, starting with new COVID-19 relief.

Following this tragic event, major social media organizations have taken steps towards Trumps social media activities. Social media platform, Twitter has locked President Donald Trumps account, ans has specifically removed three tweets and in their place are tags reading This Tweet is no longer available. The platform has decided to keep Trumps account locked, and re-open after 12 hours of removing the tweets. If he does not, the account will remain locked, according to Twitter, and the platform will permanently suspend him upon future violations.

While the supporters were waging a violent insurrection on the US Capitol, Trump took to social media to continue spewing baseless claims of election fraud that incited his supporters in the first place. A recorded video of Trump was released in which he said go home, we love you, you are very special. Trump declared that he won in a landslide. Though Twitter removed the videos almost immediately, and shortly after that, banned Trumps account. Facebook weighed its own response, and the social media organization was also busy censoring employees who were discussing internally whether the company should ban Trump from their platform permanently. Within an hour of employees posting to the messaging boards, Facebook administrators - without explanation blocked comments on at least three threads discussing possibly kicking Trump off the platform.

Two top aides to first lady Melania Trump resigned in the wake of violence on Capitol Hill, and more top White House officials were considering resigning, including national security adviser Robert O'Brien and his deputy, Matthew Pottinger. Stephanie Grisham resigned as chief of staff to the First Lady. The White House social secretary, Rickie Niceta, also resigned, as did a deputy White House press secretary, Sarah Matthews. O'Brien was also considering resigning, as was Pottinger, the deputy national security adviser who has been a key voice on China policy within the administration.

This is possibly for the first time in the recent history that such a large number of people have breached into the Capitol and disrupted the constitutional provisions. Congress had certified just 12 votes before the riots broke out. All 12 of those votes went to President Trump. There are 538 electoral votes in total.

Former Republican president George W Bush, Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Mitt Romney and Congressman Steve Womack have condemned the attack on Capitol. Acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen called the violence at the US Capitol an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of our democracy.
Nobody stopped them.

Supporters of President Donald Trump were able to walk past the barriers that had been erected and enter the Capitol building unopposed, according to Richard Howell of Wilbraham, who was at the event to show his support for President Donald J. Trump.

Scenes from Wednesdays insurrection shocked many Americans as people carrying banners with the presidents name and both U.S. and Confederate flags wrapped around them entered the Capitol building. Some scaled walls, others entered through doors, in an insurrection following protests in the streets of Washington D.C. that left four people dead and more injured.

Go forward, patriots, was called from members of the group that were climbing the steps of the Capitol building at roughly 1:30 p.m., according to Howell.

Howell told MassLive in a phone call on Thursday morning that when he arrived after listening to Trump speak at a rally on the Ellipse near the Washington Monument, the atmosphere was relaxed and he only saw regular people, during the walk to Capitol Hill.

When he arrived, he noticed that people were trying to find ways into the building.

There were some guys that were down there trying to get into the building. Im thinking, OK. Theyre just going to get around the porch and let off some steam or whatever, Howell told MassLive. Well, three of them came over and said that we can get in. The doors were open.

Washington officials have expressed their concern for the actions of the president and hold him responsible for the actions of his supporters.

I am upset at what this president has done to our city and this democracy, said Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser at a press conference on Thursday. She expressed her anger at Trumps actions and rhetoric that led to police becoming injured and the death of a woman that was trying to gain access to the House chambers.

Bowser told reporters that Washington D.C. has a $100 billion bill from previous protests and said the number of first amendment protests in the capital are increasing.

Allowing this siege was absolutely a choice by Capitol Police. pic.twitter.com/4kvFIjDYce  Kristin Mink *Donate to GA-based organizing groups (@KristinMinkDC) January 6, 2021

Officers were spotted letting rioters who were waving Trump flags through Capitol barriers, stopping to pose for selfies with them.

There is also video capturing a line of people being allowed to exit after theyd smashed Capitol doors and windows, ransacked congressional offices and vandalized federal property, including statues.

Washington, D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee confirmed the woman was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in medical emergencies. Police also reported that two pipe bombs were recovered, one from outside the Democratic National Committee and the other from the Republican National Committee. They also found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

Police stated that many of those involved suffered non-life threatening injuries at the Capitol.

I saw a gentleman being brought over, Howell told MassLive, while he was standing on the patio of the Capitol building.

He described the man as being carried by other members of the presidents supporters out of the building after being shot by what was reported to be rubber bullets. Howell estimated that roughly three had hit him, however, he couldnt be sure.

He had been shot in the chest, one of the shots had grazed his temple, said Howell who took to giving the man first aid with six others. Then all of a sudden he goes into shock. So, a lot of my time was attending to him.

At this point, Howell and his other companions wanted to move away and move to the northern side of Capitol Hill toward the Senate Chamber.

On the North side the entire staircases and all three were taken up by our guys, Howell recalled of the moments he was walking up the northern set of steps. I wanted to see what was happening. The police were there at the landing and they were facing out toward the Supreme Court building and it was a distance between them.

Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)AP

Then he looked up at the North Portico and was shocked that people had made it so far and were also entering the building to the north. He told MassLive that he had been to Washington, D.C. twice since November to support Trump and was shocked at the difference in security.

The fact that you have a joint session of Congress for an electoral certification, with the vice president. Certifying and presiding is the president of the Senate, said Howell. I saw less security there than what I saw at the Supreme Court building two weeks ago and some of these other events that they have. Theyre not light on their security.

Howell is not the only one to draw comparisons to the difference of police presents on Wednesday in relation to recent protests. The National Guard troops were deployed to the Lincoln Memorial on June 2, 2020, during protests held in Washington over the death of George Floyd.

Wednesdays protests were different and were described by the Black Lives Matter Global Network as a coup.

When Black people protest for our lives, we are met by National Guard troops or police equipped with assault rifles, tear gas and battle helmets, the BLM National Global Network tweeted. When white people attempt a coup, they are met by an underwhelming number of law enforcement personnel who act powerless to intervene.

Howell and others went to Washington to show their displeasure and make a stand against what they consider an illegal election. But legally, Howell added.

Certainly nothing like BLM or ANTIFA does, Howell made the point of saying in reference to protests in 2020.

Antifa or Anti-Fascist is a political protest movement comprising autonomous groups affiliated by their militant opposition to fascism and other forms of extreme right-wing ideology. Antifa has no spokesperson for MassLive to reach out to for comment because they are not an organization.

Some Trump supporters claim elements of Antifa have infiltrated the rally and were the true insurrectionists. There has been no evidence produced to support this claim.

A pro-Trump protester carries the lectern of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi through the Roturnda of the U.S. Capitol Building after a pro-Trump mob stormed the building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Getty Images

Our guys were taking pictures like they were tourists. There were a couple that started to pray. Now whether we should have been in the building or not is another matter but they werent there to damage or desecrate it. said Howell, speaking of the coverage. However, we saw some other guys in there that were defecating on desks, or somebody carrying a podium like hes carrying a trophy.

Im looking at the guys and Im saying to myself, these arent our people. The people who are acting up, posing for pictures, being provocative. These are not our people, Howell added.

Many supporters of Trump have also mirrored Howells sentiment. Many point to the picture of the shirtless and tattooed man in horns that was photographed multiple times in the Capitol building as an Antifa-aligned infiltrator.

His name is Jake Angeli from Arizona and in addition to supporting Trump, is a well-known supporter of the baseless QAnon conspiracy theory. The Telegraph also said that he is an actor and voiceover artist who is the unofficial Shaman for the conspiracy theory group.

Trump supporters dont usually attend climate activism events. The guy is an actor. Who knows what side hes on, tweeted YouTube personality Cari Keleman.

But its not just the baseless claims of infiltration like Kelemans that made supporters of the president separate themselves from the violence and insurrectionists at Capitol Hill, according to Howell.

We have guys, and Ive done this on occasion too, that work security at these things that get in touch, said Howell and added that a couple of his group had tips from friends that are current or former agents.

A protester screams "Freedom" inside the Senate chamber after the U.S. Capitol was breached by a mob during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building during demonstrations in the nation's capital. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Getty Images

Just to say hey, look this is what were hearing, relayed Howell to MassLive. So, this was a couple of days ago at one of the rallies. A couple of the guys manage to speak [to their sources] and said, Yeah. Were hearing that there are infiltrators from Antifa and BLM that are trying to disguise themselves like us.

Howell and others on social media have been referring to the clothing that the insurrectionists were wearing are more like the typical black Antifa clothing seen earlier in the year in Washington.

We will not be wearing our traditional Black and Yellow. We will be incognito and we will spread across downtown D.C. in smaller teams, posted the infamous Proud Boys chairman, Enrique Tarrio.

The group is known for its signature black and yellow clothing during rallies and protests, where they typically appear in large groups.

However, regardless of the theories over who caused the troubles at the Capitol building, the incident had the opposite effect than Trump supporters and a few lawmakers wanted.

Several Republican senators who had promised to object to the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the general election changed their mind late on Wednesday.

When I arrived in Washington this morning, I fully intended to object to the certification of the electoral votes. However, the events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider and I cannot now, in good conscience, object, said Sen. Kelly Loeffler after the insurrection.

Loeffler promised Trump in person at a rally two days ago she would object to the certification.

Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., speaks as President Donald Trump listens during a campaign rally in support of Senate candidates Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., and David Perdue in Dalton, Ga., Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)AP

Betrayal, Howell said, summing up the feeling of the presidents supporters. He said people feel this is an excuse to take power by those opposed to the current presidency.

People feel frustrated that things are being taken away from them, said Howell. I believe they are. Ive done this for a long time now and Im seeing it unfold in a nightmare scenario.

Political support for the president is waning but this has only made his supporters more determined, according to Howell.

My sense and the sense of a lot of people is the state within a state has always been there, Howell said. And its no shock that youre seeing some of the reactions. [Trump supporters] werent surprised.

He said that he and others that were at the Capitol building are sure, and because of the events on Jan. 6, more secure in their view that the majority of the country voted for Trump.

If anything its emboldened our people, Howell said. If every single member of the House and Senate came out against Trump, and for us being a city yesterday, it wouldnt change a thing. Really, it would only galvanize people around the country more.

The critics are people that didnt like Trump anyway, Howell added.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) speaks to media at the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 7, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Pelosi Suggests Impeachment If Pence, Cabinet Dont Remove Trump With 25th Amendment

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Jan. 7 said Congress may move to impeach President Donald Trump if Vice President Mike Pence and Trumps Cabinet dont act to remove him.

If the vice president and the cabinet do not act, the Congress may be prepared to move forward with impeachment, Pelosi told reporters in Washington.

Trump has just 13 days left in his first term. President-elect Joe Biden is set to be inaugurated on Jan. 20.

Pelosi said she hoped Pence would act to remove Trump, using the 25th Amendment, today.

Its a simple matter in terms of the Constitution, the vice president working with the cabinet, can immediately improve the security of our country, she said.

Pences office and the White House didnt return requests for comment.

Pelosi acknowledged that little time remains before Biden takes office but said removal is warranted via the amendment when a president is determined unfit to serve, for whatever reason, and Trump clearly has indicated that, over and over again.

While theres only 13 days left, any day can be a horror show for America, she added.

President Donald Trump speaks during a rally protesting the Electoral College certification of Joe Biden, in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Lisa Fan/The Epoch Times)

The 25th Amendment says the vice president and a majority of a presidents cabinet may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

In that case, the vice president would then immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Pelosi erroneously said during the briefing that William Barr is still the attorney general. Barr resigned last month and left office on Dec. 23, 2020.

A score of other Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), also called for Trumps removal. They blame him for the protesters storming of the Capitol, claiming that he incited violence, despite that the president called on his supporters to be peaceful and to respect law enforcement.

What happened at the U.S. Capitol yesterday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by President Trump. This president must not hold office one day longer, Schumer said in a statement.

The quickest and most effective wayit can be done todayto remove this president from office would be for the Vice President to immediately invoke the 25th amendment. If the Vice President and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress must reconvene to impeach President Trump.

But Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said he doesnt support removing Trump from office.

I do not believe thats appropriate at this point. Im looking for a peaceful transfer. Im looking for the next 14 days to reset, and we will hand off power in a traditional sense, he told reporters in a briefing on Capitol Hill.

Graham said he spoke with White House chief of staff Mark Meadows earlier Jan. 7, and that Meadows said the transition is going well.

Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives on Dec. 18, 2019. But the Senate later acquitted him of the charges, with all Republicans voting to acquit except for Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah.).

Two other presidents in history have been impeached, but none have been convicted. Some believe President Richard Nixon, a Republican, would have been impeached and removed from office if he hadnt resigned in 1974 over Watergate.

Democrats hold a slim majority in the House while Republicans have a 5148 majority in the Senate. The results of the two Georgia Senate runoff races are pending, but Democratic candidates appear to have won both, which would shift the body to a 5050 tie.
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Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2021 4:25 pm

A contested race for a West Pierce County state Senate seat was the second costliest such race in Washington state history.

Democrat T'wina Nobles won the Senate seat for the 28th Legislative District in November 2020 against incumbent Republican Sen. Steve O'Ban, becoming the first Black member in the state Senate in a decade and flipping the longtime Republican seat to Democrat. The 28th Legislative District represents Lakewood, University Place, DuPont and parts of Tacoma.

Combined, Nobles and O'Ban spent more than $1.7 million on their campaigns, excluding independent expenditures, according to a 2020 report by the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission.

That's the state's second most-costly Senate race, after a 2017 race between Democrat Manka Dhingra and Republican Jinyoung Lee Englund for an open seat in the 45th District, representing parts of Kirkland, Duvall and Sammamish in King County. The two raised $3.1 million.

O'Ban spent more than $841,000 on his campaign, with Nobles spending more than $939,000.

"That's the most money ever spent in Washington state to defeat an incumbent state senator," the PDC report stated.

Nobles and O'Ban also raked in independent expenditures  money from groups paying to either support or oppose a candidate totaling $2.1 million, according to the PDC.

Of more than $16 million independent expenditures in the 2020 election cycle, 30 percent came from the New Direction Political Action Committee (PAC) in support of Democratic legislative candidates and in opposition to Republican candidates.

"The PAC spent more than $450,000 in support of Democrat T'wina Nobles, and more than $570,000 against her opponent, incumbent Republican Steven O'Ban," according to the PDC report.

Nobles was the fourth biggest spender in terms of both candidate and independent expenditures for the 2020 election year at $2,401,756 spent. She follows closely behind Democrat Sen. Mark Mullet (District 5) at $2,489,058 spent, Republican Governor candidate Loren D. Culp at $3,218,277 spent and Democrat Gov. Jay Inslee at $7,596,328 spent. O'Ban came in No. 8 at $1,561,133 spent.

Overall, contributions to candidates and political committees for the 2020 election cycle totaled $142 million, with total spending at nearly $139 million as of December 2020.
The mob scenes at the Capitol attracted harsh and unusual criticism from business groups, including the chief executive of one of the nation's largest banks saying he was "disgusted" and a manufacturing trade group calling it "sedition" and suggesting President Donald Trump needed to be immediately removed from office.

It was a surprising series of rebukes for a president who had enjoyed widespread support from corporate America for most of his turbulent term, especially for his efforts to cut government regulations and reduce corporate tax rates.

The National Association of Manufacturers released an extraordinary statement from its president, Jay Timmons, saying Vice President Mike Pence "should seriously consider working with the Cabinet to invoke the 25th amendment to preserve democracy."

The amendment allows for the president to be replaced if the leader is unable to do his job, for a variety of reasons, either temporarily or permanently. While the amendment previously had been floated by anti-Trump political groups as an extreme solution to his presidency, it is remarkable that it was now being suggested by the mainstream trade organization representing 14,000 companies nationwide.

"This is not law and order," Timmons said in his statement on what occurred at the Capitol building Wednesday. "This is chaos. It is mob rule. It is dangerous. This is sedition and should be treated as such."

Timmons also said anyone "indulging conspiracy theories to raise campaign dollars is complicit."

Michael Corbat, chief executive of Citibank, said he was disgusted by the scenes. "I pray this situation can be resolved without further bloodshed," his statement read.

J.P. Morgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said in a statement he "strongly" condemned the violence. "This is not who we are as a people or a country," he said. "We are better than this."

Arvind Krishna, chief executive of IBM, said he too condemned the "unprecedented lawlessness and we call for it to end immediately. These actions have no place in our society, and they must stop so our system of democracy can work."

U.S. Chamber of Commerce chief executive Thomas Donohue said, "The attacks against our nation's Capitol Building and our democracy must end now."

Donohue said Congress must return to "to conclude their Constitutional responsibility to accept the report of the Electoral College."

Goldman Sachs chief executive David Solomon said in a statement the attack on the Capitol was damaging to America.

"It's time for all Americans to come together and move forward with a peaceful transition of power," he said in a statement. "We have to begin reinvesting in our democracy and rebuilding the institutions that have made America an exceptional nation."

The chief executive of Johnson & Johnson, Alex Gorsky, said in a statement he was "devastated by this assault on what our country has stood for since its founding: free, fair and peaceful elections." Gorsky said it was time to stand for unity, "not face-to-face in conflict - and to chart our path to a better and healthier future."

Mike Sommers, president of the American Petroleum Institute, who worked two decades for former Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, said he found the television footage "absolutely sickening" and "heartbreaking." Asked about Trump's role, Sommers said: "I blame him completely. He has proven himself unworthy of the office of being president."

Referring to the demonstrators who stormed the House and Senate, Sommers said:"This country has relied on the peaceful transfer of power since our founding, What happened today was an absolute outrage and the parties responsible should be held accountable."

- - -

The Washington Post's Steven Mufson contributed to this report.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met the Tamil leadership in Sri Lanka and discussed issues pertaining to the development and devolution and the role of provincial councils as part of national reconciliation.

The meeting assumed significance in the backdrop of moves by the ruling Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) allies to mount a public campaign for abolition of the country's provincial council system. The SLPPs Sinhala majority hardliners have been advocating a total abolition of the provincial council system established in 1987. There are nine provincial councils in Lanka.

"Glad to meet the TNA delegation led by Thiru Sampanthan. Discussed issues pertaining to development & devolution and the role of Provincial Councils," Jaishankar tweeted after the meeting.

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is the main Tamil party in the island nation.

Jaishankar also met a delegation of the Tamil Progressive Alliance.

"Pleased to meet the TPA delegation. Appreciate their positive sentiments about our development programmes. This will remain an important facet of India's commitment," he tweeted.

Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to Lanka from January 5-7 on the invitation of Lanka foreign minister Dinesh Gunawardena. It is his first overseas visit of the year.

On Wednesday, Jaishankar spoke on the need to ensure aspirations of the minority Tamils are addressed within a united Sri Lanka.

Addressing a joint media interaction with Gunawardena, he underlined India's backing for Lanka's reconciliation process and an inclusive political outlook that encourages ethnic harmony.

"As we promote peace and well-being in the region, India has been strongly committed to the unity, stability and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Our support for the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka is longstanding, as indeed for an inclusive political outlook that encourages ethnic harmony," Jaishankar said.

"It is in Sri Lankas own interest that the expectations of the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka are fulfilled. That applies equally to the commitments made by the Sri Lankan government on meaningful devolution, including the 13th Amendment to the Constitution," he added.

The 13th Amendment provides for devolution of power to the Tamil community. India has been pressing Sri Lanka to implement the 13th amendment which was brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987.

Jaishankar also met Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda.

"A productive meeting with Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda. Reviewed our cooperation in fisheries after the recent Joint Working Group session. Look forward to working with him closely," he tweeted.

Jaishankar discussed India-Lanka bilateral ties with the Leader of Opposition, Sajith Premadasa.

During a meeting with former prime minister and the leader of United National Party Ranil Wickeremesinghe, Jaishankar appreciated his long-standing support for the bilateral relationship.

He also interacted with business leaders of Lanka and appreciated their insights and suggestions on economic cooperation.

Jaishankar also met State Minister of Estate Housing and Community Infrastructure Jeevan Thondaman and discussed development programmes in plantation areas.

He also interacted with Sathasivam Viyalendiran, State Minister for Backward Rural Areas Development and Promotion of Domestic Animal Husbandry and Minor Economic Crop Cultivation. PTI SCY AKJ SCY

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Milkha Singh continues to be stable, shifted out of ICU; wife admitted with COVID pneumonia

Coronavirus cases: India records 20,346 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

India

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New Delhi, Jan 07: Union health ministry on Thursday said that India's COVID-19 tally rose to 1,03,95,278 with 20,346 infections being reported in a day, while the recoveries breached one crore-mark. The death toll increased to 1,50,336 with 222 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

According to the health ministry, the number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,00,16,859 pushing the national recovery rate to 96.36 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent.

Emergency approval in India to help supply COVID-19 vaccine across globe: AstraZeneca

It can be seen that the COVID-19 active caseload remained below 3 lakh for the 16th consecutive day. There are 2,28,083 active cases of coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 2.19 per cent of the total caseload.

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28.

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Story first published: Thursday, January 7, 2021, 11:50 [IST]
Some people have lost their eyesight, but they continue to "see." This phenomenon, a kind of vivid visual hallucination, is named after the Swiss doctor, Charles Bonnet, who described in 1769 how his completely blind grandfather experienced vivid, detailed visions of people, animals and objects. Charles Bonnet syndrome, which appears in those who have lost their eyesight, was investigated in a study led by scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science. The findings, published today in Brain, suggest a mechanism by which normal, spontaneous activity in the visual centers of the brain can trigger visual hallucinations in the blind.

Prof. Rafi Malach and his group members of the Institute's Neurobiology Department research the phenomenon of spontaneous "resting-state" fluctuations in the brain. These mysterious slow fluctuations, which occur all over the brain, take place well below the threshold of consciousness. Despite a fair amount of research into these spontaneous fluctuations, their function is still largely unknown. The research group hypothesized that these fluctuations underlie spontaneous behaviors.

However, it is typically difficult to investigate truly unprompted behaviors in a scientific manner for two reasons, since, for one, instructing people to behave spontaneously is usually a spontaneity-killer. Secondly, it is difficult to separate the brain's spontaneous fluctuations from other, task-related brain activity. The question was: How could they isolate a case of a truly spontaneous, unprompted, behavior in which the role of spontaneous brain activity could be tested?

Individuals experiencing Charles Bonnet visual hallucinations presented the group with a rare opportunity to investigate their hypothesis. This is because in Charles Bonnet syndrome, the hallucinations appear at random, in a truly unprompted fashion, and the visual centers of the brain do not process outside stimuli (because these individuals are blind), and are thus activated spontaneously. In a study led by Dr. Avital Hahamy, a former research student in Malach's lab who is now a postdoctoral research fellow at University College London, the relation between these hallucinations and the spontaneous brain activity has indeed been unveiled.

The researchers first invited to their lab five people who had lost their sight and reported occasionally experiencing clear visual hallucinations. These participants' brain activity was measured using an fMRI scanner while they described their hallucinations as these occurred. The scientists then created movies based on the participants' verbal descriptions, and they showed these movies to a sighted control group, also inside the fMRI scanner. A second control group consisted of blind people who had lost their sight but did not experience visual hallucinations. These were asked to imagine similar visual images while in the scanner.

The same visual areas in the brain were active in all three groups - those that hallucinated, those that watched the films and those creating imagery in their minds' eye. But the researchers noted a difference in the timing of the neural activity between these groups. In both the sighted participants and those in the imagery group, the activity was seen to take place in response either to visual input or to the instructions set in the task.

But in the group with Charles Bonnet syndrome, the scientists observed a gradually increasing wave of activity, reminiscent of the slow spontaneous fluctuations, that emerged just before the onset of the hallucinations. In other words, the hallucinations were not the result of external stimuli (eg., sensory images or instructions to imagine specific things), but were rather evoked internally by the slow, spontaneous, brain activity fluctuations.

Our research clearly shows that the same visual system is active when we see the world outside of us, when we imagine it, when we hallucinate, and probably also when we dream. It also exemplifies the creative power of vision and the contribution of spontaneous brain activity to unprompted and creative behaviors." Prof. Rafi Malach, Neurobiology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science

In addition to the scientific value of the work, Hahamy hopes it may raise awareness of Charles Bonnet syndrome, which can be frightening to those who experience it. "These individuals may keep their visual hallucinations a secret - even from doctors and family - and we want them to understand that these visions are a natural product of a healthy brain, in which the visual centers remain intact, even if the eyes have ceased to send them sensory input," she says.
(Newser)  Raphael Warnock's roots showed little promise of a future that led to the US Senate. He grew up in Savannah in the Kayton Homes public housing project, the second youngest of 12 children. His mother as a teenager had worked as a sharecropper picking cotton and tobacco, and he referenced her in his victory speech, per CNN. "Because this is America, the 82-year-old hands that used to pick somebody else's cotton went to the polls and picked her youngest son to be a United States senator." His father was a preacher who also made money hauling old cars to a local scrapyard, reports the AP. "My daddy used to wake me up every morning at dawn," Warnock told a hometown crowd at a drive-in rally two days before his election win over Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler Tuesday. "He said, 'Boy, you cant sleep late in my house. Get up, get dressed, put your shoes on. Get ready.'"

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The first member of his family to graduate college, Warnock earned a PhD in theology that led to a career in the pulpit, eventually as head pastor of the Atlanta church where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. preached. Now Warnock, 51, will go to Washington as the first Black senator elected from Georgia. "Only in America is my story even possible," Warnock told the cheering crowd Sunday. He won election on a platform that called for bail reform and an end to mass incarceration; a living wage and job training for a green economy; expanded access to voting and health care, and student loan forgiveness. During his speech Sunday in Savannah he also recalled his 2017 arrest at the US Capitol as he and other pastors demonstrated against efforts to repeal ObamaCare. "I'm going to meet those Capitol police officers again. This time they will not be taking me to central booking. They can help me find my new office."

(Read more Raphael Warnock stories.)
On Tuesday, Pennsylvania Republican state senators refused to seat Democratic Senator Jim Brewster, whose narrow reelection victory in November is being challenged by his Republican opponent.

When the presiding officer, Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, a Democrat, objected to the motion and insisted that Brewster be sworn in, the Republicans, who control the legislative chamber, forced Fetterman from the podium and took control of the proceedings.

The extraordinary move triggered a shouting match, while Fetterman stood silent at the podium as Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, a Republican, put forward a motion to replace him as presiding officer with himself. The motion passed on a party-line vote, after which the newly elected members of the Senate, with the exception of Brewster, were sworn in.

Democratic state senators, after scattered protests, allowed the anti-democratic farce to proceed, while Fetterman left the chamber.

Taking their lead from President Donald Trump and his co-conspirators within the Republican Party and the corporate-financial oligarchy, Brewsters opponent, Nicole Ziccarelli, and state Senate Republican leaders are seeking to overturn Ziccarellis election loss by disqualifying many mail-in ballots from Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh.
The Retired Investor: Asia: The Investment Case

Investment managers have spent the last decade buying and selling U.S. equities largely to the exclusion of the rest of the world. That made a lot of sense, since the S&P 500 was the best performing index in the world during that period. But times are changing.

While our U.S. stock averages did well again in 2020, Asian stocks did equally as well, and in some cases, they did better. Some of that performance can be attributed to the declining dollar. A weaker dollar benefits U.S. holders of foreign equities, and most analysts expect the greenback to weaken further this year.

However, that is not the only reason for investing in Asia. Overall, valuations are cheaper, much cheaper, than the lofty prices of many of America's stock market darlings. I know that many investors believe that valuations don't matter in this environment. They argue that as long as the Fed has our back, and the economy re-opens, company earnings will grow into these sky-high valuations.

I say they don't matter, until they do. Buying Asian equities at a reasonable price in 2021 removes much of that valuation risk, in my opinion. But valuation is only part of the story. I agree with Credit Suisse that says Asian stocks are entering an "earnings super-cycle" that could last for 3-5 years. They expect Asia's economies to come roaring back from the demise of the pandemic this year, thanks to several life-saving vaccines.

While America wrestles with a winter surge of cases, deaths, and shutdowns, most of Asia is already rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic. Their economies have suffered less than the U.S., thanks to more enlightened governments and populations that have worked and sacrificed together.

Another big change is the importance of China to the region. China has replaced the U.S. as the principal engine of growth in Asia. While a Trumpian America has turned inward, eschewing regional trade agreements and erecting barriers to free trade, Asia has done the opposite. I have already written about some of their cooperative trade agreements such as the Asian Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECEP), which includes China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and others.

There are also some interesting trends in countries like Korea, China, and Japan that offer lucrative opportunities for the astute investor. Progress in clean, renewable energy, something lacking in our own country over the last four years, is making leaps and bounds overseas. Asian countries, backed by governments that are fully on board with the concept, continue to invest in solar and wind energy, various environmental initiatives, as well as in areas such as electric vehicles (Evs).

It is one of the reasons that Tesla, the number one player in EVs, is building an enormous new facility in China.

These changes will have enormous benefits for the Asian auto industry. Japan, for example, is planning to phase out gas guzzlers over the next ten years, which will revolutionize their massive auto export industry. China, not to be outdone, is already fostering several start-ups in the EV business as well.

Over the past three months, the trend toward "value investing" has caught fire, as a way to play the re-opening of the U.S. economy. Investors are buying up bank, consumer discretionary, natural resource, and industrial/materials stocks. I would rather look in the Asia Pacific region, and in India, where just about every investment is a value play.

You want mines and metals, look no further than Australia. Banks and real estate, try Singapore. Consumer stocks, what about investing in companies that sell to the billions of consumers in China?

Also, remember that technology is just as big in countries like Korea (DRAM chips) and Taiwan as it is here. Big foreign semiconductors, digital data centers, and internet companies are listed and readily available for purchase on our own stock exchanges. In fact, just about every country in Southeast Asia, India, and Indonesia are easily available through the purchase of exchange traded funds (ETFs).

One big criticism on investing overseas has always been the questionable accounting of overseas companies, along with the risk that various governments often have a track record of meddling with individual companies for political purposes. We can point to companies, such as Luckin Coffee in China, as a dishonest accounting case in point. However, today, recognizing this investment pitfall, most countries are cracking down hard on inaccurate company reporting and those executives at the helm. This week China sentenced to death a banker convicted of taking bribes.

As for government meddling, over the last several years, the U.S. government has done as much as China or any other country to influence and alter the fortunes of public companies. Just think about the Congressional hearings and White House meddling in companies such as Twitter, Facebook, Apple, and Amazon (to name a few).

In any case, the combination of a declining, dollar, reasonable valuations, and higher growth prospects makes Southeast Asia, including Japan, a much more attractive bet, in my opinion, than just sticking with the U.S.A.
The scramble for Nairobi governorship took another twist after a voter moved to court to have Polycarp Igathe sworn in as county boss.

The petitioner Patrick Kiiru argues that the former Deputy Governor never formally resigned and as such, he ought to have assumed office for the remainder of the governors term as stipulated under Article 182(2) of the Constitution.

In court documents, Kiiru says Igathes resignation on January 12, 2018, was never formally communicated to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He says the same was not communicated to the County Speaker, hence the seat cannot be vacant.

Kiiru says IEBC has no right to call a by-election in Nairobi since a deputy governor is already in place.

The impending by-election as gazetted by the IEBC is premature and unconstitutional, he says.

One of the ways a vacancy can occur in the office of the governor and by extension that of the deputy governor is through resignation. Such resignation ought to be communicated in writing to the office of the speaker of the county assembly, he argues.

Kiiru wants the court to declare Gazette Notice 10914 of 2020 issued by IEBC unconstitutional and order the commission to issue him with documents pertaining to the purported vacancy of the office of the deputy governor.

Justice Anthony Mrima, who on Monday suspended the Gazette notice calling for a Nairobi by-election in February, recused himself from Kiirus case citing close relation to one of the lawyers handling the case.

I am closely related to George Kithi and it is not fair for me to hear the case. The best thing is to recuse myself and order the file be placed before another judge, he said.

Justice Mrima directed that the matter be mentioned before a new judge on January 19 to fix a hearing date. He also directed Kiiru to serve Sonko with his papers after parties said they were not opposed to including the impeached governor in the case.

Following his resignation, Polycarp Igathe served as the Chief Commercial Officer of Equity Bank between May 2018 and September 2018. He was promoted to Managing Director five months later.

The job-hopping executive currently serves as the Vice President in charge of Sales and Marketing in Vivo Energy Africa.

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa received yesterday acting US Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf and his accompanying delegation in the presence of Public Security Chief, Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs, Bahrain Ambassador to the US, Customs Chief and Head of the National Centre for Cyber Security.

The Interior Minister lauded strategic relations and partnership between Bahrain and the US, stressing common keenness on further developing them for the best interest of the two friendly countries.

The meeting cast light on fields of joint cooperation and security coordination regarding fighting cybercrimes and booting procedures related to protecting the vital infrastructure between the National Centre for Cyber Security in the Kingdom and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of the US Department of Homeland Security. Both sides also discussed issues of common concern.

General Shaikh Rashid and Secretary Wolf signed three memoranda of joint cooperation concerning the security of borders and commodities, fighting terrorism and organised cross-border crimes, and Global Entry, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) programme.

The programme aims to support trade and enhance the security of passengers. It will provide Bahraini nationals with the rapid travel service to the US. The three security partnerships, launched by both countries, will expand the scope of information, share and build capabilities and exchange experiences and best practices, as they aim to ensure maximum security and stability for both countries in the face of terrorism, extremism and cross-border crimes.

The Bahraini Ministry of Interior and the US Department of Homeland Security expressed their aspiration to implement the three security cooperation agreements and to emphasise the long-standing partnership between the two countries in the field of security.
Shares in Ryanair were down over 2pc Thursday afternoon after the airline cut its passenger number outlook and warned it plans to operate "few, if any flights from Ireland beginning the end of January until the latest travel restrictions are eased.

The Michael OLeary headed company has cut its full year traffic forecast to below 30 million from fewer than 35 million, according to a statement from the group.

The airline expects the newly announced Covid-19 lockdowns in Ireland, the UK, and a small number of other European Union countries this week, will materially reduce its flight schedules and traffic forecast through January, February and March.

In response to the measures Ryanair will significantly cut its schedules from Thursday January 21. This will result in few, if any, flights being operated to/from Ireland or the UK from the end of January until the latest travel restrictions are removed.

Ryanair now expects its January traffic to fall to under 1.25 million passengers. The new restrictions could also reduce February and March traffic to as little as 500,000 passengers each month, it said.

In what is Ryanairs fifth time cutting traffic forecasts for its current financial year, the airline is predicting passenger numbers of between 26 million and 30 million for the 12 months to March 31, as Covid-19 continues to impact the aviation sector.

Ryanair does not expect these reductions will materially affect its net loss for the year to 31 March 2021, as many of these flights would have been unprofitable for the group.

It also called on the Irish and UK Governments to accelerate the pace of vaccine rollouts.

A spokesperson for Ryanair said: Ireland's Covid-19 travel restrictions are already the most stringent in Europe, and so these new flight restrictions are inexplicable and ineffective when Ireland continues to operate an open border between the Republic and the North of Ireland.

It added that as the latest lockdown will not get rid of the virus, there is an onus on the Irish Government to accelerate the rollout of vaccines, and the fact that the Danish Government, with a similar five million population, has already vaccinated 10 times more citizens than Ireland shows that emergency action is needed to speed Covid vaccinations in Ireland.

Analysts at Davy said the latest update from the airline will not materially affect the net loss forecasts.

Winter, and in particular Q4, is always loss making and Ryanairs very low fixed cost base will limit losses by not operating, Stephen Furlong and Ross Harvey, of stockbrokers Davy, said in a note.

However, they added that it is crucial for Ryanair, and the industry, that bookings for the summer start coming in during this period.

The travel industry has been particularly badly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In its financial year 2020 Ryanair carried 149 million passengers.

Online Editors

The violent invasion of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday will reverberate through American politics for years if not decades to come, reshape global perceptions about the strength of U.S. democracy and become an enduring emblem of the Trump era.

Images of mobs storming the building, police drawing guns while barricading the door to the House chamber, and protesters sauntering across the Senate floor showed the seat of American self-governance under siege. The final act of a turbulent presidency became a frightening illustration of threats to the nation's democracy.

Leading Republicans finally began to recoil from a president most had been loathe to publicly criticize after President Donald Trump egged on the protesters shortly before they marched to the Capitol, and then delayed speaking out against the chaos.

There were at least four deaths during the mayhem Wednesday, with one woman shot, city police reported. Lawmakers fled the House and Senate chambers, some in gas masks, as rioters carrying Trump flags and Confederate banners breached the building. Extremists posted pictures on Twitter they said were taken in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office, with some carting off items from the suite and one man later displaying a piece of mail he said he had grabbed.

National Guard troops and other federal law-enforcement personnel were called in to help clear the Capitol, which was occupied for about four hours. Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser imposed a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on the entire city.

Congress had to suspend a debate over objections to the Electoral College vote from Arizona that was lodged by Republican allies of Trump -- part of the president's attack on the legitimacy of Joe Biden's electoral victory. Once the Capitol had been cleared, congressional leaders decided to resume the debate in the evening, with senators escorted back into their chamber by FBI personnel in full body armor.

Hours after the takeover began -- and after politicians from both sides of the aisle demanded he call for the mob to disperse -- Trump released a video urging the extremists to "go home." But he also told them, "We love you," and repeated false claims that the election was "stolen." In a later tweet, he praised them as "Great Patriots." Twitter later locked his account for 12 hours for "severe violations." Facebook Inc. blocked him from posting for 24 hours.

Even during the Civil War and the height of domestic tumult over the Vietnam War, demonstrators never took over the centers of American power. Yet the Capitol on Wednesday was overrun for the first time since the War of 1812 -- when it fell to invading British troops -- at the very moment that votes were being ceremonially counted for the presidential election, America's quadrennial exercise in the peaceful transfer of power.

The day's events seemed almost incomprehensible in a long-established Western democracy, and spurred charges of an attempted coup. More than one politician drew parallels to political unrest in Latin American or the Middle East.

Comments from foreign leaders eerily echoed the kind of rhetoric U.S. officials often deploy to cajole authoritarian regimes to accept a loss of power. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it is "vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power" in the U.S. The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Fontelles, said the Nov. 3 election results "must be fully respected."

Former Republican President George W. Bush said, "This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic -- not our democratic republic."

The National Association of Manufacturers, a leading national business organization usually sympathetic to Republican policy goals, issued a statement urging Vice President Mike Pence to "seriously consider" invoking the 25th amendment -- the constitutional provision used to remove a president from office who is unable to carry out his duties.

Republican support for Trump in Congress, which held firm through his failure to condemn White supremacists in the Charlottesville riots, an investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election and his impeachment trial, already was strained by his refusal to accept the presidential election results and his role in the party's losses in the Georgia Senate runoff Tuesday.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell vainly tried in advance of Wednesday's proceedings to dissuade his GOP colleagues from joining objections to the Electoral College votes. Shortly before the mob breached the building, he warned in a speech on the Senate floor that any setting aside of the votes certified by the individual U.S. states "would damage our republic forever."

"If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side, our democracy would enter a death spiral," McConnell said. "We would never see the whole nation accept an election again."

Amid the chaos at the Capitol, Democrat Jon Ossoff's victory over incumbent Republican David Perdue in the Georgia runoff was called -- cementing Democratic control over the Senate along with Democrat Raphael Warnock's win over Kelly Loeffler, which was clear earlier in the day.

Trump's war with Republican officials in Georgia who refused to overturn their state's presidential election results had split the party and hampered the GOP candidates in the race. Some Republican officials publicly blamed him for the loss.

Rejection of Trump in suburban areas that once had been supportive of Republicans was pivotal in the Georgia contest, as it was in the presidential election.

The scenes of chaos and failed insurrection at one of the nation's most recognized symbols of democracy is certain to further repel moderate voters wary of disorder.

The closest parallel in recent American history may be the riots outside the Democratic National Convention in 1968, an image that tarnished the party for years afterward even though it unfolded outside a convention hall in Chicago far from the seat of government.

This time, a Republican president was the instigator.

Midday Wednesday, the president held a "Stop the Steal" rally near the White House, where he told the crowd, "we will never concede," and repeated false claims that his loss to Biden was due to vote fraud. Trump encouraged protesters to go to the Capitol and support members of Congress who planned to object to some Electoral College votes. Rudy Giuliani, the president's lawyer, urged supporters at the rally to settle the election dispute through "trial by combat."

A broadening group of Republicans is holding Trump directly responsible for the violence that followed.

Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, a longtime Trump ally, said in a statement, "It's past time for the president to accept the results of the election, quit misleading the American people, and repudiate mob violence."

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, a moderate Republican and former FBI agent, said in a tweet that there was "nothing short of a coup attempt" and that Trump "lit the flame of incitement and owns responsibility for this."
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By LISA MASCARO, ERIC TUCKER, MARY CLARE JALONICK and ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  A violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday and forced lawmakers into hiding, in a stunning attempt to overturn Americas presidential election, undercut the nations democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House.

The nations elected representatives scrambled to crouch under desks and don gas masks, while police futilely tried to barricade the building, one of the most jarring scenes ever to unfold in a seat of American political power. A woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol, and Washingtons mayor instituted an evening curfew in an attempt to contain the violence.

The rioters were egged on by Trump, who has spent weeks falsely attacking the integrity of the election and had urged his supporters to descend on Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens victory. Some Republican lawmakers were in the midst of raising objections to the results on his behalf when the proceedings were abruptly halted by the mob.

RELATED: Sen. Toomey refutes Trumps Pa. election allegations after Capitol attack

Together, the protests and the GOP election objections amounted to an almost unthinkable challenge to American democracy and exposed the depths of the divisions that have coursed through the country during Trumps four years in office. Though the efforts to block Biden from being sworn in on Jan. 20 were sure to fail, the support Trump has received for his efforts to overturn the election results have badly strained the nations democratic guardrails.

Congress reconvened in the evening, lawmakers decrying the protests that defaced the Capitol and vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College vote for Bidens election, even if it took all night. Lawmakers were still at it after midnight.

Vice President Mike Pence, reopening the Senate, directly addressed the demonstrators: You did not win.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the failed insurrection underscored lawmakers duty to confirm the vote. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress would show the world what America is made of by finishing the count.

RELATED: Person shot, killed in Capitol building IDd as San Diego woman

Punctuating their resolve, both the House and Senate soundly defeated the first objection, to election results from Arizona that had been raised by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz. Still, most House Republicans had voted for it. Proceedings pushed into the wee hours.

The president gave his supporters a boost into action Wednesday morning at a rally outside the White House, where he urged them to march to the Capitol. He spent much of the afternoon in his private dining room off the Oval Office watching scenes of the violence on television. At the urging of his staff, he reluctantly issued a pair of tweets and a taped video telling his supporters it was time to go home in peace  yet he still said he backed their cause.

Hours later, Twitter for the first time time locked Trumps account, demanded that he remove tweets excusing violence and threatened permanent suspension.

A somber President-elect Biden, two weeks away from being inaugurated, said American democracy was under unprecedented assault, " a sentiment echoed by many in Congress, including some Republicans. Former President George W. Bush said he watched the events in disbelief and dismay.

RELATED: Capitol violence: Pa. members of Congress describe day of chaos in Washington

The domed Capitol building has for centuries been the scene of protests and occasional violence. But Wednesdays events were particularly astounding both because they unfolded at least initially with the implicit blessing of the president and because of the underlying goal of overturning the results of a free and fair presidential election.

Tensions were already running high when lawmakers gathered early Wednesday afternoon for the constitutionally mandated counting of the Electoral College results, in which Biden defeated Trump, 306-232. Despite pleas from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, more than 150 GOP lawmakers planned to support objections to some of the results, though lacking evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Trump spent the lead-up to the proceedings publicly hectoring Pence, who had a largely ceremonial role, to aid the effort to throw out the results. He tweeted: Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!

But Pence, in a statement shortly before presiding, defied Trump, saying he could not claim unilateral authority to reject the electoral votes that make Biden president.

In the aftermath, several Republicans announced they would drop their objections to the election, including Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who lost her bid for reelection Tuesday.

RELATED: Trump temporarily locked down by Twitter, has video on Capitol riot removed by Facebook, YouTube

Earlier, protesters had fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls. Lawmakers were told to duck under their seats for cover and put on gas masks after tear gas was used in the Capitol Rotunda. Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., told reporters he was in the House chamber when rioters began storming it. Security officers made us all get down, you could see that they were fending off some sort of assault. He said they had a piece of furniture up against the door. And they had guns pulled, Peters said.

The woman who was killed was part of a crowd that was breaking down the doors to a barricaded room where armed officers stood on the other side, police said. She was shot in the chest by Capitol Police and taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. City police said three other people died from medical emergencies during the long protest on and around the Capitol grounds.

Staff members grabbed boxes of Electoral College votes as the evacuation took place. Otherwise, said Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., the ballots likely would have been destroyed by the protesters.

The mobs storming of Congress prompted outrage, mostly from Democrats but from Republicans as well, as lawmakers accused Trump of fomenting the violence with his relentless falsehoods about election fraud.

Count me out, said Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Enough is enough.

Several suggested that Trump be prosecuted for a crime or even removed under the Constitutions 25th Amendment, which seemed unlikely two weeks from when his term expires.

I think Donald Trump probably should be brought up on treason for something like this, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., told reporters. This is how a coup is started. And this is how democracy dies.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., whos at times clashed with Trump, issued a statement saying, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

Despite Trumps repeated claims of voter fraud, election officials and his own former attorney general have said there were no problems on a scale that would change the outcome. All the states have certified their results as fair and accurate, by Republican and Democratic officials alike.

The Pentagon said about 1,100 District of Columbia National Guard members were being mobilized to help support law enforcement at the Capitol. More than a dozen people were arrested.

As darkness fell, law enforcement officers worked their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible. Police in full riot gear moved down the steps, clashing with demonstrators.

___

Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Kevin Freking, Alan Fram, Matthew Daly, Ben Fox and Ashraf Khalil in Washington and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.
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"The success of mRNA-based vaccines for Covid-19 lays the path to accelerate the development of these therapeutics for many other diseases," said Stefan Oschmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO, Merck KGaA Darmstadt, Germany. "By combining AmpTec's PCR-based mRNA technology with our extensive expertise in lipids manufacturing, we are able to provide a truly differentiated and integrated offering across the mRNA value chain, which will significantly decrease supply chain complexity and enhance speed-to-market. This transaction is another important step to support the constant growth of our Life Science business through tailored, small-scale acquisitions with high impact."

"Last year, AmpTec celebrated its fifteenth anniversary, and this acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for our company," said Guido Krupp and Peter Scheinert, managing directors and founders of AmpTec, "AmpTec's more than 40 employees are thrilled to join MilliporeSigma and are confident that our PCR-based technology and combined expertise will allow us to offer customers innovative technologies, products and services to help advance life-enhancing therapeutics."

Lipids, which are part of MilliporeSigma'a SAFC portfolio, constitute one of the critical components for the formulation of mRNA therapeutics including Covid-19 vaccines. MilliporeSigma, with 20 plus years' experience in this space, is collaborating with more than 50 vaccine manufacturers  some of which use mRNA for their products  to support their efforts in the development and production of Covid-19 vaccines, treatments and services.

PCR technology is another important component of mRNA manufacturing. AmpTec uses a differentiated PCR-based technology for mRNA manufacturing, which has shown to have advantages over other manufacturing technologies, including:

Advantages in homogeneity, purity, activity and flexibility.

Higher quality and improved performance.

Flexible capping options to reach specific performance requirements.

In addition to specializing in mRNA technology, AmpTec has a diagnostics business that focuses on producing customized long RNAs and DNAs for in vitro diagnostics. It will complement MilliporeSigma's diagnostics business , which specializes in providing critical raw materials, components and services for in vitro diagnostics manufacturers. MilliporeSigma's molecular materials portfolio includes custom and predesigned DNA oligos and probes for a variety of applications such as PCR, next generation sequencing and microarray production.

MilliporeSigma is continuing to invest in mRNA as a modality and will scale up this technology both at AmpTec's existing site in Hamburg and at MilliporeSigma's global headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany.

Follow MilliporeSigma on Twitter @MilliporeSigma, on Facebook @MilliporeSigma and on LinkedIn.

All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the U.S. or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service.

About the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has some 22,000 employees and 59 manufacturing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany completed its $17 billion acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich in November 2015, creating a leader in the $125 billion global life science industry.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 58,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene-editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices  the company is everywhere. In 2019, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany generated sales of 16.2 billion in 66 countries.

The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials. Since its founding 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. For more information about Merck, KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, visit www.emdgroup.com.

SOURCE MilliporeSigma

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A group of protesters enter the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

FBI Asks for Information on People Who Stormed Capitol Building

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday asked for members of the public to assist agents in identifying people who stormed the U.S. Capitol the day prior.

We are accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting or violence in and around the U.S. Capitol on January 6, the bureau said in a statement, pointing people to a webpage where they can submit information.

The page says submissions can include images, videos, or other multimedia files.

Protesters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, interrupting a joint session of Congress that was held to count electoral votes. Authorities said four people died on the Capitol grounds, including one person who was shot by a law enforcement officer. That shooting is being investigated.

The building was cleared around 5:40 p.m. and the joint session later resumed. Ultimately, Congress certified Democrat Joe Biden as president-elect.

The violence and destruction of property at the U.S. Capitol building yesterday showed a blatant and appalling disregard for our institutions of government and the orderly administration of the democratic process, FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement. As weve said consistently, we do not tolerate violent agitators and extremists who use the guise of First Amendment-protected activity to incite violence and wreak havoc. Such behavior betrays the values of our democracy. Make no mistake: With our partners, we will hold accountable those who participated in yesterdays siege of the Capitol.

Wray said he wanted to assure Americans that the FBI is deploying its full investigative resources and working with law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue people who committed crimes.

An FBI spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email that agents responded Wednesday to help respond to the breach.

Protesters clash with police officers in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Stephanie Keith/Reuters)

Washingtons police force posted pictures of people (pdf) they said committed crimes and asked members of the public to help identify them. The crimes included unlawful entry and receiving stolen property. The first charge is a misdemeanor that can result in a prison term of up to six months. The second can result in a felony charge and a prison term of up to 7 years, if the value of the stolen property is $,1000 or more, or a misdemeanor and a prison term of up to 180 days if not.

Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee III told reporters in a press briefing Thursday that police officers answered a request for assistance from the U.S. Capitol Police.

He praised officers, telling them, Your actions to restore democracy were nothing short of heroic.

Sixty-eight people were arrested during the protests on Wednesday and early Thursday, including 41 on Capitol grounds. Only one of those arrested has a District of Columbia address, according to police. Fifty-six officers were injured.

We still have a significant amount of work ahead of us to identify and hold each and every one of the violent mob accountable for their actions. We have collected numerous images of persons of interest that we are asking the community to help us identify these images depict individuals engaged in various acts of violence or property destruction. And we have made these images available on our website and social media platforms, Contee said.

Thousands of National Guard personnel will be in the city by the weekend, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said. The Army is erecting a seven-foot, non-scalable fence around the Capitol, he added.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, told reporters that she wants a nonpartisan commission put together by Congress to review security failures that led to the Capitol breach to make sure such a situation doesnt happen again. She also called for prosecution of wrongdoers and encouraged people to call the Metropolitan Police Department of the FBI.
Farmer Boys Unveils Sites for Additional Arizona Locations in Phoenix and Tempe

First Arizona Location Coming To Gilbert In Early 2021

January 07, 2021 // Franchising.com // PHOENIX, Ariz. - Farmer Boys, the Southern California-based fast casual concept known for its award-winning burgers and exceptional service, announced two additional Arizona sites have been secured in Phoenix on S. 83rd Ave. & Buckeye Rd. and in Tempe on Rio Salado Pkwy. & Perry Ln. The locations will mark the second and third Farmer Boys restaurants in Arizona and are projected to open in late 2021 or early 2022. The first Arizona location will open in early 2021 at 1535 N. Higley Rd., in the new City Gate Marketplace in Gilbert.

We are thrilled for the opportunity to serve the people of Arizona with an unforgettable farm fresh experience at our 3 upcoming locations, said Larry Rusinko, vice president and chief marketing officer for Farmer Boys. Arizona is known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and sense of community. This mirrors our commitment to the communities we serve and our mantra to make friends of strangers by providing them with the hospitality and generosity needed to be happy.

For nearly 40 years, Farmer Boys has set the standard for serving high quality, farm fresh food in a fast casual setting. The menu consists of award-winning burgers, cooked-to-order breakfast served all day, hand-chopped salads, specialty sandwiches, and more, all prepared with quality ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible. Produce is delivered fresh and whole to each restaurant every morning, meaning it doesnt sit in a warehouse for weeks and can be enjoyed at its pinnacle of crispness and flavor. By going the extra mile for delicious, flavorful food, Farmer Boys guests can count on fresh, cooked-to-order meals every time they visit.

The new Gilbert, Phoenix, and Tempe locations will join nearly 100 existing Farmer Boys locations throughout California and Nevada. The restaurants will follow state mandated Coronavirus restrictions and offer dine-in, drive-thru, phone, and take-out service.

SOURCE Farmer Boys

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Seoul, Jan 7 : LG Electronics on Thursday said it has acquired US-based TV data analysis startup Alphonso to boost its software and service capabilities in the TV business.

The South Korean tech firm said it spent $80 million to acquire a controlling stake of more than 50 percent in Alphonso.

LG believes the deal will allow the company to offer enhanced and customised services to users of its smart TVs and streaming platform, as it can utilize Alphonso's data, TV ad analytics and video artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

"Providing customised and segmented service can ultimately help us to drive customers' trend," LG said. "We believe it can generate profits across all business areas beyond the TV sector." Founded in 2012, Alphonso has been collecting TV data sets and building analytics solutions. It previously worked with other TV manufacturers and technology firms, including Hisense, Sharp and Toshiba.

LG said the acquisition of Alphonso will also help the company to better target North American consumers. Alphonso is known to have the TV viewing data of more than 15 million households in North America, reports Yonhap news agency.

LG said the acquisition of Alphonso is important since 90 percent of its TVs shipped last year are smart TVs through which users can enjoy video content with internet connection. The company shipped a total of 30 million units of TVs last year.

The company recently agreed with the world's No. 3 auto parts maker Magna International to set up a joint venture to make electric vehicle powertrain products.
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.
___________

Earlier: As President Donald Trump continued to claim the 2020 presidential election was stolen and fraudulent Wednesday in a tweet to Trump supporters who breached the Capitol, Twitter placed new restrictions on his video message.

Twitter marked Trumps tweet as containing a disputed election fraud claim and barred the message from being replied to, retweeted or liked due to a risk of violence.

In the video posted to Twitter late Wednesday afternoon, Trump told supporters who had broken into the Capitol complex to go home.

Twitter later took down the tweet after Facebook removed the same video.

You have to go home now, Trump said in the video. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order, we dont want anybody hurt.

I know youre hurt, Trump said at the start of the message, which has been viewed 12 million times. We had an election that was stolen from us, he said, despite the continued lack of any evidence of election fraud. He called his supporters very special.

Twitter put enhanced restrictions on a tweet from President Donald Trump Wednesday after a Trump-supporting mob breached the Capitol.Twitter screenshot

Anyone who clicked on the advisory from Twitter that Trumps claim of election fraud is disputed was taken to a Twitter page that says there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election.

According to former attorney general William Barr, the Department of Justice found no evidence of fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election, the page says. Election officials at the Department of Homeland Security said the November 3rd election was the most secure in American history.

News coverage of Barrs comments follows, along with reports from multiple fact-checkers.

Guy Rosen, vice president of product management at Facebook (who identifies himself as VP Integrity @ Facebook, overseeing FBs work on safety & integrity) tweeted that the social network had decided to remove Trumps video.

This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trumps video, he said in the tweet. We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence.

Twitter and Facebook have long been criticized by those who have objected to the content of Trumps tweets and posts over the course of his presidency.

Earlier Wednesday, Trump addressed his supporters at a Stop The Steal rally in Washington as Congress prepared to hold a joint session to ratify President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College victory over Trump in the 2020 election.

We will never give up, we will never concede, the president told people gathered for the rally.

Biden, responding to the Capitol scene shortly before Trumps tweet, said the Trump-supporting mob did not represent the true America. He described the crowd as a small number of extremists.

He called on President Donald Trump to go on national television and demand an end to the siege.

At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault, unlike anything weve seen in modern times, he said. An assault on the citadel of liberty, the Capitol itself.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter.

Actor Atul Srivastava was one the first few actors to shoot after lockdown with Akshay Kumar for an ad. After that there was no work for him. Then the tables turned and from November he is on a roll doing back-to-back projects.

On his visit to hometown, Lucknow he said, I had a packed scheduled in 2020 but after the lockdown the projects that were scheduled to happen either got deferred or shelved. There was no work, but with Gods grace, now I have a packed schedule.

Telling more about his projects, I went to Indore for OTT series Aapatkalin Baithak with young makers. I shot for it with Brijendra Kala and its a wonderful project. Then I joined Sushant Pandas film Prachand in Bhubneshwar with Pitobash Tripathy and Anant Mahadevan.

Atul is most excited for The Kashmir Files that he shot in Mussoorie-Dehradun. The film is by The Tashkent Files director Vivek Agnihotri and its a very powerful script. It has Mithun Chakraborty, Puneet Issar, Vijay and Anupam Kher  we all play parallel-lead.

Last, he shot Shubh Ratri in Maheshwar in which he plays Mirzapur actor Aasif Khans father. He has two films lined-up for release. February will see Sonam Gupta Bewafa Hai that was shot in Badaun (UP) with Jassi Gill. Before that, Mere Desh Ki Dharti will release, in which I play Divyenndus father.

He has three projects lined up for shoot out of which two are in Lucknow. Next, I am going to Pushkar to shoot for Babu aur Chameli ki Shadi where Im playing Manish Pauls father. I will also shoot for Pushpendra Nath Misras next series that is scheduled to be shot in Lucknow. Besides, Im also a part of Sailesh Srivastavas film Palak in the state capital. Its all packed schedule till March.

The Bhartendu Natya Academi (BNA) alumni is happy the way his roles are shaping up. The roles I am getting are all important ones. Its because I have started saying no to small roles even in big projects. Even, during the lull period, I kept waiting than jumping on just anything. Thodi zid kar li hai, zabardasti ka kaam nahi karunga. Now, I wish to play a dark shade character soon, he concluded with a shine in his eyes.
Around 2 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, as a horde of violent, paranoid morons, inflamed by fictitious tales of electoral malfeasance and goaded into action by a nihilistic president, stormed the U.S. Capitol, a Touro College professor named Thane Rosenbaum went on Newsmax TV to discuss a crowd he thought was still gathering outside*. I think today is a demonstration of the vibrancy of our democracy. Youve got tens of thousands of people standing outside of the Capitol, exercising their First Amendment rights of freedom of association and freedom of speech, said Rosenbaum, who in his royal-blue blazer and eyeglasses looked a bit like an emissary from Mr. Magoriums Wonder Emporium. I think thats sort of a romantic idea.

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If you believe that theres a certain romance in anti-democratic death-cultism, then, sure, I guess romance was in the air on Capitol Hill this afternoon. As such, Newsmax TVs coverage of the siege of the U.S. Capitol was a testament to the notion that love means never having to say youre sorry. Since November, Newsmax has become televisions foremost amplifier of Trumps various efforts to dispute the validity of Joe Bidens victory in the presidential election. It has essentially functioned like the sort of cable news network youd see in a low-budget action movie, reporting on made-up stories as if they were real, with name reporters making cameos here and there to lend verisimilitude to the whole thing. Our top story: The election has been stolen by a deep-state cabal! Save us, Gerard Butler, youre our only hope!

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The networks ratings, once minuscule, have become slightly less minuscule as a result of its pernicious fictions. In chasing the prospect of cutting into Fox News business, Newsmax has hitched itself to the stolen-election train and has decided to ride it all the way off the rails. The conditions for Wednesdays insurrection were created in part by Newsmax and all the other sources that spent the past two months sucking up to Trump and stoking the far-rights imaginary grievances about a stolen election. Ah, the things we do for love!

I spent Wednesday afternoon watching Newsmax TVs coverage. Far from taking it as an opportunity to reflect on and repent for its journalistic sins, the network spent the early part of the afternoon simply not covering the story. When the news finally became too big for it to ignore, Newsmax proceeded to cover the storming of the Capitol in much the same way it covered the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election: poorly, and with utter cynicism.

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By casting doubt on the details of what was actually happening inside the Capitol, speculating about the possible presence of left-wing infiltrators within the ranks of good, honest insurrectionists, justifying the purportedly legitimate grievances of the right-wing nutjobs who had gathered in D.C., and making innumerable irrelevant references to antifa and Black Lives Matter, Newsmax showed itself for what it was and what any sentient critic has always known it to be: a would-be dictators propaganda engine, a house organ for a fascists fantasy state.

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The progression of Newsmaxs coverage went like this. In the early stages of the siege, Newsmax chose to pretend that nothing unusual was happening on Capitol Hill; that, in fact, those who had shown up in D.C. to express their displeasure with the election results exemplified the best of American democracy in action. [There are] thousands of people outside the Capitol who have walked up Pennsylvania Avenue  and they are making their voices known, said fill-in anchor Tom Basile. (At the same time, over on Fox News, Bret Baier was reporting on a security threat inside [the] U.S. Capitol.)

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What youre hearing now are constitutional arguments, said Prof. Rosenbaum of the debate in the Senate chamber. At the same time, Newsmaxs live video from the Senate cut out because the chamber was being evacuated after rioters had breached the building. Newsmax didnt say anything about why the feed had cut out. Instead, Basile concluded Rosenbaums segment. Then, he spent a full minute urging viewers to download the Newsmax app. The more you (dont) know! (After this article was published, Rosenbaum wrote to add, I know of no First Amendment scholar or commenter who believes that freedom of speech and assembly also guarantees a right to intimidate and make violence. And having senators and congresspersons debate, under a 19th century federal statute, constitutional objections to the Electoral College results of three states, is precisely the kind of representative democracy that our Founders contemplated.)

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While its tempting to ascribe Newsmaxs reportorial omissions to willful intent, it is also worth noting that Newsmax is a terrible, low-budget news network, and it is very possible that it just simply didnt know that anything was happening. Soon, though, the news of the siege finally became too big for even Newsmax to ignore. We are hearing on our end that protesters have breached the building, Basile told correspondent Emerald Robinson shortly after 2:30 p.m.

Oh, really. Thats new to me, said Robinson, and then the two of them put that new information aside in order to speculate on who, exactly, might be responsible for this breach. The last couple times weve seen these rallies, it hasnt just been the presidents supporters, said Basile. We have seen antifa, we have seen Black Lives Matter, we have seen leftist groups that have tried to stir up violence. The unmasked, MAGA-hatted figures storming the Capitol rotunda in the social media video Newsmax played on repeat certainly didnt look like leftist agitators, but, then again, you never can tell, can you? Later in the hour, after noting that leftist groups oftentimes infiltrate rallies for their own purposes, Basile announced that were not going to definitively suggest who these people are, what their aims are. As we have noted, there are groups that do infiltrate these protests. On Newsmax TV, there is no such thing as Occams razor.

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Around 3:30 p.m., exFox & Friends First guy Rob Schmitt took over in the anchors chair for Basile. Whether well ever get a detailed chronicle of what actually occurred to escalate things, I dont know, said guest Mark Halperin, as per the networks apparent mandate to never, ever connect any obvious dots. Soon, Schmitt welcomed as a guest former NYPD commissioner and pardoned felon Bernard Kerik, who scoffed at those in the media who were, in his estimation, overreacting to the news of the day. You have 6 to 10 people who breached the building. Deal with it, said Kerik. The real story, according to Kerik? People are frustrated. They want to be heard.  They believe the election was stolen, and this is their way of getting it out.

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On Newsmax, Bernie Kerik: "They're acting like it was an armed takeover of the Capitol, and that's nonsense. You had 6-10 people that got into the building. Ok, deal with it" pic.twitter.com/buPtpFZmOc  Jason Campbell (@JasonSCampbell) January 6, 2021

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As the afternoon continued, Schmitt kept harping on how he wanted to know the exact number of people who stormed the Capitol. The point of his quantitative fixation was obvious: Schmitt was eager to echo Keriks contention that the ratio of violent rioters to peaceful protesters was actually much smaller than every other network was reporting, and that the vast majority of the Trumpists on the Mall were obeying the law and assembling peacefully. At the end of the day, most Trump supporters love law enforcement, he said at one point. [Theyre] not the sort of people that are going to go into the Capitol and start ripping things down. Schmitts contentions here were undercut by social media footage of Trump supporters ripping things down inside the Capitol, and also at times by his own reporting. At one point, Schmitt did a phone interview with an influencer named Tina Forte, on the scene on Capitol Hill, who in a thick New York/New Jersey accent announced that this is our house, and we have the right to be here.  We are in our house, OK? And we have a right to be heard. You could almost hear the rage spittle in her voice.

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Newsmax kept on trying to justify that rage. Even as the network began to urge rioters to go home and reiterated that, unlike the left, the right was supposed to believe in and respect law and order, its anchors and guests continued to claim that the rioters election grievances were factually based. Schmitt noted that there were a number of things that look a little bit screwy about how this election went down, even if maybe some of these parties have taken things a little too far.

The frustration that these people feel is not their fault, said guest Tom Del Beccaro, who also announced that we actually have seen worse than this. We have seen politicians in 1856 attack the speaker with a cane.

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Whether rightly or wrongly, people feel like their voices havent been heard, said reporter Michael Carter. This was a last-ditch effort today to literally break down the doors of Congress and shout their frustrations. The whether rightly or wrongly is the most important part of that commentary. Its wrongly! Every intelligent person knows that its wrongly! Michael Carter probably knows that its wrongly; Newsmax boss Chris Ruddy certainly knows that its wrongly. The election was not stolen! Joe Biden won it legitimately. There is no kraken; there is no meaningful voter fraud; there was no vote tampering. These facts are not actually in dispute. It is only because they are facts that Newsmax has chosen to dispute them, for facts are inconvenient to its propagandistic narrative and to the would-be dictator whom the network has found it profitable to flatter. Whether rightly or wrongly. A number of things look a little bit screwy. Many people are saying. Bullshit percolates. The Capitol falls.

Carter had been reporting from Capitol Hill for Newsmax TV all day, and had at one point been among those who had been tear-gassed by officials attempting to disperse the crowds. I asked a protester: What does tear gas taste like?  Carter said near the end of the 4 p.m. hour. The answer: It tastes like freedom. 

Yeah, it does, said an unseen voicea MAGA protester, presumably, perhaps someone whose commitment to conspiratorial YouTube civics and made-up news on basic cable led them to D.C., to the rally, to the siege of the Capitol. On Wednesday, they still had a voice on television, too.

Update, Jan. 7, 4:16 p.m.: This article has been updated to clarify that Rosenbaum was unaware that pro-Trump rioters had stormed the U.S. Capitol as he taped, and to include a comment expanding on why he believes debate over objections to the Electoral College vote is appropriate, and a violent siege is not.
One person has been shot at the US Capitol as President Donald Trump's die hard supporters clashed violently with local police and law enforcement officers on Wednesday, sending the US Capitol campus into utter chaos and forcing evacuation of lawmakers from the building.

Virginia and Maryland governors have now confirmed that they are both sending in state troopers and the national guard into D.C. By 4 p.m., some protesters started to leave their perches and generally dissipate while the core group remains on the grounds.

Crowds waving "Trump" flags, "Stop the Steal!" signs with some of the members wearing capes who were gathering in the city over the last 24 hours broke through the security layers at the Capitol by early afternoon. Lawmakers inside the Chamber were told to wear gas masks and take the underground tunnels to safety.

Pictures posted by Congressional beat reporters show Trump supporters in wild costumes taking pictures of each other inside the Senate chamber. Cellphone videos from those inside the Congress show glass being shattered and police trying to beat back protesters storming up and down the stairways of Congress. One of the protesters is seen sitting in Speaker Nancy Pelosi's chair and making what seems to be an obscene gesture.

Both chambers are now in recess. The Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, issued a curfew for 6 p.m.

"We will not let them silence your voices," Trump told protesters at a rally today. Trump lost the election to Joe Biden and has refused to accept the result, claiming, falsely, that the election was "stolen".

Pressure is mounting on Trump to condemn supporters.

Trump tweeted: "I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, We are the Party of Law & Order - respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"
From The Defender: New York Times Declines My Rebuttal to Defamatory Op-Ed on COVID Vaccines

On Dec. 30, 2020, the New York Times published an opinion piece by my niece, Dr. Kerry Meltzer. Although the piece contained factual errors and defamatory accusations, the Times declined to publish my letter to the editor correcting those false claims.

The right of reply  the opportunity to defend oneself against public criticism in the same venue where that criticism was published  is a constitutional right in some European countries and in Brazil. The BBCs editorial guidelines state:

When our output makes allegations of wrongdoing, iniquity or incompetence or lays out a strong and damaging critique of an individual or institution the presumption is that those criticized should be given a right of reply, that is, given a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations.

Even where there is no legal right, respectable journalistic outlets, including the New York Times, have traditionally regarded it as their moral, ethical and professional obligation to publish the replies by people who have been criticized in their pages.


Thank you for reading!

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Bobby Catone made national headlines in May when he decided to open his Great Kills tanning salon despite coronavirus (COVD-19) mandates prohibiting him from doing so.

While he has been allowed to reopen since then, Catone found an opportunity during the coronavirus pandemic to expand. He opened a brand new Sunbelievable -- equipped with eight UV tanning beds and one spray tan booth -- on Victory Boulevard in Castleton Corners on Nov 7.

I opened a third Sunbelievable because I have been looking for a location on the North Shore for years. And I had been driving by and saw the space, said Catone. " A lot of customers said my other salons were too far away, so I wanted to expand. Im always looking for new locations because Im a franchise.

And it was perfect timing, because his two other salons -- in Tottenville and Great Kills -- had to shutter for a short period during an orange zone declaration at the end of 2020.

Catone found an opportunity during the coronavirus pandemic to expand. He opened a brand new Sunbelievable on Victory Boulevard in Castleton Corners on Nov 7.

Now, however, all three salons are allowed to be open for business at a reduced capacity.

Even though we can be open, Im not making what I was earning last year. There are still people who are afraid to come, said Catone. Smart business people buy at the lows. ...I felt during the pandemic was a good time to expand my business.

Catone said he has put many plans in place to protect his customers, which include frequent disinfection procedures, stickers designating where to stand to encourage social distancing, and he has reduced his overall customer capacity.

The new salon is equipped with eight UV tanning beds and one spray tan booth.

MAY PROTEST

On May 26, the Advance/SILive.com reported that Catone said hed had it with government restrictions prohibiting his storefronts from opening during the coronavirus pandemic.

Im opening [the Great Kills salon] for business on Thursday at 11:30 a.m., he said at the time.

He added he didnt understand why his tanning salon cant be open at a time when essential businesses, like supermarkets, werent shuttered.

When he opened a few days later, he hardly had a customer at the Great Kills location before city officials shut his business down for violating government mandates.

Catone said he was ready to be arrested, but had to close Sunbelievable after NYPD officials threatened that the city would revoke its Department of Health permit. He attracted a large crowd of supporters and several elected officials at his Great Kills salon on May 29.

And the $1,000 fine for violating an emergency order that police slapped him with on that day has since been dropped, according to his lawyer, Mark J.Fonte.

BUILT FROM SCRATCH

Before getting into the tanning business, Catone was a manager at Pathmark for 16 years, he said. I got hired at 17 years old and worked my way up to management within one year. I was going to college full-time and working full-time, he recalled.

Some years ago he was sitting on the beach in Manasquan, N.J., with some friends and was seeking a business to open.

Even though we can be open, Im not making what I was earning last year. There are still people who are afraid to come, said Catone.

At first I was thinking, maybe a fish store, a gym or a limousine business, he said. Then my sister said, What about a tanning salon? ...Within three minutes of sitting on the beach I came up with the name Sunbelievable. A couple of months later, I found a location. I didnt have a dollar to my name, so I borrowed money, took loans and opened a store.

With help from a friend who was a contractor, he literally built the salon from scratch, said Catone of his first location in Rossville. He later moved that salon to Tottenville.

This led to Catone franchising the business and opening salons in New Jersey. Today, he owns three on Staten Island and one in Sommerville, N.J., he said.

SUNBELIEVEABLE AT A GLANCE

Address of new location: 1869 Victory Blvd., Castlteon Corners

Website: sunbelievable.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sunbelievablewesterleigh

New Businesses in Focus is a weekly column that relates the stories of new Staten Island businesses owners.

If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.

Tracey Porpora is the business writer and Sunday manager for SiLive.com/Staten Island Advance.

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Father-son team opens barbershop 3 months before coronavirus outbreak

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Via a tweet on Wednesday, San Antonio state Rep. Diego Bernal pointed out Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's silence on social media after a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol.

During and after the siege Wednesday, Texas lawmakers on both sides of the aisle condemned the president's supporters for storming the Capitol, forcing congressional members into hiding and to flee the building. The lawmakers were in the process of certifying President-elect Joe Biden's win in November when the mob broke into the building.
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American actor, producer and recently-turned talk show host Drew Barrymore has had a slew of Hollywood celebrities grace her increasingly popular talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, and most recently comedian Nikki Glaser took the hot seat and the duo spoke at length about dating, which the actor said is one of my favourite subjects ever to dissect.

According to the Daily Mail, the two first chatted about dating apps, and Glaser explained that guys do not come across great on dating apps. The 36-year-old comedian joked about men having very few photos of themselves that accurately represent who they are. The Charlies Angels star said, I went on an app -- I think youve been on this app, too -- where every guy was a surfer, a photographer, had a dog and definitely their best friends kid. I was like: Wow this is like a cookie-cutter. Its like the same thing over and over and over.

Her experience with the app was soured when a dating experience went poorly. I booked a date with one guy, finally, and then he stood me up at the exact time we were supposed to meet, Barrymore revealed.

I was like: Cant you be a jerk an hour before? That would have been such a time-saver. The 50 First Dates star went on , I was more miffed that it was at 3 oclock when we were supposed to meet.Im like, Just do that at 2.

To which Nikki responded about having had a similar experience, Its nice to hear that its happened to you too. These apps, especially the one you are talking about, which I believe is the celebrity dating app, I just call it DJs jumping off of yachts because thats all it is. Glaser then said that being stood up is just so disappointing after spending time getting dressed and excited.

Totally, I felt so stupid, Barrymore confessed. While the actor never disclosed which app she was using, Glaser said she understood the star to be talking about the celebrity dating app. Raya is a popular dating app with celebrities and requires an application process much stricter than most apps.

Barrymore did, however, confirm, Yes, and there are all these big high-powered men and of course I didnt go for any of those, I never have. I was like oh the comedy writer that sounds fun.

To which Glaser said that they could probably have just been intimidated by Drew. And the host responded, I think hes just an uncourteous person who has reasons that are completely fine to him but is going about them all the wrong way, she said. Screw that, Nikki, we got to face the facts. Theyre just not showing up. It may be personal, it may not be, but just whatever. Lets not fool ourselves in the middle of all of this.

(With ANI inputs)

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Defense Secretary Jim Mattis listens to a question on the Department of Defense budget during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. April 26, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Former Trump administration defense secretaries Jim Mattis and Mark Esper issued strong statements condemning the pro-Trump mob that violently breached the US Capitol Wednesday.

"Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country," Mattis said in a statement.

"This afternoon's assault on the US Capitol was appalling and un-American. This is not how citizens of the world's greatest and oldest democracy behave," Esper said in a separate statement.

Other former senior defense officials also weighed in on the riots as well.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis issued a sharply-worded statement condemning President Donald Trump after a pro-Trump mob violently breached the US Capitol in an effort to overturn the election Wednesday.

"Today's violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump," Mattis said in a statement. "His use of the Presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice."

"Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country," Mattis added.

Mattis's statement came as thousands of Trump supporters descended on Washington, DC, to challenge the results of the 2020 US presidential election. They stormed the Capitol as a joint session of Congress was in session to fulfill a constitutional requirement to count and certify the presidential race's Electoral College votes.

Story continues

The breach forced both chambers to take recess as lawmakers were warned to take shelter-in-place for several hours. Security officials at the chamber could be seen with their handguns drawn and pointed at the mob as they shattered the windows of the House floor.

At least one person was killed in the incident.

US Capitol Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber. J. Scott Applewhite

Right before the mob assault, Trump hosted an event near the White House to galvanize supporters to "never concede" the presidential election. After protesters broke into offices and the congressional chambers, lawmakers from both parties and former White House officials urged Trump to call for calm and help end the unrest.

Trump would later issue a tweet: "I am asking for everyone at the US Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order - respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"

Mark Esper, another former Trump administration defense secretary who was recently ousted, also issued a statement Wednesday evening on the events at the Capitol.

"This afternoon's assault on the US Capitol was appalling and un-American," Esper said in his statement. "This is not how citizens of the world's greatest and oldest democracy behave. The perpetrators who committed this illegal act were inspired by partisan misinformation and patently false claims about the election. "

"This must end now for the good of the republic," Esper added. "I commend Congressional leaders for meeting tonight to complete their Constitutional task of counting the electoral college votes that will affirm Joe Biden as the next president of the United States."

Mattis resigned as secretary of defense in December 2018 after he clashed with Trump over the president's plans to prematurely declare victory over the Islamic State and withdraw American troops from Syria, a move that would have abandoned US partners at a critical time in the fight against terrorism.

After leaving the administration, Mattis kept his thoughts on the president largely to himself, save the occasional quip. It wasn't until last summer, after Trump's militaristic response to nationwide protests following the death of an unarmed Black man in police custody, that Mattis finally spoke out.

"Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people - does not even pretend to try. Instead, he tries to divide us," the retired general wrote in a statement published by The Atlantic.

Esper, the next permanent defense secretary after Mattis, was fired by Trump shortly after he lost the presidential election to Biden in November.

Though Esper worked to implement much of the president's agenda during his tenure as the secretary of defense, he broke with Trump on several key issues. In particular, he rejected the president's desire to use active-duty military to quell domestic unrest over racial justice concerns this past summer.

Esper was also supportive of renaming military bases named after Confederate leaders, something to which Trump has been strongly opposed. Before his termination, he had issued a memo effectively banning the display of the Confederate flag on military installations.

Both Mattis and Esper recently signed a joint statement that was also signed by the remaining eight living secretaries of defense that argued against efforts by the president and his allies to undermine the election.

"The time for questioning the results has passed; the time for the formal counting of the electoral college votes, as prescribed in the Constitution and statute, has arrived," their letter, which was published in The Washington Post, read.

In addition to the comments from the two former secretaries of defense, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford, who retired from his position in 2019, condemned the events at the Capitol Wednesday, telling CNN's Barbara Starr in a statement that it was "an outrageous assault on our democracy and a sad day for our nation."

Read the original article on Business Insider

Be in no doubt, what we witnessed yesterday . . . was nothing less than an attempted coup.' No, not this week's violent invasion of the Capitol Building in Washington.

That sentence was the introduction to this column on May 12, 2010, as Gordon Brown clung to office in a last-ditch attempt to stop David Cameron becoming Prime Minister.

So before we get too self-righteous over the outrageous attempts by Donald Trump and his supporters to overturn democracy in America, let's not kid ourselves that it could never happen here.

Be in no doubt, what we witnessed yesterday . . . was nothing less than an attempted coup.' No, not this week's violent invasion of the Capitol Building in Washington

In May 2010, five days after Britain resoundingly rejected Labour at the ballot box, I wrote: 'Gordon Brown is trying to steal the outcome of last week's General Election, which he lost by a margin of two million votes and 60 seats.'

Brown simply refused to accept the result. In a desperate attempt to stop the Tories forming a government he offered the Lib Dems a deal which would involve him remaining Prime Minister until the Labour conference that autumn. After which, of course, there was nothing to stop him standing again.

Labour's very own Proud Boys, Peter Mandelson and Alastair Campbell, were given free rein on the airwaves to claim the Tories had actually lost the election and what the people had really voted for was a 'progressive alliance' between parties of the Left. The BBC was only too happy to perpetuate this scandalous perversion of the truth.

Yes, David Cameron's party had fallen a whisker short of an overall majority. But the Tories had won 306 seats to Labour's 258  and even with Lib Dem support Brown still wouldn't have been able to command a majority.

In the event, Brown had to be dragged out of Downing Street, clinging on by what was left of his fingernails, when Nick Clegg's Lib Dems declined to play ball and opted to go into coalition with the Tories.

For three-and-a-half unrelenting years, the losing Remain side refused to accept the result and moved heaven and earth to overturn it, even alleging Russian interference

For the previous couple of years, I'd been warning that regardless of the eventual result of the election, Brown would refuse to resign.

(And don't forget, in 2017, Jeremy Corbyn claimed victory despite trailing the Tories by 56 seats.)

So Trump's recent behaviour, however predictable and anti-democratic, is not exactly without precedent on this side of the pond. There are other similarities, too.

Even if Brown's attempt to subvert democracy failed, it was merely the warm-up act for what was to come after the 2016 EU referendum.

For three-and-a-half unrelenting years, the losing Remain side refused to accept the result and moved heaven and earth to overturn it, even alleging Russian interference. They went to court repeatedly to try to Stop Brexit.

Pro-EU demonstrators set up permanent camp outside Parliament. If they didn't actually invade the building itself, it was only because they didn't have to.

The Palace of Westminster had already been occupied by MPs and unelected peers determined to prevent the UK leaving the EU, aided and abetted by a partisan Speaker who held the British people in utter contempt. And if that wasn't another attempted coup, I don't know what is.

The Washington Establishment behaved just as badly in refusing to accept the legitimacy of Trump's presidency. It, too, has tried every means available to remove him, up to and including impeachment.

But none of the hostility he has faced over the past four years justifies his reckless encouragement of the mob which invaded Capitol Hill this week.

Nor is there any justification for pretending that somehow the political process is any cleaner or more principled on this side of the Atlantic. Many of those now condemning events in America have been complicit in attempts to subvert democracy in Britain for more than a decade.

It's not as if we haven't seen politically motivated violence on the streets of Westminster, either. A few months ago Black Lives Matter agitators ran amok in Whitehall and got to within a few yards of the Prime Minister's front door.

Yet instead of meeting force with force, the police ran away. And the Establishment has bent over backwards  or, rather, bent the knee  to appease BLM ever since.

Those home-grown hand-wringers who are now grieving over the 'desecration' of the Capitol in Washington weren't so bothered about the wanton desecration of the Cenotaph or Churchill's statue and others.

This has been an unedifying few years for politics both here and in America. We have no grounds for sneering.

Back in 2010, when Gordon Brown refused to go quietly, I wheeled out this column's resident U.S. television journalists Chad Hanging and Brit Limey to explain the fall-out from the election to their confused viewers.

Many of those now condemning events in America have been complicit in attempts to subvert democracy in Britain for more than a decade

London correspondent Brit reported correctly that there had been chaos at some polling stations and more than 20 police investigations were taking place into voting irregularities, including fraudulent postal votes.

A bemused Chad, back in the studio, observed: 'And these are the guys who told us we didn't know how to run an election . . ?'

So less of the gloating from our own political class. They haven't got a leg to stand on. It's already happened here, in spades.

As police get tougher than ever during the latest lockdown, West Midlands Plod are advertising for a new 'assistant director of fairness and belonging'.

The post pays 74,000 a year, three times the average wage of a police constable. This from a force that is always pleading poverty and has axed 2,000 frontline officers and closed dozen of police stations in recent years.

The successful candidate will have to 'deliver a first-class diversity and inclusion function', whatever that means.

I don't know whether to file this story under Mind How You Go or Nice Work If You Can Get It.

Meanwhile, presumably in the interests of 'fairness and belonging', the West Midlands Police Commissioner is demanding more Covid-related powers.

Elsewhere, the Old Bill are already throwing their weight around  stopping cars to ask drivers where they are going and demanding to know if their passengers are from the same family.

We've had four blokes fined 200 each for driving to McDonald's for a Big Breakfast, and shoppers turned back on their way to a local supermarket.

Derbyshire Police, last seen sending up drones to spy on dog walkers in the Peak District, have declared war on families out sledging, in breach of Tier 4 rules.

How long before they fit machine guns to their drones and introduce a 'shoot-to-kill' policy?

A friend of mine who has had coronavirus responded to the NHS appeal for volunteers to donate plasma.

The blood of those who have recovered from the virus contains antibodies which can help others infected with Covid-19.

He was asked a series of questions over the phone to establish his suitability. After the usual drill  age, sex, ethnicity, etc  the lady on the other end said: 'I hope you don't mind, but I have to ask if you've had sex with another man during the past 30 days?'

My friend paused and said: 'Could you hang on while I consult my diary?'

They both laughed and she apologised again. Not to worry, he reassured her, you're only doing your job.

Then she said: 'Just one more question. Are you undergoing gender reassignment treatment?'

There's no answer to that, as Eric Morecambe used to say. But there are, admittedly, good reasons why these questions are asked of potential donors.

Still, my friend was taken aback somewhat. Gender reassignment surgery? You can't even get a haircut right now.

Some regiments do 'ave 'em

The Army is telling potential recruits: 'It's all right to fail.' The slogan is the latest in a series of adverts aimed at sensitive millennials, including one which told would-be soldiers that it's fine to cry.

Pity this ad wasn't around in Frank Spencer's day. After flunking every job he had, including an abortive career in the RAF, Frank sought help from a psychiatrist and was thrilled when the shrink told him he was a failure.

These days Frank's ineptitude would qualify him for a place on a fast-track officer training scheme at Sandhurst.

Brexit has backfired on the French, whose President Macron gloated that Britain would suffer from leaving the EU. The 19 Paris branches of Marks & Sparks have run out of UK-made snacks such as sandwiches, turkey curry tortillas and edamame bean salad. Doesn't get much more British than that, does it? Apparently, Parisienne foodies are distraught.

Oh dear, how sad, quelle dommage. Let them eat cake.
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MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ablacon, Inc., an Ajax Health-backed company, announced the close of a $30 million Series B financing, with Zeus Health joining as new lead investor. Ablacon also announced the addition of Dr. David Haines, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and Director of the Heart Rhythm Center at Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI, to the company's scientific advisory board (SAB).

Ablacon plans to use the new funds to advance the company's product portfolio and continue expanding patient access to the CE Marked Ablamap system. Dr. Haines will join the rest of the Ablacon all-star SAB to work with the company to map out a clinical research strategy to methodically demonstrate the promise of using Electrographic Flow and Ablamap to improve patient care in atrial fibrillation (AF).

"I'm thrilled to have Zeus Health join Ablacon as we work to bring this game changing technology to market," says Duke Rohlen, Ablacon CEO and healthcare industry veteran. "I welcome Dr. Haines to the team  he is a true innovator in the field of electrophysiology and we are excited to have him join the other thought-leaders on our world-class scientific advisory board." The Ablacon SAB also includes Hugh Calkins, MD; John Hummel, MD; Vivek Reddy, MD; and Atul Verma, MD.

"When I was introduced to Ablacon's Electrographic Flow technology, I was impressed by its novel approach and exciting results," says Haines. "The technology brings together many of the theories and concepts in the field of electrophysiology and transforms them into an actual product that is intuitive and actionable. I'm looking forward to using the system with my patients when the technology comes to the United States in 2021."

About Ablacon

Ablacon, Inc. has offices in Menlo Park, California, Munich, Germany and Denver, Colorado, and has developed an advanced mapping system to guide the treatment of atrial fibrillation, the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia. The company's system uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to precisely localize and characterize the sources of AF and to guide targeted therapy by visualizing the Electrographic Flow within the cardiac chambers. The company's technology obtained CE Mark in 2018 and is currently being used in Europe.

www.ablacon.com

About Ajax Health

Ajax Health seeks to identify, support and scale disruptive technologies in the healthcare space. Taking an active operating role, the Ajax team has a proven track record of helping companies of all sizes, stages and structures achieve their value-creation goals. Ajax Health is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA and backed by an investor group led by HealthQuest Capital along with Polaris Partners and Aisling Capital.

www.ajaxhealth.com

About Zeus Health

Zeus Health, a partnership between leading global investment firm KKR and Ajax Health, is a platform focused on investing in and operating a portfolio of emerging medical device companies.

SOURCE Ablacon, Inc.

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Shortly after pro-Trump supporters laid siege to the Capitol, former acting Trump chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tendered his resignation from his current out-to-pasture post as special U.S. envoy to Northern Ireland. I cant do it. I cant stay, Mulvaney told CNBC of his resignation Thursday morning. Mulvaney has been a bit of a utility aide throughout the Trump years, assuming multiple roles, starting as the budget director before being sent over to dismember the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and ultimately rising to chief of staff in January 2019. In that role, Mulvaney literally ran the Trump White House for 15 months, including in the early denialist days of the pandemic. Thats to say, Mulvaney has been a key player in Trumps reality-bending term in office and he doesnt get to feign ignorance and disavow his boss now.

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Though hes certainly trying. Mulvaney told CNBC that Trump was not the same as he was eight months ago. Uh-huh. We didnt sign up for what you saw last night. We signed up for making America great again, we signed up for lower taxes and less regulation. The president has a long list of successes that we can be proud of, Mulvaney said. But all of that went away yesterday, and I think youre right to ask the question as to how did it happen?  Mulvaney is shocked, absolutely shocked, at Trumps behavior that appears to have started juuust after he left the White House. Its almost like Mulvaney, and the others that are scrambling to get off the Trump Train, are now worried that their toxic behavior as part of a toxic administration might ultimately poison their future professional and personal lives. That legacy is gone as of yesterday and thats extraordinarily disappointing to those of us who work for him, Mulvaney said.

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After a thousand-plus days at the heart of the Trump administration, oh, the honor of resigning from an inconsequential post on principle14 days before youre set to leave anyway. But Mulvaney is not alone. Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Pottinger announced hes jumping ship following Wednesdays Trump-fueled insurrection. Former White House press secretary and current chief of staff to the first lady, Stephanie Grisham, resigned. So, too, did White House social secretary Rickie Niceta and a deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews.

Subscribe to the Slatest newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time.

There have been reports that National Security Adviser Robert OBrien, who kinda sorta wants to run for president himself, wants to step down but hasnt yet. CNN reports deputy chief of staff Chris Liddell is considering leaving as well. These brave patriots fall under the broad rubric of White House Officials Weigh Exits that has been floating around since Trumpers explicitly turned on their country at their leaders behest. There will certainly be more officials that quietly try to remove their Trump fatigues, slip into civilian clothes, and blend in with the crowd. They will act shocked and disavow and claim ignorance, but resignation two weeks before the end of the line isnt an act of principleits an act of self-preservation. The wind, at long last, may have shifted and those that created the infrastructure around Donald Trump that allowed this to happen are now furiously trying to wash off the stink.
Former first lady Michelle Obama called on social media companies to permanently ban Donald Trump from their platforms in the wake of Wednesdays attack on the U.S. Capitol by the presidents supporters.

Now is the time for Silicon Valley companies to stop enabling this monstrous behavior  and go even further than they have already by permanently banning this man from their platforms and putting in place policies to prevent their technology from being used by the nations leaders to fuel insurrection, Obama wrote in her statement.

In response to the riot by thousands of Trump supporters which police said resulted in the deaths of four people, Facebook announced Thursday that it was banning Trump until at least Jan. 20, the end of his presidential term. Twitter has not yet banned Trump, but over the past few months began adding warning labels to his tweets. On Wednesday, as violence raged in Washington, the site removed a handful of tweets posted by the president and blocked him from posting for 12 hours. His last post, at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, was a defense of the rioters, which read: These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever! Twitter has taken it down.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, removed a video Trump had posted Wednesday in which he praised the rioters and continued to make false claims about the 2020 election.

Trump has often bragged that he uses social media to bypass what he calls the fake news media, so as to spread his message directly to his supporters. On Twitter, his favorite platform, Trump boasts 88.7 million followers, which makes him the sixth-most-followed user. Former President Barack Obama is first, with 128 million; the other top five, in order, are Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Rihanna and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Story continues

When the platform began adding warning labels to Trumps tweets, angry conservatives began migrating to Parler, another social media site less likely to flag inaccurate posts by users.

Former first lady Michelle Obama. (Handout/DNCC via Getty Images)

In her statement, Obama also described her horror at watching the mob descend on the Capitol.

Like all of you, I watched as a gang  organized, violent, and mad theyd lost an election  laid siege to the United States Capitol. They set up gallows. They proudly waved the traitorous flag of the Confederacy through the halls, Obama said. They desecrated the center of American government. And once authorities finally gained control of the situation, these rioters and gang members were led out of the building not in handcuffs, but free to carry on with their days."

In speeches earlier on Thursday, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris both decried the disparity in the way the pro-Trump mob and Black Lives Matter protesters had been treated in the nations capital.

Mrs. Obama, who has been outspoken about her disdain for Trump, said that along with the president, far-right-wing media outlets also bore responsibility for what had transpired on Wednesday.

The day was a fulfillment of the wishes of an infantile and unpatriotic president who cant handle the truth of his own failures. And the wreckage lays at the feet of a party and media apparatus that gleefully cheered him on, knowing full well the possibility of consequences like these, Obama said.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:

Photos: How newspapers around the world covered the deadly riots at U.S. Capitol
This is an exciting time for Phoenix Foundation of Maryland. We are positioned to grow and prosper for the benefit of the students and families we serve in our community, stated John Edmonds, Board President of Phoenix Foundation of Maryland.

The Phoenix Foundation of Maryland is proud to announce the appointment of Richard Fairley as Executive Director. The Phoenix Foundation of Maryland, a nonprofit organization serving those affected by substance use disorder, dedicated to providing a learning environment for adolescents that is focused on academics, as well as recovery support for teens entering the recovery lifestyle. The states only recovery high school, Phoenix Recovery Academy, is located at 117 East Church Street in downtown Frederick. The school opened in the Fall of 2020.

Richard comes to Phoenix Foundation of Maryland with a wealth of knowledge and extensive leadership background in educational administration. Richard currently teaches Social Studies at Phoenix Recovery Academy. He has spent over thirty years in education, with a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Psychology and a Masters in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction.

I am thrilled and honored to have been appointed as Executive Director of the only recovery high school in Maryland. Having served as an instructor over the past four months, I have been extremely impressed by the commitment of the staff, not only with the recovery process of the students, but also their strong desire to challenge the students academically. It is my hope and expectation that I will be able to use my significant experience as a private school leader, combined with my commitment and understanding of the challenges of recovery, to continue the fine work being done by Phoenix Recovery Academy. As we work with our current students, it is also my goal to work together with the Board of Directors to work towards the long-term viability of the school. The demand for the services that Phoenix Foundation of Maryland provides has never been higher and we expect to position ourselves to serve this deserving population long into the future.

This is an exciting time for Phoenix Foundation of Maryland. We are positioned to grow and prosper for the benefit of the students and families we serve in our community, stated John Edmonds, Board President of Phoenix Foundation of Maryland. With Richs knowledge of the organization, his passion for education and recovery, he is highly qualified to lead us.

His resume demonstrates a wealth of knowledge and leadership in various other local organizations, such as St. Johns at Prospect Hall, St. Maria Goretti High School, and Way Station Inc. In addition, he is very involved in our community as a member of Carroll Creek Rotary Club, Vice Chair of the Board of the Rainbow of Love Recovery Foundation. Previously, he was a member of the Frederick City Ethics Commission, Parish Council at St. Katharine Drexel Church, and on the Board of Directors of the ARC of Frederick County.

About Phoenix Foundation of Maryland

In the Spring of 2018inspired by the endless tragedies in their community and the film Anonymous People and Generation Found, a group of residents in Frederick, Maryland recognized the need for safe educational and social options for young people beginning their journey in recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders. Operating on the principles that schools offer safe harbor for the recovery lifestyle, while providing a quality education as a nonpublic school approved by Maryland State Department of Education, the founders investigated recovery high schools in other cities, and met with the National Association for Recovery Schools, to determine goals and strategy. Phoenix Recovery Academy is located at 117 East Church Street, in a building leased to them by the Ausherman Family Foundation. The school opened in the Fall of 2020.


Lithium miner Pilbara Minerals is ramping up shipments of hard-rock lithium concentrate amid rising prices for battery raw materials and projections of an eight-fold demand increase from the electric vehicle market by 2030.

Prices for lithium, the key ingredient in the batteries that power electric cars and store renewable energy, have been under pressure from an influx of new producers and supply outpacing demand.

While COVID-19 has taken a toll on new electric car sales, lithium prices have stabilised in recent months and are tipped to rally as electric carmakers expand production and governments unleash "green" stimulus packages across the world.

Pilbara Minerals runs WA's Pilgangoora mine, one of the largest hard-rock lithium-tantalum deposits in the world.

ASX-listed Pilbara Minerals said demand for the lithium raw material known as spodumene concentrate was improving, both from its existing customers and new prospective buyers.
In a release issued on January 7, 2021 under the same headline by A.I.S. Resources Limited (TSX-V:AIS, OTCQB:AISSF) please note that in the first sentence the number of incentive stock options granted was changed from 2,250.000 to 2,250,000. The corrected release follows:

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A.I.S. Resources Limited (TSX-V  AIS, OTCQB: AISSF) (the Company or AIS) announces that the Company has granted a total of 2,250,000 incentive stock options to various directors, and consultants of the Company in accordance with the Companys stock option plan. Each Option is exercisable into one common share of the Company at a price of $0.08 per Share being the closing price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on January 6, 2021. The Options vested on grant and will expire on January 7, 2026.The stock options granted are subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.



About A.I.S. Resources Limited

A.I.S. Resources Limited is a publicly traded investment issuer listed on the TSX Venture Exchange focused on precious and base metals exploration. AISs value add strategy is to acquire prospective exploration projects and enhance their value by better defining the mineral resource with a view to attracting joint venture partners and enhancing the value of its portfolio. The Company is managed by a team of experienced geologists, with a track-record of successful capital markets achievements. In November 2020, AIS received TSX-V approval to acquire the New South Wales Yalgogrin Gold Project JV, the Fosterville-Toolleen Gold Project and the Kingston Gold Project in Victoria Australia.

Phillip Thomas

CEO

A.I.S. Resources Limited

For further information, please contact:

Phillip Thomas, Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +1-747-200-9412

Email: pthomas@aisresources.com

Or

Martyn Element, Executive Chairman

Tel: +1-604-220-6266

Email: melement@aisresources.com

Website: www.aisresources.com

ADVISORY: This press release contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this press release contains statements concerning the anticipated use of the proceeds of the Private Placement. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Corporation can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The intended use of the proceeds of the Private Placement by the Corporation might change if the board of directors of the Corporation determines that it would be in the best interests of the Corporation to deploy the proceeds for some other purpose. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Corporation undertakes no obligations to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. 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.
NEW DELHI (AP)  As the coronavirus tears through India, night watchman Sagar Kumar thinks constantly about getting vaccines for himself and his family of five amid critical shortages of shots in the country. But even if he knew how to get one, it wouldnt be easy.
Kerala was one of the success stories last year in the initial days of the COVID-19 outbreak.

But, like the other success stories from around the world like South Korea, Germany and France, Kerala too failed to carry forward its initial success and is now facing an upsurge in the number of new infections.

BCCL

With Kerala reporting a very high number of daily COVID-19 cases in the country, the Union government has decided to send a high level team to support public health interventions for COVID-19 management in the state, the Health Ministry announced. The team headed by the Director of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr SK Singh, will reach Kerala on Friday. "Kerala has been reporting a very high number of daily new COVID-19 cases since the past many days," the Union Health Ministry said.

During the last seven days, a total of 35,038 new cases were logged in Kerala, and around 5,000 new cases are added daily to the state's COVID-19 tally, it said.

BCCL

"The team will review the public health interventions in management of COVID-19 by the state government of Kerala and support state health authorities in these measures," it said.

From success story to rising COVID cases

Kerala had hit the first COVID-19 peak in October and had been recording a slide in the number of new cases.

But the local bodies' elections in the state followed by Christmas and New Year which saw large crowds and celebrations are once again pushing up the number of COVID-19 cases in the state.

Kerala had also allowed schools and colleges to resume since the start of this month.

BCCL

Kerala even has reported 6 cases of UK strain of COVID

The state has also confirmed at least six cases of the UK strain of COVID-19 so far.

According to the data published by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kerala has the highest number of active cases in the country, standing at over 63,000. While Maharashtra also trails back with over 50,000 cases, the rest of the states have comparatively very low active COVID-19 cases.

BCCL

Meanwhile, it is also notable that Keralas total death toll remains at 3,184, which is much lower when compared with many other states. Maharashtras death toll stands at 49,759, while Tamil Nadus at 12,177.
An alleged unlicensed surgeon appeared in court today accused of running a mobile circumcision service to perform 'ritual' operations on dozens of Muslim and Christian children as young as two days old, a court has heard.

Mohammad Siddiqui, 54, allegedly carried out the procedures without a licence across the West Midlands between 2015 and 2019, causing unnecessary pain and suffering.

Siddiqui is said to have provided the boys a prescription-only anaesthetic despite not being an appropriate practitioner, and sometimes used creams instead, causing the boys unnecessary pain.

He allegedly used a technique called the 'plastibell procedure' not suitable for children under the age of 12.

Siddiqui did not carry resuscitation equipment in the event of a serious incident or an adverse reaction, it was claimed.

On one occasion, a 15-year-old boy was reportedly rushed to hospital after suffering from an adverse reaction following his circumcision.

Stephen Hopper, prosecuting, earlier, said: 'This defendant operated a mobile non-therapeutic circumcision service.

Siddiqui is said to have provided the boys a prescription-only anaesthetic despite not being an appropriate practitioner, and sometimes used creams instead, causing the boys unnecessary pain

'It was sometimes a ritual circumcision on children, the procedure was carried out in their homes.

'He continued to carry out procedures that were so unsanitary and so far removed from normal practice that in some occasions were cruel.

'The circumcisions were carried out in an unnecessary painful way.

'Once Mr Siddiqui had abandoned the use of Bupivacaine Hydrochloride which he did, he used a cream, which was not considered suitable for that procedure and led to unnecessary pain and suffering on behalf of the children.

'He often carried out multiple procedures in the same day, he travelled considerable distances throughout the day, often not allowing enough time to carry out the procedures.'

On one occasion, a 15-year-old boy was reportedly rushed to hospital after suffering from an adverse reaction following his circumcision

Bearded Siddiqui stood in the dock in a navy suit and spoke to explain he had not found legal representation due to Covid-19 and the Christmas break.

He requested his trial be moved to Birmingham, near his home, due to the latest Coronavirus lockodwn but Judge Sally Cahill, QC, said the case will stay at Southwark Crown Court.

Siddiqui came to court prepared to represent himself, as he was not able to find a solicitor in Birmingham before the hearing due to Covid-19 and the Christmas holidays.

Siddiqui, of Anchor Crescent, Winston Green, Birmingham, faces 39 charges including assault occasioning actual bodily harm; parenterally administering, other than to self, a prescription only medicine, when not an appropriate practitioner; and child cruelty.

Judge Cahill granted Siddiqui conditional bail and adjourned his plea and trial preparation hearing until 28 January.

Siddiqui, of Anchor Crescent, Winston Green, Birmingham, faces 39 charges including assault occasioning actual bodily harm; parenterally administering, other than to self, a prescription only medicine, when not an appropriate practitioner; and child cruelty.

He was bailed on condition that he does not contact prosecution witnesses, remains at his home in Anchor Crescent, Birmingham, does not leave the UK or apply for international travel documents, and does not perform any operations, such as circumcisions.
New Delhi/Chennai: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested a key suspect in the murder of a police officer at Chennai airport after his deportation to India from Qatar, the agency said o n Thursday.

The January 8, 22 murder in Kanyakumari was part of a conspiracy by some Islamic State operatives led by Khaja Mohideen to revive the activities of the global terror outfit in the region, officials said.

Shihabudeen alias Sirajudeen, 39, who belongs to Chennai, had fled from India after the killing and been in hiding in Qatar. He is accused of having arranged the gun used by another suspect in the case  Abdul Shameem  to kill special sub-inspector (SSI) of Tamil Nadu Police, Wilson.

NIA, the central anti-terror agency, had taken the over probe of Wilsons murder from Tamil Nadu police in February 2020.

A charge-sheet was filed in the case July naming Islamic State operative s Mohideen, Abdul Shameem and Y Thowfeek of Kanyakumari; Jaffar Ali (Cuddalore); Mahboob Pasha and Ejas Pasha of Bengaluru.

A separate charge-sheet would be filed later in the case against Shihabudeen, according to an NIA officer who didnt want to be named.

This officer said Mohideen, a member of the Islamic State who was arrested by the agency in 2017, had radicalised Shameem and Thowfeek on the jihadi (violent extremist) ideology since May 2019, and recruited them into his terrorist gang to carry out attacks against the establishment, especially the police, in Tamil Nadu.

As part of the plan, in October 2019, Mohideen instructed Pasha, Ejas and Jaffer to procure illegal fire arms and prohibited ammunition for carrying out such attacks. After mid-December 2019, on Mohideens instructions, Shameem and Thowfeek were sheltered in Karnataka and Maharashtra by Pasha and they were subsequently provided illegal firearms and ammunition arranged by Shihabudeen, said a second officer.

By January 2020-end, when Tamil Nadu police arrested the associates of Pasha in Bengaluru and started pursuing the others, Mohideen instructed Shameem and Thowfeek to attack the Tamil Nadu police at check posts along the inter-state border in Kanyakumari district.

The assailants travelled to Kaliyakkavilai on January 8 and attacked on-duty SSI Wilson. After the murder, they escaped towards Kerala and concealed the knife and illegal firearm used in the attack near the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus stand in Thriuvananthapuram and Ernakulam, respectively, said the second officer, who also requested anonymity.

Thereafter, they fled to Kozhikode, changed their appearance and travelled to Maharashtra to live in disguise before returning to Udupi in Karnataka, where they were arrested on January 15, 2020, he added.
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May our electorate hold them accountable.

Gabe Downey

Southfield, Mich.

To the Editor:

To the members of Congress who dropped their opposition to the counting of the Electoral College votes in the wake of Wednesdays events: Really? Does it take a riotous ransacking of the Capitol to change your mind? Clearly, rational argument, supported by a mountain of evidence, is insufficient. Only when the political winds turn deadly do you listen.

And let us not forget those lawmakers who were still unswayed. This is what American politics has come to.

Manish Mehta

Oberlin, Ohio

To the Editor:

As a psychiatrist, I usually help people relieve their feelings of guilt and shame. But there are times when shame is a justifiable emotion. Wednesday was arguably the darkest day in recent American history. Every American should feel deep shame over this egregious triumph of mob rule. It was truly our countrys dark night of the soul.

Ronald W. Pies

Lexington, Mass.

To the Editor:

Whom do we have to blame for the attempted coup by President Trump and his supporters? Mr. Trump himself and the lawless thugs who participated, of course. But, more important, the sycophants in the Republican Party who have supported and encouraged Mr. Trump for the past four years; the propagandists at Fox News who have conspired with him to spread falsehoods, conspiracy theories and anger to line their own pockets; and a number of so-called pillars of our society  wealthy businesspeople who have supported a patently dishonest, racist, incompetent and hateful president to preserve their tax breaks.

Shame on all of these people! They knew full well the character of the person they were supporting, and Wednesdays events should be no surprise to them.

David S. Elkind

Greenwich, Conn.
Shonda Rhimes' Regency romance drama Bridgerton is Netflix's latest hit. The streaming service projects that 63 million households will watch Bridgerton in its first four weeks, which will make it Netflix's fifth-biggest original series launch.

ADVERTISEMENT

The show is a reimagining of the Julia Quinn book series, which follows the titular Bridgertons. Season 1 is based on the first novel, The Duke and I, which features the romance between Daphne Bridgerton ( Phoebe Dynevor ) and Simon, the Duke of Hastings (Rege-Jean Page).

The drama follows in the footsteps of other acclaimed period pieces like Downton Abbey, which is streaming on Peacock and Amazon Prime. Since that was a phenomenon long before Bridgerton, here are five more historical period pieces to binge next.

The Great -- Hulu

Hulu's retelling of Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning)'s marriage to Peter III (Nicholas Hoult) takes a comedic approach. You'll get your fix of lavish 18th-century Russian costumes and palace intrigue, but also laugh at Peter's buffoonery and Catherine's clever ways to usurp his power.

Harlots -- Hulu

Take a break from the wealthy side of historic London and visit the red light district. Harlots centers on the drama inside an 18th-century London brothel, with its prostitutes and clients. Samantha Morton plays madame Margaret Wells, who is raising daughters Charlotte (Downton Abbey's Jessica Brown Findlay) and Lucy (Eloise Smyth) around the family business.

The Tudors -- Showtime

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Go all the way back to the 16th century and the reign of King Henry VIII ( Jonathan Rhys Meyers ). Henry's six wives provided four seasons' worth of drama for the Showtime series, which also starred a pre-Superman Henry Cavill . If you like The Tudors, you can go back another century for Showtime's follow-up The Borgias, starring Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia, aka Pope Alexander I.

Outlander -- Starz

Starz's hit romantic drama combines a love of history with a modern perspective. Twentieth-century woman Claire (Caitriona Balfe) travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland. She falls in love with Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) and uses her modern medical knowledge to help change history. Catch up on the first five seasons, based on Diana Gabaldon's books, in time for the upcoming sixth season.

Reign -- Netflix

The CW gave the 16th century a modern upgrade. Mary, Queen of Scots (Adelaide Kane) rises up in the French court to fulfill her historic destiny over four seasons. Reign gives you all the costumes and palaces of the era, but allows the characters to speak with more modern dialects.
But Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stopped short of criticising Mr Trump for inciting the violence, saying "it is not for me to offer commentary on world leaders". Mr Morrison said the storming of US Congress was "disgraceful", "heartbreaking" and "terribly distressing, terribly concerning". "I am pleased that the Senate has been able to recommence their proceedings, and we hope for a peaceful and stable transition of government to the new administration elected by the American people," he said. Demonstrators swarm the US Capitol building during a protest in Washington, D.C. Credit:Bloomberg The Australian stock market shrugged off the destabilising violence and was instead boosted by the Democrats win in the Georgia senate run-off, which removed congressional roadblocks from the incoming Biden administration. The S&P/ASX 200 index closed 1.6 per cent higher on Wednesday at 6712. Republicans in Congress described the assault on the US Capitol Building by Trump supporters as a "coup attempt" and "absolute banana republic crap".

One woman died after entering the Capitol and being shot by law enforcement during a stunning breach of the supposedly fortified complex. She was identified as 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt, a California native and Air Force veteran. Three other people died in medical emergencies, according to a statement by the Washington Metropolitan Police. Loading Members of the House of Representatives and Senate were evacuated from their chambers and Vice-President Mike Pence was escorted to a secure undisclosed location. Multiple US media outlets have reported that members of Trump's cabinet have discussed invoking the 25th amendment of the US constitution to remove Trump from office and appoint Pence to serve out the final two weeks of his term. Following the assault on the Capitol, several Republican senators abandoned their plans to challenge the election results in key swing states. But some, including Texas senator Ted Cruz and Missouri senator Josh Hawley, continued to demand a 10-day audit of the results and formally objected to the results in Arizona and Pennsylvania.

Georgia senator Kelly Loeffler, who on Wednesday (AEDT) lost her seat to Democrat Raphael Warnock in a run-off election, was among those who backed out of challenging the election results. The Capitol was overrun by the mob just as Democrat Jon Ossoff was declared the victor in the final Georgia Senate race, ensuring that Biden's party would regain control of both houses, removing Republican blocks to the new presidential agenda. Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by US Capitol Police officers. Credit:AP Republican senator Mitt Romney said: "What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States." Liz Cheney, one of the most senior Republicans in the House of Representatives, said: "There is no question that the President formed the mob, the President incited the mob, the President addressed the mob. He lit the flame."

Loading Republican senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trump's closest allies, suggested he had finally abandoned the President by saying: "Count me out. Enough is enough. I've tried to be helpful." Republican senator Richard Burr said: "The President bears responsibility for today's events by promoting the unfounded conspiracy theories that have led to this point." His colleague Tom Cotton said: "Its past time for the President to accept the results of the election, quit misleading the American people, and repudiate mob violence." Shortly before the rioters entered the Capitol, Trump addressed supporters outside the White House where he repeated his baseless claims of systemic election fraud and urged Pence to intervene to stop Biden from becoming president.

"We will never give up, we will never concede," he said. "You dont concede when theres theft involved." In a video message following the storming of the Capitol, Trump urged his supporters to "go home" and refrain from violence but continued to claim the election had been stolen from him. Trump initially refused requests to send in the National Guard to restore order, according to a New York Times report citing a person with knowledge of the events. It required intervention from White House counsel Pat Cipollone, among other officials, according to the source. About 1750 National Guard troops from the District of Columbia and Virginia were eventually deployed, a National Guard spokesman said. The President then prompted Twitter to block his account for 12 hours for tweeting: "These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long." Facebook also banned Trump from posting on its platforms for 24 hours for breaches of its terms. Order was restored to the Capitol complex after National Guard troops intervened, allowing the House and Senate to return to the business of certifying Biden's victory.

Loading President-elect Joe Biden, who will be inaugurated as the 46th US president on January 20, described the violence as an "unprecedented assault" on American democracy. "This is not dissent," he said in a speech. "It is disorder. It borders on sedition and it must end now." Democratic congressman Tim Ryan, who chairs the House committee that funds the Capitol Police, said heads would roll over the security breach. "I think its pretty clear that theres going to be a number of people who are going to be without employment very, very soon because this is an embarrassment," he said.
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A still from Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. (Amazon Prime Video)

Sacha Baron Cohen is unlikely to ever play the role of Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev on screen again.

The 49-year-old comic brought back his prankster persona this year for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, but has now told Variety he does not currently see a reason to retrieve his grey suit from storage.

Read more: Cohen reveals Borat stunt escape footage

I brought Borat out because of Trump, he said. There was a purpose to this movie, and I dont really see the purpose to doing it again. So yeah, hes locked away in the cupboard.

Cohen said he was surprised by the lack of recognition for Borat among the public when he performed a skit as the character for Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2018, which prompted him to bin the script for a planned Who Is America? spin-off movie in order to focus on a Borat sequel.

Watch: Trailer for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

The project was set aside to allow Cohen to shoot his role as protester Abbie Hoffman in The Trial of the Chicago 7  a movie which was due to premiere before the presidential election.

Cohen, however, said he wanted Borat Subsequent Moviefilm to also arrive before the vote, noting he felt democracy was in peril and the movie could help in some way.

He said: I dont want to egotistically imply that people would watch Borat and not vote for Trump, but that was the aim.

Read more: Maria Bakalova discusses Rudy Giuliani encounter

Cohen added he drew significant pleasure from how often the now notorious actions of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani were brought up during the election and its aftermath.

Every time his name is mentioned as he tries to undermine the election, people are reminded that this is the guy with his hand down his underpants, he said.

Sacha Baron Cohen returns to one of his famous comedy creations in 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm'. (Credit: Amazon)

Cohens return to the role of Borat was a successful one, with the movie second only to the Disney+ recording of Hamilton in the league table of subscription video-on-demand hits from last year.

The film also earned critical plaudits, with an 85% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes and plenty of buzz for the upcoming awards season.

Story continues

Read more: Most incredible actor transformations of 2020

Cohens co-star Maria Bakalova  who plays Borats teenage daughter Tutar  is particularly in the frame for her supporting role and has already scooped numerous accolades from critics groups.

Not everyone is won over, though, with the Kazakh American Association penning a letter urging ceremonies including the Oscars and Golden Globes to disqualify the film for its ethnic stereotyping and xenophobia.

Watch: Isla Fisher doesnt want to know about husbands Borat plans
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CARISMA Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative immunotherapies, announced today that it has completed its Series B equity financing providing for gross proceeds of $47 million, bringing CARISMA's total capital raised to nearly $109 million. The funding will be used to advance current pipeline and discovery programs, including the Phase I clinical trial of CARISMA's lead candidate, CT-0508, an anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) targeted chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M), which recently initiated trial enrollment and patient screening for the first-of-its-kind, first-in-human study of CAR-M. The funding will also allow CARISMA to further develop its proprietary engineered-macrophage platform, continue pipeline expansion in cancer indications and enable the platform's application to disease areas outside of cancer.

The investment was led by Symbiosis II, LLC, with investment from new investors Solasta Ventures and Livzon Pharmaceutical Group Inc. Additionally, the round included participation from existing investors including AbbVie Ventures, HealthCap, Wellington Partners, IP Group, TPG Biotech, Agent Capital, and MRL Ventures Fund.

"We are at this key inflection point in our company's journey, with our lead program officially entering the clinical trial stage of evaluation. This additional funding will allow us to further advance our mission of evaluating the potential of engineered macrophages," said Steven Kelly, President and Chief Executive Officer at CARISMA Therapeutics. "We appreciate the support of our new and existing investors, including SymBiosis II, LLC, which has a strong track record of investment in oncology-focused and biotherapeutic companies."

CARISMA's discovery and development efforts are focused on their proprietary CAR-M platform, developed at the University of Pennsylvania, which aims to address challenges encountered by other cell therapies in treating solid tumors, such as trafficking limitations to the tumor site, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and the heterogeneous expression of tumor-associated antigens. CARISMA's preclinical findings, outlined in "Human Chimeric Antigen Receptor Macrophages for Cancer Immunotherapy," and published in Nature Biotechnology (March 2020), suggest that CAR-M therapy could have the potential to overcome these challenges.

CARISMA is pursuing its goal to become the first company to develop a CAR-M-based treatment for patients with advanced solid tumors and is initiating a Phase I clinical trial of CT-0508, a HER2 targeted CAR-M, at two U.S. study sites: the University of Pennsylvania and the University of North Carolina. CARISMA's investigation of CT-0508 in preclinical tests has already shown the potential of its CAR-M platform and potential applicability across multiple therapeutic areas  including HER2 overexpressing solid tumors, for which this initial clinical study will explore.

"We are incredibly excited to see the years of investigating the potential of our CAR-M platform culminating in this first-in-human clinical trial," said Michael Klichinsky, PharmD, PhD, co-inventor of the CAR-M technology, Scientific Co-founder, and Vice President of Discovery at CARISMA Therapeutics. "This will be the first time an engineered macrophage will be used in a clinical trial and we are looking forward to further evaluation of its potential impact on patients."

About CARISMA Therapeutics Inc.

CARISMA Therapeutics Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing a differentiated and proprietary cell therapy platform focused on engineered macrophages, cells that play a crucial role in both the innate and adaptive immune response. The first applications of the platform, developed in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, are autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-macrophages for the treatment of solid tumors. CARISMA Therapeutics is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.

For more information, please visit www.carismatx.com

Editor's Note: Dr. Saar Gill, Assistant Professor of Hematology-Oncology in Penn's Perelman School of Medicine and the Abramson Cancer Center, and the University of Pennsylvania are both co-founders of CARISMA and hold equity in the company. CARISMA has licensed certain Penn-owned intellectual property from the University and Dr. Gill's laboratory in the Perelman School of Medicine receives sponsored research funding from the company. Penn and Dr. Gill may also be entitled to receive additional financial benefits from technologies licensed and optioned to CARISMA in the future.

Media Contact:

Christina Khoury-Folkens

612-806-0757

[email protected]

SOURCE CARISMA Therapeutics Inc.

Related Links

https://carismatx.com


The first Covid-19 vaccines to be administered in a Kildare nursing home were given today, and Curragh Lawns resident Philomena Creaton was the first in the county to receive her jab from nurse Betty Bergin.

Her fellow resident Ray McCrosson was the second person in the nursing home to receive the vaccine, which was administered by HSE vaccination team member Deirdre Lane.

Resident Ray McCrosson and vaccinator Deirdre Lane

Plans are in place for the HSE to deliver the first dose of the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to all HIQA-registered long term care facilities for older people over the next three weeks. The programme has commenced a week earlier than originally scheduled.

Miriam McDonnell was the first nursing home staff member to be vaccinated. She welcomed the vaccination team into Curragh Lawns Nursing Home as she saw this day as a turning point in the fight against Covid-19.

Prior to receiving the vaccination, staff and residents were given HSE vaccine information leaflet, along with a more detailed manufacturers patient information leaflet. After being vaccinated, each staff member is given a vaccine record card, showing the name and batch of the vaccine they have received.

Staff at Curragh Lawns greet the arrival of the HSE vaccination team

Ann OShea, Chief Officer, said: The Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine has brought hope to the people of Ireland."

Margaret McQuillian, Head of Health & Wellbeing stated I would like to commend the team who have worked so hard to begin the delivery of this vaccination programme. The vaccines will be delivered in stages so it will take time to vaccinate the population. This means we are all still at risk from Covid-19. It is absolutely critical that we all continue to be careful about our individual actions to stop the spread of Covid-19. For example, social distancing, wearing a face covering and regular hand washing, along with keeping our contacts low and seeking immediate testing if we have Covid-19 symptoms.

Miriam McDonnell of Curragh Lawns and vaccinator Sheelagh O'Connor. Pictures by Tommy Clancy Photography
The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted investment flow into Vietnams startups, but for venture funds, Vietnam is still considered a priority market in Southeast Asia in 2021.

Vietnams second unicorn

After VNG, Vietnam now has a second unicorn startup. The 2020 E-Conomy SEA Report showed that VNPay has officially become the second Vietnamese technology unicorn, or startup valued at $1 billion or higher.

Through bank apps, VNPay attracts 15 million active users each month. VNPay obtained unicorn status after last years capital call from Softbank Vision Fund and GIC, a state-owned fund.

Prior to that, VNG was the first Vietnamese unicorn operating in the field of internet, providing services to terminal users based on the basis of technology.

VNPay and VNG are on the same rank with 11 other technological unicorns throughout Southeast Asia, including Bigo, Bukalapak, Gojek, Grab, Lazada, Razer, OVO, Sea Group, Traveloka and Tokopedia. Of these, only Grab and GoJek are called super unicorn as they are valued at over $10 billion.

Capital call

The period of Covid-19 is proving advantageous for the application of digital technology. Economists say that the economic crisis is a test for startups to prove their resilience. Some startups will be able to adapt to new circumstances, while others will not and will have to leave the market.

In the context of Covid-19, when a series of cinemas had to shut down or experience a slow period, Beta Corporation, which owns Beta Cinemas chain, received investment capital of $8 million from the Japanese Daiwa PI partner.

Prior to that, Beta successfully called for capital from Vietnam Investment Group (VIG) and Blue Hong Kong finance group.

Meanwhile, OnPoint, the Vietnamese startup providing services supporting e-commerce development, announced a successful call for $8 million of capital in the Series A round from investors, headed by South Korean Kiwoom and DAIWA-SSIAM II. The total capital OnPoint has called for so far has reached an eight-digit figure.

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted investment flow into Vietnams startups, but for venture funds, Vietnam is still considered a priority market in Southeast Asia in 2021.

In the tourism industry, Vntrip successfully called for $7 million worth of capital in Series B round. The information was confirmed by Vntrips CEO Le Dac Lam with Tech in Asia.

However, the representative of the startup did not reveal the names of investors. With a new capital call round, Vntrip mobilized $20 million worth of capital in total.

BuyMed, a B2B startup in online drug distribution (thuocsi.vn), announced it received an investment worth $2.5 million in Series A round. Leading this round of fundraising was the startup acceleration program by Sequoia Capital India and Genesia Ventures.

Riviu, a startup on reviewing Vietnamese food, received $3.6 million from foreign investors. The business model of the startup has similarities with Meituan-Dianping, a Chinese company specializing in reviewing hotels, restaurants and services.

The superb affair of last year was Affirma Capitals investment of $34 million, or VND790 billion in Sieu Viet Group, the startup owning TimViecNhanh, Vieclam24h, MyWork and ViecTotNhat.

A report frim Do Ventures on investments in Vietnamese startups in 2019 and the first half of 2020 showed that after the investment capital in Vietnams technology startups reached a record high in 2019, investment capital decreased in the first half of 2020 to $222 million, which meant a 22 percent decrease compared with the same period of the year before.

Dark part of the picture

Experts have pointed out many existing problems of Vietnamese startups. Some startups which once successfully raised millions of dollars worth of funds later faced troubles because of conflicts in corporate governance. As a result, many founders and CEOs had to leave the businesses that had they devoted themselves to build.

Nguyen Thai Hai Van, CEO of Grab Vietnam, said that in the post-Covid-19 period, calling for capital is one of the biggest challenges for startups in their first periods of operation.

However, she said the biggest challenges are not the lack of capital, but in the startup founders vision and skills in calling for capital.

The year 2020 witnessed the failure of some Vietnamese startups. Leflair and WeFit, two startups which were admired, had to leave the market.

Vietnam hopes to have more unicorns

Experts say that Vietnam is one of startup powers which is leading in the number of startups. The strength of the ecosystem is that young people can start up quickly with their ideas, and have good techniques in product development and technology.

Investors have high confidence in the potential of the startup ecosystem in Vietnam and hope it will become a big investment market in the region and the world.

Don Lam, the founder and CEO of VinaCapital, said the Vietnamese startup market is attracting more and more venture funds from Asia Pacific.

Van said the investment environment in Vietnam has changed a lot in the last 3-5 years. It has become more attractive with more open policies, especially because of the governments commitment to promote the startup environment. This can be seen in the establishment of the national innovation fund.

Vietnam aims to have five unicorns by 2025 and 10 by 2030.

Duy Anh

In the 'new normal', startups could become technology unicorns Rapid digital transformation will serve as an important driving force for technology firms to become unicorns in the future.
WASHINGTON - One sure sign that the violence that wracked the Capitol on Wednesday was broadly unacceptable to President Donald Trump's usual allies was how quickly some blamed people other than the president and his base of supporters.

From the House floor, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., a Trump ally, cited "pretty compelling evidence from a facial recognition company" that he claimed showed that "some of the people who breached the Capitol today were not Trump supporters." Instead, they were "masquerading as Trump supporters and, in fact, were members of the violent terrorist group antifa."

Antifa is a frequent target of Trump's. The loose-knit ideology isn't generally manifested in any sort of formal organization, but that very nebulousness has allowed Trump and others to use it as a blanket descriptor for any person or group that can be cast as left-wing and dangerous. Hence Gaetz's elevation of the claim: If someone somewhere is doing something that is a problem for the country, Trump or someone linked to him will probably finagle an antifa allegation into the mix.

Gaetz wasn't alone. On Fox News Channel's prime-time shows, hosts and guests similarly claimed that perhaps the mob was spurred on by antifa. The fringier networks that have blossomed in the wake of the election made similar claims.

The genesis for the assertion appears to be an article published by the right-wing Washington Times claiming that a "retired military officer" had provided information from a firm called XRVision that used facial recognition software to identify several people who invaded the Capitol - and that two of them were linked to antifa. A third was "someone who shows up at climate and Black Lives Matter protests in the West."

In a statement to The Washington Post, XRVision executive Yaacov Apelbaum denied that his firm had provided any such analysis.

"XRVision didn't generate any composites or detection imagery for the Washington Times nor for a 'retired military officer,' " Apelbaum said, "and did not authorize them to make any such representations."

What happened, Apelbaum explained, was that the firm "performed an analysis on the footage" and, in doing so, was able to identify three people.

"We concluded that two of individuals . . . were affiliated with the Maryland Skinheads and the National Socialist Movements," the firm determined. "These two are known Nazi organizations, they are not Antifa. The third individual identified . . . was an actor with some QAnon promotion history. Again, no Antifa identification was made for him either."

XRVision did create graphics comparing people who had been at the Capitol with other photographs, Apelbaum said, which "were distributed to a handful of individuals for their private consumption and not for publication."

One of the graphics includes a photograph of two people that can also be found on the website Philly Antifa. As noted by Twitter user Respectable Lawyer, though, the reason the photo of those people is on the website isn't that they are antifa, but that they were believed to be fascists. That's the "fa" in antifa: The ideology is predicated on combating fascism.

Somehow, the identification by XRVision - which, we should note, is itself not confirmed - was blended with the antifa website, perhaps by searching for the people's names on the internet. That became "these two guys are antifa" when it appears that, instead, they were targeted by antifa adherents as opponents. Someone then shared that incorrect connection with the Times. (Apelbaum's statement asserts that they've demanded the Times retract its story. The Times removed the story, which can still be seen at the Internet Archive.)

If there's a silver lining to this claim that antifa was somehow involved in the mob's actions, it's that it is at least rooted in something resembling evidence. It's wrong, but at least it's not simply unsubstantiated rumors without any attempt at verification.

For that, we turn to Rep. Mo Brooks. R-Ala., who tweeted:

"Please, don't be like #FakeNewsMedia, don't rush to judgment on assault on Capitol. Wait for investigation. All may not be (and likely is not) what appears. Evidence growing that fascist ANTIFA orchestrated Capitol attack with clever mob control tactics. Evidence follows:"

The evidence that followed:

1. A member of Congress told him that there was an antifa threat.

2. A member of Congress told him that a Capitol Police officer speculated that antifa might infiltrate the pro-Trump crowd.

3. Capitol Police advised against leaving the Capitol complex on Tuesday.

4. A vague reference to other evidence.

With all due respect to the gentleman from Alabama, none of that is evidence. It is all hearsay, and not even necessarily hearsay that bolsters the point. The identity of the congressman or -men providing those warnings to Brooks is not disclosed, but anyone familiar with recent events can probably identify some likely contenders.

What we know about the crowd at the Capitol was that many, if not most, were wearing clothing or carrying flags that identified them as Trump supporters. We know that Trump viewed them as allies to the extent that he posted a video on Twitter in which he expressed "love" for them. We know, too, that there was some anti-antifa sentiment on display from the group.

Even if it were the case that two demonstrated members of antifa were among the mob Wednesday, it's hard to see how that shifts responsibility for what occurred away from Trump's supporters. It's analogous to Trump's claims two years ago that the presence of possible terrorists in immigrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border precipitated a crisis demanding the construction of a wall. There was never robust evidence of any such threat, but it was nonetheless effective at casting immigrants to the United States in a more nefarious light.

The best evidence for what motivated those who stormed the Capitol is their own presentation of their motivation. Multiple news reports have captured it directly: They were spurred by the false idea - spread by Trump, his allies and conservative media - that the election had been stolen.

It is safe to assume, in other words, that Fox News bears more culpability for the collapse of order on Wednesday than does antifa.
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Autonomous Vehicle Market Growth & Trends

The global autonomous vehicle market demand is expected to reach 4.2 million units by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 63.1% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. An autonomous vehicle is a combination of various networking systems and sensors that assist the computer in driving the vehicle. Several technology providers such as Google LLC and Tesla Motors have also entered the market and are contributing to the research and development of autonomous vehicles.

The automobile industry is dynamic as it is undergoing changes with advancements in technologies. Several major players in the industry, such as General Motors Company, Volkswagen AG, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW AG, are making significant investments in the research and development of technologies. Growing trend of autonomous vehicles in the automotive industry is attracting larger investments in the development of these automobiles.Moreover, the U.K. government has granted permission to test self-driving cars on public roads. Furthermore, the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) in Switzerland has permitted driverless testing on the streets of Zurich.

The market has been segmented on the basis of application into transportation and defense. The transportation segment is expected to account for a significant share in the self-driving car market over the forecast period. The defense segment is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period. North America accounted for the largest share of the overall revenue in 2020. Demand for self-driving vehicles is expected to increase over the forecast period in line with rising government regulations and increased acceptance of self-driving vehicles in U.S.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Autonomous Vehicle Market Report

Autonomous Vehicle Market Report Highlights

Demand for autonomous cars is expected to witness a rise in the coming years owing to increasing government regulations in various developed and developing nations

Based on application, the transportation segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 86.4% over the forecast period

Countries including U.S., China, and Japan are expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to the large-scale testing and adoption of autonomous cars or trucks in the transportation sector

Audi AG; BMW AG; Daimler AG; Ford Motor Company; General Motors Company; Google LLC; Honda Motor Co., Ltd.; Nissan Motor Company; Tesla; Toyota Motor Corporation; Uber Technologies, Inc.; Volvo Car Corporation; Volkswagen AG are some of the key players in the self-driving vehicles market.

Autonomous Vehicle Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global autonomous vehicle market on the basis of application and region:

Autonomous Vehicles Application Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units, 2020 - 2030)

Transportation Industrial Commercial

Defense

Autonomous Vehicles Regional Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units, 2020 - 2030)

North America US. Canada Mexico

Europe Germany UK. France Netherlands Sweden

Asia Pacific China Japan Singapore Australia

South America Brazil

Middle East and Africa

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.
ESG ETF Investing Flows Drive Clean Energy to Fresh Highs

The ESG theme has taken the capital markets by storm in 2020. Fund flows into this space have been relentless, helping to drive the clean energy sector to fresh highs. In the first half of 2020, 23-new exchange-traded funds were launched under the ESG umbrella. By the end of the Q3, ESG index funds hit $250 billion in value. The ESG umbrella focuses on many different areas and has flourished during the pandemic. With a vaccine on the horizon, the question for investors is whether this sector will remain sustainable.

What is ESG and ESG Investing

The term ESG stands for:

Environmental

Social

Governance

The term brings to mind concepts like climate change, diversity and inclusion, and resource scarcity. While these are forms of ESG, it also covers social practices, including labor and talent management and data security and product safety. It includes employee experience, executive pay, and ethics. There is a wide divide amongst stakeholders on what the term means and how to communicate and manage the concept.

ESG investing appears to be a derivative of socially responsible investing (SRI), which has been in existence for decades. While profits have always been considered the mothers milk of stocks, modern investors have realized that shortchanging stakeholders is a high price for society to pay. A companys stakeholders include its employees, customers, suppliers, as well as the environment, which play a crucial role in the functioning of the corporation.

There is a fine line between ESG investing and SRI. ESG investors actively look for companies that show robust environmental, social, or governance attributes. SRI focuses on excluding industries that have failed to demonstrate compliance in socially responsible areas. ESG provides broader flexibility into specific companies practices and the different management attributes that make up a corporate initiative.

Inflows Into ESG Have Been Impressive

Inflows to ESG have been robust. ESG ETFs surged to $22 billion in the first half of 2020, which was more than 3X the 2019 total, according to Bloomberg. One of the issues that regulators face is that there is no clear definition of what constitutes ESG.

The Concept is Here to Stay

Some corporate actions show me that ESG is here to stay. Stakeholders at public companies are getting assurances from management that their contributions will remain an essential aspect of managements focus. In 2020, Starbucks Corp. announced that the company would mandate antibias training for executives and tie their compensation to increasing minority representation in its workforce. Their diversity and inclusion mandates target is to have 30% of corporate employees be minorities by 2025. While profits at any level are key, its hard to imagine that an executive will allow their bonus to be eroded by failing to meet a corporate ESG mandate.

The Best Asset Now Process

I have mentioned this before and I have not wavered. I like to use a BAN strategy (Best Asset Now) to find leading sectors. Two ETFs have largely outperformed the rest that conforms to the ESG concept. These ETFs represent sectors that have shown leadership and are currently two of the top-5 best performing ETFs in 2020. These ETFs have generated bullish chart patterns that point to much higher prices following their recent breakouts.

There is a reason to be bullish. President-elect Joe Biden named former Secretary of State John Kerry to lead his administrations climate change efforts. Kerry will be the climate czar and will be in charge of coordinating programs that are expected to stretch across multiple agencies. This could include executive orders issued by the new President-Elect to provide avenues beyond Congress to advance climate priorities. This is positive news for clean energy ETFs. If you are a stock trader, these are the BAN ETFs to look at which will outperform.

TAN Hits Fresh Highs

The Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Solar ETF accelerated to multi-year highs in November and is poised to test resistance near the 2011 highs at $91.70. This would add another 11% to its already robust 162% return in 2020. While prices could temporarily consolidate near this $92, a close above this level would lead to a test of the 2010 highs at $115. A close above $115 could lead to a test of the all-time highs near $307. Momentum is positive as the MACD (moving average convergence divergence) histogram is printing in positive territory with an upward sloping trajectory which points to higher prices.

PBW Invesco Exchange-Traded Wilderhill Clean Energy ETF

Has broken out and is poised to test the 2008 highs near $119.50. Support is seen near the 10-week moving average of $71.70. Momentum is positive as the MACD (moving average convergence divergence) histogram is printing in positive territory with an upward sloping trajectory, which points to higher prices.

Be sure to sign up for our free market trend analysis and signals now so you dont miss our next special report!

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Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic



Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better.



His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility.



He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk

Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect.

Chris Vermeulen Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




[January 07, 2021] BrainChip Continues Podcast Series

BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN), a leading provider of ultra-low power high performance artificial intelligence technology, today announced that the Company will provide a Podcast Tuesday 12 January 2021 at 4:00 p.m. U.S. PST. The BrainChip Podcast will continue as a monthly event and is intended to provide insight on the Company's strategy and progress for the engineering community in target markets as well as analysts, technical and financial press, and investors. BrainChip CEO, Louis DiNardo will host the event and cover a variety of topics slated for the second podcast and discuss future podcasts planned for the first half of 2021. The podcast will be available through the Company's website, https://www.brainchipinc.com as well as across all major podcast platforms. "The market for Artificial Intelligence solutions is quite wide and has many vertical segments with varied use cases," said DiNardo. "At BrainChip we view the market as four distinct segments including Smart Home, Smart City, Smart Healthcare and Smart Transportation. Our goal is to be selective in providing solutions to potential customers that have the greatest likelihood of success in their specific endeavors." The second episode will provide a detailed view of he Company's served markets, success of the Early Access Program, and Intellectual Property licensing. The episode will conclude with an update on the current status of device development and commercial efforts. Subsequent podcasts may include BrainChip management and industry experts.



Akida brings artificial intelligence to the edge in a way that existing technologies are not capable. The solution is high-performance, small, ultra-low power and enables a wide array of edge capabilities. The Akida (NSoC) and intellectual property can be used in applications including Smart Home, Smart Health, Smart City and Smart Transportation. These applications include but are not limited to home automation and remote controls, industrial IoT, robotics, security cameras, sensors, unmanned aircraft, autonomous vehicles, medical instruments, object detection, sound detection, odor and taste detection, gesture control and cybersecurity. About BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN)

BrainChip is a global technology company that is producing a groundbreaking neuromorphic processor that brings artificial intelligence to the edge in a way that is beyond the capabilities of other products. The chip is high performance, small, ultra-low power and enables a wide array of edge capabilities that include on-chip training, learning and inference. The event-based neural network processor is inspired by the spiking nature of the human brain and is implemented in an industry standard digital process. By mimicking brain processing BrainChip has pioneered a processing architecture, called Akida, which is both scalable and flexible to address the requirements in edge devices. At the edge, sensor inputs are analyzed at the point of acquisition rather than through transmission via the cloud to a data center. Akida is designed to provide a complete ultra-low power and fast AI Edge Network for vision, audio, olfactory and smart transducer applications. The reduction in system latency provides faster response and a more power efficient system that can reduce the large carbon footprint of data centers. Additional information is available at https://www.brainchipinc.com Follow BrainChip on Twitter (News - Alert) : https://www.twitter.com/BrainChip_inc

Follow BrainChip on LinkedIn (News - Alert) : https://www.linkedin.com/company/7792006 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005896/en/

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Roseburg, OR (97470)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 49F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 49F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
BAGHDAD (AP)  An arrest warrant was issued Thursday for outgoing President Donald Trump in connection with the killing of an Iranian general and a powerful Iraqi militia leader last year, Iraq's judiciary said.

The warrant was issued by a judge in Baghdad's investigative court tasked with probing the Washington-directed drone strike that killed Gen. Qassim Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the court's media office said. They were killed outside the capitals airport last January.

Al-Muhandis was the deputy leader of the state-sanctioned Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella group composed of an array of militias, including Iran-backed groups, formed to fight the Islamic State group.

Video: New audio captured threat to fly plane into U.S. Capitol

Soleimani headed the expeditionary Quds force of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The arrest warrant was for a charge of premeditated murder, which carries the death penalty on conviction. It is unlikely to be carried out but symbolic in the waning days of Trump's presidency.

The decision to issue the warrant "was made after the judge recorded the statements of the claimants from the family of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, according to a statement from the Supreme Judicial Council. The investigation into the killings is ongoing, the court said.

The killings sparked a diplomatic crisis and strained U.S.-Iraq ties, drawing the ire of Shiite political lawmakers who passed a non-binding resolution to pressure the government to oust foreign troops from the country.

Iran-backed groups have since stepped up attacks against the American presence in Iraq, leading to threats by Washington to shutter its Baghdad diplomatic mission.
What is undergraduate research?

The Council for Undergraduate Research defines undergraduate research as the inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate in collaboration with a faculty mentor that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline. It is recognized as one of Texas A&M's high impact practices that prepares students for the workplace and society. Students connect with faculty and graduate students who, in addition to research, are able to offer advice about career paths and applying for graduate school admissions and fellowships.

How to get started

Department programs

Independent research courses: Each department offers a variety of courses (291, 485, 491, etc.) that provides undergraduates opportunities to work closely with faculty on a research topic.

Employment: With more than 350 engineering faculty and more than $282 million in research expenditures, there are opportunities for students to work on funded research projects within the college of engineering or a students department.

University programs

Undergraduate Research Scholars Program : This program is for outstanding students who have completed their sophomore years and are interested in pursuing graduate studies. Students contribute to ongoing faculty research to develop or expand their appreciations for research.

Programs - summer

Undergraduate Summer Research Grant : This opportunity is open to undergraduate engineering students from around the nation who are interested in working alongside Texas A&M University engineering faculty and graduate students on research.

Programs - fall/spring

Engineering Honors Program : Students are required to complete at least four hours of research, present their research and write a senior thesis or manuscript that must be submitted to a journal or a conference with the Engineering Honors student as the

co-author.

AggiE-Challenge : The multi-semester program gives engineering undergraduates course credit and an opportunity to engage in multidisciplinary team projects addressing elements of some of the most important engineering challenges facing our society.

ROE Scholar: The two-semester research program prepares undergraduate engineering students for careers in academic research and gain research experience in preparation for graduate school.

Research programs



General questions regarding engineering summer research programs at Texas A&M can be directed to usrg@tamu.edu.

Majors: Those interested in materials science and engineering-related research

Contact: Dr. Ibrahim Karaman ikaraman@tamu.edu

Majors: All engineering majors (including computer science), math, physics and other physical sciences

Contact: Dr. Jacques Richard richard@tamu.edu

Majors: Technology, Geography and Health

Contact: Dr. Tracy Hammond hammond@cse.tamu.edu

Texas Center for Undergraduate Research in Energy and Combustion

Majors: Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering

Contact: Dr. Eric Petersen epetersen@tamu.edu

Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Mechatronics, Robotics and Automated System Design

Majors: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology

Contact: Dr. Sheng-Jen "Tony" Hsieh hsieh@tamu.edu

Majors: All engineering majors (including computer science) and related math/sciences (e.g. physics, biology)

Contact: Tandilyn Morrel tmorrel@tamu.edu

Majors: All majors are welcome

Contact: Laura Higgins l-higgins@tti.tamu.edu

Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) - University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS)

Majors: Engineering major

Contact: Amy White a-white@ttimail.tamu.edu , railwaysafety@utrgv.edu

Texas A&M CyberHealthGIS (interdisciplinary NSF REU - coordinated through Geography/GIS)

Majors: Geography & Spatial Science, Geographic Information Science, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Biomedical

Engineering, Public Health, Pre-Med, Environmental Programs, Sociology, Planning, Biology, Other STEM-infused disciplines

Contacts: Dr. Daniel W. Goldberg daniel.goldberg@tamu.edu

Dr. Tracy Hammond hammond@cse.tamu.edu

Aerospace Engineering Opportunities for Undergraduates (AERO-U)

Majors: Math, Physical Sciences (e.g., Chemistry Physics), Engineering (any/all), Computer Science

Contact: Dr. Jacques C. Richard richard@tamu.edu

Majors: Engineering and science majors, particularly with interests in reuse water quality

Contacts: Dr. Terry Gentry tjgentry@tamu.edu, Dr. Ali Fares alfares@pvamu.edu, Dr. Anish Jantrania anish.Jantrania@ag.tamu.edu

Majors: Engineering majors, particularly with interests in environmental issues

Contact: Dr. Kelly Brumbelow kbrumbelow@civil.tamu.edu

Majors: Biomedical, Computer Science, Electrical, Industrial and Material Science Engineering

Contact: Dr. Gerard Cote gcote@tamu.edu

Resources

The following resources allow you to search for summer research programs across the U.S. by discipline or state/location.
Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September

Armenian MFA strongly condemns Azerbaijan's blatant armed encroachment on Armenia's sovereign territory

UN still awaits strong evidence that Dubai ruler's daughter is alive

Opposition Bright Armenia Party urges Government to immediately address UN Security Council

Armen Sarkissian receives Russia Ambassador to Armenia

Armenia President, France Ambassador discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Overchuk: We hope unblocking of links between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a success

Armenia police officer commits suicide, criminal case launched

Armenia Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body has new deputy heads

Zarif, Aliyev discuss railway routes connecting Iran, Azerbaijan and Armenia

EU leaders agree to donate at least 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to poor countries
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.
Democratic Senatorial candidate Jon Ossoff was called by news outlets as the winner in the Georgia runoff election that will determine Senate majority.

New York Times reported that Ossoff had a very narrow lead against Republican Sen. David Perdue, with 50.4% compared to 49.6%.

The Georgia runoff election for Ossoff and Perdue had around a 35,000 vote difference, with 98% of precincts reported.

This meant a second victory for Democrats in the Georgia runoff election after Democrat Rev. Raphael Warnock defeated Sen. Kelly Loeffler.

The runoff had a one percent margin, or was about 50,000 votes apart between candidates at 98% precinct reporting.

Read also: Georgia Democrat Describes Migrants as 'Peasants' While Promising Amnesty for Illegal Workers

Loeffler assumed the Senate seat after former Senator Johnny Isakson retired for health reasons on New Year's Eve 2019, and Warnock will be serving the remainder of Isakson's third Senate term which will expire in 2022, reported Daily Wire.

This Democratic sweep would result in an evenly split Senate, with 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans. Meaning, any tied votes will be decided by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

The Associated Press was one of the first to call the race after 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Jon Ossoff Promises to be 'For You in the US Senate'

Following the new outlet projections, Ossoff livestreamed a victory speech at 8 a.m. Wednesday, reported Breitbart.

"Whether you were for me, or against me, I'll be for you in the U.S. Senate," Ossoff said.

He mainly spoke about his coronavirus campaign and reiterated his campaign message of "health, jobs and justice."

With regards to his plans on the coronavirus, he said he would be trusting medical experts and push for "robust public health response so that we can defeat this virus."

Once officially declared for the spot, Ossoff will become the youngest member of the US Senate.

Perdue had not yet offered concession to Ossoff but his campaign release a statement around 2.a. on Wednesday saying it believed Perdue may emerge as the winner of the Georgia runoff election.

The statement described the polls as "an exceptionally close election" and said results will need to take time and transparency to ensure fairness and accuracy.

"We will mobilize every available resource and exhaust every legal recourse to ensure all legally cast ballots are properly counted," the statement read. "We believe in the end, Senator Perdue will be victorious."

Voter Fraud Claims Contributed to GOP Loss in Georgia Runoff Election

Some Republicans acknowledged that the months-long push to undermine the integrity of the electoral system may have been one of the reasons for GOP's loss in the Georgia runoff election.

Republican Senator Mitt Romney said, "It turns out that telling the voters that the election was rigged is not a great way to turn out your voters."

Related Story: Trump Presses Grievances Over Presidential Election in Rally for Runoff Candidates in Georgia

But even with Trump's claims voters were still drawn to the polls because of the high stakes, reported Associated Press.

Reports said the runoffs' turnout was more than the 2016 presidential election in the state.

Another last-minute wrench thrown on Perdue's campaign was when he announced that he came into contact with someone who was tested positive for the coronavirus.

Even though Perdue appeared to have tested negative, he still quarantined for the last six days of the campaign which effectively sidelined him from the campaign trail.
Businesses yesterday called for tougher lockdown measures, with some going as far as proposing a long curfew spanning from 6 p.m to 6 a.m.

The curfew now starts at 9 p.m. and goes till 5 a.m. Businesses also called on the Government to free up the importation of Covid-19 vaccines to allow private sector participation and to allow people to travel overseas to get vaccinated.
Journalists' groups have condemned orders to four Hong Kong media organizations from the city's national security police requiring them to hand over materials linked to the arrests of dozens of pro-democracy activists for "subversion."



The Hong Kong Journalists' Association (HKJA) said it was "extremely concerned" about the orders handed to independent news websites Stand News and InMedia, jailed media magnate Jimmy Lai's Next Digital, and its subsidiary newspaper the Apple Daily.



The outlets have seven days to comply with the orders, which came as national security police arrested 53 opposition politicians and rights campaigners linked to a democratic primary in July, which the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) deemed "subversive."



"Operational information about media organizations poses a real psychological threat to journalists, causing a chilling effect and accelerating the problem of self-censorship and suspicion [among journalists]," the HKJA said, in response to police claims that they hadn't requested any "journalistic information."



While the news organizations are forbidden by the order to disclose its contents, it is believed to be a request for internal materials relating to candidates who stood in the primaries.



It said it had warned China's National People's Congress (NPC) that the draconian security law imposed by its standing committee on Hong Kong since July 1 would be "tantamount to a sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of Hong Kong's people."



"As this blade gets closer and closer, it will have a negative impact on the freedoms that Hong Kong people once enjoyed," the group said.



"The Hong Kong government is shredding what remains of its once-famous tradition of press freedom by forcing news organizations to produce information connected to the governments subversion case against democracy proponents," CPJ Asia program coordinator Steven Butler said in a statement.



"Police should withdraw the orders immediately and stop trying to use journalists to do their investigative work," he said.

Journalists repressed, harassed



Journalists in Hong Kong have faced increasing repression and harassment since the passage of the new national security law on July 1, 2020, the CPJ said.



On Dec. 11, Hong Kong authorities charged Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai with "collusion with foreign powers" under the law, which is increasingly being used to eliminate any form of public dissent.



Many of those arrested on Wednesday began to be released on bail on Thursday, including former Legislative Council (LegCo) member Helena Wong and veteran rights campaigner Jimmy Sham, who said the arrests were intended to silence any kind of dissent in the city.



Wong told the South China Morning Post: Regardless if the police lay charges, we are banned from leaving Hong Kong in the coming six months and are stuck here. They detained us for 30 hours. I think they want to threaten Hong Kong people not to run in elections.



Former lawmaker Kwok Ka-ki called on the pro-democracy movement to stay strong.



"Today, as part of our pursuit of freedom and democracy in Hong Kong, we are faced with extremely serious legal charges under a strange and terrifying system," he said in reference to China's imposition of its own national security regime in Hong Kong.



"We send a message to the people of Hong Kong to remember that no matter how wide the crackdown, we will never lose sight of our goals," Kwok said. "How can we let go of our most basic core values of fairness, justice, freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, freedom of the press, and freedom of political participation?"



Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the Jan. 6 mass arrests "an outrage."



"Those arrested are guilty of nothing but exercising the democratic rights promised to them by treaty, and due to them through virtue of their humanity," Pompeo said. "They should be released immediately and unconditionally."



Pompeo said Washington "would not stand idly by," and would consider further sanctions on Hong Kong and Chinese officials and national security officers, as well as officials in the city's representative office in the U.S.



He also used the statement to announce a forthcoming visit by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft to the democratic island of Taiwan, which he described as "a reliable partner and vibrant democracy that has flourished despite CCP efforts to undermine its great success."

Joshua Wong taken for questioning



Back in Hong Kong, jailed democracy activist Joshua Wong was taken to the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre for questioning on Thursday after his further arrest under the national security law following his jailing on public order charges linked to a protest outside police headquarters on June 21, 2019.



Wong, 24, was on the list of arrestees suspected of "subversion," and was questioned with no lawyer present, according to a statement posted to his Twitter account by his supporters.



"Joshua was further arrested under [the national security law] today," the post said. "WITHOUT legal representative this morning, he was taken to Laichikok Reception center to take statement."



"Joshua has now returned to ShekPik Prison," it said just before noon local time on Thursday.



Tam Tak-chi, who is remanded in custody pending a sedition trial, was also informed of his arrest at the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, government broadcaster RTHK reported.



Both Wong and Tam stood as candidates in the democratic primary.



Some of those arrested on Wednesday were released on bail without being charged on Thursday, including American lawyer John Clancey, the station said.



Chinese officials in Hong Kong have expressed "unswerving support" for the police following the arrests.



A spokesman said Beijing's Central Liaison Office in Hong Kong supports the police decision to make a distinction between those who strategically planned to bring the government to a standstill and "average people who had been misled into voting in the so-called primaries," RTHK reported.



Reported by Gigi Lee for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
As the US grapples with record hospitalizations and deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic, a crucial vaccination rollout campaign is being impeded by inconsistent messaging and myriad state strategies as a new variant of the virus drives up infection rates, according to public health experts.

The missteps have put the number of vaccinations well behind targets set by the Trump administrations US Operation Warp Speed effort. About 5.46 million doses have been administered in the US since mid-December, or 32% of those that have been distributed across the country and well below the Trump administrations goal of 20 million by the end of 2020, according to data compiled by Bloomberg News. Vaccination rates have ranged significantly across states, with South Dakota using 69% of the doses sent to it and Georgia just 22%, according to Bloombergs data.

The next couple of weeks are going to be really critical to see how we can get this distribution system up and going more smoothly," National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins said Wednesday in an interview with the Washington Post. It certainly has had a rocky beginning. But Im not entirely surprised by that, when you consider that its only been three weeks" since the shots were cleared for emergency use.

Months of work anticipating the vaccine rollout have been squandered because of a lack of coordination and gaps in planning. Bloombergs reporting shows missed opportunities at every level of government, from a laissez-faire approach in Washington to local hospitals where harried health-care workers were left trying to make last-minute decisions without guidance.

Among the issues that have contributed to the rollouts jumbled start, according to interviews with state, federal and hospital officials:

-Reductions in the number of shots states were told they would receive, along with limited notice as to how many does would arrive, and when

-Complicated logistics of storing and administering the vaccines

-Lack of uniform messaging and education to encourage vaccination

-A disjointed approach across states and counties

-Little transparency with providers and the public on what to expect

Vaccinating every eligible US citizen is already an enormous effort, especially when coupled with another surge in coronavirus cases that has strained some hospitals to the point of turning away ambulances. The US has performed better than some other countries, including France, where just 20,000 doses have been administered, as well as Canada, Spain, Germany and Italy when comparing the number of shots given per 100 people, according to Bloombergs vaccine tracker.

US officials have pledged that vaccinations will accelerate in coming weeks, with a more coordinated program to administer vaccines in nursing homes and the holiday season coming to a close. But the earliest days could be the easiest, intensifying pressure to identify the weaknesses and fix them before trying to reach millions more Americans.

Allocation Headaches

Planning has been difficult because of the tight time lines and shifting numbers. In the earliest days of the campaign, state leaders were shocked to find they would receive far fewer shots than expected from the federal government. States receive a new batch every week and divvy them up, giving providers little notice.

Southeast Georgia Health System has been given only a days notice of receiving shots, said Christy Jordan, vice president of government affairs and general counsel. Hospitals in Michigan are receiving a delivery window to plan around, said Michigan Health & Hospital Association spokeswoman Ruthanne Sudderth.

Organizing the Covid-19 clinics is a more complicated process than for seasonal flu shots or other drives that aim to immunize many people at once. Hospitals must schedule appointments, doctors say. Formulas from Moderna Inc. come frozen, and those of the partnership of Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE must be kept at a sub-Arctic minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit, with strict storage requirements.

When OneWorld Community Health Centers in Omaha, Nebraska, received some vials of Pfizers vaccine from a nearby hospital, they were kept cold during the 10-minute drive but were not transported in the initial packaging.

OneWorld was notified on a Monday morning at 7:30 a.m. that the vials would need to be used by 9 a.m., said Chief Executive Officer Andrea Skolkin. The health center was able to vaccinate 130 people in about an hour before discarding a handful of doses that did not make it into arms fast enough, she said.

At Utah-based Intermountain Healthcare, clinics have had shots left over at the end of the day, said Tamara Sheffield, medical director of community health and prevention. They have sought to find people around the hospital who could use the shots, an option that other facilities may not have.

Reports of doses being tossed are emerging, as are stories of people walking into pharmacies and being asked if they want a shot before it expires.

Mixed Messaging

Some health-care workers have been reluctant to be vaccinated, with skepticism over the speed of development a common reason for wanting to wait. About 44% of Southeast Georgia Health Systems 2,629 eligible workers have opted for vaccination, Jordan said.

Thats lower than executives expected, though some people who wanted to wait are already starting to change their minds, she said.

Hospitals are spending enormous amounts of time walking employees through clinical trial data, answering questions and trying to combat misinformation.

If they are hesitant, even more issues persuading people to get vaccinated may lie ahead.

Jose Romero, chair of the CDCs Advisory on Immunization Practices Committee and secretary of health in Arkansas, said the most surprising piece of the rollout has been seeing how many health-care workers dont want to be vaccinated.

I did not expect to see as much as were seeing, at least in my state," he said.

The federal government should have invested more money and started educating the public earlier, said Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious disease doctor at the Medical University of South Carolina. The US Department of Health and Human Services started a vaccine education campaign in December and plans another push later this month.

We spent $10 billion months ago to develop vaccines; why were we not spending money to introduce the public to the vaccines?" Kuppalli said.

Disjointed Approach

Each state and even some counties have their own rules on who to vaccinate when, making it difficult for health systems to create uniform strategies. Providence health system, which runs 51 hospitals plus doctors offices, is trying to navigate the web of rules across seven states in which it operates.

In California, counties have leeway to veer from the states priority groups. Providence may receive shots from the state and some from counties, each of which might have slightly different rules as to who can receive them, said Chief Clinical Officer Amy Compton-Phillips.

We cant keep straight that this vial is supposed to be used for these people and this vial is supposed to be used for those people," Compton-Phillips said. We get in trouble because were not using it fast enough or were giving it to the wrong people."

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar urged governors to offer vaccination to more people if shots are sitting in freezers. Some states have already announced they would start widening their targets, but the abrupt shifts resulted in chaos in some places. In Florida, seniors have camped out overnight, phone lines have been overwhelmed and health departments have relied on ticketing websites like Eventbrite to schedule appointments.

After Texas posted a map of providers that received vaccines, Elinor Seeley, a teacher in the Dallas area, has called nearby locations without any luck.

Some providers also say theyre left in the dark. Skolkin of OneWorld in Omaha said she has not received word on when she will receive shots to start vaccinating patients.

Someone is in charge, but its not clear who is," Skolkin said.

Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale opened a clinic to start vaccinating the public this week, said Eduardo Locatelli, incident commander for the hospitals Covid-19 response. The clinic is designed to administer up to 2,000 shots each day. One key piece of information remains unanswered: Whether Holy Cross will receive that many doses.

We have to realize this is America," Locatelli said. The federal government could have had a more direct impact on organizing the country and trying to standardize a little bit more, but it is our country."

Romero, the Arkansas health secretary, said the coming days will be crucial to gauging the rollouts effectiveness.

This week to me is very important, and the one thats coming," Romero said.

Azar and other federal officials say vaccinations will accelerate soon. He blamed introducing two vaccines during the holidays for stalling the rollout, an obstacle that hospital executives echoed.

On Wednesday, US officials declined to provide estimates for the number of vaccines they are giving every day and how many they expect to administer by the end of January.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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Restaurant Week South Carolina, which begins today, will no doubt drain depleted staffs and disappoint patrons who expect luxury at a cut-rate price: Those scenarios are fixtures of the semi-annual prix-fixe promotion.

But in a departure from previous editions of the event, this Restaurant Week could also have significant bearing on the local hospitality industrys immediate future.

South Carolina restaurant owners in a recent survey rated return of tourism and increased consumer confidence as two of the top three remedies they require to weather the pandemic, according to researchers at the College of Charleston and Lander University in Greenwood. Their findings were published in the February 2021 issue of the International Journal of Hospitality Management.

The 53 restaurateurs polled, including 32 from the Charleston area, ranked those factors above rent relief, government subsidies, an extension of PPP benefits and the lifting of travel restrictions. (Enactment of the CARES Act was the other condition they rated highly.)

As the authors acknowledge, the study had several limitations: It was conducted over a five-week window that coincided with the reopening of on-premise dining across the state, so respondents were potentially distracted and still relatively bewildered by the intricacies of pandemic operations.

Still, the research team led by Michael G. Brizek felt comfortable concluding that their data, while incomplete, should help other restaurant operators navigate through the maze of issues to survive and, perhaps, even prosper moving forward.

They suggest the concerns raised by owners in written and verbal interviews point to lessons that U.S. restaurants can learn from past restaurant operators successful crisis strategies. Specifically, they cite the 2003 outbreak of SARS in Hong Kong.

Faced with a 90 percent decline in customer traffic, Hong Kong restaurant owners discovered revenue optimization strategies should be implemented to increase patrons perceived value, such as discounts or other forms of promotion to entice customers to dine.

Cheap prices alone didnt put restaurants back in the black, researchers from The Chinese University of Hong Kong reported in a 2006 study of the crisis, also published by the International Journal of Hospitality Management. They issued anti-SARS menus, featuring items with herbs rumored to boost the immune system, donated portions of their profits to SARS-related causes and introduced dedicated chopsticks for each dish so diners wouldnt dip their personal utensils into shared bowls.

Yet the restaurants that were most successful in luring back wary customers were those with cost reduction and revenue enhancement strategies, such as charging less for noodles.

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Restaurant Week menus dont always amount to impressive bargains. For example, a meal of she crab soup, shrimp-and-grits and key lime pie costs $48 at Hanks Seafood Restaurant, except during Restaurant Week, when it costs $45. During Restaurant Week, it costs $45 for a Caesar salad, cheeseburger and creme brulee at Anson that would otherwise be priced at $31.

Details aside, though, patrons believe theyre getting a good deal. Or, alternately, they appreciate theres only so much value that cash-strapped restaurants can offer at this point in the pandemic and are willing to settle for a couple of bucks off.

In other words, Restaurant Week South Carolina couldnt come at a more opportune time.

At least thats how sponsors, including the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association and Explore Charleston, see it. Some other localities that host Restaurant Weeks in January, a notoriously slow month for restaurants, have postponed their events:

Charleston (W.Va.) Restaurant Week this week announced its members would offer their reduced-price three-course menus when we can provide a positive experience for our community in a safe environment.

In the Chicago suburb of Geneva, Ill., the Chamber of Commerce is asking diners who would usually participate in the promotion to instead post pictures of their to-go meals on social media to qualify for a gift card drawing.

Takeout is a component of this installment of Restaurant Week South Carolina, which runs from Jan. 7-17, even though the event website shows just 11 restaurants offering the option.

For instance, a spokeswoman for Hall Management Group, which includes SNOB and High Cotton, confirms that Restaurant Week is available to-go at all HMG properties, including Halls locations: Guests may place orders by calling each restaurant and picking up curbside.

We wanted to offer Charleston Restaurant Week deals on delicious food to those wishing to avoid dining in right now, says Jonathan Kish of Queen Street Hospitality, another company making their menu available to takeout customers.

Nearly 50 Charleston-area restaurants are participating in Restaurant Week. For more information, including menus, go to restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com.
Indian equity benchmarks ended lower for the second consecutive day on January 7, dragged by losses in shares of select banking, FMCG and IT heavyweights such as Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, ICICI Bank, ITC and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Market barometer Sensex opened in the green and traded with gains for the most part of the day. However, in the fag end, it succumbed to bears as investors took money off the table at higher levels.

Sensex closed 81 points, or 0.17 percent, down at 48,093.32 and Nifty closed 9 points, or 0.06 percent, down at 14,137.35.

Mid and small-caps outperformed their larger peers as the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices closed 1.05 and 0.85 percent higher, respectively.

"After the Democrats won the Georgia Senate, global cues were positive in the morning trade. Afternoon trade, however, did see profit-taking in FMCG stocks. Despite that, we saw a close above 48K led by financials & metals. The broader markets witnessed the demand for housing finance, realty and liquor stocks," said S Ranganathan, Head of Research at LKP Securities.

Analysts believe that the market will be guided by the quarterly earnings and global cues in the coming days.

"We believe Q3 earnings and global cues would provide further direction to the markets. To start with, the Q3FY21 result of IT major TCS would be on participants radar. Traders should maintain extra caution in the selection of stocks now and focus on overnight risk management," said Ajit Mishra, VP - Research, Religare Broking.

The rupee dived 20 paise to settle at 73.31 (provisional) against the US dollar on January 7, tracking muted domestic equities and a rebound in the American currency.

The domestic unit opened flat at 73.10 against the greenback. It swung between a low of 73.31 and a high of 73.08 during the session. It finally settled at 73.31, down 20 paise against its previous close.

Sectors & stocks

With a gain of 3.75 percent, shares of Bharti Airtel closed as the top gainer in the Sensex kitty of stocks. It was followed by IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank and Bajaj Finserv that rose up to 3 percent.

Among the sectors, BSE Metal stole the limelight, jumping 3.70 percent, followed by BSE Telecom which rose 3 percent.

BSE Realty, capital goods, industrials and basic materials indices closed over a percent higher each. On the flip side, BSE FMCG, IT and power ended about a percent lower.

Some 450 stocks, including Asian Paints, HDFC, ICICI Bank and UltraTech Cement, hit their fresh 52-week highs on BSE.

More than 560 stocks, including Intellect Design Arena, Welspun India, Jaiprakash Associates, Satin Creditcare Network and Majesco, hit their upper circuits on BSE.

The stock of Bharat Forge witnessed a volume spike of over 500 percent while TVS Motor and Adani Enterprises saw a volume spike of over 200 percent each.

The stocks of Adani Ports, Piramal Enterprises and Bosch saw a volume spike of over 100 percent each.

IDFC First Bank, Bharat Forge and Shriram Transport Finance Company were among the stocks that witnessed long build-up. ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company, Hindustan Unilever and HDFC Life Insurance were among those who witnessed short build-up.

Technical view

Nifty opened the day with a good gap but again failed to hold the gains for the second consecutive day, witnessing profit-booking. It closes on a negative note at 14,137 with nominal loss.

"The index has formed a good base near the 14,100-14,000 zone. Holding above the said level, one can hold longs but any break below 14,000 can result in more profit-booking and we may see a dip towards 13,800. A strong hurdle for Nifty is near 14,250 and a fresh upside is possible only above 14,250," said Rohit Singre, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities.

Manish Hathiramani, Proprietary Index Trader and Technical Analyst at Deen Dayal Investments, is of the view that the level of 14,250 has proved to be a stiff resistance point as we have visited around that price point twice.

"If we can get past that, we should see the markets at 14,350-14,400. A buy on dips strategy would be the best way to approach the Nifty. However, caution is suggested and it is imperative stops are placed by traders at regular intervals," said Hathiramani.

The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
After a string of primaries, Biden formally won the Democratic Party nomination to take on Trump on June 5, 2020. Biden said: "It was an honor to compete alongside one of the most talented groups of candidates the Democratic party has ever fielded and I am proud to say that we are going into this general election a united party." (Image: AP Photo)
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OTTAWA - Canada's special adviser on the Iranian military's downing of a passenger jet one year ago this week is rejecting Tehran's offer to pay $150,000 to the families of those killed in the tragedy.

Authorities worked at the scene after a Ukrainian passenger jet carrying 176 people crashed in January 2020, shortly after takeoff from Tehran's main airport, killing all on board. Ralph Goodale, the former Liberal public safety minister designated as a special adviser on Canada's response to the crash, says Iran doesnt have right to unilaterally offer compensation to victims' families in Canada and other countries. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Ebrahim Noroozi

OTTAWA - Canada's special adviser on the Iranian military's downing of a passenger jet one year ago this week is rejecting Tehran's offer to pay $150,000 to the families of those killed in the tragedy.

Ralph Goodale, the former Liberal public safety minister, says Iran doesn't have the right to offer compensation to victims families unilaterally.

Goodale told The Canadian Press the final amount will be subject to negotiations between Iran and Canada and the four other countries whose citizens were killed on the plane.

Iranian state television announced on Dec. 30 that the Tehran government was setting aside $150,000 for each family that lost someone on the plane. The announcement caught Canada and the other countries off-guard and appeared intended to mitigate the growing criticism of Iran as the one-year anniversary of the killings approached.

"There is a negotiating process that has yet to take place," said Goodale.

"But it hasn't yet begun. So, it's a bit premature for a number to be circulated in the public domain, because none of the other parties involved in this process have had any input whatsoever."

Goodale was appointed last March to lead Canada's response to the Jan. 8, 2020 shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 by Iran's Revolutionary Guard that killed all 176 people on board.

They included 55 Canadian citizens, 30 permanent residents and 53 more travellers bound for Canada, including many Iranian students, as well as citizens of Britain, Afghanistan, Sweden and Ukraine.

Goodale, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other government members are to meet privately Thursday in a virtual event with families and loved ones of those who perished.

Trudeau has spoken to all of them recently, said Goodale, and he will reaffirm his commitment to declare Jan. 8 a national day of remembrance for the victims of airline disasters. There will also be discussion about building a memorial, but the government wants the full input of families on how it might look and where in Canada it will be erected, Goodale added.

Meanwhile, the push continues for Iran to reveal the exact details about why the tragedy occurred  what prompted a unit of its Revolutionary Guard to fire on the civilian plane. Neither Goodale nor Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne expects any definitive report coming from Iran any time soon.

"I'm not holding my breath. But certainly, we will be prepared to review that with the Transport Safety Board, and also the forensic team that we've put together," Champagne said in a recent interview.

Under the Chicago Convention that governs international civil aviation law, Iran is the lead investigator of the incident because the plane was felled on its soil. The fact that the Iranian military shot it down and has every incentive to cover up the true cause is the reason why Goodale says Canada is pursuing changes to the global civil aviation legal framework to prevent that in the future.

The doomed Kyiv-bound flight was one of several commercial airliners that were permitted to take off from Tehran that fateful night even though the Iranian military had fired missiles at U.S. military bases in neighbouring Iraq just hours earlier.

The attack was Iran's planned retaliation for the targeted drone killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, ordered days earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Goodale said the fundamental question that needs answering is given that Iran had "planned and executed" a military attack, "Why in the world did Iran keep its airspace open?"

He has other questions: "What did you do to alert the airline companies and their crews that this activity was taking place so that they could make their own decisions about whether they were going to take off or not?"

The Iranian government released an interim report in July, which Canada criticized as lacking, that said that the Revolutionary Guard's surface-to-air missile battery had been moved and had not been properly reoriented before it targeted the Boeing 737-800.

Under the Chicago Convention, Iran is expected to publish a report around the one-year anniversary of the incident, but Goodale said that isn't expected for another two months. Under the law, France and the United States are entitled to review copies 60 days in advance because they are the countries where the plane's engines and airframe were respectively built.

Canada and the other countries that lost people on the plane aren't entitled to copies, but Goodale said France and the U.S. only received theirs last week.

Goodale said the convention lays out a series of steps for starting negotiations and that Iran's compensation offer is "out of sync" with international aviation law.

"This is not a process  when it comes to compensation that Iran can simply determine unilaterally," he said.

Families of the victims have been pushing Canada to put more pressure on Iran by imposing sanctions, specifically using its legislation to target individual Iranians with sanctions for violating human rights.

The legislation, named for whistle-blowing Russian Sergei Magnitsky, would allow freezing the assets of those individuals, if they can be found, and imposing travel restrictions on them.

"Those responsible for this attack must be held to account," Michael Chong, the Conservative critic for foreign affairs, said Thursday as he reiterated his party's call for Magnitsky sanctions, and for Canada to list the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist entity.

"Nothing is off the table," said Champagne.

"But when you're considering that, you always have to say, 'What's the purpose?'  Is that conducive to the outcome you're seeking?"

Goodale said Canada has several sanction laws that could be applied to Iran, but "the first challenge is to make sure we've got all the facts, so we are acting on the basis of solid established information" to establish how to target them.

"The Magnitsky legislation is there to be used if the government deems it appropriate," said Goodale.

"It certainly has not been taken off the table."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2021.

One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021
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Navistar Direct Marketing, a Maryland-based firm, announced it has fired an employee who was seen wearing his work badge inside the Capitol as a member of the pro-Trump mob that stormed the building Wednesday.

The unnamed employee  who was wearing a "Trump" hat and holding a flag  was spotted wearing the badge around his neck, and the logo on it was subsequently identified as belonging to Navistar Direct Marketing (NDM).
GRANTS PASS, Ore.  Police have arrested a California couple in connection with an alleged murder that took place in a Grants Pass hotel room earlier this week, according to the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety.

Just after 11 a.m. on Tuesday, police received a 911 call from the Red Lion Inn on NW 6th Street in Grants Pass after an employee found an "unconscious man" on the floor of a hotel room. By the time officers arrived at the scene, the response had become a death investigation.

The victim was identified as 42-year-old Ryan Antone Dutra of California, who had rented a room at the hotel. Police said that he was found alone, suffering from a gunshot wound. No other people were found in the area or had information on Dutra's death, GPDPS said.

"Detectives secured the scene and applied for a search warrant for the room," the agency said. "It was not believed there was any additional threat to the public."

Detectives worked to develop leads on Dutra's killing throughout the day and overnight using surveillance video, cell phone data, and license plate readers. They were able to identify two suspects  41-year-old Derek Ian Smith and his wife, 34-year-old Tera Lindsey Smith, both of California.

GPDPS said that the couple was believed to have already returned to California by the time they were identified. Local agencies enlisted the help of California law enforcement to continue the investigation.

Around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, police say they tracked down Derek and Tera Smith along I-5 in Newton, California. Officers took them into custody less than 24 hours after the initial 911 call.

"This incident is an example of a coordinated response by local police agencies and the use of numerous investigative techniques and partnerships between adjoining states to ensure the safety to the public and a complete investigation resulting in the arrest of those suspected of committing this egregious crime," GPDPS said.

Dutra's killing is still an active investigation, GPDPS said. The agency extended its condolences to Dutra's family, and acknowledged the hard work of both the local detectives and those of the agencies in California that helped to find and arrest the Smiths.

Derek Smith faces charges of Murder I, Robbery I, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Tera Smith is being held on charges of Murder II, Robbery I, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times

Mumbai: BMC alleges actor Sonu Sood turned residential building into hotel, files complaint

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has filed a complaint against Bollywood actor Sonu Sood with the Mumbai Police alleging he converted a residential building in Juhu into a hotel, confirmed officials of BMC on Thursday. Read more

Himachals Lahaul-Spiti restricts entry of vehicles till Jan 24 due to heavy snowfall

In view of inclement weather in the high-altitude Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, the administration has decided to allow tourist vehicles to enter the valley through Atal Tunnel at Rohtang Pass only from 10am to 11am and from 12 noon to 3pm. Read more

Kane Williamson flies high, Virat Kohli higher

Propelling New Zealand to their first ever pole position in the ICC Test rankings is an incredible home run that witnessed six consecutive winsthe longest in their historyand an unbeaten streak in 17 Tests since an eight-wicket loss to South Africa in March, 2017. Read more

Kaagaz movie review: Pankaj Tripathi tries his best to infuse life into a film killed by cliches

Returning to filmmaking after almost five years, Satish Kaushik has made a film quite unlike the ones he has made before. Read more

Jeep Compass 2021 breaks cover, gets styling updates and an all-new cabin

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Katrina Kaifs lehenga choli combo is the ultimate bridesmaid attire

A good ethnic timeless outfit, which can be worn at any occasion, is a must-have in every wardrobe and to be honest, Katrina Kaif has quite a few of them. Read more

US Capitol Chaos: 4 dead in mob-police clash; Trump urges supporters to go home

Four killed in the violence that followed after supporters of US President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol and disrupted electoral count on January 06. Lawmakers were evacuated from the US Capitol after protesters breached security and entered the premises. Watch here
To prevent the reopening of schools, Chicago educators must organize independently of the CTU through the formation of an Illinois Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, which will unite educators, parents, students and the broader working class, to prepare strike action to close all schools and nonessential workplaces. We urge all those who want to join this struggle to attend and help build this public meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. CST to form an Illinois Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, and to send us your contact information today.

On December 31, Chicago news station WGN published social media posts by Chicago Teachers Union Area Vice President Sarah Chambers enjoying a vacation in Puerto Rico just days before thousands of teachers were forced back into dangerous school buildings under Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoots reopening plan.

The incident revealed the essence of the CTU, which falsely claims to represent more than 30,000 educators in the nations third-largest school district. It is an outfit run by upper-middle-class functionaries who are completely insulated from the disastrous consequences their actions have and continue to produce for rank-and-file teachers and working class families in the city.

Sarah Chambers

In addition to poolside selfies from her Caribbean vacation, Chambers posted messages about the restaurant meals she was looking forward to in Old San Juan, the tourist section of the impoverished islands capital. Puerto Rico has had 127,000 people contract COVID-19 and 1,200 deaths. Using the account name Sarah4Justice, Chambers, who was there along with CTU grievance coordinator Sara Echevarria, created posts oblivious to these conditions, not to mention the struggle of Puerto Rican teachers against the impact of hurricanes, earthquakes and savage austerity.

In Chicago, district officials have ordered all pre-K through eighth grade teachers without approved medical exceptions back into buildings this month, regardless of their familys health conditions, and threatened those who do not return with dismissal. This is despite a citywide infection rate of over 10 percent. Infection rates are closer to 20 percent in working class neighborhoods where low-wage workers are forced to work, rely on mass transit and live in large, multigenerational households.

To make matters worse, public health experts believe the new, more virulent strain of the virus, which spreads particularly fast among young people, is already in Chicago, sparking the latest surge in cases. On Sunday, Chicago resident Arnold Herrera, a 19-year-old with no prior health problems, died of the disease.

Under these conditions, there is immense opposition among educators and parents to the deadly reopening policy. More than half of the 2,100 teachers and 40 percent of the support staff instructed to return to work Monday did not return, according to district officials. On Sunday evening, CPS CEO Janice Jackson admitted in her letter to Chicago aldermen that only 37 percent of parents of pre-K through eighth grade and special education students have stated intention to return for in-person learning.

Chambers social media posts further undermined the already tattered credibility of the CTU, which continues to posture as an opponent of Lightfoots forced reopening even as it blocks collective action by teachers against the murderous policy. In an effort at damage control, Chambers, who at first defended her actions, issued a statement of contrition and announced she would step back from the CTU executive board, at least temporarily.

Chambers in Puerto Rico

I understand that was insensitive and wrong of me to go on this trip for winter break and for me to share photos of it at a time when thousands of my union sisters and brothersand the families we serveare refraining from travel or making only essential plans outside of the home. I deeply regret my actions and I fully understand why many are upset, her Facebook said. She added, In order to show my contrition, and not to be a distraction, I will deactivate all of my social media accounts and step back from the Chicago Teachers Union executive board.

Corporate and far-right news media predictably seized upon Chambers posts to try to smear teachers by equating them with the complacent and corrupt CTU officials. According to the right-wing gutter press, teachers opposition to a return to in-person learning is not driven by concern for the well-being of educators, children and their parents, but a desire for more time off. The right-wing campaign, however, has failed to undermine support for teachers who are struggling, along with parents, with inadequate resources for online learning, the dangers of the pandemic and the indifference of school and city officials.

The right-wing effort to equate teachers with the CTU is as grotesquely false as the claims by Chambers and the rest of the CTU leaders that membership controls the union. In reality, the Chambers incident is only the latest example of the enormous class gulf that exists between the CTU and rank-and-file teachers.

It has been more than a decade since the CORE (Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators) faction, made up of members of the defunct International Socialist Organization (ISO), the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and other pseudo-left groups, took over the CTU based on rhetoric about social justice unionism and union democracy. Chambers, a longtime co-chair of CORE, calls herself a socialist, traveled to Venezuela in 2019 with a delegation of Chicago teachers, and is regularly interviewed in Labor Notes and Jacobin, the semi-official publication of the DSA.

The installation of Chambers, former ISO leader and now-CTU President Jesse Sharkey, and other middle class pseudo-left elements has done nothing to change the anti-working class character of the CTU. Over the last decade it has played a central role in the restructuring of public education in Chicago and assisting the Democratic Party in suppressing opposition to school closures and the expansion of for-profit charter schools, along with the explosion of social inequality and police killings. The CTU has been a trailblazer for the career opportunities of other left union reformers in Los Angeles, New York and other cities.

In every case, they have waged a war, not against the Democratic Party and corporate school privatizers, but against the class consciousness of the working class, echoing claims of the Democrats that the essential division in America is race, not class. Like the CTU, the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), the Oakland Education Association (OEA) and other unions have betrayed strikes, collaborated in the attacks on teachers and public education, and colluded in the murderous back-to-school policy. In December, Sharkey, the presidents of the UTLA, OEA and other unions penned a love letter to President-elect Joe Biden that covered up his support for forcing teachers back into unsafe schools.

While feigning opposition to Lightfoots plans, the CTU has opposed any strike action, leaving teachers to fight on their own. It has filed impotent legal complaints, called on teachers to sign a petition against unsafe conditions, and urged individual teachers to call in absent, leaving them vulnerable to management retaliation.

At a press conference Tuesday, CTU President Sharkey said nothing about the districts threats to fire teachers for unexcused absences. The reopening, he said, would not work if the district simply continues to dictate to us, and admitted the city was not willing to commit to a public health metric for reopening, like a threshold COVID-19 positivity rate.

He then said the CTU made three additional offers to the city on a return-to-work plan to sell to teachers, including a delayed start of classes until teachers receive a first dose of the vaccine, with an extension of the school year into the summer; the return of only those teachers and students who volunteer to do in-person learning; or the resumption of in-person learning with mass testing of all teachers and students, all representing unacceptable public health risks.

This is the same modus operandi used by teacher unions in New York City, Washington D.C. and other cities to reopen dangerous schools. Whatever the phony rhetoric, when it comes to sending teachers back to infected schools, the CTU and other unions are on the other side of the barricade. They are aligned with Biden, who has rejected any lockdowns and insisted that all schools be open over the next few months so the parents of schoolchildren can be sent back to work to produce corporate profit.

That is why educators must take matters into their own hands by joining the national network of Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees, which are organized independently of the corporatist unions, to protect their lives. These committees, which have already been established in New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Texas and other states, are fighting to unite teachers with the broadest sections of the working class to shut down schools and nonessential production and fully compensate workers and small business owners.

Teachers confront a political battle against the Democratic Party, which no less than the Republican Party speaks for Wall Street. After handing trillions to the major corporations, both parties plan to gut public education and other vital services. The fight to close unsafe schools and defend lives must be combined with a political struggle against both corporate-controlled parties and a socialist alternative to the capitalist profit system. To fight for this, we urge teachers to get more information and join the Socialist Equality Party.

All educators, school workers, parents and students who support this initiative should join our Facebook group and contact us today to establish local rank-and-file committees in your school and neighborhood. We urge you to attend an online meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. CST to form an Illinois Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee. We will also be hosting a national call-in meeting at 1 p.m. EST this Saturday, January 9. We urge you to send us your contact information today and make plans to attend this important meeting.
Chennai, Jan 7 : Wooing the Nadar community, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Thursday said his government acts like a "protective fort" and a "climbing ladder" for them.

He also said the ruling AIADMK government will fulfil the requests of the Nadar community in a phased manner.

Addressing the community members at a meeting in Erode, Palaniswami said his Edappadi constituency has sizeable number of Nadar community people.

He said on the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, the state government has offered meritorious high and higher secondary school students with a cash award of Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000, respectively.

A sum of Rs 1.74 crore has been allocated for this purpose, he added and sought the community's support in the upcoming Assembly polls.
If you're not sick to your stomach looking at the images coming out of Washington, you will be. And if a lawless mob carrying Confederate flags, braying open sedition and storming the Capitol doesn't sicken you, it will sicken your children - if the nation survives.

Last summer, when Black Lives Matters protesters came to Washington to protest police violence against African Americans, National Guard troops lined up in a phalanx rows deep on the steps of Lincoln Memorial. They were there, they said, to protect an important symbol of our democracy. Today, the racist remains of the party of Lincoln attacked not just a symbol of democracy but also its process and function. As the president incited a riot and then egged it on with tweets stoking grievance, over an election that he lost by no small margin, angry crowds did the unthinkable: They bypassed or overwhelmed police lines, streamed through Statuary Hall and took to the dais of the Senate chamber, shouting obscenities, inanities and treason. Even after he called for his forces to stand down, President Donald Trump continued to stoke the same anger that animated them, inspiriting them with the same emotions that brought them to the Capitol, to clamber over walls, preen and posture and scream with rage.

The whole drama, the body language, the flags and the onslaught, was borrowed from other dramas - genuine displays of revolutionary fervor against autocrats, authentic acts protesting illegitimate governments. But it was a charade. Not civic or selfless, but corrosive, destructive and illegal.

In real time, journalists and pundits expressed disbelief and wondered aloud: How can this be happening? There was a simple, terrible and chastening answer, and one that will sicken decent Americans for generations to come: It happened because we refused to believe it could happen.

Many Americans once considered this blindness to cataclysm latent in every democratic government, including ours, to be a peculiarly American form of strength. Our naivete was a talisman against disorder. The power of precedence, the comforting illusion of a stable history, the fantasy that our institutions were so just and well ordered that nothing could shake them, might well have seemed a bulwark against today's attempted coup. Surely Americans, who are by our own fatuous self-definition fundamentally decent, would never attempt the unthinkable, no matter how angry. And so people who get paid to dither on television suddenly began talking at it, repeating again and again their disbelief, as if the arrival of this ugliness was as unexpected as an errant asteroid or alien invasion in a bad science-fiction flick.

But over the past four years, as Trump attacked again and again, dividing the country, inflaming anger, exacerbating every conflict and pouring salt into every wound, the unwillingness to see today's events became more than a weakness. It became culpable.

We could muster the National Guard to defend bricks and mortar against the possibility that perhaps some angry protesters against police brutality might spill a little paint or hurl water bottles. But we couldn't, or wouldn't, defend the Constitution and the republic against open rebellion, a rebellion foretold by every act of a lawless president who has never been coy about his real intent.

One moment in today's appalling mayhem was telling. As they filed through Statuary Hall, some of Trump's thugs snapped selfies of themselves, as if they were merely tourists. Meanwhile, windows were being broken, room trashed, historic spaces defiled. You might think it odd that the hardcore Make America Great Again crowd would damage a beloved symbol of the country they profess to support. But not if you understand the deeper dynamic. This was never about who wins elections and the right to govern. It has always been about ownership. Trump's cult believes that they are the sole, legitimate owners of the country, and if that's true, then there can be no sin in damaging what is rightfully yours, right?

Which explains why the nation's capital went into a defensive crouch last summer and enlisted the military to put down peaceful demonstrations, when multiracial crowds gathered to demand that the country live up to the promise of its founding documents. These were outsiders, aliens, invaders. But when the Congress met to formalize the peaceful transference of power, suddenly one of the most fortified buildings on the planet was defenseless against amateur insurrectionists.

In the doctrine of white supremacy, articulated in the deeds, acts, executive orders and repellent speeches of the president himself, some people legitimately own America, while others are merely suffered to live here by the consent of men like Trump and his supporters. Police will mostly defer to the former with circumspection and polite restraint; they will beat down and gas the latter even before the hour of curfew has arrived.

In this most recent escalation of a four-year putsch - abetted by some of the same representatives and senators whose chambers were attacked by the mob - we see the last few threads of Trumpism that were never explicit now made manifest. Trumpism was never about governance or stewardship of the country. It was about a right to possess so deep that it includes the right to destroy.

That is what is so sickening today, what will sicken us for decades to come and what has shamed us before the world in perpetuity. There is only one way out of this, only one redemption. We must see what has happened today for what it is, with no mincing of words and no obfuscations. A minority of Americans, encouraged by a reckless, cornered and irresponsible lame-duck president, sought to take full possession of what they feel they, and they alone, legitimately possess, which is the right to run the country without a Constitution, without laws, without equal rights for all people.

We knew this was coming, we had the evidence, none of it was a mystery.

Those who claim otherwise, who pretend that this wasn't the inevitable last act of a presidency grounded on white supremacy, now bear the shame of America. They aren't blind or foolish, they are guilty. Let them retire from public life and reflect with penitence on what we have seen today. And then let us a remake a capital city that will never again leave itself open to this kind of tawdry insurrection.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, is telling a fellow Texas lawmaker to resign from office immediately over the riots at the U.S. Capitol sparked by Trump supporters protesting the election results.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz should resign from the United States Senate immediately, Castro tweeted Wednesday.

His brother, former Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro, agreed: @tedcruz should resign from the United States Senate immediately.

Another former presidential candidate and Texas politician, Beto ORouke, blamed Cruzs self serving attempt at sedition that has helped to inspire these terrorists and their attempted coup.

Cruz led a group of Republican senators to object to electors from battleground states won by President-elect Joe Biden, repeating President Donald Trumps baseless claims of voter fraud. As lawmakers from the House and Senate separated for two hours of debate, a group of protesters stormed the Capitol and entered the Senate floor, wearing Make America Great Again hats and waving Confederate flags.

At least one woman was shot to death inside the US Capitol building, an explosive device was found on the Capitol grounds, and at least five others were hospitalized.

The New York Times reports other lawmakers blamed Cruz and others objecting to the election results for the violence.

This is what youve gotten, guys, U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, yelled in the Senate chamber.

37 Violence at the U.S. Capitol as Trump supporters storm chambers

Another Congress member, Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri, called for Cruz and Sen. Josh Hawley, as well as potentially others who supported challenging the Electoral College votes, to be expelled from office.

I believe the Republican members of Congress who have incited this domestic terror attack through their attempts to overturn the election must face consequences. They have broken their sacred Oath of Office. I will be introducing a resolution calling for their expulsion, Bush tweeted.

Ill co-sponsor this, New York Rep. Mondaire Jones responded to Bush. Several of my colleagues have violated their oath of office and must be expelled for todays ongoing violence and insurrection.

Cruz refused to take blame and condemned violence and division in a series of tweets.

Violence is always unacceptable. Even when passions run high. Anyone engaged in violenceespecially against law enforcementshould be fully prosecuted, Cruz wrote. God bless the Capitol Police and the honorable men & women of law enforcement who show great courage keeping all of us safe.

Stop stoking division. Stop spreading hatred. Stop using malicious rhetoric (such as false & reckless charges of sedition), he tweeted to ORourke. Stop showing contempt for the half of the country that disagrees with you. Violence is wrong. We can do better. We are one Nation. #EPluribusUnum

.@tedcruz should resign from the United States Senate immediately. https://t.co/O1D5K6Gt0k  Julian Castro (@JulianCastro) January 6, 2021

Ill co-sponsor this. Several of my colleagues have violated their oath of office and must be expelled for todays ongoing violence and insurrection. https://t.co/QYgo0Xkxlj  Rep. Mondaire Jones (@RepJones) January 6, 2021

Violence is always unacceptable. Even when passions run high.



Anyone engaged in violenceespecially against law enforcementshould be fully prosecuted.



God bless the Capitol Police and the honorable men & women of law enforcement who show great courage keeping all of us safe.  Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 6, 2021

Stop stoking division.



Stop spreading hatred.



Stop using malicious rhetoric (such as false & reckless charges of sedition).



Stop showing contempt for the half of the country that disagrees with you.



Violence is wrong. We can do better. We are one Nation. #EPluribusUnum https://t.co/Kikh4dW46u  Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 6, 2021

More:

WASHINGTON (AP)  Here is the latest on Congress tally of the Electoral College vote won by Joe Biden (all times local):

3:55 a.m.

President Donald Trump now says there will be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory and after a day of violence when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Trump says in a statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

He adds: I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

Trumps account is currently locked by Twitter.

Trump has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.

3:41 a.m.

Congress has formally validated Joe Bidens presidential election victory on a day that saw a time-honored ceremony become a nightmare of unprecedented political terror.

The House and Senate certified the Democrats electoral college win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police.

The rampage began shortly after President Donald Trump repeated his unfounded claims of election fraud to thousands of rallying demonstrators hed invited to Washington. Many then surged to the Capitol after he incited them to go there as lawmakers debated the electoral votes.

More than six hours after the violence erupted, lawmakers resumed their session.

Thirteen Republican senators and dozens of GOP representatives had planned to force debate and votes on perhaps six different states votes.

The assault on the Capitol made some Republicans squeamish about trying to overturn Bidens win, and challenges were lodged only against Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both efforts lost overwhelmingly.

Biden defeated Trump by 306-232 electoral votes and will be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3:25 a.m.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is defending his objection to the Electoral College results as the right thing to do.

The Texas senator condemned the violence that erupted as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an extraordinary attack over the election outcome.

Cruz led the first challenge to Joe Bidens defeat of President Donald Trump by objecting to Arizonas results. He sought to have Congress launch a commission to investigate the election. His effort was roundly defeated in the House and Senate.

Cruz said he was confident the country will have a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Biden is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3 a.m.

The House has joined the Senate in turning aside Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Lawmakers in the House voted 282-138 against the objection as the counting of Electoral College votes continued into the early hours of Thursday morning. The Senate shut down the same objection 92-7 just after midnight, and unlike the House, declined to debate before voting.

After a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

2:20 a.m.

A small group of House lawmakers came close to physically fighting early Thursday morning as the congressional count of electoral votes stretched into the wee hours and a Pennsylvania Democrat charged that Republicans had been telling lies about his states votes.

Rep. Morgan Griffiths, R-Va., objected after Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said a breach of the Capitol by an angry mob earlier in the day was inspired by lies, the same lies you are hearing in this room tonight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shot down the objection, but a few minutes later Republicans and Democrats streamed to the middle aisle, with around a dozen lawmakers getting close to each other and arguing. But the group quickly broke up when Pelosi called for order on the floor.

President Donald Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in Pennsylvania and other states and Republicans have echoed those claims as they have challenged electoral votes.

12:55 a.m.

The Senate has quickly killed Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Senators voted 92-7 after midnight to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, its the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he believes no other states votes will be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

12:15 a.m. Thursday

Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have objected to the counting of Pennsylvanias electoral votes, triggering up to two hours of debate in the House and Senate.

The objections come 11 hours after the congressional count to confirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential victory began, and after lawmakers had to evacuate both chambers for several hours to escape a mob that had violently breached the Capitol.

Hawley said last week that he would object to Pennsylvanias electoral votes, saying Congress should investigate voter fraud. President Donald Trump has falsely said since his defeat that there was widespread fraud in the election.

Biden won Pennsylvania by just over 80,000 votes. Since the Nov. 3 election, Trump and his allies filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging Bidens win on various grounds, including that many or all of the states mail-in ballots were illegal.

The lawsuits failed as judge after judge found no violation of state law or constitutional rights, or no grounds to grant an immediate halt to certifying the election.

11:20 p.m. Wednesday

The House has voted overwhelmingly to reject an objection to President-elect Joe Bidens win in Arizona, joining the Senate in upholding the results of the election there.

The objection failed 303-121 on Wednesday night, with only Republicans voting in support.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Now that Arizona is out of the way, Congress will reconvene as the joint session and make its way through the rest of the states that have objections.

11:10 p.m.

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in medical emergencies.

Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee. Police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

10:15 p.m.

The Senate has overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.

The objection to the results in Arizona -- spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz -- was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

The Republicans raised the objection based on false claims pushed by President Donald Trump and others of issues with the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials.

10:10 p.m.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says a commission to examine the 2020 election is not a proper next step and affirmed that Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, called it a uniquely bad idea to delay this election, referencing the commission idea proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Graham says, Count me out. Enough is enough.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Graham said that if youre a conservative, the idea that Vice President Mike Pence could reverse the results of the election, as President Donald Trump had urged him to do, was the most offensive concept in the world.

10 p.m.

Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

9:55 p.m.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he is going forward with his objection to the Electoral College results in Pennsylvania despite the violent breach at the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

The Missouri senator said he did not support violence but said the Senate should go forward with a legal process that includes his objections.

Hawley says his objections should be debated peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets. He says he hoped lawmakers would not brush his concerns aside because of the violence earlier Wednesday, including the death of a protester inside the Capitol.

Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

9:45 p.m.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump has falsely said there was widespread fraud in the election to explain his defeat and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trumps, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

9:15 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

9:10 p.m.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending 1,000 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials. It comes after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday: For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.s aid.

The presidents supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Trump convinced them that he was cheated out of a victory by rampant, widespread voter fraud, a false claim.

8:55 p.m.

Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

8:45 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Congress will not be deterred in confirming the results of the presidential election hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Republican leader reopened the Senate late Wednesday vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College for President-elect Joe Biden. It was interrupted earlier in the way when rioters breached the security perimeter and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. One person was fatally shot.

McConnell says demonstrators tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed.

McConnell plans to keep the Senate in session Wednesday to finish confirming the results.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true. He reiterated the claim in a video filmed as his demonstrators were storming the Capitol.

8:35 p.m.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.

Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

8:20 p.m.

Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation.

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

Obama says it should not have come as a surprise, and that for two months a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth.

He says their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

8:10 p.m.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

8:05 p.m.

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in protest over President Donald Trumps Syria policies, blamed the president for the violence at the U.S. Capitol.

In a sharp rebuke Wednesday, Mattis said the violence was fomented by Trump, who has used the presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens.

His written statement concluded, Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country.

Mattis, a retired four-star Marine general who stepped down as Pentagon chief in December 2018, had an embattled relationship with Trump, but largely remained publicly quiet and avoided direct criticism. Since he left the job, however, he has been more openly derisive of Trump, including a public condemnation of the presidents heavy-handed use of military force to quell protests near the White House last June.

7:55 p.m.

Stephanie Grisham, chief of staff and press secretary for first lady Melania Trump, has resigned following violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Grisham says in a statement Wednesday that it was an honor to serve the country in the White House and be part of he first ladys mission to help children.

Grisham was one of Trumps longest serving aides, having joined the campaign in 2015. She served as the White House press secretary and never held a press briefing.

Wednesdays violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by the presidents supporters sparked renewed conversations inside the White House about mass resignations by mid-level aides who are responsible for operations of the office of the president.

Two people familiar with the conversations said the aides were torn between fears of what more would happen if they left and a desire to register their disgust with their boss. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.

7:45 p.m.

The Republican National Committee says it strongly condemns the violence at the Capitol, adding that the violent scenes do not represent acts of patriotism, but an attack on our country and its founding principles.

The RNC is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican political platform. Its statement condemning the violence came hours after Republican President Donald Trump baselessly complained that the election was stripped away from great patriots. He went on to tell them to go home with love & in peace.

The groups communications director, Michael Ahrens, says, What happened today was domestic terrorism.

He says to see the U.S. flag used in the name of unfounded conspiracy theories is a disgrace to the nation, and every decent American should be disgusted by it.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens victory over him, citing false claims of voter fraud. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people.

7:40 p.m.

Former President Bill Clinton says the attack on the U.S. Capitol was fueled over four years of poison politics and lit by President Donald Trump.

Clinton said in a statement Wednesday night that the riot at the Capitol resulted from a combination of deliberate disinformation that created distrust in the system and pit Americans against one another.

He wrote, The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost.

His wife, Hillary Clinton, lost a bitter election to Trump in 2016 and conceded to him immediately. Trump has refused to accept his defeat by Democrat Joe Biden in November and is trying to cast him as an illegitimate president.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

7:20 p.m.

A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, later deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!

State House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw said Evans will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.

He said he has not spoken to Evans yet about his involvement.

The delegate from Wayne County said in a statement later on Facebook that he was heading back to West Virginia and was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history.

6:55 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will resume the Electoral College proceedings once the Capitol is cleared of pro-Donald Trump protesters and safe for use.

Pelosi said she made the decision Wednesday in consultation with the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the vice president, who will preside.

She noted the day would always be part of history, but now it would be as such a shameful picture of our country was put out into the world.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

6:45 p.m.

Dozens of pro-Trump protesters remain on the streets of the nations capital in defiance of the curfew imposed after rioters stormed the Capitol.

The mostly maskless crowd was forcibly removed from the Capitol on Wednesday after breaking into the building and halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were pushed out of the immediate area and moved down the hill, where they taunted law enforcement and moved barricades.

Police said anyone found on the streets after the 6 p.m. curfew would be arrested. Officers in full riot gear with shields lined the streets near the U.S. Capitol.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said their debate on affirming Bidens victory would continue after the Capitol was secured.

6:40 p.m.

The head of the nations largest union of flight attendants says people who took part in the violent protest at the Capitol must be banned from flying.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said in a statement Wednesday that some of the people who traveled in our planes (Tuesday) participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today.

She says, Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area. Acts against our democracy, our government and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.

Nelson and the union endorsed President-elect Joe Biden over President Donald Trump before the November election.

Trump supporters on a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Washington heckled Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, the lone Republican senator to vote to oust Trump after he was impeached. On an American Airlines flight from Dallas, a large contingent of Trump supporters got in an angry yelling match with other passengers after one of the presidents supporters projected Trump 2020 on the cabin ceiling and walls.

6:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is blaming President Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection at the Capitol.

Romney, the GOPs 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of Trumps, said the violent breach of the Capitol on Wednesday was due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months.

The Utah senator said those who continue to support Trumps dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy.

Romney ridiculed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans who want an audit of the election results: Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the president will continue to claim the election was stolen.

The simple truth, Romney said, is that President-elect (Joe) Biden won this election. President Trump lost.

6:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump has appeared to justify the violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

In a tweet Wednesday night, Trump said, These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

Trump has faced mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers to do more to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name.

6:20 p.m.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen says the violent pro-Trump protest at the U.S. Capitol was an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of democracy.

Rosen said Wednesday that the Justice Department has been working with U.S. Capitol Police and other federal law enforcement agencies to secure the Capitol. He says hundreds of federal agents from Justice Department agencies were sent to assist.

He called it an unacceptable situation and said federal prosecutors intend to enforce the laws of our land.

Dozens of President Donald Trumps supporters breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police declared the Capitol to be secure about four hours later.

6:10 p.m.

Former President George W. Bush says he and his wife, Laura, are sickened and heartbroken over the mayhem in Washington and have watched in disbelief and dismay as events unfolded.

Bush said the assault on the Capitol on Wednesday and the disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens victory was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

The Republican said in a statement that he is appalled by what he described as reckless behavior by some political leaders since the election and the lack of respect for U.S. institutions, traditions and law enforcement.

Bush addressed those who are disappointed by the election result, saying, Our country is more important than the politics of the moment.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting. They fought with officers both inside the building and outside.

6:10 p.m.

A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died.

Thats according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

5:50 p.m.

Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

The occupation interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations around the Capitol complex and Washington, D.C. after thousands of Trump supporters breached the building and skirmished with police officers.

Lawmakers have signaled that they would resume the constitutionally mandated count as soon as it was safe to do so.

5:40 p.m.

Police are using tear gas and percussion grenades to begin clearing pro-Trump protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington.

Police donned gas masks as they moved in Wednesday evening with force to clear protesters from the Capitol grounds shortly before a curfew took hold. In the moments before, there were violent clashes between the police and protesters, who tore railing for the inauguration scaffolding and threw it at the officers.

Police used tear gas and percussion grenades to break up the crowd, which began dispersing.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police said at least one person was shot inside the Capitol; their condition was not immediately known.

The districts police chief said at least 13 people were arrested, and five firearms had been recovered during the pro-Trump protests on Wednesday.

5:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Ben Sasse is directly blaming President Donald Trump for the storming of the Capitol by huge, angry crowds of pro-Trump protesters.

The Nebraska lawmaker and frequent critic of Trump said Wednesday evening that the Capitol was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard  tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution.

Sasse says in a written statement, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The protesters broke into the building as Congress was beginning the formal process of certifying the electoral votes that gave Democratic President-elect Joe Biden a victory over Trump in November. Vice President Mike Pence has the ceremonial role of overseeing that certification and resisted Trump efforts to pressure him to overturn the election results.

Trump has continued to fallaciously claim that the voting was marred by fraud and that he actually won. Earlier Wednesday Trump addressed a huge crowd of protesters outside the White House and urged them to gather at the Capitol.

5:25 p.m.

The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.

5:05 p.m.

Pro-Trump demonstrators have massed outside statehouses across the country, forcing evacuations in at least two states. In St. Paul, Minnesota, cheers rang out from demonstrators in reaction to the news that supporters of President Donald Trump had stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Hundreds of mostly unmasked people people gathered outside capitols on Wednesday with Trump flags and Stop the Steal signs. In Georgia and Oklahoma, some demonstrators carried guns.

New Mexico state police evacuated staff from a statehouse building that includes the governors and secretary of states offices as a precaution shortly after hundreds of flag-waving supporters arrived in a vehicle caravan and on horseback. A spokesperson for the governors office says there was no indication of threats at the statehouse.

The staff of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was sent home as several hundred pro-Trump demonstrators rallied outside the Capitol, though the demonstration remained relatively calm. A brief scuffle between pro-Trump demonstrators, who included members of the Proud Boys, and counterprotesters broke out in Columbus, Ohio, but there was no immediate threat to the Capitol.

5 p.m.

The police chief of Washington, D.C., says pro-Trump protesters deployed chemical irritants on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.

Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. One civilian was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behavior of the Trump supporters was shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful. She says, There will be law and order and this behavior will not be tolerated.

Metropolitan police have been sent to the Capitol, and authorities were coming in from Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey to help out. The National Guard was also deployed, as were Homeland Security investigators and Secret Service.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

4:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump, in a video message, is urging supporters to go home but is also keeping up false attacks about the presidential election.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trump opened his video, saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said, we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. The statement came as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:37 p.m.

Two influential business groups are calling for the attack on the nations Capitol to end and for a peaceful transition of power.

Business Roundtable, which represents some of the most powerful companies in America including Walmart, Apple, Starbucks and General Electric, called on President Donald Trump and other officials to bring the protests to an end.

The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, the Roundtable said in a statement Wednesday. The country deserves better.

Separately, the CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Donohue, which represents large and small companies, urged officials to clear the Capitol and for Congress to approve the results of the presidential election won by Joe Biden.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength. The Capitol went into lockdown after its security perimeters were breached and protesters entered the building.

4:35 p.m.

At least one explosive device has been found near the U.S. Capitol amid a violent occupation of the building by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

Thats according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Thousands of supporters of the president occupied the Capitol complex as lawmakers were beginning to tally the electoral votes that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Vice President Mike Pence has called on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than Trump, who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

4:10 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden also demanded President Donald Trump to immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence that he described as an unprecedented assault as pro-Trump protestors violently occupy U.S. Capitol.

Bidens condemnation came after violent protesters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elects victory in the November election.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:05 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than President Donald Trump who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Pence, long a loyal aide to the president, defied Trump earlier Wednesday, tell him he didnt have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. Trump had publicly called on Pence to overturn the will of the voters, but Pences constitutional role in the process was only ceremonial.

Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Trump later issued a restrained call for peace but did not ask his supporters to disperse.

4 p.m.

The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the citys armory. The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.

The officials said the D.C. request for National Guard was not rejected earlier in the day. Instead, according to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military in a law enforcement role at the Capitol. As a result, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Hoffman said the law enforcement response to the violence will be led by the Justice Department.

3:55 p.m.

The top Democrats in Congress are demanding that President Donald Trump order his supporters to leave the Capitol following a chaotic protest aimed at blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a joint statement on Wednesday after violent protesters stormed the Capitol. They said, We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately.

Trump earlier encouraged his supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he did not call for them to disperse. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he repeated his false claims that President-elect Joe Biden had won the election through voter fraud.

He urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:50 p.m.

The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trumps supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

She added, We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.

Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.

3:40 p.m.

Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on President Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters angry about his election loss.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he spoke with the president earlier Wednesday and told him to make a statement to make sure that we can calm individuals down.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that it is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey told The Associated Press that while he sympathizes with the protesters position, they shouldnt get violent, and it would be nice if Trump called on them to protest in a peaceful way in an appropriate spot, where you belong, where you should be.

Many Republicans had backed Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.

This is Banana Republic crap that were watching right now, said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College vote.

3:37 p.m.

Supporters of President Donald Trump got into a angry shouting match with other passengers on a Washington-bound American Airlines plane after they projected a Trump 2020 logo on the cabin ceiling and walls.

The Trump supporters said a passenger threatened to kill them, and there was yelling back and forth. A flight attendant intervened, telling one passenger in the aisle to sit down.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night after Americans flight 1291 from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport landed at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., and was taxiing to the gate.

The scene was posted on Twitter by Maranie Staab, a Portland, Oregon-based independent journalist who says on her website that she focuses on human rights and social-justice issues.

Our team is reviewing this incident, said American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing. We applaud our outstanding crewmembers for their professionalism in de-escalating a tense onboard situation and getting our customers to their destination safely.

American said law enforcement was not called, and that passengers deplaned and dispersed without further incident.

3:35 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from supporters of President Donald Trump who are protesting Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

3:30 p.m.

One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.

Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

3:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is encouraging supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he is not calling for them to disperse.

As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, No violence! adding: Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.

But Trump did not ask supporters to vacate the area as the unrest continued.

Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol  at one point even suggesting he would join them. He is upset that he lost the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and has falsely claimed voter fraud to explain it away.

He also urged his supporters to get rid of the weak Congress people  presumably through primary challenges  saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:15 p.m.

A Defense Department official says Washington, D.C., has requested an additional 200 National Guard members as supporters of President Donald Trump violently clash with law enforcement at the Capitol.

That request is currently under review at the Pentagon to determine how the Guard can respond to support law enforcement.

According to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military at the Capitol. Instead, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Officials said the request for more National Guard has not been rejected.

Trump had urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

3:10 p.m.

Pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump to condemn supporters who are violently clashing with law enforcement on Capitol Hill.

Among those urging Trump to act: his former communications director, Alyssa Farah, who tweeted that Trump should Condemn this now.

She says, you are the only one they will listen to. For our country!

Dozens of people have breached security perimeters at the Capitol, forcing the lockdown of the building and halting the vote to certify Joe Bidens presidential victory.

Trump has so far offered a single tweet asking his supporters to Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

His former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted: The Presidents tweet is not enough. He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home.

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, also addressed Trump supporters in a tweet, calling them the patriots challenging the fraudulent election and telling them that POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY.

3 p.m.

Protesters backing President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

Trump urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers have backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Protesters are now inside the Senate chamber. One got up on the dais and yelled Trump won that election.

Several dozen are roaming through the halls, yelling, Where are they?

Some were also in the visitors galleries.

2:50 p.m.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid skirmishes by supporters of President Donald Trump

Pro-Trump protestors breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, violently clashing with law enforcement as lawmakers were gathered inside to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Novembers presidential election.

Law enforcement instructed lawmakers to retrieve masks from under their seats amid the clashes. The Capitol building was placed on lockdown, as Trump supporters marched through evacuated public spaces in the building.

After egging on protests, Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

2:47 p.m.

After egging on protests, President Donald Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement, Trump tweeted, as tear gas was deployed in the locked-down Capitol. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Trump at a rally earlier Wednesday encouraged his supporters to head to the Capitol.

Were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them, Trump said.

2:45 p.m.

Lawmakers are being evacuated from the U.S. Capitol after protesters breached security and entered the building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other senators were led out, escorted by staff and police on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the House were also being evacuated. Both chambers had been debating the certification of Joe Bidens victory in the Electoral College.

The skirmishes came shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

Protesters could be seen marching through the Capitols stately Statuary Hall shouting and waving Trump banners and American flags.

Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

2:40 p.m.

The mayor of Washington, D.C., has ordered a curfew in the nations capital beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday after protestors seeking to overturn the election results stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the order as protestors supporting President Donald Trump breached the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting to formally count the electors that will make Joe Biden president on Jan. 20.

The order extends through 6 a.m. Thursday.

The skirmishes came shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:30 p.m.

Protesting supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol.

There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and the debate over the electoral count was suspended.

A representative from the Capitol police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told lawmakers to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.

House Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern of Massachusetts told the crowd that the House expected to go back into session soon. Meanwhile, members milled around the floor and looked at their phones.

Reporters and others outside the chamber were told to go their seats inside and not leave.

The skirmishes came just shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

The Senate has recessed its debate over an objection to the results of the Electoral College after protesters forced police to lock down the building.

Reporters were told to stay in the Senates press gallery as the doors were locked.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz says American democracy is in crisis with polls showing that large numbers of voters believe the election that just occurred was rigged.

Cruz, a Republican, objected to the certification of election results in Arizona, saying the Senate has a responsibility to acknowledge the profound threat posed by widespread disbelief in the legitimacy of the election.

He called for the creation of a commission to conduct a 10-day emergency audit to investigate any irregularities, citing a similar commission created after the 1876 presidential election.

Cruz urged lawmakers not to take the easy path, but instead act together and create a credible and fair tribunal. Consider the claims, consider the facts, consider the evidence and make a conclusive determination whether and to what extent this election complied with the Constitution.'

1:55 p.m.

The U.S. Capitol Police are evacuating some congressional office buildings due to police activity as thousands gather outside the Capitol to protest the electoral vote.

Police told congressional staff members they should evacuate the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress. It wasnt immediately clear what specifically sparked the evacuation.

A police spokeswoman did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

Thousands of people have descended on the U.S. Capitol as Congress is expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens 2020 presidential win. Videos posted online showed protesters fighting with U.S. Capitol Police officers as police fired pepper spray to keep them back.
A Utah mother who suffered a brain tumor caused by a mysterious illness she picked up while living in the Middle East has revealed how it left her with such severe facial paralysis, she will never be able to smile again.

Communications expert, speaker, and author Jodi Orgill Brown, 44, from Ogden, first began suffering symptoms of the illness in June 2008, when she struggled with dizziness during a jog - but at the time she assumed that this was just a result of her fitness levels.

As the months went on, however, Jodi developed debilitating migraines and bouts of vertigo; her husband Tolan, 49, urged her to seek treatment from her doctors, who eventually diagnosed Jodi with a brain tumor in April 2009.

Then and now: Jodi Orgill Brown, 44, from Ogden, Utah, suffered severe facial paralysis caused by a brain tumor from a mysterious illness she contracted in the Middle East

Survivor: The author underwent brain surgery to remove 80 per cent of the tumor, but during the procedure her nerves were damaged, causing facial paralysis

Family: Jodi credits her recovery to her husband Tolan and their children, Trenden, 21, Lindi, 18, Casen, 15, and Daven, 13

Jodi's brain tumor was located between her right auditory canal and brainstem, but, worryingly, doctors were unable to figure out what type it was after pathology reports determined it was unidentifiable.

They suspect that the tumor was caused by an autoimmune disease that Jodi picked up while living in Israel and the Middle East in 1996.

'I started having issues when I was trying to jog and exercise with the girls in my neighborhood,' Jodi recalled.

'When I tried to run, I found that I was so dizzy I could hardly put one foot in front of the other. I wasn't sure what was going on, but at first, I just associated it with not being a good runner - not that anything was wrong with me.

'A few months later, I also developed a terrible migraine-like headache which was very unusual for me.

'Several weeks after that, I started having bouts of vertigo. The symptoms came on one at a time so I didn't associate them all as coming from a single source. I first approached them as individual problems.

'When the individual symptoms started piling on top of each other to the point where I couldn't function normally on a day-to-day basis, that's when we knew something had to be wrong.

'I went back to the doctor after my husband insisted that there must be an underlying medical condition that was causing all the issues. He seemed very concerned and his concern pushed me to make the appointment.

'As far as the type of brain tumor, the final pathology was unidentifiable. Most brain tumors are made of brain cells - glial cells for example. My tumor was not made of brain cells or tissue, nor does it match anything in the medical text.

'The neurosurgeon's best guess is that while I lived overseas in the Middle East, I picked up some disease or illness which my body fought against, and similar to an autoimmune disease, eventually my body turned against itself and the tissue amassed and grew until it smashed my nerves and threatened my life.'

In May 2009, Jodi underwent surgery where 80 per cent of the tumor was removed, but due to the proximity to her brainstem, the operation was not without complications.

Jodi's nerves were damaged, leading to facial paralysis, hearing loss, and pneumocephalus, which is the presence of air in the cranial cavity. She also had a cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leak, a condition where CSF escapes through a small hole in the area surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Jodi spent 35 days in the hospital where she had two further brain surgeries before being discharged. Adjustment to life after surgery was difficult for Jodi, and she struggled with the fact that people saw her as being weaker due to her facial paralysis.

'The surgery was scheduled to be one procedure that would last five hours and keep me in the hospital for five or six days,' she explained.

'They used a mid-fossa approach, which means they went in on the right side of my head, cut out a piece of the skull, and went directly back toward the brainstem.

'They removed as much of the tumor as was possible but because of the proximity to the brainstem, about twenty per cent of the brain tumor mass had to be left.

'Due to complications from the first tumor, including the facial paralysis and CSF fluid leak, I ended up in the hospital for thirty-five days in and out of the neurocritical care unit and had two more brain surgeries in the fight for my life.'

Coming to terms with facial paralysis has been one of the most difficult things about being a brain tumor survivor for Jodi. She has had nine surgeries on her eye to enable her to close her eyelid and protect her vision.

Additionally, Jodi has had to re-learn how to chew and swallow as well as undergo balance and facial therapy. Her paralysis means she can't smile or use facial expressions to communicate as most people do. She is currently having procedures to regain some functionality and symmetry in her face.

Looking back Jodi began suffering from symptoms, including dizziness, migraines, and vertigo, in June 2008. She was eventually diagnosed her with a brain tumor in April 2009

Medical mystery: Doctors were unable to figure out what type it was after pathology reports determined it was unidentifiable. They suspect it was caused by an autoimmune disease

Life abroad: Jodi lived in Israel and traveled extensively throughout the Middle East in 1996, which is when doctors suspect she caught the illness

More surgery: Jodi is currently having procedures to regain some functionality and symmetry in her face

'Life after the hospital was a huge change for me,' she confessed.

'I've always been a conquer the world, get things done kind of person and suddenly I found myself with no control or at least very little control over my own body, and certainly not much that I could offer to anyone else, including my family.

'It was also hard to get used to the fact that people saw me differently. Normally I would think nothing of running an errand or going to the store.

'In my new life, people saw a physically disabled individual who looked very different from the norm. This caused all kinds of interesting situations and often unkind responses. I struggle to understand it at times because I knew I was the same person on the inside and if anything, I was stronger than I had been before.

'I knew you wouldn't make fun of someone for breaking their arm, so it was hard for me to understand why people look at me differently because of my face.

'I could never have imagined at the time, but the journey with facial paralysis has been probably the most difficult of the whole brain tumor experience.

'My speech has improved but I still struggle to hold food and liquid in my mouth and I have really struggled in the last few years with swallowing because I can't control the food in my mouth - it often starts to slip down my throat and before I know it, I am choking.

'Between those issues and the huge asymmetry I now have, which doesn't allow me to smile or have normal facial expressions, we recently sought out surgeons at the facial paralysis institute and have started a series of procedures in hopes of regaining both some functionality as well as symmetry to my face.'

But after struggling with her confidence, Jodi has learned to see her facial paralysis as a 'superpower' because it makes her memorable. She now shares her story online in a bid to help others and show them that there is hope after undergoing a life-altering event.

While she would love to be able to smile again so she can show the world the joy she feels inside, Jodi credits her recovery to Tolan and their children, Trenden, 21, Lindi, 18, Casen, 15, and Daven, 13 - as they gave her something to live for when times were difficult.

Difficulties: The mom's paralysis means she can't smile or use facial expressions to communicate as most people do

Success: Jodi has written four books, including her award winning memoir, The Sun Still Shines, which documents her brain tumor journey

Words of wisdom: 'When you are facing a crisis of any kind, I think some of the most important things you can do is get the priorities right in your life,' Jodi said

'Several years ago, I realized that my facial paralysis is actually a superpower. We were on vacation and we went to a store that we had visited years before. The cashier looked at me and said I remember you.

'When she said that to me, it occurred to me that I do have a memorable face and that if people were going to remember me, I wanted them to remember me for something good so I try to be memorable.

'I have tried hard to be a positive and inspirational source for good in the world. I hope that as people see me or remember me, they feel they are better for the experience. The hardest things about my life also gave me the power to have a great influence and a voice in this world where so many voices are screaming to be heard.

'Most of society judges you by your face - some major changes to your face can have debilitating and negative effects. Not being able to smile and express the joy I feel on the inside is the hardest aspect.

'I am a happy, positive, spiritual, faithful person, but I cannot express that through a grin, a smile, or even a playful smirk. I can be full of enthusiasm and hope on the inside, but people don't always see that in my face. That's probably the hardest thing for me.

'When I see pictures of myself, especially when I was particularly happy or thrilled in any given moment, I want that to show. Instead, my expressions look mostly the same and I look the most normal when I don't smile at all because then the asymmetry is less noticeable.

'Of course to my family, I am mom, Jodi, a daughter or a sister. They can still see who I am on the inside as do so many friends and other close associates. In fact, my nephew told his mum that he didn't know anything was wrong with me. When he looked at me, he just saw Jodi, he never saw a crooked smile or uneven face.

'If only the rest of the world could have the perspective of that cute boy, we would all live in a better place.

'So I would really love to be able to smile again, to show the world the joy I have on the inside. Even if that never happens, I am satisfied with who I am and I love myself and I am proud of how far I have come.'

Thankfully, the proportion of tumor that was left on Jodi's brain has not continued to grow.

Jodi has written four books, including her award winning memoir, The Sun Still Shines, which documents her brain tumor journey and how it gave her a new outlook on life.

'When you are facing a crisis of any kind, I think some of the most important things you can do is get the priorities right in your life,' she said.

'Don't feel badly about letting go of activities or commitments that are suddenly lower on the priority list. Excuse yourself from anything extra and don't feel guilty about it.

'Reserve your strength, energy, and resources for the most important activities, those that will help you and your family through whatever struggle you are facing.

'Science has shown that your attitude and ability to find a hope has more correlation to your outcome than any diagnosis. So stay strong, surround yourself with people who mean something to you, and ask for help when you need it.

'When you give people the opportunity to help, most of the time they will stand up to the plate and go to bat for you.

'If you are facing a huge struggle but you don't tell anyone, you close yourself off to the possibility that someone in your network could have answers, solutions, or help what you are facing.

'We are social creatures and we are not meant to go through life alone. Decide from the get-go that you'll let others in on your journey, and you'll be amazed how far up the mountain you can travel together.'
Trumps Justice Department Once Again Protects The Powerful At The Expense Of The Powerless

Anyone with decent vision can see from the parking-lot video of the shooting that the claim that Loehmann was able to repeatedly warn Tamir warrants incredulity. In less than two seconds, Garmback screeches to a halt in the cold mud, Loehmann pops out of the passenger door, and he fires the shot that eventually killed Tamir. Hed have had to be speaking like one of those speed readers dictating legal disclaimers on radio advertisements. However, despite that common-sense view of things, Fishman and Reddick reportedly encountered tension within the DOJ. You see, they had to write a memo requesting a grand jury to subpoena documents and testimony from witnesses, and that memo needed approval from a deputy assistant attorney general who works alongside Trump political appointees within the DOJ. And no one responded.  Quite simply, the DOJ let the clock run out on accountability for two cops involved in killing an unarmed black child.  Jamil Smith, Rolling Stone

The decision not to charge the officers who shot and killed a Black child on sight encapsulates everything that is wrong with the Department of Justice under the current administration. Once again, it has protected the powerful at the expense of the powerless. Once again, it has failed to seek justice for a Black life.

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Tamir Rice was a child playing with a toy. It would have taken Timothy Loehmann and Frank Garmback only a few seconds to ascertain that he posed no threat to anyone. But they didnt bother to spend even those few seconds because all they needed to see was the color of Tamirs skin to decide he was a threat.

They didnt even bother to stop their car completely. As Judge Ronald B. Adrine wrote in his ruling that probable cause existed to charge the officers, This court is thunderstruck by how quickly this event turned deadly  the Zone Car containing Patrol Officers Loehmann and Garmback is still in the process of stopping when Rice is shot.

The toy gun wasnt even in Tamirs hands when the officers shot him. The video does not appear to show him making any furtive movement prior to or at the moment he is shot, Judge Adrine wrote. Tamirs arms do not appear to be raised or outstretched.

A grand jury declined to indict the officers in 2015, calling the killing a perfect storm of human error, mistakes, and communications by all involved. However, because grand jury proceedings are shrouded in secrecy its unknown what evidence the grand jurors heard or what recommendations the prosecutors made. After a judge granted grand jurors in the Breonna Taylor case permission to speak publicly, the public learned that prosecutors had not given them the opportunity to bring homicide charges against the officers. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron falsely claimed the grand jury agreed that the shooting was justified.

The city of Cleveland last year settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Tamirs family for $6 million.

This brutal year of COVID-19 has seen armed protesters storm state capitols, threatening lawmakers and even menacing police, and not one was harmed. The armed protesters were white.

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In Kenosha in August, police nonchalantly allowed accused killer Kyle Rittenhouse, armed with a AR-15 style rifle, to walk by them even as witnesses shouted that he had just shot someone. Rittenhouse is white.

The same week as the Kenosha killings, police in Utah arrested an unharmed Richard Grant Lees after he fired shots at the officers with assault rifle. Lees is white.

Time and again, Black people are considered a threat just for existing, while violent white men are cossetted.

A Justice Department that does not consider Tamirs death a crime is a Justice Department that has decided that white officers must never be held accountable for taking Black lives, under any circumstances. Among those recently pardoned by President Trump were a white police officer who unlawfully ordered her police dog to attack people of color; a Border Patrol agent who brutalized a Latino man trying to cross the border; an immigration agent who illegally harassed Latino store owners, and a sheriff who defied a court order to stop racial profiling and who once said it was an honor to be compared to the Ku Klux Klan.

It may be too late for the incoming Biden Administration to re-examine this case. But we expect the new Attorney General to be committed to police accountability, and to pursue such cases with a sincere motivation to seek justice for the victims rather than to protect their killers.
Update: On Saturday, the man was arrested in Arizona and has been charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

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A well-known QAnon promoter has learned first-hand what it feels like to be accused of being someone you are not.

Because of his flashy costume, the so-called Q Shaman has become a photogenic fixture of QAnon rallies  and he found himself an even bigger platform on Jan. 6 when images of him breaking into the U.S. Capitol were seen all over the world. Shirtless, face painted and sporting a furry hat, he is unmistakable.

Except, it appears, to the conspiracy theory ecosystem he is part of.

The Q Shaman is an Arizona man named Jake Angeli, who has been vocally and publicly in favor of President Donald Trump and a slew of far-right conspiracy theories for years. He's also, as his name indicates, a big QAnon believer. QAnon adherents believe a secret military operation is currently in play to take down the satanic, occasionally cannibalistic, group of pedophiles who make up the global elite. Although QAnon welcomes and incorporates almost any old-school conspiracy theory you can think of  anti-Semitic tropes, JFK conspiracy, anti-vax pseudoscience, etc.  its unifier is Trump, who believers insist is integral to taking down the deep state.

Angeli has sported his distinctive look in Arizona since at least 2019, when he hit the media's radar for appearing at pro-Trump and QAnon rallies. From the Arizona Republic:

"Angeli, in a 2020 interview with The Arizona Republic, said that he wears the fur bonnet, paints his face and walks around shirtless with ragged pants as a way to attract attention. Then, he said, he is able to speak to people about his beliefs about QAnon and other truths he says remain hidden."

Win McNamee/TNS

Despite his well-documented history as a Trump supporter, on Wednesday night the right-wing media ecosystem turned on him. Lin Wood, the lawyer behind several failed suits to overrun the presidential election, tweeted a photo of Angeli and others who broke into the Capitol with the caption, "Indisputable photographic evidence that antifa violently broke into Congress today." The tweet is no longer available as Wood's Twitter account was banned.

The talking point was also picked up by Pastor Mark Burns, another big name on the pro-Trump social media circuit. "This is NOT a Trump supporter...This is a staged #Antifa attack," he tweeted with a photo of Angeli posing on the Senate dais.

Angeli himself responded to the Wood tweet, trying to clarify that he is, in fact, pro-Trump.

"Mr. Wood. I am not antifa or blm," he wrote. "I'm a Qanon & digital soldier. My name is Jake & I marched with the police & fought against BLM & ANTIFA in PHX. Look up OAN's coverage of July 4ths rally in PHX capital. I was standing against the BLM mob out numbered but unphased. Look it up..."

Tony Thai/Hearst Connecticut Media

Conspiracy theories about antifa, which is an ideology that opposes fascism not an organized group, have quickly gone mainstream on the right. By Wednesday evening, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., was already on the floor of Congress repeating it.

"Some of the people who breached the Capitol today were not Trump supporters," he said. "They were masquerading as Trump supporters and in fact, were members of the violent terrorist group antifa."

There is no evidence "antifa" infiltrators were part of the mob that broke into the Capitol. Accusing left-aligned groups of terrorism is a well-trod path for conspiracy theorists, who point to fictional "false flags" meant to discredit conservatives. The deflection is proactive as well as reactive; InfoWars host Alex Jones regularly warns his listeners that staged terrorist attacks are constantly on the horizon, planned by their enemies to pin on "patriots."

The unsubstantiated antifa claim was amplified last night by Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham, and on Thursday morning, Rep. Mo Brooks, an Alabama Republican, was tweeting it, too.

"Please, dont be like #FakeNewsMedia, dont rush to judgment on assault on Capitol. Wait for investigation," he wrote. "All may not be (and likely is not) what appears. Evidence growing that fascist ANTIFA orchestrated Capitol attack with clever mob control tactics."

In fact, there are thousands of videos and photos, many taken by the Trump supporters themselves, showing proud Trump fans wandering the building. Other well-known far-right personalities, like infamous alt-right troll Baked Alaska, were actually livestreamed from inside Senate offices.
The certification comes after pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol earlier Wednesday.

U.S. Congress has affirmed President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump

The counting of Vermont's three electoral votes put Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris over the 270-threshold needed to win the presidency, according to CNN.

The Senate and House rejected objections to throw out Georgia and Pennsylvania's electoral votes for Biden. Republicans also objected to Arizona, Nevada and Michigan's electoral votes, but the motions failed before they reached debate.

"The announcement of the state of the vote by the President of the Senate shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of the persons elected President and Vice President of the United States, each for the term beginning on the 20th day of January 2021 and shall be entered together with the list of the votes on the journals of the Senate and the House of Representatives," Pence said following the count of all the Electoral College votes.

The certification comes after pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol earlier Wednesday.

The joint session of Congress, which is normally a ceremonial step, was halted for several hours when rioters breached the Capitol.

Proceedings resumed at about 8 p.m. ET with Vice President Mike Pence, bringing the Senate session back into order.

In a statement, President Donald Trump said: "Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th."

Reporting by UNIAN
WASHINGTON - The Justice Department has become the latest known victim of Russian hackers, who are engaged in an ongoing campaign of cyberespionage that has afflicted federal agencies and the private sector.

A department spokesman said Wednesday that the department's Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), which handles network security, on Dec. 24 learned of malicious activity linked to the hacking campaign.

The intrusions into other federal agencies and technology firms were discovered earlier last month, and in the Justice Department's case it involved its unclassified Office 365 email system, spokesman Marc Raimondi said.

Office 365 email is hosted on Microsoft's Azure cloud, or servers, operated by the tech giant.

"After learning of the malicious activity, the OCIO eliminated the identified method by which the actor was accessing the O365 email environment," Raimondi said in a statement.

"At this point, the number of potentially accessed O365 mailboxes appears limited to around 3-percent and we have no indication that any classified systems were impacted," the said.

The Justice Department joins the departments of Treasury, Commerce, State, Homeland Security and Energy with known breaches, which were carried out by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, the SVR, according to U.S. officials who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an open investigation.

The U.S. intelligence community said Tuesday that the intrusions were "likely Russian in origin" - the agencies' first formal acknowledgment that they believe Moscow is behind the campaign.

Russia has denied involvement.

The cyberspies leveraged an update made by the Texas-based company SolarWinds, which provides network monitoring software, to gain access to victims' networks. Once inside, the hackers were able to steal users' log-ins and passwords to enable them to roam freely in unclassified networks, including email systems, without being detected.

Using the SolarWinds update system is an example of what's called a "supply chain" attack. Many organizations use SolarWinds to optimize their networks' performance and were unaware of the company's apparently lax software security.

SolarWinds is a customer of JetBrains, a software company founded in Russia and now headquartered in the Czech Republic. Private cybersecurity firms are probing whether JetBrains, which makes software that allows developers to test code ahead of its release, played any role in the Russian breaches, according a person familiar with the matter.

Specifically they want to know whether Russian hackers were able to insert back doors into software that was then used by SolarWinds or other companies, enabling the compromises, the person said. The inquiry was first reported by The New York Times.

In response to The Times's story, JetBrains CEO Maxim Shafirovsaid in a blog post that "JetBrains has not taken part or been involved in this attack in any way." He said SolarWinds "has not contacted us with any details regarding the breach."

If the firm's software, called TeamCity, has been used in the breaches, he said, "it could very well be due to misconfiguration, and not a specific vulnerability." He added that "we have not been contacted by any government or security agency regarding this matter, nor are we aware of being under any investigation."

Last month the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued an alert saying it had evidence that the attackers were using additional means besides the SolarWinds update to gain entry into computers.

The Washington Post reported last month that the Russian hackers compromised some Microsoft cloud customers through a corporate partner or "reseller" that handles cloud-access services. There may be other means not publicly identified that have been used to hack victims' networks, said people familiar with the matter.

The intelligence community also said Tuesday that investigators have identified fewer than 10 federal entities whose networks have been breached, though as the investigation continues, more federal agencies may turn out to have been compromised.

As many as 250 government and private-sector entities have been compromised, though investigators are working to ascertain the exact scope of the hacks.
Several local nursing homes whose officials chose CVS to administer COVID-19 vaccinations have completed the first inoculation of residents and staff, but at least one nursing home that chose Walgreens is still waiting.

A Walgreens official first told St. Marys Villa in Elmhurst Twp. that vaccinations wouldnt take place there until Feb. 1, but moved that up to Jan. 24, said Nancy Newcomb, St. Marys president. Thats still far later than she expected.

Its also after some local nursing homes that used CVS will have their second round of vaccinations.

I know, a majority of the facilities in our area that went with CVS Pharmacy are all completed, or will be completed by the end of this week with their vaccinations, Newcomb said, referring to the first vaccinations. Now, we got our call from Walgreens, and they said, OK, well see it the week of February 1. And we were like, wait a minute.

She complained to Walgreens and a company staffer later called to say the date was moved up a week.

And that was that, she said.

Zach Shamberg, chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, which represents the long-term care industry, said the Walgreens lag has shown up all over the state. Nationally, finding staff to handle vaccinations has turned into a major problem, he said. The association has asked the Department of Health to start letting other pharmacies inoculate long-term care center residents and staff, he said.

The distribution does seem to be taking much longer than any of us expected, especially for long-term care. Thats the problem. And thats where our most vulnerable residents are cared for, Shamberg said. We cant afford to wait weeks. Weve got to get it done as quickly as possible.

At least three Lackawanna County nursing homes had CVS vaccinate all staff and residents who wanted one, their officials said.

CVS visited Aventura at Creekside in Carbondale on Wednesday for about six hours, said Eric Yashinski, the homes administrator. He declined to say how many people were vaccinated.

It went well, he said. Things went very smoothly.

Thomas Scott, director of nursing at the Green Ridge Care Center in Scranton, said CVS staff vaccinated 79 of 82 residents and the half of the staff who wanted a vaccination on Dec. 28. Their second vaccination is Jan. 18, he said.

Things went very, very smoothly, Scott said.

Bill Kammerer, chief executive officer at Mountain View Care and Rehabilitation Center in Scranton, said CVS vaccinated more than 150 staff and residents, also on Dec. 28, with plans to return for the second dose Jan. 18.

We didnt get much notice, but as soon as they got the OK, they were in here, Kammerer said.

Efforts to reach other local nursing homes were unsuccessful.

Federal officials decided to leave vaccinations of long-term care centers like nursing and personal care homes up to Walgreens and CVS.

In October, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense announced contracts with the two drugstore chains to vaccinate everyone at long-term care centers free of charge.

Long-term care centers chose which chain to use.

Newcomb said she didnt choose Walgreens for any particular reason, but knows most local nursing homes went with CVS from talking to their administrators.

Efforts to reach a spokesman for Walgreens were unsuccessful. A news release dated Wednesday said the company expects to complete nursing home vaccinations by Jan. 25. The company did not receive its first allotments of vaccines until late December, according to the news release.

Since then, Walgreens has remained on track in vaccinating our most vulnerable populations, and we are steadfast in our commitment to accelerating access to COVID-19 vaccines as we receive additional guidance from state governments and jurisdictions, John Standley, Walgreens president, said in the news release.

Nursing homes and their staffs are among the first groups scheduled for vaccinations under a state plan modeled after federal guidelines. Others in the first wave include front-line health care workers at local hospitals. However, the two federal agencies assumed control of the distribution to nursing homes and other long-term skilled-care centers.

As of Thursday, 177,767 had received the vaccine, including 5,312 in Lackawanna County, 5,774 in Luzerne County, 1,775 in Monroe County, 295 in Pike County, 731 in Susquehanna County, 694 in Wayne County and 298 in Wyoming County.

State Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said Monday she did not know how many people at long-term care centers were vaccinated because the federal government hasnt shared that information so far.

CVS and Walgreens have completed vaccinations at 115 skilled nursing facilities. We are actually waiting on the report from the federal partnership program on exactly how many people were vaccinated at these clinics and which ones, Levine said.

Some nursing homes opted out of the Walgreens/CVS inoculations at first, but state officials talked most back into the program because it is by far the fastest way to get vaccines to the patients and staff in nursing homes, Levine said.

Efforts to obtain comment from the Department of Health on the vaccination disparity between CVS and Walgreens were not immediately successful.
PHOENIX - The protesters who had gathered here outside the Arizona Capitol building had been united in their adulation for President Donald Trump and in their condemnation of the "stolen" election, spinning conspiracy theories about fraud and traitors. But then word came from across the nation that fellow Trump supporters had stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Suddenly, there was a schism. From the demonstration's main stage, speakers warned against the use of violence to achieve political ends.

But to Tara Immen, dressed head to toe in American-flag-patterned gear, it was just perfect.

"Oh, I think it's fantastic! They're storming the Capitol!" she gushed. "I personally love it because you know what? It's how this country was built, the way our Founding Fathers stormed the British Empire."

In a bitterly divided nation, the mob that broke into the Capitol building - fighting with police, destroying property, perpetrating attacks, disrupting the certification of election results and causing at least one death - became yet another flash point on Wednesday. For vast segments of the population, even including some who have been devoted Trump supporters, the reaction was horror that the country has sunk to such a low place.

"I just wonder how people in the rest of the world see us now, watching this. We're supposed to be the greatest democracy on earth. Let's act like it," said Randy Schmidt, a Wisconsin dairy farmer who twice voted for Trump, yet was alienated by the president's unwillingness to accept the election results. "I'm very disappointed."

But in a sign of just how extreme some have become in their defense of the president, and his unproven allegations of election fraud, there also was early support for breaking into the Capitol and interrupting the certification of the election results.

"This may be the start of something," said Juan Fiol, 48, a real estate agent in the Miami area who was an early grass-roots organizer for Trump. "People are only going to take so much before they start lashing out."

Some Trump backers who disapprove of the violence were already blaming it on liberals posing as Trump supporters or on "antifa," despite the lack of any evidence.

"I think it's the Democrats making a last-ditch movement to try to stop what President Trump has to reveal," said Enchantra Mead, 48, who was protesting the election in Austin on Wednesday.

From the other side of the political spectrum, there was revulsion, not only toward the pro-Trump rioters who breached the Capitol, but to how gently they appeared to have been treated.

Many of those who participated in Black Lives Matter protests over the summer - and faced oftentimes brutal pushback from law enforcement - were stunned to see a mob of mostly White Trump supporters rush the Capitol. Photos from the scene showed what appeared to be police standing by as it occurred. Images circulated on social media that purported to show officers taking selfies with the rioters.

Kayla Reed, a veteran of the protests in Ferguson, Mo., and a social justice activist, said watching the chaotic scene unfold at the U.S. Capitol only confirmed that there were "two different realities" for protesters in America today.

"This just affirms that police are often complicit in white supremacy," said Reed, who is Black. "One hundred years ago, the sheriffs knew all the Klan members in their town and were often the Klan members in their town. Now we're watching officers take selfies with domestic terrorists who are angry that Black voters have delivered the Democrats victory in the White House and in Congress."

Even before the violence, it was clear that Wednesday was bound to lay the nation's divisions bare.

To Trump's supporters and detractors alike, it was a day of deep apprehension, a possible moment of no return for the nation's already fragile institutions.

In interviews nationwide - from Northern California to South Florida - voters described their views in remarkably similar terms, whether they love Trump or loathe him. They expressed confidence that their side was in the right and appeared baffled by their fellow Americans' capacity for denial. They offered that the country's fortunes matched the season: dark winter, with the worst perhaps still to come. They reached for historical analogies to convey the gravity of a moment with no precedent in centuries.

While outlooks had a symmetry across the divide, facts did not. Critics of Trump's attempts to overturn the election - including Republicans - accurately note that courts have repeatedly found that the president's fraud claims lack any basis in reality.

But that has not stopped him from relentlessly pushing conspiracy theories that were echoed in the halls of Congress on Wednesday, and that were on the lips of his supporters nationwide.

"I grew up in the McCarthy era, and that was bad," said Pat Johnstone, a retired educator who organizes Democratic campaign volunteers in Marin County. Calif. "I've never been so fearful for this country."

The day's events only amplified those fears, and stoked concerns about what else Trump might do in his final two weeks in office.

"This was his mission all along. He incited a riot. And the riot ensued," Johnstone said. "It's just horrifying. I don't know how we ever come off the edge of this cliff."

Amanda Beck, a 39-year-old small-business owner living in a Phoenix suburb, had been concerned enough about the potential for violence to send her four children to stay in the family cabin in northern Arizona.

She had watched in horror as Trump goaded Republican lawmakers and his vice president to back an unconstitutional reversal of election results while encouraging protesters to swarm the U.S. Capitol, and feared it would lead to violence in Washington, Phoenix and beyond.

"It's terrifying," said Beck. "It's like, how much proof do you need to have that no fraud happened?"

After the violence, she said she was thinking of joining her kids - and feeling grateful that she had taught them both gun safety and how to defend themselves.

"I know it sounds a bit overcautious," she said, "but I'm that kind of mom."

As anxiety deepened among Trump's critics, divisions were growing among his conspiracy-minded supporters.

At a pro-Trump rally in Lansing, Mich., on Wednesday afternoon, a speaker in a cowboy hat told a crowd of about 200 that "Mike Pence did not stand with Donald Trump" and that their counterparts in Washington were reacting angrily. "It's getting a little chaotic, so I would like to pray for that situation," he said.

The news about Pence was met with boos from the crowd. Several subsequent speakers made a point to underscore to the audience that the reports about both Pence's decision was unconfirmed, even though the information had come out in a letter from the vice president himself.

Former congressional candidate and far-right activist Mike Detmer said he hoped it wasn't true. "But if not," he said, "we can add one more to the traitor column."

Similar protests occurred in cities across the country Wednesday, often with hundreds of Trump supporters gathering outside statehouses to declare that the presidential election was riddled with fraud - and demand that Republican leaders in their state fight for Trump to be declared the winner.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger - a Republican who has rebuffed Trump's attempts to alter election results in the state in the president's favor and been repeatedly attacked for it - had to evacuate his office, along with his staff. Pro-Trump protesters in Arizona shouted for Republican Gov. Doug Ducey - who certified his state's election results despite calls for him not to do so - to come outside and meet with them, pounding on doors and cracking a window.

In the state of Washington, protesters entered the grounds of the governor's mansion, according to state police. Meanwhile, statehouses in New Mexico and Texas were mostly evacuated or closed as a precaution. For many of the president's most ardent backers, there had been hope that Wednesday would mark an inflection - the moment when their fellow Americans woke up and realized the truth of their claims. And if they didn't, Trump supporters said they were prepared to further escalate their grievances.

"We're not going to sit here and allow anyone to steal an election. We're going to stand up," said Fiol, the Miami area real estate agent. "This is a country that was built on resistance. This is a country that was built on revolution and not allowing for big government to tell us what to do."

Fiol said he was convinced that Democrats have cheated for generations - their transgressions ignored by the courts, the press and the political establishments of both parties.

But this year, he said, their malfeasance was so brazen and widespread that he wants the popular vote thrown out. Instead, the presidential election should be decided for each state based on the political makeup of its statehouse - which would likely make Trump the winner.

It's that sort of talk that alienates Pat Aquino from his fellow Republicans.

Aquino, a 77-year-old Army veteran who served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, is a resident of the Villages, the Florida retirement community where Trump golf cart parades became a vivid feature of the campaign - and didn't end with Election Day.

There was one on Tuesday. Trump flags continue to fly, just as they did before the vote. At backyard gatherings, Aquino said, his pro-Trump friends continue to insist that their candidate was the rightful winner, had it not been for the fraud.

"I tell them, 'These are things that have already been checked.' But they won't listen to the arguments," Aquino said.

A Republican and a gun owner who had consistently voted for the GOP nominee since his retirement from active duty, Aquino couldn't bring himself to cast a ballot for Trump because of the president's tendency toward "lying, cheating and stealing."

All, Aquino said, have been especially evident since the election. That didn't shock him. But he is surprised that so many Republicans lawmakers have gone along with it.

"I'm disappointed more than anything else. I fought for you to be able to say and believe what you want," he said. "But you have a responsibility to uphold the Constitution. It's not just the people in uniform."

As police continued to push back rioters from the U.S. Capitol late Wednesday afternoon, Aquino said he could only shake his head and feel sadness for the state of his nation.

"So much for law and order," he said. "There's only person that can be blamed: the one that keeps propagating all the lies, Mr. Trump."

- - -

Johnson and Witte reported from Washington. The Washington Post's Annie Gowen in Topeka, Kan.; Dan Simmons in Milwaukee, Carissa Wolf in Boise, Idaho; Eva Ruth Moravec in Austin; and Kayla Ruble in Lansing, Mich., contributed to this report.

The dance of democracy continues in 2021 with the once-a-decade ritual of drawing new state legislative and congressional district lines in Illinois and across the nation. In two-thirds of the states, including Illinois, the legislators themselves draw the lines. This means the party in power draws maps that favor incumbents and enhances its partisan control.

This is done rather simply by cracking (breaking apart) pockets of opposition party strength or, conversely, by packing (concentrating) a partys voters so as to limit the numbers of districts the opposition can win.

A couple of election cycles ago, a friend of mine tallied the total number of votes across Illinois for Democratic and Republican House candidates, respectively. He found that Democrats received 50 percent of the total vote, yet won 60 percent of the legislative seats. (That is what is called gerrymandering, in honor of Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry, who in the early Republic drew a district, favorable to his allies, that looked like a mythical, contorted salamander.)

But this year can be different, as I explain below.

In 2001 and 2011, Democratic House Speaker Mike Madigan controlled the process and drew maps that were laughingly unconstitutional. The Illinois Constitution clearly states that districts shall be compact and equal in population. However, the 2011 map for the Illinois Legislature includes districts that are stringy, arthritic fingers that reach from central city Chicago out into nearby suburbs, to pick up enough population to provide districts for incumbent Democratic members. See the map attached; are those districts compact?

As soon as the new census figures are tallied and reported to the states, redistricting will begin in earnest. In normal times, Mike Madigan would draw the maps; they would be contested in the courts by opposition Republicans who would scream foul, and the courts would say, tsk, tsk,

This past election, a group of us campaigned successfully to oust Democratic Illinois Supreme Court Justice Tom Kilbride, whom we believed had paid his union dues faithfully to his benefactor Mike Madigan, via highly partisan court opinions.

Immediately upon Kilbrides ouster, the other justices appointed a temporary appointment until 2022. They elevated the man Kilbride had been personally appointing to the state appellate court for 16 years. So, the court remains 4-3 in the hands of the Dems, and ready once again to support a gerrymandered map.

As I say, however, this year is different. First, Madigan and his fellow Dems are under an electron microscope, because the speaker is implicated in a brazen corruption scheme. Even if he loses his speakership contest in the coming weeks, the Dems who follow in his footsteps will be judged on whether they are just like Mike, or can be better.

Second, Gov. JB Pritzker has proclaimed repeatedly that he will support only a transparent map-drawing process that is thought to be fair.

So, what to do? Borrowing from an old adage about candidates, you cant beat a bad map with no map. Thus, I propose that good government groups like Change Illinois, the Better Government Association and the League of Women Voters get together to draw alternative maps that are based on the criteria used in neighboring Iowa, which is considered to have the gold standard in mapping. The legislature in Iowa turns the process over to its legislative research agency, which is prohibited from using factors of incumbency or political party in drawing new district lines.

Illinois is more diverse than Iowa, and courts and Congress have decreed that minorities must have a fair shot at electing their own. Further, in 2011 the Illinois Legislature added communities of interest to the criteria here, to protect Chinatown in Chicago from being fractured in such a way that the community could not elect one of its own.

Fortunately, there is widely available, off-the-shelf technology that allows citizen groups to draw the maps. They could direct a computer to maximize, as much as possible, population equality, compactness, minority opportunities, communities of interestand to avoid like the plague incumbency and partisan considerations.

The computer whirs for a while and then spits out one or more maps based on those criteria. I am sure independent-minded lawmakers can be found to introduce these maps into the legislature for consideration, along with the in-house gerrymandered version.

But, appreciate that few inside either party will like these nonpolitical maps drawn by outsiders, (probably using the same software as the gerrymanderers). And these maps wont alone transform the legislature from Dem to GOP majority control. The state is too Blue for that.

Independent, nonpartisan maps will, however, be drawn to the benefit of the voters, rather than the elected officials. And such maps would probably result in more competition, that is, more choices for the voters.

All of the above wont happen without relentless public pressure on lawmakers and courts to support nonpartisan maps. I never said democracy was easy.
A health worker administers a vaccine to a patient in their vehicle during the first day of mass Moderna Covid-19 vaccinations in Broadbent Arena in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo: Jon Cherry/Getty Images

The death toll from Covid-19 will climb significantly in the coming weeks and hospitals are again having to revert to battling a huge rise in the disease, a leading infectious disease consultant warned last night.

Professor Sam McConkey said: We did not think it would get so bad so quickly. Everyone is numb and shocked. The deaths are going to get higher  it can take two to six weeks to happen.

He said: We are transforming hospitals into institutions of care for Covid-19 as we did in February and March. But there are a lot of treatments we can now do better, such as giving people the steroid dexamethasone.

But a big challenge is the availability of enough specialist nurses for intensive care, he added.

Read More

He was speaking as another 17 Covid-19 deaths were announced and 7,836 more people were diagnosed with the virus.

Hospitals across the country are again at the coalface of what Taoiseach Micheal Martin called a tsunami. Hospital admissions of Covid-19 patients soared to 954 yesterday, outstripping the early pandemic record of 881.

The number of severely ill patients with the virus in intensive care rose to 88 from 76 the previous day.

Intensive care consultants now fear that if admissions continue to spike, controls will have to be called on where agonising decisions are made on who should get a scarce bed.

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said: The country is in a serious phase of this surge of Covid-19. There is increasing concern about the highly infectious strain of Covid-19 here.

All counties have an upward trajectory of the disease. There is concerning escalation of admissions to hospital and ICU. We are very likely to see escalating mortality and intensive care admissions in the coming days and weeks, he said.

It has never been more important, throughout our experience of this pandemic, to stay home and only meet people outside of your household for essential purposes, always adhering to public health advice; physical distance, hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, wearing a face covering.

It comes as the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine was given the green light by the European Medicines Agency. But is is still unclear when the first supplies will arrive here and how many doses will be available.

A spokeswoman for the company said the first delivery of vaccine to countries in Europe is to begin next week.

Ireland has pre-ordered 875,000 doses of the vaccine but it is expected to be many months before the full volume arrives.

The Moderna two-dose vaccine is 94.5pc effective at preventing illness in someone who is infected with the virus.

It can be kept at -20 degrees celsius, which means it can be stored in regular doctors surgeries and pharmacies.

The Taoiseach said Pfizer BioNTech has given a commitment to provide around 40,000 doses a week for the next two months. He said he has told the HSE of the urgency to roll them out to the highest priority groups without delay.

Around 35,000 vaccines will be administered this week.

Meanwhile, most GPs have still not received the Covid-19 vaccine, although some were invited for vaccinations in hospitals. The plan is to have GPs vaccinating the wider population, but this will take months and depend on availability of the jabs.

Read More

Irish Independent
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JOSEPH PREZIOSO, Contributor / AFP via Getty Images

As violence escalated Wednesday and a mob invaded the U.S. Capitol, with one person shot and killed by law enforcement and others injured, Texans have condemned the actions of those involved  as well as those they say incited it.



Texas AG Ken Paxton, who was a headliner at a Save America rally earlier Wednesday morning, called for an end to the chaos. I stand for election integrity and the democratic process. I will not tolerate violence and civil disorder," he wrote on Twitter.





Later Wednesday, Paxton retweeted an unsubstantiated, anonymously sourced tweet that claimed that at least one busload of the protesters were not Trump supporters but rather members of the left-wing group Antifa in disguise. Heres how other Texans reacted.

President Donald Trump for the first time acknowledged his defeat in the Nov. 3 election and announced there would be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count early Thursday certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trumps acknowledgment came after a day of chaos and destruction on Capitol Hill as a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol building and unleashed unprecedented scenes of mayhem as it tried to halt the peaceful transition of power. Members of Congress were forced into hiding, offices were ransacked, and the formal congressional tally halted for more than six hours.

ERIN SCHAFF /NYT

Adrian Reyna, 33, a U.S. history teacher at Longfellow Middle School and self-proclaimed government buff, said he had been watching the certification of the Electoral College results when the legislative chambers were evacuated. Glued to his TV, Reyna tried to figure out how to explain what he was seeing to his students when they return to classes next week.



Im the teacher who tells my kids, Hey, speak up; hey, stand up, Reyna said. Its a really hard argument to make to them to say, You have a right to do these things right now, but this is a teaching moment for where we draw the line, not doing it in a way that is just destructive.



The images of the U.S. Capitols occupation by rioters drew comparisons to Third World unrest, blame for the president, calls for unity, and everything from resignation to indignation that American politics has become that bad.

Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Protesters supporting President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, clashing with police and forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's win. Check out this gallery for more photos of the scene.

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Olga Dib knows feral hogs have a bad reputation. But the animal rescuer would still bet the farm that Piggie the feral pig will make a great therapy animal. Read more about Piggie and his fellow feral pigs.



Cooking: After last year, were all in a cooking rut. Here are five ways to break out of it and get your cooking joy back.



Music: An all-star roster of Texas musicians  including Randy Rogers, Bruce Robison, Reckless Kelly, Wade Bowen and Jamie Lin Wilson  gathered to pay tribute to Cody Canada in a new album out Friday.



Traditions: There is extra time to see the thousands of twinkling holiday lights reflecting off the San Antonio River this year. The San Antonio River Walk Association extended the famed and free lights display until Valentine's Day.



Spurs: Spurs fans are now able to relive the career of Tony Parker with a just-released Netflix documentary.

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Investigations editor

Larry Parnass, investigations editor, joined The Eagle in 2016 from the Daily Hampshire Gazette, where he was editor in chief. His freelance work has appeared in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant and CommonWealth Magazine.
After being beaten by Houston police in 1959, Eldrewey Stearnes dedicated his life to civil rights in Texas and beyond.

We wanted change, and it was something you had to be willing to die for, Stearnes told the Houston Chronicle in 2008. And, I was willing to die for a noble cause.

The civil rights activist known for leading sit-ins and demonstrations to desegregate Houston, died Dec. 23, at 89.

Stearnes had been ill and weak in recent months, said his youngest brother, Rudolph Jovan Stearnes, 75. He died at HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland in Texas City. While the official cause of death has not been determined, Rudolph Stearnes said his brothers death is not COVID-19 related.

Stearnes was born in Galveston in December 1931 to Rudolph Stearnes, who worked as a paint contractor, and homemaker Devona Juanita Stearnes. The oldest of six, he attended Central High School in Galveston before enlisting and serving two years in the U.S. Army starting in March 1951. After an honorable discharge in 1953, he attended Michigan State University, where he studied political science. Stearnes later attended law school at Texas Southern Universitys Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where his career in the Civil Rights Movement and efforts to desegregate areas of Texas began.

He had a strong, humanitarian desire to make this a better world. Every fiber in his body was always, Im going to get this done and its going to make this better, Rudolph said.

In 1959, Stearnes was beaten by police during a traffic stop and taken to jail. Shortly afterward, he launched the sit-in movement West of the Mississippi and in Houston. On March 4, 1960, Stearnes and about a dozen Texas Southern students protested at Weingartens Supermarket about a mile from campus, demanding service at the lunch counter. Though they were denied, the protest served as a catalyst for other sit-ins throughout the city. By the end of the year, Houston businesses were largely desegregated, although the feat got minimal exposure due to a historical media blackout coordinated by businessmen who coerced media to not report on the sit-ins, according to a local historian.

The site of the first sit-in was celebrated with a historical marker in 2010.

Stearnes thereafter dedicated himself to civil rights and bettering the lives of Black people  believing that it could make life better for everyone, his brother said.

He believed Black history should one day become American history. It should be one, Rudolph emphasized.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Why the media stayed quiet as Houston integrated its lunch counters

Stearnes, whose name is more commonly spelled Stearns without the last e  a change his brother said was made partially due to it being commonly misspelled  led with his passion for equality and eventually gave up his successful private law practice to devote himself full-time to his efforts  a move most lawyers wouldnt have made without financial compensation.

He never had any personal life of his own, his brother said. He never said I want this for me.  never money, cars, houses or luxury. It never meant nothing to him. It was always a bigger desire than what we cherish on a daily basis.

Others realized his dedication, Rudolph said, adding that Stearnes former fiance broke off their engagement, telling their mother that he belonged to the world.

After 1963, Stearnes life began to change, said Thomas Cole, a friend who is also a historian and director of the McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

The student movement was largely co-opted by older businessmen in the city who made deals to quietly integrate  a move that would ultimately undercut the momentum and many efforts of younger activists, Cole said. Stearnes mental health also declined, he said, with the activist experiencing several psychotic breaks as a result of bipolar disease and a struggle with alcoholism.

He was courageous. He was brilliant. He was the person who sparked the sit-in movement that led to desegregation, and he was flawed and troubled and suffered, Cole said.

Stearnes, however, was still valued and respected for his mind and ideas, with many businessmen and entrepreneurs seeking him out to assist them in their ventures.

He did that for little to nothing. Sometimes, maybe just for a couple of drinks, his brother said.

Cole added that Stearnes tried to get back into the mainstream. There was this magic about him that people paid attention to, but it never went anywhere.

Harry Stovall, 88, who grew up with Stearnes, said he remembers his friend as a studious young man. He also remembers the marches and news of Stearnes being arrested and beaten by the police.

He was a young man who didnt back down. Hed heal and go right back to the same thing. He was a deep, deep believer  and rightly so  of equal rights, Stovall said.

Stearnes also knew the importance of his story and was planning to write an autobiography about his life, his brother said. That was his energy, Rudolph Stearnes of the project. It kept him going.

Cole, the historian, did write a book about the activist.

Cole, who met Stearnes in 1983, emphasized his intensity, great heart and desire for equality.

Stearnes was a patient in a hospital while Cole was presenting at a case conference for students. When Stearnes claimed to be the first integration leader in Houston, Cole said he chalked it up to grandiosity. But after learning more, he became fascinated with Stearnes story. An unlikely friendship developed between the two and eventually yielded the biography No Color Is My Kind: The Life of Eldrewey Stearnes and the Integration of Houston published by the University of Texas Press.

It was an incredible amount of time I spent with him  interviewing, transcribing, hearing every single story three to four times, Cole said. There was nobody like him.

Funeral services will likely be small due to COVID-19, but Rudolph Stearnes said he has begun contacting his brothers old colleagues and family friends in the hope of erecting a permanent monument or statue to celebrate his brothers unsung legacy. A military salute will be announced in the near future.

brittany.britto@chron.com
As a shocked nation reacted to the storming of the United States Capitol on Wednesday by a pro-Trump mob trying to disrupt the certification of the presidential election, one word describing the chaos quickly rose to the top.

It borders on sedition, President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. said in his remarks to the nation.

This is sedition, the National Association of Manufacturers said in a statement that accused President Trump of having incited violence in an attempt to retain power.

And within the first hour of the attack, Merriam-Webster reported that sedition was at the top of its searches, ahead of coup detat, insurrection and putsch.

Sedition  Merriam-Webster defines it as incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority  is a word that echoes across American history, archaic yet familiar. Historically, charges of sedition have just as often been used to quash dissent (the Sedition Act of 1918, for example, made it illegal to willfully utter, print, write, or publish any disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language about the form of the Government of the United States) as they have to punish actual threats to government stability or functioning.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A group of mid-Michigan supporters of President Donald Trump were in Washington, D.C., Wednesday for the March for Trump rally protesting the November general election.

Suzanne Hall of Birch Run Township said members of her group of about 40 attended a speech by Trump earlier Wednesday and were preparing to leave for home about 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6.

Its just an amazing sea of people, Hall said of the crowd at Trumps speech. Everyone was content and pleasant, so Im really shocked at what happened.

Following the speech, members of the crowd clashed with police before forcing their way into the Capitol, leading to a lockdown. At least one person was shot, according to the Associated Press. U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, blamed Trump for inciting the violence, and was among the lawmakers and staff forced to take shelter from the rioters.

Hall said she was horrified by the violence at the Capitol building, but declined to comment further because she didnt know enough about what was going on yet.

Hall said her group of 43 Trump supporters from around Michigan left Bridgeport in Saginaw County late Tuesday. They gathered together for the return trip when there wasnt anyone to watch speak, she said.

We didnt see anything going on as far as speeches, so we turned around and started back, Hall said. We just caught wind of the unfortunate shooting after we were on our way back.

Hall said as she was waiting for the rest of her group to arrive at the bus to begin the trip back to Michigan, she saw a large law enforcement presence entering the city, including Fairfax County Police from Virginia.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced around 3:30 p.m. they were sending state police and National Guard troops to D.C. to help control the crowd, and shortly before 4 p.m. the White House announced the National Guard was on its way.

Read more:

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin on protestors breaching Capitol: We shouldnt be shocked

White House says National Guard headed to Capitol

Michigan Trump supporter headed to election rally in D.C. says We are going with God
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On Twitter on Wednesday, users called for the companys chief executive, Jack Dorsey, to take down President Trumps account. Civil rights groups said action by social media companies against calls for political violence was long overdue. Even venture capitalists who had reaped riches from investing in social media urged Twitter and Facebook to do more.

For four years youve rationalized this terror. Inciting violent treason is not a free speech exercise, Chris Sacca, a tech investor who had invested in Twitter, wrote to Mr. Dorsey and Facebooks chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg. If you work at those companies, its on you too. Shut it down.

Twitter, Facebook and others had previously resisted cracking down on Mr. Trumps posts and other toxic content, saying that the posts were in the publics interest. While the platforms had started taking more steps against political misinformation in the months before the election, they declined to remove Mr. Trumps messages and instead took half measures, such as labeling his posts.

So when violence broke out in Washington on Wednesday, it was, in the minds of longtime critics, the day the chickens came home to roost for the social media companies. After the onslaught of criticism began, Twitter and Facebook started removing several of Mr. Trumps posts from their sites, including one where the president falsely said that a sacred landslide election victory had been unceremoniously & viciously stripped away.

We know the social media companies have been lackadaisical at best at stopping extremism from growing on their platforms, said Jonathan Greenblatt, director of the Anti-Defamation League. Freedom of expression is not the freedom to incite violence. That is not protected speech.

Renee DiResta, a researcher at the Stanford Internet Observatory who studies online movements, added that the violence was the result of people operating in closed social media networks where they believed the claims of voter fraud and of the election being stolen from Mr. Trump.

This is a demonstration of the very real-world impact of echo chambers, she said. This has been a striking repudiation of the idea that there is an online and an offline world, and that what is said online is in some way kept online. I hope that this eliminates the conception from peoples minds.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 12:00:56|Editor: huaxia

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LIMA, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Peru has signed an agreement with Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinopharm to acquire its vaccine against COVID-19, with the first 1 million doses to arrive this month, Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti announced Wednesday.

In a nationwide address, Sagasti said Peru's cooperation in Sinopharm phase 3 trials placed the country "in a better position to access vaccines" and to "verify their effectiveness in the national population."

Clinical trials of the Sinopharm vaccine are currently underway at the Cayetano Heredia Peruvian University and the National University of San Marcos.

According to Peru's National Institute of Health, which is overseeing the process, 11,000 volunteers have been vaccinated since the trials began in September.

Peru has registered more than 1 million COVID-19 cases and over 37,000 deaths. Enditem


A 55-year-old Athens man was one of the people who died on Wednesday while chaos broke out at the Capitol building.

D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee, during a news conference Thursday, confirmed that one of the people who died was Kevin Greeson.

He said Greeson was one of three people who died from the result of medical emergencies.

Contee said that police are also investigating the officer-involved shooting death of 35-year-old Ashley Babbitt.

The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement that Officer Brian D. Sicknick was injured while physically engaging with protesters during the Wednesday riot. He is the fifth person to die because of the melee.

In recent weeks, Greeson posted dozens of times on the social media site Parler, which has gained popularity with conservatives in particular since it launched in 2018.

He expressed strong opinions on Parler, such as calling for violence in the street in support of President Donald Trump, hailing the Proud Boys alt-right group and discussing his personal cache of guns and ammunition.

This composite image shows four different messages Kevin Greeson posted on his profile on the social media site Parler in recent weeks.

Greeson last posted on his personal Twitter account on July 28. He cited a claim from Trump on July 28, that Hydroxychloroquine is a cure for COVID-19, and then followed up with a proclamation of support for Trumps 2020 campaign, and that Twitter sucks!

Greeson only posted six times on Twitter since he joined in 2019. He also called former Ohio Gov. John Kasich -- a 2016 GOP presidential candidate who has been critical of Trump -- an idiot.

But Greesons family, in a statement to AL.com, said he was a wonderful father and husband who loved life. Greeson also loved to ride motorcycles, he loved his job and his coworkers and he loved his dogs.

Kevin Greeson posted this picture of himself holding guns on Parler with the caption "I wish these motherf***ers would come to my hood!" in November.

The family statement said that while Greeson was an advocate for Trump, and attended the rally outside the Capitol, he was not there to participate in violence or rioting, nor did he condone such actions.

Kevin had a history of high blood pressure, and in the midst of the excitement, suffered a heart attack, the statement said. Our family is devastated. We are thankful for all of the thoughts and prayers and appreciate privacy at this time as we grieve.

A screengrab of Kevin Greeson's tweets.

His son, Kyler Greeson, posted on Facebook that his dad made me the man I am today. Always going to car shows to support me and to enjoy the cars together. Him my brother and I would ride motorcycles together and have a great time. He was such a great man we all miss you so much. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Posts in the Facebook group Decatur Goodyear Employees mourned his death with members calling for people to pray for Greesons family.

Another north Alabama man was arrested yesterday near the U.S. Capitol as rioting broke out amid the certification of Joe Bidens presidential win.

Capitol police identified the Alabama man as Lonnie Zoffman of Falkville.

However, officials at the D.C. Central Lockup said Lonnie Coffman is being held there. He is 70. The lockup did not provide an address for Coffman.

This story was updated at 1;55 p.m. on January 7, 2021, to include a statement from the Greeson family.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Report Description

A recent market intelligence report that is published by Data Insights Partner on the global TIC market makes an offering of in-depth analysis of segments and sub-segments in the regional and international TIC market. The research also emphasizes on the impact of restraints, drivers, and macro indicators on the regional and global TIC market over the short as well as long period of time. A detailed presentation of forecast, trends, and dollar values of global TIC market is offered. In accordance with the report, the global TIC market is projected to expand with the CAGR of 4.8% over the period of forecast.

Market Insight, Drivers, Restraints& Opportunity of the Market:

The Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) sector is rapidly gaining its popularity from the past few decades. This sector is use to provide services including testing, inspection, quality assurance and the certification with the international standers introduced by the various national standards organizations. The TIC helps business entities to ensure the quality, health and safety, environmental protection of the product, and different processes.

Request for Report Sample: https://datainsightspartner.com/request-for-sample?ref=192

The growing acceptance of outsourcing service models across various business entities is the primary factor that drive the growth of the TIC market worldwide. The TIC consists of both in-house and outsourced services. Additionally, rapid globalization and urbanization across emerging countries are accelerating the growth of TIC market. The trending implementation of demanding government regulations and standards across several industry verticals is escalating the growth of the TIC market. Furthermore, increasing Disposable Income in developed and underdeveloped countries are accelerating the growth of the TIC market. On the other hand, variations of regulations and standers according to the Geographies is expected to restrain the market growth. Moreover, the growing adoption of TIC across the small and medium scale enterprises are projected to create several growth opportunities in the market growth over the forecast period.

Among the geographies, North America dominated the global TIC market in 2018. The growth in the North America region is due to the adoption of TIC in industries such as automotive and medical sectors. Moreover, the growing awareness about TIC in food and beverage Oil, Gas & The chemical industry in North America is majorly contributing to market growth. On the other hand, countries in Latin America such as Brazil are focusing on the introduction of TIC services in the varies industry verticals.

Segment Covered:

This market intelligence report on the global TIC market encompasses market segments based on sourcing type, service type, applications and country.

In terms of sourcing type, the global TIC market is segregated into:

In-House Services

Outsourcing services

By service type also classify into, the global TIC market:

Testing

Inspection

Certification

Others

By application also classify into, the global TIC market:

Chemicals

Consumer goods

Construction and infrastructure

Energy & Power

Agriculture and Food

Project Lifecycle Services

Manufacturing industries

Medical and Life Sciences

Oil, Gas and Mining

Automotive

Others

By country/region, the global TIC market has been divided into:

North America (the U.S., Canada),

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and other countries),

Europe (Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, Russia, and other countries),

Asia Pacific (India, Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand and other countries),

Middle East and Africa (GCC, South Africa, Israel and Other countries).

Get Request for Table of Contents: https://datainsightspartner.com/report/testing-inspection-and-certification-tic-market/192#content

Profiling of Market Players:

This business intelligence report offers profiling of reputed companies that are operating in the market. Companies such as

ALS Limited

Applus+

Bureau Veritas,

Dekra Se

DNV Gl

Eurofins Scientific

Intertek

Lloyds Register Group Limited

Mistras

SGS Group

TUV Rheinland

Others players have been profiled into detail so as to offer a glimpse of the market leaders. Moreover, parameters such as TIC related investment & spending and developments by major players of the market are tracked in this global report.

Report Highlights:

In-depth analysis of the micro and macro indicators, market trends, and forecasts of demand is offered by this business intelligence report. Furthermore, the report offers a vivid picture of the factors that are steering and restraining the growth of this market across all geographical segments. In addition to that, Growth Matrix analysis is also provided in the report so as to share insight of the investment areas that new or existing market players can take into consideration. Various analytical tools such as DRO analysis, Porter's five forces analysis has been used in this report to present a clear picture of the market. The study focuses on the present market trends and provides market forecast from the year 2017-2027. Emerging trends that would shape the market demand in the years to come have been highlighted in this report. A competitive analysis in each of the geographical segments gives an insight into market share of the global players.

Salient Features:

 This study offers comprehensive yet detailed analysis of the TIC market, size of the market (US$ Mn), and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR (%)) for the period of forecast: 2019  2027, taking into account 2018 as the base year

 It explains upcoming revenue opportunities across various market segments and attractive matrix of investment proposition for the said market

 This market intelligence report also offers pivotal insights about various market opportunities, restraints, drivers, launch of new products, competitive market strategies of leading market players, emerging market trends, and regional outlook

 Profiling of key market players in the world TIC market is done by taking into account various parameters such as company strategies, distribution strategies, product portfolio, financial performance, key developments, geographical presence, and company overview

 Leading market players covered this report comprise names such as Bureau Veritas, Intertek, GS Group, Eurofins Scientific, Dekra Se , TUV Rheinland and others

 The data of this report would allow management authorities and marketers of companies alike to take informed decision when it comes to launch of products, government initiatives, marketing tactics and expansion, and technical up gradation

 The world market for TIC caters to the needs of various stakeholders pertaining to this industry, namely suppliers, manufacturers, investors, and distributors for TIC market. The research also caters to the rising needs of consulting and research firms, financial analysts, and new market entrants

 Research methodologies that have been adopted for the purpose of this study have been clearly elaborated so as to facilitate better understanding of the reports

 Reports have been made based on the guidelines as mandated by General Data Protection Regulation

 Ample number of examples and case studies have been taken into consideration before coming to a conclusion

Reasons to buy:

v Identify opportunities and plan strategies by having a strong understanding of the investment opportunities in the TIC market

v Identification of key factors driving investment opportunities in the TIC market

v Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data

v Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential

v Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events

v Identify key partners and business development avenues

v Respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects

v Identify key strengths and weaknesses of important market participants

Full View of Report Description: https://datainsightspartner.com/report/testing-inspection-and-certification-tic-market/192

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Fourteen people on Wednesday lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident which occurred on Lokoja- Kabba road in Kogi.

The state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Solomon Aghure, who confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja, said three vehicles were involved in the accident.

Mr Aghure listed them to include a DAF truck with number plate Gombe GME 44 ZU, Honda Accord with registration number Abuja GWA173KH and a white Toyota Hiace passenger bus with registration number Kano KTV378XF.

The sector commander, who said the accident happened around 12:50 p.m. at Apata community, explained that it involved 26 passengers made up of nine male, 13 females and four children.

According to him, eleven women and three men died on the spot while three others including two men and a woman sustained various injuries.

Mr Aghure said all the four children involved in the crash were also among the survivors.

He said the injured were taken to the hospital for treatment with the assistance of other security agencies while corpses were deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja.

The sector commander, who blamed the accident on tyre burst and reckless driving, said FRSC would carry out further investigation to get more facts about it.

(NAN)
100%

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This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-01-07, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.
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DecisionDatabases added the latest report with a global perspective on the mPOS Card Readers Market studied under different segments, including type, application, and regions. The report is treated with size, trends, growth, share, and forecast till 2025. Besides, the research report studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall growth at the global level. This report also offers a lucrative area of the industry at the regional and country level.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global mPOS Card Readers market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

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According to this study, over the next five years, the mPOS Card Readers market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the mPOS Card Readers business, shared in Chapter 3.

This mPOS Card Readers market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the mPOS Card Readers market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Ingenico

New POS Tech

Verifone

PAX

Square

Newland Payment

Castles Tech

LIANDI

Bitel

Xin Guo Du

CyberNet

SZZT

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-30224

This study considers the mPOS Card Readers value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

WAN Connection (Cellular Network)

LAN Connection (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi)

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Retail

Restaurants

Others

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

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Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global mPOS Card Readers consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the mPOS Card Readers market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global mPOS Card Readers manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the mPOS Card Readers with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of mPOS Card Readers submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

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E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com

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Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/global-mpos-card-readers-market-report-2020-by-regions-upcoming-trends-industry-analysis-and-global-demand-till-2025/


CLEVELAND, Ohio  Gov. Mike DeWine laid blame with President Donald Trump on Thursday for inciting rioters who overran the U.S. Capitol Wednesday in an attempt to thwart Congress from certifying Democratic President-elect Joe Biden as the next commander-in-chief, though said he still supported the president and stopped short of calling for any actions against him.

DeWine, a Republican who served as co-chair of fellow Republican Trumps Ohio campaign, said Trumps ongoing promotion of unfounded claims of widespread spread voter fraud and conspiracy theories about a stolen election led to the chaotic events of Wednesday that plunged the nation into possibly the worst political crisis in decades. However, he didnt call for any repercussions against Trump or Republicans who have actively promoted the lies that led to the bedlam.

President Trumps continued refusal to accept the election results without presenting credible evidence of a rigged election has threatened to burn down our democracy, DeWine said. This incendiary speech he gave yesterday preceding the march, that he gave to protesters, served only to fan those flames, encouraging the mob behavior that ensued. Yesterdays acts were shameful, and all Americans must denounce them, even those Americans who feel, incorrectly, that Donald Trump won.

And, so as it has been with every presidential election in history, it is time to accept the election results, to accept the will of the people, so we may begin to heal and move forward, DeWine said. We need to come together as a people. We need to work together.

In a statement Wednesday, DeWine called the occupation of the Capitol an embarrassment to our country. He echoed those sentiments in interviews throughout the night, though told WKYC-TVs Russ Mitchell he was not having second thoughts about his support of the president, saying he liked what Trump has done with the economy and his appointment of conservative federal judges, a position he reiterated Thursday.

DeWine did not rule out supporting Trump in a future presidential bid.

Lets get one president elected and sworn into office first, DeWine said. Look, I said what I thought. Ive also said that I thought President Trump, I didnt agree with everything he did, but I thought he did a good job. I thought he negotiated good trade agreements, by in large. I thought he was more aggressive for the United States. I like who he put on the U.S Supreme Court. I like who he put on the circuit courts. None of that has changed. None of that has changed. But what I said yesterday, I meant what I said and I feel very strongly about it.

On Wednesday afternoon, Trump urged thousands of his supporters in Washington to march to the Capitol where the House and Senate were conducting a joint session to certify Bidens victory. The throng of people stormed the Capitol, gaining entry to the seat of U.S. government and forcing Congress members, staff and reporters to shelter in safe rooms while police tried to fix the situation, delaying the certification process.

The scene unfolded for hours, with rioters forcing their way into Senate chambers and congressional offices, and defacing the Capitol in a major national security fiasco. One woman, a Trump supporter, was shot and killed, and three others died from medical conditions.

Trump immediately drew widespread rebukes, not only for his comments at the rally but for his refusal to help defuse the situation, seemingly egging on the occupiers on social media and maintaining his lie that the election was stolen. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram all suspended his accounts.

The Capitol was eventually cleared, and Congress resumed its duty of certifying Biden as president, though five Ohio lawmakers  Republican Reps. Jim Jordan of Urbana, Bob Gibbs of Holmes County, Steve Chabot of Cincinnati, Warren Davidson of Miami County and Bill Johnson of Marietta  continued pushing their objections based on the electoral fraud conspiracy theory. DeWine did not comment on the five Republicans decision to endorse Trumps push to overturn the election, except to say that it would not have been the way he voted.

The crisis has resulted in numerous calls from both Republicans and Democrats for Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment, a constitutional mechanism for a president to be removed from power if he is deemed unfit or dangerous. DeWine said he feared that removing Trump from power would lead to further division, with Trump only in office for 13 more days.

Invoking that is something we would not want to see happen because, again, I think that would stoke the fires of the people who believe in this conspiracy and lessen their faith in it, DeWine said.

DeWine has mostly been an ardent defender of Trumps starting with the 2016 election and continuing through his four years in office. He has routinely defended some of Trumps more controversial actions and statements, including predicting  incorrectly  in September that Trump would accept the results of the election and that there would be a peaceful transition of power.

DeWine supported Trumps right to legally challenge Novembers election results, although they were based on unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. He did eventually acknowledge Biden as the president-elect.

Read more politics coverage:

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has contracted coronavirus

Angered by attempted coup at the Capitol, Rep. Tim Ryan wants to probe Capitol Police force and remove President Trump from office

Gov. Mike DeWine, who in the fall assured that Trump would peacefully yield power, condemns violence at Capitol

Lawlessness. A violent attempt to overthrow our government. Ohio Republicans and Democrats condemn storming of U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
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After Crying Wolf! for Four Years, Can the Media Be Believed Now?

Commentary

After crying Wolf! for four years, can the media be believed now?

Lets see. Whats in the news today? Anything interesting going on? Any new news to speak of?

Well, what do you know? It says right here (and here and here and here) that Trumps a liar, Trumps a traitor, Trumps a hater, a racist, a tyrant, a villain of the first water, Trumps dog-whistling to his fascist supporters, inciting seditious violence, undermining the Constitution and constitutional norms, subverting democracy with crazy conspiracy theories, deserving impeachment and so on, and so on.

Nope. Same old, same old.

I have often written before of the medias lack of self-awareness, their utter imperviousness to irony about themselves, but even I find that I have some remaining reserves of surprise at their coverage of the rioting in the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Everywhere President Trump is either asserted or assumed to be entirely to blame for the behavior of his riotous supporters, and yet nowhere does anyone think to say anything like, oh, I dont know, I know weve been saying these horrible things about the President for months and, in many cases, for years, but this time, in view of what went on in the Capitol yesterday, we really mean it!

It kind of makes you wonder if they do really mean it. Or if they ever have really meant it.

But in the American media of 2021, the world begins anew with every days paper. Nothing that happened yesterday, or last year, or four years ago is remembered unless it can provide some support for whatever it is theyre saying today.

We all know the story of the boy who cried, Wolf! I hope no one will think that I mean to deny the existence of a wolf or, possibly, wolves in the ultimate case if I venture to point out that the media have been crying wolf against the President for so long that they have no one to blame but themselves if there is no one who is not already of their opinion who believes them anymore.

Another thing the media might do well to remember, though nobody has so far as I am aware, has to do with that now-famous photograph taken in the Capitol last summer of Nancy Pelosi and several of her fellow congressional Democrats all draped in kente cloth and kneeling in homage to rioters in the name of Black Lives Matter in the District of Columbia.

Go ahead, they seemed to many of us at the time to be saying, trash the little people in the capital and their little businesses and ruin their little livesassuming theyre not already ruined by the COVID lockdownbut we congressional Democrats, were the good people, were on your side and so should be immune to your rage. In fact, we share it.

Well, yesterday, a few of the little people for whom the ruling class have had nothing but contempt since Hillary Clinton called them a basket of deplorables appeared to be getting a little of their own back.

I hasten to add that it was very wrong of them. Of course it was. But anyone who shares their frustration, as millions do, at having their concerns dismissed by our Democrat and media overlords as being of no account could hardly help but feel just a tiny bit of what Jeremiah Wright expressed about the 9/11 terrorist attacks (echoing Malcolm X on the assassination of JFK), that it was a matter of chickens coming home to roost.

Now dont get too excited! You may not know that that expression, which once provoked a little frisson of (I suspect) rather delicious horror even on the left, has now become sanitizedat least it has judging by the extent to which it has now become almost a cliche among the progressive-minded. Last summer even the city manager of Lynwood, California tweeted it out about the ambush shooting of two Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies in their patrol car.

In October, when President Trump was hospitalized with COVID-19, John F. Harris of Politico wrote that, When it comes to Trump personally, and his coronavirus, there is no reason to mince words: This is a vivid case of chickens coming home to roost.

Back in 2015, a certain Bishop E.W. Jackson is said to have addressed the riots in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray, saying that the violence represented President Obama and former Attorney General Eric Holders chickens coming home to roost.

I myself would never condone such ungracious and unfeeling speech about the sufferings of anotherthough apparently the only person killed in yesterdays [Wednesdays] riot was a Trump supporter. By a police bullet. Theres some more irony for you.

But this doesnt mean that I cant appreciate the irony in seeing the kind of violence that so many Democratic politicians either condoned or turned a blind eye to being turned against themselvesas the Antifa rioters in Portland also turned on that citys still tolerant mayor.

For the saddest thing about this riot, apart from the death of Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, is that it can be seen as a confirmation from the right of the message sent by the left-wing rioters of last summernamely, that there is no more room in the political life of the nation for rational, good faith discussion and debate about our differences: only hate and hates natural issue, violence.

It seems to me that that is also what the Democrats and the media have been telling us for four years, and with increasing stridency since the election. Shut up, they explained.

That reminds me. There was one thing more in the media on the morning after the riot in the Capitol that was not new, and that the same media have been saying for weeks to me and to others who believe that a thorough, genuinely bi-partisan investigation of allegations of electoral fraud in November is essential if trust in our electoral system is not to be sacrificed on the altar of rabid partisanship.

Its time for us to shut up.

Hello, wolf. This time they may be right.

James Bowman is a resident scholar at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. The author of Honor: A History, he is a movie critic for The American Spectator and the media critic for the New Criterion.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A day before the governments eighth round of talks with protesting farm unions, SAD leader and former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said the Centre has lost the trust of the entire farming community and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should directly talk to agitating farmers.

Expressing her anguish over the pain of farmers, Badal, leader of the ruling BJPs erstwhile ally, said, It is strange that farmers are spending nights in open during the chilling winters and even then their demands are falling on deaf ears.

In an interview to PTI, Badal who resigned from Union Cabinet in September last year when the three farm bills were being passed in Lok Sabha, said what farmers have gone through in last six-seven weeks, is the same what she went through when she was a Union Minister.

...To avoid the situation which has arisen now and the protest, I kept pleading for months, whether it was in cabinet meetings or in direct meetings with top leaders of the central government that please listen to farmers before bringing these three bills as they are annadaatas of the country, otherwise it would lead to agitations and protests. But my all pleas fell on to deaf ears, she said.

Asking who will be held responsible for deaths of farmers during the protest, Badal said the Centre has lost the trust of farmers across the country.

Farmers are dying at the doorstep of the central government while protesting for their demands. Who will be responsible for deaths of annadaatas of the country? Badal said.

Talking about the ongoing meetings between protesting farmers and Centre, Badal said after seven rounds of meetings nothing concrete has come out.

After several rounds of meetings if ministers are unable to resolve the farmers issues then Prime Minister Narendra Modi should directly talk to protesting farmers, Badal said.

She also attacked the Congress-led Punjab government and state chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh and said he has failed to fulfill his responsibility as guardian of the state and its people.

Both the central and state governments are equal partners in this crime against farmers. While farmers were sitting on dharna, the Chief Minister of Punjab was having fun in his farmhouse. Captain Amarinder Singh has miserably failed to fulfil his responsibilities as chief minister of Punjab and as guardian of its people, Badal said.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal was Union Food Processing Minister in the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and resigned when the bills were taken up for passage in Lok Sabha.

Her husband and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal had announced her resignation in the lower house while participating in the debate on the three farm bills.

Days later, SAD also moved out of the ruling NDA breaking its decades-old alliance with the BJP.
Paducah Couple Faces Drug Trafficking Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - A Paducah couple was arrested on drug trafficking charges after a traffic stop Wednesday afternoon.A deputy with the the McCracken County Sheriff's Office stopped 57-year-old Marland Riley near the intersection of West Hovekamp Road and Husband Road after Riley disregarded a stop sign. The deputy reportedly noticed the smell of burnt marijuana in the vehicle.The deputy said Riley had given a passenger in the vehicle, 40-year-old Ashley Riley, marijuana and pills to hide. A search of the vehicle reportedly located 93 grams of marijuana packaged to sell and 100 Oxycodone pills in an unlabeled bottle.Marland and Ashley Riley were arrested and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.A search of the couple's residence on Oaks Road allegedly found approximately two pounds of marijuana, Valium pills, and drug paraphernalia.Marland Riley is charged with trafficking in marijuana (2nd or greater offense), trafficking in a controlled substance - Oxycodone (2nd or greater offense), trafficking in a controlled substance - Valium, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence, prescription not in its original container, and disregarding a stop sign.Ashley Riley is charged with trafficking in marijuana(2nd or greater offense), trafficking in a controlled substance - Oxycodone (2nd or greater offense), possession of a controlled substance - Valium, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence, and prescription not in its original container.
Houston officials expect to get up to $70 million in federal stimulus funds to help renters in the city make their monthly payments and use toward other housing expenses.

The $900 billion federal stimulus package Congress approved late last year did not include more assistance for cities and states, but it did allot $25 billion in emergency relief for renters. Those funds will pass through states and local governments that represent more than 200,000 residents.

Mayor Sylvester Turner said Wednesday he expects Houstons share of those funds will arrive soon. Bill Kelly, the citys director of intergovernmental relations, said he estimates the city will get an allocation of $65 million to $70 million. The money will go through the Treasury Department, and the law calls for making the payments within 30 days of its passage, which would be Jan. 26.

My personal goal is to make sure we have this thing done by February 1, Kelly said of developing the citys program.

Turner said he was open to suggestions about the best way to distribute those funds. He asked Councilmember Tiffany Thomas, who chairs City Councils housing committee, to work with Housing Director Tom McCasland in designing the program.

To be eligible under the law, households must be renters and have at least one individual that qualifies for unemployment or has experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19; demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability; and have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income. For a family of four in Houston, that would be $63,050.

The law prioritizes applicants who have been unemployed for 90 days and households below 50 percent of the median income, around $39,000 in Houston for a family of four. The city could adopt additional requirements and priorities.

The city previously used about $30 million of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act funds to direct toward renters. It also used roughly $20 million for direct assistance, in which recipients can use the money as they see fit. BakerRipley, a community nonprofit, administered those funds.

The first round of $15 million was distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, but the city pivoted in the second round to distribute the money based on need.

The incoming funds can be used for rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, and other expenses related to housing, according to the Treasury Department.

Remaining funds are available for housing stability services, including case management and other services intended to keep households stably housed, and administrative costs, the Department said.

The law calls for paying the funds directly to landlords and utility providers, but cities can give money directly to eligible households if landlords refuse to participate.

Thomas told the Chronicle she thinks that allows flexibility to use those funds for direct assistance and utility relief. She said she would push to get the funds directly to people to use as they see fit, and to branch out and use more community groups to communicate the availability of the funds, rather than relying on one nonprofit.

Our responsibility is to get the $70 million to the people to do what they need to do, Thomas said.

Data from the first rounds of relief showed landlords prevented some applicants from getting relief, according to Thomas. She said District B, which covers neighborhoods in north and northeast Houston that have higher-than-average eviction rates, had the highest number of applicants declared ineligible, 56, because their landlords did not agree to participate in the citys program. District K, in South Houston, had 55 ineligible applicants.

Residents in Thomas District F and District J, both of which have large multifamily complexes in southwest Houston, got the most relief. District C, which covers Montrose and the Heights and has the citys highest median household income, received the least assistance.

Housing advocates were in agreement that the city needs to consider two things when distributing the funds: speed, and reaching the most vulnerable.

Madison Sloan, who directs the Disaster Recovery and Fair Housing Project at Texas Appleseed, said the relief already is too late for many families facing eviction in Houston.

Whatever it takes to get the money out fast enough to prevent evictions, Sloan said. Its really critical that money flow through organizations that have contacts and that may have reach into very specific communities that are the most vulnerable.

Every page of an application and every document requirement serves as a barrier for those seeking help, Sloan said. Eli Barrish, the COVID-19 task force lead for Texas Housers, echoed that point and said the application process should be streamlined.

If it takes more than 20 minutes for someone to apply, and if they cant reach someone on the phone to get help, then I would say the city is doing something wrong, Barrish said.

Crishelle Palay, the executive director of the Houston Organizing Movement for Equity (HOME) Coalition, said the emphasis on direct assistance is appreciated.

Im pleased to see Councilmember Thomas is listening and is recognizing the need for direct assistance, she said. What weve found is thats what tenants really need.

dylan.mcguinness@chron.com
A man has been shot in a "barbaric" attack in the Creggan area of Derry in a suspected paramilitary assault.

The incident happened at around 7:30 PM last night, when a man in his 30s was shot in the leg.

After the shooting he was taken to hospital for treatment.

Detective Sgt Burns said: "Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, we are treating this shooting incident as a paramilitary style assault.

"Those responsible for this barbaric act do not represent the interests of this community, nor do they contribute anything to it. They do it to try and exert influence or gain control of those they claim to represent."

Read More

Gary Middleton, DUP MLA for Foyle, said he condemned the "disgraceful behaviour".

He added: "There is no place for this violence in our society. I would urge anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI."

The police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1498 06/01/21.

Download the Sunday World app Now download the free app for all the latest Sunday World News, Crime, Irish Showbiz and Sport. Available on Apple and Android devices Read More

Online Editors
DAVID Finn is among business owners who are calling on the Government to clear up the uncertainty around reopening dates.

Mr Finn, a hairdresser, owns the Style Bar in Portlaoise, Co Laois and said he would prefer to know now if the current period of lockdown is going to be extended further.

He was responding to comments by Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, who said: If I was running a business now, I would be thinking its a probability that Ill be closed until the end of March. Mr Varadkar added that the situation will be reviewed at the end of January.

Mr Finn said that alerting businesses to a later reopening at this point could actually save them money. You might be able to get rebate from insurance because you can negotiate that now in advance. These are things businesses can work on, but it is very hard to do that after the fact.

He does not have an issue with the current restrictions given the high number of Covid-19 cases, but is anxious to know what will happen beyond the end of January.

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"It has been stop-start and when we got going in December, I think a lot of us thought that was going to be the end of the lockdown for a couple of months, he said. To only get 24 days of trading and to be shut down again was just disheartening.

"There are costs involved with reopening so the more that happens, the less inclined you are to be planning now for the end of January, when you dont know if that is going to be the case."

Mr Finn pointed out how, in the hairdressing industry, they need a time frame to fill or cancel appointments.

"So if people are booked in for February, do we need to cancel them? Likewise, if we knew we were reopening in March, we would start opening up appointments books for that time, but at the moment, we can do neither.

Mr Finn pointed out that businesses have ongoing costs, even when they are shut.

"We have an online booking system. We could stop that for a month or two if we knew we were going to be shut for a month or two. We pay a couple of hundred euro a month for it.

He said it wouldnt have made sense to cancel the booking system for the sake of a few weeks. However, if the situation is not going to change by the end of this month, it would be better to know now.

"We cant make any decisions because we just dont know what we are planning for."

Other ongoing costs include rent, electricity bills, phone bills and insurance costs which have to be paid every month. When there is nothing coming in, they become big bills, he said.

The 34-year-old, who employs 18 staff, added that when the pandemic is over, it will take way more than a couple of good months or a good year to replace essentially a lost year in trading.

Not knowing what is coming next poses difficulties. I have staff who dont know if their kids are going to be back to school at the end of the month. They dont know if they are going to be back to work. Nobody knows whats going on.

"Why not come out and tell everybody so people can plan?

In Dundrum, Anita Murray owner of beauty salon and spa Edvard & Pink said she would be 'hugely disappointed' if the reopening of businesses was delayed until March.

She said salons and spas accepted with the number of Covid-19 cases at the moment that

"we all need to stay at home and do our bit."

Ms Murray said that within the sector, the measures that were in place were very robust and had been effective.

"In terms of our industry and the importance of mental health, it is not just about having a wax or getting your nails polished, people's wellbeing is critical."

She has 28 staff working for her and she opened up her business in 2008.

She is hopeful that the numbers will be supressed sufficiently to allow businesses open up again in February.

"A lot of people, not just in our business, but every business in the country, people in good faith purchased gift vouchers and gift cards and people I sure would like to use them."

She said that there is "a great responsibility on business owners to keep people safe and salons and spas including our own has made enormous investment in following the guidelines and investing in all the materials and PPE."

"I think we need to be looking at the data and if we are able to present a case that our settings are safe and we are not responsible for any outbreaks, then there should be consideration around the reopening in February."

Meanwhile giving his reaction to Mr Varadkar's comments, Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive of Irish Small and Medium Enterprises (ISME) body said: "Given the direction of travel in the infection numbers, Government action was necessary.

However, it is the uncertainty "that is the real killer for a lot of business".

He pointed out that the Tanaiste's words mean some don't know when they will open again.

Mr McDonnell said that lockdowns have a cumulative effect. "Businesses do not get back to normal when lockdowns end, and revenue losses cannot be made up retrospectively for the vast majority of businesses."

He added that continued business supports are essential, but must not be made difficult to access.

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Online Editors
By Leslie Wilson

Washington, D.C. is among one of the most recognizable cities in the world. It is a city characterized by protests and politics, and known for its historical landmarks  none more prominent than the Capitol, with its magnificent dome.

The Capitol is a central part of American history, recording military, civil and political events. It has actually seen its share of violence and protests: It was first attacked and burned during the War of 1812, and rebuilt five years later. It suffered gunshot damage from Puerto Rican Nationalists in 1954, a Vietnam War protest bombing in 1971, and additional bombings in 1983 and 2015 among other events.

Yet, there has never been protests quite like those that occurred yesterday, because these are the first events of their kind in American history that were welcomed by a sitting President.

In reality, the Capitol witnessed two protests. Inside, there was a non-violent protest  a disagreement between politicians over the outcome of the presidential election. In what should have been a ceremonial procedure confirming the Electoral Colleges vote, some Republican congress members decided to challenge the legality of the electors. Although each side believes they are correct, there is broad agreement that the Constitution does not give members of Congress the ability to re-examine the election, particularly in states they do not represent.

Outside, there was a different type of confrontation. When the debates inside became heated, the mood outside changed and the protest became a riot. Protesters breached the barricades around the Capitol and charged into the building.

People broke the law, participating in an illegal takeover of a function of the American government. Their behaviors represented a form of militaristic action. The men and women who occupied the Capitol and the Capitol grounds committed actions against the federal government. What was once described as a Cold Civil War is quickly transitioning toward a hot one.

In many respects, todays marchers are not unlike the mobs that marched against the government in the years shortly after the nations formation. On one occasion, General George Washington actually came out of retirement to stop what was thought to be an insurrection because he believed the nation needed to be saved.

This is quite ironic because President Trump believes through his actions that he is, in fact, saving democracy. Yesterday morning, he spoke at a Save America Rally at the Ellipse and recited his claims about the election being stolen. He told crowds he would never concede. It was President Trumps intent that the crowds would walk to the Capitol.

Simply put, President Trump is channeling national frustration for his own benefit. In the process, he is weakening our democratic traditions. By using misinformation, he has shown how a peaceful protest can be turned into a violent mob.

I referred to George Washington because he took an oath to defend the Constitution when he became president. From 1789 to 2017, every American president has faithfully defended the Constitution and placed the nation in front of his own interests. Yes, some like John Adams, Herbert Hoover and James Buchanan made it difficult for their successors, but all have peacefully handed over power.

However, this is different. President Trump is refusing to leave office. He and his supporters are calling for insurrection, to overthrow the Constitution. President Trump lost the popular and the electoral vote. He has lost nearly every court case to change the course of the election and like others before him, it is time for him to abide by the laws of the land.

There have been some presidential candidates who have lost the popular vote and won the electoral vote, and some who have won the popular vote and lost the electoral vote. Yet, in all cases, regardless of the circumstances, candidates have accepted the outcome. America has remained strong because of its peaceful transfer of power.

Today, all of that has been lost. It is hard to imagine an inauguration taking place on January 20 without a real risk of violence. We have lost sight of democracy and what it means to be a citizen in a democratic society. In the past, Americans fought for liberties because they did not have the right to vote or freedoms of expression. Sadly, now one group of Americans wants to deny another group the rights and traditions that we claim make us unique.

We have witnessed an American tragedy. The short-term consequence of this event is that Americans have demonstrated to the world that we are not better than a fledgling republic. We are bitterly divided and in need of national reconciliation. However, the long-term consequence is that our belief in a strong democracy is fragile and hanging by a thread.

Leslie Wilson is a Professor of History and the Associate Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Montclair State University.

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The 25th amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides an avenue for a president to be removed from the helm of government -- temporarily or for good, willingly or not -- when necessary under extraordinary circumstances. At times during President Donald Trump's tumultuous term, his critics have cited the amendment approvingly, even wishfully, while reviewing what they consider his erratic behavior. It was discussed anew after Trump was diagnosed with Covid-19. The siege of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters has again raised the topic, even with Trump in his final weeks as president.

1. What does the 25th amendment say?

It clarifies that the vice president becomes acting president when a president becomes unable to carry out his duties -- when, say, the president undergoes major surgery. It also provides that a president can be removed if the vice president and a majority of the cabinet determines he or she is "unable to discharge the powers and duties" of the office. If the president contests the finding, and the vice president and cabinet persist, Congress can order the president's removal by a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

2. Why does this exist?

To address some questions about presidential and vice presidential succession that the Constitution didn't specifically answer. The amendment was approved by Congress in 1965, and ratified by the requisite three-quarters of U.S. states by 1967, in response to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In the immediate confusion following the shooting of Kennedy, there were tense questions about who would run the country should he survive but only in a semiconscious or otherwise grievously wounded condition.

3. Has the amendment been used before?

Never to permanently remove a sitting president. Presidents have voluntarily invoked it to temporarily hand control to their vice presidents. George W. Bush did it twice in order to undergo medical procedures, and Ronald Reagan once, for colon surgery. The amendment also covers instances in which the vice presidency becomes vacant and has been used twice for that purpose. (Before the amendment took effect, the U.S. occasionally went long periods without any vice president.) In 1973, after Spiro Agnew was forced to resign because of tax-evasion charges, President Richard Nixon nominated Representative Gerald Ford to become vice president. He was approved by the House and Senate. After Nixon resigned the following year, Ford became president and nominated Nelson Rockefeller, a former governor of New York, as vice president. He was confirmed by Congress.

4. Why is it coming up now?

Amid the backlash against Trump for inciting protesters over his election defeat, some are calling for his removal before his term ends on Jan. 20. Vice President Mike Pence "should seriously consider working with the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to preserve democracy," said National Association of Manufacturers President Jay Timmons. Eighteen Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee, in a letter to Pence reported by the Wall Street Journal, said Trump's "willingness to incite violence and social unrest to overturn the election results by force" makes him unable to carry out his duties. A Republican House member, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, said Trump is "unfit" and "unwell" and needs to be removed "for the sake of our democracy." A Miami Herald editorial declared Trump "incapacitated," "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office" and "a deranged and dangerous man."

5. How did the amendment come up previously under Trump?

The New York Times and ABC News reported in 2018 that the then-deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, had discussed recruiting cabinet members to invoke the amendment to remove Trump from office. (Rosenstein denied the account and told the Times he saw "no basis" to invoke the amendment.) Weeks earlier, the Times had published an op-ed by a person identified only as "a senior official in the Trump administration" who wrote, "Given the instability many witnessed, there were early whispers within the cabinet of invoking the 25th amendment, which would start a complex process for removing the president. But no one wanted to precipitate a constitutional crisis. So we will do what we can to steer the administration in the right direction until -- one way or another -- it's over."
WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, objected to certifying the results of the 2020 election early Thursday morning after an unprecedented day where a mob broke into the U.S. Capitol, forcing lawmakers into lock-down.

Stefanik announced Monday that she would object to Congress certifying some states' electoral college votes because she believes elections in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan were improperly conducted. She supported objections in these four states, but when the House voted on an objection brought against the Arizona electors, she voted to certify that state.

Toward the start of an overnight debate and vote late Wednesday, Stefanik said, tens of millions of Americans are concerned that the 2020 election featured unconstitutional overreach by unelected state officials and judges ignoring state election laws. We can and we should peacefully discuss these concerns.

The campaign of President Donald J. Trump and his supporters filed dozens of lawsuits challenging President-elect Joe Biden's victory, but judges have not found that election laws were broken in the course of the 2020 election or that fraud occurred. Biden won the popular vote and the Electoral College vote.

The House and Senate voted overwhelmingly Thursday morning to certify the election results.

Stefanik said lawmakers should work together to repair faith in the U.S. election system.

RELATED: Elise Stefanik - from ambitious private school student, to ardent Trump backer

She also condemned the violence at the U.S. Capitol earlier in the day and recommended perpetrators be prosecuted. After a rally where Trump maintained without evidence that the election was stolen from him, thousands of his supporters marched on the Capitol, breached the building and forced lawmakers to evacuate and hide as they waved Trump flags and some engaged in vandalism.

Four people died during the confrontation, including a woman who was shot by Capitol Police, according to The Washington Post. The Associated Press reported 52 people were arrested as of Wednesday night, including 26 on the Capitol grounds. Fourteen police officers were hurt.

After Capitol Police secured the building, lawmakers returned to their chambers Wednesday night to continue their work.

Listen to The Eagle, a Times Union podcast On this week's episode, we go over what unfolded in Washington this week, and the ripple effects it's creating for New York and in the Capital Region.





New York Republican reps. Nicole Malliotakis of Staten Island, Lee Zeldin of Shirley and Chris Jacobs of Orchard Park also voted in favor of objections.

"Americans deserve nothing less than full faith and confidence in their elections, Zeldin said. Thats why we need to have this debate today.

Some Republicans decided to drop their objections to the certification on Wednesday after the protest at the Capitol. Thirteen senators said earlier this week they would object, but only eight voted to register their opposition Wednesday night.

Even before the break-in, some Republicans made it clear they thought the objections were inappropriate, most notably Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

"I believe protecting our constitutional order requires respecting the limits of our own power, he said. He added it would be unfair to overrule courts and states on this extraordinarily thin basis.

Objections by Republicans were never expected to change the outcome of the election because Democrats hold a majority in the House. Biden is scheduled to be inaugurated on Jan. 20.

Stand-off: Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber at the Capitol. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Congressional Democrats and some Republicans last night accused President Donald Trump of inciting a coup after an angry mob of his supporters stormed the US Capitol, interrupted the proceedings and triggered an evacuation of lawmakers.

Throngs of pro-Trump rioters busted through security barricades, breaking windows, climbing on rafters, ripping down American flags and roaming the Senate chamber.

Lawmakers were told to grab gas masks as police deployed tear gas inside the Rotunda, the ornate area under the dome that connects the House and the Senate.

Illinois Republican representative Adam Kinzinger called it a coup attempt.

He later commented directly to Donald Trump: You are not protecting the country. Where is the DC guard? You are done and your legacy will be a disaster.

Republican Senator Ben Sasse from Nebraska also criticised the outgoing president. Today, the United States Capitol  the worlds greatest symbol of self-government  was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard, he said.

Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

Expand Close Clashes: Pro-Trump protesters tear down a barricade as they clash with Capitol Police. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton / Facebook

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Whatsapp Clashes: Pro-Trump protesters tear down a barricade as they clash with Capitol Police. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Republican Don Bacon, blamed Trumps rhetoric, saying, our president should have given a much more clear tone. Leaders create calmness and direction; they dont inspire people to get angry and do the things that theyre doing.

Senator Mitt Romney, as he was led away to safety, told a reporter, This is what the president has caused today, this insurrection.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski implored Trump to tell your supporters to stop the violence. Stop the assault. Now.

Former Texan congressman Will Hurd, who retired last year over his frustrations with Trumps takeover of the party, called it domestic terrorism.

This should be treated as a coup led by a president that will not be peacefully removed from power, Hurd tweeted.

Democrats, some tweeting from hiding places within the Capitol, reacted passionately to the chaos around them.

On August 24, 1814, the British stormed our Capitol and set fire to it, tweeted Senator Cory Booker. Now the Capitol has again been breached and sieged. Donald Trump incited this. He is responsible for this. And he is silent as this tragic moment continues.

Trump eventually released a one-minute taped statement telling his supporters that he loved them but they should go home now. Still, he continued his baseless claim that the presidential election was fraudulent.

I know your pain, I know your hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election and everyone knows it  especially the other side, he said, reiterating the same false allegations that have incensed his supporters.

But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order, we have to respect our great people in law and order. We dont want anybody hurt.

Still, many saw Trumps statement as falling short of his responsibility as president to quell the unrest. ( Washington Post)

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THE NETHERLANDSSexual wellness isn't just good for individual humans and society at large, it's also good for business. EDC Wholesale and European wholesaler Eropartner Distribution have a common mission: to bring sexual wellness to a higher level. The companies believe that goal can be better achieved collaboratively.

EDC, supplier to both consumers and retail shops, is undergoing development. Last year, the company had a turnover of 65 million, compared to more than 33 million in 2019. Eropartner Distribution has grown into one of the largest wholesalers in Europe. It supplies many companies in Germany and Scandinavia with erotic items and had a turnover of 40 million euros in 2020.

By joining forces, the companies want to further increase their effectiveness in Europe. The aim is to ensure that every European has a sex toy in their bedside table.

The demand for erotic products is growing rapidly, partly thanks to the growing group of millennials, since customers acceptance of the industry is increasing more and more, says Eric Idema, CEO of EDC. With this step, we can further expand our e-commerce platforms. We are able to supplement our range with new products, and so can Eropartner. We can share our knowledge and in this way we can complement and strengthen each other.

Both EDC and Eropartner produce their own brands. In addition, Idema believes it can achieve purchasing benefits now that products are jointly purchased.

We are very excited about this joint venture, said Chris Bakker, CEO of eropartner distribution. It makes perfect sense to join forces and create a synergy to become a solid partner for both our suppliers and customers. Together we are better than we are apart. We can learn a lot from EDC and visa versa. We will continue to grow and bring the industry of sexual wellness to a higher level.

Although the companies merge a number of activities, they continue to operate independently in their day-to-day operations. Nothing will change for the staff. Employees will continue to work in Veendam and Zwaagdijk respectively.
Local Officials Outline Vaccination Plans

By Tim Brockwell

PADUCAH - Paducah Mayor George Bray, McCracken County Judge Executive Craig Clymer, and Purchase District Health Department Director Kent Koster discussed plans Wednesday to continue distributing and administering COVID-19 vaccine doses to local residents.Koster outlined a stepped approach to vaccinating the population that gives doses to the most at-risk individuals first."We are following the state vaccination plan, and it is in different phases. We are currently in Phase 1A. Phase 1A includes long-term care facilities residents and staff, and healthcare personnel. Those are being vaccinated through a national contract with CVS and Walgreens," Koster said. ""In Phase 1B it's going to be persons greater than 70 years old and first-responders. Also in phase 1B are K-12 school personnel."Koster said Lourdes Hospital employees have received 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. He said since the hospital was able to get an extra dose of vaccine per vial than originally planned, they had enough to vaccinate many area first responders ahead of schedule.Baptist Health Hospital has received 1200 doses of the Moderna vaccine, and several hundred more are slated to arrive later this week according to Koster."[Baptist Health] has given 760 doses to date, and anticipates giving 650 more by this weekend. Next week they plan on vaccinating another 600 community healthcare workers." Koster said.Koster said Baptist Health has opened up public vaccination clinics on Thursday and Friday evenings, and all day Saturday to community healthcare workers.During the meeting Bray acknowledged some communities in the state have received more vaccine than others, but said decisions on vaccine distribution are made at the state level."The State of Kentucky controls the amount of vaccine we get. I know all of us have heard reports of some counties getting more than us, and some counties starting their distribution in getting to some of the age groups quicker than we have gotten to them." Bray said.Clymer said local and state officials are doing their best to make the rollout go as smoothly and quickly as possible, but he recognized such a unique challenge will ultimately lead to missteps along the way."We can be confident we're doing our best to get the vaccines to those in need as rapidly and as efficiently as possible," Clymer said. "It really is a monumental mission. There's gonna be mistakes made in this process because it being such a huge undertaking and a very novel undertaking. We'll learn and do better. Of course, the virus is not a stationary target. That's one of the really challenging parts."You can watch the full meeting at the City of Paducah Facebook page at the link below.On the Net:
RYANAIR and Aer Lingus will tell passengers flying from Britain to Ireland that failure to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours may result in prosecution on arrival.

The move comes as around 25pc of Ireland's total Covid-19 caseload has now been recorded in the first six days of January, according to HSE figures.

The surge is being met with a raft of new lockdown restrictions set to remain in place throughout January.

Heres what we know about the new rules for travel.

What's happening the ban on travel from Britain?

The flight and ferry travel ban from Britain and South Africa has been extended to midnight this Friday, January 8, but it will be lifted at that point.

Travellers from these countries will then be required to present negative (not detected) results from PCR tests taken within the previous 72 hours, as well as isolating for 14 days after arrival.

Just to be clear  you have to test negative AND isolate?

Yes.

Having a not-detected test will not absolve people from the need to self-isolate, the Department of An Taoiseach has confirmed. Arrivals from Great Britain and South Africa must self-isolate for the full 14 days, even if they have a second not-detected test.

You can find a list of private PCR test providers in the UK here.

How will this be enforced?

"Passengers will be asked to produce evidence of their not-detected test to their travel company before departure," the Department of An Taoiseach says.

"They will be advised of the need for it, and the fact that it is an offence not to have it. The Minister for Health will sign new regulations under the Health Act to this effect.

"At our airports, the Border Management Unit can and will ask for proof. At our ferry ports it will be An Garda Siochana.

What if people do not comply?

They will face a fine of up to 2,500 or six months imprisonment, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has said.

Expand Close The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's 'traffic light' map for travel, on January 7, 2021. / Facebook

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Whatsapp The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's 'traffic light' map for travel, on January 7, 2021.

What will airlines do?

"At boarding in Great Britain, Aer Lingus will require all customers to present evidence (e.g. email, text of document) of a negative PCR test result that can subsequently be verified by Border Control staff in Ireland," the airline said.

"Customers that do not have such evidence will be advised that they may be prosecuted on arrival if they proceed to travel.

Ryanair's website now carries the same warning. Your failure to produce confirmation of a negative PCR test may result in prosecution on arrival into Ireland, it says.

Ferry companies will provide similar advice.

What if I need to travel for emergency reasons?

Essential supply chain workers such as airline and ships crews and hauliers are exempt, as are gardai working in the course of their duties.

Expand Close Source: Council of the European Union / Facebook

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There may also be very limited exemptions on humanitarian or compassionate grounds.

The Irish Embassy in London has tweeted: If you have a genuine humanitarian emergency requiring urgent travel from Britain to Ireland you can contact us for advice and consular assistance on +44 0207 235 2171.

What if I am transiting through Britain or South Africa?

If your journey does not originate in these countries, but you transit through them, you will not be required to provide evidence of a negative or "not detected" Covid-19 PCR test.

Remind me why the ban was introduced?

A ban on travel to Britain and South Africa was introduced over the Christmas holidays in response to the identification of new strains of Covid-19.

Must travellers from elsewhere present negative test results?

This isn't mandatory now, but it's likely to be in the near future. Cabinet has "agreed provisionally" to apply the same measures to all 'red regions, Minister Ryan said yesterday. It will consult on how to do that over the coming week.

What will that mean for the EU traffic-light system?

Ireland will continue to opt into the traffic-light system.

Separately, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) listed Ireland as 'red for the second consecutive week on its updated traffic light map, reflecting the surging wave of Covid-19 here.

How long will the new rules last?

At least until January 31, though they remain under review.

Are many people actually travelling?

No. Aer Lingus plans to recommence flights from Britain to Ireland this Saturday, but the numbers travelling are a mere trickle compared to normal volumes.

Dublin Airport estimated that 137,000 people travelled through over Christmas, as compared to 1.2 million last year, for example. Thats a drop of around 88pc.

Today, Ryanair said it will further reduce its schedules from January 21, saying it will operate few, if any" flights from Ireland and the UK after January if the current restrictions continue.

Minister Ryan yesterday acknowledged the difficulty the rules will cause both travellers and the travel industry, but insisted the measures were necessary as Covid cases surge.

"In this moment, we stay at home, he said.
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
The 2021 Craig Boddington Virtual Convention is open. This convention is Col. Boddingtons third annual online hunters convention and is important to conservation efforts worldwide. With the response to COVID restricting travel and ending brick and mortar conventions for the foreseeable future, outfitters urgently needed to connect with clients in a new way. Boddington saw a need for a simple and effective online convention to facilitate a comeback for outfitting in 2021. The continuation of hunting is a life and death situation for conservation; farms and concessions that support wildlife, anti- poaching teams and rural communities worldwide rely on hunting to survive. These are good people doing good things for wildlife and Craigs hand selected a group of carefully vetted outfitters that are committed to ethics and conservation.

Exhibitors at this virtual convention are exclusively members of Craig Boddingtons Endorsed Outfitters. I created this online convention to help hunters find trusted outfitters in a season of canceled conventions. Each outfitter was vetted with at least one visit and thorough research of their history. Clients can book with complete confidence. What about the personal interaction? We covered it. On each booth youll see a button to SCHEDULE SKYPE. Click on the button and to have a face- to-face discussion scheduled in no time. The money saved in travel can go to all kinds of efforts from anti-poaching, conservation projects, local schools and facilities. Its a win not only for the outfitters but for wildlife and hunters. said Boddington.

Attendees can register to win a trip to join Boddington on a salmon HUNTING trip during the Black Gold Lodge Craig Boddington 11th Annual Salmon Fishing Tournament, a safari for two to South Africa or series of prizes from African Sporting Creations.

Live seminars? They will occur via ZOOM. Starting with a live but virtual cocktail party at 6:30 CST on January 22nd, 2021 then moving on to a Q&A with Donna at the same time on January 23rd, a chat with Jim Morando and a seminar on filming hunts and gearing up for North America in 2021. Each night during the seminar week, a sweepstakes winner will be announced.

Its important to visit the virtual show floor. Its never been more important to fulfill your hunting dreams. All the outfitters are prepared to have one- on-one conversations. Visit CraigBoddington.com to book a hunt with the best outfitters on Earth. Sign up for the newsletter to enter to win the sweepstakes.



About Craig Boddington: Hunter  Journalist  Author  Adventurer Craig Boddington is one of todays most respected outdoor journalists. He spent the past forty years exploring our natural world as a hunter and sharing his knowledge and experiences in dozens of books and through thousands of published articles and essays. Hes a decorated Marine, an award-winning author, and continues to be a leading voice for conservation and ethical hunting around the world.
New Delhi: As India woke to the news of violence and riots at the US Capitol where members of Congress were about to vote to certify President-elect Joe Biden, sitting President Donald Trump's supporters went on a rampage at the Capitol Hill laying siege to the building.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to denounce the riots at Capitol Hill. He wrote,"Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests."

Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021

The riot-like scenes were witnessed after Trump supporters responded to his call to protest against the November 3, 2020 presidential election loss. Hundreds of his supporters stormed the Capitol Hill while it was in session and interrupted the lawmakers.

Meanwhile, one woman protester has reportedly been shot and killed, a spokeswoman for the Washington police department confirmed.

Several world leaders reacted to the unprecedented scenes, calling international shocking and disgraceful.
An Indonesian politician said an underwater drone found by local fishermen last month is of Chinese origins. The Chinese navy is active in the South China Sea and carrying out naval related activities.

The People's Liberation Army Navy is conducting probes of Indonesian water to look for sub passages used by Chinese subs.

According to the Governor of the Indonesian region of South Sulawesi, Nurdin Abdullah, last Tuesday, the unknown drone's investigation shows it might belong to China. The only probable nation that will deploy it is China reported The Epoch Times. Abdullah added that it might not be China who deployed the unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV).

Defense and security experts were referenced to identify the small drone. It was identified as the "Sea Wing" drones used by the Chinese navy for missions and other functions.

The Indonesian defense commentator JATOSINT posted on Twitter last December 29 that the captured underwater spy drone's specs are likely from China.

As reported by the Anadolu Agency, on January 4, the Indonesian naval chief Admiral Yudo Margono said the unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), when found, had no distinct markings on it. Its overall structure was similar to designs used by the United States, France, China, Japan, and Canada. Still unsaid, but China is the most likely suspect.

The UUV or drone is under examination in the Indonesian Navy's Center for Hydrography and Oceanography. To analyze the design and check everything about it.

Coupled with the increased presence of the PLAN in South China, which is worrisome to government authorities.

Also read: US Navy Submarines to Be Equipped with Anti-Ship Missiles to Take on More Surface Threats

Azis Syamsuddin, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, stated on January 1 that the drone or perhaps a Chinese sub passed through its Indonesian territorial waters is illegal. Passing in these waters need permission too.

He added that the Indonesian Foreign Ministry should protest to whoever launched the drone that was caught near the Selayar Island. A fisherman caught the drone in South Sulawesi province.

There is a need for coordination with the Foreign Ministry and the military (TNI) commander to act on the situation. Another is the proper response to the foreign UUV intrusion.

It's not the first time to happen. In March 2019, the first incident occurred at Indonesia's Riau Islands, which is significant because the drone was near Singapore and Indonesia's Surabaya Naval Base, in the Malacca Strait, a route for Australian merchant vessels to pass through.

An Indonesian security analyst Muhammad Fauzan speculates the drone was found to be Chinese. Then it is looking for ways and routes for PLAN subs. This intel will give an advantage to Chinese subs when transiting between China and Darwin in Australia. Mapping these underwater paths is essential for the Chinese submarine force.

Indonesia sits right where multiple shipping routes are found and is the main seaway for all Indo-Pacific, including critical waterways like the Malacca and Lombok Straits.

Passing through the straits are Australian exports, including resources, energy, and agricultural produce. Here pass the imported liquid energy supplies and consumer goods from Asia and Europe. That is why China keeps on the South China Sea.

Fauzan mentioned on January 1 in an interview; if it were a Chinese drone, it would get intel and do other activities. The Indonesian politician said an underwater drone is a serious sign of more complex South China Sea events.

Related article: US Navy: New Type Lightweight Torpedo in Development for Naval Vessels Coming Soon

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 64F. Winds light and variable.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Here is the latest on Congress tally of the Electoral College vote won by Joe Biden (all times local):

3:55 a.m.

President Donald Trump now says there will be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory and after a day of violence when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Trump says in a statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

He adds: I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

Trumps account is currently locked by Twitter.

Trump has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.

3:41 a.m.

Congress has formally validated Joe Bidens presidential election victory on a day that saw a time-honored ceremony become a nightmare of unprecedented political terror.

The House and Senate certified the Democrats electoral college win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police.

The rampage began shortly after President Donald Trump repeated his unfounded claims of election fraud to thousands of rallying demonstrators hed invited to Washington. Many then surged to the Capitol after he incited them to go there as lawmakers debated the electoral votes.

More than six hours after the violence erupted, lawmakers resumed their session.

Thirteen Republican senators and dozens of GOP representatives had planned to force debate and votes on perhaps six different states votes.

The assault on the Capitol made some Republicans squeamish about trying to overturn Bidens win, and challenges were lodged only against Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both efforts lost overwhelmingly.

Biden defeated Trump by 306-232 electoral votes and will be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3:25 a.m.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is defending his objection to the Electoral College results as the right thing to do.

The Texas senator condemned the violence that erupted as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an extraordinary attack over the election outcome.

Cruz led the first challenge to Joe Bidens defeat of President Donald Trump by objecting to Arizonas results. He sought to have Congress launch a commission to investigate the election. His effort was roundly defeated in the House and Senate.

Cruz said he was confident the country will have a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Biden is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3 a.m.

The House has joined the Senate in turning aside Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Lawmakers in the House voted 282-138 against the objection as the counting of Electoral College votes continued into the early hours of Thursday morning. The Senate shut down the same objection 92-7 just after midnight, and unlike the House, declined to debate before voting.

After a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

2:20 a.m.

A small group of House lawmakers came close to physically fighting early Thursday morning as the congressional count of electoral votes stretched into the wee hours and a Pennsylvania Democrat charged that Republicans had been telling lies about his states votes.

Rep. Morgan Griffiths, R-Va., objected after Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said a breach of the Capitol by an angry mob earlier in the day was inspired by lies, the same lies you are hearing in this room tonight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shot down the objection, but a few minutes later Republicans and Democrats streamed to the middle aisle, with around a dozen lawmakers getting close to each other and arguing. But the group quickly broke up when Pelosi called for order on the floor.

President Donald Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in Pennsylvania and other states and Republicans have echoed those claims as they have challenged electoral votes.

12:55 a.m.

The Senate has quickly killed Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Senators voted 92-7 after midnight to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, its the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he believes no other states votes will be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

12:15 a.m. Thursday

Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have objected to the counting of Pennsylvanias electoral votes, triggering up to two hours of debate in the House and Senate.

The objections come 11 hours after the congressional count to confirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential victory began, and after lawmakers had to evacuate both chambers for several hours to escape a mob that had violently breached the Capitol.

Hawley said last week that he would object to Pennsylvanias electoral votes, saying Congress should investigate voter fraud. President Donald Trump has falsely said since his defeat that there was widespread fraud in the election.

Biden won Pennsylvania by just over 80,000 votes. Since the Nov. 3 election, Trump and his allies filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging Bidens win on various grounds, including that many or all of the states mail-in ballots were illegal.

The lawsuits failed as judge after judge found no violation of state law or constitutional rights, or no grounds to grant an immediate halt to certifying the election.

11:20 p.m. Wednesday

The House has voted overwhelmingly to reject an objection to President-elect Joe Bidens win in Arizona, joining the Senate in upholding the results of the election there.

The objection failed 303-121 on Wednesday night, with only Republicans voting in support.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Now that Arizona is out of the way, Congress will reconvene as the joint session and make its way through the rest of the states that have objections.

11:10 p.m.

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in medical emergencies.

Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee. Police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

10:15 p.m.

The Senate has overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.

The objection to the results in Arizona -- spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz -- was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

The Republicans raised the objection based on false claims pushed by President Donald Trump and others of issues with the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials.

10:10 p.m.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says a commission to examine the 2020 election is not a proper next step and affirmed that Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, called it a uniquely bad idea to delay this election, referencing the commission idea proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Graham says, Count me out. Enough is enough.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Graham said that if youre a conservative, the idea that Vice President Mike Pence could reverse the results of the election, as President Donald Trump had urged him to do, was the most offensive concept in the world.

10 p.m.

Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

9:55 p.m.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he is going forward with his objection to the Electoral College results in Pennsylvania despite the violent breach at the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

The Missouri senator said he did not support violence but said the Senate should go forward with a legal process that includes his objections.

Hawley says his objections should be debated peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets. He says he hoped lawmakers would not brush his concerns aside because of the violence earlier Wednesday, including the death of a protester inside the Capitol.

Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

9:45 p.m.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump has falsely said there was widespread fraud in the election to explain his defeat and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trumps, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

9:15 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

9:10 p.m.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending 1,000 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials. It comes after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday: For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.s aid.

The presidents supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Trump convinced them that he was cheated out of a victory by rampant, widespread voter fraud, a false claim.

8:55 p.m.

Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

8:45 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Congress will not be deterred in confirming the results of the presidential election hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Republican leader reopened the Senate late Wednesday vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College for President-elect Joe Biden. It was interrupted earlier in the way when rioters breached the security perimeter and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. One person was fatally shot.

McConnell says demonstrators tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed.

McConnell plans to keep the Senate in session Wednesday to finish confirming the results.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true. He reiterated the claim in a video filmed as his demonstrators were storming the Capitol.

8:35 p.m.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.

Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

8:20 p.m.

Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation.

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

Obama says it should not have come as a surprise, and that for two months a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth.

He says their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

8:10 p.m.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

8:05 p.m.

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in protest over President Donald Trumps Syria policies, blamed the president for the violence at the U.S. Capitol.

In a sharp rebuke Wednesday, Mattis said the violence was fomented by Trump, who has used the presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens.

His written statement concluded, Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country.

Mattis, a retired four-star Marine general who stepped down as Pentagon chief in December 2018, had an embattled relationship with Trump, but largely remained publicly quiet and avoided direct criticism. Since he left the job, however, he has been more openly derisive of Trump, including a public condemnation of the presidents heavy-handed use of military force to quell protests near the White House last June.

7:55 p.m.

Stephanie Grisham, chief of staff and press secretary for first lady Melania Trump, has resigned following violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Grisham says in a statement Wednesday that it was an honor to serve the country in the White House and be part of he first ladys mission to help children.

Grisham was one of Trumps longest serving aides, having joined the campaign in 2015. She served as the White House press secretary and never held a press briefing.

Wednesdays violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by the presidents supporters sparked renewed conversations inside the White House about mass resignations by mid-level aides who are responsible for operations of the office of the president.

Two people familiar with the conversations said the aides were torn between fears of what more would happen if they left and a desire to register their disgust with their boss. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.

7:45 p.m.

The Republican National Committee says it strongly condemns the violence at the Capitol, adding that the violent scenes do not represent acts of patriotism, but an attack on our country and its founding principles.

The RNC is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican political platform. Its statement condemning the violence came hours after Republican President Donald Trump baselessly complained that the election was stripped away from great patriots. He went on to tell them to go home with love & in peace.

The groups communications director, Michael Ahrens, says, What happened today was domestic terrorism.

He says to see the U.S. flag used in the name of unfounded conspiracy theories is a disgrace to the nation, and every decent American should be disgusted by it.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens victory over him, citing false claims of voter fraud. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people.

7:40 p.m.

Former President Bill Clinton says the attack on the U.S. Capitol was fueled over four years of poison politics and lit by President Donald Trump.

Clinton said in a statement Wednesday night that the riot at the Capitol resulted from a combination of deliberate disinformation that created distrust in the system and pit Americans against one another.

He wrote, The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost.

His wife, Hillary Clinton, lost a bitter election to Trump in 2016 and conceded to him immediately. Trump has refused to accept his defeat by Democrat Joe Biden in November and is trying to cast him as an illegitimate president.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

7:20 p.m.

A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, later deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!

State House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw said Evans will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.

He said he has not spoken to Evans yet about his involvement.

The delegate from Wayne County said in a statement later on Facebook that he was heading back to West Virginia and was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history.

6:55 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will resume the Electoral College proceedings once the Capitol is cleared of pro-Donald Trump protesters and safe for use.

Pelosi said she made the decision Wednesday in consultation with the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the vice president, who will preside.

She noted the day would always be part of history, but now it would be as such a shameful picture of our country was put out into the world.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

6:45 p.m.

Dozens of pro-Trump protesters remain on the streets of the nations capital in defiance of the curfew imposed after rioters stormed the Capitol.

The mostly maskless crowd was forcibly removed from the Capitol on Wednesday after breaking into the building and halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were pushed out of the immediate area and moved down the hill, where they taunted law enforcement and moved barricades.

Police said anyone found on the streets after the 6 p.m. curfew would be arrested. Officers in full riot gear with shields lined the streets near the U.S. Capitol.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said their debate on affirming Bidens victory would continue after the Capitol was secured.

6:40 p.m.

The head of the nations largest union of flight attendants says people who took part in the violent protest at the Capitol must be banned from flying.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said in a statement Wednesday that some of the people who traveled in our planes (Tuesday) participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today.

She says, Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area. Acts against our democracy, our government and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.

Nelson and the union endorsed President-elect Joe Biden over President Donald Trump before the November election.

Trump supporters on a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Washington heckled Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, the lone Republican senator to vote to oust Trump after he was impeached. On an American Airlines flight from Dallas, a large contingent of Trump supporters got in an angry yelling match with other passengers after one of the presidents supporters projected Trump 2020 on the cabin ceiling and walls.

6:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is blaming President Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection at the Capitol.

Romney, the GOPs 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of Trumps, said the violent breach of the Capitol on Wednesday was due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months.

The Utah senator said those who continue to support Trumps dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy.

Romney ridiculed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans who want an audit of the election results: Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the president will continue to claim the election was stolen.

The simple truth, Romney said, is that President-elect (Joe) Biden won this election. President Trump lost.

6:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump has appeared to justify the violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

In a tweet Wednesday night, Trump said, These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

Trump has faced mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers to do more to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name.

6:20 p.m.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen says the violent pro-Trump protest at the U.S. Capitol was an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of democracy.

Rosen said Wednesday that the Justice Department has been working with U.S. Capitol Police and other federal law enforcement agencies to secure the Capitol. He says hundreds of federal agents from Justice Department agencies were sent to assist.

He called it an unacceptable situation and said federal prosecutors intend to enforce the laws of our land.

Dozens of President Donald Trumps supporters breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police declared the Capitol to be secure about four hours later.

6:10 p.m.

Former President George W. Bush says he and his wife, Laura, are sickened and heartbroken over the mayhem in Washington and have watched in disbelief and dismay as events unfolded.

Bush said the assault on the Capitol on Wednesday and the disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens victory was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

The Republican said in a statement that he is appalled by what he described as reckless behavior by some political leaders since the election and the lack of respect for U.S. institutions, traditions and law enforcement.

Bush addressed those who are disappointed by the election result, saying, Our country is more important than the politics of the moment.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting. They fought with officers both inside the building and outside.

6:10 p.m.

A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died.

Thats according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

5:50 p.m.

Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

The occupation interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations around the Capitol complex and Washington, D.C. after thousands of Trump supporters breached the building and skirmished with police officers.

Lawmakers have signaled that they would resume the constitutionally mandated count as soon as it was safe to do so.

5:40 p.m.

Police are using tear gas and percussion grenades to begin clearing pro-Trump protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington.

Police donned gas masks as they moved in Wednesday evening with force to clear protesters from the Capitol grounds shortly before a curfew took hold. In the moments before, there were violent clashes between the police and protesters, who tore railing for the inauguration scaffolding and threw it at the officers.

Police used tear gas and percussion grenades to break up the crowd, which began dispersing.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police said at least one person was shot inside the Capitol; their condition was not immediately known.

The districts police chief said at least 13 people were arrested, and five firearms had been recovered during the pro-Trump protests on Wednesday.

5:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Ben Sasse is directly blaming President Donald Trump for the storming of the Capitol by huge, angry crowds of pro-Trump protesters.

The Nebraska lawmaker and frequent critic of Trump said Wednesday evening that the Capitol was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard  tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution.

Sasse says in a written statement, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The protesters broke into the building as Congress was beginning the formal process of certifying the electoral votes that gave Democratic President-elect Joe Biden a victory over Trump in November. Vice President Mike Pence has the ceremonial role of overseeing that certification and resisted Trump efforts to pressure him to overturn the election results.

Trump has continued to fallaciously claim that the voting was marred by fraud and that he actually won. Earlier Wednesday Trump addressed a huge crowd of protesters outside the White House and urged them to gather at the Capitol.

5:25 p.m.

The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.

5:05 p.m.

Pro-Trump demonstrators have massed outside statehouses across the country, forcing evacuations in at least two states. In St. Paul, Minnesota, cheers rang out from demonstrators in reaction to the news that supporters of President Donald Trump had stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Hundreds of mostly unmasked people people gathered outside capitols on Wednesday with Trump flags and Stop the Steal signs. In Georgia and Oklahoma, some demonstrators carried guns.

New Mexico state police evacuated staff from a statehouse building that includes the governors and secretary of states offices as a precaution shortly after hundreds of flag-waving supporters arrived in a vehicle caravan and on horseback. A spokesperson for the governors office says there was no indication of threats at the statehouse.

The staff of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was sent home as several hundred pro-Trump demonstrators rallied outside the Capitol, though the demonstration remained relatively calm. A brief scuffle between pro-Trump demonstrators, who included members of the Proud Boys, and counterprotesters broke out in Columbus, Ohio, but there was no immediate threat to the Capitol.

5 p.m.

The police chief of Washington, D.C., says pro-Trump protesters deployed chemical irritants on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.

Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. One civilian was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behavior of the Trump supporters was shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful. She says, There will be law and order and this behavior will not be tolerated.

Metropolitan police have been sent to the Capitol, and authorities were coming in from Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey to help out. The National Guard was also deployed, as were Homeland Security investigators and Secret Service.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

4:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump, in a video message, is urging supporters to go home but is also keeping up false attacks about the presidential election.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trump opened his video, saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said, we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. The statement came as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:37 p.m.

Two influential business groups are calling for the attack on the nations Capitol to end and for a peaceful transition of power.

Business Roundtable, which represents some of the most powerful companies in America including Walmart, Apple, Starbucks and General Electric, called on President Donald Trump and other officials to bring the protests to an end.

The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, the Roundtable said in a statement Wednesday. The country deserves better.

Separately, the CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Donohue, which represents large and small companies, urged officials to clear the Capitol and for Congress to approve the results of the presidential election won by Joe Biden.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength. The Capitol went into lockdown after its security perimeters were breached and protesters entered the building.

4:35 p.m.

At least one explosive device has been found near the U.S. Capitol amid a violent occupation of the building by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

Thats according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Thousands of supporters of the president occupied the Capitol complex as lawmakers were beginning to tally the electoral votes that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Vice President Mike Pence has called on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than Trump, who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

4:10 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden also demanded President Donald Trump to immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence that he described as an unprecedented assault as pro-Trump protestors violently occupy U.S. Capitol.

Bidens condemnation came after violent protesters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elects victory in the November election.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:05 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than President Donald Trump who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Pence, long a loyal aide to the president, defied Trump earlier Wednesday, tell him he didnt have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. Trump had publicly called on Pence to overturn the will of the voters, but Pences constitutional role in the process was only ceremonial.

Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Trump later issued a restrained call for peace but did not ask his supporters to disperse.

4 p.m.

The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the citys armory. The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.

The officials said the D.C. request for National Guard was not rejected earlier in the day. Instead, according to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military in a law enforcement role at the Capitol. As a result, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Hoffman said the law enforcement response to the violence will be led by the Justice Department.

3:55 p.m.

The top Democrats in Congress are demanding that President Donald Trump order his supporters to leave the Capitol following a chaotic protest aimed at blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a joint statement on Wednesday after violent protesters stormed the Capitol. They said, We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately.

Trump earlier encouraged his supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he did not call for them to disperse. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he repeated his false claims that President-elect Joe Biden had won the election through voter fraud.

He urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:50 p.m.

The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trumps supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

She added, We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.

Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.

3:40 p.m.

Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on President Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters angry about his election loss.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he spoke with the president earlier Wednesday and told him to make a statement to make sure that we can calm individuals down.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that it is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey told The Associated Press that while he sympathizes with the protesters position, they shouldnt get violent, and it would be nice if Trump called on them to protest in a peaceful way in an appropriate spot, where you belong, where you should be.

Many Republicans had backed Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.

This is Banana Republic crap that were watching right now, said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College vote.

3:37 p.m.

Supporters of President Donald Trump got into a angry shouting match with other passengers on a Washington-bound American Airlines plane after they projected a Trump 2020 logo on the cabin ceiling and walls.

The Trump supporters said a passenger threatened to kill them, and there was yelling back and forth. A flight attendant intervened, telling one passenger in the aisle to sit down.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night after Americans flight 1291 from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport landed at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., and was taxiing to the gate.

The scene was posted on Twitter by Maranie Staab, a Portland, Oregon-based independent journalist who says on her website that she focuses on human rights and social-justice issues.

Our team is reviewing this incident, said American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing. We applaud our outstanding crewmembers for their professionalism in de-escalating a tense onboard situation and getting our customers to their destination safely.

American said law enforcement was not called, and that passengers deplaned and dispersed without further incident.

3:35 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from supporters of President Donald Trump who are protesting Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

3:30 p.m.

One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.

Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

3:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is encouraging supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he is not calling for them to disperse.

As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, No violence! adding: Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.

But Trump did not ask supporters to vacate the area as the unrest continued.

Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol  at one point even suggesting he would join them. He is upset that he lost the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and has falsely claimed voter fraud to explain it away.

He also urged his supporters to get rid of the weak Congress people  presumably through primary challenges  saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:15 p.m.

A Defense Department official says Washington, D.C., has requested an additional 200 National Guard members as supporters of President Donald Trump violently clash with law enforcement at the Capitol.

That request is currently under review at the Pentagon to determine how the Guard can respond to support law enforcement.

According to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military at the Capitol. Instead, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Officials said the request for more National Guard has not been rejected.

Trump had urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

3:10 p.m.

Pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump to condemn supporters who are violently clashing with law enforcement on Capitol Hill.

Among those urging Trump to act: his former communications director, Alyssa Farah, who tweeted that Trump should Condemn this now.

She says, you are the only one they will listen to. For our country!

Dozens of people have breached security perimeters at the Capitol, forcing the lockdown of the building and halting the vote to certify Joe Bidens presidential victory.

Trump has so far offered a single tweet asking his supporters to Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

His former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted: The Presidents tweet is not enough. He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home.

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, also addressed Trump supporters in a tweet, calling them the patriots challenging the fraudulent election and telling them that POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY.

3 p.m.

Protesters backing President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

Trump urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers have backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Protesters are now inside the Senate chamber. One got up on the dais and yelled Trump won that election.

Several dozen are roaming through the halls, yelling, Where are they?

Some were also in the visitors galleries.

2:50 p.m.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid skirmishes by supporters of President Donald Trump

Pro-Trump protestors breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, violently clashing with law enforcement as lawmakers were gathered inside to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Novembers presidential election.

Law enforcement instructed lawmakers to retrieve masks from under their seats amid the clashes. The Capitol building was placed on lockdown, as Trump supporters marched through evacuated public spaces in the building.

After egging on protests, Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

2:47 p.m.

After egging on protests, President Donald Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement, Trump tweeted, as tear gas was deployed in the locked-down Capitol. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Trump at a rally earlier Wednesday encouraged his supporters to head to the Capitol.

Were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them, Trump said.

2:45 p.m.

Lawmakers are being evacuated from the U.S. Capitol after protesters breached security and entered the building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other senators were led out, escorted by staff and police on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the House were also being evacuated. Both chambers had been debating the certification of Joe Bidens victory in the Electoral College.

The skirmishes came shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

Protesters could be seen marching through the Capitols stately Statuary Hall shouting and waving Trump banners and American flags.

Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

2:40 p.m.

The mayor of Washington, D.C., has ordered a curfew in the nations capital beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday after protestors seeking to overturn the election results stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the order as protestors supporting President Donald Trump breached the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting to formally count the electors that will make Joe Biden president on Jan. 20.

The order extends through 6 a.m. Thursday.

The skirmishes came shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:30 p.m.

Protesting supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol.

There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and the debate over the electoral count was suspended.

A representative from the Capitol police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told lawmakers to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.

House Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern of Massachusetts told the crowd that the House expected to go back into session soon. Meanwhile, members milled around the floor and looked at their phones.

Reporters and others outside the chamber were told to go their seats inside and not leave.

The skirmishes came just shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

The Senate has recessed its debate over an objection to the results of the Electoral College after protesters forced police to lock down the building.

Reporters were told to stay in the Senates press gallery as the doors were locked.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz says American democracy is in crisis with polls showing that large numbers of voters believe the election that just occurred was rigged.

Cruz, a Republican, objected to the certification of election results in Arizona, saying the Senate has a responsibility to acknowledge the profound threat posed by widespread disbelief in the legitimacy of the election.

He called for the creation of a commission to conduct a 10-day emergency audit to investigate any irregularities, citing a similar commission created after the 1876 presidential election.

Cruz urged lawmakers not to take the easy path, but instead act together and create a credible and fair tribunal. Consider the claims, consider the facts, consider the evidence and make a conclusive determination whether and to what extent this election complied with the Constitution.'

1:55 p.m.

The U.S. Capitol Police are evacuating some congressional office buildings due to police activity as thousands gather outside the Capitol to protest the electoral vote.

Police told congressional staff members they should evacuate the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress. It wasnt immediately clear what specifically sparked the evacuation.

A police spokeswoman did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

Thousands of people have descended on the U.S. Capitol as Congress is expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens 2020 presidential win. Videos posted online showed protesters fighting with U.S. Capitol Police officers as police fired pepper spray to keep them back.
What The Study Did: Population data from Denmark were used to examine whether age at exposure to negative experiences in childhood and adolescence (parents' unemployment, incarceration, mental disorders, death and divorce, and the child's foster care experiences) was associated with outcomes in early adulthood.

Author: Signe Hald Andersen, Ph.D., of the Rockwool Foundation Research Unit in Copenhagen, Denmark, is the corresponding author.

To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https:/ / media. jamanetwork. com/

(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.32769)

Editor's Note: The article includes funding/support disclosures. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

###

Media advisory: The full study and commentary are linked to this news release.

Embed this link to provide your readers free access to the full-text article This link will be live at the embargo time http://jamanetwork. com/ journals/ jamanetworkopen/ fullarticle/ 10. 1001/ jamanetworkopen. 2020. 32769?utm_source= For_The_Media&utm_medium= referral&utm_campaign= ftm_links&utm_term= 010721

About JAMA Network Open: JAMA Network Open is the new online-only open access general medical journal from the JAMA Network. On weekdays, the journal publishes peer-reviewed clinical research and commentary in more than 40 medical and health subject areas. Every article is free online from the day of publication.
President Trump has long made cutting regulations a signature talking point. In 2017, he even held an event at the White House where he cut a literal red tape before the cameras.

Earlier this year, he bragged his administration had ended this regulatory assault on the American worker.

The outgoing administration has indeed been the most aggressive one in recent memory at paring back regulations. But in a demonstration of Washingtons insatiable appetite for new rules and the temptation to use those rules to bypass Congressional gridlock, the cost of regulations have actually increased in three of the four years Trump was in office, according to new data from a center-right think tank.

President Trump prepares to cut a red tape representing government regulations at the White House during an event in 2017. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

The American Action Forum reports that new regulations costing $14.7 billion were added in 2020 alone. Another way to measure it: 290 million paperwork hours were added on the to-do lists of workers in government and the private sector last year.

The data was compiled by bringing together each of the relevant government agencys own estimate of the impact of any given regulation. Predominantly, what they're calculating is the estimate of economic impact on the private sector, says Dan Bosch, director of regulatory policy at the American Action Forum, and one of the report authors.

So most of the costs, but I can't say all, are expected to be borne by the private sector, Bosch says.

From 2017 to 2020, the data shows, Washington finalized 1,336 regulations across a range of government agencies with a total cost of $64.7 billion and almost 330 million paperwork hours.

An expensive rule

Bosch points to three areas where hes seen notable increases in regulations during the Trump administration.

Immigration has seen an uptick as Trump and his aides have used new rules to make it harder for immigrants to enter and stay in the U.S. National security and defense contracting is a second area that has seen a surge in regulations.

Health care is the third area of increase. Bosch notes that new regulations on transparency and coverage for hospital procedures was an expensive rule that cost almost $34 billion to comply with. Last year, Trump said the changes were a major victory in our mission to deliver great health care at a price that you can afford.

President Trump after signing an executive order aimed at requiring hospitals to be more transparent about prices in 2019. (REUTERS/Erin Scott)

Meanwhile, the cost of energy and the environmental regulations dropped by $189.3 billion over the last four years. The Brookings Institution recently counted 74 deregulatory actions the Trump administration took to weaken environmental protections.

A rule change on fuel-efficient vehicles  which rolled back emissions standards for the auto industry  is set to lead to an estimated savings of almost $200 billion.

Speaking Wednesday on Yahoo Finance about another sector, Isaac Boltansky, director of policy research at Compass Point Research & Trading, noted that "the scale and scope of the bank deregulatory actions by the Trump administration was actually far less than anyone thought the morning after Trump won."

The Biden administration is going to nominate individuals who will roll back some of the bank deregulatory activity from the Trump administration, but not all, Boltansky said.

A big departure from what's normal

Bosch and his colleagues at the American Action Forum, including co-author Dan Goldbeck, have tracked the ups and downs of regulations going back to 2005 when George W. Bush was president.

There have been a whole lot more ups than downs: 2018 is the only year that we have on our record that showed [regulatory costs] going down, Bosch says. That year, the cost of regulations fell by $7.8 billion, according to the groups data.

During the Obama administration, cost of regulations increased by an average of $100 billion a year  more in a single year than the sum total of increases during Trumps four years.

Compared to what we saw under the Obama administration and even under the Bush administration, it's a big departure from what's normal, Bosch says.

A recent report on the Trump administration from the conservative CATO Institute had similar findings. The flow of new regulations was much smaller than under the previous two administrations, CATO authors wrote, but added that Trumps promised rollback had proceeded slowly.

Bosch expects regulation costs to increase significantly in 2021 with the Biden administration. Even with a strong showing by Democrats on Tuesday in Georgia, the Biden administration will face a moderate Congress that is likely to cast a skeptical eye on some of the President-elects bigger campaign promises.

President-elect Joe Biden in Georgia on Monday during a visit to campaign with Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

If history is a guide, Biden will almost surely turn to new regulations to implement some of his promises when facing Congressional gridlock just as Trump did in recent years.

Bosch says the Trump administrations moves to slow regulation increases is going to be a four-year window that's going to be sort of an anomaly going forward unless, down the road, we have a similarly-minded president.

Ben Werschkul is a writer and producer for Yahoo Finance in Washington, DC.

Read more:

Why the coming Congress will be moderate even if Democrats sweep Georgia

Legal marijuana, paid sick leave, and more: 5 laws and regulations taking effect Jan. 1

These 20 states are raising their minimum wage on Jan. 1

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VATICAN CITY, JAN 7 - Italian animal protection group ENPA on Thursday appealed to Pope Francis to lift a ban on cats and dogs as pets on Vatican property. The pet ban stems from current condominium rules. ENPA chief Carla Rocchi wrote to the pope to "bring to the attention of His Holiness this problem that provokes the forced separation from loved ones, above all in this sad time of pandemic". She said that she was sure the pope's "sensitivity" and his taking St Francis of Assisi's name would spell the end of this "anachronistic" norm. (ANSA).
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Fleeing armed robbers on Thursday evening killed a policeman during a gun duel in Benin City, Edo State.

The slain policeman was an inspector. PREMIUM TIMES is withholding his name to allow police authorities properly brief his family.

The victim was attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit in the Edo State police headquarters before he was killed.

A policeman, who identified himself simply as Osaremen, told PREMIUM TIMES the incident happened at about 6.30 p.m. along Lagos Street in Benin City.

Mr Osaremen said the police responded to a distress call of robbery operation around the Kings Square area of Benin City when the incident happened.

He, however, noted that in retaliation the police killed one of the armed robbery suspects.

The policemen on patrol got a distress call that some suspected armed robbers snatched a car around the Kings Square in Benin City and headed towards Lagos Street. The police responded swiftly and pursued the hoodlums towards Lagos Street.

Upon sighting the police, the hoodlums opened fire into the patrol van and killed Inspector  who led the response team. Other members of the police team then fought back and killed one of the armed robbers on the spot.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, simply said the police were on the trail of the other fleeing members of the gang who sustained injuries.
UP gangrape & murder: NCW meets victim's family, says not satisfied with police probe

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Badaun (UP), Jan 07: A team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday met the family members of the 50-year-old anganwadi worker, who was gangraped and brutally murdered allegedly by a temple priest and two others, and expressed dissatisfaction over the police action in the case.

Member Chandramukhi Devi, who arrived here on Wednesday night after the NCW took note of the incident, met officials and took stock of the action taken in this connection. She also visited the village of the deceased and met her family members.

On Sunday, the 50-year-old woman who had gone to a temple was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Her family members have accused the temple priest and his aides of raping and murdering her.

A case has been registered against the accused and two of them were arrested on Tuesday night, while the priest is still absconding.

"I am not satisfied with the role of the police. Had timely action been taken, perhaps the life of the victim could have been saved," Chandramukhi Devi told newspersons here.

"The SSP has told me that the woman was found in an unconscious state and had she got treatment, her life could have been saved. The FIR was filed late and the post mortem examination was also done much later," she said, adding that the autopsy report explains that the incident was "most sickening and unfortunate".

UP: 50-year-old woman suffers Nirbhaya like torture, gangraped, rod inserted in private parts and ribs broken

SSP Sankalp Sharma had on Wednesday said the post-mortem report has confirmed rape and there are injuries in the victim''s private parts and a fracture in her leg. The station house officer of Ughaiti police station has been suspended for laxity in the case, he had said.

The NCW member said the incident is "most heinous and strict action should be taken. The government is very serious on these matters and yet such incidents take place".

She said the woman was earning the livelihood of her family, adding that the culprits had planned the action as they had called her to the temple through a phone call.

"Suspending a station officer is not enough. I have told the SSP that no one involved should be spared under pressure," Devi said.

She said such incidents are taking place despite campaigns like '' beti bachao-beti padhao'' and ''mission Shakti'' as criminals have no fear of police, and people''s faith will be restored only when action is taken against criminals.

Meanwhile, former Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav alleged that the police and administration purposely delayed the post mortem examination and did not disclose the report.

Yadav, who met the victim''s family as part of a Samajwadi Party team sent by party chief Akhilesh Yadav, alleged that crime against women is at its peak under the current government which makes tall claims about women''s empowerment.

He also alleged that action against culprits under the Yogi Adityanath government is taken on the basis of their castes.

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Story first published: Thursday, January 7, 2021, 18:53 [IST]

ANDERSON COUNTY, SR 61 Bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway and Market Street in Clinton: SR 61 East is reduced to one lane through this bridge repair project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, changing conditions, lane shifts, and use extreme caution through this area.

ANDERSON COUNTY, US 25/SR 9 Bridge over Clinch River between SR 61 and Carden Farm Drive: SR 9 northbound is reduced to one lane approaching the bridge as crews continue work in this area. Motorists should be alert for workers present, changing conditions, lane shifts, and use extreme caution through this bridge construction project.

ANDERSON COUNTY, US 25/SR 9 at SR 170: Motorists should be alert for workers present, changing conditions, possible lane closures and use extreme caution through this intersection construction project.

BLOUNT COUNTY, US 129 North and South between SR 35 Hall Road and Tyson Boulevard: Motorists should be alert for workers present, possible lane closures and brief stoppages of traffic through this roadway construction project. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/sr-115-alcoa-highway-hall-road-to-tyson-blvd.html

BLOUNT COUNTY, SR 335 Hunt Road Bridge over US 129 Alcoa Highway: The newly constructed Hunt Road Bridge is open to traffic. Motorists should be alert for new traffic patterns and workers present as work continues in this area.

BLOUNT COUNTY, SR 335 Hunt Road between Ambrose Street and Ramsay Street: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures at various times as crews install utilities through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present directing traffic and use extreme caution through this area.

BLOUNT COUNTY, SR 33 between Foothills Mall Drive and Henry Street: Motorists should be alert for possible nightly lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews begin mobilizing to begin this intersection improvement construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, changed conditions and use extreme caution through this area.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, I-75 North near Mile Marker 132.4: On Monday, January 11, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform guardrail repairs. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, I-75 North and South between Mile Markers 135 and 142: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this project. Motorists should be alert for slowed or stopped traffic, expect potential delays and use extreme caution through this area.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, I-75 North near Mile Marker 143: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning on Sundays through Thursdays through this project. Motorists should be alert for slowed or stopped traffic, expect potential delays and use extreme caution through this area.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, SR 63 between Myers Lane and Frontier Road/Woodson Lane: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and/or 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for slowed or stopped traffic, expect potential delays and use extreme caution through this area.

CARTER COUNTY, US 19E/SR 37 Bridge over the Doe River and Riverview Road: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures through this bridge repair project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

CLAIBORNE COUNTY, SR 63 between Old Town Creek and US 25E/SR 32: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect delays and use extreme caution through this area.

COCKE COUNTY, I-40 East and West between Mile Markers 430 and 434: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures and lane shifts as crews perform work through this project. Motorist should be alert for workers present, reduce speed, and use extreme caution through this area.

COCKE COUNTY, I-40 East near Mile Markers 433.3: On Thursday, January 7, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform guardrail repairs. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

COCKE COUNTY, SR 9 near I-40: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect delays and use extreme caution through this area.

HAMBLEN COUNTY, SR 34 near Commerce Blvd.: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

HAMBLEN COUNTY, SR 160 near Commerce Blvd.: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

JEFFERSON COUNTY, I-40 West near Mile Marker 419: On Thursday, January 7, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform guardrail repairs. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

JEFFERSON COUNTY, I-40 East near Mile Marker 424.4: On Thursday, January 7, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform guardrail repairs. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

JOHNSON COUNTY, SR 167 at Log Mile 7.5: Motorists should be alert for single lane roadway with temporary traffic signal through this slide repair project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

KNOX COUNTY, I-40 East and West between Mile Markers 379 and 383: On Sunday, January 10, 2021, motorists should be alert for a possible series of brief rolling roadblocks to occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. as utility crews perform overhead line crossings. Motorists should be alert for slowed or stopped traffic, expect delays, and use extreme caution through this area.

KNOX COUNTY, I-40 East near Mile Marker 385: On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform guardrail repairs. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

KNOX COUNTY, I-40 East and West near Mile Marker 404: On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform guardrail repairs. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

KNOX COUNTY, I-40 West between Mile Markers 394 and 393: On Sunday, January 10, 2021 through Thursday, January 14, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform median barrier wall work through this overhead sign replacement project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed or stopped traffic, expect potential delays and use extreme caution through this area.

KNOX COUNTY, I-640 West near Mile Markers 1.1 and 8: On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform guardrail repairs. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

KNOX COUNTY, US 11W/SR 1 Rutledge Pike Bridge over Norfolk Southern Railroad near Harris Road: Motorists should be alert for lane shifts and changing traffic patterns through this bridge repair project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect potential delays, and use caution through this area.

KNOX COUNTY, US 129/SR 115 Alcoa Highway between Topside Road and Maloney Road: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures and lane shifts as crews perform work through this project. Motorists should be alert for new traffic patterns. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduce speed and use extreme caution through this area. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/sr-115-alcoa-highway-little-river-to-maloney.html

KNOX COUNTY, US 129/SR 115 Alcoa Highway between Maloney Road and Woodson Drive: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures and lane shifts as crews perform work through this project. Motorists should be alert for new traffic patterns. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduce speed and use extreme caution through this area. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/sr-115-alcoa-highway-maloney-to-woodson.html

KNOX COUNTY, US 441 Broadway Viaduct between Jackson Avenue and Fifth Avenue: US 441 Broadway Viaduct over Norfolk Southern Railroad in downtown Knoxville is closed for bridge replacement. The Broadway Viaduct will be closed to all traffic for the duration of the project. During the closure, Broadway will be closed from the intersection of Oak Avenue, Worlds Fair Park, and Jackson Avenue to just north of the Depot Avenue intersection. Depot Avenue will also be closed. These closures will ensure the safety of workers and motorists as crews demolish the old bridge and reconstruct the new bridge. Primary and Local Detour Routes around the bridge closure will be in place. For detour routes and project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/broadway-viaduct.html

KNOX COUNTY, US 441/SR 71 Chapman Highway between Highland View Drive and Burnett Lane: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/chapman-highway-evans-to-burnett.html

KNOX COUNTY, SR 162 Pellissippi Parkway West between I-40 and Lovell Road: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, expect possible delays, and use caution through this area.

KNOX COUNTY, SR 162 Pellissippi Parkway West at Hardin Valley Road: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, expect possible delays, and use caution through this area.

KNOX COUNTY, SR 332 Concord Road between Turkey Creek Road and Northshore: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and new traffic patterns through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/sr-332-proposed-widening.html

LOUDON COUNTY, I-40 East between Mile Markers 364 and 365: Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, closed shoulders and use extreme caution through this slope stabilization project.

ROANE COUNTY, I-40 West near Mile Marker 341.4: On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform guardrail repairs. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

ROANE COUNTY, I-40 West between Mile Markers 340 and 344: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures nightly between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this slope stabilization project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, lane shifts, and use extreme caution through this area.

SCOTT COUNTY, US 27/SR 29 between Industrial Lane and Second Avenue: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect possible delays, and use caution through this area.

SEVIER COUNTY, SR 71 between US 411 and Macon Lane: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, I-26 East near Mile Marker 3.5: On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform guardrail repairs. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

UNICOI COUNTY, SR 36 between Log Miles 2.5 and 5.3: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures, workers present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this slope stabilization project.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, I-26 East and West between Mile Markers 16 and 18: Motorists should be alert for possible nightly lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for slowed or stopped traffic, expect delays, and use extreme caution approaching this area.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, SR 93 between Davis Road and Fire Hall Road: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, and use caution through this area.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, SR 354 Boones Creek Road at I-26: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this construction project. Lake Park Drive will be closed and detoured at the intersection with SR 354 as construction continues in this area. Motorists should follow signed detour. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect delays and use extreme caution through this area.

For information on statewide interstate construction motorists can access the Tennessee Department of Transportation SmartWay website at https://smartway.tn.gov/traffic.

TDOT is now on Twitter. For up to the minute traffic information in Knoxville and the Tri-Cities follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/knoxville511. For statewide travel information follow www.twitter.com/TN511.
Scores of Government bodies, the armed forces and even the gambling regulator will legally be allowed to use child spies - including against their parents.

Police and the security services are among those who will be allowed to use under-18s as covert human intelligence sources (CHIS) under 'exceptional circumstances' according to official documents.

But guidance for the Covert Intelligence Bill, currently going through the Lords, outlines other public bodies who will be allowed to employ them as undercover agents.

As well as police, MI5, MI6 and the National Crime Agency, they include the Gambling Commission, county and district councils, the Environment Agency and the Food Standards Agency.

The document, which has been published online, prohibits those under 16 from being used to inform on their parents or guardians.

But it permits the use of older teenagers to be used against their own family under special circumstances.

'In other cases, authorisations should not be granted unless the special provisions, contained within the Juveniles Order are satisfied,' it notes.

'A CHIS aged 16 or 17 years old should only be deployed to gather evidence against their parents or any person who has parental responsibility for them where careful consideration has been given to whether the authorisation is justified in light of that fact. In such instances the rationale must be documented by the public authority.'

Anne Longfield, the children's commissioner, called for the use of child spies to be banned.

'I remain to be convinced that there is ever an appropriate situation in which a child should be used as a CHIS,' she told the Telegraph.

'This practice is not in the best interests of the child.'

Anne Longfield, the children's commissioner, called for the use of child spies to be banned.

As well as police, MI5, MI6 (London headquarters pictured) and the National Crime Agency, the list of agencies includes the Gambling Commission, county and district councils, the Environment Agency and the Food Standards Agency.

The bill has already drawn heavy criticism as it passes through Parliament. In October Security Minister James Brokenshire was forced to confirm adult undercover agents will not be given a 'licence to kill'.

Several MPs raised concerns over the scope of the Bill and the Government's unwillingness to specify a list of the limits in the legislation, which aims to protect undercover operatives from prosecution if they are forced to break the law on operations.

The senior minister assured the House that the bill's powers are contained in the Human Rights Act and include the right to life, prohibition of torture, and prohibition of subjecting someone to inhuman or degrading treatment.

Today he said: 'Juvenile covert human intelligence sources are used very rarely and only where careful consideration has been given to the welfare of the child.

'It may be necessary to help remove the child and other young and vulnerable people from the cycle of crime that they are in. This includes helping to prevent and prosecute gang violence, drug dealing and the 'county lines' phenomenon which all have a devastating impact on young people and communities.

'Their use is governed by a strict legal framework and is overseen by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner. We are strengthening the safeguards which apply in the very rare cases that a child is tasked to participate in criminality to ensure that their best interests are always a primary consideration in the decision making process.'

Keir Starmer also faced a Labour rebellion after he refused to allow MPs to vote against the law in the Commons.

He ordered his party to abstain instead, sparking the resignations, with 34 Labour MPs in total opposing it at its third reading.

The guidance for the use of the new law states: 'Juveniles should only be authorised to act as a CHIS in exceptional circumstances. The need to safeguard and promote the best interests of the juvenile is a primary consideration in all juvenile CHIS operations, both when deciding whether to authorise activity and during any subsequent conduct of the operation.

'Each public authority that authorises juvenile CHIS should have its own guidance, policies and procedures in place to safeguard and promote the best interests of a juvenile CHIS.'

Jennifer Twite, head of strategic litigation at the charity Just for Kids Law, said: 'While we welcome the additional safeguards which have been introduced for 16 and 17-year-olds in relation to being asked to give information against their parents or care givers, these don't go far enough.

'It's still hugely problematic that children aged 16 and 17 aren't afforded the same protection as under-16s. Children have a fundamentally different relationship with their parents before and after turning 18  at 16 or 17 years old, you're still likely to be in education or training and be living with and financially dependent on your parents. Sixteen and 17 year olds are still children and must be treated as such.

'We're also concerned that the numerous public authorities who can use children as a CHIS won't have the appropriate resources to support children or the expertise to undertake proper risk assessments to evaluate the danger they may be putting children in.

'We know children are put at great risk in these circumstances which can also leave them traumatised and scarred for life. We want the Home Office to go further and amend the regulations following its consultation to ensure that no child is ever placed in harms' way by the police or any other public authority.'
However, reconciliation bills must follow a set of complicated requirements known as the Byrd Rule. The simplest way of thinking about them is that legislative provisions have to be budgetary to be allowed. That means that the process isnt ideal for writing large-scale health reform, experts say, but it may be the best tool Democrats have to pass laws with their slim majority.

The Democrats have to deal with Robert Byrd and his nattering little rule that hasnt gone away, said Rodney Whitlock, a vice president at McDermott+Consulting and a former health aide to Senator Chuck Grassley who worked on reconciliation bills during his Senate tenure.

Legislators have often turned to reconciliation to pass health policy when their majority is slim. Democrats used it in 2010 to pass final tweaks to the Affordable Care Act after losing their supermajority. Republicans used it in a failed effort to repeal the health law in 2017 and in a successful attempt later the same year to make changes to the tax code.

There are six areas of health policy where congressional aides and health policy experts could see Democrats focusing their efforts this year. Smaller policy reforms are expected to be easier, both legally and politically, while more ambitious policies may not easily slot into reconciliations strict rules  or the political preferences of enough Democratic lawmakers.

Affordable Care Act expansions

Congress is most likely to act on a set of changes meant to expand the Affordable Care Act and to make health coverage less expensive for those who buy their own plans. One priority is raising the income ceiling for those who receives subsidies, expanding the number of people who qualify for help. Another is rewriting formulas to peg the size of the subsidy to a more generous health insurance plan, a way to increase the amount of assistance.
Karachi: Pakistan`s Hazara community, on Thursday (January 7), continued to mount pressure on the government through mega sit-in protest in Karachi, demanding action against the killing of 11 coal miners in Machh in Balochistan province.

The protests spilled out into the neighbourhoods of the port city, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, Malir 15 and Teen Talwar, disrupting rail, road traffic and even forcing some airlines to reschedule their flights, Dawn reported.

"The protests have been joined by people from all walks of life and beyond their sectarian or political association. They all are united in these testing times for the Hazara community. We demand the government and Prime Minister Imran Khan play their due role before it`s too late," Dawn quoted a spokesperson for the Majlis-i-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) as saying.

Live TV

"They are peaceful and only seeking their constitutional right," the spokesperson said, adding that the protestors including women and children were there only to express solidarity with the families of the victims.

On Sunday (January 3), unidentified gunmen stormed a coal mine near the Machh town near Quetta, pulling out ethnic Hazaras, members of Pakistan`s Shia minority community, from their homes and opening fire on them. The dreaded ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack as Hazaras have long faced persecution for their faith. Following the deadly attack, protests erupted in the region with the kin of the victims refusing to bury their dead until the government meets their demands.

"Until then, law and order cannot be established. This is not the first attack on the Hazara tribe. Leaders of the banned parties openly issue fatwas for killings. Why action is not taken against them according to the Constitution and law of the country?," said Allama Sadiq Jafari, the MWM`s Secretary-General in Karachi.

The protests, though largely peaceful, are not dying down in a country already embroiled in a deep political crisis with united opposition demanding the Imran Khan government`s ouster.

Men and women, young and old, came out, spread rugs and staged sit-in protests at several places across the city, including Abbas Town (Abul Hasan Ispahani Road), Kamran Chowrangi at Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Powerhouse Chowrangi in North Karachi, Numaish (MA Jinnah Road), Shahrah-e-Faisal and Malir 15.

The protesters are demanding the formation of an independent judicial commission to investigate the continuing attacks against Hazaras.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - Hydro66 Holdings Corp. (CSE: SIX) (the "Company" or "Hydro66") announces that on December 30, 2020, the Company entered into a letter of intent for the sale of its assets including the Data Center in Sweden held in Hydro66 UK Limited and its subsidiaries, Hydro Svenska and Hydro Svenska Services, to Northern Data AG ("Northern Data") (XETRA: NB2) for 4m in cash and 21m in shares of Northern Data. The shares to be received in connection with the proposed transaction will be subject to resale restrictions for a 24 months period following completion of the proposed transaction. Hydro66 will retain its Megamining Limited subsidiary.

David Rowe, CEO of Hydro66, said, "Incorporating Hydro66's assets, expertise and expansion capability into Northern Data's plans is a win for both parties. Aroosh continues to create huge value for Northern Data shareholders through a series of astute moves and I believe this proposed transaction will benefit both parties in delivering shareholder value."

Aroosh Thillainathan, CEO of Northern Data, said, "The acquisition helps us to meet the current strong demand for HPC through our own infrastructure. Hydro66 have built a unique facility and brand in Sweden which is ideal for AI and ML type HPC applications. We intend to expand the site during the year and utilise the low power costs and exceptional green credentials of the facility to meet customer demand and deliver enhanced profitability for the Northern Data Group in 2021 and beyond. David and his team have in depth experience which will prove invaluable for Northern Data as we expand to cement our position as the leaders in HPC globally."

Under the terms of the letter of intent, completion of the proposed transaction is subject to a number of conditions including, but not limited to: negotiation of the proposed transaction, the completion of satisfactory due diligence investigations; negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement; receipt of all necessary consents, approvals and other authorizations of any regulatory authorities, shareholders or third parties, including but not limited to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange; and satisfaction of closing conditions. The parties have agreed to an exclusivity period until March 31, 2021 with a view to settling the definitive agreement. However, there can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Due to the numerous conditions to be satisfied in connection with the proposed transaction trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. Further details of the proposed transaction will be disseminated when they become available.

About Hydro66

Hydro66 owns and operates an award-winning colocation data centre in Sweden specializing in High Performance Computing ("HPC") hosting. The Company hosts third party IT infrastructure, utilizing 100% green power, at amongst the EU's lowest power prices and within an ISO27001 accredited facility.

Hydro66 is uniquely positioned to capitalize on opportunities in blockchain infrastructure as well as the traditional Enterprise colocation data centre market. The Company provides truly green power at a leading price, purpose-built space and cooling, telecoms, IT support services and 24/7 physical security in their facility in Boden, Sweden.

For more information please visit: www.hydro66.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Paul Morrison

Chief Commercial Officer

paul.morrison@hydro66.com

(+44) 7789 915 147

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

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 future financial position, 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.sedar.com. 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.

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/71534
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Cable news chat show talking point lovingly crafted for the last remaining Kansas City newspaper subscribers.



Check-it . . .

A group of angry, mostly white men - let's call them terrorists - breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, the first time that's happened since the War of 1812. The pro-Trump mob's violent attempt to overturn a legitimate election forced a lockdown of the building.


Former White House acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney has joined the growing list of officials hastily exiting the Trump administration  quitting his diplomatic post in protest of the effort to 'overtake the government.'

'I can't do it,' said Mulvaney, who called Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, another former House Republican, to convey his views.

Mulvaney, a former House member from South Carolina who left Congress to join Trump's team, spoke out on CNBC hours after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol after being egged on to march there by President Trump and his unsupported claims of mass election fraud.

Former Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney has stepped down from his role as a special envoy to Northern Ireland.

'I called Mike Pompeo last night to let him know I was resigning from that. I can't do it. I can't stay,' he said, relinquishing his post as special U.S. envoy to Northern Ireland in the final weeks of the Trump Administration.

Mulvaney said he has been in talks with other officials thinking about bailing out. Three did so amid the turmoil Wednesday. He acknowledged that his post was just a 'part-time gig,' but indicated he was determined to send a signal by giving it up. 'It's what I've got,' he said.

He said he 'wouldn't be surprised' to see 'more of my friends resign over the next 24 to 48 hours.' Mulvaney served in the House with Pompeo.

'Those who choose to stay, and I have talked with some of them, are choosing to stay because they're worried the President might put someone worse,' he said  voicing an argument made by many top Trump officials who lingered for months or years despite harboring doubts they later shared about Trump.

'I can't stay here. Not after yesterday,' he said  with a model of Air Force One and a presidential seal in the background behind him during a video interview.

Mulvaney endured multiple slights from the president, who never elevated him from his 'acting' role. He told the network Trump was 'not the same as he was eight months ago.'

Mulvaney, like other current and former lawmakers, watched a mob of trump supporters occupy and vandalize hallways they spent years frequenting  on a day when Congress ultimately counted the election certifications sent by 50 states and the District of Columbia formalizing President-elect Joe Biden's win.

'We didn't sign up for what you saw last night,' he said. He spoke of some administration accomplishments, then said: 'But all of that went away yesterday, and I think you're right to ask the question as to 'how did it happen?'

He suggested Trump would forever be linked to what he termed an effort to 'overtake' the lawfully elected government.

White House adviser Jared Kushner, center, flanked by his wife Ivanka Trump, left, and acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, right, attend a dinner with President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Osaka, Japan. He said his legacy would now be identified with 'the guy who tried to overtake the government'

'The folks who spent time away from our families, put our careers on the line to go work for Donald Trump, and we did have those successes to look back at, but now it will always be, 'Oh yeah, you work for the guy who tried to overtake the government,' Mulvaney said.

'That legacy is gone as of yesterday and that's extraordinarily disappointing to those of us who work for him,' he lamented.

His blunt assessment came hours after Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger has resigned from his role, becoming the latest White House official to quit in outrage over Donald Trump's response to the siege on the US Capitol.

Pottinger handed in his resignation Wednesday in dismay over the day's events where Trump supporters stormed the Capitol sending the seat of the federal government into lockdown, according to Bloomberg.

The Deputy National Security Advisor had been planning to stand down on election day. But sources told the outlet he decided to quit early as he was dismayed by Trump's part in inciting the unrest that has so far left four dead.

Pottinger's departure comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Stephanie Grisham, the former White House press secretary who became chief of staff for Melania Trump, resigned her position on Wednesday effective immediately.

Grisham's decision was also said to be based on the riots and sources said more aides including National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien were on the brink of leaving.

She was followed by White House press secretary Sarah Matthews and White House social secretary Anna Cristina Niceta Lloyd.

The exodus from the Trump administration comes as the president has been accused of trying to freeze out his number two.

Sources said Trump had revoked Vice President Chief of Staff Marc Short's White House access Wednesday after Mike Pence refused to bow to the president's demand that he overturn the election.

Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger (center) has resigned from his role, as numerous White House officials are said to be outraged over Donald Trump's response to the siege on the US Capitol

O'Brien had also planned to quit Wednesday but was then convinced to stay on in his role, the sources told Bloomberg.

The National Security Advisor had tweeted his praise for Pence's handling of the situation in the Capitol earlier Wednesday, comparing his actions to his response during the September 11 terrorist attacks.

'I just spoke with Vice President Pence. He is a genuinely fine and decent man,' he tweeted.

'He exhibited courage today as he did at the Capitol on 9/11 as a Congressman. I am proud to serve with him.'

Trump has reportedly viewed O'Brien's tweets as a thinly-veiled attack on him.

Sources said Chris Liddell, assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for policy coordination, could be next in line to resign.

Meanwhile, NBC News earlier reported that Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who is married to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, was also considering resigning.

Grisham was the first White House aide to publicly announce her resignation.

'It has been an honor to serve the country in the @WhiteHouse . I am very proud to have been a part of @FLOTUS @MELANIATRUMP mission to help children everywhere, & proud of the many accomplishments of this Administration. Signing off now,' Grisham tweeted from her official account.

Grisham left because of the assault on the Capitol by the president's supporters and the way Donald Trump handled it, a former administration staffer still close to her told DailyMail.com.

Stephanie Grisham pictured with Melania Trump. Grisham, the former White House press secretary who became chief of staff for Melania Trump , resigned her position on Wednesday

She was soon followed by deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews.

'As someone who worked in the halls of Congress I was deeply disturbed by what I saw today. I'll be stepping down from my role, effective immediately. Our nation needs a peaceful transfer of power,' Matthews said in a statement.

Niceta, who also works in the East Wing with the first lady, also submitted her resignation tonight in reaction to today's protest.

Reports had surfaced throughout the day that some White House aides were considering resigning over the mob scene at the Capitol and Trump's lackluster response to it.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol and 'fight much harder' during his rally earlier Wednesday.

'And we are going to have to fight much harder,' he said.

He reiterated his demands that Pence 'is going to have to come through for us, and if he doesn't, that will be a sad day for our country'.

And he also continued to push unfounded claims of election fraud claiming there has been an 'egregious assault on our democracy.'

'You will never take back our country with weakness,' he said.

Also at the rally his son Donald Trump Jr. appeared to threaten GOP lawmakers that the Trump family would continue to fight the results of the election.

Robert OBrien, national security adviser, had also planned to quit Wednesday but was then convinced to stay on in his role, the sources told Bloomberg.

The National Security Advisor had tweeted his praise for Pence's handling of the situation

'These guys better fight for Trump. Because if they're not, guess what? I'm going to be in your backyard in a couple of months!' he told the crowd.

He also thanked the 'red-blooded, patriotic Americans' in the crowd 'for standing up to the bulls**' and an expletive-filled rant riling up the crowd.

Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal attorney and the man who spearheaded his failed election legal battle, also told Trump fans to pursue a 'trial by combat' at the event.

Even when things turned violent, Trump remained silent for much of the afternoon.

Sources told Bloomberg it took numerous aides, including his Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, 45 minutes to convince the president to even send a tweet condemning the violence.

The president was even said to be 'pleased' about the siege and was watching the events while walking between the Oval Office and White House dining room, the insiders said.

He then finally posted a video telling his supporters 'to go home' late afternoon, after President-elect Joe Biden had addressed the nation and condemned the violence.

Vice President Chief of Staff Marc Short claimed Trump had revoked his White House access after Mike Pence refused to bow to the president's demand to overturn the election

Even then, he told his 'very special' supporters inside the Capitol that he loves them and understands their pain.

Sources said he had been persuaded by Meadows and Ivanka Trump to put out the video.

Trump's refusal to condemn the violence in the Capitol, which interrupted the constitutionally-mandated certification of the electoral college vote, drew criticism from several members of his own party and could lead to more people resigning in the coming days.

While several have chosen to distance themselves from the president, sources said Trump is now lashing out at his vice president over his refusal to reject the electoral votes for Biden.

The president told aides he had banned Pence's chief of staff from the West Wing today, multiple sources said.

Pence defied Trump Wednesday, vowing to heed to the constitution and not overturn the electoral college as the president had urged him to do.

Pence sent a letter to the 535 senators and representatives on Capitol Hill ahead of his presiding over the Joint Session that will certify Joe Biden's victory.

In it, he outlined his belief in his role in the proceedings, which he notes is 'ceremonial' and adds that it doesn't include the authority to 'determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not.'

Grisham's decision was also said to be based on the riots Wednesday

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who is married to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, is considering resigning

Pence told Trump Tuesday he would not obey his demands, reported the New York Times.

Sources told Bloomberg Trump believed Short had leaked this to the press and this was one of the reasons for banning him from the West Wing.

Short was not seen entering the White House all day Wednesday.

He entered the Eisenhower Executive Office Building where Pence has his Vice Presidential Office and which is on the White House campus but did not go to the West Wing.

Grisham was one of President Trump's longest serving aides, having joined him during the 2016 presidential campaign and lasted until the final weeks of his administration.

She was highly trusted by both Trumps, having been with them since 2015.

During her tenure as press secretary she carried the distinction of having never held a briefing in the White House press briefing room.

Grisham clashed with White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows when he joined the administration. He shook up the press operation, naming Kayleigh McEnany press secretary in April of this year.

Grisham then went back to the East Wing, where she had been previously the spokesperson for the first lady, to be Melania Trump's chief of staff.

There were reports some White House aides were considering resigning over the mob scene at the Capitol and President Donald Trump 's failure to condemn it

She is close to Melania Trump with the two women texting often, even when Grisham was moved to the West Wing to hold the triple role of press secretary, communications director and spokesperson for the first lady.

But last month Grisham was subject to a 'hit piece' in the New York Post with White House 'insiders' blaming her for the first lady missing out on a magazine cover to Meghan Markle.

'Out of nowhere and a complete hit piece,' a senior administration official described it to DailyMail.com. 'I've been trying to figure out what logic can be in it and I can't find it. It's two months until the end of the administration. I really don't understand where this is coming from there.'

Citing 'insiders who have worked for the White House over the past four years' and 'administration loyalists,' the New York Post claimed the first lady has been 'ill-served' by Grisham.

One of the examples they cite is the September 2020 edition of the British magazine Tatler where Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was featured on the cover instead of Melania Trump, who had given the magazine an interview via e-mail.

The New York Post is known to be one of President Trump's favorite papers and one he reads daily - meaning the piece was surely noticed by the commander-in-chief.

During her tenure as press secretary, Stephanie Grisham carried the distinction of having never held a briefing in the White House press briefing room
The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is investigating whether a jail lieutenant broke policy or any laws by attending a pro-Trump rally that turned into an angry mob storming the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Sheriff Javier Salazar said 46-year-old Roxanne Mathai, an eight-year veteran with the department, posted selfies and photos of the crowd in Washington, D.C. to her Facebook page, identifying herself as a BCSO employee. The sheriff said he was made aware of the photos Thursday morning and sent the photos to the local FBI agency to see if Mathai participated in any illegal behavior during the incident.

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The photos don't show Mathai committing an unlawful act, but the FBI has facial recognition abilities that can determine if she entered the Capitol building. BCSO officials also want to know if she was on Capitol grounds after dispersal orders were given, which would be in violation of the law.

In one of the photos' caption, she wrote she did not want to do something illegal and "catch a case."

Salazar said some of the photos show the lieutenant in the middle of the crowd that assaulted law enforcement agents. If that is the case, the sheriff said Mathai will be investigated on administrative charges of conduct unbecoming and wants her to "never set foot in (BCSO) again."

READ ALSO: Dan Crenshaw tells pro-Donald Trump mob: 'Stop this bullsh-t'

"If she just stood by while first responders were assaulted, it would be more than just troubling, it would be downright infuriating," Salazar said. "It makes you mad ... if someone that wears a uniform just stood there, watched and took pictures."

The sheriff, who is a registered Democrat, said his decision is based on discipline not on Mathai's support of Donald Trump. If others think otherwise, Salazar said "sorry not sorry."

Salazar emphasized that Mathai has the right to travel and attend a Trump rally but said once the assembly turned unlawful, she should have left.

Mathai has been on administrative leave since October after allegations of an improper relationship with an inmate surfaced, according to Salazar, who said her behavior was concerning because she is in a management level position and oversees at least 80 deputies inside the jail.

BCSO's Internal Affairs Unit is investigating the allegations, and Salazar said he plans to open another investigation in connection with Mathai's photos from the Capitol.

Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for MySA.com | taylor.pettaway@express-news.net | @TaylorPettaway
Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law Thursday an expanded accidental death benefit for spouses of New Jersey firefighters and police in the Police and Firemens Retirement System.

The law guarantees widows and widowers of first responders who die in the line of duty an accidental death benefit of at least $50,000 a year. Previously, the death benefit was capped at 70% of the firefighter or police officers final salary.

We have, obviously, a responsibility to protect our members, to fight for legislation and benefits that make our jobs a little more palatable considering the nature of it, said Steve McConlogue, president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey. We realize that God-forbid something ever happened to some of our younger members  our police and firemen put their necks out there every day and we face harms way on a daily basis.

The bill passed 39-0 in the Senate and 74-0 in the Assembly in November.

It is named for Dominick Marino, the former president of the firefighters association who advocated for the expanded benefit, which supporters said has also been called the rookie bill. Marino died in April.

Marino served for more than 25 years as a firefighter in the North Bergen Fire Department and North Hudson Regional Fire Rescue, retiring in 2011.

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This law, Murphy said during a virtual news conference, will cement Donnys legacy, not merely because it carries his name but because it will ensure dignity and financial security for the spouse left behind by a fallen firefighter or a fallen police officer or an EMT or other first responders.

Murphy described Marino as a fierce advocate for first responders and a firefighters firefighter.

With his name on this law, he will always be looking over the families he spent his life protecting, he added.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com.
The building is all clear after MSP conducted its bomb sweep, according to state police and facility managers.

LANSING, MI - The Michigan Capitol was temporarily shut down due to state police investigating a threat, according to a Thursday alert sent out to House representatives and staff.

The message, sent out before 8 a.m. on Jan. 7, says: Due to a threat early this morning...the Capitol is temporarily closed to all members and staff. Michigan State Police are investigating. You will be notified when the building is re-opened.

The bomb threat came from a man at 6:40 a.m. into the Capitol Facilities Control Office, according to a statement from the Michigan State Police. Additional personnel and resources were sent to the building out of an abundance of caution, police said.

The building reopened after the sweep was completed by 9 a.m., police said.

This threat remains under investigation, and additional information will not be released, according to the statement. Every effort will be made to identify the person who made this threat and prosecute them to the fullest extent the law will allow.

The Michigan House and Senate are not in session until next week. Staff and members with security access are allowed in the building, according to Matt White, assistant director of facility operations in the Capitol. It is still closed to the public due to COVID-19 precautions, he told MLive.

The closure follows Wednesdays attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump aiming to overturn the Electoral College win by President-elect Joe Biden.

Thousands of the Presidents supporters converged at the nations Capitol on Jan. 6, overwhelming Capitol police and forcing a building-wide lockdown amid reports of vandalism and an explosive device found nearby. Four people died during the storming of the Capitol, according to the Associated Press.

Read more: Attack at U.S. Capitol threatens constitutional crisis, says Michigan state senator

Congress eventually resumed their session later Wednesday and officially certified Bidens victory by early Thursday. Trump conceded defeat for the first time, promising there would be an orderly transition on January 20th.

To see the latest updates on violence at the U.S. Capitol, check here.
/ Greenwich Police Department

GREENWICH  Two new recruits to the Greenwich Police Department were sworn in this week.

Before he become a police officer, James Ketterer worked in the private sector. He was a manager with Floodco USA, which does repair work on homes and businesses, and worked at Blue Cloud Pediatric Surgery Center. In addition, he was an account executive with Dial-America, which provides domestic call center services.
CLEVELAND and ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuros Medical, Inc., a medical device company developing innovative high-frequency nerve block technology for patients with intractable post-amputation pain, announced today the close of a Series BB financing totaling $38.5 million.

The financing was co-led by new investors Amzak Health and Sectoral Asset Management, joined by InCube Ventures, existing investors U.S. Venture Partners, Osage University Partners, and Aperture Venture Partners, and other existing and new investors. Joyce Erony of Amzak Health and Marc-Andre Marcotte of Sectoral Asset Management have joined Neuros' Board of Directors. Andrew Farquharson of InCube Ventures is serving as a Board Observer.

The financing provides Neuros with capital to complete enrollment of the pivotal QUEST (High-Fre QUE ncy Nerve Block for Po ST -Amputation Pain) study, and to submit an anticipated application for Pre-Market Approval. QUEST is a 180-subject, randomized, double blinded, active sham controlled clinical trial that is being conducted under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE). QUEST is designed to assess the safety & effectiveness of the Company's Altius High-Frequency Nerve Block system to treat intractable post-amputation pain.

"We are fortunate to have the support of a strong consortium of life sciences venture capital firms and welcome Amzak Health, Sectoral Asset Management, and InCube Ventures as investors in Neuros," said Tom Wilder, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"The QUEST Study is a rigorous clinical trial that is being conducted in an historically understudied population," said Joyce Erony of Amzak and Marc-Andre Marcotte of Sectoral. "Altius has the potential to become a very important treatment alternative for the large, addressable pool of patients who suffer from chronic post-amputation pain, including an opportunity to reduce ongoing dependency on opioids."

About Neuros Medical, Inc.

Neuros Medical, a neuromodulation company, has developed the Altius system for the treatment of chronic post-amputation pain (Phantom Limb Pain and Residual Limb Pain). Altius incorporates the Company's patented platform technology, High-Frequency Nerve Block.

Originally invented by Drs. Kevin Kilgore and Niloy Bhadra of Case Western Reserve University, Neuros' technology delivers a high-frequency electrical signal to sensory nerves in the peripheral nervous system to block the pain signal. The system consists of a nerve cuff electrode (also known as a lead) placed around a peripheral nerve and an implantable pulse generator (IPG).

Chronic pain is characterized as pain lasting more than 3 months in duration. Post-amputation pain includes both phantom limb and residual limb (or "stump") pain, and impacts nearly one million Americans. There are nearly two million amputees in the U.S., with 185,000 new amputations occurring every year. Post-amputation pain represents a significant unmet medical need, as existing treatment options are limited and consist primarily of opioids and gabapentinoids.

For more information, please visit www.neurosmedical.com. Additional information regarding the QUEST IDE study can be found at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02221934.

Caution  Investigational Device. Limited by Federal (or United States) law to investigational use.

For additional information regarding Neuros Medical, please contact:

Amy Smith, VP Global Marketing

[email protected]

www.neurosmedical.com

(440) 951-2565, Ext. 127

SOURCE Neuros Medical

Related Links

http://www.neurosmedical.com


A report prepared by Willis Towers Watson showing the potential impact of increased coastal building standards on premium rates for Texas property insurer of last resort for coastal counties is now available for public review.

The report finds that if every property insured by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) in the most exposed areas had exterior opening protections, TWIA rates would be inadequate by 11% for residential policies and 20% for commercial policies.

TWIAs Actuarial & Underwriting Committee had requested that WTW perform model runs exploring hypothetical scenarios in which all TWIA-insured properties had exterior opening protection (such as hurricane shutters, reinforced garage doors, impact resistant glass, and other wind debris-resistant coverings).

WTWs report shows the theoretical impact to modeled output and rate indications if all TWIA insured buildings in the Seaward and Inland 1 areas were upgraded to meet the current building code standards for exterior openings (windows and doors).

The purpose of this analysis was to provide a range of outcomes. It is not modeling an actual scenario and does not change WTWs previous finding that TWIAs rates for residential policies are inadequate by 26 percent, and rates for commercial policies are inadequate by 44 percent.

Components of the WTW report on TWIA rate adequacy with notional, or theoretical, scenarios of RMS Opening Protection / AIR Window Protection modifiers are as follows:

Summary Table

Notional Scenario 1  Seaward Properties Having Opening Protection  Residential Exhibit

Notional Scenario 1  Seaward Properties Having Opening Protection  Commercial Exhibit

Notional Scenario 2  Seaward & Inland 1 Properties Having Opening Protection  Residential Exhibit

Notional Scenario 2  Seaward & Inland 1 Properties Having Opening Protection  Commercial Exhibit

These results suggest that TWIA could improve its rate adequacy through programs that encourage policyholders to upgrade external openings to current building code standards.

TWIAs recently submitted 2020 Biennial Report to the 87th Texas Legislature recommends that lawmakers consider the effectiveness of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safetys FORTIFIED home construction program, whether TWIA should pursue such a program, and whether the State of Texas could provide funding support.

Other coastal states, notably Alabama and North Carolina, have encouraged FORTIFIED construction for both new and existing homes through a combination of public grants and policy endorsements covering upgrades to the FORTIFIED construction standards.

Source: TWIA

Topics Carriers Catastrophe Natural Disasters Texas Windstorm Property
Prime Minister Xavier Bettel is among several Luxembourgish politicians that have reacted to the events in Washington last night.

The chaotic night on Capitol Hill, which claimed the life of four people at the time of writing this Thursday morning, sparked reactions around the world, including in Luxembourg. PM Xavier Bettel posted two messages on Twitter early Wednesday evening, one in Luxembourgish, the other in English.

"The violences against the Capitol are a heinous attack on the foundations of democracy and the freedom of press. We trust in the strength of the American people and institutions to overcome these times of division & look to President-elect Joe Biden", writes Bettel.

The violences against the #Capitol are a heinous attack on the foundations of democracy and the freedom of press. We trust in the strength of the American people and institutions to overcome these times of division & look to President-elect @JoeBiden to take on this task.  Xavier Bettel (@Xavier_Bettel) January 6, 2021

"It's a 9/11 against democracy"

According to foreign minister Jean Asselborn (LSAP) "the images of yesterday show that Donald Trump is a criminal", he said in an interview with RTL on Thursday morning.

He continues that the president is "a political pyromaniac who must be put before a criminal court". He speaks of a "character who could have been democratic, but who has absolutely nothing to do with democracy. He ignored his own Constitution, the decisions of justice, and obviously the results of the elections".

Jean Asselborn sums up the chaotic situation in which one of the oldest democracies in the world is victimised: "January 6, 2021 is a "9/11 against democracy in short "with Trump as an instigator".

Corinne Cahen, president of the DP and Minister for Family Affairs and Integration called the events "incredible and frightening".

Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot said he was "deeply shocked by the scenes on Capitol Hill": it is "an unacceptable attack on democracy and its institutions. But I am convinced that our friends in the United States will survive this attack. We are with you", Fayot wrote.
Supporters of President Donald Trump invaded the Capitol on Wednesday, getting into standoffs with police as Congress met to count the electoral college votes and officially certify the results.

HOW TEXANS FEEL: Texas politicians react to violence at the Capitol

While police were expected to rectify the situation and use force if necessary, they appeared to allow the situation to continue to escalate  even taking photos with the rioters.

"Cops are taking selfies with the terrorists," Timothy Burke tweeted.

The Florida-based reporter also shared a video, where you can see a masked security officer pose with a smirking Trump supporter.

The image sparked conversations on social media, with many people expressing calling for the firing of the officer involved.

Houston rapper and activist Trae the Truth also shared the image on Instagram with angry emojis and the caption, "Aint No way In H--- Washington DC Police Over there Taking Selfies!!!"

I can't believe this is our reality. As many people pointed out on Twitter, if the rioters were Black, things would not have gone so smoothly.
The Centre has asked four states affected by an outbreak of avian influenza, or bird flu, to begin surveillance among human population as a precautionary measure. No case among humans has been reported in the country so far.

...It is absolutely critical that appropriate measures for effective containment among bird/poultry population and active surveillance in human population has to be ensured, Rajesh Bhushan, secretary of the Union ministry of health and family welfare, said in a letter to the four bird flu-hit states (Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh).

The letter asked the states to identify high-risk zones and carry out surveillance among human habitats. ...further, you are requested to keep vigilance for any unusual death amongst the bird/poultry in the State, the letter added.

Thousands of birds have died in Kerala (mostly poultry), Himachal Pradesh (mostly migratory birds), and Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (mostly crows) since December-end. Officials said migratory birds are behind the outbreak. In addition, around 400,000 poultry birds have died in Haryanas Panchkula over the past 20 days, sounding alarm bells. Their test reports were awaited. No case of human transmission has been reported in India so far, but states have been asked to step up vigil in order to detect warning signs early. High-level teams have also been rushed to these states to take stock of the situation and devise preventive strategies, if required, said a senior health ministry official.

The ministry has deployed special teams in Panchkula, apart from Keralas Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.

A three-member central team took stock of the situation in Alappuzha, officials said. The team comprising the Union health ministrys public health specialist Dr Ruchi Jain, Pune National Institute of Virology scientist Dr Shailesh Pawar and Delhi RML Hospital physician Dr Anith Jindal visited the hotspots in the district.

State authorities have banned the sale of bird meat and eggs in the affected regions. To provide relief to the affected farmers, the state has decided to compensate them for culling their birds.

On Thursday, Madhya Pradesh reported the first cases of the flu virus spreading from crows to poultry, forcing the state government to consider culling of thousands of bird. Two samples of poultry birds tested positive for avian influenza in two districts, said JN Kansotia, principal secretary, animal husbandry department.

Madhya Pradesh has already banned transportation of poultry from other states to check the spread. The state has also banned the sale of chickens and eggs within a radius of 1km of the affected areas in Indore for seven days, officials said.

In Neemuch, all meat and egg shops have been shut. Two days ago, 40 crows were found dead in Neemuch but bird flu is yet to be confirmed in the crows. As a precautionary measure, we ordered closing of all meat and egg shops, said district collector Jittendra Singh Raje.

Odisha heaved a sigh of relief after tests of 11,000 poultry birds came negative. The samples were tested after 120 birds died in a poultry farm in Kurda.

In Jharkhand, the animal husbandry department has sent 700 samples of poultry birds and four crows that were found dead in Jubilee Park in Jamshedpur to the Research Disease Diagnostic Lab, Kolkata, for tests.

(with inputs from HTC in Ranchi, Bhubaneswar and Bhopal)
It was not a great day for the image of American democracy. Leaders from New Zealands Jacinda Ardern to Indias Narendra Modi issued statements decrying the storming of the Capitol as an attack on democracy itself. French President Emmanuel Macron gave an impassioned speech noting how France and the United States have historically come to each others aid to fight threats to democracy. Not surprisingly, governments that are usually on the receiving end of human rights criticism from the U.S., such as Turkey and Russia, took the opportunity for some trolling.

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Despite the invasion, Congress did finish certifying the Electoral College count, and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are expected to be sworn in later this month. But the events of this week underscore the difficulties facing the incoming Biden administration, which has vowed to make support for global democracy a centerpiece of its foreign policy. Even before this weeks quasi-coup attempt, global observers were generally in agreement that, at the very least, U.S. democratic institutions have eroded in recent years, particularly when it comes to voting rights, mass incarceration, the treatment of immigrants, and economic inequality. It was recently announced that the United States had fallen below the democracy threshold on the Polity index, a measure of a countrys level of democracy thats widely cited by political scientists, and is now considered an anocracy, a country with both democratic and autocratic features.

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Will any country still take the U.S. seriously when it talks about democracy and the rule of law?

The Biden team is betting it will. Antony Blinken, Bidens choice for secretary of state, has argued that the mere fact of Bidens election will send a powerful message around the world that the last four years were an aberration and not representative of what America is and aspires to be. As part of his plan to harness the power of Americas example, Biden has pledged that within his first year in office, the U.S. will host a global summit of democracies with ideologically like-minded countries to renew the spirit and shared purpose of the nations of the Free World.

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The not-so-subtle goal of the summit is to strengthen an alliance of countries to counter the growing global influence of China and Russia. Versions of this idea under different names have been kicking around Washington for a while and found adherents in both parties. The late Sen. John McCain even campaigned on the creation of a new League of Democracies, which could act where the U.N. fails to act.

Bidens proposal is a lot more modest. Its not quite clear if he envisions a new permanent grouping like the G-20 or if this is just a one-off meeting. And rather than coordinating military actions between nations, he calls merely for getting countries to sign on to new commitments in the areas of anti-corruption, election security, and defending human rights. It will also urge private firmsnamely, technology and social media companiesto make binding commitments to uphold democratic norms.

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These are all worthy goals. But the summit had already been met with some skepticism from experts and foreign diplomats, and for good reason. As James Goldgeier and Bruce Jentleson note in Foreign Affairs, the first big challenge is the guest list. Defining a democracy is not so easy. With the notable exception of China, most countries at least go through the motions of holding national elections, even if those elections are total shams. Would hybrid regimes like Turkey or the Philippines get an invite? What about countries like Brazil, Hungary, or Poland? (As Hungarys democratic institutions have crumbled under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, its membership has been a vexing issue for the European Union, which also requires members to uphold democratic standards.) What about India, which while often called the worlds largest democracy increasingly resembles a majoritarian ethno-state under Modi?

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The Summit of Democracies idea seems at odds with Bidens overall promise of returning to the foreign policy of the Obama administration. Barack Obama distinguished himself from McCain in 2008 through his willingness to negotiate with hostile governments. Most of his most notable foreign policy accomplishmentsthe Iran nuclear deal, diplomatic normalization with Cuba, finding common ground with China on climate changeall of which Biden has pledged to restore, involved dealing with some of the worlds most repressive regimes. Even the goal of confronting Chinas authoritarian influence abroad will likely involve cooperation with some countries that are less than perfect liberal democracies, such as India and Vietnam.

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Of course, its possible to do two things at onceto stand up for democratic values while working with nondemocratic countries on areas of mutual concern. But its hard to see whats accomplished by so publicly drawing a line in the sand at the very beginning of the new administration. It risks further dividing the world into Cold Warstyle blocs. And for the countries in the murky not-quite-democratic middle ground, it risks either pushing them further into Moscow or Beijings orbit, or allowing them to whitewash their own undemocratic behavior by demonstrating their anti-Chinese or anti-Russian bona fidesa tactic that anti-communist governments the world over perfected during the Cold War.

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The overarching question is whether the U.S. is really in any position to be leading a group like this right now. Sure, its a step in the right direction that the new president wont express the same contempt for democracy and human rights as his predecessor. But by any measure, U.S. democracy is in fragile shape after a concerted attempt by Trump to overturn the results of a presidential election, which was supported to varying degrees by much of his party and which could very well have succeeded if the outcome of the election had been closer. Theres a good case to be made that before making the world safe for democracy, the U.S. government should focus on making the U.S. safe for it.

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This doesnt mean the U.S. government should stop talking about democracy and human rights in other countries. It wouldnt help anyone for the worlds richest and most powerful country to go silent on these issues. But the conversation cant be the same. Shining city on a hill rhetoric is clearly no longer working. Even the more nuanced America isnt perfect but still has lessons for the world rhetoric that Obama specialized in feels inadequate now. Holding a summit of democracies to address the problem of spreading authoritarianism feels a bit like a town building a seawall when Main Street is already a foot underwater.

Strengthening democracy at home and abroad at the same time will require rethinking the problem. Rather than focusing on transforming authoritarian governments, a more useful approach could be to focus on eradicating authoritarian practices, which are visible in nearly every country today, to varying extents. The Dutch political scientist Marlies Glasius defines these practices as actions that involve sabotaging accountability to people over whom a political actor exerts control, or their representatives, by disabling their access to information and/or disabling their voice. Leaders who were more or less fairly elected, like Trump or Jair Bolsonaro, are not authoritarian leaders in the same way Xi Jinping or Vladimir Putin are, but all are capable of authoritarian actions. Using the power of the state to discredit a political rival is an authoritarian practice. So is trying to overturn the results of a democratic election to stay in power. Inciting your supporters to attack the legislature in order to prevent the certification of that election? Textbook authoritarian practice.

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None of this implies that the U.S. can only make democracy promotion a priority after it perfects its own democracy. But the approach may need to be a bit more humble. As Tamara Cofman Wittes of the Brookings Institution wrote earlier this year, the highest-impact component of American rights advocacy abroad is not necessarily our demarches to rights-abusing governments, but our visible engagement with citizens pressing those governments for change. That sort of engagement can and should continue.

The U.S. may also combat authoritarian practices abroad by no longer enabling them. For one thing, we could wind down or at least significantly curtail the global war on terror and the military operations conducted under its auspices. Glasius argues that the mass digital surveillance conducted by the U.S. since 9/11 is itself an authoritarian practice. Extrajudicial killings of terrorism suspects abroad and the detention of suspects without trial at Guantanamo Bay arguably fit that bill as well. Even if you dont buy that argument, its undeniable that the war on terror has been a godsend for authoritarian regimes like Saudi Arabia and Egypt that have leveraged their position as allies against al-Qaida and ISIS into lucrative support from Washington. Authoritarian regimes, including China in Xinjiang and Russia in the Caucasus, have borrowed the U.S. counterterrorist rhetoric to justify their own repressive practices. And the war on terrors political framework can be adapted to justify authoritarian practices on American streets, as lawmakers calls to use military force against American protesters, who Trump called terrorists, demonstrated last summer.

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This weeks events could also lead Americans to wonder what all these practices have actually gotten them. Despite the billions spent and lives lost in the name of protecting U.S. institutions and citizens from terrorism over the past 20 years, there was apparently nothing that could be done to prevent a gang of extremists from literally taking over the U.S. government for several hours.

Rooting out corruption will also be vital to regain U.S. credibility on democracy. Biden has warned of threats posed by foreign dark money to U.S. democracy and pledged in a Foreign Affairs essay last spring to bring transparency to the global financial system, go after illicit tax havens, seize stolen assets, and make it more difficult for leaders who steal from their people to hide behind anonymous front companies. The essay drew an explicit connection between corruption and the ability of authoritarian kleptocratic regimes to maintain powershielding the wealth of leaders and their cronies from democratic accountabilityand to interfere on other countries political systems.

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To really tackle global corruption, the U.S. will have to look inward. We tend to think of offshore finance and tax havens in terms of places like the Cayman Islands or Luxembourg, but the U.S. actually ranks second on the Tax Justice Networks Financial Secrecy Index. As the British journalist Oliver Bullough writes in his book Moneyland, The United States had bullied the rest of the world into scrapping financial secrecy, but hadnt applied the same standards to itself. Laws in places like Bidens home state of Delaware make it easy to anonymously register companies. One promising step took place before Biden even took office, with Congress last week passing a measure banning anonymous shell companies.

Finally, the best thing the Biden administration can do to make the world more democratic is to make the U.S. more democratic. This was a theme of both Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders presidential campaigns, and there are signs that Bidens officials are also interested in finding more links between foreign and domestic priorities.

Initiatives expanding Americans access to the ballot with new voting rights laws, granting full voting rights to places like the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, making police more accountable, and developing a more humane immigration system are likely to be more effective means of encouraging other countries to democratize than convening more high-level summits.

This isnt just a matter of setting a good example or avoiding hypocrisy. As I wrote last summer, protests that swept the U.S. in 2020 helped inspire movements against racism, police misconduct, and corruption from London to Lagos to Rio. They were arguably a more effective form of democracy promotion than anything the U.S. has done in years. The U.S. government can take steps to support activists in other countries, but it will likely be more effective if activists build links themselves, sharing ideas and tactics. If autocratic practices can take place under both democratic and authoritarian regimesand often cross borders between themso can democratic practices. Sometimes the best thing a government can do to promote democracy may be to get out of the way while citizens are practicing it.
The average height of a giraffe is around 18 feet, but scientist stumbled upon two that are half the size.

Conservation scientists discovered a Nubian giraffe in Uganda that is nine feet, four inches tall and then an Angolan giraffe that stood just eight and a half feet.

Baffled by both observations, the researchers could only come to one conclusion  dwarfism.

Also known as skeletal dysplasia, the condition results in abnormalities bone development and is characterized by a shortened and irregularly proportioned anatomy.

The dwarfism is known among humans and captive animals due to inbreeding, but has rarely been observed among wild animals  and the recent finds are the first to be documented in giraffes.

Although the disorder has lowered the survival rate among domestic animals, the giraffes are now mature adults and the dwarfism should not decrease their lifespan, according to scientists.

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Conservation scientists discovered a Nubian giraffe (left) in Uganda that is nine feet, four inches tall and then an Angolan giraffe that stood just eight and a half feet. Baffled by both observations, the researchers could only come to one conclusion  dwarfism

The two giraffes, nicknamed Gimil and Nigel, were spotted by conservation scientists working with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, as first reported on by the New York Times.

The Nubian giraffe, named Gimil, was first observed in 2015 at Ugandas Murchison Falls National Park.

Researchers noticed the male, a calf at the time, had disproportionate limb dimensions relative to its torso and neck.

The team returned to the park over the next few years to take photos and measurements as he grew.

Also known as skeletal dysplasia, the condition results in abnormalities bone development and is characterized by a shortened and irregularly proportioned anatomy

Gimil was last observed in July 2020, when the last images and measurements were taken.

An Angolan giraffe, nicknamed Nigel, was living on a private farm in central Namibia and was also monitored in the same fashion as Gimil over the course of a few years.

Scientists compared the images and measurements of both giraffes, both mature adults, with that of other giraffes that are similar in age and stem from the same population.

The Nambian giraffe has limited mobile due to his shorter legs and the researchers fear it makes him susceptible to predication, even as an adult

Using digital photogrammetry techniques, we performed comparative morphometric analyses to describe skeletaldysplasia-like syndromes in two wild giraffe from different taxa and demonstrated that the skeletal dimensions of these dysplastic giraffe are not consistent with the population measurements of giraffe in similar age classes, researchers shared in the study published in the journal BMC Research Notes.

The team found that the smaller giraffes had shorter legs than their counterparts, specifically shorter radius and metacarpal bones.

The pair also exhibited shortened fore-limbs to varied degrees and had different neck length.

Skeletal dysplasias has been found to lower survival rates among animals in captivity, but due to the giraffes living past the age of one year, the team notes that the condition should not impact their survival rate.

However, the Nambian giraffe has limited mobile due to his shorter legs and the researchers fear it makes him susceptible to predication, even as an adult.
saikarthik BHPian



Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Bangalore Posts: 303 Thanked: 1,657 Times

Design rip-offs in India : Copycats or Inspired?



When it comes to the global and Indian market, there are few examples of complete Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V models and few where certain design elements from famous cars were replicated on new and lower segment cars. Some people argue that they are inspired and some say it's a rip off.



We notice some prominent replication every now and then, sometimes have a debate to bash out and sometimes forgive/forget to.



But I have not seen anywhere that these are consolidated or classified. I do not have a great database and will rely upon your posts for consolidation.



But let me try to classify or segregate some of the types that I have encountered with examples,



Silhouette:



It's one thing to get inspired from some form and it is quite another to just copy the whole silhouette, these are direct rip offs in my opinion trying to take the advantage of competitor's complete design language.



Best example that I could find is that of MS Ciaz's comparison to Honda City's and Toyota Innova's to Mahindra Marazzo's silhouettes though some rounding off of edges and creases, dimensions are different. Please do mention your examples with pictures.









Exterior Design Elements:



Taking a prominent design feature of certain from a view like



1. The front grille theme or the intricate detailing of the grille elements - like the similarities of Lodgy stepway to mahindra XUV5OO refresh or the infamous universal inspiration of hexagonal/oval grilles from Aston Martin to almost all new cars.





2. Lamps: lights are key differentiators and considered unique jewel of car makers, yet we see some are similar, Ciaz's tail lamp profile to that of City's is one such case that I can think of, and a few fog lamp bezel elements/ DRLs of other cars.









Interior Design Elements:



Same as the exterior part, the design of dashboard elements, air con vents, finish patterns are replicated, example the hexagonal aircon vents of a much expensive Lambo is found on the recent Nissan Magnite.









HMI - Display and Switches:



Though these are interior elements, but require special mention as they relate to the user touch points and experience.





What else comes to your minds in this aspect? Do you think these are direct rip offs or just a common design language due to some inspiration? The whole world knows about the Chinese copy cats of the famous brands ranging from the cars to military aircrafts and no surprise there.When it comes to the global and Indian market, there are few examples of complete Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V models and few where certain design elements from famous cars were replicated on new and lower segment cars. Some people argue that they are inspired and some say it's a rip off.We notice some prominent replication every now and then, sometimes have a debate to bash out and sometimes forgive/forget to.But I have not seen anywhere that these are consolidated or classified. I do not have a great database and will rely upon your posts for consolidation.But let me try to classify or segregate some of the types that I have encountered with examples,It's one thing to get inspired from some form and it is quite another to just copy the whole silhouette, these are direct rip offs in my opinion trying to take the advantage of competitor's complete design language.Best example that I could find is that ofandsilhouettes though some rounding off of edges and creases, dimensions are different. Please do mention your examples with pictures.Taking a prominent design feature of certain from a view like1. The front grille theme or the intricate detailing of the grille elements - like the similarities of Lodgy stepway to mahindra XUV5OO refresh or the infamous universal inspiration of hexagonal/oval grilles from Aston Martin to almost all new cars.2. Lamps: lights are key differentiators and considered unique jewel of car makers, yet we see some are similar, Ciaz's tail lamp profile to that of City's is one such case that I can think of, and a few fog lamp bezel elements/ DRLs of other cars.Same as the exterior part, the design of dashboard elements, air con vents, finish patterns are replicated, example the hexagonal aircon vents of a much expensive Lambo is found on the recent Nissan Magnite.Though these are interior elements, but require special mention as they relate to the user touch points and experience.What else comes to your minds in this aspect? Do you think these are direct rip offs or just a common design language due to some inspiration?
We are getting ever closer to getting the COVID vaccine, and indeed registering for it. But do not fall for fake apps in the meantime, and share your personal and sensitive data with them. The official Co-WIN app from the Government of India is yet to be released for Android phones and the Apple iPhone, and you shouldnt be downloading any fake apps just yet. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India is yet to release the official Co-WIN apps that will allow citizens to register for the COVID vaccine in the country. The government says that the official Co-WIN platform for citizens is in the final stages of implementation. It is expected that the official apps will go Live on the Google Play Store for Android phones and the Apple App Store for the iPhone, in the coming days.

The vaccines that are approved: At this time, the government of India give approval for use of two COVID vaccines in the countrythe Oxford-AstraZeneca and Serum Institute of Indias Covishield and Bharat Biotechs Covaxin. Meanwhile, it is not confirmed if the Co-WIN app will give users a choice of selecting which vaccine they would prefer, or whether it will be determined based on stocks and other factors.

Dont download fake apps yet: The official Co-WIN app is coming in the next few days, and will allow you to register for the vaccine. At this time, do not download any app and share your personal and sensitive data with fake apps. Some apps named 'Co-WIN' apparently created by unscrupulous elements to sound similar to upcoming official platform of Government, are on App stores. DO NOT download or share personal information on these. MoHFW Official platform will be adequately publicised on its launch, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had tweeted.

What is the Co-WIN platform: The Co-WIN app and platform will have five larger modulesAdministrator module, Registration module, Vaccination module, Beneficiary Acknowledgement module, and Report module. The platform will be used to track vaccine stocks, their storage temperature at individual locations as well tracking of the rollout of the vaccine for citizens of India. The platform will also be used during vaccine sessions by program managers and there will be a always-live helpline number for Co-WIN users to answer any queries.

Citizens who are not frontline health workers will be able to register for the vaccine via the 'Registration Module', once the official apps go Live. Photo identity will be required for registration. The government has already confirmed that the bulk database for healthcare and frontline workers in India will be pre-populated on the Co-WIN app, making the registration process simpler.

What happens once you get the vaccine: The Vaccination module of the Co-Win app will verify the beneficiary details and update the vaccination status. The 'Beneficiary Acknowledgement Module' will then send SMS to beneficiaries and also generate QR-based certificates after one gets vaccinated. These will be essential, since the vaccination status may become an important piece of personal health data in the coming months. The Co-WIN Report Module will have constantly updated numbers on the vaccine sessions have been conducted, how many citizens have got the vaccine and how many registered users are yet to get the vaccines.
Find all of the most important pandemic education news on Educating N.J., a special resource guide created for parents, students and educators.

Newark Public Schools announced Wednesday that students would continue with remote class until April 12 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Students were scheduled to begin returning to in-person classes on Jan. 25. But the plan was opposed by Newark Teachers Union President John Abeigon, Chalkbeat first reported.

We dont want to play ping pong with the economy of our parents, Abeigon told NJ Advance Media on Thursday, adding that it wouldnt make sense to reopen schools just to close them again in a week. Right now everyone is a groove. The parents are in a groove. The teachers and students are in a groove.

In-person classes will begin on April 12 with a hybrid model in Newark, the district said. Newark Board of Education President Josephine Garcia said in a statement that the decision was made after consulting the local health department.

To all NPS families; Based on what we know today, and in consultation with the Newark Health Department, many factors... Posted by Josephine C. Garcia on Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Abeigon said he approved of the districts decision, especially as the test positivity rate in Newark remains higher than the state. Mayor Ras Baraka said Monday the citys three-day rolling average for positivity rates on Dec. 24 was 15.36%, compared to 10% in all of New Jersey.

The teachers union president has said all students should be tested before they return to class in Newark. He also called on district and state officials to consider mandating he districts 36,000 students get a COVID-19 vaccination.

The first phase of the states vaccination plan includes health care workers and educators are next in line to get inoculations. However, it remains unclear when the next phase will begin.

Abeigon said the districts decision to push back re-opening will allow officials to see how the vaccination rollout has any delays.

Its a smart decision based on science and care and concern, he said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on January 7 weighed in on the chaos that rocked the United States after Donald Trumps supporters swarmed the Capitol building. Rouhani not only called the western democracy fragile but reportedly also labelled it vulnerable as the Make America Great Again or MAGA supporters pushed the barricades around the US Capitol building and stormed inside to protest the lawmakers certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory in November elections.

Iranian media quoted Rouhani saying on unprecedented events in Washington that last night showed the failure of Western democracy. Iranian President also accused out-voted Trump of damaging Americas relations and that US President dealt severe blows to the American system. Meanwhile, top Russian lawmaker Konstantin Kosachyov reportedly also said that the American democracy is limping on both feet.

Read - Cabinet Members Discuss Donald Trump's Removal After US Capitol Chaos: Reports

Read - Biden Slams Trump Supporters For Capitol 'insurrection', Calls It 'assault On Democracy'

US Capitol siege: Dark day for America

What should have been just the next step in the democratic process of US elections in the country turned out to a dark day for America with thousands of Trump supporters swarming inside the US Capitol. Both House and Senate had convened to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. Even though the federal building has now been secured, at least four people have died, 52 have been arrested and over a dozen police officers have been injured in the violence.

The entire world watched when Trump supporters broke inside one of the most iconic American buildings engulfing the city in chaos. As per reports, it was shortly after 1 PM ET on January 6 that pro-Trump protesters pushed through the barriers set up along the building and some even called the officers traitors for doing their job. As per law enforcement officers account, nearly 90 minutes afterwards, the demonstrators got into the building. Following which house and Senate doors were blocked.

Further, an armed standoff even reportedly took place at the House front door around 3 PM ET, and police officers had their guns drawn at an individual who was trying to breach it. Police reportedly said that both law enforcement and Trump supporters had deployed chemical irritants during the hours-long occupation of the US Capitol building. DC police also said that two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee.

Read - 'This Is Not America': World Leaders Condemn 'disgraceful' Attack On US Democracy

Read - Google CEO Sundar Pichai Describes US Capitol Siege As 'antithesis Of Democracy'
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  A new, old industry. Thats how the U.S. Department of Agriculture characterizes hemp, a versatile crop grown around the world for thousands of years, including in the U.S., before being effectively outlawed in the 1970s because hemp and marijuana are from the same plant.

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp again. But while the crop is now a viable alternative with a potentially global market, there isnt exactly an abundance of research-backed information and training available about producing, processing and selling it. The new online Hemp Essentials course from Purdue University addresses that, going beyond just production, although that topic certainly is covered.

You can find these things separately, but nothing else goes into this depth in one place, said Marguerite Bolt, hemp extension specialist in the Purdue College of Agricultures Department of Agronomy. You're going to get a comprehensive view of the hemp industry.

The curriculum covers the history and legalities of hemp production, including how to grow and harvest the plant, as well as the many applications that hemp has and the economics of the industry. For farmers, hemp can be an alternate cash crop and something new to add to a crop rotation.

The course is for current hemp producers and farmers thinking of getting into the business, certified and other crop advisors and consultants, and people in hemp product manufacturing or sales, as well as individuals with an academic or educational interest. It includes some information specific to Indiana, but the content has broad applicability throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Acreage across the U.S. has gone up each year, said Bolt, the primary developer and instructor for Purdues online Hemp Essentials course. There are new markets being created for hemp and hemp-based products. I get emails or calls every day.

Tens of thousands of products can be made from or include some elements of the hemp plant. Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) derived from hemp are nearly ubiquitous these days in grocery stores, drug stores and health food stores, and even in gas stations. Hemp has been used for some time in textiles and paper, as a grain for food products (hemp hearts), and hemp oil in soap and culinary products. More recently, the plant has been converted to fiber employed in biocomposites for automobile parts, such as dashboards; pressed into wood-like materials, among other things for flooring; and used to make animal bedding. The interior of the hemp stalk is highly absorbent. Researchers are examining it as a graphene replacement in batteries.

What hemp isn't is marijuana. Same plant species, but hemp, which is nonintoxicating, contains 0.3% or less of the psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana. In states where recreational and medicinal marijuana are legal, claims of 10%-20% THC are not uncommon. The two crops are covered by different laws and regulations, and marijuana, unlike hemp, is still an illegal crop in some states.

More than just lecture videos, Hemp Essentials features abundant interactive and multimedia content. The online course is self-paced, and individuals taking it have access for three months once they begin. The tuition is $500 for Indiana residents and $550 for out-of-state students. There are no prerequisites, but a basic understanding of plants and soil is recommended.

The course has five modules:

Introduction to Hemp, covering its uses from ancient to modern times and current legal status nationally and globally.

Botany and Genetics, covering the anatomy, botany and genetics of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), including plant compounds of interest.

Production and Management, covering such topics as production methods for grain, fiber and high-cannabinoid hemp, as well as managing weeds, diseases and insects.

Harvest, Processing, and Products, covering processing and applications for grain, hurd, cannabinoids and essential oils.

Economics, covering the present and potential future economic state of the hemp industry and supply and demand.

More information on Purdues online Hemp Essentials course and to registration are available here.

Writer: Greg Kline, 765-426-8545, gkline@purdue.edu

Source: Marguerite Bolt, mbolt@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: 765-494-8415;

Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu

Agriculture News Page
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said the violence that took place at US Capitol on Wednesday will not have any effect on Indias bilateral relations with the US. New Delhi will have to work with the Biden administration and other democracies to strengthen democracy around the world, Tharoor said.

Hundreds of Trump supporters forcefully entered the US Capitol while the Congress was in a session, in a bid to overturn his election defeat. The violence that followed led to the death of four individuals.

Tharoor commended the Prime Minister for distancing the Indian government from the violence by standing up for the peaceful and orderly transition of power. He also cautioned that Wednesdays incident is a solemn reminder.

I dont believe it shouldve any implications for our bilateral relations with the US but its a sobering reminder. PM expressing concern was a good sign, it showed that he and the Govt are distancing themselves from those who believe iss baar bhi Trump sarkar, Tharoor told ANI.

I don't believe it should've any implication for our bilateral relations with US but it's a sobering reminder. PM expressing concern was good sign, it showed that he & Govt are distancing themselves from those who believe 'iss baar bhi Trump sarkar': Shashi Tharoor#WashingtonDC pic.twitter.com/nWmnnQpHoR  ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2021

However, the US Congress on Thursday formally announced Joe Biden as the next US President released a statement pledging an orderly transition.

Tharoor also said that the administration at Delhi will have to work with the incoming Biden administration, as it tries to heal the division in its own country, working in tandem with other nations around the globe to strengthen democracy. I think Delhi will have to work with the new Biden administration as it heals its own country and works with other democracies to strengthen democracy around the world, including in the USA, he said.
PHOENIX, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Advisor Group, the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, today announced the successful recruitment of James Keller, a solo financial professional based in Allen, Texas, with $102 million in total client assets.

Mr. Keller will join Advisor Group through its subsidiary and network member firm Woodbury Financial Services. Advisor Group also includes FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., Securities America, Inc. and Triad Advisors, LLC.

With nearly 20 years of experience as a financial professional, Mr. Keller provides investment, retirement, tax and estate planning services to clients across Texas. He is a certified financial planner and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor.

Rick Fergesen, CEO and President of Woodbury, said, "James Keller has built a strong business and we are proud to welcome him to the Advisor Group and Woodbury family. We look forward to providing him with the services, platforms and solutions he needs to serve his clients and grow his business."

The move marks Mr. Keller's transition into operating as an independent financial professional.

Mr. Keller said, "As I weighed the opportunity to switch to the independent channel, it was clear that joining Advisor Group and Woodbury was the best choice for my business and my clients in the long term. Advisor Group and Woodbury provide financial professionals with all the tools they need to thrive as business owners in a competitive environment, and I am excited to take advantage of the new opportunities for growth that our relationship will foster. I am also thrilled to be working with one of Woodbury's exceptional Regional Vice Presidents, Todd Pace, who will help to further accelerate the growth of my business through recruiting and other support."

Greg Cornick, President for Advice and Wealth Management at Advisor Group, said, "On behalf of the entire Advisor Group network, it is my honor to welcome James Keller to our organization. His track record of serving clients with integrity and excellence makes him an ideal fit for us, and we are glad to have him on board. Moving forward, we will continue to make strategic investments in the tools, platforms and solutions that will empower further growth for James and all the other 11,000-plus financial professionals with whom we partner. We are, as always, in their corner, and we stand ready to help them reach new levels of success."

About Woodbury Financial Services

Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. is part of Advisor Group, the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, and is a Registered Investment Advisor, member FINRA and SIPC. Woodbury Financial has nearly 1,600 affiliated independent financial advisors and is headquartered in Oakdale, MN. Woodbury employs a client-driven approach focused on meeting the unique demands of businesses and individuals. For more information visit https://www.joinwoodbury.com/.

About Advisor Group

Advisor Group, Inc. is the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, serving approximately 11,100 financial professionals and overseeing over $450 billion in client assets. The firm is mission-driven to support the strategic role that advisors can play in the lives of their clients. Cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship and independence, Advisor Group champions the enduring value of financial professionals and is committed to being in their corner every step of the way. For more information visit https://www.advisorgroup.com.

Securities and investment advisory services are offered through the firms: FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., Triad Advisors, LLC, and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and members of FINRA and SIPC. Securities are offered through Securities America, Inc., a broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Arbor Point Advisors, LLC, Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, Inc., Securities America Advisors, Inc., and Triad Hybrid Solutions, LLC, registered investment advisers. Advisory programs offered by FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., are sponsored by VISION2020 Wealth Management Corp., an affiliated registered investment adviser. Advisor Group, Inc. is an affiliate of these firms. 20 E. Thomas Rd., Ste. 2000, Phoenix, AZ, 85012. 866.481.0379.

Media Inquiries

Joseph Kuo / Chris Clemens

Haven Tower Group

424 317 4851 or 424 317 4854

[email protected] or [email protected]

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / CanaFarma Hemp Products Corp. (CSE:CNFA) (the "Company") today announces the resignations of Frank Barone and Kirill Chumenko as officers of the Company. The Company has initiated the process of looking for the best available replacement for both of their positions. The Company wishes Frank and Kirill the best in their future endeavors.

About CanaFarma Hemp Products Corp.

CanaFarma Hemp Products Corp. is a full-service company operating in the hemp industry offering a full range of hemp-related products and services to the consumer wellness market. These products and services include growing top-quality hemp, providing hemp-processing services, and offering hemp-based products to consumers utilizing a well-established direct-to-consumer marketing approach.

For further information, please contact:

CanaFarma Hemp Products Corp.

David Lonsdale

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: + (214) 704-7942

Email: david@canafarmacorp.com

Forward Looking Statement

This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information may include financial and other projections, as well as statements regarding future plans, objectives or economic performance, or the assumption underlying any of the foregoing. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "except", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "plan", "forecast", "project", "estimate", "outlook", or the negative thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Annual Filings and Q1 Filings, and the Company's intention to satisfy the provisions of the Alternative Information Guidelines for so long as it remains in default of the filing requirements set out herein. Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the Company may not complete its audit and file the Annual Filings and/or the Q1 Filings as currently anticipated, or at all; the Company will be subject to a general cease trade order in the event that the Annual Filings and/or Q1 Filings are not completed and filed; and other related risks as set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking information. Further, any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company's management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information or events after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law, including securities laws.

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: CanaFarma Hemp Products Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623409/CanaFarma-Hemp-Products-Corp-Announces-Management-Updates
Phi Commerce has got a $4-million infusion in a Series-A funding round led by Singapore venture capital Beenext and Abhishant Pants Yatra Angel Network (YAN).

The company said the funding would be used to expand market presence, enter new geographies and improve product offerings, The Economic Times reported.

Co-founder and CEO Jose Thattil told the paper the aim was to make transactions seem invisible and eliminate friction in payments with 100 percent reliability.

The need to eliminate friction in payments with 100% reliability is a universal requirement across advanced as well as emerging economies and we are confident we will soon be replicating this success in global markets - Phi Commerce CEO

Hero Choudhary, partner at Beenext called Indias payments market the most complex with all sorts of form factors and commended Phi Commerces products for covering end-to-end omni-channel payments at scale.

Phi Commerce is a Pune-based digital payments company which facilitates 100 million monthly transactions from customers in Tier I, II and III cities. It provides API-based platforms for banks, small, medium and large businesses and payment schemes to conduct transactions via mobile, digital touch points, and doorstep or in-store options.
Gardai who seized 75,000 worth of cannabis during an operation on the south side of Cork City arrested two men and brought them before Cork District Court.

Detective Garda John Sheedy arrested Zain Ali Haidri, 29, and brought him before the court.

Ali Haidri with an address at 80 Noonan Road, The Lough, Cork, was charged with possession of cannabis and having the drug for the purpose of sale or supply at the Amber Garage on Bandon Road, on Tuesday, January 5.

Det. Garda Sheedy cautioned the 29-year-old that he did not have to say anything but that whatever he might say would be taken down in writing and given in evidence. Ali Haidri made no reply to the charge.

The detective said it was alleged that drugs squad gardai stopped a car at the Amber filling station on Tuesday and carried out a search. It was further alleged that approximately three kilos of cannabis worth 60,000 were located in the car.

Det. Garda Sheedy said there was a follow-up search at the defendants address and three quarters of a kilo of cannabis with a street value of 15,000 was discovered.

Sergeant John Kelleher said directions in the case were awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Sgt. Kelleher said there was no objection to the accused being remanded on bail but that conditions were required.

Those conditions were outlined by Det. Garda Sheedy. The accused is to sign on three days a week at Togher garda station. He must surrender his passport and undertake not to apply for a new one.

Daithi O Donnabhain solicitor, applied for free legal aid to represent the accused stating that the accused was earning 250 to 300 a week in part-time work. Judge Olann Kelleher granted free legal aid.

The case against Ali Haidri was adjourned until March 18 to allow time for the DPP to give directions.

Second man charged

While the judge was told of the alleged seizure of 15,000 worth of drugs in the house at Noonan Road there was no charge brought in relation to that aspect of the case.

Later in the day, Detective Garda Robert Kennedy brought Conor Casey of Mount St. Josephs, Bakers Road, Gurranabraher, Cork, before the same court on the same two charges of having cannabis and having them for sale or supply at the Amber filling station on Bandon Road on January 5.

The 24-year-old was remanded on bail to March 18 also, on condition that he would sign three times a week at Gurranabraher garda station and not apply for travel documents.
HANCOCK COUNTY, Iowa - What began as a report of a burglary in progress resulted in a pursuit that went from Britt eastbound on Highway 18 before the suspect eventually fled on foot.

Jason Bendickson, 45, of Mason City, is facing multiple charges in connection to the incident Wednesday.

According to court documents, authorities were called to the 700 block of 1st Ave. SW at 8:59 p.m.

Upon arrival, deputies spotted a vehicle believed to be connected to the burglary and a pursuit began. The vehicle eventually reached speeds of 90 miles per hour on Highway 18 before it ultimately came to a stop.

That's when authorities said Bendickson fled on foot. Inside the car, suspected methamphetamine and marijuana were located.

He is facing nine total charges, including felony eluding, interference with officials acts, drug charges and a number of traffic violations.
Multiple Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities have reacted with shock after supporters of the US President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday night. Stars such as Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Sacha Baron Cohen and multiple others have called out the unfair and lenient way the rioters were handled by the police, compared to the Black Lives Matters protestors earlier last year.

Indian stars such as Richa Chadha, Swara Bhasker, Lisa Ray, Celina Jaitley and others have also been tweeting about the storming of the Capitol. HOW were they allowed to get this far???????? Where are the guns and sophisticated machinery that peaceful BLM activists were faced with?!?!, wrote Swara in a tweet. Unfolding like a QAnon prophecy... now awaiting reptilians...dark dark day for America... erstwhile spreader of offshore democracy, wrote Richa.

Unfolding like a QAnon prophecy... now awaiting reptilians...dark dark day for America... erstwhile spreader of offshore democracy.  https://t.co/RML2JxpXfk  TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) January 6, 2021

Protesters taking over Capitol Hill...This is what @realDonaldTrump has brought America to ..The founding fathers must be turning in their graves pic.twitter.com/tYDnK4x83r  Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) January 7, 2021

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma shared a picture of rioters scaling the walls of the Capitol building and wrote, Protesters taking over Capitol Hill...This is what @realDonaldTrump has brought America to ..The founding fathers must be turning in their graves.

Avengers star Chris Evans wrote, Just think of the carnage had they not been white. Mark Ruffalo, who had been tweeting about the entire episode for hours wrote, Imagine if this was our side. There would be rivers of our blood in the streets and not a single one of us would be armed. This has been allowed. #CoupAttempt.

Imagine if this was our side. There would be rivers of our blood in the streets and not a single one of us would be armed. This has been allowed. #CoupAttempt  Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) January 6, 2021

Hey Mark Zuckerberg, @jack, @SusanWojcicki and @sundarpichai -- Donald Trump just incited a violent attack on American democracy.



Is that FINALLY enough for you to act?!



It's time to ban Donald Trump from your platforms once and for all! pic.twitter.com/4oWoiMu0eC  Sacha Baron Cohen (@SachaBaronCohen) January 6, 2021

Just think of the carnage had they not been white.  Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) January 6, 2021

Sacha called on Twitter and Google to ban Donald Trump for inciting violence. Hey Mark Zuckerberg, @jack, @SusanWojcicki and @sundarpichai -- Donald Trump just incited a violent attack on American democracy. Is that FINALLY enough for you to act?! Its time to ban Donald Trump from your platforms once and for all!

Frozen star Josh Gad wrote, This is either a dereliction of duty by the Capital Police or a complicit desire to not plan for the known threat of chaos today. Either way, this is inexcusable. If you can be prepared for imaginary ANTIFA protestors, you had no business not prepping for these actual terrorists.

Also read: Inside Deepika Padukone birthday celebrations: Ranveer plays host, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt attend. See pics

The crowd, made up of supporters of President Donald Trump, opposed the certification underway in Congress of Joe Bidens presidential election win in November. They stormed the Capitol building in Washington, forcing lawmakers to flee to safety and leaving one woman dead.

Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have blocked Trump from posting on the platforms.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10
Following the riot and storming of the U.S. Capitol yesterday, Facebook has decided to suspend President Trumps Facebook account at least through Jan. 20. The presidents Facebook and Instagram accounts were initially suspended only temporarily, but on Thursday Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the suspension would be extended We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great, he said. Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete.Most other major social media platforms also implemented certain degrees of suspension on Trumps accounts as well. Twitter, the platform the president uses most often, suspended his account for 12 hours, specifically citing three tweets for severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy. Per the BBC , the platform also stated that Future violations of the Twitter Rules... will result in permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account.YouTube has removed the video from President Trumps channel of his statement from the White House during the riots, stating that it violated the companys ban on election misinformation. Snapchat also suspended the presidents account, though it did not say when that suspension might be lifted.


A Republican state lawmaker from the Salem area enabled violent right-wing protesters against COVID-19 restrictions to breach the Capitol building as the Legislature met in special session on Dec. 21, House Speaker Tina Kotek said during a press conference Thursday morning.

Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence, did open a door to allow demonstrators into the building, Kotek said during a press briefing. This was a serious, serious breach of public trust.

Protesters twice sprayed Oregon State Police with some kind of chemical agent, as troopers sought to push the insurgents out of the vestibule, police said at the time. At least four people were arrested on charges related to the Dec. 21 gathering at the Capitol, including at least two who gained entrance to the Capitol allegedly with Nearmans help. Portland resident Chandler Pappas, faces charges of assaulting six police officers, first-degree burglary, riot and criminal trespass while possessing a gun. Earlier this week, a judge deemed Pappas a public safety risk.

Nearman did not respond to requests for comment early Thursday afternoon on Koteks statements. House Republicans did not immediately have a comment on the allegation that one of their caucus members allowed violent and allegedly armed rioters into the Capitol.

In addition to clashing with police, demonstrators broke a door window in another attempt to break into the building and reportedly assaulted journalists.

.@TinaKotek calls Rep Nearman's actions "reckless and dangerous" + says they terrorized fellow lawmakers and staff, particularly lawmakers of color b/c of the white supremacist element in these groups.



Kotek says leaders are exploring how to respond to Nearman's actions. #orleg https://t.co/dzFj7yTsLq  Hillary Borrud (@hborrud) January 7, 2021

Right-wing demonstrators breach of the Capitol was especially terrifying to lawmakers of color because of some of the those protesters support for white supremacy, Kotek said.

The Oregon Capitol building is closed to the public, with the exception of journalists, as COVID-19 continues to spread out-of-control in the state. Floor sessions and committee meetings have been streamed online and the Legislature has also taken remote public testimony. Oregons regular legislative session is set to begin Jan. 19 and could last more than five months, but legislative leaders currently plan to spend the first couple months vetting bills in virtual public hearings and work sessions. Votes on the passage of bills might not begin until April, top lawmakers said on Thursday.

Kotek said the demonstrators were intent on disrupting lawmakers work, which on Dec. 21 focused on extending an eviction moratorium and other pandemic and wildfire recovery efforts, and she and Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, likened the demonstrators to the mob of pro-Trump extremists who broke into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Oregon State Police continue to investigate the Dec. 21 incident and legislative leaders are looking into what penalties they could impose on a lawmaker who let rioters into the Capitol, Kotek said. She and Courtney said work is underway to increase safety at the Capitol, both through enhanced trainings for people who work there and facility improvements that they declined to describe.

Training is going to be more intense this year, get more real, Courtney said. At the same time, Courtney said state police are limiting the intelligence they share with lawmakers about potential threats to the Capitol because police have seen evidence that people who might present a threat have knowledge of Capitol operations. They cant tell us everything for fear it will get out, Courtney said.

Nearman has in the past been connected to armed right-wing demonstrators at the Capitol who clashed with law enforcement. In 2017, Nearmans legislative aide Angela Roman pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor weapons charge after she illegally lent her pistol to a man who was a convicted felon and therefore unable to possess guns.

Roman lent the gun to Matthew Heagy so that he could act as a security guard for members of a right-wing extremist group called the Oregon Three Percenters, a wing of the anti-government and self-described militia movement, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported in 2017. The Three Percenters were among pro-Trump and anti-Trump groups who clashed at the Capitol during the 2017 protest. In a parallel to what unfolded at the Dec. 21 Capitol breach, Heagy was arrested and found to have Romans gun after Heagy pepper sprayed a state trooper. Heagy was sentenced to two years in prison.

 Hillary Borrud
Mumbai, Jan 7 : Actress Tanya Abrol, who shot to fame playing the spirited Balbir Kaur in Chak De! India, has joined the cast of the television series Maddam Sir.

"Over the last couple of years I have been mostly focusing on films and the web. But after learning about the role and also the case that I will be a part of, I was inclined to explore the genre and the character," said the actress, about her decision to work in the web series.

Talking about her character Dipti, Tanya shared: "Dipti is an interesting character and the episodes highlight the case of daughters' rights to ancestral property after marriage. Dipti is in a bid to save her family's 'akhada' (wrestling ground), and the upcoming episodes will throw light on this issue in an engaging way as she knocks the door of Mahila Police Thana." Tanya, who was seen last year in the horror film Durgamati, has promised viewers of "Maddam Sir" some "action-packed 'akhada' fights and a glimpse into Dipti's life".

She also opened up on the difference between doing films and television.

"There's a vast difference between shooting for films and television. Television requires you to be spontaneous, especially when you are entering a show mid-way. You need to quickly grasp the nuances of the character and deliver, while in films, you get a lot of time to prepare for your character," said the "CID" actress.

"I personally appreciate the work and effort it takes to roll out episodes after episodes in a television show. Television creates characters which every household remembers and love mainly because of the reach," she added.

Maddam Sir airs on Sony SAB.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 22:56:32|Editor: huaxia

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KUNMING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- As the rising sun over the rippling Erhai Lake suffused the clouds with splendid hues, tourists walked along the lakeshore to find the perfect spot to capture the view, with the twittering of black-headed gulls embellishing the pleasant aura.

The picturesque scenery is now a common sight at the once heavily polluted lake in southwest China's Yunnan Province thanks to its improving environment that has attracted more wintering birds in recent years.

Located in the province's Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Erhai Lake sits at some 2,000 meters above sea level and stretches more than 250 sq km. A major tourist draw, the ear-shaped freshwater lake has attracted tens of millions of tourists every year since local tourism began flourishing in the 1990s.

However, the booming tourism, coupled with rapid urbanization, took its toll on the lake, causing water quality degradation and toxic blue-green algae blooms.

President Xi Jinping visited the lake during an inspection tour of Yunnan in January 2015, stressing ecological protection of the lake and calling on residents and the local government to protect the lake's natural beauty forever.

During his visit, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized the priority of ecological and environmental protection.

When it comes to ecological protection, "we cannot afford to be penny wise and pound foolish, or catch one and lose another," he said. "We should also not live beyond our means or be more interested in the here and now while ignoring our long-term interests."

In response to Xi's call, the local government launched a series of ecological projects in 2016 to prevent and control pollution and restore the environment of Erhai Lake.

More than 2,400 lakeside guesthouses and restaurants were asked to suspend business so that sewage treatment facilities could be upgraded to prevent the discharging of untreated wastewater into the lake. Algae treatment facilities were established around the lake and a waste disposal factory was built to turn animal wastes into organic fertilizers.

The cultivation of garlic, which entails the use of large amounts of chemical fertilizers, was banned in the lake basin.

An Nan, who owns a lakeside guesthouse, had halted his homestay business for more than a year to make way for the conservation projects.

"We owe our business success to Erhai Lake. As long as it is well protected, we don't have to worry about our livelihoods," An said. "What's the point of having suites with a lake view if the lake itself is dirty and stinky like before?"

Official data showed that more than 20 billion yuan (about 3.1 billion U.S. dollars) has been poured into lake restoration projects in the past five years.

The arduous efforts have paid off. In 2019 and 2020, the surface water quality of Erhai Lake remained between Class II and Class III, indicating good water quality, according to the Yunnan provincial department of ecology and environment.

"A cleaner Erhai Lake is bringing more tourists to Dali, which is a boon for my business," An said.

Chen Jian, Party secretary of Dali, said the prefecture has been following a path of green development.

"With the improving water quality of Erhai Lake, we have more time to adjust our industrial structure and further promote green development," he said. "The protection of the lake is bringing more economic benefits."

"Mountains and rivers green are mountains of silver and gold," Xi has reiterated on several occasions. The dialectical words, known as the "two mountains" concept in Chinese, are a key component of Xi's thought on ecological progress.

During another inspection tour of Yunnan in January 2020 when he visited Dianchi Lake, a plateau lake in the provincial capital Kunming, Xi stressed abandoning the old way of achieving economic development at the cost of the environment.

After learning about the conservation efforts at Dianchi Lake as well as the improvement in its water quality during that visit, Xi urged continuous efforts to restore the ecology of the lake.

The largest freshwater lake on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Dianchi Lake used to be one of the most polluted lakes in China, with its water quality graded Class V for a long time in the 1990s, the worst level in the country's water quality grading system.

Years of restoration efforts by the government and the public, including pollution control, water replenishment and wetland restoration, are helping the lake regain its lost luster.

Its surface water quality improved to Class IV in 2018, the best in 30 years, and has remained at the level over the past two years, according to the Dianchi Lake administration bureau.

The water quality of 17 rivers, making up nearly half of the waterways entering Dianchi Lake, reached Class III level or even better in 2020, compared with just five rivers in 2015, statistics from the Kunming municipal ecology and environment bureau showed.

Fu Wen, head of the Dianchi Lake administration bureau, said they will follow Xi's instructions to step up pollution control, ecological restoration and intelligent management of the lake to further improve its water quality. Enditem

The uncomfortable questions facing Capitol Police over the security breach by MAGA mob

When die-hard Trump supporters are able to storm the U.S. Capitol and forcefully occupy offices in the House and the Senate, questions over security are going to be asked.

I am an academic criminologist who in an earlier life served as a senior policy adviser at the Department of Homeland Security. Moreover, as a 27-year veteran of the Boston Police Department, I have firsthand experience of major policing operations.

Something clearly didnt go to plan on Wednesday. The man in charge of policing that day, U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, has since announced he is resigning. But even with him gone, what will remain are serious questions that will need to be answered about how an angry mob was able to circumvent security and enter the Capitol building.

Was there a failure of intelligence?

Washington, D.C., is one of the most heavily policed cities in the world. The U.S. Capitol Police is a force that numbers around 2,000 officers and operates with an annual budget of US$460 million. Their job is to protect the U.S. Congress. There is every reason to believe that they should have known that Trump supporters intended to descend upon the Capitol with the intention of thwarting the peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden.

After all, Trump has been signaling his followers on Twitter for weeks, promising on Dec. 19 that the day would be wild. Meanwhile some of his supporters in the MAGA world have made no secret of their intention to disrupt the ratification of the Electoral College votes by the Congress. And on the day itself, Trump urged a crowd to march on the Capitol.

And police in D.C. would not have been operating on their own. The Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Intelligence and Analysis coordinates intelligence-gathering activities between and among state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement agencies and likely would have -- or certainly should have -- been aware of the activities of some of the attackers and their plans to storm the Capitol on Wednesday.

Additionally, the U.S. Capitol has its own dedicated intelligence fusion center -- the National Capital Region Threat Intelligence Consortium. This center serves to identify, collect, analyze and disseminate threat-related intelligence to law enforcement. It is certainly fair to question whether these intelligence-gathering organizations were aware of plans to attack the Capitol and whether they communicated that information to the Capitol Police.

The ease with which assailants were able to breach security at the Capitol building appears to suggest there wasnt enough intelligence for police to prepare appropriately.

How were Trump supporters able to breach the barriers?

That apparent lack of intelligence may have contributed to the police being outnumbered and outmaneuvered. Video images depicting the assault show police running away from protesters. Many police officers in the video footage I have seen are not wearing protective equipment or headgear and do not appear to be carrying assault rifles and other weapons commonly seen when facing anti-racism protests.

There will be questions as to why more resources were not deployed -- in regards to both the number of officers and blockades to protect the Capitol. The Capitol Police had more than sufficient time to erect heavy-duty crowd control barrier fencing in multiple rows around the entire perimeter of the Capitol building; this is a basic crowd-control technique and one not in evidence during the siege.

Likewise, police chiefs could have deployed sufficient numbers of uniformed personnel, equipped with riot gear -- something akin to the commanding police presence seen in the anti-racist protests in U.S. cities in 2020 -- to be able to effectively deter, and if need be to confront and to disperse, the number of rioters who converged on the Capitol. We saw no police in Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vans or other military-type vehicles, none on horseback or on motorcycles, and certainly nothing akin to what was on display at the Lincoln Memorial in June 2020 during the anti-racism protests there.
Daniel Andrews has admitted his wife played a pivotal role in convincing him to cut his holiday short by two weeks and go back to work.

The Victorian premier held a press conference on Thursday as Prime Minister Scott Morrison brought forward a cabinet meeting to discuss strengthening the safety of Australia's hotel quarantine program.

Mr Andrews said though there was another reason why he decided to cut short his leave - which should have lasted until January 20 - before the scheduled end date.

'To be honest, Cath said to me last night "youre on the phone, 20 hours a day, you should just go back - so I'm back",' he said.

Daniel Andrews pictured with his wife Catherine. He admitted his wife played a pivotal role in convincing him to cut his holiday short

He said his time away from the job had been far from a holiday and that he spent most of his leave monitoring the growing cluster of cases in Black Rock in Melbourne's south-east.

'Its not about me - Im not seeking your collective sympathy,' he said.

'There is a job to be done Ive been following things very closely and very actively and this is the right thing to do.'

Both NSW and Victoria recorded zero locally acquired cases on Thursday.

The premier had come under fire over the New Year period for taking holiday as Victoria recorded its first cases of community transmission in 61 days.

The criticism he received online mirrored that Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison copped when he flew to Hawaii with his family during the horror bushfire season a year ago.

Mr Andrews addresses the media on Thursday. He said he spent most of his leave monitoring the growing cluster of cases in Black Rock in Melbourne's south-east

'Why is Dan Andrews on holidays? I'm sure we all remember the outrage last year when Scott Morrison went on leave,' one man tweeted.

Another added: 'Where is the faithful leader Dictator now? Martin Foley, said Victoria is in a crisis right now, panicking, scared, all the leftards wanted to smash Scott Morrison for being on his pre-arranged holiday. Where is the Dictator?'

Others hadn't forgotten the devastation caused by Victoria's recent horror wave of coronavirus which claimed more than 800 lives and plunged the state into lockdown for three months.

Mr Andrews pictured with his wife in 2017. 'Cath said to me last night "youre on the phone, 20 hours a day, you should just go back",' he said on Thursday

Mr Andrews was trolled online for taking time off over the Christmas/New Year period. He is pictured with his wife and three children on Christmas Day

The Premier sparked online outrage similar to when Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison flew off to Hawaii with his family during the horror bushfires 12 months ago

'Dan Andrews got an 11.8 per cent salary increase this year. Meanwhile many Victorians didnt even have a job due to his failings as premier. Now hes on holiday while many Victorians are still unemployed. The only positive I can think of is he isnt here to manage the six cases,' one person commented.

Mr Andrews famously took his first day off in four months in November after facing the media for 120 consecutive days straight during his state's second horror wave.

He made headlines around the world with his lengthy daily briefings.
An emergency room nurse walks through the Clinical Decision Unit at the newly-opened Berenson Emergency Department at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston on July 16, 2001. (Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

Chinese Researcher Gets Time Served for Lying About Taking Research Materials From Harvard

A Chinese medical researcher flew back to China after he was sentenced to the time he spent in U.S. custody.

Zheng Zaosong, 31, came to the United States on a J-1 visa in August 2018 and conducted cancer cell research at Harvard Universitys Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was arrested on Dec. 10, 2019 at Bostons Logan International Airport, where he was found with 21 vials containing biological materials in his luggage. He lied and answered no when asked by federal officers whether he was traveling with any biological items.

In December last year, he pleaded guilty to one count of making false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements to federal investigators. He admitted that he intended to use those vials to conduct research at his laboratory in Chinas Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital and then publish findings under his own name.

As part of Zhengs plea deal, U.S. prosecutors dropped a smuggling charge against him.

On Dec. 6, Zheng was sentenced to the time (about 87 days) he had spent in custody following his arrest, according to a press release from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

His lawyer Norman Zalkind confirmed in an email to The Epoch Times that his client flew back to China Wednesday night.

Efforts to steal U.S. intellectual property to benefit Beijing have been a major concern for U.S. officials in recent years. In October 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned U.S. universities to be aware of Chinas attempts to steal trade secrets via the researchers it recruited.

In November last year, Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced a bill (H.R.8777) aimed at reforming the student visa application process to stop Chinas theft.

Several U.S.-based researchers have also been prosecuted in criminal cases for attempting to steal or stealing trade secrets to benefit China.

Most recently, in December last year, Yu Zhou pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including conspiring to steal scientific trade secrets from the Ohio-based Research Institute at Nationwide Childrens Hospital, where he and his wife Chen Li worked for 10 years, according to the DOJ. His wife pleaded guilty in July 2020.

Together, the couple founded a biotech firm in China that sold products, including a kit that was developed from a trade secret created at a Nationwide Childrens research lab, prosecutors said.

Zhengs employer in China, the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, has close ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The hospital, an affiliated medical center of Sun Yat-Sen University located in southern Chinas Guangzhou city, has several Party branches and a Party committee.

The Chinese regime mandates any organization, including foreign companies, with at least three CCP members to form a Party branch.

According to the hospitals website, officials from the universitys Party committee held a hospital staff meeting in May 2018. Wang Jingfeng, the party secretary of the hospitals Party committee, said the facility was proactively perfecting its party organizations and had projects to inspire grassroots Party building.

In July 2019, the hospitals website reported that Hu Hai, party secretary of the oncology departments Party branch, led its members on a tour of a local Chinese military memorial to enhance their Party nature.

The above-mentioned hospital webpages have since been removed.

Vaccine rollouts in the UK, USA and Israel so far.

Australia's COVID vaccine rollout will now begin in mid- to late February. Vaccination will commence with workers dealing with international arrivals or quarantine facilities, frontline health workers and those living in aged care or with a disability.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the government "optimistically" aims to vaccinate 80,000 Australians a week, and four million by the end of March.

The first vaccine doses were initially planned for March, but the rollout has now been brought forward, pending the Therapeutic Goods Administration's approval of the Pfizer vaccine, anticipated by the end of January. Morrison said it would take a further two weeks for the first shipments of vaccine to arrive after that.

The government envisages delivering the vaccine via 1,000 distribution points, including general practitioners and possibly pharmacists.

Department of Health Secretary Brendan Murphy described the rollout as "the most complex logistical exercise in our country's history."

If the government's ultimate target is to still vaccinate a minimum 80% of Australians (widely viewed as the threshold for herd immunity) by October, time will be tight to give 21 million people the requisite two doses.

The biggest threat to this timetable will be continued COVID outbreaks that take up health workers' valuable expertise and time.

NASA-like logistics

Executing the plan to vaccinate frontline workers, the vulnerable and then everyone else, will require NASA-like logistics. Intact delivery of Pfizer's vaccine famously requires an ultra-cold chain of -70. Each "shipper box" holds 975 vials, each containing five doses.

According to Pfizer, once opened, a box requires dry ice every five days, delivered within 60 seconds of lifting the lid, to maintain its temperature. From the first opening of a box, the full contents of 4,875 doses must be injected within 30 days.

The next challenge is to have the right number of recipients at each vaccination session, arriving at the right time. Each vial takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours to defrost at room temperature, or 2-3 hours at normal refrigeration temperatures of 2-8. Defrosted vials must be used within 84 hours. The vaccine must be diluted with sodium chloride and then injected within 6 hours.

Before receiving the vaccine, each person must be pre-screened to rule out serious adverse reactions, medications, food allergies or other medical indications that might preclude them from receiving the injection. Pfizer also requires patients to give informed consent, having been advised of any risks, however small, associated with the vaccine.

For the vaccine to be effective, each recipient needs a second dose at the correct interval, 21 days according to Pfizer and Moderna, and 28 days for AstraZeneca Oxford and the same vaccine for the first and second dose in accordance with the protocols.

Getting better with practice

Logistical lessons learned will presumably make the subsequent rollout of the Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines potentially easier. We should certainly hope so, given the government's target will necessitate vaccinating 21 million Australians within little more than 240 days.

The United Kingdom has vaccinated 944,539 people (1.4% of the population) since December 13, at a daily average rate of 67,467. Even at its peak daily rate of 87,174, it will take well over three years to vaccine 80% of the population.

The United States has vaccinated 5,306,797 people (1.6% of the population) since December 23. With its peak daily rate of 358,887, it will take 4 years to vaccinate 80% of people.

Israel has so far had the fastest rollout in relative terms, having vaccinated 1,482,307 people (16% of the population) since December 26, an average of 87,195 people per day. At its peak daily rate of 150,000, Israel will have vaccinated 80% of its population in just 39 days, and the entire population in 51 days.

Australia has a longer time frame for hitting 80%, but a population three times the size of Israel's. Overall, an average of about 170,000 injections per day will be needed to deliver the necessary 42 million doses to 21 million Australians over 245 days (March to October).

Extrapolating from Israel's 325 injecting sites we would need more of them. The Australian government has identified 1,000 injecting sites. One recipient injected every 15 minutes seems to be the standard.

To achieve 80% injection coverage (two injections for 21 million people) every 15 minutes, would require each injecting site to have at least eight injectors per day, or 8,000 across the 1,000 distribution sites nationwide.

In Israel, the strategy of using the care network, called kupot cholim, enables local branches to manage 75% of their local rollout.

Australia's government plans to use GPs and pharmacies as injecting sites. Staff at each location will need to be trained for the logistics about timing and keeping record of the type of vaccination each recipient receives.

How do we protect frontline workers?

Protecting frontline workers by vaccinating them first is understandable, although evidence currently available indicates vaccines prevent symptomatic and severe infection. We need to wait to see if they also prevent asymptomatic infection.

Addressing the weaknesses in the return traveler program to suppress the virus circulating is our main threat to the vaccination rollout; this would mean fewer community clusters and less time spent by health workers attending COVID cases and outbreak management. Indeed, Israel's speed of vaccination may be derailed by its third wave necessitating a protracted lockdown.

To prevent the vaccination rollout from derailing we must also quickly eliminate or at least severely suppress the current outbreaks in Greater Sydney and Melbourne. Eliminating the current spread rapidly as possible will deprive the virus of hosts and protect everyone.

Even with the best-laid plans, the vaccine rollout could still be derailed if resources are drained by having to respond to new COVID clusters.

Ultimately, success hinges not just on vaccine logistics but also on tightening the remaining weaknesses in our processes for quarantine and handling returned travelers. Removing the distraction of outbreaks will give us the best chance of getting enough people successfully vaccinated.

Explore further UK vaccinates 137,000 in first week since shot rollout

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Several road projects to alleviate traffic congestion on important streets leading to the center of Ho Chi Minh City have remained on paper due to sluggish site clearance and investors' inadequate financial capability.

The projects include six street expansions and elevated roads near Tan Son Nhat International Airports, with a combined investment of VND7 trillion (US$302.5 million).

Among that, the renovation of Cong Hoa Street in Tan Binh District, which costs VND141.8 billion ($6.1 million) and is slated for completion after only six months of construction, has yet been carried out though it was approved five years ago.

Likewise, the project expanding the four-kilometer Tran Quoc Hoan Street into a six-lane road to become the second major approach to Tan Son Nhat, at a cost of VND4.8 trillion ($207.6 million), has yet to be realized either.

On the eastern side of the city, the upgrade of Luong Dinh Cua Street in District 2 has only met 70 percent of completion after five years of implementation.

All of them are facing one problem in common  slow site clearance.

For instance, the construction of the My Thuy Roundabout in District 2 has seen its compensation cost double to VND1.029 trillion ($44.4 million) from VND504 billion ($21.8 million).

In addition, investors' poor financial capability is also to blame for the sluggish progress of these projects, according to Luong Minh Phuc, director of the citys Urban Traffic Constructions Investment Management Board.

For solutions to the two aforementioned barriers, Dr. Tran Quang Thang, director of the Institute for Research and Economic Management of Ho Chi Minh City, suggested giving a priority to those important infrastructure projects.

[Authorities] should prioritize more important projects with timely provision of state capital, instead of spreading investment on several projects at a time, Thang said.

In another approach, Dr. Chung Thanh Tien, an economics expert, proposed attracting investments from the private sector.

Besides, Dr. Thang emphasized the roles of authorities in site clearance.

Local authorities should make firm commitment to the site clearance deadline and must be responsible for any delays, he said.

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DAVID Finn is among business owners who are calling on the Government to clear up the uncertainty around reopening dates.

Mr Finn, a hairdresser, owns the Style Bar in Portlaoise, Co Laois and said he would prefer to know now if the current period of lockdown is going to be extended further.

He was responding to comments by Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, who said: If I was running a business now, I would be thinking its a probability that Ill be closed until the end of March. Mr Varadkar added that the situation will be reviewed at the end of January.

Mr Finn said that alerting businesses to a later reopening at this point could actually save them money. You might be able to get rebate from insurance because you can negotiate that now in advance. These are things businesses can work on, but it is very hard to do that after the fact.

He does not have an issue with the current restrictions given the high number of Covid-19 cases, but is anxious to know what will happen beyond the end of January.

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"It has been stop-start and when we got going in December, I think a lot of us thought that was going to be the end of the lockdown for a couple of months, he said. To only get 24 days of trading and to be shut down again was just disheartening.

"There are costs involved with reopening so the more that happens, the less inclined you are to be planning now for the end of January, when you dont know if that is going to be the case."

Mr Finn pointed out how, in the hairdressing industry, they need a time frame to fill or cancel appointments.

"So if people are booked in for February, do we need to cancel them? Likewise, if we knew we were reopening in March, we would start opening up appointments books for that time, but at the moment, we can do neither.

Mr Finn pointed out that businesses have ongoing costs, even when they are shut.

"We have an online booking system. We could stop that for a month or two if we knew we were going to be shut for a month or two. We pay a couple of hundred euro a month for it.

He said it wouldnt have made sense to cancel the booking system for the sake of a few weeks. However, if the situation is not going to change by the end of this month, it would be better to know now.

"We cant make any decisions because we just dont know what we are planning for."

Other ongoing costs include rent, electricity bills, phone bills and insurance costs which have to be paid every month. When there is nothing coming in, they become big bills, he said.

The 34-year-old, who employs 18 staff, added that when the pandemic is over, it will take way more than a couple of good months or a good year to replace essentially a lost year in trading.

Not knowing what is coming next poses difficulties. I have staff who dont know if their kids are going to be back to school at the end of the month. They dont know if they are going to be back to work. Nobody knows whats going on.

"Why not come out and tell everybody so people can plan?

In Dundrum, Anita Murray owner of beauty salon and spa Edvard & Pink said she would be 'hugely disappointed' if the reopening of businesses was delayed until March.

She said salons and spas accepted with the number of Covid-19 cases at the moment that

"we all need to stay at home and do our bit."

Ms Murray said that within the sector, the measures that were in place were very robust and had been effective.

"In terms of our industry and the importance of mental health, it is not just about having a wax or getting your nails polished, people's wellbeing is critical."

She has 28 staff working for her and she opened up her business in 2008.

She is hopeful that the numbers will be supressed sufficiently to allow businesses open up again in February.

"A lot of people, not just in our business, but every business in the country, people in good faith purchased gift vouchers and gift cards and people I sure would like to use them."

She said that there is "a great responsibility on business owners to keep people safe and salons and spas including our own has made enormous investment in following the guidelines and investing in all the materials and PPE."

"I think we need to be looking at the data and if we are able to present a case that our settings are safe and we are not responsible for any outbreaks, then there should be consideration around the reopening in February."

Meanwhile giving his reaction to Mr Varadkar's comments, Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive of Irish Small and Medium Enterprises (ISME) body said: "Given the direction of travel in the infection numbers, Government action was necessary.

However, it is the uncertainty "that is the real killer for a lot of business".

He pointed out that the Tanaiste's words mean some don't know when they will open again.

Mr McDonnell said that lockdowns have a cumulative effect. "Businesses do not get back to normal when lockdowns end, and revenue losses cannot be made up retrospectively for the vast majority of businesses."

He added that continued business supports are essential, but must not be made difficult to access.

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WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump is unlikely to be able to implement his plan to exclude undocumented immigrants from being counted for a decade's worth of congressional apportionment, because the Census Bureau has projected it won't be able to get state population totals to him before he leaves office.

Trump's historically unprecedented plan, announced in July, probably would have given House Republicans a political advantage. It sparked a flurry of lawsuits, and three federal courts ruled that it was illegal. The Supreme Court said last month that it was too early to rule on it.

The administration had been pushing the bureau to deliver state population counts and a tally of undocumented immigrants to the president by late December or early January. But in a court hearing Monday and a legal filing on Tuesday, Justice Department lawyers said that recently discovered anomalies in the data mean the counts won't be ready until after Feb. 9.

At a case management conference before U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh of the Northern District of California. Justice Department attorney John Coghlan said the latest anomalies were discovered Monday. He called the delivery date a "moving target," adding, "These kinds of estimates continue to move and evolve on a daily basis."

The new anomalies join at least 15 that were identified last month and affect more than 1 million Census records. The statutory deadline for delivering state population totals to the president was Dec. 31, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed the 2020 count, causing Census Bureau officials to request more time to complete collection and processing.

In November, bureau officials told the Commerce Department that the count would not be completed until late January or early February. But since then the bureau had publicly and repeatedly said it was trying to deliver the data as close to the original deadline as it could, raising the possibility that it could happen before Trump left office.

Court challenges to the 2020 census began years ago after Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced plans to add a citizenship question and the Supreme Court ruled it violated federal law.

Decennial census data, which normally takes five months to process post-count, is used to divvy up congressional seats - a process called apportionment - and determines federal funding and state redistricting for the next 10 years. Finishing by Dec. 31 would have meant cutting processing time in half, in a census that faced more challenges than usual because of coronavirus delays, natural disasters, and litigation and uncertainty over its end date.

"The Census Bureau clearly needs more time to ensure the most accurate state population counts for apportionment possible," said Terri Ann Lowenthal, a former staff director of the House census oversight subcommittee. "Even relatively small mistakes in the counting process could affect which states get the final seats in the House, if the bureau doesn't fix those errors."

If undocumented immigrants were excluded from state population totals, California, Florida and Texas would each end up with one less congressional seat than they would have been awarded based on population change alone, the Pew Research Center estimates. And Alabama, Minnesota and Ohio would each hold on to a seat that they would have lost if apportionment were based only on total population change.

But no complete tallies of undocumented immigrants exist, and it was never clear how the government planned to act on Trump's desire to identify, count and exclude undocumented immigrants.

However, Lowenthal cautioned on Wednesday that despite the latest projections, the door may not be completely closed on the president's plan.

"President Trump could still try to pressure the bureau to rush the process, skip steps that would help ensure accurate results, and give Secretary Ross what essentially incomplete data for apportionment before he leaves office on January 20," she said. "It's hard to say with certainty that the current president won't try to manipulate the process in the closing days of his term. Hopefully, cooler, objective heads will prevail, though."
K ate Garraway has said she will no longer be able to visit her husband Derek Draper in hospital because of new lockdown restrictions.

Draper, 53, was admitted to hospital with the virus in March. He is one of the longest running Covid-19 intensive care patients in the UK.

As a result of Mondays announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson of a third nationwide lockdown, the hospital where the Good Morning Britain presenters husband is receiving treatment has banned visitors.

Speaking to Dr Hilary Jones and Good Morning Britain co-host Ben Shephard, Garraway, 53, said: Now Im in a position where even I cant visit.

Were into lockdown, no visits at all, which I hope doesnt continue for the whole of lockdown because I think that will be very impactful.

Although the presenters visits to hospital were infrequent, she said the new restrictions were tough on her family.

The presenter, who has two children Darcey and William with Draper, said: The ability was very carefully controlled in situations where you could get some sort of access.

"Now, I dont know whether its every hospital, but certainly where Derek is being treated there are now no visitors at all, which is tough.

Garraway confirmed her family were able to see Draper over Christmas.

There was a lovely moment which we did have which was we did over the period get to see Derek and the children did, which was the first time theyve been able to do that, she revealed.
Galveston, TX (77553)

Today

A few clouds. Low 76F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 76F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Congress certified President-elect Joe Bidens 306 electoral votes early Thursday morning despite challenges from Republican representatives seeking to reject electoral votes from several swing states.

Three Michigan Republicans -- U.S. Reps. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet; Tim Walberg, R-Tipton; and Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township -- objected to Electoral College votes in Arizona and Pennsylvania. A challenge of Michigans 16 electoral votes cast for Biden by members of the U.S. House did not find a Senator needed to move forward, so no debate or vote was held.

U.S. Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, filed the objection for Michigan and said she had the support of 70 colleagues. Its not clear whether that includes Michigan representatives who said they would back challenges in statements released before the vote.

Congress was interrupted for several hours Wednesday after protesters supporting President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol. The mob clashed with police officers and broke into the barricaded House and Senate chambers, resulting in the death of an Air Force veteran who was shot in the chaos.

The National Guard and state and federal police were called to control the situation, and the mayor of Washington imposed an evening curfew. Proceedings resumed in the late evening after rioters were cleared from the Capitol.

Congress finished certifying Electoral College votes in all states shortly before 4 a.m. after hearing debate and holding votes on objections to electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania. President Donald Trump issued a statement affirming Biden as the victor after weeks of refusing to acknowledge the election result.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th, the statement read. I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

Congress voted along party lines to accept Arizonas electoral votes with 121 House Republicans and six Senate Republicans backing the objection. Pennsylvanias challenge also failed, with 138 House Republicans and seven Senate Republicans backing the objection.

Bergman issued a statement shortly after the Arizona vote saying irregularities, discrepancies, and usurpation of state election laws require an investigation into the 2020 election.

The Electoral Count Act of 1887 gives Congress the opportunity to object to any state where any member believes votes were either unlawfully certified or not regularly given, Bergman said in the statement. That is what I did today, and what many before me have done - including in recent elections.

Bergman, a retired U.S. Marine, also denounced the mob of protesters that stormed the Capitol, calling their actions un-American and a disgrace to our republic.

READ MORE ON MLIVE:

Michigan representatives denounce attack on U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump mob

Congressman Upton says attack on Capitol will stain Trumps legacy

West Michigan Republicans describe siege of Capitol by pro-Trump domestic terrorists


The velocity of our growth in the upstream market continues to increase as more and more producers like Oxley Energy discover the benefits of a true SaaS experience, modern software purpose built for the tough challenges of today and tomorrow

W Energy Software, the new leader in upstream and midstream oil & gas SaaS ERP solutions, announces that Oxley Energy has signed software licenses for its Production Operations, Drilling, and Well Work software modules. The announcement follows a head-to-head evaluation of the operators existing field data capture, operations management, and production reporting solution in which W Energy Software was selected to replace the legacy software vendor. Top reasons for selecting W Energy Software include its unified upstream ERP platform built on the cloud, superior integration between field operations and accounting systems, fast and reliable daily allocations, and cost-effective licensing compared to legacy software.

Headquartered in Houston, Oxley Energy is a privately held energy company with operations in Oklahomas Arkoma Basin. In addition to managing extensive production operations, the producer manages drilling and completion operations in its area of interest. The company had relied on a legacy production operations solution to capture field data, allocate daily production volumes, and generate operational reports, however the software provided poor integration with its accounting system and was expensive to license. To manage drilling, repair, and other well work, Oxley Energys staff relied on manual, spreadsheet-based workflows.

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A warm welcome to the newest member of the W Energy Software family and a big thank you for placing Oxley Energys trust in our upstream ERP platform, which will accelerate business performance across field operations, from drilling logistics and field cost tracking all the way through to well operations and production reporting, said Pete Waldroop, CEO of W Energy Software. The velocity of our growth in the upstream market continues to increase as more and more producers like Oxley Energy discover the benefits of a true SaaS experience, modern software purpose built for the tough challenges of today and tomorrow, and a technology partner capable of powering their entire operation with a unified suite of ERP solutions for accounting, land, production operations, and regulatory, he commented.

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Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2021 4:46 pm

In mid-December, Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman texted her counterpart in Georgia to offer support and encouragement.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's top election official, was in the unenviable position of overseeing a high-stakes runoff election that will decide the balance of power in the Senate while responding to a barrage of baseless claims by President Donald Trump and his allies that the state's November election was rigged.

"I was very frustrated with some of the garbage I was hearing on the national level," Wyman, also a Republican, said.

"So I texted (him) and just said, 'Hey, hang tough. You're doing a great job. And if it's helpful, I will get on a plane tomorrow. If there's anything I can do, you let me know.' "

Raffensperger took her up on the offer and Wyman flew to Georgia last week to tour voting facilities and lend advice and moral support to election officials in the Peach State, where Tuesday's runoff will decide which party holds a majority in the Senate.

Wyman said she was impressed by the Georgia election workers' performance under enormous pressure and scrutiny, so she was "very disappointed" when she heard a recording of an hourlong phone call in which Trump pressured Raffensperger on Saturday to change the state's vote tally.

Two statewide recounts have verified that President-elect Joe Biden won Georgia by 11,779 votes.

"I just want to find 11,780 votes," Trump said. "Flipping the state is a great testament to our country because, you know, this is  it's a testament that they can admit to a mistake or whatever you want to call it."

In the call, released Sunday by the Washington Post, Raffensperger and his general counsel, Ryan Germany, calmly explained to Trump and his lawyers that their office  along with state and federal investigators  had looked into each of the unproven claims the president reeled off and found no evidence of vote rigging.

An increasingly agitated Trump brushed aside the Georgia officials' responses and continued pressing them to "recalculate" the results, alternating between flattery, criticism, begging, debunked conspiracy theories and apparent threats.

Trump also suggested Raffensperger should side with him as a member of the GOP, something Wyman took issue with as a Republican. In the highly decentralized U.S. election system, voting is run at the county or municipal level under the leadership of each state's chief election officer. In most states, including Washington and Georgia, those top officials are elected.

"When I hear anyone making an appeal to an election official based on party loyalty, it's disturbing and alarming," Wyman said. "That's asking Brad Raffensperger to violate his oath of office, to break the law and change the outcome of an election for political gain."

"Luckily for this country, Secretary Raffensperger has a great deal of integrity and moral courage."

Wyman is no stranger to contested elections. She served as Thurston County auditor during the 2004 governor's race that saw Gov. Chris Gregoire, a Democrat, defeat GOP challenger Dino Rossi by just 133 votes after multiple recounts.

Mark Braden, a Republican election lawyer who worked for Rossi in the 2004 recount, said there's a world of difference between a legitimately close election and the outcome in Georgia. Even if Trump had won the state, Biden would still have prevailed in the Electoral College vote.

"It's more frightening than it is outraging," Braden said. "I guess the president believes this stuff, but it's like believing the world is flat. It's that disconnected from reality."

"The people who count the votes in Georgia, who are in charge of the process, are Republicans. Hell, they're even conservatives. His own attorney general, who was very loyal to him ... found nothing to support these arguments."

Lisa Marshall Manheim, an associate professor of law at the University of Washington, said the call has prompted discussion in legal circles about whether Trump committed a crime by pressuring the Georgia officials.

"At best, the president's call is contemptuous of the process," Manheim said. "Regardless of whether it's technically a criminal offense, it is entirely inappropriate."

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., tweeted Monday that Trump "is spending his last days in office undermining our democracy because he didn't get what he wanted."

"It's not surprising, raises serious & potentially criminal legal concerns, & won't work," Murray wrote. "These actions are dangerous & every elected official should reject them."

Trump's call to Raffensperger came just before what is expected to be a wild week in politics. After Tuesday's voting in Georgia, Wednesday Congress will convene for what is normally a symbolic vote to certify the results of the Electoral College.

Rep. Russ Fulcher, a North Idaho Republican, announced Monday in a video posted to social media that he will object to the Electoral College results, joining a growing number of Trump loyalists in a rift that threatens to split the GOP.

While the gambit is destined to fail  it would require a majority in both the Senate and Democratic-controlled House to throw out the results  it will force Republicans to take an uncomfortable vote, either spurning the outgoing president or rejecting the same election results that got them elected.

Other congressional Republicans in the House and Senate have expressed outrage at the move. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., accused his GOP colleagues of threatening the American elections system in a Dec. 30 Facebook post.

"We have a bunch of ambitious politicians who think there's a quick way to tap into the president's populist base without doing any real, long-term damage," Sasse wrote. "But they're wrong  and this issue is bigger than anyone's personal ambitions. Adults don't point a loaded gun at the heart of legitimate self-government."

Other GOP lawmakers, including Central Washington Rep. Dan Newhouse, are trying to walk a line between the two positions, declining to object to the results while echoing Trump's unsubstantiated claims.

In a tweet Monday, Newhouse endorsed a statement by other House Republicans who wrote they are "outraged at the significant abuses in our election system ... and the lack of safeguards maintained to guarantee that only legitimate votes are cast," but would vote to certify the results because the Constitution leaves election administration to the states.

Wyman likened the baseless allegations of vote rigging from Trump and his allies to the disinformation campaigns she and her counterparts across the country have expected to come in "asymmetric warfare" efforts from countries like Russia, China and Iran.

Instead, those attacks are coming from inside the country.

"It's undermining our system of government," Wyman said. "The goal of an asymmetric warfare attack is for people to not believe the U.S. government is legitimate, because then you undermine America from within."
The Union health ministry has informed all states and union territories that the first supply of Covid-19 vaccine will be dispatched shortly. On Friday, the second phase of nationwide vaccine dry run will be taken up by all states and UTs except Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Arunachal Pradesh as they have already conducted dry run in all districts.

States like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal will receive their supply of vaccines by suppliers. While other 18 states and UTs Andaman and the Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Daman and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttarakhand, will receive their vaccines from their respective government medical store depots.

Though preparation is on for rolling out the vaccination drive, Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh are worrying, the health minister said. The ministry on Thursday wrote to these three states and West Bengal to check the sudden spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in these states.

Interacting with the state health ministers regarding the dry run, Harsh Vardhan asked them to submit their inputs after the dry run gets completed. Kerala health minister KK Shailaja raised the issue whether doctors who are practising only in private will be registered for first phase vaccination etc. There is a confusion over the cost of the immunisation drive as well. While priority groups will get the vaccine free, the Centre has not yet spelt out whether the state governments will have to pay for the doses.

Like the last round of dry run held on January 2, tomorrow too the districts will identify three types of sessions for the mock drive: district hospital, medical college/private health facility, urban/rural outreach. The steps of a dry run include beneficiary registration, micro-planning, vaccination and the Union minister emphasised that the site organisers will have to hold review meetings after the session to gather feedback. There will be four types of officers deployed at a site. Vaccinator officers include doctors, staff nurses, pharmacists who are legally authorised to give injections. Then there will be vaccine officer 1 including police, home guard, civil defence, NCC, NSS to check the registration status of a beneficiary. Then there will be vaccine officer 2 who will verify documents. Vaccine officers 3 and 4 will manage the crowd.

Two airports will be built in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan: one, as reported earlier, in Fizuli, the second in the Kelbajar-Lachin zone, President of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev said today at the meeting on the results of the previous year.

According to him, in accordance with his instructions, the territory for the construction of a modern international air harbor is being determined in the Lachin or Kelbajar regions. "Indeed, there is a very difficult relief, and the vast majority of the territories are mountainous. It is not easy to find a place there, research is underway, and I hope that information will be provided to me in the near future," AzerTAc quotes the head of state as saying.
It is official. After a nightlong debate  and an onslaught of violence as a pro-Trump mob overran the Capitol building  Congress has certified President-elect Joe Bidens victory and President Donald Trumps loss.

The violent run-up to the final vote, driven by the presidents repeatedly debunked claim that the election had been stolen, riveted and divided the state as it did the rest of the nation. Californians voted 2-1 for Biden, but more than 6 million voted to give Trump a second term in the White House.

There was defiance: In Orange County, Los Angeles, Sacramento and elsewhere, the presidents supporters took to the streets, waving Trump flags and Stop the Steal signs. Were here to stand  to stand for America and against evil, said Ken Rickner, 62, a stucco contractor from Antioch, carrying a Trump flag in a cold rain outside Californias Capitol, where about 300 people held a demonstration.

There was disgust: Im sickened. This is not our country, Rep. Jared Huffman, a Democratic congressman from San Rafael, told The San Francisco Chronicle by phone from his Capitol office as the insurrection unfolded around him and constant sirens blared outside. Rep. Karen Bass, a Democrat, called for the arrest of marauders, tweeting their photos. As the anarchy wore on, a rising chorus of Democrats  many from California  called for Trump to be removed from office. The President of the United States continues to be detached from reality, Rep. Ted Lieu tweeted. You know it. I know it. We all know it.

There was denial: The Republican leader of the state Senate, Shannon Grove of Bakersfield, posted, then quickly deleted, a tweet insisting that the mob that stormed the Capitol in Washington had been led not by fellow backers of Trump but by the leftist, anti-fascist group known as antifa. Grove later replaced the claim with a tweet scolding: Patriots dont act like this!! This is the way Antifa behaves.

There was sorrow: Although the police in Washington, D.C., did not immediately release her identity, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that a woman from the San Diego area was shot to death by Capitol Police. Relatives identified her, based on bystander videos, as a 35-year-old Air Force veteran and Trump supporter who owned a pool supply company. Its her. Its her. Its definitely her, one family member told the paper. Her ex-husband called her a wonderful woman with a big heart and a strong mind.

There was even silence: As the presidents posts on social media became progressively less true and more inflammatory, Twitter, based in San Francisco, locked his account and Facebook and Instagram, based in Menlo Park, barred him for 24 hours from publishing on their sites.

But there was mainly a collective told ya, from a state known for its Trump resistance.

Insurrection at the Capitol should be shocking, but sadly todays events were not surprising if you had been listening to Trump, Californias newly appointed senator-to-be, Alex Padilla, tweeted.

Donald Trump is responsible for this madness. He unleashed unchecked chaos that endangered many lives, tweeted his fellow Democrat, Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Gov. Gavin Newsom canceled a news briefing on COVID-19 out of an abundance of caution, calling the chaos reprehensible and an outright assault to our democracy and Democratic institutions.

We always knew this responsibility would take us into the night, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco wrote in a letter summoning her colleagues to reconvene Wednesday night after the mob, whipped up by the aggrieved president, had delayed the formal certification of the 2020 election for more than six hours. We also knew that we would be a part of history.

There was also fear: Pelosi, a frequent target of the president and his supporters, wrote that the episode presented a shameful picture of our country that was instigated at the highest level. The dispatch went out from a secure location, where security officers had taken her and other members of Congress after the stately government building devolved into chaos.

In her absence, invaders pillaged her office for trophies. The website Ars Technica reported that a host for the conservative website The Blaze tweeted and later deleted photos from Pelosis desk, gloating that emails are still on the screen along side a federal alert warning members of the current revolution.

Another trespasser was photographed with his feet on her desk. WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN, read the note he left, scrawled on a manila folder. Later, he stood outside the Capitol, his shirt open and chest bared, and bragged to my colleague Matthew Rosenberg about taking her government stationery. He insisted he didnt steal it, saying: I left a quarter on her desk.

California Republicans decried the mob, too, some later than others. Only two of the states House Republicans  Reps. Young Kim of Orange County and Tom McClintock of Elk Grove  had made it clear before Wednesday that they would certify the election, flouting the presidents entreaties.

Earlier this week, Rep. Mike Garcia, who represents the high desert exurbs of northern Los Angeles County, had echoed the presidents disinformation in an op-ed, saying that fraud needs to be eradicated. By midafternoon Wednesday, he was tweeting: This behavior isnt patriotism. Its sedition.

And the House minority leader, Kevin McCarthy, who had championed Trump and encouraged his party to contest the victory of Biden, also had second thoughts.

This is so un-American, McCarthy, a Bakersfield Republican, told Fox News as the network  long a megaphone for Trump  broadcast images of the mob scaling the Capitols walls and breaking its windows, convinced by the president that they had been dealt an existential injustice.

Officially, though, both Garcia and McCarthy still voted as the president had demanded, as did California Republican Reps. Ken Calvert, Darrell Issa, Doug LaMalfa, Jay Obernolte and Devin Nunes.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
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Like many of you reading this article, I am terribly disappointed with the outcome of the Georgia Senate races. The worst case scenario has unfolded, with an incoming Democratic president, backed by a Democrat-controlled Congress (as the incoming vice president casts the deciding vote in the Senate). And the consequences could be grave. Very grave.

But lets not throw in the towel or write the epitaph for America. Our fate is hardly sealed.

Consider this grave warning from a powerful Christian leader who warned of what was coming to our country as it threatened to lurch to the left: We may see the Bible cast into a bonfire, . . . our children, either wheedled or terrified, uniting in the mob, chanting mockeries against God . . . our wives and daughters the victims of legal prostitution; soberly dishonoured; speciously polluted; the outcasts of delicacy and virtue, and the loathing of God and man.

Yet these words do not date to 2020 or 2021. Instead, they date back to 1798. And they were spoken by none other than Rev. Timothy Dwight, the respected president of Yale. He was describing what would happen should Thomas Jefferson be elected president. It would mean the destruction of America.

As recounted by historian Stephen Prothero, Some New England ministers also saw a conspiracy afoot between Jeffersonians and the Order of Illuminati, a secret society of freethinkers that had supposedly masterminded the French Revolution and was now dedicated to creating a post-Christian New World Order.

Does this sound vaguely familiar?

And, since American society was based on the Protestant faith, and since Jefferson was hardly an orthodox Protestant, the warnings were shrill and intense: Should the infidel Jefferson be elected to the Presidency, wrote an alarmist in The Hudson Bee, the seal of death is that moment set on our holy religion, our churches will be prostrated, and some infamous prostitute, under the title of the Goddess of Reason, will preside in the Sanctuaries now devoted to the worship of the Most High. Outside the churches, murder, robbery, rape, adultery, and incest will all be openly taught and practiced, prophesied The Connecticut Courant. The American people, a Christian Federalist from Delaware added, would become more ferocious than savages, more bloody than tygers, more impious than demons.

Of course, this did not happen, and America lived on and thrived.

Could it be that our fatalistic thinking today, as in, Its all over for America! is premature? Could it be that there will be a dramatic pushback against the left in the elections that follow?

Consider a more recent example, that of President Barack Obama.

As noted by a 2016 article posted on the NPR site (yes, NPR): Every president sees his party lose hundreds of positions  it's the price a party holding the White House pays  but no president has come close to Obama. During Obama's eight years in office, the Democrats have lost more House, Senate, state legislative and governors seats than under any other president.

When Obama took office, there were 60 Democratic senators; now there are 46. The number of House seats held by Democrats has shrunk from 257 to 188.

There are now nine fewer Democratic governors than in 2009. Democrats currently hold fewer elected offices nationwide than at any time since the 1920s.

What might things look like in two or four or 8 years?

Today, roughly two weeks before Joe Biden is scheduled to be inaugurated, the Democrats have an 11-seat majority in the House and are tied 50-50 in the Senate. There are also 27 Republican governors, as compared to 23 Democratic governors.

As for Biden, there was hardly any enthusiasm behind him as a candidate, and even less for Kamala Harris. Rather, he was elected based on hatred of Trump.

In other words, there was no blue wave or blue mandate. There was more of a reaction against President Trump.

Accordingly, to the extent that the Democrats continue to move left, to that extent they could suffer even more dramatic losses. And, should the Republicans find a candidate who cannot only energize the base but also unify the party, the gains could be rapid and significant.

Of course, thats not written in stone either, and things could get really, really bad. Our liberties really could come under increased attack. The war against the unborn really could become more pitched. The democratic foundations of the nation really could be challenged. And the implications for the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong really could be severe.

But the 2020 elections are now beyond our control, and now is neither the time for self-pity nor for a hopeless, defeatist mentality.

Instead, on the spiritual side of things, Gods people need to act as if they are living in a hostile environment, one in which they cannot look to the government for deliverance or help. Instead, they need to avail themselves of the full arsenal of divine weaponry (by which I do not mean AK-47s), warring aggressively in the Spirit, overcoming evil with good, and focusing on changing the nation one heart at a time.

We must live every day as if souls hung in the balance (which they do), getting our own houses in order, putting as much focus into the Great Commission as we have into the elections, and moving out of our comfortable, spectator Christianity. We must live as if it now or never.

At the same time, all those working in the political sphere (with many godly believers included in that number) need to learn some serious lessons from the presidency of Donald Trump, both the very good and the very bad, building on the successes and learning from the failures.

If well do that, the future could look much brighter than it feels right now  but only if we seize the moment with urgency. What will it be?

WASHINGTON - When Chanelle Helm helped organized protests after the March 13 killing of Breonna Taylor, Louisville police responded with batons, flashbang grenades and tear gas. The 40-year-old Black Lives Matter activist still bears scars from rubber bullets fired at close range.

So Helm was startled and frustrated Wednesday to see a White, pro-Trump mob storm the U.S. Capitol - breaking down barricades, smashing windows and striking police officers - without obvious consequence.

"Our activists are still to this day met with hyper-police violence," Helm said. "And today you see this full-on riot - literally a coup - with people toting guns, which the police knew was coming and they just let it happen. I don't understand where the 'law and order' is. This is what white supremacy looks like."

Helm and other activists across the country who spent much of 2020 facing off with law enforcement officers while protesting police brutality and racial inequality watched with a mixture of outrage and validation as the president's supporters stormed the Capitol building during sessions of the House and Senate.

For veteran social justice demonstrators, the images of men and women wearing red Trump 2020 hats and clutching American and Confederate flags walking through the Capitol building largely unmolested came as shocking yet predictable evidence of their long-held suspicions that conservative, White protesters intent on violence would not be met with any of the strongarm tactics as anti-police brutality demonstrators.

Lezley McSpadden, mother of Michael Brown, who died at age 18 in a 2014 police shooting in Ferguson, Mo., which launched the Black Lives Matter movement, said in an interview that the lack of a police response was stunning. "There was no shooting, no rubber bullets, no tear gas," she said. "It was nothing like what we have seen. Nothing like what we have seen."

Gregory McKelvey, 27, of Portland, Ore., said he was among dozens of people who were tear-gassed and beaten by federal officers as they stood this summer in a park close to a federal courthouse in his hometown as they protested the choking death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

"We never once tried to get into the federal building," McKelvey said. "We faced off with people who looked like troops. They were dressed for war. They were in armored vehicles. And today I'm watching bike cops riding up."

The image of Confederate flags being raised over the rooftops of government buildings and atop scaffolding in Washington deadened some of the jubilation among Democratic voters in Georgia who saw the election of Georgia's first black senator Tuesday, with Rev. Raphael Warnock's victory over Kelly Loeffler, R. Democrat Jon Ossoff also won Georgia's second Senate seat, beating out incumbent David Perdue, R, and completing a Democratic flip of the chamber.

Danny T. Stone, a 62-year-old retired Army colonel and Atlanta resident, said he woke up Wednesday having his faith restored in the system and feeling grateful to God. Then he watched television scenes of a nearly all-White mob storming the Capitol. For Stone, it was a reminder of the deeply rooted White grievance that helped elect Trump once and awarded him the second-most votes ever four years later.

"When I first saw it, I was angry," Stone said. "White America made a conscious decision. But the saving grace is there was another 81 million people that said 'No.' "

While police were working to secure the Capitol on Wednesday evening, Warnock described the riot in a tweet as a "dark moment," quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"In this moment of unrest, violence and anger," Warnock wrote, "we must remember the words of Dr. King. 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.' Let each of us try to be a light to see our country out of this dark moment."

Civil rights attorneys and activists said they believed if Black protestors had stormed the U.S. Capitol, the consequences would have been immediate and deadly.

DeRay Mckesson, a leading voice of the Black Lives Matter movement and co-founder of Campaign Zero, a police reform effort, said, "Black and brown people have been shot and arrested for far less."

He pointed to Miriam Carey, a 34-year old unarmed Black dental hygienist from Connecticut who was shot and killed in 2013 when she drove through a barrier near the White House, hitting a Secret Service agent who attempted to wave her away. She then sped toward Capitol Hill, leading police on a high-speed pursuit that came to an end when her car got stuck on the median and police shot and killed her.

"These people broke into the Capitol and were sitting on the House speaker's desk today," Mckesson said. "Black people would not have even gotten into the building. They would have started shooting at them the minute they started to rush at the police."

Civil Rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who represents the families of police killing victims George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Jacob Blake, among others, said in a statement that the contrast in the law enforcement response was an example of "our two systems of justice." Black Lives Matter protesters who marched in Washington never stormed the Capitol or overtook police, he said.

"If Black people had done what these White domestic terrorists did today, can you imagine the reaction? They would have been tear-gassed, pepper-sprayed, arrested, and charged with felonies - or treason," Crump wrote. "Another tragic display of our two systems of justice."

A day before the Capitol riot, Kenosha, Wis., braced for potential unrest by boarding up government buildings and blocking off roads ahead of an announcement over whether prosecutors would charge a White officer who shot a Black man, Blake, seven times last summer.

"Even outside the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, different National Guard members were guarding the entrance," said a Kenosha activist who goes by the name Billy Violet to avoid becoming a target of the far right. Violet, 30, recalled how the streets of D.C. were similarly fortified in August when they attended the March on Washington.

"The idea that the protesters today were able to get all the way up there, climb the walls and storm the Capitol, was unbelievable to me," Violet said of Wednesday's riots. "How would this have been different if this had been announced as a BLM protest?"

Black Lives Matter DC said in a statement they urged city officials and business leaders to denounce Trump supporters who made online threats of violence. The group had called on hotels to close their doors during the day of the protest - a step taken by Hotel Harrington, which had become an unofficial gathering place for the Proud Boys.

"Though we remain unsurprised, it should have never have gotten to this point," the organization said. "Instead of brutalizing Black Lives Matter activists, D.C. officials should have intervened months ago. White supremacists were emboldened and made to feel comfortable, confident and secure to come to our city and reign terror."

- - -

Belware reported from Chicago. The Washington Post's Reis Thebault in Atlanta and Brittany Shammas in Washington contributed to this report.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Japan declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and three nearby areas on Thursday as coronavirus cases continue to surge, hitting a daily record of 2,447 in the capital.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga issued the declaration at the government task force for the coronavirus. It lasts from Friday until Feb. 7, and centres around asking restaurants and bars to close at 8 p.m. and people to stay home and not mingle in crowds.

The declaration carries no penalties. But it works as a strong request while Japan juggles to keep its economy going.

Shopping malls and schools will remain open. Movie theatres, museums and other events will be asked to reduce attendance. Places that defy the request will be publicized on a list, while those that comply will be eligible for aid, according to officials.

I am confident we can overcome this, but I must ask all of you endure a restricted life for a while longer, Suga told reporters after the declaration.

He promised more aid for hospitals treating COVID-19 patients. The Japanese military is ready to help, and efforts are underway to get a vaccine approved and delivered, he added.

Please take this matter seriously as your own, to protect all precious life, your parents, your grandparents, family and friends, over generations, Suga said.

Coronavirus cases have been surging in Japan following year-end and New Years holidays.

Shigeru Omi, a doctor who heads the government panel on coronavirus measures, described the latest wave as explosive, requiring the emergency declaration.

Tokyo has logged record numbers of daily cases for two straight days, after 1,591 on Wednesday. Nationwide, cases have been growing steadily by more than 5,000 a day.

Some experts say Japan should have acted sooner, and a government campaign to promote domestic travel through discounts was a mistake.

Opinion on having eateries close early is mixed, since places could simply get more crowded in earlier hours.

Dr. Hiroshi Nishiura, an expert on infectious diseases, said the rate of increase in number of cases will decline but infections will continue to rise. He believes more drastic action is needed.

Vaccinations are expected to start next month in Japan, with health and essential workers first. The rollout is likely to take months.

Dr. Atsuo Hamada, an expert on infections and professor at Tokyo Medical University Hospital, said curtailing nighttime drinking and dining will help.

When people go out to eat at night, they tend to get drunk, talk in loud voices and sing so airborne infections spread more quickly, he said in a recent telephone interview.

Keeping COVID-19 infections under control is imperative for Japan with the Tokyo Olympics set for July. Politicians have repeatedly stressed it must go on despite an increasingly doubtful public.
Since March, most of us have been at home in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. But now we have gotten accustomed to this new normal and are learning to live with it. People have started going out again and taking vacations while following all the necessary safety protocols. Even a lot of celebrities rang in the New Year in some of the most exotic places around the world.

Disha Patani, Tiger Shroff, Ananya Panday, Ishaan Khatter, Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra were in the Maldives. Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor spent the New Years Eve together in Goa at Amrita Aroras home. Sonakshi Sinha bid adieu to 2020 while soaking in the sun and enjoying the backwaters in Kerala.

The Dabangg actor has been posting some really gorgeous images from heaven on earth and making us crave for a vacation. From picturesque sunsets to serene backwaters, Sonakshi Sinha is having the time of her life in Gods own country Kerala. The latest post that she shared shows her sitting on a houseboat in an oversized white shirt teamed with mini shorts.

Have a look at some of the other pictures from Kerala that will make you want to pack and leave right now:

How to reach Kerala?

Kerala is easily accessible via air. It recently became the first state to have four airports that allow domestic as well as international flights in India. The airports are in Cochin, Kannur, Kozhikode and Trivandrum. These airports are situated in different regions making it easier for the travellers to land at a place that suits them best and reduces the travel time.

If you are planning to travel by train, you should face no difficulty. Apart from this being one of the most scenic journeys, it will also be a really convenient one as the train connectivity within Kerala is impeccable and you can easily find a station near the place you are visiting.

Kerala is also well connected via roads. The journey has exquisite coastal views and if you are driving from Goa, you will have to travel a distance of 460 km, from Chennai, the distance will be 600 km and from Mumbai, you will have to cover 834 km.

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I topped up my emergency fund recently after the covid-19 pandemic struck. But all of it is parked in fixed deposits (FDs) as of now. I was steering clear of debt funds after the Franklin Templeton episode. Should I switch some of it to debt mutual funds now? Which funds should I choose?

Arti Dua

You can use a mix of FDs and debt funds in your emergency portfolio. The advantage with debt funds is that they are tax-efficient compared to FDs for those in the higher tax brackets.

In debt funds, you will be fine if you stick to liquid funds. Avoid the other debt fund categories where there may be risk either in terms of credit quality or in terms of volatility due to bond price movements. Liquid funds are very low risk and have low volatility; they additionally need to maintain part of their portfolio in government securities to ensure redemptions can be met. They are, therefore, typically not subject to the kind of risk that other categories may have.

You can keep the equivalent of three months of expenses in FDs. Hold the remaining in liquid funds with large assets under management such as Kotak Liquid or Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid. But you can shift the money to debt funds once your FDs mature.

My son, currently a US resident, is investing in monthly systematic investment plans (SIPs) for four years: 5,000 each in ABSL MNC, DSP Smallcap and Franklin India Equity; and 7,500 each in SBI Bluechip, SBI Focused Equity, Axis Multicap and Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip. He can invest for five more years for wealth creation. Please advise.

Balakrishna Rao K.

While most individual funds are quality funds, the portfolio itself has very high risk. Funds that can invest across market caps may have high mid-cap and/or small-cap exposure even though it is not categorised as a mid- or small-cap fund. For example, SBI Focused Equity has had up to half its portfolio in smaller stocks, and Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip necessarily needs to have 35% in these stocks. The risk needs to come down, and five years is also not long enough to weather a high-risk portfolio.

Continue SIPs (with the same amounts) in all funds except Franklin India Equity (it has been lagging the index and peers for a long time) and SBI Focused Equity. Instead, start an SIP of 12,500 in ICICI Pru Equity Savings. This is an equity savings fund which has equity taxation but is low risk as it hedges the equity exposure using derivatives. We are suggesting this fund in place of a pure debt fund, which we normally give. For non-residents, debt funds are unattractive from a tax perspective. Note that investments for US residents are restricted to a few mutual funds due to regulations and as such the choices to start fresh SIPs or lump sums are limited.

Srikanth Meenakshi is co-founder, PrimeInvestor.in

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Manitoba may be fighting the COVID-19 pandemic with a squirt gun when it comes to rolling out its immunization plan, but its not Ottawas fault.

Manitoba may be fighting the COVID-19 pandemic with a "squirt gun" when it comes to rolling out its immunization plan, but its not Ottawas fault.

Premier Brian Pallister blamed the federal government this week for falling behind other countries like Denmark and Britain in procuring COVID-19 vaccines.

He claimed Wednesday the only thing holding the province back from getting more shots into Manitobans arms was a lack of supply from Ottawa.

"Here in Manitoba, weve done enough preparatory work that were ready with a massive firehose to fight COVID," Pallister said during a news conference. "Unfortunately, thats not going to be possible because the federal governments process of getting vaccines to Canada means instead of a firehose, were working with a bit of a squirt gun right now."

Three weeks after launching its immunization program, the Pallister governments logistical planning is still appallingly slow. They havent even hired a director of immunization yet.

The squirt-gun approach was Manitobas doing. Three weeks after launching its immunization program, the Pallister governments logistical planning is still appallingly slow. They havent even hired a director of immunization yet.

The province opened its new "super clinic" at RBC Convention Centre Monday. But public health officials are still only immunizing a few hundred people a day (871 shots were given Tuesday). People living in personal care homes are dying almost daily from COVID-19, yet immunization in nursing homes wont begin until next week.

A vaccination clinic planned for Brandon wont open until Jan. 18.

Despite that, Pallister blames Ottawa.

"We havent got enough water to fill the firehose," Pallister said. "We got enough water for a pop gun here, for a squirt gun right now."

If by water the premier means vaccines, Manitoba has plenty of it. The problem is the provincial government isnt getting it into arms fast enough. There's a lack of urgency.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Premier Brian Pallister blamed the federal government this week for falling behind other countries like Denmark and Britain in procuring COVID-19 vaccines.

According to federal data, Manitoba received 19,975 doses from Ottawa as of Dec. 31 (12,675 from Pfizer/BioNTech and 7,300 from Moderna). The province said Tuesday Manitoba received another shipment of 7,000 Pfizer/BioNTech doses Jan. 5, for a total of 26,975. As of Wednesday morning, only 5,165 people were immunized, or 19 per cent of supply.

The province says it plans to immunize 5,250 more people this week and 6,650 next week at the convention centre. Another 1,157 people are expected to be inoculated in personal care homes next week. That means 18,222 should be immunized by mid-January, or about half the available supply (the province is expecting another shipment of 9,360 doses next week).

Pallister said Manitoba got a slow start with its immunization program because the province has a disproportionate number of remote communities. He said its more difficult to deliver vaccines to northern communities than it is for other provinces. Its a ridiculous claim; Manitoba isnt the only province with remote communities.

The Pallister government had months to prepare for an immunization rollout. Instead, provincial officials were caught flatfooted, just as they were when the pandemics second wave hit in the fall.

Besides, the delays in Winnipeg had nothing to do with that.

The Pallister government had months to prepare for an immunization rollout. Instead, provincial officials were caught flat-footed, just as they were when the pandemics second wave hit in the fall. Planning is not one of this governments strong suits.

The fact Manitoba has only inoculated 5,165 people so far is not the federal governments fault; not when there are thousands of doses sitting in a freezer.

That may change over time, depending on supply. Manitoba will eventually scale up its immunization rollout as public health officials work out the kinks. Theres every reason to believe the super clinic in Winnipeg will be able to jab 10,000 people per week, or more.

Pallisters excuses and deflections are baseless. He undermines his credibility when he makes ludicrous claims like he did Wednesday: that the province has the capacity to immunize every Manitoban by the end of March if Ottawa had the supply. (Manitoba would have to immunize more than 15,000 people a day to reach that target).

Manitobans could do with less political rhetoric and finger pointing from their premier. It doesn't help anyone.

tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca
(Newser)  The skyrocketing price of Tesla shares pushed Elon Musk's wealth past that of Jeff Bezos on Thursday, crowning a new richest person in the world. Musk is now listed as being worth $185 billion, a billion more than Amazon's Bezos, CNBC reports. It's not exactly a rags-to-riches story, but Musk began 2020 with wealth of about $27 billion, barely putting him in the top 50. As the CEO's shareholdings climbed in value, he passed Warren Buffett in July, moving into the seventh spot, and Bill Gates in November, becoming No. 2. Tesla stock is worth nine times what it was a year ago, reaching $800 a share by midday Thursday, a 5% rise.

story continues below

Some of his competitors would rank higher if they hadn't given so much away. Buffett donated $2.9 billion last summer to nonprofits, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, per the New York Times. Since 2006, Buffett's gifts of Berkshire Hathaway stock total $37 billion. The two billionaires started the Giving Pledge, which encourages the wealthiest to give away at least half of their wealth during their lifetimes. But there's been criticism that the donations provide tax breaks and that the billionaires' wealth is accumulating faster than they're giving it away, per Inc. (MacKenzie Scott, Bezos' ex-wife, is donating much of her fortune.)
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Some of the members of the violent pro-Trump mob that stormed the US Capitol Wednesday sending the seat of the federal government into lockdown and temporarily halting the certification of Joe Biden's victory in its tracks have now been identified.

The heavily-tattooed Trump supporter who sported horns, a fur hat and face paint and occupied the Senate dais moments after Vice President Mike Pence delivered his rebuke to Donald Trump has been revealed to be an Arizona-based QAnon believer who used to promote himself as a singer and actor.

Jake Angeli, 32, often known as the QAnon Shaman, has become a fixture at recent right-wing rallies while decked out in his signature attire.

Meanwhile, the insurrectionist who brazenly put his feet on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk in her office is now known to be a 60-year-old Arkansas man who claims he will run for Arkansas governor in 2022 and describes himself as a white nationalist online.

Richard 'Bigo' Barnett boasted outside the Capitol following the siege that he 'wrote [Pelosi] a nasty note, put my feet up on her desk and scratched my balls'. A photo from Pelosi's office showed another threatening note on her desk reading 'we will not back down'.

Another of the mob was Tim Gionet, an online personality known as Baked Alaska who is described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a white nationalist who was involved in the far-right Charlottesville rally in 2017.

Even elected politicians were part of the mob. Rick Saccone, who ran for a U.S. House seat in 2018 and was once a state lawmaker in Pennsylvania, bragged on Facebook that 'we are storming the Capitol' and that 'our vanguard has broken through the barricades'.

Derrick Evans, a member of West Virginia's House of Delegates, streamed live footage from the Capitol as he joined in the march. He later claimed he was 'simply there as an independent member of the media'.

Another looter who smiled for a photo as he made off with a lectern has been identified as Adam Johnson - a psychology graduate from Bradenton, Florida.

Photos on his now-deleted social media accounts show him posing next to a sign reading 'closed to all tours' inside the building.

Dozens of other Trump supporters involved in the violent siege that has resulted in the deaths of four people are yet to be identified.

Outside the chaos in the capitol, another vocal Trump supporter Leigh Ann Luck, dressed up as the Statue of Liberty as she shouted in protest against Biden's victory.

Scroll down for video

The heavily-tattooed Trump supporter, who has become a fixture at recent right-wing rallies decked out in his signature attire, has been identified as Jake Angeli

Another supporter of US President Donald J. Trump sits on the desk of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after breaking in

Another looter who smiled for a photo as he made off with a lectern has been named as Adam Johnson - a psychology graduate from Bradenton, Florida

Richard 'Bigo' Barnett later told the New York Times he 'fell' into her office after he was pictured making himself comfortable in Pelosi's chair, as he showed off a personalized envelope he stole as a souvenir

One member of the mob left a threatening note on Pelosi's desk reading 'we will not back down'

Photo of Senate right now. 'Where's Pence, show yourself!' protester shouts pic.twitter.com/xGVKMnsf3T  Steven Nelson (@stevennelson10) January 6, 2021

Angeli was at the front of a group of agitators who broke into the Capitol and faced off with DC police who desperately tried in vain to protect the establishment.

He then made his way into the Senate chamber where he was seen shouting and posing for photos.

Angeli flexed his left arm as he stood behind the dais in the Senate chamber where just moments earlier Vice President Mike Pence and Nancy Pelosi had stood.

He was flanked by an American flag and his fellow rioters took photos of him on their smartphones.

The 'Qanon Shaman' was also seen screaming in the chamber and clutching a megaphone.

A woman in a 'Make America Great Again' hat sits behind a desk in Pelosi's office in the US Capitol

Unidentified Trump supporters sit inside Pelosi's office during the siege that left at least one dead

A Trump supporter inside Pelosi's office wore a Trump flag as a cape after storming the building

Broken glass litters a mantle in Pelosi's office after Trump supporters stormed it Wednesday

Meanwhile, in Pelosi's office, 60-year-old Barnett posed for a photo reclining in the House Speaker's chair before he later returned to the crowd of supporters outside and flashed a hand-written envelope he had looted.

Barnett later told the New York Times reporter Matthew Rosenberg he 'fell' into Pelosi's office as he showed off the personalized envelope which was addressed to The Honorable Billy Long and had Pelosi's signature on it.

'I didn't steal it,' he claimed, saying he 'left a quarter on her desk'.

'And I left her a note on her desk that says "Nancy Bigo was here you b**ch".'

He also denied storming her office, claiming he politely knocked on her office door and was pushed in by other protesters.

'Ill probably be telling them this is what happened all the way to the DC jail,' he said.

Heres Mr. Barnett, who goes by Bigo, telling the story in his own words pic.twitter.com/oSyKiCDXgy  Matthew Rosenberg (@AllMattNYT) January 6, 2021

Angeli leads a mob of supporters breaking into the Capitol Wednesday night causing lawmakers to evacuate the chambers

The longtime Arizona QAnon supporter dressed in fur and a horned helmet, was among the violent mob of Donald Trump supporters who stormed the US Capitol Wednesday

In one photo posted on his Facebook account in November, where he calls himself Yellowstone Wolf, Angeli is seen shaking hands with Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump's personal attorney who hours before the violence kicked off encouraged supporters to pursue a 'trial by combat'

In Pelosi's office, 60-year-old Barnett posed for a photo reclining in the House Speaker's chair before he later returned to the crowd of supporters outside and flashed a hand-written envelope he had looted

Barnett inside the office with the envelope he stole and later flashed outside as he returned to the crowd

QAnon is the debunked extreme right wing conspiracy theory that claims Satan-worshipping pedophiles are plotting against Trump and are running a global child sex trafficking ring. Angeli at a rally in Phoenix in November

An undated profile for Angeli on Backstage.com shows the 32-year-old was a singer, screenwriter and actor

Angeli has previously admitted his belief in QAnon started after reading conspiracy theories on the internet

Both Angeli and Barnett are vocal supporters of the president and have been spotted at other protests in support of Trump's repeated unfounded claims that the election was 'stolen' from him.

Angeli has become a prominent figure at pro-Trump rallies, always sporting his signature outfit of fur, horns, face paint and bare chest, where he has spouted off about QAnon conspiracy theories.

Most recently he has been active at Arizona rallies calling for the results of the presidential election to be overturned, after Trump has refused to concede and pushed unfounded claims of voter fraud ever since he lost to Joe Biden.

At a pro-Trump rally at the Arizona State Capitol in February, he held aloft a banner reading 'Q Sent Me' in reference to QAnon.

He was also seen at reopen Arizona rallies protesting against lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.

In one photo posted on his Facebook account in November, where he calls himself Yellowstone Wolf, Angeli is seen shaking hands with Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal attorney - who hours before the violence kicked off encouraged supporters to pursue a 'trial by combat'.

Outside the chaos in the capitol, another vocal Trump supporter Leigh Ann Luck, dressed up as the Statue of Liberty as she shouted in protest against Biden's victory

Photos on his now-deleted social media accounts show him posing next to a sign reading 'closed to all tours' inside the building

In one selfie on his Facebook page, Barnett is seen posing with a semi-automatic rifle

Barnett has also bought into Trump's unfounded claims that the election has been 'stole' from him and has been spotted at other Stop The Steal rallies including one in Bentonville in November

On Barnett's Facebook, he has shared images of the Gadsden flag snake - which is regarded as a racist symbol - and boasts of being a white nationalist

He has also posted about numerous conspiracy theories including a video claiming there is a 'globalist plot for world domination thru the plandemic & its numerous different agendas'.

Angeli has previously admitted his belief in QAnon started after reading conspiracy theories on the internet.

'At a certain point, it all clicked in a way,' he said in an interview in February, reported AZCentral.

'Oh, my God. I see now the reality of what's going on.'

QAnon is the debunked extreme right wing conspiracy theory that claims Satan-worshipping pedophiles are plotting against Trump and are running a global child sex trafficking ring.

An undated profile for Angeli on Backstage.com shows the 32-year-old was a singer, screenwriter and actor.

Barnett has also bought into Trump's unfounded claims that the election has been 'stolen' from him and has been spotted at other Stop The Steal rallies including one in Bentonville in November.

Johnson, who was pictured inside the Capitol making off with a lectern, appears to have removed his social media platforms in the aftermath of the siege

Johnson shared images of himself sporting MAGA hats and sinking beers as he wrote that he had 'made it to DC' Tuesday - the day before the siege

In a November post on Facebook, where he goes by the alias George Reincarnated Patton, Barnett claimed he will run for governor of Arkansas in 2022 saying he will 'be running on the COMMON SENSE platform'.

He has also shared images of the Gadsden flag snake - which is regarded as a racist symbol - and boasts of being a white nationalist.

In several photos, he is seen posing with semi-automatic rifles.

Johnson, who was pictured inside the Capitol making off with a lectern, appears to have removed his social media platforms in the aftermath of the siege.

A female Trump supporter has now died after being shot inside the US Capitol when MAGA supporters stormed the building and violently clashed with police in a bid to stop Joe Biden's victory being certified Wednesday.

The woman was shot in the chest on Wednesday afternoon after chaotic scenes broke out when dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters at the Capitol.

She died several hours later, law enforcement sources said. It was not immediately clear who shot the woman. Dozens of police were also reportedly injured in the violence and at lease one explosive device was found near the Capitol grounds.

Leigh Ann Luck dressed up as Statue of Liberty poses for a picture as supporters of Donald Trump protested Biden's victory

Another protester jumps from the public gallery to the floor of the Senate chamber at the US Capitol Building

Others take photos as they pose on the Senate dais as lawmakers fled from where they were holding a joint session

A man hanging from the balcony of the Senate. Around 13 have been arrested following Wednesday's siege

Tear gas fills the air after demonstrators breached security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the Electoral College vote

The National Guard was deployed to help police enforce a 6pm curfew in DC. Hundreds of protesters remained on the Capitol grounds after the curfew went into effect and Mayor Muriel Bowser refused to say if violators would be arrested.

Earlier in the evening, President-elect Joe Biden called for the 'mob to pull back' and said the uprising bordered on sedition.

Trump - after remaining silent for much of the afternoon - posted a video telling his 'very special' supporters inside the Capitol that he loves them and understands their pain but urged them 'to go home'.

He had initially encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol after a rally earlier in the afternoon before asking them only to remain peaceful when violence broke out.

The Capitol was briefly secured before being placed on lockdown again at around 6.45pm due to an 'internal security threat' after an officer was reportedly found unconscious. Anyone inside a building at the Capitol complex was instructed to take cover in an office with doors locked.

But just before 8pm lawmakers who had been whisked to safety when the siege kicked off began arriving back at the Capitol to resume the Joint Session to certify the Electoral College count of the presidential election.

The lawmakers were seen flanked by armed guards as they made their way into the Capitol. A spokesperson for Vice President Mike Pence, who is residing over the Joint Session, said he was already in the building because he'd never left.


A National Commission for Women (NCW) member, who met the family of the 50-year-old anganwadi worker who was gang-raped and murdered allegedly by a temple priest and two others in Badaun district on January 3, said the incident may not have happened had the woman not ventured out alone in the evening.

NCW member Chandramukhi Devi was part of the two-member team sent by the panel to meet the victim's family. The team also visited the crime site.

Devi said, "A woman should not go out at odd hours under the influence of somebody. I think if she had not gone out in the evening, or had some child along with her, this could have been prevented".

Devi also said that she was not satisfied with the role of the police in the incident. "If the police would have shown swiftness in the matter, perhaps they could have saved the victim," she said after her visit.

On Sunday, the 50-year-old woman who had gone to a temple was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Her family members have accused the temple priest and his aides of raping and murdering her. A case has been registered against the accused and two of them were arrested on Tuesday night, while the priest is still absconding. "I am not satisfied with the role of the police. Had timely action been taken, perhaps the life of the victim could have been saved," Chandramukhi Devi said.

"The SSP has told me that the woman was found in an unconscious state and had she got treatment, her life could have been saved. The FIR was filed late and the post mortem examination was also done much later, she said, adding that the autopsy report explains that the incident was "most sickening and unfortunate".

SSP Sankalp Sharma had on Wednesday said the post-mortem report has confirmed rape and there are injuries in the victim's private parts and a fracture in her leg. The station house officer of Ughaiti police station has been suspended for laxity in the case, he had said. The NCW member said the incident is "most heinous and strict action should be taken. The government is very serious on these matters and yet such incidents take place".

She said the woman was earning the livelihood of her family, adding that the culprits had planned the action as they had called her to the temple through a phone call. Suspending a station officer is not enough. I have told the SSP thatno one involved should be spared under pressure, Devi said.

She said such incidents are taking place despite campaigns like 'beti bachao-beti padhao' and 'mission Shakti' as criminals have no fear of police, and people's faith will be restored only when action is taken against criminals.

On Wednesday, NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma had written to the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, seeking immediate intervention in the matter. The Commission has also sought a detailed action taken report in the matter from the police.

Before paying a visit to the victim's family, the NCW team also had a meeting with the SSP of the area and went through the details of the incident.

Even as the NCW team was at the house of the victim, the wife and daughter of one of the accused in the crime tried to meet the visiting delegation.

The wife and daughter of the accused, Jashpal, demanded justice for themselves and claimed that he was innocent.

"My husband got a call that there is a patient and went to do his job. He came to know about the case later," said Jaspal's wife, claiming that he is being framed.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the authorities to take strongest legal action against the accused and instructed the ADG (Zone), Bareilly, to submit a report. He also instructed the UP Special Task Force to assist in the investigation.

The Badaun district magistrate has said the administration would try to charge the accused under stringent provisions of the National Security Act (NSA).

(With inputs from agencies)

Never in recent memory have the events of a single 24-hour period so shaken two presidencies, the very Capitol of the United States and the nation itself as they did on Wednesday.

The remarkable scenes of political violence that broke out amid what was to be a peaceful confirmation of the transfer of power are testing Americas democratic institutions, and its far from clear how they will respond. President Trumps term, which began with Republicans fully in charge of Washington and the promise of a new kind of populist leadership, effectively came to an end Wednesday with his party aflame and out of power, some of its top leaders excoriated by a president they had loyally supported, and a mob of Trump supporters occupying and vandalizing the Capitol.

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The effects will ripple out for years to come, and the full consequences will be left for historians to sort out. It seems likely, though, that the chances that other Republicans will see Mr. Trump as the leader of their party after he leaves office have been diminished significantly. As Mr. Trump himself tried to remind his supporters after violence broke out, Republicans like to be seen as the party of law and order, and that is hardly the image he is now projecting.

Meanwhile, the efforts of President-elect Joe Biden to calm and unify the nation have become more complex. On the one hand, the willingness of Trump supporters to resort to violent behavior on the Capitol grounds shows how deeply they question his legitimacy, and how unwilling they are to accept him as their president.

On the other hand, its possible that the sheer horror that most Americans felt, and that most Republicans expressed, at the scenes of mayhem will cause everyone to take a step back from divisive political behavior and look harder for common ground. Its surely an exaggeration to say the Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol did Mr. Biden a favor, but they lent some new urgency to his calls to back away from the bitter politics of the last few years.

Mr. Biden sounded that note when he delivered a televised response to the violence, calling for the renewal of a politics thats about solving problems, looking out for one another, not stoking the flames of hate and chaos."

A key question now is how, far beyond the streets of Washington, the country at large reacts. Will voters on both sides of the partisan divide now see compromise and consensus as preferable to continued deep divisions, or will they see the days events as further evidence of how far apart they are from countrymen with whom they disagree?

The day began with the electoral process playing out according to the mandate of the Constitution. Results of two runoff elections for Senate seats in Georgia were arriving, with both seats falling to the Democrats. Those results, if confirmed, give Democrats control of the Senate as well as the House.

Meantime, the Congress convened to conduct the normally constitutional process of counting the Electoral College votes that will officially make Mr. Biden the next president. There figured to be hours of debate as Republican lawmakers lodged protests over alleged election irregularities and potential fraud, but the outcome was assured: Mr. Bidens victory would be confirmed.

But Mr. Trump was hearing none of it. At midday, he appeared at an outdoor rally his team had organized just beyond the White House grounds and launched a full-scale verbal attack not just on the election process, but on his own party and its leaders.

He repeated a long list of complaints about voting irregularities and alleged fraud, and proclaimed: We will never give up. We will never concede." He excoriated weak Republicans, pathetic Republicans" who werent supporting him, criticizing some by name. And he urged the crowd to march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol. The fire was set.

At the Capitol, Mr. Trumps own vice president, Mike Pence, was presiding over the task of counting the nations electoral votes. Mr. Pence had just proclaimed that he would defy the presidents wishes that he seek somehow to unilaterally overturn the results of the presidential election. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, in his own break with the president he had steadfastly defended, said that none of the alleged election irregularities, even if they took place, were nearly large enough to change the outcome. He declined to support any effort to overturn the results.

And then the mob arrived. Mr. Pence had to be whisked away in protective custody to protect him from supporters of his own boss. The task of counting electoral votesa process the nations leaders have previously carried out in good times and in bad, during war and peacewas suspended as the nations elected leaders went into lockdown.

By nightfall, the nations capital was under a curfew, and lawmakers were under guard. But in a show that Congress, though shaken and damaged, wasnt broken, lawmakers then reconvened to finish the job the Constitution assigned them, telling one another that maybe they could become stronger for the shock they had just endured.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Picking Their Targets

The invasion of Congress was shocking and horrifically sad but should have come as no great surprise. President Trump had called for protests to occur on Wednesday for weeks and many of his supporters had used social media to show off weaponry they intended to bring. Beyond that signaling, the entire political system has been marked by violence and threats throughout the past year.Buildings were boarded up in downtowns across the country in anticipation of potential violence on Election Day. That didnt occur, but its become routine for loud protesters to show up outside the homes of elected officials. Public health officials and, more recently, election administrators have faced harassment and death threats. Multiple governors have been targets of kidnapping plots. And, throughout 2020, there were incidents when mobs angry about COVID-19 restrictions pushed their way into state capitols , presenting images of vandalism and confrontation that were echoed in Congress on Wednesday.Im certain that Michigan inspired these folks, said state Sen. Jim Ananich, referring to incidents in the spring when armed members of militia groups disrupted legislative sessions.Pro-Trump protesters gathered at more than a dozen state capitols on Wednesday. For the most part, the demonstrations occurred without serious incident, but there were scattered clashes with police or counter-protesters.In Washington State, dozens of protesters, some armed, stormed past the security gates around the governors mansion, making it to the front door but not breaching the interior. Protesters in Minnesota left the Capitol and headed for the home of Democratic Gov. Tim Walz , one saying, Lets go raise some hell! Lets make him uncomfortable. In Oregon, Democratic Gov. Kate Brown was burned in effigy. State troopers warned about rumors of plans to storm the capitol, arresting one man for attempting to enter the building with a firearm.As precautionary measures, capitol complexes were shut down in New Mexico and Texas, while city government buildings were closed in Denver. In Utah, state workers were told to work from home. State Treasurer David Damschen spotted firearms in the crowd of protesters but nothing that was too alarming It was suggested by the Department of Public Safety that the reason they wanted us to leave is some of the protesters could attempt to breach the building, he told theIn Arizona, where a guillotine was erected outside the Capitol, Capitol Police protected the executive tower with double-link chain fencing . In Georgia, where armed protesters have been a fixture since the election, the Capitol went into lockdown.Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger has been a particular target of Trumps ire and his office decided to evacuate. We saw stuff happening at the Georgia Capitol and said we should not be around here, we should not be a spark, election official Gabriel Sterling toldThe Secretary of States Office was still processing results from Tuesdays Senate election runoffs. The fact that they had to pack up and leave says something about the nature of the current wave of protests. Protests at capitols and city halls have long been commonplace, but theyve taken on a new intensity. The possibility of violence is so pronounced that its disrupting the workings of government.That threat is not diminishing. The leader of the far-right Proud Boys promised further unrest to come. This is going to keep happening if they dont listen to the people, he toldA local militia group has stated its intention to occupy the Washington Legislature when its session starts. Alley Waterbury, who sought a Minnesota congressional seat last year, called on the crowd rallying in St. Paul on Wednesday to meet weekly to protest at the homes of elected officials.My God, you guys, we are going to fight, we are going to go down, there's going to be casualties, Waterbury said. Ill be the first casualty, I do not care.Protesters and terrorists alike seek to stage events at locations with symbolic importance. If youre protesting government actions, it makes sense to take your complaint directly to the seat of power.The U.S. Capitol has been attacked fairly frequently. On Sept. 11, 2001, it was the most likely target of terrorists whod hijacked United Flight 93, which was heroically brought down by passengers in Pennsylvania. Days later, letters laced with anthrax were mailed to members of Congress, leading to five deaths. Earlier incidents involved shootings by Puerto Rican nationalists and a bomb planted by a left-wing group. In 1998, a gunman killed two Capitol Police officers.The scale and intent of Wednesdays attack was something different. Thousands of insurrectionists gathered at the capitol, some making it all the way to the House and Senate floors and entering the offices of Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members.Gabby Giffords was a member of Congress when she was shot, along with 18 others, by a gunman in her Arizona district in 2011. Six were killed. Her husband, Mark Kelly, was elected to the Senate in November. As I sat waiting for information about @SenMarkKellys safety today, I couldnt stop thinking about what you must have gone through 10 years ago this week, she tweeted on Wednesday.The insurgency was denounced by all four living former presidents, along with elected officials across the political spectrum. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic, not our democratic republic, said George W. Bush. Insurrection could do grave damage to our nation and reputation.Democrats accused Trump of riling up the crowd at a rally held just outside the White House. Some called for his impeachment or removal from power by means of the 25th Amendment. I dont make a statement like this lightly: Two weeks is too long for Donald Trump to remain in office, where he can continue to incite more untold violence, said Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.Some Republicans also laid the blame squarely on Trump. Theres no question the president formed the mob, Liz Cheney, the third-ranking Republican in the House, said on. The president incited the mob. The president addressed the mob. He lit the flame.Several state legislators attended Trumps rally but did not join the mob entering the Capitol, including Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano and Michigan state Rep. Matt Maddock. Missouri state Rep. Justin Hill , who sponsored an unsuccessful resolution to express lack of faith in the election outcome, skipped his own swearing-in to attend the Trump rally but said it was a sad day following the violence and vandalism.

Laying the Blame Elsewhere

Threat from Within

Second-level teachers are being urged not to attend school on Monday as pressure mounts on Education Minister Norma Foley to reverse the decision to partially reopen schools for Leaving Cert students.

The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) is calling on its union members to instead teach remotely and defy the Governments plan to allow students into school three days a week.

It follows a meeting between the union, public health officials and the Department of Education.

Read More

Speaking after the meeting, ASTI President Ann Piggott said: The ASTI has repeatedly sought sufficient assurances that schools are safe for students and teachers at this time, in the context of the new variant of Covid-19 circulating in the community and the alarmingly high numbers.

We engaged with the Department of Education and with public health officials today. Unfortunately, the assurances we sought have not been forthcoming.

However, a Government source said the Department of Education is confident that schools are a safe environment and should be allowed to reopen.

The plan to allow Leaving Cert students attend school three days a week has been met with widespread opposition from teachers, parents, pupils and special needs assistants.

Secondary school principals are pleading with the Government to reverse its decision on the partial reopening of schools as they have grave concerns over the safety of staff and students.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan advised the Government that the full reopening of schools would constitute a very significant additional risk as the country battles with an unprecedented level of Covid-19 transmission in the community.

Read More

In a letter to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, dated January 5, Dr Holohan noted that data received by the National Public Health Emergency Team shows schools are a safe environment.

However, given the current epidemiological situation, significant levels of mobility and linked activity generated by the reopening of schools would pose too risky, he said.

A Government source said the Department of Education has received further advice from Nphet that "schools will now be safer by default" due to the strict Level 5 restrictions being imposed elsewhere.





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Online Editors
CHICAGO, Jan. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 18, 2020, the Board of Directors of Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE: ORI) declared a special, one-time cash dividend of $1.00 per share payable on January 15, 2021 to shareholders of record on January 5, 2021. The attached letter to shareholders provides further background and context to the Board's evaluation relative to this special dividend. The letter has also been posted to the ORI website.

About Old Republic

Chicago-based Old Republic International Corporation is one of the nation's 50 largest shareholder-owned insurance businesses. It is a member of the Fortune 500 listing of America's largest companies. The Company is organized as an insurance holding company whose subsidiaries actively market, underwrite, and provide risk management services for a wide variety of coverages mostly in the general and title insurance fields. A long-term interest in mortgage guaranty and consumer credit indemnity coverages has devolved to a run-off operating mode in recent years. Old Republic's general insurance business ranks among the nation's 50 largest, while its title insurance operations are the third largest in its industry.

The nature of Old Republic's business requires that it be managed for the long run, and its cash dividend policy reflects this long-term orientation. Here's a summary of recent years' total book and market returns, which includes the addition and reinvestment of cash dividend payments, in comparison with the financial performance of three selected indices similarly developed.



ORI Selected Indices' Compounded

Annual

Annual Total Annual Returns

Book Value

Market Value Nominal

S & P

Compounded

Compounded Gross S & P P&C

Total

Total Domestic 500 Insurance

Return

Return Product Index Index Ten Years 2000 - 2009 9.5%

7.4% 4.1% -1.0% 4.7% Ten Years 2010 - 2019 7.7%

14.8% 4.0% 13.6% 14.5% Twenty Years 2000 - 2019 8.6%

11.0% 4.1% 6.1% 9.5%















According to the most recent edition of Mergent's Dividend Achievers, Old Republic is listed in 58th place among just 113 qualifying publicly held companies, out of thousands considered, that have posted at least 25 consecutive years of annual dividend growth.

For Old Republic's latest news releases and other corporate documents: Please visit us at www.oldrepublic.com











Alternatively, please write or call: Investor Relations Old Republic International Corporation 307 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 346-8100

January 6, 2021

Dear Shareholders:

On January 15, 2021, all shareholders of record on January 5 will receive a one-time special cash dividend of $1.00 per share. As this year begins, it seems a good time to tell you more about why we decided to return this significant amount of capital to investors.

Why the Board of Directors Declared this Special Dividend

Near the end of each year, Directors evaluate Old Republic's capital position in relation to the business's long-term strategy.

Nearly all of ORI's capital is allocated and managed through 26 regulated insurance companies. Each focuses on offering many insurance and related products to core industries in the North American economy. State insurance regulations define the types of coverages our separately chartered companies may underwrite. We observe these regulatory distinctions and accounting conventions in our financial reports.

However, we manage the business as a whole. This means we consider two key factors. First: each subsidiary's underwriting disciplines and the balance sheet leverage that reflects its risk profile. Second: the risk management aspects of the entire enterprise. Here is some useful background and tables that describe how we do this.

We Have Sound Capital Allocation

Table A reflects the past several years' capital allocation trends for each of the regulatory groupings of insurance underwriting subsidiaries.

The Board and Senior Management use a number of Enterprise Risk Management tools and controls to evaluate our operations. These consider such important matters as maintaining high financial ratings, plus the financial and business expectations of each subsidiary's customer base. As a result, we determined ORI has enough appropriately allocated capital in all regards, including a reasonable cushion.

In addition, several years of favorable operating results for most subsidiaries enabled them to safely raise their dividend payments to the ORI holding company. The funds have been used principally to 1) pay regular cash dividends to our shareholders, and 2) add equity capital to several startups or long-operating subsidiaries in periodic need of capital support.

These dividend receipts exceeded those outlays and generated excess funds. These favorable results and the current evaluation of capital levels enabled Directors to declare the additional special dividend.

It's worth noting the table shows a continuing commitment of capital to a previously active operation-the RMIC mortgage guaranty group of companies. This was placed in run-off mode in 2012, and the business remains highly capitalized, at $435 million. As we've reported in the past, our objective is to manage RMIC in an economically efficient and rewarding manner by: 1) selling the business to a cash buyer interested in its re-activation, or 2) holding it for a few years until nearly all of the insurance risk in force dissipates. We're confident that either scenario will allow us to recoup cash equal to any accumulated capital balance, plus more for a variety of meaningful intangible values. With necessary regulatory approvals, we expect to gradually extract and repurpose the capital it generates.

We Specialize in Major Industries

Table B shows an average 91% of consolidated premium and fee revenue comes from three industry groupings. These account for nearly 55% of the nation's GDP. Most major subsidiaries in the regulatory reporting segments contribute to the largest of those three industry groups (see Tables C and D).

Concentrating on industries we know well is at the core of our long-term strategy. Our primary goal is to achieve underwriting profitability over industry and economic cycles. Experience has shown that a greater possibility of long-term success rests on the following approaches to enterprise-wide, insurance risk management:

Select insurance coverages that are more counter-cyclical in product demand and market-pricing sensitivity

that are more counter-cyclical in product demand and market-pricing sensitivity Select industries that tend to be counter-cyclical to achieve greater stability of revenue and profit

that tend to be counter-cyclical to achieve greater stability of revenue and profit Combine industry specialization with expertise in selecting and pricing insurance coverages in which we have strong competencies

Our Approach to Underwriting Balances Profitability Over Cycles

Table C shows the positive and steadying impact these underwriting approaches have on balancing our profitability over cycles. Together with the underlying strength of ORI's balance sheet, our focused underwriting helped us weather many economic downturns, including the Great Recession. During those years and their aftermath (2008 to 2012), our balance sheet stood strong. This shows the necessity of a diversified book of business that advances ORI's long-term objectives in the best interests of our shareholders and other stakeholders.

Table D also shows the complementary and usually positive effects that the general economy and specific markets' cyclical differences can have on overall underwriting profitability (see the first three columns in this table). ORI's consolidated management of invested assets, corporate taxation, and capital resources is highly sensitive and responsive to those outcomes. They are primarily geared to individual underwriting subsidiaries' needs and reliance on capital stability and growth to achieve their objectives in the interest of the entire enterprise.

We maintain a certain amount of permanent or debt capital for acquiring or starting new businesses. Our deep and continually updated knowledge of the insurance landscape gives us an edge in this regard. Lately, we have not seen any opportunities to purchase businesses that fit our competencies and culture. This means we're largely focused on organic growth. We believe there are very good opportunities to: 1) retain our currently balanced, diversified book of underwriting exposures, 2) gain market share, and 3) participate in the growth of the industries we serve.

We Manage Our Business for the Long Run

In our many years' stewardship, we have steadfastly managed our business for the long run. This recognizes its nature as a long-term undertaking that sustains resources essential to our business. As a publicly traded company, however, we are keenly aware of the common and varying interests of our investors: individuals and large to small fiduciary institutions.

Throughout the years we have believedand shownthat a meaningful measure of Old Republic's stock performance is its total market return over five- to 10- year periods. This measure includes price appreciation, and intangible values that free markets may attribute at any point. We also measure our financial performance by calculating the total book return based on the actual, measurable results we can effect and achieve as business managers. The total book return calculation combines all cash dividends with the change in shareholders' equity.

Table E shows the 52 years since ORI became a publicly traded company. You can see the total market returns to shareholders exceeded those of generally accepted baseline indices most of the time. The returns have greatly benefitted all shareholders. These include ORI's intellectual capital providers whotogether and through the Company's Employees Savings and Stock Ownership Plan and other benefit plans, and the direct holdings of our senior officers and Board membersrepresent 8.9% of outstanding shares. For the group as a whole, these aggregate holdings of 27 million shares place them as the second largest shareholder group. This follows Black Rock, Inc., the world's biggest money management institution and our largest stockholder.

We hope this letter provides timely and pertinent context to the thinking that led to the declaration of this latest special cash dividend.

Sincerely,

On behalf of Old Republic's Board of Directors,

Craig R. Smiddy Aldo C. Zucaro President and Chief Executive Officer Chairman of the Board





























Table A





























Capital Management: Trends and Objectives





























Old Republic's blended capital allocation process is principally driven by enterprise risk management considerations based on the attained and prospective growth of regulated insurance underwriting subsidiaries and the ensuing balance sheet leverage.

































Capital Allocation Percentages by Regulatory Insurance Groups Actual as of December 31,*

General

Title

Subtotal

Life & Accident

Other

RFIG

Run-off

Consolidated 2006

59.5%

8.6%

68.1%

2.2%

0.1%

29.6%

100.0% 2007

61.3%

8.8%

70.1%

2.4%

-0.1%

27.6%

100.0% 2008

62.7%

9.7%

72.4%

2.4%

0.3%

24.9%

100.0% 2009

68.3%

10.3%

78.6%

2.5%

1.3%

17.6%

100.0% 2010

71.0%

10.2%

81.2%

2.4%

3.0%

13.4%

100.0% 2011

80.0%

11.1%

91.1%

2.4%

2.0%

4.5%

100.0% 2012

83.7%

13.3%

97.0%

2.4%

2.0%

-1.4%

100.0% 2013

82.2%

13.7%

95.9%

2.1%

2.3%

-0.3%

100.0% 2014

78.0%

13.6%

91.6%

1.7%

2.3%

4.4%

100.0% 2015

78.2%

13.7%

91.9%

1.2%

1.6%

5.3%

100.0% 2016

78.0%

13.9%

91.9%

1.1%

0.5%

6.5%

100.0% 2017

76.5%

13.3%

89.8%

0.8%

1.8%

7.6%

100.0% 2018

76.5%

13.8%

90.3%

0.7%

0.9%

8.1%

100.0% 2019

75.5%

13.8%

89.3%

0.7%

2.4%

7.6%

100.0% 2020 - Nine Months 76.4%

14.8%

91.2%

0.8%

1.1%

6.9%

100.0%

























































































Current Long-Term Objectives 82.5%

15.0%

N/A

1.0%

1.5%

0.0%

100.0%



























































* Percentages are inclusive of all capital instruments.



































































Table B





































Insurance Underwriting Long-Focused on Industry Specialization





































In addition to its insurance coverage concentrations (see Table D), Old Republic's long-term underwriting success in its single business of insurance is most significantly due to its long history of specialization in cyclically heterogeneous industries that are at the core of the North American economy.









































Percent of Premiums and Fees Volume by Industry Groupings Underlying Specialization











General





Natural



















Banking,





Manufacturing





Energy



















Construction,





& Services,





Resources



















Finance,





Retail &

Subtotal

(Coal, Gas, Oil,















Years Ended

Housing &

Air, Land & Sea

Wholesale

Top 3

Utlities, Wind

Education &











December 31,

Real Estate

Transportation

Trade

Industries

& Turbines)

Government

Health Care

All Other

Total





































2006

53.6%

27.6%

8.0%

89.2%

4.0%

2.2%

0.2%

4.4%

100.0% 2007

54.8%

24.9%

9.9%

89.6%

3.7%

2.0%

0.2%

4.5%

100.0% 2008

53.5%

24.7%

12.8%

91.0%

4.0%

0.3%

0.2%

4.5%

100.0% 2009

54.7%

23.9%

13.5%

92.1%

3.4%

0.4%

0.5%

3.6%

100.0% 2010

55.5%

24.6%

11.9%

92.0%

2.9%

0.4%

0.8%

3.9%

100.0% 2011

51.6%

22.4%

16.4%

90.4%

2.7%

1.2%

2.4%

3.3%

100.0% 2012

52.5%

22.8%

14.9%

90.2%

2.7%

1.8%

2.4%

2.9%

100.0% 2013

54.0%

22.0%

15.2%

91.2%

2.6%

1.4%

2.2%

2.6%

100.0% 2014

49.7%

23.3%

17.5%

90.5%

3.0%

1.3%

2.5%

2.7%

100.0% 2015

50.9%

23.6%

17.4%

91.9%

2.5%

1.0%

2.4%

2.2%

100.0% 2016

50.3%

24.2%

17.0%

91.5%

2.2%

1.1%

2.1%

3.1%

100.0% 2017

48.5%

24.4%

18.6%

91.5%

2.2%

0.8%

1.8%

3.7%

100.0% 2018

47.7%

24.8%

18.8%

91.3%

2.4%

1.0%

1.6%

3.7%

100.0% 2019

47.6%

25.3%

18.5%

91.4%

2.3%

1.5%

1.3%

3.5%

100.0% 2020 *



































Average



































2006-2019

51.8%

24.2%

15.0%

91.0%

2.9%

1.2%

1.5%

3.5%

100.0% Most Recent



































GDP Industry



































Distributions**

23.9%

3.6%

27.3%

54.8%

2.9%

11.8%

6.9%

23.6%

100.0%





































* Full year 2020 data not available but is not expected to reflect any significant departure from that of 2019. ** Derived from data published by the U.S. Department of Commerce at https://apps.bea.gov/iTable/iTable.cfm?reqid=150&step=2&isuri=1&categories=ugdpxind.



























































Table C





















Specialized Balance of Business: Leads to Greater Stability of Long-Term Operating Margins*





















The long-term success of Old Republic's single business of insurance underwriting has been due to the sale of insurance products delivered through four groups of state-regulated insurance underwriting subsidiaries (see Tables B and D for industry specialization and insurance coverages sold).





































RFIG



Years Ended December 31,

General (**)

Title

Subtotal

Run-off (**)

Consolidated 2006

19.9%

3.2%

14.0%

49.1%

19.4% 2007

21.1%

-1.7%

14.2%

-14.8%

8.6% 2008

20.3%

-7.1%

13.0%

-83.2%

-10.0% 2009

18.7%

0.2%

12.3%

-78.0%

-8.3% 2010

18.7%

0.8%

11.2%

-69.0%

-2.3% 2011

16.8%

2.7%

11.2%

-144.6%

-8.7% 2012

11.2%

4.4%

8.4%

-123.9%

-3.9% 2013

11.5%

6.2%

9.1%

34.8%

10.7% 2014

8.1%

5.7%

7.1%

4.0%

7.0% 2015

11.6%

8.2%

10.2%

13.4%

10.4% 2016

10.9%

9.5%

10.3%

41.1%

11.5% 2017

10.9%

10.4%

10.7%

-59.8%

9.3% 2018

11.1%

9.4%

10.4%

65.7%

11.8% 2019

10.8%

9.3%

10.1%

51.2%

11.4% 2020 - Nine Months 12.0%

10.2%

11.2%

22.8%

11.9%





















Latest 5 Years' Average 11.1%

9.3%

10.3%

22.3%

10.9% Latest 10 Years' Average 12.2%

6.6%

9.9%

-18.7%

5.7%











































OBJECTIVES 2020 - 2024 11.0% - 13.0%

7.0% - 11.0%

10.0% - 12.0%

N/A

10.0 - 12.0%











































* Pretax operating income (loss) as a percentage of net premiums and fees earned. ** Effective July 1, 2019, immaterial results of the Consumer Credit Indemnity (CCI) run-off business have been classified within the General Insurance Group for all future periods.





















Table D





















Insurance Underwriting: Long-Focused on Selected Insurance Coverages Offered through 26 Regulated Insurers Assigned to Four Regulatory Defined Segments





















The long-term success of Old Republic's single business of insurance underwriting has resulted from the blending of industry specialization (see Table B), types of insurance coverages (see Tables C and D), and a capital allocation process that maximizes utilization among regulated insurance underwriting subsidiaries to promote greater operating returns (see Table C).

























Combined Underwriting Ratios*















RFIG



Years Ended December 31,

General

Title

Subtotal

Run-off

Consolidated 2006

92.4%

99.5%

95.5%

64.2%

90.0% 2007

91.3%

104.7%

95.4%

126.0%

101.5% 2008

93.1%

110.6%

97.8%

194.1%

120.9% 2009

95.6%

101.7%

97.7%

189.1%

118.5% 2010

94.7%

101.0%

97.5%

182.3%

111.4% 2011

94.4%

99.0%

96.2%

252.6%

115.8% 2012

98.7%

96.8%

97.9%

232.2%

110.4% 2013

97.3%

94.7%

96.1%

76.9%

95.0% 2014

100.8%

95.6%

98.8%

106.7%

99.4% 2015

97.6%

93.2%

95.7%

98.0%

96.0% 2016

97.8%

91.7%

95.2%

72.6%

94.6% 2017

97.3%

90.9%

94.6%

177.5%

96.7% 2018

97.2%

92.1%

95.1%

60.9%

94.7% 2019

97.5%

92.2%

95.3%

78.5%

95.1% 2020 - Nine Months 96.5%

91.2%

94.0%

110.7%

94.2%





















Average 2015 - 2020 97.3%

91.9%

95.0%

99.7%

95.2% Average 2006 - 2020 96.1%

97.0%

96.2%

134.8%

102.3%











































Long-Term Objectives 90.0% - 95.0%

90.0% - 95.0%

90.0% - 95.0%

N/A

90.0% - 95.0%











































* Represents the sum of the ratio of claims & claim expenses and the ratio of general expenses, both taken as percentages of premiums and fees revenues.



















Table E



















Total Returns Compared to Nominal GDP & Selected S&P Indices' Returns





















Old Republic International Corporation (1) Nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP)(2) S&P 500 Index (3) S&P P&C Insurance Index (3) Year Year End Book Value Year End Market Price Annual Cash Dividend Declared Total Book Value Annual & Compounded Return Total Market Annual & Compounded Return Total Annual & Compounded Return Total Annual & Compounded Return Total Annual & Compounded Return 1968 $0.280 $0.472 $0.007

18.2% 41.8% 9.4% 11.0%

1969 0.312 0.336 0.010

15.1% -26.6% 8.2% -8.4%

1970 0.360 0.528 0.012

19.2% 60.7% 5.5% 3.9%

1971 0.472 0.840 0.014

34.9% 61.7% 8.5% 14.3%

1972 0.480 1.240 0.016

5.1% 49.5% 9.8% 19.0%

1973 0.472 0.456 0.018

2.2% -61.7% 11.4% -14.7%

1974 0.376 0.408 0.020

-16.1% -6.1% 8.4% -26.5%

1975 0.288 0.440 0.020

-18.1% 12.7% 9.0% 37.2%

1976 0.560 0.624 0.011

98.3% 44.4% 11.2% 23.9%

1977 0.792 0.792 0.022

45.3% 30.4% 11.1% -7.2%

1978 0.976 0.976 0.033

27.4% 27.4% 13.0% 6.6%

1979 1.080 1.112 0.052

16.0% 19.3% 11.7% 18.6%

10 Year Annual Compound Growth Rate

17.6% 16.2% 9.9% 5.9%

1980 1.224 0.888 0.054

18.3% -15.3% 8.8% 32.5%

1981 1.392 1.144 0.054

18.1% 34.9% 12.2% -4.9%

1982 1.648 1.456 0.056

22.4% 32.2% 4.3% 21.6%

1983 1.888 2.353 0.058

18.1% 65.6% 8.7% 22.6%

1984 2.208 2.039 0.059

20.1% -11.2% 11.1% 6.3%

1985 2.304 3.014 0.062

7.1% 51.4% 7.5% 31.7%

1986 2.528 2.316 0.065

12.5% -21.0% 5.5% 18.7%

1987 2.952 1.861 0.068

19.5% -16.7% 6.0% 5.3%

1988 3.152 2.345 0.071

9.2% 29.8% 7.9% 16.6%

1989 3.544 2.604 0.076

14.8% 14.3% 7.7% 31.7%

10 Year Annual Compound Growth Rate

15.9% 12.6% 7.9% 17.6%

1990 3.920 2.465 0.081

12.9% -2.2% 5.7% -3.1% -2.3% 1991 4.456 4.207 0.086

15.9% -74.2% 3.3% 30.5% 25.3% 1992 5.072 5.896 0.094

15.9% 42.7% 5.9% 7.6% 17.2% 1993 5.744 5.363 0.102

15.3% -7.3% 5.2% 10.1% -1.8% 1994 6.112 5.037 0.111

8.3% -4.0% 6.3% 1.3% 4.8% 1995 7.248 8.415 0.121

20.6% 70.1% 4.8% 37.6% 35.4% 1996 7.768 9.511 0.148

9.2% 15.1% 5.7% 23.0% 21.5% 1997 8.312 13.222 0.178

9.3% 41.2% 6.2% 33.4% 45.5% 1998 9.216 12.000 0.206

13.4% -7.8% 5.7% 28.6% -6.6% 1999 9.590 7.267 0.262

6.9% -37.5% 6.3% 21.0% -25.5% 10 Year Annual Compound Growth Rate

12.7% 13.1% 5.5% 18.2% 10.8% 2000 11.000 17.066 0.294

17.8% 142.1% 6.5% -9.1% 55.9% 2001 12.480 14.938 0.314

16.3% -10.6% 3.2% -11.9% -8.1% 2002 13.960 14.934 0.336

14.6% 2.0% 3.4% -22.1% -11.0% 2003 15.650 20.288 0.890 * 18.5% 42.4% 4.8% 28.7% 26.4% 2004 16.940 20.240 0.403

10.8% 1.9% 6.6% 10.9% 10.4% 2005 17.530 21.008 1.312 * 11.2% 10.5% 6.7% 4.9% 15.1% 2006 18.910 23.280 0.590

11.2% 13.9% 6.0% 15.8% 12.8% 2007 19.710 15.410 0.630

7.6% -31.5% 4.6% 5.6% -14.0% 2008 15.910 11.920 0.670

-15.9% -18.0% 1.8% -37.0% -29.4% 2009 16.490 10.040 0.680

7.9% -10.1% -1.8% 26.5% 12.4% 10 Year Annual Compound Growth Rate

9.5% 7.4% 4.1% -1.0% 4.7% 2010 16.160 13.630 0.690

2.2% 43.4% 3.8% 15.1% 8.9% 2011 14.760 8.920 0.700

-4.3% -27.2% 3.7% 2.1% -0.3% 2012 14.030 10.650 0.710

-0.1% 23.4% 4.2% 16.0% 20.1% 2013 14.640 17.270 0.720

9.5% 70.7% 3.6% 32.4% 38.3% 2014 15.150 14.630 0.730

8.5% -11.2% 4.4% 13.7% 15.7% 2015 14.980 18.630 0.740

3.8% 33.4% 4.0% 1.4% 9.5% 2016 17.160 19.000 0.750

19.6% 6.2% 2.7% 11.9% 15.7% 2017 17.720 21.380 1.760 * 13.5% 16.9% 4.3% 21.8% 22.4% 2018 17.230 20.570 0.780

1.6% 4.8% 5.4% -4.4% -4.7% 2019 $19.980 $22.370 $1.800 * 26.4% 17.8% 4.0% 31.5% 25.9% 10 Year Annual Compound Growth Rate

7.7% 14.8% 4.0% 13.6% 14.5% 52 Year Annual Compound Growth Rate

12.8% 12.4% 6.4% 10.2% 9.5%



















Note: (*) Includes special cash dividends of $1.000, $1.000, $0.800, and $0.534 per share at September 2019 and December 2017, 2005, and 2003, respectively. Sources: (1) Old Republic Database / (2) Nominal Gross Domestic Product from Federal Reserve Bank St. Louis. / (3) Standard & Poor's Indices from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. Data for years 1989 and prior is not available for the S&P P&C Insurance Index.

Safe Harbor Statement

Historical data pertaining to the operating results, liquidity, and other performance indicators applicable to an insurance enterprise such as Old Republic are not necessarily indicative of results to be achieved in succeeding years. In addition to the factors cited below, the long-term nature of the insurance business, seasonal and annual patterns in premium production and incidence of claims, changes in yields obtained on invested assets, changes in government policies and free markets affecting inflation rates and general economic conditions, and changes in legal precedents or the application of law affecting the settlement of disputed and other claims can have a bearing on period-to-period comparisons and future operating results. Furthermore, due to the financial market and economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated governmental responses, it is therefore possible that Old Republic's operating results, business and financial condition could be adversely affected in subsequent periods depending on the length and severity of these disruptions.

Some of the oral or written statements made in the Company's reports, press releases, and conference calls following earnings releases, can constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Of necessity, any such forward-looking statements involve assumptions, uncertainties, and risks that may affect the Company's future performance. With regard to Old Republic's General Insurance segment, its results can be particularly affected by the level of market competition, which is typically a function of available capital and expected returns on such capital among competitors, the levels of investment yields and inflation rates, and periodic changes in claim frequency and severity patterns caused by natural disasters, weather conditions, accidents, illnesses, work-related injuries, and unanticipated external events. Title Insurance and RFIG Run-off results can be affected by similar factors, and by changes in national and regional housing demand and values, the availability and cost of mortgage loans, employment trends, and default rates on mortgage loans. Life and accident insurance earnings can be affected by the levels of employment and consumer spending, changes in mortality and health trends, and alterations in policy lapsation rates. At the parent holding company level, operating earnings or losses are generally reflective of the amount of debt outstanding and its cost, interest income on temporary holdings of short-term investments, and period-to-period variations in the costs of administering the Company's widespread operations.

The General Insurance, Title Insurance, Corporate and Other Segments, and the RFIG Run-off business maintain customer information and rely upon technology platforms to conduct their business. As a result, each of them and the Company are exposed to cyber risk. Many of the Company's operating subsidiaries maintain separate IT systems which are deemed to reduce enterprise-wide risks of potential cybersecurity incidents. However, given the potential magnitude of a significant breach, the Company continually evaluates on an enterprise-wide basis its IT hardware, security infrastructure and business practices to respond to these risks and to detect and remediate in a timely manner significant cybersecurity incidents or business process interruptions.

A more detailed listing and discussion of the risks and other factors which affect the Company's risk-taking insurance business are included in Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors, of the Company's 2019 Form 10-K Annual Report filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference.

Any forward-looking statements or commentaries speak only as of their dates. Old Republic undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any and all such comments, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, and accordingly they may not be unduly relied upon.

At Old Republic: At Financial Relations Board:



Craig R. Smiddy: President and Chief Executive Officer Analysts/Investors: Joe Calabrese 212/827-3772

SOURCE Old Republic International Corporation

Related Links

http://oldrepublic.com


The verdict is in from the Bureau of Meteorology: 2020 was the fifth-warmest year on record for Queensland, based on the state's average temperatures throughout last year.

It was also among the top 10 warmest years on record in terms of the average maximum and minimum temperatures recorded during last year, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Queensland's average 2020 temperature was 24.6 degrees, average minimum was 18.1 and average maximum was 31.2. Credit:Glenn Campbell

Queensland's average 2020 temperature finished up as 24.6 degrees, while the average minimum was 18.1 and the average maximum was 31.2.

During the course of last year, Queensland's south-east received below-average rainfall, according to the Bureau's annual climate statement, but the start of 2021 has not followed the same pattern.
The Chinese government is carrying out a campaign of harassment and intimidation against people seeking to hold it to account for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a New York-based rights group.



The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has harassed and intimidated people lodging complaints and filing lawsuits linked to the initial coverup of the emerging pandemic in the central city of Wuhan, and over abuses stemming from lockdowns, including lack of access to medical care, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a Jan. 6 statement on its website.



"The Chinese governments narrative that it has won the Covid-19 war is conditioned on silencing those who speak out about failings in the governments pandemic response and abuses committed under the pretext of stopping the spread of the virus," HRW China researcher Yaqiu Wang said.



"Repressing victims of abuses and their families is a cruel addition to the harm theyve already suffered," she said.



The criticism came as Beijing barred a team of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) from entering China, following months of negotiations over their trip to discover more about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.



WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was "very disappointed" with the entry ban, which comes as the CCP tries to redirect the global narrative away from the pandemic's origins in China, insisting that it may have been brought there from overseas.



"Today, we learned that Chinese officials have not yet finalized the necessary permissions for the team's arrivals in China," Tedros said on Jan. 5.



"I am very disappointed with this news, given that two members had already begun their journeys and others were not able to travel at the last minute," he said.

'Frustrating, disappointing'



WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan told Tuesday's briefing that the experts were being held up because their visas hadn't yet been approved.



"We were all operating on the on the understanding that the team would begin deployment [on Jan. 5]," he said, calling the situation "frustrating and... disappointing."



Scientists initially believed the virus jumped to humans at a market selling exotic animals for meat in the central city of Wuhan. The prevailing theory now suggests the virus' spread may have been facilitated by conditions in the market rather than making the initial cross-species jump there.



From late January to early April 2020, the CCP imposed draconian restrictions on movement on the 11 million residents of Wuhan, cutting off public transportation links to, from and within the city.



When quarantines or lockdowns are imposed, the authorities are obligated to ensure access to food, water, health care, and care-giving support, according to the HRW statement, which cited a number of rights abuses during the early weeks of the pandemic in China.



"Officials were seen sealing apartment doors to prevent people from leaving their homes," it said. "Some residents were chained to metal posts for purportedly violating stay-at-home orders."



But those who have filed lawsuits or other official complaints have been harassed, HRW said, citing the harassment of Zhang Hai, who sued the government over the death of his father, and Yan Min, whose 24-year-old daughter died of COVID-19 after catching it in a hospital where she had sought treatment for something unrelated.



"In some cases, police intimidated relatives of critics, including elderly parents and children, when the critics refused to stop their efforts," HRW said. "The police ransacked one critics home and threatened his elderly mother. Police also threatened to expel a critics child from school."



China researcher Yaqiu Wang said the official clampdown could mean the truth about the CCP's handling of COVID-19 may never come to light fully.



"The Chinese authorities relentless surveillance, censorship, and prosecution of those critical of the governments response to the pandemic means there may never be an honest accounting of the governments role," she said.

Holiday travel sparks concerns



Meanwhile, concerns are growing of a new wave of COVID-19 cases ahead of Lunar New Year on Feb. 12, when hundreds of millions of people typically take to planes, trains, and highways to spend the festival with their families.



While the authorities are trying to encourage people to stay where they are, the government is also using an alert system in conjunction with nucleic acid testing to enable people to travel if they wish.



A resident of Beijing surnamed Ma, who hails from the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, said the biggest travel flows come from migrant workers like herself going home for the New Year.



"[We] can go back to our hometowns for the New Year ... if they are not in high-risk areas, and we need to do a PCR test," she said.



"Anyone driving back needs to have a health code ... each location publishes its alert levels every day, so you can go if the alert level has fallen," she said.



But she said the biggest question isn't whether workers can't get home; it's whether they will wind up stranded there and unable to return to work after the festival is over, because of a change in alert levels.



"If you can't get back from there, then that's your job gone," Ma said.



Reported by Cai Ling and Gao Feng for RFA's Mandarin and Cantonese Services. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
A Republican state lawmaker from West Virginia joined the Trump-supporting crowd that stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday and live-streamed the dramatic moment in which he got past police to enter the front door of the congressional building.

Derrick Evans, 34, who was recently elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates, had attended the stop the steal rally in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, where supporters of the president protested the results of the November 3 election.

But as MAGA supporters turned violent and forced their way into the Capitol, the 34-year-old lawmaker followed them as he live-streamed on Facebook while wearing a helmet.

Were in baby! We're in, were in, Derrick Evans is in the Capitol! an excited Evans is heard saying.

He has now been slammed by both Democrats and Republicans in his home state for his actions, and threatened with censure by the West Virginia House Speaker.

Derrick Evans, 34, a newly elected state lawmaker from West Virginia, live-streamed as he and other die-hard pro-Trump supporters breached the front entrance of the US Capitol building on Wednesday while Congress convened to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's victory

Evans is seen left on December 14th being sworn into the West Virginia House of Delegates, where he represents the 19th district encompassing Wayne County

After President Trump gave a speech near the White House in which he encouraged his supporters to march toward the US Capitol, Evans joined others and recorded the events on Facebook as they happened.

At the time, Congress had convened in a special joint session to ratify President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the election.

In the moments after Evans and others stormed the barricades surrounding the US Capitol, he and a large group were seen massing near the front entrance.

In the clip, which has since been deleted but can be found circulating online, Evans is heard complaining about being hit with pepper spray in my right eye.

During the livestream, most of those reacting on Facebook encouraged Evans and the group, many of whom are waving pro-Trump banners and wearing Trump paraphernalia.

Stay strong American patriots and most of all stay safe, watch out for the paid fake TrumpDemo supporters! one Facebook user posted.

In the moments before the group breached the building, the mob, which includes Evans, could be heard chanting Whose house? Our house!

Evans is heard egging on the crowd and encouraging the Trump supporters to push forward.

In a five-minute long clip that he posted to Facebook, Evans stands among other Trump supporters as they breach the front entrance to the US Capitol building

Yes! Evans exclaims. Were going in! When it becomes apparent that the group of Trump supporters managed to breach the entrance, Evans says: Theyre in, theyre in.

Let them through, let them through, he is heard in the clip saying. There we go!

Open the door, he says in the video.

Moments later, Evans says: Were at the door now. Theres cops on the inside stalling us now.

Evans is heard once again complaining that he cant see out of my right eye due to the pepper spray.

As anticipation builds before they enter the building, Evans is heard saying: Move peacefully!

Evans is then heard taking part in a chant, repeatedly yelling Trump! in response to someone else asking Whos the president?

He then turns his cell phone camera and captures an image of himself. Evans is seen wearing what looks like a black motorcycle helmet.

Moments later, the door opens and the mob starts streaming into the building.

The above images show other Trump supporters just moments after managing to enter the US Capitol building on Wednesday

Evans observers how one of the protesters is holding a police riot shield.

Finally, the group manages to trickle inside the building, pushing forward at a slow pace while many of them record with their cell phones.

Were in, baby, Evans is heard saying.

In a bizarre scene, Evans walks over to one of the police officers near the entrance and gives him a fist bump.

God bless you, sir, Evans tells him as the others in the group can be heard chanting Treason! Treason!

He then tells the security guard that we respect you and that nobody wanted to see him hurt.

We dont want nobody hurt, Evans tells the officer. We still respect you.

Its nothing personal against you, Evans says to the officer.

Democrats and Republicans in West Virginia condemned Evans for taking part in the incident

He then implores the others not to damage or vandalize property.

No vandalizing! Evans tells the others. This is artifacts, alright? No vandalizing.

Evans is then seen walking through a narrow hallway behind several others.

I dont know where were going, he says. Im just following the crowd.

The video ends at that point.

Evans later deleted the video from his social media after he was condemned by both Democrats and Republicans in his home state.

West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, a Republican, told West Virginia Metro News: What occurred today is unpatriotic, un-American and I condemn it in the strongest terms possible.

Evans, a Republican, is known as a fierce anti-abortion advocate in West Virginia

He added: Like most Americans, I am shocked, saddened, angered and disturbed by the images coming out of our nations Capitol today.

The peaceful transfer of power is a bedrock principle of our republic, and is what has held the United States up as that shining city on a hill for nearly 250 years.

I have not spoken to Delegate Evans about todays events, I dont know the specifics of his involvement, I have only seen what has been posted on social media so far, and Im sure more details may come out soon.

He will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.

Hanshaw hinted that Evans could be subject to criminal prosecution.

While free speech and peaceful protests are a core value of American society, storming government buildings and participating in a violent intentional disruption of one of our nations most fundamental political institutions is a crime that should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, he said.

The House minority leader, Democrat Doug Skaff, praised the statement by Hanshaw and called the storming of the Capitol a violent, intentional disruption of our nations government.

This is unacceptable behavior and conduct unbecoming of an elected official, Skaff said.

I am calling on Speaker Hanshaw to suspend Delegate Derrick Evans rights, privileges and access to West Virginia State Capitol Building, immediately and indefinitely, to allow for investigation into this incident.

An online petition demanding that Evans be removed from the House of Delegates for terrorism generated more than 22,800 digital signatures as of Thursday morning.

Evans later posted a statement on social media which read: I want to assure you all that I did not have any negative interactions with law enforcement nor did I participate in any destruction that may have occurred.

He said he attended the protest and recorded the events as an independent member of the media to film industry.

Evans later posted a statement on social media which read: I want to assure you all that I did not have any negative interactions with law enforcement nor did I participate in any destruction that may have occurred

An online petition demanding that Evans be removed from the House of Delegates for terrorism generated more than 22,800 digital signatures as of Thursday morning

After security forces cleared the US Capitol, Congress reconvened to confirm President-elect Joe Biden as the presidential election winner early on Thursday morning. Vice President Mike Pence (left) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (right) read the final certification during a joint session of Congress in the early morning hours of Thursday

Evans is a first-term lawmaker who recently was sworn in as the delegate from West Virginias 19th district, which encompasses Wayne County, some 70 miles west of Charleston.

After security forces cleared the US Capitol, Congress reconvened to confirm Biden as the presidential election winner early on Thursday morning.

Lawmakers were resolved to complete the Electoral College tally in a display to the country, and the world, of the nations enduring commitment to uphold the will of the voters and the peaceful transfer of power.

They pushed through the night with tensions high and the nations capital on alert.

Four people died during the overrunning of the Capitol, including one woman who was shot by police while trying to break into the House Chamber.

Three others died of medical emergencies during the incident.
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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Uniting top industry experts from MCOs, Brokers and Providers, NEMTAC hosted its first virtual two-hour conference in mid-December 2020, powered by TripSpark Technologies. Conference participants interacted with panelists throughout the event, focusing their discussions on ways to overcome operational challenges within the industry. By adapting to the changing needs of customers and pivoting internal resources, the panelists shared their secrets for success during these uncertain times, and beyond.

TripSpark Technologies

While the medical transportation industry has been just one of the many businesses significantly impacted by decreased utilization during the pandemic lockdowns, diversification of services has opened many new doors according to Brian Spani, Brokerage Administrator, Bay Cities Brokerage/Metro West Ambulance. When asked how his business has been affected, Spani responded, "Because of COVID, new health and safety opportunities have opened for our business." One of the ways Spani and others have been able to pivot within their industry has been to identify areas that were underserviced because of the pandemic so that they could lend a helping hand. Some examples include facilitating prescription deliveries, picking up and dropping off patients for COVID testing to hospitals, providing discounted rides to residents of care homes and to those who are at higher risk. The greatest realization about COVID and how it has impacted business is that, while some areas are suffering, new opportunities to provide services have opened. When business returns to normal (or close-to-normal), these organizations will have established additional services to add to their offering.

Other conference discussions tackled the use of technology and success measurements as key to business sustainability and expansion. Businesses can confidently develop solid growth plans by incorporating the following: the latest software and a solid infrastructure, well-defined and efficient policies and procedures, and the right people to execute the plans. Identifying an organization's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), also helps to measure success for continued expansion into new markets. As the first in a series of virtual NEMTAC Educational Conferences, the Designing Progressive NEMT Operations event brought together a huge audience of owners and operators and other industry stakeholders. Working together in this forum, having open and honest discussions about the challenges encountered in light of the global pandemic, produced several valuable insights for the future of the NEMT industry.

CONTACT:

Dave Silva

Senior Marketing Manager

647-200-4031

[email protected]

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NEMTAC & TripSpark NEMT Conference

Related Links

TripSpark NEMT Software

Designing Progressive NEMT Systems Event

SOURCE TripSpark Technologies

Thousands of the production cells, which are low tech and easy to operate can work together to disperse the hydroxyl. Using this ancient, planetary cleaning chemistry which leaves no unwanted residues or side reactions to worry about dumping has recyclable working parts. This will also allow the technology to only charge $10 per CO2e at scale, compared to other removal technologies which some are pricing at well over $100/CO2e. With low engineering inputs, and operating simplicity, a ReductionTech global scale up footprint uses about 8 acres of land, plus the green electricity supply footprint.

"Our final design needs to be submitted to the Canadian Standards Association for approval and this is what the $70k funds are for," said Viva Cundliffe. "Once we have "recognized offset units", we can offer our services globally."



The hydroxyl offers removal of all GHGs at once; providing a cleanup of air that rivals a pure, preindustrial atmosphere, and it does this very rapidly as it fans out into the atmosphere by diffusion and prevailing wind. The GHGs are terminated by well known transformation reactions and weathering. Hydroxyl is also the main remover of methane, which is still on the rise, and as a precaution, humanity should scale something affordable and safe.



"We look forward to financing this technology with the right partner with great hope and optimism for humanity with this technology in hand," continued Viva Cundliffe.



View: ReductionTech Introduction Video

View PDF Attachment: ReductionTech cells



Website: https://www.reductiontech.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReductionTech-101988491211922

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/embracecarbon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VivaCundliffe

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Viva1cable



SOURCE ReductionTech
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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.


A Vietnamese court sentenced journalist Pham Chi Dung to 15 years in prison on Wednesday. He had been found guilty of making and spreading propaganda against the state.

Dung, who has written for the Voice of America Vietnamese-language website, is the president and founder of the Independent Journalist Association of Vietnam. The organization was established in 2014 to support independent media in the one-party Communist country.

The Vietnamese online news site, VNExpress, reported that court documents said Dung and others set up the organization to "fight and change the current political institutions of Vietnam." Government officials questioned Dung, a former member of the ruling Communist Party, several times for activities connected with the organization before his arrest in 2019.

Dung was sentenced Tuesday along with two other writers, Nguyen Tuong Thuy and Le Huu Minh Tuan. The two were given 11 years in prison, a defense lawyer said.

Dungs wife, Bui Thi Hong Loan, attended Tuesdays hearing in Ho Chi Minh City. She told VOA that she was not surprised by the sentence but called the evidence presented against her husband ambiguous.

Nguyen Van Mieng is a lawyer on Dung and Tuans defense team. All three journalists, he said, demonstrated their rights of freedom of press and advocate for democracy and human rights.

Mieng added that all three rejected the accusation that they were advocating for a change in Vietnams government. He said that Dung warned of judicial wrongdoing in his final statement to the court. He reportedly said a ruling of a severe sentence would be a clear violation of freedom of the press, as well as other democracy and human rights in Vietnam.

International reactions

The Committee to Protect Journalists described the punishment as outrageous. It said the government has no intention of permitting even the most basic elements of a free press.

Daniel Bastard is head of Asia-Pacific for Reporters Without Borders. He said that the sentences were designed to silence any form of public debate ahead of the partys national congress later this month. In an email to VOA, Bastard wrote, It is all the more shocking to know that the hearing was less than half a day long.

Vietnam has one of the worst records on media freedom. Reporters Without Borders says it is the fifth least free country out of the groups list of 180 nations.

The government has control over radio, television stations and printed publications. It bans independent or privately-owned media and blocks access to many websites.

I'm Caty Weaver.

VOA's An Hai reported this story. Caty Weaver was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

institution - n. an established organization

ambiguous - adj. not expressed or understood clearly

outrageous - adj. so wrong in a way that causes anger
Bengaluru, Jan 7 : Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala on Thursday lauded the state police personnel who worked hard to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is a proud moment to honour the state police personnel for their exemplary services to the people in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Their contribution will inspire others to work with zeal for betterment of society," said Vala, who presented the President's Police Medal to 4 officers and the Police Medal for meritorious service to 74 officers and staff at an investiture ceremony on the lawns of Raj Bhavan here.

The President's medals were presented to former DIGs B.A. Mahesh and T.R Suresh, former SP G.A. Jagadish (all retired) and DCP B.S. Angadi.

According to state Director General of Police Praveen Sood, 87 police personnel, including two women constables, succumbed to the infection across the state over the last 9 months.

Of the 80,000 police force in the state, 9,348 of them tested Covid positive and 8,052 recovered from the virus till date.

In Bengaluru, which has been the epi-centre of the disease in the southern state, 2,904 police personnel tested positive and 2,432 of them recovered, while 31 lost their lives to the infection.

The state government has paid Rs 30 lakh compensation to the families of each police corona warrior who died on duty.

Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Home Secretary Rajneesh Goel, Sood and family members of the victims were present at the event.
Entire church self-isolates after single positive test for COVID; cases highest level in UK

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An entire Catholic congregation in Stafford, England, has had to self-isolate after a single parishioner tested positive for the coronavirus. The move comes as new cases of a newer strain of the virus are emerging in the United Kingdom.

The congregation, St. Austin's Catholic Church, was told of the positive test following mass on Sunday.

"Following the advice given by the NHS over the phone, and the guidelines given on the website, we believe we have contacted everyone who attended this mass, informing them of the situation and the need to isolate for ten days," the church wrote on its Facebook page.

The parish priest said that church leaders have been in touch with the National Health Service agencies to reach everyone who was there, instructing them to self-isolate.

St. Austin's has canceled services for the rest of the week as a result of the infection.

The latest official figures show that Staffordshire, which is the county of approximately 875,000 people in the Midlands of England that is home to Stafford, has had approximately 3,500 new cases of COVID-19 in the past seven days.

The United Kingdom has been under stringent lockdowns in recent months and this week those restrictions were increased as a newer more infectious strain of the virus has begun plaguing the nation. The latest version of the guidelines allow for houses of worship to remain open for individual prayer and communal worship. But the rules also say people must not meet outside their household or support bubble and not mingle with people outside those groups.

The new variant of the virus has led to a new lockdown that is scheduled to remain in effect until at least mid-February, according to the BBC. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a televised address Monday that the nation's hospitals are strained from COVID more than anytime since the pandemic started.

The Associated Press reported Monday that 26,626 COVID patients were currently in hospitals, a 30% increase from one week ago. The figure is 40% more than the highest level when the first wave of the virus hit in the spring.

The weeks ahead will be the hardest yet but I really do believe that were entering the last phase of the struggle, Johnson said.

The start of even tighter measures come as health authorities have started distributing Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines across the country, in hopes that life may begin returning to normal in a few months. Approximately 700 vaccination sites are already presently operating with more sites expected to open later this week.
Hours after a pro-Trump mob incited by the president stormed the Capitol, dozens of Democrats demanded that he be removed under the 25th Amendment  an unprecedented option being seriously discussed late Wednesday by senior administration officials alarmed at Trumps conduct.

The amendment, which can remove a president unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, has only been used briefly for medical events, as when President Ronald Reagan underwent colon surgery.

But some politicians and experts argue that Trump has met those standards by encouraging violence through his incendiary rhetoric and by refusing to accept the reality of his defeat.

President Trump revealed that he is not mentally sound and is unable to process and accept the results of the 2020 election, Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee wrote to Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday. President Trumps willingness to invite violence and social unrest to overturn the election results by force clearly meet this standard.

Although the amendment has never been used in these circumstances, some experts say it could provide a faster and more realistic path than impeachment to quickly remove Trump from power. That would all depend, though, on the backing of Pence and the Cabinet.

So how would it work?

 READ MORE: Aides weigh resignations, removal through 25th Amendment as Trump rages against perceived betrayals

The amendment, which was ratified in 1967 after concerns about the order of succession after John F. Kennedys assassination, would allow Pence and a majority of the Cabinet to declare that Trump is unfit for duty. They would then send a letter to Congress about their decision.

At that moment, said Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the University of California at Berkeleys School of Law, Pence would assume the powers of the presidency. If Trump were in a coma or otherwise incapacitated, Pence would keep that power indefinitely.

But the amendment also gives Trump the power to object by writing his own letter to Congress  an action that would immediately restore his powers. If that happened, though, Pence and the full Cabinet would have four days overrule him. (Theres no agreement on who would be in power for those four days, The Washington Posts Philip Bump reported. The amendment is unclear and would likely have to be tested in court.)

If Pence and the Cabinet did overrule Trump, Congress would be called on to decide the dispute. Pence would remain in power in the meantime.

Thats where the timing gets interesting. The amendment orders Congress to convene within 48 hours to decide on whether to boot the president  but then it gives lawmakers 21 days to make a decision.

Affirming Pences move would require a two-thirds majority of both the House and Senate. Thats an unlikely result, considering a majority of House Republicans voted early on Thursday to back Trumps electoral objections.

 READ MORE: The scene inside the Capitol as the insurrection unfolded

But if the House and Senate leadership simply stalled the vote, they could effectively run out the clock on Trumps term, leaving Pence in charge until President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration on Jan. 20, Chemerinsky said.

Pence would be the president for that time, he said.

Impeachment, by contrast, would be extraordinarily difficult to push through the House and a Senate trial by Jan. 20, Chemerinsky said. (Unlike impeachment, the 25th Amendment cant actually remove Trump from office  instead, it would delegate his powers to Pence.)

Thats not to say that Pence or the Cabinet would ever embrace removing Trump under the 25th Amendment. While senior aides did discuss the option on Wednesday, those talks were informal and no concrete plans were in the works, The Washington Post reported.

If the aim is to avoid further violence and turmoil, Pence and the Cabinet would have to weigh whether removing Trump early would actually accomplish that, Chemerinsky said.

Do they perceive Trump as so dangerous in the next 13 days that he needs to be gone immediately? Chemerinsky said. Or do they think this would just divide the country even further and make him into a martyr?
Today (January 7, 2021), on Irrfan Khan's 54th birth anniversary, filmmaker Shoojit Sircar reminisced about the deceased actor, who breathed his last on April 29, 2020, and said that he was the biggest loss to the film industry. Shoojit had worked with Irrfan in Piku in 2015. The film also stars Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role.

In his recent tete-a-tete with a leading daily, Shoojit spoke about Irrfan's demise and said that the Madaari actor has left a vacuum.

"If you ask me what the biggest loss was in 2020, I would say Irrfan Khan was the biggest loss to the film industry. I wish him luck and joy wherever he is in his magical world that he would always speak about. I guess he is finally in his magical world."

Speaking about what he misses the most about Irrfan, Sircar said, "What stood out about Irrfan was his spirit as a human being. His simplicity of belief in humanity. Those things I remember about him. Especially during his later days, he would talk more about spirituality. We would discuss it."

Sircar further added that before Irrfan's demise, he exchanged many books with him when the late actor was going through his treatment in London. For the unversed, Irrfan was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour in 2018.

ALSO READ: Irrfan Khan's Wife Sutapa Sikdar: I Have No Idea How To Welcome 2021

In the same interview, Shoojit also recalled the shooting days of Piku and said, "On the last few days of his schedule of Piku, Irrfan would often say, 'Dada, can't we go on shooting like this? I am feeling like a free bird. I don't want this moment to stop. Please, aap kuch bhi kara lo mujhse. I can't explain this feeling. Can't we just go on and on?' I miss my Irrfan, today and every other day."

On that note, presenting to you Irrfan's dialogue from Piku that might make you miss the actor even more. "Death Aur Shit.... Ye Do Cheeze Kisi Ko Bhi, Kahin Bhi, Kabhi Bhi Aa Sakti Hai."

ALSO READ: Irrfan Khan's Last Film The Song of Scorpions All Set To Release In Theatres In 2021

Darroch has been CEO of Sky since 2007, and Group CFO before that since 2004. During that time, he has driven mass profitability and innovation in the company introducing new television viewing experiences with the likes of products like Sky+, Sky HD, Sky Go, Sky Q and NOW TV . In the companys third quarter results in November 2020, Sky was revealed to have continued adding customer relationships at higher prices while reducing churn to all-time lows in core UK business. Skys quarterly revenues grew by 5.2% year on year to $4.793 billion.Sky has also brought competition and choice to British consumers in broadband, telephony and mobile services, lately mobile, telephony and fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) offers. The FTTH broadband service for the UK launched in November 2020 is designed to open up new growth in the new-build segment of the UK residential market and has a guaranteed average upload speed of 27Mbps, especially useful for video applications while 5G services were introduced in 20 leading UK towns and cities in January 2020.Commenting on his move, Darroch said the decision to leave has not been easy but that with the Sky business settled into the wider Comcast Corporation and a strong plan in place, now was the right time to go. I am proud of the business we have built together. We are winning in all our markets, with a strong brand, exceptional products and services, and high levels of customer and employee satisfaction. We have an outstanding and experienced leadership team who I know will continue to evolve the business in the years to come.Darroch will be succeeded by Dana Strong, currently president, consumer services for Comcast Cable which acquired control of Sky by acquiring 21st Century Foxs controlling stake in October 2018. Strong has been responsible for Comcasts largest business and has led innovative new product and market launches in broadband, video, home security and mobile. During her tenure, the company achieved record subscriber and broadband growth and the companys highest levels of customer satisfaction. Strong has over 25 years of international experience in global telecommunications and media and deep knowledge of the UK and European markets. Before joining Comcast, she served as president and COO of Virgin Media in the UK as well as chief transformation officer of Liberty Global, CEO UPC Ireland, and COO AUSTAR in Australia.Strong will report to Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts while Darroch will remain as executive chairman through to 2021 to ensure a smooth transition and then act as an advisor to the company. Commenting on the shake up, Roberts said: Skys values have been a perfect fit for ours at Comcast and that is very much due to Jeremy. He and his team have built a world-class brand and a strong, well-run business that will continue to flourish. Jeremy has been a terrific colleague to me and everyone at Sky, but I respect his decision that now is the time for him to make a changeDana is an accomplished executive with an extraordinary ability to transform, inspire, and drive positive change.

(Natural News) Assemblyman Noah Nicholas Perry of New York has introduced a bill that would allow for the removal and/or detention of any person deemed as a case, contact or carrier of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), in order to place that person into a detention, aka concentration, camp.

Known as Bill A416, the proposed legislation would give sweeping powers to state governments to rip people from their homes and place them into medical or other appropriate facilities in the event that a health emergency is declared.

As long as the government can provide clear and convincing evidence that a person is sick, or was merely exposed to someone who is, that person could legally be removed from their home and taken into government custody.

People being removed will have the right to legal representation and are allowed to supply the telephone numbers of friends or family to receive notification of the individuals detention, reveals Niamh Harris from Newspunch.

If enacted, the law would allow the governor or health official of a state to unilaterally approve such detentions. However, a court order would be required within 60 days of confinement, along with a judicial review if a person is still in a concentration camp after 90 days.

Once health authorities determine that a person is safe and no longer contagious, he or she will then be released back into society  but not before this time, the proposal makes clear.

Those still deemed to be a health risk while being detained will be required to submit to a prescribed course of treatment, preventative medication or vaccination, the bill further states, meaning freedom of health choice would not be an option.

Bill A416 does not specifically mention coronavirus, but thats obviously what its about

To be clear, the bill does not mention coronavirus or COVID-19 by name. However, it is obvious from the current state of affairs that this is what it is referring to, with ominous implications for those who refuse to get jabbed.

Perry did introduce a nearly identical bill during the 2015-16 legislative session, though, so it would also apply to any other communicable diseases that the government deems high-risk.

The proposed bill is slated to be reviewed by the assemblys health committee at some point in January, and while it still has a long way to go before ever potentially being adopted, many are warning about it now to prevent that from ever possibly happening.

I knew Cuomo was a bit of an authoritarian anti-Semite but I never thought the state would go literal Nazi, wrote conservative commenter Ian Miles Cheong on his Twitter account.

Cheongs comment is in reference to the draconian crackdowns imposed by Cuomo earlier this year against New Yorks Jewish community, which had largely refused to abide by the states COVID-19 restrictions.

This was a conspiracy theory, like many other things, 9-10 months ago, wrote another Twitter commenter about how the idea of concentration camps for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) was being talked about long before Perry introduced his proposal.

If you would like to read the proposed bill for yourself, as well as leave a comment or rating on it, you can do so at this link.

Anyone who resists arrest, even if police are armed, is innocent and will be freed with all rights restored, wrote one Newspunch commenter about the reality of what would happen were a bill like this to ever pass.

Orders to enter the home of a citizen are illegal based on the lies of covid. Resistance is legal. Required, and encouraged.

More of the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

Newspunch.com

NaturalNews.com

NYSenate.gov

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The extensive damage caused by the mob that stormed the Capitol on Wednesday was laid bare in a series of harrowing images showing shattered windows, graffiti-covered statues and teargas stains lining the walls.

Bags filled with zipties, bullet holes, dirty footprints and toppled furniture were seen scattered across the US legislature as the FBI and DC police began the hunt for those responsible.

Outside the building, crews were seen erecting 'nonscalable' black fences around the perimeter grounds just after 10:30am this morning, which officials called a precautionary measure ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration following the violence that erupted less than 24 hours earlier.

The Capitol sustained significant damage as hordes of rioters kicked down doors and climbed scaffolding to gain entry to the legislature.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's office was also vandalized, with draws pulled out and papers strewn across the floor. Multiple protesters had, throughout the demonstration, uploaded images to social media of them mockingly posing for selfies at her desk.

The stage on which Biden's inauguration will be held on January 20 was seriously damaged as well, with protesters seemingly intent on wreaking as much havoc possible. While the stage is still standing, it will reportedly need a lot of repairs before the event, setting back weeks of work.

Wednesday's demonstration, held at the direction of Trump, came in protest to the outgoing presidents election loss to Joe Biden.

One protester, US Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, was shot dead by police during the riot, and at least three others died of medical emergencies.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., stops to look at damage at the Capitol early morning Thursday just hours after Thousands of Trump fans stormed the building

Shattered windows, damaged furniture and ransacked offices form the scene of the aftermath of destructive riots

Among the rubble was also a number of Make America Great Again red caps, Trumps signature merchandise and several US flags

Elsewhere in the building, a large cloth sign with the words treason was left on the floor of a hallway

The bust of U.S. President Zachary Taylor is covered with plastic after blood was smeared on during Wednesday's demonstrations

A duffle bag of flex cuffs remains at the northern entrance door

The remnants of pepper spray, tear gas, and fire extinguishers still dusts the area around the northern entrance

Outside the building, crews were seen erecting tall black fences around the perimeter grounds just after 10:30am this morning

Clean up crews were seen working on the interior of the building across Thursday morning, picking up shards of glass from the Capitol floor, polishing statues and throwing out discarded banners, some of which read Stop the Steal Patriots.

Among the rubble were a number of Make America Great Again red caps and several US Flags.

In a news conference Thursday morning with D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy said military personnel were erecting a seven-foot-tall nonscalable fence around the entire Capitol.

McCarthy said the fence would remain in place for at least 30 days, meaning it will still be up for Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20.

A National Guardsman at the Capitol told the Washington Post that officials had been instructed not to allow anymore people onto the grounds.

A small number had been allowed into the area earlier this morning, with some opting to snap pictures, walk around or jog through.

One woman was pictured standing in front of the iconic Capitol dome with a placard reading: God Bless America. A Trump fan stood near by, waiving a 'Trump 2020' flag.

According to local reports, by 11am, the Capitols grounds were mostly empty, with only news media on the north and south ends of the building.

Clean up operations and National Guard at the US Capitol after protesters stormed the building yesterday

The Capitol sustained damage as rioters broke windows, kicked down doors and climbed scaffolding to gain entry to the legislature

Clean up crews were seen working on the interior of the building across Thursday morning

The stage on which Joe Biden's inauguration will be held on January 20 was seriously damaged as well, with protesters seemingly intent on wreaking as much havoc possible

Debris is seen at the West Terrace entrance (left) and a window is seen shattered on the building's eastern side (right)

Staff walk past a shattered window next to the Senate Carriage Entrance on the eastern side of the U.S. Capitol building

They were observed picking up shards of glass from the Capitol floor and polishing vandalized statues

One vandalized statue is seen covered in plastic inside the US Capitol as of Thursday morning

A worker walks past used crowd control chemicals near Capitol Police checkpoint

A shoe print is seen on a glass panel of a door at the northern entrance of the building

One woman was pictured standing in front of the iconic Capitol dome with a placard reading: God Bless America. On the right is a Trump supporter

The calm scenes Thursday morning marked a dramatic departure from the chaos that erupted in the heart of American democracy across much of Wednesday afternoon and evening.

The siege unfolded at about 3pm, soon after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters and encouraged them to descend on the Capitol, where lawmakers had convened to certify Joe Biden's Electoral College victory in the presidential election.

Dozens of protesters - many of them armed and most not wearing masks - breached barricades around the building and pushed past countless police officers to enter the Rotunda.

A small group of protesters managed to get into the Chamber, where lawmakers were told to take cover and put on gas masks as the Trump supporters began deploying chemical irritants.

One protester occupied the Senate dais and yelled: 'Trump won that election'.

Some protesters even inhabited Nancy Pelosi's office, sitting mockingly at a desk. A mirror was smashed, her desks were rummaged through and the lawmakers nameplate was also destroyed.

A note was left behind on her desk that read: WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN in red pen.

The Senate parliamentarians office was also ransacked. A video uploaded to Twitter by CNN journalist Ali Zaslav laid bare the destruction caused by rioters, with papers thrown across the floor.

The remnants of pepper spray, tear gas, and fire extinguishers dusts the security console at the entrance to the western promenade

The calm scenes Thursday morning mark a dramatic departure from the chaos that erupted in the heart of American democracy across much of Wednesday afternoon and evening

Reporters inside the Capitol this morning have said there are shards of glass 'everywhere' throughout the building

Workers begin to clean up the debris and damage caused by the pro-Trump mob

A local woman is seen volunteering to clear rubbish trash the US Capitol on Thursday

In a news conferences Thursday morning with D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy said military personnel were erecting a seven-foot-tall nonscalable fence around the entire Capitol

Elsewhere in the building, a large cloth sign with the word treason was left on the floor of a hallway. Dozens of plastic bottles and debris also lined the bases of statues.

USA Today reporter Christal Hayes tweeted that there was glass everywhere on Thursday morning.

I'm inside the Capitol for @USATODAY. The aftermath of Trump rioters storming the building is jarring Glass everywhere, dust blankets the ground, broken benches turned on their side, used medical kit with an IV & AED machine that was used on a woman who was squeezed in the chaos, she said.

Fox News producer also shared images of further destruction in the Senate win of the first floor of the Capitol.

The images showed yet more shattered glass, toppled furniture and windows bordered up.

The area where one protester was shot dead was also photographed being cleaned up by crews earlier today.

USA Today reporter Christal Hayes tweeted that there was glass everywhere on Thursday morning

Remnants from a chemical irritant are seen on the floor of the Capitol in the above image

Images showed yet more shattered glass, toppled furniture and windows bordered up.

Workers covered the bust of US President Zachary Taylor, which appeared to have been vandalized with a red substance yesterday

An Architect of the Capitol work crew restocks stolen fire extinguishers near the Senate floor

Workers clean the Capitol rotunda, dusting off statues that were vandalized amidst the chaos

Extensive cleaning efforts were also carried out outside the building through Thursday morning

The protective fence around the Capitol will remain up for around 30 days - meaning it will be in place for Biden's inauguration on January 20

Damage and debris are seen left behind by a pro-Trump mob in the entrance to the western promenade, including a megaphone, liquor bottles and a Vision Times newspaper

By the time day turned into night, four people had died in the siege and multiple officers had been injured.

Ashli Babbitt, 35, from San Diego, was shot in the chest when she tried to clamber through a barricaded entrance with a mob of Trump supports who were attempting to gain access to the chamber.

Footage of the fatal incident shows Babbitt and a group of Trump supporters attempting to force their way through double doors which had been barricaded, with multiple armed officers standing on the other side.

As Babbitt can be seen attempting to climb up through a broken window, one rioter shouts 'He's got a gun' but the warning comes too late. The officer then fires a single shot, sending the veteran crashing down to the ground on her back.

Republican Congressman Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, witnessed the shooting and told ABC Thursday the US Capitol Police officer who fatally shot Babbitt 'didn't have a choice' but to open fire.

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on leave pending an investigation, the US Capitol PD confirmed in a statement Thursday.

In addition to Babbitt, three other people died from 'medical emergencies' during Wednesday's siege, officials said. 52 people were arrested in total, including 26 on Capitol grounds. Four of the arrests were for firearms offenses.

Pro-Trump protesters seen storming into the U.S. Capitol during clashes with police

The siege unfolded at about 3pm, soon after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters and encouraged them to descend on the Capitol

Damage to the doorway leading to the House chamber is seen on Thursday

Members of the National Guard are seen patrolling the Capitol grounds on Thursday morning

Scraps of a demonstrator's poster lays below a Congressional members and staff entrance sign

Capitol Police Chief Steven A. Sund made his first public remarks Thursday morning on his agencys response to the riot, saying police had a robust plan established to deal with protesters, and credited his officers for responding valiantly.

Sund did not, however, acknowledge any deficiencies in his departments response, despite the fact his officers were completely overwhelmed.

'USCP officers and out law enforcement partners responded valiantly when faced with thousands of individuals involved in riotous actions as the stormed the United States Capitol Building,' the statement began.

'These individuals actively attacked United States Capitol Police Officer and other uniformed law enforcement with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants, and took up other weapons against our officers. They were determined to enter into the Capitol building by causing great damage.'

Sund also confirmed that the officer who fatally shot Babbitt has been placed on leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

He concluded his statement by adding that 'the attack on the US Capitol was unlike any I have experienced in my 30 years of law enforcement here in Washington DC.'

The White House also issued a statement this morning through deputy press secretary Judd Deere, which reads: 'The White House grieves the loss of life that occurred yesterday and extends sympathies to their families and loved ones. We also continue to pray for a speedy recovery for those who suffered injury.'
Kathmandu, January 7

The Ministry of Health and Population has informed that the countrys Covid-19 tally has reached 263,605 as of Thursday afternoon.

The ministry says 412 new cases were confirmed in the country in the past 24 hours. Out of those, 251 have been reported in the valley.

In this period, 5,132 swab samples were tested. So far, 1 million and 969,292 people have been tested in the country.

As of today, 5,058 cases are active.

Of the total cases so far, 256,664 people have achieved recovery whereas 1,903 died, according to the ministry. In the past 24 hours, 483 people have been discharged whereas four deaths have been reported.

Over 300 people are quarantined across the country.
TUNIS - The office of the presidency of the Tunisian Parliament has decided to suspend - until further notice - the plenary sessions of the assembly due to the evolution of the epidemiological situation of coronavirus.

The decision was taken after an emergency meeting of Parliament's presidency at the request of the whips of five parliamentary groups, deputy speaker, Tarek Fetiti, told local radio Mosaique Fm. Fetiti added that the Scientific committee for the fight against coronavirus has assured that ''the threat of contagion in the assembly has become very realistic'', without providing further details. The resumption of sessions will now depend on the report that the committee will present to Parliament, which should provide for a special health protocol to hold the sessions. Fetiti also said that MPs Mabrouk Khachnaoui and Jaouhar Mghirbi, among others, have tested positive for Covid-19 while others are currently in quarantine. Since the start of the epidemic, Tunisia has recorded 149,881 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 5,004 deaths. In order be admitted into the country, travelers must have a negative Covid test as well as observe a seven-day quarantine period. A curfew at night is in place until January 15.
The Gauhati High Court on Thursday rejected a bail application of peasants rights activist Akhil Gogoi, who has been in jail since December 2019 in connection with a National Investigation Agency (NIA) case for his role in the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests in the state.

The decision by a division bench of the court has dashed hopes of his supporters across Assam who had been hoping that he would get released soon to take part in the upcoming assembly polls in the state.

We are waiting for a copy of the order to know the exact reasons for denial of bail. We will soon approach the Supreme Court with an appeal seeking bail for Gogoi, said Santanu Borthakur, Gogois advocate, after the courts decision.

The case pertains to one of the 13 cases registered against Gogoi, founder of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), for his role in the violent protests that took place in December 2019 against the citizenship law. Gogoi has secured bail in all the other cases, including another one filed by the NIA, except this.

Initially filed at the Chandmari police station in Guwahati, the case was later transferred to the NIA. He has been charged under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, sedition, criminal conspiracy, support to terrorist organization, among others.

Gogoi was arrested at Jorhat on December 12, 2019 for his role in the protests against CAA, which seeks to fast forward citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis, Buddhists and Jains from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Three of his associates were arrested a day later.

He was later handed over to the NIA and a court here sent him to 10 days custody of the agency on December 17. He was taken to New Delhi the same day for questioning. Gogoi was brought back to Guwahati on December 25 and has been in judicial custody ever since.

The three associates of Gogoi, who were also arrested in December, are already out on bail.

Gogois organization, KMSS, which was at the forefront of the anti-CAA protests, has lodged a political party called Raijor Dal last year with the aim of contesting the state polls.

The first convention of the party began at Moran in Dibrugarh district on Thursday and there were expectations that the court would grant bail to Gogoi.

Lava Mobiles announced the new range of Z smartphones that it claims are entirely made in India. This means that the smartphones have been conceptualised and manufactured in India in line with the Design in India programme that the government announced years ago. It is not exactly a comeback of Lava Mobiles but a firm declaration that the company exists and now wants to fight off the onslaught by Chinese rivals. The operative word is Chinese because the reemergence of the homegrown brands stems from the anti-China sentiment that is rife in the market.

Sonam Wangchuk, the Indian personality who spearheaded the anti-China campaign, is closely related with the new "Made in India" devices from Lava Mobiles. Lava Mobiles' president and business head Sunil Rana said its new smartphones come with the military-grade endurance, suggesting that it is suitable for uses by defence forces. Lava Mobiles has launched the Z1, Z2, Z4, Z6 smartphones in India spread across various price ranges.

But apart from the default specifications, Lava Mobiles is giving users the ability to customise their smartphones through a new programme called My Z. This new programme will allow buyers to pick and drop specifications on their phone as per their choice on select devices only. Lava's new 'Made-to-Order' concept for smartphones will let you choose between 2GB, 3GB, 4GB, or 6GB RAM, and mix it with 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB ROM in a combination of your choice. Further, you can choose between a dual (13+2MP) or a triple rear camera (13+5+2MP), an 8MP or a 16MP selfie camera. You can also select the colour of your choice, your own version of Lava's Z series.

This tool will be available via Lava's online website initially but retail stores will have it soon. Lava has also announced Z Up that lets you upgrade your phone with more RAM and storage for an incremental price without having to replace the phone. The Z Up programme will be available on Z2, Z4, and Z6 smartphones only.

Lava Z1, Z2, Z4, Z6 price, specifications

The Lava Z1 costs Rs 5,499, the Z2 is priced at Rs 6,999, the Z4 will cost you Rs 8,999, and finally, the Z6 will sell for Rs 9,999. The first sale begins on January 11 when you will be able to purchase the Z2, Z4, Z6, and MyZ smartphones. The Lava Z1 and Z Up will be available starting January 26. All new devices can be purchased from Lava online store, physical stores, leading online and offline outlets. Lava has also launched a new fitness band called Befit for Rs 2,699.

The Lava Z1 is the entry-level smartphone with a 5-inch 720p display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection on top, a first for this price segment. The smartphone is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio A20 processor paired with 2GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage. There is support for microSD card to expand the storage. It comes with a 5MP rear and a 5MP front camera, along with the LED flash on the backside. There is a 5-magnet loudspeaker inside the phone that the company claims will belt out loud audio. The Lava Z1 is backed by a 3100mAh battery with support for regular charging.

Next up is the Lava Z2 that comes with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, a 13+2MP dual-camera system along with an 8MP selfie camera. The Lava Z4 has 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 13MP main camera, a 5MP secondary camera, and a 2MP tertiary camera. There is a 16MP front camera on the phone. And finally, the Lava Z6 has the combination of 6GB RAM and 64GB storage with the same triple rear camera setup (13MP+5MP+2MP) and a 16MP selfie camera. All three phones, Z2, Z4, and Z6 have 6.5-inch HD+ screens, are powered by MediaTek Helio G35 processors, and have 5000mAh battery inside.

The Lava BeFIT smart fitness band comes with temperature monitoring, heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement tool, support for calls, SMS, email & social messaging apps. There is the auto-sleep feature also available.

[January 07, 2021]

maaiiconnect adds WhatsApp and WeChat integration to its customer engagement platform

HONG KONG, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- maaiiconnect, a leading customer engagement platform, now allows businesses to have conversations with customers over WhatsApp and WeChat directly from its dashboard. The integration of WhatsApp Business and WeChat Official Accounts represents a massive upgrade in maaiiconnect's omnichannel messaging capabilities, enabling users to tap into WhatsApp's unrivalled global reach and WeChat's Chinese social media dominance. Along with integration to Facebook Messenger, maaiiconnect now gives businesses the ability to respond and engage with customers over the world's three most popular messaging platforms quickly and easily through a single, unified interface.

People increasingly expect businesses to communicate with them the same way they communicate personally with each other  instantaneously over a diverse range of preferred channels and devices. But as businesses try to match their customers' service expectations, they are struggling to provide a seamless customer experience across the multiple communications channels that they must now juggle. Keeping track of customer interaction records has become a major challenge and valuable customer data have become fragmented across channels, systems, and departments.

maaiiconnect, the only customer engagement platform that brings together the world's leading messaging apps, live chat, SMS, and on- and off-net voice and video calls onto a single chat interface  is proving indispensable to businesses. The platform allows businesses to communicate with customers whenever and however they choose, and provides them with the context to have meaningful, productive conversations with clients through a full omnichannel history of customer interactions, intelligent customer identity capabilities, and CRM integration. Now with Integration to Whatsapp Business and WeChat Official Accounts, maaiiconnect does even more.

"People are more connected than ever. Propelled by the Internet of Things, businesses are being challenged to offer hyper-personalised, seamless customer service journey, which has evolved to an average of 140 touchpoints.[i] WithWhatsApp and WeChat integration, maaiiconnect brings together all the winning touchpoints needed to drive business growth," said Peter Chan, Founder & CEO, maaiiconnect.







With 2 billion monthly active users, WhatsApp is the world's largest messaging app. The standalone WhatsApp Business app, launched three years ago has a user base of more than 50 million businesses[ii] and growing. In 2020, WhatsApp Business accounts surged tenfold.

WeChat, with 1 billion active monthly users[iii], is the world's third most popular messaging app. With nearly 100% market penetration[iv] in mainland China, the social media platform is considered essential to any business looking to attract Chinese customers in or outside China.

Facebook Messenger is used by 1.3 billion monthly active users, making it the world's number two messaging platform. Many businesses have found Facebook Messenger to be an effective touchpoint for engagement with open rates of 70-80% and click-through rates averaging 20%.[v]

The new WhatsApp Business and WeChat integration is available through the maaiiconnect BUSINESS Plan, which has been engineered to power businesses with a globally accessible, ready-to-go omnichannel presence. The maaiiconnect BUSINESS Plan includes comprehensive reports and insights for all channels and staff usage, providing a holistic omnichannel analysis of all business communication. All maaiiconnect plans come with advanced encryption and security policies, audit logs; while BUSINESS Plan users can additionally tailor a data retention plan for regulatory compliance.

Want to experience maaiiconnect first hand? Talk to one of our experts to schedule a demo or visit our website to learn more: maaiiconnect.com

Sign up now for the maaiiconnect BUSINESS PLAN.

Can't wait to get started, or want a free trial? Sign up for FREE to the maaiiconnect ESSENTIALS Plan with all the essential web-based communication features.

Want to be part of our story as we revolutionise global communications? Follow us for updates.

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | WeChat

About maaiiconnect

maaiiconnect provides businesses with an all-in-one solution for customer engagement and internal collaboration. Leveraging an innovative multi-dimensional convergence model, maaiiconnect seamlessly unifies telecom and digital communication channels, such as PSTN, VoIP, websites, apps, and social networks. It is device agnostic, empowering employees to be more productive, as well as providing companies a platform to deliver a suite of multimedia experience to their customers anytime, anywhere, on any device. Learn more at www.maaiiconnect.com.

[i] Think with Google

[ii] Why WhatsApp holds the key to your business growth

[iii] maaiiconnect bridges the gap in a divided world

[iv] Ultimate guide to WeChat Official Accounts

[v] Facebook Messenger for high engagement marketing

SOURCE maaiiconnect
The European Commission received a letter from 13 EU member states with a request to speed up assistance in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic for the Eastern Partnership countries - Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus.

"We confirm that we received such a letter this morning and will respond to it in the prescribed manner. We have made it clear from the outset that we are exploring a possibility to help our partners in the Western Balkans, our immediate neighbors in the East, the South and beyond, and we also appreciate the possibility of such assistance in a humanitarian context. The relevant statements were made by the European Commission President and EU Commissioner [for Enlargement and Neighborhood] Varhelyi. So this work continues," Ana Pisonero, European Commission's Spokesperson said at a briefing in Brussels on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

The Spokesperson confirmed that the European Commission is currently studying the most effective ways of such assistance, in particular, in cooperation with international and European financial institutions within the framework of the Team Europe initiative. According to her, the EU has always advocated a multilateral approach to the distribution of coronavirus vaccines, and this is one of the reasons why the EU is so strong in supporting the COVAX Facility which is used to provide COVID-19 vaccines to low- and middle-income countries.

Ana Pisonero reminded that the vaccination strategy developed in the EU provides for the possibility for member states to transfer part of the vaccine doses. The EU is currently developing a mechanism to facilitate the transfer or sale of excess doses of vaccine, which are currently purchased by the EU member states through forward purchases made by the European Union.

"These discussions with member countries and partner countries are ongoing. We are not yet in a position to provide further details at this stage. But the European Commission is trying to facilitate such a discussion," the European Commission's Spokesperson added.

According to the European media reports, 13 EU countries sent a letter to the European Commission and the Council of EU asking to be more active in helping partner countries fight the coronavirus pandemic. The letter was signed by representatives of the governments of Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Sweden.

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Bahamas Petroleum Co PLC - Caribbean and Atlantic margin focused oil and gas company - Says Justice Petra Hanna-Weekes has refused to grant any orders that would affect BPC's current operations. This means that the drilling of Perseverance #1 will continue. Says drilling of the Perseverance #1 exploration well in Bahamas has been underway since December 20. The well remains on track to take 45 to 60 days from commencement to complete, at which time BPC will be in a position to inform shareholders of the outcome of the well.

BPC says will provide further updates in relation to the legal process as and when there are any material developments.

Chief Executive Officer Simon Potter said: "Today's court ruling means that the drilling of Perseverance #1 will continue, in accordance with our licences obligations, and consistent with the permits issued to the company by the government of The Bahamas. Those drilling operations, which have been underway since 20 December 2020, have the well on track to provide results within the 45 - 60 days period the Company has consistently advised. It is thus clear now that the applicants have failed in their last-minute attempt to interrupt the drilling of Perseverance #1 and the government's legitimate assessment of hydrocarbon resource potential in its southern seas. This is a very positive outcome for the completion of the Perseverance #1 well."

Current stock price: 2.32 pence

Year-to-date change: up 4.5%

By Arvind Bhunjun; arvindbhunjun@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Popular music minister dies in choir room after Sunday service

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Condolences are still pouring in for the family and friends of Gerald Burnett Sr., a popular educator and music minister who died in the choir room of Mountain View Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas, after a worship service on Sunday. He was 41.

Charlotte Beal, the churchs office manager, confirmed Burnetts death in an interview with The Christian Post on Tuesday and said nothing was out of the ordinary as they gathered for worship on Sunday.

It was a normal church service. The music minister directed us in the worship part of the service. Everything was normal, the manager, who explained that she was still grieving the loss, said. Ive known the family since they were in school. Weve been church family for 30 or more years. He is very well known among the Churches of Christ, schools.

In a livestream from Sundays service shared on YouTube, Burnett, who spent 15 years as a music teacher and choral director in Duncanville Independent School District and most recently served as DeSoto High Schools assistant choir director, chided some of the churchs members for rushing to leave church.

Sometimes we just so caught up in a time frame and I really mean that. We get caught up in we gotta be out [of church] by [a certain time.] But when I really check myself, I aint got nowhere to be. And this is the Lords day. The whole day is the Lords day. Its the Lords day, he opined.

Weve gone down from three services to two services to one service and folks still rush up out of here. I mean, weve got to check our own selves. Real worship, I believe, is outside of trying to fit into that time frame yall, he said before lamenting that a worship song could have been sung once or twice more before the church stopped singing.

That song needed to be extended right there and if were cutting off and snipping off, the authenticness of worship is lessened. Its not as authentic anymore. We really have to do a self-examination. Those that gotta go, we dont judge you if you gotta go. If you gotta go you gotta go. But those of us that rush out of here just to be out of here thats between you and the Lord. But real worship sometimes is outside of the box, he said.

He then explained to the church that he was striving to be a better version of himself in 2021.

Beal said an official cause of Burnetts death has not been established yet.

J.K. Hamilton, lead pastor at the church, told WFAA that Burnetts death was surreal.

Gerald meant a lot to all of us, Hamilton said. He didnt just do music. He was music. He loved the music.

Anthony Walker, a minister at Highway 231 Church of Christ, agreed.

If living out your calling was a person! It is not too often you will find someone who will passionately and purposefully live out the full potential of their calling. But that was Gerald Burnett Sr., Walker wrote in a statement on Facebook.

He loved music, he lived music. He also had a way of bringing you into his melodious world and helped you to harmonize within it. I first met Gerald years ago when competing in youth conferences. We instantly clicked on music. Through the years we kept in touch and I admired his submission to Gods guidance and watched God use him in a mighty way for the Kingdom. He knew his craft, he knew his crafter, and he personified music and praise. He knew that Word too! he explained.

I cannot begin to imagine the pain of the Burnett family, his wife and son, and the Mountainview Church Family, but I hurt with them. We are only afforded a few transcendent people like Gerald in this world, and often for just a few moments, Walker added.

Many churches in the denomination like Oakland Church of Christ also paid tribute to the music minister on social media.

The Oakland Church of Christ join with so many across this country paying tribute to and celebrating the life of Bro. Gerald Burnett Sr. We extend our condolences to his immediate family, as well as his church family, Mountain View Church of Christ. Thank you for sharing him with us and the brotherhood, the church said in a statement.
Man Takes Own Life Following Arrest Under Ontario Lockdown Rules, Police Say

The man who appeared in a viral video being arrested for allegedly flouting Ontario lockdown rules on Saturday has taken his own life, police said in a statement.

Identified as Moses Demian, 24, in a GoFundMe campaign launched on Monday to raise funds for his memorial and funeral says he was a kind, compassionate, and generous person who will be remembered as someone who constantly went out of his way to help others.

Demian was arrested on Saturday for allegedly obstructing a police officer at a parking lot outside teashop BONTEA in Scarborough, Ontario. He was handcuffed and arrested for allegedly not providing his identification and swearing at police.

In the viral video posted on Twitter, one police officer can be heard telling Demian youre under arrest for obstructing a police officer and I asked for your ID and you told me to [expletive] myself, to which Demian responded No, I didnt!

The video also shows Demian telling the police he was punched in the face.

You cant punch somebody in the face through that sir, you cant do that, he said. One of the officers replied: Youre not supposed to be out right now, bud, to which Demian replied I was going to BONTEA, I told you that.

Demian was part of the AntiHoonHoonClub, a car enthusiast group that frequents BONTEA, according to the groups Instagram account.

Another man who was at the scene was also requested by the police to provide his identification.

Why do you need my ID? the man asked, to which the officer replied, the Reopening Ontario Act.

The Reopening Ontario Act gives the Ontario government the power to continue implementing emergency orders related to COVID-19 even after the provincial declaration of emergency has ended.

Demian was shown taken away by the police in the footage. According to Toronto Sun, police sources confirmed Demian threatened to commit suicide while in the squad car. They took him to the hospital, from which he was released later.

On Tuesday, the Toronto Police Service released a statement saying Demian had died in his home.

On Saturday, January 2, 2021, at approximately 9:40 p.m., the Toronto Police Service received calls from the public reporting a large gathering of individuals in the area of Midland Avenue and Finch Avenue East. Officers arrived to find a gathering of approximately 50 people and cars gathered in contravention of the Reopening Ontario Act. Some members of this large gathering refused to disperse and did not comply with the officers orders, resulting in one person being criminally charged with Obstruct Police.

During the arrest, the person stated they were in crisis. Officers responded immediately by taking the person to the hospital. The person was assessed by a doctor and released by the hospital to his family. The person had no further contact with the Toronto Police. Since then, we have learned the person died at their home in Durham Region on Monday, January 4, 2021. Given this is a non-criminal matter which took place outside the jurisdiction of Toronto, we will not comment. The service offers condolences to the family, the TPS said in the statement, obtained by the Toronto Sun.

Maria Elias, the organizer for the campaign, said all the funds collected will be directed to Demians family, even though they have not requested for any financial help.

These are unfathomably difficult times for Moses friends and family, but especially for his mother Hiba and sisters Marina and Monica, Elias wrote. We want to ensure that they do not have to face any additional burden as a result of the costs associated with a memorial, funeral, or any other matters related to this tragedy.

According to Steps to Justice, a website which Ontarians can find legal information, says that any provincial offences officer can stop you and ask you to identify yourself if they have reasonable and probable grounds to believe youre not following the emergency rules when youre outside during COVID-19.

It also says when youre asked to identify yourself, you must provide your correct name, date of birth and address. Failure to do so may result in being charged with the criminal offence of obstruct police and might be held for a jail hearing.

On Jan. 6, Ontario Premier Doug Ford hinted at the possibility of enforcing a curfew across the province.

I am going to have a conversation with [Quebec] Premier [Francois] Legault tonight, have a good chat with him. I will be speaking to the health table later today and well be making that decision over the next few days, Ford said in response to a reporters question.

Quebec announced Wednesday evening it was imposing a province-wide curfew starting 8 p.m. Jan. 9 through 5 a.m. Feb 8.

A rally against lockdown and restrictions was held at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto on Jan. 2 by an advocacy group The Line Canada, who called on Canadians to defend their rights and civil liberties and resist oppression and tyranny.

Our message is to end the lockdown, reopen business and raise awareness about government overreach and violation of our rights and freedoms, the group wrote, while stressing they are nonpartisan, and not anti-mask or vaccines. Our goal is to return to work and reopen Canada.

With files from The Canadian Press
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A man has been arrested for attempting to smuggle more than $12,000 out of the country, according to an arrest affidavit filed on Dec. 30.

The case occurred at about 7:30 a.m. Dec. 28, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers conducting outbound operations at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge inspected a black Dodge 3500 displaying Texas license plates.

CBP officers identified the driver as Natali Oliveros and Christopher Perez as the passenger, both U.S. citizens. Both provided a negative declaration for weapons, ammo and more than $10,000 in cash.

Oliveros stated he was traveling from Houston to Mexico. He was then referred to secondary inspection. During secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered a Winchester SXP 12-gauge shotgun.

The shotgun was concealed in a black plastic bin. CBP officers secured Oliveros and escorted him to the detention area. A pat down of Oliveros yielded $7,463 on his person. A search of the Dodge yielded $5,100 under the drivers seat.

Homeland Security Investigations special agents took over the case. Oliveros allegedly agreed to answer questions without an attorney present.

Oliveros stated he was aware of the requirements to declare firearms, ammunition and currency in excess of ($10,000) upon leaving the United States, states the affidavit. Oliveros stated he was aware that he was traveling with over $10,000 and failed to declare it. Oliveros did not claim knowledge of any weapons.

CBP officers seized a total of $12,563 from Oliveros. He was arrested and charged with intent to evade currency reporting. The affidavit does not show criminal charges for Perez.
On Wednesday, the federal law enforcement apparatus in Washington utterly failed the American people, as right-wing fanatics stormed the U.S. Capitol to interrupt the peaceful transition of power. What happened was a terrible disgrace, but our country is extremely lucky. There could have been a massacre of elected officials if there had been more heavily armed people in the mob.

At the moment, we have no idea what the nations top law enforcement official, acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, did to prepare for the chaos and what he did as it unfolded. Downtown Washington is a notorious patchwork of land over which multiple law enforcement agencies have jurisdictionfrom D.C.s Metropolitan Police Department to the U.S. Park Police to the U.S. Secret Service and, yes, the Capitol Police. But when the attorney general wants to step up and coordinate efforts, he can do that by convening various law enforcement agencieswhich is exactly what former Attorney General William Barr did in anticipation of the protests last year in Lafayette Park that resulted in the tear-gassing of peaceful protesters.

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The DOJ itself has so far issued two largely uninformative press releases about Wednesdays frightening display at the Capitol. One of them claimed that the department sent hundreds of federal law enforcement officers and agents from the FBI, ATF, and the U.S. Marshals Service to assist the Capitol Police but made no mention of exactly how many were sent, when any of that happened, or what (if anything) the department had done to prepare for a protest that had been weeks in the making and promoted by Trump himself. Wednesday night, the Wall Street Journal reported that federal authorities had planned to deal with protests this week with a relatively small, minimally visible presence  hoping to avoid inflaming tensions. That idea should have been ridiculous to anyone who had been watching Trumps supporters in recent weeks and following his rallies for the last five years, particularly after the white supremacist mob that attacked Charlottesville, Virginia, four years ago. The public deserves a detailed account of what the DOJ had been doing in the weeks leading up to the siege and what Rosen and other senior officials at the department were doing all day Wednesday.

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As for what the DOJ intends to do in the wake of the riotone that many of the criminal participants gleefully documented on social mediathere remain scant details. The department announced this afternoon that some participants in yesterdays violence will be charged today and assured us that it is working hard to do more, but this disclosure is scandalously insufficient. Who is leading this effort, how many people are working on it, and how is that work being organized? The U.S. Attorneys Office in the District of Columbia has hundreds of prosecutors, but cleaning up this mess is not their only responsibility. The DOJs Criminal Division in D.C. has 600 more prosecutors, and although those prosecutors are specialized in particular fields, some of them can and should be diverted in order to ensure that people who committed crimes are apprehended and charged as quickly as possible, wherever they have since dispersed to.

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Its worth noting that incoming Attorney General Merrick Garland led the Justice Departments prosecution of Timothy McVeighthe right-wing radical who killed hundreds of people by bombing the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995. Garland faces a daunting challenge in the wake of Wednesdays events. Right-wing extremism has been on the rise in this country for years, and the threat of domestic right-wing violence and terrorism must be one of this countrys top law enforcement priorities. That is a long-term challenge that he and Lisa MonacoBidens nominee for deputy attorney general, who was a senior Homeland Security official and counterterrorism adviser in the Obama administrationshould be far more willing and equipped to handle than Trumps officials have been. They seemed to understand the importance of this subject during a press conference announcing their nominations on Thursday. As everyone who watched yesterdays events in Washington now understands, if they did not understand before, the rule of law is not just some lawyers turn of phrase, Garland said. It is the very foundation of our democracy.

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Some of the serious problems of the current DOJ point the way toward concrete steps that Garland can take in order to address Wednesdays chaos, in addition to necessary efforts to ensure that protesters receive the same treatment by federal law enforcement agents irrespective of their racea disparity that once again became undeniable as a mob of violent white people waltzed into and out of the Capitol on Wednesday while lawmakers huddled in fear. President-elect Joe Biden himself acknowledged this need during Thursdays announcement of Garlands nomination, saying: No one can tell me that if it had been a group of Black Lives Matters protesters, they wouldnt have been treated very, very differently than the mob of thugs that stormed the Capitol. We all know thats true. And that is unacceptable. Totally unacceptable.

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Garland will need to work with Biden to make sure that the next U.S. attorney in Washington is quickly installed, actually qualified, and committed to an orderly but robust effort to arrest anyone who broke the law at the Capitol. It could take months, but there is a huge trail of documentation online. Right now, the U.S. attorney is a prosecutor from Miami who was installed in an acting capacity last year by Barr to shepherd through the political work of dismissing the prosecution of Michael Flynn and suing John Bolton to stop his book from being published. He was last seen publicly whining after some mild criticism from D.C.s mayor, and at the moment there is no indication that he did anything of consequence to prepare for Wednesdays unrest.

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The department also needs actual qualified adults to be in senior positions, even the ones that are not in the marquee positions that are frequently in the news. Until about a week ago, the head of the departments Criminal Division in Washington was a thirtysomething conservative lawyer who came to the department in early 2019 after working at the White House. One of the offices senior deputies is a prosecutor I had the misfortune to work with; the nicest thing I can say about him in a public venue is that he does not have the intellectual capacity for his job.

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The departments inspector general, Michael Horowitz, and head of the Office of Professional Responsibility, Jeffrey Ragsdale, should resign as soon as it is convenient for Bidens new leadership at the department so that they can be replaced by people who have Biden and Garlands full confidence. A distinct culture of impunity and all-around hackishness has been tolerated under this administration, but the department needs to restore its commitment to the highest standard of professionalism as quickly as possible.

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The Office of Professional Responsibility is supposed to oversee the ethical conduct of the departments lawyers, and while it has been scandalously ineffectual for years, it has declined under the Trump administration to the point at which there are no consequences if people are terrible at their jobsno matter whose lives are affected. As it happens, a couple of weeks ago I asked Ragsdale whether the office had begun an inquiry into the conduct of the attorneys who were involved in the motion to dismiss the Flynn prosecutionsince that is what the office is supposed to do when a judge accuses department lawyers of lying to himbut he told me he could not address this publicly. This despite the fact that it was not that long ago that his office tried to publicly humiliate a department whistleblower who had alleged misconduct on the part of Barr.

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In theory, it is ultimately Rosen who owes the public a comprehensive explanation of what happened on Wednesday, but whether we get it from him remains to be seen. The man was never professionally equipped to hold this job, and never should have been in a position to take over after Barr left, even for a month. Rosen had never even worked at the department before he became deputy attorney general in mid-2019, and his specialty before that was administrative law, so it was ridiculous that he could ever become the nations top law enforcement official during this tumultuous time in the country. He had kept a relatively low profile until becoming the acting attorney general, unless you count the time he told prosecutors to consider sedition charges during last years protests over racial injusticea marked contrast to the hands-off approach we saw when a bunch of white people terrorized the Capitol on Wednesday.

It was inevitable that Rosen would screw something up; the only question was how big it would be. In any sane administration, Rosen would already have resigned, but it is doubtful that the Trump administration can get its act together to find someone who is qualified to immediately replace him. Meanwhile, we are all stuck hoping for the best as this miserable administration comes to an end.
After a pro-Trump mob stormed and broke into the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, world leaders widely condemned the act and the rhetoric from President Donald Trump that led to the attack.

Many released statements on Twitter.

CHAOS AT THE CAPITOL: U.S. Rep Troy Nehls tried to negotiate with protesters at U.S. Capitol

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg commentedan unusual move for a NATO officialon Twitter: The outcome of this democratic election must be respected.

Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel blamed Trump for the mob.

I deeply regret that since November, President Trump has not accepted that he lost, and did not do so again yesterday, Merkel said, per the New York Times' Melissa Eddy. He stoked uncertainties about the election outcome, and that created an atmosphere that made the events of last night possible.

Congress reconvened after the attack to conclude the electoral vote and certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory. Trump has since announced there would be an "orderly transition" on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.
1. Yes. The public must have assurances that ethical standards are met by everyone.

2. Yes. As long as an independent board hears the grievances, its a worthwhile idea.

3. No. The concept is too broad. It should be limited to the citys elected officials.

4. No. There are plenty of stipulations in place already. An ordinance is a waste of time.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without seeing how it would be structured and applied.

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Three days before the pro-President Donald Trump riot at the Capitol, the Pentagon asked the U.S Capitol Police if it needed National Guard manpower. And as the mob descended on the building Wednesday, Justice Department leaders reached out to offer up FBI agents. The police turned them down both times, according to a defense official and two people familiar with the matter.

Capitol Police had planned for a free speech demonstration and didn't need more help, those three told The Associated Press. The police weren't expecting what actually happened - an insurrection.

But the Capitol ended up being overrun, overwhelming a law enforcement agency sworn to protect the lawmakers inside. Four protesters died, including one who was shot inside the building.

There had been plenty of warnings. Plenty of time to prepare. Plenty of money to do it.

The failure raised serious questions over security at the Capitol and the treatment of mainly white Trump supporters who were allowed to roam through the building, compared with the Black and brown protesters across the country who demonstrated last year over police brutality.

By the day after the rampage, the House sergeant-at-arms, the chief security officer for the House of Representatives, had resigned and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., had called for the resignation of the Capitol Police chief.

``There was a failure of leadership at the top,'' Pelosi said.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the incoming majority leader, said he will fire the Senate sergeant-at-arms.

The Capitol had been closed to the public since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which killed more than 350,000 people in the United States. In normal times, the building is open to the public and lawmakers pride themselves on their availability to their constituents.

It's not clear how many Capitol Police offers were on-duty Wednesday. There are 2,300 officers who patrol 16 acres of ground and protect the 435 House members, 50 senators and their staffs. By example, the city of Minneapolis has about 840 uniformed officers for a population of 425,000 across more than 6,000 acres of land.

The Capitol Police has an operating budget of $460 million and has experience with high-security, high-stakes moments. It is used to managing large crowds and large events such as the inauguration, the State of the Union and mass demonstrations.

There were signs for weeks that violence could strike on Jan. 6, when Congress convened for a joint session to finish counting the Electoral College votes that would confirm Democrat Joe Biden had won the presidential election.

On far-right message boards and in pro-Trump circles, plans were being made.

The leader of the far-right extremist-group Proud Boys was arrested coming into the nation's capital this week on a weapons charge for carrying empty high-capacity magazines emblazoned with their logo. He admitted to police that he made statements about rioting in the District of Columbia, local officials said.

Trump and his allies were perhaps the biggest megaphones, encouraging protesters to turn out in force and support his false claim that the election had been stolen from him. He egged them on during a rally shortly before they marched to the Capitol and rioted. His personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, a former New York mayor known for his tough-on-crime stance, called for ``trial by combat.''

But the Capitol Police had set up no hard perimeter around the Capitol. Officers were focused on one side where lawmakers were entering to vote to certify Biden's win.

Barricades on the plaza to the building were set up, but police retreated from the line and a mob of people broke through. Lawmakers, at first unaware of the security breach, continued their debate. Soon they were cowering under chairs. Eventually they were escorted from the House and Senate. Journalists were left alone in rooms for hours as the mob attempted to break into barricaded rooms.

``The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol was unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C.,'' Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund said, explaining there had been a robust plan what he had expected would be a display of First Amendment activities. ``But make no mistake - these mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior.''

Mayor Muriel Bowser had warned of impending violence for weeks, and businesses had closed in anticipation. She requested National Guard help from the Pentagon on Dec. 31, but the Capitol Police turned down the Jan. 3 offer from the Defense Department, according to Kenneth Rapuano, assistant defense secretary for homeland security.

Federal officials are still stung by the uproar over the violent response by law enforcement to protests last June near the White House. Officials also were intent on avoiding any appearance that the federal government was deploying active duty or National Guard troops against Americans.

The Justice Department's offer for FBI support as the protesters grew violent was rejected by the Capitol Police, according to the two people familiar with the matter. They were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.

By then, it was too late.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department descended. Agents from nearly every Justice Department agency, including the FBI, were called in. So was the Secret Service and the Federal Protective Service. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sent two tactical teams. Police from as far away as New Jersey arrived to help.

It took four hours to disperse the protesters from the Capitol complex. By then, they had roamed the halls of Congress, posed for photos inside hallowed chambers, broken through doors, destroyed property and taken photos of themselves doing it. At least 80 people were arrested, but it will take time to sort through all the footage to determine who should be charged and with what.

In the aftermath, a 7-foot fence will go up around the Capitol grounds for at least 30 days. The Capitol Police will conduct a review of the carnage, as well as their planning and policies. Lawmakers plan to investigate how authorities handled the rioting.

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Make-A-Wish Connecticut has launched a new fundraising effort, Trailblaze Challenge journey.

Trailblaze Challenge is a 26.2-mile endurance hike where participants tackle the terrain of Bear Mountain, all in one amazing day. The Trailblaze Challenge is a hike, not a race, and caters to all levels from novice to advanced outdoor enthusiasts. This is one New Years resolution youll be able to keep!

To learn more, Make-A-Wish Connecticut is offering free, virtual information sessions. The first virtual information session begins Tuesday, February 23rd - but these sessions are offered different days and times throughout the months of February and March. Visit trailblazechallengect.org to register.

To prepare for the hike, Make-A-Wish Connecticut will safely offer training and conditioning hikes beginning in March.

While the Trailblaze Challenge is an extraordinary physical test, it is not unlike the challenges wish kids face every day, according to Make-A-Wish Connecticut. Because wishes have proven physical and emotional benefits that can give children with critical illnesses a higher chance of survival, Make-A-Wishs challenge is to raise much needed funds to grant the wishes of every critically ill child in Connecticut. By supporting the Trailblaze Challenge, you will help Make-A-Wish Connecticut grant hundreds of wishes this year.

For more information visit www.trailblazechallengect.org or email trailblaze@ct.wish.org.

CRT, Liberty Bank offers initiative

MIDDLETOWN  Community Renewal Team, in partnership with Liberty Bank is pleased to announce the availability of a unique Community Asset Building Initiative to help people in Hartford and Middlesex Counties achieve financial independence and security as they save money for future home ownership.

Qualified individuals will enroll in a special online training course with CRT financial counselors. Upon the successful completion of all 10 modules in this course, along with opening a special CABI savings account through Liberty Bank, those individuals will be eligible to receive up to a one-to-one match of $1,000 from Liberty Bank to help them achieve the dream of owning their own home.

We are thrilled to be working closely with our partners at Liberty Bank to offer this valuable incentive program for people who are trying to fulfill the dream of homeownership, said Elizabeth Horton Sheff, Director of Community Services for CRT. What better way to begin the New Year than to give people a tangible way to get on track financially - and stay on track until they achieve their personal financial goals?

The CABI program offers participants incentive savings matches, personal and money management education, peer and staff support, and individual counseling to make asset ownership attainable.

Admission in the CABI program does require a pre-application, and qualified participants will be added to the program on a rolling basis. The first 10 people to successfully complete the course requirements and establish and maintain their CABI savings account will receive the $1,000 matching grant from Liberty Bank.

Individuals that are interested in participating in this unique asset-building initiative should contact CRTs Financial Literacy Coordinator Eileen Feliciano via email at felicianoe@crtct.org or call: 860-560-4210.

Assistance available from Operation Fuel

HARTFORD, Conn. (December 23, 2020) - Operation Fuel is encouraging Connecticut residents who are struggling with utility and energy bills and unpaid balances to seek financial assistance through its new online assistance portal at operationfuel.org/gethelp

Even though utility shutoff protections are in place for now, the unpaid bills continue to stack up and these high balances arent going away, said Brenda Watson, executive director of Operation Fuel. Thanks to our very generous supporters, help is available, and we hope residents will reach out now to help reduce unpaid balances.

Even before COVID-19s devastating financial impact, the United Way found that more than 400,000 low- and moderate-income Connecticut families were at risk of not being able to pay their utility bills. Now, residents who have never needed emergency energy assistance before are desperately seeking help. Already this fiscal year, Operation Fuel has seen a 20% increase in requests for help with electric, gas, oil, water, and other energy costs.

Since July, residents have been able to apply for help online with Operation Fuels Home Energy Assistance Program, a 24/7 web-based portal that provides a safer alternative to in-person appointments during the pandemic. The online system also offers easier access for people who have mobility issues, limited transportation, child or elder care responsibilities, or jobs during typical business hours.

Operation Fuel is the only year-round emergency energy assistance program in Connecticut, providing help with electricity, water, natural gas, oil, and other energy bills to residents across the state. Thanks to supporters and donors, Operation Fuel is able to flip the switch for families, helping seniors, children, and people with medical conditions stay warm, keep the lights on, power devices for cooking and refrigeration, and have access to running water for drinking, hygiene, and laundry. If you need help, visit operationfuel.org/gethelp. To help power families, visit operationfuel.org/give and donate or text OPFUEL to 44321

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September

Armenian MFA strongly condemns Azerbaijan's blatant armed encroachment on Armenia's sovereign territory

UN still awaits strong evidence that Dubai ruler's daughter is alive

Opposition Bright Armenia Party urges Government to immediately address UN Security Council

Armen Sarkissian receives Russia Ambassador to Armenia

Armenia President, France Ambassador discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Overchuk: We hope unblocking of links between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a success

Armenia police officer commits suicide, criminal case launched

Armenia Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body has new deputy heads

Zarif, Aliyev discuss railway routes connecting Iran, Azerbaijan and Armenia

EU leaders agree to donate at least 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to poor countries

Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda will be in West Bengal on Saturday, leading the partys door-to-door canvassing and also to launch a new campaign Ek Muthi Chawal (fistful of rice grains) to dispel the oppositions charge that the BJP government at the Centre is anti-farmer.

According to a party functionary, Nadda will launch the campaign in Burdwan district of the election bound state and the process will be carried forward by party workers who will visit farming households across 48,000 villages to collect rice.

It is a month-long drive to collect rice, which will then be used for a community meal for farmers, and the poor, the functionary said.

Nadda, who won high praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the partys performance in the Bihar assembly election, has been leading the West Bengal election strategy as well.

Since the Trinamool Congress is expected to rake up the issue of the ongoing farmers stir near the Delhi border, the BJP is pulling out all stops to dispel concerns about the new farm laws. The party has instructed its functionaries to carry out door-to-door campaigns, write letters and hold meetings locally across the states covering all the booths to dismiss the allegations that the farm bills are aimed at providing benefit to corporates.

What the party president will initiate will be taken further by the functionaries at all booth levels. The party has already underlined how farmers in the state have been deprived of the benefits of the Kisan Samman Nidhi that offers Rs six thousand a year to farmers through direct bank transfer, said the functionary quoted above.

This will be Naddas second visit to West Bengal. Last year on December 10, during a two-day visit, Naddas convoy came under attack and stones were pelted at it. While Nadda escaped unhurt, several party functionaries were injured in the incident.
Clifford Chance, one of the world's leading law firms, said it had advised Aldar Properties on its divestment of two district cooling assets on Abu Dhabis Saadiyat Island to National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) for AED963 million ($263 million).

The leading Emirati property developer had purchased a 100% stake in Saadiyat District Cooling (SDCL) and an 85% stake in Saadiyat Cooling as part of a wider acquisition of assets from Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) in 2018, which Clifford Chance also advised Aldar Properties on.

SDCL and SDL provide district cooling services to Saadiyat Island, a rapidly developing cultural and tourism hub housing the Louvre Abu Dhabi, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and arts centre Manarat Al Saadiyat and are set to be the first district cooling schemes to be licenced by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy under the new District Cooling Regulations issued in 2019.

The transaction is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2021. Proceeds from the sale are expected to be used to finance further growth of Aldars diversified real estate portfolio, said a statement from the company.

The Clifford Chance team was led by partner Tariq Imam and senior associate Gareth Dray, and also included partners Mo Al-Shukairy and Richard Parris, senior associates Richard Cameron and Isabella Van Zyl, associates Daryl Teo and Rezwan Azam, trainee solicitor Ahmed Shafiek, and legal project manager David Harris.

On the successful sale, Imam said: "We are honoured to have supported Aldar Properties on another strategic transaction, this time in the utilities sector."

"This was a complex and multi-faceted transaction for which Clifford Chance leveraged its market leading M&A, real estate, projects and legal management expertise in order to help achieve signing expeditiously," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
At least one Massachusetts resident was among the thousands of President Donald Trumps supporters who flooded the streets of Washington, D.C. Wednesday and then stormed the U.S. Capitol.

David Lester Ross, a 33-year-old, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of unlawful entry and violating the citys curfew. Court documents obtained by MassLive show he is a resident of Pittsfield.

A Facebook profile for David L Ross from Pittsfield shows him holding an assault rifle with a message of support for the president in his profile picture. He lists previous military service, both in the U.S. Army and the Massachusetts National Guard.

He was arraigned Thursday in a Washington, D.C. district court on the unlawful entry charge. He entered a not guilty plea and was released on personal recognizance.

Arrest records from Metropolitan police and Capitol police show residents from dozens of states facing a slew of charges - from unlawful entry to unregistered firearms and assaulting police officers.

Police issued at least three warnings for Ross and others arrested to disperse from the Capitol after the citys curfew went into effect, according to court documents. After they did not obey the warning they were arrested.

U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Andrew E. Lelling said Thursday he intends to prosecute any Massachusetts residents who traveled to the nations capital to participate in the action.

The Constitution protects the right to freedom of speech and assembly. What it does not protect is a violent assault on government institutions. Americans on the right and left must re-learn the difference. Anyone who traveled from Massachusetts with the intent to commit such crimes will be prosecuted in the District of Massachusetts, Lelling said.

On the streets of Washington, D.C. Wednesday, thousands gathered in protest as Congress counted the electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens victory. Some engaged in violence with police, throwing punches and spraying pepper spray at officers.

The crowd descended on the Capitol building Wednesday afternoon, overtaking the building.

Elected representatives were seen crouched under desks and donning gas masks while Capitol police barricaded the doors. In the hours the pro-Trump insurrectionists were inside the building, photos captured showed members of the group taking the seats of lawmakers and hoisting American, Confederate and Trump campaign flags around the building.

Glass panes of a House door were shattered and other structures were left damaged.

A woman died after sustaining gunshot injuries and three other people died as the result of medical emergencies, Metropolitan police Chief Robert J. Contee III said.

While local, state and federal law enforcement worked to clear and secure the Capitol building, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Wednesday a curfew would go effect at 6 p.m. It remained in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday. No one is allowed to be outside in public places, excluding those working essential jobs, Bowser said.

There will be law and order, Bowser said, emphasizing that protesters who stormed the Capitol building will be held accountable.

In a Wednesday afternoon video, Trump repeated complaints about his election loss and trying to sympathize with supporters whose rally had quickly devolved into unrest. Trump called them very special.

Theres never been a time like this where they could take it away from all of us, from me, from you, from our country, he claimed. But we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special. Youve seen the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home, and go home in peace.

Shortly before the president released his pre-taped video to Twitter, Biden addressed the nation Wednesday.

The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect the true America, Biden said. This is not dissent, its disorder. Its chaos. It borders on sedition and it must end now.

The former vice president said the words of a president matter. At their best, the words of a president can inspire. At their worst, they can incite.

Biden said he was shocked and saddened and cautioned that the world is watching what is happening in the nations capital.

18 Aftermath of Capitol building insurrection

After the crowds were cleared from the building, lawmakers returned and confirmed Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election early Thursday. Vice President Mike Pence announced the Electoral College tally of 306-232.

You did not win, Pence said when the Senate reopened and he addressed the Pro-Trump rioters.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the action a failed insurrection and said it underscored the need for Congress to finish counting the Electoral College votes.

Trump released a statement confirming a smooth transition of power on Inauguration Day.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th, the statement read.

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Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday urged PM Narendra Modi to restart the sanctioned and stalled railway projects of the state on priority.

He said the majority, around 42% of the New Rewari-New Madar section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) crosses Rajasthan for Gujarat. We have demanded that a railway station should be made in Bhiwadi town as it has a Japanese investment zone, the first-of-its-kind in India, with around 6521 industrial units, he said.

Speaking about the virtual inauguration of WDFC by PM Modi, the Rajasthan CM said, A number of projects of Rajasthan, which were sanctioned and had been started are stalled due to some reasons. The PM should take them up on priority and restart the projects.

Gehlot said projects such as Sarmathura-Gangapur via the Karauli railway line was inaugurated but closed later; the Pushkar-Medta road railway line, and Chauth ka Barwada to Ajmer via Tonk railway line work too have been stalled.

The state had 50% partnership in the Banswar-Dungarpur-Ratlam project, benefitting the tribal area adjoining Gujarat. The state had given around Rs 250 crore and the work had started but later due to some reasons it was stalled. I urge the Centre to resume the work on priority but as the state isnt in a sound position, the entire expenditure now has to be borne by the Railways, said the CM.

Oil and Gas is there in Jaisalmer and Barmer  the countrys 20% oil is supplied from Barmer. Now the refinery work has also started. The demand for a rail line to connect the Mundra-Kandla port with Jaisalmer-Barmer is there for the last 40 years, which is justified looking to the future, said Gehlot.

The CM added that the gauge conversion of the Loharu-Sikar-Reengus rail line had been done but the operation of trains has not started yet.

Welcoming the PMs move of giving a major part of the WDFC to Rajasthan, the CM said the state is committed to the cause but how the DelhiMumbai industrial corridor will be made and developed along the Delhi-Mumbai Freight Corridor continues to remain a big challenge.

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The Borno State government has established a Career Guidance and Counselling Commission to protect the rights of eligible citizens to secure job opportunities allocated by the federal government through the quota system.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Usman Jidda and made available to journalists in Maiduguri Thursday.

The statement said that the commission would guide and protect the rights of eligible citizens of the state to fill employment slots allocated by the federal government through quota sharing.

The commission would also among others be liaising with federal institutions to identify, secure and protect job opportunities for citizens of the state.

The statement said that the governor, Babagana Zulum, had approved the appointment of Abba Lawan as Chairman of the commission, while Baba Mala would serve as Secretary.

Other members of the commission include Hauwa Mai-Musa, Shettima Maina, Abba Abbari and Ali Baba-Shehu.

(NAN)
The more contagious coronavirus variant that has brought Britain to its knees in recent weeks is showing signs that it is spreading widely throughout the United States, health officials and experts said this week.

So far, the reported cases have been mostly isolated: one in New York, one in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Colorado. But California has been another story, with 32 cases of the variant now reported in San Diego County.

"I would be surprised if that [number] doesn't grow pretty rapidly," Dr. Francis Collins, head of the National Institutes of Health, told the Washington Post on Wednesday.

An official from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agreed.

"Here at the CDC, we're definitely taking this seriously, and we're assuming for now that this variant is more transmissible," said Greg Armstrong, the leader of the CDC's strain surveillance program. The British variant "is probably not in every state at this point, but I think in a lot of states."

Armstrong told the Post that the CDC hopes to more than double the number of genomic sequences of the virus posted on public websites within the next two weeks.

"We're not sequencing enough yet, and we need to continue to build what we're doing," Armstrong said.

While the variant shows no signs of being more deadly than the original version of the virus, it could send more people into hospitals, up the number of COVID-19 deaths, and prolong the effort to reach herd immunity in this country, the Post reported.

Herd immunity will be reached when the virus encounters enough people with immunity that it dies out. Unfortunately, the percentage of people who need to be immune for a population to achieve herd immunity is higher for more infectious pathogens.

"We are in a race against time," said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore. "We need to increase our speed in which we act so that we don't allow this virus to spread further and allow this variant to become the dominant one in circulation. The clock is ticking."

In addition to the herd immunity issue, any variants could limit the power of antibody treatments because those treatments are so narrowly focused.

The implications for vaccines are less clear in the long run because the virus will continue to mutate, though the consensus is that the new coronavirus vaccines will likely still work because they trigger the creation of a broad array of neutralizing antibodies and other immune system responses. In addition, the mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna can be altered if necessary, the Post reported.

Still, the need to vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible has become more urgent, and some scientists have argued that cutting doses in half or delaying the second dose might be necessary to reach that goal. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week said it would stick with the two-shot dose backed by randomized clinical trials.

"The data are really concerning. All signs right now are pointing to the fact that this [the new variant] is something we should be worried about," Mary Kathryn Grabowski, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, told the Post. Even a seemingly modest increase in transmissibility, she said, "can mean huge, huge numbers of cases."

Hospitalizations reach new records

A record-breaking 131,000 coronavirus hospitalizations were recorded in the United States on Tuesday as Los Angeles County began running out of oxygen and paramedics were told not to bring patients to a hospital if they have little hope of survival.

"We're no longer a wave or surge, or surge upon a surge. We really are in the middle of a viral tsunami," said Robert Kim-Farley, a medical epidemiologist at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health in Los Angeles.

In response, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a multi-pronged plan to replenish the state's oxygen supply that includes having the Army Corps of Engineers send crews to update oxygen-delivery infrastructures at several aging hospitalsfive in downtown Los Angeles and two in San Bernardino.Meanwhile, state emergency teams have been deployed to refill oxygen tanks at 42 medical support units across the state and mobile oxygen systems and several hundred oxygen concentrator units are being ordered, the Post reported.

Things aren't much better in Arizona, which now has the nation's highest rate of coronavirus hospitalizations, the Post reported. The state now has 69 of every 100,000 residents hospitalized with the virusthe highest rate in the country.

"Our state is doing very little to slow transmission of the virus. We have a very lax policy environment. Our businesses are open," said Joe Gerald, a University of Arizona researcher who has been tracking the spread of the virus, told the Post. "The virus is just basically transmitting almost uninhibited through our population."

The optimism that came with new coronavirus vaccines is being tempered by the fact that the United States has reached the most dangerous stage of the pandemic so far, with the deadly results of December holiday gatherings yet to arrive.

The U.S. vaccine rollout is also off to a stumbling start, with only 4.6 million Americans having received the first shot of a two-shot regimen. That number falls far short of the 20 million promised by the Trump administration by the end of 2020, although the first round of second doses of coronavirus vaccines did begin on Tuesday, The New York Times reported.

"We have so many crises happening simultaneously on multiple fronts," said Saskia Popescu, an epidemiologist with George Mason University in Virginia. "And all signs point to things getting a whole lot worse before they get better."

New daily deaths and cases have increased by more than 20 percent over the past week. States with the largest shares of their populations hospitalized are largely concentrated in the South and West: Arizona, Nevada, Alabama, California, Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Texas and Delaware, the Post reported.

A global scourge

By Thursday, the U.S. coronavirus case count passed 21.4 million while the death toll passed 361,300, according to a Times tally. On Thursday, the top five states for coronavirus infections were: California with over 2.5 million cases; Texas with nearly 1.9 million cases; Florida with over 1.4 million cases; New York with over 1 million cases; and Illinois with more than 1 million cases.

Curbing the spread of the coronavirus in the rest of the world remains challenging.

In India, the coronavirus case count was nearly 10.4 million on Thursday, a Johns Hopkins University tally showed. Brazil had over 7.8 million cases and nearly 199,000 deaths as of Thursday, the Hopkins tally showed.

Worldwide, the number of reported infections passed 86.3 million on Thursday, with nearly 1.9 million deaths recorded, according to the Hopkins tally.

Explore further U.S. COVID hospitalizations reach record high as California hospitals run out of oxygen

More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new coronavirus

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Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a common gastrointestinal malignancy. Peritoneal metastasis occurs in a majority of patients with advanced stomach cancer and is considered as an aggressive disease with poor outcomes.

Patients with peritoneal metastasis are typically not eligible for curative surgery. Therefore, preoperative detection and diagnosis of peritoneal metastasis are critical to inform treatment decision-making and avoid unnecessary surgery.

A new study published in the JAMA Network Open on Jan. 5 shows that deep learning can help predicting the occult peritoneal metastasis in stomach cancer. It provides a novel and noninvasive approach for stomach cancer patients and may inform individualized surgical management of stomach cancer.

The study was conducted by Dr. XIE Yaoqin's group from the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. LI Ruijiang from Stanford University, Dr. LI Guoxin from Nanfang Hospital, and Dr. ZHOU Zhiwei from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center.

The researchers developed a deep learning model called Peritoneal Metastasis Network (PMetNet) to predict clinically occult peritoneal metastasis using preoperative computed tomography (CT) images in patients with stomach cancer.

Dr. JIANG Yuming from Stanford University, one co-first author of this study, explained that the proposed deep learning model may serve as a reliable noninvasive tool for the early identification of patients with clinically occult peritoneal metastasis.

"It can also inform individualized preoperative treatment decision-making and may avoid unnecessary surgery and complications," said Ph.D. candidate LIANG Xiaokun from SIAT, the other co-first author.

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A new variant of the coronavirus is driving a powerful second wave of infections in South Africa. The variant has already spread to other countries in Africa and Europe and raised concerns over how it will respond to Covid-19 vaccines.

Also Read | The faces behind the farmer revolt

What is the new Covid-19 variant present in South Africa?

Its normal for viruses to mutate, and variants observed so far in the coronavirus sweeping the globe have made little difference to how it functions. The South African variant, known as B.1.351, has worried scientists because of its unusually large number of mutations, especially in the spike protein, which the virus uses to attach to and infect human cells.

How dangerous is this new variant?

The discovery and spread of the South African variant has coincided with a powerful surge in infections in the country. New daily cases and deaths have already surpassed those seen in the first wave, which peaked in July, and infections are still going up. South African researchers say they also believe that the new variant is more transmissible, since it has quickly crowded out other versions of the virus circulating in the country. Still, they say human behaviorwith thousands of South Africans crowding into bars, restaurants and beachesis likely the main reason for the sharp rise in infections in recent weeks. They are now racing to understand how much more transmissible the new variant is and whether it leads to more severe cases of Covid-19.

Are there any cases of this new variant in the U.S.?

No cases of the South African variant have been detected in the U.S., but that may be because not enough positive test samples have been sequenced. In the past two weeks, laboratories in Finland, the U.K., Australia, Switzerland, Japan and South Korea have found the South African variant in coronavirus tests conducted there. Researchers in neighboring Zambia say the South African variant now also appears to be the dominant virus there.

How is the new Covid-19 variant different from the one discovered in the U.K.?

The scientists who sequenced the South African variants genome say it has a mutationknown as N501that it shares with a separate variant discovered in the U.K. British scientists say that mutation may be responsible for making the variant there much more transmissible.

But the South African variant also has another potentially important mutation, dubbed E484K, that isnt present in the U.K. variant. Researchers believe that the E484K mutation has changed the shape of the viruss spike protein, which it uses to attach to and infect human cells, in a way that makes it harder for some antibodies to get a good grip and neutralize the virus. That could have implications on how the variant affects people who have previously recovered from Covid-19 or have gotten a Covid-19 vaccine.

The U.K. variant has been detected in many more countries across Europe, in China as well as in several U.S. states, including Colorado, California, Florida and New York.

Will existing vaccines work against the new variants?

Researchers who have studied the E484K mutation say it may make the existing Covid-19 vaccines less effective against the new variant, but is unlikely to be totally immune to the shots. A reduction in the vaccines efficacy could mean that a higher percentage of recipients would still be susceptible to getting Covid-19 or that they might still get a mild form of the disease. It could also mean that a larger proportion of people need to get vaccinated to produce herd immunity and end the pandemic.

What measures are being put in place to handle the new variant?

South Africa has banned social gatherings and closed beaches and parks that are popular during its current summer holiday season. Masks are mandatory in all public places. The government has also prohibited the sale of alcohol, which it says makes people forget about social-distancing rules, and leads to accidents and violence that put more pressure on hospitals. However, restaurants and stores remain open to preserve jobs and livelihoods in a country where many people still live in poverty.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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WASHINGTON  As a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters breached the Capitol doors Wednesday and stormed the floors of the House and Senate, seemingly undeterred by Capitol Police, National Guard troops  deployed to quell protests outside the White House this summer  were noticeably absent.

At 3:36 p.m. Eastern time, nearly two hours after the first protesters had swarmed past security and into the Capitol, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that Trump had ordered the National Guard to respond to the uprising.

The White House announcement came minutes after Virginias Democratic governor, Ralph Northam, announced that he was sending members of the Virginia National Guard and Virginia State Troopers to help restore order.

Why the delay in deploying the D.C. Guard? The traditional chain of command for the District of Columbias National Guard does not exist. In states, the governor is the commander of that states National Guard units and can unilaterally deploy them under his or her own authority.

But as the nations capital has no governor, the chain of command goes up through the Army secretary to the president.

The D.C. Guard has been mobilized to provide support to federal law enforcement in the District, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. Acting Secretary Miller has been in contact with Congressional leadership, and Secretary McCarthy has been working with the D.C. government. The law enforcement response will be led by the Department of Justice.

The D.C. National Guard was widely deployed across Washington during protests in June 2020. Guard members from D.C. participated in clearing protesters from Lafayette Square, directly across from the White House, when Trump and others  including Mark T. Esper, the Defense secretary at the time, and Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs  walked across the park for a photo-op in front of St. Johns Church.

After significant criticism of those events, as well as calls for the military to stay out of the transition of power between administrations, defense officials may have been hesitant to involve uniformed members of the military.

The National Guard Bureaus initial response to queries about why it had not deployed units to the Capitol was that no request for troops had been made.

Later, Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., tweeted that she had been in touch with Milley and that National Guard troops had been approved. House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., had gotten the same information from Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy, she said.

This attempted coup and domestic terrorist attack needs to end immediately, Smith tweeted just before 4 p.m.
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough continued to stand his ground Wednesday as surging COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations triggered Gov. Greg Abbotts executive order forcing occupancy restrictions on restaurants and closing some bars.

The emergency protocol mandated under Abbotts order issued in October, follows seven consecutive days of COVID-19 patients occupying more than 15 percent of hospital beds in the region, which includes Montgomery County. The percentage began gradually increasing around Thanksgiving, then spiked in the last two weeks.

Under the protocols, restaurant occupancy may not exceed 50 percent, down from 75; bars that have not reclassified as restaurants must close immediately; and hospitals must curtail some elective surgeries. The restrictions remain in place until COVID-19 hospitalizations drop below 15 percent for seven consecutive days.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Looking for a COVID-19 vaccine? This map can help.

The Montgomery County Public Health District confirmed 484 new cases bringing the countys total to 29,296. Of those, 9,229 are active, an increase from Tuesday of 301. The number of COVID-19 related deaths remained at 189.

The number of those hospitalized in Montgomery County related to the virus is now 260 with 51 of those patients in ICU.

Keough again took aim at Abbott who said last month he would not call for any more shutdowns but has remained silent as the cases climbed trigging the mandate. He added he Texas Department of State Health Services Dr. John Hellerstedt to deliver the news of the emergency protocols.

This is an unelected official delivering a message from the governor, Keough said.

Keough called the emergency protocols a slow bleed destruction of our local economy.

You can not have a healthy community without a health economy, Keough reiterated. The answer is not to close or limit our business activity.

Jim Hallers owns two locations of Tailgators Pub and Grill in Montgomery County, Citizens Grill off FM 1488 and The Thisty Texan neighborhood bar in Harris County. Hes also on the board of the Texas Restaurant Association.

Hallers said the shift from 50 to 75 percent for restaurants didnt make much of a difference, so he doesnt expect returning to 50 percent will make an impact.

VACCINE TRACKER: How many Texans are vaccinated? Check our interactive map.

We believe restaurants continue to be one of the safer places you can go compared to the big box stores and the grocery stores where everybody goes, he said. When you go to a restaurant, you are distanced with a group of people that you usually hang out with, you sit at a table to yourself and then you leave, its not a big social experience. Youre not walking down an aisle passing by 50 or so strangers.

They keep picking on restaurants, but restaurants arent necessarily the source of the problem.

Hallers estimates about 10 percent of independent restaurants in Montgomery County have closed.

Theres another 10 to 15 percent that are behind on rent. Their landlords have been letting them stay on or working it out, but the landlords are eventually going to run out of runway. Some of them are fairly prominent restaurants, he said. We could easily see another 10 to 15 percent of restaurants close in a the next few months (because of this reason).

In Montgomery County, Keough noted, while COVID numbers continue to increase, the recovery rate of the virus is 99.4 percent. He added gambling the economy on .6 percent makes no sense.

Despite Keough stance on the emergency protocols, he did encourage residents to continue to use the Centers for Disease Controls guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The CDC recommends residents avoid groups of people; social distancing; wearing a mask over your nose and mouth; use and teach children to use proper hygiene and correct way to wear a mask; wash hand or use hand sanitizer frequently; and disinfect surfaces in your car and home.

Anyone with questions on the virus or on testing can contact the Montgomery County COVID-19 Call Center at 936-523-3916.

Courier features editor Sondra Hernandez contributed to this story.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com
YAKUM, Israel, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Augwind (TASE: AUGN) is a company specializing in developing and integrating storage technologies for the electricity market, including from renewable sources such as PV or wind power that incorporate AirBattery, the energy storage system designed by Augwind.

Augwind announced today the winning of a sizeable governmental tender that was led in Israel by the Government's Electricity Authority, in a scale of 2.5 GWh storage.

Augwind has expanded the relations with Solegreen by signing an agreement to promote and build photovoltaic power generation projects incorporating Augwind's AirBattery energy storage system.

Earlier this week, Augwind announced signing of an MOU with EDF Renewables Israel Ltd., a subsidiary of the global EDF conglomerate, one of the largest multinational electricity utility companies in the world. Under the terms of the agreement, Augwind and EDF will work together to build and operate a 5 MW photovoltaic power plant, with a 20 MWh AirBattery storage system. The project will be built with a secured PPA from the government-owned electricity company (IEC) for 23 years.

Augwind recently announced the results of the tests performed in the proof of technological feasibility stage for the AirBattery system's efficiency, with a huge promise to the energy marketplace. The system's overall efficiency in the context of commercial facilities, with a capacity above 5 MW, is expected to be in the range of approximately 75-81%, depending on the characteristics and the various requirements of each storage project and the storage system components it comprises. The assessed results signify an astonishing breakthrough in the field of Compressed Air energy storage, positioning Augwind's solution as a natural advantageous contender with compare to alternative technologies for various energy storage applications.

According to Or Yogev, CEO and Founder of Augwind, "The data presented by Augwind today is excellent news for the world of renewable energies in general and the world of energy storage in particular, both in comparison with lithium batteries and alternative storage solutions. Augwind's AirBattery system has an energy efficiency that is generally similar to pumped storage stations' efficiency.

Compared to a storage system based on lithium batteries, despite their higher initial efficiency, lithium batteries have an obvious disadvantage in that their efficiency and structural capacity fade over the years and necessitate replacement and upgrade for a new storage system every few years or cycles. In addition, lithium-ion systems contain chemical components, some of which are not recyclable, while Augwind's solution is designed for decades, while also being green, environmentally friendly, and based solely on water and air."

The advantages of the AirBattery system compared with existing systems:

Completely green: AirBattery is a first-of-its-kind system, without any flammable or chemicals materials, producing energy solely from water and air.

A multi-use system that allows unlimited number of cycles with a lifetime fixed capacity and zero degradation.

A storage system with a decades-long life-span and low CAPEX and OPEX costs

A safe subterranean storage system with minimum footprint, that can be deployed underground functional areas.

A modular, highly scalable system, enabling a range of storage volumes from tens of megawatts-hour through hundreds of megawatts-hour at a competitive cost.

About Augwind:

Augwind was founded in 2012 by Or Yogev. The company specializes in the development and installation of compressed air storage systems to increase energy efficiency (AirSmart) and for storing energy for the electricity sector and, among other things, doing so from renewable electricity generation sources such as PV or wind power, which include the storage system developed by Augwind (AirBattery).

Augwind operates on two fronts: the energy storage market and the air compressor market. Both commercial verticals are based on Augwind's patented, AirX technology, proprietary underground air compression method and system that enables savings of up to 40% in the energy consumption required to compress the air at high pressure. The company's customers include local and global industries such as PepsiCo, Tnuva, Strauss, Iscar, Rapac, IAI, Nesher Cement Industries and many others, with proven track record for Augwind's AirX core technology.

Link to Augwind's website: https://ir.aug-wind.com

Contact: Tamir Vieman

[email protected]

SOURCE Augwind

[January 07, 2021] The Ancient Silk Road's Historical Significance and Its Role in Inspiring Joint Development of the Belt and Road Initiative

BEIJING, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- An article by China.org.cn on the ancient silk road and the Belt and Road Initiative: The ancient Silk Road was a major corridor connecting the East and West, which brought about commercial interconnection and economic interaction. Looking back at the history, the ancient Silk Road includes the land Silk Road and the maritime Silk Road. The land Silk Road has its origins in the Western Han (206 BC -25 AD). It was formally established in 138 BC. At that time, the Western Han court sent Zhang Qian on a diplomatic mission to Xinjiang, or the Western Regions, as specified in the Chinese chronicles. That mission formally established a corridor between the Central Plains and the northwestern regions, thus marking the beginning of the land Silk Road. The maritime Silk Road was referred to in the Chinese historical record called the Book of Han. In the early years of the Western Han, Emperor Wu dispatched envoys on a voyage that reached Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka). This event was considered as the beginning of the maritime Silk Road. Over the two millennia since its establishment, the Silk Road actually went on to encompass numerous intersecting passages that extended in all directions, forming a series of travel routes. The ancient Silk Road was one of the greatest undertakings of the human history. First of all, it weaved a network of transportation routes linking the East and the West. Secondly, it facilitated East-West trading and exchanges, by boosting the circulation of goods. Thirdly, it facilitated convergence and exchanges between civilizations and cultures from both the Oriental and Occidental worlds. In the end, it brought about unison between the East and the West in jointly contributing to the progress and prosperity of human society and civilization. The Silk Road witnessed the most splendid and wonderful epic of the human history. In 2013, China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A growing number of countries have joined the Initiative, and cooperation is expanding in infrastructure, trade, investment, and energy. Why did China launch this Initiative and how has the Initiative been able to achieve its successes to date? The emergence of the ancient Silk Road was a corollary to economic and social development. Only when the economy has been sufficiently developed and productivity adequately increased will certain demands arise. These include the demands for personnel exchanges, trade, and cultural interactions. The Western Han was a crest in Chinese history, and saw the most significant advances in comprehensive national strength. During this period, agriculture made great progress. Centuries later, the Tang Dynasty (618-907) was another zeith in China's economic and social development. From the handicraft industry, agriculture, to financial industry, new progress was achieved. Such historical evolution and economic development provided the prerequisite and foundation for mutual exchanges, not only guaranteeing the material conditions for the interactions between en-route countries, but also supplying underlying momentum to the Silk Road's sustainability.



There are also contemporary reasons. The Belt and Road routes link up more than 60 countries and more than 4 billion people. The regions covered have the greatest potential for economic development, and for international investment. Many en-route countries also share the desire to restructure the industries, enhance the quality and capacity of economic development, and improve people's wellbeing. On the other hand, China has made progress that could not have achieved independent from the rest of the world. With a will to share capacity and achievements with the world, China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative. The Initiative not only accords with the practical needs of the en-route countries to develop their economy and society, but also conforms to the intrinsic and objective requirement of global economic governance. The BRI has thus become a new solution presented by China to the world in this new era. As the "circle of friends" grows bigger, some have begun to allege that China is a threat, and that the Belt and Road Initiative is a form of neocolonialism. This is utter fallacy. Throughout the history of the ancient Silk Road, China has been the proponent and driving force behind this undertaking, without ever exploiting the Silk Road to occupy any other country or any inch of foreign land, or using it to monopolize the profits from the trading along the routes. On the contrary, history proves that China and the en-route countries conducted peaceful and friendly exchanges, honored promises, carried out fair trade, and established people-to-people friendship. According to China's historical records, the ancient Silk Road bustled with envoys from different nations and an endless stream of trade caravans. This is the real picture on the ancient Silk Road. After China put forward the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, nearly 200 countries and regional organizations have signed inter-governmental agreements on the BRI with China. The en-route countries, and other countries contributing to the BRI development, are all committed to one important mission, which is to maintain the peace and security along the Belt and Road. Without a peaceful environment, without stable political relationship and mutual trust, the building of the Belt and Road will lead nowhere. This is a lesson drawn from the history, and also serves the practical need of the contemporary development. Peace and stability are the indispensable foundation for the BRI's soundness and sustainability, and for bringing amity and wellbeing to en-route countries. "Forcing Chinese culture on others" has never characterized the Silk Road or the Belt and Road Initiative. Along the ancient Silk Road, there was the ancient Chinese civilization, Mesopotamia civilization, ancient Egyptian civilization, ancient Roman civilization, and so on. These great civilizations all located along the Silk Road. Throughout the Silk Road history, different cultures blended together, learning from each other. For example, China's Confucianism and Taoism were introduced via the Silk Road to countries like Japan and Vietnam. Likewise, in Chinese civilization and culture there are also quite a lot of foreign elements in our music, dance, and our life. The diverse cultures along the Silk Road together created a colorful and splendid world.

As the Silk Road thrived, why did cultural exchanges abound as well? An essential factor was China's openness and inclusiveness. In Tang Dynasty, for example, the central government decreed that local officials all over the country should keep in friendly contact with foreign merchants so that they could feel contented. The officials were also required to get acquainted with trading and refrain from interference. The reason that China has widened its "friend circle" as the Silk Road developed was because of its openness and inclusiveness. Openness and inclusiveness in turn became an essential cultural factor that allows the ancient Silk Road to preserve its influence through modern day. The benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative are not exclusive to China. The Belt and Road Initiative is neither a reproduction nor an iteration of the ancient Silk Road, but a massive step forward. China Mosaic

http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm The Ancient Silk Road's Historical Significance and Its Role in Inspiring Joint Development of the Belt and Road Initiative

http://v.china.com.cn/2020-12/29/content_77060400.htm View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-ancient-silk-roads-historical-significance-and-its-role-in-inspiring-joint-development-of-the-belt-and-road-initiative-301202677.html SOURCE China.org.cn

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BIOGRAPHY

MORE, PLEASE!

by Nick Pourgourides (Amazon 7.99, 133pp)

One OF the joys of lockdown for me has been watching all the old classic Kenneth More films on Talking Pictures TV.

These include the Doctor farces, with More ebullient alongside Dirk Bogarde and James Robertson Justice, and North West Frontier, where More shares a railway carriage with Lauren Bacall, clanking across remote outposts of the Empire.

More was the type of Englishman who was always jovial and competent  and courageous. Hes the chap youd want at your side if the ship is sinking, the plane is in flames, or the steam train is under attack from angry locals. He was never snooty or coldly ironic, never irascible or eccentric.

Nick Pourgourides pays tribute to Kenneth More in a fascinating biography.Pictured: More with Kay Kendall in Genevieve

Instead, More conveyed a warmth and a continuous sense of integrity, for example as Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader, in Reach For The Sky, the injured air ace refusing to be defeated by his tin legs: Suddenly, Jerry was coming at me out of a bank of cloud. Its a style of naturalistic performing now lost. More played officers and gentlemen before such conservative figures became a joke.

In real life he wore leather driving gloves in the car, a collar and tie at the beach. He retained a military bearing, neurotically clean and tidy, even with his emotions, says his widow, Angela Douglas, in Nick Pourgourides brief biography.

More was born in 1914 in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. Henry VIIIs Lord High Chancellor Sir Thomas More was a distant ancestor. His grandfather had designed various bridges over the Thames and was the chief engineer for the Port of London Authority.

Mores father, Bertie, was an inventor who got through several inherited fortunes on duff schemes, including a waterproofing liquid which rotted shoes and shirts, turning fabric into a mass of stinking goo. Mores Welsh mother, Topsy, whom the actor described as bubbling with vivacity like a glass of champagne, must have been sorely tried  especially when Bertie died, aged 45, leaving the family struggling to manage.

This meant More would no longer be able to attend his horrible boarding school in Worthing, where hed undergone a baptism of fire from bullies. I was so miserable at my own weakness, I wept, he later wrote in his autobiography, which sold 100,000 copies.

But at least More learned a wariness about dealing with some fellow human beings  a detachment hed cover up with charm. Furthermore: You have to know pain and pleasure yourself before you can begin to demonstrate them to an audience.

More (pictured) spent six years in the Royal Navy, before breaking into films including Scott Of The Antarctic and Genevieve

His formal education at an end, More became an apprentice at the Sentinel-Cammell locomotive works in Shrewsbury, then a Sainsburys shop assistant.

Moving to London, he got a job as a stage-hand at the Windmill Theatre, Soho, helping to get the nude female performers into position  More said this was money for jam. He appeared in comic sketches, took walk-on parts, earned a fiver a week in rep in Newcastle and Wolverhampton  then war was declared.

More spent six years in the Royal Navy, as Officer of the Watch aboard HMS Aurora. He saw action in the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Pacific. He helped conduct George VI to Malta, took part in the bombardment of Sicily during the Allied invasion of Italy, and was steaming towards Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.

If More developed a relaxed mental and physical attitude later, seeming to take things in his stride, it was because of his wartime experiences, his widow argues. It gave him a sense of proportion.

MORE, PLEASE! by Nick Pourgourides (Amazon 7.99, 133pp)

Demobilised in January 1946, More began breaking into films  as Teddy Evans in Scott Of The Antarctic; the hopeless romantic full of boundless charm in Genevieve; and the happy-go-lucky medical student in the Richard Gordon romps, for which he won a Bafta.

In A Night To Remember, hes Second Officer Lightoller, keeping calm and carrying on as the Titanic disaster unfolds. Reach For The Sky was the most popular film of 1956  More became a friend of Douglas Bader who had, when given a new pair of false legs by his German captors, impudently used them to try and escape.

Then, quite suddenly, his popularity waned. Arent you Gregory Peck? he was asked in the street. No, Im his brother, he replied.

Unlike Rex Harrison or Richard Burton, More had no Hollywood career to fall back on. He started to seem provincial, his fine voice and perfect enunciation rather old-hat and careworn.

Mores quiet urbanity was supplanted in the Sixties by the shouty Cockney of Michael Caine or angry northern voice of Albert Finney. Peter OTooles silly flamboyance became fashionable.

He was partially salvaged by television, earning 15,000 in 1967 for seven months work on The Forsyte Saga, which was watched by 18 million viewers. The budget was not vast. Filming in Richmond, we knocked on the front doors of houses nearby and asked if we could use their lavatory.

There were lots of cameos, bit parts here and there, a series for ITV as Chestertons Father Brown. The Kenneth More Theatre opened in Ilford, East London, as a venue for amateurs. More enjoyed serving drinks behind the bar. Like many such institutions, it now has funding issues.

In 1978, Mores health cruelly deteriorated with Parkinsons disease and multiple system atrophy. He didnt want anyone seeing him diminished and became a recluse, dying in July 1982.

Nick Pourgourides, in this warm-hearted tribute, is correct to champion the genuine believability in Mores performances, which will be enjoyed for generations to come, and which will only grow stronger over time.

As the vaccine rolls out, our hope, and goal, is that the number of new cases we see each day will decrease, Ezike said in a statement. Reporting more than one million COVID-19 cases in Illinois seemed like an unlikely number at the beginning of the pandemic, and weve now all seen how devastating this disease can be.
A man's 30-foot fall in the Adirondacks and a hiker with sneakers who slipped on an icy Catskills trail kept Department of Environmental Conservation rangers busy during the past week.

On Jan. 1, Greene County 911 received a report of a New Jersey woman, 29, with an injured elbow on the Batavia Kill Trail. She was trail running on the Acra Point Loop Trails with another runner until they separated to take different trails to Big Hollow Trailhead.

Near the Batavia Kill lean-to, the woman fell on the ice, which caused an unstable elbow injury. She called 911 and slowly continued out to the trailhead with a group of hikers who stopped to assist her. Rangers then got to her, stabilized her arm, and assisted her to the trailhead. An ambulance crew evaluated her at the trailhead and she said she'd seek medical treatment on her own.

On Dec. 28 at 9:58 a.m., Essex County 911 transferred a call to DECs Ray Brook dispatch office reporting a man, 51, from Forest Mills had sustained injuries from a 30-foot fall on the Giant Mountain Ridge Trail.

After determining that it was a medical emergency in steep terrain, more than a dozen people, including rangers, trail workers and volunteers descended. By 12:30 p.m., the victim was stabilized and placed into a litter for a two-mile trip to an waiting ambulance. The hiker was treated at a local hospital.

At 11 a.m. the next day, Greene County 911 dispatchers received a call from a hiker with an ankle injury on the Escarpment Trail near Layman's Monument in the town of Hunter.

That hiker was wearing sneakers and slipped on the trail due to icy conditions. Forest Rangers responded, along with members of a local fire department.

They determined the hiker, 25, of Lebanon, N.J., had an unstable ankle injury, warmed him and put him in a litter to be carried out half a mile to the Laurel House trailhead. The hiker was taken by ambulance to a hospital.
Oregons only Republican member of Congress voted early Thursday to oppose the certification of some of the Electoral College count, hours after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to the shut down the proceedings.

Rep. Cliff Bentz joined eight senators and 138 other House members  all Republicans  in the unlikely last-ditch effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which former Vice President Joe Biden won.

Bentz, who took office Sunday, backed a failed attempt to throw out the electoral votes from Pennsylvania, though he did not support a similar challenge to the votes from Arizona, which also didnt pass.

My goal was to protect the integrity of our elections and to prompt all states to uphold election laws as determined by their state legislatures  all in accordance with our Constitution, Bentz said in a statement Thursday morning.

I am committed to a peaceful transfer of power, but I continue to empathize with those whose frustrations with the electoral system remain unresolved.

Hours earlier, in an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive, Bentz had pushed back against journalists assertions that he would support other Republicans efforts to reject electoral votes from some states and hedged on whether he would do so.

During the interview Wednesday, Bentz also disputed the language his Oregon congressional colleagues used to describe Wednesdays insurrection and declined to hold the president accountable.

I would not describe today as coup. I would call it a protest gone really wrong, really bad, Bentz told The Oregonian/OregonLive. As far as judging the president, I dont see how thats very productive right now

Read Bentzs full interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive here.

-- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632

Email at skavanaugh@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @shanedkavanaugh

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Irrfan Khan would have turned 54 on Thursday. The ace actor passed away in Mumbai on April 29, 2020, but not a day goes by that he is not missed or remembered by those around him and ones who worked with him in films.

As we try to live in a world bereft of this great artist, let's take a look at what international film celebrities have said about him in conversations.

Danny Boyle on Irrfan

Oscar winning director Danny Boyle opened up on collaborating with Irrfan in Slumdog Millionaire. "Irrfan was a wonderful actor and a pivotal figure in the making of Slumdog Millionaire," Boyle told the BBC after the actor's demise. Irrfan played the role of an inspector in the film. "It wasn't a huge role and in fact on paper it was even less rewarding looking. But Irrfan saw the possibility of guiding our audience with his dignity, his grace, his charm, his intelligence and his calmness, through this crossword puzzle of an idea of a film."

Christopher Nolan on Irrfan

During the release of his thriller Tenet in India, Christopher Nolan confirmed that he had approached Irrfan for Interstellar but they could not collaborate due to the actor's unavailability. "I did meet Irrfan for Interstellar. I was looking forward to working with him. Unfortunately, he wasnt able to do the film. He was a great actor," Nolan shared.

Bryce Dallas Howard remembers Irrfan

On the occasion of New Year 2021, Jurassic World actress Bryce Dallas Howard remembered Irrfan in a social media post as she shared their still from the 2015 film. "The key to a happy life is to accept you are never actually in control.  #IrrfanKhan as Simon Masrani in @jurassicworld Lesson received, 2020. Miss you greatly, Irrfan (sic)," Bryce shared in a social media post.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bryce Dallas Howard (@brycedhoward)

On Irrfan's demise, Bryce had shared an emotional tribute to him.

Irrfan, you are an exquisite human being and we will all miss you dearly. These images are from the first and last day of filming, and I was lucky enough to spend them working with you. Love to you and your family always  #RIPIrrfanKhan pic.twitter.com/9G12xUVT9V  Bryce Dallas Howard (@BryceDHoward) April 29, 2020

Ang Lee on Irrfan

Ang Lee, who directed Irrfan in Life of Pi, remembered him after his demise. "His passing away is cinema's loss. We will miss him dearly," Lee said in a statement to Deadline.

Mindy Kaling on Irrfan

Writer-actress Mindy Kaling shared a tribute on Irrfan's passing. "The loss of Irrfan Khan - at such a young age - is devastating. He was my favorite actor. I can't think of someone who gave such layered and thoughtful performances but was also a movie star; you couldn't take your eyes off of him onscreen," Kaling shared in a social media post.
Who will be the next CBI chief? PM Modi-led panel shortlists these three names; Congress protests

Shiv Sena hails Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, says "rulers in Delhi" fear him

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Mumbai, Jan 07: Calling Rahul Gandhi a warrior for standing up against the Modi government, the Shiv Sena on Thursday said "rulers in Delhi" are afraid of the Congress leader.

An editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamana also said it was a good thing that Rahul Gandhi is becoming the Congress president. "The rulers in Delhi fear Rahul Gandhi. Had it not been so, campaigns to discredit the Gandhi family would not have been carried out," the editorial said.

Remove Amitabh Bachchan's voice from caller tune on COVID-19 awareness: PIL in high court

"A dictator is afraid even if one man is against him, and if this lone warrior is honest, the fear increases by a hundred times. The Delhi rulers' fear of Rahul Gandhi is in this category," editorial said. It is a good thing that Rahul Gandhi is becoming the Congress president again, the Sena mouthpiece said.

"One must accept that BJP has no alternative to Narendra Modi and Congress has no alternative to Rahul Gandhi, the Sena said. "Despite propagating that Rahul Gandhi is a weak leader, he is still standing and attacking the government at every opportunity he gets," it said.

Transport of COVID-19 vaccine set to begin: Pune to be central hub

The Opposition will, at some point, rise from the ashes like the Phoenix," it added. Shiv Sena's praise for Rahul Gandhi comes a fortnight after Sena MP Sanjay Raut called for expanding the scope of the Congress-led UPA bloc, saying the Opposition should unite against the "dictatorial attitude" of the Centre and provide a "formidable alternative" to the Modi government.

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

Ahead of next month's Aurangabad Municipal Corporation elections, the Sena and Congress, partners in the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in Maharashtra, have been at loggerheads over a demand to rename that city. While the Sena wants Aurangabad renamed Sambhajinagar after a Maratha warrior, many state Congress leaders have opposed this move.
Around 55 per cent people above the age of 60 years suffer from a chronic disease, according to the wave one of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) released on Wednesday.

According to the report, around 40 per cent have some form of disability and 20 per cent suffer from mental health issues. Also, 27 per cent of this population group, which translates to roughly 35 million people, have multi-morbidities.

The LASI Wave 1 field survey, which was conducted across 35 states and Union Territories from April 2017 to December 2018 was released by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan virtually on Wednesday.

Vardhan said that in the 2011 census report, people above 60 years accounted for 8.6 per cent of Indias population, that is 103 million elderly people. Growing at around 3 per cent annually, the elderly population will rise to 319 million in 2050.

This report will provide a base for national and state-level programmes and policies for the elderly population, he was quoted as saying in a health ministry statement.

LASI is a fullscale national survey of scientific investigation of the health, economic, and social determinants and consequences of population ageing in India.

The National Programme for Health Care of Elderly and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have undertaken the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India, through International Institute for Population Sciences, (IIPS), Mumbai in collaboration with Harvard School of Public Health, University of Southern California, United Nations Population Fund and National Institute on Ageing.

The LASI, Wave 1 report covered a baseline sample of 72,250 individuals aged 45 and above and their spouses, that included 31,464 people aged 60 and above and 6,749 oldest-old persons aged 75 and above from all states and Union Territories excluding Sikkim.

Vardhan said, It is Indias first and the worlds largest-ever survey that provides a longitudinal database for designing policies and programmes for the older population in the broad domains of social, health, and economic wellbeing.

The evidence from LASI will be used to further strengthen and broaden the scope of National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly and also help in establishing a range of preventive and healthcare programmes for the older population and most vulnerable among them. Restating the commitments of the government to healthy ageing, the health minister said, We should ensure that the elderly are provided with the best medical care. India has one of the ambitious programme of the world, Ayushman Bharat Yojna, which focuses on the expansion of the healthcare facilities. He affirmed that the LASI data shall assist in addressing the broad aims of the Decade of Healthy Ageing and will lead to convergence within various national health programmes and also promote inter-sectoral coordination with other departments and ministries. About 45 million have cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, 20 million suffer from diabetes, and 24 per cent of the elderly have difficulty in performing daily functions such as walking, eating, toileting, according to this survey, said KS James, director of The International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, the nodal institution for implementing the survey.

Even if we assume 90 per cent of these people are taken care at home, there is still 10 per cent, that translates into 3.5 to 4 million who would require professional help, he said.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. )

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Church services in Northern Ireland are to move online once again because of the current high number of Covid-19 cases.

People will be asked to stay away from their church from today until Saturday, February 6.

The decision will be reviewed at the end of this month.

The decision was taken by church leaders following a meeting today with medical chiefs.

In a statement, the Catholic Bishops of Ireland said they supported the decision.

"We recognise the efforts of so many in our parishes who have been working to ensure that our gatherings for public worship are as safe as possible and we welcome the continuing engagement between the faith communities and the NI Executive which has led to consensus between us on the importance of people being able to gather in person for worship," the statement said.

"At this time, however, we acknowledge and support the unequivocal message from public health authorities that the movement and gathering of people should be minimised and that as many people as possible stay at home for the sake of health, life and the Common Good.

"In light of our ongoing consultations and of the current serious and worsening situation, and in line with clear public health guidance that people should stay at home, we have decided that for a limited period (from midnight on Thursday 7 January until Saturday 6 February 2021, subject to review in late January), the celebration of the Eucharist and other liturgies should take place without the physical presence of the faithful - with the exception of marriage, funeral, baptismal liturgies and drive-in services (subject to regulations).

"Arrangements for recording and/or livestreaming, and making individual visits for private prayer are also permissible in accordance with regulations.

"We encourage parishes, where possible, to continue to broadcast the celebration of Mass - and other devotions and prayer services - online and on other media, knowing that faith and prayer can be a tremendous support to individuals and society during these difficult times."
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 02:10:14|Editor: huaxia

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ANKARA, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkey reported on Wednesday 13,830 new COVID-19 cases, including 1,458 symptomatic patients, as the total number of positive cases in the country reached 2,283,931, Turkish Health Ministry announced.

The death toll from the virus in Turkey rose by 191 to 22,070, while the total recoveries climbed to 2,164,040 after 8,702 more cases recovered in the last 24 hours.

The rate of pneumonia in COVID-19 patients stands at 4.3 percent and the number of seriously ill patients is 3,303 in the country, said the ministry.

A total of 182,645 tests were conducted over the past day, with the overall number of tests in Turkey reaching 25,498,210.

Turkey reported its first COVID-19 case on March 11.

Turkey and China have supported each other in the fight against COVID-19. Chinese doctors and medical experts held video conferences with Turkish counterparts to share China's experience in treating coronavirus patients, protecting medical workers, and controlling the spread of the virus.

The first batch of 3 million doses of China's SinoVac COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the Turkish capital Ankara on Dec. 30, 2020. Enditem


EXCLUSIVE: Political leaders during the intense moments today text messaged theGrios April Ryan as a mob of Trump supporters stormed the government building

Members of Congress spoke out as mayhem ensued on Capitol Hill amid a mob of Trump supporters violently storming the Capitol building and damaging government property.

Congressional leaders during the intense moments today text messaged theGrios April Ryan.

Read More: Ivanka Trump refers to protesters storming Capitol as American patriots

They are in the Capitol and they are attacking us. They have locked the doors, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas told theGrios April Ryan. I am not fearful. I guess we are safe enough; we are locked in. Trumps army still attacking.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and Rep. Kweisi MFume (Photo: Getty Images)

Later in the day, from an undisclosed location, Maryland Democratic Congressman Kweisi MFume said in a text, Im okay at the moment but there are a lot of innocent employees here that are in harms way. The anarchists are trying to break thru the door to the House floor. Shots have been fired. Trump must be charged with treason, sedition and inciting to riot.

Former Democratic New York Congressman Ed Towns, who was once the head of the House Government Oversight and Reform committee told theGrio that the president of the United States has disgraced this nation.

Towns, who has personally known President Donald Trump for years as they are both New Yorkers, conveyed his long-held sentiment: I truly believe the Congress should go into session and impeach him. A person with this sort of leadership should never be allowed to serve again.

Read More: Biden demands Trump mob to pull back and allow democracy to go forward

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Edolphus Towns (D-NY) questions witnesses about the purchase of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America December 11, 2009 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The former congressman watched in horror and even was said to have yelled at the television while he watched with his family at their Florida retreat during Wednesdays unprecedented events. Towns said he is concerned for his former colleagues.

I pray for the safety of my former colleagues. This is a sad day in America, he said.

Story continues

From Wilmington, Delaware President-elect Joe Biden took to television airwaves seeking to set the right tone amid chaos on the nations Capitol.

President-elect Joe Biden speaks at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del., Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

I call on President Trump to go on national television now to fulfill his oath and demand an end to this siege, Biden said Wednesday afternoon.

Biden was speaking on the hours-long violent occupation of Capitol Hill by Trump supporters, emphasizing that Americas democracy is fragile.

At the end of his speech, Biden said plainly: President Trump step up.

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On Twitter, there were calls from former President Bill Clintons spokesperson, Joe Lockhart, for Trump cabinet members to come together and remove the president.

Conservative George Conway, the husband of former Trump staffer Kellyanne Conway, tweeted his call for impeachment proceedings. Those feelings were echoed by some members of Congress including Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Rep. Ilhan Omar.

President Trump ultimately offered a video plea that did not rise to the occasion. He told his followers, You have to go home now, you have to have peace.

The president was still holding on to his wrongful claims of voter fraud in the video saying, this was a fraudulent election but we cant play into the hands of these people. Go home we love you. You are special.

Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now!

TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!

The post Congress members describe being locked inside Capitol amid mob attack appeared first on TheGrio.



The protester shot dead by police in Washington D.C. yesterday was previously prosecuted for reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property and tampering with a car, and was the subject of two restraining orders, court records obtained by DailyMail.com reveal.

Ashli Babbitt, 35, died from a gunshot wound to the chest after she joined dozens of protesters who stormed the Capitol to protest Joe Biden's election victory.

DC Police Chief Robert Contee said four died at the protests on Wednesday  Babbitt shot by Capitol Police, and three others who died in 'medical emergencies.'

A witness to the shooting suggested the San Diego local was shot by police when she tried to climb through a broken window to get into congressional chambers, and another said they saw other protesters trampled by the mob.

Maryland court records show Babbitt had run-ins with law enforcement before  despite being a respected 14-year Air Force veteran, described as a 'boisterous firecracker' by a fellow soldier.

The protester shot dead by police in Washington D.C. yesterday was previously prosecuted for reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property and tampering with a car, and was the subject of two restraining orders, court records obtained by DailyMail.com reveal

Ashli Babbitt, 35, died from a gunshot wound to the chest after she joined dozens of protesters who stormed the Capitol to protest Joe Biden's election victory

DC Police Chief Robert Contee said four died at the protests on Wednesday  Babbitt shot by Capitol Police, and three others who died in 'medical emergencies.'

Maryland court records show the woman had run-ins with law enforcement before  despite being a respected 14-year Air Force veteran, described as a 'boisterous firecracker' by a fellow soldier

In July 2016 Maryland prosecutors charged Babbitt with two criminal misdemeanours of reckless endangerment and malicious destruction of property, and the traffic violation of wilfully tampering with a vehicle without the owner's consent

In July 2016 Maryland prosecutors charged Babbitt with two criminal misdemeanors of reckless endangerment and malicious destruction of property, and the traffic violation of willfully tampering with a vehicle without the owner's consent.

Police believed Babbitt, then named McEntree, was tampering with a 2012 Ford on a country road in Prince Frederick, a Maryland town South East of Washington D.C.

Though the court records reveal police found probable cause for the two criminal charges, Calvert County court acquitted her of the reckless endangerment charge, and the veteran was found not guilty of malicious destruction or tampering.

The criminal charges also list a complainant against Babbitt: her then-housemate Celeste Norris, 37.

Residency records show she was living with Norris and her future husband, former Marine Sergeant Aaron Babbitt, at the time.

Mysteriously, Babbitt was also the subject of a restraining order filed on the same day as her alleged offences. The court upheld the restraining order against her.

Records showing who filed the restraining order, termed a 'peace order' in Maryland, were not immediately available to DailyMail.com.

Babbitt was also subject to another temporary peace order filed against her in February 2017.

At the time, the 35-year-old was serving in the 113th Security Forces Squadron of the DC National Guard, and had been on at least eight deployments.

Residency records show she was living with Norris and her future husband, former Marine Sergeant Aaron Babbitt, at the time. Babbitt traveled to Washington DC from her home in California alone, without her husband (who is pictured above)

Babbitt was also subject to another temporary peace order filed against her in February 2017

Babbitt was later stationed with the DC Air National Guard from at least 2014, where she moved in with her future second husband Aaron in Huntingtown, Maryland. But Maryland court records show the McEntees' marriage didn't end until August 2018 when they filed for divorce

A Journal from the joint base Anacostia-Bolling in South West DC in March 2014 says she and 30 others were sent that year to 'support the security mission of U.S. forces in Southwest Asia for five months.'

A veteran tweeted that she had served with Babbitt at the time, describing her as 'braggadocious, but likeable.'

'I deployed with Ashli McEntee in 2014,' the female veteran wrote, posting a picture of herself with the killed pro-Trump protester.

'She was a boisterous firecracker, who was always trying to be in the thick of things. Loud, cocky, braggadocious, but likeable. She deployed 9 times, today she was shot in the throat by Capitol Police while unarmed.'

Babbitt was born Ashli Pamatian, and was recorded as living under that name in North Pole, Alaska in her early adulthood.

She joined the Air Force in 2006, first serving at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska, where she met her first husband, Staff Sergeant Tim McEntee.

A January 2008 photo on the base's website shows the couple with their adopted former military working dog, Sorbon.

Babbitt was later stationed with the DC Air National Guard from at least 2014, where she moved in with her future second husband Aaron in Huntingtown, Maryland.

But Maryland court records show the McEntees' marriage didn't end until August 2018 when they filed for divorce.

In June 2019, Babbitt married Aaron, who served as a Marine from 2000 to 2005 according to his Facebook page.

The bereaved former soldier told KUSI News on Wednesday his wife was a strong supporter of President Trump and a great patriot to all who knew her. He did not respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com.

Babbitt also appeared to be a supporter of QAnon, having posted a series of images to Twitter in early September, showing her attending a Trump Boat Parade in San Diego, wearing a tank top with the conspiracy group's logo and slogan

A veteran tweeted that she had served with Babbitt at the time, describing her as 'braggadocious, but likeable'

'She was a boisterous firecracker, who was always trying to be in the thick of things. Loud, cocky, braggadocious, but likeable. She deployed 9 times, today she was shot in the throat by Capitol Police while unarmed'

At the time, the 35-year-old was serving in the 113th Security Forces Squadron of the DC National Guard, and had been on at least eight deployments. A Journal from the joint base Anacostia-Bolling in South West DC in March 2014 says she and 30 others were sent that year to 'support the security mission of U.S. forces in Southwest Asia for five months'

An unidentified loved one sent Babbitt a portentous text message as she flew to DC for the protest, according to an apparent screenshot from her phone shared on social media.

'Be safe. I cannot lose you,' the sender wrote.

Babbitt texted back a selfie from her airplane seat wearing a 'Trump 2020' mask and wrote 'Tons of trump supporters on my plane!!!! I'll watch my 6'  using the military term for looking out behind you.

A witness who was inside the Capitol with protesters on Wednesday said they saw Babbit get shot, other people get 'trampled' in a mob stampede, and believed they saw a second woman severely injured.

'A second woman died (or came close),' the witness wrote on Twitter. 'It was a very intense situation that occurred after I saw several people get trampled, nearly avoiding that myself.

'She collapsed in the entryway to the capital building and was trampled. Compressions were performed on her but I was unable to feel a carotid or femoral pulse. Several men carried her back to the police line. She was very cyanotic [discolored skin due to lack of oxygen] & bleeding from the face.'

The witness described a terrifying and deadly crush of people in the building, panicking as they fled police.

'I was filming at the edge of the entrance just outside the flow a large group of people pressing into & being pressed from behind into the hallway,' they wrote. 'A large man grabbed from behind, pushed me into the Frey and said, 'you're going in, get in there,' (I think). And I was fought in the mob and pressed into the entry hallway.

'I managed to pull myself into a corner nook against the wall. Moments after, the police inside made a great push outward against the dozens of people pushing inward. Everyone became packed like sardines unable to move against the flow of bodies.'

An unidentified loved one sent Babbitt a portentous text message as she flew to DC for the protest, according to an apparent screenshot from her phone shared on social media. 'Be safe. I cannot lose you,' the sender wrote

The bereaved former soldier told KUSI News on Wednesday his wife was a strong supporter of President Trump and a great patriot to all who knew her

According to her LinkedIn page, Babbitt founded a swimming pool service company there in May 2017  but soon ran into more legal trouble

They added: 'At this point, the police and citizens began unleashing a sea of spray mace from both sides. It was nearly impossible to breathe or keep from panicking.

'The man next to me passed out but remained standing due to how tightly we were packed. I slapped his face and he revived. About this time, the woman collapsed, the police overcame the crowd, and I began to see people being seriously trampled as people were fleeing.'

A video shot at the scene captured Babbitt attempting to climb through a window into the congressional chambers before she was shot by Capitol Police.

Before her death Babbitt and her husband lived in San Diego, the location of a large amphibian naval base.

According to her LinkedIn page, Babbitt founded a swimming pool service company there in May 2017  but soon ran into more legal trouble.

In December that year she and her company were slapped with a $23,074 lien by a court in Westchester County, New York, after she was sued by one of her clients, data analytics firm Funding Metrics LLC.

Babbitt and her company were again sued by Florida-based firm EBF Partners in February 2018 after allegedly taking out a $45,000 loan against her future business revenue, then failing to make payments on the loan.

The lawsuit resulted in a default judgement against her and another lien in July 2019 after she failed to comply with court rules and pay sanctions against her in the case.

According to the loan agreement, the pool cleaning business was founded in 2000 and made annual sales of over $670,000.

Babbitt was pronounced dead at the hospital after she was shot in the chest when she tried to clamber through a barricaded entrance as police faced off with hundreds of MAGA supporters inside the legislature.

Babbitt's husband told KUSI she was a 14-year veteran who served four tours with USAF in the Middle East as a 'high level security official,' and described her as a fervent Trump supporter who was 'a great patriot to all who knew her.'

Republican Congressman Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, witnessed the shooting and told ABC Thursday the US Capitol Police officer who fatally shot Babbitt 'didn't have a choice' but to open fire.

Video showed Babbitt climbing through a broken window seconds before she was shot

A witness looks down at Babbitt collapsed on the ground in shock seconds after she was shot

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on leave pending an investigation, the US Capitol PD confirmed in a statement Thursday.

Newly surfaced footage of the fatal incident shows Babbitt and a group of Trump supporters attempting to force their way through double doors which had been barricaded after hundreds poured through the hallways of the Capitol to demand Biden's election be overturned.

Members of the group are seen attempting to smash windows and physically push through the doors as a number of armed officers stand guard on the other side, with their guns drawn.

As Babbitt can be seen attempting to climb up through a broken window, one rioter shouts 'He's got a gun' but the warning comes too late. The officer then fires a single shot, sending the veteran crashing down to the ground on her back.

A number of shocked on-lookers are heard shouting as the video cuts out. A second clip shows blood pouring from her mouth as protesters scramble around her and officers with rifles move in to secure the hallway, telling the rioters to get on the ground.

After Babbitt's death, her mother-in-law told Fox5 she 'really wasn't sure' why she decided the attend the DC protest, but posts on her social media accounts have helped to provide a clearer idea.

The 35-year-old regularly vocalized her support for Trump on Twitter. While she seldom tweeting herself, she often re-shared posts from conservative and right-wing figures, including Michael Flynn, Jack Posobiec and Lin Wood.

On the day before her death, on January 5, Babbitt had replied to a tweet regarding flights allegedly being cancelled to DC, despite there being 'no bad weather'.

'Nothing will stop us,' she responded in one of her final posts. 'They can try and try and try but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours.dark to light!'

Babbitt also appeared to be a supporter of QAnon, having posted a series of images to Twitter in early September, showing her attending a Trump Boat Parade in San Diego, wearing a tank top with the conspiracy group's logo and slogan on it.

In a post shared to their pool services company's 'Inspiration' tab on Veteran's Day, a post read: 'A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with freedom. Happy Veterans Day from all of us at Fowlers Pool Service

Other posts to her social media page indicate as though she supported conspiracies that Chief Justice Roberts and other high profile politicians in DC engaged in pedophilia. She also referred to California's lockdown orders as 'Commie bulls***' in December, and referred to the COVID-19 pandemic as a 'f***ing joke'.

In September, she wrote, 'Trump 2020 landslide! Let freedom ring!'

Babbitt also posted a chain of videos on Twitter in 2018, expressing anger over California's Democratic politicians in a rant about immigration at San Diego's southern border, accusing them of 'refusing to choose America' over their political party.

'Im driving right now but Im like really heated all of a sudden,' she begins, 'I am so sick of these politicians in this god damned state, theyre all worried about what Trump is doing. How about we worry about what the hell youre doing?

'Maxine Waters, what have you done? Youre talking about, oh this thing at the border, its a political ploy that Trumps done. Where are you? Youre not even here!'

Babbit, growing more irate, then calls out a host of other elected officials in the Golden State, including Kamala Harris, Ted Lieu, Jerry Brown, and Gavin Newsom, telling them she was 'putting you all on notice'.

'Our economy is going to take an absolute tank because you guys refuse to choose America over your stupid political party,' she said. 'You can consider yourself put on notice, me and the American people. I am so tired of this. I am woke, man. This is absolutely unbelievable. Get your s*** together. Thank you.'

Her last posts to Twitter heavily referenced the January 6 protest. On January 1 Babbitt responded to a user asking, 'When do we start winning?' to which she responded, 'Jan 6, 2021,' with an American flag and hang five emoji.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 11:13:35|Editor: huaxia

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LISBON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa expressed Wednesday evening his concern over the situation on the U.S. Capitol Hill in Washington, stressing that the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections must be respected.

"I am following developments in Washington with concern. Disturbing scenes. The outcome of the elections must be respected, with a peaceful and orderly transfer of power," he tweeted.

Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva also said that he followed the situation in Washington with "a lot of concern and also some amazement," saying that the "unprecedented attack" on the U.S. Capitol does not represent the democratic institutions, Portuguese Lusa News Agency reported.

"This is not the United States. It is not the American democratic institutions. It is the first time that a transition between two presidents does not take place in an orderly and coordinated way as the Constitution and American laws provide," Augusto Santos Silva was quoted as saying.

The "unprecedented attack" on the Capitol is "condemned in all respects," the Portuguese official said, criticizing Donald Trump's "even more disturbing" words before the protesters' invasion.

The Portuguese minister expressed his hope that what happened on Wednesday was "just one episode" and "not a sequence of operations." Enditem
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Negotiating teams representing the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents held a preparatory meeting on January 6 in the Qatari capital, Doha, with talks on a peacemaking agenda to begin on January 9, both sides said.

Talks have begun just as U.S. forces prepare for another round of troop withdrawals from Afghanistan this month -- in line with an agreement with the Islamist Taliban last year.

The agreement envisages the United States and its military coalition partners pulling troops out of Afghanistan and ending a 19-year war in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

The negotiating teams met following a three-week break after striking an initial procedural deal in December, and are expected to cover contentious issues such as power-sharing and a ceasefire in this round of talks.

"The second round of intra-Afghan talks started this evening during a preparatory meeting," Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem said on Twitter. It was decided the teams would begin substantive discussions on Saturday, he added.

The Afghan government-appointed team shared the same message on Twitter.

The beginning of the second round of talks has been welcomed internationally, including by the United Nations and NATO.
On Wednesday afternoon, I gathered with members of both chambers of Congress inside the Capitol to certify the electoral votes, a ceremonial and routine step in our nations process for a peaceful transition of power. As we sat in the Senate chamber listening to our colleagues, the Senate staff started to get up and move very quickly across the chamber. Vice President Mike Pence was abruptly removed from the presiding chair by his security detail, and Senator Chuck Grassley was shuttled across the floor into that seat. Moments later, a Capitol Police representative informed us the Capitol had been breached and that we were sheltering in place.

I looked at my phone; my mother was calling. I told her I was safe and that they were locking down the chamber. Over the next hour, I answered the same text, Are you safe? over and over. The Capitol Police led us out the chambers back doors, through the corridors, down the stairs, into the tunnels under the Capitol to a secure location in a nearby office building. As we descended the stairs, I held Senator Mazie Hironos hand.

In the secure room, I called home and reassured my husband that I was OK. He was angry, worried and had a lot of questions about how this could happen. The room was filled with the sounds of my colleagues having the same conversations with their families. Meanwhile, the rioters raced through the Capitol, ransacking offices and desecrating public spaces. Their chants of stop the steal echoed in the halls.

We waited for hours. Anxiety faded to frustration and impatience. We wanted to vote, to do our jobs. It is our job as senators to represent the will of the American people. That meant making it clear that while this riot was a temporary disruption of the democratic process, it was not a disruption of our democracy. So, after the violence came to an end, we set out to fulfill our constitutional duty.
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These enablers have allowed Trump to believe that the laws of political gravity dont apply to him. And who can blame him? No matter who he insulted, no matter which foreign dictators he has embraced, no matter how false his declarations or promises have turned out to be, no matter how inept he has proven at handling a crisis, he has never paid a price.

NEW DELHI (AP)  As the coronavirus tears through India, night watchman Sagar Kumar thinks constantly about getting vaccines for himself and his family of five amid critical shortages of shots in the country. But even if he knew how to get one, it wouldnt be easy.
Alleo Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Tracy Wood joined the board of directors of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization effective Jan. 1. Ms. Wood joins a board of executives from hospice and palliative care providers across the United States.

As chief executive of Alleo Health, Ms. Wood is responsible for upholding the not-for-profit hospice and integrated senior care service providers mission and values while successfully managing a changing market in a dynamic and fast-paced landscape for the hospice and palliative care industry. Alleo Health System, formerly Hospice of Chattanooga, has been present in the community for 40 years, providing compassionate local care for aging adults.

In an introductory letter, NHPCO President and CEO Edo Banach welcomed Ms. Woods participation as a visionary leader in the organizations mission to transform end-of-life care. Founded in 1978, the NHPCO is the nations largest membership nonprofit organization for providers and professionals who care for individuals affected by serious and life-limiting illness.

"Im honored to be joining an organization that serves as an advocate for the often-overlooked hospice and palliative care industry, said Ms. Wood. I look forward to furthering the NHPCOs mission of mobilizing social change to expand access to end-of-life and respite care in communities nationwide.

Ms. Wood joined Hospice of Chattanooga in 2016 as the not-for-profit's first female and African American CEO. She transformed the organization into the premiere senior care provider in the Southeast with the creation of the Alleo Health System parent company in 2019, said officials. Through acquisitions which integrated new clinical providers, Alleo Health now provides care for patients and families in 37 counties across Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina.

Ms. Wood holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Marymount College and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from Grand Canyon University. She is certified as a hospice and palliative care administrator through the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association and holds a compliance certificate for hospice and palliative care from the NHPCO.

She is an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management, where she follows trends to strengthen her companys culture. Ms. Wood is also a member of the 2019 Trademark Women of Distinction class, a graduate of the 2018-2019 Leadership Chattanooga class, and a member of the YMCA of Chattanooga Board of Directors.
Soil damage was moderate in 21% of the zone, low in 43%, and very low or unburned in 36%, the city report stated.

Later, the Glass Fire that began Sept. 27 near Deer Park reached only into the extreme northwest tip of the Lake Hennessey watershed, despite winds that originally were forecast to blow flames southeast closer to the reservoir, Eldredge said in her report.

The fire threatened but ultimately did not encroach into Conn Creek, the largest of Lake Hennesseys tributaries, and is not expected to affect the lakes water quality as the fire-affected areas do not drain directly to Conn Creek.

Despite Napas water supply escaping the immediate threat of catastrophic fires, Eldredge warned that climate change and the resulting extension of Northern Californias fire season will require cities to remain vigilant in guarding its watersheds, particularly after a record number of wildfires struck the state in 2020 and scorched more than 4 million acres.

We were very fortunate, but we are aware the odds are not in our favor for future fires, she said during her video call to council members at City Hall.
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In what can only be described as unusual, a man in Chhattisgarh married two women at the same time in the same 'mandap' in presence of family members and villagers with all the rituals and formalities. Chandu Maurya, 24, solemnised his marriage with the two women, both his lovers, at a ceremony attended by 500 people on January 5, Hindustan Times reported.

I decided to marry both of them because they both loved me. I cant betray them. They agreed they both will live with me forever, Chandu told the newspaper. A video from the wedding ceremony and the invitation card of the function have gone viral on social media.

Maurya, a marginal farmer and labourer in Maoist-affected Bastar district, said he had fallen in love with Sundari Kashyap, 21, in Tokapal area when he had gone there to install electricity poles. The two planned to marry each other, but a year later, Haseena Baghel entered the life of Maurya. The 20-year-old was attending a wedding in his village Tikralohnga when the two met and fell in love.

HT reported that Maurya told Haseena that he was already in a relationship but that did not stop her from wanting a relationship with him. Both Haseena and Sundari came to know about each other and agreed to have a relationship with me, he said. The three also started living together as a throuple at Mauryas house, where he lives with his parents and two siblings. The family members of Haseena came to attend the marriage ceremony but Sundaris family skipped the function, said Chandu.

While unusual, this is not the first time that a man in Madhya Pradesh has married two women at the same ceremony. Last year, Sandeep Uike, a resident of Madhya Pradesh's Betul, had married two women at a ceremony on July 8. One of the women was Uikes girlfriend and the other was a bride chosen by his parents. The wedding was held with the approval of all three families.
Washington, Jan, 06 2021 (SPS)- American researcher and analyst Doug Bandow, also former special assistant to president Ronald Reagan, dubbed real aggression the proclamation of Trump about the recognition of Moroccos alleged sovereignty over Western Sahara, foreseeing the return of Biden Direction to Washingtons initial position.

Trumps proclamation doesnt change the nature of the Sahrawi cause according to the international law, wrote the researcher in an article published by the American media.

No one in the world recognizes Moroccos sovereignty over Western Sahara, while this country, a fully-fledged member of the African Union (AU), has gained the recognition of several countries, he affirmed.

The world will remember this position which comes rather from the Direction of Trump than from a change in the American policy, and which constitutes, instinctively, a source of doubt, he added.

According to Bandow, no one sees in Pompeo or Trump representatives of an international leadership based on principles and the future Direction of Biden could easily return to the initial position of Washington.SPS

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The ED has conducted searches at multiple locations in Bhopal, Hyderabad and Bengaluru as part of its money laundering probe in the over Rs 3,000-crore alleged e-tender rigging racket of Madhya Pradesh, official sources said on Thursday.

They said the agency launched the searches to collect evidence early this week at locations of various suspects involved in the case, and the action is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

At least 15-16 locations in Bhopal, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru have been searched, including that of the former chief secretary of Madhya Pradesh. Searches were underway at some places on Thursday, the sources said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed a criminal case last year to probe the instance where it was alleged that the e-tender portal of the state government was hacked to manipulate tenders and grab contracts, and it was allegedly done when the BJP was in power.

A case was first filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Madhya Pradesh Police when the previous Congress government under chief minister Kamal Nath was in power in the state. The ED studied this FIR to file the case under the PMLA.

The EOW has filed cases against directors and marketing representatives of seven companies, unknown officials of five state government departments and certain politicians.

They were charged under IPC section 420 (cheating), the Information Technology Act, and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The seven construction companies involved in the alleged racket were identified as GVPR Limited and Ms Max Maintaina (both based in Hyderabad), The Hume Pipe Limited and JMC Limited (both based in Mumbai), Sorathia Velji Limited and Ms Madhav Infra Projects (both based in Vadodara) and Ram Kumar Narwani Limited (based in Bhopal), the EOW had said in a statement.

Some officials of Bhopal-based OSMO IT Solution, which issued signature certificate for e-tenders, too were charged.

Government departments, including Jal Nigam, Lok Nirman Vibhag (Public Works Department and its Project Implementation unit), MP Road Development Corporation and Water Resources Development, had floated nine tenders which were allegedly tampered with.

Some officials of two software firms which developed the e-tendering portal of the MP Electronic Development Corporation are also under the scanner for leaking information which allowed hacking of the portal, EOW officials had said.

The companies allegedly hacked the MP e-tendering portal to quote lowest rates and bag projects worth Rs 3,000 crore between January and March, 2018.

These tenders were later cancelled. PTI NES IJT IJT
Four years ago, Mussab Ali won a historic race.

Twenty years old at the time, Ali won a seat on the Jersey City Board of Education by 68 votes in 2017 election, becoming both the first Muslim elected to public office in Jersey City and the youngest elected official in the citys history.

On Tuesday night, the now 23-year-old Ali was elected school board president. He is thought to be the youngest BOE president in the citys history.

I was just making an Instagram post about it, actually, Ali said Wednesday when asked about his victory. Its one thing to be able to serve on the board. But now to even have the respect of my colleagues to elect me as the president of the board  its really kind of unreal.

As BOE president, Ali has become one of the highest-profile elected progressives in the county; he endorsed Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic primary and photos on his website show him posing with U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Though he is not aligned with vocal progressive groups that have protested outside County Executive Tom DeGises house, Ali marched in the summers Black Lives Matter protests and has spoken out against Hudson Countys contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

His 2017 election as a 20-year-old outsider, and his subsequent swift rise to BOE president, is remarkable in a city known for its machine politics.

When he was first elected, Ali was a recent graduate of McNair Academic High School and a student at Rutgers Newark. The son of a schoolteacher, he attended public schools in Jersey City since pre-K, and ran for school board in the hopes of bringing a students perspective to the governing body.

In every other industry, people go to consumers and poll consumers and ask them, how do you feel about the product? he said. But in education, for some reason, we dont go to students and say, How do you guys feel about the product, how do you guys feel about the education that youre receiving?

Mussab Ali, second row on the far left, at a Jersey City Public School 23 Pre-K Class. Ali, 23, was elected Jersey City school board president on Tuesday.

The year he took office, Ali was among only 62 students nationwide awarded a $30,000 Truman Scholarship. In 2018, Ali was re-elected to the school board. A year later, he traveled to Beijing to attend a prestigious masters degree program at Tsinghua University, from where he called into BOE meetings.

That led to a complaint from a former school board member, seeking to remove Ali from the board because he did not live in the city. The complaint was dropped after Ali moved back to the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic.

As a trustee, Ali helped implement changes to the Jersey City school districts dress code and to introduce halal foods to school cafeterias. He was also successful in his push for the board to switch from state-funded healthcare to a board-funded plan.

As president, Ali hopes to tackle the BOE budget, which has been hit by repeated cuts in state aid and has been a topic of contention between the BOE and Mayor Steve Fulop.

Historically our schools have been underfunded for a very, very long time, Ali said. And thats a combination of what the state did to us and what the city has done with us too.

Ali was elected BOE president Tuesday night with the support of school board Trustees Marilyn Roman, Gerald Lyons, Alexander Hamilton, and newly elected Vice President Lekendrick Shaw.

On Wednesday, Jersey City Superintendent Franklin Walker congratulated Ali and Shaw on their election.

They are close to many of the concerns that we have with our students, Walker said. I think the perspective they will bring is certainly going to be effective in terms of us being able to address the needs of the children.

Ali is currently studying virtually at Harvard Law School. After graduating, he hopes to spend time as a community lawyer to offer legal services to low-income residents. As far as a career goes, Ali said, he doesnt necessarily have plans to do anything politically.

For me the bottom line is, no matter what educational institution I go to  and this is true for when I was in college, for when I spent a couple months in China, and even now that Im at Harvard Law School  Ive always been very clear that my goal is to take the knowledge, take the education, and to bring it back to Jersey City, Ali said.

Because I plan to spend my career here. I plan to raise my family here.


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Syria: three killed in Israeli raid south of Damascus, NGO

(ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, 07 GEN - Three people were reported killed and 12 wounded in a provisional toll following air raids attributed to Israel that were carried out over the past hours in southern Syria, south of the capital Damascus, against positions identified as Iranian and pro-Iranian militias, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has said. The monitoring group said the air raids were the first of 2021.



The raids, the observatory said, took place along the highway connecting Damascus to the southern regions of Daraa and Suwayda, and targeted the Syrian government military bases hosting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces, according to the observatory. Over the past few months, Israeli air raids, or raids attributed to Israel, have intensified against Iranian or pro-Iranian positions in central and southern Syria. (ANSAmed).




A new low-cost test for COVID19, how to share cultural expertise to solve conflicts, a way to help develop new medicines to treat blindness, further improvements to a clean energy producing technology - just some examples of how frontier researchers will use extra ERC funding to improve our lives. 55 researchers will receive

ERC Proof of Concept grants to explore the commercial or societal potential of their work and to bring their work closer to the market.

ERC Proof of Concept (PoC) grants, worth 150,000 each, can be used for example to explore business opportunities, prepare patent applications or verify the practical viability of scientific concepts. This final injection of 8.25 million pushes the total number of ERC Proof of Concept funded projects for 2020 to 166.

On this occasion, Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: "The Proof of Concept grants, awarded by the European Research Council today, demonstrate how frontier research results can be applied to create innovations that benefit society and industry. The research funded in this call is set to break fresh ground and to open new ways of dealing with pressing challenges in the areas of health, migration and climate change, amongst many other fields."

ERC President Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon commented: "Congratulations to all the winners! The ERC is happy to support researchers working in many different areas who move their scientific findings closer to the market and to societal needs. Frontier research is the basis that generates innovation in many forms, not only technological, which in turn can impact society positively."

This set of results is from the third and final round of PoC calls for 2020.

The 166 Proof of Concept grants awarded in 2020 went to researchers working in 21 countries: Austria 3, Belgium 8, Switzerland 8, Cyprus 1, Germany 23, Greece 1, Spain 12, Finland 1, France 15, Ireland 1, Israel 11, Italy 17, Luxembourg 2, Netherlands 17, Norway 1, Poland 1, Portugal 2, Sweden 8, Slovenia 1, Turkey 3, UK 30.

Previous Proof of Concept grants in 2020 - results: round one, round two

The budget for the whole 2020 PoC competition was 25 million, and in total, 510 proposals were evaluated, with an average success rate of 32%.

###

About the ERC

The European Research Council, set up by the European Union in 2007, is the premiere European funding organisation for excellent frontier research. Every year, it selects and funds the very best, creative researchers of any nationality and age, to run projects based in Europe. It offers four core grant schemes: Starting, Consolidator, Advanced and Synergy Grants. With its additional Proof of Concept grant scheme, the ERC helps grantees to bridge the gap between grantees' pioneering research and early phases of its commercialisation.

To date, the ERC has funded over 9,800 top researchers at various stages of their careers, and over 50,000 postdocs, PhD students and other staff working in their research teams. The ERC strives to attract top researchers from anywhere in the world to come to Europe. Key global research funding bodies, in the United States, China, Japan, Brazil and other countries, have concluded special agreements to provide their researchers with opportunities to temporarily join ERC grantees' teams.

The ERC is led by an independent governing body, the Scientific Council. The ERC President is Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon. The overall ERC budget from 2014 to 2020 was more than 13 billion, as part of the Horizon 2020 programme, for which the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, is responsible.

More information

ERC website

Horizon 2020

ERC press contacts

Eilish Brault

Press and Communication Adviser

Phone: +32 (0)2 295 24 71

erc-press@ec.europa.eu

Kerstin Dorflinger

Press and Communication Officer

Phone: +32 (0)2 296 50 59

erc-press@ec.europa.eu
The New York Stock Exchange again reversed course Wednesday and announced it would delist three major Chinese telecom companies  China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom Hong Kong.

The backdrop: The NYSE originally announced it would delist the companies on New Year's Eve in order to comply with a White House executive order. The exchange then reversed course late on Monday and said it would no longer delist the telecoms.

Why it matters: The delisting complies with a November executive order that restricts American companies and individuals from owning shares in 31 Chinese companies with links to the People's Liberation Army, as part of an eleventh-hour effort from the Trump administration to increase pressure on China.

The NYSE said its latest reversal came after the Treasury Department's Foreign Assets Control office told the exchange on Tuesday that President Trump's order explicitly applies to equity-related securities of the three companies.

Trump signed a separate executive order on Tuesday to prohibit transactions with eight Chinese software applications, including Alipay and WeChat Pay. The White House deemed the apps a national security threat given their ability to access private information about their users.

What's next: Trading in securities associated with the three companies will be suspended early on Jan. 11.
The president promised he would be there every step of the way.

It was a pledge Donald Trump made to thousands of supporters who had gathered Wednesday morning to protest Congresss certification of the Electoral College vote. Behind bulletproof glass on a stage at the Ellipse, only a quarter-mile from the U.S. Capitol, Trump insisted he would not concede, warned weak Republicans that retribution was imminent, and urged his vice president to throw out the vote.

Mike Pence, I hope youre going to stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country, the president said. If youre not, Im going to be very disappointed in you.

And just to be sure that Pence and a joint session of Congress demonstrated appropriate courage, Trump told his supporters that we are going to walk down to the Capitol, and were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen. It was a necessary move, he explained, to show strength.

The president never made that promised trip: He was whisked back to the White House. The vice president did not heed the advice. Pence explained in a Dear Colleague letter that the Constitution didnt grant him authority to do what his boss demanded. But the crowd made the trip anyway, parts of it devolving into an angry mob by the time they reached their destination.

For the first time since the War of 1812, the Capitol was breached. Yet, the man who dispatched them merely watched as they stormed past police lines and laid siege to the hallowed building, risking life and limb for his cause. In that moment, Trumps legacy -- the tax cuts and peace deals, the conservative judges, his unlikely ascension to power -- were all overshadowed as a swarm enveloped and for a time dispersed a co-equal branch of government.

I went to work for him in the fall of 2016 when there was a crowded Republican field, Nancy Mace told RealClearPolitics before rattling off four years' worth of accomplishments, from a supercharged economy to an expedited coronavirus vaccine. Its remarkable, the South Carolina freshman said, but all of those accomplishments are wiped out today.

Many Republicans feel the same way: that the achievements of the populist president were undermined by a siege unleashed by the so-called chaos candidate. His supporters didnt just break-and-enter. The vanguard of the MAGA crowd smashed windows and forced open doors to crash like a wave on an undermanned Capitol security force. The mass worked its way from George Washingtons Crypt to Statuary Hall and eventually outside both chambers. Police barricaded the door to the House Chamber, holding off rioters with pistols. One woman in the crowd was shot by police and killed. Nonetheless, the swarm made it onto the Senate floor, where one man hung from an ornate chandelier. Another dressed as a shaman in a headdress sat behind the dais.

Words like coup and banana republic and shitshow were thrown around with alarming frequency and seriousness as the strangely unprepared U.S. Capitol Police quickly evacuated the assembled members of Congress. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Vice President Pence were whisked away to safety as security struggled to regain control with clubs and tear-gas before nightfall.

But where was the president? On the Internet. Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful, Trump tweeted while a mob ran roughshod on Capitol Hill breaking into offices and rifling through desk drawers. "At this point, this is not enough, Indiana Rep. Jim Banks told RCP of the presidents first Twitter attempt to bring calm. While sheltering in place, the chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee added, The president can say more and do more to bring tempers and bring the temperature down.

That advice was echoed numerous times by House Republicans who called in live to Fox News, urging Trump to do more. Each member of that caucus, in one way or the other, would follow Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy who condemned the protest as un-American.

Trump kept tweeting.

The president went after his own vice president, his most loyal lieutenant, in a since-deleted tweet: "Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!"

Trump suggested that the disorder was in order in another: These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

He did not make an on-camera appearance until after an address by President-elect Biden, who urged him to go on national television now, to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege.

Instead, he made a one-minute speech: We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it, especially the other side. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order. We dont want anybody hurt, the president said. Twitter flagged it for containing discredited claims about the election.

Democrats quickly cast the riot as the defining final chapter of the Trump era. This will be a stain on our country, not so easily washed away. The final terrible indelible legacy of the 45th president of the United States. Undoubtedly our worst, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor once the Capitol was secured. He did not mince words: The mob was, in good part, President Trump's doing, incited by his words, his lies.

After reconvening Wednesday night, the Senate rejected a challenge to the Electoral College votes of Arizona. Republican Sens. James Lankford of Oklahoma and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia, notably, dropped their original objections, citing the chaos. Despite the fact that the way was cleared for Biden, GOP embarrassment erupted into public denunciations of the president who didnt step up.

Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse blamed one man for the Wednesdays unrest. Today, the United States Capitol -- the worlds greatest symbol of self-government -- was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard, tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution, Sasse said in a written statement. Lies have consequences, he added. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

Speaking on the Senate floor after order had been restored, Sasse spoke of how important it is for Americans to look out for one another and defend our venerable institutions. The constitutional system is still the greatest order for any government ever, Sasse told his colleagues, and it's our job to steward it and protect it.

When things first got out of hand, Sen. Marco Rubio took to Twitter to call on the president to bolster law enforcement -- and instruct those acting on his behalf to stand down. There is nothing patriotic about what is occurring on Capitol Hill, said the Florida Republican. This is 3rd world style anti-American anarchy. In remarks Wednesday night on the Senate floor, Rubio reiterated that point, evocatively telling his colleagues this his grandfather left Cuba because of the very kind of political instability the world had seen in Washington on Wednesday.

It's just about the only thing [Trump] will be remembered for, truthfully, and thats a shame, conservative commentator Scott Jennings said. The former George W. Bush aide and Trump ally told RCP he believes that the legislative accomplishments applauded by almost all Republicans will be forgotten. Any discussion of Donald Trump will start and end with what happened today.

Rep. Liz Cheney was more blunt. The chair of the House Republican Conference, who opposed the effort to block certification of the Electoral College vote, placed the blame squarely on Trumps shoulders. We just had a violent mob assault the Capitol in an attempt to prevent those from carrying out our constitutional duty, Cheney told Fox News. There is no question that the president formed the mob, the president incited the mob, the president addressed the mob. He lit the flame.

The disorder was not, however, unexpected, one Trump loyalist explained. Lets be honest, there was a pressure valve that was building, and the system itself would not allow that pressure to be released, the prominent ally told RCP on condition of anonymity. One reason? The Supreme Court never took up the case brought by the Trump campaign, a decision that robbed the presidents supporters of the opportunity, in the estimation of the ally, to say,  Well, I dont agree with it, but at least we got heard.

Trump World didnt have much of an appetite for reasoned arguments come Wednesday. "This gathering should send a message to them, the presidents eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., told supporters before his father took the stage. This isn't their Republican Party anymore. This is Donald Trump's Republican Party. Rudy Giuliani was more extreme. Trumps lawyer insisted that if the Senate paused the Electoral College vote for 10 days, enough time for an audit proposed by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, he was confident the long-alleged fraud would be exposed. If we are wrong, we will be made fools of. But if we are right, a lot of them will go to jail, Giuliani told an adoring crowd. So, lets have trial by combat!

Watching the drama play out on cable news, every living former U.S. president condemned the carnage this rhetoric produced. Jimmy Carter declared the riots a national tragedy while Bill Clinton described them as the result of a poisonous politics.

"History will rightly remember todays violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation," Barack Obama added in his own separate statement.

George W. Bush, the only Republican ex-president, agreed that the day was a disaster. It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight, he wrote in his own statement. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic  not our democratic republic.

The first draft of the days history, however, was not unanimous.

It was after dark and after Congress had been secured when the deputy director of the Department of Homeland Security called RCP. Ken Cuccinelli could even see onto the House floor through the door that the mob had breached. The place is crawling with police officers, Cuccinelli said after completing a review of the security situation, and clearly that was part of the original problem  simply being outnumbered.

But the riot on Capitol Hill didnt occur in a vacuum, Cuccinelli insisted. It was instead, he said, a continuation of the summer violence that was allowed to fester during protests over police brutality. I have never heard the president treat violence as something to be bandied about, he said before condemning Democrats for looking the other way.

I remember distinctly Speaker Pelosi, instead of condemning violent protesters, condemning police by calling them stormtroopers, he said. The result: When it's effectively encouraged by the powers that be, and allowed to go on all over the country, well, expect it to continue, and expect other people to observe that then say, Well, hey if they can do it, we can do it.

While condemnation of Trump was widespread, praise for Mike Pence was common  and bipartisan. Both Republicans and Democrats praised the vice president as he returned to the House chamber to oversee the certification of the vote. He and Congress returned after a nearly six-hour recess when Capitol Police finally gave the all-clear.

"To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win," the vice president said. "Violence never wins. Freedom wins, and this is still the people's house." More than eight hours later, the counting was over. Pence announced shortly after 3:30 a.m. that Joe Biden had won the presidency.
To give a sense of the shows tone, Vulture has supplied a translation of the theme song, which puns on the protagonists name: Hello I am John Johnson / he has the worlds longest johnson / theres almost nothing he cant do with it / he can swing it around / he can get a bit embarrassed / he could save the whole world if only he had the chance.

In its country, John Dillermand has struck a chord  and hit a nerve. Some praise the shows humorous approach to problem solving, adding that the depiction of the penis is not sexual at all. John Dillermand talks to children and shares their way of thinking  and kids do find genitals funny, said Erla Heinesen Hjsted, a clinical psychologist specialized in families and children, in comments to The Guardian.

Others believe the premise is inappropriate for kids  particularly now, as Denmark reckons with its own #MeToo movement in the wake of recent revelations of sexism across society.

Christian Groes, an associate professor and gender researcher at Roskilde University, told The Guardian that the show is perpetuating the standard idea of a patriarchal society and normalising locker room culture  thats been used to excuse a lot of bad behaviour from men. Its meant to be funny  so its seen as harmless. But its not. And were teaching this to our kids.

For its part, DR responded by saying it could have made a program about a woman with no control over her vagina and that what mattered most was that children enjoyed the series.

In any case, the controversy hasnt hurt John Dillermand: on Youtube, the first episode has been watched more than 670,000 times (Denmarks population is 5.8 million). The shows very existence reflects a relatively permissive culture at DR and across Danish society in general  last year, The New York Times published an insightful article about a series in which pre-teens discuss body issues with naked adults.

John Dillermands popularity prompts the question: will it be exported? Could it ever make it to the U.S.? After all, theres a cultural gulf here  one which we doubt even Johns long johnson can bridge.
Indians pay among the highest prices for petrol globally, because of taxes, even as oil is close to multi-year lows. How can these two extremes be aligned? The ongoing turmoil in the oil markets due to the pandemic and under-utilised supply presents a long-term opportunity for India to secure its energy future. Simply, India can take small stakes in the listed oil and gas companies of democracies such as the United States (US), Canada and Australia, via a specially created sovereign wealth fund (SWF). India is currently the worlds third- largest consumer of oil with growing demand and limited domestic supplies. Import in 2019-20 was 1.6 billion barrels and will increase as its economy expands.

Some analysts believe that the big thrust on electric vehicles (EVs) will spell the end of the oil age. But will it? Electric cars still account for less than 2% of all cars sold worldwide and there are no alternatives for heavy trucks  the biggest oil consumers in India.

EVs depend on the reliability of supply chains for key minerals  rare earths, lithium and cobalt  the majority of which are from, or controlled by, China. For a range of reasons, the obituary for oil looks premature. Indias oil demand is set to rise in the foreseeable future.

Luckily, the energy market is currently in Indias favour. This is due to increased oil production in the US and Canada over the past decade, which has brought down the price of oil. The US has added 8.5 million barrels/day to its oil production from 2008-18, accounting for over 70% of the increase in global oil production over this period. Canada added 2 million barrels/day to its oil production in the same period. This increased supply and the short-term demand disruption caused by Covid-19 means that oil prices will remain weak for some time.

This also means that upstream oil and gas investments can be made on the cheap today. Such investments can protect India from future increases in oil prices as financial returns from them will increase in line with oil prices. This approach is in contrast with Indias traditional one, where Indias State-owned oil companies invested in oil and gas fields. Most investments were made in economies such as Russia, Mozambique and Venezuela  and many have run into political or economic instability.

An investment in developed economies, especially the US or Canada, carries fewer risks. Historically, the cost of assets in stable western countries was a deterrent, but with the low oil prices of the past few years, especially in 2020, many of these investments now look attractive.

To do so, India must set up a sovereign wealth fund to invest in listed oil and gas companies  in contrast with the countrys public sector acquiring assets, or companies. First, oil and money are both fungible. The higher dividend payout from energy investments will offset the impact of higher prices. Second, large-scale acquisitions by foreign State-owned companies are not favoured either in the US or Canada, more so in the current environment of predatory investments by Chinese companies.

However, sovereign wealth funds from across the world routinely invest in western financial markets as they are seen purely as financial investors, not acquirers. Third, there is the risk of accidents and, therefore, unlimited exposure.

For instance, BP discovered in 2010 after the Gulf of Mexico disaster that there is no upper limit to penalties for environmental damage. An Indian public sector company with an operational stake may be liable in case of an unfortunate event. A sovereign wealth fund with a minority stake will not be liable.

Norway is an example of prudent management of the windfall from high oil prices of the past, with which it set up a rainy day fund  now one of the most powerful and successful in the world. India is witnessing a similar windfall, in reverse, due to low oil prices  and needs to plan for the time when prices will be higher. That time is now.

Amit Bhandari is fellow for energy and environment studies programme, Gateway House

The views expressed are personal

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The Gellert Brothers and Lakeshore Park

by Woody LaBounty

Location: Lakeshore Park lies between Sloat and Lake Merced boulevards, Inverness Drive, and Sunset Boulevard.

Brothers Carl and Fred Gellert established the Standard Building Company in 1922, acting as small-scale contractors for single-family houses and duplexes. Carl Gellert acted as president of the firm, while Fred Gellert was in charge of construction activities. Neither brother had more than an eighth grade education, but both apprenticed in the building industry and took evening classes to learn architectural drawing. As their company grew with the real estate boom of the 1920s, the Gellerts made sure to diversify the business by not only building and selling individual homes, but also contracting as a construction firm for homes, markets, and apartment buildings. 1

In 1932, the Standard Building Company built its first full subdivision on Ardenwood Way off Sloat Boulevard, with twenty-four Tudor Revival residences. "Ardenwood," built in the depths of the Depression, sold slowly and the brothers went back to a business model that featured efficiency and speed over architectural detailing and variety. Standard Building Company joined other merchant builders such as Henry Doelger, Chris McKeon, and Ray Galli in aggressively developing the Sunset District with affordable row houses built in assembly-line fashion.

Spurred by low-interest Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, these home-building companies took on whole blocks of sand dunes, racing each other to build and sell as quickly as possible. In 1940 and 1941, on the eve of the United States' entry in World War II, San Francisco's merchant builders experienced record years for sales and houses built. The Standard Building Company's 1940 sales doubled those of the year before, with the firm building and selling 357 houses in twelve months. 2

In 1939, Standard Building Company created the "Sunstream Homes" brand name as a designation specifically for single-family row houses in the Sunset District priced less than $6,000. The company copyrighted the name, and within a year had increased sales by 45%. 3 The Sunstream brand grew beyond this original low-price use, and was employed by the company into the 1970s.

Standard Building further attempted to separate itself from competitors with creative marketing ideas, having Sunstream homes play a prominent role in a local radio drama, and creating a staff of service trucks on call to offer free repairs of small problems in customers' homes during the first years of residency. 4

In 1939 and 1940, the Standard Building Company built over 240 houses in the Pine Lake Park subdivision. Originally platted and lightly developed by the Parkside Realty Company in the late 1920s, Pine Lake Park curled around the southern edge of Stern Grove north of Sloat Boulevard. In 1939, the Gellerts purchased the farmland south of the boulevard from the Spring Valley Water Company for a new subdivision.

Lakeshore Park

Confident from rising sales and an improving economy, Standard Building Company moved away from its practice of marketing new homes to low-income buyers and advertised that "Lakeshore Park" would be a "de luxe subdivision" 5 with restrictive covenants usually found in high-end residential parks.

The declaration of restrictions attached to every Lakeshore Park lot permitted only single-family residences; banned commercial trades and businesses; set a minimum market value price for buildings constructed ($3,500 for one-story house, $4,500 for two-story); and required that "no persons other than those wholly of the Caucasian race" shall use, occupy or reside in Lakeshore Park. Servants and domestic help of other races were allowed. 6

Taking aim at higher-income buyers, the Gellerts initially planned to build fully detached homes in Lakeshore Park. The first buildings, on the east side of Inverness Drive south of Sloat Boulevard, followed this pattern, but the desire to maximize the land value apparently won out, and the blocks built before World War II followed the Sunstream row house model. 7 With FHA terms, a Lakeshore Park home could be bought for as low as $5,890, 8 just a little more than a typical Sunset house.

Rather than continuing the numbered avenues of the Sunset grid, as the Fernando Nelson company had done with the Merced Manor subdivision to the east, Standard Building platted Lakeshore Park with nature-inspired street names: Sylvan, Middlefield, Forest View, Riverton, Springfield. The work crews moved east to west, constructing one block of houses at a time with an open model home each block or two as the crews progressed.

Sterling Furniture furnished the first Lakeshore model home, named the "Sunstream Lakeshore," at 20 Forest View Drive. In reference to the competition of subdivisions being advertised down the peninsula, the Sunstream Lakeshore was advertised as a "city home with a suburban background."

Subsequent model homes were opened at 35 Forest View Drive (the "Sunstream Forest View," February 1941); 141 Forest View Drive (the "Sunstream Six," May 1941); 101 Forest View Drive (the "Sunstream Sterling," May 1941); 1201 Sloat Boulevard (the "Commodore Sloat," August 1941); 20 Meadowbrook Drive (the "Leader," November 1941); 117 Meadowbrook Drive ("Anniversary House," commemorating one year of Lakeshore Park, December 1941); and 76 Middlefield Drive ("Sunstream Security," a name perhaps inspired by the country's entry into World War II, with ad slogans such as "Defend your future," February 1942).

Standard Building Company announced that 53% of Lakeshore Park had been sold as of late January 1941. 9 That month proved to be Standard's highest-grossing to date, with 66 new homes sold for a total of $330,000. 10

In August 1941, Standard was building on Meadowbrook Drive. 11 By February 1942, the company had reached the west side of Middlefield, and down select blocks to Eucalyptus: over 200 houses constructed in five months, or more than a house a day.

The United States' entry into World War II halted the Standard Building Company's prolific work, as materials and labor were redirected away from residential developments and into defense work. The company issued a "last call" for home buyers in March 1942. Advertisements and work on Lakeshore Park stopped soon after. During the war, the company built military housing and facilities across California.

Standard Building Company After the War

In 1947 Standard returned to residential construction and Lakeshore Park homes began to reflect post-war architectural trends with detached split-levels, ranch-styles, and double garages. The price of a new home more than doubled after the war, with returning servicemen able to buy homes with little or no money down. Sunstream homes, which sold for less than $6,000 in 1939, went for $12,000 ten years later. 12 In the early 1950s Lakeshore Park was completely built-out, and Standard Building Company created a small shopping center, Lakeshore Plaza, on the west side of the development.

In 1948, the United States Supreme Court banned the use of race in deed restrictions and covenants. 13 Despite the law, the Standard Building Company faced repeated accusations that they would not sell or even show houses to African-Americans.

In 1961, future San Francisco mayor Willie Brown conducted what he described as the city's first "sit-in demonstration" at one of the company's Forest Knolls houses. 14

Standard Building Company sales people repeatedly vacated an "open house" when they saw potential African-American buyers approaching. Brown and friends responded by entering the empty house and waiting for the agents to return over a number of days.

The protest gained media attention and progressed to picketing of the Forest Knolls development and the Standard Building Company's headquarters on 19th Avenue. A Standard spokesperson told local newspapers that "we have not sold in the past to Negroes and the question of selling to Negroes in the future is still under advisement." 15

With pressure from the mayor and civic groups, Standard eventually promised to stop discriminatory practices.

Pickets returned in 1966 when the company was accused by the State Fair Employment Practices Commission of a conscious, deliberate "whites-only" policy in its new Serramonte development in Daly City. 16 Again, after, pressure from San Francisco's mayor and Human Rights Commission, among others, the company pledged to change its practices. 17

The Standard Building Company continued constructing Sunstream Homes throughout the Bay Area into the 1970s, but the energies of the Gellert brothers moved into the creation and operation of charitable foundations until their deaths in 1974 and 1978.

Sales brochure for Sunstream homes.

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What leaders say to crowds absolutely matters. In the United States of America, never in my lifetime did I see that the transition of government that there would be people storming the United States Capitol because they believed that the election was fraudulent. The people have spoken, Mrvan said. We must heal. We must end the division and speak with language of unity.
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[January 07, 2021] Globalstar Announces Nokia Deployment Over Licensed Band 53 at Port of Seattle

Globalstar (News - Alert) , Inc. (NYSE American: GSAT) ("Globalstar" or the "Company") today announced that business partner Nokia has entered into an agreement with Tideworks Technology, to deploy Globalstar's Band 53 spectrum at the Port of Seattle, Terminal 5. This deployment marks the second collaboration between Globalstar and Nokia (News - Alert) at a United States Port. Jay Monroe, Executive Chairman of Globalstar, commented, "We are excited to be a part of this opportunity with Tideworks and Nokia. Band 53 offers partners secure and reliable connectivity in any environment. Utilizing the band allows customers to deploy considerably less access points than when relying on Wi-Fi leading to superior security, performance and long-term value." Globalstar has worked to develop the Band 53 ecosystem with a group of priority partners like Nokia. Globalstar's Band 53 is a prime mid-band spectrum resource that we offer to our partners for deployment with customers that otherwise would not have access to the benefits of licensed spetrum. The combination of Nokia's global reach and Globalstar's Band 53 terrestrial authorizations in multiple countries around the globe present an exciting opportunity for secure wireless solutions.



About Globalstar, Inc.

Globalstar is a leading provider of customizable Satellite IoT Solutions for customers around the world in industries such as oil and gas, transportation, emergency management, government, maritime and outdoor recreation. A pioneer of mobile satellite voice and data services, Globalstar solutions connect people to their devices and allow businesses to streamline operations providing safety and communication and enabling mobile assets to be monitored remotely via the Globalstar Satellite Network. The Company's Commercial IoT product portfolio includes industry-acclaimed SmartOne asset tracking products, Commercial IoT satellite transmitters and the SPOT product line for personal safety, messaging and emergency response, all supported on SPOT My Globalstar, a robust cloud-based enhanced mapping solution. Completing the satellite product suite are Duplex satellite data modems, the innovative Sat-Fi2 Satellite Wi-Fi Hotspot, and Sat-Fi2 Remote Antenna Station with all product solutions offering a variety of data service plans. Learn more at Globalstar.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005905/en/

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Protesters stormed the US Capitol in Washington, disrupting a joint session of Congress that would certify Joe Biden's election win

Major US corporations and businesses groups on Wednesday condemned the occupation of the US Capitol by rioters angry at President Donald Trump's election defeat, with one organization raising the possibility of the president being removed from office.

The statements came on a shocking day for the United States, which saw mobs overrun Congress after a rally by Trump, who had sought to thwart the process of lawmakers certifying election results.

That was the final administrative step before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden enters the White House later this month, but the normally ceremonial affair spiraled into mayhem.

"Today marks a sad and shameful chapter in our nation's history," Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Twitter late Wednesday.

"Those responsible for this insurrection should be held to account, and we must complete the transition to President-elect Biden's administration. It's especially when they are challenged that our ideals matter most."

The Business Roundtable issued a statement calling on "the president and all relevant officials to put an end to the chaos and to facilitate the peaceful transition of power."

The lobbying group, which represents over 200 chief executives, blamed the events on "unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election. The country deserves better."

US Chamber of Commerce CEO Thomas J. Donohue said: "The attacks against our nation's Capitol Building and our democracy must end now," and Congress should "conclude their Constitutional responsibility" to certify the winner of the presidential vote.

Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers went further, calling on Vice President Mike Pence to "seriously consider" invoking the US constitution's 25th amendment, which would allow him to temporarily become president after Trump is deemed incapacitated.

The group has been viewed as supportive of Trump's agenda of protecting American manufacturers, but Timmons said, "The outgoing president incited violence in an attempt to retain power, and any elected leader defending him is violating their oath to the Constitution and rejecting democracy in favor of anarchy."

- 'Coup' attempt -

Without referring to the assault on the Capitol, Trump's Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Twitter, "Violence is always unacceptable. We must respect our constitution and democratic process."

The attack saw flag-waving Trump supporters break down barricades outside the iconic white-domed building and swarm its halls, sending sessions of the House and Senate into an emergency recess.

That interrupted the effort by some lawmakers from Trump's Republican party to mount a quixotic attempt to delay certification of Biden's win.

In extraordinary images, armed security personnel were seen barricading the chamber with weapons drawn, while lawmakers huddled inside wearing gas masks.

Labor leader Richard Trumka, president of the powerful AFL-CIO, called the unrest "one of the greatest assaults on our democracy since the Civil War" from 1861 to 1865.

"Today's attempted coup has been years in the making as Donald Trump consistently spews venom, conspiracies, hate and lies to his supporters," he said in a statement.

While avoiding Trump's name, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said "our elected leaders have a responsibility to call for an end to the violence, accept the results, and, as our democracy has for hundreds of years, support the peaceful transfer of power."

Citigroup CEO Michael Corbat, said he was "disgusted" by the attack, but added, "While these scenes are very difficult to watch, I have faith in our Democratic process... and that people will be held accountable for their actions."

Arvind Krishan, chairman and CEO of technology giant IBM, said the company "condemns today's unprecedented lawlessness and we call for it to end immediately. These actions have no place in our society, and they must stop so our system of democracy can work."
The Australian Labor Party has been slammed for circulating an old photograph of US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Scott Morrison in the wake of the deadly Washington protests.

The picture features the two leaders grinning as they stand side-by-side alongside the caption: 'It's the company you keep'.

On Wednesday, Trump sparked worldwide outrage when he encouraged his supporters to march on Washington as lawmakers convened to certify Joe Biden's Electoral College victory in the presidential election.

Dozens of protesters - many of them armed and most not wearing masks - breached barricades around the building and pushed past countless police officers to enter the Rotunda.

The Australian Labor Party has circulated an old photograph of US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Scott Morrison in the wake of the deadly Washington protests (pictured in September 2019)

On Wednesday, Trump sparked worldwide outrage when he encouraged his supporters to march on Washington as lawmakers convened to certify Joe Biden's Electoral College victory in the presidential election (pictured with Mr Morrison in September 2019)

The flash of a police munition lights up the steps of the Capitol during the invasion by a Trump-incited mob (pictured on Wednesday evening in Washington)

In scenes which caused fear and anguish around the world, Trump's supporters walked right through the corridors of Congress

A small group managed to get into the chamber, where cowering lawmakers were told to put on masks as tear gas filled the air.

Labor's post in the wake of the riots sparked backlash from Morrison supporters who accused them of 'stirring up trouble' by drawing a comparison between the two conservative politicians.

'Don't talk s**t. This was before all this crap and no decent politician would treat another President or PM from another country with disrespect no matter whether he liked them or not,' one follower wrote.

Many also argued that if Bill Shorten or Anthony Albanese had won the Australian election, they too would have met with Trump.

'Extraordinary lack of awareness,' one user wrote.

'Is the suggestion that a Labor PM would've refused to meet with our most important ally because they only sporadically respect democracy?'

Trump and Mr Morrison have a close working relationship, but the Australian PM has since condemned the riots in the US (pictured together in September 2019)

A huge crowd of Trump supporters had turned up at the president's urging to protest the results of a fair democratic election

A Trump supporter puts his feet up on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk after storming into the Capitol during an unprecedented effort to subvert a democratic election and keep Donald Trump in power

'Why are you trying to import American division here? Aren't you meant to be the party of uniting Australia?'

Mr Morrison and Trump, who has since conceded defeat in the historic election, shared a close working relationship while they were both in office.

But on Thursday AEST, Mr Morrison condemned the riots and publicly welcomed a transition of power from Trump to Joe Biden, the president-elect.

His supporters were quick to make that note on the Labor Party post, while others shared photographs of 'sweetheart' New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern also with the President.

When the violence kicked off Trump took to Twitter and urged the protesters to 'stay peaceful'. A few hours later he posted a video telling his 'very special' supporters inside the Capitol that he loves them and understands their pain but urged them 'to go home'.

The picture features the two leaders grinning as they stand side-by-side alongside the caption: 'It's the company you keep'

The mob walked right through the halls of Congress, ransacking offices and brazenly taking photos

Trump supporters marched through the Capitol Rotunda after breaching what appeared to be flimsy security - a stark contrast with the heavy-handed crackdowns that Trump ordered against Black Lives Matter protesters last summer

Meanwhile Biden called for the 'mob to pull back' and said the uprising bordered on sedition.

The National Guard was quickly deployed to help police enforce a 6pm curfew in DC. Hundreds of protesters remained on the Capitol grounds after the curfew went into effect.

Just before 8pm lawmakers who had been whisked to safety during the siege began arriving back at the Capitol to resume the certification proceedings.

The lawmakers were seen flanked by armed guards as they made their way into the Capitol.

Labor's post in the wake of the riots sparked backlash from Morrison supporters who accused them of 'stirring up trouble' by drawing a comparison between the two conservative politicians.
The relatives of the missing servicemen have started a sit-in near the military unit of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), Armenia.

"It is already 80 days and there is no solution. They had said they shall enter Zangelan for search operations, but they do not enter; they say the enemy [i.e., Azerbaijan] does not allow [it]. And what will we do if we go home now? We will stay [here] until the issue is resolved. We do not go in front of the government because our children were taken [to the recent Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) war] from this military unit, the mother of one of these missing servicemen told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

To note, for a long time now, the parents and relatives of these soldiers are staging frequent protests outside the aforesaid military unit.
LATEST Jan. 6, 9:55 p.m. The Senate has quickly knocked down Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral votes for President-elect Joe Biden.

Senators voted 92-7 after midnight Thursday morning to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he believed no other states votes would be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

Jan. 6, 9:38 p.m. Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have objected to the counting of Pennsylvanias electoral votes, triggering up to two hours of debate in the House and Senate.

The objections come 11 hours after the congressional count to confirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential victory began, and after lawmakers had to evacuate both chambers for several hours to escape a mob that had violently breached the Capitol.

Hawley said last week that he would object to Pennsylvanias electoral votes, saying Congress should investigate voter fraud. President Donald Trump has falsely said since his defeat that there was widespread fraud in the election.

Biden won Pennsylvania by just over 80,000 votes. Since the Nov. 3 election, Trump and his allies filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging Bidens win on various grounds, including that many or all of the states mail-in ballots were illegal.

The lawsuits failed as judge after judge found no violation of state law or constitutional rights, or no grounds to grant an immediate halt to certifying the election.

Jan. 6, 8:22 p.m. The House has voted overwhelmingly to reject an objection to President-elect Joe Bidens win in Arizona, joining the Senate in upholding the results of the election there.

The objection failed 303-121 on Wednesday night, with only Republicans voting in support.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Now that Arizona is out of the way, Congress will reconvene as the joint session and make its way through the rest of the states that have objections.

Jan. 6, 7:19 p.m. The Senate has overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.

The objection to the results in Arizona -- spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz -- was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

The Republicans raised the objection based on false claims pushed by President Donald Trump and others of issues with the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials.

Jan. 6, 7:15 p.m. Sen. Lindsey Graham says a commission to examine the 2020 election is not a proper next step and affirmed that Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, called it a uniquely bad idea to delay this election, referencing the commission idea proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Graham says, Count me out. Enough is enough.

Jan. 6, 7:06 p.m. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he is going forward with his objection to the Electoral College results in Pennsylvania despite the violent breach at the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

The Missouri senator said he did not support violence but said the Senate should go forward with a legal process that includes his objections.

Hawley says his objections should be debated peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets." He says he hoped lawmakers would not brush his concerns aside because of the violence earlier Wednesday, including the death of a protester inside the Capitol.

Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasn't any.

Jan. 6, 7:04 p.m. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump has falsely said there was widespread fraud in the election to explain his defeat and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trumps, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

Jan. 6, 6:15 p.m. Multiple Republican senators reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence at the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday, they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trump's false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

Jan. 6, 6 p.m. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Congress will not be deterred in confirming the results of the presidential election hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Republican leader reopened the Senate late Wednesday, vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College votes for President-elect Joe Biden. It was interrupted earlier in the day when rioters breached the security perimeter and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. One person was fatally shot.

McConnell said demonstrators tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed.

McConnell planned to keep the Senate in session Wednesday to finish confirming the results.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true. He reiterated the claim in a video filmed as his demonstrators were storming the Capitol.

Jan. 6, 5:43 p.m. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.

Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Jan. 6, 5:17 p.m. The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

Jan. 6, 5:05 p.m. Former President Barack Obama issued a statement addressing today's violence on Capitol Hill.

Obama said history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation.

Jan. 6, 5 p.m. Vice President Mike Pence reconvened the joint session to certify President-elect Joe Biden's win Wednesday following a siege on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob.

"We defended our Capitol today," Pence said. "We will always be grateful. The men and women who stayed at their post to defend this historic place," Pence said. "Those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win. Violence never wins. Freedom wins. This is still the people's house. As we reconvene in this chamber, the world will again witness the resilience and strength of our democracy."

Jan. 6, 3:47 p.m. Nancy Pelosi announced the House will continue to count Electoral College votes tonight, amid a day of chaos and bloodshed at the Capitol.

"In consultation with Leader Hoyer and Whip Clyburn and after calls to the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the Vice President, we have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use," the House Speaker wrote in a letter to fellow members of Congress. Adding, "I look forward to seeing you later this evening, during this time of great sadness."

Jan. 6, 3:25 p.m. Washington, D.C., is now under citywide curfew until 6 a.m. Thursday local time, as ordered by Mayor Muriel Bowser. The sergeant-at-arms announced that the U.S. Capitol building is now secure, after being invaded by a pro-Trump mob earlier in the day. Riot police are pushing remaining Trump supporters away from the Capitol, though the crowd has dwindled, per CNN.

Jan. 6, 2:48 p.m. The woman shot at the U.S. Capitol today has died, per a law enforcement source, according to NBC News. The woman was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Dustin Sternbeck, a spokesman for the police department, told the New York Times that he did not yet know who shot her or have any other details.

Jan. 6, 11:27 a.m. Supporters of President Donald Trump have broken into the U.S. Capitol building as they riot in defiance of the election of Joe Biden. They are currently wandering the building, letting themselves into offices and posing for photos on the Senate floor.

They broke through barricades and forced their way inside. Reporters on the ground report people broke through windows, scaled fences and tried to force open doors. Reporters say police were overwhelmed by the mob demanding the legitimate election be overturned.

As the mob broke in, Vice President Mike Pence was rushed out of the Senate chambers by a security team. The Senate went into recess and Capitol Police are hours later still attempting to clear the building. Uncontested, Trump supporters entered the Senate floor and images emerged of police with guns drawn in the House chamber members of the mob attempted to break in.

It is unclear how many people have been injured. MSNBC showed footage of someone being wheeled out of the Capitol building on a stretcher, and D.C. Metro Police Chief Robert Contee III confirmed one person was shot inside the Capitol.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said at 3:30 p.m. EST that the Virginia National Guard and 200 state troopers are being sent to D.C. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted shortly after that the "National Guard is on the way."

Trump supporters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back. Some in the crowd were shouting traitors as officers tried to keep them back.

The skirmishes occurred outside in the very spot where president-elect Biden will be inaugurated in just two weeks.

Senators Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer issued a joint statement urging Trump to tell his supporters to "leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol grounds immediately." Shortly after, Trump issued a video statement on Twitter, but it focused more on pushing continued lies about how the election was "stolen" from him. There is no proof of widespread voter fraud, despite Trump's insistence.

"I know your pain, I know your hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us, it was a landslide election and everyone knows it, especially the other side," he said without evidence. "But we have to go home now. We have to have peace."

The tweet is accompanied by a label from Twitter that cautions users they cannot reply to, retweet or like the video "due to a risk of violence."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has given its approval to Tinaighat-Castlerock-Caranzol railway doubling project.

The project is controversial since it is expected to involve diversion of 10.45 ha of forest land in Dandeli wildlife sanctuary in Karnatakas Western Ghats, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

Union environment minister, Prakash Javadekar, tweeted, "Happy to inform that in its 60th meeting, NBWL has recommended the proposal for Tinaighat-Castlerock-Caranzol Railway doubling of southwestern railways, Karnataka with certain mitigation measures as advised by the Wildlife Institute of India."



Happy to inform that in its 60th meeting NBWL has recommended the proposal for Tinaighat-Castlerock-Caranzol Railway doubling of South Western Railways, Karnataka with certain mitigation measures as advised by the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. #conservation #wildlife  Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) January 6, 2021

The project comes in wake of saturation of single railway track given the increase in industries and tourists.

According to a report on the environment ministrys Parivesh website, the area covering both Kali Tiger Reserve and Anshi Wildlife Division, harbours tigers, leopards, gaur, sambar etc and is endemic to Castlerock Night Frog.

Massive objection to railway track

The State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) of Karnataka gave its nod to the 20-year-old rail line project which had been rejected several times earlier citing the irreparable damage it could do to the fragile ecosystem.

The location of the proposed Hubballi-Ankola railway line. Image: Poornesha H.C.

The proposed rail track will pass through a wildlife corridor between Bedthi Conservation Reserve (BCR) and Kali Tiger Reserve (KTR), a natural habitat for many species, including tigers and elephants.

It is estimated that some 1.9 lakh trees will be cut for the project.

Scientists say the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot has already lost 33,000 square kilometres (km), or up to 40% of its forest cover, in the last 100 years.
Reaction from Connecticuts top elected officials was swift and solemn Wednesday as they watched images of insurrection from Washington that were fueled by President Donald J. Trump on the day that electoral votes were to be counted.

By 4 p.m., after a large mob engaged in an unprecedented invasion of the Capitol building, Gov. Ned Lamont, in a Twitter video, blamed Trump for inciting people during speech a few hours earlier.

Mr. President, words have consequences and your angry words have dangerous consequences, Lamont said in a video posted on Twitter. Were looking at the TV right now. Demand that your agitators stand down and respect the peaceful transfer of power.

State public safety officials Wednesday night continued to monitor events in the District of Columbia and were communicating with local police throughout the state, although there were no specific threats.

This is no protest, this is a violent insurrection, Attorney General William Tong said Wednesday night. We're under attack from within  figuratively and in fact. The terrorists, traitors and enablers who instigated, aided, and abetted this coup  including those in Congress  must be held accountable and never walk these halls of democracy again. The President must resign now. Anyone still standing with Donald Trump in his attempt to reject the will of American voters and overthrow our democratically elected government shares his unmistakable guilt.

The insurrection, violence and treason at the U.S. Capitol lies directly at the feet of one man- Donald Trump, said Speaker of the House Matt Ritter. His lies and conspiracy theories are putting the lives of hundreds of law enforcement, public servants and congressional staff at risk. Ritter praised the 500 peaceful protesters who demonstrated outside the state Capitol on Wednesday during the opening day of the legislature.

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney said Wednesday night that it was Trumps reckless comments and his rejection of the clear and decisive election results to to blame. Republicans everywhere should reject this violence, sedition, and subversion of American democracy, Duff and Looney said in a statement. To the American people who are going about their lives as treason and sedition are happening at the U.S. Capitol, stop what you are doing and pay attention. Be disgusted, appalled, and angry. We can never let this happen again. Our Democracy is fragile and freedom is not guaranteed. Demand that all our elected officials reject today's events and the hate and lies over the past 4 years that caused this to happen."

We condemn Wednesdays violence in the strongest of terms, said state Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly of Stratford. While we support peaceful protests, there is no place for violence.

The bipartisan executive committee of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities issued a similar statement.

We are outraged and dismayed by the direct assault on American democracy and on our representative institutions of government in our nations capital today, said the group, led by Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson. For the sake of our nation, our democracy, and each of our communities, we call on all Americans to accept the results of a free and fair election and allow the United States of America to move forward with a peaceful transfer of power, as we have done for more than two hundred years.

Nancy Dinardo, Democratic state chairwoman, said Trump clearly incited the violence that left at least one person wounded from a gunshot. The woman later died.

The President of the United States call for his supporters to march on the United States Capitol is a coup, period, DiNardo said. This is the moment when every American, every elected official, Democrat and Republican must join in the call for calm. There is no more time for debate. Every Republican  particularly those who have been silent as Donald Trump has pursued this fact-free election challenge  must stand up now and say clearly that that there was no election fraud and call for calm.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said that until Wednesday, there were peaceful transfers of power when new presidents were elected. What we are witnessing right now is an attempted coup, in broad daylight and on live television. It will fail. The people of America spoke clearly in November and elected a new administration in a free and fair election that was hailed as the most secure in our nations history. The will of the American people, and our American democracy will prevail.

Christopher Shays, former longtime Republican U.S. representative for the 4th District who was succeeded by U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, said in a phone interview Wednesday that he was shocked that such an incident of mob violence could occur in the Capitol building.

This is an insurrection lead by the President of the United States who cant accept the fact he lost the election, plain and simple, Shays said. I never believed that I would see this, but I never believed that someone like Donald Trump could get elected president. If I did 1,000th of what hes done I would have been forced out of office. I weep for my country.

Shays lamented the deep divisions in the United States not just between parties or urban and rural, but added, Were divided within our own families.

Shays said he used to marvel, when as an elected official, he regularly attended quadrennial swearing-in ceremonies outside the Capitol building.

I would go to the inauguration of president, depending on my rank Id be 40 or 20 feet away. And I would go as soon as it was over on the other side of the Capitol and wait for the new president to usher the former president, who is now a citizen just like you and me, onto the helicopter, Shays recalled. Its one of the most-moving experiences to see the peaceful transfer of power. It is such a basic requirement of anyone who is president of the United States  to accept victory and accept defeat and honor the person thats taking their place.

Staff writer Brian Lockhart contributed to this report.

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Former President Barack Obama released a scathing statement calling Wednesdays violence at the U.S. Capitol a great dishonor and shame for our nation and at the same time saying it shouldnt come as a total surprise.

Although Obamas statement didnt use President Donald Trumps name, he did say the storming of the U.S. Capitol was incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election. Obama also noted it was not a particularly close election.

Obama urged Republican leaders to extinguish the flames and choose America.

FROM ANOTHER PRESIDENT: George W. Bush 'appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders'

Here is Obamas full statement:

History will rightly remember todays violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation. But wed be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.

For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth  that this was not a particularly close election and that President-Elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20. Their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality and it builds upon years of resentments. Now were seeing the consequences whipped up into a violent crescendo.

Right now, Republican leaders have a choice made clear in the desecrated chambers of democracy. They can continue down this road and keep stoking the raging fires. Or they can choose reality and take the first steps toward extinguishing the flames. They can choose America.

Ive been heartened to see many members of the Presidents party speak up forcefully today. Their voices add to the examples of Republican state and local election officials in states like Georgia whove refused to be intimidated and have discharged their duties honorably. We need more leaders like these  right now and in the days, weeks, and months ahead as President-Elect Biden works to restore a common purpose to our politics. Its up to all of us as Americans, regardless of party, to support him in that goal.
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Five officials of the Deeper Life High School, Uyo, on Thursday pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them over the alleged sexual abuse of the 11-year-old student of the school.

Two SS1 students of the school, both of them 13 years old, were also arraigned in the same court. The two also pleaded not guilty.

The officials are Joseph Nseabasi, Akpan Johnson, Egor Wilson, Joseph Ikenna, and Ndidi Solomon, the suspended principal of the school.

They were arraigned in a magistrate court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, accused of conspiring to commit felony through indecent treatment of boys under fourteen and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 556 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38 Vol. 2 Laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria 2000.

The two students, according to the charges against them, are accused of committing an act of gross indecency by inserting their finger into the anus of the victim, a fellow student of the school.

Their action is said to be an offence punishable under Section 218(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38 Vol. 2 Laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria 2000.

The accused persons were granted bail and the case adjourned to January 20 for hearing.

Allegations

The victims mother, Deborah Archibong, said the two senior students of the Deeper Life High School sexually abused her son when the school authorities switched him from his dormitory to another dormitory filled with senior students.

They will remove his boxer and push their legs and hands into his anus, Mrs Archibong said in a video which has gone viral on Facebook and Twitter.

Look at a child I sent to school, he came back with a broken anus, she added.

Mrs Archibong said her son was frequently starved and beaten up by the senior students.

The Deeper Life High School is owned by a Pentecostal church, The Deeper Christian Life Ministry.

The school trended on Twitter a few days ago over the case, with several Nigerians calling on William Kumuyi, a pastor and founder of The Deeper Christian Life Ministry, to ensure that the victim gets justice.

READ ALSO:

We will like to state that Deeper Life High School stands on the core values of integrity and uprightness and will not attempt to cover up any immoral act under any guise, Thelma Malaka, the schools education secretary, who spoke through a video uploaded on Twitter, said of the sexual abuse allegation.

We have unflinching confidence in our God to resolve the issue such that at the end the truth will ultimately prevail, she said.

The school suspended the principal of the embattled Uyo campus and launched an investigation.

UTICA, N.Y.  Oneida County is hiring workers to assist hospital systems with administering the coronavirus vaccine.

The Oneida County Board of Legislators approved County Executive Anthony Picentes request to create the vaccinator positions and use $2.6 million to fund them.

Urgency is essential at this crucial point in our battle with this pandemic that has crippled our community for far too long, said Picente. With cases continuing to rise and hospitals struggling to maintain care, we need to be getting shots in arms as quickly and efficiently as possible. Our Health Department, which is trained and tested in vaccination distribution, is best equipped to handle this. We are moving forward with our efforts and stand ready to do even more when the state removes the barriers holding us back.

The workers will be hired on a temporary basis to vaccinate residents at sites designated by the county, and must have a medical background.

A vaccinator has to be able and educated and trained in the distribution of the vaccine, and it's not limited to nurses -- it could be other EMS-type individuals or providers, said Picente.

These employees will be supervised by the public health director and will prepare and administer vaccines. Pay is listed as $22 per hour.

There are also openings for administrative assistants, LPNs, nurse practitioners and RNs.

To view or apply for any open positions, click here.

The funding used to hire and pay the workers is expected to be reimbursed through federal aid.

On Wednesday, Picente sent a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo pushing for the expansion of the vaccination programs to those in Phase 1B. The state is currently administering vaccines to those in Phase 1A, which includes health care workers and nursing home residents.

The county has opened a site at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica to people in the Phase 1A vaccination group only. It is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ABC News has live coverage of the protests on Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol.

Protesters backing President Donald Trump breached the capitol, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

Watch ABCs coverage below and find more information here, here and here.
Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than President Donald Trump who merely called for his supported to remain peaceful.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Pence, long a loyal aide to the president, defied Trump earlier Wednesday, tell him he didnt have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. Trump had publicly called on Pence to overturn the will of the voters, but Pences constitutional role in the process was only ceremonial.

Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Trump later issued a restrained call for peace but did not ask his supporters to disperse.
Local Officials Outline Vaccination Plans

By Tim Brockwell

PADUCAH - Paducah Mayor George Bray, McCracken County Judge Executive Craig Clymer, and Purchase District Health Department Director Kent Koster discussed plans Wednesday to continue distributing and administering COVID-19 vaccine doses to local residents.Koster outlined a stepped approach to vaccinating the population that gives doses to the most at-risk individuals first."We are following the state vaccination plan, and it is in different phases. We are currently in Phase 1A. Phase 1A includes long-term care facilities residents and staff, and healthcare personnel. Those are being vaccinated through a national contract with CVS and Walgreens," Koster said. ""In Phase 1B it's going to be persons greater than 70 years old and first-responders. Also in phase 1B are K-12 school personnel."Koster said Lourdes Hospital employees have received 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. He said since the hospital was able to get an extra dose of vaccine per vial than originally planned, they had enough to vaccinate many area first responders ahead of schedule.Baptist Health Hospital has received 1200 doses of the Moderna vaccine, and several hundred more are slated to arrive later this week according to Koster."[Baptist Health] has given 760 doses to date, and anticipates giving 650 more by this weekend. Next week they plan on vaccinating another 600 community healthcare workers." Koster said.Koster said Baptist Health has opened up public vaccination clinics on Thursday and Friday evenings, and all day Saturday to community healthcare workers.During the meeting Bray acknowledged some communities in the state have received more vaccine than others, but said decisions on vaccine distribution are made at the state level."The State of Kentucky controls the amount of vaccine we get. I know all of us have heard reports of some counties getting more than us, and some counties starting their distribution in getting to some of the age groups quicker than we have gotten to them." Bray said.Clymer said local and state officials are doing their best to make the rollout go as smoothly and quickly as possible, but he recognized such a unique challenge will ultimately lead to missteps along the way."We can be confident we're doing our best to get the vaccines to those in need as rapidly and as efficiently as possible," Clymer said. "It really is a monumental mission. There's gonna be mistakes made in this process because it being such a huge undertaking and a very novel undertaking. We'll learn and do better. Of course, the virus is not a stationary target. That's one of the really challenging parts."You can watch the full meeting at the City of Paducah Facebook page at the link below.On the Net:
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The US Capitol Police force was caught unprepared by a mob of pro-Trump extremists on Wednesday, in a failure to protect the seat of American democracy unparalleled in modern times.

Rioters, many bearing Trump garb, breached the barricades set up by an under-staffed police force and swarmed the Capitol, disrupting the certification of President-Elect Joe Bidens election and forcing the evacuation of Vice President Mike Pence and other lawmakers.

One woman was shot and killed by a Capitol Police officer, Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee III told reporters late on Wednesday, without divulging more details about the circumstances of the shooting. He said at least 14 officers were also injured, one seriously, during the disruptions.

Calm was eventually restored after the National Guard was called out and more than a dozen people were arrested. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered a 6 pm-6 am curfew and later extended an emergency declaration for 15 days, pushing it just past Bidens Jan. 20 inauguration.

With Washington routinely the scene of large protests, the Capitol Police should have been preparing for this for years, said Daniel Schuman, policy director at Demand Progress, an advocacy group. So the question is, Why did they fail so terribly?

The failure is all the more remarkable because local authorities were on high alert over the arrival of thousands of Trump supporters as they gathered to hear the defeated president -- who had invited the protests -- bemoan the unfounded allegations of election fraud.

They knew this group was coming, they knew it was going to be enormous but they didnt do any preparation to control the crowd such as fencing, barricades, and cement structures to prevent traffic and people flow, said Timothy Dimoff, a former SWAT force member who runs a security consulting company.

A spokesperson for the Capitol Police did not respond to a request for comment on criticism surrounding preparations for the day.

The mayhem shortly after midday signalled the start of an extraordinary episode that saw District of Columbia police, officers from neighbouring Virginia and Maryland, and the D.C. National Guard join to recover control of the US Capitol from the presidents supporters.

It was clear that the crowd was intent on causing harm to our officers by deploying chemical irritants on police, to force entry into the United States Capitol building, Contee said in an earlier news conference.

What we witnessed was unlawful and riotous behavior, Contee said.

Protesters flooded the building, with some of them entering the House chamber and sitting at the dais while one man apparently entered House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office. Video on social media showed one policeman desperately trying to hold back more than a dozen protesters as they ran up the stairs inside the building.

Around 3 pm, the District of Columbias National Guard called out its entire roster of about 1,100 people to help restore control, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said. The D.C. National Guard is unique among such forces because it reports only to the president.

By nightfall, police were using flash-bang devices to disperse crowds around the building. The US Capitol was declared secure on Wednesday evening, about four hours after the mob stormed the building. Debate on certification of the Electoral College soon resumed, with lawmakers clearly shaken by the days events.

On the floor of the Senate Wednesday evening, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the breakdown at the Capitol a stain on our country not so easily washed away. Many Republicans put the blame on Donald Trump, with longtime ally Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas saying it was past time for the president to accept the results of the election, quit misleading the American people, and repudiate mob violence.

Go Home Now

While Trump eventually told violent protesters who stormed the US Capitol to go home now, he earlier egged them on to help stop the transfer of power from taking place.

President Trump doesnt say go out and attack the Capitol but he is encouraging people to believe that the election was stolen, said Jessica Stern, a professor on terrorism and white supremacy at Boston University. The pressure has built up to the point they felt inspired to act now.

The Capitol Police force describes its mission as protecting Congress, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and Congressional buildings and grounds from crime, disruption, and terrorism.

The department has an authorized sworn strength of more than 2,000 and an annual budget of $460 million. In addition it has over 350 civilian personnel who provide operational and administrative support.

Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the second-ranking House GOP leader, applauded their efforts.

You saw the Capitol Police do what they do every day. They risked their lives for us, Scalise said in a statement after the Capitol had been secured. They keep the Capitol safe  those heroes that we love.

But Democratic Representative Tim Ryan, chairman of the panel responsible for funding the Capitol Police, told reporters that some law enforcement officials should lose their jobs.

Its pretty clear that theres going to be a number of people who are going to be without employment very, very soon, Ryan, of Ohio, said in a digital press conference Wednesday. He criticized the lack of professional planning and dealing with what we knew was going to occur.

Ryan, chairman of the House Appropriations Legislative Branch subcommittee, said he talked to House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving and Capitol Police officials about the long-planned protest as recently as Tuesday, and that it was clear protesters were not supposed to be anywhere near the Capitol, instead restricted to a nearby area to protest and express your view, Ryan said.

House Administration Chairperson Zoe Lofgren, a California Democrat, promised a review of Capitol security.

The breach today at the US Capitol raises grave security concerns, Lofgren said in a statement.

Republicans Recoil From Trump After Mob Violence Proves Too Much

People who went up the Capitol steps should have been immediately arrested, and there should have been reinforcements ready to help, Ryan said.

There were clearly enormous strategic and planning failures by the Capitol Police, by the sergeant at arms, and anybody else who was a part of coordinating this effort here, Ryan said.

The US Capitol Historical Society, a congressionally chartered educational group, posted a message on its website Wednesday under the heading, Democracy is Stronger Than Terror.

The then unfinished building first housed Congress in 1800 and was famously overrun and burned by British troops in 1814 as part of the War of 1812.

The United States Capitol Historical Society is shocked and heartbroken by todays violent disregard for American values and our Constitution, the group said. The US Capitol is more than a building  it is the embodiment of American democracy and our way of life.
The AES Corporation has signed an agreement to sell its entire equity interest in the 1,242 MW Mong Duong 2 coal-fired power plant in Vietnam to a consortium led by a U.S. investor.

The transaction is expected to close in late 2021 or early 2022, subject to customary approvals, including from the Vietnamese government and the minority partners in Mong Duong 2.

The company has not disclosed financial details of the deal.

The U.S.-based AES owns a 51-percent equity interest in Mong Duong 2, Posco Energy Company Limited owns 30 percent, and Stable Investment Corporation, a subsidiary of China Investment Corporation, holds the remaining 19 percent.

The construction of Mong Duong 2 was completed in the northern Vietnamese province of Quang Ninh in 2015 under a build-own-transfer (BOT) contract, and was put into commercial operation with an average annual electricity output of 7.6 billion kWh under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), a state-owned utility.

We have had a very positive experience in developing, building, and owning Mong Duong 2 and Vietnam remains an important growth market for AES, where we look forward to contributing to the countrys transition to a more sustainable energy future, Andres Gluski, AES president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

In line with our global strategy to invest in renewables and LNG infrastructure, in Vietnam, we continue to make good progress on the development of the 450 TBTU Son My LNG terminal with PetroVietnam and the 2,250MW Son My 2 combined cycle gas power plant."

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Leaving Cert students could still receive some in-classroom schooling despite school closures under recommendations the Minister for Education is bringing to Cabinet this Wednesday.

It is understood that Norma Foley, the Minister for Education, is pushing for proposals that would see exam students return to in-person learning for three days a week from Monday.

The Minister is also understood to be bringing forward proposals that would see children in special schools and children in special classes in mainstream schools continue to receive in-person education.

However, such proposals are subject to Cabinet approval this afternoon and to the latest public health advice.

Read More Minister for Justice Helen McEntee tests positive for Covid-19

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has confirmed that the Government is looking at widespread school closures until at least the end of January.

The Government is also still committed to holding the Leaving Cert exams this summer in the traditional format, Mr Martin also confirmed.

However, concerns have been raised about the amount of class time students lost during the last school closure and about the impact of this on their exams.

The equivalent of the Leaving and Junior Cert exams have been cancelled throughout the UK due to the effects of the pandemic.

The Irish Second-Level Students' Union (ISSU) called this week for students in exam years to be allowed to return to in-person learning, as well as the children of essential workers.

A full decision on school closures is expected this afternoon.


The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way people shop.

This period of physical distancing, self-isolation, and economic uncertainty have altered the way consumers behave  perhaps forever.

Not only are they spending more time shopping online but retailers have seen a rise in the demand for luxury goods.

In addition, brands are developing innovative ways to virtually connect with their customers. FEMAIL takes a closer look at men's fashion brand Suitsupply and newly launched AI fashion search engine Shop Your Fit.

Innovation: Since the start of the pandemic, brands in both fashion and beauty have recreated the experience of creating bespoke pieces available in their brick and mortar store virtually

Custom: 'When people invest into in a piece they design with their style advisor, and it's a perfect fit, it becomes something they truly connect to,' said Suitsupply CEO & Founder, Fokke de Jong

Made-to-order: Alongside Custom Made suits, jackets, trousers and shirts, the Amsterdam-based brand launched a Custom Made Coats program in October

Since the start of the pandemic, brands in both fashion and beauty have recreated the experience of creating bespoke pieces available in their brick and mortar store virtually.

Instead of buying an ordinary suit straight off the rack, men's fashion brand Suitsupply offers a service that allows you to customize a style that meets all of your needs, specifications and desires.

'When people invest into in a piece they design with their style advisor, and it's a perfect fit, it becomes something they truly connect to,' said Suitsupply CEO & Founder, Fokke de Jong.

'They dont just wear it for a season or buy alternative pieces but instead keep it overtime. There is nothing more sustainable than that.'

Alongside Custom Made suits, jackets, trousers and shirts, the Amsterdam-based brand launched a Custom Made Coats program in October.

Consumers can choose from 17 Italian fabrics and personalize it with countless design and detail options, like length, pocket style and inner lining.

Sustainability: Suitsupply's bespoke business model helps to reduce waste by reducing the problem of overproduction

To your specifications: Consumers can choose from 17 Italian fabrics and personalize it with countless design and detail options, like length, pocket style and inner lining

Couture: 'They dont just wear it for a season or buy alternative pieces but instead keep it overtime. There is nothing more sustainable than that'

Eliminating waste has been a hot topic as of late.

And with the fashion industry being one of the biggest polluting industries in the world, a change was long overdue.

Suitsupply's bespoke business model helps to reduce waste by reducing the problem of overproduction that is common among fashion brands.

As consumers continue to shift to online shopping across all categories, it's uncertain how many will return to in-person shopping once COVID is behind us.

Suitsupply's custom made service online aims to bring the intimate bespoke experience of visiting one of their ateliers straight to the comfort of your living room.

'At the end of the day, guys turn to service and style advice; that's one of the reasons we've introduced our Custom Made program and style advice online,' shared Fokke.

'They now have the ability to virtual shop or set up a prepared fitting room when they're ready to come back into the store.'

Convenience: Suitsupply's custom made service online aims to bring the intimate bespoke experience of visiting one of their ateliers straight to the comfort of your living room

Just for you: Shop Your Fit is an AI search platform that personalizes your shopping experience

Narrow search: Shop Your Fit's mission is to remove the frustration from online shopping by only showing the user garments that they will love and fit

Shopping ready-to-wear goods online can be time consuming and doesn't always end in success.

Until now.

Shop Your Fit is an AI fashion search engine that personalizes your shopping experience.

Their mission is to remove the frustration from online shopping by only showing the user garments that they will love and fit.

After answering a few survey questions and selecting some of your favorite styles, the platform learns what you like.

They also have image recognition capabilities where a user can upload a photo of a garment they see on the streets - similar to music identifier app, Shazam.

To obtain your exact measurements, Shop Your Fit's tech team developed a body-scan technology.

'We gather all that information and in a few seconds, our technology chooses specific garments based on their fit and style. The idea is that they only browse for clothing that they love,' said co-founder & COO Daniel Salcedo.

Sizing you up: To obtain your exact measurements, Shop Your Fit's tech team developed a body-scan technology

Shop Your Fit promotes sustainable practices.

A study by Return Magic showed that more than half of consumer returns are due to the wrong fit or size.

And 84% of returns end up in landfills, according to True Solutions. Less returns means less waste and a reduced carbon footprint.

The company also supports local and independent businesses so users can discover new brands.
Sorry, but does anything happening in the USA, surprise anyone? Really? It has been a longtime coming.and it is not here yet, but I see a freight train with no brakes a coming around the corner

USA peasants are about to find out that the USA they idealized that they lived in was once, has been pulled out from below their asses many years ago. The steal against society definitely started and commenced in 1913, when Congress exceeded manipulate of the Forex over to a big international banking conglomerate. It persevered in 1917, when Americans had been pressured to battle on behalf of the empire that their ancestors actually fought against for its freedom. It all persevered in 1949, when Truman set up the National Security State and the CIA kind of under table entities that function backyard of the Constitution. It has been all downhill from there to now  JFK assassination, false-flag terrors, guide for terrorists, limitless war, crushing debt, years and years of election fraud and on and on and on

I volunteer Nuland Noodles to do it

I suggest that we express this the same as we (USA) does to other countries everyday: No Fly Zone over the US now! Iranian and Venezuelan air forces will do whatever it takes to enforce democratic values! The Washington regime cannot keep defying the international community.

Hmm, Get your cookies peasants!

WtR

By the way: very important tidbits

WASHINGTON, January 7. The US Democratic Party gained a majority of seats in the Senate after Democrat Jon Ossoff won the runoff elections in the State of Georgia defeating Republican David Perdue.

WASHINGTON, January 6. Protesters stormed into the building of the US Congress on Wednesday, both chambers of which discussed objections to the recent vote in Arizona after suspending joint meeting to approve the results of the presidential election, according to Senator James Lankford.

WASHINGTON, January 7. The US Department of State ordered its diplomats overseas to suspend all posts on social media in the wake of protests in Washington DC and attack of protesters on the US Congress building, CNN reported citing diplomatic sources.

WASHINGTON, January 7. Bitcoin grew by 0.57% and in its peak reached $37,168.

WASHINGTON, January 7. A woman, who was shot in the US Congress building as protesters supporting current President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol, has died, NBC News reported citing its sources.

WASHINGTON, January 6. Authorities in Washington D.C. on Wednesday imposed a curfew in light of the protests and unrest in the city center, according to the city Mayor Muriel Bowser.

From Caracas to Washington: Venezuela expresses its concern over the acts of violence that are taking place in the city of Washington, USA; it condemns the political polarisation and hopes that people in the USA can open a new path toward stability and social justice. https://t.co/d9EQFC2Sb4  Pablo Navarrete #freeassange (@pablonav1) January 6, 2021

So this is where we are: Venezuela which in the last two years has been hit with multiple USA induced failed coup attempts against the Nicolas Maduro elected government is now expressing that the United States gets it act together and bring stability to its own serious domestic unrest

Chickens are coming Home!

WASHINGTON, January 7. /TASS/. The current US President Donald Trump announced that he will transfer power on January 20, although he does not agree with the results of the countrys elections, which were officially approved by Congress on Thursday. The text of Trumps statement was posted on his Twitter page by White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Director of Social Media Dan Scavino.

Source: Trump says he would transfer power, despite disagreeing with te election results  World  TASS

TASS, January 7. Former President of the United States Barack Obama has accused current President Donald Trump of inciting violent protests in Washington DC on Wednesday.

Source: Former US President Obama accuses Donald Trump of inciting unrest in Washington DC  World  TASS

After violent supporters of Donald Trump stormed the Capitol on Wednesday during certification of Electoral College votes by Congress to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win in the presidential election, House Judiciary Committee Democrats urged Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove the sitting president from office.

Source: As Calls for Trumps Ouster From Office Grow, How and When Can the 25th Amendment be Triggered?  Sputnik International

CAIRO (Sputnik)  An Iraqi court authorised to investigate the killing of Shia militia group deputy commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in January 2020 has issued an arrest warrant for US President Donald Trump, the press service of Iraqs Supreme Judicial Council said on Thursday. The judge in Al-Rasafa court [Baghdads district], authorized to investigate the killing of the militia group deputy commander  has decided to issue an arrest warrant for US President Donald Trump based on Article 406 of the I

Source: Iraqi Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Trump Over Killing of Shia Militia Group Commander  Sputnik International
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Sen. Richard Shelby on Wednesday called the storming of the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump protesters a very dark day four our country as the group steamrolled Capitol police and breached the House and Senate chambers as reports surfaced of an improvised explosive device found on the Capitol grounds and a woman in critical condition after being shot in the chest amid the chaos.

Today is a very dark day for our country, Shelby, a Republican, tweeted, adding that he was evacuated from the chamber and is safe. Our founding fathers warned against mob rule. Law and order must be established and maintained.

Today is a very dark day for our country. I am safe thanks to the protection and swift action by our law enforcement officials. Our Founding Fathers warned against mob rule. Law and order must be established and maintained.  Richard Shelby (@SenShelby) January 6, 2021

The protests unfolded shortly after speeches by the president and Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville, who was among the congressmen spearheading an effort to challenge the congressional certification of the Electoral College votes.

While Shelby was not among the senators objecting to the certification, his counterpart, newly installed Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., is.

Wednesdays proceedings were adjourned until order could be restored to the chambers.
BATON ROUGE  Gov. John Bel Edwards signed proclamations setting the dates for three special elections in Louisiana, after consultation with Louisianas Secretary of State. For the Congressional elections, the primary will be on March 20 and the runoff, if necessary, will be April 24.

There are three special elections necessary in Louisiana. There will be an election in Louisianas Fifth Congressional District following the tragic death of Luke Letlow following a battle with COVID-19. In Louisianas Second Congressional District, Congressman Cedric Richmond will resign to work at the White House. The qualifying period for these elections will be from January 20 to January 22, 2021.

In Baton Rouge, Judge Chris Hester was elected to the appeals court, leaving a vacancy in Baton Rouge City Court. This election, for Baton Rouge City Court Division 2A Judge, will be October 9, with a runoff on November 13, if necessary. Qualifying for this election will be July 14 to July 16, 2021.

Click here to read the proclamation for the second congressional district.

Click here to read the proclamation for the fifth congressional district.

Click here to read the proclamation for Baton Rouge City Court.
(Natural News) White House economic adviser Peter Navarro has just published his second in a series of bombshell reports explaining just exactly how Democrats and their allies in the deep state stole the election from President Donald Trump.

Evidence used to conduct this assessment includes more than 50 lawsuits and judicial rulings, thousands of affidavits and declarations, testimony in a variety of state venues, published analyses by think tanks and legal centers, videos and photos, public comments, and extensive press coverage, an executive summary of the report states.

In all, Navarro found:

 Outright vote fraud

 Ballot mishandling

 Contestable process fouls

 Equal protection clause violations

 Voting machine irregularities

 Significant statistical anomalies

From the findings of this report, it is possible to infer what may well have been a coordinated strategy to effectively stack the election deck against the Trump-Pence ticket, the report continues.

Indeed, the observed patterns of election irregularities are so consistent across the six battleground states that they suggest a coordinated strategy to, if not steal the election outright, strategically game the election process in such a way as to stuff the ballot box and unfairly tilt the playing field in favor of the Biden-Harris ticket.

The report goes on to note that courts in states and on the federal level (up to and including the Supreme Court) have utterly failed in their obligation and sworn duty to uphold the Constitution by refusing to hear legitimate challenges to changes in election rules made in the six battleground states including Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada.

Those changes include deploying unmonitored drop-off boxes in Democrat-heavy districts; extending the amount of time mail-in ballots are due to well past election day; doing away with or watering down signature verification mandates; using hackable electronic voting machines that do not produce paper trails, thus making later auditing impossible.

According to the Constitutions Article 2, only state legislatures can make changes to voting rules, but Democratic operatives went into these states in the months ahead of the election and convinced governors, secretaries of state, and state courts to accept changes that gave Biden an advantage.

If these election irregularities are not fully investigated prior to Inauguration Day and thereby effectively allowed to stand, this nation runs the very real risk of never being able to have a fair presidential election again  with the down ballot Senate races scheduled for January 5 in Georgia an initial test case of this looming risk, the report prophesied.

In fact, lo and behold, the two GOP incumbents in the very red state of Georgia lost quote, unquote, to a pair of the most radical leftist Democrats earlier this week  proving again that Navarros report was spot-on.

At the stroke of midnight on Election Day, President Donald J. Trump appeared well on his way to winning a second term after campaigning like a fiend for weeks ahead of the election, the report notes.

He was already a lock to win Florida and Ohio; and no Republican has ever won a presidential election without winning Ohio while only two Democrats have won the presidency without winning Florida, it added. (Related: Raffensperger sent armed thugs to Coffee County, Ga., to intimidate recount officials.)

But then, of course, things changed in the wee hours of the morning Nov. 4.

Despite holding substantial and seemingly insurmountable leads in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, propelling Trump to a deciding 294-244 win in the Electoral College, he wound up losing those states in the subsequent days.

Shortly after midnight, the report notes, as a flood of mail-in and absentee ballots began to be injected into vote tallies, suddenly Biden became the most popular president in the history of our republic.

Which, of course, is pure BS. The man barely campaigned, and when he did, he couldnt fill a minivan with supporters.

Navarros report is thorough, complete, detailed, and convincing. Read it here.

See more reporting like this at Trump.news.

Sources include:

NavarroReport.com

NewsTarget.com

Some progressive groups have protested Ms. Raimondos selection, arguing that the Biden administration should look to a populist Democrat instead. In a Jan. 6 announcement, the Revolving Door Project and Demand Progress criticized Ms. Raimondo as a corporate insider who locked in liability protection for businesses but stripped funding from low-income areas of Rhode Island during the pandemic.

A progressive Democrat could wield the powers of the Commerce Department to combat climate change, limit pharmaceutical patents and decrease drug costs, reform the census process to decrease gerrymandering, and craft trade policy that would help working families, the statement said.

Some critics have asked whether Ms. Raimondo has the technical background to devise and carry out a strategy to deal with technology challenges from China. In addition to denouncing deindustrialization and promoting business in Rhode Island, she does have firsthand experience with Chinas economic challenges: Her father was laid off when the watch factory where he worked in Providence, R.I., moved to China.

Historically, the choice of a commerce secretary has sometimes had more to do with patronage than strategy, with some past administrations appointing a wealthy donor to the post. But given the growing importance of the U.S. competition with China, trade experts say, the position demands someone with expertise who is able to understand the cutting-edge technologies the department regulates and balance the competing demands of business promotion and national security.

Michael Smart, a managing director and trade expert at Rock Creek Global Advisors, said a large part of the Biden administrations affirmative agenda in response to China, which includes efforts to make the American economy more competitive, would fall within the Commerce Departments jurisdiction.

William Reinsch, the Scholl chair in international business at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Mr. Biden and his team had placed a lot of emphasis on competing more effectively with China, including efforts to augment American industry that could be run through the Commerce Department.

When youre in a race, theres only two ways to win. One is to trip the other guy, and the other is to run faster, Mr. Reinsch said. And to Bidens credit, hes really focused on running faster.


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The Senate voted down a Republican objection to Arizona awarding its 11 Electoral College votes to Joe Biden following a dramatic series of speeches about a pro-Donald Trump mob storming the Capitol.

After angry Trump loyalists, after the president himself whipped them into a vandals frenzy at a midday rally near the White House, broke into the Capitol, several GOP senators rose in the chamber to announce they would drop plans to join any further House objections.

The final tally was 93-6 to reject the objection.

As the chamber wrapped its vote on the first  but possibly not last  objection, one of the 12 Senate objectors announced she would stand down, Tennessees Marsha Blackburn. But over in the House, Mo Brooks of Alabama said it is his constitutional responsibility to object to what he called a fraudulent election. And Missouri Senator Josh Hawley said objecting is the antidote to the violent riot that saw a mob take over the House and Senate chamber for a time.

The House is expect to clear the Arizona objection around midnight, after which a joint session can resume.

It remains unclear if Mr Brooks will object to another states vote  and whether the required one senator will join him. If that happens, the chambers would again split up and debate and vote on that objection, and any others, separately.
Vote Percentage of Parties in Puducherry2021: How did the parties fare

Puducherry assembly elections 2021: Congress forms 12-member panel ahead of state polls

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Puducherry, Jan 07: The Congress has come up with an initiative to set up a 12-member panel to oversee the election campaign management and coordination ahead of assembly elections in four states and a Union Territory. Four states, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with Puducherry are scheduled to go to polls before May this year.

According to reports, the party has appointed Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and senior party leaders Mukul Wanki and Shakeel Ahmad Khan as the senior observers for Assam.

Coronavirus cases: India records 20,346 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

In Kerala, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, former Goa chief minister Luizinho Faleiro and former Karnataka deputy chief minister G Parameshwara will take charge.

Meanwhile, Former Karnataka CM Veerappa Moily, along with Pallam Raju and Nitin Raut will oversee the poll preparedness in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In West Bengal, BK Hariprasad, Alamgir Alam and Vijay Inder Singla have been appointed, it added.

A beautiful sight to behold: Chinese mock US on Capitol violence

"The leaders will coordinate with the general secretaries to oversee preparations for the elections. They are all senior leaders who will monitor election management," party general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said.

The party statement said Congress president Sonia Gandhi has appointed the leaders as senior observers for overseeing the election campaign management and coordination in states where assembly elections are going to be held in 2021. Their appointment is with immediate effect.

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

They will discharge their duties in close coordination with AICC general secretaries and in-charges in the respective states, the party said. The party faces an uphill task after it suffered a drubbing in the Bihar assembly elections in November, where it only won 19 seats of the 70 seats it contested.

The result of the Bihar polls has prompted the party to take other measures, including an outreach programme to win back women voters.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, January 7, 2021, 13:09 [IST]

New Delhi, Jan 7 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday carried out raids at six locations in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, including the residence of alleged kingpin Gurpratap Singh, in connection with the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) narco-terror case, officials said.

"The agency is carrying out searches at six locations in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir," an agency official related to the probe told IANS.

The official said that the agency is carrying out searches at five locations in Jammu and one location in Punjab's Tarn Taran in connection with investigation of a narco-terror module case related to seizure of about 61 kg of heroin along with arms and ammunitions on September 20 last year at International Border at Arnia in Jammu.

The official said the raids started in several locations on Thursday early morning and were conducted at the residences of six accused persons, namely Jasraj Singh, Sham Lal, Bishan Dass, Ajeet Kumar, Gurbaksh Singh and Gurpartap Singh.

An NIA spokesperson said that all six were arrested earlier for hatching a criminal conspiracy for carrying out anti-national and unlawful activities, and to help the terrorist organisations by collecting funds and channelising the proceeds of drugs for furthering the activities of such terrorist organisations like BKI.

"During the searches conducted today, digital devices and other incriminating documents having financial details and accounts numbers have been seized for further scrutiny and analysis," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also said that Gurpratap Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran, is the kingpin of this module and in the second week of September 2020, had received 10 kg of heroin from Pakistan-based handlers through his associates.

"The consignment in the instant case was also intended to be received by Gurpratap Singh to fund the activities of BKI in Punjab," the official said.

The case was originally registered by J&K Police under several sections of the IPC, and Arms Act in connection with unprovoked firing at a police patrolling party from Pakistan side to provide cover for the smuggling activity. Later sections relating to NDPS Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act were added subsequently.

The NIA took over the case was on November 26 last year.


ROME, JAN 7 - Pope Francis has made the cover of the latest number of the Italian edition of Vanity Fair. The cover cites Francis' recent and third encyclical, All Brothers, a call for fraternity and social friendship. "We are all in the same boat, we must become a great human family," the pope is quoted as saying. Vanity Fair said the message would help readers face 2021 "with love and hope". The magazine's website also has an article on the pope's message by Vatican media editor Andrea Tornielli, on the challenges to be addressed together in 2021. Vanity Fair's main article on the pope looks back over his pontificate, charting significant events since his election in March 2013. (ANSA).
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ROCHESTER, Minn. - On Wednesday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the next steps for bars and restaurants. Beginning on Monday, January 11th, they can open at 50% capacity with a maximum of 150 people, groups must have fewer than six people, bar seating can only have two people and dine-in services must close by 10 at night.

Brothers Bar and Grill has been around for over 30 years. However, a new owner took over just a few weeks before the pandemic started, so that means they never really had the chance to reinvent themselves. Kevin Smoot said they used the first shut down to completely renovate the restaurant and make the changes they wanted. This time though, it was different.

Smoot explained they followed all of the guidelines and he said it worked because there was no transmission there. He emphasized f they continue doing that, then he's hopeful this will be the last shut down. "You know, it made this last shut down hurt even more because we have done everything and it has worked," he explained. "If we can just get everyone to cooperate, this will be the end. Then we'll go from 50% to 75% to fully open and we'll get past this. Another shut down would be horrible."

Smoot said it's been a roller coaster of emotions trying to open a new business during the pandemic. "This last shut down, that's what we did a lot of was working on how we're going to go forward with operations and really dial it in without the trial and error," he explained. "So we're really hoping that we've hit the mark."
Non-bank financiers are steadily increasing market borrowings to diversify their funding sources even though they remain heavily dependent on bank loans, showed data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Between June and September last year, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) share of market borrowings rose from 41.8% to 42.7%, while the share of bank borrowings grew from 29.7% to 31.2% in the same period. This comes after several quarters of decline in share of market borrowings for NBFCs.

As the Reserve Bank required NBFCs to adopt a Liquidity Risk Management Framework from December 2020, NBFCs gradually swapped their short-term borrowings for long-term borrowings with the aim of maintaining adequate liquidity. In 2020-21 (up to September), share of both market and bank borrowings inched up, a central bank report said on December 29.

According to RBI, between April and September, overall bank exposure to NBFCs continued to grow due to higher direct lending by banks as well as their investments in debentures. The latter, RBI said, was shored up by ample liquidity and the return of market confidence with the Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme (PCGS), Targeted Long-Term Repo Operations (TLTRO) and Special Liquidity Scheme (SLS).

To be sure, bank borrowings continue to grow faster than those from market sources. The market, as in the case of other companies, has been more conducive for larger and well-rated non-banks.

Mahindra Finance had 28% of its borrowings in the form of bank loans in the June quarter of FY21. In the September quarter, it was down to 26%. However, outstanding bank loans to non-bank financiers have declined between March 27 and November 20, showed RBI data.
Although they are avid supporters of President Trump, local legislators said Wednesday that they do not like the violence during Wednesday's protests in Washington over the 2020 election.

"I plead with the crowds in Washington to remain peaceful, to respect the Capitol ground, the police and federal agencies on the ground in Washington, D.C.," said state Rep. Joe Kerwin, R-125. "Violence is never the answer for political disagreements."

State Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, also said the demonstrators have gone too far in their actions.

"There is no place for what we're seeing right now," the former Schuylkill County commissioner said. "This behavior is dangerous."

The pro-Trump protests disrupted the Senate's consideration of the election results and objections made to them. The Senate had been expected to certify former Vice President Joe Biden as the winner of the election and enable him to take the oath of office Jan. 20 as the country's 46th president.
Hope has arrived in Kilkenny today, with the first Covid-19 vaccines administered to people in Tinnypark Nursing Home and St Luke's Hospital.

Bernadette San Juan is a staff nurse working in St Lukes General Hospitals Covid Ward, and has become the first person in the hospital to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Along with Bernadette, consultant anaesthetist Eileen Marnell also received the vaccine in St Lukes.

Weve been hit particularly hard by Covid here in St Lukes. This vaccine will hopefully be the light we need to guide us through the next few months," said Bernadette.

Bernadette was given a HSE vaccine information leaflet, along with more detailed manufacturers patient information leaflet, before getting the vaccine. Afterwards, each person vaccinated was given a vaccine record card, showing the name and batch of the vaccine they have received. They will each return for their second dose, to be fully protected, in three weeks.

Anne Slattery, GM of St Lukes Hospital said today: Today is a poignant one for us. Were remembering all those who werent lucky enough to see today. We release how lucky we are to be vaccinated

The vaccine will now be rolled out to all healthcare staff and vulnerable patients in St Lukes General Hospital over the coming weeks.

Worldwide, vaccines save at least 2-3 million lives each year  and protect many more from crippling and lifelong illnesses. Only Covid-19 vaccines that have been authorised by the European Medicines Agency, having met stringent safety and effectiveness standards, will be used in Ireland. All vaccines will be carefully monitored over time and updated safety data and information will be published and shared by the HSE, on our website and in our printed information materials.

Everyone can find factual, up-to-date information, based on scientific evidence on:

www.hse.ie/covid19vaccine

www.gov.ie/covid19vaccine

www.hpra.ie

www.who.int


SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TaxBit , which offers cryptocurrency tax automation software targeted for crypto users, exchanges, and merchants, is excited to announce new investments from PayPal Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and existing investor, Winklevoss Capital. These new investments from major fintech companies reinforce the importance of tailored software solutions, like TaxBit, in driving widespread cryptocurrency adoption. TaxBit solutions automate all aspects of cryptocurrency tax compliance for consumers, businesses, and exchanges. TaxBit Enterprise and TaxBit Consumer continue to transform the cumbersome experience of calculating and reporting taxes on cryptocurrency transactions.

"We want to thank our customers, partners, and investors for helping us move the cryptocurrency space forward, " said Austin Woodward, CEO and Founder of TaxBit and Certified Public Accountant. "This investment will help us achieve our aim of being the most innovative and trustworthy provider of cryptocurrency tax technology."

ABOUT TAXBIT

TaxBit was founded by CPAs, tax attorneys, and software developers in order to enable widespread cryptocurrency adoption by automating the regulatory hurdle of tax compliance. TaxBit's software is used by thousands of everyday crypto users, in addition to crypto exchanges and merchants with regards to their 1099 and enterprise reporting requirements. TaxBit is located in Salt Lake City, UT. To learn more visit: www.taxbit.com , Twitter , LinkedIn .

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TaxBit

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SOURCE PayPal Ventures; TaxBit

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ALBERT LEA, Minn. - With everything happening in Washington, D.C. Wednesday afternoon, many are turning to a higher power for strength and guidance.

Throughout the day, Albert Lea Assembly of God had the doors open, so folks could stop by and say a prayer for guidance.

According to Lead Pastor Ryan Quigley, people have been stopping in throughout the day to pray for the country.

Quigley says the church leadership decided on Sunday to open op the sanctuary because they were concerned about what could happen today.

"We believe that prayer is vital. Prayer is of utmost importance and so here we are in this day. We saw that this day was going to come. We saw how difficult it was going to be on all sides of the fence." said Quigley.

Quigley also said you don't have to be at the church to participate, it can be as simple as prayer at home with your family.
Source: Reuters

Authorities in the capital of China's Hebei province strengthened travel restriction on Thursday to curb the spread of the coronavirus as the country reported the biggest rise in daily COVID-19 cases in more than five months.

Hebei, which entered a "wartime mode" on Tuesday, accounted for 51 of the 52 local cases reported by the National Health Commission on Thursday. This compared with 20 cases reported in the province, which surrounds Beijing, a day earlier.

Authorities in Shijiazhuang, Hebei's capital, have launched mass testing drives and banned gatherings to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Chinese state television reported that the city has now banned passengers from entering its main railway station. The city previously required travellers to present a negative nucleic acid COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before boarding a train or an airplane in the province.

Total new COVID-19 cases for all of mainland China stood at 63, compared with 32 reported a day earlier, marking the biggest rise in daily cases since 127 cases were reported on July 30.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

The number of asymptomatic patients, who have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the disease but have yet to develop any symptoms, also rose to 79 from 64 a day earlier.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in mainland China since the outbreak first started in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 now stands at 87,278 cases, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634.

In the city of Dalian in Liaoning province, which has reported local infections in recent days, residents in medium or high-risk areas have been barred from leaving the city. Residents in other areas were told to refrain from unnecessary trips out of Dalian.

Authorities in Guangdong province late on Wednesday reported a patient infected with a more transmissible variant of the coronavirus discovered in South Africa.

Some scientists worry that COVID-19 vaccines currently being rolled out may not be able to protect against this variant because of certain mutations that have been observed.

R Madhavan tests negative for COVID-19, says all fit and fine now

Actress Pia Bajpiee's brother passes away hours after actor requests ventilator bed for him

Drugs case: Actor Shwetha Kumari remanded in judicial custody

India

pti-Madhuri Adnal

Mumbai, Jan 07: South Indian actor Shwetha Kumari, arrested in connection with a drug seizure case, was remanded in judicial custody by a court here on Thursday.

Kumari was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) from a hotel in Mira Bhayander area of neighbouring Thane district on Monday following the seizure 400 grams of mephedrone (MD).

As her NCB custody ended on Thursday, she was produced before a magistrate court here, which remanded her in 14-day judicial custody because the probe agency did not press for her further remand.

In reply to NCB, Karan Johar denies drugs being consumed at his house party

As part of its crackdown against drug supply in Maharashtra and Goa, the probe agency had seized 400grams of MD on January 2.

The investigation into the seizure led to the search of the hotel in Mira Bhayandar, following whichKumari was arrested. The NCB has been probing a drug related angle into the Sushant Singh Rajput death case.

Actor Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik and suspected drug peddlers were arrested in the case. The siblings are currently out on bail.
Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, said the vaccine cannot come quick enough. Photo: Maxwells

Nursing homes have received no details of weekend vaccinations  despite pledges from the HSE that they would take place across a seven-day week.

Guidance documents sent to all nursing homes, prepared by the HSE, outlined plans for a Monday to Friday roll-out, with vaccines being administered from 9am to 4.30pm.

However, the HSE said yesterday that vaccination was never limited to nine to five, Monday to Friday and that vaccinations would take place on a 7/7 basis to ensure that the overall schedule is adhered to.

The Irish Independent understands that, as yet, no nursing home has received an updated schedule with vaccinations scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays.

Read More

The HSE said that 23 nursing homes will receive their first doses of the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine this week, with a second dose being administered in three weeks time.

Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, urged the HSE to direct all available resources towards the vaccine roll-out in nursing homes. The vaccine cannot come quick enough for residents and staff across the country, he said.

They are ready and waiting. We welcome the comments by the minster and Paul Reid, saying they were accelerating the vaccination programme and that more vaccines are available through increased supply. That is good news for residents and staff because clearly they have been approved as a priority group.

Our members are asking for a 7/7 roll-out. We recognise that this cannot be a 24/7 operation. We have to respect resident routine and work with residents who have complex needs, but every available resource needs to be directed towards the vaccination programmes in nursing homes. The only limiting factor should be supply and we are encouraged by recent comments that this is not the case.

The latest data from the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre (HPSC) shows a total of 22 outbreaks in nursing homes were reported in the week to January 2, an increase of 10 on the previous week. There are still 64 outbreaks in nursing homes that remain open.

The increase in clusters is very concerning, said Mr Daly.

Its a factor of the high rate of community transmission. We are seeing it in hospitals also. Its a feature of the health service broadly.

Meanwhile, a Dublin nursing home battling a Covid-19 outbreak has confirmed that the virus has infected 21 residents and five staff, and resulted in the deaths of two residents.

A spokesperson for Elmhurst Nursing Home in Glasnevin, North Dublin, said one death has been reported as a Covid-19 death and the other is considered a Covid-19-probable death.

We are deeply saddened by these deaths and our deepest sympathies go to the families of these residents, a spokesperson told the Irish Independent. The facility said it could manage staff shortages due to the swift return of Covid-19 test results, but that continued management of the outbreak depended on infection-rate levels.

The spokesperson added: Vaccinations are due to begin at Elmhurst Nursing Home later this month. We will do everything in our power to support this programme and ensure it is rolled out across our facility as efficiently and quickly as possible.

Read More

Irish Independent

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DUBLIN, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market - Forecasts from 2020 to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global metal Implants and medical alloys Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.79% to reach US$23.179 billion by 2025 from US$13.982 billion in 2019.



Spondylolisthesis is a disease in which the slipping of the vertebrae occurs at the base of the spine and can cause damage to bones as the vertebrae start slipping forward or backward. This condition is of different types such as degenerative, isthmic, traumatic, dysplastic, or pathologic. According to the facts, and estimates presented by the NCBI, Isthmic spondylolisthesis is such a disease that affects the adolescent population and the prevalence is estimated to higher in males as compared to females. Additionally, the dysplastic type is seen mostly in the younger or pediatric population. Thus, these increasing cases of spine problems are leading to individuals opting for implants to correct the condition and prevent any further damage, which is causing an increase in the demand for the metal implants and medical alloys and is fueling the market growth.



Dental Implants are also facing an increase in the demand owing to the rising dental problems, which are a result of an unhealthy lifestyle of many individuals and the growing geriatric population



According to the data and statistics provided by the AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry), there are about 3 million individuals in the US that have gotten dental implants installed, which is attributable to the weakening of their teeth or the problems due to poor oral hygiene and unhealthy lifestyle. In addition, the growing geriatric population is another factor that is contributing to this surge in the demand for dental implants and medical alloys as the teeth get weaker and diseased due to the reduction in the efficacy of the immune system of older people. Thus, these factors are propelling the market growth further over the forecast period.



3D printed implants hold the potential to provide the different market players with an opportunity to improve their product portfolios and bolster the market growth over the forecast period.



3D printed implants are gaining immense traction from the different industry players owing to the better and enhanced accuracy with which the parts can be manufactured and the relatively lower costs than the conventional manufacturing of implants. In addition, some market players are involved in offering such products such as DePuy Synthes among some others. Therefore, these factors are providing an opportunity for the market players to contribute to the market growth over the forecast period and improve their market share.



Product Offerings by Major Market Players in the Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market



Furthermore, major market players and newer market players are coming up with new and enhanced measures such as offering and launching top-quality metal implants and medical alloy products in order to cater to the general demand from the end-users effectively, whilst simultaneously earning profits and contributing to the market growth.



Some of the examples of product launches and project expansions are as follows:



In October 2019 , Alphatec Holdings, Inc., which is also known by the name ATEC and is a distinguished company involved in the manufacture and sale of medical devices, with special attention towards spine surgery announced the commercial lunch of their new product called the "IdentiTi". The product is a line of the porous titanium implant to be used for the purpose of lateral body fusion procedures. In addition to this, the company has also announced the release of another product, which is called the AMP Lateral Anti-Migration Plate.

, Alphatec Holdings, Inc., which is also known by the name ATEC and is a distinguished company involved in the manufacture and sale of medical devices, with special attention towards spine surgery announced the commercial lunch of their new product called the "IdentiTi". The product is a line of the porous titanium implant to be used for the purpose of lateral body fusion procedures. In addition to this, the company has also announced the release of another product, which is called the AMP Lateral Anti-Migration Plate. In September 2019 , DePuy Synthes, which is a company, that is part of the Johnson and Johnson Medical Devices Group announced the launch of its new product line under the 3D printed titanium spinal implants, at the 34th Annual North American Spine Society meeting, which was held in the last week of September. The product is called the "CONDUIT Interbody Platform and has been designed in order to mimic the structural characteristics and features of the natural bone. These implants are used to treat the discs that have collapsed due to the degenerative spinal diseases and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Market Segmentation



2. Research Methodology

2.1. Research Data

2.2. Assumptions



3. Executive Summary

3.1. Research Highlights



4. Market Dynamics

4.1. Market Drivers

4.2. Market Restraints

4.3. Porters Five Forces Analysis

4.3.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.3.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers

4.3.3. Threat of New Entrants

4.3.4. Threat of Substitutes

4.3.5. Competitive Rivalry in the Industry

4.4. Industry Value Chain Analysis



5. Global Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By Type

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Cobalt Chrome

5.3. Stainless Steel

5.4. Titanium

5.5. Others



6. Global Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By Application

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Orthopaedic

6.3. Dental

6.4. Spinal

6.5. Others



7. Global Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By End-User

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Hospitals

7.3. Clinics



8. Global Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, by Geography

8.1. Introduction

8.2. North America

8.2.1. North America Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By Type, 2019 to 2025

8.2.2. North America Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By Application, 2019 to 2025

8.2.3. North America Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By End-User, 2019 to 2025

8.2.4. By Country

8.2.4.1. United States

8.2.4.2. Canada

8.2.4.3. Mexico

8.3. South America

8.3.1. South America Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By Type, 2019 to 2025

8.3.2. South America Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By Application, 2019 to 2025

8.3.3. South America Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By End-User, 2019 to 2025

8.3.4. By Country

8.3.4.1. Brazil

8.3.4.2. Argentina

8.3.4.3. Others

8.4. Europe

8.4.1. Europe Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By Type, 2019 to 2025

8.4.2. Europe Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By Application, 2019 to 2025

8.4.3. Europe Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By End-User, 2019 to 2025

8.4.4. By Country

8.4.4.1. UK

8.4.4.2. Germany

8.4.4.3. France

8.4.4.4. Spain

8.4.4.5. Others

8.5. Middle East and Africa

8.5.1. Middle East and Africa Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By Type, 2019 to 2025

8.5.2. Middle East and Africa Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By Application, 2019 to 2025

8.5.3. Middle East and Africa Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By End-User, 2019 to 2025

8.5.4. By Country

8.5.4.1. Saudi Arabia

8.5.4.2. United Arab Emirates

8.5.4.3. Israel

8.5.4.4. Others

8.6. Asia Pacific

8.6.1. Asia Pacific Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By Type, 2019 to 2025

8.6.2. Asia Pacific Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By Application, 2019 to 2025

8.6.3. Asia Pacific Metal Implants and Medical Alloys Market Analysis, By End-User, 2019 to 2025

8.6.4. By Country

8.6.4.1. Japan

8.6.4.2. China

8.6.4.3. India

8.6.4.4. South Korea

8.6.4.5. Others



9. Competitive Environment and Analysis

9.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis

9.2. Emerging Players and Market Lucrativeness

9.3. Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations

9.4. Vendor Competitiveness Matrix



10. Company Profiles

10.1. CRS Holdings Inc.

10.2. DSM

10.3. Johnson Matthey

10.4. ATI

10.5. AMETEK Inc.

10.6. Aperam

10.7. Wright Medical Group N.V.

10.8. Zimmer Biomet

10.9. QuesTek Innovations LLC

10.10. Fort Wayne Metals Research Products Corp



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9w7i70

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

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[email protected]



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The anticipated launch of a third mobile network operator in the Sultanate of Oman will increase competition in the mobile sector. The current operators Omantel and Ooredoo have a similar and sizeable market share.

The telecom regulator in September 2019 approved the partnership between Vodafone Group and Oman Future Telecommunications to develop a mobile service using the Vodafone brand. In August 2020 the Ministry of Transport and Communications suggested that the third MNO could be licensed in early 2021.

In early 2020 the consortium agreed to lease mobile towers from Oman Tower Company (OTC), and this will allow them to enter the mobile market more quickly. OTC plans to build more mobile towers in Oman throughout 2020 and make these available for infrastructure sharing.

BuddeComm observes that Oman has established a progressive mobile sector which comprises substantial coverage of both 3G and 4G LTE networks. There have also been trials conducted, networks upgraded, and spectrum allocated, in readiness for 5G. The Regulator has allowed the major mobile operators, Omantel and Ooredoo the right to use a 100MHz 5G spectrum.

While Omans fixed broadband infrastructure penetration is considered low, it is being improved upon with the building of fibre-based networks as part of Omans National Broadband Strategy. By 2040 it is hoped that all homes and businesses will be connected to the national broadband infrastructure.

Oman has established itself as an important communications hub in the Middle East with access to numerous submarine cables including the recently announced 2Africa submarine cable, which should become available during 2023-2024.

BuddeComm notes that the outbreak of the Coronavirus in 2020 is having a significant impact on production and supply chains globally. During the coming year the telecoms sector to various degrees is likely to experience a downturn in mobile device production, while it may also be difficult for network operators to manage workflows when maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure. Overall progress towards 5G may be postponed or slowed down in some countries.

On the consumer side, spending on telecoms services and devices is under pressure from the financial effect of large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. However, the crucial nature of telecom services, both for general communication as well as a tool for home-working, will offset such pressures. In many markets the net effect should be a steady though reduced increased in subscriber growth.

Although it is challenging to predict and interpret the long-term impacts of the crisis as it develops, these have been acknowledged in the industry forecasts contained in this report.

The report also covers the responses of the telecom operators as well as government agencies and regulators as they react to the crisis to ensure that citizens can continue to make optimum use of telecom services. This can be reflected in subsidy schemes and the promotion of tele-health and tele-education, among other solutions.

Key developments:

MVNOs gaining a small market share;

Equinix partners with Omantel to open the MC1 centre;

Telecom regulator concludes significant telecom competition review;

USO enters third stage to upgrade mobile infrastructure to LTE;

Ericsson secures 5G network deal with Omantel, Ooredoo selects Huawei;

Omantel launches trial 5G network;

Fixed broadband subscriber base increases 6% in the nine months to September 2020;

Two existing MNOs awarded 15-year licenses;

Oman Broadband gains access to Nama Group's fibre infrastructure;

Report update includes operators data to Q2 2020, regulators market data to September 2020, Telecom Maturity Index analyses and charts, assessment of the global impact of COVID-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.

Get a Full Copy of this Report

Developing Telecoms market report summaries are produced in partnership with BuddeCom, the worlds largest continually updated online telecommunications research service.

The above article is a summary of the following BuddeCom report:

Report title: Oman - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Edition: November 2020

Analyst: Sebastien De Rosbo

Number of pages: 107

Companies mentioned in this report: Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel); Oman Mobile; Ooredoo Oman; Oman Broadband Company (OBC); FRiENDi, Majan Telecom (Renna); Integrated Telecommunications Oman (TeO); Awasr-Oman; Oman Future Telecommunications (OFT) consortium, Vodafone Group, Oman Tower Company (OTC).

Single User PDF Licence Price: US$750

For more information or to purchase a copy of the full report please use the following link: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Oman-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?r=83
WASHINGTON  The Pentagon released a new strategy Jan. 7 to counter increasingly complex small drone threats, one that focuses on establishing a common threat picture, architecture and protocol across the services.

The new strategy also sets up stronger coordination between other federal agencies in the homeland as well as with allies and partners abroad.

Drones are getting cheaper and easier to use and acquire. Small drones run the gamut from being nuisances in the wrong air space at the wrong time to being deadly, aiding adversaries in serious operations such as lasing targets for fires or collecting intel or becoming a weapon itself. Technology development in autonomy and artificial intelligence is making swarming drones even easier to coordinate and integrate into operations.

Military leaders approved a set of requirements to help counter small unmanned aircraft systems in late September 2020. That move created a path for the development of materiel and non-materiel solutions to work within a common command-and-control system.

The requirements were developed by the newly established Joint Counter-sUAS office  or the JCO  led by the Army that has been tasked to round up the plethora of C-sUAS systems  over 40 items  used to answer urgent needs in the Middle East and to consolidate the technology into a group of interim systems.

Additionally, the JCO was directed to develop a joint strategy that focuses on an evolving and growing threat and to manufacture long-term solutions that are designed to address the threat .

For now the office has picked three systems-of-systems approaches  one from each service  for fixed and semi-fixed sites, settling on the Light-Mobile Air Defense Integrated System from the Marine Corps as a mounted or mobile system; Bal Chatri, Dronebuster and Smart Shooter for dismounted, hand-held systems; and one command-and-control system.

The strategy focuses on appropriate solutions for the homeland, in host nations and during contingency operations and acknowledges that these may differ in a variety of ways based on a variety of factors.

Story continues

The central challenge in carrying out a new C-sUAS strategy is moving quickly while making well-informed decisions. The strategy states, the DoD should continuously evaluate the efficiency of our processes to provide effective materiel and non-materiel solutions to the Joint Force. Transformational processes, such as the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, can streamline efforts to meet the unique requirements of the C-sUAS problem set.

But the strategy also notes that some acquisition processes designed to support conventional operations may take too long when it comes to capability development. It says, if our processes do not adequately respond to the needs of a rapidly changing security environment, we must take a new approach.

The Pentagon is building a school to teach the force how to defeat drones

The strategy consists of three lines of effort to help diffuse the world-wide drone threat: Ready the force, defend the force and build the team.

To prepare the force, the Pentagon plans to coordinate the development of threat assessments that inform both current and future requirements at the joint-level. This includes establishing enduring intelligence requirements and priorities that feed into analysis-informed capabilities, according to the strategy.

The Pentagon also needs to synchronize science and technology investments and accelerate development of key technologies. These technologies have to work in the homeland and in host nations where forces operate.

The capability also must have a common information sharing architecture that draw[s] from standardized interfaces that enable joint and multilateral information sharing that is interoperable and capable of plug-and-play, the strategy states. A centralized sUAS threat data architecture must also be developed in order to validate requirements.

Joint C-sUAS test and evaluation protocols, standards and methodologies must also be established.

To defend the force, the strategy emphasizes the need to deliver joint capabilities that are synchronized when it comes to doctrine, materiel, training, policy and organization and will require investment across the services. This translates to a family of capabilities based on joint requirements documents.

It requires new joint concepts and doctrine which will be as critical as the materiel solutions that will go along with it. The doctrine applied to C-sUAS should address peacetime operations all the way to large scale combat.

To build a team that will work together to counter small drone threats, the strategy highlights the importance of partnering with technology innovators and other agencies in the homeland as well as allies and partners abroad.

The Joint Force must attract new partners and engage with rising technology leaders to defend against evolving threats from non-state actors to near-peer competitors, the strategy states.

These partnerships will enable us to accelerate the development of solutions and provide the Joint Force and DoD Components with effective countermeasures for sUAS hazards and threats, according to the strategy. We will also seek to establish new agreements with civilian organizations and expand multilateral collaboration.

The Pentagons strategy plans to share with law enforcement agencies as permitted and also work with host country authorities within the boundaries of U.S. and international law.

More mutually beneficial local policies will be developed for the joint force to work with allies and partner nations, according to the document.

Cooperative efforts with allies and partners will include opportunities for technology exchanges, shared investments, and common system standards, the strategy notes. We will proactively support the Joint Force to enhance C-sUAS information sharing and synchronization efforts with host nations to influence unimpeded approval and authorities for access to the electromagnetic spectrum, the document specifies.

The Pentagon will also find ways to expedite acquisition and distribution to partners and allies abroad using adaptive agreements and approval processes that already exist. And the U.S. will work with other nations to conduct combined research, development, testing and evaluation of technology and capability advancements.

We will integrate export requirements early into the development of C-sUAS systems in order to compress the timeline to share technology, the strategy notes.

And foreign military sales and direct commercial sales of C-sUAS equipment will be fostered to bolster a competitive U.S. commercial market and strengthen our collective defense, the document states.

On the homeland front, the joint force will work to improve information sharing and synchronize actions with federal and domestic law enforcement agencies and other entities.

We will work with our federal partners to establish adaptive agreements that improve airspace management and enhance their ability to execute C-sUAS authorities and missions independently and jointly, according to the strategy.

The strategy comes shortly following a call from Congress to rapidly advance the joint program to develop and field a capability for countering drones, requiring the Pentagon to field a system as early as next fall and adding more than $47 million to fuel the effort, according to the fiscal 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.
Michigan will begin issuing coronavirus vaccines to seniors and front-line workers such as teachers and police next week, state officials said Wednesday while announcing accelerated access for people who are at least 65 years old.

Officials stressed there will be limited appointments available.

The state had planned to next immunize people 75 and older and essential workers including first responders, prison guards and child care providers. But residents age 65 to 74 will be included, too.

The Midland County Health Department on Monday asked the elderly to call 2-1-1 to add their names to a list. Once vaccine is available, people will be contacted and helped with scheduling an appointment for vaccinations. Drive-through clinics are planned in Midland County.

In addition, the health department on Wednesday updated its website to include a questionnaire people can fill out. While on the website, viewers can click on COVID Vaccine Information at the top left, which will take them to a page with the Survey. Click on the Survey and fill out the form.

So far, the vaccine has been limited to health care workers and nursing home residents  those in Phase 1A of the vaccine rollout plan. At least 152,000 people in the state have received the first dose in just over three weeks. Michigan will move to Phase 1B on Monday and will also include 65- to 74-year-olds from Phase 1C.

Essential workers including police, firefighters, prison and jail staff, pre-K-12 teachers and child care providers will be notified by their employers about clinic dates and locations.

The Democratic governor, who has come under criticism over the pace of immunizations, said the goal is use 90% of vaccines within seven days of receipt. She said federal allotments have been limited, and she urged patience.

Midland County Department of Public Health Director/Health Officer Fred Yanoski said the health department received 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine last week and used all doses on the same day. He said on Monday Midland was scheduled to get another 200 doses of Moderna this week.

Every shot in the arm is a step closer to ending this pandemic, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : A day ahead of the next round of talks with the Union government, thousands of farmers protesting on the Delhi borders organised a 'tractor march' on Thursday amid tight security, describing the event as a "rehearsal" for a similar roadshow proposed on January 26 to oppose the three new Central farm laws.

The farmers are also giving training to women to drive tractors in several districts of Haryana and also to the women participating in the agitation at the Delhi-Haryana Singhu border, who are set to join the tractor parade on Republic Day.

The march comprising both men and women sitting on hundreds of tractors was flagged off from the Singhu and Tikri entry points on the Delhi-Haryana borders and Ghazipur on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border at 11 am.

Police were deployed on the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana borders with Delhi to accompany the farmers during the march.

The sloganeering farmers drove their tractors towards Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways while demanding the three farm laws be repealed, warning to intensify their protest if the government doesn't agree to their demands.

A few farmers even performed stunts and danced to songs played on the music systems installed on their tractors on the Eastern Peripheral Highway, where they sat to eat 'langar' in the afternoon.

The tractors in the convoy sported the tricolour and farmer union flags, apart from banners proclaiming their opposition to the farm laws even as policemen and bystanders looked on with curiosity.

After the meeting on the peripheral highway, the farmers returned to the protest spots on the Delhi borders, from where they had started in the morning.

Speaking to the media, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) chief Joginder Singh Ugrahan said that over 3,500 tractor-trolleys were driven during the march.

Later in the day, the farmers converged on the highway and discussed their future strategy.

"The government should listen to the farmers. We are just demanding the contentious farm laws be repealed," Bharatiya Kisan Union spokesperson Rakesh Tikait told IANS.

The tractor march was organised by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella of 40 farmers' unions, to demand repealing of the three new farm laws and procurement of crops at Minimum Support Price.

The march was initially scheduled for Wednesday but was cancelled due to inclement weather.

In view of the tractor march, authorities had ordered diversion of traffic at several points on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

"The tractor march passed through the Eastern Peripheral Road and returned through the Expressway," a police officer said.

Meanwhile, many women participants in the farmers' agitation are also learning driving skills to participate in the tractor parade. Many women at Singhu border and in Jind district of Haryana have been seen taking driving lessons to participate in the tractor parade planned on January 26.

The seventh round of talks between the Centre and farm leaders on their remaining demands ended in a stalemate on Monday. Both sides will now meet again on Friday.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text


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Late actor Irrfan Khan would have turned 54 on Thursday. Sharing a post about him, his elder son Babil talked about how the actor never believed in celebrating birthdays but this time, he could not forget his birthday even if he tried.

Babil shared an old video of Irrfan, his mother Sutapa Sikdar and younger brother Ayaans message for him. It showed Irrfan recording the video while Sutapa joined it, thinking that he was on a video call with Babil. Ayaan got a little nervous about record a message for his brother and tried to escape it.

Sharing the video, Babil wrote, You never identified with institutions such as contractual marriage and birthday celebrations. Perhaps, that is why I dont remember anyones birthdays because you never remembered mine and never encouraged me to remember yours. It was just normal to us what seemed absurd from the outside, we celebrated everyday (bringing personal experiential authenticity to the cliche). On the occasion, Mamma would have to remind us both; but this time I could not forget yours if I tried. Its your birthday Baba. Shoutout to all the technologically inept parents, notice that they did not finish saying that they miss me.

This is Irrfans first birth anniversary since his death on April 29, 2020. He died in Mumbai after a two-year long battle with neuroendocrine tumour. He was also diagnosed with colon infection.

Also read: Inside Deepika Padukone birthday celebrations: Ranveer plays host, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt attend. See pics

Babil has been posting regular throwback memories and pictures with his father on Instagram since his death, giving a more intimate peek into the life and ideals that Irrfan lived by. On New Year, Babil shared a couple of pictures of the two of them to wish his followers. On to the next one without you, still with your compassion. Public ko Happy new year, Babil had written as caption.

Irrfans last release was Angrezi Medium, which released in March. His film, Song of the Scorpions will get a posthumous release soon.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10
Xia Li conquered the stage of WWE NXT New Year's Evil as she made an impressive return.

On Wednesday, the official YouTube Channel of WWE shared to its 71.5 million subscribers the most-awaited video of Li's comeback.

In the said clip which was taken during the WWE NXT New Year's Evil, the 32-year-old Chinese professional wrestler pulled off a strong, hair-raising entrance.

Her companion, Boa, stood with a mysterious figure that trained them before the event. Boa eventually took off the red cover out of the wrestler's head to introduce her to the crowd. Soon after that scene, she immediately showcased her martial arts skills.

Xia Li's WWE entrance came before she walked up the stage with her red and black outfit to take on Katrina Cortez.

Meanwhile, her contender wore a lucha-style mask and used her full name on the event instead--which was truly unusual.

Xia Li's WWE NXT New Year's Evil Results

The highlights on the three-minute clip included the times Xia Li pinned Cortez down during the enhancement match.

The match continuously caught the spectators' breaths, as she perfectly showcased her kicks, looking as if she came back with a killer's mind and skills.

She ended Cortez with a jumping knee strike before giving her a high kick to garner the pinfall.

With her breathtaking comeback performance, Xia Li dominated the match in the WWE NXT New Year's Evil, defeating Cortez.

Her strong return came after she and Boa were taken away from the show by a mysterious man. The duo failed after Li lost in several matches.

During their absence, the NXT Universe only showed glimpses of their arduous, brutal punishment and training led by the man who caught them.

Furthermore, the wrestler previously became a hot topic on the internet after showing her character transformation.

Xia Li's Comeback Leaves NXT Fans In Awe

Li's return had been truly the most followed comeback, as WWE reportedly adjusted everything for her and Boa.

Before the WWE NXT New Year's Evil happened, the media company reportedly applied for seven trademarks for Chinese letters and characters for the wrestler.

Their works were truly worth it, though, as fans were left impressed with her grand entrance.

One fan left a comment on WWE's YouTube Channel and said, "Xia Li's momentum just drastically gravitated here. She's a rising star in the making.

"I love this new Xia Li, she's Badass now, future star and future NXT Women's Champ, the new entrance is very cool," another one shared.

READ MORE: 'Surviving Death' Netflix Reviews: What People Are Saying About New Docuseries

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles

Department store chain Macys announced this week the closure of 45 stores this year. The cut is part of his plan to close down his less profitable stores and focus on the more productive ones.

Last year, even before the closings in the United States, Macy's announced that they would reduce the number of stores due to the fall in traffic in the shopping centers. The chain closed 29 stores in 2020 and plans to eliminate a total of 125 points of sale by 2023.
Next generation Computer Assisted Coding of medical information is able to leverage natural language software technology to support some automation of the billing process and use of analytics to achieve higher quality patient outcomes. The study has 301 pages and 110 tables and figures. Computer assisted coding of medical information uses natural language solutions to link the physician notes in an electronic patient record to the codes used for billing Medicare, 
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

DecisionDatabases added the latest report with a global perspective on the Food Trucks Market studied under different segments, including type, application, and regions. The report is treated with size, trends, growth, share, and forecast till 2025. Besides, the research report studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall growth at the global level. This report also offers a lucrative area of the industry at the regional and country level.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Food Trucks market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Food Trucks Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-30217

According to this study, over the next five years, the Food Trucks market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Food Trucks business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Food Trucks market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Food Trucks market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Js Lobster

Lobsterdamus

Lobster Dogs Foodtruck

The Lobster Food Truck

The Happy Lobster

Lobsta Truck

Lukes Lobster

Cousins Maine Lobster

Maine Street Lobster

Skyscraper Sandwiches

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-30217

This study considers the Food Trucks value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Taco Truck

Sandwich Truck

Lobster Truck

Others

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Streets

Events and Festivals

Others

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Food Trucks Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-30217

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Food Trucks consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Food Trucks market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Food Trucks manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Food Trucks with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Food Trucks submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

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Reference Source:

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Investigations editor

Larry Parnass, investigations editor, joined The Eagle in 2016 from the Daily Hampshire Gazette, where he was editor in chief. His freelance work has appeared in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant and CommonWealth Magazine.
Seven Natural Wonders of the World: Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

The world's widest falls await

Discover more about the magnificent waterfall perched on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls at a glance:

A staggering one-mile wide and 108 metres (360 feet) high, the largest waterfall in the world

200 olympic-sized swimming pools of water fall every minute

The falls were named after Queen Victoria by a Scottish missionary

What makes Victoria Falls a natural wonder?

As the largest falling curtain of water in the world, it's no wonder that Victoria Falls earned its place as one of the Seven Natural Wonders. Known as "the smoke that thunders", it's name among locals should give some idea about just how powerful the falls are. Africa's natural wonder is protected by not one but two national parks; Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Victoria Falls National Park.

Victoria Falls in film and tv?

Despite the magnitude of the falls, there are few examples of them in popular culture. A little known film from 1992 saw Christopher Lee play Baker Street's most famous detective in 'Sherlock Holmes: Incident at Victoria Falls'. In local folklore, the River Zambezi, which runs into the falls, is home to a mythological creature with the head of a fish and the body of a serpent. Nyami Nyami the River God is believed to have the unique ability to leave a vivid red trail in the water he swims through.

How can tourists enjoy Victoria Falls?

It may not sound welcoming but a dip in the Devil's Pool, a naturally occurring rock pool at the edge of the falls, is one of the more relaxing ways to take in the sights. If that doesn't take your fancy, the falls open late on nights with a full moon for a chance to see a lunar rainbow. The wonder is one of the few places in the world to see the white arc often known as a moonbow.

What else is there to see and do in Zambia and Zimbabwe?

The River Zambezi hosts a wide range of high adrenaline sports, from white water rafting to bunjee jumping (from a helicopter) over it's many gorges. On the Zambian side of the water there's the option to tour the bush on quad bike and explore local villages. Meanwhile in Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls Rainforest is the only place on earth to see rain every single day of the year. The weather makes the region a wildlife hotspot.

Make sure your trip to the Falls is covered

At World First we provide worldwide travel insurance, so you can enjoy a view of Victoria Falls with peace of mind.
New Letters will Welcome Visitors to Puerto Vallarta



The head of the IVC, Marina de los Santos Alvarez, explained that the new welcome letters, which will replace those currently at the Las Juntas intersection, will have a cost of just over 847,000 pesos. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The municipal government of Puerto Vallarta and the Instituto Vallartense de Cultura (IVC) are working on a project to recreate one of the city's most recognized icons: the large colorful letters that spell out "Puerto Vallarta" and welcomes visitors who enter the city on the highway from the north.



At a recent ordinary session of the IVC Governing Board, chaired by Puerto Vallarta Mayor Arturo DAvalos PeAa, in which the budget reallocation and modification of budget items for fiscal year 2020 was approved, the head of this institute, Marina de los Santos Alvarez, announced that part of the resources saved last year by the cancellation of cultural events due to the pandemic, will be used for said project.



Alvarez, who is also the technical secretary of the Governing Board, explained that the development of the new welcome letters, which will replace those currently at the Las Juntas intersection, will have a cost of just over 847,000 pesos. She pointed out that three project proposals were analyzed, and the one that was selected not only had lowest cost, but also guarantees greater durability and less maintenance.



She specified that local sculptor HActor Montes, also known as 'El Chino Ballenas,' will be in charge of the creation of the Puerto Vallarta letters, which she said will be made of a fiberglass material that's resistant to the local environment of salt air and sun, and could last 15 to 20 years with minimal cleaning maintenance.



De los Santos Alvarez added that a transparent call will be opened to the city's artistic community for the creation of the new "welcome" sign, and with the savings generated from last year, the artist who is selected could be awarded as much as 150,000 pesos.



Mayor Arturo DAvalos recalled that



He pointed out that there is still no set date for the placement of the new letters, but he estimated that they could be installed for the double anniversary of Puerto Vallarta as a municipality and a city in late May.



Source: Puerto Vallarta municipal government news bulletin translated and edited by MarAa Francesca for BanderasNews.com. - The municipal government of Puerto Vallarta and the Instituto Vallartense de Cultura (IVC) are working on a project to recreate one of the city's most recognized icons: the large colorful letters that spell out "Puerto Vallarta" and welcomes visitors who enter the city on the highway from the north.At a recent ordinary session of the IVC Governing Board, chaired by Puerto Vallarta Mayor Arturo DAvalos PeAa, in which the budget reallocation and modification of budget items for fiscal year 2020 was approved, the head of this institute, Marina de los Santos Alvarez, announced that part of the resources saved last year by the cancellation of cultural events due to the pandemic, will be used for said project.Alvarez, who is also the technical secretary of the Governing Board, explained that the development of the new welcome letters, which will replace those currently at the Las Juntas intersection, will have a cost of just over 847,000 pesos. She pointed out that three project proposals were analyzed, and the one that was selected not only had lowest cost, but also guarantees greater durability and less maintenance.She specified that local sculptor HActor Montes, also known as 'El Chino Ballenas,' will be in charge of the creation of the Puerto Vallarta letters, which she said will be made of a fiberglass material that's resistant to the local environment of salt air and sun, and could last 15 to 20 years with minimal cleaning maintenance.De los Santos Alvarez added that a transparent call will be opened to the city's artistic community for the creation of the new "welcome" sign, and with the savings generated from last year, the artist who is selected could be awarded as much as 150,000 pesos.Mayor Arturo DAvalos recalled that the current letters were installed some administrations ago, when a group of businessmen organized with the then Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust, for the preparation of the current letters, which are very deteriorated and expensive to maintain, so a new project like the one described by Marina de los Santos was sought.He pointed out that there is still no set date for the placement of the new letters, but he estimated that they could be installed for the double anniversary of Puerto Vallarta as a municipality and a city in late May.

The imperial family of Japan have started 2021 with a low-key reception in tune with the state of the country following the coronavirus pandemic.

Emperor Naruhito, 60 and Empress Masako, 57, took part in the New Year's Reception in Tokyo, along with 12 other members of the imperial royal family and 230 guests.

Attendees included Naruhito's brother, the Crown Prince Fumihito Akishino, best known as Prince Akishino, his wife Princess Kiko and their two daughter Princess Mako, 29, and Kako, 26.

The reception, which counted 758 guests in 2020, was only attended by 230 people this year, and all were wearing masks with social distancing guidelines were in place.

Japan has since declared a state of emergency for Tokyo and its surrounding areas after a surge in Covid-19 cases.

The women of the Imperial family of Japan forwent tiaras and expensive jewels and wore more discreet luxuries to mark the New Year during the annual reception wirth foreign ambassadors in Tokyo on January 1 (pictured)

The emperor and his wife looked relaxed and poised during the event in Tokyo. Empress Masako was wearing an customary white gown with long sleeves and gloves accessorised with the imperial family's red and gold sash.

Princess Kiko, Mako and Kako were also wearing white but their dresses were of different cuts, with Princess Kiko sporting long sleeves like her sister-in-law and the younger princesses wearing short sleeves and sweatheart necklines.

All Princesses wore white gloves as well and the red and gold imperial sash.

All women wore their dark hair put in neat buns, and sported little make-up, while the men wore tuxedos.

All members of the imperial household present, as well as guests, wore face masks, in keeping with the coronavirus regulations

Social distancing was in place during the reception. The Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga presented his respect with his wife (right)

When it came to jewellery, Masako, Kiko, Mako and Kako all wore a discreet pearl necklace. The Empress and her sister-in-law were both wearing matching drop pearl earrings.

This was a stark contrast to last year, which saw Kiko sport a lavish tiara at her first reception as Empress after Naruhito ascended the chrysanthemum throne in May 2019.

Last year, the empress's tiara was made of diamonds, as were her drop earrings. She was also wearing a diamond necklace around her neck, with a matching diamond bracelet.

The Emperor and Empress looked poised during the event as they marked the New Year under the sign of Covid

Guests stood next to each other, leaving enough distance to limit the chance of spreading the disease (pictured)

Princesses Kiko, Mako and Kiko also donned sparkling jewels for the occasion, as did the other female members of the imperial household.

The couple marked the New Year with a video message which was shared with the public.

Usually, crows gather under the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to catch a glimpse of the emperor and his family. In his annual address, the Emperor acknowledged the hardship the pandemic had brought onto Japan, and expressed his gratitude to healthcare staff who worked tirelessly throughout 2020.

'Over this past year, we have all faced many problems and hardships over the spread of this unknown coronavirus that for most of us living in this age have never experienced on such a scale,' he said.

January 2020: Crowds gather in front of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to hear Emperor Naruhito's address. This year, the emperor and his wife have released a video message

He also said he was worried about the discrimination suffered by those who had been sick or worked in the medical field, a phenomenon widespread in conformist Japan.

'I look forward with all my heart to be able to meet with all of you again, face to face," he said, after offering his prayers for world peace,' he added.

Empress Masako, who reportedly prefers to say reclusive due to a stress-related condition, joined her husband in sending a message of support to the Japanese public during the address.

She said said 'Happy New Year,' at the start of the message and spoke for the last 30 seconds of the nearly seven-minute message. Her beige suit matched the color of Naruhitos tie.

In January 2020, the Empress sported a diamond tiara for the occasion,as well as diamond earrings, a diamond necklace and matching bracelet

Last year, the Princesses of the Imperial household all sported tiaras for the reception on January 1 (pictured)

'I am praying from the bottom of my heart that this year will be as gentle a year as possible for all of you. This winter has been harsh with heavy snow in some areas earlier than usual, and so please everyone do stay healthy,' Masako said.

The video message was Naruhito's first. His father Emperor Emeritus Akihito did two, after the tsunami disaster in northeastern Japan in 2011 and when he announced his abdication in 2016.

Instead of the usual family picture delivered to the public each year, the family have taken separate pictures, with Naruhito and Prince Fuhimito snapped with their respective spouses and children, as opposed to together.

The imperial household's official picture released in December 2019, which sees Empress Emerita Michiko, Emperor Emeritus Akihito converse with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Crown Prince Fuhimito and Princess Kiko and their children

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has declared a state of emergency for Tokyo and its surrounding areas today after a surge in covid-19 cases.

Cases are believed to be as high as they were at the start of the pandemic, CNN reported.

The state of emergency is set to remain in place until February 2, and will see the Nippon capital under a set of restrictions.

Japan recorded 5,953 new Covid-19 infections yesterday, the highest daily number of cases recorded so far, as well as 72 deaths.

This brings the national total to 259,105 cases since the start of the apndemic, with at least 3,804 fatalities.
Manchester United could have a potential 'problem' on their hands should Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not win a trophy again this season, says club legend Gary Neville.

United lost another semi-final on Wednesday night as they lost 2-0 at home to rivals Manchester City in the last-four of the Carabao Cup. City will go on to play Tottenham in the final in April.

After reaching the semis of the League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League last season too but no further, Neville is concerned that his ex-team-mate Solskjaer could be under pressure once again, should they lose to title rivals Liverpool in the Premier League next week.

Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be under pressure again soon, says Gary Neville

United slumped to another semi-final defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Wednesday

'I said before tonight that I felt there was more expectation on this game for me as a Man United fan than there will be a week on Sunday against Liverpool at Anfield,' Neville told Sky Sports.

'No one this season expected Man United to challenge for the league title, but I think there was a feeling: win a trophy.

'Ole, at the end of this season, will have been there two-and-a-half years, and to go two-and-a-half years without a trophy, it will start to bring a pressure, because it helps you on your way.'

Neville referred to the starts Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola made at Liverpool and Manchester City respectively and compared their situations to Solskjaer's.

Klopp lost three finals as Reds boss before winning his first trophy in his fourth season in charge, the 2019 Champions League, while Guardiola won the 2018 Carabao Cup in his second season at the Etihad - Neville also referenced Jose Mourinho's collection of trophies at various clubs.

City were deserved winners on Wednesday night as United's semi-final hoodoo continued

Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola with their first trophies at Liverpool and Man City respectively

'Jurgen Klopp needed a trophy and eventually got the Champions League. Pep Guardiola won the League Cup, Jose Mourinho at various clubs has won the League Cup just to get them going,' Neville continued. 'He needed something and they were so close to a final with this game and in good form.

'It does pose a problem. I wouldn't say, sat here as a Man United fan, it causes me a great problem that in any way shape or form I'm looking at the manager's job at any point, but it will bring pressure down the line.

'Because if they go to Anfield and lose, people will then say "glass half empty" again. It can turn like that.'

United have not won silverware since Solskjaer took over at the club in December 2018.

Man United concluded last season with defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals

The Norwegian's hunt for his first trophy at Old Trafford took another crushing blow, yet again in the latter stages of a competition on Wednesday night.

His side have previously lost in the semi-finals of the FA Cup to Chelsea last year and the Europa League to Sevilla, as well as the semis of the Carabao Cup to City, again.

United's last major trophy came in Jose Mourinho's first season in charge, when they won the 2017 Europa League - they also won the EFL Cup in the same season.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps apparently seized the ship as a bargaining chip because it wants around US$7-8 billion in oil earnings released from a Korean bank, where it is frozen under U.S. sanctions.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement that it has not reached an agreement on "any form of visit" by Korean officials and added for good measure, "There is no need for a diplomatic visit."

Iran on Wednesday said it has no intention of holding talks with Korea over the release of a Korean oil tanker it seized on Monday.

Tehran urged the Korean government to deal with the issue "logically and responsibly" and added, "The [Korean] government's behavior in this regard is not understandable and is rejected."

The bluster follows denials Tuesday that Tehran was taking the MT Hankuk Chemi and its 20-srtrong crew of Koreans, Indonesians, Myanmarese and Vietnamese hostage.

The Foreign Ministry here claimed Tuesday that Seoul and Tehran had agreed to resolve the matter diplomatically.

But Iran's Foreign Ministry only reiterated that the tanker violated environmental regulations as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz and insisted the issue is "completely technical."

It claimed the ship's crew are being cared for.

Iran's Tasnim news agency, which has strong links with the Revolutionary Guard, published a photo of the tanker being escorted by patrol ships on its front page. The sub-head did suggest that the ship's seizure could lead to the return of the money.

The Korean government claims it has been negotiating with Tehran what to do with money, which has been frozen in a won-denominated account the Central Bank of Iran opened here. It also claimed to have been holding talks with the U.S., which imposed the fresh sanctions after unilaterally withdrawing from a denuclearization accord with Iran.

The radical daily Esfashan-e Emrooz also published a photo of the Korean tanker on its front page with the headline, "Thief is Caught," suggesting the kerfuffle was largely staged for domestic consumption.


Bonnie Kristian is a fellow at Defense Priorities, contributing editor at The Week, and columnist at Christianity Today. Her writing has also appeared at CNN, NBC, USA Today, the Los Angeles Times and Defense One, among other outlets.

One of the final significant acts of the Trump administration may be the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Axios reported shortly before Christmas, as the largest embassy in the world continues to sustain rocket attacks by Iran-linked militias.

The possible closure has largely been analyzed for its potential effect on U.S.-Iran relations: President Donald Trump tweeted threats of retaliation against Iran should further rocket attacks claim any American lives, and he is reportedly being briefed on a "range of options" for response.

Those implications are significant, particularly given how close the U.S. came to war with Iran a year ago. But also deserving attention is the state of U.S. foreign policy in Iraq itself, where the embassy is located -- and where the United States has been at war for 17 years. Trump's tenure has served to further permanentize U.S. military intervention in Iraq, so much so that the prospect of closing the Baghdad embassy raises more questions about the chance of starting a new war with Iran than about ending the old war in Iraq.

As Trump prepares to leave office, a review of his Iraq policy can help identify a different way forward for President-elect Joe Biden.

Trump came into office promising a "new era of peace, understanding and good will" in American foreign policy. His administration would "finally [learn] from the mistakes of the past," he said shortly after his election in 2016. "We will stop looking to topple regimes and overthrow governments, folks. Our goal is stability, not chaos, because we want to rebuild our country."

He continued to use that rhetoric throughout his presidency, often touting his intent to move away from nation-building and end "endless wars" so American resources could be refocused on domestic priorities. He decried the Washington consensus against "precipitous" U.S. withdrawal from conflicts long since devolved into unwinnable chaos. He labeled the war in Iraq the "worst decision in the history of our country," a grave mistake that sacrificed millions of lives and trillions of dollars for a fight with no plausible victory or connection to vital U.S. interests.

And yet, for all that blistering critique, Trump has never seriously attempted to end the war in Iraq, even after the battle against the Islamic State wound down. He has not made promises about U.S. withdrawal from Iraq as he has for our interventions in Afghanistan and Syria. When the Iraqi Parliament voted for all American troops to exit their country in early 2020, the Trump administration, in other contexts so enthusiastic about external sovereignty, flatly rejected the demand.

Trump is presently overseeing a deployment reduction in Iraq to around 2,500 U.S. forces, but he plans to leave office with this war very much intact -- and with a ground presence barely smaller than the one he inherited four years ago.

Whatever he may say about ending wars, Trump's obvious disinterest in ending the war in Iraq makes sense if we remember the Iran-focused framing of the possible embassy closure.

"Iran policy has simply taken over Iraq policy," as Douglas Silliman, who served as U.S. ambassador to Iraq from 2016 to 2019, told The Atlantic in February. Trump in many ways leaves this war much as he found it, with a relatively small but apparently indelible U.S. military footprint mainly concerned with a perpetual counterterrorism mission against an evolving slate of targets. But he has introduced a new purpose for U.S. military intervention in Iraq: "to watch Iran."

This is a conspicuously boundless purpose, a reason to stay in Iraq that will last as long as Iran exists to watch. It's self-perpetuating, too, as Iran sees the U.S. military presence in neighboring Iraq as a threat and accordingly escalates its regional troublemaking, including in Iraq, to demonstrate that it won't be intimidated. The more Trump insists on watching Iran from Iraq, the more there is to watch, and the more likely dangerous escalation becomes.

The incoming Biden administration should break this dismal cycle and effect the full U.S. withdrawal from Iraq that the Obama administration never completed and the Trump administration never attempted. That might include closing the Baghdad embassy, not as a diplomatic rupture -- we can and should continue diplomacy with the Iraqi government whatever our physical presence in the country -- but simply to deprive these militias and any other anti-American groups of visible, symbolic targets for violence whose destruction could draw us back into a new round of war.

Biden's differences from Trump on Iran policy should make this pivot not only feasible but desirable for the new president. And leaving Iraq for good could be an early and decisive political win for Biden: Most Americans had decided the war was a detriment to U.S. security as far back as 2005. The invasion was rejected as the wrong decision by over half the country by 2007. The war was broadly deemed a failure by 2013. And now, three in four would support complete U.S. departure.

To "watch Iran" isn't a good enough reason to stay at war in Iraq, as most Americans clearly realize. Hopefully, the Biden administration will realize it, too, and avoid repeating Trump's Iran-linked failure in Iraq.

-- The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration.
The Uttar Pradesh State government on Thursday told the Allahabad High Court that the police had dropped charges against one Nadeem for allegedly trying to marry a woman from Muzaffarnagar with intentions of her religious conversion as no evidence was found during investigation.

In the affidavit, the government said that during investigation no evidence was found that the accused Nadeem was having any illicit relation with the woman. Further, during investigation, no evidence was found in support of the allegation that Nadeem was trying for her religious conversion as alleged by the complainant, Akshay Kumar in the FIR.

The bench comprising chief justice Govind Mathur and justice SS Shamshery after hearing parties concerned directed the state government to file counter affidavit in the case and fixed January 15 as the next date of hearing in the case.

Earlier, on December 18, last year the Allahabad High Court had asked the UP Police to not take any coercive action against the accused, Nadeem, and has tagged his plea, challenging the constitutional validity of the ordinance with other PILs in the matter.

Senior Advocate SFA Naqvi representing Nadeem, had argued that the ordinance is ultra vires of the Constitution of India and any criminal proceeding initiated under the provisions of the ordinance should be quashed.

Nadeem who is from Haridwar was booked by the UP Police on November 29, last year on a complaint by one Akshay Kumar of Muzaffarnagar.

Nadeem had sought quashing of the FIR lodged against him under Sections 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 120B (Criminal conspiracy) of IPC and Sections 3 and 5 of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance 2020.

It was alleged in the FIR that Nadeem developed an illicit relation with the complainants wife with the purpose of converting her religion by marriage and was attempting to convert her by threat as well as by exerting undue pressure.

Nadeem has denied all the allegations and asserted that he is a poor labourer who had been falsely implicated in the case by the complainant, merely to avoid payment of some dues which the complainant owed him.

On December 31, 2020, charge sheet was filed under section 504 and 506 of Indian Penal Code against Nadeem as it was found during investigation that on an occasion Nadeem had called the woman and threatened to kill her.

Regarding a batch of PILs challenging constitutional validity of the ordinance, the state government counsel informed the Court that the Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the matter and has issued notice to the state government.

The court adjourned hearing in all the PILs till January 15.

A bunch of PILs were filed on the issue claiming that the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020 to prohibit religious conversions in the name of love jihad, impinges upon their fundamental right to choice and the right to change faith.

According to the petitioners, the ordinance was violative of citizens rights under Article 14 (Right to Equality), 15 (Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, etc.), 21 (Right to life) and 25 (Freedom of conscience, etc.) of the Constitution.

The government on Thursday filed an affidavit in response to the batch of PILs challenging its controversial ordinance.

The government stated in the affidavit that the ordinance is aimed at preventing any form of unlawful conversion actuated by elements of misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement, etc and the Constitution of India abhors any form of forceful conversion particularly in matters of religion. Being a secular State it becomes the foremost duty of the State to protect its citizens from any kind of unlawful or forceful conversion so that the liberty of thought, faith, belief and worship as well as equality of status stands safeguarded thereby assuring the dignity of the individuals.

The bunch of PILs were filed by Advocate Saurabh Kumar, Ajit Singh Yadav and Anand Malviya.
Rajya Sabha member G.V.L. Narsimha Rao, present at Nellimerla, said he would bring the issue to the notice of Union home minister Amith Shah.  ANI

Vizianagaram: BJP state president Somu Veerraju, MLC P.V.N. Madhav and general secretary Vishnuvardhan Reddy were detained here as they tried to break the police cordon and reach the Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple atop Bodikonda in Ramateertham on Thursday, where an idol of Lord Rama had been decapitated.

In the melee, the BJP president fainted and fell down. What was styled as the BJPs Dharma Yatra, as announced by state party president a day ago, was stopped at Nellimerla junction in the morning.

This was the second time BJP leaders were detained over their attempt to enter Ramateertham. The first attempt was on Tuesday.

We want to know who is attacking Hindu temples and why. As many as 21 temples were attacked in the state and not a single person was arrested. Why is the government not allowing only the BJP and Jana Sena to enter Ramateertham, Veerraju asked before he was detained.

The police told them that Section 30 of the Police Act was in force till the end of this month. None would be allowed to visit the temple. The BJP leaders had a heated argument with the cops and then tried to break the cordon.

Tight police deployment was seen on the steps leading to the temple and the entire Bodikonda Hill. Only government officials, temple priests and police officials are allowed inside the temple. The faithful are allowed with prior police permission, but for individuals or small groups only.

Rajya Sabha member G.V.L. Narsimha Rao, present at Nellimerla, said he would bring the issue to the notice of Union home minister Amith Shah.
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TORONTO - Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump's stores were taken off-line by Shopify Inc. on Thursday, as the country grappled with the role he played in inciting violence that erupted at the Capitol building the day before.

President Donald Trump speaks at a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Shopify Inc. says it has terminated all stores affiliated with U.S. President Donald Trump after violence erupted at the U.S. Capitol building yesterday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Jacquelyn Martin

TORONTO - Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump's stores were taken off-line by Shopify Inc. on Thursday, as the country grappled with the role he played in inciting violence that erupted at the Capitol building the day before.

The Ottawa-based e-commerce company said that it terminated stores affiliated with Trump because his actions contravened Shopify's policies.

"Shopify does not tolerate actions that incite violence," the company said in a statement.

"Based on recent events, we have determined that the actions by President Donald J. Trump violate our acceptable use policy, which prohibits promotion or support of organizations, platforms or people that threaten or condone violence to further a cause."

Trump's campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

When visited on Thursday, both his hotel and branded goods business site trumpstore.com and campaign store shop.donaldjtrump.com generated messages saying "oops something went wrong" and "this store is unavailable."

Trump's social media channels showed the stores sold items like"Make America Great Again" apparel, Christmas ornaments depicting his hotels, flip flops and T-shirts emblazoned with his logo and the American flag, scented candles, teddy bears, bath and beauty products, model airplanes and footballs.

Shopify's move comes a day after Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol and entered key spaces and offices held by officials who were largely evacuated or ordered to shelter-in-place.

They were emboldened to attack the Capitol as Congress was in the midst of debating objections to Joe Biden's certification as the next president.

It also followed Democrats winning two Senate races in Georgia handing it full control of government when Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20.

Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock were declared the winners, handing control of the Senate to the Democrats.

Trump released a minute-long video Wednesday on social media, where he told those involved in the Capitol attack that he loved them, but they have to go home now.

Facebook removed the video and banned him indefinitely from the platform Thursday, while Twitter also took it down but only kept him off its social media site for 12 hours.

Both said they were curtailing Trump's presence on their platforms because he violated their policies.

Shopify's decision to ban Trump comes years after the company's founder Tobi Lutke wrote about the value of free speech in a now-deleted Medium post, where he explained why he was allowing far-right news network Breitbart to continue to use his company's offerings.

"It would be easy to kick off merchants we dont like, and doing so would actually make our lives significantly easier," he admitted.

"To kick off a merchant is to censor ideas and interfere with the free exchange of products at the core of commerce. When we kick off a merchant, were asserting our own moral code as the superior one."

Lutke said that if Shopify started "blocking out" voices, it would fall short of its goal to make commerce better for everyone and instead operate a "biased and diminished" platform.

"Products are a form of speech, and free speech must be fiercely protected, even if we disagree with some of the voices," he said.

Melissa and Johnathan Nightingale, co-founders of leadership training company Raw Signal Group, have been turning down speaking opportunities with Shopify since 2017, when Lutke posted those thoughts.

They were tired of founders being willfully ignorant or trying to be neutral about their platforms and thought it was time for Shopify to take a hard stance against homophobic and Nazi content they saw selling in stores using the company's software.

"It's awful because there are people running stores on Shopify who have been demonetized from other platforms, because they use homophobic slurs to abuse journalists," said Johnathan, who previously served as the vice-president of Firefox for Mozilla.

They believe Shopify should have acted sooner to deal with Trump's stores.

"There's a hollowness to doing it two weeks before an administration changes over," said Melissa, who has worked in leadership positions at Wattpad Corp.

She wonders how long it will stick.

"Is this a quick sort of flash in the pan change... or is this meaningful and structural change going forward? I don't know."

Shopify's shares surged 6.9 per cent or $94.85 to $1,470.90 in Thursday trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2021.

Companies in this story: (TSX:SHOP)
Property manager Crystal Lawless (R) and her two daughters in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Courtesy of Crystal Lawless)

Southern California Property Manager Helps Tenants in Need

Christopher Reeve, an actor most famous for playing Superman on the big screen, once said, A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.

According to Pamela Riley-DiCarlo, a renter in Rancho Cucamonga, California, her property manager, Crystal Lawless, fits this description to a T.

She just does everything, and I dont think she gets enough credit or praise, Riley-DiCarlo told The Epoch Times. Id love for her to feel appreciated.

Riley-DiCarlo nominated Lawless as a local hero, in response to a call put out by The Epoch Times.

Nobody puts in as much time as her, wrote Riley-DiCarlo, listing some of Lawless contributions to her local community.

From bringing the residents together on holidays to helping out the needy with rent, Lawless has gone out of her way to help her community endure for years, especially throughout the ongoing CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic.

A Passion to Help People

Ive always had the passion to help people, Lawless, 41, told The Epoch Times. Thats why Ive always been in customer service.

During her five years as property manager at Villaggio on Route 66, Lawless has organized toy drives, arranged family movie nights, set up a small area in the office equipped with emergency food, and distributed newsletters with important community updates.

She says being a single mother with two children of her own has helped her understand the challenges and stress that struggling parents experience.

Ive been in their shoes, so I understand not really having too much money [and] living paycheck to paycheck, she said.

Children play at an event organized for tenants by property manager Crystal Lawless in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Courtesy of Crystal Lawless)

Each year, Lawless establishes an annual budget that allows her to buy gift bags on Mothers Day and Fathers Day, candy handouts for Halloween, root beer float socials during the summer, and prizes for holiday decorations.

Shes also organized community programs for every major holidayincluding shopping sprees for children in need during Christmas.

Lawless recalled one family in particular that made an impression on her this past year. A single mother with three children, one of whom has Downs syndrome, was having a difficult time paying her rent.

She didnt ask for help, but I knew there was the struggle there when it came to her only being able to pay half her rent and then explaining that shes having hard times, Lawless said.

She informed the tenant about resources that could help with rent, and selected the children to receive $300 gift cards to Target and Kohls. Lawless also gave them extra gifts, and provided them with a turkey dinner for the holidays.

Its heartwarming to [be] able to help families like that, she said. She just called, thanking me and crying [with] appreciation.

She added: There are some people that are afraid to ask for help. But you know, dont be embarrassed. Its something we all go through in our life.

Children participate in an event organized for tenants by property manager Crystal Lawless in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Courtesy of Crystal Lawless)

Property manager Crystal Lawless provides for tenants in need in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Courtesy of Crystal Lawless)

Riley-DiCarlo remembered experiencing Lawlesss kindness at a time when her family needed it most.

A week before Christmas Day in 2015, Riley-DiCarlos husband died from complications related to alcoholism. Her daughter was only 6 years old at the time.

We didnt know this was going to happen to him, Riley-DiCarlo said. [Lawless] knew we were struggling, so she picked us for the shopping spree.  Thank God, because we didnt buy her any Christmas gifts yet.

New Ways to Celebrate

Because of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus, holiday celebrations looked a bit different in 2020. But that didnt impede Lawless from helping her tenants celebrate.

For Christmas, she teamed up with the local fire department to gather toy donations to distribute. Instead of the usual big event shopping spree, she handed out $300 gift cards and turkey dinners to families who needed them most.

For Fathers Day, she filled Mason jars with candy, put a sticker on each jar that read Dads Stash, and then handed them out to every apartment that had a father. For Halloween, she filled goodie bags with candy for kids to pick up at the office.

Some of the kids came with their costumes, she said. They were so cute.  They were thankful because it was a tough year.

Still, Lawless misses that sense of getting together, like talking with and getting to know your neighbors.

She said it was kind of a bummer that newer residents werent able to experience the camaraderie the community experiences during a typical year.

Pay It Forward

Lawless is looking ahead to the day when she can begin hosting group gatherings again. Until then, shes developing new ideas for events with social distancing.

For instance, she said, when the weather improves, they might host a movie night outdoors.

We have a green grassy area thats big enough where we could have the social distancing, she said.

Lawless credits her company, National Community Renaissance, for taking a special approach to building communities for families in need. Half of the 166 two- and three-bedroom apartments she oversees are dedicated to affordable housing.

We truly care about our residents, from the housing we build to the services we offer, she said.

We always strive to do what we can to provide low-income families with a good quality of life. Many of us have been in their shoes, and it is great to be able to pay it forward.
Former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis has issued an excoriating rebuke of President Donald Trump, saying he 'fomented' the attack on the U.S. Capitol and 'will deservedly be left a many without a country.'

'Today's violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump,' Mattis said in a statement following Wednesday's insurrection on Capitol Hill.

'His use of the Presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice.'

Mattis, a retired Marine general who served at Trump's secretary of defense for two years, went on to say that the country will 'come together' to 'overcome' the shocking events of January 6.

Former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis has issued an excoriating rebuke of President Donald Trump, saying he 'fomented' the attack on the U.S. Capitol

'His use of the Presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice,' Mattis said in a statement

'Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country,' said Mattis (not pictured) after Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol in shocking scenes

'Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country,' he said.

Mattis was nominated to lead the Pentagon in 2016 by Trump, who often referred to the retired general as 'Mad Dog', a nickname Mattis is said to despise.

Because Mattis retired from the military in 2013, his nomination required a waiver of the National Security Act of 1947, which requires a seven-year waiting period before retired military personnel can assume the top civilian role leading the defense department.

Congress overwhelmingly voted to waive the requirement, only the second time it has done so, with many viewing Mattis as a stabilizing influence on the Trump administration.

Mattis resigned on December 20, 2018, one day after Trump announced a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria over his objections. His resignation letter offered veiled criticism of many of Trump's foreign policy views.

After resigning, Mattis remarked that he felt it was bad form to criticize the administration he had served, but broke his silence last June to call Trump 'the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people'.

Trump and Mattis are seen together in 2017. Mattis is a retired Marine general who served at Trump's secretary of defense for two years

Marine General James N. Mattis (right) meets with Jordanian Army officers in Afghanistan in 2002. Congress waived the requirement for Mattis that former military officers must be retired for at least seven years before confirmation as secretary of defense

In a lengthy statement to The Atlantic, Mattis blasted Trump for considering military action to 'dominate' protests over racial injustice that were then occurring around the country.

Wednesday's events at the Capitol unfolded after Trump urged his supporters multiple times to come to Washington for a 'wild' rally on the day Congress was scheduled to certify the results of the Electoral College, confirming Joe Biden as the next president.

Trump loyalists turned out in the thousands and heard the president urge them to march on the Capitol building to express their anger at the voting process and to pressure their elected officials to reject the results.

'We're going to walk down to the Capitol and we're going to cheer on our brave senators and Congressmen and women,' Trump told the crowd, speaking with the White House as a backdrop.

Appearing at what could be his last rally as the sitting president, Trump exhorted his supporters 'to fight.'

Trump exhorted his followers to march to the Capitol and 'fight' at a rally outside the White House just before the attack on the Capitol

A member of a pro-Trump mob bashes an entrance of the Capitol Building in an attempt to gain access on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC

'We will never give up, we will never concede,' Trump said, delighting the crowd by calling Democratic victories the product of what he called 'explosions of bulls**t.'

Trump has sought for weeks to thwart a peaceful transfer of power, aided by groups such as 'Stop the Steal,' which promoted the day's protest and peddled false claims about voter fraud on Facebook and other social media.

In a statement posted on Twitter by White House spokesman Dan Scavino on Thursday, Trump said there would be an orderly transition of power 'though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election'.

But Wednesday's events were the culmination of his efforts to thwart a peaceful transfer.

About 50 minutes into the speech, some of his supporters, waving Trump flags, began heading toward Capitol Hill, where unprecedented mayhem ensued.

A pro-Trump mob storms inside the US Capitol in Washington DC on January 6, 2021

Protesters fought through police barricades, stormed the building and entered lawmakers' chambers.

The certification process was stopped and Vice President Mike Pence and members of Congress were evacuated.

One of the Trump supporters, Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit, was shot dead by police when she tried to clamber through a barricaded entrance in the Capitol.

As night fell, a Capitol official said the building had been cleared, but outside, some way from the grounds, scores of protesters remained, including members of militia and far-right groups.

Congress, in a joint session led by Vice President Mike Pence, formally certified Biden's election victory hours after control of the Capitol was regained.

Biden will be inaugurated on January 20.
'The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests,' tweeted Narendra Modi in response to rioters storming the US Capitol in Washington, DC

On 18 December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened public channels of communication with protesting farmers with an emotional address. As noted by this article, "[Modi] went after the Opposition parties with aggression, accused them of fabricating lies around the reforms and exploit the gullibility of farmers for their political benefit, cut through the obfuscations and ripped the lies into shreds."

On Thursday morning, while condemning the chaotic scenes in the American capital, it appeared Modi was issuing an addendum of sorts to his address in a coded message to India:

Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021

To recap, what began as a day of reckoning for President Donald Trump's futile attempt to cling to power devolved into scenes of fear and agony that left a prime ritual of American democracy in tatters. "If you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore," Trump told all his supporters at a rally in Washington. He added, "Let the weak ones get out... This is a time for strength."

Meanwhile, the president's lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, told the crowd, "Let's have trial by combat." Chaos ensued and the entire capital went into lockdown as rioters raided the Capitol building. Shots were fired, protesters were hit and authorities eventually regained control as night fell. Heavily armed officers brought in as reinforcements started using tear gas in a coordinated effort to get people moving toward the door, then combed the halls for stragglers, pushing the mob farther out onto the plaza and lawn, in clouds of tear gas, flash-bangs and percussion grenades.

This saw an outpouring of condemnation from a host of countries including Britain, Spain, Germany, Australia and of course, India.

Over the past few weeks, BJP leaders including Narendra Singh Tomar, Kailash Vijayvargiya and others have questioned the legitimacy of the farmers' protests. And the prime minister's tweet on Thursday morning can be read as a warning against elements potentially seeking to escalate the protests.

With inputs from AP

At 1 oclock Wednesday afternoon, I began teaching a Zoom class at the Womens Institute of Houston. The course was devoted to the Wars of Religion, the moniker given by historians to the series of assassinations and massacres between Catholics and Protestants that tore apart 16th-century France.

When I first proposed the course last fall, I thought this remarkable chapter from Frances past might have some relevance for Americas present. But I had no idea of just how relevant. Minutes after I launched the Zoom session, my students began toggling between the (less than riveting) images broadcast from my living room and the (all-too-riveting) images broadcast from our nations capital. Suddenly, past and present collided on their split-screens, the former casting a dark light on the latter.

I began the talk by describing the most infamous event of the wars of religion: the Massacre of Saint Bartholomews Day. On Aug. 24, 1572, the guards of King Charles IX burst into the homes of Protestant leaders in Paris, hacking them to pieces in their beds and dragging their remains through the streets. As dawn broke, many civilians, rather than recoiling in horror, responded with even greater frenzy to these events. Learning that the king had commanded the murder of these Protestant nobles, they assumed he meant the murder of all Protestants.

Fanning out across their neighborhoods, they broke into the homes of Protestants, massacring entire families. Men drove swords into pregnant mothers and tore their unborn children from their wombs; others spared children but baptized them in the blood of their slaughtered parents as a warning to never hold the same beliefs. The Seine River that runs through the city turned deep red from the hundreds of dismembered corpses thrown into it.

While the pope celebrated the event by attending a Te Deum in Saint Peters, dogs were still gnawing on the body parts of Protestants in Paris. Along with the 2,000 men, women and children murdered in the capital, another 3,000 were killed in other French cities and towns. I emphasized the Protestants were not always the victims; both before and after Saint Bartholomews Day, they too had committed atrocities. The religious passions that had taken root in France proved as deadly and determined as the bubonic plague that was sweeping across the country during the very same time.

As I was speaking with the students, I realized with a shock that next year will mark the 450th anniversary of the massacre. My students, in turn, were shocked that an event that occurred nearly half a millennium ago seemed as modern as our computer screens. Of course, what they were watching in horror on their split screens was a far cry from a massacre. But as they gaped at armed men in MAGA hats tramping through the Capitol building, they rightly feared that a massacre was in the offing. As students of history, how were we to make sense of this?

One obvious takeaway is this is what happens when opposing sides find themselves in what they believe is in an existential struggle. In France, each side believed it held the truth; each side strove to make the other side see the light, each side was willing to keep killing until that light appeared. It reminds us that the wars of religion did not pit two opposing bodies of belief against one another, but instead two opposing bodies of believers. The struggle was social, not theological; cultural, not doctrinal. Throats were slit and chateaux sacked not over whether, during communion, wine and wafers really became the body and blood of Christ. Instead, Catholics and Protestants killed one another to protect what those beliefs represented  namely, their opposing ideas of a good and godly society.

Shortly before his supporters exploded into the Capitol, President Donald Trump assured them, Ill be watching because history is going to be made. As the president promised, history was made, but also remade. A crucial distinction between then and now is that both Huguenots and Catholics did not bother with facts. Back then, truth was entirely faith-based; today, this trait belongs mostly to Trumps base and enablers, for whom facts must bend to dogma.

More important, though, my students grasped that while history does not repeat itself, human beings do. By nature, we will always lean Manichaean, defining our lives in terms of truth versus heresy and good versus evil. As class ended, there was no end in sight to events in Washington. Yet we understood this is what the history does best: it offers not just insight into the past, but also insight, humbling and moderating, into ourselves.

Zaretsky teaches at University of Houston and is the author of The Subversive Simone Weil: A Life in Five Ideas.
A new study in the Oxford Economic Papers finds that migration flows the last 500 years from high sunlight regions to low sunlight regions influence contemporary health outcomes in destination countries.

The researchers here noted that people's ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight declines with skin pigmentation, and that vitamin D deficiency is directly associated with higher risk of mortality, from illnesses including cardiovascular disease, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. Recent research even .finds that vitamin D affects the severity of COVID-19.

Researchers here focused on groups from high sunlight regions that migrated to low sunlight regions between 1500 and today. The resulting population shifts caused the risk of vitamin D deficiency to rise substantially. The researchers explored the aggregate health consequences of such migration over a long historical perspective.

Researchers here constructed a measure that proxied the risk of vitamin D deficiency in a given population. The measure tracked the difference between sunlight intensity in the ancestral place of residence of the population, as well as the actual level of sunlight intensity at the place of current residence.

Using the difference between ancestor and ambient sunlight as a measure of the potential risk of vitamin D deficiency, researchers then examined its explanatory power in relation to life expectancy around the world. Researchers found that greater risk of vitamin D deficiency is negatively correlated with life expectancy, all else equal.

Researchers here noted that today there is widespread awareness of the harmful effects of excessive exposure to sunlight, which leads people to try to prevent sunburn through methods like sunscreen and limited outdoor exposure. Effective treatments of skin cancer are also widely available. People also spend more time indoors than their prehistoric ancestors, which lowers their exposure to sunlight. Consequently, the risk of premature death due to excessive sun exposure has decreased since prehistoric times.

However, the lower exposure times to sunlight increases the risk of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in people with higher skin pigmentation, whose ancestors came from high sunlight regions.

Ultimately the researchers here concluded that a migration-induced imbalance between the intensity of skin pigmentation and ambient sunlight can both relate and explain present-day global health differences: .Low sunlight regions that have received substantial immigration from high sunlight regions experience lower life expectancy than would have been the case in the absence of such migration flows.

"This research is important because it is the first research to document a link between an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and differences in life expectancy across countries and regions. It thus serves to highlight the potentially huge benefit in terms of additional life years of taking vitamin D supplements, particularly during the autumn and winter" said author Dr. Thomas Barnebeck Andersen.

###

Direct correspondence to:

Thomas Barnebeck Andersen

Department of Business and Economics, University of Southern Denmark

Campusvej 55, 5230-DK

Odense, DENMARK

barnebeck@sam.sdu.dk

To request a copy of the study, please contact:

Emily Tobin

emily.tobin@oup.com

Sharing on social media? Find Oxford Journals online at @OxfordJournals
Violent supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the Capitol in Washington, as lawmakers met to confirm President-elect Joe Biden's poll win, reported BBC.

In dramatic scenes, demonstrators swarmed the building as Congress members were escorted out by police.

Biden said it was an "insurrection", and Trump released a video message asking supporters to go home. The joint session of Congress certifying Biden's win has been suspended and forced into recess.

There are reports of guns drawn in the building and at least one person shot. A woman was reported to be in a critical condition and several police were injured.

There has been an armed confrontation at the doors of the House of Representatives. Tear gas has also been used.

Rioters were seen marching through the building chanting "We want Trump" and one was photographed in the Senate president's chair.

Washington police said it was clear the crowd was intent on using chemical irritants to force entry to the building.

After an occupation lasting several hours, the sergeant-at-arms - the executive office of the Senate - announced that the building had been secured by law enforcement.

But there is little sign that the protesters are obeying Trump's call to go home, despite a citywide curfew declared by the city mayor from 18:00 to 06:00 (23:00 to 11:00 GMT).

Trump recorded a video message on Twitter calling on supporters to leave the Capitol, but continuing to make unsubstantiated claims that Democrats had stolen the election.

"I know your pain, I know you're hurt," he said. "You have to go home now, we have to have peace... we don't want anybody hurt."

Biden said the demonstration "borders on sedition and it must end now". "At this hour our democracy is under unprecedented assault," he said.

Political figures across the world expressed shock. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned "disgraceful scenes" and called for a "peaceful and orderly transfer of power".

Trump's spokeswoman, Kayleigh McEnany, tweeted that the National Guard was being deployed.

Troops and police have also been mobilised in neighbouring states, and the FBI has been deployed to help Capitol police.

There are also reports of protests at state legislatures around the country.

On the steps of Capitol Hill, hundreds of loyal Trump supporters are packed closely together, as nearby armed police officers keep a watchful eye. The mood here is tense and defiant.

"We're not [expletive] Antifa!" one man screams at the police, referring to the loose coalition of "anti-fascist" activists that oppose Trump.

Trump loyalists near him wave placards that say "show us the ballots".

"All we want is for the Capitol police to stand down, and surrender the building to us," says one man to news cameras, as he is filmed by other Trump supporters.

The conviction here is that the election was stolen from President Trump, and the lawmakers inside the building should do their duty and somehow award the election to him.

ROME, JAN 7 - A new version of Italy's Recovery Plan to use the 209 billion euros assigned by the EU?s Recovery Fund was sent to government partners Thursday to try to overcome opposition from former premier Matteo Renzi's Italia Viva (IV) party which has threatened to pull out of government over the initial version of the plan. The plan was sent to the members of the ruling majority shortly after the IV equal opportunities minister, Elena Bonetti, reiterated a threat to pull out of the government. "I hope that soon talks will begin and we'll get concrete answers," she said on Sky TV. "If that doesn't happen, we're not going to stand for Italy being worn down like this. "We want serious work and we're not prepared to occupy posts just for the posts' sake". Renzi reiterated Tuesday IV was ready to quit the government in a row over the Recovery Plan and a range of other policies. Renzi has repeatedly threatened to pull his ministers from the administration led by the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S) and the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), of which he was once leader before breaking away. He has mostly cited disagreements over the government's Recovery Plan to spend Italy's 209 billion euros of the European Union's 750 billion euro Recovery Fund. On Tuesday Renzi dismissed as "chat" speculation that the row could be resolved with a reshuffle. "We are the only ones ready to quit our posts," said Renzi, who has two IV ministers, Farm Minister Teresa Bellanova and Equal Opportunities Minister Elena Bonetti. "If our ideas are not needed, you can keep your posts" Renzi this time cited a wider range of differences, over "health spending, high-speed trains, vaccines, education, culture and jobs". He said that IV had a "political problem, not a personal one" with Premier Giuseppe Conte. Conte responded Wednesday by saying he was prepared to talk about the Recovery Plan with Renzi. The Italian media has speculated that, aside from a reshuffle, there may be a government crisis that could lead to Conte being reappointed to head a new government. Failing that, there may be a snap general election. The centre-right opposition, led by nationalist League leader and former interior minister Matteo Salvini, says it is ready for an election, which it has called for citing continued government infighting. (ANSA).
American rapper Dr. Dre recently suffered from a brain aneurysm on January 4 and was rushed to the Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and was immediately taken to the ICU. Isn't It Romantic actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas took to her Instagram story to wish Dr. Dre a speedy recovery. Read on to know more about Dr Dre's health and Priyanka Chopra's Instagram story.

Also Read | Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas Send Out Christmas Cards Featuring Their Pets & Car Ride

Priyanka Chopra sends 'positive vibes' to Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre was hospitalized recently because of a brain aneurysm and was taken to the ICU immediately. Dr. Dre was stable and lucid within hours of his admission. However, the medical professionals at the Cedars Sinai Medical Center were still uncertain about his brain bleed. The doctors also ran multiple tests to find the cause of Dr. Dres brain aneurysm. Wishes for his speedy recovery poured in from all of Hollywood as well as his fans and followers and recently, actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas took to her Instagram story to wish him a speedy recovery. She shared a black and white picture of the rapper in his studio and wrote, "sending you prayers and positive vibes". She also tagged the rapper in her story and followed it up with a heart and prayer hand emojis. You can see Priyanka Chopra's Instagram story here.

Also Read | Priyanka Chopra Shares Touching Post About A Scent That Reminds Her Of Her Mother

Dr. Dre's Instagram post

The America rapper took to Instagram on January 6 to share his health update with his fans and followers. He shared an image of him sitting in the studio, and captioned the post, "Thanks to my family, friends, and fans for their interest and well wishes. Im doing great and getting excellent care from my medical team. I will be out of the hospital and back home soon. Shout out to all the great medical professionals at Cedars. One Love!!". His post received more than 1.5 million likes within a day of posting. You can see it here.

Also Read | Priyanka Chopra Slays In Her Black Ensemble, Pairs It Up With Embellished Crocs

Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra Jonas just had a Netflix release, titled We Can Be Heroes, where she played the character of Ms. Granada. The global icon is currently in London to shoot for her upcoming film Text For You. The film is a remake of the German film SMS Fur Dich and also stars Sam Heughan, Celine Dion, Russell Tovey, and Omid Djalili.

Also Read | Priyanka Chopra's Take On Meme Trend Of '2020 Won' Pun Is Hilarious, See Here

Image Credits: Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Dr. Dre Official Instagram Account

Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment.
Pro-Trump rioters -- who overtook the Capitol on Wednesday and stormed past police barricades -- vandalised the office of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Pelosi's aides said the mob shattered a big mirror in the office of the 80-year-old top Democrat and took the nameplate from above the door of her office in the highly-secure building.

One image captured a Trump supporter sitting with his feet up on the desk of Pelosi, a fierce critic of the President Donald Trump, a Republican.

Rioters flipped over tables and tore down photographs from the walls, according to The New York Times.

CNN reported earlier that a photo from inside her office suite showed a folder with the words "we will not back down" written on it.

The folder was found after rioters stormed the Capitol as members of Congress were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College win.

The veteran politician from California was re-elected Speaker on January 3. Pelosi has led her party in the House of Representatives since 2003 and is the only woman to be speaker.

Pelosi struck a defiant tone returning to the House chamber on Wednesday night, saying rioters had failed in their mission and assuring they would face justice.

"To those who strove to tear from our responsibility, you have failed," she said. "To those who engaged in the gleeful desecration of this, our temple of ... American democracy, justice will be done."



She then assured Americans that the House would continue to be about the people's business, starting tonight with certifying the election of President-elect Joe Biden.

"Despite the shameful actions of today, we still will do so," said Pelosi. "We will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of."



"Congress has returned to the Capitol," she said. "We always knew that this responsibility would take us into the night. We will stay as long as it takes," Pelosi was quoted as saying by CNN.

Earlier, Pelosi joined Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer in calling on Trump to demand protesters to leave the Capitol.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has signed a partnership agreement with the Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTS) branch in Sharjah, to utilise its capabilities and the expertise to serve and develop the UAEs maritime sector.

The agreement supports AASTS vision to enhance the Arab maritime sector by preparing the nations youth to be competent industry professionals, while also providing research and development services, a WAM report said.

The agreement was signed by Hassan Mohammed Juma Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and Dr Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Faraj, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport.

Al Mansouri said: "In the UAE, we are determined to be Number One in all areas and aim to become a unique example in sustainable development, ensuring the prosperity and wellbeing of the current and future generations in the post-oil era. This is the essence of the UAEs strategy as we prepare for the next fifty years. The maritime economy and the maritime sector are key pillars to achieve this vision. More than 20,000 maritime establishments and companies operate in the UAE. Our ports receive over 12 million containers annually, supporting the economic growth in the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Thus, boosting maritime investments, which are valued at $65 billion, annually."

Al Mansouri added: "This vision cannot be achieved without qualified and creative professionals, who are capable of using this opportunity to build on the achievements our founding fathers, under the flag of the Union. Our leaders transformed challenges into success and unparalleled prosperity and our partnership with the academy supports this vision."

Enhancing the economic capabilities Dr Faraj emphasised: "We have received unlimited support from the UAEs leadership to empower and develop the maritime sector. This has been evident since the establishment of the academys branch in Sharjah, which is the largest of all our branches and is comparable in size and capabilities to our headquarters in Alexandria."

Dr Faraj added: "Our partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, which includes the ministrys accreditation of our training and academic programmes, will make the academy the maritime academic arm that serves the UAEs maritime agenda and contributes to implementing the countrys strategic plans."

Enabling a digital era Prof. Dr Hossam Shawky, Acting Director of the Academy's Branch in Sharjah highlighted, "The UAE has made great strides in digitalising its maritime infrastructure. Its ports are listed among some of the most technologically advance worldwide. As the demand for technology-enabled solutions is increasing with the changing times, there is an urgent need to provide the maritime sector with young cybersecurity experts to enhance the protection of digital maritime assets."

Shawky added: "We aim to create awareness among all members of the society about the importance of the maritime sector, also emphasising the critical role of Emirati seamen. This endeavour will ensure that the younger generations are encouraged to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers, who left behind a rich legacy that extended from East Africa to the farthest islands of the China Sea."

Developing maritime training Commenting on the cooperation, Dr Captain Ahmed Youssef, Associate Dean of the Maritime Transport Technology College, AASTS clarified: "This agreement is especially valuable as the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure will provide full support to facilitate the training of our students on ships operating in the UAE."

Apart from its other achievements, AASTS is also known for having the highest percentage of female students among maritime academies in the Middle East and North Africa. Enrolled female students account for more than 43 per cent of the total number of students. -- Tradearabia News Service

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has described the violence unleashed by supporters of outgoing US President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday as an attack on democracy.

As the events in Washington, DC unfolded, Trudeau tweeted, Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour. Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld - and it will be.

His views were echoed by Canadas foreign minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, who tweeted, Canada is deeply shocked by the situation in Washington, DC. The peaceful transition of power is fundamental to democracy - it must continue and it will. We are following developments closely and our thoughts are with the American people.

The statements from Canadian leaders came even as small pro-Trump protests also took place in several cities in the country. A convoy of vehicles driven by those describing themselves as Canadians for President Trump drove past the US consulate in Toronto.

About a dozen vehicles participated, according to Global News, and they carried Stop the Steal flags, reflecting the accusations by Trump that the 2020 election had been lost due to electoral manipulation by supporters of his Democratic Party rival, Joe Biden.

A small demonstration was also staged outside the US consulate in Vancouver, while a rally took place outside the City Hall in Calgary in the province of Alberta.

However, police in these cities did not report any incidents of violence during the course of the protests.

In a separate statement issued by his office, Trudeau said his government was concerned over the developments in Washington, DC and was following the situation minute by minute as it unfolds.

We certainly hope things will calm down, but were going to keep watching carefully, he said.
Sen. Steve Daines Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

A group of Republican lawmakers said they planned to object to certifying the Electoral College vote on Wednesday during a joint session of Congress.

But following a violent siege on the Capitol that caused Congress to evacuate, some GOP party members have reversed course.

GOP Sens. Kelly Loeffler and Steve Daines, and GOP Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, said they now plan to vote in favor of certifying electoral votes. Sen. Mike Braun also said "today changed things drastically."

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Following a violent siege by supporters of President Donald Trump at the US Capitol on Wednesday, some Republican lawmakers who had planned to object to certifying the Electoral College vote have changed their positions.

Sen. Kelly Loeffler of Georgia, who lost reelection Tuesday in a high-stakes runoff, said from the floor of the Senate that she will no longer object to certification.

"The events that transpired have forced me to reconsider and I cannot now in good conscience object to certification of these electors," she said after Congress reconvened Wednesday night. "The violence, the lawlessness and siege of the halls of Congress are abhorrent and stand as a direct attack on what my objection was intended to protect, the sanctity of the American democratic process."

Sen. Steve Daines of Montana and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington also issued statements announcing they now plan to vote to uphold the electoral votes.

Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana, who earlier in the day had signed a letter objecting to electors from Arizona, also said "today changed things drastically," according to NBC journalist Frank Thorp. "Get this ugly day behind us."

The lawmakers were among a group of Republican congressmen who said they would object to certifying the Electoral College vote on Wednesday during a joint session of Congress that is usually procedural.

Story continues

As a last ditch move to dispute the results of the presidential election, Trump had called on his supporters to rally in DC to protest the certification. The session descended into chaos when a pro-Trump mob breached the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to evacuate and prompting an armed standoff in the House.

The violence was condemned by lawmakers from both parties.

In a statement announcing he will vote to certify the electoral college votes, Daines said: "The destruction and violence we saw at our Capitol today is an assault on our democracy, our Constitution, and the rule of law, and must not be tolerated."

"We will not let today's violence deter Congress from certifying the election," he said.

McMorris Rodgers also condemned the violence in a Facebook post, saying: "Thugs assaulted Capitol Police Officers, breached and defaced our Capitol Building, put people's lives in danger, and disregarded the values we hold dear as Americans."

"I have decided I will vote to uphold the Electoral College results and I encourage Donald Trump to condemn and put an end to this madness," she said.

Some Republican lawmakers have doubled down on their plans to object, including Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona who said in a tweet the incidents at the Capitol "will not deter our mission for truth and transparency."

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia also said in a tweet that she will still object to the electoral count, saying "despicable violence committed by fringe agitators" will not derail her objection.

Read the original article on Business Insider


By Donald Kirk





LONDON  In Europe, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson is sometimes called the English version of Donald Trump. And in the U.S., Trump's bitterest critics liken him to a dictator, maybe an American version of Hitler or Stalin or Mao or even his bosom buddy Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang.



Actually, all such comparisons are absurd. For one thing, while Johnson may have miscalculated the devastating effects of the pandemic, he's responded a lot better than Trump, who was in denial for much too long and never got the country united behind a coherent, universal, disciplined program.



As for comparing Trump with fearsome dictators, whether mass killers or petty tyrants, that's ridiculous too. Much as Trump might intimidate his foes, make false charges and tell tall tales, he's not strong enough to fulfill his fantasies of clinging to high office. His demands for recounts and recalculations of votes in the presidential election of Nov. 3 have gone nowhere, and his campaign to reverse the results makes him look like a demagogic tycoon accustomed to twisting arms and bullying underlings.



It would be hard not to find fault with just about any national leader's response to an illness that no one saw coming. Johnson on Sunday was saying most British schools would reopen and then on Monday reversed himself as a new strain of the virus spread more quickly than anyone had quite imagined.



Piers Morgan, an outspoken commentator noted for his criticism of the country's conservative leadership, went crazy on his morning program, pillorying Johnson and his education secretary for incompetence. Keir Starmer, Labour Party leader, refused to yield to Morgan's attempt at getting him to attack the conservative Johnson. Diplomatically, Starmer said it would be hard for anyone to have known just what to do but urged his countrymen to unite behind the government's edicts.



The British response to COVID-19 now appears as severe as that in South Korea, where authorities asked people to stay indoors and work and study at home while restaurants and shops remain open for briefer hours and limited service. Meanwhile, North Korea remains a mystery since foreign diplomats and almost all aid workers have left Pyongyang and no one's being led by the nose on one of those group tours that many of us endured in happier times. From all we can tell from the state media and sub rosa mobile phone conversations, Kim's dictatorship is sealing its borders tighter than ever while clandestine Chinese imports, notably fuel and food, are much reduced.



In London the famous holiday sales that had customers looking for unbelievable bargains are largely ignored. Famous brands are responding erratically, some taking orders but shipping later. You can't just go in, try on whatever you like and leave with maybe a necktie or two. Around Piccadilly Circus, on Oxford and Regent Streets, Trafalgar Square and the Strand, the heart of the West End where theaters once thrived, traffic is light and tourists not much seen. Many fashionable stores are simply shut for the duration, whatever that is.



It seems difficult to believe, that while the British media is full of news about the lockdown and the new AstraZeneca vaccine developed by scientists at Oxford, the man in charge in Washington carries on endlessly about his lost election.



In the waning days before he's pitched out of the White House, Trump might try and redeem himself by showing a little compassion for the millions of Americans who've suffered from COVID-19 and the hundreds of thousands who've died. All he seems to worry about are the millions of votes that he goes on claiming were stolen from him in pivotal states, notably Georgia, where he belabored the state's secretary of state for an hour begging him to come up with the numbers needed to give him a few more electoral votes.



You wonder how long Trump is going to go on with this mad charade. Right up until Jan. 20 when Joe Biden is to be inaugurated? Will he show up for the inauguration? And will Mike Pence be there to congratulate Kamala Harris, his successor as vice president?



Even if Trump relinquishes his embarrassing quest to sabotage the election outcome, he's obsessed over nobody's future but his own. Humiliated in defeat, he displays his true colors not as a terrifying dictator but as a comic-book bumbler unable to deal with reality and move on after four inglorious years that he never deserved in the first place.



Donald Kirk, www.donaldkirk.com, writes from Seoul as well as Washington.


WASHINGTON - Federal prosecutors and the FBI are scouring photos and videos of Wednesday's riot at the U.S. Capitol, looking for evidence of a long list of crimes to charge those who engaged in wanton acts of violence on federal property.

Seditious conspiracy. Damage to federal property. Use of explosives. Crossing state lines to commit crimes. Those are just some of the unlawful acts listed in a September memo by then-Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen - now the acting attorney general - urging prosecutors to consider tough federal charges for those engaged in violent unrest.

At the time, Rosen and his boss, then-Attorney General William Barr, were pushing for federal prosecutors to aggressively charge, and hopefully deter, further civil unrest over police conduct in cities such as Portland, Ore.; New York and Chicago. In turn, civil rights advocates and liberals expressed concerns that the Trump administration was seeking to overcharge crimes more typically prosecuted at the local level with lesser prison sentences.

Now, however, amid disturbing scenes of a mob smashing their way into a joint session of Congress to disrupt a ceremonial but essential part of the installation of the next president, law enforcement officials say Rosen's memo is a blueprint for pursuing federal cases against Wednesday's rioters.

"The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that those responsible for this attack on our Government and the rule of law face the full consequences of their actions under the law," Rosen said in a statement Thursday. "Some participants in yesterday's violence will be charged today, and we will continue to methodically assess evidence, charge crimes and make arrests in the coming days and weeks to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law."

The potential charges include seditious conspiracy, an ominous-sounding and rarely used criminal statute that bars the use of force "to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the authority thereof."

The charge carries a maximum possible prison sentence of 20 years.

Other lesser charges like unlawful entry are also likely, and may be easier to prove, given the voluminous social media postings of rioters storming into lawmakers' offices, taking material and smashing things.

Federal law explicitly makes it a crime to damage federal property, engage in civil disorder, or cross state lines in a conspiracy to commit certain crimes of violence.

On Wednesday night, a number of federal prosecutors publicly declared their intention to bring cases against anyone from their districts or states who traveled to Washington to riot.

U.S. Attorney Trent Shores tweeted that if anyone from his district in northern Oklahoma "traveled to DC to commit these violent acts then they'll be prosecuted" by his office. "We take an oath to protect the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic," he said.

Traditionally, most crimes arising from public protests in Washington, D.C., have been prosecuted locally, but with poor results, particularly in the case of scores of people charged with crimes in the city on the day of President Donald Trump's 2017 inauguration.

Since two suspected pipe bombs were found outside the Republicans' and Democrats' party headquarters Wednesday, there is also the potential for terrorism charges to be filed, depending on what evidence the FBI finds.

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Thursday decried the "blatant and appalling disregard for our institutions of government and the orderly administration of the democratic process. As we've said consistently, we do not tolerate violent agitators and extremists who use the guise of First Amendment-protected activity to incite violence and wreak havoc."

He said the FBI has deployed its "full investigative resources" and will "hold accountable those who participated in yesterday's siege of the Capitol."

While about a dozen people were arrested by Capitol Police as the rioting was ongoing, the vast majority of the mob that broke into the building were allowed to politely leave once the chaos ended. One online video even showed an officer holding the door for a stream of angry individuals, including one who triumphantly shouted: "We stopped the vote!"

Now, investigators face a more complex task of piecing together digital evidence to identify and charge those who engaged in violence. That could take weeks or in some cases months, meaning that the bulk of that prosecutorial work may be left to the Biden administration.

District of Columbia Metro police released dozens of photographs Thursday seeking to identify and possibly charge with unlawful entry some of those who stormed into Congress, including a heavily tattooed shirtless man draped in animal fur and wearing Viking horns.

The political fallout from the rioting continued Thursday, as Republicans faced a deep, angry rift within their party between those who condemned the violence and Trump's instigation of it, and those who continued to foster the unfounded notion behind the mayhem - that the presidential vote count giving Democrat Joe Biden a clear victory was somehow amiss.

Barr - who had been one of Trump's most loyal and effective cabinet secretaries and, for a time, supported his baseless claims about widespread voter fraud - issued a statement condemning the president.

"Orchestrating a mob to pressure Congress is inexcusable," Barr said in the statement, released through his former spokeswoman. "The President's conduct yesterday was a betrayal of his office and supporters."

Barr resigned as attorney general on Dec. 23, his relationship with the president having soured in his last months in office. Although he had before the election warned of the dangers of fraud from mass mail-in voting, Barr said afterward that the Justice Department had not detected evidence of such conduct that could affect the result - infuriating the president.

On Wednesday after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, Barr had issued a statement condemning the violence and calling on federal agencies to disperse it - though not taking aim at Trump. His Thursday statement made clear he blamed Trump at least in part for what occurred.
Pro-Donald Trump protesters clash with Capitol police at a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 US presidential election results by the US Congress, at the US Capitol Building in Washington on January 6, 2021. (Image: Reuters/Shannon Stapleton)

Leaders from around the world condemned the storming of the US Capitol building by supporters of outgoing United States President Donald Trump on January 6. They expressed shock at the chaos unfolding in a country they once relied upon for global leadership.



Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.

 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021

In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was distressed to see news about "rioting and violence" in Washington DC. "Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue," PM Modi said.

Disgraceful scenes in US Congress," tweeted Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, a staunch ally of the United States over generations.

The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power, Johnson added.

Other allies were similarly appalled at what they described as an attack on American democracy, though some said they believed U.S. democratic institutions would withstand the turmoil. Some leaders singled out Trump for harsh criticism.

Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling on democracy, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas wrote on Twitter. "From inflammatory words come violent deeds. He added that contempt for democratic institutions has disastrous effects.

The beauty of democracy? with a shrug emoji was the reaction tweeted by Bashir Ahmad, a personal assistant to the president of Nigeria, which has seen several coups since independence  including one led decades ago by President Muhammadu Buhari, who most recently entered the office via a vote.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera and Colombian President Ivan Duque were among those in Latin America who denounced the protesters, but both also said they were confident that American democracy and the rule of law would prevail.

In this sad episode in the U.S., supporters of fascism showed their real face: anti-democratic and aggressive,'' tweeted Luis Roberto Barroso, Brazilian Supreme Court justice and the head of the countrys electoral court. He said he hoped American society and institutions react with vigor to this threat to democracy.''

Venezuela, which is under U.S. sanctions, said the events in Washington show that the U.S. is suffering what it has generated in other countries with its politics of aggression.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has survived U.S.-backed opposition efforts to oust him despite accusations of human rights abuses, civil unrest and a humanitarian crisis that has forced millions to flee the oil-rich country.

In Puerto Rico, many people took to social media and joked that the U.S. territory no longer wanted statehood. Independence, they said, looked appealing for the first time in decades.

In fact, it was that pursuit of independence that marked one of the last times the U.S. Congress was stormed violently. Four members of Puerto Ricos Nationalist Party opened fire on the House floor in March 1954, wounding five lawmakers.

Italians watched the events with shock, having always considered the U.S. to be the model of democracy and the country that rescued Italy after its fascist descent during World War II.

This is the widely anticipated outcome of Trumpism, tweeted a retired Italian center-left politician, Pierluigi Castagnetti. And unfortunately it wont end today. When politics is replaced by deception and fanaticism of the people the drift is inevitable.

European Parliament President David Sassoli, who leads one of the largest legislatures in the world, also denounced the scenes at the Capitol. The European Union has spent four cantankerous years dealing with the Trump administration, and its top officials have repeatedly said they are looking forward to a better relationship under President-elect Joe Biden.

This is insurrection. Nothing less. In Washington, tweeted Carl Bildt, a former prime minister of Sweden.

Turkey, a NATO ally that has sometimes been at odds with Washington, expressed concern over the images of angry Trump supporters trying to thwart the certification of Biden as the new president. The chaos forced lawmakers to be rushed from the building.

A Turkish Foreign Ministry statement urged all parties in the United States to use moderation and common sense.

We believe that the United States will overcome this domestic political crisis with maturity, the ministry said.

The ministry statement also urged Turkish citizens in the United States to stay away from crowds and demonstrations.

Trump issued a restrained call for peace well after the melee was underway but did not immediately ask supporters to disperse. Later, he urged them to go home and called them very special people."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country was deeply disturbed" by the events in the U.S., Canada's closest ally and neighbor.

"Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld  and it will be, Trudeau tweeted.

Volkan Bozkir, president of the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, said he was saddened by the developments. But, he tweeted, I believe that peace & respect for democratic processes will prevail in our host country at this critical time.

Polish President Andrzej Duda, who twice visited Trump at the White House and hosted him in Poland, said on Twitter that his country had full confidence in the power of American democracy.

Former US President Barack Obama also condemned the violence, saying: "History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation."



Heres my statement on todays violence at the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/jLCKo2D1Ya  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 7, 2021



Other world leaders who have condemned the violence:

Democracy - the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob. Our thoughts are with everyone who is as devastated as we are by the events of today. I have no doubt democracy will prevail. Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) January 7, 2021



Very distressing scenes at the US Congress. We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition.  Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 6, 2021





The scenes from the Capitol are utterly horrifying. Solidarity with those in on the side of democracy and the peaceful and constitutional transfer of power. Shame on those who have incited this attack on democracy.  Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 6, 2021



An attack on Capitol Hill is an attack on democracy. We are witnessing disturbing scenes of violence in Washington DC. Liberty, democracy and decency must be respected. Katrin Jakobsdottir (@katrinjak) January 6, 2021

Other prominent personalities also condemned the violence. Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a tweet, Today marks a sad and shameful chapter in our nations history. Those responsible for this insurrection should be held to account, and we must complete the transition to President-elect Bidens administration. Its especially when they are challenged that our ideals matter most.

(With inputs from the Associated Press)
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Authors' note: We drafted this opinion piece two days ago, with the concluding sentence, "Those who seek to usurp legitimate court decisions sow the wind, and we fear that they will reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7)." We did not expect the whirlwind to wreak havoc on the American republic this quickly.

The United States is being torn apart as many citizens question the result of the recent presidential election. A large percentage of Americans believe the election was stolen. Armies of lawyers representing each side of the political divide have brought over 50 cases in courts across the land challenging the election results. Claims and counter-claims have been vicious. Some have called for the professional discipline of lawyers who aggressively pursued President Trumps claims. Respect for the rule of law and the viability of the United States government is at risk. Christians wonder what position they should take on such divisive issues.

We write as lawyers who have had a great deal of experience with the courts (having represented hundreds of Christian clients, tried hundreds of cases, and taught thousands of law students). We have seen the court system up close at every level and studied it. We write not to argue over who would make the better president, but to argue that resolution of these claims in the courts should give confidence to citizens that the election results are reliable and valid.

The role of lawyers is often misunderstood. Our fellow church members ask how lawyers can represent guilty clients. Our argument is that aggressive advocacy of all parties in a case is essential to the legal system. First, effective representation on both sides is likely to yield wise results. Judges and juries are most likely to reach correct conclusions if they have heard the best arguments and examined the strongest evidence put forth by both sides. As Proverbs 18:7 says, The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. Second, the parties and the public are most likely to accept with confidence the results in a case when they know that each side has had its best arguments put forward, heard, and considered. If lawyers had not contested the election results in the current election cases, citizens would have reason to wonder whether those results were reliable.

We believe that the best place to resolve a difficult issue of this nature is in the American court system. The legal system has all sorts of legal and factual requirements that must be met in order to ensure that outcomes are reliable, including that the party bringing a claim has standing  a real and substantial personal interest in the outcome.

We applaud the aggressive advocacy shown by both sides in these cases. The American legal system works because lawyers on each side are aggressive advocates. In our system, both sides present the best evidence and arguments for their side. When there are good lawyers and adequate resources on both sides, we can be confident in the results. We are deeply troubled that some have condemned the lawyers who brought claims on behalf of President Trump. There is a long and lofty tradition of lawyers in the United States representing unpopular clients, from those lawyers (including the future President John Adams) who represented the British soldiers who killed colonists in the Boston Massacre to those lawyers who represented the Islamic terrorists imprisoned at Gitmo. If even the most reprehensible deserve vigorous legal representation, the sitting president does as well. Such lawyers deserve our thanks. The system would not work well without them.

In the election cases, there have been strong lawyers on each side. Confidence in the results in these cases is justified because so many courts have faced the same issues and reached the same conclusions. Over 50 courts have decided against the challenges brought by President Trump.

Some argue that judges may have been influenced by political biases. We generally have confidence that judges can set aside their political biases and resolve cases based on the facts and the law, but confidence in these election cases is particularly justified because there have been numerous decisions against President Trump by judges who have come from both political parties, including President Trumps three appointees to the Supreme Court.

There were also claims of election error in the 2000 election, subject of the famous Bush v. Gore hanging chad litigation. The legal system did its job then as it is doing it now. The case was aggressively litigated and went all the way to the Supreme Court. That case was decided for the Republican candidate. Though some Democrats continued to claim that the election was stolen, every subsequent recount of the ballots has shown the reliability of the election results. Now the shoe is on the other foot and some Republicans are claiming error. In both cases, there is good reason to trust the legal system.

When we see politicians and commentators claiming election fraud, our response is "Take it to the courts. Show them the evidence. Have cases brought by the proper parties. If there is good evidence, let it be evaluated with sworn testimony, cross-examination, and counter evidence. Courts are there to resolve such cases." For an example of the painstaking work of courts in the current litigation, see:



Here and for a helpful contrast between that court opinion and opinions superficially expressed before a congressional committee, see here.

At least so far, no one has been able to present convincing evidence of sufficient voter fraud to overturn the results of the 2020 election in any state. It is time for those who oppose the policies of Joe Biden (as we do on many issues) to accept the results of the election and to begin the hard work of countering those policies with reasoned argument  to seek the good of this earthly city (Jer. 29:7). Those who seek to usurp legitimate court decisions sow the wind, and we fear that they will reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7).
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 00:54:41|Editor: huaxia

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LONDON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Britain reported a further 1,041 coronavirus-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period, the highest since April, official figures showed Wednesday.

This brought the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 77,346, the data showed.

Meanwhile, the number of daily confirmed cases of coronavirus in Britain hit 62,322 on Wednesday, the highest since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

It was the second day in a row that the number of daily confirmed cases of coronavirus in Britain topped 60,000. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 2,836,801.

The number of patients in British hospitals with COVID-19 is now above 30,000, the official figures showed.

The latest figures came as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned Wednesday that the easing of England's new national lockdown, the third of its kind since the pandemic began in the country, would be a "gradual unwrapping" and not a "big bang".

The prime minister told MPs in the House of Commons, lower house of parliament, that the government will use "every available second" of the lockdown to place an "invisible shield" around elderly and vulnerable people through the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in the coming weeks.

Announcing the lockdown on Monday evening in a televised address, Johnson urged people across the country to "stay at home" except for permitted reasons, echoing the message back in March 2020.

The House of Commons was recalled from its Christmas recess to debate and will retrospectively vote later Wednesday on the lockdown which has already been in force.

With the backing of the main opposition the Labour Party, the measure is expected to pass the vote comfortably.

The prime minister has pledged that the government would "do everything we can to keep the virus under control", warning that there are "tough, tough" weeks ahead in the fight against COVID-19.

To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia and the United States have been racing against time to develop coronavirus vaccines. Enditem
RIO DE JANEIROWith her 21st birthday fast approaching, Sara left the home she shares with her mother for her first trip on a plane. She didnt tell her family the real reason shed taken out a loan for 5,000 Brazilian reais ($1,000).

Two days later and several hundred miles away, a 25-year-old woman packed a backpack in her one-bedroom Sao Paulo apartment and left for the airport with her boyfriend.

Both women were bound for the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, seeking something forbidden in Brazil: an abortion.

Having a child that I dont want, and have no conditions to raise, and being obliged, would be torture, Sara told The Associated Press in Sao Paulos airport as she prepared to sleep on a bench near the check-in counter the night before her connecting flight.

What has helped me since I discovered I was pregnant is that I have a chance. I still have an alternative. That leaves me feeling more secure, said the woman, who lives in the interior Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte and asked that only her first name be used because of the stigma associated with abortion in Brazil.

Both women are part of a trend among Brazilian women without means who, to dodge risks and legal obstacles in Latin Americas most populous country, have sought abortions elsewhere in the region. They didnt even need passports to enter Argentina, a fellow Mercosur nation.

Their trips came just two weeks before the Dec. 30 passage of landmark legislation legalizing abortion in Argentina  the largest Latin American nation to do so. It underscores not only how Argentinas progressive social policy diverges from Brazils conservative one, but also the likelihood that more Brazilian women will seek abortions in the neighboring nation.

With the changes in legislation in Latin America, women dont need to go to the U.S., dont need a visa to get an abortion, said Debora Diniz, a Latin American studies researcher at Brown University who has extensively studied abortion in the region.

Story continues

More middle- and working-class women connected to feminist groups are now having access to something that is basically the story of wealthy women for a long time.

Sara said she couldnt risk the possibility of buying counterfeit abortion pills or undergoing a dangerous backdoor procedure in Brazil. She feared injury, death or a failed abortion resulting in complications. Getting caught could even mean jail.

An Argentine health ministry protocol provided legal leeway for Saras Dec. 14 abortion as long as she signed a statement citing the health risk the pregnancy posed. The policy was based on the World Health Organizations definition of health: A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Still, some doctors refused abortions anyway, according to Dr. Viviana Mazur, who leads the sexual health group of the Argentine Federation of General Medicine. The new law allows abortions up to the 14th week of pregnancy.

"More autonomy and dignity to women"

The law will give more autonomy and dignity to women, Dr. Mazur said. So they dont have to say please, ask permission, nor forgiveness.

Before last weeks vote, Argentine feminist groups had long pushed for legalized abortion in the homeland of Pope Francis, and they found common cause with President Alberto Fernandez, who was elected in 2019 and introduced the bill.

Activists demonstrated in front of Congress for weeks. Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who presided over the debate in a legislature where more than 40% of lawmakers are women, announced the passage of the law. A crowd of several thousand outside burst into cheers and tearful hugs.

There hasnt been any echo in Brazils Congress, where about 15% of lawmakers are women.

Brazilian law has remained virtually unchanged since 1940, permitting abortions only in cases of rape and danger to the womans life. A Supreme Court ruling in 2012 also allowed abortions when the fetus has anencephaly. Since President Jair Bolsonaro took office in January 2019, lawmakers have introduced at least 30 bills seeking to tighten laws, according to watchdog Women in Congress.

Backed by conservatives and evangelicals, Bolsonaro has said that if Congress legalized abortion, he would veto. After Argentinas bill was passed, Bolsonaro said on Twitter that it would leave children subject to being reaped in their mothers wombs with consent of the State.

He named evangelical pastor Damares Alves, who has said she opposes abortion even in cases of rape, to be his minister of women, families and human rights. After a 10-year-old was raped by her uncle and religious protesters besieged the hospital where her abortion was performed in August, Alves said the fetus should have been delivered by cesarean section.

We are working to provide a growing level of attention and protection to our pregnant women in vulnerable situations, Alves said in a written response to AP questions. No one will want to leave the Brazil that we are building, much less to kill their kids.

Diniz, the Brown University researcher, conducted a 2016 survey in Brazil that found one in five respondents had an abortion by age 40. The survey of 2,002 Brazilian women found higher rates of abortion among those with less education and income.

In 2018, a health ministry official said the government estimated some 1 million induced abortions annually, with unsafe procedures causing more than 250,000 hospitalizations and 200 deaths.

Abortion is a common experience in a womans life. But at the same time, it is a sensitive political issue, and made sensitive by men in power, Diniz said.

The Sao Paulo woman who traveled to Argentina for an abortion last month grew up in a Rio de Janeiro slum, or favela, where she frequently saw unplanned pregnancies derail womens lives, burdening them with responsibilities and making it even harder to have careers or social mobility.

Its hard to get out of that reality, she said.

She was able to leave the favela after landing a secure job, and is studying for a career in a medical field. In doing so, she became the pride of my parents, said the woman, who asked that her name not be used because she feared professional consequences and because abortion is illegal in Brazil.

Raised in a devout evangelical family, the woman said having an abortion in Brazil meant running afoul of both her God and national law. Of the two, she believed God could forgive her, so she looked abroad.

That way, she said, no one will be able to accuse me of committing a crime.

Both women turned for help to the Brazilian non-profit Miles for Womens Lives, founded by screenwriter Juliana Reis and Rebeca Mendes, who became a pioneer in 2017 when she publicly announced she would travel outside Brazil for an abortion. The group helped the first woman travel abroad in November 2019, and another 59 had followed by the end of last year. The total includes 16 women who went to Argentina in November and December.

It raises about 4,000 reais ($750) monthly from crowdfunding and pays travel costs for about one-fifth of the women, Reis said. Efforts are focused on providing moral support and helping women navigate the unfamiliar countries and connect with clinics abroad.

The group has received some 1,500 requests for assistance, whether within Brazil or abroad. Some asked about neighboring Uruguay without knowing its law applies only to residents, Reis said. The only other places in Latin America where abortion is legal are Cuba, Guyana, French Guiana and parts of Mexico.

Now that Argentina has approved legalization, the group expects to provide more Brazilian women with an affordable, safe and legal option at their doorstep. Reis said the group has 13 women heading to Argentina in January, and she expects travel there will become more commonplace, particularly from southern Brazil.

Our operations have reached an intense level because many people believe it is no longer tolerable to keep hiding this in the closet and figuring out workarounds, Reis said. For me, this is the start of a change.

After her abortion, Sara said in Buenos Aires she felt relieved, and even contemplated sharing the experience with her family.

I know women who have needed to do clandestine abortions, she said. In Brazil  and everywhere  there are women who need this support.

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Why has the Lankan MPs links to Kasargod come under the ambit of the Indian agencies

Major arrest in Wilson murder case: TN ISIS operatives wanted to wage violent Jihad

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 07: The National Investigation Agency has arrested an absconding accused in connection with the killing of police sub-inspector Wilson.

The arrested accused has been identified as Shihabudeen alias Khalid, aged 39. He is a resident of Chennai.

The NIA said that the case pertains to the killing of special sub-inspector Wilson on January 8 2020 by terrorists-Abdul Shameem and Thowfeek, while the officer was performing his duty at the check-post along Kaliyakkavilai Market Road in Kanyakumari district. The case was re-registered by the NIA on February 1 following which Shameem and Thowfeek were arrested.

ISIS linked operatives charged by NIA for murder of TN cop, Wilson

Investigation found that Khaja Mohideen, Mahboob Pasha, Ejas Pasha, Jaffer Ali and Shihabudeen had hatched a conspiracy to carry out acts of terror. They were also in the process of procuring arms and ammunition to wage violent Jihad, the NIA also said.

The NIA also found that Shihabudeen who was in Qatar had arranged for the fire arms and ammunition which was used by the other accused to kill Wilson.

Wilson, Special Sub-Inspector of Kaliyakkavilai Police station was shot and stabbed to death on January 1 by Shameem and Thowfek, while the officer was performing duty at Kaliyakkavilai Market Road check post.

After the arrest of the assailants on January 15, 2020, it was revealed that they had committed the murder of the police officer with the intention to create terror in the minds of people, including Police, as part of waging violent jihad.

The case was re-registered by NIA on 1st February, 2020 and investigation was taken over from Tamil Nadu Police. During NIA investigation, the roles of other accused in the larger conspiracy was revealed.

It was revealed that Khaja Mohideen was a member of the proscribed terrorist organisation Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)/Daish. Since May, 2019, he had radicalised Abdul Shameem and Thowfeek on the perverted jihadi (violent extremist) ideology and recruited them into his terrorist gang to carry out violent attacks against establishment especially Police, in Tamil Nadu, to bring Islamic Rule or Shariah.

In October, 2019, Khaja Mohideen had also instructed Mahboob Pasha and Ejas Pasha of Bengaluru and Jaffer Ali of Cuddalore to procure illegal fire arms and prohibited ammunition for carrying out attacks.

After mid-December, 2019, on instructions of Khaja Mohideen, the assailants Abdul Shameem and Thowfeek were sheltered in Karnataka and Maharashtra by Mahboob Pasha and they were subsequently provided illegal fire arms and prohibited ammunition.

In early January, 2020, when Tamil Nadu police arrested the associates of Mahboob Pasha at Bengaluru and started pursuing Khaja Mohideen, Mahboob Pasha, Jaffer Ali and others, Khaja Mohideen instructed Abdul Shameem and Thowfeek to attack Tamil Nadu Police at check posts along inter-state border in Kanyakumari district.

NIA court convicts BTech graduate from Chennai in ISIS conspiracy case

Consequently, the assailants had travelled to Kaliyakkavilai on 8th January, 2020 and knowingly attacked Special Sub-Inspector Wilson

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

After committing the terrorist act, they escaped towards Kerala and concealed the knife and illegal fire-arm used in the attack near Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Bus Stand in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam, respectively. The assailants further proceeded to Kozhikode, changed their appearance and then travelled to Maharashtra to live in disguise before returning to Udupi in Karnataka, where they were arrested.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 20:59:00|Editor: huaxia

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Ren Zhangtai (1st R) discusses work with his colleague in Yuanjiaping Village of Hanjiaji Town in Huining County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 5, 2021. Yuanjiaping Village, with 2,331 villagers of 538 households, was once an impoverished village with a poverty rate of 73.18 percent. Ren Zhangtai, 54, has been the secretary of Communist Party of China (CPC) branch of Yuanjiaping Village for 15 years. With Ren's consistent efforts and the support of poverty alleviation policies, the village has developed multiple industries led by vegetable cultivation. In 2018, the village shook off poverty. In 2020, Ren was awarded the provincial model worker title. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping)
WASHINGTON: President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo as his Commerce Department secretary and former union official and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as Labor secretary, people familiar with the choices told Reuters on Thursday.

The two Democrats will head sprawling agencies that will shape Bidens agenda on climate change, technology, investment and the minimum wage and other workforce rules and policies.

Biden also will nominate Isabel Guzman, a California state economic development official and small business advocate, to lead the Small Business Administration (SBA), a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The SBA has been central to distributing hundreds of billions of dollars in coronavirus aid to small businesses over the past year.

The announcements are expected to be made on Friday along with other Biden administration Cabinet positions, the sources said.

Raimondos expected nomination was first reported by CNN. As Rhode Islands first woman governor, she has pushed for a $15-an-hour minimum wage in her state, but said in a recent interview with the Providence Journal that she is reluctant to raise taxes on big earners to cover a state budget deficit.

Raimondo, 49, also said in the interview https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2020/12/15/where-raimondo-stands-taxes-nursing-home-staffing-marijuana/6549015002 that she would push for state-operated stores to sell marijuana.

A Harvard- and Yale-educated lawyer with a background in venture capital, Raimondo has launched successful workforce training programs in Rhode Island, which a source familiar with her selection said was in line with Bidens plans to boost education and worker training for 21st-century skills.

The Commerce Department is the official face of American business overseas but also runs such key federal departments as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the U.S. Census Bureau.

The department also has played a major role in Republican President Donald Trumps America First" trade agenda, imposing national security tariffs on steel and aluminum and banning numerous Chinese companies from acquiring U.S. technology, including telecommunications equipment giant Huawei.

UNION FAVORITE

Walsh, 53, currently in his second four-year term as mayor of Boston, has fought hard to rebuild the middle class, build a more inclusive, resilient economy, and fight for workers in his hometown," a source familiar with his choice said, adding that Walsh backed both a $15 minimum wage and paid family leave.

Walsh, who served from 1997 to 2014 in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, was elected Boston mayor in 2013. He is a past president of the Laborers Union Local 223, which he joined at 21, and later headed the Boston Metropolitan District Building Trades Council.

Union leaders applauded his choice.

Walsh knows that collective bargaining is essential to building back better by combating inequality, beating COVID-19 and expanding opportunities for immigrants, women and people of color," AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said in a statement.

He will have the ear of the White House, the Cabinet and Congress as we work to increase union density and create a stronger, fairer America."

Guzman currently heads Californias Office of the Small Business Advocate and helped coordinate the states economic recovery response amid the COVID-19 crisis.

A former senior SBA official during the Obama administration and small business entrepreneur, Guzman grew up as the daughter of a small business owner, learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship working in her fathers chain of veterinary hospitals.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) - The Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle is giving nurses that meet a certain criteria a $5,000 signing bonus as a way to combat the nursing shortage in north Mississippi during this pandemic.

Johnny Judson is the nurse recruiter at Baptist. He said the hospital is being very competitive to find the best health care workers by providing added benefits.

"Anything that they can do that will sweeten the pie without weakening the qualifications," he said. "They look at that from time to time and make a decision on whether this is something they could put into place.

This is how the Baptist staff came up with the idea for the signing bonus.

In order to qualify for the $5,000 bonus, nurses must have two years of experience in critical care, progressive care, medical surgical units, or the emergency department.

"You want somebody to come to the rescue. That's basically what Baptist is doing," said Judson. "They're trying to put something in place to try to lighten the load on the staff."

Judson believes this incentive could bring in more nurses.

His biggest concern is giving his health care workers a chance to take a break.

"At the end of the day, the holes have got to be filled," he explained. "Our staff, like I said, they've been stepping up to the plate to fill the holes, but we're trying to lighten the load on them."

In addition to the signing bonus, Judson said the hospital also offers student loan payback, as well as a retirement program for their employees.
By Noam Chomsky and Vijay Prashad

January 07, 2021 " Information Clearing House " - Large parts of the worldoutside of China and a few other countriesface a runaway virus, which has not been stopped because of criminal incompetence by governments. That these governments in wealthy countries cynically set aside the basic scientific protocols released by the World Health Organization and by scientific organizations reveals their malicious practice. Anything less than focused attention to managing the virus by testing, contact tracing, and isolationand if this does not suffice, then imposing a temporary lockdownis foolhardy. It is equally distressing that these richer countries have pursued a policy of vaccine nationalism by stockpiling vaccine candidates rather than a policy for the creation of a peoples vaccine. For the sake of humanity, it would be prudent to suspend intellectual property rules and develop a procedure to create universal vaccines for all people.

Although the pandemic is the principal issue on all of our minds, other major issues threaten the longevity of our species and of our planet. These include:

Nuclear Annihilation

In January 2020, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set the Doomsday Clock to 100 seconds to midnight, too close for comfort. The clock, created two years after the first atomic weapons were developed in 1945, is evaluated annually by the Bulletins Science and Security Board, who decide whether to move the minute hand or keep it in place. By the time they set the clock again, it may well be closer to annihilation. Already limited arms control treaties are being shredded as the major powers sit on close to 13,500 nuclear weapons (more than 90 percent of which are held by Russia and the United States alone). The yield of these weapons could easily make this planet even more uninhabitable. The United States Navy has already deployed low-yield tactical W76-2 nuclear warheads. Immediate moves toward nuclear disarmament must be forced onto the worlds agenda. Hiroshima Day, commemorated each year on August 6, must become a more robust day of contemplation and protest.

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Climate Catastrophe

A scientific paper published in 2018 came with a startling headline: Most atolls will be uninhabitable by the mid-21st century because of sea-level rise exacerbating wave-driven flooding. The authors found that atolls from the Seychelles to the Marshall Islands are liable to vanish. A 2019 United Nations (UN) report estimated that 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction. Add to this the catastrophic wildfires and the severe bleaching of the coral reefs and it is clear that we no longer need to linger over cliches about one thing or another being a canary in the coal mine of climate catastrophe; the danger is not in the future, but in the present. It is essential for major powerswho utterly fail to shift from fossil fuelsto commit to the common but differentiated responsibilities approach established at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. It is telling that countries such as Jamaica and Mongolia updated their climate plans to the UN before the end of 2020as mandated by the Paris Agreementeven though these countries produce a tiny fraction of global carbon emissions. The funds that were committed to developing countries for their participation in the process have virtually dried up while external debt has ballooned. This shows a lack of basic seriousness from the international community.

Neoliberal Destruction of the Social Contract

Countries in North America and Europe have eviscerated their public function as the state has been turned over to the profiteers and civil society has been commodified by private foundations. This means that the avenues for social transformation in these parts of the world have been grotesquely hampered. Terrible social inequality is the result of the relative political weakness of the working class. It is this weakness that enables the billionaires to set policies that cause hunger rates to rise. Countries should not be judged by the words written in their constitutions but by their annual budgets; the U.S., for example, spends almost $1 trillion (if you add the estimated intelligence budget) on its war machine, while it spends a fraction of this on the public good (such as on health care, something evident during the pandemic). The foreign policies of Western countries seem to be well lubricated by arms deals: the United Arab Emirates and Morocco agreed to recognize Israel on the condition that they could purchase $23 billion and $1 billion worth of U.S.-made weapons, respectively. The rights of the Palestinians, the Sahrawi, and the Yemeni people did not factor into these deals. The use of illegal sanctions by the United States against 30 countries including Cuba, Iran, and Venezuela has become a normal part of life, even during the COVID-19 public health crisis. It is a failure of the political system when the populations in the capitalist bloc are unable to force their governmentswhich are in many ways democratic in name onlyto take a global perspective regarding this emergency. Rising rates of hunger reveal that the struggle for survival is the horizon for billions of people on the planet (all this while China is able to eradicate absolute poverty and largely eliminate hunger).

Nuclear annihilation and extinction by climate catastrophe are twin threats to the planet. Meanwhile, for victims of the neoliberal assault that has plagued the past generation, the short-term problems of sustaining their mere existence displace fundamental questions about the fate of our children and grandchildren.

Global problems of this scale require global cooperation. Pressured by the Third World states in the 1960s, the major powers agreed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons of 1968, although they rejected the deeply important Declaration on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order of 1974. The balance of forces available to drive such a class agenda on the international stage is no longer there; political dynamics in the countries of the West, in particular, but also in the larger states of the developing world (such as Brazil, India, Indonesia, and South Africa) are necessary to change the character of the governments. A robust internationalism is necessary to pay adequate and immediate attention to the perils of extinction: extinction by nuclear war, by climate catastrophe, and by social collapse. The tasks ahead are daunting, and they cannot be deferred.
A day after a political rally devolved into a deadly hours-long siege of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob, The New York Times reported that President Donald Trump has considered pardoning himself in the last days of his tumultuous term in office.

Trump, whos already faced rebuke for pardoning or commuting the sentences of several political allies, has suggested to aides since Election Day that he wants to offer himself the same out. The Times reports that the president  whose business practices remain under investigation by the Manhattan district attorney and New York attorney general  is convinced hell be targeted once he leaves office.

Hes also long claimed to have the right to pardon himself  a move of debatable legality and one that legal scholars tell the Times would set a dangerous precedent for future presidents.

I have the absolute right to PARDON myself, but why would I do that when I have done nothing wrong? Trump tweeted in 2018, when his campaign was embroiled in an investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 elections.

As has been stated by numerous legal scholars, I have the absolute right to PARDON myself, but why would I do that when I have done nothing wrong? In the meantime, the never ending Witch Hunt, led by 13 very Angry and Conflicted Democrats (& others) continues into the mid-terms!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2018

Advisers and Trump allies told the Times that the president exposed himself to criminal liability by recently pressuring Georgia officials to upend President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the state, and by encouraging followers to march and fight before the Capitol was attacked on Wednesday.

Sen. Ed Markey, one of several Massachusetts lawmakers calling on Congress to impeach the president a second time, or for the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove the president, said Thursday that Trump cannot pardon himself.

No one may be a judge of their own case, he tweeted. Trump must be removed from office. Impeach. 25th Amendment. Now.

Trump cannot pardon himself. No one may be a judge of their own case. Trump must be removed from office. Impeach. 25th Amendment. Now. https://t.co/DDsZs4U3JP  Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) January 7, 2021

The only president to receive a pardon was Richard Nixon, who resigned in disgrace after the Watergate scandal and was later pardoned by President Gerald Ford. The Times noted that in 1974, the Justice Department said in a short opinion before Nixon resigned that it appeared presidents cannot pardon themselves under the fundamental rule that no one may be a judge in his own case.

But because no one has tried to self-pardon, the idea remains untested by the courts.

The assault on the Capitol, which left four people dead, including one woman shot by Capitol Police, came as more than 100 Republican members of Congress sought to curtail the final certification of Bidens decisive 306-232 Electoral College win.

Pro-Trump rioters smashed through windows and doors  though some were permitted through barriers by Capitol Police  and vandalized the halls of Congress before National Guard and other law enforcement secured the building.

Trump had also pressured Vice President Mike Pence to help overturn the election by encouraging him to ignore his constitutional duty of announcing the final electoral tally during Wednesdays joint session of Congress.

But Pence rebuffed him, telling Congress he did not believe the framers of the Constitution gave the vice president the authority to unilaterally throw out electoral votes. Shortly after Pences rejection of Trumps pressure became public, Trumps supporters stormed the Capitol. The Times reported that some users of social media sites popular among the far right sought to hunt the building for Pence, who was brought to a secure location.

White House Council Pat Cipollone warned Trump he could face legal battles for potentially inciting the riot, according to the Times. According to White House aides, Trump appeared to enjoy the scenes of his MAGA-clad supporters scaling the Capitol walls and smashing through the doors and windows of the core American seat of power.

The U.S. Capitol has not been breached since the War of 1812.

The next time we come back, we wont be peaceful, said one Trump rioter who exited the Capitol on Wednesday, according to a video shared by Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts. McGovern called for everyone in the video to be found and arrested.

Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush denounced the mayhem at the Capitol, describing the events as an insurrection brought on by falsehoods and misinformation spread for years from the highest levels of power.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley co-led an impeachment effort in the House alongside Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. Yesterdays acts of domestic terror make abundantly clear that the American people cannot afford another day of Donald Trump in office.

Yesterdays acts of domestic terror make abundantly clear that the American people cannot afford another day of Donald Trump in office.



Im co-leading @Ilhan's articles of impeachment. Trump must be removed and barred from ever holding office again. https://t.co/Lm6Qm77aR0  Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) January 7, 2021

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She has been ringing in 2021 with a beautiful beach vacation.

And Salma Hayek enjoyed another day of sun and surf as she hit the waves in a pretty green and blue bathing suit.

In a series of photos capturing her luxurious beach day on Thursday, Salma, 54, put her fabulous legs and behind on display as she did a handstand underwater.

Bottom's up! Salma Hayek enjoyed another day of sun and surf as she hit the waves in a pretty green and blue bathing suit

The star showcased her gym-honed legs as she did the impressive stunt, with her feet perfectly pointed.

In the distance, bungalows stood over the water, adding to the blissful, tropical vibe.

Salma shared several other dreamy photos of herself gently swimming about the water.

The sunlight danced upon her dark, wet tresses as she bathed in the light green waters.

Making a splash: Hayek looked peaceful as she bathed in the light green waters

The photos are just the latest Salma has been posting from her sun-soaked adventures these last few days.

Salma rang in 2021 at the undisclosed beach vacation, after hunkering down amid the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic with her French billionaire husband Francois-Henri Pinault.

Pinault is CEO and chairman of luxury fashion conglomerate Kering, which is the owner of high-fashion brands including Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen.

Bathing beauty: The sunlight danced off of Hayek's wet hair as she floated in the water

The pair are famously private about their relationship, but have revealed that they first met during a lavish gala in Italy in 2006.

They got engaged in 2007, right around the same time that they announced Salma's pregnancy with daughter Valentina, now 13.

Lavish nuptials followed on Valentine's Day, 2009, in Paris. They then renewed their vows two months later in Venice.
With blood donations seeing record lows and worries of contracting Covid-19, finding plasma donors has been a challenge for many. Fortunately, good Samaritans in the city have been helping connect plasma donors with patients.

In August, Krishnan Bhandari, 59, was rushed to the intensive care unit in Nanavati Hospital, after he contracted Covid-19 and developed pneumonia. The doctors suggested plasma therapy. We hopelessly searched for a donor for almost two days, said Bhandaris daughter, Mohini. Finally, she found Plasma In Need For Transfusion (PINT), a pan-India network of plasma donors. Within 24 hours of registration, I got a donor who came to the hospital and donated plasma under my fathers name. He was like a god to us, said Mohini. Bhandari returned home on August 31 after recovering from Covid-19.

PINT was set up by Dr Neil Pinto, 24, and Karina Thakrar, a graduate from from Loyola Marymount University, in July 2020. We match the details of patients with registered donors. Once we get a match, we immediately send the contact details of the donors to patients, Dr Pinto said. So far, over 240 recovered Covid-19 patients and over 3,400 patients have registered with PINT. We have been able to save over 400 Covid-19 patients across 12 cities in India, said Dr Pinto.

He has recently started a campaign on Ketto, an online crowdfunding website, to raise money to help Covid-19 patients in their treatment and assist blood banks in conducting antibody tests that are required for donors to donate plasma.

Business developer Ronak Shah, 30, has also been helping Covid patients find plasma donors. I have been associated with blood donation campaigns for years so many social workers have my number. Between May and August, when the pandemic was at its peak, I used to get calls even in the middle of the night, seeking plasma, said Shah, who lives in Bhayandar. Working with a few blood banks, which were grappling with shortages, Shah created a data bank for recovered patients who wanted to donate plasma.

Twelve years after Bandra resident Balu Nayar started a Twitter account (@BloodDonorIndia) to help connect blood donors to patients, the handle became a lifeline for many searching for plasma. Last year, the handle received 28,000 requests of which 20% were related to plasma. During the pandemic, we were overwhelmed with responses as we recorded almost 200% surge in demands. Some people had to struggle for days to arrange for a donor, said Nayar.

Convalescent plasma therapy uses plasma from recovered patients of Covid-19 as their plasma contains antibodies that can fight the infection. While the countrys largest trial for this therapy suggests it is not effective at severe stages of Covid-19, plasma therapy has its supporters. Dr Arpita Dwivedi, head of the critical care unit at LH Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, said, We have seen faster recovery among moderately-ill patients who are treated with Covid-19. It helps provide relief to patients who have problems with breathing.
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A man wanted on aggravated assault charges out of the Dallas County Sheriffs Office was arrested at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.

The case unfolded Dec. 30 when a CBP officer referred Ruben Andrade, a 28-year-old U.S. citizen, to secondary inspection. Further biometric verification through law enforcement databases confirmed that Andrade had an outstanding warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon out of Dallas County Sheriffs Office.
Guest Column India-Myanmar Military Ties Pay Dividends as Naga Rebels Return to Mainstream

Myanmar military commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing receives Chief of the Army Staff of India General MM Naravane in Naypyitaw on Oct. 5, 2020. / Myanmar Defense Service InformationTeam

In what may be seen as Myanmars New Year gift to India, more than 50 militants of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang faction), including its top leader Niki Sumi, were forced to abandon their base in the Southeast Asian nation.

The development comes barely two months after Indian Army chief General M.M. Naravane and Foreign Secretary H.V. Shringla paid a visit to Myanmar for a series of bilateral meetings. Credible action against Northeast Indias militants hiding in Myanmar was believed to have figured prominently in the talks.

Sumi, the president of a breakaway faction of the NSCN (K), has returned to Nagaland and reportedly shown his willingness to join the ongoing Naga peace process with Indias federal government.

New Delhi has long sought Naypyitaws cooperation in flushing out the rebel outfits waging war against India from its soil. And the latest crackdown on the NSCN (K) by the Tatmadaw (the Myanmar military) appears to be a positive outcome of Indias relentless diplomatic effort.

Needless to say, Myanmar bordering Indias Northeast is key to the Narendra Modi governments Act East policy, aimed at strengthening New Delhis ties with Southeast Asia and the greater Asia-Pacific region.

The latest episode also highlights a significant transition in Indias diplomacyfrom a pure diplomat-driven approach to one involving envoys and the top military brass. This transformation has been evident since the appointment of current Chief of Army Gen. Naravane a year ago.

In the past three months, the general has undertaken five foreign toursto Myanmar, Nepal, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Koreato boost Indias defense cooperation with friendly countries, a move to counter Chinas aggressive posture in Asia. It is pertinent to mention here that the two nuclear-armed neighbors are currently locked in a border standoff in the Himalayas.

Return of the rebels

In 1988, the NSCN, an outfit fighting for the cause of a sovereign Nagaland with the integration of all Naga-inhabited areas, was split into two distinct groupsthe one led by SS Khaplang, and the other headed by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. Almost a decade later, NSCN (I-M) signed a ceasefire agreement with the government of India and subsequently joined the peace process. However, the Khaplang faction continued to operate from its base in Myanmars Sagaing Region.

However, things started to go south after the death of the rebel patriarch, Khaplang, a Naga from the Myanmarese side, in 2017. The fact that the Nagas are not a homogenous entity and leaders from the various Naga tribes wanted to assert their claim to the top position led to an internal power struggle.

Veteran rebel Khango Konyak, an Indian Naga, took over as chairman of the outfit in 2017 after the death of Khaplang. A year later, he was impeached and Yung Aung, Khaplangs nephew, became the acting chairman. Reports suggest Aung, who belongs to the Pangmei Naga, studied in Indias Manipur, and was described by the organization as a young and dynamic leader who has served the Naga cause with dedication and commitment.

The appointment of 46-year-old Aung reportedly did not go down well with veterans like Niki Sumi, the then military adviser to NSCN (K). For them, Aung lacked the necessary qualities and skills to occupy the position once held by Khaplang, who had a godfather-like status among the militant groups of the Northeast.

It was Khaplang who allowed the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the now-defunct National Democratic Front of Boroland, both of Assam, as well as Manipuri rebels, to set up camps and train their cadres in Myanmars Sagaing Region.

Nonetheless, Sumi was expelled from the Myanmar camp of the NSCN (K) in June last year, an episode which made him and his associates vulnerable, and he came on the radar of Indian agencies.

Hunt for Sumi

Indian security agencies had been on a hunt for Sumi ever since the June 4, 2015 deadly ambush on an Indian Army convoy. Days after the Indian government revoked a ceasefire agreement with the NSCN (K), the rebel group carried out an attack on a road-opening party of the 6 Dogra Regiment of the Indian Army in Manipurs Chandel district, killing 18 soldiers.

While Sumi was believed to have planned the ambush, the United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW) claimed responsibility for the attack. Floated in April 2015, the UNLFW is conglomerate of the Paresh Baruah-led faction of the ULFA, NSCN (K) and a few other NE militant groups. Its aim was to launch a unified campaign of independence for the Northeast and the contiguous Naga inhabited region in Myanmar.

Indias National Investigation Agency filed a case against Sumi in connection with the Chandel attack and announced a reward of 1 million rupees (US$13,674 or nearly 18 million kyats) for information leading to his arrest.

Meanwhile, reports suggest the Indian government is likely to accept Sumis proposal to restore the ceasefire agreement and the cases against him may be dropped as well.

The Centre will take a measured view but this is not the first time that cases will be dropped against a wanted person who has agreed for a peaceful solution, The Hindu reported, quoting a senior government official.

(Jayanta Kalita is the Editor of The EurAsian Times. He writes on issues relating to Indias northeast and the rest of South Asia. The views expressed are his own.)

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On Wednesday, Donald Trump's supporters stormed a session of Congress held at the Capitol building to certify President-elect Joe Biden's win, triggering unprecedented chaos and violence at the heart of American democracy and accusations the president was attempting a coup.

Moments after an extraordinary rally by Trump seeking to overturn the election, a flag-waving mob broke down barricades outside the Capitol and swarmed inside, rampaging through offices and onto the usually solemn legislative floors. Police have now cleared the last of the supporters of Trump from the US Capitol on Wednesday after they stormed the building and disrupted the certification by Congress of Democrat Joe Biden's election victory.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she is extending the public emergency to 15 days, as a result of rioters overtaking the US Capitol building earlier today. This will take the emergency declaration until the day after President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

However, the violence has prompted some lawmakers to call for Trump's removal from office even before Biden is sworn in on January 20. But can it be done? Yes.

According to the Constitution, a President can be removed from office in two ways - the 25th Amendment or an impeachment which would require a Senate conviction. In both cases, current Vice President Mike Pence would take over until Bidens inauguration.

In fact, reports suggest that there have indeed been some discussions about invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump. Google Trends, too, shows a spike in search for the 25th Amendment and what it means.

The Amendment was ratified in 1967 and was actually adopted in the wake of President John F. Kennedys assassination in 1963. It basically deals with presidential succession and disability.

After Kennedy was assassinated, he was succeeded by Vice President, Lyndon B. Johnson. But this meant that the country did not have a Vice President. Moreover, there were no provisions which specified the course of action in case the President was taken ill. This raised questions about presidential succession and led to the Amendment being ratified four years later.

Section 4 of the Amendment specifies what happens if a President becomes unfit to preside and yet refuses to leave office. Rings a bell? Trump has made it clear over and over again, from the day election results were declared, that he would not leave the office easily.

The drafters of the 25th Amendment clearly intended for it to apply when a president is incapacitated by a physical or mental illness, experts say. Some scholars have also argued that it could also apply more broadly to a president who is dangerously unfit for office.

For it to be invoked, Pence and the majority of Trumps Cabinet would need to declare that Trump is unable to perform the duties of the presidency. Pence would then take over.

Could Trump refute the claim and instead say that he is capable to preside over the office? Yes, he could. But it would have to be verified by Pence and the majority of the Cabinet. If they vote in favour of Trump, he would regain his power. If not, the issue would then be decided by Congress, but Pence would continue to act as president until then.

Americans also wanted to know if the 25th Amendment has ever been invoked. Sections of the Amendment, which lays down guidelines for succession, have been invoked. According to USA Today, the third section was used during Ronald Reagan's presidency. The third section allows a president to temporarily hand over duties and responsibilities to a Vice President. It was applied when Reagan underwent a surgery in 1985.

However, the fourth section of the Amendment has never been invoked.

READ: Simpsons May Have Predicted US Capitol Hill Violence, and There May Be 'More' to Come

READ: Trump Blocked by Twitter, Facebook amid Capitol Violence. Internet Asks 'What About Nuclear Codes?'

There is also a lot of interest on Google on where exactly Donald Trump is right now and what he could be doing right now.

For one, the President has been blocked on social media platforms Twitter and Facebook - which could explain his silence.

Twitter locked Trump out of his account for 12 hours and said that future violations by Trump could result in a permanent suspension. In a similar fashion, Facebook put a 24-hour lock on Trump's account citing two violations of its policies.
China on Wednesday said it is firmly opposed to the U.S. decision to hold a so-called "political-military dialogue" with Taiwan authorities, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday announced it planned to hold a videoconference with Taiwan authorities on Wednesday to discuss regional developments, Taiwan-U.S. military cooperation, and arms sales.

Speaking at the regular press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that the U.S. move has seriously violated the one-China policy and the three China-U.S. joint communiques.

Noting the Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and core interests, Hua said it is the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations.

"We urge the U.S. to earnestly abide by the one-China policy and the three China-U.S. joint communiques and stop its official exchange and military contact with Taiwan, lest it should further harm China-U.S. relations and cross-straits peace and stability," said the spokesperson.

She added that China will take legitimate and necessary reactions to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and security interests.

On the same day, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs also voiced firm opposition to the U.S. move, urging the U.S. side to stop sending out misleading signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

She denounced the attempts by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority in Taiwan to seek "Taiwan independence" relying on U.S. forces.

"It would only bring disaster to the Taiwan people," Zhu added.
Anthony Fauci, director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at NIH, testifies at a Senate Health, Education, and Labor and Pensions Committee on Capitol Hill, in Washington on Sept. 23, 2020. (Graeme Jennings/Pool/Getty Images)

Dr. Fauci Says China Played Role in COVID-19 Spread

The head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that a lack of openness by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials regarding the novel coronavirus transmission and their blocking of top U.S. scientists from going to Wuhan to investigate the virus contributed to the rapid spread of the CCP virus.

Back then, the lack of full appreciation of the seriousness of what we were dealing in, was [due to] a number of reasons, Fauci told Axios recently. Some things were absolutely not known by anybody. And, some things were known by the Chinese and they werent very transparent about it.

In addition, Fauci said the late reporting on the person-to-person and asymptomatic transmission of the virus also contributed to the spread. Fauci was clear that if U.S. officials had been aware of the asymptomatic spread, it would have changed the guidance on masks, social distancing, and contact tracing early on.

You dont know everything you need to know the first day, Fauci said.

Although the CCP virus started in China in late 2019, it wasnt until late January 2020 that the World Health Organization called it a public emergency. And, it wasnt until July that the Center for Disease Control officially asked people to wear masks to slow the spread of the virus.

We are not defenseless against COVID-19, said CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield. Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virusparticularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.

On Jan. 6, the United States reported a new highest single-day CCP virus death toll since the disease rocked the nation last yeara new grim record for a pandemic that has been worsening over the past weeks.

Officials said a total of 3,963 people died in the United States on Jan. 6 from the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the coronavirus, a new high that is believed to be influenced by the recent holidays.

The new single-day high comes as the U.S. CDC predicted the overall death toll could exceed 430,000 by the end of January.

The reality is that December, January, and February are going to be rough times, Redfield said during a live-streamed presentation in December hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

I actually believe theyre going to be the most difficult time in the public health history of this nation, he continued.

A new, more easily spread variant of the CCP virus was announced in the United Kingdom earlier in December. Fauci said this variant needs to be taken seriously as it has emerged in the United States.

This just underscores the need to continue to put our foot to the floor and the pedal about making sure we do the public health measures that we talk about all the time, Fauci said on the Today Show in December. The wearing of masks, the physical distancing, the avoiding crowds, and congregate settings. Those are the kind of things that will prevent this new strain from spreading even further.

Lorenz Duchamps contributed to this report.
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Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

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Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

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Looking forward to 2021, with many uncertainties ahead, the world's longest-running cryptocurrency exchange, BTCC launches AMAs on the topic "Crypto Trends to Look For in 2021" to help the cryptocurrency community to clear the uncertain economic times ahead.

LONDON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At the beginning of 2021, the world's oldest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, has seen an all-time high of over $35,000 on 6 January 2021, which is not surprising for institutional investors as well as high-net-worth individuals who consider BTC as a hedge against extraordinary fiscal stimulus programs. Here is an AMA summary from Chief Research Officer, Dan at BTCC.

ETH Price Prediction in 2021

The world's largest financial derivatives exchange, CME Group, announces its ETH derivative product will go live on February 2021, following the launch of Bitcoin derivative product. It means ETH will be considered as a financial product, and will be regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). We expect that the launch of ETH derivative product next year will bring more institutional funds into the market, thus the price of ETH is very likely to see a massive rise.

Growing Number of Institutional Players Entering the Crypto Market

The year of 2020 also has seen numerous examples of institutional investors turning their attention to the world's most popular cryptocurrency. For example, one of the largest insurance firms, MassMutual, has purchased $100 million of Bitcoin on December 2020.

We expected to see the crypto market to rise from the end of 2020 to 2021. The difference between the bull run this year to the one in 2017 is that previous bull was driven by individual investors and some whales. However, the bull run this year is mainly driven by institutional investors pushing the price up.

Top 10 Cryptocurrencies to Look Out for in 2021

The major theme of crypto market next year will be around DeFi, Polkdot, and ETH 2.0, therefore we will expect ETH remain unchanged at the top 2. While XRP, BCH, LTC and EOS are not what the market needs for next year, we expect to see these coins fall out of their current ranking.

Here is a prediction of crypto ranking in 2021 by Dan: BTC, ETH, USDT, LTC, XRP, BNB, LINK, UNI, DOT, BCH.

BTCC currently offer 9 major cryptocurrency trading pairs including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), EOS (EOS), Ripple (XRP), Stellar (XLM), Dash (DASH), and Cardano (ADA). Users can trade Bitcoin weekly contract, and perpetual contract at BTCC with leverage of 10x, 20x, 50x and 100x. BTCC also offer Bitcoin daily contract with 150x leverage.

About BTCC

Founded in 2011, BTCC is the world's longest-running crypto exchange and currently headquartered in the UK. With nearly 10 years of operating history, BTCC is known for its safe and stable, top-end market depth, and as well as faster transaction speed. For more information, visit www.btcc.com.

Press Contact: [email protected]

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Agartala, Jan 7 : To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War victory, the BSF as part of its year-long programme would organise a 70-day long cycle rally covering 3,266 km frontiers of five Indian states from January 10, an official said on Thursday.

Tripura frontier Inspector General (IG) Susanta Kumar Nath said that the 70-day long cycle rally would start from West Bengal on January 10 and would culminate on March 17 in Mizoram covering the 3,266 km distance, mostly along the frontiers of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Bangladesh Liberation War victory, the BSF had organised a wreath laying ceremony at the Liberation War Memorial at the Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Uddyan Park, Chottakhola, in south Tripura on December 16.

War veterans were felicitated at the function, where hundreds of school children sang patriotic songs. Songs were also played by the BSF brass band and a short movie on the role of the 'Mukti Vahini in 1971 War' was screened on the occasion.

The Tripura government has developed a big memorial and park at the border village of Chottakhola -- 132 km south of Agartala -- in memory of the Indian soldiers and Bangladeshi freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 war.

Nath said that the BSF is always maintaining good relations with its counterpart -- Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) -- at every level of hierarchy.

"The BSF-BGB Border Co-ordination Conference was held at Tripura frontier headquarters at Shalbagan near Agartala in November and both the border guarding forces resolved to strengthen their ties by addressing various border issues.

The issues include trans-border crimes including smuggling of narcotics and other contraband items, and carrying forward the pending developmental works in order to achieve the common goal of establishing peace and tranquillity along the international border.

The commemoration of the 50th anniversary year of 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War victory was decided at the five-day long 51st Director General level talks held in Guwahati on December 22-26.

During the yearlong commemoration, ex-BSF officers and personnel, Bangladeshi Mukti Yoddha (freedom fighters) and important personalities would be felicitated and the celebrations would culminate on December 16 this year.
When customers need parking compliance, American Wrecker is able to ensure that residents and employees have a place to park. The application of a boot serves as a deterrent to the illegal or extended occupation of parking spaces.

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / American Wrecker Company is pleased to announce that the private towing service in Houston, Texas, is more than just a towing firm. In selected areas, the company has launched a new booting service. Enforcing compliance with parking regulations can be a problem, but towing is not always the answer. Booting, or placing a locking mechanism on the wheels of offenders' vehicles, is combined with the highly popular 'anti-tow' parking enforcement program in a number of areas in and around Houston.

Booting is a workable alternative to towing all violators or to give out repeated warnings. Neither solution has historically been effective. A more effective and balanced solution is to place a special boot on the vehicle, which can be quickly removed. Booting can generate parking compliance without causing harsh push back. The solution is available only on certain properties and in selected areas of Houston.

When a vehicle is towed, the firm uses 24/7 storage lots located in proximity to the owner's property. Unlike other tow companies, AWC doesn't tow to other municipalities where the towing fee is higher. The towing distance is kept as low as possible to keep costs at a minimum.

American Wrecker Company offers various other services, including parking lot striping and additional parking lot services such as design and compliance with other regulations. AWC is a parking expert. They know the number of handicap spots needed and the required width of the driveway for emergency or fire access. The parking lot services include determining the traffic levels of the lot after hours and the littering habits of visitors to the lot. The drivers and patrol officers provide videos, photos, and reports about activities. The firm also helps property owners keep properties clear of junk vehicles. The abandoned or disabled vehicles are removed after appropriate notice to the owner.

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(Natural News) Their mantra is equality at all costs. In practice, however, each member of The Squad wants to be more equal than the others, which is why the infamous band of socialists could be coming to a bitter end.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) wants to rule the roost in exclusivity without having to share the progressivism spotlight with Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. Meanwhile, Omar is purportedly upset at AOC for taking a Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine before everyone else.

You might call it trouble in socialist paradise, where the ideal of everyone being equal is not working out very well. Once the new Congress is installed, this band of socialist hacks is likely to disintegrate, according to a senior staffer.

I think the idea of The Squad is going to go away, and I think that it is going to be fascinating to see how [AOC] shares the spotlight of progressivism, this individual is quoted as saying.

Conservative commentator Ann Coulter also called out AOC on Twitter, asking how it was possible for her to get one of President Donald Trumps Operation Warp Speed vaccines when she is clearly not over the age of 70.

In a tweet of her own, AOC attempted to explain how Trumps mRNA vaccines are different from traditional vaccines, which generated plenty of laughs and overt criticism.

The point is AOC appears to be digging stardom almost as much as being a member of Congress and doing Congressy things,' writes Mike Miller for Red State.

Be sure to check out this article, which explains how mRNA technology works and what it does to the body.

Socialism for thee, but not for me

To get to this point, The Squad had to pretend to like each other while embracing an ethic of were all in this together. Now that they believe Trump is on the way out, however, The Squad, ironically, has opted for a crony capitalistic mindset of me and only me.

The other Squad members who are not AOC apparently intend to try to steal the spotlight away from the former bartender and boost themselves after the new Congress is installed. Many of the incoming freshmen also plan to do the same.

Progressive Ritchie Torres from the Bronx, for instance, publicly indicated that he has no plans to align himself with The Squad. The same goes for Mondaire Jones, the first openly gay black man to ever serve in Congress.

In other words, all of these socialists are really just out for themselves, which is ironic considering their collectivist platform.

[T]he broader message that this carries is this fantasy that there is some sort of orchestrated squad that is doing anything at all resembling strategic things for anybody other than themselves, is how one report puts it.

As for AOC, the original ringleader in all this, about 60 percent of the country thinks poorly of her, according to a recent poll. And a whopping 75 percent of the country wants nothing to do with her socialist platform.

The Squalid Squad will be riding the ash heap of history as they get marginalized by their own party, wrote one Red State commenter. Hopefully, the MSM has gotten the DNC memo that states AOC should not be given the amount of obscene coverage that she got last term.

Dont count your eggs before theyre in the pudding, wrote another. These damn Bolsheviks never go away. Otherwise, it looks like AOC is really enjoying the Good Life (TM), as it looks like shes packed on more than a few pounds.

More of the latest news about Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

RedState.com

Science.news

NaturalNews.com
Every living former US president on Wednesday denounced the violence of a mob that stormed the Capitol building in Washington, forcing lawmakers to flee to safety and leaving one woman dead.

The crowd, made up of supporters of President Donald Trump, opposed the certification underway in Congress of Joe Biden's presidential election win in November.

George W. Bush called out fellow Republicans for fueling the "insurrection," likening the situation to a "banana republic."

"I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions and our law enforcement," Bush's statement said, in a barely veiled swipe at Trump.

Barack Obama also blamed Republicans and Trump, "who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election," he said in a statement.

Trump's most recent predecessor called the incident "a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation."

"But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise," Obama said, calling the events of the day "the consequences" of Trump and his supporters refusing to accept the results of last year's election.

Bill Clinton denounced the riot as "unprecedented assault" on the US Capitol and the nation itself.

"Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country," the Democratic former president said in a statement.

"The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost."

And the oldest member of the exclusive club, 96-year-old Democrat Jimmy Carter, said he was "troubled" by Wednesday's scenes, which he called a "national tragedy."

"We join our fellow citizens in praying for a peaceful resolution so our nation can heal and complete the transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries," he said in a statement.

caw/ft

Honda Motor will reduce vehicle production due to a supply crunch in semiconductors, Nikkei has learned, a sign that a pandemic-spurred global shortage is threatening the auto industry.

The Japanese automaker will first shrink production by about 4,000 units this month. The change will mainly affect the Fit subcompact manufactured at a plant in Suzuka, a city in Japan's Mie Prefecture.

There are warnings that the cuts could be worse later in the year. "The period starting in February may be grim," said a source familiar with the matter. The shortage could "impact tens of thousands of vehicles during the January-March quarter on the domestic side alone," the source added.

Honda has apparently run short on semiconductors used in vehicle control systems. As people stay mainly indoors and work from home, demand has surged for chips used in smartphones and computers. As chipmakers focus on meeting that demand, semiconductor supplies to auto parts manufacturers have stalled.

In October last year, Asahi Kasei suffered fire damage at its semiconductor plant in Japan's Miyazaki Prefecture. That has contributed to a shortage in chips for audio components. But the incident apparently is not connected to Honda's production cuts.

"We have secured inventories [for that component] at this moment," said a Honda representative.

Honda will not halt factory operations this month, but the company is expected to limit the daily number of vehicles produced. A cutback of 4,000 autos represents less than 0.1% of the 4.77 million units produced globally in fiscal 2019.

Because the process of procuring material and turning it into semiconductors takes more than three months, adjusting production volume quickly based on demand is a tall order. The coronavirus pandemic caused demand for cars to drop during the first half of 2020. At the time, automakers temporarily cut orders for semiconductors, and the chip suppliers modified production plans accordingly.
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Thursday that the state government was keeping a check on the bird flu outbreak and had issued guidelines for poultry farms. He added that Madhya Pradesh had also banned the supply of chicken from southern states for the next 10 days.

We are keeping an eye on Bird flu and have issued the guideline for poultry farms. We have banned the supply of chicken from the southern states to MP for the next 10 days. We are taking precautions, Chouhan said while speaking to reporters.

Earlier, the chief minister had reviewed the bird flu situation in the capital city of Bhopal and instructed officials to take preventive measures and step up surveillance at poultries in those districts where bird deaths have been reported. He further told them to ensure that all guidelines are followed and urged the animal husbandry department and other allied agencies to stay on alert.

We are keeping an eye on Bird flu and have issued the guideline for poultry farms. We have banned the supply of chicken from the southern states to MP for the next 10 days. We are taking precautions: MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan https://t.co/9NCopgk3my  ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2021

An official report on Tuesday had confirmed bird flu as the cause of mass deaths of crows in Agar Malwa and Mandsaur districts of MP, after Indore. Presence of H5N8 virus (a variant of avian influenza or bird flu) was found in the carcasses of crows in Mandsaur and Agar Malwa districts, an official told news agency PTI after citing the results of the samples sent for laboratory examination.

Also Read| Centres advisory on bird flu: Heres all you need to know

In Indore, a total of 155 dead crows have been detected with the H5N8 virus since it was first detected in the city last week. As many as 400 bird deaths have been reported across 10 districts of the state.

The official quoted above added that samples were also collected from Ujjain, Sehore, Dewas, Guna, Shajapur, Khargone and Neemuch districts and were sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal for examination.

Also See| Photos: States sound alarm after cases of bird flu reported

Meanwhile, several states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu , Kerala and Karnataka etc have been placed on alert and have stepped up the surveillance and monitoring of birds for any signs of the virus. The central government has deployed multi-disciplinary teams in bird flu affected areas and the Union fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying ministry said that advisories have been issued to contain further spread of the virus in poultry ducks, migratory birds and crows.

(With agency inputs)
After an afternoon of unprecedented chaos in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday that turned into an evening of solemn debate on the basic principles of American democracy, Floridas two Republican U.S. senators split on a vote to decertify Pennsylvanias electoral college results early Thursday morning.

Sen. Marco Rubio voted against decertifying the results, joining 93 of his colleagues in the U.S. Senate. But Sen. Rick Scott was one of seven Republican senators to vote in favor of decertifying the results, hours after voting the opposite way in a similar vote regarding Arizonas electors.

Scott said in an earlier statement that he would likely object to Pennsylvanias electors, but that was before the U.S. Capitol became the scene of a violent riot where at least one person was killed. Some Republican lawmakers, particularly in the U.S. Senate, switched positions in light of Wednesdays violence.

Congress continued to certify the vote for president on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, reconvening after the Capitol was cleared of the violent mob that broke in. In the case of Arizonas electors, Rubio and Scott voted with all Democrats and a majority of Republicans in what is typically a procedural move that marks the final step of the presidential election before inauguration.

The House and Senate finalized the electoral college tally after 3 a.m. Thursday, further formalizing Joe Bidens 306-232 electoral vote win.

In a Senate speech, Rubio said hed heard from friends, family and Republicans about their frustrations with how states handled their elections and their feelings that the media had downplayed negative stories about Biden, and that objecting to states electors was a way for some Republicans to send a message.

But then today a woman died here. Today, police officers were hurt here, he said. And now is no longer the time for that kind of message.

Six Senate Republicans voted to challenge Arizonas electors, a departure from earlier Wednesday when at least 14 senators, including Scott, indicated they would vote with Trump. Scott said earlier on Wednesday he was likely to challenge Pennsylvanias results.

Story continues

The vote was a rebuke of Trumps unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 election was wrongly decided.

The House of Representatives later also voted to uphold Arizonas and Pennsylvanias electors on Wednesday evening but Floridas Republican delegation overwhelmingly voted to decertify the electoral votes. Two of Floridas 15 House Republicans voted not to decertify Arizonas and Pennsylvanias electors.

Miamis two Republicans in the House of Representatives  Reps. Carlos Gimenez and Mario Diaz-Balart  voted in favor of decertifying Arizonas and Pennsylvanias electors late Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

I have become convinced that the electors in some states were selected in an unconstitutional manner, Diaz-Balart said in a statement, though he acknowledged that Biden will be sworn in as president on Jan. 20. I simply cannot vote to uphold a slate of electors under those circumstances.

Rep.-elect Maria Elvira Salazar, who hasnt been sworn in after testing positive for COVID, did not reveal her position even though she cannot vote.

The two Florida Republicans to vote against decertifying Arizonas electors were Reps. Vern Buchanan and Michael Waltz. Republican Rep. Gus Bilirakis did not vote. Bilirakis announced a positive COVID test on Wednesday and said he was quarantining.

At one point during a speech by Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., Florida Democratic Rep. Al Lawson nearly came to blows with Maryland Republican Rep. Andy Harris, when Republicans objected to Lambs speech.

The dispute happened at the same spot where police hours earlier had pointed guns at rioters from inside the House chamber. The two men did not actually come to blows and eventually returned to their seats.

All Democrats present voted against decertifying the electors. In the final Arizona vote, 122 lawmakers, all Republicans, were in favor of decertifying, while 303 lawmakers, including 82 Republicans, were against decertifying. In the final Pennsylvania vote, 138 lawmakers, all Republican, were in favor of decertifying while 282 lawmakers, including 64 Republicans, were against decertifying.

Florida Reps. Matt Gaetz and Brian Mast spoke in favor of overturning Arizonas electors on the House floor ahead of the vote. Gaetzs speech defending the president drew groans from Democrats after he said some of the rioters who breached the Capitol on Tuesday were left-wing agitators and not Trump supporters.

The push to overturn President-elect Joe Bidens victory will be unsuccessful. But the debate in the Capitol  and the unruly occupation of the building by thousands of Trumps angry supporters that included the death of one woman in the Capitol  displayed the extent to which the presidents refusal to concede to Biden has divided his own party and the country.

As the House finished its vote on Wednesday, with the prospect of future challenges beyond Arizona uncertain, the glass window door of the House of Representatives remained shattered after rioters engaged in an armed standoff with police eight hours earlier.

The voters, the courts and the states have all spoken, said Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who urged his colleagues to accept the results. If we overrule them, it would damage our Republic forever.
New Jersey teachers have been prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccine, offering hope theyll return to classrooms sooner rather than later. But in a year of turmoil, even good news has local schools asking yet another controversial question.

Can districts require teachers to get vaccinated?

All of the evidence that I am aware of to date suggests that it is permissible as a matter of law, and it is certainly possible that is what schools and other employers will do, said Stacy Hawkins, an attorney who teaches employment law at Rutgers Law School.

Whether or not they will, I guess, is an open question.

Looming access for teachers and other staff has sparked conversations among administrators and school board attorneys over whether districts can require employees to get immunized. The answer is yes, according to some legal experts. Yet it raises another question: Should exhausted school leaders actually do it considering the potential pushback that will follow?

The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in December released guidance saying employers would not be discriminating against workers if they require them to get vaccinated, Hawkins said. A 1905 Supreme Court case, Jacobson v. Massachusetts, also establishes the governments ability to require a vaccination, a right that would extend to public school districts, Hawkins said.

Exemptions for religious beliefs and medical reasons would need to be part of the requirement, she added.

Most school districts have mandatory vaccinations for students, and so this is really no different, Hawkins said.

New Jersey has reported 108 in-school coronavirus outbreaks involving 546 students, teachers and staff since the school year began in late August, according to the states COVID-19 dashboard. Several districts are already considering whether they need to require vaccinations for staff, even though it remains unclear exactly how soon educators will be able to get immunized, said Marc Zitomer, a school board attorney whose firm works with dozens of districts.

I havent seen it actually put into any type of official policy yet or board resolution, but I know its being seriously considered by many of my school districts clients, he said.

Zitomer cited the EEOC guidance, as well as the 1905 Supreme Court ruling, as the basis for districts authority to impose a mandatory vaccination.

I think school district employers are within their rights to impose certain mandates and directives, and that when employees fail to follow these mandates and directives, I do think a school would be within its rights to impose whatever disciplinary action it deems appropriate, Zitomer said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended teachers and other school employees be part of Phase 1b of the nations vaccination program. That group also includes those who work in food and agriculture, manufacturing, corrections, the U.S. Postal Service, public transit and grocery stores. Phase 1b was initially projected to begin this month, though its unclear how a slow initial rollout nationwide will affect the timeline.

Gov. Phil Murphys administration has not yet announced a date when teachers can get vaccinated. His office did not respond to questions about vaccinations for school employees or whether it would consider mandating them.

Zitomer said districts are not hopeful the state will offer guidance on mandating teacher vaccinations.

They have really left schools on their own to make decisions for what each school district believes is in its own best interest, he said.

Madison is among the public school districts researching a mandatory vaccination policy in the event that it becomes necessary, Superintendent Mark Schwartz said.

We are not eager to require vaccination for people, he said. But at the same time, we want to make sure we are making the best decision with regard to the health of all of our employees, students and community members.

The district has not yet taken a position on mandatory vaccination for staff, and Schwartz expects it to be a difficult conversation, he said.

We want to start having those conversations now, he said.

However, districts could easily run into legal challenges if they require staff members to get vaccinated, said Ira Mintz, a labor attorney and former general counsel for the states Public Employment Relations Commission.

The EEOC guidance does not cover employers obligations pursuant to collective bargaining law, and health and safety issues are often negotiated as terms and conditions of employment, Mintz said.

I do think employers would be well advised to reach out to unions before unilaterally imposing it, Mintz said. Any requirement like this, they are just inviting litigation if they dont consult the union first.

The New Jersey Education Association, the states largest teachers union, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hawkins predicted districts could possibly face union resistance or grievances from individual workers, both of which could be a deterrent to mandatory vaccinations. Even if a district does establish such a policy, it might simply allow teachers who refuse to be immunized to work remotely as long as students are still in online learning.

I dont think they have the appetite for taking on any unnecessary battles, Hawkins said.

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Adam Clark may be reached at aclark@njadvancemedia.com. Have a news tip or a story idea about New Jersey schools? Send it here.
The world of tyre safety received some good news recently, with the Department for Transport's Reported Road Casualties Great Britain (RRCGB) report providing some cause for optimism.

This statistics show in 2019 there were 1,752 deaths on British roads, which is about the same as the level since 2012. There were 153,158 casualties reported, which marks a 5% drop from the previous year. We should note, as the report's authors do, that there has been an upsurge in traffic over the past decade, which means that the rate of fatalities per billion has actually dropped by 4% the year.

4% might not sound like a very impressive achievement - but if we measure progress over a decade, it quickly adds up. In 1979, the figure for fatalities was 6,352. Since then, the numbers have tumbled steadily downward.

When assessing the statistics, it's easy to lose sight of what this really means in terms of people who are alive now who otherwise might not have been. Traumatic hospital visits that haven't occurred; funerals that haven't been attended; families that haven't been devastated. It's worth pausing to reflect on the progress that's been made, if only to reassure ourselves that all of the little road safety measures we take really do add up to something.

What to Check

So, what measures can we all take? Fortunately, we have a reminder in the form of TyreSafe's new video, launched to mark the start of Tyre Safety Month. It mocks up a few classic film posters in tyre-related form.

TyreSafe's campaign is built around the tagline "Are your tyres ready for ACTion?". In this case, ACT is an acronym, standing for Air Pressure, Condition, and Tread. Let's think about each in term.

Air Pressure

Your air pressure will determine how much of the tyre actually comes into contact with the road. The more contact, the more grip, and the less the braking distance. As well as saving you money on your fuel bill, this is a step that could spell the difference between life and death.

Condition

Inspecting for lumps and bulges can be a lifesaver. Misshapen tyres are at risk of 'catastrophic failure' according to TyreSafe. They should be replaced as soon as is practicable. You can buy tyres online from reputable sellers. Doing so will save you money, and thereby help you to buy replacements that little bit more regularly.

Tread

The tyre's tread plays an essential role in transmitting water away from beneath the tyre. If it's not deep enough, then it'll be vulnerable to skidding. A tyre is legally required to have tread that's more than 1.6mm deep. You can check this easily using the trim around the edge of a 20p piece.


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Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2021 5:03 pm

Lewis Countys first baby of 2021, a baby girl named Karinna, was delivered at 9:52 a.m. on Jan. 4 at Providence Centralia Hospital.

Karinna was born to Centralia parents Rylee Deguise-Lansidell and Jay Bean and weighed 6 pounds and 7 ounces.

In the time of COVID-19, the new parents spent most of the day Monday video-calling family and friends to virtually introduce them to the new member of their family.

The newborn is already being called by her nickname Snooks  a nickname commemorating Deguise-Lansidells grandmother, who recently died.

(My grandma) meant a lot to us and we really hoped she would be here when the baby arrived, the new mom said. So, weve been calling her Snooks or Baby Bean.

The couple arrived at Providence Centralia Hospital at about 6 p.m. on Jan. 3, and after a long and slow progression, they ultimately decided on Caesarian section, according to a press release from the hospital.

Thankfully, all the staff has been great, and weve felt very safe, Deguise-Lansidell said. Now we just want to thank all our family and friends for the support weve already begun to receive. And we just look forward to being good parents to our baby.

Providence Centralia Hospital doctors delivered 685 babies in 2020, 632 in 2019 and 662 in 2018.
BEIJING, Jan. 7 -- At the beginning of 2021, China published a series of new developments in its major aerospace programs. According to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the various modules, spacecraft, and rockets of the engineering space station under Chinas first space station developed by the CASC are under final assembly and testing as planned. The core module of its manned space station is scheduled to be launched this spring. Besides, Chinas Mars probe Tianwen-1 is expected to implement its braking at periareon in February this year.

At present, Chinas manned space program has entered mission preparation phase for its space station construction. During 2021 and 2022, Chinas manned space program is expected to conduct a total of 11 launches including the core module, two experiment modules, four crewed spacecraft, and four cargo spacecraft to complete the construction of the space station. Chinas space station project has completed all the tests specified in the overall outline.

In terms of Chinas spacecraft system, the final assembly of the Shenzhou-12 spacecrafts recovery and landing subsystem has been completed.

Three launch vehicles, namely Long March-2F, Long March-7, and Long March-5B carrier rockets, will send the crewed spacecraft, cargo spacecraft, and core module into space. They are under final assembly and testing in an orderly manner in Chinas Beijing and Tianjin. The launch of the core module by the Long March-5B Y2 carrier rocket, among others, is planned to be carried out at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Chinas Hainan Province this spring.

In terms of planetary exploration, as of 6 a.m. on January 3, Tianwen-1, Chinas first-ever Mars probe, has been in space for about 163 days with a journey of more than 400 million km. The spacecraft was around 130 million km away from Earth and about 8.3 million km from Mars.

Next, Tianwen-1 is scheduled to implement the braking at periareon when approaching Mars around February 10, then enter the Martian orbit and prepare for its landing on Mars.

Chinas carrier rocket Long March-5B is being tested.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
OXFORD, England, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Theolytics, a UK biotech harnessing viruses to combat cancer, today announced the closing of a US $6.8 million (UK 5 million) Series A round. The round was co-led by Epidarex Capital and Taiho Ventures LLC with participation from existing investor, Oxford Sciences Innovation (OSI). The financing will be used to progress the company's pipeline of candidates towards human clinical trials.

Theolytics is focused on creating a step-change in the oncolytic viral therapy field, by using its phenotypic screening platform to discover and develop highly efficacious, targeted candidates, suitable for intravenous delivery and optimised for a chosen cancer patient population.

Charlotte Casebourne, CEO of Theolytics said, "Oncolytic viruses represent a unique therapeutic paradigm within oncology. Theolytics' platform technology enables a fundamental shift in what is possible; combining the power of bioselection with a patient-centric approach to drug discovery, we are able to address many of the challenges that have prevented the field from delivering on its full potential. Our team are committed to discovering and developing candidates for some of the most challenging cancers, and I'm delighted that Epidarex and Taiho Ventures have chosen to support us on our journey."

Henning Steinhagen, Venture Partner at Epidarex Capital said, "The oncolytic viral therapy field continues to gain momentum and Theolytics caught our eye with their highly promising indication-specific bioselection platform. Theolytics combines multiple key features we are looking for when investing: world class science, highly driven innovators, and a disruptive technology that has the potential to generate a strong pipeline of proprietary and significantly more efficacious therapeutics. We look forward to supporting Theolytics in leveraging its innovative platform to establish a pipeline of patient-centric next-generation oncolytic viruses, which promises to dramatically improve the treatment of cancer."

Sakae Asanuma, President at Taiho Ventures, LLC, the corporate venture arm of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., said, "Taiho is delighted to co-lead this Series A financing and work with Theolytics to deliver the innovative oncolytic virotherapy generated by their unique proprietary platform technology, which should provide cancer patients with the promise of dramatically improving clinical outcomes."

Dr Kenneth Powell, Chair of the Board welcomed Henning Steinhagen, Venture Partner at Epidarex, and Sakae Asanuma, President at Taiho Ventures as new Board members, stating, "I look forward to working with our new investors to bring these promising approaches to cancer patients."

Media contacts:

Theolytics

Charlotte Casebourne, CEO

[email protected]

Scius Communications

Katja Stout

[email protected]

About Theolytics

https://www.theolytics.com/

Theolytics is focused on developing category changing cancer therapies in the form of oncolytic viruses. The company is pioneering a phenotypic screening approach to the discovery and development of efficacious, targeted candidates suitable for intravenous delivery and optimised for a chosen patient population. Theolytics, which was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Oxford, UK, is backed by Oxford Science Innovation (OSI) and international life sciences investors Epidarex Capital and Taiho Ventures, LLC.

About Epidarex Capital

https://epidarex.com

Epidarex Capital is a transatlantic venture capital firm with a track record of building exceptional life science companies in emerging hubs in the US and UK. Epidarex's experienced team of early stage investors partner with entrepreneurs and leading research institutions to transform world-class science into highly innovative products addressing major unmet needs in the global healthcare market. For more information visit www.epidarex.com .

About Taiho Ventures, LLC

http://taihoventures.com/

Taiho Ventures, LLC is the corporate venture arm of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a Japanese specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on oncology, allergy and immunology, and urology. With $300M under management, we are actively investing in early-stage innovative companies strategically relevant to Taiho Pharmaceutical. We consider company creation, spinouts and the option-type of investments as well as pure equity investments.

SOURCE Theolytics
What is your plan to lead Trinidad and Tobago out of the Covid-19 pandemic?

This was the question Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar repeatedly asked Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday.

The US Capitol is once again secured but four people are dead -- including one woman who was shot -- after supporters of President Donald Trump breached one of the most iconic American buildings, engulfing the nation's capital in chaos after Trump urged his supporters to fight against the ceremonial counting of the electoral votes that will confirm President-elect Joe Biden's win.

Shortly after 1 p.m. ET Wednesday hundreds of pro-Trump protesters pushed through barriers set up along the perimeter of the Capitol, where they tussled with officers in full riot gear, some calling the officers 'traitors' for doing their jobs. About 90 minutes later, police said demonstrators got into the building and the doors to the House and Senate were being locked. Shortly after, the House floor was evacuated by police. Vice President Mike Pence was also evacuated from the chamber, where he was to perform his role in the counting of electoral votes.

An armed standoff took place at the House front door at about 3 p.m. ET, and police officers had their guns drawn at someone who was trying to breach it. A Trump supporter was also pictured standing at the Senate dais earlier in the afternoon.

A woman, who is yet to be identified, died after being shot in the chest on the Capitol grounds, DC police confirmed to CNN. More information on the shooting was not immediately available and a police spokesperson said additional details will come later. DC Police Chief Robert Contee said three other people died from medical emergencies during the riot.

'One adult female and two adult males appear to have suffered from separate medical emergencies, which resulted in their deaths. Any loss of life in the District is tragic and our thoughts are with anyone impacted by their loss,' Contee said at a news conference Wednesday night.

Multiple officers have been injured with at least one transported to the hospital, multiple sources tell CNN.

Smoke grenades were used on the Senate side of the Capitol, as police worked to clear the building of rioters. Windows on the west side of the Senate were broken, and hundreds of officers amassed on the first floor of the building.

The Senate floor was cleared of rioters as of 3:30 p.m. ET, and an officer told CNN that they successfully squeezed them away from the Senate wing of the building and toward the Rotunda. The protesters were removed through the east and west doors of the Capitol. At least 52 people were arrested as of 9:30 p.m. ET Wednesday in Washington.

The US Capitol Police worked to secure the second floor of the Capitol first, and were seen just before 5 p.m. ET pushing demonstrators off the steps on the east side of the building. With about 30 minutes to go before Washington's 6 p.m. ET curfew, Washington police amassed in a long line to push the mob back from the Capitol grounds.

It took until roughly 5:40 p.m. ET for the building to once again be secured, according to the sergeant-at-arms.

The stunning display of insurrection was the first time the US Capitol had been overrun since the British attacked and burned the building in August of 1814, during the War of 1812, according to Samuel Holliday, director of scholarship and operations with the US Capitol Historical Society.

The shocking scene was met with less police force than many of the Black Lives Matter protests that rolled across the country in the wake of George Floyd's killing at the hands of Minneapolis police officers last year. While federal police attacked peaceful protesters in Lafayette Square outside the White House over the summer, clearing the way for Trump to take a photo in front of a nearby church at the time, protesters on Wednesday were able to overrun Capitol police and infiltrate the country's legislative chambers.

An afternoon of chaos

The protesters first breached exterior security barriers, and video footage showed protesters gathering and some clashing with police near the Capitol building. CNN's team on the ground saw a number of protesters trying to move up the side of the Capitol building. Several loud flash bangs were heard as well.

Protesters could be seen pushing against metal fences and police used the fences to push protesters back, while other officers reached over the top to club people trying to cross their lines.

Flash bangs could be heard near the steps of the Capitol as smoke filled the air. In some instances officers could be seen deploying pepper spray. Tear gas was deployed, but it's not clear whether by protesters or police, and people wiped tears from their eyes while coughing.

After the building was breached, the Capitol police officer in the House chamber told lawmakers that they may need to duck under their chairs and informed lawmakers that protesters were in the building's Rotunda. Lots of House members were seen wearing gas masks as they moved between Capitol buildings. Members were calling family to say they were OK.

Congressional leaders were being evacuated from the Capitol complex just before 5 p.m. ET and were set to be taken to Fort McNair, a nearby Army base in Washington, according to a federal law enforcement official.

Trump has directed the National Guard to Washington along with 'other federal protective services,' according to White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. The entire DC National Guard has been activated by the Department of Defense, according to the Pentagon.

'The D.C. Guard has been mobilized to provide support to federal law enforcement in the District,' said Jonathan Hoffman, the chief Pentagon spokesman. 'Acting Secretary Miller has been in contact with Congressional leadership, and Secretary McCarthy has been working with the D.C. government. The law enforcement response will be led by the Department of Justice.'

The official said DC National Guard was not anticipating to be used to protect federal facilities, and the Trump administration had decided earlier this week that would be the task of civilian law enforcement, the official said.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a citywide curfew from 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday until 6 a.m. ET Thursday.

Lawmakers return to the Capitol

Lawmakers began returning to the Capitol after the building was secured and made it clear that they intended to resume their intended business -- namely, confirming Biden's win over Trump by counting the votes in the Electoral College.

Proceedings resumed at about 8 p.m. ET with Pence -- who never left the Capitol, according to his press secretary -- bringing the Senate session back into order.

'Let's get back to work,' he said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement earlier Wednesday evening that congressional leadership wanted to continue with the joint session Wednesday night.

'Today, a shameful assault was made on our democracy. It was anointed at the highest level of government. It cannot, however, deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden,' Pelosi wrote.

'To that end, in consultation with Leader Hoyer and Whip Clyburn and after calls to the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the Vice President, we have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use. Leader Hoyer will be sending out more guidance later today.'

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the floor that the 'United States Senate will not be intimidated. We will not be kept out of this chamber by thugs, mobs or threats.'

It took until deep in the early hours of Thursday morning, but Congress eventually counted and certified Biden's election win.

Trump tells supporters to go home, eventually

Trump finally called on his supporters to 'go home' hours after the riot started, but spent a large amount of time in the one-minute video lamenting and lying about his election loss.

In one stunning line, Trump told the mob to 'go home,' but added, 'We love you. You are very special.'

Trump struck a sympathetic tone to the rioters he himself unleashed, saying, 'I know your pain, I know you're hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election and everyone knows it. Especially the other side. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace.'

However, later on in the evening Trump justified the mob's actions and praised them.

'These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!' he said, in a tweet that was later deleted by Twitter.

Others inside the President's orbit tweeted their calls for calm as the mob repeatedly attempted to take over the building.

Donald Trump Jr., the President's son, said that his supporters who mobbed the Capitol were 'wrong and not who we are.'

'Be peaceful and use your 1st Amendment rights, but don't start acting like the other side. We have a country to save and this doesn't help anyone,' he tweeted.

Multiple bombs detonated safely

Federal and local law enforcement responded to reports of possible pipe bombs in multiple locations in Washington, DC, according to a federal law enforcement official.

A pipe bomb was found at the Republican National Committee's headquarters, a RNC official told CNN. The device was found on the ground outside, along the wall of the headquarters. It was safely detonated by the police, the RNC official said.

At least two suspected pipe bombs were rendered safe by law enforcement -- the one at the building that houses RNC offices and one in the US Capitol complex, a federal law enforcement official told CNN. The official said these were real explosive devices and they were detonated safely.

The Democratic National Committee was also evacuated after a suspicious package was being investigated nearby, a Democratic source familiar with the matter told CNN. The party had preemptively closed the building ahead of the protests, the source said, but a few security and essential personnel were evacuated.

Near the scene where one of the pipe bombs was found Wednesday, police detained a suspect and found a vehicle with a rifle and as many as 10 Molotov cocktails, according to a federal law enforcement official. Investigators are working to determine whether there's a connection to the bombs found earlier.

This story has been updated with additional developments on Wednesday.

New Delhi, Jan 7 : Citing the approval for Rs 28,400 crore central sector scheme for the industrial development of Jammu & Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said it illustrates how the Union Territory holds a "special place" in heart of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Hailing the approval given by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Modi, Shah said this scheme will prove to be a boon for cottage industry, handicrafts, micro, small and medium industries of Jammu & Kashmir.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started development in Jammu & Kashmir by ridding it of terrorism and separatism. The approval of Rs 28,400 crore central sector scheme for the industrial development of Jammu & Kashmir by the Cabinet illustrates the special place that Jammu & Kashmir holds in the heart of Modiji." "It is Modiji's visionary leadership as a result of which, for the first time, a scheme is taking industrial development to the block level. This will give a boost to domestic manufacturing and open up the path of employment generation up to the block level. For this I congratulate Narendra Modiji." The Home Minister said it will spur the setting up of new MSME units in the manufacturing and services sector, as well as encourage the expansion of existing units and that it will "usher in a new dawn of prosperity in Jammu & Kashmir".

"It will attract unprecedented investment and will provide employment to about 4.5 lakh people. This will lead to skill development of youth and strengthen existing industries, so that Jammu & Kashmir will become as capable as other regions of the country." The CCEA in its meeting on Wednesday approved the proposal of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade for Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development of Jammu & Kashmir. The scheme is approved with a total outlay of Rs 28,400 crore up to the year 2037.

How Neste is improving vessel performance

Neste Oyj is implementing digital tools to improve the performance of its vessels and its vessel logistics, including chartering, scheduling and monitoring vessels. Shipping performance manager Risto-Juhani Kariranta explained the project.

Neste Corporation, the world's largest producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, is implementing new digital tools to improve the way it manages vessel logistics, including chartering, operations, scheduling and fleet performance. Shipping performance manager Risto-Juhani Kariranta explained how the project is being managed, speaking at a webinar organised by Tanker Operators sister company, Digital Ship, on Sept 3. Mr Kariranta has been working on ship performance related matters for 10 years, in different roles in different companies. By vessel logistics it means the whole activity of chartering, managing and scheduling vessels to meet its cargo transport requirements. Neste has approximately 4,700 employees (Q2/2020). In 2019, 82% of the companys comparable operating profit came from renewable products. Neste has a global growth strategy for renewables, based on waste and residue as well as other innovative raw materials. The company operates a fleet of20 tankers including product and crude oil carriers, and books a significant amount of spot voyages a year. The spot voyages are mainly on voyage charter, where a fixed price is agreed with the owner for the voyage including fuel. In this case, Neste takes an interest in the fuel consumption and emissions but is not directly affected financially if consumption goes up or down. But some vessels are on shorter time charter, where the charterer (Neste) pays for fuel. We have more control and interest in those, Mr Kariranta said. Neste operates production facilities in Porvoo, near Helsinki, Rotterdam and Singapore. It works with an increasing number of terminals around the world, mainly for gathering raw materials for making renewable fuels. This includes used cooking oil, animal fat and residues from vegetable oils. Due to the short voyages, the time-chartered vessels spend about 40 per cent of their time in ports for loading or discharging. Some cargoes need to be heated, because otherwise there might be deterioration in cargo quality, or they are harder to pump out of the vessel. This heating is a significant consumer of fuel. The sea area around refineries and terminals in the Baltics can get an ice cover in winter, and this also needs to be planned for, as it affects the vessel logistics. Optimising fleet utilisation The company is keen to optimise everything associated with the shipping activity. It wants to get the best rotation of vessels, when it has a number of options about which vessel should go where, when and with what speed. It aims to find the best choice first by comparing different plausible alternatives, calculating the base cost, weather impact on the costs and speed, risk factors and cost difference of each. Once the calculation engine for this is accurate enough, utilization of high end optimization algorithms will be possible to a larger extent. It is a complex equation because some cargoes are more sensitive to delays than others and many restrictions and uncertainties exist. It is necessary to understand how much time vessels need for each port call, so they can be allocated the right amount of berth time. In the same way the sea voyage duration predictability is being improved. The biggest volatility comes with the possible waiting times for the berth availability and many measures to predict or at least mitigate the possibility of it are under work. Vessel performance In terms of improving the performance of individual vessels on longer voyages, weather routing is proving interesting, also taking weather and currents into account. For example, on one voyage the company saved 37.3 tonnes of fuel from weather routing, amounting to $26,000, Mr Kariranta said. On shorter voyages the speed and propulsion power optimization are in focus as there are benefits to be gained on each voyage with systematic speed control and optimization for JIT-arrival The main KPIs being monitored for validating the performance are vessel waiting time, average speed for the whole fleet and individual vessels, consumption of fuel per nautical mile. Digital project management Neste vessel logistics digitalization leap was initiated in early 2019 to transform the business, the main goals were to reduce manual work, process lead times and costs by changing the way people do their daily operations with the help of digital tools. In order to transform the business and reach the goals, Neste uses agile methodology for organizing the work and providing the needed capabilities. The work is done incrementally, working with the multiple solutions at the same time and keeping the value delivery in the core. The approach is similar to the Scaled Agile Framework. The first step was to define the key interactions across the whole organization. A large number of interviews and discussions were conducted to map the processes, understand the biggest challenges and come up with the key capability areas that will be in the focus of the work. One example of these capability areas is Fleet performance that is responsible for managing documents and tasks for voyages, KPI tracking, and safety incident reporting. The next step was to identify the pain points and understand the dependencies by finding out how information flows between different parts of the organizations. Prioritization was done based on value creation; the work was started from the areas that have the biggest benefit opportunity. We created a rough roadmap of what kind of solutions we want to work on for the following half year, he said. We are planning to continue this work for some years. We target in selecting a focus point for each year. We need to also think where do we get the resources? Can we do this internally or utilise some partners for the development? Are there software products already available that we could utilise, off the shelf or with customisation? After these steps we define more specifically what we want to achieve in each stage, how the achievement can be assessed, and whether the measurement method is correct. We are not developing for the sake of digital transformation. We are developing in order to have a positive effect on our overall performance. It is actually quite laborious work to find the right indicators for measuring the improved performance. You very seldom are completely happy with the matrix, he said. It is true we cant change everything overnight, he said. Implementing new technological solutions is not only buying a software or new tool, it is always tied to the people and processes of the company. I have been very happy about our agile way of working model, it has been very good and flexible and gives a backbone for the whole development. I think we have succeeded to align it quite nicely. It is not every single project working for different areas [goals]. Experimenting In general we want to do more quick experimenting, try out some concepts improving our performance with least possible effort but a clear way to measure, in order to find out we are doing the right thing. If you find something that is not working, or you need to do more of something else, you simply do it by changing the priorities, you are not tied to any heavy waterfall project plan, he said. Often, when you start a project, you have some assumptions about what effect would come from what action, and it doesnt work like that, it might have some other effect, our vessel logistics is a complex puzzle and each piece has effect on others he said. The company experimented for example with ways to send an instant request to a vessel to slow down, when the data showed that if it kept the current speed, it would arrive before the jetty was free, and have to wait. The approach which worked was simply to send an automatically triggered message to the vessels. It seems to work quite nicely, just tell them, OK at this time your jetty is free, and they seem to slow down. We start to implement that for the whole fleet. In one example, a vessel receiving such a message when departing from ARA to Finland, dropped speed by 2 knots compared to what it had originally planned, and saved 30 tonnes of fuel on just one voyage.




Millions of people are waiting for their turn to receive the newly-released COVID-19 vaccines. Delays in getting vaccines to the public, however, have led to a growing number of online scams claiming to offer the shots to anyone willing to pay the right price.

Government officials in the United States and Europe are warning the public not to be fooled by such scams, which they say can be used to steal money and personal data. They can also endanger the health of people falling for the offers.

Reuters news agency searched vaccine offers on internet websites, the Telegram messaging service and places on the dark web. The dark web is a part of the internet that cannot be found through normal search engines. It uses digital tools to hide identifying information and is often used for criminal activity.

The Reuters search found at least seven different offers for products claiming to be COVID-19 vaccines.

The scams include emails promising to get people on supposedly secret lists to receive the vaccine early. Other operations place telephone calls to the public claiming to be from government agencies. Messages on the dark web also are seeking to sell COVID-19 vaccines.

On one dark web forum called Agartha, fake COVID-19 vaccines were offered next to cocaine, powerful pain medications, super high quality fake money and hand guns. Listings showed images of the real vaccines, offering them for $500 to $1,000.

On Telegram, several places claimed to offer COVID-19 vaccines. One user offered alleged Moderna vaccines for $180, and claimed the vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech could be bought for $150.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), international policing organization Interpol and other law enforcement agencies are investigating the scams. They have warned that the illegal activities  which can also include offers for false treatments  could present serious health risks.

Internet security company Recorded Future said new website domains containing the words vaccine and COVID-19 or coronavirus have more than doubled since October. More than 2,500 sites appeared by November, when the first real COVID-19 vaccines were nearing approval, the company said.

Lindsay Kaye is director of operations for Recorded Future. She told Reuters that some of the domain registrations appear to be aimed at getting people to click on malicious web links that could be used to steal private data.

Kaye said her investigative team has not yet uncovered any real vaccines being offered that came from healthcare providers or official national supplies.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has approved two COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use. One was developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and the other by Moderna. In a statement, the FDA said it was concerned that other deceptive and misleading products might cause Americans to delay or stop appropriate medical treatment, leading to serious and life-threatening harm.

The scams have grown as concerns continue about the slower-than-promised delivery of vaccines to protect against COVID-19. The disease has claimed more than 1.8 million lives worldwide. Experts say that most people will likely have to wait until the spring or summer to get their shots.

By Monday, about 4.5 million Americans had received their first vaccine shot, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Reuters and The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, and visit our Facebook page.

Quiz - Vaccine Delays Lead to False Offers Online Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

scam  n. a dishonest way to make money by deceiving people

forum  n. an area of a website where people go to discuss things

fake  adj. false; not real

allege  v. to state without proof that someone has done something illegal

domain  n. the part of an email or website address that shows the name of the organization that the address belongs to

malicious  adj. intended to harm or upset someone

deceptive  adj. intended to make someone believe something that is not true

appropriate  adj. suitable or right for a particular situation or person

deliver  v. the taking of things from one place to another
Mambu, the market-leading SaaS banking platform, today announced its latest funding round of 110 million ($134 million USD) in new capital. This round was led by TCV, whose investments include Netflix, RELEX, Spotify, and WorldRemit. Additional investment was received by Tiger Global and Arena Holdings, as well as existing investors Bessemer Venture Partners, Runa Capital and Acton Capital Partners. The new round brings the company's valuation to over 1.7 billion.

With this new round of financing, Mambu will continue to accelerate its rapid growth and deepen its footprint in the more than 50 countries in which it already operates and focus on markets like Brazil, Japan, and the United States. This announcement follows another year of approximately 100% YoY growth for Mambu in a banking software market which Gartner currently values at over $100 billion and is forecasting to grow at double-digits. FT Partners was the exclusive financial advisor on this transaction.

Mambu's SaaS banking platform sets it apart from traditional core banking players as it drastically accelerates and simplifies the way financial products are built and serviced by any financial institution. Mambu's platform is used by traditional banks, fintech startups, financial institutions, nonprofits and other businesses to power their financial products and services. Counting the likes of ABN AMRO, N26, OakNorth, Orange and Santander among its customer base, Mambu is powering both the building of new fintechs as well as the migration of existing financial institutions onto a tech stack fit for the fintech era. Mambu is continuing to expand both the breadth and depth of its platform and is planning to double the team to over 1000 Mambuvians by 2022.

Eugene Danilkis, founder and CEO of Mambu said: "When Mambu launched in 2011, we knew the future of banking would have to be built on agile and flexible technology. Nearly a decade later, this is more true now than ever, particularly given developments over the past year. As an increasing number of challenger and established banks sign on to prepare themselves to thrive in the fintech era, we have, and will continue to provide them with a world-class platform on which to build modern, agile customer-centric businesses.

"This latest funding round allows us to accelerate our mission to make banking better for a billion people around the world and address one of the largest, most complex global market opportunities that's still in the infancy of cloud," he said.

TCV General Partner, John Doran who joins the Mambu board, said: "Mambu was one of the first companies to leverage the opportunity to move banking software into the cloud. The team has built a highly composable, truly cloud-native product in a multi-billion dollar, rapidly-growing market traditionally dominated by large, slow-moving on-prem vendors. We have been following Mambu's progress for many years and are truly delighted to be able to partner with Eugene and the entire Mambu team on their journey to expand their offerings to customers worldwide."

About Mambu

?Mambu is the SaaS banking platform that is changing financial services. This rapidly growing company? ?was launched in 2011? and is enabling customers to build modern banking ?and lending? offerings? fast, securely and simply?. Through its composable banking approach, the platform gives customers the ability to design and service nearly any financial product while rapidly integrating to the best-of-service ecosystem of complementary solutions around the world. Mambu has a global network? of nearly 500 employees? supports ?160 customers in over 50 countries. ?It counts N26, OakNorth, ABN AMRO and Santander amongst its extensive list of customers.? For more information, please visit our website or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and? ?Facebook.

About TCV

Founded in 1995, TCV provides capital to growth-stage private and public companies in the technology industry. Since its inception, TCV has invested over $14 billion in leading technology companies, including more than $2.5 billion in fintech, and has helped guide CEOs through more than 125 IPOs and strategic acquisitions.

TCV's investments include Airbnb, AxiomSL, Dollar Shave Club, ExactTarget, Expedia, Facebook, LinkedIn, Netflix, Nubank, Payoneer, Splunk, Spotify, WorldRemit, and Zillow. In Europe, TCV has invested over $2 billion in companies including Believe Digital, Brillen.de, Perfecto, FlixMobility, Klarna, Mollie, OneTrust, RELEX Solutions, Revolut, RMS, Sportradar, Spryker, The Pracuj Group, and WorldRemit. TCV is headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with offices in New York and London. For more information about TCV, including a complete list of TCV investments, visit https://www.tcv.com/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005157/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

For Mambu US/Canada

Anna Stanley

251.517.7857

anna@williammills.com

For Mambu UK/Europe

Stephanie Libous

stephanie.libous@allisonpr.com

+44 7751 597 558

For TCV

Katja Gagen

+1 415.690.6689

kgagen@tcv.com
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Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power, forcing lawmakers to be rushed from the building and interrupting challenges to Joe Bidens Electoral College victory.

Biden's win confirmed; Trump promises 'orderly transition'

Congress returned later Wednesday to resume their proceedings after the Capitol was cleared by law enforcement. Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner early Thursday.

Chaos, violence, mockery as mob occupies Congress

Where are they? a Trump supporter demanded in a crowd of dozens roaming the halls of the Capitol, bearing Trump flags and pounding on doors.

They  lawmakers, staff members and more  were hiding under tables, hunkered in lockdowns, saying prayers and seeing the fruits of the countrys divisions up close and violent.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

A moment in America, unimaginable but perhaps inevitable

To see it unspool  to watch the jumbled images ricochet, live, across the world's endless screens  was, as an American, a struggle to believe your eyes. But there it was, in the capital city of the United States in early January 2021: a real-time breaking and entering the likes of which the republic has never seen.

Lawmakers vow to investigate police after Capitol breach

Lawmakers are vowing an investigation into how law enforcement handled Wednesdays violent breach at the Capitol, questioning whether a lack of preparedness allowed a mob to occupy and vandalize the building.

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol. D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee.

Woman fatally shot as pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol identified as Air Force veteran

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

The woman was 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt, a California native and Air Force veteran, her former husband told The Washington Post. Before her death in the Capitol, she had used her social media to express fervent support for President Donald Trump and echo many of the president's conspiracy theories and false claims of mass voter fraud.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Photos: Scenes of violence at U.S. Capitol

A look at the chaos that unfolded yesterday.

The U.S. Capitol has seen violence over 220 years, but not like this

In more than 220 years, the U.S. Capitol had seen nothing like it: a roiling mob, forcing its way past its majestic marble columns, disrupting the passage of power, desecrating the seat of the worlds greatest democracy.

But this was far from the first time the Capitol has been scarred by violence.

Pence defies Trump, affirms Biden's win

Vice President Mike Pence defied President Donald Trump early Thursday morning as he affirmed President-elect Joe Bidens November victory, putting an end to Trumps futile efforts to subvert American democracy and overturn the results of the election.

Schumer, Tonko call for Trump's removal from office after siege of Capitol

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer joined a growing chorus of Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, calling for the immediate removal of President Donald J. Trump from office after his supporters invaded the U.S. Capitol, encouraged by the president himself.

How this connects to the Capital Region

Stefanik objected to election certification after U.S. Capitol violence

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, objected to certifying the results of the 2020 election early Thursday morning after an unprecedented day where a mob broke into the U.S. Capitol, forcing lawmakers into lock-down.

Suspect in Albany Capitol assault allegedly stabbed victim five times

A Trump supporter attending a rally outside the Capitol in Albany on Wednesday was stabbed multiple times and underwent emergency surgery to repair an eviscerated bowel at Albany Medical Center Hospital.

New York Legislature begins session as violence erupts in Albany and in D.C.

The Legislature's return to Albany on Wednesday was overshadowed by a massive protest in Washington, D.C., in which supporters of President Donald J. Trump stormed the nation's Capitol, leading to a lockdown of Congress.

There was also violence at the state Capitol, where two people were stabbed during a melee in East Capitol Park involving pro-Trump protesters who were attacked by a small group of counter-protesters.

New York's Washington delegation responds to violence at the U.S. Capitol

Here is how our congressional delegation in Washington responded via Twitter.

Churchill: Watching a despicable attack on democracy

Wednesday's scene at the U.S. Capitol is the cost of cynicism.

Editorial: A U.S. coup attempt

Call the violence and mayhem at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday at the hands of supporters of President Donald Trump what it was: an attempted coup.
Mane Gevorgyan, spokesperson of the Armenian prime minister, has commentedin response to Armenpress inquiryon the statement made by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev who, citing the joint statement that was signed on November 10, has noted that the Nakhchivan corridor will open soon.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly drawn the attention to the fact that there is no talk about a corridor connecting Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan in the November 10 statement. Point 9 of the statement is about unblocking the transportation and economic infrastructure of the region and, in this context, also about establishing a transport connection between the eastern part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Armenia, of course, is interested in the possibility of transporting Armenian cargo through the territory of Azerbaijan to the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran and the opposite direction. We are interested in the possibility of the transfer of the Armenian cargo through road and railway transportation to the Russian Federation, whereas to the Islamic Republic of Iranespecially through railway transportation. In this context, Armenia, naturally, is ready to ensure communication between the eastern part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

However, the complete discussion of all these issues would be difficult without the complete fulfillment of the November 10 joint statements point 8, which envisages exchange of captives, hostages, other detained persons, and the bodies of the dead. The Armenian side attaches importance also to expanding the scale of ongoing search and rescue operations in the battle zone. The recent statements made by Azerbaijan on this topic are puzzling, and they question Bakus commitment to implement the agreements of the November 10 statement. There are still Armenian captives in Baku, there are numerous evidences on cruel and humiliating treatment toward them. There is evidence on executions of the captives, and all this evidence must be investigated in detail, including in the international platforms.

At the same time, the anti-Armenian propaganda of the past decade still continues in Azerbaijan. In order to establish stability and peace in the region, it is necessary to put an end to the provocative actions and statements, stated the Armenian PMs spokesperson.
NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the first nationwide, fully automated, COVID Track & Trace Network, went live.

The COVID Alert Network offers new hope to every American to stop the spread of COVID and buy time for the vaccine to take effect.

Sample Poster

Human attempts at Track & Trace have not met the scale necessary to tackle the COVID challenge.2 Less than 10% of Americans have downloaded a COVID Alert App3 and most Americans are reluctant to share their personal data.4

David, Head of Campaign at Stay Safe America, warned, "If we do nothing and wait for the vaccine, 1 in every 1,000 Americans may not make it to the Summer. We need everyone to join the fight and become a local hero by either downloading a location aware poster for their business or scanning these posters wherever they go."

The COVID Alert Network is ready to scale to over 330 million Americans and is already available in every state. No app download is required, as we use technology already available on modern smartphones.

No personal data is required as we track the device NOT the individual. The network is therefore completely confidential and anonymous.

Download your FREE location aware Poster from GetPoster.net for your business, so your staff and visitors can scan whenever they arrive and leave.

If you are exposed to someone testing positive to COVID, for a period of 15 minutes or more (CDC Guidelines), you are automatically alerted.

This way, even if you have no symptoms, you know you need to isolate and get tested, to protect your family, friends and community.

Free testing is available in every state.

The COVID Alert Network is available to every employer, every business and every citizen in America for free. We are 100% funded through donations and sponsorship. To learn more, please visit our website.

For Media Enquiries & Interviews, please contact :

David Marsan, Head of Campaign, 212 913 9930

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://staysafeamericacampaign.com

Video Content: https://vimeo.com/staysafeamerica

Notes to Editor

My son has cerebral palsy and his specialist doctor died treating COVID patients. My co-founder Mark was frustrated by the attempts to manage the crisis, so together, we founded Stay Safe America to launch a completely anonymous, globally scalable, track and trace platform powered by technology already available on every smartphone.

Notes and sources:

2,620 deaths per day in 7 day rolling average, 126 days (mid-May) at 2,620 deaths per days is 330,000 new deaths. CDC 02/01/2021



"Contact tracing is one of the only proven strategies in containing the coronavirus, but it's never been conducted on the scale demanded by the pandemic." CNBC, 10/01/2020



"Data from 16 states, Guam and the District of Columbia shows that 8.1 million people had utilized the technology as of late November." Associated Press 12/06/2020



"Some 81% of the public say the risks they face because of data collection by companies outweigh the benefits." Pew Research 11/15/2019

SOURCE Stay Safe America LLC

Related Links

https://staysafeamericacampaign.com



This article appears in the January 8, 2021 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

TRUTH IN ELECTIONS

Reconstituting Ben Franklins Republic

[Print version of this article]

Schiller Institute

Jan. 2The LaRouche Organization and the Schiller Institute today hosted a powerful virtual Town Hall meeting with representatives of the state legislatures and activists from four of the states in which the presidential election is contested, and others, presenting evidence of the massive vote fraud and irregularities in the election, and discussing the profound impact of this fight for the future of the nation and the world. The forum is part of a mobilization of concerned citizens to create a Citizens Commission for Truth in Elections, which will hold a founding conference on January 17.

Speaker after speaker reported on the massive evidence, in plain sight, of the irregularities and outright fraud in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, insisting that if this fraudulent election is allowed to stand, then the faith in the electoral process in the United States will be destroyed. They addressed the role of the corrupt media, which repeats ad nauseam the mantra of unsubstantiated claims of vote fraud, and the corrupt courts, which have dismissed every case, not on the merits, but on procedure, without hearing the evidence.

It was emphasized that the clear language of the Constitution grants state legislatorsnot the courts nor other officialsthe sole responsibility for electoral rules in each state, but that has been violated in several states. The focus now is on January 6, when the electoral votes are to be presented to a joint session of Congress. Already several members of the House of Representatives and the Senate have expressed their intention to challenge the electors from the contested states.

Most important is the case of Pennsylvania. State Representative Russ Diamond informed the meeting that the newly elected members of the Commonwealth Legislature will be sworn in on January 5, the day before the meeting of the U.S. Congress, and 59 members of the state House and six members of the state Senate intend to protest the certification of the Biden electors. Republicans are in control of both Pennsylvania houses. Representative Diamond reviewed the study done by himself and Representative Frank Ryan, which found that there were 170,000 more ballots counted than there were voters who voted for President (the vote differential between Trump and Biden in Pennsylvania was about 80,000 votes).

Schiller Institute Patrick Colbeck, former Michigan State Senator. Schiller Institute Martha Rollins

Former Michigan State Senator Patrick Colbeck, after expressing his anger that the current legislators had not continued the fight over the fraud, reported on the total failure of officials to follow the law regarding the chain of custody of the ballots, at every step of the process. He also noted that the process of hand transferring the votes recorded on military ballots to official ballots had been done without any poll watchers, from any partyan incredible breach of the law.

Martha Rollins, who has worked with Code Pink around the world, spoke to the conference from Costa Rica, describing how British and U.S. intelligence circles had carried out regime change operations in Syria, Honduras, and elsewhere:

Through the media, they demonize the President, using vote fraud, fomenting dissent, then violence, then putting their person in power. The people who ran these operations around the world are the same people running the campaign against Trump.

Several speakers praised the Schiller Institute and The LaRouche Organization, as well as the website Gateway Pundit, for giving voice to those fighting for the truth and integrity in elections

Schiller Institute Joe Hoft, journalist, Gateway Pundit .

Joe Hoft from the Gateway Pundit addressed the meeting, pointing out that the website now has over four million page views per day. He called on President Donald Trump to release all documents related to the Russiagate hoax and other aspects of the coup attempts against the U.S. President. He spoke about Julian Assange and the British court hearing scheduled for January 4, and appealed to the President to pardon Assange.

Moderator Dennis Speed and the Schiller Institutes Harley Schlanger provided historical context to the crisis facing mankind today, also urging President Trump to turn over the chessboard by pardoning Assange and Edward Snowden, and exonerating Lyndon LaRouche. Schlanger added that a Special Prosecutor regarding the vote fraud is urgent, as the only hope for getting to the truth. U.S. Senate candidate in New York Diane Sare reminded the audience that former Attorney-General Ramsey Clark, who represented Lyndon LaRouche on appealin the illegal prosecution by the same corrupt networks who ran Russiagate against Trumpsaid in the 1990s that if the illegal prosecution of LaRouche were allowed to stand, that no one would be safe.

Schiller Institute

Today, President Trumps best approach to stop the coup is to exonerate LaRouche, forcing the truth to light about the British Empires historical effort to destroy the American System, to drag its former colony back into the British Imperial division of the world, its Malthusian policies, its colonial warfare, and even its nuclear confrontation with Russia and China. This is why the British hate Trump, as they hated LaRouche. These next few weeks will determine whether Americans will prove to be little, as Schiller said of the French in the face of the Jacobin mobs, or if they will rise and declare their human love of truth and restore the American Republic.

The following is an edited transcript of excerpts from the Town Hall meeting. All of the presentations are being transcribed, and will be posted along with the video, on both The LaRouche Organization website and the Schiller Institute website.

Opening Greetings

Dennis Speed: Hello! Welcome to this afternoons Manhattan town meeting, the first broadcast from The LaRouche Organization. Five years from now, the United States will be celebrating its 250th birthday. And about four days from now, on January 6th, there will be an extraordinary and historic debate in the Congress of the United States, on the immediate direction of the United States Presidency, because of the contention that the election of 2020 has actually been stolen. The long view, of the next five years, and the short view, are actually identical. This is not actually a crisis of the Presidency, or even of the Constitution as such. It is a civilizational crisis in which the American people will decide whether or not this nation, or any such nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.

Lyndon LaRouche, eight years ago, on the occasion of his 90th birthday issued the following stinging criticism of the party system.

The Problem Is the Party System

Lyndon H. LaRouche, Jr. (via video): President George Washington and others, at the founding of our republic, as an independent republic, tried to prevent the formation of a party system. And I think the time has come to eliminate the party system.

Why should we have party systems? We have a Constitution, which is defined; the Constitution is fine, if its carried through as intended; it is our system. But why do we have to have parties intervening between the process of selecting Presidential leadership in national government? Why do we do that? What screwball invented this kind of nonsense? Because thats what happened. People become partisan, and say, Whichever party wins is going to determine the fate of the nation!

No party has that kind of right. There can not be a party that has the right to oversee and control the destiny of the nation. You can have a President; theres nothing wrong with that. But you cant have a President as the President of a party. Or, you can not have a conniving between two Presidential teams, or two party teams, by special agreement among themselves, to create the composition of a national government! These things are obscenities, which leaders of our nation, beginning from the George Washington Administration, recognized as evils!

And the idea of going to a European kind of government, which is inherently corruptby its very nature, not necessarily by the intention of the people, or the intention of the politiciansthey just dont know any better.

And the only way this can be done, is if we infect the population with the realization, we do not want a party system. We have state governments, dont we? Under our Constitution. We have local governments, within state governments, under our Constitution. We have bodies which the nation creates, to perform functions of the Federal government, the military and the rest of it. So, we dont need parties. They dont do any damned good.

If Franklin Roosevelt had just been the President, and didnt have to deal with these damned parties, we wouldnt have the mess weve got into. We dont need to have a contention, over which party is going to win, when the party was not inherent in the conception of nation. What we need is a Federal republic, with its state composition, and other local compositions playing their role.

We dont need this party system, which is a system of inherent corruption. What we need, is the due process election of a composition of government. And we dont want people diverting the attention of the population from the issues of the nation, over the issues of partisanship! Thats where the problem lies!

Schiller Institute Dennis Speed, moderator. Schiller Institute Harley Schlanger, Schiller Institute.

A Wake-Up Call

Speed: Were starting today with this because we wish to startle you; we wish to startle our fellow Americans into a realization about what the actual process is thats being discussed on January 6th. Because people are trying to divert the attention, and say, Well, this is just an attempt to try to steal the election from Donald Trump. Or Donald Trumps attempt to try to steal it from Biden. Or its this, or its that. Its none of that. What has happened is that a crime has been committed, and that crime has involved intelligence agencies of the United States and of the Five Eyes nations. These intelligence agencies, and not the Chinese, not the Russians, not the Venezuelans, are the actual persons or agencies that have the capability of carrying out the kind of fraud that has, in fact, been documented at least in various instances by various persons who saw it or participated in electoral processes that they have come to question. Therefore, what the actual contention is, that between January 6th and January 20th, is whether or not were going to maintain the republic.

Why is this so important to everybody who is watching, whether you voted or you didnt vote at all? We know that there are other nations, whether that be Russia, China, or much smaller nations, that are looking at the process presently ongoing in the United States. Theyre very worried; many people are worried. Because questions of war and peace, questions concerning the coronavirus, questions that may in fact involve whether or not theres an extinction event that humanity is facing; these are the questions that need to be being discussed with the American people and by the American President.

Whenever President Donald Trump has tried to do that over the course of the past four years, hes usually been thwarted by some crazy assertion about Russia or China or somebody. And what happens is that, instead of being able to not only stay a course, but to implement the kind of dialogue this is required among nations, the President was unable to do that.

We have found ourselves, particularly in the case of the nations of Russia and China, actually on the verge of what could even become thermonuclear war. The LaRouche Organization, as well as co-thinking organizations such as the Schiller Institute and others, have tried their best to make the point that that dialogue process among Russia, the United States, China, and other nations, is essential to our nation.

It is exactly from the standpoint of looking at that international responsibility that we view the process that is about to occur down in Washington, D.C. We have viewed the process not merely of the elections, but the ability to discuss policy in this way.

More than 1,000 witnesses filed affidavits and testified in the six states of Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Arizona. One hundred twenty-six Congressmen of the United States, 17 state Attorneys General argued in various ways, or weighed in, in various ways on various cases, including a case that came from Texas, which was arguing that if there was fraud in any part of the United States, it was then therefore the business of the entire United States and every U.S. citizen within the United States. The Supreme Court refused to hear the evidence in most of the cases that were brought, and the shift has therefore, constitutionally, gone to the Congress on January 6th, which is in four days. Hundreds if not thousands of Americans, stepped forward because they recognized that the nation, not the election, was at stake.

Schiller Institute William Ligon, Georgia State Senator.

Georgia State Senator William Ligon: Im William Ligon, and I serve in the Georgia State Senate. I have been chairing the Subcommittee of the Judiciary on the Election. We have been looking into the issues dealing with this Presidential election that we just held in November. Ive served in the Georgia Legislature for ten years; I have never ever received the volume of calls and letters and emails from voters in this state, from people really all over the country, expressing their concerns. But not only their concern, their outrage at what has occurred.

When theyre told, There was no fraud; this was a fair election, they are being asked to believe something which is completely contrary to what they have seen with their eyes, heard with their ears, or which they have experienced at the polls. Weve had poll watchers locked out of the voting place, or where the votes are being counted. They have been denied meaningful access to see what is going on. There has been hostility expressed towards them or demonstrated to them. And some of them, when theyve raised objections, have been escorted out of the voting place by the police. That is simply wrong! We cant have that in this country, we cant have that in this state.

The confidence of the public, or at least in Republicans, in the election results in Georgia, and I believe in the nation, is shaken. I think one of the cornerstones of having our republic is that confidence. And that, I believe, is reflected in the nature of our laws here in Georgia on what is required to question the results of an election. You can either show misconduct on the part of officials, or an irregularity, or fraud, which places the election in doubt. It seems as if our election officials here are just saying, We have to have definitive proof of a fraud here in order to set this election aside, or to go into a process of selecting new electors. Thats just not the case. If there are irregularities which will place that in doubt, then you can do that. And I believe that we have shown that through our hearings that weve held here in Georgia.

[Sen. Ligon reviewed the widely publicized irregularities in the Georgia election, then continued:]

Under our law, if there is such an irregularity or misconduct on the part of officials, which places the result of that election in doubt, the election can be set aside.

My point is, what you saw was a breach of the law, and the election is in doubt, and we should now go back in and revisit this in the legislature. When you see some of our senior elected officials stand up and say, Theres no evidence of fraud, theyre not telling you the whole story. Theres evidence of misconduct; theres evidence of irregularity. We have photographs of boxes of ballots that dont have the proper seal. Theres no chain of custody for many of these boxes of ballots. That right there, in and of itself, brings it into question.

In regard to correcting the November election, the legislature should have convened and should have looked into this to determine [if] there were sufficient irregularities or misconduct or fraud in the process to place the results of this election in doubt. And if that were to be foundwhich I believe it wouldthen the legislature would have the obligation to select new electors for this election. And we have the absolute right to do that under Article II, Section 1 of the United States Constitution. It states that it is the state legislature that should do this.

Schiller Institute Schiller Institute

Also speaking were Rolf Lindgren, a member of the Executive Committee of the Republican Party in Dane County Wisconsin; Bridget Thorne, a Dominion Poll Tech, with nine years experience as a Polling Precinct Manager in Fulton County Georgia; and Gregory Stenstrom, a Republican election observer in Delaware County Pennsylvania.

Schiller Institute

Leah Hoopes (Trump elector from Pennsylvania and President of the Pennsylvania Voter Alliance): Thank you so much for having me. Its an honor to be part of a diverse group of great minds. Even despite our differences politically, weve all agreed that integrity and courage to challenge our government and transparency are the answers to what currently ails our country and the world. With open discussion such as this, that displays a concerted effort to achieve domestic tranquility and liberty for each and every one of us.

Im thankful to people such as Lyndon and Helga LaRouche, who, despite their own reservations and fear of exposing the truth, have carried on anyway to seek and find solutions for the betterment of mankind. LaRouche was a pioneer and well before his time, and I fully believe he and our President would have been really allies. They have many similarities when it comes to policies and ideas. Despite the demonization of their views, they still pushed forward anyway. Lyndon LaRouche, like President Trump, shares views with Lincoln and our forefathers. In fact, Lincolns economic advisor, Henry Carey, states There are two systems before the world. One looks to pauperism, ignorance, depopulation, and barbarism, while the other increases wealth, comfort, intelligence, and a combination of action and civilization.

In order for the United States to raise the value in the world, we must first raise the value in our own country. Right now, our government is removing the ability for us to self-govern and is inundating the populace with information and not knowledge, starting with our school systems, which are basically bureaucratic institutions that generate radicalized foot soldiers, in my opinion. Theyve completely removed the idea of civil discourse and civic education. As a matter of fact, 31 states only have a one-year requirement, 10 states have a half a year, and then 9 states have no requirement whatsoever, for civic education.

I really wholeheartedly feel that there needs to be mandatory civic education, kindergarten through 12th grade, in our public schools. Thats really where we start with informing the populace of just how beautiful the experiment of the United States truly is. What better way to destroy a country than to attack the youth? Its much like Hitler did: Make them believe that the freedoms and opportunities that they have are false, and place others at a disadvantage, which is obviously quite the contrary.

The world is watching and waiting for us to do the right thing, and for many American citizens, they are waiting for the government to do the right thing and to save us. Let me be the first to tell you, we must save ourselves and fight to keep our republic. We have forgotten that we have the power, and that the government was created to protect our rights. That we the citizens are to restrain the government and not the government to restrain the citizens. Weve accepted the belief that we do not have the right to self-govern, when in fact, the Constitution of the United States says otherwise.

Its important to recite the Preamble of the Constitution, which starts with We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the General Welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish the Constitution of the United States of America. Its a very profound statement.

We are an experiment that was developed by the people, with a checks and balances system. And were actually seeing it come to fruition right now during this electionthese checks and balances systems and these constitutional pathways that we have. Its not just that we have an election. There are other avenues if there are issues with the irregularities and election fraud and voter fraud and what have you.

I was honored to be asked by the Trump campaign to be an elector. I proudly cast my vote for President Trump and Vice President Pence. Right now, Pence has the constitutional power to choose those electors, and he will have many in Congress to back his decision. And if he chooses not to use that power and authority, there are obviously still constitutional pathways to make that decision, and it needs to be done.

Ive spent an immense amount of time informing myself about our government, constitutional law, and have remained very vigilant in the fight for integrity and transparency. Im really self-taught, and theres beauty in that, because at any point a citizen can become informed and has the right to that knowledge, and they can become involved and they can truly make a difference. But the main goal, for us, is to empower others to do the same and recognize that freedom is not free at all, that we are a republic, and we have a responsibility. We, the citizens, have a responsibility to stay informed, become informed, and to stay active, to keep our republic, just like Benjamin Franklin spoke of.

And that really brings me to the activism and involvement that I have at this juncture right now. Eighteen months ago, becoming a committeewoman, I never thought I would get to this point. Its been a whirlwind, and I hope one day to write down everything that has transpired. But its possible: Its possible because I am a United States citizen. I want people to understand that once you become informed, and you obtain knowledge, that you become a force to be reckoned with. Its very hard for a government, or any entity, really, to pull the wool over your eyes, and tell you that theres nothing to see here.

This is a constant statement thats made in the news media and on social mediayou knowWe need to move on, and theres no fraud, and so on and so forth. Its propaganda that thousands of people who have signed affidavits are just crazy tinfoil hat wearers. Its absurd to me! Not surprisingnot surprising whatsoever.

Who can pull this off? Its easy, theres a combination of many things. You have a rogue judicial branch that is really kind of doing an ole to these cases and not allowing evidence to be presentedI mean, true evidenceto be presented to the public, of what has happened in the 2020 general election. Money is a motivating factor; you want to talk about these centralized banks, and that money just has everything to do with what were seeing. People are paid off, on both sides, and thats not an opinion. That is fact. We have people in our government who are supposed to be protecting our rights who are not doing their job, and theyre not representing the people.

We talk about this sovereignty of states, but for me, I think its important that we talk about the sovereignty of the people, and creating the alliances, like these voter alliances, or committees. It doesnt need to be done with millions of dollars. You can make phone calls; you can call your representative; you can reach out to organizations like the Thomas More Society or the Schiller Institute. There are people who are willing to help you to develop these committees and give you resources.

You can sit down with five of your friends at a coffee table and put your minds together. Thats really all it is, its not rocket science, what we have accomplished. I would like to think, I take a chip off the old block of President Trump, and even Lyndon LaRouche, that despite the hate, despite the demonization, despite the fear, we have pushed through and will talk about the truth despite everything that theyre saying, trying to pull the wool over our eyes.

Its just simple things like this, where you can connect the dots. If you have common sense, you can connect those dots! There are people who are willing to help you connect those dots. And then you just need to have the courage to speak up, and inform everybody of these issues, and not allow for people to try to shut you up. Im certainly not planning on shutting up any time soon. Theres a lot in store for 2021. My goal is to inform the populace, to give people courage to speak up, to teach people how to research, to investigate, and to really push for election integrity. We would actually like to push that nationally, and hopefully, one day across the world, of what we accomplished.

I cant thank the Schiller Institute enough for allowing me to have a voice. Im really hopeful that platforms such as this will continue to move forward. Were going to have to really fight for election integrity, so that we can be an example for the rest of the world. And lastly, that we start holding people accountable on the left or the right, or even in the middle, of whoever was involved in conspiring to destroy our elections, and to allow fraud to transpire. Thank you very much.

Schiller Institute Russ Diamond, Pennsylvania State Representative.

Pennsylvania State Representative Russ Diamond: In Pennsylvania, Ive mostly focussed on what I call wholesale invitation to irregularities, which was all the things that the [Pennsylvania] Supreme Court, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, the Governor, and elections officials in certain counties undertook before this election happened.

I know theres a lot of talk out there about the retail end of irregularitiesI dont use the term fraud, because I think the term irregularities is better to use; irregularities, if youre talking about Dominion Vote switching, if youre talking about dead people voting, that sort of thing, all that wouldnt have happened, had we not had the wholesale invitation to irregularities that we had here in Pennsylvania.

FIGURE 1 PA Lawmakers: Numbers Dont Add Up, Certification of Presidential Results Premature and In Error Note: Three small rural counties have not fully posted results online and their results were included as reported. From Rep. Russ Diamonds Press Release: 12/28/20.

In the last week or so, my neighboring legislator, Representative Frank Ryan, and another group of us, have tried to dig down into state data to compare ballots cast and counted by quantity, to the quantity of legal voters who voted. We have found [as outlined in his press release that, overall, theres a 200,000-voter shortage in relationship to total ballots cast; and 170,000 voter shortage in comparison to the total votes cast for President170,830. (See Figure 1.) When you have a presidential race thats decided by 80,555 votes, officially, as certified, 170,000 votes are incredibly significant! Its twice the difference.

This is the first time that we as a legislature have focussed on the retail end of what happened before the election, and weve documented at least two dozen actions weas members of the General Assemblyhave taken, in order to address this, from filing lawsuits ourselves, and being turned away, to filing amicus briefs, whether its the Kelly case in the U.S. Supreme Court, the Texas v. Pennsylvania case in the Supreme Court; other cases that we filed amicus briefs on; we have written letters, we have a letter from 59 members of the House and 5 members of the Senate, begging Congress to object to Pennsylvanias slate of electors. And that was signed by six members of the House Republican leadership team here in Pennsylvania.

I sent then another message today, and I asked, were you serious about that? Because if youre serious about that, then the only thing that we can do next, is exercise our plenary power, under the U.S. Constitution, to reclaim authority over elections, to appoint electors for President and Vice President, and decertify the slate of electors who have been ostensibly sent to Washington, according to our Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Governor.

There was a point in time where I believed that we would find enough retail irregularities in Pennsylvanias election process, that we could actually go ahead and name Trump electors and appoint them and send them to Washington. We have not come to that point.

However, we have come to the point in Pennsylvania, where I can tell you with all sincere honesty, I have no idea who won, because we cannot match up the ballots cast to the numbers of voters who voted.

This is like a checkbook: You cannot have more ballots cast than you had legal voters voting. And you need to have a snapshota static snapshotof a database of voters who were legal on November 3rd, who actually showed up at the polls, mailed in a ballot, dated an absentee ballot, or voted provisionally, and had those ballots counted, and you need to check them off, just like a checkbook: You got to reconcile that. There has been no reconciliation. And what weve found is the closest thing we have to a reconciliation in Pennsylvania is our Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors, which is also called the SURE system, when those are the numbers where we got that 170,000 deficit.

What is apparent to me, is that there is not in existence, a static snapshot of all the legal voters on November 3rd. That is very problematic, because it means we cant reconcile our checkbook.

I have one, specifically troubling precinct in my district, where there were 50fiftymore votes counted than voters voting. Im going to my local board of elections, and Im going to try to sort that out. I especially picked that particular precinct, because on Election Day, I got at least three phone calls from concerned citizens, who told me that there was somebody working the polls that day, who allowed people to cast their ballot, who did not appear in the poll book.

We are meeting on January 5 to be sworn in, and Im hoping that we can get a floor vote on January 5th after weve been sworn in, so that we can in fact, take that vote.

Thats where were at in Pennsylvania. That has been my mission for the last few weeks. I have a resolution ready to go; Im not sure we even need a written resolution. I believe we may be able to just get up and make a motion to decertify the electors, take a vote, and be done with it: Transmit that to Congress, the Vice President, the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and say, We have spoken, and we are done with this issue.

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Shocking images today revealed the trail of destruction inside the US Capitol after hundreds of Donald Trump's mob ransacked the seat of American democracy to demand Joe Biden's election be overturned.

Lecterns piled like trash, windows smashed, statues of heroes vandalized, dossiers strewn across office floors and telephones ripped from the walls lay among the tattered signage of the president's rabble: 'Treason', said one banner, 'Stop the Steal,' another.

Trump finally accepted his fate this morning after Vice President Mike Pence ended his desperate campaign to overturn the election by certifying Biden's win before Congress in the early hours of Thursday.

Congressmen were seen down on their knees today picking up debris alongside police officers as dawn broke on the carnage that left four dead in Washington DC and terrified lawmakers who hid in their rooms and under seats in the chamber.

Footage from inside the offices of the Senate Parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, shows how the furious Trump supporters ripped open her filing cabinets, broke windows and trashed furniture after they forced their way inside.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi's suite of offices were also targeted by the rioters who smashed a mirror, cracked the Democrat's nameplate and left a menacing message scrawled on a file: 'WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN.'

A laughing Trump protester was even pictured leaning back in Pelosi's chair with his feet up on her desk as hundreds of Representatives and Senators feared for their lives.

Scroll down for video

Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., helps ATF police officers (special highly trained officers) clean up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Wednesday

A protester walks through Congress carrying Nancy Pelosi's lectern after storming the Capitol with hundreds of others calling for Joe Biden's election to be overturned

The ransacked office of the Senate Parliamentarian: pic.twitter.com/E7PsSgoAEX  Ali Zaslav (@alizaslav) January 7, 2021

A door with broken windows inside the Capitol and plastered with Trump stickers, left; and a man takes a photo of broken windows near the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursda

A banner saying, 'Treason,' lies on the ground next to the dust strewn floor and fire extinguishers which appear to have been used

Damage is seen inside the US Capitol building early on Thursday as a Congressional staffer speaks on the phone beside statues of America's heroes

Trash and Trump signs are seen piled beside the statue of the great American hero Major Andrew Jackson

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., second from left, walks past damage with staffers in the early morning hours of Thursday

Desecration: Papers were strewn over carpets and furniture was flipped over during the violent invasion of the U.S. Capitol. Trump finally accepted his fate this morning after after Vice President Mike Pence ended his desperate campaign to overturn the election in the early hours of Thursday by certifying Biden's win.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi's suite of offices were also targeted by the rioters who smashed a mirror, cracked the Democrat's nameplate and left a menacing message scrawled on a file: 'WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN'

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., stops to look at damage in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington, on Wednesday

Footage from inside the offices of the Senate Parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, shows how the furious Trump supporters ripped open her filing cabinets, broke windows and trashed furniture after they forced their way inside

The office of the Senate Parliamentarian, an apolitical position, is totally wrecked after the MAGA mob broke into the Capitol Building

A workman pushed a cart full of new fire extinguishers through the Ohio Clock Corridor near the Senate floor inside the US Capitol in Washington after protesters unleashed chaos

Clean up operations outside the famous Capitol Building in Washington DC on Thursday after it was stormed by Trump's riotous brigades

The extent of the damage remains unclear, as does knowledge of what may have been looted from the building which is filled with priceless artefacts and sensitive documents - both paper and digital - which are kept in the offices of lawmakers.

Trump finally accepted his fate this morning after Pence ended his desperate campaign to overturn the election and certified Biden's win in the early hours of the morning as lawmakers thrashed out the process to verify the result of the Electoral College which had infuriated the MAGA mob.

Trump said there would be an 'orderly transition' - a hallmark of American democracy he had repeatedly called into question - but still claimed falsely that the election was stolen despite 50 states, a series of judges and now the U.S. Congress dismissing challenges to the result.

'Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20,' Trump said in a statement that aides posted on Twitter after the president's account was locked for stirring up violence.

'I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted,' Trump said. 'While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it's only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.'

Pence made the final announcement after a nearly 15-hour saga that saw rioting supporters of President Trump mob the U.S. Capitol Building in a day of carnage and shame that left four dead, saw pipe bombs, long guns and Molotov cocktails discovered in the Capitol grounds  and left America's image as the beacon of democracy reeling.

Police stand outside the East Front of the US Capitol at dusk as a curfew begins after pro-Trump protesters stormed the grounds leading to chaos, in Washington, DC

A U.S. Capitol Police officer walks past damage to windows and furniture in the early hours of Thursday as lawmakers continued their debate after the building was secured

Broken glass and debris litter a corridor in the US Capitol in Washington on Thursday

Shattered reinforced glass and debris litter the East steps in the US Capitol as a clean up operation begins on Thursday

US Capitol officials inspect damage in The Rotunda inside the US Capitol in Washington on Thursday

Furniture litter a hallway after supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump occupied the U.S. Capitol Building, after the Congress reconvened to certify the Electoral College votes of the 2020 presidential election, in Washington

Damage is seen inside the US Capitol building early early on Thursday after supporters of US President Donald Trump breeched security and entered the building during a session of Congress

Aftermath of an emergency medical attention in a hallway after supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump occupied the U.S. Capitol Building, in Washington

Boarded up windows and doors of the desecrated seat of American democracy on Thursday

Cleaners dust off and polish the statues in the Statuary Hall inside the US Capitol in Washington on Thursday after yesterday's chaos which left four dead

Clean up operations today after protestors stormed the building yesterday, Washington DC

Lecterns and notice boards are pile on top of each other after protesters rushed through the hallways of America's democracy

Dust and a gas mask are visible on the ground in the early morning hours of Thursday. It's not clear who it belongs to but lawmakers were told to don masks as the police started to deploy tear gas

Glass and furniture is piled in the hallways in the early morning hours of Thursday after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington, on Wednesday

Debris and personal belongings are strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours after protesters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday in Washington, Thursday

Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cleans up debris and trash strewn across the floor in the early morning hours of Thursday,

An ATF police officer cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday

Furniture litter a hallway after supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump occupied the U.S. Capitol Building, after the Congress reconvened to certify the Electoral College votes of the 2020 presidential election, in Washington

Damage is seen inside the US Capitol building early on January 7, 2020 in Washington, DC, after supporters of US President Donald Trump breached security and entered the building during a session of Congress

Damage is seen inside the US Capitol building early on Thursday beside dispensed fire extinguishers and a sign which says 'Treason'

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., second from left, walks past damage in the early morning hours of Thursday

Discarded water bottles and shattered panes of glass are seen in the hallway of the Capitol Building today

The MAGA mob  which included white supremacists, Holocaust deniers and Q Anon followers - interrupted the certification of results as they smashed through police barricades, stormed into the halls of the Capitol and even sat in the Senate chamber.

They looted offices, vandalized statues and confronted police as they rampaged through the Capitol, carrying Confederate flags, in hours of anarchy which shocked the world and which Biden called an 'insurrection'.

As the world watched in disbelief, many were shocked at how easily the invaders had breached the hallways of American democracy - contrasting the lax security with the heavy-handed crackdowns ordered by Trump at the height of the Black Lives Matter protests last summer.

Clean up operations and National Guard at the US Capitol after protestors stormed the building yesterday, Washington DC

Clean up operations and National Guard at the US Capitol after protestors stormed the building yesterday

A woman cleans up trash at the Capitol Building today beside a mangled fence

Officials clean up outside the Capitol Building on Thursday

members of the National Guard walk around the Capitol Building on Thursday

Officers from the National Guard walk around the perimeter of the Capitol Building on Thursday

Even as intruders desecrated the Capitol, Trump was said to be reluctant to deploy the National Guard, with reports saying that he 'rebuffed and resisted' the request before Pence and others finally made it happen.

Lawmakers were rushed off the floor of the House and Senate  and brought back at 8pm under armed guard while outside the mob defied a curfew in D.C. The president who had whipped them into fury tweeted: 'You are special. You are loved.'

One woman - 14-year Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit - was shot dead inside the building, with three others dead from unspecified 'medical emergencies' during the chaos.

Washington police chief Robert Contee said 14 police were injured, one of them pulled into a crowd and assaulted. 52 people were arrested.

Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., helps ATF police officers clean up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday

Shards of glass and cracked paving stones are seen in the hallways of the Capitol Building today

Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., helps ATF police officers clean up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday

Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., helps ATF police officers clean up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday

Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., helps ATF police officers clean up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday

A smashed window is seen in the Capitol Building close to an abandoned Stop the Steal placard, left; and Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday, right

The trashed suite of offices belonging to the Senate Parliamentarian, broken windows, strewn documents and upended desks

Dossiers are piled on the floor of an office after the Trump mob broke in on Wednesday evening and caused chaos

Broken windows on a set of doors at the Capitol Building on Thursday after hundreds breached security and stormed inside to demand Biden's election victory be overturned

Congress' overwhelming rejection of attempts to overturn the vote and Pence's role in it will surely further enrage Trump, who wanted his VP to unilaterally overrule Biden's win - and he was left further isolated by the resignation of multiple White House aides including former press secretary Stephanie Grisham.

The president was banished from Twitter for 12 hours Wednesday due to violating the company's rules meaning he could not vent on his favorite medium. The ban is due to expire at 5am Thursday morning.

With just 13 days left of his presidency, Trump is now at war with Mitch McConnell, facing whispers of his own cabinet trying to force him out and Democrats openly discussing impeaching him again - while just a handful of senators led by Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley and the majority of the House GOP remain loyal.

Mockery: A Trump supporter puts his feet up on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk after storming into the Capitol during an unprecedented effort to subvert a democratic election and keep Donald Trump in power

A Trump supporter posed alongside a statue of President Gerald Ford inside the Capitol

A supporter of US President Donald J. Trump sits on the desk of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after supporters of US President Donald J. Trump breached the US Capitol security in Washington

Congressional staffers barricade themselves inside their offices as Trump supporters rampage through the Capitol Building

Lawmakers cower in fear as protesters try to break down the doors of the House Chamber on Wednesday

Protesters broke windows to gain access to the Capitol as lawmakers were whisked to safety on Wednesday afternoon

A congressional member of staff (rear) holds his hands up as Police SWAT teams sweep the Capitol to clear it of rioters

It was Hawley who forced Congress to sit late into the night. Biden was at 244 of the 270 Electoral College votes needed when a final challenge of Pennsylvania's count pushed lawmakers back into their respective chambers.

In the Senate, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell skipped the two hours of permitted debate and went straight to a vote.

The upper chamber voted 92-7 to overrule the Republicans' objection - with some Republicans changing sides to vote with the majority after the carnage of the preceding hours.

'We don't expect additional votes tonight,' McConnell said when things were done. McConnell had been against the GOP effort to challenge the Electoral College vote counts from the beginning.

The House proceeded with debate and then voted 282 to 138 to overrule the challenge of Pennsylvania, with 64 Republicans voting alongside Democrats to make up the majority.

Supporters of US President Donald J. Trump stand inside the office of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Supporters of US President Donald Trump sit inside the office of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as he protest inside the US Capitol in Washington

Supporters of US President Donald J. Trump stand inside the office of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after supporters of US President Donald J. Trump breached the US Capitol security in Washington

Both houses have to vote in favor of a challenge for it to succeed.

Republicans in the House and Senate had earlier challenged the votes in Arizona - which prompted two hours of debate, interrupted by the MAGA riot - and that objection was overwhelmingly overruled.

House Republicans also tried to challenge the results in Georgia, Michigan and Nevada, but GOP senators would no longer sign on after the day's dramatic events.

'Mr. President prior to the actions and events of today we did but following the events of today it appears that some senators have withdrawn their objection,' admitted Georgia Rep. Jody Hice when challenging the results in his state.
A materials scientist at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany has been awarded a prestigious "ERC Proof of Concept Grant" from the European Research Council to further develop and refine a process that enables thermal toughening of very thin glass.

For decades, the process of thermal tempering has played a major role in increasing the strength of glass and thus guaranteeing greater durability. With this technique, conventional glass sheets are strengthened in a simple and highly efficient way. This has made it possible to manufacture numerous glass products that are taken for granted today. Thermally strengthened glass can be found covering solar modules, as safety glazing or even in shower partitions. As another example, the well-established process enables the production of automotive windows that break into small granular pieces in a controlled manner in the event of an accident or other damage, thus protecting people from injuries caused by sharp-edged shards of glass.

However, thermal tempering is subject to a range of technological limitations. In particular, it can only be used for glass products with a certain minimum thickness. For glass sheets or substrates, this is about two millimetres. Nowadays, however, much thinner glass often plays an important role in modern glass products. Thin-walled glasses not only enable significant savings in material and weight but they can also be bent or even rolled. Material scientists at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have now refined a process for this purpose that could remove the limitations on thermal strengthening of glass with thicknesses in the millimetre range and thus make the process applicable to completely new types of glass products.

Gradient creates tension

"To thermally temper the glass, it is usually first heated to over 600 degrees Celsius and then rapidly cooled - usually by blowing cold air on it," explains Prof. Lothar Wondraczek, who is leading the project at the Chair of Glass Chemistry. "This creates a significant difference in the cooling rate between the surface and the interior of the glass body." This gradient subsequently leads to a permanent surface compressive stress, which is opposed by a tensile stress in the interior. The interaction between the two stresses produces the special properties of thermally toughened glass.

The decisive factor for the process is how quickly the heat can be extracted from the heated glass via its surface. This in turn depends on two factors: the thermal conductivity of the glass and the heat transfer coefficient - the speed at which the heat is released into the environment. While the thermal conductivity is directly linked to the chemical composition of the material and cannot be changed without moving away from conventional glass chemistries, it is definitely possible to influence how quickly the glass cools.

Faster cooling of thin glass types

It was precisely this parameter that the materials scientists in Jena focused on to make thermal strengthening applicable to thin glass. "If you use air to cool glass that is less than two millimetres thick, the heat is usually distributed internally just as quickly as it is dissipated. In consequence, there is no gradient and thus no stress," explains Wondraczek. "For this reason, we developed a tempering process in which the glass is not tempered in air but in a liquid coolant." One challenge was to find suitable coolants that are already liquid at near room temperature, but do not evaporate at temperatures well above 800 degrees Celsius.

This allows the thermal tempering process to be extended to particularly thin glass as well as to unconventionally shaped glass. "In preliminary studies, we have been able to show that the process is also widely applicable," says Wondraczek. "Therefore, we now want to put it into practice." On the one hand, this process could replace more complex, expensive, and environmentally harmful methods for improving the strength of thin glass types. On the other hand, the use of glass as a material could be expanded, for example in electrical engineering or also for simple everyday objects such as certain typed of packaging, medical injectors or drinking straws.

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After a pro-Trump mob stormed and broke into the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, world leaders widely condemned the act and the rhetoric from President Donald Trump that led to the attack.

Many released statements on Twitter.

CHAOS AT THE CAPITOL: U.S. Rep Troy Nehls tried to negotiate with protesters at U.S. Capitol

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg commentedan unusual move for a NATO officialon Twitter: The outcome of this democratic election must be respected.

Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel blamed Trump for the mob.

I deeply regret that since November, President Trump has not accepted that he lost, and did not do so again yesterday, Merkel said, per the New York Times' Melissa Eddy. He stoked uncertainties about the election outcome, and that created an atmosphere that made the events of last night possible.

Congress reconvened after the attack to conclude the electoral vote and certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory. Trump has since announced there would be an "orderly transition" on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.




"The Secretary-General is saddened by the events at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C," on Wednesday, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said in a note to correspondents.

New York : Top United Nations leadership expressed sadness and concern over the violence in Washington, DC by pro-Trump demonstrators who stormed the US Capitol as lawmakers gathered to certify the presidential election results.

"In such circumstances, it is important that political leaders impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence, as well as to respect democratic processes and the rule of law," the UN chief said.

President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Volkan Bozkir, tweeted that as president of the 193-member UN body, "I'm saddened & concerned by today's developments at the Capitol in #WashingtonDC. The US is one of the world's major democracies. I believe that peace & respect for democratic processes will prevail in our host country at this critical time."

In an unprecedented attack on the seat of American democracy, pro-Trump demonstrators stormed the US Capitol when lawmakers were counting Electoral College votes to certify President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President elect Kamala Harris' election victory.
New Delhi, Jan 8 : With a view to mobilise farm workers and contract labourers to proceed to the protest site at the Tikri border, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) has decided to undertake a massive drive across villages near Moga, Mansa, Sangrur, Jalandhar and Patiala.

BKU (Ugrahan) members have been actively taking meetings in these villages. Speaking to IANS, Amolak Singh, the state President of Punjab Lok Sabhayarak Manch, who is overseeing the drive, said that 2,000 farm workers had already left for the massive tractor rally, and more are being mobilised.

Stressing that it is important for the union to involve farm workers in the protests as landowners and farmers had become the 'face' of the agitation, he said, "It is a misconception that the new laws will affect only the farmers. Their ramifications will be felt by everybody connected to agriculture." Singh feels that the move is also important in order to ensure that the landowning class does not see the farm workers as the 'other' once the agitation is over. "A village has very peculiar class dynamics. Besides other things, the unions must also ensure that no one feels superior -- in this case, landowners should not assume that their role in opposing the new laws has been more than the farm workers and the landless labourers." Interestingly, besides traditional ways of mobilising workers, social media is being extensively used to exhort farm workers to join the agitation. "We all are aware about the extremely high penetration of smartphones, even in the rural sector. Small videos for those who cannot read and posters etc. are being sent by our social media teams, not just to farm workers but also the general population in villages to join the agitators," says another union member.

Singh added that the small traders in the villages are also being "educated" about the effects of the new laws.

"The village economy is very fragile and highly interdependent. A trader is much dependent on the farmer and vice versa. As a union, we feel that it is important that everyone is acquainted about this fact and encouraged to oppose the new laws," Singh said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Seventeen of the 25 Texas Republicans in Congress objected to counting Electoral College votes for President-elect Joe Biden overnight, virtually all of them pointing to debunked claims of voter fraud and sticking to plans to reject Bidens win.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz also objected to results from Arizona and Pennsylvania as he stuck to calls for an emergency audit of the election results, even as some of the Republican senators who had backed his efforts dropped their objections after President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday.

Bidens win was certified by both chambers, and Cruzs objection to the Arizona results was shot down in the Senate on a vote of 93-6.

The attack at the Capitol was a despicable act of terrorism and a shocking assault on our democratic system, Cruz said in a statement early Thursday morning, saying he had pushed for a commission to study the results to give Americans confidence in this past election and in elections going forward.

CRUZ CATCHES BLAME: Ted Cruz, Texas Republicans face backlash after mob storms Capitol

It was the right thing to do, he said. I very much wish Congress had not set aside these concerns, but I respect the position each of my colleagues took. Debate in the two houses of Congress is the proper way to resolve our political differences, not through violent attacks.

The votes split Texas Republicans, with GOP members from the House emerging as some of the strongest proponents for certifying Bidens election results.

Central Texas U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, who voted to certify the election results, gave an impassioned speech on the House floor late Wednesday night that drew a standing ovation from members in the Democrat-controlled chamber.

That vote may well sign my political death warrant. But so be it, Roy said. I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and I will not bend its words into contortions for political expediency.

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, whose district stretches from Austin to Houston, said he voted to certify because if Congress chooses to ignore or second-guess the electoral votes cast by the states, it will set a dangerous precedent that could call into question the very institution of our democracy.

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In a statement late Wednesday night, U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady of The Woodlands, who was unable to vote because he tested positive for COVID-19, said he would have voted to certify, as well: I would remain true to the conservative constitutional principles that guide me, and vote to accept the Electoral College votes as legally certified by each state.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who did not pose any objections Wednesday, has also criticized the effort as being based on disappointment in the election results and unproven allegations, which he said would do irreparable harm to our great democracy.

The 16 Texans in the House that objected to results from Arizona, Pennsylvania or both are: Jodey Arrington of Lubbock; Brian Babin of Woodville; Michael Burgess of Pilot Point; John Carter of Round Rock; Michael Cloud of Victoria; Pat Fallon of Sherman; Louie Gohmert of Tyler; Lance Gooden of Terrell; Ronny Jackson of Amarillo; Troy Nehls of Richmond; August Pfluger of San Angelo; Pete Sessions of Waco; Beth Van Duyne of Irving; Randy Weber of Friendswood; Roger Williams of Austin; and Ron Wright of Arlington.

Heres what they have said about their decision:

Rep. Jodey Arrington of Lubbock

In 2016, many of my Democrat colleagues objected to the certification of votes and then inexplicably refused to accept Congress ultimate certification of President Trump as our legitimate and duly elected president. This defiance of the Constitution and blatant disregard for the Rule of Law is unconscionable and a dereliction of our sacred duty. I will object on January 6th and voice my constitutional concerns with the 2020 Presidential Election, and I urge my colleagues to do the same, Arrington wrote in a letter dated Tuesday and sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Rep. Brian Babin of Woodville

If we dont stand for election integrity now  we may never see an honest election again, he tweeted.

Rep. Michael Burgess of Pilot Point

Before and after this malicious event, I listened as fellow members presented evidence and arguments for the need to object to the electors from Arizona and Pennsylvania, Burgess said in a statement. The case was presented about the unprecedented voting irregularities, overreach by government bureaucrats, and the lack of ballot integrity and security that have left many wondering why they should even vote. It is important that every American has confidence in our election system and that their vote was counted the way it was cast.

Rep. John Carter of Round Rock

I do not take the decision to object to the Electoral College certification lightly, Carter said in a statement. In fact, it is one of the most serious things I will do this year as the representative of the 31st District of Texas  stand up for the 74 million people who feel like they cannot trust their democracy.

Rep. Michael Cloud of Victoria

Article II of the Constitution (reaffirmed in the 12th Amendment) makes clear that it is the state legislatures who define how electors are selected  in other words, how elections are managed within their state, Cloud wrote on Twitter.

In many states, however, judges and election officials at varying levels instituted their own election processes. These new processes implemented, sometimes weeks leading up to Election Day, violated established state election laws. These unilateral actions  not taken by the state legislatures but judges and election officials  are not supported by the Constitution.

Rep. Pat Fallon of Sherman

The last time I checked a District Court judge aint a State Legislature!! Fallon wrote on Facebook. We must pushback and stand up for ALL Americans! If we dont have free, honest and open elections then we are no longer a republic, we are no better than a banana republic.

Rep. Louie Gohmert of Tyler

Gohmert on Wednesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review his lawsuit against Vice President Mike Pence that was dismissed by a lower court last week.

I believe in using the court system for the same reason they were created, Article III of the Constitution, to resolve disputes, so we dont have to have riots and violence, Gohmert said in an interview with Newsmax on Friday. There are people all over the country praying that people will get a backbone. If they do not, it will mean the end of our republic, the end of this little experiment of self-government.

Rep. Lance Gooden of Terrell

I will never vote to certify a RIGGED election, Gooden tweeted. Thats why I was one of the FIRST House members to announce that Ill be OBJECTING on January 6th. I am pleased to see so many members joining the fight President @realDonaldTrump & the future of our country are worth fighting for!

Rep. Ronny Jackson of Amarillo

Im CHALLENGING the Electoral College because the patriotic citizens I represent DESERVE to know if the Presidential election was a FRAUD, Jackson tweeted.  We dont stand for FRAUD in Texas, and I will FIGHT it until the end!

Rep. Troy Nehls of Richmond

You sent me to Congress to fight for President Trump and election integrity and thats exactly what Im doing, Nehls wrote in a tweet.

Rep. August Pfluger of San Angelo

For our democracy to function everyone must trust in it and millions of Americans right now do not, Pfluger said in a statement. We must give the American people a full debate on all matters related to the election and the constitutional issues at hand.

Rep. Pete Sessions of Waco

America needs to be one of rule of law and of instant replay with a close call. Sessions said in a statement. If we neglect to challenge the states in question, whomever gets the presidency will be seen in a different light. It is in everyones best interest to constitutionally verify the result.

Rep. Beth Van Duyne of Irving

I voted against the electors from Pennsylvania because I will not surrender the notion that election integrity matters, Van Duyne said in a statement. If we do not fight for and demand a ruling on the unconstitutionality of how Pennsylvania conducted its election, then every election here forward will be at risk for unconstitutional and tyrannical changes.

Rep. Randy Weber of Friendswood

I stand with Rep. Brooks and other conservative House members, Weber said in a Facebook post.

Rep. Roger Williams of Austin

Im not ashamed, and neither are my colleagues  Were actually proud of what were doing over here, the Washington Post reported that Williams said Wednesday.

Rep. Ron Wright of Arlington

Although what we saw yesterday was inexcusable and reprehensible, it doesnt change the fact that election laws were broken, and evidence of voter fraud has been presented, Wright said in a statement Thursday. Both deserve to be investigated. Last night, I objected to certifying the Electoral College votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania to fight for the integrity of our elections and to give certainty to millions of Americans that our electoral process is safe and secure.

Taylor Goldenstein reported from Austin; Benjamin Wermund reported from Washington.

ben.wermund@chron.com
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PFAS investigation in Pellston completes second round of samples

Officials discovered polyfluoroalkyls in Pellston residential water sources in late 2019. The airport is believed to be the source of the substances.
Police ordered late-night demonstrators to leave downtown Portland Wednesday, hours after the roving crowd had gathered to denounce the storming of the U.S. Capitol by a mob of President Trump supporters.

The dispersal orders came after some people in the group smashed the windows of at least three downtown businesses, according to police and multiple news outlets.

Portlands stop the fascist coup protest unfolded about 12 hours after rioters forced their way into the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., delaying proceedings to confirm Trumps loss in the presidential election. Two other related protests occurred earlier Wednesday in Oregon: a pro-Trump event that culminated in clashes with counter-protesters in Salem, and a small anti-Trump rally on the steps of Portland City Hall.

The Congressional hearings to certify Joe Bidens victory eventually resumed after federal officers cleared rioters from the building. The proceedings were underway as the late-night protest played out in Portland.

Protesters converged at Chapman Square, one block from a federal courthouse that was the site of frequent protests for racial justice between May and September. Trump dispatched federal officers in June to protect it. Federal forces frequently used tear gas, rubber bullets and other types of force to keep nightly protesters away.

An event flier for Wednesdays protest included the tagline spread fire and described the gathering as a direct action event, a label that often precedes acts of property damage such as smashing windows and spray painting buildings.

Hours before the event started, the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office warned people on Twitter not to carry out crimes.

We will not tolerate criminal activity that jeopardizes or threatens the safety of deputies, officers, adults in custody, employees and community members, the agency said in a tweet.

When the roving crowd arrived at the newly built county courthouse on First Avenue around 9:45 p.m., Portland police used a loudspeaker to order people to leave. Police said officers saw some people in the crowd trying to break in to the building and damage the fence surrounding it.

The crowd left the building and roamed throughout downtown. At least one person in the group smashed the windows of a Starbucks, a Target and a credit union, KOIN News reported.

Portland police declared the gathering unlawful and ordered people to leave. Police so far have not said how many people, if any, were arrested in connection with the smashed windows.

It was the third time in recent days that a faction of demonstrators targeted and damaged downtown businesses.

More than a dozen businesses and buildings were damaged over two successive nights heading into the New Year as vandals clashed with police in downtown Portland. The worst of the damage came on New Years Eve as people shattered numerous storefront windows and burglarized several businesses, prompting police to declare a riot.

The damage on those nights prompted Mayor Ted Wheeler to say he is exploring new ways for police to respond to protests aimed at property damage.

Fedor Zarkhin and Jamie Goldberg of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report.
The city of Miami Beach plans to begin administering COVID-19 vaccines to some seniors living in affordable housing or who are confined to their homes.

Miami Beach Fire Rescue, which received 600 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, is expected to begin on-site vaccinations Wednesday at the Council Towers North senior affordable housing building.

We also plan to administer an extremely limited number of vaccines to homebound seniors today to pilot the capacity of rolling out a broader program, City Manager Raul Aguila said in a statement.

COVID vaccine live updates: What you should know in South Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 6

Aguila did not say how many doses will be administered today. Mayor Dan Gelber said the citys limited supply will serve to vaccinate 300 seniors total.

The city has not yet released a timeline for when the rest of the doses will be administered or how interested seniors can schedule appointments.

The fire department received the vaccine doses Tuesday from the Florida Department of Health and will use an industrial freezer to store the 60 vials of the vaccine.

Miami Beach Fire Rescue will store its supply of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in an industrial freezer.

Since Dec. 29, the city has transported more than 127 seniors to Mount Sinai Medical Center to get vaccinated.

Gelber said the city is incredibly anxious to begin homebound vaccinations for seniors.

Its an important group because a lot of them might have more difficulty getting to the hospital, he said.

Miami-Dade County seniors interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine should contact Mount Sinai or the Jackson Health System. There is more information available on the countys dedicated vaccine website, miamidade.gov/vaccine.
Kate Maguire is CEO and artistic director of Berkshire Theatre Group which was created in 2010 as the result of a merger between Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge and The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. BTG comprises The Colonial Theatre and The Garage in Pittsfield and the Fitzpatrick Mainstage and Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge.

Maguire graciously has taken the time to answer some questions about 2020 and what might lie ahead in 2021.
McCanney out of Dakar after mechanical problems strike



Photo: Jamie McCanney Facebook Page

McCanney out of Dakar after mechanical problems strike.

Isle of Man Enduro Rider Jamie McCanney, has been forced to retire form the Dakar Rally.

McCanney was up in 19th position after 4 stages of 12, when he suffered mechanical problems on the special section.

As he was unable to fix the issues, which must be attended to without outside assistance, he was forced to pull out of the event.

Posting on his Fan Page, Jamie said



Sadly my Dakar 2021 is over 7 days earlier than expected due to a technical issue L

Thank you to everyone who supported me over these past 5 days and if you know me you know I would have done anything to stay in the race but sometimes its out of your control and today was one of those days.

Thanks to all the team for their hard work and lets keep pushing!

The Dakar Rally is being held solely in Saudi Arabia this year because of covid-19. The event usually takes place across a number of countries and frontiers.

Fellow Manxman David Knight is continuing his campaign in the event. Knight is currently in 40th position after 5 Stages.

Keep track of the event by hitting www.dakar.com

https://www.facebook.com/Jamiemccanney68

Photos
Actor Anushka Sharma stepped out for lunch with her husband Virat Kohli on Thursday. Heavily pregnant but looking fit as ever, pictures of the duo have now landed on the internet.

In the pictures, Anushka can be seen in a black single piece dress while Virat is seen in casuals. Both have masks on. Virat has a protective arm around his wife. In other pictures, it was reported that they had earlier been to visit her doctor.

Anushka Sharma with Virat Kohli in Mumbai. (Varinder Chawla)

On Wednesday, an upset Anushka had called out paparazzi for what she called an invasion into her privacy after pictures of Virat and her sitting in their balcony were revealed. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she wrote: Despite requesting the said photographer and the publication, they still continue to invade our privacy. Guys! Stop this right now!

Anushka shared a picture of the food she was having.

Anushka has been in a happy space through her pregnancy. Only recently, she had posted a short clip of her on the treadmill. The actor had been to Dubai with her husband as his team took part in IPL 2020 and post her return she had also shot for a few ads. However, of late, her outings have been restricted to visits to her doctor or to her parents.

Also read: AR Rahman on why he embraced Islam but wouldnt want to impose it on anyone else

Anushka and Virat had announced her pregnancy in August last year and mentioned that their first child is due to arrive in January 2021. Anushka has also said in an interview that intends to get back to work in four months after her delivery. Speaking to Times of India, she had said: I will be back to my shoots after I deliver my child, and will establish a system at home that ensures I can balance time between my child, home and professional life. I intend to keep working for as long as I live because acting truly makes me happy.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10
Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ky., in an undated photograph. (Courtesy of Taylor family attorney Sam Aguiar via AP)

Louisville Police Department Fires 2 More Officers in Breonna Taylor Case

The Louisville Police Department has fired two more officers who took part in the shooting of Breonna Taylor.

Detectives Myles Cosgrove and Joshua Jaynes were dismissed on Tuesday.

Please be advised effective this date your employment with the Louisville Metro Police Department is terminated, Chief of Police, Yvette Gentry wrote them, according to a copy of the termination letter to Cosgrove obtained by WFPL.

Gentry told him that two of the sixteen rounds you fired were found in the body of Ms. Breonna Taylor, adding that one of those shots killed her.

The shots you fired went in three different directions, indicating you did not verify a threat or have target acquisition, Gentry wrote. In other words, the evidence shows that you fired wildly at unidentified subjects or targets located within an apartment.

She wrote in conclusion: despite your years of service, I cannot justify your conduct nor in good conscience recommend anything less than termination.

Police said they knocked and announced themselves for a minute or more before bursting into Breonna Taylors apartment Her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker said he did not hear officers identify themselves, according to Kentucky grand jury recordings released Friday. In the hail of gunfire that ensued, the 26-year-old woman was killed. A battering ram used in the March 13, 2020, raid of Breonna Taylors apartment in Louisville, Ky. (Louisville Metro Police Department)

The dramatic and sometimes conflicting accounts of the March 13 raid are key to a case that has fueled nationwide protests. When police came through the door using a battering ram, Taylors boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired once. He acknowledges that he may not have heard police identify themselves because of where he was in the apartment. He said that if hed heard them, it changes the whole situation because theres nothing for us to be scared of.

Over 4,000 pages of investigation related to the shooting were made public by Louisville police in October 2020.

Officers Cosgrove, Brett Hankison, and Jonathan Mattingly executed a search warrant on March 18 on Taylors apartment in Springfield Drive.

Demonstrators march during a protest in New York City on Sept. 23, 2020. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AP Photo)

The officers said that before breaching, they banged on the door:

I knocked on the door. Banged on it. We didnt announce the first couple because our intent was not to, to hit the door, Mattingly told the investigators. Our intent was to give her plenty of time to come to the door because they said she was probably there alone.

The police said that they got no response from the knocking, then they identified themselves.

Mattingly said that they waited for 45 seconds to one minute.

It seems like an eternity where youre up at a door waiting, he said.

He continued saying that after he entered, he saw two people, one of them had a gun in their hand, and then Taylors boyfriend, Walker, fired at least one shot that hit Mattingly, which prompted the three police officers to fire back
Some Senate aides barred the doors of their offices as protesters beat on them, shouting profanities. As it became clear the Senate chamber was not safe, security officers ordered the senators to leave. As politicians and staff rushed out, aides grabbed hold of the boxes containing the Electoral College certificates, making sure that the vandals could not literally steal the results of the election. "If our capable floor staff hadn't grabbed them, they would have been burned by the mob," said Democrat Senator Jeff Merkley. Electoral College ballots sit on a table after they were rescued from the Senate floor. Credit:Jeff Merkley Through the tunnels of the Capitol, senators walked quickly with an armed police escort. A member of McConnell's security detail took the arm of the Senator, who walks with a limp because of a childhood bout with polio, pulling and steadying him as they hustled away from danger through a tunnel under the Capitol complex.

Loading Before long, the President's supporters were inside the Senate chamber, prowling amid the mahogany desks and even sitting on the marble dais where Pence had been seated not long before. Across the Capitol, a police officer stepped onto the House rostrum to inform lawmakers that they might need to duck under their chairs. "We now have individuals that have breached the Capitol building," he told them, warning House members to be prepared to move quickly out of the chamber. "They are in the Rotunda." "Call Trump," Democrat Steve Cohen yelled to shouts and grumbles from the House floor. "Call your friend."

Democrat Ruben Gallego, a veteran, jumped on the arm rests of chairs and began directing members, cautioning them to move calmly and quickly out of the chamber. Capitol Police officers passed out gas masks to reporters in the press area above, as politicians pulled their own silver-boxed masks from underneath the chairs in front of them. There were warnings that tear gas had been fired in the Capitol Rotunda. Democrat Ruben Gallego jumped on a chair to coordinate the evacuation from the House Chamber. Credit:AP The chamber filled with frantic shouting and the whirring of the masks, their red lights flashing as lawmakers struggled to figure out how to unfold the plastic bags that were supposed to go over their heads. Police officers and floor staff yelled for everyone to exit, clambering over chairs and banisters to reach the doors. A wooden chest was pushed in front of the main doors to the chamber, through which Pence and the chests of election certifications had come just an hour earlier. Security officers drew their guns and pointed and yelled at the door, whose glass panels were shattered, as politicians, staff and reporters cowered in the top levels of the chamber.

There was a bang, and evacuation momentarily stopped. Everyone was told to get down, with reporters and lawmakers struggling to hide behind low-backed chairs and equipment normally used to broadcast the floor proceedings. A protester sits in the Senate Chamber as others roamed the halls. Credit:Getty Images Outside, members of the mob were making themselves at home throughout the Capitol, including inside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office. Some of the protesters gawked at the grand and storied building they had unlawfully flooded while others looked at it with contempt. "I don't trust any of these people," said Eric Martin, 49, a woodworker from Charleston, South Carolina, as he marvelled at the opulence of the Capitol and helped a friend wash pepper spray from his eyes. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely."

But if some only stared at the Capitol, others resorted to violence. A woman inside the building was shot by police and later died, the District of Columbia police said, and multiple officers were injured. A suspected explosive device was found around noon near the headquarters of the Republican National Committee, then rendered safe. Later, DC police would confirm that four people died during the occupation; as well as the woman, three others died in medical emergencies. Shortly after 2.45pm Washington time, the evacuation resumed, with a line of politicians and journalists clambering out of the House chamber. They were climbing over chairs, ducking under banisters  anything to get out quickly. Police officers had their guns drawn.

"Are you OK? Are you OK?" was the constant refrain as the members of Congress, aides and reporters scurried down staircases and hallways. Phones buzzed with texts and calls, with lawmakers frantically checking on staff that had been in office buildings and responding to family. Loading Senators gathered at a secure location in another building in the Capitol complex, with journalists asked to stay outside. FBI tactical units in camouflage with firearms and shields monitored the location, as senators spoke in hushed tones about whether and how to proceed with the electoral count. "These thugs are not running us off," said Democrat Senator Joe Manchin III. "We're going to finish tonight. Everyone is committed to staying whatever it takes to get our job done." As night fell, an announcement came over the loudspeaker in the Capitol telling lawmakers the city was now under a curfew. Distant sirens could still be heard blaring throughout the capital.
Two of the pro Trump rioters captured on camera at the Capitol riots on Wednesday were fired from their respective jobs Thursday.

Navistar Direct Marketing issued a statement Thursday confirming they had dismissed their employee who walked through the Capitol with his work pass hanging around his neck.

Goosehead Insurance later said Texas lawyer Paul Davis, who livestreamed his actions outside the building, was no longer employed by the company.

A spokesman for Goosehead Insurance told DailyMail.com: 'His actions are not a representation of or supported by Goosehead in any way. He is no longer employed by Goosehead, An official statement will be released.'

A Maryland marketing company has fired a pro Trump rioter who walked through the Capitol with his work pass hanging around his neck on Wednesday, left. Paul Davis, right, livestreamed from outside the Capitol to his followers online; he was later fired from his job

In a statement Navistar Direct Marketing said they were 'made aware that a man wearing a Navistar company badge was seen inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 during the security breach'.

They added: 'After review of the photographic evidence the employee in question has been terminated for cause.'

The unidentified employee was pictured inside the Capitol building Wednesday. The company later said they are 'cooperating with the authorities'.

'While we support all employee's right to peaceful, lawful exercise of free speech, any employee demonstrating dangerous conduct that endangers the health and safety of others will no longer have an employment opportunity with Navistar Direct Marketing,' the company added.

Several images of the worker show him alongside the heavily-tattooed Trump supporter who sported horns, a fur hat and face paint and was named as the QAnon Shaman, or Jake Angeli.

Texas lawyer Davis said he had been tear-gassed at the rally, telling his followers: 'That was not fun. All we want is an actual audit of ballots and the Dominion machines.

'Our politicians could end all of the unrest in two days with a legitimate audit, but they won't allow it. Why?'

Davis later posted to Instagram saying: 'For those of you claiming I was trying to storm the Capitol, its obvious from my entire story that I was peacefully demonstrating. They gassed the entire crowd that was standing there with me. I was not trying to break in. Was just talking to the police officers and praying over them.'

Several images of the worker, right, show him alongside the heavily-tattooed Trump supporter who sported horns, a fur hat and face paint and was named as the QAnon Shaman, or Jake Angeli, center

Navistar Direct Marketing issued this statement Thursday

At 68 people have already been arrested and four died.

Dozens of those involved in the violent siege, labelled as 'great patriots' by the president are yet to be identified and the FBI is now asking for the helping in finding them, tweeting they are 'accepting tips & digital media depicting rioting & violence in the U.S. Capitol Building & surrounding area on January 6, 2021.'

'If you have witnessed unlawful violent actions, we urge you to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant,' they added.

Police later released images of 'persons of interest' they want to identify.

The unidentified employee was pictured inside the Capitol building Wednesday. The company later said they are 'cooperating with the authorities'

Protesters interact with police inside the U.S. Capitol Building. The worker's pass is circled

Most of those already arrested have been accused of curfew violations.

Others face charges of carrying a pistol without a license. The former Deputy Director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe, has said the bureau must make 'identifying, arresting, and prosecuting every single person that you possibly can that entered that Capitol building yesterday' a top priority.

But some of those who took part have already been identified online as members of far right groups, white nationalists, Neo-Nazis and supporters of conspiracy theory QAnon.

They are from states all over the country including Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Oregon.

One of those named is Richard 'Bigo' Barnett, the 60-year-old who brazenly put his feet on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk in her office.

The heavily-tattooed Trump supporter, who has become a fixture at recent right-wing rallies decked out in his signature attire, has been identified as Jake Angeli

Even elected politicians were part of the mob. Rick Saccone, who ran for a U.S. House seat in 2018 and was once a state lawmaker in Pennsylvania, bragged on Facebook that 'we are storming the Capitol'

Another supporter of US President Donald J. Trump sits on the desk of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after breaking in

Another of the mob was Tim Gionet, an online personality known as Baked Alaska who is described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a white nationalist who was involved in the far-right Charlottesville rally in 2017.

Even elected politicians were part of the mob.

Rick Saccone, who ran for a U.S. House seat in 2018 and was once a state lawmaker in Pennsylvania, bragged on Facebook that 'we are storming the Capitol' and that 'our vanguard has broken through the barricades' in a now deleted post.

Donald Trump's special envoy to Northern Ireland has resigned from his post following the disturbances in Washington DC yesterday.

Mick Mulvaney told CNBC News that he had called the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and told him personally that he could no longer continue in his role.

Speaking to the broadcaster, the 53-year-old who was made NI envoy in March 2020, said: "I called Mike Pompeo last night to let him know I was resigning from that. I can't do it. I can't stay.

"Those who choose to stay, and I have talked with some of them, are choosing to stay because they're worried the president might put someone worse in."

Washington DC descended into chaos yesterday after pro-Trump protestors stormed Capitol.

Read More

Four people died in the violence which forced the US Congress to postpone the declaration that Joe Biden would be the next president.

Donald Trump later tweeted a message in which he asked the protesters to go home, but he was criticised for stopping short of condemning the violence.

Mulvany's departure follows several high-profile resignations after the violence last night, including deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews, White House social secretary Rickie Niceta and Melania Trump's chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham.

Download the Sunday World app Now download the free app for all the latest Sunday World News, Crime, Irish Showbiz and Sport. Available on Apple and Android devices Read More

Online Editors

Moms For America Call For Americans to Stand Up, Reject Evil and Marxism

WASHINGTONMultiple social figures called on the American people to stand up and oppose the evil and Marxism that have been infiltrating the United States, in the Save the Republic rally on Tuesday.

Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) told The Epoch Times in the rally that she hopes all the events will wake up the American people.

My hope and dream is that it would wake America up to  the gravity of the place that we find ourselves both politically and morally in our society. And so Im hoping that people will be awakened and get out of their passivity and find their place in this generation to serve, Miller said.

Thousands attended the rally that the Moms for America, a grassroots organization, co-hosted in front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon.

As we have seen, evil has infiltrated all aspects of our society and Marxism has infiltrated all levels of our government. Darkness seems to surround us. That is not our vision of the future, and it is not the life we want for our children. We have, therefore, decided to stand up, speak up, and make sure our voices are heard! Kimberly Fletcher, president of Moms for America, said a day prior to the legislators challenging the electoral votes of each state.

Miller said that if the Biden administration has its way, it will push its agenda, and it will be oppressive. They will open up the borders, stack the courts, stop energy production, get overly friendly with Iran and China, tax heavier, keep the county closed, and mandate masks, she said. Theyve said out of their own mouths.

Fletcher, a mother of eight and founder of Moms for America said that mothers have played a vital role in securing and protecting the Republic ever since the Mayflower landed 400 years ago.

With the Constitution being subverted, election integrity in question, and the Republic hanging in the balance, mothers are once again rising up to save the Republic for our families, our freedoms, and our future, Fletcher added.

Fletcher told The Epoch Times that its about their values, not Donald Trump.

If Donald Trump was a socialist pro-abortion  we wouldnt be supporting him. We support him because he supports us and our values, she said. The United States is so close to communism right now, Fletcher said.

Fletcher does not take Joe Biden as the biggest threat, but instead, the deceived American people are the largest issue. Our biggest threat are our neighbors who have bought into this.

Fletcher expressed her appreciation to those legislators who are challenging the electoral votes and called them heroes who dared to stand up against opponents political retaliation.
Snow day in the Bay Area 1976: The view from above When snow blanketed the Bay Area in 1976, Chronicle photographer Art Frisch chartered a plane and captured the scene from above. Check out his photos, published in their entirety for the first time

Snow day in the Bay Area 1976: The view from above When snow blanketed the Bay Area in 1976, Chronicle photographer Art Frisch chartered a plane and captured the scene from above. Check out his photos, published in their entirety for the first time

There was no warning the day before snow fell at sea level in San Francisco on the early morning of Feb. 5, 1976. The San Francisco Chronicle had predicted clear skies, and at most a few flurries above 2,000 feet.

There was no way to know that the powder would be the last meaningful Bay Area-wide snowfall for at least 45 years. Measurable snow had fallen in San Francisco in 1962 and 1953.

But Chronicle photographer Art Frisch clearly understood the gravity of the moment. Before many of his colleagues had left for work, Frisch chartered a plane somewhere in Solano County, traveled over Benicia, Martinez, Marin County and San Francisco, along the way capturing one of the most iconic images in the newspapers history.

That photo, of the Golden Gate Bridge with the Marin Headlands in the back, has received its own tributes. But Frischs greater journey  published in its entirety for the first time here  is astonishing and surreal in different ways. It answers the question, What would the Bay Area look like, if it suddenly experienced a Michigan winter?

Its no surprise that Frisch was the one in the airplane. The Chronicle employee of almost 50 years, who started as a copy boy in 1935, was known for his hustle.

"He was old school, and a pleasure to work for, Chronicle photographer Fred Larson said after Frischs death at age 89 in 2008. When Art put an assignment in your hand, you went and did it on the spot. He expected you to run out the door. You better not finish your lunch first."

Former Chronicle photographer Gary Fong, who took photos early in the morning from his Sunset District home, said by the time he arrived in the newsroom, Frisch had already finished his flight and was ready to process the photos.

He said, Ive been up. I rented a plane and I got up in the air and had them fly around the city, Fong remembered in an interview last year. I looked at the film and said, Hey Art, these are pretty good.  I printed a couple of (my photos) and took a look and said, Forget mine.

The images tell the rest of Frischs story. He apparently chartered the plane somewhere east of the Carquinez Strait. Images of industrial Martinez, the mothball fleet near Suisun Bay and Crockett are included.

After traveling west to Marin County, Frischs camera pulled in closer for a few shots  capturing the snow-covered roofs of expensive homes  before taking photos of Mt. Tamalpais, with San Franciscos skyline many miles in the distance. The tour included a flyover of San Francisco, including dreamlike images of then-new Sutro Tower.

In many ways, theyre the perfect counterpoint to the Orange Skies Day photos of 2020. Equally incomprehensible to Bay Area weather logic. But instead of underlying terror, the snow photos offer a mystical feeling of joy.

On Feb. 6 The Chronicle made a huge deal about the snow, with four pages of snow photos and more the next day. Frischs Golden Gate Bridge photo above the fold of the newspaper was an instant classic. Fong, who performed his darkroom magic to get the snow as white as possible, said it was the most requested Chronicle photo in his own multiple-decade tenure. (It remains in the photo store 45 years later.)

I said, Art, I think youre going to get a few phone calls about people wanting that picture, Fong remembers. The next day came and he got a flood of phone calls 

But ultimately only two photos from Frischs plane trip were published that week.

Looked at individually, most of the ground-based 1976 snow photos in the Chronicle archive are striking; especially the ones that contain an identifiable landmark such as the Conservatory of Flowers or a view from Twin Peaks. But theres still something that the minds eye doesnt quite trust what is being seen  as if its a staged prop, like the Matterhorn at Disneyland.

When viewed one after the other from the sky, the photographic journey becomes truly magical, and puts the day in perspective. This wasnt just a stray flurry or a few snowflakes that quickly melted. From a few thousand feet, it was clear the entire region had been transformed.

The photos flip a switch in the brain that allows readers to imagine their own neighborhood covered in snow, if only for a day. Which San Francisco hills would be the most fun to ski? (Its a tie between Upper Noe Valley and Bernal Heights.) Which building in your town would look most like a Swiss chalet. (Almost always, the former IHOP or Wienerschitzel.)

Sutro Tower as seen after an especially strong snowfall in San Francisco on Feb. 5, 1976. Sutro Tower as seen after an especially strong snowfall in San Francisco on Feb. 5, 1976. Photo: Art Frisch / The Chronicle Photo: Art Frisch / The Chronicle Image 1 of / 7 Caption Close Snow covered the Bay Area in 1976. Heres what it looked like from a plane 1 / 7 Back to Gallery

Will snow fall in the Bay Area again before the end of winter, or will it be another 45 years?

Look at Art Frischs aerial photos and close your eyes. Its not hard to imagine the scene today.

Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub

Do you have photos of Bay Area snow in 1976?

Were expanding our S.F. Snow Day 1976 map. Send photos and stories to phartlaub@sfchronicle.com with "SF Snow Day" in the subject line. Any photos or stories submitted may be used for current and future Chronicle snow projects.
Will Harris, a junior University of Georgia international affairs major, spent much of the summer at home in Atlanta while Black Lives Matter protesters marched down the street near his house. At the time, Harris mother urged him not to participate for fear of facing serious injury from the tear gas and rubber bullets repeatedly used by law enforcement on peaceful protesters. In both Atlanta and Athens, police tear-gassed protesters while the National Guard was deployed.

Conversely, videos of Wednesdays insurrection in the U.S. Capitol showed police retreating and refusing to use force while dozens of domestic terrorists strolled through the Capitol. The insurrection interrupted Congresss confirmation of the Electoral Colleges vote declaring Joe Biden as president-elect.

And now here we are with, I guess you could call them sore losers, storming the nations Capitol, a federal building, being met with such little resistance, Harris said. It really makes you think, does your Black life, does your Black voice just not even matter that much?

The attack on Wednesday afternoon began shortly after a joint session of Congress had separated to deliberate objections to the certification of the Electoral College vote in Arizona. The mob had attended a Trump rally down the street, where President Donald Trump encouraged them to go to the Capitol to express their anger at the results of the election.

The insurrection took roughly four hours to quell and resulted in the death of four rioters, severe property damage and a six-hour delay of the Electoral College certification. The National Guard took hours to arrive at the Capitol on Wednesday due to Trumps initial refusal to order their deployment. Vice President Mike Pence eventually made the order.

Many in the UGA and Athens communities drew comparisons to the dramatically different government and police responses to the BLM protests in Athens last summer.

Race plays a part

On May 31 in Athens, 19 peaceful BLM protesters were tear-gassed and arrested at the Arch for breaking a 9 p.m. curfew that was instituted at 9:45 p.m. the same night.

With the protests in Athens, these were again largely peaceful demonstrations and they get tear-gassed for literally no reason, even when there are Athens-local politicians among the crowd, it doesnt even matter. They just see this as something that needs to be contained rather than a group of people that need to be listened to, Harris said.

This stood in stark contrast to Trumps swift deployment of the National Guard to a June 1 BLM protest where chemical agents were used on protesters in D.C. to clear space for Trump to take a photo in front of a church. Harris tweet highlighting this discrepancy garnered attention amid the conversations about race brought on by Wednesdays unrest.

One of the organizers of the May 31 protest was Athens-Clarke County Commissioner and UGA doctoral candidate Mariah Parker. Parker organized several of the Athens BLM protests and marches over the summer, and felt risk accompanied her participation.

Everytime we took to the streets, I was fully prepared to lose my life or go to jail at the hands of white supremacists, violence or the hands of the police, Parker said. Psychologically, that does a number on a person. I definitely live with a heightened awareness of my security and safety these days.

I dont feel safe when I see the police because I know that things like what happened [Wednesday] versus what happened to my friends on the night of May 31, thats the reality.

- District 2 Commissioner Mariah Parker

Watching history unfold

Savanna Nolan, a UGA School of Law instruction and faculty services librarian, was already watching Twitter when news of the insurrection started filling her timeline. She compared those early moments to how she felt on Sept. 11, 2001.

Theres the moments before you kind of fully understand whats going on, and it happened this way with 9/11 too where youre just trying to figure out: how big and how bad is this actually? Nolan said.

After graduating from UGA Law School in 2013, Nolan moved to Washington, where she regularly witnessed peaceful protests at the Capitol, but she said that watching Wednesdays insurrection felt different.

But this, seeing it on the TV, there were just so many more people and they were so close to the Capitol and so that was the first sign that something was quite big and quite wrong. Its just surreal. Its very surreal, Nolan said.

Major news outlets reported images of rioters using flagpoles and riot shields to smash the outer windows of the Capitol as the attack began. Dean Matthew Auer of UGAs School of Public and International Affairs characterized the images of the conflict as deeply disturbing.

To see the windows of the Capitol smashed, its heartbreaking. Its so upsetting. I mean these are the symbols of our deepest held political values, Auer said.

The sacredness of democracy in many ways is embodied in that rotunda.

- Dean Matthew Auer, School of Public and International Affairs

Future implications

Auer thinks the insurrection could force politicians to take a hard look in the mirror and reevaluate the rhetoric they used that may have contributed to their constituents' decision to lay siege to the Capitol.

To see these events, I think is deeply disturbing and it might be just that kind of scared straight moment that encourages some better behavior from the parties post-Jan. 20, Auer said.

Thursday morning, UGA released a statement by President Jere Morehead that responded to Wednesdays attack and the certification of the Electoral College vote. The statement expressed UGAs plan to preserve these fundamental tenets of a democratic society moving forward.

Together, at the University of Georgia, we will continue our work to help build a more perfect union, Morehead said in the statement.

The statement has already faced severe backlash on social media from students, faculty and alumni. Alumnus Alex Rowell urged Morehead to outwardly condemn the actions of several other UGA alumni currently serving in Congress.

Leaders from both parties have condemned the violent acts of the mob. In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp called the insurrection a "disgrace" and "un-American."

At a local level, Parker sees Wednesdays events as a chance to use policy, not just rhetoric, to bring a divided people together.

Theres a lot that we need to get done, not just in the way we talk to one another, but how we prove to one another through policy that we care deeply for one another that I think can heal the divides that came to a head [Wednesday], Parker said.

Parker is also calling for the removal of Georgias 10th District representative, Jody Hice, from office following a since-deleted Instagram post that professed his belief that the insurrection was a 1776 moment.

The fact that he identified with the insurrectionists, has condoned violent fascist takeover of our countrys Capitol, in addition to trying to undermine the results of the November election is unacceptable for someone who represents the people of the 10th District, Parker said.

Beyond better political behavior and critical analysis of media, Harris hopes Wednesdays attack will be used as a case study in white privilege in the application of justice.

I think what mostly everybody wants in pointing out the hypocrisy in this is justice reform  to see the law applied equally to everyone, Harris said. Because this is probably one of the biggest examples of white privilege youll ever see, and I think that people are looking for an equal application of justice, especially coming from the party thats supposed to be the party of law and order. There was no law and order [Wednesday] at all.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Newcore Gold Ltd. ("Newcore" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NCAU) is pleased to provide an update on the work program underway at the Companys 100% owned Enchi Gold Project ("Enchi" or the "Project") in Ghana, including additional results from the ongoing 58,000 metre drill program and results of metallurgical testwork. Drilling has intersected 1.27 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au") over 27.0 metres ("m") from 27 m at the Boin Gold Deposit ("Boin") at Enchi, with results extending Boin along strike. Newcore is also pleased to announce positive metallurgical results from bottle roll tests completed on the Boin and Sewum Gold Deposits, with samples achieving an average gold recovery of 89.4%.



Highlights

Drill results from the additional holes drilled at Boin include: Hole KBRC163 intersected 1.27 g/t Au over 27.0 m from 27 m to 54 m (oxide zone). Hole KBRC169 intersected 1.41 g/t Au over 14.0 m from 55 m to 69 m, including 2.86 g/t Au over 6.0 m from 62 m to 68 m (oxide zone). Hole KBRC175 intersected 0.65 g/t Au over 22.0 m from 67 m to 89 m (oxide zone).

from the additional holes drilled at Boin include: Metallurgical testing returned an average gold recovery of 89.4%. Bottle roll testing completed on material from the Boin and Sewum Gold Deposits.

Bottle roll testing completed on material from the Boin and Sewum Gold Deposits. Drilling on the Project continues with three rigs currently on site, and an additional two rigs anticipated to be on-site by the end of January.

Luke Alexander, President & CEO of Newcore stated, "We continue to have strong results from the drilling that is underway at our Enchi Gold Project in Ghana. These results followed-up on the initial positive results we released in 2020 from Boin and continue to extend the deposit along strike, reinforcing the potential for resource growth at our existing deposits at Enchi. To date we have released results for less than 25% of the total planned 58,000 metre program that is underway, and as such we look forward to continuing to prove out the potential of our district-scale Project."

Greg Smith, Vice President of Exploration of Newcore stated, "Drilling at the Boin Gold Deposit at Enchi continues to extend the strike length of the deposit, with further drilling on this area planned in 2021 as we accelerate the pace of our drill program. The results of the metallurgical testwork continue to confirm the excellent characteristics of the oxide material with an average recovery of 89.4% achieved from 24-hour bottle roll tests completed on 49 samples taken from our two primary resource areas at Enchi, the Boin and Sewum Gold Deposits."



This news release highlights 25 holes targeting the Boin Gold Deposit. The 25 holes (3,950 m) drilled at Boin extended the zone along strike intersecting both wide gold mineralized zones and multiple sub-parallel structures. Additional drilling is planned at Boin in 2021 to follow-up on these results.

A total of 18,149 metres in 113 holes have been completed as part of the ongoing 2020 - 2021 drill program at Enchi. For the total planned 58,000 metre drill program, assay results have now been received and released for 88 holes representing 13,722 metres (25 holes totalling 3,950 metres reported in this news release in addition to previously released results  19 holes on December 15, 2020, 8 holes on November 26, 2020, 10 holes on November 10, 2020, 13 holes on October 21, 2020 and 13 holes on September 28, 2020).

Select assay results from the 25 holes of the drill program reported in this release are below:

Table 1 - Enchi Gold Project Drill Highlights

Hole ID Zone/Deposit From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) KBRC162 Boin 101.0 107.0 6.0 1.67 KBRC163 Boin 27.0 54.0 27.0 1.27 KBRC164 Boin 19.0 25.0 6.0 1.23 and 102.0 114.0 12.0 0.69 KBRC169 Boin 55.0 69.0 14.0 1.41 including 62.0 68.0 6.0 2.86 KBRC172 Boin 128.0 138.0 10.0 0.92 KBRC175 Boin 67.0 89.0 22.0 0.65 KBRC176 Boin 95.0 105.0 10.0 0.64 KBRC181 Boin 127.0 138.0 11.0 0.45 and 155.0 162.0 7.0 1.05 KBRC184 Boin 102.0 111.0 9.0 0.82 and 145.0 166.0 21.0 0.94

Notes:

See detailed table for complete results Intervals reported are core lengths with true width estimated to be 75 - 85% Length-weighted averages from uncut assays



A plan map showing the drill hole locations can be viewed at:

https://newcoregold.com/site/assets/files/5642/2021_01_07-ncau-nr-enchi-plan-map-l.pdf

A cross section showing drill results and highlights for holes KBRC163 and KBRC164 can be viewed at:

https://newcoregold.com/site/assets/files/5642/2021_01-ncau-crosssection-boin-kbrc163-kbrc164-l.pdf

A complete list of the 2020 - 2021 drill results to date, including hole details, can be viewed at:

https://newcoregold.com/site/assets/files/5642/2021_01-ncau-enchi-2020-2021-drill-results-table-l.pdf

Enchi hosts a pit constrained National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") Inferred Mineral Resource of 52.9 million tonnes grading 0.72 g/t Au containing 1.22 million ounces gold (see Newcore news release dated September 14, 2020). The Company filed a NI 43-101 compliant technical report in support of the updated mineral resource estimate on October 28, 2020.

Metallurgical Testwork

The 2020 metallurgical testwork for the Enchi Gold Project consisted of a series of bottle roll tests completed by Intertek Minerals Limited on 49 representative oxide samples from the ongoing drill program. These samples focused on Boin (20 samples) and Sewum (29 samples), the two gold deposits on the Project that currently represent the majority of the NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource.

An average gold recovery of 89.4% was achieved from 24-hour bottle roll tests, with 43 of the 49 samples achieving a recovery greater than 75%. The samples from Boin had an average recovery of 91.4% (17 of the 20 samples had a recovery greater than 75%), and the samples from Sewum had an average recovery of 88.8% (26 of the 29 samples had a recovery greater than 75%).

Samples were selected from the 2020 drilling to include a range of gold grades, weathering intensities (closely related to depth), as well as different areas of each deposit. Most of the samples (38 of 49) were selected from the moderately and highly weather categories which represent the largest component of the weathered profile at Enchi, with those samples achieving an average recovery rate of 91.5% (34 of the 38 samples had a recovery greater than 80%). No significant relationship was noted between the recovery rate and the sample grade or sample depth. Further metallurgical testing is ongoing as part of the current work program at Enchi.

2020 - 2021 Enchi Drilling Program

A 58,000 metre discovery and resource expansion drilling program is underway at Enchi. The program includes both RC and diamond drilling and will include the first deep drilling planned on the Project. This drill program includes testing extensions of the existing resource areas while also testing a number of high priority exploration targets outside of the Inferred Mineral Resource. Drilling is focused on step out extensions and exploration drilling at the Boin, Sewum, and Nyam Deposits. Additional drilling is planned at previously drilled zones that are outside of the resource area (Kojina Hill, Kwakyekrom and Eradi), along with first pass drilling to test a series of kilometre-scale gold-in-soil anomalous zones with no prior drilling (Nkwanta, Sewum South and other anomalies). All zones represent high priority targets based on geological, geochemical and geophysical surface work and previous trenching and drilling.

Boin Gold Zone

The Boin Gold Deposit is one of the primary deposits currently included in the NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate at Enchi. Boin is located 15 kilometres south of the town of Enchi, with nearby roads and power and further access provided by a series of drill roads. Boin is outlined on surface by a five-kilometre-long by up to one-kilometre-wide gold in soil anomaly. An airborne geophysical anomaly coincident with the Boin structure extends for a further two kilometres north and five kilometres south beyond the limits of current drilling.

Drill Hole Locations

Table 2 - Enchi Gold Project Drill Hole Location Details

Hole ID UTM East UTM North Elevation Azimuth  Dip  Length (m) KBRC160 518358 632778 124 114 -60 120 KBRC161 518330 632898 128 114 -55 200 KBRC162 518321 632793 120 114 -60 156 KBRC163 519678 634811 141 114 -60 102 KBRC164 519649 634822 164 114 -60 144 KBRC165 519895 635045 120 114 -60 102 KBRC166 519886 635049 126 114 -60 140 KBRC167 519836 634974 123 114 -60 120 KBRC168 519816 634986 121 114 -60 140 KBRC169 519973 635110 128 114 -60 138 KBRC170 520050 635185 141 114 -60 156 KBRC171 520030 635195 129 114 -60 150 KBRC172 520131 635252 125 114 -60 150 KBRC173 520105 635265 126 114 -60 186 KBRC174 519957 635121 130 114 -60 162 KBRC175 520291 635396 119 114 -60 150 KBRC176 520369 635575 130 114 -60 182 KBRC177 520320 635523 123 114 -65 228 KBRC178 520297 635532 117 114 -65 220 KBRC179 520436 635631 133 114 -50 150 KBRC180 520415 635637 134 114 -55 170 KBRC181 520393 635648 138 114 -60 216 KBRC182 520570 635717 137 114 -60 108 KBRC183 520544 635724 131 114 -60 144 KBRC184 520234 635422 114 114 -60 216

COVID-19 Protocols

Newcores first priority is the health and safety of all employees, contractors, and local communities. The Company is following all Ghana guidelines and requirements related to COVID-19. The Company has implemented COVID-19 protocols for its ongoing drill program consisting of the mandatory use of personal protective equipment (including facemask for all employees), maintaining social distancing, frequent hand washing, and daily temperature checks at the start of each shift.

Newcore Gold Best Practice

Newcore is committed to best practice standards for all exploration, sampling and drilling activities. Drilling was completed by an independent drilling firm using industry standard RC and Diamond Drill equipment. Analytical quality assurance and quality control procedures include the systematic insertion of blanks, standards and duplicates into the sample strings. Samples are placed in sealed bags and shipped directly to Intertek Labs located in Tarkwa, Ghana for 50 gram gold fire assay.

Qualified Person

Mr. Gregory Smith, P. Geo, Vice President of Exploration of Newcore, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical data and information contained in this news release.

About Newcore Gold Corp.

Newcore Gold is advancing its Enchi Gold project located in Ghana, Africas largest gold producer 1. The Project currently hosts an Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.2 million ounces of gold at 0.72 g/t 2. Newcore Gold offers investors a unique combination of top-tier leadership, who are aligned with shareholders through their 32% equity ownership, and prime district scale exploration opportunities. Enchis 216 km2 land package covers 40 kilometres of Ghanas prolific Bibiani Shear Zone, a gold belt which hosts several 5 million-ounce gold deposits, including Kinross Chirano mine 50 kilometers to the north. Newcores vision is to build a responsive, creative and powerful gold enterprise that maximizes returns for shareholders.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Newcore Gold Ltd.

Luke Alexander

President, CEO & Director

For further information, please contact:

Mal Karwowska | Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

+1 604 484 4399

info@newcoregold.com

www.newcoregold.com

1 Source: Production volumes for 2019 as sourced from the World Gold Council

2 Notes for Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate:

CIM definition standards were followed for the resource estimate. The 2020 resource models used ordinary kriging (OK) grade estimation within a three-dimensional block model with mineralized zones defined by wireframed solids and constrained by whittle pits shell. A base cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t Au was used with a capping of gold grades at 18 g/t. A US$1,500/ounce gold price, open pit with heap leach operation was used to determine the cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t Au. Mining costs of US$2.27/mined tonne and G&A and Milling costs of US$9.84/milled tonne. The Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate is pit constrained. A density of 2.45 g/cm3 was applied. Numbers may not add due to rounding. Mineral Resources that are not mineral reserves do not have economic viability. These numbers are from the technical report titled "Enchi Gold Project, Resource Update, Enchi, Ghana", with an effective date of October 21, 2020, prepared by Todd McCracken, P. Geo. and Greg Smith, P. Geo. in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and is available under Newcores SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.



Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends" or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, "occur" or "be achieved") are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to materially differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.

Safe Harbor Statement under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented constitutes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements including but not limited to those with respect to the price of gold, potential mineralization, reserve and resource determination, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of the Company involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievement of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. 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.




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HAMDEN  Some 50 police officers, firefighters, residents and town employees gathered outside the rotunda at Memorial Town Hall Wednesday to celebrate the swearing-in of police Chief John Sullivan.

Hamden has always been an important part of my life, Sullivan, who attended Hamden High School, told the crowd. Im honored to be standing before you as the chief of police in this great town.

While the chief thanked Town Clerk Vera Morrison for performing all his swearing-in ceremonies for the positions he has held over his 25 years with the department, the latest ceremony had a special guest: retired Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper Jr.

This time, it was Harper, dressed in his judicial robes, who read Sullivan his oath.

It is a distinct pleasure and honor to me to have the opportunity on this celebratory occasion to administer the oath of office for chief of the town of Hamden, my good friend John Sullivan, Harper said in remarks prior to the ceremony. Mayor (Curt) Leng recognized Johns impressive qualifications, experiences and abilities to continue the efforts to reform Hamdens Police Department.

Despite some concerns over the hiring process, including a police chief public input committee whose work was never finished, the towns Legislative Council confirmed Sullivans appointment Monday by a vote of 10-4.

He already has led the department for six months, having taken over as acting chief after the retirement of former police Chief John Cappiello. Mayor Leng last month tapped Sullivan to take on the position permanently.

No matter what the problem is, Chief Sully is always willing to lend a hand, Leng said in remarks prior to the swearing-in ceremony.

Sullivan especially impressed officials with his efforts to enhance community policing methods. Among other initiatives, he implemented a Strengthening Police & Community Partnerships program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Chief Sullivans perfect fit for this role is demonstrated in the way that he and his team work with, communicate with and count on our community members, both individuals and our block watches, together toward all of our common goal, a stronger and safer Hamden, Leng said.

The chief thanked a long list of people in his remarks, including the mayor, the Legislative Council, residents, his officers, other members of his staff, the town clerk, his family and his girlfriend, who were in the crowd.

When he first told his parents he wanted to become a police officer, they werent exactly very happy with my choice, he said.

They said to me, Just dont be a bad police officer, dont be a bad person, dont be a bad cop. And I know exactly what they meant, he said. Every day that I put the uniform on, I think of that conversation. And I want every one of my officers to think of that when they put their uniform on every day when they come into work.

Sullivans permanent appointment ends more than two years of uncertainty over the future of the departments leadership.

After former Chief Thomas Wydra, who headed the force for 12 years, retired in 2018, Cappiello took over as acting chief. About a year later, he dropped acting from his title but, with plans to retire, served just six months more.

Sullivan took over in July.

meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 20:34:50|Editor: huaxia

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ROME, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Italian authorities reacted to the scenes of violence in Washington, where supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump on Wednesday stormed the Capitol building.

On various social media, top officials unequivocally condemned the attack as an attempt to obstruct a peaceful passage of powers at the White House. And they greeted the electoral victory of Joe Biden, as soon as the American Congress was able to resume its session and validate it.

"The U.S. Congress has certified Joe Biden's electoral victory," Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte wrote on Twitter.

"We are looking forward to working together with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to promote a global agenda aimed at growth, sustainability, and inclusion."

A few hours before, Conte had expressed "great concern" over the scenes of people storming the U.S. Capitol.

"Violence is incompatible with the exercise of democratic rights and freedoms. I am confident in the strength and robustness of the institutions of the United States," he wrote.

Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio also stressed what happened in Washington was "extremely serious." "This is an attack on the freedoms of the U.S. people. We strongly condemn any form of violence," he said on Twitter.

Senate President Elisabetta Casellati -- Italy's third highest institutional role, after president of the Republic and prime minister -- condemned the assault as "extremely serious and unacceptable."

"Nothing can justify the acts of violence that have taken place in Washington," Casellati said in a statement on Thursday.

Her fellow Roberto Fico, Italy's lower house speaker, sent words of solidarity to the U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Facebook. "The images from Washington are painful," Fico said.

Four people, including a woman who was shot by Capitol Police, died amid clashes between police and Trump supporters on Wednesday, which also led to dozens of arrests, according to police. At least 14 U.S. officers sustained injuries. Enditem
There can be no further room for slippages or delays in delivering the Covid-19 vaccination programme to nursing homes, Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) has said.

The first rollout of the vaccine in care homes was due to start on Monday, however, it was delayed due to issues with consent forms.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that more than 135,000 people will be vaccinated with two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in Ireland by the end of February.

He said that 75,000 of those vaccinated would be people in long-term care facilities, both residents and staff.

The rollout of the vaccine programme in nursing homes will begin this week, with around 16 care homes to receive the jab on Thursday.

HSE boss Paul Reid has said that doses of the vaccine will be given seven days a week.

Tadhg Daly, chief executive of NHI, said he was surprised the first doses of the vaccine were not given on Monday as planned.

Health staff were due to go to Hollybrook Lodge and Raheny Community Nursing Unit in Dublin.

There are many nursing homes across the country that are ready, willing and able for the vaccine, he added.

An IT system was supposed to be developed for the administration of the vaccine, a bit like the flu vaccine one, but what we are seeing at the moment is a paper exercise.

The NHI, which is the representative body for private nursing homes, issued guidance to all its members based on the HSE national consent policy.

Our members are engaging with residents and staff and making sure they have the relevant information, and can make an informed decision themselves, he added.

Because of the high level of discourse around Covid and the vaccination programme we are hopeful there will be a high take-up.

When I spoke to colleagues in Northern Ireland and Scotland, they are saying that some 90% of residents will take it and more than 70% of their staff will.

Mr Daly said that many of its members are ready to receive the vaccine, adding that there is rising concern over the high levels of coronavirus transmission in the community.

We know that if there is a high level of transmission in the community, that affects all healthcare settings, both acute settings and nursing homes, Mr Daly added.

The sector has been vigilant throughout but we are back on hyper-vigilance and thats why the vaccination programme needs to be expedited.

They are fearful of having an outbreak  its hugely concerning for our members.

The vaccine programme needs to be safe and effective, so there can be no further slippage or delays in getting it out to nursing homes.

NHI repeated its calls for the Department of Health to allow nursing home residents to nominate a visitor that would receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

Mr Daly said that would allow the nominee to visit their relative or friend at the care home once they receive the jab.

Reliable and economical systems for storing large amounts of energy are needed for industrial nations such as Germany to succeed in making strides toward a regenerative energy supply. An international team led by Tom Weier and Norbert Weber from the Institute of Fluid Dynamics at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) aims to bring such applications to a level in which they are ready for use. The SOLSTICE project strives to develop energy storage systems based on liquid sodium and zinc from January 2021 onwards. The European Union is funding the project with eight million Euros through the Horizon 2020 program.

Liquid metals and molten salts heated to several hundred degrees Celsius and separated only by a semi-permeable membrane could lead energy intensive industries into the regenerative age. Their purpose is to store energy from the sun and wind on a large scale and provide it at night or in unfavorable weather conditions. Scientists from nine research institutes and three companies have now joined forces to make the required technology ready for use.

"Developing efficient energy storage for industrial applications is a hot topic," says Dr. Tom Weier from the HZDR's Magnetohydrodynamics department. "With the phase-out of fossil and nuclear power storage systems will be required to balance energy supply and demand." Electricity from renewable sources is not only subject to seasonal fluctuations, but also to variations between daytime and nighttime. Periods of low renewable energy supply are today buffered by conventional power plants. When these plants will be shut down in the coming years, other solutions must be found. Long-term storage based on regeneratively produced hydrogen or methane are suitable for periods of several months. Short-term storage systems based on battery technology, however, are more appropriate for bridging the night.

"Until now, there hasn't been a very convincing solution," says Weier. "Systems with lithium-ion batteries work in principle, but would be costly in terms of resources on the industrial scale. "This is because lithium is limited in supply and concentrated deposits are scarce." Lithium-ion batteries today also consist of many small cells. "The active material that actually stores the energy is packaged in small portions," explains Weier. "In addition, interconnections and control units are needed to build batteries and battery stacks. Overall, this requires a great deal of construction material."

Sodium instead of lithium

This is why he and his colleagues are forging a different path. "We are using sodium and zinc as the active materials," explains his colleague Dr. Norbert Weber. There are highly practical reasons for doing so. Sodium is the sixth most common element on the planet and is available in large quantities. As a component of various salts, for example, approximately eleven grams of the alkali metal are dissolved in every liter of seawater. Zinc is actually rarer but zinc resources available worldwide are still immensely abundant. While lithium needs to be imported - today mainly from China, Australia or Chile - Europe possesses its own active zinc mines. That, according to Weber, would greatly reduce the dependence of European energy projects on other countries.

In their research project, the scientists have two different systems in mind. One is to work at 600 degrees Celsius, while the other will operate at 300 degrees Celsius. "In the first system, both the electrodes and the electrolyte are liquid," says Weber, describing the composition. "Our Norwegian partners have already experimented with this setup and have verified that the principle works. Energy in the megawatt hour range is to be stored here, which predestines such batteries for industrial applications."

The liquid metals serve as battery electrodes in the second system as well. The electrolyte, on the other hand, is solid. "Our partners in Switzerland already have functional systems that work with nickel chloride. We want to replace the nickel chloride with zinc chloride in the project," the expert explains. "These batteries can even be envisioned as home storage units in the kilowatt hour range." Within the coming four years, the scientists plan to develop both systems to the extent that they can demonstrate their functionality in a realistic environment. Given that the second system builds largely on proven technology, there is a good chance to bring it close to the market during the run-time of the project.

Contributing to the energy transition

The HZDR is in charge of not only project coordination, but also construction of the battery cells. "We already have many years of experience in dealing with large amounts of liquid sodium at the Institute of Fluid Dynamics," says Weier, referring to the DRESDYN infrastructure project in which comprehensive tests with liquid metals are undertaken. "In addition to application, research of course also plays a vital role in the SOLSTICE project," says Weber. "We want to understand precisely what processes take place in our storage systems."

The two scientists are certain that their approach can make an important contribution to the energy transition. "Our advantage is the extremely simple design," says Weier. "This makes the battery cells very scalable. Together with the cheap active materials, we could therefore achieve a significantly lower system price than with other electrical energy storage systems."

###

Additional information:

Dr. Norbert Weber | Dr. Tom Weier

Institute of Fluid Dynamics at HZDR

Phone: +49 351 260 3112 | +49 351 260 2226

Email: norbert.weber@hzdr.de | t.weier@hzdr.de

Media contact:

Simon Schmitt | Science editor

Communication and Media Relations at HZDR

Phone: +49 351 260 3400 | Mobile: +49 175 874 2865 | Email: s.schmitt@hzdr.de

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) performs - as an independent German research center - research in the fields of energy, health, and matter. We focus on answering the following questions:

How can energy and resources be utilized in an efficient, safe, and sustainable way?

How can malignant tumors be more precisely visualized, characterized, and more effectively treated?

How do matter and materials behave under the influence of strong fields and in smallest dimensions?

To help answer these research questions, HZDR operates large-scale facilities, which are also used by visiting researchers: the Ion Beam Center, the High-Magnetic Field Laboratory Dresden, and the ELBE Center for High-Power Radiation Sources.

HZDR is a member of the Helmholtz Association and has six sites (Dresden, Freiberg, Grenoble, Gorlitz, Leipzig, Schenefeld near Hamburg) with almost 1,200 members of staff, of whom about 500 are scientists, including 170 Ph.D. candidates.
(TNS)  Despite strenuous objections from the mayor, the Wichita City Council is diverting COVID-19 grant funding from hiring a pandemic-control officer to acquiring software to make sure cops don't cheat on their training.The software the city will lease with the U.S. Justice Department grant will track and catalog officers' training online, a capability the department has sought for several years.In May, the council earmarked about $250,000 from the grant to hire an emergency management coordinator to manage the police department's response to the coronavirus pandemic.Police reported Tuesday that they were unable to fill the two-year position and wanted to divert $165,000 to pay for three years licensing of a system called ACADIS.The software will ensure officers watch their online video courses all the way through, said Capt. Lem Moore, commander of the department's training division."With this software, we're literally able to set up questions to where we know that officers are answering them and they're not cheating," he said.The system's database also makes it much easier to access officers' records when members of the public request their training history, he said.The department had advertised the position of COVID emergency manager and narrowed the list of applicants to two, said administrative division Capt. Dan East.But neither would take the job, which was only guaranteed for two years, he said."The top two candidates . . . one never responded to a job offer and the second one accepted employment elsewhere," East said.That got a rise from Mayor Brandon Whipple, who questioned how the software  which the department has wanted for more than 13 years  would meet federal grant conditions of helping the community "prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus.""To date, in Sedgwick County, we are at 32,887 cases of the coronavirus; we have 282 deaths from the coronavirus," Whipple said.He said the money could have been better spent to hire someone to act as a liaison with county and state government to create a more coordinated response to the viral pandemic."I just want to know, how is buying this software going to help prevent more cases?" he said.He also questioned why city staff sat on the money for nine months before proposing an alternate use, now that vaccines are being distributed and the end of the pandemic appears to finally be in sight.Moore said the software meets the grant conditions because so much of police training, including de-escalation of situations and proper use of force, has had to move online."All that training doesn't happen in the classroom anymore," he said.City Manager Robert Layton said the Justice Department has indicated it would accept the expenditure as a valid COVID-related expense.The vote on diverting the funding was 5-1 with Whipple dissenting.Council member Cindy Claycomb said she felt the spending for the software was justified because "there are buckets of money from the federal government," each earmarked for different parts of the pandemic response.She said the city tapped other grants to assist the community with problems worsened by the pandemic, such as supporting more shelter for the homeless and victims of domestic violence."This is Department of Justice, so it pretty much has to be spent on law enforcement activities," she said. "And I think that the police department went through a process to try to hire someone."When that didn't come through, spending the money on software "seems like a reasonable explanation and substitution for me," she said.
Ecuadorian police are hunting for a man who allegedly bludgeoned his wife to death before super-gluing her skill back together to hide the injuries and make it look like an accident.

Luis Hermida claimed his partner Lisbeth Baquerizo, 30, had fallen down the stairs and died after she was found on the floor of their home in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador on 21 December.

Lisbeth's father Mario Baquerizo was contacted by the father of the suspect who reportedly said: 'You have to come quickly. Lisbeth is dead.'

Mario and his wife Kathy Munoz rushed to their daughter's house only to find a funeral home had been contacted and a coffin was already there.

Ecuadorian police are hunting for Luis Hermida who allegedly bludgeoned his wife Lisbeth Baquerizo to death before super-gluing her skill back together to hide the injuries and make it look like an accident

Luis Hermida claimed his partner Lisbeth Baquerizo, 30, (pictured) had fallen down the stairs and died after she was found on the floor of their home in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador on 21 December

Lisbeth's father Mario Baquerizo was contacted by the father of the suspect who reportedly said: 'You have to come quickly. Lisbeth is dead.' Pictured: Luis Hermida

Luis's family reportedly asked the heartbroken parents not to contact the police so the funeral could be organised for the next day and they insisted they would take care of the service.

Although finding the hastiness of the funeral arrangements off, the grief-stricken parents agreed because they did not initially suspect Luis as he had been in a relationship with their daughter for 12 years, including one year of marriage.

However, the Lisbeth's mother Kathy became suspicious when she noticed an injury on Luis's eye at the wake which he claimed occurred during a mugging attempt.

Later, Kathy was approached by her daughter's friend who claimed Lisbeth had been insulted and physically abused by Luis, but did not want to tell her family.

Mario and his wife Kathy Munoz rushed to their daughter's house only to find a funeral home had been contacted and a coffin was already there. Pictured: Victim Lisbeth Baquerizo

Although finding the hastiness of the funeral arrangements off, the grief-stricken parents agreed because they did not initially suspect Luis (left) as he had been in a relationship with their daughter (right) for 12 years, including one year of marriage.

However, the Lisbeth's mother Kathy became suspicious when she noticed an injury on Luis's eye at the wake which he claimed occurred during a mugging attempt. Pictured: Lisbeth on her wedding day

Kathy told El Comercio she walked off in the middle of the wake and reported the incident to the authorities who exhumed the victim's body.

'They manipulated my daughter's body to set the scene,' Kathy told Metro Ecuador. after reporting the incident. 'They didn't call 911, which I now know was legal procedure.'

Speaking about discovering her daughter's body, the heartbroken mother said: 'I jumped on her, tried to revive her, but I noticed that she was already rigid, all the muscles were hardened.'

An autopsy revealed Lisbeth died from contusions and puncture wounds at the top of her head which were then covered up by pasting them together with superglue, according to reports

The authorities labelled the case a 'violent death' and consider Luis (right) as the main suspect

An autopsy revealed the victim died from contusions and puncture wounds at the top of her head which were then covered up by pasting them together with superglue, according to reports.

'I complained to the forensic doctor, because he had shaved my girl's head, at that moment he pointed out the wounds that would have killed her and the ones that they put glue on, surely with the intention of covering the cuts,' Kathy told local news website Extra.

The authorities labelled the case a 'violent death' and consider Luis as the main suspect.

Police chief Francisco Hernandez said Lisbeth's injuries would have difficult for her to have done accidentally. He added: 'We treat this issue as if it were a violent death.'

Luis has been on the run since an arrest warrant was issued on 29th December.

Luis (right) has been on the run since an arrest warrant was issued on 29th December

Police chief Francisco Hernandez said Lisbeth's injuries would have difficult for her to have done accidentally

Prosecutor Luis Machado, who is working the case, said the autopsy report also revealed Lisbeth suffered a 'massacre of blows' before her death.

The victim's parents said they do not want revenge, only justice.

'My daughter was a working woman, they had no right to slaughter her like that,' Lisbeth's mother Kathy said. 'They wanted to fake a domestic accident and now they want to deny us justice.'

'My heart is broken, Lisbeth was my greatest support when her sister fell ill with leukemia, with chemotherapies and a juice based on organic products, we managed to save my daughter, but we could not do anything for her,' Kathy told Extra.

'I don't understand what happened, why he did it. He and his family tried to deceive us, they lied to us, they wrapped us up, they took advantage of our pain.

'They did that whole scene, they told us my daughter had fallen. Now they don't answer the phone, they don't show their faces, just listening to the lies they have told tears my soul,' Kathy alleged.

The victim's parents claim the last thing they heard about Luis was that he was on his way to Colombia on the same day his arrest warrant was issued.

The investigation continues.
Protesters gather on the second day of pro-Trump events fueled by President Donald Trump's continued claims of election fraud in an attempt to overturn the results before Congress finalizes them in a joint session of the 117th Congress on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C.


DENVER, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ("Mercer Advisors"), a national Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"), today announced the acquisition of Atlanta Financial Associates, LLC ("AFA"), a respected wealth management firm located in Atlanta, Georgia. AFA serves approximately 570 clients with assets under management ("AUM") of approximately $815 million. AFA was founded in 1992 by Julianne Andrews, MBA, CFP, AIF ("Julie") and Cathy Miller MBA, CFP, CRPS, CDFA ("Cathy") focusing on delivering comprehensive wealth management services to their high net worth clients. AFA has four shareholders that include Julie, Cathy, Rick Henderson, CPA, CFP, AIF, and Chris Blackmon, CPA, CFP. In all, nineteen AFA team members will be joining the Mercer Advisors' team. The AFA transaction closed December 31, 2020.

AFA is a woman led and founded RIA that has been an industry leader for decades. Similar to Mercer Advisors, AFA is a multi-family office of financial experts who have acquired generations of knowledge and diverse skill sets to provide industry leading financial guidance for their clients. AFA's proprietary FIT programs: systematic analysis and roadmap of their clients' needs that charts a course from where they find their clients' current financial status to where they want to be, while simultaneously building their family's financial wellness for decades to come.

Commenting on the transaction, Julie Andrews, Founder, stated: "AFA is an RIA that puts the needs of our clients first, fiduciary minded and built. We surround our clients with industry experts designed to ensure their objectives are met in whatever context pertinent. When it came time for us to discuss our own succession plan and business continuity strategy, we wanted to make sure our clients continued to receive the highest quality of care. To that end, we looked for a partner that shared our 'client first' mindset and could deliver on the promise of the highest caliber financial stewardship. After meeting with David Barton, Mercer Advisors Vice Chairman and M&A Leader, we knew we had found the right partner in Mercer Advisors." Co-Founder Cathy Miller added: "We had many suitors, but Mercer Advisors was most aligned with our business model and culture and allowed us to take advantage of their scale and leverage so we could offload middle and back-office responsibilities to disciplined and specialized experts. We also loved that they offered their clients in-house family office services like estate planning, tax return preparation and corporate trustee services."

David Barton, who led this transaction on behalf of Mercer Advisors, added: "Julie, Cathy, Rick, and Chris have built a multidisciplinary RIA practice that closely aligns to our operating model. They also have a deep and talented team that stacks talent in our already strong and fast-growing Georgia hub. AFA is both compatible and complementary and our business combination presents a formidable juggernaut in the Southeast. We are poised for rapid growth."

Dave Welling, Chief Executive Officer of Mercer Advisors said, "AFA is a strong and growing RIA who shares our dedication to providing an integrated and expansive set of services to clients to help them achieve financial health and peace of mind. AFA will be joining forces with our local resources in Atlanta expanding our already strong presence in Georgia and the Southeast region. We are excited to partner with the AFA team and look forward to serving their clients as part of the Mercer Advisors family with expanded wealth management services for years to come."

Park Sutton Advisors LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Atlanta Financial Associates, LLC in this transaction with legal representation by Riezman Berger, P.C.

About Mercer Advisors

Established in 1985, Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ("Mercer Advisors") is a wealth management firm that specializes in providing investment advice, financial and estate planning, and taxes, and corporate trustee and trust administration services. It is one of the largest Registered Investment Advisers and financial planning firms in the U.S. with nearly $25 billion in client assets. Headquartered in Denver, Mercer Advisors is privately held, has over 440 employees, and operates nationally across the country with 45+ locations. Mercer Advisors Inc. is a parent company of Mercer Global Advisors Inc. (RIA), majority owned by both Oak Hill Capital and Genstar Capital. Mercer Global Advisors has a related insurance agency. Mercer Advisors Insurance Services, LLC (MAIS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercer Advisors Inc. Employees of Mercer Global Advisors serve as officers of MAIS. For Mercer Global Advisors clients who wish to purchase insurance products, MAIS has entered into a non-exclusive referral agreement with Strategic Partner(s). More information about MAIS and our Strategic Partners may be found in our Form ADV 2A. Visit us at www.merceradvisors.com.

Data as of December 31, 2020. AUM includes affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries announced to date.

Contact: Chris Tofalli

Chris Tofalli Public Relations, LLC

914-834-4334

SOURCE Mercer Global Advisors Inc.

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SACRAMENTO  California Senate Republican leader Shannon Grove shared, and later deleted, a tweet Wednesday promoting a false conspiracy theory that Antifa activists led the riot at the U.S. Capitol by President Trump-backing extremists.

Patriots dont act like this!! Grove, of Bakersfield, wrote as she she retweeted the false claim. This was Antifa.

Grove stoked a far-right conspiracy that members of the anti-fascist movement, not Trump supporters, were responsible for the attack on the Capitol. There is no evidence to support that claim.

Groves spokesperson, Jacqui Nguyen, said the senator deleted her post within minutes.

She posted it on her personal Twitter page and realized that it was an incomplete thought, Nguyen said. She realized her mistake and posted her thoughts after deleting the unintentional thought.

In a similar, revised tweet, which stopped short of endorsing the baseless allegation about Antifa, Grove wrote, Patriots dont act like this!! This is the way Antifa behaves. This behavior is unacceptable and unAmerican.

Grove hasnt said whether she now rejects the false claim and did not respond to a request for comment. On Twitter, Grove liked the conspiracy tweet she initially shared, and hasnt removed that sign of support.

The senator has long been a staunch Trump supporter. Grove claimed that Trump won the presidential election and routinely tweets debunked allegations of voter fraud.

Grove tweeted her support for Capitol Police later Wednesday, and called on rioters to stop the violence. Stop the attack on our Capitol.

Dustin Gardiner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dustin.gardiner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dustingardiner

Former Congressman Lou Barletta, who represented Pennsylvanias 11th Congressional District for eight years, expressed his disappointment as protests took a violent turn Wednesday.

Im very disappointed, Barletta said. In America, protesting is part of our democratic system. But this is not American. Protests should never turn violent or get out of control.

It was a tone shared by local members of Congress, regardless of political affiliation.

The Hazleton native said he often encountered protesters while serving in the U.S. House from 2010 to 2018 and had no issues with peaceful demonstrations.

At no time did he fear for his safety.

Many days, there were protesters outside sometimes shouting at you as you went by, he said. Thats OK. Thats part of the rights and freedoms that we have here in America. But breaching the Capitol, its just not acceptable. I certainly understand the frustration that has been building up for many over four years and in an election that many feel was stolen but this is not a solution. Violence should never be acceptable.

US Capitol survived more than Wednesday's crowd Crowds of protesters breached doors and disrupted congressional proceedings Wednesday, but t

During his tenure, Barletta said that protesters have occasionally made it inside the Capitol Building, getting as far as a balcony or even onto the floor.

They were promptly removed, he said.

There have been times when Ive been on the floor and protesters actually got into the building and would be up in the balcony and started shouting, but never was there a time where people stormed the building, he said. Theyd be disruptive, but this is another level.

Barletta said that he spoke with colleagues in Washington, who said theyve been taken out and brought to a safe place.

Under seige

On Wednesday, U.S. House members descended a narrow stairwell to escape their chambers after Capitol police evacuated House leaders. Protesters repeatedly banged loudly on the chamber doors, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright said in a Wednesday afternoon telephone call from Washington, D.C.

There to protest Congress expected confirmation of President-elect Joe Biden victory in the General Election, they passed through barriers outside the Capitol and entered the building without clearing metal detectors, Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, said.

The whole thing was surreal, he said.

The events that led to the evacuation began about 2:15 p.m. as Cartwright sat with House Democratic leaders and watched a House member from Arizona challenge the states electors. Suddenly, Capitol police in SWAT gear rushed in and removed House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and House Democratic Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina. Cartwright said he did not see them remove House Speaker Nancy Pelosi; she was gone by the time he looked for her.

One or two minutes later, one of the Capitol police commanders got a hold of a microphone and announced that the building had been breached and that there were infiltrators in the building, Cartwright said.

That meant they had entered without passing through metal detectors, raising serious safety concerns.

Police asked House members to grab emergency escape hoods normally stored under their seats because tear gas had been dispersed in the rotunda.

I never put it on and I didnt see anyone else who did, Cartwright said.

At that point, the same commander announced the infiltrators had reached National Statuary Hall, which is closer to the House chamber and where sculptures of famous Americans stand.

Thats when members heard five or six loud bangs on the chamber doors. Cartwright said he is unsure if shots were fired.

I confess I didnt think anything of it for the first couple of times. And then it dawned on me that this is people trying to break into the House floor, he said.

As he looked out a translucent window in the chambers, he saw a couple of flashes in Statuary Hall. He also saw Capitol Police standing by the main door with clubs and what looked like tire irons, ready to subdue people who charged inside.

A minute or so later, the commander told members shots had been fired and ordered members toward a stairwell in the chambers southwest corner, where narrow and steep stairs lead to basement tunnels connecting throughout Capitol Hill.

Thats when it started to feel a little dicey because some of our members, theyre elderly and theyre not too spry, he said.

As members descended the stairs, a police officer ordered them to move faster, yelling, Theyre right behind us! he said.

We all made our escape uneventfully, he said. I cant say I really ever felt in danger.

Keep everyone safe

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, Dallas, was at the Capitol participating in Wednesdays Electoral College process when protesters stormed the building.

Meuser reacted to the chaos around 4 p.m. in tweet, saying:

The House Floor was stormed by rioters. I stayed back trying to help secure the doors. Capitol Police kept everyone safe, while putting themselves at risk. We must be grateful to our law enforcement and condemn violent lawlessness. God bless America. We will get through this.

{span style=font-size: 1.17em;}The Senate{/span}Pennsylvanias senators decried the Capitol takeover Wednesday.

In a statement, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey condemned the rioting.

This is an absolute disgrace, Toomey said. I appreciate the work of the United States Capitol Police under difficult circumstances.

A spokesperson from Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Caseys office issued a statement saying hes safe.

Our entire staff continues to work remotely, the statement read. Senator Casey was the only member of our team in the Capitol complex. He is safe and taking direction from the United States Capitol Police.
The texts began as U.S. Rep. Susan Wild sat in the gallery of the U.S. House of Representatives, awaiting Pennsylvanias certification of the states 20 Electoral College votes for President-elect Joe Biden.

I was fairly tense because we were aware stuff was going on, Wild, a Democrat representing the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvanias Seventh Congressional District, told lehighvalleylive.com Wednesday night.

First, the Capitol Police alerted members of an external breach of the Capitols perimeter, but then they learned pro-Trump extremists were roaming the halls of the Capitol, she said.

Initially, the speeches on the House floor continued.

We were still trying to maintain a semblance of order, Wild said.

Suddenly, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer were whisked off the floor to safety. Then Capitol Police locked members into the chambers and barricaded the doors. Soon, the intruders were pounding on the doors to the chambers.

It was pretty stressful and at some point business stopped, Wild recalled.

The House sergeant of arms kept asking everyone to remain calm and stay in their seats. Eventually, they were asked to don their gas masks as police considered teargassing the rioters, Wild said.

A large commotion outside  Wild is unsure what transpired  led to the decision to evacuate the House floor.

Unfortunately, there is only one door we could evacuate through and we were clear on the other side, Wild said.

Wilds group ended up being the last in the chambers, traversing the narrow aisles of the gallery in gas masks. As they were about to get the all-clear to leave, a new disturbance in the corridors halted their evacuation.

Then there were shots fired and glass was breaking and we were told to get down, Wild said. Surprisingly a number of my colleagues did not get down.

Her heart pounding, unsure if she could get out of the House safely, Wild FaceTimed with her adult son and daughter.

My mom @RepSusanWild just called to say she loves us very much. She sounds strong. Shots have been fired inside the Capitol and lots of screaming in background.



Please, Im begging, to anyone responsible, just help cool this chaos.  Clay Wild (@WildClayton) January 6, 2021

I was trying to reassure my children, while at the same time knowing that I wasnt presenting a very reassuring situation, Wild said from an undisclosed location where she remained with other members just before 7 p.m.

My mom in red, crouching down in defense, & in the same position calling us to tell us she loves us. I took a screenshot because I thought it could be the last time Id see her face. She lost a shoe today - not her life. Thinking of those standing up for BLM who are not as lucky. pic.twitter.com/AmLmBkUMIN  adrienne (@addiewild) January 6, 2021

As she lay on the floor speaking with her children, Wild heard her colleagues, like Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., calling loved ones and reassuring them things would be OK. A photographer in the gallery captured a harrowing photo of Crow comforting Wild as she lay on the floor.

Security barricades the door of the House chamber as members of Congress take cover while protesters attempt to break into the joint session of Congress to certify the Electoral College vote on Wednesday. @RepJasonCrow @RepDean @RepSusanWild pic.twitter.com/A1rX79dScG  Tom Williams (@pennstatetom) January 6, 2021

When the final disturbance was cleared, the remaining people were quickly evacuated through a series of hallways.

Many members of the House were not on the floor due to coronavirus pandemic precautions, Wild said. Lawmakers were asked to stay in their offices until it was close to their appearance time.

Wild said her office was thankfully empty because she told her staff to stay home Wednesday pursuant to Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowsers request for people to stay off the streets.

Lehigh Valley Congresswoman Susan Wild, in red, shelters in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)AP

When asked how she would characterize Wednesdays events, Wild did not hesitate: frightening, anger-provoking and sad. All in that order.

House members were advised around 6 p.m. the chamber would be soon reconvening, she said.

We are going to finish the business at hand that we started to do, Wild said.

Harrowing day, but Im still here.



We will certify this election.

We will fulfill our duty to this country. We will not be intimidated by the actions of these terrorists. https://t.co/a553kIKgRd  Rep. Susan Wild (@RepSusanWild) January 6, 2021

Members could not say where they were being held for safety reasons, she said.

Congresswoman Susan Wild tells @NorahODonnell that she is packed into a room with many members of Congress. She says some of the Republican members are refusing to wear masks, despite surgical masks having been distributed. Wild calls this a potential "super-spreader." @CBSNews  Sara Cook (@saraecook) January 6, 2021

Wilds interview with lehighvalleylive.com was cut short when she had to pause the conversation to receive instruction from authorities.

This story will be updated with more information as we receive it.

Wilds predecessor Charlie Dent, a Republican who represented the Lehigh Valley for more than a decade, urged Congress to reconvene as soon as it was safe to fulfill its constitutional duty and complete what should be a peaceful transfer of power, in a Facebook post.

What we are witnessing today at the U.S. Capitol is grotesque and a frontal assault on the constitutional order, Dent wrote. Its long past time to end this lawlessness and the reckless challenge to the electoral college certification process.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.
"COVID-19 has affected the economy and how organizations operate in today's world," said Garrett Larsson, CEO and co-founder of Rhombus Systems. "Face coverings are now a requirement for many businesses, and with Rhombus Mask Detection, we've made it easier for managers to be notified when people are not wearing masks throughout their organization with minimal manual work."

Included at no additional cost, Mask Detection works with Rhombus' entire line of security cameras, allowing organizations to efficiently scale their COVID-19 response efforts. Mask Detection uses a combination of artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and edge-based processing to automatically detect if individuals within a scene are wearing a mask. If a mask is not detected, the system will issue a real-time video alert for immediate response to protect visitors and reduce potential safety violations.

"Our partnership with Rhombus allows us to deliver better value through an open, integrated platform with intelligent security cameras," said Kelsey Kerling of LVC Companies Inc., a national physical security systems integrator. "Adding Mask Detection, at no additional cost, makes Rhombus even more compelling. LVC is committed to helping organizations stay safe and secure. Being able to monitor whether people are wearing masks, and send real-time alerts, will give employees and visitors confidence that the proper safety measures are in place. It's a great solution for building, facilities, and property managers."

Enforcing safety protocols at scale is a challenge that Rhombus is uniquely equipped to help solve. Fever-detection cameras have proven to be ineffective due to technology inaccuracies and individuals who are asymptomatic to the virus. Rhombus Mask Detection provides an alternative solution by helping organizations maintain safer environments at scale through mask-wearing.

The addition of Mask Detection aligns with Rhombus' greater mission to create safer, more connected spaces through intelligent building automation. With the Rhombus platform, organizations can integrate modern video security with a suite of business solutions to assist in safer reopening, including particulate matter and air quality monitoring with IP Video's HALO Smart Sensor; controlled building access with Openpath or Kisi; and automated HVAC controls with additional integrations.

The announcement of Rhombus' Mask Detection is accompanied by the accelerated business growth in 2020, highlighted by:

The launch of its connected IoT sensors, which includes asset tracking, entry monitoring, environment monitoring, and motion-sensing capabilities

The addition of 20+ new integrations to connect Rhombus' video security platform with leading business solutions

Additional COVID-19 response features, including heatmaps, face search and alerts, crowd counting, and maximum occupancy alerts

For additional information or demo requests, please visit www.rhombussystems.com.

About Rhombus Systems

Rhombus Systems is an open and integrated physical security platform designed to bring greater intelligence, security, and productivity to enterprise organizations. Rhombus delivers NDAA and GDPR-compliant, cloud-based smart cameras, connected sensors, and seamless integrations to simplify infrastructure and security management at scale.

Backed by Lemnos Labs, Promus Ventures, and MSD Capital, Rhombus Systems is on a mission to build a safer, more connected workplace. To learn more, visit www.rhombussystems.com or connect with us via Linkedin, Twitter, or Facebook.

For interview requests, please contact Jordan Shou, Rhombus Systems Inc.  [email protected]

SOURCE Rhombus Systems

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T uning into Bridgerton, Netflixs new period series from super-producer Shonda Rhimes, feels like falling into a post-modern Jane Austen fever dream. A string quartet plays Ariana Grandes Thank U, Next as revellers of all races file into a dazzling ballroom, while Julie Andrews, voicing acid-tongued society scandalmonger Lady Whistledown, dishes out bitchy zingers like Regency Londons answer to Gossip Girl. It plays fast and loose with historical accuracy, but makes for pacy, addictive viewing.

Much as we love to see Colin Firth emerging from a lake, costume dramas have never been the coolest, most innovative of genres. Theyre the M&S of the telly world: comfortable, reliable, definitely not cutting edge. Now though, thats changing. You can trace the beginnings of a shift back to Sofia Coppolas 2006 film Marie Antoinette, an anachronistic confection that aimed to capture the queens teen spirit with its mad party scenes and post-punk soundtrack. Fast-forward a decade or so and The Favourite, starring Olivia Colman as Queen Anne, showed us historical poshos as wed never seen them before, with dark comedy, lesbian sex and f-bombs.

The runaway success of Sarah Phelpss pitch-black Agatha Christie adaptations for the BBC, starting with And Then There Were None in 2015 and concluding with The Pale Horse earlier this year, has certainly proved our appetite for period pieces stripped of cosiness. The whole notion of what is a traditional adaptation of a favourite novel is fraught with a very weird yearning for something that never existed in the first place, Phelps says. Its lets look back, everybody was white, everybody knew their place and it was safe. If youre going to do that youre buying into something thats quite dangerous  it gives you a skewed sense of nostalgia for a time that never existed. Her modus operandi is simple: Dont look at any other adaptation, just read the work. One disgruntled Twitter user, she recalls, took her to task for ruining Poirot by making him a refugee in 2018s The ABC Murders, which invited viewers to draw parallels between the rise of far-Right nationalism in the Thirties and Brexit Britain. Its like Dude, thats canon! Theres a lot [in the book] about the hatred of the other, that roiling feeling of something truly horrible festering in Britain. It doesnt take much to draw out.

Bridgertons showrunner wanted to approach the Regency period through a contemporary lens / LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

The upper-class marriage market of Regency London might not seem like such an obvious source of contemporary parallels, but for Bridgerton showrunner Chris Van Dusen, refracting period romance through this really contemporary lens was where a lot of the fun came from in the writing process. Were taking creative liberties where we need to  its funny, its witty and its also really sexy. First up? Re-imagining the dance scenes as a kind of real-life Tinder. Instead of dating apps, they just swipe left and right in those ballrooms until the early hours, he says. Shondaland series have always put the female gaze first, a tradition Bridgerton upholds: some of the sex scenes will doubtless prompt outraged headlines, but theyre always framed as part of a characters self-discovery.

Costume drama is arguably British film and televisions most bankable genre  just look at the international success of Downton Abbey and The Crown  yet it has often presented an exclusively white version of life in the past, with a woeful track record when it comes to decent roles for people of colour. As actor Riz Ahmed put it in 2016, the reality of Britain is vibrant multi-culturalism, but the myth we export is an all-white world of lords and ladies.

Small Axe, the ground-breaking anthology series from Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen, has provided a much-needed corrective to this imbalance. Airing on Sunday nights on BBC One since November, each film explores the experience of Londons West Indian communities, spanning from the late Sixties to the Eighties.

Small Axe has prompted calls for better teaching of black British history / AP

These are the untold British stories, McQueen said in a recent interview with Sight & Sound. People must understand that there are other histories that make up the history of our nation. His films, including Mangrove, have prompted calls for an overhaul of how black British history is taught in schools  proof that theres power in the period drama yet. A new way of casting historical pieces is also starting to emerge. Back in January, Dev Patel became the first British-Asian actor to lead a Dickens adaptation, taking on the title role in Armando Iannuccis The Personal History of David Copperfield. Armando says it better than anyone, Patel said. Hes like Why cant I just draw from 100 percent of the acting community? Patels next project is Green Knight, where hell play Arthurian hero Sir Gawain.

Dev Patel became the first British-Asian actor to lead a Dickens adaptation earlier this year

The concept of colour-blind casting, though, is a contested one that risks ignoring the discrimination and industry imbalances which actors of colour face. Colour blind implies that colour and race isnt considered, says Van Dusen. And thats not true for Bridgerton  its a part of the conversation. For many casting directors, a colour conscious approach which actively acknowledges race is a better, more nuanced option. Its a tactic that Rhimes pioneered in contemporary series like Greys Anatomy and has become a major part of Shondalands inclusive ethos. As Van Dusen puts it, we cast the best actors for the roles in ways that represent the world today.

Bridgertons high society milieu is rooted in the court of Queen Charlotte, played by British-Guyanese actress Golda Rosheuvel. Some historians believe the wife of the absentee George III (of Madness fame) to be Britains first mixed-race royal. It made me wonder  what could that have looked like? Van Dusen says. Could she have elevated other people of colour in society and given them lands and titles? Thats really how our [romantic lead] Simon Bassett, our Duke of Hastings, came to be. The Duke, who combines the small talk skills of a Darcy with the more rakish tendencies of a Wickham, is played by British-Zimbabwean actor Rege-Jean Page.

Golda Rosheuvel plays Queen Charlotte in the Netflix series / LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

And theres more. Next year, Jodie Turner-Smith will become the first black actress to play Anne Boleyn in a Channel 5 drama, which charts the months leading up to her death. Shell be joined by an ensemble that includes I May Destroy Yous Paapa Essiedu and Hamilton star Jamael Westman. We wanted the show to reset peoples ideas of who they thought Anne Boleyn was, says Hannah Farrell, creative director at Fable Pictures. She and partner Faye Ward tackled the series in the same way theyd approached their recent hit Rocks, which was praised for its portrait of a multi-cultural group of London schoolgirls: by aiming to portray a world that really speaks to the audience about their own contemporary world. Historical drama and diversity, Farrell adds, might once have felt mutually exclusive, but she is hopeful that there is a cultural shift in how actors are cast in all shows now.

Previous screen versions of Anne have painted her in two dimensions, as the seductress, the temptress, the witch, failing to recognise that, as Farrell puts it, she was so brave and so contemporary in daring to be an equal to the king. The three-part series will revisit her story, but from her perspective, in the mode of a psychological thriller. That might sound like an unusual mash-up  until you put down Wolf Hall and consider the downright chilling details of Annes death. Gaslighting, misogyny and a husband whos trying to bump her off so he can marry a younger, more fertile model  squint a bit and her tale has the same building blocks as The Girl On The Train. Everyone talks about Annes downfall, but Anne didnt have a downfall, she got murdered, Ward says. Its funny how the edges have been taken off her story [...] We wanted to make sure we reconfigured that.

The Great is another revisionist take on a historical queen

Their series is part of a new wave of revisionist takes on some of historys most screwed-over women. The Great, written by The Favourite scribe Tony McNamara is set to air on Channel 4 next month. Its a colourful, profanity-laden take on the early years of Catherine the Great, the Russian empress whose towering reputation would later be tarnished by the men she dared stand up to. The series frames the young Catherine (Elle Fanning) as a bold, intelligent woman surrounded by idiots, not least her man-child husband Peter III (Nicholas Hoult).

Phelps, meanwhile, is to write the second series of A Very English Scandal, which will focus on Margaret Campbell, the so-called dirty Duchess at the centre of a Sixties sex scandal. She became one of the first women to be publicly slut-shamed when Polaroids showing her in a compromising position with an unknown man emerged as part of her high-profile divorce case. Theres always been speculation about who the headless man was  I dont care, I do care who she was, Phelps says. Ive been obsessed with her for a long time  and felt that it would be a really exciting story to tell. Its definitely not Downton  I cant wait.
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Surface structural changes to iron passive films caused by the adsorption of OH and/or Cl. (a) Fe(OH)3, (b) Fe(OH)2Cl, (c) Fe(OH)Cl2, (d) FeCl3. The location of the edge Fe atom prior to the adsorption is shown with an orange dashed line. Atoms types indicated by white (H), royal blue (Cl), large pink (Fe) and small red (O) spheres. Credit: Oregon State University College of Engineering

Researchers have been studying chloride's corrosive effects on various materials for decades. Now thanks to high-performance computers at the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) at UC San Diego and the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC), detailed models have been simulated to provide new insight on how chloride leads to corrosion on structrual metals, resulting in economic and environmental impacts.

Conducted by a team from Oregon State University's (OSU) College of Engineering, a study discussing this newfound information was published in Materials Degradation, a Nature partner journal.

"Steels are the most widely used structural metals in the world and their corrosion has severe economic, environmental, and social implications," said study co-author Burkan Isgor, an OSU civil and construction engineering professor. "Understanding the process of how protective passive films break down helps us custom design effective alloys and corrosion inhibitors that can increase the service life of structures that are exposed to chloride attacks."

Isgor worked closely with OSU School of Engineering colleague Liney Arnadottir as well as graduate students Hossein DorMohammadi and Qin Pang on conducting the study. As a chemical engineering associate professor, Arnadottir said her work often uses computational methods to study chemical processes on surfaces with applications in materials degradation.

"We frequently collaborate with experimental groups and use experimental surface science tools to complement our computational methods," she said. "For this study we relied on allocations from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE) so that we could use Comet and Stampede2 to combine different computational analyses and experiments applying fundamental physics and chemistry approaches to an applied problem with potentially great societal impact."

The OSU team used a method called density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the structural, magnetic, and electronic properties of the molecules involved. Their simulations were also corroborated by others using reactive molecular dynamics (Reax-FF MD), which allowed them to accurately model the chemistry-based nanoscale processes that lead to chloride-induced breakdown of iron passive films.

"Modeling degradation of oxide films in complex environments is computationally very expensive, and can be impractical even on a small local cluster," said Isgor. "Not only do Comet and Stampede2 make it possible to work on more complex, more realistic, and industrially relevant problems, but also these high-performance computers let us do so within a reasonable timeframe, moving knowledge forward."

Explore further Supercomputers simulate new pathways for potential RNA virus treatment

More information: Qin Pang et al. Thermodynamic feasibility of the four-stage chloride-induced depassivation mechanism of iron, npj Materials Degradation (2020). Journal information: Nature Qin Pang et al. Thermodynamic feasibility of the four-stage chloride-induced depassivation mechanism of iron,(2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41529-020-00131-8
Donald Trumps relationship with his most loyal lieutenant, Mike Pence, splintered on Wednesday after the vice president defied the presidents call to overturn his loss in the November election.

Trump attacked Pence on Twitter after the vice president announced he lacked the power to throw out Electoral College votes cast for President-elect Joe Biden. Pence, the president tweeted, didnt have the courage to do what should have been done.

Desperate to cling to power, Trump turned what is normally a drama-free joint session of Congress to ratify the election results into a loyalty test for Pence. The gambit had catastrophic results, not just for the relationship between the president and vice president but also for the peaceful transition of power.

Pro-Trump protesters violently stormed the US Capitol after Trump exhorted them to march to the building to support Republican lawmakers who planned to challenge Electoral College votes in some states. Pence found himself caught up in the chaos and had to evacuate from the Senate chamber after presiding over the joint session.

Though Pences defiance of Trumps demands he reject Electoral College votes was rooted in the Constitution, which gives the vice president no such power, it was still by far the vice presidents most serious break with his boss. Pence has been unfailingly loyal to Trump, never publicly criticizing the president or disagreeing with any policy.

When the Senate reconvened hours later on Wednesday night, Pence condemned the Trump supporters who committed acts of violence yet did not mention the president by name. He vowed that protesters who breached the Capitol would be prosecuted, separating himself slightly from Trump, who has not suggested they did anything wrong.

To those who wreaked havoc in our capitol today, you did not win, the vice president said. Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the peoples House.

Wednesdays events mark a devastating conclusion to their relationship, and the fallout may have implications for Pences political future, which included a possible presidential run of his own in 2024.

Trump Loyalists

Pences conclusion that the Constitution gave him no power to interfere with the count of Electoral College votes triggered criticism of the vice president in Trumps inner circle, according to people familiar with the matter. Some of Trumps allies believe Pence doomed his 2024 presidential aspirations by bucking Trumps demands, and that the presidents loyalists will no longer be supportive of any of Pences future political endeavors, one of the people said.

If so, Pences four years of unstintingly loyal service to the president would go unrewarded.

He took on Herculean tasks, like overseeing the White Houses coronavirus response, and was exceedingly deferential to Trump when they appeared together in public. The approach allowed Pence to remain in Trumps good graces without echoing his most outlandish claims.

Tying himself so tightly to Trump could have allowed Pence to appeal to the presidents supporters if he decided to seek the Oval Office. But the blowback from the president over Wednesdays events may spoil those plans.

Signs of a split between Pence and Trumps hardcore base began to emerge shortly after the election. Pence sought to focus on the coronavirus task force and the Senate runoff election in Georgia, rather than the Trump campaigns election challenges.

In public, the vice president raised concerns about the election and said every legal vote should be counted, but didnt repeat Trumps baseless claims the November contest was stolen.

But Pences role in presiding over Congresss Electoral College certification, which was completed early Thursday morning, proved to be too big of a challenge for his relationship with Trump to survive unscathed.

Trumps repeated insistence that he won re-election forced Pence into a bind between upholding the Constitution he swore to protect and supporting the president to whom he has shown devotion.

Ministerial Role

As president of the Senate, the vice presidents job is largely ministerial during the Electoral College ratification. Yet Trump for days argued that Pence had the power to refuse to certify electoral votes and send the matter back to states to decide.

If Vice President @Mike_Pence comes through for us, we will win the Presidency, Trump tweeted on the eve of the vote.

After consultations with his legal team and the Senate parliamentarian, Pence ultimately decided he could not do Trumps bidding.

It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not, Pence said in a letter to Congress released before the joint session.

While Pence said it was within his power to allow lawmakers to challenge the results, the Constitutions separation of powers prevented one single official from determining an elections outcome.

Vesting the vice president with unilateral authority to decide presidential contests would be entirely antithetical to that design, Pence said.

In some ways, Trumps decision to turn on his vice president shows how isolated the president has become in his final days in power. Republican leaders in Congress and some right-leaning news outlets have come to shun Trumps insistence he won and have urged him to accept defeat. When Trump looked to Pence for his last stand, he was once again denied.

During a fiery speech to supporters outside the White House before the joint session of Congress, Trump urged Pence not to join Republicans who had said they wouldnt challenge the election results, deriding them as weak and pathetic.

I hope Mike has the courage to do what he has to do, Trump said. And I hope he doesnt listen to the RINOs and the stupid people, he added, using an acronym that refers to Republicans in name only.

Minutes before Trump uttered that line, Pence had already announced he would not overturn the election.
Marvel recently confirmed Guardians Of The Galaxy star Chris Pratt will reprise his role of Peter Quill aka Star-Lord in the next installment of the Thor series.

And earlier this week, the American actor, 41, was chatting to actor Tom Holland on Instagram live when he let slip that he would soon be heading Down Under to film his scenes.

'I've got Guardians coming. And I've got Thor. I'll be in Thor in Australia, so I'll be traveling to Australia in about a week,' he said.

Incoming! American actor Chris Pratt, (top) has confirmed he will be flying to Australia to film his scenes for Thor: Love And Thunder after it was confirmed he would be reprising his role as Guardians Of The Galaxy's Peter Quill aka Star-Lord

'I'm excited to go a country that took the lock down very serious and eradicated the disease and now they're fully up and back to normal,' he said of his upcoming trip.

'That'll be so good there and to go to like a restaurant,' he continued.

A surprised Tom, 24, responded: 'Wait a minute, did you just say you're going to be in Thor? That's so crazy.'

Secret's out: Chris,41, was chatting to actor Tom Holland (bottom) on Instagram live when he let slip that he was heading Down Under to film his scenes for the anticipated Marvel film

'Yeah... am I not supposed to say that?' Chris replied, to which Tom said: 'I feel like no one knew that bro.'

Chris then attempted to reassure himself by saying: 'No they knew that I think, they knew that.. If they didn't know now.'

The pair laughed off the Jurassic World star's mishap before shortly ending the stream.

He's back: Chris will reprise his role from that MCU franchise as Peter Quill aka Star-Lord in the next installment of the Thor series. Pictured alongside Chris Hemsworth (left)

The crossover is unsurprising, especially since the last time fans saw Pratts charming if somewhat bumbling hero was in the end of 2019s Avengers: Endgame on board the same spaceship as Hemsworths Thor.

On the Thor front, Love And Thunder is the follow up to 2017s massively successful third installment in the series, titled Thor: Ragnarok.

Like that film, the fourth Thor movie will be directed by Taika Waititi.

He's game: Pratts appearance in the new film is far from the first or last crossover casting in the MCU; seen here in February 2020

Notably, Love And Thunder will welcome back Oscar winner Natalie Portman to the franchise, who last played her role of Jane Foster in the less successful second chapter of Thor in 2013, titled Thor: The Dark World.

And in the new film, she is said to be taking on the mantle of Thor, thereby becoming the first female actor to do so.

Another Academy Award winner set to appear in Love And Thunder is Christian Bale, who is said to be cast in an as-yet undisclosed villainous role.

Thor: Love And Thunder is currently slated for release in February of 2022.

Indonesia is ready to initiate a nationwide COVID-19 mass vaccination program from mid-January2021. President Joko Widodo on Jan 5, 2021 said that for the first phase, approximately 700 thousand vaccines out of the 3 million doses of vaccines had arrived in a number of regions. President Joko Widodo reiterated his readiness to become the first person to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Vaccination will be free for the population.



"According to the schedule, as many as 15 million doses of vaccine in the form of raw materials will also arrive in Indonesia in the coming week. Later the Covid-19 vaccine raw material will be further produced by BUMN Bio Farma into a ready-to-use vaccine. In the first stage of implementing free vaccination, the government has placed health workers who are in charge of handling Covid-19 as the first priority to get the vaccine. After that the vaccine will be given to public personnel and followed by the general public" said the President.



The government will hold a free Covid-19 vaccination for all Indonesians through several stages. While waiting for the emergency use permit issued by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) and the halal review process from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), a number of vaccine doses have begun to be distributed to all provinces in Indonesia. The country aims to vaccinate at least 70 percent of the population which accounts for around 182 million people.

The Head of State conveyed that until now Indonesia had ordered approximately 329.5 million doses of vaccine which did not include the commitment to add additional orders. To ensure the resilience or guarantee of the availability of vaccines, the government will bring in hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccine from at least five sources.



"From Sinovac, it was 3 million plus 122.5 million. From Novavax, 50 million, from COVAX / GAVI 54 million, from AstraZeneca 50 million, and from Pfizer 50 million vaccines. This means that the total number of firm orders is 329.5 million vaccines. Only the regulation will be carried out by the Minister of Health, "said the President.



Considering one person needs two doses of vaccine and 15 percent as backup according to the provisions of the World Health Organization (WHO), the total vaccine needed for approximately 181 million people is around 426 million doses of vaccine.



Business owners need to be prepared for the possibility that they may not reopen until the end of March, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has warned.

It came as the Government announced tough new restrictions aimed at stemming the massive surge in Covid-19 cases. Taoiseach Micheal Martin urged people to face the coming weeks with steely determination and resolve in a bid to suppress the virus.

He said personal decisions people make will directly affect how many more people get sick and how many more people die.

Mr Martin, meanwhile, said people should forget about take-away pints and publicans should not be selling them as they can lead to gatherings that spread the virus.

Garda checkpoints will be returning today as part of additional policing measures due to Level 5 lockdown.

Static checkpoint under Operation Fanacht will recommence from 7am on national roads  not motorways  with random local mobile checkpoints designed to support the stay home message.

The Courts Service announced no new Central or Criminal Court trials would begin this month. Some longer trials involving larger numbers of defendants and witnesses had been due to begin at Croke Park but these will not start until February at the earliest.

Announcing the new restrictions, Mr Martin said: We are in a battle against the deadly and ever changing virus.

Read More

The lockdown were introducing today is designed to reflect that stark and simple reality. Unless youre involved in absolutely essential work you have no reason to be away from your home.

Mr Varadkar said there is hope in the form of Covid-19 vaccines but the vulnerable must be protected until they can be inoculated.

January is the month in which we all stay in, he said.

Mr Varadkar set out a timeline that would see nursing home residents, healthcare staff, very elderly people and those with chronic illness vaccinated by the end of March.

The hospitality sector has been closed since Christmas Eve and the Enterprise Minister was asked if pubs and restaurants may need to stay closed until then.

Mr Varadkar said the timeline he described is with use of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines and it could be stepped up more if the Astrazeneca one becomes available. But he added: if I was running a business now I would be thinking that its a probability that Ill be closed until the end of March.

He added: In case I put the heart across people we will review the situation on January 30 and make decisions on restrictions then.

The situation is deteriorating. It is very bad. It is going to get worse in our hospitals and ICUs. Were not going to be out of the woods by the end of January.

Supports like the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and weekly payments for businesses which are closed will continue until at least March 31 in case things go on that long.

He added: I think anybody in the business community needs to be prepared for that possibility. Up to 500,000 people may end up on the PUP.

Mr Varadkar said the Government is engaging with banks to ensure they provide additional payment breaks to mortgage holders and people with loans who cant meet the payments as a result of the crisis and the response so far has been positive.

Read More

Both Mr Martin and Education Minister Norma Foley spoke of how its still the Governments intention to hold the traditional Leaving Cert exams this summer and said the public health advice is that schools are a safe environment.

Leaving Cert students will be able to attend their schools for three days a week under the Governments plan. Mr Martin said the move would mean there would be around 61,000 people travelling to and from schools rather than more than 1m students and teachers if they were left fully open.

Asked about the possibility of a rebate scheme for parents paying fees for creches whose services they cant use, Mr Martin said Children Minister Roderic OGorman is examining the matter.

A Department of Children statement said Mr OGorman is asking that providers pause payment of fees or return fees paid in advance for parents who are not essential workers and therefore cannot access services.

The resumption of the ECCE pre-school programme has been postponed until February 1 with other services open for the children of essential workers only. A household of an essential worker, without an existing childcare arrangement, can form a bubble with another household so their child can be looked after.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said the ban on travel from Britain, which has been at the centre of an outbreak of a highly transmissible new strain of the virus, will be lifted on Saturday.

Passengers coming from the UK by air or sea will be required to produce a negative PCR test result they got within 72 hours of travel. Failure to do so could result in a 2,500 fine or up to six months in prison.

Mr Ryan said requirement for the test will be extended to other red list countries in the coming weeks. Mr Martin said early data suggests 41pc of people who travelled from the UK in December and tested positive for the virus had the new variant.

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Irish Independent
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that Congress will move forward with articles of impeachment to remove President Donald Trump if the vice president doesnt invoke the 25th Amendment.

The 25th Amendment allows for Vice President Michael Pence and a majority of the Cabinet to declare the president unfit for office. The vice president then becomes acting president.

In a televised address on Thursday, Pelosi said that Trump incited the mob that stormed the Capitol Building on Wednesday.

The president of the United States incited an armed insurrection against America, Pelosi said.

She described Trump as a dangerous person, who had committed an act of sedition.

Democrats and some Republicans want Trump removed before his term ends on Jan. 20 with President-elect Joseph Bidens inauguration.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who is expected to be named its new majority leader, said that Trump should not hold office one day longer.

The quickest and most effective way  it can be done today  to remove this president from office would be for the vice president to immediately invoke the 25th amendment, Schumer said. If the vice president and the cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president.
Scott Morrison has failed to sternly condemn the attack on the US Congress, which left a woman dead as she and hundreds of others stormed the building.

Mr Morrison merely described the horrific scenes of violence by supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump as 'terribly distressing'.

The prime minister also refused to respond when asked by reporters if Mr Trump was responsible for undermining democracy.

'I will not offer any more commentary,' Mr Morrison responded.

Instead, he issued a travel warning for the US, telling Australians to avoid areas where protests are occurring, while reminding them Covid-19 remains a serious health risk in the country.

Scott Morrison has condemned the attack on the US Congress by supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump, describing the scenes as 'terribly distressing' (pictured together with their wives during a State visit at the North Portico of the White House on September 20, 2019)

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday

'Scenes in Washington DC have been terribly distressing... very concerning,' he said.

'You should avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for violence.

'We hope for a peaceful and stable transition of power to the government elected by the American people.

'Our thoughts are with them and we hope for that peaceful transition to take place.

'They are one of our closest friends and partners...it's heartbreaking to see what's happening there.

'This is one of the world's greatest democracies and it remains so because of its forbearance and persistence in the principles and values upon which the nation was established and I have no doubt that will prevail.'

'You should avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for violence,' Mr Morrison said following the violent riots in the US (pictured)

Members of congress ran from the floor as police ordered them to evacuate to their offices for their own safety after a mob smashed through police barricades

Ashli Babbitt (pictured) has been identified as the woman who was shot and killed inside the US Capitol when Donald Trump's supporters stormed the building and violently clashed with police in a bid to stop Joe Biden's victory being certified

Mr Morrison then went on to say that he was 'here to deliver Australia's vaccination plan'.

'What I'm here to do is ensure we deliver our vaccination plan,' he hit back.

'What I'm here to do is to ensure this year the Australian economy continues to recover and get people back into jobs...and we can have a much better 2021 than the 2020.

'And the way I do that is I stay focused on what's happening here in Australia and the needs of Australians and that has my absolute priority focus.'

Police were forced to evacuate the US House of Representatives and the Senate on Wednesday after protesters stormed both chambers which were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the November 3 election.

Police responded to the attack, which saw one person killed, with drawn guns and tear gas and the capital is now in a state of curfew.

National Guard members line up on the Capitol grounds as protesters continue occupying the area after curfew

A protester struggles with a riot police officer outside the Capitol building after the 6pm curfew went into effect

Babbit was shot in the chest on Wednesday afternoon after chaotic scenes broke out when dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters at the Capitol. She died several hours later

Paramedics and protesters work together to transport a wounded man on a barrier near the Capitol

Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress

Mr Trump told his supporters to 'go home in peace', but stuck by his claim in a tweet which was later taken down by Twitter that his landslide victory had been stripped away.

Vice President Michael Pence later told a reconvened Senate that those who wreaked havoc on the capital did not win.

'Violence never wins. Freedom wins. The world will again witness the resilience and strength of our democracy,' Mr Pence said.

Mr Morrison said the events were very concerning and condemned the acts of violence.

'The riots and protests we've seen in Washington DC have been terribly distressing,' he told reporters in Canberra.

'We hope for a peaceful and stable transition of government to the new administration elected by the American people.'

A rioter holds a Trump flag inside the US Capitol after storming the building. He is standing in front of a painting depicting the Battle of Lake Erie - major US naval victory in the War of 1812

Police deployed tear gas at protesters who refused to step away from barriers outside the White House

Police spray tear gas at a protester who picked up a police barricade in an effort to get closer to the Capitol

Police try to hold back protesters pushing into a doorway at the Capitol on Wednesday

Labor leader Anthony Albanese described the protests as a 'tragedy'.

'There is no doubt that the words and actions of Donald Trump have encouraged this activity,' Mr Albanese told reporters in the Blue Mountains, NSW.

'Democracy is precious. It shouldn't be taken for granted. It should be defended anywhere in the world.'

Two former Australian prime ministers also expressed their outrage on Twitter.

Former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd described it as a physical attack on the institutions of democracy by a 'far right mob'.

'All because of extremist statements by political leaders attacking the legal results of a democratic election, echoed faithfully by a cancerous far right media,' Mr Rudd said in a tweet.

'This affects us all.'

Former Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull said the mob violence was the culmination of President Trump's sustained assault on American democracy.

'The President should call on the mob he incited to disperse and go home,' he tweeted.

'And Trump's supporters in the GOP and the media should reflect on what they have enabled.'

The storming brought the certification of Joe Biden's victory to a halt  after Pence said he would defy Trump and refuse to overturn the election single-handed
IT was known as the graveyard for police vehicles.

But it has been about two years since the Vehicle Management Corporation of T&T (VMCOTT) has actually serviced a police vehicle.

Natasha Prince, the State companys chief executive since 2018, told Express Business last week that the TTPS just stopped sending their vehicles to service and no reason was given.


remaining of

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Earth is rotating faster than its normal speed in the last half-century, according to scientists. The international timekeepers observed that July 19, 2020, was the shortest day since scientists began keeping records in the 1960s. July 19, 2020, was 1.4602 milliseconds shorter than the full 24 hours, according to a report in The Telegraph.

It is not an alarming thing as such as the planet's rotation varies due to ocean currents, atmospheric pressure, and movement of the core.

However, it is inconvenient for international timekeepers who use ultra-accurate atomic clocks to metre out Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) by which everyone sets their clocks.

When the time is taken by Earth to take a full rotation deviates from the UTC by more than 0.4 seconds, then timekeepers adjust UTC.

Until now, global timekeepers have added "leap second", which happened either on June-end or December-end. Like leap years, leap seconds are time adjustments. Since 1972, scientists have added leap seconds about every year-and-a-half, on average to keep atomic time in line with solar time, thereby keeping satellites and communications equipment in sync.

The last addition came in 2016, when on New Year's Eve at 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds, an extra "leap second" was added.

This is because the Earth has taken slightly longer than 24 hours to complete a rotation for decades.

Now, due to this unusual changes, world timekeepers are debating whether to delete a second from time, also known as "negative leap second" in order to bring time passage back into line with the rotation of the Earth.

That's because the average length of a day is 86,400 seconds, but an astronomical day in 2021 will clock in 0.05 milliseconds shorter, on average. Over the course of the year, that will add up to a 19 millisecond lag in atomic time.

Physicist Peter Whibberley of the National Physics Laboratory told the daily that a 'negative leap second' will be needed if the Earth's rotation rate increases further, adding, "but it's too early to say if this is likely to happen".

Also read: Aviation ministry meets airlines to discuss coronavirus vaccine transportation, delivery

Also read: PM Modi 'earned' prime ministership, unlike Manmohan Singh: Pranab Mukherjee in book
Americans who are waiting to receive their second stimulus check from the new coronavirus stimulus package can check the status of their payments.

The IRS has reopened its Get My Payment tool, which tells users when stimulus payments went out and whether they were sent by direct deposit or paper check.

But some people who have used the tool said their payments went to a bank account number they dont recognize.

The unfamiliar account numbers, in many cases, are because the taxpayer used a third party tax company to prepare their returns. In those cases, tax refunds are often directly deposited to temporary accounts opened by the tax prep company rather than to the taxpayers. Those bank account numbers are what the IRS has on file for many taxpayers.

The IRS has sent payments to more than 13 million bank accounts that were closed or no longer valid, tax preparation firm Jackson Hewitt said on its website.

TurboTax said its happened to their customers.

As part of the income tax filing, the IRS receives accurate banking information for all TurboTax filers who receive a tax refund, which the IRS is able to use to deposit stimulus payments, said spokeswoman Ashley McMahon.

She said based on IRS guidance, because of the speed at which the IRS issued this second round of payments, some payments may have been sent to an account that may be closed or no longer active.

By law, the financial institution must return the payment to the IRS and they cannot hold and issue the payment to an individual when the account is no longer active, she said.

We know how important these funds are for so many Americans and that everyone is anxious to get their money, she said. While the IRS is exploring options to correct their issue, they have stated that this may cause a delay in stimulus payments for some.

But H&R Block said its in the process of getting stimulus payments that came to its accounts to its customers.

We immediately deposited millions of stimulus payments to customers bank accounts and onto our Emerald Prepaid Mastercard, and all direct deposits are being processed, it said, noting customers should contact the company with questions about their specific accounts.

Some H&R Block customer reported receiving the payments Wednesday morning.

The IRS is not at this time offering a tool for people to update their account information with the agency and there isnt enough time to reissue payments because of the Jan. 15 deadline to send out payments, the agency said.

Instead, if you dont receive a payment, the IRS says you can claim it on your tax return by claiming a credit called the Recovery Rebate Credit and you would get the payment in the form of a tax refund.

Try our second stimulus payment calculator to see how much your benefit may be.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com.
Staffers at Galleria Department Store's VIP lounge stack macarons on their feet. They broadcasted this live on social media on Tuesday, and it went viral online instantly. / Korea times file



By Kim Jae-heun



The Galleria Department Store in Gwanggyo, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, is in trouble after two staffers at the VIP lounge uploaded live broadcasts of themselves mishandling macarons that were intended for customers to social media.



The live video, showing them playing with the macarons and also using their feet, went viral. The department store installed a sign in front of the VIP lounge carrying an apology, and sent mobile messages to VIP customers promising to prevent such incidents from happening again. It also said the two staffers have been removed from their positions and the VIP lounge will be temporarily closed.



According to Galleria, the two staffers were employees dispatched from one of its subcontractors and the incident took place while the manager of the lounge was absent for a few minutes. The VIP lounge is the largest in the country  only those who spend over 5 million won ($4,607) at the store annually are permitted to use it.



The department store chain added it will install surveillance cameras in the lounge as a preventive measure and implement an employee education program.



"Such an occurrence was due to individuals' misbehavior but we are still responsible for it. We promise that no such incident will occur again," a Galleria official said.



Galleria has every reason to take this incident seriously.



The department store operates the least number of branches in the country but its presence in the local market is prominent. It has long been building a reputation as a luxury brand, especially with its symbolic store in Apgujeong in Seoul.



Galleria has long been offering distinguished services for VIP customers, who provide over 40 percent of total revenue.



The ratio has been growing continuously from 38 percent in 2017 to over 40 percent in the first quarter of 2019.



When domestic retailers were struck hard by the COVID-19 pandemic starting last year, Galleria managed to cope well with its largest-ever sales coming from luxury goods.



Last October, the department store opened the VIP-only-space Maison Galleria in Daejeon.


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Even as the media desperately tried to convince us that the most muted New Years Eve in history was the end of a bad narrative and the start of a new, more hopeful human story, the plague refused to cooperate. All of the ritual burnings and purgings of what appeared to be the worst year in history (Death to 2020! declared Netflix in a pathetic attempt at catharsis), all of the performative good riddances actually were for naught.
Gurugram, Jan 7 : Amid tight security, farmers from various protest sites in Delhi-NCR who were scheduled to hold a tractor march against the three agriculture laws on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) expressway on Thursday, later shifted their march towards the Tikri border.

The call for the tractor march on the KMP expressway was given by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha -- the umbrella body of farmers' unions protesting at Delhi's borders.

Earlier, they had confirmed the rally from Dhansa to Manesar, but later decided to culminate the rally at the Tikri border instead of Manesar.

"Earlier we had a plan to hold the tractor protest from Dhansa to Manesar, but later changed the route between Dhansa and Tikri", said Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) president Virender Dagar.

In view of the tractor rally, the Gurugram and Delhi police had beefed up security in the border areas.

However, local leaders here on Thursday held a tractor march in support of the ongoing farmers' agitation. They blocked all the service lanes near Rajiv Chowk on the Delhi-Jaipur expressway for 20 minutes which disrupted the traffic movement at Jail Road, Sohna Road and Civil Lines.

The Delhi-Gurugram border also witnessed a traffic snarl due to the police checking in the wake of the farmers' protest.

"We have deployed a number of police personnel along with additional force to ease the traffic movement in Gurugram. Besides, we will not stop any farmer from holding the tractor march on KMP e-way but nobody will be allowed to violate law and order across the district," said Preet Pal Sanwan, ACP (Crime).

The Gurugram police have deployed a huge force including, RAF, CISF and anti-riot squads at Panchgaon Chowk, Bilaspur Chowk, NSG campus, Delhi-Gurugram border, Farrukhnagar, entry-exit points on KMP e-way and the Gurugram-Jhajjar border.

Violence erupted in US Capitol Hill on Wednesday during the Congress session as a group of armed Donald Trump supporters stormed the building.

Soon after, photos and videos of the violence started going viral. Amid all the photos, one stood out: Of a shirtless man donning a deer-antler hat; his face painted in red, white and blue. The horned, shirtless man amid the US Capitol demonstration naturally caught everyone's attention.

A front runner already for the Republicans 2024. pic.twitter.com/4bDYfAAdKO  Talk To The Hatter (@Talk_To_The_Hat) January 7, 2021

This is what happens when you defund The Arts pic.twitter.com/sCoFRj7ic9  CrumlinShoppinCentre (@OfficCrumlinSC) January 6, 2021

The absolute state of these insurrectionists, though. Imagine if your democracy was toppled by these absolute fridgets. pic.twitter.com/VzF0f0nCNc  Cllr. Peter Kavanagh (@TheKavOfficial) January 6, 2021

Im currently writing about hypermasculinity and Viking Medievalisms in white supremacy... the horns, valknut, and the tree of life (Yggdrasil) on this guy underline this terrifyingly perfectly. pic.twitter.com/K1EBfmRrgJ  Amy J F (@queertyyr) January 6, 2021

I think the bigger question is why is jamoriquai storming Capitol Hill? pic.twitter.com/IDFTUjXQFA  Sammyb (@Samanth27589323) January 6, 2021

The horned, shirtless man has now been identified by two US Media Outlets AzCentral and WRIC as Jake Angeli. According to the reports, Angeli is a QAnon supporter who has been a fixture at Arizona right-wing political rallies over the past year.

Angeli was seen in photographs from Washington, D.C., amid protesters who turned violent and stormed the building.

At one point, Angeli was seen on the dais of the U.S. Senate. He posed for a photo flexing his right arm; his left was holding a spear from which hung a U.S. flag.

This is happening pic.twitter.com/MNDC2Nh1Cg  Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 6, 2021

Since at least 2019, Angeli has held forth outside the Arizona Capitol shouting about various conspiracy theories, most related to the wide-ranging beliefs espoused by QAnon.

Angeli, in a 2020 interview with The Arizona Republic, said that he wears the fur bonnet, paints his face and walks around shirtless with ragged pants as a way to attract attention, reports AZ Central.

In February 2020, Angeli worked the crowd outside a rally in Phoenix for Trump.

He held up a tattered sign that read, Q sent me, and asked the crowd if they knew of the conspiracy.

A May 2020 interview also saw him in the same costume.

People are now calling for his arrest since he has been identified.

Jake Angeli is the guy behind the desk. pic.twitter.com/ah2m5dcGOQ  Ben Owen (@hrkbenowen) January 6, 2021

Jake Angeli is an actor. That's it. That's the tweet. pic.twitter.com/89aNivYEu4  RICHIRICH $ETH 10K $LINK 1K $XVG 1.00 (@CryptoRich0x69) January 6, 2021

His name is Jake Angeli He lives in Arizona Arrest him pic.twitter.com/H0KiRty42f  Shawn in Az (@ShawnInArizona) January 6, 2021

heres Jake Angeli in the viking hat and bad tats https://t.co/1uLyA0SHuy  Alex de Campi (@alexdecampi) January 6, 2021

Unverified videos appear to show a woman who was part of the protests on the floor inside the Capitol and bleeding after gunfire erupted momentarily. Police cleared the last of the supporters of Trump from the US Capitol on Wednesday after they stormed the building and disrupted the certification by Congress of Democrat Joe Biden's election victory.

US media outlets quoted the sergeants-at-arms of the House of Representatives and the Senate as saying the Capitol was now secure, about four hours after it first came under attack. A dusk-to-dawn curfew has been declared by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, who asked for the assistance of the National Guard to help reestablish order in the nation's capital.

Police in riot gear had set up a perimeter around the Capitol building, which came under attack by Trump supporters after the president addressed a rally nearby in which he repeated his baseless claims of election fraud.

The nations elected representatives scrambled to crouch under desks and donned gas masks, while police futilely tried to barricade the building, one of the most jarring scenes ever to unfold in a seat of American political power. A woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol.

At the moment following the violence, some Cabinet members are holding preliminary discussions about invoking the 25th Amendment to force President Trumps removal from office.


Mumbai: Equity benchmark Sensex slipped 81 points on Thursday, weighed by selling in IT, banks and consumption stocks despite a firm trend in global markets.

The 30-share BSE index ended 80.74 points or 0.17 per cent lower at 48,093.32. The broader NSE Nifty fell 8.90 points or 0.06 per cent to 14,137.35.

Titan was the top loser in the Sensex pack, shedding around 2 per cent, followed by Nestle India, HUL, HCL Tech, Infosys, ITC and Kotak Bank.

On the other hand, Bharti Airtel, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv and L&T were among the gainers.

"After the US Democrats won the Georgia Senate, global cues were positive in morning trade. Afternoon trade, however, saw profit-taking in FMCG stocks despite which we saw a close above 48K led by financials and metals," said S Ranganathan, Head of Research at LKP Securities.

Elsewhere in Asia, bourses in Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul ended on a positive note, while Hong Kong was in the red.

Live TV

#mute

Stock exchanges in Europe were largely trading with gains in early deals.

Meanwhile, the global oil benchmark Brent crude was trading 0.02 per cent lower at USD 54.29 per barrel.
He did not have ideas. He had bigotries. He did not have a coalition. He had crowds. He did not have character. He had a quality of confident shamelessness, the kind that offered his followers permission to be shameless, too.

All this was obvious  but was not enough to stop him. America in 2015 had many problems, many of which had gone too long ignored and were ripe for populist exploitation. But by far the biggest problem of that year was that a major political party capitulated to a thug. And the biggest problem of every subsequent year has been that more and more of that party has excused, ignored, forgiven, colluded in and celebrated his thuggery.

Think of Mike Pompeo, our sycophantic secretary of state, who in March 2016 warned that Trump would be an authoritarian president who ignored our Constitution, and who, after the election had been called for Biden in November, promised a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.

The Republican Party is now walking to the edge of moral irredeemability. I say this as someone who, until 2016, had always voted the straight Republican ticket and who, until this week, had hoped that Republicans would hold the Senate as a way of tilting the Biden administration to the center. I say this also of the party generally, and not of the courageous individual Republicans  Brad Raffensperger, Mitt Romney, Denver Riggleman, Larry Hogan, Ben Sasse (the list is depressingly short)  who have preserved their principles, maintained their honor and kept their heads these past five years.

But there is no getting away from the extent to which leading party members and their cheerleaders in the right-wing media are complicit in creating the political atmosphere in which this Visigothic sacking of the Capitol took place.
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Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.

(Natural News) With the dawn of a new year, those who survived the hardships of 2020 may have to brace themselves for even more to come in 2021. French astrologer and philosopher Michel De Nostradamus has some dire forecasts for the new year, including a zombie apocalypse, a famine of biblical proportions and a spate of intense solar storms.

Nostradamus prophecies

Nostradamus lived in the 16th century but his more than 6,000 poetic prophecies never cease to be relevant. His modern-day believers contend that he correctly predicted several historical tragedies, including the rise of German dictator and leader of the Nazi Party Adolf Hitler and the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan.

While Nostradamus didnt explicitly state when his prophecies will take place, astrologers reading his work believe that dramatic catastrophes will go boom in the new year. Their belief hinges on the following passage: After great trouble for humanity, a greater one is prepared, the Great Mover renews the ages: Rain, blood, milk, famine, steel and plague.

The line great trouble for humanity has been interpreted to mean the COVID-19 pandemic, hence the dire new year forecasts. Take a look at the following 2021 disasters foretold by Nostradamus: (h/t to StrangeSounds.org)

Zombie apocalypse

Nostradamus hinted that scientists will create a biological weapon like a virus that will turn people into zombies. This zombie apocalypse, the philosopher suggested, will mark the end of humanity: Few young people: half?dead to give a start. Dead through spite, he will cause the others to shine, And in an exalted place some great evils to occur  The Great One to be no more, all the world to end.

Famine of biblical proportions

Nostradamus also forecast that a widespread famine will strike the world: Rain, blood, milk, famine, steel and plague. This comes just as massive locusts swarms have been plaguing Africa, devastating crops and causing starvation.

Solar storms

Solar storms occur when the sun unleashes enormous bursts of energy in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. If strong enough, these phenomena can greatly affect life on Earth, disrupting communication satellites and bathing high-flying aircraft with increased radiation.

Nostradamus, however, forecast stronger solar storms that can see the water rising and the earth falling under it. Just recently, the sun emitted its biggest solar flare in more than three years. (Related: Scientists warn of MASSIVE solar storms: We need to be better prepared.)

Massive meteorite impact

Meteors have always been a constant threat to Earth, but this year may finally see a massive meteor land on the planet. Nostradamus wrote, In the sky, one sees fire and a long trail of sparks, hinting that a giant asteroid or comet will hit Earth and trigger a cataclysmic chain of disasters, including a new mass extinction.

Devastating earthquake

The so-called Big One may take place this year, specifically on Nov 25. The sloping park, great calamity, Through the Lands of the West and Lombardy, The fire in the ship, plague, and captivity; Mercury in Sagittarius, Saturn fading, Nostradamus wrote. Mercury in Sagittarius is scheduled to take place on Nov. 25 in the new year.

The United States is not safe from devastating earthquakes as it lies on massive fault lines, such as the San Andreas Fault and the Cascadia Subduction Zone, both of which are located on the west coast.

Robot soldiers

The exponential growth of technology in the 21st century does not bode well for humanity. Nostradamus himself warned of robot soldiers: The newly made one will lead the army, Almost cut off up to near the bank. This forecast is worrying as the Chinese military is developing more high-tech weapons, including a small ground robot that can traverse complicated terrains, observe battlefield situations and provide ferocious firepower. (Related: AI could spark a nuclear apocalypse by 2040, new study warns.)

Nostrodamus has extraordinary prescience, which makes his grim prophecies so concerning. However, it should be noted that he has also been criticized for being vague. And as brilliant as he was, he was not immune to making mistakes, as only 70 percent of his predictions have come true.

Nonetheless, current events like the pandemic and the militarization of AI seem to line up well with Nostradamus 2021 predictions and disasters like earthquakes and solar storms are real threats that can happen at any time. Do the necessary preparations in case SHTF  again.

Sources include:

History.co.uk

Newsweek.com



StrangeSounds.org

DW.com

Space.com

GlobalTimes.cn
A Columbia County man was one of the three people who died of apparent medical emergencies during Wednesdays protests in Washington, D.C.

Benjamin Philips, 50, an avid Trump supporter and computer programmer from Bloomsburg, died of a stroke, according to reporting by the Philadelphia Inquirer. He was the founder of Trumparoo, a social media site for supporters of President Donald Trump.

Robert J. Contee III, acting chief of the metropolitan police, reported Philips was from Ringtown during a press conference Thursday morning. Kristen Metzger, a metropolitan police department spokeswoman, reiterated Thursday afternoon that the information they were provided said Philips was from Ringtown.

The confusion over his hometown may relate to Philips parents living in the Ringtown area.

Nancy Stalker, owner of Rentschlers store in Ringtown, said Thursday that Philips mother, Anne, is a somewhat regular customer and lives outside of Ringtown.

The Republican-Herald, a Times-Shamrock newspaper, was unable to make contact with the Philips family Thursday.

The Inquirer had interviewed Philips Tuesday about arranging a bus to travel to the protests. He told the newspaper he was eager to see what President Donald Trump will do next.

It seems like he called us there for a reason. I think something bigs about to go down that no ones talking about yet. I think he has an ace up his sleeve, Philips was quoted.

A photo of Philips from the Press Enterprise newspaper showing him outside his apartment in Bloomsburg in September was part of news coverage of his death Thursday.

The Inquirer said Philips drove to Washington in a van along with Trump-related memorabilia he had produced.

His profile on the site said he was organizing a bus from the Bloomsburg area to go to the rally and expressed anger at Democratic officials and moderate Republicans.

The Inquirer reports that members of his group say they last saw Phillips around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, and that he did not show up to meet them for a 6 p.m. departure. They learned from police that he had died, and the group had a somber ride back to Pennsylvania.

Phillips told the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise on Tuesday that people from other states were staying at his home. He said, My hostel is already full.

Other fatalities

The others who it is believed died of medical emergencies at the protest on Wednesday were identified by Contee as Kevin Greeson, 55, of Athens, Alabama; and Roseanne Boyland, 34, of Kennesaw, Georgia.

The fourth person who died did so under much different circumstances.

A U.S. Capitol Police officer shot Ashli Babbitt, who later died at a hospital. The shooting occurred as thousands of rioters forced their way into the House chamber, where members of Congress were hiding, according to Steven A. Sund, chief of the Capitol Police.

Babbitts husband, Aaron, told KSWB-TV, a Fox affiliate in San Diego, that he and his wife, 35, live in San Diego and that she was in Washington on Wednesday to support Trump. Aaron Babbitt sent his wife a message about 30 minutes before the shooting and never heard back.

She loved her country and she was doing what she thought was right to support her country, joining up with like-minded people that also love their president and their country, he told the news station.

A Twitter account under Babbitts name identifies her as a veteran, Libertarian and supporter of the Second Amendment. She frequently retweeted comments by the president and his supporters about Wednesdays gathering and their discredited claims of election fraud. Her last comment, posted Friday, read, Jan 6, 2021 with American flag and thumbs-up emojis.
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Amid falling coronavirus cases in the country, several states are taking the decision to reopen schools in phases with strict COVID-19 guidelines. But there are still some states which are still are reviewing the COVID-19 situation in their state before taking a decision to reopen schools.

Here is a list of states where schools are opening in the coming days:

Gujarat

The Gujarat government on Wednesday announced that schools for classes 10 and 12, and colleges for the final year graduation and post-graduation students will be reopened from January 11. It may be recalled that the educational institutions in the state were closed in March due to COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to reopen schools was taken at the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Wednesday.

State Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said attendance will not be mandatory for students and schools will have to strictly follow the Centres standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Punjab

The Punjab government has decided to reopen all schools from January 7 for students of classes 5 to 12.

State Education minister Vijay Inder Singla said the decision to reopen all government, semi-government and private schools from January 7 has been taken as per the suggestions from stakeholders. The timings of the schools will be from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Delhi

The Delhi government is yet to take any decision on reopening schools and it is expected that the schools in Delhi would reopen only after COVID-19 vaccine is available to the public.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the government is planning to allow the schools to reopen in a post-COVID era. The schools in Delhi have been closed since March 2019 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Live TV

Rajasthan

The Rajasthan government has announced that schools, colleges and other educational institutions will reopen in the state from January 18. Apart from this, the Medical College, Dental College, Nursing College and Paramedical College will reopen from January 11.
By John Farmer, Jr.

The images from todays storming of the U.S. Capitol were shocking beyond words: Trump supporters in body armor scaling the walls of the Capitol, smashing windows with riot shields to gain entry, punching police (what ever happened to law and order and blue lives matter?), and urging Vice President Mike Pence, the presiding chair, to proclaim President Trumps victory. They betrayed a greater loyalty to a person than to the Constitution and laws he is sworn to uphold.

In attempting to halt the constitutional process of the peaceful transfer of power, those actions were nothing short of an attempted coup. As President Bush stated this evening, The violent assault on the Capitol  and disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting of Congress  was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes. The Tweetstorm became a street storm before our eyes.

For all of the flag-waving histrionics, the Trump supporters actions were unamerican to their core, a direct assault on constitutional government. As President-elect Biden stated, they bordered on sedition.

But were they really surprising?

Viewed in the context of the past generation, in which American politics has drifted increasingly toward intolerance and polarization, and American popular culture has devolved into a freakshow, a funhouse mirror image of our nation, todays storming of the capitol seems less an aberration than a culmination.

The political warning signs have been blinking red for a generation. Beginning with President Clintons election, the parties have increasingly characterized each others victories as illegitimate and sought to solidify its base by demonizing the other party.

President George W. Bush was never accepted as legitimate by many Democrats because of the way the U.S. Supreme Court effectively decided the election. President Obamas legitimacy was questioned throughout his tenure, as the birthers (including Donald Trump) questioned his eligibility to run for office and the GOP-controlled Congress repeatedly raised impeachment as a possibility.

Congress has become so paralyzed that the nation has frequently limped along by continuing resolution, and the government has actually shut down on more than one occasion.

Three accelerants have inflamed this already simmering dysfunction: sources of political information curated by commercial algorithms; the exponential growth of the importance of money in politics and Donald Trump himself.

Applied to consumer choices, commercial algorithms make sense; they drive spending by reinforcing and amplifying demonstrated predilections. Applied to politics, however, they have acted as a centrifuge, steering people into cul-de-sacs of their own prejudices, making them ultimately unrecognizable to anyone but those who share their beliefs.

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in the Citizens United decision that spending for political purposes is a protected form of political speech, moreover, the floodgates have opened. The algorithms that drive spending on consumer goods now also drive spending on politics; demonization of the other side is encoded in its DNA.

Earlier this week, for instance, certain Republicans received this message: Ted Cruz here. Over the past few days Ive been leading the charge  to demand Congress conduct an emergency 10-day audit of the election results in the states with disputed results.  Believe me, the Democrats are aiming the full force of their fire at me  I need your emergency support right now. This is on top of the over $200 million President Trump and his supporters have raised after election day to fund challenges in courts and perhaps in other forums. As law enforcement investigates the violent assault on the Capitol, it would do well to follow the money.

These accelerants to disunion have found their ideal vehicle  indeed their embodiment  in a president whose pathological self-absorption has led him to live his life in a fantasy of his own creation, and whose uncanny communication instincts have enabled him to persuade untold followers that the reality he describes somehow exists somewhere.

It doesnt. As Senator Mitch McConnell said today, just before Trumps supporters turned violent, this election wasnt even close. And although that fact may make todays violence seem an aberration, viewed in light of the structural forces driving us apart and the delusional falsehoods driving our president and his followers, it is  shockingly  unsurprising.

Today will pass as a low point in American history. Congress will play its ministerial role in certifying the election. Joe Biden will be sworn in as president. Then, perhaps, we can put the revolution we nearly had today behind us, and focus on the reform of laws, structures and attitudes we really need.

John Farmer, Jr. is a Professor of Law and the director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.

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Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
OTTAWA  Manitoba NDP MP Niki Ashton travelled to Greece this summer, in addition to the Christmastime trip that caused the party to strip her of official critic roles.

OTTAWA  Manitoba NDP MP Niki Ashton travelled to Greece this summer, in addition to the Christmastime trip that caused the party to strip her of official critic roles.

"In the summer, I went to Greece to be with my grandmother, my giagia, who had gone through a second life-and-death surgery," Ashton wrote in a Wednesday statement from Greece.

Canadian officials have urged citizens to not leave the country since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March.

Ashton lost her roles last week as NDP critic for transport and public ownership and as deputy critic for gender issues after travelling to Greece in December without informing party leadership.

This week, the federal NDP said it was not aware of any of its three Manitoba MPs leaving the province in any other instance, other than trips to Ottawa for parliamentary sittings.

However, NDP whip Rachel Blaney said in a Wednesday statement that Ashton had sought approval for a previous trip to Greece in the summer.

"With the urgent situation with her grandmother and the low numbers of COVID-19, this travel was approved," Blaney wrote.

Ashton stressed she followed the 14-day federal quarantine rule when she returned home this summer, and she will do the same when she returns from Greece this time.

The MP for ChurchillKeewatinook Aski said she also visited Winnipeg to see a separate ailing relative during the time Manitoba banned non-essential travel to the northern part of the province.

That travel ban started in April, but allowed people living in the North to return home.

Ashton said she visited her other grandmother, the mother of former Manitoba MLA Steve Ashton, at Victoria General Hospital in June. Her grandmother was then transferred Misericordia Place personal care home, where she died shortly after.

"I was the only direct family member that could be her caregiver because I was the only one in Manitoba," Ashton wrote. "Nobody else could be there for my nana because of COVID restrictions."

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
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London: Britain says the mass arrest of politicians and activists in Hong Kong shows China "deliberately misled" the world over the true intentions of its National Security Law.

Police rounded up more than 50 of Hong Kong's prominent pro-democracy campaigners, accusing them of trying to overthrow Hong Kong's government.

Pro-democracy activists gesture during a press conference on January 6 in Hong Kong after 50 opposition figures were arrested under the national security law. Credit:Getty Images

More than 1000 officers took part in the dawn raids that have stunned Hong Kongers.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the arrests showed that China was using the law to "crush dissent and opposing political views".
Amid the "highly-infectious" Covid-19 strain that has infected over 70 UK returnees to India, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday urged Centre to extend the travel ban to Britain till 31 January in order to contain the spread.

"In view of extremely serious COVID situation in UK, I would urge central govt to extend the ban till 31 January," Kejriwal tweeted.

Centre has decided to lift the ban and start UK flights.



In view of extremely serious COVID situation in UK, I wud urge central govt to extend the ban till 31 Jan  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 7, 2021

The Indian government had earlier suspended all passenger flights connecting the two countries from December 23 to 31 December as a new variant of coronavirus emerged in the UK. Later, the Aviation ministry had extended the ongoing ban to January 7 to contain the spread of the virus any further.

However, on 2 January, Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Saturday flights from India to UK will resume from January 6, while services from that country to here would resume from January 8 onwards.

"Resumption of flights between India & UK: India to UK from 6 Jan 2021. UK to India from 8 Jan 2021. 30 flights will operate every week. 15 each by Indian & UK carriers," Puri said on Twitter.

"This schedule is valid till 23 Jan 2021. The further frequency will be determined after review," he added.

Earlier, Puri had announced on Friday that only 30 flights per week will operate between India and the UK when services resume from January 8 and that this arrangement will continue till January 23.

Meanwhile, the total number of cases infected with the United Kingdom strain of the coronavirus now stands at 73 after 15 more tested positive for the new variant, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Wednesday.

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Vice President Mike Pence, who was in the U.S. Capitol when supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building, is asking for today's violence to end.

Peaceful protest is the right of every American but this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 6, 2021
This article, Trump grudgingly promises 'orderly transition' a day after riot at Capitol, originally appeared on CNET.com.

A day after violence broke out on Capitol Hill, President Donald Trump has said there will be an "orderly transition" of power on Jan. 20. The president's statement, shared Thursday on Twitter by White House Director of Social Media Dan Scavino, says he still disagrees with the outcome of the election and avoids any mention of concession.

"Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," the statement reads. "I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it's only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!"

A mob of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday, sparking violence and halting the process to certify Joe Biden as the next US president. Trump has for weeks made unfounded claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election and on Wednesday told supporters at a rally in DC that "we will never give up, we will never concede."

Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat on Wednesday blocked Trump's accounts on the social media platforms, citing policy violations. Several tech leaders -- including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google CEO Sundar Pichai -- denounced the riot.

Congress reconvened and affirmed Biden's victory over Trump early Thursday, rejecting Republican efforts to throw out Arizona's and Pennsylvania's electoral votes for the president-elect.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated which states' electoral results faced objection from Republicans. Objections were heard over Arizona's and Pennsylvania's electoral results.
The Delhi Police, in its supplementary charge sheet filed in connection to the riots in the Khajuri Khas area in February last year, have relied upon an alleged disclosure statement of Umar Khalid, in which the former JNU Student Union leader had purportedly admitted his role in organising the north-east Delhi riots.

However, Khalid on Thursday told a city court that he did not make any such admission before the investigators and had refused to sign the said disclosure statement. Khalid also cited the copy of the charge sheet, in which below his disclosure statement, it is written, refused to sign.

I have just got the charge sheet, which shows that below my disclosure statement, it is written refused to sign. Despite this, the charge sheet was leaked to the media. This isnt the first time. It causes my deep anguish every time it happens, Khalid told the court.

In his application, Khalid urged the court to ensure leakage of such unconfirmed and uncorroborated disclosure statements must be stopped in the interest of a free and fair trial.

Metropolitan Magistrate Dinesh Kumar called for a reply from the police and posted the matter for further hearing to January 14. The court also extended Khalids judicial custody.

In a supplementary charge sheet filed against Khalid on December 26, the city polices crime branch has claimed that during his police remand, Khalid disclosed about his meeting with former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and United Against Hate member Khalid Saifi on January 8, 2020, at Shaheen Bagh, where they conspired to organise the riots in north-east Delhi.

The police have also alleged that during the investigation, a public witness, Roshan Pathak, was examined regarding the financial transactions made by Hussain in January 2020 to allegedly fund the anti Citizenship Amendment Act protests and later the riots.

Pathak, who was working as an accountant in one of Hussains companies, had told the police that he had allegedly taken cash from two persons (Amit Gupta and Manoj Thakur) and given that money to Hussain.

It has transpired that Hussain had transferred this money from his company account to the accounts of other companies...and had used Pathak to bring the money back to him. This cash was then used by Hussain to organise the riots, the charge sheet has alleged.

The police have also claimed that facts regarding the cheating and forgery committed by Hussain have emerged -- he had allegedly induced his partner Nitesh Gupta to transfer money to his shell company accounts and had provided fake bills of manpower supply to Gupta while in fact no such service was ever provided by Hussain to Gupta.

These fake bills were seized by the enforcement directorate... Photocopies of some fake bills were provided by Nitesh Gupta during the investigation of the present case... Hence, section 420/467 IPC have been added in the present case against accused Mohd. Tahir Hussain, the charge sheet read.

The police have also alleged that Khalid was an active participant in the criminal conspiracy to instigate communal riots in various parts of Delhi.The police, quoting Hussains driver Rahul Kasanas witness statement, alleged that Khalid met with Saifi and Hussain in Shaheen Bagh and hatched the conspiracy for the riots.

The charge sheet further claimed that during interrogation in police custody, Saifi had allegedly disclosed about his role in the conspiracy along with that of Hussain and Khalid.

Earlier the police had filed a charge sheet against Saifi, Hussain and others charging them of unlawful assembly, rioting, arson, destruction of property and criminal conspiracy, among other sections, on which the court had taken cognisance on October 12. Khalid was arrested on October 1 in this case.

Communal riots had broken out in the north-east Delhi in February last year claiming 53 lives and leaving over 400 injured.
Post when: May 19 2021 18:37:06 on:

PHUKET XTRA - May 19 || Brought to you by @PVC Phuket All foreigners now allowed to register for vaccine |:| Flight passengers without documents refused boarding |:| Pushed back: school to start June 14? |:| COVID could force release of 50k inmates |:| Thailand COVID update Hosted by: JP Mestanza || #Phuket 1- Vaccination registration opens for foreigners in all Phuket businesses MORE: Phuket mass vaccination resumes with goal to inject 14,000 people per day 2- Flight passengers to Phuket without documents to be refused boarding 3- Pushed back: School to start on June 14 instead 4- Govt considers releasing 50,000 inmates as COVID hits prisons MORE: 29 COVID deaths, over 3,000 new cases nationwide Phuket COVID update
A Kelowna church fined $2,300 for holding an in-person religious service contrary to public health orders against such gatherings will fight the ticket in court on freedom of religion grounds, their lawyer says.
LAFAYETTE, La.  Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Paul Bernard, a/k/a PJ, 21, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced today by Judge Robert R. Summerhays. Bernard was sentenced to 42 months (3 years, 6 months) in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Bernard pled guilty on December 10, 2019. Evidence introduced in court revealed that from January through June 2019, Bernard purchased methamphetamine from a co-defendant in this case approximately once per week, with each transaction involving quantities of one ounce to one pound. He would then sell the methamphetamine for profit. This prosecution is part of a larger investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration through its Southwest Louisiana HIDTA Task Force and Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces. The Louisiana State Police Narcotics Division initiated the investigation, and Special Agents with DEA, as well as Task Force Officers assigned to the Southwest Louisiana HIDTA Task Force, completed the investigation. In addition to the above conviction and sentence, the investigation resulted in the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization in Ville Platte, Louisiana. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
A student of history in 2071 looking back at Gov. Ned Lamonts state of the state address 50 years earlier might be surprised by how he approached Connecticuts standing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For an era which has reserved a place in American history alongside world wars and the Depression, the speech was understated. Some of that is a consequence of addressing an unseen audience; the rest is simply Lamonts personality.

Lamont read from a script that didnt strive for sound bites and leave pauses for applause. He sat in his office, appearing more like the business executive of his former career, suited up with a necktie commonly forsaken during the pandemic. He toyed with a pen as though he was in a debate poised to take notes to respond to attacks from an unseen opponent.

Still, there were signs of hyperbole typical of this traditional address. In the written text, an exclamation point punctuated Lamonts declaration to Let this be the year of the Connecticut comeback!

He revived the theme by wrapping up with the Today is the first day of Connecticuts comeback story.

Of course, weve heard Connecticut governors declare a comeback as often as supporters of the New York Knicks ... or Jets ... or Mets.

Something does seem different this time. While Republicans have bemoaned wealthy residents fleeing the flailing state for years, the pandemic has drawn many people to Connecticut ZIP codes

The pandemic has reminded people on both sides of the Connecticut border of why this small state can always thrive because of its natural wonders.

In the prepared remarks, Lamont coyly referred to neighboring peers by first names  Gina and Charlie in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Phil in New Jersey, and of course Andrew in neighboring New York, though he tossed in some last names when he spoke.

Building bridges with these neighbors has been a rare benefit of this horrible pandemic. It must be nurtured.

Similarly, Ned in Connecticut tersely promoted a needed call for change regarding recent use of absentee ballots: We should make this permanent.

He also leveraged a benefit of broadcasting his address by weaving in a cameo from President-elect Joe Biden to underscore how Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona (tapped to become the next U.S. secretary of education) offered a model for Connecticuts 49 neighbors in addressing the digital divide.

While applauding those on the front lines, including teachers, Lamont surely drew chagrin from many educators displeased with his celebration of keeping a high percentage of schools open. This needs to remain the aspiration of elected officials and educators alike.

As for taking sides on the sure bets of legislation to be proposed, Lamont opined, Sports betting, internet gaming, and legalized marijuana are happening all around us. Lets not surrender these opportunities to out-of-state markets or even worse, underground markets.

We only wish we had the perspective of 2071 to know how that, and the rest of the comeback, will turn out.

The violence inflicted on America Wednesday by Donald Trump and his mob shows how vulnerable our democracy is to a would-be authoritarian who craves power and adulation above all else.

It also underscored Trumps contempt for a diverse modern culture. One small example  which I hope will now be seen for the idiotic notion that it is  is his cynical embrace of the idea that some brands of architecture are morally superior to others.

The mob of vandals  nearly all male and nearly all white, from what we could see on TV  who stormed the U.S. Capitol didnt pause to contemplate how the 19th century landmark was built in a classical style meant to encourage civic virtue. Nor did they pause to contemplate how cloaking government buildings in classical garb supposedly conveys ... the dignity, enterprise, vigor, and stability of Americas system of self-government.

I take these phrases from an executive order signed by Trump last month on Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture. It decrees that federal structures should be designed in traditional styles, not contemporary ones, and calls for the creation of a Presidents Council on Improving Federal Civic Architecture.

The Dec. 18 order was a victory for a group of classical architecture buffs with White House connections who want to impose their tastes on new government buildings. The language is toned down from a draft leaked last February, but theres still a dig at elite architects and such provocative recent structures as the San Francisco Federal Building that opened in 2007 and features a tower cloaked in perforated steel rising from a heavy concrete base.

The problem with such buildings, according to the executive order, is that they dont radiate a visual embodiment of Americas ideals. Government structures that look traditional or classical, by contrast, ennoble the United State, and command respect.

Right.

If anything has defiled Americas claim to deserve respect, it is the horde of hateful and belligerent Trump supporters who, many wearing MAGA caps and others waving Confederate flags, pushed past Capitol police and for several hours occupied the building at will. They broke windows, scaled walls, ransacked offices and preened for one another in the Senate chamber.

Greg Baker / AFP via Getty Images 2020

Once outside, some of the mob taunted reporters and smashed the equipment of film crews brave enough to try and document the scene. Others mocked police and said that theyd be back next time with rifles.

Nowhere to be found: the instigator in chief, who urged on supporters at a rally beforehand near the Washington Monument  telling them them were going to the Capitol before he headed back to the White House while the mob assaulted the home of Congress.

What does this antidemocratic rampage have to do with architecture?

Nothing.

And thats the point.

The issue isnt that classical buildings such as the U.S. Capitol arent beautiful. They are. They radiate a stately grandeur that makes me appreciate what America strives to be in its best moments.

But Adolf Hitler loved classical architecture, too. Dan White gunned down Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in San Francisco City Hall, an aspirational masterpiece of Beaux Arts classicism if ever there was one.

Evil pursues evil without regard for architectural trappings. The man who signed the executive order emphasizing that federal architecture should celebrate the stability of Americas system of self-government is the same one who on video said, We love you. Youre very special to the mob that sought to prevent Joe Biden from being certified as the president-elect.

Once Biden moves into the White House, he can revoke Trumps executive order, true. But he has more important things on his plate, from the tenacious devastation of COVID-19 to the Trump administrations methodical assaults on environmental regulations.

At the very least, an edict like the Executive Order on Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture is a naive attempt to try to turn back the clock to a time that never really existed. It suggests that there is unified vision of beauty that all of us share, except for those snooty urban elites who dont appreciate real American values.

It ignores that many classical American landmarks, such as Thomas Jeffersons Academical Village at the University of Virginia, were built in large part by slaves. Or that in a country as diverse as todays America, what one person sees as noble, another sees as hollow or oppressive.

It is fundamentally wrong to suggest there should be some kind of (official) state style, said Craig Hartman, a consulting design partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill who was the architect for big federal projects including the courthouse in Los Angeles and the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. We as a culture and civilization are so far beyond that.

Whats far worse is the notion that how buildings look is more important than what happens within  or that there is nothing wrong with trying to undermine democracy while calling on federal buildings to encourage civic virtue.

Some of the classical architecture sycophants who got Trump to throw them a bone might believe that. The vandals happy to riot on his behalf know better.

John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested a key suspect in the murder of a police officer at Chennai airport after his deportation to India from Qatar, the agency said o n Thursday.

The January 8, 2020 murder in Kanyakumari was part of a conspiracy by some Islamic State operatives led by Khaja Mohideen to revive the activities of the global terror outfit in the region, officials said.

Shihabudeen alias Sirajudeen, 39, who belongs to Chennai, had fled from India after the killing and been in hiding in Qatar.

He is accused of having arranged the gun used by another suspect in the case  Abdul Shameem  to kill special sub-inspector (SSI) of Tamil Nadu Police, Wilson.

NIA, the central anti-terror agency, had taken the over probe of Wilsons murder from Tamil Nadu police in February 2020.

A charge-sheet was filed in the case July naming Islamic State operative s Mohideen, Abdul Shameem and Y Thowfeek of Kanyakumari; Jaffar Ali (Cuddalore); Mahboob Pasha and Ejas Pasha of Bengaluru.

A separate charge-sheet would be filed later in the case against Shihabudeen, according to an NIA officer who didnt want to be named.
Whether at the Capitol Hill in Washington DC, central London, Place de la Republique in Paris, or Chand Bagh in Delhi, there were dark forces at play

The bloody spectacle on Capitol Hill on Wednesday was a long time coming, and in plain sight.

It may have stormed the doors of power of the worlds most powerful democracy now, but the air was getting thickened by tear gas, water cannons and anger for a long time now.

And while Donald Trump and his supporters are squarely to blame for the latest bout of mayhem, a number of governments including Indias have failed to quell street violence with a strong hand.

Both the Left and the Right/nationalists have not just allowed, but honed mobocracy as a paradigm to challenge democracy wherever it suits ones interest.

In the US, the Left held up wanton violence, arson and looting in the name of George Floyd protests by the likes of Black Lives Matter and Antifa. The conservatives led by Trump, instead of nipping it right at the beginning, built a counter narrative and played on insecurities of their electorate.

As former president Barack Obama wrote about Wednesdays mob attack: Their fantasy narrative has spiralled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

In India, the Left and Islamists actively fuelled mass-scale rioting, arson and destruction of public property in the name of anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests. When ordinary citizens were outraged, they tried to cover it up or play victim.

The ruling BJP was inconsistent in its response. It cracked down on protesters in Uttar Pradesh and Delhis Jamia, but allowed bigoted sloganeering and incitement from Shaheen Bagh for days before it snowballed into street violence and then full-fledged riots in which both Hindus and Muslims were killed and crores worth property destroyed.

If the authorities leashed in their instinct to derive long-term political gain, perhaps much of the violence and bloodshed could have been averted.

Protests are the life-blood of a democracy. But this mutant strain of violent street protests is not always spontaneous. Whether at the Capitol Hill in Washington DC, central London, Place de la Republique in Paris, or Chand Bagh in Delhi, there were dark forces at play.

Street violence has become the new currency of grabbing power in a democracy by the unelected or unelectable. Behind the romantic narrative of dissent and insurrection their sympathisers in media and intelligentsia peddle lie meticulous and macabre planning.

What feels appalling when ones ideological opponents do it suddenly becomes kosher when ones own unleash. This hypocrisy will push the democratic world further into crisis and darkness. People on both sides of the ideological divide must realise that unless condemnation against any kind of anarchy is unequivocal, forces opposed to democracy will make deeper inroads in our polity and psyche.

Governments need to act, strongly and swiftly, even if it is against ones own.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

When dealing with a life-limiting illness, palliative care can improve the quality of life for patients and families. However, for many people, the fear of 'end of life' care prevents them from exploring it. A recent study from William Osler Health System (Osler) and McMaster University examined awareness of palliative care in the South Asian community and found that culture plays a critical role in the perception of palliative care. This perception, in turn, affects whether or not patients will be open to receiving it.

Funded by a McMaster University, Department of Family Medicine, Pilot Research Project Funding Grant, the observational study is one of the few person-centered palliative care studies focused on the South Asian community outside India. The results showed that seventy per cent of participants in the study had a lack of understanding of palliative care and forty-four per cent thought that palliative care went against their values and beliefs.

At the same time, many of the participants agreed that when facing a life-limiting illness, they wanted to ensure that they or their family members had a better quality of life and alleviated sufferingwhich is what the palliative care paradigm provides.

"This research is an essential first step in understanding how the South Asian community perceives what it's like to deal with a serious illness and their fears about palliative care," said Dr. Naheed Dosani, Palliative Care physician, William Osler Health System. "Too often in health care a one size fits all approach is used in communities with diverse populations. This study illustrates how creating customized approaches focusing on the needs of the local community will allow us to provide more effective palliative care."

Recent Ontario research also indicates that immigrants of South Asian origin are at a higher risk of aggressive end-of-life care that is often contrary to their wishes. There is a strong likelihood that perceptions of palliative care within the South Asian populations are contributing to this.

"Being aware of cultural differences is an important part of working with patients," said Dr. Martin Chasen, Medical Director of Supportive and Palliative Care, William Osler Health System. "This study is a key part of Osler's mandate to strengthen our expertise in treating diverse populations and to ensure all our patients have access to safe, compassionate, quality care."

Other key findings in the study showed that participants had differing attitudes when it came to talking about deathranging from discomfort to frank acceptance. Participants also acknowledged the key role of the family in providing care. While the study showed education is necessary to change common perceptions of palliative care, cultural values, faith, and spiritual beliefs didn't necessarily pose a barrier to participants accepting palliative care services.

"Insights from this study will have implications on the development and implementation of culturally competent palliative care services for health care professionals," said Dr. David Price, Chair and Professor, McMaster University Department of Family Medicine. "The term 'palliative care' can mean so many things and this research illustrates the importance of taking into account cultural differences when recommending care in diverse populations."

The study was conducted out of Brampton Civic Hospital, where the surrounding community per capita population of South Asian immigrants and peoples of descent is seventy per cent.

"I always thought palliative care was focused on end-of-life care," said Tejinder Cheema, the daughter of an Osler palliative care patient. "However, after speaking with the team at Brampton Civic and learning that palliative care is focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, I was happy to include it in my mother's treatment plan."

Explore further Palliative care improves quality of life for patients with advanced blood cancer
Renovation

6 January 2021

The Grand Hotel Sunnyvale, Silicon Valley's #1 boutique hotel on TripAdvisor, announces its upcoming $25 million dollar annex will be completed June 1, 2021. A 60,000 sq. ft. addition will span 4 floors with 51 new rooms, two state-of-the-art meeting spaces, and a new gym. In total, the hotel will offer 155 rooms and private villas, three indoor meeting spaces that can accommodate up to 80, an outdoor events space for up to 150, outdoor heated pool, and more for business and leisure travelers to Silicon Valley. The hotel is ADA compliant and pet-friendly. Use of the luxury house car, complimentary continental breakfast in room, daily happy hour from California's local boutique wineries, 24-hr room service, and more are also offered for guests.

The Grand Hotel Sunnyvale, and sister property, The Cupertino Hotel, are under the direction of Area Hotel General Manager Claudio Bono. Bono was recently recognized as a top nominee for California Hotel and Lodging Association's Outstanding General Manager of the Year 2020 award. "We are incredibly proud of what the hotel has provided for the local community since opening in 2000. And, maybe even more so, for our essential workers and others displaced by COVID-19 within the last year," said Bono. "Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, The Grand Hotel has provided safe housing for healthcare workers from local medical institutions, such as Kaiser and El Camino, as well as California residents affected by the state's wildfire crisis," he continued. "We're forging forward with the hotel construction in acknowledgment that travel will emerge stronger on the other side of this global pandemic." A former recipient of the community-lauded CREST Award, "Cupertino Recognizes Extra Steps Taken," Bono is President Elect for the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce/Silicon Valley.

The new Deluxe Rooms include queen or king-sized beds, floor to ceiling windows, and full-size bathrooms with granite counter tops, dual vanity mirrors, and Jacuzzi tub. Additionally, the rooms are fully equipped with state-of-the-art amenities such as LCD TV, iHome docking station, mini-fridge, plush robes, and 110 mbps Wi-Fi. The property's 30 private villas are spacious 1-bedroom suites with 800 sq. ft. private terraces, fireplace, and full kitchen, efficient for extended stays. Recognizing the need for touchless amenities, ALEXA is also installed to allow guests to call for room service or set a wake-up call. Contactless check-in is provided.

The new 600 sq. ft. and 500 sq. ft. meeting spaces will be available for corporate meetings, business events and special occasions. The tech-savvy rooms can host 40 at round tables, 30 in a "U" set-up and up to 80 in a theatre or reception-like arrangement. Outdoor spaces for meetings, weddings, and other events are offered as well. Contracts will be available from June 2021 onward.

The Grand Hotel is currently open for essential stays only, following the California Travel Advisory For Non-Essential Travel. It operates in accordance with CDC and US Department of Health guidelines. Full covid protocols can be found here: https://www.svgrandhotel.com/cleaning-protocols/.

Nightly rates for June 2021 start at $219 USD. For more information and reservations, please visit https://www.svgrandhotel.com.


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President Emmerson Mnangagwa says the United States should remove targeted sanctions imposed on some Zanu PF officials as the country has lost its credibility of being called an icon of democracy, following an invasion of the U.S Capitol on Wednesday by supporters of President Donald Trump, crying foul over alleged electoral fraud.

In a tweet, Mnangagwa, who is currently on a month-long vacation, said, Last year, President Trump extended painful economic sanctions placed on Zimbabwe, citing concerns about Zimbabwes democracy. Yesterdays events showed that the U.S. has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy. These sanctions must end.

The United States has maintained sanctions on 83 individuals and 37 companies or organizations linked to people that have either committed human rights abuses or engaged in corruption.

In another tweet, Mnangagwa congratulated President-elect Joseph Biden on his confirmation by Congress as the 46th President of the United States.

Zimbabwe is, as it always has been, ready to work together as friends and partners with the U.S for the benefit of both our peoples.

His tweets, which attracted over 2,200 retweets and almost 700 comments, were supported by some Zimbabweans and criticized by others, who told him to focus on domestic issues like thousands of local people stuck at the Beitbridge border post intending to go to South Africa and the COVID-19 crisis.

One of his backers, Effort Maguta, urged Mnangagwa to take drastic measures against the United States. Your Excellency, let's also place the United States under harsh economic sanctions!

But others had no kind words for the president. Andile Moyez said, U.S should add more sanctions to the evil leaders of Zimbabwe who think they're Gods. Why talk of sanctions 

Not to be left out, another follower of Mnangagwas Twitter thread, Simba Mukute, took a swipe at the president.

 Stop trying your false equivalence. Im sure you have noticed the strength of their institutions, especially the courts against capture and intimidation. Musadaro!

Tatenda Kajau was taken aback by Mangagwas suggestion that targeted sanctions should be removed. So the sanctions should just end because some people have marched on their Capitol. Would our citizens do the same in Zimbabwe without many deaths? Just fix the economy, secure human rights and allow our people to speak.

I am very patriotic. I believe we have a moral obligation to keep the sanctity of life, ensure human rights are observed and hold everyone accountable for their actions. Leaders should make life better for their people and not be narcissists.

Tendai Zinyama, who attached a video on his tweet showing some Zimbabweans illegally crossing the flooded Limpopo River, said, The pain you feel with targeted sanctions is the same pain majority Zimbabweans feel under your iron rule of using a hammer to solve all problems.

Some reacted with mixed feelings to Mangagwas warm reception to President-elect Bidens election.

Linda Tsungirirai Masarira, leader of the Labour, Economists and African Democrats party, warned Mangagwa to stay away from Biden.

Remember that Biden is an expansionist. I don't see his administration removing sanctions on Zimbabwe. It is better we focus on sanction busting measures than building castles in the air. Americans will always be Americans, they push their interests first. Let us put Zimbabwe first.

America and its allies imposed targeted sanctions on top Zanu PF officials following allegations of election fraud and human rights abuses.
The grieving wife of a leading Florida doctor has told DailyMail.com how her perfect husband died from a mystery blood disorder - just days after getting the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.

Heidi Neckelmann says obstetrician Gregory Michael, 56 - her best friend and partner of 28 years  was active, healthy and had no pre-existing conditions before getting the jab on December 18.

However he died from a stroke Sunday morning after suddenly developing a rare autoimmune illness that causes the body to destroy its own platelets, the tiny fragments that help blood to clot.

Distraught Heidi, 58, thinks the groundbreaking Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine may have somehow been the trigger.

In my mind his death was 100 percent linked to the vaccine. There is no other explanation, she told DailyMail.com, fighting back tears.

He was in very good health. He didnt smoke, he drank alcohol once in a while but only socially. He worked out, we had kayaks, he was a deep sea fisherman.

They tested him for everything you can imagine afterwards, even cancer, and there was absolutely nothing else wrong with him.

Pfizer told DailyMail.com Wednesday that it was aware of Dr. Michael's highly unusual death and was investigating further.

However a spokesman cautioned: We dont believe at this time that there is any direct connection to the vaccine.

Heidi Neckelmann says obstetrician Gregory Michael, 58, was completely healthy until he had the jab on December 18 at Mount Sinai Medical Center, where he works in Miami Beach

The mother-of-one said: 'In my mind his death was 100 percent linked to the vaccine. There is no other explanation.' Pictured: Dr. Michael with his wife Heidi and daughter

If his death is linked directly to the vaccine, Dr. Michael would be the first known case in the world of a person dying after having it. A spokesman for Pfizer told DailyMail.com the firm was looking into his death but they did not believe it had any link to the vaccine

Dad-of-one Gregory suffered no immediate reaction to the injection but three days later he was taking a shower and noticed petechiae - spots of red that indicate bleeding beneath the skin - on his feet and hands.

When he checked himself into Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, the hospital where he works and had the groundbreaking vaccine, medics discovered he was suffering from an acute lack of platelets.

All the blood results came back normal except for the platelets which came back as zero, Heidi said.

At first they thought it must be a mistake. So they did the test again and this time did a manual count which is supposed to be more accurate. This time it showed just one platelet.

He felt 100 percent, he was normal, energetic, happy. But they said you cannot go home, this is incredibly dangerous, you could suffer a brain bleed and die.

Normally doctors would expect a range of between 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.

Their primary function is to help the blood clot and prevent bleeding.

Heidi says doctors tried frantically to reverse what they diagnosed as an acute immune disorder known as ITP - idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

In people with ITP, also known as severe thrombocytopenia, the immune system mistakes platelets for foreign objects and instructs the spleen to destroy them.

It can be acute or chronic, lasting six months or more, striking on its own or in conjunction with other autoimmune conditions, certain cancers or during pregnancy.

Kids can get ITP after a viral infection such as the flu or mumps, while in adults, triggers can include HIV, hepatitis or H. pylori, a type of bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.

Gregorys wife insists, however, that had he none of these illnesses.

One solution to ITP is to remove the spleen but Heidi says he wasnt a candidate because his blood wasnt able to clot, making the operation too dangerous.

According to a harrowing account posted on his wife's Facebook, blood tests revealed the popular medic has a platelet count of zero

Neckelmann did not disclose any allergies or pre-existing conditions which may have contributed to her husband's death

After two weeks of infusions and experimental treatments that failed to raise Gregorys platelet count, doctors decided they had no choice.

However he died from a hemorrhagic stroke - when blood from an artery bleeds into the brain - before he could undergo the surgery.

They gave him medicine. They gave him an incredible amount of platelet infusions, Im told all the platelets in Miami Dade County, Heidi said.

But no matter what they did, nothing helped. The blood tests came back with zero platelets every time.

My husband had conversations with the doctors who said it was highly probable that the vaccine was the cause.

It seems possible to me that somehow it instructed his body to attack the wrong thing, the platelets.

If Gregorys fatal condition is traced directly back to the groundbreaking Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, it would be the first known death linked to it.

The jab was heralded as an extraordinary breakthrough in the fight against Covid-19 after it was analyzed by global health bodies in record time and cleared for use in the US one week before Gregory had it.

Instead of a live virus, it uses mRNA, or messenger RNA, which is essentially a set of instructions which tells cells how to produce a spike protein, the same protein which is found on the surface of the coronavirus.

Dr. Gregory Michael was active, healthy and had no pre-existing conditions before getting the jab on December 18

This triggers the immune system to make antibodies against the spike protein so that if the real coronavirus enters the body it can be recognized and destroyed.

My husband had a few questions but hes certainly not anti-vaccine, Heidi said. He wanted to protect his patients and his family from Covid. He believed it would be safe.

She met her husband 28 years ago when they were neighbors and he was in pre-med, about to embark on a successful career as an obstetrician.

Heidi was so smitten she immediately told friends this is the man Im going to marry.

Thats exactly what happened, we fell in love, we were married for 21 years, she recalled, fighting back tears.

It was exactly as you see it in the movies, only that doesnt normally happen in real life. Im not just saying this because he is dead, but it was the perfect marriage. I cannot think of a time that we fought.

He was adored and loved by his patients. He delivered hundreds of healthy, beautiful babies. You have no idea how many texts I have received and the number of people calling me crying. He was just a special soul.

Heidi said the couples 15-year-old daughter is struggling to comprehend that her doting father is gone.

They were both musicians. They would play the guitar together. They had the greatest connection ever, she added.

There is no way I am letting my daughter or anyone else in my family have the vaccine now, not until we know they have ironed out all the bugs and ensured that its safe.

I dont want people to get sick from Covid and Im not against vaccines but we need to slow things down.

They are giving this vaccine to some of the most important people, the doctors and nurses that take care of us, as well as the elderly, the most vulnerable.

As a doctor my husband would not have wanted anyone to take something that was not safe.

Pfizers jab was licensed on December 11 for anyone aged 16 or older.

The FDA website warns of possible side effects lasting several days, including pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever.

Pfizers jab and another from Moderna are the only vaccines cleared for use in US and so far roughly 4.8 million doses have been administered.

Heidi said the couple's 15-year-old daughter is struggling to comprehend that her doting father is gone. 'They were both musicians. They would play the guitar together. They had the greatest connection ever,' she added. 'There is no way I am letting my daughter or anyone else in my family have the vaccine now, not until we know they have ironed out all the bugs and ensured that it's safe.'

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that, to date, only 21 people have suffered severe allergic reactions.

All of those patients are said to have recovered, thanks largely to emergency injections of epinephrine, often given via an EpiPen.

Right now, the known and potential benefits of the current Covid-19 vaccines outweigh the known and potential risks of getting Covid-19, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, head of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, told reporters Wednesday.

A spokesman for Pfizer said the companys immediate thoughts were with the bereaved family.

Pfizer and BioNTech are aware of the death of a healthcare professional sixteen days after receiving a first dose of BNT162b2, the spokesman said.

It is a highly unusual clinical case of severe thrombocytopenia, a condition that decreases the bodys ability to clot blood and stop internal bleeding.

When Dr. Michael checked himself into Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, the hospital where he works and had the groundbreaking vaccine, medics discovered he was suffering from an acute lack of platelets

We are actively investigating this case, but we dont believe at this time that there is any direct connection to the vaccine.

There have been no related safety signals identified in our clinical trials, the post-marketing experience thus far or with the mRNA vaccine platform.

To date, millions of people have been vaccinated and we are closely monitoring all adverse events in individuals receiving our vaccine.

It is important to note that serious adverse events, including deaths that are unrelated to the vaccine are unfortunately likely to occur at a similar rate as they would in the general population.

A spokeswoman for Mount Sinai Medical Center said it was not possible to discuss individual patients.

Mount Sinai follows all protocols, guidelines and regulations from all governing agencies and strictly adheres to patient privacy laws and HIPAA guidelines. We cannot confirm or deny information about any patient, she said in a statement.

To the extent that we are aware of an incident involving any patient, the appropriate agencies are contacted immediately and have our full cooperation.
A contested village presidential race for South Jacksonville will be examined Thursday after candidate Richard Dick Samples filed a petition objection against opponent Tyson Manker.

Samples, a village trustee, filed an objection to Mankers candidacy on Dec. 30, claiming Manker failed to properly file his candidacy forms.

The villages Electoral Board will have a meeting at 6 p.m. today to establish a hearing date, convene the panel and set rules and procedures for the hearing.

There are three parts to this, Samples said.

In his objection, Samples claimed Manker failed to file an economic interest form with the clerk, a page in the petition did not contain a necessary circulators signature and the forms were not stapled or fastened properly.

It was signed by a notary, but (the circulator) didnt sign it, Samples said.

An economic interest form also was not received by the Morgan County Clerks office.

Manker filed a motion to dismiss Wednesday with the South Jacksonville Electoral Board, saying Samples objection failed to meet Illinois State Board of Elections requirements.

In his motion, Manker said he filed his nomination papers in a timely manner, the objection was filed on the last day objections could be raised and it failed to meet or comply with the basic statutory requirements.

His motion claims Samples did not meet the requirement because his complaint fails to state what relief is requested of the electoral board.

The Objectors failure to comply with the clear requirements of Section 10-8 of the Illinois Election Code, Candidate respectfully asks this Electoral Board to dismiss the objection(s) of Dick Samples to the nominating petition of Tyson Manker and let the voters of South Jacksonville make their choice at the ballot box on April 6, 2021, the motion states.

Manker did not respond to a request for comment. A statement on his Facebook page said Samples is trying to block his candidacy.

My opponent is trying to block me from running against him, Manker said on his page. So, this morning, I filed a Motion to Dismiss this ridiculous attempt to steal the election  wasting taxpayer money to pay the Village attorney!! I am running to lead this community into the next decade of prosperity, and end these constant shenanigans.

The meeting can be attended virtually by calling 312-626-6799 and using the meeting ID 993 584 5163 and pass code 0cyL6f.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 14:16:33|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON -- Four people died as supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump violently occupied the Capitol on Wednesday, according to police of Washington, D.C..

One was shot and killed, the other three died because of medical emergencies amid the violent protests at the Capitol, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee said in the evening, adding that 52 people have been arrested. (U.S.-Capital-Protest)

- - - -

SAN FRANCISCO -- Both Twitter and Facebook removed content from the account of U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday and suspended his account after he continued posting content about the election after protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Twitter said the removal was for Trump's "repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy" and "as a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C.." (U.S.-Twitter-Facebook-Trump)

- - - -

JAKARTA -- A 6.2-magnitude earthquake jolted central Indonesia early Thursday, but no damage or casualties were reported, and no tsunami warning was issued, officials said.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency has earlier measured the quake at 6.4 magnitude but later revised it down, an official at the agency Aziz Widiarso said. (Indonesia-Earthquake)

- - - -

LIMA -- Peru has signed an agreement with Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinopharm to acquire its vaccine against COVID-19, with the first 1 million doses to arrive this month, Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti announced Wednesday.

In a nationwide address, Sagasti said Peru's cooperation in Sinopharm phase 3 trials placed the country "in a better position to access vaccines" and to "verify their effectiveness in the national population." (Peru-China-Vaccine) Enditem
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had pledged to increase funding to states and territories to expand COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts.

On Wednesday evening, the agency announced it was committing $22 billion to jurisdictions by January 19.

This includes funds for $19 billion testing, contact tracing and surveillance systems but just $3 billlion for coronavirus immunizations.

It comes on the same day the U.S. reported 3,775 deaths to due to the virus, the highest single-day record since the pandemic began.

On Wednesday, the HHS announced it would be distributing $22 billion to all 50 states, the District of Columbia and major U.S. cities to help curb the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured: A healthcare worker administers a Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine at the John Knox Village Continuing Care Retirement Community in Pompano Beach, Florida, January 6

It comes on the same day the U.S. reported 3,775 deaths to due to the virus, the highest single-day record since the pandemic began. Pictured: New York City residents wait in a line outside a COVID-19 testing site through NYC Health + Hospitals in Queens, January 3

'On top of the substantial support we've already provided, the funding bill signed by President Trump in December has billions of dollars in new funding for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations,' HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement.

'We're making these billions in new funds available to states as quickly as possible to support our combined efforts to end the pandemic.'

Of the $22 billion, approximately $19 billion is being allocated through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity cooperative agreement.

Funds will directed towards coronavirus PCR and rapid testing, contract tracing, surveillance and containment measures.

All 50 states are receiving money based on population ranging from about $1.7 billion for California to around $33.3 million for Wyoming

In addition, the District of Columbia, US territories and five major cities - New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Philadelphia - will all be awarded funds.

The cities are all among the worst hit during the pandemic with xx and xx.

The remaining $3 billion Is being be made available through the CDC's Immunization and Vaccines for Children cooperative agreement.

Awards will help support 'COVID-19 vaccination activities' such as shipping, storing and distributing jabs to healthcare systems across the country.

Similarly, money is being directed on a population-based basis with the most being $357 million for California and the least being $5 million for Wyoming.

The District of Columbia as well as New York City, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia and San Antonio will also receive funds.

About $19 billion is being directing to increase coronavirus testing, contract tracing, surveillance and containment measures

The remaining $3 billion will be to help states ship, store and distribute COVID-19 vaccines to healthcare systems

It comes at the national vaccine rollout has been much slower than expected with only 5.3 million people across the U.S. receiving their first dose of either Pfizer or Moderna's vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That figure is well short of the 20 million people the Trump administration had hoped to immunized by New Year's Eve.

'This funding is another timely investment that will strengthen our nation's efforts to stop the COVID-19 pandemic in America,' said CDC Director Dr Robert Redfield in a statement.

'Particularly now, it is crucial that states and communities have the resources they need to conduct testing, and to distribute and administer safe, high-quality COVID-19 vaccines safely and equitably.'
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The MSNBC anchor Yasmin Vossoughian said on air outside the Capitol that she and her team had worn clothing unmarked by MSNBC or NBC insignia. We knew there might be pushback, some hostility toward us, she said, because, as you well know, the president is continuously talking about the fake news media and telling people not to trust the media.

Flanked by two security guards later in the day, she said she had had real interesting engagements with some protesters, despite being heckled with profanities by others.

President Trump and his allies have fanned the flames of anti-media sentiment, regularly labeling news outlets as the enemy of the people. On Wednesday, during an appearance on Fox News, the former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin described the events of the day as mayhem, adding that a lot of it is the medias fault.

Joel Simon, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement Wednesday that journalists in Washington had been subject to intimidation while facing the possibility of escalating attacks. Journalists and news crews covering these events, which are of paramount public interest, must be able to do so freely and safely, with the support and protection of law enforcement, he said.

Zoeann Murphy, a video journalist with The Washington Post, posted on Twitter that she and a colleague had been detained by the police for filming protests outside the Capitol after the 6 p.m. curfew but had quickly been released.

Journalists who were covering the counting of the electoral votes inside the Capitol building sought shelter from the violent protesters who had smashed their way in. Haley Talbot, an NBC producer, took refuge in a congressional representatives office with five other reporters. She called into MSNBCs broadcast and described a dire situation earlier that had required her and others to grab gas masks while evading those pounding on the glass door of the House chamber.

The threats and attacks were not limited to Washington. The Canadian outlet CTV News reported that a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation photographer had been punched in the face while covering a small rally of Trump supporters in Vancouver, British Columbia. Sara Gentzler, a reporter with The Olympian in Washington State, wrote on Twitter that she and another journalist had been accosted at a protest in Olympia, Wash., by an armed man who told them that the news media were not welcome. He added that he had pepper-sprayed other reporters earlier and said he would kill her and other journalists in the next year.

| By University of Maryland School of Medicine

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) will participate in a Phase 3 clinical trial of an investigational COVID-19 vaccine to protect against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus causing COVID-19 that continues to impact millions of people around the world. The clinical trial will test the safety and effectiveness of NVX-CoV2373, being developed by U.S. biotechnology company Novavax, Inc., based in Gaithersburg, MD.

Clockwise from top left: Monica McArthur, Karen Kotloff, E. Albert Reece, and Kathleen Neuzil.

The vaccine trial is being conducted by researchers in UMSOMs Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) as part of their National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)-funded Vaccine Treatment and Evaluation Unit (VTEU), and the COVID-19 Prevention Network (CoVPN). It adds to the extensive COVID-19 vaccine research that has been underway on campus since early spring.

The principal investigator for this vaccine trial at UMSOM is Monica McArthur, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics. Karen Kotloff, MD, professor of pediatrics, is co-chair for the trial protocol, which will be implemented at multiple sites across the country and Mexico, and plans to enroll up to 30,000 adults. The UMSOM site is expected to recruit up to 500 participants.

The clinical trial at CVD aims to enroll the diverse populations most impacted by COVID-19. They will include people who have increased risk of exposure because of location or circumstance, such as occupation. Individuals 65 and older, African Americans and LatinX populations, as well as individuals at risk of severe COVID-19, will be represented.

This virus has not been democratic. We have seen that it has impacted minorities, the elderly, and people with certain medical conditions the hardest, and so an important goal of this research is to learn about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in these groups, said Kotloff, who is associate director for clinical research in CVD and principal investigator of the VTEU.

A key component of this research includes UMSOMs efforts to enroll participants in Marylands communities most impacted by the coronavirus, including Langley Park and Baltimore.

We know this virus disproportionately affects older adults, those with unstable medical conditions, and racial and ethnic minorities, which makes it all the more imperative that the vaccine works well in those who need it most, said McArthur.

The Novavax trial is part of Operation Warp Speed, a multi-agency collaboration led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which aims to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of medical countermeasures for COVID-19. Under Operation Warp Speed, thousands of volunteers are enrolled in various large-scale clinical trials, testing a variety of investigational vaccines intended to protect people from COVID-19.

Our CVD team is contributing to the advancement of several promising COVID vaccine candidates. Our researchers are working to ensure that the safety and performance of these vaccines is meticulously assessed, said Kathleen Neuzil, MD, MPH, FIDSA, the Myron M. Levine, MD, DTPH Professor of Vaccinology and director, CVD. Neuzil is a co-director of the COVID-19 Prevention Trials Network, which brings together experts from existing NIAID-supported clinical research networks to fight COVID-19.

About the Vaccine

The Novavax vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373, is a stable, prefusion protein antigen derived from the genetic sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus spike (S) protein and is adjuvanted with Novavaxs proprietary MatrixM. NVX-CoV2373 contains purified protein antigen and can neither replicate nor can it cause COVID-19.

The vaccine is already in Phase 3 trials in the U.K., with more than 15,000 participants enrolled. Interim data in this event-driven trial are expected as soon as early first quarter of 2021, although the timing depends on the overall COVID-19 rate in the region.

Our COVID-19 experts at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have been at the forefront of vaccine research. This research  which builds upon extensive COVID-19 vaccine and therapy research that has been underway for several months  will lead us a step closer to licensure and impact millions of people, said UMSOM Dean E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, executive vice president for medical affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore, and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor.

About the Phase 3 Trial

The Phase 3 clinical trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled, observer-blinded study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of the vaccine in participants ages 18 and older. Two-thirds of the participants will receive two intramuscular injections of the vaccine administered 21 days apart and the other third will receive a placebo.

The trial is designed to enroll at least 25 percent of participants ages 65 and older, as well as to prioritize groups who are most affected by COVID-19, including racial and ethnic minorities.

Participants will be followed carefully to assess the safety of the vaccine and its ability to prevent COVID-19 with frequent telephone calls and completion of smartphone diaries. They will be asked to provide a nasal swab and a blood sample at an initial screening visit, as well as at several time points after each vaccination and over the next two years after the second vaccination. Scientists will examine blood samples in the laboratory to better understand the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 that provide protection.

Volunteer for a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trial

Make a difference! Take part in research investigating a vaccine for COVID-19.

Adults 18 and older may qualify for this study. Compensation up to $1,750 may be provided. If interested, you must be willing to go to the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, or CASA de Maryland, Hyattsville, to enroll in the study.

Learn more:

VISIT: CVDTrials.org

TEXT: COVIDRESEARCH to 52855

CALL: 410-706-7926


Kubbra Sait seemed to have the most amazing time working from home as she welcomed the New Year with a spectacular view. The actor shared her workspace set up with her fans on social media. The serene view of the sea with the blue tones made her followers green in envy. In her caption as well, Kubbra mentioned that she has no complaints if she has to quarantine in that particular place as she works from home, jovially.

Also Read | Kubbra Sait Shares Glimpse Of Dinner Steak As She Enjoys Her 'date Night' In Ireland

Kubbra Sait says "Im not complaining"

Also Read | Kubbra Sait Remembers Her 'Nana', Azeez Sait, On The Late Politician's Death Anniversary

Kubbra Sait took to Instagram to post a picture where a majestic view of the ocean can be seen. Her laptop and plant that were kept on the table added an aesthetic feel to the photograph. A few chairs too were kept around in the picture and Kubbra mentioned that she welcomed the year 2021 while working from home.

In her caption, she further wrote that she is thankful for the sunshine and has no problems if she has to quarantine herself in that particular location. Kubbra Sait geotagged herself to be in Malta at the Westin Dragonara Resort. Fans and followers were quick to react to the image shared by the actor and expressed their envy as they glanced upon the marvellous view from the photograph.

Also Read | Kubbra Sait Shares Heartwarming Story About How She Spent Christmas 2020

A follower wrote this is not fair as he saw the view Kubbra witnessed. Another follower commented jovially that she wishes to say a number of things to Kubbra as she herself was envious of the marvellous view the actor enjoyed. A number of fans too commented on the picture suggesting Kubbra to visit around Malta and to discover new locations as she is travelling.

The actor made sure to reply to most of the comments and thus had a good time with her fans and followers. She has been sharing a number of such amazing pictures from her travels which have been loved by fans. Another picture the actor took was during Christmas eve when she posed near a mountain that oversaw a small lake beneath it. Fans loved that picture as well and wrote several positive comments appreciating the click.

Also Read | Danish Sait Proposes To Girlfriend Anya Rangaswami; Sister Kubbra Congratulates

Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment.
New Jersey on Thursday reported a single-day record 6,314 new confirmed positive tests for the coronavirus and another 123 confirmed deaths as hospitalizations declined slightly for the first time since New Years Day and the state continues to expand its vaccination efforts.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced the latest numbers on Twitter after two earlier public appearances for bill signings.

The 6,314 positive tests reported Thursday is just the third time new confirmed cases have topped 6,000. It happened twice in December and the previous one-day high was 6,247 on Dec. 12. The case numbers, however, are difficult to compare to the early weeks of the outbreak in the spring when a lack of testing likely undercounted the extent of the outbreak.

The seven-day average for new positive confirmed test increased Thursday to 4,825, up 22% from a week ago, but down 2% from a month ago when New Jersey had a sharp increase following the Thanksgiving holiday. The peak of the seven-day average was 5,151 daily cases on Dec. 9.

The state has now reported 510,839 positive PCR tests out of the more than 8 million administered since its first case was announced March 4. The state has also reported 53,959 probable cases from the rapid antigen tests including 1,560 new antigen positive tests on Thursday. Those antigen results were made publicly available for the first time on Monday, but officials warned those cases could overlap with the more reliable PCR tests, which are sometimes administered in tandem.

Since March, the state has reported 19,646 COVID-19 deaths  17,587 confirmed and 2,059 probable fatalities from complications related to the virus. New Jersey has reported 466 confirmed deaths in just the first six days of the month. The state reported 1,890 deaths in December, the most in a month since May.

The states rate of transmission increased again on Thursday to 0.99, up from 0.96 a day earlier. Any number over 1 indicates the outbreak is expanding, and the gradual increase in the transmission rate in recent days indicates the expansion accelerating.

New Jerseys hospitals reported 3,711 patients as of Wednesday night. The number dipped slightly from the previous day after a four-day increase.

COUNTY-BY-COUNTY NUMBERS (sorted by most new)

Middlesex County: 48,222 confirmed cases (662 new), 1,515 confirmed deaths (220 probable)

Hudson County: 46,886 confirmed cases (601 new), 1,571 confirmed deaths (169 probable)

Monmouth County: 34,771 confirmed cases (577 new), 985 confirmed deaths (102 probable)

Bergen County: 49,974 confirmed cases (571 new), 2,095 confirmed deaths (266 probable)

Essex County: 49,865 confirmed cases (542 new), 2,167 confirmed deaths (255 probable)

Ocean County: 35,174 confirmed cases (431 new), 1,351 confirmed deaths (83 probable)

Camden County: 30,639 confirmed cases (400 new), 801 confirmed deaths (66 probable)

Passaic County: 41,659 confirmed cases (400 new), 1,337 confirmed deaths (159 probable)

Union County: 38,180 confirmed cases (335 new), 1,401 confirmed deaths (183 probable)

Morris County: 21,711 confirmed cases (284 new), 800 confirmed deaths (187 probable)

Burlington County: 23,063 confirmed cases (277 new), 592 confirmed deaths (51 probable)

Gloucester County: 15,395 confirmed cases (226 new), 400 confirmed deaths (20 probable)

Mercer County: 19,897 confirmed cases (190 new), 708 confirmed deaths (39 probable)

Atlantic County: 13,238 confirmed cases (161 new), 369 confirmed deaths (17 probable)

Somerset County: 13,440 confirmed cases (136 new), 596 confirmed deaths (93 probable)

Sussex County: 4,978 confirmed cases (96 new), 178 confirmed deaths (46 probable)

Cumberland County: 8,494 confirmed cases (90 new), 232 confirmed deaths (10 probable)

Warren County: 4,263 confirmed cases (66 new), 171 confirmed deaths (13 probable)

Hunterdon County: 4,084 confirmed cases (62 new), 86 confirmed deaths (54 probable)

Salem County: 3,082 confirmed cases (60 new), 108 confirmed deaths (7 probable)

Cape May County: 2,579 confirmed cases (44 new), 124 confirmed deaths (19 probable)

VACCINATIONS

There have been at least 137,829 doses of the vaccine for the coronavirus administered in New Jersey as of Wednesday since the first shots were given three weeks ago, though that may be an undercount due to reporting delays, Murphy said.

Starting on Thursday, police and fire professionals became eligible for the vaccine.

Officials hope to vaccinate 70% of New Jersey adult residents  about 4.7 million people  in the next six months. The state is rolling out the vaccine in phases, with health care workers and people who live in congregant settings like nursing homes and prisons in the first phase. Officials have said doses should be available for the general public by April or May.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

HOSPITALIZATIONS

There were 3,711 patients hospitalized in New Jersey with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday night  32 fewer than the previous night.

That included 654 in critical or intensive care (14 fewer than the previous night), with 430 on ventilators (27 fewer than the previous evening).

There were 447 COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals.

SCHOOL CASES

There have been 108 in-school coronavirus outbreaks in New Jersey involving 546 students, teachers and staff since the school year began in late August, according to the states COVID-19 dashboard.

Those numbers do not include students or staff believed to have been infected outside school or cases that cant be confirmed as in-school outbreaks. Though the numbers keep rising every week, Murphy has said the school outbreak statistics remain below what state officials were expecting when schools reopened for in-person classes.

New Jersey defines school outbreaks as cases where contact tracers determined two or more students or school staff caught or transmitted COVID-19 in the classroom or during academic activities at school.

The number of New Jersey school districts with all-remote learning has increased as students return from winter break, Murphy said on Monday.

There are 339 districts that started 2021 remotely  an increase of 18 all-remote districts from Dec. 21. Only 77 school districts are returning with full in-person instruction (down from 82 on Dec. 21), and 348 are returning with a hybrid of in-person or remote instruction (down from 362).

Another 47 districts are using some combination of in-person, hybrid, or all-remote across multiple buildings  one more than Dec. 21.

AGE BREAKDOWN

Broken down by age, those 30 to 49 years old make up the largest percentage of New Jersey residents who have caught the virus (31.4%), followed by those 50-64 (23.9%), 18-29 (19.1%), 65-79 (11.2%), 80 and older (5.7%), 5-17 (7.1%), and 0-4 (1.5%).

On average, the virus has been more deadly for older residents, especially those with preexisting conditions. Nearly half the states COVID-19 deaths have been among residents 80 and older (47.48%), followed by those 65-79 (32.14%), 50-64 (15.78%), 30-49 (4.19%), 18-29 (0.37%), 5-17 (0%) and 0-4 (0.02%).

GLOBAL NUMBERS

As of Thursday morning, there were more than 87.3 million positive COVID-19 tests across the world, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. More than 1.88 million people have died from coronavirus-related complications.

The U.S. has reported the most cases, at more than 21.3 million, and the most deaths, at more than 361,200.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com.
Officials in Venezuela issued a statement of concern over the stability of US democracy in the face of US Capitol riots carried out by Donald Trump supporters.

The statement mirrored similar statements that US officials have issued about authoritarianism in both countries, and comes a day after the countrys socialist president retook official control of the government following an election last month.

In a communique issued from Caracas, the Venezuelan government said it "expresses its concern with the acts of violence that are taking [place] in the city of Washington, United States."

Mirroring the language used by US officials commenting on political movements in foreign countries, Venezuela condemned the violence in the Capitol.

"Venezuela condemns the political polarization and the spiral of violence that only reflects the deep crisis that the political and social system of the United States is currently going through," the message said.

The message went on to condemn the US for inciting the kind of violence and unrest seen at the US Capitol in other countries.

"With this unfortunate episode, the United States is suffering the same thing that it has generated in other countries with its policies of aggression. Venezuela hopes that soon the violence will cease and the American people can finally open a new path towards stability and social justice," the statement said.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro accused the US of playing a part in a 2019 coup attempt by opposition government leader Juan Guaido.

The US and the European Union, among other foreign governments, recognised Mr Guaido as the legitimate leader of the country, but his attempt to oust Mr Maduro was unsuccessful.

The European Union stated on Tuesday it would no longer recognise Mr Guaido as the legitimate leader on Tuesday.

The US has a long history of supporting regime-change efforts - usually violent - in Latin American countries.

Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, the US attempted to fight the spread of revolutionary socialist governments in Latin America by supporting, training and supplying violent reactionary insurgents.

Arguably the most well known of these regime change efforts was the Contra War in Nicaragua in the early 1980's, in which the US Central Intelligence Agency trained guerilla fighters and "death squads" made up of reactionary Nicaraguan troops to oppose the Marxist Sandinista government that took power through a military junta.

The Contras assassinated civilian leaders, massacred religious workers, and incited mob violence against citizen cooperatives.

In 2020, an American right-wing mercenary Jordan Goudreau, attempted to lead a clandestine military operation into Venezuela to displace Mr Maduro.

"Operation Gideon," as Mr Goudreau called it, was reportedly advised against by Mr Guaido because it was amatuerish and poorly-planned.

Mr Gordreau may have been motivated to carry out the mission in order to claim a multi-million dollar reward the US was offering for information leading to the arrest of Mr Maduro.

The American mercenary's men - approximately 60 poorly armed Venezuelans hiding out in Columbia and at least two former US soldiers - were arrested by Venezuelan security forces before they even reached the shore.

The soldiers have been sentenced to 20 years in prison for invading the country. Venezeula has also called for the extradition of Mr Gordreau - who did not personally accompany the ill-fated assault - so he can face trial.
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His accusers hired her. Idk which attorney If he has one he has retained.

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oh the victims have hired Lisa Bloom who famously tried to help Weinstein bury Rose McGowan. I hate that she still fines work.

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Yeah I don't know how much is exaggerated but after reading Catch and Kill my opinoin of Lisa Bloom is...

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I saw that and couldn't believe it. She's such a piece of shit.

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an A.W font apology letter on ig, this bitcdh just can't even be genuine.





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bullshit



and he isn't even a good designer

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I'll bet he's attacked so many people while high he doesn't even remember doing it. Fucked up.

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Hope he rots.

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As much as Vogue and Anna Wintour have been up his ass all these past years Im surprised that they will even acknowledge the allegations 

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Anna has been rebranding herself since MeToo and stopped working with Terry Richardson, Bruce Weber and Mario Testino over sexual assault allegations. I wonder if shell be consistent and stop promoting AWs work as well... He has many more celeb friends and theyve all remained quiet.

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She will but only for show. If the models win against Wang, it's going to start a chain reaction and people are going to come for her ancient racist ass for helping perpetuate this culture in the industry for decades.

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"He also said that he will be holding the alleged victims accountable for their false claims"



Sounds innocent to me, everybody leave!

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I have never seen him before and thought the picture showed one of his victims 

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The takeaway is that not all sexual predators look like Terry Richardson, they can look like anyone.

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Burn and lose everything

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Lisa Bloom is an opportunist who will work both sides of the fence as long as her bills are paid.

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Lisa Bloom really made a comeback after enabling Harvey Weinstein, huh? from Lesley Headland (getting her own Star Wars show!) to Lisa, seem like Weinstein enablers won't suffer much blowback.



Anyways, Alexander Wang can get fucked and I hope victims can get some justice.

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He and his circle of friends are a sketchy bunch. Ive seen them in parties and they were always obnoxious and under the influence.

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Is Zoe part of that group as well?

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Its mostly NYC cool kidz.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio  After an insurrection in Washington and continued less-than-hoped-for vaccination progress in Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov Jon Husted will provide an update on the states response to the coronavirus at 2 p.m. Thursday.

Not even 200,000 people have gotten their first shot in Ohio, according to Wednesday data provided by the Ohio Department of Health. There is no data showing anyone getting their second shot.

Watch the 2 p.m. briefing, broadcast by the Ohio Channel, below.

On Wednesday, pro-President Donald Trump supporters, some armed, stormed the U.S. Capitol as Congress was counting Electoral College votes. Four people died.

DeWine, a Republican, provided a statement that called the incident embarrassing but did not blame Trump for provoking it with his incendiary rhetoric  which other Republicans have done.

More coverage:

Gov. Mike DeWine, who in the fall assured that Trump would peacefully yield power, condemns violence at Capitol

121 new coronavirus deaths reported in Ohio, vaccine numbers will be delayed: Wednesday update

Repeatedly pressed on Ohios vaccine plan, Gov. Mike DeWine refuses to provide details

From education funding changes to Aishas Law, incoming Ohio legislative leaders discuss priorities for 2021
Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, have we become a nation of wimps?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Her baby girl (whos now 47) was starting to walk, and McIntosh wanted to craft a pair of soft-soled shoes to hug and protect her little feet. McIntosh needed a new pair for herself, too, and making them from the leather of old shoes squared with the sustainable lifestyle she and her partner embraced: They were, at the time, growing their own food and milking a cow for their dairy and living in a log home they built together in Bloomington, Indiana.
Facebook will bar President Donald Trump from posting on its system at least until the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

In a post Thursday morning, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said the risk of allowing Trump to use the platform is too great, following his incitement of a mob that later touched off a deadly riot in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Zuckerberg says Trumps account will be locked for at least the next two weeks but could remain locked indefinitely.

Twitter and Instagram on Wednesday also temporarily locked President Donald Trumps accounts after he repeatedly posted false accusations about the integrity of the election.

A message left with the White House on Thursday morning was not immediately returned.

While some cheered the platforms actions, experts noted that the companies actions follow years of hemming and hawing on Trump and his supporters spreading dangerous misinformation and encouraging violence that have contributed to Wednesdays violence.

Jennifer Grygiel, a Syracuse University communications professor and an expert on social media, said Wednesdays events in Washington, D.C. are a direct result of Trumps use of social media to spread propaganda and disinformation, and that the platforms should bear some responsibility for their inaction.

This is what happens, Grygiel said. We didnt just see a breach at the Capitol. Social media platforms have been breached by the president repeatedly. This is disinformation. This was a coup attempt in the United States.

Trump posted the video more than two hours after protesters entered the Capitol, interrupting lawmakers meeting in an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Trump opened his video saying, I know your pain. I know youre hurt. But you have to go home now.

After repeating false claims about voter fraud affecting the election, Trump went on to say: We cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. He posted his video as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers and the death of at least one person.

Trump has harnessed social media  especially Twitter  as a potent tool for spreading misinformation about the election. Wednesdays riot only increased calls to ban Trump from the platform.

The President has promoted sedition and incited violence, Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive officer of the Anti-Defamation League said in a statement. More than anything, what is happening right now at the Capitol is a direct result of the fear and disinformation that has been spewed consistently from the Oval Office.

In a statement Thursday morning, Trump said there would be an orderly transition on January 20th and acknowledged defeat in the election for the first time. His aides posted the statement on Twitter because his account remained suspended.

More:
U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton tweeted a photograph late Wednesday of the front door of the United States House of Representatives, the Peoples House, in the wake of the violent, pro-Trump insurrection that rocked Washington, D.C. and the nation to its core.

Cracks in the glass of the door, evidently from shots fired, could be seen in the picture.

Anarchy, insurrection and violence, an attempted coup: These were a few of the words Moulton and others used to describe the chaos that ensued Wednesday.

The security nightmare that unfolded this afternoon at the U.S. Capitol will continue to unfold for months as we try to determine what sensitive or classified information was compromised, Moulton, a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, wrote in another tweet. It would be naive to assume no foreign agents among these domestic terrorists.

This is the front door to the U.S. House of Representatives, The Peoples House. pic.twitter.com/r7ZZkhn2bo  Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) January 7, 2021

The Salem Democrat was one of a slew of elected officials in the commonwealth and beyond who took to social media in the midst of the riot to speak out against the violence, which forced numerous legislators to evacuate the Capitol chambers and shelter in place. Moulton and others from the Bay States congressional delegation were among them.

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern - who was presiding in the chair in the House chambers when rioters stormed the building, some with hats promoting Trump and others with Confederate flags - called the actions of those in the mob a terrorist attack, not a protest.

We will not be intimidated, said McGovern, a Democrat who represents parts of Central and Western Massachusetts.

Former President Barack Obama called the insurrection a moment of great dishonor and shame for the country.

History will rightly remember todays violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation, the former Democratic commander-in-chief said.

Moultons photo captured one of the countless shocking scenes of the siege of the United States Congresss meeting place by a mob of those backing Republican incumbent President Donald Trump, fueled by his false claims the 2020 presidential election was rigged and widely went in his favor.

The sitting president, who acknowledged defeat Wednesday after spending months baselessly denying the election results, has since had his Twitter account locked after posting a tweet appearing to justify the violence at the Capitol.

Politicians across the aisle and throughout the country have fingered Trump for the blame for the riotous series of events, including U.S. Sen. and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, arguably the Republican Partys most ardent critic of the incumbent president.

We gather today due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning. What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States, Romney said in a statement.

Others - including Moulton, U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley and other Massachusetts legislators - have called for Trumps removal from office.

Trump is directly responsible for this insurrection and violence. He needs to be removed from office immediately, Moulton tweeted. It is the Constitutional responsibility of Vice President Pence and the cabinet to exercise the power granted them by the 25th amendment.

Pressley argued Trump should immediately be impeached by the House and removed from office by the Senate as soon as Congress reconvenes.

This is dangerous & unacceptable, she tweeted.

Our democracy is literally under assault, Pressley wrote in another tweet.

Donald J. Trump should immediately be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate as soon as Congress reconvenes.



This is dangerous & unacceptable.  Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) January 6, 2021

U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, assistant speaker of the House, described Wednesdays dark moment as a culmination of everything Trump has been promoting.

Praying for an end of the violence and safety for everyone, and the preservation of our democracy, the Massachusetts Democrat tweeted. This must stop.

Law enforcement in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey as well as National Guard personnel all were sent to respond to the riot, which ended in the deaths of four individuals, the discovery of two explosives and the delay of President-elect Joe Bidens electoral win certification.

As of 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, more than 52 arrests had been made in connection with the storm of the Capitol, four for carrying pistols without licenses, one for prohibited weapons violations and 47 for defying the curfew and unlawful entry, according to Metropolitan Police Chief Robert J. Contee III.

Two pipe bombs were recovered, one at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and another at the Republican National Committees. A long gun and molotov cocktails were also discovered in a cooler on a vehicle at the scene, according to Contee.

This also was on the ground of the United States Capitol, he said.

1.6.21 Chief Contee and @MayorBowser provide situational updates https://t.co/Pk5yfs302D  DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) January 7, 2021

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, a Springfield Democrat, recounted how he could smell tear gas and hear rioters shouting outside his office door Chairman and Ways and Means at the time of the siege. The windows of his office, H208, were later broken.

I thought they were coming through the door of my office, he told The Republican. They broke through the doors of the Capitol.

Neal also accused Trump of whipping up the crowd due to the fact he is still upset about losing the election to Biden.

The president is responsible for ginning these people up, the congressman said. He encouraged something close to an armed insurrection against Congress today.

America is not a third-world country, and we dont embrace these sorts of tactics, Neal added.

Wednesday was newly elected U.S. Rep. Jake Auchinclosss third day on the job. The Newton Democrat witnessed the violence like his colleagues and called the events a dark day for our democracy.

However, Auchincloss said he is even more resolved to keep going in the wake of the riots.

Its not going to stop Congress from upholding its constitutional responsibility to accept and certify the electoral college votes that made Joe Biden and Kamala Harris the 46th president and vice president of the United States, he said during a phone interview with MassLive.

Related Content:

The Trump era has often come wrapped in a cloak of self-protective irony. We have been asked to separate the man from his tweets, to believe that Trump doesnt mean what he says, that he doesnt intend to act on his beliefs, that he isnt what he obviously is. Any divergence between word and reality has been enlisted into this cause. That Trump has failed to achieve much of what he promised because of his incompetence and distractibility has been recast as a sign of a more cautious core. The constraints placed upon him by other institutions or bureaucratic actors have been reframed as evidence that he never intended to follow through on his wilder pronouncements. This was a convenient fiction for the Republican Party, but it was a disastrous fantasy for the country. And now it has collapsed.
A California man who was shot and killed by a police officer last week was unarmed, officials said on Tuesday in a video that includes body camera footage of the fatal encounter.

The man, Trevor Seever, 29, was shot on Dec. 29 outside Modesto Church of the Brethren in Modesto, Calif.

Brandon Gillespie, the interim chief of the Modesto Police Department, said in the video that the police were responding to a 911 call by Mr. Seevers sister in which she said that her brother had bought a gun the night before and had just sent a threatening text to their mother.

According to Chief Gillespie, the department recognized Mr. Seevers name from a safety bulletin released in early December after he posted on social media, All I want for Christmas is another dead MPD cop.
The world watched with dismay as a surreal scene at the U.S. Capitol, like little else seen in its history, unfolded on Wednesday. Protestors 
in reopened for students of classes 5 to 12 on Thursday, allowing children to return to classrooms after months of online learning.

across states, including Punjab, have largely remained closed since March last year when the country was placed under lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

School authorities said they strictly adhered to coronavirus-related safety guidelines and teachers ensured children maintained social distancing. Some also provided masks to students.

Students said they were excited to be meeting their classmates and teachers after long.

In Hoshiarpur, students of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Talwara were a happy lot as they entered the school premises. They were given a warm welcome by the school principal and teachers upon their arrival.

School principal Suresh Kumari said out of 740 students, 625 attended school. All benches were sanitised ahead of the opening of the school.

Several parents, who came to attend the parent-teacher meeting, also expressed happiness over the reopening of schools and said they had been waiting for it for a long time.

Jasandeep Kaur, a Class 6 student, said she was overjoyed to have come to school after a long time and meet her teachers and classmates.

District Education Officer (Secondary) Harjit Singh and District Education Officer (Primary) Sanjiv Gautam said attendance in schools was good.

In Amritsar, most schools saw around 50 per cent attendance, according to officials.

District Education Officer Satinderbir Singh said, "Today was the first day and most parents and students were not aware of the reopening of schools across "



He said in the coming days, more students will return to schools.

The consent of students' parents was taken for sending them to schools, he added.

Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla had on Wednesday said that following the persistent demand of parents, the state government had decided to reopen all government, semi-government and private schools from January 7.

The school timings will be from 10 am to 3 pm.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Eventus Systems, Inc., a leading global provider of multi-asset class trade surveillance and market risk solutions, announced today that the firm experienced unprecedented growth on multiple fronts in 2020, marking its strongest year to date in revenue and new client onboardings. The company has additional expansion plans for 2021, with deeper penetration in asset classes such as equities, foreign exchange (FX), fixed income and digital assets.

Eventus CEO Travis Schwab said: "In a year full of so many challenges and hardships for us all, we are profoundly grateful that it was also the most monumental year since our launch. Our Series A funding round enabled us to make strategic investments that accelerated our growth in terms of staff, geographical presence, market coverage, client acquisition, product enhancements, scalability and efficiencies. I'm incredibly proud of our team and Board for the hard work, persistence, insights and first-class client service that made this growth possible. Our Validus platform is now a mission-critical piece of infrastructure for a wide range of leading financial market participants and exchanges. We ended 2020 on a particularly strong note, with one of the world's largest non-bank cash FX trading firms and a major digital asset exchange both signing in the last week of the year."

Schwab said that following a year in which the firm established leadership as the trade surveillance platform used by many of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, he expects further market penetration in this space, attracting not only more exchanges but also various other market participants active in digital assets. In addition, after strengthening its foothold in the exchange-traded derivatives arena throughout 2020, the company expects to onboard a host of new clients looking for trade surveillance and market risk solutions for their equities, FX and fixed income trading activities, along with help meeting their anti-money laundering (AML) and transaction monitoring needs.

Highlights of 2020 included:

Raising $10.5 million of growth capital through a Series A funding round, led by Jump Capital and LiveOak Venture Partners.

of growth capital through a Series A funding round, led by Jump Capital and LiveOak Venture Partners. More than tripling the firm's staff globally, adding experienced professionals with extensive experience in financial markets and technology.

globally, adding experienced professionals with extensive experience in financial markets and technology. Establishing Eventus' first on-the-ground presence in the Europe , Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region , with now four team members in London and a dedicated effort to growing the client base.

, with now four team members in and a dedicated effort to growing the client base. Building on the firm's presence in the Asia Pacific region , expanding beyond Singapore to Hong Kong .

, expanding beyond to . Signing a wide variety of new clients throughout the year, including major digital asset exchanges Gemini and BitMEX; R.J. O'Brien & Associates, the oldest and largest independent futures brokerage and clearing firm in the U.S.; London -based G.H. Financials, a global exchange-traded derivatives clearing firm; and an expanded relationship with Fortune 500 firm StoneX Group Inc., now providing market surveillance across multiple asset classes for the firm's London -based European subsidiary.

throughout the year, including major digital asset exchanges Gemini and BitMEX; R.J. O'Brien & Associates, the oldest and largest independent futures brokerage and clearing firm in the U.S.; -based G.H. Financials, a global exchange-traded derivatives clearing firm; and an expanded relationship with Fortune 500 firm StoneX Group Inc., now providing market surveillance across multiple asset classes for the firm's -based European subsidiary. Forging a strategic alliance with VoxSmart , a leader in communications surveillance technology, to offer custom, holistic solutions for global market participants looking to enhance their surveillance and risk management capabilities across the entire order and trade lifecycle, from pre-trade communications to execution and post-trade monitoring.

, a leader in communications surveillance technology, to offer custom, holistic solutions for global market participants looking to enhance their surveillance and risk management capabilities across the entire order and trade lifecycle, from pre-trade communications to execution and post-trade monitoring. Earning five more global awards and honors , including the FOW International Award for Market Surveillance Solution of the Year (second consecutive year); the Markets Media Market Choice Award for Best in RegTech  Surveillance and Financial Risk Management; and the RegTech Insight Award for Best Trade Surveillance Solution for the Dodd-Frank Act (second consecutive year). Eventus was also named to the global RegTech100 list for the third year running and in late 2020 secured a spot on the Chartis Energy50 2021 list, ranking the world's major technology players in modern energy markets. In addition, Business Insider featured Eventus as one of its "Breakout B2B Fintech Stars."

, including the FOW International Award for Market Surveillance Solution of the Year (second consecutive year); the Markets Media Market Choice Award for Best in RegTech  Surveillance and Financial Risk Management; and the RegTech Insight Award for Best Trade Surveillance Solution for the Dodd-Frank Act (second consecutive year). Eventus was also named to the global RegTech100 list for the third year running and in late 2020 secured a spot on the Chartis Energy50 2021 list, ranking the world's major technology players in modern energy markets. In addition, Business Insider featured Eventus as one of its "Breakout B2B Fintech Stars." Completing hundreds of automation, statistical and other enhancements to Validus , including adding digital asset transaction monitoring; increasing speed and throughput for processes; developing and testing trader profiles to help firms better monitor individuals' unique trading patterns and history; and enhancing insider trading, AML and statistics functionality.

, including adding digital asset transaction monitoring; increasing speed and throughput for processes; developing and testing trader profiles to help firms better monitor individuals' unique trading patterns and history; and enhancing insider trading, AML and statistics functionality. Adding more than 30 new markets on which it can actively surveil activity for clients, bringing the total to more than 100 exchanges and trading venues across asset classes globally.

on which it can actively surveil activity for clients, bringing the total to more than 100 exchanges and trading venues across asset classes globally. Processing billions of trade lifecycle messages per day, in real time.

About Eventus Systems

Eventus Systems is a leading global provider of multi-asset class trade surveillance and market risk solutions. Its powerful, award-winning Validus platform is easy to deploy, customize and operate across equities, options, futures, foreign exchange (FX), fixed income and digital asset markets. Validus is proven in the most complex, high-volume and real-time environments of tier-1 banks, broker-dealers, futures commission merchants (FCMs), proprietary trading groups, market centers, buy-side institutions, energy and commodity trading firms, and regulators. The company's rapidly growing client base relies on Validus and Eventus' responsive support and product development teams to overcome its most pressing regulatory challenges. For more, visit www.eventussystems.com .

SOURCE Eventus Systems

Related Links

www.eventussystems.com



ALTON  Wednesdays chaos in Washington will leave an indelible stain on the country,according to Madison County Democratic Chairman Randy Harris.

On Wednesday, a pro-Trump mob occupied the Capitol for hours, forcing a delay in the formal process to certify the Electoral College vote naming Joe Biden as president. During the chaos the mob broke windows and occupied offices. Law enforcement officials drew guns; a woman was shot and killed by police, and three others died in apparent medical emergencies.

Harris said he condemns the treasonous acts of violence on our nation and that any official  Democrat, Republican or independent  who attempts to condone or excuse the violent act of sedition should resign immediately.

This sort of behavior cannot be normalized and accepted, he said. It is long past time we call this for what it is  anti-American terrorism. Anyone who traveled to Washington D.C. and participated in this unlawful insurrection should be tried to the fullest extent of the law, and anyone who supports the attempted coup upon our nation should be called for what they are: a traitor to the United States of America.

Harris said Wednesdays mob action was beyond partisans politics and President Donald Trump has been allowed to divide the nation further than its ever been since 1865.

It must stop now, Harris said, and I call on every local official to offer a full-throated denouncement of this action. If you consider yourself a leader in our community, or others look at you as one, it is time to come forward and make yourself heard.

Madison County Republican Party Chairman Ray Wesley also condemned the mob action in Washington Wednesday.

One of the core values of the Republican Party is a strong belief in law and order, he said. As such, we are disturbed by the actions that took place in Washington D.C. yesterday.

Tens of thousands of protestors descended upon our nations capitol to express their concern and distrust of our electoral process, he said. Unfortunately, a small minority of them resorted to violence and destruction which does not reflect the views of the Republican party or Trump supporters.

Wesley said that, this past summer, Democrat leaders failed to denounce the looting, burning and rioting instigated by Left Wing extremist groups such as ANTIFA both nationally and locally.

In stark contrast, Republican leaders have been quick to condemn the actions of yesterday which took place over just a few hours time, he said. Republicans will continue their work on our electoral process to ensure free and fair elections for years to come. Political leaders should work together to restore faith in our electoral process while agreeing that violence and destruction are never the answer.

Lawmakers returned to the certification effort around 7 p.m. local time Wednesday, with the process ending after 2 a.m. Thursday.

U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, both D-IL, voted against all objections to the certification of ballots. U.S. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, also voted against all objections.

Its time we get back to the work of creating a more perfect union, spend less time fighting each other and more time fighting this deadly pandemic, Duckworth said in a tweet on Thursday.

Durbin on Thursday said Vice President Mike Pence should invoke the 25th Amendment allowing the vice president to become president if the president becomes unable to do his job.

If the VP & Cabinet refuse to do their duty, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president, Durbin said in a Thursday afternoon on Twitter.

U.S. Reps. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, and Mary Miller, R-Oakland, were among 121 House members and six senators who voted to throw out Electoral College votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania.

Bost said he cast his certification vote because the state legislatures in Arizona and Pennsylvania failed to meet the Constitutional standard for elections in November.

The deeply troubling scenes at the U.S. Capitol yesterday indicate the intense distrust that many Americans have towards the election process, he said. If we have any hope of restoring that faith and healing the deep divisions in our country, our efforts must be rooted in constitutional principles and fair elections.

Miller, elected Nov. 3 to succeed former U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, spoke at Washington rally Tuesday where she was captured on video as saying Hitler was right about one thing. He said, Whoever has the youth has the future.

Her comments prompted the creation of a change.org petition by the Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus seeking her resignation. More than 1,700 people had signed the online petition as of noon Thursday.

Her use of a Hitler quote was disgusting and calculated to support the worst of the worst in their bigotry and hate, posted petition signer Emma Hersom from Highland.

Late Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker called on Congress to impeach and remove sitting President Donald Trump.

Two weeks is too long for Donald Trump to remain in office, where he can continue to incite more untold violence, said Pritzker. Because of todays events incited by the President, I had to ask the Illinois State Police and other law enforcement resources, engaged in important life-saving missions, to redeploy to heighten their presence at government buildings and the Capitol in Springfield.

Capitol News Illinois reported that a group of 75 to 100 people demonstrated peaceably Wednesday outside of the Illinois State Capitol.

Legislative Republicans in the state also rebuked the events in Washington on Wednesday.

The events unfolding at the United States Capitol today, and the inflammatory remarks by members of the Republican Party, are a disgrace to the core values and beliefs of our great nation, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, said in a statement. These actions do not represent our Republican Party, and are against everything we stand for as Americans.

Visuals from the US Capitol building stunned the world as Trump supporters turned out in thousands to protest the election loss. Soon after social media was abuzz with discussions on the violence. Some said the US received a dose of its own medicine, while some criticised Donald Trump for his call to protest the election outcome, resulting in the US Capitol mayhem.

Trump supporters marched from a rally near the White House to the Capitol and stormed the building. People were seen breaking windows and pressing past barricades to get inside. The Capitol building was locked down and police moved in with guns drawn as Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations. National Guard troops were deployed and a citywide curfew called for shortly after dusk, as rioters continued to occupy the seat of Congress for hours.

US Representative Ilhan Omar said that she will draw up articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. "We can't allow him to remain in office, it's a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath," she said. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also echoed Omar's sentiments.

Leaders from across the world condemned the US Capitol violence. "Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a tweet called the events in the US Congress a "disgrace", saying the United States stood for democracy around the world and that was it was "vital" now that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.

"We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition," said Australian PM Scott Morrison while Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said, "I think the American democratic institutions are strong, and hopefully everything will return to normal shortly."

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, "Democracy - the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob. Our thoughts are with everyone who is as devastated as we are by the events of today. I have no doubt democracy will prevail."

After much mayhem at the US Capitol, Congress affirmed Joe Biden's victory. Claims of voter fraud remained unsubstantiated and have been rejected by the Supreme Court.

Netizens too criticised Trump and the police force for the chaos at the US Capitol:

If the United States saw what the United States is doing in the United States, the United States would invade the United States to liberate the United States from the tyranny of the United States  mohamad safa (@mhdksafa) January 6, 2021

Well said. This is a day to speak up for our Constitution and its values. We are proud to be a member of the @BizRoundtable. https://t.co/SmJ8Fsxvui  Brad Smith (@BradSmi) January 6, 2021

Today marks a sad and shameful chapter in our nations history. Those responsible for this insurrection should be held to account, and we must complete the transition to President-elect Bidens administration. Its especially when they are challenged that our ideals matter most.  Tim Cook (@tim_cook) January 7, 2021

Anyone who voted for this tragic shitty narcissist mess of a president bears responsibility for this debacle today. He has shown you exactly who he was all along. You still supported him. You are complicit in the attempted destruction of the country. You are not a patriot.  John Legend (@johnlegend) January 7, 2021

Were not asking you to shoot them like you shoot us were asking you NOT to shoot us like you DONT shoot them! Just gonna leave this with yall!! Good night and God Bless! pic.twitter.com/XTsbGTBZS5  Leslie Jones  (@Lesdoggg) January 7, 2021

This was the capitols security when there were black protestors on the streets pic.twitter.com/WpYT2Lz0md  William LeGate  (@williamlegate) January 6, 2021

President Trump is responsible for todays domestic terrorist attack on our capitol.



The cabinet must meet tonight and invoke the 25th amendment so when he wakes up he is no longer President of the United States.  Tay Anderson (@TayAndersonCO) January 7, 2021

Donald Trump should be removed from office and prosecuted for the many crimes he has committed.  Julian Castro (@JulianCastro) January 6, 2021

We have today witnessed what I think may be the highest of high crimes a President has ever committed agains the United States and its Constitution. An insurrection- encouraging a mob to advance on the Capitol to interrupt the transfer of power. I can't get over it.  Justin Hendrix (@justinhendrix) January 7, 2021

Just walking out like their tour of the Capitol is done & they all had a great time....



....Yet it was a coup attempt & no one was arrested. I wonder why....  https://t.co/UykKy7Ua5R  Dr. Kristin Gorski (@KristinGorski) January 7, 2021

Also read: US Capitol violence: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram suspend Trump's accounts

Also read: 'Distressed' to see rioting in US Capitol, says PM Modi
Congress is resuming its joint session after a dramatic and unprecedented day saw a mob of violent protesters storm the U.S. Capitol building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reopened the proceeding in the Senate at 8 p.m. The Senate originally suspended its deliberations after chanting protesters gained entry to the Capitol, prompting police to lock down the building. Thousands of pro-Trump protesters rallied in the nation's capital, answering appeals by Trump himself, who addressed supporters gathered outside the White House.

Earlier in the day, McConnell urged fellow Republicans to abandon their effort to overrule President-elect Joe Biden's election triumph, directly rebuking defeated President Donald Trump and asserting that the GOP drive threatened the country's democratic foundations.

The voters, the courts and the states have all spoken, said McConnell, R-Ky., as the Senate debated a challenge by a handful of GOP lawmakers to the 11 electoral votes that Arizona cast for Biden. They've all spoken. If we overrule them, it would damage our republic forever.

The showdown came on one of the most convulsive days in the country's recent political history.



Follow along below for updates:

2:00 a.m.

A small group of House lawmakers came close to physically fighting early Thursday morning as the congressional count of electoral votes stretched into the wee hours and a Pennsylvania Democrat charged that Republicans had been telling lies about his states votes.

Rep. Morgan Griffiths, R-Va., objected after Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said a breach of the Capitol by an angry mob earlier in the day was inspired by lies, the same lies you are hearing in this room tonight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shot down the objection, but a few minutes later Republicans and Democrats streamed to the middle aisle, with around a dozen lawmakers getting close to each other and arguing. But the group quickly broke up when Pelosi called for order on the floor.

President Donald Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in Pennsylvania and other states and Republicans have echoed those claims as they have challenged electoral votes.

12:45 a.m.

The Senate has quickly knocked down Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral votes for President-elect Joe Biden.



Senators voted 92-7 after midnight Thursday morning to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he believed no other states votes would be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

12:15 a.m.

Members of Congress objected to validating the electoral votes of Pennsylvania, even though several other states with objections failed to draw a senator's support, preventing them from gaining traction.

Both the House and Senate are going to their chambers to debate the measure.

12:10 a.m.

Objections to counting electoral votes for the states of Georgia and Michigan have been withdrawn.

The developments happened after violence struck the Capitol, causing Congress to reverse on its course.

The measures needed both a member of the House and the Senate to sign off on them before they could be debated.

The lack of a senator to join in the measure failed to occur for electoral votes for Nevada, too.

The unsuccessful objections drew applause from members of Congress.

11:11 p.m.

The House has voted overwhelmingly to reject an objection to President-elect Joe Bidens win in Arizona, joining the Senate in upholding the results of the election there.



The objection failed 303-121 on Wednesday night, with only Republicans voting in support.

Now that Arizona is out of the way, Congress will reconvene as the joint session and make its way through the rest of the states that have objections.



10:12 p.m.

The Senate has overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.



The objection to the results in Arizona  spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz  was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

The Republicans raised the objection based on false claims pushed by President Donald Trump and others of issues with the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials.

10:10 p.m.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says a commission to examine the 2020 election is not a proper next step and affirmed that Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, called it a uniquely bad idea to delay this election, referencing the commission idea proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Graham says, Count me out. Enough is enough.

Graham said that if youre a conservative, the idea that Vice President Mike Pence could reverse the results of the election, as President Donald Trump had urged him to do, was the most offensive concept in the world.



9:45 p.m.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trump's, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

9:39 p.m.

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, reflected back on the 2004 election, saying he again had the same sentiment  that Congress must not thwart the will of the American people.

He questioned what the basis would be for challenging the 2020 result then also noted he voted for President Donald Trump.

Portman said not one state found widespread fraud that would overturn the result of the election.



9:20 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

9 p.m.



Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trump's false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

8:50 p.m.



U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of Georgia, is withdrawing her objection to the Electoral College following the violent events that transpired in the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. Loeffler, who was projected to lose her Senate seat to Raphael Warnock, had previously campaigned on her position of objecting the election results.

"When I arrived in Washington this morning, I fully intended to object to the certification of the electoral votes," Loeffler said. "However, the events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider and I cannot now, in good conscience, object."



8:35 p.m.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.

Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.



8:25 p.m.



U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, says the Senate will set a peaceful example and move toward the certification of the election result, showing Joe Biden will become the next president. Lankford was among the group of senators who vowed to reject the Electoral College tallies unless Congress launched a commission to audit the election results.



8 p.m.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.



Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.
Dhireesha Kudithipudi, founding director of the MATRIX AI Consortium for Human Well-Being, and the Robert F McDermott Endowed Chair in Engineering, was recently awarded $1,481,697 in combined funding for her research in lifelong learning. This funding includes a $472,306 sub-award from Argonne National Laboratory under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Lifelong Learning Machines (L2M) program, along with a $1,009,391 award from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

These awards will fund Kudithipudi's ongoing research developing novel brain-inspired lifelong learning algorithms and systems. Her approaches attempt to close the performance gap between modern artificial intelligence (AI) systems and biological systems, allowing them to learn new tasks while simultaneously improving their energy efficiency.

"Machine learning (ML), which is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), allows computers to leverage large sets of data to learn how to perform specific tasks, such as recognizing objects in an image or translating languages.

"While current ML algorithms have achieved remarkable results, these systems are still not as intelligent as living organisms. One key limitation is their inability to adapt to new scenarios which weren't encountered during their original training procedure. We're attempting to close this gap by incorporating unique aspects of biological intelligence within our AI models, such as the ability to add additional processing capacity over time ("neurogenesis"), along with mimicking the evolutionary process within our design procedure ("neuroevolution")," explained Kudithipudi.

In regards to the L2M project, Kudithipudi and her Ph.D. students Nicholas Soures, Tej Pandit, and Anurag Daram are collaborating with researchers from Argonne and Sandia National Labs to develop energy-efficient lifelong learning algorithms which are inspired by the honeybee brain.

Although insect brains are a million times smaller, they are still capable of producing approximately half of the distinct cognitive behaviors of mammals. Replicating this efficiency is key to implementing AI algorithms on energy-constrained devices, such as mobile phones, IoT, or wearable devices.

Meanwhile, Kudithipudi's AFRL project is focused on developing a neuromorphic chip with life-long learning capabilities on the end device. The chip will be fabricated at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

"The field of neuromorphic computing, which uses inspiration from the brain to design computing systems, has been instrumental in boosting AI capabilities. There is a recent surge of activity in this area as new device technologies for neurons and synapses offer significant promise," said Kudithipudi. "Our design will be a hybrid technology of CMOS and memristor devices, with on-device training capability. The physics of the CMOS/Memristordevice will be exploited to realize brain-inspired mechanisms, such as metaplasticity, that are critical for lifelong learning capabilities. A unique co-design flow will offer real-time learning capabilities to this system. By implementing life-long learning algorithms which mimic human cognition, the applications of AI will expand dramatically. For DoD applications, this technology will greatly enhance AI-enabled support systems which can adapt quickly in unpredictable situations."

The MATRIX AI Consortium for Human Well-Being is focused on achieving excellence in AI research and scholarship through transdisciplinary collaboration. This current effort, which leverages innovations from neuroscience to develop novel AI systems, is an excellent example of the types of projects which the Consortium is targeting.

"To develop disruptive AI solutions, researchers must transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. By bringing together over 60 researchers with diverse expertise from four leading institutions in the greater San Antonio area (UTSA, UT Health, Southwest Research Institute, Texas Biomedical Research Institute), MATRIX is committed to accelerating these innovative transdisciplinary collaborations," said Bernard Arulanandam, vice president for Research, Economic Development, and Knowledge Enterprise at UTSA.

###


WASHINGTON: Outgoing US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka has now criticised his father's supporters after violence in the Capitol Hills claimed the lives of at least four people and triggering widespread condemnation.

Ivanka Trump took to Twitter and tweeted, "No. Peaceful protest is patriotic. Violence is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.'' Ivanka said in this response to a tweet from CNN correspondent Kate Bennett, who asked her if those rioters people are "patriots".

No. Peaceful protest is patriotic. Violence is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. https://t.co/GwngZTqzTH  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) January 6, 2021

Ivanka, who is the White House advisor, had faced criticism for calling pro-Trump rioters that stormed the US Capitol as ''patriots'' on social networking platform Twitter.

Taking to Twitter, Ivanka addressed the angry Trump supporters in a tweet saying ''American Patriots-any security breach or disrespect to our law enforcement is unacceptable. The violence is unacceptable. Please be respectful.''

Ivanka did not ask Trump supporters to abandon their demonstration at the US Capitol building. When questioned upon the use of the term ''patriots'' she justified her choice of words.

Hundreds of President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday in a bid to overturn his election defeat, occupying the symbol of American democracy and forcing Congress to suspend a session to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

Police evacuated lawmakers and struggled for more than three hours after the invasion to clear the Capitol of Trump supporters, who surged through the hallways and rummaged through offices in shocking scenes of chaos and disorder.

One woman died after being shot during the mayhem, Washington police said. The FBI said it had disarmed two suspected explosive devices. The assault on the Capitol was the culmination of months of divisive and escalating rhetoric around the November 3 election, with Trump repeatedly making false claims that the vote was rigged and urging his supporters to help him overturn his loss.

The chaotic scenes unfolded after Trump, who before the election refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he lost, addressed thousands of supporters near the White House and told them to march on the Capitol to express their anger at the voting process.

He told his supporters to pressure their elected officials to reject the results, urging them "to fight."
Firozabad : , Jan 7 (IANS) A 28-year-old man dragged a 16-year-old minor girl into a field and allegedly raped her while his friend filmed the act on a mobile phone to blackmail her later.

The alleged incident took place in Narkhi area of Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad district.

An FIR has been registered against the two accused men of the same village on the complaint of the victim and the main accused has been arrested.

According to the father of victim, the accused Bhuri Singh had raped his daughter when she had gone to collect fodder for cattle on December 1.

His friend Anil Kumar, 25, had shot video of the crime. And both of them threatened his daughter to upload the video on social media if she told anyone about the incident.

The victim said that Singh and Kumar raped her several times over the last one month by blackmailing her with the video.

The girl claimed that when she refused to meet the two men earlier this month, they circulated her video on social media.

Additional Superintendent of Police, Mukesh Chandra Mishra said: "On basis of the complaint received from the minor girl, a case has been registered against Bhuri Singh and Anil Kumar under the IPC section 376 (punishment for rape), sections of the SC/ST act and information technology act." He said that while Singh has been sent to jail on court orders. The other accused will also be arrested soon.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

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Paris, Jan 7 : A total of 25,379 people tested positive for Covid-19 in France in the past 24 hours, the highest daily tally in one week, while pressure on the country's hospitals continued to ease, the health authorities said on Wednesday.

The grand total of France's confirmed coronavirus cases was 27,05,618 on Wednesday, ranking the country sixth highest globally after the US, India, Brazil, Russia and Britain, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Hospital admissions dropped by 163 to 24,741. That included 2,616 people in intensive care units, down from 2,625 on Tuesday.

Since the start of the outbreak, France has reported 66,565 coronavirus-related deaths. On Wednesday alone, 283 patients died.

On December 27, 2020, France launched a vaccination campaign in three phases focusing first on nursing home residents and staff. Some 14 million people who suffer from chronic illnesses will be vaccinated starting from February. A broader vaccination campaign aimed at the general public is planned for the spring.

According to a survey conducted by pollster Elabe and released on Wednesday, 45 per cent of the 1,002 respondents would refuse to be inoculated, and 75 percent disapproved of the government's vaccination program.

As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in France and some other countries with the already-authorised coronavirus vaccines.

Meanwhile, 235 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 63 of them in clinical trials -- in countries including Germany, China, Russia, Britain and the US, according to information released by the World Health Organization on January 6, 2021.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
South Wales, Wales

 Youre in a place set apart. 

Over the last 20 years Ive traveled to South Wales about seven or eight times with my wife, and later our children, to visit family in a town near Swansea called Mumbles. (The name is a corruption of the French word for breasts.) It sits at the edge of the Gower Peninsula  a beautiful wild place that offers expansive beaches, medieval castles, hilltop trails, horses that graze near Stone Age ruins and picture-book villages with friendly pubs serving Sunday roasts and local ales in dark-wood booths.

Mumbles is homey and welcoming, yet we never saw tourists there. The roads are so small and narrow that getting from one place to another feels like its much farther than you actually travel.

Punctuated by weddings, births, graduations, anniversaries and deaths, our trips represented different stages in our lives. But each trip also seemed less like a visit to relatives in the old country than an escape to a secret, beautiful place that only we knew.
One is a Republican state senator for Northampton County communities, the other is a chairwoman of the Northampton County Republican Committee.

Both embroiled themselves in the proceedings Wednesday in Washington, D.C., that were disrupted when a riotous mob stormed the U.S. Capitol as Congress debated the certification of the Electoral College vote for President-elect Joe Biden over President Donald Trump.

Dozens of Trumps supporters breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

A woman who was shot inside the Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died. Thats according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly. The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

The Northampton County GOP party chair, Gloria Lee Snover, was in the nations capital all day Wednesday for a rally demanding Trumps re-election, despite the will of the voters that swung the Nov. 3 to Biden, his Democratic challenger.

Snover joined the walk to the Capitol. She had driven down as part of a small caravan. Eight buses also traveled from the Lehigh Valley, she said, to join what she estimated to be a million people there.

She said she was not near the steps but still ended up on the receiving end of some tear gas from Capitol Police, which she thought was provoking, saying she thinks the building should have been open to all.

I did not see any violence today, she posted to Facebook at 4:09 p.m. Last I checked the Capitol belongs to the people. The only violence I saw were the police teargassing patriots for no reason. Stop closing the doors to government buildings they belong to the people we pay for them. Government works for us.

Snover said she didnt see people get beyond the steps and said she did not know until later that some got inside, or that it got violent.

That incident was the only incident, Snover told lehighvalleylive.com during a phone call on her drive home, but it wasnt a lot of people.  Its not a true depiction of all the people who went down there today.

She had not heard of anyone from the Lehigh Valley getting inside the Capitol.

Lets not paint a broad brush on the great American patriots who were there for a peaceful protest and had nothing to do with getting inside, Snover said.

The state senator, Mario Scavello, R-Northampton/Monroe, had joined 20 of his colleagues in signing on to a letter Monday, asking Republicans in Congress to delay Wednesdays certification of Bidens Electoral College win.

In the immediate wake of the chaos in the Capitol, Scavello swiftly distanced himself from anything beyond the scope of parliamentary proceedings.

I completely condemn the violence in Washington D.C. right now, the senator for Pennsylvanias 40th District posted at 3:36 p.m. on Twitter. We are all Americans and cannot let these acts ruin what makes our nation special.

This is not American. I unequivocally condemn the violence and criminal acts taking place, and I pray for peace.

I completely condemn the violence in Washington D.C. right now. We are all Americans and cannot let these acts ruin what makes our nation special. This is not American. I unequivocally condemn the violence and criminal acts taking place, and I pray for peace.  Sen. Mario Scavello (@senatorscavello) January 6, 2021

The letter was signed by state Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, state Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward and 19 other Republican state senators including Scavello. The Lehigh Valleys other Republican state senator, Pat Browne, was not a signatory. Corman and Ward both condemned Wednesdays violence, as well.

Trump late Tuesday night tweeted a copy of the senators letter, announcing it as BIG NEWS IN PENNSYLVANIA!

Trump had enlisted dozens of Republicans to challenge the Electoral College vote ahead of Congress convening Wednesday afternoon in a joint session to confirm Bidens 306-232 win.

Angry supporters of Trump then stormed the Capitol as Congress met in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power, forcing lawmakers to be rushed from the building and interrupting lawmakers challenges to Bidens victory. Trump issued a restrained call for peace but did not call on his supporters to leave.

The Pennsylvania senators letter repeats similar claims about how Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and his top elections official handled the election and election-related decisions by the state Supreme Court as those made by other state Republican lawmakers and Republican members of Congress who want to block Pennsylvanias electoral votes from being certified for Biden.

The letter complains about numerous unlawful violations and inconsistent and questionable activities and says Pennsylvanias election results should not have been certified by Wolfs secretary of state.

We ask that you delay certification of the Electoral College to allow due process as we pursue election integrity in our Commonwealth, the senators wrote.

Previously, state officials have said similar complaints are based on outright falsehoods, while constitutional law scholars say Republicans are ignoring how courts have repeatedly ruled.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.

Trump Protesters Occupy Capitol for Several Hours

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - A group of protesters showing loyalty to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, interrupting a joint session of Congress which was scheduled to accept the Electoral College vote that would formally declare Joe Biden as the next president.The nations elected representatives scrambled to crouch under desks and donned gas masks, while police tried to barricade the building. A woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol, and Washingtons mayor instituted an evening curfew in an attempt to contain the situation.Trump spoke to peaceful protesters earlier, urging his supporters to march to the Capitol to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens victory.Some Republican lawmakers were in the midst of raising objections to the results on his behalf when the proceedings were abruptly stopped.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said lawmakers were resuming the counting of electoral votes Wednesday evening after the Capitol was cleared of the intruders.The president issued a pair of tweets and a taped video Wednesday afternoon, telling his supporters it was time to go home in peace,  although he didn't back down from his claims about the Electoral vote.President-elect Biden, two weeks away from his scheduled inauguration, said American democracy was under unprecedented assault, a sentiment echoed by many in Congress, including some Republicans. Former President George W. Bush said he watched the events in disbelief and dismay.Tensions were already running high when lawmakers gathered early Wednesday afternoon for the constitutionally mandated counting of the Electoral College results, in which Biden defeated Trump, 306-232. Despite pleas from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, more than 150 GOP lawmakers planned to support objections to some of the results.Shortly after the first GOP objections, protesters fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls. Lawmakers were told to duck under their seats for cover and put on gas masks after tear gas was used in the Capitol Rotunda. Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., told reporters he was in the House chamber when rioters began storming it. Security officers made us all get down, you could see that they were fending off some sort of assault, it looked like. They had a piece of furniture up against the door, the entry to the floor from the Rotunda, and they had guns pulled, Peters said.And they just told us to take our pins off, he added, referring to lapel pins members wear so Capitol Police can quickly identify them. Then the lawmakers were evacuated.Staff members grabbed the boxes of Electoral College votes as the evacuation took place. Otherwise, Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon said, the ballots could have been destroyed by the protesters.The Pentagon said about 1,100 District of Columbia National Guard members were being mobilized to help support law enforcement at the Capitol. More than a dozen people were arrested.As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials worked their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible and police in riot gear moved down the steps, pushing demonstrators back.

Educators across Southeast Texas Wednesday framed the historic events happening in Washington D.C. in real time for their students as a protest attempting to halt the certification of the electoral college devolved into a riot, with dozens of people breaching the Capitol building and at least one person being fatally shot.

Carol Kibodeaux, a history teacher at Vidor High School, was in a transition period between classes when she glanced at her phone.

History is unfolding right now, her husband had texted her. Youre a history teacher. I hope youre watching. The Capitol has been breached.

Minutes later, students poured into the classroom.

Have you seen what is happening? one asked.

Kibodeaux told The Enterprise she spent the first 15 minutes of class allowing students to discuss the events, as they read articles and watched news coverage detailing lawmakers barricaded in offices, with those on the house floor being asked to wear gas masks as tear gas was deployed in the Capitol Rotunda.

To see this unfolding was pretty alarming, she said. That was definitely (the students) perspective as well, not just mine.They kind of understood the gravity of it real quick.

Earlier in the semester, Kibodeaux discussed the rare past acts of violence that occurred in the Senate Chambers; such as the caning of Charles Sumner, an antislavery Republican who was nearly beat to death by a pro-slavery house member before the Civil War.

Ive already talked to this group and I talked today about the sanctity of the Capitol, she said. I try and play a really even road with (my students), and just preach tolerance. But this seems like a whole other thing, when you have people breaching the Capitol while they are trying to certify the election. It is unprecedented.

That also was the word used by Lamar History Professor Rebecca Boone, who told The Enterprise that legislatures have not been stormed in such a fashion since the late 1700s when rebellions broke out over taxes and debt.

That is the only time weve had anyone storming legislatures, and they werent the U.S. Capitol, Boone said.

Another student in Kibodeauxs class said the scenes in D.C. were the result of festering radicalism present on both sides of the political spectrum  a lesson Kieodeaux said should be found accurate before making assumptions.

Tomorrow I think I am mostly going to answer a lot of questions, she said. And continue to impart a message of tolerance, and try to make sure we understand exactly what happened before we draw conclusions. It is unfolding before our eyes.

The event was the first time the teacher had watched history unfold in real time since she was in college.

The last time I remember watching news coverage in class was in college, and I was watching 9/11, she said. Ive talked about some things that have been unfolding like the Boston marathon bombing, but this felt different. I dont know it feels like, a revolution  surreal.

At Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, advanced placement government and economics teacher Bernard Perricone said he plans to discuss the events Thursday, with a stress on the elements of the First Amendment.

I think all the students know their first amendment rights, and we are trying to emphasize the role that they play in ensuring that the government is responsive to the concerns of the citizens, Perricone told The Enterprise Wednesday. I wont necessarily offer my ideas and opinions, but we are going to leave it open and see where it goes.

The First Amendment only protects the right to peaceably assemble, so once a protest is declared a riot  like the one in D.C. Wednesday  it is no longer protected under the First Amendment.

Boone said that the Wednesdays events underscore the importance of peaceful discourse and institutions at the bedrock of American democracy.

One of the most imporant things that we try to teach our students is that in the tradition of the Contitution,  we dont obey people, we obey laws, she said. So we really need to have an allegiance to institutions and legal processes instead of charismatic people. That is the differece between a free society and a monarchy.

The events were unprecedented, Boone said, but do not have to be repeated again.

I hope events like this dont become normal, she said. I hope it is an aberration, because you have to be able to use your words, and have your representatives deliberate in peace  or else we have lost everything.

isaac.windes@hearstnp.com

twitter.com/isaacdwindes

DUBLIN, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Diabetes Monitoring Devices Market by Type of Device, Diabetes Type, Type of Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Device Component, Type of Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Device Component, and Key Geographies: Industry Trends and Global Forecasts, 2020-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Diabetes is one of the seven leading causes of death and disability across the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.6 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year. In 2019, the global expenditure on diabetes treatment and disease management was estimated to be over USD 750 billion; this is indicative of the significant burden on patients and the global healthcare system.



Timely glucose monitoring helps prevent unwanted glucose fluctuations (hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia), which are known to have serious implications, including (but not limited to) kidney damage, cardiovascular complications, visual impairment, diabetic ketoacidosis and circulatory defects (some of which are known to progress to a stage requiring amputation). The current gold standard for self-monitoring of blood glucose level involves the use glucose meters. These are compact devices designed to measure glucose levels in blood, which is typically extracted (using a small needle) from patients' fingertips or forearms. For adequate glycemic control, it is essential for diabetics to measure glucose levels multiple (3-4) times in a day; since the process involves the use of a needle, compliance is a primary concern. Moreover, there are several other concerns, such as inaccurate readings and needlestick injuries, associated with the use of conventional glucose monitoring devices.



Over time, a number of companies have developed advanced variants of the conventional blood glucose monitors that are portable, and minimally-/non-invasive. Many such next generation solutions have connectivity features, which enable patients' health data to be captured and shared with medical professionals, upon request. In addition, there are a number of innovative continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, which are designed to provide real-time insights on blood glucose levels. Newer variants of these products are now chockful of intuitive software that enables patients to quickly make important treatment-related decisions. This field is presently the epicenter of innovation in the diabetes market; a popular example is the artificial pancreas, which is basically a combination of a CGM system and a large volume wearable injector, powered by intuitive algorithms that drive the delivery of insulin and glucagon. The diabetes monitoring devices market is anticipated to witness steady growth, largely driven by the increasing diabetic patient population and the introduction of advanced and cost effective solutions, in the coming years.

Scope of the Report



The report features an extensive study of the current market landscape and the likely adoption of diabetes monitoring devices, over the next decade. The study also features a detailed analysis of the key drivers and trends related to this evolving domain.



Amongst other elements, the report includes:

An overview of current market landscape of the diabetes monitoring devices, providing information on device specifications, such as type of device (self-monitoring blood glucose device and continuous blood glucose monitoring devices), current status of development (preclinical, clinical and marketed), target patient segment (children, adults and elderly patients), analyte procurement (invasive, non-invasive and minimally invasive), volume of analyte used (less than 0.8 L, 0.8 to 2 L and more than 2 L), processing speed (fast and slow), wearability (wearable and non-wearable), wireless connectivity, water resistance potential, provision for alerts/alarms, device memory attributes and glucose measurement range. In addition, the report presents the details of the companies developing these devices, including information on type of developer (industry and non-industry), year of establishment, company size, location of headquarters and leading developers.

A detailed competitiveness analysis of diabetes monitoring devices, taking into consideration the supplier power (based on the experience/expertise of the developer) and product specifications (type of device, current status of development, target patient segment, analyte procurement, volume of analyte used, processing speed, wireless connectivity, water resistance potential, provision for alerts/alarms and device memory attributes).

An analysis of the partnerships that have been inked by the stakeholders in this domain, during the period between 2015 and 2020 (till August), covering product/technology integration agreements, commercialization agreements, distribution agreements, product development agreements, acquisitions, product development and commercialization agreements and other relevant types of deals.

Elaborate profiles of prominent companies that develop diabetes monitoring devices. Each company profile features a brief overview of the company, its financial information (if available), information on its product portfolio, recent developments and an informed future outlook.

A review of recent initiatives undertaken by big pharma players in this domain. It also features a benchmark analysis of top 5 big pharma players (in terms of annual revenues of 2019), comparing them across various relevant parameters.

One of the key objectives of the report was to estimate the existing market size and potential future growth opportunities for diabetes monitoring devices. Based on multiple parameters, such as the number of commercialized devices, number of devices under development, price of the device and the annual adoption rate, we have provided an informed estimate on the likely evolution of the market over the period 2020-2030.



The report also features sales forecasts for the overall diabetes monitoring devices market with a detailed market segmentation on the [A] type of device (self-monitoring blood glucose device and continuous blood glucose monitoring device), [B] diabetes type (type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes), [C] device component (self-monitoring blood glucose devices: lancing device, blood glucose meter and testing strips; continuous glucose monitoring devices: sensors, transmitter and receiver) and [D] key geographical regions (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa and rest of the world). In order to account for future uncertainties and to add robustness to our model, we have provided three market forecast scenarios namely the conservative, base and optimistic scenarios, which represent different tracks of the industry's evolution.



Key Questions Answered

Which are the leading diabetes monitoring device developers?

What are the popular monitoring devices currently being marketed/developed in this domain?

What novel/advanced features are device developers focusing on to maintain a competitive edge in the market?

What kind of partnership models are commonly adopted by stakeholders in this industry?

What initiatives big pharma companies have taken to expand their existing capabilities and comply with industry benchmarks?

What are the factors that are likely to influence the evolution of this market?

How is the current and future market opportunity likely to be distributed across key market segments?

Key Topics Covered:



1. PREFACE



2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



3. INTRODUCTION

3.1. Chapter Overview

3.2. Overview of Diabetes

3.3. Key Challenges Associated with Diabetes Monitoring

3.4. Diabetes Monitoring Devices

3.5. Future Perspectives



4. CURRENT MARKET LANDSCAPE

4.1. Chapter Overview

4.2. Diabetes Monitoring Devices: Overall Market Landscape

4.3. Diabetes Monitoring Devices: List of Developers



5. PRODUCT COMPETITIVENESS ANALYSIS

5.1. Chapter Overview

5.2. Assumptions and Methodology

5.2.1. Product Competitiveness Analysis: Diabetes Monitoring Devices

5.2.1.1. Product Competitiveness Analysis: Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices

5.2.1.2. Product Competitiveness Analysis: Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Devices



6. PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS

6.1. Chapter Overview

6.2. Partnership Models

6.3. Diabetes Monitoring Devices: List of Partnerships and Collaborations

6.3.1. Analysis by Year of Partnership

6.3.2. Analysis by Type of Partnership

6.3.3. Analysis by Year and Type of Partnership

6.3.4. Analysis by Type of Device

6.3.5. Most Active Players: Analysis by Number of Partnerships

6.3.6. Geographical Analysis

6.3.6.1. Region-wise Distribution

6.3.6.2. Country-wise Distribution



7. COMPANY PROFILES

7.1. Chapter Overview

7.2. ApexBio

7.2.1. Company Overview

7.2.2. Diabetes Monitoring Devices Portfolio

7.2.3. Recent Developments and Future Outlook

7.3. Ascensia Diabetes Care

7.4. i-SENS

7.5. Oak Tree Health

7.6. SD Biosensor

7.7. TaiDoc Technology

7.8. VivaCheck Laboratories



8. DIABETES MONITORING DEVICES RELATED INITIATIVES OF BIG PHARMA PLAYERS

8.1. Chapter Overview

8.2. Scope and Methodology

8.3. Initiatives of Big Pharma Players

8.3.1. Analysis by Type of Disease Management Solution

8.3.2. Analysis by Number of Marketed and Clinical-Stage Diabetes Drugs

8.3.3. Analysis by Diabetes Type

8.3.4. Analysis by Type of Drug

8.3.5. Analysis by Number of Partnerships

8.4. Competitive Benchmarking of Big Pharma Players

8.4.1. Spider Web Analysis: Company A

8.4.2. Spider Web Analysis: Company B

8.4.3. Spider Web Analysis: Company C

8.4.4. Spider Web Analysis: Company D

8.4.5. Spider Web Analysis: Company E



9. MARKET SIZING AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS

9.1. Chapter Overview

9.2. Forecast Methodology and Assumptions

9.3. Overall Diabetes Monitoring Devices Market, 2020-2030

9.4. Diabetes Monitoring Devices Market, 2020-2030: Distribution by Type of Device

9.5. Overall Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Devices Market, 2020-2030

9.5.1. Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Devices Market, 2020-2030: Distribution by Diabetes Type

9.5.2. Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Devices Market, 2020-2030: Distribution by Device Component

9.5.3. Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Devices Market, 2020-2030: Geographical Distribution

9.5.3.1. Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Devices Market in North America, 2020-2030

9.5.3.2. Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Devices Market in Europe, 2020-2030

9.5.3.3. Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Devices Market in Asia Pacific, 2020-2030

9.5.3.4. Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Devices Market in Latin America, 2020-2030

9.5.3.5. Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Devices Market in Middle East and North Africa, 2020-2030

9.5.3.6. Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Devices Market in Rest of the World, 2020-2030

9.6. Overall Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market, 2020-2030

9.6.1. Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market, 2020-2030: Distribution by Diabetes Type

9.6.2. Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market, 2020-2030: Distribution by Device Component

9.6.3. Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market, 2020-2030: Geographical Distribution

9.6.3.1. Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market in North America, 2020-2030

9.6.3.2. Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market in Europe, 2020-2030

9.6.3.3. Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market in Asia Pacific, 2020-2030

9.6.3.4. Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market in Latin America, 2020-2030

9.6.3.4. Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market in Middle East and North Africa, 2020-2030

9.6.3.6. Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market in Rest of the World, 2020-2030



10. CONCLUDING REMARKS

10.1. Chapter Overview

10.2. Key Takeaways



11. EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS

11.1. Chapter Overview

11.2. Cambridge Consultants

11.2.1. Company Snapshot

11.2.2. Interview Transcript: Ambuj Jain, General Manager- Business Development

11.3. Know Labs

11.3.1. Company Snapshot

11.3.2. Interview Transcript: Ron Erickson, Founder and Chairman



12. APPENDIX 1: TABULATED DATA

Companies Mentioned



Abbott

ABOX

ACON Laboratories

AgaMatrix

AlDanah Medical

Alertgy

APExBIO

Apple

Arcadia Group

ArKl Medical

ARKRAY

Ascensia Diabetes Care

BeatO

Beurer

Bigfoot Biomedical

Biolinq

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

Bruno Farmaceutici

BTNX

CEI Technology

Cellnovo Group

Chemglass Life Sciences

CnogaCare

Companion Medical

Control D

CuraTec Nordic

Current Health

Dallas Burston Ethitronix

DarioHealth

Debiotech

Dexcom

Diabeto

DiaMonTech

Diasend

Diathrive

DKSH

Dnurse Technology

Echo Therapeutics

Eli Lilly

EPS Biotechnology

Essenlife Bioscience

Fitbit

Fleming Medical

ForaCare

Fudakang Industrial

GE Healthcare

Glooko

GlucoRx

Glucosense Diagnostics

Glucovation

Gluco-Z

GluSense

GlySens

GlySure

Glytec

GraphWear Technologies

Guangzhou Guang Yuan Biological Pharmaceutical

Hangzhou Sejoy Electronics & Instruments

Health Alliance Plan

Health2Sync

Hello Heart

Henry Schein Medical

HoyHealth

IBM

Indigo

Infinovo Medical

Inside Biometrics

Insulet

Integrated Medical Sensors

Integrity Applications

i-SENS

JDRF

Keto-Mojo

Klue

Know Labs

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

LG Life Sciences

LifeCaring Technologies

LifePlus

LifeScan

Livongo Health

MediReva

MediVena

Medtronic

Medtrum Technologies

META

Metronom Health

Millennium Medical Supplies

Morepen Laboratories

National Diagnostic Products

Nemaura Medical

NovioSense

Novo Nordisk

Nutrino Health (acquired by Medtronic)

Oak Tree Health

OK Biotech

Omada Health

One Drop

Pacific Diabetes Technologies

Palmdoc

PercuSense

Pinnacle Technology

PKvitality

POCTech

Prediktor Medical

Prodigy Diabetes Care

Qualcomm Life

Quattro Folia

Roche

Rubin Medical

SanaVita Medical

Sano Intelligence

Sanofi

Sanvita Medical

SD BIOSENSOR

Senseonics

SFC Fluidics

Shezhen Jiacom Technology

Smart Meter

Spirit Health

TaiDoc Technology

Tandem Diabetes Care

Terumo Medical

Tianjin HUAC Healthcare Technology

Tidepool

TPMENA

Trividia Health

University of Bath

University of California

Validic

Verily Life Sciences

VivaChek Laboratories

Voluntis

Welldoc

Xuzhou Yongkang Electronic Science Technology

Ypsomed

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qqlccb

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New Delhi: The heartthrob of the nation, Kartik Aaryan created an uproar across the masses as he ended 2020 by wrapping his film 'Dhamaka' in the record breaking time frame of 10 days.

With just a few days of break, the talented and dedicated actor has now kickstarted 2021 with his first shoot of the year.

One of the busiest actors of the industry, Kartik Aaryan has his hands full with back to back films as well as other work commitments. Beginning the year with a bang and taking no time to rest Kartik Aaryan is back to work and do what he does the best  entertain.

Kartik Aaryan shared pictures from his first shoot of 2021 on his social media. Giving a glimpse of the sets and the shoot, Kartik Aaryan said, "Lets roll #2021 #FirstShoot.

From playing an intense character of a journalist in the action thriller 'Dhamaka', entering the horror comedy space in 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' to enjoying the entertaining comic space in 'Dostana 2' amongst other varied and diverse roles, 2021 is all set to unfold the assorted facades of Kartik Aaryan's versatility.


Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-08 06:16:33|Editor: huaxia

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SANTIAGO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chile registered 3,685 cases of the novel coronavirus infection and 97 deaths from the disease in 24 hours, the Ministry of Health said Thursday.

The South American country now has a total of 629,176 confirmed cases and a death toll of 16,913, while 593,235 people have recovered from the disease.

Some 18,679 cases are considered to be active, the highest number since July.

Infections have increased 33 percent in the past two weeks, Minister of Health Enrique Paris told reporters during his daily press briefing.

Due to the increase, authorities said Thursday that a declared health advisory will be extended for another six months.

Chileans, foreign residents and tourists entering the country must provide a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival at the international airport serving the capital Santiago, currently the only gateway into Chile.

Those who do not comply with the measure will have to submit to a mandatory quarantine at a designated health residence or pay a fine of about 4,000 U.S. dollars. Enditem
Ian Paisley has accused the SDLP's Claire Hanna of being capable of "nothing more than name calling" after she referred to him as "professional troll".

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show on Thursday Ms Hanna took aim at Mr Paisley's argument that the UK should invoke Article 16 of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and set aside the Northern Ireland Protocol.

In response the DUP MP said that she should consider her role in public life "if she can't respond to a message and can only name call".

Read More

Speaking at Westminster's Northern Ireland Committee on Wednesday Mr Paisley urged the UK Government to suspend the protocol, saying it has been an "unmitigated disaster" for businesses.

Under Article 16 the protocol can be suspended if it causes "serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties that are liable to persist, or to diversion of trade".

Ms Hanna said the DUP and Mr Paisley must face up to their own role in Brexit.

She said that her party did not love the protocol but that it was an "attempt to clean up a mess not of our making".

Referring to Mr Paisley's comments at the committee Ms Hanna accused him of "having a tantrum".

"This probably has more to do with internal DUP issues and winding up Arlene Foster," the South Belfast MP said.

"Ian Paisley is now essentially a professional troll. He's very good at it, he's very articulate, he's very experienced.

"He has no interest in taking responsibility and solving problems."

Expand Close Claire Hanna / Facebook

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Whatsapp Claire Hanna

In a statement the North Antrim MP noted that his South Belfast counterpart "has form" for calling him names.

Ms Hanna was previously criticised for referring to Mr Paisley as a gob****e on social media in 2019 after comments he made in relation to then-Prime Minister Theresa May.

"If I were to be unprofessional and call her names such a 'fish wife' it wouldnt add to the debate just make me look silly and suggest I had no case to make. So I dont do that. She needs to get out of the playground and be a serious politician," the DUP MP said.

"She needs to address the consequences of supporting a protocol that has damaged trade. Little wonder she is angry."

Mr Paisley told the Nolan Show that the DUP's parliamentary group supported the invoking of Article 16.

The North Antrim MP said he would be "very surprised" if anyone within the DUP disagreed with his view.

However when asked if it was DUP policy Mr Paisley replied that the view hadn't "been formulated or written down into a manifesto or voted on".

He said senior DUP figures at Westminster including deputy leader Nigel Dodds, Sammy Wilson, Westminster leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and others felt the article should be invoked as soon as possible.

Mr Paisley said he would be "very surprised" if party leader Arlene Foster didn't support the stance.

However, he admitted he had not asked Mrs Foster her view on the matter as he hadn't "had a chance".

Expand Close First Minister Arlene Foster (Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp First Minister Arlene Foster (Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye/PA)

Speaking on Thursday morning Mrs Foster said her party needed to use all the available ways to highlight the difficulties of the protocol to the UK Government and push for solutions.

The First Minister said she would raise her concerns during a meeting with Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove on Thursday.

Mrs Foster said the protocol was causing "difficulties that we warned of last year and of course we will continually raise the operation of Article 16 of the protocol and how it can be triggered and what level of harm, frankly, needs to be in place for it to be triggered."

"Those conversations will be ongoing," she said.

Download the Belfast Telegraph App Get quick and easy access to the latest Northern Ireland news, sport, business and opinion with the Belfast Telegraph App.

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The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company

Actor and Comedian Rowan Atkinson at The Royal Hospital Chelsea on May 19, 2014 in London, England. (Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)

Cancel Culture Equivalent to Medieval Mob Looking for Someone to Burn: Rowan Atkinson

Renowned actor Rowan Atkinson has become the latest celebrity to criticise cancel culture describing the movement as a medieval mob roaming the streets looking for someone to burn.

In an interview with Radio Times, Atkinson said cancel culture was eroding free speech, which filled him with fear about the future.

The problem we have online is that an algorithm decides what we want to see, which ends up creating a simplistic, binary view of society, Atkinson said. It becomes a case of either youre with us or against us. And if youre against us, you deserve to be cancelled.

The British actor who took to fame in the 80s and 90s for his role in Mr Bean and Blackadder has campaigned vigorously for free speech and open debate.

In August last year, Atkinson drew the ire of British keyboard woke warriors for his criticism against Scotlands controversial hate crimes bill saying that it risked stifling freedom of expression, and the ability to articulate or criticise religious and other beliefs, reported The Australian.

He added that being exposed to a broad spectrum of opinions was important, but the digital equivalent of the medieval mob has created an atmosphere of fear for anyone who is a victim of the cancel culture mobincluding Atkinson himself.

Atkinson is among a growing number of public figures who have spoken against the cancel culture mob, including actors Ricky Gervais and John Cleese, and author J.K. Rowling. Some bookstores have banned Rowlings Harry Potter series due to alleged transphobia in one of her best selling Robert Galbraith books.

In July last year, 152 writers and academics published an open letter to denounce cancel culture for weakening tolerance of different opinions, in favour of what they called ideological conformity reported Sky News.

The open letter referenced editors who were fired for running controversial pieces and professors being investigated for quoting works of literature in class.

The open letter added: The restriction of debate, whether by a repressive government or an intolerant society, invariably hurts those who lack power and makes everyone less capable of democratic participation.

The way to defeat bad ideas is by exposure, argument, and persuasion, not by trying to silence or wish them away.

The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV.
President Trump has suggested to aides he wants to pardon himself in the final days of his presidency, according to two people with knowledge of the discussions, a move that would mark one of the most extraordinary and untested uses of presidential power in American history.

In several conversations since Election Day, Mr. Trump has told advisers that he is considering giving himself a pardon and, in other instances, asked whether he should and what the effect would be on him legally and politically, according to the two people. It was not clear whether he had broached the topic since he incited his supporters on Wednesday to march on the Capitol, where some stormed the building in a mob attack.

Mr. Trump has shown signs that his level of interest in pardoning himself goes beyond idle musings. He has long maintained he has the power to pardon himself, and his polling of aides views is typically a sign that he is preparing to follow through on his aims. He has also become increasingly convinced that his perceived enemies will use the levers of law enforcement to target him after he leaves office.

No president has pardoned himself, so the legitimacy of prospective self-clemency has never been tested in the justice system, and legal scholars are divided about whether the courts would recognize it. But they agree a presidential self-pardon could create a dangerous new precedent for presidents to unilaterally declare they are above the law and to insulate themselves from being held accountable for any crimes they committed in office.
The Syrian Democratic Forces have been hit by two attacks that left five dead and injured other reports SANA.

Unknown persons launched attacks against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Wednesday, killing five and injured others in two attacks in the Raqqa countryside.

Local sources told SANA that two SDF militants were killed and others were injured in attacks launched by unknown persons on Marouda checkpoint, which is controlled by the SDF, east of Hassakeh city.

A similar attack launched by unknown gunmen targeted an SDF military vehicle on the al-Mankhar road in Raqqas eastern countryside, killing three militants and injuring others, according to the same sources.

On Tuesday, two SDF militants were killed and others were injured after their cars and positions were targeted by unknown persons.

On a different note, local sources told SANA that in the framework of their criminal policies against residents of al-Hol Camp in Hassakehs eastern countryside, militants from the SDF kidnapped a number of civilians from different parts of the camp and took them to an unknown location. Residents of the camp live in tragic conditions due to the absence of the basic necessities and safety.

The insecurity and chaos continues inside al-Hol Camp, where the US and SDF hold thousands of families in tragic conditions amid the lack of services and healthcare. Last Sunday the body of a woman was discovered in the camp.

This article was 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.
Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Lee Nak-yon speaks during a Supreme Council meeting of the party at the National Assembly in Seoul, Wednesday. Some DPK members have recently brought up the issue of an additional round of relief funding to help revive the country's economy hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yonhap



By Jung Da-min



Debate has begun in political circles over the introduction of another round of emergency disaster relief handouts to revive the economy hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with several ruling bloc heavyweights talking about the need for across-the-board relief funds to ensure all people receive help.



To date, the government has provided relief funds twice, to all citizens in the first round in May and in the form of "selective" support for those hit hard directly by the virus outbreak such as small business owners and freelancers in the second round in September. A third round will be delivered this month, with those eligible set to receive the money starting next Monday.



Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Lee Nak-yon said in his New Year interviews with multiple media outlets that it would take some time for the economy to recover from the damage done by COVID-19 and the government should hasten recovery through financial aid.



"Through the third round of relief funding the government will provide a total of 9.3 trillion won ($85.4 billion) to 5.8 million people but we do not think it is enough," Lee said during a New Year interview with the Hankook Ilbo, the sister paper of The Korea Times, Dec. 31.



He said the ruling party would review giving out relief funds to all people to boost consumption if the COVID-19 situation gets better with the number of new virus cases decreasing, but would review another round of selective support if the pandemic situation does not improve in terms of the number of new infection cases.



Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also implied the possibility of funding that would be available to all people, and Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung welcomed the remarks of the prime minister and DPK chairman.



The main opposition People Power Party (PPP), however, criticized the ruling bloc for trying to use the relief fund as a means to win over voters ahead of April's mayoral by-elections.



The April by-elections are a pressing matter in politics with the mayoral posts of the country's two biggest cities, Seoul and Busan, remaining vacant following the suicide of Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon last July and the resignation of Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don last April.



PPP spokesman Bae Joon-young said Thursday that the DPK has brought up the issue of a fourth round of relief funds even before the third round of funding was provided, adding it showed the DPK's plan is not for the people but for itself to win popularity ahead of the by-elections.



"The DPK's sudden plan to give support funds to the people ahead of the by-elections is the same as declaring a plan to bribe voters.  They are planning to ridicule voters by returning the taxes paid by the people to the people," Bae said in a commentary.



Even if the ruling bloc decides on a fourth round of handouts, controversy is expected to continue especially on the financial soundness of the government as it would need to issue national bonds to fund the handouts.



According to a poll of 500 adults conducted on Wednesday by local pollster Realmeter, 68.1 percent of respondents said they support the idea of another relief fund handout to all people, while 30 percent said they do not support the idea.


Protesters gather outside the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Officials Declare US Capitol Secure After Police Disperse Protesters

Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to disperse protesters who had gathered outside the Capitol building to demonstrate against the way the 2020 election has been handled. A subgroup of rioters breached the building.

The rioters breached the Capitol building after breaking windows to enter as members of Congress were sitting during a joint session to count Electoral College votes.

In a struggle to get control of the situation, police began evacuating some congressional office buildings due to police activity. Some of these buildings include the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress. Lawmakers were also evacuated from the building, while some were told to shelter in place in their office.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House.

The U.S. Capitol Police begun dispersing protesters on Wednesday afternoon after the breach. One female draped in a Trump flag who was among the group who had broken into the Capitol was shot as she attempted to climb through a broken window on a door deeper into the building.

A police spokesman told news outlets that the woman has since died but declined to provide more details on her identity or more information on how the shooting took place.

Shocking claim: eye witness claims Trump supporter shot in the neck by authorities, after protesters entered the Capitol building pic.twitter.com/gqx788wlxK  Joshua Philipp (@JoshJPhilipp) January 6, 2021

The demonstrations occurred as Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers were convening the session, forcing both houses of Congress to halt.

Police were also using tear gas and percussion grenades in an attempt to disperse protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington that is set to begin at 6 p.m on Jan. 6 and end at 6 a.m. on Jan. 7.

Authorities were seen wearing gas masks as crowds were told to leave, amid pockets of violence that erupted on the Capitol grounds.

The Epoch Times reporter Bowen Xiao, who was at the scene, said some protesters began leaving the grounds after police came in. He said some protesters cited the curfew for leaving.

NOW: Police release teargas into crowd of people at top of Capitol: pic.twitter.com/vxk8ZHs4rC  Bowen Xiao (@BowenXiao_) January 6, 2021

President Donald Trump has called for peace and is urging the protesters to go home.

You have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order and great people in law [enforcement], Trump said in a video address, which was not allowed to be shared or liked on Twitter, despite Trump calling for non-violence. Twitter has since deleted the video.

I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now, he added.

The violence also has been condemned by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called the described violence as un-American, adding that he was disappointed at the way our country looks at this very moment.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) jointly called on Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol grounds immediately.

Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee Robert Contee has called the demonstrations a riot. He said that at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people arrested so far.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden condemned the protests, characterizing them as an insurrection that was bordering on sedition.

Press Secretary Kaleigh McEnany said in a statement that the president has authorized the National Guard to go to the U.S. Capitol.

The joint session in Congress is expected to extend for several hours as some Republican lawmakers are objecting to certifying electoral college votes in several disputed states over concerns of election irregularities and allegations of voter fraud.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Mainly clear. Low 51F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Mainly clear. Low 51F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
The Minority in Parliament is demanding the immediate withdrawal of some 6,000 security personnel, deployed by the government ahead of Thursday's inauguration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The Minority in a statement signed by the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, described the deployment as "a blatant misuse of the national security apparatus to advance narrow parochial partisan interests".





It also said it will hold President Akufo-Addo responsible if the security prevents any of its members from performing their duties in the House.



"We hold President Akufo-Addo as Commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and Chair of the National Security Council directly responsible for this unwarranted and reckless deployment. We shall hold him liable for any breach or obstruction in the discharge of our lawful functions," the statement said.



"The NDC caucus in Parliament demands the immediate withdrawal of this detachment of soldiers, police personnel and purported national security operatives.



"We shall continue to resist the mindless assault on the pillars of our constitutional democracy. Ghana is not a dictatorship. Those who seek to erode our democratic gains and usher us into a tyrannic dispensation would be fought and defeated.





"The NDC Parliamentary Caucus refuses to sit idle and allow the House of the Peoples Representatives to be taken hostage in scenes reminiscent of the recent state-sponsored thuggery witnessed at EC Collation Centres where similar invasions led to needless loss of lives and injuries.



"We are not a group to be intimidated by guns and might when we know we are on the side of the people, on the side of right, on the side of good conscience, on the side of justice and on the side of our national anthem which admonishes us to resist oppressors rule".



Read the entire statement below;





NDC CAUCUS IN PARLIAMENT CONDEMNS GESTAPO-STYLE SECURITY INVASION OF PARLIAMENT AND DEMANDS THEIR IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL



The NDC Caucus in Parliament notes with disgust and utter revulsion the heavy-handed and Gestapo-style invasion of the august House of Parliament by security personnel at the behest of the Akufo-Addo administration.





We strongly condemn the obvious creeping despotism and blatant misuse of the national security apparatus to advance narrow parochial partisan interests.



Parliaments in every democratic jurisdiction represent the bulwark of democratic freedoms and we insist that this excessive abuse of state power to intimidate Members of Parliament represents a desecration of our highly revered parliamentary democracy and a grave affront to the dignity of the legislative arm.



It is to uphold the universal tenets of good parliamentary democracy that our Standing Orders provide in Order 30:



The following acts or conduct shall constitute a breach of privilege or contempt of Parliament 



I) causing or effecting the arrest of a Member or officer of Parliament during the proceedings of Parliament or in the course of his duties;



J) molestation of Members or officers in connection with the performance of their duties in or out of Parliament;



L) attempted intimidation by threats of Members in the conduct of their duties.



We hold President Akufo-Addo as Commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and Chair of the National Security Council directly responsible for this unwarranted and reckless deployment. We shall hold him liable for any breach or obstruction in the discharge of our lawful functions.



The NDC caucus in Parliament demands the immediate withdrawal of this detachment of soldiers, police personnel and purported national security operatives.



We shall continue to resist the mindless assault on the pillars of our constitutional democracy. Ghana is not a dictatorship. Those who seek to erode our democratic gains and usher us into a tyrannic dispensation would be fought and defeated.



The NDC Parliamentary Caucus refuses to sit idle and allow the House of the Peoples Representatives to be taken hostage in scenes reminiscent of the recent state-sponsored thuggery witnessed at EC Collation Centres where similar invasions led to needless loss of lives and injuries.



We are not a group to be intimidated by guns and might when we know we are on the side of the people, on the side of right, on the side of good conscience, on the side of justice and on the side of our national anthem which admonishes us to resist oppressors rule.



Signed,

Haruna Iddrisu

Hon. MP, Tamale South

[Minority Leader of the 7th Parliament.]









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[January 07, 2021] BNP Paribas Appoints Credit Suisse Asset Management to Serve as Allocation Agent for the Multi-Factor Diversified Strategy Index

BNP Paribas, a premier global bank, announces today it has appointed the Quantitative Investment Strategies group of Credit Suisse Asset Management (CSAM QIS) to serve as the allocation agent for the CSAM QIS Dynamic Multi-Factor Diversified Strategy (the "DMD7") index. The DMD7 index seeks to provide diversified exposures across a range of mutually complementary systematic investment indices offered by BNP Paribas. It offers investors simple access to a portfolio diversifier, in a synthetic format (unfunded) that aims to generate attractive performance while being broadly uncorrelated with stocks and bonds. As a leader in the derivatives market, offering efficient trading and execution as well as high quality robust indices, BNP Paribas sponsors and calculates the DMD7 in accordance with its strong governance framework. CSAM QIS brings decades of experience designing and managing systematic investment strategies. CSAM QIS oversees the analysis and selection of BNP Paribas' underlying index components on behalf of DMD7, and actively manages DMD7's index component allocations and risk exposures. Yung-Shin Kung, Head and CIO of CSAM QIS commented, "We are thrilled to collaborate with BNP Paribas in developing diversification strategies. Simplifying access to unfunded solutions offering transparency, liquidity and cost efficiency is increasingly important in today's environment." "We're very happy to be partnering with Credit Suisse on a key development goal for our QIS platform," added Alexandre Billot, Quantitative Strategies & Solutions Sales, BNP Paribas. "As we continue to develop innovative and performing risk premia strategies in each asset class, covering various trading styles and objectives, we see a clear added-value in working closely with an expert team such as CSAM QIS to select the appropriate components and actively rebalance the portfolio. By combining our expertise, we expect the BNPXDMD7 to offer our clients and the market unique absolute returns." About BNP Paribas BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 71 countries, with approximately 199,000 employees, of which more than 151,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main activities: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services (whose retail-anking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors. The Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realize their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance.



In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the European leader in consumer lending. BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model in Mediterranean countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific.

About BNP Paribas in the USA BNP Paribas has built a strong and diversified presence in the United States to support its client base. The bank employs close to 14,000 people and has had a presence in the USA since the late 1800s. Bank of the West serves over 2 million individuals and small & businesses through a network of around 600 branches and business centers. Large corporate and institutional clients are serviced by BNP Paribas' Corporate & Institutional Banking franchise that has a presence in the main US cities, in addition to a global reach through a network of offices in EMEA and APAC. The bank also offers asset management services through BNP Paribas Asset Management as well as Real Estate and Fleet Services through partnerships. For more information please see www.usa.bnpparibas.com/en/. Important Legal Information "Credit Suisse" and "the Credit Suisse logo" are service marks of Credit Suisse Group AG or one of its affiliates (collectively, "Credit Suisse"). Credit Suisse has no relationship to the BNP Paribas Group, other than the provision of index allocation services with respect to the CSAM QIS Dynamic Multi-Factor Diversified Strategy and the licensing of its service marks for use in connection with the "CSAM QIS Dynamic Multi-Factor Diversified Strategy". BNP Paribas is the index sponsor and BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC is the index calculation agent with respect to the CSAM QIS Dynamic Multi-Factor Diversified Strategy. BNP Paribas is solely responsible for the issuance and sale of Products (as defined below) related to the BNP Paribas Index. "The CSAM QIS Dynamic Multi-Factor Diversified Strategy or any securities, investment funds, over-the-counter derivatives, products or other investment products linked to or referencing the CSAM QIS Dynamic Multi-Factor Diversified Strategy ("Products") are not in any way sponsored, endorsed, or promoted by Credit Suisse and Credit Suisse does not make any warranty or representation whatsoever, expressly or impliedly, either as to the results to be obtained from the use of the CSAM QIS Dynamic Multi-Factor Diversified Strategy ("the Index"), the figure or level at which the said Index stands at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise, or the advisability of or results to be obtained by investing in or trading any Products. Credit Suisse shall not be liable for the results obtained by investing in or trading the Products. The Index is compiled, maintained and calculated by the BNP Paribas Group to who Credit Suisse provides index allocation services. However, Credit Suisse shall not be liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error or omission in the Index or in the calculation of the Index and Credit Suisse shall not be under any obligation to advise any person of any errors or omissions therein." View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005181/en/

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In a move that many experts and public officials viewed as inevitable, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has rolled out a plan to legalize the adult use of marijuana in the Empire State.

As part of the annual State of the State Address, Cuomo on Wednesday proposed a new Office of Cannabis Management be formed to oversee an adult-use program, as well as the states existing medical and cannabinoid hemp programs.

He said the motivation for legalizing is two-fold: Generate revenue on the heels of statewide shutdowns to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), while also helping support individuals and communities of color that have been most harmed by decades of cannabis prohibition.

Once fully implemented, legalization is expected to generate more than $300 million in tax revenue, according to a press release from the governors office.

The sale of marijuana products would be relegated to adults who are at least 21 years old. Safety controls would include strict regulation of the packaging, labeling, advertising and testing of all cannabis products, the press release reads.

Under the plan, licensing opportunities and other assistance would be offered to entrepreneurs in communities of color who have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.

Despite the many challenges New York has faced amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also created a number of opportunities to correct longstanding wrongs and build New York back better than ever before, Cuomo said.Not only will legalizing and regulating the adult-use cannabis market provide the opportunity to generate much-needed revenue, but it also allows us to directly support the individuals and communities that have been most harmed by decades of cannabis prohibition.

In 2018, the Department of Health, under Cuomos direction, conducted a multi-agency study that concluded that the positive impacts of legalizing adult use of the drug outweighed the negatives. It also stated that prohibition of the drug for several decades in the U.S. failed to achieve public health and safety goals, while also leading to unjust arrests and convictions  particularly in communities of color.

Cuomo then signed legislation in 2019 to decriminalize unlawful possession, while also initiating a process to expunge records for certain marijuana convictions.

Adult use of marijuana has been legalized in 16 states, in addition to the District of Columbia. There only are six states in which neither recreational nor medical use are legal.

Across the border in New Jersey, an active marijuana industry is still months, if not a year, from becoming a reality.

Once officially signed into law, Staten Islanders would be able to cross the border and shop for THC products. The minimum age to partake would be 21. If dispensaries open while the drug remains illegal in New York, residents would be in violation of state law upon re-entering the borough.

In March, Staten Islands first medical marijuana dispensary opened its doors to customers. Delivery services already were an option for patients who meet the states requirements for a prescription.
When Donald Trump told gathered supporters in D.C. Wednesday afternoon that were going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, and were going to the Capitol, they didnt wait. They started to march right away.

Even as Trump continued to speak, I watched them begin to peel off, first a few, and then hundreds. One guy looked at me taking photographs and said, Its almost over. We have to get to the Capitol!

They moved quickly. The mood had been lighter earlier in the day, like a Trump-themed Comic-Con. But it darkened fast. Under banners like GOD, GUNS, GUTS & GLORY, protestersI was still thinking of them as protesters, not rioters, at that pointscreamed at counterprotesters along the side of the street, calling them cheaters and breaking into a steady, robotic chant of TRUMP WON! TRUMP WON!

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As we got closer to the Capitol steps, there was some excitement: Fellow marchers had breached the building, people said. I wasnt sure what that meant. As we got closer, though, I saw these marchers ripping open doors and climbing through windows. When I got to the doors, police had managed to close them again. There was a core group of young people at the very front, just outside, trying to force their way in.

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There were a few cops, but not nearly enough. As I approached the door, I identified myself as press, and one cop started using my body to push people behind me backward. I heard one say to the other, The best we can do is slow them down. I rolled around them and walked straight in.

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Directly inside, I saw no cops. As Dont Stop Believin  blared from a speaker somewhere, large crowds chanted USA! USA! A man screamed about the American peoples will. The entryway was already messed up. Rioters were smashing the windows, and there was wooden furniture piled up and destroyed. I saw a man in a conference room with his feet up. He and his friends were smoking weed, and when we clocked each other, they offered me a joint.

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In another room, people were lounging and rummaging through furniture. They put up stickers and scrawled slogans like Trump Won and Our House. Some invited me to take their picture. One young guy put his feet up on one of the desks, posed, and told me, Yeah, this is my desk. I paid for this.

At one point, Im pretty sure I saw Gavin McInnes, the Proud Boys founder, strolling around inside in military-style gear. Others seemed to notice too: I heard murmurs of Hey, its Gavin. (Update, Jan. 7, 2021: McInnes says he was in New York on Wednesday and added: I was adamantly against this rally from day one.) Not long after, a Boogaloo Boy who wouldnt give me his name shouted at me about currency and the Federal Reserve.

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The mood was giddy, but it was chaos. Everyone was excited. People were chanting, This is our America, and Whose house? Our house! They were having fun, entertaining themselves. The priority seemed to be to have their friends take selfies with them inside the Capitol.

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The people I managed to speak to didnt seem to understand the gravity of what they had done. Inside a building they had broken into, they described themselves as peaceful to me. I talked to a kid from Florida, who must have been no more than 17 or 18. He told me, This is nothing compared to what antifa does. I said, Look, theyre breaking the glass. He answered, Yeah, but at least theyre not destroying the things. I showed him pictures of things destroyed. It didnt register. On the way up, there was a woman holding a sign saying, If we were leftists, we would be rioting.

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Even amid the fun, there were some very aggressive rioters. People shouted fake news and attacked journalists. I saw a group of people scream at a female journalist who had an accent, Get out of my country! I got away with only one woman incensed I took her picture. I kept the picture and walked away. (I later learned that police shot and killed a woman inside, and there are frightening videos of rioters storming different parts of the building, but I wasnt there for either incident.)

Eventually, I did see some cops inside. They seemed to be standing by, waiting for orders. Ive been to plenty of protests in the past year, and let me tell you: They dont usually wait for orders. Ive never seen anything like it. There was a guy smoking a cigarette, and a cop actually walked over, gently placed his hand on the guys shoulder, and asked him to put it out. And that was it.

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Eventually, word must have come down. The cops started to smack through crowds with their batons and push them back. They pepper-sprayed people. Eventually, the officers retook the concourse outside the House side of the Capitol by using percussion grenades and tear gas. They had a fire extinguisher that appeared to be filled with pepper spray that they would explode in peoples faces to keep them outside. By then, rioters were using barricades to try to smash back through the doors. They were trashing the place.

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Outside again, people were livid with the police. They chanted Traitors! and told them, We had your back. Were on your side! But the cops just stood there solemnly in their riot gear.

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I heard from a Slate colleague barricaded inside the building with other reporters who had been covering the Electoral College certification process that he was being moved out, maybe ahead of more police action. I decided it was time to leave. Like some other rioters, I walked away, and no one seemed to care. On my way out, I saw a guy pissing on the Capitol building. A cop in riot gear shot him in the face with what looked like a pepper ball.

Moments after I left the grounds, I heard commotion and saw the flash of another percussion grenade. The police were finally shutting it down for good.

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London: Leaders around the world condemned the storming of the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, expressing shock at the chaos unfolding in a country they once relied upon for global leadership.

"Disgraceful scenes in US Congress," tweeted Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, a staunch ally of the United States over generations. ''The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.''

Other allies were similarly appalled at what they described as an attack on American democracy, though some said they believed US Democratic institutions would withstand the turmoil. Some leaders singled out Trump for harsh criticism.

"Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling on democracy,'' German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas wrote on Twitter.

"From inflammatory words come violent deeds.'' He added that ''contempt for democratic institutions has disastrous effects.'' ''The beauty of democracy'' with a shrug emoji was the reaction tweeted by Bashir Ahmad, a personal assistant to the president of Nigeria, which has seen several coups since independence, including one led decades ago by President Muhammadu Buhari, who most recently entered the office via a vote.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera and Colombian President Ivan Duque were among those in Latin America who denounced the protesters, but both also said they were confident that American democracy and the rule of law would prevail.

''In this sad episode in the US, supporters of fascism showed their real face: anti-democratic and aggressive,'' tweeted Luis Roberto Barroso, Brazilian Supreme Court justice and the head of the country's electoral court.

He said he hoped ''American society and institutions react with vigor to this threat to democracy.'' Venezuela, which is under US sanctions, said the events in Washington show that the US is suffering what it has generated in other countries with its politics of aggression.''

Venezuelan President Nicol's Maduro has survived US-backed opposition efforts to oust him despite accusations of human rights abuses, civil unrest and a humanitarian crisis that has forced millions to flee the oil-rich country.

In Puerto Rico, many people took to social media and joked that the US territory no longer wanted statehood. Independence, they said, looked appealing for the first time in decades.

In fact, it was that pursuit of independence that marked one of the last times the US Congress was stormed violently. Four members of Puerto Ricos Nationalist Party opened fire on the House floor in March 1954, wounding five lawmakers.

Italians watched the events with shock, having always considered the US To be the model of democracy and the country that rescued Italy after its fascist descent during World War II.

"This is the widely anticipated outcome of Trumpism,'' tweeted a retired Italian center-left politician, Pierluigi Castagnetti. And unfortunately, it won't end today. When politics is replaced by deception and fanaticism of the people the drift is inevitable.

European Parliament President David Sassoli, who leads one of the largest legislatures in the world, also denounced the scenes at the Capitol.

The European Union has spent four cantankerous years dealing with the Trump administration, and its top officials have repeatedly said they are looking forward to a better relationship under President-elect Joe Biden.

"This is insurrection. Nothing less. In Washington,'' tweeted Carl Bildt, a former prime minister of Sweden.' Turkey, a NATO ally that has sometimes been at odds with Washington, expressed concern over the images of angry Trump supporters trying to thwart the certification of Biden as the new president. The chaos forced lawmakers to be rushed from the building.

A Turkish Foreign Ministry statement urged all parties in the United States to use ''moderation and common sense.'' ''We believe that the United States will overcome this domestic political crisis with maturity,'' the ministry said.

The ministry statement also urged Turkish citizens in the United States to stay away from crowds and demonstrations. Trump issued a restrained call for peace well after the melee was underway but did not immediately ask supporters to disperse. Later, he urged them to go home and called them ''very special people."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country was ''deeply disturbed" by the events in the US, Canada's closest ally and neighbor. "Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld and it will be,'' Trudeau tweeted.

Volkan Bozkir, president of the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, said he was saddened by the developments. But, he tweeted, ''I believe that peace & respect for democratic processes will prevail in our host country at this critical time.''

Polish President Andrzej Duda, who twice visited Trump at the White House and hosted him in Poland, said on Twitter that his country had ''full confidence in the power of American democracy.''

The Russian beauty queen who married the former Malaysian King has defied orders of his powerful family to share pictures of her 18-month-old son on Instagram as a paternity battle rages on.

Oksana Voevodina, 28, shared a sweet image of her and her son on her Instagram account this week.

It comes as Oksana and her former husband the Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan are at war after their ill-fated and short-lived marriage.

The couple married in 2018 before divorcing just a year later.

Oksana Voevodina, 28, shared a sweet image of her and her son on her Instagram account

Oksana and her former husband the Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan are at war after their ill-fated and short-lived marriage

The former spouses are locked in a bitter battle over a financial settlement and over the paternity of her 18-months-old son, Leon, with the Sultan, 50, who denies that the child is his.

This week, Oksana took to the image sharing platform to post a picture of her with her son to her 595,000 followers.

In the caption, she wrote: 'We all want our wishes to be fulfilled. By themselves or with someone's help.

'This year I decided to start differently and change the position of expectation to action.

Oksana Voevodina with her then husband, Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan. The couple were married in a low-key Islamic ceremony in Malaysia in June 2018

Oksana Voevodina and her son Leon. The Sultan denies the child is his but Oksana said she is ready to take a DNA test

Oksana is pictured with her son Leon, left and right, who is now 18 months old

'So, my dears, the first thing I did was fulfill your wish-Leon appeared in the profile again.'

Oksana was reportedly put under pressure by the Royal family to stop showing images of him online.

Soon after the then monarch used Islamic law to divorce her and the couple are now in a bitter financial battle.

The palace claimed she refused twice to have a DNA test on the child, something she denies, stressing she is ready anytime.

She has told the former monarch that the baby is 'a copy of you' and is ready for a DNA test.

Her son was conceived on a romantic Australian royal holiday after their secret Islamic wedding in 2018, she said.

Oksana Voevodina, 27 with her former husband, ex-King of Malaysia Tengku Muhammad V Faris Petra

Oksana has told the former monarch that the baby is 'a copy of you' and is ready for a DNA test

Oksana Voevodina (right outside a mosque) and (left) with her son Leon at three months old

The 27-year-old model is known to be consulting London lawyers over the row and is examining new ways to push her claim.

The English-educated sultan quit the Malaysian throne one year ago after controversy over his secret wedding to the former Miss Moscow.

He has not publicly acknowledged the boy as his son nor met the child.

But a leaked draft divorce settlement offer from his lawyers made longterm financial provision for the boy - as long as he was raised a Muslim and never contacted the ex-king. She rejected the package.

She has accused the sultan of shutting out his son conceived in love during their short marriage before walking out on her.

Meanwhile she has restarted her modelling and marketing career, recently featuring in a video from five star hotel Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre.
UN Watch reveals top 10 human rights abusers of 2020

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Human rights group U.N. Watch announced its list of 2020s worst human rights abusers and topping the list is China.

China herded 1 million Uighurs into camps, jailed human rights activists, crushed Tibet, silenced courageous men and women who sounded the alarm on the coronaviruslike Dr. Li Wenliang and citizen journalist Zhang Zhanand suffocated freedom in Hong Kong, the nonprofit group, which is "dedicated to holding the United Nations accountable to its founding principles," said.

Ten nations were listed for torturing, imprisoning and starving their own citizens. They were also called out for killing political dissidents and persecuting people for religious reasons.

Behind China, the list includes Iran, Cameroon, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Turkey, North Korea, and Russia, respectively.

The ideological motivations for human rights abuses in these countries differ. North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba and China are Communist or socialist states. Zimbabwe, Russia, Turkey, and Cameroon are ruled by autocratic leaders who hold onto power using violence. Saudi Arabia and Iran are Islamic theocracies.

Despite the human rights abuses, all the countries are members of the U.N. Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, Cameroon and China currently serve on the U.N. Human Rights Council.

The U.N. has not passed resolutions in 2020 to condemn human rights abuses in China, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Cuba, Turkey, Pakistan, Vietnam and Algeria. It has, however, found time to pass resolutions against Israel 17 times in the same year, U.N. Watch has argued.

The U.N. Watch offered a list of reasons why the countries were human rights abusers:
Sparks are expected to fly in the final session of the present Kerala Assembly commencing on Friday with the opposition Congress-led UDF set to attack the CPI(M)-led Left Front government on various issues including corruption allegations.

Adhering to strict Covid-19 protocols, the Assembly session will commence with the customary address by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.

The Assembly had recently met for a one-day special session on December 31 and passed a unanimous resolution seeking scrapping of the three contentious farm laws passed by the centre.

Though the Governor had at first turned down the Left governments plea to convene the House on December 23 for discussing the agri laws, against which farmers have been agitating on Delhi borders for over a month, the session was held on December 31 after the clarifications sought by him were furnished.

The last budget of the CPI(M)-led LDF government, which would be vote on account, will be presented by Finance Minister Thomas Isaac on January 15.

The session will conclude on January 28.

The LDF government, which is hoping to break the jinx and ride back to power for a second term, is expected to line up new proposals and projects for the states development, launch people-friendly schemes, besides announcing sops for various sections with an eye on the assembly elections due by April-May this year.

The opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) will ensure that the final session will not be a cakewalk for the LDF and will hit out at the government on various issues, including the gold smuggling case in which M Sivasankar, former Principal Secretary of Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, now under suspension, is among the accused.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala told P T I that the UDF will expose the government in this last session.

This is the most corrupt government, he alleged.

Besides the gold smuggling case, irregularities in the Life Mission project at Wadakancherry are among the various corruption allegations which are likely to be raised by the opposition, which has already served a notice seeking removal of the Speaker, P Sreeramakrishnan after his name cropped up in the smuggling case.

Assembly sources said all arrangements have been made for the legislators to undergo antigen testing from 7 AM at the Assembly premises on January 8, 11 and 18.

The members, who will be provided N-95 masks and gloves, will undergo thermal scanning before entering the House.
City officials and Boston Capital on Thursday officially announced an agreement for the multifamily housing investment company to purchase the Table Talk Pies building on Washington Street in Worcester.

The announcement comes a day after MassLive reported that Boston Capital had emerged as a frontrunner and a deal was very close to being finalized.

Rich Mazzocchi of Boston Capital announced the purchase and sale agreement during a virtual press conference on Thursday that included Mayor Joseph Petty, City Manager Edward Augustus Jr., District 2 City Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, and Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Tim Murray. The press conference also announced plans for a bowling alley, pizza restaurant and more housing units in the Canal District.

Were very excited to be working with the city and working with the community to create what we think will be a really transformational development in an area that is the fastest growing areas within the city, Mazzocchi said.

The current home of Table Talk Pies will transform into a mixed-use complex, Mazzocchi said.

The residential units will include affordable housing and market rate units, Mazzocchi said. The first phase will be located at the corner of Madison and Washington Streets. The current design involves a six-story, L-shaped building that contains about 80 units. The units will be one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. The $36 million first phase will be completely affordable housing.

Table Talk Pies expects to move into its new facility in the Main South neighborhood in Worcester by the end of August. It expects its Kelley Square facility to be empty by the end of the year. Boston Capital expects to break ground in 2022.

As part of the agreement, the Table Talk Pies Pie Store will remain on Green Street.

Weve been having conversations with the community and various representatives in the community. Well continue to do so, Mazzocchi said. Its been a collaborative effort to date and we envision it continuing to go that way as we move through the process.

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In the wake of the insurrection at the US Capitol on Wednesday, lawmakers and members of the public are asking why the police response to the incursion appeared lax, particularly in comparison to Black Lives Matter marches over the summer.

On Thursday, Joe Biden gave a press briefing in which he acknowledged that Black Lives Matters supporters would have been treated very differently than the domestic terrorists supporting Donald Trump that stormed the building.

No one can tell me that had it been a group of Black Lives Matter protesting yesterday, they wouldn't have been treated very, very differently than the mob of thugs that stormed the Capitol, he said.

The house speaker, Nancy Pelosi, has called for the resignation of Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund following the attack. A spokesperson for Mr Sund said he has no plans to step down.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he plans to fire Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mike Stenger when the Democrats take control of the Senate later this month, and Ms Pelosi said House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving would also be resigning.

Ohio Rep Tim Ryan agreed with the criticism, and said he planned to get to the bottom of why the Capitol polices response appeared so unprepared for the assault.

Mr Ryan said initial video from the event suggested there were strategic mistakes from the very beginning that were made by the Capitol police responding to the attack.

Videos from the initial surge of protesters show masses of protesters approaching waist-high metal gates manned by a few officers. The protesters begin shoving on the gates, and men dressed in black jump into the fray, who begin shoving the gates and grabbing and fighting with police officers.

Other videos show officers opening the gates to allow the crowd in, and in one case, an officer posing for a selfie with one of the protesters at the doors of the Capitol building.

Mr Ryan promised there would be imminent firings at the Capitol police.

I think its pretty clear that theres going to be a number of people who are going to be without employment very, very soon, Mr Ryan said, because this is an embarrassment  both on behalf of the mob and the president, and the insurrection and the attempted coup, but also the lack of professional planning and dealing with what we knew was going to occur.

The Capitol police released its first statement about the incursion on Thursday afternoon.

The statement said that rioters attacked the Capitol police while storming the building, and said that officers were simultaneously responding to a pair of suspected bombs at the RNC and DNC headquarters. It also said the officer who shot and killed a rioter, Ashli Babbitt, has been placed on administrative leave per the agency's protocols.

The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol was unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington DC. Maintaining public safety in an open environment  specifically for First Amendment activities  has long been a challenge. The USCP had a robust plan established to address anticipated First Amendment activities. But make no mistake  these mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior, the statement said.

The statement did not address the videos showing officers opening gates for rioters or posing for photos with them.

There were 52 arrests made by DC Metro Police in the hours following the insurrection, even after the 6pm curfew in Washington DC began.

In comparison, there were more than 200 arrests made on 1 June alone during George Floyd protests in the city.

Critics of the police response have pointed out the disparity in police response between racial justice protesters and the Trump loyalists. In photos from the racial justice demonstrations, riot-gear clad National Guard and federal police can be seen in Freedom Plaza in Washington DC.

Others pointed to the infamous images of protesters being tear gassed by National Guard and US National Parks police to make room for Mr Trump to pose with an upside down Bible for a rally image.

Even Republicans have criticised the police response. Senator Lindsey Graham expressed shock at the security failure at the building, and went as far as calling for lethal force to have been used against the rioters.

How could they fail so miserably? Were 20 years from 9/11. Yesterday they could have blown the building up. They could have killed us all. They could have destroyed the government, Mr Graham told Politico. Warning shots should have been fired. Lethal force should have been used once they penetrated the seat of government.

Mr Graham has referred to the rioters as domestic terrorists.

Former US secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, told Channel 4 News that the law enforcement response was inadequate and ill planned.

Its very clear to me from a law enforcement perspective this was botched from the get-go, she said.

Former US Capitol Police Chief Terrance Gainer told NBC News he believed the breach was caused by a lack of personnel on the scene at the time of the incursion.

Sometimes when you dont have enough personnel, you can't stand and fight a large crowd like that, he said.

The US Capitol police has a force of 2,300 police. It is unclear how many were on duty the day of the insurrection
Thousands of empty conch shells line the shores of the Caribbean. Credit: Megan Davis

With an estimated lifespan between 25 to 40 years, the queen conch (Strombus gigas) is a prized delicacy long harvested for food and is revered for its beautiful shell. Second only to the spiny lobster, it is one of the most important benthic fisheries in the Caribbean region. Unfortunately, the species faces a challenge of survival: how to endure and thrive, as populations are in a steady state of decline from overfishing, habitat degradation and hurricane damage. In some places, the conch populations have dwindled so low that the remaining conch cannot find breeding partners. This dire situation is urgent in ecological and economic terms.

To preserve this most significant molluscan fishery in the Caribbean, a scientist from Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has dedicated more than four decades of research into the science and art of growing queen conch. Her latest contributionan 80-page, step-by-step user manual that provides complete illustrations and photos of how to culture queen conch. The "Queen Conch Aquaculture: Hatchery and Nursery Phases User Manual," was recently published in the National Shellfisheries Association's Journal of Shellfish Research.

The manual is a deliverable of the Puerto Rico Saltonstall-Kennedy National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries grant, which is a two-year collaboration and project with Conservacion Conciencia, the Naguabo Commercial Fishing Association and fishers in Puerto Rico.

"I wrote this edition for the Puerto Rican fishers of the Naguabo Fishing Association who are learning to operate the Naguabo Queen Conch Hatchery and Nursery," said Megan Davis, Ph.D., author and a research professor of aquaculture and stock enhancement, FAU's Harbor Branch, who collaborated with Victoria Cassar, a science communicator who designed the manual. "However, the majority of the information presented in this new manual can be applied to other queen conch hatchery and nursery projects to produce conch for sustainable seafood, conservation and restoration."

Megan Davis, Ph.D., shows queen conch at various developmental stages in The Bahamas. Credit: H. Forrest Thomas

Last year, Davis teamed up with Conservacion ConCiencia in Puerto Rico to assist with stock enhancement fisheries of the queen conch. The goal: to produce up to 2,000 queen conch juveniles in a fishers-operated aquaculture facility for release into conch juvenile habitats. The Saltonstall-Kennedy NOAA-funded project includes aiding sustainable fisheries practices through aquaculture. The team is working with the fishery communities, utilizing the commercial Fishing Association's working waterfront for conch aquaculture infrastructure, helping provide diversified incomes for the fishery communities, promoting aquaculture practices, and ensuring the conch population is available for future fishing and food security through aquaculture and restoration.

"Aquaculture, along with conservation of breeding populations and fishery management, are ways to help ensure longevity of the species," said Davis. "Our queen conch aquaculture project in Puerto Rico will serve as a model to ensure that conch populations are available for future fishing and to aid food security for Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the Caribbean region."

With requests for queen conch mariculture know-how coming from many communities throughout the Caribbean including The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Curacao, Antigua, and Turks and Caicos Islands, and with the recent release of this manual, Davis and partners are expanding their Caribbean-wide queen conch conservation, education and restorative mariculture program.

Video shows the various developmental stages of the queen conch from eggs to larvae to tiny juveniles in a controlled environment and later in the wild in the Caribbean. Second only to the spiny lobster, the queen conch (Strombus gigas) is a prized delicacy long harvested for food and is revered for its beautiful shell. Credit: FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute; Michiel van Nierop; and Bo Boudart Production.

Desired outcomes include establishing protected areas where conch breeding populations can spawn egg masses for future populations; raising queen conch for education, conservation, restoration and sustainable seafood through the establishment of in-classroom, research, pilot-scale or commercial size hatcheries; and locating protected habitats to release hatchery-reared juvenile conch to help repopulate seagrass beds to rebuild conch stocks.

"Forty years of queen conch mariculture research and pilot-scale to commercial application conducted by Dr. Davis holds promise as a way of addressing this critical situation with the queen conch through community-based solutions," said James Sullivan, Ph.D., executive director of FAU's Harbor Branch. "There are no other mariculture labs with the knowledge and capacity that she brings to the table to tackle the plight of the queen conch."

This new, in-depth manual will be used to support the eLearning platform that includes place-based experiential activities and workshops that can be accessed by anyone, which is featured in FAU Harbor Branch's crowd funding initiative, Save the Queen of the Sea.

Explore further Declining queen conch populations are fragmented and that's changing the conservation game

More information: Megan Davis et al, Queen Conch Aquaculture: Hatchery and Nursery Phases, Journal of Shellfish Research (2021). Megan Davis et al, Queen Conch Aquaculture: Hatchery and Nursery Phases,(2021). DOI: 10.2983/035.039.0319

Gardai are continuing to search an area where human remains were discovered by workmen in Co Cork.

It is understood that investigators believe the skull has been there for many years.

Workers discovered the remains at around 4.30pm on Tuesday while clearing an area around Roxborough, which is being developed into a greenway.

The route is part of the former Midleton to Youghal railway track.

Garda sealed off both sides of Shanty Path to allow investigators to carry out their work.

Expand Close Gardai are searching for further remains in the area (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook

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Workers wearing hi-visibility vests could be seen carrying out a fingertip search of a wide, cordoned-off area close to a forest.

Gardai are searching for further remains which may be in the area.

Assistant state pathologist Margaret Bolster was to visit the scene on Wednesday.

In a statement gardai said: Gardai are investigating the discovery of suspected skeletal remains following an excavation that was taking place in Roxborough near Midleton in Co Cork at approximately 4.30pm on Tuesday.

Gardai have since sealed off the area to allow for a technical examination which is taking place on Wednesday.

The coroner has been notified and the state pathologist has been requested to attend the scene.

The outcome of the examinations will determine the course of the investigation.

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[January 07, 2021] Ehave, Inc. Partners with Cognitive Apps to Add Artificial Intelligence-Powered Mental Health Analytical Platform for Psychedelic Use in G20 Countries

MIAMI, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ehave, Inc. (OTC Pink: EHVVF) (the Company), a leader in digital therapeutics, announced today the Company has signed a partnership agreement with Cognitive Apps Software Solutions Inc. (Cognitive Apps) https://cogapps.com/index.html for its Artificial Intelligence- (AI) based Workforce Mental Health Analytical Platform. The terms of the agreement provide Ehave with the rights to exclusively offer the Cognitive Solutions platform to all psychedelic applications and endeavors in the G20 countries.

Ehave will offer psychedelic companies the AI-based platform as a means of providing actionable insights into the workforce dynamics and mental health of its employees and patients. The platform provides instant, data-driven and actionable insight into the workforce dynamics and mental health of employees and patients. The tool is in the form of an app, which was designed by an MD and PhD-qualified psychiatrist using diagnostic techniques approved by the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization. The app is an AI-controlled mental health monitoring tool based on voice tone and context analysis of an employee or patient's 5-second audio or text messages daily to analyze his or her tone and emotional state. The platform is based on Apple HealthKit and GoogleFit for data processing and background mental health monitoring, considering factors like physical activity, surrounding noise, work-life balance and sleep. Employee data is not stored but instantly deleted after the analysis and all storage and data solutions are HIPAA and GDPR-compliant. Todays healthcare providers need to find new ways to connect with their patients and improve processes across the continuum of care. Having access to a complete patient history pulled from multiple sources is the first step on the journey to better communication, higher productivity and improved patient outcomes. The Workforce Mental Health Analytical Platform designed by Cognitive Apps addresses this problem for mental health disorders in both hospitals and clinics. As a pioneer in psychedelics, Ehave intends to distribute and deploy this advanced speech-based AI technology in all the G20 countries. By providing this disruptive technology to clinical researchers, academic researchers, clinical surveys, retract clinics, and various mental health clinics, the Company plans to set a new standard for both research and clinical settings in the psychedelic space. Cognitive Apps has filed an FDA pre-market notification 510 (k) process to make this solution a part of clinical workflow in modern mental health care facilities across the world. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/premarket-submissions/premarket-notification-510k. A technical study done by MIT and Harvard Medical School on speech-based AI technology to diagnose mental health disorders can be found here https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lio2.354. Additionally, a link to a study done by the American Psychological Association can be found here a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=3BzfUz98NtimTwZQ3jfNRt7VsjK1QopRsyz33h7S68f5LMBv4qtD55pz3oYKRNJjLhMPwEo4ZpQBnyTC7mKSLkEWgyPtBhF3xD11lfxN5EYNpp1bTaYxarRtS-nurINe7WBwnk_SCRMBiKAga37elg==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/1999-03346-006.



Dr. Manideep Gopishetty, CEO of Cognitive Apps Software Solutions Inc., said, "Information and technology is the lifeblood of modern medicine, and our technology is destined to be the circulatory system of information." Dr. Reddy continued, We chose to partner with Ehave because we want to disrupt the way data is captured and measured for various mental health disorders in modern healthcare. Ehave CEO Ben Kaplan said, Shareholders and potential investors are encouraged to do a deep dive into the capabilities of what Cognitive Apps' platform can accomplish. Employers will be able to determine if any employee or patient is near the red zonestress, exhaustion or increased risk of depression. Our goal is to help mental healthcare professionals and individuals stop life-threatening behavior before it happens."

The Yuru  stress test & self-care app by Cognitive Apps Software Solutions Inc. is available on the Apple Store at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yuru-stress-test-self-care/id1502398978. Additional Ehave Inc. Information We are truly grateful for the support of EHVVF shareholders! Please join the conversation on our Ehave supporters' telegram group at https://t.me/EhaveInc. The company posts important information and updates through weekly videos from the official company YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnyW1mgMd0qmYkEMq3O6FWA. Please follow Ehave on Twitter @Ehaveinc1 About Ehave, Inc. Ehave, Inc. (EHVVF) is a leader in digital therapeutics and developer of KetaDASH, a home delivery platform for patients who have been prescribed Ketamine infusions. Our primary focus is on improving the standard care in therapeutics to prevent or treat brain disorders or diseases through the use of digital therapeutics, independently or together, with medications, devices, and other therapies to optimize patient care and health outcomes. The Ehave Telemetry Portal is a mental health informatics platform that allows clinicians to make objective and intelligent decisions through data insights. The Ehave Infinity Portal offers a powerful machine learning and artificial intelligence platform with a growing set of advanced tools and applications developed by Ehave and its leading partners. This empowers patients, healthcare providers, and payers to address a wide range of conditions through high quality, safe, and effective data-driven involvement with intelligent and accessible tools. Ehave also owns 75.77% of psychedelic company 20/20 Globals outstanding shares. Additional information on Ehave can be found on the Companys website at: www.ehave.com. About Cognitive Apps Software Solutions Inc. Mental health disorders and other cognitive impairments are hampered by our ability to identify at-risk groups before the onset of clinically significant symptoms. Cognitive apps are addressing this problem by pioneering a speech-based AI technology that could help accurately predict risk for various types of depressions and mood, anxiety-based and psychotic disorders years before a clinical diagnosis is obtained. Our technology can help detect and monitor subtle changes in mental health by assessing individuals more frequently and more objectively than the assessments used today. https://cogapps.com/index.html Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be preceded by the words intends, may, will, plans, expects, anticipates, projects, predicts, estimates, aims, believes, hopes, potential or similar words. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: (i) the initiation, timing, progress and results of the Companys research, manufacturing and other development efforts; (ii) the Companys ability to advance its products to successfully complete development and commercialization; (iii) the manufacturing, development, commercialization, and market acceptance of the Companys products; (iv) the lack of sufficient funding to finance the product development and business operations; (v) competitive companies and technologies within the Companys industry and introduction of competing products; (vi) the Companys ability to establish and maintain corporate collaborations; (vii) loss of key management personnel; (viii) the scope of protection the Company is able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering its products and its ability to operate its business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; (ix) potential failure to comply with applicable health information privacy and security laws and other state and federal privacy and security laws; and (x) the difficulty of predicting actions of the USA FDA and its regulations. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement unless required by law. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in Ehave, Inc.s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 24, 2015, as amended, which is available on the SEC's website, http://www.sec.gov. For Investor Relations, please contact: Gabe Rodriguez Phone: (623) 261-9046 Email: erelationsgroup@gmail.com



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Washington: Jerry Daniele believes things that arent true. He is confident, for example, that Donald Trump received 75 per cent of the vote in the November election  the largest share of the popular vote of any candidate in modern US history.

The fact the official results show Trump won only 47 per cent of the vote is because of rampant fraud committed by Democrats in multiple states, Daniele says.

Trump supporters Michelle and Jerry Daniele believe Democrats stole the presidential election. Credit:Matthew Knott

"This was not an election  this was a soft coup," Daniele says. He believes truckloads of illegal ballots for Joe Biden were shipped into key swing states on election night, depriving Trump of his rightful victory.

Daniele and wife Michelle flew six hours from their home in New Mexico to Washington on Thursday (AEDT) to join tens of thousands of Trump supporters at a protest against the looming certification of Joe Biden's election victory.
This week: Pitkin Countys front line workers are eligible for the COVID19 vaccine, but can your employer require you to get vaccinated? Also a look at the two back-to-back worldwide ski events Aspen is hosting beginning March 10. Host Alycin Bektesh is joined by Madeleine Osberger, Erica 
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
[January 07, 2021] GBLT Corp. Signs Follow-On 770,000 Order with One of Europe's Largest Retailers for Thermometers

TORONTO and DUEREN, Germany, Jan. 7, 2021 /CNW/ - GBLT Corp. (TSXV: GBLT) (OTCQB: GBLTF) (FSE: 4G9) ("GBLT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that one of Europe's largest retailers has placed a second order of 770,000 for Dr. Senst thermometers, to be delivered in February 2021. This large retailer has now ordered a total of 1.47 million Dr. Senst branded thermometers with revenue to be recognized by GBLT in Q1'21. This follow-on order is for retail locations in another European region that was not included in the initial order. The Company continues to anticipate additional follow-on orders from this client as GBLT is able to deliver additional units to regions that are not currently carrying the Dr. Senst brand. GBLT continues to deliver masks to this retailer and retailers throughout Europe. "We are pleased to announce this follow-on order from one of Europe's largest retailers, further cementing GBLT as a trusted partner of this company," stated Dr. Thilo Senst, CEO of GBLT. "This is only the second region that we will be delivering our thermometer solution for this retailer and believe we will continue to add locations throughout the course of this year, given the strong demand we are seeing. As countries around Europe enter second waves of lockdowns and on the heels of new variants of COVID-19, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be important for front-line workers ut also the general public. Accordingly, we believe demand for the Dr. Senst brand will continue to grow over the coming year and well into the future as we enter a new normal, where PPE will become part of everyday life."



About GBLT: GBLT Corp., through its operating company, GBT GmbH, designs, manufactures and supplies mobile storage, battery and personal protection equipment to some of the largest retail chains across the globe. GBT is also an official licensee for Kodak mobile storage systems and AGFAPHOTO mobile energy products. The Company's personal protection equipment is primarily sold throughout Europe under Dr. Senst brand, which is owned and operated by GBT GmbH.

For more information, please visit www.gbt-international.com and www.gbltcorp.com. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release, which are not historical in nature, constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of that phrase under applicable Canadian securities law. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements or information concerning the Company's proposed activities under the Agreement, the Company's ability to achieve sales, commercial or otherwise, from its products, and the expectations of the Company regarding funding payments due pursuant to the Agreement. These statements reflect management's current assumptions and expectations and by their nature are subject to certain underlying assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Except as required pursuant to applicable securities laws, the Company will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by the Company. Readers are 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 the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE GBLT Corp.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  What might be the talk of the town is that Talk Of The Town bar not only will reopen but that Larry Burkert spruced up its historic digs.

Ive been wanting to do it for 25 years  but I was always busy, said the saloonkeeper, who kept the place closed since March 16, the date indoor dining and sitting at a bar became illegal in New York City in the pandemic.

It wasnt like I could close for two weeks. So since Ive been down Ive gotten a knee replacement, said Burkert.

His family has owned the bar for 35 years. His mother, Bernadette, bought the building in 1969.

A peek at the spruced up bar at Talk of the Town (Courtesy of Lois Burkert)

Its been Talk of the Town since 1942. There was a hotel next door and the bar was the screened-in porch for the hotel, said Burkert.

He plans to reopen Talk of the Town when the city lifts dining restrictions.

I cant make a living with 16 people, said Burkert. And he has so many Towner loyalists, he would be pressed to have to pick and choose among them.

Were used to having 60 people, said Burkert. Based on prior patterns the bar would get busy starting at 1 p.m. and peak later in the evening. Under current mandates the business would have to shut at curfew time of 10 p.m.

Is Larry serving food in this next chapter of the business?

I didnt get that far yet, he admits.

And he wont share any bar stories as he feels its talking out of school. But he does recall tending bar at 16 years old.

Anita Caminiti, who owned the Rustic Inn.

Burkerts Staten Island roots are deep. A graduate of Moore Catholic High School, he still lives in his native town, Great Kills, where he attended PS 8 and IS 24 Myra S. Barnes. His wife, Lois, is the daughter of Anita Caminiti, owner of The Rustic Inn, formerly of Dongan Hills. And that tidbit brings Ken Tirado, owner of Killmeyers Old Bavaria Inn, Charleston, and former co-owner of Adobe Blues, Livingston, down a nostalgic path.

Twenty-nine years ago, when we were finishing Adobe Blues, we decided to have lunch with Anita Caminiti at the Rustic Inn. She had a great rep... she owned the building where Hugos was (now The Hop Shoppe in Stapleton), said Tirado.

Talk of the Town was the first place I ever got drunk, said chef Lou Marfoglio of Daddinos Catering Hall. His family used to own the Great Kills Car Service next door to the neighborhood bar. He remembers the regulars  George, Jeffy, and, of course, Bernadette.

Bernadette would tend the bar from morning until night, said Marfoglio. He recalls that Great Kills, in those great times of the 70s, Montes Diner lived where Nonnas Pizza now thrives. Other bars in the neighborhood included Swiss Chalet and Vins Inn.

Bernadette, even back then, always put people in a cab, said Marfoglio.

Larry said hes looking forward to seeing patrons once again. He added, Im not dead and well do it by the book when the regulations let us reopen. For now, there is no one picking up the phone at the bar. His cell is 347-215-0956 if guests wish to reconnect.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.
Oil is up to its highest price since February 2020 following a Saudi production cut.

On Wednesday, the price of Brent crude oil  the global benchmark for oil prices  rose to above $54 a barrel. This was the highest price of the commodity since Feb. 25, when the price was $54.95. Prices on Thursday continued to be in the $54 range, according to market data from Bloomberg.

The price increase followed output cuts Saudi Arabia announced Tuesday. The kingdom and worlds largest oil exporter said it would institute voluntary cuts of 1 million barrels per day in February and March. The announcement followed a meeting between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia, Reuters reported.

Oil prices dropped to historic lows in 2020 largely due to decreased demand resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. The price fall has had a negative impact on many Mideast economies that depend on oil revenues.

To keep prices up, OPEC and Russia agreed to cut production last year. After some recovery, they agreed in December to boost production for 2021. Several Middle Eastern states are in OPEC, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabias decision reflects concerns that there will weakened demand as COVID-19 continues to spread, according to Reuters.

CARGOTEC CORPORATION, PRESS RELEASE, 7 JANUARY 2021 AT 3 PM (EET)

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has completed a deal with Total Terminals International, LLC (TTI) to supply a total of six hybrid rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) equipped with a suite of Kalmar SmartPort process automation solutions. Valued at approximately USD 13 million (EUR 11 million), the order also includes a two-year Software Maintenance and Support (M&S) Services agreement for the Kalmar SmartPort software. It was booked in Cargotec's 2020 Q4 order intake with delivery scheduled for Q4 of 2021.

Established in 1991, TTI is a full-service marine terminal and stevedore operator headquartered in Long Beach, California on the US West Coast. The company is 80% owned by Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), a subsidiary of MSC Group, with the remaining 20% owned by Hyundai Merchant Marine Co, Ltd.

The Kalmar Hybrid RTG combines the latest lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology with diesel power-unit to deliver customers with a machine that makes no compromises on performance or sustainability. The battery is combined with a smaller diesel power unit, which is not only highly fuel-efficient - consuming up to 60% less fuel than a conventionally powered RTG - but also quieter and easier to maintain. The cranes to be delivered to TTI will feature a range of Kalmar SmartPort process automation solutions: SmartStack, SmartLift, SmartRail and SmartMap, which will help the customer optimise and ensure the efficiency of their operations.

Graham Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Total Terminals International, LLC: "Since we began discussions over two-and-a-half years ago we have received a huge amount of support from the Kalmar team, particularly with respect to the clean-air grant that will help to fund the project. We are continuing to break our own throughput records even in the face of the global pandemic, and the Kalmar Hybrid RTG will help us to address the increased demand while at the same time reducing our diesel and noise emissions."

Troy Thompson, Vice President, Sales, Kalmar Americas: "This deal represents an important step forward for Kalmar at the largest container port in the US, with the first battery-powered Kalmar Hybrid RTGs to be delivered to the West Coast region. Our true-hybrid solution will enable a significant reduction in emissions for TTI because the batteries supply 100% of the power needed by the crane, while the diesel is only used for charging the batteries when needed."

Further information for the press:

Troy Thompson, Vice President, Sales, Kalmar Americas, tel. +1 919 949 1192

Maija Eklof, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Kalmar, tel. +358 20 777 4096, maija.eklof@kalmarglobal.com

Kalmar offers the widest range of cargo handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, distribution centres and to heavy industry. Kalmar is the industry forerunner in terminal automation and in energy efficient container handling, with one in four container movements around the globe being handled by a Kalmar solution. Through its extensive product portfolio, global service network and ability to enable a seamless integration of different terminal processes, Kalmar improves the efficiency of every move.www.kalmarglobal.com

Kalmar is part of Cargotec. Cargotec's

Attachment
Selena Gomez has accused technology giants of allowing their platforms to be used to spread hate and partly blamed them for the shocking violence in Washington DC (PA)

Selena Gomez has accused technology giants of allowing their platforms to be used to spread hate and partly blamed them for the shocking violence in Washington DC.

The pop star, who has previously called for social media companies to better tackle the spread of disinformation, named Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google, as well as their senior executives, urging them to fix things moving forward.

After supporters of Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in unprecedented scenes on Wednesday in which a woman was shot and killed, Twitter and Facebook took action against the president.

Gomez said: Today is the result of allowing people with hate in their hearts to use platforms that should be used to bring people together and allow people to build community.

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google, Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg, Jack Dorsey, Sundar Pichai, Susan Wojcicki  you have failed the American people today, and I hope youre going to fix things moving forward.

Twitter was first to lock Mr Trumps account, warning him future violations would result in a permanent suspension.

It demanded he remove three tweets, including a video he posted in which he repeated his unfounded claims about election fraud while urging his supporters to go home.

The tweets were deleted.

Facebook later followed suit, announcing Mr Trump would be unable to post for 24 hours following two violations of its policies.

The moves follow years of intense debate over how the social media giants should handle Mr Trumps often controversial presence on their platforms.

Like Gomez, the British comedian and actor Sacha Baron Cohen has long called for Twitter and Facebook to act on disinformation.

.@twitter suspending Trump for 12 hours?



Sorry @jackanot good enough.



This is your chance to finally defend democracy.



Ban Trump from Twitterafor good!  Sacha Baron Cohen (@SachaBaronCohen) January 7, 2021

He urged action from both Twitter and Facebook following Wednesdays violence and said a suspension did not go far enough.

He said: This is your chance to finally defend democracy. Ban Trump from Twitterfor good!

In an earlier tweet, Baron Cohen tagged executives from Twitter, Google, YouTube and Facebook and demanded they remove Mr Trump once and for all.

PA Media
Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2021 8:45 am

Multiple lawmakers representing Southwest Washington responded Wednesday afternoon to news that supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol Building during a joint meeting of the Senate and House to count Electoral College votes.

One woman who was shot at the event died, according to multiple national news outlets.

Members of Congress were evacuated shortly after mobs of Trump supporters entered the building, though the joint session was expected to reconvene that night.

Gov. Jay Inslee provided the following statement on Twitter:

The siege of the U.S. Capitol was an attack on democracy itself. It was fueled, precipitated and induced by the unrelenting and totally discredited lies of Donald Trump and his lackeys in Congress.

The members of Washingtons congressional delegation, their staff and all who serve in the Capitol should never fear for their safety in carrying out the peoples work. But know this  democracy will not be denied. The ship of state will sail on. Our nation will persevere and a new president will take office.

And it is our fondest hope that those who have enabled Donald Trump will be touched by the better angels of their nature, and find the courage to stand up for our most precious gift of democracy and the institutions that have preserved it for centuries.

Conservative demonstrators at a similar event in Olympia, at the Washington State Capitol, breached the gate at the Governors Mansion and were able to get to the governors doorstep. Washington State Patrol had a press conference schedule shortly after they issued a dispersal order.

Caleb Heimlich, chairman of the Washington Republican Party, also wrote on Twitter:

This is unfathomable. I never thought I would see something like this in the greatest country in the history of the world. Violence, intimidation, and disruption of the business of the Peoples House is unacceptable, and it flies in the face of our nations foundational values.

J.T. Wilcox, the House minority leader in Washingtons Legislature and 2nd Legislative District representative, R-Yelm, wrote:

Political violence must end or our great country will end. We treasure freedom of speech and the best service we can render our country now is to be an example of effective discourse that rejects violence. We can't let toleration of violence be part of our politics. Cast it out.

Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, WA-03, in a lengthy statement, voiced opposition to the mob that broke into the building. Her full statement can be found at this link: https://twitter.com/HerreraBeutler/status/1346946330204233729?s=20.

The reports you are hearing about the chaos, panic and dangerous actions by protestors are not exaggerations. I witnessed them. Is this the America we want to give to our children? A country of lawlessness and mob rule? Previous generations of American have laid down their lives to answer no to that question. Do we want to be the first generation selfishly enough to say yes? If we do, then what makes us a better nation that Iran or Russia?

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, WA-10, the freshman lawmaker serving only her first week into the 117th Congress, wrote the following shortly after Trump supporters broke into the building:

The Capitol has been breached. Both chambers have been evacuated. This is not peaceful protest, this is domestic terrorism. This violence is a direct result of Trump undermining our democratic process simply because he didnt like the results. Shameful and completely reckless.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray wrote the following on Twitter:

In response to questions about my safety: I'm safe and so is my staff, but I condemn in the strongest terms the hate-fueled violence we are seeing in our nation's Capitol today, as should every leader committed to the peaceful transfer of power in our country.

She added later at 6 p.m. Eastern Time: This violent mob & the President who stoked their rage must be held accountable. They should not be allowed to delay our democratic processes for a minute longer. We have a Constitutional duty to certify the election. We should resume that work right now and finish tonight.
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TWITTER PAGE LINK FOUND TWITTER PAGE twitter.com/#!/izdirvambg DESCRIPTION                                           ACCOUNT CREATED ON 29 Apr 2014 LOCATION Bulgaria TWEETS 0 FOLLOWERS 0 LISTED 0
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 16:54:23|Editor: huaxia

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MOSCOW, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least one tourist was killed and three others were injured after an ice collapse at a waterfall in the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East on Thursday.

The wounded have been helicoptered to a hospital. A child was in serious condition and two adults received minor injuries, TASS news agency reported.

All tourists have been evacuated and rescuers are clearing the scene to confirm no more people are buried under the ice. Enditem
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The Delhi government has told the Delhi high court it has reduced the reservation of Covid-19 intensive care units (ICU) beds to 40% in 33 private hospitals.

In an order passed on January 6 by RN Das, the medical superintendent of nursing homes, with the approval of state health minister Satyendar Jain, the government said it has accepted the recommendations made at a Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) review meeting on January 5 to reduce the number of beds further to 40%.

It was further decided in the review meeting to convert four fully Covid private hospitals, namely, Fortis Super Speciality Hospital, Vasant Kunj; Saroj Super Speciality Hospital, Rohini; Maha Durga Charitable Trust Hospital, Model Town & Sir Ganga Ram City Hospital, Pusa Road to be part Covid hospital, the order read.

The government said these four private hospitals shall reserve 30% of their total bed capacity for the treatment of Covid-19 patients and 40% of their total ICU beds, or at least twice the number of occupied Covid-19 ICU beds as on January 5, whichever is higher, for the treatment of Covid-19 patients.

On December 27, the government reduced the ICU beds reservation to 60%. However, it said they would not consider any further de-escalations in the wake of the new strain of the virus, as well as with Christmas and New Years celebrations in mind. The government said it will review the situation in January.
Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

The last man to attack the US Capitol, prior to the Donald Trump supporting mob on Wednesday, was a British Army Major General from Northern Ireland.

Robert Ross from Rostrevor in Co Down, will forever be remembered as the man who burned down the White House in 1814.

The Burning of Washington took place during the War of 1812 between the British and the US.

Major General Ross led his troops to Washington and set fire to the Capitol, Washington Navy Yard and the Presidents Mansion.

It was the only time that a foreign power captured and occupied Washington.

Eyewitnesses testified to Ross personally being involved in the piling up of furniture and kindling for the White House as he and his troops prepared to destroy the building.

Less than a month after the Burning of Washington, Ross was shot and killed in the Battle of Baltimore.

His remains were shipped to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and embalmed in a cask of rum before being laid in the Old Burying Ground.

In his native Rostrevor, a monument was erected in 1826 in his memory and still stands today on the spot where he had intended to live out his retirement with his wife on the shores of Carlingford Lough.

The officers of Ross American campaign troop and the gentry of County Down installed the granite obelisk.

In 2008, the monument was restored to its former glory at a cost of 250,000 by the old Newry and Mourne District Council.

The inscription reads: MAJOR-GENERAL ROBERT ROSS. Served with distinction in Holland, Egypt, Italy, Spain and France.

Conquered in America, and fell victorious at Baltimore.

Ross also held a role in creating the lyrics of the US national anthem.

He accepted an American lawyer, Francis Scott Key, onto his ship just before the Battle of Baltimore.

Key later saw the US flag flying after the American victory and wrote the lyrics to Star Spangled Banner.

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The shocking attempted coup fomented by President Donald Trump and his MAGA supporters is outrageous, un-American and terrifying  but it is not surprising.

Trump has spent the two months since the November election riling up his base with outrageous accusations of voter fraud and electoral malfeasance, all completely without any basis.

As Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell noted in his speech before the Senate was stormed by Trump supporters, courts all across the country  many with judges who are Trump appointees  have thoroughly and completely rejected any claim of voter fraud.

Unfortunately, it is not just Trump who bears responsibility for the failed coup but also many U.S. members of Congress, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who objected to certification of the electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania.

On the Senate floor, Cruz failed to offer any evidence of voter fraud but only brought up claims that millions of people believe the election was flawed. What he failed to mention is that they believe that only after weeks of deceit from Trump and people like himself.

Cruz invoked history in his Senate speech, arguing that he desired Congress to establish a commission to study the outcome of the election as was done in 1876. However, this step is unnecessary, as McConnell noted there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud that would tip the election to Trump. Cruzs attempt to subvert the certification of the electoral votes is so extreme that he could not get the support of the majority of Republican senators.

Cruz has built his political career using the activist wing of the Republican Party to attack the establishment wing. He used this strategy to win his Senate seat in 2012. He did this again during the 2013 government shutdown. He attempted to do so in 2016, only to be outflanked by Donald Trump. And he has done the same thing now. This time, however, Cruzs proclivity for playing with fire has turned into an inferno, subverting the peaceful transition of power for the first time in American history.

Cruz also bears responsibility for what happened in the Capitol Wednesday, and therefore he is no longer fit to serve in the U.S. Senate and represent the people of Texas.

If Cruz does not resign, then the U.S. Senate should expel him. According to Article 1, Section 5, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution, each house of Congress may determine how to punish members of their chamber and two-thirds of the members of the chamber can expel a member. Cruz has tried to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power to the Biden administration and should no longer be able to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Daniel Braaten is an associate professor of political science at Texas Lutheran University. Twitter: @UnbridledEnthus
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Government on the cabinet expansion which is considered illegal as Oli is said to lead only a care taker Government that has no authority to expand the cabinet or change the portfolios.

by Dr. S.Chandrasekharan

Thirteen cases have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the dissolution of the Parliament and both parties- the Prime Minister and the President have given their affidavits.

The Chinese team which came to patch up the differences within the Ruling Nepal Communist Party returned empty handed. They did meet the leader of the opposition Sher Bahadur Deuba of the Nepali Congress also, perhaps to keep a line of communication with them.

Demonstrations against the dissolution took place at many places, but most significantly in Kathmandu itself, where Dahal along with Madhav Nepal and Jhala Nath Khanal addressed the gathering. Significantly, the Nepali Congress did not join the demonstrations and there is suspicion that Deuba has already got into a deal with Oli for running the Government. This however has been officially refuted by the Nepali Congress.

Reverberations on the split in the centre are being felt in the Provinces too. The Minister for land management and former Law Minister Shivmaya Tumbolangphe hinted that they could dissolve the provincial assemblies too. If this is done there will be more chaos, more Court Cases and a sure recipe for instability.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Government on the cabinet expansion which is considered illegal as Oli is said to lead only a care taker Government that has no authority to expand the cabinet or change the portfolios. This is coming up before a single Judge of the Supreme Court on 12th of December.

PM Oli is going about saying privately and even in one or two public places that the House dissolution cannot be annulled and that the election is the best way to move forward. The matter is before the Supreme Court and in the normal circumstances, a person holding such a high position as Oli should wait for the result before making any remarks. But Oli continues to be arrogant and does not care. It is hoped that the Supreme Court would pull him up.

In the current political turmoil, other pressing issues like transitional justice, economic recovery etc. have receded into the background. Recovery is going to take a very long time. No preparations are seen to be made as yet for the Wuhan Virus vaccine while other countries in the neighbourhood have already formulated plans.

Some details are now known as what the Chinese delegation said and what they wanted. It appears that the delegations had two main objectives in mind- 1. To keep the Communist Party united. 2. Stability in Nepal.

It is only in October that during Xi Jinpings visit, the Chinese upgraded their relationship with Nepal to a strategic  level. Now that has gone down the drain.

The Chinese delegation also said that they wanted to assess the reasons behind the discord within the Party, the possibility of a patch up and the impact on Nepal China relations in future. Having realised that Oli is not amenable to reconciliation, their meeting with the Nepali Congress looks significant.

Oli told the delegation that he took the step for dissolution only because he was not receiving adequate support from his Party Colleagues. Seeing Oli to be defiant, the delegation tried to convince the trio Dahal, Madhav Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal to join hands with Oli. But the trio responded that the situation has gone beyond control.

According to Narayan Kaji Shrestha, a leader very close to Dahal the delegation did not present any road map to deal with the crisis. Incidentally, the Chinese threw away the much touted four principles in dealing with inter party relations- namely independence, equality, mutual respect and no interference I each others internal affairs. We are reminded how the Chinese in one fell swoop discarded all the past agreements in regard to the LAC with India.

Oli gave an eleven-page response to the Supreme Court on the reasons behind his recommendation for dissolution of the House.

He said that the dissolution recommendation was a political move and therefore it does not warrant a judicial review. In fact he even hinted that the dissolution by the President was also a political move and outside the jurisdiction of the Court. It is not clear how the President could use his powers for a political move that is beyond his jurisdiction. However the Presidents office in its response has only said that the action of the President was according to the Constitution. No explanation was given as to why she was in such a hurry without looking for viable alternate leadership to run the Government.

Oli claimed that his move was necessitated by the doctrine of necessity something like what Zia did in overthrowing Bhutto!

Oli claimed that since he had commanded a majority, there was no possibility of forming another Government. In the face of the growing conflict within the Party he could not see his party fulfilling the promises he made in their election manifesto!

Article 76 (7) of the Constitution allows a dissolution only when all the options to form a Government with the support of a majority of members have been exhausted. This exercise was not gone through. Some think Oli knows nothing about the Constitution or that he has been badly advised!

Nepal Media has suggested four options on the way the problem could be solved.

1. On Chinas urging Oli and Dahal resume the dialogue and Oli could withdraw the recommendation for dissolution. Oli could remain the PM and Dahal- as full time Chairman of the Party. Looks to be doubtful for the present.

2. The Supreme Court reinstates the House and Oli removed by a vote of confidence. This is possible but the Ruling NCP will split formally much to the chagrin of the Chinese.

3. The Supreme Court reinstates the House of Representatives- Oli could declare an emergency with the ever complying President. The Army and other Security Forces could be deployed. It is speculated that the 1990 Constitution may be reintroduced and some tie up with the Monarchist forces could also be done. The Nepali Congress may also split on the question of making Nepal a Hindu State. This is purely speculative and there are too many unknown factors.

4. Lastly the Supreme Court upholds the dissolution and the parties will then go for fresh elections.

For now both the Nepali Congress and the Janata Samajbadi Party have ruled out joining any one of the two factions so far.

It all depends on how the Supreme Court will decide the case.
Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.
IN THE LAND OF THE CYCLOPS: Essays, by Karl Ove Knausgaard. Translated by Martin Aitken. (Archipelago, $28.) The Norwegian author of My Struggle explores the possibilities and limits of artistic creation, discovering in essays on Flaubert, Knut Hamsun, Ingmar Bergman, Michel Houellebecq and Cindy Sherman, among other figures, the necessity of both boundaries and unfettered freedom in art. The collection reads less like a book of criticism at times than a work of negative theology, Meghan OGieblyn writes in her review, circling the mysteries of artistic creation that cannot be directly articulated: What makes a book or a painting feel alive and relevant? Why should art, which occupies the realm of pure fantasy, have any rules at all?  In most cases, however, these airy speculations are saved by moments of self-searching that bring the meditation back to the personal and the concrete. To some extent, the collection is an extended reckoning with Knausgaards own creative process.

THE LAST AMERICAN ARISTOCRAT: The Brilliant Life and Improbable Education of Henry Adams, by David S. Brown. (Scribner, $30.) Browns vivid biography captures the scion of an early American dynasty warts and all, arguing this sour but gifted man was the pre-eminent historian of Americas turbulent 19th century. Amy S. Greenberg, reviewing the book, calls it a marvelous new biography that reveals how dynastic burden shaped the personality and career of the brilliant, bitter and thoroughly unlikable man who brought the prominence of the Adams family, and expectations for the endurance of political legacies, to an ignominious end. In the process it provides a compelling account of Americas transformation in the space of one mans lifetime.

FOSSIL MEN: The Quest for the Oldest Skeleton and the Origins of Humankind, by Kermit Pattison. (Morrow, $32.50.) Pattison tells the wild tale of the discovery of Ardipithecus, a protohuman that lived 4.4 million years ago in Ethiopia. The man who made the find, Tim White, comes across as a brilliant antihero whose adventures, feuds and larger-than-life personality propel the story: Indiana Jones meets Tony Soprano, as Steve Brusatte describes him in his review. Hes ruthless in his quest to find new fossils, no matter what war zone or swarm of poisonous pests might be in the way. Often vulgar, but charming and funny, he commands an army of loyal friends against tides of intellectual enemies. The disagreements are far from academic; they are the fundamental questions of our genesis.

THE SEDIMENTS OF TIME: My Lifelong Search for the Past, by Meave Leakey with Samira Leakey. (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $30.) Meave Leakey is paleoanthropological royalty: the wife of Richard, and daughter-in-law of Louis and Mary. In this memoir, written with her daughter, she details her own research and important discoveries in the field. This inspirational autobiography stands among the finest scientist memoirs, Steve Brusatte writes, reviewing the book alongside Fossil Men (above). Its genial tone contrasts with the grittier air of Pattisons book, but the two complement each other beautifully  the way a tall glass of water refreshes after a double shot of whiskey.

SYLVIA PANKHURST: Natural Born Rebel, by Rachel Holmes. (Bloomsbury, $40.) Pankhurst, a daughter of Britains leading suffragist, came by her radical politics naturally. But as this absorbing biography shows, she embraced a precociously modern awareness of gender and class, campaigning tirelessly for the rights of women and workers. No book on Sylvia Pankhurst could fail to pass on an exhilarating story, Francesca Wade writes in her review. Pankhurst took on the 20th century both as participant and observer. She was an indefatigable activist, but also a journalist, who traveled  often in perilous conditions  across Europe, America and Africa to report on the dangers of fascism, the suppression of workers rights, the degradation of women, the folly of any system that imposed difference over commonality.
Editor's note: Douglas London is a former chief of operations at the CIA's Information Operations Center, a role related to cyber security. He is currently an adjunct associate professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service's Center for Security Studies and a nonresident fellow at the Middle East Institute. Follow him @douglaslondon5. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion articles on CNN.

(CNN)  It would be a tragedy if the US response to the recently revealed hacking of at least half a dozen government agencies and hundreds of private companies amounts to nothing more than passing indignation.

Despite billions of dollars spent on cyber defense, the US government failed to detect Russian hackers suspected of breaching agencies like the Department of Homeland Security for the better part of 2020. Indeed, at the end of the day, the answer as to why the US suffered what The New York Times described as "among the most massive intelligence failures of modern times," is not technical, but rather, human.

One need only look as far back at the 9/11 Commission report to find eerily familiar cautions and evidence of dismissed advice. At the risk of oversimplifying, an important dimension of what undermined our defense in the years prior to September 11, 2001, was a misinformed public, an obstructed intelligence community and overreliance on collecting what's known as technical intelligence -- information that isn't reliant on a human source (and which analysts too often think is more reliable).

The 9/11 Commission recognized these risks in calling for a cabinet-level Director of National Intelligence to foster and leverage the strength of an integrated, well-coordinated intelligence community and facilitate greater transparency with the public.

Defense against cyberattacks, like that from any threat, begins with leadership and a well-informed public. The 9/11 report found that greater transparency galvanizes the type of public awareness required to support the investment and sacrifices necessary to support an effective national defense -- which can range from blood and treasure to intrusions into our civil liberties.

But rather than rallying the nation, empowering the intelligence community and leveraging national tools of power, President Donald Trump contradicted his own Cabinet, even his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to downplay and deflect blame from Russia for the very malign behavior from which we have been threatened.

Instead of leading the intelligence community response and keeping Americans informed, his DNI, John Ratcliffe, was conspicuously absent from public view. In fact, federal agencies, corporate America and the public have gotten greater insight, direction and coordination from Microsoft than from the government and its various cyber task forces.

As a long-serving CIA operations officer, former chief of station and manager at one time overseeing the employment of cyber tools, I think it's fair to say that the digital landscape is perhaps as difficult to navigate as any military or intelligence battlefield we have ever encountered.

But today's problem is not that the Russians are that good, but that we failed to leverage our considerable capabilities and advantages. Under President Trump, intelligence community assessments and warnings about Russia's actions, including political meddling and cyberattacks, were at best watered down, if not obstructed or withheld.

The investigation being led by John Durham at the behest of former attorney general William Barr and the President's wholesale purge of inspectors general and his replacement of intelligence community leaders willing to speak truth to power has left an intelligence community reluctant to provoke a vindictive commander in chief who, along with allies and advisers, characterizes divergent opinions as deep state attacks.

Individual agencies have proceeded cautiously and spoken with greater equivocation due to the lack of advocacy and stewardship needed from Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell and then DNI Ratcliffe, instead in many cases defending the President's false narratives and complying with his mercurial dictates.

This politically toxic environment and the absence of severe consequences for nefarious actors has itself encouraged our adversaries to exercise less restraint, especially when it comes to cyber weapons. And while the damage can be no less destructive than that wrought from ballistic missiles, nuclear arms, or terrorist attacks, cyberattacks are easier to develop without detection.

Moreover, they are likely to occur without immediate understanding of intent or attribution. An attack against our power grid could be the prelude to a military strike, but by whom?

The reality is that our intelligence community cannot rely on technical capabilities like seismic indicators, environmental signatures, satellites or unmanned aerial vehicles for early warning or in recognizing the intent and attribution of a well-orchestrated cyberattack.

Cyber actors operate beyond the observation of our sophisticated technology and increasingly bold and consequential attacks are likely as technology evolves. One critical requirement for our strategy to deter and defend ourselves from cyberattack is therefore greater reliance on human intelligence, pursuing foreign agents who could address the questions beyond our technology's ability to answer.

There's no substitute for the value of a well-placed agent to detect and protect us from that which our billions invested in technology cannot. Foreign agents who are carefully cultivated, recruited and clandestinely handled provide insights and context which can't be seen, measured or overheard regarding the plans, capabilities and intentions of our adversaries.

Agents represent the most reliable and cost-efficient counterintelligence means to understand the intent of foreign leaders and identify the moles and technical operations they have directed against us. Often only a spy operating from within the inner sanctum can tell you if, when and why an adversary will attack.

According to media accounts, however, President Trump is no fan of espionage, especially that against authoritarian leaders he feels friendly toward, such as Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. The President has expressed opposition to the use of intelligence from foreign spies and doubts about their credibility.

A former senior intelligence official told CNN that Trump "believes they're people who are selling out their country." Standing shoulder to shoulder in Helsinki, Finland in 2018, Trump openly sided with Putin against his own intelligence community concerning Russian interference in the 2016 elections. In 2019, the President publicly opposed CIA's use of agents to spy on Kim.

Beyond positioning ourselves to recognize and preempt cyberattacks, clear boundaries should be established to deter them. But thresholds are often established through actions, precedent and predictability; three areas where President Trump's foreign and national security policies have been egregiously flawed.

Our state adversaries have increasingly raised the stakes in cyber as they have across other battlefields because the American response has been muted, inconsistent and decidedly restrained. Consequences must exist to make the risk an adversary assumes in attacking us unworthy of the gain.

America needs to better understand the cyber threat landscape and clearly demarcate our threshold for response. Instead of focusing exclusively on our technical defense, America can leverage its extraordinary advantages and likewise concentrate on targeting the vulnerabilities of those who might seek to do us harm.

The 9/11 Commission cautioned that averting future catastrophes requires a well-informed public, integrating strategic intelligence from all sources into joint operational planning and unity of effort, all enabled by a president leading an information sharing revolution that could speak truth to power: everything the Trump administration failed to do.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Trump's approach to intelligence agencies is crippling the response to the likely Russian hack."
COLUMBIA  The delay in South Carolina of available COVID-19 vaccine doses getting into the arms of eligible health care employees appears to be partly due to hospitals being uncertain whether they should be vaccinating people who don't work for them.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control sent hospitals additional guidance late last week clearing up the confusion, Dr. Brannon Traxler, the state's public health director, told reporters Wednesday.

Roughly one in three available doses has been administered so far.

"We hope hospitals understand" they are not only allowed to vaccinate people eligible in Phase 1A outside their system, "we actually encourage it," she said.

The Medical University of South Carolina started vaccinating non-employees Saturday, said Dr. Danielle Scheurer, chief quality officer for MUSC Health, adding that more than 60 percent of staff has gotten a shot.

Not all hospitals waited due to the confusion. Lexington Medical Center has offered doses to first responders and other non-employees for weeks.

"We welcome the ability to vaccinate as many people as possible, especially our most vulnerable citizens. But like all hospitals, we cannot vaccinate anyone in our community at will. We rely on guidance and instructions from DHEC," Lexington Medical Center spokeswoman Jennifer Wilson said.

North Charleston-based Trident Health vaccinated eligible, non-employees who were turned away from other hospitals, said Dr. Lee Biggs, Trident's chief medical officer.

South Carolina remains in the first eligibility phase, which focuses on front-line medical workers and nursing home residents.

But the long list of health care-associated jobs included in Phase 1A extends beyond hospitals, which are the only place where those workers  which include coroners, dentists, paramedics, and pharmacists  can get a Pfizer vaccine shot.

In all, an estimated 353,000 people are eligible in this initial rollout, according to DHEC. It's unclear how many of those are residents of nursing homes and assisted living centers, who are getting the Moderna vaccine where they live.

As of Wednesday, 36 percent of the 146,260 Pfizer doses hospitals have received since mid-December have been given, according to DHEC.

Growing frustration at the slow rollout caused Gov. Henry McMaster on Tuesday to set a deadline: Eligible workers need to either get a shot or make an appointment by Jan. 15 to get one, or wait until future eligibility phases. While the federal government provides guidance, who's eligible for the vaccine  and when  is ultimately up to each state's governor.

There is no state signup system, for this phase or any other yet.

Employers  including dental offices, funeral homes and optometrists  are encouraged to provide their local hospital with a list of names and email addresses of workers who want the vaccine. Otherwise, it's up to the employees themselves to make an appointment  and soon  at their nearest hospital, Traxler said Wednesday.

Proof of eligibility will be required. Credentials accepted at appointments can include a badge, business card, or personalized letter from an employer, she said.

By Wednesday, almost 70,000 eligible people had signed up for an appointment, she said.

Despite the deadline, it remains unclear when South Carolina will transition to Phase 1B, which extends eligibility to people 75 and older, teachers, day care workers, and people in other critical jobs, such as grocery store clerks.

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The transition will depend on how many appointments are made, how long they extend past Jan. 15, and the vaccine supply. Traxler said Wednesday that Phase 1A is still expected to continue through late January or early February. People not in high-risk categories could get a shot by late spring.

McMaster has promised to order the transition sooner if the pace doesn't pick up dramatically.

Nearly 800 health care providers in South Carolina  including pharmacists, urgent care centers and doctors' offices  are approved by the federal government to provide vaccine shots.

But for now, hospitals remain the only place to get one. And, as Traxler has noted repeatedly, they're overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients filling beds.

The demands of caring for patients and a staff shortage due to some being in quarantine are limiting the number of trained people who can give the shots. DHEC is exploring expanding the pool of those who can do that to include retired nurses who have let their licenses expire, students in their last year of nursing school, emergency medical technicians and dentists, Traxler said.

DHEC did not immediately respond to follow-up questions on what's required to do that or what's holding that up.

According to a timeline DHEC issued Wednesday, the vaccine will be available at some doctors' offices next week and at some pharmacies Jan. 18.

For future eligibility phases, the agency is considering setting up a scheduling system, so people can make an appointment either online or by phone "or some hybrid thereof," Traxler said. "As we get closer to Phase 1B, we will be providing more information about the different options."

Legislators of both parties, who are getting bombarded by calls and emails from residents seeking a vaccine, are exasperated that such systems weren't already in place.

"They've had months to plan for this. What are they waiting on?" asked state Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Columbia. "They're lollygagging. There's no sense of urgency."

Other states, including neighboring North Carolina and Florida, have already widened eligibility to seniors who don't live in nursing homes.

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said he wishes McMaster had gotten publicly engaged sooner.

"This is a massive failure of leadership. There is no other way to describe this. The hospitals don't know what to do. The public doesn't know what's going on. There's terrible communication," said the Edgefield Republican. "It's beyond frustration. People are angry."

To be fair to DHEC, he said, he didn't think it made sense to task the already overwhelmed public health agency, which has been without a permanent leader for six months, with the vaccine rollout anyway.

"DHEC has never been tasked with something like this and they're still dealing with testing," he said. "Tasking them with doing it was not a smart move."

Mary Katherine Wildeman and Jessica Holdman contributed to this report.
2021-01-07

Maeci

Today, Italy and the diplomatic consular network celebrate the National Flag Day, being the 224th anniversary of the first Tricolour Flag.

Following is the Declaration of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella:

Today marks the 224th anniversary of the National Flag Day, the patriotic symbol that is dearest to all Italians.

During these long months, which have been so difficult for Italy and for the entire world, we have felt so much emotion in seeing so many national flags displayed in windows and on balconies and houses the length and breadth of the country. A renewed emotion when the National Aerobatic Team painted the skies of our cities with the colours of the Italian flag and when we saw the major buildings and monuments of the Republic lighted up in green, white and red. The Tricolour, as perhaps never before so intensely, has effectively represented our identity, the feeling of togetherness of a people that wants to look ahead, without forgetting the suffering caused by the pandemic, but with the will to rise up again.

The Flag, an expression of our history, embodies today the high values enshrined in our Constitution: unity, freedom, democracy, solidarity.

From the Risorgimento to the most tragic and exciting moments of our national progress, the Tricolour has always inspired hope and confidence and driven Italians to find the necessary strength to rise up again, together with all the peoples who have chosen to create the European Union and the international community to which we belong, because only if we are united we will be able to overcome adversity.

Long live the Tricolor, long live the Republic.
Congressional Republicans are preparing a futile attempt on President Donald Trump's behalf to overturn the results of the November election by objecting to Electoral College votes cast by at least three states for President-elect Joe Biden. Seen here, the Capitol at dawn in Washington D.C., on January 4, 2021.

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Integrated Logistics Services Limited (Intels) has refuted a claim made by a former Nigerian vice president, Atiku Abubakar, about the influence of the Muhammadu Buhari administration on its operation in Nigeria.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Abubakar claimed that he sold his shares in the company because of the influence of the Muhammadu Buhari government.

Mr Abubakar, former vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 general elections, said he was forced to divest his shares in the company because the Buhari administration has been preoccupied with destroying it since 2015.

However, in a statement by Tommaso Ruffinoni, Intels spokesperson, the company said it had always operated according to market logic.

It added that the ongoing contradictions are part of a natural commercial divergence, which will hopefully be resolved.

The company said Mr Abubakars decision to sell off his shares was based on economic reasons and irreconcilable differences with its new governance structure.

It also refuted claims that its operations have been hindered by the Buhari administration.

Intels Nigeria Limited and with it its parent company Orlean Invest Holding in relation to some statements that appeared in the press yesterday and today, categorically denies that its business has at some time been hindered by political influences from the current government, the statement said.

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The company has always operated according to market logic, thanks to its history and commitment to the development of the Nigerian economy in the oil and gas logistics sector. The ongoing contradictions are part of a natural commercial divergence, which will hopefully be resolved, as in the past, by a new approach, in the interest of all the parties, also according to the social role that Intels plays in the country.

The severance from the world of Atiku Abubakar was an economic decision, in the exclusive interest of the company, and to irreconcilable strategic differences with the new governance structure of the Intels  Orlean Invest Group.

In recent years, Intels has had a running battle with the Nigerian government, resulting in the cancellation of the companys 17-year-old pilotage monitoring contract with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
In an attempt to discredit the US Presidential election , armed Trump supporters barged in US Capitol building with lawmakers inside. A violent clash broke down between President Donald Trumps supporters and the police. The US House of Representatives and the Senate had met in a rare joint session to begin formal counting of the electoral college votes which showed that Democrat Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump. The motive of these rioters is said to be to storm the building and stop the senate from formally certifying President-elect Joe Bidens election victory.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol steps even as they were stopped by officers in riot gear. Police fired pepper spray to back down the rioters as the crowd called them traitors. Some rioters managed to get in the building resulting in violence and firing, with the senators inside it. Reportedly, 4 people have succumbed to their injuries due to the shooting and 52 have been arrested. The violence left law and order in shambles and the Mayor has declared a Public Emergency in Washington till 21st January. White house deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews has resigned from administration in response to the event

Donald Trump who has repeatedly refused to concede has appealed for peace to the protestors as the clashes broke out. Twitter has since then locked down Donald Trumps account. Ivanka Trump tweeted that these rioters were patriots which is being said to instigate the mob. World leaders express shock at the storming of the US capitol.

PM Modi has tweeted Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests. Boris Johnson also took to the platform to remark, Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
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Seoul, Jan 7 : Twenty-one more American soldiers and four civilians tested positive for the novel coronavirus upon their arrival in South Korea, the US Forces Korea (USFK) said on Thursday.

In a statement, it said that the 25 USFK-affiliated individuals were infected after arriving in South Korea between December 22, 2020, and January 6, reports Xinhua news agency.

Fifteen service members and four dependents arrived at the Osan Air Base on US government-chartered flights on January 3, 4 and 5.

The Osan Air Base is located in Pyeongtaek, 70 km south of Seoul.

Six service members arrived at the Incheon airport on international commercial flights on December 22, 2020, January 2, 3, 4 and 6.

The confirmed patients have been transferred to designated isolation facilities at the US Army Garrison Humphreys and the Osan Air Base, both of which are located in Pyeongtaek, and the Kusan Air Base in the southwestern city of Kunsan.

The total number of infections among the USFK-affiliated personnel rose to 538, according to Yonhap news agency.

On Thursday, South Korea reported 870 nw coronavirus cases, raising the total number of infections to 66,686.
Some Senate aides barred the doors of their offices as protesters beat on them, shouting profanities. As it became clear the Senate chamber was not safe, security officers ordered the senators to leave. As politicians and staff rushed out, aides grabbed hold of the boxes containing the Electoral College certificates, making sure that the vandals could not literally steal the results of the election. "If our capable floor staff hadn't grabbed them, they would have been burned by the mob," said Democrat Senator Jeff Merkley. Electoral College ballots sit on a table after they were rescued from the Senate floor. Credit:Jeff Merkley Through the tunnels of the Capitol, senators walked quickly with an armed police escort. A member of McConnell's security detail took the arm of the Senator, who walks with a limp because of a childhood bout with polio, pulling and steadying him as they hustled away from danger through a tunnel under the Capitol complex.

Loading Before long, the President's supporters were inside the Senate chamber, prowling amid the mahogany desks and even sitting on the marble dais where Pence had been seated not long before. Across the Capitol, a police officer stepped onto the House rostrum to inform lawmakers that they might need to duck under their chairs. "We now have individuals that have breached the Capitol building," he told them, warning House members to be prepared to move quickly out of the chamber. "They are in the Rotunda." "Call Trump," Democrat Steve Cohen yelled to shouts and grumbles from the House floor. "Call your friend."

Democrat Ruben Gallego, a veteran, jumped on the arm rests of chairs and began directing members, cautioning them to move calmly and quickly out of the chamber. Capitol Police officers passed out gas masks to reporters in the press area above, as politicians pulled their own silver-boxed masks from underneath the chairs in front of them. There were warnings that tear gas had been fired in the Capitol Rotunda. Democrat Ruben Gallego jumped on a chair to coordinate the evacuation from the House Chamber. Credit:AP The chamber filled with frantic shouting and the whirring of the masks, their red lights flashing as lawmakers struggled to figure out how to unfold the plastic bags that were supposed to go over their heads. Police officers and floor staff yelled for everyone to exit, clambering over chairs and banisters to reach the doors. A wooden chest was pushed in front of the main doors to the chamber, through which Pence and the chests of election certifications had come just an hour earlier. Security officers drew their guns and pointed and yelled at the door, whose glass panels were shattered, as politicians, staff and reporters cowered in the top levels of the chamber.

There was a bang, and evacuation momentarily stopped. Everyone was told to get down, with reporters and lawmakers struggling to hide behind low-backed chairs and equipment normally used to broadcast the floor proceedings. A protester sits in the Senate Chamber as others roamed the halls. Credit:Getty Images Outside, members of the mob were making themselves at home throughout the Capitol, including inside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office. Some of the protesters gawked at the grand and storied building they had unlawfully flooded while others looked at it with contempt. "I don't trust any of these people," said Eric Martin, 49, a woodworker from Charleston, South Carolina, as he marvelled at the opulence of the Capitol and helped a friend wash pepper spray from his eyes. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely."

But if some only stared at the Capitol, others resorted to violence. A woman inside the building was shot by police and later died, the District of Columbia police said, and multiple officers were injured. A suspected explosive device was found around noon near the headquarters of the Republican National Committee, then rendered safe. Later, DC police would confirm that four people died during the occupation; as well as the woman, three others died in medical emergencies. Shortly after 2.45pm Washington time, the evacuation resumed, with a line of politicians and journalists clambering out of the House chamber. They were climbing over chairs, ducking under banisters  anything to get out quickly. Police officers had their guns drawn.

"Are you OK? Are you OK?" was the constant refrain as the members of Congress, aides and reporters scurried down staircases and hallways. Phones buzzed with texts and calls, with lawmakers frantically checking on staff that had been in office buildings and responding to family. Loading Senators gathered at a secure location in another building in the Capitol complex, with journalists asked to stay outside. FBI tactical units in camouflage with firearms and shields monitored the location, as senators spoke in hushed tones about whether and how to proceed with the electoral count. "These thugs are not running us off," said Democrat Senator Joe Manchin III. "We're going to finish tonight. Everyone is committed to staying whatever it takes to get our job done." As night fell, an announcement came over the loudspeaker in the Capitol telling lawmakers the city was now under a curfew. Distant sirens could still be heard blaring throughout the capital.

Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

The first case of the second strain of COVID-19 was confirmed in Harris County on Thursday, the first in the state of Texas.

A man in his 30s tested positive for the B.1.1.7 variant of the strain, which originated in the United Kingdom. He lives in southwest Houston and has no travel history, according to Harris County Public Health.

Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

The first case of the second strain of COVID-19 was confirmed in Harris County on Thursday, the first in the state of Texas.

A man in his 30s tested positive for the B.1.1.7 variant of the strain, which originated in the United Kingdom. He lives in southwest Houston and has no travel history, according to Harris County Public Health.
As many as one in 40 people may have coronavirus in some parts of Northern Ireland, the regions chief scientific adviser has warned.

Professor Ian Young said one in 100 had a Covid-19 diagnosis in the last week, but that is likely to be an under-representation of the true number of cases because many people are asymptomatic and are not diagnosed.

He said the Mid Ulster Council area had the largest number of cases within the last week, followed by the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area.

Its very likely that in parts of Northern Ireland there are as many as one person in 40 who currently has Covid  in those local government districts which currently have the highest incidence of the virus, he told the BBC.

Mid Ulster is the part which at the moment has the largest number of cases within the last week but there are some other local government districts which are not far behind that.

Prof Young also warned that the recent doubling in case numbers will translate to the number of hospital patients with the virus.

Department of Health figures published on Wednesday showed hospital capacity at 102%, with 592 Covid-confirmed inpatients, 44 of whom are being treated in intensive care.

Prof Young said that figure could rise to more than 1,000.

In the past we have had around 500 hospital inpatients being treated for Covid; we could easily before the end of this month rise to 1,000 or more, and indeed, depending on the impact of the new variant, those numbers could rise even further beyond that, he said.

He urged the public to listen to the stay at home message as new lockdown measures are set to become law on Friday.

My message to everyone in Northern Ireland is to please, please listen to the stay at home message which we are trying to give, he said.

People should only be leaving their home for essential purposes, if they really need to. We all need to minimise our contacts. The Stormont Executive had been due to meet on Thursday but that meeting was postponed to Friday following family bereavements affecting two ministers.

However, Health Minister Robin Swann said on Thursday that confusion around the rules concerning outdoor gatherings will be tidied up later.
In the wake of Wednesdays siege of the U.S. Capitol by a violent and seditious mob seeking to prevent the certification of the presidential election, Facebook is blocking President Trump from posting until at least Jan. 20, when President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in.

Twitch and YouTube have also taken action against the presidents false election claims and incitement of mob action. Twitter, the presidents favored social media outlet, temporarily suspended his posting privileges Wednesday, but allowed him to resume posting Thursday.

Its a radical change for the tech companies, which have largely maintained a kid-gloves approach to the presidents increasingly wild social media postings. Critics say the companies should have acted much earlier.

The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a post Thursday.

Facebooks move followed years of criticism that the social network wasnt doing enough to prevent the spread of misinformation from the president and his supporters. The company deleted some of Trumps posts on Wednesday. Facebook-owned Instagram also suspended Trumps account.

Twitter suspended Trump for 12 hours after Wednesdays riot, only lifting the penalty after he agreed to delete several tweets that violated its policies. Trump posted a conciliatory video Thursday afternoon, saying that America is and must always be a nation of law and order.

A Twitter spokesperson said Thursday afternoon the company is continuing to monitor the situation, including statements made off Twitter. We will keep the public informed, including if further escalation in our enforcement approach is necessary, the emailed statement said.

Live-streaming site Twitch, owned by Amazon, also disabled Trumps account in light of Wednesdays violence, according to a company statement, and San Brunos YouTube, which is part of Google, moved to limit the spread of disinformation, including removing some recent Trump videos and threatening a permanent ban on accounts that repeatedly perpetrate false claims.

Social media scholars said the decision to boot Trump from Facebook and other social media was necessary, but too little, too late.

Theyve given him a bully pulpit to speak directly to people of the last four years, said Sarah T. Roberts, a professor at UCLA who studies online content moderation. Access to that medium was only temporarily taken away by the social networks after he used their services to foment insurrection, she said.

Its a lot of closing of barn doors and hand wringing after the horses have already left, she said.

Companies like Facebook have faced attacks from conservatives who say their sites unfairly treat right-wing content differently than that disseminated by liberals. Lawmakers including Trump have long pointed to a perceived liberal bias in Silicon Valley.

But liberal lawmakers have castigated the companies for allowing disinformation and falsehoods about elections to spread.

Zuckerberg has walked a fine line in attempting to appease both sides of the political aisle. Roberts said it was notable that the company took the decision to ban Trump at least temporarily only once a presidential transition became certain.

The Facebook CEO wrote that the company had taken a light touch with the president because we believe that the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech.

Now, he said, the current context is now fundamentally different, involving use of our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government. We believe the risks of allowing the president to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great.

It remains to be seen whether Democratic control of the federal government will increase pressure on companies like Facebook to moderate content.

Former first lady Michelle Obama called for a permanent ban on Trump and more stringent policies.

Now is the time for Silicon Valley companies to stop enabling this monstrous behavior  and go even further than they have already by permanently banning this man from their (services) and putting in place policies to prevent their technology from being used by the nations leaders to fuel insurrection, she said in a statement Thursday.

The moves by Big Tech do not address a larger question about how online conversation should be moderated, Alex Stamos, the former head of security at Facebook, wrote on Twitter.

There is no easy answer to how should billionaire CEOs protect us from reality-star politicians? Stamos, who now works at Stanfords Internet Observatory program, wrote.

Many employees of social media companies expressed support for the bans.

Interactive Vaccine Tracker: Latest developments Detailed information about the coronavirus vaccines as it becomes available.

A survey of more than 400 Facebook and Twitter employees overwhelmingly found their employees believed the companies had done the right thing in locking Trump out, at least for a time.

The survey by Blind, an app that lets employees talk about their companies anonymously, found that 80% of Facebook employees surveyed said the social media companies acted correctly, while 75% of Twitter workers who participated said the same. Its results were published Thursday.

Just as users are becoming more sophisticated and vocal about the expectations and demands of these firms, I think workers are too, Roberts said.

Generous pay and benefits do not allay the concerns about the (political) cracks being exacerbated or wholly caused by material circulating on these channels, she said.

She pointed to a small but growing group of workers at Google parent Alphabet unionizing as evidence of ongoing discontent within the tech workforce and a potential model for other companies to follow.

At a higher level, Trumps use of Twitter to get around the traditional news media raises questions about what the government should be able to disseminate directly to people on social media.

Who says the president needs to be able to tweet? said Jennifer Grygiel, a professor at Syracuse University and a social media expert.

Grygiel has argued for checks on the governments ability to distribute what she calls propaganda on social media in order to preserve the role of the free press to enforce accuracy and transparency.

We cannot simply rely on Zuckerberg to do the right thing in deciding when and for how long to check the governments access to social media, Grygiel said, pointing to Wednesdays chaos at the Capitol.

We need to make sure that can never happen again.

Roland Li and Chase DiFeliciantonio are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com, chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf, @ChaseDiFelice
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump for the first time acknowledged his defeat in the Nov. 3 election and announced there would be an orderly transition" on Jan. 20, Inauguration Day, after Congress concluded the electoral vote count early Thursday certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Police in riot gear walk out of the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump for the first time acknowledged his defeat in the Nov. 3 election and announced there would be an "orderly transition" on Jan. 20, Inauguration Day, after Congress concluded the electoral vote count early Thursday certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trumps acknowledgment came after a day of chaos and destruction on Capitol Hill as a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol and unleashed unprecedented scenes of mayhem in hopes of halting the peaceful transition of power. Members of Congress were forced into hiding, offices were ransacked, and the formal congressional tally of Electoral College votes was halted for more than six hours.

"Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," Trump said in a statement posted to Twitter by his social media director. Trump's account had been locked by the company for posting messages that appeared to justify the assault on the seat of the nations democracy.

Trump added, "While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!"

The president has spent the past two months refusing to concede and making baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud, even though his own Justice Department, federal courts, including the Supreme Court, and state governments have said repeatedly the vote was carried out freely and fairly.

Trump's refusal to accept reality and his incendiary rhetoric reached a breaking point Wednesday when loyalists violently occupied the Capitol in one of the most jarring scenes ever to unfold in the nation's capital. Authorities said four people died during the violence, including one woman who was shot by an officer outside the House chamber.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to march on the Capitol to protest lawmakers actions, and he later appeared to excuse the violent occupation by the mob.

"These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long," Trump wrote in a message that was later deleted by Twitter. He added, "Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!"

Trump spent much of Wednesday afternoon watching the insurrection on television from his private dining room off the Oval Office. But aside from sparing appeals for calm issued at the insistence of his staff, he was largely disengaged.

Instead, a White House official said, most of Trumps attention was consumed by his ire at Vice-President Mike Pence, who defied Trump's demands by acknowledging he did not have the power to unliterally reject the electoral votes that determine the next president. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Trump only reluctantly issued the tweets and taped a video encouraging an end to the violence. The posts came at the insistence of staff and amid mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers begging him to condemn the violence and tell his supporters to stand down, according to the official.

Even as authorities struggled to take control of Capitol Hill after protesters overwhelmed police, Trump continued to level baseless allegations of mass voter fraud and praised his loyalists as "very special."

"I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now," he said in a video posted more than 90 minutes after lawmakers were evacuated from the House and Senate chambers. "We cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special."

The violence, coupled with the presidents tepid response, alarmed many in the White House and appeared to push Republicans allies to the breaking point after years of allegiance to Trump. A number of White House aides were discussing a potential mass resignation just two weeks before Trump's term ends, according to people familiar with the conversation who were not authorized to publicly discuss it and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Thursday became the highest ranking member of Trumps administration to resign in protest after the pro-Trump insurrection at the Capitol.

In a statement, Chao, who is married to Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell, said the attack "has deeply troubled me in a way that I simply cannot set aside."

Among the others who have resigned are: Stephanie Grisham, first lady Melania Trump's chief of staff and a former White House press secretary; deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger; White House social secretary Rickie Niceta; deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews; and Ryan Tully, senior director for European and Russian affairs at the National Security Council.

Mick Mulvaney, Trumps former chief of staff-turned-special envoy to Northern Ireland told CNBC Thursday that he had called Secretary of State Mike Pompeo "to let him know I was resigning. ... I cant do it. I cant stay."

Other aides indicated they planned to stay to help smooth the transition to the Biden administration. Some harboured concerns about what Trump might do in his final two weeks in office if they were not there to serve as guardrails when so few remain.

Trumps begrudging statement acknowledging defeat came after even longtime allies floated whether members of his Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment and remove him from office. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told ABC late Wednesday that "responsible members of the Cabinet" should be thinking about fulfilling their oath of office, adding that Trump had "violated his oath and betrayed the American people."

Conversations about removal took place among administration aides and Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill, according to people involved in the deliberations, but there did not appear to be serious discussion to do so by his Cabinet, of whom a majority would have to vote to sideline him.

Trump has been single-mindedly focused on his electoral defeat since Election Day, aides said, at the expense of the other responsibilities of his office, including the fight against the raging coronavirus. Indeed, it was Pence, not Trump, who spoke with the acting defence secretary to discuss mobilizing the D.C National Guard on Wednesday afternoon.

On Wednesday, Trump effectively banned Pence's chief of staff, Marc Short, from the White House, an official said, believing Short to have been the driving force behind Pence's refusal to overturn the vote.

Hours earlier, Trump had appeared at a massive rally near the White House, where he continued to urge supporters to fight the election results and encouraged them to march to the Capitol in remarks that were peppered with incendiary language and rife with violent undertones. At one point, he even suggested he might join them  a prospect that was discussed by the White House but eventually abandoned.

"Were going to the Capitol," he said. "Were going to try and give our Republicans ... the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country."

Earlier in the rally, his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, had advocated what he had called "trial by combat."


Government approves Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development of J&K

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 07: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modiin its meeting yesterday considered and approved the proposal of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade for Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development of Jammu & Kashmir.

The scheme is approved with a total outlay of Rs. 28,400 crore upto the year 2037.

Explained: How PM Modis Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development will benefit J&K

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

Government of India has formulated New Industrial Development Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir (J&K IDS, 2021) as Central Sector Scheme for the development of Industries in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.

The main purpose of the scheme is to generate employment which directly leads to the socio economic development of the area. Considering the historic development of reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir with effect from 31.10.2019 into UT of Jammu & Kashmir under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, the present scheme is being implemented with the vision that industry and service led development of J&K needs to be given a fresh thrust with emphasis on job creation, skill development and sustainable development by attracting new investment and nurturing the existing ones.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he's "distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC". The Prime Minister said "orderly and peaceful transfer of power" must continue in any country. "The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests," he added.

Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests. a Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021

In an unprecedented incident, thousands of angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in Washington DC and clashed with police, resulting in casualty and multiple injuries and interrupting a constitutional process to affirm Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election.

As hundreds of protesters barged into the Capitol Hill building on Wednesday, the police, which were outnumbered, faced tough time in dispersing the crowd amid violent clashes. Members of the Congress were going through the process of counting inside the building. Both the House and Senate and the entire Capitol were placed under a lockdown, news agency PTI reported.

To disperse the agitators, police released tear gas and urged US Congress members to get hold of the gas masks under their seats. After the violent clashes, many officers have been injured and a person was also shot dead inside the US Capitol.

US President Donald Trump earlier encouraged the protestors to march towards the Capitol Hill building. As the situation went out of hand, he later urged them to disperse and go back home. "I know you're hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it, especially the other side. But you have to go home. Now we have to have peace. We have to have law and order. We don't want anybody hurt," Trump said in a short video posted on Twitter.

President-elect Biden termed it a shocking incident and an "unprecedented assault" on democracy. "At this hour, our democracy's under unprecedented assault. Unlike anything we've seen in modern times. An assault on the citadel of liberty, the Capitol itself. An assault on the people's representatives and the Capitol Hill police, sworn to protect them. And the public servants who work at the heart of our Republic...," Biden said in an address to the nation.

Later, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Trump has directed the National Guard and other "federal protective services" to assist with responding to the rioters at the Capitol. Trump - who lost the popular and electoral college vote - continues to dispute the results.

With PTI inputs

Also read: US Capitol violence: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram suspend Trump's accounts
Military veterans at Tennessees community and technical colleges were honored and awarded the inaugural Chancellors Commendation for Military Veterans. Jack Chislett, a Tennessee College of Applied Technology student in the Collision Repair Technology program, was selected as Chattanooga States recipient.



Mr. Chislett exemplifies all of the characteristics we value, such as honor, courage, commitment, integrity, duty, respect, discipline and sacrifice, stated Dr. Jim Barrott, executive vice president of TCAT.

Chislett, a United States Coast Guard veteran with 14+ years of service, shows exemplary commitment to his country and his education. He also recently served as a student representative in the school's 10-year accreditation review with SACSCOC. Jack is courteous and respectful of his fellow students, faculty, and staff, added Dr. Barrott.



A decorated veteran, Mr. Chisletts achievements include Outstanding Air Crewman Perchard Award, Transportation 911 Ribbon for Extraordinary Service, Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Awards, Commanders Intent Award  Superior Performance, Coast Guard Unit Commendation Award, Letters of Commendation, Achievement Medals, Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals and a Global War Terror Service Medal, among others.



The Tennessee Board of Regents and Chancellor Flora W. Tydings established the new commendation as a system-level award to honor the service, bravery and sacrifices of military veterans in the campus communities. It supplements the Veterans Day ceremonies, observances and recognitions that the colleges traditionally conduct.



Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Chattanooga State president, presented the award to Mr. Chislett, a specially designed challenge coin, to mark the celebration.



Chattanooga State is one of nine community colleges certified with a VETS Campus Designation. An institution receiving VETS Campus certification not only prioritizes outreach to veterans, but successfully delivers the services necessary to create a supportive environment where student veterans can prosper while pursuing their education.



For more information about Chattanooga States program for veterans, call 423-697-4483 or visit chattanoogastate.edu/student-support/outreach-programs/veterans-affairs. To explore TCAT programs, visit chattanoogastate.edu/tcat.
DURHAM, N.C., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the early 1970s, the Department of Defense began using aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) to fight fires involving combustible liquids or gases, such as aircraft and jet fuel fires. Due to the effectiveness of the foam, civilian airports, oil refineries, heloports, and petrochemical transfer and production sites also began using AFFF.

Manufacturers Allegedly Knew the Risks

Some believe that the manufacturers of the AFFF firefighting foam, well-known corporations such as DowDupont, 3M, and Chemguard, knew that substances in the firefighting foam, known as PFAS, may be toxic and were linked to cancer and other serious illnesses. Individuals have filed claims against the manufacturers asserting that they knew of the cause-and-effect relationship between PFAS and cancer. Some even cited that 3M conducted tests in the 1970s and 1980s which revealed toxic levels of PFAS in workers' bodies but concealed this information from the EPA and public.

PFAS Declared a Public Health Concern

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry have declared that human exposure to PFAS is a public health concern. It is believed that exposure to elevated levels of PFAS and to products containing PFAS, such as firefighting foam, increases the risks on contracting:

Testicular cancer

Kidney cancer

Bladder cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Liver damage

Thyroid disease

Immune system issues

Carolina Lawyers Poised to Help Firefighters Who Developed Cancer After Working with AFFF Firefighting Foam

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is taking on cases of firefighters who have developed AFFF-related diseases. If you or a loved one has developed cancer after using firefighting foam, the firm encourages you to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. Their legal team is ready to assist and can be reached at farrin.com or by calling 1-866-900-7078.

About the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is one of the largest personal injury firms in North Carolina and has served more than 46,000 injured people since 1997.1 Many of the firm's more than 50 accomplished attorneys have won awards and are recognized professionals in their fields. The firm focuses on personal injury, car accidents, workers' compensation, nursing home abuse, whistleblowing, defective products, eminent domain, mass torts, class actions, and Social Security Disability. Their headquarters is in Durham, North Carolina. Visit farrin.com for more information.

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280 S. Mangum Street

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Cases handled by lawyers who principally practice in our Greenville SC, Durham, Raleigh, Charlotte, or Greensboro NC offices. J. Gabe Talton is responsible for this advertisement and practices at 280 South Mangum Street, Suite 400, Durham, North Carolina.

SOURCE Law Offices of James Scott Farrin

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A US Capitol police officer is the latest to be confirmed dead after a mob of President Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday.

Four other people died during the stunning attack at the heart of American democracy as mob members vandalized the building and assaulted police officers. One woman was fatally shot by police and three people died of apparent medical emergencies.

Several DC Metropolitan Police officers were also injured during the insurrection, police Chief Robert Contee said. One officer had significant facial injuries from being struck by a projectile, and another officer was hospitalized after being pepper-sprayed.

Here's what we know about the people who died:

Officer dies after being injured

Capitol Police released a statement saying Officer Brian D. Sicknick passed away Thursday night 'due to injuries sustained while on-duty.'

Officer Sicknick was injured while physically engaging with the rioters and collapsed after returning to his division office. 'He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries,' the Capitol Police statement said.

Officer Sicknick joined the USCP in July 2008, and most recently served in the Department's First Responder's Unit.

'The entire USCP Department expresses its deepest sympathies to Officer Sicknick's family and friends on their loss, and mourns the loss of a friend and colleague,' Capitol Police added.

His death is now being investigated.

Sicknick was originally from South River, New Jersey, and the youngest of three sons, according to a statement issued by his brother on behalf of his family.

Sicknick 'wanted to be a police officer his entire life,' his brother Ken said, and joined the New Jersey National Guard in his pursuit of that goal.

According to a statement from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy's office, Sicknick was a staff sergeant for the New Jersey National Guard. He served as a fire team member and a leader of the 108th Security Force Squadron, 108th Wing, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Murphy's statement said.

Sicknick's service included two deployments -- one as part of Operation Southern Watch and another as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, Murphy said.

Sicknick's family was 'very proud' of his service to his country, Ken Sicknick said.

'Brian is a hero, and that is what we would like people to remember,' he said.

Air Force veteran fatally shot by police

A woman was fatally shot by a US Capitol Police employee as the mob tried to force its way toward the House Chamber where members of Congress were sheltering, US Capitol Police said in a statement.

The woman was given medical assistance immediately and taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Authorities identified her as Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old from Huntington, Maryland.

Babbit's mother, Michelle Witthoeft told CNN on Thursday she was devastated to learn of her daughter's death.

'I loved and admired her greatly,' Witthoeft said of Babbitt. 'She served this country boldly and proudly.'

Babbitt was an ardent Trump supporter who held strong political views, her mother said, and was 'passionate enough to die for what she believed in.'

Babbitt, who was previously married but separated from her husband in 2019, frequently attended pro-Trump rallies. She flew to Washington, DC, from San Diego, California, with the intent to participate in the protest this week, her mother said.

'Her political views were strong and adamant, and she voiced them whenever she could,' Witthoeft said.

A CNN review of Babbitt's social media accounts determined Babbitt frequently voiced support for President Trump and other conservative figures on Facebook. She also shared content promoting political conspiracy theories often pushed by far-right figures.

Babbitt served as a senior airman in the US Air Force from 2004 to 2008 under the name Ashli Elizabeth McEntee, according to military records. She was a member of the Air Force Reserve from 2008 to 2010 and was in the Air National Guard from 2010 until November 2016, records show.

'She served in the United States Air Force and was deployed four times and came back safely, only to have her own country shoot her down,' Witthoeft said tearfully by phone.

The US Capitol Police employee who shot Babbitt has been placed on administrative leave and their police powers have been suspended pending a joint Metro Police and USCP investigation, USCP said.

'This is a tragic incident, and I send my condolences to the victim's family and friends,' Metro Police Chief Contee said.

Two people who saw the shooting, left-wing activist John Sullivan and documentary filmmaker Jade Sacker, provided CNN with video of the incident and described the moments beforehand.

Sullivan said rioters were using flag poles and other items to smash glass windows inside the Capitol. The woman then tried to make her way through the window when several people with guns came out through the doorways.

'The second that she climbed through the window she got shot right in the neck area, fell backwards,' Sullivan said in an interview that broadcast on CNN's 'Anderson Cooper 360.'

'I just remember the sense of shock and sorrow that somebody just died and did not need to die.'

The woman was trying to enter an area that did not yet appear to have been breached by rioters, Sullivan said.

'It was an area that was completely blocked off,' he said. 'They had chairs up against the doorway, tables, so people couldn't get in.'

Three others dead

Three other people who had come from out of state died of 'medical emergencies' during the riot, police said.

'One adult female and two adult males appear to have suffered from separate medical emergencies, which resulted in their deaths,' Contee said. 'Any loss of life in the District is tragic and our thoughts are with anyone impacted by their loss.'

They were identified as Benjamin Philips, 50, of Ringtown, Pennsylvania; Kevin Greeson, 55, of Athens, Alabama; and Rosanne Boyland, 34, of Kennesaw, Georgia. The three were on the grounds of the Capitol when they experienced their medical emergencies, Contee said.

Greeson had a history of high blood pressure and suffered a heart attack amid the excitement, his family said in a statement to CNN. He was an advocate of Trump and attended the event to show his support.

'He was excited to be there to experience this event,' the statement said. 'He was not there to participate in violence or rioting, nor did he condone such actions.'

The family says they are devastated by the loss.

'Kevin was a wonderful father and husband who loved life,' the family statement said. 'He loved to ride motorcycles, he loved his job and his coworkers, and he loved his dogs.'

Boyland's family is also mourning her death, her brother-in-law, Justin Cave, told CNN affiliate WGCL. The family is still working to learn more details about the specifics of her death, he said.

As the family watched Wednesday's events, they hoped that Boyland wasn't among the crowd, Cave said. 'Tragically she was there and it cost her life,' he said.

'She was a wonderful sister, daughter, and aunt. Anyone who knew her knows how compassionate she was, she always put others before herself,' Cave said.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported people to area hospitals with injuries ranging from cardiac arrest to multiple fractures after falling from scaffolding on the West front of the Capitol building.

However, city officials did not say whether any of these people are the ones who died.

Correction: Earlier versions of this article misspelled the last name of Benjamin Philips.
As the states and union territories are likely to receive the first supply of coronavirus vaccine , the government on Thursday asked them to remain prepared to accept these consignments.

The development happened days after the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had approved the Serum Institute of India's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin for emergency use authorisation in the country.

Also Read | The faces behind the farmer revolt

Here's your 10-point development to this story:

1) India will commence the transportation process of the Covid-19 vaccine by today (Thursday) or tomorrow.

2) The Central Government has allowed passenger aircraft to transport coronavirus vaccines.

3) In a communique, the Union health ministry said the vaccine will be supplied to the identified consignee points of 19 states and union territories -- Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal -- by the supplier.

4) The vaccine for the remaining 18 states and union territories -- Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Daman and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttarakhand -- will be received from their respective government medical store depots.

5) "All the states and UTs are likely to receive the first supply of Covid-19 vaccine shortly," the Centre said. "In this regard, you are requested to ensure the advance preparation and readiness for the acceptance of forthcoming supply of the vaccine," Dr Pradeep Halder, advisor, Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) in the health ministry, said in the letter dated 5 January.

6) The further distribution of vaccine to the districts will be done as per the registered beneficiaries, for which a separate communication will be done shortly, the letter added.

7) Pune will be the central hub from where the coronavirus vaccine distribution will happen. As many as 41 destinations across the country have been finalised for the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines.

8) New Delhi and Karnal will be made mini hubs for delivery of coronavirus vaccines in northern India. For the eastern region, Kolkata will be the hub and will also be a nodal point for the northeast. Meanwhile, Chennai and Hyderabad will be the designated points for Southern India.

9) DCGI on Sunday approved Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.

10) The Health Ministry had earlier said that it is prepared for coronavirus vaccine roll-out within 10 days of the vaccines getting approved for restricted emergency use on 3 January, but a final decision on the launch date would be taken by the government.

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The chaos inside the US Capitol on Wednesday came after the police force that protects the legislative complex was overrun by a mob of Donald Trumps supporters in what law enforcement officials called a catastrophic failure to prepare.

The siege of the Capitol, home to both the US Senate and the House of Representatives, represents one of the gravest security lapses in recent US history, current and former law enforcement officials said.

While events such as a presidential inauguration involve detailed security plans by numerous security agencies, far less planning went into protecting the joint session of Congress that convened on Wednesday to ratify the results of the 2020 presidential election, the officials said. That lapse came despite glaring warning signs of potential violence by hardline supporters of President Trump.

Security initially was handled almost entirely alone by the US Capitol Police, a 2,000-member force under the control of Congress and dedicated to protecting the 126-acre Capitol grounds. For reasons that remained unclear, other arms of the US federal governments vast security apparatus did not arrive in force for hours as rioters besieged the seat of Congress. The Capitol is a short walk from where Trump in a speech railed against the election just before the riot began.

The counting of the electoral votes of the presidential election by Congress, normally a formality, was preceded by weeks of threats in social media that planned pro-Trump protests could descend into violence.

Despite those rumblings of danger, the Capitol Police force did not request advance help to secure the building from other federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, according to one senior official. National Guard reinforcements, summoned by the citys mayor, were not mobilised until more than an hour after protesters first breached the barricades.

In stark contrast, those agencies were aggressively deployed by the Trump administration during last summers police brutality protests across the US. Capitol Police officers to protect the complex like a citadel. But there are so many windows that it is difficult to defend them all.
Vice President Mike Pence presides over a joint session of Congress to certify the 2020 Electoral College results, in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Erin Schaff/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Pence, Congress Ignored Alternative Slates of Electors During Joint Session

News Analysis

Vice President Mike Pence didnt acknowledge that seven states sent two electoral vote certificates to Washington, one for President Donald Trump and one for President-elect Joe Biden, during the joint session of Congress on Jan. 6.

Pence only read off the certificates for Biden from the seven states in question: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Before reading each states certificate, Pence asked the joint session if there were objections. He later added, This certificate from [a state], the parliamentarians advise me, is the only certificate of vote from that state that purports to be a return from the state and that has annexed to it a certificate from the authority of the state purporting to appoint and ascertain electors.

The Electoral College Act, passed some 150 years ago, outlines a scenario in which a state sends more than one return or paper purporting to be a return. It calls on the vice president in his or her role as president of the Senate to open all the certificates and papers purporting to be certificates of the electoral votes during the joint session to count electoral votes.

What Pence said as he called out states differed from what vice presidents have said in previous sessions, Politico noted.

Under the Electoral College system, voters are actually choosing electors when they vote for a presidential candidate. The party electors then, in almost all cases, cast a ballot the following month for the partys candidate. The winner of the popular vote in a state is certified as the winner, and that certificate is counted in the congressional joint session.

Republican electors in those states last month cast a ballot for Trump, planning to send it to Washington. Democratic electors cast a ballot for Biden. The situation is known as dueling electors.

In past joint sessions, vice presidents have read so-called alternative electors. For instance, Vice President Richard Nixon in 1961 was initially declared the winner of Hawaii, but candidate John F. Kennedy was later certified as the states winner, just two days before the joint session that year. Congress received certificates from Republican electors, Democratic electors, and a package from the archivist of the United States.

Electoral college votes are brought in before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Vice President Mike Pence as they resume presiding over a joint session of Congress to certify the 2020 Electoral College results, in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Erin Schaff/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Nixon said: The Chair has received three certificates from persons claiming to be the duly appointed electors from the State of Hawaii. The Chair will hand these certificates one at a time to the tellers who will read the certificates and the attached papers in full. After the first certificate has been read the Chair will then hand the second certificate to the tellers, and then the third.

Nixon then suggested the electors named by Hawaiis governor, or the electors for Kennedy, be considered the lawful objectors. No one objected, so the session moved forward.

Pences office didnt return an inquiry on why he didnt acknowledge alternate slates.

The Office of the Federal Register and the National Archives, which receives copies of each certificate of vote and posts them on a designated webpage, didnt list any alternative slates this time. The office declined last month to say how it would handle dueling certificates.

Ivan Pentchoukov contributed to this report.
Good morning, North State. Here's what you need to know to start your day on Jan. 7.

Police investigating Wednesday night shooting in West Chico

Police are looking for another gunman a day after another shooting incident in Chico. The shooting took place at the intersection of Third and Walnut Streets. Police say they found one car damaged - but no victims. It is the same location of a shooting Tuesday night that left one man dead and where a vigil was being held to honor that victim.

California's master plan of aging unveiled

The Director of the California Department of Aging has unveiled the state's "master plan for aging." The plan is based on a year's worth of data gathering and outlines five major areas of focus: housing, health as we age, inclusion; not isolation, caregiving that works for people, and making aging more affordable. For more details of the plan, click here.

Congress confirms Joe Biden's election win

Congress affirmed President-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect, Kamala Harris, as the winners of the 2020 election. The final count showed Joe Biden with 306 electoral votes to Donald Trump's 232. Lawmakers completed the final count after formal objections from some republicans to election results in Arizona and Pennsylvania. Congress voted down both of those objections.

After excusing violence, Trump acknowledges Biden transition

Just moments after that confirmation, President Trump promised an "orderly transition on January 20th" tweeting from an aide's Twitter account. The president continued to contest the results of the election but acknowledged that his term was coming to an end.

4 dead as Trump supporters stormed Capitol

Crews are now cleaning up the wreckage after a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol building. Pro-Trump protesters breached security and were seen inside the capitol building -- including the Senate chamber. One person was shot and killed and four others died from separate medical emergencies.

Warnock, Ossoff win in Georgia, handing Dems Senate control

The results from Georgia are in. Voters sent two new democrats to the Senate in a close run-off race, and after a day of tallying votes, Democrat Jon Ossoff has been declared the projected winner against Republican incumbent David Perdue. Democrat Raphael Warnock picked up the second U.S. Senate seat - beating Republic incumbent Kelly Loeffler.

US records highest daily death toll

NBC News counts show that in just one day, the United States recorded its highest daily death toll from COVID-19: 3,920. Coronavirus cases are climbing as well. A new single-day record of 268,840.
Hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine program starting Monday, Jan. 11, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday.

Three weeks after launching the vaccination program for those in group 1A -- frontline health-care workers and residents of skilled nursing facilities -- the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is now opening the program for those in group 1B as well as those age 65 to 74, Whitmer said.

Below is what you need to know.

Who is eligible?

Those age 65 and older, which numbers about 1.8 million Michigan residents.

Teachers for preschoolers through grade 12. That includes roughly 120,000 individuals.

Police officers, first responders, jail and prison staff. They number about 78,000.

Childcare providers, which includes about 18,000 people.

Frontline state and federal workers.

When can people get vaccinated?

The goal is to vaccinate as many Michigan residents as quickly as possible. However, supplies of the vaccine remain limited. That will be especially true for the next few weeks, as the state is directing its supply of the Moderna vaccine to the immunization of long-term care residents.

In short: While vaccination clinics will begin Jan. 11 for the 1B group, its likely demand will exceed vaccine supply, especially at first.

It is important to note that there is limited vaccine available in the state, and so there will be limited appointments available, an MDHHS press release said. As more vaccine becomes available, the state will be able to move more quickly through the priority groups.

How can individuals schedule an appointment?

Its expected that specific vaccination clinics will be set up for essential workers through their employers, much like workplace flu clinics.

For senior citizens, vaccinations clinics will be set up by local health departments, hospitals and other health providers, although details are still being worked out.

The states coronavirus vaccine webpage will soon start providing links to local health departments once they start scheduling vaccinations. Seniors also can look online at their local health department website, since some have started taking names of people seeking a vaccine.

Hospitals also may reach out to senior citizens in their patient database and invite them to schedule an appointment.

Incidentally, health officials say they are unlikely to hold walk-in clinics, and vaccinations will be done by appointment only. Thats because the COVID-19 vaccines have very specific storage and handling requirements, and providers need to know exactly how many doses they need to prepare each day.

Will senior citizens have to prove their age or residency?

While local health departments will decide their own process for registering people, many are aiming to minimize the bureaucracy, health officials say. Seniors may have to show a drivers license or other proof of age, but residency shouldnt be an issue since the overall priority is maximizing the number who get immunized.

Can employers force workers to be vaccinated?

In theory, employers could mandate the vaccine. But because the vaccines were approved by the Federal Drug Administration for emergency use, few if any are mandating the shots.

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

Few people experience side effects after the first dose. The second dose can result in some mild discomfort for a day or two, including fever, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms

You see side effects in very few numbers after the first dose, said Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan. The numbers go up after the second dose. But theyre relatively mild, and they last generally for about 12 to 24 hours. Theyre not dangerous in any way. And quite honestly, the reason that symptoms are happening is because your bodys immune system is ramping up. And thats exactly what we want.

There have been a few isolated cases of people having severe reactions, which happens with almost any vaccine, and which is why clinicians recommend that people should be monitored for a half-hour after receiving the injection.

On the whole, doctors say the risks of the vaccine are far outweighed by the risks of becoming ill with COVID-19.

When does the vaccine start working?

The vaccines available now require two shots. People have to wait three weeks between getting the first and second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and four weeks in between the Moderna shots.

People will have some protection after the first dose, but the 95% rate of efficacy is achieved about two weeks after the second dose, experts say.

How long will the vaccine last?

Perhaps the biggest question mark around the vaccines: How long will the immunity last?

That will take time to tell, experts say. Some vaccines offer lifetime immunity, but more often booster shots are needed, and its possible that people will require to be regularly vaccinated against coronavirus.

We suspect you may need it every year, like a flu vaccine, said Todd Belding, pharmacy manager for Sparrow Health System in Lansing.

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WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump was ensconced in the White House residence Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, raging about perceived betrayals, as an array of top aides weighed resigning and some senior administration officials began conversations about invoking the 25th Amendment - an extraordinary measure that would remove the president before Trump's term expires on Jan. 20.

A deep, simmering unease coursed through the administration over the president's refusal to accept his election loss and his role in inciting a mob to storm the Capitol, disrupting the peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. One administration official described Trump's behavior Wednesday as that of "a total monster," while another said the situation was "insane" and "beyond the pale."

Fearful that if Trump remains in office - even for a few days, he could take actions that could cause further violence and death - senior administration officials were discussing Wednesday night whether the Cabinet might invoke the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to force him out, said a person involved in the conversations.

A former senior administration official briefed on the talks confirmed that preliminary discussions of the 25th Amendment were underway, although this person cautioned that they were informal and that there was no indication of an immediate plan of action. Both of these people, like some others interviewed for this story, spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter.

Under the 25th Amendment, the president can be removed from office by the vice president plus a majority of the Cabinet, or by the vice president and a body established by Congress, if they determine he "is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office."

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., on Thursday called on Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to ensure that "we have a sane captain of the ship" because Trump has become "unmoored not just from his duty or even his oath, but from reality itself."

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf on Thursday issued the strongest critique of Trump yet from within the Cabinet. Calling Wednesday's events "tragic and sickening," Wolf wrote in a statement, "I implore the President and all elected officials to strongly condemn the violence that took place yesterday." He vowed to remain in his position to ensure an orderly transition to the Biden administration.

William Barr, who resigned last month as attorney general, issued an even sharper condemnation of the president he served. He called Trump's conduct "a betrayal of his office and supporters," adding in a statement to The Associated Press that "orchestrating a mob to pressure Congress is inexcusable."

Mick Mulvaney, a former member of Trump's Cabinet as acting White House chief of staff and director of the Office of Management and Budget, announced Thursday morning that he has resigned from his post as U.S. special envoy to Northern Ireland. He said on CNBC that he informed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: "I can't do it. I can't stay."

"Those who choose to stay, and I have talked with some of them, are choosing to stay because they're worried the president might put someone worse in," Mulvaney said on CNBC's "Squawk Box." He added that Trump was "not the same as he was eight months ago."

Referring to Trump's incitement of a mob of supporters to occupy the Capitol, Mulvaney said: "We didn't sign up for what you saw last night. We signed up for making America great again. We signed up for lower taxes and less regulation. The president has a long list of successes that we can be proud of. But all of that went away yesterday."

A trio of senior White House aides - national security adviser Robert O'Brien, deputy national security adviser Matthew Pottinger and deputy chief of staff Chris Liddell - were contemplating resigning, according to three senior administration officials.

Their possible departures, which were first reported by CNN, could trigger a cascade of other resignations from inside the already hollowed-out West Wing.

O'Brien, traveling in Florida, was appalled at the Capitol mob and angry that Trump attacked Pence even while he and lawmakers were under siege, one person familiar with his thinking said Wednesday. O'Brien tweeted support for Pence and did not mention Trump.

"I just spoke with Vice President Pence. He is a genuinely fine and decent man," O'Brien tweeted from his personal account. "He exhibited courage today as he did at the Capitol on 9/11 as a Congressman. I am proud to serve with him."

Two of first lady Melania Trump's top aides abruptly resigned Wednesday night in what one close adviser to the president interpreted as a sign of their disapproval of Wednesday's events. Stephanie Grisham, a longtime Trump family loyalist who served as White House press secretary and most recently as the first lady's chief of staff; and Anna Cristina Niceta, the White House social secretary, separately announced their resignations, also first reported by CNN.

In addition, deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews announced her resignation, saying she was honored to serve the Trump administration but "deeply disturbed" by the storming of the Capitol.

"People were looking for a reason to stay, and now he's given them an excuse to go," a close Trump adviser said of the president.

Aides mortified by their boss's conduct said they were weighing whether to resign or to stay in office to help ensure the transition to the Biden administration. One official said Trump would have to issue a statement committing to a transfer of power and to prosecuting the rioters to keep some of his top aides on the job for his final 13 days in office. Officials were urging him late Wednesday to release a statement committing to a peaceful transition.

Trump issued a statement overnight once Biden was certified the winner, the product of considerable discussion with some of his advisers. It read: "Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th. I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it's only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again."

There was little communication among the White House staff, other than a message instructing officials to leave early and stay safe. Considerable internal anger was directed toward chief of staff Mark Meadows, according to four aides, both because of what many view as his incompetence in managing the White House and his willingness to prop Trump up while indulging his false election fraud claims.

People who interacted with Trump on Wednesday said they found him in a fragile and volatile state. He spent the afternoon and evening cocooned at the White House and listening only to a small coterie of loyal aides - including Meadows, deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, personnel director Johnny McEntee and policy adviser Stephen Miller. Many of his top confidants - Meadows, son-in-law Jared Kushner and first lady Melania Trump, among others - were publicly silent.

"He's got a bunker mentality now, he really does," the close adviser said.

As rioters broke through police barricades and occupied the Capitol, paralyzing the business of Congress, aides said Trump resisted entreaties from some of his advisers to condemn the marauders and refused to be reasoned with.

"He kept saying: 'The vast majority of them are peaceful. What about the riots this summer? What about the other side? No one cared when they were rioting. My people are peaceful. My people aren't thugs,' " an administration official said. "He didn't want to condemn his people."

"He was a total monster today," this official added, describing the president's handling of Wednesday's coup attempt as less defensible than his equivocal response to the deadly white supremacist rally in 2017 in Charlottesville.

Some aides were mortified that Trump was so slow, and resistant, to telling his supporters to vacate the Capitol, and believed he did irreparable damage to his presidency and legacy.

Aides and a range of lawmakers begged Trump to call on his supporters to stop rioting at the Capitol. Some former aides echoed those pleas on Twitter, tagging the president presumably in hopes he might see their messages.

"The best thing @realDonaldTrump could do right now is to address the nation from the Oval Office and condemn the riots. A peaceful transition of power is essential to the country and needs to take place on 1/20," former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney wrote.

Alyssa Farah, the recently departed White House communications director, wrote: "Condemn this now, @realDonaldTrump - you are the only one they will listen to. For our country!"

White House aides tried to get Trump to call into Fox News Channel, but he refused. He at first did not want to say anything, but was persuaded to send some tweets. Then they scripted a video message for him to record, which he agreed to distribute on Twitter. But the president ad-libbed by including references to false voter fraud claims that they had asked him not to include, the administration official said. Twitter later locked his account, enraging the president.

"He didn't want to say anything or do anything to rise to the moment," the official said. "He's so driven by this notion that he's been treated unfairly that he can't see the bigger picture."

This official described Trump as so mad at Pence "he couldn't see straight." Several White House aides were upset that the president chose to attack Pence when the vice president, secured at an undisclosed location at the Capitol, was in harm's way.

A former senior administration official briefed on the president's private conversations said: "The thing he was most upset about and couldn't get over all day was the Pence betrayal. . . . All day, it was a theme of, 'I made this guy, I saved him from a political death, and here he stabbed me in the back.' "

Trump's fury extended to Pence's chief of staff, Marc Short. The president told aides he wanted to bar Short - who was with the vice president all day at the Capitol - from the White House grounds, according to an official with knowledge of the president's remarks.

Short has told others he would not care if he was barred.

Another former senior administration official speculated that the day's events made Pence more popular than Trump. "One man acted like a toddler and the other acted like the second-highest-ranking constitutional official in the nation," the official said.

John F. Kelly, another former White House chief of staff who has shied away from rebuking Trump over other transgressions, suggested the president's leadership was wanting.

"Three men made comments today, two of them very helpful and meaningful, and should be remembered," Kelly said. Senate Majority Leader Mitch "McConnell's remarks this afternoon, just before the riots, were, I think, words for the ages - and not from a politician, but from a statesman. President-elect Biden's were presidential and right to the heart of what we have to do to heal ourselves."

Kelly also seemed to voice regret about Trump's election.

"We need to look infinitely harder at who we elect to any office in our land - at the office seeker's character, at their morals, at their ethical record, their integrity, their honesty, their flaws, what they have said about women, and minorities, why they are seeking office in the first place, and only then consider the policies they espouse," Kelly said.

- - -

The Washington Post's Anne Gearan contributed to this report.

A young woman accused of murdering Moe man Jarrad Lovison has blown kisses and laughed with her co-accused in court before breaking down in tears.

Samantha Grace Guillerme, 24, appeared before the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court on Thursday via videolink where she heard the case against her largely centred on DNA and toxicology reports.

Seven-foot-tall Mr Lovison was last seen riding his bike near Moe in country Victoria on April 16.

Samantha Grace Guillerme is accused of murdering a Moe man

The body of Moe man Jarrad Lovison (left) was found in May a month after he went missing

Guillerme was arrested after police searched a property in Moe and was remanded in custody to return to court in March

The next day, Guillerme shared a photo on her social media page of her dog at the Lyrebird Forest Walk about 60km to the south of Moondarra.

Alongside the photo she wrote the caption 'today's adventure'.

Mr Lovison's body was found on May 23 in the same area.

Guillerme's' co-accused Jake Brown, 28, appeared jovial as he appeared in court from the Melbourne Remand Centre.

'Merry Christmas Sam,' he bellowed as Guillerme laughed and blew kisses.

As Brown continued to skylark, Guillerme was compelled to ask him to be quiet.

'Stop it,' she said with a large grin on her face.

By the close of the hearing, Guillerme's smiles had turned to tears.

The court heard police were still in the process of analysing DNA from the alleged crime scene and awaiting toxicology reports.

Prosecutor Tim McCulloch said a combination of hotel quarantine and border patrols brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic had contributed to delays.

Mystery remains as to how or why police allege the three killed Mr Lovison.

The court heard a bucket of liquid, possibly containing the drug gamma hydroxybutyrate, was somehow linked to the case.

Handwriting, document, fire and ballistics experts were also likely to give evidence at the trial when it eventually moves up to the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Magistrate Guillaume Bailin described the case as 'largely circumstantial' and 'incredibly complex'.

The chilling Instagram post from accused murderer Samantha Grace Guillerme (pictured above)

Samantha Grace Guillerme (pictured above) has been remanded in custody until March in relation to the murder of Jarrad Lovison

Jarrad Lovison, 38, went missing in mid-April but his remains were discovered by detectives in Moondarra, near Moe in Victoria's Gippsland region

Brown swung his arms around in disgust as he heard of the delays while Guillerme held her head in her hands and sobbed.

Andrew Price, 47, who has also been charged over the alleged murder, sat quietly throughout the short hearing.

At a previous hearing, Guillerme's barrister John Desmond, described the police summary of evidence against his client as resembling 'War And Peace'.

Police have refused to publicly reveal any of the circumstances of the alleged case against Guillerme and her co-accused.

On Thursday, the court heard at least some of the accused killers would attempt to be released from jail on bail.

Last month, Guillerme abandoned her bail attempt amid the volumes of new evidence presented at the time.

Mr Lovison's body was found in bushland in Moondarra - about 125km east of Melbourne and north of Moe.

Samantha Grace Guillerme will remain behind bars for now

Samantha Grace Guillerme is accused of murdering a Moe man

Sleepy Hollow: The town of Trafalgar where Samantha Grace Guillerme worked at the local cafe before COVID claimed her job

Mr Lovison was last spotted in Moe, Latrobe Valley. A close friend of his said the arrest was 'a long time coming'

Guillerme was arrested after detectives searched a property on Coalville Rd, Moe - where a white Toyota was seized as part of the ongoing police investigation.

She had worked at a cafe just around the corner in Trafalgar before she was put out of a job by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guillerme had been described as a good employee who had been let go with regret.

Mr Lovison, or 'Lovo' as he was known around town, had been living in and about Moe his whole life.

By most accounts, he was well liked in the area despite his rough and rugged appearance.

Mr Lovison's family is said to be relieved that police have finally made some charges over the death of their son.
The Bombay high court on Wednesday lambasted the Commissioner of Customs (Appeals), Mumbai Zone-1, for acting contrary to an earlier court order to forthwith release a large consignment of yellow peas imported from China.

Prima facie the above directions of respondent No.2 (the customs commissioner) are totally in contravention to the order of this court, said the bench comprising justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Abhay Abuja, while staying the order.

Acting on separate petitions filed by two importers, Harihar Collection and Raj Grow Impex LLP, the bench had on October 15, 2020 held that withholding of their imported consignments by customs was not justified and had ordered the customs authorities to forthwith release the goods.

Also Read: Bombay HC interim relief for Arnab Goswami and other employees of Republic TV to continue till January 15

Two months later, Raj Grow Impex LLP again moved the high court challenging December 24, 2020 order passed by the customs commissioner. Its counsel, Dr Sujay Kantawala, pointed out that the on December 24, 2020, the customs commissioner had ordered absolute confiscation of part of the consignment, and the order was completely contrary to the earlier high court order.

The high court accepted Dr Kantawalas contention and observed that the view taken by respondent No.2 (customs commissioner) that the decision of the high court to the order releasing the goods was prima facie not correct.

When the high court had directed release of the goods forthwith, it is beyond comprehension as to how a lower appellate authority can nullify such direction by ordering absolute confiscation of such goods, said the bench. It is not only unacceptable but contemptuous as well.

The high court has now directed the customs authorities to comply with the earlier orders and sought a compliance report by January 27, 2021.

In a separate proceeding, also initiated by Raj Grow Impex LLP, the bench on Wednesday issued notices to customs commissioner Manoj Kedia, deputy commissioner Ram Nath Purohit and assistant commissioner KK Sharma, asking them to show cause as to why a proceeding for contempt should not be initiated against them. They have been given time till January 21, 2021 to respond to the notice.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Coronavirus vaccinations will start becoming available to Indiana residents 80 and older starting Friday as state health officials start expanding access to those shots.

The next vaccination steps announced Wednesday come after vaccinations of Indiana health care workers began Dec. 16 and extended to nursing home residents and staffers last week.

State health officials said that they plan to start offering vaccinations in the coming weeks next to those 70 and older and then 60 and older. Those age groups make up 93% of Indianas more than 8,700 coronavirus-related deaths since March.

We are really concentrating on saving lives and reducing hospitalizations, said Dr. Lindsay Weaver, the state health departments chief medical officer. If we vaccinate every Hoosier thats 60 and older, thats 1.5 million people and so itll be quite some time before we get that vaccine in order to do it.

Notification postcards about scheduling vaccination appointments will be sent out to some 250,000 people ages 80 and older, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said.

Appointments will be available in all 92 counties and can be made starting Friday for those 80 and older at the website ourshot.in.gov or by calling the states 2-1-1 telephone assistance service.

Vaccinations are also now available for police officers, emergency medical services staffers and firefighters.

No dates are being set for when those in their 70s and 60s can receive vaccines were announced, although Weaver said the aim was to have that expansion in February.

The state health department reported that about 52,000 people received the first dose of a two-shot vaccination in the past week, pushing Indianas first dose total to 128,000 through Tuesday. Nearly 600 people in the past week became Indianas first ones to complete the two-shot vaccinations.

The vaccination expansion comes as the state on Wednesday added a dozen more Indiana counties to those at highest risk level of COVID-19 spread. The health departments updated weekly tracking map now labels 57 of the states 92 counties the most dangerous red category, up from 45 a week ago. All other counties are in the next-riskiest orange rating of the four-level system.

The departments daily update added 80 coronavirus deaths that occurred in recent days to the states pandemic toll. Indianas seven-day rolling average of COVID-19 deaths has declined to the low 70s per day after reaching a pandemic average peak of 85 in mid-December.

The states coronavirus hospitalizations of about 2,800 are down about 20% since the beginning of December.

Gov. Eric Holcomb said he believed the vaccinations plan was appropriate as two-thirds of Indianas COVID-19 hospitalizations are of those ages 60 and older.

Taking this by age eligibility, will keep this not just methodical, but it will eat into where we have the most vulnerable Hoosiers at risk, Holcomb said.
British Gas engineers have started a five-day strike amid a dispute over accusations of a 'fire and rehire' policy.

GMB, the union representing employees of British Gas, said the strike will cause 'massive disruption to customers in the depths of winter'.

It said several members were mounting socially distanced picket lines across the UK after being 'provoked' into taking industrial action.

They claim British Gas's parent company Centrica tried to force through pay cuts by telling workers they will lose their jobs if they don't accept them.

Employees would then be rehired on a lesser-paid contract.

The walkout will last for five days, with warnings of further stoppages if the row is not resolved.

GMB blamed Centrica for 'provoking' the action, saying they are causing 'massive disruption to customers in the depths of winter', The Sun reports.

British Gas engineers have started a five-day strike (pictured at a British Gas site in Leicester) amid a dispute over accusations of a 'fire and rehire' policy

GMB, the union representing employees of British Gas, said the strike will cause 'massive disruption to customers in the depths of winter' (workers pictured on the picket line in Bothwell)

Centrica hit back, saying that it has done everything possible to avoid strike action and GMB is 'intent on causing disruption to customers during the coldest weekend of the year, amid a global health crisis and in the middle of a national lockdown.'

Centrica has contingency plans to deal with the action, and will prioritise vulnerable households and emergencies, a spokesperson said.

The strike involves around 4,500 service and repair gas engineers, 600 central heating installers, 540 electrical engineers, 170 specialist business gas engineers and 1,700 smart metering engineers, said the union.

GMB said several members (one pictured at a British Gas site in Leicester) were mounting socially distanced picket lines across the UK after being 'provoked' into taking industrial action

GMB (some members pictured) claim British Gas's parent company Centrica told workers they will lose their jobs if they don't accept lower pay - only to be rehired on a lesser-paid contract

Justin Bowden, GMB national officer, said: 'GMB members from Land's End to John O'Groats have stayed home, stayed safe and supported the first national gas strike in a decade.

'The months and months of fire and rehire pay cut threats from British Gas chief executive Chris O'Shea have provoked thousands of engineers and call centre staff to strike, the only option left to them by a business that made 901 million operating profit yet still plans to sack them because they won't accept the scale of cuts it demands.'

The only exceptions to the industrial action will be dealing with emergencies and problems for households with vulnerable people, according to the union.

The walkout (pictured) will last for five days, with warnings of further stoppages if the row is not resolved

GMB (workers pictured) blamed Centrica for 'provoking' the action, saying they are causing 'massive disruption to customers in the depths of winter', The Sun reports

Centrica hit back, saying that it has done everything possible to avoid strike action and GMB (members pictured on strike today) is 'intent on causing disruption to customers during the coldest weekend of the year, amid a global health crisis and in the middle of a national lockdown'

The strike (some participants pictured) involves around 4,500 service and repair gas engineers, 600 central heating installers, 540 electrical engineers, 170 specialist business gas engineers and 1,700 smart metering engineers, said the union

The strike follows a 9-1 vote in favour of industrial action by members of the GMB, which accused Centrica of moves to 'fire and rehire' employees.

A Centrica spokesman said: 'We've done everything we can with the GMB to avoid industrial action.

'Whilst we've made great progress with our other unions, sadly the GMB leadership seems intent on causing disruption to customers during the coldest weekend of the year, amid a global health crisis and in the middle of a national lockdown.

'We have strong contingency plans in place to ensure we will still be there for customers who really need us, and we'll prioritise vulnerable households and emergencies.'

Centrica has contingency plans to deal with the action (pictured), and will prioritise vulnerable households and emergencies, a spokesperson said

Centrica said it had lost too many customers and jobs in recent years, adding it was trying to protect jobs.

It announced 5,000 job cuts in June last year, which it said would help 'arrest the decline'

In June, Centrica said it planned to to cut around 5,000 jobs to 'arrest the decline' of the gas firm.

'If we are to avoid more job losses and continue, unlike most in the sector, to maintain a highly skilled team of engineers, employed directly by the company, these new terms and conditions are essential.'

'A very significant number of engineers striking will have accepted the new terms already,' it said, adding that four out of five of its workforce had accepted new terms, in which base pay and pensions were protected.
Lucknow:

Lucknow Police on Friday filed a charge-sheet against former minister and SP leader Gayatri Prajapati and six others for allegedly raping a woman and attempting to molest her minor daughter.

The SIT of Lucknow Police on Friday filed the charge-sheet in a local court, said a senior police officer.

A Chitrakoot-based woman corporator had alleged that Prajapati and his aides had raped her and attempted to molest her minor daughter in 2014.

An FIR was registered on February 17 against Prajapati and six others on the directive of the Supreme Court.

After being on the run for nearly a month, the 49-year-old Samajwadi Party was arrested on March 15 and sent to jail. The six others had been arrested earlier.

At the time of his arrest, Prajapati had said that he was innocent. "This is a conspiracy to malign me," he had claimed, adding that he was prepared to undergo a NARCO test to bring out the truth. He also demanded a NARCO test on the minor victim.

ALSO READ: Allahabad HC stays bail granted to Gayatri Prajapati in rape case

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A Baghdad court has issued a warrant for the arrest of the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, as part of its investi...

A Baghdad court has issued a warrant for the arrest of the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, as part of its investigation into the killing of a top Iraqi paramilitary commander, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Al-Muhandis, who was the Deputy Head of Iraqs largely pro-Iran Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network, was killed in the same US drone strike that took out Iranian general Qasem Soleimani at Baghdad airport on January 3 last year.

Trump, who ordered the strike, subsequently boasted that it had taken out two (men) for the price of one.

The UN special rapporteur for an extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Agnes Callamard, has called the twin killings as arbitrary and illegal.

Iran already issued a warrant for the arrest of Trump in June and asked Interpol to relay it as a so-called red notice to other police forces around the world.

The court for east Baghdad has now issued the warrant for Trumps arrest under Article 406 of the penal code, which provides for the death penalty in all cases of premeditated murder, the judiciary said.

The court said the preliminary inquiry had been completed but investigations are continuing to unmask the other culprits in this crime, be they Iraqis or foreigners.

Elon R Musk, the entrepreneur behind Tesla Inc. and SpaceX is close to surpassing Jeff Bezos as the worlds richest person. A 2.8% rally in the electric carmakers share price Wednesday boosted Musk to within $3 billion of Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos, who currently occupies the top spot on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a ranking of the worlds 500 wealthiest people.

Jeff Bezos's total wealth as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index stood at $184 billion. Elon Musk is just below Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos at number with a total wealth of $181 billion.

Also Read | Meet the faces behind the faceless farm protest at Delhis doorstep

As chief executive officer of Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, Musk is also a rival to Bezos, owner of Blue Origin LLC, in the private space race.

Over the past year his Musk's worth soared by more than $150 billion in possibly the fastest bout of wealth creation in history. Fueling his rise was an unprecedented rally in Teslas share price, which surged 743% in 2020 on the back of consistent profits, inclusion in the S&P 500 Index and enthusiasm from Wall Street and retail investors alike.

The worlds 500 richest people added a record $1.8 trillion to their combined net worth last year, equivalent to a 31% increase. The gains were disproportionately at the top, where five individuals hold fortunes in excess of $100 billion and another 20 are worth at least $50 billion.

China's Zhong Shanshan has also set a new wealth record. The chairman of Nongfu Spring Co., a bottled-water company thats ubiquitous in China, is now richer than Warren Buffett as his fortune surged $13.5 billion to $91.7 billion since the start of the year. He is now the world's sixth wealthiest person.

Zhong dethroned Indias Mukesh Ambani as Asias wealthiest person last week. Mukesh Ambani is world's 13th richest person of the world holding total net worth of $73.9 Billion. (with Bloomberg inputs)

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New Delhi: National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at six locations, five in Jammu district and one in Tarn-Taran district of Punjab on Thursday (January 7). These seraches were made in connection with investigation of a Narco-terror module related to seizure of about 61 kgs of Heroin along with arms and ammunitions on 20th September 2020 at International Border at Arnia, Jammu.

Originally registered as case FIR no. 65/2020 dated 20.09.2020 at Police Station Arnia, District Jammu, under sections 307, 120B & 121 IPC and 7 & 25 Arms Act in connection with unprovoked firing at a police patrolling party from Pakistan side to provide cover for the smuggling activity, sections 8 r/w 21 & 29 NDPS Act and 13, 17 & 18 UA (P) Act were added subsequently during investigation. The case was re-registered by NIA on 26.11.2020 and taken up for investigation.

The searches were conducted at the residences of six accused persons namely Jasraj Singh, Sham Lal, Bishan Dass, Ajeet Kumar, Gurbaksh Singh and Gurpartap Singh. These accused persons were arrested for hatching a criminal conspiracy for carrying out anti-national and unlawful activities, and to help the terrorist organisations by collecting funds and channelizing the proceeds of drugs for furthering the activities of such terrorist organisations like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).

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Gurpratap Singh r/o Tarn-Taran district is the kingpin of this module. In the second week of September, 2020, Gurpratap Singh had received 10 Kg of Heroin from Pakistan based handlers through his associates. The consignment in the instant case was also intended to be received by Gurpratap Singh to fund the activities of BKI in Punjab.

During the searches conducted today, digital devices and other incriminating documents having financial details and accounts numbers have been seized for further scrutiny and analysis.
Posted on Instagram on Wednesday via satellite phone link, the message reads: Bad weather . . . but satisfied we got our first acclimatisation round. All members spent two to three nights on the mountain and are now waiting for the next opportunity to go up.

An attached clip of video shows a desolate vista of wind-battered tents on a narrow plateau between snow-covered escarpments, their peaks obscured by the deteriorating weather.

The message signs off defiantly with a bulging-bicep emoji and the words All is well and greetings from K2 base camp.

As I write this, around 70 climbers  among them cash-rich amateurs but led by two of the greatest mountain men that have ever lived  are engaged in simultaneous expeditions to conquer K2, the second-highest mountain in the world

All is well? Not by any rational measure. The post was sent from the slopes of the so-called Savage Mountain where, at this time of the year, winds gust at hurricane speed, the temperature can fall to -65c, and there is a one in six chance of dying in the effort to reach the summit.

The past year has revealed to us a new way of killing mankind as the world has become transfixed by Covid-19.

But amid the ongoing cataclysm of the pandemic, there remains the desire among a few of the very brave, or very foolhardy, to defy Nature on a new, far more deadly battleground.

As I write this, around 70 climbers  among them cash-rich amateurs but led by two of the greatest mountain men that have ever lived  are engaged in simultaneous expeditions to conquer K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.

The summit is 237 m closer to sea level than that of Everest. However, even at a height of 8,849 m (29,031 ft), Everest has been climbed thousands of times.

Some of those successes occurred during the far deadlier winter season. Sources put the mortality rate among climbers at only one in 25 at best, at worst one in 15.

K2s conquerors number fewer than 100. And no one has ever summited her in winter. To attempt to do so has been described as the last great mountaineering challenge.

Alison Hargreaves was arguably Britains greatest female climber. On May 13, 1995, the Derbyshire-born mother of two reached the summit of Everest without the aid of Sherpas or bottled oxygen. But, three months later  against the advice and wishes of her family and local officials  she pressed on in appalling conditions to reach the summit of K2

For more than 200 years, we have been fascinated by the idea of climbing the worlds highest and most dangerous peaks.

Why do we do it? In his book on the philosophy of climbing, Mountains Of The Mind, Robert Macfarlane writes of mountain worship and the faintly erotic feeling of real terror.

Of the European peaks, Mont Blanc was first summited in 1786 and the Matterhorn in 1865  the latter by a British expedition, four of whom perished on the descent.

Empire broadened the climbing horizons and the Raj brought the British to the foothills of the greatest mountain range of them all  the Himalayas, of which Everest is a part.

In the early 20th century, the country was fascinated by the attempts of George Mallory to conquer what was by then considered to be the Third Pole, and stunned when he was lost without trace on his third expedition in 1924.

But there was another mountain range on the borders of British India (now Pakistan) and China, which harboured what would prove to be an even more formidable challenge than Everest.

In 1856, a British survey team set out to measure the Karakoram range. One summit stood out, quite literally; like a gigantic pyramid of ice.

The mountain has been the scene of a number of multiple fatalities among climbers over recent years. Thirteen lost their lives there during the summer of 1986, including five in one storm

K2 was designated as such because it was the second peak in the Karakoram range to be sketched by team member Thomas Montgomerie. Its prosaic nomenclature has never been altered. Some climbers even feel it suits the cold frigidity and unique risk that the mountain presents; a nameless space alien among the Everests and Eigers of the canon.

Today, K2 is second among the 14 peaks in the world known as the eight-thousanders. That is to say their peaks are all over 8,000 m (26,000 ft above sea level), the threshold of the death zone, above which oxygen depletion and cold can fatally undermine our physical and mental well-being.

These are the blue riband climbs of mountaineering and K2, at 8,611 m, is considered among, if not the most, perilous, being steeper and more remote than Everest.

The first organised attempt at scaling K2 was made in 1902, but the expedition could not find a possible way up.

K2 held out against all human endeavour, even after Everest had been conquered for the first time in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

It was not until the following July that two Italians called Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli reached the summit. K2 would not be conquered again until 1977.

The mountain has been the scene of a number of multiple fatalities among climbers over recent years. Thirteen lost their lives there during the summer of 1986, including five in one storm. Eleven died in one day on the mountain in August 2008.

One of the most poignant tragedies occurred between these two disasters, in the August of 1995.

Alison Hargreaves was arguably Britains greatest female climber.

On May 13, 1995, the Derbyshire-born mother of two reached the summit of Everest without the aid of Sherpas or bottled oxygen.

But, three months later  against the advice and wishes of her family and local officials  she pressed on in appalling conditions to reach the summit of K2.

A storm caught her on the descent and she was killed, along with five other climbers. Remember, this was during the summer, not the winter season.

There was a tragic postscript to her familys loss. Hargreaves had climbed the Eigers north face when she was six months pregnant with her first child, Tom Ballard. He followed in his mothers footsteps as a record-breaking mountaineer. But he, too, was killed  in 2019, when ascending Nanga Parbat.

That mountain was the 13th of the 14 eight-thousanders to be climbed in the winter season, a feat achieved only as recently as 2016.

Only K2 remained. The first serious attempt was made in 1988. It failed. Later efforts were marred by death and serious injury.

Climber Tom Ballard is pictured above. He died in 2019 during another mountain expedition

So why are so many climbers attempting to be the first now?

The 2020 climbing seasons in the Himalayas and across the world were disrupted by the pandemic. Pakistan has opened the mountain this winter, so there was pent-up demand. And, it must be said, professional expedition leading is a lucrative business.

The Instagram message at the start of this piece was posted by Chhang Dawa Sherpa, who is leading one of the expeditions attempting to conquer the mountain.

He has climbed all 14 peaks above 8,000 m. Until last year, he was the youngest ever to have done so.

Another expedition is being led by Nirmal Purja MBE, the first Gurkha soldier to pass selection to the Special Boat Service.

Purja, who lives in Hampshire, climbed the 14 eight-thousanders in six months and six days, beating the previous record of eight years.

He also posted on Wednesday: We are at basecamp of K2 at 5,200 m elevation. The conditions right now are not very pleasant and its expected to get even worse for the next few days with temperatures up to -50c.

There is disquiet among the wider mountaineering community about the presence of relatively inexperienced climbers  who have paid anything up to 35,000 to make the attempt  in such harsh conditions on a notoriously deadly mountain.

Nevertheless, both group leaders have expressed confidence that they can lead their charges safely to the summit.

Go tell it to the Savage Mountain. One wishes them all the good luck in the world, but the statistics suggest that K2 will add to its baleful toll before this winter is out.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Jon Ossoff, right, and Raphael Warnock campaign in Marietta, Ga., on Nov. 15, 2020. (Jessica McGowan/Getty Images)

AP Calls Winner of Georgia Senate Races for Democrats Warnock and Ossoff

The Associated Press Wednesday called a win for both Democratic candidates Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the two Georgia Senate runoffs.

Both Warnock and Ossoff have taken to Twitter to thank Georgians for their votes.

Warnock also said in a speech on Wednesday, To our supporters, our incredible campaign team, and to my familythank you from the bottom of my heart.

Republicans David Perdue and Sen. Kelly Loeffler have not officially conceded to their Democrat opponents.

As weve said over the last several weeks and as recently as this evening, this is an exceptionally close election that will require time and transparency to be certain the results are fair and accurate and the voices of of Georgians are heard. We will mobilize every available resource and exhaust every legal recourse to ensure all legally cast ballots are properly counted. We believe, in the end, Senator Perdue will be victorious, Perdues office said in a statement.

Sens. David Perdue (R-Ga.), left, and Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) stand during a rally in Cumming, Ga., on Dec. 20, 2020. (Jessica McGowan/Getty Images)

According to Georgia law, recounts require candidates to be within a 0.5 percent margin of their competitor. Ossoff has a lead of 0.6 percent, or 27,075 votes, in front of Perdue, and Warnock a lead of 1.2 percent, or 53,430 votes, in front of Loeffler.

Gabriel Sterling from Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffenspergers office said Wednesday morning that he estimated there were less than 10,000 provisional ballots that still need to be counted, while about 14,000 military and overseas ballots were outstanding.

The latter can be counted as long as they arrive by Friday and postmarked by Tuesday, he said.

Ossoff and Warnocks victories mean that the vice president will hold the deciding vote in the Senate.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.

tvN's upcoming cooking show "Youn's Stay" unveiled its new teaser!

"Youn's Stay" will finally be hitting the screen with its new season, together with its original and new cast.

On Jan 5, tvN released on their official YouTube channel another teaser of what to look forward to in the upcoming episodes of the "Youn's Kitchen." The forthcoming program is set in a hanok, a traditional Korean house in the province of South Jeolla, where the stars of the show were also seen wearing their cooking uniform.

The cast includes Youn Yuh Jung, Choi Woo Sik, Jung Yu Mi, Lee Seo Jin, and Park Seo joon. The show will run featuring the actors warmly welcoming guests from different countries who are currently staying in Korea and have been into business or been studying for years who have not been able to experience the food and culture of South Korea due to COVID-19.

The video clip starts with actor Choi Woo Sik running into the house and announcing to his team that a customer has finally arrived to visit their place. Most of the customers are foreigners and continue to come in. On the other hand, his friend, Park Seo Joon later on commented, "This is so chaotic," pertaining that they are having a difficult time coping up with the current situation.

Also Read: 'Wooga Squad' Members Park Seo Joon and Choi Woo Sik Join in a Project Collaboration

As the short video continues to play, it shows another unexpected situation, it was Jung Yu Mi asking why some of their chopsticks are missing in the middle of their preparation. But with all the pressure happening inside the kitchen, the cast is doing their best to serve the customers and amidst the chaotic experience inside, they manage to put a smile on their faces every time they will have an encounter with the customers.

Actress and chef Youn Yuh Jung greet their visitors and says to them in English, "We'll do our best for you."

Actors Lee Seo Jin and Choi Woo Sik helped each other in delivering the foods to the guests, who looked satisfied and overwhelmed by their hard work. Meanwhile, in the kitchen Lee Seo Jin shared to his team,"This is so difficult," and Park Seo Joon also added, "I think the restaurant was way much better." It can be heard on the clip the voice of Youn Yun Jung saying, "This is why you shouldn't do things like this in hotels."

Fans are already excited to watch the forthcoming program, they are curious of what kinds of foods will the cast shared to the foreign customers, and how they will handle pressure inside the kitchen.

Are you also excited to see the upcoming cooking program? Please share your thoughts with us!

Watch the full teaser below!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this article.

Written by Shai Collins.
BBATON ROUGE, LA  Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin this morning announced their offices have arrested an Amite City Councilman on eight counts of election fraud. Emanuel Zanders, III is accused of violating LA RS 18:1461.2 by procuring or submitting voter registration applications that are known by the person to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent.

At a news conference in Baton Rouge (of which audio and video is available for broadcast here), both Attorney General Landry and Secretary Ardoin expressed the importance of election integrity through free and fair elections. They stressed that every legal voter gets one legal vote and no more: one man, one vote.

Anything other than a one-for-one vote distorts our election process, said Attorney General Landry. Those who wish to distort an election in this matter are breaking the law and betraying their fellow citizens. It is even more disheartening when the perpetrator is an elected official.

Election integrity matters, said Secretary Ardoin. Yesterdays arrest is the culmination of work by my office, the Attorney General's Office, the Registrar of Voters, and others; and it proves that the multi-level checks and balances of our election processes and procedures work. This should serve as a stark warning to those looking to violate our election laws.

Councilman Zanders was arrested and charged on Monday afternoon. His arrest was a result of the ongoing, joint investigation between the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the Secretary of State's Office. In October, the Tangipahoa Parish Registrar of Voters contacted the Secretary of State's Office with concerns that voter registration forms were being turned in with fraudulent address information. It is alleged that Councilman Zanders purposefully manipulated over twenty Louisiana citizens into illegally changing their voter registration by asking citizens to sign registration forms that he would later complete with a fraudulent address. It is further alleged that Councilman Zanders submitted another voter registration application on behalf of a citizen using his own address.

This is yet another recent example of Attorney General Landrys Office working with Secretary Ardoins Office to protect election integrity. In September, the two agencies worked together to bring a Crowley woman to justice for purposefully failing to mark an elderly voters ballot in the manner dictated by said voter.

Election integrity is the bedrock of our election process. I am proud of the work Secretary Ardoin has done to protect our elections and weed out bad actors who wish to betray our system and way of life, concluded Attorney General Landry.
I went home and stormed off to my room as teenagers do in movies when theyre tired of the world. I rarely did that, but honestly, the occasion called for it. I guess my mom was as tired and disappointed as I was, so she didnt even follow me to my room.

But Dad was there, and he wanted to know how I was feeling. I told him about my unfixable issue. He was a fixer, but the time had come for him to stand still and embrace the fact that some problems couldnt be solved. He just held me in his arms ensuring me that everything was going to be OK, even though we didnt know what that meant.

All I knew was that from that moment onward, taking my shirt off in public meant that I was vulnerable to questions. Questions that I didnt want to answer. No one was entitled to know who I liked or why I had scars on my chest, but leaving those questions unanswered meant that people were free to draw their conclusions.

At the same time, I didnt want to miss the pool time during the trips with my school, so I had to come up with a strategy that would allow me to enjoy the water without being seen. I resolved that the best way to avoid questions was to take off my shirt when everyone was distracted. All I had to do was wait for everyone to jump in while I lingered on the edge, and I would then remove my clothes when no one was watching. Once I was in the deep end of the pool, there was no way they could see my scars. I also had to be the last one out so no one would see me.

But I forgot that there was a group of kids who never went in. They would hang outside the pool, desperately looking for something to entertain themselves. What happened to your chest?, one of them asked. He wasnt trying to make me feel miserable or weird. He just wanted to know.

I had a little accident, I said. The truth is, it was kind of an accident. I had never intended to have those scars and I didnt deserve to feel guilty about them. The surgery was an attempt to feel comfortable in my skin, but it had left me marked forever.

I thought you had a heart surgery or something like that, the kid said. They look badass. You should get a tattoo.
Leaders around the world condemned the storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, expressing shock at the chaos unfolding in a country they once relied upon for global leadership.

Disgraceful scenes in US Congress," tweeted Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, a staunch ally of the United States over generations. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.

Other allies were similarly appalled at what they described as an attack on American democracy, though some said they believed U.S. democratic institutions would withstand the turmoil. Some leaders singled out Trump for harsh criticism.

Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling on democracy, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas wrote on Twitter. "From inflammatory words come violent deeds. He added that contempt for democratic institutions has disastrous effects.

The beauty of democracy? with a shrug emoji was the reaction tweeted by Bashir Ahmad, a personal assistant to the president of Nigeria, which has seen several coups since independence  including one led decades ago by President Muhammadu Buhari, who most recently entered the office via a vote.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera and Colombian President Ivan Duque were among those in Latin America who denounced the seditionists, but both also said they were confident that American democracy and the rule of law would prevail.

In this sad episode in the U.S., supporters of fascism showed their real face: anti-democratic and aggressive,'' tweeted Luis Roberto Barroso, Brazilian Supreme Court justice and the head of the countrys electoral court. He said he hoped American society and institutions react with vigor to this threat to democracy.''

Venezuela, which is under U.S. sanctions, said the events in Washington show that the U.S. is suffering what it has generated in other countries with its politics of aggression.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has survived U.S.-backed opposition efforts to oust him despite accusations of human rights abuses, civil unrest and a humanitarian crisis that has forced millions to flee the oil-rich country.

In Puerto Rico, many people took to social media and joked that the U.S. territory no longer wanted statehood. Independence, they said, looked appealing for the first time in decades.

In fact, it was that pursuit of independence that marked one of the last times the U.S. Congress was stormed violently. Four members of Puerto Ricos Nationalist Party opened fire on the House floor in March 1954, wounding five lawmakers.

Italians watched the events with shock, having always considered the U.S. to be the model of democracy and the country that rescued Italy after its fascist descent during World War II.

This is the widely anticipated outcome of Trumpism, tweeted a retired Italian center-left politician, Pierluigi Castagnetti. And unfortunately it wont end today. When politics is replaced by deception and fanaticism of the people the drift is inevitable.

European Parliament President David Sassoli, who leads one of the largest legislatures in the world, also denounced the scenes at the Capitol. The European Union has spent four cantankerous years dealing with the Trump administration, and its top officials have repeatedly said they are looking forward to a better relationship under President-elect Joe Biden.

This is insurrection. Nothing less. In Washington, tweeted Carl Bildt, a former prime minister of Sweden.

Turkey, a NATO ally that has sometimes been at odds with Washington, expressed concern over the images of angry Trump supporters trying to thwart the certification of Biden as the new president. The chaos forced lawmakers to be rushed from the building.

A Turkish Foreign Ministry statement urged all parties in the United States to use moderation and common sense.

We believe that the United States will overcome this domestic political crisis with maturity, the ministry said.

The ministry statement also urged Turkish citizens in the United States to stay away from crowds and demonstrations.

Trump issued a restrained call for peace well after the melee was underway but did not immediately ask supporters to disperse. Later, he urged them to go home and called them very special people."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country was deeply disturbed" by the events in the U.S., Canada's closest ally and neighbor.

"Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld  and it will be, Trudeau tweeted.

Volkan Bozkir, president of the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, said he was saddened by the developments. But, he tweeted, I believe that peace & respect for democratic processes will prevail in our host country at this critical time.

Polish President Andrzej Duda, who twice visited Trump at the White House and hosted him in Poland, said on Twitter that his country had full confidence in the power of American democracy.
Beijing, Jan 7 : China's National Health Commission said on Thursday that it received reports of 63 newly confirmed coronavirus cases on the mainland, of which 52 were locally transmitted and 11 were imported.

Of the locally transmitted cases, 51 were reported in Hebei and one in Liaoning, Xinhua news agency quoted the Commission as saying in its latest update.

No new suspected cases or deaths related to the disease were reported.

A total of 21 Covid-19 patients were discharged from hospitals on Wednesday.

By the end of the day, a total of 4,359 imported cases had been reported on the mainland.

Among them, 4,079 had been discharged from hospitals following recovery, while 280 remained.

With the new cases, China's overall infection tally reached 87,278, while the death toll stood at 4,634.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Eco Animal Health Group PLC - pet and livestock pharmaceuticals company headquartered in Surrey - Receives marketing authorisation from Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Food Supply for its Circo/MycoGard swine vaccine. Vaccine is used for the vaccination of piglets against porcine circovirus type 2 and mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, two of the most common primary pig respiratory disease pathogens affecting the health and productivity of swine globally.

"This first vaccine marketing authorisation in Brazil marks a significant milestone as we build our capability with vaccines and broaden our product portfolio. The speed with which Circo/MycoGard was approved in Brazil under difficult circumstances is most gratifying and a credit to the team," says Chief Executive Marc Loomes.

Current stock price: 255.00 pence

Year-to-date change: flat

By Ife Taiwo; ifetaiwo@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a whopping 8.7 lakh expatriates from Kerala to return home, most of them from the Gulf , since last May with a majority of 5.67 lakh citing job loss as the reason for it, according to official data.

The data from the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) department as of Thursday also showed that 1,11,151 of the 13,27,330 Keralites who came back from other parts of the country also cited loss of jobs as the reason for their return. The second biggest reason cited by the returnees (2.08 lakh) was their job visas. The rest include senior citizens, or children, and family members of expats.

Since May, when travel was allowed after the easing of the first COVID-19 lockdown, a total of 8,69,730 people returned from overseas, the department said. Of those returning from within the country, the maximum number of people returned from neighbouring Tamil Nadu (3.12 lakh), followed by Karnataka (3.11 lakh) and Maharashtra (1.37 lakh).

Overall 21.89 lakh Keralites have come back to the state from abroad and from within the country. Of those returning from abroad, 8,62,544 used the air route to return, and 7,186 took the sea route.

"As many as 8,69,730 Keralites returned from overseas between the first week of May and today (January 7). Of them, as many as 5,67,138 officially cited loss of job as the reason for returning, according to the NORKA. There were 40 lakh Keralites living/working abroad and 13.73 lakh elsewhere in the country. The state has a resident population of 3.48 crore.

However, S Irudaya Rajan, an expert on international migration, doesn't agree with the official numbers, saying tens of thousands have already gone back to their places of work, some of them even with new jobs. "I dont think the official numbers on the Norka portal are true, especially the job-loss figures. While the actual number of returnees could be true, the vast majority of them citing job losses may not be factually correct," he told PTI.

Rajan is the chair professor at the Ministry of Overseas Indian affairs research unit on international migration at the Centre for Development Studies in Thiruvananthapuram. He said there were about 25 lakh Keralites in the Gulf nations and at best five lakh of them would have returned, yet that will make it the highest in the past 50 years.

There are one crore Indians in the six of the most migrant-friendly Gulf nations. Even during the Kuwait or Iraq wars, the numbers of people who were forced out were far fewer, he said. Rajan said he has undertaken a study and would come out with "a more accurate number" once it was completed in a few months from now.

"We should not worry too much on how many have come back, as many are going back or have gone back already. We should instead worry about how to help better, how to make them more skilled, helping better migration later," he said. The expert said the better news was that many were returning to their previous workplace or a new workplace in a new country.

Ernakulam had maximum number of returnees overall at 2,48,113, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with 1,66,806, and Malappuram 1,43,709 and Kasargod had the least at 32,959 after Wayanad with 34,838 returnees. But among those returning from overseas, Malappuram had the highest number at 1,40,931 followed by Kozhikode at 89,166 and Thrissur at 86,887.

Idukki had the lowest at 7,370. Malappuram with a larger concentration of Muslim population has the highest penetration of families with expats in the Gulf region followed by Kozhikode. Of those returnees from abroad, maximum (3.15 lakh) came through the airport in Kochi followed by Kozhikode airport (2.58 lakh), Thiruvananthapuram (1.76 lakh) and Kannur airport (1.09 lakh).

Cochin Port was used by 2,955 people. The job losses of expatriates is not a good development for the state whose economy has been heavily leaning onto remittances ever since the Gulf boom began in the 1960s. Among the states, Kerala has the highest NRI deposits at around 93,000 crore in 2019 and the government was expecting this to cross the one lakh crore mark last year, though it has not materialised due to the pandemic impact.

Rajan also disagreed with the fear of a steep fall in remittances saying even the World Bank which had at the peak of the pandemic predicted a 23-25% fall in remittances in 2020 has later revised it to be around 15%, partly because of the steep fall in the value of rupee.

In the worst case scenario, the NRI deposits would have fallen by 10-12%, he said, attributing it to the ingenuity of Keralites who take advantage of the record low interest in their country of work by borrowing cheap in local currencies and sending money back home.

According to an official of the State Bank of India, which accounts for close to 30% of NRI deposits in the states banking sector, the bank has been seeing a steady increase in NRI deposits during the pandemic months. But he did not offer a number partly because of the falling rupee. Calls to the Federal Bank, which is the largest private lender in the state catering to a large number of expats, did not elicit any response.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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Unemployed workers in South Carolina are now eligible for an extra $300 per week, but tens of thousands of residents who are relying on two federal jobless programs are still not able to cash in.

Congress passed a new round of stimulus funding in late December to help boost the nation's economy, which is still being hindered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Part of that law funded an extra $300 per week for every eligible unemployment applicant in the country, and it extended two federal jobless programs that were set up to help support people during the pandemic until at least the middle of March.

The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce announced on Monday that it began releasing the extra $300 to eligible applicants. That's good news for the more than 40,000 individuals in late December who were trying to claim the 20 weeks of unemployment assistance provided by the state.

We are extremely excited to begin paying these important funds without interruption to continuing claimants," Dan Ellzey, DEW's director, said in a statement this week.

The roll out of that extra money won't provide any immediate support to the more than 100,000 other unemployed workers who applied for federal jobless benefits in late December.

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Congress extended two aid programs in December: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which made contractors, self-employed people and gig workers eligible for jobless benefits for the first time, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, which provided aid to people who already used up their 20 weeks of state eligibility.

DEW is working to restart payments to the thousands of people that continued to apply through those federal programs late last year, but the agency announced this week that it was waiting on guidance from the federal government on how to implement several changes that were passed by Congress.

That means none of the applicants who fall into those two camps will be able to collect their normal benefits of up to $326 per week right now. It also means they will be temporarily blocked from capturing the extra $300 per week tacked on by Congress.

DEW is still trying to determine how quickly they will be able to change that reality.

Our agency has only received the very first of the guidance from the US Department of Labor, and there is still a great deal of work to be done to study and implement these complex programs," Ellzey said.
Democrats Jon Ossoff (L) and Raphael Warnock (R) won their US Senate races in Georgia on January 5, 2021, delivering a massive victory for their party which seized control of the Senate from Republicans

Democrats seized control of the US Senate Wednesday with dramatic election wins in Georgia, slapping Donald Trump's party with a crushing loss two weeks from the president's exit and handing Joe Biden comprehensive power in Washington.

The Republican debacle in Georgia -- sealed when Jon Ossoff was proclaimed the winner in the second of two Senate runoff races -- came as Trump supporters furious about his election defeat launched a violent assault on the US Capitol, disrupting Congress's session to affirm Biden's victory and plunging Washington into chaos.

A defiant Trump, speaking to supporters at a street rally before the unrest, insisted that "we will never give up, we will never concede" defeat.

But by the end of his four-year term, Trump managed to lose the White House, the House of Representatives and now the Senate to Democrats.

The southern state that has leaned Republican for two decades has delivered a political stunner twice in two months: In November when Democrat Biden narrowly defeated Trump, then in the runoffs that ousted two sitting GOP senators loyal to Trump.

The narrow and historic victories by documentary producer Ossoff, who at 33 becomes the youngest US senator since Biden himself took office in 1973, and Reverend Raphael Warnock, the first African American ever to represent Georgia in the Senate, will end divided government in Washington and give Biden a golden opportunity to get his legislative agenda onto the floor.

Warnock, 51, defeated Kelly Loeffler, a 50-year-old businesswoman appointed to the Senate in December 2019, while Ossoff, who becomes Georgia's first Jewish senator, bested the 71-year-old David Perdue.

Although the Senate will be split exactly 50-50, Democrats will hold the power advantage because incoming Vice President Kamala Harris will serve as the tie-breaking vote.

- Biden administration wins -

Ending GOP rule in the Senate has major implications for the Biden administration, particularly in view of the fact that Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell offered fierce resistance to former president Barack Obama's agenda.

Biden notably will be far more likely to get his cabinet nominees confirmed in the Senate.

Equally important, Democrats will control what legislation makes it to the floor, and Biden has made clear his immediate priority is boosting relief for American families impacted by the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Biden's federal judges and any Supreme Court picks will also likely get stronger support in the chamber, with fewer roadblocks.

The Republican fingerpointing began immediately, with many acknowledging Trump directly hurt the chances of Loeffler and Perdue by questioning the integrity of the very election they sought to win.

"He depressed GOP turnout. Period," tweeted Matt Mackowiak, chairman of the Travis County, Texas Republican Party. "Epic disaster for the GOP of incalculable damage."

Trump launched a relentless and unseemly effort to overturn the presidential election results, and zeroed in on Georgia.

But his move backfired. Republican voters may have stayed home, refusing to participate in an election that their president insisted was a fraud, while independents and moderate Republicans may have grown frustrated with his anti-democratic antics and withdrawn their support.
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Four people died and 52 were arrested after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to stop Congress from certifying President-elect Joe Bidens election victory, Washington D.C.s Police Chief said.

In a late night news conference, Metropolitan Police Department, Chief Robert J. Contee, said 47 of the 52 arrests to date were related to violations of Mayor Muriel Bowsers 6.00 p.m. curfew.

26 of those arrests were made on the U.S. Capitol grounds.

Several others were arrested on charges related to carrying unlicensed or prohibited firearms.

In addition, Contee said, two pipe bombs were recovered from the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national committees, as well as a cooler from a vehicle on U.S. Capitol grounds that contained Molotov cocktails.

Contee declined to identify the woman a Capitol Police officer shot and killed, saying next of kin notification was still pending.

Three other people also died on Wednesday because of medical emergencies, he added, and 14 police officers were injured  two of whom remain hospitalised.

It was not clear if other federal or local police agencies, including the Capitol Police, had made additional arrests.

While the number of people arrested is expected to grow, the initial number pales in comparison to the more than 300 people who were arrested by the Police, following the June 1 protests in the district related to the police killing of George Floyd.

In that incident, baton-swinging police and federal agents fired smoke canisters, flashbang grenades and rubber bullets to drive protesters farther from the White House, enabling President Donald Trump to walk across Lafayette Park and hold up a Bible in front of St. Johns Church.

While police faced staunch criticism for being too aggressive at Lafayette Square, however, the Capitol Police are now facing questions about why they did not do more to secure the Capitol and let many of the rioters, later exit the building without arrests.

Bowser, the mayor, said the Police intended to ask the public for help in identifying rioters, many of whom posed for photos inside the Capitol and can be seen in viral videos on social media without face masks.

We will be on the lookout, she said.

Some of them, we think  have to be held accountable for the carnage.

Late on Wednesday, the FBI also asked the public to submit tips, such as images, videos and other information to help agents identify people who were actively instigating violence.

Bowser also extended a public emergency declaration for 15 days, an action she said will allow her to restrict peoples movements around the city if necessary. (Reuters/NAN)
Empty and full milk cartons found between Ballygally and Glenarm

A Larne councillor has renewed his offer to match a cash reward to identify those responsible for dumping cartons of fresh milk on the Antrim Coast following a recent incident.

Coast Road DUP Councillor Andrew Clarke said in a post on social media: Really disappointed to see milk cartons again being dumped on our lovely Coast Road.

Putting plastic in the sea does huge damage and is a terrible look for one of Northern Irelands most scenic areas.

I slithered down and gathered these ones up, so at least they are accounted for.

A previous theory blamed someone in hospitality, but this doesnt make a lot of sense with current restrictions.

Previously, Cllr Clarke said: I hate litter. In fact, I would go as far as to regard it as a form of treason.

While all litter is bad, plastic is especially damaging. To put them by the sea is worse again.

The offer to match Farmviews 500 reward still stands, if anyone can help catch them.

Farmview has confirmed that the companys 500 reward remains available.

Director Richard McDowell said he still believes that someone in food service was responsible for dumping stock after having to shut down at short notice.

Somebody has been very irresponsible, he stated.

He said that the company has not received reports of fly-tipping of milk anywhere else in Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is to crackdown on litter louts and dog fouling by bringing in a private enforcement company.

The local authority is planning to employ a firm to patrol hotspots and fine offenders.

A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has said previously: The vast majority of our citizens are responsible, but unfortunately there are those who continue to flout the law when it comes to dog fouling, fly-tipping and littering.

Download the Belfast Telegraph App Get quick and easy access to the latest Northern Ireland news, sport, business and opinion with the Belfast Telegraph App.

Belfast Telegraph

Pennsylvanias state Sen. Doug Mastriano was among those standing in the massive crowd gathered outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday as Congress began performing its constitutional duty of certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

The Franklin County Republican, an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump who organized a Ride to DC on Wednesday for fellow Trump supporters to protest this affirmation of Bidens win, said in a statement he went there to support the President.

But when lawlessness broke out from rioters who stormed the Capitol, Mastriano said he and his wife made their way from that area and never stepped foot near the Capitol.

We immediately left when things did not seem right, he said in a text message on Thursday morning to PennLive.

Mastriano condemned the violence that occurred but said he didnt stay long enough to witness much of what transpired.

But Mastrianos presence in the nations capital standing alongside people who engaged in what members of Congress described as an insurrection and terrorist act has led Democratic Delaware County Sen. Tim Kearney, among others, to call for Mastrianos resignation.

56 Trump supporters storm U.S. Capitol

In a statement issued Wednesday evening, Kearney said, Doug Mastriano is a sitting senator who has actively organized a violent insurrection in an attempt to prevent a peaceful transfer of power. Senator Corman and Republican leadership should call for his immediate resignation. If he doesnt resign, Senator Mastriano should be removed from all committee or leadership positions.

Kearney told PennLive on Thursday, There are certain lines and I think the senator really stepped over one at this point.

Hearing that Mastriano left the protest when the mob began forcing their way into the Capitol isnt enough, Kearney said.

He should have left as soon as he heard what the President and what Rudy Guiliani had to say at the rally on the mall that stoked the violence, said. Guiliani called for trial by combat in addressing the crowd of Trumps supporters. Trump told the crowd, Because youll never take back our country with weakness. We have come to demand that Congress do the right thing.

Kearney said, If you foment this kind of thinking and you make these calls to action then you shouldnt be surprised people take it to its logical extension.

Calling for a Senate colleagues resignation is not a request that Kearney said he makes lightly and not one that is spurred solely by Mastrianos participation in that protest. He said it also stems from Mastrianos blind allegiance to the President and the lies hes been propagating around the election along the senators refusal to wear a mask in and outside the Senate chamber and his discouraging people from trusting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Saying he knows how hard election officials worked to make sure the election was free and fair and he knows people whose lives have been turned upside down by the pandemic, and that makes Mastrianos action difficult to swallow.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Centre, said in a statement, One of our fundamental rights is that of peaceful assembly. I talked with Senator Mastriano who shared with me that he and his wife attended the political rally in Washington, D.C., but left as the horrific turmoil began to unfold. He assured me that he did not participate in any unlawful activities. Absent facts to the contrary, the Senate has no cause to act.

As for removing Mastriano from committees, It should be noted at present, the Senate Republicans have not made their committee assignments and Mastriano currently does not serve as a caucus officer.

Other Democratic state lawmakers, along with the national Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, joined in the call for Mastrianos resignation.

.People who take part in insurrection have no place in a legislative body, said DLCC President Jessica Post. Senator Mastriano must resign immediately. If he wont, Leader Corman must take action to hold him accountable. Republicans planted bogus distrust in our elections  the same one that elected their members. They have spent years enabling Donald Trump, spreading conspiracy theories, and sowing division in our country. Its time for Republicans to atone and hold their members accountable so that this country can turn the page on this dark time in our history.

State Rep. Brian Sims, D-Philadelphia, also called for Mastriano to resign. He tweeted that Mastrianos promotion of Trumps seditious conspiracies have " grown grossly and predictably dangerous.

BREAKING: Weve learned that PA Senator @dougmastriano was heavily involved in todays insurrection in the Nations Capitol. After weeks of seditious conspiracies his actions have grown grossly and predictably dangerous and I join @SenTimKearney in calling for his resignation! pic.twitter.com/Ehuo6wvgDM  Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) January 7, 2021

Sen. Katie Muth, D-Montgomery County, voiced her thoughts in a tweet as well, calling him part of the problem and harmful.

So he booked a bus to DC, sold tickets, went there, paraded around praising a failed disgraceful hateful human, promoting a coup to overthrow the government, and he thinks because he didnt go inside he wasnt part of the problem? I call    hes not a patriot, hes harmful  Senator Katie Muth (@SenatorMuth) January 7, 2021

Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny County, as well as newly installed Democratic Sen. Amanda Cappelletti of Montgomery County also called for the Republican senator to resign. No elected official should endorse or participate in acts of domestic terrorism and threats to our democracy, Cappelletti said in a statement.

Sen. Vince Hughes, D-Philadelphia, said Kearney is absolutely on point in calling Mastrianos removal, expulsion or censure. He said Mastriano participated and was part of an organized faction that led up to the activities of yesterdays insurrection. He has violated his own oath. He should be expelled from the Senate of Pennsylvania.

Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia said, From social media reports, both before and during the event, it appears that Mastriano was involved in the planning and execution of the insurrection. Unless he can prove otherwise, the Senate should move quickly to expel Doug Mastriano from this body as his actions have proven him unfit to serve the citizens of this commonwealth.

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa of Allegheny County added his voice to the chorus calling for Mastrianos resignation. He said, I support the First Amendment, and Senator Doug Mastriano has that right as well. However, as a public servant and sitting Senator  he, and all members of this body, must be held to a higher standard. For this reason, I am calling on him to resign.

Mastriano, who was sworn in to his first full four-year term on Tuesday, issued a statement late Wednesday evening condemning the rioters. He said he would never condone the violence that occurred at the Capitol. He said in a Facebook video when it became apparent that the protest was no longer peaceful and that things were going wrong, he said he and his wife made their way to their vehicle.

At no point did we enter the Capitol building, walk on the Capitol steps or go beyond police lines, Mastriano said.

That would distinguish him from West Virginia Republican Del. Derrick Evans who recorded video of himself and fellow Trump supporters entering the Capitol, according to the Associated Press. A video he later deleted from his social media page shows Evans wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach a chamber of Congress. Calls now are being made for Evans resignation.

While in D.C., Mastriano paused at one point to have his picture taken with former Allegheny County GOP state lawmaker Rick Saccone in a picture widely circulated across social media. KDKA in Pittsburgh reported on Thursday that Saccone resigned as an adjunct professor at St. Vincent College following a schools investigation into his Facebook video at the Capitol on Wednesday where he spoke of storming the capitol.

Mastriano, an Army veteran and retired colonel, said in his statement what transpired at the nations Capitol was a sad day for our country.

He went on, It hit me especially hard because Ive spent most of my adult life defending our nations freedoms and ensuring that our constitutional rights are protected. Those who violated those laws must be prosecuted.

He told PennLive he needs time to reflect. My heart is broken for my country. How did we come to this? Such behavior is never acceptable. Ive committed my life to our Constitution and nation.

An attempt to reach Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland County, for comment was unsuccessful on Thursday.

Mastrianos support for Trump included organizing a Senate GOP Policy Committee hearing where Trumps personal lawyers aired unfounded claims of voter fraud and election rigging in Pennsylvanias election. Following that hearing, Mastriano went to the White House along with other state lawmakers to meet with Trump. While there, the senator learned he had tested positive for COVID-19. Two days before Christmas, Mastriano extended a White House invitation to his Senate GOP colleagues to have Christmas Eve lunch with the president at the White House. It remains unclear how many senators attended that luncheon although at least five were known to decline the invitation.

Mastriano said in his statement, his decision to travel to Washington, D.C. to support the President should not surprise anyone familiar with my views on this election and my concerns about its integrity. My position on lawlessness is equally as clear. He elaborated on that point In his video, saying, Theres never, never a justification for violence in pursuing a political end. In this nation, we have avenues for people to pursue. They take time but thats a constitutional republic. Thats why this nation is so great.

* This post was updated to include Sen. Anthony Williams comment as well as ones from Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa..

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy.
Michelle Ubben

The COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis that spared no one, leaving hospitals scrambling to find PPE, respirators and adequate staff, schools pivoting to deliver quality education virtually and restaurants turning to delivery and pickup options when in-person dining was cut in half or shuttered altogether.

But no sector has borne the brunt of this crisis like the nursing home and long-term care profession.

From the very beginning, when the first U.S. outbreak was reported in a nursing home in Kirkland, Washington, the long-term care profession has been the fulcrum of this crisis. By May, 28,000 nursing home residents and staff had died of COVID nationwide, and to date nursing homes account for 35 percent of the nations deaths.

The factors that made the long-term care profession especially vulnerable were largely beyond its control: Nursing homes, already working with their communities most vulnerable, serve a population that proved to be uniquely susceptible to the virus. Although technically health care facilities, nursing homes lacked many of the specialized resources required to treat COVID patients, things like rooms with negative airflow, sufficient PPE and ventilatorsand the staff trained in how to use them.

This article is featured in O'Dwyer's Jan. '21 Crisis Communications & PR Buyer's Guide Magazine

(view PDF version)

As a consequence, nursing homes with COVID outbreaks by and large had to transfer sick patients en masse to hospitals. This led to a perception by some that they were simply dumping their problem on an already burdened part of the healthcare system.

Faulty perceptions plagued the profession in other ways, too. Based on an October survey conducted in Florida, 2020s hyper-partisan political environment also colored how people viewed nursing homes handling of the crisis, with Democrats delivering much lower grades.

Although determinations to lock down or reopen nursing homes were executive decisions imposed on facilities by the government, the nursing homes themselves bore the wrath of many family members and the public.

So, what are the crisis lessons to be gleaned from the decidedly unenviable position that nursing homes found themselves in during the pandemic?

First and foremost, be nimble. This wasand remainsa public health crisis without a playbook. Knowledge of how the virus was transmitted, what would effectively stop the spread, how long it could live on surfaces, and other critical information was simply lacking in the early days of the crisis and evolved from day to day. Like other parts of the health care sector, the long-term care profession had to closely monitor guidance from public health officials for direction, and had to train and retrain staff to observe new and unfamiliar safety protocols. Not knowing how to beat back the virus on day one was excusable, but learning quickly and holding staff accountable for new, higher standards of hygiene was expected.

Second, be transparent. Duck and cover is a common response to crisis under the best of circumstances. When the consequences are being numbered in body bags and stored in refrigerated mortuary trucks, the instinct to circle the wagons can be profound. In this case, when some state authorities also were reluctant to release data that put states in a bad light, there was added incentive to go mum. But trust and credibility are byproducts of telling the truth and sharing information in a crisis, even when the numbers look bad. Nursing homes that kept family members and in some cases the media informed in real time were seen as reliable information sources. Although HIPAA regulations prevent naming individuals with COVID, sharing the numbers of residents and staff testing positive, hospitalizations, and, tragically, deaths is permissible and necessary to build trust.

Third, follow through. For family members with a loved one in a nursing home, COVID has produced almost unbearable anxiety and helplessness. Theyve had no choice but to rely on the nursing facility to take the right steps to keep their loved one safe. So promise-keeping becomes ultra-critical. A fundamental tactic of crisis management is to shift focus from the problem to the solution. In this case, when the announced solutions are routine staff testing, contact tracing, consistent mask wearing, frequent hand washing and other hygiene protocols, its imperative that facility leaders follow through and make sure those procedures are followed.

Fourth, be human. In the past year, nursing homes have had to deal with some of the most unthinkably painful human experiences, including staff members holding up a phone so family members who werent allowed to be in the room could say goodbye to dying parents. They have had to meet the needs of frail elders for love and social interaction, while also taking precautions to stop the spread of this disease. At the same time, many nursing home professionals also had to cope with the death of coworkers. Their outcomes havent been perfect, but their efforts have been nothing short of heroic. COVID doesnt just present a threat to health but a challenge to the soul. Nursing home management that led with a human face rather than a corporate one got points for their humanity in the throes of this crisis.

Finally, tell your story. Although the last chapter has yet to be written, the long-term care profession already has a positive story to tell. Upwards of 93 percent of nursing homes have the ability to test their entire staff, and theyve decreased the lag time in waiting for results from 3.8 days in August to 2.1 days in November. That aggressive testing is paying off, with a dramatic reduction in deaths from COVID in nursing homes as a percentage of COVID casesdown from 42.9 percent on May 24 to 25.7 percent on November 15.

That doesnt mean its all rosy for long-term care, nor should the profession pretend it is. The percentage of nursing homes reporting a shortage in any of their staff (nursing, clinical, aides or other) has risen from 20.4 percent in late May to 22.4 percent in mid-November. Nursing home populations were declining even before COVID, straining budgetswhich were then raided further to pay for PPE, testing and unexpected staff needs.

Nursing home funding from both Medicare and Medicaid have been declining, making it increasingly hard to maintain quality standards, even without the exponential added strain of a pandemic. Part of telling the professions story must be sharing both how it rose to the occasion of COVID and what policy changes and investment are needed for the industry to meet the needs of an aging America into the future.

Given the positive prospects for a vaccine, well likely move beyond the pandemic in 2021, but the lessons learned along the way, especially by those in the crosshairs of the crisis, like the long-term care profession, should be studied and embraced by all.

***

Michelle Ubben is Partner and President at Sachs Media.
An inmate at the Dongbu Detention Center in southeastern Seoul holds up a piece of paper, which reads "Incompetent justice ministry, incompetent president," Wednesday, amid growing criticism against the government to its failure to prevent mass infections there. / Yonhap



By Jun Ji-hye



Four inmates who were infected with COVID-19 at the Dongbu Detention Center in southeastern Seoul have filed a damage suit against the government, claiming that its bungled management of correctional facilities amid the prolonged pandemic has resulted in the mass infections there.



In their lawsuit submitted to the Seoul Central District Court, the four demanded compensation of 10 million won ($9,200) each.



The detention center has emerged as one of the biggest COVID-19 hot spots in Korea, having reported more than 1,100 infection cases  including former and current inmates and correctional officers  and two deaths, since the first virus case was confirmed there on Nov. 27.



Kwak Joon-ho, the lawyer for the plaintiffs, said Thursday the Ministry of Justice had failed to quickly isolate those who had direct contact with virus patients, and had not provided face masks for inmates even after the first virus case was confirmed.



"Families of the inmates have worried a lot," Kwak said, noting that additional lawsuits could follow in accordance with the development of the situation.






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DUBLIN, IRELAND, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STERIS plc (NYSE: STE) (STERIS or the Company) today announced that the Company will be publicly webcasting presentations made by Walt Rosebrough, President and Chief Executive Officer at two investor conferences next week. The first presentation will be at 3:30 p.m. ET on Monday, January 11, 2021 as a part of the Needham & Company Healthcare Conference. In addition, the Company will also be webcasting its presentation at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference at 7:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Both sessions can be found by visiting steris-ir.com and will be available for replay for thirty days.



Third Quarter Financial Results

STERIS will announce third quarter fiscal 2021 financial results after market on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 with an investor call at 10:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. A press release with dial-in information will be provided two weeks prior to the event.

About STERIS

STERISs MISSION IS TO HELP OUR CUSTOMERS CREATE A HEALTHIER AND SAFER WORLD by providing innovative healthcare and life science product and service solutions around the globe. For more information, visit www.steris.com.

Investor Contact:

Julie Winter, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

Julie_Winter@steris.com

+1 440 392 7245

Media Contact:

Stephen Norton, Senior Director, Corporate Communications

Stephen_Norton@steris.com

+1 440 392 7482

Forward-Looking Statements

This release and the referenced presentations may contain statements concerning certain trends, expectations, forecasts, estimates, or other forward-looking information affecting or relating to STERIS or its industry, products or activities that are intended to qualify for the protections afforded forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other laws and regulations. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date the statement is made and may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as may, will, expects, believes, anticipates, plans, estimates, projects, targets, forecasts, outlook, impact, potential, confidence, improve, optimistic, deliver, orders, backlog, comfortable, trend, and seeks, or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. Many important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including, without limitation, disruption of production or supplies, changes in market conditions, political events, pending or future claims or litigation, competitive factors, technology advances, actions of regulatory agencies, and changes in laws, government regulations, labeling or product approvals or the application or interpretation thereof. Other risk factors are described in STERISs other securities filings, including Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2020. Many of these important factors are outside of STERISs control. No assurances can be provided as to any result or the timing of any outcome regarding matters described in STERISs securities filings or otherwise with respect to any regulatory action, administrative proceedings, government investigations, litigation, warning letters, cost reductions, business strategies, earnings or revenue trends or future financial results. References to products are summaries only and should not be considered the specific terms of the product clearance or literature. Unless legally required, STERIS does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements even if events make clear that any projected results, express or implied, will not be realized. Other potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, (a) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on STERISs operations, performance, results, prospects, or value, (b) STERIS's ability to achieve the expected benefits regarding the accounting and tax treatments of the redomiciliation to Ireland (Redomiciliation), (c) operating costs, Customer loss and business disruption (including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, Customers, clients or suppliers) being greater than expected following the Redomiciliation, (d) STERISs ability to meet expectations regarding the accounting and tax treatment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) or the possibility that anticipated benefits resulting from the TCJA will be less than estimated, (e) changes in tax laws or interpretations that could increase our consolidated tax liabilities, including changes in tax laws that would result in STERIS being treated as a domestic corporation for United States federal tax purposes, (f) the potential for increased pressure on pricing or costs that leads to erosion of profit margins, (g) the possibility that market demand will not develop for new technologies, products or applications or services, or business initiatives will take longer, cost more or produce lower benefits than anticipated, (h) the possibility that application of or compliance with laws, court rulings, certifications, regulations, regulatory actions, including without limitation any of the same relating to FDA, EPA or other regulatory authorities, government investigations, the outcome of any pending or threatened FDA, EPA or other regulatory warning notices, actions, requests, inspections or submissions, or other requirements or standards may delay, limit or prevent new product or service introductions, affect the production, supply and/or marketing of existing products or services or otherwise affect STERISs performance, results, prospects or value, (i) the potential of international unrest, economic downturn or effects of currencies, tax assessments, tariffs and/or other trade barriers, adjustments or anticipated rates, raw material costs or availability, benefit or retirement plan costs, or other regulatory compliance costs, (j) the possibility of reduced demand, or reductions in the rate of growth in demand, for STERISs products and services, (k) the possibility of delays in receipt of orders, order cancellations, or delays in the manufacture or shipment of ordered products or in the provision of services, (l) the possibility that anticipated growth, cost savings, new product acceptance, performance or approvals, or other results may not be achieved, or that transition, labor, competition, timing, execution, regulatory, governmental, or other issues or risks associated with STERISs businesses, industry or initiatives including, without limitation, those matters described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2020, and other securities filings, may adversely impact STERISs performance, results, prospects or value, (m) the impact on STERIS and its operations, or tax liabilities, of Brexit or the exit of other member countries from the EU, and the Companys ability to respond to such impacts, (n) the impact on STERIS and its operations of any legislation, regulations or orders, including but not limited to any new trade or tax legislation, regulations or orders, that may be implemented by the U.S. administration or Congress, or of any responses thereto, (o) the possibility that anticipated financial results or benefits of recent acquisitions, including the acquisition of Key Surgical, or of STERISs restructuring efforts, or of recent divestitures, will not be realized or will be other than anticipated, and (p) the effects of contractions in credit availability, as well as the ability of STERISs Customers and suppliers to adequately access the credit markets when needed.

The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said he reassigned the almost 2-year-old probe of the shooting deaths of a mother and her two daughters to a cold case detective because his departments original investigation was insufficient.

Quite frankly, I dont think a full-on effort was made, Salazar said Thursday of the initial investigation of the deaths of San Antonio hairstylist Nichol Leila Olsen, 37, and her daughters, Alexa Denice Montez, 16, and London Sophia Bribiescas, 10, at a home in far Northwest Bexar County.

The sheriff declined to specify how the original homicide investigators work fell short, but said he wasnt satisfied when he recently reviewed their final report. However, he said the second look at the case is unlikely to change a conclusion that it was a murder-suicide.

There were some stones left unturned, Salazar told reporters during a media briefing. Ill leave it at that.  I cant go too much into detail. As I saw it  and my chief deputy agreed with me when I asked him to review it  there were some stones left unturned.

The sheriff said several people were at fault for the incomplete case but that he didnt think it was done out of malice. Some sheriffs officials probably should have got a better eyeball on it before it came to my desk, Salazar said.

He said people absolutely will be held accountable but declined to specify how, noting more details on that will be available in the near future.

On ExpressNews.com: A single mother, her millionaire boyfriend and how their storybook romance ended in horror

Olsen and her daughters were found shot to death Jan. 10, 2019, in a $1 million home in the gated Anaqua Springs Ranch subdivision near Leon Springs. A handgun was found near Olsens body. Within days, the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office ruled Olsens death a suicide and her daughters deaths homicides.

At the time, the house was owned by Olsens boyfriend, Charles Edward Wheeler, who has since sold the property and moved to Austin.

Wheeler, now 33, told investigators he had departed the residence the previous night after an argument with Olsen. He called 911 to report the shootings when he returned home the next morning.

The sheriff previously described Wheeler as a person of interest in the case. Everybody associated with this case is still a person of interest, Salazar said Thursday. That does not mean theyre suspected of any wrongdoing. I cant say that emphatically enough. But it just means I want my investigators to talk to you again.

No charges have ever been filed in the case. Wheelers attorneys said he had nothing to do with the deaths and have called on Salazar to publicly clear their clients name.

Salazar said there is no evidence at this point to suggest that Olsens death was not a suicide. I dont think that theres anything thats going to happen thats going to alter the (medical examiners) findings at this point, he said Thursday.

On ExpressNews.com: Sheriff says Anaqua Springs killings most likely a murder-suicide, case may soon be closed

The sheriff said he cant predict how long it will take to complete the investigation. He had originally asked his investigators to submit their final report on the case by Christmas. Earlier this week, he said it will take longer.

An attorney for the youngest childs family said he learned some witnesses may not have been contacted during the sheriffs offices original investigation, while many witnesses statements were not recorded or taken in writing.

Londons family is grateful to Detective Rubin Arevalos for reaching out as part of his effort to correct deficiencies in the original investigation, attorney Joe Hoelscher said in a text message to the San Antonio Express-News. Of course, we are all disappointed to find out ... that the investigation will carry on indefinitely and that it has not been conducted to the standard that Bexar County residents and Alexa and London deserve.

Although Salazars failure to close this investigation in a timely manner will prolong the familys pain, what matters most is that the truth comes to light.

Hoelscher urged any potential witnesses to cooperate with the investigation, even if previously contacted.

After two years, evidence not secured by the investigators may be missing or stale, he said. So we ask those who may assist to please contact BCSO and make themselves known before justice delayed becomes justice denied.

pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: Peggy_OHare
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Jabi, Abuja, on Thursday, ordered the sale of an Abuja hotel owned by Obat Oil and Petroleum Limited to offset N5 billion debt it owes Ecobank Plc.

The judge, Hassan Babangida, gave the order in a suit filed by Ecobank.

The hotel in question, Febson Hotels & Malls, is located at Plot 2425, Herbert Macaulay Way, Abuja.

Obat Oil, the firm which owns the property, was founded by an oil mogul and popular monarch, the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Fedrick Akinruntan, who was in 2014 ranked by Forbes magazine as the second richest king in Africa and the richest in Nigeria.

Ecobanks case

Ecobank, through the application filed on October 18, 2019, sought the courts authority to sell the hotel to recover the N5 billion owed it by Obat Oil.

It claimed that it had reached an agreement with Obat Oil to sell the hotel to offset the debt, adding that the agreement was adopted by the High Court of Lagos State as a consent judgment delivered on March 15, 2017.

The bank, through its lawyer, Kunle Ogunba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, added that Obat Oil, in a November 16, 2019 letter, informed the bank that it had found a buyer for the hotel and would offset the debt with the proceeds of the sale.

It added that the company reneged on its promise to have the hotel sold and pay the N5 billion debt on or before December 31, 2019.

Obat Oils defence

Meanwhile, Obat Oils lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, did not deny his clients N5 billion indebtedness.

He maintained that Ecobank was no longer the creditor because the bank had in a letter dated April 5, 2017, allegedly assigned its rights and interests in the case to a third party, ETI Specialised Finance Company Limited.

He said this implied that only ETI Specialised Finance Company Limited could assert any right over the N5 billion judgment.

Judgment

Delivering judgment on Thursday, the judge held that Ecobank had the locus standi (legal right) to enforce the Lagos State High Court judgment.

Mr Babangida ruled that there was nothing placed before the court to show that the alleged transfer of the banks right in the N5 billion to ETI was complete.

He noted that although the bank in its April 5, 2017 letter stated that ETI would act on its behalf, there was no evidence showing that ETI complied with the condition in the letter requiring it to give the debtor the bank account into which the N5 billion should be paid.

The judgment sum has not been paid till today and it was agreed by the parties that the property in question, Febson Hotels & Malls, should be sold in satisfaction of the judgment sum, the judge added.

Mr Babangida ordered: The court hereby orders the issuance of a writ for the attachment and for sale of the property known as Febson Hotels & Malls and the sum of N5 billion to be realised from the sale should be paid to the applicant.

Appeal

Meanwhile, Obat Oil immediately appealed against the judgment and filed an application for stay of execution of the judgment, on Thursday.

Mr Ojo, the companys lawyer, filed two grounds notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, contending that the trial judge erred in law by not declining jurisdiction to entertain and grant Ecobanks motion on notice dated October 18, 2019.

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The lawyer argued that the court ought to decline jurisdiction because the judgment debt sought to be enforced by Ecobank had been assigned to ETI Specialised Finance Company.

Obat Oil also argued that the judge erred in law because he relied on the reply affidavit filed by the judgment creditor on November 5, 2019 after the judgment creditor had started its address in respect of the motion on notice filed on October 1, 2019 without obtaining the leave of the trial court to file the said reply affidavit.

The firm argued that the judge arrived at a decision that occasioned grave miscarriage of justice by relying on such reply affidavit.

In its motion for stay of execution of the judgment, which it filed before the same trial judge at the FCT High Court, Jabi, on Thursday, Obat Oil sought an order of injunction and stay of execution restraining Ecobank from enforcing it pending the determination of its appeal against the said judgment.
The prospects of Anthony Joshuas super-fight with Tyson Fury taking place in the UK have been killed off by the latest lockdown, with Singapore now joining the list of countries bidding to stage the showdown for the undisputed heavyweight title.

There was only ever a slim chance of the clash happening in this country in late May or early June because of the financial necessity of a full crowd, but promoter Eddie Hearn has now confirmed that the increased restrictions have effectively removed the possibility altogether.

The Middle East remains the most likely destination, with approaches received from Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Qatar, and there is further interest in the US and China.

Anthony Joshua's all-British showdown with Tyson Fury may now be staged overseas

Joshua has the all-British showdown in his sights after recently destroying Kubrat Pulev

Hearn told Sportsmail on Wednesday that Singapore has also emerged as a possibility for a fight that will require a major site fee to help cover purses that could go as high as 100m for each of the British rivals.

With the fighters financial split agreed at 50-50, and the winner then slated to receive 60-40 for the rematch, Hearn is optimistic that the remaining details of the deal, including the location and broadcasting arrangements, can be tied up in the next two weeks.

He said: Even before this current situation there was no guarantee that we would do the first fight in the UK because it was almost impossible that we would get clearance to have, say, 90,000 at Wembley in late May.

Eddie Hearn has told Sportsmail that the fight is now 'far more likely' to take place abroad

'Now it is far, far more likely that it will be abroad.

There have been a lot of conversations between both sides in the past couple of weeks and were optimistic that we can tie up stuff in the next fortnight.

Hearn also indicated that WBO super-middleweight world champion Billy Joe Saunders will learn next week if he has landed a unification fight with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, who holds the WBA and WBC belts. Saunders and IBF holder Caleb Plant have each been in talks to land a May 5 fight against Alvarez.
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KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI  Two Oshtemo Township residents are recovering from serious stab wounds police said were received at the hands of a family member the week before Christmas.

Daniel Hopkins Russell is said to have stabbed his 80-year-old stepfather and 66-year-old mother prior to being shot and killed by a Kalamazoo County Sheriffs deputy. The deputy was responding to a call of a suicidal subject with a knife Dec. 18 at the familys home on Morningstar Way.

Related: Man fatally shot by Kalamazoo County deputy after allegedly stabbing parents

Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Todd Petersen told MLive Thursday that Russells mother, Deborah Russell, is recovering at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids and is in good condition. Petersen said it is uncertain when she will be able to return home.

Ira Sticklin, Russells stepfather, is in good condition and recovering at home, Petersen said.

Both suffered multiple stab wounds, he said.

Kalamazoo County Sheriffs deputies responded to the home shortly after 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18 at which point one of the deputies was confronted by Deborah Russells son.

The 38-year-old Russell was said to have a knife in hand covered in blood. A second knife, also covered in blood, was later found in the home, Michigan State Police Detective First Lt. Chuck Christensen said. Russell was said to have serious mental illness problems, he added.

The responding deputy attempted to use a Taser on Russell, but the man kept coming at him, so the deputy fired three shots at the suspect, Christensen said the day of the incident.

The sheriffs deputy remains on administrative leave, Undersheriff James VanDyken confirmed with MLive Thursday. VanDyken said the sheriffs office will not release the name of the deputy involved and is not in position to comment any further at this time.

As the fatal shots were fired by a sheriffs deputy, the Michigan State Police is handling the investigation.

The officer didnt come out here wanting to get in any type of situation like this, but things happened very fast, Christensen said the day of the incident.

Christensen said Thursday he expects the investigation to take a while before it is complete.

Also on MLive:

Supply the limiting factor for coronavirus vaccinations, even in Kalamazoo County where it is made

Letter from the Editor: The internet never forgets or forgives, and thats why MLive considers requests to remove old content

Victim in Facebook Marketplace shooting remains hospitalized
Regulatory News:

Europcar Mobility Group (Paris:EUCAR) (the Company ) and SELARL FHB, represented by Maitre Helene Bourbouloux, in its capacity as judicial administrator appointed as such by a ruling of the commercial court of Paris dated December 14, 2020 (the Judicial Administrator ), herein announce that, in the course of the meetings held on January 7, 2021 and convened by the Judicial Administrator, the financial lenders' committee and the bondholders' general meeting approved, by the requisite majorities, the draft accelerated financial safeguard plan.

This is a significant milestone for the Company, and the next key milestone will be the shareholders' meeting which will be held on January 20, 2021 at 3pm, exceptionally in closed session, given the sanitary situation. A positive shareholder vote in favor of all the resolutions at this meeting is required for the implementation of the accelerated financial safeguard plan and for the continuity of activities, thus opening a new chapter to the Company's development with the execution of the 'Connect' strategic roadmap.

Disclaimers

This announcement has been prepared by Europcar Mobility Group exclusively for information purposes. It does not constitute or include any advice or recommendation by Europcar Mobility Group (or any other person) regarding the securities of Europcar Mobility Group or EC Finance plc or as to the merits of any transaction or the making of any investment decision. It does not constitute or include any confirmation or commitment by Europcar Mobility Group (or any other person) regarding the present or future value of the business of Europcar Mobility Group, its securities, its affiliates or any of Europcar Mobility Group's or their assets.

This announcement is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange or acquire securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. The securities referenced in this announcement may not be offered, sold, exchanged or delivered in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The securities mentioned in this announcement are not, and will not be, registered in the United States. This announcement is not directed at, or intended for distribution, publication, availability to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction, where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation, or which would require any registration or licensing within such jurisdiction.

This press release includes forward-looking statements based on current beliefs and expectations about future events. Such forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and/or expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations and services and product development, as well as statements, regarding performance or events. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "may", "would", "should" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Europcar Mobility Group and its subsidiaries and investments, trends in their business, future capital expenditures and acquisitions, developments in respect of contingent liabilities, changes in economic conditions globally or in Europcar Mobility Group's principal markets, competitive conditions in the market and regulatory factors. Those events are uncertain; their outcome may differ from current expectations which may in turn materially affect expected results. Actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement contained in this press release is made as of the date of this press release. Other than as required by applicable law, Europcar Mobility Group does not undertake to revise or update any forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events. The results and the Group's performance may also be affected by various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, risks identified in the "Risk factors" of the Annual Registration Document registered by the Autorite des marches financiers on May 6, 2020 and also available on the Group's website.

About Europcar Mobility Group

Europcar Mobility Group is a major player in mobility markets and listed on Euronext Paris. The mission of Europcar Mobility Group is to be the preferred "Mobility Service Company" by offering attractive alternatives to vehicle ownership, with a wide range of mobility-related services and solutions: car rental and light commercial vehicle rental, chauffeur services, car-sharing and private hire vehicle (PHV rental to "Uber like" chauffeurs).

Customers' satisfaction is at the heart of the Group's mission and all of its employees and this commitment fuels the continuous development of new services.

Europcar Mobility Group operates through a diversified portfolio of brands meeting every customer specific needs and use cases, be it for 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week or longer; its 4 major brands being: Europcar the European leader of car rental and light commercial vehicle rental, Goldcar the low-cost car-rental Leader in Europe, InterRent 'mid-tier' car rental and Ubeeqo one of the European leaders of round-trip car-sharing (BtoB, BtoC). Europcar Mobility Group delivers its mobility solutions worldwide solutions through an extensive network in over 140 countries (including wholly owned subsidiaries 18 in Europe, 1 in the USA, 2 in Australia and New Zealand completed by franchises and partners).

Further details on our website:

www.europcar-mobility-group.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005829/en/

Contacts:

Europcar Mobility Group



Investor Relations

Caroline Cohen caroline.cohen@europcar.com



Press relations

Valerie Sauteret valerie.sauteret@europcar.com

Vincent Vevaud vincent.vevaud@europcar.com



Publicis Consultants

Judith Grandcoing judith.grandcoing@publicisconsultants.com
Donald Trumps presidency has, on many occasions, withstood the kind of pressure that would have made other politicians resign. From the backlash to firing FBI Director James Comey to the backlash to child separation to the backlash to blackmailing Ukraine, hes handled crises that initially unnerved his Republican allies by waiting things out and burying the news cycle in disinformation.

The physical violence and symbolic horror of Wednesdays mob attack on Congress, coupled with the reality that Trump has only 13 days left in his term, has put him in what looks like a weaker situation than ever. A number of midlevel administration figures (the deputy national security adviser, a deputy press secretary, the White House social secretary, and the first ladys chief of staff) and one Cabinet secretary (Elaine Chao, who led the Department of Transportation) have resigned. Several Republican senators who planned to show support for Trump by objecting to the certification of Joe Bidens electoral votes changed their minds about doing so while being forced to hide from their own partys voters. Former Attorney General William Barr, who was until recently willing to lie and abuse his own office on Trumps behalf, called his erstwhile bosss behavior inexcusable. Up-and-coming GOP blowhards like Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw are admitting things have gone too far (while, of course, ignoring their own key roles in taking things too far).

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Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, typically very cautious about being seen as too aggressively partisan, have both said that Vice President Mike Pence should take the unprecedented step of invoking the 25th Amendment to strip Trump of his power. Pence himself has not commented publicly on the possibility, but Wednesdays violence was driven in part by Trumps outrage that Pence had refused to declare himself capable of rejecting the Electoral College results.

What do the Republican voters whove supported Trump throughout his term think? A quick poll done by Morning Consult found that 41 percent of Republicans blame Trump for the weeks violence. Pundit Hugh Hewitt, Americas foremost example of the kind of fiscal-restraint and family-values conservative who completely abandoned his ostensible principles to become a fanatical Trump supporter, wrote in the Washington Post Thursday that the president showed incomprehensible indifference to the mayhem of the day and ought to be filled with remorse. Moral concerns aside, Trumps efforts to stay in office have been rejected by the courts and Congresshes a lame duck, and one who wasnt able to rally enough voters to keep two Republican Senate candidates from losing their races in Georgia on Tuesday. Morning Consult found that only half of Republican voters say their party is headed in the right direction, down from 70 percent last August. Being a loser might not be good for a brand premised on personal machismo.

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That said, the idea that Trump has finally gone too far for even his party goes back to at least the Access Hollywood tape, when the presidential nominees recorded boasts about sexual assault led to speculation about whether the pious Pence might remove himself from the ticket. But each time, shocked Republicans have let their shock wear off, usually within 12 to 36 hours, as the party reequilibrates itself around the new, even worse normal. Sometimes there are resignations during the shock period; other times everyone just stays put. But in the end, everyoneRepublican or notsees the boundary of the obviously unacceptable move another quarter-mile further down the road to the apocalypse. Thursday afternoon, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, the modal whichever-way-the-wind-blows Republican hack, said that he would not support invoking the 25th Amendment unless something else happens. Buddy, something else usually does!
(Newser)  An arrest warrant was issued Thursday for outgoing President Trump in connection with the killing of an Iranian general and a powerful Iraqi militia leader last year, Iraq's judiciary said, per the AP. The warrant was issued by a judge in Baghdad's investigative court tasked with probing the Washington-directed drone strike that killed Gen. Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the court's media office said. They were killed outside the capitals airport last January. Al-Muhandis was the deputy leader of the state-sanctioned Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella group composed of an array of militias, including Iran-backed groups, formed to fight the Islamic State group. Soleimani headed the expeditionary Quds force of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.

story continues below

The arrest warrant was for a charge of premeditated murder, which carries the death penalty on conviction. It is unlikely to be carried out but symbolic in the waning days of Trump's presidency. The decision to issue the warrant "was made after the judge recorded the statements of the claimants from the family of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis," according to a statement from the Supreme Judicial Council. The investigation into the killings is ongoing, the court said. The killings sparked a diplomatic crisis and strained US-Iraq ties, drawing the ire of Shiite political lawmakers who passed a non-binding resolution to pressure the government to oust foreign troops from the country. Iran-backed groups have since stepped up attacks against the American presence in Iraq. (Iran, which issued its own arrest warrant for Trump, wants Interpol to intervene.)
The US Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Biden's presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object on Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Mr Biden.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won.

He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early on Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

Demonstrators try to open a door of the US Capitol.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the day's debates and flee to safety under the protection of police.

Wednesday's ordinarily mundane procedure of Congress certifying a new president was always going to be extraordinary, with Republican supporters of Mr Trump vowing to protest over the results of an election that they have baselessly insisted was reversed by fraud.

But even the unusual deliberations, which included the Republican vice president and Senate majority leader defying Mr Trump's demands, were quickly overtaken.

Mob out of control

In a raucous, out-of-control scene, protesters fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls.

Police said four people died in the protests. Washington DC police chief Robert Contee said the dead included a woman who was shot by US Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in "medical emergencies".

Police said both law enforcement and protesters deployed chemical irritants during the hours-long occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared by law enforcement.

DC National Guard stand outside the Capito.

The woman was shot as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalised with a gunshot wound and later died.

DC police officials also said two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee.

The protesters abruptly interrupted the congressional proceedings in an eerie scene that featured official warnings directing people to duck under their seats for cover and put on gas masks after tear gas was used in the Capitol Rotunda.

With the crowds showing no signs of abating, President Trump tweeted: "Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!"

Earlier, at his rally, he had urged supporters to march to the Capitol.

It prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Mr Trump for fostering the violence.

As the Senate reconvened, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said President Donald Trump "bears a great deal of the blame" for the actions of the mob, adding the events "did not happen spontaneously".

Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber.

Mr Schumer also said January 6, 2021, will "live forever in infamy" and will be a stain on the democracy.

He said: "The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nation's capital, egged them on."

House speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress' certification of President-elect Joe Biden's election win will show the world it will not back down.

She said: "Despite the shameful actions of today ... we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of."

Republicans reverse course

Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they will not object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

Senators Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Mr Biden's win.

Ms Loeffler said that the "violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress" were a "direct attack" on the "sanctity of the American democratic process".

All three had previously signed on to Mr Trump's false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat.

Both the Senate and the House voted overwhelmingly to reject an objection to Mr Biden's win in Arizona.

Other objections to results from Georgia, Michigan and Nevada fizzled without adequate support from senators.

An objection to Pennsylvania backed by Republican senators Josh Hawley and Scott Perry forced deliberations, though senators quickly derailed the attempt to overturn the state's support for the Democrat.
A five-year-old girl watches an online phonics lesson on a laptop in her bedroom on the second day of the nationwide school closures in Newcastle-under-Lyme, England, on Jan. 6, 2021. (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

More Pupils At School Than During Last Shutdown, Say Teachers

Teachers say Englands lockdown is at risk of being watered down, with more pupils still attending school than expected after the government said that those without laptops are exempt from obligatory home learning.

Alongside other rules, Englands third national lockdown stipulates that children cannot attend school unless their parents are classified as keyworkers or they are identified as vulnerable.

However, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) says that demand for such exceptions is higher than during the previous school shut down in the spring of last year.

According to the BBC, almost a third of headteachers in an online meeting said that their schools still had between 20 and 30 percent attendance.

NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said, It is critical that key worker child school places are only used when absolutely necessary to truly reduce numbers and spread of the virus.

We have concern that the government has not supplied enough laptops for all the children without them, and so has made lack of internet access a vulnerable criteriaonly adding to numbers still in school.

We have reports of about 70 percent of families trying to access schools despite the stay at home messageand thats working against the governments intention of keeping people apart, he said.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson yesterday confirmed that children without internet or a device at home could still attend school.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson attends a Cabinet meeting of senior government ministers at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London, on Sept. 1, 2020. (Toby Melville  WPA Pool / Getty Images)

He said that this was the same guidance as had been in placealthough it appeared to be news to many in the education sector.

The Department of Education is aiming to provide a total of 1 million devices (laptops) to pupils.

Were delivering 100,000 in total during the first week of term, said the department in a statement on Jan. 3. Weve provided 560,000 so far and are on our way to our target of 1 [million].

Williamson said that the country was much better prepared for online learning than the last time schools were shut.

He said that the government would be providing extra funding for food parcels for children eligible for school mealsto cover the gaps where schools themselves cannot offer them.

We will ensure a national voucher scheme is in place, so that every eligible child can access free school meals, while their school remains closed, he said.

The government has promised to re-open schools as a priority as lockdown measures are lifted as the virus recedes.
Bay Area residents and elected officials watched in horror Wednesday as a mob broke into the U.S. Capitol, disrupting the electoral vote count and the peaceful transfer of power, with the day unfolding on TV news and social media like an action thriller, guns drawn and shots fired.

By the end of the day, four people were dead  one fatally shot and three others suffering medical emergencies, 52 people were arrested and police found several Molotov cocktails and guns.

In the wake of watching the violent and chaotic scenes in Washington, D.C., some locals called for President Trump to be impeached or charged with sedition. Others strongly condemned the president for inciting the riot.

This is an attempted coup encouraged by the President of the United States, said Mayor London Breed in a statement. Its a dark day for our democracy, and the culmination of all of his anti-democratic words and actions from his campaign through his presidency.

We are better than this.

The events also sparked fear, with some wondering whether this was the start or the end of an attempted coup and whether the country was so divided that previously mundane acts of government  including the pro forma counting of electoral votes  would continue to be a call to arms rather than a peaceful political process.

The Capitol chaos also led Trump supporters to create new conspiracy theories, questioning whether the mob was a Democratic ruse, including state Senate Republican leader Shannon Grove of Bakersfield, who posted on social media before deleting it, Patriots dont act like that. This was Antifa.

Many Bay Area locals were left feeling the country was more fragile than they thought and grappling with the idea that the Constitution only survives if a majority of the people believe in it.

Rioters took direct aim at local politicians, ransacking House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office, with one reclining in a chair and putting his boots up on a desk in her office, a smirk on his face. A message reading We will not back down was scrawled on a folder on her desk.

Officials called it surreal, an insurrection, a blatant attack on Americas values, one sanctioned and spurred by the loser of a presidential election.

What were witnessing in the U.S. Capitol is reprehensible. An outright assault to our democratic institutions, said Gov. Gavin Newsom. President Trump must call for an end to this escalating situation, acknowledge the will of the people ... and move immediately to a peaceful transition of power.

Many state officials called for immediate action, including San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, who said Trump should be tried for sedition, and state Sen. Scott Wiener, who said the perpetrators must be held accountable.

Whats happening in our nations Capitol is nothing short of terrifying, and is unlike anything Ive ever seen in this country, he said. President Trump and his Republican sycophant enablers are responsible for this armed mob storming the Capitol. Theyre responsible for the shutting down of our democratic process and for putting members of Congress, their staff, journalists and other Capitol employees in physical danger.

Lucia Rosales, 36, watched the chaos unfold on her phone from her receptionist desk at a San Francisco auto body shop.

I dont know whats going to happen, thats what is so scary, she said, adding she feared for her two young children. It makes me wonder how are the next four years going to be. Is this going to be dragged out? I just want things to calm down to the normal crazy it was before.

For Taka Tozawa, who said he used to believe this country was awesome, the attack on the Capitol set his future in motion. The San Francisco restaurant worker, who has lived in the United States for 20 years, will go back to Japan.

I am definitely going back. There are corrupt politicians in Japan, but what is happening here is on a different level, he said. There are a lot of domestic terrorists here.

President Trump did little to quash the riot after spending two months trying to convince supporters that he won re-election despite all evidence to the contrary. After an attempt by some congressional Republicans to delay the Electoral College vote count, Trump urged supporters to march to the Capitol, sparking the violent assault on the democratic process.

Not all Californians watched with fear and loathing.

In Sacramento, hundreds of people, including members of the Proud Boys militia group, attended a protest outside the state Capitol, objecting to the certification of election results while also promoting the recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

A robust police presence contained the crowd, which waved Trump and American flags as attendees danced to loud music, and the nonviolent event broke up by the early afternoon as it began to rain.

Susie Moore, a 57-year-old grandmother from Antioch, said the mob on Capitol Hill wasnt nearly as bad as police brutality protests over the summer that broke out into riots.

I dont see conservatives being violent, she said. Theyre hard-working people.

Moore said she wouldnt have entered the U.S. Capitol if she had been at the rally in Washington, but she added that she wasnt surprised that people were driven to behave that way by the suppression of their free speech and the refusal to investigate election fraud.

Im just worried for my grandchild having to grow up in a socialist country, she said. Those people were fed up.

Tom Royal, 59, an unemployed medical equipment technician from Olivehurst (Yuba County), said the riot sent a message to people who dont like America.

If you poke the bear too much, the bear will get upset, he said.

Royal also had doubts about who instigated the riot, but he said it was understandable if Trump supporters had been pushed to the breaking point, comparing it to the Boston Tea Party.

I dont think breaking into Congress really helps the process, he said. But at the same time, I understand exactly how they feel because weve been denigrated over and over and over again as infidels.

Back in San Francisco, many residents couldnt help but watch the drama unfold, wondering how the rioters got inside such a protected building containing the Senate and House chambers while elected officials donned gas masks and huddled behind chairs.

Keisha Bidjima, 43, who lives in San Francisco but grew up in Washington, D.C., couldnt imagine anyone being able to breach the Capitol.

I am shocked, Bidjima said. They have the presidents consent; thats why they feel so bold.

In Oakland, Miyuki Allamanno, who works for the Oakland Unified School District, said she was shocked by the scenes from the Capitol.

I couldnt believe it, she said. I thought its a new year with a little bit of hope, then this happens. Im kind of numb right now.

She said she hoped the coup attempt is the end of a desperate bid to keep Trump in office.

But there are millions and millions of people who voted for Trump, she said. And that scares me.

Chronicle staff writer Michael Cabanatuan contributed to this story.

Jill Tucker, Alexei Koseff and Nora Mishanec are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com, akoseff@sfchronicle.com, nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker, @nmishanec, @akoseff

Check out the news you should not miss today:

Society

-- Vietnams COVID-19 tally on Wednesday night reached 1,505, with 1,353 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

-- Local authorities in the southern province of Ba Ria  Vung Tau on Wednesday detected a facility in Dat Do District where processed counterfeit imported alcohol en masse and confiscated nearly 80 bottles of fake alcohol as well as dozens of branding stickers and empty bottles.

-- COVID-19 left 1.3 million people jobless in Vietnam in 2020, with most of them in working age, a representative from the General Statistics Office informed on Wednesday at a conference in Hanoi.

-- Border guards in the north-central province of Nghe An have detected 99 cases with 189 people illegally leaving and entering Vietnam since March 2020.

-- Hanoi has advised people not to do exercise outdoors in the early morning and late afternoon, the two most polluted times during the day, as the city has suffered alarming air pollution recently.

-- The British Embassy in Vietnam this week handed over electronic health application SNOMED CT, which will provide a platform to store standardized clinical terminologies, to the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, the embassy announced on its Facebook on Wednesday.

Business

-- The Ministry of Construction and the German Cooperation Organization on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in developing the Vietnam Green Housing Program, which is expected to save about 6.3 billion kWh of electricity over the next decade, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

-- Vietnam earned over US$3 billion from exporting rice in 2020, a year-on-year increase of more than 10 percent, the Vietnam News Agency reported, citing the Vietnam Food Association.

Education

-- Students from preschools to high schools in Ho Chi Minh City will have a consecutive nine-day break, from February 8 to 16, on the occasion of the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, according to Nguyen Thanh Trung, office chief at the local Department of Education and Training.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

The Hanois Peoples Committee has sent a team of inspectors to investigate the operation of Minh Quan High Technology Development and Investment JSC following a recent environmental workers strike.

Overloaded rubbish carts are seen along the streets in Nam Tu Liem District in Hanoi.  Photo baodansinh.vn

Chairman of the committee Chu Ngoc Anh has asked the inspectors to clarify the operation of the company over uncollected rubbish in the past week.

As of December 28, rubbish had been piled up on many streets in Nam Tu Liem and My Duc districts in Hanoi. Dozens of trash-filled carts were overloaded with rubbish nearly two-metres high along Ham Nghi, Nguyen Hoang, and Me Tri streets.

In My Duc District alone, about 10,000 tonnes of rubbish had been left to stack up.

The reason was that environmental workers from Minh Quan High Technology Development and Investment JSC  the company in charge of collecting rubbish in Nam Tu Liem District in 2017-2020  went on strike after the company failed to win a new contract and failed to pay them on time.

A representative of the company said the firm had finished the contract and retained the workers salaries to ensure they completed their work by the end of December.

The garbage has since been collected by the Urenco Cau Dien Branch under Hanoi Urban Environment Company (Urenco 7).

Minh Quan High Technology Development and Investment JSC is located in Ha Dong Districts Van Quan Ward. The companys registered charter capital is VND59 billion ($2.5 million).

In March 2017, this company won six bidding packages worth more than VND1.15 trillion ($49.8 million) collecting rubbish in nine districts, including Ha Dong, Nam Tu Liem, Bac Tu Liem, Tay Ho, Thanh Tri, Ba Vi, Thach That, Phuc Tho and My Duc.

However, the company has repeatedly caused problems such as a shortage of carts and equipment to collect and transport waste or untrained workers.

In mid-November, rubbish had reportedly piled up along Yen Phu Street in Tay Ho District because the environmental company failed to pay wages.

Hanoi currently produces about 6,500 tonnes of trash each day, 89 per cent of which is buried while the rest is burned. VNS

Waste remains a problem in Hanoi Rubbish has been piled up on many streets in Hanoi, causing serious pollution as environmental workers haven't been paid wages.
No one really enjoys the moving process. Finding the right furniture and getting it into your place are typically not enjoyable experiences. All of that's changing, thanks to Elephant in a Box.

Delivered to your doorstep in a convenient, easy-to-move box, the Elephant in a Box sofa fits through the tightest spaces, helping make moving a breeze. Set up is so easy that tools arent even required! Exclusive add-ons are offered, like a built-in desk that folds into the armrest. The Elephant core, made of honeycomb, makes it flexible and strong, while the fabric and foam in the cushions and pillows make it very comfortable and easy to clean. This innovative design was created to save customers time and energy.

We don't write the sofa shopping rules, we just break them, says Daniela Terminel, Co-founder and CEO of Elephant in a Box. Were folding what hasnt been folded before. Were so pleased to be working with Shark Discoveries and help others find a convenient, comfortable solution to bring joy during what can be such a stressful event.

"Elephant in a Box offers first of its kind convenience and portability, with high-quality materials," says Lisa Vrancken, Executive Vice President of Shark Discoveries. "Ive never seen anything like it."

As part of its BRTV campaign with Shark Discoveries, Elephant in a Box will be appearing in 60 second spots set to air nationwide and feature the original Shark himself, Kevin Harrington. Shark Discoveries is comprised of an award-winning team of producers, writers, videographers, and editors as well as industry veterans dedicated to finding the latest, most innovative products and ideas, and putting them on the BRTV map.

About Shark Discoveries

Headquartered in South Florida, Shark Discoveries is a full-service production, branding, and marketing company that specializes in brand response television, including Celebrity Influencer Videos, and brand building. Based out of a 25,000+ sq ft, state-of-the-art studio, the companys creative team handles every aspect of production from script to screen to airing.

About Kevin Harrington

As the inventor of the infomercial, founder of As Seen on TV, and one of the original Sharks on Shark Tank, Kevin Harrington has worked with some of the worlds biggest celebrities and launched some of the best-selling DRTV campaigns in history. Since producing his first 30-minute infomercial in 1984, Harrington has been involved in over 500 product launches that have resulted in over $5 billion in sales. Now, in his latest venture with Shark Discoveries, Harrington is on the hunt for the best new products and ideas, bringing them to homes everywhere through personalized BRTV campaigns featuring the Shark.

For more information on Elephant in a Box, please visit http://www.elephantinabox.com.

Photo: CTV News Vancouver A group of Donald Trump supporters are seen outside the U.S. consulate in downtown Vancouver on Jan. 6, 2020. Afterwards, a mostly peaceful rally of about two dozen people turned violent when a man attacked a CBC News journalist.

Members of the media were attacked while documenting the rally in support of U.S. President Donald Trump - which took place outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery on Wednesday.



CTV News reports among them was award-winning CBC News journalist Ben Nelms, who said a man charged at him without provocation and punched him in the face.



"He was upset that I, along with other members of the media were taking pictures and reporting the event. Physical violence against members of the media is wrong and doesn't just happen outside of Canada, but here in Vancouver," Nelms said in a statement.

Unprovoked violence against anyone, including members of the media is wrong. Thanks everyone for the support, Im doing well. pic.twitter.com/rJ9No7CJxy  Ben Nelms (@Ben_Nelms) January 7, 2021



Other incidents include, video showcasing a man with a ponytail shoving two men at the scene and a woman who had identified herself as Melania Slovana allegedly striking a photographer over the head with a modified American flag while yelling at him.



You are not allowed to take a picture of me, you have to ask us to take a picture, she said.



In Canada, you're legally allowed to take pictures and videos in public places without permission.



Around two dozen people gathered to show their support for Trump and his efforts to overturn the results of the Presidential election.



Most of the people were peaceful, carrying Trump flags and signs.



Protester Corrina Conlan, who was wearing a red Trump 2020 toque, says she loves Trump as he stands for Christians.



"This country was built and fought for by Christians. We believe in freedom."



"If it has to come down to that," she said in support of the armed rioters in Washington. "I know in Ukraine they took the politicians and roughed them up a bit. I'm willing to die for my country."

- With files from CTV Vancouver News
After speculations of Jack Ma being missing, the billionaire turned out to not be reported missing, according to a person familiar with the matter. Ma was said to have been lying low for the time being.

According to sources inside Alibaba, Ma is "not missing or detained" after calling for a Chinese economic reform during a speech in October 2020.

Jack Ma Not Missing But Lying Low

One of China's richest men and the founder of e-commerce company Alibaba, he was suspected missing due to the fact he has not made a public appearance in over two months.

According to Ma on October 24, 2020, in Shanghai, "Today's financial system is the legacy of the Industrial Age. We must set up a new one for the next generation and young people. We must reform the current system," reported Fox Business.

Ma reportedly speaks his mind and pushes boundaries. This attitude made the businessman prominent within and beyond his home country.

His company giant Alibaba is Asia's version of Amazon, reported Daily Mail.

As among the most successful and outspoken Chinese tycoons, Ma denounced the nation's "pawnshop" financial regulators and state-owned banks in the searing speech in Shanghai in October.

He pleaded for reform of a system that suppressed business innovation and compared worldwide banking regulations to an "old people's club."

According to CNBC anchor David Faber, "He is very likely in Hangzhou, where the headquarters of Alibaba is," reported Money Control.

"He is being less visible purposefully. And you can expect that that will continue to be the case for some time. He ran afoul of the government of the PRC (People's Republic of China). He has pushed on that line a number of times in the past and been okay."

Also Read: Jack Ma of Alibaba Suspectedly Missing For Two Months

Alibaba rose 5% on Tuesday following Faber's report that its billionaire founder Jack Ma is merely lying low. Alibaba fell 3% on Monday after reports indicated Ma had not been present in public for over two months and missed a previously scheduled appearance on a business contest television show he was slated to serve as a judge.

Faber further divulged that Ma had not been held captive, has not been taken, and there is no expectation that the government will move on him.

Speculation regarding the Chinese tycoon's whereabouts amplified when Ma failed to make a public appearance as a judge in the final episode of his own show, "Africa's Business Heroes," which is a TV competition for budding entrepreneurs.

Shortly after Ma's speech, Ant Group witnessed its record-setting initial public offering suspended by stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. He and two Ant Group executives were summoned and interviewed by Chinese supervisors, the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan was present during Ma's speech at a Shanghai business conference.

Alibaba and Ant Group, the financial services company he spun off of Alibaba, came under the searing of the China government following his speech.

It reportedly appears that his business empire and himself are at enormous risk.

Related Article: WeChat Deletes Australian Prime Minister's Appeal to China Over Doctored Image

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President-elect Joe Biden recently indicated that he would review the nations nuclear deterrence strategy and weapons modernization program, focusing on reducing their role in national strategy. The review will also look to reduce funding for nuclear modernization. Depending on the administration's actions, there is a real risk of compromising the credibility of American deterrence when both China and Russia see the United States as a weakened great power.

Although the arms control community is focused on the opportunity to cut the nuclear deterrent, the President has a responsibility to listen, as well, to the expert advice of his uniformed military advisors who must plan for, operate, and deploy nuclear and conventional forces.

Undoubtedly, pressure exists within the Democratic party to do anything that seems anti-Trump. Tossing out the Trump administrations nuclear modernization program would certainly fit that bill, but the Trump plan mostly followed the Obama script in calling for preserving all three legs of the strategic nuclear triad.

Trumps Nuclear Posture Review added a nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile, but experts suspected that this was a bargaining chip for future negotiations with Russia. The Obama and Trump administrations also favored replacing aging launch systems with new generations of SLBMs and heavy bombers. Some within the Obama administration favored replacing the 1970s-era Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and others preferred upgrading the existing platforms.

In our judgment, until the future prospects for nuclear arms control are clearer, the prudent course for the Biden administration would be to maintain all three legs of the strategic nuclear triad and to replace aging systems with modern technology. There is broad support in Congress for this approach.

In passing its version of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in December 2020, Congress approved funding for the Columbia class strategic submarines ($4.46 billion); the B-21 Long-Range Strike Bomber ($2.8 billion); the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) to replace Minuteman III ICBMs ($1.51 billion); the Long-Range Standoff Weapon (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile for the Air Force ($444 million); and additional modernization for the existing Trident II SLBM ($1.2 billion). In addition, Congress also approved an expenditure of about $2.7 billion for nuclear warhead modernization.

Arms control advocates contend that the US can save money and contribute to arms control by downsizing its strategic nuclear triad to a dyad" of submarine-launched ballistic missiles and bombers. Opponents of ICBM modernization argue that strategic land-based missiles are especially destabilizing because they are vulnerable to first strikes and create unnecessary pressure for a preemptive launch during a crisis. This assertion is untrue and inconsistent with what we know about how the United States operates its ICBM force.

While deriding ICBMs as a Cold War relic, critics never address the fact that Americas adversaries (China and Russia) are focused on the modernization of their own ICBM forces. If ICBMs are relics of a bygone era, why are the Chinese and Russians spending the bulk of their modernization effort on them?

The opponents of ICBM modernization fail to appreciate that the synergy of the American nuclear triad is the key to its survivability and resilience. Each leg contributes to an important set of attributes. In short, ICBMs are responsive. Submarine-launched ballistic missiles are survivableso long as quantum computing does not eliminate the opacity of oceans. Bombers give an adversary time to contemplate nuclear destruction, encouraging better choices, and support crisis management. Each of these attributes is critical to deterrence stability.

As to the alleged vulnerability of land-based missiles, those very vulnerabilities are part of the deterrence calculous that any adversary must account for when considering how aggressive they should act toward the United States. The next generation of ICBMs need not necessarily be based only in silos. Some, or all, might be deployed in mobile platforms on roads or trains, thus increasing their survivability and our ability to wait.

Past efforts to explore these options for ICBMs were faced with opposition in US domestic politics on the grounds of cost and conservation. On the other hand, if mobility is infeasible, silo-based ICBMs might be better protected by companion small radars and ballistic missile defenses. Reducing an adversarys probability of killing an American ICBM, even by a small amount, greatly increases the number of weapons required to strike the United Statesmaking the decision even tougher.

Old debates about nuclear weapons are fast proving antiquated as China is adding an unprecedented threat into the bilateral face-off that was once the purview of Russia and the United States. Hypersonic weapons, quantum computing, robotics, and other technological developments are also dramatically changing the debate. The entire choreography of US nuclear modernization and arms control planning will have to change to address these challenges.

The canonical nuclear first strike scenario of the Cold War is outdated by advances in military technology and new thinking about strategy. New strike systems, including hypersonic conventional and nuclear weapons, will challenge existing assumptions about stability. Space also looms large as the new "high ground" not only for information warfare but also for kinetic attack. Future defense planners must assume that a nuclear first strike will be preceded by knockout blows against early warning and command and control systems, including those based in space and terrestrial.

Thus, efforts to kill a leg of the triad appear premature and mistaken. The United States needs every tool in its kit for an uncertain future.

Given the uncertainty we face, there are useful steps the Biden administration can take to support the furtherance of peace.

Useful Efforts

The New START treaty with Russia is set to expire in February 2021. Coordinating treaty-consistent limits on numbers of deployed and other nuclear weapons might lead to reduced expenditures for nuclear modernization, but only if the administration can get the Russians on board.

Extension of the New START agreement should not be controversial. Both countries can modernize their nuclear arsenals, replacing aging systems with new and more reliable systemsall without increasing the number of deployed and nondeployed launchers and weapons. During the notional five-year extension of New START, the door is open for a more extensive agreement to limit strategic nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons of shorter ranges.

If President Biden is successful in seeing New START renewed, Moscow and Washington could also discuss measures to improve transparency in bilateral military-to-military forums, including de-escalation protocols for avoiding inadvertent clashes between American and Russian forces and their proxies. The United States and Russia could also address the consequences of the expiration of the INF Treaty for strategic stability.

An arms race in conventional weapons of intermediate range (500-5,500km) in either Europe or Asia could raise the likelihood of a large scale conventional war with the potential for nuclear escalation. Working to reduce those prospects is well worth the effort and would serve the prospects of peace far more successfully than eliminating ICBMs.

The United States is facing an unprecedented challenge on two fronts (Russia and China). This challenge is far more dangerous than the Soviet menace of the twentieth century. Reducing the nation's nuclear arsenal's size and capability will not signal China and Russia that we mean no harm. It will signal weakness and weakness is provocative.

American resolve should never be a point of contention. Both China and Russia possess national cultures that respect strength. Thus, eliminating the American ICBM force will have the exact opposite effect as suggested by detractors. They are well worth the security and stability they provide.

Stephen J. Cimbala is Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Penn State Brandywine. Dr. Adam Lowther is a professor of political science at the US Armys School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS). His latest book is Guide to Nuclear Deterrence in the Age of Great-Power Competition (2020).

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not represent that of the U.S. Government or that of Penn State University.
MANZINI  There was a mad rush for PCR test results at Lancet Laboratories yesterday, as migrant workers waited for the last minute to get their ticket to get back to work.

Lancet Laboratories recorded high volumes of travellers, a majority of whom were from Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries, amid the possibility of a full lockdown in Zimbabwe.

Some of the travellers who were found at the Manzini branch expressed their frustration, as they claimed to have tested for COVID-19 on Monday, and complained about only receiving their results yesterday.

Travellers

During a visit to the branch yesterday, dozens of travellers were littered all over the premises, with their vehicles closing off the street outside the premises. Truck driver Musa Fakudze said he had been waiting since the early hours for his results, after he tested on Monday. I have been waiting for my results for about four hours now, even though I was one of the first people to take the PCR test on Monday. I believe I was the sixth in line on Monday, yet it is late afternoon and I still havent received my results, he said. The travel PCR tests detect the viruss genetic material using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Most of the travellers expressed similar frustrations, stating that they were desperate to leave the country for work and school-related purposes, and had expected to receive the results after 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Lancet Laboratories Director Nosipho Maseko confirmed that not only did high volumes of clients show up at the Manzini branch, but a large number of their clients who tested on Monday showed up at the Mbabane branch as well. She expressed that a majority of the clients were travellers, who needed to return to their workplaces in neighbouring South Africa and other countries.
Stephanie Grisham

Stephanie Grisham, who was White House press secretary and communications director, resigned as chief of staff for Melania Trump in the aftermath of the January 6 insurrection triggered by the president.

She joined the Trump presidential campaign in 2015 and moved into the White House as deputy press secretary to Sean Spicer, but then shifted to the First Ladys office as communications director.

Grisham returned to the White House to succeed Sarah Huckabee Sanders as press secretary in May 2019 and lasted for a year before being replaced by Kayleigh McEnany.

She announced her resignation on Twitter, tweeting:

"It has been an honor to serve the country in the @WhiteHouse. I am very proud to have been a part of @FLOTUS @MELANIATRUMP mission to help children everywhere, & proud of the many accomplishments of this Administration."

Sarah Matthews, White House press staffer, has also quit because she "was deeply disturbed by what I saw today.
Japan has reported a total of 258,393 cases, far fewer than many Western countries. After it emerged in May from its previous, brief state of emergency, it held up what it called the Japan model: an intense focus on contact tracing and cluster-busting, widespread mask wearing, and as few restrictions on the economy as possible.

But as Japan has experienced several record-setting days for new infections since late last month  Tokyo reported 2,447 cases on Thursday, and the country more than 7,000  its coronavirus-fighting model has come under strain. Japan is not expected to start inoculating the public until at least the end of February, a process that will take months.

We are having too many cases to trace right now, and the state of emergency is coming too late, said Fumie Sakamoto, an infection control manager at St. Lukes International Hospital in Tokyo. Its better now than never, but it should have been declared probably in the fall last year.

Ms. Sakamoto said the hospitals intensive care beds and general wards were full. We cant take any more patients at this time, she said. I think a lot of hospitals that take in Covid patients are in the same situation right now.

Japan has taken gradual steps since late last month, when it first detected cases of the more transmissible variant of the coronavirus that first emerged in Britain. The government closed the borders to new foreign travelers, and Mr. Suga suspended subsidies for a domestic travel program after weeks of resistance.

Washington, D.C., officials said the FBI and the local Metropolitan Police Department were leading the investigation into identifying individuals who took part in Wednesdays violence. D.C. police have arrested 68 people so far. The top federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia, acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin, said 40 cases have already been presented in superior court and prosecutors plan to file 15 federal cases on Thursday. Sherwin said all options are on the table, including sedition charges.
A series of leaked government documents recently obtained by The Epoch Times reveal that Chinese authorities have funded projects that are aimed at obtaining foreign advanced technologies through partnerships with international research institutions. Public records show that Chinas Ministry of Science and Technology is behind the efforts.

Budget for Transferring Foreign Technologies

Hebei International Talent Exchange Association (also known as International Technology Transfer Center) was established in 1988 in Hebei Province. It has more than 200 international technical projects and more than 300 foreign experts, covering more than ten fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), information communication, biology, medical, and health.

The organization issued a report, Hebei Provincial Budget Project Performance Evaluation Form on Nov. 17, in which it explicitly states that the group aims to introduce foreign advanced technology  and realize technology transfer [to China].

To achieve that goal, the document specified that the organization would expand cooperation channels with at least 50 international organizations; set up a minimum of four international scientific and technological cooperation activities; maintain at least 50 foreign technology projects; obtain at least five cooperation intention agreements; and target 60 to 80 foreign technical experts for recruitment.

The report laid out a 1 million yuan (about $153,000) budget for the association to recruit talent from overseas and fund the projects they would set up in Hebei. It also projected a profit of 10 million yuan (about $1.53 million) that could be achieved by transferring foreign advanced technology to Chinese companies in Hebei.

The purpose of transferring foreign technology was mentioned in another report that was issued at the same time, titled, Plan for the Use of Special Subsidy Funds for the Construction of Hebei International Science and Technology Cooperation Base. The foreign technology would upgrade Hebeis technology, improve products, and boost international competitiveness, the report said.

U.S.-based China affairs commentator Li Linyi told The Epoch Times that the initiative is a lucrative scheme and a blatant plan to steal advanced technology and intellectual property from other countries to benefit the Chinese regime.

According to public records, Hebei International Talent Exchange Association operates under the state-run China Association for International Exchange of Personnel (CAIEP). CAIEP is directly managed by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, an agency under the Chinese regimes Ministry of Science and Technology.

Higher Education Institutions Are Required to Transfer Foreign Technology

Hebei education authorities have also set requirements and goals for obtaining foreign technologies through its 2020 Work Plan of the International Technology Transfer Center of Hebei University of Technology, issued in 2019. The Epoch Times obtained a copy of this document.

Some of the instructions include establishing an international technology transfer center website; vigorously introducing international high-tech talents, high-level management teams and advanced technology resources; all-round strengthening of international cooperation and technology transfer; and improving various working systems in the international technology transfer work.

The Hebei University of Engineering, for example, has set up partnerships with international schools to develop high-end scientific and technological projects, as outlined in its report, Hebei International Joint Center Base Defense, issued on Nov. 21 this year.

Under the section Cooperative Units and Research Teams of the document, the university partnered with Le Mans Universite and Universite Paris-Saclay in France, University College London in England, and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

The document noted that University College London is the worlds top science and technology university, ranking among the top 10 universities in the world; and Professor P. Picart at Le Mans Universite is an authoritative expert on digital holographic display.

Sounding the Alarm

In October this year, at the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)s Fifth Plenary Session, Party leader Xi Jinping emphasized independent science and technology and strengthening basic research and focusing on original innovation in his speech.

Analysts observed that Xis remarks are a response to the growing criticism from the international community regarding the CCPs theft of intellectual property and technology from Western countries, especially the United States.

On Dec. 9, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a speech at Georgia Institute of Technology, in which he called out the CCPs stealing of intellectual property and technologies from other countries. He stated, Much of the high-end industrial base inside of China is based on stolen technology, or technology purchased from other nations. Its not home-grown.

Gu Qinger contributed to this report.

From The Epoch Times



The U.S. Army will conduct a congressionally mandated independent study of the Army Combat Fitness Test, or ACFT. But for now, soldiers will continue to take the more challenging fitness assessment.

The Fiscal 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA -- a $740 billion defense policy bill that Congress approved Friday by voting to override President Donald Trump's veto -- directs the Army to stop units from administering the ACFT until an independent study can be conducted to determine its impact on certain populations in the service.

The Army authorized all soldiers in the active-duty, National Guard and Reserve force to begin taking the ACFT, a six-event assessment designed to replace the three-event Army Physical Fitness Test, on Oct. 1, 2020.

Read Next: The Navy Hospital Ship Politicians Want in LA Is Stuck in Maintenance in Portland

Since then, lawmakers and advocacy groups have criticized the service for launching the ACFT, arguing that it is unfair and needs more study.

Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston told Military.com on Wednesday in a statement that Army leadership is aware that soldiers are concerned about the more challenging ACFT, adding that the service has begun working on a plan to address the directive in the NDAA.

"I understand and acknowledge the concerns from across the force regarding the implementation of the ACFT and the provisions included in the FY21 NDAA," Grinston said in a statement. "The Army is updating physical training programs and will collect more than 1 million ACFT scores to support data-informed decisions."

Since the test's Oct. 1 launch, Army officials have stressed that the scores soldiers receive will not count against them until March 2022 to give the force time to increase its fitness level. Meanwhile, fitness officials are using the scores to build a database to guide future decisions on the ACFT.

The Army has not ordered units to stop administering the ACFT. What remains unclear is whether the ACFT scores will start counting against soldiers after March 2022 -- something that could be decided by the independent study, Army officials say.

In mid-October, Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., raised concerns about whether the test is fair to both men and women, and whether it sets unrealistic requirements for those serving in fields with few physical demands, such as medical personnel, judge advocates or cyber specialists.

The Service Women's Action Network, or SWAN, in mid-November said it's unclear whether ACFT, which was designed to be gender-neutral, is fair to female soldiers, arguing that fewer than 50% of women passed the ACFT in the third quarter of 2020, partly due to the methodology the Army used to standardize the test, called the Baseline Soldier Physical Readiness Requirements Study. The average study participant was a 24-year-old male. In addition, the study, which the Army claims is 80% predictive, included only 16 women, all volunteers with an average age of 23, SWAN leaders said.

Maj. Gen. Lonnie Hibbard, commander of the Center for Initial Military Training, which is overseeing the ACFT, said in 2019 that the Army was "seeing a difference in failure rates" between men and women taking the ACFT, but added that he was confident the scores for both men and women would improve over time.

Congress directed that the independent study examine whether the ACFT would "adversely impact members of the Army stationed or deployed to climates or areas with conditions that make prohibitive the conduct of outdoor physical training on a frequent or sustained basis," according to the bill.

The study should also evaluate whether the ACFT would "affect recruitment and retention in critical support military occupational specialties of the Army, such as medical personnel," the legislation states

While it is early in the process, Grinston said in the statement that the "independent analysis being conducted will assist us in ensuring we are considering all relevant factors that could impact our soldiers and the Army."

"The goal of the test is to change the way we train to build a fit Army, and we owe it to our soldiers to get this right," he added. "We must have a ready, lethal force, and I believe that the ACFT improves our ability to do that."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Related: Bill Would Force Army to Halt ACFT Until It Can Study Impacts

I woke up not expecting a good day, but it turned out to be much worse. First we lost both Georgia Senate races, putting us at the mercy of the Democrats (or, more specifically, Joe Manchin) for the next two years. For an interesting analysis of why those races went Southand specifically, why fraud wasnt the main problemsee this piece by Liam Bissainthe at Liberty Unyielding.

Then, of course, we had the Washington riot. My position has been consistent through the years: I oppose riots, and believe that rioters should be arrested and, when necessary to preserve order, shot. That is what I thought in January 2017 when Democrats rioted at President Trumps inauguration, that is what I thought when Antifa and Black Lives Matter destroyed Portland, Seattle and Minneapolis, that is what I thought when Democrats tried to break into the Senate chamber during the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing, and that is what I think today.

I dont have much else to say about todays idiocy, except that it is outrageous that security was so lax that rioters were allowed to occupy the Senate chamber, sending senators and Vice President Pence, as I understand it, fleeing. Armed guards should never allow such a thing to happenthat is why they are armed. The entire country has been embarrassed today, not just Republicans.

My only other comment is that is is time for President Trump to sit down and shut up. Yes, the Democrats tried hard to steal the election, and voter fraud may have made the difference in the outcome. No one knows whether fraud tipped the balancenot Trump, not me, not youand we may never know.

But the republic is more important than Trumps disappointment at failing to win a second term. In key states, he couldnt draw enough votes to get outside the margin of fraud, which, after all, is only one percent or possibly two. The curtain is coming down. Trump can leave with dignitywell, to be fair, it might be too late for thator without.

Now we are on to the Biden administration. I, for one, plan to #Resist the incoming administration every day for the next four years. We wont #Resist like the Democrats did; that is, there will be no lies and no crimes. But with a cadaver like Biden, truth will be more than enough.

Some famous American once said something along the lines of, I have not yet begun to fight. I believe that was when he was called on to surrender. That is how I feel tonight. On January 20, the battle begins.


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After two months of desperate efforts not to concede defeat in the U.S presidential election, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is committing to smooth transition on January 20.



In a statement published on his spokesperson's Twitter account, the billionaire-turned president said the greatest first term in presidential history comes to the end.



Meanwhile social media majors Facebook and Twitter temporarily blocked Trump's accounts on their platforms after his supporters clashed with police in the Capitol Hill.



Here is the full text of the statement by Trump on the Electoral Certification, posted on his spokesperson Dan Scavino's Twitter wall:



'Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th. I have always said we would continue our .fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it's only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!'



Trump's first open statement indicating that he is ready to leave the White House comes after his followers' violent attempt to block the Congress from certifying Joe Biden's election victory and more than 60 legal cases by Trump's campaign team challenging the November result failed.



Late Wednesday, a joint session of Congress certified the election victory of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, clearing the final hurdle for the Democrat leaders to become the next president and vice-president of the United States, respectively.



The confirmation after counting the Electoral College votes was only a formality, but unexpected developments delayed the process earlier in the day.



As members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives convened, dozens of Trump-supporters stormed the Capitol and disrupted the proceedings. Four people, including one woman shot by police, died in the rampage.



Chief of staff for first lady Melania Trump resigned Wednesday afternoon with immediate effect.



The Congress reconvened at around 8 pm after the building was cleared. Republicans introduced motions raising objections to the electoral votes in Pennsylvania and Arizona, but both the chambers voted them out without debate.



The session certified the original vote tally - Biden's 306 votes to Trump's 232.



World leaders and former officials who have worked closely with Donald Trump condemned the storming of Congress.



Biden said he is shocked and saddened that 'our nation, so long a beacon of light, hope, and democracy has come to such a dark moment'. 'To storm the Capitol, to smash windows, to occupy offices, and to threaten the safety of duly elected officials is not protest. It is insurrection, the President-elect said in a speech in Wilmington, Delaware.



'Today's violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr Trump,' former Defense Secretary James Mattis said in a statement.



Former White House chief of staff John Kelly tweeted that the United States 'needs to look infinitely harder at who we elect to any office in our land'. He said candidates' character, morals, ethical record, and integrity should be examined more closely.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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When Maria Martinez learned of the event, she didnt hesitate and drove nearly an hour to Humboldt Park from Joliet with her husband and three children. As Mexican Americans, they also celebrate the day, but her husband lost his job a little more than a month ago and they couldnt give much to their children because theyre running out of their savings. So they wanted to make sure they could participate in the event.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  IlluminArt Productions, a Staten Island based non-profit organization, will honor five borough residents who make a difference in the lives of Staten Islanders, when they present their Musical Revue virtually Sunday, Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. via a VIP Reception on Zoom.

A Thank You gift package will be sent to those who purchase a $50 ticket.

The free Musical Revue, with a cast of 36, will follow at 4 p.m. on IlluminArts YouTube and FaceBook pages.

There are 20 raffle prizes offered paired with gift cards, mainly for restaurants. In order to support Staten Island eateries, board members purchased the gift cards.

Event sponsors are Con Edison, Kelleher Financial Advisors, Northfield Bank, Jimmy Max, Linda and Alan Brill and Holly and Joseph Bonner. There also will be an on-line raffle with 20 gift baskets.

Honored during the event are: Community Hero Award: Joseph Bonner, NYPD Detective (Retired); Community Partner Award: Kristen Druda, PS 59 parent coordinator; Community Leadership Award: Sharmila Rao Thakkar, executive director, Staten Island Not-for-Profit Association; Rising Star Award: Eleanor (Nora) Juraska, PS 59 fifth grade student; Lifetime Achievement Award: Larry Marshall, veteran of stage and screen.

This is the second Lifetime Achievement Award presented by IlluminArt and Nora is the only elementary school student to ever receive the Rising Star Award.

The talented cast includes: Jillian Ballow, Larry Ballow, Shari Stein-Ballow, Tina Barone, Laura Casertano, Melissa Casertano, Drew Drake, Justin Giachetti, Jose Gonzalez-Vidal, Joyce Gordon, Joseph Gottfried, Tzipora Guttman, Miriam Heath, Nora Juraska, Lloyd Lerner, Megan Lutz, Miranda Mortensen, Rosemarie Manzo, Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck, Larry Marshall, Cara Onofrietti, Jeannine Otis, Kristen Pinto, Michael Pinto, Jenny Pisani, Mariah Sade Ralph, Steven Rosenberg, Stefanie Schechter, Adam Simancas, William Simancas, Lisa Sloan, Christine SloanWard, Kristi Sorkin, Eden Sorkin-Topper, Randy Topper, and Nathan Ulrich.

MEET THE HONOREES

Retired Detective Joseph Bonner began his career as a city police officer in 1995. Hired under the Safe Streets, Safe City Program established by Mayor David Dinkins, he has dedicated his life to protecting all people.

Retired NYPD Detective Joseph Bonner

He was presented with the Commissioners Award for achieving the highest academic average upon graduation from the Police Academy and was assigned to the Midtown South Precinct on the midnight tour.

For 21 years he worked in Squad A2 while effecting 1,430 arrests including 324 felonies. Over a span of 25 years, he made arrests for every index crime (except arson): two were for murder, three for rape, 25 for grand larceny, 32 for burglary, 36 for robbery, 66 for assault and 307 arrests for DWI/DWUI. He also made seven bribery arrests and never went sick a single day in his career. In 2016 he was promoted to Detective Specialist and became a Field Training Officer (FTO) and received a number of citations and awards throughout his career.

He helped co-found the Staten Island Beeping Egg Hunt for the blind and visually impaired.

In March, during the height of the COVID pandemic, Bonner made the decision to leave his family to ensure the safety of his wife and two children by moving out of his home and renting an apartment where he could continue to serve and quarantine independently.

He retired from the Police Department in June after 25 years. After quarantining for an additional two weeks, he returned to his wife, Holly, and two daughters, Nuala, 7, and Aoife, 6, in their West Brighton home.

LARRY MARSHALL

Marshall was recently on Broadway as Old Joe in Waitress, and toured with the National Company. He was nominated for a Helen Hayes, and a Jeff Award as best actor in a play for his role as Monroe in Pullman Porter Blues.

Larry Marshall

The New Brighton resident appeared as Danny in the National Company of Xanadu, and as Ole Mister in the Broadway Production of The Color Purple. He was seen as The General and The Farmer in Mother Courage, with Meryl Streep and received nominations for both the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for his portrayal of Sportin Life in the Houston Grand Operas Grammy Award winning production of Porgy and Bess. In 1990 he made his official Metropolitan Opera debut in the opera under the baton of James Levine.

He performed the role at La Bastille in Paris, the Teatro Alla Scala in Milan, and the Teatro dellOpera di Roma.

Marshall appeared as Adam with Gwyneth Paltrow in the Williamstown Theatre production of As You Like It, Lucifer in Arthur Millers first musical venture Up From Paradise, and was the male lead in Duke Ellingtons Queenie Pie at the Philadelphias American Music Festival Theatre and the Kennedy Center. He also sang the role of the Preacher in Leonard Bernsteins Mass, which opened the Kennedy Center, and later played the Metropolitan Opera House.

His film credits include Cab Calloway in The Cotton Club, Simon Zealotes in Jesus Christ Superstar, Mickey in Panic in Needle Park, and as Adam Clayton Powell Sr. in Showtimes Keep the Faith. He made appearances for three seasons as Jeremiah Joseph in Showtimes Soul Food, and was featured on The Comedy Channels Strangers With Candy as Jazzy.

His directorial debut was A Faiths Journey, a docu-musical on the life of Martin Luther King, at the Riverside Theatre in 1990.

He was the associate director with Baayork Lee, and performed the role of Rum in the Kennedy Centers presentation of Carmen Jones with Vanessa Williams as Carmen and Placido Domingo conducting.

He was the associate director with Lee for the New York Harlem Theatres Productions of Porgy and Bess since 1993, and has staged productions that played most of the major opera houses in Europe, such as La Fenice in Venice, Teatra dellOpera in Rome, Teatro Bellini in Catannia, The Ronacher Theater in Vienna, and Teatra des Westins in Berlin. He directed The Atlanta Operas production of 'Porgy and Bess in the fall of 2005 and 2011, and Opera Memphis in 2006, Macbeth for Opera Memphis.

ELEANOR (NORA) JURASKA

Juraskas is a 10-year-old fifth grade student at PS 59, whose love of theater began early. She was taught tap routines and show tunes and told to go into your dance and finish strong for every impromptu living room performance. Costume pieces from Rent, Shrek the Musical international tour, and hundreds of other shows wandered in and out of her costume collection inspiring a love of dress up, make believe and imagination.

Eleanor (Nora) Juraska

She attended her first Broadway show, Annie, at age 3, and from there on, her career aspirations havent strayed far from the stage-ballerina, actress, costume designer and set decorator.

She began performing on stage with Imagination Ballet, Staten Island Childrens Theatre, Spotlight Theater, Pendragon Players and finally, IlluminArt Productions.

In the Write-a-Play programs (Grades 2, 3, and 4), Juraska learned to work collaboratively to create original stories, craft her own characters, and to just have fun when she performs.

SHARMILA RAO THAKKAR

A native New Yorker, Thakkar relocated back to her hometown of Staten Island in 2016 after spending nearly 17 years in Chicago.

Sharmila Rao Thakkar

She holds a master of public health from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, a master of public administration from the Columbia University School of International & Public Affairs, a bachelor of arts degree in international relations from Brown University and is a graduate of St. Joseph Hill Academy elementary and high schools.

As a philanthropy and non-profit professional working and volunteering in the non-profit sector for 20 plus years, Thakkar has a keen awareness and passion for non-profit/philanthropy work.

Utilizing expertise in leadership development, program implementation, resource development, and communications, she has advised donors, families, and organizations on operations, strategy, board governance/development, multigenerational engagement, grant making, and community outreach activities.

KRISTEN DRUDA

Druda has been the parent coordinator at PS 59 since 2016 and prior to that time she served as vice-President and then president of the PTA.

Kristen Druda

As parent coordinator, she takes on responsibilities that include building internal and external relationships with community and educational partners to provide additional information and resources to families, teachers and the school and fields experiences and family workshops and special events.

Druda became the liaison with IlluminArt Productions in 2017 when they received a Cultural After School Adventures (CASA) grant designated by Councilwoman Debi Rose for PS 59. Since then, IlluminArt has conducted their Write-A-Play program with hundreds of students at the school.

Kristen grew up on Staten Island, attended New Dorp High School, the College of Staten Island and Berkeley College. She is a member of Kiwanis International of Richmond County, has served on the Community Board 1 Youth Committee and is a volunteer with Autism Warriors and the American Cancer Society.

ILLUMINART PRODUCTIONS MISSION

IlluminArts mission is to empower students of all ages to utilize theater as a tool to write and perform plays that illuminate critical social issues, creating conversations for positive change.

Their goal is achieved through three programs: arts residencies in schools and senior centers, a Touring Company of professional actors who perform interactive plays about critical social issues and an Arts Empowerment program for young people impacted by adverse childhood experiences.

Now in their 11th year on Staten Island, the company provides creative space for participants and audiences to engage and express themselves for ongoing dialogue and learning.

Tickets for the 3 p.m. VIP Reception and the on-line raffle are available at https://bit.ly/3pe3iAw or by phoning 347-829-2703.

The Musical Revue will stream at 4 p.m. on www.facebook.com/illuminartproductions and www.youtube.com/user/IlluminArtProductio1.

For further information visit www.illuminart.org.
European footprint and automotive inbound logistics capabilities expanded with deal

IRVING, Texas(BUSINESS WIRE)Neovia Logistics, a global supplier of logistics services, announced today the company has closed its acquisition of Temmel Logisitk Center (TLC), an Austria-based provider of automotive inbound logistics support services. The companies announced plans for the deal in a press release on December 2, 2020.

We are excited to add TLC to our lineup of services and look forward to starting 2021 with a broader set of capabilities to serve our clients, said Neovia CEO Pat Olney. We see continued growth potential for our business worldwide, and this addition is an excellent fit for our strategic vision.

TLC has facilities located in Graz, Ilz, and Lannach, accounting for more than 110,000 square meters of operational area. The company has more than 450 employees and serves operations in the region for Magna Steyr, Magna Powertrain, and other clients.

TLC was founded in 1996, focusing on sequencing and assembly services for the automotive sector. Since then the company has expanded into cross-dock operations and value-add services.

About Neovia Logistics

Neovia is a global leader in third-party logistics, operating more than 100 facilities in over 20 countries. For more than 30 years, Neovia has combined an OEM mindset with real-world innovation to partner with, and solve complex logistics challenges for, leading companies in the automotive, consumer products, industrial, and technology sectors.

"The success of mRNA-based vaccines for Covid-19 lays the path to accelerate the development of these therapeutics for many other diseases," said Stefan Oschmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck. "By combining AmpTec's PCR-based mRNA technology with Merck's extensive expertise in lipids manufacturing, we are able to provide a truly differentiated and integrated offering across the mRNA value chain, which will significantly decrease supply chain complexity and enhance speed-to-market. This transaction is another important step to support the constant growth of our Life Science business through tailored, small-scale acquisitions with high impact."

"Last year, AmpTec celebrated its fifteenth anniversary, and this acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for our company," said Guido Krupp and Peter Scheinert, managing directors and founders of AmpTec. "AmpTec's more than 40 employees are thrilled to join Merck and are confident that our PCR-based technology and combined expertise will allow us to offer customers innovative technologies, products and services to help advance life-enhancing therapeutics."

Lipids, which are part of the SAFC portfolio in Merck's Life Science business sector, constitute one of the critical components for the formulation of mRNA therapeutics including Covid-19 vaccines. Merck, with more than 20 years' experience in this space, is collaborating with more than 50 vaccine manufacturers  some of which use mRNA for their products  to support their efforts in the development and production of Covid-19 vaccines, treatments and services.

PCR technology is another important component of mRNA manufacturing. AmpTec uses a differentiated PCR-based technology for mRNA manufacturing, which has shown to have advantages over other manufacturing technologies, including:

Advantages in homogeneity, purity, activity and flexibility.

Higher quality and improved performance.

Flexible capping options to reach specific performance requirements.

In addition to specializing in mRNA technology, AmpTec has a diagnostics business that focuses on producing customized long RNAs and DNAs for in vitro diagnostics. It will complement Merck's diagnostics business , which specializes in providing critical raw materials, components and services for in vitro diagnostics manufacturers. Merck's molecular materials portfolio includes custom and predesigned DNA oligos and probes for a variety of applications such as PCR, next generation sequencing and microarray production.

Merck is continuing to invest in mRNA as a modality and will scale up this technology both at AmpTec's existing site in Hamburg and at Merck's global headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany.

All Merck news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 58,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices  the company is everywhere. In 2019, Merck generated sales of 16.2 billion in 66 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck's technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science and EMD Performance Materials.

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SOURCE Merck

Telecom operators can get spectrum in the 900 megahertz band, used for 4G services, in the upcoming auction for less than half the price paid for several circles in previous auctions, as per the base prices declared by the Department of Telecom.

While most of the base prices are based on the recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), the Department of Telecom (DoT) has made some changes in the 700 megahertz and 1800 Mhz bands in select circles for the auctions scheduled to start from March 1.

This round of auction will be held for 2,251.25 megahertz (MHz) spectrum in seven frequency bands -- 700 Mhz, 800 Mhz, 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz, 2300 Mhz and 2500 Mhz -- at a cumulative base price of Rs 3.92 lakh crore recommended by Trai.

The government has kept frequency bands of 3,300-3,600 MHz, that can be used for 5G services, out of the upcoming auction. These frequencies were part of Trai recommendations for the auction.

The reserve price in the 900 Mhz bands frequencies in Assam, Karnataka and North East have been reduced by more than 50 per cent compared to the amount bidders paid in the spectrum auctions held in 2015.

The DoT has lowered the base price in the 900 Mhz band in 11 circles in the range of 27 to 57 per cent compared to the market discovered price in auctions that were conducted in 2014 and 2015.

The base price of 900 Mhz band spectrum in Delhi has been lowered by around 28 per cent to Rs 585 crore from Rs 811.62 crore per Mhz that was paid by Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea in 2014.

The base price for 900 Mhz band in Karnataka circle has come down to Rs 238 crore per Mhz from Rs 557.5 crore paid by operators in the March 2015 auction, in Kerala to Rs 199 crore from Rs 369.4 crore and Madhya Pradesh Rs 195 crore from Rs 309.5 crore.

Back of the envelope calculation shows that the base price of all 81.4 Mhz paired spectrum in the 900 Mhz band in the upcoming auction is around Rs 9,000 crore lower than the price paid by operators in earlier rounds.

Earlier too the DoT had lowered the reserve price for spectrum in telecom circles where no bids were received.

There were no bidders for 900 Mhz spectrum band in the October 2016 auction for four circles -- Bihar, Gujarat, UP East and UP West. The prices in these circles have been slashed in the range of 44 per cent to 72 per cent this time compared to the 2016 base price.

The base price in the 800 Mhz band has been lowered because spectrum in this band remained unsold in 15 of the 19 circles that were put for auction in 2016. Bids were received only for Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan and UP East.

According to ICICI Securities, the final reserve price for 800 MHz spectrum in the upcoming auction is 18.5 per cent lower than the October 2016 auction price, which should benefit the relevant operators.

The base prices of spectrum in 1800 Mhz and 2300 Mhz bands have been fixed 14.5 per cent and 17.5 per cent higher than the October 2016 base price, according to ICICI Securities.

The DoT has also increased base price of 700 Mhz in North East and Jammu and Kashmir circles to Rs 34 crore compared to Rs 30 crore recommended by Trai.

"Reserve price for 700 Mhz spectrum is 38 per cent higher than 800 MHz spectrum with prices in three metro circles being 56 per cent higher compared to 800 Mhz spectrum. We thus expect telcos to again give a miss to spectrum in the 700 band," a Credit Suisse report said.

Market analysts believe the upcoming will get bids in the range of Rs 30,000-Rs 50,000 crore.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Microscopic image of an HIV-infected T cell. Credit: NIAID

A study led by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health researchers examines attitudes toward long-acting injectable (LAI) HIV therapies, among women with a history of injectionincluding medical purposes and substance use. The findings appear in the journal AIDS Patient Care and STDs.

Currently, most HIV therapies for treatment and prevention (pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP) necessitate daily pills, which pose barriers to adherence. Recently, however, LAI for HIV has emerged as an alternative with the potential to boost adherence, although little research has been done on how people with a history of injection feel about these new forms of injectable HIV therapy. There 258,000 women in the United States living with HIV.

The study involved interviews with 89 women across six different sites in the United States. Overall, participants highlighted how LAIs may improve adherence by freeing women of treatment fatigue and reminders associated with daily pill-taking, thus eliminating potential stigma, and facilitating confidentiality. Most women with a history of periodic injectable medication (such as birth control) would prefer LAI, but those with other frequent injections (such as for diabetes) who expressed a desire to limit the number and frequency of injections and clinic visits might not. Women with a history of injection drug use expressed mixed sentiments: some feared LAI might trigger a recurrence while others felt that familiarity with needles would predispose people who use injection drugs towards LAI.

The authors write that LAI HIV therapies would ideally coincide with existing LAI treatments (e.g., birth control) to minimize inconvenience and the need for multiple clinic visits, an approach currently used in some clinics that co-locate care for HIV and substance use.

"Future research needs to address injection-related concerns, and develop patient-centered approaches to help providers work with their patients to best identify which women could most benefit from LAI use," says first author Morgan Philbin, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociomedical sciences at Columbia Mailman School. "As LAI ART for HIV treatment and prevention is scaled-up, systems must be created for women and providers to collaborate in order to best identify which women might need additional support for LAI use and which might be better candidates for daily pills."

The researchers conducted in-depth interviews at six sites (New York, NY; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA; Atlanta, GA; Chapel Hill, NC; Washington, D.C.) as part of the Women's Interagency HIV Study, including women living with HIV and women at risk for HIV.

More information: Morgan M. Philbin et al, A Qualitative Exploration of Women's Interest in Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy Across Six Cities in the Women's Interagency HIV Study: Intersections with Current and Past Injectable Medication and Substance Use, AIDS Patient Care and STDs (2021). Journal information: AIDS Patient Care and STDs Morgan M. Philbin et al, A Qualitative Exploration of Women's Interest in Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy Across Six Cities in the Women's Interagency HIV Study: Intersections with Current and Past Injectable Medication and Substance Use,(2021). DOI: 10.1089/apc.2020.0164
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Why Meyersdale nursing care workers are protesting

According to its website, the skilled nursing facility has the lone Veterans Administration contract in Somerset County.
Snow showers and freezing fog is forecast to sweep the UK in the coming days.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow and ice covering almost all of the nation throughout Thursday and Friday.

Warnings for snow and ice likely to cause slippery surfaces and travel disruption until midnight on Wednesday are in place for Scotland, and for Northern Ireland the same warning is in place until 9am on Thursday morning.

From Thursday afternoon until Friday morning, a yellow warning for ice covers the north and the entire east and west coasts of England and Wales, with only a small portion of central southern areas free from warnings.

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The Environment Agency has also issued four flood warnings for areas where flooding is likely, on the Isle of Sheppey, Kings Lynn, Peterborough, and by the River Derwent in North Yorkshire.

Some 30 alerts, for areas where flooding is possible, are also scattered across England.

There were no high water warnings in place for Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland on Wednesday night.

Snowfall is expected in the northern half of Scotland on Thursday, with 1-2cm depth covering lowland areas, and up to 10cm expected to fall in areas higher than 300m above sea level.

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Met Office meteorologist Clare Nasir said this wintry weather will be brought on by a bank of rain which readily turns to snow moving from Scotland and Northern Ireland in the early hours of Thursday, to England and Wales as the day progresses.

Freezing temperatures ranging from 0C in London to -10C in the valleys in Wales are predicted overnight, picking up to between 2-5C for most places in the UK in the daytime.

The cold weather has definitely arrived! Take care of yourself when driving on icy roads, walking on frosty paths and wrap up warm if you're outside in low temperatures. ai



 - Yasin Patel, Emergency Assistant pic.twitter.com/kxe6WWKBIJ  Yorkshire Ambulance (@YorksAmbulance) January 6, 2021

Ms Nasir said: Watch out for some freezing fog patches (and) the risk of ice first thing.

However, through the morning, we will see some brighter skies for southern parts of England and Wales.

Ambulance services have urged people to plan their journeys ahead of setting off and to wrap up warm to ease pressures on emergency services.

The weather over the next few days is expected to be particularly wintery - with very low temperatures, icy conditions and even the occasional snow shower.



Please help the NHS by staying warm to stay well.#StayWarmStayWell pic.twitter.com/XSmD8lHQJK  East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (@EMASNHSTrust) January 6, 2021

The risk of icy weather and wintry showers is set to persist through Friday, with cloudier and milder weather moving in from the north and patches of sun across the country.

A yellow weather warning for snow is in place for north-east Scotland from midnight on Thursday until midday on Friday, and an ice warning covers Wales and much of England with the exception of some central and southern areas until 11am on Friday.

Download the Belfast Telegraph App Get quick and easy access to the latest Northern Ireland news, sport, business and opinion with the Belfast Telegraph App.

PA

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the Tripura government of developing an integrated check post and cargo handling facility at Nischintapur, the junction point of Agartala-Akhaura rail link, near here, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said on Wednesday.

The much-awaited railway line between Agartala and Akhaura is expected to be completed by September 2021. The railway link connects Gangasagar in Bangladesh to Nischintapur in India (10.6 km) and from Nischintapur to Agartala railway station (5.46 km).

Also Read | The faces behind the farmer revolt

"Requested the kind intervention of Sh. @AmitShah ji for the development of an Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Nischintapur, junction point of Agartala-Akhaura rail link. Setting up of a cargo handling facility here will greatly boost trade & commerce for entire #NorthEast region," Deb tweeted.

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region is bearing the cost of laying the track on the Indian side and that on the Bangladesh side is being borne by the Ministry of External Affairs, officials said.

"Also requested for his kind support for completion of border fencing work in #Tripura in a timely & effective manner. Sh #AmitShah ji assured full support from @HMOIndia in this regard to ensure security & prosperity for the state," Deb who called on Shah in New Delhi during the day said in a tweet.

The chief minister also met Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and discussed the ongoing national highway projects in Tripura, an official release said.

Deb requested Gadkari for greater support of the ministry for facilitating micro, small and medium enterprises in the state.

Gadkari, who is also the MSME minister, assured Deb of his ministrys support to the states projects, the release said.

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The Government of Andhra Pradesh through the Department of Fisheries has called for applications in a prescribed format from eligible and interested candidates for filling Sixty (60) vacancies to the post of Sagaramitras through direct recruitment to be posted in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh in India on a fulltime basis. The application process towards the same started on January 05, 2021 and closes on January 21, 2021.

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Sagaramitras Organisation Department of Fisheries, Govt. of AP Educational Qualification Bachelors Degree in Fisheries Science/Marine Biology/Zoology; Diploma in Fisheries Polytechnic Experience Freshers can apply Job Responsibilities null Skills Required Desirable Job Location Srikakulam Salary Scale Rs. 15,000 per month Industry Government of Andhra Pradesh Application Start Date January 5, 2021 Application End Date January 21, 2021

AP Government Jobs 2021: Age Criteria And Fees

Candidates interested in applying for AP Govt. Sagaramitra Jobs 2021 through AP Government Jobs 2021 must have completed 18 years of age and not have exceeded 35 years as on November 30, 2020 with relaxation (upper age limit) for reserved categories as notified in the AP Government Recruitment 2021 Notification.

For details regarding application fee for AP Govt. Sagaramitra Jobs 2021 through AP Government Jobs 2021, refer to the official AP Government Recruitment 2021 Notification given at the end of the article.

Also Read: AIIMS Mangalagiri Recruitment 2021 For Senior Residents (Group A) Through 'Walk-In' Selection On Jan 28 And 29

AP Government Jobs 2021: Educational Eligibility

Candidates applying for AP Govt. Sagaramitra Jobs 2021 through AP Government Jobs 2021 must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Fisheries Science/Marine Biology/Zoology; Diploma in Fisheries Polytechnic from a recognised University/Institution as notified in the AP Government Jobs 2021 Notification.

AP Government Jobs 2021: Selection And Pay Scale

The selection of candidates as AP Govt. Sagaramitra Jobs 2021 through AP Government Jobs 2021 will be done through Shortlisting, Academic Qualifications, Soft Skills and Interview as stated in the AP Government Jobs 2021 Notification.

Candidates selected to AP Govt. Sagaramitra Jobs 2021 through AP Government Jobs 2021 will be paid an emolument of Rs. 15,000 per month

Also Read: JEE Advanced 2021 Exam To Be Held On July 3, Check Eligibility Criteria For IITs And Other Details Here

AP Government Jobs 2021: How To Apply

Candidates applying for AP Govt. Sagaramitra Jobs 2021 through AP Government Jobs 2021 must fill the application form in a prescribed format attached with the AP Government Jobs 2021 Notification and send the applications to the addressed specified on or before January 21, 2021 through a proper channel.

Download AP Government Jobs 2021 Notification PDF for Sagaramitra posts
A total of 80 police officers and three dogs took part in an extensive operation in Cegled and Budapest on Monday, in which they caught the members of a gang that had been robbing railway freight wagons.

The gang stole millions of forints worth of goods and made a living from selling them. Police found expensive TV sets, smartphones, disinfectants, bicycles and hundreds of thousands of forints worth of medical bandages.



Cegled police have been investigating the matter of looted railway wagons since the spring of 2019.



Members of the gang are suspected of breaking into freight wagons stationed at Cegled, Albertirsa and Ferencvaros railway stations, taking away the goods and later trying to sell them.



Police detained nine men and two women after raiding nine addresses in Cegled and one in Budapest.





MTI Photo: Zoltan Mihadak
Australia has taken strides to defeat disinformation from authoritarian states but Prime Minister Scott Morrison must be able to counter it from his own MPs and Australia's allies too.

Like cyber attacks, fake news narratives represent a growing threat to our way of life.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison declined to criticise Nationals MP George Christensen. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

A report by the European Commission last year found foreign actors and countries, led by Moscow and Beijing, had carried out targeted disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining democratic debate and stoking confusion about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia has been particularly concerned about the effect China's disinformation campaigns are having in our near region.


Turkeys recent flurry of overtures to Israel has been ill-conceived, ill-communicated and ill-received by the Jewish State. Be it the now-scotched nomination of an overtly anti-Israeli pundit with close ties to the ruling Justice and Development Party as ambassador to Tel Aviv or Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's pronouncements that he would like to improve relations but that Israel was merciless toward the Palestinians, Ankaras messaging has been greeted with a mix of bemusement, yawns and contempt.

Israels position is crystal clear. As a steady trickle of Gulf and other Muslim states ditch decades of hostility to make peace, Turkeys name is slipping on Israels dance card. Thus, if Turkey is sincere about restoring ties to the ambassadorial level after unceremoniously booting out last Israeli envoy Eitan Naeh  hell be Jerusalems first ever man in Abu Dhabi  in May 2018, it now needs to kick out the hundreds of Hamas operatives Israel claims are plotting terror attacks from Istanbul.

But will it? The question resurfaced when pro-government Milli Gazete published a letter dated Dec. 21 from Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh that was sent to multiple heads of Islamic states, including Erdogan warning against friendship with Israel, on the same day it appeared in the Palestinian media. Had Ankara leaked the letter in a further clumsy signal to Israel that it might consider ignoring Haniyehs request?

Ankara has expelled Hamas operatives in the past under Western pressure. They include Saleh al-Arouri, who led the movement from Turkey until he was shown the door in 2014.

If Turkey is serious, the ideas will come through serious channels with some sort of a timetable for issues to be discussed, and maybe they do, but I doubt it when I see whats appearing in the press, said a well-placed diplomatic source. It's nuts, with people [on the Turkish side] saying Israel should make the first step. Is their idea about Israel that its stupid? the source asked.

Alan Makovsky, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a think tank in Washington, shares much of the skepticism aired by the steady drip of anonymous Israeli officials in the media.

Nobodys going to believe Erdogans feigned new leaf, especially when Turkeys economy and Erdogans domestic political standing are in free fall, he contended.

Makovsky continued in emailed comments to Al-Monitor, Sincere, durably better relations with Israel? Sure, its a good thing and can be demonstrated over time. But [Erdogan] shouldnt expect any immediate or big reward for it. That ship sailed a while ago, and it went to Athens and Nicosia. Makovsky was referring to the series of economic and defense pacts signed between Israel, Greece and Cyprus, who with Egypt have banded together against Turkeys claims to natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Gallia Lindenstrauss, a senior research fellow at the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies, agrees that Turkeys stabs at wooing back Israel are seen more as an attempt to drive a wedge between Israel, Greece and Cyprus. She told Al-Monitor Turkeys recent overtures to Egypt are interpreted by Cairo much in the same light: opportunistic and insincere.

If [Erdogan] wants to show that this time its different, let him do something meaningful, like renounce all ties with Hamas and denounce Hamas for its commitment to violence and non-recognition of Israel, said Makovsky.

Basem Naim, a member of Hamas' international relations bureau, rejects Israels claims that Hamas operatives in Turkey are planning terrorist attacks against it.

We have the right to oppose the unlawful occupation of Palestine and to resist it through all available means including through armed resistance. However, we are not planning any armed attacks from Turkey. We are operating within the limits set by Turkish laws. We have no blank check, Naim told Al-Monitor in a telephone interview from Gaza.

Israel insists, however, that Turkey is providing sanctuary for State Department-designated Hamas terror plotters who conduct counterintelligence and cyber attacks from a secret center in Istanbul and has granted Turkish citizenship to some of them. Turkey denies the charge.

The matter is bound to have come up in recent meetings between Turkeys spy chief Hakan Fidan and his Mossad counterpart Yossi Cohen.

Turkey has not expelled any Hamas figures in recent years, Israeli officials say. Naim says that its no secret that members of his group reside in Turkey. Some are prisoners freed by Israel in 2011 exchange for Israel's Gilad Shalit.

Others fled conflicts in Syria and Lebanon. Meanwhile, There are thousands of Palestinians, students and others in Turkey who sympathize with the Hamas ideology but that doesnt make them members of the [Izz ad-Din] Al Qassam brigades. Naim was referring to Hamas' military wing, which routinely targets Israeli settlers with its arsenal of rockets.

Naim concedes, however, that Erdogan does appear to be sending out feelers to Israel.

I think theres more than one reason for this initiative, he said, listing many of the explanations offered by Israel as well.

One is the incoming administration of US President-elect Joe Biden, which is not so in love with Turkey or President Erdogan and is therefore likely to take a harsher stand than President Donald Trump over Turkeys purchase of Russian missiles designed to shoot down NATO aircraft. Many here in the region say that the regional gate for the heart of Washington is Tel Aviv. If you want to reach decision-makers in DC, you pass through Tel Aviv, Naim said echoing the increasingly dated logic that making nice with Israel wins favor in the United States.

Another reason for Turkeys revived interest in Israel is to weaken and fragment the alliance between Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Egypt and the UAE versus Turkey and [the Government of National Accord] in Libya in the Eastern Mediterranean.

But while Turkey wants to upgrade relations with Israel, he said, it wont do so at any cost. This is because Palestine is a "red line for a vast majority of Turks spanning the ideological and ethnic spectrum who believe in a two-state solution, Naim observed.

Championing the Palestinian cause certainly plays well to Erdogans Islamist base, which views the group as fellow underdogs scorned and marginalized by the West,

Turkey sees Hamas as a legitimate political actor and that no settlement can be reached with the Palestinians without talking to Hamas, Lindenstrauss said. The idea mirrors Turkeys broader embrace of Muslim Brotherhood-inspired opposition movements throughout the Middle East.

And for all its tough talk, Israel has not vetoed Turkey's political links with Hamas but rather the fact that Ankara is turning a blind eye to terrorist activity directed at Israel and the West Bank that is orchestrated on its soil, she added.

Naim believes that Israels rebuttals are no more sincere than Turkeys advances. Israel may be the most pragmatic player in the whole world. When it says no its not a principled no," he said. Its only to raise the price because they know Turkey is in need of relations at this time. All indications are, however, that buoyed by the Abraham Accords and its new Hellenic partners, Israel no longer shares that need.
UTICA, N.Y.  The Oneida County Sheriffs Office arrested a fugitive Thursday who has been wanted by authorities since April of 2017.

Ruvim Mikhalevich, 28, of Utica, was on the countys 2019 Top Ten Most Wanted list. Hes facing a charge of third-degree criminal mischief.

Authorities were able to locate him after information was received through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers when Mikhalevich moved back to Utica.

He was arrested on Jan. 7, arraigned, and released in accordance with bail reform laws.
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage will officially reopen to the public on Monday, Jan. 18, with the special event, Hear Our Voices: Annual MLK Day Celebration.

The museum will honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an all-day celebration including free museum admission, virtual family activities and an online program featuring special guest Dr. David Pilgrim, founder and curator of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University in Michigan.

Registrants are invited to take a free virtual tour of the Jim Crow Museum before the lecture and bring questions for Pilgrim at 3 p.m. via Zoom. All activities are free with advance registration. Visit www.maltzmuseum.org to reserve tickets and view the entire days program schedule.

This day is generously sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Clevelands Community Relations Committee.

Pilgrim, an applied sociologist with a doctorate from The Ohio State University, is founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum, the nations largest, publicly accessible collection of racist objects, located at Ferris State University, where he serves as vice president for diversity and inclusion.

A prolific writer, Pilgrim is author of Understanding Jim Crow: Using Racist Memorabilia to Teach Tolerance and Promote Social Justice (PM Press, 2015), as well as countless additional writings used by scholars, students, and civil and human rights workers to better understand historical and contemporary expressions of racism.

Creating jobs, saving lives: Career Development and Placement Strategies Inc. (CDPS), a local non-profit organization that provides workforce and personal development programs to unemployed and underemployed citizens from neighborhoods in Northeast Ohio, has recently partnered with the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation to produce COVID-19 PPE masks.

Determined to make an impact in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maurice Stevens, president of CDPS, searched for a way to make an immediate contribution to the community.

With years of experience in workforce development, Stevens was able to develop a unique solution that would not only help save lives with mask production, but also provide employment opportunities to those in need.

Garnering support from local, state and manufacturing partners, he quickly assembled a team and necessary funding to begin a massive mask-production program.

The masks are being produced locally, and the partnership has created around 180 jobs so far. Under the six-month contract, CDPS will produce 13 million masks. Currently, nearly 4 million masks have been shipped to Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation network organizations across the state.

When we first discussed this opportunity, we immediately knew this would be a way to impact our community in a positive way, Stevens said. Our main goal is to empower citizens of Northeast Ohio with job training and skill building that will ultimately make them more employable.

Not only have we been able to create jobs, but were also helping to keep our community safe and healthy. To us, this truly is the meaning of community support.

In addition, CDPS is planning for its expansion of its flagship carpentry program with the buildout of two carpentry schools located in Cleveland and Akron. The carpentry program educates and trains students in carpentry, building maintenance and critical soft skills.

CDPS is raising funds for the buildout of its carpentry schools and welcomes additional community partnerships and support for these efforts. If you would like to learn more about supporting these programs, contact Stevens at 330-687-6129.

If you are interested in purchasing PPE masks or would like to make a donation to CDPS, visit cdps4u.org, email valevans@risingabove-oh.org or call 330-752-7129 or 216-881-5866.

Learn a new language: You dont have to pay for language lessons. You have access to hundreds of language courses from Mango and Transparent Language that will help you become fluent in dozens of languages from across the world. And they are all available through the Cuyahoga County Public Library.

The best part is that they are free, and all you need is a library card.

Now you can learn with Mango, the librarys free online language learning resource. Learn how to hold a conversation in more than 70 languages, including Spanish, French, Russian, Mandarin Chinese and more.

Transparent Language Online offers more than 100 world language courses, including Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. There is also an ESL component that provides English language learning to speakers of over 25 different languages, including Farsi, Hindi and Tagalog, as well as an American Citizenship Test Prep course.

Go to www.cuyahogalibrary.org for complete information.

Let the Strongsville community know what is going on with your organization, church, school, business or family. Email me at shirleymac48@att.net.

Read more from the Sun Star Courier.

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The epidemic-induced lockdowns loomed over China's economy in the first half of 2020, but with quick emergency response and government-aided stimulus package, the country's economy roared back.

Massive tax cuts and increased government spending have helped the economy recover faster. The market is also closely watching over the country's fiscal policy in 2021: Would the country withdraw its financial support straight away? And how strong would its economic recovery be?

The country's annual key meeting on economic work has boosted market confidence. China would keep its macroeconomic policies consistent next year by not making any "sudden turns" as the foundation of its economic recovery is "not yet solid." That means the government will stick to its proactive fiscal policy in 2021.

OPTIMIZED FISCAL SPENDING

The World Bank (WB) pointed out in its latest report on China's economy that the country's gross domestic product is expected to grow 2 percent in 2020 and further rebound to 7.9 percent in 2021.

The bank has attributed the "faster than expected" recovery of economic activities to China's effective epidemic-control strategy, strong policy support and resilient exports.

According to China's tax authorities, tax and fee cuts in the first 11 months of 2020 totaled 2.37 trillion yuan (about 363.22 billion U.S. dollars), out of which 1.64 trillion yuan was saved under the preferential tax and fee measures unveiled in 2020 to bolster economic development and COVID-19 containment.

Besides, buoyant fiscal spending was seen in social welfare, health care and education sectors.

In the first 11 months of 2020, the country's fiscal expenditure grew by 0.7 percent from a year earlier to over 20.78 trillion yuan, with positive year-on-year growth seen in social security and employment, education, as well as hygiene and health sectors.

Considering the sound economic recovery, analysts expect that the focus of fiscal spending would shift from epidemic prevention to infrastructure construction.

China could use its fiscal space to hedge against downside risks to growth, said the WB, "but the focus should shift from traditional infrastructure to more social spending and green investment."

In keeping with one of the primary tasks listed in the annual economic meeting, China will adopt a fiscal policy that offers stronger financial guarantees to major national strategies as well as promote science and technology innovations, with more investment expected in the digital economy and new infrastructure sectors.

Zhang Yiqun, a scholar in financing and taxation, believes that more financial support will go to fields such as new infrastructure, 5G and chips.

At a recently-held national fiscal work conference, Finance Minister Liu Kun stressed giving priority to improving investment structures, encouraging consumer spending, and facilitating a new-type of people-centered urbanization.

Efforts will be made to guarantee the people's well-being, improve policy support for agriculture, rural areas and farmers, as well as for rural vitalization, Liu said.

The country will also spend more on pollution control to support green development, he added.

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AMID RISK PREVENTION

In 2020, China raised its deficit-to-GDP ratio from 2.8 percent in 2019 to above 3.6 percent, moving away from its longstanding practice of a ceiling of 3 percent.

In the first 11 months of last year, bonds issued by local governments jumped 44.76 percent year on year to 6.26 trillion yuan, according to the finance ministry.

The total outstanding debt of the local governments stood within the official limit at 25.56 trillion yuan by the end of November last year, data by the ministry showed.

Impacted by COVID-19 and downward pressure of the economy, local governments have seen a decline in revenue and faced greater pressure on defusing hidden debt risks, said Ji Fuxing, a professor with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

In 2021, the proactive fiscal policy will be "more sustainable" in terms of expenditure scale and policy strength to leave more policy space in addressing future risks and challenges, Liu said in his latest interview with Xinhua.

He said that the country should rationally set the target of fiscal deficit ratio and the scale of government special bonds, as well as keep the macro government leverage ratio at a stable level to leave policy space in combating future risks and challenges.

Currently, the debt risks of local governments are generally controllable. However, hidden government debts and default risks are increasing in certain regions, Liu said.

He said that the government would pay "close attention" and stay on "high alert" for the debt problems.

Though China will adopt a proactive fiscal policy, the country may not issue special treasury bonds for epidemic control again in 2021, said Bian Quanshui, chief analyst with Sinolink Securities.

The deficit-to-GDP ratio is expected to be less than 3 percent this year, and the scale of special bonds for local governments would shrink to around 3 trillion yuan, Bian said.

China should withdraw some of the temporary aid packages safely and cautiously to achieve a balance between sustainable growth and risk-prevention in the long-term, said Han Wenxiu, an official of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs.
The number of NHS staff off sick or self-isolating due to coronavirus has almost quadrupled since September, leaked figures reveal.

As many as 46,400 doctors and nurses are currently off work because of the virus, reports The Independent, which is almost four times as high as the 12,382 reported on September 2.

Overall, almost one in 10 staff (8.6 per cent) were off in the most recent available NHS figures  a total of 95,500  with around half of them linked to Covid-19.

This includes people infected with the virus themselves or those who have to self-isolate because they have been in contact with a confirmed case.

NHS England said staff members are asked to isolate for 10 days after coming into contact with a positive patient when not wearing PPE, to stop the virus spreading.

It comes amid warnings London's hospitals could be overwhelmed by spiralling Covid admissions in less than two weeks even in a best case scenario.

The chief of the capital's NHS Vin Diwakar delivered the grim warning to hospital bosses during a Zoom meeting yesterday.

Shocking figures last night revealed the number of Covid patients in Britain's hospitals surged past 30,000 on January 4 - the most recent data. This was up 27 per cent in a week and towers above the worst figure of 21,700 in April last year.

Some hospitals are approaching breaking point, and preparing to turn to care homes for help, the chief executive of NHS Providers has said. The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital had surged past 30,000 by January 4, NHS data reveals

ELDERLY BRITONS 'ARE REFUSING TO TAKE PFIZER'S VACCINE BECAUSE IT ISN'T ENGLISH' Elderly Britons are refusing the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine because they'd rather 'wait for the English one' and failing to turn up for appointments as ministers scramble to turbo-charge the jab's roll out. Over-80s have turned their noses up at the Belgian-made shots in Stockton-on-Tees and insisted on having the Oxford jab, according to Dr Paul Williams who is administering the vaccine to residents. And missed appointments led to up to 10 police officers receiving their first doses in Nottingham to prevent vital supplies going to waste. Once defrosted from -78C (-104F) doses of Pfizer's jab  which trials have shown is more effective than Oxford University's rival jab  must be used within days, official guidance from the UK's regulator says. Only 1.3million Britons have been vaccinated in the first month of the critical programme, as the sluggish roll out fails to gather steam. It has been plagued by supply and staffing shortages, logistical problems and bureaucratic barriers that have strangled the scale-up. Boris Johnson is tonight expected to unveil a new Army-led plan designed by senior military battlefield planners to distribute the jabs, as he seeks to put drastically speed up the roll out. Advertisement

Staff shortages because of sickness and self-isolation are one of the many factors piling extra pressure on to NHS hospitals.

Figures from NHS England suggest staff absences have surged past the levels last winter, when an average 4.9 per cent were off between January and March.

But hospital bosses cautioned the comparison was not entirely accurate because last year's figure was calculated by dividing the total number of sick days by the total number of staff - rather than the number of staff calling in sick.

They added the different time periods - with the above figure including months yet to happen in 2021 - also meant the analysis was not reliable.

And the fact many staff were not isolating due to Covid-19, which wasn't an issue at the time.

NHS staff absences in January were less than half the levels in the first wave - when 104,7000 were absent from shifts on April 2.

And total absences were 39 per cent below the same time in April - when as many as 155,300 were not able to come to work.

This number may have been significantly reduced by the Government's decision to cut the self-isolation period from 14 to 10 days in early December, releasing key workers four days earlier.

Increased availability of PPE in the health service will also have left fewer healthcare workers exposed to the virus, and hence needing to self-isolate.

And improved testing capacity means anyone exposed to Covid-19 can be checked faster, allowing those who aren't infected to be released from self-isolation early.

A spokesman for NHS England said: 'In line with government guidance, NHS staff are required to isolate following community contact with a confirmed Covid case and it is a priority to keep staff safe and well, physically and mentally  with a number of support offers, including a health and wellbeing support package that has now been accessed over 600,000 times.

'The NHS is also rapidly accelerating roll out of the Covid vaccine, which will allow staff to continue to care for patients.'

Amid surging admissions in the capital, NHS chiefs laid out three scenarios to hospital managers yesterday, the Health Services Journal reports.

The briefing shows they had just 46 spare ICU beds in January, which is three per cent of its overall capacity. Over 70 per cent of its critical beds were taken up by people with Covid.

Hospitals across England are seeing more coronavirus patients than they did in the first wave in 2020 (Pictured: Staff in an intensive care ward in St George's Hospital in London)

On the same date there were just spare 720 general and acute beds, five per cent of its total, and more than 40 per cent were in use by infected patients.

Mr Diwakar found the 'best' case forecast would mean the number of Covid patients in G&A beds rising to 9,500 by January 19, with non-Covid patients remaining the same at 7,460 - a number which remains constant throughout all the scenarios.

After small demand control measures, the total demand is predicted to be at 17,100.

Possible ways of increasing capacity includes the NHS securing an additional 400 beds, with the independent sector finding 50.

The 'average' scenario would see a shortfall of 2,900 beds, with 4,400 in the 'worse' scenario.
British Home Secretary Priti Patel on Thursday condemned the awful scenes of riots on the Capitol Hill in Washington DC and blamed US President Donald Trump for the violence that resulted in four deaths in clashes between protesters and American police.

The senior Cabinet minister told the BBC that it was the outgoing Presidents words that fuelled the violence and accused Trump of doing nothing de-escalate that.

His comments directly led to the violence, and so far he has failed to condemn that violence and that is completely wrong, said Patel.

He basically has made a number of comments yesterday that helped to fuel that violence and he didnt actually do anything to de-escalate that whatsoever... what weve seen is completely unacceptable, she said.

Hundreds of pro-Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday  where lawmakers were meeting to confirm Bidens election victory  and staged an occupation of the building in Washington DC after he made several claims of electoral fraud. Both chambers of Congress were forced into recess, as protesters clashed with police and tear gas was released.

On Thursday, a White House spokesperson issued a Twitter statement to say there will be an orderly transition to Democrat President-elect Joe Biden, whose November 2020 election victory has since been by US lawmakers.

Disgraceful scenes in US Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a Twitter statement.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said there was no justification for these violent attempts to frustrate the lawful and proper transition of power.

The condemnation of the scenes in the US capital was cross-party in the UK, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer saying it was a direct attack on democracy, while Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called the events utterly horrifying.

A Friend of President Trump and leader of the Brexit Party which has now transformed to Reform UK, Nigel Farage, also tweeted: Storming Capitol Hill is wrong. The protesters must leave.
Emmanuel Bonne, the diplomatic advisor to French President, has called on India for combined initiatives between India and France during Indias tenure at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

India will be a member of the UN Security Council for 2 years. This will be a critical occasion for both of us to take initiatives whether itll be on the Indo-Pacific region or it is about addressing terrorist threats, he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

On January 4, 2021, India officially began its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for a period of two years. France is a permanent member of the security council.

Bonne also thanked the Indian government and people for their support to France when the country was under attack by some leaders in Turkey and Pakistan and in other countries, a veiled reference to the backlash France received from many nations, including Pakistan and Turkey, after the killing of French teacher Samuel Paty. The French government was condemned for its support to acts that hurt their religious sentiments.

We very much appreciate the support we got not only from your authorities but also from Indian civil society when our country was under attack by some leaders in Turkey and Pakistan and in other countries, he added.

The remarks from Bonne came after his meeting with Indias National Security Adviser Ajit Doval earlier on Thursday. The meetings were a part of the annual strategic dialogue between India and France, which was confirmed by the ministry of external affairs in its official statement on Wednesday. The ministry also said that the two sides would discuss wide-ranging bilateral and global issues.

Bilateral ties between India and France have been strengthening recently with Indias purchase of the Rafale jets from French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation. Earlier in December 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up the French President Emmanuel Macron and expressed his support for Frances fight against terrorism.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev drew attention today to the illegality of Armenian citizens' travel to the liberated Azerbaijani lands without the appropriate permission of the Azerbaijani authorities. This is how he reacted to reports on the visit of Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan to Khankendi.



"I was informed that the Armenian Foreign Minister visited Khankendi. Let them not forget about the war. These visits must be stopped," he said during a video meeting dedicated to the results of 2020.

Ilham Aliyev drew attention to the fact that illegal visits of Armenian officials to Azerbaijan harm the post-war process of peace stabilization in the South Caucasus, which is being conducted with the participation of Russia.

Russia has provided the parties with its mediation opportunities. A delegation of representatives of the Russian government, which recently visited Armenia and Azerbaijan, mainly discussed these topics. If relations are normalized, then why such provocative visits? What do they want to show?" the head f state asked.

The Azerbaijani leader recalled that no foreign citizen, no international organization can visit this territory without the republic authorities' permission, with the exception of the Red Cross. Ilham Aliyev warned that if Armenia continues to organize such political sabotage, Azerbaijan's response will be very tough.
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Donald Trump has promised an 'orderly transition' of power after Joe Biden's election win was finally certified by Congress - a process delayed by hours after a day of chaos in the US Capitol that left four dead.

Trump, who has been temporarily banned from Twitter in the wake of the riot, issued a tone-deaf statement via his aide in which he conceded defeat, while at the same time hailing the mayhem as 'the end of the greatest first term in presidential history'.

The President also continued to dispute the election result, saying: 'Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

'I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted.

'While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it's only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!'

The statement came after one of the darkest days in American political history which began with Trump urging his supporters to march on the Capitol Building to stop the result being certified, and ended with four people dead.

The scenes were so harrowing that some Democrats today demanded that Trump be removed from office immediately - saying the country cannot afford for him to stay in power for another 13 days.

Democrat Chuck Schumer, the soon-to-be majority leader of the Senate, called for Mike Pence and the cabinet to declare Trump unfit for office under the 25th Amendment - or alternatively for Congress to hold last-ditch impeachment hearings.

'What happened at the US Capitol yesterday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president. This president should not hold office one day longer,' Schumer said.

As a wary world waited for Trump to resurface on Twitter after his 12-hour ban, Facebook went a step further today by announcing that his account had been suspended indefinitely - with Mark Zuckerberg saying that 'the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great'.

Trump was left further isolated today by a series of White House resignations, including former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney who said 'I can't stay here... not after yesterday' and added that more staffers were likely to quit.

Meanwhile, there were questions about how the invaders had managed to breach security so easily - with Capitol Police chief Steven Sund today defending his officers for 'acting valiantly' during the rampage.

Congress had been in session at the time of the attack, undertaking the typically-routine business of certifying the election result - which was being opposed by a number of Republicans loyal to Trump.

The President had been holding a rally nearby at the White House before urging his supporters to go to the Capitol, where they broke in amid the debates - trashing the symbolic home of western democracy as they looted and broke into congressional offices with politicians donning gas masks and fleeing under armed guard.

One woman - 14-year Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit - was shot dead inside the building, while three others died from 'individual medical emergencies' elsewhere on Capitol property.

Pipe bombs were also left outside the headquarters of the Democrat and Republican National Committees and a truck-full of rifles and Molotov cocktails seized.

Biden described the rioters as 'extremists' staging an 'insurrection' that 'bordered on sedition' and called on Trump to order them away from the building. Trump did eventually speak out - to call the rioters 'great patriots' and say he 'loved' them, a move which saw him temporarily banned from social media.

Congress was eventually able to return to session after the National Guard was called in and a 6pm curfew imposed, with many Republicans dropping their opposition to the vote - and Pence eventually certifying Biden as the winner.

Pence hammered the final gavel at 3.41am, bringing Trump's presidency to an end after just one term in which he lost Republicans the presidency and control of both houses of congress.

As the dust settled...

It was revealed that Trump had 'rebuffed and resisted' attempts to call in the National Guard and end the rioting, leaving the job to Mike Pence

Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger and Stephanie Grisham, former press secretary who became chief of staff for Melania Trump, were among those who quit in protest over the violence

Barack Obama and George W Bush slammed Trump and MAGA supporters for the chaos in the Capitol, describing it as like 'a banana republic'

America's fellow democracies reacted with horror and alarm, with Boris Johnson condemning the 'disgraceful scenes' and Germany's Angela Merkel saying she was 'furious and saddened'

Enemies of America delighted in the chaos, with Iran saying US democracy was 'fragile and vulnerable' while Venezuela parodied US officials bemoaning a lack of democracy in other countries

A fist-fight almost broke out in the House during a speech by Democrat congressman Conor Lamb who called Republicans backing efforts to overturn the election 'liars' and said they should be 'ashamed'

Anger mounted over why so few Trump supporters were arrested and why Capitol security was so lax, as videos emerged showing cops helping supporters get close to the building and posing for selfies with them

All eyes turned on Trump's Twitter account as his 12-hour ban looked set to expire, with indefinite suspension on the table if he continues to breach their rules

Anarchy reigned at the US Capitol on Wednesday after thousands of Donald Trump supporters, urged on by the President himself, marched on the building to try and stop Congress certifying Joe Biden's election win

U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as protesters try to break into the House Chamber

Guns were drawn inside the House chamber as dozens of Trump supporters broke inside the building, ran riot, looted, clashed with security and broke into congressional offices

One woman - 14-year Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit - was shot dead inside the Capitol as three others died on Capitol grounds from 'individual medical emergencies'

With Donald Trump serving a Twitter ban after calling the rioters 'great patriots', it was left to his social media director Dan Scavino to issue a statement on the election result - promising an 'orderly transition'

A protester screams 'freedom' inside the Senate chamber after the U.S. Capitol was breached by a mob

A protester yells after making his way inside the Senate Chamber at the US Captiol on Wednesday as the election results were being certified

Capitol police detain protesters outside of the House Chamber on Wednesday

A congressional member of staff (rear) holds his hands up as Police SWAT teams sweep the Capitol to clear it of rioters

Congressional staffers barricade themselves inside their offices as Trump supporters rampage through the Capitol Building

Protesters broke windows to gain access to the Capitol as lawmakers were whisked to safety on Wednesday afternoon

A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber

A protester shrouded in a Trump banner sits in the Speaker's chair in the House of Representatives after breaking in

Trump protesters, one of them bloodied, walk around the House of Representatives after forcing their way inside

A supporter of US President Donald J. Trump sits on the desk of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

A protester walks through Congress carrying Nancy Pelosi's lectern after storming the Capitol

Members of congress run for cover as protesters try to enter the House Chamber

Supporters of Donald Trump gather in the Capitol Rotunda, shouting slogans as they try to overturn the election result

A wall of Trump supporters are seen outside the Capitol before crowds breached barriers and stormed inside

The steps of the US Capitol are covered in Trump supporters after the President urged them to march on the building as part of his effort to stop the election result being certified

The Republican bid to overturn President-elect Joe Biden's victory ended early Thursday morning after the Senate voted 92-7 to dismiss a challenge to Pennsylvania's Electoral College vote

Mike Pence eventually sealed Trump's fate as he read out the official certification of the votes, with Biden the victor on 306 electoral college votes to Trump's 232

Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speak after the election was certified early Thursday

The Ohio congressman charged with funding the Capitol Police has since vowed to launch an investigation into how hundreds of Trump supporters were able to storm U.S. Capitol buildings and run riot.

Rep. Tim Ryan said that he believed there were some 'strategic mistakes from the very beginning' after videos emerged on social media that appeared to show officers taking aside barriers for demonstrators and even taking selfies with them.

Pence seals Trump's fate: Vice President ends 15-hour attempt to overturn election result Vice President Mike Pence ended Donald Trump's desperate campaign to overturn the election at 3:41 a.m. Thursday as he certified President-elect Joe Biden's win  despite the objections of scores of Republicans. Pence made the final announcement after a nearly 15-hour saga that saw rioting supporters of President Donald Trump mob the U.S. Capitol Building in a day of carnage and shame. The rioters were attempting to stop the typically-routine business of certifying the US election result which was being opposed by Republicans from both House and Senate, led by Texas senator Ted Cruz. They broke into the building as both the House and Senate were debating the result in Arizona, which flipped from Trump to Biden, forcing the session to be delayed by hours. Politicians were eventually able to return where the challenge was shot down by overwhelming majorities in both houses. A challenge against the result in Pennsylvania was then debated late into the night, before eventually being shredded as well. Attempted challenges to results in Georgia, Michigan and Nevada failed to get off the ground after Republicans who were expected to back them withdrew their objections, following the rioting. That spelled the end of the MAGA campaign to upend an election and Pence went on to read out the results of the Electoral College: Biden 306, Trump 232. Trump is now facing a certain end to his presidency on January 20, but could see that date brought forward amid reports that members of his own cabinet are considering declaring him unfit for office via the 25th Amendment. Democrats are also thought to be considering another attempt to impeach him with Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell - formerly their biggest barrier to impeachment - now openly in rebellion against Trump. It comes after Republicans lost both senate seats in Georgia in run-off races, costing McConnell his job in a defeat widely blamed on Trump's election fraud campaign. Advertisement

He promised that Capitol Police would face imminent firings for the 'embarrassment' that was their response to the 'attempted coup'.

'I think it's pretty clear that there's going to be a number of people who are going to be without employment very, very soon,' Ryan said, 'because this is an embarrassment  both on behalf of the mob and the president, and the insurrection and the attempted coup, but also the lack of professional planning and dealing with what we knew was going to occur.'

'You can bet your a** that we're going to get to the bottom of it,' the Ohio Democrat added.

One of the key questions hanging in the air on Thursday morning was why the National Guard was not deployed sooner to end the chaos, and who ultimately called them in.

Maggie Haberman, the New York Times's Washington correspondent, suggested on Twitter that Trump had 'rebuffed and resisted' calling in the guard, leaving the job to Vice President Pence.

Even after the rioters were cleared, the threat of violence remained inside the House with a fist-fight almost breaking out during debates over the election result.

As Conor Lamb, a Democrat from the battleground state of Pennsylvania, called out Republicans opposing the results as 'liars' an argument broke out between two other representatives broke out - forcing colleagues to separate the pair.

The ugly scenes led to a backlash even within the White House, where several officials have quit in protest.

Mick Mulvaney, Trump's former chief of staff, announced he was resigning as the US special envoy to Northern Ireland and he expected others to step down.

'I can't stay here, not after yesterday,' Mulvaney told CNBC. 'And I wouldn't be surprised to see more of my friends resign over the course of the next 24 to 48 hours.'

Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger handed in his resignation Wednesday in dismay over the day's , according to Bloomberg.

Pottinger had been planning to stand down on inauguration day. But sources told the outlet he decided to quit early as he was dismayed by Trump's part in inciting the unrest that has so far left four dead.

Pottinger's departure comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Stephanie Grisham, the former White House press secretary who became chief of staff for Melania Trump, resigned her position on Wednesday effective immediately.

Grisham's decision was also said to be based on the riots and sources said more aides including National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien were on the brink of leaving.

She was followed by White House press secretary Sarah Matthews and White House social secretary Anna Cristina Niceta Lloyd.

The exodus from the Trump administration comes as the president has been accused of trying to freeze out his number two.

Sources said Trump had revoked Vice President Chief of Staff Marc Short's White House access Wednesday after Mike Pence refused to bow to the president's demand that he overturn the election.

Babbit was identified as the woman shot inside the Capitol by her husband, who said she was a 14-year veteran who served four tours with Air Force as a 'high level security official', a fervent supporter of Trump and 'a great patriot to all who knew her'.

A fellow Trump supporter told WUSA 9: 'A number of police and secret service were saying 'get back, get down, get out of the way.'

'She didn't heed the call and as we kind of raced up to grab people and pull them back they shot her in the neck and she fell back on me.

'And she started to say 'it's fine, it's cool' and then she started kinda moving weird and blood was coming out of her mouth and neck and nose and I don't know if she's alive or dead any more.'

He added: 'I'm not injured... it could have been me, but she went in first.'

Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., helps ATF police officers (special highly trained officers) clean up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Wednesday

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., second from left, walks past damage with staffers in the early morning hours of Thursday

Speaker Nancy Pelosi's suite of offices were also targeted by the rioters who smashed a mirror, cracked the Democrat's nameplate and left a menacing message scrawled on a file: 'WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN'

Dust and a gas mask are visible on the ground in the early morning hours of Thursday. It's not clear who it belongs to but lawmakers were told to don masks as the police started to deploy tear gas

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency in the city for the next 15 days until Biden's inauguration.

Biden himself spoke out amid the anarchy, labeling the rioters 'extremists' who were 'dedicated to lawlessness' while urging Trump 'to go on national television to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege.'

Capitol Police chief Steven Sund today defended his department's response to the violent breach at the Capitol, saying officers 'acted valiantly when faced with thousands of individuals involved in violent riotous actions' as they stormed the building.

Rioters 'actively attacked' Capitol police and other law enforcement officers Wednesday with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants, and took up other weapons against our officers,' Sund said in a statement.

The attack on the Capitol was 'unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C.,' said Sund, a former city police officer.

'Make no mistake: these mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior. The actions of the USCP officers were heroic given the situation they faced.'

Sund's statement came after lawmakers from both parties vowed an investigation into how law enforcement handled Wednesday's violent breach at the Capitol, questioning whether a lack of preparedness allowed a mob to occupy and vandalize the building.

Congress was eventually able to return to session where Biden's election victory was certified, despite the continued objections of Republican senators and congressmen.

The lawmakers were seen flanked by armed guards as they made their way back into chambers.

Trump's fate was sealed by Vice President Pence at 3:41 a.m. Thursday morning as he certified President-elect Joe Biden's win  despite the attempt of scores of Republicans to object to it.

Congress' overwhelming rejection of attempts to overturn the vote and Pence's role in it will surely further enrage Trump, who wanted his VP to unilaterally overrule Biden's win.

With just 13 days left of his presidency, Trump is now at war with Mitch McConnell, facing whispers of his own cabinet trying to force him out and Democrats openly discussing impeaching him again - while just a handful of senators led by Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley and the majority of the House GOP remain loyal.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that the certification would resume in a letter to Democratic colleagues, writing: 'We have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use.'

'We always knew this responsibility would take us into the night. The night may still be long but we are hopeful for a shorter agenda, but our purpose will be accomplished,' she said.

Vice President Mike Pence reopened the Senate by condemning the violent siege 'in the strongest possible terms' - but did not lay the blame on Trump for inciting the MAGA mob.

'To those who wreaked havoc in our capitol today, you did not win,' Pence said. 'Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the people's house.'

The vice president, who is chairing the special Senate session, called it a 'dark day in the history of the United States Capitol.'

Trump taken off social media after praising rioters Twitter has suspended Donald Trump's account for 12 hours and for the first time deleted his tweets after he praised the mob who stormed Congress and said he 'loved' them. YouTube and Facebook also followed suit in removing the posts, with Facebook and Instagram also blocking Trump from their platform for 24 hours. Snapchat blocked him on Wednesday morning, before he filmed the video. The platform said their locking of his account was indefinite. In the deleted video, he poured more fuel on the fire, claiming the election was 'stolen' and telling the rioters that he 'loved' them. Twitter said it had removed the tweets for violating their 'Civic Integrity policy'. 'As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy,' the social media company said. 'This means that the account of @realDonaldTrump will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets. If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked.' Advertisement

'But thanks to the swift efforts of the U.S. Capitol Police, federal, state and local law enforcement, the violence was quelled. The Capitol is secured and the people's work continues,' Pence said.

But astonishingly  and to the disgust of Republicans including Mitt Romney and every Democrat  some Republicans continued their doomed bid to overturn the election result.

In the Senate, objections were filed in Arizona and Pennsylvania, but both were torpedoed by majority vote.

House Republicans also tried to challenge the results in Georgia, Michigan and Nevada, but didn't have final support.

Pennsylvania's vote concluded just before 1am, virtually bringing the 12-hour certification saga to a close.

Former President George W. Bush and Senator Mitt Romney lashed out at Donald Trump's loyalists in Congress on Wednesday, claiming they are the ones who caused the president's biggest supporters to storm the Capitol building.

'It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight,' the 43rd U.S. president said in a statement Wednesday. 'This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic - not our democratic republic.'

Romney, who has been an outspoken critic of the president from his post as Utah senator the last two years, said the chaos on Capitol Hill was due to a 'selfish man's injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action.'

He also blamed his Republican colleagues in the House and Senate for agreeing to object to the Electoral College results and giving supporters false hope that there is a way to overturn Joe Biden's victory.

'The objectors have claimed they are doing so on behalf of the voters,' Romney said in a statement released Wednesday. 'Have an audit, they say, to satisfy the many people who believe that the election was stolen. Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the President will continue to claim that the election was stolen.'

The chaotic scenes unfolded at about 3pm, soon after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters and encouraged them to march to the Capitol. The protesters organized via far-right social media sites, including Gab and Parler, telling each other the best routes to avoid police on their way to the Capitol.

As the mob broke down police barricades and stormed into the Capitol, lawmakers cowering inside the House Chamber were told to put on gas masks as tear gas was fired in the Rotunda. Officers at the front door of the chamber had their guns drawn at a protester trying to break down the door.

For those fleeing, it was a race against time: Protesters were getting in as quickly as members of Congress could get out.

Desecration: Papers were strewn over carpets and furniture was flipped over during the violent invasion of the U.S. Capitol

Heavily-armed federal forces try to bring order in the hallways of American democracy after a violent mob barged in

Babbit (pictured right) was described by her husband as a 'great patriot to all who knew her' and a fervent Trump supporter

A Trump supporter receives medical treatment after apparently being hit in the mouth with a rubber bullet during the riot

A Trump supporter walks away with a bloodied nose after clashing with police near the Capitol Building in Washington DC

A marcher with a bloodied face is seen in the crowd near the Capitol building after clashes with police

A supporter of President Trump wearing tactical gear is arrested by police near the Capitol Building

A Trump supporter is slammed to the ground by police near the Capitol Building while attempting to get inside

A Trump supporter wears a painted American flag Guy Fawkes mask amid chaotic scenes at the Capitol

Pro-Trump rioters destroy network video gear as hundreds of others breach the security perimeter and penetrate the U.S. Capitol to protest against the Electoral College vote count

The DC National Guard was deployed to the streets to help enforce a 6pm curfew

National Guard members line up on the Capitol grounds as protesters continue occupying the area after curfew

A protester struggles with a riot police officer outside the Capitol building after the 6pm curfew went into effect

Paramedics work to resuscitate a patient near the Capitol after it was stormed by Trump supporters on Wednesday

The lawmakers were seen flanked by armed guards as they made their way into the Capitol

And Senators returning moments ago to Chamber to resume certifying election results. VP Pence already there.



Heavy security presence inside, around and curfew is in order in DC: pic.twitter.com/zWcaSehvAl  Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) January 7, 2021

Trump supporters are seen in the streets around the US Capitol ahead of the rioting inside the building

Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6

Police hold back supporters of US President Donald Trump as they gather outside the US Capitol's Rotunda

Pro-Trump supporters and police clash outside the United States Capitol Building

Pro-Trump supporters gather and march to protest against the Electoral College vote count that would certify President-elect Joe Biden as the winner

Tear gas blows in the Capitol's Statuary Hall as invaders bearing Trump paraphernalia stormed the building on Wednesday

The Confederate flag was flew in the hallways of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday after a Trump supporter brought it inside

The mob walked right through the halls of Congress, ransacking offices and brazenly taking photos

One protester occupied the Senate dais and yelled: 'Trump won that election'. Some protesters even occupied Pelosi's office, sitting mockingly at a desk.

Pence ordered National Guard to the Capitol after Trump 'resisted' Mike Pence made the call to activate the National Guard after Trump supporters ran wild in the Capitol Building, it has been revealed. Acting Pentagon chief Christopher Miller revealed that he spoke to Pence and not Trump, the Commander in Chief, before sending in the Guard to clear out rioters. Maggie Haberman, the New York Times's White House correspondent, later revealed that Trump had 'rebuffed and resisted' attempts to call in the guard before 'White House advisers' intervened to get the move approved. Meanwhile White House National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien praised Pence's courage for certifying the state election results - a typically routine task that was thrust under the spotlight after Trump falsely suggested that Pence had the power to reject the result and declare him the victor. 'I just spoke with Vice President Pence. He is a genuinely fine and decent man. He exhibited courage today as he did at the Capitol on 9/11 as a Congressman. I am proud to serve with him,' wrote O'Brien. Advertisement

After protesters started clashing with law enforcement, Trump tweeted to his supporters to 'stay peaceful'.

'Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!' the president wrote.

As the violence escalated, Trump tweeted: 'I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order - respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!'

He did not initially tell the protesters to leave.

Biden on Wednesday evening called for the restoration of 'simple decency' after the mob delayed Congress from certifying the results of November's election.

'At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault unlike anything we've seen in modern times,' Biden said. He called it 'an assault on the rule of law like few times we have ever seen it.'

'I call on this mob to pull back and allow democracy to go forward.

In an address that took less than 10 minutes and was televised against a split screen of the still-occupied Capitol building, Biden attempted to project calm and to say that a deeply divided country can still come together - while also expressing outrage.

He stopped short of accusing Trump of treason but said the events 'bordered on sedition'.

'At their best, the words of a president can inspire,' Biden added. 'At their worst they can incite.'

Minutes after Biden's address, Trump posted his own video telling his mob of supporters that he 'loves' them, but to 'go home'. In the same breath he also continued to peddle his baseless claims that the 'election was stolen'.

The chaos began with a rally outside the White House during which Trump repeated unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud and then urged his followers to march on the Capitol Building, suggesting that he would join them

Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal lawyer, demanded a 'trial by combat' during an incendiary speech at the rally on Wednesday

Leigh Ann Luck dressed up as Statue of Liberty shouts as supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump protest

People wait on the National Mall outside a security perimeter for a rally of supporters of US President Donald Trump challenging the results of the 2020 election

The protests escalated into violence as Trump supporters clashed with police on the grounds of the Capitol

Members of congress ran from the floor as police ordered them to evacuate to their offices for their own safety after a mob smashed through police barricades

Paramedics and protesters work together to transport a wounded man on a barrier near the Capitol

Police try to hold back protesters pushing into a doorway at the Capitol on Wednesday

The mostly maskless crowd flooded the halls of the Capitol with little resistance from Capitol Police

A Trump supporter posed alongside a statue of President Gerald Ford inside the Capitol

Police deployed tear gas at protesters who refused to step away from barriers outside the White House

Police spray tear gas at a protester who picked up a police barricade in an effort to get closer to the Capitol

A banner bearing the word 'treason' is seen inside the US Capitol building after it was ransacked by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday

Damage is seen inside the US Capitol building early on Thursday as a Congressional staffer speaks on the phone beside statues of America's heroes

Trash and Trump signs are seen piled beside the statue of the great American hero Major Andrew Jackson

Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cleans up debris and trash strewn across the floor in the early morning hours of Thursday,

Trump's cabinet discuss using 25th Amendment to declare him 'unfit for office' Members of President Donald Trump's cabinet have been discussing use of the 25th Amendment to the constitution to declare him unfit for office after the president encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol and many of them ran wild inside the seat of legislative power. It is a provision never used for the removal of a president against his will and faces extraordinary burdens to take effect. Nevertheless, CBS News reported that Trump cabinet members had been discussing the idea. 'I'm talking about actual members of the Cabinet,' said Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan. The 25th Amendment, which also governs a president who voluntarily relinquishes power on a temporary basis, requires that the vice president and 'a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide' inform the Congress that the president is 'unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.' Several Trump cabinet members serve on an 'acting' basis and have not been confirmed by the Senate, lowering the number from the 16 threshold. A post election purge took out the Defense secretary, and Attorney General Bill Barr left before Christmas after a clash with Trump. Advertisement

'There's never been a time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it away from all of us - from me, from you, from our country. This was a fraudulent election, but we can't play into the hands of these people,' he said.

'We have to have peace. So, go home. We love you. You're very special. You've seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace.'

The video was later removed by Facebook, Twitter and YouTube because it violated their policies.

The president then posted another tweet reiterating his false claim that the election was stolen and encouraging supporters to 'remember this day'. The tweet was perceived by some as an attempt to rile up the Capitol crowds.

'These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long,' he tweeted. 'Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!'

Twitter removed the tweet for violating its rules.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Democrats captured control of the U.S. Senate on Wednesday when Jon Ossoff defeated GOP Sen. David Perdue in a Georgia Senate runoff, in a victory that hands a major win to President-elect Joe Biden.

Ossoff, 33, knocked off Republican Sen. David Perdue, who had said he will back President Trump's effort to overturn the election results.

His celebratory moment came as the U.S. Capitol was still being occupied by a mob of Donald Trump supporters who breached the building, with U.S. Capitol Police seeking to regain order while aided by National Guard forces.

Although his win was being overshadowed by history-making events unfolding in the Capitol while Trump supporters sought to disrupt the count that will make Joe Biden's win official, it is certain to reverberate throughout Biden's tenure.

With Democrats at 50-50 with Republicans, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will give Democrats a majority in the chamber.

That will allow Biden to confirm cabinet members, install his appointees on federal courts, and fashion major legislation that can overcome Republican hurdles.

Ossoff, who runs a documentary film company and once worked on Capitol Hill, declared himself the winner of his contest with Republican Senator David Perdue before networks made the call, a claim quickly backed up in statements from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

His will be the second victory - the Rev. Raphael Warnock was first win of the night, beating Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler - and would give Democrats complete control on Capitol Hill for the next two years.

'It is with humility that I thank the people of Georgia for electing me to serve you in the United States senate. Thank you for the confidence and trust you have placed in me,' Ossoff said in a video posted to Twitter.

He led Perdue by more than 17,000 votes, which is just shy of a 0.5 percent threshold to avoid a recount. Most outstanding votes were from Democratic-leaning areas.

America's enemies taunt Trump: Iran's President Rouhani revels in 'fragile Western democracy', China mocks 'beautiful sight' of mob storming Capitol and Russian media gloats America's enemies have taunted Donald Trump with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reveling in the 'fragility of Western democracy', China mocking the 'beautiful' sight of a mob storming the US Capitol and Russian media gloating about scenes that have shocked the world. In a speech broadcast by state television, Rouhani said: 'What we saw in the United States yesterday evening and today shows above all how fragile and vulnerable Western democracy is.' China's internet erupted in mirth at America's troubled democracy after Trump supporters caused carnage in Washington DC, comparing the chaos to the Hong Kong anti-government protests of 2019. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani gave a televised speech about the latest chaos in the US in which he stated the latest events show 'how fragile and vulnerable Western democracy is' On Thursday morning, state media tabloid Global Times tweeted side-by-side photo comparisons of Hong Kong protesters occupying the city's Legislative Council Complex in July 2019 with Wednesday's Washington riots. The latter saw hardcore Trump fans invade the US Capitol to protest the election defeat, taking selfies, scuffling with security and ransacking parts of the building. Meanwhile Russian media delighted in the chaos in the US, with a senior minister stating US democracy was 'limping on both feet' and Venezuela's socialist regime said it hopes that the 'American people can blaze a new path toward stability'. '@SpeakerPelosi once referred to the Hong Kong riots as 'a beautiful sight to behold',' the Global Times said in the tweet, referring to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's June 2019 comment about Hong Kong's mass pro-democracy demonstrations, which were mostly peaceful at that time. 'It remains yet to be seen whether she will say the same about the recent developments in Capitol Hill.' China's Communist Youth League also described the unrest as a 'beautiful sight' on the Twitter-like Weibo platform. Russia's state-run news outlet RT published an op-ed implying the US was getting what it deserves as a result of its foreign policy. 'Do you realize now what you have done? US gets the kind of 'democracy' it championed overseas,' the op-ed's headline read, adding 'the US denounced as illegitimate the presidential elections in Belarus, Bolivia and Venezuela.' Wednesday's siege of the US Capitol building by supporters of President Trump forced politicians to rush from the building and interrupted challenges to Joe Biden's Electoral College victory and as Electoral College votes were counted. The regime of Nicolas Maduro (left), which rules in Venezuela but is not recognised as the legitimate government by the US, said America 'has suffered the same fate it has generated in other countries' while Turkey (president Erdogan pictured right) called the events a 'domestic crisis' Venezuela's socialist regime trolled Washington on Wednesday, expressing regret over the Trump mob storming the Capitol building and hope that the 'American people can blaze a new path toward stability'. The country's minister for foreign affairs, Jorge Arreaza, released a statement on Wednesday saying Venezuela 'expresses its concern over the acts of violence that are taking place in the city of Washington' He added that the country 'condemns political polarization and aspires that the American people can blaze a new path toward stability and social justice.' Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's president, has been at odds with Trump and his administration during its time in office, with the US backing attempts to install opposition leader Juan Guaido as president. 'With this regrettable episode, the United States suffers from the same that it has generated in other countries which its policies of aggression,' Venezuela's statement read. The country said it hoped 'the American people can blaze a new path toward stability and social justice.' Advertisement

Footage that was streamed online during the riot showed Trump supporters rampaging through the Capitol Building

Trump supporters ransack congressional offices after breaking into the Capitol Building in an attempt to overturn the election result

A Trump supporter is seen in the window of the Capitol Building in Washington DC after breaking inside

A rioter holds a Trump flag inside the US Capitol after storming the building. He is standing in front of a painting depicting the Battle of Lake Erie - major US naval victory in the War of 1812

Lawmakers were urged to put gas masks on as police fired tear gas to stop the protesters

Rep. David Trone wears a gas mask inside the US Capitol. Lawmakers cowering inside the House Chamber were urged to put on gas masks as tear gas was fired in the Rotunda

Members of Congress are pictured rushing to evacuate the House Chamber as protesters attempted to enter

Lawmakers cower in fear as protesters try to break down the doors of the House Chamber on Wednesday

The storming brought the certification of Joe Biden's victory to a halt  after Pence said he would defy Trump and refuse to overturn the election single-handed

Supporters of US President Donald Trump roam under the Capitol Rotunda after invading the Capitol building

Protesters gesture to U.S. Capitol Police in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber at the Capitol

Blood is seen on the floor after a woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol during a riot on Wednesday

Protesters use a a barrier to break down a door at the Capitol on Wednesday

FBI agents arrive on the Capitol grounds to help enforce a 6pm curfew

'We love you. You are special.' Trump finally addresses Capitol mob HE unleashed and says 'Go home now. We have to have peace' Donald Trump told his mob of supporters that he 'loves' them, but to 'go home' after they rampaged past police barriers to storm the U.S. Capitol. But despite calling for his supporters to stand down, he continued to peddle the baseless claims that the 'election was stolen' in a video posted to Twitter Wednesday afternoon. 'There's never been a time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it away from all of us - from me, from you, from our country. This was a fraudulent election, but we can't play into the hands of these people. 'We have to have peace. So, go home. We love you. You're very special. You've seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace,' Trump said. It came hours after Trump stirred them into a frenzy at his 'Stop the Steal' rally, telling them to march on the U.S. Capitol. The president still has not conceded the election and earlier Wednesday addressed a crowd at the ellipse spouting conspiracy theories that he still had a path to win - if Vice President Mike Pence did his bidding, as well as if GOP lawmakers revolted. Pence did no such thing. The chaotic scenes unfolded soon after Trump addressed thousands of protesters and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol. After protesters started clashing with law enforcement following the Capitol breach, Trump tweeted to his supporters to 'stay peaceful' Advertisement

Mob smashes through police barriers and wall of tear gas to stop Biden's victory being certified: How Trump protesters turned Congress into a battlefield

Capitol Police used tear gas as hundreds of people were seen climbing the marble steps outside the building. They banged on the locked doors of the Capitol and smashed the glass in the doors.

Demonstrators fought with police and then forced their way into the building.

Asked how so many people were able to get in, officials said they were focusing their attention on keeping lawmakers inside safe.

One video posted on TikTok appeared to show a group of about four officers standing by as protesters pushed past a barricade near the Capitol building.

The officers did not appear to try to block the stampede, instead walking with it toward the building.

One protester jumped up on the dais, where the president of the Senate presides, and yelled: 'Trump won that election.'

Several dozen protesters roamed the halls of the Capitol, yelling: 'Where are they?'

Tear gas was being used by Capitol Police as protesters filled both the House and Senate side of the Capitol.

Another protester in the Senate yelled: 'Where's Pence, show yourself!'

The chaos caused the Capitol to go on lockdown and disrupted the certification of the electoral college vote that would cement Biden's victory.

Mayor Bowser declared a 6pm curfew for the city and said multiple law enforcement agencies would be patrolling the streets. Just before the curfew went into effect she was asked multiple by times by CNN if curfew violators would be arrested, but she refused to give a clear answer.

Bowser said 'many' arrests had already been made but did not have a specific number.

As footage started coming out of Capitol Hill being breached by angry Trump supporters, Donald Trump Jr tried to quell the outburst with a tweet  that was critical of Democrats and liberals.

'This is wrong and not who we are. Be peaceful and use your 1st Amendment rights, but don't start acting like the other side,' Trump Jr. wrote. 'We have a country to save and this doesn't help anyone.'

Meanwhile, the president continued to direct his rage at Pence, who earlier announced he would not single-handedly overturn the election results from his position of the chair.

'Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!' the president tweeted.

The extraordinary breech was a departure from security mishaps of the past. Protesters have routinely disrupted televised hearings while in progress and even events inside the House chamber. But trained Capitol Police are usually able to arrest disruptors and remove them immediately. Often formal charges are never filed.

But in Wednesday's storming of the building, dozens of people made it by armed police officers and entered the building without going through any security set up to keep out those with weapons or dangerous items.

There were occasions after September 11th when the building was placed on lockdown and people were ordered to leave, but this usually happened when suspicious packages were discovered.

When the building is open, as it was before the pandemic, members of the general public are not allowed to walk unescorted on the second floor where lawmakers enter and exit the legislative chambers.

The protesters were aided by scaffolding constructed for the upcoming inauguration.

In another tense piece of video from inside, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) tweeted video of protesters repeatedly rushing Capitol Police officers in the crypt, in the ground floor part of the building under the rotunda.

'I like many people voted for President Trump in the 2020 election and hoped for a different result,' McCaul wrote. 'But violence and destruction is not the way to express your grievances. This is disgraceful and has to end.'

Celebs respond to MAGA carnage with Chris Evans blasting police response and Sarah Jessica Parker calling looters cowards A number of celebrities took to social media after supporters of President Donald Trump violently stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to protest his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden, leading to the death of one woman and politicians scrambling to safety. Amid Wednesday's events, authorities lost control as rioters entered the Capitol building vandalizing and trespassing, with some of the MAGA mob making it in to Nancy Pelosi's office. Four people died in the chaos. Leading the messages was Captain America actor Chris Evans, who penned: 'I'm speechless. Just think of the carnage had they not been white. So many people enabled this.' The latest: Leading the messages was Captain America actor Chris Evans, who penned: 'I'm speechless. Just think of the carnage had they not been white. So many people enabled this' Chloe Grace Moretz (left) blasted Sen ted Cruz tweeting: 'Look what you incentivized.' Along with Chris, many others questioned the effectiveness of authorities on hand, stating that the response would have been significantly different if the rioters were black. Filmmaker Ava DuVernay shared a clip from the day's events, writing: 'The language of white supremacy is a language of cowardice disguised as dominance.' A number of celebrities urged politicians to invoke the 25th amendment - which legislates for the Vice President to take control if the Commander-in-Chief is 'unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office' - and end the former Apprentice star's term two weeks earlier than planned. Actor Armie Hammer wrote: 'Reported shots fired inside the house chambers. This is why we can't have nice things, you f***ing mouth breathers who stormed the capital ... It's a good thing this wasn't a BLM rally or else these a******s would have actual riot police to deal with.' Other celebs called for the impeachment and removal of Trump, whose Twitter account was suspended in an unprecedented move, amid a series of tweets. Respect: Another star weighing in was Stevie Wonder, who called for 'narcissistic and dangerous' Trump to be removed from office following the horrific riots in Washington DC Contrast: Union's spouse Dwayne Wade pointed out Trump's treatment of Colin Kaepernick in contrast to Wednesday's melee Sarah Jessica Parker tweeted: 'Unimaginable. Disgraceful. Shocking. But no surprise. So many to hold responsible. You know who you are. You dismissed the violent, divisive, cruel rhetoric. You made excuses. Cowards He/you are not leaders. We will try to re-build. You will try to live with yourselves.' Chloe Grace Moretz blasted Senator Ted Cruz, tweeting: 'Look what you incentivized.' Actor Jeffrey Wright penned: 'Hold on. You mean the 'grab 'em by the p****,' d*** joke at a Presidential debate, 'I could stand in the middle of 5th Ave & shoot somebody,' 'Russia, if you're listening,' 'I would like you to do us a favor tho,' 'Fellas, I need 11,000 votes.' guy was actually a criminal bum?!!' Actor Josh Gad wrote: 'Is there any single reason Donald Trump is not in handcuffs at this very moment? If any other American incited thousands into storming the Capital Building, they would already be behind bars. 'The 'Law and Order' President needs to face both right now.' Advertisement

Several windows inside the Capitol were shattered during Wednesday's chaos at the Capitol

Police deploy a stream of tear gas a protesters occupying the Capitol grounds on Wednesday

A woman is pushed into an ambulance near the Capitol on Wednesday evening

Trump's mob causes chaos nationwide: MAGA fans take to the streets in California, Oregon, New Mexico and Kansas and surround Georgia's Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's office

As the US Capitol was stormed, Trump supporters staged smaller rallies outside statehouses in several cities, including Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix and Salt Lake City.

Protesters swarmed into the Kansas statehouse in Topeka and gathered inside the first floor of the Capitol Rotunda, though the rally remained orderly, television station KSNT reported.

There were no immediate reports of violence, despite the flurry of demonstrations by pro-Trump demonstrators echoing his baseless claims that he was robbed of a re-election victory due to voter fraud.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said on Twitter that he had instructed city agencies to close municipal offices early in Colorado's state capital 'out of an abundance of caution' after about 700 demonstrators gathered at the statehouse downtown.

'My hope is that this situation will be resolved quickly. Pray for our nation,' he tweeted.

A major courthouse complex and two other government buildings in Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, were also ordered closed due to protests near the statehouse.

Among those whose daily routines were altered were aides to Georgia's secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, the Republican election official pressured by Trump in a weekend telephone call to 'find' enough additional votes for the president to overturn the November victory of President-elect Joe Biden, due to take office in two weeks.

Raffensperger's spokesman, Walter Jones, said staff left their offices after lunch out of an abundance of caution because of protests. He said Raffensperger was not in the office at the time.

In Salt Lake City, Dana Jones, director of the state Capitol Preservation Board, said she had asked building staff to work from home on Wednesday afternoon on the advice of the Utah Highway Patrol and public safety commissioner, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

The precaution was taken, the newspaper said, in response to a crowd of about 250 pro-Trump demonstrators who posted signs on the Capitol building that read: 'Stop the steal!' and 'Trump won!'

A Utah state police spokesman said security had been beefed up at the Capitol, though he said protesters there were 'very peaceful,' the Tribune reported. It said one of its photographers was pepper-sprayed by individuals upset that he was documenting their protest.

Several hundred Trump supporters also staged a 'Stop the Steal' rally at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix, cheering and jeering while exhibiting a guillotine.

MISSOURI: Armed men stand on the steps at the State Capitol after a rally in support of President Donald Trump

ATLANTA: The crowd consisted of around 25 people, some of whom were carrying assault rifles

LA: Christian Angelo Hill, 19, a Black Lives Matter supporter, reacts after being sprayed with an unknown substance during a rally held by U.S. President Donald Trump supporters

OREGON: Protesters hold a rally in support of U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem

TEXAS: Jack Finger, of San Antonio, protests the election with supporters of President Donald Trump Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Austin

ATLANTA: Georgia Capitol Police escorted Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger (above) and his staff out of the building shortly before 3pm

'I won't betray my oath': Pence publicly defies Trump's demand to block Biden's confirmation

Trump told thousands of supporters just outside the White House that he wanted Pence to 'come through' for us and demanded that he reject electoral votes out of hand over that the president claims is 'fraud.'

He threatened Pence saying 'I'm not hearing good stories' and telling him to have 'courage' to strike down swing states' votes  a move which would defy the constitution.

But minutes before arriving on Capitol Hill to preside over the joint session of Congress to certify the election's outcome, Pence bluntly told lawmakers that he would refuse to obey Trump's orders.

Pence sent a letter to the 535 senators and representatives on Capitol Hill ahead of his presiding over the Joint Session that will certify Joe Biden's victory.

In it, he outlined his belief in his role in the proceedings, which he notes is 'ceremonial' and adds that it doesn't include the authority to 'determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not.'

Trump has tried to put the blame on Pence for his expected loss on Wednesday but the president also lacks support among the majority of senators in his own party, which dooms his efforts for a congressional overthrow of the results.

Pence acknowledged Trump's allegations the election was rigged, of which there has been no proof and no court has upheld, in a likely peace offering to the president.

'I share the concerns of millions of Americans about the integrity of this election,' he wrote.

Images emerged shortly before of hundreds of protesters descending on the steps of the Capitol after rallying near the White House for President Donald Trump

A Capitol Police officer urged lawmakers to leave the building after top leaders were escorted out

Pence acknowledged Trump's allegations the election was rigged, which there has been no proof and no court has upheld, in a likely peace offering to the president

Members of the far-right group Proud Boys make 'OK' hand gestures indicating 'white power' during the chaos

Tear gas was being used by Capitol Police as protesters filled both the House and Senate side of the Capitol

Capitol Police spray tear gas at Trump supporters as they try to break through a police barrier

In a letter Wednesday, Pence said, 'It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution contains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not'

But he noted as vice president he does not have the power from the constitution to decide which electoral votes are counted and which are not.

'As a student of history who loves the constitution and reveres its Framers, I do not believe that the Founds of our country intended to invest the vice president with unilateral authority to decide which electoral votes should be counted during the Joint Session of Congress and no Vice President in American history has ever asserted such authority,' Pence noted.

He added vice presidents in the past have conducted 'the proceedings in an orderly manner even where the count resulted in the defeat of their party or their own candidacy'.

'It is my considered judgement that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not,' he said.

He concluded his letter with a prayer to God: 'When the Joint Session of Congress convenes today, I will do my duty to see to it that we open the certificates of electors of the several states, we hear objections raised by Senators and Representatives, and we count the votes of the Electoral College for President and Vice President in a manner consistent with our Constitution, laws and history. So Help Me God.'

Pelosi reminded lawmakers that only 11 members from each party were allowed on the House floor at a time due to social distancing. She called out Republicans for having too many lawmakers on the floor

'The law says voter registration ends on October 5. Democrats said we don't care what the law says they went to a court got an Obama appointed judge to extend in 18 days,' Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, a top Trump ally on Capitol Hill, complained of Arizona

Speaker Nancy Pelosi presided over the debate. She sanitized the gavel before she used it. Pence had used it when he presided over the Joint Session

REPUBLICANS OBJECT TO ARIZONA'S VOTES

When the certification process got underway shortly after 1pm Wednesday, lawmakers got through Alabama and Alaska, two states that went for Trump, before the first objection was filed for Arizona.

Rep. Paul Gosar, an Arizona Republican, objected to his state's Electoral College votes going to Biden and Harris. He confirmed that his objection had been signed on to by a US senator.

Democrats in the chamber audibly groaned while droves of Republicans in the chamber stood up and clapped.

The move forced Pence to order the houses out of Joint Session. The senators in the House chamber started moving back toward their side of the US Capitol.

On the House side, during their debate on the Arizona objection, Republican lawmakers used their time to complain about the treatment of the president, particularly the impeachment process and special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.

They did not offer any proof of voter fraud but complained that voter laws were changed ahead of the November contest, which is not illegal.

'The law says voter registration ends on October 5. Democrats said we don't care what the law says they went to a court got an Obama appointed judge to extend in 18 days,' Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, a top Trump ally on Capitol Hill, complained of Arizona.

Many states had their voter registration deadlines extended because of the coronavirus pandemic  the extension applied to voters of both parties. Other states extended the time period allowing mail-in voting, again because of the pandemic and it applied to all voters.

Democrats argued the election was legally conducted.

'Under some of the most trying circumstances in our history, our fellow citizens conducted a free and fair election vindicating our founders belief once again that we were capable of self government, and a peaceful transition of power,' Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff said.

Speaker Pelosi presided over the debate. She sanitized the gavel before she used it. Pence had used it when he presided over the Joint Session.

Pelosi also reminded lawmakers that only 11 members from each party were allowed on the House floor at a time due to social distancing. She called out Republicans for having too many lawmakers on the floor.

MITCH MCCONNELL SLAMS ELECTION 'CONSPIRACY THEORIES'

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell shamed Trump and his own Republican colleagues for mounting challenges to the Electoral College vote count, saying their doing so could lead to a 'death spiral' of American democracy  and pointing out there's no real evidence of widespread voter fraud.

'We're debating a step that has never been taken in American history, whether Congress should overrule the voters and overturn a presidential election,' he said on the Senate floor, after Rep Gosar and a batch of GOP senators, including Sen Ted Cruz, objected to Arizona's Electoral College vote count.

McConnell ridiculed Trump's claims of widespread voter fraud in a five-minute speech, which will be one of his last as majority leader, and which he said was about the most important vote of his career.

'The assertions range from specific, local allegations to Constitutional arguments to sweeping conspiracy theories,' McConnell said.

He reminded senators that he was supportive of Trump using the country's legal system, which handed the president and his team loss after loss. And pointed out that these cases were heard by some of the 'all-star judges whom the president himself nominated' - including on the U.S. Supreme Court.

McConnell said that every election is plagued by some instances of vote irregularity. 'And of course that's unacceptable,' he said.

McConnell ridiculed President Donald Trump's claims of widespread voter fraud in a five-minute speech which will be one of his last as majority leader  and which he said was about the most important vote of his career

The top Senate Republican also said he supported 'strong state-led voting reforms,' adding that he didn't wan tto see 'last year's bizarre pandemic procedures' - like mail-in ballots that gave Democrats an edge - 'become the new norm.'

'But my colleagues nothing before us proves illegality anywhere near the massive scale, the massive scale that would have tipped the entire election,' McConnell argued. 'Nor can public doubt alone justify a radical break, when the doubt itself was incited without any evidence.'

He pointed out that the Constitution gives Congress a 'limited role.'

'We simply can't declare ourselves a national board of elections on steroids,' McConnell said.

Twisting the knife into Trump, McConnell also pointed out that the race between Biden and Trump 'was not unusually close.'

'The Electoral College margin was almost identical to what it was in 2016,' McConnell pointed out.

'If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side our democracy would enter a death spiral,' McConnell warned. 'We'd never see a whole nation accept an election again.'

'Every four years there would be a scramble for power at any cost,' he added.

TRUMP'S STOP THE STEAL RALLY

This came after Trump excoriated 'weak' Republicans and demanded fealty from Pence to a rally crowd near the White House on Wednesday, where he demanded Pence and Congress overturn the election results that lead to his defeat.

In an extraordinary speech, Trump once again called his election 'rigged' just minutes before a joint meeting of Congress was to begin counting the certified electoral votes that have him losing to Joe Biden.

Trump referred to votes that came in after 10pm election night  which consisted of in-person and mail-in ballots and denied him the lead he said he and his pollsters anticipated  as 'these explosions of bullsh*t.'

Members of the crowd immediately chanted 'Bullshi*t!' in response.

'Our election was over at 10 in the evening,' Trump said.

Trump mocked his party's 2012 Republican presidential nominee, now-Sen. Mitt Romney, for conceded his own race back then.

'We will never concede. It doesn't happen,' he said  although losing candidates have conceded for generations. 'There's never been anything like this. It's a pure theft.'

Trump's comments amounted to a declaration of war on elements of his party, after his lawyer Rudy Giuliani demanded 'trial by combat' against opponents of his claims of election fraud.

Trump spoke to a crowd of several thousand  but referred to them as consisting of 'hundreds of thousands' of supporters fathered on a lawn south of the White House that doesn't hold that many.

He said his election was 'stolen by the fake news media. That's what they've done and that's what they're doing.'

Trump addressed his thousands of his supporters near the White House Wednesday at his 'Save America' rally and declared war on his own party, calling Republicans who opposed him 'weak'

Hours after a humiliating defeat in one Georgia Senate race and the prospect of losing another, Team Trump showed no sign of conceding

A stand was being erected at the base of the US Capitol as a pro-Trump supporter holds a flag, hours before Congress meets to certify the electoral college vote for Biden

A crowd of Trump supporters started gathering outside of the White House for a rally on Wednesday

He urged his supporters to march down to the Congress, which was to commence the count at 1 pm.

'We're going to walk down to the Capitol and we're going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women,' he said, speaking from behind a pane of bullet-proof material.

He turned up the heat on Pence, a potential 2024 contender who will preside over the count. His role is set in the Constitution and the Electoral Count Act, and is largely ceremonial.

'Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us, and if he doesn't that will be a sad day for our country because you're sworn to uphold our Constitution,' he said.

Trump acknowledged that he has tried to pressure Pence into rejecting votes from states he lost, quoting from a conversation he has denied happened.

'All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to re-certify and we become president and you are the happiest people,' he told his fans, who cheered 'Stop the Steal!' at times.

'I said Mike, that doesn't take courage. What takes courage is to do nothing. That takes courage. And then we're stuck with a president who lost the election by a lot and we have to live with that,' he said of Biden.

'If we're wrong we will be made fools of, but if we're right a lot of them will go to jail. Let's have trial by combat,' he said, without explaining exactly what he meant by combat

Donald Trump Jr, the president's eldest son, demanded that Republican Party lawmakers in Congress 'be the hero, not the zero' and refuse to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory

Thousands of supporters of President Trump are seen above near the Washington Monument for the 'Save America' rally on Wednesday

Trump touted his own vote total, but denied Biden's was real.

'And by the way, does anybody believe that Joe had 80 million votes?' Trump asked rhetorically. 'Does anybody believe that? He had 80 million computer votes. It's a disgrace,' Trump said.

His mention of the pandemic came in terms of his own race, where millions voted by mail as thousands battled infections in a year more than 300,000 Americans died of COVID-19.

'They've used the pandemic as a way of defrauding the people in a proper election,' Trump said.

'Eight weeks. I want to go back eight weeks. Let's go back eight weeks,' he mused at one point, as he described a conversation with an unnamed official who told him that he would be lock to win in 2024.

Trump repeatedly couched his demands not as an effort to overturn the votes of the people, but as a legal effort.

'Somebody says: Well we have to obey the Constitution,' Trump said. 'And you are, because you're protecting our country and you're protecting the Constitution so you are,' he said.

He said it would protect the country from having what he called 'an illegitimate president.'

'The states were defrauded. They were given false information,' Trump claimed.

During various tangents, he complained about how he is treated on social media, such as when 'I get a flag' on his tweets. 'I don't care about Twitter, Twitter's bad news, he said afterward.

He went after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell several times, including for not going along with his proposal to change communications laws.

'I helped Mitch get elected,' he said of the longtime incumbent.

'And then all of a sudden you have something like this,' he said, going after 'weak Republicans' and 'pathetic Republicans'  despite a top official in Georgia blaming him for the likely defeats of two Senate Republican incumbents.

He also called out Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) after her comment that failing to accept the electors certified by states would violate the Constitution.

'The Liz Cheneys of the world, we've got to get rid of them,' Trump said.

'Brian Kemp  vote him the hell out of office please,' Trump said of the Georgia governor.

He said Georgia's secretary of state Brad Raffensperger had 'no clue' what was going on, but then said 'maybe' he was with the other side  the Democrats.

'I can't believe this guy was a Republican,' said Trump. 'He loves recording telephone conversations,' Trump said  mentioning a leaked call where Trump can be heard asking him to 'find' 11,780 votes to make him the winner.

'People love that conversation, because it says what's going on,' Trump said.

Donald Trump Jr (left), the president's eldest son, kisses his girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle (right), before addressing the rally on Wednesday

Donald Trump Jr., claimed there were 100,000 people there but images showed far fewer and he bashed elected Republicans who have refused to go along with his father's claims of frau

Trump also complained about the Supreme Court, which failed to take up a Texas lawsuit he sought to join, and even his former attorney general Bill Barr, who said before leaving his post there wasn't sufficient fraud to change the outcome.

'I'm not happy with the Supreme Court. They look to rule against me. I picked three people. I fought like hell for one in particular,' Trump inveighed.

'You know I read a story in one of the newspapers recently, how I control the three Supreme Court Justices. I control them. They're puppets. I read it about Bill Barr - that he's my personal attorney, that he'll do anything for me.

'But he denied pulling Barr's strings'And I said, you know, it really is genius, because what they do is that, and it makes it really impossible for them to ever give you a victory, because all of a sudden Bill Barr changed if you hadn't noticed. I like Bill Barr but he changed because he didn't want to be considered my personal attorney, and the Supreme Court. They ruled against me so much you know why? Because the story is, I haven't spoken to any of them. Any since virtually they got in, but the story is that they're my puppet, right, that they're puppets. And now that the only way they can get out of that - because they hate that it's not good on the social circuit. And the only way they get out is to rule against Trump. So let's rule against Trump and they do.'

'You know I read a story in one of the newspapers recently, how I control the three Supreme Court Justices. I control them. They're puppets. I read it about Bill Barr - that he's my personal attorney, that he'll do anything for me.'

But he denied pulling Barr's strings'And I said, you know, it really is genius, because what they do is that, and it makes it really impossible for them to ever give you a victory, because all of a sudden Bill Barr changed if you hadn't noticed. I like Bill Barr but he changed because he didn't want to be considered my personal attorney, and the Supreme Court. They ruled against me so much you know why? Because the story is, I haven't spoken to any of them. Any since virtually they got in, but the story is that they're my puppet, right, that they're puppets. And now that the only way they can get out of that - because they hate that it's not good on the social circuit. And the only way they get out is to rule against Trump. So let's rule against Trump and they do.'

Giuliani said, 'If we're wrong we will be made fools of, but if we're right a lot of them will go to jail. Let's have trial by combat,' he said, without explaining exactly what he meant by combat.

'I'm willing to stake my reputation, the president is willing to stake his reputation on the fact that we're going to find criminality there,' said the former New York mayor. Trump and his allies have suffered dozens of losses in state and federal courts with suits charging election fraud.

He spoke to thousands of cheering supporters on the Ellipse south of the White House. A permit was for 30,000 people.

The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed there were 100,000 people there but images showed far fewer.

He bashed elected Republicans who have refused to go along with his father's claims of fraud.

'The people who did nothing to stop the steal -- this gathering should send a message to them. This isn't their Republican Party anymore. This is Donald Trump's Republican Party. This is the Republican Party that will put America first,' he said.

His girlfriend, former Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle, also spoke.

Eric Trump (right), the president's son, and his wife, Lara Trump, raise their fists in front of thousands of supporters near the White House on Wednesday

A militia-like group is seen making their way to Trump's rally on Wednesday morning

Trump supporters gather near the White House and watch the rally on a big screen set up nearby

A woman is seen holding a sign that reads 'Trump is the party' as the president's supporters gather on the Washington Monument grounds

Trump supporters braved cold temperatures in Washington, DC, on Wednesday hours before the start of planned demonstrations

A Trump supporter is seen with a protective vest decorated with Trump badges at Wednesday's rally

Trump was expected to address his supporters later in the morning during a rally on the Ellipse, just south of the White House

United States Park Police are seen above arresting a man near the Washington Monument on Wednesday

After claiming fraud in Trump's election, John Eastman claimed fraud in the count Tuesday night, which allowed Rev. Raphael Warnock to be called as the winner in one runoff and has Democrat Jon Ossoff leading in another.

Explaining how the fraud he claims occurred happened, Eastman said: 'You know the old way was to have a bunch of ballots sitting in a box under the floor  They put those ballots in a secret folder in the machines, sitting there waiting until they know how many they need  I can now in that machine match those unvoted ballots with an unvoted voter and put them together in the machine. How do we know that happened last night in real time? You saw when it went to 99 per cent of the vote total, and it stopped.'

He pointed to a point late in the vote count while counties were still tabulating votes  a version of Trump's complaint that he led in early returns on election night in November. Last night, Republicans led until addition in-person votes came in in populous Democratic-leaning counties 'That means they were unloading the ballots from that secret folder,' he claimed.

At least 10 people were arrested for gun possession crimes and other violations and others were seen clashing with counter-demonstrators.

One man from North Carolina was detained after he was caught carrying a gun without a license.

The man rode into the capital on a bus which was stopped by police near Ninth Street and Constitution Avenue NW.

Police boarded the bus and confiscated a rifle and a handgun as well as a drum magazine that holds additional ammunition.

Many in the crowd were photographed not wearing masks and gathered in tight quarters, shoulder to shoulder, despite the raging pandemic and the nationwide surge in the number of coronavirus cases.
Five people have been confirmed dead and another five wounded in a suspected separatist attack on a convoy in Northwestern Cameroon.

By Vatican News staff writer

At least five people were found dead and five more were wounded on Wednesday after a roadside bomb exploded in Cameroons Northwest region.

According to a senior official, four soldiers and a government official were killed after their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED). The vehicle which hit the IED was part of a military convoy which was ambushed by armed secessionists.

Why the Clashes in Cameroon?

In October 2017, militant secessionist groups symbolically proclaimed the independence of a new nation  including the two Anglophone regions  called Ambazonia.

In these four years, clashes between the Cameroon military and separatist fighters have led to over 3,000 deaths and many displaced persons.

Cameroonian refugees at their home in neighbouring Nigeria, July 2018

The explosion

The convoy, consisting of five vehicles, was returning from Mbengwi, 450 km away from Cameroons capital city of Yaounde, in Northwest region of the Central African country.

So far, no group or persons has claimed responsibility for the attack; however, Cameroons secessionists are suspected, with similarities being drawn to an attack that was recorded in 2019, in which four policemen were killed in Northwest.

Ethno-political conflict

People in Ambazonia, the English speaking part of the country, have often claimed they are being unfairly treated by Paul Biyas French-centred government. Biya has been Cameroons President since 1982.

A map of Cameroon, Ambazonia

The leader of the secession fighters, Julius Ayuk Tabe, and other members of his group are in Cameroonian prisons where they have been sentenced for life.

However, the group still wields authority, with some of its strongest members leading secessionists. There are also reports of cracks within the ranks of the secessionists, as many are calling for the stripping of the leadership of Ambazonia from Ayuk Tabe.

Pope Francis' appeal for the nation

Pope Francis prayed for Cameroon during his General Audience on 27 October after seven students were killed in an attack on the city of Kumba, in the Anglophone region.

Protesters are gunmen opened fire at a school in Kumba, October 2020

I participate in the suffering of the families of the young students barbarically killed last Saturday in Kumba, in Cameroon. I feel great bewilderment at such a cruel and senseless act, which tore the young innocents from life while they were attending lessons at school.

"May God enlighten hearts, so that similar gestures may never be repeated again and so that the tormented regions of the northwest and southwest of the country may finally find peace. I hope that the weapons will remain silent and that the safety of all and the right of every young person to education and the future can be guaranteed.
The publication of the first installment of the Pentagon papers on June 13, 1971, blindsided Mr. Ellsberg. He learned it was imminent from another Times staff member, Anthony Austin, with whom he had secretly shared an excerpt months before. Mr. Austin had chosen not to mention the bombshell to anyone at the newspaper, preferring to keep it for a book he was writing about the war.

When Mr. Austin discovered that his own newspaper was about to scoop his scoop, he called Mr. Ellsberg in a panic. Mr. Ellsberg tried to reach Mr. Sheehan, who was on deadline writing a subsequent installment. Mr. Sheehan ignored Mr. Ellsbergs messages until he knew it would be too late in the press run to intervene. He asked an editor to let him know when 10,000 copies had been printed.

You had to do what I did, Mr. Sheehan said in the 2015 interview, justifying his deception of Mr. Ellsberg, whom he described as torn between his desire to make the papers public and his fear of being sent to prison. In his efforts to protect himself, Mr. Sheehan said, Mr. Ellsberg was behaving recklessly. Mr. Sheehan feared that Mr. Ellsberg would inadvertently tip someone off. It was just luck that he didnt get the whistle blown on the whole damn thing, he said.

Fearing Prison

Mr. Ellsberg had been a source for Mr. Sheehan before. So on a visit to Washington in March 1971, Mr. Ellsberg called him and asked to spend the night at his house. During a long night of talking, the two men made a deal. As Mr. Sheehan told it, Mr. Ellsberg would give him the papers; and, if The Times agreed to publish them, the newspaper would do its best to protect the identity of its source.

But when Mr. Sheehan arrived in Cambridge intending to collect the documents, he recalled, Mr. Ellsberg had changed his mind. He told Mr. Sheehan he could read them but make no copies  because, as Mr. Sheehan described it, once he turned loose of it, The Times would assume ownership of it, and theyd do what they wanted with it.

Hed lose control.

In his 2002 memoir, Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers, Mr. Ellsberg wrote that he was skeptical that The Times would publish the documents in full, as he had wanted. He feared, too, he added, that if he handed over the papers before The Times had committed to publishing, someone there would inform the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or the bureau would somehow get wind of it and come after my other copies.
The dismissal of a state lawsuit filed by retired Hoboken Police Chief Anthony Falco Sr. against a former mayor and the city has been reversed in an appellate court ruling released Thursday.

Falco, who served as police chief from 2009 until his retirement in 2014, claimed in a 2013 lawsuit that he was retaliated against by former Mayor Dawn Zimmer and then-Public Safety Director Jon Tooke for supporting Zimmers political opponent and testifying in a wrongful termination trial of another former city public safety director, among other things.

Falco, who was on the police force 39 years, had also filed a similar lawsuit in federal court. In 2017 the federal suit was dismissed in and 2018 the state lawsuit was dismissed by a Hudson County Superior Court judge. But in 2019 the dismissal of the federal lawsuit was overturned.

The appellate panel Thursday affirmed part of the ruling for summary judgment, but said that the lawsuit could move forward on Falcos state Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) and state Civil Rights Act (NJCRA) claims regarding the alleged withholding or denial of his benefits.

The lawsuit said that Falco worked between 2009 and his retirement without a contract, and asked for a contract in 2012 because the city began to deny benefits that were afforded to him previously. The lawsuit cited a $500 annual uniform allowance as one of the benefits he was denied. The suit says he received the uniform allowance in 2015, after he retired, for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Most, if not all police chiefs in Hudson County, agree to a contract before taking the position.

The lawsuit said that Falco was retaliated against for supporting mayoral candidate Peter Cammarano in 2009 and a Zimmer opponent in 2013. The appellate court said we favor Falcos argument that Hobokens denial of his benefits and harassment were the result of exercising his rights to free speech and political association.

Jason Orlando, the attorney representing Falco, declined to comment on the appellate ruling. A spokesman for Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla did not return a request for comment.

The city of Hoboken could be responsible for an award of reasonable attorneys fees that could be more than $1 million should Falco prevail in either of his CEPA and Civil Rights Act claims, the appellate court said in the ruling.
Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has been at the forefront of support for Prez Trump and he has emerged as the NEXTGEN MAGA leader.

Now . . .

KANSAS CITY STAR ATTACKS A U.S. SENATOR WITH A BLOOD CURSE SCREED!!!



AWESOME TKC readers jumped behind the paywall just to grab a screen cap for posterity.

Check-it . . .

Here's the money line quote that starts the polemic . . .



"No one other than President Donald Trump himself is more responsible for Wednesdays coup attempt at the U.S. Capitol than one Joshua David Hawley, the 41-year-old junior senator from Missouri, who put out a fundraising appeal while the siege was underway.



"This, Sen. Hawley, is what law-breaking and destruction look like. This is what mobs do. This is not a protest, but a riot. One woman was shot and has died, The Washington Post reported, while lawmakers were sheltering in place.



"No longer can it be asked, as George Will did recently of Hawley, Has there ever been such a high ratio of ambition to accomplishment? Hawleys actions in the last week had such impact that he deserves an impressive share of the blame for the blood thats been shed."

Brief aside . . .

Over time I've found that taking TKC out of the story in any meaningful way but my snarky, clever and adorable goodness has made this blog better and allowed me to have a lot more fun sharing the news stories I find most interesting . . . Also, it helps readers to understand that I'm just another powerless pleb . . . Very much like the average scumbag TKC reader.

Accordingly, these fighting words from the newspaper aren't editorial journalism -- They're a dangerous provocation amid uncertain times. They don't make me laugh and they might reveal a publication without a perspective on the future.

But I digress . . .

It's also worth noting that tonight Senator Josh Hawley is being torn apart by progressive chat show hosts across all networks.

Here's follow-up coverage for context . . .



Tragic MAGA Casualty

Woman shot at US Capitol has died A woman shot in the chest by law enforcement inside the U.S. Capitol Wednesday when Trump supporters stormed the complex has died, NBC reported, citing multiple law enforcement officials.

Messenger More Measured But Still Holds Senator Accountable

Messenger: Hawley sets the constitution on fire, and chaos ensues If you thought a rebuke from his mentor was going to sway U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, you haven't been paying attention. On Wednesday, in a desperate attempt to lick the boots of his master, President Donald Trump, Hawley had planned to object to the certification of the election in which Americans overwhelmingly chose Joe Biden as the next president and Kamala Harris as the next vice president.

Show-Me Senator Reaction

Hawley condemns Capitol violence amid accusations of incitement Sen. (R-Mo.) said that "the violence must end" at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a statement that only briefly alluded to his own push to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. "Thank you to the brave law enforcement officials who have put their lives on the line," Hawley said in the statement.

Developing . . .
Mumbai, Jan 7 : Actor Dino Morea says he was away from the screen for a long time because he was not getting good roles. He will soon be seen in the much-hyped web series Tandav.

"I was away from the screen for a long time because I felt I had not been getting good offers. Acting is my first calling and I would never leave a chance if I get a good role," Dino said.

"When I got the offer for 'Tandav', I loved the script in the first read and didn't want to miss a chance to work with Ali Abbas Zafar. The ensemble cast also is amazing and diverse. I believe 'Tandav' was a once in a lifetime chance and I grabbed the opportunity with both hands," he added.

The actor continued: "The name 'Tandav' is very apt as it is an interesting story in which everyone tries to pull back the other for their benefits. It is full of twists and turns. Though, based on the backdrop of politics 'Tandav' also showcases the complexities in relationships. So, the people who do not have much curiosity on the subject of politics will also love watching the show." In the upcoming web show, Dino will be seen playing the role of a political science professor.

"I like to be well-researched about my roles before stepping in front of the camera, so that I can essay the role convincingly. In 'Tandav', I will be seen in the role of a political professor and thus, I watched many films and shows which had professors and studied their body language," the actor said.

Produced by Himanshu Kishan Mehra and Ali Abbas Zafar, the nine-episode political drama features a strong ensemble cast including Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, Sunil Grover, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Kumud Mishra, Gauahar Khan, Amyra Dastur, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Kritika Kamra, Sarah Jane Dias, Sandhya Mridul, Annup Sonii, Hitten Ttejwani, Paresh Pahuja and Shonali Nagrani among others.

"Tandav" will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on January 15.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 64F. Winds light and variable.
Oregon State Police have received nearly 150 tips about the unidentified remains of a young girl found in the woods of Lincoln County, but investigators have no solid leads nearly four weeks into the case about the childs identity or how she ended up along a muddy riverbank.

Six state police detectives and a sergeant are working full time to piece together details about the girl but much remains unknown, said Lt. Cord Wood, who is supervising the team.

The sketch was released Monday and shows what the child might have looked like.

The girl was discovered mid-morning on Dec. 10 by a motorist who had stopped at the rest area along the H.B. Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor.

Oregon 18 slices through the corridor, a densely wooded stretch along the highway that features a rest area.

The childs remains were along the banks of the Salmon River, about 75 to 100 yards from the rest area parking lot on the eastbound side of the highway.

The biggest challenge is trying to identify who this little girl is, Wood said. We know more about her today than we did on the 10th when we found her, but its a very slow process and based on her condition there (are) just certain things we dont know about her yet.

The child was between ages 6  and 10, was between 3-foot-10 and 4-foot-6-inches tall and had long hair that was dark brown or black. She was dressed, but investigators declined to say what clothing she was wearing.

The results of a DNA analysis are pending. The analysis will shed light on the childs race and ethnicity, as well as her eye color and whether she had any genetic conditions.

The hope is that helps narrow the pool, Wood said. Right now, we have a wide net that we have cast. We cant exclude Hispanic kids or Native American kids or white kids.

Wood said investigators have not determined whether the girls remains were left at that location or left elsewhere along the river and then drifted to that spot. They dont know where she died or whether she was submerged in the river at any point.

They are not releasing information related to the cause or manner of her death.

Authorities estimate she had been dead for at least 30 days when she was found.

Investigators biggest challenge, Wood said, is the open-ended nature of the search.

We are not just looking at whats going on in Lincoln County, he said. We are looking at whats going on in the United States.

State police said no missing children reports in Oregon match the girls description.

Wood said investigators are working with missing persons case investigators nationally as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The center has about 700 cases of unidentified children remains from across the country, including nine in Oregon. The most recent case here involved a girl or woman between 14 and 25 whose remains were found in Clackamas County in 1991. The oldest case involves a boy between ages 1 and 2 whose remains were found in Ashland in 1963.

Patrol staff in the Oregon State Police Newport office took the initial call on the Van Duzer case. The childs remains were found on state property, prompting a state police response.

The report triggered the activation of the Lincoln County Sheriffs Offices search and rescue team, which spent two days scouring a half-mile area along the river for clues. They turned up nothing.

An informal web of footpaths fans out behind the rest areas restrooms and leads to the rivers edge. The area is strewn with fallen tree trunks.

The childs remains were in an area out of view of the parking lot and adjacent to a large pile of downed trees and branches that jut into the river.

The Salmon River is swollen now, but the river was lower on the day the girls remains were discovered, Wood said. On a visit to the location this week, the paths were muddy and the din from the rushing river drowned out the sound of Oregon 18 in the distance.

A few small items -- among them, an angel, a stuffed toy and some flowers -- appear to have been placed recently next to a signpost at the edge of the parking lot as a small memorial to the girl.

The highway is a major thoroughfare from the northern Willamette Valley to the Oregon coast. An estimated 8,000 vehicles pass by the rest stop each day, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. The corridor is named for a former member of the state highway commission who was a logging company executive. Van Duzer was a booster of state parks and a promoter of roadside stands of native forest.

About a half-million people stop at the rest area each year, according to the Oregon Parks Department. The scenic corridor isnt a recreation site with trails. The designation simply preserves a tree-lined section of the highway.

Wood said the rest area is popular not only with motorists headed to or from the coast but is also sometimes used by enthusiasts of geocaching, a treasure hunting game played with handheld GPS navigators.

Detectives are combing reports of missing children but what they need is information about kids whose disappearances have not been reported, Wood said.

There is a chance that nobody other than whoever put her there knows she was missing, but we are hoping there is somebody that misses this kid, he said.

He said investigators need the publics help.

We need information, we need that tip, that piece of something to help us figure out who this little girl is and where she belongs, he said.

He asked anyone with information that might help investigators identify the girl to call 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677).

-- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie
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[January 07, 2021] Boardwalktech Announces Private Placement Led by Echelon Wealth Partners

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ CUPERTINO, CA, Jan. 7, 2021 /CNW/ - (TSXV: BWLK) (OTCQB: BWLKF) Boardwalktech Software Corp. (the "Company" or "Boardwalktech") is pleased to announce a brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to approximately C$5,000,000 (the "Offering"). Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. (the "Agent") will act as Agent and sole bookrunner for the Offering. The Offering will consist up to 7,143,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit", and collectively the "Units") at a price of C$0.70 per Unit (the "Offering Price"). Each Unit consists of one Common Share (each, a "Common Share", and collectively the "Common Shares") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant" and collectively the "Warrants"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of C$0.90 per Common Share for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering. The Company has granted the Agent an option to increase the size of the Offering by up to 25%, exercisable in the discretion of the Agent, in whole or in part, at any time up to 48 hours prior to the final closing date of the Offering. The Company will pay a cash commission to the Agent equal to 8.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering (4.0% from the sale of Units to purchasers identified on the Company's president's list) and will issue broker warrants equal to 8.0% of the number of Units sold under the Offering (4.0% of the number of Units from the sale of Units to purchasers identified on the Company's president's list), each exercisable to acquire one Common Share at the Offering Price for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering. Concurrently with the Offering, the Company may offer and sell up to an additional 1,000,000 Units at the Offering Price on a non-brokered basis to purchasers outside of Canada (the "Non-Brokered Offering"). The Company will use the net proceeds of the Offering and the Non-Brokered Offering for repayment of existing debt, sales and marketing expenditures, working capital requirements, and general corporate purposes. Closing of the Offering and the Non-Brokered Offering is expected to occur concurrently on or about January 28th, 2021. The Units will be offered and sold by private placement in Canada to "accredited investors" within the meaning of National Instrument 45-106  Prospectus Exemptions and other exempt purchasers in each province of Canada, and may be sold outside of Canada on a basis which does not require the qualification or registration of any of the Common Shares or the Warrants comprising the Units in the subscriber's jurisdiction. The Company may also concurrently offer and sell Units outside of Canada on a non-brokered, unregistered private placement basis to a limited number of "accredited investors" (as defined in Regulation D underthe United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act")) with whom the Company has substantive pre-existing relationships, in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or in other jurisdictions where permitted by law. The securities issued in the Offering and the Non-Brokered Offering will be subject to applicable hold periods in Canada imposed under applicable securities legislation, including a hold period of 4 months and one day from the date of issuance.



This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release. Such securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements. About Boardwalktech Software Corp.

Boardwalktech has developed a patented Digital Ledger Technology Platform used by Fortune 500 companies running hundreds of live mission-critical applications worldwide. Boardwalktech's patented digital ledger technology and its unique method of managing vast amounts of structured and unstructured data is the only platform on the market today where multiple parties can effectively work on the same data simultaneously. Boardwalktech can deliver a collaborative purpose-built enterprise information management application on any device or user interface with full integration with enterprise systems of record in a fraction of the time it takes other non-digital ledger technology-based applications. Boardwalktech is headquartered in Cupertino, California with offices in India and operations in North America. To learn more about Boardwalktech and its capabilities, please visit www.boardwalktech.com. Legal Disclaimer Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information contained herein may include, but is not limited to, information concerning the Offering and Non-Brokered Offering (including the completion of any additional tranches of the Offering) and the use of the proceeds raised under the Offering and the Non-Brokered Offering. By identifying such information and statements in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. An investment in securities of the Company is speculative and subject to several risks including, without limitation, the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's filing statement dated May 30, 2018. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. In connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice. SOURCE BoardwalkTech

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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Members of the National Guard and the Washington D.C. police stand guard to keep demonstrators away from the U.S. Capitol on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol earlier, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Donald Trump in the 2020 election.(Samuel Corum/Getty Images/AFP)

- Britain -

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Twitter condemned the "disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power".

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab added in his own tweet: "The US rightly takes great pride in its democracy, and there can be no justification for these violent attempts to frustrate the lawful and proper transition of power."

- European Union -

The EU's foreign policy chief condemned an "assault on US democracy".

"In the eyes of the world, American democracy tonight appears under siege," Josep Borrell tweeted.

Calling the action an "assault on US democracy, its institutions and the rule of law", he added: "This is not America. The election results of 3 November must be fully respected."

- France -

French leader Emmanuel Macron said: "We will not give in to the violence of a few who want to question" democracy.

In a video posted on his official Twitter account, he added: "What happened today in Washington is not American".

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian also condemned "a serious attack on democracy".

- Germany -

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called on Trump supporters to "stop trampling on democracy".

"Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of American voters and stop trampling on democracy," Maas tweeted.

"The enemies of democracy will be pleased to see these incredible images from Washington DC," he added. "Inflammatory words turn into violent actions."

German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, who is also the vice chancellor, likewise condemned the "disturbing images" from Washington.

- Canada -

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that the scenes at the US Capitol were an "attack on democracy."

"Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour," he said.

- Australia -

Australian PM Scott Morrison condemned the "very distressing scenes" in the US.

"We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition," he tweeted.

- New Zealand -

Jacinda Ardern tweeted: "Democracy - the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob."

The PM added her country's thoughts were with everyone "devastated" by today's events, adding: "what is happening is wrong."

- NATO -

"Shocking scenes in Washington, DC," NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg tweeted. "The outcome of this democratic election must be respected."

- The Netherlands -

"Horrible images from Washington D.C. Dear @realDonaldTrump, recognise @JoeBiden as the next president today," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Twitter.

The plain-speaking Rutte once during a visit to the White House in 2018 interrupted Trump with a loud "no" when Trump made an assertion about EU-US trade.

- Ireland -

Irish premier Micheal Martin, who has invited the Irish-American Biden to visit his ancestral homeland early in his presidency, tweeted his condemnation.

"The Irish people have a deep connection with the United States of America, built up over many generations. I know that many, like me, will be watching the scenes unfolding in Washington DC with great concern and dismay," Martin said.

- India -

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Trump ally who has heaped praise on the outgoing US president in the past, said he was "distressed to see news about rioting and violence" in Washington.

"Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests," the Hindu nationalist leader tweeted.

- Greece -

"Extremely troubled by the violence and horrible events taking place in Washington D.C. American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a tweet.

- Turkey -

"We are following with concern the internal developments happening in the US," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.

"We call on all parties in the US to maintain restrain and prudence. We believe the US will overcome this internal political crisis in a mature manner."

- Austria -

"This is an unacceptable assault on democracy. A peaceful and orderly transfer of power must be ensured," said Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Twitter.

- Czech Republic -

Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek said in a tweet: "The looting and violence at the US Senate are not a good example for countries where democracy is fighting hard for a place in the sun. Given the emotions sparked by the US presidential election, we could expect today's session to be far from ordinary. Where were the police and the Senate bodyguards...?"

- Denmark -

"Extremism, violence, polarization and violence is never the way forward. Terrible pictures from Washington. May democracy be brought back to working again," Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Facebook

- Spain -

Spanish president Pedro Sanchez tweeted he was following events in Washington with "concern".

"I trust in the strength of America's democracy. The new Presidency of @JoeBiden will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people."

- Slovenia -

Slovenia's right-wing Prime Minister Janez Jansa, who backed Trump and who has yet to congratulate Biden on his victory, tweeted: "All should be very troubled by the violence taking place in Washington D.C."

"We hope American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis. Democracy presupposes peaceful protest, but violence and death threats from Left or Right are ALWAYS wrong."

- Fiji -

The prime minister of Fiji Frank Bainimarama -- who lead a coup in 2006 and was accused of assaulting an opposition lawmaker in 2019 -- added his condemnation.

"The violent scenes we saw in Washington today are an affront to democracies around the globe. True and genuine democracy is a precious treasure that no nation should ever take for granted," he tweeted.
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Boris Johnson will tonight unveil a new Army-led plan to distribute Britain's coronavirus jabs as No10 scrambles to scale up the UK's sluggish immunisation drive in hope of easing draconian restrictions by mid-February.

Government sources say around 1,500 troops will be on standby to deliver Covid vaccines if NHS staff fall ill under the 'insurance policy' strategy, drawn up by senior military battlefield planners. NHS bosses have already asked for the help of 130 soldiers, who will be drafted onto the frontline next week.

It is hoped the battle plan will bolster the UK's chances of delivering on Mr Johnson's lofty promise of vaccinating 13million people and ending lockdown by mid-February. So far the UK's vaccination scheme has been plagued by supply and staffing shortages, logistical problems and bureaucratic barriers that have strangled its scale-up. It has meant that only 1.3million Brits across the UK have had the jab since it launched a month ago.

Amid the rocky start to the big vaccination push, a Royal College of GPs poll today found two-thirds of family doctors do not believe the target of 2million doses a week is achievable. There have been a growing number of reports of deliveries being delayed and vaccine appointments having to be cancelled across the country. Health Secretary Matt Hancock faced embarrassment today when a London GP surgery he visited to mark the start of a new vaccine roll-out revealed it had not yet received any.

Figures today showed that the NHS in England has now managed to inoculate almost 1.1million people since the mass immunisation drive began. The programme saw more than 300,000 doses dished out in the final week of the Pfizer-only plan, up 27 per cent in a week.

Ministry of Defence chiefs were instructed to devise plans to distribute the vaccines evenly to the most vulnerable within the PM's target of immunising them by mid-February. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace last week said there were 250 six-man teams 'standing ready' to deliver 100,000 doses a day, if there was a request for more boots on the ground support from the Army.

Mr Johnson will be joined by Brigadier Phil Prosser, who will lay out the vital plans tonight, as well as Sir Simon Stevens. The NHS England boss will likely face questions about a decision to tell GPs to 'stand down' routine appointments so they can prioritise Covid vaccinations after it emerged last night that guidance had been sent to doctors explaining the jabs should be their 'top priority'.

Boris Johnson (pictured this morning) will unveil a new Army-led plan to distribute Britain's coronavirus jabs this evening as Number 10 scrambles to scale up the UK's sluggish immunisation drive

John Elphinstone receives the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, administered by practice nurse Marianne Stewart, at Pentlands Medical Centre in Edinburgh

Two elderly Britons are pictured outside Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, which will open as a mass Covid vaccination centre next week

Elderly residents are pictured queuing for a Covid vaccine this morning in Hemel Hempstead

Sir Keir Starmer told broadcasters at a vaccine centre in east London: 'This is the light at the end of the tunnel, we all have to make it work whatever our other differences'

Embarrassment for Matt Hancock as GP surgery he visits to promote the Oxford vaccine reveals it HASN'T GOT ANY Matt Hancock faced embarrassment today when a GP surgery he visited to mark the start of a new coronavirus vaccine roll-out revealed it had not yet received any. Mr Hancock said the Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine was now being supplied to GP practices across the country as he visited the Bloomsbury Surgery in central London . But GP Ammara Hughes, a partner at the surgery, told Sky News that its first delivery of AstraZeneca's vaccine had been pushed back 24 hours to Thursday. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is easier to distribute than the temperature-sensitive Pfizer /BioNTech jab which was the first to be approved. But the Health Secretary said the 'rate limiting' factor in efforts to get people vaccinated was supply from the manufacturers. GPs in England are starting the mass rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine as hospitals across the UK face rising numbers of seriously ill patients. The jabs are being delivered to sites across the country as the Government commits to offering a vaccine to more than 13 million people in the top four priority groups by mid-February. Advertisement

In other vaccine news today:

Elderly Britons are refusing to take Pfizer's Covid vaccine because they'd rather 'wait for the English one', a GP in Stockton-on-Tees has claimed;

NHS England figures showed that 1,092,885 people were vaccinated against Covid-19 between December 8 and January 3, a rise of more than a quarter on the week before;

Approval of Covid vaccine batches is to be sped up drastically as Britain's regulator revealed the process would be cut from up to 20 days to just four;

Problems with the coronavirus vaccine rollout to GPs were laid bare as a surgery visited by Health Secretary Matt Hancock to promote the initiative is yet to receive supplies of the Oxford/AstraZeneca product;

Two-thirds of GPs don't believe Number 10 will be able to achieve the grand aim of vaccinating 2million people a week against Covid, according to a poll;

Sir Keir Starmer said there was a 'national duty' to get people vaccinated against coronavirus, as the Labour leader told broadcasters: 'This is a way out. This is the light at the end of the tunnel';

Elderly people are having desperately-needed Covid vaccination appointments cancelled because doctors have not received their stocks on time.

There are fears that by diverting GPs away from normal care the NHS could be sleepwalking into another health crisis.

About 27million GP appointments were 'lost' during the first wave of the pandemic, raising concerns it has led to thousands of missed cancers and a significant deterioration in patients with other conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

Last week Defence Secretary Ben Wallace hinted that the military had plans 'for up to 250 teams of mobile, medically trained personnel who could go out and administer the vaccine around the country'.

He said those staff were capable of delivering 'over 100,000 a day if that is requested by the NHS'.

It follows mounting concern over the slow start to Britain's vaccination drive, with only 530,000 Oxford jabs cleared for use this week.

Elderly Britons are refusing to take Pfizer's Covid vaccine because they'd rather 'wait for the English one' A high-profile doctor has said patients turned down the chance to have the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, saying they would 'wait for the English one'. Paul Williams, former Labour MP for Stockton South, said it shows nationalism has consequences, given they were delaying having a jab at the height of the pandemic. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was made available to patients at the start of December, while the Oxford/AstraZeneca version was authorised on December 30. Dr Williams was a GP before turning to politics, continued to see patients while he was an MP to maintain a link with them, and since he was voted out in 2019 has worked on the NHS's fight against Covid-19. Writing on Twitter, he said: 'Some local patients have turned down an offer this weekend of getting a Covid vaccine when they found out it was the Pfizer one. 'I'll wait for the English one'. 'People at risk of death in the depths of a pandemic. A lesson that Nationalism has consequences.' Dr Williams was made an OBE in the New Year Honours list for his services to Parliament and healthcare. Advertisement

This was a tiny fraction of the 30million doses the UK was promised would be ready in time for the vaccine to be approved.

Testing of the initial doses of vaccines has taken 20 days  with only one batch tested until that number was doubled yesterday.

Officials have now moved to tackle the problem, cutting the time taken to approve each batch to four days, with regulators now able to test more than one at once.

But a rapid acceleration is needed if Britain is to vaccinate the vast numbers required to ease Covid restrictions.

Eight months ago, when the nation was still in the grip of the first wave, Business Secretary Alok Sharma insisted sufficient doses would be ready.

He announced that the Government had struck a deal with AstraZeneca to manufacture 100million doses of the Oxford vaccine, of which 30million would be ready by September.

By the end of November the results were delivered  the vaccine worked. And AstraZeneca insisted it could deliver enough vaccine to fill 20million injections by the end of 2020.

While slightly down from the 30million Mr Sharma had promised, it would still be a strong start, although the firm admitted only 4million of those would be in vials and ready to go.

It took another month for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to confirm that the vaccine was safe and effective.

But when that authorisation was finally announced, just over a week ago, the four million doses had somehow shrunk to 530,000. With at least 25million people in the Government's priority groups for vaccination, such a figure was paltry. So why were so few vaccines available?

AstraZeneca slightly overpromised  it manufactured enough to give Britain an initial 15million doses  down from the 20million it had previously promised. But it produced the four million vaccines in vials it had pledged.

Boris calls up Afghanistan and Iraq war veteran to lead charge against COVID Brigadier Phil Prosser, the commander of the 101 Logistic Brigade, will lead soldiers distributing the drugs across the country in a bid to get the lockdown eased as soon as possible. The army officer put in charge of speeding up Boris Johnson's sluggish vaccination programme is an Afghanistan and Iraq veteran 'crisis management' expert who leads a unit known as the 'Iron Viper'. Brigadier Phil Prosser, the commander of the 101 Logistic Brigade, will lead soldiers distributing the drugs across the country in a bid to get the lockdown eased as soon as possible. The married Welshman will join Boris Johnson at a Downing Street press conference tonight. It is not the first time Brig Prosser's unit has been brought in to help with the pandemic. The Aldershot-based brigade, which includes logistical, engineering and medical units, was called in to help distribute PPE like gloves, masks and gowns to NHS hospitals in March. Brig Prosser trained as a mechanical engineer and studied at Cranfield University before taking an MBA at the Open University. He previously served in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). According to his LinkedIn page is is an 'experienced leader' who is skilled in crisis management, data analysis (and) risk'. He is also a keen cyclist and describes himself as a 'retired runner' as well as a fan of the Scarlets rugby team, based in his native Llanelli. Advertisement

The main delay, rather, has been the MHRA batch testing programme. Quality control requirements mean every single batch has to be tested separately both by AstraZeneca and the MHRA.

Quality control is run at the MHRA's National Institute for Biological Standards and Control lab in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. The NIBSC receives samples from each batch of vaccines and does a number of tests.

One complex elements is ensuring each vial contains the right dose.

Scientists also need to make sure the jab does what it is meant to.AstraZeneca does one set of tests and the NIBSC, in parallel, performs its own tests. When the two are completed they ensure the results match and, if they align, a batch-test certificate is issued.

Until yesterday that had happened only once  on December 29  when the initial batch of 530,000 doses was approved.

If Britain is to vaccinate the 13million most vulnerable people in the top four tiers of its priority list by mid-February this process needs to accelerate rapidly.

Meanwhile, a third vaccine from US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, which requires only one dose, is thought to be just weeks from approval.

The UK has ordered 30million doses of the jab by Janssen  Johnson and Johnson's Belgium-based pharmaceutical arm  with the option of 22million more.

Sir John Bell, regius professor at Oxford University and an adviser to the UK's Vaccine Taskforce, said the vaccine was 'highly likely to work'.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister is due to hold a press conference this afternoon to unveil a new distribution plans for the jabs devised by the Army.

Ministry of Defence chiefs have been instructed to come up with plans for even distribution of the jabs to boost chances of jabbing 13million by the middle of next month.

The Sun reports that troops will not be involved at this stage.

It comes after it was revealed that approval of Covid vaccine batches is to be sped up drastically in a huge boost to the jab campaign.

Amid growing concern over the slow pace of the rollout, sources have said that testing would be cut from up to 20 days to just four.

The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency, which is responsible for the checks, is also to increase staffing in a bid to accelerate the mass vaccination programme.

Police officers getting leftover doses of Covid vaccines so they don't go to waste Ten police officers in Nottingham have been given their first doses of coronavirus vaccines despite not being on the priority list because of people failing to attend their appointments. Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping said the vaccine programme had been 'problematic' with people missing their scheduled jabs. Once defrosted from -78C (-104F) doses of the Pfizer jab must be used within two days, official guidance from the UK's regulator says. The police officers were given the vaccine so the extra doses were not wasted. Mr Tipping told Nottinghamshire Live: 'There are two issues around the Pfizer vaccine - you can get more out of a vial than is allowed - so you can get an extra dose out and that should not be wasted. 'Getting people through the door has also proved problematic. Some people don't turn up to appointments. 'A number of police officers for Nottinghamshire have been to the Queen's Medical Centre and had an injection. 'It is about five or 10. People are keen to use it if it is available. Nobody in Nottinghamshire is putting police officers to the front of the queue for the vaccine. 'But if it is available we don't want to destroy it and it is best we use it in a positive and constructive way. Police are delighted to have been asked.' Advertisement

It has just approved a second consignment of 500,000 doses of the Oxford jab  taking supplies beyond one million.

The expansion today comes amid hope that more than 700 sites will be delivering vaccines by the end of the week.

Seven mass vaccination centres will open next week in London, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Surrey and Stevenage.

The vaccine is crucial because it is much easier to distribute than the Pfizer version, which needs storage at minus 70C.

MPs have questioned why only half a million doses of Oxford's jab were available in the first week  despite promises that 30million would be ready last September.

Coronavirus deaths yesterday surged past 1,000 for the first time since April, while cases soared to another record high of 62,322.

The Mail has highlighted a string of issues with the vaccine rollout, which is critical to reducing the toll of the pandemic and ultimately lifting coronavirus restrictions.

A Government source acknowledged yesterday that the initial rollout of the Oxford jab had gone 'slowly', but promised a big acceleration toward the end of this week.

Meanwhile vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said Public Health England was 'on a footing' to administer doses every day of the week.

Further details will be revealed this evening when NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens appears at a Downing Street press briefing.

Doubts about the plan to inject 13million vulnerable people by the middle of February have been growing since Boris Johnson plunged the country into lockdown on Monday night.

Vaccination drive FINALLY starts accelerating: Approval time for doses is cut from twenty days to to five Approval of Covid vaccine batches is to be sped up drastically in a huge boost to the jab campaign. Amid growing concern over the slow pace of the rollout, sources told the Mail that testing would be cut from up to 20 days to just four. The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency, which is responsible for the checks, is also to increase staffing in a bid to accelerate the mass vaccination programme. It has just approved a second consignment of 500,000 doses of the Oxford jab  taking supplies beyond one million. It comes as the jab, produced together with AstraZeneca, starts to be rolled out from GP surgeries today. The expansion today comes amid hope that more than 700 sites will be delivering vaccines by the end of the week. Seven mass vaccination centres will open next week in London, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Surrey and Stevenage. The vaccine is crucial because it is much easier to distribute than the Pfizer version, which needs storage at minus 70C. MPs have questioned why only half a million doses of Oxford's jab were available in the first week  despite promises that 30million would be ready last September. Coronavirus deaths yesterday surged past 1,000 for the first time since April, while cases soared to another record high of 62,322. The Mail has highlighted a string of issues with the vaccine rollout, which is critical to reducing the toll of the pandemic and ultimately lifting coronavirus restrictions. A Government source acknowledged yesterday that the initial rollout of the Oxford jab had gone 'slowly', but promised a big acceleration toward the end of this week. Advertisement

Issues included the bureaucracy faced by volunteer vaccinators, supplies of jabs to care homes, the distribution network and the length of time it took for each batch to be approved.

Until now the MHRA's National Institute for Biological Standards and Control has checked batches one at a time at its site in Hertfordshire.

That time-consuming process has been blamed for slowing down the deployment. Only 530,000 of four million available doses of the Oxford jab had passed the assessments before last night.

The process has been changed so that more than one batch can be assessed at a time, cutting the timescale from up to 20 days to as little as four or five.

An MHRA spokesman said: 'We are working closely with the manufacturer, AstraZeneca, to ensure batches of the vaccine are released as quickly as possible.

'Biological medicines such as vaccines are very complex in nature and independent testing, as done by the National Institute, is vital to ensure quality and safety.

'The institute has scaled up its capacity to ensure that multiple batches can be tested simultaneously, and that this can be done as quickly as possible, without compromising quality and safety.'

Delivery of the Oxford jab to 775 GP surgeries, which will take place from today, is another crucial step.

It will allow a significant acceleration of vaccination within care homes, where only 10 per cent of residents have received the jab so far.

Until now only hospitals have received the Oxford vaccine. In the Commons yesterday, Tory MPs urged Mr Johnson to accelerate the rollout of the vaccine so lockdown restrictions could be lifted as soon as possible.

Huw Merriman, member for Bexhill and Battle, said: 'Every vaccination jab in the arm should be viewed as a pupil who can return to the classroom.'

Mr Zahawi said Public Health England had agreed to distribute the vaccine seven days a week despite fears they would not work on Sundays.

He told talkRadio: 'If they need to deliver on a Sunday, they will deliver on a Sunday. They've been delivering up until now six days a week as the NHS has requested the vaccines to go out.

Appointments for Covid-19 jabs are being AXED because GPs have not received supplies of the vaccine on time Elderly people are having desperately-needed Covid vaccination appointments cancelled because doctors have not received their stocks on time. Patients around the country who had been booked in to get their first jab have since been contacted to be told they must wait longer. Many GPs say they have still not got their first batch of the vaccine despite been promised them before Christmas. Some say they have had several cancelled deliveries. Frontline NHS staff are also missing out on vaccinations. In one case, workers queued for hours outside a hospital only to have their appointments cancelled due to a scheduling blunder. It has prompted fresh fears that Boris Johnson will be unable to keep his promise of getting 13 million of the most vulnerable Britons protected by the middle of next month. Last night Professor Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'We need to be delivering upwards of 2million vaccinations a week  this is a challenging but necessary target. 'Last-minute changes to vaccine delivery schedules, as some GPs are reporting, only create confusion amongst patients and a lot of hard work for practices that need to swiftly adapt their plans, and must be minimised.' Senior Labour MP Kevan Jones told how a group of doctors in his North Durham constituency were promised a delivery on December 16. The GPs in Chester-le-Street were then told the supplies would not arrive until January 4  and now expect them today 'at the earliest'. Even when the delivery does arrive, it will only include one 975-dose batch of the Pfizer vaccine and 'a possibility' of 400 doses of the AstraZeneca one. This is not sufficient for all local care home residents. Mr Jones warned vaccines minister Mr Zahawi in a letter last night: 'Local GPs have put in place extensive plans to administer the vaccine, but this is not being helped by vaccines that do not arrive, or by the Government's raising of expectations that cannot be met.' In Sussex, Meads Medical Centre had to cancel appointments booked for next week after a planned delivery of the Pfizer vaccine, due to provide second jabs to over-80s, was cancelled. Only a small amount of the AstraZeneca vaccine is now expected. Castle Medical Centre and Abbey Medical Centre in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, had to cancel appointments for over-80s last week because not enough doses arrived. A similar story was told by a GP in south London, Dr Rosemary Leonard. She wrote on Twitter: 'We are raring to go, but have no vaccines. WHY?' Meanwhile in Scotland, NHS staff were left standing for hours in the cold outside Glasgow Royal Infirmary to get jabs because no staff were on duty to administer them. Some left without being vaccinated amid the chaos on Tuesday. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has apologised. Last night a Government spokesman said: 'This is the largest vaccination programme in NHS history. 'It is being accelerated every day and vaccinations will be taking place at over 1,000 sites by the end of this week.' Advertisement

'They are on a footing to go seven days a week as we get more vaccines. The head of PHE has said they have always been on a seven-day footing as they are requested to be, and they will continue to do that.

'That is absolutely the priority for them, and for the whole of the NHS.'

Meanwhile, elderly people are having desperately-needed Covid vaccination appointments cancelled because doctors have not received their stocks on time.

Patients around the country who had been booked in to get their first jab have since been contacted to be told they must wait longer.

Many GPs say they have still not got their first batch of the vaccine despite been promised them before Christmas. Some say they have had several cancelled deliveries.

Frontline NHS staff are also missing out on vaccinations. In one case, workers queued for hours outside a hospital only to have their appointments cancelled due to a scheduling blunder.

It has prompted fresh fears that Boris Johnson will be unable to keep his promise of getting 13 million of the most vulnerable Britons protected by the middle of next month. Last night Professor Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'We need to be delivering upwards of 2million vaccinations a week  this is a challenging but necessary target.

'Last-minute changes to vaccine delivery schedules, as some GPs are reporting, only create confusion amongst patients and a lot of hard work for practices that need to swiftly adapt their plans, and must be minimised.'

Senior Labour MP Kevan Jones told how a group of doctors in his North Durham constituency were promised a delivery on December 16.

The GPs in Chester-le-Street were then told the supplies would not arrive until January 4  and now expect them today 'at the earliest'.

Even when the delivery does arrive, it will only include one 975-dose batch of the Pfizer vaccine and 'a possibility' of 400 doses of the AstraZeneca one. This is not sufficient for all local care home residents.

Mr Jones warned vaccines minister Mr Zahawi in a letter last night: 'Local GPs have put in place extensive plans to administer the vaccine, but this is not being helped by vaccines that do not arrive, or by the Government's raising of expectations that cannot be met.'

In Sussex, Meads Medical Centre had to cancel appointments booked for next week after a planned delivery of the Pfizer vaccine, due to provide second jabs to over-80s, was cancelled. Only a small amount of the AstraZeneca vaccine is now expected.

Castle Medical Centre and Abbey Medical Centre in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, had to cancel appointments for over-80s last week because not enough doses arrived. A similar story was told by a GP in south London, Dr Rosemary Leonard. She wrote on Twitter: 'We are raring to go, but have no vaccines. WHY?'

Meanwhile in Scotland, NHS staff were left standing for hours in the cold outside Glasgow Royal Infirmary to get jabs because no staff were on duty to administer them.

Some left without being vaccinated amid the chaos on Tuesday. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has apologised.

Last night a Government spokesman said: 'This is the largest vaccination programme in NHS history.

'It is being accelerated every day and vaccinations will be taking place at over 1,000 sites by the end of this week.'

Meanwhile, NHS England figures today showed that 1,092,885 people were vaccinated against Covid-19 between December 8 and January 3.

654,810 of them were over the age of 80  the highest priority group  meaning that around one in five of all people in that age bracket have now been immunised. There are an estimated 3.4m over-80s in England.

A further 438,075 people under the age of 80 received a vaccine during the first 3.5 weeks of the programme. Most or even all of them will have been health and care workers, who are also high up the priority list.

The NHS said 308,541 were people were vaccinated in the week ending January 3, which was up 27 per cent from 243,039 the week before, up to December 27.

None of the statistics so far include people vaccinated with the Oxford University and AstraZeneca vaccine, which came into use this Monday, January 4.

The Government is aiming to immunise 13.9million of the country's most vulnerable people by mid-February so it can start to lift national lockdown rules.

To hit this ambitious target it will have to accelerate its vaccine programme at breakneck speed to hit an average 2million per week, including this week.

Part of helping this process is a controversial plan to only offer people the first dose to begin with, postponing the second for up to three months later. NHS data, however, shows that 19,981 people have already received a full two doses.

During the first phase of vaccinations, jabs were given out at 107 hospital hubs and 595 local vaccination sites. The Government said this will be increased to more than 1,000 vaccination stations by the end of this week, with 730 already operational.
French President Emmanuel Macron's top advisor Emmanuel Bonne and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval will hold an annual strategic dialogue on Friday. According to the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two countries will hold discussions on wide-ranging bilateral and global issues. The last edition of the strategic dialogue was held last year in February in Paris.

READ | NSA Ajit Doval Leaves SCO Meeting Objecting To Pakistan's Fictitious Map; MEA Busts Lies

India & France to hold strategic dialogue on Jan 7

MEA also informed that both the countries are expected to review the progress made in the 10,000-megawatt nuclear power plant, which is to be set up in Maharashtra and building the six diesel-electric submarines under project P-75I for the Indian navy. As per the statement, both the top advisors will also share notes on improving maritime security and developments in the Indo Pacific region, particularly in the context of China's aggressive move.

READ | Congress' Jairam Ramesh Tenders Apology To NSA Ajit Doval's Son Vivek In Defamation Case

MEA officials informed that France has responded positively on India's concerns about the access of military technology to countries to have adversarial relations with India, such as Pakistan. France has decided against helping Pakistan upgrade its fleet of Mirage fighter jets, air defence system and Agosta 90B submarines. This decision comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's loud criticism of French President. Apart from this, France has also conveyed to Qatar, which had earlier bought Rafale jets for its air force, not to allow any Pakistan-origin technologies near the aircraft for maintenance.

READ | L-G Manoj Sinha Spells Out 3-point Target; Reveals PM Modi's Regular Involvement In J&K

NSA Ajit Doval and Emmanuel Bonne are also expected to discuss China, in some detail, [particularly given French concerns around Beijing attempting to flex muscles in the Indo-Pacific region. This comes after China has been trying to get people in the French island group of New Caledonia to vote for independence in the 3 referendums which are being held to decide its future. This island group with an area of 18,575 sq km, located in the South Pacific east of Australia, is one of the 16 overseas territories of France that are home to 1.5 million French citizens.

Earlier in October 2020, France had formalised its interest in the Indo-Pacific when President Macron appointed Christophe Penot, one of his countrys most senior diplomats as the first French envoy for the Indo-Pacific. As part of this focus, France has forged new initiatives such as the trilateral dialogue launched with India and Australia in September last to enhance cooperation and strengthen multilateralism in the region.

READ | NSA Ajit Doval Held 2-hour Call With China's Foreign Min; De-escalation 'progress' At LAC
Former President George W. Bush and Senator Mitt Romney lashed out at Donald Trump's loyalists in Congress on Wednesday, claiming they are the ones who caused the president's biggest supporters to storm the Capitol building.

'It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight,' the 43rd U.S. president said in a statement Wednesday. 'This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic - not our democratic republic.'

Romney, who has been an outspoken critic of the president from his post as Utah senator the last two years, said the chaos on Capitol Hill was due to a 'selfish man's injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action.'

He also blamed his Republican colleagues in the House and Senate for agreeing to object to the Electoral College results and giving supporters false hope that there is a way to overturn Joe Biden's victory.

'The objectors have claimed they are doing so on behalf of the voters,' Romney said in a statement released Wednesday. 'Have an audit, they say, to satisfy the many people who believe that the election was stolen. Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the President will continue to claim that the election was stolen.'

Utah Republican Senator Mitt Romney (left) and former Republican President George W. Bush (right) condemned the Wednesday siege of the Capitol, claiming GOP lawmakers were to blame for inciting the action by planning to challenge the Electoral College results

Bush released a statement calling the scene at the Capitol 'sickening' and how election results are 'disputed in a banana republic'

Romney condemned his Republican colleagues in Congress in a Wednesday statement, writing: 'The objectors have claimed they are doing so on behalf of the voters. Have an audit, they say, to satisfy the many people who believe that the election was stolen. Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the President will continue to claim that the election was stolen'

A group of Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate launched a plan to object to the election results, siding with the president on his still unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud and an outcome 'rigged' by the Democrats.

Bush said in his statement: 'I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement.'

'The violent assault on the Capitol  and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress  was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes,' Bush continued.

Romney urged his fellow GOP lawmakers to 'show respect for voters' upset with the election results and 'tell them the truth' about the election outcome. 'That is the burden, and the duty, of leadership,' he explained in his statement.

'The truth is that President-elect Biden won this election,' Romney reiterated. 'President Trump lost.'

Bush also condemned the president and his thousands of supporters who took siege of the Capitol on Wednesday in an unprecedented and massive demonstration after marching from a rally with the prescient at the Ellipse to Capitol Hill.

The supporters were obstructing a joint session of Congress from moving forward with certifying Biden's victory, the next move in propelling the president-elect to the White House.

Bush called the scene an 'insurrection.'

Starting Wednesday afternoon, thousands of protesters who traveled to Washington D.C. to protest the election results marched from the Ellipse near the White House to the Capitol to interrupt the session.

Vice President Mike Pence was evacuated from the Senate chamber shortly after 2 p.m., along with Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, the president pro tempore  who is in the line of succession for the presidency.

Thousands of pro-Trump protesters descended on Capitol Hill Wednesday obstructing Congress from certifying the election for Joe Biden

The demonstrators were able to breach the Capitol and shut down the process of certification by wandering the halls, sitting at lawmakers and aides' desks, confronting law enforcement and banging down the doors of the chambers

Protesters could be heard banging on the doors as senators attempted to continue their debate on the electoral college count.

Shortly after 2:30 p.m., the entire chamber was evacuated before the breach occurred and demonstrators were able to make their way inside the building.

As they rushed away congressional leaders, Senate parliamentary staff grabbed hold of the boxes containing the electoral college certificates and took them out.

The president's supporters wandered the halls of Congress and into the House and Senate chambers, sat at the desks of lawmakers and their aides and one, quite literally, hung from the rafters off the side of the Senate viewing balcony.
A day after clashes broke out between protesting residents and the Goa Police, an uneasy calm prevailed in Xel-Melaulim village where the government has proposed setting up an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Goa campus on one million square metres of land.

The Goa administration kept a strong police force of over 800 personnel on standby while officials remained huddled in series of meetings in a bid to work out a solution to the deadlock.

The villagers, who had besieged the local Valpoi police station on Wednesday, too decided to call off a fresh protest.

On Thursday, the Goa Police filed FIRs against a person identified as Vishwesh Prabhu and other unnamed persons for inciting, rioting and preventing government officials from conducting their duties, along with some Congress leaders.

The Valpoi police booked Congresss Goa unit general secretary Sankalp Amonkar, partys Valpoi block president Dasharath Mandrekar, the blocks womens cell chief Roshan Desai and social activists Rama Kankonkar, Ranjeet Rane and others for instigating the crowd, a senior police official said.

The protesting villagers, who have set up a blockade at the entrance to the proposed site for the IIT, have for several months now been refusing to allow government surveyors to demarcate the land to be handed over for the construction of an IIT.

Things reached a head on Tuesday when villagers forced surveyors to retreat. When the villagers continued to squat on the site on Wednesday, the police charged them with batons, which led to clashes.

The Goa government has claimed that since it is government revenue land, ownership claims by villagers have no legal basis. Villagers have said that it was a colonial injustice that the government has continued in denying them rights to forested land that have sustained their families for generations.

(With agency inputs)
"We are treating flight crew no different to returning travellers  in the context of the UK strain which is a super-infectious strain of this virus. "Not if, but when someone finishes up contracting the virus because of their work in hotel quarantine, the virus will have a one-day jump on us, not a week, not 10 days  We need to test staff every day, or at least multiple times per week. "That type of arrangement stops what's happened in the northern beaches, and therefore stops what's happening in Melbourne. A problem in Sydney is a problem here, and a problem for the nation, and vice versa." Mr Andrews defended the closure of the state's border to NSW saying Victoria should not have to rely on the decisions of other governments to keep itself safe.

National cabinet has been recalled a month early to decide whether to tighten precautions on international arrivals over fears travellers from the UK will spread a more infectious mutant coronavirus strain. Loading Victoria and Western Australia want people flying from the UK to be tested before they board a plane and to be banned from travel if they return positive results. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said national cabinet will consider a proposal that he requested Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly review through the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, "particularly in the context of the UK strain". "The proposal is to further strengthen the COVID safety of end-to-end international travel processes, from arrival at airport of embarkation in the exit country, to final clearance from hotel quarantine in Australia," Mr Morrison said in a statement on Facebook on Wednesday night.

No new infections, tests urged With no new infections found locally or in hotel quarantine, there are 38 active cases across the state, down from 41 on Wednesday. There were 32,767 tests completed across Wednesday, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. It's the first time Victoria has recorded a "doughnut day"  zero new cases and zero deaths from COVID-19  since December 30, although three cases were announced late in the evening on that day and included in the total for December 31. Victoria's COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar said officials may begin going door to door to urge people who have returned from NSW to get tested.

Mr Weimar said just under 50 per cent of the 60,000 people who applied for a permit to return to Victoria from NSW around New Years Eve had been tested for the virus. Loading "Around 40 to 47 per cent of those who applied have gotten tested, which is a pretty solid number. We've sent reminder messages to the remainder twice over now," he said. "We will continue following up people who are lagging [behind] the rest of the pack, but ultimately we need people to continue doing the right thing. "If youve got symptoms, get tested. If you've been to NSW, get tested. We always prioritise the people who are of the most concern to us."

Mr Andrews said some people were isolating at home and were no risk, but were waiting to get their day-11 test. An online portal for those in NSW seeking an exemption to come back to Victoria launched on Wednesday, with around 800 people applying for an exemption. Fresh Chadstone alert People who visited Zara in Chadstone between 6am and 1.30pm on December 26, you should get tested immediately and isolate. Mr Weimar said the phone data of the man in his 30s from Vermont South who returned a positive test on Wednesday was used to identify information around his journey through the popular south-eastern suburbs shopping centre.

Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video "We need to run this to ground now  it's important we use this time to locate any potential cases of coronavirus anywhere in Victoria," he said. "We ask you to come forward and get tested now, if you were at Zara on Boxing Day, particularly if you were feeling unwell on Boxing Day." There are now 28 COVID-19 cases connected to the Black Rock cluster, with 27 of those currently active. Around 1300 people considered close contacts to positive cases are now in isolation, with another 1300 secondary contacts also isolating.

Mr Andrews said that group of people are "doing their isolation for all of us". Loading "They are spending these holiday weeks locked up at home. It is critically important people observe that  isolation period." He said if new cases eventuate in Victoria, but theyre people already in isolation, they are "not a great concern to us, except for the cases wellbeing". There have been 140,000 tests completed with Victoria over the last five days.

Just one COVID-19 case was reported in Victoria on Wednesday, a man in his 30s who attended sales at Chadstone on December 26 and the MCG Boxing Day Test match on December 27, before later testing positive to the virus. Professor Cheng said the decision to list Chadstone and the MCG as possible acquisition sites for the mystery case was precautionary, and it was more likely he caught the virus elsewhere "He has had a number of contacts in private houses. I think they would probably be more likely," he said. "I think its most likely we have another cluster going on." Daniel Andrews has raised the prospect of further border announcements later this month. Credit:Darrian Traynor Border updates flagged

Mr Andrews said he would "hope to make some announcements" on the status of the Victoria-NSW border next week, noting the border between the two states remains closed as a result of public health advice and in order to fend off a "third wave". Loading "We monitor this every single day, and as soon as we can safely open the border we will," he said. "I would hope to be able to make some announcements next week. But it just depends. "We apologise and acknowledge the inconvenience, but that inconvenience is nothing compared to a third wave, because that will be so hard for every single Victorian.

"We need to do everything we can do to stop that." Deputy Chief Health Officer Allen Cheng said he was "still pretty concerned" about the situation in Victoria when it comes to the virus, despite no cases reported on Wednesday, due to the remaining Vermont South mystery case. "When he acquired it, it was probably going back into before Christmas now. We are coming back into 14 days after that," he said on Thursday. "We would hope with 180,000 tests completed, if there was anyone else that has been infected by that person, it would have shown up by now, but we do need to make sure everyone is tested.
Charles Kushner, the father of President Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, admitted in an email to a close confidante on Wednesday that the presidents behavior was beyond our control.

Bob Sommer, a longtime Kushner family friend who once represented the family real estate company, Kushner Companies, erupted in anger at Mr. Kushner, who last month received a presidential pardon from Mr. Trump.

Ive texted jared as well, said Mr. Sommer, who served as president of the Observer, wrote. He urged his former client to please get trump to be an American instead of an expletive.

Mr. Kushner did not dispute his characterization of the president. Got it and beyond our control, he replied, according to a copy of the email exchange obtained by The New York Times.

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Quontic, the adaptive digital bank, announced today that it has appointed Steve Thomas as a member to Quontic's CDFI Advisory Board. As an accomplished industry veteran with over twenty-five years of housing finance experience, Thomas will join Quontic's CDFI Advisory Board to advise the Bank regarding Quontic's activities associated with achieving its community development goals to provide home loan financing to low-income individuals and families throughout the United States.

"We truly value the insight and expertise of an esteemed professional like Steve," shares Steve Schnall, Founder/CEO of Quontic. "Quontic looks to the members of its advisory board to provide our team with expert insight and we're fortunate to add Steve to the board. As we continue to stay on top of trends and understand what low-income communities need nationally, it's vital to have expert partners that we can use as resources."

Steve currently serves as the Senior Managing Director of Mortgage Capital Markets at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a $98.4 billion-dollar financial institution and one of the eleven members of the $894 billion Federal Home Loan Bank System, a housing government sponsored enterprise. Thomas, alongside his team, is responsible for loan and bond mortgage-related investment acquisitions and Mortgage Partnership Finance (MPF) Program pricing. Prior to joining the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, he served as Founder and Managing Director of the Mortgage Finance Group at CastleOak Securities, which was the top ranked minority-owned investment banking firm in residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial MBS, consumer asset-backed securities, commercial MBS, consumer asset-backed securities, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Federal Home Loan Bank agency debt. Thomas serves on various non-profit boards, including The Mercy Housing-Lakefront Board, one of the nation's largest affordable housing organizations participating in the development, preservation, management and/or financing of affordable, program-enriched housing across the country. Earlier this year, he was appointed to the National Housing Conference's National Advisory Council where they aim to ensure safe, decent and affordable housing for all in America.

"I'm thrilled to join Quontic's advisory board and look forward to working with Steve and the other Board Members," shares Steve Thomas. "Quontic is providing financial opportunities to communities and individuals that are often overlooked, I'm proud to work with a team with a purposeful mission."

About Quontic:

Quontic is the adaptive digital bank that empowers its customers financially while embracing their diverse circumstances. Quontic's disruptive banking platform reimagines traditional banking with adaptive lending and innovative deposit products that transcend legacy banking inequities. Quontic's mission to break the system for financial empowerment stands in the face of big banks and proves there is a better and more equitable way to put the customer first. The bank focuses on truly understanding and serving the underdogs, entrepreneurs, gig-economy workers, immigrants, and more with a curated banking experience as opposed to a one-size-fits-all banking approach. Quontic is a privately held company based in New York, New York. Learn more at QuonticBank.com . Follow and connect with Quontic on Facebook and Instagram .

Media Contact:

Lindsay Levitts

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Martin McGuinness' older brother has spoken of the moment he realised his sibling had joined the IRA, and of his later amazement after he was appointed as Stormont Education Minister.

Tom McGuinness made the comments in a new TG4 documentary exploring the divisive legacy left by the IRA leader-turned peace negotiator and politician.

Painting a detailed portrait of Martin McGuinness' life, the programme features interviews with Bill Clinton, Tony Blair and Ian Paisley, as well as victims of Provo violence.

In a rare interview, Tom recalled his parents challenging his brother in their Bogside home when they learned he had joined the IRA.

"My father was puffing away on his pipe and sitting in the corner and he just said: 'If you want to live here boy... there's going to be none of that'.

"Martin stared back at him... not in an aggressive way, but didn't question him. Just turned, went upstairs.

"I could hear the noise in the front room, a bag being filled... and he came downstairs and said 'look, I have to go', as if the conversation with my father had terminated.

"He said to my mother: 'Don't worry, I'll be back to see you frequently'. And that was the only dissent he ever showed throughout his life until that day. He was on the run, then, basically living in one house or another."

Mr McGuinness said he thought it "absurd" when his brother was appointed as Education Minister, having only attended "UCB" - University College Bogside.

"Here's a guy who had no academic background whatsoever in the formal sense... failed the 11-plus along with his older brother.

"How's he going to handle the situation? But he took charge of a 1.6bn budget."

Mr Paisley, the North Antrim MP, spoke of accepting McGuinness in later years, given that he had considered members of the IRA who killed police officers and bombed cities and towns as "people to be absolutely detested".

"It never left me, the fact who Martin McGuinness was," he said. "I wasn't a fool to this, but someone else once said to me: 'What made you do the arrangements with the former terrorist Martin McGuinness?'

"And I said: 'The word former'."

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Julie Hambleton's sister Maxine was one of 21 people killed in the IRA Birmingham pub bombings in 1974. She said McGuinness' IRA past could never be justified.

"When you kill one person you destroy a whole nucleus of a family. The impact of losing Maxine, and for all the families it's immeasurable," she said.

"There is no excuse for Martin McGuinness, or anybody, to pick up a gun or a knife or make a bomb and plant it on innocents."

Brid Rodgers, a founding member of the SDLP, said she struggled to forget McGuinness' IRA past when they later became colleagues.

She recalled the story of Patsy Gillespie, a Catholic who worked in an Army base. In 1990, considered a collaborator by the IRA, he was forced to drive a van containing 1,000lbs of explosives to a border checkpoint while his family was held hostage.

The bomb killed Mr Gillespie and five soldiers.

The documentary is now available to stream online at tg4.ie.

Belfast Telegraph
Mainly Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province & Ringing Trips to Bahrain
A South Korean-flagged tanker that was seized by Iran is seen in the Gulf, Iran on Jan. 4, 2021. (IRGC/West Asia News Agency via Reuters)

South Korea Deploys Warship to Patrol Persian Gulf After Iran Seizes Tanker

A warship has been deployed by a South Korean anti-piracy unit in response to the seizure of a commercial tanker and its 20-member crew in Gulf waters by Iranian forces earlier this week, according to reports.

The Chungmugong Yi Sun Sin class destroyer named Choi Young arrived in the waters on Tuesday and will be operating near the Strait of Hormuz, which is located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, South Korean Defense Ministry spokesperson Boo Seung Chan said during a press conference, The Drive reported.

The warship operated by the anti-piracy Cheonghae Unit sailed just one day after the MT Hankuk Chemi, a South Korean-flagged oil tanker, was stormed by armed Iranian Revolutionary Guard troops who forced the vessels crew to change course towards Iran over an unspecified investigation, according to the vessels owner.

The Cheonghae Unit arrived in waters near the Hormuz Strait earlier in the day, the military spokesperson said at the briefing. It is carrying out missions to ensure the safety of our nationals.

A Seoul official has insisted that the situation with Iran will be resolved diplomatically and the warship will not take any military action, adding that the unit will only be present in the Gulf to provide safety to our people using the waterway, Yonhap news agency reported.

The issue should be resolved through diplomacy, the official said. The unit is focused on the safety of our people who use the waterway after the seizure incident.

A South Korean-flagged tanker vessel which was seized by Irans Revolutionary Guards is seen in Gulf waters, Iran, on Jan 4, 2021. (IRGC/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters)

Mondays incident was the latest such incident by Tehran amid heightened tensions with the West over Irans nuclear program.

Seouls foreign ministry called the Iranian ambassador on Tuesday for the early release of the oil tankers 20-member crew. However, Iran responded that the vessel is being held for environmental and chemical pollution concerns in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

The seizure came as South Korea, in accordance with sanctions reimposed by the United States in 2018 after withdrawing from the Obama-era nuclear agreement, continues a freeze on $7 billion from Irans oil exports in two Korean banks. Tehran has been calling on Seoul since July 2020 to release the money.

The Islamic regime on Tuesday denied speculation that it is planning to exchange the captured ship for its $7 billion funds, offering its bluntest acknowledgment yet of a link with the frozen assets.

Weve become used to such allegations, spokesman Ali Rabiei said during a news conference, reported The Korea Times. But if there is any hostage-taking, it is Koreas government that is holding $7 billion, which belongs to us, hostage on baseless grounds.

The 20 crew members on board the South Korean-flagged vessel include five South Koreans, 11 Myanmarese, two Indonesians, and two Vietnamese.

The MT Hankuk Chemi, a South Korean-flagged tanker, is escorted by Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats on the Persian Gulf, in this photo released by Tasnim News Agency on Jan. 4, 2021. (Tasnim News Agency via AP)

South Koreas Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun is scheduled to visit Tehran on Sunday, a visit that was previously scheduled and during which a range of bilateral issues will be discussed, the ministry said on Tuesday.

Iran has a record of seizing foreign ships traveling near the strategic Strait of Hormuz as a method of gaining advantage in sanctions talks.

In 2019, Iran held a British tanker for two months after the United Kingdom seized an Iranian tanker that was suspected of carrying oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions.

Epoch Times reporter GQ Pan and Reuters contributed to this report.

From NTD News

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on January 7, 2021

2021/01/07

CCTV: State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi just ended his visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. What do you think is the most important outcome or highlight of this visit?

Hua Chunying: State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi just wrapped up his successful visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He met with President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and held talks with Foreign Minister Marie Tumba Nzeza, and the two foreign ministers jointly met the press. Relevant press release has been issued.

China and the DRC are friends for each other, and mutual understanding, mutual support and mutual trust makes the foundation for a sound, steadily growing China-DRC relationship. In the depths of China's fight against COVID-19, President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo sent message of condolence to the Chinese side twice. China also extended its helping hand to the DRC. In the first 10 months of last year, trade between the two countries grew by 34.4% year on year despite the impact of COVID-19. China-funded construction of the Cultural and Artistic Center for Central Africa in Kinshasa is also progressing smoothly amid the epidemic. It is worth mentioning that a MoU on BRI cooperation was signed between the two governments, increasing the number of African countries inking BRI cooperation documents with China to 45 from 44. This good news sends a positive signal to the outside world that China and the DRC are firmly committed to common development and prosperity, which will boost closer cooperation between the economic sectors in the two countries.

China congratulates the DRC on its forthcoming rotating chairmanship of the African Union (AU) and supports the DRC in performing its duties. China stands ready to strengthen coordination with the DRC to ensure the FOCAC summit this year will achieve fruitful outcomes.

AFP: A woman was shot dead during the storming of the U.S. Capitol and three others died after suffering medical emergencies. Does the Chinese foreign ministry have any comments on the violence that has taken place? Separately, what are the ministry's comments on some people in the country comparing Washington's riots with the unrest in Hong Kong? Some have described it as "a beautiful sight".

Hua Chunying: We have noted what's now unfolding in the United State. We believe that people in the United States certainly hope for an early return of normal order.

You mentioned that four people were reportedly killed in this incident, and you also described some reactions from the Chinese netizens. I would also like to share some of my thoughts with you.

First, the Chinese people have the right and freedom to make their opinions and comments online. I believe that for many people, seeing those scenes in the United States has brought back a sense of deja vu, though they brought out some quite different reactions from certain people in the United States, including from some media.

You mentioned the unrest in Hong Kong. In July 2019, radical and violent protesters in Hong Kong broke into the Legislative Council, ransacking the main chamber, smashing facilities, tossing toxic liquid and powder at police officers, and even biting off one police officer's finger and stabbing another. But the Hong Kong police showed maximum restraint and professionalism and no protester ended in death. However, as you mentioned, there are already four deaths in Washington of which the situation is less violent and destructive than that in Hong Kong.

If you still remember how some U.S. officials, lawmakers and media described what's happened in Hong Kong, you can compare that with the words they've used to describe the scenes in Capitol Hill. I made a note of some words they used. They all condemned it as "a violent incident" and the people involved as "rioters", "extremists" and "thugs" who brought "disgrace". Now compare that with what the Hong Kong violent protesters were called, like "a beautiful sight" you brought up and "democratic heroes". They said that "American people stand with them".

What's the reason for such a stark difference in the choice of words? Everyone needs to seriously think about it and do some soul-searching on the reason.

We believe that the American people still cherish peace and safety, especially when they are still struggling with a difficult pandemic situation. We hope that they will have their peace, stability and safety back as soon as possible.

Besides, I noticed that the spokesperson of the bureau of international exchanges of the China Media Group issued a statement saying that many news outlets, including a Chinese one, were attacked by demonstrators at their usual live positions outside Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Our thoughts are with the reporters out there and we call on the U.S. side to take necessary measures to safeguard journalists' safety.

China Review News: British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on January 6 that the recent arrest of politicians and activists in Hong Kong is a grievous attack on Hong Kong's rights and freedoms as protected under the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Do you have a comment?

Hua Chunying: The Liaison Office of the Central Government in the Hong Kong SAR and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR have released statements on the lawful arrest by the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF). Those arrested are suspected of attempting to subvert the state power as set out in Article 22 of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong. China upholds rule of law and its Hong Kong SAR does the same. We firmly support the HKPF in fulfilling its duties in accordance with law to safeguard national security and Hong Kong's security and stability. The Chinese side has lodged stern representations with the British side over the remarks of Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.

The core element of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is China's resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong. The document does not accord the British side any right to interfere in Hong Kong's affairs. After Hong Kong's return, the Chinese government started administering it in accordance with the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

During the British colonial rule over Hong Kong, were the people granted any rights or freedoms? As a matter of fact, when ratifying the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1976, the British government made a reservation not to apply to Hong Kong the periodic elections provisions. Both the Public Order Ordinance and the Societies Ordinance during the British rule imposed draconian restrictions on assembly, procession and association in Hong Kong. It was only after Hong Kong's return and the faithful implementation of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy that the residents came to enjoy unprecedented democratic rights and freedoms. This is an undeniable fact for anyone without bias.

Hong Kong is part of China and its affairs are entirely China's domestic affairs. The United Kingdom should let go of its colonial mindset, give up its illusion of retaining colonial influence in Hong Kong, cut out the hypocrisy and double standards, earnestly respect China's sovereignty and immediately stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs and interfering in China's internal affairs in any form.

Global Times: U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo said in a statement that the 50-plus people arrested by the Hong Kong police should be released immediately and unconditionally. He also said that the United States will consider sanctions and other restrictions on any and all individuals and entities involved in executing this assault on the Hong Kong people, explore restrictions against the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the United States, and take additional immediate actions against officials who have undermined Hong Kong's democratic processes. The United States will not stand idly by while the people of Hong Kong suffer under Communist oppression. In that vein, he announced the upcoming visit of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft to Taiwan. Does China have any comment?

Hua Chunying: Pompeo's statement gravely runs counter to basic norms of international relations, interferes in China's domestic affairs and judicial sovereignty, and violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques. China rejects and condemns it.

There is only one China in the world and the Taiwan region is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Government of the PRC is the sole legal government representing China. This is a fact recognized by the international community. The United States made an explicit commitment on this in the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, China firmly opposes any forms of official exchange between the United States and the Taiwan region. This position is consistent and clear.

Hong Kong is a society with rule of law where all is equal before the law and no extrajudicial privilege exists. Laws must be complied with and offences must be prosecuted. This is the basic connotation of rule of law. We firmly support relevant authorities of the Hong Kong SAR in cracking down on criminal offenses according to law. We stand firmly against interference in Hong Kong affairs and disruption of Hong Kong's rule of law by any country, organization or individual in any means.

For some time, a handful of anti-China politicians within the Trump administration have been staging a show of madness as their days at the rein are numbered, stopping at nothing to deliberately sabotage China-US relations for selfish political interests. Such ploys go against the trend of history and the friendly sentiment of both peoples and are bound to be punished by history.

We urge the United States to immediately stop meddling in China's internal affairs, harming Chinese interests and undermining bilateral relations. China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and security interests. The U.S. side shall pay a heavy price for its erroneous actions.

I also noticed that Pompeo called what happened at Congress unacceptable. Did he find the violent storming of Hong Kong's Legislative Council acceptable? He said he wanted to free the people of Hong Kong from the CPC's oppression. I hope he will open his eyes and see how the people in Hong Kong and the rest of China are leading perfectly happy lives. From Pompeo we did have learned a lot and we are actually grateful for that. Thanks to him, we Chinese people cherish our life and love our motherland more, and are more convinced in the decisions we've made and path we've taken.

I've also noticed American media's coverage of an opinion piece that says "There is not enough space in this newspaper to chronicle all of Pompeo's falsehoods." There is a post circulating on Chinese social media that jests "If the United States saw what the United States is doing in the United States, the United States would invade the United States to liberate the United States from the tyranny of the United States." In that vein, shouldn't Mr. Pompeo consider applying some sanctions on himself?

Sky News: Various Chinese officials including very senior Chinese officials have suggested that COVID-19 may have originated outside China. Does the Chinese government agree that the most likely country where COVID-19 originated is still China?

Hua Chunying: You are clear with the Chinese government's position. The Chinese government respects science and truth rather than lying around for political motivations, like some people else. We always believe that origin-tracing, as a serious scientific matter, should be carried out by scientists in a meticulous and thorough way so that truth and facts will be established. This has been the Chinese government's consistent and formal position.

Just like you could see from multiple media or reports, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in various places around the world in the second half year of 2019, and the time of first case reported is constantly updated. This, I believe, will in turn provide more clues to scientists. So we give full support to the expert team, led by WHO, to trace the origin across borders through scientific research, in the hope to find out the truth as soon as possible so that we could better address similar public health emergencies in the future.

Regarding this issue, I think all countries should show greater solidarity and cooperation, keep sober-minded and respect science and truth.

Beijing Daily: Regarding the delays in arrival to China of the WHO expert team, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Japanese Chief of Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said they hope China will agree to the WHO panel's arrival to China for scientific investigation on COVID-19 origins as soon as possible. Do you have any comment?

Hua Chunying: I responded to this question yesterday. According to what I've learned from the Chinese competent health authorities, China is in negotiations with WHO on the international expert team's travel to China for cooperation on COVID-19 origin-tracing.

I want to stress that tracing the origin of the virus is a scientific matter that should be studied by scientists worldwide in collaboration. The WHO team's visit to China upon invitation is part of scientific cooperation on origin-tracing between scientists of the two sides. The purpose is to prevent and better respond to similar public health crises that may occur in the future. China always adopts a positive attitude towards this.

We have noted that some people made irresponsible remarks, against which I think we must stay highly vigilant. Taking origin-tracing as a means for political manipulation, grandstanding and hyping-up will only disrupt normal international cooperation on the matter. This is the last thing we want to see and also unacceptable to the international community.

Kyodo News Agency: According to Taiwanese media reports, the United States and Taiwan held a political military dialogue today. Do you have any comment on this?

Hua Chunying: I responded to a similar question yesterday. China's position on the exchange between the United States and the Taiwan region is clear and consistent. We urge the U.S. side to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and refrain from further undercutting China-U.S. mutual trust and causing more damages to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and China-US relations. The Chinese side has lodged stern representations to the U.S. side.

AFP: This is regarding the Hong Kong issue again. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also said that he was appalled over the arrest of an American citizen. We wanted to know if the foreign ministry had any specific response on that front. And also, there has been international criticism over the arrests in Hong Kong with western nations accusing Hong Kong authorities of grave repression and grave attacks on freedoms promised under the "one country, two systems" setup. We're wondering if you could further comment on this front as well?

Hua Chunying: I think I already responded to that just now. Hong Kong is a society under the rule of law where nobody enjoys extrajudicial privileges. We support the Hong Kong police in handling matters in accordance with law. You mentioned that there are criticisms from members of the international community, but I wonder how many are them, if you can list? You mentioned several western countries. They cannot represent the international community.

The nature of what happened in Hong Kong is very clear. With such a similar scenario unfolding, I would like to ask these western countries, what have they said and done about what's happening in the United States? On the issue of human rights, democracy and freedom, double standard should be discarded. I hope the relevant countries can think about this and learn real lessons from it.

Reuters: According to a Reuters report, the U.S. is considering adding Alibaba and Tencent to a blacklist of firms allegedly controlled by China's military. Do you have any comment on that report?

Hua Chunying: I have talked about China's position on this many times. What you just described simply shows once again that the United States has been pinning political and ideological labels on economic and trade issues and exploiting its state power to crack down on foreign companies, under the pretext of national security. When it comes to applying double standard and acting double-faced on issues of market economy and fair competition, the United States can be such a hypocrite.

The U.S. side has turned its back on international trade rules, fair competition, and normal market order, which hurts the legitimate rights and interests of not only the Chinese companies but also American consumers and those in other countries. Global investors will certainly feel less inclined to invest in such a business environment. What stands to lose is the national interest, credibility and reputation of the United States. China will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of the Chinese companies and also support them in defending their rights and interests in accordance with law.

Reuters: The New York Stock Exchange says again on Wednesday it will de-list three Chinese telecom companies. Do you have any comment on this action?

Hua Chunying: I have talked about China's position on this many times. Many media have commented on the flip-flop behavior of the NYSE. As commented by the Nikkei News, another U-turn in its flip-flop saga is seeding chaos in the capital market. One commentator said that the intent was to penalize these companies and the Chinese government, but the problem is that it ends up penalizing U.S.-based investors.

China's stance on this issue is very clear. The United States will only end up hurting its own interests, credibility and image. The global status of the U.S. capital market and people's confidence in it will also be eroded. The Chinese side will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese companies.

Congressman Michael McCaul, the U.S. representative for Texas District 10 which includes portions of west Harris County, was barricaded in his office as of 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, in the U.S. Capitol after violent Pro-Trump rioters stormed the building earlier today.

McCaul recounted his ordeal and lamented the attack upon both the Capitol building and American democracy.

Its disgraceful, McCaul said. One of our finest institutions, and really the building that represents our democracy, is under attack.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Trump supporters storm US Capitol, lawmakers evacuated

Speaking from inside his office where he is currently barricaded, McCaul recalled the events leading up to the riot and described the attacks.

Its a sad day for America, McCaul said, speaking from inside his office. The last time something like this happened was when the British invaded in 1812.

Before the turmoil began, the tension was high outside the Capitol, he recalled. Id seen this group gathering in the morning, and I was very worried that something like this was going to happen because you have a lot of hostile people outside the Capitol.

McCaul was on his way to vote on accepting the official electoral vote count when the violence broke out. He received a notification that protesters had stormed the capital, so he barricaded himself in his office.

Ive never seen the Capitol under attack like this, where they literally broke down the barricades, they broke the windows and doors and got into the Senate chamber, and took that over trying to get into the House chamber, he said.

The unprecedented nature of the violence left the Capitol police unprepared for such a large-scale assault.

We were very worried they were going to bust the doors down, he said. The Capitol police are our protection, but they were completely overwhelmed by tens of thousands of protesters.

The violence, McCaul noted, is misguided.

I believe that (protesters) were sort of misled to believe that Congress is going to overturn this election, he said. Thats not really the role of Congress. We count the votes, but only states have the authority to present the electors to the Congress. We cant overturn or second guess the vote.

McCaul is safe inside his office, but the threat to his safety remains. The National Guard is sweeping the building following reports of potential explosive devices.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Curfew settles across D.C. following day of chaos at Capitol

On a broader scale, McCaul fears for the safety of democracy in the nation.

This is not how democracy is supposed to happen, he said. Our democracy is not a military coup. Its not an invasion. Its a peaceful transition of power, and thats the way its been since the beginning of our country.

Despite the days violence, McCaul said that his fellow members of Congress and he are undaunted in their resolve to follow through with the vote.

Were going to vote to certify the Electoral College, and its time to make the peaceful transition, he said.

claire.goodman@chron.com
LafargeHolcim appoints new Romanian CEO and country head for Moldova

07 January 2021

LafargeHolcim has announced the appointment of Bogdan Dobre as its new CEO for Romania and country head for Moldova effective from 1 January 2021. Dobre replaced Horia Adrian, who ran the company's operations in the two countries in the last three years, LafargeHolcim said in a press release.

Mr Dobre joined Holcim Romania in 2000 and was commercial director between 2013 and 2020, director of the concrete and aggregates division between 2011 and 2013, and national cement sales manager between 2002 and 2011.

"I am happy and, at the same time, I am responsible for taking over this position, after 20 years in which I built a successful business together with my colleagues. I will continue in the direction of developing our business in Romania and Moldova, constantly adapting to the challenges of the construction materials market," said Bogdan.

Published under
Police have urged others to come forward after charging a masseur with rape over an alleged incident at the practice south-east of Brisbane this week.

The 24-year-old Spring Hill man, who was employed at the Capalaba massage practice, allegedly touched a 21-year-old woman "inappropriately" during a session, police said in a statement.

After further investigations, the man was charged with one count of rape. Detectives have appealed for any other person who may have had a similar experience to come forward.

The man was granted bail in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Wednesday to reappear on March 11.
A woman was killed and a child was injured in a crash this morning in Lawrence County.

Senior Trooper Gregory Corble said the incident happened at 7:05 a.m. today at the intersection of Lawrence County 213 and Alabama 157, about three-and-a-half miles southeast of Moulton.

Carly Dunlap, 26, of Trinity, was killed when the 2016 Toyota 4Runner she was driving failed to yield the right of way from a stop sign to a 2009 Kenworth tractor-trailer.

Dunlap was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger, a child, was air-lifted to a Birmingham hospital.

Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.

The Ministry of Economy is against the draft submitted by the Ministry of Health to extend the COVID-19 quarantine for another six months in Armenia. The Minister of Economy, Vahan Kerobyan, stated about this in an interview with the Public Television.

"In fact, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health hurried a bit because that decision was not discussed with the Ministry of Economy. It is a proposal that we will discuss and will agree with some points of the proposal only in case of very weighty arguments. But the fact that the economy [of Armenia] now needs the most 'oxygen' is unequivocal, and we must do everything to make the economy work as openly as possible," the minister said.

Kerobyan added that the Ministry of Economy was going to come up with a law initiative this month to reduce the days of New Year's holidays next year.

As reported earlier, the quarantine in Armenia will be extended for another six months amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the health ministry's spokesperson Alina Nikoghosyan had noted.

COVID-19: Armenian health ministry says quarantine to be extended for 6 months
(Natural News) Big Tech censorship has oozed into the financial sector, with platforms like PayPal and even Visa and Mastercard now openly targeting conservatives for de-platforming.

The goal, it would seem, is to prevent those with politically incorrect viewpoints from being able to participate in the economy the same way everyone else does. It is an imposition of control that places burdensome restrictions on those trying to conduct business online.

Conservative pundit Laura Loomer, as you may recall, was banned from a number of financial platforms because of the types of messages she puts out to her followers.

If the right does not get some kind of hold on this by giving pushback, it is only going to increase and accelerate. Eventually, conservatives will be barred from not only using social media but also from engaging in any type of commerce online.

In Congress and across fifty state legislatures, the GOPs shortsighted support for laissez-fair economics is allowing left-wing corporations to plot their destruction, reports Revolver.

As Bay Buchanan put it, writing for CNS News, corporations continue to bend the knee to outraged activists who despise all speech with which they disagree.

We see this when social media giants regularly censor and ban individuals who run afoul of liberal orthodoxy, Buchanan explains.

Less noticed is the threat of financial de-platforming. This growing menace means those who dissent from the official left-wing line wont even be allowed to bank or use a credit card.

The latest news about Big Tech censorship can be accessed at Censorship.news.

Even the NRA is being denied access to banks, insurance companies

For the past four years, the agenda has really been ramping up, even against formidable organizations like the NRA that was denied access to banks and insurance companies in New York because of reputational risk.

The David Horowitz Freedom Center, at the request of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), can no longer do business with Visa or Mastercard, either.

Back in 2018, Citigroup announced that it would no longer help any company involved with legally selling firearms to anyone under 21 borrow money or use banking services. Shotgun manufacturers have also had their bank accounts closed, as have contractors working with federal immigration enforcement.

Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio had all of his Chase Bank accounts closed in 2019, and has also been banned from PayPal and various credit card payment processors.

On and on the list goes, which is why some within the Trump administration have fought to reverse this trend and hold big banks accountable for discrimination.

The Office of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) recently drafted a rule that would bar major banks from denying services to customers for any reason other than a documented failure to meet quantitative, impartial risk-based standards established in advance.

Banks dont set national policy, wrote acting OCC comptroller Brian Brooks and OCC chief economist Charles Calomiris in an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal.

They dont choose what goods and services are available to consumers. Nor do they determine which industries are legal. It is the job of democratically elected government to make those decisions.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, on the other hand, has demonstrated an unwillingness to stand up to the big banks. He recently proposed regulations of his own that would block Bitcoin transactions and hinder economic freedom.

Castrating cryptocurrencies would therefore deliver a major victory to big banks and the left-wing ideologues who increasingly fill their senior executive posts, Revolver further reports. The OCCs proposal to bar major banks from denying services to customers for political reasons would apply to all bank transactions and include cryptocurrency.

Sources for this article include:

Revolver.news

NaturalNews.com
Kim cited "unprecedented" trials and "the worst of the worst," referring to the triple whammy of international sanctions, the coronavirus pandemic and last summer's floods.

"We should further promote and expand the successes and victories that we've achieved through our painstaking efforts but prevent us from having the painful lessons again," he added.

Speaking at a rare Workers Party congress, Kim said the country's five-year economic plan failed to achieve its goals "in almost all areas... to a great extent."

The failed five-year plan was at the time of its launch touted as "dazzling," but never looked very likely to make a difference to the impoverished country's fortunes.

The party congress is the most important political gathering in North Korea and usually consists of hours of self-congratulation. The fact that Kim, who is supposed to be infallible, has admitted failure a second time after a tearful speech last year suggests the regime is getting desperate.

North Korea has suffered severely from sanctions and the border closure with China due to the coronavirus pandemic, which saw bilateral trade plummeting dramatically. According to Chinese customs data, North Korea's exports to China last October declined 91.5 percent on-year to just US$1.4 million, while the North's imports from China tanked 99.9 percent to only $300,000.

However, Kim also hailed a "miraculous victories" and "remarkable achievement" over the past five years, apparently referring to North Korea's progress in intercontinental ballistic missile technology. But he did not put a name to them, perhaps wary of provoking U.S. President-elect Joe Biden even before he takes office.

Around 7,000 Workers' Party members and spectators who converged in Pyongyang wore no masks during the congress. The North officially admits no single coronavirus infection, but thousands have reportedly been quarantined.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Ready to work with new US administration says Pak foreign minister

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US elections 2021: Russia meddled, Iran did too, China sat it out

A beautiful sight to behold: Chinese mock US on Capitol violence

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 07: Amidst the violence in the United States, several Chinese nationals took to Twitter to mock the incident.

US: 4 dead after hundreds of Trump supporters storm US capitol, explosives seized | Oneindia News

@SpeakerPelosi once referred to the Hong Kong riots as 'a beautiful sight to behold'," Global Times said a the tweet. The Global Times was referring to a comment by Pelosi about the mass pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong that were mostly peaceful in 2019. It remains to be seen if she will say the same about the recent developments in Capitol Hill, Global Times also said.

The Communist Youth League of China on its official Weibo account called the protests on Capitol Hill the most "beautiful site to behold," mocking Nancy Pelosi's description of demonstrations in Hong Kong in 2019.

.@SpeakerPelosi once referred to the Hong Kong riots as "a beautiful sight to behold"  it remains yet to be seen whether she will say the same about the recent developments in Capitol Hill. pic.twitter.com/91iXDzYpcO  Global Times (@globaltimesnews) January 7, 2021

"What happened in the Hong Kong Legislative Council last year is being repeated in the US Capitol," one user wrote.

The Communist Youth League of China on its official Weibo account called the protests on Capitol Hill the most "beautiful site to behold," mocking Nancy Pelosi's description of demonstrations in Hong Kong in 2019. pic.twitter.com/0tSwwBcVo4  Lily Kuo (@lilkuo) January 7, 2021

In an unprecedented breach of security, thousands of angry supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump have entered the US Capitol and clashed with police, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Biden''s victory in the November election. At least four people including a woman have died in the incident.
COLUMBIA  Mick Mulvaney, the former South Carolina congressman who became President Donald Trump's White House chief of staff before taking on a role as special envoy to Northern Ireland, said Thursday he has told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo he is resigning from his diplomatic post.

"I can't do it," Mulvaney said in a Thursday morning interview on CNBC. "I can't stay. It's a nothing thing  it doesn't affect the outcome, it doesn't affect the transition, but it's what I've got. It's a position I really enjoy doing, but you can't do it."

The decision to quit came after a violent pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in support of his last-ditch effort to block the victory of President-elect Joe Biden. Several other Trump administration officials also quit, including Deputy National Security Adviser Matt Pottinger and first lady Chief of Staff Stephanie Grisham.

Mulvaney said he would not be surprised to see more of his friends in the Trump administration resign in the coming hours, a move he described as "completely understandable."

"Those who would choose to stay, and I have talked to a couple of them, are choosing to stay because theyre worried the president might put someone in to replace them who might make things even worse, Mulvaney said.

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While Mulvaney said he would not condemn those who choose not to resign, he said Trump was "not the same as he was eight months ago" and his latest actions were overriding any policy successes he had.

"You can't look at that yesterday and think 'I want to be a part of that in any way, shape or form,' " Mulvaney said.

Mulvaney issued several pleas on Twitter throughout Wednesday afternoon urging Trump to do more to quell the increasingly violent mob. While Trump told his supporters to go home, he also continued seeking to justify their anger, reiterating his baseless allegations that the election was "stolen."

Two months ago, Mulvaney penned an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal predicting that Trump would "concede gracefully" if he loses after pursuing legal challenges. Courts, including many with judges appointed by Trump, have since tossed dozens of lawsuits from the president and his allies contesting the election results.
Additional C$4.7 million in warrants exercised

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - C21 Investments Inc. (CSE: CXXI) (OTCQX: CXXIF) ("C21" or the "Company"), a leading vertically integrated cannabis company, today announces the divestment of select non-core assets in Oregon and provides an update on convertible debenture conversion, including C$4.7 million in funds to the Company on warrants exercised. (All currency is in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.)

C21 has signed a definitive agreement for the sale of select non-core assets in Oregon, currently under third-party management agreements as outlined in the press release dated August 4, 2020, for $1.3 million. These assets include the Company's Portland processing equipment, the Dab Society brand, a retail and wholesale license, including the assumption of respective leases. The Company has received a $300,000 cash down payment with an additional $200,000 to be paid over a two-month term. The Company will receive escrow installments of $100,000 per month with the balance outstanding payable upon transfer of the licenses.

The Company is working to finalize the sale of its Tier II indoor cultivation license and real property in Clackamas County, Oregon, also currently under third-party management.

The remaining assets have been consolidated to the Company's Central and Southern Oregon operations, which includes the two-Tier II outdoor farms, a Tier I indoor cultivation facility, a processing facility, and a wholesale distribution facility. The Company retains its Phantom Farms, Hood Oil, Pure Green, and Eco Firma Farms brands.

Convertible Debenture Conversion Update:

The Company is also providing an update on the Convertible Debentures due December 31, 2020 and January 30, 2021 (the "Debentures"), including warrants that were available to be exercised into additional convertible debentures. (the "Warrants").

Between October 31 and December 31, 2020, Warrants have been exercised providing funds totaling C$4,711,000 to the Company. An additional C$2,217,500 of warrants remain outstanding at the end of this period.

As of December 31, 2020, total debentures outstanding is C$4,090,000 and the Company's total issued and outstanding shares is 109,723,009.

Media Contact:



Mattio Communications

c21@mattio.com

Investor Contact:

Michael Kidd

Chief Financial Officer and Director

Michael.Kidd@cxxi.ca

+1 833 BUY-CXXI (289-2994)

About C21 Investments Inc.:

C21 Investments is a vertically integrated cannabis company that cultivates, processes, and distributes quality cannabis and hemp-derived consumer products in the United States. The Company is focused on value creation through the disciplined acquisition and integration of core retail, manufacturing, and distribution assets in strategic markets, leveraging industry-leading retail revenues with high-growth potential multi-market branded consumer packaged goods. The Company owns Silver State Relief and Silver State Cultivation in Nevada, and Phantom Farms, Swell Companies, Eco Firma Farms, and Pure Green in Oregon. These brands produce and distribute a broad range of THC and CBD products from cannabis flowers, pre-rolls, cannabis oil, vaporizer cartridges and edibles. Based in Vancouver, Canada, additional information on C21 Investments can be found at www.sedar.com and www.cxxi.ca.

Cautionary Statement:

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this news release include the Company's positioning in the United States cannabis industry, the closing and completion of the Company's non-core asset sales in Oregon, the ability of the Company to monetize and utilize its Oregon outdoor harvest, the performance of the Company's brands, including Phantom Farms and Hood Oil, the continued demand for the Company's cannabis products, and the nature and extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the consequences of not restructuring its secured debt, the ability to service its debt, if restructured, risks and uncertainties arising from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's operations, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and are subject to change after such date. 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 under applicable securities regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71571


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Healthcare is a mess, not just here in the U.S., but in most countries. Some of the biggest problems in this data-rich era are the lack of interoperability and fact-based advice. Two companies that stand out as aggressively trying to fix this are IBM and Microsoft.

IBM focused its Watson AI on providing medical professionals with diagnostic tools allowing them to diagnose even the most mysterious illnesses more accurately.

Simultaneously, Microsoft recently brought out its Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, providing unprecedented data access for both doctors and patents. Both solutions, using different paths, help to improve the patient experience and outcome while lowering costs.

Let's contrast IBM's and Microsoft's healthcare efforts this week -- and we'll close with my product of the week: the most advanced electric motorcycle on the market.

IBM Watson and Healthcare

One of the most powerful tools I've seen applied to the healthcare problem is IBM's Watson platform. It first came to the market focused on this segment, and I had a chance to talk with the doctor leading the effort.

He told a story about a patient he'd run into years earlier with a painful condition that no one could diagnose. The near-constant extreme pain that savaged the woman struck a chord in his heart, and he dedicated his time over the years to diagnose and solve her problem. It turned out to be a little-known and very mysterious disease that only a handful of people had heard of, let alone been able to diagnose.

So one of the doctor's first tests on the then-new Watson medical implementation was to input this now-cured woman's symptoms, to see if Watson could reach the same result in an acceptable level of time. Within minutes Watson identified several possibilities, including the mysterious illness.

Despite the fact that additional testing to confirm which of those identified illnesses was the true affliction would have taken several days, the end result would have been the same successful treatment soon thereafter -- and reduced the patient's years of pain to only days, if not hours.

This remains one of the most powerful stories I've ever heard about applied AI technology addressing human suffering. It showcased IBM's then-high priority to focus its efforts on helping people; and set a foundation for the company's AI belief today: AIs are best as assistants to humans, not as replacements.

Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare

Microsoft's new offering for hospitals is unique because it addresses a problem that IBM's effort also surfaced: the lack of integration and interoperability between health data repositories.

With all of the effort to keep health data private, it still looks like it could be just as easy for bad actors to access your medical data as it is for you, or your doctor. Even the best AI can't deal with data sources that won't talk to each other or provide access to the AI tool. Microsoft's Cloud for Healthcare focuses on fixing the data interoperability problem, which is perhaps Microsoft's new best skill.

A couple of decades ago Microsoft didn't interoperate well, and the European Commission said it needed to fix that or be fined out of business. While Microsoft initially fought this effort, it had an epiphany and realized that if it was the best at interoperation, that could be a competitive advantage, and the company completely flipped to the other side. Now Microsoft, like IBM which earlier made a similar flip, embraces concepts like Open Source and Linux -- along with being an interoperability champion.

I use a similar tool for my healthcare, though Microsoft's appears to be so much better about data access and ease of use than the one I'm using, which appears out-of-date by comparison. But the killer part of Microsoft's Cloud for Healthcare isn't how easy it is to use for patients and doctors, or how easy it is to set up for administrators. It's the massive effort Microsoft made to enable seamless movement between data repositories. This focus is so that doctors, patients, and AIs can get to the data they need to make informed recommendations and decisions.

One other thing separates this initiative: Microsoft's tremendous focus on partnering with like-minded companies to create a truly impressive solution. You see, no company is broad enough to fix the healthcare problem by itself. But Microsoft is working with more than 55 partners on this venture, and together, even the colossal healthcare problem is fixable.

Wrapping Up: Better Together

It is fascinating that one of the most potent partnerships that ever existed was between Microsoft and IBM, which created the personal computer as most of us know it. The two firms divorced because they were similar in the wrong way (neither liked to share), and different concerning where they were technologically.

Both companies have remarkably changed how they do business. Both now have substantial cloud efforts and are more similar technologically. Culturally, they are similar where it counts. They now love to share and have decent partnering skills.

The result is that this new Microsoft-driven medical solution has not only IBM's support, but also the backing of many other significant players in the industry. Through cooperation, they are setting an example that the industry should recognize; because the pandemic has reminded us that if we don't focus on healthcare, our homes, businesses, and especially our families, suffer.

Damon Electric Motorcycle

I started riding motorcycles before I got my driver's license, and I had two motorcycles before I bought my first car. My only coast-to-coast road trip was on a motorcycle, and up until a few years ago I'd always had a bike.

I'm also an electric car fan and drive a Jaguar I-Pace as my primary vehicle. So it was with some excitement at CES this year that I got to see the prototype Damon electric bike, and I recently got an update. The bike is not only a ton better, but it now has intelligence that makes it a ton safer too.

One of the things you learn about riding a bike is that you have to drive defensively because, unlike a car, regardless of who is at fault, you are likely to end up in the hospital or dead if you are in an accident. Having technology that safely helps you navigate and points out threats literally could be a lifesaver, and this motorcycle has that.

This bike is no Chevy Volt either. It has performed in line with a supercar, and a decent combination of range and fast charging makes it viable for road trips. It's zero to 60 time is 3 seconds.

What is also both fun and interesting is that it can switch from a cruiser to a racer in a transformer like change that I've never seen before in a production bike. The windshield, handlebars, seat, and pedals adjust electronically for touring or speed. This conversion is good because if you've ever tried to drive a bike set up for speed a long distance, you've discovered real pain. My arms used to lock up and start hurting after 10 to 20 miles, let alone an all-day ride.

At around $40K, this bike isn't a cheap date. But then again, if you've ever shopped for a high-performance car, other than the Corvette, you are likely talking 5 to 10 times as much -- and high-performance electric cars are much more than that except for Tesla.

This Damon is the Tesla of motorcycles with similar premium pricing and advanced features. The Damon is an awesome motorcycle. It begins shipping next year, and it is my product of the week.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network.

Rob Enderle has been an ECT News Network columnist since 2003. His areas of interest include AI, autonomous driving, drones, personal technology, emerging technology, regulation, litigation, M&E, and technology in politics. He has an MBA in human resources, marketing and computer science. He is also a certified management accountant. Enderle currently is president and principal analyst of the Enderle Group, a consultancy that serves the technology industry. He formerly served as a senior research fellow at Giga Information Group and Forrester. Email Rob.


January 07, 2021





Even before the pandemic, FinTech had been critical in bridging the gap in the delivery of financial services, and the crisis triggered by COVID-19 made its role even bigger. These are the findings of the latest World Bank Study, conducted in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance. The study has also found that digital finance has shown resilience and quick adoption when faced with the challenges of the pandemic and that twelve out of thirteen sub-sectors even managed to grow in the first half of 2020. Not only does this show that the digital innovation behind FinTech has great potential in a time of crisis, but also that providers have learned to adapt their services amidst shifting customer preferences, which ultimately lead to higher adoption rates. Although FinTech adoption, with all its sectors, isnt homogenous throughout the world (mostly because of regulatory hurdles), estimates are extremely positive, pointing to a growth in influence.







How did technology address the financial challenges encountered during the pandemic?

In general, the FinTech market was very responsive to the challenges posed by the pandemic, and companies issued solutions as quickly as they could. That included the following:

FinTech companies made changes to their products and services to better cater to consumer needs. The study found that two-thirds of FinTech companies had already made these changes, and the remaining third was in the process of doing so. Most changes were made to reduce commission fees and make payments easier.

FinTech companies added new products and services to their portfolio to stay relevant, such as the addition of new payment channels.

More attention was paid to information services. Since the pandemic was associated with a future economic crisis, consumers wanted to know more about how they should save money, invest, and manage their funds. Platforms such as rantefonder.nu answered the demand, sharing up to date tips and tricks on topics such as interest funds.

FinTech companies addressed the higher cybersecurity risks. As more people started using FinTech services, and FinTech workers themselves were working more from home, there was an increase in phishing attacks. To combat this, 28% of FinTech companies deployed advanced cybersecurity features.

FinTech companies in emerging markets reported higher growth and transaction volumes.

During the lockdown, the number of people who used FinTech services instead of going to the bank grew constantly. In countries such as Norway, China, Sweden, the US, and the UK, where FinTech already had a high adoption rate, that didnt come as a surprise. Overall, the FinTech sector grew by around 13%. However, it was emerging markets where FinTechs showed the highest evolution. Here, the FinTech sector grew by up to 50%, especially in the sub-sector of digital payments. Moreover, growth also seemed to be proportional to the stringency of lockdown measures. Thus, the countries with the promptest response to COVID-19 also reported the highest increase in FinTech transactions. However, it should also be pointed out that developing countries encountered the biggest operational challenges because of unclear regulatory environments.

Changing consumer attitudes towards the digitization of financial services

When FinTech rose as an alternative to traditional financial services ten years ago, the general sentiment was that of skepticism. However, that quickly changed and, in 2020, according to McKinsey research, consumer sentiment was at an all-time high:

In the US, it is estimated that 40% of financial decision-makers have at least one FinTech account. States in the South have the highest degree of FinTech adoption.

During the COVID-19 crisis, all FinTech sub-sectors have grown at the same rate.

The use of FinTech products is more common among Millennials and Gen Z customers. The biggest growth was reported in the Gen Z sector, where 27% more people joined the trend. But, contrary to popular belief, older generations do not reject FinTech either. Although market penetration has been somewhat slower here, 26% of baby boomers have a FinTech account, which goes to show that the alternative has now become mainstream. One major difference between the way young and senior generations interact with FinTech services is in the number of accounts they open: if, on average, 29% of Gen Z users have more than one account, 65% of baby boomers only have one.

FinTech appeals to users of all incomes. The belief that FinTech services are only suitable for affluent individuals is a myth. On the contrary, data from McKinsey revealed that, during the pandemic, people from all income levels opened FinTech accounts, and the ratio is quite balanced: 45% of FinTech users have average annual incomes of over $100,000, and 41% earn below $45,000.

FinTechs now have the same level of customer trust as banks. Around 30% of users say that they trust their FinTech provides, which is roughly the same level as banks. This is a major achievement, since lack of trust used to be one of the main obstacles to mainstream adoption. But, even if they rank the same as banks in terms of trust, they seem to have surpassed them in other categories. For example, users said that they prefer FinTechs to banks when it comes to convenience, information, and the overall experience.

Overcoming potential threats

The ascension of FinTech services is not without its challenges. Although this sector has grown considerably in the past year, the industry as a whole must find ways to address the biggest challenges: the regulatory landscape and high operational costs. While some countries have agreed to provide emergency regulatory relief to FinTech companies as a crisis response, costs may prove somewhat harder to manage. Due to the higher influx of customers, FinTech companies reported an 11% rise in data storage costs, an 8% increase in onboarding costs, and a 5% increase in failed transactions compared to the same time last year. But, despite these challenges, most FinTech companies expect to reach their financial targets for this year and even maintain an 8% annual growth rate.
Skeleton of St. Martin Dormitory at Sasse College Facebook

There was pandemonium at St. Josephs College Sasse Buea following a fire outbreak that razed down one dormitory in the school Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

The affected dormitory is St. Martins with all the students mattresses and provision stuff burnt completely.

Cameroon-Info.Net gathered that the cause of the fire is related to an electrical fault.

Our reporter learnt that the dormitory was gutted by fire around 9:30 am while the students were in their classrooms.

We regret to inform parents, guardians, SOBANS, the Educational Community and Well-wishers, of an unfortunate fire incident in one of our dormitories (St. Martins) at about 9:30 am today 6 January 2021, Rev. Fr. Armstrong Ndi, Principal of St. Josephs College Sasse said in a statement.

He also said no human casualty was recorded in the fire.

No human casualty was registered since all the students and teachers were in the classrooms, said Fr. Ndi. However, some material damages were recorded.

The Principal of Sasse College urged parents to stay calm and allow their children to remain in school to continue with their studies, saying measures have been taken to get them settled in other dormitories.

As of now, everything is under control and the students of that dormitory have been relocated to other dormitories. So we call on parents to remain calm, Fr. Ndi said. Based on our preliminary assessment, we suspect it might have been caused by an electrical fault. We thank the administration, SONARA, the military, and all those who helped us put the situation under control. Thanks for your understanding, continuous support, and cooperation.

"As a bona fide Soban of the 1980 Class and a stakeholder of Sasse College, I am just coming in from the College campus. The fire incident is an accident and classes have been interrupted. The students and administration are calm. The students will resume classes soon," said Barrister John Kameni. "Thanks to the immediate, brilliant, and professional intervention from the Firefighters from Limbe, the rest of the other dormitories were rescued."
WASHINGTON: Three days before the pro-President Donald Trump riot at the Capitol, the Pentagon asked the U.S Capitol Police if it needed National Guard manpower. And as the mob descended on the building Wednesday, Justice Department leaders reached out to offer up FBI agents. The police turned them down both times, according to a defense official and two people familiar with the matter.

Capitol Police had planned for a free speech demonstration and didnt need more help, those three told The Associated Press. The police werent expecting what actually happened an insurrection.

But the Capitol ended up being overrun, overwhelming a law enforcement agency sworn to protect the lawmakers inside. Four protesters died, including one who was shot inside the building.

There had been plenty of warnings. Plenty of time to prepare. Plenty of money to do it.

The failure raised serious questions over security at the Capitol and the treatment of mainly white Trump supporters who were allowed to roam through the building, compared with the Black and brown protesters across the country who demonstrated last year over police brutality.

By the day after the rampage, the House sergeant-at-arms, the chief security officer for the House of Representatives, had resigned and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., had called for the resignation of the Capitol Police chief.

There was a failure of leadership at the top, Pelosi said.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the incoming majority leader, said he will fire the Senate sergeant-at-arms.

The Capitol had been closed to the public since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which killed more than 350,000 people in the United States. In normal times, the building is open to the public and lawmakers pride themselves on their availability to their constituents.

Its not clear how many Capitol Police offers were on-duty Wednesday. There are 2,300 officers who patrol 16 acres of ground and protect the 435 House members, 50 senators and their staffs. By example, the city of Minneapolis has about 840 uniformed officers for a population of 425,000 across more than 6,000 acres of land.

The Capitol Police has an operating budget of $460 million and has experience with high-security, high-stakes moments. It is used to managing large crowds and large events such as the inauguration, the State of the Union and mass demonstrations.

There were signs for weeks that violence could strike on Jan. 6, when Congress convened for a joint session to finish counting the Electoral College votes that would confirm Democrat Joe Biden had won the presidential election.

On far-right message boards and in pro-Trump circles, plans were being made.

The leader of the far-right extremist-group Proud Boys was arrested coming into the nations capital this week on a weapons charge for carrying empty high-capacity magazines emblazoned with their logo. He admitted to police that he made statements about rioting in the District of Columbia, local officials said.

Trump and his allies were perhaps the biggest megaphones, encouraging protesters to turn out in force and support his false claim that the election had been stolen from him. He egged them on during a rally shortly before they marched to the Capitol and rioted. His personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, a former New York mayor known for his tough-on-crime stance, called for trial by combat.

But the Capitol Police had set up no hard perimeter around the Capitol. Officers were focused on one side where lawmakers were entering to vote to certify Bidens win.

Barricades on the plaza to the building were set up, but police retreated from the line and a mob of people broke through. Lawmakers, at first unaware of the security breach, continued their debate. Soon they were cowering under chairs. Eventually they were escorted from the House and Senate. Journalists were left alone in rooms for hours as the mob attempted to break into barricaded rooms.

The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol was unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C., Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund said, explaining there had been a robust plan what he had expected would be a display of First Amendment activities. But make no mistake these mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior.

Mayor Muriel Bowser had warned of impending violence for weeks, and businesses had closed in anticipation. She requested National Guard help from the Pentagon on Dec. 31, but the Capitol Police turned down the Jan. 3 offer from the Defense Department, according to Kenneth Rapuano, assistant defense secretary for homeland security.

Federal officials are still stung by the uproar over the violent response by law enforcement to protests last June near the White House. Officials also were intent on avoiding any appearance that the federal government was deploying active duty or National Guard troops against Americans.

The Justice Departments offer for FBI support as the protesters grew violent was rejected by the Capitol Police, according to the two people familiar with the matter. They were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.

By then, it was too late.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department descended. Agents from nearly every Justice Department agency, including the FBI, were called in. So was the Secret Service and the Federal Protective Service. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sent two tactical teams. Police from as far away as New Jersey arrived to help.

It took four hours to disperse the protesters from the Capitol complex. By then, they had roamed the halls of Congress, posed for photos inside hallowed chambers, broken through doors, destroyed property and taken photos of themselves doing it. At least 80 people were arrested, but it will take time to sort through all the footage to determine who should be charged and with what.

In the aftermath, a 7-foot fence will go up around the Capitol grounds for at least 30 days. The Capitol Police will conduct a review of the carnage, as well as their planning and policies. Lawmakers plan to investigate how authorities handled the rioting.

___

Associated Press writers Ben Fox, Mary Clare Jalonick, Andre Taylor and Ashraf Khalil contributed to this report.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-06 23:44:03|Editor: huaxia

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Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena (R) and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attend a joint media briefing in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Jan. 6, 2021. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, said on Wednesday that Sri Lanka had expressed interest in accessing COVID-19 vaccines from India. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

COLOMBO, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, said on Wednesday that Sri Lanka had expressed interest in accessing COVID-19 vaccines from India.

In discussion with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Jaishankar said his country had agreed to give priority to Sri Lanka when it starting exporting the vaccines to other countries.

During their meeting, both President Rajapaksa and the Indian minister agreed to further enhance bilateral relations.

Following his discussion with the president, Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena during which both agreed that despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, high level contacts between the two countries were maintained and indeed strengthened during the past year. Enditem
WASHINGTON (AP)  Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power, forcing lawmakers to be rushed from the building and interrupting challenges to Joe Bidens Electoral College victory. Trump issued a restrained call for peace but did not call on his supporters to leave.

One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police. Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden also demanded President Donald Trump to immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence that he described as an unprecedented assault as pro-Trump protestors violently occupy U.S. Capitol.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

President Donald Trump told his supporters on Wednesday to go home after they stormed the Capitol in protest of his reelection defeat and he urged them to stay peaceful, but he also praised their mission even after it erupted in violence.

In a video message tweeted as authorities struggled to take control of Capitol Hill, Trump refused to refrain from promoting his baseless allegations of mass voter fraud and said loyalists who had swarmed the seat of American democracy were very special.

I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now, he said. We cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, sent a message to his district saying he was safe and criticizing the protests.

Americans cherish our right to free speech and peaceful protest, he said. But whats happening in our nations capital is not just unacceptable, its un-American. Please pray for peace and the safety of our brave law enforcement officers and first responders.

Later on Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, released a statement saying Wednesdays events brought back painful memories of the Congressional baseball shooting in Virginia a few short years ago.

Political violence of any kind is never acceptable and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Davis said. Theres no excuse for what we saw today. Its unpatriotic and un-American. Political leaders, from Congress to the White House, have an obligation to be voices of reason and calming in times of national crisis. That time is now.

The peaceful transfer of power is a bedrock principle of American democracy, he said. Members of Congress must uphold our oaths to the Constitution, do our jobs, and resume the process of governing our great nation.

U.S. Rep. Darrin LaHood, R-Peoria, released a statement thanking law enforcement officials who kept him and his staff safe.

What happened today was one of the most shameful things I have seen, he said. It is a terrible day for our country and democracy.

The actions taken by rioters go against everything that we stand for as Americans, she said. The rioting and violence must stop. We are a nation of law and order, and those who are responsible for the actions and violence today must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. As Americans, we are much better than this.

The ordinarily mundane procedure of certifying a new president was always going to be extraordinary, with Republican supporters of Trump vowing to protest results of an election that they have baselessly insisted was reversed by fraud.

The deliberations inside were still in their early stages when they were overcome by raucous demonstrations outside, as protesters who clashed with police entered the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags. They abruptly interrupted the proceedings in an out-of-control scene that featured eerie official warnings directing people to duck under their seats for cover and put on gas masks.

With the crowds showing no signs of abating, Trump tweeted, Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Senators were being evacuated. Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

Demonstrators fought with Capitol Police and then forced their way into the building, not long after a huge rally near the White House during which Trump egged them on to march to Capitol Hill.

Lawmakers had convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results.

Though fellow Republicans were behind the challenge to Bidens 306-232 Electoral College victory, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sought to lower tensions and argued against it. He warned the country cannot keep drifting apart into two separate tribes with separate facts.

McConnell declared, The voters, the courts and the states all have spoken.

Vice President Mike Pence was closely watched as he stepped onto the dais to preside over the joint session in the House chamber.

Pence has a largely ceremonial role, opening the sealed envelopes from the states after they are carried in mahogany boxes used for the occasion, and reading the results aloud. But he was under growing pressure from Trump to overturn the will of the voters and tip the results in the presidents favor, despite having no legal power to affect the outcome.

Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage! Trump tweeted Wednesday.

But Pence, in a statement shortly before presiding, defied Trump, saying he could not claim unilateral authority to reject the electoral votes that make Biden president.

In Illinpois, Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a statement condemning mob violence in and around the U.S. Capitol.

I will always support the right of the people to express their opinions through peaceful protest, as guaranteed by the First Amendment, but let us be clear: what we have witnessed today at the U.S. Capitol is not peaceful, it is not constitutionally-protected, and it is not a protest. This violence is a criminal attack on our democracy, he said.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker called on Congress to impeach and remove Trump.

I dont make a statement like this lightly: Two weeks is too long for Donald Trump to remain in office, where he can continue to incite more untold violence, he said.

As the heart of our democracy was under siege and blood was literally being spilled in our most sacred halls, Donald Trump was praising the attackers, he said. There are real questions about what efforts the President made to protect our Congress or what obstructions he committed that has prevented the ending of the siege.

There is no doubt in my mind that his efforts to encourage a coup represent high treason to this democracy, our Constitution and all Americans, Pritzker said. He poses a danger to our nation. He must be impeached and removed from office immediately.
Koh Kyung-sok, center, director-general of Africa and Middle Eastern Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaks to reporters at Incheon International Airport before departing for Iran, Thursday. / Yonhap



By Kang Seung-woo



Despite the government's efforts to get an early release of a Korean-flagged oil tanker and its crewmembers seized by Iran, including sending senior officials for negotiations, it remains to be seen if the move will pay dividends as Tehran is negative about the diplomatic visit, insisting the seizure was a technical matter related to marine pollution.



In addition, the case is believed to be related to a feud stemming from U.S. sanctions on Iran, leaving little room for Seoul to maneuver on its own and raising speculation that the release may have to await until the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, who is open to talks with the Middle Eastern nation.



On Monday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps seized the MT Hankuk Chemi, with a crew of 20, including five Koreans, which was carrying 7,200 tons of ethanol, in the Strait of Hormuz for causing "environmental pollution"  the ship is currently in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas. Along with the five Koreans, 11 Myanmarese, two Indonesians and two Vietnamese were also on board the tanker which was traveling from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates.



The government dispatched a delegation to Iran led by Koh Kyung-sok, director-general of the foreign ministry's Africa and Middle Eastern affairs, Thursday, which will be followed by a scheduled visit by First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun who will fly to Teheran, Sunday, and seek to negotiate the release of the crew and the vessel.



However, the Iranian government has made it clear that talks on the seizure of the ship were not on the agenda and that Choi's trip was arranged to discuss other pending bilateral issues, including Iranian assets of $7 billion (7.6 trillion won) frozen in two Korean banks due to the U.S. sanctions.



According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said Choi's trip has nothing to do with the seizure and there has been no agreement for a separate visit, as the matter will be dealt with via a defined legal path that does not require a diplomatic trip. Earlier this week, the Iranian authorities also said the seizure was based on a court order after the ship had repeatedly caused oil pollution  an allegation strongly denied by the ship operator.



The incident comes at a time when Iran has been complaining about the Korean government's failure to release the $7 billion due to U.S. sanctions re-imposed in 2018 after President Donald Trump withdrew from a 2015 multinational nuclear pact. Last July, the Iranian foreign ministry threatened Korea with legal action at the International Court of Justice.



In that respect, some suspect Iran has ulterior motives  in other words, it was sending a message to the incoming Biden administration, urging the U.S. to sincerely engage in negotiations on rejoining the nuclear deal.



However, the situation in Washington does not favor an early release of the ship and its crew due to new sanctions recently imposed on Teheran by outgoing President Trump.



The Trump administration imposed new sanctions on 12 Iranian steel and metal makers earlier this week, to cut an important revenue source for the regime and stymie its continued funding of terrorist groups in the region. In that sense, speculation is growing that there might be a breakthrough in the case after Biden takes office, Jan. 20.



"Iran is using the seizure to protest the U.S. sanctions and seems to believe it has nothing to lose from the move, raising the possibility for the country to prolong the incarceration of the crew and holding the tanker," said Shin Beom-chul, the director of the Center for Diplomacy and Security at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy.



"Should it be dragged out, we will have to wait until after the Biden inauguration for a breakthrough."


NEWS PROVIDED BY

National Black Pro-Life Union

Jan. 7, 2021



WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2021 /Standard Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Day Gardner, President of the National Black Pro-Life Union, she is available for comment:

Like many Americans, I have been doing a lot of thinking about the heartbreaking events of yesterday. This is America, how did we get here?



The thing that nags at me most is the fact that every bit of this ... all of it could have been avoided. The media, the Democrats and many Republicans take the let's blame Trump road because they think it's the easiest thing to do. After all, Democrats have been pinning everything on him for almost 5 years.



In reality the easiest thing to do would have been an audit of the votes in six states. Think about it. Every Governor of those states, every Republican and every Democrat should have said YES, let's prove Trump won -- or YES let's prove Trump lost!



Even if they didn't want to believe the affidavits of a hundred or more people who saw fraudulent behavior at the polling places with their own eyes, they should have all said, okay lugging out suitcases from under the tables caught on camera ... maybe we should look into this.



The fact that even the Supreme Court and the other courts chose to ignore voting discrepancies fed into the growing belief that America was under siege by the socialist left and that maybe even the courts are in on it, or are too afraid of upsetting the apple cart to do anything about it.



Additionally, the American people still don't understand why Hillary got off so easily, why the Russia hoax and so many other happenings were never properly investigated and/or prosecuted. Not to mention the fact that the FBI was aware of the Hunter and Joe Biden, China fiasco a year ago, yet did nothing about it.



Americans have become so distrustful of our government, the media and our representatives. And now, as Congress gets back to the "business" of certifying the Biden Presidency, questions still remain.



I heard Lindsay Graham, Kelly Loeffler and others say how we need to put 2020 behind us especially after the horrible events of yesterday.



What they can't get through their seemingly thick skulls is that the American people still don't know what happened in those six states. We saw some crazy things happening behind the curtains and the people who are supposedly representing us, want all of us to "un-see" it. We can't un-see it.



The bottom line is Democrats and many Republicans want everyone to think the breach of the Capitol was all only about Trump. In truth, it was about our vote.



It was all about these questions ... did our vote count and will our future votes count? You say yes? I say prove it!



Which brings us full circle doesn't it?

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An Army soldier has become the third active-duty U.S. service member to die from COVID-19.

Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Maria Soto, 38, an instructor with Alpha Company, 244th Quartermaster Battalion, at Fort Lee, Virginia, died Jan. 2 at a hospital in Hopewell, Virginia, not far from the base.

A 20-year veteran, Soto completed two combat deployments -- to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011 -- and spent time as an armorer with the 95th Police Battalion in Mannheim, Germany, in the early 2000s.

Additional duty stations included Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Fort Drum, New York, according to Fort Lee Deputy Public Affairs Officer Jefferson Wolfe.

Read Next: US Capitol Locked Down as Trump Supporters Clash With Police

Soto's death is the first of a U.S. service member from the coronavirus in nearly a month. Staff Sgt. Setariki Korovakaturaga, 43, died Dec. 9, in Baumholder, Germany, as he was headed to a hospital.

Soto is the only known female service member to die of COVID. The U.S. military has identified nearly all personnel who have succumbed to the disease, but several National Guard members, including one each from California, Texas and Hawaii, have not been identified.

To date, 111,581 military personnel have contracted the coronavirus. Nearly 960 are currently hospitalized, and 15 have died.

In addition, 61,496 people affiliated with the Defense Department have contracted COVID, including civilians, contractors and family members; 182 have died.

The Army has been the hardest hit among the services, with 39,330 cases. The Navy has the second highest number of cases, with 23,570. The Air Force has 20,457; the Marine Corps, 13,661; and the National Guard, 13,791.

Soto's awards included three Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals and six Army Good Combat Medals, as well as the Combat Action Badge.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime.

Related: The Navy Hospital Ship Politicians Want in LA Is Stuck in Maintenance in Portland
(CNN)  Doctors in Zimbabwe have said the health system is overwhelmed and could collapse as the country battles a new wave of infections that has prompted a strict new 30-day lockdown.

After the Christmas holidays, Zimbabwe recorded an increase in Covid-19 infections and deaths, raising fears for an already fragile healthcare system.

The government has urged citizens to adhere to the lockdown, which includes movement restrictions to all but the most essential services.

The reopening of schools has been postponed indefinitely, following a Covid-19 outbreak in schools last term, while shops will only be open until 3 pm daily.

A dusk-to-dawn curfew is also in place to avoid night gatherings and events.

The hosts of a New Year's Eve dancehall concert who flouted an earlier ban on gatherings of more than 100 people were jailed by Zimbabwean court on Monday for six months.

The party attracted thousands of unmasked revelers in the country's oldest township, Mbare.

On Tuesday, Zimbabwe recorded 1365 new cases and 34 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health daily updates. As of January 5, Zimbabwe had recorded 17 194 cases and 418 deaths, according to the ministry but there are concerns that the number of cases could be significantly higher due to poor testing.

The Zimbabwean Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) says the country's hospitals are unable to deal with an increased demand for admissions in a new report released Wednesday.

"ZADHR notes with concern the limited capacity of local health facilities to accommodate cases that need treatment. The continued surge in new infections has caused the hospitals to be overwhelmed and fail to cater for the increased number of COVID-19 related hospital admissions," the body said.

The organization is also concerned about a spike in infections among frontline workers. Nearly 1000 frontline workers have been infected by Covid-19 in Zimbabwe due to lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), the doctors say.

"Our conservative estimates point towards over 1000 health workers being infected with COVID-19.

Medical associations have continued to highlight the worrying trends of health workers working without adequate PPE," ZADHR said.

The doctors also raised the alarm over limited capacity to deal with critical patients in need of intensive care, while admission beds remain low.

"ZADHR condemns in the strongest terms possible the sad situation of continued limited ICU capacity almost ten months after the detection of the 1st COVID-19 case," the doctors said.

However, Zimbabwe's Secretary of Information, Nick Mangwana told CNN that the government is "on top of the situation."

"Right now, our capacity is not stretched. We are however dealing with a fluid situation where if a frontline worker tests positive, it affects capacity."

"The reason why I said this thing could overrun us is because people were not complying with lockdown rules, so we saw the storm coming," Mangwana said.

Last year Zimbabwean doctors took the government to court over failure to provide PPE and other safety equipment.

Zimbabwe's health system has been facing headwinds owing to lack of funding, with health workers at loggerheads with the government over poor, and often unpaid, salaries.

Last year billionaire, Strive Masiyiwa intervened to get doctors back to work following months of horse-trading with the authorities.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Zimbabwe health system overwhelmed as country goes on new strict lockdown, doctors say"
Telugu Desam Party leader and former Andhra minister Bhuma Akhila Priya was on Thursday named the prime accused by the Hyderabad police for her alleged involvement in the abduction of three persons in a land dispute case.

The police submitted the remand report to the court to this effect, stating that it was Akhila Priya who had hatched the plan to abduct the three persons - K Praveen Rao, K Sunil Rao and K Naveen Rao - from their residence on Tuesday night.

The police, who had registered cases against her under Sections 419 (cheating by personation), 341 and 342 (wrongful restraint and confinement), 452 (trespassing), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 365 (abduction) of the Indian Penal Code, filed two more cases under Section 147 (rioting) and 385 (extortion) against her on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Akhila Priyas lawyer moved a bail petition in the Secunderabad court stating that her client was pregnant and suffering from health issues. The court asked the police to file a counter and deferred the hearing to Friday.

Earlier, the police named AV Subba Reddy, another senior TDP leader from Kurnool, as accused No. 1 (A-1) and arrested him late Wednesday, but let him off after questioning and serving him notice under Section 41 of Criminal Procedure Code (which states the police can arrest a person any time without warrant). He has now been named A-2 in the case.

Her husband Bhargav Rao, who is A-3, is still absconding. Special teams have gone to Bengaluru on coming to know that he had gone there, the Bowenpally police said, adding that efforts were on to track down other accused in the case.
Qatar Airways has announced the resumption of daily flights to Muscat starting from January 7, as well as weekly flights to Salalah, with the first service having touched down at Salalah Airport on January 1, 2021, said a report.

The newly resumed flights to Salalah will leave Doha each Friday at 08:25 (05:25 UTC) am and arrive to Salalah at 12:00 local time. Flights from Salalah are scheduled on Fridays at 16:00 local time to arrive to Doha at 17:50. The flights to Muscat will fly daily from Doha at 00:45, arriving to Oman capital at 03:25, and leave Muscat at 04:40, landing in Doha at 05:30. This schedule will be valid from January 1 to March 26, said a report in Oman Daily Observer

Qatar Airways is currently flying to over 110 destinations worldwide with more than 800 weekly flights, providing more global connectivity than any other airline and connecting to US, GCC, Europe and Levant regions. Starting from January 29, Qatar Airways will restart flights to Seattle, almost two months ahead of the initial schedule. Passengers travelling to and from US will have an opportunity to enjoy the QSuite, the Worlds Best Business Class Seat, offered by Qatar Airways on all its US flights.

While flying with Qatar Airways, all passengers can expect the highest standards of hygiene and safety, including disinfecting with Honeywells Ultraviolet (UV) Cabin System, providing the most advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) to customers and cabin crews, serving sealed items for passengers use rigorously sanitising all surfaces.

Qatar Airways continues to apply flexible booking policy, offering passengers a full year of flexibility with unlimited date changes and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued before April 30, 2021 for travel completed by December 31, 2021, the report said.


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Sen. Josh Hawley assigned no blame to himself for Wednesday's MAGA mob that trashed the Capitol Building, despite giving a clinched-fist salute to the crowd before the siege.

'The responsibility of violent criminal acts is with violent criminals,' he told CNN Thursday.

Hawley was first asked whether President Donald Trump should be blamed for the riot, which left four dead.

'I don't think urging people to come to the Capitol was a good idea,' he told CNN's Manu Raju.

Hawley was branded a traitor after he gave a clinched-first salute to the mob of waiting Trump supporters as he arrived on Capitol Hill for Wednesday's joint session of Congress to certify the Electoral College count in favor of President-elect Joe Biden.

Hawley was the first senator who said he'd support a House GOP plan to challenge some of the Electoral College votes from swing states - an effort Trump supported, as it extended the farce he was feeding to his supporters that the election result could be overturned.

Sen. Josh Hawley told CNN Thursday, 'The responsibility of violent criminal acts is with violent criminals,' though he added that he didn't President Donald Trump's urging of people to come to Capitol Hill Wednesday was a good idea

Hawley was branded a traitor for his clinched-fist salute to President Donald Trump's supporters before they clashed with police and stormed the U.S. Capitol

Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said that the image of Sen. Josh Hawley raising his fist in support would become a 'symbol of sedition'

Hawley was also photographed giving Trump supporters a thumbs up. That crowd would later break inside the Capitol Building in a violent siege that lasted hours

Hawley was the first senator to announce he would sign on to a House GOP challenge of certain states' Electoral College vote counts

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted the image of Hawley and called on the Missouri Republican to 'resign immediately'

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier set up around the U.S. Capitol Building to protect lawmakers as they certify the Electoral College results

Democratic Coalition co-founder Scott Dworkin said Hawley 'needs to be arrested for his treason'

Trump supporters gathered outside the Capitol and were given a show of support from Hawley before breaking into the building in a chaotic display for several hours Wednesday

An objection to Arizona was being debated when MAGA-backing rioters mobbed Capitol Hill.

Hawley put out a statement commending law enforcement for keeping senator safe.

'Thank you to the brave law enforcement officials who have put their lives on the line,' his office tweeted around 4:30 p.m. 'The violence must end, those who attacked police and broke the law must be prosecuted, and Congress must get back to work and finish its job.'

Hawley also sent out a fundraising plea as the chaos kicked off, according to the Kansas City Star.

That paper's editorial board lashed out at Hawley, headlining the piece, 'Sen. Josh Hawley has blood on his hands in Capitol coup attempt.'

'Hawleys actions in the last week had such impact that he deserves an impressive share of the blame for the blood thats been shed,' the op-ed argued.

The criticism continued Thursday as his book publisher Simon & Schuster was being encouraged on social media to drop Hawley as an author, according to The New York Times. The first-term senator is due out with a book entitled 'The Tyranny of Big Tech,' in June.

The dean of the Missouri Republican Party, former U.N. Amb. John Danforth, who, like Hawley, represented Missouri in the U.S. Senate, admonished his protege.

'Supporting Josh and trying so hard to get him elected to the Senate was the worst mistake I ever made in my life,' Danforth told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

'Yesterday was the physical culmination of the long attempt [by Hawley and others] to foment a lack of public confidence in our democratic system. It is very dangerous to America to continue pushing this idea that government doesnt work and that voting was fraudulent,' Danforth added.

Wednesday on Twitter, the picture of Hawley, outside the Capitol Building, with a raised left fist quickly circulated.

'The picture (among many) we will all remember from what we've witnessed today @HawleyMO - you are @realDonaldTrump's symbol of this sedition,' tweeted former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, who's a Trump critic.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio shared the image too.

'None of today's violence happens without the seditious actions of @HawleyMo,' de Blasio wrote. 'He sparked a violent incident that endangered lives and threatened the sanctity of our democracy just to further his own political ambitions.'

'He doesn't deserve his seat. He should resign immediately,' de Blasio said.

Walter Shaub, the former director of the United States Office of Government Ethics, called Hawley the 'leader of the insurrection.'

Shaub added that the Missouri Republican inspired 'traitors, vandals thugs, and rioters everywhere.'

'Senator Josh Hawley is the epitome of a privileged American upbringing and education, and look how he has paid it back to our society,' historian Michael Beschloss tweeted.

Democratic Coalition co-founder Scott Dworkin said Hawley 'needs to be arrested for his treason.'

For weeks, Trump has misled his supporters into believing that his election loss could be overturned by Congress.

Lawmakers are able to object, debate and then vote on states' tallies - but the votes for that effort to be successful simply weren't there, nor does Congress truly have the power to overrule the Electoral College count, most scholars believe.

For this reason, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell begged members of his caucus not to join House GOP efforts to object to the results - as a House member and a senator are both needed to move the process forward.

Before rioters broke into the Capitol Wednesday, McConnell made a floor speech saying just as much.

'We're debating a step that has neve been taken in American history, whether Congress should overrule the voters and overtrun a presidential election,' McConnell said.

The Kentucky Republican discouraged the objections because there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud, as Trump has falsely claimed.

'But my colleagues nothing before us proves illegality anywhere near the massive scale, the massive scale that would have tipped the entire election,' McConnell argued. 'Nor can public doubt alone justify a radical break, when the doubt itself was incited without any evidence.'

Still, Hawley kept Congress in session until the early hours of Thursday when he single-handedly signed onto an objection to Pennsylvania's Electoral College vote count.

That prompted two more hours of debate in the House.

McConnell swiftly brought the objection to a vote and it was overruled 92-7.

Earlier, when the Senate came back into session to debate the Arizona challenge, Hawley had argued, 'Violence is not how you achieve change.'

'And that's why I submit to my colleagues that what we're doing here tonight is actually very important. Because fo those who have concerns about the integrity of our elections ... this is the appropriate means, this is the lawful place, where those objections and concerns should be heard.'

He said he hoped the Senate could address concerns 'peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets.'

He used his time, then, to knock the way Pennsylvania carried out its election.

'And so Mr President let me just say now, that briefly, in lieu of speaking about it later, a word about Pennsylvania - this is a state that I have been focused on, objected to,' Hawley said.

He then went on to complain that the state set-up 'universal mail-in balloting.'

'And did it irregardless of what the Pennsylvania Constitution says,' Hawley said, using the improper word for regardless.

Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Conor Lamb pointed out that Pennsylvania's system had been set up by Republicans in his state.

'I wanted to point out to all these lovers and supporters of the Pennsylvania legislature that it was the Republican Pennsylvania legislature that passed a Republican bill that they all voted for and supported that set up the system under which we just ran the election,' Lamb said during the House's floor debate of the Pennsylvania objection.
Drug-resistant bacteria could lead to more deaths than cancer by 2050, according to a report commissioned by the United Kingdom in 2014 and jointly supported by the U.K. government and the Wellcome Trust. In an effort to reduce the potential infection-caused 10 million deaths worldwide, Penn State researcher Scott Medina has developed a peptide, or small protein, that can target a specific pathogen without damaging the good bacteria that bolsters the immune system.

Medina, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering, led the team who published its results Jan. 4 in Nature Biomedical Engineering.

One of the best protective mechanisms we have to prevent infection are beneficial bacteria that inhabit our bodies, known as commensals. For example, we often avoid food poisoning because our guts are already populated by helpful bacteria. There's no room for the pathogen to take hold and colonize. If you wipe out the good bacteria, opportunistic pathogens can take advantage and cause infections." Scott Medina, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Penn State

Antibiotics can knock out an infection, but they can also kill off good bacteria, creating an opportunity for a potentially fatal secondary infection. Repeated exposure to antibiotics can also breed bacteria resistant to drugs. The potential for secondary infection and drug-resistant bacteria holds true for infections elsewhere in the body, too, according to Medina.

Led by biomedical engineering doctoral student Andrew W. Simonson, first author on the paper, the team set out to develop a peptide that could eradicate the pathogen that causes tuberculosis (TB), one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, without harming surrounding good bacteria.

"There are great control strategies and treatments in place for tuberculosis, making it largely preventable and treatable, but drug-resistant TB is an emerging threat that is on track to becoming a serious global health problem," Medina said. "It's a scary prospect."

To develop a pathogen-specific antibacterial against TB, the researchers looked to the pathogen itself. The TB pathogen is wrapped in a thick envelope that is difficult to penetrate, especially compared to other bacteria.

"The envelope has pores, though -- channels through which the pathogen takes in nutrients and metabolites," Medina said. "We asked if we could mimic these channels to design antibacterials that would create holes in the bacterial envelope, and ultimately kill the pathogen."

The researchers made a peptide that seems to disrupt the protective outer coating of the pathogen, making the TB bacteria susceptible to antibiotics and die, but it does not interact with the good bacteria. Medina said they are currently studying the exact mechanism by which the peptide attacks the TB pathogen, but they suspect it has something to do with a fatty acid that lives on the pathogen's surface.

"There aren't many biochemical differences between the targeted pathogen and good bacteria, except for this surface lipid," Medina said. "We think the interaction of our peptide with this fatty acid is one of the things driving this preferential interaction."

He also pointed to the bacteria's thin carbohydrate region. In other types of bacteria, the carbohydrates form a thick defensive barrier that appears to insulate the bacteria against the peptide.

"It's not entirely clear why this works, but it's working on TB," Medina said. "There's a 10-fold improvement on the effectiveness of antibiotics on this pathogen relative to the other good bacteria."

Next, the researchers plan to investigate how to administer the peptide to treat TB in a full model system. Peptides tend to break down when injected, Medina said, so his team is working to develop an aerosol that would allow a person to inhale the peptides directly to the infected lung tissue.

"Once we understand why this peptide targets TB, and how to administer the peptide as a viable therapeutic, we can use this platform to design antibacterials toward other lung pathogens," Medina said.
JERSEY CITY, N.J., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Outcomes Matter Innovations, LLC (OMI), a Jersey City based leader in technology enablement that facilitates a new business model in Value-Based Care Reimbursement for Specialty physicians, as well as management services for established healthcare providers throughout the Northeast, is excited to announce the promotion of four members of their senior management team.

Brenda Hurtubise, MPA, has been named President of OMI, as part of the organizational restructuring. In her new role, Ms. Hurtubise will lead the management services division, primarily responsible for driving operational efficiencies while improving the overall patient experience for hospitals and physician practices. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare operations, Ms. Hurtubise assumes this role after serving as Vice President, of Outcomes Matter Innovations from 2017 to 2020. Prior to joining OMI, Ms. Hurtubise served as Vice President of Regional Cancer Care Associates, Hackensack Division at John Theurer Cancer Center from 2007 to 2017. Ms. Hurtubise holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from William Paterson University and a Master of Public Administration in health finance and management from New York University. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Stephen L. Pecora has been named President and Chief Operating Officer of Value-Based Care. Mr. Pecora previously held the role of Vice President, Finance. In his new role, Mr. Pecora will be responsible for the overall strategy and execution of physician specialty Value-Based Care Technology and Services as it expands throughout the country. Mr. Pecora's professional background is in financial modeling, business analytics, and revenue cycle management. Mr. Pecora holds a degree in Economics from Bates College.

George Chiligiris, former Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, has been named Executive Vice President, and will remain in his role as Chief Administrative Officer. In his new role, Mr. Chiligiris will be overseeing day to day activities of Value-Based Care Technology and Services and assisting in the development of new markets. Mr. Chiligiris joined OMI in 2018 as Vice President of External Accounts. Prior to joining OMI, Mr. Chiligiris served in various leadership positions in the health insurance industry. Mr. Chiligiris holds a degree in Economics and certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from the University of Iowa.

John Cross, CPA, former Controller, has been named Vice President of Finance. He will lead the financial, accounting, and reporting teams through a period of rapid growth, and will be responsible for the daily financial management and accounting strategy. Mr. Cross joined OMI in 2019 as Controller. His experience encompasses all aspects of accounting including financial, tax, auditing and advisory. Mr. Cross earned his accounting degree from William Paterson University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Cross is active in the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants professional organization, in addition to civic activity with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and serving as Treasurer in many political organizations.

"Brenda, Stephen, George, and John have done exceptional work together in implementing our business plan and execution of our strategy. Their promotions reflect their efforts and the resulting ongoing success," said Andrew L. Pecora M.D. FACP CPE, Chairman and CEO of OMI.

About Outcomes Matter Innovations: Outcomes Matter Innovations, LLC (OMI) is Jersey City based company focused on technology enablement that facilitates a new business model in Value-Based Care Reimbursement for Specialty physicians, as well as management services for established healthcare providers throughout the Northeast. Founded in 2018, they work with specialty physicians to develop clinical treatment pathways in their respective specialties for conditions which have a high total cost of care and high-variability in treatment. Using the expertise and data provided by specialty physician partners, OMI develops customized technology utilizing AI and Machine Learning for the physician to make decisions and track outcomes at the point of care with the goal of improving outcomes and decreasing the total cost of care.

www.omimanagement.com

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Outcomes Matter Innovations, LLC

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http://www.omimanagement.com


The ABC is checking whether it has correctly paid almost 2000 staff just months after it shelled out a record $600,000 to apologise for underpaying casual workers over six years.

Accountants from PwC will examine whether about 1700 staff on buyouts  where the worker is paid a higher flat rate rather than specific penalty rates and loadings  and 250 staff on the lowest pay band at the national broadcaster were underpaid.

The ABC is investigating potential pay problems among almost 2000 of its staff. Credit:Christopher Pearce

Its investigation will stretch back to July 2014 and comes after the ABC made a $600,000 "contrition payment", then the highest ever agreed between an employer and the wages watchdog, in June last year for underpaying 1907 casual workers a total of almost $12 million.

The ABC launched the review in the wake of the casual pay scandal, which was caused by its failure to pay wages that covered workers' full entitlements.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : The Delhi police crime branch has arrested an imposter identified as Devender Kumar Mishra, who posed as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health, Assistant Professor, AIIMS, Delhi and Pediatrician, Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. Fake identity cards were recovered from the accused.

Forty four-year-old Mishra, a resident of Rewa, posed as these officials to cheat gullible people and even government officials for which a case U/S 419/170/420/468 /471/474 IPC, was registered at Crime Branch, Delhi. He was arrested on Wednesday.

"Our team on December 28, 2020 received information at Cyber Cell, Crime Branch, that one Devender Kumar Mishra was impersonating as a Doctor as M.D., Pediatrician, D.M. Cardiology and also as a Visiting Faculty in AIIMS Cardiology, as a Visiting Faculty in Army Hospital, Delhi Cantt. & as an Advisor in Niti Aayog. As per information the suspected person, Devender Kumar Mishra alias Guddu was impersonating as senior bureaucrat to cheat the gullible public by corrupt means," said Shibesh Singh, Additional Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch.

The interrogation of Mishra revealed that he had completed a diploma course as lab technician from Devi Ahilya Paramedical College, Indore in 1995.

He ran a sample collection centre for pathology labs in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh from 1996 to 2000. He came to Delhi in 2008 and started a blood sample collection centre at Vinod Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, where he used to collect samples for different labs. However, he suffered losses in business and closed the collection centre.

Thereafter, he started doing liaison work using his contacts and impersonating as a senior bureaucrat and a doctor in prestigious hospitals to cheat the people and earn easy money. He also approached the District Magistrate of Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh for issuing a gun license to one Sanjay Sharma, a resident of Aligarh, in lieu of money.

In 2016, the accused opened a clinic in Paliya, Lakhimpur Kheri, UP, named Shraddha Mother and Child Clinic where he claimed to be a doctor and used his forged Identity Card of AIIMS to cheat people. The forged ID card showing him as Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, AIIMS has been recovered from his possession.

He was presently staying at Dev Heights at Dasna in Ghaziabad. Further investigation in the case is in progress.
Federal politicians and northern First Nations expressed concern over Wednesday's sale of energy leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

In this undated file photo provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an airplane flies over caribou from the Porcupine caribou herd on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in northeast Alaska. Federal politicians and northern First Nations are expressing concern over the sale of energy leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal politicians and northern First Nations expressed concern over Wednesday's sale of energy leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

"Canada continues to strongly oppose development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge due to the potential impacts on the Porcupine caribou herd and on Indigenous Peoples," said federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson in a statement.

In one of its final acts, the administration of United States President Donald Trump held a sale for land in the refuge that includes the calving ground of the Porcupine caribou herd.

That herd is one of the few healthy herds left in the Arctic and is crucial to the livelihood and food security of First Nations in Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Scientists have warned that industrial activity could drive the vast herd of 220,000 animals away from land along the shores of the Beaufort Sea where they go to birth their calves.

Wilkinson pointed out the herd is protected by an international treaty.

"Canadas concerns have not received a response that addresses the high level of risk to our shared species. Prior to any leases being legally awarded, Canada has requested that additional consultations take place to assess and consider potential long-term effects on Porcupine caribou."

The Gwich'in First Nations in northern Yukon also protested the sale.

"The Gwichin people have defended our sacred lands for thousands of years and we will not stop now," said Gwichin Steering Committee Executive Director Bernadette Demientieff.

"In their push to sell off our lands to the fossil fuel industry, the Trump administration has engaged in a corrupt process and disrespected and dismissed the Indigenous people."

The Gwich'in launched a lawsuit this summer to block the sale. It remains before the courts.

Major energy companies stayed away from the offering and almost all the leases were bought by an Alaska state agency.

President-elect Joe Biden has promised to block any sale of the lands.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 6. 2021.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

As a pro-Donald Trump mob infiltrated the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Dan Crenshaw took to Twitter to try to calm the rioters.

Stop this bullsh-t right now, tweeted the U.S. Rep, who represents parts of northern and western Harris County.
The Simpsons may have predicted the violence that unfolded in US Capitol on Wednesday.

Violence erupted after current US President Donald Trump's supporters invaded the US Capitolto disrupt the certification by Congress of Democrat Joe Biden's election victory.

A dusk-to-dawn curfew has been declared by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, who asked for the assistance of the National Guard to help reestablish order in the nation's capital. Several Republicans as well as White House staff are resigning in wake of the violence, which world leaders have condemned, saying it is an attack on democracy.

Photos and videos of the violence, and the breach of the Capitol flooded social media as several people part of the observation of the storming posted them. In the middle of all the photos and videos, one thing stood out: Simpsons may have predicted it.

Simpson's predicted the Capitol Hill thing. pic.twitter.com/kejp7HpnWG my clouthouse (@mywheelhouseftw) January 6, 2021

While the second half of the image, the Capitol being on fire is still unverified - the storming of the US Capitol was indeed predicted. News18 reverse searched the video to find a YouTube recording from 2011 of the The Simpsons episode "The Day the Violence Died", in which Krusty the Clown presents "I'm an Amendment to Be", depicting a Constitutional amendment's attempt to ban flag burning.

The episode is a parody of "I'm Just a Bill" is a 1976 Schoolhouse Rock! segment, featuring a song of the same title written by Dave Frishberg.

In the segment posted on YouTube, the storming follows an amendment being ratified and becoming part of the Constitution. Other 'characters' which are not depicted as people, can beseen storming the capitol holding guns, and even bombs.

But this may not be the only prediction Simpsons got right.

The Simpsons prediction for 1/20/21 pic.twitter.com/O7FfK10Dap 222 (@yamamafav) January 6, 2021

maybe the simpsons were right about 2021 pic.twitter.com/e64Sd8WJM8 Steven (@BieberCanada) January 7, 2021

January 20, 2021 is the official date for the inauguration of the new US President, Joe Biden. Could the Simpsons have predicted the dystopia to come too?

External Affairs Minister on Thursday left for home after wrapping up his three-day visit to during which he held "constructive discussions" with the country's top leadership, which was described as a "huge success".

Jaishankar visited Colombo over three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa held a virtual summit in September during which the two sides agreed to further expand ties in a range of areas such as anti-terror cooperation, maritime security and trade and investment.

"Thank you @DCRGunawardena for hospitality and constructive discussions! Thank you @MFA_SriLanka for invaluable cooperation for making the visit of @DrSJaishankar a huge success. Will look forward to working closely for expeditious follow up," the Indian High Commission in Colombo tweeted.

During his visit, Jaishankar held meetings with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, several other ministers and Opposition leaders.

He assured them that India will always be a "dependable partner and reliable friend" of and said New Delhi is open to strengthening its relationship with Colombo on the basis of "mutual trust, mutual interest, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity".

Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Modi to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and discussed cooperation for post-COVID health and economic recovery.

"We are now looking at post-COVID cooperation and I carry back with me Sri Lanka's interest in accessing vaccines from India," said Jaishankar, who was here on his first foreign trip of the year. This was also the first by a foreign dignitary to in the new year.

Sri Lankan leadership formally requested Indian assistance to obtain the COVID vaccine during meetings with Jaishankar.

Jaishankar also stressed on the cooperation between the two countries to ensure maritime security and safety. "We stand ready to enhance Sri Lanka's capabilities to meet growing maritime and security challenges, he said, describing Sri Lanka as India's closest maritime neighbour and partner.

On the last day of his visit, Jaishankar on Thursday met the Tamil leadership in Sri Lanka and discussed issues pertaining to the development and devolution and the role of provincial councils as part of reconciliation.

Jaishankar earlier spoke on the need to ensure aspirations of the minority Tamils are addressed within a united Sri Lanka.

Addressing a joint media interaction with Gunawardena on Wednesday, Jaishankar underlined India's backing for Lanka's reconciliation process and an "inclusive political outlook" that encourages ethnic harmony.

Jaishankar also held a "productive meeting" with Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda and reviewed bilateral cooperation in fisheries.

"We look forward to the early return of our fishermen from Sri Lanka," Jaishankar said.

Fishermen from both countries are arrested frequently for inadvertently trespassing into each other's waters.

He also discussed India-Lanka bilateral ties with the Leader of Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, and the leader of United Party, Ranil Wickeremesinghe.

The minister also interacted with business leaders of Lanka and appreciated their insights and suggestions on economic cooperation.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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GREENVILLE  The spread of the coronavirus in the Greenville area is as bad as you think.

In a federal report released this week, the Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin metropolitan statistical area leads the nation among mid-sized regions for coronavirus infections, and a leading state epidemiologist says it is because of the way people here are behaving.

On Tuesday, the White House COVID-19 Task Force released its latest Community Profile in which experts gauge metrics such as case numbers, positive tests and infection trends to determine the hardest-hit areas for the pandemic nationally.

On Page 23, under the header "select high burden core-based statistical areas," the Greenville area is listed as the worst center of outbreak among areas with populations of 250,000 to 1 million. The area is comprised of Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Laurens counties but does not include Spartanburg County.

One other South Carolina area is cited in the report  Florence, which is fifth among regions with populations under 250,000. Two areas bordering South Carolina are also in the report: Augusta, ninth in the small group, and Charlotte, 10th for populations over 1 million.

South Carolina's assistant epidemiologist, Dr. Jane Kelly, on Thursday cited behavior as the most likely driver of mass coronavirus infections in the Greenville area.

"It's complicated. It's both biology and behavior," Kelly said. "We've all seen people who wear masks not quite right. So the mask isn't very effective if it's below your nose, for example. And there are a lot of individuals who don't feel wearing a mask is very important. They have just not embraced the message."

'Masks work'

The Community Profile report issued this week looks at metropolitan areas. The Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin area population, according to the study, is 920,477. Greenville County's population is about 520,000. The metro area's infection rate over the past seven days  cases per 100,000  currently stands at 762.

Behind Greenville are Provo, Utah, where the case rate is 732, and Bakersfield, Calif., where cases per 100,000 hit 638.

Masks in addition to other social distancing measures work, Kelly said, and multiple studies prove it. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control earlier this year released its own study showing how jurisdictions that have mask ordinances  and enforce them  have lower case loads.

The city of Greenville, with a population of around 70,000, first added a limited mask requirement in the summer and extended it to all retail establishments on Oct. 12. The city of Easley, with just over 20,000 residents, passed an ordinance in late December. Neither Greenville County nor any of the neighboring counties have a mask mandate.

"We have just been through a holiday season where I think people often put on hold precautions, thinking, 'It's just a day. It's just one time. I need to get together with my friends and family,' " Kelly said. "And unfortunately, I think we are seeing the consequences of that now."

Birthday parties, weddings, funerals and indoor gatherings where people don't take precautions are spreading disease, she said.

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Cases in schools bog down database

Asked about Greenville County's public school attendance policy  which has about 35,000 elementary and middle school students attending classes in person full time  Kelly said the bigger infection risk is activities these kids might be engaging in outside of school.

"The schools have worked hard to maintain, to engineer safety controls," she said. "So in-person learning, per se, has not been shown to have an increase risk of COVID-19. It's these other activities that were shown to have an increased risk."

She cited a study published last month in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's influential Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report that examined the behavior of about 400 kids in Mississippi and found that attending schools where coronavirus precautions were in place was not associated with infection.

"From a public health point of view, it is not just about what is going on in schools, in person," Kelly said. "It's what's going on in the community."

Case reports came flooding into the database of Greenville County schools this week, spokesman Tim Waller told The Post and Courier on Thursday. They bogged down the system, which has not been updated since Monday.

"We don't have the capacity in our system to keep up with it," Waller said. "It's really because parents waited until the last minute to report cases."

He said the school system's COVID-19 dashboard would be updated early Friday but didn't know yet Thursday afternoon how many there would be.

"Yeah, there's going to be a bunch," he said.

29.9 percent positivity rate

The COVID-19 Task Force report also looked at the surge in cases compared with the week before and the positivity rate of coronavirus tests. Greater Greenville does not lead among these metrics but is near the top, with a 29.9 percent positivity rate, second to Provo's 30.7 percent, and a surge in cases week-over-week of 34 percent.

Surges in Provo; Oxnard, Calif.; and Augusta have been worse at 46 percent, 35 percent and 52 percent, respectively.

Mid-sized cities fared somewhat better than those with populations over a million and those below 250,000.

The worst outbreak in the country is in Yuma, Ariz., population 214,000, where the weekly case rate is 1,012 per 100,000, and in Los Angeles, where the weekly case rate per 100,000 is 875 among its 13 million residents.

Nathaniel Cary contributed to this report.
One of Limericks most iconic pubs, Souths on 4 Quinlan Street has been run by the Hickey family for the last 49 years. The quaint pub is so iconic that one of its regulars was Limerick-born author Frank McCourt, who wrote about Souths in his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Angelas Ashes.

This is a unique aspect that would no doubt attract many visitors to Souths over the years, combined with the friendly ambience of the family-run pub. But while Souths retains the same charm its always had, it finds itself under very different circumstances.

Facing lockdown

Over the 49 years weve been in business, weve never had to close our doors, says Libby Hickey, who runs Souths alongside her parents, and brother and sister. When we turned the keys in the door back on March 15 to close for the first lockdown, it was very emotional. We didnt know what to expect, and we certainly didnt think two weeks would turn into five months.

Along with serving pints, Souths has always provided a breakfast and lunch menu. However, in order to be able to reopen in the summer, Souths would need to expand their offering to include evening meals.

The Government had introduced the rule that only pubs serving a substantial meal worth at least 9 could reopen, explains Libby. As a result, we invested a lot of money into revamping the kitchen, so that we could serve evening meals, and we finally reopened in August. We became, what you would call, a gastropub.

However, when we had to close again in October, it was another blow. But since reopening again for the Christmas period, bookings have been positive and weve had great feedback on our new menu.

Finding support

While much of the kitchen investment came from their own resources at the time (which Libby describes as difficult), the pub has received some State support.

Were also very grateful for the Guinness Raising the Bar fund, which we know we can avail of if we need it in the coming months. For example, if were looking to set-up outdoor space.

The 14 million Raising the Bar initiative is a recovery fund for pubs across the island of Ireland affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, which was set up in June this year. It is part of a Diageo global programme where $100 million (88.4 million) is dedicated to supporting pubs and bars. It aims to provide pubs with targeted support, to ensure they can eventually reopen and welcome customers safely back.

Almost 5,000 outlets across Ireland have already registered and availed of supports from the Guinness Raising the Bar fund since its launch in Ireland in June. Over 3,000 outlets have received reopening essentials kits, including upwards of 87,500 litres of hand sanitiser and 30,000 staff uniforms. The fund has also provided 700 outlets with items to create safe, weather-proof, outdoor spaces, as well as sponsored mandatory compliance training for over 11,000 bar-staff across Ireland.

Libby says, Guinness Raising the Bar is a fantastic initiative. But even in the past, before Covid-19, Ive always found that if we need any help with our business, Diageo has always been willing to support us.

Moving forward

Its not just practical supports being offered through the Raising the Bar initiative. Diageo has also established the Raising the Bar Helpline, a dedicated Freephone support for pub owners, their staff and their immediate families affected by the Covid-19 crisis. It provides support to callers who are struggling, by providing emotional counselling and information regarding financial supports.

The service has been available since November and is staffed by a team of counsellors, as well as financial experts, Monday to Friday, 24/7.

Luckily, we have not had to use the helpline, says Libby. Weve kept in constant contact with our staff during lockdown, to check in on how everyone was feeling, and they were all very eager to come back to work as soon as we reopened.

But to know the Raising the Bar Helpline is there when times do get tough is very encouraging. Theres a lot of people under pressure right now and especially wet pub owners who are really struggling and have not reopened.

Libby, who has been working at Souths for approximately 18 of the 49 years the pub has been in business, says the role of the pub is changing dramatically.

I do worry that many people might have gotten used to having a drink at home and this could have a serious impact. But then I also think that many people love the whole social aspect of being in the pub.

I miss the days when customers arrived unannounced and everyone could mingle. But the pub and our staff have adapted very well, in terms of adopting the Covid-19 hygiene protocols and making our customers feel welcome, like we always have. And we applaud the customers too on playing their part, wearing their masks and following our guidelines, as it really helps to take the pressure off us.

While Libby says there is a lot of uncertainty about what the next few weeks will bring, she still remains positive. We hope that we will get a good few weeks running at this and dont have to close again in January. But if we do, we just have to grin and bear it, and keep powering on.

As Frank McCourt once said, The sky is the limit. You never have the same experience twice.

To discover how other Irish publicans are dealing with lockdown, weve talked to the owners of the Welcome Inn in Cork and Temple Bar in Dublin.

Guinness Raising the Bar is a two-year programme and publicans across the Island of Ireland can still register to receive supports by logging on to the Diageo website.

The Raising the Bar Helpline is available to take calls from publicans, bar staff and their immediate families. The helpline number and all further information is available online.

Enjoy Guinness Responsibly. Visit www.drinkaware.ie

Sponsored by
Capitol Police with guns drawn as protesters try to break into the House chamber on January 6. J. Scott Applewhite

Thousands of protesters from across the US gathered in Washington, DC, on Wednesday to protest the presidential vote certification in Congress.

The protests turned into riots, which led to the Capitol being evacuated as rioters stormed the building and halted the vote-certification process.

The US Capitol was secured four hours after being breached.

Before the vote-certification process, Trump whipped his supporters into a frenzy using a groundless claim that Congress could selectively throw out states' electoral votes based on unsubstantiated assertions of fraud.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

US officials announced Wednesday evening that the US Capitol building had been secured - four hours after it was breached by pro-Trump supporters in an attempted coup.

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The protests grew violent after a speech from the president on Wednesday morning in which he told the crowd that he would never concede the presidential election to President-elect Joe Biden.

"We will never give up. We will never concede. It doesn't happen," Trump said. "You don't concede when there's theft involved. Our country has had enough. We're not going to take it anymore."

The president also told his supporters to walk to the Capitol building, insisting that he would join them to applaud members of Congress certifying the presidential election results. He quickly backtracked, saying that some members did not deserve cheers - the president ultimately did not walk with the crowd to the Capitol building.

"We're probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them," Trump said. "Because you'll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength and you have to be strong."

Hours later, rioters fought against police while attempting to enter the US Capitol. They ultimately succeeded.

The Capitol went into lockdown as both the House of Representatives and the Senate were in their chambers discussing the validity of Arizona's vote in the election. Congress was later sent into recess before members were evacuated from the building when protesters gained entrance into the Capitol building about 1:30 p.m. ET.

Story continues

Members of Congress were seen wearing emergency gas masks as they were evacuated. In the hours following the evacuation, the siege continued as supporters of President Donald Trump rallied inside the building with Confederate and pro-Trump flags.

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Gunshots were later heard in the building, and one woman was fatally shot, according to NBC News. Multiple prominent members of the far-right QAnon conspiracy-theory movement were also seen inside of the Capitol and among the first rioters to gain entrance.

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Congress has yet to finish certifying the results of the presidential election, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is pushing members of Congress to continue to verify the election results now that the building has been secured, according to The Washington Post.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The long-anticipated opening of a new Planet Fitness in Derry Township is right around the corner.

Planet Fitness will open at the Hershey Square Shopping Center at 1170 Mae St., suite 400 on Feb. 17.

We are excited to bring our judgement free fitness experience to the Hershey area, Stephen Kindler Jr., CEO of National Fitness Partners said in a press release. At Planet Fitness, we offer an affordable membership for a high-quality fitness center and welcome anyone, at any fitness level into our friendly, comfortable, and non-intimidating environment.

National Fitness Partners owns a number of Planet Fitness locations in the midstate.

Planet Fitness offers cardio machines and strength equipment, flat screen televisions, locker rooms with lockers and showers, and more. Planet Fitness is known for its $10 a month membership fee and for what it calls its non-intimidation workout setting which Planet Fitness calls a Judgement Free Zone where grunting and dropping weights are not allowed. The new location is holding an online presale at PlanetFitness.com for $1 down and $10 per month.

Planet Fitness on Gettysburg Pike. June 10, 2020. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Planet Fitness said it has taken several steps to enhance cleanliness policies and procedures:

All employees will have completed extensive training related the companys cleanliness and sanitization policies and procedures;

Employees will receive daily temperature checks when they arrive to work each day;

Increased, thorough cleaning will be conducted using disinfectant on the EPA list effective against COVID-19;

Increased sanitization stations will be available throughout the gym floor;

Touchless check-in is available via the Planet Fitness app;

Members can check club capacity before coming into the gym;

Face masks are required;

Some pieces of cardio equipment will be temporarily marked out of use for social distancing purposes.

There are more than 2,000 Planet Fitness locations including facilities in Dauphin, Cumberland, York, Lancaster and Lebanon counties.

The Planet Fitness in Derry Township will be opening on a portion of the former Kmart site that will also include Big Lots, T.J. Maxx and Five Below, which are expected to open in the spring. All four companies have signed 10-year leases. Where the Wild Things Play, an indoor play space for children is also expected to open in the former Kmart space. A Chipotle Mexican Grill will be built on a new pad site in front of Weis Markets and will include a drive-thru lane.

--Business Buzz

You can follow Daniel Urie on twitter @DanielUrie2018 and you can like him on Facebook.
India has asked the United Kingdom to track down and arrest Gujarats Jaysukh Ranpariya who had fled the country to Dubai after allegedly ordering the murder of Jamnagar lawyer Kirit Joshi in April 2018.

Jaysukh Muljibhai Ranpariya, also known as Jayesh Patel, has been traced to the UK on the basis of extortion phone calls made by the 41-year-old gangster, people familiar with the matter said.

Jaysukh Ranpariya faces 42 criminal cases including murder, extortion, cheating, forgery and money laundering, according to a Gujarat Police dossier seen by Hindustan Times.

The Interpol has already issued a Red Corner Notice against Ranpariya to alert countries to take him into custody. Officials said the Gujarat police, in its request to trace and arrest Ranpariya, had cited the Interpol notice.

Asked about the request to detain Ranpariya, a spokesperson for the Scotland Yard said they wouldnt be able to reveal this information. We do not search by names and we do not identify anyone who may or may not be subject to a police investigation, the spokesperson said.

Back in India, the federal financial crimes agency Enforcement Directorate had attached assets worth Rs 3.97 crore in one 2018 case related to usurping of land in Jamnagar.

Ranpariya had been operating in Jamnagar for some years, extorting money from real estate developers and property owners when they tried to sell land or buildings. Ranpariya would get forged documents made and lay claim to the property to create a dispute that would make it impossible for the owner to sell the plot or building. He would back off only when he was paid. Police said the money would run into crores.

Ranpariya hit the headlines after the murder of Jamnagar lawyer Kirit Joshi who had been filing criminal cases against him for extortion on behalf of his clients.

Joshi was stabbed multiple times by two men when he was about to open his car on a busy road. Police later arrested two men who alleged that Ranpariya had paid them to kill the lawyer.

Ranpariya, till then a local land mafia, had anticipated that the police would go after him after this murder and had slipped out of the country using a fake passport. He was believed to have based himself for some time in Dubai.

According to Gujarat Police, Ranpriya had been contacting his victims using phone numbers traced to the United Kingdom and would cite the Kirit Joshis murder to scare them into paying up. Often, he would also keep the victims family under surveillance and threaten to harm them to create fear of his syndicate. Not many would come forward to file police complaints against him.

According to the police, they were aware of several cases where people had paid up crores of rupees after his phone call; often in instalments spread over a year.

(With inputs from Prasun Sonwalkar in London)
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 17:28:07|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday urged neighboring Afghanistan to take action against terrorists after a Pakistani soldier was killed in firing from across the Afghan border.

A Pakistani army's statement said on Wednesday night that terrorists fired on a Pakistani military post from the Afghan side of the border in the Mohmand tribal district in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri condemned what he called "the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan."

"Pakistan calls upon the Government of Afghanistan to take immediate action against the terrorists and terrorist groups finding sanctuaries in Afghanistan to target Pakistani security forces," Chaudhri said in a statement.

Pakistani security officials have said that militants have crossed the border into Afghanistan to flee major military operations in the country's tribal regions.

Pakistan and Afghanistan share a nearly 2,600-km border. Pakistan is fencing the border with Afghanistan to block the movement of the militants. Enditem
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ATLANTA  Democrats gained control of the Senate on Wednesday by winning both of Georgias runoff races, an electoral repudiation of President Trump that will give the incoming Democratic administration broader policy latitude even as the victory was temporarily overshadowed by a violent mob storming the United States Capitol in the name of the ousted incumbent.

The election of the Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff was a political triumph for the Democratic Party in a state that has stymied it for decades. It was also a jarring split-screen encapsulation of the politics of progress and grievance that have defined Mr. Trumps administration and the changing country he is sworn to serve.

On the same day that Georgia elected Mr. Ossoff, a 33-year-old Jewish documentary filmmaker, and Mr. Warnock, a 51-year-old pastor who will become the states first Black senator, an almost entirely white crowd of aggrieved Trump supporters, some carrying Confederate flags, descended on Washington to defy political reality.

Mr. Warnocks own Twitter feed showed how quickly the mood among Democrats had shifted. At 1:55 p.m. Eastern, he toasted his victory by thanking Georgia voters, saying he was forever grateful. Within two hours, he was quoting another pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church  the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  with a message of togetherness in the face of hatred and bigotry.

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COVID-19 Diagnostics Market Growth & Trends

The global COVID-19 diagnostics market size is expected to reach USD 104.7 billion by 2027, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2021 to 2027. Since testing is pivotal for effective management of the rising burden of coronavirus cases, the rate at which testing is performed has witnessed a steep increase. More than 150 million tests have been performed in the U.S. as of November 2020, followed by more than 100 million tests conducted in India, and around 20 million tests performed in Brazil.

A paradigm shift towards point-of-care (PoC) Covid-19 testing is estimated to offer significant momentum to the market expansion in the near future. Point-of-care (POC) testing enables accurate real-time, lab-quality diagnostic results at patient care settings, such as urgent care centers, hospitals, clinics, and emergency rooms. In response to the pandemic, many diagnostic test manufacturers are focused on the development of rapid and easy-to-use POC COVID-19 diagnostic tests to facilitate testing outside of laboratory settings.

High investments by medical technology companies are expected to offer profitable opportunities for the coronavirus testing industry. These companies have witnessed a moderate to high spike in the revenue generated by the diagnostics/testing business segments in 2020, attributed to the pandemic outbreak. Such key industry entities have also witnessed a high influx of orders exceeding their manufacturing capacities, which has compelled these companies to increase their output by reorganizing their test production structures.

Expanding scales of COVID-19 testing are expected to be a boon for various medical technology companies operating in the market. Additionally, the government authorities are actively moving forward to scale up COVID-19 testing, further creating a favorable environment for emerging diagnostic companies and new entrants. Both smaller entities and multi-national companies have undertaken unprecedented mobilization to ensure timely availability of the tests.

Companies such as F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd.; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.; Perkin Elmer, Inc.; Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings; and Abbott have marked their presence in the market with highly efficient FDA-approved tests for coronavirus infection. The companies are implementing commercially viable strategies to gain a competitive advantage in the market. These include new test development, collaborations and partnerships with key stakeholders, and business expansion strategies to fulfill the demand of their customers across the globe.

High investments in the development as well as commercialization of antibody and antigen COVID-19 tests by key industry participants have been witnessed recently and this trend is expected to gain significant momentum in the coming years. For instance, in October 2020, Roche announced the launch of Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen test to support high volume COVID-19 testing of suspected patients. The test is anticipated to be available by the end of 2020 in the European market. Similarly, in October 2020, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. launched two antibody tests, namely, OmniPATH COVID-19 Total Antibody ELISA and EliA SARS-CoV-2-Sp1 IgG tests for the screening of antibodies against the virus. This initiative was intended to expand the testing capabilities of the company against COVID-19.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: COVID-19 Diagnostics Market Report

COVID-19 Diagnostics Market Report Highlights

By end use, diagnostic centers and clinics are estimated to witness the fastest growth from 2021 to 2027. This is attributed to the fact that the service providers are boosting their testing capabilities by expanding technological footprints in existing labs and diagnostic centers as well as by launching new, high-capacity laboratories

Based on sample type, nasopharyngeal swabs are estimated to account for 43.88% share in 2020. Nasopharyngeal swabs are the most preferred for COVID-19 sample collection. These swabs are employed in PCR-based COVID-19 tests at a large scale, boosting the segments revenue generation capacity

In terms of mode, the PoC segment is expected to witness the fastest growth from 2021 to 2027. Increasing popularity of at-home testing and handheld instruments targeted toward combating the shortage of coronavirus test kits has been witnessed. This has propelled the adoption of PoC COVID-19 tests

The laboratories end-use segment is estimated to account for the largest share of 39.91% in 2020. The increasing number of laboratories are leveraging high-throughput technologies to process COVID-19 tests rapidly and effectively on a large scale. This is driven by effective implementation of favorable reimbursement policies in developed economies

Asia Pacific is projected to register the highest CAGR of 4.5% from 2021 to 2027. This is attributed to the robust funding for fast-track clinical validation studies with respect to rapid tests for COVID-19 diagnosis, along with minimizing the duration required to introduce novel products. The increasing pool of local diagnostic kits and reagents manufacturers providing testing solutions for COVID-19 detection is anticipated to contribute to revenue generation in the region

COVID-19 Diagnostics Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global COVID-19 diagnostics market on the basis of product & service, sample type, test type, mode, end use, and region:

COVID-19 Diagnostics Product & Service Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020 - 2027)

Instruments

Reagents & Kits

Services

COVID-19 Diagnostics Sample Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020 - 2027)

Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs

Oropharyngeal (OP) swabs

Nasal Swabs

Blood

Others

COVID-19 Diagnostics Test Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020 - 2027)

Molecular (PCR) Testing

Antigen-based Testing

Antibody (Serology) Testing

Others

COVID-19 Diagnostics Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020 - 2027)

Point-of-Care (PoC)

Non Point-of-Care (Non-PoC)

COVID-19 Diagnostics End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020 - 2027)

Laboratories

Hospitals

Diagnostic Centers and Clinics

Others

COVID-19 Diagnostics Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020 - 2027)

North America US. Canada

Europe Germany UK. Italy France Spain Russia

Asia Pacific Japan China India Australia South Korea

Latin America Brazil Mexico

Middle East Africa (MEA) South Africa Saudi Arabia



List of Key Players of COVID-19 Diagnostics Market

Hoffman-La Roche Ltd.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Perkin Elmer, Inc.

Neuberg Diagnostics

1drop Inc.

Veredus Laboratories

ADT Biotech Sdn Bhd

altona Diagnostics GmbH

bioMerieux SA

Danaher

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Here's what you need to know this morning: Thursday, Jan. 7
A group of inventive beer enthusiasts have used empty VB cans, twigs and the water current to spit roast a hunk of meat while camping.

Matty Dekoke was sinking beers with his best friends Deon, Benny and Nick on a Christmas camping trip near Bright, in northern Victoria, when they had the idea.

Using sticks, zip ties and flattened beer cans, the four father's spent hours constructing the perfect makeshift water mill to cook a beef dinner.

Pictured: Matty Dekoke standing by a makeshift spit roast device he crafted from beer cans

'It took us a couple of attempts, we tried a couple of different styles, but we got there,' the father-of-three told Daily Mail Australia.

The friends used ties to fasten eight squashed beer cans to the ends of four long sticks which were all connected in the middle, like a windmill.

A chunk of beef was impaled on one end of a longer branch that stretched from the Buckland River to a campfire, while the beer can mill was connected to the other.

A chunk of beef was impaled on one end of a longer branch that stretched from the Buckland River to a campfire, while the beer can mill was connected to the other

Pictured: The spit roast device the friends made from sticks, ties and empty beer cans

Mr Dekoke said the beef (pictured) was cooked for four hours, then a further hour while wrapped in foil

When the mill was dangled in the stream, the current moved the beer can mill and rotated the branch, spit roasting the meat which was carefully positioned above the campfire.

'We cooked for about four hours, then wrapped it in foil for another hour,' Mr Dekoke said.

'The beef was cooked to perfection.'

A video of the makeshift device was shared on social media, with many praising the friends for their ingenuity.

Mr Dekoke is a VB enthusiast and used empty cans to craft a spit roast device over the Christmas holidays

Pictured: Mr Dekoke with his wife Derinda and children Mason, three months, Riley, 4, and Braxton, 6

Pictured: The four families on the camping trip, including the spit roast creators Deon Stewart (left) Ben Mickle (centre)and Nick Mickle (right)

'Australian of the year contender,' one social media user wrote.

'VB saves the day again,' another said.

'Best thing I've seen all year,' someone else replied.

The video has had more than 400,000 views on Instagram so far.
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There will not be a peaceful transition of power between the 45th and 46th American presidents. The countrys leaders and its leading institutionsthe traditional ones, not the Trump onesspent four years promising that transition, despite everything Donald Trump might say to the contrary. It was the safe, secure alternative to other, more confrontational courses of action, the fallback plan when congressional subpoenas, judicial oversight, and even impeachment turned out to be toothless: Let the voters decide, trust the Constitution, and this will pass.

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No matter how this administration eventually gives way to the next one, the promise of a peaceful transition has already failed. It failed on live video, over the course of hours. The president told his supporters he would never accept the results of the election he lost, he urged them to go to the Capitol to support him, and they complied. Trumps loyalists stormed in on the official counting of the electoral votes, forcing the legislators to break it off, hide under their desks, and then flee the building. The invaders looted souvenirs; police shot a woman dead.

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The Trump era (and American history, of which it is a part) has been defined by a stubborn, fretful failure to call things what they are. Bribery, ethnic cleansing, kidnapping, murdersurely the president didnt really do these things. He couldnt have meant them that way. Not seriously, or not literally.

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Seriously, literally, actually: On Jan. 6, at the presidents direction, the constitutionally scheduled process for the transfer of power was interrupted by violence. By night, police had cleared the building, and Congress set out to try again.

In the meantime, the National Guard was called in for additional securitybut not on the presidents orders. By the account of the secretary of defense (or the acting secretary, in the preexisting shambles of the Trump administration), the decision to deploy the guard was made in consultation with Vice President Mike Pence and the leaders of Congress.

This was not a minor distinction. Earlier in the day, Trump denounced Pence to his followers after the vice president, preparing to oversee the Electoral College count, publicly denied that he had the power to personally reject the votes, as the president claimed he did, because he wanted him to do it. Trump kept attacking Pence on Twitter even after the vice president had been taken underground by the Secret Service to escape the presidents mob.

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That is: Confronted with this split between the president and the vice president, the military rejected its constitutional commander in chief and sided with Pence. It was the reasonable thing to do, with political violence spinning out of control in the nations capital.

From the home stretch of the campaign through Election Day and beyond, as Trump made ever more false and fantastic claims of election fraud, and pursued ever more outlandish theories of how to overturn the results, there was a running debate about what exactly would qualify as a coup. Animating it all was a sense of condescension and unreality: A coup is a thing that happens in other, more backward nations, often with our help. Coups are not the sort of thing that could happen here (even if, historically, they did).

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Technically, the coup experts pointed out, if Trump did seize another term, the correct term would be autogolpe, not coup, since he would simply be an existing president extending his own rule, rather than an outsider overthrowing an incumbent. This was clever in a way that missed the entire point: The United States isnt ruled by a president, but by an agreement about how the office of president is filled, through elections, on an established timetable. A president of the United States who stays on after losing an election would automatically become something else.

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Donald Trump and his Republican supporters have been playing with the idea of that something else for long time. It has been tawdry and stupid, with Four Seasons Landscaping and sweaty hair dye. But as the Sri Lankan writer Indi Samarajiva wrote early in the process, coups look stupid until you understand theyre real. Trump and his lackeys have been attacking the election that defines the presidency, telling their supporters that it wasnt legitimate, that the other sides votes didnt exist. When the mob reached the Capitol, Republican lawmakers were in the middle of saying so in their official capacity, delaying the official count to make speeches about how Biden could not possibly have won, how Trump had bigger rally crowds, how some power greater than the officially tabulated and certified votes of the states was what they really believed in.

And then the doors broke down and the glass shattered and the power that their president kept invoking was loose in the halls of Congress. The Constitution was on the run, and the armed forces had a decision to make. The answer to a coup was a countercoup. Inauguration Day may still come on time, and the voters may see Joe Biden sworn in as president. But it wont be because the system survived.
The Syrian regime has pushed back against attempts to suspend the Syrian regime's voting rights within the OPCW reports Sabah Daily.

The Syrian regime, backed by close ally Russia, clashed with the United States and other nations Tuesday over a Western initiative to suspend the Syrian regimes voting rights within the global chemical weapons watchdog for failing to provide details of three chemical attacks in 2017 that investigators blamed on the Bashar Assad regime.

The confrontation in the UN Security Council foreshadowed a showdown when the 193 member states of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) meet in The Hague, Netherlands in April to consider a French-drafted measure, on behalf of 46 countries, to suspend Syrias rights and privileges in the body.

The French proposal was a response to the Syrian regimes failure to meet a 90-day deadline set in July by the OPCWs executive council for Damascus to declare the nerve agent sarin and chlorine, which OPCW investigators said last April were dropped by the regime air force on the central town of Latamneh in late March 2017.

The Western effort reflects a much broader effort to obtain accountability for Syrian chemical attacks and highlight claims that Assads regime is secretly continuing its chemical weapons program.

The Syrian regime joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in September 2013, pressed by Russia after a deadly chemical weapons attack that the West blamed on Damascus.

By August 2014, the Assad regime declared that the destruction of its chemical weapons was completed. But the regimes initial declaration of its chemical stockpiles and chemical weapons production sites has remained disputed.

According to data supplied by Anadolu Agency in 2020, the Assad regime has used chemical weapons in Syria at least 216 times over the last nine years. The regime conducted its first major chemical attack on Aug. 21, 2013, in the eastern Ghouta region of Damascus. The onslaught, which killed over 1,400 civilians, raised international concerns at the time.

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.
Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701)

Today

Showers with the chance of some thunder this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%..

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Showers with the chance of some thunder this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%.

Chinas local governments have been charged with cleaning up the problems at banks under their jurisdiction.

Chinas strategy to beef up weak local banks and provide them with funds to increase lending has taken a step forward with five provincial governments raising 50.6 billion yuan ($7.84 billion) over the past month through the sale of special-purpose bonds (SPBs) after the State Council gave the policy the green light in July.

Guangdong kicked off the fundraising on Dec. 7 with the sale of a 10 billion yuan SPB. Zhejiang and Shanxi provinces, and the autonomous regions of Guangxi Zhuang and Inner Mongolia have also sold debt, bond filings show.

In total, eight SPBs have been issued and the proceeds are being used to inject capital into 29 banks and rural credit cooperatives through the purchase of shares or through subscriptions to a new type of instrument based on the traditional bank deposit agreement, or bank investment contract (BIC), according to the filings.

More bond sales are likely as the 18 provincial-level governments chosen by the Ministry of Finance race to use up the 200 billion yuan allocated to them for bank capital replenishment from 2020s national SPB quota of 3.75 trillion yuan.

Hundreds of small banks and rural credit cooperatives are facing a growing crisis as bad debts have surged following years of aggressive lending and poor risk control. The economic slowdown and the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic have exacerbated their problems and left them with weak balance sheets that fall short of the requirements set by regulators.

At the end of 2019, China had about 4,600 licensed financial institutions in the banking industry, some 4,000 of which were small and midsize banks that together accounted for roughly a quarter of the banking sectors total assets, Zhou Liang, a vice chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC), said early last year.

Central bank data (link in Chinese) released in April showed that of the 4,000, 605 did not meet the minimum required capital adequacy ratio of 10.5%, and 532 were labelled high risk.

The State Council, Chinas cabinet, agreed in July to allow some provincial-level governments to use SPBs to recapitalize lenders. The new policy followed an 11-point reform program for the financial sector released in May that included the release of the Work Plan for Deepening Reform and Supplementing the Capital of Small and Midsize Banks to drive the overhaul of the sector and speed up capital replenishment for lenders with weak balance sheets.

Local governments have been told to take the lead in restructuring and recapitalizing smaller lenders, most of which are owned or controlled by provincial- and city-level governments either directly or through local SOEs and investment holding companies.

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In Depth: Banking Sector Cleanup Puts Local Governments in the Firing Line

Inner Mongolia is the latest to go to the market. It was granted an SPB quota of 16.2 billion yuan for bank recapitalization and issued (link in Chinese) two 10-year bonds with a 3.54% coupon on Dec. 30 that raised a total of 8.5 billion yuan to replenish the Tier 1 capital of two local lenders.

The region, which has been heavily involved in dealing with the fallout from the collapse of regional lender Baoshang Bank Co. Ltd., plans to inject 5.5 billion yuan into Bank of Inner Mongolia Co. Ltd. through a BIC which is being treated as additional Tier 1 capital, part of the highest-quality capital that a bank has to absorb losses.

The capital replenishment will strengthen the banks ability to defuse financial risks and enable it to better serve local small and midsize enterprises (SMEs), a bond filing (link in Chinese) by the Inner Mongolia government said. It estimated that, after the fund injection, the banks capital adequacy ratio would rise to 10.56% at the end of 2020 and various capital indicators would be close to or higher than the minimum regulatory standards from 2021 to 2023. The new capital will be used to boost credit to local SMEs, and agricultural and green businesses, according to the filing.

Inner Mongolia also injected 3 billion yuan into Ordos Bank Co. Ltd. to replenish its additional Tier 1 capital.

Guangxi Zhuang issued three SPBs in December, raising a total of 11.8 billion yuan to replenish the capital of 21 institutions through BICs, according to filings (link in Chinese) posted on the website of the governments finance department. The capital injections ranged from as little as 100 million yuan to 2.9 billion yuan, the filings show.

The provinces of Guangdong (link in Chinese) and Zhejiang (link in Chinese) will hand the proceeds of their SPB sales to local state-owned enterprises to buy shares in lenders rather than take out BICs. Guangdong plans to inject a total of 10 billion yuan into four banking institutions through Guangdong Yuecai Investment Holding Co. Ltd., a financial holding company owned by the government. Zhejiang plans to replenish the capital of one bank with 5 billion yuan while Shanxi plans to inject 15.3 billion yuan into a new, as yet unnamed, commercial bank created through the merger of five smaller provincial lenders.

Contact reporter Guo Yingzhe (yingzheguo@caixin.com) and editor Nerys Avery (nerysavery@caixin.com)

Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go.

The Massachusetts State Police is monitoring developments out of Washington D.C., where supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday breached the U.S. Capitol building, leading to chaos and lockdowns.

The Massachusetts State Police continue to monitor developments related to protest activity in Washington D.C. as well as planned demonstrations in our state, and will be prepared to ensure that any protestors in our areas of jurisdiction are able to freely express their right to demonstrate provided they do so peacefully and with respect for the rights, safety, and property of others, state police spokesman Dave Procopio said in a statement.

At this time we are not aware of any expectation of violence in Massachusetts tonight; we continue to monitor developments and will be prepared for any contingencies, the statement continued.

It appears that there is a protest planned for Wednesday night in Boston. Both state and Boston police are working to ensure the safety of the community and those involved, officials said.

Police in Worcester are also monitoring activity related to the chaos in D.C.

We have no intelligence that leads us to expect violence locally. We will continue to monitor the national situation and will be ready if something unexpected develops, the department said in a statement.

Trump recently had urged his supporters to head to the capitol to challenge President-elect Joe Bidens win. The supporters on Wednesday rallied as Bidens victory was certified by a joint session of Congress.

After supporters made their way into the Capitol, the building went into lockdown. Videos from the scene showed the supporters fighting with police, and both officers and supporters spraying pepper spray.

Biden in an address to the nation called on the president to step up.

The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect the true America, Biden said Wednesday. This is not dissent, its disorder. Its chaos. It borders on sedition and it must end now.

Metropolitan Police Chief Robert J. Contee III confirmed that a person was shot inside the Capitol building Wednesday afternoon. Further details on injuries were not available.

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Barbara A. Wolanin did not leave her TV much on Wednesday afternoon, watching terrified, she said, as hundreds of Trump rioters rushed into the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol building where eight large, framed historical paintings hang.

She once was curator for the Architect of the Capitol, the office that preserves and maintains the buildings art and architecture. She knew much better than most the horrific possibilities that were presenting themselves.

What if rioters slashed John Trumbulls Declaration of Independence, one of the large paintings from the early 1800s that depict the American fight for freedom? Or smashed the bronze bust of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
Taipei Fine Arts Museum Selects Design for Collection Warehouse

A design by the architectural firm Shu Chang & Associates has been selected for new storage facilities to house the Taipei Fine Arts Museum collection. After more than 36 years (TFAM was established in 1983), the scale and equipment of the original warehouse no longer met the latest requirements for a broad range of professional applications, from preservation and maintenance to research and access to visible storage. As artwork preservation concepts progressed, the TFAM collection warehouse needed to keep pace with the times and stay in line with international standards. To address the problem of insufficient space, the museum has installed extra shelving in the original warehouse, while also seeking to build a new storage area, in conjunction with the upgrading of overall museum facilities.

In September 2015, when visiting the exhibition Formosa in Formation: Selected Works from the Taipei Fine Arts Museum Collection, Taipei City mayor Ko Wen-je generously agreed to the construction of a new collection warehouse. With the support of the city government, the first phase of development was launched, including planning, case management, and archaeological test pitting. Recently, the museum invited tenders to bid for this project and received outstanding proposals from several architectural and construction teams. Ultimately, a joint proposal from Joyear Development Co., CTCI Smart Engineering Corporation, and the architectural firm Shu Chang & Associates won the day. The site will be located at the current museum parking lot. The space will offer accessibility to the general public while also ensuring the security of the artworks, and it is designed to aptly reflect the connection between the storage facilities and the surrounding environment.

In his proposal, the architect Shu Chang conceptualized a surprising design direction. Advocating that a collection warehouse should be defined as a professional service of the museum, he chose to embed it underground, adopting an approach that maximizes open floor space with minimal building volume. While breaking from the professional constructure project management teams original concept, which included four above-ground floors and two basement levels, the design remained exceptionally faithful to the museums demands for storage functionality. One of the most important considerations was that the underground structure would have natural advantages in reducing vibration and saving energy. Second, it would be located at the same level as the existing storage facilities, which would be beneficial for security control and simplification of lines of movement for transport purposes. This greatly diminished risks when handling the collection.

As the facility that protects the collection and extends the lives of the works, the warehouses topmost priority is disaster prevention. The designs flood-control standards take into account two centuries of flood-level records and reference the flood-control standards of the metro system. Flood barriers will be installed in all entrances to the space, and an excellent drainage pitch is designed to prevent surface water overflow, enabling the rapid discharge of surface runoff to the outside. Moreover, the plan reduces the original disparity in height between the entrance plaza of the main building and the parking lot, from nearly 4 meters to 1.15 meters. Shu Chang also integrated pedestrian flow lines on the grounds, extending the eastern portion of the entrance plaza and creating a public walkway. This leaves possibilities for integration and extension in the next phase of the Taipei Art Park  TFAM Expansion Project, and it provides visitors with more smoothly flowing and convenient lines of motion.

Taipei Fine Arts Museum was the first museum of modern and contemporary art established in Taiwan. After more than 30 years, its collection encompasses major historic artworks since the Japanese colonial era, as well as classic works by prominent artists from both Taiwan and abroad. Through thematic exhibitions, it explores a variety of contemporary issues. These bountiful art assets will now be housed in a " visible storage," where researchers who have made an appointment in advance can see how the works are preserved and the behind-the-scenes handling of the collection. This in turn will give contemporary cultural asset preservation a more robust role in educating society. This visible storage is not merely a new kind of space, but represents a sea change in the way we think about cultural assets.

As Taipei Fine Arts Museum is a historic institution, all changes are built on the cumulative accomplishments of the past. Since 2017 TFAM has replaced the air-conditioning system and upgraded interior facilities, improved professional services, and built a new south entrance, enhancing the interactive relationship between TFAM, the Fine Arts Park and the Wang Da Hong House Theatre. In his winning design, Shu Chang has clearly defined the central point of the new collection warehouse as its utilitarian function, without emphasizing any eye-catching exterior design. The concept of concealing it underground arose from an attitude of humility, carefully considering the symbiotic relationship with the surrounding group of buildings, so that the main building designed by Kao Er-panone of the most vivid images in the collective memory of the people of Taipei and Taiwanmaintains its independence and iconic presence. Likewise, the gradually evolving Taipei Fine Arts Park will become more open and accessible, manifesting consideration for both the city and the public. The Taipei City Government has allocated a total of NT$1.07357 billion for this project, which is expected to open in 2024.

Quelle: Taipei Fine Arts Museum
River Discovery Center Hosts Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition

PADUCAH - River Discovery Center Hosts Smithsonian Traveling ExhibitionThe Smithsonians Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with the Kentucky Humanities Council, presents Crossroads: Change in Rural America. The exhibition examining the evolving landscape of rural American opens at the River Discovery Center in downtown Paducah. Crossroads is on exhibit through February 13 from 9:30 am - 5 pm Monday through Saturday. The Center is following safety guidelines recommended by the state of Kentucky.The River Discovery Center and the surrounding community have been expressly chosen by the Kentucky Humanities Council to host Crossroads as part of the Museum on Main Street programa national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations. The exhibition will tour seven communities in Kentucky from October 10, 2020 through August 7, 2021Crossroads explores how rural American communities changed in the 20th century. From sea to shining sea, the vast majority of the United States landscape remains rural with only 3.5% of the landmass considered urban. Since 1900, the percentage of Americans living in rural areas dropped from 60% to 17%. The exhibition looks at that remarkable societal change and how rural Americans responded.Americans have relied on rural crossroads for generations. These places where people gather to exchange goods, services and culture and to engage in political and community discussions are an important part of our cultural fabric. Despite the massive economic and demographic impacts brought on by these changes, Americas small towns continue to creatively focus on new opportunities for growth and development.Crossroads allows us to reflect on Paducah history, present and future and we are excited to explore what the future may hold for our community, said Julie Harris, executive director of the River Discovery Center. We want to convene conversations about what makes our community unique and have developed local exhibitions and public programs to complement the Smithsonian exhibition. Due to the COVID pandemic, the status of public programming is uncertain. The River Discovery Center will alert the public when the status of the free programs and the schedule and locations is determined.Designed for small-town museums, libraries and cultural organizations, Crossroads will serve as a community meeting place for conversations about how rural America has changed. With the support and guidance of state humanities councils, these towns will develop complementary exhibits, host public programs and facilitate educational initiatives to raise peoples understanding about their own history, the joys and challenges of living rural, how change has impacted their community, and prompt discussion of goals for the future.The exhibition is part of the Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. To learn more about Crossroads and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit www.museumonmainstreet.org.Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the U.S. Congress.SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 65 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit www.sites.si.edu.For more information about the River Discovery Center, 117 S. Water St. in downtown Paducah, call 270-575-9958 or visit them online: www.riverdiscoverycenter.orgOn the Net:
A violent mob loyal to Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol and forced legislators into hiding, in a stunning attempt to overturn Americas presidential election, undercut the nations democracy and keep Joe Biden from replacing Mr Trump in the White House.

The nations elected representatives scrambled to crouch under desks and don gas masks, while police tried to barricade the building, one of the most jarring scenes to unfold in a seat of American political power.

A woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol, and Washingtons mayor instituted an evening curfew in an attempt to contain the violence. Police said three other people died from medical emergencies.

The rioters were egged on by Mr Trump, who had spent weeks falsely attacking the integrity of the election and urged his supporters to descend on Washington to protest against Congresss formal approval of Mr Bidens victory.

Some Republican legislators were in the midst of raising objections to the results on his behalf when the proceedings were abruptly halted by the mob.

The protests and the Republican election objections exposed the depths of the divisions that have coursed through the country during Mr Trumps four years in office.

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On Thursday morning, Mr Trump pledged there will be an orderly transition after Congress formally validated Mr Bidens victory, but the support Mr Trump received for his efforts to overturn the election results have badly strained the nations democratic safeguards.

Congress reconvened in the evening, legislators condemning the protests that defaced the Capitol and vowing to finish confirming the electoral college vote for Mr Biden.

Vice president Mike Pence, reopening the Senate, directly addressed the demonstrators, saying: You did not win.

Republican Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said the failed insurrection underscored legislators duty to finish the count. Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress would show the world what America is made of with the outcome.

Expand Close Violent protesters storm the Capitol (John Minchillo/AP) / Facebook

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The president had given his supporters a boost into action on Wednesday morning at a rally outside the White House, where he urged them to march to the Capitol.

He spent much of the afternoon in his private dining room off the Oval Office watching scenes of the violence on television. At the urging of his staff, he reluctantly issued a pair of tweets and a taped video telling his supporters it was time to go home in peace  yet he still said he backed their cause.

Hours later, Twitter for the first time time locked his account, demanded that he remove tweets excusing violence and threatened permanent suspension.

A sombre president-elect Biden, two weeks away from being inaugurated, said American democracy was under unprecedented assault, a sentiment echoed by many in Congress, including some Republicans. Former President George W Bush said he watched the events in disbelief and dismay.

Today is a reminder, a painful one, that democracy is fragile. To preserve it requires people of good will, leaders with the courage to stand up, who are devoted not to pursuit of power and personal interest at any cost, but to the common good.  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 7, 2021

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The Capitol building has for centuries been the scene of protests and occasional violence, but Wednesdays events were particularly astounding because they unfolded at least initially with the implicit blessing of the president, and because of the underlying goal of overturning the results of a free and fair presidential election.

Tensions were already running high when legislators gathered early on Wednesday afternoon for the constitutionally mandated counting of the electoral college results, in which Mr Biden defeated Mr Trump, 306-232.

Mr Trump spent the lead-up to the proceedings publicly hectoring Mr Pence, who had a largely ceremonial role, to aid the effort to throw out the results. He tweeted: Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!

But Mr Pence, in a statement shortly before presiding, defied Mr Trump, saying he could not claim unilateral authority to reject the electoral votes that make Mr Biden president.

In the aftermath, several Republicans dropped their objections to the election, including senator Kelly Loeffler, who lost her bid for re-election on Tuesday.

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Earlier, protesters had fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls, many without masks during the Covid-19 crisis.

Legislators were told to duck under their seats for cover and put on gas masks after tear gas was used in the Capitol Rotunda. Some House members tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

The woman who was killed was part of a crowd breaking down the doors to a barricaded room where armed officers stood on the other side, police said. She was shot in the chest by Capitol police and taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.

City police said three other people died from medical emergencies during the long protest on and around the Capitol grounds.

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Press Association

WASHINGTON (AP)  Here is the latest on Congress tally of the Electoral College vote won by Joe Biden (all times local):

3:55 a.m.

President Donald Trump now says there will be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory and after a day of violence when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Trump says in a statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

He adds: I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

Trumps account is currently locked by Twitter.

Trump has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.

3:41 a.m.

Congress has formally validated Joe Bidens presidential election victory on a day that saw a time-honored ceremony become a nightmare of unprecedented political terror.

The House and Senate certified the Democrats electoral college win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police.

The rampage began shortly after President Donald Trump repeated his unfounded claims of election fraud to thousands of rallying demonstrators hed invited to Washington. Many then surged to the Capitol after he incited them to go there as lawmakers debated the electoral votes.

More than six hours after the violence erupted, lawmakers resumed their session.

Thirteen Republican senators and dozens of GOP representatives had planned to force debate and votes on perhaps six different states votes.

The assault on the Capitol made some Republicans squeamish about trying to overturn Bidens win, and challenges were lodged only against Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both efforts lost overwhelmingly.

Biden defeated Trump by 306-232 electoral votes and will be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3:25 a.m.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is defending his objection to the Electoral College results as the right thing to do.

The Texas senator condemned the violence that erupted as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an extraordinary attack over the election outcome.

Cruz led the first challenge to Joe Bidens defeat of President Donald Trump by objecting to Arizonas results. He sought to have Congress launch a commission to investigate the election. His effort was roundly defeated in the House and Senate.

Cruz said he was confident the country will have a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Biden is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3 a.m.

The House has joined the Senate in turning aside Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Lawmakers in the House voted 282-138 against the objection as the counting of Electoral College votes continued into the early hours of Thursday morning. The Senate shut down the same objection 92-7 just after midnight, and unlike the House, declined to debate before voting.

After a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

2:20 a.m.

A small group of House lawmakers came close to physically fighting early Thursday morning as the congressional count of electoral votes stretched into the wee hours and a Pennsylvania Democrat charged that Republicans had been telling lies about his states votes.

Rep. Morgan Griffiths, R-Va., objected after Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said a breach of the Capitol by an angry mob earlier in the day was inspired by lies, the same lies you are hearing in this room tonight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shot down the objection, but a few minutes later Republicans and Democrats streamed to the middle aisle, with around a dozen lawmakers getting close to each other and arguing. But the group quickly broke up when Pelosi called for order on the floor.

President Donald Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in Pennsylvania and other states and Republicans have echoed those claims as they have challenged electoral votes.

12:55 a.m.

The Senate has quickly killed Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Senators voted 92-7 after midnight to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, its the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he believes no other states votes will be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

12:15 a.m. Thursday

Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have objected to the counting of Pennsylvanias electoral votes, triggering up to two hours of debate in the House and Senate.

The objections come 11 hours after the congressional count to confirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential victory began, and after lawmakers had to evacuate both chambers for several hours to escape a mob that had violently breached the Capitol.

Hawley said last week that he would object to Pennsylvanias electoral votes, saying Congress should investigate voter fraud. President Donald Trump has falsely said since his defeat that there was widespread fraud in the election.

Biden won Pennsylvania by just over 80,000 votes. Since the Nov. 3 election, Trump and his allies filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging Bidens win on various grounds, including that many or all of the states mail-in ballots were illegal.

The lawsuits failed as judge after judge found no violation of state law or constitutional rights, or no grounds to grant an immediate halt to certifying the election.

11:20 p.m. Wednesday

The House has voted overwhelmingly to reject an objection to President-elect Joe Bidens win in Arizona, joining the Senate in upholding the results of the election there.

The objection failed 303-121 on Wednesday night, with only Republicans voting in support.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Now that Arizona is out of the way, Congress will reconvene as the joint session and make its way through the rest of the states that have objections.

11:10 p.m.

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in medical emergencies.

Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee. Police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

10:15 p.m.

The Senate has overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.

The objection to the results in Arizona -- spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz -- was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

The Republicans raised the objection based on false claims pushed by President Donald Trump and others of issues with the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials.

10:10 p.m.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says a commission to examine the 2020 election is not a proper next step and affirmed that Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, called it a uniquely bad idea to delay this election, referencing the commission idea proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Graham says, Count me out. Enough is enough.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Graham said that if youre a conservative, the idea that Vice President Mike Pence could reverse the results of the election, as President Donald Trump had urged him to do, was the most offensive concept in the world.

10 p.m.

Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

9:55 p.m.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he is going forward with his objection to the Electoral College results in Pennsylvania despite the violent breach at the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

The Missouri senator said he did not support violence but said the Senate should go forward with a legal process that includes his objections.

Hawley says his objections should be debated peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets. He says he hoped lawmakers would not brush his concerns aside because of the violence earlier Wednesday, including the death of a protester inside the Capitol.

Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

9:45 p.m.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump has falsely said there was widespread fraud in the election to explain his defeat and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trumps, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

9:15 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

9:10 p.m.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending 1,000 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials. It comes after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday: For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.s aid.

The presidents supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Trump convinced them that he was cheated out of a victory by rampant, widespread voter fraud, a false claim.

8:55 p.m.

Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

8:45 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Congress will not be deterred in confirming the results of the presidential election hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Republican leader reopened the Senate late Wednesday vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College for President-elect Joe Biden. It was interrupted earlier in the way when rioters breached the security perimeter and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. One person was fatally shot.

McConnell says demonstrators tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed.

McConnell plans to keep the Senate in session Wednesday to finish confirming the results.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true. He reiterated the claim in a video filmed as his demonstrators were storming the Capitol.

8:35 p.m.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.

Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

8:20 p.m.

Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation.

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

Obama says it should not have come as a surprise, and that for two months a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth.

He says their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

8:10 p.m.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

8:05 p.m.

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in protest over President Donald Trumps Syria policies, blamed the president for the violence at the U.S. Capitol.

In a sharp rebuke Wednesday, Mattis said the violence was fomented by Trump, who has used the presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens.

His written statement concluded, Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country.

Mattis, a retired four-star Marine general who stepped down as Pentagon chief in December 2018, had an embattled relationship with Trump, but largely remained publicly quiet and avoided direct criticism. Since he left the job, however, he has been more openly derisive of Trump, including a public condemnation of the presidents heavy-handed use of military force to quell protests near the White House last June.

7:55 p.m.

Stephanie Grisham, chief of staff and press secretary for first lady Melania Trump, has resigned following violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Grisham says in a statement Wednesday that it was an honor to serve the country in the White House and be part of he first ladys mission to help children.

Grisham was one of Trumps longest serving aides, having joined the campaign in 2015. She served as the White House press secretary and never held a press briefing.

Wednesdays violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by the presidents supporters sparked renewed conversations inside the White House about mass resignations by mid-level aides who are responsible for operations of the office of the president.

Two people familiar with the conversations said the aides were torn between fears of what more would happen if they left and a desire to register their disgust with their boss. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.

7:45 p.m.

The Republican National Committee says it strongly condemns the violence at the Capitol, adding that the violent scenes do not represent acts of patriotism, but an attack on our country and its founding principles.

The RNC is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican political platform. Its statement condemning the violence came hours after Republican President Donald Trump baselessly complained that the election was stripped away from great patriots. He went on to tell them to go home with love & in peace.

The groups communications director, Michael Ahrens, says, What happened today was domestic terrorism.

He says to see the U.S. flag used in the name of unfounded conspiracy theories is a disgrace to the nation, and every decent American should be disgusted by it.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens victory over him, citing false claims of voter fraud. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people.

7:40 p.m.

Former President Bill Clinton says the attack on the U.S. Capitol was fueled over four years of poison politics and lit by President Donald Trump.

Clinton said in a statement Wednesday night that the riot at the Capitol resulted from a combination of deliberate disinformation that created distrust in the system and pit Americans against one another.

He wrote, The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost.

His wife, Hillary Clinton, lost a bitter election to Trump in 2016 and conceded to him immediately. Trump has refused to accept his defeat by Democrat Joe Biden in November and is trying to cast him as an illegitimate president.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

7:20 p.m.

A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, later deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!

State House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw said Evans will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.

He said he has not spoken to Evans yet about his involvement.

The delegate from Wayne County said in a statement later on Facebook that he was heading back to West Virginia and was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history.

6:55 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will resume the Electoral College proceedings once the Capitol is cleared of pro-Donald Trump protesters and safe for use.

Pelosi said she made the decision Wednesday in consultation with the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the vice president, who will preside.

She noted the day would always be part of history, but now it would be as such a shameful picture of our country was put out into the world.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

6:45 p.m.

Dozens of pro-Trump protesters remain on the streets of the nations capital in defiance of the curfew imposed after rioters stormed the Capitol.

The mostly maskless crowd was forcibly removed from the Capitol on Wednesday after breaking into the building and halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were pushed out of the immediate area and moved down the hill, where they taunted law enforcement and moved barricades.

Police said anyone found on the streets after the 6 p.m. curfew would be arrested. Officers in full riot gear with shields lined the streets near the U.S. Capitol.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said their debate on affirming Bidens victory would continue after the Capitol was secured.

6:40 p.m.

The head of the nations largest union of flight attendants says people who took part in the violent protest at the Capitol must be banned from flying.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said in a statement Wednesday that some of the people who traveled in our planes (Tuesday) participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today.

She says, Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area. Acts against our democracy, our government and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.

Nelson and the union endorsed President-elect Joe Biden over President Donald Trump before the November election.

Trump supporters on a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Washington heckled Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, the lone Republican senator to vote to oust Trump after he was impeached. On an American Airlines flight from Dallas, a large contingent of Trump supporters got in an angry yelling match with other passengers after one of the presidents supporters projected Trump 2020 on the cabin ceiling and walls.

6:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is blaming President Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection at the Capitol.

Romney, the GOPs 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of Trumps, said the violent breach of the Capitol on Wednesday was due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months.

The Utah senator said those who continue to support Trumps dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy.

Romney ridiculed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans who want an audit of the election results: Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the president will continue to claim the election was stolen.

The simple truth, Romney said, is that President-elect (Joe) Biden won this election. President Trump lost.

6:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump has appeared to justify the violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

In a tweet Wednesday night, Trump said, These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

Trump has faced mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers to do more to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name.

6:20 p.m.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen says the violent pro-Trump protest at the U.S. Capitol was an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of democracy.

Rosen said Wednesday that the Justice Department has been working with U.S. Capitol Police and other federal law enforcement agencies to secure the Capitol. He says hundreds of federal agents from Justice Department agencies were sent to assist.

He called it an unacceptable situation and said federal prosecutors intend to enforce the laws of our land.

Dozens of President Donald Trumps supporters breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police declared the Capitol to be secure about four hours later.

6:10 p.m.

Former President George W. Bush says he and his wife, Laura, are sickened and heartbroken over the mayhem in Washington and have watched in disbelief and dismay as events unfolded.

Bush said the assault on the Capitol on Wednesday and the disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens victory was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

The Republican said in a statement that he is appalled by what he described as reckless behavior by some political leaders since the election and the lack of respect for U.S. institutions, traditions and law enforcement.

Bush addressed those who are disappointed by the election result, saying, Our country is more important than the politics of the moment.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting. They fought with officers both inside the building and outside.

6:10 p.m.

A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died.

Thats according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

5:50 p.m.

Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

The occupation interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations around the Capitol complex and Washington, D.C. after thousands of Trump supporters breached the building and skirmished with police officers.

Lawmakers have signaled that they would resume the constitutionally mandated count as soon as it was safe to do so.

5:40 p.m.

Police are using tear gas and percussion grenades to begin clearing pro-Trump protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington.

Police donned gas masks as they moved in Wednesday evening with force to clear protesters from the Capitol grounds shortly before a curfew took hold. In the moments before, there were violent clashes between the police and protesters, who tore railing for the inauguration scaffolding and threw it at the officers.

Police used tear gas and percussion grenades to break up the crowd, which began dispersing.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police said at least one person was shot inside the Capitol; their condition was not immediately known.

The districts police chief said at least 13 people were arrested, and five firearms had been recovered during the pro-Trump protests on Wednesday.

5:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Ben Sasse is directly blaming President Donald Trump for the storming of the Capitol by huge, angry crowds of pro-Trump protesters.

The Nebraska lawmaker and frequent critic of Trump said Wednesday evening that the Capitol was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard  tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution.

Sasse says in a written statement, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The protesters broke into the building as Congress was beginning the formal process of certifying the electoral votes that gave Democratic President-elect Joe Biden a victory over Trump in November. Vice President Mike Pence has the ceremonial role of overseeing that certification and resisted Trump efforts to pressure him to overturn the election results.

Trump has continued to fallaciously claim that the voting was marred by fraud and that he actually won. Earlier Wednesday Trump addressed a huge crowd of protesters outside the White House and urged them to gather at the Capitol.

5:25 p.m.

The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.

5:05 p.m.

Pro-Trump demonstrators have massed outside statehouses across the country, forcing evacuations in at least two states. In St. Paul, Minnesota, cheers rang out from demonstrators in reaction to the news that supporters of President Donald Trump had stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Hundreds of mostly unmasked people people gathered outside capitols on Wednesday with Trump flags and Stop the Steal signs. In Georgia and Oklahoma, some demonstrators carried guns.

New Mexico state police evacuated staff from a statehouse building that includes the governors and secretary of states offices as a precaution shortly after hundreds of flag-waving supporters arrived in a vehicle caravan and on horseback. A spokesperson for the governors office says there was no indication of threats at the statehouse.

The staff of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was sent home as several hundred pro-Trump demonstrators rallied outside the Capitol, though the demonstration remained relatively calm. A brief scuffle between pro-Trump demonstrators, who included members of the Proud Boys, and counterprotesters broke out in Columbus, Ohio, but there was no immediate threat to the Capitol.

5 p.m.

The police chief of Washington, D.C., says pro-Trump protesters deployed chemical irritants on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.

Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. One civilian was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behavior of the Trump supporters was shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful. She says, There will be law and order and this behavior will not be tolerated.

Metropolitan police have been sent to the Capitol, and authorities were coming in from Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey to help out. The National Guard was also deployed, as were Homeland Security investigators and Secret Service.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

4:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump, in a video message, is urging supporters to go home but is also keeping up false attacks about the presidential election.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trump opened his video, saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said, we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. The statement came as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:37 p.m.

Two influential business groups are calling for the attack on the nations Capitol to end and for a peaceful transition of power.

Business Roundtable, which represents some of the most powerful companies in America including Walmart, Apple, Starbucks and General Electric, called on President Donald Trump and other officials to bring the protests to an end.

The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, the Roundtable said in a statement Wednesday. The country deserves better.

Separately, the CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Donohue, which represents large and small companies, urged officials to clear the Capitol and for Congress to approve the results of the presidential election won by Joe Biden.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength. The Capitol went into lockdown after its security perimeters were breached and protesters entered the building.

4:35 p.m.

At least one explosive device has been found near the U.S. Capitol amid a violent occupation of the building by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

Thats according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Thousands of supporters of the president occupied the Capitol complex as lawmakers were beginning to tally the electoral votes that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Vice President Mike Pence has called on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than Trump, who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

4:10 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden also demanded President Donald Trump to immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence that he described as an unprecedented assault as pro-Trump protestors violently occupy U.S. Capitol.

Bidens condemnation came after violent protesters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elects victory in the November election.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:05 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than President Donald Trump who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Pence, long a loyal aide to the president, defied Trump earlier Wednesday, tell him he didnt have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. Trump had publicly called on Pence to overturn the will of the voters, but Pences constitutional role in the process was only ceremonial.

Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Trump later issued a restrained call for peace but did not ask his supporters to disperse.

4 p.m.

The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the citys armory. The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.

The officials said the D.C. request for National Guard was not rejected earlier in the day. Instead, according to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military in a law enforcement role at the Capitol. As a result, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Hoffman said the law enforcement response to the violence will be led by the Justice Department.

3:55 p.m.

The top Democrats in Congress are demanding that President Donald Trump order his supporters to leave the Capitol following a chaotic protest aimed at blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a joint statement on Wednesday after violent protesters stormed the Capitol. They said, We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately.

Trump earlier encouraged his supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he did not call for them to disperse. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he repeated his false claims that President-elect Joe Biden had won the election through voter fraud.

He urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:50 p.m.

The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trumps supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

She added, We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.

Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.

3:40 p.m.

Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on President Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters angry about his election loss.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he spoke with the president earlier Wednesday and told him to make a statement to make sure that we can calm individuals down.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that it is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey told The Associated Press that while he sympathizes with the protesters position, they shouldnt get violent, and it would be nice if Trump called on them to protest in a peaceful way in an appropriate spot, where you belong, where you should be.

Many Republicans had backed Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.

This is Banana Republic crap that were watching right now, said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College vote.

3:37 p.m.

Supporters of President Donald Trump got into a angry shouting match with other passengers on a Washington-bound American Airlines plane after they projected a Trump 2020 logo on the cabin ceiling and walls.

The Trump supporters said a passenger threatened to kill them, and there was yelling back and forth. A flight attendant intervened, telling one passenger in the aisle to sit down.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night after Americans flight 1291 from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport landed at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., and was taxiing to the gate.

The scene was posted on Twitter by Maranie Staab, a Portland, Oregon-based independent journalist who says on her website that she focuses on human rights and social-justice issues.

Our team is reviewing this incident, said American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing. We applaud our outstanding crewmembers for their professionalism in de-escalating a tense onboard situation and getting our customers to their destination safely.

American said law enforcement was not called, and that passengers deplaned and dispersed without further incident.

3:35 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from supporters of President Donald Trump who are protesting Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

3:30 p.m.

One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.

Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

3:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is encouraging supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he is not calling for them to disperse.

As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, No violence! adding: Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.

But Trump did not ask supporters to vacate the area as the unrest continued.

Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol  at one point even suggesting he would join them. He is upset that he lost the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and has falsely claimed voter fraud to explain it away.

He also urged his supporters to get rid of the weak Congress people  presumably through primary challenges  saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:15 p.m.

A Defense Department official says Washington, D.C., has requested an additional 200 National Guard members as supporters of President Donald Trump violently clash with law enforcement at the Capitol.

That request is currently under review at the Pentagon to determine how the Guard can respond to support law enforcement.

According to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military at the Capitol. Instead, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Officials said the request for more National Guard has not been rejected.

Trump had urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

3:10 p.m.

Pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump to condemn supporters who are violently clashing with law enforcement on Capitol Hill.

Among those urging Trump to act: his former communications director, Alyssa Farah, who tweeted that Trump should Condemn this now.

She says, you are the only one they will listen to. For our country!

Dozens of people have breached security perimeters at the Capitol, forcing the lockdown of the building and halting the vote to certify Joe Bidens presidential victory.

Trump has so far offered a single tweet asking his supporters to Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

His former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted: The Presidents tweet is not enough. He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home.

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, also addressed Trump supporters in a tweet, calling them the patriots challenging the fraudulent election and telling them that POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY.

3 p.m.

Protesters backing President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

Trump urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers have backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Protesters are now inside the Senate chamber. One got up on the dais and yelled Trump won that election.

Several dozen are roaming through the halls, yelling, Where are they?

Some were also in the visitors galleries.

2:50 p.m.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid skirmishes by supporters of President Donald Trump

Pro-Trump protestors breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, violently clashing with law enforcement as lawmakers were gathered inside to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Novembers presidential election.

Law enforcement instructed lawmakers to retrieve masks from under their seats amid the clashes. The Capitol building was placed on lockdown, as Trump supporters marched through evacuated public spaces in the building.

After egging on protests, Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

2:47 p.m.

After egging on protests, President Donald Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement, Trump tweeted, as tear gas was deployed in the locked-down Capitol. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Trump at a rally earlier Wednesday encouraged his supporters to head to the Capitol.

Were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them, Trump said.

2:45 p.m.

Lawmakers are being evacuated from the U.S. Capitol after protesters breached security and entered the building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other senators were led out, escorted by staff and police on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the House were also being evacuated. Both chambers had been debating the certification of Joe Bidens victory in the Electoral College.

The skirmishes came shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

Protesters could be seen marching through the Capitols stately Statuary Hall shouting and waving Trump banners and American flags.

Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

2:40 p.m.

The mayor of Washington, D.C., has ordered a curfew in the nations capital beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday after protestors seeking to overturn the election results stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the order as protestors supporting President Donald Trump breached the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting to formally count the electors that will make Joe Biden president on Jan. 20.

The order extends through 6 a.m. Thursday.

The skirmishes came shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:30 p.m.

Protesting supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol.

There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and the debate over the electoral count was suspended.

A representative from the Capitol police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told lawmakers to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.

House Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern of Massachusetts told the crowd that the House expected to go back into session soon. Meanwhile, members milled around the floor and looked at their phones.

Reporters and others outside the chamber were told to go their seats inside and not leave.

The skirmishes came just shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

The Senate has recessed its debate over an objection to the results of the Electoral College after protesters forced police to lock down the building.

Reporters were told to stay in the Senates press gallery as the doors were locked.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz says American democracy is in crisis with polls showing that large numbers of voters believe the election that just occurred was rigged.

Cruz, a Republican, objected to the certification of election results in Arizona, saying the Senate has a responsibility to acknowledge the profound threat posed by widespread disbelief in the legitimacy of the election.

He called for the creation of a commission to conduct a 10-day emergency audit to investigate any irregularities, citing a similar commission created after the 1876 presidential election.

Cruz urged lawmakers not to take the easy path, but instead act together and create a credible and fair tribunal. Consider the claims, consider the facts, consider the evidence and make a conclusive determination whether and to what extent this election complied with the Constitution.'

1:55 p.m.

The U.S. Capitol Police are evacuating some congressional office buildings due to police activity as thousands gather outside the Capitol to protest the electoral vote.

Police told congressional staff members they should evacuate the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress. It wasnt immediately clear what specifically sparked the evacuation.

A police spokeswoman did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

Thousands of people have descended on the U.S. Capitol as Congress is expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens 2020 presidential win. Videos posted online showed protesters fighting with U.S. Capitol Police officers as police fired pepper spray to keep them back.
Four Ukrainian citizens, members of the crew of the Captain Khayyam tanker, which was detained in the territorial waters of Libya on February 13, 2016: sailors Yevhen Morar, Volodymyr Tostohan, Oleh Voinerovsky and Pavlo Chaika are already on their way home, the presidential press service said on Thursday.

In December 2017, a Libyan court sentenced four Ukrainians and other members of the crew of the Captain Khayyam tanker to five years in prison. Since two Ukrainian sailors have health problems, representatives of Ukraine have repeatedly raised the issue of their release on humanitarian grounds before the Libyan side.

President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the release of Ukrainian citizens and said that, finally, they will be able to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.

The head of state also thanked the Ukrainian diplomats, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other departments for the work, due to which it became possible for Ukrainians to return home.

"The Ukrainian state does not forget and does not leave its citizens in trouble. And we are doing our best, using all channels so that Ukrainians who want to return home can do it. Since the state exists for the citizen, to protect his rights and freedom. And citizens protect our country. This is exactly how it should be," Zelensky said.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also keeps the process of returning sailors under control.
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, said Americas allies are watching in disbelief as supporters of President Donald Trump attempted to disrupt the peaceful transition of presidential power.

The West Michigan congressman said Trump clearly inspired rioters who broke into the Capitol in an attempt to overthrow a procedural step affirming President-elect Joe Bidens victory. Trump addressed protesters gathered in Washington D.C. before the attack, urging them to march peacefully on the Capitol but also indicating youll never take back our country with weakness.

We are the beacon of democracy; we are known for a peaceful transition of power from one administration to the next, and this is going to be Trumps legacy, Upton said. Its not going to be the economy. Its going to be how he passed the torch, and its not going to be good.

Upton said Trumps description of violent protesters as patriots is shameful. The president issued a statement on Twitter claiming the election was stolen, saying These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

While Upton had already pledged to accept the votes of electors across the country that awarded Biden 306 Electoral College votes to Trumps 232, he said Wednesdays attack should change the minds of Republican colleagues who were prepared to challenge the outcome.

Most of these rumors or conspiracies have all been debunked, Upton said. Whether it be social media or others that are willing to continue to promote those, its a constant stream of misinformation that tragically has folks believing that. Im not a lawyer but when youre 0-60 (in court) that ought to tell you something.

Republicans lack the necessary votes to dispute electoral votes in the House and Senate. Upton said Biden will be inaugurated on Jan. 20.

Upton attempted to persuade colleagues that there is no evidence of fraud in Michigan during a meeting of House Republicans Tuesday.

We all took the oath of office Sunday afternoon to protect and defend the Constitution, Upton said. The Constitution makes it pretty clear what our role is here, and thats my guiding principle.

The West Michigan congressman watched the events unfold alone from his office in Washington D.C. Upton said he was shocked to see Trump supporters scale the walls of the Capitol and pose for pictures with a statue of Gerald Ford that he helped dedicate.

Upton said hes not sure how the Republican Party moves forward after promoting election misinformation that has seemingly convinced a significant part of Trumps base. He hopes GOP leaders will start with a lot of self-reflection.

READ MORE ON MLIVE:

West Michigan Republicans describe siege of Capitol by pro-Trump domestic terrorists

Riots at Capitol among darkest chapters in U.S. history, says Michigan congresswoman

Michigan congresswoman confirms National Guard deployed to quell Capitol riots

Michigan congressman says Trump provoked insurrection of U.S. government

Pro-Trump protesters disrupt Electoral College vote as violence breaks out in U.S. Capitol

Michigan GOP congressman dispels election myths from constituents asking to oppose Bidens win
Actor Rahul Roy discharged from hospital

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Mumbai, Jan 07: Actor Rahul Roy, who suffered a brain stroke last year, on Thursday said he is back home from the hospital but it is "still a long journey" to full recovery.

The "Aashiqui" star was admitted to the intensive care unit of Nanavati Hospital on November 27 after he arrived from a shoot in Kargil.

Last month, the 52-year-old actor was shifted to Wockhardt Hospitals, where he underwent angiography of the brain and heart.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actor Parzaan Dastur ties knot with girlfriend Delna Shroff

Roy thanked his well-wishers for their best wishes on Instagram.

"I am back home after a long treatment in the hospital. I am recovering and it's still a long journey for full recovery," he wrote alongside a photo of him with his sister Priyanka Roy and brother-in-law Romeer Sen.

"Today I would like to thank everyone who stood by me all this while, Rohit my brother, my sister and best friend Priyanka, my brother-in-law Romeer along with my friends Aditi Govitrikar, Dr Huz, Zahid, Ashwini Kumar, Azhar, Shruti Dwivedi, Suchitra Pillai and all my friends for praying for me," he added.

According to Sen, Roy was discharged from hospital on Wednesday.

"He is at home and doing well. But he will have to take speech and physiotherapy sessions for six to eight months, it can be more or less depending on his recovery," Sen told PTI.

Roy made his Bollywood debut in the Mahesh Bhatt-directed musical romance hit "Aashiqui" in 1990 and went on to work with the filmmaker on movies like "Junoon" and "Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee".

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

The actor also won the first season of the popular TV reality show "Bigg Boss" in 2006.

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Story first published: Thursday, January 7, 2021, 12:45 [IST]
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Supporters of President Donald Trump invaded the Capitol on Wednesday, getting into standoffs with police as Congress met to count the electoral college votes and officially certify the results.

HOW TEXANS FEEL: Texas politicians react to violence at the Capitol

While police were expected to rectify the situation and use force if necessary, they appeared to allow the situation to continue to escalate  even taking photos with the rioters.

"Cops are taking selfies with the terrorists," Timothy Burke tweeted.

The Florida-based reporter also shared a video, where you can see a masked security officer pose with a smirking Trump supporter.

The image sparked conversations on social media, with many people expressing calling for the firing of the officer involved.

Houston rapper and activist Trae the Truth also shared the image on Instagram with angry emojis and the caption, "Aint No way In H--- Washington DC Police Over there Taking Selfies!!!"

I can't believe this is our reality. As many people pointed out on Twitter, if the rioters were Black, things would not have gone so smoothly.
Several logistical challenges have also been faced with vaccine rollout, as only 2.6 million people were vaccinated as of Wednesday.

An analysis by NBC News of previous data on Tuesday showed that it would take approximately ten years at the current pace to inoculate enough Americans to bring the pandemic under control.

US Distribution Gets Worst

The production and dissemination of vaccines have been the subject of widespread conspiracy theories and social media misinformation. However, it is uncertain how much influence this anti-vaccination campaign has had on overall public faith in the method. And now Dr. Fauci has been calling the government to have a new way in coronavirus vaccine rollout.

One hundred forty-five sites were scheduled to receive the vaccine on Monday, 425 on Tuesday, and 66 on Wednesday, according to Gen. Gustave F. Perna, the chief operating officer of the federal initiative to create a vaccine. Thus the following figures affect the decision for vaccine rollout earlier.

It is estimated that most of the first injections given on Monday will go to high-risk health care workers. In certain situations, this initial, small distribution does not have nearly sufficient doses to inoculate all physicians, nurses, security officers, receptionists, and other staff at risk every day of being exposed to the virus.

Since vaccines, including fevers and aches, can cause side effects, hospitals claim they will stagger vaccination schedules among employees.

Nursing home residents who have experienced a disproportionate share of deaths from Covid-19 are now prioritized and are scheduled to start receiving vaccines next week. But the vast majority of Americans will not be willing until spring or later to receive the vaccine. The refusal of some prioritized individuals also leads to vaccine rollout.

According to a data from the Pew Research Center, about 2 in 10 Americans are confident that they will not change their mind about rejecting the vaccine. And 62% said being among the first to receive the vaccine would be painful. Their refusal severely causes the decision for vaccine rollout.

"We're not going to make them" and continue, " but we wish we had a higher compliance," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine stated. "And our message today is that the train may not be coming back for a while. " then continue, "We're going to make it available to everyone eventually, but this is the opportunity for you," added" and you should really think about getting it." His statement to those waiting and answering questions about the vaccine rollout and how it affects Ohio.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said that some of the delays could be because the Covid-19 vaccine program is new and has never been tested before. Amid the holiday season, it was also hard to start something.

"Again, no excuses," he continued," but you can explain why you may not have gotten to the level you want. Now, not to make excuses, we should have done better. So, let me make that clear," he added. "We should have done better, but I think we should wait until we get into maybe the second, or the third week in January, to see if we can now catch up with the original pace that was set." End of quote.

On the other hand, Fauci rejected Trump's death claim and went on telling ABC's "This Week": "All you need to do now to go into the trenches, go into the hospitals too, go into those intensive care units and see what is happening their. Those are real numbers, real people, and real deaths."

He also expressed the hope of increasing vaccines but added that "we are not where we want to be, there's no doubt about that."

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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MSNBC's Joe Scarborough raged on Thursday morning against Capitol Police in DC for allowing thousands of Trump supporters to run riot with weapons in what has been described as one of the darkest days in American politics and history.

Appearing on Morning Joe, the show he hosts with his wife Mika Brzezinski, Scarborough went on a long and angry rant about what transpired on Wednesday.

'Ive got no questions for Donald Trump, hes an insurrectionist, there are no questions, he should be arrested today, he should be sent to jail today for insurrection against the United States of America.

'But I do wonder this morning why they werent better prepared for this? Why werent the Capitol Hill police better prepared for this?' he asked.

Becoming angrier and angrier, he compared the gentle police response on Wednesday to the much tougher line that was taken in the summer during BLM protests.

Furious: Scarboroguh demanded that Trump be arrested and that the Capitol Police face questions

'If these insurrectionists were black, they would have been shot in the face.

'And my God, if these insurrections had been were Muslim, they would have been sniped from the tops of buildings.

'So I want to know from the Capitol Hill police, what is it, just white people? Or is it Donald Trump supporters?

'Why do you scream at people for walking across the street three blocks away from the capitol?

'Why are you known as bada**es around the capitol, but then Trump supporters come in and you hold open the f*****g doors for them?' he fumed.

Scarborough added that cops were seen 'patting terrorists on the back' and 'taking selfies with people who are committing and insurrection against the United States of America'.

'There has to be an investigation. How many of these Capitol Hill cops are members of Donald Trumps cult? How many?

'How many allowed this to happen? And I do want to know, where the hell were the D.C. police?' he asked.

Rioters breeze past police at the Capitol Building on Wednesday afternoon after overpowering them in a matter of seconds

An outnumbered Capitol Police officer inside the Capitol building as Trump supporters storm the building

A frightened and outnumbered Capitol Hill cop cowers as the mob rushes towards him on Wednesday

The Capitol Police Chief said on Thursday that a full review of the officers' conduct would be carried out.

Videos show the cops being gravely outnumbered by the protesters.

Inside, some ran away from them, up flights of stairs, and others cowered in their faces.

The National Guard was not mobilized until 3.51pm, two hours after they stormed the Capitol building.

Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving - whose job it is to protect the Senate - resigned on Thursday after being told he would be fired for failing to protect the Capitol, as heads began to roll over the horrifying day of violence in America's capital.

Irving had been warned by Chuck Schumer that he would be fired over his office's total failure to stop armed insurgents from breaking onto the Senate floor.

Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi is calling for the resignation of Chief of Capitol Police Steven Sund.

He failed to call in the National Guard to help on Wednesday, instead leaving his 2,000 cops on the hill to deal with the mob of nearly 10,000.
After British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday cancelled his planned trip to India to be the chief guest for Republic Day celebrations, Farmer unions protesting against the three new agriculture laws on Wednesday claimed that the cancellation was a "political win" for them and a "diplomatic defeat" for the government. The Farmer unions' also asserted their agitation has been receiving global support.

'A political win for farmers': Sanyukt Kisan Morcha

"The cancellation of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's India visit is a political win for farmers and a diplomatic defeat for the Modi government...political and social organisations across the world have been supporting the agitation," Sankyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of the protesting Farmer Unions, said in a statement in Hindi, according to news agency PTI.

The statement said the farmers have already announced a tractor protest march on January 26 and a "rehearsal" for it on January 7. "The cancellation of the UK Prime Minister's visit because of all these efforts is surely a big victory for farmers," the statement read.

However, Boris Johnson's visit was cancelled stating that it was important for him to remain in the United Kingdom to focus on the domestic response to COVID-19 in the wake of the speed at which the new coronavirus variant was spreading. A Downing Street spokesperson said that Johnson spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month.

"The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister Modi this morning to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned," the spokesperson said. "In light of the national lockdown announced last night, and the speed at which the new coronavirus variant is spreading, the Prime Minister (Johnson) said that it was important for him to remain in the UK so he can focus on the domestic response to the virus," the spokesperson added.

READ | PM Modi condemns 'unlawful protests' at US Capitol, calls for 'peaceful transfer of power'

READ | After Trudeau's meddling, Canadian Oppn leader spotted at Singhu border with farmers

Meanwhile, according to a release issued by the Prime Minister Modi's Office on Tuesday, "Prime Minister Johnson reiterated his thanks for India's invitation for him as the Chief Guest of the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations but regretted his inability to attend in view of the changed COVID-19 context prevailing in the UK. He reiterated his keenness to visit India in the near future," it had stated.

Centre-Farmers deadlock continues

The seventh round of talks between the protesting unions and three Central ministers ended inconclusively on Monday as farmer groups stuck to their demand for the repeal of three laws, while the government listed out various benefits of the new Acts for the growth of the country's agriculture sector.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar had said he remains hopeful of a solution in the next meeting on January 8 but asserted that efforts need to be made from both sides for a resolution to be reached (taali dono haathon se bajti hai).

Last month, the government had sent a draft proposal to the protesting farmer unions, suggesting seven-eight amendments to the new laws and a written assurance on the MSP procurement system. The government has ruled out a repeal of the three agri laws.

READ | After Facebook, Twitter & Instagram lock Trump's accounts for videos on US Capitol seige

READ | US Capitol Siege LIVE: 'Distressed to see news about rioting & violence,' says PM Modi

(With agency inputs)
Pettifleur Berenger admitted she's got her sights set on Colin Fassnidge during Thursday's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

After being asked if she found resident hunk Ash Williams attractive, the 56-year-old Real Housewives of Melbourne star said that while she could 'appreciate Ash's hotness', Colin was her 'type'.

Pettifleur admitted that she'd be all over the 46-year-old celebrity chef 'if he was single' and said he was 'the whole package'.

Crush: Pettifleur Berenger (right) admitted she's got her sights set on Colin Fassnidge (left) during Thursday's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

She said the fact he can cook is a 'dream', before listing off more qualities she liked about the Irish chef.

'He's hot. Those dimples and the cooking. A cheeky smile,' she continued, before admitting that Colin's dimples were 'the first thing I noticed'.

While Colin wasn't around for the initial conversation, Pettifleur didn't hesitate in telling him how she felt later on.

Winning: She said the fact he can cook is a 'dream', before listing off more qualities she liked about the Irish chef

'I hope you stay for a very long time. Cute chef. My kind of man. That's my dream husband. My future dream husband,' she told him.

She added: 'Someone who can feed me and looks cute like you. Ooh!'

Colin, who is happily married with two daughters, seemed bemused by Pettifleur's candid admission.

'I hope you stay for a very long time. Cute chef. My kind of man. That's my dream husband. My future dream husband,' she told Colin (pictured with Paulini Curuenavuli)

'She wants a chef with black curly hair and dimples and he's Irish and maybe sitting in front of her. So she definitely goes to the buffet and just goes straight for the meat,' he later joked.

Meanwhile, fellow contestant Grant Denyer advised Colin to sleep 'with one eye open'.

Then Colin added: 'The cougar is hungry. That's all I'm going to say.'

The onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to severe restrictions on public mobility and interaction, national or state-wide lockdowns, school and workplace closures, and curfews. The result was widespread economic hardship, in addition to the toll on health.

A December 2020 preprint research paper published on the medRxiv* server describes such lockdowns as possibly ineffective, based on data from 11 Danish municipalities that were or were not locked down during the pandemic.

As the spring wave set in within many countries of the Northern hemisphere, many researchers have found themselves perplexed about the real effectiveness of many non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), as they are called. The difficulty is compounded by the absence of real controls, making most deductions the result of indirect modeling studies or empirical evaluations.

Understandably, many such models concluded that NPIs reduce the rates of new infections and, thus of deaths. The problem is that counterfactual scenarios are purely hypothetical.

On the other hand, observational studies are empirical or based on actual data but are subject to many confounding factors which could cause many of the conclusions to be biased. Again, many countries need to be included, rather than the many comparison countries, including small groups of countries. The most significant chance of errors occurs when the curve is influenced by factors relating to natural differences in individual susceptibility and transmission. Especially, the age of an individual and the presence of other comorbidities may be more important than NPIs in determining the risk and outcome of infection.

Reported infection levels in the administrative region of Northern Jutland around the time of the November lockdown (Blue: daily new positives; orange: running weekly summed positives). (A) The seven municipalities with lockdown mandate. (B) The four municipalities without lockdown mandate. Vertical lines indicate first and last days of mandate effective (November 6 and 9). Any effect has to emerge later than this, since PCR also takes time to manifest in the population of positives.

Study details

The current study is based on data from Northern Jutland, in Denmark, which is a major mink farming region. Mink is a significant export of Denmark, and mink farms here were found to harbor several mutations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that arose de novo in the infected animals.

The finding that such mutations were present led to the imposition of stringent lockdowns in the early part of November 2020 in seven of eleven municipalities in the region. In the other four, the moderate lockdown already underway was continued.

Data from both groups, comprising seven and four municipalities, respectively, showed similar numbers of infections. The large number of infections ensures the study has adequate power to detect a difference in outcome due to NPIs, if present while preventing confounding factors. The researchers comment, This situation provides us with a unique data set of an intra-country (homogenous population) comparison with a direct case-control, highly focused in both time and space.

Natural experiment

In the locked-down municipalities, the number of positives was 0.15 per 1,000 per day, relative to 0.14 per 1,000 in the other group, prior to the lockdown. The next seven days are unlikely to show any effect due to the lockdown since the median incubation period of the virus is 5-6 days. During this period, the infection rates were 0.11 per 1,000 in both groups.

The spring wave led to a peak of 0.69 positive tests per 1,000 residents in the first group of seven, compared to 0.82 per 1,000 in the group of four municipalities, which lacks statistical significance. The high comparability of these rates at different time points prior to the lockdown seems to indicate that this provided a true and almost natural, experiment on lockdown efficacy.

The NPIs lasted for about one or two weeks and thus offered a setting in which the short-term effects of the lockdown could be evaluated without other confounders. The lockdown is estimated to have affected 126,000 employees and 13,600 students.

Outcomes

The researchers found no significant difference in the number of infections before and after the lockdown was intensified, compared to the other group of four. Secondly, the number of infections began to go down a week or more before the lockdown could have been expected to have any effect. Thirdly, the number of infections also began to go down in the four municipalities where no change was enforced.

Mass testing was carried out for several weeks in the seven locked-down municipalities but did not appear to change the infection dynamics. On the other hand, the intensive testing ensured that the vast majority of cases were detected. In fact, two of every three people in these seven municipalities were estimated to have been tested.

The reasons for the decline in infections may include efficient surveillance measures already put in place, along with a high degree of compliance on the part of the citizens. The combination of these factors appears to be at least as effective as a complete lockdown.

Lockdown was ineffective

After the lockdown was enforced, there was no significant change in infection rates, suggesting its ineffectiveness. The effect of the lockdown was not found to change within the next one week, which was taken to be the incubation period.

They also found that the lockdown had no significant effect at any level of infection in terms of a difference in infection rates between those municipalities that were or were not locked down. On the other hand, the number of tests went up steeply after the lockdown began. However, this did not result in any significant change in the number of infections relative to other municipalities.

Implications

This study thus demonstrates that a full lockdown appears to have no significant gains on reducing the number of infections, compared to voluntary compliance with behavioral changes and other NPIs of a less stringent nature. In our own analysis, we did not find evidence of any effects of the lockdown on the development of infection rates across Northern Jutland, relative to the control. The incidence of infection did fall, but the starting point fell before the lockdown was announced, and to a comparable extent relative to the control municipalities. In December 2020, both groups of municipalities showed a fivefold rise in test positives in a short period of time, showing that the overall pattern of infection were not significantly changed over time.

What did cause the reduction in cases, if not the lockdown? The researcher suggests that testing saturation occurred so that the number of cases identified plateaued much before mass testing occurred. Thus, cases were being efficiently identified and isolated even before the lockdown, and this scenario was an important factor in containing the pandemic.

Secondly, voluntary compliance with recommended behavior changes, as well as trust in the government and public health interventions, coupled with the availability of high-quality information about the pandemic, indicates that this acted along with the efficient testing and contact tracing program to produce a markedly effective containment of the virus.

Finally, lockdown may not be as effective as thought due to heterogeneous susceptibility, disease activity, individual infectivity and compliance with public health interventions. Complete lockdown is not necessarily the most effective measure in the context of other, less costly NPIs, in particular, if considering the effects of infection tracing and voluntary compliance, said the researchers. Instead, limiting gatherings to less than a hundred people and closing academic institutions may be adequate to contain the viral spread, as many earlier studies have suggested. Further analysis of this dataset may confirm this conclusion.

*Important Notice

medRxiv 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.
Federal lawmakers were expected to work through the night Wednesday to finish a joint session that was recessed after a mob of President Donald Trump supporters seized control of the Capitol earlier in the afternoon.

Congressman John Moolenaar, a Midland Republican who represents Michigans 4th District, told the Daily News Wednesday evening that lawmakers expected to get back to work at certifying the Electoral Colleges presidential election results.

Moolenaar said Virginia State Police, U.S. Capitol Police, the National Guard and Washington D.C. Police were working together to restore order and secure the Capitol.

Its challenging because you need the House, the Senate and the vice president all working together on this, but my understanding is, we may work through the night in order to get this completed, he said. Theres a curfew in place and the buildings are being secured, and so hopefully, well be able to conduct the peoples business and get our work done.

The purpose of Wednesday's joint session was to tally and verify the electoral college ballots for the 2020 Presidential Election. However, even before the session began, thousands of Trump supporters gathered at the Capitol to protest the electoral college vote, which gave Democrat Joe Biden the presidential victory. The protest resulted in a mob that broke past public area barriers, onto the steps of the Capitol, and into the actual facility.

Members of the Senate and House were then evacuated, as Americans watched images online and on television of protesters rummaging through the House and Senate chambers, and different legislative offices, including that of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Many protesters were inspired by Trumps repeated claims of widespread election fraud. However, no evidence has been found to support these claims. Protestors added to the pressure against lawmakers and Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the election results, which is a power not granted to Congress.

A few Republican lawmakers planned ahead of Wednesday's joint session to formally object the election results. However, Moolenaar published a statement Tuesday evening stating that he would not be one of them.

Our Constitution provides clear guidance for our states and legislators, he stated on Twitter. The states have the authority to appoint electors in accordance with state law and Congress is to count the electors submitted by the states.

A day that started like any other

Moolenaar explained that Wednesday had begun as any other for him, working on the first floor of the Capitol. Due to coronavirus pandemic protocol, only lawmakers who planned to speak or had an issue to raise were physically on the House Chamber floor for the session, which began at about 1 p.m. During the session, objections were made by lawmakers about Arizonas vote totals, prompting a two-hour debate. As Moolenaar watched the debate from his office, Capitol Police came to his door and told him to evacuate immediately.

Initially, it was because of a suspicious package on First Street that they were concerned about, Moolenaar explained. And then as we moved further in the process of going to a secure location, they also mentioned that the perimeter had been breached around the Capitol complex and so they were saying that you need to stay in place.

Members of the mob then entered the Capitol rotunda, trying to enter the House chambers.

And so, you know, it got progressively worse, Moolenaar said. And unfortunately  thats something that I hope we never see again in our country. Because we truly are a law and order; rule-of-law country with a great history of our democratic republic that President Reagan said was a city on a hill and today, we sadly saw people who violated that and those actions need to be condemned.

As the event unfolded Wednesday, Congressman Dan Kildee, a Flint Democrat who represents Michigans 4th District (which includes about 100 Midland residents), updated his whereabouts on Twitter, marking himself safe inside the House chambers. He said he was instructed to lay down on the floor and put on a gas mask. He said chamber security and Capitol Police had their guns drawn as the protestors banged on the front door of the chamber.

"This is a dark moment for the history of our country," Kildee stated. "Praying for an end to the violence and safety for everyone in the Capitol."

Kildee calls on GOP to denounce protesters

Kildee called on the president and every "Republican who incited and encouraged" the mob's behavior to denounce it immediately. Then at about 3 p.m., Kildee tweeted again, stating he had been evacuated and escorted to a safe location.

At around 4 p.m., Kildee tweeted directly to Trump, calling for an immediate end to the violence.

Biden also addressed the nation Wednesday afternoon, saying our democracy is under unprecedented assault. He implored the outgoing president to end the mob as well.

Trump then released a 1-minute video shortly after 4 p.m. on Twitter telling his supporters to go home. He maintained, without evidence, that the election was stolen from him. Twitter flagged the post with the false claim of election fraud and turned off engagements on the post citing risk of violence. Then later that afternoon, Twitter suspended the presidents account for 12 hours.

Pro-Trump mob ends after curfew declared

Reporters from the Associated Press filed live witness accounts about all that transpired Wednesday at the Capitol.

The nations elected representatives scrambled to crouch under desks and donned gas marks, while police futilely tried to barricade the building, one of the most jarring scenes ever to unfold in a seat of American political power, the Associated Press reports. A woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol, and Washingtons mayor instituted an evening curfew in an attempt to contain the violence.

The Associated Press reports that the domed Capitol building has for centuries been the scene of protests and occasional violence, including a 1954 shooting involving Puerto Rican nationalists.

But Wednesdays events were particularly astounding both because they unfolded at least initially with the implicit blessing of the president and because of the underlying goal of overturning the results of a free and fair presidential election, the Associated Press reports.

Despite Trumps repeated claims of voter fraud, election officials and his own former attorney general have said there were no problems on a scale that would change the outcome. All the states have certified their results as fair and accurate, by Republican and Democratic officials alike, according to the Associated Press.
Before the shooting, Jones and the second man were with four other people on Latrobe Avenue, yelling about there being members of a rival gang on Leamington, according to prosecutors. Jones and the shooter, who was carrying a gun, then ran down an alley, with Jones saying to the shooter, You want him? You want him?
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Posted Thursday, January 7, 2021 1:49 pm

Although flood warnings are still in effect in Southwest Washington, river levels are expected to recede in Lewis County, and the countys Emergency Operation Center has been deactivated, except for use to address the COVID-19 emergency.

On Wednesday morning, the Army Corps of Engineers visited the area and confirmed that levees in the region to stave back surging water levels were up to par. According to Emergency Management Deputy Director Andy Caldwell, the visit was proactive, not spurred by any emergency need.

The National Weather Service weather forecast is for less rain for the balance of the week and dry conditions on Saturday, a press release from the county read. The county also announced the closure of sandbag stations as of Wednesday. Sand and bags can still be accessed by calling 360-740-1151.

The flooding, beginning over the weekend, cost the county an estimated $30,000, largely due to Lewis County Public Works and Public Utility District employees having to work overtime to address issues such as power lines downed by the storm. Toledo City Hall also experienced a water leak, although the monetary value of the damage has not been assessed yet. Caldwell said there havent been reports of private businesses or homes with water damage, although The Chronicle reported this week that some were impacted near China Creek.

With the minimal dollar values for damages, it is highly unlikely there will be any financial assistance for recovery, but well keep you updated if that changes, Caldwell wrote in an email.

He noted that while the ground is still saturated, residents should be aware of the threat of mudslides.

Residents can monitor local levels at rivers.lewiscountywa.gov and at https://bit.ly/38TE2bz.
Thursday, January 7, 2021

During my academic career my primary teaching duty was to provide my students with an understanding of the use of statistics to draw conclusions about the real world, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that lead to error. In connection with that I would remind them of an old saying of uncertain origin but often attributed to Mark Twain: There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics. Heres a case in point.

A report in the January 1 edition of the Arizona Daily Star (page B1) is headlined, Longtime Nogales migrant shelter director Juan Francisco Louriero dies from COVID. But, it is not until paragraph 6 that the reader learns the true story. It reads, At 76, Louriero was already in fragile health. He lived with diabetes and kidney failure, then goes on to say, The COVID-19 pandemic hit the city of Nogales particularly hard, so his family took precautions, limiting his exposure and using face masks and sanitizer whenever they left their home. The article reports that Louriero started feeling ill on December 12, went to the hospital the next day, was intubated two days after that, and died on December 18.

There are a number of troubling things about this report, besides some important unanswered questions. First is the headline. Is it fair to say that Mr. Louriero died from COVID rather than from diabetes and/or kidney failure? Was he actually tested for covid or was he one of the presumed cases? Even if he did test positive for covid, might that have been one of the many false positives associated with the test, and can covid honestly be considered to be the cause of death? In his reported condition it is likely that any additional stressor, even the common cold, could have pushed Mr. Louriero over the edge. Would the headline then have read, Louriero dies from common cold?

Furthermore, is it possible that intubation might have been the proximate cause of his demise? Serious questions have been raised about the possible harm resulting from the use of ventilators (intubation) on critically ill patients, especially those with covid. An article in the April 16, 2020 issue of Time Magazine explains Why Ventilators May Not Be Working as Well for COVID-19 Patients as Doctors Hoped. An article in the journal STAT, says, New Analysis recommends less reliance on ventilators to treat coronavirus patients, and cites a report by the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene which concludes that by using ventilators more sparingly on Covid-19 patients, physicians could reduce the more than 50% death rate for those put on the machines. (The Time article puts the death rate of covid patients on ventilators even higher, up to 80%, based in numbers out of China and New York City).

It appears that the Star article is one more instance of the mainstream media using misleading headlines and hyping the threat which Covid-19 allegedly poses. There is plenty of evidence to show that this pandemic has been seized upon as an opportunity to advance a deeper agenda that has more to do with politics and social control than with public health. And any article or video, even those posted by highly qualified people, that questions the official covid narrative is quickly suppressed or taken down. Science and democracy both depend upon transparency and open debate but the concentration of power over information channels has given the few great power to censor the many.

This is a critical time in the evolution of civilization. There is as much disinformation emanating from the mainstream as there is from the fringes. It is up to people themselves to re-calibrate their BS detectors and make up their own minds.

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending 1,000 members of the state's National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials. It comes after a mob of President Donald Trump's supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday: For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.'s aid.

The president's supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Trump convinced them that he was cheated out of a victory by rampant, widespread voter fraud, a false claim

Short link:


As democratic governments around the world reacted with horror to President Donald Trump supporters' storming of the Capitol, China's official propagandists could barely contain their schadenfreude.

If you don't allow the storming of your own legislature, they asked, how could you support it in Hong Kong?

It was an illustration of how Trump's subversion of American democracy has provided cover for authoritarian governments like China's. Beijing has found the chaos incited by Trump a convenient defense for its authoritarian policies and iron-fisted suppression of dissent.

"We hope that the American people can enjoy peace, stability and security as soon as possible," China Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying was cited in state media saying Thursday, turning the tables on Western governments' regular expressions of concern for the welfare of China's people.

Chinese propaganda outlets seized on Wednesday's breaching of the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob to castigate U.S. politicians for their support of violent protesters in Hong Kong who broke into the city's legislature in 2019.

"@SpeakerPelosi once referred to the Hong Kong riots as 'a beautiful sight to behold' - it remains yet to be seen whether she will say the same about the recent developments in Capitol Hill," the nationalistic Chinese state-run tabloid Global Times posted on Twitter.

For many Western observers, the two scenarios were different in kind. In Hong Kong, protesters who were demanding the right to elect the city's leaders tried to stop an extradition bill they viewed as an alarming step in China's erosion of Hong Kong's freedoms. In the United States, Trump supporters on Wednesday were seeking to prevent a peaceful transfer of power to the rightfully elected next president.

Chinese state media did not go into such distinctions, simply finding in the U.S. example a justification for China's own crackdowns against dissent. Beijing has long argued its restrictions on its people's freedoms were necessary to prevent chaos, and the unrest in the United States under President Trump has played into that narrative.

The Chinese Communist Party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection ran a commentary by political columnist Lan Linzong, saying that the U.S. image as a "beacon of democracy and freedom" has been shattered.

"This 'beautiful sight' is just one of many outbreaks resulting from deep-rooted internal conflicts in America," she wrote.

#TrumpSupportersStormCapitol was trending on Chinese social media platform Weibo on Thursday, with some 54,000 posts and 500 million views as of early afternoon local time.

For China's government, the unrest in Washington has also been useful as a distraction from its offensives in Hong Kong. On Tuesday evening U.S. time, as Americans were gripped by the Georgia runoff election, Hong Kong authorities effectively neutralized the city's remaining democracy movement, arresting 53 former lawmakers and activists, including an American lawyer.

In quieter times, the arrest of an American human rights attorney in China would have drawn widespread attention. During the 2019 Hong Kong democracy protests, the fate of the city had topped headlines for days.

But the Hong Kong crackdown was quickly overshadowed by the storming of the Capitol, which threw the U.S. government into an unprecedented crisis. As U.S. officials debated if the president should be removed from office, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's late-night statement that the United States would consider further sanctions against Hong Kong's government hardly drew notice.

By Thursday afternoon, China's top leaders had yet to directly comment on the U.S. situation. The country's centralized bureaucracy is often slower than other nations to issue an official stance on current events.

The Chinese embassy posted a warning about the Washington violence and curfew on Wednesday, telling Chinese citizens to be careful of their safety and to consider avoiding crowded places.

"In case of danger or emergency, please call the police in a timely fashion," the embassy's statement said.

- - -

The Washington Post's Lyric Li in Beijing and Alicia Chen in Taipei contributed to this report.
Schools were warned yesterday they risk facing inspections if their online lessons are not up to scratch.

Gavin Williamson said they had a legal obligation to give high-quality remote education to pupils stuck at home. And he advised parents to complain about poor provision and go to Ofsted if still unsatisfied.

However, teaching leaders pointed out that the Education Secretary had told them to prepare for in-school Covid testing and exams  not online lessons.

Gavin Williamson said teachers had a legal obligation to give high-quality remote education to pupils stuck at home. Pictured, Sophie Symes, a year 7 pupil at Knutsford Academy in Cheshire, studies at home

Paul Whiteman of the NAHT said it was disgraceful that the Government should so quickly start threatening schools about the quality of their remote learning.

He added: Schools are keeping going in the most extreme circumstances right now  support is needed to overcome the challenges they face, not threat or sanction.

Dr Mary Bousted of the National Education Union said the last thing teachers and heads need right now is the spectre of Ofsted. She added: The best thing inspectors can do right now is offer their services, either as additional teachers or to supervise daily testing of those who will still be attending their school or college during this period of lockdown.

Mr Williamson laid down the number of hours of teaching he expected pupils to receive and said this requirement would be monitored. He added: We have set out clear, legally binding requirements for schools to provide high-quality remote education.

'This is mandatory for all state-funded schools and will be enforced by Ofsted. We expect schools to provide between three and five teaching hours a day, depending on a childs age.

'If parents feel their childs school is not providing suitable remote education they should first raise their concerns with the teacher or headteacher and, failing that, report the matter to Ofsted.

Ofsted will inspect schools  of any grade  where it has serious concerns about the quality of remote education being provided.

Paul Whiteman of the NAHT said it was disgraceful that the Government should so quickly start threatening schools about the quality of their remote learning. Pictured, students returned to Perry Court Academy in Bristol on January 4

Year 9 student Isla Stanton, 14, begins her home learning in Ashford, Kent, following Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordering a new national lockdown

There are also concerns over the reach of the Governments free laptop scheme, as well as the cost of data packages to get children online. Mr Williamson said his officials were working with mobile providers to reduce costs and that the free laptop scheme should provide another 100,000 devices this week.

Educational experts have pointed out there are other potential shortcomings of home learning, especially for families with little space. Pupils without laptop access can still attend school as vulnerable children, according to Department for Education guidance from September.

It says that those who may have difficulty engaging with remote education at home (for example due to a lack of devices or quiet space to study) are included in the vulnerable category.

Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, has called for significant extra resources to help the most disadvantaged pupils during lockdown.

Unless action is taken, reduced hours of learning, persistent absence from school and weakening economic conditions at home equate to bleak prospects for the young, he said.

Dr Jo Blanden, reader in economics at the University of Surrey, said that private school pupils enjoyed a qualitatively different experience of remote learning than their state peers.

There is no doubt that for some children, especially those who find learning more challenging, online learning is not an effective substitute to the classroom.

Ofsted was approached for comment.

Furious Tories, parents and unions blast Gavin Williamson's 'vague statement' that TEACHERS will decide GCSE and A-Level grades without explaining HOW - with pupils having no mock exams and just one term of classes all year due to Covid lockdowns

GCSE and A-level pupils face having grades decided by their teachers again this summer after new lockdown

But Government dodged an outright ban on BTECs saying 'schools/colleges can choose to offer exams'

Children due to sit them from as early as today - some told MailOnline their exams even brought FORWARD

Gavin Williamson will face the Commons today after losing his battle with teachers to keep schools open

Has your child been left in BTEC limbo or had their GCSEs or A-levels cancelled? Email martin.robinson@mailonline.co.uk

Gavin Williamson was under pressure tonight to explain how teachers will be able to accurately grade GCSEs and A-levels for pupils after the 2021 exams were cancelled due to Covid.

The Education Secretary announced to the Commons this afternoon that papers that were due to be sat in May and June this year will be replaced by school-based assessments.

Sats exams for primary school children will also not be held this year, the under-pressure minister confirmed as he finally faced MPs amid chaos over the decision to close schools during the new lockdown.

But he faced criticism from across the political spectrum as he failed to set out details of how teachers would maintain standards and avoid grade inflation and other issues, saying it was still being 'fine-turned' with the help of regulator Ofqual, exam boards and teaching unions.

Pupils have not been able to sit mock exams because of the lockdown and last year's closures mean they have had only a single term of in-person teaching in classrooms in the current academic year.

Last month, Mr Williamson gave an 'absolutely' cast-iron guarantee that exams in England would not be cancelled this academic year, after the shambled that surrounded grades last summer.

Conservative chairman of the Education Committee Robert Halfon demanded assurance that the standard of grades would be maintained.

He said it was vital there was a 'level playing field for disadvantaged children' and a fair appeals process.

He added: 'Will he make sure that there are independent assessors, perhaps retired teachers or Ofsted inspectors, to provide a check and balance for each assessed grade awarded?

'Will he do everything possible to ensure teachers and support staff are given priority for vaccinations alongside NHS workers so we can get our schools open again sooner rather than later?'

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said there could be no ' repeat of the shambles of last summer'.

'The Education Secretary's vague statement does not take us a great deal further forward other than to set out the broad parameters for the exam regulator Ofqual to work out a detailed plan,' he said.

'It is frustrating that there is not an off-the-shelf Plan B ready to go. We have repeatedly called on the Government and the regulator to prepare such a plan in the event of exams being cancelled, and have repeatedly offered to work with them in doing so.

'However, ministers have been so busy insisting that exams will take place that they have failed to ensure that there is a contingency system which can be immediately rolled out. This is, frankly, a dereliction of duty.'

Amid more chaos in schools today:

Prime Minister Johnson's Cabinet was bitterly divided over the decision to close schools;

Mr Johnson defended his screeching coronavirus U-turn that closed schools as part of the new national lockdown in England;

The BBC is unveiling its 'biggest education offer in history' as schools across the country lock down;

One in 50 of the population of England - around a million people - are infected with coronavirus;

Mr Johnson promised to update the nation on Britain's Covid vaccination drive every day starting next week.

Conservative chairman of the Education Committee Robert Halfon (above) demanded assurance that the standard of grades would be maintained. He said it was vital there was a 'level playing field for disadvantaged children' and a fair appeals process.

Charlotte Rose assists one of her children, who is being home schooled in Milton Keynes today

Perivale Primary School is closed after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced all educational setting must shut until February 22

The Education Secretary announced to the Commons this afternoon that papers that were due to be sat in May and June this year will be replaced by school-based assessments

Q&A: What has happened and what will replace exams? What has happened? All GCSEs and A-levels have been abandoned for the second year in a row, after Boris Johnson instructed schools to shut for a lengthy spell amid the third national lockdown. The fate of technical and vocational qualifications scheduled for this month remains uncertain after ministers said they could still go ahead but met with major opposition from colleges and students. What will replace GCSEs and A-levels? Since pupils are certain to lose out on at least half a term of crucial learning in important exam years  following last year's mayhem  the Government believes that even watered-down exams would end up being significantly unfair to those pupils living in regions worst-hit by the virus or in families where remote learning is harder. Therefore teacher-assessed grades will be used  formulated by education staff who know their students best. What happened last year? Wasn't it a disaster? Exams were also cancelled in 2020. Teachers were asked to come up with grades and a ranking order for their pupils. Although not without difficulties, this side of things proceeded relatively smoothly. However chaos struck when Ofqual processed the marks through a programme dubbed a 'mutant algorithm' by Boris Johnson. This led to thousands of students being downgraded unfairly, triggering a U-turn and the abandonment of the entire 'moderation' process. With new leaders in place following the scandal, Ofqual is almost certain to avoid any repeat of a reliance on computerised exam referees, although some system will still need to be thought up to tackle potential abuses. Advertisement

Mr Williamson said he wishes to use a form of teacher-assessed grades to award results rather than an algorithm.

He told the Commons: 'While the details will need to be fine-tuned in consultation with Ofqual, the exam boards and teaching representative organisations.

'I can confirm now that I wish to use a form of teacher-assessed grades with training and support provided to ensure these are awarded fairly and consistently across the country.'

Ofqual urged students in England to engage 'as fully' as they can with learning amid uncertainty.

Simon Lebus, its interim chief regulator, said exams are 'the fairest way' of determining what a student knows, but the exams regulator is discussing alternative arrangements with the Department for Education (DfE).

He said: 'We need to consider a wide range of qualifications - from A-levels and GCSEs to many different vocational and technical qualifications - and the solution won't be the same for all.'

After Mr Williamson's statement, Labour's shadow education secretary Kate Green said: 'Months ago, the Education Secretary gave a cast iron commitment that exams would go ahead. At that moment, we should have known they were doomed to be cancelled.

'I wanted exams to go ahead fairly, but I was always clear that there must be a Plan B if that was not possible. For months, there was no sign of any such plan, although the risk exams couldn't happen has always been entirely predictable.

'The Secretary of State said he will be providing support to teachers to award grades. Can he tell me when they will receive this support, what form it will take, and confirm that it will be available in all schools?

'And can he tell me exactly what will be done to ensure that all grades are fair, consistent, and support pupils to move on in their education or employment, including private candidates?'

Boris Johnson continues to have confidence in the Education Secretary and believes he is the best person for the job, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Minister's press secretary Allegra Stratton told reporters Mr Williamson had produced a 'full and comprehensive' package of measures for children who will be educated at home.

'It's a huge brief and the Prime Minister believes the Education Secretary is doing it to his utmost ability,' Ms Stratton said.

Mr Williamson told MPs that schools will be required to produce between three and five hours of online lessons per day while they are closed for up to three months.

He insisted that 'our schools have not suddenly become unsafe', he said they are 'much better prepared than last March' to implement home-learning.

He added: 'We have set out clear, legally binding requirements for schools to provide high-quality remote education. This is mandatory for all state-funded schools and will be enforced by Ofsted.

'We expect schools to provide between three and five hours teaching a day, depending on the child's age. If parents feel their child's school is not providing suitable remote education they should first raise their concerns with the teacher or headteacher and, failing that, report the matter to Ofsted.'

He added: 'I will not apologise for being enthusiastic to ensure that we had been able to be in a position to roll out exams - but we do recognise where we are as a result of this pandemic, we have to take a different course and that is why we're taking the route we are.'

It came as more than 130,000 students were left in limbo after ministers agreed to axe BTEC exams - but left it up to schools and colleges to decide - just hours before the first tests were due to begin across the country.

Pupils face having grades decided by their teachers again this summer after a furious row erupted last night over the decision to cancel exams for the second year in a row.

MailOnline has been inundated with emails from panicked parents and worried students as the Government was accused of 'dithering' and millions of parents began homeschooling their children again until at least February 22.

But anxious BTEC students are still waiting for confirmation about whether their exams starting today will happen after the Department for Education dodged an outright ban and said 'schools/colleges can choose to offer exams if they judge it right to'.

Irate parent Simon Brooks from Nottinghamshire said his daughter Kaitlyn and her friends 'don't know whether they are coming or going', leaving his 17-year-old child in tears last night.

He told MailOnline: 'This to me is a ridiculous decision. Of all the exam types in this country BTEC lends itself more to teacher assessed grades as it is continually marked and assessed throughout the year. Why are those doing A levels being afforded the protection from then past year. I am furious and upset for her and her friends'.

Tony Gordon from Essex said: 'My daughter was due a year 13 BTEC business exam next week but this has now been brought forward to this Friday with her being advised today, costing her precious revision over the weekend. The teacher even said he has no idea if it will actually go ahead'.

Meanwhile Ucas chief Clare Marchant said the decision to extend university applications by two weeks had gone down 'overwhelmingly very positively' with teachers. 'Teachers are struggling in terms of their own capacity and the amount they have to deal with at the moment, so hopefully it will be welcomed,' she told BBC Breakfast.

Prospective university students have been given an extra two weeks to complete their applications after most on-campus learning was cancelled, the admissions body said. The Ucas equal consideration deadline has been moved to January 29 at 6pm following the Government's decision to instruct students to study from home.

Ms Marchant added that, despite the cancellation of A-level exams this year, there were other factors involved in the decision to allocate university places.

'It's important to remember that university admissions staff across the four countries (of the UK) look at grades but also the individual, whether it's through their personal statements or the reference a school or college has made,' she said. 'They've got a huge amount of data to decide whether or not the student is going to be successful on the course they've applied to.'

A former chief inspector of education watchdog Ofsted claimed Mr Williamson had 'got a lot wrong' while top private schools said the cancellation of exams looked 'premature'.

Pupils now face limbo as a new system is drawn up, with the exams regulator Ofqual asked to embark on a consultation before a decision is taken.

The process will mean pupils are likely to be waiting weeks  if not months  for a plan although it is strongly suspected grades allotted by teachers will play a crucial role.

Ex-Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said of Mr Williamson: 'He has got a lot wrong up to now, hasn't he?'

Asked if he should resign, Sir Michael replied: 'He gets other people to resign  permanent secretaries and the head of Ofqual. He has got to take final accountability for what has gone on. Ministers don't tend to resign for mistakes they have made now in the way that they did before.'

Meanwhile, leading private schools came out strongly against the decision to cancel exams.

Dr Simon Hyde, of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, which represents schools such as Eton and Harrow, said: 'HMC believes that any decision to cancel all exams in England this summer would be premature.

'With the hope of the vaccine on the horizon and the Government now taking stringent lockdown measures, teachers and students can be more confident that public examinations can go ahead safely in June.'

He added: 'Students in Years 11 and 13 must not have the rug pulled from under their learning. They have suffered much.'

Asked if its position meant all GCSE and A Levels in England were being cancelled, the DfE said it had no further comment.

It comes after Boris Johnson failed to guarantee all pupils in England will be back in school classrooms before the summer holidays.

In a televised address on Monday announcing England's third lockdown, Mr Johnson acknowledged shutting schools meant 'it's not possible or fair for all exams to go ahead this summer, as normal'.

In a statement, Mr Williamson said: 'It is now vital that we support our young people at home, including making sure all students are receiving the best possible remote education, and that those students who were due to take exams can still progress to their next stage of education or training.'

The process will mean pupils are likely to be waiting weeks  if not months  for a plan although it is strongly suspected grades allotted by teachers will play a crucial role.

It is believed civil servants are in favour of building on the successful aspects of last year's grading operation, while steering well clear of 'mutant algorithms' or unfairnesses.

This means teachers' judgments will be at the forefront of grading like in summer 2020 and they are likely to be encouraged to give the benefit of the doubt to teenagers robbed of classroom routine.

In a statement to MPs on Wednesday, Mr Williamson is only expected to float ideas.

Ofqual said: 'We are considering a number of options to ensure the fairest possible outcome in the circumstances. We will update as soon as we can.'

Robert Halfon, chairman of the Education Select Committee, said Mr Williamson needed to 'make a policy and stick to it' while guaranteeing a 'level playing field'.

He said: 'Everyone has been marched up the hill and down again so they need to come up with a decision that is clear and understandable and does what it says on the tin.'

The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, which represents almost 300 leading private schools, said cancelling exams would be 'premature'.

General Secretary Dr Simon Hyde said: 'Whilst it is important that the learning loss which some students have experienced is accounted for, and that disadvantaged pupils are not further disadvantaged, HMC believes that any decision to cancel all exams in England this summer would be premature.'

He added: 'The best way of ensuring fairness is not by cancelling all examinations but by externally moderating assessment in whatever form it takes. We require decisive leadership and a willingness to compromise to bring about such a system. Our students deserve no less.'

Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council, said there is no 'perfect solution to assessment arrangements for Year 11 and Year 13 pupils given the current course of the virus'.

He acknowledged there is a range of views across the education sector and 'many students will be disappointed to lose the opportunity to put their learning to the test through traditional exams'.

He added: 'It is now for the Government and Ofqual to work with education professionals to produce a fair system of assessment that will reward all our young people with the grades they deserve.'

Ex-Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said of Mr Williamson: 'He has got a lot wrong up to now, hasn't he?'

Asked if he should resign, Sir Michael replied: 'He gets other people to resign  permanent secretaries and the head of Ofqual. He has got to take final accountability for what has gone on. Ministers don't tend to resign for mistakes they have made now in the way that they did before.'

He told Radio 4's The World At One the Department for Education was not 'being led well', insisting: 'If you talk to headteachers - I talk to them regularly as an ex-head - they lack confidence in leadership that they are receiving.'

Despite facing calls to cancel this month's Btec exams in light of the lockdown, the Government has left it to school and college leaders to decide whether they want to go ahead with the vocational exam series.

The decision came after ministers faced calls to cancel the January exams.

Elsewhere, the issue of whether exams such as GCSEs will go ahead in Northern Ireland has not been resolved.

It is understood the Education Minister will bring proposals to the Executive on Wednesday.



Earlier the Prime Minister told a Downing Street press conference that he is 'optimistic' that 'things really will be very different by the spring'.

Jody Saunders (left)and Shannon Harper (right) are among those suffering today after schools were shut and exams cancelled at the 11th hour. Jodi is one of thousands still doing BTEC exams in stressful circumstances

Lyndsey Brand's daughter Isabelle, 18, and son Harry, 15, were both due to take their exams this summer after years of hard work

Boris Johnson last night failed to guarantee that all pupils across in England will be back in the classroom before the summer holidays

Timeline: PM's path to Lockdown 3 and how Gavin Williamson threatened to sue shutting schools before the Boris closed them October 14 Boris Johnson rules out a two-week circuit breaker after calls from Labour. October 31 The PM announces a four-week lockdown beginning on November 5. December 2 National lockdown ends but a new tier system is brought in, with London and the south-east in Tier 2 and areas of the north in Tier 3. December 14 London and Essex is moved into Tier 3 as Matt Hancock reveals a new mutant strain of Covid has been found. December 15 Boris Johnsons rules out more Christmas restrictions and said: 'I want to be clear, we don't want to ban Christmas' Gavin Williamson threatens councils who shut schools with legal action and forces Greenwich schools to reopen after one day December 19 The Government announces a new Tier 4 - and bans mixing at Christmas for much of the country December 22 SAGE scientists recommend shutting schools as a way to keep the 'R' around or below 1 December 28 Gavin Williams convinces Boris Johnson not to shut primary schools and open most on time on January 4 But secondaries are later closed until January 18 January 3 2021 Boris Johnson says parents in England should send primary school children to school saying they are 'safe. It is very, very important to stress that and the risk to kids, to young people, to staff is very small'. January 4 Boris Johnson announces national lockdown and shuts all schools because they could be acting as 'vectors for transmission'. Advertisement

But he was unable to give parents, pupils and teachers a firm assurance that face-to-face teaching will be able to resume during the current academic year.

It followed him announcing last night all schools and colleges across the country have to remain closed as part of his new coronavirus lockdown.

The closure of schools is due to last until the middle of February at the earliest when the lockdown is due to be reviewed.

The massive disruption to learning has forced ministers to tear up plans for A-level and GCSE exams to go ahead broadly as normal in May and June.

Mr Johnson was told at this evening's briefing parents want 'realism' from the Government on when pupils will be able to move from remote learning back to class.

Asked whether he could tell parents all children will definitely be back in schools before the summer holidays, Mr Johnson replied: 'I just go back to the answer really I gave to Robert Peston.

'We think that with the vaccination programme we can do a huge amount to take out of the path of the virus those who are most vulnerable.

'That clearly offers opportunities to our country to do things differently, to approach the whole issue of non-pharmaceutical interventions very differently.

'I am full of the same optimism and fundamental hope about the position that I think that things really will be very different by the spring and that is what I would certainly say to every parent in the land.'

Mr Johnson had earlier been asked by Mr Peston from ITV how confident he is that lockdown measures will be lifted by March.

The PM said: 'I think it all depends. Our ability to come out of the lockdown measures, our ability to get through this fast, depends on a number things.'

Mr Johnson cited the roll-out of vaccinations and people following lockdown rules as two factors which will have a significant impact on when the rules can be eased.

The PM decided to announce the closure of schools last night just one day after he had encouraged parents to send their children back to classrooms this week.

The closure plans mean schools and colleges are shut to all but vulnerable children and the children of key workers, with everyone else switching to remote learning.

Shutting schools has plunged the academic year into chaos, with Mr Johnson telling pupils that 'alternative arrangements' will have to be made for exams this summer.

The Department for Education and exam regulator Ofqual are now trying to hammer out exactly how pupils will be assessed.

The Government's official lockdown guidance on exams states: 'In the circumstances, we do not think it is possible for all exams in the summer to go ahead as planned.

'We will accordingly be working with Ofqual to consult rapidly to put in place alternative arrangements that will allow students to progress fairly.

'Public exams and vocational assessments scheduled to take place in January will go ahead as planned.'

Slides presented at tonight's Downing Street briefing showed that one in 50 people in England are thought to be infected with coronavirus

The Government had previously been adamant that exams would be sat in 2021 after the closure of schools meant they had to be scrapped last year and students were instead awarded their predicted grades.

Headteachers have urged Mr Johnson to call off the tests again because 'wider public health, pupil and staff safety should be prioritised ahead of examinations.'

Furious students and parents claimed it was simply 'not fair' to make teenagers sit exams when in-person contact hours are being so severely curtailed.

Kelly Saunders' daughter Jody is taking her BTEC exams this week.

She said: 'This year's kids have missed school from March to July and then been hit and miss since September.

'My daughter is 17 and in sixth form and she will have missed pretty much a year of the 18 month course she is doing on science, dance and photography.

'She had no work set at all in the first lockdown for photography and barely anything for the other two subjects.

'She has exams next week as they are Btecs and it seems they are still going ahead. But with no preparation. It's such a mess and she is fuming'.

A family in Knutsford, Cheshire, watch Prime Minister Boris Johnson making a televised address to the nation from 10 Downing Street as he shut all schools until February 22

BBC unveils 'biggest education offer in its history' The BBC is unveiling its 'biggest education offer in history' as schools across the country lock down. CBBC will broadcast a three-hour block of primary school programming from 9am each weekday, starting on January 11, the corporation has announced. These will include BBC Live Lessons and BBC Bitesize Daily, along with other educational programming such as Our School and Celebrity Supply Teacher, Horrible Histories, Art Ninja and Operation Ouch. It comes as England enters its third lockdown in less than a year, with Boris Johnson cancelling A Level and GCSE exams and closing all primary and secondary schools. Tim Davie, BBC Director General, says: 'Ensuring children across the UK have the opportunity to continue to follow the appropriate core parts of their nation's school curriculum has been a key priority for the BBC throughout this past year. 'Education is absolutely vital - the BBC is here to play its part and I'm delighted that we have been able to bring this to audiences so swiftly.' BBC Two will offer content for secondary students with programming to support the GCSE curriculum, with a least two hours of content each weekday. Advertisement

Lyndsey Brand's daughter Isabelle, 18, and son Harry, 15, were both due to take their exams this summer.

Mrs Brand said: 'We have yet to hear from either school however I expect this is due to the schools not having formulated a plan in response to last night's news.

'The provision at both schools for online learning has been fantastic but obviously it is not the same as being in a class room with teacher led sessions.

'All I hope is that my daughter achieves the grades she needs to move on to the next stage of her education at university and my son achieves the grades he deserves.

'Hopefully no algorithms or class ranking system. Just a series of tests to establish what level they are working at'.

Shannon Harper, 20, did two years of study at the royal academy of music but took a gap year to study science A-levels to get a place on a chemical engineering course.

She said: 'This news has come like a wrecking ball to my plans as I am sitting the a levels independently and therefore do not have a school to rely on to accommodate me.

'I am extremely concerned that many other people in my position will be bottom of the government's list of consideration.

'Furthermore, I have paid over 5000 in order to sit these A-levels, a sum that has nearly decimated my savings, notwithstanding all the money I've paid in rent and food.'

Debbie Powell, from Shropshire, said: 'My concern as a parent of a year 11 pupil is how much cancelling GCSE exams will affect him with future opportunities and employment, will he be seen as one of the coronavirus generation and his grades questioned because he never took the exams?

'I feel so sorry for what will be an educationally damaged generation who may never know what their true potential was'.

Julia Raned from London wrote: 'My son is taking his GCSEs this year and he had his mocks planned in early December. The day before his first mock he was told to self isolate for 14 days.

'We knew over Christmas he would come back and sit his mocks on the 5th, then his excellent head teacher sent a revised timetable for the mocks starting on the 6th instead of the 5th.

'We spent all day yesterday together with me helping him revise for his chemistry GCSE mock only for that to be cancelled again last night at 8pm.

Aai'sha Mallik told MailOnline: 'My son is in year 11 and expected to sit his GCSE's in a few months.

'Since last year March when the lockdown began he has definitely not progressed as he would have given a normal year.

'Not only that, the government promised a huge fund would go into tutoring children so they are not falling behind, however not one parent that I have spoken to has told me that they have been offered this.

'Our kids in year 11 and those sitting A levels should have been first in line to receive the benefits of those funds. Instead we get links to revision books which in turn costs more money'.



One in FIFTY people now have COVID in the UK - but PM Boris Johnson says 1.3million have now been vaccinated and pledges UK CAN get shots to most vulnerable by mid-February

The new lockdown in England at a glance England will be put into a full national lockdown that will last until the February half term. According to the new rules: All primary and secondary schools will close with immediate effect

Classes will remain only for vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers.

The plan is for them to reopen after the February half-term break.

A-Level and GCSE exams are unlikely to go ahead as planned in the summer.

Universities will also remain closed to students until mid-February.

Nurseries will remain fully open.

The public should stay at home unless they need to leave for one of just five reasons: If they cannot work from home, shopping for necessities, exercise, to give care and for medical treatment or emergencies.

All non-essential retailers, hospitality and 'personal care' like hairdressers must close.

Restaurants and other eateries can continue to operate for takeaways and deliveries.

But pubs will no longer be allowed to offer take-away alcohol sales.

Children's playgrounds will remain open.

All indoor and outdoor sports venues, including golf courses, gyms, swimming pools and tennis courts must close, and team sports cannot take place, even outdoors.

Elite sports like the Premier League can go on under their own schemes. The guidance is for people who are fit and well. There is additional advice for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus and households with a possible or confirmed coronavirus infection. They should not attend work, school, college or university, and limit the time you spend outside the home. The guidance says you should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. The rules for all people in England also state: You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with (if you are legally permitted to form one).

You may exercise on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.

You should not meet other people you do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, unless for a permitted reason.

Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household. Detailed guidance on the national lockdown: You must not leave or be outside of your home except where you have a 'reasonable excuse'. This will be put in law. The police can take action against you if you leave home without a 'reasonable excuse', and issue you with a fine (Fixed Penalty Notice). You can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of 200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of 6,400. A 'reasonable excuse' includes: Work - you can only leave home for work purposes where it is unreasonable for you to do your job from home

Volunteering - you can also leave home to provide voluntary or charitable services

Essential activities - you can leave home to buy things at shops or obtain services. You may also leave your home to do these things on behalf of a disabled or vulnerable person or someone self-isolating

Education and childcare - you can only leave home for education, registered childcare, and supervised activities for children where they are eligible to attend.

Meeting others and care - you can leave home to visit people in your support bubble ( if you are legally permitted to form one), to provide informal childcare for children under 14 as part of a childcare bubble (for example, to enable parents to work), to provide care for disabled or vulnerable people

Exercise - you can continue to exercise alone, with one other person or with your household or support bubble, limited to once per day, and not outside your local area

Medical reasons - you can leave home for a medical reason, including to get a COVID-19 test, for medical appointments and emergencies

Harm and compassionate visits - you can leave home to be with someone who is giving birth, to avoid injury or illness or to escape risk of harm (such as domestic abuse).

You can also leave home to visit someone who is dying or someone in a care home (if permitted under care home guidance), hospice, or hospital, or to accompany them to a medical appointment

Animal welfare reasons  you can leave home for animal welfare reasons, such as to attend veterinary services for advice or treatment

Communal worship and life events - You can leave home to attend or visit a place of worship for communal worship, a funeral or event related to a death, a burial ground or a remembrance garden, or to attend a wedding ceremony. There are further reasonable excuses. For example, you may leave home to fulfil legal obligations or to carry out activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property, or where it is reasonably necessary for voting in an election or referendum. Advertisement

Boris Johnson tonight revealed that one in 50 of the population of England - around a million people - are infected with coronavirus as he defended his U-turn to plunge the country into lockdown.

The PM told a Downing Street briefing that the scorching spread of the mutant version of the disease meant there was 'no choice' about imposing lockdown.

But he insisted the measures can get the situation under control while vaccines are rolled out - revealing that 1.3million people have now had jabs as he dismissed criticism that he is 'over-promising' about the most vulnerable categories being covered by mid-February.

Mr Johnson vowed to give the country 'jab by jab' information about the crucial process.

He was flanked at the press conference by medical and science chiefs Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance - whose warnings about the threat of the NHS being overwhelmed sparked the extraordinary U-turn to plunge England into new restrictions.

The podiums once again were adorned with the slogan from the March lockdown - 'stay home, protect the NHS, save lives'.

Asked if he thought the target of vaccinating more than 13million people over the next seven weeks was possible, Prof Whitty said it was 'realistic but not easy'.

But the medic also delivered a grim message that 'some' restrictions could still be needed next winter, as the virus was likely to be in regular circulation like flu.

The scale of the problem was underlined tonight as the UK reported a record 60,916 cases - up nearly 15 per cent on last Tuesday. The tally of deaths was 830, double the number from last week.

Meanwhile one-in-thirty Londoners - more than 290,000 people - are estimated to have had the virus on January 2, figures from the Office of National Statistics show.

Mr Johnson said the total of 1.3million vaccinated so far included 1.1million people in England, and 650,000 people over the age of 80 - 23 per cent of all that age group in England.

'That means nearly one-in-four of the most vulnerable groups will have in two to three weeks a significant degree of immunity,' he said.

'That is why I believe the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation was right to draw up a programme saving the most lives the fastest.'

Prof Whitty and Sir Patrick confirmed that giving a single dose of the vaccine to more people, rather than the recommended double-dose to half the number, could potentially encourage mutations.

But he said the public health benefits of having more people with some resistance were greater.

'It is a real worry but quite a small real worry within the system,' he said.

'The public health arguments are really strongly in favour.'

Sir Patrick warned that the virus would change anyway and vaccines will need to be altered.

'The virus probably will mutate... different vaccines will be needed at that point.'

Mr Johnson also struck a gloomy note on schools, refusing to state categorically that they will return before the summer holidays - although he stressed they would be the top priority and things would be 'different' by the spring.

As ministers battle to prevent the brutal squeeze wiping out the hospitality and leisure sectors, Rishi Sunak has unveiled another 4.6billion bailout, offering one-off grants of up to 9,000 to keep venues afloat for the next seven weeks.

The Chancellor also hinted that furlough could be extended beyond April if necessary, even though the government's borrowing is spiralling out of control.

But businesses are urging the government to go further by offering VAT and rates relief.

And Tory unrest is growing amid fears that Mr Johnson has raised false hopes that the measures can be lifted by mid-February.

Michael Gove admitted this morning that there was no 'certainty' on the timeline, as it depends on the government meeting its highly ambitious targets for vaccinating more than 13million of the most vulnerable in society.

The Cabinet Office minister also cautioned that even in the best case scenario not 'all' of the curbs will go, as he braced the weary public for a long haul to combat the fast-spreading new variant of coronavirus.

Some Conservative MPs are demanding to know why more preparation was not done for the vaccine drive in the autumn, pointing out that Israel has been more successful despite not having a 'functional' government.

Labour leader Keir Starmer said the crackdown was 'essential' and his MPs will support them, effectively guaranteeing their approval in the Commons. But he criticised the government for not changing course sooner and expressed serious doubts about the optimism over distributing vaccines.

'I hope he is not over-promising. It's going to be a struggle and we need to make this work.'

He insisted the government must set up a 'massive, immediate, and round-the-clock vaccination programme to deliver millions of doses a week by the end of the month in every village and town, every high street and every GP surgery'.

Just a day after he urged parents to send their children back, Mr Johnson declared in a sombre address from No10 last night that primary and secondary schools will be shut from today, with only the vulnerable and offspring of key workers allowed to go in.

Nurseries can stay open. But university students are being told to stay at home and study remotely, while GCSE and A-level exams will not go ahead as planned.

Teenagers might not know for weeks how their exams will be replaced, with Ofsted expected to launch a consultation, although government sources said some 'contingency' plans had already been considered.

Under the the new guidance, published overnight, non-essential retail, all hospitality, gyms and swimming pools will be ordered to close - with Rishi Sunak due to lay out another package of support today amid growing fears about the impact on the economy.

Cafes, bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve takeaway - but in a tightening from the draconian measures last spring, they will not be allowed to serve any alcohol. Vulnerable people are being told to shield where possible.

The public are once again only allowed to leave home for one of five reasons: to go to work if essential, shop for necessities, exercise - allowed with one other person from another household, care for someone, or to seek medical help or flee threat such as domestic violence.

As England gets used to the idea of a third national lockdown and months more coronavirus chaos:

Rishi Sunak announced another 4.6billion of bailouts for lockdown-stricken businesses as economists warned of the 'colossal' hit from the surging pandemic;

The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital in England stood at 26,467 as of 8am on January 5, according to the latest figures - up 21 per cent week on week;

Arrivals at UK borders are set to have to show they have tested negative for Covid in the last 72 hours in another major U-turn from government;

Police have warned that enforcing the lockdown will be difficult with large numbers of officers already off sick or self-isolating;

Scientists have warned that even the new tough measures might not be enough to contain the mutant coronavirus strain;

The PM is set to hold a press conference with medical and science chiefs Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance at 5pm;

Streets and city centres were quiet as Britons digested the new restrictions being placed on their lives;

Hundreds of medical professionals have called for hospital staff to be given higher grade personal protective equipment (PPE) amid growing concern over airborne transmission of coronavirus.

Boris Johnson told a Downing Street briefing that the spread of the mutant version of the disease had made lockdown impossible to avoid

Boris Johnson was flanked at the press conference tonight by medical and science chiefs Chris Whitty (left) and Patrick Vallance (right) - whose warnings about the threat of the NHS being overwhelmed sparked the extraordinary U-turn to plunge England into new restrictions

Slides presented at the briefing showed that one in 50 people in England are thought to be infected with coronavirus

Mr Johnson vowed to use 'every second' under the stringent restrictions to put an 'invisible shield' around the elderly and vulnerable through a mass vaccination programme.

'I believe that when everybody looks at the position, people understand overwhelmingly that we have no choice,' he said.

'When the Office of National Statistics (ONS) is telling us that more than 2 per cent of the population is now infected  that's over one million people in England.

Covid restrictions might still be needed next winter, warns Whitty Coronavirus restrictions could still be needed next winter, the government's chief medical officer warned tonight. In one of the most alarming sections of the No10 briefing, Prof Chris Whitty said that some curbs may have to be brought back into place at the end of the year. He said: 'If we did not do all the things all of us must now do, if people don't take the stay at home seriously, the risk at this point in time, in the middle of winter with this new variant, is extraordinarily high.' He said the risk level will gradually decrease over time with measures being 'lifted by degrees possibly at different rates in different parts of the country, we'll have to see'. 'We'll then get over time to a point where people say this level of risk is something society is prepared to tolerate and lift right down to almost no restrictions at all,' he added. 'We might have to bring in a few in next winter for example, that's possible, because winter will benefit the virus.' Advertisement

'And when today we have reported another 60,000 new cases, and when the number of patients in hospitals in England is now 40 per cent higher than at the first peak in April.

'I think obviously everybody  you all  want to be sure that we in Government are now using every second of this lockdown to put that invisible shield around the elderly and the vulnerable in the form of vaccination and so to begin to bring this crisis to an end.'

Batting away pessimism on his own benches, Mr Johnson said there is a 'prospect' the lockdown can be eased in mid-February.

'When a very considerable proportion of the most vulnerable groups have been vaccinated  then there really is the prospect of beginning the relaxation of some of these measures.

'But you will also appreciate there are a lot of caveats, a lot of ifs built into that, the most important of which is that we all now follow the guidance.'

But in one of the most alarming sections of the briefing, Prof Whitty said that some restrictions may have to be brought back into place next winter to control the virus.

He said: 'If we did not do all the things all of us must now do, if people don't take the stay at home seriously, the risk at this point in time, in the middle of winter with this new variant, is extraordinarily high.'

He said the risk level will gradually decrease over time with measures being 'lifted by degrees possibly at different rates in different parts of the country, we'll have to see'.

'We'll then get over time to a point where people say this level of risk is something society is prepared to tolerate and lift right down to almost no restrictions at all,' he added.

'We might have to bring in a few in next winter for example, that's possible, because winter will benefit the virus.'

The extraordinary third national squeeze will come into effect in the early hours tomorrow after the regulations are laid today, but Mr Johnson urged the public to adopt the new rules straight away. MPs will get a vote on them on Wednesday when Parliament is recalled.

Those who break the rules face a 200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of 6,400.

Senior Tory MPs had joined the Opposition in calling for the introduction of another national lockdown. But the idea of hardening the restrictions sparked fury from other Conservatives, who insist the country's experience of the pandemic shows that lockdowns do not work and are crippling the economy.

There are claims that at least two MPs have now sent letters of no confidence in the PM to Conservative backbench chief Sir Graham Brady - although the numbers are nowhere near the threshold to put his position in doubt.

Evidence of disquiet over the vaccination drive has been growing, with claims ministers have failed to prepare.

'We need that scaling up of vaccination like Israel has managed to achieve,' one backbencher told MailOnline. 'Why aren't we there already? Why hasn't the time been used over the summer and autumn to get the army of vaccinators in place?

'The only limitation should be the speed by which the manufacturers are able to supply it to you.

'The whole future of the economy, the future of saving more lives, the future of a sense of normality is in the hands of the vaccinator. That is where we now are.'

Other senior Tory MPs were just as gloomy. 'We are over-promising and under-delivering,' one said. 'It is a big risk. They are not prepared and they are not ready to do it.

'The problem is people don't understand the logistics of administering this vaccine and checking people are OK and doing the paperwork. It is not just a case of putting a jab in someone's arm.'

With his hands clasped together and seated behind a desk in Downing Street last night, Mr Johnson made clear there is no chance of them being lifted for at least seven weeks - and possibly longer if the vaccine rollout does not go well.

'Our hospitals are under more pressure than at any time since the start of the pandemic. It's clear we need to do more.. while our vaccines are rolled out,' he said.

He said it would not be 'possible or fair' for exams to go ahead this summer as normal.

'The weeks ahead will be the hardest but I really do believe that we are reaching the end of the struggle,' he said, pledging that by mid-February the top four categories on the vaccine distribution list will have had their first jabs.

There are 13.2million people in the top four groups on the vaccination list - care home residents and the over-80s, frontline healthcare workers, the over-70s and the clinically vulnerable.

But the Prime Minister admitted that he could only give assurance that the situation will improve assuming that 'our understanding of the virus does not change again'.

He said: 'By the middle of February, if things go well and with a fair wind in our sails, we expect to have offered the first vaccine dose to everyone in the four top priority groups identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

'That means vaccinating all residents in a care home for older adults and their carers, everyone over the age of 70, all frontline health and social care workers, and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable.

'If we succeed in vaccinating all those groups, we will have removed huge numbers of people from the path of the virus.

'And of course, that will eventually enable us to lift many of the restrictions we have endured for so long.'

Mr Johnson said he was left with no option after being confronted with catastrophic figures about the burden on the NHS by science chiefs today.

Hospital patients with coronavirus had risen by 40 per cent over a week, and are now higher than at the peak of the first wave.

Downing Street issued a series of slides showing the problem the country faces due to the new variant of the virus - the evidence that apparently forced Mr Johnson into his latest extraordinary U-turn

Hundreds of thousands of non-essential retailers will have to keep their doors closed under England's third nation-wide lockdown

The Joint Biosecurity Centre has recommended today that the Covid-19 alert level be reduced

ALL YOUR LOCKDOWN QUESTIONS ANSWERED Why is England going into lockdown again? Cases caused by the new, more infectious variant of Covid-19 are surging rapidly in every part of the country. In the past week they have gone up by 30 per cent, and the number is 40 per cent higher than the peak of the first wave in April. Medical experts have warned the NHS could be overwhelmed in 21 days unless action is taken. How long will it last? Until mid-February. It will then be subject to a review. Can I see family and friends? The mixing of households indoors is not allowed outside of support bubbles. You can meet one other person outside your household for outdoor exercise. If I am in a bubble with someone, can I still see them? The support bubble system  where a person living alone can pair with another household  can continue. Childcare support bubbles are also still allowed. Are schools closing? Yes. All primary and secondary schools and colleges have to close and switch to online learning, except for the children of key workers and the most vulnerable. Universities must also stay closed. Early years providers, such as nurseries, and special schools can stay open. Will GCSEs and A-levels be cancelled? Boris Johnson said it would not be possible, or fair, for all exams to go ahead as normal this summer. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will work to put alternative arrangements in place. Will churches and other places of worship stay open? Yes, they are allowed to open for individual prayer and communal worship. Can I go on holiday in the UK or abroad? No. Only essential travel is allowed. Will playgrounds stay open? Unlike the first lockdown, yes. Can I move home? Yes, you can still view houses and move home. Can I let my cleaner or plumber into my house? Yes, essential visits by tradesmen can continue. Can I still exercise? You can exercise outdoors with your household, your support bubble or alone with one other person from another household. Exercise should be limited to once a day and should be local, meaning you should not drive to a beauty spot. Can I play golf or tennis? No. Courses and courts must shut. Is professional sport affected? No. Elite sports that are Covid-secure and have bubble systems can continue. Will there be extra financial support? The furlough scheme will remain in place until April. Can I leave my house to get a Covid vaccine? Yes, you can leave your home for all medical appointments. Will garden centres be open? Yes. Are restaurants open? Not for eating inside, but cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars can serve takeaway food and non-alcoholic drinks until 11pm. Will non-essential retailers such as clothes shops be open? No. But click-and-collect services will be permitted to continue. What about hairdressers and beauty salons? No, they are among the non-essential shops that must close. Can I go to work? Only if you 'absolutely cannot' work from home. This means the construction industry can continue and key workers can continue to go to work. Can I get married? Only in exceptional circumstances, for example in cases where people are dying or have debilitating conditions. I had to 'shield' last time  will I have to do this again? Yes. Those who are clinically vulnerable and who were previously told to shield should stay at home and leave only for medical appointments or exercise. They will receive a letter shortly informing them about this. Can I travel to my second home? Travel is allowed only for essential work, shopping for necessities, exercise, caring for the vulnerable and medical reasons. What shops are open? Food shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, building merchants and suppliers of building products and off-licences are allowed to remain open, along with market stalls selling essential retail. Can I go to the bank? Banks, building societies, post offices, short-term loan providers and money transfer businesses can stay open. Can I take my pet to the vet? Vets and retailers of products and food for the upkeep and welfare of animals can stay open, along with animal rescue centres What about public facilities? Car parks, public toilets and motorway service areas, along with outdoor playgrounds, outdoor parts of botanical gardens and heritage sites for exercise can stay open Advertisement

Rishi Sunak today announced another 4.6billion of bailouts for lockdown-stricken businesses as economists warned of the 'colossal' hit from the surging pandemic.

The Chancellor declared that venues hammered by Boris Johnson's dramatic decision will get one-off grants of up to 9,000 to keep them afloat over the next seven weeks.

Some 600,000 premises across the UK are set to receive the cash, while another 594million is being pumped into a 'discretionary fund' to support other firms affected.

Mr Sunak also pointedly refused to rule out extending the massive furlough scheme again beyond the end of April, merely saying he would 'take stock' at the Budget in March.

However, businesses warned that the package is not enough, amid pressure for VAT and rates relief to be kept in place to stop a wave of bankruptcies.

The latest huge intervention came amid fears that the lockdown will slash GDP by up to 10 per cent in every month it is imposed - although the respected IFS think-tank said this morning that the impact might be lower as businesses have adapted since the first squeeze in March.

It will also raise alarm at the state of the government's finances, with IFS director Paul Johnson saying the scale of the economic damage was the worst 'in the whole of history'. Public sector borrowing could hit 400billion this year, with Mr Sunak already having warned of a reckoning later to balance the books.

In his speech to the nation, the Prime Minister said the previous tiers would have been enough to cope with Covid as it was originally, but the new variant  which is 50 per cent to 70 per cent more transmissible  was spreading in a 'frustrating and alarming' manner.

'As I speak to you tonight, our hospitals are under more pressure from Covid than at any time since the start of the pandemic,' he said.

Mr Johnson said that in England the number of Covid patients in hospitals has increased by nearly a third in the last week to almost 27,000  some 40 per cent higher than the first peak in April.

On December 29 'more than 80,000 people tested positive for Covid across the UK', the number of deaths is up by 20 per cent over the last week 'and will sadly rise further'.

'With most of the country, or maybe under extreme measures, it's clear that we need to do more together to bring this new variant under control while our vaccines are rolled out,' he said.

'In England we must therefore go into a national lockdown which is tough enough to contain this variant.'

Mr Johnson said parents 'may reasonably ask why' decisions on schools were not taken 'sooner'.

'The answer is simply that we've been doing everything in our power to keep schools open because we know how important each day in education is to children's life chances,' he said.

'And I want to stress that the problem is not that schools are unsafe for children. Children are still very unlikely to be severely affected by even the new variant of Covid.

'The problem is that schools may nonetheless act as vectors for transmission, causing the virus to spread between households.'

Mr Johnson said the move on schools means 'it's not possible or fair for all exams to go ahead this summer, as normal'.

The PM added: 'We will provide extra support to ensure that pupils entitled to free school meals will continue to receive them while schools are closed, and we will distribute more devices to support remote education.'

The premier suggested England could 'steadily' move out of lockdown from mid-February - but he heavily caveated his optimism, in a sign that the crisis could drag on much longer.

'If our understanding of the virus doesn't change dramatically, once again, if the rollout of the vaccine programme continues to be successful, if deaths start to fall as the vaccine takes effect and  critically  if everyone plays their part by following the rules, then I hope we can steadily move out of lockdown, reopening schools after the February half-term and starting cautiously to move regions down the tiers,' Mr Johnson said.

'I must stress that even if we achieve this goal, there remains a time lag of two to three weeks from getting a jab to receiving immunity.

'And there will be a further time lag before the pressure on the NHS is lifted. So we should remain cautious about the timetable ahead.'

He rounded off his downbeat address by repeating the mantra from the first lockdown, 'stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives'.

'I want to say to everyone right across the UK that I know how tough this is,' he said.

'And I know how frustrated you are and I know that you have had more than enough of Government guidance about defeating this virus.

'But now, more than ever, we must pull together.'

He warned that 'the weeks ahead will be the hardest yet' but 'with every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people'.

'Thanks to the miracle of science not only is the end in sight but we know exactly how we will get there.'

Even the Scilly Isles has not escaped, shifting from Tier 1 straight to full lockdown.

In a round of interviews, Mr Gove said a review of the situation would happen in the February half-term.

'We hope we will be able to progressively lift restrictions after that but what I can't do is predict  nobody can predict  with accuracy exactly what we will be able to relax and when,' he told Sky News.

'What we do know is that the more effective our vaccination programme, the more people who are protected in that way, the easier it will be to lift these restrictions.'

Despite the ferocity of the new measures, scientists warned they still might not be enough to control the Covid variant.

Andrew Hayward, professor of infectious diseases epidemiology at University College London, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the move 'will clearly save tens of thousands of lives'.

But he added: 'The threat we're facing is at least as bad as we were back in March.

'I think the virus is different and it may be that the lockdown measures we had are not enough so we need to learn from the new insights and new technologies, we need to learn from the last lockdown and particularly some of the things we saw.

'I think this time round we really need to use this lockdown to bear down on the virus in a way that can protect key workers  for example, we could be using the lateral flow (tests) and working with employers to offer regular testing to key workers.'

Meanwhile, police warned that enforcing the new national lockdown would put 'a lot of pressure' on officers whose numbers are already reduced by the coronavirus pandemic.

Rishi unveils ANOTHER 4.6bn bailout for stricken businesses Rishi Sunak today announced another 4.6billion of bailouts for lockdown-stricken businesses as economists warned of the 'colossal' hit from the surging pandemic. The Chancellor declared that venues hammered by Boris Johnson's dramatic decision will get one-off grants of up to 9,000 to keep them afloat over the next seven weeks. Some 600,000 premises across the UK are set to receive the cash, while another 594million is being pumped into a 'discretionary fund' to support other firms affected. Mr Sunak also pointedly refused to rule out extending the massive furlough scheme again beyond the end of April, merely saying he would 'take stock' at the Budget in March. However, businesses warned that the package is not enough, amid pressure for VAT and rates relief to be kept in place to stop a wave of bankruptcies. The latest huge intervention came amid fears that the lockdown will slash GDP by up to 10 per cent in every month it is imposed - although the respected IFS think-tank said this morning that the impact might be lower as businesses have adapted since the first squeeze in March. It will also raise alarm at the state of the government's finances, with IFS director Paul Johnson saying the scale of the economic damage was the worst 'in the whole of history'. Public sector borrowing could hit 400billion this year, with Mr Sunak already having warned of a reckoning later to balance the books. Advertisement

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation  which represents front line officers in London, said some 1,300 were off sick or self-isolating in the capital.

His counterpart nationally, John Apter, wrote in the Daily Telegraph some forces were reporting 15 per cent of their staff off sick or self-isolating.

Mr Marsh urged the Government to place police officers on a priority list to receive coronavirus vaccines, saying requests to the Government so far were 'falling on deaf ears'.

Businesses voiced dismay at the new clampdown that threatens to wreak more havoc on the economy.

British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall said: 'Businesses will understand why the Prime Minister has felt compelled to act on the spiralling threat to public health, but they will be baffled and disappointed by the fact that he did not announce additional support for affected businesses alongside these new restrictions.'

Asked about how lockdown enforcement would affect officers, Mr Marsh said: 'It will obviously create a lot of pressure on us because we have a lot more officers off this time than we did back in March.

'Our numbers have rocketed in terms of officers with Covid and officers isolating and we envisage that getting worse.

'So the pressure is on my colleagues who are still out there to maintain the same level that they did before.'

Commenting on getting officers access to vaccines, he claimed: 'It would appear that policing has been airbrushed out of any conversation in relation to protecting my colleagues, which I find quite incredible considering they are on the front line.

'They are the one group of people other than the National Health Service that actually have to go to work and have to be out there with the public, every day, 24 hours a day.

'It's just amazing that no consideration whatsoever has been given to vaccinating police.'

Mr Apter, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, has called for officers to be prioritised after society's most vulnerable groups and NHS workers have been given the jab.

He wrote in the Telegraph: 'Without the vaccine, there is a real danger that more officers will contract the virus.

'As growing numbers self-isolate or report sick with the virus, then the police service begins to struggle to do what the public fully expects of it.

'Some forces are already starting to report up to 15 per cent of their officers off sick or self-isolating. This is getting worse and is simply not sustainable.'

Starmer warns PM 'over-promising' on vaccines Sir Keir Starmer sent a warning shot to Boris Johnson today over the Prime Minister's ambitious goal of vaccinating 13million Brits by mid-February, claiming it will be another example of No10 'over-promising and under-delivering' if it fails. Labour's leader said drastically scaling up the vaccination programme  which has so far only inoculated a million people, despite launching a month ago  would be a 'struggle' and that there was 'no room for error'. His comments came after Michael Gove today warned that lockdown will only start to be lifted gradually in March  and that the timeline depends on the Government meeting its inoculation goal. But there are serious doubts about whether the target is achievable, given it has been slow to get off the ground and the NHS will need to juggle running the biggest immunisation programme in British history with battling the greatest crisis it has ever faced as Covid patients continue to pour into hospitals. Record numbers of staff absences and stringent infection control measures are also making the jobs of frontline health workers more difficult. The NHS has refused to commit to the two million target because of potential vaccine supply shortages, staffing concerns and other logistical hurdles. There is also a suggestion that health bosses want to distance themselves from the Government's arbitrary targets, given that it has failed to hit numerous goals throughout the pandemic, including ramping up daily swabbing capacity and expanding NHS Test and Trace. Advertisement

Mr Apter, whose organisation represents 130,000 officers, said the 'last thing the public want is to call 999 in their hour of need, only to find we are too short of officers to be able to respond'.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: 'A third lockdown is yet another blow to our sector. Particularly after it has faced an abysmally quiet Christmas and New Year's, which saw many pubs remain closed over what is meant to be their busiest time of the year.

'The announcement today adds to the woes of pubs as it shows they are a long way from reopening properly. The road to recovery for the pub sector just got longer.'

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the Government should have gone further by extending the rules on wearing face masks to cover busy outdoor areas and toughening up controls at the borders.

'This announcement by the Government of a full national lockdown was inevitable,' Mr Khan said.

'It is unclear why it took Boris Johnson so long to reach this conclusion.'

The latest infection tally meant the UK has passed the milestone of 50,000 infections every day for a week, suggesting that the easing of restrictions at Christmas helped fuel the outbreak.

Department of Health chiefs also posted 407 more deaths, up just 14 per cent on the figure recorded last week.

But it can take infected patients several weeks to fall severely ill and succumb to the illness, meaning fatalities have yet to reach their peak and will continue to rise.

The UK recorded almost 1,000 deaths twice last week, in grisly tolls not seen since the darkest days of the spring.

Nicola Sturgeon announced a drastic crackdown in the Scottish Parliament on Monday afternoon, with a legally-enforced stay at home order from midnight and schools north of the border set to stay closed until February.

Mr Johnson confirmed yesterday morning that 'tougher' measures were coming despite the optimism sparked by the first Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine doses being administered - although at that point he appeared to hint he would prefer to stick with the Tier system in England.

Streets and city centres were quiet as Britons digested the new restrictions being placed on their lives. PIctured, Waterloo station in London

Traffic was relatively light in many parts of London this morning, although the new rules have yet to come into force legally. Pictured, the A40 Marylebone flyover heading into central London

Lockdown 3: what 'non-essential businesses must close? Non-essential retail, such as clothing and homeware stores, vehicle showrooms (excluding rental), betting shops, tailors, tobacco and vape shops, electronic goods and mobile phone shops, auction houses (except for auctions of livestock or agricultural equipment) and market stalls selling non-essential goods. (These venues can continue to be able to operate click-and-collect off-premises, and delivery services). Hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs (they can remain open for takeaway and delivery of food and non-alcoholic drinks). Accommodation such as hotels, hostels, guest houses and campsites, Leisure and sports facilities such as leisure centres and gyms, swimming pools, sports courts,fitness and dance studios, riding arenas at riding centres, climbing walls, and golf courses. Entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, amusement arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, skating rinks, go-karting venues, indoor play and soft play centres and areas (including inflatable parks and trampolining centres), circuses, fairgrounds, funfairs, water parks and theme parks Animal attractions (such as zoos, safari parks, aquariums, and wildlife reserves) Indoor attractions at venues such as botanical gardens, stately homes and landmarks - though outdoor grounds can stay open for exercise. Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty, tanning and nail salons. Tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services must also close. They can also not be done in private homes. Community centres and halls. Advertisement

SAGE had cautioned that it is probably impossible to control the new coronavirus variant while they remain open - although experts say a total shutdown still might not be enough to bring the 'R' reproduction rate below one.

Michael Gove held a conference call with the First Ministers from the four nations to coordinate strategies. But in a sign of splits, Wales has said it will push ahead with reopening schools over the next fortnight unless there is new evidence about the variant strain.

Earlier, ex-health secretary Jeremy Hunt joined demands from Labour and Tory MPs for an immediate national squeeze with schools and borders shut and a ban on all household mixing.

Mr Hunt warned that mutant Covid has put the NHS under 'off the scale' pressure compared to normal winters and the government 'cannot afford to wait' even one more day.

Mr Hunt posted on Twitter: 'To those arguing winter is always like this in the NHS: you are wrong. I faced four serious winter crises as Health Sec and the situation now is off-the-scale worse than any of those.'

Mr Hunt said the 'No1 lesson' from the pandemic is that countries can 'save lives and get their economies back to normal faster' if they 'act early and decisively'.

'We therefore cannot afford to wait: all schools should be closed, international travel stopped, household mixing limited and the tier system reviewed so that the highest tier really does bring down infection levels,' Mr Hunt said.

'The good news is that unlike before these restrictions will be time limited to the 12 weeks or so it will take to get the vaccine out to those most vulnerable to covid - so there is light at the end of the tunnel.'

Mr Hunt was among a growing band of Conservative MPs, including ex-No10 adviser Neil O'Brien, urging emergency steps to tackle the coronavirus surge.

Labour has also been pushing for a squeeze, with Sadiq Khan saying Mr Hunt was 'spot on'.

Earlier Matt Hancock suggested the first step will be to escalate even more of the country into Tier 4, saying Tier 3 did not seem able to hold back the more infectious version of the deadly disease.

He insisted the problem was partly down to people failing to obey the rules, amid calls from some MPs for police to be given more powers.

But there were questions about how much more impact extending the coverage of Tier 4 could have, given three-quarters of England is already subject to the harshest bracket, where only essential shops such as supermarkets are allowed to open and people are meant to stay at home.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director for Public Health England (PHE), said the latest daily figures were a 'bitter warning' about the threat.

BORIS JOHNSON'S LOCKDOWN ANNOUNCEMENT IN FULL 'Since the pandemic began last year, the whole United Kingdom has been engaged in a great national effort to fight Covid. 'And there is no doubt that in fighting the old variant of the virus, our collective efforts were working and would have continued to work. 'But we now have a new variant of the virus. It has been both frustrating and alarming to see the speed with which the new variant is spreading. 'Our scientists have confirmed this new variant is between 50% and 70% more transmissible - that means you are much, much more likely to catch the virus and to pass it on. 'As I speak to you tonight, our hospitals are under more pressure from Covid than at any time since the start of the pandemic. 'In England alone, the number of Covid patients in hospitals has increased by nearly a third in the last week, to almost 27,000. 'That number is 40% higher than the first peak in April. On 29 December, more than 80,000 people tested positive for Covid across the UK - a new record. 'The number of deaths is up by 20% over the last week and will sadly rise further. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones. 'With most of the country already under extreme measures, it is clear that we need to do more, together, to bring this new variant under control while our vaccines are rolled out. 'In England, we must therefore go into a national lockdown which is tough enough to contain this variant. 'That means the Government is once again instructing you to stay at home. 'You may only leave home for limited reasons permitted in law, such as to shop for essentials, to work if you absolutely cannot work from home, to exercise, to seek medical assistance such as getting a Covid test, or to escape domestic abuse. 'The full details on what you can and can't do will be available at gov.uk/coronavirus. 'If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, we are advising you to begin shielding again and you will shortly receive a letter about what this means for you. 'And because we now have to do everything we possibly can to stop the spread of the disease, primary schools, secondary schools and colleges across England must move to remote provision from tomorrow, except for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. 'Everyone will still be able to access early years settings such as nurseries. 'We recognise that this will mean it is not possible or fair for all exams to go ahead this summer as normal. The Education Secretary will work with Ofqual to put in place alternative arrangements. 'We will provide extra support to ensure that pupils entitled to free school meals will continue to receive them while schools are closed, and we'll distribute more devices to support remote education. 'I completely understand the inconvenience and distress this late change will cause millions of parents and pupils up and down the country. 'Parents whose children were in school today may reasonably ask why we did not take this decision sooner. 'The answer is simply that we have been doing everything in our power to keep schools open, because we know how important each day in education is to children's life chances. 'And I want to stress that the problem is not that schools are unsafe for children - children are still very unlikely to be severely affected by even the new variant of Covid. 'The problem is that schools may nonetheless act as vectors for transmission, causing the virus to spread between households. 'Today the United Kingdom's chief medical officers have advised that the country should move to alert level 5, meaning that if action is not taken NHS capacity may be overwhelmed within 21 days. 'Of course, there is one huge difference compared to last year. We are now rolling out the biggest vaccination programme in our history. 'So far, we in the UK have vaccinated more people than the rest of Europe combined. 'With the arrival today of the UK's own Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, the pace of vaccination is accelerating. 'I can share with you tonight the NHS's realistic expectations for the vaccination programme in the coming weeks. 'By the middle of February, if things go well and with a fair wind in our sails, we expect to have offered the first vaccine dose to everyone in the four top priority groups identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. 'That means vaccinating all residents in a care home for older adults and their carers, everyone over the age of 70, all frontline health and social care workers, and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable. 'If we succeed in vaccinating all those groups, we will have removed huge numbers of people from the path of the virus. 'And of course, that will eventually enable us to lift many of the restrictions we have endured for so long. 'I must stress that even if we achieve this goal, there remains a time lag of two to three weeks from getting a jab to receiving immunity. 'And there will be a further time lag before the pressure on the NHS is lifted. So we should remain cautious about the timetable ahead. 'But if our understanding of the virus doesn't change dramatically once again... 'If the rollout of the vaccine programme continues to be successful... 'If deaths start to fall as the vaccine takes effect... 'And, critically, if everyone plays their part by following the rules... 'Then I hope we can steadily move out of lockdown, reopening schools after the February half-term and starting, cautiously, to move regions down the tiers. 'I want to say to everyone right across the United Kingdom that I know how tough this is, I know how frustrated you are, I know that you have had more than enough of government guidance about defeating this virus. 'But now more than ever, we must pull together. 'You should follow the new rules from now, and they will become law in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Parliament will meet - largely remotely - later that day. 'I know that the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland share my conviction this is a pivotal moment and they're taking similar steps. 'The weeks ahead will be the hardest yet but I really do believe that we are entering the last phase of the struggle. 'Because with every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people. 'And, thanks to the miracle of science, not only is the end in sight and we know exactly how we will get there. 'But for now, I am afraid, you must once again stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. 'Thank you all very much.' Advertisement

Who has to work from home now and how strictly will it be enforced? Boris Johnson plunged the country into a third national lockdown ordering everyone to work from home if they can. However, the criteria on who can stay out of the office has caused some confusion with the exception applying only to people who 'absolutely cannot work from home'. The Government's official website states this category includes - but is not limited to - 'people who work within critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing that require in-person attendance'. Roles such as these - which include water service and telecoms workers - are 'essential to keeping the country operating and supporting sectors and employers', guidance states. Those working in childcare or education are deemed to be providing an essential service, meaning they should continue to go into work. People who need to work in others' homes - such as nannies, cleaners or tradespeople - are also able to do so. To facilitate working from home, employees are encouraged to provide both IT equipment and the services to enable remote working. Those who are out of the house without a 'reasonable excuse' - including those who are working outside when it is not essential - can be slapped with a 200 fine. This figure can increase to up to 6,400 for repeat offenders. Advertisement

'The continuous rise in cases and deaths should be a bitter warning for us all. We must not forget the basics  the lives of our friends and family depend on it,' she said.

Speaking during a visit to Chase Farm Hospital in north London yesterday morning, Mr Johnson warned of 'tough tough' weeks to come.

He added: 'If you look at the numbers there's no question we will have to take tougher measures and we will be announcing those in due course.'

Mr Johnson tried to strike a positive note, promising there will be a 'massive ramp up' in vaccination numbers.

Before Mr Johnson acted, Ms Sturgeon announced yesterday that Scotland will be plunged back into a national coronavirus lockdown from midnight.

The SNP leader said the new crackdown, lasting all of January, will include a legally enforceable stay-at-home rule.

Exercise and essential journeys will be the only reasons why people will be allowed to leave their homes.

The planned reopening of schools on January 18 is also being pushed back to February 1 at the earliest while workers are being instructed to work from home wherever possible.

Rules on outdoor gatherings will be tightened to allow a maximum of just two people from two households to meet.

Meanwhile, places of worship will be closed from this Friday but weddings and funerals will still be allowed to go ahead.

A maximum of 20 people will be allowed to attend funeral services and a maximum of five people will be allowed to attend weddings.

Ms Sturgeon said the tough new curbs are necessary because of the 'steeply rising' rate of infections north of the border as she warned the lockdown could be extended beyond January if necessary.

The measures effectively mean a return to the restrictions seen during the first UK-wide lockdown which was imposed at the end of March last year.

All of mainland Scotland is already placed in the highest tier of Covid-19 rules but case numbers have prompted Ms Sturgeon to take more drastic action after 2,464 new cases were announced yesterday.

Manchester students threaten 'rent strike' after being told to pay up to 3,000 for accommodation despite not being allowed to return to campus during lockdown

University students in Manchester have threatened a rent strike after being told to pay up to 3,000 for accommodation even though they cannot return to campus during lockdown.

Like students elsewhere in the country, thousands of Manchester students face being stuck at home while being forced to continue paying for university accommodation, even though halls of residence are in many cases off-limits to them.

Students were set to return to campuses this week after the Christmas holidays but their return has now been delayed by the new national coronavirus lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday that he would 'have a look at the issue' of student rent, but students at both the University of Manchester and Salford University are furious.

One first-year Salford student is among many stuck with paying 133 a week for a room on her campus said there was talk among other would-be graduates of a 'rent strike'.

It comes after University of Manchester students barricaded themselves inside a university building to protest about being forced to carry on paying rent during the November lockdown.

A week previously, Manchester students tore down metal barricades which had been installed around their accommodation.

University students in Manchester have threatened a rent strike after being told to pay up to 3,000 for accommodation even though they cannot return to campus during lockdown. Pictured: A previous rent strike by University of Manchester students in November

The student, Frances Woodford, who has a room in Salford's Peel Park accommodation, told the Manchester Evening News that she and her fellow students are 'not standing for this anymore'.

'I know a lot of people who don't get enough maintenance grants to pay their rent and can't get jobs so are having to rely on their parents to pay for accommodation they can't even use,' she said.

'There has been talk of a rent strike if nothing is done.'

She claimed there had been 'issues with the bins' and 'mould in our flats' and added the rent issue was the 'last straw'.

Ms Woodford's accommodation is run by private provider Campus Living Villages (CLV).

The next instalment of rent, which is reportedly around 2,000 for most students, is due on January 12.

An email from CLV allegedly says that students' obligation to to continue paying rent is 'legally binding'.

It adds that rent 'must be made on the dates provided' and continues that for students receiving student finance payments, 'there is no legal argument for you not to pay rents'.

First-year University of Salford student Frances Woodford is among many stuck with paying 133 a week for a room on her campus said there was talk among other would-be graduates of a 'rent strike'. Another Salford student, Alex Greaves (right), 20, said university bosses need to 'understand the situation and take some responsibility'

Ms Woodford is paying for a room at Salford University's Peel Park accommodation, pictured above

Campus Living Villages has been approached for comment by MailOnline.

A spokesman told the MEN that they had not told residents to leave accommodation and that their 'villages' remained open.

Another Salford student, Alex Greaves, 20, said university bosses needed to 'understand the situation and take some responsibility'.

A University of Salford spokesperson said: 'The disruption to university students caused by the latest lockdown has left many unable to return to campus and to their term time accommodation.

'They are in an extremely difficult position with having to pay rent on accommodation that they are being told by the Government that they are not allowed to use.

'We are working through how best to support all students at this time and will be making an announcement about this on Monday 11 January.

'This is not a simple issue and does not just affect those in halls of residence, many pay private landlords for flats and shared houses.'

They added: 'We are as frustrated as the students with short notice changes and lack of detail from government but we will work as quickly as possible to respond to the concerns that our students have rightly expressed.'

In November, University of Manchester students (one pictured above during the sit-in) barricaded themselves inside university building Owens Park tower in Fallowfield to protest at being charged full rent fees

Last month, the University of Manchester gave all students in its halls a 30 per cent rent discount for the autumn term.

It came after some barricaded themselves inside a campus building in November after being asked to pay full rent during lockdown.

University bosses also agreed to allow students to cancel their accommodation contracts without penalty if they wished.

The university has yet to outline their policy for rents for the new term which are due to be paid on January 21.

Students are said to be demanding no fees for weeks where they've been told not to return to campus.

A university spokesman said: 'We understand these continue to be challenging and uncertain times for our students.

'The 30 per cent reduction in rent is for semester one which runs up to 31 January.

'All students in our halls of residence have the option to break their licence agreement with us at any time without penalty.

Students Fallowfield also tore down metal barriers which were put up around their accommodation block in November

'As a University we will carry on supporting our students in every way we can, whether they're on campus, in our accommodation or now studying from home.'

Some students at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)) are calling for rent reductions at both university and private accommodation.

Another petition, which has been signed by more than 12,000 people, targets MMU accommodation provider Unite Students.

The petition says: 'We are students, teenagers stuck in our rooms/flats being told not to go into uni and not to socialise with anyone.

'Yes we have a contract with them but this is NOT right.

'There is security at every entrance of every building checking if we live here or not. Communal areas being shut.

It adds: 'WE ARE BEING TREATED LIKE PRISONERS.'

Unite has been approached for comment.

A Manchester Metropolitan University spokesman said: 'The wellbeing and education of our students is our top priority, and we fully appreciate what a challenging academic year this has been.

'The University will be implementing a rent reduction for students in University-owned accommodation which was based on previous Government guidance around the staggered return to face-to-face activity this term.

'In terms of Monday's announcement of a national lockdown, we're reviewing the impact of this and also awaiting further government guidance.

'For any private accommodation landlords, we've asked if they would consider rent reductions for students living in their properties.'

He said: 'What we hope is that they (students) will get online learning that will allow them to continue with their degree courses, but clearly there are going to be issues to do with the cost of their accommodation that we will have to look at as a Government and see what arrangements the universities are making to deal with the reasonable concerns of many, many students.'

Earlier in November, Fallowfield students described how they awoke in 'a box surrounded by strangers' after their university put up fencing around their halls without telling them. Undergraduates ripped down the metal posts after they were set up on the first day of England's November lockdown

In November, University of Manchester students barricaded themselves inside a university building to protest at being charged full rent fees.

The 15 students, most of whom were first-year students, said at the time that they had enough supplies to 'occupy' the top floor of Owens Park tower in Fallowfield for several weeks.

They lit smoke flares and draped banners from the windows of the accommodation bloc.

The protesters demanded a meeting with the university's vice chancellor, Dame Nancy Rothwell, as well as a rent and tuition fee reduction.

Earlier in November, Fallowfield students described how they awoke in 'a box surrounded by strangers' after their university put up fencing around their halls without telling them.

Undergraduates ripped down the metal posts after they were set up on the first day of England's November lockdown.

Crowds trampled on the barrier and set off flares in fury at not being informed of the new measures.

Manchester University announced an inquiry after the fences were erected around the student halls that were set up as a 'security measure' to 'help avoid mixing with households'.

What you can and cannot do during the national lockdown: The government guidelines in full

You must stay at home. The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

You should follow this guidance immediately. The law will be updated to reflect these new rules.

Leaving home

You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to:

shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person

go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home

exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one

seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)

attend education or childcare - for those eligible

Colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half term. Early Years settings remain open.

Higher Education provision will remain online until mid February for all except future critical worker courses.

If you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should always stay local in the village, town, or part of the city where you live. You may leave your local area for a legally permitted reason, such as for work.

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. You should not attend work

Meeting others

You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with (if you are legally permitted to form one).

You may exercise on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.

You should not meet other people you do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, unless for a permitted reason.

Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household.

Detailed guidance on the national lockdown

Who this guidance is for

This guidance is for people who are fit and well. There is additional advice for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus and households with a possible or confirmed coronavirus infection. If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should not attend work, school, college or university, and limit the time you spend outside the home. You should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential.

Hands. Face. Space.

Approximately 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it.

Remember - 'Hands. Face. Space.'

hands  wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds

face  wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet

space  stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings)

In all circumstances, you should follow the guidance on meeting others safely.

When you can leave home

You must not leave or be outside of your home except where you have a 'reasonable excuse'. This will be put in law. The police can take action against you if you leave home without a 'reasonable excuse', and issue you with a fine (Fixed Penalty Notice).

You can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of 200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of 6,400.

A 'reasonable excuse' includes:

Work - you can only 
In 2018, I was asked to relocate from Camden, N.J., to Edinburg to help a small, struggling animal shelter. The shelter was, at the time, the deadliest in the country  only 34 percent of the nearly 30,000 dogs and cats entering were getting out alive.

I was acting executive director and operations manager of the Palm Valley Animal Society (PVAS), which provides sheltering services for communities in Hidalgo County where 33 percent of residents live below the poverty line. Shelter intake is among the highest per capita in the U.S., in a state that is second in the country for killing shelter pets.

My goal was to help the shelter implement changes that would turn that 34 percent into 90 percent  making PVAS a no-kill shelter, or in other words, saving all healthy and treatable animals that enter.

I knew I had my work cut out for me.

When I landed in Texas in July, the first thing I noticed was, of course, the heat. And when I arrived at the shelter, the first thing I noticed was a long line of animal control trucks waiting to drop off stray pets to an already overcrowded shelter. I was thinking about the dogs and cats in the trucks, the pets in the outdoor kennels and the staff that had to care for them in the oppressive heat.

Immediately, I worked with the facilities staff to raise an existing tin roof over an outdoor wing and knock bricks out of the backs of kennels to increase airflow. It was still hot, but better than before.

Like the facilities team, the entire staff at PVAS was not only willing to hear new ideas, but enthusiastically welcomed them. They were drowning in animals and faced with hard decisions every day. No one gets into animal welfare to kill pets; they get into it because they love pets.

The next couple of years were full of both small and big changes that helped turn lifesaving around, including making every pet onsite available for adoption (not just those housed in the main building), creating committees for reunions, adoptions and transports, and rethinking spaces, such as converting an old animal control building into a dog maternity center for nursing moms and increasing cat housing by moving the rescue team into the main building and using their office space for cats.

And the most pivotal one: turning the euthanasia room, which was being used multiple times a day to unnecessarily end lives, into a clinic where pets can instead receive care while waiting for adoption.

Because we were taking in more than 10,000 cats a year but only saving about 19 percent of them, we asked the community to step up. We gained many new foster parents and received help with our community cat program, which helps solve the problem of perfectly healthy, happy free-roaming cats ending up in a shelter where they die needlessly.

Targeted work, like what is being done in Edinburg, is what is bringing change to Texas. And Im proud to say that in only two years since my arrival, PVAS will finish the year at a nearly 90 percent save rate.

As Ive learned firsthand in my short time here, its not just a saying: Texas really does everything bigger. And for a while in Edinburg, that was a bad thing. Extreme weather, limited resources, old facilities, none of these things are excuses for killing pets anymore.

But now PVAS joins the ranks of other Texas shelters, including Houston shelters, Harris County Pets and BARC, who both have reached independent save rates above 90 percent. These municipal shelters have shown that bigger means saving more lives. They have become models of the shelter of the future, demonstrating how community supported sheltering can make a huge difference in the lives of pets.

The work has only just begun, but together we have proven that it is possible. Every year PVAS, along with all Texas municipal shelters, needs the continued support of the community to keep saving lives. It is everyones collective responsibility to take care of the communitys pets. I hope youll continue the momentum by adopting, fostering, donating and volunteering.

Ive relocated once again, 470 miles north of Edinburg, to take the helm temporarily at Abilene Animal Services where the save rate in 2018 was 55 percent, and is now hovering above 90 percent. Im looking forward to help make Texas a no-kill shelter state, one city at a time.

Bricker is a director for shelter embed programs at Best Friends Animal Society and is currently serving as interim animal aervices director for the city of Abilene.

Cebu City (CNN Philippines, January 7)  Organizers of the Sinulog Festival announced on Thursday that some live events, such as the street dancing and other programs, will be scrapped this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sinulog Foundation Incorporated Executive Committee member Neil Odchique said the ritual showdown will instead be pre-recorded and presented online on January 17. The 22 contingents for the virtual Sinulog can record their performances so they don't need to travel, he added.

Event organizers drew flak for its earlier plan to push through with the street dancing and other programs at South Road Properties, which some believe, could turn the annual festivities into a COVID-19 "super spreader" event. The Cebu Medical Society earlier expressed opposition to the local government's plan to hold Sinulog-related activities amid rising coronavirus cases in the city.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama, lead convenor of Sinulog 2021, said they have carefully assessed the situation and listened to the concerns of several sectors and other government agencies.

"(This is) in view of the fact that we have on our data that there is an increasing number of COVID-19 cases," he said in a media briefing. "All the while we were thinking that it is now reducing but now it is increasing."

CNN Philippines Cebu-based correspondent Dale Israel contributed to this story.
After heavy isolated rainfall in south-east Queensland overnight, there is more wet weather on the way, with a wind surge set to combine with ex-cyclone Imogen.

The Ipswich suburb of Amberley recorded 100 millimetres in two hours on Wednesday night as - what meteorologist Livio Regano described - a "wall of rain" swept through the south-east corner.

The region was split down the middle by the mass of rain clouds, with areas west of Brisbane  Ipswich, Scenic Rim and Toowoomba  copping far more rain than areas to the east.

But those eastern areas were expected to get their rainfall in the coming days.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Mainly clear. Low 51F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Mainly clear. Low 51F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
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The storming of the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday has prompted calls by some lawmakers to remove him from office before President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in on Jan. 20.

The chaotic scenes unfolded after Republican Trump, who has refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power, addressed thousands of protesters and repeated unfounded claims that the election was stolen from him.

There are two ways to remove a president from office: the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution and impeachment followed by a Senate conviction. In either scenario, Vice President Mike Pence would take over until Bidens inauguration.

A source familiar with the effort said here have been some preliminary discussions among some Cabinet members and Trump allies about invoking the 25th Amendment.

Whats the purpose of the 25th Amendment?

The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967 and adopted in the wake of President John F. Kennedys assassination in 1963, deals with presidential succession and disability.

Section 4 addresses situations where a president is unable to do the job but does not step down voluntarily.

The drafters of the 25th Amendment clearly intended for it to apply when a president is incapacitated by a physical or mental illness, experts say. Some scholars have also argued that it could also apply more broadly to a president who is dangerously unfit for office.

For the 25th Amendment to be invoked, Pence and the majority of Trumps Cabinet would need to declare that Trump is unable to perform the duties of the presidency and remove him. Pence would take over, in that scenario.

Trump could subsequently declare that he is capable of resuming the job. If Pence and the majority of the Cabinet do not contest Trumps determination, Trump regains power. If they dispute Trumps declaration, the issue would then be decided by Congress, but Pence would continue to act as president until then.

A two-thirds majority of both Chambers would be needed to keep Trump sidelined. But the Democratic-controlled House could simply delay voting on the substantive dispute until Trumps term ends, said Paul Campos, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Colorado.

Campos said the 25th Amendment would be an appropriate way to remove Trump from office and has the benefit of being quicker than impeachment.

Pence could instantly become president, whereas impeachment and conviction could take at least a few days, Campos said.

Can Trump be impeached and removed?

Yes.

A misconception about impeachment is that it refers to the removal of a president from office. In fact, impeachment refers only to the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress, bringing charges that a president engaged in a high crime or misdemeanor - similar to an indictment in a criminal case.

If a simple majority of the Houses 435 members approves bringing charges, known as articles of impeachment, the process moves to the Senate, the upper chamber, which holds a trial to determine the presidents guilt. The Constitution requires a two-thirds vote of the Senate to convict and remove a president.

Trump was previously impeached by the Democratic-led US House in December 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress stemming from his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son. Trump was acquitted by the Republican-led Senate in February 2020.

What high crime and misdemeanor could Trump be accused of?

Frank Bowman, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Missouri, said Trump arguably fomented sedition, or an attempted overthrowing of the US government.

But Bowman said Trump could also be impeached for a more general offence: disloyalty to the US Constitution and failing to uphold his oath of office. Congress has discretion in defining a high crime and misdemeanor and is not limited to actual criminal offences.

The essential offence would be one against the Constitution - one of essentially trying to undermine the lawful results of a lawfully conducted election, Bowman said.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 03:17:18|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Congress convened in a joint session Wednesday afternoon to formally count the Electoral College votes cast in the 2020 presidential election.

This is the final step in certifying President-elect and Democrat Joe Biden's victory over the incumbent Republican, Donald Trump.

U.S. Vice President and President of the U.S. Senate Mike Pence is presiding over Wednesday's congressional session.

Shortly after the session opened, Republicans raised a recognized objection to the counting of the electoral votes in Arizona, long a deep-red state that flipped to Biden last year, forcing a debate in both the House and the Senate for up to two hours.

The chambers will vote on the objection respectively after the debate, which is unlikely to be sustained, as Democrats have a majority in the House and they are expected to unite against any challenges to the presidential election results.

In the Senate, where Republicans only have a slim majority, the party has been torn by efforts seeking to throw out electoral votes.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, on Wednesday dismissed Trump's allegations of widespread fraud in the White House race.

"Nothing before us proves illegality anywhere near the massive scale, the massive scale that would have tipped the entire election," McConnell said on the Senate floor.

"The Constitution gives us here in Congress a limited role. We cannot simply declare ourselves a national board of elections on steroids," he argued. "Voters, courts, states have all spoken. They've all spoken."

The U.S. Congress will reconvene after the objection is voted on and continue with the Electoral College vote counting.

The process is repeated with every recognized objection. Republicans are also expected to contest results of at least two other states.

Electors in 50 states and the District of Columbia met last month to select Biden as the next president of the United States by awarding him 306 electoral votes versus 232 for Trump. Enditem

Many spiritual sanctuaries of the worlds religions can be found in the small mountain town of Crestone, Colorado. The town is nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo range with a population of about 145 residents.

Crestone is widely popular for its mountainous terrain, ghost towns, and alpine views, but the mountain town is also home to many spiritual centers representing various sects of at least 7 different religions including Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Catholicism, Christianity, and more. In the case of Tibetan Buddhism, at least six different spiritual centers can be found around town, each representing a different organization.

Crestone has a history of influencing the spirituality of those who visit. The early Spanish settlers of the area saw the sunsets red glow on the mountain range and were ultimately inspired to name them the Sangre de Cristos, which translates to blood of Christ. The vast, sweeping valleys surrounded by mountains have also been compared to scenes found in Tibet.

At this spiritual Colorado spot, visitors can find ashrams, monasteries, temples, spiritual retreat centers, stupas, labyrinths, and other sacred sites. One of the most unique spiritual structures is the Crestone Ziggurat. The stone rectangular brick tower is modeled after the temples of ancient Babylon and can be seen from miles away.

A diverse community consisting of many spiritualists, healers, practitioners, and outdoor enthusiasts, Crestone is one of the most unique places to visit in Colorado.
Daily new Covid-19 cases in the country went above 20,000, breaking the five-day streak. The nation reported 20,346 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, 19,587 recoveries and 222 more deaths. India's death toll has now crossed 1,50,000. Stay tuned to DH for the latest updates.
Looking forward to 2021, I thought I would share with you some information about our League of Women Voters of the Midland Area, with an open invitation to join our League in the new year.

In 1969, the League of Women Voters of the Midland Area was officially recognized as a Local League by the United States Board of the League of Women Voters (LWV). Ninety-four women made up the membership in its incorporation; today membership is totaling 110, and is open to all people age 16 and older. We are an inclusive organization welcoming people of all races, ethnicities and gender identities.

The League of Women Voters encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The league is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public.

The LWV of the Midland area has a rich history of effecting change in policy and practice to ensure maximum participation and representation in government by spearheading many voter registration projects at local colleges and public sites around the Midland Area. Every two years, Voters Guides are published and distributed in conjunction with the Midland Daily News. Additional copies are circulated throughout the community by our members.

Since 2012, Voter Guide information is also made available online via VOTE411.org. The LWV of the Midland Area has collaborated with Midland Community Television (MCTV) to offer televised candidate forums for contested races every two years since 1989. Partnerships with the local American Association of University Women (AAUW) to co-sponsor candidate forums for the Midland Board of Education and the Midland County Educational Service Agency boards have also been established. After each election, a Your Elected Officials pamphlet with the names and contact information for elected officials is updated and distributed throughout the community and on our leagues website.

The Midland League joined leagues and other civic organizations in Michigan to work on a state-wide ballot proposal in 2018, and successfully added Proposal 3: Promote the Vote, reducing barriers to voting and ensuring that every eligible Michigander can vote, and every vote will count. Proposal 3 received overwhelming support from the voters. During this pandemic Promote the Vote successfully allowed citizens of Michigan to vote and register new voters in a variety of easier ways.

The LWV participates in studies to form consensus and develop positions upon which to advocate. Some positions include the subjects of health care, election law, money in politics, public education in Michigan, great lakes ecosystems, prisons, government finance, privatization, agricultural policies, constitutional conventions, direct popular vote, the federal role in public education and redistricting.

The LWV of Midland has hosted and co-hosted educational programs on a variety of subjects ranging from voting information (such as learning new voting services from our county clerk), to social issues (like human trafficking), educational programs about natural resources and environmental topics (including touring Central Park School). Building an educated and informed community is vital to bringing about real change, a responsibility we take to heart.

Here are some of our members reasons they decided to join:

I joined the League because of their focus on voters. Getting folks registered, getting people information from the candidates directly. Empowering voters, regardless of their views, is important to me.

I joined the league because I was attracted to the LWV civic involvement and high standards for an educated study along with in-depth discussion before taking a position. Friends who were already LWV members shared their enthusiasm and interest.

As the parent of a 3-year-old and 6-year-old, membership in the league provided the opportunity to be informed about issues I cared about, and to be engaged with like-minded folks in our community.

Over the years, league members have served in community organizations, on governmental boards, and as elected officials, with a common goal to make our community strong, vibrant and fair. The LWV of the Midland area consider its members to be its most valuable asset! While giving an opportunity to members for their voice to be heard in an action-driven organization. We encourage any person 16 years of age and older to join and participate in bringing about real change. We encourage you to learn more about our league and consider becoming a member, as an individual, household or student.

For more information on our league you can visit our website at lwv-midland.org or contact me.

Carol McPherson is the vice president of membership for the League of Women Voters of the Midland area.
BRUSSELS  The European Union embarked on a trade deal with China believing that engagement with Beijing was the best way to alter its behavior and make it a committed stakeholder in the international system. But that was seven years ago.

The deal was quietly sealed in the final weeks of last year. By then, China had changed and so had the world. The trans-Atlantic relationship has been damaged by President Trump, with new doubts in Europe about American constancy and in America about Europes ambitions.

The timing  with a newly aggressive China seen as a strategic rival to the United States and just weeks before Joseph R. Biden Jr. becomes president  has opened the European Union to questions and criticism, from analysts and particularly American officials, that perhaps the deal was a diplomatic and political error.

It was concluded in the midst of Chinas crackdown in Hong Kong and Xinjiang and accepts vague Chinese promises to stop the use of forced labor. It creates doubts about Europes willingness to heed Mr. Bidens call to work with him on a joint strategy toward Beijing. And it has handed an important victory to China, where the deal was hailed as a great success for President Xi Jinping before the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party and confirmation of its power in the new world.
PFAS investigation in Pellston completes second round of samples

Officials discovered polyfluoroalkyls in Pellston residential water sources in late 2019. The airport is believed to be the source of the substances.


--As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, humanity has borne witness to the CPC's commitment to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

--This new development paradigm "fully demonstrates the determination of the CPC and the Chinese government to continue opening up to the outside world," said Ezzat Saad, director of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs.

--The CPC has set an example in both its efforts to combat poverty and the coronavirus.

Members of a medical team are seen on a ceremony before their departure to Wuhan of Hubei Province to aid the novel coronavirus control efforts there, at the Hedong International Airport in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Jan. 28, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- As the year of 2021 begins to unfold, the world is standing at a critical juncture with the cataclysmic COVID-19 pandemic continuing to wreak havoc across the globe.

Against such a challenging backdrop, China has embarked upon a new 15-year endeavor to build itself into a "modern socialist country" under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which celebrates its 100th founding anniversary this year.

With the world striving to tackle the pandemic, economic woes, climate change and various other global challenges, more and more solution-seekers are looking to China for inspiration and insight.

Photo taken on Oct. 8, 2020 shows anti-epidemic supplies from China during the handover ceremony at Hamid Karzia International Airport in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. (Photo by Rahmatullah Alizadah/Xinhua)

BOOSTING COOPERATION FOR SHARED FUTURE

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, humanity has borne witness to the CPC's commitment to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Abbas Zaki, a member of Palestinian Fatah Central Committee and commissioner for relations with Arab countries and China, said China has repeatedly called for joint efforts to combat COVID-19.

"While doing a good job in its own fight against COVID-19, China has attached great importance to anti-epidemic cooperation with developing countries," said Zaki, commending China for safeguarding global public health.

People receive the COVID-19 vaccines at a healthcare center in Honglian Community in Xicheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

Noting that Laos and China are comprehensive strategic partners, Kingphet Mongkhonvilay, a senior official from the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, said that in the early days of the pandemic, Laos provided assistance for China, while China later returned the offer with large amounts of epidemic prevention materials.

"The mutual support stands as an example of building a community with a shared future for mankind," he said.

During their interviews with Xinhua, foreign scholars agreed that China's success against this once-in-a-century pandemic has shown the way forward.

"China has taken the lead in stepping out of the pandemic's shadow and reopening its economy," said Faruk Boric, a China expert in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "It bolsters the morale of the whole world."

Aerial photo taken on July 24, 2020 shows the China-Laos Railway's Ban Ladhan Mekong River Super Major Bridge in Laos. (Photo by Pan Longzhu/Xinhua)

Argentine economist and China expert Gonzalo Tordini said that the Chinese government and its people have demonstrated to the world "outstanding achievements obtained by orderly and persistent efforts to combat COVID-19."

To help developing countries plagued by the pandemic, China has pledged to make its vaccines a global public good, both accessible and affordable.

Noting that China was the first country to identify and largely defeat COVID-19, Dr. G. Weerasinghe, general secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, said China has been providing technical assistance for other countries and actively supporting the World Health Organization's COVAX program, which aims to ensure equal access to COVID-19 vaccines for all participating countries.

"The CPC's genuine commitment and dedication to a community with a shared future for mankind is proven beyond doubt through the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

EXPANDING OPENING-UP FOR WORLD RECOVERY

The year 2021 is crucial to China as the first year of the country's 14th Five-Year Plan. The nation is set to achieve its first centenary goal within the set time frame -- the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. It is set to embark on a journey toward the second goal: to fully build a modern socialist country by mid-century.

The year 2021 also marks the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the World Trade Organization.

Facing daunting economic challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of protectionism and anti-globalization, China has unveiled its "dual circulation" development pattern, where internal and external markets can reinforce each other, with the domestic market as the mainstay.

This new development paradigm "fully demonstrates the determination of the CPC and the Chinese government to continue opening up to the outside world," said Ezzat Saad, director of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs.

Aerial photo taken on April 15, 2020 shows Qinzhou Port in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lei Jiaxing)

"It has shown that instead of closing its door, China will share its development achievements with the world," said Saad.

Since its inception, the Belt and Road Initiative has evolved into a crucial platform for global cooperation. Overseas observers noted that more and more countries are turning their attention to this open platform, hoping that a more bolstered connectivity will lead to an early recovery of the world economy.

"Connectivity is changing the fate of the poor and developing countries on a positive note," said former Pakistani Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani. "The Belt and Road Initiative... is triggering an economic development across the world and can become a great opportunity for the whole world."

For Robert Griffiths, general secretary of the Communist Party of Britain, China is "engaging the peoples of many countries in a mutually beneficial plan for growth and investment" through the Belt and Road.

SHOULDERING RESPONSIBILITY FOR GLOBAL PROSPERITY

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues unabated, the world is confronted with other formidable issues including extreme poverty, climate change and loss of biodiversity.

"Peace, health cooperation and poverty reduction are most serious issues facing the world. Without collaboration, there is no way out," said Rabbani, adding that the CPC has set an example in both its efforts to combat poverty and the coronavirus.

Later this year, China will host the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15).

China's holding of the COP15 is testimony of the increasing global recognition of the CPC's and the Chinese government's strenuous work in environmental protection, said Annerise Rodriguez, a Cuban expert on international issues.

Aerial photo taken on July 25, 2020 shows the Hongyi River ecological zone in Julu County, north China's Hebei Province. Transformed from a wasteland, the Hongyi River ecological zone has become a leisure area for local citizens and tourists. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Alexey Maslov, acting director of the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of Russian Academy of Sciences, said he expects China to foster more positive changes in such areas as climate change and marine ecology.

China has witnessed success in setting practical goals to cope with climate change, said Lionel Vairon, a French geopolitical expert and former diplomat, adding that France-China and European Union-China cooperation in this area is highly anticipated and set to bring about promising results.

Combating poverty has been a primary concern for China, the first developing country to meet one of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals directed at poverty.

Aerial photo shows a newly-built community for poverty alleviation relocation at Shexiang ancient township of Dafang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Dec. 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

"The UN Millennium Development Goals resonate with China's vision of a shared future for mankind," said Cavince Adhere, an international relations expert in Kenya.

"The realization of such development aspirations can only happen when countries work together," Adhere said.
Welcome to new beginnings in 2021.

The New Year raises new hopes, new expectations, new aspirations - even new anxieties. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has raised hopes by inviting ideas to spur growth with a promise to deliver "a Budget like never before". Centre has shown an open mind to suggestions. That has given rise to the belief that the government will finally act on the biggest problem facing the economy - demand or consumption. Centre's attempts so far to accelerate supply-side economy, idolising the China model of investment-led growth has turned out to be a wrong diagnosis of the current state of Indian economy. It delivered neither investment, nor growth. Instead, it caused several quarters of unimpeded deceleration as demand collapsed on the back of slowdown, uncertainty and job losses. Covid only worsened the state of the economy.

Business Today invited a power-packed panel to suggest ways to accelerate the Indian economy. D.K. Joshi, Chief Economist, CRISIL; Nilesh Shah, Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company; Mukesh Butani, Managing Partner, BMR Legal Advocates; Akhil Gupta, Vice-Chairman, Bharti Enterprises; Gopal Krishna Agarwal, National Spokesperson of the BJP on Economic Affairs; and Prof. Gourav Vallabh, Spokesperson, Indian National Congress recommend what to do to next for a high growth curve.

Even as the Centre readies Budget 2021, on page 44, Niti Kiran dives into some of the most prominent economic ratios to decipher what they portend. The risk appetite measure - market capitalisation-to-bank deposit ratio - which drives capital market's participation is currently over 100 per cent, suggesting risk appetite is high. The stock market valuations measure - Sensex P/E multiple - is trading at a multiple of 32.9, significantly higher than its five-year trailing average of 23.5, indicating market valuations are expensive right now. The measure of investment demand in the economy - Gross Fixed Capital Formation or GFCF-to-GDP ratio - indicates high activity when the share is rising. However, after contracting by a record 47.1 per cent in the first quarter, the GFCF has still fallen, though a much lower 7.3 per cent, in Q2FY21, its fifth consecutive contraction. Investment, it seems, is the last thing on the minds of entrepreneurs.

Business Today-C-fore's quarterly Business Confidence Index (BCI) has taken a sharp dip in the October-December period as the demand surge in the festive season failed to sustain. The survey of India's 500 top CEOs, CFOs and CXOs overwhelmingly expects Sitharaman to focus on demand generation (41 per cent) in the upcoming Budget. This was followed by new infrastructure for demand creation (4 per cent). Interestingly, only 3 per cent asked for supply-side policies and liquidity, the mainstay of the Centre's Atma Nirbhar Bharat package so far, while expectations from Covid-ravaged exports market are also realistically low with just 2 per cent, followed by an even lower 1 per cent from new private investments. But a substantial 47 per cent hope that the FM will focus on all these areas.

Meanwhile, as India embarks on widespread labour reforms, the trouble at Wistron's plant near Bangalore calls for introspection on the right balance between reforms and oversight. The company operated the plant in complete violation of labour laws. Karnataka labour department is torn between reform and Licence Raj. For instance, it had planned eliminating surprise labour inspections for ease of doing business. Next what? Rukmini Rao takes you through the lessons from the Wistron fiasco on page 74.
China silent on independent probe on charges of COVID-19 leak from Wuhan bio lab

Milkha Singh continues to be stable, shifted out of ICU; wife admitted with COVID pneumonia

COVID-19 origin: Biden asks US intel community to investigate, calls on China to cooperate

COVID crisis: 5.5 lakh migrants who returned to Kerala lost their jobs

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 07: Amid the economic crisis induced by the coronavirus lockdown in the country, out of the 8.4 lakh migrants who have returned to Kerala from abroad since May last year, 5.5 lakh said they suffered a job loss, according to the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs data.

Another big chunk of returnees, 2.08 lakh, stated that their job visas had expired or mentioned other reasons for their return. The rest include senior citizens, or children, and family members of expatriates.

Gujarat: Year of migrants' march, hospital fires, lion's roar

Notably, NRI remittances into Kerala grew around 30 per cent during lockdown.

However, Prof S Irudaya Rajan, an expert on international migration doesn't see a cause for alarm saying , "The actual figure of migrants in distress would be less... I think a section of them, it could be two-third of them, would explore new destinations for migration in the coming months. Already people have started returning.''

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

Kerala saw annual remittances of Rs 85,000 crore in 2018, and was expecting this to increase to Rs 1,00,000 crore in 2020. Rajan said there could be 10 to 15 per cent decline in remittances in the current fiscal.

Kerala economy may be facing long-term impact, with remittances from abroad, mainly from West Asia.

Rajan further said, "We have to wait another year to get a clear picture about the next trajectory of migration."


remaining of

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U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., late Wednesday took to the Senate floor to criticize the domestic terrorists who invaded the U.S. Capitol and rebuked his colleagues for the fake debate on certification of Electoral College votes.

He also heralded Oregons secure vote by mail system.

Watch:

The Senate had already overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.

The objection to the results in Arizona -- spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz -- was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

Wyden released an earlier statement calling Wednesdays attack a direct assault on democracy, a riot by insurrectionists that caps off four years of Donald Trump fanning the flames of fanaticism. Every Republican lawmaker who supported his efforts to overturn a legitimate election shares responsibility for the violence at the heart of our democracy.

Republicans raised objections to the normally ceremonial Electoral College vote reading after false claims pushed by President Donald Trump. Trump had challenged the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials, as well as unsuccessful challenges in other states.

Meantime, Sen. Jeff Merkleys staff tweeted scenes from inside the Capitol near his office.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-08 04:15:29|Editor: huaxia

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U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao delivers a speech during the celebration for the 150th anniversary of the completion of the nation's first transcontinental railroad, to which thousands of Chinese railroad workers have made great contribution, at the Golden Spike National Historical Park at Promontory Summit, Salt Lake City, the United States, May 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Elaine Chao is the first member of outgoing President Donald Trump's cabinet to resign in the wake of Wednesday's incidents.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced her resignation on Thursday in protest over chaos and violence that overran Capitol Hill a day earlier.

In a letter to her colleagues at the Department of Transportation, Chao said her resignation will take effect on Monday.

"Yesterday, our country experienced a traumatic and entirely avoidable event as supporters of the President stormed the Capitol building following a rally he addressed," she wrote. "As I'm sure is the case with many of you, it has deeply troubled me in a way that I simply cannot set aside."

Chao, 67, has served as transportation secretary of the United States since 2017.

She is the first member of outgoing President Donald Trump's cabinet to resign in the wake of Wednesday's incidents.

Chao was previously labor secretary under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. Her husband is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican.

Protesters in support of Trump's futile efforts to reject the 2020 presidential election results breached the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, when Congress met to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory.

Chaos and violence forced an hours-long lockdown on the Capitol grounds, which also left four people dead, with multiple injuries and dozens of arrests. Trump has been roundly criticized for inciting the unrest with unproven claims that the election was fraudulent. 
Images shared on social media highlighted the stark divide between law enforcements response to last summer's Black Lives Matter protests, and Wednesdays right-wing rioters who stormed the US Capitol.

Many on Twitter were quick to point out how differently law enforcement behaved over the summer, deploying rubber bullets and tear gas in many instances across the country. On Wednesday, the police response in Washington, DC, appeared more muted.

"The police suddenly very hesitant to use their weapons," wrote one Twitter user next to a violent video of rioters pushing and shoving their way into the Capitol.

As a reminder, the Black Lives Matter protests that unfurled across the US over the summer following the police killing of George Floyd became markedly more violent, with mass arrests and use of tear gas and rubber bullets by law enforcement.

A BLM protestor is detained while bleeding from the head in downtown Louisville, on September 23, 2020 (AFP via Getty Images)

BLM protesters are lined up and arrested in New York City (AFP via Getty Images)

Police officers face-off with BLM protestors marching in downtown Louisville (AFP via Getty Images)

Todays demonstration, which turned violent far more quickly, with pro-Trump rioters breaking in to Congress and causing the Federal building to go into lockdown, seemingly did not inspire the same response from law enforcement, even as Trump supporters vandalized Federal property.

One officer could even be seen posing for a selfie with one of the rioters.

Police look on as a Trump supporter approaches the US Capitol (AFP via Getty Images)

Trump supporters confront police and security forces at the US Capitol (AFP via Getty Images)
BBC show Pooch Perfect has been criticised for 'sending a worrying message' after some of the dogs were dyed bright colours.

The new series, which starts on Thursday and is hosted by Sheridan Smith, sees 16 dog groomers from around the UK compete by transforming family pets.

However in a promo video, some of the canines are seen sporting brightly coloured fur causing the RSPCA and British Veterinary Association to worry the show may suggest the animals are 'accessories,' reports The Mirror.

Controversial: New BBC show Pooch Perfect has been criticised for 'sending a worrying message' after some of the dogs were dyed bright colours (pictured is host Sheridan Smith)

On the show, the 16 groomers are competing to be crowned the nation's Top Dog Groomer and win The Golden Stanley trophy.

They then have to face challenges such as the Breed Makeover and Dog Walk Challenge to test their skills and creativity.

As the series goes on, themes get harder and in some of the rounds the groomers use temporary colour, with a sneak peak being seen in the promo clip.

Although praising the show for having a vet present for filming, RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines told The Mirror: 'We do not believe animals should be painted or dyed for cosmetic reasons.

'Our pets are intelligent and sentient; treating them in this way sends out a worrying message that they are ours to objectify and treat as fashion accessories or toys.'

Daniella Dos Santos, British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President, said in a statement to MailOnline: 'Grooming is important for pets to upkeep their coat and to keep them comfortable.

Not impressed: The RSPCA said the use of colour and dye on the canines 'sends out a worrying message' that pets are 'fashion accessories' (pictured one of the dogs on the show)

'Most owners consider pets a part of the family, which is great, but we should remember that pets are not fashion accessories.

'Owners should be aware that inappropriate anthropomorphism such as dyeing fur to match their 'personality' or otherwise unnaturally changing their appearance is not only unnecessary and potentially harmful, but in some cases can also prevent pets from expressing their natural behaviours.

'We'd advise consulting your vet if you have any questions regarding pet grooming.'

A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: Throughout the filming of Pooch Perfect, the care and wellbeing of the dogs was of the upmost importance.

'On set we had an RSPCA approved Animal Welfare Consultant, a Grooming Consultant, and a Vet, to ensure that we put every precaution in place to keep the dogs safe and well.

'Every owner was asked if they were happy for their dogs to have some temporary colour put on them. When colour was used it was kept to a minimum, it washed out almost immediately and was only used in the minority of challenges to demonstrate specific areas of skill and creativity.

'All the products used were animal safe and temporary and they were used by professional groomers who have great experience of handling and managing dogs.'

The BBC also shared lots of detail about the show on their website, explaining that they spoke with several experts during filming and the dogs were always 'cared for'.

Competition: The series, which starts on Thursday and is hosted by Sheridan Smith, sees 16 dog groomers from around the UK compete by transforming family pets

All dressed up: Groomers will take part in several rounds to test their creativity and skills

They explained: 'Animal Welfare was incredibly important to us throughout the whole process and the production team was helped and guided by The Animal Welfare Consultancy who were recommended to us by the RSPCA.'

A Q&A section also explained that the colours used on the dogs' fur were 'vegan & eco-friendly' and had been checked by the expert team.

It read: 'The shampoo & conditioners were vegan & eco-friendly, concentrated, bio-degradable, pH balanced and contain no harmful chemicals or dyes.'

While going into even more detail, it explained: 'The colours were created using either chalk (which is a natural product) or a vegetable/and or fruit based colouring which washes out almost immediately depending on the dog's coat.

'We also had a rule that no more than 20 per cent of the dog could be coloured. All the products used were very safe and temporary and they were used by professional groomers who have great experience of handling and managing dogs.'

'Always cared for': The BBC's website also explained the colours used on the dogs' fur were 'vegan & eco-friendly' and had been checked by the expert team (pictured is host Sheridan)

All safe: Ensuring animal safety, the colours used are said to have been made using 'chalk or a vegetable/and or fruit based colouring'

It comes after 50 MPs demanded the BBC axe an 'extremely irresponsible' show about puppy breeding, which had the working title 'Will My Puppies Make Me Rich?'

The controversial programme, renamed Britain's Puppy Boom  Counting the Cost, will explore the rise of puppy breeding as a business among 'aspirational, social media savvy' Britons.

A number of animal rights advocates, including the RSPCA, have recently criticised the show for framing puppy breeding as an 'ambitious' business venture to undertake as a response to Covid-19 job losses.

MPs have written to BBC Director-General Tim Davie asking him to reconsider airing the film, which was commissioned last year following the BBC Three Pitch at Sheffield Doc/Fest.

Cute canine: A vet and other animal experts were used throughout filming

Coming soon: Perfect Pooch will start on Thursday January 7

There have also been recent protests from TV presenter Paul O'Grady, who hit out at the broadcaster's 'shameful' decision to air a show about designer dogs.

The animal activist, 65, said the show could 'encourage puppy farming,' adding: 'I only hope that the BBC come to their senses and take it off air immediately.'

However in a statement last month, the BBC said the film would be 'underpinned by sound journalism, providing a balanced exploration of why more young people have become interested in turning their passion for dogs into a profession.'
The corpse of an Indian farm labourer was carried to the bank by his neighbours to demand money for his cremation, police have said.

Mahesh Yadav, 55, died early Tuesday in a village in the eastern state of Bihar after a lengthy illness, leaving no family. His body was found by neighbours several hours later, officials said.

The villagers searched his home for valuables to pay for his funeral, but unable to find any, they instead took his bank passbook that showed he had $1,600 in his account.

The corpse of an Indian farm labourer was carried to the bank by his neighbours to demand money for his cremation, police have said (File image)

That afternoon, they took the passbook - and Yadav's corpse - to his bank, refusing to leave until the branch manager released his funds, local police officer Amrendar Kumar said.

'Villagers demanded the bank gave them money from his account for the cremation or else they would not cremate him,' Kumar told AFP.

'It put pressure on the bank, which finally released some money following the intervention of the local police station.'

Canara Bank's branch manager Sanjeev Kumar said the extraordinary scenes created panic.

'It was the first such case,' Kumar said.

'After over an hour, I gave them money ($135) and they finally left the bank with his body for the cremation ground.'

Neighbour Shakuntala Devi said Yadav did not own any land and did not receive any support from the government.

'There was no-one to look after him although he had been ailing for months. We used to provide him cooked food and other things,' she told AFP.
Heritage experts expressed dissatisfaction over Tuesdays Supreme Court verdict that said only a part of the Central Vista area can be declared a heritage precinct while approving all environmental and land use changes to pave the way for the nearly 15,000-crore redevelopment project to begin.

Five petitioners  and 10 petitions  had challenged the redevelopment project over the Centres alleged lack of transparency and objectivity in awarding clearances such as on land use change to proceed with redevelopment of the area.

Pointing out that the Delhi Master Plan 2021 listed the Lutyens Bungalow Zone (or LBZ) as one of the six heritage zones in the city, founder-member of INTACH and noted architect-academician AG Krishna Menon contended that the heritage of Central Vista should not be seen in a piecemeal fashion; its heritage value lay as much in its present-day function as a seat of power as in its role as a massive public space.

The redevelopment project, he said, changed the significance of the place.

Of course, change is important, but we have to ask what adds and improves the heritage value of a place. By demolishing buildings, and emptying out others, what significance are we retaining? Menon, who was one of the five petitioners who challenged the project in the apex court, asked. Together with petitioners Rajiv Suri and Anuj Srivastava, he claimed that the redevelopment plan would destroy Central Vistas heritage value.

Ahmedabad-based HCP Design, Planning and Management Ltd, which will be redeveloping the Central Vista has proposed to convert the North and South Blocks  where ministries such as finance, defence and home, have offices  into museums.

The redevelopment plan also proposes to raze some buildings located on either side of the avenue to build anew a set of buildings where all ministries offices, now spread across Delhi, will be brought to one place.

Author and Delhi historian Swapna Liddle feared that the land use change that the top court approved all seven plots up for redevelopment in the area have undergone changes that broadly pertain to four categories of land use: recreational, government, public-semi public and residential  would pave the way for future changes.

So, for example, a land use change from recreational to government means that it is lost to the public forever, Liddle said.

HCP director Bimal Patel said the plan would not tamper with heritage buildings.

The proposed master plan respects the existing layout and aims to strengthen it. All the works planned on the Central Vista are designed to respect the heritage buildings, spaces and their character. The notified heritage buildings being dealt with as part of this plan will be retrofitted in compliance with the prevailing regulations in all aspects, Patel said.

(With inputs from Risha Chitlangia)
Emily Clark had been aware of Philadelphias epidemic of gun violence and was considering ways she could help when an Inquirer story about 25 people being shot in Philadelphia in a single weekend in August, including two 11-year-olds pushed her to take action.

Clark, a 54-year-old mother of three grown children who recently completed her masters studies in marriage and family therapy at La Salle University, decided to start a gun buyback program.

She emailed Philadelphia City Council members for advice. Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez pointed her toward Bilal Qayyum, president of the Fathers Day Rally Committee.

Now in its 31st year, the nonprofit committee promotes positive images of Black men, and fathers in particular. It also helps organize gun turn-in events throughout the city.

Qayyum said he has been working to stop gun violence since 1989, when Philadelphia experienced 489 homicides. (In 2019, according to Philadelphia Police Department, there were 356 homicides in Philadelphia. Last year, that number jumped to 502.)

From that point on, we have been out front - weve done rallies, visuals, conferences, worked with different police commissioners, Qayyum said. I realized, over the years, that the more guns are on the street, the more shootings take place.

His group hosted six gun turn-in events since last year alone, recovering close to 90, he said.

Qayyum suggested that Clark contact Jeff Brown, the owner of 10 local ShopRite supermarkets and two Fresh Grocer stores. Brown, who has been involved in prior gun buyback programs, was more than happy to join the project.

The police have partnered with us in every single gun collection, Brown said. Sometimes, the guns are loaded, so the police make sure everything is safe in handling them and record their serial numbers.

Brown said that Clarks dedication to the project has been impressive.

Emily has done a lot of work  and when somebody wants to do something so worthwhile, I want to support them, he said.

The buyback program will take place on Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greater Exodus Baptist Church, 804 N. Broad St.

The Greenfield Foundation, a charitable organization associated with Clarks family, has donated $10,000 to the effort. In addition, Clark has set up a GoFundMe page, which has raised $1,300 (as of early January). The money will fund $100 ShopRite gift cards for each gun someone turns in; Brown is pitching into that effort as well.

Clark, of Chestnut Hill, is not a professional fund-raiser, so this is all a first for her. But shes learning as she goes, she said. Her desire to help stems from her time as a behavioral health worker at the Dr. Tanner G. Duckrey Public School in North Philadelphia, whose students made a profound impact on her life.

The kids broke my heart, hearing some of their stories about guns and violence, she said. There were just some really sad stories. I am really passionate about this. If even if one gun gets turned in, and that gun was going to kill somebody  if this can save one persons life, then it will be well worth it.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 6)  The Department of Health and the Philippine Genome Center on Wednesday said the new COVID-19 variant from the United Kingdom believed to be more contagious has not yet reached the Philippines based on a review of recent samples. Experts said the other variant found in South Africa has also not been detected in the country.

The genome center said it conducted whole genome sequencing on 305 samples from coronavirus patients admitted in hospitals in November and December and inbound travelers who tested positive for COVID-19 upon arriving at the airport. The samples came from patients who are residents of National Capital Region, Baguio City, Calabarzon, and General Santos.

"Given the samples that we analyzed, we were not able to detect this particular lineage (B.1.1.7)... We also did not detect the South African variant in the samples," PGC Executive Director Cynthia Salome said in a media briefing.

She said the most common mutation they have observed is the D614G mutation, which was found in the country in June. The official assured they have the technology to detect the emerging variants.

Hong Kong on Tuesday reported they detected the new UK COVID-19 variant from a passenger who arrived from Manila on December 22. However, Philippine Airlines said the passenger presented a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding the flight.

The Philippines has imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals from at least 21 jurisdictions to prevent the entry of the new variants, but there are no restrictions on outbound travel.

Dr. John Wong, epidemiologist and data analytics adviser for the Inter-Agency Task Force, warned that the country can see nearly 300,000 new coronavirus infections in a month  from the average of 20,000 cases every month  if the UK variant becomes prevalent in the country.
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As the air quality deteriorates and the signs of climate change become more prevalent, governments and industries are turning toward renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar for power generation. Moreover, the rising public awareness about the benefits of renewable energy is pushing up the popularity of sustainable and eco-friendly sources of energy across the world. As a result, the governments and various organizations in many countries are making huge investments in promoting the usage of renewable energy.

Download Report sample at: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/global-offshore-wind-turbine-market-analysis/report-sample

According to industry experts, the global offshore wind energy pipeline attained a capacity of 4,888 MW in 2018, with 46 MW capacity contributed by the operating projects and 38 announced projects. Due to these factors, the usage of offshore wind turbines is growing rapidly throughout the world, which is, in turn, causing the expansion of the global offshore wind turbine market. The valuation of the market is predicted to grow from $24,683.3 million to $68,869.3 million from 2019 to 2026.

Globally, the offshore wind turbine market is predicted to register the highest growth in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in the upcoming years. This would be a result of the large-scale deployment of wind towers in the region in the coming years. In order to meet the rising power requirements, the governments of several developing nations in APAC such as India, Vietnam, and China are prioritizing the development of the renewable energy sector.

Browse full report at: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/global-offshore-wind-turbine-market-analysis

Therefore, it can be said with surety that the demand for offshore wind turbines would surge all over the world in the forthcoming years, primarily because of the growing adoption of renewable energy sources and the soaring investments being made by many private and public organizations in the development of offshore wind farms.




Paris, Amsterdam, January 7, 2021





Press release





Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield announces an extended Management Board coupled with a new Group organization to bolster its agility in responding to the current challenges and to prepare for the future

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) announces the extension of its Management Board (MB) starting on January 8, 2021. In addition to Jean-Marie Tritant, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the MB, and Fabrice Mouchel, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the MB will incorporate two new members.

Olivier Bossard , Chief Investment Officer (CIO), will be in charge of leading the Groups deleveraging effort through disposals as well as overseeing the value creation strategy based on a targeted allocation of resources.

, Chief Investment Officer (CIO), will be in charge of leading the Groups deleveraging effort through disposals as well as overseeing the value creation strategy based on a targeted allocation of resources. Astrid Panosyan, Chief Resources Officer (CRO), will lead the organizational transformation of the Group to swiftly increase its effectiveness and efficiency, while focusing its resources on its essential activities and continuing to lead URWs ambitious Better Places 2030 CSR strategy.

The new MB will lead a more decentralized URW with empowered regions and a simplified corporate centre. Four new enlarged European regions and the US will be empowered to ground their operations on local market dynamics and customers as well as to deliver on value creation. They will each be headed by a regional Chief Operating Officer (COO), reporting to Jean-Marie Tritant, CEO. The regions will lead new Centres of Excellence (CoE) designed to serve the whole Group. Aligned with this new setup, the corporate centre will primarily focus on strategic allocation of resources and performance monitoring.

As CFO, Fabrice Mouchel will be in charge of adjusting the finance function to the new organization so as to reinforce the Groups controlling capacities and effectively monitor URWs performance.

Michel Dessolain is appointed Chief Customer Officer (CCO), supervising strategic marketing, innovation, data, digital marketing and new revenues. Until a permanent CCO joins the Group over the course of the year, he will structure this new function and bring in new skill sets to make URW a more customer, digital, and data driven company and harness future growth.

The MB will also be supported by an Executive Committee composed of the MB, the five regional COOs and Executive Managing Directors, under the chairmanship of the CEO.

With empowered regions operating close to their markets and a simplified corporate centre, the new organization reflects URWs ambition to be a focused, agile and forward-looking Group.

Profiles of the MB members are available on the Groups website www.urw.com .



For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Samuel Warwood

Maarten Otte

+33 1 76 77 58 02

Maarten.Otte@urw.com

Media Relations

Celine van Steenbrugghe

+33 6 71 89 73 08

celine.vansteenbrugghe@urw.com

About Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is the premier global developer and operator of Flagship Destinations, with a portfolio valued at 58.3 Bn as at September 30, 2020, of which 86% in retail, 7% in offices, 5% in convention & exhibition venues and 2% in services. Currently, the Group owns and operates 87 shopping centres, including 55 Flagships in the most dynamic cities in Europe and the United States. Its centres welcome 1.2 billion visits per year. Present on two continents and in 12 countries, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield provides a unique platform for retailers and brand events and offers an exceptional and constantly renewed experience for customers.

With the support of its 3,400 professionals and an unparalleled track-record and know-how, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is ideally positioned to generate superior value and develop world-class projects.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield distinguishes itself by its Better Places 2030 agenda, that sets its ambition to create better places that respect the highest environmental standards and contribute to better cities.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield stapled shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Paris (Euronext ticker: URW), with a secondary listing in Australia through Chess Depositary Interests. The Group benefits from an BBB+ rating from Standard & Poors and from a Baa1 rating from Moodys.

For more information, please visit www.urw.com

Visit our Media Library at https://mediacentre.urw.com

Follow the Group updates on Twitter @urw_group, Linkedin @Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Instagram @urw_group





Attachment
President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday denounced the rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol as domestic terrorists and he blamed President Donald Trump for the violence that has shaken the nations capital and beyond.

The riot by Trump supporters who breached the security of Congress on Wednesday was not dissent, was not disorder, was not protest. It was chaos.

Those who massed on Capitol Hill intending to disrupt a joint session of Congress that was certifying Bidens election victory over Trump werent protesters. Dont dare call them protesters. They were a riotous mob  insurrectionists, domestic terrorists. Its that basic, Biden said.

In solemn tones, Biden said the actions Trump has taken to subvert the nations democratic institutions throughout his presidency led directly to the mayhem in Washington.

In the past four years, weve had a president whos made his contempt for our democracy, our Constitution, the rule of law clear in everything he has done, Biden said. He unleashed an all-out assault on our institutions of our democracy from the outset. And yesterday was the culmination of that unrelenting attack.

The mob of hundreds of Trump backers broke into the Capitol and roamed the halls looking for lawmakers, who were forced to halt their deliberations and seek safety. The violent protesters were egged on by Trump himself, who has falsely contended that he lost the election due to voter fraud.

Trumps claims were repeatedly dismissed in the courts, including the Supreme Court, and by state election officials from both parties, and even by some in his own administration. But the president went to greater and greater lengths to try to subvert the election, culminating this week in efforts by some Republican members of Congress to object to the certification of the results and the violence at the Capitol. After the disruption, Congress returned to work late Wednesday and affirmed Bidens victory early Thursday.

Biden ticked off a list of Trumps assaults on American norms, including his attacks on the press and the intelligence community and his pressure on state and federal officials and judges to submit to his efforts to overturn the election. Biden said that on Wednesday, Trump tried to use a mob to silence the voices of nearly 160 Americans who voted in November.

And both he and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris spoke about the police treatment of the largely white protesters on Wednesday, compared with the heavy-handed way in which police have handled Black Lives Matter protests.

We witnessed two systems of justice, when we saw one that let extremists storm the United States Capitol and another that released tear gas on peaceful protesters last summer, Harris said.

Biden declared that no one can tell me that if it had been a group of Black Lives Matter protesting yesterday, they wouldnt have been treated very, very differently than the mob of thugs that stormed the Capitol.

He expressed hope that images comparing the police presence Wednesday to that marshaled to prepare for Black Lives Matters protests would open Americans eyes to the needs for reform.

The remarks came during an event in Wilmington, Delaware, to introduce Bidens Justice Department team, to be led by federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland as attorney general. Biden also announced Obama administration homeland security adviser Lisa Monaco would serve as deputy attorney general and former Justice Department civil rights chief Vanita Gupta as associate attorney general, the No. 3 official. He also named an assistant attorney general for civil rights, Kristen Clarke, now the president of Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, an advocacy group.

The Justice Department is expected to dramatically change course during the Biden administration, with a greater focus on civil rights issues and a review of policing policies. Both Biden and Harris spoke Wednesday about the importance of an independent judiciary.

Biden said some of the most important work for the nation remains committing ourselves to the rule of law in this nation, invigorating our domestic and democratic institutions carrying out equal justice under law in America.

There is no more important place for us to do this work than the Department of Justice, he said.
Classes in the Wilkes County Schools will start on Aug. 23 and end on May 25 in 2021-22 as a result of a calendar approved by the Wilkes Board of Education on Feb. 1.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-06 03:22:24|Editor: huaxia

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MOSCOW, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-bloc producers agreed on Tuesday to allow Russia and Kazakhstan to slightly raise oil output in the next two months.

In accordance with a deal published by the OPEC, Russia will increase its output by 65,000 barrels per day (bpd) from the January level to 9,184,000 bpd in February and by another 65,000 bpd to 9,249,000 bpd in March.

Kazakhstan will boost its production by 10,000 bpd to 1,427,000 bpd in February and by another 10,000 bpd to 1,437,000 bpd in March.

All the remaining participants in the OPEC+ mechanism will keep their output unchanged from January.

The OPEC+ has introduced caps on production to stabilize global oil prices. Enditem

If most of the population is vaccinated against COVID-19, then the coronavirus wouldnt have enough new hosts and the pandemic would burn out. That transformational phenomenon is known as herd immunity.

But the United States, like so many other countries, has limited vaccine supplies, slower than expected distribution, and relentlessly rising case numbers.

Thats why some public health experts are proposing a gamble to achieve widespread immunity as quickly as possible: Instead of the approved regimen of two doses about a month apart, they suggest giving only one dose, or extending the interval between doses, or giving half-doses, or mixing vaccines from different manufacturers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday said such deviations are premature, unstudied, and could wind up placing public health at risk. Meanwhile, in Britain, where a coronavirus variant that seems more transmissible has taken hold, the government is allowing changes to approved vaccine protocols.

Here are the knowns  and unknowns  shaping the latest chapter in the pandemic.

Why is vaccine distribution so slow?

Last month, the FDA authorized emergency use of two vaccines, one developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, the other by Moderna. Both use novel mRNA technology, and both conferred 95% protection against coronavirus infection after two shots given three or four weeks apart.

Currently, frontline health workers and nursing home residents  the top priority groups totaling about 24 million people  are eligible to get the shots.

The federal government projected that 20 million Americans would be vaccinated by the end of 2020. Instead, about 17 million doses have been delivered by manufacturers, and only 4.8 million have been injected into arms, according to data published Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Among the many bumps in the rollout: Holiday interruptions. The logistics of keeping the Pfizer vaccine at ultracold temperatures. Vaccine refusers. Bureaucracy. Staffing shortages.

In the state of New York, the initial phase has been so slow that Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday ordered hospitals to pick up the pace or face fines. You have the allocation; we want it in peoples arms as soon as possible, he said at a news briefing.

 READ MORE: Your vaccine questions, answered

Is it better to give more people one dose or fewer people two doses?

Given that the U.S. is struggling to administer the vaccine it already has, some observers say the problem is not vaccine production.

We have an issue with distribution, not the number of doses, Saad Omer, a vaccine expert at Yale University, told the New York Times. Doubling the number of doses doesnt double your capacity to give doses.

But others, pointing to surging cases and swamped hospitals, argue that the goal of vaccination should be to provide partial protection to as many people as possible as quickly as possible.

As Mike Tyson famously said, Everybody has a plan until theyve been punched in the mouth. When it comes to COVID-19, were being punched in the mouth over and over again, prominent public health researchers Robert M. Wachter and Ashish K. Jha wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece. Its time to change the plan; namely, we should give people a single vaccination now and defer their second shot until more doses of vaccine become available.

 READ MORE: When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

They contend that giving 100 million people  especially those at risk of severe COVID-19  one dose that provides substantial protection will save more lives than giving 50 million people two shots that are 95% effective.

In clinical trials, both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines began warding off infection a few weeks after the first shot. But since almost all participants got their second dose on schedule, it is not known how much protection one dose confers, or how long that protection lasts.

Pfizer-BioNTech spokespersons have stressed those unknowns.

Although data from the [pivotal] study demonstrated that there is a partial protection from the vaccine as early as 12 days after the first dose, there is no data to demonstrate that protection after the first dose is sustained after 21 days, the companies said in a statement to CNBC News.

Steven Joffe, a pediatric oncologist and bioethicist at the University of Pennsylvania, said, Those unknowns are why some people say, We should stick with what we know. By all means, do the trials to test [varied regimens], but dont just wing it. Others say, We are in a race against the virus. "

He added, Im not going to come down on one side or the other.

Could the vaccination plan make the pandemic worse?

Paul Offit, a Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia pediatrician who specializes in infectious diseases and vaccines, has come down hard against winging it.

Even with two vaccine doses, a small number of participants in the Pfizer and Moderna clinical trials got sick with COVID-19. Offit fears that if lots of vaccinated people were to get sick because they didnt get the proven vaccine regimen, then the consequences could undermine the whole immunization effort. Virus transmission might not be slowed, which might increase the number of vaccine refusers.

What youve done then is shaken what is already a fragile vaccine confidence in this country, Offit, who serves on a panel that advises the FDA on vaccines, told the Cut, an online magazine. I saw someone on CNN say, You dont want perfect to be the enemy of the good, and Im all for that. The problem here is that you dont want the unknown to be the enemy of the known.

The FDA echoed that sentiment.

If people do not truly know how protective a vaccine is, there is the potential for harm because they may assume that they are fully protected when they are not and alter their behavior to take unnecessary risks, FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn and Peter Marks, director of the center for biologics evaluation, wrote in the statement issued Monday.

More vaccines, including ones by Astra-Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson, are on track to seek emergency authorization from the FDA this year. The agency has vowed not to cut corners.

We have committed time and time again to make decisions based on data and science, Hahn and Marks wrote. Until vaccine manufacturers have data and science supporting a change, we continue to strongly recommend that health care providers follow the FDA-authorized dosing schedule for each COVID-19 vaccine.

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.
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Soldiers from Canadian Forces Base Shilo are leaving Red Sucker Lake First Nation as cases of COVID-19 in the northern Manitoba community drop.

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Soldiers from Canadian Forces Base Shilo are leaving Red Sucker Lake First Nation as cases of COVID-19 in the northern Manitoba community drop.

On Dec. 16, 34 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry were deployed to the First Nation to set up isolation centres and help deliver essential goods to people self-isolating.

The virus was widespread in the community, and Lt. Col. Mike Reekie told the Sun at the time the First Nation needed manpower to take care of sick people and make sure people had access to groceries.

According to the Canadian Armed Forces Operation Facebook page, active COVID-19 cases in the community have dropped significantly and all personnel are were scheduled to be gone by Wednesday.

CFB Shilo public affairs officer Lori Truscott confirmed the military members would be returning south, depending on the weather, and self-isolating either in Shilo or in Winnipeg.

Soldiers will be getting tested for COVID-19, but Truscott said she didnt know if any of the soldiers had tested positive for the virus.

A total of 55 military members from CFB Shilo were also deployed to Shamattawa First Nation but left on Jan. 1.

The northern community was also dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak.

 dmay@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @DrewMay_
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The market for Industrial PC is forecast to reach $5.8 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.36% from 2020 to 2025. The significant adoption of the digital technologies, industrial automation and other advanced technologies is contributing to market growth rate. The increasing demand for the increasing process flexibility, enhanced efficiency in various industries is set to contribute to the growth of the market.

Report Coverage

Industrial PC Market The report:  Forecast (2020-2025), by IndustryARC covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Industrial PC market.





By Product Type: Panel, rack mount, box, embedded panel, embedded box, Din rail PC with I/O

By End use industries: Chemical, Energy and power, Oil & gas, Food and beverage, pharmaceutical, automotive, aerospace and defence, semiconductor and electronics, and others.

By Geography: North America, South America, Europe, APAC, and RoW





Key Takeaways

DIN rail PC are analysed to grow at highest rate during the forecast period majorly attributed to the high performing computing solutions offered.

APAC is analysed to dominate the market owing to the growing investments in R&D of the industrial PCs alongside the increasing adoption of the advanced technologies.

The rising demand for the efficient manufacturing process is set to be a key driving factor for the industrial PC market.





By Product type- Segment Analysis

DIN rail PC with I/O is analysed to grow at highest rate during the forecast period. The Din rail PCs are significantly deployed in the connected factories for efficient manufacturing processes thereby contributing to the high growth rate. In addition to these, these PCs have high durability and can be handled in harsh environments as they have high temperature threshold, which translates to reduced downtime and increased productivity. The installation of industrial PCs is easy and they are compact. They can withstand severe conditions and can absorb any stationary shocks or falls. Owing these benefits, there has been increasing adoption of industrial PCs thereby driving the market growth.





By Enduser- Segment Analysis

IoT technology The industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace and defence, semiconductor and electronics are analysed to grow at higher rate during the forecast period. This is majorly attributed to the adoption of automation in these industries. Growing funding activities forset to increase the adoption of industrial PCs, thereby driving the market growth. Automotive is analysed hold significantly higher share in the market, owing to the high adoption of industrial-grade computing solutions in the manufacturing process. Adding to this, the growing developments in the expansion of these plants is further contributing to the market growth rate. In December 2019, Morris Garages, a British automobile brand has announced its plans to invest $ 429.25 million.





Geography - Segment Analysis

APAC is the dominant region in 2019 with a market owing to the high production base in the region, followed by North America and Europe. The large market share is majorly attributed to the presence of large production bases in China and India. In March 2020, China Association of Automobile Manufactures has announced that vehicle production and sales volume reached 3.47 million and 3.67 million units. Adoption of robots assists the industries in reducing labor cost there by providing opportunities for industrial PCs during forecast period. Adding to this, In U.S., Many manufacturing companies have started implementing robots to increase productivity and improve efficiency. Monitoring of robots require high quality industrial PCs which set to drive the market growth.





Drivers  Industrial PC market

Growing demand for automation and technological advancements in industries set to drive the Industrial PC Market

There has been significant growth in industrial PC market owing to the increased adoption for automation and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in industries. Industrial PCs assist in providing the platform to run automation software for monitoring and controlling the processes in real time applications. Many companies and startups are focusing on adoption of IoT technology. For instance, in June 2019, Indian IoT startup SwitchOn had raised $1 million seed funding from Pi Ventures. In April 2019, Altizon Systems Pvt. Ltd had raised $7 million in series A funding from investors TVS Motor Company Ltd.





Rising demand for energy efficient manufacturing operations

The manufacturing companies are majorly focusing on increasing their production capacities in order to reduce costs and strengthen their competitive position by increasing their production efficiency through adoption of industrial PC, thereby driving the market. In industries such as metals and mining, oil and gas, and others where the profit margins are comparatively lower than other industries such as automotive and food and beverages, among others, it is critical to optimize their resources and reduce waste. This is a flaw in the production process which result in huge losses, causing manufacturers in compensating the flawed product with a new one. Owing to this, the manufacturing companies are actively increasing their focus towards adoption of industrial PCs in order to automate their manufacturing processes to enhance productivity. These PCs also assist the companies in improving accuracy, and minimizing operation costs, thereby achieving superior quality, uniformity, and safety. Therefore, increasing demand for energy-efficient manufacturing operations is anticipated to drive the demand for industrial PCs market.





Challenges  Industrial PC market

High Initial Investment

Implementation of industrial PCs in factories is a part of automation process. Adoption of automation machines can be one of the most cost intensive process for an industry. It involves millions of dollars. In addition to the initial costs, there are several unpredictable costs which may exceed the real cost saved by the accomplishing automation in the company. Some of these costs involve research and development costs of automating a process, anticipatory repairs, and maintenance costs. Additionally, there is also training cost associated with industrial PCs operation that further restraints the market growth. Most of the industrial PCs also occupy larger space which is a major challenge in small sized industries.





Market Landscape

Technology launches, acquisitions, and R&D activities are key strategies adopted by players in the Industrial PC market. Industrial PC driver market is expected to be dominated by major companies such as Advantech, Beckhoff International, Siemens, IEI Integration Corporation, Kontron S&T, ABB, Nexcom International, among others.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday made a strong pitch for the reconciliation of the Tamil community during his three-day visit to Colombo. He spoke out firmly in favour of Tamilians in Sri Lanka and reiterated Indias stand in support of the 13th Amendment, which entails greater representation for the community, as well as reaffirms the importance of the language.

During his visit, Jaishankar said, "It is in Sri Lankas own interest that the expectations of the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka are fulfilled. That applies equally to the commitments made by the Sri Lankan Government on meaningful devolution, including the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The progress and prosperity of Sri Lanka will surely be advanced as a consequence.

The message signifies the importance India gives to the aspirations of the Sri Lankan Tamil community. In its tenure, the NDA government has undertaken various efforts including housing projects and cultural restoration for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka.

READ | India To Give Priority To Sri Lanka While Supplying COVID-19 Vaccine To Other Nations, says EAM Jaishankar

READ | India, Sri Lanka Looking At Post-COVID Cooperation: Jaishankar

Jaishankar is visiting Colombo over three months after the Prime Ministers of the countries held a virtual summit during which the two sides agreed to further expand ties in a range of areas such as anti-terror cooperation, maritime security and trade and investment. He also spoke on the need to ensure the aspirations of the minority Tamils are addressed within a united Sri Lanka.

"India has been strongly committed to the unity, stability and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Our support for the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka is long-standing as indeed for an inclusive political outlook that encourages ethnic harmony, the EAM said.

India and Sri Lanka last week held through video conferencing a meeting of the joint working group on fisheries and discussed the issues related to fishermen and the ways to overcome challenges posed by the COVI-19 pandemic.

Pleased to call on President @GotabayaR. Conveyed warm greetings from PM @narendramodi. Discussed cooperation for post-Covid health and economic recovery. India will be a reliable partner in Sri Lanka's development. pic.twitter.com/eaehNafiuN  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 6, 2021

On his part, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister conveyed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian government for the tremendous support India extended in the past several months to mitigate the adverse impact of the COVID pandemic.

READ | Coronavirus Pandemic Could Not Dent India's Bilateral Cooperation With Sri Lanka: Jaishankar

READ | Pompeo Praises 'great Diplomat' Jaishankar For Advancing India-US Ties
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Democrats now have total control of Washington after they won in two key Senate runoff races in Georgia.

Jon Ossoff, 33, unseated GOP Senator, David Perdue (R-Ga) to become the youngest U.S. senator in 40 years, the Associated Press reported Wednesday afternoon.

Also, Raphael Warnock was declared a winner over one-term Republican Senator, Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.).

Historical

While Warnock becomes the first black senator in state history, Ossoff is the first Jewish Georgia senator and the youngest member of the chamber.

Democrats will now control the White House and both chambers of Congress for the first time since Barack Obamas win in 2008.

There is, however, still a 50-50 tie in the Senate despite the dual wins with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris set to be the deciding vote by January 20.

The new Democratic majority means Mitch McConnell will be unseated as majority leader by New York Democrat Chuck Schumer.

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.
DUBLIN, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Railway Signalling Systems Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2020 To 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global railway signaling systems market was valued at US$ 9.68 Bn in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% over the forecast period from 2020 to 2028.



Increasing demand for advance controlling systems and rising high-speed railway projects will drive the demand for railway signaling systems.



The market for railway signaling systems expected to witness significant growth with the deployment of communication-based train control (CBTC) and other advanced signaling techniques. In addition, market growth is strongly influenced by standardization processes concerning train control which are implemented in order to improve both railway traffic safety and efficiency. Rising investment in urban transportation particularly in railway networks is increasing the demand for CBTC systems globally for efficient rail traffic management. The growing number of passengers and increasing competition among operators, as well as higher expectations of comfort, are pushing railway operators to replace or modernize their rolling stock. In light of the higher usage of existing infrastructure signaling equipment modernization is key to improving network safety and capacity.



The U.S. and Europe have matured markets and most of the countries in these regions are installed with standardized rail control systems. The market for railways signaling systems is expected to witness significant growth with the increasing development of high-speed rail networks in Asian countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asia countries.



Rail network expansion in Asia expected to spur the demand for railway signaling systems in the region



The increasing number of metro railway networks, particularly in Asia and the Middle East represents a positive outlook for railways signaling suppliers. Countries in the Asia Pacific are increasingly investing in the CBTC system. Recently, NIPPON SIGNAL has deployed the protection system "SPARCS" based on CBTC for Beijing Subway Line. China has invested a significant amount in its national high-speed railway projects planned to extend network high-speed railway network to 30,500 km to connect major 27 provinces with 11 high-speed rail lines. India and Southeast Asian countries are also investing significant amounts in metro railway and high-speed projects to support their economic development.



Recently, India initiated its first high-speed railway project to connect its major cities Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Moreover, Virgin Hyperloop One signed an agreement with the Maharashtra state government to initiate the first Hyperloop train project between Mumbai (financial capital of India) and Pune (major IT and manufacturing hubs in India). Similarly, more than 20 metro train projects initiated in major cities in India. All these factors represent a positive outlook for railway signaling systems providers in the country. Similarly, Middle Eastern countries are also focusing on enhancing their railway network in the near future. The United Arab Emirates is looking forward to expanding its existing railway network up to 600 km by 2024 from its existing network of 264 km. All these railway expansion activities are expected to produce a demand for railway signaling systems.



Europe and North America are expected to witness steady growth in the global railway signaling systems market due to the completion of high-speed rail in all major countries and cities. In addition, the gradual replacement of the traditional system with advanced cost-effective, and reliable solutions in order to provide better-enhanced safety and efficiency expected to drive the market growth in these established markets.



Communication-based train control expected to witness considerable growth in the near future



In the last few years, railway operators in developed countries have shifted to communication-based train control systems from traditional signaling solutions for mass transit operations. With more than 100 CBTC systems installed globally, it is becoming the most preferred choice for railway operators. CBTC system is a modern railway signaling systems which primarily used in urban railway networks. Increasing investment in urban railway networks particularly in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East region is expected to drive the market growth in the next five years. Countries across the world are also investing a significant amount in European Train Controlling Systems (ETCS) in order to improve the safety and efficiency of railway transportation.



Stiff competition from Chinese players in the global market



The railway signaling industry is predominantly dominated by recognized players and strongholds in each region by regional giants. GE Transportation and Bombardier Inc have strongholds in the North American market. The European market is dominated by ALSTOM, SIMEMENS, and Thales, etc. Hitachi, Toshiba, and China Railway Signal and Communication Co are prominent players in the Asia Pacific railway Signaling systems market. Chinese manufacturers are focusing on developing international quality standard products and getting recognized globally. Recently, Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) has signed a contract with China Railway Signal and Communication to build a high-speed rail network in GCC countries.



Why it is recommended to invest in our railway Signaling systems market research study?



This research study on the railway Signaling systems market provides an exhaustive analysis of market trends and dynamics in the global industry. The report also includes an in-depth analysis of different Signaling technologies. The study also includes key market driving and restraining factors in the global railway Signaling systems market. The report also includes qualitative as well as quantitative analysis of segments covered in the scope of the study. This research study also highlights key potential segments in the global railway Signaling systems market. The report also covers a high-level analysis of the railway Signaling systems industry which includes value chain analysis, key player positioning, and investment proposition. This study also includes profiles of leading railway Signaling solution providers.



Historical & Forecast Period



This research study provides an analysis of each segment (technology and regional market) from 2018 to 2028 considering 2019 as the base year for the research. Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each respective segment are calculated for the forecast period from 2020 to 2028.



Key questions answered in this report

What is the global market size of railway signaling systems?

What are the key investment areas in the global railway signaling systems market?

Which key trends and market dynamics influencing the growth of the global railway signaling systems industry?

Who are the leading players and their strategies in the global market?

What are the key technological developments in the industry?

Who are the major customers for railway signaling systems manufacturers and suppliers?

Which is the largest and most potential market for railway signaling systems?

Who are the leading players in each regional market?

Which are key developments in each segment?



Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1 Preface



Chapter 2 Executive Summary



Chapter 3 Market Dynamics

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 Global RSS Market Revenue and Growth, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Bn)

3.2 Market Inclination Insights

3.3 Market Drivers

3.4 Market Growth Inhibitors

3.5 See-Saw Analysis

3.5.1 Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints

3.6 Value Chain Analysis

3.7 Attractive Investment Proposition

3.8 Competitive Analysis

3.8.1 Market Positioning of Key Vendors



Chapter 4 Global Railway Signaling System (RSS) Market Analysis, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

4.1 Overview

4.2 Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System

4.2.1 Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System Market Revenue, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Bn)

4.3 Automatic Train Operation (ATO) System

4.3.1 Automatic Train Operation (ATO) System Market Revenue, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Bn)

4.4 Communication Based Train Control (CBTC)

4.4.1 Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) System Market Revenue, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Bn)

4.5 European Train Control System (ETCS)

4.5.1 European Train Control System (ETCS) Market Revenue, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Bn)

4.6 Positive Train Control (PTC) System

4.6.1 Positive Train Control (PTC) System Market Revenue, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Bn)



Chapter 5 North America Railway Signaling System (RSS) Market Analysis, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

5.1 Overview

5.1.1 North America RSS Market Revenue, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Bn)

5.2 North America RSS Market Revenue, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

5.3 North America RSS Market Market Revenue, by Country, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

5.3.1 U.S.

5.3.1.1 U.S. RSS Market Revenue, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

5.3.2 Rest of North America

5.3.2.1 Rest of North America RSS Market Revenue, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)



Chapter 6 Europe Railway Signaling System (RSS) Market Analysis, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Bn)

6.1 Overview

6.1.1 Europe RSS Market Revenue, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Bn)

6.2 Europe RSS Market Revenue, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

6.3 Europe RSS Market Market Revenue, by Country, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

6.3.1 U.K.

6.3.1.1 U.K. RSS Market Revenue, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

6.3.2 Germany

6.3.2.1 Germany RSS Market Revenue, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

6.3.3 France

6.3.3.1 France RSS Market Revenue, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

6.3.4 Rest of Europe

6.3.4.1 Rest of Europe RSS Market Revenue, by Product Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)



Chapter 7 Asia Pacific Railway Signaling System (RSS) Market Analysis

7.1 Overview

7.1.1 Asia Pacific RSS Market Revenue, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Bn)

7.2 Asia Pacific RSS Market Revenue, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

7.3 Asia Pacific Commercial Refrigeration Market Market Revenue, by Country, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

7.3.1 Japan

7.3.1.1 Japan RSS Market Revenue, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

7.3.2 China

7.3.2.1 China RSS Market Revenue, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

7.3.3 India

7.3.3.1 India RSS Market Revenue, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

7.3.4 Rest of Asia Pacific

7.3.4.1 Rest of Asia Pacific RSS Market Revenue,

by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)



Chapter 8 Rest of the World (RoW) Railway Signaling System (RSS) Market Analysis

8.1 Overview

8.1.1 Rest of the World RSS Market Revenue, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Bn)

8.2 RoW RSS Market Revenue, by Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

8.3 RoW RSS Market Market Revenue, by Country, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

8.3.1 Latin America

8.3.1.1 Latin America RSS Market Revenue,

By Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)

8.3.2 Middle-East Africa

8.3.2.1 Middle-East Africa RSS Market Revenue,

By Technology, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Bn)



Chapter 9 Company Profiles

9.1 Siemens AG

9.2 Hitachi Ltd

9.3 Alsthom SA

9.4 China Railway Signal and Communication Co, Ltd

9.5 Ansaldo STS

9.6 Thales

9.7 Cisco Systems, Inc

9.8 Bombardier Inc

9.9 GE



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Veterans in Congress from both sides of the aisle called the mob that took over the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday "domestic terrorism" and blamed President Donald Trump for promoting it.

Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger, said he had been prepared to use a pen as a weapon of last resort to defend himself and other House members against attackers.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel who lost both legs in Iraq, said on Twitter, "I have spent my entire adult life defending our Constitution and people's rights to peacefully demonstrate. I never thought I'd need to defend democracy from an attempted, violent overthrow in our own nation's Capitol."

Read Next: Former SecDefs Call for Trump to 'Speak Out' or 'Step Down'

Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, a former Navy SEAL lieutenant commander who lost an eye in Afghanistan, tweeted as Trump supporters swarmed into the Capitol building and strolled the halls triumphantly: "Stop this bull---t now!"

He said what disturbed him most was the sight of rioters waving the American flag "as if this were some kind of patriotic duty."

"I want the president himself to get on the ground and actually tell people to stop. You gotta man up," Crenshaw said Wednesday on Twitter.

Crow, a former Army captain who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, described "going into Ranger mode" as he and several other House members were caught behind as the House chamber was being evacuated.

On Twitter and later on CNN, Crow said he helped stack furniture to barricade the doors. "If that didn't work, I directed the other members to remove their [congressional] pins so they weren't identifiable. I had a pen in my pocket I could use as a weapon," he said.

Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., a former Marine captain who served four tours in Iraq, tweeted as the rioters overran the Capitol Police.

"We are being told to shelter in place not because of a foreign terrorist attack but because of a domestic coup attempt," he wrote. "I expected this as a US Marine in Iraq. I never imagined it as a U.S. Congressman in America."

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, was possibly the most outspoken among the veterans in Congress who put the blame for Wednesday's events on Trump.

In a tweet Wednesday, Kinzinger wrote, "Anybody that calls themselves a Republican like myself should be very ashamed right now."

On Thursday, Kinzinger called Trump "unfit and unwell" and urged Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove him from office.

Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a Green Beret and Army reserve lieutenant colonel who served in Afghanistan, said of the rioting in a series of tweets: "This is despicable. This is not who we are as a country. I don't care what your ideology is, enough is enough."

Late Wednesday, as Congress prepared to resume the vote certifying that former Vice President Joe Biden had defeated Trump in the election, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., a former Navy lieutenant and helicopter pilot, tweeted a determined message:

"I'm in the cloakroom right now," she said. "We're going to certify this election according to our Constitutional duties and democracy will prevail."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.

Related: Military Officers in Congress Join Call to Invoke 25th Amendment, Remove Trump
HOUSTON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Long View Equity (the "Company") announced today the acquisition of 6015 Skyline Drive in Houston, Texas, a 36,596 square-foot industrial net-leased building. The property was acquired through a sale-leaseback transaction with long-term occupant, Accent Sign & Awning, a manufacturer of custom electric signs and awnings since 1979.

The acquisition is among the first for the Company's newest fund, Long View Equity Partners IV. Building on the success of its prior funds, with Fund IV the Company seeks to construct a diversified portfolio of industrial, office, and retail properties located predominately in major metro markets in Texas.

Daniel Campbell, managing director, commented, "We are excited to acquire this 100% leased in-fill asset in one of our target markets of Houston. Our tenant is a long tenured local business with no exposure to oil and gas. We expect this investment to provide steady cash flow for our investors over the long term."

Long View Equity

Long View Equity, LLC, founded in 2010, is an Austin, Texas based investment management company that oversees investment decisions and operations of private equity real estate funds and other syndicated investment vehicles. Long View Equity's core purpose is to create long-term value for its 100+ investors by making well-thought-out investment decisions, exercising diligence in management, and continually seeking out opportunities to create value. The Company pursues strategies involving the direct acquisition of core-plus and value-added investments and has a proven 10+ year track record of operating over 50 office, retail, and industrial real estate properties located primarily in metropolitan markets in Texas.

For more information about Long View Equity, please visit: www.longviewequity.com

Contact:

Long View Equity

Daniel Campbell

(512) 377-9395

[email protected]

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The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company


Hong Kong: 33 COVID-19 cases recorded

The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 33 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 29 are locally transmitted. Among the local cases, five have unknown sources of infection.

The patients include 15 males and 18 females aged between four and 87.

Eleven cases involve two workers and nine close contacts from the Tseung Kwan O - Lam Tin Tunnel construction site cluster.

The four imported cases involve one patient who arrived from Nepal and three from Pakistan.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.

This story has been published on: 2021-01-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Andrew Twiggy Forrest has returned to Western Australia after his four-month mystery world tour.

Since August Dr Forrest has been crisscrossing the globe on the Fortescue Metals Group private jet, meeting with heads of state on the search for renewable energy and minerals deals as well as furthering his philanthropic work with the Minderoo Foundation.

Andrew Forrest at Sydney airport on January 3 boarding the FMG private jet to fly back to Perth. Credit:Grahame Hutchison/@16Right_Media

Dr Forrest arrived back in Australia before Christmas where he completed two weeks quarantine before eagle-eyed Sydney aviation photographer Grahame Hutchison spotted him heading back to WA on January 3 giving a non-contact elbow bump to ground crew on the way.

Currently, West Australians returning to the state from NSW must isolate for 14 days but a Fortescue spokesman said Dr Forrest received an exemption from the WA government.
COLONIE  Town Supervisor Paula Mahan announced Wednesday that she will not be seeking re-election this year - ending a more than decade-long run in the Capital Region's most populated town.

Mahan, a retired educator, first became supervisor in 2008, ending a seven-decade streak of Republican rule in Colonie.

However, she very narrowly won re-election in 2019, with Republican George Scaringe only losing by about 100 votes out of more than 20,000 cast.

In past elections, Mahan had wider margins over her opponents. She said at the time she thought the 2019 election was close because of low voter turnout; that race brought in about 3,000 less votes.

In a letter to the town Wednesday, said she plans to retire at the end of 2021.

"Im looking forward to spending more time with my family, traveling, and enjoying the simple things in life," she wrote.

Mahan, whose husband is a retired police officer, has two grown children and often vacations in Florida.

A former special education teacher at North Colonie schools, Mahan was first elected town supervisor in 2007, ousting six-term incumbent and Republican Mary Brizzell. Mahans election, which was decided by over 200 votes, made her the first Democrat in the seat since 1931.

Mahans first experience with government was no easy feat, however, as she inherited a general fund deficit of more than $7 million. Within less than two years, that deficit had been reduced by 45 percent through a one-time tax and cuts in services. By 2011, the town had ended the year with money left over for the first time in six years  aided by the privatization of Colonies landfill.

It took a tremendous amount of hard work and determination to stabilize the Towns finances and begin to turn the Town around in a positive direction, Mahan wrote in her letter.
By CARLA K. JOHNSON and LISA MARIE PANE, Associated Press

The U.S. registered more COVID-19 deaths in a single day than ever before  nearly 3,900  on the very day the mob attack on the Capitol laid bare some of the same, deep political divisions that have hampered the battle against the pandemic.

The virus is surging in several states, with California hit particularly hard, reporting on Thursday a record two-day total of 1,042 coronavirus deaths. Skyrocketing caseloads there are threatening to force hospitals to ration care and essentially decide who lives and who dies.

Folks are gasping for breath. Folks look like theyre drowning when they are in bed right in front of us, said Dr. Jeffrey Chien, an emergency room physician at Santa Clara Valley Regional Medical Center, urging people to do their part to help slow the spread. Im begging everyone to help us out because we arent the front line. Were the last line.

Meanwhile, the number of Americans who have gotten their first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine climbed to at least 5.9 million Thursday, a one-day gain of about 600,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hundreds of millions will need to be vaccinated to stop the coronavirus.

About 1.9 million people around the world have died of the virus, more than 360,000 in the U.S. alone. December was by far the nations deadliest month yet, and health experts are warning that January could be more terrible still because of family gatherings and travel over the holidays.

A new, more contagious variant is spreading around the globe and in the U.S. Also, it remains to be seen what effect the thousands of supporters of President Donald Trump who converged this week in Washington, many of them without masks, will have on the spread of the scourge.

Trump has long downplayed the virus and scorned masks, and many of his ardent supporters have followed his example. He has also raged against lockdowns and egged on protesters objecting to restrictions in states such as Michigan, where armed supporters invaded the statehouse last spring.

On Wednesday, the day a horde of protesters breached the U.S. Capitol, disrupting efforts to certify the election of Joe Biden, the U.S. recorded 3,865 virus deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. The numbers can fluctuate dramatically after holidays and weekends, and the figure is subject to revision.

The domestic terrorists overran the Capitol police, just as the virus has been allowed to overrun Americans, said Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. The U.S. lost control of a Trump-incited mob and a Trump-played-down pandemic virus.

Some of the forces contributing to the eruption of violence were partially foreseen by experts in global disease planning when they held a tabletop exercise in 2019, said Dr. Eric Toner, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security who directed the drill.

We did consider the possibility of active disinformation and using a pandemic for political gain, Toner said. Real life turned out to be much worse.

In California, health authorities Thursday reported 583 new deaths, a day after 459 people died. The overall death toll there stands at more than 28,000. The state also registered more than a quarter-million new weekly cases, and only Arizona tops California in cases per resident. Florida broke its record for the highest single-day number of cases with over 19,800, while its death toll reached 22,400.

Los Angeles County, the nations most populous with 10 million residents, and nearly two dozen other counties have essentially run out of intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 patients.

This is a health crisis of epic proportions, said Barbara Ferrer, public health director for Los Angeles County.

Guidelines posted on the website for Methodist Hospital of Southern California warned: If a patient becomes extremely ill and very unlikely to survive their illness (even with life-saving treatment), then certain resources ... may be allocated to another patient who is more likely to survive.

READ MORE: These are the Pa. ZIP codes with the highest COVID-19 infection rates so far in 2021
Chancellor Rishi Sunak must act to save summer festivals and live music events or face them disappearing, MPs have warned.

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee has written to the Chancellor to ask him to extend Government-backed insurance schemes to such events.

MPs cautioned that organisers and investors are unable to risk repeating losses sustained in 2020, unless events can be insured against cancellation and urged the Government to extend the underwriting schemes already offered to the film and television industries.

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The call has been supported by more than 100 music industry signatories including the Musicians Union, The Ivors Academy and the Music Venue Trust.

The committee is currently holding an inquiry into the future of UK music festivals and examining what support is needed in order for summer festivals to take place.

Earlier this week MPs heard from festival organisers on the need for further support and Government-backed cancellation insurance for events as organisers said the UKs music festival landscape faces a grave future if the 2021 season is cancelled,

Sacha Lord, co-founder of Manchesters Parklife, said workers would permanently move to other industries and smaller festivals would disappear in the wake of more cancellations amid Covid-19.

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Anna Wade, communications and strategy director of Boomtown Fair  held on the Matterley Estate near Winchester  told MPs that large and grassroots music events would be in absolutely dire straits financially if restrictions remained by the summer.

Julian Knight MP, chair of the committee, said: The Government is telling us that life should be getting back to normal by the summer but unless it can provide a safety net, it will be a summer without festivals.

The industry says that without Government-backed insurance, many festivals and live music events just wont happen because organisers cant risk getting their fingers burnt for a second year.

The committee has heard from festival organisers that this is a matter of urgency.

Insurance must be the first step in unlocking the huge contribution that festivals make to our economy, protecting not only the supply chains, but the musicians who rely on them for work.

The Government already offers a level of cover to the film and television industries, now is the time to extend support to other creative industries or risk losing some of our best loved and world-renowned festivals.

In 2019, festivals added 1.76 billion in gross value to the economy, with almost one in three Brits watching Glastonbury on TV.

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Eleven Vietnamese citizens were arrested for trying to sneak through the Vietnam-China border after working as seasonal workers in the neighboring country, border defense forces said this week.

The border crossing attempt was detected by border guards at the Xin Cai Border Post in northern Ha Giang Province on Tuesday.

Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Duc Duong spotted the group of eleven crossing beaten paths to enter Vietnam during his sentry duty.

They admitted that [people on] a vehicle dropped them off at the path and told them the way back to Vietnam, Duong said.

"It is fortunate that we caught the group and escorted them to a quarantine facility."

After preliminary inspection, the group claimed to be Vietnamese migrant workers who sought seasonal jobs, namely sugarcane harvest, in China.

After the COVID-19 epidemic broke out, they tried to re-enter the country in time for the Lunar New Year holiday.

A group of eleven Vietnamese migrant workers are escorted to a quaratine facility after being caught entering Vietnam illegally, January 5, 2021. Video: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

From the early 2020, Xin Cai Border Post has been considered one of the hotbeds of illegal entrances to Vietnam, which prompted the border guards to mobilize manpower for 24/7 patrol and monitoring, especially at the beaten paths through the Vietnam-China border.

On Monday, a total of 345 cases of Vietnamese attempting to jump the border into the country were detected, with 310 entering from China, 34 from Cambodia, and one from Laos, the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control and the Border Guard High Command reported.

Security along the Vietnamese border has been tightened over the past days to prevent illegal entries and reduce risks of COVID-19 transmission from border jumpers.

A group of eleven Vietnamese migrant workers are escorted to a quaratine facility in Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam, January 5, 2021. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

On December 26, the Ministry of Health confirmed four coronavirus cases among a group of six Vietnamese people who sneaked into Vietnam two days earlier through the Vietnam-Cambodia border to avoid mandatory quarantine applied to anyone arriving from outside the country.

The Southeast Asian country has documented 1,505 COVID-19 cases, with 1,353 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to Ministry of Health statistics.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Police in Hungary and Romania have stopped a truck driver who tried to smuggle 68 migrants into Hungary at the Csanadpalota-Nadlac border crossing, Hungarian Csadrad-Csadrad County Police said on Thursday, quoted by MTI, according to AGERPRES.

The truck, which was registered in Turkey, approached the border on Wednesday evening, coming from Romania.

Authorities in Romania have accused the driver of human trafficking and the migrants of fraudulently crossing the border, police said.
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A Nigerian lawyer and civil rights activist, Esther Uzoma, is dead.

Before her death, she was the convener of the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, National Coordinator of Proactive Gender Initiatives (PGI).

The situation room in a statement on Thursday confirmed she died on Wednesday, following a surgery at a hospital in Abuja.

Esther was very energetic, and a committed human rights activist and has been in the forefront of driving Nigeria democratic reforms, she will be sorely missed by all who came in contact with her, the statement announced.

Her last public appearance was on December 10, when she came for the Joint Public Hearing on Electoral Reforms held at the National Assembly.

Tributes

Friends and colleagues have taken to social media to express grief over her death.

Activist and co-convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, said: Oh my goodness, my sister and friend Barr. Esther Uzoma has gone to be with the Lord. Heartbreaking. A powerful voice in the wilderness

Senator J Iroegbu on Facebook said, My sister, this must be a joke right?

Cheta Nwanze, a social commentator, on Twitter said, Esther Uzoma was one of the most interesting people I ever got to work with. Hearing the news of her passing is nothing short of devastating. Rest in peace maam.

Esther Uzoma was one of the most interesting people I ever got to work with. Hearing the news of her passing is nothing short of devastating. Rest in peace ma'am. pic.twitter.com/DA1a9QzSYC  Chxta (@Chxta) January 7, 2021

The loss of Esther Uzoma is so sad. Her relentless work on women rights and electoral reform is an inspiration. May her soul rest in peace. May the Lord console her loved ones.  Oluseun Onigbinde (@seunonigbinde) January 7, 2021
With a new surge of coronavirus cases, New Orleans is once again halving the capacity limits at businesses, banning gatherings of more than a handful of people and warning residents to avoid interactions with others outside their immediate households.

The rules, dubbed a modified Phase 1, move the city back to roughly where it was in June. Officials said residents must double down on efforts to contain the spread of the virus in the face of growing concern about hospital capacity.

We have been repeating the same message for 10 months; nothing's changed. We've seen progress when people heed the message and the warnings, and we've also seen impacts when they don't, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said Wednesday in announcing the new restrictions. Follow the messages, and heed the warnings.

The new restrictions take effect Friday at 6 a.m. for at least three weeks, Cantrell said.

Under the rules, businesses will be limited to 25% of their pre-pandemic indoors capacity, and gatherings larger than the size of a single household will be banned. The rules also forbid sporting events to host more than 4% of their typical capacity, a limit that was quietly added by the Cantrell administration in December last month and that caps Mercedes-Benz Superdome attendance at about 3,000 people.

Bars without food permits, which had been banned from operating during Phase 1 in the spring, will be allowed to continue operating now but will be forbidden to serve customers indoors under Louisiana statewide regulations.

Cantrell had suggested earlier this week that tighter rules could be coming, as coronavirus case counts continue to climb in New Orleans. Over the past seven days, 1,485 new confirmed cases have been reported in New Orleans. That's an average of 212 cases per day, four times higher than the 50-per-day threshold that city officials had said could trigger additional restrictions in the fall.

More than 9% of the tests conducted in New Orleans have come back positive over the past week, double the rate of a month ago.

City officials have largely blamed small gatherings for the recent surge.

Health Director Jennifer Avegno said that on a shift at an emergency room over the weekend, she saw more coronavirus-positive patients than she had seen since the earliest days of the pandemic. And every single patient said he or she had come down with the virus after meeting up with small groups of friends, Avegno said.

+2 Jeff Asher: Coronavirus is spiking. We need to take lessons from the 'marshmallow test.' New Orleans has done OK in controlling the coronavirus since the first wave subsided at the end of March, but the evidence is becoming increas

There is a light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccines, but the vaccine only works if you're alive to receive them, Avegno said.

A third wave of the coronavirus has been washing over Louisiana since the fall, with confirmed cases being identified at rates not previously seen and hospitalization rates that are once again putting strain on health care facilities. More than 4,140 new confirmed cases were reported statewide on Wednesday, leaving the seven-day case total at 17,819  its highest point ever.

Chief on officials minds is the limits of hospitals. While the latest surge has been felt more acutely in other areas of Louisiana, the New Orleans region is beginning to feel the strain.

Increased coronavirus cases forcing New Orleans public schools back to online-only model Citing the rising number of coronavirus cases, public school officials in New Orleans said Monday that all schools will revert to online-only 

Statewide, hospitalizations have reached a peak with 1,993 coronavirus patients admitted. Ochsner Health System officials said Wednesday that the statewide hospital nonprofit has started turning away out-of-state transfers and is moving toward halting elective surgeries amid a wave of patients as large as it saw in April.

Avegno and Ochsner officials said the current surge likely results from infections that spread before the Christmas and New Year's holidays, meaning it could still get worse.

The recent surge has also alarmed state officials, although no new statewide restrictions have been announced. At a news conference shortly before Cantrells, Gov. John Bel Edwards made an emotional plea for people to follow the existing guidelines.

The hospital is full of people who didnt believe it was that serious, Edwards said. Go ask them!

For Dickie Brennan & Co., which runs several large restaurants, the new rules in New Orleans mean revising seating charts and reservations already on the books, and contacting small groups and private parties to change arrangements.

Were fortunate because of the size of our spaces, we are able spread people out, said Steve Pettus, managing partner of the company.

Hes concerned about the effect of the regulations on consumer confidence. But he thinks customers understand the safety protocols restaurants have developed and will continue to dine out.

I think New Orleans people feel safe dining out, and hopefully they realize when they do so theyre helping keep thousands of jobs going in this city, Pettus said.

Some smaller restaurants are preparing for the impending 25% capacity limit by boosting outdoor seating and doing what they can to promote takeout options.

We cant allow it to discourage us, said Allison Charles, co-owner of Nice Guys Bar & Grill, a restaurant that opened this summer in Fontainebleau. Our customers have shown us theyre loyal. We just await the next announcement. Thats all you can do.

Sam Karlin and Emily Woodruff contributed to this report.
Data Scientist: Fulton Countys Adjudication of 106,000 Ballots Physically Not Possible

Justin Mealey, a data scientist with the Data Integrity Group, told The Epoch Times on Jan. 5 that adjudication of 106,000 ballots on the election day in Fulton County, Georgia, is physically not possible.

Mealey worked in the U.S. Navy for 9 and a half years and was a former CIA contractor as a data analyst and programmer for the National Counterterrorism Center. He currently works for one of the big four accounting firms as a programmer.

Adjudication serves to resolve issues of voters marking ballots incorrectly, and the tabulating machine could not read it. A review panel will check the ballot, determine the voters intent and canvass it as such.

Richard Barron, director of elections of Fulton County, Georgia, said in a press conference on the evening of Nov. 4 that his team had already adjudicated 106,000 ballots out of 113,130 ballots scanned that day, and those results are already posted.

When we talk to people who were adjudicators, we asked, whats the fastest [time] you can adjudicate a ballot? Mealey said in the interview with The Epoch Times American Thought Leaders. Its about 30 seconds. Its about the fastest you can adjudicate a ballot.

Then thats basically two [ballots] per minute. And youre saying 106,000. I think thats like, you know, 53,000 ballots come out to about 883 man-hours to do that.

Its physically impossible to adjudicate that many ballots one by one. Because they could have started their adjudication on November 3, and they would maybe get through about 58,000today. So how could you do 106,000? Mealey continued given the amount of time and the number of teams working on it.

The adjudication process as allowed by Georgia law and election regulations provides for a bipartisan citizen panel to review any ballot within a batch that is flagged by the scanning software as not being clear about the voters intent, said Fulton County spokeswoman Jessica Corbitt, in a statement previously emailed to The Epoch Times.

She indicated that the number cited by Barron referred to a total number of ballots in batches that went to adjudication, but not every ballot in each batch was adjudicated.

Lynda McLaughlin, a member of the Data Integrity Group, pointed out another concern with Georgias adjudication process during the interview with American Thought Leaders.

If you put a ballot in and its adjudicated, that original ballot with the voters original intent is gone, Lynda said. So now theres a new ballot that you have that can be printed, and then they keep that as their record.

But thats not how the voter voted. Thats how the adjudicator determined voter intent.

Lynda indicated thats why the results of the two recounts in Georgia could add up.

Therere no audit logs. Therere no login credentials. The machine is already logged on. They dont even have to log in. You dont even know who made the change. Theres no tracking. This is our most important civic duty. And we have absolutely no receipt or record of what weve done, Lynda added.

Lynda also pointed out that for the Jan. 5 run-off elections for U.S. Senate, Georgia made zero changes to the way that they did the general election.

The Data Integrity Group is a group of data scientists and machine learning experts analyzing the public data of the general election. The group discovered from the Georgia election data that more than 30,000 votes were removed from President Donald Trump, and another 12,173 votes were switched to President-elect Joe Biden.

The group testified about the results during the Georgia Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on Dec. 30.

We have no comment on speculation by the Data Integrity Group, which appears to be based on an erroneous understanding of the absentee ballot process. We stand by our comments, and we retain all ballot information in compliance by law, Regina Waller, a spokesperson from Fulton County, told The Epoch Times in an email.

Allen Zhong and Petr Svab contributed to this report.
A mango slicing trick has taken the world by storm after it re-emerged on TikTok and was shared by thousands.

While most people cut the fruit by slicing parallel on each side of the seed, the hack involves opening the mango with one vertical slice then twisting the top and bottom sections to free from the seed.

Once the two parts of the mango are pulled apart, the juicy centre can be eaten with a spoon.

Scroll down for video

The hack involves opening the mango with one vertical slice then twisting the top and bottom sections to free from the seed

Australian TikTok user Jaira, from Melbourne, demonstrated the easy method in a video and was amazed at how well the trick worked.

'I love TikTok. Never slicing mangoes the other way again,' she captioned the video.

The video published on January 5 has since gone viral and been viewed more than 220,000 times.

The mango-lover's technique surprised many online who were shocked at how simple it was and why they had not thought of it before

How do you cut a mango this way? 1. Choose a fully ripened mango, preferably with a circular seed rather than oblong. 2. Take a knife and carefully cut around the centre of the mango. 3. Use both hands to twist each end free from the seed. 4. Remove the seed and eat the mango with a spoon like a bowl. Advertisement

The mango-lover's technique surprised many online who were shocked at how simple it was and why they had not thought of it before.

'I've never thought to do this... I'll give it a go next time I buy the fruit,' one person said.

'What a genius idea! I wonder if it works on all different kinds of mangoes?' another woman wrote.

Others said the method was a popular way of cutting a mango in the Caribbean and added that it only worked on very ripe fruit.

According to the trend, we should be cutting around the centre of the mango, twisting the top and bottom sections free from the seed, and then using them as makeshift bowls to eat the fruit with a spoon

'That's how we eat Bombay mangoes in Jamaica. Some people put ice cream or condensed milk in the 'mango cup',' they said.

While the trend is popular, some weren't convinced it's an ideal way to slice the fruit.

'But then it will get mushy from all that work,' one person said.

Gene Downs, from Brisbane, shared a video in 2016 showing how to open a mango using a knife and spoon.

Mr Downs takes the knife and pierces only the skin around the fruit.

He then uses the spoon to dig under the piercing, running it around the cheek of the fruit and peeling off the skin.

While it's a valiant effort, model Rachael Finch uses a wine glass to slice her own.

Model Rachael Finch (pictured) uses a wine glass to slice her own mango so you don't waste any of the flesh

In the video she posted to Instagram the former Miss Universe Australia cuts the cheeks off the mango and slices it into quarters before inserting it into the edge of the cup and sliding it down.

This way, the flesh of the mango falls into the cup.

'I find this way the best because you're not wasting any of the mango,' she explained.
Prayagraj : , Jan 7 (IANS) The Allahabad high court has rejected the bail application of chief engineer (CE) of the State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC), Arun Kumar Mishra, who is accused of misappropriation of public money.

Mishra was arrested on October 26,2020 and it is alleged that he made a payment of more than Rs one crore from the government exchequer for construction of a road, whereas actually no work was done.

Rejecting the bail application, Justice Om Prakash-VII observed, "It is evident from the record that the payment was made by the applicant from the government exchequer (public money) regarding the construction of road, whereas actually no work was done." The court further stated that "In the circumstances, having regard to the entire facts and circumstances of the case and keeping in view the nature of offence, evidence, complicity of the accused and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the court is of the view that the applicant has not made out a case for bail." Earlier, the counsel for the applicant submitted before the court that the applicant has not committed the present offence.

He further submitted that in this matter FIR was lodged in the year 2012 and the applicant was not named in the FIR. After a gap of about eight years, he was arrested in the matter on October 26, 2020.

It was further submitted that the allegation against the applicant is that without proper sanction he, being the executive engineer, has released more than Rs one crore without obtaining a no objection certificate from the PWD concerned and ensuring that as to whether the road in question was actually constructed or not.

Referring to aforesaid allegations, he contended that the payment was said to have been made for the construction of the road on the basis of a report submitted by the engineers. A third-party inspection was also made. Hence, in this matter the applicant is not responsible in any manner.

The trial court has rejected the bail application of the applicant on the basis of insufficient evidence.

It is further submitted that the applicant has been implicated in this case with malicious intention of the employees/officers of the department concerned. No departmental action has been taken against the applicant.

His counsel said the applicant has no criminal history. He is languishing in jail since October 26, 2020 and in case he is released on bail, he will not misuse the liberty of bail and will cooperate in trial.

On the other hand, additional advocate general, Krishna Pahal, who appeared for the state government, opposed the request for bail submitted that in fact in this matter money was released in respect of construction of the road that was not constructed.

It is also submitted that though the applicant is not named in the FIR yet during investigation his involvement surfaced in the matter. Since payment was made against construction of road but no road was actually constructed and applicant being the executive engineer (responsible for payment) has made the payment. All the offences levelled against the applicant are clearly evident.

Prior to payment, the applicant did not obtain a no-objection certificate from the PWD whereas there was stipulation in the work order itself. This fact also shows the involvement of the applicant in the present matter.
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Veteran actor Soni Razdan has shared a cute throwback picture of her two daughters, Alia and Shaheen Bhatt. The photo shows Alia and Shaheen as two young girls enjoying each others company.

In the picture, Shaheen is seen wearing a white dress with a brown belt while Alia is seen in a red and white top. Sharing the photo with her followers, Soni simply shared three heart emojis in the caption. Alias fans showered the picture with love and compliments, calling her the cutest, aloo and a doll.

Alia, Shaheen and Soni all enjoyed a recent New Years trip to the Ranthambore National Park. They were joined by Alias boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor and his family--mother Neetu Singh, sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, her husband Bharat and daughter Samara.

Alia has shared a few pictures from the trip on Instagram, as did other members of the party. She shared a picture of herself, dressed in Christmas colours, enjoying a drink in front of a bonfire at their resort. Another photo showed her wrapped up in warm clothes, drinking coffee near a lake in sunshine. She also shared a video of herself in a jeep, enjoying a safari with Ranbir and others.

Alia was last seen in Sadak 2, which release on Disney+ Hotstar. The film, which was directed by her father Mahesh Bhatt was panned by critics and audiences and is among the worst rated Hindi movies on IMDb. Her next release will be Brahmastra, in which she stars opposite Ranbir. The movie is a fantasy epic directed by Ayan Mukherji and also starring Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna and Mouni Roy.

Also read: Inside Deepika Padukone birthday celebrations: Ranveer plays host, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt attend. See pics

Alia and Ranbir have been dating for a couple of years now but Brahmastra will be their first project together. In a recent interview, Ranbir had revealed that had it not been for the pandemic, he and Alia might have gotten married in 2020. I dont want to jinx it by saying anything. I want to tick mark that goal very soon in my life, he had said in an interview journalist Rajeev Masand.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10

WASHINGTON - Members of Congress, shaken and angry following a violent assault on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of President Donald Trump's supporters, put a final stamp on President-elect Joe Biden's victory early Thursday morning and brought an end to a historically turbulent post-election period.

Republicans had at one point planned to object to the electoral college votes in a series of states won by Biden, but after the storming of the Capitol, several GOP senators changed course, disputing only Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both challenges failed.

Shortly after Congress affirmed Biden's win, Trump pledged an "an orderly transition." The statement, tweeted by White House social media director Dan Scavino as Trump remained locked out of his own Twitter account, stops short of conceding or congratulating Biden.

"Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," Trump said, noting that Congress's action "represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history."

In the final moments of the joint session, Senate Chaplain Barry Black said a prayer lamenting "the desecration of the United States Capitol building, the shedding of innocent blood, the loss of life and the quagmire of dysfunction that threaten our democracy," and Vice President Mike Pence gaveled the meeting to a close, as the Democrats present gave only a half-hearted show of applause.

The lawmakers convened Wednesday evening, after hours of delay, in a show of defiance. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she had consulted with fellow congressional leaders, the Pentagon, the Justice Department and Pence before concluding that Congress should move ahead with the ceremony interrupted earlier in the day by rioters provoked to action by Trump at a morning rally.

"Today, a shameful assault was made on our democracy. It was anointed at the highest level of government. It cannot, however, deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden," wrote Pelosi, D-Calif.

As lawmakers returned to work following the riot, the tone of the debate turned more somber and impassioned than before the interruption, with a number of Republicans who had planned to slow the proceedings with objections announcing they would stand aside.

"To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win. Violence never wins. Freedom wins. This is still the people's house," Pence said as he formally reopened the Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the rioters had tried to disrupt democracy. "They failed," he said.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, earned sustained applause from his colleagues for a thundering speech in which he said elected leaders should show respect for voters by telling them the truth, not fueling groundless doubts about the election.

"We gather due to a selfish man's injured pride and the outrage of supporters who he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning," Romney said. "What happened here today was an insurrection incited by the president of the United States."

At one point early Thursday morning, the raw emotions nearly sparked a physical confrontation after Rep. Conor Lamb, R-La., accused Republicans of peddling falsehoods about election fraud.

"That that attack today, it didn't materialize out of nowhere," Lamb said. "It was inspired by lies - the same lies that you're hearing in this room tonight."

That sparked an exchange of words between Republicans and Democrats sitting behind Lamb that nearly led to blows before aides intervened.

Both chambers picked up Wednesday night where they had left off before the evacuation, considering a challenge to Biden's 11 electoral votes in Arizona. The Senate rejected the challenge by 93 to 6 and the House by 303 to 121.

House members also objected when Pence read the tallies from Georgia, Michigan and Nevada, but those challenges died when no senators joined them.

After midnight, however, a challenge to Pennsylvania's count, joined by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., prompted the two chambers to consider that state's electoral vote. The Senate did not even debate before voting 92 to 7 to reject the challenge, while the House debated the full two hours ahead of a 282 to 138 vote of rejection.

Lawmakers then moved to reconvene the joint session and complete the counting of the remaining states, setting up a final confirmation of Biden's victory at 3:45 a.m. - nearly 21 hours after the proceedings began.

Earlier in the day, the ceremonial reading of the electoral votes had just begun when pro-Trump rioters rushed the building at around 2 p.m., forcing the evacuation of both chambers of Congress. For hours, rioters rampaged through the Capitol complex. One woman was fatally shot in the building.

Only after the D.C. National Guard had been activated and political leaders in both parties condemned the rioting and appealed for calm did authorities declare the Capitol was secure.

The day had always been expected to be a historic test of the democratic system, with dozens of Republicans attempting for the first time to use Congress's previously ceremonial role to try to overturn the results of a popular vote. The process was already underway when Jon Ossoff was declared the winner of one of two Senate runoffs in Georgia, handing control of the upper chamber to the Democrats for the next two years.

Still, the outcome of the congressional proceedings had been clear from the start, particularly after Pence announced that he would reject pleas from the president to use his role as the session's presiding officer to hand a win to Trump.

McConnell, who also had said little publicly about the process before Wednesday, likewise delivered a stirring opening floor speech imploring his colleagues not to damage democracy by objecting to the votes.

"Voters, the courts, and the states have all spoken - they've all spoken. If we overrule them, it would damage our republic forever," he said.

The tense day turned to chaos when pro-Trump rioters, stirred up at a rally where the president called for them to march on the Capitol, stormed the building and caused the proceedings to be halted for hours.

The violence shocked leaders in both parties. While lawmakers huddled in an undisclosed location during the siege, Republican leaders pressed their members to abandon their plans to challenge the electoral vote. Several senators said they would no longer object, notably Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who had embraced the challenge as part of the Senate election she lost Tuesday. "The events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider," she said.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Thursday called for Trump's immediate removal from office, either by his Cabinet or through impeachment, describing the violence at the Capitol on Wednesday as "an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president."

Schumer said the "quickest and most effective way" to remove Trump would be under the 25th Amendment.

Under that process, the president can be removed from office by the vice president plus a majority of the Cabinet, or by the vice president and a body established by Congress, if they determine that he "is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office."

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., on Thursday called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked against Trump, becoming the highest-profile Republican to press for the president to be relieved of his official duties.

Several hours after his supporters had broken into the Capitol, Trump tweeted and released a video calling on them to respect law enforcement. But he also repeated lies about the election being stolen from him.

Late in the day, he tweeted that "these are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots." The tweet was quickly removed by Twitter, which also for the first time announced that Trump's account would be locked until he deleted the tweet and then for 12 hours. Facebook and Instagram on Wednesday said they would lock Trump out of their platforms for 24 hours, then they announced an indefinite barring of his accounts.

The congressional process was supposed to be a mere procedural checkpoint on the way to Biden's oath-taking later this month. Biden won the popular vote on Nov. 3 and, last month, the electoral college met in each state capital, as stipulated in the U.S. Constitution. Biden won 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232.

All that was left before the inauguration later this month was for a joint session of Congress to gather Wednesday and read those votes aloud.

According to an 1887 law that governs the process, any member of the House of Representatives, joined by a senator, can object to an individual state's electoral tally, prompting a two-hour debate, followed by a vote in each chamber. A majority of both the House and Senate would have had to back a challenge for any to prevail, and Trump's supporters did not have the votes.

Dozens of Republicans in the House, joined by 13 GOP Senators, had said they intended to object to slates of electors from several swing states that had backed Biden. They cited as their reason baseless allegations of fraud fanned by Trump, and the resulting belief among many Republicans that the election was compromised. Many changed their mind after the riot, but some pressed on with their objections to state elections before Congress certified Biden's win early Thursday.

For days leading up to Wednesday, Trump had also pressed Pence, whom the Constitution requires to preside over the ceremony, to refuse to recognize electoral college slates from swing states that backed Biden.

Shortly before he took the gavel, however, Pence released a three-page letter he had written to members of Congress, rejecting Trump's pleas.

"It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not," he wrote.

A senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations, said Pence's decision caused Trump to rage all afternoon even as the crowds were breaking into the Capitol, telling aides that Pence had betrayed him. Pence said he would merely preside over the reading of tallies that had been forwarded by the states. And then he opened the session, beginning alphabetically with the reading of votes from Alabama and Alaska, both of which backed Trump.

When Biden's votes from Arizona were read aloud, Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., joined Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to object.

At that point, the House and Senate retreated to their respective chambers to debate the challenge, with Pence presiding over the Senate and Pelosi overseeing the House.

For nearly 30 minutes, the process ran largely as expected. McConnell pleaded for Republicans not to heed Trump's call to object to the results.

"If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side, our democracy would enter a death spiral," he said, calling the vote the most important in his 36 years in the Senate.

Cruz insisted he was seeking only a 10-day audit of the results and not necessarily to overturn the election.

His remarks ignored that more than 90 state and federal judges, including jurists appointed by Democrats and Republicans, have considered and rejected claims of fraud or other irregularities since the election.

But before debate in either chamber could get truly rolling, protesters - who had been attending a rally where Trump spoke and urged them to march on the Capitol - broke into the building and stormed the chambers, causing both the House and Senate to recess. As chaos erupted and Pence and Pelosi were hustled to secure locations, Republican Sens. Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Mike Rounds of South Dakota helped the parliamentarians grab the election certificates and take them to the secure location.

Constitutional experts said nothing in the law prevented Congress from picking up the ceremony where it left off. Even if for some reason it was unable to complete that process by Jan. 20, the Constitution is clear: The president's term ends at noon that day.

"The idea that individuals were allowed to derail one of our most solemn sacred constitutional processes is horrifying. But this is only going to delay for a bit the completion of the process," said Rick Pildes, a constitutional law professor at New York University School of Law.

- - -

The Washington Post's Paul Kane, Josh Dawsey and Felicia Sonmez contributed to this report.
Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the Centre has approved a Rs28,400 crore industrial developmental scheme for Jammu & Kashmir to boost the regions economy and provide employment opportunities in both manufacturing and service sectors. He said the opportunities will lead to socio-economic development, skill, and sustainable development. Sinha added it will provide major support to local industry and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving the scheme.

The new industrial development scheme will boost domestic manufacturing and help Jammu & Kashmir in becoming self-reliant. The scheme will encourage new investment, substantial expansion, and also nurture the existing industries.

Sinha said the scheme will be friendly and hassle-free for the investors. It will be ensured that entrepreneurs from within Jammu & Kashmir and outside find a smooth and progressive ecosystem for their business plans, he said. With our transparent policies, investments in developing infrastructure, market-oriented policy environment, and skilled human capital, we aspire to become a growth pillar for India in the current decade.

Sinha said the government and the industry will work closely to achieve the vision of holistic and balanced development.
Stephanie Grisham, press secretary for First Lady Melania Trump, attends the Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on June 21, 2019. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Melania Trumps Chief of Staff Resigns After Violence at US Capitol

Stephanie Grisham, the chief of staff of First Lady Melania Trump and former White House press secretary, has resigned after the acts of violence that occurred on U.S. Capitol grounds during a demonstration over concerns about election integrity on the afternoon of Jan. 6.

It has been an honor to serve the country in the White House. I am very proud to have been a part of Mrs. Trumps mission to help children everywhere, and proud of the many accomplishments of this administration, Grisham said in a statement.

Grisham didnt elaborate on whether her resignation was in response to the violence at the nations Capitol building.

A string of other resignations followed in the White House, including deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews and White House social secretary Rickie Niceta, a White House official confirmed, according to The Hill.

I was honored to serve in the Trump administration and proud of the policies we enacted. As someone who worked in the halls of Congress I was deeply disturbed by what I saw today, Matthews said in a statement. Ill be stepping down from my role, effective immediately. Our nation needs a peaceful transfer of power.

Niceta had assumed her post in February 2017.

The protesters, many dressed in pro-Trump apparel, stormed the building at around 2:15 p.m after breaking windows to get inside. Video footage shows some protesters tussling with police, others showed participants carrying American and Trump flags walking through the hall connecting the two chambers of the Capitol.

One woman, who has since been identified as Ashli Babbit, an Air Force vet from California and Trump supporter, died after being shot inside the Capitol building, her husband told KUSI-TV.

The breach interrupted debates in both Chambers over objections to the electoral votes from the presidential election. By 6 p.m., officials declared the Capitol building had been secured. Congress resumed shortly later.

Vice President Mike Pence, who is presiding over the session, condemned the violence upon resuming.

We condemn the violence that took place here in the strongest possible terms. We grieve the loss of life in these hallowed halls to those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today: you did not win. Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the peoples house, he said.

GOP lawmakers also condemned the violence, with many describing the actions as un-American.

What is unfolding is unacceptable and un-American. It has got to stop, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said in a tweet.

America is not a country where political violence is acceptable, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) wrote on Twitter.

Those storming the Capitol need to stop NOW, wrote Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but violencefrom Left or Rightis ALWAYS wrong. And those engaged in violence are hurting the cause they say they support.

Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.) called for federal officials to form task force to identify those who breached the Capitol, vandalized our national institutions, and expect prosecutions to the fullest extent of the law.

The violence was also condemned by President Donald Trump in a series of tweets, however, a tweet and a video that urged supporters to go home were removed by the social media platform.

Cathy He contributed to this report.
[January 07, 2021] eFFECTOR Appoints Mike Byrnes as Chief Financial Officer

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc., a leader in the development of selective translation regulation inhibitors (STRIs) for the treatment of cancer, today announced that it has appointed Mike Byrnes as chief financial officer. In addition, the company announced that Alana McNulty, who has served as both chief financial officer and chief business officer since 2019, will remain in her role as chief business officer.

With his extensive finance experience in biotechnology companies, Mike will be a great addition to our already strong management team, which, combined with our notable progress in advancing tomivosertib and zotatifin in oncology, position eFFECTOR for significant growth in the years ahead, said Steve Worland, Ph.D., president and CEO of eFFECTOR. Further, I am delighted that Alana will be fully focused on a role in which she has excelled, having shown tremendous business development acumen in negotiating our partnership for eIF4E with Pfizer, which has the potential to generate more than $500 million in total payments. Mike Byrnes previously was senior vice president of finance at Principia Biopharma, Inc. (PRNB), which was acquired by Sanofi in September 2020. Prior to that, Mr. Byrnes served as chief financial officer of Alkahest, Inc. fromMay 2018 to January 2020 and chief financial officer of Ocera Therapeutics, Inc. (OCRX), from December 2014 until its acquisition by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals in December 2017. Mr. Byrnes served as corporate controller of Maxygen, Inc. (MAXY) from March 2010 to December 2014 and prior to that, held finance positions of increasing responsibility from 2000 to 2010 with NeurogesX (NGSX), Inc., Lipid Sciences, Inc. (LIPD) and ADAC Laboratories, Inc. (ADAC). Mr. Byrnes received his B.S.C. in finance from Santa Clara University and an M.B.A. from California State University, Hayward.



The team at eFFECTOR is absolutely devoted to following the science with its pipeline of novel drug candidates, noted Mr. Byrnes. I believe eFFECTOR is poised to usher in significant growth and improve the lives of patients dealing with devastating diseases like cancer. Im excited to join eFFECTOR and look forward to delivering value to our many stakeholders. About eFFECTOR

eFFECTOR is a next-generation oncology company developing a new class of targeted therapies called selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs). Tomivosertib, eFFECTORs MNK1/2 inhibitor is expected to enter KICKSTART, a randomized Phase 2 trial in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with pembrolizumab, in Q1 2021. Zotatifin, eFFECTORs inhibitor of eIF4A, is in a dose-escalation Phase 1 trial, with expansion cohorts expected to open in H1 2021. eFFECTOR has a partnership with Pfizer developing inhibitors of eIF4E. Contacts:

Investors:

Amy Conrad

Juniper Point

858-366-3243

amy@juniper-point.com



Media:

Heidi Chokeir, Ph.D.

Canale Communications

619-849-5377

heidi.chokeir@canalecomm.com



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BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Germany's manufacturing orders grew further in November, defying expectations for a decline, figures from the Federal Statistical Office/Destatis showed Thursday. Factory orders rose 2.3 percent month-on-month in November, while economists had forecast a 1.2 percent fall. The growth for October was revised to 3.3 percent from 2.9 percent. Excluding major orders, real new orders in manufacturing rose 1.6 percent from the previous month. Domestic orders increased 1.6 percent and foreign demand grew 2.9 percent. On a year-on-year basis, factory orders grew 6.3 percent in November after a 2.3 percent increase in the previous month. 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.
A LIMERICK mother whose daughters wheelchair was stolen before Christmas has made a heartfelt plea to the thieves to return it.

Sarah Farrell and her family say their festive season was ruined after her two-year-old daughters custom-made chair was taken from outside the boot of the family car when it was parked outside her mums house in Knockainey.

Born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, Mia is paralysed from the ribs down.

She turns three this week, and getting her lifeline back would be the best birthday gift ever, her mum said.

In a direct appeal to those who carried out the theft on December 14, Sarah said: Just leave the wheelchair somewhere, if you still have it. Contact the gardai, use a private number. You dont have to say who you are or where you are from. Just leave it somewhere so we can get it back. Its all we want.

The wheelchair is small, with tape and flowers on the back handle, and the rest is plain black.

They dont realise what this is doing to her. She is heartbroken. She is doing an army crawl across the floor to get around. I know she is only a child, but she was so used to having a wheelchair and getting around. She cant express her thoughts, as she doesnt have great language skills. But youd know by her she is heartbroken, her mother said.

Sarah has thanked people for their generosity since the incident.

People have been really fantastic. Theyve dropped in vouchers for Dunnes. One man dropped a big bag of toys for Mia into the garda station at Bruff, she said.

But despite all this, she said Mia is still suffering.

She has not eaten a bite since the chair went. Its horrendous to be quite honest, and you know Christmas is bad enough trying to get the right gifts for everyone, she added.

Bruff gardai continue to investigate the theft, and are available on 061-382940.
Advertisement

Just prior to taking the stage at his ill-fated rally on Wednesday, President Donald Trump was in an upbeat mood. The Laura Branigan song Gloria blasted over loudspeakers as he stood in a tent offstage, gazing at monitors showing the massive crowd of his adoring followers, while advisor Kimberly Guilfoyle danced nearby.

At the rally, Trump promised to join his loyalists in marching on the U.S. Capitol, but instead he retreated to the White House in the 'Beast' presidential limousine as the chaos he had unleashed unfolded.

Cocooned in a small private dining room next to the Oval Office, Trump watched on cable news as his followers ransacked the Capitol building, but appeared disinterested in the insurrection. Instead, he grew increasingly agitated and raved furiously that his own vice president had not backed his attempt to overthrow the election, insiders say.

As the television showed scenes from the Capitol that shocked the nation and the world, increasingly desperate aides pleaded with Trump to intervene, but he resisted and insisted that nothing was wrong, the sources say.

'The vast majority of them are peaceful,' Trump remarked about the rioters, according to an administration official cited by the Washington Post. 'What about the riots this summer? What about the other side? No one cared when they were rioting. My people are peaceful. My people aren't thugs,' the president continued.

'He was a total monster today,' the official said of Trump's reaction. 'He didn't want to condemn his people.'

As the violence escalated and Twitter locked Trump's accounts for inciting the insurrection, he reportedly whined that he was unable to tweet, venting fury at aides when he tried to post to the platform but was blocked.

Trump is seen surveying the crowd assembled for his rally on Wednesday shortly before taking the stage. At the rally, Trump promised to join his loyalists in marching on the Capitol, but instead retreated to the White House

An insider says Trump watched the insurrection on television in a private dining room located off the president's office, shutting out advisors and growing increasingly agitated. He is seen in the Oval Office in a file photo from Monday

Police officers stand guard as supporters of President Donald Trump gather in front of the US Capitol Building in Washington DC on January 6, 2021

Trump's most infamous day began with a tweet shortly after 8am, calling on Vice President Mike Pence to intervene in a join session of Congress and illegally overthrow the confirmation of Democrat Joe Biden's election to the presidency.

Already, huge crowds of Trump supporters had begun streaming into the Ellipse and gathering on the National Mall.

As the morning wore on, Trump issued a stream of tweets reiterating his false claims of fraud in the presidential election, as well as challenging the results of Tuesday's runoffs in Georgia, which Democrats swept, giving them control of the Senate.

Just before Trump spoke at the rally, his eldest son Don Jr posted a live video from behind the scenes, showing his father staring fixedly at TV monitors showing the crowds outside, while Gloria blared in the background.

'I think you've got to slow down/ Before you start to blow it'

'I think you're headin' for a breakdown/ So be careful not to show it'

Trump's inner circle buzzed around him as he stood expressionless, surveying the thousands he had summoned to the capital with his promise of a 'wild' rally.

'All the voices in your head/ Calling Gloria! Gloria!'

Trump advisor Kimberly Guilfoyle danced to the tune 'Gloria' and posed with boyfriend Don Trump Jr backstage before Trump's rally on the Ellipse on Wednesday, as President Trump stood impassively surveying the crowd

Trump loyalists packed the Ellipse on Wednesday morning for a rally, where he whipped the crowd into a frenzy

'After this, we're going to walk down, and I'll be there with you,' Trump said. 'We're going to walk down to the Capitol.'

At about 11.50am, Trump took the stage in the Ellipse for his rally, likely his last as president. In a fiery speech, he repeated his appeal to Pence to illegally intervene in Congress, and falsely claimed he would join his supporters in marching on the Capitol.

'After this, we're going to walk down, and I'll be there with you,' Trump shouted to cheers from the crowd. 'We're going to walk down to the Capitol.'

'You'll never take back our country with weakness, you have to show strength, and you have to be strong,' he continued, exhorting his supporters 'to fight'.

'We will never give up, we will never concede,' Trump said, delighting the crowd by calling Democratic election victories the product of 'explosions of bulls**t.'

'We're going to the Capitol,' he said. 'We're going to try and give our Republicans ... the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country.'

More than 100 Republican Congressmen and over a dozen Senators had vowed to object to certifying the election, a desperate bid that Trump hoped to bolster by sending his supporters to the Capitol.

Earlier in the rally, his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, had advocated what he had called 'trial by combat.'

Trump spoke for more than an hour, and the rally dispersed at about 1pm, with Trump's supporters streaming toward the Capitol.

But Trump was not among the crowd as promised, and instead slipped into his motorcade and made the brief drive back into the White House compound.

Aides say the prospect of Trump joining the march was discussed by the White House but eventually abandoned.

The violent siege of the U.S. Capitol by President Donald Trumps supporters forced painful new questions across government

Trump spoke for more than an hour, and the rally dispersed at about 1pm, with his supporters streaming toward the Capitol

Trump's supporters surged across the National Mall towards the Capitol, as the president retreated in his motorcade to watch the chaos on television in the White House

On January 6, 2021, Pro-Trump supporters and far-right forces flooded Washington DC to protest Trump's election loss. Hundreds breached the U.S. Capitol Building

Pro-Trump protesters break windows of the Capitol building. Rioters broke windows and breached the Capitol building in an attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 election

Shortly before 2pm, the rioters descended on Capitol Hill while lawmakers were inside certifying the vote. Over the next two hours, the violence escalated. Some broke into politicians' offices, tauntingly sat at their desks and left threatening notes. One of the protesters was shot dead by cops (bottom right)

Also at around 1pm, Pence publicly issued a letter declaring that he would not illegally intervene in Congress, minutes before convening the joint session of Congress to certify the electoral college.

Soon after Congress convened, Trump's allies in legislature raised their objections to the certification, sending the House and Senate into separate sessions for debate as the president's mob grappled with police on the Capitol steps.

At 1.33pm, CSPAN reported that the mob had breached the Capitol and was heading for the House and Senate chambers, which were evacuated as the mob ran wild.

Back in the White House, Trump spent much of Wednesday afternoon watching the insurrection on television from his private dining room off the Oval Office.

But a White House official says that the president appeared disengaged and disinterested as scenes emerged that shocked the conscience of the nation.

Instead, the official says, most of Trump's attention was consumed by his ire at Pence for defying his demands and acknowledging he did not have the power to unilaterally choose the next president.

Fuming, Trump effectively banned Pence's chief of staff, Marc Short, from the White House, an official said, believing him to have been the driving force behind Pence's refusal to overturn the vote.

Trump was extremely agitated, moving from the Oval Office to the nearby private dining room, initially energized, but increasingly angry and closed off, said one source.

Trump was not allowing staff to help craft any messages earlier in the day. 'It's not a controlled situation,' said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC

Protesters gesture to U.S. Capitol Police in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber at the Capitol in Washington, DC

Supporters of US President Donald Trump occupy the US Capitol Rotunda on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC

Trump supporters erected a noose in front of the Capitol and called for giving enemy lawmakers 'the rope'. The mob breached security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification

The White House is lit at dusk on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital, while Trump watched on television in the White House

TIMELINE OF THE CHAOS 6AM: Crowds start to gather for Trump rally that is scheduled for 10am On December 19, Trump told his fans on Twitter to gather in Washington DC. He said: 'Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, be wild! They gathered peacefully in their thousands outside the White House to first wish Eric Trump a Happy Birthday, and then head from the President himself. 11.50am: Trump speaks at Save America Rally, promises to walk with crowd down to the Capitol In a long, sermon-like speech that went on for more than an hour, Trump told his fans that he'd walk with them. At that stage, there was no mention of violence. 'And after this, we're going to walk down there, and I'll be there with you, we're going to walk down ... to the Capitol and we are going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women,' he said. He did not, however, walk with with them as promised. 1pm: Lawmakers gather in the House chamber to certify Biden's election win 1.10pm: Rioters arrive at the Capitol building and start clashing with police. At 1.26pm, Capitol police order the evacuations of Library of Congress, Madison Building and Cannon House Office Building but not the House chamber 1.40pm: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bows orders a 6pm curfew but does nothing to address the escalating situation at the Capitol. Meanwhile, Capitol police request back-up. 2.11pm: The rioters scale the walls of the Capitol. Vice President Mike Pence is evacuated from the House chamber moments later. 2.39pm: Videos and photographs emerge showing rioters smashing the windows of the Capitol building 2.47pm: Rioters are seen at the dais 2.53pm: Congress is removed from the Chamber in breathing masks and escape hoods 3:51 p.m. The District of Columbia National Guard, about 1,100 troops, is mobilized to support local law enforcement. 6pm: Washington DC curfew begins, many ignore it to stay put 8pm: Lawmakers return to the Chamber to certify Biden win Advertisement

Aides say they pleaded with Trump to intervene as the situation at the Capitol raged out of control, but that he showed little interest in stopping the insurrection.

Instead, at 2.24pm, Trump tweeted his rage at Pence in the midst of the attack, writing: 'Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!'

About ten minutes later, at the insistence of desperate aides, Trump tweeted a tepid call for peace, writing: 'Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!'

At 2.55pm, one of Trump's supporters was fatally shot in the melee at the Capitol. Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit, 35, was shot dead by police when she tried to clamber through a barricaded entrance inside the Capitol.

Trump then reluctantly issued another tweet and taped a video encouraging an end to the violence. The posts came at the insistence of staff and amid mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers urging him to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name, according to the official.

And even as authorities struggled to take control of Capitol Hill after protesters overwhelmed police, Trump continued to level baseless allegations of mass voter fraud and praised his loyalists as 'very special' in the video message.

'I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now,' he said in a video posted more than 90 minutes after lawmakers were evacuated from the House and Senate chambers. 'We can't play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.'

The violence, coupled with the president's tepid response, alarmed many in the White House and appeared to push Republicans allies to the breaking point after years of allegiance to Trump.

After four years with no shortage of fraught moments, Wednesday's events quickly emerged as the nadir of morale in the Trump White House, as aides looked on in horror at the chaos at the Capitol Trump had fomented.

Trump has surrounded himself with an ever-smaller group of loyalists who cater to his whims, including digital director Dan Scavino, personal aide John McEntee, trade adviser Peter Navarro, speechwriter Stephen Miller, and personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, one source said.

'It's sad. These are the people around him and egging him on,' a source said, who also asked not to be identified.

A number of White House aides were discussing a potential mass resignation, according to people familiar with the conversation. And others quickly departed.

Stephanie Grisham, the first lady's chief of staff and a former White House press secretary, submitted her resignation Wednesday.

Deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger, White House social secretary Rickie Niceta and deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews also resigned, according to officials. More departures were expected in the coming days, officials said.

Trump issued a recorded video statement, shown above on a monitor in the White House briefing room. Aides pressed him to speak out more forcefully against the insurrection, but he declined

People wearing protective hoods evacuate the House gallery as Trump's mob tries to break into the House Chamber

Smoke fills the walkway outside the Senate Chamber as supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by U.S. Capitol Police officers inside the Capitol

U.S. Capitol police officers point their guns at a door as protesters try to breach the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC

A protester supporting U.S. President Donald Trump jumps from the public gallery to the floor of the Senate chamber at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC

Demonstrators storm the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC

A Congressional staffer holds his hands up while Capitol Police Swat team check everyone in the room as they secure the floor of Trump supporters in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021

A US Marine stands guard outside of the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC on January 6, 2020. The presence of the guard indicates that US President Donald Trump could be in the Oval Office

Other aides indicated they planned to stay to help smooth the transition to the Biden administration. And some harbored concerns about what Trump might do in his final two weeks in office if they were not there to serve as guardrails when so few remain.

After Trump tweeted incendiary remarks calling the mob in the Capitol 'special people' and appearing to justify the attack, Twitter locked his account.

Since then, Trump has repeatedly complained to aides that he was trying to send a tweet during his Twitter lockout, and expressed fury that he couldn't, a source told the Daily Beast.

After his account was locked, Trump was forced to issue a statement through his social media advisor's account after Congress certified Biden's election after midnight.

'Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20,' Trump said in the statement.

Trump added: 'While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it's only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!'

Trump's begrudging statement acknowledging defeat came after even longtime allies floated whether members of his Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment and remove him from office.

Barr slams Trump for 'betrayal' of presidency Former attorney general William Barr said President Donald Trump's conduct as a violent mob of his supporters stormed the US Capitol was a 'betrayal of his office and supporters'. In a statement, Barr said that 'orchestrating a mob to pressure Congress is inexcusable'. Barr was one of Trump's most loyal and ardent defenders in the Cabinet. He resigned last month amid lingering tension over the president's baseless claims of election fraud and the investigation into Joe Biden's son. Advertisement

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie told ABC late Wednesday that 'responsible members of the Cabinet' should be thinking about fulfilling their oath of office, adding that Trump had 'violated his oath and betrayed the American people.'

Conversations about removal took place among administration aides and Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill, according to people involved in the deliberations, but there did not appear to be serious discussion to do so by his Cabinet, of whom a majority would have to vote to sideline him.

Trump has been single-mindedly focused on his electoral defeat since Election Day, aides said, at the expense of the other responsibilities of his office, including the fight against the raging coronavirus.

Indeed, it was Pence, not Trump, who spoke with the acting defense secretary to discuss mobilizing the D.C National Guard on Wednesday afternoon.

Trump bailed out on a plan to speak via video on Thursday to the Republican National Committee's winter dinner in Amelia Island, Florida, where Republican officials are gathering this week to chart out the future, a Republican official said.

There has been some talk among Cabinet members and allies about invoking the 25th amendment to the U.S. Constitution as a way to remove Trump from office, but a source familiar with that effort doubted it would take place given the short period of time left in his term.

Some White House officials, stunned by Trump's downward spiral in recent days, were debating whether to resign in protest or to stay for the last two weeks to ensure a proper transition to the Biden team, one aide said.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, the wife of Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, on Thursday became the first Trump Cabinet minister to quit since the Capitol siege.

Former Trump aide Sam Nunberg said Trump's temperament reflected his aversion to losing.

'This is him at the end, when he loses something. This is the way it is, the end,' Nunberg said.
In a tweet Thursday, rapper Scarface called on San Antonio and other major Texas cities to "chime in" and ask U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz to explain his congressional effort to object the certification of the presidential election results.

Scarface, whose real name is Brad Jordan, has been vocal about the recent political events on Twitter. On Dec. 22, he called the senator "cold blooded" for voting against the $900 billion COVID-19 pandemic relief package. Then on Thursday, he reacted to Cruz leading a group objecting the certification of electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania.

RELATED: Texas representatives live tweet from the Capitol as protesters storm the building

"Ted? @tedcruz Houston is very disappointed in you TEXAS chime in, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin EVERYBODY and tell the senator to meet with us, he's got some explaining to do..WE THE PEOPLE FOR REAL," Scarface tweeted.

The tweet came hours after protests erupted in his native Houston on Wednesday calling for the senator's resignation.

Cruz is also being scrutinized by his political peers after a Pro-Trump mob on Wednesday breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing congressional members into hiding.

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary and San Antonio mayor Julian Castro also used social media to call out Cruz. Julian jumped on an Instagram Live video with his twin brother U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro on Wednesday while the latter sheltered in his office. Julian pointed to Cruz as a contributor to the Capitol chaos.

"He has been spectacularly irresponsible, an embarrassment to the state of Texas," he said in the video.

Cruz released a statement via Twitter calling Wednesday's events an "attack" and "despicable act of terrorism." He defended his lead in the effort to dispute election results.

"It was the right thing to do. I very much wish Congress had not set aside these concerns, but I respect the position each of my colleagues took," Cruz said in the statement. "Debate in the two houses of Congress is the proper way to resolve our political differences, not through violent attacks."

Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye
In other matters, a fire department representative asked the council to switch the two additional holiday days off recently granted to all city employees to personal leave days for the firefighters, giving them a total of six personal leave days. He said the paid holidays would benefit about one-third of the firefighters, as it would only affect those scheduled to work on those holidays.


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The news has been abuzz all week with reports that Kim Kardashian West is planning on divorcing her husband Kanye West. Though Kim has not confirmed these reports, fans began to see some legitimacy in the rumors after she posted pictures on Instagram sans wedding ring. But Kims empty ring finger may not have much to do with her husband.

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West | Marc Piasecki/WireImage

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye Wests issues

Kim and Kanye may have been having issues before last year but things got publicly ugly after Kanye began running for president. At a rally, he admitted that he and Kim had considered aborting North. The next day, he went on a Twitter rant, claiming that Kim had tried to lock him up.

Kim tried to bring a doctor to lock me up with a doctor, he tweeted in a now-deleted post. If I get locked up like Mandela Yall will know why.

Kim was trying to fly to Wyoming with a doctor to lock me up like on the movie Get Out because I cried about saving my daughters life yesterday, he continued.

Kanye went on to reveal that things had been rocky between him and Kim for a while.

I been trying to get divorced since Kim met with Meek at the [Waldorf] for prison reform, he wrote in a now-deleted tweet.

Kim eventually addressed Kanyes tirade, chalking it all up to his struggle with bipolar disorder. She asked fans to be empathetic and allow her and her family to deal with the situation privately.

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Kim is preparing for divorce

Kim and Kanye have been trying to save their marriage.

Kim and Kanye are in counseling and exploring their options, a source recently told People. They have been working on their marriage for a long time, but no decision has been made.

Even though they are in counseling, Kanye reportedly knows that things are coming to an end.

He knows that shes done, a source told the outlet of Kanye. She has had enough, and she told him that she wants some space to figure out her future.

Hes OK, the source continued. Hes sad, but OK. He knows the inevitable will happen, and he knows that its coming soon.

Kims family has been very supportive of her during this trying time.

Kris Jenner and Kims sisters are being as supportive as possible, another source said. Theyve seen Kim struggle over the last year and ultimately just want both her and Kanye to be happy, however that may look.

Merry Christmas from The Grinch and Santa  pic.twitter.com/sCfo32iqJv  Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) December 26, 2020

RELATED: KUWTK Never Would Have Lasted Had It Not Been for Kris Humphries

Why isnt Kim Kardashian West wearing her wedding ring?

Recently, Kim posted some pictures to Instagram where her ring finger was bare but sources told HollywoodLife that no one should be looking at her ring, whether shes wearing it or not, as some sort of message.

She often chooses to go without it for pictures because she likes a clean look, the source continued, And when shes home chilling out she doesnt always wear it and that has been true for many years. Its nothing new, people are just reading into everything.

Kim also appeared ringless in her photos from the holidays. Kanye was missing from all of those photos as well.

Twitter has temporarily suspended Donald Trump after the president tweeted his support for a violent mob that descended on the nations Capitol as Congress met to certify the results of the November election.

The company says it has locked Trumps account for 12 hours and that the president will be required to remove three tweets that it had previously labeled for inciting violence.

As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy, the company wrote. This means that the account of @realDonaldTrump will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets. If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The company added that future rule-breaking will result in permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account.

For Twitter, the suspension is a step the company had previously avoided, citing a public interest policy that tweets from world leaders should be allowed to remain up to allow scrutiny and public dissemination. Now, the company said that policy has reached its limit.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Our public interest policy  which has guided our enforcement action in this area for years  ends where we believe the risk of harm is higher and/or more severe, Twitter said. Well continue to evaluate the situation in real time, including examining activity on the ground and statements made off Twitter. We will keep the public informed, including if further escalation in our enforcement approach is necessary.

Earlier in the day, Twitter had added new labels to three tweets from Trump, including a video in which he praised those responsible for the riots, warning the messages posed a risk of violence. Facebook and YouTube subsequently removed the video from their platforms
Major oil corporations steered clear of the first oil and gas lease sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska, which the Trump Administration opened for drilling and which, contrary to the administrations expectations, drew very little interest.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received in the Wednesday action bids covering 552,802 acres at the oil and gas lease sale for the Coastal Plain of ANWR, half of the 1.1 million acres offered in the lease sale.

BLM Alaska received 13 bids totaling $14.4 million. Out of the 22 tracts offered, half11 tractsreceived bids.

Oil companies largely snubbed the controversial lease sale, while the highest bidder on nine out of the 11 tracts was Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), a company held by the state of Alaska. The two other takers in the lease sale were Knik Arm Services LLC and Regenerate Alaska, Inc.

The controversial lease sale, with which the Trump Administration aimed to open ANWR to drilling, had received earlier on Wednesday an approval to go ahead. An Alaska judge ruled against a request for an injunction against the lease sale, letting the tender proceed.

While the first ANWR oil and gas lease sale was a historic event for Alaska, analysts say the auction was a bust. Industry experts were not surprised that few companies showed up, considering the oil price collapse in 2020 and the growing opposition to Arctic drilling and banks refusal to lend money to corporations to develop oil and gas resources in the Arctic.

It was, in the oil industry terms, a dry hole. A bust, Larry Persily, a longtime observer of the oil and gas industry in Alaska, told Alaska Public Media.

They had the lease sale, the administration can feel good about it, but no ones going to see any oil coming out of ANWR, Persily added.

Adam Kolton, executive director at Alaska Wilderness League, said, commenting on the results of the lease sale:

We have long known that the American people dont want drilling in the Arctic Refuge, the Gwichin people dont want it, and now we know the oil industry doesnt want it either.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The U.S. Congress has certified the election of Joe Biden as the next president of the United States.

The certification, a constitutional requirement, was done hours after supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building to prevent the lawmakers from certifying the election.

At least four people have been reported dead from the ensuing violence at the Capitol building which has been condemned by Mr Biden and other American and world leaders.

Prior to the violent demonstrations at the Capitol, the lawmakers were clearly divided mostly on a partisan basis.

As culled from America media reports on Thursday, the pro-Biden lawmakers had rejected the moves to cancel both Georgia and Pennsylvanias electoral votes for the elected president.

Mr Trumps supporters in the Congress had also earlier strongly objected to Arizona, Nevada and Michigans electoral college votes for Mr Biden.

However, after the historic mob action at the U.S Capitol building halting the joint session of the lawmakers on Wednesday, Vice-President Mike Pence officially certified Mr Biden as the countrys president-elect, after counting all states Electoral College votes.

The announcement of the state of the vote by the President of the Senate shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of the persons elected President and Vice President of the United States, each for the term beginning on the 20th day of January 2021 and shall be entered together with the list of the votes on the journals of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Mr Pence reportedly said.

Mr Trump and some of his supporters had earlier labelled his vice, Mr Pence, a betrayal and coward for not backing him.

After much reluctance, Mr Trump has now conceded to allowing a smooth transition of power take place on January 20.
New Delhi: In an attempt to become a dominant power in the world, Chinese President Xi Jinping wants to combine all the different ethnic minorities in China into a singular national identity and thereby imposing the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) ideology on them. China has 55 officially recognized ethnic minorities and for years CCP believed that they would also gradually integrate into China's dominant Han Chinese culture.

Under Xi Jinping, the CCP has run out of patience and no longer wishes to wait for all the ethnic minorities in China to naturally assimilate.

CCP's aggressive cultural assimilation or ethnic fusion has been taken to the extremes, primarily in occupied East Turkistan (Xinjiang in China). As per the Wall Street Journal, government records and speeches have laid bare China's plans for Xinjiang and their efforts to suppress and assimilate the Uighur Muslims, who reside there.

Xinjiang has now become the home of the largest mass detention of a minority group since World War 2. The native Muslims are kept in inhuman conditions in so-called vocational training camps and labour camps in order to superimpose CCPs ideology over their faith.

Another aspect of the Chinese government's attempts to assimilate minority groups is their reliance on the security infrastructure. The CCP utilizes this high-tech security infrastructure to police and surveils the minority population. The strategy of deploying large-scale surveillance to monitor the minority population is currently used with great effect in Xinjiang.

Live TV

Chinese authorities and local government have long stated that this form of surveillance is necessary to tackle crime and terrorism, but in reality, the large-scale surveillance and security infrastructure allows them to closely monitor and control the Turkic Muslim ethnic minority.

In occupied Mongolia (Inner Mongolia in China), the CCP has tried to stamp out the local culture and language in the region by introducing and encouraging Mandarin-language education. The Chinese government has also forced the region to use national textbooks instead of the local versions in an attempt to remove any trace of a different Mongolian identity.

The local population has not been silent, the CCPs efforts to impose Mandarin on the people sparked widespread protests and school boycotts in the region. These methods of control that have proved effective for the CCP have now spread eastward to the southwestern region of Guangxi. The region is home to Chinas largest minority group, the Zhuang, The Zhuang follow an animalist-based faith and have almost no history of ethnic conflict or separatist violence.

In occupied Tibet, where the Chinese government already has strong Control, the local authorities have reportedly launched vocational training centers for rural Tibetans, similar to the vocational training centers in Xinjiang. As per the Wall Street Journal, local authorities in Tibet have also passed new regulations that seek to promote ethnic unity and patriotism.

Xi Jinping's nationalistic Chinese dream rests on the fact that 1.4 billion people in China will someday share a common identity. In 2019, during a government conference, Jinping said that creating a collective consciousness was integral to the rejuvenation of China. Minority groups in China make up only 10% of the population but some groups are as large as other countries. China is also home to millions of people belonging to traditionally nomadic communities like Tibetans and Mongols. All minority groups in China have their own separate beliefs, customs, and languages.

Most of the minority groups in China, especially those that greatly differ from the Han Chinese, reside in the outskirts of the country. For Xi Jinping, control of the minority groups in these regions is synonymous with consolidating the CCPs power and ensuring Chinas territorial integrity.

Under Mao Zedong, ethnic minorities were given extra space and assistance to get them out of their economic backwardness. While the CCP retained ultimate control, these minority groups had some semblance of autonomy and access to important posts in local governments. Chinese attitudes towards these ethnic minorities began to change between 2008-2009. Ethnic riots in the capitals of Tibet and Xinjiang skewered public opinion towards the belief that Tibetans and Xinjiangs Uighurs were ungrateful. These feelings of unfairness coalesced into the second generation of ethnic policies, this time these policies actively tried to eradicate ethnic difference instead of nurturing it.

Following the Beijing bombings in 2014, Xi Jinping who had till now been quiet on how to deal with minority communities became much more vocal. While Xi refused to do away with the concept of minority autonomous zones, he became increasingly optimistic about ethnic fusion and burying the seed of love for the Chinese nation deeply in every childs heart

As per the Wall Street Journal, thousands of new police stations have been built in Xinjiang. The Chinese government has also invested billions of dollars in increasing surveillance in Xinjiang to control the region's ethnic population. Also, the CCP has demolished dozens of religious sites in Xinjiang. Small convenience police stations are a new tactic used by the CCP to increase surveillance in minority-dominated areas.

The small police stations offer amenities like Wi-Fi and emergency medical stations but also act as an information collection and rapid action response depot. It is not publicly stated that these new police stations are trying to acquire information about minorities, but the majority of these stations are located in minority-dominated areas. 13 of these police stations were put into service in 2019 in the Qinghai provinces Golmud city. The city is located on the Tibetan plateau and 30% of its population consists of ethnic minorities.

As per the Wall Street Journal, CCPs ethnic fusion activities have been intensifying in Tibet and other minority regions. Adrian Zenz, a scholar, and critic of the Chinese regime has revealed that in 2020 alone, almost half a million nomadic Tibetans have been forced to undergo vocational training. Zenz has further commented that the vocational training program in Tibet has a lot of similarities to the ones in Xinjiang. The Center for Global Policy in December 2020 released a report titled Coercive Labor in Xinjiang: Labor Transfer and the Mobilization of Ethnic Minorities to Pick Cotton wherein they revealed that nearly a million ethnic minority Uighurs were being forced into cotton picking.

China and the CCPs dream of prominence in the global order has driven them to strive for national unity causing them to trample on almost all forms of minority identity in the country. From Uighurs in occupied East Turkistan to nomadic tribes in occupied Tibet, the Chinese government has tried to force the assimilation of different cultures in the pursuit of national identity. Their aggressive tactics in the South China Sea, the Huawei-5G debacles, and their mishandling of the COVID-19 outbreak has garnered them substantial criticism from the international community.

China's aggressive actions have also allowed countries to realise the Chinese desire to gain dominance, irrespective of the methods. In such a charged international climate, the CCPs continued prosecution and mistreatment of Uighurs, Mongols, Tibetans, and other ethnic minorities have come under the scanner. These ethnic minorities have also been able to garner international support for their struggle against the Chinese government in the search for autonomy.
"Not many people have the appellate experience combined with the substantive regulatory expertise Marisa has," said Mark Brown, who chairs the firm's FDA and Life Sciences team. "She is an outstanding lawyer with exceptional intellectual and analytical skills who also possesses a rare combination of deep FDA/Healthcare regulatory and litigation experience. She also knows how to win and will be a great resource to clients and colleagues alike."

Maleck, in her role at Juul, managed and directed many aspects of the company's litigation activity, which included federal and state investigations, private lawsuits, and over 100 putative class actions concerning Juul's marketing activity.

Prior to joining King & Spalding in 2016, Maleck served as a law clerk to Associate Justice Clarence Thomas of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Honorable William H. Pryor, Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. She graduated cum laude from the University of Chicago Law School, where she won the Thomas R. Mulroy Prize for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy and the Ann Watson Barber Outstanding Service Award for students who have made an exceptional contribution to the quality of life at the Law School. She graduated cum laude with her B.A. from Amherst College.

"It is great to be returning to King & Spalding," Maleck said. "Having been in-house, I have come to appreciate even more the depth of industry expertise that exists at K&S. I'm excited to advise on a range of client matters that require an understanding of both the litigation process and regulatory issues."

About King & Spalding

Celebrating more than 130 years of service, King & Spalding is an international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, including half of the Fortune Global 100, with over 1,200 lawyers in 22 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm has handled matters in over 160 countries on six continents and is consistently recognized for the results it obtains, uncompromising commitment to quality, and dedication to understanding the business and culture of its clients. More information is available at www.kslaw.com.

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Private 5G Network Market Growth & Trends

The global private 5G network market size is estimated to reach USD 7.1 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 37.8% from 2021 to 2027, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. Significantly growing demand for ultra-reliable low latency connectivity with an extremely secure network across several mission-critical applications such as public safety is expected to boost the deployment of private 5G networks during the forecast period. Moreover, a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and energy and utility, are investing a massive amount in deploying private 5G telecom service to enhance their overall productivity and operational efficiency. As a result, it is expected to foster market growth from 2021 to 2027.

The private 5G network is expected to completely transform the transportation and logistics industry by providing seamless Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) connectivity. As such, the need to ensure a secure, seamless, and uninterrupted connectivity with ports, vessels, and ships is estimated to drive the market. At the same time, the continued deployment of private 5G infrastructure is estimated to improve the operational efficiencies in several Industrial IoT (IIoT) use cases. The IIoT use cases include Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), wireless UHD cameras, machine control systems, collaborative/cloud robots, and remote asset monitoring. Thus, the rising need for higher and secure bandwidth to ensure reliable and unified communication between IIoT devices is expected to propel the market growth over the forecast period.

Key market players are strategically building partnerships with industry giants to set-up a private 5G service in order to provide high-speed secure connectivity to their customers. For instance, in Feb 2020, Nokia Corporation deployed a private 5G network infrastructure for Lufthansa Technik for virtual inspection of engine parts remotely for its civil aviation clients. Moreover, rising demand for enhanced bandwidth connectivity for secured enterprise applications is anticipated to fuel the adoption of a private 5G services globally.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, several key countries such as the U.S., France, U.K., and Australia have temporarily postponed the 5G spectrum auctions in their countries. Also, the outbreak of COVID-19 has hampered the production and supply of major telecom equipment needed to deploy the network infrastructure. As a result, it is anticipated to slow market growth over the forecast period.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Private 5G Network Market Report

Private 5G Network Market Report Highlights

The hardware segment is estimated to reach a market size of USD 4.9 billion by 2027, owing to the increasing deployment of private 5G service, RAN, and backhaul and transport equipment for various mission-critical applications

With the growing need to provide unified connectivity with low latency to several industrial sensors, the manufacturing sector is anticipated to witness a huge market growth over the forecast period

The sub-6 GHz segment is expected to attain the highest market share and projected to reach a market size of USD 5.2 million by 2027. This can be attributed to massive allocation of sub-6 GHz frequencies by communication service providers to deliver network services

With a rising need to avail affordable and highly secure band of the frequency spectrum for Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), the unlicensed/shared spectrum segment is anticipated to account for a significant market share by 2027

Various prominent players are strategically focusing on establishing partnerships to deploy the network in customers premises in order to deliver secure and enhanced wireless connectivity.

Private 5G Network Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global private 5G network market on the basis of component, frequency, spectrum, vertical, and region:

Private 5G Network Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020 - 2027)

Hardware Radio Access Network Core Network Backhaul & Transport Interconnecting

Services Installation & Integration Data Services Support & Maintenance



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When she collapsed onto the cold, leather couch in her new office around 4 a.m., Congresswoman Nancy Mace still wore a classic black romper, draped diagonally across one shoulder, selected for an elegant occasion.

Outside, rioters still plagued the streets of Washington, D.C.

Capitol police still patrolled in riot gear.

It was Thursday, and Mace felt unsafe returning to her hotel. What if rioters, who had just stormed and overtaken the Capitol building, were staying at her hotel? When shed ventured outside a day earlier, an irate President Trump supporter had gotten in her face, shaking with rage over Maces refusal to go along with fellow Republicans plan to get Congress to overturn the election.

Taking that position wasnt popular. Since getting sworn in four days earlier, Mace had been yelled at, insulted, threatened.

Shed spent Wednesday huddled in someones corner office, then stuck in a tunnel, then hunkered in her office with the lights off, her children texting her with worry.

Mace slept for two hours overnight. Then, grabbing her cellphone, she began to scroll.

She watched videos of rioters assaulting law enforcement officers, shoving them into broken glass, chasing them up stairs, storming past them.

Four people had lost their lives at the time. A woman had been shot and killed right outside the House chamber. More than 50 officers were injured, including several who were hospitalized. One would later die.

Furious tears filled Maces eyes.

She had arrived in D.C. as a Trump supporter. Now, she thought, members of her own party had caused this.

Millions of Americans were lied to, she told The Post and Courier not long after waking up Thursday. Millions of Americans were taken advantage of  their hearts, their minds and their wallets.

Her phone buzzed.

Fury she expressed about violence in one of America's most sacred places had struck a chord, vaulting her onto the national stage before she'd barely cast a vote. Overnight, the freshman congresswoman's words seemed everywhere, her face flashing from television screens across the nation.

Mace arrived in D.C. just a few days earlier, newly elected. Now it seemed every news outlet in the world wanted to talk to her.

She already had gotten coverage as the first Republican woman elected to Congress from South Carolina. But now, people applauded her prescience and courage. Shed gone on CNN, NPR, CBS, MSNBC. Nancy Mace was a national name.

Shed been a congresswoman for roughly 100 hours.

Summoning courage

It was a momentous time. On Sunday, Mace, a 43-year-old single mother of two, swore to uphold the Constitution and became a member of the 116th Congress.

She had flown into D.C. the day before with her two children. Like so many kids during the coronavirus pandemic, they were enrolled in online school. They wanted to come see their mother, be with her during this historic time.

They pleaded to stay all week. She agreed; they could go to school from her office. From there, they watched as she swore her oath.

But as the day went on, and Trump insisted that Congress could reverse the election in some kind of final showdown on Wednesday, she watched a social media frenzy brew.

Mace had long supported Trump, campaigning for him since his first presidential race. But now she grew worried.

She spent the previous weekend reading the Constitution, poring over the 12th Amendment and Title 3 of the U.S. Code. She wanted to understand exactly what they said about Congress power in the coming vote to certify electors.

It wasnt confusing. Their role was ceremonial.

If we dont follow that, she thought, we arent a nation at all.

She could not go along with the president and much of her party.

Mace had long ago learned some things about courage. Her father was a brigadier general, a war hero, the most decorated living graduate of The Citadel.

But nothing fueled her courage like a day when she was 16 years old. A friend and classmate sexually assaulted her. Afraid and ashamed, shed blamed herself. Shed feared what other people would think.

She dropped out of high school. Her fire faded.

But then, she rediscovered her courage, a new and stronger kind, one that didnt blame herself and wouldnt bend to fear of what other people thought. She returned to school, earned her diploma and, in 1999, became the first female to graduate from The Citadels Corps of Cadets.

Reading the Constitution, she summoned that courage anew.

Mace announced publicly that she wouldnt join Trumps efforts. She spoke to outlets, including The Post and Courier, about her decision.

Im not going to be voting with any of those folks, Mace said. I am not going to vote to overturn the results of the Electoral College because I do not believe that Congress knows better than voters or better than the states.

Mara Mellstrom, Maces chief of staff, knew her boss spent hours studying election law and the Constitution before making a decision.

Honesty and clarity are Nancy Maces two greatest strengths, Mellstrom said. It was a difficult vote, but she knew all along. She swore an oath to the Constitution.

Other members of South Carolinas federal delegation didn't agree.

Sen. Lindsey Graham told CBS that the effort would probably do more harm than good. Sen. Tim Scott said nothing at first.

Her fellow GOP congressmen from South Carolina lined up behind Trumps effort.

As the president and others planning the strategy ramped up their rhetoric, so did his followers. She scrolled through social media, and Mace grew increasingly worried. The tenor was brooding, threatening.

Suddenly, she didnt want her children in the nations capital any longer.

Her mother and sister planned to fly home the next day, Monday. Mace hurried to buy her children tickets on the first flight out.

She told them why, trying to thread her goodbye to them with more love than alarm. She didnt want them to be scared that their mom was in danger at work.

Even though she feared she was.

Threats become real

On Monday, she put her children on an airplane home to Charleston.

The next day, Tuesday, she ventured from her hotel to find something to eat. Bundled in a coat and hat, facemask on, she figured it was safe. Who would recognize her?

As she walked with a friend, someone approached her, an angry person who claimed to be a 1st District constituent who was irate that Mace wasnt backing Trumps effort to get Congress to overturn the election.

Mace tried to stay calm, to explain the Constitution didnt allow for that. If they tried to pull this stunt, it would only open the door for Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to do the same thing in four years. They might never have a Republican president again.

But nothing she said mattered. The person continued to insist that Congress could do this, anger roiling into aggression, the person shaking with ire.

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Fear pricked Maces thoughts. As the screaming continued, she turned and walked away, then ducked into a store. She didnt stay long. She grabbed a few groceries for her staff  hummus, chips, soda  then hurried back to her hotel.

She didnt leave it again until 6 a.m. the next morning when she headed to the Capitol building for the big vote.

Day of infamy

Mace was in the chamber with Vice President Mike Pence presiding around 1 p.m. when, as promised, Republicans objected to the Arizona vote. The joint session recessed.

Along with other members, Mace headed back toward the Cannon House Office building nearby. She got about halfway when she learned the building had been evacuated. She wound up across the street, in the fifth floor of the Longworth House Office Building, huddled in a corner office. Her staff met her there.

When they tried to leave, they realized the Cannon building wasnt cleared yet and got stuck in a tunnel with about 100 other people. They finally reached her new office around 4 p.m., as the place went into lockdown.

She and her staff locked the door, turned off the lights and stayed quiet.

Mace had never been through anything like it. Hours passed.

Her children texted her every hour, afraid. Mace spoke to her family, took press calls and compared notes with colleagues. Outside, sirens blared.

They stayed hunkered down for six hours, until around 10 p.m.

When they headed back to finish their voting after the rioters had been expelled and the Capitol secured, Mace was shocked that many of her colleagues were still planning to object in what she considered a charade.

All five fellow Republican congressmen from South Carolina went along with Trumps effort to overturn the election. Only Mace and Rep. Jim Clyburn opposed it.

However, on the Senate side, Graham and Scott followed her lead.

It was a small consolation.

To Mace, so much was lost, and not just in life and injury and property.

Every accomplishment that Republicans have made over the last four years, including President Trump had (made), she said, were wiped out in just a few short hours.

Lost cause

In the eyes of many, Maces standing has only risen.

Gibbs Knotts, a political science professor and dean of the College of Charlestons School of Humanities, said Maces statements decrying Trump make sense given her constituents.

South Carolinas 1st District is competitive, as seen by the narrow margin that propelled the state lawmaker to victory over Democratic incumbent Joe Cunningham in November.

Mace launched her political career after running a media and public relations firm. She ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate, finishing in the back of a crowded pack challenging incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham in the 2014 primary.

Undeterred, she went to work in 2016 as coalitions director and field director for Donald Trumps South Carolina presidential campaign. Then, in a 2018 special election, Mace won her Daniel Island Statehouse seat.

Now that she's in Washington, Mace knows she needs to appeal to Republicans and Democrats if she wants to stay there.

Knotts said its clear party leaders recognize her as a rising star and that reelection could pave the path for higher office.

Shes young, shes a single mother and she brings in a fresh perspective which represents a new generation of leadership in Congress, Knotts said. This seat launched Mark Sanford to the governorship and it launched Tim Scott to the Senate. The last few Republicans have made history with this seat.

But Charleston County GOP Chairman Maurice Washington said he hadnt heard many good reviews from local party members over her refusal to contest the Electoral College vote.

Folks are very disappointed in the congresswomans opposition, and thats just (because) South Carolina and the Republican Party are strong Trump supporters, he said. But I have not heard anyone say they are going to primary her.

Similar sentiments echoed in Berkeley County, the most solidly Republican stronghold in the 1st District. County GOP Chair Victoria Cowart said she heard mixed reactions about Mace from party members, but disappointment seemed to be the dominant sentiment. She noted that five other Republicans in the South Carolina House delegation sided with Trump on the Electoral College dispute while Mace voted the same as Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn.

State Rep. Lin Bennett, R-West Ashley, a staunch and visible Trump supporter, said she was surprised by Mace's stance given that she ran as an avid backer of the president. Though discouraged, Bennett wants to see more of Mace in Congress before deciding whether a 2022 primary challenge is warranted.

"I'm upset, but I get upset with Tim (Scott) and Lindsey (Graham)," she said. "I get upset with all of them."

But some party leaders in the state see it differently. Matt Moore, who served as the state's GOP chairman from 2013 to 2017, said South Carolina's 1st District is diverse and wants someone who will stand out in Washington.

It takes real courage to oppose your partys president, Moore said. Nothing is more patriotic than standing up for your beliefs. I am confident Republicans will rally to Rep. Maces side if anyone is dumb enough to challenge her to a primary.

Doubling down

After waking up on her new office's leather couch Thursday, Mace tried not to imagine what would have happened if she hadnt put her children on that plane ride back to South Carolina on Monday. They would have been doing their schoolwork in her office when the mayhem began.

I cant even imagine if my children were here how horrifying it would have been for them, she said. I would have been devastated.

That only stoked her ire as she took to various news outlets and social media to express her outrage at the violence and rhetoric, emphasizing the real-world consequences.

I am doubling down on my position and my stake in this.

She also wondered what would happen next.

Talk soon swirled about impeachment or invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. Ultimately, she decided she won't support either, contending that neither would help the nation heal and would only create a race against the clock before Trump is out of office.

"The American people have had enough partisan games over the last several months, certainly over the last several weeks," she said.

With the big vote over, she mostly wanted to get home to her children. They were with their father and would all talk about what happened, together, when she returned.

I don't want them to be afraid that every time that mom goes to D.C., this is what happens. I don't really think that is what I signed up for, she said.

As the day wore on, she also didnt feel comfortable traveling just yet.

Just after lunch, one of them texted her again, Yall safe?

She typed back, Mommy is safe.

Wrapped my arms around these two tonight  pic.twitter.com/Mrl6dV7JYU  Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) January 9, 2021

Schuyler Kropf contributed.
COLUMBIA  Hours after violent protesters invaded the halls of the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham took to the Senate floor Wednesday night, launching a blistering critique of GOP-led efforts to block the victory of President-elect Joe Biden, imploring his fellow Republicans to accept the election results.

The five-minute remarks served as a pointed denouement to the tumultuous alliance Graham formed with President Donald Trump over the past four years, a relationship he described in the speech as a "hell of a journey."

"I hate it to end this way; oh my God, I hate it," said Graham, R-S.C. "From my point of view he's been a consequential president, but today [is the] first thing you'll see. All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough. I've tried to be helpful."

While Graham said he respected his colleagues' right to continue objecting if they so chose, he said he believed it would be a "uniquely bad idea."

"It's not going to do any good," he said. "It's going to delay and it gives credibility to a dark chapter of our history. That's why I'm not with you."

Graham's comments came as a minority of Republicans in the Senate planned to object to the electors from several battleground states Biden won; the Senate was discussing Arizona at the time.

Graham pointed out that courts across the country, including with many Trump-appointed judges, had repeatedly struck down lawsuits by the president and his allies contesting the results.

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Now, Graham said, it was incumbent on Trump supporters like him who hoped Biden would have lost to admit that he won, and that now he is "the legitimately elected president of the United States."

"Maybe I, above all others in this body, need to say this," Graham said. "Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are lawfully elected and will become the president and the vice president of the United States on January 20."

To begin his speech, Graham noted his home state of South Carolina had in the past "been the problem."

He pointed to the 1876 election that some objectors see as precedent. It was in dispute because the Palmetto State was one of three that sent multiple slates of electors in attempt to end Reconstruction, an occurrence that did not happen in 2020.

In 1876, Graham pointed out, a commission similar to the one proposed by objectors failed to resolve the dispute.

"It didn't work. Nobody accepted it," Graham said. "The way it ended is when [Rutherford B.] Hayes did a deal with these three states: you give me the electors, I'll kick the Union army out. The rest is history. It led to Jim Crow. If you're looking for historical guidance, this is not the one to pick."

An angry mob stormed the Capitol building on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of both the House and Senate, as they met to certify the results of November's election.

As the unprecedented moment unfolded, the nation's television stations all tuned in to the mass chaos and violence. And millions of Americans working and learning at home during the pandemic pivoted their attention to the scene. Children included.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who led President Donald Trumps legal efforts to overturn his defeat in the 2020 elections, said the presidents supporters violently rioting at the US Capitol building were on the right side of the law and history in a tweet as the Senate chambers were evacuated on Wednesday.

The former mayor wrote on Twitter: To all those patriots challenging the fraudulent election , POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY.

We are the law and order party, he added. You are on the right side of the law and history. Act with respect for all.

Mr Giulianis comments came as the president and others released similar statements calling for calm after the violent rioters had already breached security barricades and clashed with law enforcement before entering the Capitol building.

As his supporters clashed with police, Mr Trump wrote the following message on Twitter: Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

His family and Vice President Mike Pence then released similar messages on social media, though it was clearly too late, with rioters having already broken into congressional offices and shooting ammunition into the chambers of the Senate.

Congress was in the midst of convening to certify President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 elections when the riots erupted.

The demonstrators breached security measures as the Defense Department reportedly initially rejected a request to send the National Guard. It was later reported however that the National Guard was sent to help dissolve the riots.

At least one person had been shot amid the violence, though it was unclear what their condition was as of Wednesday afternoon. Just moments before the Capitol building was overrun by the presidents supporters, lawmakers were delivering speeches about his undemocratic attempts to prevent the certification of Mr Bidens victory.

There has been no evidence to support the presidents false claims of rampant voter fraud, and in fact his own Department of Homeland Security described the election as the most secure in US history.
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In the struggle between free speech and democracy, misinformation won, says expert

Facebook and Twitters efforts to ban Trump are too little too late, says information literacy expert Heidi Julien

Misinformation is a widespread problem that will be difficult to tackle on the societal level with the U.S. emphasis on free speech. There must be a balance between first amendment rights and the greater good. 

BUFFALO, N.Y.  The misinformation that led to the siege of the United States Capitol by rioters on Wednesday has made it clear that freedom of speech currently outweighs societal good in the U.S., says University at Buffalo information literacy expert Heidi Julien.

Julien, PhD, professor of information science in the UB Graduate School of Education, is available to discuss misinformation and the role of social media and politicians in its spread, as well as the importance of information literacy in curbing the spread of misinformation.

Election misinformation  including claims that the general election was stolen  has proven to be a threat on democracy, says Julien. She adds that political leaders and the executives of social media companies bear responsibility for the rampant spread of falsehoods.

Half-baked attempts by Facebook and Twitter to label misinformation or ban people who disseminate misinformation is too little too late, says Julien. Its unethical for their CEOs to throw up their hands and say all they do is provide a platform and its not their job to police information. They have a responsibility to make sure their platforms arent used to spread misinformation or terrorize people.

Lawmakers must use legislative means to clamp down on social media companies and media organizations that spread dangerous lies, as well as push back against misinformation through public statements, says Julien.

Misinformation is a widespread problem that will be difficult to tackle on the societal level with the U.S. emphasis on free speech, she says. There must be a balance between First Amendment rights and the greater good.

Teaching students to detect a lie from first grade

Educating the next generation to spot misinformation is one way to help solve the problem, says Julien.

Beginning with the first grade, information literacy should be incorporated across curriculums, with students learning how to identify bias and credible sources, as well as build trust in science and academic experts, she says. Students should also be tested on these skills, she says, noting schools tend to focus classroom time on information that appears on standardized tests.

These are lifelong skills. Its easy to forget facts taught in school, but media and information literacy skills are what allow you to be a functioning member of an open democracy, says Julien, adding that many students are not taught these skills until they reach college.

However, before school curriculums can be changed, teachers must first be educated on information literacy. Surprisingly, says Julien, many teachers dont learn information literacy in their training.

Julien credits Finland and Sweden as prime examples of nations that successfully incorporated information literacy into school core curriculums.
The hiring activity in India has increased by 14 per cent in December 2020, stated Naukri JobSpeak Index on Thursday.

In November 2020 hiring activity witnessed a decline of 10 per cent as against December 2019.

Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer, Naukri.com said, "2020 was a year of challenges and hiring across key industries bore the brunt of the pandemic. While hiring in AMJ'20 was down by 56 per cent compared to last year, subsequent quarters showed a steady recovery. Year-over-year hiring in OND'20 is down by only 18 per cent."

"This improvement is led by sectors such as IT, BPO/ITES, medical and pharma. Key sectors like hospitality, travel, auto and retail are still bouncing back and the sequential numbers reassure us of robust recoveries in 2021. As we look forward to a brighter year ahead, the overall hiring sets in the right direction for the closing month," added Goyal.

When it comes to sector-wise impact, the hospitality/travel sector has been hit the most with a 60 per cent decline in hiring followed by power/infrastructure/energy sector (39 per cent), retail (30 per cent), telecom/ISP (25 per cent) and accounting/taxation/finance (20 per cent) in December 2020 year-over-year.

According to Naukri JobSpeak Index, the medical/healthcare sector witnessed a positive growth of 11 per cent due to macro conditions. Further, the hiring trend in pharma/biotech sector remained less impacted with only 1 per cent fall. Similarly, the increased digitisation has helped industries like IT-software stay afloat with just 2 per cent plunge in hiring activity.

The demand for professionals in banking/insurance, pharma/biotech/medical and IT software observed a positive growth of 14 per cent, 14 per cent and 6 per cent respectively in December 2020 year-over-year.

On the contrary, recruitment for professionals in sales/BD, HR/admin, marketing/advertising and accounts/finance saw a decline of 24 per cent, 22 per cent, 18 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.

Hiring for professionals in ticketing/travel/airlines, hotel/restaurant and teaching/education witnessed a steep decline of 73 per cent, 66 per cent and 31 per cent respectively.

On city-wise analysis, metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi/NCR and Kolkata witnessed a decline in hiring trends by 25 per cent, 18 per cent and 13 per cent respectively in December 2020 as against December 2019.

IT hubs like Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad demonstrated a plunge in hiring activity just by 1 per cent, 2 per cent and 5 per cent respectively.

Among tier-II cities, Chandigarh and Jaipur recorded a positive growth of 8 per cent and 2 per cent respectively. On the other hand, Ahmedabad and Vadodara were highly impacted with a decline of 26 per cent and 45 per cent respectively.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Two petitioners at the Kwara state Judicial Panel of Enquiry investigating police brutality have accused operatives of the disbanded Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) of torturing them to implicate former Senate President Bukola Saraki in the April 5, 2018, Offa robbery incident.

Suspects involved in the bloody incident that led to the death of more than 20 persons, including police officers and civilians, are currently being prosecuted by the police at a High Court in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The suspects, Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran are being held in the prison custody.

During the investigation, the police summoned Mr Saraki, who was a senate president then, after he was linked to some of the robbery suspects. Mr Saraki had on several occasions denied any involvement.

However, appearing before the retired Justice Tunde Garba-led panel on Wednesday, the petitioners, Kehinde Gobir and Shuaib Jawando, alleged that SARS personnel forced them to lie against Mr Saraki by saying he bought guns for them.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported how Mr Jawondo, who spent over 70 days in police detention, at the commencement of the panel sitting alleged that his life and that of his counsel were threatened when he first complained about the injustice.

They said if I talk, they will kill. That was why I was quiet. Im an old man, I am ready to die. Why I am doing this is because my lawyer who is helping me to write cannot come here and say anything because some SARS officers have been threatening him, he said in November.

At the Wednesday sitting, Mr Jawondo said that the police accused him of collecting guns from Mr Saraki, to allegedly participate in the robbery operation.

In their separate testimonies, Messrs Gobir and Jawondo said that SARS granted them administrative bail with a stern warning to desist from associating with Mr Saraki, The Tribune newspaper reported.

The petitioners denied being used by Mr Saraki for criminal activities, adding that they were tortured and subjected to inhuman conditions in both Ilorin and Abuja police detentions.

The petitioners also accused officers of the disbanded SARS of confiscating their property, which include two Toyota Corolla, handsets and N250,000 collected before they were granted bail.

They also urged the panel to help them redeem their image in the eyes of the public saying they has been exposed to unwarranted stigmatization and disgrace which they said had affected their livelihood and economic fortune.

In view of the foregoing and in the interest of justice, we urge your esteemed office to intervene swiftly to this situation by returning our property as this action is tantamount to infringement on the fundamental human rights to be enjoyed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

We did not participate in any crime nor involve in any Offa robbery killing or having any criminal records whatsoever as being wrongfully alleged by the SARS officers. We urge the panel to do the needful by facilitating the quick recovery of our property.

Reacting to their claims, the police counsel, Adekunle Iwalaye, urged the panel to dismiss the petitions in their entirety on the grounds that they lack merit.

The chairman of the panel later adjourned the matter to January 13, 2021.
Then-Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington on Sept. 14, 2020. (Susan Walsh/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Justice Department Condemns Violence at US Capitol Amid Protests Over Election Integrity

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen on Wednesday evening condemned the acts of violence that occurred on U.S. Capitol grounds during a demonstration over concerns about election integrity.

The violence at our Nations Capitol Building is an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of our democracy, Rosen said in a statement.

From the outset, the Department of Justice has been working in close coordination with the Capitol Police and federal partners from the Interior Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Guard, as well as the Metropolitan Police and other local authorities.

The nations top law enforcement officer said that the Justice Department (DOJ) had sent hundreds of federal law enforcement officers and agents from the FBI, ATF, and the U.S. Marshals Service to assist U.S. Capitol Police to quell the violence that broke out on Wednesday.

A subgroup of protesters breached the Capitol building after breaking windows to enter as members of Congress were sitting during a joint session to count Electoral College votes. The unrest forced members of Congress, who were debating on whether to certify certain votes, to suspend their session.

In a struggle to get control of the situation, police began evacuating some congressional office buildings due to police activity. Some of these buildings include the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress. Lawmakers were also evacuated from the building, while some were told to shelter in place in their office.

At one stage, the officials declared that the congressional buildings had been secured after deploying tear gas and percussion grenades in an attempt to disperse protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. A curfew in the city set by the mayor began at 6 p.m on Jan. 6 and will end at 6 a.m. on Jan. 7.

Protesters gather outside the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 06, 2021. Protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nations capital during a joint session of Congress to count electoral votes. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC  JANUARY 06: Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 06, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump had called for peace and urged the protesters to go home.

You have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order and great people in law [enforcement], Trump said in a video address, which was not allowed to be shared or liked on Twitter, despite Trump calling for non-violence.

I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now, he said. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order, we have to respect our great people in law and order.

Twitter and Facebook have since removed that video, claiming that they violated their policies. Twitter also announced that they had locked the presidents account for 12 hours following the removal of the Twitter posts. It added that it would permanently suspend Trumps account if the president continued to violate its Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies.

Twitter vid of President Trump telling folks to go home not viewable on Desktop anymore, but still available on phone apps-for now. Here it is again: #DCProtests #Capitol Facebook has taken the video down on its platform. pic.twitter.com/M9ofL12Wrx  Mimi NL (@MimiNguyenLy) January 6, 2021

The violence has also been condemned by Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who characterized it as an insurrection that was bordering on sedition.

Press Secretary Kaleigh McEnany previously said in a statement that the president has authorized the National Guard to go to the U.S. Capitol to assist with the law enforcement efforts.

Later on Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced that the House will proceed at the Capitol in the electoral certification.

In consultation with Leader Hoyer and Whip Clyburn and after calls to the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the Vice President, we have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use, Pelosi said in a statement on Wednesday night, referring to Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.).

She added that we always knew this responsibility would take us into the night, adding that members of Congress and staff should remain on the Capitol complex until they are notified by the United States Capitol Police.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have also condemned the violence from a subset of protesters, with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) calling it un-American.

Its unclear whether House GOP representatives and senators will continue their plan to object to the electoral counting efforts. Before the House and Senate chambers were evacuated and put into lockdown, lawmakers were deliberating on the electoral votes for Arizona.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and dozens of Republican representatives objected to Arizonas electoral certification.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
NEW DELHI (AP)  As the coronavirus tears through India, night watchman Sagar Kumar thinks constantly about getting vaccines for himself and his family of five amid critical shortages of shots in the country. But even if he knew how to get one, it wouldnt be easy.

The Louisiana Department of Health reported 3,922 more confirmed coronavirus cases and 46 more confirmed deaths in its noon update Thursday.

The total number of confirmed cases in Louisiana has now surpassed 300,000.

There are also 34,165 total "probable" coronavirus cases in Louisiana, according to the agency's dashboard.

Louisiana food stamps recipients will see an increase in benefits starting Friday; here's how much Louisiana families on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  known commonly as SNAP or food stamps  could see a roughly 15% increase

The number of hospitalizations increased by 46, and the number of patients in need of ventilators increased by 12.

There are now more than 2,000 hospitalizations in Louisiana, according to the Department of Health data for yesterday.

The latest vaccination data for Louisiana shows that 25,133 more doses of the coronavirus vaccines have been administered since the Department of Health's last update on Tuesday.

Since Dec. 14, the state has administered a total of 81,585 vaccines.

The state releases data on vaccinations twice a week, as part of its regular updates on coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The initial doses are the first of two -- spaced three weeks apart -- required for immunity.

In Louisiana, 7,068 have now completed their vaccination by receiving both doses.

More coronavirus vaccines headed to pharmacies in all 64 Louisiana parishes next week Thousands more doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed to pharmacies across the state next week, with Gov. John Bel Edwards promising t

Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

These are another few key statewide statistics as of Thursday:

Total confirmed cases: 303,889

Total "probable" cases: 34,165

Total confirmed deaths: 7,319

Currently hospitalized: 2,033

Currently on ventilators: 219

Vaccine series initiated: 74,517 (updated twice weekly)

Vaccine series completed: 7,068

Presumed recovered: 280,373 as of Jan. 4 (updated weekly)

Note: The Advocate and The Times-Picayune staff calculates daily case count and confirmed death increases based on the difference between today's total and yesterday's total of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. The Louisiana Department of Health releases a daily case count on its dashboard that includes probable cases as indicated by a positive antigen test. That case count can be different than the one listed here.

Note: The Advocate and The Times-Picayune staff is aware of a discrepancy in the peak hospitalization number and is actively working to clarify that numbers for readers.

Re-watch: As coronavirus cases increase, John Bel Edwards discusses vaccine, response Gov. John Bel Edwards has called a press conference to address the ongoing response to the coronavirus in Louisiana.

Here are some of the parishes with the highest single-day increase in confirmed coronavirus cases, based on the Thursday report:

Jefferson: 455

Orleans: 306

East Baton Rouge: 301

Lafayette: 297

Caddo: 274

St. Tammany: 253

Ouachita: 213

Calcasieu: 124

You can view more graphs and charts breaking down the data by clicking here.

Louisiana began reopening for Phase 1 on May 15-16 then moved to Phase 2 on June 5. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards extended Louisiana's Phase 2 restrictions twice in August before moving the state to Phase 3 on Sept. 11. The governor then moved the state back to a modified Phase 2 near the end of November.

This is a developing story. More details and analysis to come.
He's one of the UK's most high-profile public figures to come out as gay.

And 32 years after his own acknowledgement of his sexuality, Sir Ian McKellen is praising Elliot Page for announcing last month that he is transgender.

The two worked together on the 2006 Hollywood movie X-Men Last Stand and the British actor told Attitude magazine he's 'very happy' for Page.

Supportive: Sir Ian McKellen, 81, told Attitude magazine that he is 'so happy' his former X-Men co-star Elliot Page came out as transgender

Page played Shadowcat in Last Stand that came out the year before his starring role in the indie film Juno put him, then as Ellen Page, on the map.

McKellen, who starred in the X-Men films as Magneto, told the magazine that he is 'so disappointed' he failed to realize that the then teenage Page was struggling with sexual identity.

'I remember Elliot Page, in one of the X-Men, sat as close as we are now. And I had to speak when they'd finished, and I couldn't hear what they were saying. Nobody could hear what they were saying,' he recalled.

'So, I said, 'Look, if you can't speak up, would you mind when you're finished speaking, just dropping your hand so I know when you've finished speaking?'

He went on: 'And then they came out [as gay] years later and suddenly you couldn't stop them talking. You heard everything.'

Didn't see: McKellen admitted he is 'so disappointed' he failed to realize that the then teenage Ellen Page was struggling with sexual identity at the time of making 2006's X-Men: Last Stand

Big screen role: The veteran British actor starred as Magneto in the X-Men franchise

Truth: 'Everything gets better [when you come out] because you get self-confidence', he explained. 'You get better in terms of relationships, friends of all sorts, family, if you're lucky'

McKellen, 81, said: 'I'm so happy for Elliot. And so disappointed in myself that I didn't detect what their difficulty was with communicating.'

'Everything gets better [when you come out] because you get self-confidence', he explained. 'You get better in terms of relationships, friends of all sorts, family, if you're lucky. And in my case, I think in every case, your acting is bound to change and improve.'

McKellen came out in 1988 as a protest against then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's section 28 that forbade local government and schools from 'promoting homosexuality'.

Activist: McKellen, right, came out in 1988 as a protest against Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's section 28 that forbade local government and schools from 'promoting homosexuality'

Brave: Page, pictured in 2019, came out in an Instagram post on December 1, sharing: 'Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot'

Page came out in an Instagram post on December 1, sharing: 'Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot.

'I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life,' he said. 'I can't begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self.'

Page added: 'I've been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community. Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place

'I will offer whatever support I can and continue to strive for a more loving and equal society.'
The bloody chaos inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday came after the police force that protects the legislative complex was overrun by a mob of Trump supporters in what law enforcement officials called a catastrophic failure to prepare.

The siege of the Capitol, home to both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, represents one of the gravest security lapses in recent U.S. history, current and former law enforcement officials said, turning one of the most recognizable symbols of American power into a locus of political violence.

While events such as a presidential inauguration involve detailed security plans by numerous security agencies, far less planning went into protecting the joint session of Congress that convened on Wednesday to ratify the results of the 2020 presidential election, the officials said. That lapse came despite glaring warning signs of potential violence by hardline supporters of President Donald Trump, who are inflamed by Trumps baseless claims of a stolen election and hope to block the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

And security initially was handled almost entirely alone by the U.S. Capitol Police, a 2,000-member force under the control of Congress and dedicated to protecting the 126-acre Capitol Grounds. For reasons that remained unclear as of early Thursday, other arms of the U.S. federal governments vast security apparatus did not arrive in force for hours as rioters besieged the seat of Congress. The Capitol is a short walk from where Trump in a speech railed against the election just before the riot began, calling the vote an egregious assault on our democracy and urging his supporters to walk down to the Capitol in a Save America March.

The counting of the electoral votes of the presidential election by Congress, normally a formality, was preceded by weeks of threats in social media that planned pro-Trump protests could descend into violence. Despite those rumblings of danger, the Capitol Police force did not request advance help to secure the building from other federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, according to one senior official. And National Guard reinforcements, summoned by the citys mayor, were not mobilized until more than an hour after protesters had first breached the barricades.

In stark contrast, those agencies were aggressively deployed by the Trump administration during last summers police brutality protests in Washington and elsewhere in the United States.

The Capitol Police did not respond to requests for comment.

The forces officers are trained to keep protesters off the Capitols marble outdoor steps, to protect the complex like a citadel. But there are so many windows and doors in the 19th-century complex that it is difficult to defend them all, said Terrance Gainer, who served as Capitol Police chief and later as the U.S. Senates Sergeant at Arms, its chief law enforcement officer.

Once they lost the steps, they lost the doors and windows, Gainer said.

As hordes of rioters streamed into the heart of American government, they could be seen on camera roaming freely through the historic halls  swinging from a balcony, rifling through the offices of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and even sitting in the chair reserved for the Senates presiding officer. One rioter was captured by a Reuters photographer casually shouldering a large Confederate battle flag as he strode inside the Capitol  a searingly evocative inversion of the failed 1861-1865 insurrection against the American republic by Southern states in an effort to perpetuate slavery.

I truly had to suspend my disbelief because I didnt think you could breach the Capitol, said Gainer, the former Capitol Police chief. I have great confidence in the men and women who protect Congress, but there will need to be a full accounting. Were going to have to have a deep dive into what went wrong.

Lawmakers inside the building blamed a lack of preparation for the historic security breach. I think police did a good job under the circumstances, but there clearly wasnt enough planning, said Representative Vicente Gonzalez, a Texas Democrat.

The long-planned protest, Gonzalez said, called for an overwhelming display of force by police.

IT LOOKED LIKE THE KEYSTONE COPS

Some Democratic members of Congress, worried about the prospects of violence, tried for more than a week to press agencies for information about what they knew about threats or countermeasures, according to one congressional source. But there was no sign anyone was gathering serious intelligence about possible disturbances or planning to counter them, this source said.

Typically, law enforcement agencies in the American capital spend weeks or months planning for large protests, one former Justice Department official said. Officials from dozens of agencies, including local police, Capitol Police, the Secret Service and the federal Parks Police, ordinarily gather at the Washington field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the premier national law-enforcement agency, to coordinate their response. But its not clear how much of that planning happened for Wednesdays event.

A senior federal law enforcement official familiar with the planning to protect other federal sites on Wednesday, including the grounds where Trump spoke, said that he was shocked that the Capitol Police were not better prepared.

It looked like the Keystone Cops out there, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. It should have never happened. We all knew in advance that these people were coming, and the first order of policing is presence.

The Capitol Police force is essentially a guard force, so its hard to understand why they werent better prepared.

The challenges of securing the Capitol have been discussed in hearings and in reports for years. In 2013, Gainer said he proposed a fence, to be called the Capitol Gateway, to stop such a mass assault. It was never built.

The idea was roundly defeated, he said, because members of Congress wanted to protect the publics access, and did not want the complex to look like a fortress.

TRUMP LAUNCHED MARCH TO THE CAPITOL

Trump on Twitter promised a wild event aimed at reversing his loss in last Novembers election  and appeared to encourage his supporters to act. Our country has had enough, and we will not take it anymore, Trump said at Wednesdays rally. You have to show strength, and you have to be strong.

The White House did not respond to requests for comment on Trumps role in inspiring the violent protests or on the collapse of security at the Capitol.

As Trump returned to the White House, the crowd headed to the Capitol building.

After a perimeter was quickly breached, Capitol Police officers seemed to be alone in battling the extremists on the buildings steps, according to witness accounts and video from the scene. They were unable to secure all the doors and windows in the sprawling complex. Protesters surged inside the building, which contains the chambers of both houses of Congress. Video footage showed Capitol Police overwhelmed by vastly superior numbers of intruders as the mob grew into the thousands.

Two U.S. officials said that Washington city officials had hoped to avoid a militarized response in the days before the protest. The fear: They were concerned about a repeat of the scenes of the harsh federal response to anti-racism protests that took place across the street from the White House in June. They said it was unclear why it took as long as it did for the city police force to arrive at the Capitol.

Whatever the case, they added, the delay was too long. A U.S. defense official said Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser requested National Guard troops at around 2 p.m. That was about 45 minutes after the rioters had breached the first barricade. Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller activated the full D.C. National Guard at about 2:30, the official said.

One woman was shot and killed by Capitol police inside the building, and pipe bombs were recovered at the offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees, Washington Police Chief Robert Contee said. He didnt explain what prompted officers to shoot the woman.

CALLS TO RISE UP FOR TRUMP

While the mob invasion of the Capitol was unprecedented, there were ample warning signs in the days leading up to the protests. Many Trump supporters who traveled to the capital shared plans and organized on social media websites such as Parler, a Twitter-like service that has attracted right-wing extremist groups.

Some posters discussed ways to illegally sneak guns into Washington. In a post on the social media app Parler, the leader of the far-right extremist group the Proud Boys, Enrique Tarrio, promised the groups attendance at Wednesdays rally. Tarrio was arrested on Monday in Washington for destruction of property during a protest last month and possession of a firearm magazine. He pleaded not guilty but was ordered to leave the city on Tuesday.

Joe Biggs, a Proud Boys organizer, said more than 65 members of his group attended the protests but that he did not know whether any of them entered the Capitol building. He said he advised other Proud Boys to stay inside and avoid confrontations with police.

On Twitter, starting on Jan. 1, there were 1,480 posts from accounts related to the QAnon conspiracy theory movement that referenced Trumps rally on Jan. 6 and contained references to violence, said a former intelligence official who monitors extremists on social media. These included calls for Patriots to Rise Up.

In one popular post on the TikTok video app, a man said that bringing guns to Washington is the entire reason were going.

Neil Trugman, a former Capitol Police intelligence officer, called Wednesdays invasion of the complex unfathomable. He said the force generally prepares for much smaller groups under rules designed to allow for maximum expression of free speech rights.

Were all witnessing something we never imagined, said Trugman, who recently retired as chief of police for Amtrak, the U.S. passenger rail company. Im not sure any chief of police could have handled this any differently.

He blamed Trump for inciting the riot: This is no longer just a protest. They crossed the line. This is terrorism.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- A decade ago, after hackers were caught infiltrating natural gas pipeline operations and an al-Qaeda video emerged calling for an electronic jihad on U.S. infrastructure, then-Senator Joseph Lieberman tried to sound the alarm.The system is blinking red, Lieberman warned his Senate colleagues during debate on the threat in 2012. Privately owned and operated cyber infrastructure can well be, and probably some day will be, the target of an enemy attack.Led by the Connecticut independent and one-time vice presidential candidate, lawmakers sought to require energy companies to strengthen computer security. But the effort withered under fierce lobbying by oil companies and other corporate interests that succeeded in killing the legislation. That left in place a system of voluntary guidelines that failed to stop last months ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline Co., which paralyzed a major artery for fuel along the East Coast.Its really a lost opportunity, said Lieberman, now senior counsel at Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP. The attack on the Colonial Pipeline might not have happened if we passed the legislation.Now, in response to the attack, the Department of Homeland Security is preparing to jettison the voluntary approach and impose cybersecurity requirements on pipelines, according to a person familiar with the plans who asked not to be identified before a formal announcement.That would be a defeat for oil companies and pipeline operators that for more than a decade have successfully fought off federal standards to thwart cyberattacks from legislation or regulatory agencies. Unlike power plants, U.S. pipelines are not required to follow any federal cybersecurity mandates, even though Homeland Security was given the authority to impose them when it was created in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.The Transportation Security Administration, the DHS agency in charge of protecting the nations pipelines, will issue a directive this week requiring pipeline companies to report cyber incidents, according to the person familiar with the plans. Additional requirements for safeguarding facilities and responding to attacks are set to be advanced in coming weeks, the Washington Post reported.The Biden administration is taking further action to better secure our nations critical infrastructure, DHS said in a statement on Tuesday. We will release additional details in the days ahead.Until now, the TSA had resisted using its authority to mandate cyberprotection measures.My belief was we could get quicker and better security through working with the industry instead of regulating them because regulations set minimum security standards and industry in many cases was doing more than that, said Jack Fox, who served as the agencys manager of pipeline security before retiring in 2016.Liebermans bill would have imposed cybersecurity performance requirements on privately owned critical infrastructure -- and slap fines on companies that fell short. The rules would have been applied to more than pipelines: sectors where a hostile take-down of computer systems could lead to mass casualties, the collapse of financial markets or the disruption of energy and water supplies, were to be included.Even a watered-down version of the bill failed to overcome a Republican-led filibuster.Pipeline CompaniesFor Lieberman, the failure still stings.We would sort of ask ourselves who is driving this aggressive opposition and the answer we were getting was the energy companies and the pipeline companies, he said.Every major U.S. oil company -- including Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp. and ConocoPhillips -- lobbied on the legislation, alongside some refiners and at least one pipeline operator. Colonial didnt lobby on the measure in 2012, according to disclosure forms it filed with Congress. However, groups it belonged to did, including the American Petroleum Institute, the Association of Oil Pipe Lines and the Chamber of Commerce -- a political titan that reported spending $103.9 million influencing government policies in 2012.The Chamber opposed the legislation at the time, calling it an overly broad, heavy-handed approach to regulation that threatened to create an adversarial relationship between the government and private industry instead of fostering collaboration against cyberattacks. The group backed an alternative approach focused on greater sharing of threat information, a stance it continues to endorse today.We support a public-private collaboration that strengthens our cybersecurity in all sectors, including pipelines, to benefit all Americans, said Matthew Eggers, vice president of cybersecurity policy for the Chamber.Cybersecurity experts and government officials have cautioned for years about the consequences of a pipeline hack, including in 2019 when the Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued a report warning a cyberattack could disrupt a pipeline for days to weeks.Nevertheless, there was widespread business opposition to the Lieberman bill, with almost every affected industry, from financial services to communications, getting involved to warn the proposed cybersecurity mandates would insert the heavy hand of government into corporate affairs.But proponents warned that mandates were essential to ensure there were sufficient safeguards amid a barrage of ever-more sophisticated attacks on private companies running power plants, dams and other critical infrastructure.al-Qaeda VideoWeeks after the bills introduction, the Department of Homeland Security warned hackers had spent months trying to infiltrate computer systems for a number of natural gas pipeline operators. ABC News reported the FBI had obtained an al-Qaeda video calling for electronic jihad against U.S. critical infrastructure. And computer security firm McAfee Corp. warned of coordinated, ongoing cyberattacks on global energy companies in 2011.The hacking episodes foreshadowed how alluring fuel delivery systems are to cyber-criminals, like the Russia-linked group that used DarkSide ransomware to hold Colonials computer systems hostage around May 7. The company was forced to shut down its roughly 5,500-mile-long (8,851-kilometers-long) pipeline system, which provides about 45% of the fuel used on the East Coast, spurring outages at filling stations and the payment of a $5 million ransom before service resumed five days later.Its not clear whether mandates would have thwarted the attack, and investigations are still underway. Colonial has pledged to review any proposal that takes lessons learned from this event that strengthens or hardens our infrastructure.Oil and pipeline trade groups steadfastly insist now is not the time for prescriptive federal mandates.Any discussion of regulation is premature until we have a full understanding of the details surrounding the Colonial attack, said Suzanne Lemieux, APIs manager of operations security and emergency response. But we are committed to continuing our robust coordination with all levels of government.The trade association added in a statement it was generally aligned with the Chamber on the issue in 2012 and cautioned against a prescriptive one-size-fits all regulatory approach that it said would be counterproductive.John Stoody, a spokesman for the Association of Oil Pipe Lines, whose members include Colonial Pipeline, said We want TSA to get right anything they plan to do.For example, an overly broad reporting requirement could overwhelm TSA with hundreds of thousands of cyberattack reports every day that would not do anyone any good, he said.PartnershipChevron said in an emailed statement that federal regulation should take a risk-based approach that gives companies flexibility to defend against threats. And Exxon noted that the rapid evolution of cyber threats means any formal and prescriptive cybersecurity requirements for the industry are often outdated upon completion.The Transportation Security Administration has long taken a similar approach. A branch manager in the agencys office of surface operations last year boasted it involves very few regulations and a cooperative approach to industry adoption of security measure, according to a presentation archived on the agencys website.The TSA opted not to regulate the pipeline sector because it felt a partnership with industry was more efficient, said Fox, the retired TSA manager of pipeline security.A regulation takes months or years to change, Fox said in a phone interview. With this partnership we could make a phone call and say we need you to do such and such and it would be reacted to the next day.Republican FilibusterFox said he didnt think the Lieberman bill would have prevented the Colonial cyberattack.You can regulate whatever you like, Fox said. We have regulations on speed limits and gun control and all kinds of things so if you regulate something it does not means its not going to happen.Ultimately in 2012, Lieberman and Collins watered down their bill in a desperate bid to win over Republicans to get it passed. They dropped mandates and fines in favor of a measure that would create only optional requirements.But even the pared-back bill wasnt enough. Continued concerns about liability and privacy haunted the legislation, and the Chamber opposed the new version too. It was twice defeated by a Republican-led filibuster, ultimately falling nine votes shy of the 60 needed to cut off debate in November 2012.Amy Myers Jaffe, a Tufts University professor and author of Energys Digital Future, said the Colonial cyberattack may be the pipeline industrys Macondo moment.Thats a reference to the Gulf of Mexico oil well that blew out in 2010, killing 11 workers and unleashing the worst oil spill in U.S. history.An overly cozy relationship between federal regulators and oil companies was blamed for contributing to the disaster, Jaffe said. Its shocking to me to think that an industry that likes to brag about its safety records would ever have lobbied against having government-run standards that are mandatory for cyber-security in vital energy infrastructure.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
Today, Edify Labs (edify.cx), the software company thats redefining the way businesses manage customer engagement and cross-team collaboration, announced that it has been honored in Built Ins 2021 Best Places To Work Awards. Specifically, Edify earned a place on the LA Best Small Companies to Work For list. The annual awards includes companies of all sizes, from startups to the enterprise, nationally and in the eight largest tech markets and nationally.

This honor further solidifies our growing presence in Los Angeles, a community that we are very proud to be a part of as Southern California continues to be a major driver for tech innovation, said Cameron Weeks, co-founder and CEO of Edify. We are committed to being a desirable brand to work for and remain equally committed to our mission to elevate the technology powering customer service and internal communications for businesses worldwide.

Built In determines winners for Best Places to Work based on an algorithm, using company data about compensation, benefits and cultural programs. To reflect the attributes candidates are searching for on Built In today, this years program weighted criteria more heavily, like remote work opportunities and programs for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

These companies raise the bar for cultural excellence and the ability to adapt to meet changing needs of employees," says Sheridan Orr, Chief Marketing Officer, Built In. The 2021 winners show a commitment not just to creating meaningful cultures but to delivering talent needs as they change in a dynamic landscape. Were thrilled to extend our congratulations to the winners.

Tech professionals rely on Built Ins Best Places to Work lists to discover employers that align with their preferences, passions and values. Since its inception three years ago, the award has expanded in reach, from online views of tens of thousands to just under 1 million views today.

About Built In

Built In, a revolution in tech recruitment, serves more than 1,800 innovative companies of all sizes, from startups to the enterprise, delivering content and digital recruitment solutions that work. The platform amplifies companies brands as national, local or remote employers of choice, as well as leaders in DEI. Monthly, 2.5 million tech professionals rely on Built In to stay up on trends, grow in their roles and discover companies with missions they want to join. The platform publishes stories about companies tech, culture and people. This activates sought-after professionals to apply to customers open roles. http://www.builtin.com

About Built Ins Best Places To Work

Built Ins esteemed Best Places to Work awards, now in its third year, honor companies across numerous categories: 100 Best Places to Work, 50 Best Small Places to Work, 100 Best Midsize Places to Work, 50 Companies with the Best Benefits and 50 Best Paying Companies. Two new national categories reflect what candidates are searching for, including 50 Best Large Companies to Work For and 50 Best Remote-First Places to Work.

Best Places To Work: Methodology

Built In ranks companies algorithmically based on compensation information, benefits and culture programs. This year, based on data showing tech professionals needs, the Best Places to Work algorithm added weight to companies commitment to DEI and remote culture. Rank is determined by combining a companys score in each of these categories.

About Edify Labs, Inc.

Edify connects businesses with customers and employees with each other. The companys Business

Communications as a Service (BCaaS) platform, Huddle, is the only one uniting contact center (CC), unified communications (UC), and real-time communications platform (API) functionality in a single, cloud-native software solution that lets users move seamlessly among channels within one conversation. Edify removes all the risk of using its cloud-based platform with five free users forever, global availability, real-time redundancy, usage-based pricing, and a 100% SLA uptime guarantee. Learn more at edify.cx.
Without the wisdom that comes with hindsight, the historians watched their TVs and computer screens, mouths agape. Just like the rest of us.

A lot of terrible things have happened over the last four years, said Ross Baker, a distinguished political science professor at Rutgers University, as violent rioters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol on Wednesday.

But this is an assault on sacred ground. Its lawlessness, its mob rule, its anarchy, and the worst part is, it was unleashed by the president.

What would normally be a routine accounting of the nations Electoral College vote inside the Senate chamber took a dark turn as a mob scaled fences and broke down windows and doors, forcing federal lawmakers, staff and journalists to flee or shelter-in-place.

Historians and political scientists who spoke to NJ Advance Media as the chaos unfolded struggled to find historic parallels for such a breach of the halls of power.

There was the 1954 shooting at the House of Representatives by four Puerto Rican nationalists seeking independence, which left five members of Congress injured. Or the 1971 bombing of the Capitol by the far-left Weather Underground, which caused some $300,000 in damage but took no casualties.

But given the violence occurred as the sitting president was rallying his supporters against an election that has been upheld by state legislatures and state and federal courts, experts said Wednesdays siege on the Capitol was almost an event without precedent in the U.S.

You have to go back to the Civil War to find a time that you had this level of disruption to the workings of our Constitution, said John Farmer Jr., the director of the Eagleton Institute at Rutgers.

A former New Jersey attorney general, Farmer said he hopes that those who broke into the Capitol are identified and prosecuted. He said that treason is a technical legal term, but that the action of preventing the electoral vote from being counted seemed to verge toward that.

This is about as serious as it gets, Farmer said.

Could it get worse?

Ariel Alvarez, a professor of political science and law at Montclair State University, said he worries whether there will be more demonstrations and more violence before President-elect Joe Biden, the Democrat who won the 2020 race, is inaugurated.

Is democracy going to be something that can be challenged depending on how many people are in your corner and how ugly it gets? Alvarez asked.

Where is the respect for our democracy? Thats kind of the question I have in my mind, and I dont know the answer for that given what Im seeing from Mr. Trump, Alvarez said.

Sean Wilentz, a professor of U.S. social and political history at Princeton University, said Wednesdays unrest was the result of the very cynical politics of the last 30 or 40 years  in which politicians stoke populist outrage for electoral gain  coming home to roost.

After addressing a group of several thousand loyalists, Trump remained silent until after the Capitol had already been overtaken and his vice president, Mike Pence, evacuated through underground tunnels.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement, the president tweeted hours into the ordeal. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021

The day marked an alarming chapter in one of the most contentious election seasons in modern history, during which the most routine functions of the electoral process became the subject of scrutiny, speculation and conspiracy theories.

Still, Wilentz noted, state legislatures and state and local courts have consistently thrown out baseless challenges to the election results, and majorities in the House and Senate are still poised to confirm the outcome before Inauguration Day.

The institutions of American democracy, in many ways, have actually come through this pretty well, he said.

Wilentz said the next stress test for democracy will be whether there be real accountability for not just the events at the Capitol but the behavior that inspired it.

There are people who broke much bigger laws than the people who stormed the Capitol, and that includes the president of the United States, he said.

As for the future, Baker, the Rutgers professor, said it all depends on what Donald Trump wants to do.

We are at his mercy, he said. He has captured the brains of millions of Americans, and they will do his bidding.

If he wants to act like a government in exile (when he leaves office), were in for trouble for a long time.

Riley Yates may be reached at ryates@njadvancemedia.com.

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AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has leaned in to support the recovery of the $70B Texas restaurant industry. Restaurants in Texas have been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 10,000 restaurants closed permanently and more than 150,000 employees sidelined, according to the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA). Based on the impact to this once-thriving employment sector, TWC voted unanimously to provide support and funding to assist in the rebuilding of this vital industry. Through the approval of innovative one-time projects, funded through a generous donation of $4.9 million from IKEA, TWC has made it possible to create online training videos for restaurant owners and their employees. The project will provide up to $500,000 for the purchase of ServSafe Food Handler and TABC To Go training and certificationcredentials foodservice employees are required to maintain in Texas.

"As one of the hardest hit industries by the pandemic, restaurants are working to train their current labor force, hire and re-hire employees, and remain open," said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. "They are also having to adapt to new business models and changing consumer demand. For example, many must retrofit their business for carry out, curbside, and delivery, and reconfigure their business to address needed social distancing and online ordering demand. We want to provide resources to give them the best opportunities to succeed. If we can help them stay open safely, then that will assist them in keeping their employees, growing and rehiring new workers, and driving the recovery of our Texas economy."

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the restaurant and foodservice industry. Supporting restaurant operators across the state with best-in-class training as it relates to off premise, contactless transactions, and design will help them begin their recovery and ensure they have the resources needed to thrive once again. The training videos will help businesses to ramp up to return to operations or shift existing operations to remain in compliance with safety protocols. The addition of ServSafe Food Handler and TABC To Go will ensure more than 200,000 prospective employees will have the needed certifications to immediately begin or return to work in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

"The Texas economy cannot fully recover without the recovery of the restaurant and foodservice industry," said Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. "We are incredibly grateful to the Texas Workforce Commission for their partnership to ensure our industry not only improves, but returns to being the one of the largest private-sector employers in the State of Texas. TWC has been an incredible partner throughout the pandemic, and with the decision to invest in employers and employees of Texas restaurants, they once again demonstrate their commitment to Texas' recovery and growth. TRA looks forward to partnering with TWC to make this program a resounding success that will benefit our entire state."



About the Texas Restaurant Association

The Texas Restaurant Association was formed in 1937 to serve as the advocate in Texas and the indispensable resource for the foodservice industry. Today, as a leading business association, TRA represents the state's $70 billion restaurant industry, which is comprised of more than 50,000 locations and a workforce of 1.3 million employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation, the Association protects, advances, and educates the growing industry.

About the Texas Workforce Commission

The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org. To receive notifications about TWC programs and services subscribe to our email updates.

SOURCE Texas Restaurant Association

Related Links

https://www.txrestaurant.org


BMC files case against actor Sonu Sood for converting residential building into hotel

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Mumbai, Jan 07: BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the civic body of Mumbai, on Thursday filed a case against the famous Bollywood actor Sonu Sood for allegedly converting a six-storey residential building in Juhu into a hotel.

According to reports, the BMC has filed the case under Maharashtra Region and Town Planning Act accusing Sood of increasing, altering the structure and changing the use of land without prior permission.

Coronavirus cases: India records 20,346 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

Reacting to this, the actor said that he had already taken permission from BMC and is now waiting for approval from Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority.

It is reportedly said that the complaint by BMC was lodged on January 4 at Juhu police station. In the complaint, BMC stated that the actor converted the Shakti Sagar Building on AB Nair Road into a hotel without permission. "It has been found that Sonu Sood has made a change in the use of land by himself. Apart from this, the residential building has been converted into a residential hotel building by making additional construction out of the fixed plan. For this, they have not even obtained the necessary technical approval from the authority," the BMC had said.

Explained: With US Capitol storming, can Donald Trump be removed before his term ends on January 20?

The BMC also accused Sonu Sood of ignoring the notice in relation to the matter. Even after the notice was given, they continued to carry out unauthorised construction, BMC also said.

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

Sonu Sood is known for his famous role in Dabangg, Simbaa and Jodhaa Akabar. During the novel coronavirus pandemic, he was at the forefront of the relief efforts as he helped stranded migrant workers and students by arranging buses, flights and trains for them to reach their homes.

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Story first published: Thursday, January 7, 2021, 12:35 [IST]
Trumps great virtue, as a public figure, is his literalism. His statements may be littered with lies, but he is honest about who he is and what he intends. When he lost the Iowa caucus to Cruz in 2016, he declared that Ted Cruz didnt win Iowa, he stole it. When it seemed likely he would lose the presidential election to Hillary Clinton, he began calling the election rigged. When he wanted the president of Ukraine to open a corruption investigation into Joe Biden, he made the demand directly, on a taped call. When he was asked, during the presidential debates in 2020, if he would commit to a peaceful transfer of power in the event of a loss, he refused. There was no subterfuge from Trump leading up to the terrible events of Jan. 6. He called this shot, over and over again, and then he took it.

The Republican Party that has aided and abetted Trump is all the more contemptible because it fills the press with quotes making certain that we know that it knows better. In a line that will come to define this sordid era (and sordid party), a senior Republican told The Washington Post, What is the downside for humoring him for this little bit of time? No one seriously thinks the results will change. What happened on Wednesday in Washington is the downside. Millions of Americans will take you literally. They will not know you are humoring the most powerful man in the world. They will feel betrayed and desperate. Some of them will be armed.

The Trump era has often come wrapped in a cloak of self-protective irony. We have been asked to separate the man from his tweets, to believe that Trump doesnt mean what he says, that he doesnt intend to act on his beliefs, that he isnt what he obviously is. Any divergence between word and reality has been enlisted into this cause. That Trump has failed to achieve much of what he promised because of his incompetence and distractibility has been recast as a sign of a more cautious core. The constraints placed upon him by other institutions or bureaucratic actors have been reframed as evidence that he never intended to follow through on his wilder pronouncements. This was a convenient fiction for the Republican Party, but it was a disastrous fantasy for the country. And now it has collapsed.

When the literalists rushed the chamber, Pence, Cruz and Hawley were among those who had to be evacuated, for their own safety. Some of their compatriots, like Senator Kelly Loeffler, rescinded their objections to the election, seemingly shaken by the beast they had unleashed. But there is no real refuge from the movement they fed. Trumps legions are still out there, and now they are mourning a death and feeling yet more deceived by many of their supposed allies in Washington, who turned on them as soon as they did what they thought they had been asked to do.

The problem isnt those who took Trump at his word from the start. Its the many, many elected Republicans who took him neither seriously nor literally, but cynically. They have brought this upon themselves  and us.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com.

Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram.
BENGALURU : German technology major SAP SE on Thursday said it would invest 500 crore in India to localize and offer customers the flexibility of a multi-cloud environment. SAP will make available its multiple cloud solutions in India data centres.

SAPs commitment to support Indias growth vision remains a top priority, and we are determined to achieve this with deeper collaboration with our customers, ecosystem and the government," said Scott Russell, president, SAP Asia Pacific Japan. Our investment in India is toward accelerating the nations digital agenda and our customers transformation in the cloud."

Also Read | Meet the faces behind the faceless farm protest at Delhis doorstep

With a diverse business-to-business cloud portfolio, SAP India is focussing on addressing the demands of its local customers. SAP further fortified its commitment to enterprises with the benefits of integrated cloud technologies to deliver the greatest flexibility and be data compliant under the upcoming Personal Data Protection Bill," the company said in a statement.

In May, SAP launched its Commerce Cloud and S/4 HANA Cloud on its India data centre to help domestic enterprises meet end-to-end customer demands, make commerce frictionless while ensuring compliance with the data protection bill.

Today, customers are seeking scalability, faster deployment, data compliancy and cost-effective solutions to enable innovation and achieve prompt business outcomes," said Kulmeet Bawa, president & MD, SAP Indian Subcontinent. SAP intends to advance the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by leveraging an agile and scalable cloud technology that is co-developed in India and now made available in local data centres to help Indian enterprises recalibrate their businesses to run better," he added.

As customers look to move at an accelerated speed to the cloud for greater resiliency, SAP said the company is prepared to respond to local market requirements and help enterprises harness their data faster to become future ready.

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Clothing retailer Joules has warned that current trading restrictions in England, Wales and Scotland might cost them millions of pounds in revenues if they remain in place until the start of April.

The Leicestershire-based brand said it stands to lose 14million to 18million in sales from store closures, the cancellation of country shows and disruption to its wholesale partners.

However, it suggested that these losses could be tempered by a 'better-than-expected' profit and sales performance over the past seven months, cost-cutting actions such as lease renegotiations, and high online demand.

Apparel businesses have been among the worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic

The group also revealed its online sales shot up by 66 per cent in the seven weeks to January 3 while they declined by more than half in its shops, with the last fortnight particularly hit.

Much of the drop was due to the firm being forced to shut many of its outlets over the Autumn and winter period, but even when stores were allowed to be open, revenues were down 23 per cent on last year.

Joules said its 'brand awareness and brand health metrics showed continued improvements during the period and the active customer base continued to grow, with over 1.5 million active customers at the end of the period.

'Pleasingly, this progress was achieved despite the closure of many of the Joules stores for extended periods.'

Apparel businesses have been among the worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic, not just as a result of curtailed footfall at their stores, which the government classes as 'non-essential,' but because Britons are buying fewer clothes.

The latest monthly retail sales figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed clothing purchases in November sank 19 per cent on the prior month, compared to a 3.8 per cent fall in total retail sales volumes.

The latest monthly retail sales figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed clothing purchases in November sank 19 per cent on the previous month

Consumers have bought far more clothes online, benefiting those with a digital-only presence like Boohoo and harming those that rely heavily on store footfall such as Primark, Debenhams and Topshop.

The group's chief executive Nick Jones said the firm was 'pleased with the continued strong performance delivered across our digital channels during the Christmas trading period.'

He added that despite current restrictions, 'we remain very confident that Joules, as a highly relevant, digital-led brand with an engaged and growing customer base and healthy balance sheet, is well-positioned to navigate these challenges.'

Consumers have bought far more clothes online, benefiting those with a digital-only presence like Boohoo and harming those that rely heavily on store footfall such as Primark

Last month, the company reported a 35 per cent climb in online sales over the previous half-year period and forecasted profits before tax of 3.5million to 4million. Digital trade now comprises 70 per cent of its overall business.

Their announcement comes a day after Sky News reported that Marks & Spencer (M&S) was close to purchasing luxury brand Jaeger, which went into administration in November alongside fast-fashion chain Peacocks, both of whom are owned by the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group.

M&S has itself seen its clothes sales plunge over the last year and this is partly why it recently recorded its first-ever loss in over 90 years as a publicly-listed firm.

Shares in Joules ended the day 5.5 per cent lower at 1.71.
Justin Theroux went for the casual chic look Wednesday while walking his dog in New York City.

The 49-year-old actor bundled up in a plain grey turtleneck sweater under a long green coat along with a green beanie and black gloves.

He completed his outfit with distressed grey jeans and black boots.

Casual chic: Justin Theroux went for the casual chic look Wednesday while walking his dog in New York City

Justin accessorized with sunglasses and also wore a black and white face mask amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

He held a short leash while taking his Pit Bull rescue Kuma for a stroll.

Kuma was rescued in the aftermath of devastating Hurricane Harvey that made landfall in August 2017 in Texas and Louisiana.

Justin recently took to Instagram to document a road trip with Kuma to the ocean following an earlier road trip they took together to Mexico weeks earlier.

Keeping warm: The 49-year-old actor bundled up in a plain grey turtleneck sweater under a long green coat along with a green beanie and black gloves.

It was reported last month that Justin's new film False Positive was picked up by Hulu for a 2021 release.

The fertility thriller follows Ilana Glazer's character Lucy who has tried to get pregnant several times with her partner Adrian, played by Justin.

The couple's fertility journey improves after they find the 'perfect fertility doctor' in Dr. Hindle, played by Pierce Brosnan, and they welcome a baby girl.

Road trips: Justin, shown on Christmas Day on social media, recently took to Instagram to document a road trip with Kuma to the ocean following an earlier trip they took to Mexico

Justin also has been filming a TV series adaptation of The Mosquito Coast, based on the novel written by his uncle Paul Theroux, 79.

He will play Allie Fox in the Apple TV+ show and also will serve as executive producer of the series.

Justin married Jennifer Aniston, 51, in 2015 and they separated in 2017.

PNB money laundering case: Nirav Modi's sister, brother-in-law turn approver

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Jan 07: Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi''s sister and brother-in-law have "turned approvers" in the USD 2 billion PNB fraud case against him and they will help the Enforcement Directorate confiscate assets worth Rs 579 crore, the agency said on Thursday.

Nirav Modi, who is presently lodged in a London jail, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) money laundering case since 2018.

The diamond merchant''s younger sister Purvi Modi (47) is a Belgian national while her husband Maiank Mehta is a British citizen. They are stated to be based abroad and have never joined the probe in this case.

Purvi Modi was arraigned as an accused in the alleged criminal bank fraud case where multiple charge sheets have been filed by the ED and also the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Her assets, including some Swiss bank deposits, were earlier freezed by the ED and she had informed the court that she had "no beneficial interest" in these properties seized by the agency under her name.

"Nirav Modi''s sister Purvi Modi and her husband Maiank Mehta turn approver for assisting in confiscation of two flats in New York, one each in London and Mumbai, balances in two Swiss bank accounts and a bank account in Mumbai totalling to Rs 579 crore in the Nirav Modi bank fraud case," the ED said in a statement.

PNB scam: Nirav Modi's sister allowed to turn approver

Earlier this week, a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai accepted the plea of the couple for turning approver in this case.

In her application made to the court for pardon, Purvi Modi had said that she was not a prime accused and has been attributed only a limited role by the investigating agency.

She said that she had fully cooperated with the ED in this investigation by providing all requisite information and documents.

Her plea said that on account of being Nirav Modi''s sister, she was in a unique position to provide "substantial and important evidence, information, proof, and documents and access to bank accounts, assets, companies and entities that are relevant to Nirav Modi and his actions/dealings".

The ED had also got notified an Interpol global arrest warrant against her in 2018.

According to that Interpol notice, Purvi Modi speaks English, Gujarati and Hindi and is a Belgian national.

Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being probed by the ED on money laundering charges since 2018 for allegedly perpetrating an over USD 2 billion (more than Rs 13,000 crore) bank fraud in connivance with bank officials and by issuance of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) at the Brady House PNB branch in Mumbai.

Nirav Modi, 49, is presently lodged in a London jail after his arrest there in 2019 and the legal process to extradite him to India on money laundering charges is currently on.

He has been declared a fugitive economic offender by a Mumbai PMLA court on December, 2019.

The agency till now has attached assets worth Rs 2,348 crore (assessed value) of Nirav Modi, under the PMLA, in this case.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, January 7, 2021, 18:23 [IST]
Many California parents and public officials supported pushing the states 1.4 million teachers and other education workers toward the front of the vaccine line, believing that would allow schools to finally reopen.

But the state teachers unions  as well as San Franciscos  have said vaccinations wont be enough and are calling for additional measures not endorsed by public health experts as necessary for students and staff to safely return to the classroom.

Instead of reopening, its looking more likely that many if not most classrooms will remain in virtual mode for months and perhaps until the fall, despite the vaccine.

With a case surge, hospitals overflowing with patients and more than 350,000 dead in the country, fear remains strongly embedded in the debate over reopening schools even as a growing chorus of parents and policymakers are calling for classrooms to bring back kids.

A coalition of public officials, labor unions and education groups have supported the pending plan to place education workers  the majority still working from home  with first responders and those over 75 in the next group vaccinated in the state.

Health officials are expected to approve the next in line any day, meaning teachers, school staff and child care workers will get the vaccine before bus drivers, postal workers and retail clerks, as well as those incarcerated or homeless.

But that should happen only if educators are heading back to classrooms, said many health officials, education advocates and public officials.

If youre not going to be a teacher on the front line you should be where everyone else is, said John Affeldt, managing attorney for Public Advocates, a civil rights law firm. They ought to prioritize the districts that are going back.

That potentially life-and-death decision to prioritize educators over others was founded on the urgent need to get schools open and kids back in class, officials said.

Research has increasingly shown that many students are struggling with distance learning, their academic, mental, emotional and physical health at risk. Tens of thousands of young people have simply gone missing from their classes, too many now considered dropouts, their whereabouts unknown.

In San Francisco, more than 1,000 students  out of the districts 52,000  have been absent more often that not this school year, if they show up at all.

The inequitable learning loss and increase in mental health issues that has already occurred threatens the future economic and health conditions of millions of students, said Ted Lempert, president of Children Now, an Oakland research and advocacy organization. We must get kids safely back in school now.

Children are increasingly considering suicide, according to the UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital Oakland, and pediatric emergency visits for mental health issues have jumped over the past year by up to 31%, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We need to do everything possible to get schools reopened, said Dr. George Rutherford, a UCSF infectious disease expert. If it means jumping (teachers) to the front of the line, thats fine with me.

In the simplest terms, the reopening debate pits those arguing for the overall well-being of children struggling with remote learning against those concerned about the potential risk of the virus spreading at schools.

In the Bay Area and elsewhere, however, reopened schools have seen few outbreaks and lower transmission rates than the communities at large, county officials and health experts say.

And yet, many education workers say a vaccine still doesnt address all their concerns, including whether those vaccinated can still contract and carry the virus, even if they dont get ill, and infect others, including family members.

Researchers are trying to pin down whether thats true, although most viral illness vaccines also reduce transmission, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

We cannot safely and fully return to face-to-face instruction without putting our public school workers at the top of the (vaccine) priority list, said said Claudia Briggs, spokeswoman for the California Teachers Association. But remember, right now theres no research evidence that the vaccine alone eliminates or reduces transmissions. It reduces illness.

Health experts, however, believe the vaccine does mean teachers and staff could safely return to school sites.

The need for increased ventilation, masking and social distancing go away for teachers once they are vaccinated, Rutherford said, although such mitigation efforts would need to be in place for unvaccinated students.

The adults have the ultimate benefit, which is jumping the line for the vaccine, he said. The best mitigation is to get them vaccinated.

In addition to giving educators priority in the vaccine line, Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed giving districts up to $750 per elementary student to help cover pandemic costs, if they reopen by mid-February.

Superintendents from the states largest districts, including San Francisco and Oakland, said the cash incentive wont matter if the surge continues, pausing school reopenings in many counties, and education workers refuse to return until stringent conditions are met.

They called on Newsom to dictate health and safety requirements needed to bring students back and a requirement to reopen when those are met.

There is little indication from many labor or district officials that the vaccine will be a game-changer in reopening many of the public schools that have remained closed to students since March.

The California Teachers Association, for example, said the vaccine is but one aspect of reopening schools safely and that no classrooms should open in areas that are in the states highest-risk purple tier, even if educators are vaccinated.

According to public records obtained by The Chronicle, the United Educators of San Francisco is demanding that schools not reopen until each local ZIP code has been in the states low-risk orange tier for two weeks  something not required by health officials. The union conditions include staff and students being tested every two weeks and air quality monitoring in every classroom, among other requirements.

San Francisco teachers are demanding the district install lids on every toilet, which would be closed during flushing to prevent the spread of the virus through aerosols or droplets released, though none of the millions of cases worldwide has been connected to a toilet, Rutherford said.

The teachers union did not respond to whether the availability of the vaccine would alter its demands.

Normally in bargaining, were talking about livelihood. Now were talking about our lives, said Susan Solomon, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, in a recorded update last week on the status of labor negotiations. Make it safe in the orange tier and we will be back.

The prospect that schools would remain closed despite the vaccination of staff sparked outrage among officials and health experts who say the limited vaccines should instead go to those who face immediate risk. That includes grocery clerks, manufacturing workers and those younger than 75 with underlying health conditions, all of whom currently have a lower vaccine priority than education workers.

San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who organized the effort to prioritize educators, said she hadnt even considered the possibility classrooms would remain closed once teachers and staff are vaccinated.

I expect all elementary schools to be opened if all adults are vaccinated on the school site, she said. I could not imagine what their excuse would be at that point in terms of the health of the educators.

Ronen said she fought to get educators the vaccine early, but it was an agonizing position to take given the potential impact on others.

It is not safe for grocery store workers, it is not safe for farmworkers, she said. They risk their lives every day to provide their essential jobs.

The idea that teachers would be vaccinated before others and still not return to school defeats the entire purpose of our advocacy efforts to bump them to the front of the line.

Oakland teacher Harley Poston said he doesnt think teachers should be prioritized and said he would strike or quit rather return to his classroom this school year.

When you have such astronomical spread of COVID and such an uncertain and relatively slow rollout of the vaccine, we are not rushing back to campus anytime soon, said Poston, who teaches history, government and economics at Skyline High School.

It will take everyone getting vaccinated for schools and society to be safe, he said.

Im not going to claim I need the vaccine before my students mother who works in restaurants, Poston said.

Teachers are divided over the issue. San Francisco school board President Mark Sanchez, who is a teacher in Brisbane, said he would be comfortable returning with the vaccine.

It makes it a lot easier for many teachers, he said. I havent talked to any teachers that are against going back if they have the vaccine.

Educators could start getting vaccines within weeks. Its unclear whether state officials will offer additional guidance on which teachers and school staff should get vaccinated first, if at all, in the next round.

But given the case surge and the novelty of the vaccines, its understandable that teachers and other school staff have trepidation even with a vaccine, said Dr. Robert Siegel, a Stanford University virologist.

Its important for them to not only be safe at school, but feel safe as well, he said. That might mean ensuring testing of students, as well as other mitigation efforts  all while using the vaccine as effectively as possible.

From the standpoint of public health, the vaccine should initially go to those who are at most at risk as well as those who put others at risk, Siegel said. Whether or not this applies to teachers depends upon whether or not they will be meeting with students in person. In particular, early priority should not be afforded to those who will be working remotely.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Nora Mishanec contributed to this story.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker
The relief efforts, part of GCPL's CSR initiative, comprises of setting up 38 ICU beds at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) along with adequate supply of Godrej Protekt sanitisers

Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), a leading emerging markets company, has joined hands with the Health Department of Assam to boost the healthcare infrastructure of hospitals handling COVID-19 cases.

The relief efforts, part of GCPL's CSR initiative, comprises of setting up 38 ICU beds at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) along with adequate supply of Godrej Protekt sanitisers. The total investment behind these initiatives is more than Rs 28 lakh.

This is one of the multiple initiatives undertaken by GCPL to help provide support to healthcare workers and COVID-19 patients as they continue their tireless fight against the pandemic.

Commenting on the initiative, Sunil Kataria, CEO - India and SAARC, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), said, "Our partnership with the Health Department of Assam will be essential to support the healthcare infrastructure in the state. We are committed to support the healthcare workers and patients with this contribution.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister, Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Assam, said, "Godrej Consumer Products Limited has come forward and supported Assam's healthcare infrastructure in various ways. They have helped setting up dedicated ICU beds for the super speciality unit at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. Godrej Consumer have also provided us with large amount of sanitisers which we can use for an entire year to fight against COVID pandemic."
Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/07/2021 -- A new business intelligence report released by HTF MI with title "Global Clinical Trial Support Services Market Report 2020 by Key Players, Types, Applications, Countries, Market Size, Forecast to 2026 (Based on 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread)" is designed covering micro level of analysis by manufacturers and key business segments. The Global Clinical Trial Support Services Market survey analysis offers energetic visions to conclude and study market size, market hopes, and competitive surroundings. The research is derived through primary and secondary statistics sources and it comprises both qualitative and quantitative detailing. Some of the key players profiled in the study are ICON PLC, Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc., Parexel International, Quotient Bioresearch, Chiltern International Limited, Pharmnet, Accovion GmbH, Pharmaceutical Product Development LLC, Charles River Laboratories, WuXi PharmaTech, Alcura Health & Covance, Inc..



What's keeping ICON PLC, Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc., Parexel International, Quotient Bioresearch, Chiltern International Limited, Pharmnet, Accovion GmbH, Pharmaceutical Product Development LLC, Charles River Laboratories, WuXi PharmaTech, Alcura Health & Covance, Inc. Ahead in the Market? Benchmark yourself with the strategic moves and findings recently released by HTF MI



Get Free Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @ : https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/3016320-global-clinical-trial-support-services-market-report-2020-by-key-players-types-applications-countries-market-size-forecast-to-2026



Market Overview of Global Clinical Trial Support Services

If you are involved in the Global Clinical Trial Support Services industry or aim to be, then this study will provide you inclusive point of view. It's vital you keep your market knowledge up to date segmented by Applications [CNS & Mental Disorders, Cardiovascular, Oncology & Others], Product Types [, Logistics & Distribution, Manufacturing, Packaging & Labeling] and major players. If you have a different set of players/manufacturers according to geography or needs regional or country segmented reports we can provide customization according to your requirement.



This study mainly helps understand which market segments or Region or Country they should focus in coming years to channelize their efforts and investments to maximize growth and profitability. The report presents the market competitive landscape and a consistent in depth analysis of the major vendor/key players in the market along with impact of economic slowdown due to COVID.



Furthermore, the years considered for the study are as follows:

Historical year  2014-2019

Base year  2019

Forecast period**  2020 to 2026 [** unless otherwise stated]



**Moreover, it will also include the opportunities available in micro markets for stakeholders to invest, detailed analysis of competitive landscape and product services of key players.



Enquire for customization in Report @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/3016320-global-clinical-trial-support-services-market-report-2020-by-key-players-types-applications-countries-market-size-forecast-to-2026



The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below:

The Study Explore the Product Types of Clinical Trial Support Services Market: , Logistics & Distribution, Manufacturing, Packaging & Labeling



Key Applications/end-users of Global Clinical Trial Support ServicesMarket: CNS & Mental Disorders, Cardiovascular, Oncology & Others



Top Players in the Market are: ICON PLC, Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc., Parexel International, Quotient Bioresearch, Chiltern International Limited, Pharmnet, Accovion GmbH, Pharmaceutical Product Development LLC, Charles River Laboratories, WuXi PharmaTech, Alcura Health & Covance, Inc.



Region Included are: North America (Covered in Chapter 6 and 13), United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe (Covered in Chapter 7 and 13), Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others, Asia-Pacific (Covered in Chapter 8 and 13), China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, Southeast Asia, Others, Middle East and Africa (Covered in Chapter 9 and 13), Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Others, South America (Covered in Chapter 10 and 13), Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile & Others



Important Features that are under offering & key highlights of the report:

 Detailed overview of Clinical Trial Support Services market

 Changing market dynamics of the industry

 In-depth market segmentation by Type, Application etc

 Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value

 Recent industry trends and developments

 Competitive landscape of Clinical Trial Support Services market

 Strategies of key players and product offerings

 Potential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growth

 A neutral perspective towards Clinical Trial Support Services market performance

 Market players information to sustain and enhance their footprint



Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/3016320-global-clinical-trial-support-services-market-report-2020-by-key-players-types-applications-countries-market-size-forecast-to-2026



Major Highlights of TOC:

Chapter One: Global Clinical Trial Support Services Market Industry Overview

1.1 Clinical Trial Support Services Industry

1.1.1 Overview

1.1.2 Products of Major Companies

1.2 Clinical Trial Support Services Market Segment

1.2.1 Industry Chain

1.2.2 Consumer Distribution

1.3 Price & Cost Overview



Chapter Two: Global Clinical Trial Support Services Market Demand

2.1 Segment Overview

2.1.1 APPLICATION 1

2.1.2 APPLICATION 2

2.1.3 Other

2.2 Global Clinical Trial Support Services Market Size by Demand

2.3 Global Clinical Trial Support Services Market Forecast by Demand



Chapter Three: Global Clinical Trial Support Services Market by Type

3.1 By Type

3.1.1 TYPE 1

3.1.2 TYPE 2

3.2 Clinical Trial Support Services Market Size by Type

3.3 Clinical Trial Support Services Market Forecast by Type



Chapter Four: Major Region of Clinical Trial Support Services Market

4.1 Global Clinical Trial Support Services Sales

4.2 Global Clinical Trial Support Services Revenue & market share



Chapter Five: Major Companies List



Chapter Six: Conclusion



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Key questions answered

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The iron mill worker sat on the stone wall and watched as the autumn leaves tumbled off the oak trees and fell into the waters of the Saugatuck River. The bright blue sky reflected off the water and cast a hypnotizing spell on him as he dreamed of returning to his favorite fishing spot after his shift was over.

As I watched a fisherman cast his line into the Saugatuck Reservoir, a cold north wind jarred my imagination and brought me back to reality. The nearby ghostly stone wall, exposed from its watery tomb by a summer-long drought, had brought my imagination back to the distant past and the villages of Hull and Valley Forge. A time before the hamlets were swallowed up by Bridgeport Hydraulic Company Holdings construction of the reservoir in Easton, Redding and Weston.

Today, the land surrounding the 12-billion gallon reservoir is part of the Centennial Watershed State Forest created in 2002 when the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, The Nature Conservancy and Aquarion Water Co. agreed to preserve 15,300 acres in Easton, Newtown, Redding and Weston. The $90 million sale was the biggest land acquisition in the states history. The centennial was in honor of Connecticut's 100th anniversary of the state forest system.

The 12-mile Saugatuck Trail runs around much of the reservoirs western and eastern sides from the Samuel P. Senior Dam to a connection with the Aspetuck Trail. Both paths are part of the Connecticut Forest & Park Associations 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail network. The paths travel through three towns, Weston, Redding and Easton, with the Aspetuck ending (or beginning) in Newtown.

Although the trail keeps a safe distance from the shores of the reservoir to protect the quality of the water, the impoundment is your constant companion especially in the late fall, winter and early spring when the leaves are off the trees. Rock outcroppings and vistas give visitors spectacular views of the reservoir and the surrounding forests which are free of human intrusions except for busy Route 53.

Much of the southern section of the trail stays high above the reservoir except for a short section in Weston off Valley Forge Road near the intersection with Route 53 and another section just over the border into Redding. This is the closest the trail gets to the western banks of the reservoir and the views are tremendous.

There are numerous stone foundations and stone walls along this section of the trail showcasing the farms and buildings that once dotted the banks of the Saugatuck River. The largest concentration of them can be found at the parking area along Route 53 just north of its intersection with Valley Forge Road.

The trail crosses Route 53 several times over a short distance, so hikers should be wary crossing the busy, curvy road. Shortly after crossing Tudor Road, look for a trail marked with white blazes. The mile-long path takes visitors to Reddings Great Ledge, a 200-foot-high granite outcrop with some of the best views in southwestern Connecticut.

The ledge extends over the border into Weston with the highest point in Redding. The Redding Land Trust boasts that the Great Ledge rivals the very best to be enjoyed from any promontory in southern New England. The geography has led to some good-natured (I think) explanations on the Trusts website.

Folks down that way have historically called their part of the escarpment The Great Ledge too, a description on their website notes about Weston. An impartial observer, however, would have to concede that, based on the quality of the view, Redding's half of the ledge is by far the greater. Therefore, with apologies to our neighbors South of the Border, we have arranged our signs and maps to celebrate this territorial superiority. Ours is The Great Ledge. Theirs is the Ledge. Go in peace.

Returning to the trail, the Saugatuck heads away from the reservoir and into the deep forest. The trail passes along the banks of the Saugatuck River and hikers can see what the waterway looked like before it disappeared under millions of gallons of water. The trail continues through the scenic Redding Glen.

Saugatuck and Aspetuck trails Weston, Redding and Easton The bottom line: The out-and-back Saugatuck Trail and a side trip to Redding's Great Ledge have some of the best views in Fairfield County. The trail passes scenic rock outcroppings and overlooks of the reservoir and surrounding forests. Difficulty level: Easy to moderately difficulty with some strenuous climbs especially along the western portion of the reservoir. Total mileage: The Saugatuck Trail is a total of 12 miles with an additional 7 miles on the Aspetuck Trail. Getting there: The main parking areas are along Route 53 and Valley Forge Road. Go to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's website for a color map of both trails. Fishing: A permit is needed to fish in the reservoir. Pet-friendly?: Since it is a watershed, no pets are allowed. Things to do nearby New Pond Farm Education Center, 101 Marchant Road, West Redding: A year-round environmental education center and working farm providing adult lectures, family programs and children's classes on a 102-acre farm that was once the home of founder actress Carmen Mathews. The center's motto is: "On every acre, in all we do, we plant seeds for a lifetime of active engagement with the natural world." Go to newpondfarm.org for more information. Putnam Memorial State Park, 499 Black Rock Turnpike, Redding: If you have a love of state history or just want a great walking trail to take Fido, this 183-acre state park preserves what is known as "Connecticut's Valley Forge" where General Israel Putnam and his men camped during the American Revolution. A visit to Philip's Cave and the legend behind it is a must-see. Wire Mill Saloon & Barbecue, 12 Old Mill Road, Weston: Offering smoked meat seasoned with their secret special rub. The restaurant offers pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken and homemade smoked sausage. The restaurant was named after the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Co., which made wire fencing. See More Collapse

A side trail takes hikers down to the Saugatuck Universal Access Trail where visitors of all abilities can take a path of crushed bluestone down to a wonderful wooden deck overlook of the reservoir and surrounding forests. Universal access trails are far too rare in the state and a wonderful way to get everyone out enjoying the states natural world.

The trail travels another 4 miles along the eastern banks of the reservoir with more overlooks. The path then travels away from the reservoir to a connection with the Aspetuck Trail. The trail continues the journey through the Centennial Watershed State Forest connecting with Collis P. Huntington State Park, named after the man who had a major role in completing the first transcontinental railroad.

It has been nearly a century since the Quinnipiac Trail, the Connecticut Forest & Park Associations first Blue-Blazed Trail, opened the states natural world to hiking. The Saugatuck Trail is one of the associations newest trails and will only uphold that proud tradition of opening up some of Connecticuts most scenic places to explore.

This article originally appeared in Connecticut Magazine. You can subscribe here , or find the current issue on sale here . Sign up for the newsletter to get the latest and greatest content from Connecticut Magazine delivered right to your inbox. On Facebook and Instagram @connecticutmagazine and Twitter @connecticutmag .
ROSEBURG, Ore.  The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon continues with first responders next on the list.

As of now, there have been 683 people vaccinated for COVID-19 in Douglas County. When the first shipment arrived a few weeks ago, public health officials said most of the doses went to health care workers.

However, Douglas Fire District No. 2 Chief Rob Bullock said they received their first shipment this week. He said they received the Moderna vaccine because it doesnt require a special freezer to store the doses.

We feel that it is important to keep the responders as healthy as possible, he said. So we encourage the vaccine.

Bullock said they will begin distributing the vaccine on Friday or Monday. He said they will also give some of their doses to other first responders like the Douglas County Sheriffs Office and the Roseburg Police and Fire Departments.

Instead of everyone trying to apply to get them, we decided to be the central location, said Bullock.

Roseburg Assistant Fire Chief Merrill Gonterman said he couldnt be more excited. He said some of the staff already received their first dose through Umpqua Valley Ambulance when they received their first shipment.

However, he said the majority of their staff will be vaccinated through Douglas Fire District No. 2.

We interact with a lot of people in a lot of different circumstances. Having been vaccinated is going to help slow the spread, said Gonterman.

Public health officials have said they need 60% of each countys population to be vaccinated in order to get back to normal.

They said thats about 80,000 out of the 110,000 people who live in Douglas County.
Baya jailed for three and half years for attempting to cause grievous bodily harm

oman, 58, suffered a shattered pelvis and the three others had minor injuries

ydia Baya, 18, had ploughed into ex-boyfriend, 19, and girl, 16, in Birmingham

This is the horrifying moment a teenager smashed her mother's car into her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend in an 'uncontrollable rage'.

Lydia Baya, 18, had ploughed into her 19-year-old former partner and the 16-year-old girl on Pershore Road in Selly Park, south-west Birmingham.

After running the pair down in a 'deliberate act of reckless driving', Baya crashed the black Renault Captur into a bus stop - injuring two more pedestrians.

CCTV footage filmed from an approaching bus captured the vehicle as it came to rest on the pavement, where Baya left it as she walked away.

Baya, of Dudley, West Midlands, was jailed on Wednesday for more than three years.

Lydia Baya (pictured above), 18, had ploughed into her 19-year-old former partner and the 16-year-old girl on Pershore Road in Selly Park, south-west Birmingham

Baya seen driving along the road in her mother's black Renault Captur in the CCTV footage, which was filmed from an approaching bus, taken on August 14 in Birmingham last year

Passengers from the bus and other members of the public rushed to the aid of the victims who were all treated in hospital.

The road remained closed for several hours near to the BP garage while emergency services attended the scene just after 1pm on August 14 last year.

A 58-year-old woman suffered a shattered pelvis and has been left in fear of going outside her home, police have revealed.

A second woman, aged 45, received cuts and bruises, as did the ex-boyfriend and the girl. All three have recovered from their minor injuries.

Baya was arrested a short distance away on suspicion of attempted murder.

She pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Wolverhampton Crown Court on November 17.

Baya pictured driving towards her ex-boyfriend, 19, and his 16-year-old girlfriend (circled, left), before ploughing into them and leaving her car, walking away from the scene (right)

Emergency services pictured at the scene of the incident on Pershore Road in Selly Park last year. Baya was arrested a short distance away and jailed for over three years on Wednesday

Baya was jailed for three and a half years for attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and two and a half years, to run concurrently, for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

She will be banned from driving for 12 months on her release and will be required to take an extended test before being allowed behind the wheel again.

The court heard she had driven at her ex-boyfriend and the girl he was with after earlier rowing with him.

DC Andy Jones, from the force's Public Protection Unit, said: 'The consequences of Baya's uncontrollable rage that day was catastrophic.

'It is by pure chance that the victims' injuries were not more serious or even fatal.'
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says its performance in the Central Region in last year's elections was creditable despite losing nine of its parliamentary seats to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).



The Central Regional Secretary of the party, Mr Richard Takyi Mensah, said the party's presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, won decisively with over 52 per cent of the valid votes in the region, calling it an impressive performance by all standards.



He said it was obvious that the people of the region were impressed with the performance of the NPP government, its policies and programmes, and were ready to give it four more years to govern.



"If you observe, you realise that our presidential candidate won in 19 of the 23 constituencies. The only constituencies where he lost have traditionally been NDC, he said.



President Akufo-Addo lost in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam (AEE), Komenda-Edina Eguafo Abrem (KEEA), Twifo-Atti Mokwa (TAM) and Ekumfi constituencies, all considered traditionally pro-NDC constituencies.



Mr Mensah said it was, however, unfortunate that the NPP lost nine of its parliamentary seats to the NDC in the region.



"Many factors account for this. Some were beyond our control and were local unresolved issues, he explained.



Upper Denykyira West



Mr Mensah said the NDC parliamentary candidate for the Upper Denykyira West Constituency was once an NPP member who defected to the NDC.



He also hailed from Ayanfuri, which had a high voter population, so we lost in all the polling stations in Ayanfuri except one, he said.



The ban on illegal mining, commonly called galamsey, is seen as yet another factor, with many settlers in Subin and its environs having been affected by the ban on the trade.



Assin North



In Assin North, the NPP's Abena Durowaa Mensah, the incumbent MP, lost to the NDCs James Gyakye Quayson by over 2,000 votes.



Mr Mensah said the NDCs parliamentary candidate, who hailed from Assin Breku, a relatively bigger community, garnered votes from NPP supporters from Assin Breku.



"They voted skirt and blouse (for the NPPs presidential candidate and then the NDCs parliamentary candidate). We won in the presidential election in the constituency, he added.



He said some roads, including the Assin Nyankumasi-Senkyem road, which had not been constructed, might have contributed to the NPP losing the Assin North seat.



Twifo-Atti Mokwa



For the Twifo Atti Mokwa Constituency, Mr Mensah said the seat was an NDC seat since 1992 and the NPP won it only in Election 2016.



Twifo Atti Mokwa has many settler farmer communities whose members are predominantly Ewes who usually vote for the NDC. The NPP managed to capture the seat from the NDC in 2016, but it returned to the NDC when they presented Mr David Vondee who they saw as one of their own and voted for him, though we did a lot of work in that constituency, he stated.



Cape Coast North, South



The Cape Coast North and South constituencies were shared by the NPP in the north and the NDC in the south, but the NDC snatched both seats.



Mr Mensah said the seats were taken because the NPPs numbers came from mainly the schools and the universities and they were on vacation.



The two universities, the University of Cape Coast and the Cape Coast Technical University, are institutions where our numbers come from. This time the universities and the schools were on vacation, and this affected us a lot. If you look at the difference, you will realise we could have won the Cape Coast North seat, for instance, with a small margin if we had the educational institutions in session," he said.



Asikuma-Odoben Brakwa



On the loss of the Asikuma-Odoben Brakwa seat, Mr Mensah said although the NPP held the seat, it had never won it by more than 500 votes.



Apart from this factor, the sitting MP lost the primaries, and we came to the election with a new candidate, he explained, saying where the candidates hailed from was also a factor.



The NDC candidate hailed from Bedum, a relatively bigger community, and managed to get even NPP members to vote for him. The same issue of skirt and blouse played out there. Nana Akufo-Addo won the seat with over 6,000 votes," he said.



Ekumfi



He said the Ekumfi Constituency had always been a seat for the NDC, with the NPP winning it by only about 600 votes in 2016.



"They only switched back to the tradition this time," he said.



Gomoa West, East



He said the failure to construct the Gomoa Ankamu-Dawurampong road was one major reason why the party lost the Gomoa West seat. Even with that, he said, President Akufo-Addo won the presidential race in the constituency.



He said there were local issues which resulted in supporters voting skirt and blouse in Gomoa East.



Stock taking



Mr Mensah said it was clear that the party could not ignore happenings in local communities, saying they played critical roles in parliamentary elections.



We will look at all the issues, adopt new strategies and come back stronger," he said.



He stated that the NPP continued to be a strong force in the Central Region, adding that with the performance of its presidential candidate and even the votes garnered by its parliamentary candidates, the party was still a force to reckon with and would come back even stronger in the next election.

Source: graphiconline.com









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This story has been corrected to reflect that Maddock recorded her Instagram video at a park a mile away from the U.S. Capitol rather than directly outside the building.

LANSING, MI - Michigan Republican Party officials expect Meshawn Maddock, the only candidate for party co-chair, to remain on the ballot despite her presence outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

She and her husband, state Rep. Matt Maddock, R-Milford Twp., joined protesters in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6. She also posted a video on Instagram of her walking around the Ellipse park a mile from the Capitol building where a man can be heard on a loud speaker urging the crowd to drag these people out of power.

Thousands of the Presidents supporters converged at the nations Capitol on Wednesday, eventually overwhelming police and forcing a building-wide lockdown amid reports of vandalism and an explosive device found nearby. Four people died during the storming of the Capitol, according to the Associated Press.

Related: Michigan representatives call for Trumps removal after riots in U.S. Capitol

The Maddocks did not respond to requests for interviews, but Meshawn Maddock condemned the violence in a statement over social media on Thursday, saying the rally was supposed to be a peaceful event and the people who became a mob and broke the law should be held accountable.

She remains the only one left on the ballot for state GOP co-chair, said former Michigan Republican Party Chair Ronald Weiser to MLive, indicating her candidacy will be unaffected. He is the only candidate to take over for current chair Laura Cox, whose spokesperson declined to comment on Maddocks candidacy.

Cox, who announced she will not run for re-election Wednesday, said over social media that the desecration of our nations Capitol was unacceptable and undermines our quest for fair and transparent elections.

Read more: Michigan Republican Party chairman will not seek reelection

Weiser, who served as the states GOP chair twice before, also shared Maddocks statement condemning the violence in Washington on Wednesday.

My heart goes out to the families of those who were unnecessarily harmed, he said in the statement. The President said this morning that a peaceful transfer of power will occur and therefore the 2020 elections are over. It is time for Republicans to rest, regroup, and focus on defeating the Democrats in 2022.

Speaker of the House-elect Jason Wentworth, R-Clare, does not think Rep. Matt Maddock should be disciplined for his Washington appearance.

The Speaker hasnt seen any action that rises to the level of discipline, said Lynn Afendoulis, former Republican state representative and current House Republican press secretary.

Two Michigan House representatives lost committee assignments for comments interpreted as promoting violence last month. Rep. Gary Eisen, R-St. Clair Township, suggested during a radio interview that there was going to be violence at the Michigan Capitol prior to the states casting of Electoral College votes. Rep. Cynthia Johnson, D-Detroit, issued a warning to Trumpers in response to violent and racist threats she had received.

Read more: Michigan lawmaker loses committee assignments after hinting at violent protests during electoral vote

Democratic House representatives such as Rep. Darrin Camilleri, D-Browntown, requested Maddock be at least censured by House leadership in a Thursday virtual press conference.

He added he thinks Maddock doesnt believe in the government in the first place.

This is how we can prevent treasonous acts like yesterday from ever happening again, Camilleri wrote on Twitter. These Republican elected officials need to be held accountable and dont deserve to work for the public trust.

Read more on MLive:

Attack at U.S. Capitol threatens constitutional crisis, says Michigan state senator

Michigan Capitol temporarily shut down as state police investigate threat

Objection against Michigans presidential electoral votes fails without support in Senate

Democracy bent but didnt break, Dingell says after Congress certifies electoral vote

3 Michigan Republicans object to electoral votes in Arizona, Pennsylvania

Michigan representatives denounce attack on U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump mob

West Michigan Republicans describe siege of Capitol by pro-Trump domestic terrorists
HONG KONG, Jan. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited ("NetDragon" or "the Company", Hong Kong Stock Code: 777), a global leader in building internet communities, wishes to announce the recent approval of the first phase statewide project to adopt NetDragon's Education Technology Smart Classroom Solution by Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin of Malaysia's Sarawak Education, Science and Technological Research Ministry.

This partnership with the largest state of Malaysia follows the signing of a tripartite cooperation Memorandum of Understanding on digital education between NetDragon, Sarawak-based professional education institution SIIG Communications Sdn Bhd (Formerly Aspire Link Sdn BhD) and the Sarawak State Government of Malaysia in November 2018. This took place during a three-day official visit to Fujian province, where NetDragon is headquartered, by Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg aiming to pave the way for greater economic collaboration with the province. The three parties formally agreed to co-operate on the development and improvement of digital education in Sarawak.

The project seeks to provide equal access to digital education regardless of location and current internet availability. It will explore the effectiveness of digital education in equipping students with the required skills and competencies for 21st century society. It also aims to address the imbalance of science and mathematics education in rural schools due to the undersupply of teachers in those subjects, as underlined in the recent quote by Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyi - "In some places, like in the urban schools, there are more science and mathematics teachers than in the rural school... The target for the whole of Malaysia is 60 per cent (enrolment) for pure science subjects at Form Four level, but as far as Sarawak is concerned, less than 25 per cent of the students are taking pure science subjects."[1]

The project, which brings together an international and local team of experts, supported by SIIG Communications Sdn Bhd, will see 24 secondary schools across most regions in Sarawak engage in a first phase to explore the impact of digitizing classrooms on teaching and learning. Mr. Alvin Tan Beng Huat, COO of SIIG Communications Sdn Bhd says, we have been in close development of this project with the Ministry for a while and look forward to continuing at pace the implementation of Education technology into the state's classrooms.

The first phase will run for 90 days, and on its successful completion NetDragon's Smart Classroom Solution will be expanded to more schools in Sarawak.

The Smart Classroom Solution will bring together the best innovative offerings from NetDragon including: Promethean's world leading ActivPanel for in-class instruction and lesson delivery; Edmodo Classroom the unique and interactive set of teaching tools to facilitate access to educational resources, remote lesson delivery and comprehensive assessment and analytical tools; in-school AiStream Community Hubs to give high-speed, consistent and cost-free access to learning resources without internet access; Lenovo personal learning devices and NetDragon's Mobile Device Management system to ensure the safety and security of devices while providing usage statistics and ease of maintenance of the ActivPanels and personal devices.

Datuk Dr Simon Leung, Vice Chairman of NetDragon, said, "NetDragon is happy to see the start of this innovative digital learning project in Sarawak. 2020 has presented society with some of the most challenging times in living memory during which school-aged learners are significantly impacted. Closing the learning gap and ensuring that all students, wherever they are in the country, get access to quality education has never been more important. We look forward to working with the Sarawak Ministry of Education to achieve this."

About NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 0777) is a global leader in building internet communities with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users, including previous establishments of China's first online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China's most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless.

Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known online game developers in China with a history of successful game titles including Eudemons Online, Heroes Evolved and Conquer Online. In recent years, NetDragon has also started to scale its online education business on the back of management's vision to create the largest global online learning community, and to bring the "classroom of the future" to every school around the world. For more information, please visit www.netdragon.com.

For investor enquiries, please contact:

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited

Ms. Maggie Zhou

Senior Director of Investor Relations

Tel.: +852 2850 7266 / +86 591 8390 2825

Email: [email protected]

Website: ir.nd.com.cn

[1] "Sarawak Education, Science and Technological Research Ministry seeks RM9m from state govt to train Maths and Science teachers", Malay Mail, 30 September 2020, https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/sarawak-education-science-technological-research-112612822.html

SOURCE 

The FBI said it's seeking info from the public regarding rioting and violence Wednesday at the Capitol.

Above video: Capitol comes under siege

The agency is asking for information, images, videos and other multimedia files. It's sharing an electronic form for people to use.

"Our goal is to preserve the publics constitutional right to protest by protecting everyone from violence and other criminal activity," FBI officials said.

Guns were drawn. A woman was shot and killed by police, and three others died in apparent medical emergencies. A Trump flag hung on the Capitol. The graceful Rotunda reeked of tear gas. Glass shattered.

Police arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The pro-Trump mob took over the presiding officers chair in the Senate, the offices of the House speaker and the Senate dais, where one yelled, Trump won that election.

They mocked its leaders, posing for photos in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one with his feet propped on a desk in her office, another sitting in the same seat Vice President Mike Pence had occupied only moments before during the proceedings to certify the Electoral College vote.

This began as a day of reckoning for President Donald Trumps futile attempt to cling to power as Congress took up the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory. It devolved into scenes of fear and agony that left a prime ritual of American democracy in tatters.

Trump told his morning crowd at the Ellipse that he would go with them to the Capitol, but he didnt. Instead he sent them off with incendiary rhetoric.

What happened Wednesday was nothing less than an attempted coup, said Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., a frequent Trump critic, said, Today, the United States Capitol  the worlds greatest symbol of self-government  was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard.



Sasse went on: Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

Police said they recovered two pipe bombs, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee and a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

Authorities eventually regained control as night fell.



Heavily armed officers were brought in as reinforcements started using tear gas in a coordinated effort to get people moving toward the door, then combed the halls for stragglers, pushing the mob farther out onto the plaza and lawn, in clouds of tear gas, flash-bangs and percussion grenades.

Video footage also showed officers letting people calmly walk out the doors of the Capitol despite the rioting and vandalism. Only about a dozen arrests were made in the hours after authorities regained control. They said a woman was shot earlier as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side.

She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

Throngs of maskless MAGA-hatted demonstrators tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps. Some in the crowd were shouting traitors as officers tried to keep them back. They broke into the building.



Announcements blared: Due to an external security threat, no one could enter or exit the Capitol complex, the recording said. A loud bang sounded as officials detonated a suspicious package to make sure it was not dangerous.

It was about 1:15 p.m. when New Hampshire Rep. Chris Pappas, a Democrat, said Capitol police banged on his door and told us to drop everything, get out as quickly as we could.

Police evacuated the chamber at 2:30 p.m., grabbing boxes of Electoral College certificates as they left.



Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., told reporters he was in the House chamber when protesters began storming it. He said security officers urged lawmakers to put gas masks on and herded them into a corner of the massive room.



Shortly after being told to put on gas masks, most members were quickly escorted out of the chamber. But some members remained in the upper gallery seats, where they had been seated due to distancing requirements.



Along with a group of reporters who had been escorted from the press area and Capitol workers who act as ushers, the members ducked on the floor as police secured a door to the chamber down below with guns pointed. After making sure the hallways were clear, police swiftly escorted the members and others down a series of hallways and tunnels to a cafeteria in one of the House office buildings.

Hearst TV contributed.
Donald Rouse, Sr. (right), the co-owner of the Louisiana-based grocery chainstore Rouses Markets, and former Rouses HR Director Steve Galtier traveled to DC to protest election, according to a public post on Galtier's FB.



He claims they were alongside "millions" of "patriots." pic.twitter.com/x0pDw62oBH  Lamar White, Jr. (@LamarWhiteJr) January 7, 2021

The co-owner of Rouses Market released a statement on Thursday denouncing the violence at the Capitol building on Wednesday following a rally in support of President Donald Trump, which he attended.

The statement came from Donald Rouse Sr., after he received criticism on social media for posting a selfie photo at the rally with former company Human Resources Director Steve Galtier. The social post prompted calls for a boycott of Rouses Market on social media.

Rouse confirmed he attended the rally as a supporter of the president and to be in our nations capital at the close of his presidency. He said he left before the violence began and was shocked and saddened to see it unfold on TV.

I condemn the actions of those who unlawfully entered and damaged our hallowed institutions and threatened our public servants, the statement reads. Violence and destruction do not represent our countrys values, or the values of Rouses.

He added, though I am no longer involved in the day-to-day operations of Rouses, thats my familys name on the building and my actions reflect on my family, Rouses and this community I love so dearly. Im horrified by the violence and destruction we saw yesterday and the pain it has caused so many. Our country desperately needs to come together to heal, and I will do everything I can to be a part of that process.

Galtiers initial Facebook post was removed by Thursday morning, but blogger Lamar White Jr., the publisher of Bayou Brief, posted screenshots of the photos of the two outside the Capitol to his Twitter account. Over 600 comments included screenshots of Galtiers Facebook page that suggested Galtier and Rouse spoke to a few that got in to the Capitol building, and agreed with a commenter who called them antifa dress like Patriots.

Rouses Market, based in Houma, Louisiana, has 82 grocery stores along the Gulf Coast in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. There are 8 Rouses Markets in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

WASHINGTON - As President Donald Trump told a sprawling crowd outside the White House that they should never accept defeat, hundreds of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in what amounted to an attempted coup that they hoped would overturn the election he lost. In the chaos, law enforcement officials said, a California woman was shot and killed by Capitol Police and three people died of medical emergencies.

The violent scene - much of it incited by the president's incendiary language - was like no other in modern American history, bringing to a sudden halt the congressional certification of Joe Biden's electoral victory.

With poles bearing blue Trump flags, a mob that would eventually grow into the thousands bashed through Capitol doors and windows, forcing their way past police officers unprepared for the onslaught. Lawmakers were evacuated shortly before an armed standoff at the House chamber's entrance. The woman who was shot, 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt of San Diego, was rushed to an ambulance, police said, and later died. Canisters of tear gas were fired across the Rotunda's white marble floor, and on the steps outside the building, rioters flew Confederate flags.

"USA! USA!" chanted the would-be saboteurs of a 244-year-old democracy.

The Senate stopped its proceedings, and the House doors were closed. In a notification, U.S. Capitol Police said no one would be allowed to come or go from the building as they struggled to regain control. "Stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover," police warned.

All 1,100 members of the D.C. National Guard were activated, and Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, imposed a citywide curfew. From 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, Bowser said, no one other than essential personnel would be allowed outdoors in the city.

The mob had arrived hours earlier, charging past the metal barricades on the property's outer edge. Hundreds, then thousands followed them. Some scaled the Capitol's walls to reach entrances; others climbed over one another.

On the building's east side, police initially pushed the pro-Trump demonstrators back but soon gave up and fell back to the foot of the main steps. Within a half-hour, fights broke out again, and police retreated to the top of the stairs as screaming Trump supporters surged closer. After the police perimeters were breached, the elated crowd began to sing the national anthem.

For an hour, they banged on the doors, chanting, "Let us in! Let us in!" Police inside fired pepper balls and smoke bombs into the crowd but failed to turn them away. After each volley, the rioters, who were mostly White men, would cluster around the doors again, yelling, arguing, pledging revolution.

Sometime after 2:10 p.m., a man used a clear plastic riot shield to break through the windows on a first floor to the south side of the building, then hopped in with a few others. Once inside, police suspect, rioters opened doors to let in more of their compatriots.

A Capitol Police officer shouted from a higher stairway at the intruders, yelling at them to stop, but when they didn't, the officer fired at a man coming at him, two law enforcement officials said. Amid shouts and people rushing to get away from the sound of gunfire, protesters saw a woman in their group collapse. Police believe she was unarmed, a law enforcement official said, but the officer who shot her did not know that. Capitol Police had already been warned by D.C. police that many protesters were secretly carrying weapons.

"They shot a girl!" someone yelled as a group of Trump supporters ran out of the southeast entrance.

A team of paramedics with a gurney soon arrived and a Capitol Police officer stepped aside to let them pass. "White female, shot in the shoulder," the officer said as they hurried past. They emerged minutes later.

On the gurney was a woman in jeans, gazing vacantly to one side, her torso and face covered in blood. As the gurney was loaded into the back of the ambulance, pro-Trump protesters swarmed around it, screaming, "Murderers!"

Capitol Police officers with long guns pushed the rioters back, and the ambulance drove off.

Babbitt was shot while trying to climb through a broken window in an area behind the House chamber. Her ex-husband confirmed her death Wednesday night.

Three other people died of medical emergencies, D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee said in a Wednesday-night news conference.

The people's names, and the circumstances of their deaths, were not released during the news conference with Contee and Bowser.

Also at the news conference, Bowser declared a public emergency in the city until Jan. 21, to improve security "through the inauguration." The declaration gives her more authority to draw on resources to maintain city security. Inauguration Day is scheduled for Jan. 20.

Bowser called the attack on the Capitol an "affront on our American democracy" and implored city residents to abide by the city's curfew.

"I urge anyone who is not in place in your home or your hotel - and if you mean to cause trouble in the streets of D.C. you will be arrested," she said.

Bowser blamed the president for the rioting.

"We saw an unprecedented attack on our American Democracy incited by the United States president," Bowser said. "He must be held accountable. His constant and divisive rhetoric led to the abhorrent actions we saw today."

Contee said 14 D.C. officers were injured. One was pulled into a crowd, assaulted and hospitalized. Another received "significant facial injuries" after being hit by a projectile. Others are not as serious.

Contee said police had made at least 52 arrests: four for carrying pistols without licenses, one arrest for possession of a prohibited weapon and 47 arrests for curfew violations and unlawful entry. Twenty-six of the 52 arrests were made on Capitol grounds, Contee said.

The chief also confirmed that police recovered two pipe bombs at the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee offices. A cooler that contained molotov cocktails was also found on Capitol grounds, the chief said. Bowser said officials will review video and issue alerts for people who breached the Capitol, adding that they "need to be held accountable for the carnage."

Contee also said in the news conference that D.C. police had participated in "several planning meetings with Capitol Police" and other agencies to plan for protests on Wednesday. He said Capitol Police called for help at 1 p.m. because of "significant activity" outside the Capitol and that "we immediately deployed platoons to assist the Capitol Police."

During the siege in the Capitol, where lawmakers had donned gas masks kept under their chairs, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., could only think of his family as he and other lawmakers hid from the mob. Reeling from the loss of his 25-year-old son last week, Raskin had taken one of his daughters and his son-in-law to the Capitol to watch the debates unfold over certification of Biden's election, he said, "because we wanted to be together." Raskin was helping lead Democrats' arguments against Republican objectors.

"I thought I could show them the peaceful transfer of power in the United States of America," Raskin told C-SPAN earlier. "What was really going through my mind was their safety because they were not with me in the chamber, and I just wanted us all to get back together."

Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., said members were told that chemical irritants had been released in Statuary Hall and, for a moment, braced for the possibility that they would be exposed to tear gas. Capitol Police barricaded the doors with tables and bookshelves.

Spanberger, a former CIA case officer, said that it was a crisis she would only expect to see unfold in fragile, faraway places.

"This is what we see in failing countries," she said. "This is what leads to a death of democracy."

The shooting and the breach triggered an instant call for help across Washington to other law enforcement agencies. At the U.S. Secret Service, headquarters sent out an emergency alert to all gun-carrying Secret Service personnel to report to headquarters in preparation to help secure the Capitol.

Meanwhile, dozens of other rioters streamed into the building, where they smashed windows and vandalized offices.

"MURDER THE MEDIA," read a message written on one door.

"WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN," read another left in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who also refused to back down, later directing her colleagues to return and finish validating Biden's victory.

Rep. Karen Bass, a Democrat from California, shared a photo on Twitter of a long-haired man in a Trump hat carrying a rostrum adorned with the gold-colored seal of the speaker.

"Arrest this man," she demanded.

At 3:30 p.m., more law enforcement in riot gear arrived at the Capitol.

"Traitors," Trump supporters shouted. "What's your oath?"

Biden condemned what he called an "unprecedented assault" on American democracy, "unlike anything we've seen in modern times."

"This is not dissent. It's disorder. It's chaos," he said. "It borders on sedition, and it must end now."

For hours, Trump made little effort to quell the violence he had helped instigate, finally sharing a video at 4:17 p.m. in which he told people to "go home" - while continuing to promote the falsehood that he had won the election.

"We love you," he told them. "You're very special."

The Capitol has been the target of violence before. In 1954, Puerto Rican nationalists opened fire from a House gallery, injuring five lawmakers on the floor below. In 1971, a bomb planted by a radical left-wing group exploded, though no one was harmed. In 1998, a gunman opened fire, killing two Capitol Police officers. But not since the British set fire to the Capitol in 1814 has a mob overrun the ultimate symbol of American freedom.

At about 8:30 p.m., just more than an hour after hundreds of law enforcement officers had at last finished clearing the mob and removing Trump flags left inside the building, heavily armed FBI agents and police officers in riot gear escorted lawmakers back to work.

D.C. police had arrested 13 people by early evening, they said, including three in possession of firearms. About 6 p.m., a man was stabbed at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near Freedom Plaza, though it was unclear whether the attack was related to the demonstrations.

At the Capitol, those who had made it inside took on a celebrity status when they came back out. A woman who said she had footage on her phone of Capitol Police pointing guns at rioters was circled by dozens who wanted to see it. People traded what information they had about the woman who was shot inside. Some called her a "martyr."

After she was taken away, the mood soured, though many remained joyous. "We're making history," one woman said as she strolled down Independence Avenue with friends.

Beneath streaming flags, including some that read "F--- Biden" and that depicted Trump as the movie character Rambo, people loudly exhorted Jesus and chanted "USA!"

Many called friends and family and took videos.

"We weren't violent before, but we are now," a middle-aged White man said, talking into his cellphone. "There's no going back."

- - -

The WashingtonPost's Peter Hermann, Rachel Chason, Marissa J. Lang, Carol D. Leonnig, Perry Stein, Emily Davies, Jessica Contrera, Katie Mettler, Michael Brice-Saddler, Harrison Smith, Clarence Williams, Antonio Olivo, Teo Armus, Justin Wm. Moyer and Fredrick Kunkle contributed to this report.
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Motorists queue up to take a coronavirus test in a car park at Dodger Stadium, in Los Angeles. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP)

The US registered more Covid-19 deaths in a single day than ever before, nearly 3,900, on the very day the mob attack on the Capitol laid bare some of the same, deep political divisions that have hampered the battle against the pandemic.

The virus is surging in virtually every state, with California particularly hard hit.

Skyrocketing deaths and infections there are threatening to force hospitals to ration care and essentially decide who lives and who dies.

Folks are gasping for breath. Folks look like theyre drowning when they are in bed right in front of us, said Dr Jeffrey Chien, an emergency room physician at Santa Clara Valley Regional Medical Centre, urging people to do their part to help slow the spread.

Im begging everyone to help us out because we arent the front line. Were the last line.

About 1.9 million people around the world have died of the coronavirus, more than 360,000 in the US alone.

December was by far the nations deadliest month yet, and health experts are warning that January could be more terrible still because of family gatherings and travel over the holidays.

A new, more contagious variant of the virus is taking hold around the globe and in the US.

Also, it remains to be seen what effect the thousands of supporters of President Donald Trump who converged this week in Washington, many of them maskless, will have on the spread of the scourge.

Mr Trump has long downplayed the virus and scorned masks, and many of his ardent supporters have followed his example.

He has also raged against lockdowns and egged on protesters objecting to restrictions in states such as Michigan, where armed supporters invaded the statehouse last spring.

Expand Close Banners advising people to wear masks against coronavirus hang along Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles (Damian Dovarganes/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Banners advising people to wear masks against coronavirus hang along Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles (Damian Dovarganes/AP)

On Wednesday, the day a horde of protesters breached the US Capitol, disrupting efforts to certify the election of Joe Biden, the US recorded 3,865 virus deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The numbers can fluctuate dramatically after holidays and weekends, and the figure is subject to revision.

The same day, California reported its second-highest number of daily coronavirus deaths, with 459.

The state also registered more than a quarter-million new weekly cases.

Los Angeles County, the nations most populous with 10 million residents, and nearly two dozen other counties have essentially run out of intensive care unit beds for Covid-19 patients.

This is a health crisis of epic proportions, said Barbara Ferrer, public health director for Los Angeles County.

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Accumulation of combustible material due to restrictions on movement in forests because of the Covid-19 pandemic and lack of rainfall led to unusual forest fires in Uttarakhand this autumn and winter, officials said on Thursday.

Forest fires are generally reported in Uttarakhand from February to June. They peak in May and June. Despite the onset of winter, forest fires were reported in the state and have damaged over 350 hectares of forestland since October.

Due to the lockdown imposed in view of Covid-19 during the summer months, movement in the forests was restricted. Due to this, a lot of combustible material mostly pine needles was accumulated. These materials are cleared annually through controlled burning but the exercise was affected, which is one of the reasons for forest fires, said Maan Singh, the states nodal officer for forest fires.

Also Read: Tiger killed in Uttarakhands Nainital after being hit by car

Singh said little rainfall during the post-monsoon period has also contributed to the fires. ...forests became dry and added with combustible material, forest fire incidents are continuing. With rainfall in the plains and snowfall in the upper reaches of the state, now forest fire incidents are likely to reduce especially in Oak forests which have received heavy snowfall, said Singh. He added human activities in the forests following the end of the lockdown also led to some man-made fire incidents.

In Uttarakhand, 0.17% of the total forest cover comes under the extremely fire-prone, 1.60% under the very-highly prone, 9.32% under the highly-prone, 21.66% under the moderately prone, and 67.25% under less fire-prone categories.

Over 44,554 hectares of the forest area has been damaged in fires since 2000. Uttarakhand forest department has 174 watchtowers and 1,437 station crews across the state to check the fires.

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President Donald Trump called on the National Guard to help secure the US Capitol after a violent riot in DC on Wednesday.

The riot in DC broke out against members of the Congress trying to certify the results of the 2020 election, said a report from The Blaze.

USA Today reported the US Capitol was swarmed by supporters of the president, prompting Vice President Mike Pence to be swept away and the Senate chamber to be evacuated.

The National Guard was mobilized to support the responding local law enforcement.

The riot in DC was decried be several lawmakers because of the violence and destruction it caused to the nation's capital.

US Capitol on Lockdown After Riot

USA Today also said in its report that the riot started as Trump as concluding a speech.

A group of people rushed into the US Capitol as lawmakers were debating over certifying the election results.

Flash bang grenades were said to have been launched in the building and a stretcher was seen moving through the crowd as the event grew tense.

Related article: Trump Urges Georgia Election Official To 'Find' Over 11,000 Ballots, Review Results

There was also a crowd of people pushing up against the inauguration stage outside the US Capitol building. Mobs began climbing up the side of the building and on the balcony at the back.

The Associated Press said in its report that guns were drawn in the House of Representatives, leading to lawmakers hiding from the intruders who want to overturn the election.

Police tried to secure a section outside the building but the crowds breached the security fencing. It was during this point of lockdown when the vice president was pulled out to a secure location.

Terry Gainer, a former chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, said the Wednesday mob was something he didn't expect in is four decades of law enforcement.

He described the crowd of Trump supporters as a "much more hateful crowd" in the "dangerous" protest. "It's definitely something new in our business," he added.

Washington Police chief Robert J. Contee III said the crowd clearly had "intent on causing harm to our officers" since they deployed chemical irritants in their move into the US Capitol building.

A report from The Hill confirmed that during the protest, a person was shot on Capitol grounds and died after a gunshot to the chest.

Trump Urged Supporters to Start Riot in DC, Reports Claim

Several reports noted that about an hour before the protesters stormed the US Capitol, Trump urged them to go to the building.

He said this to thousands of protesters gathered at the National Mall to protest the election results.

Read also: Trump Lawyer Blasts Georgia Secretary of State Raffensperger for 'Secretly' Taping Confidential Call

"We're going to try and give our Republicans... the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country," he said.

Later on, he tweeted asking protesters to "stay peaceful" and urged them t "go home in peace." He described them as "special" people whose cause he supported.

Several social media sites deleted his message, said a report from Business Insider.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany also came to Trump's defense by saying, "We reiterate President Trump's call against violence and to remain peaceful."
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Like hundreds of thousands of residents of his state, this politico has been infected with the global pandemic . . . His condition has garnered national news headlines whilst the plebs are mostly forced to rely on the magical and proven healing properties of chicken soup & love.

Check-it . . .
Business groups and leaders of large corporations condemned the violence on Capitol Hill on Wednesday that disrupted efforts to certify the election of President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr..

Hours after supporters of President Trump forced lawmakers from the floors of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Business Roundtable, a group of chief executives from some of the nations largest companies, called on the president and other officials to put an end to the chaos and facilitate the peaceful transition of power.

The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, the organization posted on Twitter.

The National Association of Manufacturers, one of the countrys largest lobbying groups, suggested that Vice President Mike Pence should consider invoking a provision of the 25th Amendment that allows members of the presidents cabinet to temporarily remove him from power.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Electoral College Vote Count, Debate Halted After Protesters Breach Capitol Building

The U.S. House and Senate halted a joint session on Jan. 6 after protesters breached the Capitol building.

The breach interrupted concurrent debates in the House and Senate over an objection to the counting of a slate of presidential electors from Arizona for former Vice President Joe Biden.

Protesters, some of whom were dressed in Trump apparel, entered the Capitol through a broken window, one video posted on social media shows, although the building may have been breached in more than one location. Other videos showed protesters carrying American and Trump flags walking through the hall connecting the two chambers of the Capitol. A photograph showed one protester in the presiding officers chair in the Senate chamber.

Tens of thousands of President Donald Trumps supporters flocked to Washington for the counting of the Electoral College votes and a big protest that Trump promoted in the days leading up to Jan. 6. Trump spoke to a massive crowd near the White House shortly before the joint session began at 1 p.m.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a citywide curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Trump issued several calls for peace as the events unfolded.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful! the president wrote on Twitter.

Video streams from protesters inside the building showed a large crowd of supporters inside skirmishing with law enforcement. One clip showed protesters breaking a window of the Capitol and climbing inside, and another showed protesters in a shoving match with police inside one of the halls; One photograph showed security personnel with guns drawn in the House chamber.

Meanwhile, a young woman wrapped in a Trump flag was shot in the neck. A police spokesman later told news outlets that the woman had died, but declined to provide more details about the incident or the womans identity.

The protesters on the Capitol steps were unaware of calls for peace from Trump and other Republicans due to poor cellular reception in the area.

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you! Trump wrote on Twitter.

Vice President Mike Pence wrote on Twitter: The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building.

In the early evening, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said that the House would proceed with the electoral certification.

She added that we always knew this responsibility would take us into the night, adding that members of Congress and staff should remain on the Capitol complex until they are notified by the United States Capitol Police.

In the speech ahead of the joint session, Trump urged Pence to take a stand and reject the Biden electors from states where the president has disputed the outcome of the election. As the session began, Pence released a statement explaining that the Constitution constrains him from doing so.

Pence, nonetheless, affirmed an objection lodged by Republicans against the slate of Biden electors from Arizona, triggering two hours of debate by the individual chambers.

During the first half-hour of the debate in the House, Republicans argued for the rejection of the Biden electors, citing election irregularities and potential fraud.

We have to fix this, Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) said.

Democrats pushed back, arguing that their opponents were undermining the peaceful transition of power.

In the Senate, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), in rare agreement with his Democratic counterpart, said Congress cant change the results of the election.

Every election we know features some illegality and irregularity, and of course, thats unacceptable. I support strong state-led voting reforms. Last years bizarre pandemic procedures must not become the new norm. But, my colleagues, nothing before us proves illegality anywhere near the massive scale that would have tipped the entire election, McConnell said.

Amid the interruption, senators were evacuated and other lawmakers were told to shelter in place.

The National Guard and other forces were deployed to the Capitol at the presidents direction, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement. The Pentagon said about 1,100 District of Columbia National Guard members were being mobilized to help support law enforcement at the Capitol.

We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful, McEnany said.

Biden, who was scheduled to deliver remarks on reviving the economy, called on the protesters to pull back.

The scenes of chaos at the capitol do not reflect a true America, do not represent who we are, Biden said. I call on this mob to pull back and allow democracy to go forward.

The crowd around the Capitol had largely dispersed when Trump issued yet another message, this time in video format, urging people to go home.

You have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order, Trump said.

The president said that the election was fraudulent, but cautioned supporters to not play into the hands of these people  we have to have peace.

We love you. Youre very special, he said. I know how you feel.

Some of the protesters who were still outside the Capitol as the curfew approached said they were aware of Trumps call to go home, but said they remained nonetheless.

This is not about Trump. This is about the integrity of our elections, a female protester, who declined to use her name, told The Epoch Times. When Trump was still speaking, people started walking away, like We dont have time. This is bigger than that.

What good is your government if you cant trust your elections?

Bowen Xiao and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, still objected to the Electoral College results certifying President-elect Joe Bidens win, hours after a mob of pro-Trump protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

The Times Union reports the Republican Congresswoman, who represents New Yorks 21st District, followed through on her promise to object to Biden electors in four states, repeating President Donald Trumps baseless claims of election fraud.

Tens of millions of Americans are concerned that the 2020 election featured unconstitutional overreach by unelected state officials and judges ignoring state election laws. We can and we should peacefully discuss these concerns, Stefanik said during an overnight debate.

Earlier Wednesday, a large group of Trump supporters wearing Make America Great Again hats and waving Confederate flags breached the U.S. Capitol, prompting a lockdown. Four people died in the riot, including a woman shot by Capitol Police; at least 52 people were arrested; 14 police officers were hurt; and windows and furniture were damaged.

No Congress members were hurt in the violence, which came while the Senate and House were separated to debate after objections to the results in Arizona. Stefanik voted to certify Arizona, but objected to electors in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Ultimately, the GOP effort to delay Bidens win failed and several Republicans who vowed to contest the results rescinded their objections, including Wisconsins Sen. Ron Johnson, Oklahomas Sen. James Lankford, and Kelly Loeffler, who lost her runoff election in Georgia Tuesday.

The House and Senate voted early Thursday morning to certify the election results, affirming Biden as the next president of the United States. Trump admitted defeat and vowed an orderly transition on Jan. 20, Inauguration Day.

The Times Union reports Stefanik still said lawmakers should work together to repair faith in the U.S. election system. She also condemned the violence at the Capitol.

Americans have a Constitutional right to protest & freedom of speech, but violence in any form is absolutely unacceptable & anti-American, she said. My staff & I are safe. We pray that all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, their staff, & all Americans remain safe.

Thank you to the brave men and women of the @CapitolPolice and the professional staff of the @uscapitol as well as the bipartisan Floor staff for their incredible public service.

Stefanik, 36, is a Republican who was elected to Congress for a fourth term in November after beating Democratic challenger Tedra Cobb in Northern New Yorks 21st District. Stefanik previously gained national attention as an ally for Trump, defending him during the impeachment hearings and landing a speaking spot at the Republican National Convention.

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Popular supermarket chain Carrefour Egypt expressed its regret over overcrowding inside one of its hypermarkets in Alexandria during a promotion period, only a few days after authorities temporarily shut down the branch for violating COVID-19 restrictions.

According to an official statement on Wednesday, Carrefour Egypt said it is committed to providing its services to customers in Alexandria and nationwide through highly safe and responsible measures.

It said it has decided to extend its promotion period to 28 February to allow customers to benefit from the promotion and reach a partnership with the DORE app, which will give access to customers to book time slots for shopping in the store to ensure their safety amid the pandemic.

Carrefour will only allow the entry of one person from each family inside branches and ban children under 12 from entry.

The store will also designate new pickup and sale areas for merchandise seeing high demand, including electronics.

Such pick-up and sale zones have been provided in outdoor areas near the hypermarkets branches in City Centre Maadi, City Centre Almaza, and Mall of Egypt.

Carrefour will also extend its retail services online, including providing free-of-charge delivery services for customers ordering from home and providing the promotions on its website and app on weekends and national holidays.

The statement comes days after authorities in Alexandria ordered a one-week closure for the branch located inside City Centre Alexandria after anger erupted on social media over overcrowding inside the supermarket despite of the growing COVID-19 infections.

The overcrowding came despite of efforts exerted by authorities to limit gatherings, including banning New Years Eve celebrations to curb the spread of the virus amid rising daily infections.

The government began enforcing an immediate fine of EGP 50 (approximately $3.16) on those not wearing face masks in public since the first week of January in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus in the overpopulous country during the second wave of the pandemic.

Egypt entered the second wave of the pandemic in the last week of December after it recorded double the number of infections daily. However, it has been seeing lower cases this week, reporting a decline for the sixth consecutive day on Wednesday.

Authorities have warned of a spike in COVID-19 cases since November, as the general public have been showing a relaxed enforcement of the preventive measures since a drop in confirmed cases has been recorded in the past months.

Officials said they will exercise zero tolerance against people who fail to adhere to preventive measures against the pandemic.

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The theranostic and genomic company signs subcontract service agreement with HalioDx's CLIA-certified laboratory in Richmond, Virginia

OncoDNA, a theranostic and genomic company specializing in precision oncology, has announced today that it has signed a subcontract service agreement with HalioDx's U.S.-based CLIA-certified laboratory located in Richmond, Virginia. This agreement will enable OncoDNA to expand its unique offering of services to biopharmaceutical companies and research institutions in North America.

OncoDNA has a proven track record in supporting the development of personalized cancer therapies. Its portfolio includes a series of comprehensive molecular diagnostic tests on both solid and liquid biopsies. Combined with an advanced bioinformatic technology, OncoDNA's diagnostic tests offer a unique solution to the US biopharmaceutical industry.

Today, OncoDNA products and services are already used in pan-European clinical trials and research projects, such as Kura Oncology's HRAS tipifarnib clinical study and the AURORA metastatic breast cancer research program. OncoDNA currently offers its solutions in 50 countries worldwide and has experienced an outstanding sales growth of 180% over the last 4 years. Obtaining access to HalioDx's laboratory capabilities will further propel the global adoption of OncoDNA's solutions in North America.

"We have found in HalioDx a trusted partner to run our diagnostic tests for research use in the U.S. We are confident that HalioDx, and most particularly its CLIA-certified laboratory in Richmond, Virginia, has the capability to perform our complex molecular profiling assays, enabling us to assist with the identification and development of future personalized cancer treatments for patients", said Jean-Pol Detiffe, Founder of OncoDNA.

Vincent Fert, HalioDx CEO commented: "We are thrilled for the opportunity to partner with OncoDNA and help them to introduce their unique precision oncology solutions to US customers. Our respective capabilities are highly complementary to foster success in this marketplace

HalioDx is an immuno-oncology diagnostic company that operates in compliance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). Headquartered in France, the company also has CLIA-certified laboratories and compliant facilities in Richmond, US, which will help OncoDNA penetrate the North American market.

END

About OncoDNA

OncoDNA is a theranostic and genomic company with renown expertise in precision oncology. The company provides comprehensive testing of cancer biomarkers (DNA, RNA and proteins) on solid and liquid biopsies as well NGS data interpretation services to oncologists, research institutes and biopharmaceutical companies across the globe. The company headquarters are based in Belgium, and its two entities IntegraGen, a company specializing in the decryption of the human genome and Biosequence are headquartered in France and Spain, respectively. The group employs approx. 115 employees in 9 countries, works with an international network of 35 distributors and collaborates with one European-based and one US-based subcontracted accredited laboratories.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005773/en/

Contacts:

Media

Fiona Demol, Head of Marketing, OncoDNA (+32 495 51 91 30)
The chaotic and violent scene unfolded at the US Capitol as supporters of President Donald Trump swarmed the building to protest the Electoral College vote. Rioters overpowered police and broke into the Capitol to protest as a joint session of Congress convened to certify President-elect Joe Biden's win. Multiple officers were injured in the scuffle. "I am appalled by the reckless behaviour of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement," said former US President George W Bush.

Here are the latest updates:

FBI seeks information to identify individuals who instigated US Capitol riots

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a statement seeking information on the US Capitol riots to identify miscreants who instigated the violence. "The FBI is seeking information that will assist in identifying individuals who are actively instigating violence in Washington, DC. The FBI is accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting and violence in the US Capitol Building and surrounding the area in Washington DC, on January 6, 2021," read the statement.

White House officials resign after Capitol violence

White House deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger has resigned, according to media reports, joining a number of officials who are leaving the administration of Donald Trump in the wake of violence on Capitol Hill.

Pottinger resigned on Wednesday afternoon in response to the President's reaction to a mob of protesters who breached the U.S. Capitol, CNN reported, citing a person close to Pottinger. Bloomberg first reported the resignation of Pottinger, a leading figure in the development of Trumps China policy.

UN chief, UNGA president express concern over violence

Top United Nations leadership expressed sadness and concern over the violence in Washington DC by pro-Trump demonstrators who stormed the US Capitol as lawmakers gathered to certify the presidential election results. "The Secretary-General is saddened by the events at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C," on Wednesday, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said in a note to correspondents. "In such circumstances, it is important that political leaders impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence, as well as to respect democratic processes and the rule of law," the UN chief said.

President Trump is 'menace', must be removed and held accountable for Capitol attack: US media

Donald Trump, whose "seditious rhetoric" incited a violent attack on the Capitol, is a "menace" and is unfit to remain in office and must be removed, US media outlets have asserted, as they tore into the American President, demanding that he be held accountable through impeachment proceedings or criminal prosecution.

US Capital violence: 4 people dead

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the US Capitol. Washington DC Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the US Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in medical emergencies". Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hours-long occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement. The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalised with a gunshot wound and later died.

Instagram blocks Donald Trump account

Social media giants Twitter, Facebook and Instagram on Wednesday have blocked US President Donald Trump from posting on their platforms as rioters attacked the US Capitol and violent protests broke out in Washington DC.While Twitter said Trump's account will be locked until he deletes three tweets. Facebook and Instagram said Trump won't be able to post for 24 hours.

Woman shot and killed at US Capitol identified as Air Force veteran

The woman who was shot and killed allegedly during the violent protest at the US Capitol has been identified as Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, said a report. She was pronounced dead at an area hospital. "Yes, the adult female that was shot inside of the Capitol was pronounced dead at an area hospital," said spokesperson Dustin Sternbeck with the Metropolitan Police Department.

Video posted on social media showed a crowd inside the Capitol, a gunshot was heard and then the woman, wearing a Trump banner around her neck, lowered to the ground. She could later be seen being loaded into an ambulance with blood around her upper body, according to Washington Post.

Distressed to see news about rioting & violence in Washington DC: PM Modi

"Distressed to see news about rioting & violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests," says Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021





'We want our votes to count!': Pro-Trump demonstrators claim election to be 'stolen'

Several of US President Donald Trump's supporters reiterated his claims that the recently-concluded presidential election was 'stolen', and demanded their 'voices to be heard'. Many of the president's supporters called for their votes to be counted, demanding that the election results, already certified by the US Electoral College in favour of President-elect Joe Biden, be overturned.

Facebook, Twitter freeze Trump accounts

Twitter and Facebook Inc temporarily locked the accounts of US President Donald Trump, as tech giants scrambled to crack down on his baseless claims about the US presidential elections amid riots at the US Capitol.Twitter hid and required the removal of three of Trump's tweets "as a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C.," after pro-Trump protesters stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to force Congress to block the appointment of President-elect Joe Biden. Facebook later tweeted it would block Trump's page from posting for 24 hours due to two policy violations. Twitter locked Trump's account for 12 hours and said that if the tweets are not removed, the account would remain locked, meaning the president would be unable to tweet from @realDonaldTrump.

Melania Trump chief of staff quits after riots

Stephanie Grisham, chief of staff and press secretary for first lady Melania Trump, has resigned following violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Grisham says in a statement Wednesday that it was an honor" to serve the country in the White House and be part of he first ladys mission" to help children.

Grisham was one of Trumps longest serving aides, having joined the campaign in 2015. She served as the White House press secretary and never held a press briefing.

Obama says Trump incited violence at the Capitol

"History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation," Obama, a Democrat, said in a statement.

Trump's Twitter account locked for 12 hours

The microblogging site Twitter decided to lock US President Donald Trump's account in wake of the violent situation at the US Capitol in Washington. Citing violation of its Civic Integrity Policy, Twitter said that it had required the removal of at least three of Trump's tweets that were posted earlier regarding the situation in Washington, adding that his account will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these tweets.

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Woman shot inside US Capitol during protests dies

The woman who was shot during the violent protests at the US Capitol was pronounced dead at an area hospital, a spokesperson with the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed to CNN. "Yes, the adult female that was shot inside of the Capitol was pronounced dead at an area hospital," said spokesperson Dustin Sternbeck with the Metropolitan Police Department.

Facebook, YouTube remove Donald Trump video

Facebook and YouTube have removed Trump's video to supporters amid calls by the Anti-Defamation League and the NAACP for Trump's social media accounts to be suspended outright, reported CNN. In a tweet, Facebook's VP of integrity Guy Rosen called this 'an emergency situation', and said that the video contributes to the risk of ongoing violence. "This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trump's video. We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence," tweeted Rosen.

Trump urges his supporters to 'go home'

In a one-minute video on Twitter, Trump urged his supporters to 'go home', while reiterating his unproven allegations that the recently-concluded presidential election was fraudulent' and 'stolen'. "I know you are pained, I know you are hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. That was a landslide election and everyone knows it, especially the other side. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We've to have law and order. We don't want anybody hurt," he said.

World leaders express shock

Disgraceful scenes in US Congress," tweeted Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, a staunch ally of the United States over generations. "The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power."

"Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling on democracy," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas wrote on Twitter. He said that "from inflammatory words come violent deeds" and added that "contempt for democratic institutions has disastrous effects."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country was deeply disturbed" by the events in the U.S., Canada's closest ally and neighbor.

"Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld  and it will be," Trudeau tweeted.

Volkan Bozkir, president of the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, said he was saddened by the developments. But, he tweeted, I believe that peace & respect for democratic processes will prevail in our host country at this critical time."

President-elect Joe Biden called Wednesday for the restoration of simple decency" as a mob incited by his predecessor stormed the U.S. Capitol and delayed Congress from certifying the results of November's election.

Joe Biden urges restoring democracy

Biden had planned to deliver a speech focused on how to revive the economy and provide financial relief for small-business owners reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, giving routine political remarks from a theater in his native Delaware. But shortly before he was to begin speaking, demonstrators broke into the Capitol building, reaching as far as the Senate floor.

Our democracy is under unprecedented assault unlike anything weve seen in modern times," Biden said adding that the violent and chaotic events were an assault on the rule of law."

Kamala Harris demands an end to assault on US Capitol

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris has demanded an end to the assault on the US Capitol by the supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump after they clashed with police and breached the building's security in a bid to overturn the November 3 election results. The protest interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalise President-elect Joe Biden's upcoming inauguration on January 20.

I join President-elect Joe Biden in calling for the assault on the Capitol and our nations public servants to end, and as he said, allow the work of democracy to go forward"," Harris said in a tweet.

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Members of Illinois congressional delegation expressed disgust Wednesday after a horde of protesters breached the U.S. Capitol Wednesday afternoon after President Donald Trump urged his supporters to stage a march on the building as Congress met to certify the results of the presidential election.

With both chambers of Congress abruptly adjourned and Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rushed out by Capitol police, members of Congress were urged to shelter in place, according to various reports. Many of them, however, took to social media to express their outrage.

This is a coup attempt, Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Channahon tweeted.

Democratic Rep. Bill Foster of Naperville reported that the situation at the Capitol has become dangerous.

This is what weeks of undermining democracy has led to, and blame for this disgraceful situation lays at the feet of the President and the Members of Congress who have put loyalty to him above their loyalty to the Constitution, Foster tweeted. Every Member should call this what it is: an attempted coup, and call for it to end immediately.

In a live interview on WGN TV, Rep. Mike Quigley of Chicago reported from inside the House chamber that some members were wearing gas masks inside the chamber and said there are 6-7 people with bookcases and chairs, impromptu barricades as protesters banged on the doors outside.

The most important democracy in the world has been assaulted today, Quigley said.

Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia of Chicago called the moment a sad day for our country and told WGN the protesters had created plenty of disruption in the Capitol.

I am sheltering in place, Garcia tweeted from his office near the Capitol. My staff and I are safe, but this is a shameful day for our country.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates also leveled her disgust on Twitter.

I have spent my entire adult life defending our Constitution and peoples rights to peacefully demonstrate. I never thought Id need to defend democracy from an attempted, violent overthrow in our own nations Capitol, Duckworth tweeted. I will not yield to those who seek to harm our democracy.

Democratic Rep. Sean Casten of Downers Grove tweeted that the president and his enablers have unleashed a beast.

They alone MAY have the power to get it under control. This is an attempted coup, Casten said. We need a whole of government approach to secure our democracy right now, not some childish partisan posturing.

After protesters had breached the Capitol, Trump tweeted calling for peace and for protesters to listen to police. Before that, Trump sharply criticized his vice president for not intervening to block the certification of the election.

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, Trump tweeted.

You are not protecting the country, Kinzinger replied to Trump on Twitter. Where is the DC guard? You are done and your legacy will be a disaster.
Police and directorate of revenue intelligence (DRI) sleuths seized over 3.5 tonnes of cannabis from Odisha and Chhattisgarh on Monday and Tuesday.

On the basis of specific intelligence input, officers of the DRI Madhya Pradesh intercepted a truck of Andhra Pradeshs registration number near Raipur (Chhattisgarh). The truck was carrying ganja [cannabis] which was concealed below organic fertilizer sacks, the DRI said in a statement.

The truck was carrying 1,534 kg (over 1.5 tonnes) of ganja worth Rs3.07 crore from Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh) to Maharashtras Rahta. Five people have been arrested in connection with the recovery and more arrests were likely.

Over 2,000 kg (2 tonnes) of ganja in a 12-wheeler truck was recovered in Odishas Rayagada district on Tuesday even as those in the vehicle escaped.

Deputy inspector general of police Jainarayan Pankaj said the consignment was headed for Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and New Delhi.

Unlike Mallana cream from Himachal Pradesh or Idukki Gold ganja from Kerala, the ganja grown in Odisha and Arakku Valley of Andhra Pradesh are the most popular ones due to their low price. Though locally cannabis is sold at about Rs5,000 per kg, it sells anything between Rs10,000 a kg outside Odisha depending on its quality. In Odisha, the bordering forests of Malkangiri-Koraput districts, Kandhamal and Boudh districts and Rayagada-Gajapati districts are the areas where cannabis is grown on an extensive scale. The plants dont require much water and can grow in three months, said Pankaj.

Officials said ganja is mostly transported through National Highway-30 in Chhattisgarhs Maoist insurgency-hit Bastar.

Ganja from Odisha and Araku Valley is transported through NH-30. The trucks enter from Konta and pass through Sukma, Jagdalpur, Kondagaon, Kanker, Dhamatari and reach Raipur. Once the consignment reaches Raipur, it is easy for them to transport in Maharashtra through Rajnandgaon, said a police officer in Bastar.

He added police in these areas are involved in anti-Maoist operations and checking or tracking of ganja peddling is less priority. We do not have enough police force to engage in tracking ganja

An intelligence official said about Rs100 crore worth ganja is supplied every year through this route.
American Airlines has announced that it will no longer serve alcohol on flights to and from Washington D.C. after flight attendants 'were forced to confront passengers exhibiting politically motivated aggression towards other passengers and crew.'

The move is one of several new 'precautionary' measures taken by the airline and comes as thousands of fanatical Trump supporters descended on the Capitol, with several haggling Senator Mitt Romney on his flight to DC.

'We are working closely with local law enforcement and airport authority partners to ensure the safety of our customers and team members on the ground and in the air,' the airline's statement said, CNN reports.

No specific incident was highlighted by the American Airlines as having been the reason for the move.

As American Airlines made its announcement, a top Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) official called for pro-Trump supporters to be denied access to commercial airline flights.

The move is one of several new 'precautionary' measures taken by the airline and comes after videos showed various flights where Trump supporters heckled Senator Mitt Romney on his flight to DC

Alcohol will no longer be served on American Airline flights to and from D.C.

AFA International President Sara Nelson issued a statement on Wednesday calling the 'mob mentality' that occurred on several flights to D.C. 'unacceptable,' adding that they 'threatened the safety and security of every single person onboard.'

'It will not happen again,' Nelson declared. AFA represents some 50,000 flight attendants across 20 airlines, and Nelson asserted that those who act in such an egregious manner would be possibly barred from flying.

(AFA) International President Sara Nelson issued a statement calling the 'mob mentality' that occurred on several flights to D.C. 'unacceptable'

She continued: 'Some of the people who traveled in our planes yesterday participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today. Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area.

'Acts against our democracy, our government, and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.'

The AFA president also issued a message to union members explaining that they were aware of multiple incidents on flights that were headed to DC.

'As safety professionals, we are well trained in handling inflight disruptions, but we should never find ourselves having to deal with politically motivated verbal or physical altercations onboard,' the message said.

Flight attendants were advised to 'maintain situational awareness, and attempt to deal with all safety and security issues on the ground.'

During a flight on Tuesday to D.C., Romney was heckled by Trump supporters. 'Let him know what we think,' a woman screams before a group of Trump supporters with their masks pulled down chant 'traitor' and 'traitor Mitt' from their seats. Romney is believed to be sitting further ahead in the plane, but he cannot be seen as the Trump fans record the incident.

The message continued: 'Remain extra vigilant on flights departing from the Washington, D.C. area for the next few days, and involve your fellow crew members if you have safety concerns.'

Romney cannot be seen in the video of his particular incident, which went viral on Tuesday night. The video shared claims that it was taken on the plane as Romney flew to DC on Tuesday evening.

Romney cannot be seen in the video of his particular incident, which went viral on Tuesday night. He was seen getting heckled in an airport, however

'Let him know what we think,' a woman screams before a group of Trump supporters with their masks pulled down chant 'traitor' and 'traitor Mitt' from their seats.

Romney is believed to be sitting further ahead in the plane, but he cannot be seen as the Trump fans record the incident.

It is not known if the same woman who approached him in the airport was on the flight.

'Resign Mitt. We want to know your connection to Burisma and Joe Biden, Mitt Romney,' one woman shouts.

The senator was defended by another woman who shouted: 'We love you Mitt Romney you're great, you're doing awesome. I'm one of your constituents and I think you're doing wonderful.'

'You're one of maybe a million who think opposite of you,' a Trump fan tells her.

One woman later tweeted about the incident alleging: 'Flew into DC with coward @MittRomney hiding with two masks, glasses and a bubble helmet. Don't worry- we let him know what we thought about him #TRAITOR.'

Another video shared on Wednesday showed more Trump supporters traveling on a plane from Texas to Washington, DC. Images from the plane shows a 'Trump 2020' projection in the cockpit

In response to the heckling, Romney told reporters Wednesday: 'That's something I've gotten used to over the years. That's the nature of politics today.

Another video shared on Wednesday showed more Trump supporters traveling on a plane from Texas to Washington, DC.

In the new footage, flight attendants struggle to control the plane full of pro-Trump passengers. At one point in the video, someone on the plane displays a 'Trump 2020' projection before the lights in the cockpit are turned on.

Meanwhile, people are heard yelling at each other, with one saying: 'Shut the hell up!'

Others are heard claiming that someone on the flight 'threatened' them but it's unclear what happened.
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Right now, classic hottie Kim confronts harsh times along with the rest of the nation despite her MILLIONS of dollars in cash & merch deals. And all of THAT inspires our peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines this morning.



Local COVID Upshot Appears

Jackson County Health Department receives first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines INDEPENDENCE, Mo - Jackson County received 975 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in its first shipment which is going to what they call patient facing health care workers. Those vaccinations started Wednesday morning. It has been a struggle for healthcare workers not affiliated with a hospital system to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but the Jackson County Health Department is filling that hole.

Locals Talk Latest EPIC American Riot

Kansas Citians speak out about storming of US Capitol All across the metro Kansas Citians reacted to Wednesday's developments at the U.S. Capitol."I've never seen anything like that at the Capitol," barber Ryan Surratt said.At the Surr-Cutts Barber Shop near 60th Street and Swope Parkway, business is at a standstill.

JoCo Burns Overnight

Smoke alarm alerts Overland Park woman to her bedroom on fire OVERLAND PARK, KS (KCTV) -- An Overland Park woman says she awoke to the sound of her smoke alarm to find her bedroom on fire. She evacuated safely and called 911. Crews from Overland Park and Consolidated Fire District #2 were called about 1:15 a.m.

Kim Returns To Market

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are getting a divorce: 'She's done' Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are over. Multiple sources tell Page Six that "divorce is imminent" for the Hollywood couple, with Kardashian hiring divorce attorney to the stars Laura Wasser. "They are keeping it low-key but they are done," says a source. "Kim has hired Laura Wasser and they are in settlement talks."

Prez Trump Relents

Trump says there will be an 'orderly transition' of power after Congress confirms Biden win President Donald Trump said early Thursday that he was willing to allow an "orderly transition" of power, just minutes after Congress formally confirmed the election of Joe Biden as president. A statement from the president on Twitter via Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Dan Scavino repeated baseless claims of widespread voter fraud, but included the reversal.

Prez-Elect Biden Wins

Biden's Electoral College victory certified -- hours after Capitol chaos The U.S. Congress early Thursday certified the Electoral College vote that gave Democrat Joe Biden his presidential victory -- after a day in Washington that was marred by pro-Trump protesters storming the U.S. Capitol. Lawmakers returned to the chamber in an act of defiance, with some Republicans who initially vowed to challenge states' results due to voter fraud concerns announcing they'd instead vote to certify.

Capitol Death Toll Revealed

DC police say 4 dead, 52 arrested after chaos at Capitol Washington D.C. police said late Wednesday that the earlier security breach at the U.S. Capitol resulted in four deaths -- including a woman who had been shot -- and at least 52 arrests. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, said there will be an extension of the public emergency for the next 15 days, which is slated to run through President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Jan.

Hip-Hop Cruelty Exposed

Dr. Dre's Home Hit By Would-Be Burglars Who Apparently Saw He was Hospitalized with Aneurysm Some alleged criminals apparently saw Dr. Dre was in the hospital because they tried breaking into his home ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ. Our sources say 4 men were on Dre's Pacific Palisades property Wednesday around 2 AM. Security spotted them as they were casing the house.

Local Morning After QB Call

'They could have and should have seen this coming,' local experts say of Capitol riot KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Wednesday's breach of the U.S. Capitol has raised questions about how protesters were able to get inside Congressional offices and chambers. They're scenes few thought they'd see play out inside the U.S. Capitol, and it was easy for anyone who watched the chaos at home to second guess security measures and efforts.

Building Downtown Redux

Copaken Brooks works on transformation of Town Pavilion skyscraper - Kansas City Business Journal For nearly a month, Copaken Brooks has been chiseling away at a multimillion-dollar effort to affirm its Town Pavilion tower as a "premiere Class A office destination." On Dec. 7, the commercial real estate firm began an effort to "dramatically transform" the 1100 Walnut St.

Carryout Foodie Fest

Everything you need to know about 2021's Kansas City Restaurant Week KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The last time Kansas City held its annual Restaurant Week, the industry looked a lot different. Diners could pack every table, waiters weren't wearing masks, and dozens more restaurants across the metro were still open. Then the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Kansas City Cold Contd

Your Storm Track 5 Daily Forecast Gloomy skies and a light rain will combine to make the evening a rough one for those with designs on spending some time outdoors. Just letting your dog out to do its evening business may be difficult with a cold rain falling on half melted snow.

Madonna - Justify My Love #1 in January 1991 is the #TBT song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Scottish fishermen have been told to catch less fish because of problems exporting their catch to the European Union (EU), due to long delays created by new Brexit red tape.

Were now advising the catching sector to ease up, said Jimmy Buchan, chief executive of the Scottish Seafood Association, after reporting that trucks carrying fish were facing four-hour-long waits to be cleared for onward transport. We cant guarantee well get it into the marketplace.

The UKs fishing sector -- which has been identified by the government as a major beneficiary of Brexit -- is one of the worst-hit by new bureaucracy, requiring forms such as catch certificates and health documents issued by a vet to be able to sell to the EU, its biggest export market. A shortage of vets to issue the forms is causing delays, Buchan said.

Buchan said Transports Mesguen, a French trucking company that moves fish, had intended to send four trucks for export Tuesday, but had only managed to send two due to the customs hold-ups.

Weve been ill-prepared, Buchan said. The government hasnt listened to the warnings the industry has continually been giving.

Britains free-trade deal with the EU saw it negotiate a 25% increase in the catch for UKs boats in British waters over the next five years, followed by annual negotiations. However, being outside the EUs single market and customs union, fishermen face poorer market access, and must follow rules such as sending their fish through designated border control posts.

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By Gul Yousafzai and Syed Raza Hassan

QUETTA/KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) - Protests over the killing of 11 Shi'ite Hazara minority coal miners by Islamic State militants on Sunday have spread to other cities in Pakistan, including the economic powerhouse of Karachi.

Police said on Thursday there were sit-ins in at least 19 locations in the sprawling southern metropolis.

Flights were delayed because access to the airport had been affected.

Hundreds of Hazara have been killed in Pakistan over the last decade in attacks by Pakistani Sunni Muslim militant groups who see Shi'ites as apostates, and by Islamic State militants. Attacks have included bombings in schools and crowded markets and brazen ambushes of buses along Pakistani roads.

The protesters have asked Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Quetta, where demonstrators have kept up a five-day long vigil alongside coffins carrying the victims' bodies, blocking a major highway.

Demands also include the dissolution of the provincial government there, and a serious effort by Islamabad to find and punish the culprits.

Most of the victims were seasonal migrant workers from an impoverished area of neighbouring Afghanistan.

Their gruesome killings, near the coal fields they worked, were filmed and later posted online by Islamic State.

The Afghanistan consulate in the city of Quetta said seven of the victims were Afghan, and asked Pakistani authorities to repatriate three of the bodies on Tuesday.

Khan has dispatched three cabinet ministers to persuade the protesters in Quetta to disperse, to no avail.

"I share your pain & have come to you before also to stand with you in your time of suffering," Khan tweeted on Wednesday.

"I will come again very soon to offer prayers and console with all the families personally."

Leaders of Pakistan's two largest opposition parties, Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, were scheduled to visit the Quetta sit-in on Thursday.

After nearly 100 Hazaras were killed in a 2013 bombing in Quetta, sit-ins were held across Pakistan that only ended after the then prime minister met with the mourners.

(Reporting by Gul Yousafzai in Quetta and Syed Raza Hassan in Karachi; Writing by Umar Farooq, Editing by William Maclean)
As America's allies issued strong condemnations of rioters who stormed the US Capitol building in Washington on Wednesday, the nation's geopolitical foes used last night's events to question the efficacy of democracy.

The violence erupted after US President Donald Trump spoke to protesters to repeat his false claim that he won the US election in November.

Scenes of armed rioters breaching and trashing the Capitol -- which interrupted Congress's count of electoral votes to certify President-elect Joe Biden's win -- disturbed top diplomats around the world. Democratic leaders reacted with concern online, describing the chaotic scenes as "shocking" and "disgraceful."

As the chaos unfolded, several foreign embassies in Washington issued stay-at-home notices for their citizens, and European leaders began deploying the language usually reserved for incidents in which democratic values and rule of law are under siege.

And on Thursday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a strong condemnation against both the rioters and President Trump.

"On the United States and the election, I want to say that all my life America has stood for some very important things  an idea of freedom and an idea of democracy. And ... so far as he encouraged people to storm the Capitol and insofar as the President has consistently cast doubt on the outcome of a free and fair election, I believe that that was completely wrong," he said a press conference, in response to a journalist's question.

"And what President Trump has been saying about that has been completely wrong and I unreservedly condemn encouraging people to behave in the disgraceful way that they did in the Capitol," he added.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who rarely comments on the internal affairs of the alliance's member states, urged Americans to respect the outcome of the November election. His call was echoed by European Parliament President David Sassoli, who added, "We are certain the US will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected."

"President Trump and several members of Congress bear substantial responsibility for developments," tweeted Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven. "The democratic election process must be respected."

There were however notes of schadenfreude in the responses from Russian and Iranian officials. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called Trump a "sick person" who had disgraced his country during a televised speech Thursday on Iran's state-run news agencies.

"What happened in the US shows how fragile Western democracy is," he said. "Despite all their scientific and industrial achievements, we see a huge influence of populism. When a sick person takes office, we see how he disgraces his country and creates troubles for the world."

Russian President Vladimir Putin -- who has consistently rejected American "unilateralism" as the world's global power -- made no statement on last night's chaotic events, but his lawmakers did not hold back.

Konstantin Kosachev, the chairman of the Russian upper house foreign affairs committee, said the storming signaled the derailment of American democracy.

"The celebration of democracy is over. Alas, this is rock bottom, I say this without a hint of gloating," Kosachev wrote on Facebook Thursday. "America no longer defines the course, and therefore has lost all right to set it. And even more so to impose it on others," Kosachev said.

Kosachev cited Trump's "narcissism, eccentricity and adventurism" and "impersonal political platforms of Democrats and Republicans" as reasons behind the unrest.

"America is split in half, and the equal halves will always challenge any voting results that are to their disadvantage," he wrote.

A lawmaker from Russia's lower house of parliament and a member of the information policy committee, Anton Gorelkin, praised the social media platforms' decision to restrict Donald Trump's accounts.

"Events in the United States once again show the power of social networks as tools for influencing the masses," Gorelkin wrote on his Telegram channel.

Russian state TV anchor Evgeny Popov noted sarcastically on Twitter that "the world is bursting at its seams. Thank God, not our world. Merry Christmas!"

Distressing scenes

Allies saw last night's chaos as a disturbing warning for democracies, with some top leaders imploring Trump to accept the results of the free and fair 2020 election in the US.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a meeting on Thursday that the riots made her feel "angry and sad."

"A basic rule of democracy is after the election there are winners and losers, both have to play their role with decency and responsibility so that democracy itself remains the winner," she said.

"I regret very much that President Trump did not admit defeat in November and again yesterday," she added.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the violence as "disgraceful" and said it should be "vigorously condemned," as other Israeli political figures hinted it contained a warning for their own country. "Lawlessness and violence are the opposite of the values we know Americans and Israelis cherish," he said.

Gideon Saar, leader of the right-wing New Hope party, and tipped as a strong challenger to Netanyahu in March's general election, said in a statement, "The events serve as an important reminder of the dangers of polarization and extremism in society. We must never take democracy and its institutions for granted."

"Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour," tweeted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld -- and it will be."

Leaders from the Pacific responded as well. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison condemned the "very distressing" scenes of violence, and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tweeted, "What is happening is wrong. Democracy -- the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob."

Several leaders held the US President personally responsible for the upset and its resolution. "What we are now seeing from Washington is a completely unacceptable attack on democracy in the United States. President Trump is responsible for stopping this. Scary pictures, and amazing that this is the United States," wrote Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

"Shocking & deeply sad scenes in Washington DC -- we must call this out for what it is: a deliberate assault on Democracy by a sitting President & his supporters, attempting to overturn a free & fair election! The world is watching! We hope for restoration of calm," said Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney.

And Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte addressed Trump directly. "Horrible images from Washington DC Dear Donald Trump, recognise Joe Biden as the next president today."

Some countries warned their citizens in the US to be careful of the violence. "On January 6, there is a mass protest in DC, and the local government has announced an emergency curfew," said the Chinese embassy to the US in a statement, cautioning citizens to pay attention to the situation and "to be vigilant."

After rioting began in Washington, Turkey's Foreign Ministry also recommended that its citizens in the US "stay away from crowded places and places where shows are held."

Many, including top diplomats and leaders in Iceland, France, Austria, Poland, Ecuador, Colombia and Scotland among others, reminded the US of its role as a model of democracy in the world, and expressed disbelief at the breach of the US Capitol -- the first time that the building had been overrun since a British attack during the War of 1812, according to Samuel Holliday, director of scholarship and operations with the US Capitol Historical Society.

"This is not America," wrote European Union High Representative Josep Borrell, who described the mob's actions as "an unseen assault on US democracy, its institutions and the rule of law."

"The US Congress is a temple of democracy. To witness tonight's scenes in #WashingtonDC is a shock," said President of the European Council Charles Michel.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also wrote, "I believe in the strength of US institutions and democracy. Peaceful transition of power is at the core. Joe Biden won the election."

"I look forward to working with him as the next President of the USA," she added.
Defying Donald Trumps claims that the Vice-President can reject electoral votes, Mike Pence said the Constitution does not give him unilateral authority to decide which votes should be counted

Washington: Vice President Mike Pence defied President Donald Trump early Thursday morning as he affirmed President-elect Joe Bidens November victory, putting an end to Trumps futile efforts to subvert American democracy and overturn the results of the election.

In a move that infuriated Trump and left his own political future far less certain, Pence on Wednesday acknowledged that he did not have the power to unilaterally throw out electoral college votes as Trump and some of his attorneys had wrongly insisted.

Pence, as the session came to an end, said the count shall be deemed a sufficient declaration" of Biden's victory, but offered no words of congratulations to the incoming administration. It capped an extraordinary day of chaos, violence and division after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, sending lawmakers into hiding and delaying the proceeding.

Meanwhile, outgoing President Donald Trump, currently blocked on Twitter, issued a statement through his social media director Dan Scavino which assured an orderly transition on 20 January. Trump said, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on 20 January.

...fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!  Dan Scavino (@DanScavino) January 7, 2021

Under normal circumstances, the vote-tallying procedure would be a mere formality  the final step in the complicated technical process of electing a new administration. But after losing court case after court case and with no further options at hand, Trump and his allies had zeroed in on 6 January as their last ditch chance to try to influence the outcome.

They spent days in a futile bid trying to convince Pence that the vice president had the power to reject electors from battleground states that voted for Biden, even though the Constitution makes clear the vice presidents role in the joint session is largely ceremonial, much like a master of ceremonies.

Pence acknowledged that reality in a lengthy statement Wednesday laying out his conclusion that a vice president cannot claim unilateral authority to reject states' electoral votes.

It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not, Pence wrote in a letter to members of Congress that was released shortly before he gaveled in the joint session of Congress. Not long after, the angry mob swarmed the Capitol, overwhelmed police and halted the proceeding that had been underway.

Pence's move was an expected outcome, but one that carved a dramatic fissure between Trump and Pence, his once most loyal lieutenant. In a dramatic split screen, Pence released the statement just after he arrived at the Capitol to tally the votes and as the president was telling thousands of supporters gathered near the White House that Pence could overturn them if he wanted.

If Mike Pence does the right thing we win the election, Trump wrongly told supporters, who later marched through Washington and stormed the Capitol. He repeatedly returned to Pence throughout his speech, voicing frustration as he tried to pressure the vice president to fall in line.

Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us. And if he doesnt, its a sad day for our country," he said.

Trump, who has spent the last two months refusing to acknowledge his defeat, later tweeted his disapproval.

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify," he wrote. USA demands the truth!

Pence, too, was fuming. Ive known Mike Pence forever, Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma told Tulsa World. Ive never seen Pence as angry as he was today."

He said, After all the things Ive done for (Trump),' Inhofe added.

Despite claims by Trump and his allies, there was not widespread fraud in the election. This has been confirmed by a range of election officials and by William Barr, who stepped down as Trump's attorney general last month. Neither Trump nor any of the lawmakers who objected to the count have presented credible evidence that would change the outcome.

While Pence's allies had made clear that he intended to defy Trump and hew to the Constitution, the vice president's move was nonetheless a significant departure for a man who has spent the last four years defending the president at every turn and carefully avoiding his ire.

Pence is eying his own run for president is 2024, and the episode could damage his prospects, especially if Trump  or supporters who were wrongly convinced Pence had the power to change the outcome  maintain a grudge. Even out of office, Trump is expected to remain the de facto leader of the Republican Party and a political kingmaker for years to come.

Trump spent much of Wednesday consumed with anger over Pences action, even as violent protesters swarmed the US Capitol, forcing lawmakers into hiding and grinding the proceedings to a halt, according to a White House official who spoke only on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.

Pence was ushered out of the Senate chamber to a secure location as protesters breached the building. Pence never left the Capitol, according to his chief spokesman, and was in regular contact with House and Senate leadership, Capitol Police, and the departments of defense and justice throughout the ordeal.

The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now, Pence later tweeted. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building.

After the House and Senate reconvened hours later, Pence re-opened the proceedings and returned to the task of opening the certificates of electoral votes from each state and presenting them to the appointed tellers from the House and Senate in alphabetical order.

After hours of roll calls and debate, he announced the contests' winners  Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris  formalising his and Trump's defeat.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The January 6, 2021 insurrection attack on the U.S. Capitol is another day that will live in infamy. As should President Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani who ignited it, and all those who enabled and fed it, including Rep Jim Jordan, Senators Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz.

Today all should resign, along with the Commanders of the Capitol police and D.C. police whose gross negligence facilitated the historic security breech.

The 25th Amendment needs to be immediately invoked by Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to remove Trump from office as soon as possible. Hes proven before, during and after the insurrection he is unfit to serve, a deranged, mentally incapacitated menace to the nation. He poses too big a risk to remain in office another day, let alone two weeks.

Impeachment proceedings must also begin to hold the insurrectionist commander in chief accountable and bar him from ever running for office again. Donald Trump is the reason theres the 25th Amendment and Impeachment in the U.S. Constitution.

If Sen Hawley doesnt resign, recall efforts need to begin in Missouri. In an editorial, The Kansas City Star held Hawley and Trump chiefly responsible for the attack.

No one other than President Donald Trump himself is more responsible for Wednesdays coup attempt at the U.S. Capitol than one Joshua David Hawley, the 41-year-old junior senator from Missouri, who put out a fundraising appeal while the siege was underway, opened the editorial.

Hawley was captured in a now infamous photo giving an outstretched arm-clinched fist salute to the Trump mob as they marched upon the Capitol.

He was the first Senator to second objections in the House by Trump toad Jordan, and others, to states certifications of Biden-Harris wins.

Unlike at least six other Senators, Hawley refused to drop his baseless objections when the certification confirmation count resumed in the Senate chambers after the riot and Capitol building was belatedly secured.

Hawley is a highly educated former District Attorney and U.S. Supreme Court clerk. But is another example that you can be both book smart and a complete idiot.

He aspires to be president in 2024. Which is the only reason he filed objections to the electoral vote count, thinking he needed to kiss the swine asses of the deplorables who would besiege the Capitol and desecrate the flag and Constitution he took an oath to follow and defend.

The GOP would have to be suicidal to nominate either Hawley or Ted Cruz in 2024, if the party even still exists then, and it might not in present form.

It would be an insult to authentic protestors and demonstrators to refer to the mob that attacked the Capitol as either. Seeing the rioters climb the Capitol walls and pour thru the halls and offices reminded me of a rat infestation, but its an insult to all rodents to be compared to the deranged Trump supporters, especially those carrying Confederate flags and trying to lower the stars and stripes to raise a Trump flag over the Capitol.

They werent true Law and Order advocates. They werent true protestors or demonstrators. They were lawbreakers fomenting disorder, terrorists, anarchists, insurrectionists, traitors, thugs, thieves, patriot posers, vandals, dupes, dumbest of the dumb, deplorable.

Trumps mob should have their red hats, shirts and flags reprinted to read:

MORON CONNED BY DON!!

Not wearing masks, along with their social media postings will make rioters easier to identify. Once identified, they need to be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law, be it for trespassing, vandalism or felony sedititous conspiracy, as should any public officials who ignited and enabled them, including President Trump and Rudy Giuliani.

This cartoon was first posted on Cleveland.com and in The Plain Dealer in 2018.

Trump ignited the attack with his remarks at a rally near the Capitol during which he continued to spew his false disinformation that the election was corrupted and stolen from him.

At the same rally, Rudy Giuliani poured gas on the already inflamed mob telling them Lets have trial by combat. Lets have Rudy disbarred, arrested and trial by either Federal or New York State Court.

Like Giuliani, Trump continued to pour gas on the mob he ignited when he released a recorded statement during the Capitol rampage. Trump called for the violence to end, but had nice words for the insurgents and spewed more lies about the election.

Trump had to be goaded by staff into even releasing his video statement to quell the violence. Its been reported that he actually liked seeing the attack and was encouraged by it.

Trump again had to be goaded by staff to release another statement after Congress certified the Electoral College win of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris.

The statement had to be released on a staffers twitter account because Trumps had been locked-out by Twitter for his repeated inflammatory tweets filled with lies. The statement itself, continued to lie about the election.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th. I have always said we would continue our...

...fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!

The facts didnt and dont bear Trump out. Sixty court cases Trump brought were all thrown out, including by judges appointed by Trump himself. All legal votes were counted, which was certified by all states, including those with Trump voting legislatures, governors and secretaries of state, like Ohio.

Trumps statement that there will be an orderly transition can no longer be trusted, even if hes removed and in a metal institution or jail, both of which he belongs in.

The only other time the U.S. Capitol had been attacked and invaded was during the War of 1812 by British forces. Four people died during the Jan 6, attack. One woman had been shot and killed. Her blood and the lost lives of the others are on the hands of Trump, Giuliani, Jordan, Hawely, Cruz and all the enablers.

Wednesday, Melania Trumps chief of staff resigned, as did the deputy National Security Adviser. The National Security Adviser is also considering resigning. He should since the number one national security threat is his boss, disgraced, despicable, deplorable Donald J. Trump.


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A small group of people gathered outside the Midland office of U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 to protest the congressman's support of the president after a pro-Trump mob breached the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. hours earlier.

For more information about the breach of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, click here.
Students are fearing for their future after A-level and GCSE exams were cancelled due to a surge in Covid cases - as some say marks are now based on 'teachers' opinions'.

Boris Johnson announced on Monday that summer exams would be cancelled as it was not 'possible or fair' for them to go ahead following country-wide school closures.

Speaking in the Commons yesterday, Gavin Williamson explained that exams would be replaced by school-based assessments - but failed to give any detail on how and when they should be completed.

Furious students have blasted the Education Secretary's plans as 'waffle', claiming their results are at the mercy of 'teachers' opinion' and could be subject to bias.

London student Alanta McKenzie, 18, said she fears teacher-assessed grades could hold pupils back from showing their full abilities.

Jacob Winton, 17, (left) said cancelling A-level and GCSE exams made him 'worried' for his future. Sheffield student Ayden Hadfield (right) said he is concerned about mock exams coming sooner than expected

She told The Mirror: 'I feel like we can't really show what we can truly do. It's just based on our teachers opinions.'

Student Jacob Winton, 17 - who goes to Forge Valley School in Sheffield - said he was worried that school assessment marks will be considered worse than exam grades in the future.

But he told MailOnline: 'My main worries are whether my teacher assessed grades will be looked upon in the future as a lesser grade just because I never actually completed my exams.

'I think teacher-assessed grades are the fairest way to do things and I am glad that there will not be a repeat of last year's grading disaster.

'It was all the uncertainty that really stressed me out, but I now feel more relaxed that the people who are most likely to give me a fair grade are in charge of doing so.'

Student Joel, 18, said that the pressure of a mock exam counting for a final grade means the tests aren't cancelled after all - just brought forward

He added: 'The only thing that concerns me Is if the tests have to be done at home, the temptation to cheat is always there and as there is a lot riding on these tests, I think people may be more tempted to cheat.

'Other than that, I think it's the fairest way as the teachers know the pupils best and know what everyone is capable of.'

Sheffield student Ayden Hadfield added: 'My main worries about the cancellation of exams is about the mock tests that are coming up a lot sooner that I imagined.

'They will be very vital to our final grade - though I do believe not having the exams looming over me most of the year and getting through it a bit earlier will be important to me and other pupils' mental health and well-being.

'The cancelling of exams will affect my future tremendously as Im a student with great predicted grades for university.'

Student Joel, 18, also echoed his concerns about exams being brought forward.

He said: 'School says they're going to go ahead with a full set of mocks to generate our teacher-assessed grade.

'So effectively exams aren't cancelled for us then they're now just earlier. Thanks a bunch.'

He told MailOnline: 'I think a lot of us are concerned about the basis for generating our teacher-assessed grades.

'We were repeatedly reassured that final exams would go ahead.

Speaking in the Commons yesterday (pictured), Gavin Williamson explained that exams would be replaced by school-based assessments - but failed to give any detail on how and when they should be completed

'We perhaps didn't invest as much time or effort in revision for the few mock exams that we've had, which may now be used to generate our grades, as we would have had we known they would be considered when awarding our final grades.

'Similarly we're being told to expect further mock exams despite missing five months of education last year, and possibly another few months this year.'

Another student - Jake, 17, from Buckinghamshire - said cancelling exams is a 'big disappointment'.

He told the BBC: 'I have been working a lot harder and I feel I can do better in my exams, but I feel like I'm not going to get that chance now.

'And because we're going to be spending less time in school, I know over a zoom lesson it's going to be a lot harder for me to show teachers that I can do a lot better.'

Others took to Twitter to vent their frustration - with several slamming the Education Secretary's handling of the fiasco.

A-level student Danish Ahmed wrote: 'Gavin Williamson's briefing was awful! Can someone tell me what's happening for A-levels?

'I know about the teacher assessments but I need dates and content to be covered, for example!

'He had all of Tuesday to give us something meaningful but came on just to waffle as always.

'Of course it doesn't seem to bother him, though. It's not like our futures are hugely dependent on these GCSE's and A-levels or anything like that... Oh wait. Yes, yes they are.'

Last year's exams descended into chaos after thousands of students were arbitrarily downgraded by what Mr Johnson called a 'mutant algorithm' from Ofqual.

Mr Williamson said this year's system needed to be 'fine tuned' but would rely on 'a form of teacher-assessed grades with training and support provided to ensure these are awarded fairly and consistently across the country' - and not an algorithm.

He also revealed that primary school SATs would not go ahead this year across England. Exams have also been cancelled in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Q&A: What has happened and what will replace exams? What has happened? All GCSEs and A-levels have been abandoned for the second year in a row, after Boris Johnson instructed schools to shut for a lengthy spell amid the third national lockdown. The fate of technical and vocational qualifications scheduled for this month remains uncertain after ministers said they could still go ahead but met with major opposition from colleges and students. What will replace GCSEs and A-levels? Since pupils are certain to lose out on at least half a term of crucial learning in important exam years  following last year's mayhem  the Government believes that even watered-down exams would end up being significantly unfair to those pupils living in regions worst-hit by the virus or in families where remote learning is harder. Therefore teacher-assessed grades will be used  formulated by education staff who know their students best. What happened last year? Wasn't it a disaster? Exams were also cancelled in 2020. Teachers were asked to come up with grades and a ranking order for their pupils. Although not without difficulties, this side of things proceeded relatively smoothly. However chaos struck when Ofqual processed the marks through a programme dubbed a 'mutant algorithm' by Boris Johnson. This led to thousands of students being downgraded unfairly, triggering a U-turn and the abandonment of the entire 'moderation' process. With new leaders in place following the scandal, Ofqual is almost certain to avoid any repeat of a reliance on computerised exam referees, although some system will still need to be thought up to tackle potential abuses. Advertisement

Private schools have said they will set mocks for when their children return later in the year and suggested some may sit international GCSEs, which are still going ahead this summer.

State schools are waiting for guidance from exams regulator Ofqual before deciding whether to follow suit.

University student Myah Phelan - who's younger sister is studying for her GCSEs - said teacher-assessed grades could be impacted by institutional bias as the anonymity afforded with formal exams no longer applies.

She told MailOnline: 'I am mixed race - Caribbean and British. My experience at SATs was horrible, I scored tremendously low. In the lead up to GCSE's I was told I wouldn't get above a C causing me to not apply for grammar schools due to the suggestions of my teachers.

'When in fact I achieved primarily A's and a few B's. The entire secondary experience I was set to fail always being given target grades that were below the average.

'I am now at the University of Liverpool studying architecture a course which required AAA at A-Level and I have maintained an average of 2:1 over two years.

'Had my predicted grades been awarded to me I would have only achieved CCC at A-level which on results day it appeared I much exceeded.'

She added: 'I fear for my sister and students alike that this may impact their future tremendously.'

A parent - who only provided her first name Elena - said: 'Our sons or daughters in Year 11 and Year 13 will be the most harmed, even more than last year.

'They are not prepared for GSCE,A-levels (some of them have missed eight months of lessons).

'First mocks in our high school had very bad results. You can't play with my son's future.'

Another parent wrote: 'GCSE's and A-Levels in the UK have been cancelled! What effect is that going to have on your children and our youth's future careers and employment?'

Someone else added: 'A-Levels and GCSE's have been scrapped. What does this mean for the future of the kids' educations?'

A Twitter user wrote : 'A-levels and GCSEs cancelled. No one likes exams but the grades that essentially plan your future are left dependent on your teachers predictions and mock exams.'

But not everyone was critical of the move to cancel sit-in exams.

Student Brook Midgley wrote: 'Such a relief knowing A-Levels are cancelled after months of feeling uneasy and stressed about the future. At Least it is one less thing on our collective plate.'

Suzanne Sampson said: 'GCSE and A-levels should be graded by teachers in the future. Putting kids into stressful exam conditions is not a true reflection of their abilities.'

Their comment follows the news that schools now plan to hold their own mock exams after Mr Williamson failed to explain how staff will be able to accurately grade GCSE and A-level students.

Headteachers have said they have 'no choice' but to test their pupils in some way after Mr Williamson's 'vague statement' in the Commons yesterday.

An ITV News poll of 6,000 teachers found that 92 per cent believe Mr Williamson should resign immediately over the exams debacle and his threat to sue councils for shutting schools because of Covid - just days before closing them all himself until mid-February.

Magnus Bashaarat, head of Bedales School in Hampshire, who is calling for the minister to quit or be fired said today: 'No one actually involved in education has confidence in Mr Williamson's ability to navigate a way through this crisis ... it's time for him to go.'

Robert Halfon, chairman of the Education Select Committee, said Mr Williamson needed to 'make a policy and stick to it' while guaranteeing a 'level playing field'.

Ex-Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said of Mr Williamson: 'He has got a lot wrong up to now, hasn't he?'

Asked if he should resign, Sir Michael replied: 'He gets other people to resign  permanent secretaries and the head of Ofqual. He has got to take final accountability for what has gone on'.

Kevin Fear, headmaster of Nottingham High School, has said: 'We would use a mixture of teacher judgment and our own internal assessments to form the basis of our grades'. Kieran McLaughlin, the head of Durham School, added: 'I would say we would conduct some in-house formal assessments for pupils which could then be moderated externally.'

Charlotte Rose assists one of her children, who is being home schooled in Milton Keynes

Private schools are leading the way by confirming they plan to test students and have them moderated independently to ensure teachers grade the children fairly. Headteachers are also waiting for exams regulator Ofqual to give guidance.

Kevin Fear, headmaster of Nottingham High School, told The Times: 'We would use a mixture of teacher judgment and our own internal assessments to form the basis of our grades.

Timeline: PM's path to Lockdown 3 and how Gavin Williamson threatened to sue shutting schools before the Boris closed them October 14 Boris Johnson rules out a two-week circuit breaker after calls from Labour. October 31 The PM announces a four-week lockdown beginning on November 5. December 2 National lockdown ends but a new tier system is brought in, with London and the south-east in Tier 2 and areas of the north in Tier 3. December 14 London and Essex is moved into Tier 3 as Matt Hancock reveals a new mutant strain of Covid has been found. December 15 Boris Johnsons rules out more Christmas restrictions and said: 'I want to be clear, we don't want to ban Christmas' Gavin Williamson threatens councils who shut schools with legal action and forces Greenwich schools to reopen after one day December 19 The Government announces a new Tier 4 - and bans mixing at Christmas for much of the country December 22 SAGE scientists recommend shutting schools as a way to keep the 'R' around or below 1 December 28 Gavin Williams convinces Boris Johnson not to shut primary schools and open most on time on January 4 But secondaries are later closed until January 18 January 3 2021 Boris Johnson says parents in England should send primary school children to school saying they are 'safe. It is very, very important to stress that and the risk to kids, to young people, to staff is very small'. January 4 Boris Johnson announces national lockdown and shuts all schools because they could be acting as 'vectors for transmission'. Advertisement

'Depending on when students return to school, we may also try to do some mock exams. There is also the issue in many independent schools that we do a number of International GCSEs and so far these have not been 'cancelled'.'

Kieran McLaughlin, the head of Durham School, added: 'Left totally to our choice, I would say we would conduct some in-house formal assessments for pupils which could then be moderated externally.'

Mr Williamson said his department and the regulator Ofqual had 'worked up a range of contingency options' involving teacher assessment.

But he offered few details when he addressed the Commons yesterday.

'Although exams are the fairest way we have of assessing what a student knows, the impact of this pandemic now means it is not possible to have these exams this year,' he told MPs.

'I can confirm that GCSEs, A-levels and AS-level exams will not go ahead this summer. This year, we're going to put our trust in teachers, rather than algorithms.'

Mr Williamson has faced widespread criticism for his handling of education during the pandemic.

But Mr Johnson's press secretary Allegra Stratton said yesterday the Prime Minister believes the Education Secretary is doing his job 'to his utmost ability'.

Natalie Perera, of the Education Policy Institute think-tank, said Mr Williamson's statement 'was notably short on detail'.

Geoff Barton, of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: 'It is the detail which is all important and which schools and colleges urgently need.

'It is frustrating that there is not an off-the-shelf Plan B ready to go.

'What the Government and Ofqual must certainly avoid is a repeat of the shambles of last summer.'

Ofqual's interim chief regulator Simon Lebus also highlighted the uncertainty and the prospect of teachers facing more paperwork. 'It is going to be a lot of work,' he said. 'One of the concerns I have is the extra workload for teachers, but it is also going to be something that is complex in how the awarding organisations manage it.'

He said: 'There are going to be lots of different moving parts to come up with the right outcomes.'

Earlier he expressed concern that pupils may lose motivation with exams cancelled but urged them to 'please continue to engage as fully as you can in your education  this will put you in the best position, whatever arrangements are made for your qualifications'.

Labour's education spokesman Kate Green also pressed Mr Williamson on his plans, saying it was 'children, families and education staff across the country who pay the price for his incompetence'.

The National Education Union's Dr Mary Bousted said staff need more information and 'students and parents will want to understand how the process is fair'.

Dr Simon Hyde, of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, which represents elite public schools such as Eton, said: 'Students are left in limbo and school leaders will be quietly fuming.'

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(TNS) - Jan. 7The union for California state correctional officers has invited representatives from every prison to gather in Las Vegas for a board of directors meeting even as their institutions contend with surging coronavirus outbreaks.The California Correctional Peace Officers Association's board includes representatives from all 35 prisons plus some members who represent officers outside prisons, such as parole agents and officers who work at fire camps.Also invited to the two-day meeting, scheduled for Jan. 26 and 27 at Caesar's Palace, are roughly a dozen members of the union's committees along with retired chapter members, according to a website set up for union members to make travel arrangements.A dozen state prisons have reported more than 200 new COVID-19 infections among inmates in the last two weeks, and another six have reported more than 100 new infections. More than 2,500 prison employees have reported new infections in the last two weeks and about 13,000 out of 55,000 have contracted the virus since the start of the pandemic.Most large in-person meetings have been canceled during the coronavirus pandemic due to concerns about creating "super-spreader" events in which an infection may be passed around and then spread far beyond the group when the gathering is over.California has prohibited most in-person gatherings of more than one household, whether they are held indoors or outdoors, under emergency orders. Nevada permits gatherings of up to 50 people.Glen Stailey, the union's president, referred questions to a union spokeswoman when reached by phone Wednesday."These meetings are important to the association and its members as it relates to many topics including COVID-19 inside prisons," CCPOA spokeswoman Nichol Gomez said in an email.Gomez said the group would follow all Nevada and California state protocols and is "constantly evaluating the situation and will make decisions accordingly."Gomez did not respond to questions about how many of the members who have been invited plan to attend, nor did she say whether the members plan to get tested or quarantine before or after the trip.The quarterly meeting is typically held in Sacramento. It's separate from the union's standard annual convention in Las Vegas, which it canceled last year.The trip comes after state legislators were roundly criticized for traveling to Maui for a policy conference in November.Other California state unions have canceled in-person board meetings and conventions, including SEIU Local 1000, Cal Fire Local 2881, the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians, the Professional Engineers in State Government and the California Association of Professional Scientists, union representatives said Wednesday."At the forefront in our thinking was the safety of our members," said Eric Soto, president of the union representing psychiatric technicians who work in state hospitals. "We did not want to inadvertently transmit the virus between union activists, among members who are working at their facilities and who are going back to their families."___(c)2021 The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, Calif.)Visit The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, Calif.) at www.sacbee.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
"TRUMP INCITES MOB," was the headline of the New York Times.

"INSURRECTION," declared the San Francisco Chronicle.

"ANARCHY," noted the Ottawa Sun.

On Thursday morning, newspapers around the world attempted to make sense of the shocking event of Trump supporters storming the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., in a futile attempt to stop the Electoral College vote count to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

Below is a selection of their front pages as they covered the attack on America's symbol of democracy.

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WASHINGTON - Vice-President Mike Pence defied President Donald Trump early Thursday morning as he affirmed President-elect Joe Bidens November victory, putting an end to Trumps futile efforts to subvert American democracy and overturn the results of the election.

Vice President Mike Pence walks through the Oval Office before President Donald Trump departs the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, for a short trip to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and then on to Dalton, Ga. for a rally. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

WASHINGTON - Vice-President Mike Pence defied President Donald Trump early Thursday morning as he affirmed President-elect Joe Bidens November victory, putting an end to Trumps futile efforts to subvert American democracy and overturn the results of the election.

In a move that infuriated Trump and left his own political future far less certain, Pence on Wednesday acknowledged that he did not have the power to unilaterally throw out electoral college votes as Trump and some of his attorneys had wrongly insisted.

Pence, as the session came to an end, said the count shall be deemed a sufficient declaration" of Biden's victory, but offered no words of congratulations to the incoming administration. It capped an extraordinary day of chaos, violence and division after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, sending lawmakers into hiding and delaying the proceeding.

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Under normal circumstances, the vote-tallying procedure would be a mere formality  the final step in the complicated technical process of electing a new administration. But after losing court case after court case and with no further options at hand, Trump and his allies had zeroed in on January 6 as their last ditch chance to try to influence the outcome.

They spent days in a futile bid trying to convince Pence that the vice-president had the power to reject electors from battleground states that voted for Biden, even though the Constitution makes clear the vice-presidents role in the joint session is largely ceremonial, much like a master of ceremonies.

Pence acknowledged that reality in a lengthy statement Wednesday laying out his conclusion that a vice-president cannot claim unilateral authority to reject states' electoral votes.

It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not, Pence wrote in a letter to members of Congress that was released shortly before he gaveled in the joint session of Congress. Not long after, the angry mob swarmed the Capitol, overwhelmed police and halted the proceeding that had been underway.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Vice President Mike Pence officiate as a joint session of the House and Senate convenes to confirm the Electoral College votes cast in November's election, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool via AP)

Pence's move was an expected outcome, but one that carved a dramatic fissure between Trump and Pence, his once most loyal lieutenant. In a dramatic split screen, Pence released the statement just after he arrived at the Capitol to tally the votes and as the president was telling thousands of supporters gathered near the White House that Pence could overturn them if he wanted.

If Mike Pence does the right thing we win the election, Trump wrongly told supporters, who later marched through Washington and stormed the Capitol. He repeatedly returned to Pence throughout his speech, voicing frustration as he tried to pressure the vice-president to fall in line.

Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us. And if he doesnt, its a sad day for our country," he said.

Trump, who has spent the last two months refusing to acknowledge his defeat, later tweeted his disapproval.

Vice President Mike Pence announces the election of President and Vice President as he officiates a joint session of the House and Senate to confirm Electoral College votes at the Capitol, early Thursday, Jan 7, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify," he wrote. USA demands the truth!

Pence, too, was fuming.

Ive known Mike Pence forever, Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma told Tulsa World. Ive never seen Pence as angry as he was today."

He said, After all the things Ive done for (Trump),' Inhofe added.

Despite claims by Trump and his allies, there was not widespread fraud in the election. This has been confirmed by a range of election officials and by William Barr, who stepped down as Trump's attorney general last month. Neither Trump nor any of the lawmakers who objected to the count have presented credible evidence that would change the outcome.

While Pence's allies had made clear that he intended to defy Trump and hew to the Constitution, the vice-president's move was nonetheless a significant departure for a man who has spent the last four years defending the president at every turn and carefully avoiding his ire.

Pence is eying his own run for president is 2024, and the episode could damage his prospects, especially if Trump  or supporters who were wrongly convinced Pence had the power to change the outcome  maintain a grudge. Even out of office, Trump is expected to remain the de facto leader of the Republican Party and a political kingmaker for years to come.

Trump spent much of Wednesday consumed with anger over Pences action, even as violent protesters swarmed the U.S. Capitol, forcing lawmakers into hiding and grinding the proceedings to a halt, according to a White House official who spoke only on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.

Pence was ushered out of the Senate chamber to a secure location as protesters breached the building. Pence never left the Capitol, according to his chief spokesman, and was in regular contact with House and Senate leadership, Capitol Police, and the departments of defence and justice throughout the ordeal.

The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now, Pence later tweeted. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building.

After the House and Senate reconvened hours later, Pence re-opened the proceedings and returned to the task of opening the certificates of electoral votes from each state and presenting them to the appointed tellers from the House and Senate in alphabetical order.

After hours of roll calls and debate, he announced the contests' winners  Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris  formalizing his and Trump's defeat.
Observing that its 2016 order to remove encroachments from Ghaziabads Arthala Lake was not fully complied with, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had told the Ghaziabad district judge to proceed with its execution.

The Arthala lake is a major water body and located adjacent to river Hindon near the Grand Trunk Road.

Activist Sushil Raghav had moved the original petition with the NGT in 2015 following which the tribunal had passed its 2016 order.

There were about 500-odd encroachment but only few of these were demolished by the corporation and the district administration. Since the NGT directions were not fully complied with, we moved for contempt proceedings, said Raghav.

We are of the view that once order has been passed by this tribunal which has attained finality, the same ought to be executed by the district magistrate, Ghaziabad and pond should be restored. We have been dealing with the matter for three years. The issue is of individual encroachments which can be also dealt with by the civil court, having local jurisdiction in terms of section 25(2) of the NGT Act, 2010 (sic.), the tribunal observed while disposing off the petition on January 5.

The NGT while observing further that not much progress has been made for last more than three years, said, Accordingly, we direct that a copy of order of this tribunal dated September 20, 2016 be forwarded to the District Judge, Ghaziabad for being entrusted to the concerned civil court so that the said civil court may proceed further with the execution proceedings in accordance with law (sic.).

District magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey did not respond to the NGT order sent to him for his response.

MS Tanwar, the municipal-commissioner, said that the corporation will comply with the directions given by the NGT.

There have been encroachments at the Arthala Lake and we had also drawn up a plan but we face resistance from locals, especially women, whenever we carry out enforcement, he added.
Texas House Democratic Caucus chair Chris Turner is calling on the state Legislature to consider all options at our disposal to hold Attorney General Ken Paxton responsible for any role he may have played in inciting violence at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Paxton had given a speech at a March to Save America rally prior to the riot, pledging that we will not quit fighting in reference to President Donald Trumps fight to overturn the 2020 election results.

Paxton last month led a suit, later joined by 17 other states with Republican attorneys general, asking the Supreme Court to reverse election results in four battleground states based on unproven voter fraud claims.

From filing a fraudulent lawsuit that fueled unhinged conspiracy theories about a free and fair election, to egging on the crowd of insurrectionists in Washington, D.C., Paxton has played a major role in creating the national crisis that culminated with the first breach of our nations Capitol since the War of 1812, Turner said. Paxtons actions would be shameful for any elected official, but are especially so for the top law enforcement officer of the state. Even today, Paxton has used social media to spread lies about yesterdays acts of violence and insurrection.

TIMELINE: Six times Ken Paxton faced allegations of malfeasance

The attorney generals office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Paxton has blamed left-wing Antifa insurgents for the violence at the Capitol, circulating debunked claims that they masqueraded as Trump supporters. The top law enforcement official in Texas, he tweeted this morning that Peaceful protests are constitutional. Violent protests are not. Patriots care about election integrity and the law.

Turner said recourse options include passing legislation that limits the jurisdiction of his office or funding to it, as well as censure and impeachment.

Everything needs to be on the table, because Ken Paxton has abused his power in an effort to subvert the will of the American people, Turner said.
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PITTSBURGH, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes (FOTO), a Net Health Company, has been approved for the 13th consecutive year by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a data registry for CMS payment programs, and for the third consecutive year as a Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) for 2021.

According to CMS, a "QCDR is a CMS-approved vendor that is in the business of improving health care quality . . . One of the ways QCDRs can help to improve the quality of care patients receive is by collecting clinical data from clinicians and reporting this data to CMS on their behalf for purposes of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)."

The 2021 QCDR designation enables physical and occupational therapists (PTs and OTs) to submit MIPS data for the 2021 performance year. Therapy providers may select from 20 quality measures, including 10 outcome measures, that are highly applicable to therapy care as well as reporting improvement activities that reward ongoing efforts for clinical quality improvement and monitoring.

Among all CMS-approved registries, FOTO has the most experience serving PTs and OTs, having provided a CMS-approved registry each year since 2009 and continuous MIPS registry services since 2017. The FOTO QCDR provides dedicated expert support personnel and an intuitive, user-friendly feedback dashboard. Services provided include a fully automated registry to reduce the provider's data entry burden and allow for seamless electronic connections.

"The FOTO QCDR is a proven solution that assures thousands of therapists nationwide they can meet MIPS reporting requirements," said Bettie Stone, MIPS Registry Specialist for Net Health. "We help therapists understand how to interpret and use their data to guide clinical decisions. This helps them optimize their outcomes, which benefits patients while helping to ensure they are fairly reimbursed for the high-quality care provided."

FOTO QCDR users typically score in the top percentile in the industry due to the combination of intuitive dashboards and expert support for therapists on how to optimize care using MIPS data. For the 2019 MIPS performance year, which was the first year that therapy providers were able to participate in MIPS, those submitting data through FOTO met or exceeded all criteria, including:

47% of FOTO users reported receiving a perfect MIPS score of 100;

77% made it to the MIPS Exceptional Performance category and were eligible for bonus payment adjustments; and

All FOTO users' MIPS scores were well above the neutral payment threshold, resulting in the potential for positive payment adjustments.

"With COVID-19 continuing to impact therapists, we recognize there remains concern and uncertainty about MIPS reporting for 2021," said Stone. "FOTO's long-standing experience as a CMS-approved registry and proven track record has made us the system of choice for trusted data collection and reporting. Therapists can rest assured we will help them through every step of the MIPS reporting process."

To learn more about FOTO's MIPS QCDR, visit www.fotoinc.com/mips-qcdr-and-foto .

About FOTO Inc.

FOTO is a predictive outcomes management system that captures and reports nationally benchmarked, risk-adjusted comparisons based on data collected from more than seven million completed patient episodes. The FOTO system compares treatment effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in real time to improve patient care and facilitate clinician growth. FOTO is a certified MIPS QCDR, and its measures are NQF-endorsed and recognized by CMS for Medicare compliance. For more information, visit www.fotoinc.com.

About Net Health

Net Health is reuniting caregivers with their calling through cloud-based software for specialty medical providers across the continuum of care. Net Health's interoperable EHRs deliver end-to-end solutions that ensure compliance, improve outcomes, empower providers and inspire care. The company serves over 14,000 facilities, including 98% of the largest hospital chains, two-thirds of skilled nursing facilities and many leading hospice organizations and private practices. Net Health is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, Level Equity and Silversmith Capital Partners. www.nethealth.com.





SOURCE Net Health Systems, Inc.
Washington: US President Donald Trump's reckless dishonesty has reached its horrifying but logical end point: blood on the floor of the US Capitol building and four people dead. A temple of American democracy under siege by a violent mob of domestic terrorists.

Tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel famously said in 2016 that Trump's supporters take him seriously but not literally.

But when Trump falsely claimed again and again that the November election had been stolen from him by corrupt Democrats and weak Republicans, tens of millions of his radicalised supporters took him at his word.

Never mind that dozens of judges around the country  including the conservative-dominated Supreme Court  tossed out the Trump campaign's election challenges as lacking in merit.
JACKSON, Miss (WTVA) -- The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has launched a Most Wanted List.

Commissioner Sean Tindell made the announcement this morning.

This list is compiled by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with law enforcement agencies throughout the state and includes ten of Mississippis most wanted fugitives.

The list is available at www.dps.ms.gov/ms-most-wanted and on the Mississippi Department of Public Safetys social media platforms.

Tindell says the people on the list are a threat to Mississippians and he hopes the community will help locate them.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks as U.S. House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) listens during a news conference on District of Columbia statehood on Capitol Hill in Washington on June 25, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

DC Mayor Bowser Issues Order Extending Public Emergency

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Jan. 6 extended the 12-hour citywide public emergency she had declared earlier in the day, saying it will now end on Jan. 21, the day after the presidential inauguration.

I have issued Mayors Order 2021-003, extending the public emergency declared earlier today for a total of 15 days, until and unless provided for by further Mayoral Order, Bowser said in a statement on Twitter.

The public emergency order (pdf) is now expected to remain in effect until 3 p.m. of Jan. 21.

Today, First Amendment protests turned violent. Many persons came to the District armed and for the purpose of engaging in violence and destruction and have engaged in violence and destruction. They have fired chemical irritants, bricks, bottles, and guns, the Democratic mayors order states. They have breached the security of the Capitol and their destructive and riotous behavior has the potential to spread beyond the Capitol.

Their motivation is ongoing. Today, they sought to disrupt the Congressional proceedings relating to the acceptance of electoral college votes.

I have issued Mayors Order 2021-003, extending the public emergency declared earlier today for a total of 15 days, until and unless provided for by further Mayoral Order.  Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 7, 2021

Previously, Bowser had issued a citywide curfew amid protests and a breach and lockdown of the U.S. Capitol Building from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. on Thursday.

D.C. City Administrator Kevin Donahue has been granted authorization to implement measures necessary or appropriate to protect persons and property in the District of Columbia from the conditions caused by this public emergency.

The order enables several city leaders to apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to recoup expenditures incurred, or obtain funding needed.

President Trump continues to fan rage and violence by contending that the Presidential election was invalid. Persons are dissatisfied with judicial rulings and the findings of State Boards of Elections, and some persons can be expected to continue their violent protests through the inauguration, the order states.

The extensions followed acts of violence that occurred as rioters broke into the Capitol building as thousands of protesters rallied on Capitol Hill over concerns about the way the 2020 election has been handled.

Four people were killed on Capitol grounds, the Washington, D.C. Police Department confirmed, including one woman who was fatally shot, and three others who died in medical emergencies.

The gunshot wound victim was identified by family members as Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran from California and Trump supporter. Video footage captured the moment she was struck by a bullet and fell to the floor.

Babbitts husband told KUSI-TV that she did four tours of duty during her 14 years of service, and lived near San Diego.

Her mother-in-law meanwhile told Fox 5 DC that she owned a business in San Diego with her husband, and that she was puzzled by Babbitts behavior.

I really dont know why she decided to do this, her mother-in-law told the news outlet, noting that Babbitts husband did not come to nations capital.

Protesters, many dressed in pro-Trump apparel, stormed the Capitol building at around 2:15 p.m. after breaking windows to get inside. Video footage shows some protesters tussling with police. Others showed participants carrying American and Trump flags walking through the hall connecting the two chambers of the Capitol.

It is unclear who instigated the breach of the building.

At least 14 Metropolitan Police Department officers were injured during the clash. Two officers are in hospital, one with serious injuries after being assaulted by a crowd, and another suffered significant facial injuries after they were struck by a projectile.

The breach interrupted debates in both chambers over objections to Electoral College votes from the presidential election. By 6 p.m., officials declared that the Capitol building had been secured, and Congress resumed shortly later.

The violence was condemned by Trump in a series of tweets and a video. However, his posts that had urged supporters to remain peaceful and go home were removed by the social media platform.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has also issued a state of emergency and imposed a 6 p.m. curfew for Alexandria and Arlington that will end at 6 a.m. on Jan. 7.
VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - The Vigo County Health Department reports a decline in COVID-19 cases.

The health department says if you take out the inmate population, the community spread it slightly up.

A post goes on to say the county is starting to see the impact of the holiday season, and we will continue to see that impact for the next week or so.
As the heart of our democracy was under siege and blood was literally being spilled in our most sacred halls, Donald Trump was praising the attackers. There are real questions about what efforts the President made to protect our Congress or what obstructions he committed that has prevented the ending of the siege, Pritzker said.
Businesses yesterday called for tougher lockdown measures, with some going as far as proposing a long curfew spanning from 6 p.m to 6 a.m.

The curfew now starts at 9 p.m. and goes till 5 a.m. Businesses also called on the Government to free up the importation of Covid-19 vaccines to allow private sector participation and to allow people to travel overseas to get vaccinated.


Even before a mob of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol building, leaving one of their number dying in its venerated corridor, Wednesday would have been an extraordinary day in American politics.

As the chaos unfolded, the results of Tuesdays two Senate run-off elections in Georgia were confirmed, with Democratic candidates winning both by a margin of less than 2 per cent.

The Democrat victors in the Georgia run-offs, Raphael Warnock (left) and Jon Ossoff. Credit:AP

These two narrow victories will have significant national and global ramifications. As a result of these wins, US President-elect Joe Biden now stands a chance of becoming a president of consequence.

With the extra votes, the Democratic Party has secured the slenderest margin in the Senate, which it now holds along with the House of Representatives and the White House. The Republican Party can no longer arbitrarily block all Democratic legislation.
The private sector is willing to support and augment government's capacity across the value chain of COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration, industry body on Thursday said.

In this regard, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has submitted a detailed plan outlining what support private sector, including healthcare, can provide, through the FICCI-EY Strategy paper on 'Protecting India - Public Private Partnership for vaccinating against COVID-19'. The strategy paper was submitted to the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) last month.

"Given that we are on the verge of launching the largest ever and a complex vaccination programme, effective partnerships and seamless collaborations will be pivotal for its success. We hope that the government has taken note of the intent and commitment from private sector players for accelerating the process of targeted vaccination across the country," Chair Health Services Committee and Chairman Medica Group of Hospitals Alok Roy said in a statement.

The FICCI-EY paper, that was developed in consultation with various stakeholders from healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, logistics, cold chain and allied sectors, states that India would need 1.3-1.4 lakh vaccination centres, 1 lakh healthcare professionals and 2.0 lakh support staff/ volunteers to support government's mass-inoculation programme.

Private healthcare sector, responsible for almost 70 per cent of healthcare delivery in the country, can adequately supplement the physical and human infrastructure supply in key capacity constrained regions, specifically in urban and semi-urban areas, noted.

A FICCI survey conducted in collaboration with EY and NABH, showed that 81 per cent of survey respondents from private healthcare industry are willing to inoculate front-line workers in local areas and 75 per cent are willing to inoculate their local communities, 70 per cent are willing to allocate manpower in semi-urban/rural areas for vaccination and 94 per cent are willing to impart training for inoculation, it added.

The private players are now waiting for a direction from the government on how to contribute towards the massive vaccination program, in national interest, FICCI said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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[January 07, 2021] The Portable, Personal Air Purifier - the LUFT Duo - Launches Worldwide at CES 2021

The first ever portable and filterless air purifier, the LUFT Duo, will make its worldwide debut at CES (News - Alert) 2021 after smashing its crowd-funding goals and raising more than 20 times its original target on Indiegogo. Developed by Taiwanese consumer electronics brand LUFTQI, the LUFT Duo uses UVA LED and photocatalytic tech to zap dust, pollen, mold, and pathogens down to the molecule. The clever, eco-friendly design of the LUFT Duo means it creates zero unnecessary waste with a replaceable, washable filter, and produces no ozone as it purifies. It's portable and compact design means the LUFT Duo can be used in cars, coffee shops, offices, or airplanes, making it the perfect personal travel companion for those who suffer from asthma or allergies and may be more at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. LUFTQI designed the LUFT Duo to be twice as powerful, but half as noisy as its predecessors. Its Night Mode setting enables a darer light of 0.2 lumens and quieter running sound of just 19 decibels so as not to disturb you while you sleep. It is also capable of purifying air in a 240-square foot space.



Building on their brand slogan of "Good air, anytime and anywhere", the LUFT Duo stays true to the company's small-but-powerful product design trend while bringing a sense of security to all. The LUFT Duo is currently in mass production, and has already sold 20,000 units across Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. The device plus accessories is also available for purchase in the US and UK for $149 through its IndieGoGo page.

About LUFTQI LUFTQI is an award-winning Taiwanese electronics company with subsidiaries in the United States. The company's first Indiegogo campaign - the LUFT QI 1.0 - launched in 2018 and introduced innovative photocatalyst purification technology to the world. The brand's second Indiegogo campaign product, the LUFT Cube 2.0, launched in 2020. LUFTQI uses nanotechnology to save energy, reduce purifier noise, and eliminate toxic gases and odours. For more information, please visit: https://luftqi.com/english Product images can be found here View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005560/en/

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Isabel Mostowy has never been afraid of needles, even as a youngster growing up in the Beausejour area.

Isabel Mostowy has never been afraid of needles, even as a youngster growing up in the Beausejour area.

"Bring it on," the quick-witted resident at Tuxedo Villa said Wednesday after learning she'll be getting the first of two COVID-19 vaccination injections next week.

SUPPLIED Karen Buss, left, and her mom Isabel Mostowy, who learned she'll be getting the first of two COVID-19 vaccination injections next week.

The rollout is scheduled to begin Monday at seven Manitoba personal-care homes  three in Winnipeg, along with facilities in Brandon, Selkirk, Carman and The Pas.

Residents of Oakview Place on Ness Avenue are slated to be immunized Monday or Tuesday, while Mostowy and others living at Tuxedo Villa on Corydon Avenue will get their shots either Wednesday or Thursday.

The Charleswood Care Centre is also an immunization frontrunner next week.

In all, the first phase is expected to involve about 1,200 residents.

"Great news. I have no complaints at all... looking forward to it next week," said Mostowy, 84. "A needle's a needle. I've had lots since I was a kid and that's many years ago.

"I've been watching the news. It's incredible (a vaccine has been developed) but I don't think they're getting it out fast enough. We've been OK here, but there are people in Manitoba that really need it."

Mostowy moved into the personal-care home about four years ago after suffering a stroke while living on her own in an apartment. She has some mobility issues and uses a walker but is mentally sound, said her daughter, Karen Buss.

Buss has weekly visits with her mom through a window, and she regularly drops off Sunday supper. The two also chat daily by phone.

Mostowy hasn't experienced any COVID-19 symptoms since the pandemic began and hasn't been tested, but her family members are greatly relieved she'll be vaccinated next week.

"I feel honoured she's in one of the first nursing homes chosen for that first round," said Buss, who oversees the Free Press advertising department. "She knows she's getting vaccinated. The nursing home will call us to get a verbal confirmation (from family). I think we're on the list to get a call (Thursday).

"It's welcome news. It couldn't come sooner. And I'm happy seniors are getting vaccinated first because a lot of us are healthier than they are. And a lot of seniors in nursing homes are of full mind, they watch the news and they understand everything that's going on. They know they're in a place where, if (the virus) gets in, it will run rampant."

Four staff members tested positive for the virus in late 2020 but no residents fell ill. The outbreak was declared over on Dec. 29, although one worker is still isolating.

"They put everyone into quarantine for 28 days and just came out of it. Tuxedo has done very well," said Buss. "You just hope and wish that your loved one's nursing home is not the next one to get hit."

Manitoba's immunization campaign is heartening news for the family of Betty Courtney, 91, who has resided at the the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre in south Winnipeg for a year.

"Obviously this is great news," her daughter Anne Bennett said Wednesday. "Everyone is thrilled that the vaccines are rolling out and that vulnerable folks have been prioritized. Its clear a ton of work has gone into the distribution processes, and families like ours are grateful for the dedication of all involved."

The centre has no active cases, according to CEO Laurie Cerqueti.

Courtney, 91, has so far eluded the virus, testing negative on the only nasal swab taken from her.

"Shes done very well. Her personal-care home, the Simkin Centre, has been caring and responsive. Were so grateful for their efficiency in responding to resident needs and for their compassion towards families," Bennett said.

"It helped that we received lots of communication from the centre, and continue to have access to our mom through FaceTime calls. Thats been so reassuring.

"Before COVID hit, my sisters and I took turns visiting our mom almost every day, so it was super-unsettling when we couldnt go in. The excellent communication between Simkin and families made a tough situation a lot less stressful, though. It helped us feel connected. When you dont have access to a vulnerable loved one you feel pretty vulnerable yourself."

jason.bell@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPJasonBell
on Thursday successfully conducted the test-flight of an indigenously developed Guided Multi Launch Rocket System, capable of delivering conventional warheads, with a maximum range of 140 km.

According to Director General of Army, Media Wing, Major General Babar Iftikhar, Fatah-1 weapon system can hit targets up to a range of 140 km.

The Weapon System will give Army capability of precision target engagement deep in enemy territory, said Iftikhar.

President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza and the Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa congratulated the participating troops and scientists on the successful flight test.

No further details were provided by the Army about the weapon system.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Summit BHC, a leading national provider of behavioral health and addiction treatment services, has acquired Seabrook, an addiction treatment provider in New Jersey, effective Dec. 21, 2020.

Seabrooks operations include a 153-bed inpatient treatment facility located on 40 acres in Bridgeton, New Jersey, along with three additional intensive outpatient programs operating in Cherry Hill, Morristown, and Shrewsbury. This acquisition marks Summits first entry into New Jersey and brings the companys total number of facilities to 22 across the United States.

We are excited to welcome Seabrook to our family of addiction treatment centers, says Brent Turner, CEO of Summit. Seabrook is well-established and recognized in the substance use treatment community, and we are committed to carrying on its tradition of providing the highest quality care going forward.

Seabrook has a 46-year legacy of helping clients and families recover from alcoholism and substance use problems, says Edward M. Diehl, president of Seabrook. Joining the family of Summit BHC allows Seabrook to continue providing our multi-disciplined approach to clients from across the region while partnering with a national provider.

Mertz Taggart, a leading healthcare services mergers and acquisitions firm, provided sell-side services to Seabrook in this transaction.

About Summit BHC

Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee and founded in 2013, Summit was established to develop and operate a network of leading behavioral health hospitals and addiction treatment centers throughout the country. The Companys primary focus is on the provision of psychiatric services and substance use disorder treatment within a flexible and dynamic continuum of care. The leadership team at Summit is comprised of senior executives with decades of combined experience in the behavioral healthcare industry at the national level. The Company currently owns and operates 22 freestanding facilities nationwide.

About Seabrook

Seabrook is a non-profit, internationally recognized, private CARF-accredited behavioral healthcare organization, with treatment locations in Bridgeton, Cherry Hill, Morristown, and Shrewsbury, New Jersey. Founded by Jerry and Peg Diehl in 1974, Seabrook has been helping families find the courage to recover from alcoholism and drug addiction for over 46 years.

For Information:

Daniel Krasner (Summit BHC)

601-906-9024

dkrasner@summitbhc.com
President-elect, Joe Biden has condemned the riots that erupted at the US Capitol building in Washington D.C. The Democrat called it an ass...





President-elect, Joe Biden has condemned the riots that erupted at the US Capitol building in Washington D.C.

The Democrat called it an assault on Americas democracy.

President Donal Trump supporters broke into the U.S. Capitol as Congress debated the vote count on Wednesday.

The protest started after Trump addressed his followers vowing never to concede.

Our democracys under unprecedented assault. Unlike anything weve seen in modern times. An assault on the citadel of liberty, the Capitol itself. An assault on the peoples representatives and the Capitol Hill police, sworn to protect them. And the public servants who work at the heart of our Republic

Let me be very clear. The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect a true America. Do not represent who we are. What were seeing are a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent. Its a disorder. Its chaos. It borders on sedition. And it must end now, Biden said.

CNN reports that a White House adviser said some aides around Trump are becoming furious.

He disclosed that they want him to make a statement to begin to calm the situation.

He doesnt want to to do more than what he is doing right now, the adviser said.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 10:44:24|Editor: huaxia

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Staff members wear protective masks in the boarding area of international flights at the Jorge Chavez International Airport, in the constitutional province of Callao, Peru, on March 6, 2020. (Photo by Mariana Bazo/Xinhua)

Although flights to some Latin American countries and the United States continue, Peru requires all travelers to show a negative COVID-19 test result administered within the last 72 hours prior to entering the country.

LIMA, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Peru extended the ban on flights to and from Europe for another 15 days on Wednesday to prevent the variant of the novel coronavirus from reaching the country.

The new decision was published on the Ministry of Transport and Communications website.

The original suspension was announced on Dec. 21 by Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti as part of measures to keep out the variant, which has yet to arrive in the South American country.

Although flights to some Latin American countries and the United States continue, Peru requires all travelers to show a negative COVID-19 test result administered within the last 72 hours prior to entering the country.

In addition, as of Jan. 4, international travelers, Peruvians and foreigners alike, must remain in mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Despite the fact that Peru has seen a slight increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in several regions, including the capital Lima, authorities have ruled out a second wave, but do acknowledge a new outbreak.

As of Tuesday, Peru had a total of 1,022,018 cases and 37,925 deaths. 
This is the hilarious moment a huge dog surprises a man taking out his trash.

Footage shows the large dog bounding out of a property in Brownstown Township, Michigan on January 1.

The Great Dane heads straight for the man taking out the garbage and he bolts towards his home to get away from the dog.

Footage shows the large dog bounding out of a property in Brownstown Township, Michigan on January 1 and chasing a man taking out his trash

The man runs behind his vehicle and on to a front lawn, but the Great Dane follows him and stays near him every time he turns

Instead of going into his house, the man runs behind his vehicle and on to a front lawn, but the pet follows him and stays near him every time he turns.

In an almost playful manner, the huge canine bounces and jumps at the man as he tries to get away from it.

The dog sneaked out while its owner was also taking the trash to the curb side, and he quickly abandons the bin bags to help catch the animal.

The homeowner has left his car and garage doors open but he can't get away from the animal to get himself to safety.

In an attempt to run away from the animal, the man even falls into a tree as a second of the animal's owners comes out of their property.

The pair try to restrain their out-of-control pet, but it continues to run rings around the three people, wagging its tail as it does.

The huge canine bounces and jumps at the man as he tries to get away from it, running from his driveway on to a lawn

The dog sneaked out while its owner was also taking the trash to the curb side, and he quickly abandons the bin bags to help catch the animal who is chasing the man on the lawn

Eventually the owners manage to get hold of the animal and takes it back into their property.

The man in the video said: 'As I was taking the garbage out to the curb I noticed what almost looked like a deer raging at me and I ran.

'The dog did not bite me. The owners were able to handle the situation afterward.'
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Belgian justice has once again rejected the extradition of exiled Catalan minister Lluis Puig to Spain. This was the ruling given this Thursday by the Brussels Court of Appeal, after Spanish public prosecutors appealed against the decision on 7th August last year, which determined that the Spanish Supreme Court was not competent to put Puig on trial.

It is the third time that Spain has presented a European Arrest Warrant for Puig, who is accused of having taken part in the organization of the Catalan independence referendum over three years ago. The Spanish court itself withdrew the previous two arrest warrants. The first, in December 2017, and the second (after it had been re-sent several times due to multiple formal errors), in July 2018, after German justice refused to extradite Catalan president Puigdemont for alleged independence process crimes of rebellion and sedition, saying it was unable to equate the evidence with crimes defined in Germany. Puig is being sought for an alleged offence of misusing public funds in relation to the independence referendum.

Taking the appeal a stage further, by going to Belgium's Court of Cassation, is still possible. The parties have one day to announce any plan to appeal, which would not enter into the substance of the affair, but would only address possible procedural faults.

"What more do you need, Spain?"

Puig's defence lawyer Gonzalo Boye explained that the Belgian judges denied the extradition claim due to "the Supreme Court's lack of jurisdiction" and the "risk of violation of the presumption of innocence" due to the statements of Spanish judges, prosecutors and political authorities. "This is a very good decision for the other defendants in the case, because it shows that they have not been subjected to fair trials," said Boye in a news conference.

For his part, Lluis Puig, visibly pleased, celebrated the decision. In his view, the ruling reaffirms the usefulness of "the struggle from exile" and states that political prisoners and those accused in relation to the independence process have not had impartial trials in Spain.

2n tribunal de la 3a euroordre: NO HI HA EXTRADICIO!



Justicia europea, @un, @amnesty, Nobels de la Pau, 500 parlamentaris de 30 paisos diferents,...

Que cal mes, Espanya?



Prou persecusio ideologica i prou repressio. La lluita per la llibertat continua arreu   Lluis Puig i Gordi (@LluisPuigGordi) January 7, 2021

Translation:

"Second court hears the 3rd European Arrest Warrant: NO EXTRADITION! European justice, the UN, Amnesty International, Nobel Peace Prize winners, 500 parliamentarians from 30 different countries, ...What more do you need, Spain? Stop the ideological persecution and repression. The struggle for freedom continues everywhere" - Lluis Puig i Gordi

The charge

The Supreme Court requested the extradition of Puig, former Catalan minister of culture, for alleged misuse of public funds in relation to the 1st October 2017 referendum. The European Arrest Warrants against Puig, along with two of the other Catalan politicians in exile, Puigdemont and minister Toni Comin, was reactivated by Spanish judge Pablo Llarena following the sentencing of the 2019 independence trial, which convicted twelve pro-independence leaders of sedition - and in some cases, misuse of funds - for their roles in the referendum and independence process.

After Belgium had denied Puig's extradition in August, one of the prosecutors in the Supreme Court trial, Javier Zaragoza, said that the ruling by the Brussels court was completely "arbitrary and unfounded", and that the Catalan minister should have been extradited. Zaragoza said the ruling was "legally unsustainable" because it included "unusual" and "unacceptable" reasoning, and showed that "without any doubt" the European judicial cooperation space had "failed".

International support

In fact, this week over fifty international personalities have signed a manifesto promoted by Catalan pro-independence group Omnium Civil Rights Europe, which has called for an amnesty for the Catalan political prisoners, exiled politicians and activists and all of the thousands of people affected by the judicial proceedings of the Spanish state against the independence process.

"[We] urge the Spanish government and its Catalan counterparts to enter into unconditional dialogue in order to find a political solution enabling the citizens of Catalonia to decide their political future. For dialogue to succeed, political repression must end and there should be an amnesty for those prosecuted", declared the manifesto which was published in The Washington Post and The Guardian.

Signatories include former Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff; the Irish politician and peace process figure, Gerry Adams; conceptual artist and activist Yoko Ono; and exiled Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. As well, the manifesto has been signed by five Nobel laureates, four of them winners of the Nobel Peace Prize - Iranian lawyer Shirin Ebadi, Argentine pacifist Adolfo Perez Esquivel, American human rights activist Jody Williams and Northern Ireland peace activist Mairead Corrigan, in addition to the Nobel Prize winner for literature, Elfriede Jelinek, of Austria.

Michigan House Democrats have called for President Donald Trump to be removed from office after his supporters broke into the U.S. Capitol as Congress certified Electoral College results Wednesday.

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township and U.S. Reps. Dan Kildee, D-Flint; Brenda Lawrence, D-Southfield; Andy Levin, D-Bloomfield Township; Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly; Haley Stevens, D-Rochester Hills; and Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, voiced their support for either impeaching Trump or invoking the 25th Amendment to deem him unable to perform his duties.

Democrats said Trump is responsible for egging on rioters who breached the Capitol while Congress certificated President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

This president has shown that he will do whatever he has to do to stroke his own ego and serve his own purposes, Kildee said in an interview. You know, 24 hours ago I couldnt have imagined what happened in the space of the last day. I cant imagine what he might do in the next couple of weeks, but I do know one thing for sure: One of the ways to minimize the damage is to take away the keys to the car. He is a danger to the country.

Members of Congress were forced to evacuate offices and barricade themselves as pro-Trump protesters paraded through the Capitol and clashed with police. One woman, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was shot and killed in the chaos.

Slotkin said shes talked with senior military officials at the Pentagon who are concerned about the presidents mental health.

Yesterday was his last procedural step to overturn the results of the election, she said in an interview. Without that, he is now cornered. He either will accept quietly his fate and transition out peacefully or, depending on his mental state and those around him he could double and triple down. He could incite, again, a group to come to Washington to protest.

Earlier in the day, Trump encouraged protesters to march peacefully to the Capitol, telling supporters if you dont fight like Hell, youre not going to have a country anymore.

Just take a look, take third world countries, Trump told the crowd. Their elections are more honest than what weve been going through in this country. Its a disgrace ... We will not let them silence your voices. Were not going to let it happen. Not going to let it happen.

The crowd responded with chants of fight for Trump.

After the riots started, Trump issued a video message asking his supporters to come home.

This was a fraudulent election, but we cant play into the hands of these people, Trump said. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

The president later tweeted that these are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away. Twitter locked Trumps account for 12 hours for violating the websites policies against violent threats and election misinformation.

As of Thursday morning, Republicans were hesitant to call for Trumps removal. U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, said in an interview Wednesday night that folks who are responsible should be held accountable.

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence asking him to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Trump from office. Levin said he would join his colleagues in calling for Trumps removal based on the presidents incitement of violence and abdication of responsibility.

What we saw yesterday was not procedural disagreement between Republicans and Democrats so common in our democracy, Levin said in a statement. We are witnessing an effort to leave the realm of democracy altogether and deny the votes of the people of my district, our Great Lakes State and others across the nation ... Furthermore, I am calling on Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet Secretaries to fulfill their duty to protect our democracy and uphold our Constitution. The time has come to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove from office a man who has abdicated his duties and who has shown himself to be unfit to be president with the domestic terrorism he incited and failed to quell.

The 25th Amendment, ratified after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, outlines procedures for replacing the president. It allows the vice president, with the support of a majority of Cabinet members, to remove a president who is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

Steven also urged those with authority to invoke the 25th Amendment to exercise that power.

This president must be removed to preserve our democracy and protect our national security. I continue to pray for all Americans tonight, Stevens said.

Lawrence said the U.S. is in danger with Trump as president, in a statement on Twitter Wednesday.

Its the responsibility of this Congress to protect the people of this great country and the Constitution, she wrote. All eyes have been opened by the events of the last 30 days, especially the tragic violence that unfolded this afternoon.

Tlaib, who has called for Trumps impeachment since joining Congress, said the president bears total responsibility for the violence in Washington D.C.

This is on Donald Trump, period, Tlaib said. He called folks to D.C. and gave them marching orders. He needs to be impeached and removed immediately.

Trump was already impeached by the U.S. House in December 2019 for obstruction of Congress and abuse of power, but the U.S. Senate cleared him of both charges.

President-elect Joe Biden is scheduled to be inaugurated on Jan. 20.

READ MORE ON MLIVE:

Objection against Michigans presidential electoral votes fails without support in Senate

Democracy bent but didnt break, Dingell says after Congress certifies electoral vote

3 Michigan Republicans object to electoral votes in Arizona, Pennsylvania

Michigan representatives denounce attack on U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump mob

West Michigan Republicans describe siege of Capitol by pro-Trump domestic terrorists
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China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).



Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his DRC counterpart Marie Tumba Nzeza signed the MoU between the two governments after their talks earlier in Kinshasa.

Wang said the BRI is an important international cooperation initiative and is committed to promoting economic complementarity among countries, synergizing development strategies, forming joint development efforts, and realizing common development and prosperity.

At present, China has signed BRI cooperation documents with 44 African countries, Wang said, adding that China welcomes the DRC as its 45th partner in Africa in BRI cooperation.

Wang said the signing of the MoU by the two sides will send a positive signal to the world that China and DRC are committed to common development and prosperity.

It will also drive economic cooperation between the two countries, create a stronger momentum for mutually beneficial cooperation, and open up broader prospects for bilateral relations.
This new analysis is by Global TIES for Children, a research center supported by the NYU Abu Dhabi Research Institute and NYU New York

Abu Dhabi, UAE, January 6, 2021: To provide effective aid to children who live in areas of conflict it is necessary to understand precisely how they have been impacted by the crises around them. One area of importance is the effect of conflict and trauma on a child's development and education.

In a new paper, Global TIES for Children researchers J. Lawrence Aber, Carly Tubbs Dolan, Ha Yeon Kim, and Lindsay Brown, present a review of opportunities and challenges they have encountered in designing and conducting rigorous research that advances our understanding of this effect. Global TIES for Children, an international research center based at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU New York, generates evidence to support the most effective humanitarian and development aid to promote children's academic and socio-emotional learning.

This review focuses on their efforts to test the effectiveness of educational programming that incorporates skill-targeted social and emotional learning (SEL) programs. SEL programs are designed to help participants apply knowledge and skills towards managing their stress and feelings, establishing positive relationships, achieving goals, and making responsible decisions.

The results of the paper titled, Children's Learning and Development in Conflict- and Crisis- Affected Countries: Building a Science for Action, published in the Cambridge University Press journal Development and Psychopathology, indicated positive impacts of remedial education and social and emotional learning programs on academic skills, and presented key themes to be addressed when designing future refugee education programming and related research.

Aber and colleagues note the importance of long-term partnerships between researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and donors to provide higher quality evidence for decision making about programs and policies. Additionally, context-relevant measures and research methods are needed to enable the study of under-resourced, crisis-affected communities.

The researchers also argue for a global research effort on building cumulative and revisable developmental science that is based on the children's lived experience in their own culture and context and grounded in ethical principles and practical goals. The paper's findings will also guide the development of effective research that can better study various communities and conditions.

"It is our hope that the findings of this paper can spark a conversation about how best to assess and meet the needs of children in conflict-affected areas, and can allow for the development of more effective aid programs," said Aber.

###

Building on a research-practice partnership that started in 2010, Global TIES for Children and the International Rescue Committee have collaborated to marry innovative educational program delivery and rigorous research.

Global TIES for Children

NYU Global TIES for Children is an international research center embedded within NYU's Institute of Human Development and Social Change (IHDSC) and supported by the NYU Abu Dhabi Research Institute and NYU New York. Established in 2014, Global TIES for Children was developed to lead efforts in generating rigorous evidence to support the best and most effective humanitarian and development aid. To date, Global TIES for Children has secured a position at the front lines of advances in methods and measures for assessing child development and for understanding variation in program impacts at multiple levels in low-income and crisis-affected contexts.

About NYU Abu Dhabi

NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and science campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly-selective liberal arts, engineering and science curriculum with a world center for advanced research and scholarship enabling its students to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity's shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi's high-achieving students have come from more than 115 nations and speak over 115 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.

The US administration has accused that India's digital tax - 2 percent equalisation levy on e-commerce supply of services - discriminates against US companies and is inconsistent with prevailing principles of international taxation, and restricts US commerce.

The findings of the US Trade Representative's investigations of Digital Service Taxes (DSTs) adopted by India, Italy, and Turkey, released on January 6 ruled against the DSTs of all three countries. USTR stated that the agency is not taking any specific actions in connection with the findings at this time but will continue to evaluate all available options.

The agency finds three issues with India's DST, the first being discrimination against US digital services companies. "India's DST is discriminatory on its face. The law explicitly exempts Indian companies, while targeting non-Indian firms. The result is that US "non-resident" providers of digital services are taxed, while Indian providers of the same digital services to the same customers are not. This is discrimination in its clearest form," the report says.

Also read: USTR condemns India, Italy, Turkey on digital taxes; holds off on tariffs

It states that at least three aspects of India's DST unreasonably contravenes international tax principles. "Stakeholders have found the text of the DST to be unclear and ambiguous. This creates uncertainty for companies regarding key aspects of the DST, including the scope of taxable services and the universe of firms liable to pay the tax," the report says.

It also complains that India has published no official guidance to resolve these ambiguities and terms it as a failure to provide tax certainty, which contravenes a core principle of international taxation.

"The DST taxes companies with no permanent establishment in India, contravening the international tax principle that companies should not be subject to a country's corporate tax regime absent a territorial connection to that country. The DST taxes companies' revenue rather than their income. This is inconsistent with the international tax principle that income-not revenue-is the appropriate basis for corporate taxation," the report points out.

Also read: Traders' body demands 5% additional tax on e-commerce companies

The third major complaint raised against India is that its DST is burdensome or restrictive. "The DST creates an additional tax burden for U.S. companies. USTR estimates that the aggregate tax bill for U.S. companies could exceed US$30 million per year", the report said. The DST forces U.S. companies to undertake costly measures to comply with the tax's new payment and reporting requirements. It also subjects US firms to double taxation, the report alleged.

As part of its investigations, the U.S. had requested for consultations and India had submitted its public comments to the USTR on 15 July 2020, emphasizing that the country's digital tax is not discriminatory; but on the contrary seeks to ensure a level-playing field with respect to e-commerce activities undertaken by entities resident in India, and those that are not resident in India, or do not have a permanent establishment in India.

It was also clarified that the levy was applied only prospectively, and has no extra-territorial application, since it is based on sales occurring in the territory of India through digital means. Incidentally, India based e-commerce operators are already subject to taxes in India for revenue generated from Indian market; however, in the absence of the equilization levy, non-resident e-commerce operators (not having any Permanent Establishment in India) are not required to pay taxes in respect of the consideration received in the e-commerce supply or services made in the Indian market.

Also read: Consider imposing digital data tax on tech firms: Chinese regulator

Indian officials clarify that the EL levied at 2 percent is applicable on non-resident e-commerce operator not having a permanent establishment in India. They also point out that the threshold for this levy is Rs. 2 crores, which is very moderate and applies equally to all e-commerce operators across the globe having business in India. In short, India's position continues to be that the levy does not discriminate against any U.S. companies as it applies equally to all non-resident e-commerce operators, irrespective of their country of residence.

India also holds the opinon that there is no retroactive element as the levy was enacted before the 1st day of April, 2020 which is the effective date of the levy. "It does not have extra territorial application as it applies only on the revenue generated from India. In addition, EL was one of the methods suggested by 2015 OECD/G20 Report on Action 1 of BEPS Project which was aimed at tackling the taxation challenges arising out of digitization of the economy", an official said.

The Government of India is examining the decision notified by the U.S. for appropriate action keeping in view the overall interest of the nation, the official added.

Also read: Confused digital firms breach payment deadline as no clarity on Google Tax
James Strohm, a 20-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, was sentenced this week to more than 14 years in federal prison for viewing and distributing numerous images of child pornography, sometimes while on duty, according to federal officials.

Strohm, 49, who pleaded guilty in July 2019 to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gerald A. McHugh to 172 months behind bars and was also ordered to serve 20 years of supervised release and pay $79,000 in restitution and more than $27,000 in special assessments.

Strohm is one of at least three city cops recently fired after being charged with possessing child pornography. Emmanuel Folly, 28, was arrested in April 2017 and is scheduled to be tried April 9 on two counts, while Novice Sloan, 30, was arrested in October 2019 and has a court hearing scheduled for April 5. Both ex-officers are free on bail, according to court records.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams said the charges against Strohm stemmed from a tip submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children from a gaming and social networking application about a user account containing thousands of images depicting child pornography.

A phone number and IP address connected to the account were associated with Strohm, of Philadelphia, who worked nights in the Accident Investigation Division, officials said.

Investigators then determined that Strohm was viewing, downloading, and distributing child pornography, including during hours when he was working.

The defendant abused his position of power and trust by distributing images involving the sexual exploitation of children, some as young as infants, Williams said.

James Strohm not only committed these crimes from his home, but also, abhorrently, while on duty as a police officer. He will now spend years behind bars where he will be unable to exploit the suffering of children any longer, she added.

He violated his sworn oath and broke the law in a particularly disturbing way, said Michael J. Driscoll, special agent in charge of the FBIs Philadelphia Division, who added that the sentence sends a message that, no matter who you are, if youre perpetuating the exploitation of children by seeking and trading this horrific content, the FBI will step in, put a stop to it, and see you brought to justice.

The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, federal officials said.
[January 07, 2021] Blockchain Fintech Start-Up, PAYMYNT Financial, Acquires Award-Winning Cryptocurrency Paytech Firm

BOSTON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston-based fintech start-up, PAYMYNT Financial, acquires LettucePay, an award-winning, payment technology firm specializing in cryptocurrency payments. Effective immediately, the acquisition makes it possible for PAYMYNT Financial to integrate cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, as a form of payment at top retail locations. "Our shopping rewards platform utilizes Stellar Network's blockchain technology. Approaching the winners of the Stellar Network Community Fund was an easy decision. Together, our team is ready to bring the benefits of blockchain to larger audiences," Michael Rosa said, CEO of PAYMYNT Financial. Launched in 2019, LettucePay is a cryptocurrency app that enables merchants to settle cryptocurrency amounts as USD payments, for minimal transaction fees. Rosa said the PAYMYNT team will integrate LettucePay's software with its next-generation shopping rewards platform, PAYMYNT Rewards.



Ari Mizrahi , as a full-stack engineer, and Brian Goldberg , as a Blockchain Advisor. Starting this spring, the PAYMYNT Rewards app will be available for download at both the Apple and Samsung stores. For more information about PAYMYNT Financial, or to join the PAYMYNT Rewards waitlist, visit paymynt.money/learnmore.

About PAYMYNT Financial Group: PAYMYNT Financial Group is a mobile commerce and financial growth company created with the overall mission of making the online shopping experience more rewarding, and improving the financial well-being of the underserved. We believe blockchain technology and digital currencies play integral roles in our global economy. PAYMYNT Rewards is a next-generation mobile commerce application that integrates online shopping, digital banking, peer-to-peer payments, and financial investments into an all-in-one platform. For more information visit paymynt.money. Katelyn Dobbs

Director of Communications

PAYMYNT Financial Group

Email: KDobbs@paymyntgroup.com

Office: 833-729-6968 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blockchain-fintech-start-up-paymynt-financial-acquires-award-winning-cryptocurrency-paytech-firm-301202939.html SOURCE PAYMYNT Financial

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My heart is breaking for America. This is a bitter moment. We voted and won the election for President Trump. We elected one of the best presidents in history for a second term, and instead, we are going to get one of the worst.

Democrats embrace the ruin of America with glee. Now they will learn the hard way.

Or will they? I think of the progressives I know. I see no capacity to learn. They seem like the sort of Russians who believed in Stalin right to the moment the secret police knocked on their door and dragged them away to the firing squad.

Maybe I'm wrong. Both black and white voters learned from Obama to vote for President Trump. Biden, Harris, and their Chinese handlers will have lots of cruel lessons to inflict on us.

As President Trump says, "this is beyond domestic politics; this is a question of national security." He doesn't say the word China. The stolen election was planned and organized. Some of the forces were clearly domestic  our billionaire tech masters, our corrupt politicians, our partisan intelligence agencies, the radicals bankrolled by Obama with billions he siphoned from the Treasury Department and Democrat coffers.



YouTube screen grab (cropped).

We never learned much about the Marxists who groomed Obama and created his career, but I think the problem this time around is worse than that. China saw Trump as the greatest threat to its cheating economy and imperial ambitions. They are at war with us, and we are like naive prey, standing and staring while they trot up like newly introduced wolves and tear us to pieces.

Without President Trump, who will fight for us?

Trump told the Stop the Steal rally in D.C., "Something is really wrong here and we fight, we fight like hell. If you don't fight, you won't have a country anymore. ... I say this despite all that has happened. The best is yet to come."

What will conservatives do now? We understand how few we are. President Trump has some allies, but fewer than we thought. Senator Tom Cotton is not one of us. Liz Cheney, who ran and won her seat as a Trump-supporter, is not. Senator Lindsey Graham, who glued himself to Fox microphones for four years, has gone invisible. The courts have shown they are too cowardly to stop a Marxist putsch against our Constitution.

People are still talking about cleaning up our elections. Trump calls on us to do that as part of his legacy. I am a newborn cynic, and all I can do is laugh hollowly. So what if Republican states  and not even all of them  will strengthen their election laws? Pennsylvania had good laws that were openly flouted, and the courts did nothing. Why will it be better in 2021? It is more likely that fraud will be hardened and institutionalized in enough states to prevent honest elections permanently.

We won't be able to turn out Republican anti-Trump politicians, let alone clean up elections in Democrat districts. Wyoming, supposedly the reddest state in the nation, is burdened with Senator Barrasso and Congresswoman Cheney, powerful incumbents. They are impervious to their voters' wrath, which is why they flout our will regularly.

The Democrats have substituted group voting for individual voting. It is a winning formula for them. One activist can harvest the votes of thousands. They will grant amnesty to 2030 million illegals and harvest their votes. Welcome to the one-party state.

President Trump is the only person speaking for us. We understand very well the attack on our fundamental rights and freedoms. We don't need the president to explain it to us, but we love our president because he experiences it with us. He is expressing what millions of us are feeling, and it gives us some comfort. He is putting our shared knowledge of what is wrong and our deep patriotism and sense of outrage into words.

Some angry patriots criminally breached the halls of Congress. Alas, the building is a hollowed out and meaningless symbol of something that once existed: representative government. It turns my stomach to look at it now.

Fighting for justice is not instigating or creating violence. We know that deep in our bones. We know Donald Trump has the heart of a lion. He will keep fighting through the dark days ahead.

For President Trump, we have hearts full of love, respect, and gratitude. Thank you, Mr. President, for your service.
Hours after a mob of his supporters began storming the U.S. Capitol in a violent protest Wednesday, President Donald Trump released a video Wednesday calling on them to go home in peace, while also telling them we love you and continuing to falsely claim his loss in the presidential election was fraudulent.

I know your pain, I know youre hurt, Trump said in the minute-long video originally released on Twitter that the site has since removed. We had an election that was stolen from us.

But you have to go home now, he added. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order. We dont want anybody hurt.

This was a fraudulent election, Trump continued. But we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace.

So go home, he concluded. We love you. Youre very special. Youve seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home, and go home in peace.

Before taking down the tweet, Twitter slapped Trumps video with a warning: This claim of election fraud is disputed, and this Tweet cant be replied to, retweeted, or liked due to a risk of violence. Twitter later removed the tweet containing the video.

The president shared the clip at 4:17 p.m, about two hours after pro-Trump protestors started forcing themselves inside the Capitol as the U.S. House and Senate held a joint session to ratify Democrat Joe Bidens victory over Trump in the presidential election.

A woman who was shot inside the Capitol has died, according to a report by The Associated Press, and multiple officers were injured. Officials declared the Capitol complex secure Wednesday evening after a more than four-hour occupation, while at least 13 people were arrested and at least five weapons were recovered, police said.

Appearing on ABC News, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie  a longtime Trump friend and advisory  said Trumps video is better than having done nothing but is certainly not what should have been expected of the president in this circumstance.

The office you hold is bigger than you, said Christie, a fellow Republican. The responsibilities in that office is bigger than you and your own personal interests and I think that what that video showed was that the president was still placing his personal interests than of the interest of the country. And thats what he has been doing for the last eight weeks, unfortunately. And what were seeing on the air right now is a result of that.

Christie also tweeted: What has happened in the Capitol today is reprehensible and un-American. An attack on our Capitol is an attack on our democracy itself.

What has happened in the Capitol today is reprehensible and un-American. An attack on our Capitol is an attack on our democracy itself. @realDonaldTrump must make clear that this conduct must stop now, the Capitol must be cleared and Congress should be permitted to do its work.  Governor Christie (@GovChristie) January 6, 2021

In a speech from Delaware, Biden called the invasion of the Capitol an insurrection and called on the president to go on national television to urge his supporters to disperse.

Our democracy is under unprecedented assault unlike anything weve seen in modern times, Biden said. What were seeing is a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent, its disorder, its chaos. It borders on sedition. And it must end now. I call on this mob to pull back now and allow the work of democracy to go forward.

Current New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy urged Trump to immediately condemn the attempted coup at the Capitol and allow a peaceful transition of power.

We are witnessing one of the darkest days in American history, Murphy, a Democrat, wrote.

We are witnessing one of the darkest days in American history.



The President must immediately condemn the attempted coup at the U.S. Capitol and deploy the National Guard to keep Members of Congress safe and allow a peaceful transition of power.  Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) January 6, 2021

The New Jersey State Police announced it is sending 50 troopers to Washington to assist law enforcement.

New Jersey Republican Party Chairman Michael Lavery released a statement saying the violence we saw in Washington today was inexcusable and reprehensible, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

We all enjoy the right to peacefully protest, but the actions we saw today went beyond that into violence and are flatly un-American, Lavery said. We join with millions of Americans in praying for our law enforcement officers in and around Washington, and wish for a peaceful conclusion to this sad episode.

The shocking scene unfolded Wednesday afternoon after thousands of Trump supporters gathered for a rally in Washington, D.C., to continue to challenge the outcome of Novembers election, though election officials and courts across the country have dismissed claims of voter fraud. Biden is set to be sworn in Jan. 20.

Trump told the crowd: We will never give up. We will never concede. It doesnt happen. You dont concede when theres theft.

He then called on his supporters to head to the Capitol to cheer on some Republican lawmakers who planned to contest the results.

Were going to have to fight much harder, the president said. Were going to walk down and Ill be there with you. Were going to walk down to the Capitol and were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women. Youll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength.

Thousands of people later marched to the Capitol. Many were peaceful, but a large number  many wearing Trump hats and carrying Trump flags  invaded the building and overran police. Some smashed windows to get inside, some carried firearms, and some ransacked federal lawmakers offices. Lawmakers were forced into hiding.

Trump tweeted around 3 p.m.: I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!

But officials urged him to go further, condemning the invasion and calling on the crowd to disperse.

The president released his video about an hour after his previous tweet.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com.

Protesters interact with Capitol Police officers in the Capitol on Wednesday. Win McNamee/Getty Images

QAnon believers played a major role in popularizing the pro-Trump rhetoric that precipitated Wednesday's siege of the US Capitol.

The QAnon conspiracy-theory community shaped the false, right-wing narrative that Joe Biden fraudulently won the election.

This is just the latest instance of QAnon's online misinformation leading to real-world violence.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

When pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday, the far-right corners of the internet had been ready for weeks.

The "Stop the Steal" movement, which has baselessly alleged that President Donald Trump actually won the presidential election and that President-elect Joe Biden's win was fraudulent, used the internet to organize the violent coup attempt.

But the voter-fraud conspiracy theories peddled by Trump, his allies, and his supporters since the election were amplified by and, in most cases, originated from powerful figures in the QAnon ecosystem.

The Dominion conspiracy theory, foundational for Wednesday's rioters, came from QAnon

Ron Watkins was interviewed by One America News Network's Chanel Rion as a "cyber analyst." OAN/YouTube

QAnon, the baseless far-right conspiracy theory claiming that Trump is fighting a "deep-state cabal" of pedophiles and human traffickers, has become what extremism experts call a big-tent theory, as it has evolved into a collection of theories that position Trump as a martyr, a victim, and a savior all at once.

Though the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency called the 2020 election the "most secure" in US history, QAnon helped sow the seeds of doubt among Trump's supporters, setting up the outrage that led to Wednesday's chaos at the Capitol.

Ron Watkins, the former administrator of the fringe message board 8kun, where the anonymous, fictional government official who goes by "Q" makes posts fueling QAnon's conspiracy theories, first tweeted about the Dominion conspiracy theory on November 11. The conspiracy theory baselessly alleged that employees of Dominion Voting Systems, a voting-software company used in key battleground states, somehow switched votes for Trump to votes for Biden.

Story continues

Watkins, who, along with his father, has been suspected of being behind "Q," was amplifying a conspiracy theory that was already circulating among QAnon followers. NBC News reported on November 13 that a nonpartisan nonprofit called Advance Democracy found that one in seven tweets using the #Dominion hashtag since November 5 originated from QAnon-supportive accounts.

Watkins said he hoped to talk to Trump's attorney Rudy Giuliani about the conspiracy theory, and he went on to spread it on One America News Network, a pro-Trump propaganda news network, on November 12.

After the segment, Trump tweeted about the Dominion conspiracy theory. He alleged, without evidence, that Dominion "DELETED" more than 1 million votes in the US, citing OAN. So began the barrage of misinformation about Dominion from the president and his allies that fueled the "Stop the Steal" movement.

Lin Wood and Sidney Powell, two QAnon-espousing attorneys who were supporting Trump's legal team's efforts to overturn the election result, also espoused the conspiracy theory. Trump's allies have recently distanced themselves from Powell and Wood, whose Twitter account was suspended on Thursday for violating the company's policies. Powell cited Watkins in an unsuccessful lawsuit asking that Georgia overturn its election result.

QAnon believers helped to organize Wednesday's siege and were highly visible during the rioting

Supporters of President Donald Trump including Jake Angeli, center, a QAnon supporter known for his painted face and horned hat, in the Capitol on Wednesday. Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Influential QAnon figures, including Watkins, had been encouraging a January 6 protest in Washington, DC, on social media in the days before the congressional confirmation of the election result.

More than half of QAnon-related Twitter accounts, or about 20,800, tweeted about January 6 in the days before the riot, Advance Democracy told BuzzFeed News. Many of them discussed the possibility of sieging the US Capitol building, as Insider's Isobel Asher Hamilton reported.

And according to USA Today, Advance Democracy found that from January 1 to Wednesday, 1,480 tweets from accounts with QAnon ties used violent language. On the right-wing app Parler, QAnon-related accounts called on protesters to arm themselves, baselessly claiming that counterprotesters planned to kill them, USA Today reported.

QAnon has increasingly become mainstream during the pandemic - the movement's adherents have appeared at rallies against COVID-19 face masks and human trafficking. QAnon believers have attended Trump rallies in QAnon apparel, which continues to be sold on Amazon.

It was not surprising to see QAnon paraphernalia on Wednesday, from the march from the White House to the Capitol through the siege of the building. One video shared on Twitter by the HuffPost politics reporter Igor Bobic showed that when rioters entered the Capitol, they were led by a man wearing a QAnon shirt.

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Leaders in the QAnon movement attended the rally. Jake Angeli, who's known as the "Q Shaman" and wears red, white, and blue face paint and a horned hat, took photos on the Senate dais and walked around the Capitol holding a megaphone.

Ashli Babbitt, a Trump supporter who died during the rampage on the Capitol, had reportedly tweeted about QAnon before the riot.

QAnon's online theories have frequently led to real-world action

Extremism experts have repeatedly warned that the growth of far-right extremist groups and conspiracy theories could lead to increasing violence.

QAnon has already displayed a propensity for violence, one that has only been reinforced by Wednesday's events.

In 2019, the FBI field office in Phoenix said in an internal memo that the conspiracy theory may pose a domestic terrorism threat. People espousing QAnon beliefs have been accused or found guilty of crimes including murder and kidnapping.

In November, after Biden was declared the winner of the election, Joan Donovan, the research director of the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University, told Insider that the QAnon movement would continue to mobilize.

"People will mobilize when they think their civil rights are threatened, when they think that their freedom of speech is threatened, when they think that their government is run by tyrants - Q has been really good at consolidating those themes," Donovan said.

A vehicle with a QAnon sticker in Philadelphia on November 6. The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images

That mobilization was made clear in the weeks after the election.

Two men were arrested on firearms charges in Philadelphia on November 6; authorities say they parked a Hummer full of ammunition outside the Philadelphia Convention Center, where election officials were counting ballots. The truck was adorned with a QAnon sticker and had a QAnon hat inside. Court documents obtained by The Philadelphia Inquirer said the men drove to Philadelphia to "straighten things out" at the ballot-counting center after Trump and his allies continued tweeting baseless claims about vote-counting.

QAnon is trying to distance itself from the Capitol siege

Despite QAnon's association with violence, many QAnon adherents, including Powell, baselessly blamed Wednesday's riot on "antifa," the anti-fascist movement. On Parler, Powell said, without evidence, that she thought "this was planned" and that members of Congress, many of whom were evacuated when the rioters breached the building, watched "America burn from lawless Antifa and BLM."

Jordan Sather, a QAnon social-media influencer whose YouTube channel "Destroying the Illusion" has been banned for violating policies about COVID-19 misinformation, told his 73,000 Parler followers that "provocateurs" had pretended to be Trump supporters during the riot. There is no evidence supporting that claim.

Sather and other QAnon supporters on Parler still maintain that Trump will be inaugurated on January 20.

Read the original article on Insider
The changes in this final rule will apply to all registrations, including those for the advanced degree exemption, submitted on or after the effective date of the final rule. (Representative Photo:DC)

Washington: The United States on Thursday announced that it will modify the selection process for H-1B visa, giving priority to salary and skills instead of the current lottery procedures.

The final rule to be published in the federal register on January 8, officials said, is aimed to protect the economic interests of US workers and better ensure the most highly skilled foreign workers benefit from the temporary employment programme.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Modifying the H-1B cap selection process will incentivise employers to offer higher salaries, and/or petition for higher-skilled positions, and establish a more certain path for businesses to achieve personnel needs and remain globally competitive, said US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The final rule will be effective 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register. The next H-1B visa filing season is slated to start on April 1.

The H-1B temporary visa programme has been exploited and abused by employers primarily seeking to fill entry-level positions and reduce overall business costs, said USCIS Deputy Director for Policy Joseph Edlow.

The current H-1B random selection process makes it difficult for businesses to plan their hiring, fails to leverage the programme to compete for the best and brightest international workforce, and has predominantly resulted in the annual influx of foreign labor placed in low-wage positions at the expense of US workers, he said.

This effort will only affect H-1B registrations (or petitions, if the registration process is suspended) submitted by prospective petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions.

It will be implemented for both the H-1B regular cap and the H-1B advanced degree exemption, but it will not change the order of selection between the two as established by the H-1B registration final rule, USCIS said.

The Department of Homeland Security had previously published a notice of proposed rulemaking on November 2, 2020. It carefully considered the public comments received before deciding to publish the proposed regulations as a final rule, USCIS said.

According to the final rule, a version of which was released by Department of Homeland Security, Instead, a registration system that faithfully implements the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) while prioritising registrations based on wage level within each cap will incentivize H-1B employers to offer higher wages, or to petition for positions requiring higher skills and higher-skilled aliens that are commensurate with higher wage levels, to increase the likelihood of selection and eligibility to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.

Moreover, it will maximize H-1B cap allocations, so that they more likely will go to the best and brightest workers; and it will disincentivise abuse of the H-1B programme to fill relatively lower-paid, lower-skilled positions, which is a significant problem under the present selection system, it said.

While administering a random lottery system is reasonable, it is inconsiderate of Congress's statutory purposes for the H-1B program and its administration, said the final rule.

The changes in this final rule will apply to all registrations, including those for the advanced degree exemption, submitted on or after the effective date of the final rule.

As per Congressional-mandated cap, USCIS in one year can issue a maximum of 65,000 H-1B visas. It can also issue another 20,000 H-1B visas to those foreign students who have completed higher studies from a US university in STEM subjects.

During the public notice period, the department said, several commenters expressed support for the rule and the need to stop visa fraud, abuse, and flooding of petitions by certain staffing or consulting companies.

One commenter said the proposed rule would disincentivize companies from abusing the H-1B programme and harming US workers. Other commenters said the proposed rule would decrease potential visa abuse by employers and make sure all workers were paid according to their skillset as employers no longer would be able to lower labor expenses by hiring foreign workers.

Another said that the proposed rule would have a positive impact on US employees and college educated US citizens who take out loans for their education by making it harder for technology companies to discriminate against US citizens; US workers are being laid off in large numbers because corporations are outsourcing for profits; and the proposed rule is necessary because Indian corporations are acquiring US jobs, it said.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modis sister and brother-in-law have turned approvers in the over USD 2 billion PNB fraud case against him and they will help the Enforcement Directorate confiscate assets worth Rs 579 crore, including Swiss bank deposits, the agency said on Thursday.

Forty-nine-year-old Nirav Modi, who is currently lodged in a London jail, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) money laundering case since 2018.

The diamond merchants younger sister Purvi Modi (47) is a Belgian national while her husband Maiank Mehta is a British citizen. They are stated to be based abroad and have never joined the probe.

The ED had also got an Interpol global arrest warrant notified against Purvi Modi in 2018.

The couple was arraigned as accused in the alleged criminal bank fraud case where multiple charge sheets have been filed by the ED and also the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Nirav Modis sister Purvi Deepak Modi alias Purvi Mehta and her husband Maiank Mehta filed an application before a special PMLA (Prevention of Money-Laundering Act) court in Mumbai for allowing them to seek pardon under sections 306 and 307 of the CrPC and undertook to make true and full disclosure of the circumstances and events without concealing any evidence and provide complete documents, the ED said in a statement.

Purvi Modi has also agreed to assist in realising and repatriating various assets in India and abroad totalling to Rs 579 crore, it said.

The grant of tender of pardon and according status of approver in this case by the Mumbai court to the couple early this week was on condition of making full and true disclosure, according to the ED statement.

It said the assets in the name of Purvi Modi or her companies that are expected to be confiscated with her help include a flat worth Rs 19.5 crore near Breach Candy on the Bhulabhai Desai Road in Mumbai, two Swiss bank account deposits worth Rs 168.08 crore and Rs 108.23 crore and bank deposits worth Rs 1.96 crore kept in a Syndicate Bank branch at Nariman Point in Mumbai.

Two flats in the Central Park south area of New York (in the name of a trust) worth Rs 36.52 crore and Rs 182.82 crore, and a Rs 62.1 crore flat at Marylebone Road in London are also among the assets to be confiscated, the statement said.

In her application made to the court for pardon, Purvi Modi had said that she was not a prime accused and has been attributed only a limited role by the investigating agency.

She said that she had fully cooperated with the ED in this investigation by providing all requisite information and documents.

Her plea said that on account of being Nirav Modis sister, she was in a unique position to provide substantial and important evidence, information, proof, and documents and access to bank accounts, assets, companies and entities that are relevant to Nirav Modi and his actions/dealings.

The agency said its investigation found that Purvi Modi has more than a dozen bank accounts and has ownership of various companies or Trusts abroad. Vide their statements and their submissions before the adjudicating authority (of the PMLA), Purvi Modi and Maiank Mehta have categorically stated that all the companies, properties and accounts mentioned in the prosecution complaints (except Pavillion Point Corporation) belongs to Nirav Modi, the ED said.

She gave her willingness to offer all cooperation to repatriate the assets to India, it said. Both the accused stated that the funds channelised through their accounts belonged to Nirav Modi and on Nirav Modis insistence, the ED alleged.

The court further directed that the applicant-accused (couple) shall appear before the court by returning to India for which the complainant-prosecution shall facilitate the approach of accused at the earliest and shall take suitable steps accordingly, the agency said.

Nirav Modi and Choksi, both prime accused in the case, along with others are being probed by the ED on money laundering charges for allegedly perpetrating an over USD 2 billion (more than Rs 13,000 crore) bank fraud in connivance with bank officials and by issuance of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking at the Brady House PNB branch in Mumbai.

Nirav Modi, declared a fugitive economic offender by a Mumbai PMLA court in December 2019, is presently lodged in a London jail after his arrest there in 2019 and the legal process to extradite him to India on money laundering charges is currently on.
Washington, Jan 7 : After a deadly attack on the citadel of American democracy, Congress defiantly resumed its constitutional task of tallying the electoral colleges votes to plant the final seal on Joe Biden's election as the 46th US President and Kamala Harris as Vice President.

Sitting President Donald Trump was roundly condemned for his role in instigating the rioters on Wednesday who stormed the Capitol, the domed building that houses Congress, resulting in the death of a woman from gunfire inside it and sending members of Congress to seek refuge in secure areas when mobs invaded.

Mitch McConnell, the Republican Party's leader in the Senate, said: "We have never been deterred before, we'll be not deterred today. They tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed." Democratic Party's Senate leader Chuck Schumer said: "This temple to democracy was desecrated." Speaking to CBS TV, Indian-American Representative Pramila Jayapal called for impeaching Trump, even though he would be in power for two more weeks.

The mobs that overran the security and entered the Capitol, crashing into the Senate chamber, were repulsed by National Guard ordered in by Vice President Mike Pence and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) SWAT teams.

The unprecedented chaos also left a woman dead from gunfire. It was still yet to be ascertained who the victim was or who shot her.

The chambers of the Democrat-led House of Representatives and the Republican-majority Senate were swiftly cleaned and swept for bombs and ammunition for the legislators to return.

Trump has refused to accept the results of the November 3, 2020, election, claiming that he defeated through widespread fraud even after more than 50 legal challenges were thrown out by courts at different levels.

He called a rally of supporters before Congress was to hold its joint session to tally the results and declared that he would "never concede" his defeat to Biden and unleashed a wave of anger saying: "This year, they rigged an election. They rigged it like they've never rigged an election before." And then he exhorted them: "After this, we're going to walk down there (to the Capitol)... and we are going to cheer on our brave senators and Congressmen and women (who object to Biden's election)." Thousands of his supporters shouting "Trump" and "USA, USA", marched from there to the Capitol launching their assault after the joint session adjourned following objections against Arizona's electoral college votes and the Senate and the House began to meet separately to consider the issue.

Several rioters also scaled the walls and smashed windows to enter the building.

They overwhelmed the police and pushed the barriers around the Capitol and rushed in.

The rioters reached all the way into the Senate chamber, from where Vice President was hustled away by security.

A rioter was seen on tweets sitting in the chair of the Senate President and on TV people with Trump flags and placards were shown wandering around the chamber.

Pence and Speaker Nancy Pelosi were taken out by security to a secure place.

Jayapal was trapped in the House gallery and she recounted on CBS TV how she and a few colleagues could not leave the area while they heard shouts and gunshots outside.

On the House floor, she said that she saw Pelosi being taken out and the security barricading the doors from outside.

Biden has demanded that Trump go on national television to ask his supporters to end the siege and withdraw from the Capitol. "President Trump, step up," he said.

Shortly afterward, Trump put out a video tweet asking his supporters to go home and saying that they would play in to the hands of his opponents.

He tweeted: "I am asking for everyone at the US Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order a" respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue (law enforcement uniforms). Thank you." Biden and others, including members of Trump's own party, blamed Trump for the violence that threatened the democratic process.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
The Head of Egypts Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Tawadros II, led on Wednesday a quiet Christmas mass due to coronavirus restrictions, with the pope urging a strict adherence to preventive measures amid the second wave of the pandemic.

Heading the mass from the Monastery of Saint Bishoy in Beheiras Wadi Al-Natrun, with no worshippers, Pope Tawadros called for a strict adherence to coronavirus related restrictions, with the Church praying for the health and wellbeing of all Egyptians amid the pandemic.

We have to be careful about the preventive measures in our lives, church, workplace, and families. I know the [restrictions] on masses upset some, but this is for your protection. Gatherings are a source of infection, and indifference will spread it, he said as he led the mass attended only by several bishops and monks.

He said that Christmas represents joy, hoping that the pandemic ends globally this year.

Pope Tawadros II also said that adhering to simplicity in life gives humans happiness, with happiness not only limited to money, property, and others.

The Church decided to hold the usually festive mass with only a limited number of participants over fears of the coronavirus, as the overpopulous country entered the second wave of the pandemic in the end of December.

The mass came hours after President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi sent his good wishes and greetings in a video conference call on Wednesday evening to Pope Tawadros II and all Egyptians for Christmas.

El-Sisi confirmed to Pope Tawadros II his keenness on personally participating in the Christmas mass to congratulate Coptic brothers and take part in their celebrations.

The Egyptian president has been attending the Coptic Christmas mass for the past few years.

Egypt's Christians make up about 10-14 percent of the country's 100 million-plus population, with the vast majority of Christians in Egypt belonging to the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The coronavirus pandemic has interrupted several religious celebrations by the church.

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Staff nurse Cindy Morga was the first person in Naas General Hospital to be vaccinated today with the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine against COVID-19.

She was vaccinated by her colleague Maeve Fitzgerald, Clinical Nurse Manager Health and Wellbeing.

Staff vaccinations started today at the hospital with plans to deliver the first dose of the vaccine to all staff. A peer vaccination team of up to seven nurses will vaccinate staff from Monday to Saturday ensuring that all personnel are protected in a planned and timely way.

Alice Kinsella, General Manager, Naas General Hospital said, COVID-19 has been extremely challenging for our staff and continued service delivery. The beginning of our vaccination programme is very encouraging and marks the beginning of the end, however we cannot let our guard down as we all need to ensure we are practicing the public health guidelines, washing our hands, practicing social distancing and wearing masks.

"The increasing number of cases in the community is very concerning. It is a relief for all staff who are being offered the Pfizer BioNTech Covid19 vaccine. We would hope to be in a position to vaccinate all staff in the coming weeks, dependent on the vaccine availability. We would ask our staff and community to work with us to flatten the current surge in covid cases. It is really within our hands. Please stay at home and protect yourself and others.

Anne Murphy, Director of Nursing, Naas General Hospital commented: I would like to acknowledge the work of everyone involved in the setup of this vaccination programme, in particular the peer vaccinators who are going above and beyond to get this up and running. COVID-19 has been unrelenting for us in the Hospital and many colleagues and patients have been impacted. We find hope today that we will also see the light at the end of the tunnel. To safely get there, we need our community to continue the support they have shown us throughout the past year. Please stay home and stay safe.

Trevor OCallaghan, CEO Dublin Midlands Hospital Group said today: The Dublin Midlands Hospital Group is very pleased to see the continued roll out of this vaccine in our Hospitals following the first vaccine in St James Hospital. We have been extensively planning with Hospitals and their vaccination teams to coordinate the supply of the available vaccine and ensure all frontline staff within the Hospital Group can be vaccinated in a timely way. Earlier this week, the vaccination programme was successfully launched in Tallaght University Hospital, the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital and Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. Today the vaccine programme also launched in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network. The Group is also working with Community Health Organisation partners to include prioritised community health frontline workers as part of the vaccination roll out.

Eileen Whelan, Chief Director of Nursing at Dublin Midlands Hospital Group said, Vaccinations work, and vaccination is key to ensuring patient and staff safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our vaccination teams have a wealth of experience across all our Hospitals to commence the roll out of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. We would like to acknowledge all the work that has been undertaken so far and we will continue to build on our capacity to fully complete this programme ensuring our staff are fully protected.

Worldwide, vaccines save at least 2-3 million lives each year  and protect many more from crippling and lifelong illnesses. Only COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorised by the European Medicines Agency, having met stringent safety and effectiveness standards, will be used in Ireland. All COVID-19 vaccines will be carefully monitored over time and updated safety data and information will be published and shared by the HSE, on our website and in our printed information materials.

Everyone can find factual, up-to-date information, based on scientific evidence on:

www.hse.ie/covid19vaccine

www.gov.ie/covid19vaccine

www.hpra.ie

www.who.int
A 56-year-old woman has become an online star after she hit back an online troll who told her she's 'too old to dress like a teenager.'

Lonni Pike, who is known as @grayhairandtattoos on TikTok, proudly showed off her outfit  including her Hello Kitty Dr. Martens  in a recent video addressing the comment she received about her youthful style.

'I don't respond to comments like this one very often because truthfully I don't care what people think. But it does stop some people from dressing the way they want to,' the California resident explained.

Scroll down for video

Not taking it: Lonni Pike, 56, from California, has hit back at an online troll who told her she is 'too old to dress like a teenager'

Owning it: Pike proudly showed off her outfit, including her Hello Kitty Dr. Martens, in a recent video addressing the comment

'It puts that seed of doubt in their mind of like, "Oh my god are people going to judge me? So, in honor of, I dunno, dressing like a teenager, here's my outfit for the day.'

Pike showed off her tattoos in a neon green T-shirt that she wore French tucked into her black Levi 501 jeans. She topped off the look with a funky belt and combat boots from the Dr. Martens x Hello Kitty capsule collection.

'Don't let people like this stop you,' Pike advised. 'Wear what you want. Express yourself  even if people think you look like a teenager. Who cares? I take it as a compliment.'

The viral video has been viewed more than 1.9 times and shared on Twitter by a user named April, who tweeted: 'I want to be her when I'm older.'

Speaking out: Pike, pictured in the 1980s, said she usually ignores comments like that because she doesn't care what people think, but she doesn't want others to fear being judged

Not bothered: Pike, who is known for her stylish looks, said she takes being told she dresses like a teenager as a 'compliment'

'Lovely and as we say here in New Orleans: Do what ya wanna! Purple hair, dont care...Ill be 69 next month,' one woman wrote, while another commented: '76 in February - pink hair - dont care!'

'Im 43 and I still dress like I did in high school,' someone else shared.

Some people opened up about the comments they have received about their own appearance over the years.

'I love her,' one woman tweeted. 'I have long hair and a (short haired) woman once told me that HER HUSBAND doesn't believe women my age should have long hair. Idgaf.'

Fan club: Pike's viral video has been viewed millions of times on TikTok and Twitter, inspiring other women to show off their youthful style

'Someone told me once that I was kind of old to have tattoos,' another recalled. 'I'm not sure what they expected me to do about them.'

Many thought it was ridiculous to insinuate Pike was dressed like a teenager when she was simply wearing stylish clothes.

'So apparently wearing jeans and a T-shirt is dressing like a teenager? Did they expect her to wear orthopedic shoes and long gowns all day?' one Twitter user asked. 'Sis is rocking the outfit.'

'WHY would anyone hit a specific age and be like well... I guess its time to transition to florals... ?????????' someone else pointed out.
Strictly's Neil Jones has reportedly told his pals that being linked to his ex-girlfriend Luisa Eusse is the 'worst mistake'.

The professional dancer, 38, is thought to be 'embarrassed' and 'mortified' by the Colombian dancer's recent behaviour, reports The Sun.

It comes after Luisa took a brutal swipe at her ex and furiously hit back at claims she's being 'investigated by immigration' in a bizarre Instagram Live.

Regrets? Strictly's Neil Jones has reportedly told his pals that being linked to his ex-girlfriend Luisa Eusse is the 'worst mistake' (pictured on the BBC dancing show)

A friend told the publication: 'Neil's friends and those who care for him were pleased when he cooled his relationship with Luisa as she was becoming a nightmare.

'He was mortified by her antics recently and said being linked to her was the worst mistake he's made.'

They added that Neil was 'embarrassed' to be linked to Luisa, who he split from in December after around six months of dating, and is now focussing on his career.

While Neil's spokeswoman said: 'Neil is happy with his decision and is busy focussing on himself and some exciting work projects. He wishes Luisa all the best.'

MailOnline has contacted Neil's representative for a comment.

Former couple: The professional dancer, 38, is thought to be 'embarrassed' and 'mortified' by the Colombian dancer's recent behaviour. The pair split in December (pictured together)

It comes after Luisa hit back at claims she's being 'investigated by immigration' in a bizarre Instagram Live on Monday.

She was also quick to take a swipe at the pro by claiming she 'didn't need to be with famous people' as she downed multiple glasses of wine during the hour-long stream.

Luisa hit back at reports that she's being hunted down by officials by insisting she's living in the UK under a student visa to study a Masters degree, after her so-called 'spouse visa' expired when she and former partner Hanna Wants split.

Addressing the camera Luisa said: 'I speak English, they treat me like stupid... believe me I am not just a pretty face.

'It's not hard for me you know, I don't give a f**k what they say because if you know the truth, and if my family know the truth, and my friends know the truth, I don't have to come out every single time.

'I want to remind everyone of that f*****g name. i don't need to be with famous people, TV people or DJ people. I don't need anything from no one because all my dreams are coming from me.'

Cryptic: Luisa also shared a quote referencing 'ex-partners' to Instagram on Wednesday night

Raging: It comes after Luisa took a swipe at the Strictly pro before hitting back at claims she's being 'investigated by immigration' in a bizarre Instagram Live on Monday

Angry: During the expletive-laden live-stream, Luisa addressed claims she was being hunted down by immigration officials by appearing to show evidence she'd applied for a student visa

She added that she moved to the UK with her fiancee last year, but she wasn't able to return to Colombia due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

'I come to UK to make my dreams real and I come through all this s**t, in Colombia you don't have all these opportunities, man. It's [Colombia] beautiful but we don't have a lot of opportunities there, they don't appreciate your art.

'Me and my sister working really hard, working every day for a lot of videos, dancing all the time. For us it's not enough, so we decide to go to UK. You know.

'I try to be myself all the time, so I come to this country with fiancee, that's true, the only thing that's true, 'cos I fell in love with a girl in the last year...

'Your visa ends from January to August, these are new rules. So basically, my visa end on 13 August... and basically I say OK, I go back to Colombia, Colombia was closed since the pandemic.

Claims: She added that after her so-called 'spouse visa' expired she couldn't return to Colombia due to the COVID-19 pandemic

'Border was closed, anyway, they closed the borders since October or November, August I come back to Colombia.

'So what I have to do, if you come back to country [during] coronavirus, all you have to do apply for new visa, change status of your visa, is what they say.'

Luisa added she applied for another student visa so she could stay in the UK and study a Master's degree, before showing a letter as evidence.

'So basically government say you have to apply for another visa and change your status, it's what I did, I apply for another visa, change for student visa to study English to perfect my English... I am a f****g b***h. I want to study a master here in UK... so I can start my Master.'

'I am from Colombia, no one f***s with Colombians believe me, no one will f**k with Colombia... for the past six months when they say something stupid about me, yeah forget that s**t, forget that s**t.'

Daring: Luisa brazenly added she was heading out to a party after the stream, sparking a wave of backlash from fans watching as England was plunged into another wave of lockdown

Luisa added she travelled to the UK so she could give her daughter the 'best things' and declared: 'You're not going to tell me I'm not a good mother, simple as that s**t. She's the most beautiful lil' kid in the world.'

Luisa brazenly added she was heading out to a party after the stream, sparking a wave of backlash from fans watching as England was plunged into another wave of lockdown.

She said: 'You're just jealous cos I don't say ''yo b***h wanna come party with me'', just jealous, no worries babe... no worries.

'I don't say sorry for anything, no man I am not sorry, going to party with my friends, I don't want to say sorry for that ever. My name is Luisa I do whatever I want!

'I try to do my part, wear a mask, going on the train, go to the school, they make us wear masks, I respect all these things.'

Luisa went onto say: 'Maybe my ex girlfriend is watching, you are the most brutal person in the world byeee!!! Babe, I am my own karma b***h, karma is a b***h, karma is coming, I am a b***h, you know what I'm saying.'

Hitting back: In an Instagram Stories post on Saturday Luisa declared: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'

Controversy: On Saturday it was reported that Luisa was under investigation by immigration officials with officers contacting friends

It was reported that Luisa had been living with friends after splitting from Neil in December, but did not inform the Home Office where she is currently staying.

It meant immigration officers visited a friend's home to try and track her down, without success.

Luisa tagged her location as London in an Instagram post last week.

Friends stated on Saturday she has a student visa - even though it is usually necessary to leave the UK to make the application.

It is not known if she got permission to switch visas without leaving the country.

London: She tagged her location as London on Instagram last week

A friend told The Sun they had received an early morning visit from officers, explaining: 'Immigration wanted to know where Luisa is. They seemed to think she had been staying in a friend's house.

'They produced an official letter, revealing Luisa's full name, before searching any properties. Uniformed staff were going to a lot of time and effort to track her down, and seemed very anxious to find her.'

In November it was reported that Neil helped Luisa join a college so she could stay in UK on a student visa.

It was previously claimed that the dancer came to the UK on a 'fiancee visa' when she was dating DJ Hannah Wants, 34, whose real name is Hannah Smith.

Neil was said to be 'helping her sign up for a course' after the visa is said to have expired in August after Luisa and Hannah split in July - weeks before she and Neil announced their romance, according to The Sun.

Helping hand: In November it was reported that Neil helped Luisa join a college so she could stay in UK under a student visa

Luisa moved out of the home she shared with Neil in mid-December with insiders revealing that the relationship 'had become complicated and they are both at very different places in their lives.'

They went on to add that though the couple had been 'on and off' in the last few weeks, Neil was desperate to 'glue them back together'.

They added that Luisa is a 'free spirit' who is ready to 'live the single life'.

A source told MailOnline: 'Neil is mortified by her behaviour and has told friends he's relieved that he asked her to move out when he did.

'They never officially had a conversation about splitting, Neil's a nice guy and he just wanted to make sure she was ok since asking her to move out, as he cared for her and worried about how she would look after herself.

'But he's no fool and these latest revelations have only served to confirm that he made the right decision.'

Whirlwind: Luisa and Neil first confirmed their romance back in August, and it was the dancer's first public relationship since he split from wife and Strictly co-star Katya in 2019

MailOnline contacted Neil's representative for comment at the time.

Luisa and Neil first confirmed their romance back in August, and it was the dancer's first public relationship since he split from wife and Strictly co-star Katya in 2019.

Their relationship was marred with controversy, with Neil later revealing they were living apart following claims Luisa had been unfaithful.

The choreographer - who asked Luisa to move in with him after just two weeks of dating - admitted he initially brushed off the rumours, before the couple 'turned a corner' following a candid chat.

Neil told Hello! magazine: 'If people are not honest with me, then I can't accept them in my life. We've sat down and talked and we've both been really honest with each other and I feel we've turned a corner.

'But I can't stand here and say everything is perfect even now. Luisa is a free spirit and loves life and it's not easy to be in the public eye, but she accepts she has made mistakes that could also have an impact on my life.

'It wasn't the ideal way to form a relationship so quickly... [but] I love being with Luisa and we see a life together. Our relationship is real and she makes me happy. She puts a smile on my face every day.'

It's been said that tattooed beauty Luisa cheated with student Daniela Becerra.

Luisa is said to have invited Daniela back to Neil's flat where they became intimate, before later telling her lover she was 'married'.

After finding out Luisa wasn't single, performance art student Daniela is thought to have been shocked and wanted to leave, leaving the property at around 6am.
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Brooksby France

Brooksby demonstrated a facility for drawing at an early age. Accompanying her father for business trips, her family travelled constantly throughout the United States. From this itinerant childhood, the American artist developed a real appetite for travelling. At age eight, she was already studying drawing from models at the University of California at Los Angeles. Two years later, she was an apprentice for a Japanese ceramist in West Virginia. She then became interested in photography. Her photographs won her several scholarships, including a senatorial scholarship as well as the most prestigious award from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. At the school of Fine Arts, she discovered a passion for sculpture and earned her degree in 1987, just before leaving for Florence, Italy, where she settled for more than twenty years.

Her love affair with painting began in the Tuscan countryside, during scooter rides. Then she began travelling with her easel and canvas hung on the baggage rack. For ten years, she worked in the open air on the streets of Florence where the major U.S. media would come to meet her. She opened a studio and gallery in the historic centre of the Italian city to paint and organize exhibitions. In 2006, her wandering spirit woke up, and on visiting Paris for a weekend, she decided to settle there. The French capital inspired her first urban scenes, now a major focus of her work.

Brooksby considers herself a colourist and devotes part of her paintings to the ""blue hour"", the in-between part of the day that is neither day nor night. For her oil paintings, the artist uses her photographs as models. She boasts membership to the current American ""Contemporary Realism"". Deeply rooted in the reality of the moment, her works are intended to be evidence of an era.
Adams 2021 Annual Town Census

ADAMS, Mass.  The 2021 annual town census is underway in Adams.

This year census forms have been mailed to all residents. Residents are asked to review the form, make any necessary changes and sign and return it to the Town Clerk's Office in the envelope provided, even if there are no changes.

There is a drop box in front of Town Hall.

Households with dependent children who are not listed on the census form should add their children and complete the information that pertains to each child. Information regarding the children is not public record and is used only by the schools for enrollment purposes.

Residents cannot register to vote or change party enrollment on the annual town census. Any resident who is not registered to vote may register by mailing a voter registration form or visiting the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website. Failure to respond may result in removal from the active voters list.

Anyone who does not receive their census form or wishes to provide the information on the phone should call the Town Clerk's Office at (413) 743-8300, Ext. 176, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The census is mandated by the Massachusetts General Law and it is important to have the correct residential count to apply for state aid, as well as grants.

In fact, were witnessing one of the most dismal eras of human behavior in recorded history and dark days for American democracy, which looks frighteningly vulnerable in the face of its own technological innovation and, by consequence, the increasingly easy manipulation of its own citizenry. It is reasonable to blame Trump, but that will need to be accompanied by soul-searching as to how he happened, and why. The media, social and otherwise, will have to take responsibility for gouging on its own algorithms, preaching the Gospel that feeding the hungry is good for business, and that to offer those vittles, you must never try to calm the enemy.
Zara Holland (PA)

Love Islands Zara Holland has avoided jail after she was accused of breaking COVID rules on holiday in Barbados.

The reality star, 25, appeared in court this week accused of breaking quarantine rules.

However, according to reports she escaped jail time and instead received a 4,417 fine.

Holland was in Barbados with her boyfriend Elliott Love.

Read more: Love Island star Zara Holland set to appear in court in Barbados

Police said the star was tested for the coronavirus and told to remain in quarantine at her hotel, but that when a COVID unit checked, she had left.

According to a press release from the Royal Barbados Police Force, she was then intercepted at the airport where the couple were apparently attempting to leave the island.

Screengrab from Royal Barbados Police Force's Facebook account (Royal Barbados Police Force/Facebook)

She appeared in court this week and was fined.

The Barbados Today website previously published an apology from Holland for what she described as "a massive mix-up and misunderstanding".

Read more: Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling expecting first baby

She told the publication: I firstly wish to apologise to the entire country of Barbados for what has been a massive mix up and misunderstanding during my most recent stay.

Watch: What really happened? Zara Holland sets the record straight about her Loose Women bust up

I am currently working closely with the local authorities to rectify any issues on my part and will issue an update and full statement which I think is the only right thing to do to the government and citizens of Barbados.

Zara Holland (EMPICS Entertainment)

Holland, who was a contestant on Love Island in 2016, went on: I have been a guest of this lovely island in excess of 20 years and would never do anything to jeopardise an entire nation that I have nothing but love and respect for and which has treated me as a family.

Watch: Love Islands Zara Holland claims show left her with depression and anxiety
Good morning, Bay Area. Its Thursday, Jan. 7, and there is still very little sign of Californias coronavirus surge letting up. Heres what you need to know to start your day.

Rioters seeking to help install President Trump for a second term  contrary to Novembers election results  breached the Capitol building on Wednesday, following a rally in which Trump repeated false claims of election fraud, told supporters it was a time for strength and urged the crowd to march to the Capitol.

When it happened, Californias lawmakers were spread throughout the complex. They were told to draw the curtains and stay away from the windows. They were urged to remove the lapel pins that identify them as members of Congress. They could hear unidentified explosions and the din of a mob outside. Washington correspondent Tal Kopan reports on what the California delegation experienced inside the Capitol.

A return to business, shaken and angry: As Washington D.C. instituted a curfew and Twitter locked President Trumps account, Congress returned to the Capitol to complete the certification of Electoral College votes.

 Photos from Capitol Hill Wednesday and the latest updates.

 Americas double standard: Racial justice activists denounce restraint police showed dealing with pro-Trump mob.

 From Joe Garofoli: Many California Republicans in Congress havent pushed back on Trumps lies about election fraud. On Wednesday, it caught up with them.

 Shocked: Bay Area residents, officials say Trump should be held accountable for attempted coup at U.S. Capitol.

 Could Trump and his allies face criminal charges for blitz on Capitol? In theory, yes, Bob Egelko writes, looking at legal precedent.

 Both Senate races in Georgia won by Democrats: What a Democratic Senate means for California  $2,000 payments, budget relief likely.

Few options for overstretched medical workers

Mario Tama / Getty Images

For the 20th straight day, there were virtually no vacant intensive care beds available across much of California as hospitals scrambled to treat wave after wave of new COVID-19 patients.

This surge has been relentless, said Dr. Ahmad Kamal, Santa Clara Countys COVID-19 director, during a Wednesday press briefing. It is straining our health care system to a breaking point.

Read more from reporter Aidin Vaziri.

More coronavirus news:

 S.F., Oakland and other large districts say Newsoms cash incentive to reopen schools falls short.

 Outbreak at Gilroy hospital infects 8 ER staffers.

Around the Bay

 Less than a month to end of moratorium: Newsom calls for $600 payments to low-income Californians, extending eviction moratorium.

 Incorrect menus and out-of-date prices: Its now illegal in California for delivery apps to list restaurants without their permission.

Noah Berger / Special to The Chronicle 2020

 Review: Horn Barbecues new grown-up space in Oakland still has lines. But the meat is worth the wait.

 The mall is dead: Macys to close store at Hilltop in Richmond.

 Upcoming retirement: Helgi Tomasson to step down at S.F. Ballet in 2022, after nearly 40 years at the helm.

 One-seventh of claims: California EDD froze 1.4 million unemployment accounts.

The follow-up

Salgu Wissmath / Special to The Chronicle

In early December, an investigative report by The Chronicle and The Imprint detailed allegations of violent abuse at out-of-state institutions certified by California for children with mental health and behavioral issues. The state sent more than 1,000 vulnerable children to out-of-state facilities run by a for-profit company.

Reporters found that the states Department of Social Services knew for years that children at out-of-state treatment programs run by a for-profit company, Sequel Youth & Family Services, had accused staff of choking, punching and sexually assaulting them.

Now, confronted with the investigation, the state is bringing every child home. But where will these young people go? County officials across California are scrambling to find new homes for more than 100 children.

Read more.

Bay Briefing is written by Taylor Kate Brown, Anna Buchmann and Kellie Hwang and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here, and contact the writers at taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com, anna.buchmann@sfchronicle.com, and kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com.


Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of Donald Trump was "an internal U.S. affair" but that blame rested with the US system.

"The electoral system in the United States is archaic, it does not meed modern democratic standards, creating opportunities for numerous violations, and the American media have become an instrument of political struggle," Zakharova stressed.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
Next week (January 6) may very well be the most important event in our nations history since the Civil War. On Wednesday, Congress convenes to open the elections results from the Electoral College for the 2020 Presidential and Vice Presidential elections.

Most of those results will be an accurate reflection of how the voters voted in most of the states. But in some states the results are bogus. If those bogus results are accepted, Joe Biden will have stolen the election by cheating. Approximately half the country believes that to be the case. As well they should.

To substantiate that conclusion, one need only read a report by John Lott, a Department of Justice researcher. J. D. Rucker, reporting for the <i>Noqreport.com</i> summarizes it this way:

Americans have been conned. We are still being conned. This is, in fact, the biggest con-job perpetrated against the masses since WMDs were used as the predicate for permanent Middle East wars. The only reason that con-job was technically bigger is because it fooled more people. This one only seems to be fooling about half of the country. But its effects may end up being even bigger as a corrupt, controlled puppet of the Chinese Communist Party is poised to become the leader of the free world.

An academic analysis and report written by a Department of Justice researcher may be the clearest indication that massive voter fraud took place. Its not that it presents additional evidence, but instead dives into the numbers in a way that makes it crystal clear voter fraud was the only viable explanation for surges in votes that were isolated to key counties in swing states. What makes his analysis different from others is that it quantifies the likely voter fraud scope in a way that makes clear it was sufficient to change the results of the election. According to the abstract of his 25-page report:

This study provides measures of vote fraud in the 2020 presidential election. It first compares Fulton countys precincts that are adjacent to similar precincts in neighboring counties that had no allegations of fraud to isolate the impact of Fulton countys vote-counting process (including potential fraud). In measuring the difference in President Trumps vote share of the absentee ballots for these adjacent precincts, we account for the difference in his vote share of the in-person voting and the difference in registered voters demographics. The best estimate shows an unusual 7.81% drop in Trumps percentage of the absentee ballots for Fulton County alone of 11,350 votes, or over 80% of Bidens vote lead in Georgia. The same approach is applied to Allegheny County in Pennsylvania for both absentee and provisional ballots. The estimated number of fraudulent votes from those two sources is about 55,270 votes.

Second, vote fraud can increase voter turnout rate. Increased fraud can take many forms: higher rates of filling out absentee ballots for people who hadnt voted, dead people voting, ineligible people voting, or even payments to legally registered people for their votes. However, the increase might not be as large as the fraud if votes for opposing candidates are either lost, destroyed, or replaced with ballots filled out for the other candidate. The estimates here indicate that there were 70,000 to 79,000 excess votes in Georgia and Pennsylvania. Adding Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin, the total increases to up to 289,000 excess votes.

The data Lott analyzes and subsequently explains is inexplicable without the presence of massive voter fraud. But its bigger than that. The coordination between states becomes apparent when we realize the same process that were used in one county were also applied to others. There are differences in the way the cheaters went about their normal business of cheating before and on election night, but the post-election night injections of ballots were uniform. In other words, they cheated stealthily at first but when it was clear they had still lost, they went with the clumsier, more easily noticeable wholesale fraud attempts.

Unfortunately, all of the so-called arbiters of truth have declined to cover any of this, just as theyve covered up the entire process from the start. Mainstream media and Big Tech in particular are complicit in this cover-up to the point that they often do not even try to debunk reports like Lotts. They simply announce that the election is over and theres nothing more to be said about it. But the details of Lotts report are not only worth reading, but definitely worth spreading to the masses. If mainstream media wont cover it, we will. If Big Tech will try to suppress it, well continue to share anyway.

John Lott is a world-renowned economist and statistician. His work has always been impeccable and this particular research is top notch. There is no feasible way for the left to counter it, which is why theyre focused on keeping it away from as many eyeballs as possible. As we continue to hope and pray for the MOAB to arrive, this isnt it. But its further affirmation of the righteousness of our pursuits. The truth is clearly on our side even if they liars are more powerful and numerous.

Is it a bombshell? Technically, no. Its a methodical, comprehensive analysis that logically reveals what tens of millions of Americans already knew: The election was stolen through massive, coordinated voter fraud. This is 100% certain.

Source: https://noqreport.com/2020/12/30/anyone-who-reads-doj-researcher-john-lotts-paper-and-still-denies-voter-fraud-is-a-fool





poll#126


The industry has been damaged as never before, and Skal International, the most trusted voice in the Travel & Tourism Industry is poised to do whatever they can to help the industry get back on its feet. Skal is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry around the world. Skal's motto of "doing business amongst friends" has never been more important than it is today.

As news followed about the dismantling of the hospitality and tourism industry due to the pandemic and subsequent community travel cancellations and lockdowns, outgoing 2020 Skal President, David Ryan, Skal Sacramento was faced with throwing out all of the strategic plans he had put together for the year, and developed a survival plan where Skal would remain relevant. He put together a series of educational webinars with tourism leaders throughout the country, where they freely shared ideas on how to survive the pandemic and help the industry recover. This year-long program turned out to spur even greater communications then he imagined.

Newly elected officers and leadership team for 2021 are deeply aware of the challenges 2020 left behind and are prepared to face them head on. Officers consist of Jim Dwyer, President, Skal New Jersey; Holly Powers, International Skal Councilor, Skal Boston; Arthur Allis, Vice President Finance, Skal Tucson; Tom Moulton, Vice President Membership, Skal Tucson; Pam Davis, Vice President Public Relations and Communications; Richard Scinta, Vice President Administration, Skal Orlando; Morgan MaravIch, Director of Membership, Skal Washington DC; Mark Irgang, Director of Membership, Skal Long Island; JoAnne Ford, Senior Auditor, Skal Nashville; Robert Lowell, Junior Auditor, Skal New Jersey and Karen Trevino, Deputy Auditor, Skal Arkansas.

2021 President Jim Dwyer has been a Skal member for nearly 30 years and has a real passion for the organization that he is excited about sharing. He knows one of his largest issues this year will be member retention, as the loss of members due to the damage COVID inflicted on the industry is not yet known but expected to be significant. The Executive Committee is doing all they can to support those members with the dues assistance plan and letting those in need know that Skal will provide both support and networking if they are struggling. "We are facing the biggest challenge in our history and we need to stick together," he says. "We need to help each other. I won't tell Clubs what I want, I will ask them what they need."

Dwyer also suggests that Clubs take preventative action now to retain their membership during these troubled times. "A member can get whatever they want to get out of Skal. I learned early on that if you focus inwardly and never get out of your own local environment, you're severely limiting your scope. Right now, Clubs have the opportunity to network with any Club in the world." He recommends getting involved with other Clubs now. Look at the list of membership categories and don't limit your Club to one or two categories. Lastly, he says, have a joint meeting and broaden your network. Meet new friends or travel as a group to another Club. It will change your view of Skal and make your Club stronger than ever. Skal is the largest unified voice in the travel industry today and offers its members a chance to work together to maximize networking opportunities.

This year's Leadership Team is being tasked with engaging with other clubs as much as possible and getting the Skal name out. "In most major countries everyone in travel knows Skal," says Dwyer. "Not so much in the U.S., we need to spread the Skal gospel far and wide. I never want to hear the phase "What is Skal?" after 2021."

2021 is sure to bring its share of challenges as the travel industry tries to recover from the past year and the Skal USA Executive Committee is ready to do their part. To learn more about Skal International USA, head to their website at https://skalusa.org.

Skal International is the world's largest global network of Tourism Professionals promoting Tourism, Business, and Friendship worldwide since 1934. Its members are Directors and Executives of the tourism sector who relate to each other to address issues of common interest, improving a business network, and promoting destinations. Skal International has over 13,000 members in 345 clubs in 100 countries around the world. Skal International USA is currently the largest National Committee of Skal International with over 1,800 members and 45 clubs nationwide. For more information about Skal International USA and membership, please visit SkalUSA.org.

Contact: Pam Davis, (808) 225-8229, [email protected]

SOURCE Skal International USA

Related Links

https://skalusa.org


After a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol while members of Congress were meeting to confirm the votes of the Electoral College, Michigan Democrats are calling on Republican legislative leaders to sanction the state lawmakers who supported overturning the nations election results.

In a Thursday letter to House Speaker-elect Jason Wentworth, incoming House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski called on him not to seat 18 House members who signed onto letters or lawsuits questioning the legitimacy of certified election results unless they disavow their actions, arguing they bear responsibility for stoking and fomenting the disgraceful actions we have witnessed.

As Speaker, I implore you to consider what is at stake if these lawmakers are allowed to advocate for the subversion of our democracy one day and then be allowed to make decisions on behalf of the people of Michigan the next, she wrote in the letter.

Lasinski continued: I hope you will join me in holding these individuals accountable for their irresponsible actions by taking action up to and including not seating them in the 101st Legislature without disavowing their support of unproven conspiracy theories and actions, undermining our democracy and encouraging the violent overthrow of our government.

Wentworth spokesperson Lynn Afendoulis said she is currently reviewing Lasinksis letter.

Lasinski listed the following Republican lawmakers in her letter:

Rep. Julie Alexander

Rep. Joe Bellino

Rep. Ken Borton

Rep. Steve Carra

Rep. Gary Eisen

Rep. Beth Griffin

Rep. Michele Hoitenga

Rep. Bronna Kahle

Rep. Matt Maddock

Rep. Gregory Markkanen

Rep. Luke Meerman

Rep. Jack OMalley

Rep. Brad Paquette

Rep. John Reilly

Rep. Daire Rendon

Rep. Rodney Wakeman

Rep. Mary Whiteford

Rep. Douglas Wozniak

Several Democrats have been especially critical of Maddock, R-Milford Township, who was in Washington, D.C. with his wife Meshawn Maddock while thousands of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the nations Capitol building.

Meshawn Maddock, who is poised to become co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, posted photos and videos from pro-Trump events in Washington, D.C. on social media this week. She said in a Thursday statement the events were supposed to be peaceful, adding, the people who became a mob and broke the law should be held accountable.

Rep. Maddock has not responded to MLives requests for comment.

During a virtual press conference Thursday, Rep. Darrin Camilleri, D-Brownstown Township, said he believes the members of the Michigan House and Senate who signed onto lawsuits or publicly aired concerns about unfounded election fraud claims should be stripped of any leadership positions they hold.

We are working with people who dont believe in the very system of government that they are participating in, and I believe that we should hold each and every one of them accountable, he said.

Rep. Maddock should be censored and removed from office, because we should not be serving the people in our government who do not believe in our government in the first place, Camilleri said.

Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, called Maddocks actions seditious, traitorous behavior. And at the national level, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee called on Maddock to resign immediately for fanning the flames of an angry mob.

Today in DC, Rep. Matt Maddock instigated the people who overtook the US Capitol. This is seditious, traitorous behavior and he needs to be censured immediately. pic.twitter.com/2bdIRw4NW1  Laurie Pohutsky (@lpohutsky19) January 7, 2021

Earlier Thursday Afendoulis said Wentworth hasnt seen any action that rises to the level of censuring Maddock or removing him from committee posts.

More than a dozen state representatives signed onto an unsuccessful federal lawsuit from the state of Texas claiming election results in Michigan and other battleground states were unconstitutional, and 11 state senators submitted a letter to Vice President Mike Pence and members of Congress to examine the credible allegations of election-related concerns surrounding fraud and irregularities.

A handful of lawmakers attempted to cast alternative Electoral College votes in Trumps favor when Michigans electors cast their votes for Biden in December, but they were turned away at the door of the Michigan Capitol building.

There has been no evidence of widespread election fraud that would have changed the results in Michigan or any other state. Congressional counting of the Electoral College votes was interrupted Wednesday as a pro-Trump mob converged at the nations Capitol, eventually overwhelming police and forcing a building-wide lockdown amid reports of vandalism and an explosive device found nearby.

Four people died during the storming of the Capitol, according to the Associated Press.

Members of Congress completed the Electoral College vote count early Thursday morning, cementing President-elect Joe Bidens victory. Biden is set to be sworn in as the next president Jan. 20.

MLive reporter Sam Dodge contributed to this report.

Related:

4 Michigan congressmen, 15 state lawmakers support Texas suit to invalidate election results

More than half of Michigans GOP senators air unfounded election concerns in letter to Congress


Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee hit back Thursday at extortion allegations leveled against him by the BJP, saying if charges against him are proved the opposition party will not have to do much as he will walk to the gallows.

Since October last year, BJP state and national leaders, including the Union home minister Amit Shah, have been singling out Banerjee in their speeches, calling him tolabaaj bhaipo (extortionist nephew in Bengali) and accusing him of amassing wealth through unfair means.

Let the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate conduct a probe. If it is proved that I have made even a penny through corruption you wont have to do anything. I will voluntarily walk to the gallows and hang myself, said Banerjee amid loud applause at a well-attended TMC rally at Gangarampur in South Dinajpur district in north Bengal.

After defecting from the Trinamool last month, former minister Suvendu Adhikari has intensified the attack on Mamata Banerjees nephew.

You do not have the courage to take my name and always refer to me as bhaipo so that I cannot sue you in court. You call me tolabaaj but you are the one who was seen in the (Narada sting operation) video accepting money, Banerjee said without naming Adhikari.

Reacting to Banerjees remarks, Adhikari, while addressing a rally at Tamluk in East Midnapore later in the afternoon, said, The tolabaaj bhaipo has to tell the people why all government contracts are given to some specific people in Kolkata and what is the source of his prosperity. Even school bags and bicycles given to students are so sub-standard that these have to be repaired before use.

Despite all the criticism they face, CPI(M) and Left leaders did a lot of good work. The TMC ruined everything. In the education sector, for example, appointment of teachers has stopped and corruption has crept in, said Adhikari.

Making a radical statement, Adhikari said not all leaders from the TMC-run civic bodies in East Midnapore should be inducted into the BJP. I personally know that some of them have made millions through corruption.

Branding the BJPs national leaders as outsiders, Banerjee said, they neither speak or understand Bengali nor know the history and culture of Bengal.

Bengal will not bow before Gujarat. Nobody can teach us (Bengalis) patriotism, said Banerjee.

The leader targeted the BJP on a host of issues, ranging from the Doklam standoff and demonetisation to corruption.

It has been four years since we had demonetisation. Indias GDP has gone down from 8% to minus 4%. Who will answer for that? he said.

Before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi said he will not spare any criminal and corrupt person and now the BJP is inducting all the thieves. Before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Modi made a long speech on Pulwama. We also want the Centre to crush the threats posed by Pakistan. But why are Modi and Amit Shah silent on China? Banerjee said.

Mamata Banerjee used to live in a house with tiled roof and wear white saree and hawai chappal (sandals) before coming to power in 2011. She still lives the same life. On the other hand, Modi, who used to ride a car worth Rs 10 lakh before 2014, now goes around in a bullet-proof car worth Rs 6 crore, said Banerjee.

He also called BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiyas son Akash and BJP state president Dilip Ghosh goonda (ruffian) by taking their names.

Banerjee is on a five-day tour of the north Bengal districts where the BJP won seven of the regions eight Lok Sabha seats in 2019 and now poses a challenge to the ruling party. He is visiting the area to address infighting and organizational issues plaguing the TMC.

In 2019, the TMCs tally in the Lok Sabha came down from 34 seats to 22. In terms of the 56 assembly segments in the eight Lok Sabha seats in north Bengal, the BJP was ahead of the TMC in 35.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, too, spent three days in north Bengal in mid-December. BJP leaders of both state and national level, including national president JP Nadda, are also frequently camping in north Bengal.

The West Bengal assembly has 294 seats and Amit Shah has declared that BJP will oust the TMC government by winning more than 200 seats.
Markel Surety, a part of Markel Corp.s Markels Specialty division, has increased its capacity offering to $500 million for the most qualified accounts with the establishment of a National Accounts segment.

This segment will be led by Michael Bond, who joined Markel on December 31. Bond previously held roles as the U.S. head of Surety for both Euler Hermes and Zurich Surety.

The target market for the National Accounts segment includes contractors with larger program needs up to $500 million, co-surety accounts, reverse-flow business, and Fortune 2000 commercial accounts. Markel Suretys Core Accounts segment will continue to be led by Lindey Jennings, chief underwriting officer, Markel Surety, and will include its legacy business.

Mike Keimig, president and CEO, Markel Surety division, said Markel will remain a market that provides options for lower-limit accounts.

Markel Surety also expanded its branch network with new office locations in Red Bank, New Jersey; Chicago; and Sacramento, California; along with additional underwriting resources in Baltimore and Dallas.

Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets.
A group established here after the UN declared 2015 to 2024 the decade for people of African descent is calling for an independent commission of inquiry into the death of George Nkencho at the hands of gardai.

The International Decade for People of African Descent Ireland (IDPADI) has worked with the Department of Justice to implement the UN project in Ireland.

In a statement released today, it called on Justice Minister Helen McEntee to set up an independent commission of inquiry into the circumstances that led to the death of Mr Nkencho, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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In this regard, we call upon the envisaged independent commission to engage IDPADI in its investigations and deliberations, the group said.

Further, we are concerned that racial profiling may have led to this tragic incident if it is juxtaposed with past incidences of the Garda Siochana involving young people of African descent in Ireland.

Expand Close Flowers and a damaged window at the home of George Nkencho in Clonee, west Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Flowers and a damaged window at the home of George Nkencho in Clonee, west Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

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Mr Nkencho (27) was shot by a team of armed gardai as he walked back into his home at Manorfields Drive, in west Dublin, after an earlier incident at a shop in Hartstown in which he allegedly threatened staff with a knife.

He was followed to his house by gardai and refused to stop or drop the knife. Gardai attempted to use a Taser and pepper spray on Mr Nkencho before firing five shots at him.

We are concerned that not all methods to avert lethal force were exhausted in the above fatal incident, the IDPADI said.

We find it unsettling and are left with doubt whether the ultimate force used to take away the life of George Nkencho was proportionate to the threat at hand, considering that more than a dozen Gardai were involved.

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The group said it was disturbed by the fact George Nkencho was not only shot at within the precinct of his home, but that lethal shots were fired.

An Garda Siochana said they can make no comment at this time.

The fatal shooting of George Nkencho is currently under investigation by the independent Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), a statement to Independent.ie said.

A statement from GSOC said it was carrying out an independent investigation into the death of Mr NKencho in accordance with the States obligations under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The question of an independent commission of inquiry is a matter for the Minister for Justice and the Government, they added.

A spokesperson for the Justice Minister said: Minister McEntee has extended her deepest sympathies to all those impacted by the tragic event in Hartstown last week, and in particular the family of George Nkencho.

"Any fatal shooting is deeply distressing, and the local community are experiencing real trauma as a result of these events.

The shooting is of course being fully investigated by the independent Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), which is chaired by a High Court judge.

Read More

This is the case in every incident involving a member of An Garda Siochana that results in the death of a person.

It would not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of the GSOC investigation into this incident which must be allowed to take its course. Such incidents are very rare in Ireland, thankfully, but all are fully and independently investigated.

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Irish Independent
A Lisburn Castlereagh committee meeting descended into an angry shouting match on Wednesday  with one councillor accusing one of his colleagues of "being against democracy".

Chairman of the Environmental Committee Nathan Anderson raged after a fellow councillor said it was disappointing that members decided to attend the meeting in the council chamber rather than Zoom.

Councillor Martin Gregg said he wanted his point of interest to be put on record, saying members had decided to take their seats in the council chamber despite advice from the NI Executive to work remotely if possible.

Speaking via Zoom, the Alliance Cllr said: As the camera darts around the chamber, I want to record my disappointment at the number of councillors that are in the chamber.

Given the recent announcement from Stormont and the rise of Covid and the stay at home instruction. Following on from the Chief (Executives) email before Christmas asking that all councillors and whoever could work from home or work meetings remotely should do so.

Given where we are, its disappointing to see the number of people that are in the chamber. Whatever reason members have for being there, the council officers should work with those members to assist them.

However, DUP Councillor, Nathan Anderson, took issue with the comments branding them unfair, pointing out that six members from the committee attended the meeting from the chamber.

We are in fulfillment of the guidance because we are key workers and we are very clear on that, Cllr Anderson said.

We are within the rules and there has also been a risk assessment done. Some people may not feel that it is okay to do your democractic duty and speak but some people do.

Members have to be aware that democracy is very important and the ability for us as elected members to represent our constituencies always takes priority, some might not want to do that. It is unfair to criticise members for doing their duty.

Councillor Paul Porter, who also attended the meeting online, said Cllr Greggs comments were "difficult to understand" considering the current circumstances.

He said: We all have our own issues and I think it rather disappointing that Councillor Gregg for whatever reason thought this was the best way to raise this point.

Some people who work might not have time to head home and the easiest way for them to attend the meeting and do their duty is to come into the chamber. Everybody is trying their best and I thought it rather disappointing to be lectured when we are all trying our best.

However, Councillor Gregg refuted the allegation saying he wasnt questioning anybodys right to speak.

Raising a point of order, Councillor Gregg added: You were calling me out saying that I was criticizing or trying to compromise democracy which was a ridiculous statement.

The committee chairman took note of the Cllr Greggs point of order before moving on.

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Belfast Telegraph
The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike.

We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve.
Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

Meanwhile, the Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win.

One person was shot. Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot. He also said pro-Trump protesters deployed chemical irritants on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible. Police were in full riot gear.

They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.

The violent protesters forced lawmakers into hiding in a stunning attempt to overturn Americas presidential election, undercut the nations democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House.

The protesters were egged on by Trump and his false attacks on the integrity of the November presidential election. While rallying his supporters outside the White House Wednesday morning, he urged them to march to the Capitol. But later  hours after they fought police and breached the building  he told them that although they were very special people and he backed their cause, they should go home in peace.

Biden said that democracy was under unprecedented assault, a sentiment echoed by many in Congress, including some Republicans.

The chaotic protests halted Congress constitutionally mandated counting of the Electoral College results, in which Biden defeated Trump, 306-232.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had tried to steer Congress away from Wednesdays formal protest of those results, and he said at the start of proceedings that Trump had clearly lost.

Wednesdays ordinarily mundane procedure of Congress certifying a new president was always going to be extraordinary, with Republican supporters of Trump vowing to protest election results that have been certified by the states. But even the unusual deliberations, which included Vice President Mike Pence and Senate Majority Leader McConnell defying Trumps demands, were quickly overtaken by the chaos.

In a raucous, out-of-control scene, protesters fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls. One person was reported shot at the Capitol, according to a person familiar with the situation. That persons condition was unknown. At least one explosive device was found that was detonated.

The protesters abruptly interrupted the congressional proceedings in an eerie scene that featured official warnings directing people to duck under their seats for cover and put on gas masks after tear gas was used in the Capitol Rotunda.

Senators were being evacuated. Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

The Pentagon said about 1,100 District of Columbia National Guard members were being mobilized to help support law enforcement at the Capitol.

Pence was closely watched as he stepped onto the dais to preside over the joint session in the House chamber.

Pence had a largely ceremonial role, opening the sealed envelopes from the states after they are carried in mahogany boxes used for the occasion, and reading the results aloud. But he was under growing pressure from Trump to overturn the will of the voters and tip the results in the presidents favor, despite having no legal power to affect the outcome.

Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage! Trump tweeted Wednesday.

But Pence, in a statement shortly before presiding, defied Trump, saying he could not claim unilateral authority to reject the electoral votes that make Biden president.

Despite Trumps repeated claims of voter fraud, election officials and his own former attorney general have said there were no problems on a scale that would change the outcome. All the states have certified their results as fair and accurate, by Republican and Democratic officials alike.

Arizona was the first of several states facing objections from the Republicans as Congress took an alphabetical reading of the election results. Then the chaos erupted.
A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF soldier based in Embakasi, Nairobi was Wednesday, January 6, arraigned before a Nyeri court for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl in Kiriaini town.

Chief Magistrate Mathias Okuche heard that the military officer  Martin Wanjii Kabura  had promised to drive the form one minor to school in Othaya but instead made a detour to a lodging in Kiriaini and defiled her.

The suspect abruptly made a stop-over at Kiriaini market where he booked into a room at around mid-day and defiled the schoolgirl. After the ordeal, he bundled the girl into the car and sped off towards her school, a police report stated.

The court also heard that while on the way, they were involved in a road accident at Muringato area on the Nyeri-Mweiga road at around 6 pm. It is then that the girl was rescued and the military officer arrested as he couldnt explain the presence of the minor satisfactorily.

The girl, who is related to the officer, was taken to the Nyeri County Referral Hospital for medical tests while the soldier was detained at the Nyeri Police Station.

The accused was charged with defiling the minor and an alternative count of committing an indecent act with a minor. He was also charged with a second count of child sex tourism.

Martin Kabura denied the charges and was released on a Ksh.200,000 bond with a surety of a similar amount.

The case will continue on January 19.
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SANE Luminae is an innovative supplement that naturally supports thyroid function and increased weight loss. The decrease in thyroid hormone levels and associated weight gain and other symptoms is why we designed Luminae to support natural functioning."

Today, SANESolution is announcing an innovative supplement called SANE Luminae to naturally support thyroid function and increased weight loss. With weight loss being one of Americas top New Years resolutions for 2021, Luminae is the answer to a slowed metabolism sometimes caused by thyroid issues that affect millions of people.1

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. A person with hypothyroidism can experience weight gain, inability to lose weight, fatigue, joint pain, muscle weakness, increased sensitivity to cold, and much more. It can even worsen symptoms of menopause.

Though studies show that at least 3.7% of U.S. adults suffer from hypothyroidism, this condition is one that often goes undetected. In addition, just a slight drop in thyroid hormones can lead to weight gain and other symptoms.2

The decrease in thyroid hormone levels and associated weight gain and other symptoms is why we designed Luminae to support natural functioning, says Jonathan Bailor, Founder and CEO of SANESolution.

Developed by a team of researchers headed by Jonathan Bailor, SANE Luminae contains a proprietary blend of natural ingredients clinically shown to support thyroid function and metabolism.3, 4, 5

Looking at big data from over 1.8 million subscribers, I discovered that the slow down of metabolism due to thyroid issues is a primary reason so many people fail to meet their weight loss goals, added Jonathan Bailor. This is especially true for those over 40, as their basal metabolic rate (BMR)  the number of calories the body burns when at rest  significantly decreases unless they take proactive steps to boost it. Approximately 60% to 75% of calories burned comes from your BMR. The rest comes from physical activity and body heat generation. With BMR composing the majority of calories burned, its easy to see that even a slight decrease in BMR can lead to weight gain. The decrease in BMR starts slowly around age 20, but accelerates after 40. 6

The Chief Medical Director at SANESolution, Matthew Olesiak, M.D., stated, Medical science has long known of this age-related decline in metabolism. It is only fairly recently, however, that weve put an emphasis on the aging thyroid. This can explain not only age-related weight gain in some cases, but also the increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other medical conditions. Yes, carrying excess weight increases these risks...and hypothyroidism has that potential as well. Combined with smart life-style changes and naturally supporting thyroid function, Luminae may help prevent age-related weight gain as well as associated health conditions.

At the heart of Luminae is 7-Keto DHEA, a metabolite of the hormone DHEA. 7-Keto is naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Levels of 7-Keto gradually decrease with age so that, by the time youre 50, these levels have been cut in half, which also can decrease metabolism.7

Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled studies  the Gold Standard of science  have shown that 7-Keto DHEA naturally supports an improved BMR.8, 9 This is likely due to its effect on the thyroid gland.

During his research, Bailor discovered five other nutrients also shown to synergistically and naturally support metabolism and that together, may help to trigger a fat-burning response, including green tea leaf extract and grapeseed leaf extract, which he also included in the supplement to provide people with more control over their weight.10, 11, 12

Luminae is a safe, natural alternative to those often-dangerous prescriptions or even OTC weight loss pills that contain stimulants to suppress appetite and increase metabolism. Its natural thyroid and metabolism-supporting ingredients work best when incorporated into a healthy eating and exercise plan, Dr. Olesiak commented.

Now available for purchase nationwide, Luminae is the breakthrough health product of 2021 as it helps support thyroid function and increased metabolism and fat burning, thus assisting with reaching New Years resolutions in 2021 and beyond.

For more information, or to purchase Luminae, visit:

https://store.sanesolution.com/products/sane-luminae-supplement

####

About SANESolution:

SANESolution is a wellness technology and metabolic healing company dedicated to ending the Diabesity (diabetes plus obesity) epidemic. Backed by 1,300 clinical studies and thousands of success stories, SANESolutions metabolic healing framework and model is the only program endorsed by top doctors at the Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins, the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, and UCLA, and is the subject of New York Times best-selling books, and award-winning documentaries. Started as a not-for-profit research project by a ten-year Microsoft alum, Jonathan Bailor, SANESolution has transformed into a trusted international wellness brand focused on reversing the most common and devastating modern diseases. Using the latest innovations in biochemical research and a service-first story-based marketing approach to reach, lift up, and educate consumer health choices, SANESolution is changing the world of wellness by helping everyone from the underprivileged to the Fortune 500 CEO to regain their SANEity one new SANE consumer at a time. SANESolution was inducted into Inc. 5000s list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for 2020. For more information, visit: http://www.sanesolution.com

SANE Luminae Ingredients:

Niacin

Calcium

Green tea leaf extract

Grapefruit seed extract

7-Keto DHEA

Bromelain

Other ingredients: Calcium carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium,stearic acid, coating (hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, hydroxypropyl cellulose), magnesium stearate, and silica.

Scientific References

1- Jenic C. America's Top New Year's Resolutions for 2021. Statista. Dec 18, 2020. Accessed Dec 29, 2020. https://www.statista.com/chart/23812/most-popular-new-year-resolutions-americans/

2- Aoki Y, Belin RM, Clickner R, Jeffries R, Phillips L, Mahaffey KR. Serum TSH and total T4 in the United States population and their association with participant characteristics: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2002). Thyroid. 2007 Dec;17(12):1211-23. doi: 10.1089/thy.2006.0235. PMID: 18177256. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18177256/

3- Bongiorno P. 7-Keto (three-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone) for Maintaining Healthy Body Composition. Protocol for Life Balance. Jan 2011. Accessed Dec 29, 2020. http://www.innersourcehealth.com/docs/7KETO%20article.pdf

4- Zenk JL, Frestedt JL, Kuskowski MA. HUM5007, a novel combination of thermogenic compounds, and 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone: each increases the resting metabolic rate of overweight adults. J Nutr Biochem. 2007 Sep;18(9):629-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2006.11.008. Epub 2007 Apr 5. PMID: 17418559

5- Dulloo AG, Duret C, Rohrer D, Girardier L, Mensi N, Fathi M, Chantre P, Vandermander J. Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Dec;70(6):1040-5. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/70.6.1040. PMID: 10584049.

6- Fetters KA. How Much Does Your Metabolism Really Slow Over the Years? U.S News & World Report. Sep 23, 2016. Accessed Dec 29, 2020. https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2016-09-23/how-much-does-your-metabolism-really-slow-over-the-years

7- Marenich LP. Vydelenie testosterona, epitestosterona, androstendiona i 7-ketodegidroepiandrostendiona u zdorovykh muzhchin raznogo vozrasta [Excretion of testosterone, epitestosterone, androstenedione and 7-ketodehydroepiandrostenedione in healthy men of different ages]. Probl Endokrinol (Mosk). 1979 Jul-Aug;25(4):28-31. Russian. PMID: 157483.

8- Zenk JL, Frestedt JL, Kuskowski MA. HUM5007, a novel combination of thermogenic compounds, and 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone: each increases the resting metabolic rate of overweight adults. J Nutr Biochem. 2007 Sep;18(9):629-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2006.11.008. Epub 2007 Apr 5. PMID: 17418559.

9- Bongiorno P. 7-Keto (three-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone) for Maintaining Healthy Body Composition. Protocol for Life Balance. Jan 2011. Accessed Dec 29, 2020. http://www.innersourcehealth.com/docs/7KETO%20article.pdf

10- Zenk JL, Frestedt JL, Kuskowski MA. HUM5007, a novel combination of thermogenic compounds, and 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone: each increases the resting metabolic rate of overweight adults. J Nutr Biochem. 2007 Sep;18(9):629-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2006.11.008. Epub 2007 Apr 5. PMID: 17418559

11- Dulloo AG, Duret C, Rohrer D, Girardier L, Mensi N, Fathi M, Chantre P, Vandermander J. Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Dec;70(6):1040-5. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/70.6.1040. PMID: 10584049.

12- Vogels N, Nijs IM, Westerterp-Plantenga MS. The effect of grape-seed extract on 24 h energy intake in humans. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2004 Apr;58(4):667-73. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601863. PMID: 15042136.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 8, 2021 - 00:12 | World, All

President Donald Trump's administration will send U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft to Taiwan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday in a move blasted by China.

It will be the first visit to Taiwan by a U.S. ambassador to the United Nations since 1971 when Beijing's accession to the world body led to the loss of Taiwan's U.N. seat, according to Taiwan media.

Pompeo announced an "upcoming visit" by Craft to Taiwan in a statement, without providing details such as when she will travel to the island, which Beijing regards as a renegade province awaiting unification, by force if necessary.

The planned trip would occur just before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20.

Taiwan is "a reliable partner and vibrant democracy that has flourished despite CCP efforts to undermine its great success," Pompeo said, in reference to the Chinese Communist Party.

"Taiwan shows what a free China could achieve," he said.

The announcement came as a one-day Taiwan-U.S. political-military dialogue was held on Thursday, in which U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Clarke Cooper gave a talk.

The U.S. moves angered China, whose Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Thursday described Craft's planned visit as "the final madness staged by a handful of anti-China politicians."

The previous day, Hua told reporters that China was "resolutely opposed" to the bilateral political-military talks and that it would make a "necessary response based on how the situation develops."

"China urges the United States to immediately stop any form of official exchanges and military links with Taiwan, to avoid further damaging stability in the Taiwan Strait and Sino-U.S. relations," she said.

Taiwan and mainland China have been governed separately since they split amid civil war in 1949.
The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Alabama is joining other federal prosecutors in declaring an intent on prosecuting people who were in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday intending to commit crimes.

U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona, in a Tweet late Wednesday, said that anyone from within the Northern Alabama districts boundaries who traveled to the nations capital with intent to commit crimes will be prosecuted.

The attack on our nations Capitol strikes at the heart of our democracy, said Escalona. If anyone from Northern Alabama traveled to D.C. to commit these criminal acts, then theyll be prosecuted by the USAO-NDAL to the fullest extent of the law.

The Northern District includes 31 counties in Alabama, as well as the cities of Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Decatur and Anniston.

The attack on our Nations Capitol strikes at the heart of our democracy. If anyone from Northern Alabama traveled to DC to commit these criminal acts then theyll be prosecuted by the USAO-NDAL to the fullest extent of the law.  USA Prim Escalona  US Attorney NDAL (@NDALnews) January 7, 2021

Richard Moore, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, issued a statement on Thursday that did not indicate plans to prosecute residents within his district who were in Washington, D.C. intending to commit crimes.

James Davis Sr., a representative for Moores office, said a decision on whether to prosecute would be based on an evaluation of facts and applicable law.

We would view any potential prosecution by the same standards we always do, Davis said. If a federal crime has been committed and we have jurisdiction in our district we will prosecute it.

Moore, in his statement, denounced the people who attacked law enforcement at the Capitol as not patriots, but anarchists.

Our democracy in America is precious, and those who physically assaulted our seat of government yesterday in Washington D.C. undermined what men and women down through the ages have fought and died to defend, Moore said. We are a Nation of laws not mobs.

Moore added, Vigorous debate and loud protests from citizens is our God-given right as Americans, but we do not cross the line into anarchy. Democracy is fragile and worthy of more respect than the misguided rioters showed our Constitution yesterday. Law and order is not merely a convenient slogan. It is what we live by.

Doug Howard, a spokesman for U.S. Attorney Louis Franklin of the Middle District of Alabama, said they would pursue prosecution of someone who traveled to Washington, D.C. with the intent to commit crimes.

Escalonas comments come one day after the U.S. Attorney with the Southern District of Ohio issued a similar statement on Twitter, published in national news media accounts, that if anyone traveled from the Southern District of Ohio with intents to commit crimes, they will face prosecution within federal courts.

Erica MacDonald, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, also issued a similar statement on Twitter. If we can prove you travelled from MN to DC to commit violent criminal acts, then you will be prosecuted by (my office) to the fullest extent of the law.

Jay Town, the former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, said that federal law allows for people to be prosecuted in the district where they committed a crime and in the district from which they traveled to commit the crime.

For example, Town said, if someone from Alabama traveled to Washington DC and illegally possessed a firearm or damaged property at the Capitol building, they could be charged in Alabama or in DC.

What were seeing from U.S. attorneys across the country is they are looking to see if individuals traveled from their districts to commit federal crimes, Town said. If you didnt engage in felonious behavior and were just simply exercising your First Amendment rights, you wouldnt be subject to prosecution.

Town condemned the violence that broke out at the Capitol.

Ive taken the oath of office multiple times and vowed to protect and defend the constitution, he said. Let me be clear, what happened at the Capitol yesterday was not patriotic. Reports are that 60 or more law enforcement officers were injured yesterday, which certainly is not the hallmark of patriotic behavior.

Jenny Carroll, a professor of law at the University of Alabama School of Law, said federal prosecutors could charge the people who stormed the Capitol with federal seditious conspiracy charges, which could carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison.

When U.S. Attorneys are talking about prosecuting people from their states, what they are talking about is whether their folks engage in this conspiracy ... did they talk to folks about getting together and going up to Washington and using force to either overthrow or damage government property? Carroll said.

She said the conspiracy offense is a broad category and that sentence ranges vary widely. She said that conspiracy to destroy or vandalize federal property, such as the Capitol building, does not require months of pre-planning in order for charges to occur.

The (prosecutors) could look for conversations they were having as they entered the Capitol building when they didnt have permission to see if they were doing it for the purpose of disrupting government, Carroll said.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, in a statement Thursday, said the Department of Justice said that prosecutors have been working throughout the night with special agents and U.S. Capitol Police investigators, the FBI, ATF, and the Metropolitan Police Department and the public to gather evidence and to identify perpetrators. He said federal charges will occur where warranted.

Some participants in yesterdays violence will be charged today, and we will continue to methodically assess evidence, charge crimes and make arrests in the coming days and weeks to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law, Rosen said.

The FBI is also seeking information that would help them assist in identifying individuals who participating in the violence in the U.S. Capitol building and surrounding areas.

The agency is requesting anyone who witnessed unlawful violent actions to submit information, photos or videos that could be relevant at fbi.gov/USCapitol, or to contact 1-800-225-5324 to report tips and/or information related to the investigation.

This story was updated at 2:20 p.m. to include comments from Jay Town, a former U.S. Attorney in Alabama.

It was also updated at 4:02 p.m. to include comments from Jenny Carroll, a professor at the University of Alabama School of Law.

This story was updated at 4:32 p.m. to include comments from a spokesman with the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Middle District of Alabama.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. France supports searching for ways for the long-term political settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the Elysee Palace reports citing the telephone conversation held between French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.

The head of state held a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Armenia. Macron expressed his determination to achieve long-term political solution (on the Karabakh conflict) following the October 9 agreement on ceasefire, the Elysee Palace official reports, adding that the President expressed the readiness of France to support the efforts on releasing the prisoners of war, as well as on the economic development of Armenia.

Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron on January 6.

The parties discussed the humanitarian situation in Nagorno Karabakh following the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan and the ways of overcoming the challenges. The Premier thanked the French President for his thoughtfulness and support provided during these challenging times for the Armenian people.
New Delhi/Mumbai, Jan 7 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday said that fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's sister Purvi Modi, a Belgian national, and her husband Maiank Mehta have turned approvers in the Rs 13,500-crore PNB loan fraud case.

An ED official in Delhi said that both became approvers for assisting the agency in the confiscation of two flats in New York in the US, and one each in London and Mumbai, and the balance lying in two Swiss bank accounts and a bank account in Mumbai, totalling Rs 579 crore, in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

The ED said that confiscated properties of Nirav Modi include a flat worth Rs 19.5 crore on Breach Candy Bhulabhai Desai Road of Mumbai, a flat valued at Rs 36.52 crore in Central Park South, New York in the name of a Trust, another flat in Central Park South, Unit No 33, New York, in the name of a Trust valued at Rs 182.82 crore, an amount of Rs 168.08 crore in a Swiss Bank account of Purvi, a Swiss bank account in the name of Purvi with Rs 108.23 crore balance, a flat worth Rs 62.1 on Marylebone Road in London and Rs 1.96 crore in an Indian bank account in Mumbai in the name of Purvi.

The ED in a statement said that Purvi and her husband filed an application before the Special (PMLA) Court in Mumbai for allowing them to seek pardon and also undertook to make true and full disclosure of the circumstances and events without concealing any evidence and provide complete documents.

The ED had earlier filed a chargesheet against Purvi, Maiank Mehta and others in connection with the fraud case.

The ED said that during investigation it was revealed that Purvi has more than a dozen bank accounts and has ownership of various companies/Trusts abroad.

The ED said that in their statements and their submissions before the Adjudicating Authority, Purvi and Maiank Mehta have categorically stated that all the companies, properties and accounts mentioned in the charge sheet except Pavillion Point Corporation belong to Nirav Modi.

It said that she also expressed her willingness to offer all cooperation to repatriate the assets to India.

"Both of the accused stated that the funds channelized through their accounts belonged to Nirav Modi and was done on Nirav Modi's insistence," it said.

The ED had said in July last year that the Singapore High Court had ordered a freeze on a bank account with Rs 44 crore related to Purvi and her husband.

In June last year, the ED had attached four bank accounts of Nirav Modi and Purvi, having a balance of Rs 283 crore, as part of its investigation into the case.

Interpol had issued a Red Corner Notice against Purvi in 2019.

Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi are under investigation by both the CBI and the ED. Choksi is now believed to be in Antigua.

Meanwhile, a UK court had scheduled a hearing on the closing arguments in the extradition case of Nirav Modi on January 7 and 8.

Nirav Modi has been behind bars at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London since his arrest last year following India's extradition request.
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NEW YORK, January 6, 2021  Reuters Editor-In-Chief Stephen J. Adler today announced that he will retire in April 2021, after ten years at the head of the award-winning global newsroom.

In a message to staff  attached in full below  Adler said: It has been an honor, and certainly the highlight of my career, to lead this extraordinary news organization. I am so grateful to you, my consummately talented and hard-working colleagues. We have reported the news with speed, accuracy, fairness, and insight in every medium. We have provided unique value to our customers, spoken truth to power, and made the world a better place with our factual and fearless journalism.

I will miss the daily, hourly, and minute-by-minute Reuters adventure and will surely miss all of you. But it is the right time for me to pass the baton. Im greatly looking forward to writing, teaching, advocating for press freedom and media literacy, and finding my way toward unexpected new challenges.

Paying tribute, Reuters President, Michael Friedenberg, said: I want to thank Steve for his extraordinary contribution to Reuters over the past ten years and to congratulate him on his hard-earned retirement. Steve has played an integral role in transforming Reuters into a contemporary, diversified media organization built around a world-class newsroom, which he has led to new heights. On behalf of all his colleagues at Reuters, I wish Steve great happiness as he turns the page on a well-earned new chapter in life.

Steve Hasker, Thomson Reuters President and CEO, said: Steve is an outstanding journalist and leader. He is a tireless advocate for independent journalism and a champion for press freedom and media literacy. The world benefits from objective reporting. The Reuters newsroom is a great source of pride to Thomson Reuters and, under Steves stewardship, has received rightful recognition. We thank Steve for his tremendous contribution - which we look forward to building upon - and wish him all the very best in his retirement.

As Editor-In-Chief of the worlds largest international news provider, Adler has overseen all editorial functions. Under his leadership, Reuters has received hundreds of journalism awards, including seven Pulitzer Prizes and eight Pulitzer finalists, eclipsing all past Reuters records.

During his tenure, he oversaw the introduction of stricter safety standards, enhanced hostile-environment training, and new mental-health programs including a peer-to-peer support network. Adler has worked tirelessly to secure freedom for journalists in custody or under threat. He will continue his work on behalf of press freedom and media literacy through not-for-profit work.

Adler joined Thomson Reuters in 2010 as Senior Vice President and Editorial Director of the companys Professional Division and was named Editor-in-Chief of Reuters the following year.

Previously, he was Editor-in-Chief of BusinessWeek and a reporter and editor at The Wall Street Journal. There, in addition to managing investigative reporting teams and overseeing the Wall Street Journal Online, he co-taught the ethics and standards course required of all news employees. He was a top editor of The American Lawyer from 1983 to 1988 and began his career as a reporter at local newspapers in Florida.

Adler is chairman of Columbia Journalism Reviews board of overseers, chairman of the board of Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and a member of the board of the Committee to Protect Journalists. He is a member of the International Media Council of the World Economic Forum, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Gerald R. Loeb Awards board of final judges.

A graduate of Harvard College and the Harvard Law School, Adler is author of the book The Jury: Trial and Error in the American Courtroom, which won the Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association. With his wife, the novelist Lisa Grunwald, he was co-editor of three popular historical anthologies. He is a frequent speaker at journalism conferences, universities and public forums.

Reuters will begin the search for a new Editor-in-Chief in the coming days. The post will be advertised internally and externally on the Thomson Reuters careers site.

Message from Steve Adler to all Reuters editorial staff

Colleagues 

After ten years as Reuters editor-in-chief and eleven years at Thomson Reuters, I have decided to retire, effective April 1. It has been an honor, and certainly the highlight of my career, to lead this extraordinary news organization.

I am so grateful to you, my consummately talented and hard-working colleagues. You are simply the most dedicated, courageous, resourceful, and engaging group of journalists I have ever known.

I am also indebted to our colleagues on the Reuters commercial team, especially our president, Michael Friedenberg, who has been the ideal partner and newsroom advocate and will continue to be a dear friend.

I am as sad to be leaving as I am proud of the consequential work we have done together. We have reported the news with speed, accuracy, fairness, and insight in every medium. We have provided unique value to our customers, spoken truth to power, and made the world a better place with our factual and fearless journalism.

I will miss the daily, hourly, and minute-by-minute Reuters adventure and will surely miss all of you. But it is the right time for me to pass the baton. Im greatly looking forward to writing, teaching, advocating for press freedom and media literacy, and finding my way toward unexpected new challenges.

I am confident that you will continuing doing brilliant work and will take Reuters to ever-new heights. I look forward to continuing to be an avid consumer of, and advocate for, all things Reuters. If I have one piece of advice, it's to stay true to the Trust Principlesand preserve our defining commitment to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

Until April 1, though, Im still editor-in-chief, and still fully and enthusiastically engaged.

With my warm regards,

Steve

About Reuters



Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the worlds largest multimedia news provider. Founded in 1851, it is committed to the Trust Principles of independence, integrity and freedom from bias. With unmatched coverage in over 16 languages, and reaching billions of people worldwide every day, Reuters provides trusted intelligence that powers humans and machines to make smart decisions. It supplies business, financial, national and international news to professionals via desktop terminals, the world's media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers. Reuters: The Real World in Real Time.



Follow news about Reuters at reuters.com/rpb and @ReutersPR.

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Vice President Mike Pence was visibly angry about the rioters on Capitol Hill and lamented about President Donald Trump blaming him for the election loss.

'After all the things I've done' for Trump was Pence's reported reaction to the president pressuring him to illegally overturn the election.

Pence, who steadfastly stood by Trump's side for four years, relayed his reaction to his close friend in Congress, Republican Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma, who then told it to his local newspaper, the Tulsa World.

'I've known Mike Pence forever,' Inhofe said. 'I've never seen Pence as angry as he was today.

'I had a long conversation with him,' he noted. 'He said, 'After all the things I've done for (Trump).'

Wednesday appeared to mark a turning point in Pence and Trump's relationship after the vice president stood loyally by Trump's side through the Access Hollywood tape during the 2016 campaign, the impeachment process and special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.

Vice President Mike Pence lamented about President Trump blaming him for the election loss; 'After all the things I've done' for Trump was Pence's reported reaction

Pence friend Republican Senator James Inhofe relayed what Pence told him about how he was upset and angry at the president; the two men are seen together earlier this month when Pence swore in Inhofe for another term

Vice President Pence was quick to denounce the mob that ransacked Capitol Hill

Trump raged at Pence in the lead up to Wednesday's Joint Session of Congress, a ceremonial day where lawmakers, as mandated by the constitution, hear the vote tally of the electoral college. It is the last step in certifying Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election.

The president repeatedly hammered Pence to act illegally and overturn the election in his favor, making his case to the vice president privately and publicly.

Pence did not have the power to constitutionally do what Trump was asking. The vice president's role in the Joint Session is largely ceremonial.

Inhofe told reporters on Capitol Hill that Pence told him he was 'very upset' with Trump.

The Republican from Oklahoma, who has served in Congress since 1994, said he'd spoken to Pence about the president.

'He was very upset with him,' Inhofe noted.

Trump remained furious with Pence even as the vice president was locked down in the Capitol as a pro-Trump mob ransacked the building, breaching the Senate chamber, with some even looking for the vice president.

Pence had been presiding in the Senate shortly before the insurgents broke in. Security removed him to an undisclosed location in the Capitol.

As the protesters rushed the Senate floor, taking a seat on the dais and rummaging through senators' desks, one yelled: 'Where's Pence, show yourself!'

Meanwhile, one senior administration official, told The Washington Post that Trump was so mad at Pence 'he couldn't see straight.'

Other White House aides were angry Trump verbally castigated Pence when the vice president, who was secured in the Capitol building, was in harm's way.

A former senior administration official briefed on the president's private conversations told the newspaper: 'The thing he was most upset about and couldn't get over all day was the Pence betrayal.  All day, it was a theme of, 'I made this guy, I saved him from a political death, and here he stabbed me in the back.''

Trump was so angry he tried to bar Pence's top aide, his chief of staff Marc Short, from entering the White House complex.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the Joint Session that formally certified Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election; his role was largely ceremonial

The pro-Trump insurgents stormed the Capitol, breaching the Senate chamber where Pence had been presiding moments before

When rioters entered the Senate chamber one was heard asking where Pence was

Before the Joint Session of Congress, President Trump publicly encouraged Pence to illegally overturn the election results in a rally with supporters - a power Pence didn't have

Pence spent all of Wednesday on Capitol Hill and tweeted his thanks to officers

Before the Joint Session of Congress, Trump addressed a rally of supporters on the ellipse of National Mall, just outside the White House. He encouraged them to march on the Capitol and falsely claimed Pence held his election fate.

'If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election,' Trump said.

But he also demonstrated he doesn't understand Pence's role in presiding over the session.

'All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify and we become president,' Trump claimed, which is false. Pence doesn't have that power and such a move would not give Trump a victory.

Biden won the electoral college vote, 306 to 232, and the popular vote. Trump had repeatedly refused to concede and falsely claimed the election was fraudulent, despite providing no proof and no court upholding his charges.

The president finally conceded after Congress certified Biden's win.

'Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20,' Trump said in a statement that aides posted on Twitter after the president's account was locked for stirring up violence.

'I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted,' Trump said. 'While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.'

Pence never left the Capitol on Wednesday. He was quick to denounce the mob that stormed the building and posted photos on Twitter of himself thanking police officers who had been on duty.

And he was the one that gaveled the Joint Session to a close in the early morning hours of Thursday, officially certifying Biden as the 46th president and Kamala Harris as the next vice president.

Pence made the final announcement after a nearly 15-hour saga that saw four people die; a mob ransack the Capitol, breaking windows and destroying furniture; and saw pipe bombs, long guns and Molotov cocktails discovered on the Capitol grounds  and left America's image as the beacon of democracy reeling.

He ended the day with a simple statement at 3:41 a.m. ET, announcing Biden's 306 vote tally to Trump's 232 votes in the electoral college. It takes 270 to win.

'The announcement of the state of the vote by the President of the Senate shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of the persons elected president and vice president of the United States, each for the term beginning on the 20th day of January, 2021,'P Pence said.
SUNRISE, Fla., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Interim HealthCare Inc., the nation's leading franchise network of home care, senior care, home health and hospice and healthcare staffing services, names Ethan Sowell, physical therapist, as the 2020 Therapist of the Year. Ethan earned widespread appreciation from patients and leaders for his commitment to delivering compassionate care and supporting the mission of Interim HealthCare of the Upstate in South Carolina.

This honor is given to an individual who embodies Interim HealthCare's core values of integrity, compassion and customer focus. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, physical therapy assistants and certified occupational therapy assistants were all eligible to receive the award.

"Ethan consistently receives compliments about his dedication and compassion from his patients and their families," said Katherine Craven, RN, clinical manager for Interim HealthCare of the Upstate. "We greatly appreciate his professionalism and how he consistently goes above and beyond for his patients and to further the mission of our home healthcare agency."

Since joining Interim HealthCare of the Upstate in 2018, Ethan quickly advanced to become a therapy lead. He also trains new therapists on home healthcare essentials, the importance of following orthopedic physician protocols, and how to use the company's electronic medical record system.

Having access to quality physical therapy in the home is a critical part of the care continuum, as it places patients back on the path to improved health and wellness and can avoid rehospitalizations. Therapists also play an integral role on the care team and in helping people to regain their productivity and independence.

This year, Ethan also helped patients and their families navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. This work included ensuring that a patient recovering from a brain tumor removal received the expert rehabilitation needed at home to prevent a transfer to a hospital or long-term care facility with higher infection risks.

"I'm honored to be named as the 2020 Therapist of the Year," said Ethan Sowell. "I chose home healthcare as the site of my physical therapy work because I get to build more personal relationships to help patients rehabilitate from a wide variety of medical conditions where they feel most comfortable, and where healthcare outcomes are improved. It makes me happy to have a rewarding career that enables me serve and support others."

To find more future award-winning employees, Interim HealthCare also recently launched its 'Made for This' recruiting campaign. The company seeks employees for a range of career paths from paraprofessionals (home health, hospice and support aides) to LPNs, RNs, therapists, and CNAs. Interim HealthCare is also recruiting service-oriented people wanting to transition from other industries, or those looking to change healthcare careers to gain more flexibility and autonomy.

For more information about working with Interim HealthCare, please visit https://www.interimhealthcare.com/careers/.

About Interim HealthCare Inc.

Interim HealthCare Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing. It is part of Caring Brands International, which also includes UK-based Bluebird Care and Australia-based Just Better Care, both well-known franchise brands in their countries. With more than 530 franchise locations in seven countries, Caring Brands International is a global healthcare leader.

Interim HealthCare in the United States is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, meeting a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare staffing needs. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com .

SOURCE Interim HealthCare Inc.

Related Links

https://www.interimhealthcare.com/



Joe Bidens presidency has already begun, at least unofficially. Yesterday, Donald Trump chose to play the role of political rabble-rouser during the transition instead of constitutional officer.

Attempting to impede the pro-forma Electoral College vote certification by Congress, Trump delivered a fiery speech to thousands of his supporters, claiming yet again that the 2020 election was stolen from him and calling on Vice President Mike Pence, the ceremonial presiding officer of the Senate, to do the right thing.

Our country has had enough! Trump said. We will not take it anymore and thats what this is all about.  We will stop the steal! Trump then directly urged his supporters to march on the U.S. Capitol, apparently to pressure lawmakers. We fight like hell, and if you dont fight like hell youre not going to have a country anymore.

Taken as a whole, the speech was essentially an incitement to riot. And his supporters took him both seriously and literally.

Were going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, Trump told them -- although he himself did nothing of the kind. In an inverse of Profiles in Courage, the president retreated to the warmth of the Oval Office, presumably watching television, while his supporters did as they were instructed. In a mystifying lapse of preparedness, the U.S. Capitol Police were badly understaffed. The crowd pushed past them, and while thousands were content to stand on the buildings steps and wave flags, a vanguard of several hundred stormed the entrance, broke windows, and occupied offices, sending members of Congress and their staffs fleeing in fear. Congressional offices were debased, as was Americas international reputation. One female Trump supporter, an unarmed Air Force veteran from San Diego, was shot to death by a Capitol Police officer.

Amid the appalling chaos, Trump was content to issue tepid tweets about respecting law enforcement. Later, he released a Twitter video going a bit further (but repeating the fiction that hed won a landslide election). By then, Joe Biden had stepped into the void.

At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault, unlike anything weve seen in modern times, the president-elect said from Wilmington, Del., while calling (in vain) for Trump to put a stop to it.

Im genuinely shocked and saddened that our nation, so long a beacon of hope and light for democracy, has come to such a dark moment, Biden added. America is about honor, decency, respect, tolerance. Thats who we are. Thats who weve always been.

One irony for Republicans was that while the lame duck president was trying to forestall Biden from assuming office, Trumps actions Wednesday had the effect of essentially making Biden presidential two weeks early.

If one were in a nitpicking mood, its true that Biden was much quicker to condemn these rioters than those who led the sustained carnage of last summer in a hundred American cities during the Black Lives Matter protests. And yes, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other Democrats pivoted instantly from being social justice defenders to a law-and-order hard-liners. The medias turnabout was even more whiplash-inducing. The press had previously deemed it racist to even use the word rioters to describe arsonists, looters, and protesters who threw rocks at cops and menaced strangers. Those compunctions disappeared Wednesday, as did the ubiquitous phrase mostly peaceful protests -- replaced by traitors, terrorists, and a mob that was violent and seditious. The Trumpsters were leading an armed insurrection, we were told.

Remember when Sen. Tom Cottons New York Times op-ed advocating the use of armed federal troops to quell the violence in American cities led to the approving editors forced departure? Yesterday, it took less than an hour for the media to clamor for the National Guard. Wheres the cavalry? they beseeched on cable news.

So there was inconsistency, and plenty of hypocrisy. Yet none of that excuses what Trump and his followers did Wednesday. They disgraced themselves. They trashed the legacy of their own movement. They desecrated a symbol of American democracy, although it was heartening how the Senate ameliorated much of the damage in an extraordinary late-night session. They prompted serious discussion of invoking the 25th Amendment and replacing Trump immediately. Mostly, they made Americans who voted for Joe Biden exceedingly glad they had done so.
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Prime Minister on Thursday inaugurated the 306-km Rewari-Madar section of the Western Dedicated section and said the modern is a "game changer" for India in the 21st century and it will prove to be a corridor for the rapid development of the country.

Modi also virtually flagged off the world's first Double Stack Long Haul 1.5 km 'Container Train' between Haryana's new Ateli and Rajasthan's New Kishangarh.

The event was also attended by Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, Haryana Governor Satydev Narayan Arya, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, his deputy Dushyant Chautala, Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, and several others.

Japanese Ambassador to India Satoshi Suzuki also attended the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Modi said, "The Dedicated (DFC) project is being seen as a game changer in the 21st century for India. A big chunk of the project has been dedicated to the nation."

The Prime Minister said the speed of the goods and freight trains has reached 90 kmh as compared to 25 kmh, which is thrice more than earlier.

Speaking about the double stack freight train which he flagged off, Modi said, "Today from Haryana's New Ateli and Rajasthan's New Kishangarh, a new double stack 1.5 km-long goods train has been flagged off. This is a big achievement. India is one of the few countries which has such a facility."

He also hailed the engineers, labourers, and railway officials for their role. He emphasised that the day is important for the farmers and businessman as this project has brought new hopes and opportunities for them.

"Whether it is the Eastern or Western DFC, this is not only for modern freight trains and advanced freight route, but this is a corridor for the rapid development of the country and it will become the foundation for the new growth centre," Modi said.

Modi pointed out that the newly-inaugurated EDFC corridor has proved to be the new development centre and has started showing its results.

"Same work will be done by WDFC in Haryana, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. This corridor will prove a milestone for the businesses in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan," he said.

The Prime Minister also said that a new pace has been achieved for making the infrastructure of the country modern and advanced.

He said that in the last 10-12 days, through digital transaction Rs 18,000 crore was transferred in over nine crore farmers' bank accounts, and foundation stone was laid for an AIIMS in Rajkot, Gujarat and for a new IIM in Odisha besides many other works.

"When the beginning of the year is good, then the coming days will be much better. The number of inaugurations and new foundation laying is important because India has done all these during the Covid pandemic. India also approved two Made-in-India Covid vaccines and has brought self confidence," he said.

He said that from the beginning of 2021, it will provide pace for Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

"And the people of India will feel proud of these achievements. Today every Indian has given a call that we will not stop and not get tired, and we will work together with more pace," he said.

Modi also stressed that the modern infrastructure gives pace to the economy.

The Prime Minister also hailed Japan's role in the construction of Dedicated Freight Corridor and said, "Throughout India's development journey, Japan and its people have stood by us like a trustworthy friend."

"In the construction of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor as well, Japan provided us with financial and technological assistance. I thank Japan and its people," Modi said.

He had inaugurated the Khurja-Bhaupur section of EDFC on December 29 last year. The Dedicated Freight Corridor is one of the largest rail infrastructure projects undertaken by the government, entailing a cost of around Rs 81,459 crore.

The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) has been set up as a Special Purpose Vehicle to plan, develop, mobilise financial resources, construct, maintain and operate the DFCs.

In the first phase, the organisation will construct the Western DFC (1,504 kms) and Eastern DFC (1,856 kms), a total of 3,360 kms.

According to railway ministry officials, to make India a five-trillion-dollar economy it is essential to develop transport networks at a fast pace. Development of transport infrastructure will give a major fillip for the growth of industries, commerce, export and import and agriculture.

The newly-inaugurated section falls in Haryana for 79 kms covering districts of Mahendragarh and Rewari with 227 kms in Rajasthan covering districts like Jaipur, Ajmer, Sikar, Nagaur and Alwar.

According to the railway ministry officials, 40 per cent of the WDFC section falls in Rajasthan. In the newly-inaugurated 306 km section of the WDFC there are nine new DFC stations, six crossing stations -- New Dabla, New Bhagega, New Sri Madhopur, New Pachar Malikpur, New Sakun and New Kishangarh and three junction stations -- New Rewari, New Ateli and New Phulera.

The total value of contracts including civil, electrical and S&T is estimated to be at Rs 5,800 crore in this section excluding land.

According to railways, the opening of this stretch will benefit various industries in Rewari-Manesar, Narnaul, Phulera and Kishangarh areas of Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi- Capital Region (NCR).

The railway officials said that the ports of Gujarat like Kandla, Pipavav, Mundhra, and Dahej will have uninterrupted connectivity to the northern parts of India.

The officials said that DFCCIL will run freight trains at a maximum speed of 100 kmh as against the current maximum speed of 75 kmh on Indian Railway tracks whereas the average speed of freight trains will also be increased from existing speed of 26 kmh to 70 kmh on DFC.

--IANS

aks/kr

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Government has performed a U-turn on plans for Leaving Cert students to attend school for three days each week.

Final year students will now engage in remote learning for five days a week until the end of January, the PA news agency understands.

The plans would have seen up to 80,000 students return to classrooms from Monday.

The proposal was announced on Wednesday as part of Irelands new lockdown measures to combat Covid-19, but was scrapped only a day later.

Expand Close Education Minister Norma Foley has dropped plans for students to return to classrooms (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook

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In a statement, Minister Foley said: It is with regret that I announce that, despite the confirmation by Public Health that schools remain safe, that children in special schools and special classes and Leaving Certificate students will not be extended in-person learning.

My Department has engaged with the unions and public health officials with a view to maintaining on site learning for this vulnerable group of students.

It remains my strong belief that this period of time is crucial for the mental wellbeing of all children with special needs.

I also felt it was the right thing to extend in-class teaching to our Leaving Certificate students who are approaching a crucial time in their exam year.

Unfortunately I am left with no alternative but to pause the limited reopening on Monday to allow further engagement with all education stakeholders.

It comes after the ASTI teachers union said they would not comply with the directive amid concerns over safety for students and staff.

The union, which represents more than 17,500 teachers, said it was not consulted about the plan and had not received satisfactory assurances that schools are sufficiently safe for students and teachers.

The Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) met on Thursday evening when it was decided that its 19,000 members would not attend schools on Monday.

In a statement, the TUI noted the absurdity of the Department of Education treating schools as if they are magically immune.

The TUI said they welcomed the reversal of the decision, saying it was the right call that prioritises, at last, the health and safety of our school communities.

Plans to reopen special education schools, which were due to reopen on Monday, have also been cancelled.

At an emergency meeting on Thursday, the ASTI standing committee decided to direct its members not to co-operate with the arrangements announced by the Minister for Education Norma Foley for in-school teaching.

Unfortunately, the assurances we sought have not been forthcoming. ASTI President Ann Piggott

The union said it will engage in remote teaching and learning from Monday January 11.

President Ann Piggott said: The ASTI has repeatedly sought sufficient assurances that schools are safe for students and teachers at this time, in the context of the new variant of Covid-19 circulating in the community and the alarmingly high numbers.

We engaged with the Department of Education and with public health officials today. Unfortunately, the assurances we sought have not been forthcoming.

Following the announcement, Sinn Fein education spokesman Donnchadh O Laoghaire said: While this is welcome, the lack of any Plan B for schools has created a real mess. Minister needs to use the next three weeks to get it right.

Earlier, following the announcement by the ASTI, he tweeted: That should be the end of that, if the Government has any sense at all. They failed to prepare a contingency plan, and failed to consult with worker reps.

Back to the drawing board, and consult properly. Making leaving Certs a priority makes sense, but next Monday is too soon.

That should be the end of that, if the Government has any sense at all



They failed to prepare a contingency plan, and failed to consult with worker reps.



Back to the drawing board, and consult properly.



Making leaving Certs a priority makes sense, but next Monday is too soon https://t.co/hdTUtYpTrH  Donnchadh A Laoghaire (@Donnchadhol) January 7, 2021

Sinn Fein health spokesman David Cullinane welcomed the decision, but said students deserve more certainty.

He tweeted: The announcement by Gov to abandon plans for Leaving Certificate students to attend class on three days a week is welcome but how was this decision made in the first place without clear advice from NPHET?

This mixed messaging needs to stop. Students deserve clarity & certainty.

Labour leader Alan Kelly also welcomed the move, saying the Government were well intentioned in their initial decision but circumstances had changed considerably.

He called on the Government to engage with unions and look at all potential Leaving Cert options.

Prior to Thursday nights announcement, there were a number of calls from students and teachers unions for the Education Minister to rethink plans to reopen schools for Leaving Cert students.

Ms Foley has insisted that schools are safe and that the Leaving Cert will go ahead as normal this year.

But students raised serious concerns about their own safety should they return to classrooms.

In an open letter to Ms Foley, Leaving Certificate students from Colaiste Bhaile Chlair in Co Galway called for the department to scrap the idea of having sixth year students return for three days a week.

The letter, posted on social media, said: Considering the severity of this situation, we cannot help but feel a sense of indignation at the recent decision to disregard the idea of predicted grades, and the decision to put the Leaving Cert students at grave risk by returning them to school.

According to statistics, the new mutation of coronavirus is contracted mostly by students of our general age group, and therefore we are most at risk.

The danger of bringing the virus into our homes is all too real.

The letter calls on the department to consider the option of predicted grades.

An open letter from Leaving Cert students, to Norma Foley #LeavingCert2021 #LeavingCert pic.twitter.com/9WLvTXNxiK  Shane Farragher  (@Shane_Far) January 6, 2021

An online petition calling for an end to the departments plans had gained almost 4,000 signatures.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin defended the proposals after they were announced on Wednesday.

He said: The issue is the mobilisation of people. Theres a big difference between 61,000 people coming in in a staggered way, 61,000 Leaving Cert students, as opposed to a million people which would involve the entire population of teachers and students.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said on Thursday that he respected the Governments decision regarding Leaving Cert students attending for three days a week.

He said the important thing was that the mass mobilisation associated with schools reopening fully would have been avoided.

He said: The decision that the Government made would have had the effect of substantially reducing the quantum of activity that would be associated with education.

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Four returnees from the US infected with SARS-CoV-2

Four Vietnamese people who recently returned from the US have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, raising the total number of Covid-19 patients in the country to 1,509, the Ministry of Health reported on Thursday evening.















Illustrative photo.





According to the ministry's report, the four newly-infected patients including two men and two women aged between 28-65 arrived at Cam Ranh International Airport on January 1.





They were sent to a quarantine area in Phu Yen Province upon arrival and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on January 6.

The four patients are now being treated at the Phu Yen Provincial General Hospital.

Earlier, seven other people who boarded the same flight with them were also infected with SARS-CoV-2 and are being treated in Phu Yen Province.



With these new infection cases, the number of imported Covid-19 patients in Vietnam has increased to 815.



As of 6 pm on January 7, a total of 1,353 Covid-19 patients had recovered and been discharged from hospital. There have been 35 deaths, most of them being the elderly with serious underlying diseases.



At present, over 19,000 people who had close contact with Covid-19 patients or returned from virus-hit areas are being monitored at hospitals, quarantine facilities, and at home.
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In a study spanning four decades, researchers from the University of Hong Kong's Research Division for Ecology & Biodiversity (HKU) in the Faculty of Science, and Toho University's Department of Biology (Toho), Japan, have discovered that predation by snakes is pushing lizards to be active at warmer body temperatures on islands where snakes are present, in comparison to islands free from snakes. Their work also detected significant climatic warming throughout the years and found lizard body temperatures to have also increased accordingly. The findings show that lizard thermal biology is highly dependent on predation pressures and that body temperatures are rising suggest that such ectothermic predator-prey relationships may be changing under climatic warming.

Lizard VS Snakes on Izu Islands

The research published in the journal Ecology Letters is the first to present long-term observations on the thermal biology behind the prey-predator relationship of snakes and lizards on the Izu Islands. Less than a million years old, these islands are located near the southeastern coast of the Japanese mainland and represent a valuable natural laboratory for studying ecological and evolutionary processes. Similar to the reasons initially drawing evolutionary biologists to the Galapagos, the simplified island system with low numbers of species overall provides an opportunity to directly study selective pressures on species.

In this system, one dominant lizard species is found on all these islands; Okada's five-lined skink (Plestiodon latiscutatus). Its mainland predator, the Japanese four-lined rat snake (Elaphe quadrivirgata), is found on most but not all of the islands. This has resulted P. latiscutatus populations that have experienced different evolutionary pressures, either free from or subject to predation by E. quadrivirgata.

The research was conducted by PhD student Felix LANDRY YUAN (HKU) and PhD Candidate Shun ITO (Tohoku University's Graduate School of Life Science) and led by Dr Timothy BONEBRAKE (HKU) and Professor Masami HASEGAWA (Toho). Initial observation and data collection was first started by Professor HASEGAWA in the early 1980's, when he first noticed lizard behaviour differed on islands with and without snakes. Professor Hasegawa has since continually visited the islands annually to catch lizards and snakes for body temperature and morphological measurements. The researchers have accordingly detected that annual temperatures across the Izu Islands had increased by just over 1C since Professor Hasegawa first started his observations, and that lizard body temperature had also increased with the same magnitude.

Higher body temperature helps the lizards

In addition to body temperature measurements, in 2018 and 2019 Felix Landry Yuan carried a portable racetrack, tripod and camera to the islands to measure the speed at which lizards ran at different temperatures. By analyzing thermally dependent running speeds of over 150 lizards across the islands, the researchers were able to establish how predation by snakes affected lizard thermal biology and the probable consequences for their fitness. Dr Bonebrake notes that: "by racing lizards of different temperatures down a track, Felix was able to show that optimal temperatures were higher for lizards on the island with snakes, consistent with the high body temperatures observed on the island. Shun Ito was also able to identify differences in lizard hind leg length that had consequences for survival. Thus, the higher body temperatures and morphological differences help the lizards run faster and better escape the snakes. The exciting and unique aspect of this work is how the experimental work matches and supports the extensive natural history data and observation."

With climate change ongoing, the dynamics of this prey-predator relationship could be affected on islands with snakes, as lizard body temperatures are likely to continue to rise. In addition, as predation has considerable consequences for the thermal biology of its prey, the presence or absence of snake predators could differentially influence general vulnerability of lizards to climatic warming across islands.

The Izu Islands demonstrate the value of island systems in teasing apart mechanisms through which predation directly influences behaviour, morphology and physiology of prey species. On the other hand, understanding the ways in which predation can affect prey responses to climate change requires long-term study. This international collaboration between HKU and Toho used these unique properties of this system (and Professor Hasegawa's forethought and intensive data collections since the 80s) to show how predator-prey relationships may be vulnerable in a warming climate. "It is a great pleasure to reveal ecological and evolutionary responses among prey and predator interactions by this international research team. I'm very hopeful that the Izu islands become a key model island system to study ongoing evolution under global environmental change by attracting ambitious young Asian biologists to research this further." Professor HASEGAWA said.

###

Felix Landry Yuan was supported by a Hong Kong PhD Fellowship from the Research Grants Council. Professor Masami Hasegawa received funding for this work from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) - (19H03307, 15H04426).

About the research paper "Predator presence and recent climatic warming raise body temperatures of island lizards": https:/ / onlinelibrary. wiley. com/ doi/ full/ 10. 1111/ ele. 13671

Landry Yuan F*, Ito S*, Tsang TPN, Kuriyama T, Yamakazi T, Bonebrake TC, Hasegawa M (2021) Ecology Letters *These authors contributed equally to the manuscript.
In a letter to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Sunni Friday Imam of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdul Hamid, his claiming that Sunni citizens in Iran are still considered "second-class citizens."

The letter published on Tuesday, January 5, on the high-ranking Sunni cleric's official information site, is explicitly addressed to Khamenei.

"Forty-two years after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the Sunnis of Iran still face many problems and concerns about civil rights, to the extent that they feel as lower-class citizens in the Islamic Iran," Abdul Hamid wrote.

He referred to issues such as the "non-appointment of Sunni dignitaries" as ministers, governors, advisers or deputy presidents, representatives of the Supreme Leader and advisers to the Supreme Leader, and their "limited use" in ministries, the armed forces, and Sunni provincial centers as examples of Sunni citizens' problems.

In an interview with Radio Farda, Abdul Hamid previously criticized the "discrimination" against Sunnis and the "lack of equality" between ethnicities and denominations in Iran.

Abdul Hamid wrote in his new letter that the "main problem" is that "decisions for Sunnis are made in certain places, and most of them are extralegal and arbitrary."

Abdul Hamid further cautioned Irans Supreme Leader that the "collection of problems and concerns" of the Sunnis had "gradually forced" them to lose their morale despite being "very much in love with their homeland," and utterly lose hope in the improvement of the situation.

He has also criticized the "efforts" of a newly founded organization called the "Sunni Religion Science Schools Planning Council." He said the council wanted to "dominate all Sunni religious affairs with the help and pressure of intelligence services and judicial institutions in different parts of the country, in cities and villages, and present itself the patron of all Sunni religious affairs."

He also shared that "Article 12 of the Islamic Republic Constitution has given the followers of Islamic denominations complete freedom in their religious affairs."

Abdul Hamid stressed that Khamenei's order to eliminate discrimination against Sunnis in Iran (issued in response to the Sunni Leader's 2017 letter) was "considered a formality" and "has not yet been implemented by the country's executive directors."

In August 2017, Abdul Hamid wrote a letter to Khamenei urging him to end discrimination and inequality against Sunnis in Iran.

Khamenei, who had ignored Abdul Hamid's previous letters, chose to respond by saying, "All elements of the Islamic Republic are duty-bound, by the religious teachings and the Constitution, to refrain from allowing any discrimination and inequality among Iranians from any ethnicity, race or faith."

The letter, dated ten days after Abdul Hamid's, was published three weeks later by his Chief of Staff.

However, according to Article 12 of the Islamic Republic's constitution, the country's official denomination is Twelver Imams' Shi'ite.

Furthermore, Article 115 stipulates that high positions in the Islamic Republic ruling system, i.e., the Supreme Leadership and Presidency are exclusive to the Shi'ites. Therefore, Sunnis and followers of other "official" religions and denominations cannot take such high positions.

Discriminations deeply institutionalized in Iran's laws, rules, and regulations have eliminated religious, ethnic, and non-believer minorities from electoral competitions.
Baghdad  Iraq issued a warrant for the arrest of U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday as part of a Baghdad court's investigation into the killing of a top Iraqi paramilitary commander. Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy head of Iraq's largely pro-Iran Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network, died in the same U.S. drone strike that killed storied Iranian general Qasem Soleimani at Baghdad airport on January 3 last year. The strike on their motorcade was ordered by Mr. Trump, who later crowed that it had taken out "two (men) for the price of one."

"An arrest warrant against the outgoing President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has been issued in accordance with the provisions of Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code," Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council confirmed in a statement on Thursday, adding that the investigations would continue "to identify others who participated in committing this crime, whether they are Iraqis or foreigners." The United Nations special rapporteur for extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Agnes Callamard, has described the twin killings as "arbitrary" and "illegal."

Iran already issued a warrant for Mr. Trump's arrest in June, and asked Interpol to relay it as a so-called "red notice" to other police forces around the world. Interpol made it clear there was no intention to meet Iran's request. Unlike adversary Iran, Iraq is a key U.S. ally in the Middle East. While the U.S. military presence in the country has diminished significantly under President Trump's orders, to around 2,500 troops at present, billions of U.S. tax dollars have been spent, and American forces have been killed, shoring the Iraqi government up to defend itself from terrorist groups, and to help it resist the influence of its neighbor to the north, Iran.

A member of Lebanon's Hezbollah stands in front of a picture depicting senior Iranian military commander General Qassem Soleimani (right) and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis who were killed in a U.S. attack, during a ceremony marking the first anniversary of their killing in the southern village of Khiam, Lebanon, January 3, 2021. / Credit: AZIZ TAHER/REUTERS

It was the court for east Baghdad that actually issued the warrant for Mr. Trump's arrest under Article 406 of Iraq's penal code, which provides for the death penalty in all cases of premeditated murder, but the Supreme Judicial Council, which runs all of Iraq's courts much like the U.S. Department of Justice, confirmed the warrant.

Story continues

While the soon-to-be former U.S. president may be unlikely to visit Iraq any time soon, the order for his arrest highlights the huge resentment against U.S. policy in Iraq, and the deeply entrenched influence of Iran among Iraq's large Shiite Muslim population.

The U.S. military had braced for any possible retaliatory attacks by Iran or Iraq's pro-Iran militias, which have fired rockets at American bases many times since the strike last year, but there was no violence on the anniversary of the attack over the weekend.

Iraq's national government has at times struggled to maintain cordial relations with both its biggest global partner, Washington, and its neighbor Iran.

Even as the court issued the arrest warrant on Thursday, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller met nearby in Baghdad with President Barham Salih to discuss "the importance of reducing tensions and avoiding escalation, supporting efforts to enhance security, stability and peace in the region, and resolving the outstanding issues through dialogue," according to a statement posted on Salih's Twitter feed (below).

                                 . pic.twitter.com/duOfLMdLr3

    (@IraqiPresidency) January 7, 2021

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MADISON - After it was previously tabled, discussion was had again on whether or not to cover the purchase cost and labor of culvert installation for new land owners in Madison County at the Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday.

The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Singham 3: Jackie Shroff To Be The Main Villain Of The Cop Universe, Role To Spill Over In Ajay Devgn Starrer?

Rohit Shetty is very successfully creating our own desi cop universe. We have been introduced to Singham and Simmba and very soon would meet Veer Sooryavanshi as well. Now, we have learnt that the climax of Akshay Kumar starrer Sooryavanshi will directly lead to Singham 3 and audiences will also be introduced to the main mastermind in the third installment of the Ajay Devgn starrer.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jackie Shroff (@apnabhidu)

If a report in Bollywood Hungama is to be believed, then the role of the supervillain would be played by none other than Jackie Shroff. He was introduced last minute as a part of Sooryavanshi and his role will continue in Sigham 3. A source told the portal, The climax of Sooryavanshi will lead to Singham 3 with Ajay Devgn taking over the charge from Veer Sooryavanshi. The entire film is about Akshays character racing against time to stop terror attacks in Mumbai, and they successfully stop the same in the climax of the film by capturing the negative leads, only to discover that its not game over yet and the actual mastermind of the attack is still hiding safely at his whereabouts. And the actual master mind is none other than Jackie Shroff, who will continue to be a part of the universe as the negative lead of Singham 3.

While this sounds interesting, nothing has been finalised yet since the film is just in the initial drafts. Rohit is busy filming Cirkus, post which he will focus on Golmaal 3. Meanwhile, it is being said that the makers are planning to release Sooryavanshi in Holi, if everything goes fine.
See if kind actions can substitute for words

Emillio Mesa, a San Francisco events planner, always harbored resentment that his mother had left him with his grandparents in the Dominican Republic for six years when he was a child. Though he joined her in New York, she never really explained what happened or apologized for leaving him. He kept his distance. Decades later, after he was beaten up in a robbery, he moved back into his mothers Bronx house, where she took care of him for six months. He decided to allow the love she showed him as an adult to make up for her early absence and lack of explanation, and they were able to get close again.

Take it public

Kenan Trebincevic, a Muslim Bosnian war survivor, was dismayed that the Serbian government never issued an official apology for its genocide against his people during the Balkan War. Chronicling the atrocities he witnessed, he wrote the apology he felt he deserved and published it. A few Serbs his age contacted him to express their remorse. Becoming a spokesman for a younger generation of Bosnians was how he met his Sarajevan wife. By confronting people from his past, he found his future.

Express your forgiveness

Gary Weinstein, a Michigan jeweler, forgave the drunken driver who killed his wife and children, reading a statement aloud in court. When Mr. Weinstein arranged to meet him in prison, the driver expressed his deep remorse. That helped Mr. Weinstein move on. He became a spokesman for forgiveness, which was empowering.

Enlist a forgiveness surrogate

Rabbi Joseph Krakoff asked an estranged father to recite this prayer with his daughter on his deathbed: You are forgiven. I forgive you. Please forgive me. I love you. The father told his child, I still dont think I did anything wrong, but Ill say the prayer because the rabbi says its a better way to leave the world. Even the begrudging words helped her. Religious leaders or therapists may be able to intervene on your behalf.

Ask advice from mutual friends

In the case of my estrangement from my mentor, he was upset that I had let mutual acquaintances know what had happened, because it threatened his reputation. When he eventually wanted to get together to talk about it, I asked Are you doing this to make me shut up? He said, Yes! Shut up already! half-jokingly  or maybe not. I didnt necessarily care what his motives were  I wanted him to acknowledge hed been wrong, which he did. Seeing the negative reactions of others in the community spurred him to wake up and reach out to discuss it.

Try to view the offense as a mystery

Drawing on the Hindu outlook he grew up with, Dr. Thakkar suggested searching for a larger view of your falling out. He shared a metaphor: A commuter was enraged when a woman in an SUV stopped abruptly to get something in the back seat, almost causing an accident. He didnt know the drivers infant was choking. Similarly, there is something you dont know about your mentors life that will shed light on his insensitive actions.

It turned out that something tragic had happened to my mentors family. Im so sorry, I had no idea, I wound up telling him, apologizing profusely myself.

Susan Shapiro, a writing professor at The New School, is the author of The Byline Bible and the new book The Forgiveness Tour: How to Find The Perfect Apology.

High drama was witnessed after 40 BJP workers, along with the partys district president Pushpinder Sighal, were detained on their way to the office of police commissioner Rakesh Agrawal on Thursday.

The local BJP unit had announced gherao of the police chiefs office to register their protest against the him for not registering an FIR against Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu.

They had been staging a peaceful protest for the past four days against Bittu for making provocative speeches and instigating people.

However, the protest held near the Clock Tower fizzled out on Monday after the police cordoned off the area by installing barricades. Even the dharna outside the mini secretariat on Tuesday and Wednesday remained a lukewarm affair.

However, party leadership decided to up the ante on Thursday and called upon their youth and women wing workers to gather outside the mini secretariat. As the BJP workers began to assemble outside the DC office, heavy police forces were called to control the situation.

Upon being stopped by the cops led by ACP Jatinder Chopra, the BJP workers began sloganeering against the police and the ruling Congress regime. Soon, Singhal and his supporters were bundled up in police vehicles.

Vice-president Mahash Datt Sharma and other party workers, who were left at the spot, accused the police of working at the behest of Congress leadership.

A total anarchy is prevailing in the state. The BJP is not causing any polarisation in Punjab, but the Congress and leaders like Ravneet Singh Bittu are. He is making loose remarks and terming the protesting farmers Khalistani, but no action has been taken against him, said Sharma.

ACP Chopra said as a preventive measure, the BJP workers were taken to Sarabha Nagar police station and let off with a warning.

Covid safety norms went for a toss during the protest as most of the workers were not wearing masks.
The pandemic has exacerbated isolation and fears for one very vulnerable group of Americans: the 4.3 million older adults with cognitive impairment who live alone.

As the coronavirus continues to claim more lives and upend others, researchers led by UC San Francisco are calling for tailored services and support for older adults living alone with memory issues, who are experiencing extreme isolation, and are exposed to misinformation about the virus and barriers to accessing medical care.

In their qualitative study, researchers interviewed 24 San Francisco Bay Area residents whose average age was 82. Of these, 17 were women, and 13 were either monolingual Spanish-speakers or Cantonese speakers; 18 were widowed or divorced; 10 depended only on the in-person care of their family, eight only on in-person home care aides and six on both family and aides. Findings appear in The Gerontologist on Jan. 6, 2021.

Among the most extreme emotions expressed was a desire by a few participants for the coronavirus to take their own lives "so that they could finally end their struggles." One participant said they were "fed up with the life that I have been given" and a second, who was struggling with an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, said that they would welcome the virus as "an escape plan."

One-third of those with cognitive impairment live alone. This is a demographic at high risk for loneliness and distress, as well as negative health outcomes, even before the pandemic. Public health recommendations that mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including shelter-in-place and physical distancing, reduce access to those amenities that had offered support to isolated older adults." Elena Portacolone, PhD, MBA, MPH, First Author, UCSF Institute for Health & Aging

Some of the study participants lived in cramped or inhospitable accommodation and reported that they felt "trapped in their own homes." Most participants were no longer able to seek companionship at church services, senior centers, restaurants or to interact with neighbors.

"I was most concerned by participants' extreme isolation," said Portacolone. "Some participants were particularly distressed, two of them had had suicidal ideation before the pandemic, yet they received little or no support for their mental health."

For some, long lines trigger memories of war, famine

Because the participants lived alone, they faced their fears alone. Some were afraid of dying of the virus, despite limited contact with the outside world, and some shared that long lines outside grocery stores reminded them of past experiences of war or famine. Others worried about racial attacks and rioting that had followed the death of George Floyd.

Misinformation about the virus was apparent in many interviews. One participant learned from WhatsApp, the messaging app, that gargling with salt water would treat the virus; another said that a doctor on TV had dissuaded them from getting the vaccine. Other participants claimed that going out without a face covering would result in a $400 fine or jail time.

Many participants struggled with gaining access to their medical provider. Some were concerned that entering a clinic would put them at risk for COVID-19, while one participant with diabetes expressed frustration with the phone appointment that was offered, since "I don't even answer my phone ... (and) I have a poor mind." Another participant said that it had taken them three or four months to make an appointment with their eye doctor after they were told that services were not available.

While the participants who had family support reported less distress, home care aides were recognized as providing companionship, as well as assistance with meal preparation and chores. But unlike other Western countries, the United States only covers the cost of home care aides for those with medical needs on very low incomes, Portacolone noted.

"Well-trained and state-subsidized home care aides are the life blood in the support system for older adults with cognitive impairment living alone. The regular presence of someone reliable to ask questions, receive nudges and instrumental support, as well as company, is invaluable."

The home care aides should be integral to a "therapeutic alliance" that offers tailored services and support from social workers, case managers and mental health services if required, she said.

"These services are critical for maintaining the health and wellbeing of older adults living alone with cognitive impairment," said senior author Julene K. Johnson, PhD, of the UCSF Institute for Health & Aging and the Center for Aging in Diverse Communities. "More robust financial support of home care aides is needed."
DANBURY  City police continue to investigate a murder-suicide that happened in October, but few details have been released on the incident.

Chief Patrick Ridenhour said Tuesday the man and woman both were ailing and described the incident as a mercy thing.

It wasnt a violent domestic or anything like that. It was just people in a lot of pain and seeing no way out, he said.

Police did not issue a news release nor post about the incident on social media out of respect for the family under the circumstances. Ridenhour spoke about the incident with The News-Times after a review of a recently released annual crime report showed a homicide had occurred in October.

No police report is available yet, as the investigation is deemed ongoing.

Police have not released the names of the individuals who died, only stating it was an elderly couple found in one of Danburys condominium complexes on Oct. 22. A couple matching the description with a last known address of the Sterling Woods condominium complex off Nabby Road had their names read during a virtual vigil held by CT Against Gun Violence last month.

According to the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the couple died from gunshot wounds to the head. The mans death was ruled a suicide, while the womans was ruled a homicide.

Danbury had three other homicides last year.

The first occurred March 18, when 21-year-old Willy Placencia was stabbed multiple times during a brawl at the Danbury City Center Skate Park..

Three months later, 60-year-old Ricardo Uruchima was beaten to death near the intersection of Maple Avenue and Garamella Boulevard. The fatal assault occurred the evening of June 23, and Uruchimas body was discovered the following day.

The third homicide of the year occurred July 12, when 39-year-old Raymond Irvin Simmons, of Waterbury, was fatally shot during an outdoor vigil on Beaver Street.
Barclay Damon announced Connie Cahill has been elected managing partner of the law firms 475-person organization, a full-service firm with offices in the Northeastern United States and a particular focus on energy, intellectual property, labor and employment, and health care.

She began a three-year position as deputy managing partner in 2018 to prepare for the transition to managing partner. She is the first woman to lead the organization in its 165-plus-year history.

Cahill joined Hiscock & Barclay  now Barclay Damon  in 2006 as the firms public finance practice area co-chair and became the sole chair in 2018. Cahill also has held positions as the firms financial services practice group leader and Albany office managing director.

Cahill received her BBA from Siena College, her JD from Albany Law School, and her LLM in tax from New York University School of Law.

As part of an orchestrated transition plan, John Langan is assuming the role of chair after serving as managing partner for 20 years. During that period, the firm grew from 60 attorneys in three offices to what is now nearly 300 attorneys operating from 12 offices. Most recently, the firms expansion involved successfully merging Hiscock & Barclay and Damon & Morey and integrating the former firms Gilberti Stinziano Heintz & Smith and Menter, Rudin & Trivelpiece into Barclay Damon.

Starting January 1, Langan moved to the newly created chair position, where he reports to Cahill and focuses on lateral attorney recruiting, growth of the firms major-market offices in New York City and Boston, and managing some of the firms larger client relationships.

If youd like to submit an item about People in Motion at your organization, send a press release including photo, to business@syracuse.com with Company News in the subject field. See all recent Company News items.
Welsh beer fans were left fearing for the future of Brains bitter after it emerged the brewery could move its production to England.

The brewery has existed in Cardiff since 1882 but its future is in doubt after the company failed to secure a buyer.

It is now feared the Welsh pints will brewed on the other side of the Severn Bridge and that 80 jobs could be lost.

Nick Morgan, who hosts the Pubtrotters podcast, said: 'I'm gobsmacked, Brains is a Welsh institution. It's known as a brand and a beer as being Welsh and for it to move elsewhere would be weird.

Welsh beer fans were left fearing for the future of Brains bitter after it emerged the brewery (pictured) could move its production to England

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, visited the Brains brewery in 2019 before attending the Wales v Ireland Six Nations rugby match

'It was on the jerseys of the Welsh rugby team and the huge chimney of the brewery would have been seen by thousands of visitors getting of the train in Cardiff, it's an instantly recognisable as Welsh.

'It would also be a huge blow for Welsh jobs and the workforce at the brewery if it were to move outside of Wales.'

Swansea-born Nick, 37, who now lives in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, said: 'Another concern is that the taste of beer can be affected by the water used in the brewing. If it was to move from Wales would they still use Welsh water? I doubt it.'

John James, of Pontypridd, said: 'It's a shame that it is has to be saved by an English company. Just doesn't feel right somehow.'

More than 150 Brains pubs are to be taken over by Wolverhampton-based beer maker Marston's in April, but no buyer has yet been found for its brewery in Cardiff.

Nick Morgan, who hosts the Pubtrotters podcast, said: 'It was on the jerseys of the Welsh rugby team and the huge chimney of the brewery would have been seen by thousands of visitors getting of the train in Cardiff, it's an instantly recognisable as Welsh'

More than 150 Brains pubs are to be taken over by Wolverhampton-based beer maker Marston's in April, but no buyer has yet been found for its brewery in Cardiff

The deal struck between SA Brain & Co and Marston's safeguarded 1,300 jobs in Brains' pubs but the deal offered no such security for those working in Brains' head office or brewery.

In a statement, Brains said it was currently going through a consultation.

The company said: 'Decisions will be made at the end of this process, which will be the end of January.

'The Brains brand will continue to live on through both the pubs and the beer.'

WalesOnline reports that Brains chief executive Alistair Darby said: 'The jobs that are at risk go from top to bottom and touch everyone, including me.

'The brewery is clearly not operating at the moment and we have to sadly work out whether it makes economic sense for us to continue to run the brewery.'

He added: 'What we cannot do, in any shape or form, is continue running operations that regrettably don't a make a positive contribution to the business. I cannot sugar the pill.

'If the brewery doesn't make sense, then what we have got to do is to make damned sure that we have the beers brewed by somebody else who we really trust and can produce very high quality beer so our consumers can still get in our pubs when they are Marston's and have fantastic high quality beers.'

"Remembering my father, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh ji on his 108th Birth Anniversary. He was the one who inspired me to join the Armed Forces," the Chief Minister said in a tweet.

Chandigarh, Jan 7 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday remembered his father on his 108th birth anniversary by saying his contribution in unifying India post-Independence made him proud.

"His contribution in unifying India post-Independence and in settling people post-Partition will always make me proud."

Two-time Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who is a scion of the erstwhile Patiala royal family, is also a military historian.

He had served as an Army captain during the 1965 India-Pakistan war.

The Chief Minister is often quoted as saying it is a matter of pride and honour for him and his family to have served the nation as a soldier of the Indian Army, which has always been his first love and would remain so.

He has served in the second battalion of the Sikh Regiment from 1963 to 1969. Though he left for a short period in between, to take over his family responsibilities, his love for the Army brought him back when the India-Pakistan war broke out in 1965, an Army officer close to him told IANS.

His father, Lt. General Maharaja Yadavinder Singh, served in the regiment in 1935 and was the Colonel of the 2/11 Royal Sikhs from 1938 to 1950 and of the 2 Sikhs between 1950-1971.

Amarinder Singh's grandfather, Major General Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was the Colonel of the 15th Ludhiana Sikhs from 1918-1922 and then of the 2/11 Royal Sikhs from 1922-1938.

--IANS

vg/pgh
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7)  The Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed the COVID-19 case detected with the new variant in Hong Kong is a 30-year-old Filipino domestic helper from Cagayan Valley who traveled to Metro Manila before boarding her flight. It assured that tracing efforts are ongoing to track if her close contacts were also infected.

It said the woman left her province last Dec. 17 and underwent quarantine in Metro Manila the next day. Based on the report provided by the Hong Kong International Health Regulations National Focal Point and the Philippines' Centers for Health Development, DOH said she took an RT-PCR test on Dec. 19, which yielded a negative result.

She boarded a Philippine Airlines flight for Hong Kong on Dec. 22 and went straight to quarantine after arrival. She tested positive on January 2 for the COVID-19 new variant believed by the World Health Organization to have originated from southeast England. She remains in isolation and is in stable condition, the DOH said.

DOH said contact tracing is underway in Hong Kong for passengers who boarded the flight with her. It said authorities are also tracking her close contacts in Metro Manila and her province. For those who will test positive for COVID-19, their samples will be sent to experts to check for the presence of the new variant believed to be 70% more contagious.

"They have been instructed to ensure strict quarantine of identified close contacts and for samples collected from said contacts to be sent for confirmatory testing and, if samples test positive, subsequent whole genome sequencing," the department said in a statement.

Based on 305 samples collected in November and December, the UK variant called B.1.1.7 is not yet in the Philippines.
More than a month ago, George B. Hernandez Jr., president and CEO of University Health, revealed that distribution of the first COVID-19 vaccine could begin by mid-December.

Since then, thousands of UH employees, first at the hospital and then at outpatient sites, have been vaccinated. The county-owned entity, now 65 years old, is the third-largest public health system in Texas. It has begun immunizing Bexar County residents age 65 and older, and those in certain risk categories. But implementation of the vaccination plan has not been as fast or as large-scale as Hernandez predicted last month.

Hernandez, joined by Dr. Bryan Alsip, executive vice president and chief medical officer at University Health, recently discussed the preparations, current situation and projected trajectories on two vaccines now available in Bexar County.

The interview held via teleconference has been edited for length and clarity.

It was Dec. 18 when University Health began administering the Pfizer vaccine, as the large private health systems and military hospitals in San Antonio have been doing. Are you done administering the first dose to all employees you were expecting to be eligible to receive it in the first tier?

Hernandez: Its optional. Its not like the flu vaccine thats mandatory. We started on the 18th, and we started vaccinating folks in that first tier on that date, and have continued all through the end of the month. We opened it up to the second tier, probably about a week to 10 days later. Its like a bell curve. At first you get a very few, then you get a big rush and then it tapers off.

Youve said University Health had a committee to help establish a process for administering the vaccine. Can you discuss the committees role, and whether it provided input on the ultimate decision not to require all eligible University Health employees to take the vaccine?

Hernandez: The committee that I was talking about at Commissioners Court was an internal management committee that we had to get the process wired so we would be able to vaccinate our employees efficiently. It turned out we had about 9,000 people to offer the vaccine to. That (option to refuse vaccine) comes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Both the Moderna and Pfizer have emergency use authorizations (EUA) only. They do not have a final FDA approval. Thatll probably come later this year.

To take something with an emergency use authorization is totally optional. Its not our choice. Its not our decision. If it was up to me, theres a lot of logic that if you require the flu vaccine, you could require that. But the state is the one that requires the flu vaccine at all their hospitals. They passed the statute years ago that requires the flu vaccine. So that decisions not ours. Its a decision that the federal government makes. The federal government could come back and say, regardless of an emergency use authorization, we want you to vaccinate.

What is the process for follow-up for a second dose of the vaccine? Have there been any reported side effects?

Hernandez: All our employees are pre-registered on our app called MyChart. By the way, at the mall, where were doing all these vaccinations for people over 65, they also register for MyChart. So the first thing, when the employee shows up, they make sure that theyre there, they take them off the list. Then they go in and they get the vaccine. Then they go to a third station that gives them the exact date and time to come back.

Alsip: Weve given over 6,000 immunizations to all of our health care system staff. Weve had very few side effects. Most of them have been localized swelling, sometimes redness around the (injection) site. The few that we did have were a little bit more generalized hives reactions. Since we fortunately have the hospital there, we could evaluate them in the emergency department. Nothing that resulted in long-term hospitalization or a long-term concern that were aware of at this point. VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) is a national system for reporting adverse events. And we report those. Theres also a website thats been promoted by the CDC called V-Safe. You can voluntarily submit data to that system as well.

Hernandez: After you get your vaccine, you go to that third table to get your appointment. They also give you information about that V-Safe site. You scan it with your iPhone, and it takes you right to that site, including your name, your date of birth, what vaccine you got, the Moderna or the Pfizer, and then they ask you, How do you feel?

I got my vaccine about 9 in the morning. As I tell people, when I went to bed at 9 or 10 oclock at night, my back hurt, my knees hurt, my arm hurt, and in the morning my arm didnt hurt but everything else still hurt. It was very minor. And thats been the general response. A sore arm about five to 10 hours after the vaccine, and thats about it.

Youve said University Health is preparing 27 sites for wider distribution to the public, with priority given to first responders, people 65 and older and individuals with pre-existing conditions. How is that stage of distribution progressing, and is University Health also administering to nursing home residents, or is another provider doing that?

Alsip: The national pharmacy chains actually have an arrangement with the federal government to cover all long-term care facility residents. So thats CVS, Walgreens and so forth.

Hernandez: We received the vaccine for the 27 sites. One of them was the hospital. But what we decided to do, because its a task to do those three things  to make sure that someone is registered correctly, to vaccinate them, and then give them their instructions to come back in three weeks or four weeks  we decided to pool it. Thats why we are having this event at Wonderland mall ... rather than have 500 vaccines on Perrin Beitel, and 500 vaccines at another place on the East Side and then 1,000 vaccines at our southwest clinic. Thats the way the state (had) set it up because thats the way its used to sending us vaccine for the childrens program. But were vaccinating a lot more people than just a few children that are due for vaccines.

So it became really apparent that we had to have a larger site to do it. And thats when we decided to group all the vaccine from Moderna and have that at this particular site at Wonderland Mall.

We have a second site for police and fire and EMS and jail guards and the like, sheriffs deputies, down at the Robert B. Green (health care campus downtown). Theyre in the second line by themselves. The reason we have Pfizer there and Pfizer at the hospital  Pfizer was used for our employees at the hospital and then Pfizer at the Robert B. Green for our employees and for these other first-responders  is because we have ultra-cold freezers there. We have the freezers that can hold the Pfizer at 80 degrees below zero. And at Wonderland, you dont have that.

Do you still envision dozens of vaccination sites?

Hernandez: Probably not right now. We have the staff trained. They get better and better at doing it the more often they do it.

Do you still think wider distribution of vaccines to members of the public who dont fall into a specific priority or risk category could begin in March or April? Is it possible by then that people will have options to choose whether they receive the Pfizer or Moderna or another vaccine through University Health, UT Health or a private hospital system, or even pharmacies such as Wal-Mart, Walgreens or CVS?

Hernandez: I dont know that theres going to be much choice at the beginning. When I was speaking (to county commissioners) on Dec. 2, it was based on all the data that I had and the federal government saying they were going to get 20 million people vaccinated by Dec. 31. Well, I think its only been about 3 million nationwide that have been vaccinated. They have not distributed as much as they thought they would, and were dependent on the vaccine. So I dont have a really good date as to when other folks that are not in a specific category are going to get vaccinated. I think the state, with having this over 65 group, its going to take us a while to work through that group, and people with pre-existing conditions.

There are a lot of people who hope the vaccines will end the pandemic and restore our economy. Others are skeptical about taking the vaccines because of the comparatively compressed timeframe of their release. So taking a vaccine or not taking it can each be seen as having associated risks, depending on an individuals beliefs and health profile. What advice might you have for people wanting to stay informed about these kinds of personal decisions?

Hernandez: If you follow the science regarding both these vaccines, theyve been working on this Messenger RNA (vaccine) for over 20 years. The dilemma was how to keep a fragile mRNA protected in a way that it could be administered in a vaccine. So the technology is not new. I think the science is good on it. And I would encourage people to look at the science. But obviously, its an individual decision that people have to make. I dont think it matters as to the time that it took to develop it as long as the science is good.

Alsip: Were fortunate that the data for both of the vaccines that have received authorization so far are very encouraging. The safety profiles look good for all of the studies that have been done. With our early experience in immunizing, were not seeing a lot of concerns over side effects. These are probably some of the most transparent processes relative to data around vaccines that Ive certainly seen. Its readily available  the fact sheets for each of the EUAs for the vaccines are open for scrutiny, and have been scientifically reviewed for months. I think all of that really bodes very well, even for folks that are skeptical about vaccines in general.

What else would you like to say regarding University Healths role in the pandemic, particularly as it relates to the vaccines?

Hernandez: We look at our role just a little bit differently than just a hospital system. Its trying to keep the community healthy. And so weve taken a very proactive approach to the vaccination process. We discuss it at the senior leadership level daily, maybe multiple times daily, what are we going to do to improve things.

Alsip: We historically have given thousands of vaccines for many different diseases over many, many years, and for us, this is an opportunity to continue that. The logistics of this vaccine have us doing it maybe in a different form, but the goal is the same  make this available for individuals, and give immunizations to protect them from this disease.

shuddleston@express-news.net
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A 23-year-old man was beaten to death, allegedly by a priest at a crematorium in south Delhis Chhatarpur, after he was suspected of stealing from the priests home in the early hours of Wednesday, the police said.

The police were waiting for the autopsy report before registering an FIR, but they eventually filed a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder on Thursday evening, before the report came.

Atul Kumar Thakur, deputy commissioner of police (south), said that investigation into the death is ongoing and the priest, Gaurav Mishra, was yet to be arrested.

The victim, Sunil, worked as a helper of a mini truck and was a substance user, said the DCP.

Sunils alleged attempt to steal from Mishras residence located on the crematorium premises was brought to the polices notice around 6.30am on Wednesday.

By the time the police reached the crematorium, the suspect had already fled.

But around noon, the police received a phone call from Sunils brother that he had been killed. According to the DCP, it so happened that Sunils colleague was looking for him when he spotted his body in a forested area adjacent to the crematorium.

There were bruises on Sunils body and face.

The DCP said prima facie it emerged that Mishra had beaten up Sunil on catching him trying to steal from his home.

We also have a couple of eyewitnesses to support that allegation, but we are continuing the investigation. We have registered a case at the Mehrauli police station, the DCP said.

The long-awaited Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment for Ireland of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement is to be published this spring.

In a statement to the Farming Independent a spokesperson for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment confirmed that the independent report is at an advanced stage.

The assessment will inform Irelands position on ratifying the deal which has been strenuously opposed by the countrys farm organisations.

Work on the Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment (ESIA) on the EU-Mercosur Agreement is well advanced.

The report will be published once it has been received and considered by the Government, which is likely to be in the first quarter of 2021.

Pending receipt of the report and subsequent considerations by Government, the Department said it was not in a position to comment on draft findings of the assessment.

Disgraceful sell-out

On June 28, 2019, the EU and Mercosur states  Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay  reached political agreement on a trade deal after 20 years of negotiations.

The agreement will allow for an extra 99,000t of beef from the South American bloc to be imported into Europe levy free. The additional beef will be 55pc fresh and 45pc frozen and will enter the EU with a 7.5pc tariff. The volume will be phased in over six equal annual stages.

As the deal is subject to ratification by the EUs member states, farm organisations have repeatedly called on the Irish Government to reject the agreement, lambasting it as a disgraceful sell-out of Irish beef on quality and environmental grounds

Speaking to this publication last September, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said: Before we ratify this agreement, I think we need to agree a set of guarantees which strengthen environmental protections, particularly with regard to the Amazon rainforest and climate action.

These guarantees would be enforceable as part of any final Mercosur agreement. I would be wrong to ask Irish farmers to embrace stringent measures on the one hand, while significant damage continues to be inflicted on the Amazon rainforest.

The ESIA report  which costs 200,000 to complete - consists of two components: an analysis of the potential economic, social, human rights and environmental impacts that the agreement could have in Ireland and the Mercosur countries; and a consultation process with all relevant stakeholders.

Key issues covered by the analysis include: impact on agriculture, especially beef and dairy sectors; impact for small and medium enterprises; impact for consumers, particularly regarding consumer choice and prices; and direct and indirect impacts, particularly economic spill overs for third countries.

Online Editors
A year after the downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the families of the victims are still looking for answers to the tragedy and seeking justice.

Among them is Toronto-based Nima Neyestani, who lost his 32-year-old fiance, Shadi Jamshidi, in the crash.

Jamshidi, a Canadian resident, was visiting her father in the Iranian capital and was on her way back to Toronto, where the couple had been living for almost three years.

"Everything is under control," Jamshidi wrote in her last text message on January 8, 2020, before the plane departed Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport.

Tragedy Strikes

A few minutes later, Jamshidi's Kyiv-bound plane crashed and exploded into a fireball after being hit with two surface-to-air missiles.

All 176 passengers and the Ukrainian crew were killed. The majority of the victims were Iranians and Canadians, though several Afghans, Britons, Swedes, and Germans were also among the dead.

After three days of denials and amid growing international pressure, the IRGC admitted to shooting down the plane "unintentionally" after misidentifying it as a threat amid heightened tensions with the United States just days after it had assassinated IRGC Quds Force commander General Qasem Soleimani. The delayed claim of responsibility for the downing by Tehran sparked angry protests in Iran and increased distrust in the clerical establishment.

Hours before the tragedy, Iran had launched missile strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq in revenge for Soleimani's killing and Tehran's air defenses were on high-alert in case of U.S. retaliation, which never came.

Compensation Rejected

Iranian officials later said several people had been detained and charged over the "disastrous mistake" without identifying them. There has been no report of senior officials being dismissed or resigning over the incident.

Speaking earlier this week, Iranian President Hassan Rohani renewed his promise to punish those responsible for downing the plane.

Iran announced last month that it had allocated $150,000 for the families of each of the victim, an offer rejected by the Ukrainian government and some of the families of the victims, who see it as an attempt to close the case and escape accountability.

Neyestani and others are still seeking answers, including why Iran did not close its airspace amid the dangerous tensions with the United States.

They have also expressed skepticism about Iran's version of the tragic events.



Seeking Justice

"We want to know the truth," Neyestani said in calling for an independent investigation. "There should be an investigation by an independent body, most likely by another country because I don't believe there's an independent body in Iran," he added.

In December, an independent report by the Canadian government accused Iran of failing to conduct a proper investigation and said that many questions remain unanswered. "The party responsible for the situation is investigating itself, largely in secret. That does not inspire confidence or trust," said a report by Canada's special counsel on the tragedy.

Neyestani has joined other families of the victims in an association that aims to keep the memories of the passengers alive and seek justice for those responsible for downing the plane.

"There is so much anger, hatred, and sadness. It's a very strange cocktail inside us," Neyestani said in an interview with RFE/RLs Radio Farda. "I believe we have a commitment towards our loved ones who were on that flight."

"Shadi loved her life and they took it away," he added.

His father and uncle, Touka Neyestani and Mana Neyestani, respectively, are prominent cartoonists who memorialized the loss and the family's grief in a cartoon in which Jamshidi's plane is seen going down while she is portrayed as the character Rose in the Little Prince novel by French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint Exupery.

Neyestani says he is still not able to find the right words to speak about the tragedy. "My sadness is not just about losing Shadi. I'm sad for all 176 killed. I've cried watching the photos and videos of each victim," he told RFE/RL's Radio Farda.

No Relief From Grief

Shahin Moghadam, who lost his 39-year-old wife, Shakiba Feghahati, and his 10-year-old son Rosstin in the tragedy, is both grieving for his family and furious with Iranian officials.

His wife and son had traveled to Iran, their homeland, on their first trip since moving to Canada seven years ago. It turned out to be their final visit.

Moghadam spoke to them by phone after they went through the security check. He told them he would be waiting at Toronto's Pearson Airport. But several days later he was flying to Iran to pick up their remains.

Moghadam says nothing can diminish his grief. He hasn't yet found the courage to enter his son's bedroom even one year after his death.

Moghadam -- who believes justice could bring the families some comfort -- said senior Iranian officials should be held accountable. "I want to see [those responsible] in court and be sentenced accordingly," Moghadam said in an interview with RFE/RL's Radio Farda, calling for the perpetrators to receive the "toughest sentence."

In Iran, the families of the victims have also struggled with their losses. Many have said they faced state pressure and were prevented from having private burials.

A video posted online recently showed an unnamed woman crying at the graves of her loved ones and demanding justice for her daughter, Evin Arsalani, son-in-law Hiva Molani, and her 1-year-old granddaughter, Kurdia Molani. All three perished in the crash.

"Last year my daughter was here and we celebrated her 30th birthday. Today she turned 31. Why did you prevent her from being with me? Why did you do this?" she says through tears.

"We don't want blood money and compensation. We want justice."

Tehran's iconic Azadi Tower was adorned in light on January 6 in memory of the victims of Flight PS752. The phrase "You will not leave our thoughts" and the number 176 were displayed on the tower.

Separately, the families of some of the victims commemorated their loved ones on January 7 at Khomeini airport with candles and flowers, the Association of Victims' Families of Flight PS752 reported.

The group said security forces had failed to prevent the families from gathering at "the crime scene" in Shahriar, outside of Tehran, which was quickly bulldozed following the crash in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.
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Editor's Note: This story has been updated.

MYRTLE BEACH  El Cerro Grande, located at 108 S. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, permanently closed recently.

The property was roped off Thursday as workers were cleaning out the restaurant.

Another El Cerro location at 1002 29th Ave. N. announced in December that it was temporarily closing.

"We have made the difficult decision to close TEMPORARILY due to COVID-19 precautions," the company wrote on its Facebook page. "Like always our top priority is our Customers and staff. #willbebacksoon."

El Cerro did not return a request for comment on Thursday.

El Cerro opened its 29th Ave. N. location in 2016. It is housed at the former Mykonos and Bullwinkle's locations.
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He actually led the conversation, telling me what street he grew up (on), talking a little about his parents and what they did for a living, and about his adventures on the railroad tracks  the old Union Pacific Railroad. I could relate to that because I did some of the same things as a kid myself!


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With an estimated lifespan between 25 to 40 years, the queen conch (Strombus gigas) is a prized delicacy long harvested for food and is revered for its beautiful shell. Second only to the spiny lobster, it is one of the most important benthic fisheries in the Caribbean region. Unfortunately, the species faces a challenge of survival: how to endure and thrive, as populations are in a steady state of decline from overfishing, habitat degradation and hurricane damage. In some places, the conch populations have dwindled so low that the remaining conch cannot find breeding partners. This dire situation is urgent in ecological and economic terms.

To preserve this most significant molluscan fishery in the Caribbean, a scientist from Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has dedicated more than four decades of research into the science and art of growing queen conch. Her latest contribution - an 80-page, step-by-step user manual that provides complete illustrations and photos of how to culture queen conch. The "Queen Conch Aquaculture: Hatchery and Nursery Phases User Manual," was recently published in the National Shellfisheries Association's Journal of Shellfish Research.

The manual is a deliverable of the Puerto Rico Saltonstall-Kennedy National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries grant, which is a two-year collaboration and project with Conservacion Conciencia, the Naguabo Commercial Fishing Association and fishers in Puerto Rico.

"I wrote this edition for the Puerto Rican fishers of the Naguabo Fishing Association who are learning to operate the Naguabo Queen Conch Hatchery and Nursery," said Megan Davis, Ph.D., author and a research professor of aquaculture and stock enhancement, FAU's Harbor Branch, who collaborated with Victoria Cassar, a science communicator who designed the manual. "However, the majority of the information presented in this new manual can be applied to other queen conch hatchery and nursery projects to produce conch for sustainable seafood, conservation and restoration."

Last year, Davis teamed up with Conservacion ConCiencia in Puerto Rico to assist with stock enhancement fisheries of the queen conch. The goal: to produce up to 2,000 queen conch juveniles in a fishers-operated aquaculture facility for release into conch juvenile habitats. The Saltonstall-Kennedy NOAA-funded project includes aiding sustainable fisheries practices through aquaculture. The team is working with the fishery communities, utilizing the commercial Fishing Association's working waterfront for conch aquaculture infrastructure, helping provide diversified incomes for the fishery communities, promoting aquaculture practices, and ensuring the conch population is available for future fishing and food security through aquaculture and restoration.

"Aquaculture, along with conservation of breeding populations and fishery management, are ways to help ensure longevity of the species," said Davis. "Our queen conch aquaculture project in Puerto Rico will serve as a model to ensure that conch populations are available for future fishing and to aid food security for Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the Caribbean region."

With requests for queen conch mariculture know-how coming from many communities throughout the Caribbean including The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Curacao, Antigua, and Turks and Caicos Islands, and with the recent release of this manual, Davis and partners are expanding their Caribbean-wide queen conch conservation, education and restorative mariculture program.

Desired outcomes include establishing protected areas where conch breeding populations can spawn egg masses for future populations; raising queen conch for education, conservation, restoration and sustainable seafood through the establishment of in-classroom, research, pilot-scale or commercial size hatcheries; and locating protected habitats to release hatchery-reared juvenile conch to help repopulate seagrass beds to rebuild conch stocks.

"Forty years of queen conch mariculture research and pilot-scale to commercial application conducted by Dr. Davis holds promise as a way of addressing this critical situation with the queen conch through community-based solutions," said James Sullivan, Ph.D., executive director of FAU's Harbor Branch. "There are no other mariculture labs with the knowledge and capacity that she brings to the table to tackle the plight of the queen conch."

This new, in-depth manual will be used to support the eLearning platform that includes place-based experiential activities and workshops that can be accessed by anyone, which is featured in FAU Harbor Branch's crowd funding initiative, Save the Queen of the Sea.

###

About Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute:

Founded in 1971, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University is a research community of marine scientists, engineers, educators and other professionals focused on Ocean Science for a Better World. The institute drives innovation in ocean engineering, at-sea operations, drug discovery and biotechnology from the oceans, coastal ecology and conservation, marine mammal research and conservation, aquaculture, ocean observing systems and marine education. For more information, visit http://www. fau. edu/ hboi .

About Florida Atlantic University:

Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University, with an annual economic impact of $6.3 billion, serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at sites throughout its six-county service region in southeast Florida. FAU's world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University is placing special focus on the rapid development of critical areas that form the basis of its strategic plan: Healthy aging, biotech, coastal and marine issues, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, informatics, lifespan and the environment. These areas provide opportunities for faculty and students to build upon FAU's existing strengths in research and scholarship. For more information, visit fau.edu.

YPSILANTI, MI  The Washtenaw County Health Department will be expanding vaccinations efforts to include more groups next week, according to a news release Thursday.

The health department is actively vaccinating healthcare workers in Phase 1A, providing and distributing over 2,200 vaccinations to EMS, medical first responders and frontline health care workers throughout local healthcare facilities, the health department said.

Beginning Monday, Jan. 11, Washtenaw County will schedule for the next phase, which includes older adults and some essential workers.

On Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services updated its vaccine priority guidance and has authorized local health departments to begin vaccinating people age 65 years or older, and frontline, essential workers with frequent or ongoing exposure as a part of their work. This includes some, but not all essential workers previously designated in 1B. First responders, police officers, jail and prison staff, pre-K-12 teachers and childcare providers are included.

In Washtenaw County, this represents thousands of newly eligible individuals, officials said in the release. Vaccine availability still depends on both vaccine supply and staffing capacity. Please be patient. We cannot vaccinate everyone eligible immediately.

For those now eligible under the revised guidance, scheduling information will be available on the health department website by Monday.

At the health department, which has approximately 160 regular and temporary staff, only those who have been working at the in-person vaccine clinic have been offered vaccination, according to Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson.

We did as much vaccination as we could in the non-holiday days of the last two weeks, Ringler-Cerniglia said in an email Wednesday. Five to ten have indicated they are waiting because of health concerns (such as allergies or pregnancy). On our initial survey of staff willingness to vaccinate, only four indicated they were not likely to get vaccinated.

Officials ask that the public review available information before calling the health department, and to keep in mind that your scheduled appointment may be weeks away depending on overall supplies and capacity.

Individuals eligible through their employment should expect scheduling information through their employers. The health department is asking anyone eligible in 1A but not yet vaccinated though a local health system to complete a survey.

We appreciate your patience as we prepare for these upcoming vaccination phases... Please be assured we are vaccinating as quickly as we can and are sharing information as we have it, officials said.

READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:

Whos eligible for COVID-19 vaccine and what else to know about program expansion

Washtenaw County ramping up COVID-19 vaccination efforts after slower start

More than 50,000 students left Michigan public schools this year. Where did they go?

Coronavirus changed everything in 2020. Will the pandemic wind down in 2021?
00:00 | Huanuco (Huanuco region), Jan. 7.

"I have to say, with great concern, that although 'Los Negritos' is a tradition in Huanuco and we must not forget our culture the health and lives of people must take the utmost priority for now," he commented.


London, Jan 7 : Patients with acute heart failure nearly double their risk of dying if they get Covid-19, researchers, including one of Indian-origin, said emphasising the need for patients with heart failure to take extra precautions.

"Our results support prioritising heart failure patients for Covid-19 vaccination once it is available," said the lead researcher Amardeep Dastidar, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at North Bristol NHS Trust and Bristol Heart Institute, UK.

"In the meantime, heart failure patients of all ages should be considered a high-risk group and be advised to maintain social distance and wear a face mask to prevent infection," he added.

Heart failure refers to progressive weakening of the heart's pump function with symptoms of breathlessness, ankle swelling and fatigue. Sudden and severe worsening of symptoms is called acute heart failure -- this is a medical emergency and requires admission to hospital for intravenous medication and intensive monitoring.

For the study, the team examined referral rates for acute heart failure during the pandemic and 30-day mortality. The analysis included 283 patients with acute heart failure. Two-thirds of the patients had chronic heart failure and presented with acute deterioration.

There was a substantial, but statistically non-significant, drop in admissions for acute heart failure during the pandemic.

A total of 164 patients were admitted in the eight weeks before-Covid compared to 119 patients after-Covid - a 27 per cent reduction. The 30-day mortality rate of patients with acute heart failure nearly doubled during the pandemic. Some 11 per cent of patients in the before-Covid group died within 30 days compared to 21 per cent of the after-Covid group.

"This may suggest a direct interaction or susceptibility to worse outcomes for acute heart failure patients with superimposed Covid infection," the researcher said. "It is noteworthy that our region had very low rates of Covid infection during the study and yet a connection with higher mortality was still apparent," he added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Massachusetts Family Sues to End Home Equity Theft

A Massachusetts family has filed a lawsuit challenging a state law that allows private investors to steal the equity that homeowners hold in their property over relatively small tax debts.

The lawsuit, known as Mucciaccio v. Town of Easton and Tallage Lincoln LLC, was filed Jan. 6 in Massachusetts Superior Court.

The legal action takes aim at what some call home equity theft, which is reportedly widespread in the Bay State, according to the Sacramento, California-based Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), a public interest firm thats representing the Mucciaccio family for free. PLF says its committed to ending home equity theft across the country.

The Massachusetts tax foreclosure system is particularly egregious and a recipe for cronyism because it regularly grants massive windfalls to private lienholders, PLF said in a statement. The average foreclosed property value exceeds the average tax debt by a ratio of 50:1. In just one year, municipalities and private investors stole over $56 million in property equity from Massachusetts residents.

The Mucciaccios lawyer, Joshua Polk, told The Epoch Times, Massachusetts law allows municipalities to transfer a homeowners equity to private companies for a profit, and that plainly violates the U.S. Constitution. While government and its agents can foreclose on homes to settle back taxes, they cant collect more than they are owed.

Under the practice, a tax enforcement entity, typically a county or city, can seize property from those who fall behind on their taxes, then sell the property for sums often significantly larger than the initial debt, and pocket the proceeds from the sale.

Massachusetts is one of a shrinking number of states that allows local governments and private investors to reap windfalls when they take property. In a case brought by PLF, the Michigan Supreme Court found a similar law in that state unconstitutional, ruling that people have a right to any surplus equity in their homes after back taxes are settled, as The Epoch Times reported last year.

In the case at hand, the town of Easton, Massachusetts, and a private company took the family home of Mark Mucciaccio, which has an assessed value of $276,500over a $4,300 tax debt, according to PLF.

For four generations, the Mucciaccio family lived in a modest house in Easton, according to PLF.

When Marks mother died in 2006, he and his brother took over their childhood home from their father. But the brothers fell on hard times as the family experienced medical issues and financial hardships, and started falling behind on taxes.

Both brothers are working-class earners, according to a summary provided by PLF, and starting in 2013, financial hardship left them struggling to pay their property taxes. They managed to pay off that years taxesplus the interest and costsin 2014. From there, however, their financial problems snowballed because of a series of family medical troubles.

In 2016, they were unable to pay their taxes. Easton sold a tax lien to the private, Boston-based investment firm Tallage Lincoln LLC, which eventually allowed the company to take the house, and with it, all of the Mucciaccios home equity.

On Nov. 11 last year, Tallage sent a realtor to the Mucciaccios home with an offer to let them buy back the home for $138,000. Both Mark and fellow resident Neil, his brother, were recently put out of work due to COVID-19. But even if the Mucciaccios could find work and get a loan, they would still lose more than $100,000 in home equity, so they rejected the offer.

The foreclosure and transfer of absolute title to Tallage divested the Mucciaccios of roughly $250,000 of equitythe Propertys value in excess of the encumbering tax debts, according to the legal complaint. The equity taken from the Mucciaccios exceeded the tax debt by nearly 15 times.

Had the Mucciaccios known that their entire property was at risk of being taken, including all the equity value they have built up in the Property, they would have sought a loan, payment plan, or other arrangement to satisfy their tax debt to the Town as they had done in the past.

The Mucciacciosfive people in allstill live in the home even though they no longer legally own it. They cannot be removed from the premises because a pandemic-related eviction moratorium is in effect.

A homes equity is just as much property as a home itself and cannot be taken by the government without just compensation, PLF attorney Polk told The Epoch Times.

The reality is the government can foreclose for a tax debt, but they simply cant collect more than what was owed, he said.

The current system in Massachusetts impacts societys most vulnerable people.

Easton officials couldnt immediately be reached for comment.
Industry groups, execs put focus on democracy in wake of Capitol building riot

The chaos that broke out on Capitol Hill on Wednesday was a shock felt everywhere and has triggered a variety of responses from leaders in the government contracting space.

Condemnations of the violence were universal as industry groups and company executives tried to allay the fears while emphasizing some of the U.S.' foundational values in various statements.

Democracy thrives on passionate debate and different opinions but dies in anarchy and violence, Leidos CEO Roger Krone said in a statement released Wednesday night. The actions of this small minority do not represent the majority of Americans across the political spectrum who strive for the good but who may differ on how that good is accomplished.

The Professional Services Council, which represents a broad range of government contractors, called on the president to support a peaceful transfer of power.

"We believe in productive political discourse and in a bipartisan approach to governing, said David Berteau, PSC president and CEO. We reject any resort to violence, threatened or real. We believe it is time for all Americans to support the transition to the next administration, starting now.

The National Defense Industry Association and IT Industry Council also released statements condemning the rioters and urging bipartisanship.

A peaceful transition of power is not self-executing  it requires all public officials to put the nation first, before personal or political interests, ITI President and CEO Jason Oxman said.

NDIA President and CEO Hawk Carlisle highlighted the oath to the Constitution he took upon joining the Air Force, from which he retired as a general.

The despicable acts of yesterdays mob, egged on by irresponsible rhetoric, is anathema to those values and the foundational document that has made America the shining city on the hill that has beckoned millions to a better way of life, he said in his organizations statement.

Other industry leaders were active on social media expressing their dismay over the riot on Capitol Hill.

A protestor said this is, 'The Peoples House.' That is correct. But you are not allowed to breach the Capitols security, break windows, and go on to the floor of the Senate and House, CNSI CEO Todd Stottlemyer wrote on his Facebook feed. That is the definition of lawlessness.

On LinkedIn, ManTech CEO Kevin Phillips talked about the need to move beyond the rhetoric and focus instead on how we can help ensure America remains strong and resilient.

The mission is to build a strong and peaceful nation where we take care of each other. A nation that recognizes our differences, offers us a voice, a vote and inalienable rights that remain a beacon around the world, Phillips said.

The attack on the Capitol building brought disbelief and sadness, Science Applications International Corp. CEO Nazzic Keene said.

Disbelief over the unprecedented, violent attack on our democracy. Sadness, that this is further evidence of the work that needs to be done to heal our nation, Keene said, while also encouraging people people to think about what unites us

Beginning with a love of country and commitment to service. This fuels the passion each of us brings to our work and unites us in a common purpose, she said.

Some executives saw some signs of hope. Bill Brown, chairman and CEO of L3Harris Technologies, wrote on LinkedIn about how disheartening the violence was.

But despite the violence, the resilience of our democracy was evident last night when the House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans, reconvened and completed their work by formally accepting the Electoral College votes submitted by the states, Brown said.

Eric Fanning, CEO and President of the Aerospace Industries Association, also applauded Congress for returning the Capitol building.

Ensuring the peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our democracy. We must remain committed to this as a nation, Fanning wrote. We must now unite to confront our most pressing challenges.

Booz Allen Hamilton's CEO Horacio Rozanski echoed those sentiments. "There is still much work ahead to bring together our deeply divided nation, and we believe better days are ahead -- better days of our making; better days to celebrate the American ideal; and better days to build a more perfect union we will be proud to leave for our children," he said in a statement.
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While many events that took place in the Northern, North East and Savannah regions would be considered significant given the diverse nature of the three regions, once together as one, it was the sad events, such as the killing of a 90-year-old woman and the incessant cases of armed robbery, that dominated the headlines.



And who will forget the floodings that displaced hundreds of people and also destroyed farmlands that robbed farmers of their livelihoods that occurred in the three regions?



Despite these unfortunate incidents, some events such as the cutting of sod for works to begin on the Tamale project, a significant move to solve the perennial water challenges in the region, cannot be overlooked.



"Tikusagi' demo



The year 2020 in the Northern Region began with a demonstration against the compilation of a new voter register by the Electoral Commission (EC) on January 12, in the Tamale Metropolis.



Dubbed "Tikusagi" to wit "we won't agree" in Dagbani, the nationwide protest that began in Tamale, the Northern regional capital by the Inter-Party resistance group did not stop the EC from compiling a new register that was used for the December 7, 2020, presidential and parliamentary elections.



The political parties that took part in that demonstration in Tamale were the Progressive People's Party (PPP), the Convention People's Party (CPP), the People's National Convention (PNC), Eagle Party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).



The 400 missing tricycle saga



Another topical issue that came up during the year under review was the saga of the cannot be found 400 tricycles on the premises of the Northern Development Authority (NDA) office in Tamale in the latter part of January and early February 2020.



According to findings on the investigation that were submitted to the Police Administration, the tricycles were not forcefully taken or stolen from the NDA yard and that the top echelon of the NDA management had sufficient knowledge of the people they issued the tricycles to.



Also, the report indicated that due process was followed by those who went for the tricycles as the 10 containers carrying the 400 tricycles were issued with waybills and inspected by the NDA security before they left the yard.



The police recommended that the management of NDA should be held responsible for the missing 400 tricycles.



COVID-19



The region was not insulated from the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) infection as it recorded its first cases on March 24, 2020, which involved 10 West African nationals who arrived in Tamale who tested positive for the virus.



They were eight Guinean ladies, a Burkinabe couple, who visited the dialysis unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) for treatment.



The 10 West African nationals who tested positive were quarantined at a hotel in Tamale but one out of the eight Guinean ladies managed to escape from quarantine and she was never found, at least, there was no official information to that effect.



The issue of the Guinean lady who escaped from quarantine became a topical issue in the region and the country as a whole in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.



The government, in the surge of the pandemic, established a COVID-19 testing centre using the Public Health Reference Laboratory at the TTH as the testing site for the five regions of the north (Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Savannah and North East).



The COVID-19 testing centre has the capacity to test over 200 samples a day, thereby reducing the time and cost of transportation of samples to the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR) in Kumasi for testing.



Water



On July 28, 2020, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, during his three-day working visit to the region, also cut sod for the $223million Tamale water supply project.



The project seeks to expand the supply capacity of the Tamale Metropolitan area and also improve upon the flexibility of water supply system which will rely on the White Volta at Yapei, with a 29.7 million per day capacity water treatment plant.



President Akufo-Addo also cut the sod for the construction of the $30million Yendi water supply project.



The Yendi water supply project which is being financed by a $30 million facility from the India Exim Bank is aimed at providing the people of the Yendi Municipality and its environs with 15,000 cubic metres of water daily to meet the water demand from now till the year 2040.



Nalerigu, the North East regional capital for the year under review also benefited from a water supply project which was inaugurated by President Akufo-Addo on July 28, 2020, to further improve access to potable water in the area.



President Akufo-Addo also, on July 30, 2020, cut the sod for construction work to begin on the $49million Damongo Water Project, the capital of the Savannah Region to improve the water situation in the area.



Road infrastructure



A number of road infrastructure was also begun in the year 2020 and notable among them is the first interchange in Northern Ghana in Tamale after President Akufo-Addo cut the sod for construction work to begin on the project in 2019.



The project as of July 2020 was about 47 per cent complete.



Security



The region also in the year under review witnessed the snatching of a number of 44 luxurious vehicles, notable among them was a pickup belonging to the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council which was allegedly snatched by some armed men in Tamale after the Savannah Regional Minister, Mr Salifu Adam Braimah handed it over to a friend in Tamale for safekeeping while he travelled to Accra.



Floods



The Northern Region was also not spared the annual floods caused by continuous rainfall at the latter part of August to the first week in October coupled with the spillage of water from the Bagre Dam in neighbouring Burkina Faso that caused massive flooding in some communities along the White Volta in the Kumbungu Tolon and Saboba districts and the Savelugu Municipality.



The flood displaced about 500 residents in Nawuni in the Kumbungu districts where several people had their houses collapsed and had to put up at the local Roman Catholic Primary School in the community.



Management and Staff of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) was one of the corporate entities that extended a hand of support to the flood victims in Nawuni with both food items and other essentials to lessen their plight.



North East & Savannah regions



The two newly created regions, the North East and Savannah out of the Northern Region were also hit by the flood.



In the North East Region, the floods destroyed farmlands and food crops and claimed at least 10 lives according to the Regional National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).



Flooding was also experienced in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region to be specific, Daboya/ Mankarigu located along the White Volta.



Murder of 90-year-old woman



One chilling incident that occurred in the Savannah Region at Kafaba, a farming/fishing community, near Salaga, the capital of the East Gonja Municipality was the murder of a 90-year-old woman who was lynched for alleged witchcraft that received nationwide condemnation.



The key suspects in the murder of Madam Mariama Akua Denteh are currently standing trial at the Tamale High Court.

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.

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Sky New Zealand has today announced that Derek Handley will step down from the Board on Friday 15 January 2021.

Mr Handley has served as a Director of Sky for seven years, including as a member of the People and Performance, and Audit Committees. He joined the Sky Board in 2013 whilst living in New York and having returned to New Zealand in 2018. Mr Handley has now chosen to reduce his board and advisory roles to focus on more hands-on engagements and projects.

Mr Handley said: Having overcome many challenges towards transformation, Sky is in a great position to deliver on its strategy with Sophie Moloney at the helm of a great team.

Chairman Philip Bowman thanked Derek for his contribution to Sky. Derek has brought a perspective around digital transformation, people and culture to the Board. On behalf of the Board and Sky shareholders I thank him for his contribution, and his passion for Sky.

Mr Bowman added: The board is already reviewing the mix of skills and experience required of directors during a period of rapid change in the media sector. The Board will assess when to seek to appoint a director to replace Mr Handley as part of this ongoing process of renewal.

See the links below for more details:

Derek Handley to step down from Sky Board

Source: Sky Network Television Limited

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The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Cherry blossom trees that decorated the outside of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California in San Francisco will not bloom this year after vandals destroyed the trees branches, the organization said Wednesday on its Facebook page.

Two cherry blossom trees in front of the community center were completely vandalized early Tuesday, the cultural center said Wednesday. The trees were destroyed down to the trunk, and all the branches were cut off.


WASHINGTON, D.C. - More than 200 years after the U.S. Capitol was breached and burned down by an invading army, U.S. citizens occupied the building on Wednesday, Jan. 6.

In 1814, the Capitol was burned down in an attack by the British during the War of 1812  until today, that was the last time the Capitol was breached.

The violent protesters, supporters of President Donald Trump, descended on the grounds in the early afternoon in an attempt to thwart the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 presidential election.

Trumps supporters stormed the steps and gained access to the building. Some protesters climbed scaffolding while others broke windows to get inside; photos and videos show damage inside the building. The occupation began around 2 p.m., which is when U.S. Capitol Police began evacuating some Congressional buildings, The Associated Press reports.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the past two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory, including during a rally on Wednesday morning when he urged a march on the Capitol, The AP reports.

More than two hours after lawmakers were evacuated, Trump issued a statement asking the very special protesters to go home in peace while also sympathizing with their plight to stop the peaceful transfer of power.

Violence has included the shooting death of at least one woman, police officers have been injured, protesters used chemical irritants on police and explosive devices have been found, according to reports.

While the attack on the Capitol by a large group of protesting citizens is unprecedented, there have been smaller-scale violent episodes. In 1998, a lone gunman burst through a security checkpoint and killed two Capitol Police officers. In 1954, four Puerto Rican nationalists fired 30 rounds from the Ladies Gallery in the House of Representatives chamber; five people were injured. In 1947, a former Capitol Police officer fired two shots at a senator from Ohio who was entering the subway tunnel between the Capitol and the senate office building; both shots missed.

Find more coverage of the situation at the Capitol here.
Dr. Dre has agreed to pay $2 million in temporary spousal support to his estranged wife Nicole Young amid their ongoing divorce battle.

The rapper, 55, who is currently recovering in the hospital after suffering an aneurysm earlier this week, signed the deal from his bed at Cedars Sinai Hospital, according to TMZ.

Young was initially seeking $2 million monthly on top of $5 million in legal fees, but Dre will not be paying the legal fees she originally asked for.

Divorce battle: Dr. Dre has agreed to pay $2 million in temporary spousal support to his estranged wife Nicole Young amid their ongoing divorce battle

The amount Dre agreed to pay his ex is a one-time fee, however that might change depending on their upcoming court hearing in April 2021.

On top of the millions Dre has agreed to pay, he will also continue to pay for the Malibu and Pacific Palisades homes where Young and her mother live for the next few months.

Currently, Dre has been paying Young $293,306 a month in temporary support.

Young filed for divorce from The Next Episode artist earlier this summer after 24 years of marriage, and they share two children - son Truice Young, 24, and daughter Truly Young, 20.

Payments: Young was initially seeking $2 million monthly on top of $5 million in legal fees, and Dre had already been paying her $293,306 a month in temporary support

The new development comes amid a turbulent time for Dre.

Dre was admitted to the ICU this past week after suffering from a brain aneurysm, and earlier this week updated fans on his health and revealed he would be leaving the hospital soon.

'Thanks to my family, friends and fans for their interest and well wishes. I'm doing great and getting excellent care from my medical team. I will be out of the hospital and back home soon. Shout out to all the great medical professionals at Cedars. One Love!!', he posted on Instagram.

Difficult times: On top of the divorce battle, Dre suffered an aneurysm and his home was targeted by burglars who attempted to break into his mansion but were stopped by his security team

However the rapper was dealt another blow when it emerged four burglars had attempted to break into his $40 million mansion as he recovered in the hospital.

The intruders targeted his Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, home on Wednesday at around 2am when they saw news reports that he was getting life-saving treatment.

The home's security team spotted the men 'casing' the house and confronted them, according to TMZ, causing the men to flee.

The security guards called police before they could get on the premises. Cops arrived, chased the men down and took them into custody.
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Middlefield Canadian Income PCC - investor focused on Canadian and US equities - Notes Brookfield Asset Management Inc and a group of investors have offered to acquire the remaining 40% stake which it does not own in investee Brookfield Property Partners, in a USD5.9 billion deal to take the real estate company private.

Notes offer proposed is at USD16.50 per unit which represents a 14% premium to the share price at the end of 2020.

"The proposed offer is exciting news for the fund which initiated a position in Brookfield in October 2020, generating an attractive return on investment over a short period of time. If the proposed offer were to materialise, an exit price of USD16.50 per unit would represent a 12% premium to MCT's initial investment in Brookfield, and provide a 35 basis point uplift to the Company net asset value. Moreover, based on Brookfield's closing price on January 4 of USD17.01 per unit, market participants are currently expecting a higher offer price to emerge," says Dean Orrico, president of Middlefield International.

Current stock price: 93.45 pence

Year-to-date change: up 1.6%

By Ife Taiwo; ifetaiwo@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
The U.S. Congress, having defeated Republican efforts to derail Democrat Joe Biden's victory over President Donald Trump, is poised to approve states' Electoral College results certifying the next occupant of the White House.

The U.S. Congress certified enough Electoral College votes for Democrat Joe Biden to hand him the victory in the Nov. 3 presidential race over Republican President Donald Trump.

With Congress approving Vermont's votes, Biden now has at least the 270 Electoral College votes that are the minimum for claiming the presidency. Congress' review of the states'

Electoral College votes, which was interrupted on Wednesday by Trump supporters storming the Capitol Building, was nearing an end.

Online Editors

It was a day like no other in U.S. history and the words spoken by Californias elected officials, captains of industry, religious leaders and the average citizen reflected the shock, horror and grief of what took place in the nations Capitol.

Todays shameful assault on our democracy  anointed at the highest level of government  must not deter us from our responsibility to the Constitution.  Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) Speaker of the House of Representatives

What we are witnessing in our nations Capitol is reprehensible and an outright assault to our democracy.  California Gov. Gavin Newsom

The events of today are a stain on America. Trump has spent months enraging his supporters with the lie that the election was stolen. Today he further incited that anger and inspired supporters to ...break into the Capitol in what can only be described as a violent insurrection against the U.S. government.  Rep. Barbara Lee (D- Oakland)

This is an attempted coup encouraged by the president of the U.S. Its a dark day. We are better than this.  San Francisco Mayor London Breed

This is terrorism. This is chaos and violence incited by Trumps continuous assault on our democracy.  Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf

For this atrocious, sickening display in our Capitol building, Trump should be tried for sedition.  San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo

Sadly, todays events were not surprising if you had been listening to Trump.  U.S. Senator designate Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

This seditious attempt to subvert the vote of the American people will not stand.  Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Pleasanton)

To attack the U.S. Capitol to express your fear that democracy has been denied is wrong. Doubts about elections cannot be redressed by violence against democratic institutions. We do not need to add an attempted civil war. May the Prince of Peace put an end to this strife.  Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Archdiocese of San Francisco

There is no room for violence in our democracy. May the One who brings peace bring peace to our country.  Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff

This is a dark day. The assaults on the integrity of our elections...defy our constitution, our core decency and our common humanity.  Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti

Nothing short of terrifying. President Trump and his Republican sycophant enablers are responsible for this armed mob storming the Capitol (and) shutting down our democratic process.  State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco)

Unacceptable and un-American  State Assemblyman Steven Choi (R-Irvine)

The dangerous seditious siege incited by the president is a test of our democracy. Never before has such violent insurrection been incited by the sitting president of the U.S. and his allies in Congress.  Rick Chavez Zbur, executive director, Equality California, LGBTQ civil rights organization

A small but dangerous group, incited by Donald Trump, attempted an insurrection....just the latest in a string of attempts by Trump to subvert our democracy.  Jeff Freitas, president, California Federation of Teachers

We condemn this violence from white supremacists. Outrageous and unacceptable. Trump and the legislators who encouraged this violent insurrection must be held responsible. We urge Congress to demand Trump resign or face impeachment.  Zahra Billoo, executive director, Council on American-Islamic Relatives, Bay Area chapter
In anticipation of the formal objection being filed to Pennsylvanias electoral college slate in Congress later tonight, U.S. Sen Pat Toomey, a Republican, took to the floor Wednesday night to defend his home states results.

And he also continued to make clear his break with President Donald J. Trumps bizarre crusade to hang onto his office.

We witnessed today the damage that can result when men in power and responsibility refuse to acknowledge the truth, Toomey said. We saw bloodshed, because a demagogue chose to spread falsehoods and sow distrust of his own fellow Americans. Lets not abet such deception. Lets reject this motion.

Toomeys conclusion came after he offered a point-by-point refutation of the most common concerns Trump supporters have raised about Pennsylvanias vote.

The three-day extension on acceptance of mail-in ballots.

Toomey noted he agrees with those who believe the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overstepped its authority in ordering the acceptance of mail-in ballots through Friday, Nov. 6, when the state law specified a Nov. 3 receipt deadline.

The senator said he hoped that the U.S. Supreme Court overturns that decision.

But, Toomey noted, thats no reason to dispute Trumps 80,000 vote defeat to Joe Biden because none of the 10,097 late-arriving ballots were never added to the count. How can we possibly invalidate the entire Pennsylvania election over ten thousand votes that were not even included in the vote count? Toomey asked.

Questions about whether the expansion of mail-in ballots complied with the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Toomey noted that the 2019 election law reforms were passed with strong bipartisan support by a state legislature that is controlled by Republican party majorities.

This law was not challenged when it was passed. It wasnt challenged when it was applied during the June primary election. it was only challenged after President Trump lost the general election, Toomey said.

Now I understand you can make a theoretical argument about whether this is consistent with Pennsylvanias Constitution, and that needs to be resolved for future elections. But because of this constitutional question that some people have, the objectors want to prevent Pennsylvania voters from participating in the presidential election entirely.

That would be an outrageous remedy to this purported offense, Toomey concluded.

Allegations that state elections officials did not properly administer various election law provisions.

Toomey noted that the Trump campaign has litigated all of these issues repeatedly in state and federal courts, and they have lost at every turn.

Certainly there were irregularities in this election, Toomey said. There always are. But theres no evidence of significant fraud, conspiracies or even significant anomalies that cast any serious doubt on who actually won the election.

Toomey said the relatively small shift in Pennsylvanias presidential vote from a 0.7 percentage point win in 2016 to a 1.2 percentage point defeat in 2020 owed precisely to patterns that repeated all over America: Trump ran poorly in densely-populated suburbs, and won many rural areas by large, by slightly smaller, margins in rural areas.

Joe Biden won the election. Its not what I had hoped for, but thats what happened. It was a honest victory, with the usual minor irregularities that occur on most elections, Toomey said. Lets reject this motion.
A desperate and demented Donald Trump got what he wanted Wednesday: A shameful disruption of America's democratic process.

As Congress convened to certify Electoral College votes that would confirm Joe Biden as our nation's next president, Trump encouraged his thuggish supporters to threaten America's foundation with intimidation, violence and chaos.

And they did exactly as they were told.

Thousands of Trump's foot soldiers clashed with police, vandalized the Capitol and forced their way onto the House and Senate floors. Vice President Mike Pence, who earlier in the day had finally taken a stand against the president's disregard for the Constitution, was forced to flee for his safety. Members of Congress, who were instructed to put on gas masks, hunkered in offices as Trump's delusional supporters roamed the Capitol's hallways.

This is Trump's America.

For weeks, Trump has refused to accept the beyond-any-reasonable doubt results of November's presidential election. For weeks, he has tried to dismiss the will of the American people. And Wednesday, Trump instigated what came shockingly close to a coup.

"At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault unlike anything we've seen in modern times," President-elect Joe Biden said. This is not dissent. Its disorder. Its chaos. It borders on sedition and it must end now."

What we witnessed Wednesday was nothing short of domestic terrorism, orchestrated by Trump who continues to manipulate his supporters with lie after lie.

Days before Trump's pathetic army invaded the Capitol, at least a dozen U.S. senators had signaled their intent to challenge the Electoral College results. Their pandering to Trump and his most rabid supporters was dangerously irresponsible before Wednesday's chaos. It looks even worse now.

To his credit, Pence, who was presiding over the certification when it was disrupted, indicated he would not support Trump's attempts to overturn the election.

Story continues

"It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not," Pence wrote to lawmakers.

Supporters of President Donald Trump enter the U.S. Capitol as tear gas fills the corridor on Jan. 6, 2021.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, also to his credit, said any efforts to reverse election results would "damage our republic forever."

"We'll either hasten down a poisonous path where only the winners of an election actually accept the results or show we can still muster the patriotic courage that our forebears showed, not only in victory, but in defeat," McConnell said as debate began in the Senate.

Pence is right. McConnell is right.

Trump isn't just wrong. He is a clear and present danger to our national security.

But democracy, not Trump, will win this battle for America's soul.

On Jan. 20, Joe Biden will become our next president. He will take on the enormously difficult job of reuniting and rebuilding this nation.

And he will need the help of every American  Democrat, Republican or other  who loves this country and is appalled by what we witnessed Wednesday.

National columnist Suzette Hackney is a member of USA TODAYS Editorial Board. Contact her at shackneya@usatoday.com or on Twitter: @suzyscribe

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitol chaos was Donald Trump's attempt to destroy American democracy

On This Day The Day Myanmars Independence Hero Met Pakistans Founder

General Aung San and Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Yangon  On this day in 1947, Myanmars independence hero, General Aung San, who was en route to London to discuss Burmese independence from Britain, made a stop in Karachi in pre-partition colonial India to meet Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of what would become Pakistan.

At the time, Jinnah was the leader of the All-India Muslim League and later became Pakistans first governor-general at independence in August 1947.

As the two shook hands, Gen. Aung San said he had not met Jinnah in person before but he had heard about his outstanding challenge to British rule.

Jinnah replied: I have often heard about your independence struggle too. As we are both striving for independence, we have to respect each other.

During an hour of talks, Jinnah elaborated on Pakistans separation from India and Gen. Aung San described his countrys political landscape and independence struggle.

The two also discussed the demand of Muslims in Maungdaw in Arakan (now Rakhine) State that bordered East Bengal (now Bangladesh) that Maungdaw be included in what became East Pakistan.

The 71-year-old British-educated barrister assured the Burmese nationalist that the Muslim League has no intention of raising the question concerning the annexation of Maungdaw in Burma in Pakistan. The Muslim League has never put forward such a claim nor do we intend to do so.

Gen. Aung San expressed thanks to the Muslim leader, wrote his secretary Lieutenant Tun Hla (writer Tekkatho Ne Win) in his book, The Independence Struggle of Gen. Aung San.

Over one year after they met with promises to maintain amicable ties, the Mujahid insurgency broke out in Mayu Frontier District, which included Buthidaung and Maungdaw, between East Pakistan and Myanmar (then Burma).

Gen. Aung San was assassinated by Galon U Saw before the Mujahid insurgency and Jinnah died months after it started. The insurgency was not quelled by the Burmese military until 1961.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko

You may also like these stories:

The Day Myanmars Rebellious Prince Died in Exile

The Day Myanmars Independence Hero Met Nehru

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Intrigue, Panic, Conspiracy and Chaos

Rumors Outrun Truth

The election of 1800 keeps coming back to inform, console and trouble us. John Adams was the incumbent. Thomas Jefferson was the challenger. After one of the most vituperative elections in American history, Jefferson emerged the winner. He had 73 electoral votes, Adams just 65. Thus, Adams became Americas first one-term president. There have been nine, depending a bit on how you count. Donald Trump is the latest. Before him, it was George H.W. Bush.The problem in 1800 was twofold . First, a structural weakness in the Constitution: There was no separate balloting for president and vice president. Second, by coincidence Jefferson tied in the Electoral College with his vice presidential running mate (no such term existed at the time) Aaron Burr. That meant that the Constitution could not differentiate between Jeffersons 73 electoral votes and Burrs 73. When this happens, the Constitution requires the election to be sorted out in the House of Representatives, with each state getting only one vote. This has only happened twice, once in 1801 and again in 1825 when the House elected John Quincy Adams even though he lost the popular vote to Andrew Jackson.Everyone knew that Jefferson had been elected president. John Adams was disappointed, even bitter, but he was too much a patriot and a gentleman to refuse to accept the voice of the American people. The problem was that the Federalists (the party of Alexander Hamilton and George Washington) could not reconcile themselves to the idea that Thomas Jefferson had defeated the establishment candidate John Adams. Die-hard Federalists determined to do whatever it took to deny Jefferson the presidency. Some partisans suggested that the outgoing Federalist Congress simply vote in an entirely new president. Others said that if they could delay the House vote until after March 4, the date the new president was to be installed, they could name a president pro temp of their choice. Sound familiar?It was a time of intrigue, panic, conspiracy and chaos. The raw new national capital was beset with small clusters of passionate men devising political strategy, demonizing their political adversaries, fretting in apocalyptic terms about the survival of the young republic. The Washington diarist Margaret Bayard Smith wrote that the conspiratorial Federalists hurried to their lodgings under strong apprehensions of suffering from the just indignation of their fellow citizens for attempting to overturn the election.Balloting in the House of Representatives began on Feb. 11, 1801. The House immediately determined not to adjourn until they had resolved the issue and chosen a president. Food was brought into the House chamber. The votes went on day and night, deep into the night, and exhausted representatives sacked out on the floor, sometimes on pallets. One representative, Joseph Nicholson of Maryland, was so sick that he had to be carried into the House chamber on a litter through a Washington snowstorm, but he declared that he would cast his vote for Jefferson even if it killed him. He was so frail that his wife had to guide his hand as he marked his ballots. One newspaper reported that it was ludicrous to see [Congressmen] running with anxiety from the committee rooms, with their nightcaps on.For six excruciating days and 35 separate ballots, the vote was invariably the same: eight states for Jefferson, six for Burr. Jefferson needed the endorsement of nine states to win. It was clear that Burr was never going to win, because that eight-vote Jefferson block would never yield to a junta  but neither would Jefferson win unless one of the Federalist states gave up the fight and changed its vote to Jefferson.Finally, on Saturday, Feb. 14, a Delaware Federalist named John Bayard announced that he had decided to support Jefferson, thus giving him the nine state votes he needed. Someone in the Federalist caucus immediately shouted Deserter! As soon as Bayard announced that he intended to do the right thing, he was subjected by Federalist die-hards to unrelenting criticism. When the Federalist met in caucus after his announcement, the clamor was prodigious and the reproaches vehement. Several Federalists from New England announced that they meant to go without a constitution and take the risk of a Civil War.James Asheton Bayard (1738-1807) lived in Wilmington, Del., the home of former Delaware senator, vice president, and now president-elect Joe Biden. Bayard served three terms in the House of Representatives, beginning in 1797, ending in 1803.On the principle that no good deed goes unpunished, Bayard was targeted by the Jeffersonian Republicans in the election of 1804 for his opposition to several of the administrations initiatives. Accordingly, Bayard was defeated by Jeffersonian-Republican candidate Caesar Rodney. Fortunately for Bayard, he was soon selected by the legislature of Delaware to serve as a U.S. Senator, a position he held from 1814-1813. He was one of thirteen senators to vote against James Madisons declaration of war against Great Britain.Why did Bayard decide to switch his vote? Historical opinions vary. Some said he had found a way to negotiate with Jefferson through an intermediary and to wring a few concessions out of the president-elect in exchange for ending the impasse. Jefferson denied this all the way to his death on July 4, 1826, and the historical record appears to support his denial. Some historians say that Aaron Burr began to pull back from his earlier statement that he would accept the presidency if the Federalist-dominated Congress handed it to him. Bayards own explanation was that it was clear that Burr was never going to get to nine votes, and therefore it was absurd to prolong the crisis indefinitely, and that to exclude Jefferson, as he put it, would come at the expense of the Constitution.In other words, when the crisis moment of his life came, James Bayard gave his support to due process, fairness and the Constitution of the United States rather than to the party of men he resoundingly preferred to Jefferson and the Republicans. However much he disliked and distrusted Jefferson, Bayard was devoted to the survival and stability of the Constitution more. The step was not taken, Bayard later wrote, until it was admitted on all hands that we must risk the Constitution and a civil war or take Mr. Jefferson.Note, however, that at no time did Bayard simply acknowledge that Jefferson was clearly the presidential candidate (not Burr) and he had clearly defeated John Adams, therefore it was only fair to honor the peoples will and install him as president.When the final vote was cast on Feb. 17, 1801, six days into the fiasco in the House of Representatives, Bayard did not need to switch his vote after all. Bayard cast a blank vote, as did South Carolina, but Maryland now voted for Jefferson, giving him the ninth state vote he needed to be officially certified as the third president of the United States.Jefferson, who was fond of nautical metaphors in spite of the fact that he did not do well on ocean voyages, now wrote, The storm we have passed through proves our vessel indestructible. He called his election the Second American Revolution . He would serve two terms as president, then hand pick his successor James Madison. Archibald Stuart of Staunton, Va., wrote, The minds of men from extreme anxiety seemed to settle down into a firm resolution to resist every attempt to give us a President who had not been the choice of the people. I was pleased to discover this temper as it proves our liberties cannot be lost without a struggle.When push came to shove (and it nearly did), the Federalists, led by John Bayard, did the right thing and curtailed their attempt to prevent Jefferson from assuming the presidency. But what if they had persisted? Jefferson and many historians have argued that if the Federalists had succeeded in overturning the election, our fragile new republic might have collapsed just a dozen years after its founding. There might have been civil war of secession. The election of 1800 was the first transfer of power from one party of men to another, from one approach to American governance to another. In the end it turned out to be a peaceful transfer of power, though not without some real political chaos.Rumors always travel faster than truth. During the first five weeks of 1801, Virginias governor J ames Monroe was warned that the Federalists planned to remove arms and gunpowder from a depot in Virginia to store elsewhere in case the crisis devolved into armed conflict. He sent agents to make sure that did not happen. The Federalists thought they heard that Virginia and Pennsylvania militia troops were on their way to the national capitol to make sure Jefferson was seated in the presidency. Wild talk of secession by one or more sections of the country circulated through the capitol and in neighboring states. The Republicans circulated a rumor that if things fell apart, they would call for a new constitutional convention, a threat that terrified the Federalists, who feared that the United States would be refashioned into the loose association that characterized the discarded Articles of Confederation.Just how serious did this get? Jeffersons greatest biographer Dumas Malone asked, Were they [Jeffersons republicans] prepared to use force if need be and thus risk the disruption of the Union? Did they contemplate any other form of resistance? At the very least, the political rhetoric was incendiary. Pennsylvania Governor Thomas McKean (a Jefferson supporter) declared, if bad men will dare traitorously to destroy or embarrass our general government and the union of the states, I shall conceive it my duty to oppose them at every hazard of life and fortune; for I should deem it less inglorious to submit to foreign than domestic tyranny. McKean said he was ready to issue an order for the arresting and bringing to justice very member of congress, or other person found in Pennsylvania, who should have been concerned in the treason.McKean and James Monroe of Virginia both wrote rashly about the possible need to marshal state troops at the border of the District of Columbia to take back the presidency for Jefferson, if necessary, but both acknowledged in more sober moments that they would have sullenly acquiesced if the Federalists had been successful in handing the presidency to Burr. The Republican floor manager of the House of Representatives Albert Gallatin , later Jeffersons Secretary of the Treasury, said, No appeal whatever to physical force was contemplated, nor did it contain a single particle of revolutionary spirit.Just what impact all this violent rhetoric and brinksmanship had on the final outcome is difficult to determine. In the end, Jefferson took office right on schedule, put together one of the greatest cabinets in American history, cut taxes, reduced the size of the army and navy, balanced the budget, paid off a considerable percentage of the national debt, and doubled the size of the United States with a single stroke of his pen. In other words, he proved to be a sensible centrist president, sometimes even a little Federalist in his actions, and he was resoundingly re-elected to a second term in 1804. Civil war was averted, as was a coup detat by the bitter losing party. The guardrails held  barely.Years later, a little weary from a lifetime of political struggle, but with his characteristic optimism, Jefferson put it all in perspective in a letter to his old friend and one-time rival John Adams: And so we have gone on, and so we shall go on, puzzled and prospering beyond example in the history of man.At 2021 begins, we seem to be particularly puzzled.Governing
OTTAWA - The president of the Public Health Agency of Canada says it is "unacceptable" that one of the agency's managers ignored advice and vacationed in Jamaica last fall.

OTTAWA - The president of the Public Health Agency of Canada says it is "unacceptable" that one of the agency's managers ignored advice and vacationed in Jamaica last fall.

Iain Stewart says although the trip taken by Dominique Baker in November was not related to her work for the federal agency, its employees are expected to heed the public health advice not to travel.

Baker has now removed a blog post from her personal style blog and videos from her Instagram account about an all-expenses paid trip she took to an expensive resort in Montego Bay in November.

But not before her bosses were alerted to the trip, amid a slew of stories about politicians and health officials ignoring the warning not to travel while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage.

Baker is the manager of the office of border and travel health, a Public Health Agency of Canada program whose purpose is to keep communicable diseases out of Canada and reduce public health risks to travellers.

Baker has not responded to an email requesting comment.

Her trip was paid for by Air Canada Vacations as part of its work hiring social media "influencers" to promote their tours but the November 24 blog post she published about the trip is no longer online.

The federal public health agency "takes these matters very seriously," Stewart said.

"PHAC has consistently told Canadians they should avoid travel during the pandemic," he said. "To have employees disregard this travel advice is unacceptable. As a general principle, we expect PHAC employees to encourage Canadians to follow public health advice, not to engage in non-essential travel."

He said the agency became aware of the trip after photos were posted on social media as part of a campaign to promote international vacations.

"When the situation was brought to PHACs attention, the matter was acted upon immediately and a review was initiated. We will not comment further to respect the employees privacy."

Baker's videos included a description about what it was like to fly during the pandemic, and the precautions taken by the airline and the hotel to try to keep people safe.

Stewart was also asked about whether there was an ethical issue with an employee accepting a free trip, and he said there is a Values and Ethics Code which requires any "real, potential or apparent" conflict of interest to be declared.

Stewart did not say if Baker is being disciplined for the trip or if she declared any conflict related to it.

In the last two weeks the number of federal and provincial politicians and health officials whose international vacations have been public has grown long. Several MPs and provincial legislature members and staffers have been demoted from cabinet or lost roles on committees and as cabinet aides as a result.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed frustration earlier this week about Canadian politicians who were failing to lead by example, and ignore the request not to travel internationally.

Canada's border is closed to non-essential travellers, but there is nothing stopping Canadians from leaving if they wish. Canada cannot stop Canadians from returning, though they must quarantine for two weeks upon their arrival back in Canada.

As of Tuesday, all international travellers coming to Canada must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test but still must quarantine upon arrival.

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Tuesday Canada does not want to join the small list of countries that require citizens to get permission before leaving the country but he said anything that helps convince Canadians not to travel right now is "something we're prepared to look at."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2021.
The Armenian occupants did not allow the staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross to help the prisoners of war, Shahbaz Guliyev, who was returned from captivity, told at a press conference today.

According to him, the occupants hit his stomach and arms and punctured his cranial bone. Every night they beat me with truncheons, turned on an unbearably loud sound, I almost became deaf, Shahbaz Guliyev said.

He pointed out that the occupiers broke his arm and forced the ICRC doctor to leave his room without helping him. They generally did not allow the international organization's staff to help the hostages.
Minutes before he undertook to preside at the joint session of Congress convened to tabulate the Electoral College results yesterday Vice President Pence released a three-page letter explaining his understanding of his largely ceremonial responsibilities. I have embedded a copy of the letter below.

Speaking at the Stop the Steal rally yesterday, President Trump urged Pence to reject the Electoral College results. Mike Pence, he said, I hope you get to stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country, and if youre not, Im going to be very disappointed in you. I think its fair to say that Trumps purported understanding of the Vice Presidents responsibilities in the certification proceedings is erroneous.

A few minutes after it was reported Pence had been escorted off the Senate floor in connection with the assault on the Capitol, Trump tweeted his disappointment: Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth! The condemnation of Pence was misguided at best.

In a bizarre footnote to a shameful day, it is reported that Pence chief of staff Marc Short had his White House pass revoked following release of the letter. Short told RealClearPolitics on Wednesday that Trump was blaming me for advice to VP.

Chronology via Christian Britschgi/Reason, letter via The Hill.

Pence Letter by acohnthehill

The family of a South Jersey middle-school student that alleged she used a school-issued laptop without proper supervision and developed a friendship with an internet predator has reached a nearly $1 million settlement with the school district.

The Collingswood Public School District agreed to the settlement with the student and her family stemming from a March 2018 kidnapping and sexual assault by Liam Heim, then 23, of St. Petersburg, Fla.

Under the agreement approved in November by Superior Court Judge Yolanda Rodriguez, the victim will receive $650,000 in structured payments. Her parents will get $300,000. The Collingswood school board approved the payments in August.

School Superintendent Scott Oswald declined to comment. Board solicitor Richard Goldstein did not respond to a message seeking comment.

The incident, which happened pre-COVID-19, raises computer safety questions as millions of students across the region and country log online daily for remote instruction, spending hours on devices.

The FBI in Philadelphia said it has seen a rise in attempts by cyber predators to target children since the pandemic. Experts say parents should closely monitor what their children are doing online and immediately report any concerns to school officials.

These individuals are well aware that kids are spending more time on their devices and computers right now and see it as a target-rich environment to exploit, Don Asper, supervisor of FBI Philadelphias Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Task Force, said Wednesday. Unfortunately, the ease of communication across the internet allows predators to proliferate.

In 2019, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Childrens CyberTipline received more than 16.9 million reports, including allegations of online enticement and child sexual molestation.

Federal authorities said Heim was living in Florida when he met the 12-year-old victim through an online forum. He convinced her that the two were in a romantic relationship, authorities said.

Heim flew to New Jersey in March 2018, picked up the girl, and took her to a hotel in Philadelphia near the airport, authorities said. A kidnapping alert was issued.

The victim was repeatedly sexually assaulted during a 36-hour period before she was located. Heim was arrested and charged with offenses including traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.

He later pleaded guilty to child exploitation offenses and was sentenced in September 2019 to 15 years in prison and lifetime supervised release.

The family filed a civil lawsuit shortly after Heims guilty plea, alleging that the district failed to heed their requests to limit their daughters laptop use. The laptop lacked controls to prevent students from accessing inappropriate websites or communicating with third parties, the lawsuit alleged.

According to the lawsuit, the girl, then a seventh grader, met Heim around February 2018 using the school laptop through a chat room he created called the Doke Literature Club. It included a search engine known as Discord which middle-schoolers could access.

Around that time, the victims parents asked the district to block their daughters access to any websites unrelated to schoolwork, but the district did not respond, the lawsuit alleged. They became increasingly concerned about her laptop and told the school they did not want her to bring it home, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit also alleged that a school guidance counselor was made aware of the girls improper contact with Heim, but never informed the girls parents, school officials, or authorities.

The parents eventually reached an agreement with the school that the girl would check the laptop out each morning and return it at the end of the day, the lawsuit said. Heim, however, continued to contact the girl through the school laptop and eventually made plans to meet her at a Collingswood park in March 2018.

In his lawsuit, Cherry Hill lawyer John A. Zohlman said the parents expectation was that their daughter would have no Internet access except during school hours and solely for school purposes.

The family had not provided the girl with a smartphone or laptop at home, according to the lawsuit. Her only internet access was through the schools device, the lawsuit said.

Zohlman did not respond to a call seeking comment. The settlement includes about $285,000 in legal fees for lawyers.

Attempts to reach the parents were unsuccessful.

The district made no admission of wrongdoing in the settlement. The district enrolls about 2,100 students in K-12.

Doug Levin, of the K-12 Cybersecurity Resource Center, a website that tracks school cyber incidents, said more steps are needed to protect students from online trolls.

Theres no question that the security that is really needed to protect students in these circumstances isnt what it needs to be, said Levin, president of EdTech Strategies, which runs the cyber security site.

The settlement was first reported last week by John Paff, a frequent public records requester who blogs about government cases. Paff scours court records in search of settlements involving public entities.
EUGENE, Ore.  Soon, travelers will be able to fly nonstop from Eugene to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

American Airlines will be adding the destination starting March 4 at the Eugene Airport.

Airport officials said the flights will be offered daily and feature two-class service on an Embraer 175 jet aircraft.

The Eugene to Texas flight is scheduled for 11:54 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. and the Texas to Eugene flight is scheduled for 12:50 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.

COVID-19 has created big challenges for the aviation industry, airport officials said. Due to the pandemic, passenger levels this holiday season were at about 54% of 2019 levels.

As customers in Eugene look forward to taking to the skies this year, we want to provide more choices by adding service to our largest hub, Dallas-Fort Worth, said Brian Znotins, Americans Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. We are excited to offer this new daily flight which will provide optimal connections, while also complementing existing service from Phoenix.

To purchase a ticket, click here.

A day ahead of their talks with the Centre, farmers protesting against the three farm laws took out a tractor march on the two ring highways around the Capital on Thursday.

According to farm union leaders, nearly 3,000 tractors participated in the march on Kundli-Manesar-Palwal or Western Peripheral expressway and at least 500 on the Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal or Eastern Peripheral expressway. Together, the two expressways form a ring around Delhi and were constructed to keep non-destined traffic away from Delhi in view of the rising air pollution.

With speakers mounted on tractors playing songs of resistance, the protesters from the Singhu border had started the rally towards the other protest site at the Tikri border and vice-versa at 11 am. The farmers took a U-turn from the Kharkhauda-Bahardurgarh exit on the expressway around 1pm and returned to their protest sites by the evening.

The tractor march in western UP began from the UP Gate at 9.30am. They drove on the inner lanes of the Delhi-Meerut expressway (DME) for about one hour to reach the EPEs Dasna interchange (about 23 km). The farmers had earlier planned that from the Dasna interchange they would move to EPE up to Palwal. However, they cut the route short and went up to the Sirsa toll near Dankaur in Gautam Budh Nagar and returned to the UP Gate by 5.30pm.

In Nuh district of Haryana, some farmers alleged that they were prevented from joining the rally. The protesters, along with local residents. They marched within the district.

The protesters said Thursdays march was just a trailer of their planned march on the Republic Day, if the government would not accept their demands.

Jasbinder Kaur, 65, a resident of Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab, rode on a tractor to participate in the rally. My kids said that it would not be suitable for me to ride a tractor on a highway in this cold weather, but I insisted on joining them. I am here to fight for my future generations and will not return till these three black laws are revoked. Its just a trailer. The picture will be released on January 26, when we all will march towards India Gate, she said.

Amarpreet Kaur, 18, said she has been attending the protest at the Tikri border for the last 40 days. My father had died by suicide three years ago after he failed to repay a loan of Rs 6 lakh. We have been struggling to survive since then. I wanted to go to a good college in a big city like any other girl but I had to stay back in the village to help my mother in farming. The government wants to rob us of a small land left with us. Its a dress rehearsal today. But its not even close to what will happen on 26 January. Thousands of farmers are joining us for the tractor march to India Gate that day, she said.

Many women were also seen riding the tractors during the rally. Among them was Harinder Bindu, a member of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan). She said, We want to tell the government that we are ready for as long as it takes. It will be better if the government listens to our demand at the earliest. We are living on highways in this biting cold. Who likes to live like this?

Farmer leaders said they received overwhelming support on Thursday. Hundreds of tractors had joined us from Punjab and Haryana during the rally. Many of them did not go back and joined us at Singhu and Tikri to participate in the January 26 march to India Gate. The government should understand the range of our protest and accept our demands, said Harinder Singh Lakhowal, general secretary of BKU (Punjab).

Farmers camping at Burari ground also took out a tractor march.

Officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said they had to close the EPE for traffic in the wake of the rally.

The regular commuter traffic faced disruptions at the DME when tractors drove to Dasna from UP-Gate in morning and also when the returned back to UP-Gate. Further, we had to stop traffic on the entire EPE stretch till the time it was occupied by tractors. As per the MoRTH guidelines, no tractors were allowed on EPE. But they came. We had written to the district authorities on Wednesday about this but our EPE traffic was still disrupted, said Mudit Garg, project director of NHAI.

Gaurav Tikait, national president of youth wing of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), who is leading the protests at UP Gate, said,  It was not a shakti pradarshan (show of strength) before the talks scheduled with the government on Friday. It was aimed at consolidating our collective fight and to meet other groups who are protesting at different sites, Tikait said.

Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed on the expressways to ensure law and order. No untoward incident was reported from any spot.

A senior Delhi Police officer said, The situation remained peaceful in the Capital. No untoward incident was reported.

With inputs from Peeyush Khandelwal and HTs Gurugram bureau.

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Dartmouth-Hitchcock and West Health bring geriatric telemedicine to rural New England

Lebanon, NH - Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health (D-HH), New Hampshire's only academic health system serving nearly 2 million patients across northern New England, and West Health, a family of nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations working to lower health care costs to enable successful aging, are bringing accredited geriatric emergency care and, for the first time, providing older adults in the region with specialized telehealth services from an accredited emergency department. Northern New England is home to one of the fastest-growing senior populations in the country.

D-HH and West Health announced today that they will provide telehealth services and geriatric emergency department (GED) training, education and other resources to four rural hospitals in a two-phase "hub and spoke" approach. The first two hospitals to receive telemedicine support from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) will be Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, and Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center in Windsor, VT, both members of the D-HH system. Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, NH, and Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, VT, will be brought on in phase two. All four spoke sites will gain access to supplemental telehealth services provided by DHMC with an emphasis on geriatric nursing, transitional care management, and support of on-call geriatricians. These new partnerships will enable the four hospitals to earn national accreditation as Level 2 GEDs from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

"Our location in the Upper Valley positions us right between New Hampshire and Vermont, which have two of the most rapidly aging populations of all 50 states," said Michael Lynch, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Alice Peck Day. "The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the need for telemedicine services and quality critical access hospitals more than ever, especially for elderly people who may struggle to get to doctor's appointments or to a hospital in an emergency. Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital is proud to be part of D-HH and West Health's efforts to improve access to this vulnerable population."

The initiative is the latest to emerge from a 2019 three-year research collaboration between West Health and D-HH, which also includes the creation of the nation's first Level 1 accredited rural GED within DHMC. Its completion is expected in early 2021. Nearly 200 hospitals have received GED accreditation in the U.S.; nationally, only 12 hospitals have achieved Level 1 accreditation, all of which besides DHMC are in urban areas.

"The ability to offer GED services and the option of telehealth to our patients is a significant asset, and sets us and other 'spoke' sites apart from other small hospitals in our region," said Joseph Perras, MD, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer at Mt. Ascutney. "We want our patients, especially the elderly, to know that they don't need to travel outside their community to receive quality care that's tailored to their needs. Mt. Ascutney's inclusion in D-HH and West Health's GED program is critical for our efforts to serve our community's aging population."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 46 million seniors live in the United States with about 1 in 5 residing in rural areas where access to healthcare and transportation may be limited. Older adults account for about 20% of all emergency department visits and are more likely to have multiple chronic diseases and suffer from cognitive issues, social isolation, loneliness, poverty and food insecurity than their younger counterparts.

"Geriatric emergency departments promote best clinical practices for older adults, create a more positive and sensitive physical environment and help improve health outcomes, better coordinate care, and reduce costs," said Shelley Lyford, president and chief executive officer of West Health. "We are pleased to be working with Dartmouth-Hitchcock to extend its reach to rural hospitals and bring the power of geriatric emergency care and telehealth to more patients throughout the region."

"We are in a unique situation at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, as the two states we serve have large populations of older adults," said Scott Rodi, MD, chair of Emergency Medicine at DHMC. "When we partnered with West Health to create our GED program, we knew that working with critical access hospitals in our region would be the key to delivering the best, most comprehensive care to this population. We're proud to roll out our first two 'spoke' sites at our affiliate hospitals Mt. Ascutney and Alice Peck Day in phase one, and look forward to working with Valley Regional and Gifford in phase two."

The lessons learned from these collaborations will enable D-HH and West Health to determine the effectiveness of using telemedicine to extend geriatric emergency care to other rural hospitals across the country.

###

About Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health: DARTMOUTH-HITCHCOCK HEALTH (D-HH), New Hampshire's only academic health system and the state's largest private employer, serves a population of 1.9 million across Northern New England. D-H provides access to more than 2,400 providers in almost every area of medicine, delivering care at its flagship hospital, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, NH. DHMC was named in 2019 as the #1 hospital in New Hampshire by U.S. News & World Report, and recognized for high performance in 13 clinical specialties and procedures. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health also includes the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, one of only 51 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation; the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the state's only children's hospital; affiliated member hospitals in Lebanon, Keene, and New London, NH, and Windsor, VT, and Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire; and 24 Dartmouth-Hitchcock clinics that provide ambulatory services across New Hampshire and Vermont. The D-H system trains nearly 400 residents and fellows annually, and performs world-class research, in partnership with the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and White River Junction VA Medical Center in White River Junction, VT.

About West Health and the West Health Institute: Solely funded by philanthropists Gary and Mary West, West Health is a family of nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations including the Gary and Mary West Foundation and Gary and Mary West Health Institute in San Diego, and the Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center in Washington, D.C. West Health is dedicated to lowering healthcare costs to enable seniors to successfully age in place with access to high-quality, affordable health and support services that preserve and protect their dignity, quality of life and independence. Learn more at westhealth.org and follow @westhealth.

This story has been published on: 2021-01-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.

Ministers are meeting today to thrash out details of the new Covid testing rules for UK borders amid fears people will find it impossible to get screened in some countries,

Boris Johnson confirmed earlier this week that a requirement for arrivals to have tested negative will be introduced, amid alarm at the spread of new variants around the world.

But the system - likely to mean people must test negative within 72 hours of travelling - has yet to be finalised, with the implementation date unclear.

MailOnline understands senior government figures are meeting this afternoon to settle the plan, with exemptions and when it will come into effect still to be decided. An announcement could come this evening if they manage to resolve the issues.

Experts have warned there are serious practical problems, with the chances of getting access to a reliable test at short notice in countries such as Barbados 'zero'.

Ms Patel suggested that the measures could go even further as she was pressed during a round of interviews this morning.

Asked whether there could be a ban on all non-essential travel, the Home Secretary said the government was 'reviewing measures at the border' and further announcements would be made in the coming days.

'Further action is going to take place. The government is reviewing measures at the border... You will hear very shortly some of the changes that the government will be proposing.'

Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme if there would be a ban on non-essential travel, Ms Patel said Britons were already being advised to stay at home and only travel abroad within 'strict rules'.

Pushed again on whether people will no longer be able to 'come and go' through airports, she said: 'Our measures have always been under review when it comes to health measures at the border and also restricted measures on international travel.'

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the government was 'reviewing measures at the border' and further announcements would be made in the coming days

Boris Johnson confirmed earlier this week that a requirement for arrivals to have tested negative will be introduced, amid alarm at the spread of new variants around the world. Pictured, border control at Heathrow Airport

Zahawi says Covid tests at airports 'pointless' in clashes with Piers Morgan on ITV Nadhim Zahawi engaged in brutal clashes with Piers Morgan yesterday over the government's Covid border controls. The vaccines minister was slammed on ITV's Good Morning Britain as he insisted it would be 'pointless' to test people at UK airports. In a vicious rebuke, Morgan said: 'We have, for inexplicable reasons, to anyone with a brain throughout this pandemic resolutely refused to test people when they arrive at our border, nor have we required anybody to have a test to be negative when they get here. 'Do you know how many people we have tested at our border?' Mr Zahawi said: 'The answer is you don't take a test on the border because it's pointless.' Morgan added: 'So the answer is zero we don't test people, any of our borders when they come in. 'Secondly, we have never required anybody to have a test, and to test negative before they get on a plane to our country, unlike almost every other country in the world.' Mr Zahawi said: 'If you ask the scientists  Chris Whitty and Jonathan Van-Tam  that test at the border is near pointless because that person may be showing no symptoms, may test negative and two days later be positive.' Advertisement

Travel consultant Paul Charles has raised concerns about how realistic it is to have a pre-arrival test policy.

Pointing to reports that there is 'zero' chance of getting a test in Barbados because all resources are focused on test and trace, he tweeted: 'How I wonder is the governments plan for everyone departing from overseas to take a test ever going to work?'

He also questioned what will happen if test results come back slowly, and whether the infrastructure is in place to handle the paperwork.

Mr Johnson came under fire in the Commons yesterday over when the testing requirement will be brought in, and how much notice people will get.

Hauliers would be exempt to avoid causing gridlock at ports.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said there were 'real concerns' about importing mutant strains from places like South Africa and Denmark. 'Why are those measures not introduced already? They have been briefed to the media for days but nothing has happened,' he said.

Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds urged the government to stop 'dragging its heels' and 'get a grip'.

'We are leaving a substantial gap in the nation's defences against this terrible virus,' he said. 'They must act now without further unacceptable delay.'

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford urged Mr Johnson to close the UK's borders to all-but essential travel.

He told the Commons: 'Nobody would say that this Prime Minister is one step ahead of tomorrow or acts and shows leadership in dealing with this health pandemic.

'The PM was slow to act in the spring of 2020, slow in the autumn and here again, reacts after the events to the threats that we all face.'

However, Mr Johnson gave no details and only offered a bland statement, saying: 'I think it is vital we protect our borders and protect this country from the readmission of the virus from overseas and that is why we took tough action in respect of South Africa when the new variant became apparent there and we will continue to take whatever action is necessary to protect this country from the readmission of the virus.'

Thousands of passengers have arrived at Heathrow over the past few days, with full data not yet available but sources at the airport saying the figure would not be in the tens of thousands.

In November nearly 747,000 entered through the London hub airport.

Mr Johnson told a press conference on Tuesday that the Government will be bringing in measures to ensure people arriving in the UK have been tested.

But the imposition of a third national lockdown has prompted growing calls for immediate action and questions over why a requirement for a negative test before arrival in the UK has not already been introduced.

A spokesman for the PM said yesterday: 'We are working at pace to develop appropriate measures.'

The spokesman said measures had already been introduced to try and stop cases being imported  such as the quarantine requirement.

But 'the global and domestic situation that we are seeing has changed, with increasing levels of coronavirus, so it is important that we take the action we need to ensure that we try and reduce the risk even further,' they added.

The principle of pre-departure testing 'will provide for an extra layer of protection against the virus', the spokesman said.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer took aim at the PM (both pictured above) in the Commons today as politicians returned to vote on the new lockdown rules.

Figures from Labour yesterday showed that just three in every 100 people arriving in the UK are being checked to see if they are complying with quarantine requirements.

Mr Thomas-Symonds has written to Priti Patel to demand 'an urgent review and improvement plan of quarantine arrangements'.

Mr Thomas-Symonds said analysis of Government data suggested just three per cent of arrivals expected to quarantine in England and Northern Ireland were successfully contacted by compliance checkers in the summer.

He said the Government's Isolation Assurance Service, tasked with ensuring quarantine compliance, did not contact more than 1.9 million of the two million passengers spot checked by Border Force between June and September.

In a letter to the Home Secretary, Mr Thomas-Symonds said the numbers were 'deeply concerning' and demonstrate that 'efforts to track, trace and isolate cases coming into the UK have been completely undermined'.

He said: 'The lack of a robust quarantine system as a result of shortcomings from the Government mean that it is virtually impossible to keep a grip on this spread or other variants that may come from overseas, leaving the UK defenceless, and completely exposed, with the nation's doors unlocked to further COVID mutations.

The Labour frontbencher said there must be 'an urgent review and improvement plan of quarantine arrangements' rolled out as soon as possible.

The calls for action come amid growing concerns over a variant of the disease discovered in South Africa.

The Home Office has defended its 'stringent measures', and pointed to its move to stop direct flights from South Africa to the UK.

Currently arrivals into England from nations that are not exempted under the travel corridor programme must isolate for 10 days.

But under the test and release scheme introduced in December, this can be shortened if they have a private test five days after their departure and it comes back negative.

During the first lockdown, the Government argued against introducing border restrictions while the prevalence was so high in the UK, with experts arguing it would do little to bring down infection rates.

However, a quarantine period was introduced in June after the first peak and when cases were more under control.
At least four people have died during riots at the US Capitol on Tuesday, according to police in Washington DC.

Three people died from medical emergencies, according to law enforcement. One woman was shot by Capitol Police.

We will not know the cause of death  we believe some type of medical emergency, Washington DCs Metropolitan Police Department chief Robert Contee said on Tuesday night. The gunshot wound victim  she is the one transported from the scene to an area hospital.

At least 52 people have been arrested, mostly for breaking curfew, according to the chief.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser set a 12-hour curfew, from 6pm on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Police also recovered two pipe bombs  at the headquarters for the Republican National Committee and another at the Democratic National Committee, Chief Contee said.

A cooler filled with a long gun and molotov cocktails was also discovered on Capitol grounds.

Donald Trump-supporting rioters breached the halls of Congress on Tuesday afternoon, forcing staff and lawmakers to barricade themselves in offices and take cover under chairs in the House after both chambers convened to formally count the Electoral College results from the 2020 presidential election.

A Capitol Police officer fired at a woman, who was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Police have not identified the woman, pending notification of next of kin. The Metropolitan Police Departments internal affairs division is investigating the killing.

One woman and two men appeared to have suffered from separate medical emergencies, which resulted in their deaths, the chief said.

At least 14 DC police officers were injured; two officers are in hospital, though none of their injuries are serious, according to the chief.

Police at the Capitol and in DC have faced intense criticism for an apparent lack of urgency to stop violent mobs from breaching the Capitol, breaking windows and climbing into the building, compared to aggressive law enforcement responses to protests across the nations capitol over the last several months.

Chief Contee said obviously not all rioters have been arrested, though Mayor Bowser said police will send out alerts seeking information about people who broke into the Capitol.

We will be on the look out, she said. Some of them, we think, very much have to be held accountable for the carnage.

What happened at the Capitol?

Protesters surged up the Capitol steps at about 14:15 local time (19:15 GMT), shoving past barricades and officers in riot gear to penetrate the building.

The action was targeting the joint session of Congress being held to certify Bidens election victory on 3 November. The invasion sent members of Congress scrambling for cover under their seats as tear gas was fired.

The mob  some of whom wore body armour  used chemical irritants to attack police, according to Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee.

They shouted and waved pro-Trump and US flags as they roamed the halls, demanding the results of the presidential election be overturned.

Several thousand National Guard troops, FBI agents and US Secret Service were deployed to help overwhelmed Capitol police.

Two pipe bombs were recovered, one from the Democratic National Committee offices, not far from the Capitol, and one from the nearby Republican National Committee headquarters.

The occupation of the Capitol lasted more than three hours before the building was secured by law enforcement. But there was little sign the protesters were heeding Trumps call to go home, despite a citywide curfew declared by the city mayor from 18:00 to 06:00.

So far, more than 52 people have been arrested  47 of them for curfew violations.

There were also protests on Wednesday at state legislatures in Kansas, Georgia, Utah and on the other side of the country in Oregon and the north-western state of Washington.

SOURCE: The Independent, BBC AND AGENCIES
Towards herd immunity from Covid-19: Costing a vaccine strategy for South Africa

This article examines and estimates the financial implications of a vaccine strategy with a goal of achieving herd immunity.

It takes account of the roll-out phases identified by the Department of Health and vaccine prices available in the public domain. It finds that such a programme is affordable and implementable.

The overall cost of all three phases of a vaccine roll-out in South Africa, based on the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine and Covax supplies, would be R7.4-billion  with the need to consider an additional R1.2-billion for nursing costs. This makes a total outlay of R8.6-billion.

On the high side, the total cost of using the rival Pfizer vaccine would be R15.2-billion, with the extra R1.2-billion for nurses resulting in an outlay of R16.4-billion.

In evaluating the economic merits of this outlay, consideration has to be given to the approximate loss of R389-billion in economic output that occurred due to Covid-19 in 2020, together with the dramatic deterioration in the fiscal position of government. Even the highest cost is roughly half the value of tax revenue lost on tobacco and alcohol in 2020, estimated at R35-billion (which includes all tax revenue lost and not merely the excise taxes).

Based on this, it would be a false economy to delay the implementation of a full-scale vaccination programme on the basis of affordability. It is also highly probable that many sources of funding outside of government can be mobilised to expedite implementation.

It is therefore crucial that any further delays to the vaccine programme be removed and it be given the highest priority in government and the country.

Context

South Africa lost approximately 8.2% of GDP (or R389-billion) in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In large part this was the result of the Level 5 and Level 4 lockdowns beginning in March. The remainder is due to reduced demand for certain services both before and after the heavy lockdowns ended. These include, inter alia, restaurants, hotels, gyms and medical practices.

However, many high-risk settings are vulnerable to behavioural lapses as life appears to return to normal. Viral transmission therefore increases as people return to work, certain behavioural adaptations lapse and society tries to find a normal that includes human contact. As the virus continues to circulate it also mutates, posing the risk of new variants that are more transmissible, involving more cases of severe illness and death.

In the absence of herd immunity (where the population levels protected from infection or less infectious are sufficient to bring about an interruption in the chain of transmission of the virus between people and within the population) all countries will experience years of periodic surges, resulting predominantly from the swings and roundabouts of human behaviour and government interventions of various forms.

Of all public health responses, vaccines are among the most effective and permanent. As evidence of this, smallpox, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, measles, tetanus, diphtheria (whooping cough) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine have reduced the morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases worldwide.

Efficacious vaccines are therefore central to the management of many infectious and contagious diseases globally. Other infectious diseases, such as HIV and tuberculosis, are contained through early diagnosis and treatment, while cholera requires clean water.

In the case of Covid-19, vaccine development has taken on unprecedented proportions and has had unparalleled success in efficiency of development. Multiple vaccine candidates began development and trials on an expedited basis in the second quarter of 2020. To address the international crisis, many vaccines began production in anticipation of approval in late 2020 and early 2021.

For South Africa to derive advantage, however, it needs to implement a vaccination strategy at a population level. Without this there will be insufficient immunity to avoid any resurgence in the substantial residual susceptible population.

The achievement of herd immunity depends on approximately 70% of the population developing immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection or reducing their infectiousness. However, the longer it takes to roll out a programme, the more times a country will face a significant resurgence with all the contingent economic and social harm.

The success of a vaccination programme for Covid-19 will therefore influence the time taken to achieve herd immunity. The longer it takes, the more damage to the economy and society.

Elements of a strategy

Vaccine procurement

Two approaches to accessing vaccines present themselves.

First, there is the Covax arrangement which seeks to pool funding for a number of countries and to guarantee that up to 20% of their populations are covered. An upfront deposit is paid into the pool equivalent to 15% of the value of the commitment a country makes to purchase.

As and when vaccines are approved as efficacious and safe, vaccine manufacturers are committed to making agreed doses available for distribution. This framework seeks to assist low-income countries to gain access to vaccines. Higher and middle-income countries such as South Africa have participated to cross-subsidise income-compromised countries that will have difficulties accessing vaccines through bilateral arrangements.

Second are bilateral arrangements which many countries have entered into to expedite vaccine availability through advance market commitments (AMCs). As vaccines were under development during 2020, to ensure availability in 2021, many countries paid deposits against the supply of designated doses for delivery once regulatory approval had been obtained.

The significant benefit for the purchaser is guaranteed access once the vaccine has been developed.

Once a vaccine has regulatory approval, however, it is relatively risk-free for a country to procure supplies based on vaccine availability. The AMCs may, however, indirectly serve to restrict supplies for countries seeking to obtain vaccines without such an arrangement  at least initially. Up to 8.6 billion doses had been committed by the end of 2020, the bulk of them to high-income countries. It is probable that most of these arrangements involved AMCs.

South Africa, which falls into the upper-middle-income country group, however, had no advance purchase commitments through bilateral agreement at the time of writing, other than the Covax facility (which is also a version of an AMC). Other upper-middle- and lower-middle-income countries have, nevertheless, made commitments to accessing 1.1-billion and 1.96-billion doses, respectively.

Source: Covid-19 launch and scale faster

By the end of 2020 South Africa had only committed to being part of the Covax arrangement, with a commitment equivalent to 10% of the national population, at a cost of R2.2-billion.

Despite falling into the upper-middle-income category of countries, South Africa chose not to enter into any bilateral agreements using AMC arrangements. This creates some risk that South Africa may face constraints in accessing vaccines in the early part of 2021 and may not be able to achieve herd immunity targets by the end of the year.

Indications are that the Covax facility will only deliver some vaccines around April 2021, exposing South Africa to an expected winter resurgence without vaccines as a preventive measure.

As a strategic objective, therefore, South Africa needs to urgently focus on high-volume bilateral agreements to supplement the Covax arrangement prior to April 2021 (i.e. in preparation for the anticipated winter resurgence). This would make available vaccines that have proven to be efficacious, safe, affordable and with manageable cold chain implications. It would, however, be optimal to finalise such agreements before the end of January 2021. Selected manufacturers need to be expressly encouraged to seek domestic regulatory approval where they have not applied as yet.

While this is recognised as an aspirational goal, it reflects the best possible outcome for managing the local epidemic.

Prioritisation

Government has outlined in broad terms a prioritisation strategy for rolling out a Covid-19 vaccine programme for South Africa. This involves three broad phases.

Phase 1 focuses on frontline health workers, including support staff and community health workers. The Department of Health (DOH) indicates this number at 1.25 million or 2.1% of the total population. At two doses for a complete regimen this would amount to 2.5 million doses.

Phase 2 focuses on high risk groups, including the aged and people with comorbidities. Broadly speaking, this could amount to about five million people or 8.3% of the total population. At two doses for a complete regimen this would require 10 million doses.

Phase 3 focuses on the rest of the adult population, excluding persons under the age of 16. The young are excluded as the vaccine trials did not cover them. Broadly speaking, this amounts to about 35.8 million people or 59.6% of the total population. At two doses for a complete regimen this would amount to 71.5 million doses.

Assuming vaccine availability, phases 1 and 2 should be completed prior to May 2021, to reduce the impact of any winter resurgence on healthcare workers and those more vulnerable to severe illness.

An important question arises concerning the feasibility of vaccinating the residual adult population during 2021. From a strategic perspective, South Africa should pursue this as a goal even if it proves logistically impossible to finalise during 2021. As vaccinating this part of the population is required to achieve herd immunity and (hopefully) slows the emergence of mutations, it is imperative that every attempt is made to begin phase 3 in April/May and complete it if possible in 2021.

Again, it is recognised that this is aspirational. But nevertheless it offers an indication of the approach which best addresses the contingencies facing South Africa in 2021.

Financial feasibility

South Africa has the benefit of two large health systems, one tax financed and one through prepayment (contributions) to medical schemes. Together these systems achieve universal coverage through some form of prepayment. It will be important to fully utilise the capabilities of both systems to expedite the rollout of vaccines.

Two features of both systems will determine the speed and efficiency of any rollout. The first is funding the vaccine procurement. The second is the administration of the vaccine to the entire adult population. The former is evaluated here, while the latter is only addressed from a costing perspective.

To assess the financial implications of the proposed phased strategy of government, a range of vaccine candidates are analysed based on their pricing to date and the evidence of efficaciousness and safety. Their main characteristics are summarised in Table 2.

The three vaccines are: Pfizer, which requires two doses per regimen (this vaccine has been found to be efficacious and safe); Johnson & Johnson (J&J), which requires a single dose per regimen (this vaccine has not as yet been approved by a regulator and data for the single dose regimen is not yet available but is assumed to be sufficiently efficacious and safe for the purposes of this costing); and AstraZeneca (AZ), which requires two doses per regimen (which has been found to be efficacious and safe).

Of the three, both J&J and AZ have manageable cold chain implications as both can be refrigerated with a normal household fridge. The Pfizer vaccine, however, requires storage at -70o Celsius, which could prove problematic in South Africa as the required fridges tend to be available only in research facilities and to procure them at scale would probably prove difficult.

Including supply chain costs, assumed to be 25%, the cost per regimen (accounting for the number of doses) works out the lowest for AZ at R145 with J&J a close second at R181. The Pfizer vaccine is higher than both at R362.50.

When all the characteristics are taken into account, the AZ vaccine is a good candidate for wider rollout given its cost. Its only disadvantage relative to J&J is the need for two doses rather than one. However, it is not as yet known whether the single dose works or, if it does, what the relative durability will be to two doses of AZ.

If South Africa adopts the DOH rollout and excludes the Covax arrangement, the following costing implications are implied (excluding supply chain costs): (Table 3):

For phase 1 the total cost ranges from R0.2 to R0.5 billion.

For phase 2 the total cost ranges from R0.7 to R1.8 billion.

For phase 3 the total cost ranges from R4.3 to R10.8 billion.

For herd immunity, the total cost ranges from R6.1 to R15.2 billion

Based on the DOH budget agreed with Covax, a higher cost per regimen (R366.70) is implied than with either AZ or J&J. The agreement actually comes in closer to Pfizers R362.50.

Based on this, if supply can be guaranteed through bilateral agreements it would make sense to limit exposure to the Covax arrangement.

If the Covax agreement is included in the mix, the total cost for herd immunity, based on the AZ vaccine, becomes R7.4-billion, i.e. a difference of R1.5-billion without Covax.

A further consideration is the implication of supply chain costs, which often include significant questionable mark-ups. It is not always easy to estimate these. For the sake of simplicity, a simple 25% mark-up has been assumed to provide a rough indication of the full cost of a programme to achieve herd immunity. For illustrative purposes, this adds R1.5-billion to the AZ-based programme with Covax in the mix, and R1.2 billion without Covax. It should be noted that these markups are included in the total costs discussed above and outlined in Table 3.

For completeness, it may be necessary to employ an additional nursing staff complement to avoid any diversion of the workforce away from frontline services. A rough indication of the nursing requirement assumes that one nurse can vaccinate roughly 26 people in a day. To vaccinate 40 million people over a 12-month period, assuming weekends and public holidays are used, will therefore require 8,851 staff nurses. Based on present salaries, this would translate into an annual cost of R1.227 billion.

While the cost of a vaccination programme appears relatively affordable for South Africa, the pandemic has severely affected governments finances. Consideration therefore must be given to diversifying the revenue sources to remove or at least mitigate fiscal considerations as an obstacle to affordability.

A number of options are therefore raised here, together with an indication of possible prerequisites for their consideration.

First, South Africas medical schemes are in a position to finance all the vaccination costs for their members.

To ensure this happens, the Minister of Health has added the Covid-19 vaccine and all associated costs to the list of mandatory medical scheme benefits (referred to more commonly as prescribed minimum benefits or PMBs) that must be covered at full cost.

In vaccinating 40 million people, medical schemes will carry between R0.9-billion and R2.3-billion of the total cost through PMBs.

Medical schemes could make an advance payment into a facility/fund which would then facilitate access to vaccines without complications.

Second, as medical schemes achieved underwriting surpluses in 2020 due to the significant net drop-off in demand for healthcare services due to Covid-19, consideration can be given to a request that medical schemes donate a portion of their funds toward the purchase of vaccines for non-medical scheme members.

This arrangement would have to be on a voluntary basis as not all schemes may be in the same financial position. However, as medical schemes cannot by law pay for services for non-members, the Council for Medical Schemes would need to provide individual exemptions in terms of section 8h of the Medical Schemes Act.

The council has broad powers to exempt any person from any provision of the Act. An exemption should be granted where it conforms to the objects of the Act, which would be the case in this instance as the ending of an epidemic has implications for medical scheme members and non-members alike.

Third, large private corporations could agree on a voluntary basis to make donations toward the vaccination of non-members of medical schemes.

A single facility could be created into which the finances from the above three sources are paid. This could be the Solidarity Fund, or any other vehicle able to serve a similar purpose.

Putting it all together

Based on this analysis, the cost of a Covid-19 programme is far from prohibitive and could easily be financed by government on its own, private actors on their own or a partnership between government and private actors.

It is clear that the Covax facility cannot address South Africas goal of achieving herd immunity timeously. Bilateral approaches are therefore urgently required to expedite a national rollout programme to begin as early as possible. The three phases as proposed by the DOH appear reasonable.

The total cost of the first two phases of the rollout are negligible, irrespective of the vaccine chosen. Phase 1 would cost between R0.2-billion and R0.5-billion with a requirement for 2.5 million doses assuming two doses per regimen. Phase 2 ranges from R0.7-billion to R1.8-billion with a requirement for 10 million doses assuming two doses per regimen. In total, phases 1 and 2 require 12.5 million doses.

It should be noted that virtually all frontline healthcare workers are on medical schemes and the government need not fund their vaccines. (Note that Table 2 doesnt reflect this as the split between the public sector budget and medical schemes is just a straight ratio of medical scheme members to the population dependent on the public sector.) The entire phase 1 is therefore an expense for private funds without any change to any law or public service configuration.

Phase 3, which takes South Africa to herd immunity, is also affordable, ranging from R4.3-billion to R10.8-billion. On the two-dose regime, 59.5 million doses would be required.

The overall cost of all three phases, based on the AZ vaccine together with Covax in the mix, would be R7.4-billion, with the need to consider an additional R1.2-billion for nursing costs, i.e. a total outlay of R8.6-billion.

On the high side, the total cost based on the Pfizer vaccine would be R15.2-billion, with an extra R1.2-billion for nursing, i.e. a total outlay of R16.4-billion.

The nurse contingency would depend on the operational approach adopted as some of the costs can be carried through the diversion of staff from current activities. However, overtime and additional nurses will carry a net cost implication.

It is worth noting that Level 5 lockdown cost South Africa in the region of R13-billion a day and has resulted in an estimated 8%-9% decline in gross domestic product for 2020. The accumulated debt of government is moving rapidly towards 100% of GDP and key industries are suffering harm from which they will take years to recover.

Furthermore, government is not in a position to provide social relief to people harmed by the pandemic due to its stretched resources.

Importantly, even the high estimate of the vaccine programme is roughly half the cost of the tax revenue foregone by government due to the alcohol and tobacco bans, which amounted to roughly R35-billion (taking account of all tax revenue sources and not just the excise taxes).

While the delay in expediting bilateral arrangements may work against South Africa, initiating negotiations are the test of what is feasible. As bilateral arrangements are plainly in the national interest, these should be expedited.

The need for an expedited programme also requires that trade-offs may need to be made between prices and speed of implementation. The costs of being slow potentially far outweigh the costs of a failure to reach herd immunity expeditiously.

It is worth noting at least two uncertainties that need to be accounted for in any strategy.

First, it may not be necessary to vaccinate 70% of the population to achieve herd immunity if natural infections induce durable immunity. The reported infection levels potentially undercount by several million people, a number that may increase significantly by the end of the current (second) surge. This could work in favour of an expedited strategy to achieve herd immunity.

Second, vaccine trials have mainly evaluated efficacy against Covid-19 illness, which is difficult to determine if the vaccine protects against asymptomatic infection. The high efficacy against mild Covid-19 illness, however, suggests that vaccines may have an impact on infection as well. Also, a vaccine may reduce infectiousness even if not preventing infection, which would contribute to inducing herd immunity.

These unknowns need to be taken into account as any vaccination programme is rolled out.

This article first appeared in the Daily Maverick/Maverick Citizen.

Alex van den Heever is Adjunct Professor at the Wits School of Governance

Shabir Madhi is Professor of Vaccinology: University of Witwatersrand and director: MRC Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit (VIDA)

Francois Venter is Deputy Executive Director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand

Imraan Valodia is Professor of Development Economics at the University of the Witwatersrand

Martin Veller is Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand and a Professor in the Universitys Department of Surgery

Lucy Allais is Professor of Philosophy at the University of the Witwatersrand and director of the Wits Centre for Ethics
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 44-acre Bloomfield property on Staten Islands Job Coast has been sold to a Manhattan-based real estate investment and asset management firm with an extensive track record for acquiring underperforming assets.

DH Property Holdings purchased the land at 1900 South Ave., which can accommodate more than 420,000 square feet of warehouse/distribution space, according to the Manhattan-based Cushman & Wakefield, which served as the exclusive advisor to DH Property Holdings LLC for the sale. The property was sold for $65 million, sources said.

We are very excited to add 1900 South Avenue to our portfolio of trophy industrial development sites in the New York Metropolitan Area. This site offers a rare combination of accessibility, scalability and multimodal transportation utility that makes for an ideal modern industrial site, said Dov Hertz, founder and principal of DH Property Holdings. Cushman & Wakefield did a terrific job structuring a joint venture that will allow us to maximize the sites potential and sourcing competitive financing, each in a short timeframe.

The property was previously owned by Robert and Neil Vanderbilt, descendants of the prominent railroad family with strong Staten Island roots. The Vanderbilts didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

The site is zoned for industrial use and is partially inhabited by three tenants  an asphalt plant, a clean fill operator and a rail transfer operator. The proposed development would be built around those existing uses, according to Cushman & Wakefield.

The site is zoned for industrial use and is partially inhabited by three tenants -- an asphalt plant, a clean fill operator and a rail transfer operator. The proposed development would be built around those existing uses, according to Cushman & Wakefield. The rending shows possible uses for the site. (Rendering is courtesy of Cushman & Wakefield)

While DH Property Holdings has not disclosed its construction plans for the property, Cushman & Wakefield touted the site as having multimodal transportation options via six rail spurs that connect to the national CSX system  a leading supplier of rail-based freight transportation in North America  and 650 feet of bulkhead on the Arthur Kill.

The DH Property Holdings team did an outstanding job bringing this unique site under contract to purchase off market, recognizing its irreplaceable location in one of the most sought-after industrial markets in the country, said John Alascio, who headed up the Cushman & Wakefield Equity, Debt & Structured Finance team, which worked on the deal.

DH Property Holdings immediately recognized the sites tremendous potential and structured a joint venture partnership to redevelop the parcel, which will have wide-ranging appeal in the modern industrial market once fully realized, he added.

Borough President James Oddo, who has long been a proponent of development along the West Shore and dubbed the area the Job Coast, said hes excited this property will likely create a multitude of employment opportunities.

If you look at this property, it is currently underutilized and from our various conversations with the new owner, they realize that, and theyre excited by what they can do [on the property], Oddo said, noting that years ago when he served as the Mid-Island councilman he tried to get the city to purchase the property from the Vanderbilts.

He said hes super excited about the new owners using the waterfront access and rail link in a more vibrant way. The property is well situated with access the Goethals Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and provides easy access to the Port of New York and New Jersey.

Its a good site for warehousing. It has proximity to the highways and its not close to a residential community. ... Like the Amazon site in Matrix [Global Logistics Park, which employs more than 4,500 people], the site has an MTA bus route that goes right by, said Oddo, noting that an overwhelming majority of employees at the Matrix site take public transportation to work.

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Editor's note: David A. Andelman, a contributor to CNN, twice winner of the Deadline Club Award, and executive director of The Red Lines Project, is the author of "A Red Line in the Sand: Diplomacy, Strategy, and the History of Wars That Might Still Happen" and host of its Evergreen podcast. He formerly was a correspondent for The New York Times and CBS News in Europe and Asia. Follow him on Twitter @DavidAndelman. The views expressed in this commentary belong solely to the author. View more opinion at CNN.

(CNN)  Even Boris Johnson, who nurtured a long-time mutual admiration with Donald Trump, couldn't restrain himself Wednesday as he bemoaned the images streaming around the world of America's Capitol under siege. "Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress," the British prime minister tweeted while Congress was still being invaded. "The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power."

Sadly, for much of the world, there didn't seem to be much left of democracy in Washington for America to stand for. The centuries-long position occupied by the US as the shining pillar of rational government was being sacrificed to the hubris of one leader on his way out.

As NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg tweeted about "shocking scenes in Washington," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas compared the scenes in Washington with the Nazis taking advantage of the 1933 burning of the Reichstag parliament building to boost the rise of Adolf Hitler. "The enemies of democracy will rejoice at these inconceivable images from Washington DC," Maas tweeted. "Seditious words turn to violent actions  on the steps of the Reichstag, and now in the Capitol. Contempt for democratic institutions has devastating effects. Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling democracy underfoot."

There have been other instances of efforts by mobs abroad to assert their control over democracies. In May 1968, French students followed by vast throngs of workers took to the streets of Paris for seven weeks to protest capitalism, consumerism, even American imperialism. But never did they challenge the fundamental pillar of democratic institutions -- rule by a majority of citizens -- so fundamentally and violently as in Washington on Wednesday.

And this was what so horrified leaders and media around the world  images of a protester slouching into the chair of the Vice President of the United States on the dais of the Senate, another hanging from a balcony over the Congressional floor, tear gas drifting through the marble corridors of power.

Richard Ferrand, president of the French National Assembly, only six years old when the 1968 protests erupted and clearly moved by what his American counterparts were enduring, tweeted his own "democratic and friendly thoughts to the lawmakers of the United States, prevented from sitting. I express my support and friendship to the President of the House of Representatives [Nancy Pelosi]."

But sentiments of support and friendship seem thin gruel to bridge the huge gulf that seemed to be opening between the United States and so many of its allies and friends abroad and that, as difficult as the last four years have been for many, seems only to have broadened suddenly in the recent days. Shortly after the election of Joe Biden two months ago, a French diplomat suggested to me that with the arrival of the new president and especially such stable, sensible members of his national security team as Secretary of State-designate Antony Blinken, order and rationality were on the cusp of being restored to American democracy.

But in the horrific hours that tore Washington apart on Wednesday, that vision may have been shattered for many abroad just as rapidly.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "The world watches Washington with horror."
Automaker FCA India on Thursday unveiled the updated version of its SUV Jeep Compass in the country with plans to formally launch it in the market next month.

Production of the model has already begun and is ready for the market launch, the automaker said.

Dispatches of the SUV to dealerships across the country will commence shortly, it added.

FCA India said it would continue to manufacture the Jeep Compass at the company's joint venture manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon, near Pune.

"Over the last three years, the made-in-India Jeep Compass has established its superiority in the minds of Indian customers with its world class quality, safety, capability and performance," FCA India President and Managing Director Partha Datta said.

He noted that with the updated version of the SUV, the company has raised the bar, making it an even more compelling proposition, and the one that incorporates customer feedback.

"The new Compass package offers an all-new level of sophistication, passenger comfort, technology and user experience while remaining true to its Jeep DNA," Datta said.

The SUV now comes with all new interiors and various features like 10.1-inch high-definition display UConnect-5 system, which is five times faster than its previous generation, and can accommodate over-the-air, real time updates.

Other new features include a 360-degree remote camera, cruise control and a button-operated powerlift gate and automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

The SUV also comes with over 50 safety features like electronic parking brake, hill hold and hill descent control, six airbags, panic brake assist, electronic roll mitigation, among others.

Speaking at the virtual unveiling of the SUV, FCA Asia Pacific Vice President (Sales and Marketing) Billy Hayes said India remains one of the most important markets for the US auto firm.

He noted that more products would be launched in the country and it would also be used as a manufacturing hub for right hand markets.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Opinion



Heading for the Promised Land?

Margaret Whitaker wonders whether we will return to all our frantic busy-ness when we emerge from lockdown.

When life was normal I used to keep a notebook. On the right-hand side of each page was written the significant dates for the next three or four months, and on the left were the current weeks activities, day-by-day, Monday to Sunday, with day and date to make sure I was on the ball.



This notebook ended abruptly on week beginning March 16, 2020. There was no more to do, no longer a need to note it down.



As I was pondering this after I found the notebook a few days ago, I found myself thinking about the Exodus and those who had also found their day-to-day life ending abruptly and a journey beginning. They had a vague picture of a Promised Land but no idea where it was or what it might look like.



If I had thought about it at the time, that is what the future looked like to me back in March 2020. We had been cast adrift on a journey from life as it was, to what? This time has been different for each of us, we all have a story to tell, and some stories have been filled with sadness and some have been filled with purpose and exhaustion. But perhaps for some others there may be common threads which could help us re-ground and find our forward direction.



BC  Before Covid, many of us were incredibly busy. Enslaved to our need to do, our need for what we did to matter, to make a difference, to be important, if not to others, at least to us. We may have felt measured or assessed by what we did, what was achieved, what was efficient and/or effective. That, in itself, is not wrong, but it can take over and consequently any time for quiet reflection and perspective can be squeezed out and we can find ourselves on a treadmill of achieving and doing.



Then along comes Moses, in the guise of lockdown, i.e., time and space to consider how we might live differently. We find ourselves travelling to a new place, and maybe not a place of our choice. We are released, maybe unwillingly, from our busy-ness with all the comfort of knowing who we are and where we are going that busy-ness brings  and we are cast into a hurried pilgrimage with the Rameses of our internal driven-ness in hot pursuit.



We are required to stop; and maybe even turn and face the demons that are chasing us and start to give them names, thus calling them out. Ego, perhaps, neediness, possibly, a lack of self-identity beyond the accomplishment of some task, maybe; all the accompaniments of pride. Busy-ness is a good hiding-place for these demons  we are too busy to recognise them.



The Red Sea of transition lies before us. The traversing of this soggy and rock-ridden track will bring us to our knees, have us stuck in sucking mud and feel as if it is endless. Soggy is a good word for this time as we may shed some tears as we struggle to travel forward, but turning back is not an option. Some kind of Promised Land lies ahead, and we have a desire to see it. Moses leads in front; the time and space that he represents is still with us and we dont know when it will end.



But more lies ahead. The lockdown eases. We have a time of increased freedom of movement and a Golden Calf of busy-ness returns. We travel, perhaps, we see friends and family, possibly, life feels more normal. We have lost Moses for the moment  we are free to follow our own desires, so we return to the busy-ness that has protected us from ourselves, - from God?  perhaps for many years.



Then Moses returns and we enter a new time of lockdown, more severe than before. Is it in this wilderness that the transformation that God seeks in each us might be effected? We may be here for some time; let us not wander around aimlessly; Moses remains with us, feeding us with space and time to think, watering us with the opportunity to find refreshment in whatever way God presents to us.



Perhaps in this time we might hear a new whisper from God, a new call on us, a different way of living, perhaps a way of being more, rather than doing more. The Joshua who will lead us into the new land, the new normal, might be the new call that God could place on our hearts that will fit the time ahead when needs will be different.



There have been, and will still be, broken hearts that need the healing touch of God, broken lives that need to hear of the comfort of the God who provides. There are, and will be, many hurting people. There will be a need to minister as Mother Theresa of Calcutta did, by those who see Jesus in the sad, damaged, and forlorn.



There will still be walls to march round till they crumble, but the way forward may now have a quieter and more measured feel. Needs have changed and the way ahead might look firmer, less frantic, more assured.



The image of the Red Sea is by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay.com.





Revd Margaret Whitaker is a retired Anglican priest living in Ludham in East Norfolk.









The views carried here are those of the author, not of Network Norfolk, and are intended to stimulate constructive and good-natured debate between website users.





We welcome your thoughts and comments, posted below, upon the ideas expressed here.
Should one society end up imposing its standards on other societies? Westernization occurs when non-western societies are influenced by western culture, but the world is not the West and the West is not the world.

As we were about to go and pay our respects to a friend whose mother had passed away, my husband, having lived overseas for decades, suggested we take a bouquet of flowers to the mourning family. I was appalled at the idea: when in mourning, Egyptians do not expect flowers; its just not done. It is a somber time, with women wearing black, lots of Quran recital, and tears. This while in western societies, sending flowers to the family of a deceased is a very common gesture. Other gestures include bringing food and celebrating the life of the deceased, and definitely no black attires. Yes, it is a somber moment there, too, but no one can deny the differences.

A Chinese student whom I had taught for several years graduated. As I congratulated her, I gave her a warm hug. Her arms remained loose next to her sides in response. She later told me that she had never been hugged in her life. In the Chinese culture, hugging is awkward as public displays of affection cause embarrassment. My mother, too, Egyptian to the core, never hugged but always gave a peck on both cheeks; the same goes for most Egyptians though this is changing. This while in western countries hugging is a common way to show affection.

When an Egyptian invites a westerner over, he puts on a spread. The westerner is shocked, Does he expect me to eat all this? No, the Egyptian doesnt expect the visitor to eat all what is piled in front of him, but Egyptian hospitality dictates this huge food display. And, when the westerner comes over with a bottle of gourmet vinegar or guest soaps, the Egyptian is confused. Vinegar is sour and soap implies the need for more cleanliness; sweets and dessert are more in order.

In 2013, when George Bush Junior ducked the flying shoes of the journalist who yelled This is a gift from the Iraqis; this is the farewell kiss, you dog! western journalists emphasized Bushs dodging ability ignoring the essence of the gesture as Bush, jokingly, brushed it off, All I can report is a size 10. But the flying shoes and the name calling, yes, dog is a derogatory term to Arabs, entailed much more, maybe even a redemption of some sort in the eyes of Iraqis, turning the journalist into a hero. No one can deny how different the spectacle was in the eyes of Iraqis from westerners.

Then, Egyptian President El Sisi has often reiterated that differences are normal phenomena. I agree. He once told President Macron that Egypt "is not like Europe or the US," and that it has its own special circumstances. El-Sisi asked others not to forget that Egypt is located in a troubled region. This is very true; not only cultures but also circumstances dictate action, approach, and necessities.

Cultural values create different social norms, so we cannot expect nations and peoples to become mirror images of one another. In fact, it is a good thing that we arent all alike or else it wouldve been a very boring world. As the world entity gets smaller and smaller, we have to accept the different cultures as they stand. Social norms may surprise, even shock, but trying to impose one culture over another will never work. Standards of shame, modesty, morality, respect, personal freedoms, religious values, and much more will remain stumbling blocks in the face of globalization. In fact, cultural norms set social guidelines that citizens adhere to to fit into the contours of that society, but not necessarily to the contours of other societies.

More importantly, should one society end up imposing its standards on other societies? Westernization occurs when non-western societies are influenced by western culture, but the world is not the West, and the West is not the world. Societies should not adopt western values or take them at face value without looking at their own merited standards, weighing in on the worth of each change and whether it would apply in their case or not. More importantly, the West should not expect the rest of the world to accept its standards as a given.

Western values do not equate globalization and should not be the standard. In fact, western dominance is sometimes seen by some as a continuation of western imperialism. Hence, applying the accepted guidelines of the West in an Asian, Arab, or African society often counteracts and clashes with the society. Besides, the West has its own pitfalls that should be regarded as lessons no one should implement, ethnic cleansing, slavery, colonialism, and racism to name a few.

Recent developments in laws in the West have created even more of a gnawing gap between the West and other societies. Same sex marriage, euthanasia, and pro choice (accepting a womans right to abort a pregnancy) are remolding fundamentals. It is not up to non-western societies to appraise such changes; still, it is their prerogative not to accept them.

The western society, itself, is still grappling with these issues, so for the West to expect implementation of such core foundations worldwide is hardly rational. The West should understand that rejecting these concepts is justifiable.

And yet, as societies dispute change, they are besieged with what is enforced upon them through Hollywood images, content platforms such as Netflix, and social media as a whole. This will remain the hardest battle for the world in general: the juxtaposition of what nations believe is their social stands and foreign influences.

Cultural expectations are not the same across the board  to each his or her own.

Mumbai, Jan 7 : Babil Khan, son of actor Irrfan Khan, is missing his father on the ate actors birth anniversary, and is spending the day by revisiting his memories.

Looking back, Babil took to his Instagram handle on Thursday to share an unseen video of Irrfan with his family.

He also shared how Irrfan never believed in celebrating birthdays and didn't encourage anyone to remember his birthday, but this year Babil could not forget his birthday even if he tried.

"You never identified with institutions such as contractual marriage and birthday celebrations. Perhaps, that is why I don't remember anyone's birthdays because you never remembered mine and never encouraged me to remember yours," he wrote.

"It was just normal to us what seemed absurd from the outside, we celebrated everyday (bringing personal experiential authenticity to the cliche). On the occasion, Mamma would have to remind us both; but this time I could not forget yours if I tried. It's your birthday Baba. Shoutout to all the technologically inept parents, notice that they did not finish saying that they miss me," he added.

The old video features Irrfan, wife Sutapa Sikdar and the late actor's other son Ayaan as they get together on video call with Babil. It starts with Irrfan saying, "we miss him", and then Sutapa calling out to Babil and saying they missed him. Ayaan seems a bit conscious with Irrfan nudging him to say that "we miss him".

This is Irrfan's first birth anniversary since his death on April 29, 2020. He was admitted to Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with colon infection. The actor had been battling neuroendocrine tumour for several years and had been under medical attention.

Irrfan's last film "The Song Of Scorpions" will release on the big screen in early 2021.
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The world is paying close attention to whether the global economy can shake off recession in 2021.

Whether the world economy will secure a robust rebound or drag itself uphill toward recovery depends on the results of global control of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries determination and capabilities to coordinate virus control and economic and social development, as well as their concrete actions to seize the opportunity of innovation-driven development and open cooperation.

As COVID-19 vaccines have been gradually launched, the international community is full of expectations for the global economic recovery this year.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted that the global growth will rebound to 5.2 percent in 2021, while the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) forecast that the world economy will grow 4.2 percent this year.

However, it should be noted that the economic recovery will be uneven across the world and face uncertainties. World Bank Group President David Malpass said it would take two to three years for global output to return to pre-pandemic levels.

To effectively contain the COVID-19 pandemic is the key to global economic recovery. Faced with a second wave of infections, some countries have to press the pause button on many aspects of economic and social development.

The longer the pandemic and corresponding lockdown measures last, the deeper the economic recession, and the harder it is for recovery, observed Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator of the Financial Times, expressing his worries.

Just as the world economy has been caught in recession because of the outbreak, it will surely resume growth when the disease is gradually brought under control.

In this sense, ensuring the accessibility and affordability of COVID-19 vaccines in all countries is essential for securing a balanced global recovery and the inclusive growth of the global economy in the post-epidemic era.

Looking back at 2020, people may find it reassuring that countries and regions that reached good results in pandemic control could quickly climb out of recession and steer their economy back to the track of recovery.

In particular, China has achieved strategic achievements in balancing epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development, and become the only major economy worldwide to secure positive growth amid the outbreak. This fully proves that timely and effective control of the epidemic is crucial for economic recovery.

It is expected that the international community will forge greater determination to defeat COVID-19 with solidarity and put in stronger efforts to coordinate pandemic control and social and economic development in 2021.

Innovation-driven development is believed to be an important means for countries to foster new opportunities in crises and create new prospects in the face of changing circumstances.

New technologies, business forms and platforms have thrived amid the pandemic, and are expected to continue to empower traditional industries and bring more changes in the forms of economic activity.

German media pointed out that the year 2020 was an impressive testament to the potential of science and technology, while a report released by the World Trade Organization (WTO) said the world economy is shifting toward digitalization and informatization.

Undoubtedly, generating new development drivers through scientific and technological innovation and digital transformation will be an important measure for countries to adapt to changes and turn crisis into opportunity.

To foster a favorable environment for the development of digital economy, strengthen the digital infrastructure, vigorously develop environment-friendly industries and form a new and efficient economic system will be an obvious choice for meeting future development needs and allowing more people to enjoy shared prosperity.

By creating more opportunities for open cooperation and advancing trade and investment liberalization and facilitation with greater efforts, countries can inject huge impetus to the global economic recovery in the post-pandemic era.

Facts prove that building an open world economy is still the common choice of various countries. The signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has given a strong boost to the worlds confidence in free trade.

At the end of 2020, China and the European Union (EU) concluded seven-year-long negotiations on a China-EU investment agreement as scheduled, injecting impetus into the world economy.

Trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that includes dozens of African countries officially began on Jan. 1 this year. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), pointed out that the AfCFTA will help stimulate Africas industrialization and catalyze its sustainable recovery from COVID-19.

The continuous recovery of the Chinese economy will infuse certainties into world economic growth.

The World Bank issued its latest China Economic Update in December 2020, saying that economic activity in China has normalized faster than expected, while the OECD predicted that China was expected to account for over one-third of world economic growth in 2021.

As the year 2021 marks the beginning of Chinas 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the country will adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, apply a new development vision and build a new development pattern in a new stage of development, and continue to stimulate high-quality economic growth, boosting momentum and confidence for the global economy to shake off the downturn.

In 2021, the international community should unswervingly rely on solidarity and cooperation to ensure the smooth functioning of the global economy while resolutely strengthening pandemic control, and take prompt and responsible actions to tide over difficulties together and drive global economic recovery.
The immediate future of U.S. shale remains bleak despite Saudi Arabias pledge to cut an additional 1 million bpd in production to prop up prices.

I really dont see much increase in the Permian Basin or the U.S. shale over the next several years, Scott Sheffield said at an investor webcast this week, as quoted by Bloomberg.

I never anticipate growing above 5% under any conditions, Sheffield also said. Even if oil went to $100 a barrel and the world was short of supply. The shale major CEO explained this was because the service costs associated with adding more drilling rigs would undermine profit margins.

The news is disheartening as West Texas Intermediate breached $50 a barrel for the first time in almost a year after the largest OPEC oil producer announced its new, unilateral, production cutting plans. At WTI prices of $50 a barrel, more U.S. shale drillers can break even, so it would make sense that the higher price would motivate more drilling, if only so the drillers could continue paying their debts.

However, the oil demand situation remains precarious as the pandemic rages on, and vaccines are being administered a lot more slowly than hoped.

In this context, Pioneers Sheffield said he expected total U.S. oil production to remain flat this year, at around 11 million bpd. He also expects more companies to merge.

Pioneer was one of the bigand fewdealmakers of 2020, acquiring Parsley Energy for about $7.6 billion in an all-stock deal that also included Parsleys debt. The Permian was the hottest spot for deals, with Conoco acquiring another Permian major, Concho Resources and Diamondback buying QEP Resources and Guidon Operating.

According to Sheffield, the Permian will remain a bright spot in the U.S. shale patch despite the flat production outlook. Two others, however, the Bakken in North Dakota and the Eagle Ford in Texas may have plateaued as regards production growth, he said.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg says President Donald Trump is blocked from using Facebook and Instagram indefinitely.

In a statement Thursday morning, Zuckerberg said Trump is using social media to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building. Facebook and Twitter both removed some posts by Trump Wednesday for violating their policies about inciting violence.

The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden, Zuckerberg wrote. His decision to use his platform to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building has rightly disturbed people in the US and around the world. We removed these statements yesterday because we judged that their effect -- and likely their intent -- would be to provoke further violence.

Zuckerberg said Facebook, which also owns Instagram, previously removed or labeled individual posts if they violated company policy, but allowed Trump to continuing using the platforms because we believe that the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech.

But the current context is now fundamentally different, involving use of our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government, Zuckerberg continued. We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great. Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete.

Twitter similarly allowed Trump to continue tweeting, labeling or hiding some tweets with false or misleading information, but locked him out of his account for 12 hours Wednesday night. YouTube also removed a video Wednesday in which Trump called his supporters very special after a mob breached the U.S. Capitol to repeat his baseless claims of election fraud.

But Jennifer Grygiel, a Syracuse University communications professor and an expert on social media, told the Associated Press that Facebook and Twitters actions may be too little, too late. At least four people died in the Capitol riot, 14 police officers were injured, and 52 people were arrested.

This is what happens, Grygiel said. We didnt just see a breach at the Capitol. Social media platforms have been breached by the president repeatedly. This is disinformation. This was a coup attempt in the United States.

Social media is complicit in this because he has repeatedly used social media to incite violence. Its a culmination of years of propaganda and abuse of media by the president of the United States.

Syracuse University chancellor disgusted by Trumps words, violence at U.S. Capitol

Trump Cabinet members discuss invoking 25th Amendment (reports)

Rep. Elise Stefanik still objects to Electoral College results after riot at Capitol

Lawmakers vow to investigate police after Capitol breach
Tearful Laurence Fox branded the Government 'a disgrace' last night for shutting schools as he likened it to taking a child's liver out to give to a pensioner.

The actor and political activist, 42, was choked with emotion as he said he thought kids deserved an education.

And he said it would reduce children's opportunities and questioned if they would soon forget what 'school was for'.

Fox - who has repeatedly challenged lockdown restrictions - said: 'Im furious with the Government.

'I dont think our children deserve this and I think they are doing this for political reasons, sorry to be emotional.

'I think they are doing it for political reasons, I dont think they are doing it for the sake of our children and I think on principle, our children deserve an education they deserve it, its our duty to provide it to them at any cost.

'We are taking out the liver of a young, healthy child and giving it to an old person or a vulnerable person.'

Fox appeared moved as he spoke about the closure of schools and the effects it could have

Laurence Fox appearing on ITV's Lorraine back in November 2019 before the pandemic hit

The TV and stage performer was speaking to Unlocked, which has launched the campaign #UnlockTheSchools on its @unlocked_uk_ Twitter feed.

Its online video channel has previously questioned the evidence for the new variant of Coronavirus the government has said is sweeping the country.

Fox added: 'Youre really reducing this kids opportunities even understanding what proper peer relationships are like

'Are they going to know what school was for at some point?

'I think the government, they are a disgrace.'

On Wednesday he said he would actively shield his children from watching the BBC's upcoming educational offerings during lockdown, branding it 'statist propaganda'.

MailOnline reported on Tuesday how experts have warned of serious problems developing as England enters its third national lockdown, with one declaring 'The pandemic has created a mental health ticking time bomb'.

Draconian measures designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus variant will heavily impact many during the gruelling winter months.

Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox in Lewis, which is the role Fox is best-known by the public

Depression, anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are expected as the restrictions create a sense of terrible Deja Vu.

The blow comes especially hard due to the proximity of New Year, where many had believed the start of 2021 would signal more optimistic fortunes.

Michael Gove said the curbs on freedom would last for months, triggering more gloom among the public.

And children - after being told schools would be safe - face difficult home-learning after the U-turn by Boris Johnson and his government.

During his coronavirus news briefing today, the Prime Minister said approximately 12billion had been spent on NHS mental health care, with around another 19-20million contributed towards mental health charities.

Emma Thomas, Chief Executive at YoungMinds told MailOnline: 'The pandemic is deepening the crisis in young people's mental health and there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the impact could be significant and long-term.

'Young people tell us that they've struggled to cope with the changes and loss of coping mechanisms brought on by the pandemic, with many experiencing social isolation, anxiety, and fears around their future.

'Many lost access to mental health support during the first lockdown, while others chose not to look for help at a time when the NHS was under so much pressure. With the pandemic continuing through the winter and another lockdown confirmed, it's likely that more young people may struggle to cope.'


The ancient Silk Road was a major corridor connecting the East and West, which brought about commercial interconnection and economic interaction. Looking back at the history, the ancient Silk Road includes the land Silk Road and the maritime Silk Road. The land Silk Road has its origins in the Western Han (206 BC -25 AD). It was formally established in 138 BC. At that time, the Western Han court sent Zhang Qian on a diplomatic mission to Xinjiang, or the Western Regions, as specified in the Chinese chronicles. That mission formally established a corridor between the Central Plains and the northwestern regions, thus marking the beginning of the land Silk Road.

The maritime Silk Road was referred to in the Chinese historical record called the Book of Han. In the early years of the Western Han, Emperor Wu dispatched envoys on a voyage that reached Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka). This event was considered as the beginning of the maritime Silk Road. Over the two millennia since its establishment, the Silk Road actually went on to encompass numerous intersecting passages that extended in all directions, forming a series of travel routes. The ancient Silk Road was one of the greatest undertakings of the human history. First of all, it weaved a network of transportation routes linking the East and the West. Secondly, it facilitated East-West trading and exchanges, by boosting the circulation of goods. Thirdly, it facilitated convergence and exchanges between civilizations and cultures from both the Oriental and Occidental worlds. In the end, it brought about unison between the East and the West in jointly contributing to the progress and prosperity of human society and civilization. The Silk Road witnessed the most splendid and wonderful epic of the human history. In 2013, China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A growing number of countries have joined the Initiative, and cooperation is expanding in infrastructure, trade, investment, and energy.

Why did China launch this Initiative and how has the Initiative been able to achieve its successes to date? The emergence of the ancient Silk Road was a corollary to economic and social development. Only when the economy has been sufficiently developed and productivity adequately increased will certain demands arise. These include the demands for personnel exchanges, trade, and cultural interactions. The Western Han was a crest in Chinese history, and saw the most significant advances in comprehensive national strength. During this period, agriculture made great progress. Centuries later, the Tang Dynasty (618-907) was another zenith in China's economic and social development. From the handicraft industry, agriculture, to financial industry, new progress was achieved. Such historical evolution and economic development provided the prerequisite and foundation for mutual exchanges, not only guaranteeing the material conditions for the interactions between en-route countries, but also supplying underlying momentum to the Silk Road's sustainability.

There are also contemporary reasons. The Belt and Road routes link up more than 60 countries and more than 4 billion people. The regions covered have the greatest potential for economic development, and for international investment. Many en-route countries also share the desire to restructure the industries, enhance the quality and capacity of economic development, and improve people's wellbeing. On the other hand, China has made progress that could not have achieved independent from the rest of the world. With a will to share capacity and achievements with the world, China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative. The Initiative not only accords with the practical needs of the en-route countries to develop their economy and society, but also conforms to the intrinsic and objective requirement of global economic governance. The BRI has thus become a new solution presented by China to the world in this new era. As the "circle of friends" grows bigger, some have begun to allege that China is a threat, and that the Belt and Road Initiative is a form of neocolonialism. This is utter fallacy. Throughout the history of the ancient Silk Road, China has been the proponent and driving force behind this undertaking, without ever exploiting the Silk Road to occupy any other country or any inch of foreign land, or using it to monopolize the profits from the trading along the routes. On the contrary, history proves that China and the en-route countries conducted peaceful and friendly exchanges, honored promises, carried out fair trade, and established people-to-people friendship. According to China's historical records, the ancient Silk Road bustled with envoys from different nations and an endless stream of trade caravans. This is the real picture on the ancient Silk Road. After China put forward the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, nearly 200 countries and regional organizations have signed inter-governmental agreements on the BRI with China. The en-route countries, and other countries contributing to the BRI development, are all committed to one important mission, which is to maintain the peace and security along the Belt and Road. Without a peaceful environment, without stable political relationship and mutual trust, the building of the Belt and Road will lead nowhere. This is a lesson drawn from the history, and also serves the practical need of the contemporary development. Peace and stability are the indispensable foundation for the BRI's soundness and sustainability, and for bringing amity and wellbeing to en-route countries.

"Forcing Chinese culture on others" has never characterized the Silk Road or the Belt and Road Initiative. Along the ancient Silk Road, there was the ancient Chinese civilization, Mesopotamia civilization, ancient Egyptian civilization, ancient Roman civilization, and so on. These great civilizations all located along the Silk Road. Throughout the Silk Road history, different cultures blended together, learning from each other. For example, China's Confucianism and Taoism were introduced via the Silk Road to countries like Japan and Vietnam. Likewise, in Chinese civilization and culture there are also quite a lot of foreign elements in our music, dance, and our life. The diverse cultures along the Silk Road together created a colorful and splendid world.

As the Silk Road thrived, why did cultural exchanges abound as well? An essential factor was China's openness and inclusiveness. In Tang Dynasty, for example, the central government decreed that local officials all over the country should keep in friendly contact with foreign merchants so that they could feel contented. The officials were also required to get acquainted with trading and refrain from interference. The reason that China has widened its "friend circle" as the Silk Road developed was because of its openness and inclusiveness. Openness and inclusiveness in turn became an essential cultural factor that allows the ancient Silk Road to preserve its influence through modern day. The benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative are not exclusive to China. The Belt and Road Initiative is neither a reproduction nor an iteration of the ancient Silk Road, but a massive step forward.

China Mosaic

http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm

The Ancient Silk Road's Historical Significance and Its Role in Inspiring Joint Development of the Belt and Road Initiative

http://v.china.com.cn/2020-12/29/content_77060400.htm

SOURCE China.org.cn
(JTA)  Mary Miller, a newly elected Republican representative from Illinois, told a crowd of protesters that Hitler was right on one thing.

Miller was speaking Tuesday in Washington, D.C., to a crowd of Donald Trump supporters, according to Margot McGowan Staebler, a law student at Michigan State University who posted the video on Twitter. Supporters of the president, including a range of extremist figures and groups, have gathered in the capital for a mass rally to protest the election results as Congress meets to ratify them.

Speaking in view of the Capitol building, Miller was discussing her emphasis on family values and the importance of convincing voters to elect Republicans when she invoked Adolf Hitler.

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Hitler was right on one thing: He said, whoever has the youth has the future, Miller said. Fill your childrens minds with what is true and right and noble, and then they can overcome evil with good because they can actually discern between what is evil and what is good.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, condemned Millers remarks on Twitter.

Hitler wasnt right on anything  and invoking his name in this or any other context is wildly offensive & disrespects the millions who perished due to the Nazis hateful, genocidal regime, he wrote. An apology is the least you can do for your constituents & our country.

Miller, who was elected in November to her first term representing her southern Illinois district, is a farmer who teaches Sunday school, according to her campaign website. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency has reached out to Miller for comment.

Another freshman Republican congressman, Madison Cawthorn from North Carolina, faced criticism last year over a trip he took to Hitlers vacation home and a post in which he referred to Hitler as the Fuhrer.

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(Bloomberg) -- A decade ago, after hackers were caught infiltrating natural gas pipeline operations and an al-Qaeda video emerged calling for an electronic jihad on U.S. infrastructure, then-Senator Joseph Lieberman tried to sound the alarm.The system is blinking red, Lieberman warned his Senate colleagues during debate on the threat in 2012. Privately owned and operated cyber infrastructure can well be, and probably some day will be, the target of an enemy attack.Led by the Connecticut independent and one-time vice presidential candidate, lawmakers sought to require energy companies to strengthen computer security. But the effort withered under fierce lobbying by oil companies and other corporate interests that succeeded in killing the legislation. That left in place a system of voluntary guidelines that failed to stop last months ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline Co., which paralyzed a major artery for fuel along the East Coast.Its really a lost opportunity, said Lieberman, now senior counsel at Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP. The attack on the Colonial Pipeline might not have happened if we passed the legislation.Now, in response to the attack, the Department of Homeland Security is preparing to jettison the voluntary approach and impose cybersecurity requirements on pipelines, according to a person familiar with the plans who asked not to be identified before a formal announcement.That would be a defeat for oil companies and pipeline operators that for more than a decade have successfully fought off federal standards to thwart cyberattacks from legislation or regulatory agencies. Unlike power plants, U.S. pipelines are not required to follow any federal cybersecurity mandates, even though Homeland Security was given the authority to impose them when it was created in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.The Transportation Security Administration, the DHS agency in charge of protecting the nations pipelines, will issue a directive this week requiring pipeline companies to report cyber incidents, according to the person familiar with the plans. Additional requirements for safeguarding facilities and responding to attacks are set to be advanced in coming weeks, the Washington Post reported.The Biden administration is taking further action to better secure our nations critical infrastructure, DHS said in a statement on Tuesday. We will release additional details in the days ahead.Until now, the TSA had resisted using its authority to mandate cyberprotection measures.My belief was we could get quicker and better security through working with the industry instead of regulating them because regulations set minimum security standards and industry in many cases was doing more than that, said Jack Fox, who served as the agencys manager of pipeline security before retiring in 2016.Liebermans bill would have imposed cybersecurity performance requirements on privately owned critical infrastructure -- and slap fines on companies that fell short. The rules would have been applied to more than pipelines: sectors where a hostile take-down of computer systems could lead to mass casualties, the collapse of financial markets or the disruption of energy and water supplies, were to be included.Even a watered-down version of the bill failed to overcome a Republican-led filibuster.Pipeline CompaniesFor Lieberman, the failure still stings.We would sort of ask ourselves who is driving this aggressive opposition and the answer we were getting was the energy companies and the pipeline companies, he said.Every major U.S. oil company -- including Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp. and ConocoPhillips -- lobbied on the legislation, alongside some refiners and at least one pipeline operator. Colonial didnt lobby on the measure in 2012, according to disclosure forms it filed with Congress. However, groups it belonged to did, including the American Petroleum Institute, the Association of Oil Pipe Lines and the Chamber of Commerce -- a political titan that reported spending $103.9 million influencing government policies in 2012.The Chamber opposed the legislation at the time, calling it an overly broad, heavy-handed approach to regulation that threatened to create an adversarial relationship between the government and private industry instead of fostering collaboration against cyberattacks. The group backed an alternative approach focused on greater sharing of threat information, a stance it continues to endorse today.We support a public-private collaboration that strengthens our cybersecurity in all sectors, including pipelines, to benefit all Americans, said Matthew Eggers, vice president of cybersecurity policy for the Chamber.Cybersecurity experts and government officials have cautioned for years about the consequences of a pipeline hack, including in 2019 when the Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued a report warning a cyberattack could disrupt a pipeline for days to weeks.Nevertheless, there was widespread business opposition to the Lieberman bill, with almost every affected industry, from financial services to communications, getting involved to warn the proposed cybersecurity mandates would insert the heavy hand of government into corporate affairs.But proponents warned that mandates were essential to ensure there were sufficient safeguards amid a barrage of ever-more sophisticated attacks on private companies running power plants, dams and other critical infrastructure.al-Qaeda VideoWeeks after the bills introduction, the Department of Homeland Security warned hackers had spent months trying to infiltrate computer systems for a number of natural gas pipeline operators. ABC News reported the FBI had obtained an al-Qaeda video calling for electronic jihad against U.S. critical infrastructure. And computer security firm McAfee Corp. warned of coordinated, ongoing cyberattacks on global energy companies in 2011.The hacking episodes foreshadowed how alluring fuel delivery systems are to cyber-criminals, like the Russia-linked group that used DarkSide ransomware to hold Colonials computer systems hostage around May 7. The company was forced to shut down its roughly 5,500-mile-long (8,851-kilometers-long) pipeline system, which provides about 45% of the fuel used on the East Coast, spurring outages at filling stations and the payment of a $5 million ransom before service resumed five days later.Its not clear whether mandates would have thwarted the attack, and investigations are still underway. Colonial has pledged to review any proposal that takes lessons learned from this event that strengthens or hardens our infrastructure.Oil and pipeline trade groups steadfastly insist now is not the time for prescriptive federal mandates.Any discussion of regulation is premature until we have a full understanding of the details surrounding the Colonial attack, said Suzanne Lemieux, APIs manager of operations security and emergency response. But we are committed to continuing our robust coordination with all levels of government.The trade association added in a statement it was generally aligned with the Chamber on the issue in 2012 and cautioned against a prescriptive one-size-fits all regulatory approach that it said would be counterproductive.John Stoody, a spokesman for the Association of Oil Pipe Lines, whose members include Colonial Pipeline, said We want TSA to get right anything they plan to do.For example, an overly broad reporting requirement could overwhelm TSA with hundreds of thousands of cyberattack reports every day that would not do anyone any good, he said.PartnershipChevron said in an emailed statement that federal regulation should take a risk-based approach that gives companies flexibility to defend against threats. And Exxon noted that the rapid evolution of cyber threats means any formal and prescriptive cybersecurity requirements for the industry are often outdated upon completion.The Transportation Security Administration has long taken a similar approach. A branch manager in the agencys office of surface operations last year boasted it involves very few regulations and a cooperative approach to industry adoption of security measure, according to a presentation archived on the agencys website.The TSA opted not to regulate the pipeline sector because it felt a partnership with industry was more efficient, said Fox, the retired TSA manager of pipeline security.A regulation takes months or years to change, Fox said in a phone interview. With this partnership we could make a phone call and say we need you to do such and such and it would be reacted to the next day.Republican FilibusterFox said he didnt think the Lieberman bill would have prevented the Colonial cyberattack.You can regulate whatever you like, Fox said. We have regulations on speed limits and gun control and all kinds of things so if you regulate something it does not means its not going to happen.Ultimately in 2012, Lieberman and Collins watered down their bill in a desperate bid to win over Republicans to get it passed. They dropped mandates and fines in favor of a measure that would create only optional requirements.But even the pared-back bill wasnt enough. Continued concerns about liability and privacy haunted the legislation, and the Chamber opposed the new version too. It was twice defeated by a Republican-led filibuster, ultimately falling nine votes shy of the 60 needed to cut off debate in November 2012.Amy Myers Jaffe, a Tufts University professor and author of Energys Digital Future, said the Colonial cyberattack may be the pipeline industrys Macondo moment.Thats a reference to the Gulf of Mexico oil well that blew out in 2010, killing 11 workers and unleashing the worst oil spill in U.S. history.An overly cozy relationship between federal regulators and oil companies was blamed for contributing to the disaster, Jaffe said. Its shocking to me to think that an industry that likes to brag about its safety records would ever have lobbied against having government-run standards that are mandatory for cyber-security in vital energy infrastructure.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
Thursday, January 7, 2021

Federal Rule of Evidence 801(d)(1)(B) provides an exclusion to the rule against hearsay for a statement that

(B) is consistent with the declarants testimony and is offered:

(i) to rebut an express or implied charge that the declarant recently fabricated it or acted from a recent improper influence or motive in so testifying ; or

(ii) to rehabilitate the declarant's credibility as a witness when attacked on another ground

The federal rule was recently amended, but Wyoming Rule of Evidence 801(d)(1)(B) looks like the pre-amendment version of the federal rule. It provides an exclusion to the rule against hearsay for a statement by a declarant that is "consistent with his testimony and is offered to rebut an express or implied charge against him of recent fabrication or improper influence or motive."

But, as the yesterday's opinion of the Supreme Court of Wyoming in Hicks v. State, 2021 WL 48198 (Wyo. 2021), makes clear, Wyoming's rule differs from the pre-amendment version of the federal rule.

In Hicks, Hunter Lee Hicks was convicted of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor. At trial, after the victim testified, the defense impeached her with evidence that her family "encouraged [her] to fabricate or exaggerate Mr. Hicks actions" as they transported her to the police station to be interviewed. Subsequently, the State introduced the victim's statement during the police interview under Wyoming Rule of Evidence 801(d)(1)(B).

Under the old federal rule, the police interview would have been totally inadmissible because it was made after the improper influence: the victim's family encouraging her to exaggerate. But the Supreme Court of Wyoming noted that, under Wyoming law,

[a] prior consistent statement may be used as substantive evidence if the alleged improper influence arose after the statement was made. However, if the prior consistent statement was made after the improper influence arose, then the statement may only be used for rehabilitative purposes. When a prior consistent statement is admissible only for rehabilitative purposes, a limiting instruction must be given, but only if requested.

Therefore, because the victim's statement was properly admitted and the defense didn't ask for a limiting instruction, there were not grounds for a new trial.

-CM

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/evidenceprof/2021/01/supreme-court-of-wyoming-applies-the-states-unique-version-of-the-prior-consistent-statement-rule.html
Pool/Getty Images

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that President Donald Trump is indefinitely banned from the using the social media platform on Thursday morning.

The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden, said Zuckerberg in the post on Facebook. We are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete.
U.S. to supply more Navy boats to Ukraine

The construction will cost nearly $20 million.

Reporting by UNIAN

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Louis L Amour (1908-1988), one of the most prolific and best-selling authors of all time, was recently honored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress as its inaugural Champion of the Booka designation reserved for those who have made an important contribution to the world of books.

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington made the presentation to LAmours widow, Kathy, and their children, Beau and Angelique, at a March 18 evening program that celebrated the centennial of LAmours birth and his continuing legacy. Dell Publishing Group, LAmours publisher for more than 50 years, co-sponsored the event in cooperation with the Center for the Book.

Louis LAmour could not help sharing his love of books and reading, said Billington. Those who met him eventually realized that he was a one-man center for the book. If you visit the Louis LAmour conference room at Random House, you will see quotations about the importance of books and reading attractively painted on the rooms wallsall are words and thoughts that Louis put into the mouths of his characters. Now thats lasting influence!

The Librarian also quoted former Librarian of Congress Daniel J. Boorstin, who wrote the introduction to LAmours memoir, Education of a Wandering Man, the authors final work before his death in 1988.

Boorstin wrote, This book tells a surprising tale of the reading of the beloved best-selling writer Louis LAmour. For his shaping wandering years were years of reading. When he left school in the tenth grade he began an earnest self-education stirred by a passion for books. These early working and wandering years, which took him around the world, were filled with days and nights of reading.

In 1983, Boorstin, who founded the Center for the Book in 1977, recruited LAmour for the centers national advisory board. He subsequently asked LAmour to represent authors and reading on a 21-person committee, which the Library developed to make recommendations about the future of books and reading. In Books in our Future (1987), a Center for the Book volume based on the committees study, LAmour addressed the challenge of interpreting what we read. He wrote, the greatest problem of our day is how do we find time to think? We are so busy gathering information and reading and learning that we have too little time to think about what we have learned.

Louis L'Amour's widow, Kathy, came to the Library to celebrate the centennial of her late husband's birth. - Tony Brown, Imijination Photography Expand image

Billington presented Kathy LAmour with a gift from the Librarys Daniel J. Boorstin papers: copies of four personal letters and one political cartoon that her husband had sent to the former Librarian of Congress in the mid-1980s.

An ex-boxer, merchant seaman, cattle-skinner and occasional silver miner, LAmour was born in Jamestown, N.D., in 1908. He is the only American-born novelist to receive both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. LAmours prolific body of work includes 90 novels; 29 short-story collections; two works of non-fiction; a volume of poetry and a memoir. More than 300 million copies of his books are in print worldwide.

Irwyn Applebaum, president and publisher of the Bantam Dell Publishing Group, pointed out that in many families there is now a fourth generation of readers enjoying Louis LAmours more than 120 books, all which remain in print. According to Applebaum, the Center for the Books honor is a most appropriate and fitting tribute to Louis remarkable ability to make the American adventure come alive on the page. Applebaum announced Bantams plans to celebrate LAmours 100th birthday with a special centennial offer: a complimentary copy of Education of a Wandering Man to any free lending library in the United States.

Back to April 2008 - Vol. 67, No. 4
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Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

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Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

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Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

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EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

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Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

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US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

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Armenian MFA strongly condemns Azerbaijan's blatant armed encroachment on Armenia's sovereign territory

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WASHINGTON, D.C.  Oregon lawmakers are calling for President Donald Trump to be removed from office on Thursday, a day after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

As yesterdays assault on the legislative branch, the rule of law and the will of the people showed, Donald Trump is a threat to our democracy, national security and the safety of all Americans. He must be removed from office immediately, Rep. Peter DeFazio wrote in a statement.

Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have also called for Trumps removal.

RELATED: OREGON POLITICIANS REACT TO US CAPITOL CHAOS

As I said last night Donald Trump is a clear and present danger to our democracy. His Cabinet must use the 25th amendment to act. And if Mike Pence and Trumps see-no-evil Cabinet dont have the stomach to do their duty, Congress should re-convene to impeach this dangerous man, Wyden wrote on Twitter.

Several lawmakers across the country have been calling for articles of impeachment to be drawn up. DeFazio supports this move, saying the president incited an armed insurrection against Congress.

MORE: DETAILS EMERGE ABOUT FOUR PEOPLE WHO DIED IN ATTACK ON U.S. CAPITOL

The Oregon Republican Party issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the violence that took place at the Capitol but called for lawmakers to challenge the electoral votes.

Congress certified the election results confirming Joe Biden as the winner after the building was secured.
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Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.
Amber Heard and her girlfriend Bianca Butti looked happy in love as they stocked up on alcohol and snacks, before joining a pal for a picnic by the beach in San Diego.

The couple, who have been dating since the start of 2020, made a few stops before meeting up with their friend, including grabbing warm beverages from Starbucks.

As the Aquaman star, 34, dutifully carried both her and the 38-year-old LA-based cinematographer's drinks, Butti closely flanked her side with at least four bottles of wine in her arms for later.

Amber Heard and her girlfriend Bianca Butti looked happy in love as they stocked up on alcohol and snacks, before joining a female pal for a beach picnic in San Diego

During the bombshell's latest outing on Tuesday, she showed off her lean figure in a red and white polka-dot tank top, matching cardigan and a pair of black jeans.

She accessorized her casual ensemble with a white paisley print bandana around her neck, chic snakeskin booties and her bright blonde hair in a messy bun.

Meanwhile, her partner wore a grey zip-up hoodie over a white t-shirt with dark-wash jeans and black Converse sneakers.

Fun-filled outing: The couple, who have been dating since the start of 2020, made a few stops before meeting up with their friend, including grabbing warm beverages from Starbucks

Later, Heard changed into a grey crewneck sweatshirt for warmth, which she tucked into the front of her pants and left loose at the sides.

In accordance with California's COVID-19 safety restrictions, which require everyone over the age of two to wear a face covering outside their home with few exceptions, the actress and Butti kept their noses and mouthes covered under cloth masks.

Heard's fun day comes just a few weeks since her first UK interview after the High Court backed her claims that her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, battered her during their marriage.

Hands full: As the Aquaman star, 34, dutifully carried both her and the 38-year-old LA-based cinematographer's drinks, Butti closely flanked her side with at least four bottles of wine in her arms for later

In November, Judge Justice Nicol ruled that The Sun's report alleging Depp, 57, had been violent towards her were 'substantially true', and that the Pirates of the Caribbean star had put her in fear for her life as he binged on drink and drugs.

Depp has appealed the High Court's verdict and is also suing Heard in the US over a separate Washington Post article written two years ago, meaning the actress is unable to speak freely about her legal battle with Depp.

Speaking to Sky News about her new role in a series based on a Stephen King novel, Heard said it had made her to ask questions about being faced with 'unbelievable circumstances and incredible adversity, and everything being on the line.'

Pushing through: Her outing comes just a few weeks since she gave her first interview since her first UK interview after the High Court backed her claims her ex-husband Johnny Depp battered her during their marriage; seen in July 2019

Heard's new show, The Stand, sees her playing Nadine Cross, one of the survivors of a flu outbreak that kills 99% of the population, prompting a 'power struggle of good and evil.'

Filming finished in March just before the Covid pandemic spread across the world.

The star, said: 'Nothing could have prepared me for 2020, let's face it. I don't think I'm alone in saying that. I don't think anything could have prepared me.'

Doomed: Heard and Depp were snapped in January of 2016 in LA, months before their split

In the latest legal hearing in Virginia between Heard and Depp, Fairfax County Judge Bruce D. White blocked Depp's attempt to have Heard's case against him thrown out of court amid a new law, earlier this week.

Heard was allowed to move forward in her $100 million counterclaims case against the actor after his attorney Adam Waldman last year dubbed her allegations of domestic violence 'fake' and a 'sexual violence hoax,' according to legal docs published on The Hollywood Reporter.

The Kentucky-born actor had tried to use a new anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuits against public participation) law passed in the state last year to have Heard's suit tossed.

Legal battle continues: In the latest legal hearing in Virginia between Heard and Depp, Fairfax County Judge Bruce D. White blocked Depp's attempt to have Heard's case against him thrown out of court amid a new law, earlier this week; pictured in 2020

Depp fell short in his claims of anti-SLAPP immunity, the judge said, noting the lack of public concern and that the Edward Scissorhands actor 'may have made these statements with actual or constructive knowledge or with reckless disregard for whether they are false.'

The judge added that Depp's comments and Waldman's 'hoax' remark 'imply that Ms. Heard lied and perjured herself when she appeared before a court in 2016 to obtain a temporary restraining order against Mr. Depp' and 'imply that she has lied about being a victim of domestic violence.

'In light of the #MeToo Movement and today's social climate, falsely claiming abuse would surely 'injure [Heard's] reputation in the common estimation of mankind,' the judge wrote in his ruling. 'Therefore, this Court finds that the statements contain the requisite "sting" for an actionable defamation claim.'

Controversy: Depp has been embroiled in controversy for the better part of 2020, largely due to his libel case against British tabloid The Sun, for calling him a 'wife beater' during his tumultuous marriage with Heard

The judge concluded that Waldman's remarks do not fall under protected opinion, as 'whether Mr. Depp abused Ms. Heard is a fact that is capable of being proven true or false.'

In November, Depp was cut from Fantastic Beasts 3 by Warner Bros., as he played Gellert Grindelwald in the J.K. Rowling series.

Depp's case is slated to head to trial May 3, while Heard's suit is expected to go before the court later on in the year.
Teton County Reporter

Previously the Scene editor, Billy Arnold made the switch to the county beat where he's interested in exploring Teton County as a model for the rest of the West. When he can, he still writes about art, music and whatever else suits his fancy.
SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / TPT Global Tech, Inc. www.tptglobaltech.com ("TPTW or the Company") (OTCQB:TPTW) announced today that it has completed its purchase agreement with Rennova Health, Inc. ("Rennova"), an owner and operator of rural hospitals in Tennessee and InnovaQor, Inc. (OTC:INOQ) (InnovaQor), a CO based public company and a subsidiary of TPTW, to merge Rennova's software and genetic testing interpretation divisions, Health Technology Solutions, Inc. (HTS) and Advanced Molecular Services Group, Inc., (AMSG) and their subsidiaries into InnovaQor. After closing, these entities will operate as wholly-owned subsidiaries of InnovaQor which will then be controlled by Rennova. Closing is subject to several customary conditions for a transaction of this nature and is intended to happen on or before January 31. 2020.

InnovaQor has previously completed a license agreement giving it certain rights to assets and technology from TPT Global Tech, Inc's proprietary live streaming communication technology. As part of the License agreement, InnovaQor and TPT have agreed on a development project to create a next-generation telehealth type platform. It is intended to combine the TPT and Rennova assets and technology into a smartphone and computer-accessible healthcare platform to facilitate a patient's immediate access to healthcare and their local hospital or doctors office, for an initial consultation, scheduling of appointments and follow on care, and other added-value services that may be one-off or recurring.

Rennova has agreed to complete the necessary steps and SEC filings with the intent to facilitate TPT shareholders receiving approximately 2,500,000 shares in InnovaQor, and Rennova's shareholders receiving approximately $5M of preferred shares which can be converted to common shares. As described in the agreement, TPT will retain direct ownership of an additional 2,500,000 shares and Rennova will retain ownership of an additional $17.5M of preferred shares with certain conversion rights and restrictions, making it the controlling entity in InnovaQor. An additional 1,000,000 shares in InnovaQor will be allocated to TPT or its assignees as an incentive to assist in product development.

"We are delighted to complete this transaction and firmly believe it creates opportunity and value for our shareholders from TPT owned technology", said Stephen Thomas, CEO of TPT Global Tech. "Our live streaming communication technology is already in use in our core business and we look forward to this technology being used under license by InnovaQor to develop a platform to create needed and exciting solutions for the medical sector. These solutions will include a telehealth like platform into which additional services and solutions for hospitals, physicians and patients can be integrated"

About TPT Global Tech

TPT Global Tech Inc. (TPTW) based in San Diego, California, is a technology-based company with divisions providing telecommunications, medical technology and product distribution, media content for domestic and international syndication as well as technology solutions. TPT Global Tech offers Software as a Service (SaaS), Technology Platform as a Service (PAAS), Cloud-based Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS). It offers carrier-grade performance and support for businesses over its private IP MPLS fiber and wireless network in the United States. TPT's cloud-based UCaaS services allow businesses of any size to enjoy all the latest voice, data, media, and collaboration features in today's global technology markets. TPT Global Tech also operates as a Master Distributor for Nationwide Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) and Independent Sales Organization (ISO) as a Master Distributor for Pre-Paid Cell phone services, Mobile phones Cell phone Accessories and Global Roaming Cell phones. TPT's MedTech division is focused on implementing rapid COVID testing systems and software for verifying COVID testing and vaccinations. These apps will be used for entry to airlines, sporting events, and businesses.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of various provisions of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, commonly identified by such terms as "believes," "looking ahead," "anticipates," "estimates" and other terms with similar meaning. Specifically, statements about the Company's plans for accelerated growth, improved profitability, future business partners, M&A activity, new service offerings, and pursuit of new markets are forward-looking statements. Although the company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements should not be construed as fact. The information contained in such statements is beyond the ability of the Company to control, and in many cases, the Company cannot predict what factors would cause results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. All forward-looking statements in the press release are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

CONTACT:

Frank Benedetto

619-915-9422

SOURCE: TPT Global Tech, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623510/TPT-Global-Techs-OTCQBTPTW-Innovaqor-OTCINOQ-Completes-Agreement-to-Acquire-the-Software-and-Genetic-Diagnostics-Interpretation-Divisions-of-Rennova-Health-Inc
In view of inclement weather in the high-altitude Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, the administration has decided to allow tourist vehicles to enter the valley through Atal Tunnel at Rohtang Pass only from 10am to 11am and from 12 noon to 3pm. Vehicles that enter during this period are to leave the valley by 4pm.

Tourists with advance bookings in hotels and homestays at Keylong, Udaipur or any other location in Lahaul will be allowed to reach their destination subject to road worthiness and weather conditions, Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Pankaj Rai said on Thursday.

These orders will be applicable till January 24.

The tunnel will remain closed for maintenance between 11am and 12 noon.

Also read: After four days, flight operations resume at Srinagar airport

Local residents familiar with the road conditions and habitual of driving in the valley have also been advised to reach their destinations by 5pm except in case of any emergency. They have been advised to prefer 4x4 vehicles with chains.

RESTRICTIONS IN PUBLIC INTEREST : DC

Rai said that the movement of vehicles, particularly of tourists, is on the rise in the valley ever since the Atal Tunnel was inaugurated in October last year.

Due to the snowfall and low temperatures in the Lahaul valley, the roads get slippery during early morning and evening, making driving risky.

The restrictions have been imposed in public interest and safety. It is necessary to avoid accidents, he said.

Due to the snowfall and bad road conditions due to icing, the Lahaul-Spiti police authorities are consulting their Border Roads Organisation (BRO) counterparts and coordinating with Kullu district police for allowing the movement of vehicles beyond Solang Nala towards North Portal of Atal Tunnel.

INTENSE COLD WAVE CONDITIONS

Himachal Pradesh is experiencing intense cold wave conditions with the minimum temperatures in the state falling four degrees since Wednesday as snowfall and rainfall continue in scattered places across the state.

Kalpa received 6cm snow, while Dalhousie recorded 12mm of rain, Dharamshala 11.8mm, Manali 9mm, Chamba 8mm, Una 3mm and Shimla 0.8mm on Wednesday.

State meteorological department director Manmohan Singh said that the weather is likely to remain clear in the state on Thursday.

The minimum temperature in Shimla on Thursday morning was 3.9C, while Kufri, 14km from Shimla, recorded 0C.

Hill stations of Manali in Kullu district, Dharamshala in Kangra district and Dalhousie in Chamba district recorded a minimum temperature of -1.2C, 4.6C and 2.9C.

Una recorded a low of 6.6C, Solan 2.2C, Bilaspur 9C, Hamirpur 8.8C, Mandi 4.1C and Nahan 10.9C, respectively.

Kalpa in Kinnaur district registered a low of -5C and Keylong, the headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti district, was the coldest place in the state at -11.6C.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 23:36:30|Editor: huaxia

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MOSCOW, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- It is already obvious that the U.S. political system is in the "deepest crisis," Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the Russian State Duma, or lower parliament house, said Thursday.

After the deadly chaos at the U.S. Capitol, it is "meaningless" to deem the U.S. political system as an example of democracy, Volodin said in a press release published by the State Duma.

"We are on the verge of reevaluating the standards that are being promoted by the United States of America, which is exporting its vision of democracy and party political systems around the world," he said.

According to him, a split is observed in all areas of U.S. political life -- in various social groups, parties, and in the country as a whole -- due to aggravated national and racial problems, the history of the civil war, an unfair social system, and an "ineffective" healthcare system.

"It would be right for the United States to address the shortcomings of its own political system. Many have seen it before, but now it has become obvious to everyone," Volodin said. Enditem
Saying the districts position that they dont have a legal obligation to bargain with the union over reopening plans shows arrogance, Sharkey added that the district has signaled again and again and again that theyre not going to entertain that, so this is us trying to be creative and to have proposals that will go around.


Press Release

January 7, 2021 POE: NO LETUP IN FEEDING PROGRAM FOR KIDS IN 2021 Sen. Grace Poe said poor children will continue to be served with free, nutritious meals under the government's feeding programs with fresh funding in the 2021 budget. "As we all await the COVID-19 vaccine, let's continue to give our children doses of healthy food as their safety net against the virus and other illnesses," Poe said. "Access to quality food and nutrition for everyone, especially the poor, should be part of any overarching plan to combat the pandemic," she added. Under the General Appropriations Act of 2021, around P6 billion has been set aside for the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) to provide undernourished children from Kindergarten to Grade 6 with at least one fortified meal covering not less than 120 days in a year. Implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd), the SBFP is a component of Republic Act (RA) 11037 or Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, which Poe authored. Children-beneficiaries used to receive food rations in schools in the past. But because of the pandemic, the DepEd together with the local government units now delivers the food packs to the homes of the kids or to designated centers to be picked up by their parents or guardians. Another component under RA 11037 is the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) which was alloted with P3.8 billion budget this year. Under the supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the program provides children ages two to five with one fortified meal for not less than 120 days in a year. It is being administered in the child development centers, daycare centers or in any appropriate facility as determined by the agency. Priority beneficiaries of this feeding program are children in fourth, fifth and sixth class municipalities and in areas with large population of undernourished children. The DSWD is tasked to coordinate with the Department of Health, National Nutrition Council, Department of Agriculture and the Early Childhood Care and Development Council and other concerned departments for the inclusion of therapeutic milk and other foods enriched with minerals, proteins and vitamins in the fortified meals. Aside from the SFP and SBFP, the third component of RA 11037 is the Milk Feeding Program, which provides fortified meals and cycle menu including fresh milk and fresh milk-based food products to address undernutrition among Filipino children. It is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Philippine Carabao Center and the Cooperative Development Agency. "We know that undernutrition and malnutrition in their own right are killers, even prior to the pandemic," Poe said. "We hope we can help deal with the scourge of all forms of hunger and malnutrition through the feeding programs," she stressed. The senator also cited the national Social Weather Stations survey done in November last year which found that 16 percent or an estimated four million families experienced involuntary hunger - or hunger due to lack of food to eat - at least once in the past three months. Poe urged the implementing agencies to ensure that the billions in budget for the feeding programs are translated into nutritious food on every poor family's table to stave off hunger and boost their fighting chance against diseases. She said the concerned departments should also strengthen their tie-up with local government units, aid agencies, civic groups and social arms of corporations to improve the implementation of the programs.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.



The alleged club secretary of the Brisbane Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang and another Comancheros associate have been charged in relation to a public brawl at a Brisbane City restaurant last month.

The two men were arrested during raids by Taskforce Maxima, the specialist anti-bikie unit, on properties at Forest Lake and Morningside in Brisbane's south on Wednesday.

Security camera footage of the fight at the Brisbane restaurant on December 20. Credit:Queensland Police Service

A 32-year-old, the alleged Comancheros secretary, and a 36-year-old, the bikie gang associate, were each charged with affray and are due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 19.

It will be alleged that in the early hours of Sunday, December 20, the Comancheros members approached two men as they waited for a lift in Maya Mexican rooftop restaurant at 757 Ann Street.
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
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ANYONE who has concerns about animal welfare should contact the authorities instead of using social media and high-profile advertising campaigns, according to the Munster chairman of the Irish Farmers Association, Harold Kingston.

The West Cork farmer was responding to a Christmas campaign run on buses and on billboards by Go Vegan World.

The group placed 100 adverts on buses and a further 100 on billboards across the country, highlighting concerns it has about the meat and dairy industry.

In one of the adverts, a picture of a lamb is accompanied by the words: A terrified child dying for your dinner.

Another advert showing a calf and cow reads: Dairy takes babies from their mothers.

Mr Kingston said such campaigns do not worry farmers because 97% of people buy dairy products in Ireland and that farmers look after their livestock well. But he said anyone with concerns about animal welfare should bring their concerns to the authorities.

In a statement to the Echo, a spokesman for Go Vegan World said: Make no mistake, Go Vegan World is not an animal welfare campaign and it does not ask for better conditions in which to exploit and kill other animals. It asks for an immediate and complete end to all animal use.

The spokesman also said: In light of the link between animal agriculture and environmental destruction, loss of biodiversity and climate change, and the zoonotic origins of pandemics, using other animals as resources is almost as harmful to humans as it is to other animals.

Fine Gaels agriculture Seanad spokesman, Tim Lombard, described the advertising campaign as irresponsible, especially as the world is going through a major crisis with the coronavirus pandemic.
In an unprecedented move, social media giants Twitter and Facebook have temporarily blocked US President Donald Trump's accounts after violence by his supporters at US Capitol Hill. Both Twitter and Facebook have blocked Trump's official accounts for 12 and 24 hours, respectively, citing policy violations over his tweets and video message that purportedly incited violence. Later, Instagram also announced suspension of Trump's profile for the next 24 hours.

Twitter hid three of Trump's tweets and asked for their removal "as a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C.,", while Facebook said it would block Trump's page from posting anything for one day.

As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy. https://t.co/k6OkjNG3bM a Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 7, 2021

We've assessed two policy violations against President Trump's Page which will result in a 24-hour feature block, meaning he will lose the ability to post on the platform during that time. a Facebook Newsroom (@fbnewsroom) January 7, 2021

Trump's account has been banned for the next 12 hours. Twitter said until he removes the three objectionable tweets, the US President's account would remain locked. The objectionable tweets pushed his conspiracy theories about the November 3 election, following some of his supporters stormed the US Capitol.

One of the tweets also included his video message after the violence erupted at the Capitol Hill. In the video, Trump can be seen claiming the election was taken from him and encouraging his supporters to disperse. The video was posted after his supporters entered the Capitol building and tried to interrupt a joint session of lawmakers to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the US election.

"I know your pain. I know you're hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it--especially the other side. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order," Trump said in his video.

He is also seen saying "law and order" were needed and that he loved his supporters. Both Facebook and YouTube removed the video.

Twitter Safety, in a tweet, said: "As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, DC, we have required the removal of three realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy."

Twitter also warned of permanent suspension of Trump's account if he continued to violate its policies.

Facebook said this is an emergency situation and the company is taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trump's video. Adam Mosseri, who's the head of Instagram, announed that Facebook-owned platform will also ban Trump's account for the next 24 hours.

We are locking President Trumpas Instagram account for 24 hours as well. https://t.co/HpA79eSbMe a Adam Mosseri Y (@mosseri) January 7, 2021

Thousands of angry supporters of Trump stormed the US Capitol and clashed with police, resulting in casualty and multiple injuries and interrupting a constitutional process to affirm Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election.

With PTI inputs

Also read: 'Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in US', says PM Modi
Three women journalists were detained and another was beaten by police on 5 January during a protest in the Turkish capital Ankara against the disappearance of a Kurdish student a year ago. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and their affiliate, the Journalists Union of Turkey (TGS) condemned the violence and demanded the immediate release of the imprisoned colleagues.

Habibe Eren and Oznur Deger, journalists from feminist news agency Jin News, and freelance journalist Eylul Deniz Yasar, were among the 18 women detained while covering the rally that marked the first anniversary of 22-year-old Kurdish student Gulistan Dokus disappearance.

Some media reports, say the women may have been tortured by police. There is no further information regarding the location of their detention for the moment.

In the middle of the protests, Mezopotamya Agency (MA) reporter Mehmet Gunhan was beaten by security forces who also confiscated his press card while he was covering the demonstration in front of the City Hall, in the central district of Cankaya.

Jin News agency, whose reports have focused on womens rights and human rights abuses by security forces, has also been targeted by the Turkish government, that accuses the all-women staff of terrorist propaganda. Some of their reports have also been banned, and their webpage has been blocked several times inside the country.

Turkish journalists are often subject to arbitrary detention. Currently, the Journalists Union of Turkey (TGS) has documented 70 journalists and media workers imprisoned.

On its Twitter account, TGS published a statement on 5 January that said: Jin News Reporters Habibe Eren and Oznur Deger, who wanted to watch the action of the Ankara Women's Platform for Gulistan Doku, were battered and detained by the police today. We condemn this attitude towards journalists. We want our colleagues to be released immediately.

"Women journalists are increasingly exposed to acts of violence in Europe," added EFJ General Secretary Ricardo Gutierrez. "It is important for news organizations to implement gender sensitive policies, guidelines and training. These policies should include physical safety support, psychological support, as well as digital security training".

FJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: Arbitrary detentions, torture and abuse against journalists have become an every-day practice in Turkey, which is Europe's biggest jailer of journalists. We demand the immediate release of all our colleagues still in jail and a guarantee that they can work free of fear. We call on President Erdogan to immediately stop his smear campaign against the press.
Editorial Pro-Myanmar Policies Must Guide Govts Handling of Chinas BRI Projects

Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi in Naypyitaw on Dec. 7, 2019. / Myanmar State Counselors Office

Myanmar is preparing to welcome Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi this month. He will be the first high-level foreign official to visit the country since the National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide election victory in November.

It is believed Wangs visit is intended to show support for the upcoming second term of the NLD government, while pushing it to speed up construction of projects delayed by the pandemic under the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), which is a part of Chinese President Xi Jinpings ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China and Myanmar earlier agreed to begin implementing some of the projects this year, but the public, including residents of the ethnic states, still have little information about them. There is great concern that a lack of proper engagement with the public by authorities will lead to protests against these Chinese projects once they get under way.

The Chinese are pressing ahead despite the grave concern in the ethnic states and the regions where the BRI-related CMEC projects are proposed.

Wang is no stranger to Myanmar; on his last trip, he accompanied Xi during the Chinese presidents visit to Naypyitaw in early January last year.

During that visit, Myanmar and China signed nearly three dozen MOUs, agreements, exchange letters and protocols.

The Chinese president has branded the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in western Rakhine State, the China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone in Shan and Kachin states, and the New Yangon City project in Myanmars commercial capital as three pillars of the CMEC, and called on both sides to deepen result-oriented BRI cooperation.

Even in his congratulatory statement on the NLDs election victory in November, Xi pushed Myanmar to make joint efforts with China in various fields under the BRI.

The government has been slow to inform the public about these projects, but the Chinese wont wait.

Despite Xis urging, Myanmar has taken a cautious approach. It is understood that none of the CMEC projects has actually reached the implementation stage.

The government has said it will implement the projects after verifying that they are commercially viable and in line with the countrys development plan. How long will this take? Years?

It has long been the view in Naypyitaw that Myanmar should be pragmatic in dealing with China.

Now, however, the argument is that the government here knows what is best for the country and its citizens, and that Myanmar should be the one proposing projects to China, rather than the other way around. At present, it seems Myanmar passively waits for China to propose mega projects, and then renegotiates more favorable terms and conditions.

The Myanmar governments first task should be to listen to the grievances and concerns of the public, including ethnic minorities. Why? Because these projects must benefit the country and the people.

Chinas Belt and Road Initiative is a global infrastructure scheme of extraordinary ambition in terms of its scope, and the Myanmar government has officially and publicly committed to participating in it.

Across the region, however, BRI projects have raised concerns due to the potential for debt trap diplomacy, their implications for national sovereignty, environmental issues and security risks.

From Chinas perspective, there is no doubt that the BRI represents the fulfillment of a great dream, but how many in Myanmar can expect to share in the benefits of this dream? There is no black-and-white answer.

Lets be clear: the BRI and CMEC projects will give China increased control over Myanmars wealth along the economic corridorsuch a strategy allows China to exert economic control without ever having to resort to military coercion.

Myanmar, like most countries, whether they are in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia or Europe, welcomes investment not only from China but from many sources. But there has been growing pushback against the BRI projects across the globe. Besides the concerns mentioned above, many countries are seeking to establish a working relationship with Beijing that more fully takes into account their own national interests.

Myanmar has a very complex relationship with China, which remains its biggest trading partner and a powerful neighbor. But Myanmar is not a puppet of China or any country, and does not serve the interest of any foreign country.

The governments policies and its vision for the country should put Myanmar first. They should be based on the national interest and their aim should be to benefit Myanmar citizens.

You may also like these stories:

Chinas Growing Influence in Myanmar Ethnic States Raises Alarm

Incoming Myanmar Govt Must Tackle Chinese Casino Haven in Myawaddy

China Experts Wanted

China Grows More Assertive Ahead of Myanmars Election
WYOMISSING, Pa., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than 32 years of legal and trial experience, James Gavin is running for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County because Integrity & Experience Matter.

"For me, integrity means doing the right thing for the right reasons," Gavin said. "I believe an attorney has an obligation to use his experience and training to give back to the community. I began my career in the Berks County District Attorney's Office, and after years in private practice it is time to return to direct service of the community."

Gavin intends to bring his lengthy experience as an attorney and counsellor at law to the Court of Common Pleas and will serve the community with honor and distinction. He possesses all of the qualities necessary to serve the people of Berks County.

Gavin began his career as an assistant district attorney where he prosecuted literally hundreds of cases. At the time of his departure, he held the position of Chief of Trials.

While in private practice as a partner in the Wyomissing law firm of Masano Bradley, Gavin's experience expanded exponentially. He remains grounded in a litigation practice, handling all types of cases throughout Pennsylvania. He also a broad appellate practice with cases in the Pennsylvania Superior Court, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Additionally, he has litigated cases before various state and federal agencies including the labor relations boards, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission., and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

In May of 2020, Gavin celebrated his thirtieth wedding anniversary with his wife, Ruth. Gavin and his wife have three daughters. In the fall of 2019, they welcomed their first grandchild to their family.

"A Supreme Court Justice once observed that the personal security and interests of our citizens rest on the wisdom, stability, and integrity of the judges who serve in our courts," Gavin commented. "With my years of experience, I intend to bring wisdom, stability, and integrity to the bench, applying the rule of law to everyone evenhandedly."

Contact: Michael Barley

717-576-6733

SOURCE James Gavin
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One of them put a gun to his head, he was handcuffed and had a ski mask placed over his head before being ordered into another vehicle, police said. He was driven to an unknown location in Chicago, and at one point his abductors demanded the personal identification number for his debit card and withdrew money from an automated teller machine, along with taking his wallet, according to police Cmdr. Ken Rosinski.

2020 was a year of tremendous chaos and stress on many levels and stretched the limits of IT teams who were responsible for securing corporate assets, as entire companies sent employees home to work, including those same IT teams. A new generation of IT heroes was born, and CIOs, CISOs, and IT analysts and managers stepped up to address uncommon challenges, even as cyberattacks grew to all-time highs.

Among the many puzzles to be solved were password policies, monitoring, management, and  above all  automation. As the Verizon DBIR reported last year, most cyber breaches happened due to mismanaged passwords, either shared, easily compromised, or stolen. Whether accidentally or intentionally leveraged, individuals continued to be at fault for most hacks, whether full or part-time employees, or consultant and contractors, or even third-party vendors with access to critical infrastructure.

Something as simple as maintaining a complex password could go a long way, but doing so can be anything but simple as the dispersion of the workforce threw a wrench into the more stable environment where most employees were within the physical perimeter of workplaces.

Nearly every worker is aware that weak passwords (like 12345 or ABCDE) are not secure, even as consumers are now prompted to use passwords with certain combinations of upper case, lower case, numbers, and symbols and are increasingly opting in to allow the platforms for services they subscribe to, to automatically generate and store complex passwords in a personal vault.

It goes without saying that every organization should go beyond requiring the use of strong passwords on all devices, whether company-owned or not. The best cybersecurity systems are virtually useless if remote users use weak passwords.

We asked Michael Fritzlo, Executive Chairman of Ironsphere, a privileged access management software company, what they recommend as we embark on a new year, where few doubt the workplace will ever return to what we used to consider normal.

The strongest passwords are long and random, contain a mix of alpha, numeric, and special characters, have both upper- and lower-case letters, and are essentially impossible to guess, Fritzlo said. Strong passwords are also changed frequently to ensure that if the password were to become compromised, it would be replaced immediately, which is where password vault automation comes in.

In addition to remote working security basics (for example, security software on all devices, continual updates to operating systems to address new vulnerabilities, the use of a Virtual Private Network with data encryption, a minimum of two-factor authentication and preferably multi-factor authentication, and clear policies and guidelines on sharing and saving information) Michael Fritzlo indicated Advanced software-based approaches and cybersecurity automation enable organizations to protect themselves from one of the primary causes of breaches  adversaries taking control of privileged accounts by being able to crack the code on privileged users passwords.

Rather than trusting privileged users to set up and remember passwords, modern approaches automate this process, where users credentials are securely stored within a vault where access is determined by Role-Based Access Controls, and passwords are encrypted with algorithms. Advanced Password Vaults update passwords across the entire IT infrastructure, ensuring the protection of networks, servers, applications, and data. For comprehensive coverage, automated systems can also secure end-point devices from being compromised, even if credentials are lost, shared, or stolen.

While a variety of solutions are available in the market today, and hundreds of thousands of organizations, from small to medium businesses to government agencies and educational institutions, have certain policies and authentication capabilities in place, Fritzlo said given the growth and sophistication of attacks, an advanced password vault posture is critical.

A systematic approach is key; this is not something that should be done half-way. IT leaders should ensure that their password vault manager will be able to work with all relevant systems, including remote desktops, virtual desktops, web and browser-based applications, across all mobile devices including smartphones and laptops, Michael Fritzlo said. The installation and configuration should be easy or invisible to end-users, and auto-discovery should be included to minimize work time and mistakes.

Fritzlo also said filtering, alerting, reporting, analytics, and cost should be part of the evolution of password automation and pointed out the relationship to data governance and risk.

For example, does the solution interoperate with third-party vendor products (web servers, app servers, routers, and other networking equipment?

Does the solution work seamlessly with ITSM solutions for change management and governance control?

Is 100% keylogging and recording included to support compliance and audit requirements?

With the right password vault technology, organizations prevent unauthorized access to critical systems and stop attacks using stolen privileged credentials, Fritzlo concluded. Imagine the difference when more organizations use this technology to prevent adversaries from breaking into their infrastructure; while cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated, they will have to work harder, and they will learn that even if they attempt to circumvent systems, the systems are recording their every keystroke, which will enable law enforcement to track down intruders, making the investment in stealing information or taking control of assets less attractive.

Edited by Maurice Nagle
[January 07, 2021] Nokia seals LTE/5G private wireless deal at Port of Seattle

Press Release Nokia seals LTE/5G private wireless deal at Port of Seattle Agreement follows successful Nokia trial at Oakland International Container Terminal



Private wireless network to augment Wi-Fi for enhanced redundancy and availability



Advances era of cable-free port and intermodal terminal operations



Ultra-reliability with seamless overlapping of LTE Bands B53 and B48 7 January 2021 Espoo, Finland  Nokia today announced an agreement with Tideworks Technology, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carrix Inc., to deploy Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) at the Port of Seattle, Terminal 5. Introduction of Nokias digital automation service platform with high-performance, industrial-grade LTE/5G private wireless networking will deliver major increases in efficiency, worker safety and terminal handling performance by reducing the complexity of port flow. Capable of delivering seamless connectivity indoors and out across Terminal 5 operations, cranes, trucks and lifts, the deployment of private wireless will enhance communication between logistics parties. Nokia DAC also incorporates ruggedized tablets and smartphones for terminal-wide, mobile voice communications and yard inventory applications. The agreement follows a successful Nokia DAC proof-of-concept trial at SSA Terminals (SSAT) Oakland International Container Terminal (OICT). The trial established that a small number of Nokia DAC private LTE radios, transmitting over a mix of shared and dedicated spectrum, provided superior coverage and reliability than approximately 200 existing Wi-Fi access points located across two Oakland sites. Amanda Gress, Vice President of IT, Tideworks Technology, said: The Nokia DAC platform proved its worth in rigorous testing at SSATs OICT Oakland terminal. Its a logical next step to improve our terminal operating system reliability and ramp up future operational applications that require reliable and secure high-bandwidth performance. We look forward to securing and supporting the same kind of mobility, safety and productivity gains at SSATs Terminal 5 facility in Seattle. Matt Young, Vice President of U.S. Enterprise Sales, Nokia Cloud and Networking Services, said: These use cases illustrate the benefits of private wireless in a port or intermodal terminal operation. Delivring new standards in network performance, Nokia DAC enables fast, resilient, cable-free operational connectivity. It also incorporates voice services and an edge computing platform that can handle terminal operating system data and industry-specific applications.



The Nokia private network will be deployed over Band 53 (Globalstar-licensed) and Band 48 (CBRS) to enable seamless switching between bands and cells, while also providing multiple layers of redundancy. Additionally, an on-premise geo-redundant core provides secure, highly available and low-latency data connectivity and control. Young added: We look forward to helping Tideworks Technology usher in a new era, where LTE/5G capacity and performance provide a future-proofed infrastructure that enhances terminal capabilities for yard management, worker safety, video surveillance and voice communications.

Port of Seattle, Terminal 5 is part of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, one of the largest container gateways in North America by total combined inbound and outbound TEU volume. Terminal 5 is undergoing a major modernization project to handle ultra-large container ships. Nokia DAC platform offers reliable high-bandwidth, low-latency private networking, local edge computing capabilities, voice and video services and a catalog of applications. It is a compact, easy-to-deploy platform, comprising network equipment, a cloud-based operation monitoring system and industrial connectors that ease standard and industry-specific protocol connectivity. With more than 220 large enterprise customers across industries worldwide, of which over 30 incorporate 5G, and an extensive ecosystem of key partners, Nokia has recently been named leader in private wireless by GlobalData . Additional resources: Web page: Nokia in maritime

Web page: Nokia Digital Automation Cloud

News: Port of Zeebrugge About Tideworks Technology

Tideworks is a full-service provider of comprehensive terminal operating system solutions for growing marine and intermodal terminal operations worldwide. The company helps more than 120 facilities run their operations more efficiently and profitably. From optimized equipment utilization to faster turn times, Tideworks works at every step of terminal operations to maximize productivity and customer service. For more information about Tideworks Technology, a Carrix solution, visit www.tideworks.com . About Nokia

We create the critical networks and technologies to bring together the worlds intelligence, across businesses, cities, supply chains and societies. With our commitment to innovation and technology leadership, driven by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, we deliver networks at the limits of science across mobile, infrastructure, cloud and enabling technologies. Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities we need for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world. For our latest updates, please visit us online www.nokia.com and follow us on Twitter @nokia and @NokiaNAM. Media Inquiries:

Nokia

Communications

Phone: +358 10 448 4900

Email: press.services@nokia.com



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Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
Carson City, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - In November 2020, Franklin Mining Inc. (OTC Pink: FMNJ) retained the services of Mr. Giovanni Viscarra Ruiz, a geological consultant, to report on the proposed gold mining location in Bolivia, Luz de America.

After reviewing the report, Franklin Mining CEO, William Petty, believes the best plan of operation will be to begin with tailing recovery and alluvium extraction to facilitate cashflow into the company. A second phase mining operation will include terrace development in the same location.

Under the guidance of Mr. Ruiz, a professor and researcher of Geological Sciences at the Universidad Mayor de San Andres, Mr. Petty plans to later expand the operation to other mining locations in the area. This is the same region where the 2015 pilot programs took place and fish- scale gold was discovered.

Please refer to the attached map of the region for further understanding of the upcoming mining operations.

Map of the Region for Further Understanding of the Upcoming Mining Operations

To view an enhanced version of this map, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6923/71522_1f5629940408384e_002full.jpg

Safe Harbor Act: This release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward- looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may," "future," "plan" or "planned," "will" or "should," "expected," "anticipates," "draft," "eventually" or "projected." You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report.

For additional information, visit our website at www.FranklinMining.com, Phone: (830)-331-0031, email: FranklinMining.CEO@gmail.com or follow us on Twitter @FMNJ1864.

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Dozens of Republican lawmakers are facing harsh condemnation after going forward with challenging the Electoral College results overnight Wednesday to Thursday despite the breach of the Capitol by thousands of Donald Trump's rioting supporters.

Throughout the certification process, which was delayed six hours due to pro-Trump protesters marching the halls of the Capitol, a total of eight senators and 139 House members objected to the Electoral College results in some states  including Arizona and Pennsylvania.

The eight senators who objected were Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Rick Scott, freshman Tommy Tuberville, Roger Marshall, John Kennedy and Cynthia Lummis and Cindy Hyde-Smith.

Initially, at least 15 GOP senators signaled in one way or the other they would object, including the eight above. The ones who changed their mind after the riots include Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana, Kelly Loeffler of Georgia and both Tennessee Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty.

Among those congressmen and women who joined the effort include House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Representatives Matt Gaetz; Louie Gohmert; Paul Gosar; Jim Jordan; and just sworn-in Representatives Ronny Jackson, the former White House doctor to Trump; and Marjorie Taylor Greene, a QAnon conspiracy theorist. A full list is published below.

Democratic freshman Representative Cori Bush, a new progressive member of the 'squad,' is calling for the expulsion of these lawmakers and the others who she claims 'incited this domestic terror attack through their attempts to overturn the election.'

Bush, who was among lawmakers evacuated from the House Chamber Wednesday, is a member of the House Judiciary Committee, the chamber's investigative arm.

As pressure mounted on Cruz, Hawley and their followers Thursday, it emerged that shortly after the riots started, Cruz's team sent out a fundraising plea via text to cash in on his demand to overturn Joe Biden's victory.

'I'm leading the fight to reject electors from key states unless there is an emergency audit of the election results,' the tweet from the Texas senator read.

It adds: 'Will you stand with me?' along with a link to donate to him.

But he and the others are now facing the prospect of significant money problems after top business leaders in America held a secret meeting and discussed 'defunding' the Republican ultras.

The Wall Street Journal revealed that business leaders including claiming it's time they 'put their money where their mouths are' and stop funding the leaders of the campaign to reverse the election.

Big business funnels millions of dollars each year into Congress through donations from CEOs and corporate leaders, donations on behalf of the companies and organizing political action committees which funnel donations from employees.

Cutting off the money supply to Hawley, Cruz and others would leave them depending on small dollar donations - and also see them facing primary challengers with corporate backing.

'We have to create some level of cost,' Thomas Glocer, a former CEO of Thomson Reuters and a director at Merck and Morgan Stanley, told the Wall Street Journal after the meeting.

'Just coming out with another public letter isn't going to do much. Money is the key way,' the business leader - a Democratic donor - said.

Dozens of Republican lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (left) and Senator Josh Hawley (right), are facing condemnation after going forward with challenging the election results following the chaos at the Capitol Wednesday

The Missouri senator faced a slew of criticism after he was pictured greeting, and appearing to stand in solidarity, who protesters descending on Capitol Hill and breaching the building to disrupt Congress certifying the election for Joe Biden

'Treason caucus' leader: Ted Cruz, one of the eight senators who challenged Electoral College results, sent out fundraising texts as the mob rampaged through the Capitol

Republican Senators John Kennedy of Louisiana (left), Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming (center) and Rick Scott of Florida (right) joined in objecting to the election results Wednesday

Three other GOP senators  Roger Marshall of Kansas (left), freshman Tommy Tuberville of Alabama (center) and Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi  also objected at one point overnight Wednesday to Thursday, helping officially launch deliberations

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who was just sworn in over the weekend, objected to counts for several states  including Michigan. No senators joined in on that challenge, meaning deliberations would not move forward

Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, a staunch Trump ally, challenged in the House for several states, including for Arizona  the first state for which deliberations were heard after protesters were cleared from the Capitol

Walt Disney Co. Executive Chairman Robert Iger, a Democrat, was among the business leaders on the call. Iger has expressed interest in being an ambassador in Biden's administration.

Lloyd Blankfein, senior chairman of Goldman Sachs Group Inc., was also on the call as well as Accenture PLC CEO Julie Sweet, a Republican who has donated to Cruz, and Merck & Co. CEO Ken Frazier, who donated to candidates from both parties in the past.

Anthony Scaramucci, who served for just 10 days as Trump's White House Communications Director but has more recently been a critic of the president, was on the call.

Senator Ted Cruz, who objected to the election results, sent out a text just minutes after riots started encouraging supporters to donate to him as he 'leads the fight to reject electors'

People familiar with the virtual meeting say the discussion began with a conversation about political instability.

Another group of nearly 200 CEOs sent a letter on Monday urging Congress to accept Joe Biden as president-elect.

And inside the Republican caucus, Hawley, Cruz and their followers also faced fury from other senators - with Tom Cotton, an ultra-conservative, suggesting they aided insurrection.

Objectors are now facing the wrath of even some of their own supporters, who claim the scene at the Capitol Wednesday should have been enough to deter them from the symbolic protest of the outcome of the election.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton, a Trump critic who never planned to challenge the results even before the Wednesday chaos, attacked his colleagues for going forward with the plan in another sign the GOP is splitting in the aftermath of the November 3 election.

'You felt that people should withdraw their objections?' Fox News host Steve Doocy asked Cotton on 'Fox & Friends' Thursday morning.

'Yes look, you have some Senators who for political advantage were giving false hope to their supporters misleading them into thinking that somehow yesterday's actions in Congress could reverse the results of the election or even get some kind of emergency audit of the election results,' the Arkansas senator explained.

'That was never going to happen,' Cotton continued. 'Yet, these Senators  as insurrectionists literally stormed the Capitol  we're sending out fundraising emails. That shouldn't have happened, it's got to stop now.'

Hawley, however, said during his remarks while objecting to Arizona's results, that his challenge is not just symbolic  claiming his goal is to voice his legitimate concerns with the election process in 2020, mainly the laws changed to accommodate for a more lax mail-in voting system without, in some cases, state legislature approval.

The Missouri Republican came under fire after he was pictured appearing to stand in solidarity with the Trump protesters Wednesday by pumping his fist in the air in their direction as the mob descended on Capitol Hill.

Challenges to state outcomes were only deliberated if at least one Senator and one representative objected to the results.

Sen. Tim Scott stops to look at damage in the early morning hours of Thursday after protesters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday

Members of the office of the Architect of the US Capitol are seen checking for damage in the Rotunda in Washington the morning after Trump supporters wreaked havoc

Shattered reinforced glass and debris litter are seen on the East steps in the US Capitol in the aftermath of Wednesday's riot

Thousands of Donald Trump's most fervent supporters descended on Capitol Hill Wednesday to protest the results of the presidential election and obstruct Congress from certifying Joe Biden's victory

Will big business defund the 'treason caucus?' Wall St CEOs hold crisis talks on ending donations to Trump hold-outs Some of the biggest business leaders in America convened for a virtual meeting Tuesday to discuss the Republican plan to object to the election and finally 'put their money where their mouths are' in U.S. politics. The group of about three dozen chief executives, according to the Wall Street Journal, floated plans during the call on whether they will continue pumping money to these candidates in the future if they disagree with their actions. They discussed during the hour-long call what role they could play in deescalating turbulence in the country as Washington continues to feud and political parties further divide and tear themselves apart from the inside out. Walt Disney Co. Executive Chairman Robert Igor joined the call with three dozen executives on Tuesday discussing how to move forward with political contributions as Republican lawmakers objected to Congress certifying the election 'We have to create some level of cost,' Thomas Glocer, a former CEO of Thomson Reuters Corp. and a director at Merck and Morgan Stanley, said. While another group of nearly 200 CEOs sent a letter on Monday urging Republicans to accept Joe Biden as president-elect, Glocer, a Democrat, said that wasn't enough. 'Just coming out with another public letter isn't going to do much. Money is the key way,' the Democrat business leader continued. Glocer, and others, felt withholding or redirecting political contributions is a more meaningful action than public statements. Walt Disney Co. Executive Chairman Robert Iger, a Democrat, was among the business leaders on the call. Iger has expressed interest in being an ambassador in Biden's administration. Lloyd Blankfein, senior chairman of Goldman Sachs Group Inc., was also on the call. While he has donated to Republicans in recent years, Blankfein has refused to disclose his political affiliation. Accenture PLC CEO Julie Sweet, a Republican who has donated to Cruz, and Merck & Co. CEO Ken Frazier, who donated to candidates from both parties in the past joined the call, as well. The largest contributor to the group, AT&T, donated $4,000 this cycle to Republican Congressman Paul Gosar of Arizona, who continued to defend the actions of the mob even after they stormed the Capitol. He described the riot as 'leftist violence,' referring to the conspiracy theory that it was perpetrated by Antifa members posing as Trump supporters. The virtual gathering on Tuesday also included about a dozen advisers, like former Obama administration Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson. Anthony Scaramucci, who served for just 10 days as Trump's White House Communications Director but has more recently been a critic of the president, was also on the line. People familiar with the virtual meeting say the discussion began with a conversation about political instability. About halfway through, however, they moved on to executives and advisers moved on to discussing potential actions they could take to ensure a smooth presidential transition. This meeting was held before the unprecedented descent and chaos at the Capitol on Wednesday. Advertisement

While Representative Jody Hice of Georgia objected to the results in Georgia, no senator objected, including outgoing Senator Kelly Loeffler, who previously said she would challenge the results in her own state but changed her mind following the chaos at the Capitol.

Hice said Biden's win in the Peach State was tainted by 'an unprecedented amount of fraud and irregularities.' She did not provide any evidence for the claims.

Greene objected to Michigan's electoral votes, but no senator joined.

Representative Mo Brooks of Alabama, who can be credited with leading the last-ditch effort to overturn the election results, objected to Nevada's votes. Greene joined him in that challenge.

When Vice President Mike Pence, who presided over the proceedings, announced deliberations would not launch on Georgia, Michigan or Nevada's results, there were cheers from Democrats  and some Republicans.

Shortly before 4:00 a.m., Congress officially certified the Electoral College results for Joe Biden.

Also overnight, Trump finally claimed in a statement there would be a 'peaceful transition' of power. The message was released on Twitter through his adviser Dan Scavino after the president was locked out of his account for three tweets stoking protesters.

Among those facing criticism are House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senator Josh Hawley - McCarthy is seen addressing Congress Wednesday night as they reconvened in the House Chamber

Ted Cruz is among the lawmakers who are still pledging fealty to Donald Trump. Other lawmakers have called for his removal from office

The calm after the storm: The U.S. Capitol is seen the morning after pro-Trump rioters breached the security perimeter and penetrated the U.S. Capitol to protest against the Electoral College vote count that would certify President-elect Joe Biden as the winner

On Wednesday afternoon, Trump spoke to thousands of his supporters gathered on the Ellipse to protest the outcome of the 2020 presidential election and Congress moving to certify the results.

After Trump left the stage, a large portion of those at the rally marched from there to Capitol Hill, where they stormed the steps of the building and were able to gain access.

For six hours protesters wandered the halls of Congress, banged on the House chamber doors, breached the doors of the Senate chamber, sat at the desks of lawmakers and their aides and wreaked havoc.

Four were killed, including a female Trump supporter who was shot in the chest.

When the Senate reconvened at 8 p.m., and the House of Representatives at 9:00 p.m. after the building was cleared and law enforcement continued throughout the night to push the perimeter of Capitol Hill further out.
After the demands of the Armenian believers to give them an opportunity to visit the Khudaveng monastery in the liberated Kelbajar region of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani believers announced their desire to visit the Blue Mosque located in Yerevan.

They published the corresponding appeals on social networks, accompanying the messages with photographs of the mosque with the caption "This is a corner of the Islamic world in the center of Yerevan."

NORWALK  The Board of Education will be examining the districts first expansive social media policy for school staff after a draft was approved by the Policy Committee.

On Tuesday night, the BOEs Policy Committee approved a nine-page social media policy created with Stamford-based legal firm Shipman and Goodwin that covers permissible social media use for district employees, clarifies the definition between a personal and professional account and outlines consequences for inappropriate use. The proposal will now move to the full board for discussion and possible approval in what could be the first in-depth social media policy for Norwalk Public Schools employees.

Attorney Tom Mooney, who helped craft the policy, said the intention is to remain really hands off when it comes to employees personal social media in order to protect free speech, but sets guidelines when it comes to using social media for work-related activities.

Theres an intersection of the concerns of the school district with the constitutional rights of employees, Mooney said. We want to make sure people act appropriately but the First Amendment gives them the right to do different things we may not approve of. ... The social media policy were recommending here only focuses on the impact, not on the content.

While extensive, the new policy specifies it does not intend to limit an employees right to use social media or personal online accounts, but intends to address inappropriate use across any platforms that allow for the sharing of content. This includes content that is derogatory, discriminatory and abusive, creates a hostile work environment or breaches confidentiality obligations of school employees.

The policy also addresses hot-button topics like friending students and their parents (which is a no unless there is already a personal relationship between the two), the use of crowdfunding sites and the line between personal and professional communications.

Mary Yordon, president of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers, said the union had a chance to review the policy and, while there were some concerns about how it would be communicated, they felt it was an overall good idea.

Compared to the early iteration, theres been a good deal of improvement, Yordon said. The committee has worked carefully and well. Its important to have a policy on social media presence for teachers and theyve come up with a policy thats reasonable in many respects.

Policy Committee Chair Heidi Keyes said, should the full Board of Education approve the policy, they would want to do outreach to principals to make sure its communicated clearly to staff.

Its really a safeguard for everyone, she said.

The Policy Committee first broached the topic early last month, looking at a template policy from the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education and their own current guidelines.

The district currently has a policy for student social media use which was passed in 2013. The policy has a line addressing employees of Norwalk Public Schools, saying any public communications that interferes with the districts mission, insults a student or staff, violates anyones confidentiality and hurts the districts reputation is prohibited.

The new proposed policy policy gives the BOE the right to monitor all employee use of district computers and other electronic devices, including employee blogging and social networking activity, but employees do not have to give supervisors access or authentication to their accounts unless it is one provided by the board. Employees also do not have to accept friend requests from their supervisors.

It also states employees must receive permission from their supervisor to use social media for school programs, classroom activities or extracurricular activities and related communications. Employees should use board-issued accounts for this. Staff members should keep any social media pages for school purposes closed to members only, though they should remain accessible to parents. Any employee using a site for school fundraising can only do so after submitting a written application for approval.

The policy specifies these accounts should be used for educational purposes, not political or financial ones.

erin.kayata@hearstmediact.com
Australia has taken strides to defeat disinformation from authoritarian states but Prime Minister Scott Morrison must be able to counter it from his own MPs and Australia's allies too.

Like cyber attacks, fake news narratives represent a growing threat to our way of life.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison declined to criticise Nationals MP George Christensen. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

A report by the European Commission last year found foreign actors and countries, led by Moscow and Beijing, had carried out targeted disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining democratic debate and stoking confusion about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia has been particularly concerned about the effect China's disinformation campaigns are having in our near region.
[January 07, 2021] Basilea's partner Asahi Kasei Pharma completes patient enrolment in phase 3 study with antifungal isavuconazole (Cresemba) in Japan

Basel, Switzerland, January 07, 2021 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) reported today that patient enrolment has been completed in the phase 3 study with the antifungal isavuconazole (Cresemba), which is conducted in Japan by Basileas partner Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation (Asahi Kasei Pharma). The study enrolled 103 patients and is assessing the safety and efficacy of isavuconazole in adult Japanese patients suffering from deep-seated mycoses, including invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis.1 David Veitch, Chief Executive Officer of Basilea, said: The completion of patient enrolment in the phase 3 study is an important step in the development of Cresemba in Japan, where we see one of the commercially most important opportunities for the drug. Our partner Asahi Kasei Pharma expects to obtain study results in the second half of 2021, which will be the next major milestone for potentially making Cresemba available for patients in Japan. The partnership between Basilea and Asahi Kasei Pharma was established in September 2016. Under the terms of the agreement, Asahi Kasei Pharma was granted an exclusive license to develop and commercialize isavuconazole in Japan. Basilea received an upfront payment of CHF 7 million and will be eligible to receive up to approximately CHF 60 million of additional payments upon achievement of regulatory and commercial milestones. Basilea will also receive double-digit tiered royalties on product sales in Japan. Cresemba has been approved in more than 50 countries to date and is currently marketed in 48 countries, including the United States, most EU member states and several additional countries inside and outside of Europe. For the twelve-month period to the end of September 2020, total "in-market" sales of Cresemba amounted to USD 244 million, a more than 28 percent growth year-on-year.2 About isavuconazole (Cresemba) Isavuconazole is an intravenous (i.v.) and oral azole antifungal, commercialized under the trade name Cresemba. In the 27 European Union member states, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the U.K., isavuconazole is approved for the treatment of adult patients with invasive aspergillosis and for the treatment of adult patients with mucormycosis for whom amphotericin B is inappropriate.3 Cresemba is also approved in the United States and several additional countries in Europe and beyond.4 It has orphan drug designation in the U.S., Europe andAustralia for its approved indications. Basilea has entered into several license and distribution agreements for isavuconazole covering the United States, Europe, China, Japan, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa region, Canada, Russia, Turkey and Israel.



About invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis Invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis are life-threatening fungal infections that predominantly affect immunocompromised patients, such as patients with hematologic malignancies (blood cancer). Both infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality.

About Basilea Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, focused on the development of products that address the medical challenges in the therapeutic areas of oncology and infectious diseases. With two commercialized drugs, the company is committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative pharmaceutical products to meet the medical needs of patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Additional information can be found at Basilea's website www.basilea.com. Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD



Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail media_relations@basilea.com

investor_relations@basilea.com This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com References Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03471988 IQVIA, September 2020. In-market sales reported as moving annual total (MAT) in U.S. Dollar corrected for currency fluctuations. European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) Cresemba: http://www.ema.europa.eu [Accessed: January 06, 2021] The registration status and approved indications may vary from country to country. Attachment: Press release (PDF)



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DesignRush, a B2B marketplace connecting brands with agencies, has released the latest ranking of the top WordPress developers worldwide.

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A CT scan was done due to inflammation in the lungs and that the CM needed to take rest.  DC Image

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on underwent medical tests at Yashoda Hospital. It is said that he was suffering from inflammation in the lungs, and his personal doctors conducted tests at the hospital. After completing the tests, the CM left for Pragati Bhavan.

Dr M.V. Rao, the CMs personal doctor, told the media that the Chief Ministers health was very good. He said that the CM undergoes a medical examination every year as part of his general check-up.

Dr Rao clarified that the CM did not have any signs of Coronavirus infection. A CT scan was done due to inflammation in the lungs. The doctor said that an MRI scan was not required, and the Chief Minister needed to take rest.

Pulmonologist Dr Navneet Sagar and cardiologist Dr Pramod ran several tests on the CM. Minister K.T. Rama Rao, MLC K. Kavitha and MP J. Santosh Kumar accompanied the CM to the hospital.
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.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks during the release of the 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report at the State Department in Washington on June 20, 2019. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

US Condemns Muslim Charitys Leaders Over Anti-Semitic Comments

The U.S. Department of State has condemned anti-Semitic attitudes and comments expressed by Islamic Relief Worldwides (IRW) leadership.

Given the anti-Semitism exhibited repeatedly by IRWs leadership, the State Department is conducting a review of the organization and US government funding, said the departments US Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, Ellie Cohanim.

The departments Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism noted in a Dec. 30, 2020, statement that the IRW is a serious concern, given that it was established as an international charitable organization, has a tax exemption, an annual monetary allocation of approximately $100 million, and has shown a consistent pattern of spreading the most vile anti-Semitic vitriol.

The statement noted that Heshmat Khalifa, an IRW trustee and director, had called Jews the grandchildren of monkeys and pigs in a post on his Facebook page, according to a mid-2020 expose by Londons The Times and Dr. Lorenzo Vidino, director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University.

Hamas militants, dressed as martyrs, play with a mock-up of a suicide bombers belt of explosives during the funeral of their leader Abdel Rahman Hamad in the West Bank town of Qalqilya, on Oct. 14, 2001. (David Silverman/Getty Images)

The departments statement added that Khalifa is known to have called Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi a Zionist pimp, as well as praising the Hamas terrorist group as the purest resistance movement in modern history.

Khalifa then resigned and the organization made the promise of reviewing our processes for screening trustees and senior executives social media posts to ensure that this will not happen again.

But weeks later, The Times showed that another IRW administrator, Almoutaz Tayara, then-chairman of Islamic Relief Germany, had also voiced anti-Semitic comments and glorified terrorist attacks against Israel.

Tayara said that Hamas leaders were great men, answering the divine and holy call of the Muslim Brotherhood.

In addition, Tayara also wrote in reference to Hamass military arm: The al-Qassem heroes did not graduate from the military academies of the UK and the US, unlike the rulers and royals of the Arab world who, there, were nurtured on cowardice and allegiance to the foreignersthe UK and the US.

Islamic Relief Germany decided to keep Tayara as chairman after he apologized and deleted the posts, along with closing his Facebook account.

Smoke rises during an explosion from an Israeli strike in Gaza City on Nov. 17, 2012. Israel bombarded the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip with nearly 200 airstrikes early Saturday, the military said, widening a blistering assault on Gaza rocket operations by terrorists to include the prime ministers headquarters, a police compound, and a vast network of smuggling tunnels. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)

As the comments on Facebook were drawing public scrutiny during the summer of 2020, IRW released a statement saying that they were shocked by the anti-Western and anti-Israel content of the posts partially glorifying violence and terrorism, but that the IRW leader had lent outstanding support to the group for more than 10 years, the State Department said.

Notwithstanding, more anti-Semitic comments by IRW leadership were found in recent weeks, according to the special envoys office, noting that IRW founder Hany al Banna called Yazidis devil worshippers.

The release concluded with the following statement:

As we witness a rise in anti-Semitism in every corner of the globe, it is incumbent on all people of good conscience to stand strong and exhibit zero tolerance for the blatant and horrifying anti-Semitism and glorification of violence exhibited at the most senior levels of IRW. We encourage all government bodies currently examining IRW activities and their relationship with IRW.

This article has been updated to include Ellie Cohanims comments.
The Mumbai Police have booked 15 people from Kachpada area in Kandivali (West) for assaulting, stripping, and parading two alleged robbers after shaving their heads.

The alleged robbers broke into a house and stole a mobile phone and Rs30,000 in cash late on Wednesday night. Residents caught the two, kept them in a room where they were assaulted and stripped. The robbers were forced to confess to their alleged crime while the assault was being recorded.

The police were questioning the men seen in the video of the assault and also trying to identify those who shot it. We will arrest the men who committed the offence, said a police officer from the Kandivali police station. He added the residents should have informed the police and handed the alleged robbers over to them.

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Regulatory News:

The listing of the MedinCell (Paris:MEDCL) shares on Euronext Paris has been suspended at the request of the Company as of 9:00 am CET today, pending the publication of a press release.

Trading on Euronext Paris will resume tomorrow at the opening of the markets.

About MedinCell

MedinCell is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company that develops a portfolio of long-acting injectable products in various therapeutic areas by combining its proprietary BEPO technology with active ingredients already known and marketed. Through the controlled and extended release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, MedinCell makes medical treatments more efficient, particularly thanks to improved compliance, i.e. compliance with medical prescriptions, and to a significant reduction in the quantity of medication required as part of a one-off or chronic treatment. The BEPO technology makes it possible to control and guarantee the regular delivery of a drug at the optimal therapeutic dose for several days, weeks or months starting from the subcutaneous or local injection of a simple deposit of a few millimeters, fully bioresorbable. Based in Montpellier, MedinCell currently employs more than 130 people representing over 25 different nationalities.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005566/en/

Contacts:

MedinCell

David Heuze

Communication leader

david.heuze@medincell.com

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Speaking to Radio Farda, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, Yevhen Yenin, said on Wednesday, January 6, that Kyiv is waiting for the identification and punishment of the "real" Iranian officials responsible for shooting down Ukraine International Airline's passenger plane last January.

Yenin, who is in charge of following up on the tragic case, asked that Tehran announce the real reasons behind targeting the plane with two deadly missiles.

On Wednesday, on the eve of the anniversary of two rockets' firing by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on UIA Flight 752, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani once again promised that a court would "definitely" try those responsible for the tragedy.

Hours later, Yenin reacted to Rouhani's comments and told Radio Farda, "Ukraine's goal is not limited to receiving compensation. Justice is our most important value and priority, and neither Kyiv nor its allies will stop until Iran takes full responsibility, makes the details of the tragedy public, and punishes those responsible."

"We will ensure the administration of justice by using all the tools available to us under international law," Yenin said.

On January 8, 2020, as Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 took off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini international airport heading to Kyiv, the IRGC fired two missiles at the plane. The three-year-old Boeing crashed near Tehran, killing all people aboard.

The crash victims included 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, ten Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans, and three Britons. Only after three days did the Guard take responsibility for the tragedy.

In the past year, there has been no report of a trial for the six detainees related to the case, and it is unclear what the Iranian judiciary has done in this regard. Furthermore, Iran has not yet named the commanders who ordered firing rockets at the UIA passenger plane.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba confirmed last Tuesday that Iran had submitted a draft technical report on the tragedy on December 30, before a twelve-month deadline.

Kuleba told the country's national television that Iran's delay in submitting the report had overshadowed the negotiation process. Still, Ukraine was ready now to enter a new phase and wrap up the case, he said.

Under international law, the Ukrainian Civil Aviation Authority now has 60 days to study Iran's 150-page technical report and present its comments in cooperation with other countries involved in the technical investigation.

Then, Iran will have 30 days to complete its technical report while applying or ignoring the other countries' considerations and making it available to the public after the International Aviation Organizations approval.
Several weapons have been confiscated.

Police have arrested about 20 supporters of President Donald Trump after they took part in storming the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday.

This information was shared on Twitter by CNN correspondent Dianne Gallagher.

Read alsoLeaked call shows Trump demanding from Georgia officials to "find" votes to tilt election

"Approximately 20 people were seen in plastic hand-ties being put in the back of a Capitol Police van having exited out of the Russell Senate Office Building, CNN's Laura Robinson reports, shortly after 530p this evening," she said.

Earlier, the media reported about 13 arrests in downtown DC.

The reporter also said several police officers had been injured amid the riots.

"According to Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee several officers are being treated for injuries and authorities have confiscated several weapons as riots have unfolded outside the US Capitol," she tweeted.

Riots in Washington, D.C.

Hundreds of President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a stunning bid to overturn his election defeat.

Rioters forced their way past metal security barricades, broke windows and scaled walls to fight their way into the Capitol, where they roamed the hallways and scuffled with police officers, Reuters reported.

According to Reuters, police said four people died  one from gunshot wounds and three from medical emergencies  during the chaos.

But after hours of the chaos in which police battled to regain control, lawmakers returned to Congress to begin certifying Democratic President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

By Wednesday night, both houses of Congress resumed their debate on the certification of Biden's Electoral College win, and it quickly became clear that objections from pro-Trump Republican lawmakers to Biden's victory in battleground states would be rejected overwhelmingly, including by most Republicans.

Reporting by UNIAN
A self-described American nationalist suspected of leaving a hoax explosive device in a car at a New York City mall is facing criminal charges after turning himself in to police, authorities said Tuesday.

Louis Shenker, 22, will be charged with placing a false bomb, criminal possession of stolen property and abandonment of a disabled animal in connection with the incident Monday at the Queens Place Mall in Elmhurst, said detective Denise Moroney, a police spokesperson.

The mall was evacuated around 7.30am Monday after a device that was made to look like an explosive was found in a black Tesla parked on a ramp in a parking garage.

A dog - a husky - was also found in the vehicle, which had a Nevada license plate and had been reported stolen in that state.

Scroll down for video

Louis Shenker, 22, claimed 'the messiah is coming' after he turned himself in to the police

Shenker allegedly created this hoax bomb and brought it to a Queens mall on Monday

The NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau's bomb squad investigated the Tesla before giving the 'all clear' at the mall.

Shenker surrendered to officers around 3am Tuesday in Brooklyn. The Queens district attorney's office said that it was preparing paperwork on Shenker's charges and that he was expected to be arraigned later Tuesday.

Being led from a police station in handcuffs, Shenker claimed that the suspicious device was actually a rig to charge the Tesla's dead battery.

'I have no fear,' Shenker said to the media, according to Fox News. 'The messiah is coming.'

He mocked media coverage as 'fake news' and derided reporters covering his arrest as 'morons'.

'It was a Tesla car being charged,' Shenker said. '... It was literally a car being charged because the battery died.'

In his vehicle, police found a husky, who appears to be okay

Shenker, who has described himself on social media as a 'patriot' and a supporter of President Donald Trump, was previously arrested December 30 on suspicion of torching a poster attached to a police barricade in Manhattan. He was arraigned Friday and released without bail.

A message seeking comment was left for Shenker's lawyer in that case.

Police tweeted a photo showing an aerosol-type can, a roll of duct tape, wires and other items recovered from the car.

The NYPD was able to quickly determine that the bomb was a hoax, but didn't take any chances

Shenker faces up to seven years in prison for allegedly making a terroristic threat

Another photo showed a Black Lives Matter poster among the items. Investigators were looking into whether the poster was left there as a diversion, possibly to make it appear as if members of the movement were responsible for the hoax bomb.

Shenker has appeared on the online conspiracy show InfoWars and has filled his social media accounts with far-right views and buzzwords like '#MAGA' and '#StopTheSteal,' noting his support of Trump's false claim that the 2020 presidential election was rigged.

Shenker was expelled from the University of Massachusetts Amherst amid a controversy over his views.

His lawyers alleged that he was a victim of anti-white and anti-Jewish attacks and that faculty members conspired to file false hate crimes charges against him because his views did not align with theirs.

Nobody was hurt during the incident at the Queens Plaza Mall on Monday morning

A message seeking comment was left with the university's media relations office.

On a since-suspended Instagram account, Shenker mocked the practice of people including their pronouns by listing his as 'American / Patriot,' and has posted online attacks on Black Lives Matter, pushed conspiracy theories, and railed against the use of masks and lockdowns to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month, a protest group accused Shenker of disrupting a Black Lives Matter vigil near Mayor Bill de Blasio's residence and turning it into a pro-Trump, anti-de Blasio 'Chanukah Rave.'

A video posted to social media showed a man purported to be Shenker threatening to send the Proud Boys and Infowars host Alex Jones after a woman attending the vigil.

Police said the Tesla in Monday's episode was found parked halfway up the garages circular ramp, positioned in the center of the roadway in a manner that prevented other vehicles from passing. Police said the husky appeared to be OK.

In addition to the original charges, the Queens District Attorney's office added a charge of making a terroristic threat on Wednesday.

If convicted, Shenker faces up to seven years in prison.

Investigators are also on the hunt for a second suspect in the case, though it's not yet clear what their role in the incident was.

The bomb scare came just weeks after an RV exploded and rocked downtown Nashville on Christmas Day.

Anthony Q. Warner, 63, died by suicide in the RV explosion, which took place early on Christmas morning.

An automated message emanating from the RV warning of the bomb gave police time to evacuate other people.

While Warner was the only fatality, more than 40 businesses were damaged and at least eight people were hurt by the explosion.
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Public Service Electric and Gas Co. received approval Thursday to spend $700 million over four years to roll out smart meters for its 2.3 million customers, vaulting New Jerseys largest utility into an modern age that it says will be more energy efficient and eco-friendly.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved the utilitys plans to install the digital wireless devices, which allow for two-way communication between customers and the utilitys network. The gadgets provide real-time meter readings and improved outage management. They also allow utilities to shut off or turn on a customers power with the flip of a switch at a central utility station.

This is a vital step toward achieving a smarter and cleaner energy future for New Jersey, PSE&G president Dave Daly said in a statement.

New Jersey has been slower than other states to adopt smart meters, which are already in place in more than 90 million homes nationwide and in most homes in Pennsylvania under a 2008 energy-conservation law mandating their use. New Jersey last year lifted a two-year moratorium on utilities adopting advanced metering infrastructure, which environmental advocates had argued is necessary to integrate more renewable energy into the system.

But smart meters also have generated objections in Pennsylvania and other states from a small but vocal group of customers, who maintain that the wireless devices emit radio frequencies that cause ill health. Smart meters use radio technology similar to that of cellular telephones.

The industry says that the devices are safe and that the health claims are unfounded. But a Pennsylvania appeals court last year invalidated a 2008 law that requires electric utilities to install the devices on all homes and businesses, saying that customers should have the right to opt out. That ruling is under appeal.

PSE&G customers can opt out from having a smart meter installed, but at a cost: They will incur a $12 monthly fee. A residential customer who opts out after a meter is installed will incur a $45 meter change-out fee as well as a $12 monthly fee, the company said.

The utility plans to install 80,000 meters this year, 300,000 next year and 900,000 in each of the following two years. PSE&G will pay for the smart meters by increasing customer rates, though the impact on individual bills is unclear.

The roll-out of smart meters will also eliminate the jobs of an 307 full-time and 51 part-time meter-readers, but PSE&G says it will provide opportunities for all affected employees to remain with the company, said Lauren Ugorji, a spokeswoman.

PSE&G would be the second New Jersey utility to install smart meters, following Rockland Electric, which already deployed the devices to its 66,000 customers. Smart-meter proposals by two other utilities, Jersey Central Power & Light and Atlantic City Electric, are pending before the state.

PSE&G says that smart meters are the foundation of its Energy Cloud network, which it says will connect homes and businesses with clean energy sources and services, using data to help customers to customize their energy use.

One of the chief selling points is that smart meters provide for time-of-use billing, which allows customers to receive discounts for using electricity during off-peak hours. Hourly pricing might encourage the greater adoption of electric vehicles that can be charged overnight at a lower cost. The smart meters can also work with systems such as Amazons Alexa to give customers the ability to better manage their energy spending.

But in practice in other states, utilities have been slow to roll out time-of-use rates, and customers have been slow to adopt them.

This article was updated to include the numbers of meter-readers whose jobs would be eliminated.
Devoun Cetoute and Carli Teproff, Miami Herald (TNS)

After a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, with President Donald Trump himself urging them at a White House rally shortly before the melee to never concede and we will not take it anymore, a number of prominent business and political leaders have called for invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump from office.

The National Association of Manufacturers, which represents more than 14,000 U.S. companies, asked Vice President Mike Pence to seriously consider invoking the amendment.

Throughout this whole disgusting episode, Trump has been cheered on by members of his own party, adding fuel to the distrust that has enflamed violent anger, said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons said in a statement. This is not law and order. This is chaos. It is mob rule. It is dangerous.

Others who weighed in included the NAACP, several U.S. House members and Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican.

What happened at the U.S. Capitol yesterday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president. This president should not hold office one day longer, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement Thursday.

By early evening, Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, tweeted that she was drawing up Articles of Impeachment to remove Trump from office.

I am drawing up Articles of Impeachment, she wrote in a tweet. Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate. We cant allow him to remain in office, its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath.

Charlie Crist, the Democratic St. Petersburg House member who is a former Florida governor, also called for invoking the amendment.

The 25th Amendment allows for the removal of a president, Crist said. Its time to remove the president.

In addition, Democratic Reps. Ted Lieu of California and David Cicilline of Rhode Island were drafting a letter to Pence on Wednesday to demand that he invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump, NBC News reported.

WHAT IS THE 25TH AMENDMENT?

Congress ratified the amendment in 1967 and President Lyndon Johnson signed it into law on Feb. 23, 1967.

After John F. Kennedys assassination in 1963 and the succession of Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson as president, there was growing concern that Johnson was not physically fit for the post as he had a heart attack.

With Kennedys death, there also was concern that the country lacked a Constitutional plan if a president and vice president were killed or incapacitated.

25TH AMENDMENT HAS FOUR SECTIONS

The 25th Amendment created a legal pathway for naming a new president if one became incapacitated in office or died. The Amendment also called for the vice president to take over and to give Congress a shared role in replacing a vice president.

The Amendment calls for the removal of a sitting president from office in three of four specific sections, each one setting forth a different set of circumstances.

Section 1 says that if the president dies or resigns, the vice president will become president.

Section 2 says that if the vice presidency becomes vacant, then the president would nominate a vice president and that person must be confirmed by congressional majority.

Section 3 says if a president decides he or she is temporarily unable to fulfill their duties, the president would have to tell the president pro tempore of the Senate (who is currently Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley) and the Speaker of the House (Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi). The vice president would assume the duties of the president until the president is able to return to office.

Section 4 says that if the vice president and either a majority of the Cabinet or Congress, through votes, deem the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, they would write a letter to the president pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.

Once this would be invoked, the vice president would immediately become president.

The president can fight this by submitting a written declaration objecting to the charges. He can resume his duties assuming Congress and the vice president agree that he is fit to fulfill his duties.

If the president disputes this, then two-thirds of the House and the Senate must vote to name the vice president as acting president.

This clause has never been invoked.

It is Section 4 that groups have called on Pence, Congress and the Cabinet to consider with Trump.

HAS THE 25TH AMENDMENT BEEN USED?

Section 4 has never been used, although there have been close calls in the past.

President Ronald Reagans administration prepared the papers to invoke the 25th Amendment when Reagan was shot and underwent surgery in 1981.

Reagan invoked Section 3 in 1985 when he underwent colon surgery and President George W. Bush transferred powers to Vice President Dick Cheney twice in 2002 and 2007 when he underwent a medical procedure with anesthesia.

When Trump contracted COVID-19 last year, the amendment came up in case Trumps condition worsened and the disease affected his thinking.
Burlington, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 6, 2021) - CBLT Inc. (TSXV: CBLT) ("CBLT") announces it has closed on its previously announced intention to effect a flowthrough financing in an amount of $53,202 (fifty-three thousand two hundred and two dollars) by issuing 886,700 Flowthrough Units priced at $0.06 (six cents) per Flowthrough Unit. Each Flowthrough Unit comprises of one flowthrough share and one full 9-cent warrant with a 24-month term, with each 9-cent warrant being exercisable into a flowthrough common share. A finder's fee equal to $1,974 was paid to a registrant related to this financing.

CBLT also announces its has closed on its previously announced intention to carry out a hard dollar financing in an amount of $15,000 (fifteen thousand dollars) by issuing 250,000 Common Units priced at $0.06 (six cents) per Common Unit. Each Common Unit comprises of one common share and one full 8-cent warrant with a 24-month term, with each such 8-cent warrant being exercisable into one common share.

The intended use of proceeds from the Flowthrough Units is to perform qualifying work at CBLT's existing properties and those that may be acquired in 2021. The intended use of proceeds from the Common Units is general corporate purposes.

CBLT also announces that it has been advised by Ready Set Gold Corp. ("RDY") that RDY has received final approval to list its common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Trading is anticipated to commence trading on or about Monday, January 11, 2021 under the symbol "RDY".

CBLT owns 1,833,333 shares (approximately 6.1%) of RDY. CBLT has received its first release from escrow of 458,333 free-trading shares. There are three remaining escrow releases of the same number of shares, to take place on or about April 18, June 18 and August 18, all in 2021. RDY's last financing was carried out at $0.75 (seventy-five cents) per share (FT).

RDY Highlights:

A basket of gold projects in the Hemlo area in Ontario with a focus on high-grade gold exploration and development potential, including the 100% owned Northshore Gold Project hosting Indicated Resources of 391,000 oz Au in 12.36 million tonnes at a grade of 0.99 g/t and Inferred Resources of 824,000 oz Au in 29.58 million tonnes at 0.87 g/t Au using a cut-off grade of 0.50 g/t Au. ( NI43-101 Technical Report - 2014)

Technical Report - 2014) A proven team of public company executives and explorers focusing on profitable exits for shareholders

Low share float of 29.8 million shares outstanding and 37.1 million shares fully diluted

CBLT also announces it will not be proceeding with the previously announced Werner Lake acquisition at this time. Road access to Werner Lake is only from Ontario through Manitoba and back into Ontario to reach the property. This access issue means CBLT has not been able to and for the foreseeable future will not be able to complete its technical due diligence until the easing of restrictions related to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, and as a result management cannot deliver a complete due diligence report to CBLT's board of directors.

CBLT continues to review other M&A opportunities and, as instructed by the shareholders at the Annual and Special Shareholder Meeting held August 31, 2020, to consider the diversification of CBLT's growth plan into other business areas.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Peter M. Clausi

CEO and Director

1 416 890 1232

pclausi@cbltinc.com

@ClausiPeter

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 contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements as they relate to CBLT and its management. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but represent management's current expectation of future events, and can be identified by words such as "believe", "expects", "will", "intends", "plans", "projects", "anticipates", "estimates", "should", "continues" and similar expressions. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

By their nature, forward-looking statements include assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. If and when forward-looking statements are set out in this new release, CBLT will also set out the material risk factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, CBLT assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to; SARS-CoV-2; reliance on key personnel; shareholder and regulatory approvals; First Nations and other local communities; risks of future legal proceedings; income tax matters; availability and terms of financing; distribution of securities; commodities pricing; environmental issues; effect of market interest on price of securities; and, potential dilution.

CBLT's operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of a widespread global outbreak of a contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of illness caused by COVID-19. It is not possible to accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect operations and the ability to finance its operations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71544
Not more than two pilgrims will be allowed in a room at these holy places which would split families. (PTI)

Hyderabad: There has been a 70 per cent drop in applicants for Haj 2021 this season due to the pandemic situation that had forced cancellation of the pilgrimage last year.

Though the extended last date of January 10 to apply for the pilgrimage by the Haj online application is approaching fast, the response is very poor.

As per figures from the State Haj Committee, only 3,200 valid applications have been received so far. This is 60 per cent less than the applications from Telangana state last year.

A total of 10,752 applications were received to fill a quota of 4,700 seats with the Haj Committee of India.

Many reasons are cited for the poor response this time. For one, there will be strict restrictions even if Haj is allowed this year. Pilgrims have to keep themselves in mandatory isolation on reaching the holy places. Not more than two pilgrims will be allowed in a room at these holy places. This would split families.

Another reason is an extreme hike in Haj expenditures. The estimated cost per pilgrim now is about 35,000 for the Hyderabad embarkation point.

Chairman of the state Haj committee Mohammed Masihullah Khan said the poor response was due to Covid fear. Last year, the pilgrimage was put on hold due to the spread of the pandemic. This time, too, there is doubt whether the Saudi authorities will allow the pilgrimage as usual.

Mohammed Masiullah said intending pilgrims who have not applied till now may submit their application via online to the website of Haj Committee of India, www.hajcommittee.gov.in.

He also requested them to produce documents such as passports, bank proof, address proof, passport-size photos with white background along with debit or credit card to pay the online HAF processing fee. Pilgrims must have a machine-readable passport with the expiry date upwards of 10th January 2022 for applying via the Online Haj Application form for Haj-2021.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks during the eighth congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, Tuesday, according the Korean Central News Agency, Wednesday. Yonhap



By Do Je-hae



North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's opening address at the eighth congress of the Workers' Party of Korea was marked by a rare public acknowledgement of mistakes in the leadership's five-year economic strategy from 2016 through 2020 amid three major disasters that hit the North  the COVID-19 pandemic, international sanctions, and storm-related flooding and infrastructure damage.



The five-year strategy was established to increase production in agriculture and light industry and normalize core industries such as coal, steel, railways, fisheries and machinery; improve the electricity supply problem through the construction of power plants and the repairing of power distribution networks; expand its trade and cooperation; and build more economic development zones and tourism projects.



"The five-year strategic implementation period for national economic development ended last year, but we fell far short of the goals that were put forward in almost all sectors," Kim was quoted as saying by state media.





A scene from the 6th WPK congress Yonhap



The North Korean leader vowed not to repeat "painful lessons" of the past and stressed the need to further develop the overall economy under a new five-year plan. Kim is expected to seek a turnaround for visible economic achievements ahead of the 10th anniversary of him taking control of the regime later this year.









It is considered unusual for the North Korean leadership  particularly for the "supreme leader" himself  to publicly admit failure in fulfilling state objectives. This shows the gravity of the economic problems North Korea is facing as fallout from the three disasters is expected to continue in 2021, and the incoming Joe Biden administration in the U.S. is expected to take a hard line approach to the North, according to some experts.



"Kim has to admit to the setbacks and promise adjustments as North Korea's economic policy has dramatically failed. Nonetheless, while sanctions, natural disasters and the pandemic challenge the regime, they don't really hold it at risk," Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, told The Korea Times.



Experts say that Kim's rare acknowledgment of the mistakes mirrors the gravity of the economic woes, particularly for the ordinary people compared to the Kim Jong-il era, due to restrictions on private businesses and trading under the rule of Kim Jong-un.





People walk past a billboard announcing the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party along a main street of the Central District in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Wednesday, Jan., 6, 2021.AP-Yonhap



"This is not the first time for a top North Korean leader to publicly admit economic failure. So the significance of the party congress this year is not the public admission itself, but the magnitude of the economic problems it indicates," a North Korea studies professor told The Korea Times on the condition of anonymity.



"Based on a series of interviews I have conducted with North Korean defectors, what has been particularly traumatic for ordinary people is the shutdown of private trade along the Sino-North Korean border due to COVID-19, as well as the increased restrictions placed on them compared to those of the Kim Jong-il era. To address this situation as COVID-19 continues, the North Korean leadership will likely further devolve responsibility to the local level to reinvigorate the economic situation and extract all internal resources possible to boost domestic production. This strategy will require partial deregulation for local economies, but will be implemented under strict sociocultural controls."





North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping sit down for a conversation during a stroll at a guesthouse in Pyongyang, June 22, 2019, during Xi's visit to North Korea. North Korea is looking to restart economic cooperation with China this year. Korea Times file
The former AP BJP chief alleged that during the 18 months of YSRC rule in the state, as many as 127 Hindu temples have been attacked.  DC Image

VIJAYAWADA: Former BJP state president Kanna Lakshminarayana has demanded that YSR Congress government start reconstruction of 127 temples damaged in Andhra Pradesh with immediate effect, thereby honouring the sentiments of Hindus.

He was speaking during a dharna organised by BJP at Guntur Collectors office protesting against the arrest of BJP state president Somu Veerraju and other party leaders when they were taking out the BJP Dharma Yatra to Ramateertham.

Lakshminarayana announced that their party will now organise a Chalo Ramateertham Yatra on January 7 and appealed Hindus to join the yatra in large numbers for protection of temples in AP.

The former AP BJP chief alleged that during the 18 months of YSRC rule in the state, as many as 127 Hindu temples have been attacked. But not a single person has been arrested until now. He wanted the government take responsibility for reconstruction of all 127 damaged temples.

Lakshminarayana went on to accuse the state government of encouraging religious conversions.

Stocks to watch today: Here is a list of top stocks that are likely to be in focus in Thursday's trading session based on latest developments.

Share Market Live News: Sensex up 250 points, Nifty at 14,215; M&M, ONGC, Bajaj twins, SBI, L&T top gainers

Bandhan Bank: Loans and advances rose 5% quarter-on-quarter to Rs 80,255 crore in October-December. Total deposits rose 8% quarter-on-quarter to Rs 71,188 crore. Ratio of retail deposits to total deposits rose to 81% in October-December, as compared with 77% as on September 30. CASA ratio rose to 43% in third quarter, as compared with 38% in July-September 2020.

NMDC: Company raise Lump Ore prices by 9.6% to Rs 5,700 per ton from Rs 5,200 per ton. Fines prices were also raised 4.3% to Rs 4,810 per ton from Rs 4,610 per ton. Prices were last revised on December 15, 2020.

Dixon Technologies (India): Has entered into an agreement with boAt for manufacturing of Twin wireless speakers

Lupin: The pharma major has received approval for its Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim Oral Suspension USP from the U.S. FDA, to market a generic equivalent of Bactrim Oral Suspension of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries.

Future Consumer: Company's loan default amount till December 31 stands at Rs 90 crore and total outstanding loan amount stands at Rs 329.09 crore. The NCDs and NCRPs default amount stands at Rs 20 crore and the total outstanding amount is Rs 220 crore. Total financial indebtedness of the company including short-term and long-term debt is Rs 549.09 crore

NCL Industries: Cement production rose 50% to 6,32,746 MT in Q3FY21 from 4,23,199 MT in Q3FY20. Cement dispatches rose 45% to 6,25,162 MT versus 4,30,861 MT year-on-year. RMC production and sales (CuM) rose 36% to 72,152 versus 53,142 year-on-year.

Maruti Suzuki: The carmaker's total production in December 2020 increased 33.78% to 1,55,127 units. Maruti Suzuki India had produced a total 1,15,949 units in the same month of 2019.

TCS: Tata Sons tendered shares worth Rs 9,997 crore of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) during the IT major's Rs 16,000 crore-buyback offer that concluded recently. The single largest shareholder of TCS, Tata Sons tendered more than 3.33 crore shares during the offer, according to a regulatory filing.

State Bank of India: Lender has raised $600 million through offshore bonds. The five and half year duration bonds raised by SBI's London branch were priced at a coupon of 1.8%.

Wipro: Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel's Tel Aviv University for research and analysis in quantum science and technology.

IDFC First Bank: Lender's credit growth rose 0.7% to Rs 1,10,499 crore during the third quarter ended December 2020. Bank had an outstanding loan of Rs 1,09,698 crore as of December 31, 2019, and on a quarterly basis, the loan growth was 3% from Rs 1,06,828 crore as on September 30, 2020.

IIFL Finance: CARE Ratings has reaffirmed its AA/Negative rating to the NCDs and Subordinated Debt and long-term bank facilities of the company. Further the rating agency has reaffirmed its AA/Negative rating to the NCDs of IIFL Home Finance a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.

CEAT: CARE Ratings has reaffirmed its AA/Stable rating to the long-term bank facilities of Rs 800 crore and A1+ rating to the short-term bank facilities of Rs 1,150 crore. Further the rating agency has reaffirmed A1+ rating to Commercial Paper of Rs 350 crore.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 16:10:08|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- A total of 430 people lost their lives in traffic accidents across Mongolia in 2020, a decrease of around 25 percent compared to the previous year, Erdenebat Enkhbold, head of the prevention division at the country's Traffic Police Department, said Thursday.

The decrease is partially due to traffic restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Enkhbold said in a statement.

Among the killed in the road accidents, 64 were children.

Over-speeding, unpermitted overtaking and drunk driving were the main causes of the accidents, he said, urging drivers to comply with traffic rules to protect themselves and their loved ones. Enditem
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All of you have been watching, Biden said. At this hour, our democracy is under assault. Assault in the citadel of liberty. The Capitol itself. ... The words of a president matter. At their best, the words of a president can inspire. At their worst, they can incite.
For two new district judges taking the bench this week, life has taken them full circle.

Judge Jacqueline Jackie Herr Valdes, presiding judge of the 386th Juvenile District Court, practically grew up at the courthouse. The daughter of Senior District Judge Maria Teresa Tessa Herr, Valdes was about 5 the first time she visited her mother, then a prosecutor for Bexar County, at work. When her mother became a jurist in 2002, she continued swinging by the courthouse to visti her mother in her court.

Valdes, 40, was sworn in Friday by her mother in an outdoor investiture ceremony at Herrs home. The swearing-in was officiated by Valdes five children and streamed live on Facebook. Afterward, Herr presented her daughter with Valdes late fathers Bible.

It was a very special day. Im happy and delighted, said Herr, now a visiting judge who sits by appointment.

Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer

Herr said she always pushed her daughter to do whatever she wanted to do.

She said Valdes love of children will serve her well as a juvenile district on the juvenile bench.

It just seemed like a natural path. Im very proud. I knew she could do it, said Herr. She continually amazes me.

Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer

Judge Nicole Garza, 50, presiding judge of the 37th Civil District Court, asked a longtime mentor, Judge Peter Sakai, to administer the oath in her new courtroom Friday. A former teacher, Garza was an intern for Sakai in the 1990s after she changed her career path to study law.

Sakai, presiding judge of the 225th District Court/Childrens Court, said he has sworn in several judges, but this was the first time he has done so for a former intern.

Jacqueline Valdes

I am honored and humbled to have administered the oath, he said. I have full confidence and know she will be a great judge.

Each first-time judge must attend what they call judge school, which both completed this week.

Valdes, from San Antonio, spent 10 years as a juvenile prosecutor for the Bexar County District Attorneys Office. She ousted incumbent Judge Arcelia Trevino in the Democratic primary and defeated Republican Daphne Previti Austin, a former juvenile district judge, in the November election.

A mother of five, Valdes is passionate about working with young people and looks forward to working with them from the other side of the bench.

I feel like I can talk to them in a different way, get to them, she said, This is the perfect place to do it.

Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer

She decided to run for the juvenile bench after Trevino, a controversial first-time state district judge, came under fire for repeated absences and inattention in the court.

Valdes had prosecuted cases before Trevino but was moved to intake at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center when she decided to run for office. Shortly before the primary, Trevino ousted two prosecutors from her courtroom, apparently because she thought they supported Valdes.

Garza, originally from Laredo, was an attorney in private practice. She defeated incumbent Judge Michael Mery in the March Democratic primary. In November, she beat Republican Joseph P. Appelt, a lawyer in private practice who also has served as an alternate municipal court judge in Devine.

A daughter and sister of educators, Garza spent three years teaching pre-kindergarteners and third- and sixth-graders.

I had a calling for justice at an early age, watching out for people, she said. I have a deep obligation to help people. What can I do now, what can I do today. Its exciting, and Im ready to help.

She added that working in family court would be a natural fit.

The mother of two teens, Garza is active in the community, many times funding activities for children.

Garza also sings in a band called Loitering at the PET (Paul Elizondo Tower), a group comprised of Bexar County employees who work in the justice center.

As she hits the ground running with Zoom hearings and getting familiar with her docket, she is ready for the new challenge.

I am looking forward to things to come.

ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
As violence at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. escalated Wednesday afternoon, a peaceful protest of Congressional confirmation of the U.S. Electoral College results at the Michigan Capitol drew to a quiet close.

A scheduled rally in support of President Donald Trump on Michigans Capitol lawn drew between 700 and 800 people Wednesday, Michigan State Police spokesperson Lt. Darren Green said.

The Michigan Capitol building itself was closed to the public Wednesday, as the legislature was not in session. Green said protesters at the Michigan Capitol were polite, cordial and law-abiding and dispersed at the close of the rally.

Carrying signs with phrases like Stop the steal and pro-Trump messaging, protesters circled the Michigan Capitol lawn and gave speeches on the steps Wednesday afternoon.

In Washington, D.C., supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol building, forcing lawmakers and staff to be evacuated from the building.

A sign protesting the U.S. presidential election is propped up against a statue in front of the Michigan Capitol building Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Lauren Gibbons | MLive

Attendees of the Michigan Capitol rally said they came out to support the president and protest the results of the election.

Certified election results show President-elect Joe Biden defeated Trump both in Michigan and in the general election result. Biden won a majority of Electoral College votes submitted by states last month.

Susan Chargeo, 56, of Plymouth, said it was her first time attending a political rally at the Michigan Capitol. Chargeo was able to take time off to join the rally Wednesday.

I swear Im just like on fire right now, I hardly got any sleep last night, Charego said. I want the president back in office because I feel like hes the better choice. I just want justice. I want the truth to be revealed.

Chargeo participated in the rally because she fears the election was taken from Trump.

Im waiting on people to do what they know is right. That could have been my vote. It should not be certified, Chargeo said. But God knows what hes doing. Regardless, we got a lot of work to do for God and country. I dont want to lose this country. So, most of all thats why Im here.

Jazmine Early, 50, lives in Macomb County and participated in the protest to show Trump support and because she loves this country. Early, who is an immigrant from Venezuela, said she has felt safer with Trump as president.

Early said the rallies across the nation and in D.C. show that people care about this country.

Im happy this is happening. Its showing the president and the country that there are people who care about this country. Its not just about President Trump, but its more about the love for the country, Early said. You have to learn to love where you are. I want more people to get involved more people to keep fighting for the country.

Macomb County resident Jazmine Early stands in front of the Michigan Capitol Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Zahra Ahmad | MLive

Related:

Update: Pro-Trump protesters breach U.S. Capitol; lawmakers evacuated

Michigan Trump supporter headed to election rally in D.C. says We are going with God

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin on protestors breaching Capitol: We shouldnt be shocked

Michigan Democrats warn challenging electoral votes could permanently harm democracy

Michigan GOP congressman dispels election myths from constituents asking to oppose Bidens win
Supporters of US President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol building. (Image: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Hours after violent pro-Donald Trump protesters stormed the US Capitol on January 7, several Republican leaders called for the removal of Trump from the White House before January 20. Four leaders even called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked.

"He has to be impeached and removed," one current Republican elected official said, as quoted by CNN.

A former senior official also said the President's actions were "egregious enough to remove him even with such a short time left in his tenure".

Read: Twitter, Facebook suspend Donald Trump's accounts amid Capitol violence

"I think this has been a huge shock to the system," the former official said, adding, "How do you keep him in place for two weeks after this?"

Mitt Romney, Utah senator, called Trump a "selfish man" who "deliberately misinformed his supporters" about the election. What happened at the U.S. Capitol today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States, Romney said.

Also read: Pro-Donald Trump mob storms US Capitol in bid to overturn election

Wyoming Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, a member of the House leadership, told Fox News, "There is no question that the President formed the mob. The President incited the mob, the President addressed the mob".

Meanwhile, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas said, "It's past time for the president to accept the results of the election, quit misleading the American people, and repudiate mob violence."

Other Republicans too joined them denouncing Trump. "The President needs to call it off," Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin told CNN. "Call it off! It's over. The election is over," he added.

Also read: PM Narendra Modi, other world leaders express shock over storming of US Capitol

Former President George W. Bush also released a statement calling the "insurrection" at the Capitol a "sickening and heartbreaking sight."

Bush said that he was "appalled by the reckless behaviour of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions and our law enforcement."

Invoking the 25th Amendment would require Vice President Mike Pence and a majority of the Cabinet to vote to remove Trump from office due to his inability to "discharge the powers and duties of his office".

A violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday and forced lawmakers into hiding, in a stunning attempt to overturn Americas presidential election, undercut the nations democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House.

President-elect Biden is expected to be sworn-in as the 46th US President on January 20.
Former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said he watched brokenhearted and horrified as a mob of President Donald Trump's supporters broke down barricades and grappled with federal police to breach the U.S. Capitol this week.

Peaceful protests and criminal riots have occurred in the U.S., Kelly told Military.com, but what happened on Capitol Hill "is different." It was an attack on democracy, on Americans' way of life, he said.

The retired Marine Corps four-star general, who served not only as Trump's chief of staff but secretary of Homeland Security, did not use the president's name in response to questions about the storming of the Capitol, which left four dead by police accounts. But in a Thursday interview with CNN, Kelly said Trump should be removed from office, adding that if he were still a Cabinet member, he'd vote to do so.

Read Next: What Kind of Uniform Is That? Marines Drill for Inauguration in Unique Style

Trump, Kelly said, has poisoned people's minds with lies and fraud.

"I think the Cabinet should meet and discuss this because the behavior yesterday and the weeks and months before that have just been outrageous," he said.

Kelly told Military.com that Americans must be mindful of who they're electing to positions of power.

"What we need to do going forward -- what we have to do as a people -- not as Democrats, or Republicans, or Independents, but as Americans, is to ask ourselves, 'How did we ever get to this place?'" he said. "We need to look infinitely harder at who we elect."

Kelly has faced criticism for his reluctance to speak out about Trump, as well as some policies that were enacted during his time in the administration, including a 2017 travel ban that quickly barred anyone from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the U.S.

When he was the head of the Department of Homeland Security, he said it was considering separating migrant children from their parents to deter people from fleeing Central America for the U.S. border -- a policy that was put into place, leaving hundreds of parents and children still separated years later.

Kelly told CNN on Thursday that Trump's flaws weren't evident when he first met him. Once they were, he said, he stayed in his position as long as possible to "try to prevent some disaster."

The retired general, who lost his Marine officer son in Afghanistan, said Wednesday that the millions of men and women who've worn a military uniform understand the ultimate sacrifice some pay to defend U.S. democracy from overseas threats.

"We who did all of that could have never imagined, until today, that the threat could come from within -- encouraged in some cases by officials sworn to uphold that democracy," the former White House chief of staff said.

Kelly is one of three prominent retired Marine general officers who served during the Trump administration to speak out in the wake of Wednesday's mob. Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Wednesday blamed Trump for the "violent assault on our Capitol."

"His use of the Presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice," Mattis said.

Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joe Dunford called Wednesday "an outrageous assault on our democracy.

"It's time for all Americans and particularly our elected officials to put our Country first," said Dunford, who before retiring pledged never to talk about Trump. "As many have said, we're better than this."

Another Marine veteran serving in Congress, Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat, is among dozens of lawmakers calling for Trump's removal from office.

Kelly credited Biden for his speech following Wednesday's breach, saying his words were "presidential and right to the heart of what we have to do to heal ourselves."

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.

Related: Military Officers in Congress Join Call to Invoke 25th Amendment, Remove Trump
Every generation of automotive design has its Mona Lisa  and its Dogs Playing Poker.

Weve had tail fins (time for a comeback?) and the mock-convertible tops of landau vinyl roofs (I cruelly  but rightfully  judge my parents on that tacky 1980s decision). Remember the sharply angled rears of the bustleback Cadillac Seville, Lincoln Continental and Chrysler Imperial? No? Lucky you.

We may look back at 2020 as the moment automakers reached peak grille. Of course theres that pandemic and political chaos. But more than ever, grilles are in. Grilles are big. Grilles are bold. Grilles are somewhat unnecessary on some cars, but there they are. Some could qualify for their own ZIP code if they werent on wheels.

To understand why this is, it helps to understand the difficulties automakers face in trying to produce standout designs. Cars and trucks are global products that must meet seemingly countless worldwide governmental safety and fuel efficiency standards. Imagine a new law school graduate having to pass the American, German, Japanese, Korean and Swedish bar exams in order to work. I rest my case, Your Honor.

Automakers spend billions of dollars meeting the blizzard of regulations and shaping silhouettes to cheat the wind. We see only the styling that envelops the engineering. Design is the sizzle, the emotion, at the very least a tiebreaker when it comes to choosing a vehicle.
A mob of Trump supporters forces its way through a police barricade in front of the Capitol. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

Four years ago, after taking the oath of office, President Trump delivered a pitch-black inaugural address that vowed to end the American carnage under his predecessor.

That darkness Trump spoke of, a figment of his fevered imagination, came to pass Wednesday, a product of the president's delusion, egoism and deliberate provocation.

As tens of thousands lie dying from a pandemic worsened by the presidents self-centered response to COVID-19, Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol and invaded the Senate chamber in a bid to overturn the results of Novembers free and fair election.

Police drew their guns. Lawmakers ran and hid. Tear gas wafted through the Capitols hallways, amid statues dedicated to the men and women who helped build what Americans fancy as the greatest democracy the world has ever seen.

For those watching, its fragility never seemed more apparent.

Among those aiding and abetting the president, as he has with a consistently blind eye, was the leader of Republicans in the House, Rep. Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield.

Shocking though it was, the chaos  or, rather, insurrection  shouldnt have been surprising.

Trump has long suggested he would not accept the results of an election that ended in his ouster. He has spent the last several weeks since Joe Bidens clear, unequivocal victory not doing the job he desperately seeks to cling to, but rather subverting the very government Trump is supposed to lead.

We will never concede, he said at a rally that helped usher in Wednesday's siege.

Along with three other California House Republicans  Ken Calvert of Corona, Doug LaMalfa of Richvale and Tom McClintock of Elk Grove  McCarthy signed onto a specious lawsuit aimed at overturning the results in four key states won by Biden. The Supreme Court wouldnt deign to hear the case, so flimsy was its pretense.

McCarthy then did nothing to discourage Republican lawmakers from participating in Wednesday's charade on the House floor, an attempt to overturn Biden's rightful election by thwarting certification of the electoral vote count. His objection to the subsequent violence  unacceptable," "un-American  was a trifle, like admonishing an arsonist after handing over a pack of matches.

Story continues

Thats todays Republican Party, in the twilight of the Trump presidency.

GOP lawmakers  with some notable exceptions, such as Utah Sen. Mitt Romney and Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming  live in such quaking fear of a nasty presidential tweet, or worse, abandonment by Trump's fervent backers, they dare not call out obvious recklessness and law-breaking until it's far too late.

They do so at the party's peril.

In catering to a narrow, increasingly extreme slice of the electorate, todays GOP has alienated a great number of Americans. Witness not only Trump's decisive defeat, but the loss this week of two U.S. Senate seats in Georgia, a state that used to be as red as its fabled clay. With the twin victories, Democrats gained control of the White House and Congress for the first time in a decade.

In California, the Republican brand has been toxic for years.

The GOP hasnt won a statewide office since 2006, and registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 2 to 1. Trump lost the state twice, by landslide margins, and in 2018 cost his party seven congressional seats, leaving Republicans outnumbered in the House delegation, 46 to 7.

Wednesday's remarkable scenes, indelibly etched as the frightening coda of Trump's tumultuous time in office, certainly won't help the GOP's reclamation efforts.

"You only have to look at the congressional win-backs in the suburbs in November to see that there are many Californians that want divided government," Rob Stutzman, a longtime GOP strategist in Sacramento, said of the four House seats the GOP reclaimed in November, in the Central Valley and Southern California. "That had nothing to do with conspiracy theories, or Trump's madness. Those same districts voted for Joe Biden."

Stutzman spoke before lawmakers' attempted assault on democracy devolved into a physical attack, further staining the party's image in California with the taint of Trump.

Appearing last month on CNN, LaMalfa  one of 126 Republican House members who signed on to the baseless Texas lawsuit  was asked for proof of the widespread voter fraud the president falsely cited, over and over, as reason to overturn November's election.

"You know, I don't have proof that men landed on the moon in 1969 because I wasn't there," LaMalfa replied.

He also wasn't around in Philadelphia when the Constitution was written in 1787, but presumably he's familiar with the document. Like every member of Congress, LaMalfa swears an oath to defend the Constitution "against all enemies, foreign and domestic."

He didn't pledge fealty to a president, or a political party. Rather, LaMalfa vowed to defend the country's founding principles and the guardrails intended to protect and preserve our system of government.

Like many fellow Republicans, LaMalfa and McCarthy shrank from that fight, and the result was Wednesday's wreckage and ruin, sown by the president of the United States.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Paducah City Facilities to Remain Closed

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - Paducah's City Hall and other city facilities will continue to be closed to the public until further notice.Some of the other facilities that will remain closed to the public include the lobby of the Paducah Police Department, fire stations, Public Works Department lobby, and the Parks & Recreation Department offices.City Manager Jim Arndt said they had hoped to reopen City Hall and other facilities to in-person business next Monday, but the active cases in McCracken County and across the state are not declining. He urged residents to contact city offices through phone calls, email, and other methods.Anyone that does not want to mail their property tax payment or other payments to the Finance Department, you can use the drop-box located on the front of the 5th Street side of City Hall.The general information phone number for city government is 270-444-8800.If you need a permit through the Fire Prevention Division, call Fire Prevention at 270-444-8527. Information will be taken over the phone with payments through the drop-box outside the building.Engineering at 270-444-8511; Planning at 270-444-8690; and Fire Prevention at 270-444-8527.
Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.

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Eliana, 35, (pictured) has been single for three years and has no children

ELIANA, 35

Dating Past?

My most significant relationship lasted for just over seven years and we drifted apart. We separated, but remain good friends.

Over the past three years I have used a dating app and also tried speed dating. Im a driven and determined woman who isnt scared of taking the initiative.

Pre-Date Nerves?

I dont get nervous. I was just excited to find out more about my date. Ive only been on one blind date before and it was hard to keep the relationship going.

Vital Statistics Single for three years, no children. Current Role Office manager and events organiser. Would Like To Meet A down -to-earth guy who looks after himself physically and emotionally and is passionate, family oriented, and romantic. I cant be doing with narcissistic types. Advertisement

First Impressions?

I was taken by surprise when I saw Nick was dialling in from a beachside restaurant. It turns out he lives in the Canary Islands. While I was initially put off by this, I soon forgot as we started talking.

Nick was wearing a white T-shirt and has an attractive physique, nice eyes and a good energy.

Easy To Talk To?

We talked a lot about self development. I enjoy listening to the former Buddhist monk Jay Shetty and Nick is currently writing a book on the subject.

He revealed he was bullied at school because he was chubby, which explains why he looks after himself today. I liked that he was vulnerable and felt able to share it.

I was disappointed, however, that Nick was already waiting to order a salad when the call started  I hadnt yet ordered my takeaway as I was hoping we might decide on our meal together.

I tried to flirt with him, but I might have come on too strong

Embarrassing Moments?

I asked Nick if he was nervous and he said only a psychopath wouldnt be. As I felt totally relaxed, I was amused by his response.

Elianas Verdict: 8/10 Liked? Having a good time. Regrets? Not ordering food at the same time. See Him Again? Yes. Advertisement

Did Sparks Fly?

I did try to flirt with Nick, but might have come on too strong. Like him, Id love to leave the UK  at one point I joked about following him to live in the Canary Islands and he shot back: Easy, tiger.

Would you like to meet in person?

Oh yes, for sure. I knew within ten minutes that I liked Nick.

What do you think he thought of you?

I hope he wants to see me again. He told me I have a cool smile.

After wed eaten he took me for a virtual stroll along the beach, which was romantic.

Would your family like him?

Yes. Nicks a decent person and not scared of showing his feelings, which is a big plus for me.

Nick, 30, (pictured) has been single for three years and has no children

NICK, 30

Dating Past?

Ive dated but not had a girlfriend for three years. The longest relationship Ive had lasted two years, but we drifted apart. I can be quite a perfectionist and know the type of person Im looking for.

Pre-Date Nerves?

Vital Statistics Single for three years, no children and never married. Current Role Life coach and author. Would Like To Meet A humble, spiritual, and feminine woman who is physically fit and looks after herself. I dont like women who party too hard or too often. Advertisement

I do get nervous, but that doesnt bother me because nerves show you are a healthy and well-adjusted person who cares. I prepared my outfit in advance and got my favourite white top specially dry-cleaned at my hotel.

First Impressions?

Eliana is passionate, outgoing and possibly a little bit fiery. She is lovely, but she isnt my type.

Ive been in the Canaries since November, as Im hoping to relocate here. If Covid has taught me anything about dating, it is not to limit my options, so Im open to a long-distance relationship, too.

Easy To Talk To?

Im sensitive and initially I felt uncomfortable. Eliana asked plenty of questions and at one point I did joke that this wasnt a job interview. She seems confident, if a little excited. Halfway through the date I felt comfortable enough to open up to her.

Embarrassing Moments?

I inwardly groaned when she lectured me on unhealthy ketchup

Nicks Verdict: 6/10 Liked? Eliana is a great conversationalist. Regrets? Not especially. See Her Again? No. Advertisement

We had a couple of audio issues at the beginning, not helped by my waiter turning up just as we had started to chat. I had a mixed salad with eggs. When I told Eliana I was putting ketchup on it, she lectured me about the salt and sugar in the sauce. I inwardly groaned.

Did Sparks Fly?

Eliana was complimentary. There wasnt any flirting on my part, but we did have a fun conversation.

Would you like to meet in person ?

No. Our date finished when I arrived back at my hotel after our walk along the beach together. While Id meet her as friend, friendships are awkward if one person fancies the other and the feeling isnt mutual. Eliana gave me her number, but I havent used it.

What do you think she thought of you?

Eliana was talking about when we could meet up in the UK, so I think she liked me. She is an intelligent, beautiful woman and, while she isnt the one for me, she will make the right man happy.

Would your friends like her?

Yes, she has the same musical tastes as my friends.

Would you like us to find you a date? Fancy a date with an eligible single like you? Or would you like to play Cupid for someone else? Email your  or their  details and a photo to blinddate@dailymail.co.uk



The Government has this afternoon announced a series of new Covid-19 restrictions to tackle Ireland's surge in cases.

The measures were agreed by Cabinet today and will be in place until the end of January.

Schools will close until February 1st at the earliest, except for special schools and for Leaving Cert students who can attend three days a week starting from January 11.

Non-essential construction work will have to finish at 6pm on Friday, while certain essential construction projects will be exempt including health projects specific to Covid-19, housing adaptation grants, repairs critical maintenance for rail and utility projects and roads.

Childcare services, including regulated childminders, will remain closed with the exception of services for vulnerable children and children of essential workers. Other existing childcare arrangements can continue to operate for vulnerable children and children of essential workers only.

In addition, a household of an essential worker, without an existing childcare arrangement, can form a bubble with another household for the purpose of providing childcare. The resumption of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is delayed until 1st February.

Click and collect from non-essential retail outlets is no longer permitted with immediate effect. Existing orders may be collected, while click and deliver services will continue to be permitted.

The government also agreed that the current travel moratorium in place for travel from Great Britain and South Africa is extended until midnight Friday, January 8.

From January 9, all passengers arriving at Irish airports and ports whose journey originates in Great Britain or South Africa will be requested to have evidence of a negative result from a PCR Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland. This new mandatory requirement will be in place until January 31, and will be kept under review in light of the evolving epidemiological situation.

More information on the latest Level 5 restrictions can be found here.

Before a photo of a standoff between pro-Trump rioters and Capitol police at a congressional chamber made it onto network news, U.S. Rep. Albio Sires saw it happening live.

Hours later, locked in his office with a couple of his staffers, he was incensed by what was happening inside and outside the U.S. Capitol building, and furious at the president, who he said incited the chaos.

This man belongs in jail, Sires, a Democrat who represents a large chunk of Hudson County, said of President Donald Trump. This is a coup without arms.

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., who also represents part of Hudson County, also directly blamed Trump and called the Capitols seizure by a large group that had just attended a Save America pro-Trump rally nearby  a coup.

To all the Trump sycophants that followed in his footsteps, to all my Republican colleagues I say this: once the fascist genie has been let out of the bottle, he cant be forced back in, he wrote in a statement.

Congress, including Hudson Countys delegation of representatives, had been working procedurally to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win when they were evacuated.

Sires recalled hearing noises outside before Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and other leaders were rushed out of the room. A police officer informed those present that there were gas masks under the seats that they could put on if the doors were opened.

As he was being evacuated, he saw officers pointing their guns toward a door.

It was pretty scary, he said.

Sen. Bob Mendendez tweeted that he was safe and democracy will prevail.

The scene in the Capitol goes against every value we pledge to uphold as a nation, he wrote.

Rep. Donald Payne Jr., who represents a section of Hudson County, tweeted that he was at home safe and away from this chaos, calling it a sad, sad day for America.

Sires said the event reminded him of his childhood in Cuba as Communist leaders were gaining power.

I was 11 years old when I came here in 1962 and it brought back a lot of memories that you have suppressed, he said.

The people in the world are watching, Sires said. I hope that President Biden can set a new course for this country to get back to where we were.
Actors Bae Doo-na, left, and Alain Chabat in a scene from the film "#Iamhere" / Courtesy of NEW





By Kwak Yeon-soo







"#Iamhere" is an endearing adventure movie that offers pure escapism. Mostly set in Seoul, the film is an ode to the city  seen through the eyes of a first-time French visitor.







The film begins with divorced French chef Stephane (played by Alain Chabat) preparing a wedding feast for his son Ludo (Jules Sagot). On the wedding day, however, he spots his son kissing a young man in the kitchen and feels shocked when he discovers that everyone else, including Ludo's wife, was aware that Ludo is gay.







Feeling estranged from his family members, he becomes obsessed with Instagram and befriends a Korean woman named Soo (Bae Doo-na), who speaks fluent French and lives in Seoul. Developing romantic feelings for Soo, he impulsively heads off to Seoul to meet her because she told him "it would be nice to watch cherry blossoms together."







Soo agrees to pick him up at the airport, but she suddenly breaks off contact with him. Stephane gets stranded at Incheon airport as he waits for Soo. His adventure begins here: he buys drinks for some middle-aged Korean men at the airport bar, has lunch with French sportsmen playing an away game and cooks at a restaurant for airport cleaning staff. Staying in the airport for 11 days, Stephane becomes a social media celebrity who goes by the nickname "French lover."







Disappointingly, Bae only appears briefly in the film  to talk to Stephane and cause him to ruminate on how reckless it was to come all the way from France just to meet her in real life. Bae's French is impressive and her character has many layers. However, a 20-minute appearance is too short for her to show off all her charms.







The premise has some weaknesses. Stephane says that Koreans are too busy that they don't even glance up at his face when they pass by him. But he somehow becomes a celebrity in 11 days of his stay at the airport, and Koreans are dying to take photo with him and get him on live news. Until he becomes a popular figure, the police have no idea that there's a suspicious guy wandering at the airport for days, dancing around and talking to random people.







Despite the shortfalls, the filming locations are rather eye-catching. "#Iamhere" was filmed in famous tourist sites in Seoul, like Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) Gate, Gwangjang Market, Namsan and Seokchon Lake Park. These places allow Korean audiences to rediscover the city and the locations in France depicted in the film could give them wanderlust.







The character portrayal is another striking thing about the film. The scene where Soo tells Stephane that the French don't have "nunchi," a Korean term that refers to sensing what other people are thinking and feeling, arouses smiles. Stephane also realizes that Koreans often hide their true feelings and desires and say things simply to please others or to avoid letting them down.







Finally, audiences may reflect on the fact that the title of the film "#Iamhere" does not necessarily refer to Stephane telling Soo that he has arrived in Seoul. Stephane's caring son flies to Seoul and texts him "I am here" to remind him that family matters most.







"#Iamhere" will hit local theaters, Jan. 14.






Dublin, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Payment Security Market - Growth, Trends, Forecasts (2020 - 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The payment security market was valued at USD 15.84 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 37.57 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 15.88% during the forecast period (2020 - 2025). With the rising number of digital payments, such as credit/debit payments, mobile wallets, and online payments, it is expected to boost the payment security market globally over the forecast period.



The growing number of data breaches is also one of the primary factors contributing to the growth of payment security market. These growing data breach cases are also increasing the financial losses due to it. Hence, thriving the demand for payment security solutions.



The growing popularity of payment security solutions can also be attributed to the requirements of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) guidelines, increasing awareness among the end-user towards payment security and government initiatives towards promoting the cashless mode of payments.



Moreover, recent technological innovations in the mobile commerce have enabled users to conduct digital transactions from their smartphones, such as purchasing goods and applications over wireless networks, redeeming coupons and tickets, banking, processing point-of-sale payments.



The demand for mobile payment security software solutions has increased owing to the growing usage of wireless networks among individual consumers. The augmented utilization of wireless networks in mobile devices for payment in retail stores has increased the need for mobile payment security software.



With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, the payment security market is expected to witness significant growth, owing to an increased usage of digital payment services. A report issued by the ACI in April 2020 shows that real-time payments were expected to surge amid the Covid-19 situation, with more than half a trillion transactions and a compound annual growth rate of 23% between 2019 and 2024.



Key Market Trends



Retail Sector to Witness High Growth

With the increasing usage of mobile payments in the retail industry primarily in the e-commerce sector is boosting the payment security market. The major economies such as the United States, China have witnessed a considerable rise in retail e-commerce sales which has now become a key area of concern for consumers and financial service providers due to the security of mobile banking and payments, which provides the mobile payment security software market scope to grow.

Retail e-commerce sales are rapidly increasing owing to a combination of government support, increased smartphone penetration, and applications usage, and the promise of better shopping experience is likely to boost the market growth forward.

Mobile technologies, powered by the complementary technologies of cloud, analytics, and social mobile payments are expected to grow further, which will drive the market further.

North America occupies the Largest Market Share

North America's strong financial position enables it to invest heavily in advanced solutions and technologies, which has provided the organizations in this region a competitive edge in the market.

Moreover, the region has the presence of several payment security vendors, such as CyberSource Corporation, Elavon Inc., Geobridge Corporation, and TNS Inc. among various others which is one of the factors driving the market in this region.

With the changing retail market and growing E-commerce sales in this region, it is the primary factor that is raising the demand for a fast payment solution, which, in turn, drives the need for the payment security market.

Moreover, with an average consumer using more than one card at a time and also online payments growing four times faster than retail payments, the credit card market is booming, hence, creating an opportunity for the payment security market.

Competitive Landscape



The payment security market is highly competitive owing to the presence of many players running their business in domestic as well as international locations. The market appears to be moderately concentrated and the key strategies adopted by the major players are technological innovations and mergers and acquisitions. Some of the major players in the market are CyberSource Corporation, Braintree Payment Solutions, LLC, Ingenico Group, Elavon Inc. among others.

April 2020 - Bluefin Payment Systems LLC partnered with Payway to provide Bluefin's PCI-validated Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) solution to clients utilizing the Payway platform. Payway offers a cloud-based SaaS payment solution designed to give organizations total transparency into their card-not-present transactions.

Reasons to Purchase this report:

The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format

3 months of analyst support

Key Topics Covered:



1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition

1.2 Scope of the Study



2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY



3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



4 MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Force Analysis

4.2.1 Threat of New Entrants

4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers

4.2.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.2.4 Threat of Substitute Products

4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis

4.4 Market Drivers

4.4.1 Growing Adoption of Digital Payment Modes

4.4.2 Increase in Fraudulent Activities in E-commerce

4.5 Market Restraints

4.5.1 Lack of Trust in Online Payment Modes

4.6 Impact of covid-19 on the industry



5 MARKET SEGMENTATION

5.1 Platform

5.1.1 Mobile Based

5.1.2 Mobile Based

5.1.3 Other Platforms

5.2 End-user Industry

5.2.1 Mobile Based

5.2.2 Retail

5.2.3 Healthcare

5.2.4 IT and Telecom

5.2.5 Travel and Hospitality

5.2.6 Other End-user Industry

5.3 Geography

5.3.1 North America

5.3.2 Europe

5.3.3 Asia-Pacific

5.3.4 Latin America

5.3.5 Middle-East and Africa



6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

6.1 Company Profiles

6.1.1 CyberSource Corporation (Visa Inc.)

6.1.2 Bluefin Payment Systems LLC

6.1.3 Braintree Payment Solutions LLC

6.1.4 Elavon Inc.

6.1.5 SecurionPay

6.1.6 Broadcom Inc.

6.1.7 Signified Inc.

6.1.8 TokenEx Inc.

6.1.9 TNS Inc.

6.1.10 Shift4 Corporation



7 INVESTMENT ANALYSIS



8 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xjxbt7

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced lock on Trump's account Thursday

Social network boss said president used platform to 'incite violent insurrection'

Zuckerberg said Trump will use his time left in office to 'undermine transition'

Twitter Wednesday night announced that Trump's account is locked for 12 hours

Trump was reportedly livid at being blocked from Twitter, and complained to aides that he could not send messages, sources told the Daily Beast

Twitter removed three of the president's tweets for the first time

YouTube and Facebook also removed the posts from their sites

Facebook and Instagram blocked Trump from accessing his pages for 24 hours

Snapchat on Wednesday morning blocked him indefinitely, before his video

On Thursday, streaming site Twitch announced they had suspended Trump

YouTube has also banned videos which 'advances false claims that widespread fraud changed the outcome of any past U.S. presidential election'

Facebook banned employees from discussing events on internal message board

President Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts will remain locked until at least January 20th amid fears that he will incite more violence, after his supporters stormed the US Capitol building in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.

In an extraordinary blog post, Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg accused Trump of using the platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government.

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The decision was announced by Zuckerberg on Thursday, and will likely put pressure on Twitter after Trumps favorite social media platform suspended him for 12 hours on Wednesday evening.

Zuckerberg said the president used his Facebook page 'to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building' and that allowing him to freely post in the final 13 days of his term would pose too great a risk.

The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden, Zuckerberg wrote.

The White House condemned Facebook's decision.

A spokesperson for the president told DailyMail.com: 'It is indisputable that nobody has been more successful at using digital media than President Trump to communicate directly with the American people, but its incredibly ironic, yet not surprising, that when the President spoke to the country at a critical time Big Tech chose to censor and block him from doing so.

'Big Tech is out of control. has sought comment from the White House.'

The Facebook decision came as Michelle Obama demanded social media firms ban Trump permanently, to stop his 'monstrous' behavior.

The former first lady said in a statement: 'Now is the time for Silicon Valley companies to stop enabling this monstrous behavior - and go even further than they have already by permanently banning this man from their platforms and putting in place policies to prevent their technology from being used by the nations leaders to fuel insurrection.

In September 2019, Trump posted a photo of him shaking hands with Zuckerberg during a meeting in the Oval Office. 'Nice meeting with Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook in the Oval Office today,' the president wrote at the time

Twitter suspended Trump's account for 12 hours on Wednesday and for the first time deleted his tweets after he praised the mob who stormed Congress and said he 'loved' them.

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His Twitter account is set to come back online on Thursday.

Trump was reportedly livid at being blocked from Twitter, and complained to aides that he could not send messages to his followers, sources told the Daily Beast.

He allegedly claimed his ban was an example of Big Tech firms trying to silence him.

In an extraordinary post, Zuckerberg accused Trump of using Facebook to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government

Four people died on Wednesday after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the barricades and breached the US Capitol building in Washington, DC, as a joint session of Congress convened to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory

Trump was told by Twitter that he could continue to use his personal Twitter account only if he deleted three controversial posts about the Capitol Hill violence.

Trump's social media blackout Multiple social media companies have announced that Trump's accounts have been suspended following the violence at the Capitol: Facebook - Account access suspended until at least January 20th Instagram - Owned by Facebook. Account access suspended until at least January 20th Twitter - Trump's access to @realdonaldtrump account for 12 hours on Wednesday and deleted three incendiary tweets. YouTube - Video posted by Trump after the violence removed. Site-wide ban on videos which promote election fraud conspiracies Snapchat - Trump's account disabled 'indefinitely' Twitch - Trump's account disabled 'indefinitely'

The president reportedly complied and will thus regain use of his account, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Snapchat blocked Trump on Wednesday morning, before he filmed the video. The platform said their locking of his account was indefinite.

On Thursday, streaming site Twitch announced they had indefinitely suspended the president's account.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Twitter seeking comment on whether it intends to follow Facebooks lead.

It also emerged Thursday that YouTube, which is owned by Google, has banned all videos containing 'Content that advances false claims that widespread fraud, errors, or glitches changed the outcome of any past U.S. presidential election'.

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In the 13 days left in his presidency, Trump will not be able to communicate to his more than 35.2 million followers on Facebook.

The president will also be blocked from his 24.6 million followers on Instagram, a Facebook-owned property.

His decision to use his platform to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building has rightly disturbed people in the US and around the world, the statement by Zuckerberg read.

We removed these statements yesterday because we judged that their effect - and likely their intent - would be to provoke further violence.

Following the certification of the election results by Congress, the priority for the whole country must now be to ensure that the remaining 13 days and the days after inauguration pass peacefully and in accordance with established democratic norms.

Over the last several years, we have allowed President Trump to use our platform consistent with our own rules, at times removing content or labeling his posts when they violate our policies.

Click here to resize this module

In the 13 days left in his presidency, Trump will not be able to communicate to his more than 35.2 million followers on Facebook

We did this because we believe that the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech.

But the current context is now fundamentally different, involving use of our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government.

Zuckerberg concluded: We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great.

Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete.

Zuckerberg's relationship with Trump has seen its ups and downs.

The Facebook chief has been fiercely criticized by both his own employees as well as wide swaths of the public for not cracking down harder on the president's most controversial posts.

In a statement posted to her social media accounts, Michelle Obama also slammed the lenient police response to the mob, arguing that it was a far cry from law enforcement's crackdown on Black Lives Matter protesters this past summer

Now is the time for Silicon Valley companies to stop enabling this monstrous behavior - and go even further than they have already by permanently banning this man from their platforms and putting in place policies to prevent their technology from being used by the nations leaders to fuel insurrection.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg

President Trump

In September 2019, Trump posted a photo of him shaking hands with Zuckerberg during a meeting in the Oval Office.

'Nice meeting with Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook in the Oval Office today,' the president wrote at the time.

Zuckerberg and Trump had dinner at the White House in the fall of 2019. The two men were joined by billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel.

Thiel, one of Trump's earliest supporters, was also one of Facebook's initial investors. He remains a member of the company's board of directors.

Zuckerberg met with Trump and other Republican lawmakers as well as prominent conservative commentators in recent years in an effort to ease censorship concerns.

Critics of Facebook have accused Zuckerberg of currying favor with Trump in order to head off any possible regulatory action by the federal government as it relates to the company's business practices.

Facebook and other tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple have been accused by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as well as consumer advocates of wielding too much power.

Last month, the Trump administration and 48 states and districts sued Facebook, accusing it of abusing its market power in social networking to crush smaller competitors.

The FTC fined Facebook $5billion in 2019 for privacy violations and instituted new oversight and restrictions on its business.

The fine was the largest the agency has ever levied on a tech company, although it had no visible impact on Facebooks business.

Facebook is the worlds biggest social network with 2.7 billion users and a company with a market value of nearly $800billion whose CEO, Zuckerberg, is the worlds fifth-richest individual and the most public face of Big Tech swagger.

The actions by Zuckerberg's company as well as other social media platforms in limiting Trump for the final 13 days of his presidency is likely to once again fuel suspicions of an anti-conservative bias among the large tech firms.

Trump's social media posts and videos in the aftermath of the violence at the US Capitol on Wednesday were slammed for their apparent mixed messaging as the president declined to condemn the mob that breached the congressional campus.

One of the deleted tweets read: 'These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!'

Donald Trump finally addressed his mob of supporters in a video Wednesday where he continued to claim the 'election was stolen'

In the deleted video, he poured more fuel on the fire, claiming the election was 'stolen' and telling the rioters that he 'loved' them.

Facebook also barred its employees from discussing the Capitol Hill rioting on internal message boards, where tech company workers were demanding the president be permanently banned from the site.

In his video, Trump told rioting supporters: 'I know your pain. I know you're hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us.

'It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it, especially the other side, but you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order. We don't want anybody hurt.'

Trump said it was 'a very tough period of time,' and emphasized his own personal loss.

'There's never been a time like this where such a thing happened, where they could take it away from all of us, from me, from you, from our country.

'This was a fraudulent election, but we can't play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home.

'We love you. You're very special. You've seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home at peace.'

In a shocking tweet, Donald Trump sent mixed messaged Wednesday regarding the anarchy in Washington, saying 'Remember this day forever!' and calling the rioters 'great patriots'

In the third tweet deleted by Twitter, Trump attacked Mike Pence for lacking 'courage'

The third deleted tweet, posted several hours before the others, attacked Mike Pence for failing to stop the certification of Joe Biden's win.

'Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify,' he tweeted.

'USA demands the truth!'

The video and tweets were removed on Wednesday night.

Twitter showed an image saying: 'This tweet is no longer available', and linked back to their page explaining their rational for blocking or putting warnings on tweets.

Police deployed tear gas at protesters who refused to step away from barriers outside the White House

Twitter said it had removed the tweets for violating their 'Civic Integrity policy'.

'As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy,' the social media company said.

'This means that the account of @realDonaldTrump will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets. If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked.'

Trump on Wednesday fumed to his aides that he was being silenced by Twitter due to the platform's alleged anti-conservative bias.

Insiders told The Daily Beast that Trump was angry he wasn't able to post tweets during his 12-hour suspension from Twitter.

The president also accused Twitter of covering up the 'crime' that resulted in his losing the election to President-elect Joe Biden.

Trump reportedly rejects claims that he incited the mob to storm the Capitol. He also lashed out at Republicans for abandoning him during his unsuccessful attempt to undo the results of the election.

The president has also instructed aides to look into allegations that the ransacking of the US Capitol building was a 'false flag' operation carried out by Antifa, though there is no indication this is true.

A Facebook spokesman said: 'We've assessed two policy violations against President Trump's Page which will result in a 24-hour feature block, meaning he will lose the ability to post on the platform during that time.'

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, said: 'We are locking President Trump's Instagram account for 24 hours as well.'

Andy Stone, another Facebook spokesman, earlier told CNN Business: 'The violent protests in the Capitol today are a disgrace.'

He added: 'We prohibit incitement and calls for violence on our platform. We are actively reviewing and removing any content that breaks these rules.'

Farshad Shadloo, YouTube spokesperson, said in an email to Insider: 'We removed a video posted this afternoon to Donald Trump's channel that violated our policies regarding content that alleges widespread fraud or errors changed the outcome of the 2020 U.S.

'We do allow copies of this video if uploaded with additional context and sufficient educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic (EDSA) value.'

And Rachel Racusen told The Information that Trump's Snapchat account was also locked.

'We can confirm that earlier today we locked President Trump's Snapchat account,' she said in a statement.

Paramedics and protesters work together to transport a wounded man on a barrier near the Capitol

The mostly maskless crowd flooded the halls of the Capitol with little resistance from Capitol Police

A protester walks through Congress carrying Nancy Pelosi's lectern after storming the Capitol

The DC National Guard was deployed to the streets to help enforce a 6pm curfew

He will not be able to share new content until Snap decides to lift the restriction, she said, noting that his account was locked on Wednesday before he posted the video about the 'stolen' election.

A statement for Twitch said: 'In light of yesterdays shocking attack on the Capitol, we have disabled President Trumps Twitch channel.

'Given the current extraordinary circumstances and the Presidents incendiary rhetoric, we believe this is a necessary step to protect our community and prevent Twitch from being used to incite further violence.'

Twitch had previously banned Trump's channel for two weeks back in June for airing 'hateful conduct'.

Twitter, Facebook and YouTube have previously labeled content posted by the president with warnings over the last year, in particular his claims about election fraud and COVID-19.

Throughout the 2020 presidential election, the platforms placed labels on dozens of Trump's tweets that made false or misleading claims about voter fraud.

However, this appears to be the first time Twitter flagged a tweet as posing 'a risk of violence.'

Amid the violence, Facebook employees were surprised to see that the company froze at least three chat threads on the internal Workplace messaging network, according to BuzzFeed News.

Some of the employees at the Menlo Park, California-based social network expressed anger at Trump for the violence and discussed the next steps that the company needs to take, including removal of his account.

Donald Trump has directly incited a terror attack on Capitol Hill, one Facebook employee wrote in a chat that was later frozen.

We need to take down his account right now. This is not a moment for half measures.

The employees received no explanation as to why the chat threads were frozen. DailyMail.com has reached out to Facebook for comment.

The internal discontent at Facebook reflects wider outrage at the tech giant as well as its competitors who are being urged to impose a total ban on Trump.

During the Trump presidency, Facebook employees have complained about what they perceived as CEO Mark Zuckerberg's hands-off approach.

In June, employees were outraged over Zuckerberg's refusal to remove a post in which the president spoke of 'looting and shooting' during the protesting that erupted in the wake of the police-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

On May 29, as riots engulfed Minneapolis and unrest spread to other parts of the country, the president took to social media and wrote: I cant stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis. A total lack of leadership.

Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right.

These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I wont let that happen.

'Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way.

Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts.

Twitter has banned the president from its platform for 12 hours

Facebook has banned Trump for 24 hours

Instagram, owned by Facebook, followed suit

Thank you!

Trumps tweet was slapped with a disclaimer by Twitter, which flagged the president for violating the companys rules about glorifying violence.

The phrase when the looting starts, the shooting starts was made famous by Walter Headley, Miamis chief of police who was known to be a racist and who used it when describing attempts to put down race riots in the late 1960s.

Trump told reporters that he was unaware of the racially charged history of the phrase.

In trying to clarify, the president later tweeted: Looting leads to shooting, and thats why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night - or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot.

I dont want this to happen, and thats what the expression put out last night means....

It was spoken as a fact, not as a statement.

Its very simple, nobody should have any problem with this other than the haters, and those looking to cause trouble on social media.

Honor the memory of George Floyd!

Unlike Facebook, Twitter also put a disclaimer on another tweet by Trump - this one about his claim that vote-by-mail initiatives are susceptible to voter fraud.

In response, Trump signed an executive order which threatens to remove legal protections that prevent social media companies from being sued over content posted by third parties.

Several Facebook employees resigned in protest over the decision not to remove the 'looting and shooting' post, and internal emails showed that most voted in a poll to demand that the company no longer allow unfettered free speech on its platform.

In a virtual town hall with employees, Zuckerberg defended the decision not to take down the post.

He said that he didnt think that the post read as a dog whistle for vigilante supporters to take justice into their own hands.

The CEO said it was decided to leave up the post because people need to know if the government is planning to deploy force.

During the hyper-partisan Trump era, Facebook has come under fire from both liberals, who blame the social network for helping the president win election in 2016, and conservatives.

Liberals argue that Facebook allows the spread of disinformation that foments unrest and violence while conservatives have accused the platform of censoring their views.

Snapchat on Wednesday morning barred the president indefinitely from its site

One woman died on Wednesday when a mob of angry Trump supporters breached the Capitol and entered the House and Senate chambers.

The Senate was evacuated at 2.30pm.

There are more than 2,000 Capitol Police officers with special jurisdiction on Capitol Grounds. But they were overrun as protesters smashed through a window and penetrated the building.

Capitol Police were seen absorbing violent lunges by Trump supporters on the first floor of the Capitol building.

Police from neighboring Montgomery County, Maryland were also rushed to the Capitol vicinity, CNN reported.

Muriel Bowser, mayor of Washington DC, had already mobilized National Guard troops in advance of the pro-Trump rally billed as a 'stop the steal event'  although it coincided with the effort proscribed in law for Congress to count the votes of the Electoral College.

The entire D.C. National Guard was to be activated within hours, the Washington Post reported, after Bowser asked on duty guard to be sent to the Capitol.

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Bowser also imposed a 6 pm curfew for Washington.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said President Donald Trump should absolutely be removed from power after a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday in a riot that led to four deaths.

Walsh urged Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials to act immediately in invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from power instead of resigning, as some cabinet members have already done amid the fallout.

There should be a process right now. They should be moving forward, Walsh said during a press conference Thursday morning. He encouraged people to commit violence, violent acts. They didnt go in there to make a statement, they went in there to hurt people.

In response to the violence, several demonstrations broke out in Boston calling for an end to far-right extremism and the removal of Trump from office. Massachusetts State Police said Wednesday afternoon they are keeping a lookout for any planned demonstrations across the state. Walsh said police in Boston are not aware of any threats to the city.

After Trump tweeted a message that appeared to justify violence that took place at the Capitol building, Twitter locked the Republican presidents account for 12 hours. Right before rioters infiltrated the building, Trump had riled up his supporters, repeating baseless claims of election fraud, who then moved to disrupt Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes in favor of President-elect Joe Biden.

These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long, he wrote in a tweet in the aftermath of the violence.

Facebook also lengthened President Donald Trumps social media suspension on both Facebook and Instagram for at least two weeks, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on Thursday.

His decision to use his platform to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building has rightly disturbed people in the US and around the world, Zuckerberg wrote on Facebook.

Related Content:
(CNN)  This is shaping up to be a good year for Beijing.

As the rest of the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, China -- where infections have been minimal for months now -- is pressing on ahead, reviving its economy and pursuing long-held geopolitical goals.

One thing that has enabled the latter is the ongoing chaos of the United States presidential transition. While the long delay between the election and the inauguration always creates a degree of confusion over policy and potential for disorder, the angry refusal of President Donald Trump and other Republicans to accept the results has exacerbated this no end.

This was exemplified Wednesday night, as protesters stormed the US Capitol, while lawmakers sheltered and were briefly evacuated. With talk of an "attempted coup" and "terrorism" now dominating conversation, it's unlikely that many in Washington will be paying much attention to actions beyond America's borders.

In recent days, Beijing has struck a major investment agreement with the European Union, one that potentially undermines Washington's ability to take on China, and launched a major crackdown in Hong Kong, with dozens of activists and lawmakers arrested in a purge that threatens to wipe out the city's democratic opposition.

Biden's team has criticized both, though he still has two weeks until he is in office, while Trump has been focused on fighting his election loss. His secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, did however release a statement late Wednesday threatening sanctions over the Hong Kong arrests.

Both recent actions by Beijing were symbolic of a China that is both emboldened by its relative strength compared to the rest of the world right now, and keen to take advantage of the current chaos in Washington -- one of President-elect Joe Biden's top advisers had urged Brussels to wait before striking a trade deal, only to see Beijing offer concessions to get it secured sooner.

While the US may not have been able to stop either development even in the best of times, that a superpower has been seemingly outmaneuvered will delight many of Washington's critics in Beijing and elsewhere, who have always felt the US throws its weight around too much internationally.

After veering between criticism and embrace of Beijing for much of his term, Trump took a hard line against China in his last year in office, with his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, pushing sanctions and other action against Beijing in Washington, while attempting to rally an anti-China coalition around the world.

That attempt has been less than successful, however, with only a handful of countries, notably Australia, eager to jump on board -- a decision that Canberra may now be ruing as it deals with major blowback from Beijing.

China's leaders claim that unlike Washington, they do not interfere in the internal matters of other states, and only seek "win-win cooperation." This is not true, and Beijing wields its influence much like any superpower, from the Belt and Road mega infrastructure initiative, to attempting to shape politics in Australia, Taiwan, and countries across Asia and the rest of the world. Yet the posture of non-interference is nevertheless persuasive to many observers.

This influence has grown as China has emerged as the world's second superpower, and been accelerated by political chaos and division in Washington, as well as the failure of the US to respond effectively to the coronavirus.

That China is preparing to roll out its own homegrown vaccine, with promises to export hundreds of millions of doses overseas -- including throughout the developing world -- only serves to underscore this apparent shift.

Both Washington and Beijing tend to hold up the US system as the be all and end all of democracy, despite its many flaws and the fact that the majority of democratic countries do not resemble the US in the way they run their governments. As the US model has begun to show cracks under Trump, this has benefited China's propagandists, who can use it to argue for the validity of their own authoritarian system of governance.

The violence seen in Washington on Wednesday will likely feed neatly into this narrative. On Wednesday evening, the Global Times, an ultra-nationalist state-run tabloid, ran the headline "Chinese netizens jeer riot in US Capitol as 'Karma,' say bubbles of 'democracy and freedom' have burst."

The report, which summarized highly selective reactions to Wednesday's events on Chinese social media, appeared to revel in what it termed US "double standards."

"This is the first political coup to happen in the American continent without the involvement of US embassies," read one mocking quote in the article.

Other, more prosaic state media reports compared the storming of the Capitol and 2019 anti-government protests in Hong Kong, taunting Democratic leaders like Nancy Pelosi who spoke out on behalf of the city about whether they would do the same for the pro-Trump rioters.

But such comparisons are facile, given that protesters in Hong Kong were fighting for greater democracy -- and Pelosi praised peaceful demonstrations, not the more violent ones that followed -- while those in Washington Wednesday were seeking to overturn the results of an election.

The Hong Kong protests also provided the pretense for Beijing's ongoing crackdown in the city, that Washington, for all its outrage, posturing and even sanctions, has proved powerless to stop.

Bringing China's most obstreperous territory to heel has been a longtime goal of Beijing's, but one that was made easier by a weakened US, less influential and forceful on the world stage and less able to rally its allies, for all Trump and Pence's talk of building an anti-China front.

This year marks the centennial of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party, an anniversary Beijing has already promised to celebrate by achieving a "moderately prosperous" society, something which appears in sight after the country wiped out what it terms absolute poverty last year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping may now feel that he is in a position to achieve international objectives too, such as redoubling Beijing's control over the South China Sea, or forcing a showdown over the democratic island of Taiwan.

In the election campaign, Biden matched Trump for tough-on-China rhetoric, but will likely be hoping for a relative reset in relations with Beijing once he takes office, enabling the US to compete with China from a position of strength going forward.

But with two weeks left until Biden takes office, it remains to be seen if the chaos in Washington will enable Beijing to pursue other long-sought goals.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "China is thriving in the chaos of the US presidential transition."
Ridgefield native Caroline Treschitta watched TV news from her apartment in Washington D.C. Wednesday, just a couple of miles from the U.S. Capitol, feeling a mixture of stress, fear and anger.

Its just really wild to see these places on TV that are so close to me and that Ive walked through before, that Ive protested at before or even worked before, said Treschitta, who moved to D.C. to attend American University five years ago. Just to see the sheer number of police and the violence and what feels like so little being done in response  its a lot to take in.

Protests in Washington over election results and Congress move to certify Joe Biden as the next president resulted in some people storming the Capitol building, even entering the Senate chamber and offices of elected officials. Members of Congress were forced to hide as the group attempted to prevent action from being taken on the future of the presidency.

This is unreal, tweeted U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, who represents the states 5th District, retweeting a video of protesters attempting to force their way past Capitol police. The scene outside the [Capitol] as the Electoral College votes are being certified. [Building] evacuations, suspicious packages, streets blocked this is not partisan  it is disgraceful.

Jim Shannon / Associated Press

Danny Hayes, the director of Veterans Affairs for Danbury, said he was invited by people he knows to attend the protests in Washington, but declined.

They have been talking about this for weeks, so I am not in shock they went there, but I am very disappointed (at what happened), he said. Guys I know invited me to this and I said, Are you nuts? That will get out of hand. And it did.

Hearst Connecticut Media file photo

This is not the way to make your point, he added.

Treschitta, who protested in support of the Black Lives Matter movement over the summer, noted a double standard between how police treated Black and brown protesters then and those who stormed the Capitol.

Hearst Connecticut Media file photo

Its angering to see so many of my friends get hurt over the summer, said Treschitta, who said she plans to stay at her apartment with her roommate. It feels like we knew this was going to be a violent protest and not enough precautions were taken.

Those comments were echoed by Glenda Armstrong, the president of the NAACP Danbury chapter.

People who are mainly non-minorities are storming the Capitol and its a different standard, she said Wednesday afternoon, calling the behavior anti-American and adding that people need to denounce the actions.

Contributed

Armstrong pointed to the rhetoric and encouragement from President Donald Trump as a cause for the storming.

This is not who we are as a country ... this shakes the very foundation of who we are, she said.

Flawed security

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, who represents the states 4th District, was in the House chamber while there was a standoff with protesters and police. Himes tweeted during the incident, with updates about security measures being taken, including the use of gas masks. In an interview with CNN, Himes was critical of the lack of security preventing people from gaining access to the building.

Weve got a lot to learn from what happened today, he said.

State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan, D-Bethel, spent the late afternoon contacting his friends at the U.S. Capitol, where he used to work.

Everyone is OK, he said around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.Theyre barricaded in offices.

Contributed photo

On TV news, he saw Trump supporters breaking glass and scaling the walls of the halls he used to walk down and reflected on what despots in other countries must be thinking as they watched.

This goes beyond party, Allie-Brennan said. This isnt right wing or left wing. This is anti-American.

Allie-Brennan said he was nervous about the protests at the state Capitol on Wednesday when the legislative session opened. The fact that they stayed peaceful was a testament to Connecticuts character, he said.

But he has received angry messages from people who oppose wearing masks during the pandemic. After he voted in favor of the police reform bill, someone banged on his door late at night, he said.

H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media

I represent a district thats split, Allie-Brennan said. Ive seen the divide get bigger and bigger as we get closer to November. Theres been more tension, angry people.

Cant believe this is happening

Eric Paradis, the chairman of the Newtown Democratic Party, said he was stunned, but not shocked, Wednesday as he watched the events unfolding.

Part of me is saying, I cant believe this is happening and the other part of me is saying, Trump has been saying this is what was going to happen for four years, Paradis said. Never in my life did I think I would see insurrection in the United States.

Andrea Gartner, chairwoman of the Democratic Town Committee in Danbury, thought of her parents, who grew up in Germany during World War II.

I always felt something like this isnt out of the realm of possibility, but I also didnt think it was within the realm of possibility, she said.

H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo

The country is at a point where history is turning, Gartner said.

Thats the scary part, which way it turns she said. I still have faith in our American institutions, and Ill stay up as late as it needs to be to see that the Electoral College votes get counted and certified and we can move on from this.

Po Murray, chair of the nonprofit, gun-violence prevention group, Newtown Action Alliance, said Trump has been encouraging violence in this country for many years now, adding that the NAA has supported efforts to stop armed intimidation.

It is a very sad day in our nation, Murray said.

H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media

Staff writers Shayla Colon and Tatiana Flowers contributed to this report.
Angry Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power. Follow along below for the latest news and analysis in our live blog.

Latest updates from today:

3:55 a.m. President Donald Trump now says there will be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory and after a day of violence when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Trump says in a statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

He adds: I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

Trumps account is currently locked by Twitter.

Trump has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.

-- Associated Press

3:41 a.m. Congress has formally validated Joe Bidens presidential election victory on a day that saw a time-honored ceremony become a nightmare of unprecedented political terror.

The House and Senate certified the Democrats electoral college win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police.

The rampage began shortly after President Donald Trump repeated his unfounded claims of election fraud to thousands of rallying demonstrators hed invited to Washington. Many then surged to the Capitol after he incited them to go there as lawmakers debated the electoral votes.

More than six hours after the violence erupted, lawmakers resumed their session.

Thirteen Republican senators and dozens of GOP representatives had planned to force debate and votes on perhaps six different states votes.

The assault on the Capitol made some Republicans squeamish about trying to overturn Bidens win, and challenges were lodged only against Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both efforts lost overwhelmingly.

Biden defeated Trump by 306-232 electoral votes and will be inaugurated Jan. 20.

-- Associated Press

2:25 a.m. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is defending his objection to the Electoral College results as the right thing to do.

The Texas senator condemned the violence that erupted as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an extraordinary attack over the election outcome.

Cruz led the first challenge to Joe Bidens defeat of President Donald Trump by objecting to Arizonas results. He sought to have Congress launch a commission to investigate the election. His effort was roundly defeated in the House and Senate.

Cruz said he was confident the country will have a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Biden is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20.

-- Associated Press

2 a.m. The House has joined the Senate in turning aside Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Lawmakers in the House voted 282-138 against the objection as the counting of Electoral College votes continued into the early hours of Thursday morning. The Senate shut down the same objection 92-7 just after midnight, and unlike the House, declined to debate before voting.

After a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

-- Associated Press

1:20 a.m. A small group of House lawmakers came close to physically fighting early Thursday morning as the congressional count of electoral votes stretched into the wee hours and a Pennsylvania Democrat charged that Republicans had been telling lies about his states votes.

Rep. Morgan Griffiths, R-Va., objected after Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said a breach of the Capitol by an angry mob earlier in the day was inspired by lies, the same lies you are hearing in this room tonight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shot down the objection, but a few minutes later Republicans and Democrats streamed to the middle aisle, with around a dozen lawmakers getting close to each other and arguing. But the group quickly broke up when Pelosi called for order on the floor.

President Donald Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in Pennsylvania and other states and Republicans have echoed those claims as they have challenged electoral votes.

-- Associated Press

11:40 a.m. The Senate has quickly knocked down Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral votes for President-elect Joe Biden.

Senators voted 92-7 after midnight Thursday morning to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he believed no other states votes would be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

-- Associated Press

11:15 p.m. Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have objected to the counting of Pennsylvanias electoral votes, triggering up to two hours of debate in the House and Senate.

The objections come 11 hours after the congressional count to confirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential victory began, and after lawmakers had to evacuate both chambers for several hours to escape a mob that had violently breached the Capitol.

Hawley said last week that he would object to Pennsylvanias electoral votes, saying Congress should investigate voter fraud. President Donald Trump has falsely said since his defeat that there was widespread fraud in the election.

Biden won Pennsylvania by just over 80,000 votes. Since the Nov. 3 election, Trump and his allies filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging Bidens win on various grounds, including that many or all of the states mail-in ballots were illegal.

The lawsuits failed as judge after judge found no violation of state law or constitutional rights, or no grounds to grant an immediate halt to certifying the election.

-- Associated Press

10:25 p.m. The U.S. House of Representatives joined the Senate in rejecting an attempt to overturn Joe Biden's win in Arizona with a vote of 303 to 121.

10:15 p.m. D.C. Police said four people died as Trump supporters occupied the U.S. Capitol, including the woman shot by police and three people in medical emergencies, the Associated Press reports.

10 p.m. Rev. Albert Mohler, the longtime president of the Southern Baptist Conventions flagship seminary in Louisville, Ky., spoke to the Chronicle's Robert Downen on Wednesday evening about the violence and chaos that broke out in the nations Capitol earlier in the day.

His decision late last year to support Trumps re-election set off a firestorm as the SBC, the second-nations largest faith group, continued to grapple with race issues and, before that, its longstanding relationship with conservative politicians.

Since then, Mohler has spoken out against Trump several times, namely as the outgoing president continued his false claims of widespread voter fraud.

Read more.

9:21 p.m. Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., the Associated Press reports.

They were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m., officials said.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

9:09 p.m. The U.S. Senate voted against the objection to Arizona's electoral vote, with 6 "yea" votes and 93 "nay."

9:04 p.m. A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter, the Associated Press reports.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, later deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!

8:58 p.m. Shortly before a group of President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, disrupting a congressional debate on the 2020 Electoral College results, Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawleys campaign sent a fundraising email promoting his planned objection to Pennsylvanias votes, the Kansas City Star reports.

Hawley, a first-term Republican and potential candidate for president in 2024, was the first senator to announce his plan to object to the electors of one of the states won by President-elect Joe Biden.

His move last week spurred more Republicans to join the effort, even though Biden won 51% of the popular vote and 306 electoral votes, above the required threshold of 270.

8:41 p.m. Several of President Donald Trump's top aides -- including national security adviser Robert O'Brien -- are considering resigning in the wake of his response to a pro-Trump mob breaching the US Capitol, multiple sources familiar with their thinking told CNN.

O'Brien, deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger and deputy chief of staff Chris Liddell are all considering resigning, according to the sources. Pottinger's resignation appears to be imminent, while others could sleep on it.

8:30 p.m. U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-UT, called on Congress to affirm the legitimacy of the presidential election.

"No congressional audit is ever going to convince these voters, particularly when the president continues to say this election was stolen," Romney said. "The best way we can show respect to the voters who support him is by telling them the truth."

8:20 p.m. CNN reports that a growing number of Republican leaders believe Donald Trump should be removed from office before January 20. Four of them called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked, and two others said the President should be impeached, the network reported.

8:14 p.m. Facebook will block posts from President Donald Trump's page for 24 hours because of two policy violations, the company announced.

8:12 p.m. Ryan Patrick, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, declared the violence the Capitol "despicable and illegal."

"Storming a government building is not a protest, its anarchy," he said in a statement. "Arrest them, charge them, and incarcerate them.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg also decried the "treasonous actions by domestic terrorists" at the Capitol.

She called the riots "sedition."

"We cant have a double standard in the way the law is applied; everyone who committed violence today should held accountable," she said.

7:48 p.m. Recently defeated Sen. Kelly Loeffler says she intended to object to the electoral votes when she arrived this morning, but "the events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider, and I cannot now in good conscience object to the certification of these electors," reports Daniel Dale of CNN.

"Too many Americans are frustrated (with) what they see as an unfair system," she said, per Dale. "Nevertheless, there is no excuse for the events that took place in these chambers today, and I pray that America never suffers such a dark day again."

7:46 p.m. At least 15 people were arrested today in D.C., including at least one person from Texas, according to NBC News.

Multiple people were charged with assault and four people were accused of possession of a gun and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

The people arrested were also from Colorado, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and North Carolina.

Now Playing: Video: Associated Press

7:39 p.m. Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation, the Associated Press reports.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

- Associated Press

7:14 p.m. Vice President Mike Pence and other lawmakers issued brief remarks Wednesday as they reconvened to count Electoral College votes.

"May God bless the lost, the injured and the heroes forged on this day," Pence said. "May God bless all those who serve here and those who protect this place. And may God bless the United States of America. Let's get back to work."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also spoke: "We will certify the winner of the 2020 presidential election. Criminal behavior will never dominate the United States Congress."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said: "This will be a stain on our country not so easily washed away, the final, terrible, indelible legacy of the 45th president of the United States, undoubtedly the worst."

6:57 p.m. Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is blaming President Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection at the Capitol, the New York Times reports.

Romney, the GOPs 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of Trumps, said the violent breach of the Capitol on Wednesday was due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months."

The Utah senator said those who continue to support Trumps dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy."

6:50 p.m. Ted Cruz and other Republicans -- including 10 other senators and a dozen congressman from Texas who supported Cruzs effort to cast doubt on the presidential election  are facing backlash for escalating the post-election strife that preceded Wednesdays eruption at the Capitol, Benjamin Wermund writes.

This is what youve gotten, guys, U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, yelled as the mayhem unfolded in the Senate chamber, the New York Times reported.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat, tweeted that Cruz should resign from the United States Senate immediately.

Texans should hold Sen. Ted Cruz accountable for this fiasco, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said.

6:34 p.m. U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia was yanked out of a Capitol bathroom by security and hurried into the House chamber just before it locked down as a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the building on Wednesday, Benjamin Wermund writes.

They literally pulled me out of the bathroom and shoved me to the floor and said, Were locking everyone in, you have to stay on the floor, the Houston Democrat said.

Garcia said police then told those in the House there was tear gas in the Capitol and to get out their gas masks. Read more.

6:22 p.m. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said via Twitter that the riot at the Capitol "appears to be a failure of planning & operational execution."

"We must examine what went wrong & seek lessons on how to prevent a recurrence of this unprecedented day. (Major Cities Chiefs Association) will work closely with our partners to this end."

6:11 p.m. Twitter has removed three of President Donald Trump's tweets "as a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C."

The tweeted contained "repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy," according to the company.

Additionally, Trump's account will be locked for 12 hours. If the tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked, the company said.

6:01 p.m. U.S. Rep Michael McCaul, who represents Texas Congressional District 10, which includes portions of west Harris County, spoke to the Houston Chronicle from inside his barricaded office in the Capitol.

He recounted his ordeal and lamented the attack upon both the Capitol building and American democracy.

Its disgraceful, McCaul said. One of our finest institutions, and really the building that represents our democracy, is under attack.

McCaul recalled the events leading up to the riot -- which he compared to the British invasion of 1812 -- and described the events. Before the turmoil began, the tension was high outside the Capitol, he recalled.

Id seen this group gathering in the morning, and I was very worried that something like this was going to happen because you have a lot of hostile people outside the Capitol," he said.

- Catherine Dominguez

5:37 p.m. Local legislative leaders were quiet on the events unfolding at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday as angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the capitol in a chaotic protest to stop the transfer of power from president-elect Joe Biden, forcing lawmakers to evacuate the building.

U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, made a single comment on Twitter around 3:30 p.m. after speaking with protesters at the National Mall and taking a stand against the violence.

They are protesting peacefully on the Natl Mall & supporting law enforcement while making their voices known, he tweeted. THATs how you do it in America. The violence must end.

- Catherine Dominguez

5:35 p.m. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said lawmakers will proceed with counting Electoral College votes when pro-Trump rioters leave the Capitol, according to a statement.

"We always knew this responsibility would take us into the night. The night may still be long but we are hopeful for a shorter agenda, but our purpose will be accomplished," she said.

5:33 p.m. Washington State Patrol said it is responding to "protestors who have entered the grounds of the Governors Mansion," according to NBC News.

"The Governor and his family are in a safe location," the agency said.

5:26 p.m. The sergeant-at-arms at the U.S. Capitol announced that the building has been secured around 4:40 p.m ., though it remained unclear when lawmakers would be able to return, the New York Times reported.

A 6 p.m. curfew is currently in place in Washington D.C.

5:24 p.m. As the unprecedented riots unfolded at the U.S. Capitol, the nation's television stations all tuned in to the mass chaos and violence. And millions of Americans working and learning at home during the pandemic pivoted their attention to the scene. Children included.

Parents "should strive to protect their children from viewing the chaos," the Baylor College of Medicine recommended in a news release sent out Wednesday afternoon, as elected officials took to Twitter to condemn the mob's actions.

And Dr. Laurel Williams, associate professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine, offered up specific tips here.

- Maggie Gordon

5:16 p.m. Former President George W. Bush issued a statement condemning the violence caused by pro-Trump rioters at the Capitol.

"Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our Nations government in disbelief and dismay ... This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic  not our democratic republic."

He continued: "I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement."

5:08 p.m. Of the ongoing riots at the U.S. Capitol, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said: "The travesty at the Capitol today was despicable violence against officials trying to do their duty. This is homegrown terrorism."

4:58 p.m. At least 13 people were arrested amid the siege of the US Capitol by Pro-Trump rioters, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee said Wednesday, according to CNN.

We were looking at just above, just above 13 arrests, I should add very important note here that none of the arrest that occurred, were of DC residents, all the individuals who were arrested. All were from out of, out of the area, he said.

4:54 p.m. The woman shot earlier Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol has died, officials told the Associated Press.

Further details about the shooting, which occurred during ongoing riots, have not been released.

4:47 p.m. The Texas GOP said it removed Sergeant at Arms Walter West over his Facebook post apparently endorsing the ongoing violence at the U.S. Capitol.

"The Republican Party of Texas in now way endorses Walter West's statement about the lawlessness occurring at the Capitol building," the party announced.

The statement went on to condemn the riots. "The Texas GOP has always been on the side of law and order and will remain so."

4:40 p.m. A photo taken by Reuters captured "an explosion caused by a police munition" where supporters of President Donald Trump rioted in front of the U.S. Capitol building.

4:27 p.m. Former Fort Bend County Sheriff and newly elected U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, said he was "trying to negotiate with protesters" while standing in the barricaded House floor at the U.S. Capitol, he said in a text to the Houston Chronicle.

He was pictured wearing a blue shirt, standing with Capitol police, while rioters peered into the chamber.

"What Im witnessing is a disgrace. Were better than this. Violence is NEVER the answer," he said in a tweet.

- Nicole Hensley

4:18 p.m. The Texas Department of Public Safety on Wednesday closed the state Capitol and surrounding grounds "out of an abundance of caution" after a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, the Texas Tribune reported.

The Capitol and Capitol Complex are closed to the public effective immediately, the agency said in a statement attributed to Freeman Martin, the agencys deputy director of homeland security operations.

4:13 p.m. Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher C. Miller said he has fully activated the D.C. National Guard to assist federal and local law enforcement "as they work to peacefully address the situation," he said.

"We are prepared to provide additional support as necessary and appropriate as requested by local authorities," he said. "Our people are sworn to defend the constitution and our democratic form of government and they will act accordingly."

4:05 p.m. U.S. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, issued a statement Wednesday saying he will not object to the electors submitted by the states in the presidential election.

I took an oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Article II of the Constitution expressly grants States the authority to establish the procedures for selecting their presidential electors  not Congress. Under the 12th Amendment, the constitutional role of Congress is to count the votes as cast by those State electors," he said.

If Congress chooses to ignore or second-guess the electoral votes cast by the States, it will set a dangerous precedent that could call into question the very institution of our democracy.



Therefore, I will not object to the certified slates of electors submitted by the States.

4 p.m. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also chimed on the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

"The situation at our nation's #CapitolBuilding is unacceptable and order must be restored," he said in a tweet. "We have no reports of disorder here in Harris County and we will continue monitoring the situational locally."

3:57 p.m.At least one explosive device was found near the U.S. Capitol amid the ongoing unrest.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

That's according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

- Associated Press

3:49 p.m. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, told Tony Plohetski of the Austin-American Statesman that he is still barricaded in his office.

He described a "coup-like" scene in which mob was "storming through the Capitol like they own it," Plohetski reported.

"We need to end this charade," he said of Trump's rhetoric about the election.

3:46 p.m. One woman is in critical condition after being shot on the Capitol grounds, CNN reported.

Details of the shooting are still unknown.

3:43 p.m. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner spoke on the riots at the U.S. Capitol.

"DC: where is the law and order with these protesters? And what about the US Constitution? It doesnt mean anything to these protesters? And Texans should whole (sic) Sen. Ted Cruz accountable for this fiasco."

Julian and Joaquin Castro also called for Cruz's resignation Wednesday.

3:35 p.m. Twitter prevented users from liking, replying or reposting a video of President Trump telling his of supporters in the Capitol that he loved them and to go home because he also included a bogus election fraud claim.

"This claim of election fraud is disputed, and this Tweet cant be replied to, Retweeted, or liked due to a risk of violence," Twitter officials wrote in a statement stamped underneath Trump's tweet.

3:33 p.m. U.S. Rep Ronny Jackson, a former physician to the president who represents Texas' 22nd Congressional District, said via Twitter that he was out "fighting for trump an for our election integrity" while a pro-Trump mob rioted at U.S. Capitol.

"American Patriots have your BACK Mr. President! We will FIGHT for YOU and we will fight for OUR country!!" he said.

3:22 p.m. In a Twitter announcement, President Trump told rioters to "go home" but re-iterated his unfounded claims about election fraud.

"We had an election that was taken from us," he said. "It was a landslide election .. but you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to respect law and order."

He added: "Go home. We love you. You're very special"

3:15 p.m. An explosive device was found at the headquarters of the Republican National Committee in Washington and the nearby headquarters of the Democratic National Committee was evacuated after the discovery of a suspicious package on Wednesday, three people briefed on the discoveries told the New York Times.

The device that was found at the R.N.C. was a pipe bomb that was successfully destroyed by a bomb squad, according to an official for the R.N.C.

The package at the D.N.C. has yet to be identified, according to a top Democrat briefed on the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly about it.

3:13 p.m. Texas Senator Ted Cruz denounced the ongoing riots at the U.S. Capitol.

"Violence is always unacceptable. Even when passions run high," he said in a tweet. "Anyone engaged in violenceespecially against law enforcementshould be fully prosecuted."

"God bless the Capitol Police and the honorable men & women of law enforcement who show great courage keeping all of us safe."

3:10 p.m. President-elect Joe Biden urged President Trump to "fulfill his oath and defend the constitution" by demanding an end on national television to "the siege" on the U.S. Capitol.

Biden, calling the people who broke into the Capitol a "small number of extremists," said the nation's democracy was under an unprecedented assault.

"The words of a president matter, no matter how good or bad that president is. At their best the words of a president can inspire. At their worst, they can incite," Biden said in a televised address at about 3 p.m. "It's not a protest, it's insurrection. The world's watching. Like so many other Americans, I am genuinely shocked and sad that our nation, so long a beacon of light and hope for democracy, has come to such a dark moment."

- Alejandro Serrano

3:07 p.m. Former Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls, elected last year to serve Texas 22nd Congressional District, announced that he stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Capital police barricading the entrance to the House Chamber in Washington D.C..

"I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Capitol police barricading entrance to our sacred House chamber, while trying to calm the situation talking to protestors," he said.

"What Im witnessing is a disgrace. Were better than this. Violence is NEVER the answer. Law and order!"
Reporter

Ben Zigterman is a reporter covering business at The News-Gazette. His email is bzigterman@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@bzigterman).
The Woodlands Township Development Standards Committee has a new chairman. On Wednesday, the seven member committee chose Arthur Bredehoft as the new chairman. Veteran developer icon Robert Heineman of the Howard Hughes Corp. was selected as vice chair.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Newest member of Woodlands DSC has lengthy resume of service

Bredehoft was chosen as chairman in a unanimous vote. He was joined in the senior leadership of the committee by Heineman, who has been an employee of The Woodlands Development Company since the early 1970s. Heineman is one of three appointees to the committee who are selected by and represent the Howard Hughes Corp. A third member  David C. Smith  joined the DSC for his first official meeting after being appointed in December.

After the more than two hour meeting came to a close, many of the other DSC members and staff in the townships Covenant Administration Department congratulated Bredehoft for his proomotion and expressed optimism about his leadership moving forward with the committee that deals with external design standards and construction for both residential and commercial properties.

First appointed to the DSC in April 2018, Bredehoft was appointed by township board members to fill the vacant position on the DSC created that spring by the resignation of former DSC member Ronald Harris, who had about eight months left on his two year term. Harris was initially appointed to the DSC in December 2016, but he resigned his position on April 5 for unspecified reasons.

Bredehoft replaces former DSC chairman Walter Lisiewsi, who was surprisingly not re-appoiinted to the committee in December after seeking a fifth two-year term. Lisiewski had been the chairman of the DSC since 2018 after a shuffling of the committee members saw former chairperson Deborah Sargeant removed from the DSC due to disagreements with the township board over the handling of multiple complaints regarding St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Woodlands board removes Lisiewski from committee

Outside the DSC, Bredehoft works in the international shipping industry as a global manager for client services for A.P. Moller Maersk-SAF Marine, where he helps coordinate international cargo shipping and transportation of products. A native of Bayonne, New Jersey, Bredehoft lives in the Cottage Green neighborhood of the Village of Alden Bridge with his wife. The couple has lived in The Woodlands for two different stints  from 1990-1997 and again from 1999 to present.

Smith joins committee

The newest member of the DSC  David C. Smith  joined the committee for his first meeting on Wednesday night since being appointed in December to replace Walter Lisiewski.

Smith, a now-retired oil and gas industry engineer who had a long career with Shell, was quite active during the meeting, speaking on several issues, seconding motions and engaging in the complex decisions more than expected.

At the end of the meeting, he was welcomed by fellow committee members John Anderson and Mary Funderburg with some joking comments.

Youre going to need to put your seat belt, Anderson joked about the incessant pace of DSC meetings, some of which can last for as long as four to five hours.

Funderburg, who herself joined the committee in May 2020, warned Smith that Wednesdays meeting was unusually short.

Now dont think that youre going to get out every night at 7:45 p.m., she laughed.

Smith is one of four members of the DSC who are appointed by the township Board of Directors. The other three members are appointees of The Woodlands Development Comp., a subsidiary of the Howard Hughes Corp. His term is for two year through December 2022.

Meetings to stay online

Like many other governmental entities in recent months, the DSC shifted from in-person meetings in March 2020 to online meetings after the COVID-19 pandemic began and worries over mass gatherings arose. The DSC meets in a smaller room in the township administration building and is often filled to the maximum capacity with home and business owners seeking covenant variances or defending themselves from either complaints from other neighbors or township-issued covenant violations.

Bredehoft said the DSC had operated smoothly during the online meetings before asking each member what their preference was. All seven members said they were happy to continue the meetings online. Bredehoft also said the online meetings are safer than in-person gatherings due to the persistence of the coronavirus pandemic and recent surges in case numbers.

(DSC) Business has continued and weve done the peoples business, Bredehoft said of the online meetings. Weve been able to be flexible.

No end date was set for the online meetings, and the gatherings are expected to continue in the virtual format for at least several months. The meetings are broadcast twice a month on the township website with a call-in phone number for residents and others who have business before the committee.

Noise issues resolved

One of the final decisions former DSC chairman Walter Lisiewski presided over was the closing of a noise complaint against Innospec Oilfield Services, which is located on Technology Forest Boulevard behind a residential neighborhood.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Innospec agrees to install walling, sound reduction devices at Woodlands facility

Lisiewski said the two-year-long complaint about alleged excessive noise levels created by a high-powerered air conditioning system called a chiller yard had been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties involved. A large group of several dozen families who reside directly behind the facility has been very upset for years about the noise, with some saying it occurs 24-hours a day and is so loud it infiltrates their bedrooms while sleeping.

The company had denied the excessive noise existed, but agreed to install sound dampening walling and other equipment in a mediated settlement with neighbors in January 2020. Those upgrades were OKd and finished in December.

Lisiewski said in December that while the issue is resolved at the moment, if noise issues arise in the future, the DSC left the door open for residents to file new excessive sound complaints in coming years.

jeff.forward@chron.com
The coronavirus pandemic contributed to a spike in workplace lawsuits in 2020 and the number is only expected to grow in 2021, according to legal experts.

At the same time, the incoming Biden Administration is expected to more aggressively enforce workplace laws than the Trump Administration did.

The Seyfarth law firm analyzed a record number of 1,548 class action rulings on a circuit-by-circuit and state-by-state basis to identify key themes from 2020 and emerging litigation trends facing U.S. companies in 2021.

The pandemics impact was felt in every aspect of life and in every sector of the economy, creating a record number of workplace class action rulings in 2020, said Seyfarth partner and author of the 17th annual Report, Gerald L. Maatman, Jr. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we also saw settlement values increase this year for both the plaintiffs bar and government enforcement litigation.

The Seyfarth Report details five key employment litigation trends for corporations in 2021:

COVID-19 Impact  The pandemic spiked more class actions for all types of workplace issues, with a record number of 1,548 rulings in 2020. As businesses return to the new normal, class actions emanating from the pandemic will be with employers in 2021 and beyond.

Change Is The New Normal  With a change from red to blue in the White House, a likely expansion of workers rights, increased regulation of businesses, and aggressive enforcement of workplace laws is apt to take place in the next four years. With that platform, advocates for workers and labor are expected to ramp up their activities on the workplace class action litigation front.

Increased Values Of Settlements In Class Actions  Counter-intuitively, settlement numbers went up in the age of COVID and plaintiffs lawyers and government enforcement actions garnered more money in 2020 than in 2019  with settlements in the aggregate totaling over $1.5 billion in 2020. Many thought the pandemic would depress the pace and size of settlements in the new cash is king approach to the business cycle. Instead, workplace class action litigation defied those odds and demonstrated that the plaintiffs bar converted case filings into significant settlement numbers.

Government Enforcement Litigation Slowed  The Department of Labor, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission deemphasized their litigation enforcement programs and brought less actions than ever before (94 lawsuits in 2020 as compared to 144 in 2019). Yet, their settlement numbers were up (a record amount of $535.4 million in 2020). Of the total amount collected, litigation recoveries increased from $39.1 million in 2019 to $106 million in 2020, the highest in 16 years. This approach is apt to change in a significant manner under the Biden Administration and reach higher levels.

Wage & Hour Litigation Remains The Sweet Spot For The Plaintiffs Class Action Bar  Based on sheer volume and statistical numbers, workers scored the most success in securing certification of wage & hour class and collective actions in 2020 as compared to other areas of workplace law  and at the highest level ever seen in the last two decades. Certification percentages of wage & hour actions were 84% granted and 16% denied. This state of affairs is expected to explode in 2021 with a more friendly Department of Labor that makes wage theft its enforcement priority and with minimum wage increases in 25 states in 2021.

Source: Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Topics COVID-19 Lawsuits Trends Commercial Lines Business Insurance
Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September

Armenian MFA strongly condemns Azerbaijan's blatant armed encroachment on Armenia's sovereign territory

UN still awaits strong evidence that Dubai ruler's daughter is alive

Opposition Bright Armenia Party urges Government to immediately address UN Security Council

Armen Sarkissian receives Russia Ambassador to Armenia

Armenia President, France Ambassador discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Overchuk: We hope unblocking of links between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a success

Armenia police officer commits suicide, criminal case launched

Armenia Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body has new deputy heads

Zarif, Aliyev discuss railway routes connecting Iran, Azerbaijan and Armenia

EU leaders agree to donate at least 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to poor countries


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With all states gearing up for the second round of the nationwide coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine dry run scheduled tomorrow, Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will be visiting Tamil Nadu to review preparedness and oversee mock vaccination drills, according to an official statement. Tomorrows dry run will be carried out in 736 districts across 33 states and Union Territories (UTs).

The Union health minister will visit the sessions site at Government General Hospital, Chennai followed by the one at Government Omandurar Hospital, Chennai, the official statement said adding that he would also oversee work at the Apollo Hospitals vaccination centre after paying a brief visit to the General Medical Store Depot (GMSD) in Periamedu. The health ministry had said on Tuesday that there were four GMSDs located in Karnal, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata and 37 vaccine stores across the country.

Also Read| Covid-19: Why Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh are cause for fresh concerns

The minister will also visit the vaccination Centre at Chengalpattu. He will be visiting the Hindustan Bio-Tech Ltd campus at Chengalpattu after concluding his supervision at these sites, the statement added.

Earlier, the health minister held a meeting with the health ministers, principal secretaries and additional chief secretaries of states and UTs to review the preparedness of the vaccination mock drill in their respective areas. He also reassured all state health ministers that the cold chain infrastructure-which will be used for storing vials- had been sufficiently upgraded to ensure last-mile delivery and adding that adequate supplies of syringes and other logistics had also been provided for.

Tamil Nadu has registered over 823,000 coronavirus cases till now of which 12,188 people have died and nearly 804,000 have recovered. The state added 811 new infections and 11 more deaths on Wednesday. Chennai continues to be the worst affected region in the state with 226,937 cases and 4,035 deaths.

Also Read| Covid-19 vaccination dry run at 263 places across Karnataka tomorrow

Ahead of the mock drill in the state, chief minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami ordered to take up measures on a war footing for the dry run and all the district collectors are engaged in taking necessary steps to conduct it in their respective districts, health secretary Radhakrishnan said. He added that initially healthcare, frontline workers and senior citizens would be administered vaccine doses. The first dry run on January 2 was carried out in 17 centres across five districts of the state.

(With agency inputs)
Peace negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis came to a complete standstill in April 2014. Six years later, the two sides have failed to agree on a negotiating framework that will enable them to bring peace to the Holy Land, thus fulfilling a promise made in 2003 in the roadmap to establish a Palestinian state that would live side by side with Israel.

The roadmap was elaborated by the Quartet that included the United States, Russia, the United Nations and the European Union. In its preamble, it states that the aforementioned members are presenting the roadmap to both the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority (PA) in order to fulfill the vision of a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. They committed themselves to working with the two parties and other key powers in the region to implement the three-stage roadmap.

But during the last six years and from the date of the adoption of the roadmap in 2003 until today, that is 17 years in total, various Israeli governments headed by the present Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have sabotaged international and Arab efforts to reach a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in line with the roadmap.

From 2003 until today, the US has also seen three administrations, two Republican and one Democratic. Two out of the three, the Bush and Obama administrations, failed to push the Israelis to negotiate seriously to reach a settlement. The third, the administration of outgoing US president Donald Trump, put the Palestinians and the Arabs before a fait accompli by presenting a peace plan last January that precluded, its supporters would argue postponed, the territorial and nationalist settlement of the basic issues that should be negotiated between the Palestinians and the Israelis. These included the issues of the settlements, borders, refugees and the status of East Jerusalem.

According to the roadmap, the third stage was supposed to seal an agreement on final status and the end of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in 2004-2005. In this one-year period, it said, the objectives would be laying the foundations of a viable Palestinian state and final negotiations to agree on the final resolution of the conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis. The final settlement would be agreed upon in the context of an international conference, and the settlement would be based on UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338 and 1397.

The hoped-for settlement would end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, reach a realistic, just and fair settlement of the refugee problem, a negotiated solution to the status of East Jerusalem and the fulfillment of the vision of the two-state solution. It would see an Israel and a Palestine that was viable, democratic, independent and sovereign. Once this promise was fulfilled, it said, the Arab countries would enter into full and normal relations with Israel, with security assured for all countries in the Middle East in the context of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace.

With the new American administration of President-elect Joe Biden soon to govern in Washington for the next four years, the question is how the Palestinians, the Arabs and other parties to the roadmap will work with the Biden administration to leapfrog the Trump peace plan that was rejected by the PA and push for a comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Egypt has been in talks with the Jordanians and the Palestinians to coordinate future moves with the aim of reviving peace negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi met with Chairman of the PA Mahmoud Abbas on 30 November to discuss how to move forward after encouraging signs had been received from sources inside Bidens transition team that the new American administration would be open to reopening the bureau of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) in Washington, to resuming payments to UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Palestine, and to reopening an American diplomatic bureau in East Jerusalem, thus going back on decisions taken by the Trump administration to punish the Palestinians for rejecting its peace plan.

The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan and Palestine met in Cairo on 19 December for the same purpose. The Egyptian president received them on the same day and stressed the importance of working to resume peace negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel and in the meantime to push for a reconciliation between the PA, Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Egypt rightly believes that the Palestinians should speak with one voice.

It would be premature to predict how and when the Biden administration will begin working on the Palestinian question. So far, there are no indications that it will top the list of priorities in Washington once the president-elect is sworn in on 20 January. To blur the situation further, the Israelis are also expected to go to the polls soon for the fourth time in less than 48 months to elect a new government. The expectations are that this will be a far-right government, and the bets are that the incumbent Israeli prime minister will be chosen for the sixth time. Will the new US administration be in a fighting mood, with the Israeli far-right and the Iranian question topping the list of Middle Eastern priorities? It seems doubtful.

One option before the Biden administration would be to encourage the other members of the roadmap to work with the parties concerned in the Middle East to prepare the stage for a more forceful and determined American role in peace-making in the Middle East inspired by the most relevant parts of the roadmap. The Arab countries that have signed normalisation accords with Israel in the last three months  the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco  should also work with the Egyptians, the Jordanians, the Palestinians and the Saudis in order to encourage the next American administration to push for a negotiated solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The Israeli linkage between the Iranian threat and the Palestinian question should be reversed. Its solution would make it easier to deal with Iranian destabilisation schemes in the region, and not the other way around, as the Israelis have kept hammering on about over the last decade and a half. This twisted linkage has done nothing but freeze the regional situation without dealing effectively and constructively with the serious questions weighing on peace and security in the Middle East. The Trump approach to peace has also proven to be futile.

*The writer is former assistant foreign minister.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 7 January, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

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A special court trying cases involving lawmakers here has ordered the arrest of BJP's Khatauli MLA Vikram Saini for his failure to appear before it in a case related to defiling a place of worship and triggering communal hatred during the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. Issuing non-bailable warrant against Saini, Special Judge Ram Sudh Singh has directed police to arrest and produce him in the court by January 11.

The Muzaffarnagar police had booked Saini under sections 153 A and 295 of the Indian Penal Code respectively for promoting communal enmity and defiling a place of worship in Kawal village under Jansath police station on February 21, 2013 during communal riots in the district. A former Kawal village Panchayat pradhan', Sani was elected to the Uttar Pradesh assembly in 2017.

He also faces another case of attempt to murder along with 27 others during the 2013 riot in the district. In this attempt-to-murder case against him, Saini had appeared in the court in 2020.

He had been earlier arrested and released on bail in 2014 for his alleged role in the riots.
WASHINGTON - The "American carnage" that Donald Trump vowed to end at the dawn of his presidency was revived in terrifying, treacherous form at its sunset Wednesday, as Trump made a fiery last stand and incited his supporters to storm and sack the U.S. Capitol as part of an attempted coup.

The extraordinary anarchy that interrupted the tallying of electoral college votes in a joint session of Congress brought America's democracy to the brink.

After Trump rallied thousands of people outside the White House by demanding the results be overturned and declaring his duly elected successor "an illegitimate president," pro-Trump rioters breached police barricades, scaled walls and smashed windows to enter the Capitol.

The marauders freely roamed the building's stately halls, some carrying Confederate flags. They occupied the Senate and House chambers and rummaged through desks. They vandalized the offices of congressional leaders. They assaulted police and other public servants. They trampled on the gleaming white platform constructed for President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. One tried to replace the U.S. flag flying above the balcony with a Trump campaign flag.

Lawmakers and staffers hid in locked bunkers. Vice President Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., were spirited away by security to undisclosed locations. For hours through the afternoon, police struggled - and failed - to contain and disperse the mob. One rioter was shot under unclear circumstances during the melee and later died.

The pandemonium would seem to be a natural culmination of what Trump and compliant Republicans have wrought on the nation they swore an oath to protect.

Since his first presidential campaign, Trump has instigated his supporters to express their political views through physical demonstration and violence, and he has declined time and again to repudiate the actions of white supremacists, neo-Nazis and other extremists.

Prompted in a presidential debate last fall to condemn white supremacists and right-wing militia, Trump instead gave extremists an open invitation to act. "Proud Boys, stand back and stand by," Trump said Oct. 2.

During his four years in office, Trump has been enabled and abetted by his Cabinet and staff, his family members and a battery of Republican elected officials - including the scores of House and Senate members who had indulged the president by vowing to object to Wednesday's scheduled certification of Biden's victory.

With Wednesday's occupation underway, Trump's eldest daughter, Ivanka, tweeted that the rioters were "American Patriots" and urged them to be "peaceful."

Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani - who hours earlier had suggested onstage at the rally outside the White House that the election be decided by a "trial by combat" - tweeted to the occupiers, "you are on the right side of the law and history."

And the president himself fomented the uprising by encouraging attendees of his morning rally to march to the Capitol "to try and give [lawmakers] the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country." Trump told his crowd that he planned to walk with them, though he headed straight to the White House after his speech and did not leave the secure compound for the remainder of the day.

Trump, fuming about Pence's decision to perform his constitutional duty to certify the election result rather than go rogue at the president's demand, then ignored the urgent pleas of advisers and allies to forcefully call an end to the violence and chaos.

Only as darkness began to fall in Washington, more than three hours after rioters stormed the Capitol, did Trump release a video instructing his supporters to "go home."

"We have to have peace. We have to have law and order," he said.

But a few beats later, the president praised the lawbreakers. "We love you," he said. "You're very special."

Biden characterized the day's events unsparingly, calling them "insurrection" and "an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: The doing of the people's business."

"This is not dissent," Biden said. "It is disorder. It is chaos. It borders on sedition. And it must end. Now."

Former president Barack Obama said Wednesday's insurrection was to be expected, considering how Trump and his allies have responded to the president's election loss.

"For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth - that this was not a particularly close election and that President-Elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20," Obama said in a statement. "Their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo."

The National Association of Manufacturers, one of the nation's premier business groups that has long been friendly to Republicans, called on Pence and the Cabinet to consider invoking the 25th Amendment to force Trump from office.

The only other living Republican past president, George W. Bush, issued a statement that was stunning in its language considering how long he had resisted criticizing Trump for his transgressions.

"Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our Nation's government in disbelief and dismay," Bush wrote. "It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic - not our democratic republic. I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement."

History will remember Jan. 6, 2021, as a day without precedent in America's 243-year experiment with democracy. Some past presidential election outcomes have been contested; in 1860, the dispute led to the Civil War. And the Capitol has been occupied before; it was attacked and set ablaze by British forces in 1814.

But never before has democracy been so strained, the seat of representative government so imperiled and a president so at fault - so much so that Twitter, adhering to its rules for civic integrity and violent threats, removed three of Trump's messages and locked his account for 12 hours.

"It's terrifying," said historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, who has studied and written about Abraham Lincoln, among other presidents. "There's been nothing like this . . . Democracy is absolutely at stake right now and it's up to the people."

She added, "Lincoln said, 'Public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail. Against it, nothing can succeed.' What he meant was that when there's a settled feeling that something goes against the ideals of the country or something is wrong, and sometimes it can be an event, it's up to the leaders to help shape that sentiment. And this is one of the biggest events that all of us have ever experienced in our lives."

David Blight, a Civil War historian at Yale University, said the only possible parallel to the insurrection that unfolded in Washington on Wednesday is secession.

"That's a radical act that ended up in civil war and an attempt to destroy the American republic," Blight said. "There have been zillions of protests in Washington, D.C., some of them turned violent - about war, about civil rights, about all kinds of things - but no one's ever breached the Capitol and taken it over. This was mobs of people acting against the state trying to disrupt the functioning of the state and being prompted by the sitting executive."

Leaders around the globe watched, aghast, not knowing who was in charge of the world's greatest democracy or whether order would be restored. Presidents and ministers in Ukraine, Estonia, Denmark and a host of other countries weighed in with alarming concern about the fragility of government in the United States.

"Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has been Trump's closest friend among western allies, wrote on Twitter. "The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power."

In the aftermath of World War II, the United States helped build an alliance of Western democracies. On Wednesday, the leader of that alliance, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, felt compelled to guide the United States on how to repair its own democracy.

"Shocking scenes in Washington, D.C.," Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter. "The outcome of this democratic election must be respected."

Barry McCaffrey, a retired four-star Army general, said, "This is an overt coup attempt against the Constitution and to take over the government of the United States. This wasn't a momentary, impulsive crowd. This was deliberately structured by Trump, almost all out in the open."

Mabel Wilson, an architecture professor at Columbia University who has studied the history of the Capitol and other civic buildings, said the images she saw Wednesday not only represented a subversion of democracy, but a painful reminder of the racial injustice that had so animated Americans last year.

"How do they storm the Capitol and they're not stopped and Black people can't sleep in their beds like Breonna Taylor and not be murdered?" Wilson said. "White people could freely waltz in with arms onto federal property. And I watched them file out as if they're just tourists wandering out."

The day began with tensions running high and Republicans deeply divided. Protesters surrounded Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, outside the Russell Senate Office Building just after 11 a.m. Young said that though he had hoped Trump would win a second term as president, he would not be joining the 14 of his Republican colleagues, led by Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri, who planned to object to certifying Biden's victory.

"I think it's a hijack effort," Young said. Objecting, he explained, would violate the Constitution. "I took an oath under God," he said.

As Young walked away, protesters shook their heads and spat at the ground. "Coward!" one yelled at the senator. "We'll remember this," another said. "You're going to be primaried out."

At the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, meanwhile, Trump addressed his rally crowd at the Ellipse, with the White House as his grand backdrop. He began with a lie, declaring there were hundreds of thousands of people there; attendance was far smaller.

Then another: "They rigged an election, they rigged it like they've never rigged an election before . . . We won it by a landslide. This was not a close election."

In fact, Biden won with 306 electoral college votes to Trump's 232. Biden also won the popular vote by 7 million votes, or a 4.5% margin.

As he concocted his fantasy about the election, ticking through one baseless or debunked claim of fraud after another, Trump vowed, "We will never concede."

Inside the Capitol, lawmakers began the ceremonial process of certifying the electoral college results. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., delivered an impassioned plea to the rebels in his GOP conference who were determined to stay in Trump's good graces by objecting. McConnell called this certification vote the most important he would take in his 36 years as a senator.

"If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side, our democracy would enter a death spiral," McConnell warned. "We'd never seen a whole nation accept an election again. Every four years would be a scramble for power at any cost."

Minutes later, however, the rioters breached the barricade. Soon, Pence, who had been presiding as president of the Senate, was whisked away. Doors to the chamber were locked. Senators went into hiding.

Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, the lone Republican who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial last year, said his colleagues such as Cruz and Hawley who were complicit in Trump's effort to overturn the election would be remembered for their role in "this shameful episode in American history."

"We gather today due to a selfish man's injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning," Romney said in a statement. "What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States."

- - -

The Washington Post's Rachel Chason and Rebecca Tan contributed to this report.

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New Delhi, Jan 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condemned the violent chaos that unfolded a day ago at the US Capitol in Washington D.C., saying "orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue".

"Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington D.C. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue.

"The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests," Modi tweeted.

The Prime Minister's remarks came after thousands of supporters of sitting US President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building, deemed as the citadel of American democracy, on Wednesday afternoon, forcing proceedings to count Electoral College votes cast in the November 3, 2020 presidential election, to halt.

Lawmakers had to be evacuated from the House and the Senate, and the Capitol was vandalised.

At least four people have been killed, 52 arrested and 14 police officers injured as a result of the violence.

The Capitol building houses the US Congress and is the seat of the legislative branch of the American government.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text

TORONTO - An environmental coalition is appealing to Ontario teachers to pressure their pension fund to divest from companies that develop or transport fossil fuel products.

A flare stack lights the sky from a refinery in Edmonton on December 28, 2018. An environmental coalition is appealing to Ontario teachers to pressure their pension fund to divest from companies that develop or transport fossil fuel products. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

TORONTO - An environmental coalition is appealing to Ontario teachers to pressure their pension fund to divest from companies that develop or transport fossil fuel products.

In a four minute YouTube video, a group of students from across Ontario read a letter to their teachers, asking them to push the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan to stop investing their retirement savings in oil, gas, coal, and pipeline companies.

The coalition  which consists of activist groups Shift Action for Pension Wealth and Planet Health, Fridays for Future Toronto and a group of working and retired Ontario teachers  demands that Teachers' halt all new investments in oil and gas and phase out current investments the industry by 2025, set targets for increased investments in profitable climate solutions; and invest in infrastructure and companies that help build a zero-carbon economy.

In the video, Grade 11 student Aliya Hirji urges teachers to "step up and take action now" and "stop investing your money in climate failure.

A Teachers' spokesman said in an email that climate change is a top priority for the organization and that its work on the subject is ongoing and vital to the sustainability of the pension plan.

The video is similar to one released by a U.S. environmental group in late 2019. In that campaign, residents of Boulder, Colo., asked Canadians to pressure CPP Investments, which manages billions of dollars for the Canada Pension Plan, to stop investing in Crestone Peak Resources, which they accused of polluting their air and water.

The campaign comes amid growing pressure on pension funds and other institutional investors to divest from fossil fuels and allocate funds into low or zero carbon energy products. In early 2020, Norges Bank Investment Management, which manages Norway's sovereign wealth fund, announced it would stop investing in Calgary-based Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., Cenovus Energy Inc., Suncor Energy Inc. and Imperial Oil Ltd. after concluding they produce unacceptable levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

We have taken significant steps to address climate change by investing in climate-friendly opportunities, working to make the companies we invest in greener and more resilient, and advocating for industry change," said the Teachers' spokesman.

With $207.4 billion in assets under management, Teachers' is the third-largest pension fund in Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2021.

Companies in this story: (TSX:CVE, TSX:SU, TSX:IMO, TSX:CNQ).
Democrats gained control of the Senate on Wednesday by winning both of Georgias runoff races, an electoral repudiation of President Trump that will give the incoming Democratic administration broader policy latitude even as the victory was temporarily overshadowed by the violent Trump supporters storming the United States Capitol in the name of the ousted incumbent.

The election of the Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff was a political triumph for the Democratic Party in a state that has stymied it for decades. It was also a jarring split-screen encapsulation of the politics of progress and grievance that have defined Mr. Trumps administration and the changing country he is sworn to serve.

On the same day that Georgia elected Mr. Ossoff, a 33-year-old Jewish documentary filmmaker, and Mr. Warnock, a 51-year-old pastor who will become the states first Black senator, an almost entirely white crowd of aggrieved Trump supporters, some carrying Confederate flags, descended on Washington to defy political reality.

Mr. Warnocks own Twitter feed showed how quickly the mood among Democrats had shifted. At 1:55 p.m. Eastern, he toasted his victory by thanking Georgia voters, saying he was forever grateful. Within two hours, he was quoting another pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church  the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  with a message of togetherness in the face of hatred and bigotry.

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Washington and others who saw the note said it contained a racial slur indicating no Black people should be allowed on the ballot. The incident occurred the same day two Oak Park village trustee candidates are facing a challenge to remain on the ballot for April 6 municipal elections. Washington said she was unable to see what a second message written on the note said.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said travellers from Greater Sydney will not be allowed entry into Queensland until the end of January

Queensland has recorded its first locally transmitted coronavirus case in 113 days after a hotel quarantine worker tested positive for the virus.

The female, who works as a cleaner at Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane, tested positive for the virus on Wednesday night.

The case is the second positive for the state in 24 hours, the other case is a child in hotel quarantine. There are now 20 active cases in the state.

Residents who lives in Sunnybank Hills, Algester and Calamvale are being urged to get tested as soon as possible.

Following the announcement, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said travellers from Greater Sydney will not be allowed entry into Queensland until the end of January.

A traveler from New Zealand hugs a loved one upon arrival at Brisbane Airport on January 7, 2021

Travellers from New Zealand (pictured) arrive at Brisbane Airport on Thursday. Flight NZ147 is the first 'safe travel zone' service between New Zealand and Queensland

Restrictions will be reviewed at the end of the month, she said.

Sydneysiders have been banned from entering the state since the area was declared a Covid hotspot December 20 following an outbreak on the Northern Beaches.

She said authorities were also monitoring the outbreak in Victoria where there are now 38 active cases.

Both NSW and Victoria recorded zero locally acquired cases on Thursday.

More than 27,000 tests were done in NSW and 32,767 tests were conducted in Victoria.

New South Wales had six cases in overseas hotel quarantine.

Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the cleaner was believed to be infectious from January 2.

'She worked one shift at the Grand Chancellor on the 2nd of January, so we've been working with the hotel who've bene very, very helpful  to just ensure that we've covered all bases there in terms of anyone she's come into contact (with).'

Sydneysiders have been banned from entering the state since the area was declared a Covid hotspot December 20 following an outbreak on the Northern Beaches

Queensland has recorded its first locally transmitted coronavirus case in 113 days after a hotel quarantine worker tested positive for the virus

She said contact tracing was under way.

The woman caught a train from Altandi Station to Roma Street at 7am on Saturday.

She also caught a train from Central Station to Altandi Station at 4pm that same day.

She also went to the Callamvale Central Shopping Centre where she shopped at Woolworths Callamvale North between 11:00am and midday on Sunday.

While infectious, she shopped at Coles at Sunnybank Hills from 7.30am to 8.00am on Tuesday and a newsagent at Sunnybank Hills shopping town between 8.00am and 8.15am.

Passengers in face masks (pictured) arrive at Brisbane Airport from New Zealand on Thursday

Melburnians flooded testing centres on Wednesday as Victoria recorded its first mystery case after going almost three months without one.

A man in his 30s may have caught the virus after attending sales at Chadstone Shopping Centre, or when he attended the the second day of the Boxing Day cricket Test at the MCG a day later.

Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said genomic testing show the mans infection was linked to the Northern Beaches outbreak.
WASHINGTON - When Chanelle Helm helped organized protests after the March 13 killing of Breonna Taylor, Louisville police responded with batons, flashbang grenades and tear gas. The 40-year-old Black Lives Matter activist still bears scars from rubber bullets fired at close range.

So Helm was startled and frustrated Wednesday to see a White, pro-Trump mob storm the U.S. Capitol - breaking down barricades, smashing windows and striking police officers - without obvious consequence.

"Our activists are still to this day met with hyper-police violence," Helm said. "And today you see this full-on riot - literally a coup - with people toting guns, which the police knew was coming and they just let it happen. I don't understand where the 'law and order' is. This is what white supremacy looks like."

Helm and other activists across the country who spent much of 2020 facing off with law enforcement officers while protesting police brutality and racial inequality watched with a mixture of outrage and validation as the president's supporters stormed the Capitol building during sessions of the House and Senate.

For veteran social justice demonstrators, the images of men and women wearing red Trump 2020 hats and clutching American and Confederate flags walking through the Capitol building largely unmolested came as shocking yet predictable evidence of their long-held suspicions that conservative, White protesters intent on violence would not be met with any of the strongarm tactics as anti-police brutality demonstrators.

Lezley McSpadden, mother of Michael Brown, who died at age 18 in a 2014 police shooting in Ferguson, Mo., which launched the Black Lives Matter movement, said in an interview that the lack of a police response was stunning. "There was no shooting, no rubber bullets, no tear gas," she said. "It was nothing like what we have seen. Nothing like what we have seen."

Gregory McKelvey, 27, of Portland, Ore., said he was among dozens of people who were tear-gassed and beaten by federal officers as they stood this summer in a park close to a federal courthouse in his hometown as they protested the choking death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

"We never once tried to get into the federal building," McKelvey said. "We faced off with people who looked like troops. They were dressed for war. They were in armored vehicles. And today I'm watching bike cops riding up."

The image of Confederate flags being raised over the rooftops of government buildings and atop scaffolding in Washington deadened some of the jubilation among Democratic voters in Georgia who saw the election of Georgia's first black senator Tuesday, with Rev. Raphael Warnock's victory over Kelly Loeffler, R. Democrat Jon Ossoff also won Georgia's second Senate seat, beating out incumbent David Perdue, R, and completing a Democratic flip of the chamber.

Danny T. Stone, a 62-year-old retired Army colonel and Atlanta resident, said he woke up Wednesday having his faith restored in the system and feeling grateful to God. Then he watched television scenes of a nearly all-White mob storming the Capitol. For Stone, it was a reminder of the deeply rooted White grievance that helped elect Trump once and awarded him the second-most votes ever four years later.

"When I first saw it, I was angry," Stone said. "White America made a conscious decision. But the saving grace is there was another 81 million people that said 'No.' "

While police were working to secure the Capitol on Wednesday evening, Warnock described the riot in a tweet as a "dark moment," quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"In this moment of unrest, violence and anger," Warnock wrote, "we must remember the words of Dr. King. 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.' Let each of us try to be a light to see our country out of this dark moment."

Civil rights attorneys and activists said they believed if Black protestors had stormed the U.S. Capitol, the consequences would have been immediate and deadly.

DeRay Mckesson, a leading voice of the Black Lives Matter movement and co-founder of Campaign Zero, a police reform effort, said, "Black and brown people have been shot and arrested for far less."

He pointed to Miriam Carey, a 34-year old unarmed Black dental hygienist from Connecticut who was shot and killed in 2013 when she drove through a barrier near the White House, hitting a Secret Service agent who attempted to wave her away. She then sped toward Capitol Hill, leading police on a high-speed pursuit that came to an end when her car got stuck on the median and police shot and killed her.

"These people broke into the Capitol and were sitting on the House speaker's desk today," Mckesson said. "Black people would not have even gotten into the building. They would have started shooting at them the minute they started to rush at the police."

Civil Rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who represents the families of police killing victims George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Jacob Blake, among others, said in a statement that the contrast in the law enforcement response was an example of "our two systems of justice." Black Lives Matter protesters who marched in Washington never stormed the Capitol or overtook police, he said.

"If Black people had done what these White domestic terrorists did today, can you imagine the reaction? They would have been tear-gassed, pepper-sprayed, arrested, and charged with felonies - or treason," Crump wrote. "Another tragic display of our two systems of justice."

A day before the Capitol riot, Kenosha, Wis., braced for potential unrest by boarding up government buildings and blocking off roads ahead of an announcement over whether prosecutors would charge a White officer who shot a Black man, Blake, seven times last summer.

"Even outside the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, different National Guard members were guarding the entrance," said a Kenosha activist who goes by the name Billy Violet to avoid becoming a target of the far right. Violet, 30, recalled how the streets of D.C. were similarly fortified in August when they attended the March on Washington.

"The idea that the protesters today were able to get all the way up there, climb the walls and storm the Capitol, was unbelievable to me," Violet said of Wednesday's riots. "How would this have been different if this had been announced as a BLM protest?"

Black Lives Matter DC said in a statement they urged city officials and business leaders to denounce Trump supporters who made online threats of violence. The group had called on hotels to close their doors during the day of the protest - a step taken by Hotel Harrington, which had become an unofficial gathering place for the Proud Boys.

"Though we remain unsurprised, it should have never have gotten to this point," the organization said. "Instead of brutalizing Black Lives Matter activists, D.C. officials should have intervened months ago. White supremacists were emboldened and made to feel comfortable, confident and secure to come to our city and reign terror."

- - -

Belware reported from Chicago. The Washington Post's Reis Thebault in Atlanta and Brittany Shammas in Washington contributed to this report.
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A hot potato: Most people associate Waymo with 'self-driving' technology, but the company is dropping that term, and it's pointing a not-too-subtle finger at Tesla as part of the reason. Its vehicles will now be referred to as 'fully autonomous.'

There have long been arguments over whether vehicles should be classified as self-driving, mostly because the technology is closer to driver assistance features that require regular intervention from humans. Waymo believes the label gives consumers a false impression of cars' capabilities, making it misleading at best and dangerous at worst.

"It may seem like a small change, but it's an important one, because precision in language matters and could save lives," the company wrote. "We're hopeful that consistency will help differentiate the fully autonomous technology Waymo is developing from driver-assist technologies (sometimes erroneously referred to as 'self-driving' technologies) that require oversight from licensed human drivers for safe operation."

Yes  Waymo (@Waymo) November 10, 2020

While Waymo doesn't mention its rival specifically in the post, it appears that Tesla is the target here: "Unfortunately, we see that some automakers use the term 'self-driving' in an inaccurate way, giving consumers and the general public a false impression of the capabilities of driver assist (not fully autonomous) technology. That false impression can lead someone to unknowingly take risks (like taking their hands off the steering wheel) that could jeopardize not only their own safety but the safety of people around them."

Tesla does tell owners to keep their hands on the wheel when the company's Autopilot is enabled, but there have still been incidents, some fatal, in which the feature was engaged. Alphabet subsidiary Waymo's biggest objection is likely Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature that rolled out to some users in beta last October.

Tesla repeated its "keep your hands on the wheel" rule for the feature, and FSD is supposed to be used on local, non-highway streets, but we've already seen a video of someone using it to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles with no human intervention.

There have been plenty of negative reviews of FSD, with some users complaining of Teslas going through red lights and almost rear-ending a parked car.

Musk recently said that FSD would "work at a safety level well above that of the average driver this year," so don't expect any name changes on its part.

Visitors from Sydney will be shut out of Queensland until at least February, with authorities also "very concerned" about cases of COVID-19 in Victoria.

Queensland was due to review its hard border closure with greater Sydney on Friday, but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that date had been extended until the end of January.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the state would extend the ban on visitors from Greater Sydney until at least the end of the month. Credit:Jono Searle/ Getty Images

"I know this is very disappointing for people during this time, but we are concerned still about greater Sydney," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"We have a watching brief, as well, on Victoria, we are also very concerned about Victoria."
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White House deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger has resigned, joining a number of officials who are leaving the administration of President Donald Trump following the storming of Capitol Hill by his supporters.

Pottinger, a leading figure in the development of Trumps China policy, resigned on Wednesday in response to Trumps reaction to a mob of protesters who breached the U.S. Capitol, a senior administration official told Reuters. Bloomberg first reported the resignation.

Pottingers boss, national security adviser Robert OBrien, has no plans to quit, the official said.

A strong national security team remains in place at the State Department, the Department of Defense, Treasury, the intelligence community and the National Security Council.

The official said the team has been making sure there are no foreign threats to the United States prior to the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 20. The team has been coordinating with the Biden transition team for several weeks.

The White House had no immediate comment. OBrien had asked Pottinger to stay on past election day to facilitate the transition to Bidens new team, the official said.

Pottinger completed those tasks, the person said.

An administration official described Trump as increasingly isolated and said that national security officials who are loyal to their oath to the constitution will be standing watch until Inauguration Day and will then turn over power to the duly elected new president.

Four people died during the chaos - one from gunshot wounds and three from medical emergencies - after hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a bid to overturn his election defeat to Democrat Biden.

In a video posted to Twitter while the rioters roamed the Capitol, Trump called the protesters special and repeated his false claims about election fraud, although he urged protesters to leave.

The melee delayed the certification process of Bidens victory for hours.

Two top aides to first lady Melania Trump also resigned on Wednesday. Stephanie Grisham resigned as chief of staff to the first lady.

It has been an honor to serve the country in the White House. I am very proud to have been a part of Mrs. Trumps mission to help children everywhere, and proud of the many accomplishments of this administration, Grisham said in a statement.

Grisham, who spent a year as White House press secretary before becoming chief of staff to the first lady, did not say whether her resignation was in reaction to the violence, but a source familiar with her decision said it was the last straw.

The White House social secretary, Rickie Niceta, also resigned, as did a deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews, two sources told Reuters.

There was also talk inside the White House that deputy chief of staff Chris Liddell might resign, a source said.

Pottinger, a former Reuters and Wall Street Journal reporter who left journalism to join the US Marines after the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States in 2001, had served in the White House since the beginning of Trumps presidency in 2017.

The departure of the fluent Mandarin speaker comes at a time of high tension with Beijing.

Trumps administration has pursued hardline policies towards China on issues ranging from trade to espionage and the coronavirus and relations plummeted to their worst level in decades when the president ramped up rhetoric in his unsuccessful re-election campaign.

Early on Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington was considering sanctions and other restrictions on those involved in the arrest of over 50 people, including American lawyer John Clancey, in a new Chinese crackdown in Hong Kong hours before Wednesdays events in Washington.

Pompeo warned that Washington could target Hong Kongs economic and trade office in the United States, and in a move likely to further rile Beijing, announced that U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft would visit Chinese-claimed Taiwan - which is not a U.N. member due to Chinas objections.

U.S. lawmakers called the action by Trumps supporters an embarrassment to American democracy that would play into the hands of rivals like China.

I think theyre high-fiving in Beijing, Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a China hawk, told Tucker Carlson on the Fox News channel. It kind of bolsters their claim that were falling apart and theyre the country of the future.

On Wednesday, Chinas Washington embassy issued an advisory warning Chinese citizens to strengthen safety precautions in light of the large-scale demonstration in the U.S. capital and a curfew announced by the local government.

(Reporting by Steve Holland in Washington and Steve Stecklow in London; additional reporting by Andrea Shalal, Mark Hosenball and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Leslie Adler, John Stonestreet and Nick Macfie)
Sichuan Airlines has selected Honeywells 131-9A auxiliary power units (APUs) for its A320 fleet of aircraft.

As part of a five-year agreement, Honeywell will provide the 131-9A APU for Sichuan Airlines 93 new A320 aircraft that will enter service by 2025. The airline will also replace the APUs on its 141 existing A320 aircraft with the same Honeywell APU.

This is the largest APU retrofit deal in Honeywells history. The 131-9A APU will help Sichuan Airlines reduce flight delays and cancellations, creating a more pleasant flying experience for passengers.

We are pleased to collaborate with Honeywell. We hope that the outstanding performance of its legendary APUs will help us improve operational efficiency, said Li Yue, executive vice president of Sichuan Airlines. With the aviation industry being significantly impacted by Covid-19, reliable and innovative products and solutions are highly demanded for airlines recovery and future development. We look forward to working with our partners for the bright future of the industry.

An APU is a critical piece of aircraft equipment that provides electrical power and air conditioning while the plane is on the ground. It helps ensure passenger comfort and supplies the air source before a pilot is ready to start the main engines. The 131-9A is known for its reliability and lower maintenance costs over the course of its entire life cycle, resulting in significant fuel savings each year.

It is a great pleasure to collaborate with Sichuan Airlines, which sets a significant milestone in enhancing our partnership with airline customers in China, said Steven Lien, Honeywell Aerospace Asia Pacific President. We see a strong recovery and large potential for Chinas aviation industry, as well as local airlines growing competitiveness worldwide. Honeywell is committed to supporting this market, providing customers with exceptional solutions and equipping local support teams to help them create value and improve efficiency.

Honeywells first APU took to the skies in 1950, and the company has built more than 100,000 since then. More than 36,000 APUs are in service today across more than 150 regional, executive and commercial applications, including both fixed wing and rotary wing.

In 2009, the Honeywell 131-9A APU on an Airbus A320 played a critical role in the emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in New Yorks Hudson River, in which all 155 passengers and crew survived. Honeywell has shipped more than 15,000 131-9A APUs since introducing this model in 1995. - TradeArabia News Service
Former AFL power couple Nadia and Jimmy Bartel announced their split in August 2019, after five years of marriage.

And fashion designer Nadia, 35, seemed to have heartbreak on her mind on Thursday when she shared a cryptic quote about moving on from 'past chapters'.

She posted a meme on Instagram which read: 'Once you officially decide to leave old situations behind, your mind will settle down, your heart will automatically feel at ease, and your soul will forever be grateful for the relief you provided.'

Poetic inspiration: Fashion designer Nadia Bartel seemed to have heartbreak on her mind on Thursday when she shared a cryptic quote about moving on from 'past chapters'

The post continued: 'There's no need to bring forth expired energy form past chapters into your new one. Wipe the slate clean and reignite your spirit with fresh, healthy vibes.

'Remind your ego who's in charge; you've come too far and worked too hard to let old habits reappear at this point of your journey.

'You don't have to see the amount of magic the universe has put aside for you to know that it's there; simply trust that your divine process will lead you straight to it.

'Something amazing is about to fill all the spaces in your life you've managed to clear. Get ready. Pretty soon you'll be walking straight into the chapter of your dreams.'

Reflective: The quote's themes of leaving behind 'old situations' and 'wiping the slate clean' no doubt resonated with Nadia, whose life was upended when her marriage fell apart in 2019

End of the road: Former AFL power couple Nadia and Jimmy Bartel announced their split in August 2019, after five years of marriage. Pictured on February 16, 2017, in Melbourne

The themes of leaving behind 'old situations' and 'wiping the slate clean' no doubt resonated with Nadia, whose life was upended when her marriage fell apart in 2019.

She has found love again since the break-up, and is now dating personal trailer Nathan Brodie. The former WAG is also focusing on her clothing label Henne.

Shortly after her split from Jimmy, Nadia took a thinly veined swipe at the retired Geelong Cats star while attending a female empowerment event in Melbourne.

'Women can do it all': Shortly after her split from Jimmy in 2019, Nadia took a thinly veined swipe at the retired Geelong star while attending a female empowerment event in Melbourne

Don't need no man: The mother of two posted on Instagram at the time, 'Women can do it all!'

The mother of two posted on Instagram at the time: 'Thank you Mercedes-Benz for having me at your Women Driving Change event. It was great to be a part of it. The energy in the room. Women can do it all!'

Nadia's latest cryptic post comes just days after Jimmy's new girlfriend Lauren Mand hit back at rumours she'd split from the Brownlow Medal winner.

The 31-year-old Melbourne socialite changed her profile picture on Instagram to a photo of herself and Jimmy - sending a clear message to her detractors.

The photo was taken on December 25 as the couple spent Christmas together with Jimmy's sons, Aston, five, and Henley, two.

Co-parents: The Bartels share custody of two children, sons Aston, five, and Henley, two

Proof of life: Nadia's cryptic post comes just days after Jimmy's new girlfriend Lauren Mand (right) hit back at rumours they'd split. The 31-year-old socialite changed her profile picture on Instagram to this photo of herself and Jimmy - sending a clear message to her detractors

Her boys: Lauren's profile picture was taken on December 25 as the couple spent Christmas together with Jimmy's sons, Aston and Henley. Jimmy also shared this photo to his own account of himself with his children, but didn't post a picture of Lauren and the boys together

The pair had been the subject of break-up rumours in December after fans noticed it'd been months since Jimmy had shared a photo with his girlfriend online.

In fact, their last photo together on Jimmy's account was taken in March last year, during their holiday in Japan.

The notoriously private couple rarely post photos together these days, and Lauren's Instagram account is private with only 54 followers.
Donald Trump came in the wake of that. And then, this week, Josh Hawley. As of Wednesday morning, Hawley was the model of what a Republican senator was going to look like in the post-Trump era. He cannily understood what the party faithful wanted. Publicity stunts. Owning the libs.

But there are dark specters running through our nation  beasts with shaggy manes and feral teeth. They have the stench of Know-Nothingism, the hot blood of the lynchers, and they ride the winds of nihilistic fury.

Read the history books. They have always been lurking in the shadows of our nations greatness. Hawley didnt just own the libs, he gave permission to dark forces he is too childish, privileged and self-absorbed to understand. Hawley sold his soul to all that is ugly for the sake of his own personal celebrity.

Human beings exist at moral dimensions both too lofty and more savage than the contemporary American mind normally considers. The mob that invaded that building Wednesday exposed the abyss. This week wasnt just an atrocity, it was a glimpse into an atavistic nativism that always threatens to grip the American soul. And it wasnt just the mob that exposed this. The rampage reminded us that if Black people had done this, the hallways would be red with their blood.

We are a flawed and humiliated nation, but when well led, we can be more self-sacrificial than we have any right to expect. I despised the sight of the Confederate flags being paraded through Capitol halls, but I loved everything Mitt Romney said and did on Wednesday. Romney showed what moral leadership looks like, and how just a few voices can shift a herd.

Leadership matters. Character matters. The thousands of people who work in the Capitol complex were chased from their chambers or barricaded in their offices by the furies that are ravaging this nation. The shock of this atrocity is bound to have a sobering effect.

Im among those who think this is an inflection point, a step back from madness. Were a divided nation, but we dont need to be a nation engulfed in lies, lawlessness and demagogic incitement.

We look to you, our 535 representatives, to simply do the peoples business, to cut deals so people can stock their pantries and school their kids, and so that a 14-year-old, or a 59-year-old, can enter your building with eyes of wonder, awe and devotion.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com.

Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'don't regret' Megxit because escaping 'subservience' to Prince William is 'what Harry wanted to do for years', a royal biographer has claimed.

The Duke, 36, and Duchess of Sussex , 39, stepped down as senior royals in March, but Robert Lacey has claimed he thinks Prince Harry was tired of being the 'spare' and wanted to 'get out and start a new life' away from The Firm.

'To stay in the royal system is to go along with subservience to those more senior than you,' the royal historian said, speaking to People magazine. 'He has asserted his own identity.'

Another source close to the couple alleged they 'love' being able to focus on projects close to their hearts and achieve their 'dream' of being financially independent.

'Meghan and Harry took a huge leap of faith to embark on their new life,' the source claimed. 'Despite everything that has been going on this year, they don't regret their move to the US.

Prince Harry, 36, and Meghan Markle, 39, 'don't regret' Megxit as the royal is 'finally doing what he wanted to do for years,' a source close to the couple has claimed. Pictured, the royals hosting a special Time100 talk Tuesday October 20, focusing on the digital world

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arriving at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London

'They love that they are able to focus on projects and causes that are important to them. It was always their dream to be financially independent and pay their own way.

'Harry was finally doing what he'd wanted to do for years, and to have Meghan and Archie with him was all he could have asked for.'

It comes after the Queen's former press secretary Dickie Arbite claimed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been 'drip-feeding press' with content.

The royal expert said he found it 'extraordinary' that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made various appearances - despite stepping back as royals in March for more privacy.

Pictured, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a private visit to the Los Angeles National Cemetery on Remembrance Sunday

Speaking to True Royalty TV's Royal Beat, the commentator and royal expert said: 'I find it extraordinary that two people who left basically because they felt press intrusion and yet in the past 12 months we've had nothing but drip-feeding the press about things that they're doing.'

Since moving to the US, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, who are currently living in their $14 million mansion in California with their 18-month-old son Archie, have signed a lucrative podcast deal with Spotify worth up to 30million.

The couple are producing and hosting their own shows as part of the newly formed Archewell Audio - which started with a 'holiday special' that the couple hoped would 'uplift audiences around the world'.

In the first episode of the podcast series, they asked activists, campaigners and famous friends Sir Elton John and James Corden to look back on the year.

Spotify has not revealed what the contract is worth, but the streaming service agreed a 75m ($100m) deal with US comedian Joe Rogan in May.

The Mirror reported the Sussexes would be paid 30million - other sources put it closer to 20million.

The Sussexes' agreement comes just months after the royals agreed a 100million partnership with Netflix and days after Meghan invested in a $28-per-pack oat-milk 'superlatte' business later promoted for free by her LA neighbour Oprah Winfrey.
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KENTWOOD, MI -- Looking back on his 42-year judicial career as Kentwoods first district court judge, William Kelly thinks fondly of his father.

Kelly followed in the footsteps of his father, Joseph Kelly, who was a Kentwood municipal judge in the 1970s.

The last time I had a conversation with my father, I told him I was trying to keep up the good name he established. He said that from what he heard, I had. That always meant a lot, he said.

Kelly, 73, officially retired as Kentwoods first and only district court judge on Jan. 1.

But hes still on the bench this week, filling in for incoming Judge Amanda Sterkenburg as she learns the ropes.

Kelly has been known as a fair, compassionate and humorful judge by those in and outside of legal circles.

He was instrumental in bringing court diversion programs, such as sobriety court, to Kentwood.

He also championed the abolition of the states driver responsibility fee several years ago. The fee, which ended with a two-year phase-out plan in 2017, assessed $500-$1,000 fees to those convicted of reckless driving, drunken driving or driving without a license.

Those who failed to pay and were caught driving again had even more fees tacked on.

Kelly viewed it as a tax on the poorest people in the state and a second punishment for the same crime.

During a video retirement ceremony last week, State Court Administrator Tom Boyd credited Kelly with almost single-handedly being responsible for the fees demise.

Bills work is personal. He has worked tirelessly, person by person, to restore individuals driving privileges, working with them to make sure they can clean up their driving records so they can get on the right side of the law. Too often courts simply say youre on the wrong side of the law and here are the consequences, but thats not how Judge Kelly has approached his work, he said.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bridget McCormick also had high praise for Kelly.

She said Kellys ability to treat people with dignity and respect and simply listen to them, as well as helping people understand the legal process, have been staples of his courtroom.

Judge Kelly teaches a master class in procedural fairness each and every day he shows up for work. Ive seen it myself, she said.

Kelly was elected as the first Kentwood District Court judge in 1978. His father served as the citys municipal judge from 1971 to 1979.

His familys roots in the area date back 170 years when his descendants came to what was then Paris Township in 1950. The township later was annexed into Kentwood and other surrounding communities.

Kellys older brother, Mike Kelly, said he believed being a judge was something his brother was destined to do since a young age. Mike Kelly, also an attorney, practiced with his father in Grand Rapids.

He recalled how their father placed the judicial robe on Kelly during his 1979 swearing-in ceremony.

In his more than 40 years on the bench, Kelly has been an advocate for courtroom technology and, as the coronavirus pandemic set in last year, he was quick to begin using Zoom as a way to keep the court schedule moving along.

He also was the first Kent County judge to hold a jury trial in August, when coronavirus cases were waning, and used social distancing and other measures to keep participants safe.

He has pre-recorded slideshows on advice of rights statements, translated in nine different languages, at the ready for people who may need the service.

Over the years, Kelly made a point of teaching and mentoring other judges and those in the judicial field. He participated 17 times in a Michigan Judicial Institute bi-annual new judges seminar since the mid-1980s, aimed at teaching new judges how to handle cases.

He previously served as chair of the National Conference of the Special Court Judges of the American Bar Association, chair of the Judicial Conference of the State Bar of Michigan, president of the Michigan District Judges Association and as chair of the ABAs Judicial Division Committee on its traffic court program. He was previously on the board of directors of the National Center for State Courts.

Kelly often deflects praise, giving credit to his staff and others for accomplishments. He likes to use humor to put people at ease and often can be heard using a quip during a hearing.

Over the years, hes officiated more than 4,000 marriages.

Ive had a wonderful 42 years, but it seems more like 15 years. Time goes by really quickly, he said.

I hope Im most remembered for being a judge who heard cases fairly, he said. Who gave people their voice, who was neutral, respectful and was a trustworthy authority.

More from MLive

Police identify woman, 65, fatally shot on Grand Rapids Northwest Side

Radio personality Connie Kellie dies, fans, on-air partner heartbroken

6 from Michigan arrested during riots, storming of Capitol in Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON - When a group of pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol and smashed windows on Wednesday, a woman jumped onto a pane and started through.

Seconds later, a gunshot rang out and the woman, who had a Trump flag tied around her waist, tipped back and fell onto the marble floor as blood spilled from her shoulder.

"They shot a girl!" someone yelled as the crowd ran out of the southeast entrance.

She died later that day, police said. She was one of four fatalities from the violent rioting that wreaked havoc through the halls of Congress on Wednesday, halting the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's electoral victory. Three others died of unspecified medical emergencies during the chaos.

The woman was 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt, a California native and Air Force veteran, her former husband told The Washington Post. Before her death in the Capitol, she had used her social media to express fervent support for President Donald Trump and echo many of the president's conspiracy theories and false claims of mass voter fraud.

Police have not yet confirmed Babbitt's identity or confirmed details about how she was shot. The woman was shot by U.S. Capitol Police, Washington D.C. Police Chief Robert J. Contee III told reporters on Wednesday.

Babbitt, a native of San Diego, served in Afghanistan and Iraq in the Air Force before other deployments with the National Guard to Kuwait and Qatar, ex-husband Timothy McEntee told The Post. McEntee and Babbitt met in the Air Force and were married for 14 years, before splitting in May 2019.

McEntee, who did not know Babbitt had traveled to D.C. for the protests, was shocked by the news of her death and described her as smart and strong-willed.

"I feel absolutely terrible and sick to my stomach about it," he wrote in a text message. "She was never afraid to speak her mind and in a way this was her way of speaking her mind (going to the rally)."

McEntee said Babbitt had remarried and owned a pool supply company with her husband, Aaron Babbitt.

Babbitt's mother-in-law told WTTG, who did not identify her by name, that her son did not accompany Babbitt to Washington.

"I really don't know why she decided to do this," she said.

In an interview with San Diego station KUSI, Babbitt's husband said she was a passionate Trump supporter. McEntee echoed those sentiments, adding that she was "very loud and opinionated, but caring, sweet, thoughtful, loving."

"You would never forget meeting her," he wrote.

On social media, Babbitt recorded combative videos about immigration policy, while expressing her support for a border wall. In early September, she tweeted a picture from a Trump boat parade in San Diego wearing a shirt that said, "We are Q," referring to QAnon, the far-right conspiracy theory. The tweet also included the hashtag "#WWG1WGA," an acronym used by supporters who believe in the claims that Trump was battling a group of "deep state" child abusers.

Babbitt also retweeted messages calling for Vice President Pence to resign and be charged with treason, videos of Trump rallies and photos of the president's supporters flying to D.C. for the protests.

In one of her final posts, she responded to a tweet saying that many flights to D.C. were canceled because of weather. "The entire world is corrupt," the person said.

In response, Babbitt wrote: "Nothing will stop us . . . they can try and try and try but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours . . . dark to light!"
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With several coronavirus vaccines now in circulation, travellers can't stop talking about the Yellow Card.

The Yellow Card, or Carte Jaune, is a medical passport issued by the World Health Organisation. It's an official record that some countries require for entrance, and it can document vaccination against diseases ranging from cholera and yellow fever to such childhood illnesses as rubella.

Will there soon be a similar card for Covid-19? And will it allow you to travel any sooner?

The short answer to both questions is: maybe.

Several organisations are working on a vaccine passport. Australian airline Qantas has already announced that it will start requiring coronavirus shots for all passengers on its international flights.

But, as with most things during this seemingly unending pandemic, the long answer is complicated. There is no widely accepted digital immunity passport yet. Travellers remain divided on whether to get vaccinated for the coronavirus. And there's no agreement on whether proof of having received the coronavirus vaccine should be required to travel.

At the moment, there's no Yellow Card equivalent for Covid-19, and since the vaccines are so new, it would be impractical. In the United States, for example, vaccine recipients receive a small white card called a covid-19 vaccination record card that documents inoculation.

"Given this void in the market, there are a number of vaccine passport programs," says Bruce McIndoe, a senior adviser at WorldAware, a risk-management company.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is promoting a vaccine passport called the IATA Travel Pass. The system, billed as a digital platform for passengers, would inform them which tests, vaccines and other measures they require before traveling. It would offer the ability to share test results and vaccinations in a verifiable, safe and privacy-protecting way. Travel Pass is still under development.

The World Economic Forum and the Commons Project Foundation, a Swiss nonprofit group, are testing a digital immunity passport called CommonPass. It's a system that would enable travellers to access lab results and vaccination records and consent to have that information used to validate their Covid-19 status without revealing other personal health information. CommonPass would be accessible from your phone.

Late in 2020, IDEMIA, an online identity-management company, unveiled a broader technology solution called Augmented Borders that would allow you to scan the chip in your passport and use your mobile phone as a proxy passport. Such a system could also contain your immunisation records, but adoption may be months away.

The best Yellow Card may be the Yellow Card, also called the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. It might be the leading candidate for an international coronavirus vaccine passport. It's already recognised internationally. If you are vaccinated for any travel illness, like yellow fever, the provider will send you a Carte Jaune. When you get a coronavirus vaccine, just ask your health care provider to note your vaccination on your Yellow Card.

"The question is validity," says Bob Bacheler, managing director of Flying Angels, a medical transport company. "Vaccination cards have no security and no way to be validated."

Just like the coronavirus vaccine, it seems vaccine passports - whatever their form - will come into focus quickly. But documenting immunity may be the easy part. Whether travellers should be allowed to cross a border if they haven't been vaccinated for coronavirus is a more difficult and divisive matter.

Many say they would not travel without first getting a vaccine.

"I'm a firm believer in vaccines," says Sandra French, a retired college professor from New Albany, Ind. "I had polio before any vaccine for it was available, and I would not wish that experience on anyone. I will definitely get the Covid-19 vaccine once it is available."

Others feel that a documented coronavirus vaccination should be required of everyone.

"I would feel more comfortable if the airlines required vaccinations of all travellers," says Laurel Barton, a guidebook author. "This vaccination isn't about personal freedoms. Like [tuberculosis] or smallpox inoculations, the Covid vaccine will be crucial to overcoming the disease worldwide."

Others disagree.

"It is very important to give everyone the choice on whether or not they take a vaccine," says Bryan Towey, an entrepreneur based in New York. "For me, I would not be willing to take the coronavirus vaccine under any circumstances."

Towey, like a lot of people, is concerned about the long-term effects of the coronavirus vaccines. Requiring vaccination for travel, he says, sets a "dangerous precedent."

I agree with Towey in at least one respect. I'd hate to have travel shut off to anyone who isn't vaccinated.

So what will happen?

No one knows. Airlines can require a coronavirus vaccine because they are private companies. Countries may also make vaccination a requirement for crossing their borders.

Within the United States, it's highly unlikely that the vaccination would ever be required for travel, according to experts. Health authorities have to figure out how to document vaccination and share that data securely, according to Chris Bowen, the chief privacy and security officer at ClearDATA, a health-care company. And that could take months, if not years.

"The ethical concerns are plentiful," Bowen says.

I've discussed the vaccine with my teenage kids (14, 16 and 18), and we plan to get it as soon as possible.

For us, the benefits of immunity far outweigh the risks. We're ready to travel again. And besides, our Yellow Cards are already pretty marked up. What's one more line?

- Christopher Elliott is a consumer advocate, journalist and co-founder of the advocacy group Travelers United

 Washington Post
Alabamas lone Democrat in the House said President Trumps serial lies and inflammatory rhetoric fueled Wednesdays storming at the U.S. Capitol -- an act she called an attempted coup carried out by domestic terrorists.

Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, recounted the fear she experienced as the pro-Trump mob breached the Capitol grounds.

I was in the gallery of the House chamber watching the election certification proceedings when the security breach occurred, the congresswoman said in a statement. As I was lying on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives huddled with other members of Congress, struggling to fit on a tear gas mask and fearing the thunderous sound of impending violence, I trembled and wept not only for our safety but for the devastating threat to our democracy.

Sewell said she was grateful for those concerned about her well-being during the breach, adding that she was eventually led to safety.

She characterized the violent pro-Trump mob as domestic terrorists.

Today marks a dark day in Americas history, Sewell said. The words of the president of the United States matter. Donald Trumps serial lies and inflammatory rhetoric incited the armed insurgents who stormed the U.S. Capitol today. He encouraged this attempted coup and the violence that ensued is a result of his recklessness. After four years of his consistent efforts to discredit our democratic institutions, President Trump and his allies have brought us to this sad place in our nations history.

The congresswoman said she and her colleagues would not be deterred by the breach and that she expects Congress to certify the Electoral College results Wednesday night.

Our democracy is under unprecedented assault. These domestic terrorists do not represent America, our democracy, or the values of our nation, she said. As elected officials, we must set aside our political differences and work together for the common good, remembering that our loyalty is not to a political party or to an individual but to the Constitution and the oath that we swore to protect and defend our democracy.
Company Founded by UW Graduate Named 2020 Innovative Startup by PM360

Christoph Geisler (right), CEO and founder of Theraneutrics, discusses his research on a patent-pending probiotic to combat gout with James Francis, chief development officer for the startup company. The company was recently named a 2020 Innovative Startup by PM360, an online pharma marketing magazine. (Veronica Donahue Photo)

A company founded by a University of Wyoming graduate was named a 2020 Innovative Startup by PM360, an online pharma marketing magazine.

Theraneutrics, an innovative biomedical startup working to solve gout through engineered probiotics, was one of eight companies that made PM360s list last month. Theraneutrics was founded by CEO Christoph Geisler, a 2011 UW Ph.D. graduate in molecular biology.

The PM360 article can be found at www.pm360online.com/pm360-2020-innovative-startup-theraneutrics-llc/.

Being awarded as one of PM360's top startup Innovators among hundreds of submissions was truly thrilling and a great reward for our hard work, says James Francis, a UW alumnus and chief development officer at the company. Startups are challenging, and efforts often go unreceived. This is a great reminder for us to keep moving forward and stay focused.

The company, incorporated in October 2018, is engineering Krystalase, a patent-pending probiotic yeast strain that would break down uric acid in the gut. Excessive uric acid levels are the root cause of gout.

Approximately 34.5 million people worldwide, including 9.2 million people in the United States, suffer from gout, an excruciatingly painful condition in which needle-like uric acid crystals form in joints.

Theraneutrics became a client of the IMPACT 307 (formerly the Wyoming Technology Business Center) business incubator in Laramie in August 2019.

While the rest of the world was trying to navigate the harsh reality of 2020, Theraneutrics was able to make an opportunity out of it, says Francis, who graduated from UW with a bachelors and masters degree, as well as an MBA. We worked long hours in 2020 to see growth in understanding our customer better, brainstorming valuable tools and resources to give them as support, and pushing forward on business development.
On the eve of the launch of a 10-day rural-connect programme ahead of the panchayat polls in Uttar Pradesh, the state unit of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has asked its key functionaries to desist from seeking tickets for themselves or relatives since the party wants to give its cadres the opportunity to contest in the rural polls.

The 10-day campaign was also aimed at browsing the states countryside for local faces with strong ground connect, BJP leaders said after a meeting on Wednesday.

The rural connect initiative would continue till January 17, said Himanshu Dubey of the BJP.

He said senior BJP functionaries, including party chief Swatantra Dev and state general secretary (organisation) Sunil Bansal, would visit various parts of the state to galvanise the cadre for the polls.

While the state BJP chief will be in Siddharthnagar on Friday, general secretary (organisation) will be in Kanpur (dehat) and Kanpur on Thursday. The party general secretaries will also tour different parts of the state.

It has been broadly decided that we would field maximum cadres in these elections. Those functionaries directly associated with panchayat poll responsibilities will not be allowed to contest these polls, said a party leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Also Read: Uttar Pradesh: CM Adityanath orders another dry run for Covid vaccination

BJP state unit joint general secretary (organisation), Bhawani Singh, and regional chief of Gorakhpur region, Dharmendra Singh, will be in Sant Kabir Nagar, general secretary Amarpal Maurya will be in Lucknow and Awadh region chief, Shesh Narayan Mishra, will be in Bahraich on Thursday.

This will be followed by another round of campaign on Friday, when another co-general secretary (organisation) Karmvir and general secretary JPS Rathore will visit Meerut. Amarpal Maurya will be in Hardoi, Ashwini Tyagi will be in Agra, Awadh region chief Shesh Narayan Mishra will be in Shravasti, Kanpur region chief Manvendra Pratap Singh will be in Auraiya and Kashi region chief Mahesh Chandra Srivastava will be in Sonbhadra, party leaders said.
3 things to know about the Feast of Epiphany

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What is known at the Feast of Epiphany is celebrated by many Christians worldwide each year on Jan. 6, marking the revealing of Jesus as the Incarnate God. Many Eastern Orthodox believers mark the feast on Jan. 19.

Western Christians typically observe this day or closest weekend to remember when the Magi came to visit the Christ child, the revealing of Jesus to the Gentiles. As is recounted in Matthew 2, the men who had come from the East worshiped Jesus and presented him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

In Eastern Christianity, this day is known as Theophany and the day commemorates when John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River and emphasizing Jesus as both fully human and fully God. As is recounted in Matthew 3, when Jesus emerges from the water, the Heavens open, the Spirit of God descends in the form of a dove, and a voice from Heaven said: "This is my Son, whom I love, with Him I am well pleased."

Here are three important things to know about the feast of Epiphany and how it's being celebrated.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - Spearmint Resources Inc. (CSE: SPMT) (OTC Pink: SPMTF) (FSE: A2AHL5) (the "Company") wishes to announce the company is considering the transfer of its lithium exploration projects to a new subsidiary that would be spun out pro rata to the shareholders of record of Spearmint. The company's board of directors are evaluating the merits of this transaction and will report on any developments and specifics as management deems timely.

Spearmint can make no assurance that a spinout will take place as it would be subject to several conditions that include board approval, satisfying the Canadian Securities Exchange listing requirements, the assessment of legal and tax ramifications, determining final details of the transaction, receipt of all regulatory approvals, any required shareholder approval, the availability of financing for the new subsidiary, and market conditions. The company will provide further details if and when available in accordance with the policies of the CSE.

James Nelson, President of Spearmint states, "The rationale for this potential spinout is to reward our shareholders of record as management feels that the total assets of Spearmint are not being valued accordingly. By potentially spinning out the lithium assets pro rata to Spearmint shareholders of record, we feel this would add value for our shareholders and create two stand-alone companies that will both have an ability to create value based on the assets they individually hold. Lithium in Nevada has seen a massive resurgence as witnessed by the rise in Cypress Development Corp. and Noram Ventures Inc., who we share the Nevada lithium clay deposit with. We are awaiting the final results for the last 7 holes from our drill program in Nevada, of which we had our highest results to date and eagerly look forward to the remaining drill results."





Clayton Valley Ownership Map

To view an enhanced version of this map, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4360/71570_f1150b6d142e5bf4_002full.jpg

Mr. Greg Thomson, P.Geo., a director of Spearmint and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained within this news release.

About Spearmint Resources

Spearmint's current projects include the 'Goose' Gold project directly bordering New Found Gold Corp. where Spearmint has sampled up to 973 ppb gold, as well as the 'Clayton Valley Lithium Prospects' in Nevada comprised of two claim blocks totaling 1,160 acres bordering Pure Energy Minerals & Cypress Development Corp. where Spearmint's drill results have intersected Lithium values as high as 1,840 ppm Li; the 'Escape Lake North' PGM Project in Ontario consisting of ~4,000 contiguous acres directly bordering Clean Air Metals Inc.; the Case Lake South Cesium Project in Ontario consisting of ~7,300 acres directly bordering Power Metals Corp.'s Case Lake Cesium Property; the River Valley East Platinum-Palladium Prospect in Ontario consisting of approximately 4,700 contiguous acres directly bordering New Age Metals flagship River Valley Platinum Group Metals (PGM) project; the Carscallen West Gold Project in Ontario consisting of a ~2500 contiguous acres in the direct vicinity to Melkior Resources Inc.; the Perron-East Gold Prospects consisting of 5 mineral claim blocks covering 11,608 acres located in the Abitibi greenstone belt of northwestern Quebec in the direct vicinity of Amex Exploration Inc.'s Perron property and past-producing Normetal mine; and the 'Chibougamau Vanadium Prospect' comprising of 15,493 contiguous acres directly bordering the vanadium deposit of BlackRock Metal's (private) Ilmenite vanadium project.

Spearmint's current projects also include a portfolio of prospects in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia; the 'Golden Triangle Gold Prospects' comprising of five separate claims blocks totaling 8,265 acres bordering GT Gold Corp, the 2,397 acre 'NEBA' Gold-Copper Prospects bordering Aben Resources Ltd, and the 'EL North' Nickel-Copper Prospect is a contiguous land package of 1,053 acres in the Eskay Creek Camp bordering Garibaldi Resources Corp, as well as the recent acquisition of the 4,980 acre 'Prickle' property bordering Brixton Metals Corp.

Spearmint's other projects in British Columbia include the 'Safari' Copper-Gold Prospect consisting of 9,007 contiguous acres located in the northern Quesnel Trough in North-Central BC, and the 'Hammernose' Gold Prospect consisting of 8,685 acres directly bordering Westhaven Gold Corp.'s Shovelnose Property in the Spences Bridge Gold Belt located in Southern British Columbia, Canada. Management cautions that past results or discoveries on properties in proximity to Spearmint may not necessarily be indicative to the presence of mineralization on the Company's properties.

If you would like to be added to Spearmint's news distribution list, please send your email address to info@spearmintresources.ca.

Contact Information

Tel: 1604646-6903

www.spearmintresources.ca

"James Nelson"

President

Spearmint Resources Inc.

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this release.

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities regulations. All statements other than statements of historical fact herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding our current and future plans and objectives, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and future events and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations as well as a list of risk factors that we deem relevant are disclosed in the documents we file from time to time via SEDAR with the Canadian regulatory agencies to whose policies we are bound. Forward-looking statements are based on our current assumptions, estimates and opinions and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should our assumptions, estimates or opinions change, other than as required by law and readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions, and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71570
CACI pushes back after losing contract to support relocation program

CACI International has lodged a protest with the Government Accountability Office after losing a $35.9 million contract to Telos to support a relocation program in South Korea.

CACI is claiming the Army didnt conduct a proper evaluation when it looked proposals for an Alliant 2 task order to support the Yongsan Relocation Program/Land Partnership plan.

Yongsan is a massive effort to move most U.S. forces from facilities in the Seoul metropolitan areas to areas south of the city. The overall program is worth some $10.7 billion and is nearly complete.

The U.S. Army has moved most of its operations from the Yongsan Garrison to the new Camp Humphreys, which will house 42,000 soldiers and dependents.

CACI filed its protest Dec. 28 and a decision is expected from GAO by April 7.
This article has been updated to note that U.S. Rep. Garret Graves has taken a position on the certification votes.

U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy and other Republican lawmakers from Louisiana condemned the mob that broke into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, egged on by GOP President Donald Trump's unsubstantiated assertions that the presidential election was stolen from him.

"There are people who have violently entered the U.S. Capitol and are attempting to disrupt todays proceedings," Cassidy tweeted. "This is supposed to be a peaceful transition of power. What theyre doing is absolutely wrong. It is un-American. This is about our country; its not about hooligans."

There are people who have violently entered the U.S. Capitol and are attempting to disrupt todays proceedings. This is supposed to be a peaceful transition of power. What theyre doing is absolutely wrong. It is un-American. This is about our country; its not about hooligans. pic.twitter.com/Sdk1opWRrh  U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) January 6, 2021

+6 Follow live: US Capitol locked down after pro-Trump mob clashes with police, enters building The U.S. Capitol is on lockdown and lawmakers are evacuating as protesters clash with police both outside and inside the Capitol.

The lawmakers were reacting to a chaotic protest that breached the Capitol, inflamed by an angry speech earlier in the day by Trump. In response, Capitol Police rushed lawmakers from the building amid a Republican challenge to Democrat Joe Bidens margin of victory in the Electoral College.

Rep. Steve Scalise, of Jefferson, was more muted in his comments about the pro-Trump insurgents while referring to the 2017 shooting that left him unable to walk for months.

"United States Capitol Police saved my life," said Scalise, the No. 2 Republican in the House. "Attacks on law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs are never acceptable. Period. We can passionately protest without being violent."

United States Capitol Police saved my life.Attacks on law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs are never acceptable. Period.We can passionately protest without being violent.  Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) January 6, 2021

Scalise was planning to vote to overturn Biden's victory, along with Kennedy, Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, and Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Benton.

Kennedy tweeted a strong statement: "I condemn this violent assault on the democratic process & will not be intimidated by a mob that confuses chaos & destruction with strength & wisdom." How Kennedy might be intimidated wasn't clear, considering his plan to challenge the Electoral College tally.

The Capitol Police have done an extraordinary job keeping us safe. Im thankful for their heroism. I condemn this violent assault on the democratic process & will not be intimidated by a mob that confuses chaos & destruction with strength & wisdom. I'll continue to work for LA.  John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) January 6, 2021

Reflecting the heated passions, more than 1,500 people commented on Kennedy's Facebook post of his statement, with many excoriating him.

"You should take full responsibility for encouraging this nonsense," posted Roxanne Newman. "You should be ashamed of yourself for encouraging and supporting the baseless claims and letting this idiocy go too far."

But Denise Crain Herron replied to Newman, "If you feel fraud didnt take place you have your head in the sand."

Johnson tweeted that he "unambiguously" condemned "in the strongest possible terms any and all forms of violent protest. Any individual who committed violence today should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It is beyond time to remember that while we may disagree, we are all Americans, and there is far more that unites us than divides us."

I unambiguously condemn in the strongest possible terms any and all forms of violent protest. Any individual who committed violence today should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. (1/2)  Rep. Mike Johnson (@RepMikeJohnson) January 6, 2021

Higgins also decried what happened at the Capitol.

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"Violence and lawlessness are unacceptable," he said. "This must end now. This is not American."

Violence and lawlessness are unacceptable. This must end now. This is not American.  Rep. Clay Higgins (@RepClayHiggins) January 6, 2021

Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, said it was sad and tragic, regrettable whats happening in Washington right now.

Katie Bernhardt, chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party, lit into the Republicans.

We are witnessing a seditious riot at the U.S. Capitol building intent on disrupting the peaceful transition of power that has characterized our democracy since its founding," Bernhardt said. "This embarrassing display betrays the principles that brave Americans have sacrificed their lives to defend. Sadly, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy and Representatives Steve Scalise, Mike Johnson and Clay Higgins enabled this un-American act."

Cassidy is the only Republican in Louisiana's congressional delegation who has said he is planning to acknowledge Bidens win in the Nov. 3 election.

"This is an attempt to disrupt a constitutionally ordered process," he said on ABC News. "It's what happens in Third World countries. It should not be happening in the United States of America. As soon as this Capitol is cleared, it would be my vote to go back in that chamber and finish this process."

Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge, voted to certify the electors in Arizona but not in Pennsylvania and posted a statement on Facebook to explain why.

He also released a statement about what happened at the Capitol on Wednesday.

"The violence, attacks on law enforcement and destruction of property we saw today from the mobs is unacceptable, un-American, and they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Graves said. What happened today on Capitol Hill was disgusting, surreal and beyond the pale. Selling out to savagery in the face of frustration doesnt make you a patriot  it makes you a fool. I condemn every violent and destructive element of todays events. It is an embarrassment to America.

Rep. Graves Statement on Todays Events on Capitol Hill: pic.twitter.com/vkySV1uD9g  Rep. Garret Graves (@RepGarretGraves) January 7, 2021

Rep. Cedric Richmond of New Orleans is planning to join all other congressional Democrats in certifying Biden's victory. Richmond is about to resign from the House to take a senior position in Biden's White House.

Louisiana's other congressional district, which stretches from Monroe to Alexandria to Bogalusa, is vacant after the Dec. 29 death of Rep.-elect Luke Letlow.

Brooks Kubena contributed to this report.
Three teenage boys accused of bashing an elderly couple allegedly cut off the power before breaking into the home of the great-grandparents.

Katie and Russell Edwards, both aged 90, were asleep when the trio turned off the main power switch before breaking into the South Lake property, in Perth's south, about 1.30am on Wednesday, Fremantle Magistrates Court heard.

The couple woke to find the youths in hooded jumpers, who then bashed them with pot plants, leaving the frail great-grandparents covered in blood and bruises, police allege.

A police prosecutor said the boys gained access to the house after removing the front fly screen before smashing a hole in a window.

Katie Edwards (pictured above) is recovering in hospital following the alleged attack, with intruders breaking into her home in the middle of the night, police allege

Russell Edwards (pictured above) was allegedly brutally bashed in his own home by three teenagers

Mrs Edwards decided to investigate the noise from the broken window when she was attacked by the alleged perpetrators.

She was allegedly told to hand over her money, but when she said she didn't have any, one of the accused allegedly began striking her face repeatedly, according to The West Australian.

'One accused grabbed her by the arm and also struck her,' the police prosecutor told the court.

Moments later Mr Edwards came to check on his wife, before he was also allegedly brutally attacked, including suffering 'significant blood loss' stemming from a face wound.

Both were taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital, where they remain in a stable condition.

Coolio Derek Mears, 18, along with the two other youths aged 16 and 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are facing a litany of charges, including home burglary, aggravated armed robbery and aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm.

The two younger alleged offenders faced Perth Childrens Court where it was revealed the 17-year-old was due to face a trial next week on a charge of grievous bodily harm from a separate incident.

All three were remanded in custody, with the case adjourned because the magistrate wants further evidence from WA police.

The alleged offenders (pictured above) were all teenagers, with the trio remanded in custody
John Cremin, from Knocknagree, County Cork, a 95-year-old father and grandfather resident at Killarney Community Hospital, was the first community hospital resident to receive the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Kerry from Nurse Alan Horgan on Thursday morning. Photo: Don MacMonagle

A 95-year-old man and a 93-year-old nursing home resident have spoken of their delight at being among the first to be vaccinated today as the vaccine was rolled out in facilities across the country.

John Cremin (95) received the jab at Killarney Community Hospital as the HSE rolled-out the vaccination campaign for care facilities across the country.

Mr Cremin is originally from Knocknagree, just across the border in Cork, and is a father of four and grandfather of six.

He has been a resident at Killarney Community Hospital since 2013 - and said he is now dreaming of being able to receive visitors again in the near future thanks to the vaccine.

We havent been able to have visitors for a while now," he said.

"Im not a bit worried about getting the vaccine - it is good that its here. Im very glad to be getting my vaccine today, its not something that happens every week.

Read More

Mr Cremin received the jab alongside frontline healthcare workers as the HSE works to help protect the most vulnerable in society.

Killarney Community Hospital Director of Nursing Maire Flynn was the first staff member to be vaccinated.

I am delighted that we are receiving the vaccine, and so happy for our residents and our staff," she said.

"We are so grateful to everyone who has made this happen, and so happy to be a part of this. Our residents are very excited, and are thrilled to be getting something that gives us all new hope for 2021."

"The important thing about these vaccinations is that they will help us to keep our residents safe.

Assistant Director of Nursing Elaine Sheehan was part of the team of vaccinators delivering the first vaccines.

Weve a busy few days ahead but itll all be worth it. It is just great to be at this point where we can begin to see some light at the end of the tunnel. People realised that we cant continue to live like this. For staff, this is not just about ourselves, this is about protecting our residents, she said.

Elaine added that staff and residents received literature about the vaccine over the last few days.

Anyone with any questions has been able to talk to myself and the other peer vaccinators. Were constantly communicating with people, supporting and reassuring them.

Vaccinations will continue at Killarney Community Hospital until Saturday as vaccinators work to offer the vaccine to approximately 200 staff and more than 90 residents.

Expand Close Beryl Gaye (93) gets the Covid Vaccine from HSE Vaccinator and Clinical Nurse Manager Mary Farrell Photo by Steve Humphreys / Facebook

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Whatsapp Beryl Gaye (93) gets the Covid Vaccine from HSE Vaccinator and Clinical Nurse Manager Mary Farrell Photo by Steve Humphreys

Meanwhile, Beryl Gaye was also one of the first nursing home residents in the country to get the Covid-19 vaccine today, and the 93-year-old said she didnt feel a thing.

Sitting in a chair in the Bethany House nursing home in Tyrrellspass, Co Westmeath while HSE vaccinator Mary Farrell prepared the syringe, Beryl confessed she is not fond of needles.

But her desire to be safe was stronger than her fears, and when she was told that her jab was finished Beryl looked up in surprise.

Are you done? I felt nothing, she said with a smile.

Today marked the commencement of the rollout of the Covid19 vaccine to multiple nursing homes around the country.

Some nursing homes have been badly hit by the virus with devastating consequences.

Thankfully the Bethany House facility and its 57 residents have been Covid-free, and Beryl, from Mullingar, was looking on the bright side.

Sitting down with a cup of sugary tea after her fifteen minute post-vaccine observation period, she told how she had feared getting Covid when the pandemic began last March.

I was terrified of it. I wouldnt like to get it. Please God I didnt get it and I hope I dont, she said.

When I heard there was a vaccine I thought it was great. It was wonderful because you know then you could be safe, she added.

I dont like needles. I dont like them at all. I turn my head away from them, but Ive never been sick, Ive always been healthy, Beryl explained.

I felt alright getting it this morning. I never felt a thing. It was over and I didnt know it was over. I never felt it going in, she said.

Bethany House MD David Corboy praised the staff for doing a mammoth task to keep Covid out of the home.

Weve had no cases, which is a credit to everyone on the team, he said.

As the HSE team arrived at dawn, he said it is a really special day theyve been hoping for for the last ten months.

Its been 313 days since the 1st of March, but whos counting. Its emotional, its surreal, and its a relief. Its like the cavalry has arrived, Mr Corboy explained.

Im also conscious of our colleagues in other nursing homes around the country who are on the opposite end of the scale today. We are elated today, but they are dealing with outbreaks. And I hope they see the ray of hope that is coming to them, he added.

With the current numbers nationally it is dark, but the finish line is on the horizon, said Mr Corboy.

Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) today welcomed the beginning of vaccinations.

Today marks a very significant milestone for a sector that has endured the worst impact of Covid19. The virus lives with us more than ever before but today marks a very significant and important step for our nursing homes in overcoming a pandemic that they have been living with on a constant basis the past nine months, said NHI CEO Tadhg Daly.

We continue to engage with the HSE with a view to expediting rollout of the vaccine to nursing homes across the country in as quick a manner as feasible. The necessity for speedy rollout is exacerbated by the huge growth in numbers within our communities, with this leading to an increase in cases in our nursing homes, he added.

Every day of the week presents opportunity for nursing home residents and staff to be vaccinated. Every day counts and every element of support must be utilised. We require a commitment nursing homes will also be encompassed within the seven-day-a week rollout of the vaccine, said Mr Daly.

His views were echoed by Professor Dermot Power, NHI Gerontology expert.

This represents a pivotal moment in time for nursing home care. It truly is life-changing and life-saving, with the vaccine protecting residents in our nursing homes from this most virulent and, for some, deadly virus, he said.

NHI are urging every nursing home resident and staff member to ensure they avail of the vaccine in order to protect themselves and colleagues from a virus that has detrimentally transformed our lives the past nine months, he added.

In accordance with the priority guidelines, residents aged over 65 in long-term care are among the first to receive the vaccine.

"We expect to vaccinate more than 3,500 staff and residents next week alone, and this programme will accelerate in the following weeks," a HSE spokesperson said.

"While a provisional schedule of vaccination dates is in place, this schedule is subject to constant change. However, we can confirm that we aim to have made both doses of the vaccination available to all the staff and residents of such facilities by the end of February."

Online Editors

The violent pro-Trump mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday sent shock waves across the nation and enraged Bay Area supporters and organizers of racial justice protests, who said police appeared to show much more restraint  and use significantly less force  in responding to the largely white crowd.

It is Americas double standard on full display, said Zahra Billoo, a civil rights lawyer and executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in the Bay Area. It is not surprising, but it is nonetheless disappointing to see how this violent mob of people attempting to disrupt law and order are treated so differently than civil rights advocates, like myself, and other Muslims and minorities who have been advocating for change through law and order for decades.

During a tumultuous year that was defined, in part, by a national reckoning on race that spurred hundreds of Black Lives Matter protests across America, which sometimes gave way to looting and property damage, police responded in full force, often heavily armed, in riot gear and with the National Guard on standby. They arrested hundreds and quickly dispersed crowds, threatening to go after looters and civic disruptors.

But on the day that hundreds of Trump supporters overtook the Capitol  shattering windows, brandishing weapons and Confederate flags and destroying government property in a historic occupation  police appeared at times to put up little resistance, or worse. Videos showed police officers allowing rioters through a gate and a police officer posing with one for a selfie, according to reports.

Black Lives Matter protesters, politicians and civic leaders on Wednesday denounced police and the Trump administration for taking little action to prevent the scene that unfolded, calling it an example of the countrys preferential treatment of white people and criminalization of people of color.

Todays insurrection and coup by hundreds of pro-Trump supporters is one more example of the hypocrisy in our countrys law enforcement response to protest, said the Black Lives Matter organization on Twitter on Wednesday.

When Black people protest for our lives, we are met by National Guard troops or police equipped with assault rifles, tear gas and battle helmets. When white people attempt a coup, they are met by an underwhelming number of law enforcement personnel who act powerless to intervene. Make no mistake, if the protesters were Black, we would have been tear gassed, battered, and perhaps shot.

Police eventually removed rioters, deployed tear gas, seized several weapons and made roughly 13 arrests as of Wednesday afternoon. One woman was shot and killed by Capitol police, according to news reports. Capitol security officers at one point drew their weapons as they held rioters from the House chambers, in other instances officers fought off intruders with batons. The Defense Department, which initially denied a request to send the National Guard to the Capitol, later reversed course, according to news reports.

Cat Brooks, executive director of the Justice Teams Network and cofounder of the Anti Police-Terror Project in Oakland, said the coup was a nod to the blue lives matter, a pro-police movement that counters Black Lives Matter.

Thats who these people are, Brooks said. They are in support of the same vision for America and that vision is not an inclusive vision, its an exclusive vision and they believe that violence is the way that they win. If cops are supposed to protect us from these folks and theyre in cahoots or collusion with these folks  and not just in D.C., lets be clear  what does that mean for us in the days and weeks and months to come?

Win McNamee / TNS

Doug Freelon, 58, walking up Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco in the drizzling rain, said he couldnt help but compare the law enforcement response of the largely white Capitol mob against Black Lives Matter protests or other incidents involving people who arent white.

Capitol police, in June, tear-gassed a peaceful group protesting police brutality at a church just blocks away from Wednesdays violent assault on the nations seat of government.

Wednesdays rioters were not stopped from breaking windows, entering the Capitol, standing at podiums or calmly sitting in congressional offices, nothing obscuring their identity, as they read mail on screens drafted by evacuated staff.

If it were people of color storming the capital and breaking barricades there would be gunfire, he said, referring to police actions. They would be cleaning up blood from the marble steps.

It was another example of white privilege, Freelon said.

White male privilege, he said. Im disgusted and tired and overwhelmed.

Shavonne Hines-Foster, a senior at Lowell High and a member of the San Francisco school board, said Wednesday she believes support for Trump stems from racism.

I feel like this definitely uncovers the covert racism that people fail to recognize in the America they know and love, she said. Before Trump no one would ever really take racism seriously. No one would have imagined stuff like this would happen.

Video clips on social media showed some police officers letting the mob rush past them into the Capitol building. One video showed a rioter snapping a selfie with a police officer.

Many accused President Trump of inciting the violence. In a brief, pre-recorded video addressing the mobsters, the president said, Go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Dozens of activists and politicians on Twitter denounced the polices response to the mob.

America, meet the real thugs and rioters, said social justice activist Linda Sarsour, co-founder of Until Freedom, a racial justice organization.

Chronicle staff writers Jill Tucker and Nora Mishanec contributed.

Tatiana Sanchez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tatiana.sanchez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @TatianaYSanchez.


KYODO NEWS - Jan 7, 2021 - 01:36 | All, Japan

Four people have died in separate accidents during snow removal work in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Akita in a span of two days through Wednesday, police said.

Hiroyuki Nakayama, 47, and his 74-year-old mother Hideko were buried while removing snow at a barn near their home in Yuzawa at around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Nakayama was pronounced dead the following day.

According to the police, a man who reported the accident told them, "I heard the snow drop and went out to check on them, but the two were gone from view."

The man said there appeared to be snow accumulation of 1 to 2 meters on the roof of the barn, the police said, adding they believe the Nakayamas were hit by dropping snow.

Kenzo Takahashi, 86, was found in deep snow near his home in the city at around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday and later confirmed dead. He was also working to remove snow at a barn near his home, the police said.

Later in the day, Sachi Kato, 81, and Kazuko Sasaki, 72, were also found buried in heavy snow near their respective homes in the cities of Yuzawa and Daisen, the police said.

In order to prevent houses from collapsing under the weight, many people including the elderly need to remove accumulated snow from their roofs, especially in heavy-snow Sea of Japan coastal areas such as Akita Prefecture.

Akita Gov. Norihisa Satake on Tuesday asked the Ground Self-Defense Force to send a disaster relief mission to Yokote, adjacent to Yuzawa, to deal with record snowfall.

The GSDF sent about 100 members to Yokote on Wednesday to help remove snow. It plans to dispatch some 140 members to Yuzawa and the neighboring town of Ugo on Thursday.
A team of Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS rescued a 3-year old female Leopard ensnared in a deadly 'jaw-trap' outside a farmland. Image Source: IANS News

A team of Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS rescued a 3-year old female Leopard ensnared in a deadly 'jaw-trap' outside a farmland. Image Source: IANS News

A team of Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS rescued a 3-year old female Leopard ensnared in a deadly 'jaw-trap' outside a farmland. Image Source: IANS News

A team of Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS rescued a 3-year old female Leopard ensnared in a deadly 'jaw-trap' outside a farmland. Image Source: IANS News

A team of Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS rescued a 3-year old female Leopard ensnared in a deadly 'jaw-trap' outside a farmland. Image Source: IANS News

Pune, Jan 7 : A team of forest officers and wildlife activists managed to rescue a 3-year-old female leopard ensnared in a deadly 'jaw-trap' near Kuruli village in Pune district, officials said here on Thursday.

The incident happened late on Monday and prompt intervention by the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS helped save the big cat's life.

The Wildlife SOS at the Leopard Rescue Centre, Junnar got a call from Forest Department on the plight of the leopard stuck in the 'jaw-trap' in a sugarcane field outside Kuruli.

'Jaw-traps', though illegal, are lethal hunting devices that can cause severe injuries, fractures or even death of the wild animals trapped in it.

In view of the gravity of the situation, a four-member team with safety nets, tranquilisers and other protective gear rushed to assist the forest officials in the rescue operation.

They saw that the female leopard's left forelimb was caught in the steel teeth of the jaw-trap and it was desperately struggling to break free.

After securing the field with safety nets, Wildlife SOS veterinary doctor Nikhil Bangar used a sedative injection to immobilise the big cat.

They carefully removed the entrapped paw, checked for the visible injuries and administered first-aid before shifting her to the Junnar centre for further treatment.

"She was in immense pain. Any further delays could have caused severe or permanent damage to her forelimb. We disinfected the wound, administering topical treatment before taking up a more detail examination," Bangar said.

Wildlife SOS CEO Kartick Satyanarayan said that while timely help helped save the leopard's life, the threats posed by 'jaw-traps' and 'snares' is very real.

"Despite being banned, they are used to trap of kill wild animals In the past few years, we have rescued several leopards, sloth bears, jackals, hyenas, wild boars and other from this heinous form of illegal hunting," Satyanarayan said.

Regional Forest Officer (Shirur) Manohar R. Mhasekar said farmers set up such traps around their farmlands to prevent herbivorous animals from raiding or destroying their crops.

"Unfortunately, even bigger and carnivorous animals get accidentally caught in these traps. There is a need to educate the people on the dangers and illegality of such actions," he said.

Sara Sampaio seems to be having the time of her life on a vacation in paradise.

The 29-year-old Portuguese model showed off her bikini body as she sat on a tree branch that lay over a mini pool with a waterfall plunging into it.

The looker also shared images of the wild fauna from her adventures even though COVID-19 is still keeping most of the world indoors.

Thrilled to be away: Sara Sampaio seems to be having the time of her life on a vacation in paradise. The 29-year-old Portuguese model showed off her bikini body as she sat on a tree branch that lay over a mini pool with a waterfall plunging into it

The brunette beauty - who has modeled for Chanel, Versace and Fendi - embraced her natural beauty by not wearing any make-up.

The catwalk princess looked as toned as ever with a flat tummy and sculpted arms as she lifted her arms above the body of water.

Sara added black rubber shoes.

In shape for 2021: The catwalk princess looked as toned as ever with a flat tummy and sculpted arms as she lifted her arms above the body of water

Not alone: The siren was also with a friend as they took in the beauty of the ocean

This comes after the star wore a black silk dress as she rang in 2021 on a yacht with pals while sipping wine.

Sampaio began her career modeling in local competitions in Portugal before making her major debut in the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and followed up by walking in the same show the year afterwards.

In 2015, she was named as one of Victoria's Secret's Angels, and walked with her counterparts at the 2016 show in Paris.

In the years following that appearance, the Porto native has been featured in campaigns and has walked in shows for brands such as Moschino, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, and Dolce & Gabbana, among others.

Bottoms up: This comes after the star wore a black silk dress as she rang in 2021 on a yacht with pals while sipping wine

The model was featured on the May 2017 cover of Maxim, which was also her first time in the publication.

That same year, Sampaio was seen in both the Brazilian and Turkish versions of Vogue; she was pictured in the Mexican and Thai iterations of the magazine the year after that.

The supermodel has also made a few strides onto screen, and has been seen in music videos for Kanye West, Selena Gomez, and Nick Jonas, among others.

Big names: The Portuguese model has walked for brands such as Tory Burch, Miu Miu, and Balmain; seen here in 2019

In 2017, she was seen in a second season episode of the HBO drama series Billions entitled Optimal Play.

Sampaio is also set to feature in the upcoming Portuguese film Sombra, where she is set to play a journalist named Marta.

The film is currently set to premiere in 2021.

Billions is available to stream on Stan in Australia
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Supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in was has been described as a terrible day for the country (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Hours after hundreds of President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a harrowing assault on American democracy, a shaken Congress on Thursday formally certified Democrat Joe Bidens election victory.

Late on Wednesday houses of Congress resumed their work on certifying Biden's Electoral College win, with debate stretching into the early hours of Thursday. After debate, the House and Senate rejected two objections to the tally and certified the final Electoral College vote with Biden receiving 306 votes and Trump 232 votes.

President Trump has issued a statement to CNN saying that the decision "represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history."

He also said that there will be an "orderly transition".

"Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," Trump said in a statement.

"I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again," he added.

In the gravest assault on the symbol of American democracy in more than 200 years, rioters forced their way past metal security barricades, broke windows and scaled walls to fight their way into the Capitol.

Police said four people died during the chaos - one from gunshot wounds and three from medical emergencies - and 52 people were arrested.

Some besieged the House of Representatives chamber while lawmakers were inside, banging on its doors and forcing suspension of the certification debate. Security officers piled furniture against the chambers door and drew their pistols before helping lawmakers and others escape.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) U.S. Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) A supporter of President Donald Trump carries a Conferderate battle on the second floor of the U.S. Capitol near the entrance to the Senate after breaching security defenses, in Washington, U.S., January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Theiler A protester holds a sign saying "Trump won" at a rally in support of U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Oregon, U.S. January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Terray Sylvester Protesters hold a rally in support of U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Oregon, U.S. January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Terray Sylvester Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump clash with police officers in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, U.S., January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Leah Millis Police officers stand guard as supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, U.S., January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Leah Millis A security officer gestures after supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump breached security defenses at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, U.S., January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Theiler Congresman David Trone @RepDavidTrone on Twitter: 'I am safe. We have been evacuated. Let me be clear: we will not be stopped by this lawless intimidation.' Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, U.S. January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith A protester wears a mask bearing a slogan in opposition to Oregon Governor Kate Brown at a rally in support of U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Oregon, U.S. January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Terray Sylvester / Facebook

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Whatsapp Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

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Hours later, both houses of Congress resumed their work on certifying Bidens Electoral College win, with debate stretching into the early hours of Thursday. It quickly became clear that objections from pro-Trump Republican lawmakers to Bidens victory in battleground states would be rejected overwhelmingly, including by most Republicans.

To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today - you did not win, Vice President Mike Pence, who presided over the session, said as it resumed. Lets get back to work, he said, drawing applause.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has been suspended from Twitter and Facebook after tweeting to supporters who attacked the US Capitol

The assault on the Capitol was the culmination of months of divisive and escalating rhetoric around the Nov. 3 election, with Trump repeatedly making false claims that the vote was rigged and urging his supporters to help him overturn his loss.

Expand Close Joe Biden has been formally approved as US President / Facebook

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Whatsapp Joe Biden has been formally approved as US President

The chaos unfolded after Trump - who before the election refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he lost - addressed thousands of supporters near the White House and told them to march on the Capitol to express their anger at the voting process.

He told his supporters to pressure their elected officials to reject the results, urging them to fight.

Trump came under intensive fire from some prominent Republicans in Congress, who put the blame for the days violence squarely on his shoulders.

There is no question that the President formed the mob, the President incited the mob, the President addressed the mob. He lit the flame, House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney said on Twitter.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton, a leading conservative from Arkansas, called on Trump to accept his election loss and quit misleading the American people and repudiate mob violence.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who had remained silent while Trump has sought to overturn the election result, called the invasion a failed insurrection and promised that we will not bow to lawlessness or intimidation.

We are back in our posts. We will discharge our duty under the Constitution, and for our nation. And we are going to do it tonight, he said.

Expand Close In this image from video, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks as the Senate reconvenes after protesters stormed into the US Capitol (Senate Television via AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp In this image from video, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks as the Senate reconvenes after protesters stormed into the US Capitol (Senate Television via AP)

The shock of the assault on the Capitol seemed to soften the resolve of some Republicans who had supported Trumps efforts to convince Americans of his baseless claims of fraud.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trumps staunchest allies in Congress, rejected an effort by his fellow Republicans to object to election results in hopes of setting up a commission to investigate Trumps unsubstantiated allegations of election fraud.

All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough, Graham said on the floor of the Senate. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are lawfully elected and will become the president and the vice president of the United States on Jan. 20.

The Senate rejected by a 93-6 vote Republican objections to the certification of Bidens victory in the battleground state of Arizona, ensuring their defeat. The House of Representatives, controlled by Democrats, also rejected the move by a 303-121 vote.

The Senate also rejected an objection to the certification in Pennsylvania on a 92-7 vote. The House was still debating the objection.

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The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice to the Centre and Election Commission to examine whether lawmakers who resign to topple an elected government and later join hands with the rival political faction for the lure of ministerial berths should attract disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde issued notice on a petition filed by Jaya Thakur, a social activist from Madhya Pradesh, who demanded that a six-year ban should be imposed on such political turncoats in view of the recent trend emerging from the states of Madhya Pradesh as recently as in March 2020 and Karnataka in 2019.

Thakur, in her petition filed through advocate Varinder Kumar Sharma said, The object of the Tenth Schedule (inserted in the Constitution in 1985) was to curb the evil of political defections motivated by lure of office or other similar consideration which endanger the foundations of our democracy. Evil of the political defection has been a matter of national concern. Therefore, now time has come that a defector should be debarred for a period of six year, so that corrupt practice must be discouraged.

The petition also demanded that any person who gives up membership of the party should be barred from holding any office of a Minister or any other remunerative political post until the term of the House expires. Politicians including political parties find out a new path to defeat the motive of the Tenth Schedule by giving resignation from an elected post and choose to join the ruling party and take ministerial post or any other public office by contesting bye-elections within six month at the cost of the public exchequer. It is necessary to ban such type of people for up to six years from contesting elections and debar them from holding any public office, the petition said.

The petition cited the recent example of Madhya Pradesh where 22 rebel members of the state Assembly belonging to the Congress resigned to topple the Kamal Nath government in the state. Later, they contested the bye-elections and got re-elected from the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Some of them joined as ministers in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government.

The petition also gave the example of Karnataka where 10 out of 17 members of legislative Assembly (MLA) in the state resigned or stood disqualified for anti-party activities in 2019. Later, on getting re-elected, the BS Yeddyurappa government gave ministerial berths to 10 such MLAs.

Senior advocate Anoop G Chaudhary who argued for Thakur told the Court, MLAs, MPs contesting the election at the public exchequers cost cannot resign for personal benefits with ulterior motive. They are defeating the law laid down by the Parliament in the Tenth Schedule, later upheld by the Supreme Court in the Kihoti Hollohan case of 1992.

The Tenth Schedule lays down the process by which legislators may be disqualified on grounds of defection by the Presiding Officer of a legislature based on a petition by any other member of the House. A legislator is deemed to have defected if he either voluntarily gives up the membership of his party or disobeys the party whip on voting.

The bench, also comprising Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, agreed to issue notice on the petition to both the Centre and the Election Commission. Since a petition raising similar issue is already pending before the Court in a case titled Lok Prahari v Union of India, the Court tagged Thakurs petition to be heard along with that case. Chaudhary requested the Court for an early date citing elections in several states but the bench refused to assign any date.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Officials argue with villagers of Tallakunta thanda in Warangal Rural district but leave the place without being able to halt the marriage.  DC Image

WARANGAL: A team of officials who went to stop the wedding of an under-age girl in Tallakunta thanda under Wardhannapet mandal was turned away by villagers on Wednesday night. A crowd stopped the officials from reaching the house where the wedding ceremony for the 12-year-old girl was on.

The villagers got into an altercation with child protection officers, police and ICDS officials around 11pm. District child development officer (DCPO) G Mahender Reddy said the villagers paid no heed to the words of the officials and abused them.

Women ganged up against women officers and argued against any outside interference in the issue. They said it was the familys decision as to when their children should get married. There was high tension. The villagers were in a mood to defy the police, he said.

CDPO Padma, supervisor Hemalatha, Wardhannapet police sub-inspector Vamsi Krishna, child protection officer Raju and police constables left the village without being able to halt the marriage event.

The issue was reported to district collector M Haritha. A police case would be registered against the family members.

Wardhannapet sub-inspector Vamshi Krishna said a case under sections 186, 188 of the IPC and sections 9 and 10 of the Prevention of Child Marriage Act 2006 has been registered.
Bank accounts play a big role in businesses of all sizes. Be it Micro SMEs, start-ups, or multinational corporations, most businesses rely on business banking products to carry out monetary transactions, as well as provide financing for growth and expansion.

Today in Malaysias unique dual financial system, business owners have a choice between conventional banking and Islamic banking products. Furthermore, Islamic banking products have grown in popularity as more people are accepting and understanding that Islamic banking services are not only for Muslims but also open to non-Muslim enterprises.

What is Islamic Banking?

Islamic banking differs from conventional banking because the principles of Islamic banking are rooted in and compliant with the Shariah law. Now, this does not mean that Islamic banking is religious and only available to the Muslim community.

Rather, these underlying principles are inclusive for all consumers and encourage accountability. The main principles include mutual risk and profit-sharing between parties, transparency, and encouraging a wide circulation of wealth in the economy.

To that, there has been a growing acceptance of Islamic banking products in Malaysia. According to the Bank Negara Malaysia Annual Report 2019, financing from Islamic financial institutions accounted for almost 40% of total financing in the banking sector. Meanwhile, Islamic deposits and investments have grown by 11.3% over 2017  2019, compared to the 1.8% of conventional deposits over the same period.

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With this demand in mind, UOB Malaysia launched its Islamic Banking business in 2016. Employing 80 years of experience of a leading bank in Southeast Asia, UOB Malaysias Islamic Banking products offer businesses comprehensive solutions to meet the countrys growing demand for Shariah-compliant products. One such product is the Current Account-i for businesses.

Current Account-i  Your Businesss Islamic Banking Solution

The Current Account-i is a step forward for SME and commercial business owners keen on exploring Islamic banking and finance solutions for their business. This current account for businesses offers the same conveniences as UOBs conventional current account but with the added benefit of being Shariah-compliant.

With a minimum initial deposit of RM1,000, youll get access to 24/7 digital banking services via UOB Business Internet Banking (BIB) and monthly e-statements when you open a Current Account-i.

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Gain Access To Exclusive Services For Your Business and Employees

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Meanwhile, you, as a business owner, gain access to more Cash Management and Islamic Trade and Financing facilities to boost business expansion and growth.

Corporate Employee Program-i (CEP-i) The CEP-i provides your company employees a variety of benefits when they do their banking with UOB Malaysia Islamic Bank. These include:  Islamic Fixed Deposit Preferential Rate  ProSave Account-i with Takaful coverage  Preferential Financing Rates  Lower Unit Trust Sales Charge Rate  MEPS Fee Waiver Cash Management  Business internet banking  Cashless solutions  Collection reconciliation  Bill repayment  Virtual account Islamic Trade and Financing  Contract financing  Letter of credit-i  Trust receipts-i  Bankers acceptance-i  Bank guarantee-i  BizProperty Term Financing-i  Revolving credit-i  15-years commercial property financing

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Get in touch with a representative to start your UOB Islamic Banking journey today.

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EMILY ST. LAWRENCE, Chariho girls lacrosse, senior: St. Lawrence tied a school record for goals in a game with nine in a win over Smithfield. St. Lawrence scored 17 goals for the week and has 32 for the season.

CARLY CONSTANTINE, Stonington softball, sophomore: Constantine singled home Shea OConnor with the winning run to hand Waterford, the states No. 2 ranked team at the time, its first loss of the season. For the week, Constantine was 5 for 15.

GREG GORMAN, Westerly baseball, junior: Gorman, a junior, hit a massive home run in a win against Barrington. The homer went over the fence in center field and landed in a nearby road. Gorman was 3 for 3 with four RBIs in the game. He is hitting .571 with 10 RBIs for the season.

BRADIN ANDERSON, Wheeler baseball, freshman: Anderson, a freshman, pitched a complete-game shutout to beat Grasso Tech. Anderson struck out three to earn the first win of his varsity career.

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Yeah Nah, Pasaran is a weekly show dedicated to putting fascism and the far right under the microscope. The independent podcast has become a must listen for those wishing to track the organisation of far right movements in Australia.

The podcast takes its name from the anti-facist rally cry No pasaran!, popularised during the Spanish Civil War, and gives it a wonderful Australian spin. Hosts Andy Fleming and Cam Smith have been investigating facist and far right movements in Australia for years on Melbourne Community Radio 3CR.

Far-right terrorist Brenton Tarrant, who attacked a mosque in Christchurch. Credit:AP

Now that social media has become the main recruitment and organisational tool of far right movements in Australia, I wondered how Fleming and Smith separated the keyboard warriors from those that posed a real threat.

Well there's certainly lots of idiots online, says Fleming.
Boeing will pay $2.5 billion to settle a criminal charge of defrauding safety regulators in connection with the development of the 737 Max aircraft, which suffered two deadly crashes.



The Justice Department said Thursday that Boeing agreed to the settlement that includes money for the crash victims families, airline customers and airlines, as well as a fine.

The criminal monetary payment includes a $500 million fund to the families of victims who died in two 737 MAX crashes. Under the settlement announced Thursday, Boeing will pay a $243.6 million fine and $1.77 billion in compensation to airlines that were unable to use their Max jets while they were grounded.

The company has agreed to make the payment as a deferred prosecution agreement relating to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States.

The misleading statements, half-truths, and omissions communicated by Boeing employees to the FAA impeded the governments ability to ensure the safety of the flying public, U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox said in a statement. This case sends a clear message: The Department of Justice will hold manufacturers like Boeing accountable for defrauding regulators  especially in industries where the stakes are this high.



Two crashes with the plane in Indonesia and Ethiopia killed 346 people. In both crashes, the system pushed the nose down repeatedly based on faulty sensor readings, and pilots were unable to regain control.

Boeing blamed two former pilots who helped determine how much training was needed for the Max. CEO David Calhoun said their conduct doesnt reflect Boeing employees as a whole or the character of the company.



Video: Parents of Boeing crash victim say 'avoid the Max'



This is a substantial settlement of a very serious matter, and I firmly believe that entering into this resolution is the right thing for us to do  a step that appropriately acknowledges how we fell short of our values and expectations, Calhoun said in a memo to employees.

The government will drop the criminal charge of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. after three years if Boeing follows the terms of the settlement.

The settlement removes uncertainty about criminal charges against the iconic U.S. aircraft maker, which is struggling to put the Max crisis behind it. Boeing still faces lawsuits by the families of passengers who died in the crashes, it has lost more than 1,000 orders for the Max, and its once-stellar reputation for engineering has suffered.

Boeing began working on the Max in 2011 as an answer to a new, more fuel-efficient model from European rival Airbus. Boeing admitted in court filings that two of its technical pilot experts deceived the FAA about a flight-control system called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS, that could point a plane's nose down if sensors indicated the plane might be in danger of an aerodynamic stall  that it might fall from the sky.

The system was not part of previous 737 models. MCAS was added because the Maxs larger engines, which are mounted higher and farther forward on the 737s low-swept wings, gave the plane a tendency to tilt too far nose-up in some conditions.

Boeing downplayed the significance of MCAS and didn't mention it in airplane manuals. Most pilots didn't know about it.

The first airlines began flying the 737 Max in mid-2017. On Oct. 29, 2018, a Max operated by Indonesias Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea. The FAA let the Max keep flying, and on March 10, 2019, another Max operated by Ethiopian Airlines crashed nearly straight down into a field. In all, 346 people were killed.

On both flights, MCAS was activated by a faulty reading from a single sensor. The system repeatedly pushed the planes' noses down, and pilots were unable to regain control.

After the planes were grounded worldwide, Boeing changed MCAS so that it always uses two sensors, along with other changes to make the automated system less powerful and easier for pilots to override. The FAA ordered other changes, including the rerouting of some wiring to avoid potential dangerous short-circuiting.

In November, the FAA approved Boeing's changes, and several carriers including American Airlines have resumed using the planes.

Boeing faces dozens of lawsuits by families who lost relatives in the crashes. Three lawyers pressing cases in the Ethiopian crash said the settlement would not affect their pursuit of compensation.



Zipporah Kuria, a U.K. citizen whose father died in the Ethiopian crash, said that with the settlement, Boeing leaders were seeking to pay their way out of accountability. The agreement wont bring back our loved ones, but at least there is clarity that their deaths werent incidental and there is clarity in liability.
Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.
Police believe that a male employee in the construction industry was behind dozens of sexual assaults that took place over a six-year period, reports TBS News

In the latest case, police have accused Sho Iijima, 34, of grabbing the chest of a high school girl, 18, in a residential area in Utsunomiya City as she commuted home in April 2017.

Police also allege that he stole the underwear she was wearing.

I wanted to do something nasty to the girl, Iijima was quoted by police in admitting to charges of indecent assault and theft.

Iijima lives in Nasushiobara City. Police suspect that he was behind about 30 similar cases that took place between 2014 and last year.

Prior to his latest arrest, police had already accused Iijima over three of those cases. The investigation is ongoing.
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(Photo : SpaceX via Getty Images)) CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - MAY 30: In this SpaceX handout image, a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft launches on the Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley onboard at Launch Complex 39A May 30, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The Demo-2 mission is the first launch of a manned SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. It was the first launch of an American crew from U.S. soil since the conclusion of the Space Shuttle program in 2011. (Photo : (Photo by Joel Kowsky/NASA via Getty Images)) CAPE CANAVERAL, FL - FEBRUARY 28: In this NASA handout, A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard is seen as it is rolled out of the horizontal integration facility at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for the Demo-1 mission, Feb. 28, 2019 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Demo-1 mission will be the first launch of a commercially built and operated American spacecraft and space system designed for humans as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The mission, currently targeted for a 2:49am launch on March 2, will serve as an end-to-end test of the system's capabilities

SpaceX would launch the first rocket this 2021 with Falcon 9 leading the charge to bring Turksat 5A to Earth's orbit, known as the next-generation broadcasting birds to patrol space, with Elon Musk leading the charge. 2021's first launch would take place on Cape Canaveral Space Force on Thursday night, January 7, and is set to push through without confirmation.

The popular public aerospace manufacturer, SpaceX, would mark another milestone for the company as 2021's "space opener" that would be the first of many launches the company would make this year. Whether it be for Starlink's internet satellites, NASA's contract-bound Commercial Crew Launches, or other companies' agreement, SpaceX is here to service them all.

SpaceX is becoming the top privately-owned company to launch for different agencies or corporations in the present, as it dominated 2020 with its Commercial Crew tie up with NASA. Moreover, Elon Musk popularized the use of SpaceX's reusable rockets which is in the form of the Crew Dragon, Cargo Dragon, and the Falcon 9 rocket launcher.

Read Also: SpaceX Super Heavy Rocket Landing: Elon Musk Explains How to Catch the Booster with Arms instead of Using Legs

SpaceX's First Launch in 2021: Falcon 9 Brings Turksat 5A

According to MSN, SpaceX will headline 2021's first launch with the Falcon 9 to launch a highly-technological and advanced "broadcasting bird" known as the Turksat 5A, which is a Turkish satellite for military purposes. The next-gen satellite would mark SpaceX and Falcon 9's fourth consecutive launch, retrieval, and relaunch of the same rocket.

Moreover, this time, Falcon 9 would be caught by Just Read The Instructions (JRTI) droneship which would be waiting for the rocket's return in the Atlantic Ocean this time. The past return of the same Falcon 9 was caught by its other drone ships deployed in the Pacific Ocean.

SpaceX has not yet confirmed if the mission is a go for Thursday night, but several indicators are signaling and confirming that it would still follow its schedule as airspaces are already closed at the rocket's launch time. Also, the weather for Thursday night indicates that it can push through as scheduled but a 24-hour back-up timeline is already in-place.

SpaceX Falcon 9 2021 Launch: Here's How to Watch

As per usual SpaceX launches, the company would set up a live stream to let the public in farther places to witness and experience the Falcon 9's flight virtually. The live stream could be viewed on their website and through their YouTube live launch show which we will soon embed below upon SpaceX confirmation.

The Falcon 9's launch window would begin from 5:28 pm PT (8:28 pm EST) which would have an estimate of four hours of allotment to blastoff. Launching at night is a sight to see as the rocket would be more distinguishable and noticeable as it lights up the skies with its powerful display of burning rocket fuel.

Related Article: SpaceX Wins $150.4M Pentagon Contract to Deploy 28 Satellites in 2022





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Written by Isaiah Alonzo

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Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Acting Special Representative of UN Secretary-General for Libya (ASRSG), Stephanie Williams, has announced that participants at Wednesday's meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LDPF) "agreed to continue discussion in the coming days and to meet in person next week in Geneva"
In an "unprecedented assault" on democracy in America, thousands of angry supporters of President stormed the US Capitol and clashed with police, resulting in casualty and multiple injuries and interrupting a constitutional process to affirm Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election.

The police, outnumbered by the maskless protesters, had a tough time in managing the mob, as hundreds of protesters breached security and entered the Capitol building on Wednesday, where members of the Congress were going through the process of counting and certifying the Electoral College votes.

Both the House and Senate and the entire Capitol were placed under a lockdown. Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers were evacuated to safe locations.

One woman who was shot inside US Capitol has died, CNN reported, quoting a spokesperson with the Metropolitan Police Department. Multiple officers were injured during the mob attack.

The protesters at the Capitol started to disperse following the enforcement of curfew in the national capital. However, dozens of protesters remained on the streets in defiance of the curfew.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the curfew earlier in the day after Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.

Officials said the Capitol was secured, putting an end to nearly four-hour violent occupation by Trump supporters. Heavily armed police personnel were deployed to disperse the crowd.

In a letter to colleagues, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said leaders of Congress have decided to resume the joint session tonight once the Capitol is "cleared for use."



Trump, who earlier encouraged his supporters to head to the Capitol, urged them to abide by the law and go back home after the violent clash.

"This was a fraudulent election, but we can't play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home," Trump said in a video message posted on Twitter. The micro blogging site later removed the video and some tweets in which Trump appeared to defend the actions of his supporters.

Twitter also locked President Trump's account for 12 hours for the first time and warned that he could get kicked off permanently.

President-elect Biden said he was shocked and sad to see the US has "come to such a dark moment".

"At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault. Unlike anything we've seen in modern times. An assault on the citadel of liberty, the Capitol itself. An assault on the people's representatives and the Capitol Hill police, sworn to protect them. And the public servants who work at the heart of our Republic...," Biden said in an address to the nation.

"Let me be very clear. The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect a true America. Do not represent who we are. What we're seeing are a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent. It's disorder. It's chaos. It borders on sedition. And it must end now," Biden said.

"I call on President Trump to go on national television now to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution by demanding an end to this siege," he said.

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said President Trump has directed the National Guard and other "federal protective services" to assist with responding to the rioters at the Capitol.

However, Acting Secretary of Defence Chris Miller said he discussed deployment of National Guard with Pence, Senate Leader McConnell, House Speaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer. He did not mention President Trump.

Multiple news outlets earlier showed protestors walking with ease inside the Capitol and hundreds of them occupying the inaugural stage. A large number of them were seen climbing the wall.

Video taken at the US Capitol showed some rioters breaking the glass of a window and then climbing through the shattered pane.

"We're actually looking at video right now of these anarchists... these people who were involved in this insurrection. They broke the glass in the United States Capitol and now they are climbing through the window," CNN correspondent Dana Bash described the footage.

"The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building," Pence tweeted.

"...this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, he said.

This is possibly for the first time in the recent history that such a large number of people have breached into the Capitol and disrupted the constitutional provisions.

Congress had certified just 12 votes before the riots broke out. All 12 of those votes went to President Trump. There are 538 electoral votes in total.

Trump - who lost the popular and electoral college vote - continues to dispute the results. He alleges that there was a massive voters' fraud and electoral malpractice. Election officials have denied the allegations.

Former Republican president George W Bush, Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Mitt Romney and Congressman Steve Womack have condemned the attack on Capitol.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen called the violence at the US Capitol "an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of our democracy."



"US Capitol Police saved my life. Attacks on law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs are never acceptable. Period. We can passionately protest without being violent, said House Republican Whip Steve Scalise.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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A pro-Trump rioter storms the US Senate chamber on Wednesday. (Getty Images)

The US House and Senate are back in session at the Capitol to certify the 2020 election results after an hours-long security crisis that saw hundreds of pro-Trump rioters overpower police to storm the building and interrupt official proceedings.

The violence was quelled. The Capitol was secured, and the people's work continues, Vice President Mike Pence said as he gaveled the Senate back into session.

Lawmakers will pick up where they left off around 2pm Wednesday afternoon by resuming consideration of a motion co-signed by dozens of Republican lawmakers to block the Electoral College votes in Arizona.

Read more: Follow live updates on the riots at the US Capitol

Arizona is one of five states whose election results Republicans have planned to challenge to wipe away President-elect Joe Bidens victory and keep Donald Trump in power for four more years.

The cadre of Trump loyalists has cited widespread election fraud but has never once provided evidence that such fraud existed, with state and federal courts dismissing case after case over the last several weeks.

Each chamber needs a majority of members to vote in favour of the objections to throw out the results. At the beginning of the day, 24 GOP senators (less than a quarter of the chamber) and roughly 150 House Republicans (out of 435 total House members) had pledged to support the objections, leaving the objections far short of a majority. It is unclear whether the riot at the Capitol, which Democrats and even many Republicans have blamed on Mr Trump for inciting, has changed any Republicans minds about how they will vote.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi characterised the mayhem in Washington on Wednesday as a time of great sadness as she notified her colleagues that they would be summoned back to the Capitol to complete the American peoples business.

Today, a shameful assault was made on our democracy. It was anointed at the highest level of government. It cannot, however, deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden, the speaker wrote in a Dear Colleague letter on Wednesday evening.

Story continues

Mr Pence will continue presiding over the joint session when each chamber completes debating and voting on Congressman Paul Gosar and Senator Ted Cruz objection to Arizonas electoral tally.

Mr Pence has defied Mr Trumps pleas to block the electoral results and keep him in power.

Earlier on Wednesday, the president made a final desperate plea to his vice president to block the certification of Mr Bidens victory.

States want to correct their votes, which they now know were based on irregularities and fraud, plus corrupt process never received legislative approval, the president tweeted, repeating his false assertions of widespread fraud in the 2020 election.

All Mike Pence has to do is send them back to the States, AND WE WIN. Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage! Mr Trump wrote.

The scene at the Capitol earlier on Wednesday felt like something out of a movie or video game as throngs of protesters descended on an overwhelmed US Capitol Police force, shattered windows, and stormed through the halls and both chambers of Congress.

At least one woman was shot and killed and several USCP officers were injured amid the chaos as rioters breached the Capitol building.

Tear gas was deployed to disperse rioters who burst into various offices in the Capitol  including Ms Pelosis  and romped through the House and Senate chambers for a time.

They stole podiums and congressional leaders mail. One rioter even left a menacing note on the speakers desk: We will not back down, he wrote in red Sharpie in all capital letters on a manilla folder.

Calls have surged on Capitol Hill for Mr Trump to removed from office over his involvement in the riots.

At a Save America March on the Ellipse just south of the White House early on Wednesday afternoon, the president encouraged thousands of supporters to march on the Capitol, telling them to be strong.

We will never give up, Mr Trump said to roars of applause. We will never concede. It doesnt happen. You dont concede when theres theft involved. Our country has had enough. We will not take it anymore, and thats what this is all about.

The president remained defiant throughout the day, refusing to concede the election. He also did not outright condemn the pro-Trump rioters he himself had encouraged to gather at the Capitol. In a video posted to Twitter that has since been taken down by the social media platform, Mr Trump told the rioters he loves them, although he urged them to go home.

You have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order, he said.

It wasnt just Democrats on Capitol Hill who were incensed with the president for his inflammatory rhetoric that fueled Wednesdays violence.

While no Republican lawmakers have so far issued public statements about removing Mr Trump from office, several have explicitly denounced him for inciting the insurrection at the Capitol.

Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the third-highest ranking House Republican, placed the blame for Wednesdays mayhem squarely on the outgoing presidents shoulders.

We just had a violent mob assault the US Capitol. ... No question the president formed the mob, the president incited the mob, the president addressed the mob. He lit the flame, Ms Cheney said.

Senator Mitt Romney went a step further, saying that the Republicans who support Mr Trumps bid to throw out the Electoral College results are equally complicit in perpetrating the insurrection staged on Wednesday at the Capitol.

What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States. Those who choose to continue to support his dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as being complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy. They will be remembered for their role in this shameful episode in American history. That will be their legacy, the Utah Republican said.

Read More

US Capitol cleared of rioters as Congress looks to certify Biden win

Trump posts second tweet to rioters before Twitter deletes it

Woman dead in riot as lawmakers set to certify election - follow live

Twitter threatens to ban Trump after he calls rioters great patriots

Biden demands Trump make national address to end Capitol siege
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered a ban on Alipay, WeChat Pay and other apps linked to Chinese companies, saying they could route user information to the government in Beijing.

The executive order is to take effect in 45 days, just weeks after Trump is replaced in the White House by President-elect Joe Biden.

Also Read | The race to take fashion retail online

A senior administration official said the order and its implementation has not been discussed with the "potential incoming Biden administration."

The move by Trump comes after previous executive orders aimed at banning TikTok, which is owned by China-based ByteDance, were derailed by court rulings indicating Trump overstepped his legal authority.

The apps targeted by the new ban were chosen because of the extremely high number of downloads, which meant tens of millions of users could be at risk of having their data harnessed, according to the administration official.

"We are trying to articulate to the world and take steps to stop the encroachment of China's big data strategy -- photos, text messages, phone calls to parents -- from being fed into this mass tool for global oppression," the official said.

Trump's order calls for the secretary of commerce to review and assess what further apps should be included in the ban.

It specifically named Alipay, CamScanner, QQ Wallet, SHAREit, Tencent QQ, VMate, WeChat Pay and WPS Office.

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Rioters objecting to Donald Trumps election loss stormed the United States Capitol on Wednesday. (BBC News)

As violent protesters remained inside the Capitol building, Donald Trumps top spokeswoman claimed National Guard forces were being deployed to help restore order.

At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted. We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.

At least one woman has been shot and members of the House and Senate remain inside the building. They were meeting to count Electoral Votes, to which the rioters and the president were objecting.

Follow live: Woman shot as armed Trump supporters storm Capitol

A National Guard official told The Independent just before Ms McEnanys tweet that the bureau had not received a request to go and help restore order, saying that likely would have gone through the Department of the Army. A spokesman for the Office of the Secretary of Defense said he had not shot down any such request from District of Columbia officials or senior congressional leaders.

The president was silent during the onset of the violence, even after stoking a large rally protesting his election loss. His motorcade even led the throng to the Capitol.

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you! the president wrote in one post.

You have to show strength, and you have to be strong, Mr Trump told his supporters at that rally.

At several points, he told the crowd they should not take it anymore.

We will never give up, we will never concede, the president told rally-goers, many of whom became rioters about an hour later.

Our country has had enough," Mr Trump said. We will not take it anymore  thats what this is all about.

Congressman Ken Buck, a Colorado Republican, told Fox News that House members had been moved from the chamber. Video footage showed members of the Senate also had been evacuated.

The minister took to his official Twitter handle to break the news on Wednesday evening and added that all the details regarding the exam, and the syllabus will be sent to schools by the government.

Karnataka decided to reopen its schools and PU colleges after a prolonged closedown of over nine months due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Schools for students studying in Class 10 and 12 and the Vidyagama for Class 6 to 9 reopened on January 1.

Since the schools reopened, attendance continues to grow among Class 10, 12 and Vidyagama students.

Of the 4,24,250 students enrolled in 5,492 PU colleges in the state, as many as 2,42,886 (57.25 per cent) were present and out of 9,29,130 enrolled in Class 10 in 16,850 high schools of the state board, as many as 4,77,051, (51.34 per cent) were present on Tuesday. Vidyagama saw an attendance of 6,30,557 students which was more than the four lakh odd students that were present on Monday.

But on a flip side, over 50 teachers have tested Covid positive across seven districts so far and in some districts like Chitradurga, the district administration had close down schools, where six teachers tested positive.
The City of Laredo has reached yet another unwanted milestone in the battle against COVID-19 today, with city and county leaders announcing Thursday that 216 patients infected with the virus are currently under treatment at Laredo hospitals.

The number of hospitalizations is now the highest its ever been since the emergence of the pandemic in the Gateway City. The previous high was experienced on July 31, when the city reported 207 hospitalizations.

Despite the peak in hospitalizations, the COVID-19 hospitalization rate actually decreased from the high of 41.53% reported by city leaders on January 3. The Texas Department State Health Services (DSHS) now reports a rate of 28.99% for January 6, which means the Laredo hospital region no longer leads the state.

While still the second-highest reported in Texas, the report breaks a streak of 28 days where Laredo had the highest rate in the entire state. The Waco hospital region (34.05%) now takes the lead.

Data from DSHS indicates that Laredo saw a large expansion in hospital capacity on Wednesday. While the number had previously hovered around 500, it was reported at 714 on Wednesday.

While the news could be seen as a good sign, Laredo hospitals continue to struggle with capacity issues. DSHS data reports that in the Laredo hospital region that only 15 total hospital beds are available in the city, 3 of which are ICU beds. According to city data, 59 people remain under intensive care.

During the update, city leaders also confirmed an additional 479 cases of the novel coronavirus. That number is the second-highest amount of positives recorded in a single day since March.

Two new deaths were also confirmed in Thursday's report. A man in his late 50s died on Wednesday and a man in his early 70s died on Thursday.

Since March, 28,615 people have tested positive and 525 people have died. 1,186 people remain actively infected with the virus, 26,454 persons are estimated to have recovered from a previous infection.

As of 2 p.m., 201,817 tests for the novel coronavirus have been submitted in Laredo.
Farmers of all 18,000-odd villages in will get supply during the day time for purposes by the end of the year 2022, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced on Thursday.

The BJP government in the state has allocated Rs 3,500 crore to create the necessary infrastructure for this ambitious 'Kisan Suryoday Yojna' (KSY), Rupani said addressing a gathering Tilakwada town in Narmada while launching the project for 39 villages of the district.

In October last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the scheme, aimed at providing electricity during the day time to farmers for irrigation and farming purposes, for the entire state, and villages of different districts are beingcovered in a phase-wise manner, Rupani said.

"Farmers have been demanding that they be given agricultural supply during the day, as going to fields in the night to irrigate the crop is dangerous. That is why we have approved this scheme having a budget of Rs 3,500 crore," the chief minister said in his address.

He said his government's target is to provide electricity for agricultural purposes during the day to 4,000 villages by January 20 and to all the 18,000 villages by the end of year 2022.

"Now, farmers can work during the day and rest at night," he said.

Rupani said unlike the past Congress rule, the BJP-led dispensation in is the "farmers' government".

He alleged that some protesting farmers were shot dead during Congress rule over 25 years back in

Gujarat Energy Minister Saurabh Patel on the occasion said the state government will give a subsidy of Rs 7,500 crore this year by providing cheap electricity for

"Since long, we have not increased the tariff for farmers. Though the cost is increasing, we have kept the tariff at only Rs 60 paise per unit," he said.

"On behalf of farmers, the government will pay the difference of Rs 7,500 crore to GUVNL (state power entity) as subsidy this year," Patel said.

He said the entire state will be covered under the Kisan Suryoday Yojna in three years.
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The government has acknowledged the chaos, announcing last week that it was very concerned by reports of price gouging by hotels. Still, it has defended the policy as necessary to prevent the spread of a highly contagious variant of the virus. Hong Kong has largely managed to avoid the kind of mass outbreaks that have crippled most of the rest of the world, aided in part by its strict quarantine regimen.
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Washington: Lawmakers of both parties have raised the prospect of ousting President Donald Trump from office, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that if he wasn't removed, the House may move forward with a second impeachment.

Though Trump has less than two weeks in office, members of Congress and even some in his administration began discussing the issue on Thursday morning (AEDT) during the riots, as Trump first refused to forcefully condemn the violent assault on the Capitol by a mob of his supporters and then appeared to excuse it.

Senior Trump administration officials raised the possibility of invoking Section 4 of the 25th Amendment  the forceful removal of Trump from power by his own Cabinet.

Pelosi told a news conference she is waiting for a decision from Vice-President Mike Pence and other Cabinet officials. She challenged several of them by name, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.
Nearly a decade after details began trickling out highlighting widespread, multi-million dollar corruption at the Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation, the final defendant in the conspiracy was sentenced to federal prison Thursday.

Janell Robinson, a former Newark police officer, was sentenced to nine years after being found guilty last year on charges of conspiracy to defraud the watershed corporation, two counts of mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion affecting interstate commerce.

U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton also sentenced Robinson to three years supervised release and ordered her to pay restitution of $288,950 to the watershed corporation.

Robinsons attorney declined to comment on the sentence.

During a two-week trial last February, prosecutors described how Robinson was one of the co-conspirators who gave kickbacks to the former director of the Newark Watershed Conservation, totaling nearly $1 million in exchange for no-work contracts and fraudulent payments. Robinson took in nearly $300,000 during the conspiracy, authorities said.

All nine defendants charged in the case have either pleaded guilty or have been convicted.

The Newark Water Group, a community group that first brought the corruption to public light in 2011, previously called the scheme one of the biggest and widest-ranging scandals Newark has ever experienced.

Todays sentencing of Janell Robinson seemingly brings an end to the criminal investigations of a massive fraud and kickback scheme operating inside the Newark watershed that lasted for years and resulted in more than a million dollars of city money stolen or misappropriated, the group said in a statement Tuesday.

The watershed corporation, which provided water to half a million New Jersey residents, closed in 2013, but came under intense public scrutiny after the New Jersey Comptrollers Office released a report in 2014 that found the public agency was extorting millions of public dollars and making illegal payments.

At the helm of the conspiracy was Linda Watkins-Brashear, the former top official of the watershed corporation, who prosecutors said hired contractors who did little or no work but received inflated payments in exchange for kickbacks. She was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty in 2015 to charges of of conspiracy and filing a false income tax return for soliciting around $1 million in bribes.

Watkins-Brashear received a lesser sentence after agreeing to cooperate against her co-conspirators, including Robinson.

On the first day of Robinsons trial, Watkins-Brashear was transported in from federal prison and detailed how Robinson ran a phony security company that received nearly $300,000 through no-work contracts and padded invoices. In exchange, Robinson paid Watkins-Brashear a cut of the money, she testified.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie F. Schwartz said during the trial that Robinsons security company, Protected and Secured Services, LLC, was a fraudulent business that (Robinson) set up to steal from the watershed.

The watershed paid Protected and Secured Services more than $5,000 every single month for more than a year, including multiple months where Robinsons company received more than $20,000 from the corporation, even though it only had one employee who worked 16 hours per week, authorities said.

Prosecutors said Robinson paid Watkins-Brashear around $50,000 in kickbacks, while keeping $200,000 for herself, which she used to to pay off her credit card, lease a Mercedes-Benz, help her other struggling business ventures and for personal expenses, like remodeling her kitchen.

Robinson took the stand to defend the security company, saying it did all the work her company billed the watershed corporation for.

After deliberating for around two hours, the jury delivered the guilty verdict, effectively ending the the case centered on the massive kickback scheme that defrauded the watershed of millions.

The Newark Water Group is now asking Acting U.S. Attorney Rachel Honig to release the offices files related to their investigation, as the group said unanswered questions remain, including if then-Newark mayor and current U.S. Sen Cory Booker knew about the corruption.

According to court documents, Watkins-Brashear told the FBI that a Booker ally instructed vendors to make campaign contributions to Booker and his political friends during his mayoral tenure, according to previous reporting by NJ Advance Media. Booker, who was not charged in the criminal probe, has repeatedly said he was unaware of the corruption.

The (Newark Water Group) believes there are still many questions about what occurred inside the NWCDC that have not yet been answered or were left unaddressed during the probes, the statement says. They remain outstanding to this day.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Joe Atmonavage may be reached at jatmonavage@njadvancemedia.com.

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HONG KONG  Before boarding her flight to Hong Kong for a new job last month, Tanja Cunz made sure she had met all of the governments stringent entry requirements. Ms. Cunz, a 34-year-old museum curator from Switzerland, took a coronavirus test, paid for two weeks of quarantine at a government-designated hotel and steeled herself for half a month without fresh air.

But as her plane touched down in Hong Kong on Christmas morning, an announcement came over the loudspeaker: The government overnight had extended the quarantine period from two weeks to three, effective immediately. The passengers would have to secure a third week at their hotel before they could leave the airport.

Ms. Cunz was stunned. Not only would she have to pay for an extra week of quarantine, but she would also have to postpone her start date at work by one week, meaning a loss of salary too.

All your plans, they just fall apart, Ms. Cunz said in a phone call from her hotel room, from which she can see her future office across Victoria Harbor.

Even as there has been a steady drop in the Covid-19 cases in the state, Maharashtras case fatality rate (CFR), or the proportion of people who have died of the disease among those diagnosed with it, is the second-highest in the country at 2.55. Ten districts including Mumbai have a CFR of over 3%.

The CFR dropped to 2.55% on January 6 compared to 2.64% on October 6. The positivity rate during this period dipped to 14.88 from 20.24%. The recovery rate improved to 94.79 from 80.48%.

The national CFR has dropped to 1.45% from 1.55% three months ago. It has come down to 1.74% from 2.44% in Gujarat.

Mumbai has the highest CFR in Maharashtra at 3.8% followed by Parbhani (3.7%), Sangli (3.5%), and Ratnagiri (3.4%), according to the state health department.

Unlike a few other states we do not hide cases...the Covid-19 cases are not put in other categories of deaths, said state health minister Rajesh Tope while explaining the states higher CFR.

Barring Mumbai, the districts with high CFR either have poor health infrastructure or low testing per million because of the poor contact tracing. Mumbai is an exception to all these and the high CFR in Mumbai is mostly because of the critical cases referred to Mumbai hospital from surrounding cities and areas, said an official.

State surveillance officer Pradeep Awate said the state has been concentrating on the districts with high CFR. The districts are monitored through weekly reports and projections. The district administrations are told to take corrective measures to bring the mortality down. By bringing the mortality in these districts down, the overall state CFR can be reduced. Our weekly CFR now has drastically come down and hovers at around 1.7% currently. The daily positivity rate has dropped to 6.5%. The CFR was 5.2 in August, which has dropped now to 2.5%... the overall CFR will drop below 2%.
IIT - Delhi campus (Source: IIT-Delhi)

Union education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank today announced that the JEE Advanced 2021 exam will be held on July 3, 2021.

Further, Nishank said that the admission criteria for Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) has waived off the 75 percent marks criteria for Class XII board exam. IIT Kharagpur will host the JEE Advanced 2021 Exam.

"You have enough time to prepare for the JEE Advanced 2021. Since COVID-19 crisis is not yet over, we have also kept aside the 75 percent score criteria in 2021," said the education minister.

Typically, for admissions to the 23 IITs, students need to qualify the JEE Advanced exam and also need to score either minimum 75 percent in Class XII or be among the top 20 percentile in their board exams.

In 2020, JEE Advanced was held on September 27 after being rescheduled due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

On December 16, the education minister had announced that the JEE Main 2021 conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) will be held four times a year in February, March, April and May, said Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.

The first slot of JEE Main is from February 23-26, 2021. The dates for the slots in the other three attempts will be announced later by the NTA.

JEE Main is the exam for entry into undergraduate engineering programmes. Those who will qualify in this exam can appear for the JEE Advanced which is the entrance examination for admissions into the IITs.

Nishank said there will be 90 questions of which 75 questions have to be answered. The examination will be held in 13 languages including Hindi, English, Bengali, Assamese, Marathi, Tamil, Odia, Telugu, Kannada, Urdu, Malayalam, Punjabi and Gujarati.

In 2020 too, it was decided that any student who has passed the Class XII board examination this year will be eligible for the JEE Advanced 2020, irrespective of their marks.

This was after the Joint Admission Board (JAB) of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) decided to relax the criteria for entry into JEE Advanced. This exception was granted in 2020 due to the Coronavirus-led lockdown that led to the cancellation of board examinations and average marking system being followed for some subjects.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-05 22:18:46|Editor: huaxia

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ACCRA, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ghana plans to invest 100 billion Ghana cedis (about 17 billion U.S. dollars) to revitalize the post-COVID-19 economy, said Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday.

Delivering an address in parliament to conclude his first term in office, Akufo-Addo said the investment aims to restore the economy on the path of growth and offer hope for the future.

"This program will anchor bright prospects for the medium-term and create better opportunities in all sectors," said the president.

He added that despite the setbacks to economic achievements due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the government would continue to take prudent measures to restore health to the economy.

"The government will continue to implement prudent fiscal measures to quicken the pace of fiscal consolidation and restore the country to the path of economic recovery," he added.

The Ghanaian economy was projected to grow at 6.8 percent in 2020. This has, however, been revised downwards to about two percent due to the impact of COVID-19 on economic activities.

Akufo-Addo will take the oath of office Thursday to commence his second term in office after being declared the winner of the Dec. 7 presidential polls. Enditem

Lithium miner Pilbara Minerals is ramping up shipments of hard-rock lithium concentrate amid rising prices for battery raw materials and projections of an eight-fold demand increase from the electric vehicle market by 2030.

Prices for lithium, the key ingredient in the batteries that power electric cars and store renewable energy, have been under pressure from an influx of new producers and supply outpacing demand.

While COVID-19 has taken a toll on new electric car sales, lithium prices have stabilised in recent months and are tipped to rally as electric carmakers expand production and governments unleash "green" stimulus packages across the world.

Pilbara Minerals runs WA's Pilgangoora mine, one of the largest hard-rock lithium-tantalum deposits in the world.

ASX-listed Pilbara Minerals said demand for the lithium raw material known as spodumene concentrate was improving, both from its existing customers and new prospective buyers.
Governors across the country condemned angry mobs of President Trumps supporters who stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, and called on the president to publicly denounce their actions.

Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio issued a statement reprimanding those who had incited the violence.

This is an embarrassment to our country, Mr. DeWine, a Republican, said. This must stop immediately. The President should call for the demonstrators to leave our Capitol Building.

He added: Lawlessness is not acceptable. This is an affront to our Constitution and everything we hold dear. Those who breached the Capitol breached the Constitution.

Governors  both Republicans and Democrats  used similarly vehement language, issuing blistering statements denouncing the tumult and calling for a peaceful transition of power.
By Baek Byung-yeul



SK hynix announced Thursday a roadmap to achieve newly set social contribution goals by 2030 as part of SK Group's effort to improve its environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) standards.





SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won

The semiconductor company said its social contribution goals, Social Values 2030 (SV 2030), is designed to make the firm a more eco-friendly company and to help increase the capabilities of its local partner firms in fostering the country's chip industry ecosystem.



SK hynix's SV 2030 also aims to help disadvantaged and vulnerable groups by introducing various charitable activities and hiring more people with disabilities. The company will work to focus on cultivating a better corporate culture by offering employees more time to practice self-improvement, and increasing the number of female employees.



The company's commitment is in line with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won's vision, which is upgrading the group's ESG standards. In his New Year address, Chey emphasized now was the time for the group's employees to embrace a new spirit of entrepreneurship that prioritizes working together to solve social issues.



The chairman also said the group will expand its Happy Lunch Box charitable program nationwide. At a time when the country's food distribution agencies are struggling due to the spread of COVID-19, SK Group will provide a total of 400,000 meals to vulnerable groups across the country for the next three months.



"In line with Chairman Chey's vision for a new spirit of entrepreneurship, SK hynix decided to unveil its mid-term social value creation goals for the next 10 years," the company said.



One of SK hynix's four SV 2030 goals is for the company to meet 100 percent of its electricity demand with power generated from renewable energy sources by 2050. Its Chinese unit is already close to meeting this goal as the facility will become 100 percent reliant on renewable energy by 2022.



The company will also keep providing financial support  1.22 trillion won until 2030  to upgrade the competitiveness of its local partners. "Our announcement is focused on the role that corporations must perform to make society better," SK hynix added.



While SK Group is concentrating on raising its ESG standards, the chairman is also expected to emphasize a corporation's role to fulfill its social contribution, to member companies of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).



Chey will lead the KCCI, the country's largest and most influential business lobby group, succeeding incumbent Chairman Park Yong-maan whose term will end this March. KCCI member companies will formally elect Chey as new chairman at next month's meeting.



Chey is forecast to ensure the KCCI keeps pace with the government's moves to highlight the need for ESG management.



The Moon Jae-in administration has underlined corporations' responsibility to create jobs, promote ethical management and strive to achieve mutual growth with partner firms, since its inauguration.





Plug Power's hydrogen tank lorry is seen in this photo provided by SK Holdings, Thursday. SK Holdings and SK E&S will invest 1.6 trillion won in Plug Power to expand into hydrogen business. / Courtesy of SK Holdings
New Delhi:

The CBI has arrested a Lt Colonel and a middleman in connection with an alleged transfer racket at the Army headquarter in New Delhi in which lakhs of rupees were paid by army officers to manipulate their postings.



The CBI, which registered the case on the basis of intelligence gathered by it, arrested Lt Col Ranganathan Suvramani Moni and Gaurav Kohli while an alleged bribe of Rs 2 lakh was changing hands for transfer of a Bengaluru-based army officer.



The FIR names a Brigadier but his name has not been included in the list of accused.



The alleged racket was suspected to be going on in the Army headquarter with the involvement of senior officers there.



The bribe was being paid through hawala channels, the CBI FIR alleged. The agency is also focusing on how the army officers were ready to pay lakhs of rupees to get a posting of their choice.



The case has been registered against Lt Col Ranganathan Suvramani Moni, Personnel Division, Army Headquarter, an army officer Purushottam, who is based in Hyderabad, Gaurav Kohli and S Subhas, BSO Bengaluru, Indian Army.



It is alleged that Moni had entered into a criminal conspiracy with Kohli and Purshottam, an army officer posted in ESD, Kakinara for influencing transfer of various officers.

Also read:

J&K: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Poonch, Indian Army gives befitting reply; 1 civilian injured

Army Chief General Rawat meets J&K Guv to brief about Army Operational Review meeting



For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
A Romanian sex worker suspected of being involved in a 25million burglary at Tamara Ecclestone's mansion who refused to reveal her phone PIN code to police over fears it would identify her high-profile clients has been freed from jail.

Maria Mester, 48, smoked a cigarette and stepped into a Rolls Royce waiting for her outside Isleworth Crown Court in West London.

She had been cleared of involvement in the heist after insisting Ms Ecclestone's jewellery had been given to her as a gift for her escort services.

But Mester admitted refusing to disclose the PIN to her phone when she was arrested after landing at Heathrow on 30 January last year.

Mester said she did not want to hand over the PIN number amid fears it would reveal the identity of her high-profile sex clients. Prosecutors had previously said in court that Mester's refusal to provide the PIN number was causing a delay to the trial.

Maria Mester, 48, pictured above in the photo posted to Facebook, showing her wearing a pair of 3,250 earrings and a necklace (circled) belonging to Tamara Ecclestone

She was wearing a pair of 3,250 'Octopussy' earrings stolen in the Ecclestone raid and a Facebook picture showed her wearing them and a necklace also belonging to the F1 heiress.

The court heard she probably knew the jewellery was the proceeds of crime.

But Mester blankly refused to give the number of her phone and police are still attempting to crack the code.

Mester claims she did not want to hand over the number because it would identify her sex clients. 'So I'm not thinking about it, I'm not giving it,' Mester told officers.

The sex worker continued to refuse to disclose the PIN number after a formal legal notice was served on her on 13 May with the approval of a judge.

Mester, pictured above, getting into a black Rolls Royce waiting for her outside Isleworth Crown Court after she was cleared of involvement in the heist

Judge Martin Edmunds, QC, told Mester: 'Whatever the level of planning or sophistication of the burglars they came from abroad to commit these offences and clearly relied on assistance, whether knowing or unknowing, of locals, or people such as Mester with local connections.

'It is evident that Mester was a proper subject of the investigation and that the content of communications between her and others - whether co-accused or alleged burglars were potentially highly relevant to the enquiries.

'The extent of communication evidence that was recovered from other sources makes that clear.

'Although she did not say so in terms I understood the reason she was advancing was that she was concerned about the police learning information about her client base.

The Rolls Royce used to drive Mester away from court. She continued to refuse to disclose the PIN number after a formal legal notice was served to her on 13 May with the approval of a judge

'It is not for me to speculate about what the phone would or would not have revealed.

'But the content of the mobile phone was clearly a proper and important part of building the evidence about the burglaries and a likely source of information about, or leads as to, the whereabouts of one of the key suspects in the burglary case.

'By your actions you prevented access to that information.

'You had chosen a lifestyle associating with men of substantial means who, and I use your own phrase, you regard as golden geese to get what you could from them.

'Either, as I consider to be the case having presided over the main trial, you were perfectly aware that you were associating with criminals, or to put it more charitable, could not have cared less where clients got their money as long as you got your share.

'Whilst I accept that you had worked as an escort and that you therefore saw maintaining discretion as part of that role, I am equally satisfied that your decision not to provide that pin was a calculated one.'

Tamara Ecclestone's husband Jay Rutland, pictured at a party in London in October 2019

Mester was given 10 months but was released late on Wednesday after spending 11 months in jail awaiting trial for the burglary conspiracy.

She lit up a cigarette, flicked a victory sign and then got into a black Rolls Royce which had been waiting outside court for most of the day.

Mester had admitted refusing to disclose the PIN to her mobile phone, an offence under the Regulatory and Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

Her barman son Emile-Bogdan Savastru, 30, security worker Sorin Marcovici, 53, and Alexandru Stan, 49, were also cleared by a jury of being part of the burglar's support team.

Tamara Ecclestone's mansion in Kensington, West London

Deceased Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's home was burgled of 1million in cash and luxury watches, three days before Ecclestone raid, on December 10, 2019.

Watches and cufflinks worth 50,000 were grabbed from Frank and Christine Lampard's home ten days earlier.

Savastru alone was convicted of attempting to conceal criminal property after he attempted to leave the country with Ecclestone's Louis Vuitton Bag and Frank Lampard's Tag Heuer smartwatch, worth a total of 2,500.

He was jailed for six months but also released having served the sentence on remand.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7) - Walt Disney Studios is searching for a Filipino or Filipino-American who can play a lola or grandmother for an upcoming film.

In a casting call posted in Project Casting, casting director Sarah Finn is looking for female applicants aged 50 to 90 years old, can speak English fluently, comfortable flying to Atlanta where the filming location is, and authorized to work in the United States (US citizen, green card holder, or O-1 visa holder). No acting experience is required.

"We are committed to diverse, inclusive and authentic casting. We highly encourage performers who are Filipino or of Filipino descent to apply," read the post for the casting call.

"For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to disability, race, age, color, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law, unless otherwise specifically indicated," it added.

The filming for the role will start mid-February.

Finn has been the casting director for The Avengers movies and other Marvel films.

The title of the project was not yet disclosed.

Applicants can submit audition tapes here: https://www.projectcasting.com/job/159
The email from FAA chief of staff Angela Stubblefield said "all our non-career staff members here at FAA" that had been appointed by Trump were resigning. Her email added that "given the gravity of yesterday's events, are understandable. Like all of us, they are outraged by the brazen and violent attack on one of the sacred institutions of American democracy." The riots also claimed the job of Michael Stenger, the Senate sergeant-at-arms. He resigned effective immediately, after Senate majority Leader Mitch McConnell requested he quit. Democrat Chuck Schumer, the incoming Senate majority leader, had earlier vowed to fire Stender later this month. Paul Irving, the longtime Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives, also resigned. Trumps pledge on Thursday about an orderly transition to President-elect Joe Biden on January 20 was partly intended to head off further resignations, but the second official told Reuters: Its not going to stop it.

Deputy National Security Adviser Matt Pottinger, seen addressing London-based think tank Policy Exchangelast year, resigned on the day of the riots. Credit:Policy Exchange/You Tube With under two weeks left of Trumps presidency, many aides were already heading for the door but the sudden departures underscored the revulsion among some Trump staffers over what was widely seen as his encouragement of mobs of supporters who stormed the Capitol in an attempt to prevent formal certification of Bidens November 3 election victory. Congress eventually did so very early on Thursday morning. The shocking images at the Capitol filled television screens in the United States and around the world, a deep stain on Trumps presidency and legacy as his tenure nears its end. Among those who were spurred to quit on Thursday was Mick Mulvaney, a former White House chief of staff who resigned his post as a special envoy to Northern Ireland.

Mick Mulvaney resigned as special envoy to Northern Ireland. Credit:Bloomberg I wouldnt be surprised to see more of my friends resign over the course of the next 24 to 48 hours, he said on CNBC. John Costello, deputy assistant secretary at the Commerce Department, announced his departure in a blistering tweet, writing "yesterday's events were an unprecedented attack on the very core of our democracy - incited by a sitting president." Further departures are especially likely at the National Security Council, one of the officials said. It coordinates US foreign policy among federal agencies and maintains close contacts with foreign governments, so the loss of key staffers could raise questions about national security amid a presidential transition. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video

The assault on the Capitol drew condemnation from US friends and foes alike, with many blaming Trump for inciting his supporters and not doing enough to rein them in. Pottingers boss, national security adviser Robert OBrien, has no plans to quit, the first official said. But a person familiar with the matter said OBrien had considered quitting. A strong national security team remains in place at the State Department, the Department of Defence, Treasury, the intelligence community and the National Security Council", the official said. Trumps team has been coordinating with the Biden transition team for several weeks. The White House had no immediate comment.

Confirming Pottingers departure, OBrien said on Twitter: His work led to a great awakening in our country and around the world to the danger posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Stephanie Grisham resigned her position as Melania Trump's chief-of-staff Credit:AP An administration official described Trump as increasingly isolated and said that national security officials who are loyal to their oath to the constitution will be standing watch until Inauguration Day and will then turn over power to the duly elected new president. There has been no indication of any planned resignation by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a close Trump ally. But he distanced himself from Trump by condemning as criminals the mob that overran the Capitol. Former US diplomats said it was unlikely there would be major departures at the State Department, where staffers have long endured Trumps accusations that they are part of a deep state seeking to frustrate his policies.

It would be very strange for people to self-immolate just when they see a ship on the horizon, said a former State Department official on condition of anonymity. First lady Melania Trumps chief of staff Stephanie Grisham also resigned after the riots. Grisham did not say whether her resignation was in reaction to the violence, but a source familiar with her decision said it was the last straw. The White House social secretary, Rickie Niceta, also stepped down, as did a deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews, two sources told Reuters. Loading
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Earlier today Patently Apple posted a report titled "In an effort to get ahead of Apple Watch Health Features, Samsung has patented a Wearable Blood Sugar monitoring device." Now we're learning that Microsoft was granted a patent last week that focuses on a sensor device that is configured to output values that are indicative of hemodynamics of a user.

Microsoft notes in their patent that the hemodynamics about which the sensor device can output data include, but are not limited to, arterial heart rate, arterial pulse wave velocity/pulse transit time (which can be related to blood pressure), arterial expansion, arterial blood volume, pulse waveform, arterial diameter, arterial stiffness, tissue pulse rate, arterial blood oxygenation, and tissue oxygenation.

It can be ascertained that data about these health metrics is usable to predict hypertension or pre-hypertension in a user, as well as other fitness and health metrics. Further, the sensor device is a non-invasive sensor device that can be positioned at a single location on a body of the human.

In an example, the sensor device can be incorporated into a wearable device such as a fitness band, an armband, a neckband, etc. as noted in a series of crude patent figures of such devices and more.





Microsoft's patent FIG. 1 below is a schematic of an exemplary sensor device #100 is illustrated. The sensor device can be placed directly on or proximate to (e.g., within 10 mm) a skin surface 101 of a user. The sensor device also includes a multidimensional optical sensor #108 that is configured to generate images, wherein a field of view of the optical sensor is directed towards the skin surface #106 of the user.

Microsoft's patent FIG. 17 above is an exemplary methodology (#1700) for operating a sensor device that is configured to output indications of spatial hemodynamics is illustrated.

Microsoft was granted patent 10,874,305 last Tuesday by the U.S. Patent Office titled "Sensor Device." For more details, check out the patent here.
Albemarle plans to begin exploration this year of clay and evaluate technology that could accelerate the viability of lithium production from clay resources in the region.

The investment would expand the operation to 10-kilo tonnes (kt) of lithium carbonate equivalent from 5 kt, BMO Capital Markets analyst Joel Jackson told Reuters.

The motivation would seem clearly to be to bulk up its US operations as lithium and EVs become of more strategic importance this decade, particularly perhaps under the new green-friendly Biden administration, Jackson said.

President-elect Joe Biden has promised to make tackling climate change one of the pillars of his incoming administration, a plan that includes rapid promotion of EV technologies.

This investment in domestic capacity shows that we are committed to looking at the many ways in which Silver Peak can provide domestic support for the growing EV market, Albemarle president Eric Norris said in the media release.

In addition to examining clay resources, Albemarle is seeking ways to optimize lithium extraction from its brine resources. The company is investigating a process to streamline the production of lithium hydroxide, which is principally used in EV batteries, from brine resources.

Albemarles domestic resources also include the historic 800-acre Kings Mountain, N.C., lithium site, which is one of the richest spodumene ore deposits in the world and home to the companys global lithium technical center and piloting operations, as well as lithium-containing brines in Arkansas.

The company is also moving forward with expansion projects at Kemerton in Western Australia and La Negra in Chile, both of which it expects to commission this year.

Midday Tuesday, Albemarles stock was up nearly 6% on the NYSE. The company has a $19 billion market capitalization.

By Mining.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
(Newser)  In the aftermath of Wednesday's violence, reports surfaced about the possibility of President Trump being removed from office through the 25th Amendment. Now, the top two Democrats in Congress have publicly backed the idea, as has a Republican lawmaker. All three accused the president of inciting a riot. Details, including what's involved in invoking the amendment:



Pelosi: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday afternoon that if Trump is not removed via the 25th Amendment, Congress might get involved. "If the vice president and the Cabinet do not act, the Congress may be prepared to move forward with impeachment," Pelosi said, per Politico.

story continues below

Schumer: Pelosi's remarks echo ones earlier in the day from Chuck Schumer, who is poised to become Senate majority leader. "This president should not hold office one day longer," said Schumer, per NBC News. The quickest and most effective way it can be done todayto remove this president from office would be for the vice president to immediately invoke the 25th Amendment, he said. Barring that, Congress should impeach, he added.

Pelosi's remarks echo ones earlier in the day from Chuck Schumer, who is poised to become Senate majority leader. "This president should not hold office one day longer," said Schumer, per NBC News. The quickest and most effective way it can be done todayto remove this president from office would be for the vice president to immediately invoke the 25th Amendment, he said. Barring that, Congress should impeach, he added. First Republican: Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois on Thursday became the first Republican lawmaker to back the idea of using the 25th Amendment, reports the Hill. Kinzinger, described as a centrist, tweeted a video with his views. "The president caused this," he said. "The president is unfit and the president is unwell. And the president now must relinquish control of the executive branch voluntarily or involuntarily."

Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois on Thursday became the first Republican lawmaker to back the idea of using the 25th Amendment, reports the Hill. Kinzinger, described as a centrist, tweeted a video with his views. "The president caused this," he said. "The president is unfit and the president is unwell. And the president now must relinquish control of the executive branch voluntarily or involuntarily." The amendment: As spelled out in the 25th Amendment, if the vice president and at least half of the president's Cabinet deem a president unfit for office, they inform Congress, explains NPR. The process isn't immediate. Trump could contest, which would drag out the period of congressional investigation for longer than the two weeks left in Trump's term. However, in that interim, Trump would not have the authority to act as president, Constitution expert Kim Wehle tells the outlet.

(One Cabinet member has announced her imminent resignation .)

Former president Barack Obama blamed Donald Trump and Republicans for the attack on the US Congress Wednesday, calling it "a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation."

"But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise," Obama said, adding that it was "incited" by Trump, "who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election."

Obama also singled out the Republican party and its media supporters, whom he said have "too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth" about Democrat Joe Biden's strong victory in the November 3 election.

"Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo," he said in a statement.
More than 1,000 coronavirus deaths have been confirmed in the UK in the highest daily reported figure since April.

The UK Government said a further 1,041 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Wednesday.

It is the highest daily reported total since April 21, when 1,224 deaths were recorded.

It brings the total number of coronavirus deaths in the UK to 77,346, although separate figures published by statistics agencies and additional data on deaths that have occurred in recent days show there have now been 93,000 deaths involving Covid-19.

Andrew Hayward, professor of infectious diseases epidemiology at University College London, said he expected coronavirus-related deaths to continue to rise and described Wednesdays figure as a grim milestone.

Prof Hayward, who is a member of the Governments Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), told BBC Radio 4: I think sadly we can expect the number of deaths to continue to increase for the next few weeks because theyll lag two or three weeks behind the number of cases in the community, and those have been increasing.

(PA Graphics)

I think the lockdown measures will turn that number of deaths around but it is going to take a little while.

The UK Governments figures continue to be affected by a lag in the publication of recent data and will contain some deaths that took place over the Christmas and New Year period that have only just been reported.

Of the 1,041 new deaths, around a third took place before January 1, while some 100 took place in the seven days up to Christmas Day.

The British Government also said that, as of 9am on Wednesday, there had been a further 62,322 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, the highest daily total reported in the pandemic so far and a slight increase on Tuesdays figure of 60,916.

(PA Graphics)

It brings the total number of cases in the UK to 2,836,801.

The number of cases coincides with higher testing figures compared to the first wave of the pandemic, with 498,624 tests conducted on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, hospital admission of people with Covid-19 also reached another record high, according to figures by NHS England.

A total of 3,587 admissions in England were reported for January 4, passing the previous record of 3,351 on January 3 and the highest number of admissions during the first wave of the virus, which peaked at 3,099 on April 1.
The first consignment of Covid-19 vaccine 'Covishield' will land in Delhi at 9pm on Thursday. This comes a day ahead of second nationwide mock drill on the coronavirus vaccination scheduled to be held on January 8.

Flight no AI-850 from Pune to Delhi will carry the first the consignment of the vaccines to the national capital, an official said. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had earlier on Thursday ought keen oversight and personal indulgence of health ministers, principal secretaries and additional chief secretaries of states and union territories to lead the vaccine dry run.

The Covishield jab, which is developed by AstraZeneca with Oxford University and manufactured locally by Pune-based Serum Institute of India, is administered in two doses given between four and 12 weeks apart. It can be safely stored at temperatures of 2C to 8C, about the same as a domestic fridge, and can be delivered in existing health care settings such as doctors' surgeries.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Thursday said along with its subsidiary AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Ltd (AAICLAS), it was ready for transport vaccine. A meeting of all stakeholders, including SII, AAI and the Indian Air Force (IAF), was held to discuss the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for transportation of vaccine from the Pune airport to various destinations.

The AAI-operated airport at Lohegaon shares the runway with the IAF. "Everyday, Pune @aaipunairport operates 40 flights to 15 destinations across the country. The airport handles 150- tonne cargo daily.

"#AAI & @AAICLAS_in are fully ready and capable of contributing airport resources for transportation of COVID-19 vaccine in the national interest," the AAI tweeted. When contacted Kuldip Singh, director, Pune airport, said the purpose of the Wednesday's meeting was to assess the aerodrome's capability and readiness to handle vaccine cargo.

"We are capable of handling the cargo," he said. The Union health ministry has informed states and union territories that they are likely to receive the first supply of COVID-19 vaccine shortly and asked them to remain prepared to accept these consignments.

In a communique in New Delhi, the ministry said vaccine will be supplied to the identified consignee points of 19 states and union territories. India's drugs regulator on Sunday approved Oxford- AstraZeneca's 'Covishield', manufactured by SII, and home- grown Covaxin of Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.

Maharashtra, Kerala and Chhattisgarh have seen a sudden spike in coronavirus cases recently, sending out a warning that one shouldn't forget precautions and continue the fight against Covid-19.
Workers process shrimps at a factory in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by Shutterstock.

Vietnam has advantageous conditions to increase shrimp exports by 15 percent year-on-year to top $4 billion in 2021, industry insiders say.

Global demand has remained stable while other shrimp exporting countries have not recovered from pandemic impacts, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

China is the biggest shrimp producer in Asia, yet it lacks shrimp supply for processing and consumption.

Vietnams shrimps will benefit from tariff cut under new generation FTAs that the country has signed.

However, Vietnamese shrimp exported will have to face strong competition from India, where low production costs make its export prices more competitive, according to the Agro Processing and Market Development Authority.

China has imposed import restrictions based on quality, quarantine, and procedural issues which can result in a plunge in shrimp exports to the neighboring giant.

Shrimp exports are set to increase by 12.4 percent in 2020 to $3.78 billion despite the major impact Covid-19 has had on the seafood industry.
After yesterday I was so confused at what I saw and I watched all day into late night. So, I need help in understanding, what am I missing?

Thousands of people converged on our U.S. Capitol, breached barriers, broke windows and surged into the building our government stands for and most looked like something out of cartoons. One of the most sacred of places in our constitution and four people lost their lives in these hallowed halls.

Sometimes I find myself with tears in my eyes trying to understand.

The riots in 2020 in Seattle and Portland were bad, really bad but they were instigated by people who don't have the loyalty to our country as I and others do. Remember what I just said.

So how did this abomination happen yesterday? The leader of the free world encouraged them and stoked them to satisfy his needs and wants. And, I don't want to hear that that wasn't Trump supporters because maybe they weren't but it was Trump who instigated this to his minions. He told you he would have a big surprise on Jan. 6. He also told you months before the Nov. 3 election that it would be rigged and he would never concede. All of his objections were shot down in the courts, all of the states said their elections were legal and he today still says it was stolen from him.

Our two senators and Rep. Fleischmann agreed and wanted to object to election results to states other than our own. I read today in the Chattanoogan.com how he wants you know that he and his staff were safe and that's great but he, Blackburn and Hagerty helped create the situation by backing Trump's lies and then changed their minds when they had to scramble to safety and hide.

Meanwhile, while the Capitol is being overran by people with steer horns on their heads, Trump continues to cheer them on. Donald Trump, after being asked to send in the National Guard, refused. It was VP Pence that called in the Guard. Trump told these criminals that he loved them and they were doing what was right.

Countries from all around the world are aghast at what the leader of the most democratic country in the world allowed to happen. I guess my confusion and lack of understanding comes from seeing people treat a man like a god. Did he do some good things, yes, he did, but he demanded praise for everything he did, not just saying good job, but wanting you to know and exclaim how great he is.

Today he concedes, but not without saying he was the greatest one term president in American history. I worship no man, I worship my Father and Son in heaven, the most powerful creature to ever walk on this earth, and he demanded no praise and remained humble.

Let me just say, Republicans are not the only Christians in this country and I am an independent voter, best person for the job, and I have Democratic friends that worship God on a daily basis. We are fellow citizens of a great country. We may disagree on some things but we should be proud and respect each other and our beliefs. We are not that different, any race, color or religion, and everything is going to be okay, but please, elect decent human beings as our leaders and pray for them. This man was not one of them.

So if you can help me understand how this unbelievable action happened yesterday please explain it to me so I can understand also. We have had both good and bad presidents from both parties but none of them has ever changed the way I live my life and they won't yours either.

Clifton Duggan

* * *

I dont approve of violence or violence masquerading as protests. I certainly dont support what is happening in our nations capitol right now. Its not, however, hard to understand it.

After the election of 2016, thousands marched in angry protests, some turning into riots. Last year violent mobs burned our cities. We listened as the leftist media described it as peaceful protests. Some even offered justification for it. We watched as many were arrested only to be released as part of some convoluted social engineering scheme.

When a mob of angry anarchists stormed the Supreme Court trying to break down the doors in 2018, they were called protesters by NBC.

After seeing anarchists repeatedly burning and looting, the message was go on a destructive rampage, call it a protest and get what you demand.

But the folks the media favors are called protesters and the other side is a violent mob. Does anyone recall PBS news denouncing Madonna when she said she wanted to blow up the White House? Did FB and Twitter block her?

So what part of where we are right now is not understood?

Ralph Miller

* * *

By any definition of the word - an angry out of control mob storming through barriers, climbing walls, breaking down doors, breaking windows and vandalizing offices is a riot. Period.

Simply saying something is true doesn't make it true. Saying something is true is a statement not a fact. Credible evidence and credible witnesses in a court of law makes it true. Federal Court and the Supreme Court both said Trump and his mob of blind loyalists are wrong. Donald Trump lost a fair, secure and accurate election. The country said no to Trump - a word he's never heard before. Not having the maturity and/or tools to accept he didn't get his way - Trump immediately embraced the victim-mentality by claiming he was cheated. Trump then tapped into and began following his old friend, Roy Cohn's tactics. His methods included - never admit defeat no matter how obvious - deny, deny, deny and never apologize - make your claims, no matter how inaccurate or absent any credible evidence, as loud and as long as it takes. Seems to me Roy Cohn taught Trump well and would be very proud.

George Parker

















--


Taiwan's foreign ministry on Thursday expressed regret over the clashes in Washington which saw a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump storm the US Capitol on Wednesday in an attempt to overturn Americas presidential election.

The nations elected representatives scrambled to crouch under desks and don gas marks, while police futilely tried to barricade the building, one of the most jarring scenes ever to unfold in a seat of American political power.

Spokeswomen for Taiwan's foreign ministry, Joanne Ou, said the nation would continue to pay close attention to the "relevant developments" in the US following the unprecedented scenes.

Ou added Taiwan's representative office in the US had issued an emergency statement asking overseas Taiwanese who live in Washington to pay attention to their own safety and avoid going out during the curfew.

The rioters were egged on by Trump, who has spent weeks falsely attacking the integrity of the election and had urged his supporters to descend on Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens victory.

Some Republican lawmakers were in the midst of raising objections to the results on his behalf when the proceedings were abruptly halted by the mob.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Below is a timeline of events that took place at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6  the day Congress met to certify Electoral College votes in Washington D.C., and were interrupted as hundreds of protesters stormed the building.

11:10 p.m.

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in medical emergencies.

Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hour-long occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.

---

10 p.m.

Police arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials said the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

---

9:10 pm.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sent 1,000 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.s aid.

---

7:45 p.m.

The Republican National Committee said it strongly condemns the violence at the Capitol, adding that the violent scenes do not represent acts of patriotism, but an attack on our country and its founding principles.

The RNC is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican political platform.

The groups communications director, Michael Ahrens, said, What happened today was domestic terrorism.

He said to see the U.S. flag used in the name of unfounded conspiracy theories is a disgrace to the nation, and every decent American should be disgusted by it.

---

6:55 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Congress would resume the Electoral College proceedings once the Capitol is cleared of protesters and safe for use.

Pelosi said she made the decision Wednesday in consultation with the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the vice president, who will preside.

She noted the day would always be part of history, but now it would be as such a shameful picture of our country was put out into the world.

---

6:10 p.m.

A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol, according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

---

5:50 p.m.

Officials declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

---

5:40 p.m.

Police used tear gas and percussion grenades to clear protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a 6 p.m. curfew in Washington.

Police donned gas masks as they moved in Wednesday evening with force to clear protesters from the Capitol grounds shortly before a curfew took hold.

---

4:40 p.m.

In a video message on Twitter that has since been deleted, Trump told supporters to go home, but was also making false claims about the presidential election.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol.

Trump opened his video, saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now. He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said, we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So, go home. We love you. Youre very special.

---

4:35 p.m.

At least one explosive device was found near the U.S. Capitol amid the riot. Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

Vice President Mike Pence has called on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than Trump, who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

---

4:10 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden also demanded President Donald Trump to immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence that he described as an unprecedented assault as pro-Trump protestors violently occupy U.S. Capitol.

---

4:05 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than President Donald Trump who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

---

4 p.m.

About 1,100 D.C. National Guard members were mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the citys armory. The Guard forces were called in to set up checkpoints and for other similar duties to aid in enforcing the 6 p.m. curfew.

---

3:35 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security sent additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from protesters.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents were sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

---

3:30 p.m.

One person was shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police. The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The victim was taken to a hospital.

---

3:15 p.m.

A Defense Department official said Washington, D.C., requested an additional 200 National Guard members.

According to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military at the Capitol. Instead, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

---

2:50 p.m.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid the protests.

Law enforcement instructed lawmakers to retrieve masks from under their seats. The Capitol building was placed on lockdown, as Trump supporters marched through evacuated public spaces in the building.

---

2:47 p.m.

President Donald Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement, Trump tweeted, as tear gas was deployed in the locked-down Capitol. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Trump at a rally earlier Wednesday encouraged his supporters to head to the Capitol. Were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them, Trump said.

---

1:55 p.m.

The U.S. Capitol Police evacuated some congressional office buildings due to police activity as thousands gathered outside the Capitol to protest the electoral vote.

Police told congressional staff members they should evacuate the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress.

Thousands of people have descended on the U.S. Capitol as Congress is expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens 2020 presidential win. Videos posted online showed protesters fighting with U.S. Capitol Police officers as police fired pepper spray to keep them back.


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Almost as far as the eye can see, trash spreads out over Serbia's Potpecko Lake, lapping against the dam that crosses it.

Built up over many years against a backdrop of rolling rural hills, the ocean of plastic now threatens to clog up the dam's hydroelectric plant, a local activist says, and Serbian authorities have ordered an immediate clean-up.

Activist Sinisa Lakovic estimates the pile of waste covers some 20,000 cubic metres, most of it from landfills upstream along the Lim river.

"This is not a recent problem, but rather a problem of several decades, caused by the unsanitary landfills," Sinisa, who lives in the nearby town of Priboj, told Reuters.

"This is an ecological disaster," added local resident Marko Karadzic.

The country's Environment Minister, Irena Vujovic, said a clean-up would start at the end of this week.

Authorities in Montenegro, where some of the landfills are located, had been invited to participate and "work out a long-term solution," she told national broadcaster RTS.

Serbia and other Balkan countries, still recovering from the wars and economic turmoil of the 1990s, have done little to tackle environmental issues, in part due to a shortage of funds.

Those standards will have to rise should the region hope to realise ambitions of joining the European Union, requiring investments in the billions of euros in Serbia alone, authorities in Brussels and Belgrade estimate.

WASHINGTON, D. C. - Ohio members of Congress who were participating in a debate over accepting states electoral votes from the 2020 presidential election were whisked to safety on Wednesday as Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, halting debate and prompting evacuations and lockdowns in the U.S. Capitol complex.

Spokespeople for Northeast Ohios legislators said all were safe. Many of them took to social media to urge calm as supporters of President Donald Trump - who lost the election - broke past Capitol Police officers and entered the Capitol.

If you voted for the President, you also voted for law and order and to restore respect for law enforcement officers who risk their lives to keep our communities safe, said a statement that Bainbridge Township GOP Rep. Dave Joyce posted on Twitter. Put an end to this chaos and violence. It wasnt acceptable earlier this year and it isnt acceptable today.

If you voted for the President, you also voted for law and order and to restore respect for law enforcement officers who risk their lives to keep our communities safe.



Put an end to this chaos and violence. It wasnt acceptable earlier this year and it isnt acceptable today.  Dave Joyce (@RepDaveJoyce) January 6, 2021

Stop the violence. Support Capitol Police.  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) January 6, 2021

Champaign County GOP Rep. Jim Jordan, who was leading a protest of Arizonas electoral votes when the rioters breached the Capitol grounds, also took to Twitter, urging: Stop the violence. Support Capitol Police. A spokesman for Jordan said he and all his staffers were safe.

Americans support peaceful protests, First Amendment activity, and the men and women of law enforcement, said a subsequent statement from Jordan. What happened today is wrong and is not what America is about.

A spokesman for Holmes County Republican Rep. Bob Gibbs said he was not on the House floor during the Arizona debate, and was sheltering in a secure location. He said staffers were also safe and had not encountered protesters. Gibbs posted a statement on Twitter that called the violence shameful, unacceptable and un-American!

Violence is not the answer, he continued. Everyone must stand down and let Capitol Police do their job and secure the area!

A spokesman for Republican Rep. Anthony Gonzalez of Rocky River said hes safe and following police guidance.

He encourages everyone to pray for the health and safety of our country in this extraordinarily difficult time, said Gonzalez spokesman Tim Lolli. He unequivocally condemns all violent protestors.

This is shameful, unacceptable, and un-American! Violence is not the answer. Everyone must stand down and let Capitol Police do their job and secure the area!  Rep. Bob Gibbs (@RepBobGibbs) January 6, 2021

Niles-area Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan posted a message to report that hes safe and in lockdown.

This is not ok, Ryan wrote on Twitter. We are a nation of laws. Please pray for all of our law enforcement, elected officials and staff on Capitol Hill. Please pray for our country.

Toledo Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur, whose staff said she was safe in an undisclosed location, posted a statement that blamed Trump for the mayhem.

This, all of this, is on Donald Trump, Kaptur said on Twitter. His rhetoric and actions to incite such mayhem for political gain is reprehensible and dangerous. This is not our America.

Thanks to everyone for reaching out. I am safe. In lockdown.



This is not ok. We are a nation of laws. Please pray for all of our law enforcement, elected officials and staff on Capitol Hill. Please pray for our country.  Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) January 6, 2021

This, all of this, is on Donald Trump. His rhetoric and actions to incite such mayhem for political gain is reprehensible and dangerous. This is not our America. https://t.co/A8rSg1twHd  Marcy Kaptur (@RepMarcyKaptur) January 6, 2021

Warrensville Heights Democratic Rep. Marcia Fudge issued a statement that said the very people who believe they are protecting our country have succeeded in destroying it.

This is a day that will live in infamy, said Fudge, whom Democratic President-elect Joe Biden has nominated to head the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is a sad day in the history of this great nations democracy. This is not the way, even when we disagree. Violence is never the answer and order must be restored.

Ohios U.S. Senators also reported themselves safe, and both took to social media to call for an end to violence.

The violence at the Capitol needs to end now, Democrat Sherrod Brown wrote on Twitter. The lives of countless workers  journalists, staff, and Capitol Police are being put at risk by this attack on our democracy.

This is a day that will live in infamy. The very people who believe they are protecting our democracy have succeeded in destroying it. 1/  Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (@RepMarciaFudge) January 6, 2021

As a very tense situation continues to unfold, I condemn these violent mobs in the strongest terms. The peaceful transition of power is essential to our democracy no matter how difficult it is and we all must honor this sacred tradition. Please pray for our country.  Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (@RepAGonzalez) January 6, 2021

The right to protest peacefully is protected under the Constitution but the actions by violent mobs against our law enforcement and property at the @USCapitol building today are not, said a Twitter statement from Portman, that called for Trump to condemn this unacceptable vandalism and violence.

The violence followed a Trump speech to a rally near the White House, where he urged supporters to march on the Capitol as Congress prepared to count the electoral votes. After his backers forced their way into the building, Trump took to Twitter to urge everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, to respect police, and to go home in peace.

Joyce responded to Trump with a Tweet that said his comments were inadequate.

These are not voters protesting the election, Joyce wrote. These are criminals who are destroying our nations Capitol, threatening duly elected lawmakers and their staffs, and endangering the officers sworn to protect them.

Biden delivered a speech denouncing the unprecedented assault on the Capitol.

The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect the true America, said Biden. This is not who we are. What we are seeing is a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent. It is disorder. It is chaos. It borders on sedition. And it must end. Now.

The right to protest peacefully is protected under the Constitution but the actions by violent mobs against our law enforcement and property at the @USCapitol building today are not. @realdonaldtrump should condemn this unacceptable vandalism and violence.  Rob Portman (@senrobportman) January 6, 2021

My staff and I are safe.



The violence at the Capitol needs to end now.



The lives of countless workers  journalists, staff, and Capitol Police are being put at risk by this attack on our democracy.  Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) January 6, 2021

Read more:

Ohios Sen. Sherrod Brown says hell pursue $2,000 coronavirus checks and relief for renters when Democrats take Senate control

At least three Ohio GOP congressmen will join Rep. Jim Jordan in objecting to Wednesdays presidential vote count

Ohios Sen. Rob Portman wont support electoral vote challenges in Congress

President Trump to give Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan a Presidential Medal of Freedom

Rebuilding economy and infrastructure after coronavirus are among New Years resolutions for Ohios Congress members

Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman eye chairmanships in 2021

Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown wants Senate vote on $2,000 stimulus check, criticizes Republican efforts to reject presidential electoral votes

House votes to override Trump defense bill veto but approves a $2,000 pandemic relief payment he sought

Ohios Stephanie Tubbs Jones lodged the nations last electoral vote protest in Congress

Ohios Jim Jordan to participate in Jan. 6 congressional effort to question presidential election results

Years of work fighting for Northeast Ohio earn Marcia Fudge a seat at Bidens Cabinet table

Marcia Fudge makes her public debut as a member of Joe Bidens team

What Rep. Marcia Fudge hopes to accomplish as Housing and Urban Development Secretary: Q & A

Biden transition office officially announces Rep. Marcia Fudge will be HUD nominee

President-elect Joe Biden picks Rep. Marcia Fudge to be Housing and Urban Development secretary, report says


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ANN ARBOR, MI  Long before she became Ann Arbors Housing Commission director, Jennifer Hall was an activist.

As a University of Michigan student in the late 1980s, she joined the Homeless Action Committee in its House People, Not Cars campaign, squatting in vacant houses at the corner William and Ashley streets to stop them from being demolished for a parking deck.

We were always trying to raise awareness in any way we could about homelessness, whether it was going to City Council meetings or holding rallies or marches, Hall said.

When Democratic Mayor Liz Brater and a Democratic City Council majority were elected in April 1991, plans for the parking deck were scrapped. Though the land was turned into a parking lot, the houses were saved.

One of the houses got sold and moved  I think its somewhere in the Water Hill neighborhood, Hall said. And then one house got moved directly kitty-corner across on William and Ashley to a site owned by the DDA.

Nonprofit Avalon Housing was formed to own and manage the corner house as low-income housing and it remains today.

Coming full circle, Hall, who became Housing Commission director in 2011, is now leading efforts to potentially build hundreds of housing units on the parking lot at Ashley and William, the site where she once squatted.

Known as the Kline Lot, it could see a roughly $130 million development with 500 to 600 apartments.

Its one of 11 Housing Commission projects totaling $397 million shown in the citys new Capital Improvement Plan:

$16 million project at 121 E. Catherine St. (50-85 affordable units)

$7.6 million project at 123 Summit St. (18-32 affordable units)

$4 million project at 1501 E. Stadium Blvd. (18-22 affordable units)

$2 million project at 1504-1508 Broadway St. (12 affordable units)

$37 million project at 2000 S. Industrial Highway (50-163 affordable units)

$130 million project at 309 S. Ashley St. (500-600 housing units, mix of affordable and market-rate)

$100 million project at 350 S. Fifth Ave. (400-418 housing units, mix of affordable and market-rate)

$16 million project at 353 S. Main St. (50-85 affordable units)

$18 million project at 404 N. Ashley St. (50-90 affordable units)

$63 million project at 415 W. Washington St. (200-225 housing units, mix of affordable and market-rate)

$3.1 million project at Springbrook and Platt (12-14 affordable units)

After completing 2 new developments, Ann Arbor Housing Commission looks to next 11

A newly approved city tax could raise about $160 million over 20 years to help fund those projects.

Four city-owned sites where Ann Arbor has been seeking public input on affordable housing options.City of Ann Arbor and SmithGroup

In an interview this week, Hall discussed plans to put the new tax money to use starting in 2021.

The plan anticipates 10 of the 11 projects being funded over the next six years, then the North Ashley project right after. That seems ambitious. How optimistic are you thats realistic?

We have to put something down on paper for the Capital Improvement Plan, so we ended up putting every site, knowing some sites will move faster and some will move slower, and we cant predict which ones those will be.

So, I dont think theyll all be developed in six years, but theyll all be moving forward in some capacity.

A map and massing drawing from a May 2020 feasibility report showing a possible option for affordable housing at the Y Lot at 350 S. Fifth Ave. in downtown Ann Arbor.City of Ann Arbor

Which do you expect to move forward first?

I think the two that will move forward the quickest are 350 S. Fifth and 121 Catherine.

For 350 S. Fifth, weve already received funding from the DDA and approval from City Council to go through essentially an area plan approval process. Where were at right now is were trying to look at the entire block and not just the specific building, and so were having a lot of conversations and planning meetings with DDA and TheRide to make sure whatever is built there is compatible with the needs of the transit authority. Its moving forward, but when it will come back to City Council with a specific plan will be determined by how quickly we can get through that process.

The other project thats most likely to be happening this year is 121 Catherine. We already have City Council approval to move forward with the Housing Commission as the developer. It is a project we added into the community engagement process we had in place for other sites in the downtown, so even though weve been approved to move forward, we wanted to get more input and feedback.

One of the big things we heard was how important the public surface parking is to the local area businesses, so we modified our plan to preserve as much surface parking as we can on the site. When we go to City Council probably in March or April, thats when well come back with an update on what our plans are, but we still have to go through the site plan approval process.

For the Catherine development, youre envisioning an apartment building on stilts above ground-floor parking?

Correct. And we would keep it as public parking.

A map and massing drawing from a May 2020 feasibility report showing a possible option for affordable housing at 121 Catherine St. in downtown Ann Arbor.City of Ann Arbor

And for the Y Lot project on Fifth Avenue, can you explain the current high-rise concept?

The most recent concept we took out to the community and brought forward to City Council had a little over 400 apartments and it was designed to be built in two phases, so we could access as much tax-credit financing credit as possible.

Our design we originally conceptualized was to have an alley going between Fifth Avenue and Fourth Avenue with a lane for transit buses, and then either a shared or separate lane for building services.

Depending on how we design that alleyway, its going to impact how large of an opening there is that comes out onto Fifth and Fourth. Its going to impact the structural design of the building. And so these are still issues were trying to work through and combining them with whats happening and what can happen on Fourth Avenue to better facilitate a good experience with the transit authority.

When you say there could be over 400 apartments, thats a mix of affordable and market-rate?

Thats a mix of affordable and market-rate, and the market-rate we havent determined the price points yet.

But it could be anywhere from no income to high-end, but its most likely going to be housing in moderate and low income, even if its market rate without any kind of income restrictions. The hope is to have as much as possible thats for low- and moderate-income households.

How much outside funding do you expect to leverage with the citys tax dollars?

The goal for the millage funds, no matter who the developer is, no matter what the project is, is always to leverage as much outside funding as possible.

Its easy to just cut a check and say, OK, weve got $6 million in millage funding. We have a $6 million project. But that would be a waste of public resources, because you can definitely leverage other funding sources on any project.

Any site that is eligible for low-income housing tax credits, absolutely it will be expected to apply for and secure that kind of funding. That usually provides about 60-70% of the revenue needed for the development.

And whatever the gap is between tax credits and your loan is the amount you need to secure in grant funding.

And so that grant funding will include in most properties millage funds, but it can also include other HUD funding sources, DDA funding, foundation funding.

There are a variety of ways you braid your financing together. And hopefully most projects will have only a portion, less than 20% and maybe even only 5-10%, that actually comes from millage financing.

The Ann Arbor Housing Commission's newly built affordable housing complex off State Street on Dec. 31, 2020.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

How much planning and community engagement still needs to happen?

We have the four sites that we are pulling together the community engagement thats already done. Were incorporating a downtown housing market study and a downtown parking study. And well be bringing our recommendations and information back to City Council probably in March or April.

We still have a couple sites that we havent done community engagement on and that will happen when the timing is right.

Separate from that, Im putting together a budget for fiscal year 2022, which starts in July. Its going to assume theres $6.5 million from the millage. And Im requesting three staff members to be paid for out of the millage. I want to have enough staff that we can actually move forward quickly on these projects.

And then I would like to take the citys current guidelines council adopted on what theyd like the millage funds to be used for and have a community process on making that more specific on how it gets implemented.

Could the millage help fund affordable housing developments by Avalon Housing?

Avalon has several projects in the pipeline that I will be coming to City Council with a request for funding in this first years millage cycle.

They have a project called Hickory Way on South Maple being built in three phases. One phase is under construction, another phase is partially moving forward, and then theres a brand-new phase happening after that. And they have a project called Veridian at County Farm Park, which has 50 units.

How many projects funded by the millage will be exclusively affordable versus mixed-income?

Probably 75-80% will be exclusively affordable. Its really just the very large sites that would have any reason to not do exclusively affordable.

The citys A2Zero plan and sustainability goals call for all-electric buildings with solar panels, etc. Will every project meet those?

We are definitely going to try. Weve already done that in our last couple projects where we electrified the buildings. The two buildings we built on State and Platt are built to be solar ready, so the next step is to actually install solar on them.

Theres been some question whether affordable housing could actually happen at 415 W. Washington. Whats your assessment?

Its always been a challenging site, because there are so many competing public purposes between the Treeline trail, the chimney swift, the brownfield, traffic congestion, the neighbors and what they want to see in the neighborhood.

When you look at all those things, its always going to be an expensive site to develop. And the more expensive a site is to develop, the less likely you can include affordable housing, unless you have sufficient density to cross-subsidize whatever is happening there.

Its not a site that you can secure any kind of tax-credit financing for. No HUD financing. You can use DDA funding if the DDA wanted. You cannot use millage funding because the millage specifically prohibits using it in a floodway/floodplain.

So, the source of subsidy is extremely small and limited and is most likely going to have to come from some kind of cross-subsidy from market-rate housing. I think if theres any (affordable housing) included there, it would be a very small.

How much of the new housing will be targeted to people who are homeless versus low- and moderate-income workers being priced out of Ann Arbor?

Our goal is somewhere around 30% would be reserved for homeless. And theres actually a study coming out shortly that was completed by the Corporation for Supportive Housing for the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, where they did an analysis of what the pipeline need was for homeless individuals and families, so thatll be part of the community conversation and part of the discussion of where those sites make the most sense and who would be the owner and developer.

Even with the 10-11 sites were looking at that are city-owned, that might take up 10 out of the 20 years worth of funding, but theres still 10 years worth of funding that we need to be nimble enough to acquire properties that come on the market quickly.

Right now, the advantage of publicly owned sites is you can take as long as you want to go through community engagement and site plan approval, where in the private sector you are competing with somebody who has cash that can acquire a property and you dont have time for a big public process.

So, part of our goal, in addition to developing city-owned sites, is having a way to quickly acquire other properties out there.

MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:

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See affordable housing development options for 4 city-owned sites in Ann Arbor

24 Ann Arbor developments to watch in 2021

Disgusting and unacceptable. Ann Arbor officials rebuke Trump and his supporters

Ann Arbor considering ban on police use of facial-recognition technology
U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw is angry with his Republican colleagues in Congress who he said played a much bigger role in planting the seeds for yesterdays riots on Capitol Hill than many realize.

While the Houston Republican said he doesnt like how some states conducted their elections, Congress never had the authority to overturn the elections in those states. He said the problem is some members of Congress gave Trump supporters false hope that on Jan. 6 they could change the results if they just fought harder.

All of the members who called for everyone to come and fight and make their last stand, all of those members were scattered like cowards while the Capitol Police had to do the fighting, Crenshaw told Hearst Newspapers on Thursday morning.

Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL, wouldnt single out who he was referring to but said that rhetoric set the stage for what happened.

BLOW BACK: Ted Cruz, Texas Republicans face backlash after mob storms Capitol

These people have been lied to en masse by the millions, Crenshaw said. In the sense that they were led to believe Jan. 6 was anything but a political performance for a few opportunistic politicians to give a five-minute speech. That is all that it ever was. People were lied to.

Crenshaw was one of the members of Congress who supported Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his failed attempt to challenge the election results of four other states back in December. But Crenshaw said that is not the same as calling on people to march onto the Capitol.

Crenshaw said President Donald Trump deserves blame for continuing to ramp up the crowd. Earlier in the day, Trump told his supporters to continue to fight and suggested they walk down to the Capitol. The presidents son, Donald Trump Jr., took it a step further when he declared to members of Congress during the rally: Were coming for you.

Crenshaw said Trump and his supporters in Congress dont understand the power of their words when they use terms of war to crowds that they have led to believe that the nation is on the brink of ruin.

Crenshaw made clear that he wasnt criticizing U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz or Josh Hawley. He said he disagreed with what those two Senators were doing and voted against their efforts to stop certification of Joe Bidens win. But he said they were not the ones he saw calling on supporters to come to Washington for some sort of last fight to save America.

CONGRESS MEMBERS REACT: Texas Democrats join call for Trumps removal after riot. Some Republicans blame Antifa

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, an Austin Republican whose district runs to Houston, also has been decrying the language Trump and other members of Congress used that helped incite the crowds.

Rhetoric has consequences, McCaul said on Twitter. It certainly did in this case.

On Saturday, U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, was accused by some of calling on Trumps supporters to take to the streets after he lost a court challenge aimed at forcing Vice President Mike Pence to block the certification of Joe Biden as the next president. After he lost the ruling, he told Newsmax, a conservative media outlet, that the court was refusing to fix the problem.

Essentially, the ruling would be You have to go to the streets and be as violent as antifa, BLM, he added.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Gohmert, a former judge, has denied he was calling for violence.

But it wasnt just Gohmert. U.S. Rep. Lance Gooden, a north Texas Republican, took to Twitter on Tuesday with the message: Fight in DC tomorrow!

Crenshaw, who represents Houstons 2nd Congressional District, lauded the efforts of the Capitol Hill police but said they were put in a terrible position. He said they did not have enough manpower and were not prepared to deal with the crisis.

These police officers were just held out to dry, Crenshaw said. Where was their backup?

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday warned that the ongoing protests by thousands of farmers against Centre's three contentious farm laws in the national capital could lead to further escalation of coronavirus cases in Delhi and NCR.

The Supreme Court also expressed its disappointment, saying "there's no improvement in the situation at all." While seeking a reply from the Centre over farmers protest, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Chief Justice SA Bobde said, "The ongoing protests by the farmers can lead to further spreading of coronavirus cases if it does not end soon.''

The CJI said, ''We are worried about the situation, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the national capital and elsewhere.''

CJI Bobde stated the top court's "intention was to encourage talks" between the government and the protesting farmers. "There's no improvement in (the) situation at all. We understand the situation and we encourage talks," the Chief Justice said.

Two days after the seventh round of talks failed between the farmers' representatives and the centre, Attorney General KK Venugopal told the court, "We are discussing with farmers. There are chances of some sort of understanding between the parties."

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta further said, "A healthy discussion is going on now." The CJI made these remarks while hearing a case linked to the CBI probe in the Nizamuddin Markaz case. The petitioner in the Markaz case had raised fingers over the shoddy probe and the failure of the authorities to trace Tablighi Jamaat chief Maulana Saad.

The Supreme Court also sought a reply from the government as to what precautionary measures it has taken to prevent the rise of coronavirus cases in view of the farmers' protest.

The apex court had earlier said that it will hear all the petitions challenging the constitutionality of the three farm acts on January 8 (Monday). The Centre has told the court that the talks with farmers have been positive and that there are "chances of some sort of understanding between the two parties".

The deadlock over the repeal of the contentious farm laws continued, with the Centre and the farmers unable to get on the same page in the seventh round of discussions. The protesting farmers have announced that they will intensify their agitation against the three contentious agriculture laws for the next two weeks.

Farmer union leaders on Thursday took out a tractor march at four Delhi borders on January 7 to press for their demands -- repealing the laws and giving legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.

The leaders called the march a "trailer" before the massive Republic Day agitation.
Prime Minister Florin Citu said on Thursday that in 2020 the collapse of the economy generated by the health crisis was halted and "the fastest recovery in history after a period of crisis" was generated, adding that in 2021 there will be a solid growth, according to AGERPRES.

"In 2020 we halted the economic downturn caused by the health crisis and generated the fastest recovery in history after a period of crisis. A V recovery of the economy. The reforms we will implement in this government, along with everything we did in 2020, guarantee a solid economic growth in 2021," Florin Citu wrote on Facebook.

He gave assurances that "we will have a stronger and more efficient economy for the benefit of all Romanians."
Kai Medical Laboratory, a state-of-the-art diagnostics laboratory in Dallas,TX was acquired by Empower Clinics on October 6, 2020 to further advance the Company's COVID-19 national testing programs for enterprise clients, including movie and television studios, businesses and colleges

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CBDT:CSE)(8EC:Frankfurt)(EPWCF:OTCQB) ("Empower" or the "Company") an integrated healthcare company serving patients through clinics, a telemedicine platform, and a leading medical diagnostics laboratory processing thousands of COVID-19 specimens and developing novel COVID-19 testing protocols for CE, FDA EUA and Health Canada approval, is pleased to announce the successful launch of our KAI Saliva PCR Test ("KAI Saliva") with our initial soft launch of 5,000 units sold out and the order of 25,000 additional units with a sales value of approximately $5,500,000.

INITIAL DEMAND FOR FIRST RUN KAI SALIVA CAME FROM EXISTING COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS, INCLUDING FILM & TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS. DIRECT TO CONSUMER CHANNEL LAUNCH IMMINENT

Initial and overwhelming demand for KAI Saliva stemmed from our existing customers in film & television productions, the commercial sector, and concierge testing supported by Sun Valley Health in Arizona. Given the early and significant success of KAI Saliva since its launch on December 15, 2020, Empower is extremely confident in the continued success of KAI Saliva with both existing and expanded commercial customers in this next run.

To this end, the next important milestone for KAI Saliva is the pending launch of our direct-to-consumer, offering the home based KAI Saliva Test, using our new platform www.kaitests.com. Our platform will enable consumers, businesses, private and public sector to order the test kit online, have it shipped to them for simple specimen collection, then returned to the KAI Medical Laboratory for processing and provision of the test results.

FDA EUA APPROVED AT HOME/WORK SALIVA TEST IS A GAME CHANGER. DISCUSSIONS UNDERWAY WITH MAJOR CANADIAN AIRLINES IN RESPONSE TO RECENT TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RETURNING CANADIAN TRAVELERS

KAI Saliva is the direct result of investing in scientific R&D through KAI, empowering them to deliver clinical trial data and validation. This gives Empower a strong upper hand nationally and now potentially on an international stage.

The power of the Saliva Test is in its simplicity, in which users merely spit into a funnel, then close the funnel with a lid containing a liquid to be mixed with the saliva by simply shaking it for 5 seconds. This saliva based PCR test does not require a medical technician to administer the specimen collection which can be done by the individual, a parent or an administrator. The specimen is returned to KAI Medical Labs from anywhere in the country for processing. KAI will analyze and provide a response within 24 hours through its HIPAA compliant IT system.

This simplicity of use, yet sophistication in processing analyzing and responding within 24 hours represents a viable solution for the new travel policy instituted by the Canadian government and serves as the basis for discussions that are now underway with major Canadian airlines and other major travel and hospitality industry players.

Specifically, every traveller to Canada over the age of five, including Canadians returning from vacation, must show a negative COVID test result from a PCR or RT-LAMP test administered in the 72 hours before their flight's departure. The test must be conducted in the flight's country of origin. KAI Saliva is able to provide travellers with the ability to purchase a PCR test prior to leaving for vacation, self-administer the non-invasive specimen collection from their travel destination 72 hours prior to returning to Canada and receive a result prior to departure. Foreign travelers to Canada using a major Canadian airline can order KAI Saliva directly to their home almost anywhere in the world and go through the same process. As a (CE) approved test kit, it can be sent to travellers coming from many South American, Caribbean and European countries.

Other types of tests - such as rapid antigen tests - will not be accepted. The Canadian government has directed airlines to turn away travellers who do not present a test result at the time of boarding. As such, the simplicity of KAI Saliva represents one of the most viable solutions available anywhere on the planet and a major opportunity for Empower.

Empower Clinics CEO Steven McAuley stated "These are unique and exciting times for our company where explosive growth is upon us in so many different ways. Having our strong cash position allows us to invest in important initiatives, hire staff and expand services in major markets to meet the demand that is coming to us every day. Our moves to become an integrated healthcare company are really starting to pay off and it's evident the market is supporting our developments and path forward."

GLOBAL TOURISM INDUSTRY LOSSES WILL COST OVER $1 TRILLION AND 100 MILLION JOBS

In a featured story on AWS Amazon titled "Restarting the Travel and Hospitality Industry: An AI-powered Solution", Loop Insight CEO Rob Anson stated:

"There's no doubt that the pandemic has devastated the travel and hospitality industry. A recent policy brief from the United Nations reports the COVID-19 pandemic will cost the global tourism industry over $1 trillion in losses and threaten 100 million jobs. Today, 50 countries are completely closed and another 92 are partially open with mandatory quarantine upon arrival, according to Kayak. Even as measures and lockdowns around the world ease up, many travelers are postponing their plans or canceling altogether. The complexities of reopening stretch far beyond navigating the restrictions. We need to get the world back to traveling soon, and to do that, we must prioritize both guest and operator safety."

This press release is available on the Empower Clinics Verified Forum on AGORACOM for shareholder discussion, questions and engagement with management https://agoracom.com/ir/EmpowerClinics

ABOUT EMPOWER:

Empower is an integrated healthcare company that provides body and mind wellness for patients through its clinics, with digital and telemedicine care, and world-class medical diagnostics laboratories. Supported by an experienced leadership team, Empower is aggressively growing its clinical and digital presence across North America. Our Health & Wellness and Diagnostics & Technology business units are positioned to positively impact the integrated health of our patients, while simultaneously providing long term value for our shareholders.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Steven McAuley

Chief Executive Officer

CONTACTS:

Investors:

Dustin Klein

Director

dustin@svmmjcc.com

720-352-1398

Investors:

Steven McAuley

CEO

s.mcauley@empowerclinics.com

604-789-2146

DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. 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. Forward-looking statements can frequently be identified by words such as "plans", "continues", "expects", "projects", "intends", "believes", "anticipates", "estimates", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders as a result of the acquisition of Kai Medical Laboratory; the transaction terms; the expected number of clinics and patients following the closing; the future potential success of Kai Medical Laboratory; the completion of the purchase order for 25,000 new test kits; the ability to sell all the kits or achieve $5.5MM in sales value; the prospect of continued discussion with major airlines; the anticipated date of closing of the acquisition and the occurrence thereof; and that the Company will be positioned to be a market-leading service provider for complex patient requirements in 2021 and beyond. Such statements are only projections, are based on assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including: that the Kai Medical Laboratory acquisition may not be completed on the terms expected or at all; that the Company's products may not work as expected; that the Company may not be able to expand COVID-19 testing; that legislative changes may have an adverse affect on the Company's business and product development; that the Company may not be able to obtain adequate financing to pursue its business plan; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; failure to obtain any necessary approvals in connection with the proposed transaction; and other factors beyond the Company's control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable laws.

SOURCE: Empower Clinics Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623440/Empower-Clinics-KAI-Medical-Laboratory-Sells-Out-First-5000-Units-Of-FDA-EUA-Approved-Saliva-COVID-19-Test-Kits-Issues-Order-For-Next-25000-KAI-Saliva-PCR-Test-Kits-With-Sales-Value-Of-55M-Discussions-With-Major-Airlines-Underway
Acquisition

Alliant2 replacement will have CMMC requirements

Another of the General Services Administration's emerging next-generation IT acquisition contracts will contain the Defense Department's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification requirements, according to agency officials.

GSA's developing Polaris small business governmentwide contracting vehicle, that will eventually replace the canceled Alliant 2 Small Business contract, will include CMMC requirements, said Carlton Shufflebarger, acting director of GSA's Office of Information Technology Category in remarks during an Oct. 28 AFCEA Northern Virginia chapter webcast.

The agency has already folded CMMC language into its 8(a) Streamlined Technology Application Resource for Services (STARS) III request for proposals. The clause could require small business contractors chosen for the new vehicle to adhere to CMMC.

"With technologies like 5G being rapidly implemented over the next few years, there will be many more internet-connected devices which will make our security posture even more important. Cybersecurity is at the forefront of federal IT implementations, it's becoming everyone's responsibility," Shufflebarger said.

"We see CMMC as another tool in the toolkit and worked it into the STARS III solicitation. DOD is one of our most valued customers. We place great importance and priority on meeting their needs. So we wanted to insure that our contracts meet DOD's needs today and in the future, as well as other agencies," he added.

Incorporating new cybersecurity and supply chain risk management requirements is also a priority for GSA's Polaris, said Lee Tittle, program lead in the GSA's Office of IT Category's Small Business Acquisition Division during the event.

Supply chain risk management and CMMC being "baked into" Polaris "is definitely a given," said Tittle.

Tittle listed some other priorities for the emerging Polaris small business IT contract.

"First and foremost, we want to expand the industry partner base," he said. Although the agency has emphasized the contract would include woman-owned and HUBZone small businesses, Tittle said it would not be limited to those specific set of firms.

"We want to increase IT modernization opportunities" for agencies with the contract's scope. Tittle pointed to a request for information posted on the agency's Polaris Interact page for more information on how it might expand technologies offered on the vehicle.

The RFI responses close on Fri, Oct. 30.

GSA posted the RFI, which is in questionnaire form, in mid-October asking for industry feedback. The questions ask vendors about their experience with a host of new and emerging technologies including blockchain, AI, 5G implementation, augmented reality and more.

The draft RFP for Polaris will most likely come out in December, said Tittle. The draft will define the contract's scope even further and dictate the schedule when the final RFP will be issued, he said.
Chamow and Associates' expertise in biopharmaceutical product development expands Alira Health's lifecycle of healthcare advisory services.

Alira Health (www.alirahealth.com), a leading international healthcare and life sciences advisory firm, announced it has acquired Chamow and Associates (www.chamowassociates.com), a California-based integrated CMC advisory firm. This acquisition brings expertise in biologics manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance to Alira Health's Product Development and Regulatory practices, which now offer a full range of services, from discovery to approval, across the U.S. and EU. Chamow and Associates' team of senior advisors complement Alira Health's existing offerings with expertise to help clients overcome CMC challenges throughout the development process.

"Our mission at Alira Health to enable healthcare transformation and support clients in the earliest stages of development is critical to efficiently and safely shepherd innovations into the hands of patients," said Gabriele Brambilla, Chief Executive Officer at Alira Health. "Steven Chamow has built a powerful combination of CMC capabilities, technical proficiency, and biologic expertise into his firm. We are proud to welcome them to the Alira Health family, and to offer preclinical and clinical-stage biotechnology companies a lifecycle of solutions to help bring new therapies to patients."

"We are excited and honored to become part of the Alira Health network, and to join a talented team of experts with a complementary mission," said Dr. Steven Chamow, President of Chamow and Associates. "Becoming an Alira Health company will allow Chamow and Associates to further build our team and greatly expand our work with clients. By adding CMC expertise and advisory to Alira Health's suite of services, we have a tremendous opportunity to provide comprehensive support to meet the needs of pharmaceutical companies at any stage of the development process."

Steven Chamow will become Alira Health's Senior Vice President, CMC Development and will lead biopharmaceutical product development.

Lighthouse BioPartners acted as a financial advisor to Chamow and Associates for this transaction.

About Chamow and Associates:

Chamow and Associates is a leading biopharmaceutical consulting company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 2008, the company has provided integrated CMC services, including molecular engineering, process development and manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and project management services, to clinical-stage biotechnology companies around the world. Chamow and Associates focuses on monoclonal antibodies and derivatives, including bispecific antibodies and antibody drug conjugates, in addition to other recombinant protein products.

Learn more at https://chamowassociates.com/.

About Alira Health:

Alira Health is an international advisory firm on the frontlines of healthcare transformation. We provide a suite of integrated services designed to help healthcare and life science companies innovate and grow across their solutions lifecycle.

Alira Health was founded in 1999 and is based in Framingham, MA, U.S. Offices are located in San Francisco, CA, U.S.; Paris, France; Barcelona, Spain; Munich, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Basel and Geneva, Switzerland.

Learn more at https://www.alirahealth.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005076/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Marlana Voerster

Director of Global Marketing

Cell: +1.617.682.6970

marlana.voerster@alirahealth.com
SPRINGFIELD  The city is nearing the finish line on a $1.5 million project to improve the ventilation systems in its schools and some additional municipal buildings by installing state-of-the-art equipment that kills germs and viruses.

Officials said the project, described as an investment in the health and safety of all students and staff during and beyond the coronavirus pandemic, will be done by late February or early March. The new equipment will also improve fresh air flow in the buildings.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Superintendent of Schools Daniel Warwick said the improvements will help prepare for the return of students and staff to classrooms, tentatively planned in early April.

This is an invaluable investment, not only short term as we move to conquer this COVID-19, but its also going to be invaluable long-term, Sarno said. Its the right thing to do.

Patrick J. Sullivan, the citys director of buildings and facilities, said the project involves 55 schools along with various municipal buildings and police and fire stations.

Im at a comfort level now with this technology going in that were creating a safe environment, Sullivan said. And this is why we are doing it not only in school buildings but across the city in all of our buildings. The technology will be there for future years. its also good against the flu, the cold and other viruses.

Sarno authorized the work to meet higher standards for ventilation set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers. The decision was made in consultation with Sullivan, Warwick and Health Commissioner Helen R. Caulton-Harris.

The work includes:

Installing iWave air purifier systems at 41 schools including the culinary center.

Installing new Carrier OptiClean air filtration systems at four schools that do not meet set filtration standards. The OptiClean systems are being placed in all classrooms and instruction areas at the Brightwood, Homer Street, Kensington, and Springfield Day Middle Schools. They serve as air scrubbers, removing contaminated air from the rooms.

Installing, adjusting and daily flushing of filters in all schools.

The city is using both Carrier and iWave units at police and fire stations and selected municipal buildings.

Rather meeting basic ventilation requirements for COVID-19 under the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the city is going above and beyond by meeting the engineering society standards, Sullivan said.

City funds are being used for the project, but Sarno said officials are pursuing pandemic-related grant reimbursements.

I think for us, student safety and staff safety is always number one on our list, Warwick said. When we looked at the guidance that we were given relative to ventilation systems in the buildings, we wanted to go above the standard to a very high standard in this environment because of the community spread weve experienced here in Springfield and the safety implications.

All schools in Springfield were evaluated for their ventilation standards by an industrial hygienist from Springfield-based OReilly, Talbot & Associates Inc.

City officials said no problems were found with air quality within the schools, but there were concerns about air ventilation infiltration at several very old schools.

The age of the citys schools, which serve about 25,000 students, range from some built in the 1890s  such as the Brightwood, Homer and Bridge Academy schools  to some built more recently.

The school reopening plan, including a decision on whether some students and staff will return before April, remains under review by the School Committee.

The schools are also being renovated with other COVID protective features such as plastic barriers and hand cleaning supplies.

We have also installed single hands free bottle refill dispensers at each school, Sullivan said, and there will be electrical upgrades to operate technology aimed at managing the virus.

The citys facilities trades staff is performing the work.

Its all state of the art, Sarno said. This is in protection in the health of our students, teachers, staff and administration of all our schools.

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.
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough continued to stand his ground Wednesday as surging COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations triggered Gov. Greg Abbotts executive order forcing occupancy restrictions on restaurants and closing some bars.

The emergency protocol mandated under Abbotts order issued in October, follows seven consecutive days of COVID-19 patients occupying more than 15 percent of hospital beds in the region, which includes Montgomery County. The percentage began gradually increasing around Thanksgiving, then spiked in the last two weeks.

Under the protocols, restaurant occupancy may not exceed 50 percent, down from 75; bars that have not reclassified as restaurants must close immediately; and hospitals must curtail some elective surgeries. The restrictions remain in place until COVID-19 hospitalizations drop below 15 percent for seven consecutive days.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Looking for a COVID-19 vaccine? This map can help.

The Montgomery County Public Health District confirmed 484 new cases bringing the countys total to 29,296. Of those, 9,229 are active, an increase from Tuesday of 301. The number of COVID-19 related deaths remained at 189.

The number of those hospitalized in Montgomery County related to the virus is now 260 with 51 of those patients in ICU.

Keough again took aim at Abbott who said last month he would not call for any more shutdowns but has remained silent as the cases climbed trigging the mandate. He added he Texas Department of State Health Services Dr. John Hellerstedt to deliver the news of the emergency protocols.

This is an unelected official delivering a message from the governor, Keough said.

Keough called the emergency protocols a slow bleed destruction of our local economy.

You can not have a healthy community without a health economy, Keough reiterated. The answer is not to close or limit our business activity.

Jim Hallers owns two locations of Tailgators Pub and Grill in Montgomery County, Citizens Grill off FM 1488 and The Thisty Texan neighborhood bar in Harris County. Hes also on the board of the Texas Restaurant Association.

Hallers said the shift from 50 to 75 percent for restaurants didnt make much of a difference, so he doesnt expect returning to 50 percent will make an impact.

VACCINE TRACKER: How many Texans are vaccinated? Check our interactive map.

We believe restaurants continue to be one of the safer places you can go compared to the big box stores and the grocery stores where everybody goes, he said. When you go to a restaurant, you are distanced with a group of people that you usually hang out with, you sit at a table to yourself and then you leave, its not a big social experience. Youre not walking down an aisle passing by 50 or so strangers.

They keep picking on restaurants, but restaurants arent necessarily the source of the problem.

Hallers estimates about 10 percent of independent restaurants in Montgomery County have closed.

Theres another 10 to 15 percent that are behind on rent. Their landlords have been letting them stay on or working it out, but the landlords are eventually going to run out of runway. Some of them are fairly prominent restaurants, he said. We could easily see another 10 to 15 percent of restaurants close in a the next few months (because of this reason).

In Montgomery County, Keough noted, while COVID numbers continue to increase, the recovery rate of the virus is 99.4 percent. He added gambling the economy on .6 percent makes no sense.

Despite Keough stance on the emergency protocols, he did encourage residents to continue to use the Centers for Disease Controls guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The CDC recommends residents avoid groups of people; social distancing; wearing a mask over your nose and mouth; use and teach children to use proper hygiene and correct way to wear a mask; wash hand or use hand sanitizer frequently; and disinfect surfaces in your car and home.

Anyone with questions on the virus or on testing can contact the Montgomery County COVID-19 Call Center at 936-523-3916.

Courier features editor Sondra Hernandez contributed to this story.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com

Washington: Lawmakers of both parties have raised the prospect of ousting President Donald Trump from office, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that if he wasn't removed, the House may move forward with a second impeachment.

Though Trump has less than two weeks in office, members of Congress and even some in his administration began discussing the issue on Thursday morning (AEDT) during the riots, as Trump first refused to forcefully condemn the violent assault on the Capitol by a mob of his supporters and then appeared to excuse it.

Senior Trump administration officials raised the possibility of invoking Section 4 of the 25th Amendment  the forceful removal of Trump from power by his own Cabinet.

Pelosi told a news conference she is waiting for a decision from Vice-President Mike Pence and other Cabinet officials. She challenged several of them by name, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.
Good morning, its Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. Joe Bidens presidency has already begun, at least unofficially. Yesterday, Donald Trump chose to play the role of political rabble-rouser during the transition instead of constitutional officer.

Attempting to impede the pro-forma Electoral College vote certification by Congress, Trump delivered a fiery speech to thousands of his supporters, claiming yet again that the 2020 election was stolen from him and calling on Vice President Mike Pence, the ceremonial presiding officer of the Senate, to do the right thing.

Our country has had enough! Trump said. We will not take it anymore and thats what this is all about.  We will stop the steal! Trump then directly urged his supporters to march on the U.S. Capitol, apparently to pressure lawmakers. We fight like hell, and if you dont fight like hell youre not going to have a country anymore.

Taken as a whole, the speech was essentially an incitement to riot. And his supporters took him both seriously and literally.

Were going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, Trump told them -- although he himself did nothing of the kind. In an inverse of Profiles in Courage, the president retreated to the warmth of the Oval Office, presumably watching television, while his supporters did as they were instructed. In a mystifying lapse of preparedness, the U.S. Capitol Police were badly understaffed. The crowd pushed past them, and while thousands were content to stand on the buildings steps and wave flags, a vanguard of several hundred stormed the entrance, broke windows, and occupied offices, sending members of Congress and their staffs fleeing in fear. Congressional offices were debased, as was Americas international reputation. One female Trump supporter, an unarmed Air Force veteran from San Diego, was shot to death by a Capitol Police officer.

Amid the appalling chaos, Trump was content to issue tepid tweets about respecting law enforcement. Later, he released a Twitter video going a bit further (but repeating the fiction that hed won a landslide election). By then, Joe Biden had stepped into the void.

At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault, unlike anything weve seen in modern times, the president-elect said from Wilmington, Del., while calling (in vain) for Trump to put a stop to it.

Im genuinely shocked and saddened that our nation, so long a beacon of hope and light for democracy, has come to such a dark moment, Biden added. America is about honor, decency, respect, tolerance. Thats who we are. Thats who weve always been.

One irony for Republicans was that while the lame duck president was trying to forestall Biden from assuming office, Trumps actions Wednesday had the effect of essentially making Biden presidential two weeks early.

If one were in a nitpicking mood, its true that Biden was much quicker to condemn these rioters than those who led the sustained carnage of last summer in a hundred American cities during the Black Lives Matter protests. And yes, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other Democrats pivoted instantly from being social justice defenders to a law-and-order hard-liners. The medias turnabout was even more whiplash-inducing. The press had previously deemed it racist to even use the word rioters to describe arsonists, looters, and protesters who threw rocks at cops and menaced strangers. Those compunctions disappeared Wednesday, as did the ubiquitous phrase mostly peaceful protests -- replaced by traitors, terrorists, and a mob that was violent and seditious. The Trumpsters were leading an armed insurrection, we were told.

Remember when Sen. Tom Cottons New York Times op-ed advocating the use of armed federal troops to quell the violence in American cities led to the approving editors forced departure? Yesterday, it took less than an hour for the media to clamor for the National Guard. Wheres the cavalry? they beseeched on cable news.

So there was inconsistency, and plenty of hypocrisy. Yet none of that excuses what Trump and his followers did Wednesday. They disgraced themselves. They trashed the legacy of their own movement. They desecrated a symbol of American democracy, although it was heartening how the Senate ameliorated much of the damage in an extraordinary late-night session. They prompted serious discussion of invoking the 25th Amendment and replacing Trump immediately. Mostly, they made Americans who voted for Joe Biden exceedingly glad they had done so.

And with that Id point you to RCPs front page, which presents our poll averages, videos, breaking news stories, and aggregated opinion pieces spanning the political spectrum. Todays lineup includes Jonathan Turley (USA Today), Van Jones (CNN), and Charles Lipson (The Spectator). We also offer original material from our own reporters, columnists, and contributors, including the following:

* * *

A Day of Chaos and Shame Now Cloaks Trumps Legacy. Phil Wegmann and Susan Crabtree report on yesterdays events and their impact.

Biden Can Partner With Fossil Fuel Industry in Climate Fight. At RealClearEnergy, Kyle Isakower explains how an alliance is possible.

Americans, Dont Give Up Your Shot. At RealClearPolicy, a trio of writers spotlights the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project, intended to boost public confidence in the inoculation program.

Why the Fed Is Irrelevant. RealClearMarkets editor John Tamny cites the growth of places like Austin, Texas, to counter the argument that economic gains are engineered by central bankers.

Why Californias Donor Disclosure Law Threatens Religious Charities. At RealClearReligion, John Bursch argues that the requirement has negative impacts in todays digital and divided age.

National Tutoring Program Is Needed Now More Than Ever. At RealClearEducation, Katharine B. Stevens writes that achievement gaps heightened by remote learning demand special attention and intervention.

* * *

Carl M. Cannon

Washington Bureau chief, RealClearPolitics

@CarlCannon (Twitter)

ccannon@realclearpolitics.com
Advertisement

Above a simple slate grey garage on Victoria's Great Ocean Road sits a one-of-a-kind multi-million dollar home, complete with a designer kitchen and a lift to take you from the street to the sun-soaked open-plan living area.

The four-bedroom in Eastern View, a small coastal town two hours' drive south of Melbourne, was given an epic makeover over the past two years by local builders GD Construction.

Extensive renovations removed a mezzanine to reveal floor-to-ceiling windows stretching across the front of the house that capture ocean views from every room.

Snapped up on January 1 for an estimated $3.5million (AUD), the house sold for more than double the average price of a four-bed property in the surrounding Surf Coast Shire area - and it's not hard to see why.

Glass house: Above this slate grey garage on Victoria's Great Ocean Road sits a one-of-a-kind multi-million dollar home

Extensive renovations removed a mezzanine to reveal floor-to-ceiling windows stretching across the front of the house that capture ocean views from every room

Raked ceilings, which slope upwards to add more height than traditional flat finishes, soar over a sprawling living room that looks more like a spread in an architecture magazine than the interior of a private property in regional Australia.

Luxury finishes catch the eye in every corner, with an enormous 1970s-inspired sofa curving around one side of the space which is heated by a Cheminees Philippe fireplace.

Made from cast-iron, the designer wood burners start from $4,180 (AUD).

Raked ceilings, which slope upwards to add more height than traditional flat finishes, soar over a sprawling living room that looks more like a spread in an architecture magazine than the interior of a private property in regional Australia

Timber cabinets and a natural stone bench are the standout features of the kitchen (left); the sprawling living space is heated with a cast-iron Cheminees Philippe wood burner (right), which start from $4,180 (AUD)

Luxury finishes catch the eye in every corner of the open-plan living room (pictured)

Timber cabinets and a natural stone bench are the standout features of the kitchen, which opens onto a large sundeck, perfect for entertaining guests and barbecuing in summer.

A lift was installed for ease of access to the main section of the home due to the steep incline of the 1,771 square metre block.

The property also has a self-contained apartment perfect for weekend visitors at street level.

The kitchen opens onto a large sundeck, perfect for entertaining guests and barbecuing in summer

Four bathrooms (the master, pictured) are spread across the 1,771 square metre property

Snapped up on January 1 for an estimated $3.5million (AUD), the house sold for more than double the average price of a four-bed property in the surrounding Surf Coast Shire area

The house, which was listed with Marty Maher of Great Ocean Properties, sold for an undisclosed sum within the $3.4million to $3.7million asking price.

Premium renovation works more than doubled the value of the four-bedroom, which last sold for $1.6million in November 2018 according to CoreLogic property records.

The current value of the house eclipses the average cost of a four-bed in the surrounding area, which was $1.5million in 2020.

HBO premieres bizarre new thriller about coins used to betray Jesus Christ

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HBOs latest international production, 30 Coins, premiered this week and the Spanish-language horror series from director Alex de la Iglesia is an immersion of religion and darkness that terrorizes the remote town of Pedraza, Spain.



Directed by de la Iglesia, who's known for horror films such as The Day of the Beast, "30 Coins" takes viewers on a dark twisted journey into discovering what happened to the coins used to betray Jesus Christ.

The eight-episode drama series follows Father Vergara (Eduard Fernandez), an exorcist, boxer, and ex-convict who is exiled by the church to be the priest of a remote town in Spain. As his past and old enemies come back to haunt him, strange things begin to happen. An unlikely task force forms as Mayor Paco (Miguel Angel Silvestre) and local vet Elena (Megan Montaner) seek the truth, while reality is distorted by a cursed coin which is at the heart of a global conspiracy, the series' synopsis reads.

Co-written by de la Iglesia and Jorge Guerricaechevarria, the series highlights occult practices of communicating with spirits by using things such as a Ouija board.

Shot in Rome, Paris, New York, Jerusalem, Geneva, and throughout Spain, 30 Coins features frightening sci-fi creatures. The plot follows a theme that no one can be trusted as they try to uncover more information about Judas dirty money.

The series is inspired by Matthew 26:15 where, before the Last Supper, Judas goes to the chief priests and agrees to hand over Jesus in exchange for 30 silver coins. However, this is not a Christian series.

The series, produced in participation with HBO Latin America, was created by Pokeepsie Films.

30 Coins was world premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

According to a review by The Daily Beast, the show contains Possession and exorcism, witches and resurrections, suicide and murder, red-clad cardinals and the pope himself. The review said that 30 Coins revolves around a secret Catholic cult of Cainites  led by a fiend from Vergaras past  who covet Judas 30 coins because they believe any items that caused Christ pain contain immense spiritual power.
Lorries carrying food into Northern Ireland from Great Britain will be subject to new checks (Liam McBurney/PA)

The UK Government has said businesses in Great Britain should still be sending parcels to Northern Ireland amid concerns over cancelled orders and delayed deliveries.

Customers of firms like John Lewis, Next and Dunelm have all been told their deliveries are delayed, while orders with TK Maxx are cancelled.

Under the NI Protocol, companies sending parcels here have to complete customs declarations.

While a three-month grace period is in force, it was not announced until shortly before the protocol began to apply at 11pm last Thursday.

But freight boss Seamus Leheny of Logistics UK dismissed a call by North Antrim DUP MP Ian Paisley that the protocol should be dropped.

Other problems including snarl-ups at ports in Great Britain for lorries carrying food to Northern Ireland were discussed at a hearing of the NI Affairs Committee yesterday.

Mr Leheny told the committee that one company had 15 loads of food bound for here which could not be lifted by the hauliers because there was no accompanying paperwork. He said a "breakdown in communications" between government agencies and the industry in Great Britain has helped create delays.

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Many companies there had wrongly believed the "grace periods" to help the flow of supermarket goods into NI meant no documentation at all was required. However, pre-notifications to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) are still required.

"There is a yawning gap in the knowledge of those in Great Britain exporting to NI," said Mr Leheny.

Mr Paisley said that the complications seen in the first few days of the protocol meant that it should be scrapped.

"A blind man on a galloping horse could have told you this would be a nightmare," he said.

But Mr Leheny said there was no "realistic alternative". "You can't just walk away and think something else will be better."

He added: "Industry here did support the backstop but the protocol is where we ended up because every alternative was rejected. The view of our industry is, let's make it work."

But despite reports of delays, a spokesman for the UK Government told the Belfast Telegraph "the grace periods for supermarkets and their suppliers are working well".

"Lorries are travelling through NI ports and we continue to work closely with traders as they adapt to these changes.

"The overwhelming majority of parcels continue to move smoothly, and there is no reason for businesses not to continue to send such goods to NI."

The Government is understood to see the three-month grace period from official certification for parcels as a "sensible phased solution".

However, operators are being urged to carry out movements "in compliance with full requirements" as soon as they can.

The flow of goods is being monitored by HMRC. A Government source said the priority "is to have a pragmatic approach that allows us to comply with the protocol without causing undue disruption to businesses and citizens".

Crona Clohisey, public policy lead at Chartered Accountants Ireland, urged traders to ensure they have correct documentation, and use the Government's Trader Support Service for help with the system for moving goods from Great Britain to NI.

"The reality is that while the UK and EU have concluded a free trade agreement, the NI Protocol brings a whole host of new trading rules to crucially enable frictionless trading on the island of Ireland," she said.

"Customs declarations are now required when goods are moved from Great Britain to Northern Ireland because NI must comply with EU customs and VAT rules at its ports."

Download the Belfast Telegraph App Get quick and easy access to the latest Northern Ireland news, sport, business and opinion with the Belfast Telegraph App.

Belfast Telegraph

Macnica Americas, Inc., the North American subsidiary of Macnica, Inc., a $5.2B global leader in technology product distribution announced the launch of their new website https://www.macnicadisplays.com dedicated to its LCD display solutions for original equipment manufacturers throughout North America. The new site features a streamlined, modern design, improved functionality, and easy access to essential information to help OEMs select the best flat panel displays for their needs together with unique customization and fulfillment options.

We are thrilled to debut our new website to our customers and partners who are looking to better understand the breadth of Macnicas display portfolio, said Jeremy Nightingale, President of Macnica Americas. This website truly ties together all of our display portfolio into one place and allows for each visitor to engage our solutions specialist team.

Macnica offers a wide variety of TFT LCD Panels ranging from 1.5 inches to 120 inches, as well as Shelf Display Modules, HMI (human-machine interface), Wide Viewing Angle Panels, Freeform displays and Narrow Bezel Technology. While off-the-shelf modules are available, any display can be enhanced with optical bonding of specialty cover glasses and touch screens as well as special surface treatments and backlights. Macnica also offers specification review, project management, technical support, testing and troubleshooting, warehousing and lifecycle management services in their ISO 9000 certified warehouse. Macnicas staff, warehouse and production services are all located in the United States, providing fast efficient service and minimizing import and regulatory costs.

For more details, please contact Macnica Americas at info.mai@macnica.com or visit http://www.macnicadisplays.com

About Macnica Americas

Macnica Americas is the North American division of Macnica, Inc., a $5.2B global leader in technology product distribution, high-touch support and complex design services, with global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. Macnica Americas serves OEM companies, particularly those specializing in creating innovative video, imaging, networking and storage products. Macnica Americas headquarters are located in San Diego, with offices in San Jose, Dallas, and Chicago, and representatives throughout the United States and Canada.
The UKs Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has designated Basec, a testing and certification partner to the worldwide cable industry, as an approved body for UK Construction Products Regulation (CPR) testing as of December 31, 2020.

Following the Brexit trade agreements, the question has arisen surrounding mutual recognition agreement off conformity assessments between the EU and UK testing and certification bodies around CPR.

According to a spokesman for Basec: The agreement that was reached with the EU at the end of 2020 did not include a provision, which would allow for mutual recognition of conformity assessment. Our understanding of the EU Commissions position is that type test reports issued by UK notified bodies will no longer be valid for the EU market from January 1, 2021. Test type reports issued by UK Notified Bodies will continue to be valid for the GB market, and will allow manufacturers to affix the UKCA marking.

He adds: The UKs position is that it is down to individual UK bodies to decide whether or not to accept EU-issued type test reports to enable UKCA marking and ultimately whether or not retesting is required.

Basec has been recognised by the UK Government as competent to carry out technical assessment of performance under the regulations as shown below. This includes accreditation to ISO/IEC 17065:2012 and taking account of other standards under the EA Alternative Approach. It also takes into account EA 2/17 - EA Guidance on the horizontal requirements for the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies for notification purposes plus positive recommendation by UK national accreditation body.

Manufacturers and suppliers of Basec-approved cables can now confidently set and update their Declaration of Performance (DoP) processes to fully comply with UKCA requirements, subject to valid a Certification or Certification of Constancy of Performance (CoCP) being in place. To ensure compliance to the designation which shall take effect from the end of the transition period.

The confirmed designation refer to The Construction Products Regulation 2011 (retained EU law EUR 305/2011) as amended by the Construction Products (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and the Construction Products (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.

To summarise the position in respect to conformity assessments in compliance with the CPR/UKCA for cables destined for construction projects, approved by Basec post Brexit, the below applies:

 Basec (2661) will be able to issue UKCA System 1+ & System 3.

 Basec Conformity Limited (NB 2851) will be able to issue CE System 1+.

 Neither Basec nor Basec Conformity Limited will be able to provide CE System 3.
WASHINGTON - The region's airports and the airlines that fly into them tightened security Thursday after deadly riots at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Rob Yingling, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates Reagan National and Dulles International airports, said that they remained open but that travelers should expect to see "an increased law enforcement presence as they travel through the airport." Yingling said passenger counts were also likely to be higher than normal during the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials with American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines said they also were taking additional security measures in the Washington region.

American and United increased staffing and said they were working closely with law enforcement. Charles Hobart, a United spokesman, said the company would "continuously monitor the situation in real time."

American decided to stop offering alcohol in first class Thursday on flights in the D.C. region. The airline already had halted alcohol service in economy class in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We will continue to enforce policies that ensure our customers' and team members' safety and well-being," the airline said in a statement.

Delta said in a memo to employees that it urged crews with layovers in Washington to remain in their hotels and would increase security at National, Dulles and Baltimore-Washington International Marshall airports in ways "both seen and unseen."

A spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration declined to comment on specific safety measures but said the agency is prepared.

"The TSA is always on high alert. We prepare for all contingencies," said spokesman Carter Langston. "For security reasons we do not discuss the details other than to confirm that there are always multiple layers of security in place, especially when events justify an increased security posture."

On Wednesday night, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA union called for people involved in the insurrection at the Capitol to be barred from flying. Sara Nelson, the union's president, described a "mob mentality" among some passengers on flights into the Washington area ahead of protests that devolved into rioting.

"Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the D.C. area," Nelson said in a Wednesday statement. "Acts against our democracy, our government and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight."

On Thursday, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee also called on federal officials to add those involved in the attack on the Capitol to the federal No Fly List.

"Given the heinous domestic terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol yesterday, I am urging the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to use their authorities to add the names of all identified individuals involved in the attack to the federal No-Fly List and keep them off planes," Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said in a statement.

He said the list should include all individuals who entered the Capitol.

Violence during the riots resulted in nearly 100 arrests, the fatal shooting of a woman in the Capitol and canisters of tear gas fired across its Rotunda. Crews on Thursday were erecting a seven-foot-tall fence around the Capitol that officials said would be in place for 30 days.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, a Trump opponent, was heckled by the president's supporters as he flew to Washington this week. A Washington Post photographer on Tuesday saw people escorted off a plane bound for Washington.

Hobart, the United spokesman, whose crews are represented by the union, said that the company echoed Nelson's statement and that its employees had been moved out of downtown Washington hotels since Monday.

In the staff memo, Delta said it already was pursuing action against people who disrupted flights and would continue to do so.

A spokesman for BWI referred questions to the TSA. Southwest Airlines, which has a major operation at the airport, declined to comment on security.
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DecisionDatabases added the latest report with a global perspective on the Lead Generation Tools Market studied under different segments, including type, application, and regions. The report is treated with size, trends, growth, share, and forecast till 2025. Besides, the research report studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall growth at the global level. This report also offers a lucrative area of the industry at the regional and country level.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Lead Generation Tools market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Lead Generation Tools Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-30214

According to this study, over the next five years, the Lead Generation Tools market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Lead Generation Tools business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Lead Generation Tools market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Lead Generation Tools market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Leadfeeder

Lusha

Prospect.io

Voila Norbert

HubSpot

Reply.io

WisePops

Albacross

OptinMonster

Discover.ly

Hunter.io

Hello Bar

Hunter

Jotform

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-30214

This study considers the Lead Generation Tools value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Lead Data Collection Tools

Marketing Automation Tools

Others

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

SMBs

Lage Organizations

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Lead Generation Tools Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-30214

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Lead Generation Tools consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Lead Generation Tools market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Lead Generation Tools manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Lead Generation Tools with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Lead Generation Tools submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

For more details:

DecisionDatabases.com

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Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/

Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/lead-generation-tools-market-size-growth-emerging-trends-future-investors-and-virtual-analysis-by-2025/
By Pepe Escobar

January 07, 2021 " Information Clearing House " - One year ago, the Raging Twenties started with a murder.

The assassination of Maj Gen Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), alongside Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iraqs Hashd al-Shaabi militia, by laser-guided Hellfire missiles launched from two MQ-9 Reaper drones, was an act of war.

Not only the drone strike at Baghdad airport, directly ordered by President Trump, was unilateral, unprovoked and illegal: it was engineered as a stark provocation, to detonate an Iranian reaction that would then be countered by American self-defense, packaged as deterrence. Call it a perverse form of double down, reversed false flag.

The imperial Mighty Wurlitzer spun it as a targeted killing, a pre-emptive op squashing Soleimanis alleged planning of imminent attacks against US diplomats and troops.

False. No evidence whatsoever. And then, Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, in front of his Parliament, offered the ultimate context: Soleimani was on a diplomatic mission, on a regular flight between Damascus and Baghdad, involved in complex negotiations between Tehran and Riyadh, with the Iraqi Prime Minister as mediator, at the request of President Trump.

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So the imperial machine  in complete mockery of international law - assassinated a de facto diplomatic envoy.

The three top factions who pushed for Soleimanis assassination were US neo-cons  supremely ignorant of Southwest Asias history, culture and politics - and the Israeli and Saudi lobbies, who ardently believe their interests are advanced every time Iran is attacked. Trump could not possibly see The Big Picture and its dire ramifications: only what his major Israeli-firster donor Sheldon Adelson dictates, and what Jared of Arabia Kushner whispered in his ear, remote-controlled by his close pal Muhammad bin Salman (MbS).

The armor of American prestige

The measured Iranian response to Soleimanis assassination was carefully calibrated to not detonate vengeful imperial deterrence:

precision missile strikes on the American-controlled Ain al-Assad air base in Iraq. The Pentagon received advance warning.

Predictably, the run-up towards the first anniversary of Soleimanis assassination had to degenerate into intimations of US-Iran once again on the brink of war.

So it's enlightening to examine what the Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Division, Brigadier General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1399/10/13/2423366/

told Lebanons Al Manar network: The US and the Zionist regime [Israel] have not brought security to any place and if something happens here (in the region) and a war breaks out, we will make no distinction between the US bases and the countries hosting them.

ajizadeh, expanding on the precision missile strikes a year ago, added, We were prepared for the Americans response and all our missile power was fully on alert. If they had given a response, we

would have hit all of their bases from Jordan to Iraq and the Persian Gulf and even their warships in the Indian Ocean.

The precision missile strikes on Ain al-Assad, a year ago, represented a middle-rank power, enfeebled by sanctions, and facing a huge economic/financial crisis, responding to an attack by targeting imperial assets that are part of the Empire of Bases. That was a global first  unheard of since the end of WWII. It was clearly interpreted across vast swathes of the Global South as fatally piercing the decades-old hegemonic armor of American prestige.

So Tehran was not exactly impressed by two nuclear-capable B-52s recently flying over the Persian Gulf; or the US Navy announcing the arrival of the nuclear-powered, missile loaded USS Georgia in the Persian Gulf last week.

These deployments were spun as a response to an evidence-free claim that Tehran was behind a 21-rocket attack against the sprawling American embassy in Baghdads Green Zone.

The (unexploded) 107mm caliber rockets  by the way marked in English, not Farsi - can be easily bought in some underground Baghdad souk by virtually anybody, as I have seen for myself in Iraq since the mid-2000s.

That certainly does not qualify as a casus belli  or self-defense merging with deterrence. The Centcom justification actually sounds like a Monty Python sketch: an attack almost certainly conducted by an Iranian-backed rogue militia group. Note that almost certainly is code for we have no idea who did it.

How to fight the - real - war on terror

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif did take the trouble (see attached tweet) to warn Trump he was being set up for a fake casus belli - and blowback would be inevitable. Thats a case of Iranian diplomacy being perfectly aligned with the IRGC: after all, the whole post-Soleimani strategy comes straight from Ayatollah Khamenei.

And that leads to the IRGCs Hajizadeh once again establishing the Iranian red line in terms of the Islamic Republics defense: We will not negotiate about the missile power with anyone  pre-empting any move to incorporate missile reduction into a possible Washington return to the JCPOA. Hajizadeh has also emphasized that Tehran has restricted the range of its missiles to 2,000 km.

My friend Elijah Magnier, arguably the top war correspondent across Southwest Asia in the past four decades, has neatly detailed the importance of Soleimani.

Everyone not only along the Axis of Resistance  Tehran, Baghdad, Damascus, Hezbollah  but across vast swathes of the Global South is firmly aware of how Soleimani led the fight against ISIS/Daesh in Iraq from 2014 to 2015, and how he was instrumental in retaking Tikrit in 2015.

Zeinab Soleimani, the impressive Generals daughter, has profiled the man, and the sentiments he inspired. And Hezbollahs secretary-general Sayed Nasrallah, in an extraordinary interview,

stressed Soleimanis great humility, even with the common people, the simple people.

Nasrallah tells a story that is essential to place Soleimanis modus operandi in the real  not fictional  war on terror, and deserves to be quoted in full:

At that time, Hajj Qassem traveled from Baghdad airport to Damascus airport, from where he came (directly) to Beirut, in the southern suburbs. He arrived to me at midnight. I remember very well what he said to me: At dawn you must have provided me with 120 (Hezbollah) operation commanders." I replied But Hajj, it's midnight, how can I provide you with 120 commanders?" He told me that there was no other solution if we wanted to fight (effectively) against ISIS,

to defend the Iraqi people, our holy places [5 of the 12 Imams of Twelver Shiism have their mausoleums in Iraq], our Hawzas [Islamic seminars], and everything that existed in Iraq. There was no choice. I don't need fighters. I need operational commanders [to supervise the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units, PMU]." This is why in my speech [about Soleimani's assassination], I said that during the 22 years or so of our relationship with Hajj Qassem Soleimani, he never asked us for anything. He never asked us for anything, not even for Iran. Yes, he only asked us once, and that was for Iraq, when he asked us for these (120) operations commanders. So he stayed with me, and we started contacting our (Hezbollah) brothers one by one. We were able to bring in nearly 60 operational commanders, including some brothers who were on the front lines in Syria, and whom we sent to Damascus airport [to wait for Soleimani], and others who were in Lebanon, and that we woke up from their sleep and brought in [immediately] from their house as the Hajj said he wanted to take them with him on the plane that would bring him back to Damascus after the dawn prayer. And indeed, after praying the dawn prayer together, they flew to Damascus with him, and Hajj Qassem traveled from Damascus to Baghdad with 50 to 60 Lebanese Hezbollah commanders, with whom he went to the front lines in Iraq. He said he didn't need fighters, because thank God there were plenty of volunteers in Iraq. But he needed [battle-hardened] commanders to lead these fighters, train them, pass on experience and expertise to them, etc. And he didn't leave until he took my pledge that within two or three days I would have sent him the remaining 60 commanders.

Orientalism, all over again

A former commander under Soleimani that I met in Iran in 2018 had promised me and my colleague Sebastiano Caputo that he would try to arrange an interview with the Maj Gen  who never spoke to

foreign media. We had no reason to doubt our interlocutor  so until the last Baghdad minute we were in this selective waiting list.

As for Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, killed side by side with Soleimani in the Baghdad drone strike, I was part of a small group who spent an afternoon with him in a safe house inside  not outside  Baghdads Green Zone in November 2017. My full report is here.

Prof. Mohammad Marandi of the University of Tehran, reflecting on the assassination, told me, the most important thing is that the Western view on the situation is very Orientalist. They assume that Iran has no real structures and that everything is dependent on individuals. In the West an assassination doesnt destroy an administration, company, or organization. Ayatollah Khomeini passed away and they said the revolution was finished. But the constitutional process produced a new leader within hours. The rest is history.

This may go a long way to explain Soleimani geopolitics. He may have been a revolutionary superstar - many across the Global South see him as the Che Guevara of Southwest Asia - but he was most of all a quite articulated cog of a very articulated machine.

The adjunct President of the Iranian Parliament, Hossein Amirabdollahian, told Iranian network Shabake Khabar that Soleimani, two years before the assassination, had already envisaged an inevitable normalization between Israel and Persian Gulf monarchies.

At the same time he was also very much aware of the Arab League 2002 position  shared, among others, by Iraq, Syria and Lebanon: a normalization cannot even begin to be discussed without an independent  and viable - Palestinian state under 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital.

Now everyone knows this dream is dead, if not completely buried. What remains is the usual, dreary slog: the American assassination of Soleimani, the Israeli assassination of top Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the relentless, relatively low-intensity Israeli warfare against Iran fully supported by the Beltway, Washingtons illegal occupation of parts of northeast Syria to grab some oil, the perpetual drive for regime change in Damascus, the non-stop demonization of Hezbollah.

Beyond the Hellfire

Tehran has made it very clear that a return to at least a measure of mutual respect between US-Iran involves Washington rejoining the JCPOA with no preconditions, and the end of illegal, unilateral Trump administration sanctions. These parameters are non-negotiable.

Nasrallah, for his part, in a speech in Beirut on Sunday, stressed, "one of the main outcomes of the assassination of General Soleimani and al-Muhandis is the calls made for the expulsion of US forces from the region. Such calls had not been made prior to the assassination. The martyrdom of the resistance leaders set US troops on the track of leaving Iraq.

This may be wishful thinking, because the military-industrial-security complex will never willingly abandon a key hub of the Empire of Bases.

More important is the fact that the post-Soleimani environment transcends Soleimani.

The Axis of Resistance - Tehran-Baghdad-Damascus-Hezbollah  instead of collapsing, will keep getting reinforced.

Internally, and still under maximum pressure sanctions, Iran and Russia will be cooperating to produce Covid-19 vaccines, and the Pasteur Institute of Iran will co-produce a vaccine with a Cuban company.

Iran is increasingly solidified as the key node of the New Silk Roads in Southwest Asia: the Iran-China strategic partnership is constantly revitalized by FMs Zarif and Wang Yi, and that includes Beijing turbo-charging its geoeconomic investment in South Pars - the largest gas field on the planet.

Iran, Russia and China will be involved in the reconstruction of Syria  which will also include, eventually, a New Silk Road branch: the Iran-Iraq-Syria-Eastern Mediterranean railway.

All that is an interlinked, ongoing process no Hellfires are able to burn.
Rally attendees hold signs and flags at the California State Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., on Jan. 6, 2021. (Ilene Eng/The Epoch Times)

Trump Supporters Hold Rallies at California and Nevada Capitols

Rally-goers gathered in front of the California State Capitol as well as the Nevada State Capitol on Jan. 6 to support President Donald Trump and call for election integrity.

The rallies took place on the same day that Congress convened to count electoral votes in the nations capital.

In Sacramento, attendees who had traveled from different parts of California shared their comments with Epoch Times reporters.

Peter Kuo, who is originally from Taiwan, is currently vice chairman of the California Republican Party. He was at the Sacramento rally.

What Im seeing right here in our government, especially here in California, its exactly the same as Taiwan 38 years ago where the government [was] just changing the rules as they go, Kuo told The Epoch Times.

Theres no democracy, theres no freedom, theres no liberty anymore. We have to take it back, he said.

Kuo believes that a lack of faith is a contributing factor to todays outcome.

America is founded by people of faith, he said. If you throw that faith out the window, this is what we see today. Its a faithless society.

Rally attendees hold signs at the California State Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., on Jan. 6, 2021. (Nancy Han/NTD)

Michael Grover Coltharp, who is running for governor of California, told The Epoch Times:

We dont work for them, they work for us. We give the power to the government; they dont give us the power. They dont give us the rights. Its not the way it works in America.

Jean Llewellyn, vice president of the Westlake Village Republican Women Federated, told The Epoch Times: The baton has to be passed to legislators to take a stand to step forward and start legislating to prevent these things from happening. Everything from voter ID, term limits, to legislation for the next pandemic.

Llewellyn said that far extreme activists are a distraction to America.

Those noisesthose voices are the loudest, and theyre preventing us from hearing the middle voice, which actually is where America lives, she said.

Chris Cartolano, a Sacramento resident, told The Epoch Times, Election fraud should concern everyone, whether youre a Democrat or Republican.

He enjoyed being at the rally with supporters of the same cause.

And you can see a lot of diversity here, and thats the thing that theyre suppressing. They think that were all conservativeswhite. Thats not true. Just look around, Cartolano said.

Mike Tate, artist and Sacramento resident, attended the rally to protest against California Governor Gavin Newsom. Tate was dissatisfied with the governors lockdown orders and began collecting protest signatures this January.

People who are patriotic will not concede to the populace, but will stand up [and] make calls to Congress, Tate said.

Karen Wetterlind, a rally attendee from Westlake Village, expressed her patriotism for the United States.

Its why everybody wants to immigrate here. Its what gives us our freedom to live our lives and to be prosperous, and its all being taken away by people who are lying and cheating, Wetterlind told The Epoch Times.

Today is a monumental day in our history, Jeannette, a rally attendee from Santa Clarita, told The Epoch Times. Just hope that Congress does the right thing.

Supporters in Nevada were energetic as they waited for updates on the joint session of Congress in Washington D.C.

The event in Nevada was participant-led and was called Operation Occupy the Capitol. There were hundreds in attendance.

Either we keep the republic, or we lose it to communist influences. And I dont want that for my kids and grandkids, Dawn Rickabaugh told The Epoch Times.

Dozens of similar events were held throughout the nation in parallel with the Save America rally in Washington D.C.

President Trump said that he will never concede, during a speech addressed to supporters in D.C. on Jan. 6.

With reporting by Ilene Eng, Nancy Han, and Andy Ellsmore.

White House National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien issued a statement Wednesday praising Vice President Mike Pence as a 'genuinely fine and decent man' after President Trump once again went after him.

The praise for Pence, which was not otherwise explained, came as President Donald Trump issued bizarre statements asking a mob of supporters who invaded the Capitol to remain 'peaceful' while also continuing to claim his election loss was rigged.

'I just spoke with Vice President Pence. He is a genuinely fine and decent man. He exhibited courage today as he did at the Capitol on 9/11 as a Congressman. I am proud to serve with him,' wrote O'Brien.

White House national security advisor Robert O'Brien praised VP Mike Pence as a 'genuinely fine and decent man' after Trump amped up pressure on his vice president, and Trump supporters invaded the Capitol

O'Brien's praise of Pence came after Trump attacked 'weak' Republicans who refused to back his election fraud claims and overturn the election result.

His reference to the Sept. 11th, 2001 attacks recalled another attack on symbols of U.S. power  and an attack officials believe was planned for the Capitol itself.

Trump has demanded Pence not recognize electors in states that voted for Joe Biden where Trump is asserting massive fraud without evidence.

'Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us, and if he doesnt that will be a sad day for our country because youre sworn to uphold our Constitution, Trump said while asking a crowd of supporters to march to the Capitol.

'If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election,' Trump, said Wednesday morning, amping up pressure.

'I just spoke with Vice President Pence. He is a genuinely fine and decent man. He exhibited courage today as he did at the Capitol on 9/11 as a Congressman. I am proud to serve with him,' wrote O'Brien

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Vice President Mike Pence officiate as a joint session of the House and Senate convenes to confirm the Electoral College votes cast in November's election, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021

Donald Trump's supporters stormed a session of Congress held today, January 6, to certify Joe Biden's election win, triggering unprecedented chaos and violence at the heart of American democracy and accusations the president was attempting a coup

Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather near the U.S. Capitol during a protest against the certification of the 2020 U.S

But he also demonstrated he doesn't understand Pence's role in presiding over the session, which is largely ceremonial.

'All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify and we become president,' Trump claimed, which is false. Pence doesn't have that power and such a move would not give Trump a victory.

A group would eventually bust through windows and run wild through the building.

U.S. Capitol Police were unable to restore order and it wasn't until late Wednesday afternoon that it was announced National Guard forces would be positioned at the Capitol.

In an odd statement, acting Pentagon chief Christopher Miller  installed by Trump after he pushed out Defense Secretary Mark Esper after the election  said he had spoken to Pence  not Trump  about calling in the Guard.

"Chairman Milley and I just spoke separately with the Vice President and with Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, Senator Schumer and Representative Hoyer about the situation at the U.S. Capitol,' Mark Milley said in a statement, referencing the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and congressional leaders.

'We have fully activated the D.C. National Guard to assist federal and local law enforcement as they work to peacefully address the situation. We are prepared to provide additional support as necessary and appropriate as requested by local authorities. Our people are sworn to defend the constitution and our democratic form of government and they will act accordingly.'

It was not immediately clear why the Pentagon boss would speak to Pence, rather than Trump, the commander in chief, about the decision to activate the Guard.

Pence previously served as a member of the House Republican leadership before becoming governor of Indiana. Trump backers who broke into the building and defied a security lockdown and screening busted into congressional offices and penetrated the chamber where he previously served.

Trump's tweet is false and Pence does not have the power to reject slates of electors

He described his 9/11 experience during a 2018 speech at the Pentagon on the anniversary of those attacks.

'As a new member of Congress, I was going about my normal workday routine just across the river, on Capitol Hill, when I learned of the attacks in New York City. And Ill never forget the moment, standing in my office, when I heard a staffer shout, The Pentagons been hit," Pence said.

'But when I made my way out of the building and walked on to the Capitol grounds, Ill never forget the sight of seeing columns of mud-brown and black smoke billowing out of the Pentagon, literally darkening half of that crystal-clear blue sky.'

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Calif.), the Armed Services Committee Chairman in the House, said he also spoke to Miller and Milley.

He also indicated Trump was out of the loop on the decision as far as he knew.

'Fortunately, all of those people decided they needed to bring security to the situation,' he said.

'The one saving grace in all of this is that the president has abdicated his job. As near as I can tell he wasnt on the phone to these same people,' said Smith.

'And heres the scary part about it. Thats reassuring to me. Because if the president was involved in that chain, Number One I dont trust that he wouldnt use the situation to seize power,' he continued.

'But Number Two, hes incompetent.'
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A scenic joy flight believed to have been carrying Robert Irwin above Tasmania's Overland Track may have breached environmental guidelines after flying at low levels.

The helicopter surprised campers and witnesses when it circled low over the World Heritage wilderness, reports the Herald Sun.

The 17-year-old son of late conservationist Steve 'The Crocodile Hunter' Irwin shared a video of himself to Instagram flying over the area at the time observers claimed to have seen the helicopter.

Guidelines: A scenic joy flight believed to have been carrying Robert Irwin above Tasmania's Overland Track may have breached environmental guidelines after flying at low levels

The World Heritage Area Management Plan states: 'Flights in and through the SAs should be kept to a minimum, and aircraft should be operated at an altitude and configuration that will minimise noise and visual impact for ground observers.'

The general manager of Australia Zoo, Luke Reavley, told The Mercury he wasn't aware of the incident but emphasised Robert wouldn't have been responsible for the flight.

'Obviously being a child under the age of 18, Robert wouldn't have been in control of where the helicopter travelled,' Mr Reavley said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Australia Zoo for further comment.

Low levels: The helicopter surprised campers and witnesses when it circled low over the World Heritage wilderness, reports the Herald Sun

Robert is currently holidaying in Tasmania with his mother Terri, 56, sister Bindi, 22, and brother-in-law Chandler Powell, 24.

On Sunday, Bindi shared a picture to Instagram of the budding wildlife filmmaker photo-bombing her and Chandler while touring the Apple Isle.

'Robert, you always make photos that much better. Love ya!' she captioned the post.

Holiday: Robert is currently holidaying in Tasmania with his mother Terri, 56, sister Bindi, 22, and brother-in-law Chandler Powell, 24 (all pictured)

In the picture, the teenager makes a funny face while popping his head into the frame.

Rob's lips are pursed as he stares directly down the lens of the camera, while Bindi and Chandler smile in the background.

The image of the trio in bushland was also shared by Robert to his own social media account, along another picture of the pair with Terri.
"Post Reports" is the daily podcast from The Washington Post. Unparalleled reporting. Expert insight. Clear analysis. Everything you've come to expect from the newsroom of The Post - for your ears.

- - -

In this episode: Lawmakers, rattled and angry, reconvened to certify election results after an angry pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol. Seung Min Kim reports on the public schism laid bare in the Republican Party. Shane Harris reports law enforcement's efforts to protect the building. Michael Brice-Saddler discusses the contrast between policing of predominantly White rioters at the Capitol and the Black Lives Matter protesters demonstrating last year.
The Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana will be dissolved today at midnight. This is in accordance with Article 113(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.



The Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana will be dissolved today at midnight.



This is in accordance with Article 113(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.



The dissolution will pave way for the inauguration of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic and the investiture of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President-Elect on January 7th, 2021.



President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, January 5th, delivered his final State of the Nation address in accordance with Article 67 of the Constitution.



In the Address, the President described the 7th Parliament as the busiest ever, and, arguably the most productive. You have passed almost 50 pieces of legislative instruments



Leadership of the 7th Parliament is composed of; Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, First Deputy Speaker, Alban S.K. Bagbin, Second Deputy Speaker, Osei Kyei-Mensah, Majority Leader.



Others are; Sarah Adwoa Safo, Deputy Majority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, Minority Leader, James Klutse Avedzi, Deputy Minority Leader, Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, Majority Chief Whip, Mathew Nyindam, First Deputy Majority Whip, Moses Anim, Second Deputy Majority Whip, Mohmmed-Mubarak Muntaka, Minority Chief Whip.



The rest are; Ibrahim Ahmed, First Deputy Minority Whip and Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, Second Deputy Minority Whip.



A statement from Parliament said, Members of the 8th Parliament will convene in the Chamber of Parliament to elect a Speaker and Two Deputy Speakers, in accordance with Articles 95, 96 and 100(2) of the 1992 Constitution, after which the elected Members of the 8th Parliament will be sworn in by the Speaker at the Chamber of Parliament as per Article 100(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.



The President-elect will then be sworn in before the 8th Parliament in accordance with Article 57(3) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

Source: GNA









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(TNS)  Sometime next summer, there's a decent chance a heat wave will bake the American West, and California's power grid will again be stretched to its limits.As the sun sets, solar panels will start generating less electricity even as temperatures remain high. Power plants that burn natural gas will fire up as quickly as possible, in a race to keep air conditioners blowing and avert the need for rolling blackouts.But the fossil fuel won't be alone in riding to the rescue.As power supplies tighten, lithium-ion batteries  some connected to sprawling solar farms in the desert and others tucked away in household garages  will dispense electricity produced during the afternoon sunlight. A small but growing number of household batteries will be part of coordinated networks, discharging in unison as dictated by the needs of the grid. Meanwhile, millions of people will cut back on electricity use in their homes, in some cases because state officials asked nicely and in others because they're getting paid to conserve. Many will have agreed in advance to have their air conditioners automatically turned down a few degrees, or their refrigerators briefly powered down.As California works to build a future without fossil fuels, electricity generation isn't just getting cleaner  it's getting smaller and nimbler. Big power plants and far-flung transmission lines are increasingly being joined by programmable thermostats, solar-charged batteries and even electric cars as key tools for balancing supply and demand.These technologies currently play a small role. But supporters say they can help California avoid a repeat of the rolling blackouts that afflicted a few hundred thousand homes and businesses when a regional heat wave struck last August  the type of extreme weather that's becoming disturbingly common as the world heats up because of the burning of fossil fuels.Nobody knows what kind of weather next summer will bring, and several thousand megawatts of new power capacity already are scheduled to come online in the coming months, mostly large batteries.But state officials are scrambling to find additional energy resources that can be added to the grid  and six months isn't enough time to build the type of centralized infrastructure historically favored by utilities and regulators.The tight timeline is an opportunity for companies that install batteries paired with rooftop solar panels or that aggregate energy savings across networks of homes and businesses. They say they can move quickly to increase energy supply or ease demand  especially with supportive policies from Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration."This is an emergency," said Lynn Jurich, chief executive of San Francisco-based Sunrun Inc., a solar and battery installer. "How we regulate our energy markets and how we incorporate innovation  we need to go a lot faster."Newsom has used similar language, referring to 2020's record-breaking wildfires as a "climate damn emergency" and pledging in September to "fast-track" the state's climate change efforts. He later ordered regulators to ban the sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035 and called on the Legislature to ban the drilling technique known as fracking.But Newsom hasn't taken the kinds of near-term actions that clean energy advocates say would reduce climate pollution and create badly needed jobs while helping keep the lights on next summer.Even after the governor's promise of more aggressive climate action, getting his attention has been a challenge, said Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar and Storage Assn., an industry trade group."It's pretty frustrating for us," she said. "I keep cutting the administration slack because they keep getting hit with one crisis after another. But at the same time, we're squarely in the middle of [offering solutions to] these crises."Newsom's office declined to comment for this story, directing questions to the California Public Utilities Commission.Officials at the commission and the California Independent System Operator say they're optimistic about so-called virtual power plants that string together hundreds or thousands of batteries, as well as "flexible demand" programs that pay people to use less electricity. And they don't want to be caught flat-footed during the next heat wave. They blamed last summer's rotating outages not only on rising temperatures caused by climate change but also on their own poor planning.At the same time, they're cautious by nature, and wary that even well-intentioned changes to the century-old power grid could backfire if not implemented carefully.Ed Randolph, who leads the utilities commission's energy division, acknowledged that more household batteries would help the grid by reducing demand after sundown. But he said it's not yet clear if virtual power plants are as reliable as the gas turbines that currently do the bulk of the work after dark.And as for flexible demand programs, also known as "demand response," Randolph said the energy savings they provided during last summer's grid emergencies weren't as significant as officials originally thought."In the long run, the promise of demand response intuitively makes sense and is something we should pursue," he said. "In the short run, there's still a lot of learning to be done. And as we're looking to reliability for next summer, it's not the place where we can sit here and say, 'Let's experiment.'"Some energy providers have already moved beyond the experiment phase.Southern California Edison, an investor-owned utility that provides electricity to 15 million people, recently contracted with Sunrun for a five-megawatt virtual power plant, to be sourced from thousands of batteries installed at customer homes.That's a drop in the bucket of the state's roughly 80,000 megawatts of power capacity. But the virtual plant will count toward Edison's all-important "resource adequacy" requirement, meaning the utility thinks Sunrun can be trusted in a pinch to keep reliable electricity flowing. And if transmission lines are taken out by a wildfire  or intentionally shut off to limit the risk of ignitions  Sunrun customers will still have a backup energy source."You're giving the utility and system operator so much more flexibility than if you've concentrated all those megawatts in one place in the desert," said Jill Anderson, Edison's senior vice president of customer service.To the north, East Bay Community Energy was one of three government-run energy providers to sign similar contracts with Sunrun last year.Nick Chaset, East Bay's chief executive, said the price for a five-megawatt virtual power plant operated by Sunrun was "not so far out" from what he'd expect to pay for large-scale solar and energy storage. And unlike with a centralized power plant, spreading the megawatts across thousands of homes and businesses means "there's not a single point of failure," Chaset said."Even if 5 percent of the systems at any given time are having an operational issue, you still have the other 95 percent," he said.With the right government policies, installers say, they could get batteries into a lot more homes by next summer.The California Solar and Storage Assn. released a report in November calling for state officials to simplify the process of applying for clean energy subsidies, maintain the popular "net metering" compensation program and allow households with batteries to export electricity to the grid during emergencies, which currently isn't allowed.Speeding up local government approval processes is another priority for the solar and storage association. The group has asked Newsom to sign a proposed executive order that would prod city and county officials to adopt virtual inspections and require electric utilities to move more quickly to get installations up and running.Those steps wouldn't just help the power grid, they would boost employment and reduce emissions, Del Chiaro said."Whether it's COVID and jobs and economic recovery, or climate change and blackouts and rising energy bills  pick your crisis," she said. "I'm not saying we're the only solution. But we are a shovel-ready industry that's here to grow."Companies offering "flexible demand" say they've got a shovel-ready solution too.One of the biggest players is Oakland-based OhmConnect, which pays households to use less electricity when the grid is stressed and sells the aggregated savings into energy markets. Last month, the start-up announced a $100-million investment from Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, which was spun out of Google parent company Alphabet Inc.The bulk of the money will finance Resi-Station, which at 550 megawatts would be the world's largest virtual power plant.Basically, OhmConnect plans to do a lot more of what it's already doing. The company already has 150,000 active customers in California, some of whom give OhmConnect control over their smart devices and some of whom manually reduce energy use when prompted. The company warns customers when it's going to power down their devices and gives them a chance to opt out."It is common for customers to make $50 to $100 over the course of the year. But we've had customers who made more than $100 in a single day," Chief Executive Cisco DeVries said.The influx of funding will help OhmConnect sign up new customers in California and outfit them with smart thermostats, as well as smart plugs that can be used to temporarily power down appliances such as refrigerators (which can go without electricity for up to four hours without their contents spoiling). The company is also exploring ways to promote the installation of electric heat pumps, which can heat water during times of day when solar power is abundant and electricity is cheap and store it for later use.Another major flexible demand start-up is San Francisco-based Leap, which aggregates energy savings from commercial and industrial businesses as well as homes. In November, the company announced a deal to provide the energy-savings equivalent of 12.5 megawatts of reliable power to Redwood Coast Energy Authority and Valley Clean Energy, starting next summer.Part of the attraction for the government-run electricity providers was Leap's ability to move quickly."For the quick turnaround of summer of 2021, it was extremely competitive pricing. There were very little options at all, and those had to be things that were somewhat in the pipeline," said Matthew Marshall, Redwood Coast's executive director. "This wasn't a case of us saying, 'We think this is cool, so let's subsidize it above what the market is showing.' It stands up on its own."The energy research firm Wood Mackenzie reported that California's power grid operator called on flexible demand providers an unprecedented 70 times during the week of Aug. 14, which began with two nights of rolling blackouts.The firm projects huge growth in flexible-demand technologies, including electric vehicle chargers. WoodMac analyst Isaac Maze-Rothstein noted that when California's grid was stressed in August, Tesla sent alerts to its drivers asking them to limit charging."I wonder how far off they could be from telling people if you just press this button, we're going to delay charging for you, and they could have that aggregation participate in a market in the not-so-distant future," Maze-Rothstein said.Like solar and storage installers, flexible demand companies say they could move faster with regulatory fixes. But officials at the Public Utilities Commission and the Independent System Operator are hesitant.For one thing, it's challenging to estimate how much energy a home or business would have used if not for a company like OhmConnect. And what if lots of people say they'll use less electricity, but then when a heat wave arrives they decide they need a few extra degrees of cooling, after all?"We'll need to work with all of these companies to understand ... what they think they need to do better, and if there are regulatory or market hurdles that keep them from doing better," said Randolph, the utilities commission energy chief.Some people will never feel comfortable handing over control of their air conditioner to a third party, even if there's money in it.But there's little question about the potential  especially after the Golden State's biggest energy savings last summer came from millions of homes and businesses that responded to desperate pleas to conserve, even though they weren't paid. If even a fraction of those conscientious Californians sign up for paid programs, the grid benefits could be substantial."During the August heat wave, there were transmission lines that failed. There were natural plants that went offline or reduced operations because it was too hot," OhmConnect's DeVries said. "In some ways we are already more reliable, because we never fail. We may show up with a little less or a little more here or there. But we're going to show up."With time running short before next summer, state officials are hurrying to shore up power supplies. Newsom asked them to take climate change into account, writing in an August letter that California "must do more and faster to prevent future outages as we continue to work to transform energy generation."Public Utilities Commission President Marybel Batjer issued a memo last month saying the agency will consider a wide range of options, including regulatory changes sought by battery installers and flexible demand companies.But in a ruling the following week calling for utilities to line up new power supplies, Batjer focused her instructions on efficiency upgrades at traditional power plants. That could result in gas-fired generators adding several hundred megawatts of new capacity.Officials are also determined to prevent energy companies from permanently retiring aging gas plants, at least for now.The utilities commission voted in September to extend the shutdown deadline for four gas plants along the Southern California coast, which otherwise would have been required to close this year.And last month the Independent System Operator's board of governors voted to issue a "reliability must-run" contract for the 250-megawatt Midway-Sunset gas plant in Kern County, whose owner had announced plans to shutter the facility by year's end. Now the plant is being required to remain open in 2021.Neil Millar, a vice president at the grid operator, described the must-run contract as "truly a last resort."
Hospitals in Panama are saturated as a spike in coronavirus cases has forced the government to order a lockdown over Christmas and the New Yaer

A group of 220 Cuban health care professionals arrived in Panama on Thursday to help fight the coronavirus pandemic despite objections from the United States, Panama's health ministry said.

The Cuban medics will "reinforce the health system in this fight against covid-19," the ministry said on Twitter.

Panama announced o0n December 15 it would hire doctors from Cuba, the US, Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia to tackle the pandemic despite a law restricting medical practice to locals.

Panama is the worst affected country in Central America with more than 220,000 Covid-19 cases and over 3,600 deaths among its 4.2 million population.

But the announcement had met resistance from Michael Kozak, Washington's acting assistant secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs.

"Governments that hire Cuban medical workers must ensure their fair and humane treatment -- in stark contrast to the Castro regime, which traffics in, and exploits, the workers' bravery for its own gains," Kozak tweeted on December 21.

"Make contracts transparent and pay workers directly."

The US is Panama's main political and economic ally.

Cuba's practice of hiring out its world-renowned health care workers has been branded "white coat diplomacy" by Havana's detractors, including Washington, which has accused Cuba of "forced labor" and using the medics as a propaganda tool.

"Our White Coat Heroes have arrived in Panama," Cuba's embassy in Panama said on Twitter alongside a video of people wearing white coats and carrying a Cuban flag.

Since reopening its economy in September and October, Panama has witnessed a spike in coronavirus cases that has left its hospitals saturated and their staff exhausted.

The government has imposed a total lockdown over Christmas and the New Year to try to slow the virus's spread.

Panama is due to receive 450,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine during the first quarter of 2021.

Story continues

Panama President Laurentino Cortizo had announced plans to hire Cuban doctors in August but backed down following criticism from Washington and from within the country.

However, the government was forced into a change of heart as it was unable to hire enough health care professionals to tackle the virus crisis.

jjr/dga/bc/ft
[January 06, 2021] RSW/US presents a new virtual conference experience, for a new agency new business landscape CINCINNATI, Jan. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RSW/US, the nation's leading outsourced lead generation firm for marketing agencies, is proud to host The RSW/US 2021 Virtual Conference-A Look Under the Agency and Marketer Hood. This virtual conference takes place February 8th through the 11th, from 1 to 3:30 pm EST each day. Never before has there been a conference that brings together as much frontline perspective from senior level marketers, leading independent agency new business leaders, and the new business team at RSW/US. Only RSW has the benefit of working directly with marketers on the RSW/AgencySearch side of its business, helping them find better marketing agencies. And only RSW has the benefit of working directly with agencies on the RSW/US side of its business, helping them manage winning new business programs. Combined, this experience puts RSW in a unique position relative to others in the industry. Through the combined RSW/US and RSW/AgencySearch businesses, they have access to marketers and agencies and their respective insights. Because they see both sides of the fence, they have a real "Look Under the Hood" perspective that is unmatched in theindustry.

The conference is broken out with a different new business focus each day: Day 1-Trends & Predictions: What Marketers Want from Your Agency Day 2-Optimize Your Agency: What Top Agencies are Practicing Now Day 3-Tactical Training: What New Business Professionals Do to Make New Business Happen Day 4-Closing Business: RSW & Marketer Perspective on Why Others Fail & What You Need to Succeed. Over the course of the conference, agencies will have access to a wealth of information, including tactical presentations on driving new business and live panels with marketers, agency new business leaders and agency new business thought leaders. The ultimate goal is to provide agency teams with actionable takeaways every day of the conference to help drive more new business in 2021. Register and see the full schedule here: https://conference.rswus.com/ About RSW/US RSW/US is the nation's leading outsourced business development group that helps marketing agencies find meaningful new business opportunities and get them closer to close. To learn more visit www.rswus.com. About RSW/AgencySearch RSW/AgencySearch is a no cost/high quality agency search firm that helps marketers find best in class marketing agencies at no cost to them. To learn more visit www.rswagencysearch.com. Contact: Mark Sneider

Phone: 513-559-3101

Email: mark@rswus.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rswus-presents-a-new-virtual-conference-experience-for-a-new-agency-new-business-landscape-301201722.html SOURCE Reardon Smith Whittaker

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Actor Rana Daggubati on Wednesday revealed that his upcoming multilingual film Haathi Mere Saathi will release in cinemas on March 26. The film will also release in Tamil and Telugu and has been titled Kaadan and Aaranya, respectively.

In the Prabhu Solomon directed film, Rana plays a character inspired by environmental activist Jadav Payeng, popularly called the Forest Man of India. The film also stars Vishnu Vishal, Pulkit Samrat, Zoya Hussain and Shriya Pilgaonkar among others.

Welcoming the new year and the new normal, we are excited to bring #HaathiMereSaathi, #Aranya, and #Kaadan on 26th March, in a theatre near you (sic), Rana tweeted.

Rana, in a chat with Hindustan Times last year, opened up about working in the project. He said working on Haathi Mere Saathi was more challenging than working on the Baahubali series. In the film, Rana got to work and spend a lot of time with real elephants.

Working with real elephants may sound exciting on paper but it was extremely exhausting. 10 days into the shoot, I called Rajamouli sir and told him how challenging this project had already become. It was equally exciting because we were doing something different; we were telling the story of a much bigger issue, he said.

Also read: AR Rahman on why he embraced Islam but wouldnt want to impose it on anyone else

The film has been predominantly shot in Thailand. Before the project went on the floors, Rana spent close to two weeks with elephants and also shed 15 kilos to play his part.

On signing the project, Rana had said in a statement: Theres a very exciting physical language to the character Im playing in Haathi Mere Saathi; something entirely different from what Ive done in the past. Ive always wanted to be a part of content that can travel across the country, and am very happy that Trinity is backing cinema of this genre. Its a rare story about the relevance of nature in our lives, narrated through a wonderful relationship between man and elephant.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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California state Senate Minority Leader Shannon Grove of Bakersfield on Wednesday retweeted a popular pro-Trump conspiracy theorist who claimed antifa  and not supporters of President Donald Trump  were the ones responsible for the storming of the U.S. Capitol building.

Attorney and conspiracy theorist Lin Wood tweeted that antifa  short for anti-fascists, an umbrella term for far-left militant groups, which have participated in Washington, D.C., unrest in the past  "violently broke into Congress today to inflict harm & do damage." Grove retweeted Wood and wrote, "Patriots don't act like this !!! This was Antifa."

Wood's claim is easily disproven by the fact that several prominent pro-Trump social media figures with long histories of supporting the president posted pictures of themselves inside the Capitol. Grove later deleted her tweet and instead condemned the violence.

"This is unacceptable," she wrote. "America guarantees the freedom of speech and to protest, but this is not the way to settle differences. Enough."

In another tweet, she wrote, "Patriots dont act like this!! This is the way Antifa behaves. This behavior is unacceptable and unAmerican."

Falsely claiming a "false flag" attack is nothing new. Over the summer of 2020, some who supported the Black Lives Matter protests claimed without evidence that white supremacists had infiltrated the protests and were the ones responsible for the property damage at the time.

Antifa was in the news again earlier this week after Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler vowed to crack down on the group after unrest on New Year's Eve.

The who: violent antifa and anarchists, the mayor said. "They rampaged through downtown Portland causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage with spray painting, window breaking, fires and fireworks."

Wood is a pro-Trump attorney who has made many unfounded claims of voter fraud, and has subsequently been partially blamed by GOP operatives for the party's losses in the Georgia runoff Senate elections.
Reports of London's alleged easing of sanctions against the Russian Federation are yet another Russian insinuations, spokesperson of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleh Nikolenko said.

"Russian media are circulating 'news' about Britain's 'easing' of the sanctions regime against Crimea. In fact, this is wishful thinking," Nikolenko told Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.

He said that on January 1, 2021, the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union. As no longer an EU member state, the United Kingdom has started the process of transferring European sanctions regimes, including those in the Russian Federation, into its own national legislation.

"The general license of the British Ministry of Finance for the seaports of Crimea reproduced the sanctions deviation from the EU Council Decision 2014/145/CFSP. Such a deviation has existed since 2017. And before it was possible to make payments for the fundamental needs in the Crimean seaports, in particular the purchase of food, medicines, payment for treatment. We are not talking about any other innovations," the spokesperson said.

He said that on January 1, 2021, a strategic partnership agreement between Ukraine and the UK came into force.

"The United Kingdom remains one of the most powerful and most consistent partners of Ukraine in the world, continues to provide significant political and practical support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state in the context of countering Russian aggression. The United Kingdom is also one of the world leaders in introducing and maintaining international sanctions against Therefore, we consider reports of allegedly easing of sanctions against Russia by London as another Russian insinuations," Nikolenko said.

The information about the alleged "easing" of sanctions against the Russian Federation was also denied by British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons.

"The UK is committed to territorial integrity of Ukraine and to upholding sanctions on Russia for its illegal annexation of Crimea. Reports that the British sanctions against Crimea have been relaxed are incorrect," Simmons wrote on Twitter on Thursday.
A fifth of UK adults want to start their own business this year but some are still cautious, wanting either further support or a less uncertain environment.

The UK's Start-up Appetite, a report conducted on behalf of small business support network Enterprise Nation and Government-backed funding scheme Start Up Loans, found many still have entrepreneurial spirit despite the struggles 2020 gave us.

Of the 2,000 participants surveyed, around 400 want to start a new business from scratch this year, while a further ten per cent already have done or have a plan in motion to set up in the coming months.

A fifth of UK adults want to start their own business this year according to a new report

This comes as the UK - one of the most entrepreneurial countries in the world - has dealt with one of its toughest years yet, which has seen many businesses fail.

But this hasn't completely dampened spirits as many hope to rise from the ashes while others who have only ever been employed are finally thinking about going solo.

This has been boosted by the huge number of people furloughed when the Job Retention Scheme was launched in the spring last year, and many people remain furloughed.

Sadly, others have been made redundant, however this group is even more likely to start something new and on their own terms. Six per cent confirmed their plan to launch this year is a direct result of losing their job.

More than a third of the survey respondents said they've always wanted to start a new business

More than half of those expecting to launch a business in 2021 say it will start as a side hustle

But even those still in work have a new-found appetite for entrepreneurship. More than half of those expecting to launch their business in 2021 say it will start off as a side hustle.

They said they would prefer to work on their new venture on evenings and weekends, while a quarter said they wanted to start a full-time enterprise. This figure rose to 57 per cent among those with active plans to start in 2021.

A fresh start

Meanwhile, more than a third of respondents said they had always wanted to start a business and that figure rose to 42 per cent among women. 33 per cent said they could see an opportunity while another third said it was to top up income.

Start-up ambition has grown among younger people in particular, with 34 per cent of 18 to 34 year-olds interested in taking the plunge.

UK adults aged 55 and over appear to agree with the results with 23 per cent claiming setting up a new business is for the young.

Enterprise Nation's Emma Jones said the start-up spirit in the UK remains strong

They believe younger people are more likely to see opportunity and have ideas whereas older people capitalise on skills and experience.

What's more, almost half of 18 to 34 year-olds also feel it is easier to become an entrepreneur than it was ten years ago.

Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: 'If you are interested in starting your own business - it looks like you're going to be a little younger, and you'll do it as a side-hustle outside of your normal job or education.

'This makes sense given the lower economic risks younger people face. They are also more likely to think it is easier than ever.'

However, 28 per cent of 35 to 54 year-olds surveyed are also interested in becoming their own boss.

Uncertain times

Just over a quarter said they can see new ways of working and want to be part of it, while 18 per cent think a recession is actually a great time to start a business.

But 12 per cent of those surveyed, despite their ambition, still feel they need more information and support before going it alone, and a further eight per cent have completely put off their entrepreneurial journey until there is a bit more stability in the economy.

Emma added: 'The start-up spirit in the UK is still going strong, but what's also clear is that there is an unmet need for providing early-stage support and education or signposting what's already out there to people interested in starting a business.

'2020 will go down on record as the year we all made a mindful decision to support small businesses, even Google searches doubled.

StartUp goes online Enterprise Nations annual StartUp event, which sees more than 2,000 attendees is going digital this year on 23 January. It has retained its packed day-long business itinerary, starting at 9.30am and closing at 4.00pm. The 11 virtual zones have been designed to cover a wide variety of topics to help provide the tools, support and guidance an aspiring entrepreneur needs to start and grow their own business. There will be over 60 sessions and 100 speakers to choose from, including established business owners, Enterprise Nation advisers and SME experts including This is Money's very own Jayna Rana. Tickets are available for just 10 here and will also include access to recordings of the day's sessions, so you can catch up at your leisure.

'While that's unsurprising given the economic context, the brilliant thing is that considering everything we've heard about how the business community has fared, good and bad, there is still a relentless passion for enterprise even if there is a little more caution than there used to be.

'As we re-boot the British economy, this is the ambition we all need to get us through.'

Meanwhile, one in five respondents said they felt they needed to get training before they started their new business.

What and where?

The survey also asked budding entrepreneurs which industries they were thinking of setting up their new venture in, with the health and wellbeing sector being the most popular at 11 per cent.

This was followed by manufacturing, technology and business services which reflects the current sectors that remained stable or were boosted by the pandemic and resulting lifestyle changes and behaviours.

For example, the lockdown exercise phenomenon appears to be playing on minds while fears for post-Brexit shortages has seen ambition to make something in the UK.

In terms of regions, the West Midlands was home to most people that said they were actively planning to start a business in 2021, where the most popular sector was overwhelmingly manufacturing at 31 per cent.

In the North West, the most popular sector was tech, and in Wales it was Education. Health and wellbeing was most popular in London, the South West and South East.

The regions where people are most likely to have put off their plans to more certain times were in the North East and the South East.

The lockdown exercise phenomenon is playing on the minds of aspiring entrepreneurs
When most people get to a certain age they begin to slow down, but poet, author and storyteller Joe Bruchac is not one of those people. Bruchac, who lives in Greenfield Center, is a national icon who has received numerous awards during his more-than-50-year career chronicling the stories of Native American culture.

Id like to think I was descended from people who had tremendous strength and integrity, said Bruchac. Ive spent my career writing books that deal with historical subjects that have been poorly told or even incorrectly told. I determined in my late teens that if I was going to have children of my own, they would hear the truth and not the lies that were told about Native People.

Bruchac was raised in a house with his grandparents, and he believes that is one of the main reasons he became a storyteller. He loved sitting around as a young boy listening to his grandfather and others tell stories. He is a proud member of the Abenaki Nation. His ancestors once ranged across northern New England, part of southeastern Canada and the northern Adirondacks.

My own grandfather would not admit his native ancestry outside of his family. He would say he was French. He left school in the fourth grade because kids kept calling him a dirty Indian. I loved and was inspired by my grandfather, but he was never able to say who he was.

In his long career of finding, writing and telling stories of Native people, he came upon the name of Ely Parker. Parkers Seneca name was Ha-sa-no-an-da, and he is often credited as a co-author of the book The League of the Iroquois, which was published in the mid-1800s and is the first book of American ethnography. It describes the history, government, social organization and artistic works of the Iroquois people and pleads for their improved treatment and citizenship.

Parker had many roles in his life: Diplomat, general during the Civil War, engineer, law student and Seneca chief. Bruchac was so impressed with his life that he has recently published One Real American: The Life of Ely Parker (Abrams Books, $18.99). He will discuss the book during a Zoom live event sponsored by the Northshire Bookstore on Friday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m.

Parker lived in two worlds, said Bruchac, the world of the European and the world of the Native American. No one before had ever done a better job of bridging those two worlds.

Parker accomplished much even though during his lifetime he was not officially a United States citizen. (Native Americans did not become citizens until 1924.) He could not take the bar exam to become a lawyer because he was not a citizen. He learned engineering on the job and eventually became a head engineer hired by the government, which is how he became friends with Ulysses S. Grant.

The title of the book comes from the well-known story of his work with Grant during the Civil War. Grant, who was impressed with the intelligence of Parker, hired him to be his personal secretary. He was named a brevet brigadier general, and it was Parker who wrote the official document outlining the terms of surrender of the Confederate army, marking the end of the Civil War.

Parker was present at the surrender and when Robert E. Lee saw him and noticed his dark skin and Native American ancestry the story has it that he said, Im glad to see one real American here, and then he shook Parkers hand. Parker immediately said, We are all Americans.

Bruchac believes Grant saw a kindred spirit in Ely Parker. Grant was quiet and rarely spoke, a bit shy. Parker said Grant reminded him of some Senecas in his country who were like that. Many Europeans would brag a lot and talk of their accomplishments. The two became great friends. Grant gave the bride away at Parkers wedding, and Parker was a pallbearer at Grants funeral.

One of the most important jobs Parker ever had was when President Grant named him the commissioner of Indian affairs, the first Native American to hold that job. He worked alongside both tribal and federal governments to help Native People retain their reservation lands, but he lost that job when he was brought down by some of his enemies who accused him of misusing funds. He was trying to use the money to purchase food for the Lakota people and was eventually found innocent but resigned anyway.

Some of his Native people criticized Parker for how he rose to such a high rank in white society, how he lived the last part of his life primarily with white people, and even how he married a white woman. Bruchac, in his research, found the opposite. Parker through his life advocated for all Native Americans in the face of such discrimination, and he maintained close ties with his people right up to the day he died," Bruchac said. "He is even buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo next to the graves of other well-known Senecas.

Bruchac has three more books coming out this year: Two novels and a book of poems about famous Native Americans. With the biographical poems, Im trying to write the accurate stories of these people and not the prefabricated or twisted ones.

He has also been in close touch with Native friends around the country about how deadly this pandemic has been on their community. There are a number of coronavirus relief efforts coming directly from the Native communities. They are making a heroic effort to help themselves. One such organization he would encourage people who would like to help is the Navajo and Hopi Families COVID Relief Fund. https://ndncollective.org/navajo-nation-relief-fund/

Jack Rightmyer is an adjunct English teacher at Siena College and a freelance writer.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 21:28:13|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday conducted a successful test flight of an "indigenously developed" guided multi-launch rocket system, capable of delivering a conventional warhead up to a range of 140 km, the military said.

The weapon system "Fatah-1" will give Pakistani army capability of precision target engagement deep in enemy territory, a statement from the army's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations said.

Pakistani President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa have congratulated the participating troops and scientists on successful conduct of the flight test, the statement said. Enditem
Former princess Tessy of Luxembourg's fiance has revealed he is 'overjoyed' in his first public statement about their engagement.

The ex royal, 34, announced the news of her engagement to financier and CEO Frank Floessel on Instagram on New Year's Eve, penning: 'Yes to 2021 and many more years together.'

However Frank has now shared his own joy over the big news, telling RTL Today: 'After having mastered the extraordinary and difficult last year together, I took my chance to take the next step in our relationship and I am overjoyed that Tessy said yes.'

Tessy has spent much of the year in lockdown with her two sons Prince Gabriel of Nassau, 14, and Prince Noah of Nassau, 12, whom she shares with ex-husband Prince Louis of Luxembourg, 34, who she divorced last year.

Former princess Tessy of Luxembourg's fiance Frank Floessel has revealed he is 'overjoyed' in his first public statement about their engagement

Entrepreneur Frank got his master's degree in ETH Zurich and Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is currently CEO and president of CBA Finance.

His LinkedIn page details how he built his second company over 16 years from 3 to 600 employees.

The entrepreneur also appears to be an active outdoors-man, and a keen backcountry skier.

The former royal appears to have known Frank for several years, having written about his work on her blog in September 2018.

The ex-royal announced her engagement to her hunky Swiss businessman boyfriend Frank online last week

The businessman said he had proposed after he and Tessy 'mastered a difficult and extraordinary year together'

He has also acted as a trustee for the organisation Professors Without Borders, which Tessy co-founded in 2016.

The organisation shared a snap of the duo, alongside another trustee Piers Hedley, on their Facebook page in October 2019.

Tessy had previously sparked speculation that she had started a new relationship after sharing snaps with Frank on her Instagram page during lockdown.

The businessman was also pictured on a family hike with the proud mother and her two boys, with Tessy captioning the photos 'Family is all that matters' with two love heart emojis.

Tessy became a princess in 2006 when she married Prince Louis, with the couple sharing two sons and going on to divorce in April last year

The entrepreneur and businessman is currently working as CEO and president of CBA Finance, and according to his Linkedin page splits his time between Zurich and London

Earlier this year, she told Hello magazine that it 'took a long time' after her divorce, when she was stripped of her royal titles, explaining: 'After every relationship it takes a while to heal when the heart has been broken. It has been really, really wonderful for me to realise that I am able to trust and love again. It's nice to see that life goes on.'

Tessy went on to reveal how she how she is 'very happy' that her ex-husband Prince Louis maintains a close bond with their sons, despite the fact they can't see each other during quarantine.

She said her son's 'love and trust' with their father had 'become stronger' because of the separation during the pandemic.

Tessy has previously told how her family 'suffered greatly' when she became a princess in 2006 after marrying Prince Louis, whom she met in 2004.

Speaking on Sky News special report The Meghan Effect, Tessy explained: 'My little cousin needed to change schools twice. My twin brother was incredibly bullied at work  he still is today.

Frank was first pictured on a family hike with the proud mother and her two boys on April 4, with Tessy captioning the photos 'Family is all that matters' with two love heart emojis

'My sister, my parents suffered, my oldest brother doesn't talk to me anymore because of that, because it was too much for him to handle.

'That was when I married in, and when I got divorced, oh my gosh the same.'

Born a commoner, Tessy joined the Luxembourg Army in 2002 at the age of 18, rising to the rank of corporal. Two years later, when she was one of a handful of female UN peacekeepers in Kosovo, she met Prince Louis, who was visiting the army.

His family only became aware of their love affair when Tessy fell pregnant and gave birth aged 19, and unmarried, in September 2005, providing Grand Duke Henri with his first grandson.

Born a commoner, Tessy joined the Luxembourg Army in 2002 at the age of 18, rising to the rank of corporal. Two years later, when she was one of a handful of female UN peacekeepers in Kosovo, she met Prince Louis, who was visiting the army

It infuriated the royal family, and Prince Louis renounced any claim to the title of Grand Duke due to the constitutional crisis they had created by having a child out of wedlock.

When Tessy married Prince Louis in September 2006, six months after giving birth, in a modest country church wedding, the Grand Duke stripped her of any claim to his title.

The couple's fairytale marriage broke down in 2016, and they were granted a decree nisi in February last year.

The couple's fairytale marriage broke down in 2016, and they were granted a decree nisi in February last year

Tessy, who in 2017 was named Woman of the Decade by the Women Economic Forum for her work in women's empowerment, now lives in London with Gabriel and Noah, while Louis lives in Paris - though she appears to be in isolation somewhere more rural.

The philanthropist is the co-founder of social enterprise Professors Without Borders which aims to improve access to higher education across the globe.

She also works as a consultant, public speaker and is a UN Association patron.

"We can guarantee that the vaccine will be free and will be delivered free," he said. Loading The government hopes to start vaccinating 80,000 people a week then ramp up, with a target of 4 million people immunised by the end of March. At this stage, it aims to vaccinate almost 13.4 million people  about half the population  by the middle of the year. The two vaccines will be distributed separately and all doses recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register to avoid situations seen overseas where people have been confused about which they received. Both require people to have two doses, which are administered within weeks of each other. Between 30 and 50 "cold-chain" hubs will be set up in locations to be decided by state governments to distribute and administer the Pfizer vaccine, which must be stored at minus 70 Celsius.

The AstraZeneca version will be delivered via GP respiratory clinics, people's regular doctors, dedicated state government clinics, Aboriginal-controlled health services and potentially at pharmacies later in the year  in more than 1000 locations. But Mr Morrison warned the vaccination was "no silver bullet". Loading "Once the vaccination starts, COVID-safe practices do not end. They continue," he said. "The vaccine both here in Australia and around the world will continue to be rolled out but it will still be a fight over the course of 2021." He and Health Minister Greg Hunt, along with Labor leader Anthony Albanese and Opposition health spokesman Chris Bowen will publicly receive the vaccines relatively early.

"None of us want to be queue jumpers but we also recognise the public confidence role," Mr Hunt said. Infectious diseases expert Robert Booy supported the TGA's approval timeline, saying there was an advantage in not having the vaccine straight away because Australia could get a clearer picture from the experiences of other countries that had rolled it out on an emergency basis. "That will maximise public confidence in the vaccines and maximise the percentage of people who take up the vaccine because they know it will be safely and effectively delivered," Professor Booy said. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video However, University of Sydney vaccine expert Julie Leask cautioned that governments had to make sure they had excellent communication strategies and gave the public enough detail about what was going on, or risk leaving the community vulnerable to anti-vaccination activism.

"If you leave an information gap, somebody is going to fill that and if the first information available to people when they are shaping their view scares them off the vaccine it is going to be harder to bring them around," she said. "But you never know. Look how well we've gone during this pandemic and the trust the government has enjoyed from the community." Professor Leask said once Australia had enough vaccinated personnel working on its borders and in the quarantine system, the country would have bought time to immunise the rest of the population. Loading National cabinet will decide on Friday whether to apply more stringent requirements to international arrivals, particularly those coming from the UK where a more infectious strain of the virus is rampant. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews wants national cabinet to adopt his state's position on mandatory flight crew and hotel quarantine staff testing and implement pre-flight testing for passengers from the United Kingdom. NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the latter measure was being considered in advice the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee would deliver to leaders late on Thursday.
The Democratic Party has captured control of the Senate after winning the two seats up for grabs in runoff elections in the key state of Georgia, giving President-elect a majority in both houses of the US Congress and delivering a setback to President in his last days in office.

Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff on Wednesday defeated Republican incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue respectively.

The elections for the two Senate seats were held on Tuesday. With this victory, both the Democrats and the Republicans have 50 members each in the 100-seat Senate.

However, Kamala Harris, who would be sworn in as the US Vice President on January 20, would cast any tie-breaking votes, thus giving her party a majority in the Senate.

A simple majority in the Senate would give the incoming Biden Administration a crucial say in major appointments and will give him a chance to advance his legislative agenda.

The results are a rebuke of President Trump, whose supporters stormed the US Capitol Wednesday to try to stop Congress from counting the Electoral College results.

Trump's ongoing attempts to overturn the election results overshadowed the runoffs.

The Georgia election was re-run because none of the candidates in the November general election achieved the 50 per cent needed for victory under state rules.

An estimated four million Georgians turned out to vote in the run-off election.

Senator Chuck Schumer would now be the Senate Majority leader and Mitch McConnell the Senate Minority Leader.

Now, because of the courageous leadership of Georgians, America will have a Democratic Senate working hand-in-hand with our Democratic House Majority and President-elect and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.

It feels like a brand-new day. For the first time in six years, Democrats will operate a majority of the United States Senate, and that will be very good for the American people, Schumer told reporters at a news conference.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Todd Prussman, Boston Herald (TNS)

The FBI is turning to the public for help identifying members of the mob inciting violence and storming the Capitol building, ransacking offices and looting during a disruption wednesday of the congressional certification of the Electoral College vote.

The FBI is seeking to identify individuals instigating violence in Washington, D.C. We are accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting or violence in and around the U.S. Capitol on January 6. If you have information, visit http://fbi.gov/USCapitol, the agency said in a tweet this morning.

Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern has provided the FBI with a place to start, tweeting video from inside the assault on the Capitol that clearly shows the faces of a cascade of rioters as they cheer and pass through a door exiting the building.

Everyone in this video should be found and arrested, McGovern said in a tweet, tagging the FBI, Justice Department and the FBIs Washington field office.

Four people died in the chaos that erupted Wednesday, one of them a woman who was shot and killed by police inside the Capitol.

Three other people died after suffering medical emergencies related to the breach, said Robert Contee, chief of the citys Metropolitan Police Department.

Police said 52 people were arrested as of Wednesday night, including 26 on the Capitol grounds. Fourteen police officers were injured, Contee said.

Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest the Electoral College vote results in the US Capitol Rotunda on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund on Thursday defended his departments response to the violent breach at the Capitol, saying officers acted valiantly when faced with thousands of individuals involved in violent riotous actions as they stormed the building.

Rioters actively attacked Capitol police and other law enforcement officers Wednesday with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants, and took up other weapons against our officers, Sund said in a statement.

The attack on the Capitol was unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C., said Sund, a former city police officer. Make no mistake: these mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior. The actions of the USCP officers were heroic given the situation they faced.

Lawmakers are vowing an investigation into how law enforcement handled Wednesdays violent breach at the Capitol, questioning whether a lack of preparedness allowed a mob to occupy and vandalize the building.

Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley called for an investigation by the Oversight Committee to immediately pursue a full & transparent investigation into todays terrorist acts & those individuals & agencies who enabled them.

Both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the complex before it was cleared Wednesday evening.

Rep. Val Demings, D- Fla., a former police chief, said it was painfully obvious that Capitol police were not prepared for today. I certainly thought that we would have had a stronger show of force, that there would have been steps taken in the very beginning to make sure that there was a designated area for the protesters in a safe distance from the Capitol.

In an interview with MSNBC Wednesday night, Demings said it appeared police were woefully understaffed, adding that it did not seem that they had a clear operational plan to really deal with thousands of protesters who descended on the Capitol following Trumps complaints of a rigged election.

The rioters were egged on by Trump, who has spent weeks falsely attacking the integrity of the election and had urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens victory. The protests interrupted those proceedings for nearly seven hours.

The mob broke windows, entered both the Senate and House chambers and went into the offices of lawmakers, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D- Calif.

Demings said there were a lot of unanswered questions and Im damn determined to get answers to those questions about what went wrong today.

A police spokeswoman could not immediately be reached for comment late Wednesday.
A phishing text message scam telling people that they are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination is currently circulating in Northern Ireland.

The scam sends a text message to mobile phone owners which says: "We have identified that you are eligible to apply for your vaccine."

The text contains a link to a website which bears the NHS logo and looks, as the police have described, like a professional and legitimate site.

Unsuspecting victims are then asked for their name, credit card or bank details.

The PSNI have said any link you click on which asks for your bank details or personal details is likely to be a scam.

Expand Close An example of the scam text messages which have been circulating / Facebook

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A spokesperson added: "Scams come in many forms and this one is just the latest attempt by fraudsters to exploit the pandemic for financial gain."

The police have offered the following advice:

Do not open attachments or click on links in emails or texts from numbers you don't know.

Never give out your personal information, banking details and passwords in response to an email, text or phone call without verifying the caller is who they say they are.

Block any numbers you find suspicious.

Always go to a website directly, by typing out the address yourself when logging into an account. Do not click on links.

Keep an eye out for spelling mistakes in messages and emails.

Download the Sunday World app Now download the free app for all the latest Sunday World News, Crime, Irish Showbiz and Sport. Available on Apple and Android devices Read More

Online Editors

Alexander von Schoenburg, Editor at Large at Bild newspaper in Germany

Britons may understandably be feeling more than a little frustrated with their leaders right now during this new and more vicious phase of the pandemic.

Covid infections are soaring in the UK, there are more patients hospitalised than at the peak of the first wave and, tragically, daily deaths yesterday topped the 1,000 mark.

Then there is fury over your school closures, a developing row over who should get the vaccine  young or old  and problems with supply and distribution.

Yes, you may feel things look grim, but let me tell you that many of us here in Europe are looking across the Channel with envy.

The sclerotic and sluggish EU machine has, unforgivably, botched the roll-out of the vaccines, and the consequences are likely to prove fatal to many thousands of our citizens.

The pandemic is almost a year old and EU leaders could have and should have seen the need for a swift, effective vaccine policy a mile off.

Instead, delays, in-fighting, national self-interest and sheer bungling bureaucracy have combined to cripple the EUs vaccine efforts.

Now a growing fury is spreading as we watch independent countries  particularly Britain, Israel and America  ramping up their vaccine distribution with tremendous efficiency in comparison to our efforts, saving lives, protecting the vulnerable and moving towards ending this terrible crisis.

Numerous EU countries are facing delays and criticism over their handling of the vaccine rollout, with the bloc lagging behind Britain and America in protecting its 450million people against Covid-19

Europe's top vaccinators: These countries have given out more than 10,000 doses so far, according to figures from Our World In Data - but others including France are lagging behind, with governments hoping that the Wednesday approval of the Moderna vaccine will speed things up as officials blame shortages in the Pfizer/BioNTech supply for the delays so far

Brian Pinker, one of the first to get the Oxford vaccine who describes himself as Oxford born and bred, said he was 'so pleased' to be getting it and was 'proud' it was developed in his city

Dont believe me? Let me take you through the numbers.

More than 1.3 million people in Britain have now received either the Pfizer/BioNTech jab or the more recently approved Oxford/AstraZeneca version.

As of yesterday, France, your closest neighbour, had vaccinated just 7,000 people. During the first week of its vaccination programme, France immunised a pitiful 516 individuals: Britain managed 130,000 in the first seven days and started doing so weeks earlier.

From his bunker in the Elysee Palace, the beleaguered President Macron admits that this paltry figure is not worthy of the French people, adding, with Gallic understatement, things arent going well. You can say that again.

But Frances record is in fact just one of a shameful litany across the continent. In Holland, the first Covid-19 vaccines were administered only yesterday  almost a full month after Margaret Keenan, now 91, became the first British patient to receive the jab on the NHS.

In the Polish capital Warsaw, one hospital has attracted widespread criticism for reportedly opting to give the vaccine to celebrities and politicians before vulnerable older citizens, sparking a government investigation there.

88-year-old Trevor Cowlett receives the Oxford University/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine from nurse Sam Foster at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford as the NHS ramps up its vaccination programme

My home country of Germany had, by Tuesday, vaccinated some 317,000 people  by far the most of the EU27.

Yet what a bitter irony it is that we who were crucial to the development and manufacturing of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab  BioNTech is a start-up based outside Frankfurt  must now watch lorry loads of supplies travelling to Britain while our own roll-out is beset by delay, uncertainty and fears about future supply.

Our health minister has warned that Germany will not be vaccinating at Britains rate until at least the summer, thanks to distribution problems and the EUs ill-considered cap on the number of doses that can be distributed to the various member states.

So why, despite frequent warnings throughout last year from both the private sector and individual health ministries, and despite the limitless resources at its disposal, have things gone so horribly wrong for the EU?

The seeds were sown as far back as March when the pandemic began to engulf the continent.

I was in northern Italy at the time, reporting for my paper Bild on what was the first region in Europe to be hit hard by coronavirus. I saw for myself the military lorries in Bergamo transporting coffins to mass graves, and I will not soon forget it.

Alarmed at the horror that was unfolding, Germanys health minister Jens Spahn ordered German manufacturers of PPE and other clinical equipment to stop selling abroad.

Understandably, Italy was shocked by the export ban and a chorus of EU commentators demanded solidarity.

Scarred by that experience, and ever desperate to portray herself as a pan-European, Chancellor Angela Merkel  who never wastes an opportunity to surrender her own countrys interests to those of the EU  handed over Germanys vaccination policy to the European Commission.

Its now all too clear that many Germans will die needlessly because of that decision and the desperately slow roll-out that has followed.

Boris Johnson watches as Jennifer Dumasi is injected with the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine during a visit to Chase Farm Hospital in north London on Monday morning

The Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, is known for her bossy, power-grabbing tendencies.

These may have served her well in the closing weeks of the Brexit negotiations last month, but they have helped to plunge Europe into its vaccination crisis.

Over the summer, under Mrs von der Leyen and the Commissions health chief, the Cypriot Stella Kyriakides, the EU made a series of devastating strategic errors. It ordered 300 million doses of a vaccine manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline-Sanofi, a drug that then stumbled in trials.

It spent the summer haggling over the price for the Pfizer/BioNTech jab, ordering sizeable shipments only in November.

Britain, meanwhile, ordered 40 million doses of the same vaccine in July; America put in for 600 million.

Disgracefully, the EU has still not approved the game-changing Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine  which is both cheap and can be stored in a standard refrigerator  that Britain began rolling out this week after securing 100 million doses.

Vaccine doses given out by EU countries Germany - 316,962 Italy - 182,442 Spain - 139,339 Poland - 92,220 Denmark - 51,512 Romania - 41,609 Portugal - 32,000 Greece - 16,233 Hungary - 15,000 Croatia - 13,798 Czech Republic - 13,000 Slovakia - 7,201 Austria - 6,000 Slovenia - 5,934 Finland - 5,445 France - 5,000 Bulgaria - 4,739 Ireland - 4,000 Estonia - 3,188 Latvia - 2,923 Lithuania - 2,270 Malta - 1,400 Luxembourg - 1,200 Belgium - 700 Started today: Netherlands No data: Cyprus, Sweden Source: Our World In Data Advertisement

(I should acknowledge that yesterday the EU did approve another vaccine, manufactured by Moderna, on which Britain has yet to sign off.)

Though the EU has now signed contracts to buy six different vaccines, its regulators have approved just two.

This terrible stasis will prove fatal  in every sense  for the EUs population: time is running out for its healthcare systems as new and more infectious variants of the virus take hold.

Amid this chaos, its perhaps no surprise that some European lawmakers are desperately trying to shift the blame.

Disgracefully, Belgiums deputy prime minister, Petra De Sutter, accused other countries of using sub-standard vaccines.

The UK and Israel, as well as Russia and China, are vaccinating people with vaccines that are not of the same standard as the ones we use, she said this week.

Yes, the U.S. and the UK gained a head start by invoking emergency powers that mean drug manufacturers are less exposed should problems with a vaccine later surface.

But that is the kind of rapid, vital and timely decision a sovereign country can make in a crisis.

It is impossible to make the same decision when you have 27 countries arguing with one another, all overseen by a remote and unaccountable bureaucracy in Brussels.

So what conclusions can we draw? First, nation states are far more effective in a crisis than unwieldy groupings of different countries.

But the most bitter irony for Europe is that the one foreign politician our liberal commentariat have most mocked for years  Boris Johnson  is also the one who acted swiftly and decisively when it came to securing the vaccines. The number of doses you have speaks for itself.

And it was the sensible federalist Europeans who have failed so miserably.

Anyone who still doubts the wisdom of Brexit needs only to look at the vaccine chaos unfolding across the Channel  and think again.
Ethos is a nationally recognized, award-winning independent student publication. Our mission is to elevate the voices of marginalized people who are underrepresented in the media landscape, and to write in-depth, human-focused stories about the issues affecting them. We also strive to support our diverse student staff and to help them find future success.



Ethos produces a quarterly free print magazine full of well-reported and powerful feature stories, innovative photography, creative illustrations and eye-catching design. On our website, we also produce compelling written and multimedia stories.



Ethos is part of Emerald Media Group, a non-profit organization thats fully independent of the University of Oregon. Students maintain complete editorial control over Ethos, and work tirelessly to produce the magazine.



Since our inception as Korean Ducks Magazine in 2005, weve worked hard to share a multicultural spirit with our readership. We embrace diversity in our stories, in our student staff and in our readers. We want every part of the magazine to reflect the diversity of our world.
SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Splashtop Inc., a worldwide leader in remote access and remote support solutions, reports that demand for its remote labs access software for education has skyrocketed in Europe, with the number of customers growing more than tenfold between Q2 and Q4 of 2020.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has made remote access imperative in many situations, including the ability for students and faculty to use on-campus computer lab resources even when school facilities are closed," said Alex Draaijer, Splashtop's general manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). "Throughout Europe, and especially in the UK, France and Germany, we've seen a rapid escalation of demand for our remote access solution for computer labs, driven largely by word-of-mouth recommendations from one school to another."

Almost all of Splashtop's remote computer lab access customers in Europe are higher education institutions. Demand is particularly strong in the UK and Ireland, with 2020 customers including London's Royal College of Art and Middlesex University, the University of Westminster, the University of the West of Scotland, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Dublin's Institute of Art, Design and Technology.

Splashtop Makes Computer Lab Resources Accessible Anywhere, Any Time

Increasingly, students and teachers at higher education institutions rely on the ability to edit videos and sound or do 3D graphics and modeling through specialized software applications that typically require high-end processing power, often Mac workstations, or expensive licenses that are practical only for computer labs. These applications include:

Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, After Effects)

AutoDesk AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Fusion 360, Maya, Avid Media Composer and Avid Pro Tools

Vectorworks, ArcGIS, Rhino, SketchUp, SolidWorks and other high-end computer-aided design, 3D modeling, analytics and 3D graphics software

With Splashtop remote access softwarespecifically, Splashtop Enterprise for Remote Labsstudents and teachers can access these important resources from anywhere, including their kitchen tables or living room couches, using their own computers, tablets, mobile phones or inexpensive Chromebooks.

Additionally, Splashtop remote access makes valuable computer lab resources usable 24 hours a day, seven days a week, well beyond the scheduled class times or designated time slots required for physical lab access.

"Schools and universities are discovering that this expanded availability of computer lab resources means that students can spend more time working with the software applications they need for their studies," said Mark Lee, co-founder and CEO of Splashtop. "This unexpected benefit is one that will persist long after the pandemic restrictions are lifted."

Get more information on Splashtop Enterprise for Remote Labs.

About Splashtop

Based in Silicon Valley, Splashtop Inc . delivers the best value and best-in-class remote access and remote support solutions for academic institutions, business professionals, MSPs, IT departments and help desks. Splashtop is a popular alternative to VPN/RDP, VNC, RD Gateway and other remote access software. More than 30 million users enjoy Splashtop products globally.

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of TEATT wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to the Stewart family and the wider Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts family on the passing of Gordon Butch Stewart OJ CD, founder of Sandals Resorts International.

Butch Stewart was a pioneer and true innovator in the hotel industry and his passion for the Caribbean inspired many. When I lived in London it made me so proud each time I saw London black cabs draped in the Sandals logo, stated Minister of TEATT Ludmila de Weever.



Minister de Weever has been in contact with Adam Stewart, the son of Gordon "Butch" Stewart to relay condolences on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten.
Non-South Korean variants of the LG Wing are already lagging behind in terms of software improvements. While LG delivered new multitasking features to the South Korean edition of the Wing in early November, it has taken almost two months for the update to arrive in the US.

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The LG Wing, or Wing 5G as it is also, may not feature a flagship chipset, but it is undoubtedly the company's latest premier smartphone. A premier smartphone from LG does not mean that it will receive timely software updates though, as owners of practically any recent LG handset would probably agree. Software support for the Wing 5G so far does not inspire confidence, either.

Currently, two problems exist with LG's distribution of software updates. On the one hand, LG takes a lot longer to release OS updates than its competitors do. LG is yet to upgrade any of its handsets beyond Android 10, for example, despite releasing the Wing 5G in October - well after Google finalised Android 11.

On the other hand, LG is just as slow at bringing updates that it has released in South Korea to wider audiences. In November, we reported that LG had introduced a slew of new features to the Wing 5G, some of which vastly improved the dual-screen experience of the device. LG finalised this update for South Korean devices on November 5, but it took the company almost two months to bring a comparable update to the US.
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Thanks to the efforts to promote intelligent transformation, the manufacturing sector in Xinchang county, east China's Zhejiang province has soared with the wings of "digitalization."

Xinchang, located in the mountains and in a low position in Zhejiang province's GDP ranking, gradually made it into the top 100 most competitive counties in China.

"In the past, there were many workers in textile workshops, and the job was of high intensity. Now, only one worker is needed in each workshop during the daytime and the workshops can be left unattended at night. The machines stop automatically once the yarns break, and all that is needed is to check the machines the next day," said Zhang Changqiu, a worker of the High Fashion Silk (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd. based in Xinchang county.

Smart transformation has lowered labor input and intensity for the company, and also drives production efficiency and stability. The company's output value is expected to go up over 20 percent despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Puyou, an engineered technology company and one of the first enterprises to go through digital transformation in Xinchang county is another one that benefits from digital operation. General manager Huang Yonglong of the company told the People's Daily that many indicators of the company were estimated in the past. For instance, once a malfunction happened to a machine, the production efficiency could only be calculated by counting the parts every ten or thirty minutes. Now, equipment utilization is presented on computer screens, and it only takes 2.5 seconds to manufacture a spare part.

The manufacturers' active demand for smart transformation in Xinchang county aroused the interest of many major tech firms. Some of them, including iFLYTEK, an intelligent speech and artificial intelligence company and global leader in AI products and solutions Megvii, have established branches in Xinchang.

Zhejiang Zhongcai Pipes Science & Technology Co. Ltd. has signed a cooperative agreement with Megvii to build unmanned workshops. General manager of the company Jia Liqiang said that sorting and encasing were completed by employees after pipes of different types rolled off production lines, but now all the work is done with the advanced visual recognition technology of Megvii.

"When enterprises scale up their businesses, the interaction between data and devices is very important. Many parameters were predicted based on experience, which always led to poor management and deviations in decision making. Now, it only takes a few hours to generate production and sales figures, so we have precise control over the business," Jia noted. He believes digital transformation decides the future of enterprises.

Whether smart transformation is widely promoted among medium and small sized enterprises concerns the effects of industrial upgrading of the county, said Li Ning, secretary of the Communist Party of China Xinchang county committee.

According to Li, the county's integration index of informatization and industrialization stood at 98.77 in 2019, and the rating of digital economy reached 90.3. It became a provincial level pilot and demonstration zone for industrial internet.

In the first three quarters last year, the county's industries achieved growth against headwinds, and the added value of high-tech industries accounted for 89.76 percent of the added value of the enterprises above designated size. The added value of the core digital economy industries above designated size reached 1.23 billion yuan ($190 million).

What's behind the great performance is constant investment on innovation. It is reported that the county's investment on R&D has accounted for over 4 percent of its GDP for five years in a row, and the number of invention patents per 10,000 people has reached 60. Sci-tech progress contributes 70 percent to the county's economic development. In recent years, the county has introduced a batch of professional technological and management teams with international views, which constantly improved its technological strength.
Political commentator Benji Ndolo has fallen out with his employer Ebru TV over a pay cut after he tested positive for Covid-19.

The popular Twitter figure took to the microblogging site on Wednesday, January 6 to hit out at the broadcaster and its General Manager Anab Mohamed.

I will no longer appear on @EbruTVKenya. I have made that decision, I vociferously defend my rights and those of others. Mrs Anab Mohamed is a Greedy, Disrespectful, Exploitative manager who has no Integrity. She insulted me and cut my pay after I got Covid. See you in COURT! Ndolo tweeted.

When I got Covid-19, she cut my pay. She is also abusive and discriminatory. How do you have an employee who comes back from recovery, then you cut his pay? Many Kenyans choose to keep quiet but for me, I will fight for my rights, the activist added.

Ndolo also confirmed he was involved in a heated confrontation at Ebru offices on Tuesday but denied assaulting anyone after a HR officer at the station threatened to file a suit against him over his outburst.

I concede that I was very angry. What annoyed me is that they are used to people just keeping quiet. There was no assault, there was no police report. I respect the law. There were only raised voices, Ndolo said.

On its part, Ebru TV through the HR department said that Ndolo was not a permanent employee and that he was paid per appearance.

He was paid for broadcasts he did in October. He did not work in November and December, he did one show for which he was paid. He did not tell us he had tested positive for Covid-19. There was no official communication to us. He claimed he had shared (the information) on Twitter.

Benji Ndolo is not our permanent employee. I can send you his contract and it is clear that he is paid per show hosted. In November, we just called him when we had a guest for a show that he was doing. The rest of the time he would just come to the show as a guest, said the station.

The political analyst had worked at the station for a year.

As we exchanged words in the boardroom with voices raised, there was pin drop silence in the entire officeI realized everyone was listening very keenly and instantly knew I was speaking for many. Toxic stuff happening daily in the work space and especially in MEDIA houses.  Benji Ndolo (@BenjiNdolo) January 6, 2021

Mrs Anab fired my producer Beverly Vugutsa in a very uncouth, cruel and unprofessional manner and because Bev is so quiet and gentle it emboldened her. Kenya is NOT a shabab colony! Hapan tambua ujinga kutoka kona yoyote.   Benji Ndolo (@BenjiNdolo) January 6, 2021

At @EbruTVKenya the White (Turkish) owners hardly greet the Blacks let alone mix with them, there is too much cow dung in this country it STINKS! Why do we allow it????  Benji Ndolo (@BenjiNdolo) January 6, 2021

Now she is video calling me to retract?  Whats wrong with this mathe??? pic.twitter.com/BZ2nOelA2q  Benji Ndolo (@BenjiNdolo) January 6, 2021

As if Ebru made me  for months that woman begged me to join the team. Do not tolerate nonsense from anyone guys, Im fixing this sh!t for all yall young bucks out here hustling and getting shafted daily. Im your human rights advocate!   Benji Ndolo (@BenjiNdolo) January 6, 2021

Its a new year, and were not starting it with Nonsense. Absolutely not. Do good, give and take but do not be OPPRESSED in the 21st Century.  Benji Ndolo (@BenjiNdolo) January 6, 2021
Syracuse, NY  Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon says the county now has the ability to deliver 10,000 doses of vaccine a week.

But thats only if there are enough doses to go around.

McMahon offered a detailed look at the countys efforts so far to distribute the coronavirus vaccine under the state guidelines. The rollout is still in its infancy, and only the most vulnerable citizens and frontline workers are eligible.

So far, the county has gotten ahold of roughly 8,400 doses of vaccine, McMahon said. The county has distributed just under 3,000 of those, as of Wednesday. The rest will be distributed in coming days.

RELATED: When can I get Covid-19 vaccine in New York? How to check your eligibility

A day-by-day breakdown of the distribution shows increased vaccinations every day since the Christmas break, with capacity now at 1,260 doses a day.

But that means that if everyone shows up for their appointments, the county will run out of its supply of vaccine by Tuesday, McMahon said.

So distribution beyond then will depend upon further shipments from the state, McMahon said. Of course, the state isnt producing the vaccine itself, so the real bottleneck is with the manufacturers of the vaccines themselves, the county executive added.

In a good sign, nearly 95% of people who sign up for appointments are getting the vaccine, McMahon said. The rest either didnt show up or realized that they werent eligible under the current rules.

As for when the vaccine will become available to the next group of people, McMahon wouldnt guess. But he noted that the challenge ahead will be the mass distribution needed once the vaccine becomes available to the wider public.

Heres a breakdown of vaccines administered by Onondaga County to date (the county itself has assumed control of distributing the bulk of the allotment for the area):

Dec. 28: 128 appointments, 119 doses distributed

Dec. 29: 190 appointments, 180 doses distributed

Dec. 30: 311 appointments, 290 doses distributed

Dec. 31: 512 appointments, 457 doses distributed

Jan. 4: 654 appointments, 608 doses distributed

Jan. 5: 656 appointments, 647 doses distributed

Jan. 6: 752 appointments, 737 doses distributed

Starting Thursday, the county has the ability to do 1,260 doses a day, McMahon said. It was unclear how many doses were given at the time of McMahons 3 p.m. briefing.

RELATED: Onondaga County surpasses 500 coronavirus deaths today, but not all numbers doom and gloom

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UK Covid-19 variant makes NYs worst case scenario possible, Cuomo says

Mayor Walsh to Cuomo: Keeping Syracuse restaurants closed is inherently unfair

NY hospital Covid vaccinations speed up after Cuomo threats

Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com

Staff writer Douglass Dowty can be reached at ddowty@syracuse.com or 315-470-6070.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines Life)  Philippine cinema in 2020 will be remembered not by its films, but the changes the pandemic brought upon the industry.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may have been the biggest stumbling block in what is being called the Third Golden Age of Filipino films and, overall, the crucible that will determine the future viability of Philippine cinema (or cinema in general).

In 2020, we witnessed film productions stopped for months on end. Those that do get to proceed do so with budgets raised significantly  twice, thrice, four times the original  just to follow safety protocols.

Furthermore, adjusting to the new normal also brought to the fore issues long-standing in the industry. Examples include immature and unsustainable distribution models in the wake of streaming, the lack of protective guidelines for film workers, and the widespread practice of crunch  with tight production schedules and last-minute reshoots and editing being done days, even hours, before release.

These factors compounded led to, unsurprisingly, a drought in new content for 2020. But true to the adage necessity is the mother of innovation, weve seen our local film industry pivot. This year saw the birth of initiatives such as Lockdown Cinema Club, which made films more accessible while also gathering funds for film workers rendered jobless by the pandemic; as well as the Inter-Guild Alliance, a multisectoral network that lobbies for the protection of film, TV, and advertising professionals through regulation.

Film distribution, left with little to no choice, also lowered their defenses to streaming. Many Filipino films, both new and old, became available on Youtube, iWant TFC, and Netflix, whose library of Filipino content significantly increased. Festivals such as Cinemalaya, Daang Dokyu, and QCinema made their way online, effectively making them truly nationwide in coverage as opposed to sprinkling film in a few cinematheques. Though this only limits eyeballs to those who are fortunate enough to have data or internet connection enough to stream movies. There are also new platforms such as Cinema Centenarios MOOV, TBA Studios Cinema 76 @ Home, and Globe Studios-backed Upstream, which became the official platform for this years QCinema and Metro Manila Film Festival. That said, these local platforms still do have long ways to go to provide a decent viewing experience in terms of user experience and design.

We were also given unparalleled access to short films last year, such as in the aforementioned Lockdown Cinema Club, Cinemalaya, Daang Dokyu, Mindanao Film Festival, QCinema, Maginhawa Film Festival, Gawad Sining Short Film Festival, etc.

But despite the tremendous foundational shifts in lieu of new content, there were still gems that shone brightly in 2020. We opted out of making a standard Top 10 list as, even with the lack of movies, we didnt want to include films merely for the sake of reaching a number.

Take note, too, that the films featured here are those that made their wide release in 2020 (were aware that some of them may have held a special sneak peek in festivals local and abroad in the previous years). We are also not including restorations that premiered in 2020 (even though we were much tempted to put the restored version of Kisapmata made free-to-watch on director Mike De Leons Vimeo channel last December).  Gil Perez, Jason Tan Liwag, and Don Jaucian

Photo courtesy of DAANG DOKYU

Bullet-Laced Dreams

Everywhere we look, we only see walls.

There is a moment midway through Tops Brudada and Cha Escalas Bullet-Laced Dreams that I cannot seem to forget. During a rally, Chricelyns face is illuminated by the candlelight but her expression is doubtful, if not completely empty. There is a tiredness that shouldnt be known to someone as young as her, a hoarseness in her voice that shouldnt be there after shouting and shouting and shouting in defense of what is deprived of her and her community.

Around her and her fellow Lumads, Manila glances but does not stare. Amid the chaos, the collective struggle seems lost or misunderstood, labeled as yet another nuisance. The film is a story of displacement and tension between two locations and what these promise. Mindanao holds the heart and is where the story is rooted; what each battle is fought for. But Manila is where the fight is and where the body must stay to win the war.

The undercurrent is the tale of persistent schooling, with the hope that education unlocks doors that didnt seem to be there in the first place. We see this throughout: parallel classrooms where discussions overlap but continue, up to the moment when Chircelyn tells her story to Vice President Leni Robredo, with the VP expressing shock at the lack of media coverage; at not knowing what was a clear reality to the children since before they were evacuated.

To those in the peripheries, dreaming is a relay race across generations. Lifetimes do not seem enough to fulfill these small hopes. But even if the finish line seems far, we keep running.  Jason Tan Liwag

Screencap from ASWANG/OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Aswang

Last year, we included Sherad Anthony Sanchezs Salvage in our list of films that defined the 2010s. In the found-footage horror film, shot way back in 2015, Sanchez draws parallels between aswang myths and military-led killings in the jungle. Salvage intentionally obfuscates to whom lines such as theyll take you away, theyll butcher you, and youll never be seen again are referencing.

Call it prescient, but little did we know then that half a decade and a change of administration later, a similar allegory about child-killing monsters and state apparatus (which is which, you decide) will serve as the foundation of the definitive documentary of the times.

Initially set to premiere last March at the Daang Dokyu Festival before it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Alyx Arumpacs Aswang chronicles the first three years of President Rodrigo Dutertes drug war by following the narratives of ordinary citizens, including that of a young street kid, caught in its maelstrom.

What makes Arumpacs documentary so striking, so close to home, is how it eschews talking heads and arm-length objectivity, choosing to embrace the deeply personal and Filipino lens the issue requires.

This approach casts aside the notion (one catering to foreign audiences) that viewers must be given a primer of the countrys current situation. Instead, it assumes that they know the goings-on, having witnessed them unfold via the news and cultural conversations. From this assumption, the film affords itself the leeway to go much deeper, chronicling firsthand accounts that ultimately build horror via unflinching depictions of the subject matter and style that is both lyrical and evocative of magical realism.  Gil Perez

Screencap from NETFLIX/YOUTUBE

Lingua Franca

Lingua Franca is a contemplative study of an immigrant trans womans life, Olivia (played by Sandoval herself), in the time of Trump. The film is Sandovals third but the first since her transition. She began writing the film while undergoing both physical and emotional changes. Initially, she sought to make a straightforward romantic drama in 2015. But in 2016, Donald Trump got elected as the U.S. president. His spectre haunts the corners of the film, from news reports to the way ICE officers track down illegal immigrants, which in turn, increases Olivias fears and anxieties as she tries to secure a green card husband. The films moody cinematography captures the highly specific atmosphere of the film  its glum, awash in subdued primary colors that seem to fade over time, which, along the way, paints a portrait of the most miserable city on earth. Quite an apt picture of the U.S. after the 2016 elections.

The film is powerful in many ways, particularly in showing how compelling it can be to allow trans filmmakers to tell their own stories. Sandoval instills dignity in Olivias struggles: the way she moves and thinks feels natural and her every decision is a step towards securing her place in the world.  Don Jaucian

Screencap from BLACK SHEEP/YOUTUBE

Fan Girl

Fan Girl or: How I Learned to Stop Worshipping, and Unlove Paulo Avelino (as I unofficially subtitled) needs no long summary or plot description. Its basic premise, that of a fangirl finding herself alone with her celebrity idol and realizing what kind of man he is, encapsulates almost the entirety of its story. Twists and plot details are secondary, if not insignificant.

The film is bolstered by a star-making performance from Charlie Dizon  the meat of Fan Girl is witnessing how power dynamics unfold and how deception is enabled by that thing called paghanga (see what I did there?).

Fan Girl is a film not shy with its metaphors; it wears it on its sleeve. It is a critique of hero worship and the interplay of fans inability to let go of the illusion and abusers using this adoration as an opportunity to exploit.

Stripping away illusions and undercutting cinematic tropes with real world expectations is not exactly new territory for director Antoinette Jadaone. One may even call it her brand of subversiveness  with rom-coms that forego declarations of love and dramatic conflict such as That Thing Called Tadhana, and dramas that de-romanticize long-distance relationships by way of economic struggle and uneven growth between partners in Never Not Love You. However, Fan Girl strikes itself as a darker tale as its deeply political critique warrants such depths of depravity in its characters.

While some character developments may verge on caricature  especially come the third act  Jadaones script still exhibits deft skill by making the cascade of manipulations understandable. One can easily sympathize with Paulo Avelino (who plays a larger than life version of himself) while also feel antagonistic towards Dizons titular overeager fangirl. However, this push and pull is the point of it all. People are complex beings, and abuse often comes from a person one trusts  whether it is a personal relationship or fandom from afar. As long as bits of goodness shine, the sides a person we choose to cherish, many would rather turn a blind eye on the bad and let the cycle carry on.  GP

Screenshot from CINEMALAYA

Living Things

It is said that Franz Kafka once encountered a little girl who lost her doll. Unable to find it, he began composing letters for her in the dolls name  claiming that the doll had only been traveling around the world. Later on, Kafka gifted the girl with a new doll and a letter explaining how though the doll looked unrecognizable, she loved the little girl all the same.

Kints (Kristine Kintana) and Charles (Charles Aaron Salazar) are a couple in the middle of a staring contest to see who ends up throwing the trash. They argue, make up, and repeat the cycle. They sit on a bench and talk about their favorite things, which Charles finds too vague. Kasi di ba pag thing, pwede rin siyang pakiramdam eh. Pag sinabi mo na yung dalawang tao nagka-thing kayo...pero di siya nahahawakan.

In the middle of a pillow fight, Kints takes a bathroom break. When she returns, she finds a cardboard cutout of (an irritated) Charles who seems to speak to her as if nothing happened. But rather than overreacting or questioning what is happening, she simply carries on.

Martika Ramirez Escobars Living Things sees the protagonist and her lover turn into flat characters lifted from paper. Kints carries Charles around with her, as he tries to convince her to leave him. But instead, she resolves to change herself to match him and seems transformed. But rather than the static characters we get to know at the beginning, the cardboard characters change their appearances to reveal a joyous reunion.

Like the Kafka story (which may or may not be true, by the way), Living Things is a reminder that everything we love leaves us and returns in a different form. We are only asked to recognize it, accept it, and transform along with it.  JTL

Screencap from QCINEMA/YOUTUBE

Midnight in a Perfect World

Midnight in a Perfect World is set in the near future where Metro Manila has become almost utopian. However, while trains run on time, floods are no longer a problem, and water from the Pasig River is clean enough to drink, rotating blackouts plague the city. Blackouts which just so happen to erase people (whether these people are undesirable is hinted at but kept unclear). But since everything else works fine, que sera sera.

While the metaphors can get lost in translation and the dream-like narrative can get undecipherable, director Dodo Dayao more than makes up for it in the films pursuit of mood and style.

Glimpses of the terror that awaits in the darkness coupled with unearthly sound design, build the dread. Endless hallways and overlapping timelines are confining and ponderous, near purgatorial. And the delivery of a haunted house horrors amidst an already hellish landscape feels like an inventive way to heighten the films overall sense of helplessness.  GP

Screencap from CINEMALAYA FOUNDATION/YOUTUBE

Ang Pagpakalma sa Unos

When Joanna Vasquez Arongs Ang Pagpakalma sa Unos began, I recognized the image immediately. Children innocently playing on a cement clearing, sliding on their bellies under the rain while rubble surrounds them; encases them. Yolanda, I remember mouthing to myself as I watched it in the middle of the night. I began to brace myself as I did for every tropical storm I endured in my childhood.

What is more universal than the language of devastation?

News outlets made the images familiar to us. But so much of the story remains buried underneath the sensationalization and the governments attempts at minimizing the narrative. The film is an attempt at exhuming these bodies and the stories etched on them through black-and-white imagery and quiet narration. As it unfolds, Ang Pagpakalma sa Unos evolves into a photo novel reminiscent of Chris Markers La Jetee (1962)  a reminder that this language of survival has existed for decades, in and out of fiction.

But more than a quiet rumination of the tragedy that was Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), it is an attempt at filmic folklorization to make sense of the incomprehensible injustice. In weaving personal stories of loss with grander narratives of government frustration and distrust, the film creates a powerful message: That there are no natural disasters; that whatever lives that are lost are the cost of the decision and indecision of another; that the images that we see are born from the incompetence of not just one but the many.

In times of uncertainty, we look towards those in power to know better and do better. But what happens if they dont?  JTL

Screencap from QCINEMA

Cats and Dogs

The QCinema Short-Shorts competition presented a unique opportunity given its prompt of depicting the lighter side of quarantine life. After being cooped up in households for nearly six months, its hard to imagine a life outside. Given everything wed witnessed, how do we begin to imagine a normal life or world thats even marginally better?

Cats and Dogs by Anya Zulueta narrates the too-familiar tension in a household of diametrically-opposed views. The protagonist, her husband, and her mother-in-laws clashing political leanings threaten the very fabric that seems to hold the house together. The relationship of the protagonist with the stray cats becomes a tipping point but also a refuge of care that she is unable to fully provide herself.

The calmness in the narration of Gabby Padilla and the mundane visuals contrast with the stories of violence and frustration, especially following the signing of the Anti-Terrorism Law in 2020. The frustration within her never seeps out, even as she continues to see the world around her fall into pieces and even as her relationships disintegrate. There is guilt in enduring, in surviving, in safety. But in this also lies a promise of action past the doom that seems ever-present.

Unlike most of the films of late that submerge us in cynicism, this keeps us afloat and offers us a world where things may be alright.  JTL

Photo from SINE OLIVIA

Lahi, Hayop

Many forms of empire hound isla Hugaw. There are the Spanish colonizers who came by the island via the Galleon trade, which eventually brought about smuggled goods by the Americans, Chinese, and the rich Malays. Hugaw then became a breeding ground of corruption and prompted people to spread rumors  self-styled myths  about the island. Nasira ang ating isla dahil sa mga maling kuwento, says Inggo, a villager with a criminal streak who narrates this history of this island midway into the film. The origin story becomes our window to the roots of what happens in Lahi, Hayop, where humans commit acts that appeal to the most basic of instincts. Lav Diaz connects the earlier empire to the spectre of the Marcos dictatorship, and how it essentially forms another empire that oppresses people like those in isla Hugaw  hungry, desperate, and outside the confines of progress that many politicians promise. In Lahi, Hayop Diaz presents his signature brand of anguish and melancholy, anchored by a landscape that seems to come alive through his own camerawork. Despite the lush pacing, Diaz is relentless, reminding us that there are many monsters in this world that still lurk in the shadows  some of them in human form.  DJ

Screencap from GAWAD SINING FILM FESTIVAL/YOUTUBE

as if nothing happened

JT Trinidads as if nothing happened shows the city as a place of grief. Shot vertically, an unnamed, unseen narrator simultaneously mourns the loss of what life used to be and the loss of Kyle  a lover or maybe just a friend. Each face is muddled post-production by white doodles, as the gaze continues to look for a singular face  one which never seems to appear. There is intimacy in the anonymity and meaning in the meaningless, all heaviest in retrospect: like a glass youre told to hold onto indefinitely, the weight increasing with each passing minute.

Much like Dwein Baltazars Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus, the city is transformed by the vanishing character while the narrator, the holder of the gaze, is simultaneously transmogrified by the city into a shell of themselves. The distance between the landscapes of Quezon City and Manila parallel the emotional distance between the two characters, each cut a futile attempt at bringing the cities and the lovers closer. Imbued in the process of revisiting these spaces and repeating these images, we relive moments that are specific; that are anothers but feel like our own. Through this, the lessons become simultaneously personal and universal; a paradoxical heartbreak in just thirteen minutes.

This is far from nothing.  JTL

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Noteworthy shorts that have previously debuted in 2019, but were re-released in 2020 are the following: The digital body-horror OctoGod ( dir. Shievar Olegario), the contemplative yet moving drama Gulis (dir. Kyle Jumayne Francisco), the self-aware and hilarious mockumentary The Slums (dir. Jan Andrei Cobey), and the pop culture pastiche Tayo (dir. Ron Dulatre and Elaiza Rivera).

For full length films, there's Dolly Dulu's The Boy Foretold by the Stars, a memorable foray into the Boys Love genre; Ramona S. Diaz's A Thousand Cuts, which serves as a reminder that while the barrage of disappointments, incompetencies, and the blatant pursuit of political agenda is numbing us to the point of desensitization, they are still attacks on democracy; Raya Martin's Death of Nintendo, a highly nostalgic coming-of-age romp; and Kristoffer Brugada's Elehiya sa Paglimot, an emotional chronicle of the filmmaker's father's fight with Alzheimer's.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Israel's parliament on Thursday approved new restrictions to tighten its coronavirus lockdown as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced additional vaccine procurements he said could result in near complete innoculation by March.

Israel had last month imposed its third national lockdown since the start of the pandemic, but decided not to close schools and to allow a wide range of businesses to remain open.

But the daily caseload has remained highoften around 8,000 in the country of about nine million peopleprompting Netanyahu to push for a more comprehensive closure, notably shuttering schools and all non-essential businessese.

Israel's parliament late Thursday approved the new restrictions, which come into affect at midnight (2200 GMT) and will be in place for two weeks, with an option to renew.

Israelis will remain confined to within 1,000 metres (yards) from their home, excluding a range of exceptions, including medical visits and grocery shopping.

Hours before the lockdown was approved Israel received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine.

Israel has already given a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine to more than 1.5 million people, a pace Netanyahu has claimed is the world's fastest.

The premier on Thursday announced an additional deal with Pfizer to procure more doses that he claimed would be enough to vaccinate all Israelis over the age of 16 by March.

"We will become the first country in the world to exit the coronavirus (crisis)," Netanyahu claimed.

The veteran premier, in power since 2009, will be also facing re-election again in a March 23 vote, Israel's fourth election in less than two years.

Some human rights groups have called on Israel to supply the coronavirus vaccine to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and in Gaza, which is under Israeli blockade.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank, home to some 2.8 million Palestinians, has not publicly asked for Israeli assistance in vaccine procurement.

Hamas Islamists, who control the Gaza strip, where about two million Palestinians live, are highly unlikely to publicly coordinate with Israel in any vaccination effort.

Israel has so far recorded nearly 467,000 coronavirus cases, with more than 3,500 deaths.

More than 100,000 cases have been recorded in the West Bank, including more than 1,100 deaths, while Gaza has registered more than 44,000 cases, including 416 deaths.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
A new computational analysis suggests that a vaccine or medication that could shorten the infectious period of COVID-19 may potentially prevent millions of cases and save billions of dollars. The study was led by Bruce Lee along with colleagues in the Public Health Informatics, Computational, and Operations Research (PHICOR) team headquartered at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy and the Lundquist Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and publishes in the open-access journal PLOS Computational Biology.

While much of the public conversation surrounding COVID-19 vaccines and medications has focused on preventing or curing the infection, the vaccines and medications that may emerge could have subtler effects. Those that can't necessarily prevent or cure may still reduce how long someone is contagious.

To clarify the potential value of shortening the infectious period, Lee and colleagues created a computational model that simulates the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. They used the model to explore how a vaccine or medication that can reduce the contagious period might alleviate the clinical and economic impact of the disease.

The simulations suggest that reducing the contagious period by half a day could avert up to 1.4 million cases and over 99,000 hospitalizations, saving $209.5 billion in direct medical and indirect costs--even if only a quarter of people with symptoms were treated--and incorporating conservative estimates of how contagious the virus may be. Under the same circumstances, cutting the contagious period by 3.5 days could avert up to 7.4 million cases. Expanding such treatment to 75 percent of everyone infected could avert 29.7 million cases and save $856 billion.

These findings could help guide research and investments into development of vaccines or medications that reduce the infectious period of SARS-CoV-2. They could also help government agencies plan rollout of such products and provide cost insights to guide reimbursement policies for third-party payers.

"There may be a tendency to overlook vaccines and other treatments that don't prevent a COVID-19 infection or cure disease," says Lee. "But this study showed that even relatively small changes in how long people are contagious can significantly affect the transmission and spread of the virus and thus save billions of dollars and avert millions of new cases."

"This study shows that vaccine and medication development efforts for COVID-19 should focus on the impact to actually help curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, not just benefits of a single patient," says James McKinnell, a co-author of the study. "Widespread treatment, in combination with other prevention efforts, could prove to be the tipping point."

###

Peer-reviewed; Simulation / modeling

In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available article in PLOS Computational Biology:

https:/ / journals. plos. org/ ploscompbiol/ article?id= 10. 1371/ journal. pcbi. 1008470

Citation: Lee BY, Bartsch SM, Ferguson MC, Wedlock PT, O'Shea KJ, Siegmund SS, et al. (2020) The value of decreasing the duration of the infectious period of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. PLoS Comput Biol 16(12): e1008470.

https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1371/ journal. pcbi. 1008470

Funding: This work was supported in part by City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (BYL, SMB, MCF, PTW, KJO, SSS, SNC), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) as part of the Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) network under grant 1 R01 GM127512-01A1 (BYL, SMB, MCF, PTW, KJO, SSS, SNC). It was also supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) via grant R01HS023317 (BYL, SMB, MCF, PTW, KJO, SSS, SNC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under agreement number AID-OAA-A-15-00064 (BYL, SMB, MCF, PTW, KJO, SSS, SNC), and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) via grant U01HD086861(BYL, SMB, MCF, PTW, KJO, SSS, SNC), and 5R01HD086013-02(BYL, SMB, MCF, PTW, KJO, SSS, SNC). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The authors of this manuscript are responsible for its content, including data analysis. Statements in the manuscript do not necessarily represent the official views of, or imply endorsement by, National Institute of Health, AHRQ or HHS.

Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
A mob enters the Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021, after breaking into it. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

Orange County Residents Relay Eyewitness Accounts of DC Rally

Orange County residents were among the thousands who flocked to the nations capital Jan. 6 to address their concerns about election integrity.

The rally became unruly after protesters stormed the U.S. Capitolbut Southern California residents in attendance told The Epoch Times that the days events have been inaccurately reported by mainstream media.

I believe what were dealing with is just following the Constitution, said Mark Simon, a 49-year-old resident of Huntington Beach. Its not just a piece of paper. Its the foundation of our country.

Simon told The Epoch Times he attended the rally in support of President Donald Trump, and to ensure a free and fair election. He said he saw many frustrated patriots attending the rally who just wanted to be heard.

If you lose a free election, you lose democracy, Simon said. He described the rally like a party with loud music, but said events quickly escalated when protesters started storming the Capitol.

He said police began pushing back against protesters about 10 feet from the Capitol doors to keep them out, adding that very minor destruction took place considering the hundreds of thousands in attendance.

Protesters stand on the veranda of the U.S. Capitol at a rally in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Courtesy of Brandon Drey)

The worst I saw there was a couple patriots on top of some type of government vehicleon the roof. That was about it. There was no damage to the vehicle, Simon said.

Simon said the mainstream media was editing shots out of context to make the protesters look more violent and destructive than they actually were.

They may have been climbing up a wall, but there is no damage to the wall. Theres no graffiti, Simon said.

If the patriots wanted to get in there and cause damage or burn the Capitol down or get to Congress or hurt anybody, they would have got hurt, he said.

They had full control of the place. Cops had no control throughout the day. We could have gone wherever we wanted at any time, and it was not done. They were restrained.

Orange County resident Mike Lowther told The Epoch Times he traveled to Washington because he felt he needed to support the integrity of the presidential election.

I traveled to DC to support President Trump because the 2020 election was stolen from him due to widespread voter fraud, Lowther said via text message.

This is a critical time for the future of our democracy, and I wanted to make it known that I took a stand.

Lowther said he hoped the rally would push members of Congress to object to the certification of the electoral collegebut said he wanted it to remain peaceful despite the volume of Trump supporters in attendance. He too said most media coverage of the event was clearly skewed.

They refused to show the hundreds of thousands (possibly a million) people gathered around Ellipse Park and the Washington Monument listening to Trump speak, Lowther said. In terms of the Capitol Building, they were so quick to assume it was Trump Supporters and not Antifa that was causing violence.

He said the media didnt cover the Black Lives Matter or Antifa riots during the summer, but covered the Jan. 6 event because it fits the narrative they want.

Lowther said he didnt personally go to the Capitol, but heard nonstop sirens racing toward the site after the initial rally.

Everything about the shots fired and tear gas is true, he said. DC [soon] sent out a lockdown order to everyones phone. [After that,] you could feel in the air that there was a shift.

Protesters gather on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Courtesy of Mark Simon)

Brandon Drey, a freelance journalist out of San Clemente, said he traveled to Washington to document a historical moment in the nations history. He felt mainstream media organizations treated the event like it was the first time there was a protest in the city.

Theyre making it sound like [any unlawfulness was] all Trump supporters, but the reality is that what I was seeing was there were a lot of bad actors that I think were posing as Trump supporters, Drey told The Epoch Times.

He noted that inside the Capitol building, some people outfitted in Trump paraphernalia were seen vandalizing offices. When they were told to stop by Trump supporters, they responded with things like, Were in a revolution!which Drey thought sounded off.

Personally, I just hope to see some sort of resolve, what the next four years will look like. That way, everybody can kind of move on, he said.

Orange Countys Newest Members of Congress Weigh In

Michelle Steel, sworn in as a member of Congress just days ago, took a strong stand against the rallys violence on Twitter.

Violence is never, ever the answer. As Americans we are blessed with the right to make our voices heard in support of our democracy, but turning to violence is always wrong, Steel said.

I am praying for the Capitol Police today, and am thankful for their work to keep us safe.

Protesters mass in front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Courtesy of Mark Simon)

Newly elected Congresswoman Young Kim also issued a statement in support of a fair election, but noted Jan. 5 that the constitutional process doesnt allow Congress to overturn elections.

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, said Kim. While our election process is not perfect, Americans must have confidence in our election system and deserve to have their concerns addressed. Concerns of election integrity and security must be addressed and taken seriously.

This election was hard-fought with high turnout on both sides. The president has the right to challenge the election results through the legal, constitutional system, and we know Joe Biden would do the same if he had concerns. If evidence of wrongdoing is uncovered, it should be investigated by the proper authorities.

She added that though she didnt vote for Joe Biden, the constitutional process has been followed.

The American people have voted; states have certified their elections; and courts have made their rulings, she stated.

Congress does not determine which electors states send, and we must respect the authority of the states. The electoral college has voted and I will respect their vote.  I hope we can move forward for the future of our democracy and our nation and work together in Congress to secure our elections.
[January 06, 2021] 6WIND Wins the Top Networking Solution Provider Award

SANTA CLARA, Calif. and PARIS, Jan. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 6WIND, a leading high-performance networking software company today announced that they have won the Top Networking Solution Provider AWARD in Europe. Enterprise Networking Magazine has compiled a list of the Top 10 Networking Solution Providers in Europe  2020. 6WIND is one of the top 10 companies to win this award for its innovative leading-edge networking solutions. In today's hyper connected digital environment, high speed and latency are the bane of internet users all over the world. With every new generation of wireless communication designed toachieve speeds never before experienced, telecommunication professionals have yet to fully unlock the potential of 5G connectivity.



The expectations that commercial consumers, businesses, and communication companies have begun to express about the technology further increases the stress to manufacture and supply software solutions that support it; and not every company is able to meet these new requirements efficiently or cost-effectively. However, these challenges can be overcome when an organisation reaches out to 6WIND, a global networking software company that specialises in virtual router (vRouter) solutions. "We are delighted to have won this recognition for the top 10 networking solution providers in Europe. 6WIND provides the best cost to performance ratio along with unparalleled security, flexibility and reliability, which can be integrated and use in Tier 1 Service & Cloud Providers, OEMs and Enterprises," commented Julien Dahan, CEO, 6WIND.

About 6WIND 6WIND is a leading high-performance networking software company and the worldwide market leader for vRouter solutions. 6WIND software is deployed globally by Service Providers, Systems Integrators, Enterprises and Tier-1 OEMs, allowing customers to replace expensive hardware with software and virtualization for routing and security use cases. 6WIND has a global presence with Headquarters based in Paris, France and in Santa Clara, California. For more information visit: http://www.6wind.com Company Contact:

Neelam Bahal

VP, Global Marketing for 6WIND

Phone: +44 7805090701

neelam.bahal@6wind.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/6wind-wins-the-top-networking-solution-provider-award-301201858.html SOURCE 6WIND

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The Irish Government has unveiled its latest raft of coronavirus restrictions in a bid to slow the spread of the virus across the country.

The Cabinet agreed a number of additional public health restrictions which will apply under Level 5.

The Government said that advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) shows that the virus has deteriorated to the point "where there is an absolute need to reduce the level of mobility and congregation" to reduce the rate of transmission.

The following measures have been put in place to support this:

- Schools

Schools will remain closed until February 1. Exceptions are in place, including a provision for all 6th year Leaving Certificate students to attend school for three days a week commencing the week of January 11, and certain provisions for special education and specialised settings.

- Early Childhood Care and Education

The resumption of the ECCE programme is delayed until February 1.

- Childcare

Childcare services, including regulated childminders, will remain closed with the exception of services for vulnerable children and children of essential workers. Other existing childcare arrangements can continue to operate for vulnerable children and children of essential workers only. In addition, a household of an essential worker, without an existing childcare arrangement, can form a bubble with another household for the purpose of providing childcare.

- Construction

Construction will be closed with effect from 6pm on January 8, with limited exceptions for essential cases, including social housing projects, and essential health and related projects.

- Click and Collect

Click and collect from non-essential retail outlets should no longer be permitted with immediate effect. Existing orders may be collected. Click and deliver will continue to be permitted.

- International Travel

The Government also agreed that the current travel moratorium in place for travel from Great Britain and South Africa is extended until midnight on January 8. From January 9, all passengers arriving at Irish airports and ports whose journey originates in Great Britain or South Africa will be requested to have evidence of a negative result from a PCR Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland.

- Supports

The Government has agreed to maintain, at current levels, the payments available under both the Employment Wage Support Scheme (EWSS) and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP). The Government said this will ensure continued support for both employers and workers who lose their jobs due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions.

Under the EWSS, a payment of up to 350 euro per week will continue to be available, and will remain in place until the March 31.

The PUP, available to those who have lost their jobs, including the self-employed, as a result of Covid-19, will continue to be made available at the current pay-related level of up to 350 euro a week until March 31.
Sports lie at the margins of our culture, different from how it is elsewhere in the world, and from how it used to be. This is one of the reasons why criminality among youth proceeds unchecked. There is no youth labour market, and the school system ruthlessly triages youth.
The number one reason people cared that Tom Brady had bought himself a new yacht was the fact that, just days before, it had emerged he had received nearly $1 million in PPP loans, Paycheck Protection Programs for small businesses. Brady is a multi-billionaire, but he still received handouts for his lifestyle and wellness brand. And then he bought himself a boat.Another reason for the increased media attention was his choice of a name for it. He called it Viva A Vida, which translates to live the life. The name is the same as that of wife Gisele Bundchens environmental organization, which recently promised to plant 200,000 trees in the Amazon rainforest. The irony of it all was not lost on people, since the boat burns 55 burns 34 gph of diesel at 25 knots. No amount of tree planting can offset that.All controversy aside, the boat itself is a beauty. Though initial reports claimed it was a 40-footer (12 meters), its actually a 53-foot (16-meter) yacht from Wajer Yachts. The Dutch company makes all types of watercraft but specializes in a series of tenders as companions for larger vessels from other companies. The Wajer 55 S is one of them, and its a riff on the previous Wajer 55, with an improved design that allows for a more spacious layout. Or, as the company puts it, S is for space and its amazing the difference a letter can make.The Wajer 55 S is a high-end day cruiser with overnight capacity, with the emphasis on it being on using premium materials and state-of-the-art technology to deliver an unrivaled combination of performance and ultra-luxury. As of the time of writing, there are just ten Wajers in total in the United States, and Bradys 55 S is only the fourth.Because its Brady were talking about, its full custom. Wajer offers basic layouts for all its tenders, with the possibility for the client to have the final say in terms of specs and features. Pricing for one such tender is usually in the several millions, and it understandably goes up with further customization.The Wajer 55 S is designed by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and features a center console that allows for easy operation thanks to the built-in Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit System. Here, you find four forward-facing Stidd captains seats and two elegant Garmin touchscreens, and the hardtop with removable panels offers protection from the elements.Space around the cabin and below deck is very generous, hence the S in the name. You have lounges both in front of the center console and aft of it, with shading from an awning on carbon poles or the aforementioned hardtop. The cabin below offers accommodation for four or five guests, and a full bathroom and kitchenette are available as well.For an even smoother operation , push-button fenders deploy automatically to protect the boat at marinas. The potential for adventure is heightened by a rather surprising aft garage, which offers tender or Seabob storage, and a hydraulic swimming platform that serves for easy access to water.If youre still not impressed, then theres the performance of this day cruiser : powered by three 435 hp Volvo Penta engines with joystick driving, the Wajer 55 S can reach top speeds of 40 knots. The range is 450 nautical miles, just perfect for a vessel of this size and specification.With a watercraft as awesome as this, no wonder Brady is living the life, if youll pardon the pun.
Rotunda Rumblings

Chaos at the Capitol: As supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Ohios members of Congress were whisked to a secure location, reports Sabrina Eaton, who has reaction from both Republicans and Democrats to the mayhem.

Called out: Republican Gov. Mike DeWine was among the Ohio officials who denounced the Trump supporters assault on the Capitol. In a statement, DeWine called the mob an embarrassment to our country. But responding to Ohio Republican Party Chairman Jane Timken, House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes, a Democrat, said: This is on you and the rest of the Republicans who let this crap happen for years. You wanted the glory. Now you take the blame. Andrew Tobias rounded up other reactions here.

Playing words with friends: Back in September, DeWine predicted that Trump wouldnt stand in the way of a peaceful transition if he lost the election. DeWine has consistently avoided criticizing Trump, and while condemning Wednesdays Capitol Hill violence, didnt lay blame on the presidents incendiary rhetoric, Laura Hancock reports.

Ready to act: Rep. Tim Ryan was furious about the Capitol invasion, which he called an attempted coup, Eaton reports. Ryan said Trump and members of the Capitol Police force that allowed the incursion should lose their jobs.

Senate switch: Following results of two U.S. Senate races in Georgia that will turn control over to Democrats, Ohio U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown said hell strive to pass legislation to deliver $2,000 coronavirus relief checks to the American people and get real resources to Ohio communities so communities of color, small towns and neighborhoods all over Ohio are no longer left behind as the nation recovers from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Eaton reports. Brown will chair the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.

Whats Nans plan? Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley announced Wednesday shes not running for a third term this year, stoking speculation that she might run for governor or U.S. Rep. Michael Turners congressional seat next year. As Laura Bischoff of the Dayton Daily News reports, the Democrat didnt rule out either option.

Not what youre thinking: Jim Renacci, the former Republican congressman and current chairman of the Medina County Republican Party, wrote on his Facebook page Wednesday that he will roll out and launch the campaign at a webinar scheduled for this evening. Renacci is considering challenging Gov. Mike DeWine in the 2022 Republican primary, fueling speculation about what the event will entail. Well, Renacci said in an interview he is not launching a campaign for governor; hes launching a campaign to move Ohio forward, talking about issues plaguing the state, like what he views as excessive government spending and a waning population. Im going to continue to look at all options to turn the state around, he said. That doesnt mean I wont run, it doesnt mean I will, but were going to continue to use the 501C4 [Ohios Future Foundation, a policy group Renacci helped launch] to educate people.

Buckeye tie: The manager of Democrat Raphael Warnocks history-making campaign for U.S. Senate in Georgia is Ohio native Jerid Kurtz, a former press spokesman for both the Ohio Democratic Party and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan who went on to manage campaigns outside of Ohio, including a brief stint heading Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers campaign.

Lake effect: Trump on Tuesday signed the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019 into law, which will boost authorization for the lake cleanup program from $300 million to $475 million annually over the next five years. A statement from the National Wildlife Federations Great Lakes regional executive director, Mike Shriberg, said the increase will fund shovel-ready restoration jobs to help people recover from the economic toll of the pandemic, preserve jobs dependent on waters free from pollution and invasive species like Asian carp, and invest in the communities that have suffered most from environmental harm in our region.

High five: DeWine signed five bills on Wednesday, including legislation to strengthen state oversight over water quality and reduce phosphorus runoff that fuels toxic algal blooms. As Jeremy Pelzer reports, the other bills aim to protect low-income health providers from predation, strengthen animal abuse reporting requirements, allow food allergy training for educators, and create a procedure to ceremonially retire Ohios state flag.

Wednesday numbers: Hancock reports that 121 more people with COVID-19 were reported to have died on Wednesday. The state did not have updated vaccine numbers in its Wednesday report, due to technical difficulties.

5,000 and counting: More than 5,000 patients of Ohio long-term care facilities are now known to have died of the coronavirus. The state health department in its weekly update Wednesday reported 203 more deaths, bringing the total to 5,059, reports Rich Exner. Thats 54% of all known COVID-19 deaths in Ohio.

Ohio preps for unemployment cash: The first of the $300 in extra weekly payments due unemployment recipients is at least two weeks away, the state unemployment office announced Wednesday. Many people will have to wait even longer, but officials say that once processed, the payments will be retroactive for each week since Dec. 27, reports Exner.

Cuts to the core: Cincinnati-based Procter and Gamble will not proceed to acquire Billie, which sells womens razors and other body care products by mailing them to their homes, after the Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint over competition in the womens wet shave razors market, Reuters reports.

Birthdays

Ex-Senate President Tom Niehaus

Straight from the Source

I have two days left on this job. I can go with very little sleep in that remaining time. If these people, or anyone else who committed federal crimes at the Capitol today, are from Northern Ohio, you are going to be held accountable before I leave office. Coffee is brewing...

- Justin Herdman, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, on Twitter Wednesday. Herdman, who is set to step down on Friday, was appointed by President Trump in 2017.

Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. If you do not already subscribe, you can sign up here to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free.
Facebook is also imposing new restrictions on Donald Trump. The social network said that it will bar the president from posting to his page for the next 24 hours. The company cited two policy violations as reason for its decision.

We've assessed two policy violations against President Trump's Page which will result in a 24-hour feature block, meaning he will lose the ability to post on the platform during that time, the company said in a statement. Instagrams top executive confirmed it would also apply to the presidents Instagram account.

We've assessed two policy violations against President Trump's Page which will result in a 24-hour feature block, meaning he will lose the ability to post on the platform during that time.  Facebook Newsroom (@fbnewsroom) January 7, 2021

The move comes after Twitter temporarily suspended Trump and threatened a permanent ban. The president had previously posted a video to both platforms that called the election results fraudulent and praised his supporters as very special people.

Facebook had previously removed the video, with the companys VP of Integrity Guy Rosen saying they had done so because we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence. But by preventing Trump from being able to post to his page for a full day is yet another escalation for Facebook, whose officials have spent much of Trumps presidency trying to avoid applying its rules to him.

In an earlier statement, Facebook officials said they were appalled by the violence at the Capitol, and treating these events as an emergency. The company said it searching for and removing a wide range of posts, including content praising the mob that attacked the Capitol, calls for protests that would break the local curfew in D.C., and attempts to restage violence tomorrow or in the coming days.

Facebook also said it planned to tweak the labels it has been applying to election-related posts. Joe Biden has been elected President with results that were certified by all 50 states, the new message says. The US has laws, procedures, and established institutions to ensure the peaceful transfer of power after an election. The company also announced new restrictions on some activity in its groups feature, including the automatic disabling of comments on posts that encourage hate speech or violence.


Australia could start vaccinating vulnerable groups of the population next month, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has revealed, saying approvals for the Pfizer vaccine were hoped to be finalised by the end of January.

After pressure from the federal opposition and some scientists to speed up the process, Mr Morrison said he was hoping to receive data from Pfizer this month to allow the vaccine's approval and "we are now in a position where believe we will be able to commence vaccinations of [vulnerable groups] in mid to late February".

Prime Minister Scott Morrison reveals the COVID-19 vaccine roadmap. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The previous timeline was to begin the vaccination program in March. Mr Morrison said the aim would be to vaccinate 80,000 people each week to begin with, and for that to build over the next four to six weeks.

He said the government was working towards having four million people vaccinated by the end of March.
Mumbai, Jan 7 : After nearly a fortnight long war of words, the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies have decided to sit at the table and hammer out a solution to the ticklish issue of renaming Aurangabad as Sambhaji Nagar.

The matter, which almost brought the Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party-Congress alliance to the brink -- as the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party watched in anticipation -- is likely to be resolved 'amicably', said a Congress source.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his Shiv Sena are rooting for the rechristening of the historical tourist city while the Congress and other parties have vigorously opposed it. The NCP has kept quiet and stuck to the middle ground that it does not want to 'politicize the issue'.

The BJP leaders have thrown the gauntlet at the Shiv Sena and even asked whether it would be cowed down by the other two ruling partners on the issue that was the dream of the late Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.

The renaming has willy-nilly acquired political overtones in view of the civic elections due in the city sometime this year. All the political parties hope to capitalize through their respective stance.

The matter came to a boil on Wednesday (January 6) night when state Congress President and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat vented his ire at the Directorate General of Information & Public Relations -- overseen by Thackeray -- for referring to Aurangabad as Sambhaji Nagar while publicizing a government statement.

"The Congress is opposed to renaming cities. There is nothing new to this, that is our position. Merely renaming cities does not uplift the poor," Thorat said sharply.

Hoping to soothe the ruffled feathers, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of the NCP said on Thursday afternoon that the three partners always discuss things among themselves before taking any decision.

"We have been in this manner for the last one year In this (renaming) matter of Aurangabad also, we shall sit together and decide," Pawar told mediapersons.

Among the other parties, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) which is a major party in the city, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi led by Prakash Ambedkar and Samajwadi Party led by Abu Asim Azmi are opposed to renaming Aurangabad as Sambhaji Nagar, while the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led by Raj Thackeray says its high time the decision is implemented.

Lashing out at the Sena, BJP ex-MP Kirit Somaiya said after the Congress even the SP has opposed the renaming of this prominent city in Marathwada.

"Uddhavji, you will have to tell us whether this is the Shiv Sena of the Hindu Hrudaysamrat (Balasaheb Thackeray), or the saffron has turned green," Somaiya said.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (1657-1689) was the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, succeeded him to the throne and reigned for nine years till his capture and execution by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

In a related development, the Chief Minister has written to Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri requesting that a notification for the renaming of Aurangabad Airport as 'Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport' be issued as early as possible.

The letter follows a resolution passed unanimously by the Maharashtra Legislature during the Budget Session last year to the effect.
Sony made no mention of major new technologies, such as mini LED backlighting, for the 2021 TV lineup, but the company has announced plenty of other improvements. Most noticeably, the new Cognitive Processor XR processing unit marries higher speed with more granular and processing algorithms. It will be available on Sonys high-end XR series of smart TVs.

The end result of XR manipulation, which places great emphasis on the viewers focal point of an image, should be better overall images with increased detail, fewer artifacts, a higher contrast ratio, according to the company. Sony says its 4K and 8K UHD models will also deliver distinctly improved upscaling of lower-resolution content.

Sony audio

Sony already has the worlds best-sounding TVs, and the company says its 2021 models will be even bertter. Re-designed planar drivers that directly vibrate the display panel and bezel are said to produce more oomph, andthanks to more of them and refined placementtheyll even successfully reproduce 5.1.2 surround sound. If youre never heard a high-end Sony TV, especially an OLED, take a listen next time youre in a storethey sound better than many soundbars.

Sony Sonys X95J LED will also get the benefit of XR processing. Sony already boasted arguably the best LED/LCD processing on the market.

Beyond improved image processing and audio, Google TV will make its way to Sonys XR series, and as you may have noticed, the monikers are losing a digit. What was once a model 950 will be a model 95, and so on. Sony skipped a letter and will go directly from H to J. Were not sure why, though its likely a visual thing. I can be confused with 1 in some fonts.

The new XR LED models range from the 8K Z9J to the X90J (called the X92J at 100-inches) at the low-end. The new OLEDs are the A80J and A90J. As usual, higher numbers are used for higher-end models.
In a tweet Thursday, rapper Scarface called on San Antonio and other major Texas cities to "chime in" and ask U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz to explain his congressional effort to object the certification of the presidential election results.

Scarface, whose real name is Brad Jordan, has been vocal about the recent political events on Twitter. On Dec. 22, he called the senator "cold blooded" for voting against the $900 billion COVID-19 pandemic relief package. Then on Thursday, he reacted to Cruz leading a group objecting the certification of electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania.

RELATED: Texas representatives live tweet from the Capitol as protesters storm the building

"Ted? @tedcruz Houston is very disappointed in you TEXAS chime in, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin EVERYBODY and tell the senator to meet with us, he's got some explaining to do..WE THE PEOPLE FOR REAL," Scarface tweeted.

The tweet came hours after protests erupted in his native Houston on Wednesday calling for the senator's resignation.

Cruz is also being scrutinized by his political peers after a Pro-Trump mob on Wednesday breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing congressional members into hiding.

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary and San Antonio mayor Julian Castro also used social media to call out Cruz. Julian jumped on an Instagram Live video with his twin brother U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro on Wednesday while the latter sheltered in his office. Julian pointed to Cruz as a contributor to the Capitol chaos.

"He has been spectacularly irresponsible, an embarrassment to the state of Texas," he said in the video.

Cruz released a statement via Twitter calling Wednesday's events an "attack" and "despicable act of terrorism." He defended his lead in the effort to dispute election results.

"It was the right thing to do. I very much wish Congress had not set aside these concerns, but I respect the position each of my colleagues took," Cruz said in the statement. "Debate in the two houses of Congress is the proper way to resolve our political differences, not through violent attacks."

Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye
After two dry runs of the Covid-19 vaccination process over the past week at select health centres, Delhi, along with other states and union territories, will conduct a full-fledged mock drill in all its 11 districts on Friday.

Senior health officials said over 600 officials, comprising a mix of physicians and district officers, will be appointed as supervisors at vaccination centres once the actual drive is rolled out.

The chief district medical officers (CDMOs) have been made the nodal officers for the centres in their respective districts. Once the actual vaccination process begins, Delhi will start with about 621 session centres where the Covid-19 vaccines will be administered to registered beneficiaries after verification. Each centre will have a supervisor. In most districts, these supervisors are doctors; in a few, officers appointed by the district administration will oversee the process, a health official said, on condition of anonymity.

Dr Suneela Garg, public health expert and professor of excellence at Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, said apart from checking the vaccination process, a major reason for conducting a dry run in all districts is to check the efficiency of the Co-WIN mobile application.

During the dry run, there will be several queries from the medical teams who have been trained for the exercise. The idea is to clear all possible doubts, check for problems and resolve them over the next few days, she said.

On Thursday, a day before all 11 districts were to undergo the dry run, the respective nodal officers notified the health care centres where the mock drill would be held on Friday.

In the south district, 10 vaccination sites will hold the dry run. These include AIIMS Ansari Nagar, Safdarjung hospital, Phoenix hospital in Greater Kailash, Centre for Sight in Safdarjung and Focus Imaging and Research Centre Private Limited, Green Park.

The south-east district identified at least 19 facilities which include Apollo hospitals, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, Fortis hospital, Batra hospital, Holy Family hospital, Escorts hospital, Moochand Khairaiti Ram hospital and so on.

The north-west district will hold the dry run at 12 health care facilities such as Max and Fortis hospitals, Shalimar Bagh, Saroj hospital and so on.

The New Delhi district will conduct the dry run at four locations --in the northern railway central hospital, Primus hospital, MCD school in Rangpuri which has been linked to a government maternity and child care centre in the area and Fortis Vasant Kunj.

The first dry run was conducted at three select health care centres of Delhi on Saturday, while the second dry run happened at around 66 sites on Wednesday.

The Delhi government said all these centres will also be vaccination centres when the final immunisation drive is rolled out.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
The Crown has always had a tendency to cast British stage stars as part of its ongoing Netflix series. It seems apt  the show is based on Peter Morgan's hit play The Audience  which traced the life of the Queen through her plethora of Prime Ministers.

With season four going down a storm and season five in the works (and a season six also reportedly in the pipeline) we look at some of the stage stars who are set to take part next time around. Due to the pandemic, it is reported that the series will likely not be released until 2022.





Imelda Staunton  The Queen

Staunton is already stage royalty, so it seems fairly apt that she's given the same attention on Netflix. Though plans for her appearance in Hello, Dolly! in the West End was sadly disrupted by the pandemic (hopefully one day it will return), Staunton has appeared in the likes of Follies, Gypsy, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Gypsy and Sweeney Todd. She recently admitted that she found taking on the role of Elizabeth II (the third performer to do so after Claire Foy and Olivia Colman) relatively daunting  this Queen is set in a much more contemporary time period and thus open to more scrutiny than the Queen Elizabeths of series past.





Jonathan Pryce  Prince Phillip

Another theatre legend, Pryce was most recently on stage in The Height of the Storm, Florian Zeller's highly-commended drama at the Wyndham's Theatre. The piece then hopped across the Atlantic to Broadway. He has won a variety of awards over an epic career, so will make the perfect Phillip come 2022!





Lesley Manville

 Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage





Lesley Manville  Princess Margaret

Manville will take over from the inimitable Helena Bonham-Carter as the Queen's sister Margaret when the show returns. She was actually at the National Theatre when the pandemic first broke out, performing alongside Hugo Weaving in The Visit or The Old Lady Comes to Call. She'll now take on the role of Margaret during the Royal Family member's final years.





Elizabeth Debicki  Princess Diana

Australian-French actress Debicki was most recently on screens in Chris Nolan's mindbending film Tenent, but she's also had a series of high profile theatrical appearances  in the likes of the National's The Red Barn and Jean Genet's The Maids Off-Broadway alongside Cate Blanchett and Isabelle Huppert. Debicki will play Diana during some of the most important events of her (and the Royal Family's) history  surely one of the trickiest roles in television history. Emma Corrin, who took on the role in season four, will reportedly also make some sort of appearance during the series.





Dominic West  Prince Charles

Though not completely set in stone (reports have been quiet since October) West will be the successor to another stage hit Josh O'Connor (O'Connor was originally meant to have starred in Romeo and Juliet at the National last summer, but that show has transformed into a screen experience) in taking on the role of the Prince of Wales. He was last on stage in the Donmar's revival of Les Liaisons Dangereuses alongside Janet McTeer, while previous roles include Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield and a leading role in Jez Butterworth's The River.





Further casting is to be revealed  we're sure that there will be more stage stars to come.
Source: Reuters

President-elect Joe Biden called Wednesday for the restoration of just simple decency as a mob incited by his predecessor stormed the US Capitol and delayed Congress from certifying the results of November's election in which Biden won the White House.

Biden had planned to deliver a speech focused on how to revive an economy and provide financial relief for small business owners reeling from the coronavirus pandemic from his native Delaware.

But shortly before he was to begin speaking, demonstrators broke into the capital, reaching as far as the House floor. The building was locked down and police with guns drawn moved in as Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations. National Guard troops were deployed and a citywide curfew called for shortly after dusk, as rioters continued to occupy the capital for hours.

At this hour our democracy is under unprecedented assault unlike anything we've seen in modern times, Biden said, adding that what unfolded was, an assault on the rule of law like few times we have ever seen it.

He said the uprising bordered on sedition, adding, "The scenes of chaos at the capitol do not reflect a true America, do not represent who we are.

I call on this mob to pull back and allow democracy to go forward, Biden said. At their best the words of a president can inspire, at their worst they can incite.

Biden also called on Trump to go on national television now to demand an end to this siege."

A joint session of Congress had convened to certified Biden's election victory. But as that was occurring, Trump addressed thousands of demonstrators who had amassed outside the Capitol to cheer his baseless claims of voter fraud and to protest the results of a free and fair election simply because the candidate they support lost it.
Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2021 5:21 pm

As we move into the New Year, the State Fire Marshals Office would like residents to consider smoking safety.

Nationally from 2012-2016, an average of 18,100 home structure fires were started by smoking, killing an average of 590 people per year.

If you smoke, the State Fire Marshals Office recommends that you take the following precautions to reduce the risk of fires:

 Smoke outside. Flammable materials in your home can ignite if they contact a lit cigarette or ashes. It is always safer to smoke outside.

 Make sure cigarette butts are fully extinguished in deep, sturdy ashtrays. If ashtrays are not available, use a metal can or pail filled with sand or water.

 Do not throw cigarettes into vegetation, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, mulch, leaves or other similar items  they can easily catch fire.

 Never smoke around medical oxygen. Medical oxygen can cause materials to ignite more easily and make fires burn at a faster rate than normal. It can also make an existing fire burn faster and hotter.

 Never smoke in bed. Mattresses and bedding can catch fire easily, and theres a risk that you might fall asleep with a lit cigarette.

 Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches and other smoking materials out of the reach of children.

For more information, contact the State Fire Marshals Office at 360-596-3929.


Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 19:23:20|Editor: huaxia

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KAMPALA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's ministry of health has distributed 20 million mosquito nets since August last year in the country's renewed fight against malaria, one of the killer diseases.

The long-lasting insecticide treated nets have been distributed in 122 districts across the country, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health on Thursday.

The statement said 11 more districts will receive the nets by next month, bringing the total number of nets distributed to 27.5 million.

According to the statement, the exercise is aimed at creating a culture of net use and sustaining the gains achieved by the previous campaigns which led to the reduction in the malaria prevalence.

Malaria kills between 70,000 to 100,000 people in the country annually, mostly pregnant mothers and children, according to the ministry of health figures.

The country has made notable progress in the fight against malaria, with the disease prevalence rate dropping from 19 percent to 9 percent, according to the 2018/19 Malaria Indicator Survey.

The progress has been attributed to the continuous distribution of mosquito nets, case management, and indoor residue spraying.

Under the free mosquito net distribution, the ministry targets to have all citizens sleep under a mosquito net every night to prevent malaria. Enditem
People living near a dangerous bushfire north of Perth are unable to return home as authorities brace for scorching weather in coming days.

The Red Gully blaze has burned through about 9,500 hectares in the Gingin and Dandaragan shires since Saturday.

An alert issued by Emergency WA on Thursday afternoon warned residents at the Ocean Farms Estate and nearby Seaview Park developments - and in nearby areas - not to return home.

It is feared the Red Gully blaze (pictured), north of Perth, could threaten homes and lives this weekend

'Residents of Ocean Farms Estate and Seaview Park are unable to return home currently,' the WA fire department said in a statement.

'Forecast very hot, dry and windy weather conditions over the next two days have the potential to rapidly escalate fire behaviour.'

'You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.'

The temperature in the area is forecast to reach 42C on Friday.

There is also local concern the fire could reach unexploded ordinances from the former Lancelin bombing range surrounding Wedge Island. Campers and visitors in the area have been told to leave and drive north to safer locations.

Firefighters on Wednesday managed to halt the western flank of the fire about three kilometres from Ocean Farms Estate.

Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said there was still a considerable amount of work to be done in the face of more hot, dry and windy conditions in the days ahead.

'The next two or three days are going to be particularly challenging for fire services,' he said.

'These conditions are not something we've seen for the last two or three years.

Worsening weather conditions that look likely make the Red Gully fire far more dangerous 'makes it incredibly difficult for firefighters'

The Red Gully blaze (pictured) sparked last Saturday and has so far burned out an estimated 9500 hectares in the Gingin and Dandaragan shires

'Not only is it not safe to put firefighters at the head of the fire in those types of circumstances but it's also incredibly difficult once fire hops over, to be able to get around and put it out.'

There have been no reports of homes being lost, but pine plantations, olive groves and some sheds are believed to have been damaged.

'There hasn't been that typical strong easterly weather that we've been experiencing the last four days with gusts of up to 80 kilometres an hour.

'It makes it incredibly difficult for firefighters.'

More than 200 volunteers are helping fight the Red Gully fire (pictured)

About 200 firefighters are battling the blaze with strong aerial support, including two of the large air tankers flown in from Victoria.

Planning is underway to bring fresh firefighters from the Pilbara and Kimberley regions as well as from other cooler parts of WA if needed.

Premier Mark McGowan has called on everyone in the fire danger zones to remain vigilant.

'I urge all Western Australians to understand and acknowledge that this is a dangerous period,' he said.
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Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
About The Video

With multiple states in India battling a bird flu outbreak amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Union minister Sanjeev Balyan answered questions on whether humans are at risk? Balyan, who is Minister of State in the Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Ministry, said that while the virus can be transmitted to humans, no such cases had been reported in India so far. He advised proper cooking among precautions to prevent infection. At least five states in India have confirmed cases, with the Union government suspecting that the disease may have spread to more. The affected states include Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. Watch the full video for more.
By AARON MORRISON, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP)  Black Lives Matter protests, 2020: Overwhelming force from law enforcement in dozens of cities. Chemical dispersants. Rubber bullets and hand-to-hand combat with largely peaceful crowds and some unruly vandals and looters. More than 14,000 arrests.

The U.S. Capitol, Jan. 6, 2021: Barely more than a few dozen arrests. Several weapons seized, improvised explosive devices found. Members of a wilding mob escorted from the premises, some not even in handcuffs.

The key difference? The first set of protesters were overwhelmingly Black Americans and their allies. The second group was overwhelmingly white Americans who support outgoing President Donald Trumps baseless claims of election fraud.

The violent breaching of the halls of power on Capitol Hill by the insurrectionist mob on Wednesday, which left one woman dead of a police gunshot wound, represents one of the plainest displays of a racial double standard in both modern and recent history.

When Black people protest for our lives, we are all too often met by National Guard troops or police equipped with assault rifles, shields, tear gas and battle helmets, the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation said in a statement.

When white people attempt a coup, they are met by an underwhelming number of law enforcement personnel who act powerless to intervene, going so far as to pose for selfies with terrorists, it said.

READ MORE: Pa. senators presence at Trump rally that later turned violent leads to call for him to resign

Broad and bipartisan condemnation of the insurrectionist mob came swiftly as they had a nearly unhindered, hours-long run of the Capitol building complex, the Senate chamber and the House speakers office. The ordeal drew expressions of bewilderment and disbelief from some observers who believed such a display was impossible in a democracy as revered as Americas.

However, the response to the mayhem is consistent with a long pattern of societys coddling of racists and downplaying the violent white supremacist ideology that routinely places the grievances of white people above those of their Black, often disenfranchised and downtrodden countrymen and women.

Since the founding of the democracy in the blood and secession of the American Revolution, white peoples destructive and obstructionist conduct has been couched in patriotism. Its been a fundamental part of a national myth about whose dissent and pursuit of redress for grievance is justified, and whose is not.

Newly sworn-in St. Louis Rep. Cori Bush, who was among the protesters to face down police and National Guardsmen in 2014 after police killed Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, told The Associated Press that the race of the Capitol rioters played a big part in their ability to breach the congressional fortress.

Had the mob been Black, we would have been laid out, Bush said.

The thing is, these are the same people who called us terrorists, Bush continued. Confederate flags, dont tread on me, blue lives matter flags, the Trump flags  all of it symbolizes the same thing. It symbolizes racism and white supremacy.

The show of force by law enforcement at the Capitol bore little resemblance to the lines of National Guardsmen and other police forces that assembled last year to protect luxury brand retailers against looting, government buildings against breaching and highways against marching by demonstrators across the country.

Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change, the nations largest digital racial justice advocacy group, told the AP that he sees it as a clear example of how racism works in this country and the clear ways there are different sets of rules and different sets of outcomes based on what race you are.

Although Wednesdays events represented one of the most alarming attacks on democratic institutions in recent memory, it wasnt the only one seen that day. Apparent Trump supporters forced disruptions at statehouses across the country, including in Georgia, New Mexico and Ohio.

And that wasnt the first time that such a disparate law enforcement response to such attacks drew national outrage and criticism of police. Last May, a large group of mostly white men carrying long rifles stormed the Michigan Statehouse building in Lansing over the governors coronavirus pandemic shutdown mandates. There were few arrests and little condemnation from the White House.

In June, Trump administration officials had federal officers clear BLM protesters with flash bang grenades and tear gas, to facilitate a now infamous photo-op in front of a church near the White House.

BLM protesters and their supporters in Portland, Oregon, quickly pointed out Wednesday the huge disparity between Trumps response to racial justice protests in the Pacific Northwest city and his encouragement of the violence in D.C.

On July 27, following his deployment of U.S. agents to quell weeks of demonstrations, Trump tweeted: Anarchists, Agitators or Protestors who vandalize or damage our Federal Courthouse in Portland, or any Federal Buildings in any of our Cities or States, will be prosecuted under our recently re-enacted Statues and Monuments Act. MINIMUM TEN YEARS IN PRISON. Dont do it!

The thousands of Capitol building rioters, many who were egged on by the presidents speech at a Wednesday afternoon rally over his election loss, heard a much more compassionate message from their leader, albeit a defiant one.

I know your pain, I know your hurt, Trump said in a now-deleted video posted to his Twitter account. You have to go home, now.  We love you. Youre very special.

On Thursday, President-elect Joe Biden noted the double standard, saying he had received a text message from his granddaughter, Finnegan, of a photo showing military people in full military gear  scores of them lining the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during a BLM protest last year.

She said Pop, this isnt fair. the president-elect recounted.

No one can tell me that if it had been a group of Black Lives Matter protesting yesterday ... they would have been treated very, very differently than a mob of thugs that stormed the Capitol, Biden said.

We all know thats true. And it is unacceptable, he added.

Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter also weighed in with expressions of consternation, some of them placing blame squarely on Trump.

Adding to the cruelty of it all, some observers have noted, is the Capitol buildings history. It was built with help from enslaved Africans, whose blood and sweat later allowed the union to meet there and strategize its battle against pro-slavery Confederates. On Wednesday, images emerged showing custodial staffers of color in the Capitol sweeping up the shards of glass and trash left behind by the rioters.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson said the people who violated the Capitol on Wednesday should not be seen as patriotic.

This is not protesting or activism; this is an insurrection, an assault on our democracy, and a coup incited by President Trump, Johnson said.
DANBURY  Democrat Roberto Alves announced Thursday he is running for mayor, emphasizing his familys working class roots and his desire to support residents.

Were facing challenges that cant be fixed overnight, said Alves, 37, a first-term city councilman. Its going to take hard work and determination to make sure we keep our promises to our kids, our neighbors, our businesses, and our seniors, but together we can build a better Danbury. I hope I can earn your support.

Republican Mayor Joe Cavo, who started the job three weeks ago, has not decided whether he is running. Mark Boughton, the Republican who sat in the mayors seat for nearly 20 years, stepped down last month to take a job as the states tax commissioner.

Cavo said he is more focused on issues like the coronavirus pandemic than deciding whether to run.

I really honestly have not given thoughts to that yet and probably wont for some time, he said.

Mike Safranek, chairman of the Republican Town Committee, said he wants Cavo to do what is best for him, but praised the mayor for his experience and knowledge of the city.

Our plans are to build a great team, continue the Boughton tradition of team work and putting the community first, Safranek said. Our goal is to move forward and create the best team and ticket for Danbury.

Alves is of Portuguese and Brazilian descent and immigrated to the United States at 5. He is one of three Latinos on City Council in a community where 30 percent of residents are Hispanic or Latino.

He and his wife, Robyn Wicks Alves, were Danbury High School sweethearts. They have a son, Julius, in second grade and a daughter, Catalina, in kindergarten. Robyn grew up in Danbury, and the couple bought her grandfathers old house, next door to her parents.

Roberto embodies so much of what Danbury is, said Andrea Gartner, chairwoman of the Danbury Democratic Town Committee. He really speaks to and represents what Danbury is in the past, but also what is in the future.

Gartner said she encouraged Alves to run after Chris Setaro, who sought the seat in 2019, and state Rep. David Arconti, D-Danbury, said they were not interested.

Local Democrats have not endorsed Alves yet. That wouldnt happen until July, although an unofficial endorsement could happen earlier, Gartner said. The town committee is still encouraging candidates, although she is unaware of anyone else interested.

Its a big endeavor to run for the top of the ticket, Gartner said. So, of course were going to certainly entertain anyone else who wants to consider running as a candidate.

Alves said he plans to run on supporting education, improving infrastructure, and attracting corporations and young professionals to the city.

We need vision, he said. We are a city. We need to accept the fact that we're a city. We need to invest in ourselves like we are a city.

In a video on Facebook, Alves described how his mother worked odd jobs, while his dad held three jobs.

Growing up, my parents taught me about the value of working hard, caring for your community, giving back, and living a good life even when times are tough, he said in the video. They came to Danbury in search of a better life and they worked hard.

Alves ran for City Council in 2017, shortly after becoming a U.S. citizen. He lost that race, but won an at-large seat in 2019.

These are tough times, the toughest many people have faced, Alves said in the video. Too many families in Danbury have suffered because leaders at all levels  from Washington down to the city level  have failed us. So Im running for mayor because we cant play the same old games with the same old politics, not this time, not for our home. Im all in for Danbury.
Samaritan's Purse transported the Emergency Field Hospital from its warehouse in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina on Friday. It is adjacent to Caldwell Memorial Hospital in Lenoir, North Carolina. Now, a team of more than 46 disaster response specialists, including 24 medical professionals, are hard at work.

"These hospitals have come to us for help because they are full, and case numbers continue to rise," said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. "This is our home state, and we appreciate the frontline workers battling COVID day in and day out. We are glad that we can be there to help lift the load. Our medical team is going to help provide professional, compassionate, and quality care to every patient who is sent to us."

The Boone-based international Christian relief organization is joining five western North Carolina health care systems in the fight against COVID-19 helping meet the critical needs of neighboring communities. The partner hospitals will determine which patients are transported to the field hospital.

"This battle against COVID is really a community-wide and region-wide effort. Now, with the arrival of Samaritan's Purse and the personnel that they are bringing, it is a national effort. It takes all of us working together," said Laura Easton, president and CEO of Caldwell UNC Health Care. "My hope is that we get through this surge and have taken outstanding care of every citizen who has a need."

In 2020, Samaritan's Purse deployed three Emergency Field Hospitals to Italy, New York City, and the Bahamas in response to the coronavirus pandemictreating more than 680 patients at similar respiratory care units. This is only the second time the mobile hospital has been deployed domestically, ready to provide critical aid to coronavirus patients.

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Based in Boone, North Carolina, Samaritan's Purse responds in Jesus' Name to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situationsespecially in locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan's Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more information, visit SamaritansPurse.org.

SOURCE Samaritan's Purse

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An ostrich that escaped from a zoo in Karachi was filmed running down a busy street and the video is going viral on social media.

On January 5, images and videos showed the bird running through traffic in the Korangi No 4 area of the city. The bird fled the private zoo after water flooded into its enclosure in the park, according to local police.

Police told the UPI news agency that the zoo workers were able to trap the bird and return it to its enclosure. Some arent as lucky to just have a bird like ostrich cross their path.

Twitter

Incidents of people almost escaping death and the claws of wild animals have come forward previously. A few months ago, a terrifying video showed a leopard chasing humans on the streets of Hyderabad and then being cornered by stray dogs.

Two days after the leopard was seen resting in the middle of a road, the CCTV visuals of its attack on a lorry cleaner went viral. In the same video clip, the feline was seen facing the wrath of a pack of dogs.

According to reports, the incident occurred near Katedan underpass. The passers-by were shocked to see the wild cat resting in the middle of the road close to the median.

An ostrich ran away from a Zoo in Korangi #Karachi pic.twitter.com/ew9Icmkot1  Usama Qureshi (@UsamaQureshy) January 6, 2021

The was video was shared by the Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan with the caption, "Leopard vs Dogs. Somewhere in India. But such is not new. Feral dogs do corner leopards and leopards love hot-dogs when they get a chance. Via Whatsapp."

Reports state that when the motorists and the locals gathered near the road, clicking pictures and taking videos from their mobile phones, the leopard started charging at them.

Also Read: Leopard Ran Over By Speeding Vehicle In Assam, Dies

Overnight it strolled in populated areas in the city and it is injured now unable to move ahead pic.twitter.com/BA6d8aOe5w  Dr.Prashanth (@prashantchiguru) May 14, 2020

A driver and cleaner of a truck who were also watching the animal ran for their lives when it started chasing them.

While the driver managed to climb onto the cabin, the cleaner scrambled for safety and then ran toward the truck to climb on to the cabin to save himself.

The leopard, which emerged by jumping over the road divider pounced at him and tried to drag him by his feet. It was a close save for the cleaner as he managed to lift himself and escaped with a minor injury on his leg.
A Melbourne family who inadvertently crossed the NSW border on their way to lunch were left stranded in the state for three days.

Thirteen members of the Patel family travelled to the Murray River border town on Saturday in three cars before unwittingly crossing over the Echuca-Moama bridge for lunch.

'We actually ended up crossing the bridge and going into New South Wales without knowing,' Swara Patel told 7NEWS.

'It was an honest mistake. We didn't leave our car and were there for literally less than two minutes'.

Swara Patel said her family ended up crossing the bridge and going into New South Wales without knowing

The extended family said they didn't realise Echuca sits on the NSW/Victoria border

The extended family said they didn't realise Echuca sits on the NSW and Victoria border.

The family from Heatherton in Melbourne's southeast were turned away by officers when they tried to return, forcing them to stay at a local motel.

'They just said you're coming from New South Wales, you can't cross the border,' Patel said.

The family were then forced to fork out hundreds at a hotel for three nights, before eventually being allowed back into Victoria.

Testing commander Jeroen Weimar confirmed they have since safely returned to Melbourne after their misadventure.

'I'm sure they're very grateful and enjoyed their lunch,' he said.

There have been 295 exemptions granted in recent days for Victorians wanting to return home from NSW, up from 57 on Tuesday.

Thirteen members of the Patel family travelled to the Murray River border town on Saturday in three cars before unwittingly crossing over the Echuca-Moama bridge for lunch

The Victorian border was closed at short notice on Friday night as cases, seeded by NSW's Northern Beaches cluster, emerged out of a Thai restaurant in bayside Melbourne.

Thousands of Victorians in regional NSW rushed back to cross the border, but many did not make it before the deadline.

Testing commander Jeroen Weimar says almost 3500 applications are yet to be assessed, with some 30 to 40 health officials assigned to the painstaking task.

An online portal went live on the Department of Health and Human Services website at midnight on Wednesday to make the process easier.

But authorities remain unsure when the backlog of cases seeking re-entry will be cleared.

'This is work we'll be continuing to do over the coming days,' Mr Weimar told reporters.

'We have applications in that 3452 pile of people who are far less urgent, with them.'

NSW recorded zero new locally-acquired cases of Covid-19 on Thursday. But one case was uncovered on the Northern Beaches after the 8pm cut-off time.

Victoria also recorded no new locally acquired coronavirus cases, and none in hotel quarantine.
Protesters Break into Capitol, Forcing Suspension of Debate on Electoral Votes

Jan. 6 , 2021 (EIRNS)At approximately 2:15 p.m., disorder broke out in the House and the Senate, as a group of protesters, led by a violent minority, breached the surprisingly thin security perimeter around the Capitol and entered it.

Trump, encouraged by the cockamamie legal theories advanced by such members of his legal team as Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman, issued the following tweet at 2:24 p.m.: Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!

Over the ensuing three hours, there was chaos inside the building, reported use of tear gas, guns drawn by security personnel, emergency evacuation of congressmen and others to secure areas and undisclosed locations, but fortunately little or no additional violence. Eventually, additional law enforcement personnel were brought in, and the Capitol was secured, essentially by the time the 6 p.m. curfew began. (One protester died after reportedly being shot by police.)

Why sufficient security had not been pre-positioned to maintain the integrity of the Capitol beforehand, is a question which many are now asking. The related question under investigation is just who incited the violent breach of the Congress.

The breach of Congress, including the sight of a protester occupying the chair of the Senates presiding officer, was predictably used by the liberal media to accuse Trump of leading an insurrection and a virtual coup detat. Contrast this treatment to the way the media handled the Antifa-related violence that occurred in D.C. as guestsincluding federal lawmakersleft a White House event only to be surrounded by menacing peaceful protesters. Consider the explosives used against federal buildings and police stations in the Pacific Northwest.

Joe Biden delivered a televised message declaring that democracy was under unprecedented assault, and then laced his remarks with expressions such as this borders on sedition, the siege of the Congress, and this is insurrection, not protest.

But the mob having free rein in the Capitol for several hours, while providing shocking imagery, was not a coup. This intrusion could not change the outcome of the counting of the electoral votes, or who will officially become the President-elect when Congress concludes that task.

Cui bono? The violent breach of the Congress has apparently ensured that the additional planned congressional objections to the election fraud were dropped, which only serves to prevent the public from learning about specifics of vote fraud.

Todays events will be used to kick off a new round of attacks against Trump between now and Jan. 20, and to criminalize protest (but only protests not supported by those in charge) and to limit free speech rights. Already Wednesday afternoon, New York Times tech writer Sheera Frenkel has written an article entitled, The Storming of Capitol Hill Was Organized on Social Media, which she concludes with a quotation about the storming of the Capitol: This has been a striking repudiation of the idea that there is an online and an offline world and that what is said online is in some way kept online.
(Newser)  Disgraceful." Thats Boris Johnsons take on images of Trump supporters storming the US Capitol on Wednesday, according to the Guardian. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power, the UK prime minister tweeted. Other leaders around the world are expressing similar sentiments.

"Obviously we're concerned and were following the situation minute by minute. I think the American democratic institutions are strong, and hopefully everything will return to normal shortly," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a radio interview, per Reuters.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg calls the scenes coming out of Washington "shocking," tweeting, "The outcome of this democratic election must be respected."

"Horrible images from Washington DC," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a tweet, imploring Trump to "recognize Joe Biden as the next president today."

story continues below

Norwegian Prime Minster Erna Solberg tweeted that Trump has a "heavy responsibility" to quell the unrest, which came after the president encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol. "This is a totally unacceptable attack on democracy," she said.

"The Irish people have a deep connection with the United States of America, built up over many generations," Micheal Martin, Irelands prime minister, tweeted. "I know that many, like me, will be watching the scenes unfolding in Washington DC with great concern and dismay."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called the situation in DC "concerning," tweeting, "I'm confident American democracy will overcome this challenge. The rule of law & democratic procedures need to be restored as soon as possible. This is important not only for the U.S., but for Ukraine and the entire democratic world as well."

From Turkish state media Anadolu Agency: "Turkey invites all parties in US to use moderation, common sense to overcome this domestic political crisis."

(Read more Washington DC stories.)
Congress designated March as Irish-American Heritage Month in 1991 and the president issues a proclamation commemorating the occasion each year.

Originally a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century, St. Patricks Day has evolved into a celebration of all things Irish. The worlds first St. Patricks Day parade occurred on March 17, 1762, in New York City, featuring Irish soldiers who served in the English military. This parade became an annual event, with President Truman attending in 1948.

The following facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to U.S. Census Bureau surveys. We appreciate the publics cooperation as we continuously measure Americas people, places and economy.
"Viewers often say they cry, but because they are so inspired by the courage the students in the film demonstrate," says the film's director.

Intersectional and All-Inclusive

The film follows five students over three years, from Latino, Black, Asian, Native, and White American families in the military community. During a year of wide-reaching headlines of George Floyd, these families' multicultural stories of homelessness, poverty, life and death, and more give us a look into what it means to be a Person of Color, a caregiver, a veteran, and more.

The field film crew was 100% female, as was the composer of the original soundtrack and six original theme songs. The 48-piece orchestra was 86% diverse in gender and/or ethnicity, and was led by a seasoned conductor who also was a person of color. Finally, over 90% of the $1.5 million raised for the not-for-profit film went to diverse subcontractors.

Rare Congressional Bipartisan Support

Opening remarks will be delivered by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who along with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is among 10 bipartisan members of Congress supporting the film as Official Honorary Co-Chairs. "On behalf of the Congress, it is a privilege to thank the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the entire Sky Blossom team for shining a bright light on the struggles and sacrifice of our hidden heroes -- our military family caregivers," said the Speaker. "There is nothing partisan about fighting for the caregivers of our military."

Jean Tsien, an Executive Producer and recent winner of DOCNYC's Lifetime Achievement Award, whose editing credits include the 2001 Oscars nominee "Scottsboro: An American Tragedy," described the title's meaning: "Sky Blossom is from World War II, when troops would look up at the sky and say, 'Here come the Sky Blossoms,' describing paratroopers, rushing to their aid. This film shares a new generation answering that call to help."

Emmy-winning actor David Hyde Pierce, best known for his role as Dr. Niles Crane on NBC's Frasier will introduce the film. Pierce was amongst the documentary's Executive Producers. "There are more heroes per square inch in Sky Blossom than there were in Saving Private Ryan," said Pierce.

Following the screening, Voto Latino CEO and MSNBC News Contributor Maria Teresa Kumar will moderate an exclusive behind-the-scenes panel featuring Executive Producers Montel Williams and Jean Tsien, and Director Richard Lui.

Williams, a veteran and longtime talk show host, will also appear on the panel. "We talk about Greatest Generations -- this will end up being our next Greatest Generation, no question," he said of the students featured in the film.

Lui, an award-winning MSNBC/NBC News journalist is among the year's leading breakout documentary film directors. Lui says the film is inspired by his personal seven-year struggle of caregiving for his father, who is battling Alzheimer's. "This is a film made by caregivers, for caregivers. More than 80 percent of the team behind Sky Blossom, myself included, have had caregiving experiences. It's an experience that over 53 million Americans -- of all backgrounds, colors, class, and community, have gone through. The stories shared in Sky Blossom show this is a universal experience," said Lui.

Innovative Film Launch

The 92Y is amongst New York's preeminent community and cultural venues hosting discussions with leading newsmakers. In January, the 92Y will also host virtual panels featuring Fmr. FBI Director James Comey, actress Hailee Steinfeld, celebrity chef Jacques Pepin, and talk show host Andy Cohen.

The 92Y Special Event follows the world premiere at a star-studded November 11 drive-in screening at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It was the first of its kind in the venue's five-decade history. On the same night, in all 50 States, Community Partners AMC Theaters and Universal Pictures had a one night only screening. Upcoming virtual events include:

NEW YORK, NY : 92Y-hosted event featuring Speaker Nancy Pelosi , Montel Williams , Jean Tsien , David Hyde Pierce , and Richard Lui , moderated by Maria Teresa Kumar . LOS ANGELES, CA : A panel on women in film featuring members of the film's 100% female crew, hosted by Plan International USA and the International Collective of Female Cinematographers. BOSTON, MA : A panel open to Harvard University students on diversity and inclusion as part of a Harvard Crimson student newspaper speaker series. SAN FRANCISCO, CA : A panel hosted by UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism and San Francisco Independent Film Festival, with a discussion focused on the arts in film, specifically original soundtrack and themes, and animation as film artform and narrative tool.

A full listing of programming and registration information can be found at www.skyblossom.com/events . "This effort is one part of a larger community wanting to celebrate what they mean to the country's future, like those evening NYC salutes we did at 7 pm to honor care heroes. We will do the same at each of these events," says Lui.

Sky Blossom Title Sponsors include AARP, Alzheimer's Association, EMD Serono, Seniorlink, and Wallace H. Coulter Foundation, and in cooperation with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. The film is available in virtual cinema nationwide, hosted by the historic Laemmle Theater. Learn more at: skyblossom.com

Media Contacts:

Kathy Chow  [email protected]

Christine Dunn - [email protected]

David Magdael - [email protected]

SOURCE Sky Blossom Films

Related Links

https://skyblossom.com


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Former President George W. Bush issued a statement Wednesday evening as a pro-Donald Trump mob infiltrated the U.S. Capitol.

The 43rd President didnt call out anyone by name, but he did say he was appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders and blamed the riot on people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

The full statement read: Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our Nations government in disbelief and dismay. It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic  not our democratic republic. I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions and our law enforcement. The violent assault on the Capitol  and disruption of a Constitutionality-mandated meeting of Congress  was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes. Insurrection could do grave damage to our Nation and reputation. In the United States of America, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law. To those who are disappointed in the results of the election: Our county is more important than the politics of the moment. Let the officials elected by the people fulfill their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety. May God continue to bless the United States of America."

Bush has mostly stayed out of politics since leaving office when Barack Obama was inaugurated in January 2009, but he congratulated Joe Biden after November's election. In a statement after Biden's victory, Bush said the election was "fundamentally fair" and the "outcome is clear."

Every day Chef Sanjay Kumar Kashyap whipped up 30 fresh recipes for a vegetarian Thali-style Indian restaurant in southwest Houston. In a month, he prepared a whopping 900 different curries, dals, paneers, chutneys, flatbreads, desert dumplings and delicacies at the storefront eatery that prides itself on starting from scratch.

That was the executive chefs arduous routine before immigration officials denied his visa extension in December, saying Kashyaps job at Maharaja Bhog did not require specialized knowledge. Lawyers for the restaurant and chef diced up that conclusion in a federal lawsuit last week, calling the governments decision arbitrary and capricious since U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had already determined that Kashyap absolutely did have unique skills.

The Mumbai-based global hospitality company received official approval in 2017 to transfer him to its Houston subsidiary to execute dizzying, encyclopedic menus  minus the recipes  after hed completed a rigorous one-on-one training over two years, mastering the cooking styles of all 22 Indian states with an emphasis on the northwestern states of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Kashyap, a 34-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, is now barred from working in the restaurant and faces the prospect of detention and deportation.

Kashyap is one of a growing number of authorized nonimmigrants who were granted specialized work visas and later rejected for extensions under a collection of policies the American Immigration Lawyers Association refers to as Trumps invisible wall. There has been a 13 percent jump in these denials since 2016, although theres been a steady increase for a decade, according to a Cato Institute study of USCIS data.

The denial in the Houston case means that Maharaja Bhog, a sleek dining room in a strip mall between Sharpstown and the Beltway, has lost its star chef along with more than $250,000 in forfeited lease payments for a new restaurant set to debut in Dallas, according to court documents. Lawyers are seeking a temporary injunction so Kashyap can continue working and wont be at risk of deportation while he pursues a legal challenge.

His lawyer Merina Shakya, from Quan Law Group, said its likely theyll reopen Kashyaps visa renewal. They dont want to go in front of a judge with a case like this.

She said it goes against their own rules: They have a policy manual that says if the employee meets these factors you have to approve the petition.

Officials at USCIS declined to comment on this or any other pending case.

The policy shift can be traced to a 2017 memo that explicitly states the agency wouldnt give deference to its own prior decisions: USCIS is rescinding the policy of requiring officers to defer to prior determinations in petitions for extension of nonimmigrant status, it said, to protect the interests of U.S. workers. The agency began interpreting specialized knowledge more narrowly, said Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration law professor at Cornell University.

The change was very intentional on the governments part, he said.

The Trump administration has been unable to build a physical wall along the U.S.-Mexico border but it has effectively built an invisible wall against legal immigration, Yale-Loehr said. The endgame is deny, deny, deny or delay, delay, delay.

The L-1B international transfer visa for employees within a company is fairly hard to come by because it requires so much vetting. In most cases such visas are granted for people with scientific expertise, but sometimes they go to chefs or other professionals with training beyond academic scholarship, lawyers said. One well-known federal court challenge involves a Dallas chain that fought for visas for Brazilian steakhouse chefs, known as churrasqueiros, trained in traditional barbecue style of the Rio Grande do Su.

About 10,000 of these visas are granted each year. The Cato report says the number peaked at 84,532 before the recession in 2007.

Rejections of visa extensions for these workers have cropped up dozens of times in federal court, Yale-Loehr said. In many cases, the lawsuits are resolved quickly because the knee-jerk rejections are an embarrassment, according to several Houston immigration lawyers.

But its cumbersome and costly to go to court over a visa denial.

Magali Suarez Candler, a veteran immigration lawyer in Houston, said suing the government is a very effective strategy to combat these denials.

Candler is not involved in the chefs lawsuit but after reviewing court documents for the Houston Chronicle, Candler said she thinks Kashyap and the restaurant have a very strong case. The facts that earned him a visa have not changed, the law has not changed and his company provided all the evidence again and again to meet each and every requirement, she said.

These blanket rejections are baffling, she said.

The reality is that these situations are happening in the first place because USCIS stopped giving deference to their prior decisions, and treating each extension as if it were a first-time application, she said.

People have to jump through the hoops to get the visa in the first place, but reapproving it shouldnt be a big deal. Its a waste of government time and the companies time, Candler said.

Sunil Srivastava, a native of Rajasthan who owns the upscale Verandah Indian restaurant on Kirby, said this cuisine requires understanding spice combinations, textures, temperatures and cooking techniques for each region.

To make a perfect biriyani, people take years and they still cannot do it, he said.

You just cannot pick up anybody from the street and say do this, said Srivastava. Its not a McDonalds that you have to flip burgers, but creating a burger, creating a recipe that takes knowledge.

Srivastava said USCIS turned down a second renewal for a chef whod been with him at another restaurant who had previously qualified for an initial extension on another specialized visa, H-B1. He likened losing the chef  who had to leave the country  to losing an arm.

This man worked six years with me, understanding U.S. ingredients and keeping the tradition of India alive, he said. It takes a huge toll on an organization when they lose a chef like that.

But Srivastava took the case to federal court and won. He got his chef back.

We proved the case because he has the skills, Srivastava said. It was toughwhat happened to him  there has to be some understanding in this system.

As for Kashyaps cooking, the Chronicles restaurant critic Alison Cook, who previously rated Maharaja Bhog among her Top 100, said the chef is exactly the kind of person we need here and sees the denial of a visa as a loss to Houston.

I remember thinking, wow, this is something really different for Houston on my first visit to Maharaja Bhog, she said.

Thats the kind of thing that keeps a food writer going, so the fact that my government is trying to kick out the restaurants highly skilled executive chef is very discouraging to me.

Alison Cook contributed to this story.
Editor

Zaldy Dandan is the recipient of the Best Editorial Writer Award of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the CNMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His three books are available on amazon.com
HUNTER  Skiers across the Northeast were shocked this week to learn that the Hunter Mountain resort was closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, with its owners pointing to COVID-19 among ski patrollers as the reason.

But the closure also comes amid what insiders said was an unprecedented spate of retirements and resignations by Hunters large, longtime corps of volunteer ski patrollers who have grown disillusioned by the resorts new owner, the Colorado-based Vail Resorts, which has cut back on the benefits given to patrollers such as free passes for their families.

The shortfall in ski patrollers points to one of several trends sweeping through the ski industry including the rise of corporate ownership and a graying population of largely weekend patrollers.

All of this comes amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has ski centers operating at greatly reduced capacity, kept some skiers and boarders home and made it doubly difficult to retain employees of any kind.

Ski patrollers are essential to a resorts ability to operate. They assist people who are injured or may simply be frightened or overwhelmed by a steep slope. And in the rare event in which a lift stalls or breaks down, patrollers evacuate or bring people down safely from the chairlifts.

Hunters closure was first revealed on social media including a Jan. 5 Facebook post that said, The safety of our employees and guests is our top priority and we will always ensure that we have sufficient safety personnel available for mountain operations prior to opening. Unfortunately, this morning at Hunter Mountain, a number of ski patrollers excluded out of work relating to COVID-19 and as such we will not be opening the mountain.

The news prompted an avalanche of vitriol against the mountains management on social media sites.

Hunters owner, Vail Resorts, did not respond to several Times Union emails and requests for more details.

But a number of Vail employees, including several patrol members at other company-owned resorts in Vermont said that

two full-time paid patrollers at Hunter tested positive for COVID-19. As a precaution, several others also had to quarantine for two weeks.

Normally, management could backfill those spots with volunteers.

But that didnt happen this week, with many of the volunteers either saying they were retired or wouldnt come in. According to the patrollers who contacted the Times Union and asked to remain anonymous, that was predictable given how many volunteer patrollers were no longer coming to the resort on a regular basis.

That, they said was due to a decision by Vail this year to end the benefit package that gave patrol members free passes for family members and friends as well as occasional free days for themselves.

Ending that benefit prompted many volunteer patrollers, including people who drive to either the Catskills or Vermont from places like New Jersey, Connecticut or New York City on weekends, to conclude that it was no longer worth the effort.

We volunteer to help, said one patroller who works weekends at a Vail-owned resort in Vermont. The last thing we want to do is see our resort go down the tubes or see someone get hurt and not get help.

The focus on eliminating a free-pass benefit came as a shock, they said, and represented a lack of respect for their work.

It was surprising when Vail said they were taking away what we had in the past, said the patroller who added one company official at a Vermont property told patrol members there that weve had it too good for too long. The free-pass benefit also was eliminated at Vail's Vermont properties Mount Snow and Okemo.

Hunter has about 55 volunteer patrollers and 27 full-timers, according to the National Ski Patrol, an umbrella organization that sets the extensive training and performance standards for patrollers.

Ownership by Vail Resorts, a public traded company that is now the world leader in the ski business, also appears off-putting to some.

It was not surprising Hunters patrol director cant find enough volunteers willing to take a day off from their real jobs to get Vail (Resorts) out of the pinch, one patroller said in an email.

Certainly, Vail Resorts is a different animal from Hunters founders, the late Orville and Izzy Slutzky, the sons of Jewish immigrants from Ukraine who operated a nearby dairy farm and guest house.

The brothers operated a construction company in town. Hoping to bring winter tourists to the area, and bolstered by financing they got from Broadway show people, they bulldozed and dynamited the mountain into a ski resort in the 1950s. They went on to pioneer extensive snowmaking as well as an array of promotional gimmicks that drew droves of skiers from downstate.

The brothers, who worked at the area almost until their deaths at 96 and 92, sold Hunter to the Peak Resorts company in 2015. Peak was acquired by Vail in 2019.

Several insiders noted that the Slutzky brothers inserted into the original sale agreement the gifting of lifetime ski passes to longtime patrollers. Those passes are still used, but many of those patrollers are retired or have passed away as well.

As of late Wednesday, it wasnt clear what day Hunter would re-open.

As much as they want to open I know they want to operate safely, said Hunter town Supervisor Daryl Legg. They are being very, very cautious. They dont want to see anybody get sick.

rkarlin@timesunion.com  518-454-5758  @RickKarlinTU
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  The four Republicans in Minnesotas congressional delegation were split on whether to certify President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the Electoral College.

But they remained silent Thursday on whether President Donald Trump and other GOP leaders bear any blame for the violence at the U.S. Capitol that interrupted the proceedings.

Minnesota Democrats held little back on a day when top Democratic leaders called for Trumps removal from office.

Rep. Dean Phillips implored Congress to stay in session to consider impeaching Trump or invoking the Constitution's 25th Amendment to remove him.

He also demanded the ouster of those responsible for the security failure at the Capitol.

Season 4 of The Crown put the late Princess Diana in the spotlight, as the fictional series about the reign of Queen Elizabeth headed into the 1980s. According to royal experts, the Netflix series did take some artistic license with Prince Charles and Dianas relationship. However, it did get one thing right about Her Majesty.

The cast of season 4 of The Crown | David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage

A former royal chef says the first three seasons of The Crown were more accurate

Darren McGrady was a personal chef to the royal family for 15 years. For four of those years, he specifically oversaw Charles and Dianas meals. After watching the first four seasons of The Crown, McGrady says that seasons 1 through 3 were much more historically accurate than season 4.

According to OK! Magazine, McGrady noted that the couples relationship was not as contentious as season 4 portrayed. He accused the producers of the series of taking artistic license.

You see them in Australia sort of arguing and fighting, but, you know, they were happy there, he said, referring to the pairs tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1983.

McGrady added that The Crown did not correctly depict Charles and Dianas interaction at the royal familys annual Ghillies Ball.

I remember standing there watching Prince Charles and Princess Diana dancing together, and they were spinning and spinning, and the princess loved to dance, McGrady recalled. So she took advantage and she was spinning the prince faster, and then he was laughing louder and louder. And when I see The Crown and see that and think, You dont know the whole truth.'

The Netflix series got one thing right about Queen Elizabeth

According to McGrady, The Crown may not have depicted Charles and Dianas relationship accurately. But he says they did get one thing right about Queen Elizabeth  she loves poached salmon.

The queen loved poached salmon, absolutely she did, McGrady noted, before adding that Diana definitely didnt. The chef says that he once informed a charity that Diana was dining with that the princess loved poached salmon. However, the news made it to chefs in other kitchens, and everyone started serving Diana the dish everywhere she went.

RELATED: Queen Elizabeth Is a Chocoholic But Dont Touch Your Dessert Before She Does

He recalled that about four weeks later, Diana came into the kitchen and asked him what was for lunch. Thats when McGrady told her that lunch was almost ready.

She said, Oh, please tell me its not poached salmon. What is it right now? Everywhere you go, everyone is serving poached salmon! And I suddenly thought, Oh my gosh, theyre telling everyone poached salmon,' McGrady told Us Weekly.

The Crown also got one thing wrong about Queen Elizabeth

One episode in season 4 of The Crown is devoted to Queen Elizabeths meetings with all of her children, trying to decide her favorite. However, royal author Sally Bedell Smith says this was a complete fabrication. Smith told USA Today that this proves the writers of The Crown dont understand Her Majesty.

The Queen meeting with her children to discover her favorite is a complete fabrication. It is utterly out of character for the Queen to do anything remotely like that and shows how little the writers of The Crown understand her, Smith said. It has long been speculated that Andrew is her favorite child, with no evidence.

Smith added that the queens cousin, Lady Patricia Mountbatten, told her that if Her Majesty privately favored any child, it was Prince Edward. Queen Elizabeth is extremely close to Edward and his wife, Sophie. The royal historian claims that this is because he is most like the queen in temperament and character.

Smith also noted that Queen Elizabeth regarded Edward as her ewe lamb and she gave him an extra measure of love and warmth when he was a child.

Seasons 1 through 4 of The Crown are available on Netflix.
An appellate court has ordered lawyers for a Washington state county and its deputy sheriff to pay more than $56,000 in attorney fees and costs for filing frivolous appeals in a federal civil-rights case filed by the family of a man shot by a deputy while wielding a ballpoint pen.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sanctioned the attorneys for King County and Deputy Sheriff Cesar Molina after they filed multiple impractical appeals in a case filed by the family of Tommy Lee, The Seattle Times reported Thursday.

Le, 20, who was under the influence of hallucinogens on the night before his high-school graduation in June 2017, reportedly ran at deputies who had responded to a report of a disoriented man, possibly armed with a knife or sharp object, authorities said.

Molina was the third deputy to arrive and, according to his sworn deposition and court documents, confronted and shot Le after he and another deputy unsuccessfully tried to incapacitate him with a stun gun. The King County sheriffs office initially reported Le had attacked deputies and was shot in self-defense. An autopsy and investigation showed Le was shot in the back, court records said.

The sheriffs Force Review Board concluded the shooting was justified. However, an external review found the investigation did not explore inconsistencies in the evidence.

Philip Talmadge, one of the familys attorneys and a former state Supreme Court justice, on Thursday accused the county of filing the appeal to delay taking the case to trial.

Hopefully, the countys leadership and its attorneys will get the message that its time to resolve the case of Tommy Les unjustified shooting, he said.

King County has denied the appeal was a delay tactic and pointed out that the extra time gave Les attorneys an opportunity to add an additional negligent claim.

Under the ruling, the attorneys for Les family, Talmadge, Jeff Campiche and Philip Arnold would receive $56,752.60 for their work to oppose the appeals. Les attorneys originally asked for $87,000.

King County and Molinas private attorney Timothy Gosselin must determine who pays what, because they are both jointly responsible for the full amount.

Gosselin did not respond to emails sent Wednesday and Friday seeking comment.

Emails seeking comment from lawyers in the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office Civil Division went unanswered. Casey McNerthney, a spokesman for King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, said he reached out to the offices Civil Division on Thursday but did not have comment.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Washington
WHAT: As technology continues to connect and transform the world, leaders in the innovation economy are also harnessing the power of technology to address global challenges. Returning to CES for their fifth consecutive year, The Kingdom of the Netherlands is proud to present the Netherlands (NL Tech) Pavilion, a dedicated, virtual space intended to foster collaboration, broker valuable partnerships, and introduce groundbreaking NL Tech Solutions for Global Challenges. Poised to help change the world for the better, the interactive, virtual NL Tech Pavilion features 90+ startups and scale-ups aimed at solving global challenges across a wide berth of tech categories. Equally important, the NL Tech Pavilion also includes advanced materials and technology that not only performs independent functions, but also enables other technology in an interconnected ecosystem, all working together to deliver lasting economic, environmental and social impact.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands invites press, investors and potential business partners to join the opening of the interactive, virtual Netherlands Pavilion on Monday, January 11, 2021 at CES, the global stage for innovation. Preview the 90+ startups and scale-ups participating in the CES 2021 Netherlands delegation here.

WHEN: Live streaming on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 10 a.m. US Eastern Standard Time

WHERE: The interactive, virtual Netherlands Pavilion. To access the live stream, click here.

DETAILS: The global, live online opening of the interactive Netherlands Pavilion will feature an all-star lineup, including:



Esteemed opening remarks from His Royal Highness Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands and Mona Keijzer, State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy;

Executive remarks from top CTA leadership, Gary Shapiro, Consumer Technology Association (CTA) president and CEO and Karen Chupka, executive vice president, CES, in their first CES 2021 appearance;

A lively showcase of groundbreaking NL Tech pioneers, Tover, an evidence-based game-system that improves the quality of life of dementia patients, and Qblox, a company pushing quantum technology to support scientists and institutions worldwide with scalable, low-latency qubit control equipment, along with a special guest from Microsoft;

An exclusive preview of an ambitious global initiative: The Netherlands CES Innovation Roadshow, which will make virtual stops at innovation hubs in Berlin, Boston, Istanbul, London, New Delhi, Paris, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Stockholm, Taipei, Tel Aviv and Tokyo.

Following the Netherlands Pavilion kickoff celebration, interested parties are invited to participate in a complementary, virtual VC roundtable of US-based venture capitalists of US-based venture capitalists, hosted by Silicon Valley Bank and the Netherlands Consulate General in San Franciscos Holland in the Valley Network.

To stay up-to-date on the Netherlands Pavilion announcements and news at CES, please follow @NLNetherlands on Twitter. Contact NLatCES2021@wearemgp.com to set up a meeting with the companies in the CES 2021 Netherlands Pavilion or access the press kit here.

About The Netherlands in the USA

The Netherlands ranks fourth on the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Index, ranks in the top five of the Global Innovation Index for most innovative economy, and has continuously ranked as one of the top four foreign investors in the US for multiple years. More than 825K jobs in the United States are the result of the strong economic relations with the Netherlands. Through Holland in the Valley, the Dutch ecosystem in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Consulate General of the Netherlands in San Francisco empowers Dutch entrepreneurs and talent to innovate and scale in the US by offering a network, content and programs. Learn more at https://nlintheusa.com.

All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.
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By Itohan Abara-Laserian

The board of Access Bank Plc on Wednesday announced complete acquisition of Cavmont Bank Ltd by its Zambian subsidiary, Access Bank (Zambia) Ltd.

Mr Sunday Ekwochi, the bank's Company Secretary, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Ekwochi said the acquisition was completed after the bank fulfilled the key conditions, including regulatory approvals.

The merger of Cavmont into Access Bank Zambia is expected to take place before the end of January.

Following which Access Bank Zambia will emerge as a stronger well-capitalised banking franchise with improved scale and capacity to deliver sustainable and best-in-class financial services in the Zambian market, he said.

According to him, the bank looks forward to realising the synergies from the transaction and achieving further growth of the combined platform to the benefit of all stakeholders.

Growing our presence in Zambia remains a strategic priority for Access Bank and with the conclusion of the proposed merger with Cavmont, the bank looks forward to realising the synergies from the transaction, he added. (NAN)
Premier Brian Pallister wants to reopen Manitobas economy by easing COVID-19 restrictions on businesses as soon as the end of this month the Free Press has learned.

Premier Brian Pallister wants to reopen Manitobas economy by easing COVID-19 restrictions on businesses as soon as the end of this month the Free Press has learned.

On Wednesday, the premier pulled back about easing restrictions, a week after stating the rules would almost certainly be relaxed. But senior government sources say Pallister remains "headstrong" about forging ahead with relaxing the rules quickly.

On Dec. 30, Pallister said Manitobans "lessened our personal freedom to save lives" under code-red restrictions, which have been in place since Nov. 12.

"Were going to be floating ideas we think should happen with easing restrictions, but I cant speak to what Dr. (Brent) Roussin and what Dr. (Jazz) Atwal will say to that yet."

Pallister has repeatedly said the economy, which helps fund health and social programs, is suffering, and that must be taken into account.

"So we need to make sure were doing everything we can to move into an open economy as soon as we possibly can," he said Wednesday.

Speaking to the Free Press on the condition they not be named, three Tory officials said the premier has his sights set on moving all of Manitoba from a critical code red lockdown to less strident code orange limitations by the beginning of February.

It would mean most businesses would be allowed to reopen with limited capacity (including hair salons, restaurants and clothing retailers), while indoor and outdoor gatherings of up 10 people will also be permitted.

"(Pallister) told us his idea of a benchmark for when restrictions should be eased is around a 100 or so daily cases  maybe even 180," a government official with knowledge of the Tories planning said Wednesday. "But more than that, a lot of it has to do with the pressure that hes been facing from commerce and business groups."

"I think he believes we might not have to dedicate so many resources to rescue businesses if they were allowed to at least somewhat reopen," another senior Tory member told the Free Press.

When Manitoba phased out pandemic restrictions after the first wave of the coronavirus in the spring, the province had around 40 active cases with a single-digit increase per day or no increase at all in May.

"This time, everything is really quite different," said Cynthia Carr, an epidemiologist in Winnipeg. "We now have the realistic threat of a new strain, and even if a vaccine is providing good news, its certainly not enough to quickly ease restrictions and neither do we know for sure whether it will be effective against the new COVID strain detected in other provinces."

Carr said the province should not take a risky approach after "finally having a somewhat handle" on daily COVID-19 cases.

"Let public health guide economic and social policy because the way to have a healthy economy is by having healthy people, and were the ones that know the risk of a symptomatic spread," she said. "Period."

Business leaders, however, would welcome a lifting of some restrictions.

"As long as its safe and as long its achievable, of course thats all we could want for our business community," said Loren Remillard, president of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

"Its definitely been a significant period since weve locked down completely," he said. "But now theres enough research which shows how to find a sweet spot for reopening, and I think we should be looking at that for a realistic future of our economy surviving."

Jonathan Alward, Prairies director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said the provincial government must continue to support local businesses regardless of restrictions.

"Reopening as quickly as possible is a make-or-break situation for many sectors," said Alward. "That doesnt mean they wont need support even after theyre allowed to reopen  a capacity limit is a capacity limit."

Thats certainly the case for Sam Rivait and Cait Bousfields new barbershop on Osborne Street. "At this point, weve been out of business for months and months now," said hair stylist Rivait, who co-owns Good Fortune.

"Weve been getting message after message about the effect of not getting a haircut for all these months on people  its all so completely draining," she said.

Still, public health officials arent keen on the idea of reopening. Manitoba health leaders believe pandemic restrictions cannot be eased until test-positivity rates drop, hospitalization numbers decrease, and daily case counts decline.

"Its premature right now to determine any changes to our restrictions," Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, said Monday.

The provinces acting deputy public health officer echoed those statements Wednesday.

"Todays numbers are a bit higher," Dr. Jazz Atwal said, announcing 10 more virus-related deaths and 176 new cases. "But those restrictions in place have made a difference and are continuing to make a difference."

Atwal said its too early to relay the full impact the holiday season will have on COVID-19 metrics.

Twitter: @temurdur

temur.durrani@freepress.mb.ca
The African Development Bank Group has announced the appointment of directors-general for the East, Central and Southern Africa regions and deputy general for the East, Central, Northern, Southern and West Africa regions.

Serge NGuessan, Director General, Central Africa Region

As Director-General, Central Africa, Mr NGuessan will drive and ensure the operational efficiency, effectiveness and overall health of the Banks portfolio across the Central Africa Region. He will also spearhead regional business development and investment, driving resource mobilization across the countries under his remit and growing the business of the Bank significantly.

Mr NGuessan, a Canadian citizen, is a professional with over 30 years of experience in international development and portfolio management, who has held important representation roles within the Bank for almost 10 years.

He has been the Deputy Director-General, West Africa, since September 2018, where he built an effective and motivated team, working in the spirit of One Bank and improved the work processes in the Regional Office. Serge has been instrumental over the last 10 years in enhancing policy dialogue, socio-economic reforms, resource mobilization and co-financing capacity, and aid coordination and effectiveness by strengthening the Banks collaboration with its technical and financial partners and with the private sector. Serge held the position of Country Manager, Senegal Country Office, from October 2017 to August 2018. He was previously Resident Representative for the Banks Office in Togo as of October 2011. He successfully opened, in January 2012, the first Country Office in Togo, a Fragile State, and he managed the operational functions of the Bank in Togo and, since 2013, in Benin.

Mr NGuessan joined the Bank in 2000 as Senior Architect/Implementation Specialist, in the Human Development Department. He was subsequently assigned to the Governance and Financial Management Department, where he held the positions of Principal Procurement Specialist prior to his appointment as Chief Governance Specialist in 2008.

Before joining the Bank, he managed the International Projects Division of OMIRA Inc., a Canadian Company (1996-2000). Between 1992 and 1996, he was Chief Project Manager of Dirigo Land & Livestock, an American Company based in Denver, Colorado.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr NGuessan said: I am very pleased to be able to lead the Banks teams and activities in Central Africa (Cameroon, CAR, Congo, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon,) to accelerate the implementation of the High 5 and President Adesinas vision reiterated for his second mandate to effectively transform the lives of people in this region in a positive and sustainable way for the development of Africa.

He holds a Ph.D. in Regional and Urban Planning from the Universite de Montreal (Canada), a Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado, of Denver (USA), as well as a Diplome dIngenieur de Genie Civil from Ecole Nationale Superieure des Travaux Publics of Yamoussoukro (Cote dIvoire).

Commenting on the appointment, President Adesina said: Serge is a seasoned professional with a solid track record. His hands-on experience and his capacity to deliver will be an asset in supporting transformation and integration in the region.

Nnenna Lily Nwabufo, Director General, East Africa Region

As Director-General, East Africa, Ms Nwabufo will be responsible for leading and advancing the Bank Groups strategic objective of achieving significant and transformational developmental impact in thirteen countries in East Africa by ensuring operational efficiency, effectiveness and an overall healthy portfolio in the region. Specifically, she will lead high-level dialogues at country and regional levels and across Bank sector complexes as well as oversee the full implementation and integration of all aspects of the Banks work in the region. She will also spearhead regional business development and investment, and foster resource mobilization efforts across the countries in the region to ensure focused growth of the Banks sovereign and non-sovereign operations.

A Nigerian citizen, Ms Nwabufo is a versatile and seasoned executive with over 30 years professional experience in treasury and financial management, budget programming, planning and performance management, human resource and corporate services management, and country/regional operations.

She joined the Banks Treasury Department in 1991 where she worked at different professional levels for over a decade. Subsequently, she took on progressive management level responsibilities including, Manager in the General Services and Procurement Department from March 2007, Director of Programming and Budget Department in January 2013, Acting Director, Human Resource Management Department and Acting Vice President for Corporate Services from May 2015 to May 2016. She was on a special assignment to lead the Banks Annual Meetings preparation team from June 2016 until her appointment as Deputy Director-General, East Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office in January 2017. She was appointed the Acting Director-General for the region effective 1st October 2019.

Before joining the African Development Bank in August 1991, Ms Nwabufo worked as a Treasury Management Expert in two merchant banks in Nigeria rising to become the Treasury Manager of one of them.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: I am very pleased to be appointed by President Adesina as the Director-General for the Banks East Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office and to support his vision for the continent. I have no doubt that working together with all internal and external stakeholders, we can make a difference and bring much-needed development to East African citizens.

Ms Nwabufo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Lagos, Nigeria and a Master of Business Administration from Henley Management College, Henley on Thames, United Kingdom.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Adesina said: I am delighted to appoint Nnenna as the Director-General for East Africa. Her vast experience and solid track-record in strategic functions across the Bank attest to her capacity to effectively lead the team to rise up to the development challenges and ensure continued development impact to improve the lives of Africans in the East Africa region.

Leila Farah Mokadem, Director General, Southern Africa Region

As Director-General, Southern Africa, Ms Mokadem will drive high-level dialogue and Banks operations, ensuring the Bank operates efficiently, effectively and successfully in the relevant countries, within the region. She will lead and monitor adaptation to specific requirements of individual countries/operations with greater efficiency, cost-effectiveness and value addition in the use of resources, with downstream gains for Regional Member Countries, and the private sector in the Southern Africa Region.

Ms Mokadem, a Tunisian national, is a seasoned professional in International Finance. She has over 25 years of experience with multilateral development banks and international institutions.

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She joined the Bank in September 2002 and was appointed as Country Manager for Morocco in 2017. Prior to this appointment, she was the Resident Representative of the Bank in Egypt from 2014 to 2017 and Regional Resident Representative from February 2010 to December 2013, based in Dakar, Senegal. In these capacities, she successfully led the Banks strategic engagements and partnerships as well as high-level dialogue and operations.

Prior to her assignments in country offices, Ms Mokadem held the position of Manager, Financial Institutions Division in the Banks Private Sector Department at Headquarters, where she designed innovative financial solutions for Africa, including the African SME Guarantee Fund, AfDB Trade Finance Initiative and the Women in Business Initiative. Leila managed multibillion investment portfolios in over 35 African countries, particularly in the private, infrastructure and financial services sectors. Leila also served as Board member at the Ouest African Development Bank (BOAD) and Advans Holding (Microfinance). She is currently serving as alternate Board member of the Afreximbank.

Before joining the Bank, she was long-term fiscal advisor to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from August 1996 to December 1999. She started her career at the Ministry of Economy in Tunisia.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Mokadem said: Its a great opportunity to work under the leadership of President Adesina, supporting his vision and the implementation of Africas development agenda while strengthening the Banks engagement in the Southern Africa Region.

She holds a Diploma in Finance from the Institut des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) of Carthage, Tunisia and a masters degree in International Trade from the Institute of High-level Management (Institut Superieur de Gestion), Tunisia.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Adesina said: For my second term as President of the African Development Bank, I have prioritized the support, stabilization and strengthening of African economies to get back on a stronger pathway of economic growth and resilience. Leila will support my vision and drive to build a stronger development impact of Banks operations and advisory support in Southern Africa Region. She is a highly respected professional, with a solid track record in leading Banks strategic engagements in our Regional Members Countries.

Solomane Kone, Deputy Director-General, Central Africa Region

Mr Kone, a national of Cote dIvoire, has been Acting Director-General for the Central Africa Region since January 2020, as well as Country Manager for the African Development Banks Office in Cameroon. In these capacities, he was involved in high-level strategic country and regional dialogue with different stakeholders, governments, and other development partners, including co-financing arrangements and donor coordination particularly in the context of the Regional Economic and Financial Reform Program of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (PREF-CEMAC). He helped to grow the Banks business and supervise the performance of the portfolio in Cameroon, which is the largest in Central Africa (35 operations for about USD 3.1 billion).

Mr Kone joined the Bank in January 2003 as a Country Economist in the Central Africa Region, before moving to the West Africa Region and the Governance Department. He later on held several senior and managerial positions such as Lead Economist for the Regional Department East 2, from November 2009  July 2012, Acting Regional Director for OREB from July 2012  October 2013, Advisor to the Vice-President Country and Regional Programs (ORVP) and Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery (RDVP) from November 2013  September 2017.

Prior to joining the Bank, he had accumulated more than 10 years of relevant research, strategic and policy analysis experience as a lead consultant, researcher and policy analyst in various academic, national and international institutions, including Cornell University Food and Nutrition Policy Program, the Ivorian Center for Economic and Social Research, the ILO, the OECD Development Centre, and the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), where he was instrumental in developing forecasting, simulation and econometric models to guide macroeconomic and monetary policy and regional programs in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). He authored and co-authored numerous publications and reports on regional development, industrial policy, the impact of fiscal and monetary policy, the adequate level of foreign reserves, as well as poverty analysis using Social Accounting Matrix. He has also taught high-level macroeconomic policies, econometrics and quantitative methods at West African Center for Banking and Financial Studies of BCEAO and Cornell University.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Kone said: I am honored by this mark of confidence from President Adesina. I am determined to help provide the necessary leadership on the ground for the delivery of his vision and ambition at this critical time for our economies.

He holds a masters degree in regional planning and a PhD in Development Economics and Planning from Cornell University in the United States, obtained in 1990 and 1993 respectively.

Commenting on the appointment, President Adesina said: Solomane is a seasoned economist and well-respected professional, with a deep knowledge and experience in developing and managing regional and country strategies and operations. His experience as Country Manager and his track record in building partnerships and providing leadership will be critical in the transformation agenda of the Bank in the region.

Abdul B. Kamara, Deputy Director-General, East Africa Region

Mr Kamara, a citizen of Sierra Leone, is currently the African Development Bank Groups Country Manager for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Mr Kamara is a development economist with over two decades of experience in development policy research, development financing and policy work on Africas economic transformation and development. He has worked as a joint Research Associate of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington DC and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Addis Ababa (19971999), and as Assistant Professor at the University of Gottingen, Germany (19992000).

He joined the Bank in 2004 and has served as Senior Agricultural Economist (20042007); as Manager of the Research Division (20072010), and for seven years as Resident Representative for Sudan (20112017) where he was also responsible for South Sudan until 2013. He was Assistant Secretary-General at the United Nations for one year (20142015), serving as Deputy Joint Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in charge of the Darfur Mission. In 2017, President Adesina appointed him as Country Manager for Ethiopia, where he currently manages the Banks USD1.63 billion portfolio.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: I am delighted to take this responsibility, entrusted in me by President Adesina, to serve as Deputy Director-General in a region I am very versed with, having served the Bank effectively for the past 10 years in this region.

Mr Kamara holds a Bachelor of Science (Vordiplom) in Agriculture General and an MSc (cum laude) in Agricultural Economics, both from the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany, and an award-winning PhD (cum laude) in Agricultural and Development Economics from the University of Gottingen in Germany.

Commenting on the appointment, President Adesina said: Abdul is a well-rounded professional with valuable policy, research and operational experiences suitable for this role. His in-depth knowledge of the region and solid track record of superior field-level delivery and excellent managerial skills will help the Bank accelerate delivery on its vision and mandate in East Africa.

Malinne Blomberg, Deputy Director-General, North Africa Region

Ms Blomberg, a Swedish citizen, is a seasoned finance professional with solid experience in developing strategies, providing advisory services, and executing operations for results in both the public and private sectors.

She has over 15 years of experience in development finance, gained largely from serving the Bank since 2008 when she joined the Water and Sanitation Department as Financial Management Specialist and later was in charge of its Division covering West and Central Africa. In-between she also worked in the Agriculture and Agribusiness Department, focusing on climate finance. She brings extensive hands-on experience from working across the continent including fragile states, in terms of business development and dialogue, resources mobilization, identifying and structuring innovative investment projects and other initiatives, as well as promoting private sector participation with a focus on infrastructure sectors.

She is currently the Banks Country Manager for Egypt, where she has been leading the Banks operations since 2017.

Before joining the Bank, Ms Blomberg worked for Arthur Andersen Business Consulting in the UK and on assignments in other financial hubs of the world as Manager in the Financial Services Industry up to 2001. From 2003 to 2007, she served as Financial and Institutional Advisor in the Government of Uganda, in the Ministry of Water and Environment, supporting national efforts to strengthen institutional effectiveness and fund utilization, and managing the ministrys multi-donor trust funds.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: I am very grateful for this expanded mandate that allows me to deepen the Banks partnership with its clients and expand operations across North Africa  a region with tremendous opportunities that is undergoing fast-paced transformation.

She holds an MBA from IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland and an MSc in Economic and International Business from University of Linkoping, Sweden.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Adesina said: During my second term as President of the African Development Bank, I will continue to strengthen the Banks delivery on the ground, and to accelerate the socio-economic transformation of our continent. Malinne brings the drive and experience from both the public and private sectors, needed to bring together various stakeholders to scale up our impact in North Africa. She is a highly respected professional, with a solid track record in development finance.

Kennedy K. Mbekeani, Deputy Director-General, Southern Africa Region

Mr Mbekeani, a Malawian citizen, is a seasoned development economist with over 20 years of senior level country and regional experience in development finance, project management, policy advisory services, and knowledge generation.

He joined the Bank in 2009 as Chief Trade and Regional Integration Officer. He provided leadership in formulating the Banks trade assistance strategy to regional economic communities and on policy research on international trade, economic integration and development.

He was Lead Regional Economist (2012-2014) at the South African Resource Centre. He later served as Officer in Charge and Acting Regional Director of the Banks South African Resource Centre in South Africa (2014-2016) where he led the largest syndicated A/B Loan arranged in Africa to-date. He was appointed Officer in Charge of the African Development Banks Ghana Country Office in February 2017. In September 2017, African Development Bank President, Akinwumi A. Adesina, appointed him as Country Manager, Uganda Country Office where he grew the portfolio to over USD 2 billion.

Before joining the Bank, Mr Mbekeani worked for the UNDP as a Trade, Debt and Globalisation Advisor for East and Southern Africa. Prior to that he worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis, and as Senior Economist at the National Institute for Economic Policy in South Africa.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: I am pleased to work with President Adesina to support execution of his vision for the Bank and the continent and accelerate delivery on the High 5s.

Mr Mbekeani holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of Malawi, MPhil (Monetary Economics) from the University of Glasgow, MA and a PhD in International Economics from the University of California. He has published on trade, regional integration, and infrastructure development in Africa.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Adesina said: Kennedy is a rounded professional, with broad experience in international development. His capacity to deliver in various areas will help to build strong partnerships in the region and to promote both private and public sectors operations.

Joseph Martial Ribeiro, Deputy Director-General, West Africa Region

A Cape Verdean national, Joseph Martial Ribeiro is currently Manager of the African Development Bank Group for the Angola Country Office, which also covers Sao Tome and Principe.

Mr Ribeiro is an experienced international development practitioner with in-depth knowledge of the key issues of decentralisation, privatisation and public-private partnerships. He is a seasoned professional in the evaluation and management of development projects.

Prior to joining the AfDB, he worked as a consulting engineer, particularly in the areas of water and sanitation, and has extensive experience in university education in Canada and Senegal, as well as solid experience in academic and industrial research. He joined the Bank in 2000 and has served as Senior Irrigation Specialist (2000-2005), Procurement Specialist (2005-2009), Representative for Angola (2009-2011), Resident Representative for Mozambique (2011-2017) and Country Manager for Angola and Sao Tome and Principe (2017-Present).

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Ribeiro said: I am very honoured by the trust that President Adesina has placed in me through this prestigious appointment. I am delighted to take on this responsibility as Deputy Director-General in the West Africa Region, which affords numerous opportunities to deliver the High 5s sustainably and effectively.

He holds a PhD in Hydrology from the Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal (Canada), an MBA from the University of Cumbria (UK), a degree in Political Science from the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies (UK) and a Design Engineering Certificate in Civil Engineering from the Ecole Polytechnique de Thies (Senegal).

Commenting on the appointment, President Adesina said: Joseph has successfully represented the Bank in three Portuguese-speaking regional member countries, in addition to being an accomplished professional with strong political acumen and managerial skills. His experience in the field and his in-depth knowledge of public development projects and public-private partnerships will greatly contribute to the success of the Banks operations in West Africa.
Iran has signaled it has no intention to negotiate the release of the South Koran fuel tanker that the Iranian military seized earlier this week in the Strait of Hormuz.

Korean media quoted a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry that said there was agreement on "any form of visit" by Korean government officials and that "There is no need for a diplomatic visit," the Chosun Ilbo reported.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps of Iran seized Korean-flagged Hankuk Chemi earlier this week claiming it was polluting the Persian Gulf. It was then delivered to an Iranian port and the crew held.

In response to the move, South Korea sent a 300-strong anti-piracy squad to the Strait of Hormuz and demanded the vessel's release.

Iran, in turn, said, as carried by the Chosun, "The [Korean] government's behavior in this regard is not understandable and is rejected." The Foreign Ministry also urged Seoul to resolve the problem "logically and responsibly."

The prevailing opinion about Iran's motive to seize the tanker seems to be that it wants to use it as a bargaining chip in a dispute involving billions in Iranian oil revenues and Korean banks.

After the United States pulled out unilaterally from the so-called Iran nuclear deal, it imposed sanctions on Tehran, specifically targeting its oil industry as a vital source of revenue. As a result, somewhere between $7 and $8 billion in oil revenues held at Korean banks were frozen by the banks, cutting off Tehran's access to the money.

In December 2019, in an attempt to force Seoul to release the money, Iran slapped South Korea with a bill for $6 billion worth of crude oil deliveries. According to reports at the time, South Korea had deposited the money at two local banks but had not transferred it to Iran because of the U.S. sanctions. Korea, a staunch U.S. ally, refused to budge as it faced punitive action from its ally if it violated sanctions.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
DC National Guard personnel stand outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (John Minchillo/AP Photo)

National Guard Troops to Remain in DC Through End of January

National Guard personnel will remain in Washington through the end of the month, officials said on Jan. 7.

The Maryland National Guard will stay in the nations capitol until the end of January, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan told reporters during a press conference.

Today, we are extending the Maryland National Guards mission in Washington, D.C. through the inauguration and the end of the month, he said.

Hogan, a Republican, and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, sent National Guard troops to the city after protesters stormed the Capitol building.

Northam said in a tweet that Virginia National Guard forces will be in Washington through at least Jan. 20.

He said the extension is based on conversations this morning with our emergency teams and Washington D.C.

Jan. 20 is Inauguration Day. President-elect Joe Biden is slated to be sworn into office after Congress certified him as the winner of the 2020 election on Jan. 7.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said the entire D.C. National Guard has been mobilized and that support has come from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York in addition to Maryland and Virginia.

Top: Workers begin to clean up the debris and damage caused by protesters, in the Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 7, 2021. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

Workers begin to clean up the debris and damage caused by protestors at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 7, 2021. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

There will be 6,200 guardsmen in the nations Capitol by the weekend, he told reporters during a briefing in Washington. That force will remain available through the inauguration.

More than 150 personnel were on Capitol grounds the morning of Jan. 7, with plans to increase the number to 850 by noon. Personnel were erecting a seven-foot non-scalable fence around the perimeter of the grounds.

The personnel and security measures will be in place for at least 30 days.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, imposed a curfew after protesters entered the Capitol building. She later declared a state of emergency.

Officials said 68 people were arrested on Jan. 6 and early Jan. 7, including 41 on Capitol grounds, with all but one coming from outside the city. The charges included curfew violation, unlawful entry, possession of a prohibited weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license, according to arrest data.

Fifty-six officers were injured during the mayhem.

The FBI is asking for the publics help in identifying anyone who breached the Capitol.
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Preparations for the inauguration by the United States Capitol Building (Yegor Aleyev/TASS)

President-elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated as president on 20 January 2021 to become the 46th president of the United States.

Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the recent riot on the US Capitol, this year's celebrations will look starkly different from the inaugurations of previous presidents.

When is Inauguration Day?

Inauguration day will take place on Wednesday 20 January 2021, as per the US constitution.

Mr Biden will be expected to take the oath of office at around 12pm Eastern Time at the US Capitol in Washington DC.

Read more: Trump impeachment timeline

Mr Trumps presidency will come to an end as his term expires at noon on January 20 by law.

Where is it?

In line with tradition, the inauguration will be held in front of the US Capitol in Washington DC.

Construction of the parade platform for Mr Biden's inauguration day has already begun ahead of the January date.

Where can I watch the proceedings?

Inauguration proceedings will be broadcast by all major American news networks and will also likely be available to stream online on their respective social media platforms.

The government's Inauguration website will be updated with further information on how to participate virtually closer to the inauguration date here.

How will celebrations be different this year?

Huge crowds usually gather leading up to the US Capitol in celebration of the inauguration, but this year's celebration may have to make unprecedented concessions amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Following the attack on the Capitol on 6 January by pro-Trump supporters, officials are even more eager to reduce in person celebrations and maintain high levels of security at the event.

The Washington Monument has been closed to the public amid continued threats from groups involved in last week's US Capitol riot to disturb the proceedings.

Americans are being urged not to travel to Washington, DC, and to instead participate virtually by the mayor of Washington DC and the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

Story continues

It was previously expected that less than 1,600 people will be allowed to attend the inauguration and mask and social distancing guidelines will be in place, and this could be even more strict now.

What will be happening?

Both the vice president-elect and president-elect will take their Oaths of Office at noon, which will then be followed by an inaugural address.

A virtual parade showcasing communities across the country will be televised to replace the traditional inaugural parade as the Bidens arrive at the White House with a military presidential escort.

A lighting ceremony honouring the hundreds of thousands of lives lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic will take place the day before Inauguration Day at 5.30 pm at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Communities across the country are invited to join the ceremony by lighting buildings and ringing church bells.

What about the election disputes?

Following an attack on the Capitol on 6 January by pro-Trump supporters, officials are even more eager to reduce in person celebrations and maintain high levels of security at the event.

The president finally conceded his election defeat in a video following an attack on the Capitol by his supporters last week saying a new administration will be inaugurated and committing to an orderly transfer of power.

Inauguration day effectively acts as a hard deadline to the end of Mr Trumps one term as president, and his presidency will come to an end on that day, whether or not he has conceded.

Security officials have insisted that the event will be secure following the breach at the Capitol on 6 January, with extremely tight security around the entire capital region and at least 10,000 National Guard troops in place.

Will Donald Trump attend?

President Donald Trump has confirmed he will not be attending President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration ceremony, marking a grave political statement.

Vice-President Mike Pence is set to attend the inauguration despite the presidents absence, reports have said.

In 2017 Barack Obama attended Mr Trumps swearing-in on inauguration day as outgoing president alongside then outgoing vice-president Mr Biden.

Read More

Wisconsin formally declares Biden as winner of presidential election
Teenager arrested for stealing Patong temple donation boxes

PHUKET: Police have arrested a 17-year-old for stealing donation boxes from Wat Suwan Khereewong (Wat Patong) in the early hours of yesterday and Christmas Day.

patongcrimepolice

By The Phuket News

Thursday 7 January 2021, 04:13PM

Photo: Patong Police

Maj Suchart Chmphusaeng of the Patong Police Investigation Division named the teenager arrested only as Mr Dee, originally from Songkhla.

The arrest followed temple staff reporting to police at 8am yesterday that someone had stolen a donation box, Maj Suchart explained.

The temple staff had confirmed from checking CCTV that a man stole a donation box from the temples prayer chapel at about 2:50am.

After freeing the donation box by using several tools, the man, donation box in hand, fled the temple and rode off on a motorbike.

Police checked CCTV footage from cameras in the area and eventually tracked down and arrested Mr Dee at an apartment building in Soi Phra Baramee 1 in Patong.

Mr Dee was found with B427 in a pocket of the pants he was wearing, Maj Suchart said.

A search of his accommodation discovered other items of evidence, Maj Suchart said, namely a rubber hummer, a saw, a screwdriver, the clothes he wore while committing the thefts, and a red-black Suzuki Step motorbike.

Mr Dee was taken to Patong Police Station, where he confessed that he acquired B2,700 from the donation box, which he dumped near the Tesco Lotus store on Phra Phuketkaew Rd in Kathu, Maj Suchart explained.

The teenager told police that he stole another donation box from the same temple on Dec 25, Maj Suchart added.

That time, Mr Dee got only B1,000, he said.

Maj Suchart confirmed that Mr Dee was charged with theft in the nighttime by using a vehicle to flee.
Union Health Minister on Thursday interacted with the Health Ministers, Principal Secretaries, and Additional Chief Secretaries of the states and UTs to review the preparedness for the nationwide mock drill for vaccination scheduled for Friday.

The second nationwide mock drill on the Covid19 vaccination will be held at three session sites of 736 districts across all 33 states and UTs.

Its objective is to simulate the actual vaccine administration event. The entire planning of the vaccination drive including beneficiary registration, microplanning and vaccination at the planned session site, will be tested under the leadership of District Collector/District Magistrate.

The dry run will also familiarise the state, district, block and hospital level officers on all aspects of the vaccine roll out. This activity will help administrators in strengthening the linkages between planning, implementation and reporting mechanisms, identification of any residual challenges prior to the actual implementation and to provide confidence to the programme managers at all levels to carry out a smooth implementation of the vaccination drive.

Seeking their personal indulgence, leadership and keen oversight for the national dry run, Dr requested the Health Ministers to be vigilant against rumours and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Rubbishing the rumours being propagated on social media which are raising doubts in the mind of the public regarding the vaccine side effects, he said: "These miscreants might derail the whole exercise, set the clock back by years."

He urged the state health authorities to work with the multiple stakeholders and the youth to spread the right information and dispel rumours and mistruths being spread about the Covid-19 vaccine.

started by reminding everyone that the country has completed a year of successfully battling the pandemic with the first meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) of MoHFW on Covid being held on January 8.

He appreciated the tireless efforts being made by the multiple stakeholders, including the Central and state government officials and the medical community who have worked proactively in the last few months to compose and disseminate detailed guidelines on the upcoming vaccination drive, train the vaccine administrators.

He also expressed gratitude to the scientific community who have worked tirelessly to bring the country two vaccines which have recently received the Emergency Use Authorisation few days back.

The Health Minister highlighted the unique digital platform, Co-WIN, repurposed from the e-VIN platform that will provide real time information of vaccine stocks, their storage temperature and individualized tracking of beneficiaries of the Covid-19 vaccine.

This platform will assist the programme managers across all levels through automated session allocation for pre-registered beneficiaries, their verification and for generating a digital certificate upon successful completion of the vaccine schedule. More than 78 lakh beneficiaries have been already registered on the platform, he stated.

The Minister reassured all his State counterparts that the country's cold chain infrastructure has been sufficiently upgraded to ensure last mile delivery and that adequate supplies of syringes and other logistics have also been provided for. "India has unparalleled experience in dealing with immunisation and runs one of the largest universal immunisation programmes in the world which has been applauded by the world for its robustness."

He referred to India's several successful immunisation drives with respect to polio, rubella and measles and also narrated his personal experience from the early nineties of having galvanised efforts of millions of Indians which eventually led to the eradication of polio from the country.

"The rich experience of the country from the UIP and the anti-polio campaign are being used to strengthen the processes of Covid-19 vaccination," he said.

Following this, he reminded his state counterparts to also ensure that the National Immunisation Day (NID) scheduled on January 17 is also given due importance.

He also requested the state and UT Health ministers to ensure that non-Covid essential services are not adversely impacted.

"It is with the collaborative efforts of the states and UTs and multiple partners that India and 11 other countries of the South East Asia region of WHO have been declared polio free. It should be our endeavour to sustain India's polio-free status," he said. Drawing attention to some neighbours still having cases of wild polio, he said that it is important that the NIDs are effectively rolled out.

Harsh Vardhan stated that to strengthen the capacity of human resource for Covid-19 vaccine introduction and roll-out, detailed training modules have been developed for different categories of vaccine handlers and administrators including medical officers, vaccinators, alternate vaccinators, cold chain handlers, supervisors, data managers, ASHA coordinators and all others involved in the implementation process at different levels.

He said the entire operational planning and IT platform has been field tested on several occasions before the second national dry run of Friday. The earlier national mock drill of January 2 helped to iron out any glitches in the final execution and further refinement of the operational procedures. The feedback from most of the States and UTs was satisfactory conduct of the dry run.

The State and UT ministers shared their feedback and experience from the past dry run exercises and the preparedness for Friday's exercise.

They informed about the training sessions held for vaccinators, updation of the database of beneficiaries, cold chain management, session allocation, reporting of Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) etc.

The Union Minister was also apprised that the meeting on the state level, district level and block level are being conducted regularly. Effective communication is being carried out in the States to disseminate the correct information about vaccines.

--IANS

aka/vd

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

A satellite image showing the exposed river bed on the Mekong at Pak Chom, Loei province, in northeastern Thailand on the border with Laos. The U.S.-based Mekong Dam Monitor says the water at Pak Chom is at an abnormally low level.

China informed downstream Mekong River neighbors of a 20-day water restriction at its southernmost dam on the waterway six days after it started holding back water on Dec. 31, drawing a mix of credit for sharing data with downstream governments and criticism for not giving Thailand, Cambodia and others advance notice.

A statement issued Wednesday by the Mekong River Commission (MRC), an inter-government agency that works with the governments of Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, to manage the 2,703-mile rivers resources, said that China promised that the rivers flow held back at the Jinghong Dam "will be gradually restored to its normal operation status on January 25."

Thailands Office of Natural water Resources (ONWR) said it received notification from China Tuesday that the water discharge would be nearly halved.

The ministry of water resources of China has notified the Office of Natural Water Resources that it has reduced water discharge from Jinghong Dam on the Chinas border from 1,904 cu. m. to 1,000 cu. m. per second from Jan. 5 to 24. After that the discharge will be increase back to normal, Somkiat Prajamwong, the director of the ONWR said in the statement.

The notifications came shortly after a new U.S.-funded monitoring system revealed that China had not told the downstream countries that it was holding back water starting on Dec. 31.

The Washington-based Stimson Centers Mekong Dam Monitor, which uses satellite imagery to keep tabs on water levels along the Mekong, said water levels were low at several checkpoints in three downstream countries in its update for the week of Dec. 28, 2020 to Jan. 3, 2021.

Jinghong's sudden restrictions of water staring 12/31 caused a sudden 1-meter drop in river level 380 kilometers downstream at Chiang Saen on 1/3-4. LMC and MRC data confirm this, but as of 1/4, China provided no notification of the sudden and unusual change that will impact fish and farming processes downstream, the update said.

Also, the reservoirs for the Nam Ou 5 dam in Laos and the Don Sahong Dam on the mainstream in Laos are still at all-time lows. And finally, the Tonle Sap gauges show the lake in retreat after an extremely late and short flood season, it said.

Cambodias Tonle Sap, a large inland lake whose waters ebb and flow with the annual cycle of the river connecting it to the Mekong, has been drying at a rapid rate in recent years, threatening the fish stocks providing millions of Cambodians with their main source of protein.

Brian Eyler, the director of the Stimson Centers Southeast Asia Program and the Monitors project lead, told RFAs Lao Service that Chinas decision to hold back water disrupts the Mekongs ecology.

The restrictions of water from the downstream are certainly not welcome. They are unusual for this time of year and not part of the Mekongs natural cycle. However, what is welcome just China's notification of its changes and dam operations that are causing the restrictions, Eyler said.



China is making good on its promise to notify downstream countries when it changes its dam operations. But there are some inconsistencies with the notification, he said.

He said that China did not notify the downstream countries prior to holding back the water. After it became aware of eyewitness accounts of the river level dropping downstream, the monitor was able to identify the Dec. 31 restriction in data.

So, we began to get the word out. We alerted the Mekong River Commission. We provided alerts on social media and also said that China provided no notification. The Mekong River Commission had also observed the drop at the data portal and confirmed that China had provided no notification, Eyler said.

Within 12 hours after our actions, China did provide a notification. So, China's notification was late. It seemed to be compelled by external actors rather than of its own admission and own volition, he said.

China has been the target of criticism from the international community for its cascade of 11 mega-dams on the river. The lower Mekong basin experienced severe drought over the past year, with stretches of the river even drying up entirely. The dams in China are at least partly to blame.

In Oct. 2020, Beijing agreed to share data with the MRC, as some 60 million people in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam use the river for agriculture and fishing.

Reported by RFAs Lao Service and BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Translated by Max Avary. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
A central Pennsylvania tradition is on hold this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

St. Cecilias Catholic Church in Lebanon announced on Facebook its annual fastnacht sale is postponed until further notice. The church has been making the deep-fried, sugary Lenten treats since the 1930s.

Organizers cited the massive undertaking involving 50 people per shift for eight straight shifts as the reason. The sale is held 24-hours a day over three days and customers often wait in long lines to buy the doughnuts.

In past years, church members and volunteers made more than 9,000 dozen doughnuts.

READ MORE: Fastnacht Day: Are they really doughnuts and how many calories do they contain?

The dense yeast doughnuts are a tradition in central Pennsylvania, and mark the start of Lenten season on Shrove Tuesday, which this year falls on Feb. 16.

The Pennsylvania Dutch started the tradition when they were looking for recipes to use up fat such as lard in the house before Lent. Fastnacht is a German word meaning night before the fast.

Fortunately, fastnachts will be sold at a variety of other locations including grocery stores and bakeries. In addition, St. Cecilias is hosting a takeout spaghetti dinner 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 30 from its social hall at 120 E. Lehman St. in Lebanon. Cost is $10 for spaghetti, salad and bread.
The country has reached a sad milestone as the number of people in hospital has reached another high as 1,022 coronavirus patients have been hospitalised.

88 of these patients are in ICU.

HSE CEO Paul Reid said in a tweet this morning that this milestone is one nobody wanted to happen.

We've reached a sad milestone that nobody wanted to happen. We've now 1,022 patients very sick in hospital with #COVID19 & 88 in ICU.

It concerns me relaying this. But I do know we will get through a tough time ahead, with your help. At the other side, it will be better, he added.

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Meanwhile, all nursing home residents and staff as well as frontline healthcare workers will receive the coronavirus vaccine by the end of next month, according to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.

He said that according to a provisional schedule from Moderna last night, 110,000 vaccines will be received in the first quarter.

As well as the Moderna vaccine, there will be 360,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine available.

By the end of February, before the end of Q1, all nursing home residents and staff will be vaccinated and the plan is that all frontline healthcare workers will as well, Mr Donnelly said on RTEs Morning Ireland.

Based on Pfizer, well have 360,000 doses in QI and Moderna is 110,000. So thats 470,000 [doses].

He also hopes that there will be significant quantities of the AstraZeneca vaccine, as well as a single dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Following last nights government announcement on increased restrictions to tackle the third wave, schools will be closed for the coming weeks, with Leaving Cert students attending three days a week.

Mr Donnelly said that while schools are safe, a million people travelling to school is not.

This will avoid mass movement twice a day to and from school, he added.

Read More

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NEW YORK (AP)  A self-described American nationalist suspected of leaving a hoax explosive device in a car at a New York City mall is facing criminal charges after turning himself in to police, authorities said Tuesday.

Louis Shenker, 22, will be charged with placing a false bomb, criminal possession of stolen property and abandonment of a disabled animal in connection with the episode Monday at the Queens Place Mall in Elmhurst, said detective Denise Moroney, a police spokesperson.

The mall was evacuated around 7:30 a.m. Monday after a device that was made to look like an explosive was found in a black Tesla parked on a ramp in a parking garage. A dog  a husky  was also found in the vehicle, which had a Nevada license plate and had been reported stolen in that state.

Shenker surrendered to officers around 3 a.m. Tuesday in Brooklyn. The Queens district attorneys office said that it was preparing paperwork on Shenkers charges and that he was expected to be arraigned later Tuesday.

Being led from a police station in handcuffs, Shenker claimed that the suspicious device was actually a rig to charge the Teslas dead battery. He mocked media coverage as fake news and derided reporters covering his arrest as morons.

It was a Tesla car being charged, Shenker said.  It was literally a car being charged because the battery died.

Shenker, who has described himself on social media as a patriot and a supporter of President Donald Trump, was previously arrested Dec. 30 on suspicion of torching a poster attached to a police barricade in Manhattan. He was arraigned Friday and released without bail.

A message seeking comment was left for Shenkers lawyer in that case.

Police tweeted a photo showing an aerosol-type can, a roll of duct tape, wires and other items recovered from the car. Another photo showed a Black Lives Matter poster among the items. Investigators were looking into whether the poster was left there as a diversion, possibly to make it appear as if members of the movement were responsible for the hoax bomb.

Shenker has appeared on the online conspiracy show InfoWars and has filled his social media accounts with far-right views and buzzwords like (hash)MAGA and (hash)StopTheSteal, noting his support of Trumps false claim that the 2020 presidential election was rigged.

Shenker was expelled from the University of Massachusetts Amherst amid a controversy over his views. His lawyers alleged that he was a victim of anti-white and anti-Jewish attacks and that faculty members conspired to file false hate crimes charges against him because his views did not align with theirs.

A message seeking comment was left with the universitys media relations office.

On a since-suspended Instagram account, Shenker mocked the practice of people including their pronouns by listing his as American / Patriot, and has posted online attacks on Black Lives Matter, pushed conspiracy theories, and railed against the use of masks and lockdowns to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month, a protest group accused Shenker of disrupting a Black Lives Matter vigil near Mayor Bill de Blasios residence and turning it into a pro-Trump, anti-de Blasio Chanukah Rave. A video posted to social media showed a man purported to be Shenker threatening to send the Proud Boys and Infowars host Alex Jones after a woman attending the vigil.

Police said the Tesla in Mondays episode was found parked halfway up the garages circular ramp, positioned in the center of the roadway in a manner that prevented other vehicles from passing. Police said the husky appeared to be OK.

About the photo: This photo, provided by the New York City Police Department, Monday, Jan.4, 2021, shows the hoax explosive device at a mall in the Queens borough of New York. A police spokesman said that an initial investigation showed there was no explosive device. An investigation is underway into the hoax, NYPD Sergeant Edward Riley said in an emailed statement. (New York City Police Dept. via AP)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Election Integrity Lawsuit Targets California Officials

A lawsuit has been filed against prominent California state officials and various registrars of voters, including Registrar of Voters for Orange County Neal Kelley, over what plaintiffs claim were state practices and laws that promoted the casting of illegal or unreliable ballots in the November 2020 election.

The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court in the Central District of California Jan. 4 on behalf of the Election Integrity Project and 10 California Congressional candidates.

The complaint names defendants Secretary of State Alex Padilla, Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Gov. Gavin Newsom, as well as the registrars of voters from Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Ventura counties.

The offices of Padilla, Becerra, Newsom, and the LA Registrar of Voters didnt immediately respond to requests for comment from The Epoch Times.

The firms behind the lawsuitPrimary Law Group P.C., and co-counsel Tyler & Bursch LLPallege that multiple clauses in the U.S. Constitution were violated, including the elections clause, equal protection clause, due process clause, and guarantee clause.

Our Constitutional Republic is founded on the sacred right of every eligible citizen to cast an equal vote to determine who will represent him or her in government, the lawsuit states.

Over the past three decades in California, however, these rights have been intentionally eroded by an onslaught of unconstitutional statutes, regulations and executive orders, which, taken together, are designed to create an environment in which elections could be manipulated and eligible voters disenfranchised.

Kelley told The Epoch Times over the phone that he was not aware of the lawsuit and even if he had been, he would not be discussing the litigation publicly.

Joshua Kroot, partner at Primary Law Group, told The Epoch Times via text message that the policies the lawsuit targets have built up, causing problems for fair elections.

These policies layer on top of each other so that moving to vote by mail causes more ballots to be sent out that can be harvested, failing to remove ineligible voters does the same thing, he said. So the results of [California] elections have been questionable for many years.

In 2020, though, Padilla implemented emergency regulations that did away with most of the remaining safeguards, and that also violated [California] law. They allowed multiple ballots to be stuffed into a single vote by mail envelope, other pieces of paper besides ballots to be used as ballots, and did away with effective verification of voters signatures by presuming them to be valid.

The lawsuit notes that the expansion of vote-by-mail ballots, whereby they were sent to all registered voters in Californias November 2020 election, allowed ineligible voters to receive live ballots, which were cast fraudulently. These types of voters included the deceased, noncitizens, and nonresidents.

Padillas press secretary Sam Mahood previously told The Epoch Times that the state had never intended to send vote-by-mail ballots to every voter.

The RNC [Republican National Committee] has spent days lying, claiming that vote-by-mail ballots would be mailed to voter registrations that had become inactive. Sending vote-by-mail ballots to only active registered voters has been our plan from the beginning and long before the RNC filed this frivolous lawsuit, Mahood said via email.

Mahood laid out some of the states measures to make vote-by-mail ballots secure.

California elections officials conduct regular voter list maintenanceusing death records from the Department of Public Health, felon records, National Change of Address data, and DMV [Department of Motor Vehicles] change of address data. California county elections officials check each and every vote-by-mail ballot that is cast, so even if a ballot was somehow sent to the wrong voter, it would be caught, he said.

A voters signature on the vote-by-mail ballot return envelope is compared against the voters registration record. If a signature is missing or does not match the registration record, elections officials will reach out to the voter. If the voter does not respond and provide a missing/corrected signature, the ballot will not count.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said last September that voting by mail has proven to be a reliable method of casting a vote.

This year and for decades, states and local jurisdictions across the country have shown that voting by mail is safe and effective, Becerra said in a press release.

Especially during this pandemic, voting by mail makes sense. The people of Harris Countylike voters everywherehave a right to cast their vote in November and to do it safely.

The lawsuit alleges that fraud and manipulation are allowed to occur because of the legalized ballot harvesting, evisceration of protections on in-person voting, and failure to comply with laws requiring the maintenance of accurate voter rolls. It argues that these factors, in combination with emergency regulations and executive orders put in place during the pandemic, have allowed fraud and manipulation to occur.

The State of California has 1 million more registered voters than eligible citizens, according to the lawsuit. Registrar Kelley did note that with things that Ive seen like that in the past, the data is flawed.

The lawsuit contains a call to action, asking for an audit to be performed to determine whether any misconduct occurred.

Due to the imminent possibility of evidence tampering, evidence must be preserved and made available to Plaintiffs qualified experts, so that an audit can be conducted to determine the extent and effect of the irregularities and fraud reported, the press release notes.

Kroot also told The Epoch Times that plaintiffs have collected more than 700 affidavits from election observers documenting irregularities and potential fraud, along with concerns regarding the voting machines that were used in the process.

Were asking for the ballots and voting machines to be preserved and audited so that citizens can know what took place in the elections and whether fraud and irregularities reached levels that changed outcomes, Kroot said.

The lawsuit also says that emergency action is needed ahead of elections scheduled to take place as early as 2021, as they could be similarly affected by the alleged election integrity issues.

According to Kroot, registrars of voters, including Kelley, were chosen when their respective counties showed evidence of potential fraudulent activity.

Each of the registrars names is from a county in which significant irregularities were observed, he said. In many cases, counties also obstructed the legal rights of citizen observers to observe the voting and ballot counting process and ask questions and get answers about it.

Observers were screened off from watching officials remake ballots, kept outside of counting rooms, placed as far as 50 feet away from ballot processing operations, or denied entry to facilities entirely.

Primary Law Group said its ultimate goal is to fix the broken election system in [California] and restore citizens power to elect the people and laws that govern them.
Any surprise in your bathroom is bound to give you the fright of his life, but being greeted by a massive huntsman is the stuff of nightmares.

Terrifying footage shows the eight-legged intruder chilling on the wall next to an Australian man's air fresheners and sprays.

'Old mate joined me for a shower. Meet my new housemate, one of the biggest huntsman spiders I've seen this summer!' he captioned the video.

The eight-legged intruder was found chilling on the wall in the man's bathroom (pictured)

The man recorded the scary ordeal and zoomed in on the spider showing it clacking its fangs.

'Just finished taking a shower and I looked up and saw I had a visitor,' he said.

He then joked that the spider was about to brush his teeth and get ready before they head out.

'He's getting ready for dinner... a huntsman spider.'

Social media users joked that the spider was spying on the man while he showered and that the house now belonged to it.

The man joked that the spider was getting ready to go out with him (pictured)

Social media users joked that the spider was spying on the man while he showered and that the house now belonged to it

'What a perv! I hope you told him to cover all his eyes,' one commenter joked.

'Give him a bedroom,' another wrote.

'You give him a name, thank him for controlling the insects and other spiders and say good morning to him each morning,' another user suggested.

'I usually just man up and call my girlfriend or Nan if the girlfriend is working shifts,' another confessed.

Huntsman spiders are quite common across Australia and can be found living under loose bark on tree, between rocks, or even the car's sun visor.

Despite their scary appearance, huntsman spider bites are non-toxic, but are said to be very painful.
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An Iraqi court on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against U.S. President Donald Trump in connection with the murder of a top Iranian general and the leader of an Iraqi Shiite militia a year ago.

A judge at an investigative court in Baghdad issued the warrant under Iraqs penal code, the Supreme Judiciary Council, Iraqs highest judicial authority, said in a statement.

Investigation procedures will continue to identify other accomplices in this crime whether they are Iraqis or foreigners, the statement said.

A U.S. rocket attack near Baghdad airport on Jan. 3, 2020, killed Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Irans elite Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, the deputy head of Iraqs Hashd al-Shaabi militia.

The twin assassinations had stoked fears of a new war in the Middle East between the U.S. and Iran.

Mr Soleimani was considered one of Irans most influential military leaders, wielding influence in Iraq, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East where Iran has a foothold.

In the wake of his assassination, the Iraqi parliament voted to end the presence of foreign troops linked to the U.S.-led alliance fighting Islamic State militants.

In recent months, the heavily-fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, home to the U.S. embassy and American troops in Iraq have been the target of several attacks blamed on pro-Iranian groups.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated since Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and reinstated U.S. sanctions.

The Iraqi move comes two days after Iran applied to Interpol for an international arrest warrant for Trump in connection with Mr Soleimanis death.

(dpa/NAN)
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Credit: Looking Glass Factory

On the first day of a popular psychology course in the 1970s at City College of New York, students were told the story of how a remote South American tribe that was never exposed to technology or even electricity reacted when they saw a cowboy program on TV for the first time. Panic-stricken viewers dodged out of the way as galloping horses disappeared at the edge of the screen, while others searched high and low to find the missing animals. These were old, bulky televisions with scrappy black-and-white displays. But to the tribe members, the images were chillingly real.

One wonders how those folksnot to mention modern-day tech geeks as well as the general publicwould react to a portable projector that fits in the palm of your hand and is capable of displaying stunningly realistic 3-D color holographic images. Chances are they'd be pretty impressed.

Looking Glass Factory, a Brooklyn-based tech firm, is set to offer an 8" holographic display called Portrait that will convert users' favorite personal photos into lifelike holograms. No special equipment or skills are required. Users simply take regular 2-D photos with any device, ranging from sophisticated DSLR setups to low-end cellphoneseven old family Polaroids should workand send them to Looking Glass Factory's cloud-based service.

The company uses machine learning technology they developed over six years to create the holograms. Their equipment scans photos, measures angles and reflective light, and constructs a lifelike reproduction of the subject after analyzing dozens of perspectives from which the images may be viewed.

"The idea that any 2-D photo could be transformed into a holographic image is something that's been discussed in research groups for years, but there's never been a service that non-technical folks could use to actually access this sort of capability," said Shawn Frayne, Looking Glass Factory CEO. "Now extremely realistic holographic memories of all sorts can be created and enjoyed by more people than ever before, getting us one step closer to a world in which we're creating, communicating with, and reliving our memories through holograms."

The Portrait display is expected to be available this spring. It will sell for $350. The cost for photo conversions is $20 per 100 photos.

The company will also offer a Holographic Capture Bundle package that includes Portrait, Microsoft's Azure Kinect depth camera, Leap Motion controller and a light field rail. The camera and software bundle will permit users to create their own images, from photos to VR characters. The Kickstarter campaign offers the bundle for $1,099. That price will rise after the campaign closes, to $1,449.

The company is winding down its Kickstarter campaign, which initially set a $50,000 goal. Enthusiastic supporters blasted past that goal and as of Thursday morning, total contributions stood at nearly $2.3 million. Supporters will receive the Portrait for $250. They can also obtain their first 20 photo conversions for free.

Videos available at Looking Glass factory's website offer a glimpse into a wide range of possibilities for the device. With VR software such as Maya, Blender and Sketchfab, users can create realistic animated 3-D characters, record holographic video messages and create interactive applications and games.

 2021 Science X Network
SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Swann, a global leader in do-it-yourself security, announces its latest Swann 4K Enforcer Kit is a CES 2021 Innovation Award Honoree.

The announcement was made ahead of the first-ever, all-digital CES 2021, the world's most influential technology event, happening Jan. 11-14, 2021.

Swann

The Swann 4K NVR Enforcer Kit (model number SONVK-889804B2D) includes an 8-Channel NVR Wired Security System with 4 Bullet and 2 Dome Enforcer cameras with patent-pending red and blue flashing lights.

The CES Innovation Awards program, owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products across 28 product categories. An elite panel of industry expert judges, including members of the media, designers, engineers, and more, reviewed submissions based on innovation, engineering and functionality, aesthetics, and design.

The Swann Wired Enforcer Security System reimagines the features of a commercial-grade, wired surveillance system in a consumer-friendly form that's within reach for everyday home consumers.

The Swann NVR Enforcer Kit is the complete package, offering 4K video, Night2Day color night vision, True Detect heat, and motion-sensing, two-way talk, face recognition, vehicle detection, free recording, and the ability to integrate with other products in the Swann Security family via the Swann Security app. It's all delivered at an affordable price, with no ongoing subscription fees unless the consumer wants to upgrade to an optional Swann Secure+ service plan, which offers longer cloud recording, rich notifications, extended warranty, insurance protection, and more.

"We are honored that the judges of the CES Innovation Awards feel our new Enforcer Kit showcases innovative design and engineering features," said Mike Lucas, CEO of Swann Communications. "This is a first look into what Swann will be releasing in 2021."

This kit includes Swann's new industry-first Enforcer dome cameras. It also is the first Networking (NVR) Power-over-Ethernet kit with Enforcer cameras. Previously, the Enforcer kits were DVR-only; a critical difference that provides for more advanced features.

This feature-rich system offers many unique and professional-level surveillance attributes to the everyday consumer. Below is a summary of this product's innovative features:

Standout crime-prevention capabilities. The Enforcer's patent-pending crime deterrent technology means each camera senses heat, movement, and/or people to trigger red and blue flashing lights, bright spotlights, sirens, push notifications, two-way talk, and 4K video recording locally and to the cloud.

The Enforcer's patent-pending crime deterrent technology means each camera senses heat, movement, and/or people to trigger red and blue flashing lights, bright spotlights, sirens, push notifications, two-way talk, and video recording locally and to the cloud. See everything in true color. The cameras have Night2Day technology that generates 4K color video at night and in ambient light up to 115ft ( 30m ). Black and white infrared night vision is now a thing of the past. With color night vision consumers are better able to see what's really happening at night, both live and when playing back recorded video.

The cameras have Night2Day technology that generates color video at night and in ambient light up to 115ft ( ). Black and white infrared night vision is now a thing of the past. With color night vision consumers are better able to see what's really happening at night, both live and when playing back recorded video. Smile, you're on camera. Know the people you care about are safe with face recognition technology. Choose who you wish to be alerted about and you will be sent a mobile alert and/or trigger video recording when they are identified on-site. Face recognition provides peace of mind that your loved ones are home safely, specific tradespeople are on site, or that an unidentified person has arrived etc. It's all free and easy to setup.

During the all-digital CES 2021 from Jan. 11-14, 2021, Swann is scheduling meetings with media, influencers, and analysts who would like to learn more about their award-winning Enforcer Kit and upcoming product offerings firsthand. Swann will also be participating in ShowStoppers.

Media Assets Here: http://bit.ly/3myh7am

About Swann:

Swann is a global leader in do-it-yourself security monitoring and has been providing innovative yet cost-effective security and consumer electronics solutions for over 30 years, having started in Melbourne, Australia in 1987. Swann creates and stands behind the world's smartest, most intuitive, and best value security solutions to empower consumers to protect and stay connected to their home or business no matter where life takes them.

With offices in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, China, Hong Kong, and distribution partners around the globe, Swann is a key player in the global DIY security market. Swann partners with leading retailers and distributors such as Best Buy, Sam's Club, Lowe's Home Improvement, Menards, Costco Wholesale, Amazon, Dixons Carphone, Currys PC World, Screwfix, Exertis, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Bunnings Warehouse, Jaycar Electronics, Officeworks, Ingram Micro and more. Swann's vision is to be the world leader in smart security solutions, taking care of people, and making every home and business a safe place. Stay updated with Swann via social media:Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,LinkedIn, andYouTube.

Media Contact:

Press Pass LA PR + Social for Swann Security

[email protected]

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President Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts will remain locked until at least January 20th amid fears that he will incite more violence, after his supporters stormed the US Capitol building in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.

In an extraordinary blog post, Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg accused Trump of using the platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government.

The decision was announced by Zuckerberg on Thursday, and will likely put pressure on Twitter after Trumps favorite social media platform suspended him for 12 hours on Wednesday evening.

Zuckerberg said the president used his Facebook page 'to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building' and that allowing him to freely post in the final 13 days of his term would pose too great a risk.

The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden, Zuckerberg wrote.

The White House condemned Facebook's decision.

A spokesperson for the president told DailyMail.com: 'It is indisputable that nobody has been more successful at using digital media than President Trump to communicate directly with the American people, but its incredibly ironic, yet not surprising, that when the President spoke to the country at a critical time Big Tech chose to censor and block him from doing so.

'Big Tech is out of control. has sought comment from the White House.'

The Facebook decision came as Michelle Obama demanded social media firms ban Trump permanently, to stop his 'monstrous' behavior.

The former first lady said in a statement: 'Now is the time for Silicon Valley companies to stop enabling this monstrous behavior - and go even further than they have already by permanently banning this man from their platforms and putting in place policies to prevent their technology from being used by the nations leaders to fuel insurrection.

In September 2019, Trump posted a photo of him shaking hands with Zuckerberg during a meeting in the Oval Office. 'Nice meeting with Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook in the Oval Office today,' the president wrote at the time

Twitter suspended Trump's account for 12 hours on Wednesday and for the first time deleted his tweets after he praised the mob who stormed Congress and said he 'loved' them.

His Twitter account is set to come back online on Thursday.

Trump was reportedly livid at being blocked from Twitter, and complained to aides that he could not send messages to his followers, sources told the Daily Beast.

He allegedly claimed his ban was an example of Big Tech firms trying to silence him.

In an extraordinary post, Zuckerberg accused Trump of using Facebook to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government

Four people died on Wednesday after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the barricades and breached the US Capitol building in Washington, DC, as a joint session of Congress convened to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory

Trump was told by Twitter that he could continue to use his personal Twitter account only if he deleted three controversial posts about the Capitol Hill violence.

Trump's social media blackout Multiple social media companies have announced that Trump's accounts have been suspended following the violence at the Capitol: Facebook - Account access suspended until at least January 20th Instagram - Owned by Facebook. Account access suspended until at least January 20th Twitter - Trump's access to @realdonaldtrump account for 12 hours on Wednesday and deleted three incendiary tweets. YouTube - Video posted by Trump after the violence removed. Site-wide ban on videos which promote election fraud conspiracies Snapchat - Trump's account disabled 'indefinitely' Twitch - Trump's account disabled 'indefinitely' Advertisement

The president reportedly complied and will thus regain use of his account, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Snapchat blocked Trump on Wednesday morning, before he filmed the video. The platform said their locking of his account was indefinite.

On Thursday, streaming site Twitch announced they had indefinitely suspended the president's account.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Twitter seeking comment on whether it intends to follow Facebooks lead.

It also emerged Thursday that YouTube, which is owned by Google, has banned all videos containing 'Content that advances false claims that widespread fraud, errors, or glitches changed the outcome of any past U.S. presidential election'.

In the 13 days left in his presidency, Trump will not be able to communicate to his more than 35.2 million followers on Facebook.

The president will also be blocked from his 24.6 million followers on Instagram, a Facebook-owned property.

His decision to use his platform to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building has rightly disturbed people in the US and around the world, the statement by Zuckerberg read.

We removed these statements yesterday because we judged that their effect - and likely their intent - would be to provoke further violence.

Following the certification of the election results by Congress, the priority for the whole country must now be to ensure that the remaining 13 days and the days after inauguration pass peacefully and in accordance with established democratic norms.

Over the last several years, we have allowed President Trump to use our platform consistent with our own rules, at times removing content or labeling his posts when they violate our policies.

In the 13 days left in his presidency, Trump will not be able to communicate to his more than 35.2 million followers on Facebook

We did this because we believe that the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech.

But the current context is now fundamentally different, involving use of our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government.

Zuckerberg concluded: We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great.

Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete.

Zuckerberg's relationship with Trump has seen its ups and downs.

The Facebook chief has been fiercely criticized by both his own employees as well as wide swaths of the public for not cracking down harder on the president's most controversial posts.

In a statement posted to her social media accounts, Michelle Obama also slammed the lenient police response to the mob, arguing that it was a far cry from law enforcement's crackdown on Black Lives Matter protesters this past summer

Now is the time for Silicon Valley companies to stop enabling this monstrous behavior - and go even further than they have already by permanently banning this man from their platforms and putting in place policies to prevent their technology from being used by the nations leaders to fuel insurrection.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (left) announced on Thursday that President Trump's (right) accounts on both Facebook and Instagram will be locked until at least January 20th

In September 2019, Trump posted a photo of him shaking hands with Zuckerberg during a meeting in the Oval Office.

'Nice meeting with Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook in the Oval Office today,' the president wrote at the time.

Zuckerberg and Trump had dinner at the White House in the fall of 2019. The two men were joined by billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel.

Thiel, one of Trump's earliest supporters, was also one of Facebook's initial investors. He remains a member of the company's board of directors.

Zuckerberg met with Trump and other Republican lawmakers as well as prominent conservative commentators in recent years in an effort to ease censorship concerns.

Critics of Facebook have accused Zuckerberg of currying favor with Trump in order to head off any possible regulatory action by the federal government as it relates to the company's business practices.

Facebook and other tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple have been accused by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as well as consumer advocates of wielding too much power.

Last month, the Trump administration and 48 states and districts sued Facebook, accusing it of abusing its market power in social networking to crush smaller competitors.

The FTC fined Facebook $5billion in 2019 for privacy violations and instituted new oversight and restrictions on its business.

The fine was the largest the agency has ever levied on a tech company, although it had no visible impact on Facebooks business.

Facebook is the worlds biggest social network with 2.7 billion users and a company with a market value of nearly $800billion whose CEO, Zuckerberg, is the worlds fifth-richest individual and the most public face of Big Tech swagger.

The actions by Zuckerberg's company as well as other social media platforms in limiting Trump for the final 13 days of his presidency is likely to once again fuel suspicions of an anti-conservative bias among the large tech firms.

Trump's social media posts and videos in the aftermath of the violence at the US Capitol on Wednesday were slammed for their apparent mixed messaging as the president declined to condemn the mob that breached the congressional campus.

One of the deleted tweets read: 'These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!'

Donald Trump finally addressed his mob of supporters in a video Wednesday where he continued to claim the 'election was stolen'

In the deleted video, he poured more fuel on the fire, claiming the election was 'stolen' and telling the rioters that he 'loved' them.

Facebook also barred its employees from discussing the Capitol Hill rioting on internal message boards, where tech company workers were demanding the president be permanently banned from the site.

In his video, Trump told rioting supporters: 'I know your pain. I know you're hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us.

'It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it, especially the other side, but you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order. We don't want anybody hurt.'

Trump said it was 'a very tough period of time,' and emphasized his own personal loss.

'There's never been a time like this where such a thing happened, where they could take it away from all of us, from me, from you, from our country.

'This was a fraudulent election, but we can't play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home.

'We love you. You're very special. You've seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home at peace.'

In a shocking tweet, Donald Trump sent mixed messaged Wednesday regarding the anarchy in Washington, saying 'Remember this day forever!' and calling the rioters 'great patriots'

In the third tweet deleted by Twitter, Trump attacked Mike Pence for lacking 'courage'

The third deleted tweet, posted several hours before the others, attacked Mike Pence for failing to stop the certification of Joe Biden's win.

'Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify,' he tweeted.

'USA demands the truth!'

The video and tweets were removed on Wednesday night.

Twitter showed an image saying: 'This tweet is no longer available', and linked back to their page explaining their rational for blocking or putting warnings on tweets.

Police deployed tear gas at protesters who refused to step away from barriers outside the White House

Twitter said it had removed the tweets for violating their 'Civic Integrity policy'.

'As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy,' the social media company said.

'This means that the account of @realDonaldTrump will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets. If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked.'

Trump on Wednesday fumed to his aides that he was being silenced by Twitter due to the platform's alleged anti-conservative bias.

Insiders told The Daily Beast that Trump was angry he wasn't able to post tweets during his 12-hour suspension from Twitter.

The president also accused Twitter of covering up the 'crime' that resulted in his losing the election to President-elect Joe Biden.

Trump reportedly rejects claims that he incited the mob to storm the Capitol. He also lashed out at Republicans for abandoning him during his unsuccessful attempt to undo the results of the election.

The president has also instructed aides to look into allegations that the ransacking of the US Capitol building was a 'false flag' operation carried out by Antifa, though there is no indication this is true.

A Facebook spokesman said: 'We've assessed two policy violations against President Trump's Page which will result in a 24-hour feature block, meaning he will lose the ability to post on the platform during that time.'

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, said: 'We are locking President Trump's Instagram account for 24 hours as well.'

Andy Stone, another Facebook spokesman, earlier told CNN Business: 'The violent protests in the Capitol today are a disgrace.'

He added: 'We prohibit incitement and calls for violence on our platform. We are actively reviewing and removing any content that breaks these rules.'

Farshad Shadloo, YouTube spokesperson, said in an email to Insider: 'We removed a video posted this afternoon to Donald Trump's channel that violated our policies regarding content that alleges widespread fraud or errors changed the outcome of the 2020 U.S.

'We do allow copies of this video if uploaded with additional context and sufficient educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic (EDSA) value.'

And Rachel Racusen told The Information that Trump's Snapchat account was also locked.

'We can confirm that earlier today we locked President Trump's Snapchat account,' she said in a statement.

Paramedics and protesters work together to transport a wounded man on a barrier near the Capitol

The mostly maskless crowd flooded the halls of the Capitol with little resistance from Capitol Police

A protester walks through Congress carrying Nancy Pelosi's lectern after storming the Capitol

The DC National Guard was deployed to the streets to help enforce a 6pm curfew

He will not be able to share new content until Snap decides to lift the restriction, she said, noting that his account was locked on Wednesday before he posted the video about the 'stolen' election.

A statement for Twitch said: 'In light of yesterdays shocking attack on the Capitol, we have disabled President Trumps Twitch channel.

'Given the current extraordinary circumstances and the Presidents incendiary rhetoric, we believe this is a necessary step to protect our community and prevent Twitch from being used to incite further violence.'

Twitch had previously banned Trump's channel for two weeks back in June for airing 'hateful conduct'.

Twitter, Facebook and YouTube have previously labeled content posted by the president with warnings over the last year, in particular his claims about election fraud and COVID-19.

Throughout the 2020 presidential election, the platforms placed labels on dozens of Trump's tweets that made false or misleading claims about voter fraud.

However, this appears to be the first time Twitter flagged a tweet as posing 'a risk of violence.'

Amid the violence, Facebook employees were surprised to see that the company froze at least three chat threads on the internal Workplace messaging network, according to BuzzFeed News.

Some of the employees at the Menlo Park, California-based social network expressed anger at Trump for the violence and discussed the next steps that the company needs to take, including removal of his account.

Donald Trump has directly incited a terror attack on Capitol Hill, one Facebook employee wrote in a chat that was later frozen.

We need to take down his account right now. This is not a moment for half measures.

The employees received no explanation as to why the chat threads were frozen. DailyMail.com has reached out to Facebook for comment.

The internal discontent at Facebook reflects wider outrage at the tech giant as well as its competitors who are being urged to impose a total ban on Trump.

During the Trump presidency, Facebook employees have complained about what they perceived as CEO Mark Zuckerberg's hands-off approach.

In June, employees were outraged over Zuckerberg's refusal to remove a post in which the president spoke of 'looting and shooting' during the protesting that erupted in the wake of the police-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

On May 29, as riots engulfed Minneapolis and unrest spread to other parts of the country, the president took to social media and wrote: I cant stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis. A total lack of leadership.

Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right.

These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I wont let that happen.

'Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way.

Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts.

Twitter has banned the president from its platform for 12 hours

Facebook and Instagram have banned Trump for 24 hours from their platforms

Thank you!

Trumps tweet was slapped with a disclaimer by Twitter, which flagged the president for violating the companys rules about glorifying violence.

The phrase when the looting starts, the shooting starts was made famous by Walter Headley, Miamis chief of police who was known to be a racist and who used it when describing attempts to put down race riots in the late 1960s.

Trump told reporters that he was unaware of the racially charged history of the phrase.

In trying to clarify, the president later tweeted: Looting leads to shooting, and thats why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night - or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot.

I dont want this to happen, and thats what the expression put out last night means....

It was spoken as a fact, not as a statement.

Its very simple, nobody should have any problem with this other than the haters, and those looking to cause trouble on social media.

Honor the memory of George Floyd!

Unlike Facebook, Twitter also put a disclaimer on another tweet by Trump - this one about his claim that vote-by-mail initiatives are susceptible to voter fraud.

In response, Trump signed an executive order which threatens to remove legal protections that prevent social media companies from being sued over content posted by third parties.

Several Facebook employees resigned in protest over the decision not to remove the 'looting and shooting' post, and internal emails showed that most voted in a poll to demand that the company no longer allow unfettered free speech on its platform.

In a virtual town hall with employees, Zuckerberg defended the decision not to take down the post.

He said that he didnt think that the post read as a dog whistle for vigilante supporters to take justice into their own hands.

The CEO said it was decided to leave up the post because people need to know if the government is planning to deploy force.

During the hyper-partisan Trump era, Facebook has come under fire from both liberals, who blame the social network for helping the president win election in 2016, and conservatives.

Liberals argue that Facebook allows the spread of disinformation that foments unrest and violence while conservatives have accused the platform of censoring their views.

Snapchat on Wednesday morning barred the president indefinitely from its site

One woman died on Wednesday when a mob of angry Trump supporters breached the Capitol and entered the House and Senate chambers.

The Senate was evacuated at 2.30pm.

There are more than 2,000 Capitol Police officers with special jurisdiction on Capitol Grounds. But they were overrun as protesters smashed through a window and penetrated the building.

Capitol Police were seen absorbing violent lunges by Trump supporters on the first floor of the Capitol building.

Police from neighboring Montgomery County, Maryland were also rushed to the Capitol vicinity, CNN reported.

Muriel Bowser, mayor of Washington DC, had already mobilized National Guard troops in advance of the pro-Trump rally billed as a 'stop the steal event'  although it coincided with the effort proscribed in law for Congress to count the votes of the Electoral College.

The entire D.C. National Guard was to be activated within hours, the Washington Post reported, after Bowser asked on duty guard to be sent to the Capitol.

Bowser also imposed a 6 pm curfew for Washington.
Scrantons financial recovery coordinator testified Wednesday in favor of Scranton getting state funds to modernize City Halls information technology systems.

Gerald Cross, senior research fellow with the Pennsylvania Economy League, the citys Act 47 recovery coordinator, testified during a hearing held by the state Department of Community and Economic Development on the citys application for a $50,000 grant.

The funds would defray a $300,000 estimate to replace antiquated, paper-based financial and management operating systems to a modern digital platform.

I agree that the citys I.T. (information technology) infrastructure is outdated and is in need of updating, to allow coordination between the financial recording functions and cross-training of employees, Cross testified.

City Business Administrator Carl Deeley, the only other person to testify during the hearing held via Zoom, said the funding would go toward hiring a business analyst to assist in the conversion.

The changeover will be one of the largest projects on the citys plate in many years, Deeley said. The old operating systems technical viability and support will expire at the end of the year.

The old system has over 70 core internal processes across all departments that need to be digitized and transferred to a new operating platform, Deeley testified.

So, its far reaching, Deeley said, noting an analyst would help prepare data for the conversion.

The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the need for digitization, remote working and access, both from our citizens but also from city employees, Deeley testified.

Cross also testified the citys antiquated financial reporting system hampered cash flow and expenditure monitoring last year during the pandemic. The city was unable to readily provide daily reports and instead could only produce data from prior months, and not even the most recent prior month, he testified.

The testimony and any public comments will be forwarded to DCED Secretary Dennis Davin for consideration. Comments may be sent to ra-dcedclgs@pa.gov.

As part of making a conversion, the city issued public notices in The Times-Tribune on Dec. 25-26 requesting proposals, called RFPs, from firms interested in providing management and financial operating systems.

The city previously sought these proposals in November, but firms indicated they needed more information. So the city clarified and re-issued the RFPs, which now have a Jan. 27 deadline.
Kim Bailey has been named general counsel for the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID), effective Jan. 19, 2021.

Bailey currently serves as general counsel and chief operating officer at the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). She previously served as general counsel and executive director of the Oklahoma Workers Comp Commission.

While at the Workers Comp Commission, Bailey reviewed self-insured and third-party administrator applications, implemented their electronic filing system for all workers compensation carriers, managed appeals to the Commission and developed final orders.

Baily currently handles employment law issues, ensures compliance with laws related to over 70 federal grants, and advises staff on a wide array of regulatory and compliance issues at the state health department. This includes managing administrative hearings and litigation matters.

Over the past several months, she has navigated a wide array of unprecedented legal questions arising from Oklahomas COVID-19 response, many of which are related to HIPAA compliance and protecting personally identifiable information (PII) under state law. Bailey worked with the Governors team and Secretary of States counsel to draft emergency Executive Orders and oversaw finances administration of over $200 million in CARES Act funds received by the state, ensuring judicious use of resources while maintaining financial transparency.

Source: Oklahoma Insurance Department

Topics Oklahoma
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers are vowing an investigation into how police handled Wednesdays violent breach at the Capitol.

The Democratic chairwoman of the House Administration Committee, California congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, says the breach raises grave security concerns" and that her committee will work with House and Senate leaders to review the police response and preparedness.

Authorities say four people died, a woman who was shot inside the Capitol and three other people who suffered medical emergencies related to the breach.

At least 52 people were arrested as of Wednesday night, including 26 on the Capitol grounds, and 14 police officers were injured.
To the Editor,

As the saying goes, You are entitled to your own opinions but not to your own facts. In response to Buddy Wolkes letter of 1/5/2021, here are the facts.

Fact 1: The H1N1 pandemic was in 2009 during which the PPE stockpile was depleted.

Fact 2: Obama and Biden were in control until 2016 and did not replenish the PPE during those 7 years. Seven years during which the Obama/Biden administration did not replenish PPE stockpiles versus 3 years for Trump. Simple math shows which administration was most at fault. In addition, if President Obama was so sure in 2014 that a new airborne virus would hit within 5-10 years then why didnt he move heaven and earth to make sure that the PPE stockpile was replenished. It is almost criminal that he did not do that.

Fact 3: Pelosi held out for a big deal for 6 or so months and then said that now that Biden is president, she is willing to do a smaller deal. No doubt that was pure politics and evil.

Fact 3: President Trump did not disband the pandemic office of HHS but the functions were folded into another office. None other than a Washington Post fact checker in an article from March of 2020 stated the following: The office  as set up by Obama  was folded into another office. Thus, one could claim the office was eliminated but the staff slots did not disappear and at least initially the key mission of the team remained a priority. So, one can also claim nothing changed.

Fact 4: The Trump administration did not ignore or throw out the Obama Pandemic Response Playbook. In 2018 the Trump administration issued its own Pandemic Crisis Action Plan as they had found that the Obama playbook was an insufficient packet of papers. The Trump administrations pandemic response exercise in 2019 further exposed the Obamas Playbook shortcomings and helped to fine tune the Trump administrations Pandemic Crisis Action Plan.

Fact 5: The Democratic party calls for defunding the police and is anti law and order. They support Antifa and BLM rioters while failing to support law enforcement and the military. They shamefully propagated the false Russian Collusion and impeachment hoaxes upon our country. Now please tell me which party is the divisive one.

I thank Mr. Wolke for his last paragraph complement to me and agree with his assessment that I am a diehard Republican supporter as the alternative should not even be a consideration for any patriotic American. If the Democratic party moves any further left only avowed Communists and Marxists will remain to support it. Sad.

Jim Schwegel

Godfrey
[January 07, 2021] OpenTeams Signs Quansight to its Growing Market Network of Open Source Service Providers

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Quansight announced that it has signed a deal with OpenTeams to accelerate the growth of Quansight's data science and machine learning consulting business. Quansight will be joining the OpenTeams network of open source software service providers. The OpenTeams' network of open source experts makes it easy for enterprises to find the expert support that they need to deploy and maintain any open source software solution in their business. Open source software has reached mainstream adoption among enterprises due to its many benefits. As adoption has grown, so has the need for expert support. But finding, vetting, and contracting with the right experts for each of the open source libraries a company uses can be time consuming. OpenTeams provides a single source of qualified, expert support service for all open source software. By creating a market where open source users can connect with expert service providers, OpenTeams also addresses the providers' need to grow their business. "Typically in a consulting company like Quansight, business development is mostly achieved by the executive team working with their personal networks. This is time consuming and can make it difficult to grow your business rapidly," said Dharhas Pothina, Director of Consulting at Quansight. "By joining the OpenTeams market network, we can engage with a larger number of potential customers who are looking for the services we offer. The nework also makes it easier to partner with other consulting companies when the project requires skills outside our area of expertise."



"Having an established, successful open source service provider like Quansight join our market network demonstrates that we can accelerate a service provider's growth at any scale," said Travis Oliphant, CEO and founder of OpenTeams. "We provide many offerings that can help new consulting businesses get established. But as they grow the leadership teams often find that more and more of their time is taken up with activities outside their expertise. OpenTeams marketing, sales, finance, and other business services, can let them focus on their strengths." About Quansight

Quansight LLC is a data science and analytics consulting firm specializing in open source software. With deep expertise in python libraries for data science and machine learning, including long-standing participation in the open source communities that produce those libraries, Quansight is an idea source of expert help with About OpenTeams OpenTeams is a market network of open source service providers. The network provides open source software users with the expert support they need to deploy and maintain their software. OpenTeams was co-founded by Travis Oliphant, founder of Anaconda. Oliphant has 20 years' experience in open-source communities having created SciPy, NumPy, and Numba. Contact: Troy Bailey, OpenTeams 408-838-9272 tbailey@openteams.com Related Images openteams.png OpenTeams OpenTeams Logo Related Links openteams.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/openteams-signs-quansight-to-its-growing-market-network-of-open-source-service-providers-301202447.html SOURCE OpenTeams

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Hyderabad, Jan 7 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday underwent diagnostic tests at a private hospital in Hyderabad.

Doctors at Yashoda Hospital in Secunderabad conducted MRI, CT scan and other tests on 66-year-old Rao.

According to Chief Minister's Office, Rao complained of burning sensation in the lungs.

His personal physician Dr M.V. Rao, pulmonologist Dr Navneeth Sagar and cardiologist Dr Pramod Kumar conducted the preliminary tests.

They recommended that the Chief Minister should undergo MRI, CT Scan and other tests at Yashoda Hospital.

The Chief Minister earlier in the day attended swearing-in of Justice Hima Kohli as new Chief Justice of Telangana High Court.

The ceremony was held at Raj Bhavan, where Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan administered oath to the new chief justice.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro called on Republicans in Congress and across the country to renounce their membership in the party after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Castro spoke to his twin brother, Julian, on Instagram Live from the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C.

On Wednesday, Trump urged his supporters to march to the Capitol. They did, clashing with police and breaching the Senate chamber as tear gas was fired in the Rotunda.

READ ALSO: Trump supporters storm US Capitol, clash with police

Joaquin first said he didn't think Trump "understands the firecracker that he lit with some people," then retracted that.

"He egged it on. He instigated it. And I say that I don't think he knows what he's encouraging people to do, and actually I take that back," Castro said. "Whether he doesn't know or he does  I said it the other day  this is the most dangerous president that this country has ever seen."

The San Antonio congressman noted that he had not seen the National Guard anywhere on Wednesday morning ahead of planned protests challenging the election results.

"Capitol police were clearly not prepared," Castro said. "If these had been Black Lives Matter protestrrs or immigration protestrrs, it never would have gone this far."

Both brothers told viewers that Wednesday's events represented the culmination of four years of norm-breaking by Trump.

"This guy whipped people up over the years into a frenzy, violating norm after norm after norm," Julian said. "The classic frog in slowly boiling water. Because of that, that's where we're at right now."

Joaquin called on Republicans in Congress and in state legislatures across the nation to disavow the party and renounce their memberships.

Julian pointed to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who led a group opposing the certification of the election results, as a contributor to the chaos.

"He has been spectacularly irresponsible, an embarrassment to the state of Texas," Castro said of Cruz.

Julian ended the livestream by telling his twin brother to stay safe.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesman's attempt to justify the illegal visits of Armenian officials to the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, as well as his assertion of non-contradiction with their obligations under the November 9-10 trilateral statement, suggests that Armenian officials, like 30 years ago, continue to dwell under illusions, not drawing conclusions from the new reality in the region.

This statement made by head of the press service of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Leyla Abdullayeva came after the Armenian Foreign Ministry representatives comments.
The storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday has prompted calls by some lawmakers to remove him from office before President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in on January 20.

The chaotic scenes unfolded after Republican Trump, who has refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power, addressed thousands of protesters and repeated unfounded claims that the election was stolen from him.

There are two ways to remove a president from office: the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and impeachment followed by a Senate conviction. In either scenario, Vice President Mike Pence would take over until Biden's inauguration.

A source familiar with the effort said here have been some preliminary discussions among some Cabinet members and Trump allies about invoking the 25th Amendment.

What's the purpose of the 25th Amendment?

The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967 and adopted in the wake of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, deals with presidential succession and disability.

Section 4 addresses situations where a president is unable to do the job but does not step down voluntarily.

The drafters of the 25th Amendment clearly intended for it to apply when a president is incapacitated by a physical or mental illness, experts say. Some scholars have also argued that it could also apply more broadly to a president who is dangerously unfit for office.

For the 25th Amendment to be invoked, Pence and the majority of Trump's Cabinet would need to declare that Trump is unable to perform the duties of the presidency and remove him. Pence would take over, in that scenario.

Trump could subsequently declare that he is capable of resuming the job. If Pence and the majority of the Cabinet do not contest Trump's determination, Trump regains power. If they dispute Trump's declaration, the issue would then be decided by Congress, but Pence would continue to act as president until then.

A two-thirds majority of both Chambers would be needed to keep Trump sidelined. But the Democratic-controlled House could simply delay voting on the substantive dispute until Trump's term ends, said Paul Campos, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Colorado.

Campos said the 25th Amendment would be an appropriate way to remove Trump from office and has the benefit of being quicker than impeachment.

"Pence could instantly become president, whereas impeachment and conviction could take at least a few days," Campos said.

Can Trump be impeached and removed?

Yes.

A misconception about impeachment is that it refers to the removal of a president from office. In fact, impeachment refers only to the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress, bringing charges that a president engaged in a "high crime or misdemeanor" - similar to an indictment in a criminal case.

If a simple majority of the Houses 435 members approves bringing charges, known as articles of impeachment, the process moves to the Senate, the upper chamber, which holds a trial to determine the presidents guilt. The Constitution requires a two-thirds vote of the Senate to convict and remove a president.

Trump was previously impeached by the Democratic-led U.S. House in December 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress stemming from his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son. Trump was acquitted by the Republican-led Senate in February 2020.

What "high crime and misdemeanor" could Trump be accused of?

Frank Bowman, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Missouri, said Trump "arguably fomented sedition," or an attempted overthrowing of the U.S. government.

But Bowman said Trump could also be impeached for a more general offence: disloyalty to the U.S. Constitution and failing to uphold his oath of office. Congress has discretion in defining a high crime and misdemeanor and is not limited to actual criminal offences.

"The essential offence would be one against the Constitution - one of essentially trying to undermine the lawful results of a lawfully conducted election," Bowman said.
US-based Oaktree Capital has said its revised bid for the debt-ridden is unconditional and comes with a commitment of fresh capital infusion of Rs 1,000 crore for the revival of the company.

According to sources, Oaktree in a letter dated January 6 to members of the Committee of Creditors (CoC) and administrator of said the resolution plan offers a clean structure for all stakeholders.

"During our discussion with the legal counsel of the Administrator and the CoC, we were informed that we could not impose any conditions to the implementation of our resolution plan in any manner. As a result, all terms of our resolution plan that could be considered as conditions were deleted," it said.

Revised bids for were received last month with Oaktree and Piramal Enterprises jostling for the top spot.

According to the sources, suitors have submitted bids in the range of Rs 35,000-37,000 crore.

Contrary reports have emerged about who has bid more and Oaktree's January 6 letter to the CoC is seen as an attempt to clear the air around its bid and claim the highest bidder spot.

Sources said Oaktree has presented a legally viable structure in respect of DHFL Insurance Limited's holding in Pramerica Life Insurance but it remains open to explore any other solution to the satisfaction of the CoC.

"By contrast, we note that the second highest bidder's bid (Piramal Enterprises) is conditional...," the letter said.

Based on a fair market valuation, sources said the difference between Oaktree's offer and the second highest bid is around Rs 4,503 crore.

As part of the resolution plan, Oaktree proposes to delist DHFL and invest Rs 1,000 crore into the company by way of equity or debt, sources said.

In November, 2019, the Reserve Bank referred Dewan Housing Finance Limited (DHFL), the third-largest pure-play mortgage lender, to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for insolvency proceedings.

DHFL was the first finance company to be referred to the NCLT by the RBI using special powers under Section 227 of the IBC.

Prior to that, the company's board was superseded and R Subramaniakumar was appointed as the administrator. He is also the resolution professional under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

As of July 2019, the company owed Rs 83,873 crore to banks, the National Housing Board, mutual funds and bondholders.

DHFL was sent to bankruptcy after the government on November 15, 2019, enabled the Reserve Bank to send large financial services companies, excluding banks, to the NCLT for insolvency proceedings.

Its large lenders include State Bank of India (including SBI Singapore) with Rs 10,083 crore exposure, Bank of India Rs 4,125 crore, Canara Bank Rs 2,681 crore, NHB Rs 2,434 crore, Union Bank of India Rs 2,378 crore, Syndicate Bank Rs 2,229 crore and Bank of Baroda Rs 2,075 crore, Indian Bank Rs 1,552 crore, Central Bank Rs 1,389 crore, IDBI Bank Rs 999 crore, and HDFC Bank Rs 361 crore.

DHFL had total assets amounting to Rs 79,800 crore as of March 2020, as per its annual report. Of these, Rs 50,227 crore of assets forming 63 per cent of the total portfolio was reported as non-performing assets (Gross NPAs).

Its retail book stood at Rs 33,500 crore, with gross NPAs of Rs 7,147 crore forming 21.32 per cent of the total portfolio.

The wholesale book stood at Rs 42,860 crore, of which a whopping Rs 39,690 crore or 92.61 per cent is categorised as gross NPAs.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ferruccio Pisanello at the IIT Center in Lecce and Annamaria Petrozza at the IIT Center in Milan will receive  150,000 to develop new devices to be introduced in the healthcare sector and in non-destructive testing in the industrial sector

Genova (Italy), 7 January 2021 - Two new innovation projects funded by the European Research Council (ERC) are born from frontier research on new materials and optical technologies with the aim of introducing new technologies in the field of health and in industrial and infrastructure monitoring: a nanometric sensor capable of supporting surgeons in delicate brain operations and a flexible and large-surface X-ray detector, to replace traditional photographic plates. The two projects, proposed respectively by Ferruccio Pisanello in collaboration with Massimo De Vittorio, both at the Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies in Lecce, and by Annamaria Petrozza of the Center for Nano Sciences and Technologies in Milan of the IIT-Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Italian Institute of Technology), will receive from the ERC 150,000 euros for their realization.

The funding was awarded as part of ERC's Proof-of-Concept (POC) grants, which are grants that the prestigious European body recognizes to researchers already holding ERC funding to further explore the commercial or social potential of their cutting-edge research. Across Europe there are 55 new POC projects funded by ERC, including 8 in Italy, of which 2 at the IIT.

The announcement was made today, and it represents the last cycle of ERC investments for 2020. In particular, as regards POC grants and considering the entire year, Italy is the third country of the European Union by total number of grants received (17) like the Netherlands, behind Germany (with 23) and the United Kingdom (with 30), and ahead of France (15) and Spain (12).

Ferruccio Pisanello, a telecommunications engineer with a doctorate in physics, originally from Lecce, is the coordinator of research activities on new technologies for neuroscience within the IIT's Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies (CBN) in Lecce's IIT center. In 2016 he won an ERC Starting grant for the MODEM project, which involved the use of optical fiber to stimulate neurons and to read their response to light stimuli, in order to investigate in detail the connections between cells and their functioning. With the new project, IN DEPTH, the technology developed by Pisanello and Massimo De Vittorio (coordinator of the IIT's CBN) will be perfected in order to become a tool to support brain surgery, such as the removal of tumors, so as to be able to monitor the electrical activity of the brain during operation and precisely identify the area of intervention. The device will be in the shape of a small needle and it will significantly reduce the damages to brain tissue compared to currently available technologies.

Annamaria Petrozza, electronic engineer with a doctorate in physics, originally from Matera, she worked as a researcher abroad between France and England and has returned to Italy in 2010 at the IIT Nano Science and Technology Center in Milan, where she coordinates the team of Advanced Materials for Optoelectronics. In 2017 she won an ERC Consolidator grant for the SOPHY project, focused on the study and development of a new class of materials for optoelectronics. The new ERC grant will allow Petrozza to develop a prototype of a flexible X-ray detector, called FLE-X, which can be used for large-scale radiographs in the medical field and in industrial non-destructive testing (NDT) - such as for example the monitoring of infrastructures, or also for airport scanning systems, innovating a sector that still relies on the use of traditional photographic plates and instruments that are heavy, expensive and bulky. The FLE-X technology will be easier to use, being flexible and adaptable to different shapes and sizes.

IIT's portfolio of ERC projects - obtained since 2009 - thus reaches a total of 50, obtained from 38 researchers, of which 15 women. In particular, 11 POC-type projects were obtained by 10 IIT researchers and the projects in which they are engaged concern the development of technologies for the early diagnosis of autism, nanoparticles for the controlled release of anticancer drugs, devices for assessing cardiac toxicity of drugs, and the study of manipulative robots in the industrial field.

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The insurrection at the was both stunning and predictable, the result of a that has repeatedly enabled President Donald Trump's destructive behaviour.

When Trump was a presidential candidate in 2016, Republican officials ignored his call to supporters to knock the crap out of protesters. Less than a year after he took office, GOP leaders argued he was taken out of context when he said there were very fine people on both sides of a deadly white supremacist rally.

And last summer, most party leaders looked the other way when Trump had hundreds of peaceful protesters forcibly removed from a demonstration near the White House so he could pose with a Bible in front of a church.

But the violent siege on Capitol Hill offers a new, and perhaps final, moment of reckoning for the GOP. The party's usual excuses for Trump he's not a typical politician and is uninterested in hewing to Washington's niceties fell short against images of mobs occupying some of American democracy's most sacred spaces.

The party, which has been defined over the past four years by its loyalty to Trump, began recalibrating in the aftermath of Wednesday's chaos.

One of his closest allies in Congress, GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said enough is enough. Another South Carolina Republican, Rep. Nancy Mace, said Trump's accomplishments in office were wiped out today. At least one senior White House staffer resigned, and more resignations were possible as the weight of the day's events settled in.

But for the party to move forward, it will need to grapple with the reality that Trump in fact lost to President-elect Joe Biden by more than 7 million votes and a 306-232 margin in the Electoral College.

Former Republican President George W Bush described the violent mob as a sickening and heartbreaking sight." He declined to call out Trump or his allies, but the implication was clear when Bush said the siege was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, a top House Republican and the daughter of Bush's vice president, was much more direct in an interview on Fox News.

There's no question the president formed the mob. The president incited the mob," Cheney said. He lit the flame.

While their criticism was searing, Bush and Cheney were already among a smaller group of Republican officials willing to condemn Trump's most outrageous behaviour at times. The overwhelming majority of the GOP has been far more reserved, eager to keep Trump's fiery base on their side.

Still, Trump's grip on his party appeared somewhat weakened when members of Congress returned to the Capitol Wednesday night, having spent several hours hiding in secure locations after being evacuated. Before they left, a handful of Republican senators and more than 100 Republican House members were set to oppose the vote to certify Joe Biden's presidential victory.

It was a move led by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, each with his own 2024 presidential ambitions, over the objection of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who warned that that US democracy would enter a death spiral if Congress rejected state election results.

When they resumed debate, however, much of the energy behind the extraordinary push had fizzled. Several Republicans dropped their objections altogether. Hawley and Cruz did not, but they offered scaled-back arguments.

Hawley condemned the day's violence but also called for an investigation into irregularities and fraud.

Earlier in the day, his hometown newspaper, The Kansas City Star, released an editorial charging that Hawley has blood on his hands" for enabling Trump's false claims.

Others Republicans were clearly more concerned about the day's violence and the events that preceded them.

Dear MAGA- I am one of you, former White House aide Alyssa Farah tweeted. But I need you to hear me: the Election was NOT stolen. We lost.

Jefferson Thomas, who led Trump's campaign in Colorado, expressed some regret about joining Trump's team in the first place, calling Wednesday's events an embarrassment to our country. This isn't what I ever imagined when I signed up to #MAGA. Had I known then that this is how it would end, I never would've joined, he wrote on Twitter.

And while there were obvious cracks in Trump's grip on the Republican Party, his fiercest detractors came from a familiar pool of frequent critics.

Trump's former secretary of defence, James Mattis, who denounced the president as a threat to the Constitution last year, described the violent assault on the Capitol as an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr Trump.

His use of the presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice, Mattis charged.

Anthony Scaramucci, a former Trump, often has harsh words for Trump, but offered his harshest on Wednesday for Trump's Republican enablers.

Republican elected officials still supporting Trump need to be tried alongside of him for treason, he tweeted.


Nicholas Fuentes, a far-right activist among pro-Trump protesters who gathered outside the U.S. Capitol before rioters broke into the building, organized a Nov. 11 stop the steal rally in Michigan.

Fuentes joined protesters on the steps of the Capitol and celebrated the temporary disruption of Congress affirming President-elect Joe Bidens victory. Supporters wearing merchandise for Fuentes political commentary show America First appeared in videos and images taken inside the Capitol

I say that we should not leave this Capitol until Donald Trump is inaugurated president, Fuentes said Wednesday. We the American people, will not let this fraudulent election go forward one more step.

Related: Misinformation and conspiracies took starring role in Michigans political movements

Some conservatives have tried to claim antifascist activists posing as Trump supporters were responsible for storming the Capitol. Fuentes rebuked that idea in posts to his social media accounts Wednesday.

This nonsense that todays events were instigated by antifa has to be the absolute stupidest boomer bullshit Ive ever seen from conservative grifters on twitter. And thats saying a lot.  Nicholas J. Fuentes (@NickJFuentes) January 6, 2021

The Capitol Siege of 2021 is going to become Americas Tiananmen Square.  Nicholas J. Fuentes (@NickJFuentes) January 7, 2021

Fuentes is the leader of the Groypers, a young, radicalized movement whose views embrace white nationalism. The Illinois native organized rallies in swing states across the country since the Nov. 3 election, including Michigan, calling for Republicans to prevent Biden from becoming president.

Fuentes was suspended from YouTube, Twitch, Reddit, Discord, TikTok and payment websites like PayPal. Research by Megan Squire, a professor at Elon University who tracks online extremism, found Fuentes is one of the top-earning live streamers on DLive.

DLive, a website primarily used to broadcast video-game content, has become a popular destination for commentators who are de-platformed by tech companies for espousing extreme views that violate the websites terms of service.

Fuentes has called for conservatives to destroy the GOP and form a new political party around Trump. Earlier in the week, Fuentes ruminated on killing state legislators who dont support pro-Trump efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Why, because we had no leverage, what are we going to do? What can you and I do to a state legislator, besides kill them? Fuentes said during a Monday live stream. Although we should not do that. I am not advising that, but I mean, what else can you do, right?

Fuentes urged supporters to pressure Michigan lawmakers during a November rally in Lansing. He told his supporters to demand the Republican-led Michigan Legislature to allocate the states 16 electoral votes to Trump.

Theyre counting on people, and specifically you Trump supporters, to stay in their houses and complain about it online, Fuentes said in November. They thought thats what we would do. They thought we would stay at home and tweet about it and post about it on Facebook, but were not remaining in our homes. Were on the streets now.

Supporters marched around the Michigan Capitol and posed for pictures while standing on top of the Lansing Black Lives Matter mural. He told the crowd they should hold pro-Trump rallies at state capitols every day.

Fuentes railed against Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, in a subsequent stream, since Shirkey has refused to replace Michigans Democratic electors with a pro-Trump slate. Fuentes said conservatives should be more feral in their tactics to push Republicans like Shirkey to reverse the election result for Trump.

People like this have to be held responsible for the outcome if we dont win, Fuentes said. We could go to the state Capitol, we can try to primary people if theyre eligible to be primaried, but if theyre not then where do you go? Maybe you go to their house. Maybe you go to Mike Shirkeys house.

Later in the stream, Fuentes said conservatives need to adopt a mentality of destruction, total annihilation when discussing his disdain for mask mandates.

The group in Lansing was largely comprised of young, white men, including students from Michigan State University and other colleges. One of Fuentes supporters identified himself as a white identitarian but several people declined to provide their names over concerns of being harassed by anti-racists.

READ MORE ON MLIVE:

Michigan representatives call for Trumps removal after riots in U.S. Capitol

3 Michigan Republicans object to electoral votes in Arizona, Pennsylvania

Objection against Michigans presidential electoral votes fails without support in Senate

Michigan representatives denounce attack on U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump mob
Accessible: The distribution and uptake of the vaccine must be efficient

Faults: First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill must change the way Stormont deals with the pandemic, according to two NI professors

1. Strategy: We desperately need a sustainable strategic plan for dealing with Covid-19 which sets out what needs to be done to suppress the virus to the lowest possible level, and to keep it there.

This should be based on the available international evidence of what works, expert advice on how it can be achieved, and a clear and balanced assessment of risks and benefits.

A collective effort is required both to combat the virus and to organise the staged reactivation of society. In particular, achieving the suppression of the virus would provide the stability and reassurance needed for businesses whose resilience is now wafer thin.

2. Communications: Clear and consistent public health messaging is essential.

The Northern Ireland Executive must act to restore trust and confidence as a matter of urgency. It must reinstate regular, if not daily, briefings by ministers and officials, which include uncensored questions from the public and journalists.

In a time of crisis, it is crucial that the government are honest with the public and treat them with respect.

The public must be treated as equal partners in this global emergency and those leading the response must not act to suppress critical views but rather respect and listen carefully to opinions based on properly informed insight and expertise.

3. Data: Easily accessible, understandable and usable information on Covid-19 is crucial in a public health emergency.

High quality, reliable, robust data is a prerequisite for trust and confidence in politics.

Northern Irelands Covid-19 dashboard is complex and not fit for purpose.

The public need to be reassured that decisions have been made based on the appreciation and understanding of evidence and the public cannot obtain that reassurance if the full range of data from official sources is missing or obscured from their view.

4. External Review: The Northern Ireland Executive must demonstrate that it is capable of learning from what has happened to-date and that they are informed by international best practice and guidance.

To what extent have we learnt from our mistakes?

As a matter of priority, the Executive should immediately invite a small group of external experts to undertake a rapid review of the response of the Northern Ireland Executive to the pandemic and provide, if necessary, recommendations in public to the Assembly.

A further such review should be scheduled for not more than six months time.

5. FTTIS: We cannot control Covid-19 without having a proper Find, Test, Trace, Isolate, and Support system.

The Northern Ireland system is under-resourced and rudimentary.

For example, it does not operate to international guidelines in that it doesnt test close contacts.

To ensure effectiveness, people should be properly supported when they need to isolate.

That should not just be limited to financial aid or assistance with accommodation if needed, but should also include emotional and practical help delivered by the community and voluntary sector.

6. Support: There needs to be a comprehensive, responsive economic support package for businesses and employers to mitigate the harm caused to the economy.

This involves using all of the levers at the disposal of the devolved government.

7. Vaccination: Given the abject failure of attempts so far to control the virus there is an urgent need for ambitious goals to roll out the vaccination and change the course of the coronavirus pandemic. We must ensure the distribution and uptake is as efficient, effective and equitable as possible.

Suggestions that vaccine is being given to non-patient facing health service staff and that general practices are not being treated equally can only undermine public trust. An immediate, smoothly run and accessible around the clock vaccination programme should be accompanied by a large-scale information campaign to build public confidence and support.

8. Co-ordination: Despite repeated acknowledgement that the virus does not recognise borders and the disease does not discriminate, cross border co-ordination has been extraordinarily limited.

Significant differences in regulations, restrictions, data collection and messaging pose practical challenges, cause confusion and are completely illogical on an island the size of Ireland.

This is not a constitutional issue, a nationalist or unionist issue, an orange or green issue, it is a global emergency which is costing lives and ravaging generations of loved ones.

It is not too late to develop an integrated and effective approach across the island.

9. Importation: There is no point in working hard to suppress the virus and save lives if it is still so easy for new cases to be imported via our ports and airports across the island of Ireland.

The current system of self-isolation does not work.

It should be replaced immediately as part of an agreement with the Republic of Ireland with a system of managed isolation as operated successfully in many other islands of various sizes and populations across the world.

10. Health services: The normal functioning of health services has been dramatically and detrimentally impeded by the pandemic.

There is an enormous catch-up task ahead.

There are the routine things such as immunisations and screening that need to be caught up on, in addition to a very substantial backlog of people who have health concerns but have been unable to get the assistance or investigations or treatment that they need during the pandemic.

Deirdre Heenan is Professor of Social Policy at Ulster University, and Senior Associate with the Nuffield Trust London and Professor Gabriel Scally is a Public Health Physician, President of Epidemiology and Public Health at Royal Society of Medicine and member of Independent Sage
Statehouse Reporter

Danny Jin is the Eagle's Statehouse reporter. A graduate of Williams College, he previously interned at the Eagle and The Christian Science Monitor. Danny can be reached at djin@berkshireeagle.com or on Twitter at @djinreports.
Ahead of the Covid-19 vaccine dry run on 8 January, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan met the health ministers of states and Union Territories at 12.30 on Thursday.

Guiding the state health ministers on conducting the dry run, Harsh Vardhan said, "Feedback on the dry run of Covid vaccine in four states was reviewed. We have made improvements based on the feedback. Tomorrow dry run will be done in 33 states and Union Territories."

Also Read | The faces behind the farmer revolt

"Covid-19 vaccines 'Covishield' and 'Covaxin' are on the verge of being available in the country. Our efforts are to ensure seamless last-mile delivery of the vaccine," Harsh Vardhan said.

The Health Minister also said that priority groups have been decided for vaccination as advised by the experts' group formed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On spike in coronavirus cases, he said, "Maharashtra, Kerala and Chhattisgarh have seen a sudden spike in coronavirus cases recently. This gives us a warning that we shouldn't forget precautions and continue our fight against Covid-19."

Meanwhile, news agency ANI reported that the transportation of coronavirus vaccines might begin today or tomorrow.

The Centre has allowed passenger aircraft to transport the Covid-19 vaccines. Pune will be the central hub from where the vaccine distribution will take place, the report said.

Around 41 destinations across the country have been finalised for the delivery of vaccines.

New Delhi and Karnal will be made mini hubs for delivery of coronavirus vaccines in northern India. For the eastern region, Kolkata will be the hub and will also be a nodal point for the northeast.

Chennai and Hyderabad will be the designated points for Southern India.

India has two vaccines against the novel coronavirus which are ready for rollout. One is Covaxin, which has been developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology. The other one is Covishield, a vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. Its India partner is Pune-based Serum Institute of India.

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21-year-old Shivam Kumar, who recently cleared the recruitment examination for General Duty (GD) service in the Indian Army, was allegedly kidnapped on gunpoint in Lakhisarai district of Bihar and forced to marry a girl at a nearby village on Thursday morning.

Shivam Kumars father Manoj Kumar alleged that his son was abducted at gunpoint by some youths, who came in a SUV (sports utility vehicle). He told police that his sons friends, who were out on a stroll with him in the morning, witnessed the incident and informed his family. According to the police complaint, Shivam had been selected for the GD post in army and was readying for movement to Hyderabad.

The incident took place at around 6.30 am at Gangasarai village under Barahiya police station of Lakhisarai district.

Irate residents of Gangasarai blocked the Lakhisarai-Patna main road, disrupting traffic for three hours, demanding recovery of the abducted youth and stern action against the culprits. The residents claimed that the Bihar police was only interested in seizing liquor, while general policing had gone for a toss.

Sub divisional police officer (SDPO) Ranjan Kumar reached the spot with other policemen and tried to pacify the mob.

Soon pictures of Shivam, in a nuptial knot with a woman, went viral on social media. Police swung into action and rescued the youth from Sikandra police station area in the Jamui district.

Lakhisarai SP Sunil Kumar said that Shivam was rescued by the police within four hours of his abduction, however, no arrest had been made till the filing of this report.

The police were conducting raids at possible hideouts of the accused.

Shivam was picked up and taken to a Lord Shiva temple situated at Simaria in Jamui, where he was wedded forcefully, said police.

Pakadua Vivah or forced marriage is a regular occurrence in the region, say cops. Such cases were reported mainly from Munger, Nawada, Khagaria and Begusarai districts, where prospective bride grooms are kidnapped for marriage.

Earlier on December 14, one Vikash Kumar was allegedly abducted from Banarsi Chowk under Rajapakar police station of Vaishali district. His father Parmanand Rai lodged a complaint against three persons for abduction and forced marriage. A similar incident was reported from Jehanabad, where a minor was abducted from the town bus stand on December 14 and forced to marry a woman. A case has been registered with the town police station in this connection.

Also Read: Talk of new chief for Bihar Congress after appointment of party in-charge

Officials in the police headquarters revealed that more than 25 persons were abducted for marriages in the two months of November and December 2020.

Forced wedding was a common practice in some areas of Bihar but it declined following government initiatives to curb the malice and police acting against people abducting eligible bachelors for marriages to avoid paying dowry.

Statistics available with the state crime record bureau revealed that altogether 6,517 cases of forced marriages have been reported in the state in 2020.

4,498 cases were registered in 2019 and 4,301 cases were registered in 2018 compared to 3,678 in 2017 and 3,070 cases in 2016. In 2015, 3,000 cases were registered while 2,526 cases were registered in 2014.
Cherry blossom trees that decorated the outside of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California in San Francisco will not bloom this year after vandals destroyed the trees branches, the organization said Wednesday on its Facebook page.

Two cherry blossom trees in front of the community center were completely vandalized early Tuesday, the cultural center said Wednesday. The trees were destroyed down to the trunk, and all the branches were cut off.
The posting period for Tomoyuki Sugano ends today at 5pm ET. Hes reportedly seeking more than the four-year, $56MM deal that Yusei Kikuchi signed to join the Mariners, writes Chris Cotillo of Masslive.com. Thats a hefty sum, and with a four-year contract in-hand to return to the Yomiuri Giants  a deal that includes three opt-outs  it begins to feel less likely that the Japanese legend will find the deal he desires. Still, hes an absolute star in Japan and could be the best free agent starter not named Trevor Bauer. The Red Sox are still interested, as are the Blue Jays. The Mets are out. [UPDATE: A return to Japan still appears most likely outcome for Sugano, according to Ken Rosenthal and Dennis Lin of The Athletic]

While we wait for Suganos decision, lets check in on some other league news
A Deerfield-based organization contracted by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield is seeking help from clergy sexual abuse survivors as it develops recommendations for the diocese to improve prevention and accountability.

The announcement that recruitment of survivors who were sexually abused by Catholic priests, sisters and other members of the church community is underway by Stop It Now! for an independent report to the diocese was made during a press conference Thursday afternoon outside the Bishop Marshall Center on Elliot Street.

Those present included representatives of Stop It Now!, a national organization devoted to the prevention of child sexual abuse, as well as members of the Independent Task Force on the Response to Sexual Abuse within the Diocese of Springfield that will receive the report and Bishop William D. Byrne.

We will be gathering the stories and experiences of those who are comfortable and agree to meet with us through a couple of ways  focused groups, surveys, conversations, said Jenny Coleman, a licensed mental health counselor and director of Stop It Now!, prior to the conference.

We will be summarizing our findings in a final report to the task force with some recommendations from what we hear.

She said criteria includes that an individual is over 18, and available to participate and said that everything will be done virtually because of the pandemic.

The task force, which was created this spring, will ultimately incorporate recommendations from a variety of sources for its report on how the diocesan can improve its response to sexual abuse allegations and better education around prevention for Byrne who became bishop here Dec. 14.

While the diocese has paid out millions in settlements to survivors and has had a review board since the mid-1990s to make recommendations on the credibility of their allegations, it is also a diocese that has faced decades of accusations of covering-up such abuse.

It has had two deceased bishops accused of such behavior as well as being perpetrators of such abuse and a priest removed from ministry who remains the only publicly identified suspected in the 1972 murder of an altar boy.

Allegations against one of those deceased bishops  Christopher J. Weldon  was a driving force behind the current reforms underway in the diocese whose procedures were found by an independent investigator it hired to rule on those allegations to lack coordinated oversight, in-take documentation and communication among those responsible for handling claims.

Coleman stressed her organizations outreach process to survivors is independent of the diocese, is confidential and designed to not add to anyones trauma.

The diocese is asking us to really conduct an inquiry in having conversations with people who have been sexually abused by clergy or other church staff to help understand better what happened in terms of the response they received, what kind of response would have helped them toward healing and recovery, what does accountability look like for the church and what can we look at to increase protective factors moving forward, Coleman said.

She referred to Stop It Now! as a neutral, expert organization hired by the diocese, but we do not represent them.

Our report will be completely without their input, Coleman said. It has not been influenced by any sort of agenda other than lets hear peoples stories, making sure they are told, and what did we learn about that.

Coleman added the process will ensure participants, if needed, know where to get help and support.

Coleman said she expected the focus groups and all the information gathering to happen over a three-week period and then we will be writing up that report.

We hope to be done with that final report sometime in March, Coleman said.

Coleman has written about the barriers to understanding and preventing sexual abuse in churches, but said that this is the first time her organization, which has no affiliation with the Catholic church or any faith-based tradition, has worked with a diocese.

What Stop It Now! learned in our founding days back in the early 1990s in our conversations with those incarcerated sexual offenders as well as folks who had been sexually abuse was that there were prevention opportunities, there were warning signs and so this project allows us to increase our own understanding of where can we continue to guide each other on where to have a conversation, what warning signs to look for, how to assess our physical environment, our staff and people. How can we work together within an organization to cover all the bases that we need to have the most protected environment possible.

She said her organization further believes how we respond to people who have been sexually abused is incredibly important. These conversations we have about recovery and accountability are critical in peoples feelings and again in understanding what we can do to respond to the sexual abuse that took place.

She said that within organizations particularly with a faith-based organization, there are sometimes cultures that act as barriers for people knowing what to do when they see warning signs of sexual abuse.

Byrne, who met with survivors prior his installation has called greater transparency a priority around how the diocesan handles clergy sexual abuse cases.

Retired Superior Court Judge Daniel Ford, who chairs the 10-member task force, has described Stop It Now! as a totally independent, outside organization and that the diocese has no control over it whatsoever.

They are an independent contractor and they will conduct these focus groups in a way their experience, which is vast, deems best, Ford has said.

Jeffrey J. Trant, a social worker hired in June 2019 to head the diocesan Office of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance, has been instrumental in implementing a number of reforms and in a recent interview spoke of the need to incorporate survivor feedback into every step of the planning process.

We are focused on addressing priorities immediately and going back and developing infrastructure that has not been in place to ensure that the failures of past never happen again, he said recently.

One of my constant refrains to people who express skepticism and I appreciate why people are skeptical because they have heard rhetoric for years and decades and throughout different administrations, at the end of the day, dont listen to what we say, watch what we do.

During the conference, Byrne called the work of the task force a priority of his episcopacy here, particularly in ensuring the voices of survivors are heard as reforms are undertaken.

Ford reiterated both the independence of Stop It Now! as contractor, and not employee, of the diocese in undertaking the project and that there is no more important stakeholder in the process than the group of people who allege that they have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of priests, deacons, nuns or other diocesan staff.

He urged such individuals to consider participating in this endeavor and providing us with constructive criticism and useful comments.

I firmly believe that those who choose to participate will discover that they will be contributing to the effectuation of very positive and significant change to diocesan policy in the future, Ford said.

Trant added that the strategic planning that the task force is undertaking is a form of planning that mandates that you go out and speak to your stakeholders and that as Judge Ford mentioned there is no more important stakeholder than persons who have been affected directly by sexual violence and sexual abuse by a representative of the church.

Others in attendance included Irene Woods, vice-chair of the task force, and Peter Pollard, well-known for his advocacy for survivors of clergy sexual abuse who is assisting Coleman with the project.

Pollard called Stop It Now!s mission to create a forum that survivors could consider safe for discussing their abuse experiences critical.

I have often said that the most useful intervention we can make is to provide a safe relationship, Pollard said.

That is the real key to healing and having people come forward and what is so hopeful to me is that the diocese has really joined in and embraced that idea of safety being a critical piece of this and made the choice to hire an independent group to assure there is that sense of safety.

Any individual interested in sharing their experiences with Stop It Now! may do so through Jan. 25 by calling (413) 587-3502 and leaving a message that gives first name and call-back number on the confidential voicemail, or by emailing, info@stopitnow.org, subject line You Matter.

For more information, visit www.stopitnow.org/youmatter

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In 1949 the Supreme Court overturned a priests disorderly conduct conviction for stirring people to anger with a speech that attacked Jews, Communists, and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt as followers outside the auditorium threw rocks and broke windows. The First Amendment allows free speech that stirs people to anger, the justices said in a 5-4 ruling.

Twenty years later, the court said the government could punish speech that was directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and was likely to do so. That ruling overturned the conviction of a Ku Klux Klan leader who organized a gathering where speakers called for vengeance against Blacks and Jews but did not incite immediate violence.

Those rulings provide the guideposts for possible legal actions in Wednesdays violence at the U.S. Capitol  and, in particular, any potential criminal liability for President Trump and his associates.

Trump, his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and his son Donald Trump Jr. were not personally involved in the occupation of government offices, window-breaking or other forcible actions by mobs of the presidents supporters that drove House and Senate members out of their chambers and delayed confirmation of the results of the presidential election. But all three made statements that could be described as provocative.

Speaking to a rally before the march on the Capitol, Giuliani said the election had been fraudulent and declared, to loud cheers, Lets have trial by combat. Trump Jr., at the same rally, thanked the red-blooded, patriotic Americans in the crowd for standing up to the bulls.

The president told rally-goers to be strong and urged them to march to the Capitol. An hour later, as his supporters were smashing windows and clashing with police, Trump tweeted, No violence! Remember, WE are the party of Law & Order. Three hours later, in a video he tweeted, he asked them to leave the Capitol but reiterated his claim that the presidential election was stolen from him.

Laurie Levenson, a criminal law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles and a former federal prosecutor, said participants in the violence could be charged with crimes such as assault and vandalism, and their leaders could be charged with domestic terrorism and even with conspiracy to overthrow the government by interfering with the functions of Congress.

And she said Trump could, at least in theory, be charged with inciting those crimes.

The remarks he made seemed to stir people up, Levenson said. The longer he goes without calling it off, the easier it is to say he was just winking with his tardy tweets for peaceful protests, she said. Its like somebody who calls for action and it gets out of hand and he says, Im taking it back.

Its highly unlikely that the administration of President-elect Joe Biden would file charges against Trump, Levenson said. But she and other commentators said another option would be for the new, Democratic-majority Congress to impeach and convict Trump and thereby prevent him from running for federal office in the future.

By any reasonable standard, inciting your followers to ignore and resist lawful results of an election is a high crime or misdemeanor, a serious abuse of power and grounds for impeachment, said David Sklansky, a Stanford Law School professor and former federal prosecutor.

Trump is responsible for this madness, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said in a statement. She said Trump must stop inciting people to violence with false claims of election fraud, actions at this point that border on insurrection.

But Robert Weisberg, another Stanford law professor and co-director of the schools Criminal Justice Center, said Trumps statements were not grounds for criminal charges.

Under the Supreme Courts 1969 ruling in Brandenburg vs. Ohio, Weisberg said, it has to be shown the person intentionally tried to induce people to imminently or almost immediately cause violent harm to be guilty of incitement. Its hard to say what (Trump) intended or what he realized might happen as a result of his words.

The president is good at toeing the line between illegal incitement and something that can be interpreted as peaceful, said Jason Whitehead, a political science professor at Cal State Long Beach. I dont think its illegal for him to say, Be strong.

But for participants in the violence, and particularly for organizers, Whitehead noted, federal law provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for anyone who conspires to forcefully prevent, hinder or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States, including the Capitol and proceedings of Congress.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
FP Trending

Vaio laptops are making a comeback in India today and will be available for purchase through the e-commerce platform Flipkart. The announcement was made by Vaio India on its official Twitter handle. "#ExperienceTheFuture of personal computing on 15th of January from 1 PM onwards," read the post. With the relaunch of its laptops, Vaio focuses on reclaiming its space in the market while having an unrivalled demand by the customers, said Seema Bhatnagar, Regional Business Director, South Asia, Vaio, in a press statement.

We are delighted to bring to you something exciting to look forward to in the new year! Can you guess what it is?  Flipkart (@Flipkart) January 3, 2021

Flipkart has also created a microsite ahead of the launch of the new Vaio laptops in India. It also gives glimpses at the design of the upcoming range and says that the laptops will be lightweight.

Apart from the launch date, the details about the model, specifications, price are still not known but customers can expect sleek, colourful and portable laptops assuring high-performance capability.



Till 2014, Vaio laptops were released under the Sony Vaio branding in India and the rest of the world. However, in 2014 Sony sold off its Vaio PC business to a Japanese investment fund. Sony had said it has determined that concentrating its mobile product lineup on smartphones and tablets and transferring its PC business to a new company established by JIP is the optimal solution.
Hyderabad: Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha member Arvind Dharmapuri has urged the Telangana state government to take action to put an end to illegal mining activities in Telangana by the My Home group and respond to the Centres notices on the matter.

The BJP leader, who has been pursuing this issue for some months now, on Wednesday took to Twitter to yet again highlight what he described as lack of action by the Telangana state government on the My Home group on the issue of violations relating to mining of limestone.

Calling it Loot of nations mineral wealth by My Home group, the BJP leader said in his Tweet that he had written a fresh letter to Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar seeking action on the matter.

In his letter on Wednesday, Arvind said the state government had received three notices from the Union ministry of mines as well as two from the Centre State Division of the Union ministry of home affairs on the illegal mining activities.

The BJP MP questioned the Chief Secretary on the delay in action or investigation against My Home group for its irregularities and violations of mining in reserve forest area.

Arvind said that instead of responding to the notices from the Centre, the Telangana state government was considering allocating more lands for mining operations by the company. The group, the BJP MP said, has not only been violating Forest Conservation Act but also provisions of the Mining Amendment Act.

He urged the Chief Secretary to ensure that no further lands are allotted to the company for mining. The state government, he said, should also respond to notices it received on the leases given to My Home for mining from the Union ministries of mining, and environment and forests, and initiate immediate action on the company.

Arvind said that he was sending all the relevant documents relating to the case proving the groups violations and irregularities, the notices received by the state from the Centre and relevant judgements by the Supreme Court.

The BJP MP, who had been seeking action by the state government on this matter for many months, in his letter to the Chief Secretary, said: Hope your administration replies to this letter at least.

I dont think anybodys put us in this position so that we can be worried about our own self. I think they put us in to do the right thing, and I think the fact that were at a moment where somebodys doing something that could lead to potential violence or threats is exactly the reason voters put us here, Kinzinger told the Tribune. Because this is  not a way of functional democracy. The most important thing is not political survival but really the survival of the union.

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The Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee will be holding a national online meeting at 12 p.m. CST (1 p.m. EST) this Saturday, January 9, titled, Stop in-person learning until the pandemic is contained! We urge all educators, parents, students and workers who wish to join the struggle to close schools and nonessential businesses to register today register today and invite your coworkers and friends.

The state of California recorded its highest number of new COVID-19 cases on Monday at 74,000. Statewide, 96 new daily cases are now being recorded per 100,000 residents, 50 percent greater than the national average of 64 cases per 100,000, giving California the second-highest such figure in the nation, trailing only Arizonas 112.

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking on Tuesday (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, Pool, File)

The most severe outbreak in the state has occurred in the Los Angeles metro area, which has become the national and global epicenter of the pandemic. As of Wednesday evening, 11,382 Angelinos have died thus far while 852,165 cases have been officially reported in a region of nearly 11 million people.

Over the past week, Los Angeles County has averaged roughly 13,800 cases and 183 deaths per day, among the countys highest average daily death tolls. Since Christmas alone, at least 2,044 deaths have been recorded in the county.

As of Wednesday, Los Angeles County was hospitalizing 8,098 COVID-19 patients while 1,620 were in intensive care. Los Angeles now has zero percent ICU capacity, with ambulances waiting up to eight hours to offload patients, oftentimes until a bed becomes available due to another patients death.

Los Angeles hospitals are now openly being given directives as to which patients should be treated and which should be allowed to die. Ambulance workers have been told not to transport patients who have little to no chance of survival. Hospitals and ambulances have also been ordered to ration oxygen as supplies run critically low. Oxygen is only to be administered to patients with blood oxygen levels below 90 percent even though levels below 95 percent are considered to be below normal and possibly warranting medical attention.

Along with the increase of cases throughout California, there has been an overall decrease in the age of patients treated. A recent article in the Los Angeles Times noted that Arrowhead Regional Center was seeing an increase in the number of younger patients, and oftentimes without comorbidities associated with severe coronavirus cases. Referring to one 41-year-old intubated patient, Ravneet Mann, clinical director at the hospital, noted, Thats our average age were getting. Theyre coming in younger and coming in sicker.

School-aged children, although less susceptible to the disease, are still highly vulnerable. Cases of child deaths are becoming more frequent as the virus spreads uncontrolled as part of the ruling elites homicidal policy of herd immunity.

In the midst of this deepening sickness and death, which is replicated to a somewhat lower degree throughout large parts of the state, Californias Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that the state will provide $2 billion in funding to cash-strapped districts with the proviso that they must resume in-person learning. According to Newsoms plan, schools in much of the state should begin fully reopening as early as February.

As a father of four, Newsom cynically stated, I know firsthand what parents, educators and pediatricians continue to say: in-person is the best setting to meet not only the learning needs, but the mental health and social-emotional needs of our kids.

The Safe Schools for All program initiated by the Newsom administration falsely claims that in-person learning can be done safely amid a raging pandemic. The plan states that the right precautions can effectively stop the spread of COVID-19 in schools, especially in elementary schools.

Newsom and the California Department of Health falsely argue that the health risks to children and surrounding communities from reopening schools are negligible. They claim that children are infected less often than adults and are less likely to fall ill from the disease, when in fact 2,128,587 children tested positive for COVID-19 in the US in 2020, representing 12.4 percent of all cases.

One study, cited by Kaiser Health news, found that the infection rate among children mirrors that of the communities in which they live and that in Los Angeles County, for example, a school with 500 students or greater is 98 percent likely to have at least one student whos infected. Where there is already widespread community transmission, as is the case in many areas in the U.S., there is clearly a risk of spread associated with reopening schools, according to the report. This challenge may be more pronounced where testing and contact tracing is limited.

The reopening of New York City schools is being falsely presented as a success story to justify the reopening of schools in California, when in fact there has been a surge of the pandemic since schools reopened throughout the state. In New York City, students and educators are randomly tested in each open school building once a week, and the monthly total of those tested must add up to 20 percent of the schools total population. This testing regimeincluding the frequency, quality and reliability of resultsis largely considered a joke by New York City educators and parents.

Newsoms plan to reopen schools is clearly meant to satisfy the requirements of the incoming Biden administration to fully reopen schools within his first 100 days in office, should he even assume the presidency.

In this campaign, the Democrats have the full support of the teachers unions, who promote the same fraud that schools can be reopened safely. An end-of-year statement by the California Teachers Association (CTA) stated, Theres no one more eager than educators to be in classrooms with all students, where we know they learn best.

The Oakland Education Association (OEA), which betrayed a powerful strike of city teachers in 2019, tweeted their approval of Newsoms reopening plan, stating, Weve been calling for these things all along-safety standard standards, testing, data collection, funding. Schools must open not according to an arbitrary timeline, but when they are actually SAFE FOR STUDENTS.

The United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA), which rammed through a contract they gave teachers only three hours to read in order to end a two-week strike in 2019, has similarly called for school reopenings. In doing so, they have invoked the racial politics advanced by Bidens pick for Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, arguing that remote learning primarily disadvantages students of color. The answer, according to the UTLA, is not better financing of remote learning, but rather putting all students in dangerous in-person settings.

For her part, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten approvingly cited comments by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) in New York City condemning the decision to close down several New York schools and go fully remote in the midst of escalating COVID-19 cases. The real answer for New York, the UFT wrote, is making the vaccine immediately available to all school personnel. We cant let bureaucratic snarls and procedural delays endanger the safety of students, school staff and their families.

As Weingarten and the UFT well know, vaccine distribution has been woefully inadequate and a prioritization of school personnel on paper will do nothing to actually provide the vaccine to school staff.

Thus far, the state of California itself has received just under 1.3 million vaccines, with only 454,000 distributed. Based on the current rates of vaccine distribution it will be impossible to prevent an explosion of COVID-19 cases in the three-month timeline provided for full school reopenings by Newsom.

The $2 billion funding amount proposed by Newsom comes under conditions in which the state faces a looming $23 billion budget deficit over the coming year. With districts facing financial collapse, the state is offering a pittance in order to compel them to reopen, so that businesses can fully reopen and ensure the steady flow of profits to the financial oligarchy.

The only appropriate public health response to the exploding pandemic is the full shutdown of schools and non-essential industries and the provision of full compensation for workers and small business owners. In addition, all necessary supports for remote learning must be provided to every student and educator, including high quality laptops, software and high speed internet access for all students who need it. This program must be paid for through the expropriation of the ill-gotten and astronomical fortunes of the states ultra-rich, which includes 165 billionaires.

Across California, educators are becoming radicalized and fighting to unify with broader sections of the working class. Rank-and-file safety committees, wholly independent of the unions and capitalist parties, have been formed in San Diego, Los Angeles and Northern California. We urge all educators, parents and students across the state to join and help build these committees, beginning by attending this Saturdays national online meeting of the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee. Register today at wsws.org/edsafety and invite your coworkers and friends!

Sebi on Thursday imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on Mayur Developments and Leasings Ltd for its failure to comply with summons issued by the regulator in HPC Biosciences case.

An investigation was conducted by Sebi into the shares of HPC Biosciences Ltd regarding alleged manipulation in the Initial Public Offer (IPO) process of the company.

Mayur Developments (noticee) was asked to furnish certain information related to transfer of funds by HPC from the IPO proceeds, which was relevant for the purpose of investigation.

The company had come out with its IPO in March 2013.

The watchdog noted that the noticee failed to provide the details as sought by the investigating authority.

"... noticee failed to submit the information/ documents sought by investigating authority vide summons dated August 4, 2016, which hampered the investigation to ascertain the facts under investigation," Sebi said in an order.

While imposing the fine of Rs 10 lakh, Sebi said that non-furnishing of the details of fund transfer hampered the investigation and any hurdle due to non-cooperation by any person is detrimental to the interest of investors in securities market, which needs to be dealt strictly with.

In a separate order on Thursday, Sebi slapped a penalty of Rs 5 lakh each on Padma Mundunuri and China Jogiraju Patsamatla for indulging in fraudulent trading activities in the shares of LN Industries India Ltd.

The regulator had conducted an investigation in the scrip of LN Industries during December 1, 2006 to August 31, 2012 period.

It was found that the individuals had indulged in synchronised and reversal trades among themselves on a consistent basis and thereby manipulated the price of the scrip and created artificial volumes in the market.

The individuals have been fined for violating the provisions of Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices (PFUTP) Regulations.

Also Read: SC stays SAT order replacing SEBI fine with waring
As a plastic surgeon who specialises in reconstructing the facial features of children affected by birth defects, I see daily the differences that hi-tech medicine can make to young lives.

But since volunteering to help with the Covid-19 vaccination programme, I've been reminded of how something as simple and as quick as a jab can also be of huge benefit.

At the centre set up at a London hospital where I gave up to 80 vaccinations in a day, I saw many elderly people who have not left their homes since last March.

For them, the jab offers some hope that this may change and they are so grateful to the dedicated staff and volunteers who work from 8am to 7pm with a break of only half an hour.

Barry Jones (pictured) is a consultant plastic surgeon and volunteered to help with the vaccination. Ever since the UK became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at the beginning of December, we have been told that its 95 per cent efficacy rate depends on two doses being given, three weeks apart

But I am concerned that their efforts may be undermined by the sudden about-turn in vaccination policy outlined by Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, earlier this week.

Ever since the UK became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at the beginning of December, we have been told that its 95 per cent efficacy rate depends on two doses being given, three weeks apart.

But now it has been decided that the priority will be to give as many people as possible a first dose, with the second dose not needed until as many as 12 weeks later.

In explaining the strategy, Professor Van-Tam has asserted that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is 89 per cent effective in the period from 15 to 21 days after the first dose. This rises to 95 per cent after the second dose.

His argument, eloquently put as always, goes as follows: 'If a family has two elderly grandparents and there are two vaccines available, isn't it better to give both 89 per cent protection, rather than to give one 95 per cent protection with two quick doses and the other grandparent no protection at all?'

I understand the wish to vaccinate as many people as soon as possible and if these figures are correct, you would have no argument from me.

However, both Pfizer and BioNTech, the manufacturers, have stressed that the only trial to date of the new vaccine used a regime of two doses separated by 21 days. This clearly showed that maximum immunity (95 per cent) was not reached until seven days after the second dose.

There is no data for any other regime and the only figure for interim immunity quoted in Pfizer/BioNTech's paper (published in the New England Journal of Medicine) was 52 per cent approximately 14 days after the first dose.

There is a big difference between 52 per cent and 89 per cent. Although a subsequent analysis of the figures from the US Food and Drug Administration does quote an efficacy of 88.9 per cent after the first dose, it also states: 'This cannot support a conclusion on the efficacy of a single dose of the vaccine, because the time of observation is limited by the fact that most of the participants received a second dose after three weeks.

'The trial did not have a single-dose arm to make an adequate comparison.'

With the greatest respect to everybody concerned, the 89 per cent figure is an assumption based on retrospective analysis of data  and yet it is repeated in the paper published by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on December 31, the very document on which the new change in policy has been based.

I am far from alone in questioning this. Indeed, the FDA itself has demanded that the vaccination protocol should not be changed without another clinical trial.

'Without appropriate data supporting such changes in vaccine administration, we run a significant risk of placing public health at risk,' FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn said last week.

And the European Medicines Agency has also demanded more clinical data before such a change is made.

As a clinician who has conducted many trials myself, I agree.

The only way we can be sure that the change proposed by Professor Van-Tam is the right move is to commission a new study comparing the efficacy of a second dose given at 21 days to that delivered at 12 weeks.

Until more is known, there is the possibility that the proposed variance from the stated dose will provide inadequate immunity to many patients and frontline workers and, worse, may potentially waste the first dose completely.

In addition, patients who have already had a first dose gave their consent specifically for a two-dose regime separated by 21 days.

It was emphasised to them how important it was that they returned for the second dose. Now it is proposed that the second appointment be cancelled.

Informed consent is a cornerstone of medical practice and it would not usually be considered ethical or lawful to vary from it without very good reason.

Yes, it is important that we roll out the vaccine programme as quickly as possible, but over the last nine months, we have been told time and time again that we should follow the science.

And the science in relation to this vaccine says two doses separated by 21 days.

It may be that Professor Van-Tam and his colleagues have access to data that the rest of us do not. If so, they should publish it.

Until then, I remain concerned that we are in danger of doing all the wrong things for all the right reasons.
Several lawmakers have demanded immediate removal of President from office, alleging that he incited his supporters who stormed the Capitol in an unprecedented incident that has dented the democracy of America.

Thousands of pro-Trump rioters on Wednesday stormed the Capitol, interrupting a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were set to certify President-elect Joe Biden's win.

As duly-elected members of Congress, we have the awesome responsibility to report the certification of the Electoral College on January 6 as outlined in the Constitution. Today, President Trump attempted to prevent from completing this responsibility and disrupted democracy, Congressman Steven Horsford said.

His words were echoed by dozens of other lawmakers.

For the first time since the War of 1812, the United States Capitol was breached today. The violence and insurrection that I witnessed was in direct conflict with the ideals and principles that uphold our democratic institutions, and they are unprecedented in modern times, Horsford said.

"After today's violence, I have no other choice but to fulfil my own Constitutional responsibility and call for President Trump's removal. President Trump must be impeached and removed from office immediately, he said.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer called for Articles of Impeachment against Trump. He also urged Vice President Mike Pence and members of the US Cabinet to use the 25th Amendment of the Constitution to remove the president from office as quickly as possible.

Let's be clear about what happened here. The President of the United States sent a mob of domestic terrorists down Pennsylvania Avenue to attack and take over the US Capitol in order to stop the certification of an election that he lost badly, Blumenauer said, adding, This man needs to be removed immediately and I am hopeful he will face further consequences for his actions.

The 25th Amendment, adopted more than 50 years ago in the wake of President Kennedy's assassination, provides a mechanism for the succession of the president for his or her replacement in the event he or she proves unfit to serve.

Under the amendment, the vice president and a majority of either the Cabinet or some other body designated by Congress may remove the president from office.

This is not a one-off incident. It is the result of years of collaboration on the part of the Republican Party, who have aided and abetted Trump's criminal attempts to destroy our republic, and the cause of democracy around the world, said Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

"All leaders should denounce this coup. And the President should be impeached and removed from office for his open sedition, she said.

According to Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, the acts of "domestic terrorism" at the Capitol makes it clear that Trump is a "grave threat to our democracy who must immediately be removed from office".

"By actively inciting a violent insurrection, he has endangered the lives of members of Congress and staff, and once again demonstrated his contempt for democratic rule of law and the will of the American people," she said.

Asserting that Trump presents a clear and direct threat to the democracy and national security, Pressley said, "Our nation cannot afford one more day with him in office. As such, Trump must immediately be impeached by the House of Representatives and removed from office by the United States Senate."



Congressman Jimmy Gomez also demanded that Trump be removed from office as he called on Congress to finish certifying the 2020 presidential election results immediately.

If Vice President Mike Pence and the Trump cabinet lack the sound judgement and moral fortitude to exercise the 25th Amendment, I respectfully call on my House Judiciary Committee colleagues to quickly introduce articles of impeachment against the president, he said.

President Trump must be removed from office immediately. He is unfit to lead the nation, said Congresswoman Kathy Manning.

Meanwhile, 17 House Judiciary Democrats in a statement called on Vice President Pence to use the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

President Trump is a rogue Commander-in-Chief who represents a credible threat to our national security, our democratic institutions and the people of this country, said Congressman Anthony Brown.

Today, Americans and people around the globe witnessed the shameful display of the president encouraging a mob to incite rebellion and overturn the results of a free and fair election. President Trump has once again betrayed his oath of office and demonstrated his extreme unfitness to lead. We cannot have a man actively orchestrating sedition leading our nation's government for another fourteen days, let alone giving orders to our men and women in uniform, he said.

Brown said as the world's most powerful democracy, the US cannot turn a blind eye to Trump's dangerous behaviour to undermine the Constitution and subvert the will of the American people.

"We cannot wait until January 20. is a subversive and must be removed from office, he said.

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs and Congressman Don Beyer also called for the immediate impeachment of Trump and the expulsion of those members of Congress who continue to stand in the way of the certification of the free and fair election.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A manager of some of Australia's most popular city beaches warns that he is seeing more sharks in the water than ever in his 35 years on the water.

John Snook, who looks after beaches like Scarborough and Trigg in Perth, said sightings of sharks close to the shoreline are increasingly common.

'It's highly unusual, something I've never seen before in my 30-odd years down here at the beach,' Mr Snook, the City of Stirling beach coordinator, told Nine News.

Mr Snook said there were more than 20 sharks sighted on Monday, and even more being spotted throughout the week.

A beach manager says shark sightings are becoming increasingly common in Western Australia. Pictured, a shark in the water off Perth's northern suburbs

'Just this morning we've seen a great white and a hammerhead,' he said.

'Some of the sightings we've even had this morning the sharks have been within 20m of the shoreline.

The Department of Fisheries estimates 1,500 adult great white sharks pass through Western Australian waters each year.

The department's Peter Godfrey said increased sightings could be put down to more people being in the water.

'It really is all about a larger number of pairs of eyes on the water seeing sharks,' he said.

'Also, we're tagging more sharks. We have a network of 34 shark monitoring receivers.'

The Department of Fisheries says increased shark sightings could be put down to more people being in the water

John Snook (pictured), the City of Stirling beach coordinator, says sharks have been spotted within 20 metres of the shoreline

Australia had its deadliest year for shark attacks in more than nine decades in 2020.

Eight Australians were killed by sharks last year - the most since 1929 - in stark contrast to 2019 when no one died.

Three of those fatal shark attacks occurred in Western Australia, two near Esperance and one on Cable Beach.

Western Australia is trialing drumlines in Gracetown, made up of two buoys and a satellite-linked GPS communications unit attached to a baited hook.

When a shark takes the bait an alert is generated, with vessels aiming to attend within 30 minutes to tag, relocate, and release the shark.
Bay Area residents and elected officials watched in horror Wednesday as a mob broke into the U.S. Capitol, disrupting the electoral vote count and the peaceful transfer of power, with the day unfolding on TV news and social media like an action thriller, guns drawn and shots fired.

By the end of the day, four people were dead  one fatally shot and three others suffering medical emergencies, 52 people were arrested and police found several Molotov cocktails and guns.

In the wake of watching the violent and chaotic scenes in Washington, D.C., some locals called for President Trump to be impeached or charged with sedition. Others strongly condemned the president for inciting the riot.

This is an attempted coup encouraged by the President of the United States, said Mayor London Breed in a statement. Its a dark day for our democracy, and the culmination of all of his anti-democratic words and actions from his campaign through his presidency.

We are better than this.

The events also sparked fear, with some wondering whether this was the start or the end of an attempted coup and whether the country was so divided that previously mundane acts of government  including the pro forma counting of electoral votes  would continue to be a call to arms rather than a peaceful political process.

The Capitol chaos also led Trump supporters to create new conspiracy theories, questioning whether the mob was a Democratic ruse, including state Senate Republican leader Shannon Grove of Bakersfield, who posted on social media before deleting it, Patriots dont act like that. This was Antifa.

Many Bay Area locals were left feeling the country was more fragile than they thought and grappling with the idea that the Constitution only survives if a majority of the people believe in it.

Rioters took direct aim at local politicians, ransacking House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office, with one reclining in a chair and putting his boots up on a desk in her office, a smirk on his face. A message reading We will not back down was scrawled on a folder on her desk.

Officials called it surreal, an insurrection, a blatant attack on Americas values, one sanctioned and spurred by the loser of a presidential election.

What were witnessing in the U.S. Capitol is reprehensible. An outright assault to our democratic institutions, said Gov. Gavin Newsom. President Trump must call for an end to this escalating situation, acknowledge the will of the people ... and move immediately to a peaceful transition of power.

Many state officials called for immediate action, including San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, who said Trump should be tried for sedition, and state Sen. Scott Wiener, who said the perpetrators must be held accountable.

Whats happening in our nations Capitol is nothing short of terrifying, and is unlike anything Ive ever seen in this country, he said. President Trump and his Republican sycophant enablers are responsible for this armed mob storming the Capitol. Theyre responsible for the shutting down of our democratic process and for putting members of Congress, their staff, journalists and other Capitol employees in physical danger.

Lucia Rosales, 36, watched the chaos unfold on her phone from her receptionist desk at a San Francisco auto body shop.

I dont know whats going to happen, thats what is so scary, she said, adding she feared for her two young children. It makes me wonder how are the next four years going to be. Is this going to be dragged out? I just want things to calm down to the normal crazy it was before.

For Taka Tozawa, who said he used to believe this country was awesome, the attack on the Capitol set his future in motion. The San Francisco restaurant worker, who has lived in the United States for 20 years, will go back to Japan.

I am definitely going back. There are corrupt politicians in Japan, but what is happening here is on a different level, he said. There are a lot of domestic terrorists here.

President Trump did little to quash the riot after spending two months trying to convince supporters that he won re-election despite all evidence to the contrary. After an attempt by some congressional Republicans to delay the Electoral College vote count, Trump urged supporters to march to the Capitol, sparking the violent assault on the democratic process.

Not all Californians watched with fear and loathing.

In Sacramento, hundreds of people, including members of the Proud Boys militia group, attended a protest outside the state Capitol, objecting to the certification of election results while also promoting the recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

A robust police presence contained the crowd, which waved Trump and American flags as attendees danced to loud music, and the nonviolent event broke up by the early afternoon as it began to rain.

Susie Moore, a 57-year-old grandmother from Antioch, said the mob on Capitol Hill wasnt nearly as bad as police brutality protests over the summer that broke out into riots.

I dont see conservatives being violent, she said. Theyre hard-working people.

Moore said she wouldnt have entered the U.S. Capitol if she had been at the rally in Washington, but she added that she wasnt surprised that people were driven to behave that way by the suppression of their free speech and the refusal to investigate election fraud.

Im just worried for my grandchild having to grow up in a socialist country, she said. Those people were fed up.

Tom Royal, 59, an unemployed medical equipment technician from Olivehurst (Yuba County), said the riot sent a message to people who dont like America.

If you poke the bear too much, the bear will get upset, he said.

Royal also had doubts about who instigated the riot, but he said it was understandable if Trump supporters had been pushed to the breaking point, comparing it to the Boston Tea Party.

I dont think breaking into Congress really helps the process, he said. But at the same time, I understand exactly how they feel because weve been denigrated over and over and over again as infidels.

Back in San Francisco, many residents couldnt help but watch the drama unfold, wondering how the rioters got inside such a protected building containing the Senate and House chambers while elected officials donned gas masks and huddled behind chairs.

Keisha Bidjima, 43, who lives in San Francisco but grew up in Washington, D.C., couldnt imagine anyone being able to breach the Capitol.

I am shocked, Bidjima said. They have the presidents consent; thats why they feel so bold.

In Oakland, Miyuki Allamanno, who works for the Oakland Unified School District, said she was shocked by the scenes from the Capitol.

I couldnt believe it, she said. I thought its a new year with a little bit of hope, then this happens. Im kind of numb right now.

She said she hoped the coup attempt is the end of a desperate bid to keep Trump in office.

But there are millions and millions of people who voted for Trump, she said. And that scares me.

Chronicle staff writer Michael Cabanatuan contributed to this story.

Jill Tucker, Alexei Koseff and Nora Mishanec are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com, akoseff@sfchronicle.com, nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker, @nmishanec, @akoseff
Members of Congress from New York state say theyre safe amid chaos in Washington, D.C., after a large number of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol to protest the election results.

The Democrat & Chronicle reports Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and 26 members of the House of Representatives, all from New York, were on hand for a joint session of Congress to affirm the Electoral College votes with Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election. After some Republicans objected to the certification of the votes, lawmakers from the House and Senate separated for two hours of debate.

At the same time, hundreds of protesters carrying Make America Great Again flags and wearing pro-Trump clothing clashed with police, eventually making their way inside the Capitol building and onto the Senate floor.

Shortly afterwards, lawmakers from New York let constituents and family members know they were safe. Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, said he was safe inside a locked office and Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuyerville, said she and her staff were safe in an undisclosed location.

This is pure insanity, Katko told syracuse.com. Weve got a real problem on our hands. Im shocked we werent better prepared from a security standpoint. Its absolutely stunning incompetence.

Americans have a Constitutional right to protest & freedom of speech, but violence in any form is absolutely unacceptable & anti-American, added Stefanik, who also planned to object to Biden electors Wednesday.

At least one Congress member, Rep. Mondaire Jones, D-South Nyack, Rockland County, went a step further and called for impeaching Trump.

Donald Trump has incited violence against the legislative branch of the United States Government and must be impeached again, Jones wrote on Twitter.

Donald Trump has incited violence against the legislative branch of the United States Government and must be impeached again.  Rep. Mondaire Jones (@RepJones) January 6, 2021

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, agreed and said she is writing up articles of impeachment against Trump.

We cant allow him to remain in office, Omar wrote. Its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath.

I am drawing up Articles of Impeachment.



Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate.



We cant allow him to remain in office, its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath.  Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 6, 2021

President Trumps term ends on Jan. 20. He was previously impeached about a year ago, but was not removed from office.

Trump was accused of riling up his supporters earlier Wednesday with a speech near the White House that included baseless claims of election fraud.

We will not let them silence your voices, Trump told the crowd.

Nearly an hour after the U.S. Capitol Building was breached, Trump used Twitter to encourage protesters to remain peaceful.

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you! Trump tweeted.

Report: Woman shot at U.S. Capitol as Trump supporters storm building

National Guard deployed to U.S. Capitol amid violent protests

At least 1 explosive device found near U.S. Capitol

VIDEOS: Trump supporters storm Capitol, breach building to protest election results

Pro-Trump protesters breach U.S. Capitol; lawmakers evacuated, 1 person shot
WASHINGTON - The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell slightly last week to 787,000, a historically high number that points to a weak job market held back by the viral pandemic.

FILE - In this Dec. 14, 2020 file photo, Zeida Hernandez, of Tampa, Fla., left, makes Factory Throwout cigars using an antique hand-operated cigar machine at the J.C. Newman Cigar Co., Tampa's last cigar factory, in Fla. American factories grew in December at the fastest pace in more than two years as manufacturing continued to weather the pandemic better than the battered services sector. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

WASHINGTON - The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell slightly last week to 787,000, a historically high number that points to a weak job market held back by the viral pandemic.

Thursday's figure from the Labor Department, a slight decline from the previous week, shows that even with the pandemic recession in its 10th month, many businesses are still laying off workers. Before the recession, weekly jobless claims typically numbered around 225,000.

The renewed surge in virus cases has caused millions of consumers to avoid eating out, shopping and travelling. And states have imposed new restrictions on restaurants, bars and other businesses. Economists at TD Securities estimate that more than half of states are now restricting gatherings to 10 people or fewer, up from roughly a quarter in September.

Those restrictions are forcing many companies, having run through much of their cash reserves, to cut more jobs.

Unemployment remains extremely high, although not nearly as bad as it was in the spring, and the pace of improvement in the job market has slowed dramatically from the summer, said Gus Faucher, an economist at PNC Financial. Job growth should pick up in the spring as vaccine distribution continues, better weather allows for more outdoor activities and states gradually loosen restrictions.

Many economists, along with the Federal Reserve's policymakers, say they're hopeful that once the coronavirus vaccines are more widely distributed, the economy will achieve a broader recovery in the second half of the year.

The $900 billion financial aid package that Congress enacted last month should also help accelerate an eventual rebound. Late Wednesday, Goldman Sachs upgraded its forecast for economic growth this year to a robust 6.4%, up from 5.9%. Its upgrade was based in part on the expectation that the Biden administration, with help from the now-Democratic Senate, will support another rescue aid package.

Last month's stimulus measure provided a $300-a-week federal jobless benefit on top of an average state benefit of about $320. As many as half the states are now distributing the federal benefit, according to an unofficial tally at UnemploymentPUA.com. In states that take longer to pay out the $300, any missed payments can be made retroactively.

A federal program that provides extended benefits, after state benefits run out, was lengthened to 24 weeks by the aid package. That program will remain in place until mid-March. A separate program that provides jobless aid to contractors and gig workers who previously werent eligible was also extended for 11 weeks. Both benefits had briefly expired Dec. 26, threatening about 13 million people with a cutoff in aid.

Thursday's report also showed that the number of people who are receiving regular state unemployment aid fell 125,000 to 5.1 million. And fewer people were on extended unemployment benefit programs. Those declines suggested that many of those people have used up all the benefits available to them, including extended federal aid. They can reapply, though, now that more weeks of aid are available. Overall, more than 19 million people are still receiving some form of unemployment benefit.

The Labor Department said this week that despite President Donald Trumps delay in signing the relief package  he did so six days after Congress approval  jobless benefits under the extended programs that lapsed Dec. 26 should be paid out without interruption.

On Friday, the government will likely issue a gloomy jobs report for December. Economists expect it to show that hiring slowed for a sixth straight month. Some analysts have estimated that the economy shed jobs in December for the first time since April.

The continued weakening of the U.S. job market coincides with other signs that hiring and economic growth are faltering under the weight of the pandemic. On Wednesday, payroll processor ADP reported that private employers shed 123,000 jobs in December, the first such monthly decline since April. ADPs figures generally track the governments jobs data over time, though they can diverge significantly from month to month.

Last month, Coca-Cola Co. said it would cut 2,200 jobs from its global workforce, with about half those layoffs occurring in the United States. 3M, a major manufacturer, has said it will lay off 2,900 workers worldwide.

In November, U.S. consumer spending declined for the first time in seven months, having steadily weakened since summer. Retailers have been especially hurt. Purchases at retail stores have dropped for two straight months.

During the holiday shopping season, consumers pulled back on spending, according to debit and credit card data tracked by JPMorgan Chase based on 30 million consumer accounts. Such spending was 6% lower in December compared with a year ago. That was worse than in October, when card spending was down just 2% from the previous year.

Instead of relying on the rest of the world, Vietnam is approaching its digital transformation by confidently developing homegrown solutions, photo Le Toan

At the eighth National Congress of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) less than a fortnight ago, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc emphasised VUSTAs role in gathering the nations intellectuals and creative minds both at home and abroad to push innovation and modern solutions for governance, businesses, and citizens alike.

Along with complimenting the associations work and congratulating its members for their engagement over the last decades, PM Phuc also pointed out current limitations of Vietnamese science and technology.

Many manufacturers facing problems related to technology and equipment often seek the support of foreign producers and consultants, which is a sad reality that we need to overcome, the PM said.

Moreover, PM Phuc criticised that, although research in many areas is heavily conducted, its results often only fill up the shelves in the libraries and do not relate to the requirements of reality.

Referring to Vietnams medical field as one of the prime examples for the close connection between science and application, the prime minister made clear that the approach in the coming year must be more focused on solving actual problems, rather than purely theorising without application.

Homegrown solutions

Two days prior to the PMs speech at VUSTAs congress, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung also emphasised the crucial role of made-in-Vietnam tech solutions and local digital development.

During his speech, the minister announced that there are now more than 58,000 digital enterprises currently active in the country, with 13,000 new ones added just in 2020, more than twice the number of the 6,000 companies per year that the Make in Vietnam strategy targets.

The strategy, at its core, aims at the same goals that the PM referred to when talking about domestic manufacturers. Minister Hung clarified that, Without Make in Vietnam, Vietnam cannot become a developed country. Without Make in Vietnam, we cannot go to the world. Without Make in Vietnam, our country cannot be resilient. Without Make in Vietnam, Vietnam cannot prosper.

Part of Vietnams digital transformation is to develop and commercialise 5G technology, which is currently being implemented by the government and several local companies and overseas partners.

According to the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), Vietnam ranks fifth globally in terms of 5G infrastructure and equipment ownership, and the number of 5G subscriptions in the country is expected to reach more than six million by 2025.

Together with Singapore, it seems likely that Vietnam will be among the first Southeast Asian nations to roll out the new mobile network solution, despite its market penetration expected to be lower than in some regional countries in the first few months of the implementation.

With the launch of 5G services, Vietnamese mobile carriers like state-owned Viettel are forecast to see revenues increase by $300 million a year, starting from 2025. However, these stellar revenue forecasts rely on investments of about $1.5-2.5 billion in technology during the next five years.

Funding remains on the biggest hurdles in the race for technological advancement. Le Hong Minh, CEO of Vietnamese gaming and social media giant VNG, said in an interview with CNN that to cash in on its tech-savvy and young population, the country needs to create a favourable environment for local and foreign investors.

Compared to five years ago, tech investment in Vietnam has become a lot more exciting and dynamic, but there is still a major gap between Vietnam and other regional countries like Singapore and Indonesia, Minh said.

More than 15 years ago, he and four of his friends met in an internet cafe with the plan to start their gaming company. Back in 2004, it was very hard to find money and people who know how to run a business, let alone someone who knows how to run an internet technology business, Minh remembered.

Nowadays, Minhs VNG has become the nations tech unicorn with a total of 560 apps, of which 171 were designed for iOS and 389 for Android. The companys top-grossing app in November 2020 was Perfect World VNG, and its most downloaded app was the mobile game Dead Target: Zombie Offline.

However, one of VNGs most popular creations remains the social network and free message and call application Zalo, whose publisher Zalo Group currently ranks as the biggest Vietnamese app publisher as of December 28, according to Swiss app intelligence provider 42matters AG.

Along with Zalo which launched in 2012, the publisher is also the developer behind other mobile apps like music platform Zing MP3, Laban Key Go Tieng Viet, Tu Dien Anh Viet Laban, and many more. Altogether, Zalo Group owns 17 apps that together have been downloaded more than 267 million times.

Zalo, Zing, and a few other mobile applications are outstanding examples of homegrown technology brands. However, Vietnam seems to not just aim for national digital sovereignty by fostering its own brands and applications, but also cash in on their vast economic potential.

Digital prospects

The final report on Vietnams Future Digital Economy, published in May 2019 by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation amid the Aus4Innovation programme, outlined four scenarios based on seven identified trends for Vietnams digital economy development by 2045.

Along with emerging digital technologies and infrastructure, internationalisation, and the need for cybersecurity and privacy measures, Vietnams driving development trends are a significant push towards smart city development, the rise of digital skillsets and entrepreneurship, and changing consumer behaviours driven by digital tribes and influencers, the report stated.

Based on these seven megatrends, the international group of scientists formed four likely scenarios for Vietnams digital economy by 2045. The direction of the countrys development is depending on whether it emerges as a net buyer or seller of digital services and products, as well as the level of adaptation to new digital products and services across government, the community, and industry. The four models  Heritage, Digitally Transformed, Digital Exporter, and Digital Consumer  all outline possible impacts on additional GDP, annual growth, and the job market.

With Heritage being the scenario with the lowest digital adaptation, in which the country acts primarily as a buyer of digital services and goods, forecasted accumulated additional GDP could amount to $60.9 billion over 27 years, with an annual impact on GDP growth of just 0.38 per cent. However, this scenario would also show the lowest risk of jobs being disrupted by modern technologies, estimated at 18.4 per cent.

On the contrary, if Vietnam mainly acts as a net seller of digital products and services, and population, industries, and government show a high level of digital adaptation, the accumulated GDP growth over the same period could amount to $168.6 billion, with an expected growth impact of 1.1 per cent. However, this Digitally Transformed scenario would also put more than 38 per cent of current jobs at risk of transformation or disruption.

Looking at the aforementioned speeches by PM Phuc and Minister Hung, it seems that more than one year after the publication of the report, Vietnam is strongly developing towards the latter scenario; that is, a high level of digital literacy with many digital goods and services made in Vietnam that can be exported to other markets and thus contribute to the socioeconomic development of the country.
A Jharkhand policeman was caught attempting to molest a woman constable on the pretext of sanctioning her due leaves. The incident took place at the Police Lines in Ranchi on Wednesday.

As per a report by India Today, the accused was identified as jemadar Shatrughan Singh who summoned the victim to his room and attempted to molest her.

The accused was caught red-handed when listening to the constable's cry for help, other police officers rushed to the spot.

On being caught, the Jemadar immediately fell to the feet of the victim asking for forgiveness but was instead thrashed on the spot by other officers.

According to the statement of the woman constable, she had been seeking to get her leaves sanctioned for the last two days.

The incident was further reported to Senior Superintendent of Police (Ranchi) Surendra Jha, who has placed Singh under suspension.
Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September

Armenian MFA strongly condemns Azerbaijan's blatant armed encroachment on Armenia's sovereign territory

UN still awaits strong evidence that Dubai ruler's daughter is alive

Opposition Bright Armenia Party urges Government to immediately address UN Security Council

Armen Sarkissian receives Russia Ambassador to Armenia

Armenia President, France Ambassador discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Overchuk: We hope unblocking of links between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a success

Armenia police officer commits suicide, criminal case launched

Armenia Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body has new deputy heads

Zarif, Aliyev discuss railway routes connecting Iran, Azerbaijan and Armenia

EU leaders agree to donate at least 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to poor countries
HRCHTMLField2

Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger has been serving as Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations Office at Geneva since December 2017.

Prior to her appointment to Geneva, from 2007 to 2017, Ms. Tichy-Fisslberger served as Director General for Legal and Consular Affairs at the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Tichy-Fisslberger joined the Austrian diplomatic service in 1988 and has a long record of working in various areas of European affairs. Before joining the Austrian diplomatic service, she has worked for the European Commission in Brussels. Foreign postings included Dublin, London and a long spell in Brussels. Ambassador Tichy-Fisslberger has been the first Austrian National Coordinator on Combatting Human Trafficking as well as President of the Austrian Task Force on Combatting Human Trafficking since 2009. Since 2002 she has been a lecturer at the University of Vienna and from 2006 onwards also at the Diplomatic Academy, Vienna.

Ambassador Tichy-Fisslberger holds degrees from the University of Vienna in Law and Languages (French, Spanish). She is also fluent in English and Italian.
As Shiv Sena mulls on renaming Aurangabad city to Sambhajinagar ahead of Municipal Corporation elections amid opposition from its ally Congress, the BJP has asked whether the move is another poll-induced drama to distract the people from real issues.

Questioning the MVA governments intentions behind renaming the city, BJP MLA Ram Kadam said, For five years, Shiv Sena was in power in Aurangabad as a part of the Maharashtra government but the thought of renaming the city to Sambhajinagar never crossed their mind.

Further noting that the ruling partys decision is being opposed by its ally Congress, Kadam asked, Is this also a made-up dispute or a drama to cheat the people of the state?

READ | Ramdas Athawale Breaks Ranks With Ally BJP, Opposes Renaming Aurangabad To Sambhajinagar

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday urged the Centre to rename Aurangabad airport after Chhatrapati Sambhaji. The renaming of Aurangabad to Sambhajinagar has been Shiv Sena's longstanding demand. In a letter addressed to Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, he requested the issuance of a notification renaming the airport to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport at the earliest. According to Thackeray, the Maharashtra Cabinet has taken a decision in this regard.

READ | MNS Asks Shiv Sena To Honour Bal Thackeray's Word On Sambhajinagar, Alleges Doublespeak

Congress opposes move

Maharashtra Congress president and state Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat announced that his party will oppose any proposal to rename Aurangabad. He maintained that this issue does not find a mention in the MVA's Common Minimum Programme. In a veiled dig at the Sena, Thorat added that the life of the common person cannot be improved by changing the names of cities.

READ | Maharashtra CM Asks Centre To Rename Aurangabad Airport After Sambhaji Amid Cong Unease

Reacting to the CM's letter, his predecessor Devendra Fadnavis opined that the Centre will take a decision on officially changing the airport's name at an appropriate time. However, he dubbed the current faceoff between Shiv Sena and Congress over the renaming of Aurangabad as a civic polls-induced drama. Speaking to the media, he alleged that this was an attempt to distract the people's attention from the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation's alleged failure to address the people's problems. While the election to the AMC was due in 2020, it was delayed owing to the COVID-19 crisis.

READ | Aurangabad Renaming Row: BJP Leader Pravin Darekar Attacks Sena
An ecologist has captured rare video of two wrestling snakes who were fighting in the Australian outback for over an hour.

Ecologist Tali Moyle took the amazing footage at the Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary in Scotia, New South Wales, a 90 minute drive south of Broken Hill.

The video shot late last year shows the snakes rolling over each other to try and exert dominance.

Ecologist posted rare video of two snakes (pictured) who fought for over an hour

The Mulga Snakes tried to dominate one another at the Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary in Scotia

'Mating season starts in early spring and the males start wrestling,' Ms Moyle told the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

'[They are] attempting to push each other over to prove their dominance, for the right to mate with the females.'

The scientist said while Mulga Snakes are common, she had only come across snakes fighting like this twice.

'We all jumped out the car with our cameras as quick as we could,' Ms Moyle told Daily Mail Australia. 'We watched them for at least an hour.'

'We had to wait for the them to get off the road to drive past, they didnt even flinch when we drove really close next to them.'

Ms Moyle said when one snake wins the fight, the other will have to leave.

'The winning male will have mating rights to females in that area,' she said.

Followers of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy Facebook page were surprised the snakes were fighters and not lovers.

Ecologist Tali Moyle said this was only the second time she had seen snakes fight like this

'Thank you for correcting my ideas. I've seen brown snakes "fighting" several times and thought they were mating. It's pretty impressive to watch and a little scary,' wrote one follower.

'Might be a silly question but I'll ask as I don't know? Why aren't they biting each other and if they did does [their] own venom kill each other?' asked a confused commenter.

'They are immune from venom from snakes within the same species,' said Ms Moyle.

One viewer couldn't help but draw parallels with the human species.

'This happens at about 2-3 am outside the Dorset pub for the same reasons,' they joked.
ISLAMABAD -- Hundreds of Pakistani doctors and medical students have protested in Islamabad for a second straight day to urge government recognition of diplomas earned in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Around 2,000 medical school graduates and current students on January 7 gathered outside the building of the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) to voice their demand, a day after police used batons and water cannon to disperse the protesters.

There were no serious injuries in that crackdown, despite reports that some demonstrators had hurled stones at police. Some detained demonstrators were later freed.

The protest movement was triggered by a decision by the PMC to deny recognition of diplomas from 21 medical colleges in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The commission said those schools had failed to meet its criteria.

Colleges may reapply after one year and having fulfilled the mandatory criteria, the commission said.

The protesters argue that all the entities on the list have been certified by the World Health Organization.

The PMC blacklist includes 15 universities from Kyrgyzstan and six from Uzbekistan.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG) protest group told RFE/RL that more than 9,000 students from Pakistan are enrolled at medical universities in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, China, and Cuba.

In Pakistan, admission into medical and dental schools is a competitive process. Students must obtain high marks in their high-school examinations and medical college entrance tests.

With reporting by Geo TV, The News, and Business Recorder
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It is now clear that American democracy is too much at risk if Donald Trump remains president for the two weeks before Joe Bidens inauguration. There is a quick way to remove him quickly, if theres a willinvoking the 25th Amendment.

Trumps behavior on Wednesdayhis incitement of violence, his expression of love for the insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol, his continued propagation of the lie that his sacred landslide election victory was stolencould justify his ouster.

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In an astonishing statement, released hours after the rioting, the National Association of Manufacturersa leading group of big business leaders that has enthusiastically supported Trump in the paststated, Vice President Pence  should seriously consider working with the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to preserve democracy.

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Some members of Congress are calling for the amendment to be invoked. According to CBS News, some of Trumps Cabinet secretaries are discussing it as well.

Under Section 4 of the 25th Amendment, the president can be removed from office if the vice president and a majority either of the Cabinet secretaries or of Congress declare in writing that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Upon delivery of this declaration to the speaker of the House and the president pro tempore of the Senate, the vice president shall immediately assume the office of Acting President.

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Many have interpreted unable literallyfor instance, if the president is in a coma. This seems a reasonable reading at first glance, as the amendments other sections deal with succession in case the president dies. However, a closer reading indicates this is not the case. Section 4 goes on to spell out what happens if the president protests the invoking of the 25th Amendment and claims in writing that no inability existssomething he could not do if he were literally disabled.

In that instance, the ousted president would resume the powers and duties of his officebut then the vice president and the majority of Cabinet secretaries or Congress could retransmit their declaration of the presidents inability to perform his duties. At that point, the presidents ultimate removal would require a vote by two-thirds of the House and the Senate.

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Two-thirds of senators are also required to convict an impeached president. But the rules for impeachment and conviction also require hearings and a trial. There is no such requirement in the 25th Amendment; it could be processed very quickly.

Ordinarily, it would be unlikely that such a large majority of legislators could be mustered to throw out Trump. But if the instigators of his ouster are Vice President Mike Pence and some Trump-appointed Cabinet officersrather than Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiffthe dynamic could shift substantially.

Already, Trump seems to be out of the picture. In a statement announcing the deployment of National Guard troops to the Capitol, acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller said that he and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had consulted with the vice president and top congressional leaders; he said nothing about talking with the commander in chiefi.e., with the president. Similarly, when Pelosi said that Congress would reconvene later on Wednesday evening, to resume the process of ratifying electors (which was disrupted by the rioting), she too said she had sought the advice of Pencenothing about talking with Trump.

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Has Pence already, at least de facto, assumed the duties and powers of the president? Where is Trump? He has not been seen or heard from since the frightful video tweet in which he told the insurrectionists to go home (but also told them we love you and called them special) and a later written tweet justifying the rioters behavior. (As a result of this tweet, Trumps Twitter account was suspended for 12 hours.)

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Meanwhile, Trump is losing favor among Republican lawmakers, who were rushed to an undisclosed location when the riotersafter being whipped up by Trump at a nearby rallycrashed through U.S. Capitol Police lines, broke windows, and occupied the House and Senate chambers. Before the evacuation, Congress was taking up objections to at least three states electoral votes for Biden as president.

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At the start of the day, only a dozen Republican senators, though more than 100 in the House, were said to favor these objections. Pence, the most doggedly loyal of vice presidents, reportedly told Trump on Tuesday that he had no legal authority to overturn the results of the election unilaterally. When the session began, the Senates top Republican, Mitch McConnell, spoke eloquently against the objections, arguing that Biden had won the election, that Congress has no power to overrule the votes of citizens and states, and that, if the objections were heavily pushed, the Electoral College might be abolisheda step that would make it nearly impossible for Republicans to win the White House in the futureand, in which case, American democracy might be fatally damaged.

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In short, a large number of Republicans might be calculating that further association with Trump is not in their long-term interestespecially if he continues to rouse the most violent of his followers.

Is it really possible that Pence invokes Section 4 and that two-thirds of the House and Senate go along? Probably notunless, maybe, Trump continues to incite the mob, and hes certainly inclined to do just that.

In his four years as president, especially in the last couple weeks, and even more in the last 24 hours, Trump has been his own loudest champion but also his own worst enemy. His loutish, self-pitying paranoiablaming all his failures on various foes, real and imaginaryled, in good part, to his defeat in the election and to his partys defeat in the Georgia runoff. He will never admit his role in these defeats, just as he told his mob of supporters at Wednesday mornings rally that he will never concede the defeats themselves.

If Trump quiets down, or if his minders can keep him clamped down, he may last another two weeks in the White Housethough the incidents of Jan. 6 will wreck his already tarnished legacy. But if Trump keeps inciting the Proud Boys and other wannabe militants to further acts of resistance, some in the GOP may well take up the call to cut short his already short tenure.

At least they should.
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America is burning, reads a top trending hashtag in Turkey following the storming of the Capitol building by supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump  an expression not of alarm but rather of widespread schadenfreude. A large number of Turks feel deep animosity toward the United States. For many, America is getting its just desserts for the decades of humiliation it's inflicted on other weaker states. Images of Trump supporters in their outlandish outfits and the Statue of Liberty on life support making the rounds on social media were hailed with mockery and glee. The curses of the children you slaughtered are yet to take effect, read a typical tweet.

Let it burn, let it burn, let it burn, read another.

The sentiments are not unusual in much of the Middle East, where US military intervention and Washingtons unconditional support for Israel have earned it many enemies. But in Turkey, feelings are particularly raw over Americas perceived support for rogue officers who unsuccessfully sought to bloodily overthrow the countrys elected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2016, a theory thats been propagated by the countrys hawkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu. Then there are the US sanctions that were slapped on Ankara in December over its purchase of Russian S-400 missiles plus the Pentagons support for Syrian Kurdish fighters Ankara calls terrorists.

In the inverted world of Turkish conspiracy theories, some detected parallels between Trump and Erdogan, in which both were portrayed as victims. Sympathy for Trump stems from the latters overt admiration for a fellow populist. The outgoing US president has shielded the Turkish leader from a slew of draft sanctions for much of his term. Might Twitter suspend Erdogans account as it had Trumps, mused Sabah columnist and ardent Erdogan supporter Hilal Kaplan. Were there certain forces, read Turkeys toothless opposition parties, who might reject the results of any election they lost? And the subtext: Would social media giants like Twitter ride to their rescue?

Turkeys parliament speaker Mustafa Sentop was not immune to the schadenfreude. He invited all parties in the US to use moderation, common sense to overcome this domestic political crisis. His concern proved too much for Samantha Power, the Barack Obama administrations former ambassador to the United Nations. Erdogan [and] leaders like [Vladimir] Putin [and] Xi [Jinping] have waited a long time to issue statements like this, she tweeted.

We are simply returning the favor Samantha. Turkey has a lot to teach you about coups thanks to the U.S. but Erdogan successfully overcame the last one which must be hard on you.



By the way, how is restoring democracy in Egypt going? https://t.co/ozHP78VdnI  Hilal Kaplan (@HilalKaplanEng) January 6, 2021

Kaplan hit back. We are simply returning the favor Samantha. Turkey has a lot to teach you about coups thanks to the US. But Erdogan successfully overcame the last one which must be hard on you.

Meanwhile, TRT World, the governments glossy English-language propaganda channel that rarely gives voice to Turkeys opposition, prided itself on landing an interview with Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio.

Trump supporters have stormed Capitol Hill, among them the Proud Boys. We speak exclusively to the group's leader Enrique Tarrio.



Our show is coming soon on TRT World pic.twitter.com/F5GphFZIO9  TRT World (@trtworld) January 7, 2021

For the Turkish government like other authoritarian regimes, its been a welcome chance for whataboutism, observed Nicholas Danforth, a senior research fellow at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy, an Athens-based think tank.

"For many other people whove watched decades of often arrogant, often hypocritical American lectures about democracy, its an understandable occasion for schadenfreude, he told Al-Monitor. But its also worth noting, he added, that some of the progressive voices and human rights NGOs that have been most critical of authoritarianism in Turkey have also been the most alarmed about the situation in the United States.

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Concerned about reports of young people migrating from the remote regions along the 260-km India-China border in Himachal Pradesh, the state government has decided to develop more facilities for tribal residents in 76 villages.

Though the situation along the border stretching 140km along tribal Kinnaur district and 80km along Lahaul and Spiti district is peaceful now, large scale infrastructure expansion in China, especially new roads close to the sensitive Kaurik sector in Kinnaur, has left government officials worried.

The Centre allocated Rs 17 crore this fiscal for development in such regions under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) in Himachal, cutting down funding because of the economic implications of Covid-19.

Last year Rs 27.4 crore had been allocated under BADP.

More jobs, production oriented activities

BADP is aimed at creating more jobs and production oriented activities and schemes which provide critical inputs to the social sectors.

Additional funds will also be given by the government for the development of 76 villages within zero km from the border, says Onkar Sharma, principal secretary, tribal development.

The HP government had demanded more money and proposed to the Centre that a road be built between Brua in Kinnaur to Harshil in Uttarakhand via the 17,000 feet high Lam Khaga pass for better connectivity between the two states.

``We are trying to give impetus to developmental activities along the border areas, there are many projects in the pipeline, project works are periodically reviewed, says Sharma.

In the last three years there has been reduction in funds for development of the region. Theres a need to create more employment avenues to stop the exodus of youth from the region, says Jagat Singh Negi, four time legislator and a senior Congress leader from Kinnaur. A police team sent by the HP government to report back on the migrations after Indias standoff with China in Ladakh last year, cited lack of facilities and economic activities as the main reasons for the exodus.

HP chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, who also holds the home portfolio, too, expressed concern over depopulation of youth due to lack of economic activities.

The 198 villages in the three border blocks of 12,634 km, of Kalpa and Pooh in Kinnaur district and Spiti in Lahaul and Spiti district, do not have roads, electricity and communication systems or education and medical facilities.

Indo-China trade limits options

The government talks about tourism development but the border areas still lack basic infrastructure  says Negi, suggesting that young people be provided land.  Horticulture is more beneficial than tourism, he adds.

The centuries -old traditional trade between India and China and India too has been plagued with problems with youngsters not interested in taking it up. Bilateral trade through the Shipki La pass connecting Kinnaur district to the Tibetan Autonomous Region in China the reopened in 1993 after remaining closed since 1962 since the Indo-China war.

Traders in the border areas have repeatedly approached the HP Himachal government for a revision of the list of tradable items as the items allowed are not lucrative.

There is a need to add more facilities at trading points, says Sharat Chander Negi, who retired as general manager from the Industries department.
A landlord and her husband have brazenly pitched a tent in the backyard of their tenant's home on Christmas Day and started living there.

Nicky and William and their three young children had been living in the rented home in Yamba on the New South Wales north coast for two months when their landlord Pascale Hubert suddenly informed them she would be moving onto the property.

'Dear Nicky and William, I am the owner. As of tonight I will be occupying the rear yard,' Ms Hubert messaged the couple.

Tenants Nicky and William had been living on their rental property in Yamba on the NSW north coast for two months when their landlord suddenly arrived and pitched a tent in the backyard

Ms Hubert says she is justified in taking over the back of the block as the tenants do not have access to the backyard under their $560-a-week lease agreement.

The rental contract includes the phrase 'rear yard is not included'.

Nicky said police have told her they are powerless to force the landlords off the property.

'It's day 11 of them living in the backyard. It's completely bizarre to everybody we tell. Police and real estate don't know what to do,' she told A Current Affair.

'Our children are terrified, they keep asking, "Who are they?" and we can't give them any answers.'

Pictured: The landlord's makeshift campsite at the back of the property

Fiery footage has showed the landlord's husband in a heated confrontation with the couple - ordering them to move their car

The landlord's husband has already had a heated confrontation with the couple - ordering them to move their car so he and his wife could access the back of the four-bedroom, two-bathroom property.

'Listen here, s*** for brains, I've given you a warning, move that frigging car now, you are in big s***,' he said in one video filmed by the tenants.

But tenant advocates argue the landlord is trespassing by using the side of the house to get to the backyard.

'It could be that the landlord is trespassing whenever they go across that driveway area because they are entering into a place that they've given someone else possession,' Tenants Union of NSW CEO Leo Patterson Ross said.
T he unprecedented impact of the pandemic on Londons hospitals emerged today, amid dire warnings that the capital is less than a fortnight from being completely overwhelmed.

Many London hospitals have spent the festive period without a spare bed, with six of the 18 acute trusts effectively full last week.

New figures this morning revealed that the hardest-hit trusts had only two or three unoccupied beds on Sunday  with six hospitals having every available critical care bed in use.

This has forced hospitals to cancel non-emergency care, including some cancer surgery. Cardiac surgery is also being postponed.

It came as:

Almost 900 patients were stuck in an ambulance outside London A&Es for more than an hour last week due because hospitals were too busy to accept them.

A leaked briefing said London had only 46 spare intensive care beds and was facing a total shortfall of 1,900 beds by the middle of the month.

Trust leaders warned that the NHS would soon not be able to treat all covid patients.

Analysis of NHS England data by the Standard found that on December 29 the Whittington hospital had no spare beds, North Middlesex had two, Hillingdon had four, as did the Lewisham and Greenwich trust, Homerton had five and Kingston had six.

There were only 10 spare beds in Croydon and 14 at the Royal Frees hospitals in Hampstead and Barnet.

Whittington hospital: had two spare beds on Sunday

Pressures at North Middlesex, in Edmonton, were so acute that almost two-thirds of its general and acute beds  253 out of 399  were filled with covid patients.

Updated data published this morning revealed that, by Sunday, the Whittington, in Archway, had two spare beds out of 218, while Croydon had three spare of 441.

There were only 11 spare beds at North Middlesex, 12 at Kingston and 15 at Lewisham and Greenwich, which runs Lewisham hospital and Queen Elizabeth in Woolwich.

But there was not a single spare critical care bed on Sunday at the Homerton, Kingston, Hillingdon, Whittington, North Middlesex or at London North West healthcare, which runs Northwick Park and Ealing hospitals.

Homerton hospital chief executive Tracey Fletcher tweeted that it was treating 200 covid patients - almost double the number a week earlier.

Sources said hospitals were rushing to open surge capacity and were continuing to admit patients while cancelling planned operations.

They said it was becoming harder to transfer patients to other hospitals with remaining capacity or to community trusts with step down beds or elderly care facilities, but denied that patients were having to be treated in corridors.

Paramedics have been unable to offload patients for up to six hours, it has been reported.

One nurse at the Whittington said earlier this week that patients were waiting up to three hours in ambulances.

She said: Some are in corridors, being looked after in makeshift areas, makeshift wards have been created for covid patients, and ICUs are running out of space.

A regional approach has been adopted, with the capital divided into five sectors, of which North Central and North East have been under the greatest pressure. North Middlesex has had to transfer some patients to the specialist Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore.

READ MORE

A further indication of the scale of the pressure on hospitals emerged today with data showing that 872 patients waited more than an hour outside A&Es in London between December 28 and Sunday, January 3, before they could be offloaded.

This was up from 500 who waited more than 60 minutes in the previous week that included Christmas day.

LAS says it is suffering a second successive week of unprecedented demand, amid reports of people waiting up to 10 hours for a crew after calling 999.

At peak times, there can be up to 600 incidents to which there are no ambulances available to be dispatched, it has been reported.

LAS chief operating officer Khadir Meer tweeted: Last week was the busiest in our history. This week appears to be no quieter. Please only call 999 in an emergency.

The service had prepared for up to 6,000 calls a day but has been deluged with 7,500 to 8,000 calls for help.

This indicates that scale of pressure on A&E departments and the difficulty of admitting patients to a ward due to the logjam within the wider hospital.

A presentation to hospital medical directors yesterday by Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS Londons top doctor, warned that the capital was set to have a shortfall of 1,500 general and acute beds and 400 intensive care beds by January 19, according to a leak to Health Service Journal.

The NHS England presentation, seen by the HSJ, showed that even if the number of covid patients grew at the lowest rate considered likely, and measures to manage demand and increase capacity, including opening the capital's Nightingale hospital, were successful, the NHS in London would be short of nearly 2,000 general and acute and intensive care beds.

Chris Hopson, of NHS Providers, told the Today programme, that problems were really escalating very quickly across the country.

He said: We are now at the point where unless we can access this capacity, we are not going to be able to treat the patients that we need to treat in the NHS."

A spokesperson for Whittington Health NHS Trust said: Like the whole NHS, Whittington Health is currently experiencing pressure as a result of a rapid increase in Covid-positive patients.
Farmers on protest for over a month demanding the scrapping of three agricultural laws will hold their eighth round of negotiations with the government on Friday. The government has refused to roll back the laws farmers say will hurt their incomes; the last round of talks on January 4 failed to end the impasse.

On Friday, thousands of farmers staged a tractor march from their camps on Delhis borders to converge on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal expressway, ahead of a planned march to the Capital on Republic Day.

There are media reports doing the rounds that the government has formulated a new proposal. There is no such thing. This is a game to divert media attention away from our successful tractor march today, said Yogendra Yadav of Swaraj India and a leader of the farmers agitation.

At the seventh round of talks on January 4, while the farmers pressed government to repeal the three agricultural laws approved by Parliament in September, farm minister Narendra Singh Tomar said it was not possible to commit to a repeal.

...we are again reminding the government ahead of tomorrows meeting that these laws should be completely repealed and remunerative MSP should be made into a legal right of all farmers, Darshan Pal, a farmers leader, said.

...the farmers agitation will continue and we will enter the capital to celebrate Republic Day without disturbing the official parade if our demands are not met, said Avik Saha, the secretary of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee.

The government is ready to fulfil all the demands. But farmers are now saying that the laws be repealed...I think farmer unions dont want a solution. I think their plan is something else, Punjab BJP leader Surjit Kumar Jyani said after meeting home minister Amit Shah.

Analysts say the government and farmers have to find a middle ground. The repeal of the laws has to be a political call but it is possible to devise mechanisms such as price deficiency payments..., said RS Mani, a former economist with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
Police clear the US Capitol building with tear gas as supporters of outgoing US President Donald Trump gather outside, in Washington DC, United States on January 6, 2021. (Image: Reuters/Stephanie Keith)

Slamming President Donald Trump for inciting violence at the US Capitol, all four living former US presidents -- Barack Obama, George W Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter -- have condemned the actions of pro-Trump rioters and underlined the need for a peaceful transfer of power.

The statement of Obama and three former presidents came hours after thousands of pro-Trump rioters on Wednesday stormed the US Capitol, interrupting a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were set to certify President-elect Joe Biden's win.

History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation. But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise, Obama said in a lengthy statement.

For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth that this was not a particularly close election and that President-elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20, he said.

"Their fantasy narrative has spiralled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo, Obama said.

In the November 3 presidential election, Biden, a Democrat won 306 Electoral College votes while Trump, a Republican, mustered only 232 votes.

Obama said, "Right now, Republican leaders have a choice made clear in the desecrated chambers of democracy. They can continue down this road and keep stoking the raging fires. Or they can choose reality and take the first steps toward extinguishing the flames. They can choose America."

The former president said he was heartened to see many members of Trump's party speak up forcefully today.

"Their voices add to the examples of Republican state and local election officials in states like Georgia who've refused to be intimidated and have discharged their duties honourably. We need more leaders like these right now and in the days, weeks, and months ahead as President-elect Biden works to restore a common purpose to our politics. It's up to all of us as Americans, regardless of party, to support him in that goal," he said.

In a separate statement, former US President George W Bush said he and the former First Lady watched the scenes of "mayhem unfolding at the seat of our nation's government in disbelief and dismay".

"It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic not our democratic republic. I am appalled by the reckless behaviour of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement," he said.

"The violent assault on the Capitol and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes. Insurrection could do grave damage to our nation and reputation," Bush said.

In the US, he said, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law.

"To those who are disappointed in the results of the election: Our country is more important than the politics of the moment. Let the officials elected by the people fulfil their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety," Bush said.

According to former US President Bill Clinton, the "unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country" was fuelled by more than four years of "poison politics" spreading deliberate misinformation, sowing distrust in the system and "pitting Americans against one another".

"We must reject today's violence, turn the page and move forward together honouring our Constitution, remaining committed to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people," he said.

Carter, also a Democrat, said he was "troubled" by the day's events in the US Capitol.

"This is a national tragedy and is not who we are as a nation," he said.

"Having observed elections in troubled democracies worldwide, I know that we the people can unite to walk back from this precipice to peacefully uphold the laws of our nation, and we must."

"We join our fellow citizens in praying for a peaceful resolution so our nation can heal and complete the transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries."

Former Secretary of State and First Lady, Hillary Clinton, said "domestic terrorists" attacked a foundation of American democracy: the peaceful transfer of power following free elections.

"We must reestablish the rule of law and hold them accountable. Democracy is fragile. Our leaders must live up to their responsibility to protect it," she said.

Former Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush alleged that Trump provoked the disgusting events at the Capitol.

"He has gone from creating chaos to inciting insurrection. Mr President, accept your defeat, go home to Florida and let our elected officials do their jobs and rebuild confidence in our democracy," he said.
YouTube has announced that it will temporarily suspend any channels that post videos with false claims of voter fraud in the US presidential election, a day after deleting a video posted by Donald Trump which praised those involved in the Capitol riot.

Channels will be hit with a strike for content 'in violation of our policies', and banned permanently after three strikes in 90 days, the website said.

Recently updated site rules have banned 'content that advances false claims that widespread fraud, errors, or glitches changed the outcome of any past U.S. presidential election.'

The implementation of the strike system from YouTube comes as President Donald Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts were locked until at least January 20th after his supporters stormed the US Capitol building in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.

'Due to the disturbing events that transpired yesterday, and given that the election results have now been certified, starting today *any* channels posting new videos with false claims in violation of our policies will now receive a strike,' Youtube said in a statement they shared to Twitter.

'Over the last month, weve removed thousands of videos which spread misinformation claiming widespread voter fraud changed the result of the 2020 election, including several videos President Trump posted to his channel.'

The implementation of the strike system from YouTube comes as President Donald Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts were locked until at least January 20th after he still posted video claiming voter fraud

Trump supporters gesture to U.S. Capitol Police in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber at the Capitol on Wednesday

The release states that there had been an initial grace period mentioned in a December update, set for Inauguration Day.

'Channels that receive a strike are temporarily suspended from posting or live streaming,' the release continues. 'Channels that receive three strikes in the same 90-day period will be permanently removed from YouTube. We apply our policies and penalties consistently, regardless of who uploads it.'

YouTube's guidelines against 'Spam, deceptive practices, & scams policies' now includes a section on 'Presidential Election Integrity'.

It outlaws 'content that advances false claims that widespread fraud, errors, or glitches changed the outcome of any past U.S. presidential election (Note: this applies to elections in the United States only). For the U.S. 2020 presidential election, this applies to content uploaded on or after December 9, 2020.'

'Due to the disturbing events that transpired yesterday, and given that the election results have now been certified, starting today *any* channels posting new videos with false claims in violation of our policies will now receive a strike,' Youtube said in a statement they shared to Twitter

'Over the last month, weve removed thousands of videos which spread misinformation claiming widespread voter fraud changed the result of the 2020 election, including several videos President Trump posted to his channel'

The release states that there had been an initial grace period mentioned in a December update, set for Inauguration Day

'Channels that receive a strike are temporarily suspended from posting or live streaming,' the release continues. 'Channels that receive three strikes in the same 90-day period will be permanently removed from YouTube. We apply our policies and penalties consistently, regardless of who uploads it'

In an extraordinary blog post Thursday, Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg accused Trump of using the platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government.

The decision will likely put pressure on Twitter after Trumps favorite social media platform suspended him for 12 hours on Wednesday evening.

Zuckerberg said the president used his Facebook page 'to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building' and that allowing him to freely post in the final 13 days of his term would pose too great a risk.

The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden, Zuckerberg wrote.

Thousands of Donald Trump supporters storm the United States Capitol building following a "Stop the Steal" rally on January 06

In an extraordinary post, Zuckerberg accused Trump of using Facebook to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government

In the 13 days left in his presidency, Trump will not be able to communicate to his more than 35.2 million followers on Facebook.

Trump's social media blackout Multiple social media companies have announced that Trump's accounts have been suspended following the violence at the Capitol: Facebook - Account access suspended until at least January 20th Instagram - Owned by Facebook. Account access suspended until at least January 20th Twitter - Trump's access to @realdonaldtrump account for 12 hours on Wednesday and deleted three incendiary tweets. YouTube - Video posted by Trump after the violence removed. Site-wide ban on videos which promote election fraud conspiracies Snapchat - Trump's account disabled 'indefinitely' Twitch - Trump's account disabled 'indefinitely' Advertisement

The president will also be blocked from his 24.6 million followers on Instagram, a Facebook-owned property.

His decision to use his platform to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building has rightly disturbed people in the US and around the world, the statement by Zuckerberg read.

We removed these statements yesterday because we judged that their effect - and likely their intent - would be to provoke further violence.

Following the certification of the election results by Congress, the priority for the whole country must now be to ensure that the remaining 13 days and the days after inauguration pass peacefully and in accordance with established democratic norms.

Over the last several years, we have allowed President Trump to use our platform consistent with our own rules, at times removing content or labeling his posts when they violate our policies.

We did this because we believe that the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech.

But the current context is now fundamentally different, involving use of our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government.

Zuckerberg concluded: We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great.

Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete.
Keo Motsepe is mourning the death of his beloved mother.

The Dancing With The stars professional dancer took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal his personal tragedy.

'I am gonna miss you mama, the South African native wrote, along with a red heart emoji. 'I love you #RIP.'

Tragic: Dancing With The Stars pro dancer Keo Motsepe is mourning the death of his mother

Earlier in the day, Motsepe broke down in tears when he talked briefly about his loss during an Instagram Live.

'[I] woke up this morning to the most painful news ever,' the 31-year-old said before adding, 'I lost the queen of my heart.'

So far there's no word on an official cause of death.

RIP: The South African native, 31, also shared his grief on Instagram Live: '[I] woke up this morning to the most painful news ever. I lost the queen of my heart'

The death of Motsepe's mother comes just days after he reflected on the highs and lows of 2020 with an Instagram collage, which included meeting new girlfriend and Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause, completing another season of DWTS with partner Anne Heche, and his mother.

'While there are no words to describe the many challenges 2020 had in store for us, I find myself inspired by not only those I hold close to my heart but humanity,' he wrote with obvious emotion.

'This year more than ever, I've seen people come together like never before, and while uncertainty is still in the air, I hope we continue being there for each other.'

A look back: The death of Motsepe's mother comes just days after he reflected on all the highs and lows of 2020, which included meeting new girlfriend and Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause, completing another season of DWTS with partner Anne Heche, and his mother

Motsepe ended by looking forward to the year ahead.

'Thank you all for your kindness and love, and may 2021 bring you joy, health and light,' he added, along with the hashtags: love, family, friends and happy new year.'

Motsepe is the first black professional dancer on the ABC's Dancing With The Stars.

New item: Motsepe and Stause made their relationship Instagram official a month ag
Koh Kyung-sok, director-general of the foreign ministry's Africa and Middle Eastern affairs, speaks to reporters before departing for Iran at Incheon International Airport, Wednesday. Yonhap



A government delegation left for Iran on Thursday to negotiate an early release of the South Korean oil tanker and its crew seized by Iranian authorities earlier this week.



The delegation, led by Koh Kyung-sok, director-general of the foreign ministry's Africa and Middle Eastern affairs, boarded a plane early Thursday and is set to arrive in Iran via Qatar, foreign ministry officials said.



On Monday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) seized the MT Hankuk Chemi carrying 20 crewmembers, including five South Koreans, due to environmental pollution allegations. The ship is currently at a port in Bandar Abbas, a city on Iran's southern coast.



"I plan to meet my counterpart at the Iranian foreign ministry, and will meet others through various routes if that will help efforts to address the ship's seizure," Koh told reporters at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul.






Plans for HMGoG Schools and Educational Settings

As a result of the increased number of positive COVID-19 cases in our community, all Government schools and educational settings will be closed for the following 2 weeks, with an initial opening date set for Monday 25th January 2021.

Government schools will therefore now NOT open on Monday 11th January. This position will be reviewed weekly by the Government, the Department of Education and NASUWT who will take account of infection rates and hospitalisations in the community as well as Public Health advice in order to arrive at a decision.

St Martins School

The Government recognises that temporary school closure is more disruptive and stressful for the pupils of St Martins School and their families. As such, it has been decided to review the position of temporary school closure for this school at the end of the coming week, after 5 days of school closure, to see if it would be possible to reopen St Martins on Monday 18th January. The nature of schooling at St Martins is such that social distancing can often not be maintained and so it is considered that with high prevalence of the virus the risk of infection which could spread within the school, is higher, which is why St Martins will not open on the 11th either.

Contingency learning

Contingency learning programmes will run online throughout the period of temporary school closure. Contingency learning will commence on Monday 11th January. Programmes will be formulated and managed by each school following guidance from the Department of Education. Schools will be in direct communication with the pupils and teachers will interact periodically with pupils for whom they are responsible. Each school and educational setting will inform its pupils and parents about the details of their programme before Monday 11th January.

The Department of Education has published the Contingency Learning Guidelines issued to HMGoG schools. This document has been developed in consultation with the NASUWT Gibraltar and provides HMGoG schools with guidelines of the expectations on the delivery of the curriculum whilst pupils are unable to attend schools. The guidelines also provide pupils and parents with guidance on what to expect with respect to contingency learning, not only now in the immediate situation of school closures, but also in regard to what to expect as we continue to work through this pandemic. The Contingency Learning Guidelines can be found on www.education.gov.gi

Parents are asked to familiarise themselves with the guidelines so that they are aware of the role each key stakeholder in the contingency learning dynamic should play.

Carefully constructed asynchronous learning will continue to support pupils in the development of their skills, in the development of their understanding and will support their acquisition of knowledge. It will provide the pupils with hands-on learning opportunities and will ensure they engage actively with the learning concepts at hand.

The Department of Education asks parents and young people to familiarise themselves with their schools contingency learning offering at the earliest opportunity and encourages learners to prepare to get back into a learning mode for Monday 11th.

Child supervision

Parents should NOT send their children to school and will need to make alternative arrangements. This will in many cases be inconvenient, but Govt says we need to consider the situation that we are in and that many members of the community are having to make unusual and often difficult changes to their lives. Moreover, if the circuit breaker is to be effective in stopping infection, it is best to keep children at home and not in contact with others.

A limited number of children will be catered for, during normal school hours, but only when both parents are key front-line workers who have to work at the same time and only for those days when that is the case. Such parents must apply for this facility through their heads of department and not directly to the school or the Department of Education. There will not be a public subscription as there was during the last lockdown.

Employers are asked to show flexibility and support those parents who need to spend time at home during these unusual and critical times.

The child supervision service is only open to children of school age who are enrolled in government schools and will run throughout the course of the usual school day (09:00 to 15:00 for Lower Primary aged children; 09:00 to 15:30 for Upper Primary and Secondary aged children). Parents should note that the service provided will be a supervisory service only and will not include any focus on contingency learning. Parents will have to work with their children on the contingency learning materials at a time convenient to them, once the children are back at home.

Pupil Wellbeing

The Department of Education recognises that many children and families will find the current lockdown situation very difficult and the period of temporary school closure may bring about further worries and anxieties in our young people. The Department of Education and its schools and educational settings will continue to actively reach out to its young people and will provide additional channels of communication and support to its more vulnerable pupils. School staff and counsellors will continue to actively engage with learners and their families to support them as best as possible during this challenging time.

As in the previous lockdown schools will be continue to monitor the well-being of children; the reach out programme will continue to operate. Schools will endeavour to maintain contact with families by telephone, email or school electronic platforms. Parents are also encouraged to contact schools if they have a worry or concern. They may use the schools direct number or email, or alternatively contact the department of education and ask for a teacher to call back.

School counsellors will maintain contact with their current student caseloads but will also make themselves available to help with other student or parent mental health concerns. There will be a number of communication channels made available: Facebook, Instagram pages and they will also make a phone number available for direct calls or messages.

In order to help young people keep physically and mentally fit, the Department of Education encourages families to try and establish a sense of routine during weekdays and to ensure this includes a range of activities within the household. Parents are asked to do what they can to ensure their children complete the contingency learning programme scheduled for each day at a time that best fits the familial circumstances. Whilst helping children to continue progressing through their curriculum is important, the Department of Education would like to stress that it is not the be all and end all during these unprecedented times. These are extraordinary times and the Department of Education would like to remind parents that education is not only about an academic process. It is more important to offer your child help, support and encouragement than on completing all activities or achieving results. We envisage that contingency learning will run for a short period of time and that we will soon return to some sense of normality.

The Department acknowledges that this will be a testing time for the community, as remote learning is not without challenges. However, the Department is confident that teachers will be doing their utmost to support their learners throughout the period of temporary school closure and that learners will adapt to this new way of working. Together with parental support, we can work as teams around each child to continue to support their learning journey. We urge households to adopt as positive a mindset as they can muster, and do their best within the current challenges our community is facing. By working together, we can all do our bit to get our community back to normality sooner rather than later, said a spokesperson.

Minister for Education, the Hon Prof John Cortes stated Everyone in Education is working hard to ensure that we deliver a meaningful learning experience, and I am very grateful to teachers, LSAs and everyone else for their work to this end.

And I want to pay special tribute to the children of Gibraltar. They are the silent sufferers in all of this. They do not express their views or vent their frustration through social media, but their lives have been changed so drastically over the past year. Theyve been without schooling for large periods, not seeing friends ,cousins ,grandparents. And yet they still smile and they still laugh, resilient and strong in a way that us adults can no longer be. And I want to assure them that all of us in the community, parents, grandparents, teachers, LSAs, support workers, everyone, will do all that we can to ensure that their learning continues and that their lives are back to normal as soon as humanly possible.
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US, UK warn Moderna, Pfizer vaccine may cause fever, weak immunity

Debates continue in India whether the two COVID-19 vaccines that got emergency use authorisation from the country's drug regulator recently are safe and efficacious. The fact sheets for vaccine recipients in US and UK for Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines say the vaccines are yet to be fully approved. Moderna's fact sheet for recipients says its vaccine is unapproved and 'may prevent COVID-19'. The UK government says it has only given an approval for 'temporary supply' and not a marketing authorisation for Pfizer vaccine.

Maruti Suzuki's production jumps 34% at 1,55,127 units in December

Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest carmaker, on Wednesday said its total production in December 2020 increased 33.78 per cent to 1,55,127 units. The company had produced a total 1,15,949 units in the same month of 2019, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said in a regulatory filing.

COVID-19 impact: Housing sales dip 37%, office leasing declines 35% across 8 cities in 2020

Housing sales fell 37 per cent year-on-year during the 2020 calendar year while gross office space leasing declined 35 per cent on low demand because of the coronavirus pandemic, but demand improved significantly in the last quarter to cross pre-COVID level, property consultant Knight Frank India said on Wednesday.

China denies entry to WHO team investigating COVID-19 origins

China has blocked the arrival of a team from the World Health Organisation (WHO) sent to investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, which allegedly started in Wuhan in 2019. China claims that the team's visas have not yet been approved.

US Capitol violence: Twitter, Facebook suspend Trump's accounts

In an unprecedented move, social media giants Twitter and Facebook have temporarily blocked US President Donald Trump's accounts after violence by his supporters at US Capitol Hill. Both Twitter and Facebook have blocked Trump's official accounts for 12 and 24 hours, respectively, citing policy violations over his tweets and video message that purportedly incited violence. Twitter also warned of permanent suspension of Trump's account if he continued to violate its policies.

Lawlessness, violence at US Capitol 'antithesis of democracy': Pichai

Alphabet and Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai described "lawlessness and violence" at the US Capitol on Wednesday over the US presidential election as the "antithesis of democracy." "Holding free and safe elections and resolving our differences peacefully are foundational to the functioning of democracy. The United States has a long and proud history of doing this," Pichai wrote to the company after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the government building that houses Congress.
With a limited section of commuters allowed on suburban local trains, the number of ticketless, unauthorised passengers has gone up significantly. The Railways has increased surveillance to book and has found a sharp rise in ticketless commuters compared to pre-Covid times.

Central Railways has booked 77,500 unauthorised commuters attempting to travel by local trains between July 2020 and January 5, 2021. The daily number of ticketless commuters booked was 1,000 against around 4.5 million commuters before the Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020. It has increased to 1,500 unauthorised commuters booked daily when the number of commuters is restricted to 800,000 daily.

Also Read: Maharashtra realty boost: Construction premiums are slashed by 50%

A fine of Rs1.67 crore has been recovered from ticketless travellers between July 2020 and January 5, 2021.

Suspended in the third week of March after the lockdown was announced, train services resumed from July 15 for those working in essential services, the specially abled and cancer patients. Women commuters and lawyers were also allowed to commute during a stipulated time. However, the number of unauthorised commuters is still huge and according to the Railways authorities ,it ranges between 30-40% of the total commuters now. The zonal railways has increased checking of passengers and is conducting surprise ticket inspections in different locations at railway stations and in local train compartments.

In January, the Central Railways has booked 1,500 cases of ticketless commute every day. On Tuesday, 2,039 cases were registered.

There has been an increase in unauthorised commuting from November. People, after being denied tickets at the booking office as they are not permitted by the state government to travel by local trains, were found boarding trains and travelling without tickets. Inspections have increased throughout all suburban railway stations. said a senior Central Railways official.

The Central Railways currently operates 1,580 local trains daily on its main, harbour and trans-harbour lines.

The Western Railways operates 1,201 local trains. During normal operations, Central Railways runs 1,774 services, while Western Railways operates 1,367.
Pennsylvanias first case of a more-contagious version of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has been confirmed in Dauphin County, home to the state capital of Harrisburg.

The case was travel-related and the patient had mild symptoms while they recovered at home, state health department officials said in a news release Thursday morning announcing the variant strains detection and during a news conference later in the day. Others who may have been exposed to the Dauphin County patient have been notified and monitored through contact tracing.

The new strain, called SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, is among the mutations monitored by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says this particular variant first appeared in the United Kingdom as early as September and appeared in other countries since last month.

The CDC says the strains mutations make it spread more efficiently and quickly. It does not stop the COVID-19 vaccine from working.

Today @SecretaryLevine announced the first confirmed case of the #COVID19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, in Pennsylvania. The confirmed case is in Dauphin County. This variant is the same one that was first discovered in England in December. Read more: https://t.co/G3n2xqiKAo pic.twitter.com/U2HsxDY8u3  PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) January 7, 2021

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said the state has sent a dozen or so random samples to the CDC twice a week since November to watch for cases with new variants.

In a midday news conference, she said the variants presence is not unexpected and it will probably appear in all 50 states.

There is no evidence at this time that it is, for instance, the dominant strain in any part of the United States but of course, nationally, well be watching for that, Levine said.

Health officials are urging residents to continue safe pandemic practices like wearing masks, washing hands and avoiding gatherings.

UPDATE (12:51 p.m.): This story has been updated with comments from a news conference with Pennsylvanias health secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine.

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Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.
President Donald Trump, while sympathizing with supporters who rioted and vandalized the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, urged supporters to go home in peace in a video filmed outside the White House after lawmakers on both sides of the aisle accused him of sowing insurrection and chaos.

I know your pain, I know your hurt, Trump said in the video, posted on Twitter. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election and everyone knows it, especially the other side. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order. We dont want anybody hurt.

Twitter flagged the post, preventing it from being shared, replied to or liked because yet again the president alleged, without evidence, that the White House was taken from him by fraud. Dozens of state and federal courts, bipartisan state and local election officials and even Trumps own Department of Homeland Security and former Attorney General have said there was no evidence of widespread fraud or irregularities that impacted the election.

Trump supporters amassed Tuesday and Wednesday in the nations capital as more than 100 members of Congress sought to delay or curtail the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens decisive 306-232 Electoral College victory  a doomed effort that leading Republicans and Democrats alike described as attack on democracy.

Just after Vice President Mike Pence, citing his oath to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution, announced he would not acquiesce to Trumps calls for him to unilaterally throw out some of Bidens crucial electoral votes, a pro-Trump mob swarmed the Capitol building and clashed with police.

The violence and vandalism, from supporters of the self-proclaimed law and order president, came despite Trumps authorization earlier this year of up to a decade in prison for willful injury of federal property. That executive order came as Trump deployed the National Guard and other federal law enforcement agencies to several cities in the wake of unrest after the police killing of George Floyd in May.

In a tweet after Capitol police placed the complex on lockdown, Trump urged supporters to please support our capitol police and law enforcement. They are truly on the side of our country. Stay peaceful!

But many lawmakers said the tweets were too little, too late after weeks of encouraging supporters to gather in Washington, D.C.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney accused the president of inciting an insurrection.

A White House adviser told CNN that aides had grown furious that the president had not done more to stop the violence. The advisor said Trump doesnt want to do more to quell the unrest, even as his supporters broke through police barriers, pushed and shoved police and roamed the halls of Congress, forcing lawmakers into recess.

Metropolitan police Chief Robert J. Contee III confirmed that a person was shot inside the U.S. Capitol Wednesday afternoon. Further details on injuries were not available.

In the Wednesday afternoon video, Trump closed by repeating complaints about his election loss and trying to sympathize with supporters whose rally had quickly devolved into unrest. Trump called them very special.

Theres never been a time like this where they could take it away from all of us, from me, from you, from our country, he claimed. But we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special. Youve seen the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home, and go home in peace.

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Frankenstein foods created by editing genes in crops and livestock could be on the plate in future as the government opens a consultation into uses of the technology.

Gene editing is a process that enables changes to the traits of plants and animals more quickly than traditional selective breeding - which has been used for centuries.

It is different from genetic modification (GM), in which DNA from one species is introduced to a different one.

A 2018 EU ruling regulated gene edited food as stringently as it did for GM organisms, but the government have proposed pulling back from that.

Environment Secretary George Eustice says the current rules have stifled the technology's potential and has opened the topic up for public consultation.

Under the plans being put out for consultation, the rules could be changed in England to allow gene editing research to be used to produce beneficial crops and livestock, with strong health and safety rules in place, officials said.

Gene editing is a process that enables changes to the traits of plants and animals more quickly than traditional selective breeding - which has been used for centuries

The Government said gene editing makes the same kind of changes to plants and animals that occur naturally and through traditional breeding.

They said that the consultation would gather information to make sure it was safe and that food and environmental standards are not relaxed.

It will look at stopping certain gene editing organisms from being regulated in the same way as genetic modification, as long as they could have been produced naturally or through traditional breeding techniques.

Gene editing's potential includes making crops and livestock more resistant to pests or disease, cutting the need for pesticides and improving animal welfare, and making food have healthier impacts such as lowering blood pressure.

Lindsay Duncan, World Animal Protection farming campaigns manager said they were concerned editing genes of farm animals for more profitable traits would be used as an excuse to cram more animals together on factory farms.

'The industry already selectively breeds chickens that grow too fast and consistently puts profits before animal welfare,' Duncan said.

'We don't need gene editing to improve animal welfare we need to end factory farming, reduce meat consumption and farm animals in a more sustainable and humane way.

Speaking to the online Oxford Farming Conference, Mr Eustice will say: 'Gene editing has the ability to harness the genetic resources that mother nature has provided in order to tackle the challenges of our age.

'This includes breeding crops that perform better, reducing costs to farmers and impacts on the environment, and helping us all adapt toclimate change.

'Its potential was blocked by a European Court of Justice ruling in 2018 which is flawed and stifling to scientific progress.

'Now that we have left the EU, we are free to make coherent policy decisions based on science and evidence. That begins with this consultation.'

The Government said gene editing makes the same kind of changes to plants and animals that occur naturally and through traditional breeding

Professor Robin May, the Food Standards Agency's chief scientific adviser, welcomed the consultation and said all genetically edited foods would only be allowed to come to market if they are judged not to pose a health risk.

He said they would also have to be produced in a way that did not mislead consumers or have a lower nutritional value than existing equivalents.

Sir David Baulcombe at the University of Cambridge said the overwhelming view in among public sector scientists was in support of gene editing.

He said Nobel Prize winning gene editing methods would accelerate the availability of crops and livestock for sustainable, productive and profitable agriculture.

Professor Robin May, the Food Standards Agency's chief scientific adviser, welcomed the consultation and said all genetically edited foods would only be allowed to come to market if they are judged not to pose a health risk

'I welcome the Defra consultation that will help with a broader assessment of gene editing as an appropriate technology in agriculture.'

Prof Huw Jones, Chair in Translational Genomics for Plant Breeding, Aberystwyth University, said the world needs to find a way to stop food and agriculture harming the planet - and a combination of land management and better crops can help.

'In its simplest form, gene editing is merely a speedier way to find the genetic variation made by natural processes,' said Jones.

'It is important to get public buy-in to transparent and proportionate frameworks for its safe use in future sustainable farming and food systems.'

Dr Janneke Balk, Group Leader at the John Innes Centre, said gene editing and genetic modification were very closely related and equally beneficial.

'GE allows for making precise, targeted changes to the DNA of a crop, whereas GM usually means introducing a larger piece of DNA, like one or two genes,' Balk said.

'In my lab, we have introduced an altered wheat gene into wheat to increase the nutritional iron levels. It is GM, but with minimal changes to the DNA of the plant.

'GE opens up more ways of achieving the same thing (more iron). At the moment we are not using GE because it is still technically challenging.

'Also, to make GE work, another gene needs to be introduced as well, which can be later removed by outcrossing.

'So GE goes through a stage where it is GM, then the GE mechanism kicks in, and the transgene is removed after the desired editing has taken place.'

Prof Bruce Whitelaw, Prof of Animal Biotechnology and Interim Director of The Roslin Institute, said gene editing technology has come a long way in a few years.

He said it is now a 'robust and versatile tool to both increase our ability to understand biology and develop innovative applications.'

The consultation will also begin a longer-term project to gather evidence on updating the approach to genetic modification, by gathering information on what controls are needed and how to deliver them, officials said.

The consultation will run for ten weeks from January 7 to March 17.
The Nifty50 hit a fresh record high but wiped out all the gains in late trade to close flat with a negative bias despite positive global cues on January 7. Select FMCG, IT and pharma stocks weighed on the market but buying in metals and select banks capped losses.

The Nifty50 opened higher at 14,253.75 and immediately hit an intraday record high of 14,256.25 but wiped out gains to hit the day's low of 14,123.10. The index settled at 14,137.40, down 8.90 points.

The index formed a bearish candle as closing was lower than the opening level but continued forming higher highs for the eleventh trading sessions. The index needs to report a strong close above 14,250 for a strong momentum, till then consolidation may continue, experts said.

As the Nifty appears to be in the consolidation phase, traders should remain neutral till the index witnesses a fresh breakout in either direction, Mazhar Mohammad, Chief StrategistTechnical Research & Trading Advisory at Chartviewindia.in said.

"This back to back negative closes certainly look to have damaged the strong upward momentum," Mohammad said.

If the Nifty slips below 14,120 in the next session, then the weakness shall get extended upto 14,000 but trend reversal in the favour of the bears shall not be considered unless the Nifty closes below 13,950.

Upward strength shall not be presumed unless a close above 14,250 is witnessed, he said. In case of a positive close, the Nifty shall expand its upmove towards 14,500 levels.

India VIX fell by 1.83 percent from 21 to 20.61. "Volatility needs to cool down below 20 zones to support the bullish market setup and fuel the next rally with the higher market base," Chandan Taparia, Vice President | Analyst-Derivatives at Motilal Oswal Financial Services said.

The options data indicated that the Nifty could see an immediate trading range of 14,000- 14,400 for the coming sessions.

On the options front, maximum Put open interest was at 13,000 followed by 13,500 strike, while maximum Call open interest was at 14,000 followed by 14,500 strike. Minor Call writing was seen at 14,200 then 14,500 strike, while Put writing was seen at 13,900 then 13,500 strike.

The Bank Nifty opened gap up at 32,129.80 and saw a slight dip in the initial hour followed by an escalated move up to 32,177.40. However, a correction was seen in the second half of the day and the index slipped to an intraday low of 31,911.50.

The index settled the day with gains of 158.10 points at 31,956 and formed a bearish candle on the daily scale as it closed lower than its opening levels.

"The index has to continue to hold above 31,750 to witness an up move towards 32,200 and 32,500 levels, while on the downside, support is seen at 31,500 and 31,200 levels," Taparia said.

Positive setup was seen in IDFC First Bank, Bharat Forge, Shriram Transport Finance, Sun TV Network, Ashok Leyland, Tata Steel, Mcdowell Holdings, Cummins India, Hindalco, NMDC, Bharti Airtel, M&M Financial, Max Financial Services, Havells, Jubilant Foodworks, UBL, L&T and Voltas. Weakness was seen in HUL, Nestle India, HCL Technologies, Biocon, NTPC and Maruti, he added.


Burma Kirin to Continue Profit Denial to Myanmar Military Conglomerate

Kirin has invested heavily in Myanmar. / Kirin Ichiban Myanmar Facebook

YANGON  Japanese beverage giant Kirin says its probe into its Myanmar partners military connections ended inconclusively because access to information was denied. However, it said it would not resume dividend payments from beer profits to the military-owned Myanma Economic Holdings Public Company (MEHL).

Last year, Kirin hired Deloitte Tohmatsu Financial Advisory to conduct an independent review of the financial and governance structures of MEHL after it faced international condemnation for its partnership with Myanmars military amid accusations of genocide against the Rohingya. The review aimed to determine the destination of profits from joint ventures Myanmar Brewery Limited and Mandalay Brewery Limited.

Kirin Holdings Company Limited on Thursday said Deloittes assessment was inconclusive because it was unable to access sufficient information to make a definitive determination.

It said it is wholly unacceptable for any proceeds from its joint ventures in Myanmar to be used for military purposes, which is a fundamental condition of the joint-venture agreement.

It said the suspension of beer dividend payments to Kirin and the military-owned company would continue.

In response to pressure from human rights groups, the company in November suspended paying profits from Myanmar Brewery and Mandalay Brewery to Kirin, MEHL and other shareholders.

Kirin said it will provide an update on the companys plans by the end of April.

Kirin held 51 percent of both Myanmar Brewery and Mandalay Brewery, with MEHL holding the rest, said the United Nations independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar in August 2019.

The report warned that any foreign business activity involving Myanmars military and its enterprises posed a high risk of contributing to or being linked to violations of human rights law. The report also warned that at a minimum, foreign companies were boosting military finances.

Kirin announced a review of its operations in Myanmar in February last year following allegations by the UN missions report.

In June, the company said it made repeated requests to MEHL for proper documentation as the information initially provided was insufficient.

Kirin said it takes its responsibilities in Myanmar seriously and will continue to take action to ensure its activity in the country adheres to the highest standards.

Rights group Justice for Myanmar called on the Japanese company to publish the assessment and cut ties with MEHL.

It said as long as Kirin continues to do business with MEHL, Kirin is complicit in ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Myanmar.

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New York, Jan 7 : President-elect Joe Biden is planning to name civil rights activist Vanita Gupta to be the associate attorney general, according to several media reports quoting unnamed sources close to him.

The reports on Wednesday also said that he will name Merrick Garland, a federal appeals court judge, as the attorney general.

Gupta had served as the principal deputy assistant attorney general and head of the Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department in former President Barack Obama's administration when Biden was the Vice President.

She gained fame when straight out of law school she won the release of 38 people, most of them African Americans, who had been wrongly convicted on drug charges in a Texas town by all-White juries. She also got them $6 million on compensation.

She was then working for the Legal Defence Fund of NAACP (National Association of Coloured People).

Gupta went on to work as a staff lawyer for the top human rights organisation, the American Civil Liberties Union, where she took on several cases for immigrants and victims of mass arrests.

A landmark case she won was getting a settlement for children held in privately run immigration prisons.

She is now the president and CEO of Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of more than 200 human rights organisations.

Gupta will have to be confirmed by the Senate as associate attorney general, which would be smooth sailing because the Democrats have taken control of the Senate.

She is the latest of a series of Indian Americans appointed to important posts by Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

They include Neera Tanden, who will be the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Vivek Murthy, the Surgeon General, both of whom will have to be confirmed in their positions by the Senate, and Vedant Patel, to be his assistant press secretary, Vinay Reddy to be the director of speechwriting and Gautam Raghavan, to be the deputy director of the Office of Presidential Personnel.

Among others are Atul Gawande and Celine Gounder to the Covid-19 task force, Mala Adiga to be the policy director for Jill Biden, who will become the First Lady, and Maju Varghese to be the executive director of their inauguration - the swearing-in ceremony and the festivities around it.

Former President Barack Obama had nominated Garland, considered a moderate, to be a Supreme Court judge in his final year in office but Republicans, who controlled the Senate, blocked the appointment.

Many African American leaders had pressured Biden to appoint someone from their community as the attorney general because of the need to redouble efforts to protect their civil rights and combat racism.

Appointment of Gupta with a strong civil rights records could reassure them about Biden's commitment to the cause.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text


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U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and Rep. Tom Tiffany plan to object, while Rep. Mike Gallagher said he wont and has urged other Republicans to join him. Wisconsins three other Republicans in Congress  Bryan Steil, Glenn Grothman and Scott Fitzgerald  have not said whether they will object and did not immediately respond to messages left ahead of the vote.
WASHINGTON - Jan. 6, 2021, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of the United States.

Instead of a day designed to symbolize the peaceful transfer of power, Wednesday will be remembered as the day when a mob, encouraged and incited by President Donald Trump, breached the Capitol, smashed windows on a door into the House chamber, creating an armed standoff, and in one case mounted the dais in the Senate chamber to protest the election of President-elect Joe Biden.

Instead of an orderly and normally pro forma procedure to ascertain the results of the electoral college, it will be remembered as the day Capitol Hill security collapsed, when members of the House and Senate were forced into lockdown, when Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others had to be escorted to safety, when House members were told to prepare to don gas masks.

Instead of a moment of celebration of free and fair elections in the world's greatest democracy, Wednesday will be remembered as a day that brought a frightening and predictable culmination to two months of lies by the president that the election had been stolen by Biden and the Democrats, when in fact it had not.

It was a day in which Trump was aided and abetted by many members of his party, who were preparing to object to the electoral college counts and thereby give moral support to Trump's false claims of a stolen election and who then decried the lawbreaking and violence of the people in whose names they claimed to be representing.

As the process of counting the election of Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was just getting underway, democracy suddenly gave way to political anarchy. It was a clarifying moment. When the protesters stormed the Capitol, it was no longer possible to conclude anything other than that there are connections between the dangerous and inflammatory words of political leaders and how the people who trust them respond - and consequences.

Could there be any other conclusion? Trump had urged people to assemble on Wednesday to show their support for him. In the hour before the joint session of Congress convened in the House chamber, the president was exhorting a mass of supporters with one more recitation of his baseless claims of a stolen election and much else.

It was the president who urged them, their flags and banners snapping against the cold January wind, to march to the Capitol, and they did, and immediately the Capitol complex became a scene of chaos and clashes between protesters and police, with Trump supporters hurling insults and vulgarities at law enforcement officials in riot gear and behind barriers designed to protect buildings and people. Then the protesters turned into a mob, breaching the barriers.

The scenes that unfolded in the afternoon were unlike anything anyone could remember, with rioters marching unencumbered through Statuary Hall near the House chamber, clogging the steps and balconies on the East Front, and the mob assembling in even bigger numbers on the Capitol's West Front, where the inaugural ceremonies will take place in two weeks.

Alerts and text messages to lawmakers, staff and journalists provided a running inventory of the confusion, alarm and danger. U.S. Capitol Police called for reinforcements as they sought to reclaim one of the grandest and most secure buildings in the country. There were scenes of violence and reports of injuries, tear gas used and flash grenades set off, with all the images instantly hurtling around the globe via television and the Internet.

To the rest of the world, America, long the beacon of democracy, stood as a nation besieged, its long-standing divisions starker and more threatening than ever, its electoral system challenged by the insecurities of a president unwilling to accept what even many of those elected officials raising objections to the electoral college counts knew to be true, which is that the election was carried out fairly and that Trump had lost.

Before the Capitol was overrun and the proceedings designed to officially seal Biden's victory halted, Trump could see the withering away of support, even if he was not prepared to accept it. First it was Pence, presiding over the joint session, who issued a lengthy statement saying that he was powerless to change the outcome or delay the ascertainment and doing so just minutes after Trump had again implored him to act in opposition to the Constitution.

"It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not," he wrote.

Next it was Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., whose days as Senate leader are numbered as Democrats won two stunning victories in runoff elections in Georgia. McConnell, who has drawn the ire of Democrats for the way he has run the Senate and for failing to confront Trump's false claims earlier and more forcefully, said he was about to take the most important vote he had ever taken as a senator - a vote against the president's wishes.

"Voters, the courts and the states have all spoken," he said. "They all spoken. "If we overrule them, it would damage our republic forever." To overturn election on the basis of "unproven allegations by the losing side" would mean that "democracy would enter a death spiral."

In a matter of minutes, the Capitol was under assault, as if that death spiral was being visited on the lawmakers themselves. Biden, who spoke later in the afternoon, would describe the scenes he had witnessed on television as democracy being "under unprecedented assault."

He said what was happening "borders on sedition," adding, "To storm the Capitol, to smash windows, to occupy offices, and to threaten the safety of duly elected officials is not protest. It is insurrection."

Trump has fed this anger throughout his presidency, stoking division and hatred. For some it has been a joyride, an opportunity to stick the eye of an establishment they saw as easy to hate. The president has delighted in playing impresario to this drama, reveling in the adulation of the crowds.

Those around him have proved to be powerless to constrain him, or have given up caring, assuming perhaps that it would finally run its course on Jan. 20, when Biden is to be sworn in. Instead the worst happened on Wednesday, just two weeks before Trump will have to vacate the White House and become once again a private citizen.

Biden challenged Trump to address the nation on television and call for an end to the protests, to acknowledge that he had lost the election and to say that it was time for everyone to accept the results. The most Trump could muster by sundown was a pair of tepid tweets urging protesters to remain peaceful and to support law enforcement and a one-minute video in which he urged supporters to go home peacefully while repeating his baseless claim that the election was stolen.

Twitter later took down the video, along with several other posts by the president, for violating its rules.

Trump is both a symptom and a cause of the eruption on Wednesday afternoon, a president who was elected in an outpouring of protest and who has used the powers of his office not to tamp down on the anger and hostility but to further inflame it. It should not be a surprise that, in the final days of his presidency, it would produce Wednesday's revolt against the election results.

Biden had intended to speak about the economy on Wednesday afternoon, all part of his team's carefully planned run-up to his inauguration. Instead he was forced to speak of the events that threaten to make his presidency even more difficult than they would be. He must deal with the coronavirus pandemic, the economy and much else, but he was reminded by what was unfolding of the most important problem that awaits him.

"The work of the next four years must be the restoration of democracy," he said. That is the sad legacy left to him by the incumbent.
Perfect Corp., a NYC-based beauty technology solutions provider and developer of virtual beauty app, YouCam Makeup, raised $50m in Series C funding.

The round was led by Goldman Sachs.

The company intends to use the new funds to augment its artificial intelligence (AI) beauty technology solutions across multichannel retail and drive corporate global expansion.

Led by Alice H. Chang, CEO, Perfect Corp. provides a virtual beauty app called YouCam Makeup which  with over 900 million downloads globally and over 300 global brand partners  aims to upgrade the beauty industry across categories including makeup, skincare, foundation, hair and AI face attributes technologies allowing consumers to virtually try on SKUs, diagnose skin conditions, get personalized recommendations and easily discover beauty products.

FinSMEs

07/01/2020
"I am humbled and honored to join Dr. Antman's advisory board at my alma mater," said Fishbein. "Although I chose a business path in the employee benefits industry, I draw on my medical education from BUSM every day to help ensure our products and services both complement and support the health and wellbeing of every covered member. I look forward to working with the board to help the school continue its success in both educating new physicians and conducting groundbreaking research."

Upon graduation from BUSM, Fishbein decided to pursue a career in business, first focusing on managed care, addressing health and wellness for people covered under employer medical plans. In his early career at Mass Mutual, he helped establish one of the first insurer physician and hospital networks. With New York Life, he led development of products and provider networks nationally, and then led the company's NYLCare Health Plan of Maine, broadening healthcare options for the state and across New England. At Aetna, Fishbein led health plans in New England, created new business models, and led the company's Specialty Businesses. Fishbein joined Sun Life U.S. as president in 2014, contributing his medical insights and expertise to Sun Life's broad portfolio of insurance products and services. These include Sun Life's Work is Healthy (WisH) philosophy, a goal-oriented approach to helping disabled members return to gainful employment following an illness or injury, supplemental health offerings, which help close financial gaps in health insurance, and insurance protection for employers who self-fund their health plans through Sun Life's industry-leading stop-loss business.

The BUSM Dean's Advisory Board members are selected to serve for three years, and include many prominent M.D.s, M.D./PhDs, M.D.s in politics and business, and parents of students. Board members also provide philanthropic support to the school  Fishbein will be supporting the M.D./MBA program and the Rebecca Lee Crumpler Scholarship Fund, named for the first Black woman to receive a medical degree in 1864. She graduated from the New England Female Medical College, which would become BUSM after incorporation into the university in 1873. The Rebecca Lee Crumpler scholarship raises funds to help Black women attend BUSM.

"I am excited to help bring more diverse students into the field of medicine, an important step to improving access to healthcare and addressing health disparities in the U.S.," added Fishbein.

"I am delighted to have Dan Fishbein join the School's advisory board, as he brings a unique group health perspective to our school," said Dean Antman. "As an alumnus who chose to pursue a business path, Dan understands how medical training can be applied to various disciplines in impactful ways. I look forward to working with him and engaging his expertise."

Fishbein also currently serves on the Board of Collective Health (San Francisco), and is a board member of Spurwink Services, a large non-profit behavioral health provider in Maine.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2020, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1,186 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

In the United States, Sun Life is one of the largest group benefits providers, serving more than 60,000 employers in small, medium and large workplaces across the country. Sun Life's broad portfolio of insurance products and services in the U.S. includes disability, absence management, life, dental, vision, voluntary and medical stop-loss. Sun Life and its affiliates in asset management businesses in the U.S. employ approximately 5,500 people. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com/us .

About Boston University School of Medicine

Originally established in 1848 as the New England Female Medical College, and incorporated into Boston University in 1873, Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) today is a leading academic medical center with an enrollment of more than 700 medical students and 950 students pursuing degrees in graduate medical sciences. BUSM faculty contribute to more than 668 active grants and contracts, with total anticipated awards valued at more than $693 million in amyloidosis, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, infectious diseases, pulmonary disease and dermatology, among other areas. The School's teaching affiliates include Boston Medical Center, its primary teaching hospital, the Boston VA Healthcare System, Kaiser Permanente in northern California, as well as Boston HealthNet, a network of 15 community health centers. For more information, please visit http://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm/

Media contacts:

Devon Fernald

Sun Life U.S.

781-800-3609

[email protected]

Gina Maria Wilczewski

Boston University School of Medicine

617-358-7838

[email protected]

Connect with Sun Life U.S.

https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial

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SOURCE Sun Life U.S.
(Natural News) Russia has announced that it has developed an antidote against Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) infections. The countrys medical regulator touted the new drugs efficacy rate of more than 99 percent based on previous studies.

If clinical trials are successful, Russias new drug will be the first etiotropic COVID-19 medication  a treatment that directly targets the cause of a disease.

The Russian Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) said Dec. 30 that its potential anti-COVID drug would become the worlds first direct-acting antiviral antidote. FMBA Head Veronika Skvortsova remarked: This is the first etiotropic drug that directly affects the virus. In fact, this is an antidote for coronavirus infection.

Skvortsova informed Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin that pre-clinical studies on the drug have been completed. The same studies have shown the antidote to be completely safe and highly efficient. She also told Mishustin that the FMBA is ready to apply for further permission to test out the drug.

If clinical trials confirm the effectiveness of this drug  it will be the first safe, effective [and] direct-acting antiviral drug that has no analogs in the world, Skvortsova commented. The drug has registered a more than 99 percent efficacy rate in clinical trials.

Aside from this new coronavirus antidote, the FMBA is also looking at a separate drug for treating more severe COVID-19 cases. The rheumatoid arthritis drug olokizumab, as retooled by Russian drugmaker R-Pharm, is said to be able to address cytokine storms in the body caused by SARS-CoV-2. A cytokine storm or hypercytokinemia is an immune response triggered by an overload of the bodys immune system to fight off the virus. Cytokine storms lead to body tissue damage and have been thought to cause the majority of COVID-19 fatalities.

R-Pharm Chief Medical Officer Mikhail Samsonov told Reuters back in October that the results of a clinical trial on olokizumab are set to be published. He also remarked that the drug has been included in national guidelines for treating COVID-19 patients  with promising results. What we saw in the clinical trial and in clinical practice is that when we inject  olokizumab [to patients], within a few hours  the temperature is going down [and] oxygenation is growing, Samsonov elaborated.

The two Russian drugs join the list of treatments addressing Wuhan coronavirus infections

The two drugs  olokizumab and the etiotropic antidote  add to the growing number of medications that show promise against Wuhan coronavirus infections.

During the initial months of the pandemic, the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was found to be effective in fighting COVID-19. U.S. President Donald Trump even endorsed the use of the drug for treating COVID-19, which led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving its use in March 2020.

However, the FDA revoked its initial authorization for HCQ in June 2020 after finding it unlikely to be effective in treating COVID-19. The regulatory agency cited serious cardiac adverse effects and other potential serious side effects with the use of HCQ as grounds for rescinding the drugs approval.

The anti-parasitic oral drug ivermectin has also been found to be a promising COVID-19 medication. Originally used against parasitic worms, it initially saw use in Latin America to address COVID-19 symptoms. The Epoch Times reported in mid-December that Florida-based pulmonologist Dr. Jean-Jacques Ratjer was one of the first doctors to prescribe ivermectin for severe COVID-19 patients.

Ratjer said that ivermectin, included in the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines, was soon adopted by some Broward County hospitals as part of their COVID-19 treatment protocol. He added that more than seven months later, the success rate of the ivermectin-based protocol is now far superior to what it was in its early days.

Aside from HCQ and ivermectin, antibody treatments have also been touted as an effective treatment for COVID-19. Banking on the FDAs approval of convalescent plasma in August 2020, some pharmaceutical firms have focused on developing these alternatives for those who cannot tolerate vaccines well.

The polyclonal antibody cocktail developed by Regeneron saw initial use as a treatment when Trump contracted the coronavirus in October 2020. It was among the treatments administered to the president during his hospitalization at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. AstraZeneca commenced advanced trials on its antibody treatment in October, while Eli Lillys version has obtained emergency use approval from the FDA.

Visit Medicine.news to find out more about treatments against Wuhan coronavirus infection.

Sources include:

RT.com

Reuters.com

FDA.gov 1

Nature.com

TheEpochTimes.com 1

FDA.gov 2

TheEpochTimes.com 2

Story

Executive Constantine issued the following statement on the violence today at the U.S. Capitol:

"The scenes from the U.S. Capitol are an utterly predictable manifestation and culmination of the anti-democratic, anti-American fraud perpetrated by Donald Trump over the last four years.

"This is a sad, dark moment in our nation's history. I urge leaders at all levels of government and across the political spectrum to stand together in support of our nation, our constitution, and the peaceful transfer of power that these traitors are seeking in vain to disrupt."

For more information, contact:

Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537
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New Delhi: India's GDP is estimated to contract by a record 7.7 per cent during 2020-21 as the COVID-19 pandemic severely hit the key manufacturing and services segments, as per government projections released on Thursday. Amid the overall decline in economic activities, some respite was provided by the agriculture sector and utility services like power and gas supply, which have been projected to post positive growth during the current fiscal ending March 2021.

"Real GDP or GDP at Constant Prices (2011-12) in the year 2020-21 is likely to attain a level of Rs 134.40 lakh crore, as against the Provisional Estimate of GDP for the year 2019-20 of Rs 145.66 lakh crore. "The growth in real GDP during 2020-21 is estimated at -7.7 per cent as compared to the growth rate of 4.2 per cent in 2019-20," said the first advanced estimates of national income released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).

The contraction in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), however, would not be as steep as projected by certain international agencies like the IMF and World Bank.

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Commenting on the data, the finance ministry said the GDP estimates suggest a continued resurgence in economic activity in the second half of the current fiscal and point at post-lockdown sustained V-shaped recovery.

"The AE of 2020-21 reflect a continued resurgence in economic activity in Q3 and Q4 - which would enable the Indian economy to end the year with a contraction of 7.7 per cent," it said in a statement.

CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said the advance estimates (AE) for the full year show "a much shallower decline than earlier expected".

State Bank of India's research report Ecowrap said, "It's now official. Due to the COVID pandemic India will witness a negative GDP growth rate for the first time after 1979-80." "If we juxtapose the data which is available for H1 and look at the FY21 estimates, CSO is expecting some recovery in the services sector, with financial, insurance, real estate services leading," it said.

Meanwhile, NSO also estimated the Real Gross Value Added (GVA) at basic prices at Rs 123.39 lakh crore in 2020-21, as against Rs 133.01 lakh crore in 2019-20, showing a contraction of 7.2 percent. GVA does not factor in net taxes.

GVA in the key manufacturing sector is likely to see a contraction of 9.4 per cent during 2020-21 as compared to a flat growth of 0.03 per cent in the year ago period.

'Mining and quarrying', and 'trade, hotels, transport, communication and services related to broadcasting' GVAs are likely to contract by 12.4 per cent and 21.4 per cent, respectively.

The construction sector too is projected to contract by 12.6 per cent, 'public administration, defence and other services' by 3.7 per cent, and 'financial, real estate, and professional services' by 0.8 per cent, as per the data.

On the other hand, 'agriculture, forestry and fishing' sector has been projected to grow at 3.4 per cent during the fiscal. The sector had posted a growth of 4 per cent in 2019-20.

Similarly, 'electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services' is likely to post a growth of 2.7 per cent during the year ending March 2021. This compares with 4.1 per cent expansion during 2019-20.

The economy contracted by a massive 23.9 per cent in the first quarter and 7.5 per cent in the second quarter on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government has been stressing that economic activities are picking up post gradual unlocking of the economy and stimulus packages, and the country would witness a V-shaped growth.

The country's monetary authority, the RBI, had said the second half of the fiscal is expected to show some positive growth. RBI has forecasted real GDP growth at (-) 7.5 per cent in 2020-21, which is an improvement over its previous projection of 9.5 per cent contraction.

The World Bank in its latest Global Economic Prospects estimated India's economy to contract by 9.6 per cent in the fiscal year 2020-21, reflecting a sharp drop in household spending and private investment. The growth is expected to recover to 5.4 per cent in 2021, it said.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India's economy is projected to contract by 10.3 per cent this year and likely to bounce back with an impressive expansion of 8.8 per cent next year.

Moody's Investors Service had recently upped the growth forecast to (-) 10.6 per cent, from its earlier estimate of (-) 11.5 per cent, saying the latest stimulus prioritises manufacturing and job creation and shifts focus to longer-term growth.

NSO said in wake of the pandemic, the data challenges in the case of other underlying macroeconomic indicators like the IIP and CPI used in the estimation of National Accounts aggregates, will also have implications on these estimates.

Further, the projected indices may significantly vary from the actual indices which in turn will depend on the pandemic-led economic situation prevalent during those months and specific measures, if any, taken by the government, it said. "Estimates are therefore likely to undergo sharp revisions for the aforesaid causes in due course, as per the release calendar," it added.

The per capita net national income (NNI) at current prices is estimated at Rs 1,26,968, showing a contraction of 5.4 per cent, as compared to Rs 1,34,226 during 2019-20 with a growth rate of 6.1 per cent.

Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) at current prices is estimated at Rs 47.23 lakh crore in 2020-21 as against Rs 54.72 lakh crore in 2019-20. At constant (2011-12) prices, the GFCF is estimated at Rs 37.07 lakh crore in 2020-21 as against Rs 43.34 lakh crore in 2019-20.
SBC Executive Committee President Ronnie Floyd tests positive for COVID-19

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Former Southern Baptist Convention President Ronnie Floyd announced that he has tested positive for the coronavirus, having contracted it last month.

In an email to supporters, Floyd explained that he began feeling ill on Dec. 26 and eventually got a test, having been delayed due to the upheaval cause by the Christmas Day bombing in Nashville, Tennessee.

While that first day brought my worst symptoms and a few days following have been challenging, it has been nothing like so many others have experienced, Floyd said.

By Gods grace alone, I have felt blessed each day as God has seen me through. Thankfully, Jeana has remained negative and we are grateful God has preserved her thus far from this virus.

Floyd went on to note that the personal diagnosis of COVID-19 and the horrible, lonely deaths of so many reported everywhere has had a real effect on me.

This global pandemic has reminded us again and again that we need God more than ever before, and we need each other more than ever before, he continued.

Over these past few days, I have sensed this deeply and know it more personally. Fear of the unknown has been real, but God has seen me through.

Amid the uncertainty of his health situation, Floyd wrote that he felt inspired by Psalm 56:3, which reads: What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

I enter 2021 with hope, as I am sure each of you do. My hope rests in Jesus Christ, and I know that no matter what happens in our world, I can trust in Him when I am afraid, when I am joyful, and when I am uncertain, Floyd added.

Currently the president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, Floyd was elected president of the SBC in 2014 and held the office until 2016.

While president, Floyd championed efforts to advance racial reconciliation between the SBC, which was originally founded by slave-owners, and historically African American churches.

For example, in 2015 Floyd participated in a summit on racial unity held in Jackson, Mississippi, alongside Jerry Young, president of the National Baptist Convention, USA.

The following year, Floyd was involved in a panel discussion titled "A National Conversation on Racial Unity in America" in St. Louis, Missouri.

The sin of racism is a spiritual stronghold in this nation and now is the time this wall must come down, wrote Floyd in 2016.

As we repent of it personally, repent of it in our churches, and repent of it in our nation, we will perhaps see the next great spiritual awakening in our generation.
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BELLINGHAM, Wash., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Anne-Marie Faiola, Founder and CEO of Bramble Berry Handcraft Provisions, was appointed as a Board Member of Holistic Hound , the source of trust and knowledge for organic pet supplements formulated with full spectrum CBD and functional mushrooms. She brings deep and diverse knowledge related to the Direct-to-Consumer channel, product formulation and development, along with a passion for the wellbeing of animals.

"Anne-Marie brings a wide array of expertise to our company," said Ian Butler, Operations Manager at Holistic Hound. "She's an in-the-trenches entrepreneur, and her skills and experience building a high-quality brand in a trusted and unique industry will greatly benefit our team as we build out the Holistic Hound Brand."

Anne-Marie is the founder and CEO of Bramble Berry Handcraft Provisions, which focuses on all things Do-It-Yourself for bath, body, candles, skincare, soap and more. She holds an MBA, graduated from MIT's Entrepreneurial Master's program, earned a Nutritional Therapy Degree, is the author of four books and enjoys more than 151,000 views as a YouTube Educator. She is extremely active in her community, serving on several civic boards and networks. Most notably, she was recently appointed to the Finance Committee for Washington State by Governor Inslee, and she currently serves on the Covid Employer Response Task Force for Whatcom County. Anne-Marie also recently attended Chicago Booth School of Business for post-MBA work in finance, mergers and acquisition.

"I am thrilled to join the Board at Holistic Hound," said Anne-Marie Faiola. "I look forward to sharing my entrepreneurial and nutritional expertise with this deeply committed animal health company run by people who understand the love of pets."

Anne-Marie is also the recipient of several notable awards including:

Top 50 entrepreneurs in America by President Obama's Small Business Administration

Businesswoman of the Year ( Washington State ) from the Women's Business Owners of Washington

) from the Women's Business Owners of Best Businessperson and Best Small Business for Whatcom County

Forbes Small Businesses

One of the Best Bosses in America by Winning Workplaces

Anne-Marie enjoys a full menagerie of animals in her home, wrangled by her seven and nine-year-old children. They love their three snails, two large koi fish, two betta fish and one arboreal tree-climbing gecko. She's hoping to adopt a dog soon to add to the happy chaos in her life.

Holistic Hound's premium line of CBD and CBG oils, bites and chews, mushroom powder and balms are designed to provide holistic health and therapeutic wellness throughout all life stages for both cats and dogs. Its USA-made products are USDA Certified Organic and distributed via wholesale to neighborhood pet stores nationwide. Learn more about the company's history and its full line of products at holistichound.com .

About Holistic Hound

Holistic Hound is dedicated to helping improve the health, wellness and longevity of dogs and cats with an acclaimed line of veterinarian-formulated, full spectrum hemp and mushroom supplements with CBD and CBG. Holistic Hound products contain non-GMO organically grown hemp oil, are third-party tested, and made in the USA to USDA Certified Organic certification levels. Learn more at www.holistichound.com and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and Twitter .

Media Contact:

Mackenzie Smith

[email protected]

574-524-5916

SOURCE Holistic Hound

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She recently detailed her 'special bond' with her 11-month-old daughter Loretta.

And Lydia Bright was spotted out and about with her little girl on Thursday, as she enjoyed a walk in the park with her mother Debbie, 56, in Essex.

The former TOWIE star, 29, opted for winter chic in a cream teddy coat which was tied around her lithe waist with a belt and styled with a knitted bobble hat.

Out in the woods: Lydia Bright was spotted out and about with her little girl on Thursday, as she enjoyed a walk in the park with her mother Debbie, 56, in Essex

The reality personality also sported a pair of black leggings and chestnut Ugg boots for her outing as she pushed Loretta's pram through the woodland area.

Lydia appeared to go make-up free for the occasion and tucked her hair off her face, while Loretta was wrapped up warm in a padded jacket and pink hat.

Meanwhile Debbie, who was also pushing a pram, opted for a similar look as she rocked a brown teddy jacket with a pair of black sweatpants and trainers.

Casual: The former TOWIE star, 29, opted for winter chic in a cream teddy coat which was tied around her lithe waist with a belt and styled with a knitted bobble hat

Low-key: The reality personality also sported a pair of black leggings and chestnut Ugg boots for her outing as she pushed Loretta's pram through the woodland area

Keeping her look glam, the TOWIE mum wore a pair of stylish sunglasses and a slick of red lipstick.

The mother and daughter duo appeared to bump into some friends while out in the park, as they stopped to chat to two women at one stage.

It comes after Lydia discussed her incredibly 'special bond' with her little girl last Monday, saying the tot is her 'whole world'.

Lydia called an end to her on-off romance with Loretta's father, Lee Cronin, earlier this year but confirmed he still sees their child every weekend.

Chic: Meanwhile Debbie, who was also pushing a pram, opted for a similar look as she rocked a brown teddy jacket with a pair of black sweatpants and trainers

Cosy: Lydia appeared to go make-up free for the occasion and tucked her hair off her face, while Loretta was wrapped up warm in a padded jacket and pink hat

In a new interview with Hello! magazine, she said of her relationship with the tiny tot: 'Me and Loretta have the most incredible relationship and special bond  especially because she's a 2020 baby as well. We are inseparable.

'She still sleeps in my bedroom, and she's my whole world. It has just been me and her all along, she's my whole happiness.

'Any single parent will relate to this; that bond that you have, because it's just been you two, is so special. We've been through it all together. I've experienced every one of her first milestones.'

Aw! It comes after Lydia discussed her incredibly 'special bond' with her little girl last Monday, saying the tot is her 'whole world'

fLYING SOLO: Lydia called an end to her on-off romance with Loretta's father, Lee Cronin, earlier this year but confirmed he still sees their child every weekend

Lee broke things off three months into Lydia's pregnancy, but the pair decided to rekindle their romance after he showed his supportive side during pre-natal appointments and the birth.

The couple met in Ibiza in June 2017 but separated and reunited three times, ultimately deciding to split for good in April.

However, Lydia has the support of her close-knit family including her parents Debbie and Dave and sisters Georgia, 31, and Romana, 17.

Special bond: In a new interview with Hello! magazine, she said of her relationship with the tiny tot: 'Me and Loretta have the most incredible relationship and special bond  especially because she's a 2020 baby as well. We are inseparable

Hello! The mother and daughter duo appeared to bump into some friends while out in the park, as they stopped to chat to two women at one stage

Loretta is reportedly very advanced for her age, with the mother-of-one labelling her 'Miss Independent'.

Lydia revealed that her daughter's first word was 'mama,' she already has two teeth and has even started wearing 18-month-old clothing.

During the festive period, she said Loretta has become fascinated with Christmas lights and dances along to tunes such as, When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney.

'My whole world': 'She still sleeps in my bedroom, and she's my whole world. It has just been me and her all along, she's my whole happiness

Lydia has also been documenting the progress of her adorable baby through videos and photos uploaded to social media.

Prior to her relationship with Lee, the former reality star dated James 'Arg' Argent and their relationship was documented on the hit ITVBe show, The Only Way Is Essex.

The pair dated on and off between 2008 and 2015, but went their separate ways in 2016 when Lydia found him at her Essex home, completely 'out of it'.
TRENTON, N.J.  Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law Thursday a bill authorizing over $14 billion in tax credits for businesses.

The massive tax break program is spread over as many as seven years and is meant to give businesses struggling from COVID-19 shutdowns a boost, the Democratic governor and the bill's sponsors say.

And while it passed with bipartisan majorities in the Democrat-led Legislature, opponents on the left and the right have attacked it. Progressives say it's too big a giveaway, and Republicans argue it didn't do enough for small businesses hurt by outbreak restrictions.

Murphy signed the bill Thursday at a chocolate shop in Hamilton. The legislation had been in the works for three years, he said.

I am immensely proud of the result, which will not only provide much needed relief for our small businesses, but will also fundamentally change economic development in our state while creating thousands of high-paying jobs for our residents," he said.

The legislation is designed to give an incentive to companies to rehabilitate historic properties, clean up brownfield sites, attract grocery stores to areas without them, invest in innovative projects and more.

Murphy, who negotiated the legislation with lawmakers, has called it a "weapon" for the state to use against economic hardship.

New Jersey has been without a business tax incentive program since July 2019, when the previous legislation signed under Republican Chris Christie in 2013 expired. Murphy took office in 2018.

The legislation comes after lawmakers and Murphy were at an impasse over incentives, but it also follows months of tough economic news stemming from COVID-19.

The states unemployment rate has risen to 10.2%, up 2 points from the previous month, and businesses that shuttered because of the governors coronavirus public health orders are struggling.

The legislation is massive, at 249 pages, with more than 100 pages of amendments introduced just before it was passed. It also moved at lightning speed, with the vote last month coming just days after Murphy and legislative leaders said they reached an agreement.

Assembly Republicans chafed at the pace the bill was moving, and GOP Assembly member Serena DiMaso sought to amend the legislation to further help small businesses, but was rebuffed by the Democratic-led majority.

Murphy has said the scope of the economic crisis warranted the size of the program. He also defended the speed of its passage.

A big difference between the bill passed just before Christmas and the expired legislation is the limits on awards. For example, under the legislation, an incentive aimed at redeveloping brownfields, or potentially contaminated areas, is capped at $50 million annually for six years.

Under the legislation, the awards can be extended for a seventh year if the cap hasnt been met. The Legislatures nonpartisan analysts calculate the bill authorizes up to $11.5 billion in credits over seven years for new incentive programs and up to $2.6 billion of film tax credits over 13 years, along with additional smaller awards.

Another change contained in the bill is the creation of an economic development inspector general to watch over the incentives.

Murphy made redoing New Jerseys business tax credits a central feature of his 2019 agenda. He commissioned a task force after state comptroller and auditor reports suggested companies were gaming the tax credits. The task force said in its final report it found businesses applied for lucrative tax credits saying they planned to relocate out of state but never intended to move, among other findings.

The state attorney general has said he is investigating after the task force reported its findings, though the results of the investigation havent been announced.

Business groups and labor unions have applauded the bill. The progressive think tank New Jersey Policy Perspective opposed the legislation, arguing it is too big and could give away too much in forgone taxes.
Amid the turmoil in Washington DC yesterday caused by rioting supporters of outgoing US President Donald Trump, one name began to trend on social media above others: Donie.

It came after Kerry man and CNN reporter Donie OSullivan took to the air to cover the unfolding events. OSullivan was a calm presence among the chaos, cooly speaking to the camera as Trump supporters overwhelmed the US Capitol.

Four people died as the Capitol was stormed, one after being shot by a member of law enforcement and three due to medical emergencies, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee confirmed.

Trump supporters shouting at police as they try to clear the US Capitol pic.twitter.com/HdwEh9afdu  Donie O'Sullivan (@donie) January 6, 2021

OSullivans professionalism in the face of violence and insurrection drew much praise from around the world, not least from his home country. On Twitter, #Donie soon appeared among the top trends in Ireland.

Overwhelmed by all the love from Ireland tonight, he tweeted in response to the reaction.

This tweet is to let you all know that @donie is from Kerry  #Donie   Anna O'Donoghue (@AnnaVDesigns) January 7, 2021

The Poultry Party is pleased to confirm we are in advanced talks with @donie about joining the party as our American Ambassador. A big step for us bringing a committed culchie into senior party ranks but we believe now is the hour to reach out to our country cousins. #donie pic.twitter.com/L9r7rKccGR  Dustin The Turkey (@DustinOfficial) January 7, 2021

Remarkable reporting last night by a Cahersiveen man in DC for @CNN ! Were sure Donal Tommy was beaming with pride #donie https://t.co/I54UJ9lQJR  Quinlan's Seafood (@QuinlansFish) January 7, 2021

OSullivan, who is from Cahersiveen, is now a US citizen and has been with CNN since 2016. Previously he worked as a journalist for Storyful in New York and Dublin.

He works closely with CNN's investigative unit tracking and identifying online disinformation campaigns targeting the American electorate and he was part of a team that uncovered Russian interference in the 2016 American presidential election. He also covers how social media platforms, Congress, and the American intelligence community are responding to the threat of disinformation and troll campaigns.

"Here's the harm. The harm of conspiracy theories. The harm of lies. The harm of people living in these online and Trump media echo chambers."



Absolutely nailed it @donie pic.twitter.com/KCLiY6FYCY  Greg Murphy  (@TheGregMurphy) January 7, 2021

He completed his undergraduate degree in University College Dublin (UCD) and he has a masters degree in political science and government from Queens University Belfast.

O'Sullivan was a recent guest on the Irish Examiner's Mick Clifford Podcast after attending the Minnesota rally last October where the Covid 19 virus first became apparent among Donald Trumps staff and he described what Trumps supporters at the event think of their hero. You can listen to the podcast here.
Esta manana, la ministra Pilar Mazzetti superviso los ambientes del Cenares del Minsa, donde se almacenaran y distribuiran las vacunas contra la #COVID19 que llegaran proximamente al pais. pic.twitter.com/A6vSRkJDNs
Indiana Jones 5 is scheduled to start production sometime this year. Harrison Ford will reprise his role as Indy. But another franchise veteran, John Rhys-Davies, recently suggested that, under the right circumstances, he may also return for the upcoming film.

Harrison Ford, John Rhys-Davies and Sean Connery in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade | Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

John Rhys-Davies played Sallah in two Indiana Jones films

Rhys-Davies has been with the Indiana Jones franchise from the very beginning. In Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Welsh actor portrayed Sallah, an Egyptian archeologist and excavator who is good friends with Dr. Jones (Harrison Ford). By the end of the film, Sallah helps Indy and Marion (Karen Allen) get out of trouble and refers to them as his family.

In the third film, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Rhys-Davies reprised the role. Sallah joins Indy and his dad, Henry (Sean Connery), stopping the Nazis from gaining control of the Holy Grail. The movie ends with Indy, Sallah, Henry, and Indy ride off into the sunset after claiming the Grail and defeating the Nazis.

John Rhys-Davies in Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark | CBS/Getty Images

RELATED: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Did Not Age Well By Todays Standards

Indiana Jones 5 will be the final film

The fifth Indiana Jones movie has been a long time coming. The project has been a topic of discussion since 2008. But at Disney Investor Day 2020, Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy confirmed the film would go into production with Ford back in his leading role.

Were in pre-production on the next and final installment of Indiana Jones, she revealed. At the helm, we have James Mangold, director of the Academy Award-winning film, Ford V. Ferrari. And of course, Indy himself, Harrison Ford, will be back to conclude this iconic characters journey. Indy will begin shooting late spring of 2021, and it will be released in July of 2022.

RELATED: Indiana Jones 5: Lucasfilm Confirms Harrison Fords Return and Sets Release Date

John Rhys-Davies is ready to reprise his role

Rhys-Davies did not appear in the last Indiana Jones film, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which was released in 2008. But considering the upcoming installment is the last, fans would love to see him as Sallah one final time.

In a recent interview with ComingSoon.net, the actor addressed rumors that he was asked to return for Indiana Jones 5. He didnt confirm anything. But he did hint that theres a good chance the filmmakers have written his character in.

We're kicking off our #IndyShowdown and want to know: Which Indy sidekick are you crazy for? pic.twitter.com/hJPcfg14i3  Indiana Jones (@IndianaJones) November 25, 2013

I understand the film is going to be made, allegedly in May, Rhys-Davies said. I have the slightest skepticism that the world will be able to shoot a movie like that in May.

I suppose it is possible that I will be asked to be in it, he continued. If nominated, I will serve! But I think we ought to wait a little bit longer and, you know, let our masters actually make announcements and then you can either share my joy or my disappointment. Is that suitably diplomatic?

Aside from his reservations about filming during the pandemic, Rhys-Davies seems optimistic about his role in the upcoming film. Fans will just have to wait and see if Sallah and Indy reunite when the movie releases in 2022.
Pompeo warns of sanctions over HK 'outrage'

Mike Pompeo says the mass arrests in Hong Kong are 'a reminder of the Chinese Communist Partys contempt for its own people and the rule of law'. File photo: Reuters

Richard Pyne reports

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Washington is considering slapping sanctions on those involved in the mass arrest of pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong on Wednesday, saying it won't stand idly by while the people of the SAR "suffer under Communist oppression".



With a US lawyer among the 53 people arrested, Pompeo warned that America will not tolerate the "arbitrary detention or harassment of US citizens".



In a statement, Pompeo described the arrests as an "outrage" and "a reminder of the Chinese Communist Partys contempt for its own people and the rule of law".



"Those arrested are guilty of nothing but exercising the democratic rights promised to them by treaty, and due to them through virtue of their humanity. They should be released immediately and unconditionally," he said.



"The United States will consider sanctions and other restrictions on any and all individuals and entities involved in executing this assault on the Hong Kong people, explore restrictions against the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the United States, and take additional immediate actions against officials who have undermined Hong Kongs democratic processes."



Pompeo said he was "appalled" by the news that lawyer John Clancey, a US citizen, was among those arrested.



The secretary also used the statement to announce a planned visit to Taiwan by US Ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, although no dates were given.



Pompeo described Taiwan as a reliable partner to the US, and a vibrant democracy which "shows what a free China could achieve".



In response to the comments, Beijing warned that the US will pay a heavy price for its "wrongdoing".



Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying urged Washington to stop interfering in China's internal affairs.
Wealthy Sydneysiders are spending up to $6 million on lawyers to wring out favourable property settlements in their divorce proceedings and litigation funders are moving into family law, paying the fees upfront in exchange for a percentage of the settlement.

The Sydney registry of the Family Court of Australia is renowned among family court judges for its acrimonious culture, where wealthy parties try to burn through their adversary's budget by pressing every conceivable point, a practice that is encouraged by some members of the legal profession.

Family law litigants are forking out millions for legal representation at the top end of town. Credit:Tanya Lake

One Sydney woman who split up from her husband - a magnate of his profession and worth around $200 million - said she had pawned her jewellery, sold paintings off the walls of her house and borrowed money from her parents to afford her $6 million in legal fees over four years.

She and her ex-husband both retained some of the best known and highest charging family lawyers in Sydney. Her husband's solicitor made 48 applications to the court.
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Pi-Cardia Ltd., a global leader in the development of non-implant, catheter-based solutions for treating heart valves, announced today successful first-in-human procedures with its ShortCut device. ShortCut is the worlds first dedicated device designed to split the leaflets of a pre-existing valve to enable safe Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) in patients at risk for coronary obstruction or compromised coronary access.

The TAVR market, currently estimated at $5 billion, is predicted to double over the next five years, with the expansion into low-risk younger patients. However, this growth may be hindered by a fundamental challenge: During TAVR implantation, the leaflets of the pre-existing valve are pushed sideways, in a way which may compromise future coronary access in many patients. This can turn into a life-threatening complication of complete coronary obstruction in a significant number of patients who undergo a second valve implantation when their previous bio-prosthetic valve degenerates. ShortCut may be used in both situations to split the pre-existing valve leaflets to enable future coronary intervention and prevent coronary obstruction.

The first ShortCut procedures were performed in Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel, by Dr. Danny Dvir - a leading expert in the field, who was the first to perform BASILICA procedures to prevent coronary obstruction in TAVR. Using ShortCut we were able to treat two extremely complex patients with degenerated valves that needed a solution to prevent coronary obstruction after TAVR. In both patients we were able to effectively split the leaflets within minutes, allowing for a safe implantation of both self-expanding and balloon expandable TAVR valves, said Dr. Dvir. ShortCut addresses an unmet need for a simple tool to prevent coronary obstruction, which I strongly believe can easily be adopted by all TAVR centers. I can also see ShortCut being used to prepare bicuspid valves in selected cases, by splitting the fused leaflets or tri-cuspidizing the bicuspid valves, enabling an optimal TAVR result in this patient population.

ShortCut is the latest addition to Pi-Cardias product offering, which includes the Leaflex device  a standalone, non-implant-based treatment for patients with aortic stenosis. Leaflex performs mechanical scoring of valve calcification, in order to restore leaflet mobility and improve hemodynamics. Clinical trials are underway in the US, Europe, and China.

We are very excited about this key milestone of demonstrating clinical feasibility with ShortCut, which allows us to move forward with our clinical plan in the US and Europe, said Erez Golan, Pi-Cardias Chief Executive Officer. As the number of patients with aortic stenosis continues to grow, both Shortcut and Leaflex may offer important new treatment options for both physicians and patients.

About Pi-Cardia

Pi-Cardia is a global leader in the development of unique non-implant-based solutions for treating heart valves. Pi-Cardia's lead product, the Leaflex device, is easily delivered and positioned on the valve, to then mechanically score the calcification at multiple locations, restoring leaflet flexibility and improving valve hemodynamics. The Leaflex device is designed to be a cost-effective, durable standalone treatment for patients with calcified aortic stenosis. Pi-Cardias second product, the ShortCut device, offers a safe, simple and effective way to split the leaflets of a pre-existing valve prior to TAVR in order to maintain coronary access in patients at risk for coronary obstruction or compromised coronary access.

For more information, please visit: www.pi-cardia.net



View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/52356879/en


The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Saturday for judgment in a certificate forgery suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

Ahmed Mohammed, the judge presiding over the case, fixed the judgment date after parties to the suit adopted their final arguments on Thursday.

The judge fixed Saturday for the judgment to beat the expiry date of the suit which has 180 days lifespan from the time it was filed in July 2020.

The APC and one of its members, Williams Edobor, who jointly filed the suit, urged the court to disqualify Mr Obaseki as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 2020 poll.

Their prayer is anchored on the grounds that Mr Obaseki allegedly forged his Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies certificate which he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in support of his nomination as a candidate in the Edo State governorship election.

Implication

Shoud the court disqualifying Mr Obaseki as a candidate in the election which he won to clinch the second term in office, he would be sacked and the party that came second in the election will produce the next governor and deputy governor.

Mr Obaseki, his party, PDP, and INEC, were sued as co-defendants in the suit.

While adopting his clients final address on Thursday, the governors lawyer, Ken Mozia, urged the court to dismiss the suit.

The plaintiffs woefully failed to prove the allegation they made against the governor, Mr Mozia, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said.

The PDPs lawyer, Rasaq Isenalumhe, similarly urged the court the court to dismiss APCs suit for being incompetent and unmeritorious.

But INECs lawyer, Mr Mohammed Bawa, said the commission opted to take a neutral stand in the suit.

The plaintiffs through their lawyer, Akin Olujimi, urged the court to grant their prayers on the grounds that strong evidence was adduced to establish their case against Mr Obaseki.

The plaintiffs had called six witnesses including two associate professors, who tendered their individual certificates obtained from the University of Ibadan in 1978 and 1979 respectively, in their bid to discredit Mr Obasekis certificate obtained from the same institution.

Mr Obaseki had called three witnesses in his defence.

One of the defence witnesses subpoenaed to testify was the Deputy Registrar, Legal, University of Ibadan, Abayomi Ajayi, who said there was no basis to adjudge Mr Obasekis certificate, the copy of which was submitted to INEC, as forged.

Mr Ajayi maintained that from the university records, Mr Obaseki was admitted as a student in 1976 through direct entry.

He said the governor graduated in 1979 during the tenure of Tekena Tamuno as Vice-Chancellor and S.J Okudu as the institutions registrar.

He explained that the absence of the university registrars signature and date of issue of the certificate on the copy submitted to INEC by Mr Obaseki was because it was not properly photocopied.

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He said it was possible to have the signature at the bottom of the original certificate containing the registrars signature, date of issue and part of the Vice Chancellors signature cut off if a photocopy was not properly done.
Navistar Direct Marketing, based in Maryland, issued a statement Thursday after their unidentified employee was pictured inside the Capitol building Wednesday

They said after a 'review of the photographic evidence' the worker was fired

Several images show him alongside the heavily-tattooed Trump supporter who sported horns, a fur hat and face paint and was named as the QAnon Shaman

Goosehead Insurance later said in a statement that Texas lawyer Paul Davis, who livestreamed his actions, was no longer employed by the company

Two of the pro Trump rioters captured on camera at the Capitol riots on Wednesday were fired from their respective jobs Thursday.

Navistar Direct Marketing issued a statement Thursday confirming they had dismissed their employee who walked through the Capitol with his work pass hanging around his neck.

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Goosehead Insurance later said Texas lawyer Paul Davis, who livestreamed his actions outside the building, was no longer employed by the company.

A spokesman for Goosehead Insurance told DailyMail.com: 'His actions are not a representation of or supported by Goosehead in any way. He is no longer employed by Goosehead, An official statement will be released.'

A Maryland marketing company has fired a pro Trump rioter who walked through the Capitol with his work pass hanging around his neck on Wednesday

Paul Davis livestreamed from outside the Capitol; he was later fired from his job

In a statement Navistar Direct Marketing said they were 'made aware that a man wearing a Navistar company badge was seen inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 during the security breach'.

They added: 'After review of the photographic evidence the employee in question has been terminated for cause.'

The unidentified employee was pictured inside the Capitol building Wednesday. The company later said they are 'cooperating with the authorities'.

'While we support all employee's right to peaceful, lawful exercise of free speech, any employee demonstrating dangerous conduct that endangers the health and safety of others will no longer have an employment opportunity with Navistar Direct Marketing,' the company added.

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Several images of the worker show him alongside the heavily-tattooed Trump supporter who sported horns, a fur hat and face paint and was named as the QAnon Shaman, or Jake Angeli.

Texas lawyer Davis said he had been tear-gassed at the rally, telling his followers: 'That was not fun. All we want is an actual audit of ballots and the Dominion machines.

'Our politicians could end all of the unrest in two days with a legitimate audit, but they won't allow it. Why?'

Davis later posted to Instagram saying: 'For those of you claiming I was trying to storm the Capitol, its obvious from my entire story that I was peacefully demonstrating. They gassed the entire crowd that was standing there with me. I was not trying to break in. Was just talking to the police officers and praying over them.'

Several images of the worker, right, show him alongside the heavily-tattooed Trump supporter who sported horns, a fur hat and face paint and was named as the QAnon Shaman, or Jake Angeli, center

Navistar Direct Marketing issued this statement Thursday

At 68 people have already been arrested and four died.

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Dozens of those involved in the violent siege, labelled as 'great patriots' by the president are yet to be identified and the FBI is now asking for the helping in finding them, tweeting they are 'accepting tips & digital media depicting rioting & violence in the U.S. Capitol Building & surrounding area on January 6, 2021.'

'If you have witnessed unlawful violent actions, we urge you to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant,' they added.

Police later released images of 'persons of interest' they want to identify.

Navistar Direct Marketing issued a statement Thursday confirming they had dismissed the employee who walked through the Capitol with his work pass hanging around his neck

Protesters interact with police inside the U.S. Capitol Building. The worker's pass is circled

Most of those already arrested have been accused of curfew violations.

Others face charges of carrying a pistol without a license. The former Deputy Director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe, has said the bureau must make 'identifying, arresting, and prosecuting every single person that you possibly can that entered that Capitol building yesterday' a top priority.

But some of those who took part have already been identified online as members of far right groups, white nationalists, Neo-Nazis and supporters of conspiracy theory QAnon.

They are from states all over the country including Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Oregon.

One of those named is Richard 'Bigo' Barnett, the 60-year-old who brazenly put his feet on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk in her office.

The heavily-tattooed Trump supporter, who has become a fixture at recent right-wing rallies decked out in his signature attire, has been identified as Jake Angeli

Rick Saccone, who ran for a U.S. House seat in 2018 and was once a se lawmaker in Pennsylvania, posted this picture

Even elected politicians were part of the mob. Rick Saccone, who ran for a U.S. House seat in 2018 and was once a state lawmaker in Pennsylvania, bragged on Facebook that 'we are storming the Capitol'

Another supporter of US President Donald J. Trump sits on the desk of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after breaking in

Another of the mob was Tim Gionet, an online personality known as Baked Alaska who is described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a white nationalist who was involved in the far-right Charlottesville rally in 2017.

Even elected politicians were part of the mob.

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Rick Saccone, who ran for a U.S. House seat in 2018 and was once a state lawmaker in Pennsylvania, bragged on Facebook that 'we are storming the Capitol' and that 'our vanguard has broken through the barricades' in a now deleted post.


South China Morning Post

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has seen her approval rating drop below 50 per cent for the first time in a year as the island grapples with a worsening Covid-19 outbreak. Health authorities reported around 500 new cases for a fourth day on Tuesday and six deaths for a third straight day, prompting the island to extend level-three restrictions  the second highest  for two more weeks. Meanwhile, Tsais approval rating slipped to 45.7 per cent in May, from 54.4 per cent in April, according to the latest poll conducted by the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation.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. Tsais rating was at 71.2 per cent a year ago when she was inaugurated for a second term as president of the self-ruled island. The recent spike in locally transmitted infections was one major reason for the drop in her approval rating, foundation chairman Michael You Ying-lung told reporters on Tuesday. He said other factors were recent island-wide power outages and reports early this month alleging that a member of Tsais independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party had links with an organised crime group in Taipei. Chao Ying-kuang resigned over the reports and Tsai has apologised, saying the party needed to improve its screening process. Some 1,082 people across Taiwan were interviewed for the survey. It also found that 65.3 per cent of respondents were worried the pandemic could cost them their jobs, as opposed to 33.7 per cent who were not, and 84.5 per cent believed the virus was potentially life-threatening for them and their families. The poll also delved into opinions on the origins of the pandemic, with 52.8 per cent saying they thought it was a man-made disaster, while 22.9 per cent thought it was not. Some 19 per cent believed it was both a man-made and natural disaster. Taiwans coronavirus outbreak leaves services sector reeling as new curbs bite After being hailed as a success story for containing the virus, Taiwan is experiencing its worst outbreak since the beginning of the pandemic. What started as a handful of cases on April 20 has quickly spread, with more than 3,500 locally transmitted infections recorded in the past 10 days. Cases have now been reported in all areas of Taiwan except for the offshore islands of Penghu, Quemoy  also called Kinmen  and Matsu. On Tuesday, health authorities reported 544 new infections  281 new local cases, two new imported cases and 261 cases delayed by a reporting backlog last week  bringing the total number to 5,456, with 35 deaths, including the six latest deaths. The Central Epidemic Command Centre has since Saturday reported additional cases that it said were not included in the past weeks count because its computer system had been overwhelmed. Rapid testing centres have been set up in many cities, including Taipei and New Taipei, and Health Minister Chen Shih-chung on Tuesday said given that the positivity ratio remained high and there was concern about undiagnosed cases, experts have strongly suggested that we extend the level-three alert to June 14. Chen urged people to follow the restrictions and stay home as much as possible to reduce the risk of being infected, but said there was no plan to impose a full lockdown at present. Due to the extension of the level-three alert, the Executive Yuan [Taiwans cabinet] will announce certain measures to help tide over local businesses, he said, without elaborating. Coronavirus: Taiwan appeals to US for vaccines amid fears for elderly Chen said health workers would on Thursday begin administering some 410,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, recently delivered via the World Health Organization-backed Covax Facility. Health care and frontline workers would be given priority. Until the latest outbreak, many people in Taiwan had been reluctant to get the jab. Now, as more people head to vaccination centres the authorities are scrambling to secure enough doses for its population of 23.5 million. The island had previously received just 310,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, most of which have been administered to those on the priority list. Taipei has signed deals for 5.05 million doses of the Moderna vaccine, 10 million of AstraZeneca, and 4.76 million doses of unspecified vaccines through Covax. Two million more doses will be shipped to Taiwan in June and another 10 million are expected at the end of August, Chen said. He would not say which vaccines they would be, but said the 10 million doses would include a locally developed vaccine, which Tsai earlier said should be available by July. Chen and Premier Su Tseng-chang received AstraZeneca shots soon after the first shipment was delivered, but Tsai has yet to be vaccinated, saying she will wait for the locally made one. Beijing has meanwhile renewed an offer from Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group to supply Taiwan with a vaccine developed by German company BioNTech. But Chen on Tuesday said the Taiwanese health authorities had yet to hear from Beijing about this. Fosun signed a deal with BioNTech last year to supply mRNA Covid-19 vaccines to mainland China and offered in March to supply jabs to Taiwan.More from South China Morning Post:Coronavirus: Taiwan hits out at WHO as new cases mountTaiwan halts plan by island near mainland coast to test arrivals for Covid-19Vaccine hesitancy puts Asias zero-Covid economies like Hong Kong, Australia in herd immunity stalemateThis article Coronavirus: Tsais approval rating slips as Taiwan reports around 500 cases for fourth day first appeared on South China Morning PostFor the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2021.
Olduvai (now Oldupai) Gorge, known as the Cradle of Humankind, is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tanzania, made famous by Louis and Mary Leakey. New interdisciplinary field work has led to the discovery of the oldest archaeological site in Oldupai Gorge as reported in Nature Communications, which shows that early human used a wide diversity of habitats amidst environmental changes across a 200,000 year-long period.

Located in the heart of eastern Africa, the Rift System is a prime region for human origins research, boasting extraordinary records of extinct human species and environmental records spanning several million years. For more than a century, archaeologists and human palaeontologists have been exploring the East African Rift outcrops and unearthing hominin fossils in surveys and excavations. However, understanding of the environmental contexts in which these hominins lived has remained elusive due to a dearth of ecological studies in direct association with the cultural remains.

In the new study, published in Nature Communications, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for for the Science of Human History teamed up with lead partners from the University of Calgary, Canada, and the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to excavate the site of 'Ewass Oldupa' (meaning on 'the way to the Gorge' in the local Maa language, as the site straddles the path that links the canyon's rim with its bottom). The excavations uncovered the oldest Oldowan stone tools ever found at Oldupai Gorge, dating to ~2 million years ago. Excavations in long sequences of stratified sediments and dated volcanic horizons indicated hominin presence at Ewass Oldupai from 2.0 to 1.8 million years ago.

Fossils of mammals (wild cattle and pigs, hippos, panthers, lions, hyena, primates), reptiles and birds, together with a range of multidisciplinary scientific studies, revealed habitat changes over 200,000 years in riverine and lake systems, including fern meadows, woodland mosaics, naturally burned landscapes, lakeside palm groves and dry steppe habitats. The uncovered evidence shows periodic but recurrent land use across a subset of environments, punctuated with times when there is an absence of hominin activity.

Dr. Pastory Bushozi of Dar es Salaam University, Tanzania, notes, "the occupation of varied and unstable environments, including after volcanic activity, is one of the earliest examples of adaptation to major ecological transformations."

Hominin occupation of fluctuating and disturbed environments is unique for this early time period and shows complex behavioural adaptations among early human groups. In the face of changing habitats, early humans did not substantially alter their toolkits, but instead their technology remained stable over time. Indicative of their versatility, typical Oldowan stone tools, consisting of pebble and cobble cores and sharp-edged flakes and polyhedral cobbles, continued to be used even as habitats changed. The implication is that by two million years ago, early humans had the behavioural capacity to continually and consistently exploit a multitude of habitats, using reliable stone toolkits, to likely process plants and butcher animals over the long term.

Though no hominin fossils have yet been recovered from Ewass Oldupa, hominin fossils of Homo habilis were found just 350 metres away, in deposits dating to 1.82 million years ago. While it is difficult to know if Homo habilis was present at Ewass Oldupa, Professor Julio Mercader of the University of Calgary asserts that "these early humans were surely ranging widely over the landscape and along shores of the ancient lake." Mercader further notes that this does not discount the possibility that other hominin species, such as the australopithecines, were also using and making stone tools at Ewass Oldupa, as we know that the genus Paranthropus was present in Oldupai Gorge at this time.

###

The findings uncovered at Oldupai Gorge and across eastern Africa indicate that early human movements across and out of Africa were possible by 2 million years ago, as hominins possessed the behavioural ability to expand into novel ecosystems. Professor Michael Petraglia of the Max Planck Institute notes, "This behavioural flexibility arose in the context of the dawn of the evolution of our own genus, Homo, and it set the stage for the eventual global, invasive spread of Homo sapiens."

Partnerships:

Researchers involved in this study include scholars from the Universities of Calgary, Manitoba, McMaster, and Toronto (Canada), the University of Dar es Salaam and Iringa as well as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (Tanzania), the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History (Germany), the Institut Catala de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolucio Social, and the Madrid Institute for Advanced Study (Spain). All institutions work closely with the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology, the Division of Antiquities (MNRT), and under the sponsorship of the Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (Partnership program).

Tata Steel that was among the largest gainers in the Nifty stocks also touched fresh 52-week high on Thursday. With rising steel demand and realizations in the country, street sentiments remain upbeat on the company that is an integrated steel manufacturer. Having captive supplies of iron ore and coal, the key raw material for steel manufacturing, the company remains insulated from the impact of rising raw material prices. The prices of iron ore in the international arena are near all-time highs. In India, National Mineral Development Corp. Ltd (NMDC), the countrys largest iron ore producer, has raised prices by more than 50% since the beginning of November 2020.

With not much pressure on costs, the companys operating performance is to continue improving and is expected to see regular improvement in per tonne profits. Analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities expect the company to report Ebitda per tonne of 18,988 during the December quarter. This is not only much better than 12,822 seen in the September quarter but is almost double from 9,646 seen during the year-ago-quarter. Notably, Tata Steel leads other peers in per tonne profits for domestic operations. JSW Steel, and Jindal Steel and Power are pegged to report 13,959 and 16,307 during the December quarter, respectively.

Also Read | Meet the faces behind the faceless farm protest at Delhis doorstep

With steel price demand and supplies to remain firm in the ongoing quarter, one may see more benefits for Tata steel. In a report dated 6 January, analysts at Edelweiss Securities Ltd said that domestic hot rolled coil prices rose by a further 2,750/tonne (5%) compared to the previous week as major producers calibrated their notified prices with wholesale ones.

However, all eyes will be on Chinese demand and steel realizations post the end of festivities related to the Chinese New Year. The Chinese steel prices have stayed rangebound, say analysts. Being the largest consumer of commodities, China demand and realizations hold key to international steel prices.

Meanwhile, Tata Steel prospects also hinge on European operations. The rising steel prices in Europe bode well for the profitability of European operations, however, rising iron ore prices will take away some of the benefits. Tata Steel Europe is dependent on external supplies to meets its iron ore demand. Analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities said We estimate Europe Ebitda /tonne at $34/tonne (-$27/tonne in 2QFY21) as higher steel spreads would be largely offset by higher iron ore prices". Meanwhile, all eyes are also on progress in Tata Steel European structuring. An asset sale of Tata Steels Ijmuiden, Netherlands, facility is expected to fetch about $2-2.5 billion and could ease net debt levels in the coming quarters. This could be a bog catalyst for the stock.

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A Lutheran church in New York City already reeling from the COVID-19 deaths of more than 60 members of the congregation has suffered a new trauma: Severe flood damage from the rupture of a major municipal water main.

The flooding caused significant damage to the sanctuary and to basement-level rooms, including a theater, said Jared Stahler, senior pastor at Saint Peters Church.

The Midtown Manhattan parish is known for its Jazz Vespers program, and Stahler said the badly damaged items included treasured musical instruments and the archives of jazz greats such as John Coltrane and Billy Strayhorn. Specialists were being called in to work on minimizing the damage, Stahler said.

A chapel on the upper level that was created by the late artist Louise Nevelson was not affected.

Saint Peters, a parish of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, describes itself as a welcoming and progressive church. The building was designated as a city landmark in 2017.

The churchs leadership says at least 62 members of the congregation, which numbered about 800 before the pandemic, have died of COVID-19, almost all of them part of the community of some 400 who attend services in Spanish.

Many people in that community are immigrants, including some living in the country without legal permission and lacking access to health care. Some have lost jobs during the pandemic; others risked their health to work.

Saint Peters has not held in-person services since March.

Stahler expressed gratitude to the many New Yorkers who have offered to help the church recover from the flood.

People in our city are aware of the extreme toll that this community has taken from COVID-19, and now, with this major flood on top of it, the hardship that we are all undergoing, he said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics COVID-19 New York Flood Church
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

DecisionDatabases added the latest report with a global perspective on the Two-Way Glass Market studied under different segments, including type, application, and regions. The report is treated with size, trends, growth, share, and forecast till 2025. Besides, the research report studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall growth at the global level. This report also offers a lucrative area of the industry at the regional and country level.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Two-Way Glass market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

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According to this study, over the next five years, the Two-Way Glass market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Two-Way Glass business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Two-Way Glass market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Two-Way Glass market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Nippon Sheet Glass

Oceania Glass

Saint-Gobain

Suzhou Huasheng Coated Glass

AGC

Hongsen Chuangxin

Guangzhou Xianglu Glass Technology

Chinegen Special Glass

Others

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This study considers the Two-Way Glass value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

< 10mm

10 ~ 15mm

>15mm

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Public Safety Agency

Building Exterior

Meeting Room

Dance Room

Other

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Two-Way Glass Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-30234

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Two-Way Glass consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Two-Way Glass market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Two-Way Glass manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Two-Way Glass with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Two-Way Glass submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

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Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/global-two-way-glass-market-report-2020-by-regions-upcoming-trends-industry-analysis-and-global-demand-till-2025/

An Australian version of RuPaul's Drag Race is set to begin production this month, Daily Mail can exclusively reveal.

The show will hit screens in late 2021 and is rumoured to be a Stan Original.

Filming will commence on January 29 in New Zealand, most likely due to the unpredictable Covid-19 situation in Australia.

Coming soon! An Australian version of RuPaul's Drag Race is set to begin production this month, Daily Mail can exclusively reveal. Pictured: RuPaul Charles

Despite being filmed in New Zealand, the show is titled RuPaul's Drag Race Australia and will feature both Aussie and Kiwi queens.

A source told Daily Mail Australia: 'It's 100 per cent going ahead. Queens have been cast and they've signed NDAs [non-disclosure agreements] to keep it hush-hush.'

When contacted by Daily Mail Australia, Stan declined to comment.

There's no word so far on whether RuPaul Charles himself will host the show, like he does the British and American versions.

But it's not beyond the realm of possibility, as his husband, Georges LeBar, is an Aussie and he regularly visits his in-laws Down Under.

Hosting duties? Australia's most famous drag queen, Courtney Act, recently flew home from the UK, sparking rumours the notable RuPaul's Drag Race alum could be hosting the series

Rumoured cast members include Sydney's Vanity Faire, Felicia Foxx and Coco Jumbo, as well as Brisbane's Scarlett Fever and Sellma Soul.

Newcastle's Jojo Zaho and Melbourne's Karen from Finance, Sabrina and Art Simone are also tipped to appear.

Australia's most famous drag queen, Courtney Act, recently flew home from the UK, sparking rumours the notable RuPaul's Drag Race alum could be hosting the series.

Man of the hour: There's no word so far on whether RuPaul Charles himself will be involved in the show. Pictured with his Australian husband, Georges LeBar, on September 22, 2019 in LA

Superfan Joel Creasey is also rumoured to be joining as a panelist.

RuPaul's Drag Race is already a huge success in the U.S., having received a record-breaking 34 Emmy nominations.

It has a total of nine wins, including Outstanding Reality-Competition Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality-Competition Program.

The format involves drag queens competing for a $100,000 prize by taking part in various challenges each week.

The British and American versions of RuPaul's Drag Race are available to stream on Stan in Australia
Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September

Armenian MFA strongly condemns Azerbaijan's blatant armed encroachment on Armenia's sovereign territory

UN still awaits strong evidence that Dubai ruler's daughter is alive

Opposition Bright Armenia Party urges Government to immediately address UN Security Council

Armen Sarkissian receives Russia Ambassador to Armenia

Armenia President, France Ambassador discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Overchuk: We hope unblocking of links between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a success

Armenia police officer commits suicide, criminal case launched

Armenia Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body has new deputy heads

Zarif, Aliyev discuss railway routes connecting Iran, Azerbaijan and Armenia

EU leaders agree to donate at least 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to poor countries
STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty Over Ten, an FMG Suite company, today announced the launch of a refreshed brand and revamped website at www.twentyoverten.com . Home to LeadPilot, Website Engine and Compliance Core, the new website offers a streamlined experience for financial professionals using the Twenty Over Ten product suite.

"Over the last four years, Twenty Over Ten has grown to offer much more than just a website platform and this new digital presence reflects that," said Samantha Russell, Chief Evangelist of Twenty Over Ten and FMG Suite.

The company's revamped website offers a clean, modern design and includes in-depth information targeting the company's four primary partner segments: independent financial advisors, enterprise groups, insurance agents and marketing agencies.

"While Twenty Over Ten is new to the FMG Suite family, we have been incredibly impressed by what they've accomplished since 2016," said FMG Suite CEO Scott White. "We are excited to deliver a new web experience to better serve Twenty Over Ten's highly engaged advisors, and we are committed to continuing to develop innovative solutions for this audience."

Visitors can access helpful educational content and more easily browse all Twenty Over Ten's solutions for financial professionals, including:

Lead Pilot: A marketing automation solution that helps drive, capture, and convert more business online, Lead Pilot includes custom content, landing pages, hyper-personalized social media and email campaigns designed to engage clients and prospects, and lead qualification with AI-powered LEAD scores.





A marketing automation solution that helps drive, capture, and convert more business online, Lead Pilot includes custom content, landing pages, hyper-personalized social media and email campaigns designed to engage clients and prospects, and lead qualification with AI-powered LEAD scores. Website Engine: An all-in-one website builder and content management system (CMS) that boasts robust blogging capabilities and editable content, one-click compliance submission and automatic archiving.





An all-in-one website builder and content management system (CMS) that boasts robust blogging capabilities and editable content, one-click compliance submission and automatic archiving. Compliance Core: Formerly known as Providence , Compliance Core provides compliance officers complete marketing oversight of their affiliated advisors.

"We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone," said Samantha Russell. "Whether your firm is looking for an all-in-one automated marketing platform, a lead generating website or an enterprise solution to oversee marketing efforts for a large team, we have a solution to serve your needs."

Visit the new site and learn more about Twenty Over Ten here .

About Twenty Over Ten, an FMG Suite Company

Twenty Over Ten helps financial professionals modernize their marketing efforts through a suite of marketing products, including Lead Pilot, Website Engine and Compliance Core. An FMG Suite company, both brands are focused on helping financial professionals develop comprehensive marketing strategies and automate communications across multiple channels. FMG Suite is headquartered in San Diego, CA with satellite offices across the United States.

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Amanda Larson

Twenty Over Ten

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[email protected]

https://twentyoverten.com

SOURCE Twenty Over Ten

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Arjun Rampal's sister Komal Rampal was summoned by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on January 6 for questioning in the drugs case. However, through her lawyer, she informed that she's unable to appear before the agency.

A report by ANI said, "Actor Arjun Rampal's sister Komal Rampal, through her lawyer, has informed NCB that she is unable to appear before the agency. Komal Rampal was summoned by NCB yesterday, in connection with a drugs case."

Komal reportedly is a 1994 Miss India finalist, an ex-air hostess, and a spa consultant. The actor's sister was summoned days after Arjun Rampal and his girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades were questioned by the agency. According to reports, Arjun was under NCB's scanner for using a backdated drugs prescription.

Arjun Rampal has been summoned by the agency twice after banned tablets were found at his residence. Arjun claimed that one of the tablets has been prescribed by a vet for his dog, and the other one is used as an SOS for anxiety by his sister, prescribed by a psychiatrist.

The NCB revealed that alleged discrepancies were found in a prescription of a tablet submitted by him to the agency. The agency is currently checking the authenticity of two prescriptions issued by two different doctors based in Delhi and Mumbai. A report in Free Press Journal revealed that the Delhi-based doctor's statement has been recorded before a magistrate under section 164 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code).

On the work front, Arjun Rampal was last seen in the ZEE5 film, Nail Polish alongside Manav Kaul. He recently announced his collaboration with Kangana Ranaut for her upcoming action thriller Dhaakad. Directed by Razneesh Razy Ghai and produced by Sohail Maklai Productions and Asylum Films, Dhaakad will hit the screens in 2021.

ALSO READ: Arjun Rampal's Sister Summoned By NCB For Questioning In Drugs Case

ALSO READ: Arjun Rampal Reportedly Tells NCB That He Is Not The 'Arjun' They Are Looking For
Police have yet to see the relevant legislation. Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press

Police have yet to see regulations around new powers set to be introduced at midnight on Thursday allowing them to curb non-essential travel.

As of midday on Thursday the Executive had not yet presented police with the legislation around new powers - announced by the First Minister on Monday - to allow them to enforce the stay-at-home order.

The legislation is yet to be published.

With just hours to go until the new powers are supposed to be introduced it's understood police are continuing to engage with the Executive, but it could be Friday before an official announcement is made.

Health Minister Robin Swann has said confusion around the new restrictions will be clarified on Thursday.

Under the proposals aiming to stop the spread of coronavirus people will only be allowed to leave home for medical needs, to buy food or to exercise. Those who cannot work from home will also be allowed to leave for their work place.

Police are to be given powers to direct people to return home if they are in contravention of the regulations and can also issue fines starting with a 200 fixed penalty notice. The new rules, the Executive announced, are to come into effect at midnight on Thursday and will be in place until at least February 6.

TUV leader Jim Allister said the fact that police had yet to see the regulations was evidence of ongoing dysfunction at Stormont.

"It's par for the course with this Executive, the ones before Christmas took days to appear," the North Antrim MLA said.

"It is just unacceptable that ministers announce various provisions and then when you go to look and see how they are set out they haven't been produced.

"I'm not surprised and obviously the police can't act on something that isn't stipulated very clearly in black and white.

"It's not exactly confidence building is it?"

Mr Allister said he believed the regulations could still be produced but questioned whether police would have adequate time to act upon them.

"You would have thought it would be a priority for them. Am I surprised? No," he said.

Police have previously come under fire for their interpretation of the regulations during the pandemic.

Last month police were criticised after reports of taxi drivers being told to stop working during curfew in Belfast as they were non essential.

However, police later said they would not take action against taxi drivers.

Police were also criticised for the handling of the funeral of former IRA leader Bobby Storey in west Belfast in June and their actions at Black Lives Matter protests were found to be discriminatory by the Police Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman found that police "failed to balance human rights with the public considerations and requirements of the regulations.

An Executive meeting scheduled for Thursday has been cancelled due to family bereavements of two ministers.

It is understood the new powers for police will be among the matters discussed at the rescheduled meeting on Friday morning.

The Executive Office, Department of Health and Justice have all been contacted for comment. The PSNI have also been approached.

Mark Lindsay, Chair of the PFNI, said: Any proposed Regulations need to be properly thought out and laid before the Assembly in the appropriate manner which is clear and unambiguous to both those charged with enforcing them and the general public.

At present, the anticipated regulations havent been laid and as a result there are no legal powers to enforce.

Its important to get this right rather than agree something that is deficient or flawed. If a short delay in securing legislative approval means that any potential difficulties or loopholes can be ironed out, then the wait will be prudent and worthwhile.

I would concur with the messages coming from Stormont and encourage society to listen to the guidance and advice being given and to ensure that enforcement of any new regulations is a very last resort.

Belfast Telegraph
When Indias anti-infiltration grid rattled the Pakistanis

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 07: In 2020, scores of terrorists from Pakistan attempted infiltration bids into India.

However just 44 managed to infiltrate in 2020, when compared to the 141 in 2019, officials said.

Rattled by the anti-infiltration grid that blocked several key routes, Pakistan carried 5,100 ceasefire violation, which was the highest since the 2003 truce. "There are 300 to 415 terrorists in various launching pads in Pakistani Occupied Kashmir (PoK) along the LoC ready to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir to disturb peace and normalcy by engineering violence," an official said.

Narco terror: Drug proceeds sent to Pakistan and Kashmir says NIA

"Pakistani agencies are using tunnels to push in armed terrorists, weapons, ammunition and explosive material in J&K.

"They are also using drones to ferry and drop weapons and explosive material into border areas in Jammu and Kashmir along with narcotics to finance terrorism," an official said.

This year, they are also trying to infiltrate terrorists into J&K even during the months of heavy snowfall.

"In December last year, terrorists infiltrated into Poonch despite heavy snowfall but were neutralized," an official said.

A group of four JeM terrorists entered Samba via a tunnel and were neutralized after a truck carrying them to Kashmir was intercepted on the highway at Nagrota in Jammu in November last year, they said.

Weapons and explosives besides narcotics were being dropped at seven places along the borderline with Pakistan in 2020, the officials said.

Security agencies identified over 20 entry routes along the Indo-Pak border in Jammu and Kashmir and put in place multi-tier security to thwart any attempt by Pakistan to infiltrate armed terrorists.

"Over 20 infiltration routes have been identified and the security grid has been strengthened to prevent the entry of armed terrorists," another official said.

Apart from the first-tier of security of the Army and the BSF, village defence committees (VDCs) along the LoC and the international border (IB) have been activated, police checkpoints have come up and patrolling done in the hinterland around the border, they said.

Ahead of the DDC polls, the ISI had sent a large number of terrorists close to border and was making attempts to aide their infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir. Their specific brief was to disrupt the elections and target the local leaders. However, the Indian security forces who were on very high alert managed to foil these attempts being made by the ISI backed terrorists.

Arson Jihad by ISIS, a bigger problem for India than lone wolf attacks

Intelligence Bureau officials tell OneIndia that the ISI continues to make attempts to help infiltrate the large number of terrorists.

The IB officer also said that the Pakistan Rangers and the Border Action Team are trying to help the terrorists infiltrate into India. Last year there were an unprecedented number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan. The Pakistan Army had been providing cover fire in a bid to help the terrorists enter India.

However, the infiltration attempts were largely foiled by the Indian security agencies.

In November, the BSF intensified patrolling along the International Border with Pakistan in the Samba and Rajouri sectors of Jammu and Kashmir.

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

Following an order by the Director-General of the BSF, Rakesh Asthana, the forces began patrolling the above mentioned areas with an objective of unearthing more cross-border tunnels like the one used by the four Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists, who were killed on November 19.
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As the U.S. grapples with record hospitalizations and deaths from the covid-19 pandemic, a crucial vaccination rollout campaign is being impeded by inconsistent messaging and myriad state strategies as a new variant of the virus drives up infection rates, according to public health experts.

The missteps have put the number of vaccinations well behind targets set by the Trump administration's U.S. Operation Warp Speed effort. About 5.46 million doses have been administered in the U.S. since mid-December, or 32% of those that have been distributed across the country and well below the Trump administration's goal of 20 million by the end of 2020, according to data compiled by Bloomberg News. Vaccination rates have ranged significantly across states, with South Dakota using 69% of the doses sent to it and Georgia just 22%, according to Bloomberg's data.

"The next couple of weeks are going to be really critical to see how we can get this distribution system up and going more smoothly," National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins said Wednesday in an interview with the Washington Post. "It certainly has had a rocky beginning. But I'm not entirely surprised by that, when you consider that it's only been three weeks" since the shots were cleared for emergency use.

Months of work anticipating the vaccine rollout have been squandered because of a lack of coordination and gaps in planning. Bloomberg's reporting shows missed opportunities at every level of government, from a laissez-faire approach in Washington to local hospitals where harried health-care workers were left trying to make last-minute decisions without guidance.

Among the issues that have contributed to the rollout's jumbled start, according to interviews with state, federal and hospital officials:

- Reductions in the number of shots states were told they would receive, along with limited notice as to how many does would arrive, and when;

- Complicated logistics of storing and administering the vaccines;

- Lack of uniform messaging and education to encourage vaccination;

- A disjointed approach across states and counties; and

- Little transparency with providers and the public on what to expect.

Vaccinating every eligible U.S. citizen is already an enormous effort, especially when coupled with another surge in coronavirus cases that has strained some hospitals to the point of turning away ambulances. The U.S. has performed better than some other countries, including France, where just 20,000 doses have been administered, as well as Canada, Spain, Germany and Italy when comparing the number of shots given per 100 people, according to Bloomberg's vaccine tracker.

U.S. officials have pledged that vaccinations will accelerate in coming weeks, with a more coordinated program to administer vaccines in nursing homes and the holiday season coming to a close. But the earliest days could be the easiest, intensifying pressure to identify the weaknesses and fix them before trying to reach millions more Americans.

Planning has been difficult because of the tight time lines and shifting numbers. In the earliest days of the campaign, state leaders were shocked to find they would receive far fewer shots than expected from the federal government. States receive a new batch every week and divvy them up, giving providers little notice.

Southeast Georgia Health System has been given only a day's notice of receiving shots, said Christy Jordan, vice president of government affairs and general counsel. Hospitals in Michigan are receiving a delivery window to plan around, said Michigan Health & Hospital Association spokeswoman Ruthanne Sudderth.

Organizing the covid-19 clinics is a more complicated process than for seasonal flu shots or other drives that aim to immunize many people at once. Hospitals must schedule appointments, doctors say. Formulas from Moderna come frozen, and those of the partnership of Pfizer and BioNTech must be kept at a sub-Arctic minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit, with strict storage requirements.

When OneWorld Community Health Centers in Omaha, Nebraska, received some vials of Pfizer's vaccine from a nearby hospital, they were kept cold during the 10-minute drive but were not transported in the initial packaging.

OneWorld was notified on a Monday morning at 7:30 a.m. that the vials would need to be used by 9 a.m., said Chief Executive Officer Andrea Skolkin. The health center was able to vaccinate 130 people in about an hour before discarding a handful of doses that did not make it into arms fast enough, she said.

At Utah-based Intermountain Healthcare, clinics have had shots left over at the end of the day, said Tamara Sheffield, medical director of community health and prevention. They have sought to find people around the hospital who could use the shots, an option that other facilities may not have.

Reports of doses being tossed are emerging, as are stories of people walking into pharmacies and being asked if they want a shot before it expires.

Some health-care workers have been reluctant to be vaccinated, with skepticism over the speed of development a common reason for wanting to wait. About 44% of Southeast Georgia Health System's 2,629 eligible workers have opted for vaccination, Jordan said.

That's lower than executives expected, though some people who wanted to wait are already starting to change their minds, she said.

Hospitals are spending enormous amounts of time walking employees through clinical trial data, answering questions and trying to combat misinformation.

If they are hesitant, even more issues persuading people to get vaccinated may lie ahead.

Jose Romero, chair of the CDC's Advisory on Immunization Practices Committee and secretary of health in Arkansas, said the most surprising piece of the rollout has been seeing how many health-care workers don't want to be vaccinated.

"I did not expect to see as much as we're seeing, at least in my state," he said.

The federal government should have invested more money and started educating the public earlier, said Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious disease doctor at the Medical University of South Carolina. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services started a vaccine education campaign in December and plans another push later this month.

"We spent $10 billion months ago to develop vaccines; why were we not spending money to introduce the public to the vaccines?" Kuppalli said.

Each state and even some counties have their own rules on who to vaccinate when, making it difficult for health systems to create uniform strategies. Providence health system, which runs 51 hospitals plus doctor's offices, is trying to navigate the web of rules across seven states in which it operates.

In California, counties have leeway to veer from the state's priority groups. Providence may receive shots from the state and some from counties, each of which might have slightly different rules as to who can receive them, said Chief Clinical Officer Amy Compton-Phillips.

"We can't keep straight that this vial is supposed to be used for these people and this vial is supposed to be used for those people," Compton-Phillips said. "We get in trouble because we're not using it fast enough or we're giving it to the wrong people."

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar urged governors to offer vaccination to more people if shots are sitting in freezers. Some states have already announced they would start widening their targets, but the abrupt shifts resulted in chaos in some places. In Florida, seniors have camped out overnight, phone lines have been overwhelmed and health departments have relied on ticketing websites like Eventbrite to schedule appointments.

After Texas posted a map of providers that received vaccines, Elinor Seeley, a teacher in the Dallas area, has called nearby locations without any luck.

Some providers also say they're left in the dark. Skolkin of OneWorld in Omaha said she has not received word on when she will receive shots to start vaccinating patients.

"Someone is in charge, but it's not clear who is," Skolkin said.

Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale opened a clinic to start vaccinating the public this week, said Eduardo Locatelli, incident commander for the hospital's Covid-19 response. The clinic is designed to administer up to 2,000 shots each day. One key piece of information remains unanswered: Whether Holy Cross will receive that many doses.

"We have to realize this is America," Locatelli said. "The federal government could have had a more direct impact on organizing the country and trying to standardize a little bit more, but it is our country."

Romero, the Arkansas health secretary, said the coming days will be crucial to gauging the rollout's effectiveness.

"This week to me is very important, and the one that's coming," Romero said.

Azar and other federal officials say vaccinations will accelerate soon. He blamed introducing two vaccines during the holidays for stalling the rollout, an obstacle that hospital executives echoed.

On Wednesday, U.S. officials declined to provide estimates for the number of vaccines they are giving every day and how many they expect to administer by the end of January.
Farmers, most of them from Punjab and Haryana, want the new agri farm laws scrapped.

The protesting farmers on Delhi borders demanding repeal of three agri-reform laws will carry out a tractor march on expressways surrounding the capital on January 7, a day before the eight round of talks between farmers unions and the government.

The farmers said they would not enter Delhi and instead converge on the eastern and western peripheral expressways. The rally, they said, will start from Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and go to Palwal in Haryana and then return on the same route.

"It has been seven months since the new laws came into force and the government has held seven rounds of talks with farmers since then, but it has not listened to seven words of farmers, which are - we want repeal of the farm laws," said Swaraj Abhiyan President Yogendra Yadav.

The rally was planned for January 6 but was deferred by a day due to bad weather. This will be a rehearsal of a bigger rally planned for Republic Day, farmers' leaders said.

Follow our LIVE BLOG on Farmers' Protest here

Thousands of farmers, primarily from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping at several Delhi border points for more than a month, demanding repeal of the laws, and a legal guarantee on minimum support prices for their crops.

Farmers representatives have had seven round of talks with the government so far and two of the four demands have been met with. The farmers, however, insist that the protest would continue unless the farm laws are repealed, their main demand.

Last week, farmers threatened that, if their demands were not met, they would march in their tractors at Rajpath during the Republic Day parade.

Farm leader Kulwant Singh Sandhu told the media that hundreds of tractors will march on January 7 from Singhu and Tikri borders to the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal or Western Expressway starting 11 am. Women drivers are expected to lead a part of the rally representing the farmers from Haryana.

Police in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar have announced to enforce some traffic diversions on the Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal or Eastern Peripheral Expressway, a 135-km-long six-lane road stretch connecting Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

A police statement said that vehicles will not be allowed to get on the eastern peripheral expressway from Beel Akbarpur and Sirsa cut towards Palwal from 12pm to 3pm. Also, vehicles wont be allowed on the expressway from Sirsa cut and Beel Akbarpur towards Sonipat from 2pm to 5pm, the statement said.

The Haryana police has also given a go-ahead for the march on the Western Peripheral or the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway. Police expect at least 2500 tractors hitting the road.

The seventh round of talks between the government and farmers' unions on January 4 hit a deadlock over repealing of the three agri-reform laws and minimum support price (MSP) for procurement.

While the government reiterated that it was ready for clause-by-clause discussion on the laws, the farmers' union leaders were adamant on their demand of repealing all the three laws, which they said was the main reason for the protests that started in November last year. The government, however, said it was hopeful of a solution soon. The next round of meetings will be held on January 8.
Biographical music film Selena (1997) is nominated for inclusion in the National Film Registry and the movie has garnered support from lawmakers who are pushing for better Latinx representation and inclusion in media.

According to NBC News, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are advocating for the films addition as one of the efforts to address the lack of Latinx visibility in the film industry and across media in 2021.

Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, wrote a letter to the Library of Congress, which functions as the parent to NFR, to select Selena for preservation for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. Castro also works as the chairman of Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and in the letter, he called out the film industrys continued exclusion of Latinos.

In the letter, Castro starts with:

Dear Dr. (Carla) Hayden and Members of the National Film Preservation Board, I write to you as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) to ensure that the experiences of American Latinos are well represented in the films selected for preservation in the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress. The National Film Registry is a national treasure that preserves films of historic, cultural, and artistic significance for generations of American scholars, filmmakers, and viewers. The films that are selected for preservation are a crucial part of our shared national heritage. Given the film industrys continued exclusion of Latinos, we must therefore make a special effort to ensure that Latino Americans accomplishments in the film industry are appropriately celebrated and included in the National Film Registry. For over a century, movies have been central to how Americans understand each other and our countrys history. However, the film industrys ongoing exclusion of Latinos unfortunately not only affects the Latinos seeking opportunities in the industry, but also affects how Latinos in everyday life are perceived, stereotyped, and too often misunderstood. This is why the CHC is dedicated to improving Latino representation in the film industry. During the 116th Congress, the CHC has engaged directly with industry stakeholders such as studios, talent agencies, unions, and guilds, as well as Latino advocates, filmmakers, writers, and actors.

One of the most recognized and revered films with predominantly Latinx representation in American cinema is Selena. The music biopic chronicles the life, rise to stardom, immense success and tragic death of the Queen of Tejano MusicSelena Quintanilla-Perez. Jennifer Lopez, who has subsequently become a pop icon in her own right, starred in the 1997 biopic as the groundbreaking legend Selena. Her performance garnered her a Golden Globe nomination at the 55th Golden Globe Awards, while the film itself is award-winning.

While the biopic is a celebration of Selena released just two years after her tragic death, Selena also highlights Mexican American culture, as well as themes of identity and assimilation, as NBC News reports.

Selena is an American icon and shes so celebrated within the Latino community, Rep. Castro told NBC News. I think part of the affirmation of that was, not only the success of the film, but also the recent success of the television series.

Selena: The Series is a biographical show meant to take an even deeper dive into the origins and rise to superstardom of the pop icon, starring Christian Serratos (The Waking Dead) in the titular role. The Netflix series premiered recently on Dec. 4. According to The Los Angeles Times, filming for part 2 of the series has already completed. With the popularity of the film and recent successful release of the TV series, Castro furthermore addresses why Selena the movie should be preserved in the NFR in the letter.

As a nextstep, we also wish to formally nominate the 1997 film Selena for inclusion in the National Film Registry in 2021. Directed by Gregory Nava and starring Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos, the film depicts the life, remarkable rise, and tragic death of Tejana music star Selena Quintanilla. The film also touches on important themes of cultural identity and assimilation faced by Mexican American communities as they navigate their personal connections to two cultures and languages. The film has become a beloved icon of Latino culture and has found widespread mainstream success, proving once and for all that Latino stories are American stories. Given its importance as a work of Latino cinema, we believe it is deserving of preservation at the Library of Congress. We trust you will give Selena careful consideration, and hope to see it included in the titles added to the National Film Registry in 2021. We also expect to identify other films which feature the American Latino experience and urge you to devote careful consideration to Latino films when considering films for the registry as well.

Read more of Rep. Castros letter here and read more of the report at NBC News.

Read More via PennLive:
Help India!

By Ram Puniyani

The word anti-national has been in vogue from last few years. Simply put, all those who are criticizing the RSS and its progeny are labeled as anti-national. As the fountainhead of Hindu Nationalism, the RSS is becoming stronger and it has been trying to link patriotism with religion. While hailing Hindus for their loyalty to this nation, the subtle hints are being circulated about Muslims in particular that they are more loyal to Pakistan. In a cleverly worded articulation, (HT Jan 02, 2020) the chief of RSS, Mohan Bhagwat said that Hindus are patriotic by nature due to their religion. He also twists a sentence of Gandhi to state that Gandhis patriotism had its origin in Hindu religion, All Indians worship motherland. But Gandhi said my patriotism comes from my religion. So if you are a Hindu then you will be an automatic patriot. You may be an unconscious Hindu, you may need awakening, but a Hindu will never be anti-India.

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Before analyzing the subtle hints hidden in this formulation lets understand that when RSS began, its major ideologue M.S. Golwalkar was forthright in praising the Nazis and recommended the treatment for Muslims and Christians (Foreign religions, according to RSS) on the lines which were used by Nazis against the Jews. From the last few decades as RSS is becoming more powerful through its multiple organizations like BJP, VHP, ABVP, Vanvasis Kalyan Ashram, and through its infiltration into different wings of state, media and education, it is using more subtle language, while communicating the same Hindu nationalist ideology. The meaning and content remains the same, which Golwalkar had outlined in We or Our Nationhood Defined, but the presentation is well decorated, subtle to the extent of confusing many in the society.

As far as Gandhi is concerned, for him religion was a personal matter. He did call himself as a sanatani Hindu, but his Hinduism was liberal and inclusive. His religion had more to do with moral values. He derived his spiritual strength from all the religions, I consider myself as good a Muslim as I am a Hindu and for that matter, I regard myself as equally good a Christian or a Parsi. (Harijan, May 25 197, page 164). There is respect and inclusivity for people of other religions in his practice of Hinduism. This is in total contrast to exclusivist, narrow understanding and practice of Hinduism of RSS, which is continuously raking up issues to frighten and intimidate people of other religions. As Gandhis practice of his religion was liberal and inclusive he could lead the people of different religions in the struggle against British rule.

He also did not connect religion and nationality or for that matter to patriotism. In that sense patriotism, love for ones country and countrymen, is not rooted in the religion but in the Nationhood which is not an outcome of religion for that matter. His use of word religion has two levels. One is the popular notion of customs, identity, faith etc. and second the morality inherent in the teachings of religion. Though he is very clear that morality is the core of religions, the likes of RSS or for that matter even the Muslim communalists (Muslim League etc.) take his use of the word purely at the level of rituals, holy places etc only.

The ideologues, who are a part of Hindu nationalist outlook, and close to RSS mindset, are burning the midnight oil to dig fragments of sentences, not only from Gandhi and other national icons to present as if the values of these makers of India as a nation had ideas similar to that of RSS. In the process they retain the RSS ideology while trying to get more legitimacy by showing their similarity to the great icons of Indias freedom movement and the process of India as a nation in the making.

So now the formulation is that Hindus are naturally patriots, they cant be anti national. The other side of this is that the nationalism and patriotism of those belonging to other religions is suspect, subject to certification by those who have a monopoly of being patriots and nationalists, those claiming to represent Hindus.

This totally bypasses the great contributions of Muslims and Christians in making of modern India. Where do you place the millions of Muslims who followed Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who stood not only against the British rule but also against the concept of partition of India? Where do you place the likes of Shibli Nomani, Hasrat Mohani, and Ashfaqullah Khan? How do you value the contribution of Allahbaksh who was instrumental in organizing the conference of Muslims to oppose the resolution for separate Pakistan by Mohammad Ali Jinnah? There were innumerable organizations formed by Muslims who rubbed shoulders with participants in the struggle for freedom movement.

In Independent India people of all religions have contributed with equal zeal in making of modern India and in all fields of industry, education, sports, culture and what have you. Are they not patriots or nationalists?

On the other side this formulation of Bhagwat is a clever defense of the one trained in its shakhas who murdered Gandhi, Nathuram Godse. How do we label those who participated and led in demolition of Babri Mosque, which was called as a crime by the Supreme Court? As per Bhagwat do acts of killing of Gandhi, Kalburgi, Dabholkar, Gauri Lankesh and Govind Pansare fall in the category of patriotic acts? Where do so many Hindus involved in spying, smuggling, black marketing etc. are to be placed?

Interestingly, as RSS is making a show of paying respect to Gandhi, at the same time its trained pracharaks and fellow ideologues and many of its affiliated organizations are openly paying respect to Nathuram Godse. On last years Gandhi anniversary tweets praising Godse were aplenty, mostly from Hindus. That just shows the ideological manipulation capability of the multithreaded hydra, RSS. Only such an organization can simultaneously make the show of paying obeisance to Gandhi while quietly enhancing the ideology which led to his murder.
One of the highest-ranking Indian-American civilians in the US Department of Defense, Dr Raj Iyer, has taken over as the first Chief Information Officer of the US Army after the Pentagon created the position in July last year.

In a statement, the Pentagon said the Indian-American who holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Army and directs representation of the secretary in matters relating to information management/information technology (IT).

Equivalent in rank to a three-star General, Iyer will supervise an annual budget of $16 billion for the US Army's IT operations. More than 15,000 civilians and military personnel posted across 100 countries work under him.

Iyer will direct the execution of policies and programmes to modernise the US Army to achieve digital overmatch against near-peer adversaries such as China and Russia.

The Army has committed to leveraging advanced technologies such as cloud computing, robotics and artificial intelligence as critical enablers for future warfighting through a concept called multi-domain operations.

Previously, Iyer was a rtner and managing director at Deloitte Consulting LLP, where he led multiple technology programs supporting government clients.

Over the course of his 26-year career, Iyer has supported a range of defence and commercial clients on a number of complex enterprise transformation challenges, including strategy, innovation and modernisation.

He has established new organisations, including the first office of the Chief Technology Officer in the Army, co-founded a successful technology start-up, and led recovery programmes such as Obamacare. He also holds a patent and has published dozens of peer-reviewed papers.

Iyer holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington along with multiple masters degrees, including a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Iyer, originally a native of Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, grew up in Bengaluru and completed his undergraduate studies at the onal Institute of Technology Trichy before moving to the US to pursue higher studies.

In the US, he had barely enough money to pay for tuition and rent for one semester through his father's life savings, but was soon able to secure a full fellowship to complete all of his graduate education.

His father Manakkal K Ganesan, an engineer working as General Manager at Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants (MECON), was instrumental in showing him a passion for public service and the value of education and hard work, according to a testimonial online.

Iyer is married to Brindha, a healthcare IT programme manager in the US government. They have two sons, Ashwin Iyer, a freshman majoring in Data Science at the University of California at Berkeley, and Abishek Iyer, a 9th grader at Centennial High School in Maryland.

With agency inputs

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EXCLUSIVE: IRDAI Declares Sahara Life Insurance Promoters SIFCL, SCL, SICCL and SIHL as Not Fit and Proper

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has declared four promoter entities of Sahara India Life Insurance Company Ltd as not fit and proper. IRDAI has also directed these promoter entities to transfer within six months their stake to any other 'fit and proper' promoters.

In its order issued on 30 December 2020, Dr Subhash C Khuntia, chairman of IRDAI , says, "As the promoters Sahara India Financial Corporation (SIFCL), Sahara Care Ltd (SCL), Sahara India Commercial Corporation Ltd (SICCL) and Sahara Infrastructure and Housing (SIHL) are no longer found to be fit and proper, the shareholding by these four entities should be transferred to any other fit and proper promoters within a period of six months, subject to the provisions of IRDAI (Transfer of Equity Shares of Insurance Companies) Regulations, 2015."

These four promoter entities together hold 98.19% stake in Sahara India Life Insurance. While SIFCL holds 50%, SCL holds 40% stake in the life insurer. SICCL and SIHL hold 4.37% and 3.82% stake, respectively, in Sahara India Life Insurance.

As per the submission by the insurer to IRDAI, Subrata Roy Sahara and his wife Swapna Roy are substantial shareholders in all the promoter companies.

In the order, IRDAI observed that the four most significant promoters of the insurer are related group companies and each of those is grappling with its own regulatory or financial issues. Further, it says, a large portion of the shareholding of the promoter companies is held by Mr Roy Sahara and his wife Swapna Roy, who are the ultimate beneficial owners of SILIC. As submitted by the insurer, transfer of shares among the shareholders inter se have not been registered in the name of Mr Roy Sahara as his demat account has been frozen. SEBI, vide two orders both dated 13 February 2013, has frozen all the bank accounts of Mr Roy Sahara. In this scenario, the ability of the promoters to fund the future capital requirements of the insurer appears highly doubtful.

"Even otherwise, the financial statements of the promoters do not demonstrate financial soundness or their ability to finance or fund capital requirements of the insurer. As seen from the audit qualifications in the auditors report of SIFCL, the company has not provided essential information to their statutory auditors on bank reconciliation statements. There are large scale non-compliances with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directions or guidelines and the company does not demonstrate acceptable standard of corporate governance to be considered as 'fit and proper'. Thus, it can be seen that none of the four companies that are promoters of SICIL satisfies the 'fit and proper' criteria," the IRDAI order says.

Further, SILIC has been asked by IRDAI to take immediate steps to recover the advance of Rs78.15 crore from Sahara India. "The principal amount should be recovered within a period of three months and the interest should be recovered fully within a further period of one month," the order says.

IRDAI has issued the order after a thorough probe based on the annual report for FY14-15 submitted by Sahara India Life Insurance. It observed three issues in the annual report. In August 2015, IRDAI had sent a letter to the insurer pointing out that the company chairman Subrata Roy Sahara did not attend any of the meetings during the four years ending March 2015 and, thus, it would not be in order for Sahara India Life Insurance to continue with Mr Roy Sahara as chairman of the board of directors and investment committee.

The August 2015 letter says, "The fact that the insurers operations had been carried on in the absence of their chairman for the previous four years, raised serious concerns on effective oversight of the board on the activities of the insurer, including its investment decisions; there is continuing decline in the insurance business of SILIC; and financial transactions valued at Rs78.14 crore leading to transfer of funds to a group entity, despite specific prohibitive directions of the IRDAI."

In its 30 December 2020 order, IRDAI directed Sahara India Life Insurance to "submit a proper board approved 'business plan' within three months; reconcile all the remaining unreconciled bank accounts as on 31 March 2020 within two months and strengthen its internal control systems and conduct its business in accordance with sound corporate governance practices on a continuing basis."

Earlier, RBI and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had declared SIFCL as a not fit and proper entity. RBI also filed an application for the liquidation of the insurers promoter company SIFCL with the High Court of Uttar Pradesh as SIFCL was involved in serious financial irregularities and indiscipline, including transferring funds to related parties rather than repayment to deposit holders from the sale of investments of Rs484.67 crore.

Further, on 28 July 2015, SEBI had ordered cancellation of certificate of registration of Sahara Mutual Fund as it found the fund house, Sahara Asset Management Company (AMC) and Sahara sponsor, SIFCL not 'fit and proper' to carry on the business.
Update: Bentz on Thursday joined eight senators and 138 other House members  all Republicans  in the unlikely last-ditch effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which former Vice President Joe Biden won.

He backed a failed attempt to throw out the electoral votes from Pennsylvania, though he did not support a similar challenge to the votes from Arizona, which also didnt pass. Read the story here.

***

Its been a dramatic first week on the job for Rep. Cliff Bentz, (R-Ontario), Oregons newest House member and lone Republican in Congress.

Bentz was forced to shelter in place with his Washington, D.C. staff Wednesday after a mob of violent protesters incited by President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Bentz, a lawyer and former state legislator from eastern Oregon, took his oath of office only four days prior, formalizing his replacement of longtime Republican Rep. Greg Walden, who retired at the end of last year.

He spoke at length with The Oregonian/OregonLive about the Capitol breach, Trumps role or lack thereof in the chaotic  and deadly  event, and whether he plans to recognize Joe Biden as the next president of the United States.

The interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Some of your fellow Oregon members of Congress have called the events today in Washington a coup. Would you agree?

I would not describe today as a coup. I would call it a protest gone really wrong, really bad. A protest that should have stayed peaceful but turned violent and thats simply wrong. Its not a coup, at least as I understand such a thing.

What do you have to say about weeks of false and baseless claims by President Trump about the outcome of the election?

Well, youd have to be more specific in your questions. I think the challenge for all of us is to sort through the situation as it now exists, what were supposed to be doing when it comes to the Electoral College and its outcome and get it right when it comes to protecting our constitutional dictates. Thats what we should be focusing on now. As far as judging the president, I dont see how thats very productive right now.

Do you believe this election was stolen from the president?

The word stolen is a bit odd. What I would rather say is that the election has a lot of complexities in it that were trying to sort through, and if someone chooses to call it stolen, then its on them. Im still working on trying to figure out whether its constitutional.

How would you describe your impression of this election?

It reflected an incredible concern of a lot of people whove been left out for years and years and thats why we saw President Trump get so many votes. And these people need to be heard in a way that does much more to resolve this kind of concern than anything else I can think of.

These people are worried about their livelihoods right now, theyre worried about the [coronavirus], theyre worried about their jobs, theyre worried about, here in Oregon, getting their unemployment checks in a timely fashion. I think theres lots and lots of things reflected in this election that show how a government is failing, and Im hopeful that now Im here, Ill have an opportunity to address some of those issues.

Were you surprised protesters breached the U.S. Capitol, since something similar was attempted at the Oregon state Capitol just a few weeks ago by similar folks?

Actually, I think the way Id rather put your question or answer your question is to point out the failure of those in Portland to appropriately manage the 100 days of burnings and riots and property destruction that probably convinced a lot of people that law enforcement didnt exist anymore in big cities and encouraged this kind of activity.

The other thing Id suggest is many people, apparently, are beginning to think their concerns are being ignored. I would never support violence, ever. But the protests that are occurring are reflective of an awful lot of discontent and I think we in Congress need to do better to understand what those issues are and try to address that.

Youre reported to be among the 100-plus Republican House members who planned to object to the certification of the Electoral College votes. Do you feel like you bear some responsibility for what happened today?

Im so happy you asked that question. [Journalists misconstrued a news story and a letter Bentz signed, in which he called for an investigation into the presidential election as saying he would join the 100-plus Republicans in their vote not to certify the election, Bentz said.] In no way in that letter did it suggest I was committed to any such objection. So I put your statement squarely on the press and their failure to do an adequate investigation.

So can you clarify your position for me?

You should understand that Im listening really carefully to each of the arguments as Ive been doing for the past week and enlisted the help of constitutional law experts, including Dean [James] Huffman up at Lewis & Clark Law School where I went, to try and understand better exactly what I should do in this most important decision of my early legislative career. Anybody who jumps to conclusions early, I think, is missing the opportunity to better understand the issues.

If and when the Electoral College votes are certified do you plan to recognize Joe Biden as the next President of the United States?

Highly likely that I will, yes.

Highly likely? What does that mean? Its a yes or no question.

I think the proper answer is yes. And the only reason why I hesitate is because I think there are some lawsuits pending out there and I dont know the status of these lawsuits. And also the challenge is to make sure the people I represent are satisfied, if you will, that we are doing our very best here in this process. But I think this process needs to come to an end and we need to move on past it. But we need to play it out as the Constitution dictates, and thats what were doing today when we were interrupted.

But you dont think that the president bears some responsibility for this?

In my business as a lawyer, I think I would call that a leading question. I think what youre trying to ask is, Is the president to blame for what happened today? I dont think he was encouraging violence. I dont think he ever wanted this to happen. By this, I mean people breaking windows and forcing their way into the building. I dont think he wanted violence to happen. I think he wanted a protest to happen, but I cant imagine that he wanted it to turn violent.

-- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632

Email at skavanaugh@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @shanedkavanaugh

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.

The British Army officer leading Boris Johnson's effort to deliver hundreds of thousands of coronavirus vaccines per day pledged to use combat techniques to get them to the needy as fast as possible.

Brigadier Phil Prosser, Commander of Military Support to the Vaccine Delivery Programme, said his team would use 'our extensive operational and logistic experience' to deliver vital supplies across the UK.

The commander of the British Army's 101 Logistic Brigade will lead soldiers distributing the drugs across the country in a bid to get the lockdown eased as soon as possible.

He joined Boris Johnson at a Downing Street press conference tonight after Britain recorded 1,162 coronavirus deaths in the second worst day of the entire pandemic.

The Prime Minister used the televised event to claim the NHS will be able to give 200,000 jabs every day by next Friday as part of ambitious lockdown-ending plans.

Brig Prosser, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, said: 'It is my role to deliver combat supplies to UK forces in time of war.

'My team are used to complexity and building supply chains at speed, in the most arduous and challenging conditions...

'We aim to deliver vaccine as soon after it is supplied as possible, not leaving vast quantities in the warehouse - it needs to be in arms not on shelves.'

He also revealed that there are 21 'vaccine quick reaction force' containing military medics 'able to deploy anywhere in England at short notice' if there are problems with keeping up the rate of immunisations.

Brigadier Phil Prosser, Commander of Military Support to the Vaccine Delivery Programme, said his team would use 'our extensive operational and logistic experience' to deliver vital supplies across the UK.

The commander of the British Army's 101 Logistic Brigade joined Boris Johnson at a Downing Street press conference tonight after Britain recorded 1,162 coronavirus deaths

It is not the first time Brig Prosser's unit has been brought in to help with the pandemic. The Aldershot-based brigade, which includes logistical, engineering and medical units, was called in to help distribute PPE like gloves, masks and gowns to NHS hospitals in March.

The 101 is known as the Iron Viper because its main war function is supporting the 3rd Division, known as the 'Iron Division, which is the Army's 'high readiness' force

Brigadier Phil Prosser, the commander of the 101 Logistic Brigade (pictured in Downing Street today) , will lead soldiers distributing the drugs across the country in a bid to get the lockdown eased as soon as possible.

Iron Viper leader who served in Iraq The army officer put in charge of speeding up Boris Johnson's sluggish vaccination programme is an Afghanistan and Iraq veteran 'crisis management' expert who leads a unit known as the 'Iron Viper'. Brigadier Phil Prosser, the commander of the 101 Logistic Brigade, will lead soldiers distributing the drugs across the country in a bid to get the lockdown eased as soon as possible. The married Welshman joined Boris Johnson at a Downing Street press conference tonight. It is not the first time Brig Prosser's unit has been brought in to help with the pandemic. The Aldershot-based brigade, which includes logistical, engineering and medical units, was called in to help distribute PPE like gloves, masks and gowns to NHS hospitals in March. Brig Prosser trained as a mechanical engineer and studied at Cranfield University before taking an MBA at the Open University. He previously served in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). According to his LinkedIn page is is an 'experienced leader' who is skilled in crisis management, data analysis (and) risk'. He is also a keen cyclist and describes himself as a 'retired runner' as well as a fan of the Scarlets rugby team, based in his native Llanelli. Advertisement

With the roll-out of vaccines the only light at the end of the tunnel, the Prime Minister today reassured the public there are enough doses available to get all the top priority groups immunised by mid-February.

He also pledged to offer every care home resident a jab by the end of January and announced a new national online booking system that is hoped will be speed up the process.

Department of Health data shows only April 21  in the midst of the first wave  had a worse death toll than today, when 1,224 victims were declared.

Experts fear the daily number of Covid deaths may rise further, because of the spiralling number of infections in the community. But in a slight glimmer of hope, cases dropped compared to last week as health bosses posted 52,618 infections  down 6 per cent from the same time last week.

Ministry of Defence chiefs were instructed to devise the plans to hit the Prime Minister's lofty target of vaccinating 13million  including over-70s, care home residents, NHS staff and extremely vulnerable adults of all ages  and ending lockdown by mid-February.

The NHS operation, considered the biggest vaccination drive in British history, will involve more than 100 soldiers next week with almost 1,500 reserve troops on standby.

So far the UK's vaccination scheme has been plagued by supply and staffing shortages, logistical problems and bureaucratic barriers that have strangled its scale-up. It has meant that only 1.3million Brits across the UK have had the jab since it launched a month ago.

Figures today showed that the NHS in England has now managed to inoculate almost 1.1million people since the mass immunisation drive began. The programme saw more than 300,000 doses dished out in the final week of the Pfizer-only plan, up 27 per cent in a week.

Ministry of Defence chiefs were instructed to devise plans to distribute the vaccines evenly to the most vulnerable within the PM's target of immunising them by mid-February. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace last week said there were 250 six-man teams 'standing ready' to deliver 100,000 doses a day, if there was a request for more boots on the ground support from the Army.

Members of the 101 Logistic Brigade deliver a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital on March 24

Brigadier Prosser told today's press conference: 'I have found this logistic operation to be unparalleled in its scale and complexity and I say this having served on operations around the world.

'To give you some impression of the work that has been done, in the 30 days this programme has been in operation we have delivered over 1.26 million doses of vaccine, hundreds of millions of consumable items and established 769 sites.

'Thats the equivalent to setting up major supermarket chain in less than a month, and next week we will further increase our footprint by another 20 per cent.'

As many as seven mass vaccination centres are set to open in England to aide the roll-out, set up in locations including sports stadiums and London's ExCeL centre. But critics have warned the target is over-ambitious and said the Prime Minister should not make promises he won't be able to meet.

It emerged last night that guidance had been sent to doctors explaining the jabs should be their 'top priority' - with other 'non-essential' activities postponed, potentially for weeks. NHS England has already advised surgeries to focus on the delivery of the vaccine by prioritising jab appointments over anything else.

A former head of security with Hudbay Minerals in Guatemala has pleaded guilty to killing an Indigenous community leader in 2009.

A former head of security with Hudbay Minerals in Guatemala has pleaded guilty to killing an Indigenous community leader in 2009.

Mynor Padilla pleaded guilty in Guatemalan court to "homicide committed in an emotionally violent state" for the slaying of Adolfo Ich Chaman at Hudbays Felix mine, and the shooting of a bystander, German Chub Choc, who was left paralyzed.

Hudbay, which later sold the mine, operates a zinc mine in Flin Flon, Man. It is slated for closure next year.

Murray Klippenstein, a Toronto lawyer who represents Choc and Chamans widow, Angelica Choc, in a lawsuit against Hudbay and its Guatemalan subsidiary, said the guilty plea is a key step in holding the multinational company liable for abuses committed abroad.

"Today is a momentous day," Klippenstein said in a news release issued by GlobeNewswire. "Hudbay has spent more than a decade and a small fortune in legal fees denying that their security personnel had anything to do with the brutal killing of Adolfo and the paralyzing of German."
The unlicensed driver who allegedly lost control of his car and killed two young boys in the NSW Central West on Tuesday was spared any penalty for a previous unlicensed driving offence in 2018.

Jacob Donn, 25, was refused bail during a brief court appearance in Dubbo on Thursday. He is facing 14 charges following the crash that killed Sheldon and Shane Shorey, aged 6 and 7, in the town of Wellington on Tuesday.

Jacob Donn was refused bail in court on Thursday. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The crash, which allegedly occurred as the man was doing burnouts and doughnuts on the quiet suburban street, also injured the boys' mother, Shayleen Frail, and two other children.

Ms Frail was airlifted to Westmead Hospital on Wednesday where she remains in a stable condition. A 9-year-old child has been discharged from a local hospital and a 10-year-old is still at the Children's Hospital at Westmead with serious leg injuries.
By order of President Ilham Aliyev, work continues to ensure and organize the service of the troops, improve the social conditions of the personnel of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces deployed in the liberated territories. The relevant message was published on the website of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

"Defense Minister Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov and the leadership of the ministry visited the Azerbaijani Army units deployed in the liberated territories and inspected conditions created there, the message reads.

A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died.

That's according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Biden's presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

Short link:


Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - North American Nickel Inc. (TSXV: NAN) (OTCQB: WSCRF) (CUSIP: 65704T 108) (the "Company" or "NAN") announces that Mr. Gilbert Clark has stepped down from his position as Director of the NAN Board, effective immediately. The Company would also like to announce that they have received notification from the Greenland government that the 100% owned Maniitsoq exploration licenses, located on the southwest coast of Greenland, have been extended by one year, as part of the government's initiative to reduce the industrial impact of COVID-19.

Mr. Clark has been a Director of NAN's Board since 2012. His leadership and insight have served the company very well enabling NAN to broaden our relationships with key strategic partners in the mining industry.

NAN CEO, Keith Morrison, commented: "On behalf of the NAN Board and shareholders, I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Clark for his long-term commitment and consistent contributions to the Company and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. With Mr. Clark's departure, the Board will consist of 5 members, including Charles Riopel, Douglas Ford, Keith Morrison, Christopher Messina and Zhen Janet Huang."

North American Nickel has received notification from the Greenland government that surplus assessment credits from exploration conducted on NAN's exclusive mineral exploration licenses located on the southwest coast of Greenland have been extended by one year. This development is one of the additional initiatives by the Greenland government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and include the temporary adjustment of exploration expenses in year 2021 for all mineral exploration licences to zero and the extension of the licence period for all mineral exploration licences by one year.

About North American Nickel

North American Nickel is a mineral exploration company with 100% owned properties in Maniitsoq, Greenland and Ontario, Canada. In 2019 the Company became a founding shareholder in Premium Nickel Resources ("PNR") a private Canadian company, to provide direct exposure to Ni-Cu-Co opportunities in the southern African region. PNR has submitted an Indicative Offer to acquire the assets, currently in liquidation, formerly operated by Bamangwato Concessions Limited ("BCL") in Botswana. In addition, the Company is expanding its area of exploration interest into Morocco and building a relationship with the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines ("ONHYM"), the leading resource crown corporation and the single largest permit holder in Morocco.

The Maniitsoq property in Greenland is a Camp scale permitted exploration project comprising 3,048 square km covering numerous high-grade nickel-copper + cobalt sulphide occurrences associated with norite and other mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Greenland Norite Belt (GNB). The >75km-long belt is situated along, and near, the southwest coast of Greenland and is accessible from the existing Seqi deep water port with an all-year-round shipping season and hydroelectric power potential from a quantified watershed.

The Post Creek/Halcyon property in Sudbury is strategically located adjacent to the past producing Podolsky copper-nickel-precious metal sulphide deposit of KGHM International Ltd. The property lies along the extension of the Whistle Offset dyke structure. Such geological structures host major Ni-Cu-PGM deposits and producing mines within the Sudbury Camp.

The Company acquired 100% ownership of property near the southern extent of the Lingman Lake Greenstone Belt in northwest Ontario known as Lingman Nickel and in the Quetico region near Thunder Bay Ontario. The acquisition of these properties is part of the Company's strategy to develop a pipeline of new nickel projects. The Company is evaluating direct and indirect nickel asset acquisition opportunities globally.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Keith Morrison

Chief Executive Officer

North American Nickel Inc.

For more information contact:

North American Nickel Inc.

Jaclyn Ruptash

Corporate Communications

+1 (604) 770-4334

Toll free: 1-866-816-0118

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of the Company. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about the ability of the Company to access capital to satisfy the fees and expenditures under the earn-in agreement, the ability of the Company to complete the expenditures under the earn-in agreement, spending commitments, the success of exploration activities, the future economics of minerals including nickel and copper, the benefits of the development potential of the properties of the Company, the benefits of drilling and advancement of projects, engagement and dialogue with First Nations groups and formalizing the scope of work. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the risks identified in the Company's disclosure documents available at www.sedar.com. 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. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71528

The Army National Guard is an elite group of warriors who dedicate a portion of their time to serving their nation. Each state has its own Guard, as required by the Constitution; in fact, it is the only branch of the military whose existence actually is required by the Constitution.

The Army National Guard began on Dec. 13, 1636, when the Massachusetts Bay Colony organized three militia regiments to defend against the growing threat of the Pequot Indians. Today, the Army National Guard continues its historic mission of providing defense for the nation.

Since 1636, the Guard has brought glory and honor upon itself and its soldiers through quiet and selfless service. Do you think you have what it takes to be a member of this select group?

In the Guard, you become a soldier. What does it mean to be a soldier? It's being a part of a noble tradition of service extending back almost 400 years. It means you become a member of the best trained, best equipped and most respected military force in history. It means you will make a difference.

Interested in Joining the Military?

We can put you in touch with recruiters from the different military branches. Learn about the benefits of serving your country, paying for school, military career paths and more: sign up now and hear from a recruiter near you.
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.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Here is the latest on Congress tally of the Electoral College vote won by Joe Biden (all times local):

3:55 a.m.

President Donald Trump now says there will be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory and after a day of violence when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Trump says in a statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

He adds: I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

Trumps account is currently locked by Twitter.

Trump has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.

3:41 a.m.

Congress has formally validated Joe Bidens presidential election victory on a day that saw a time-honored ceremony become a nightmare of unprecedented political terror.

The House and Senate certified the Democrats electoral college win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police.

The rampage began shortly after President Donald Trump repeated his unfounded claims of election fraud to thousands of rallying demonstrators hed invited to Washington. Many then surged to the Capitol after he incited them to go there as lawmakers debated the electoral votes.

More than six hours after the violence erupted, lawmakers resumed their session.

Thirteen Republican senators and dozens of GOP representatives had planned to force debate and votes on perhaps six different states votes.

The assault on the Capitol made some Republicans squeamish about trying to overturn Bidens win, and challenges were lodged only against Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both efforts lost overwhelmingly.

Biden defeated Trump by 306-232 electoral votes and will be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3:25 a.m.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is defending his objection to the Electoral College results as the right thing to do.

The Texas senator condemned the violence that erupted as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an extraordinary attack over the election outcome.

Cruz led the first challenge to Joe Bidens defeat of President Donald Trump by objecting to Arizonas results. He sought to have Congress launch a commission to investigate the election. His effort was roundly defeated in the House and Senate.

Cruz said he was confident the country will have a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Biden is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3 a.m.

The House has joined the Senate in turning aside Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Lawmakers in the House voted 282-138 against the objection as the counting of Electoral College votes continued into the early hours of Thursday morning. The Senate shut down the same objection 92-7 just after midnight, and unlike the House, declined to debate before voting.

After a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

2:20 a.m.

A small group of House lawmakers came close to physically fighting early Thursday morning as the congressional count of electoral votes stretched into the wee hours and a Pennsylvania Democrat charged that Republicans had been telling lies about his states votes.

Rep. Morgan Griffiths, R-Va., objected after Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said a breach of the Capitol by an angry mob earlier in the day was inspired by lies, the same lies you are hearing in this room tonight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shot down the objection, but a few minutes later Republicans and Democrats streamed to the middle aisle, with around a dozen lawmakers getting close to each other and arguing. But the group quickly broke up when Pelosi called for order on the floor.

President Donald Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in Pennsylvania and other states and Republicans have echoed those claims as they have challenged electoral votes.

12:55 a.m.

The Senate has quickly killed Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Senators voted 92-7 after midnight to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, its the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he believes no other states votes will be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

12:15 a.m. Thursday

Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have objected to the counting of Pennsylvanias electoral votes, triggering up to two hours of debate in the House and Senate.

The objections come 11 hours after the congressional count to confirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential victory began, and after lawmakers had to evacuate both chambers for several hours to escape a mob that had violently breached the Capitol.

Hawley said last week that he would object to Pennsylvanias electoral votes, saying Congress should investigate voter fraud. President Donald Trump has falsely said since his defeat that there was widespread fraud in the election.

Biden won Pennsylvania by just over 80,000 votes. Since the Nov. 3 election, Trump and his allies filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging Bidens win on various grounds, including that many or all of the states mail-in ballots were illegal.

The lawsuits failed as judge after judge found no violation of state law or constitutional rights, or no grounds to grant an immediate halt to certifying the election.

11:20 p.m. Wednesday

The House has voted overwhelmingly to reject an objection to President-elect Joe Bidens win in Arizona, joining the Senate in upholding the results of the election there.

The objection failed 303-121 on Wednesday night, with only Republicans voting in support.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Now that Arizona is out of the way, Congress will reconvene as the joint session and make its way through the rest of the states that have objections.

11:10 p.m.

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in medical emergencies.

Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee. Police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

10:15 p.m.

The Senate has overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.

The objection to the results in Arizona -- spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz -- was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

The Republicans raised the objection based on false claims pushed by President Donald Trump and others of issues with the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials.

10:10 p.m.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says a commission to examine the 2020 election is not a proper next step and affirmed that Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, called it a uniquely bad idea to delay this election, referencing the commission idea proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Graham says, Count me out. Enough is enough.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Graham said that if youre a conservative, the idea that Vice President Mike Pence could reverse the results of the election, as President Donald Trump had urged him to do, was the most offensive concept in the world.

10 p.m.

Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

9:55 p.m.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he is going forward with his objection to the Electoral College results in Pennsylvania despite the violent breach at the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

The Missouri senator said he did not support violence but said the Senate should go forward with a legal process that includes his objections.

Hawley says his objections should be debated peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets. He says he hoped lawmakers would not brush his concerns aside because of the violence earlier Wednesday, including the death of a protester inside the Capitol.

Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

9:45 p.m.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump has falsely said there was widespread fraud in the election to explain his defeat and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trumps, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

9:15 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

9:10 p.m.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending 1,000 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials. It comes after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday: For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.s aid.

The presidents supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Trump convinced them that he was cheated out of a victory by rampant, widespread voter fraud, a false claim.

8:55 p.m.

Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

8:45 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Congress will not be deterred in confirming the results of the presidential election hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Republican leader reopened the Senate late Wednesday vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College for President-elect Joe Biden. It was interrupted earlier in the way when rioters breached the security perimeter and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. One person was fatally shot.

McConnell says demonstrators tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed.

McConnell plans to keep the Senate in session Wednesday to finish confirming the results.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true. He reiterated the claim in a video filmed as his demonstrators were storming the Capitol.

8:35 p.m.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.

Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

8:20 p.m.

Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation.

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

Obama says it should not have come as a surprise, and that for two months a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth.

He says their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

8:10 p.m.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

8:05 p.m.

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in protest over President Donald Trumps Syria policies, blamed the president for the violence at the U.S. Capitol.

In a sharp rebuke Wednesday, Mattis said the violence was fomented by Trump, who has used the presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens.

His written statement concluded, Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country.

Mattis, a retired four-star Marine general who stepped down as Pentagon chief in December 2018, had an embattled relationship with Trump, but largely remained publicly quiet and avoided direct criticism. Since he left the job, however, he has been more openly derisive of Trump, including a public condemnation of the presidents heavy-handed use of military force to quell protests near the White House last June.

7:55 p.m.

Stephanie Grisham, chief of staff and press secretary for first lady Melania Trump, has resigned following violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Grisham says in a statement Wednesday that it was an honor to serve the country in the White House and be part of he first ladys mission to help children.

Grisham was one of Trumps longest serving aides, having joined the campaign in 2015. She served as the White House press secretary and never held a press briefing.

Wednesdays violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by the presidents supporters sparked renewed conversations inside the White House about mass resignations by mid-level aides who are responsible for operations of the office of the president.

Two people familiar with the conversations said the aides were torn between fears of what more would happen if they left and a desire to register their disgust with their boss. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.

7:45 p.m.

The Republican National Committee says it strongly condemns the violence at the Capitol, adding that the violent scenes do not represent acts of patriotism, but an attack on our country and its founding principles.

The RNC is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican political platform. Its statement condemning the violence came hours after Republican President Donald Trump baselessly complained that the election was stripped away from great patriots. He went on to tell them to go home with love & in peace.

The groups communications director, Michael Ahrens, says, What happened today was domestic terrorism.

He says to see the U.S. flag used in the name of unfounded conspiracy theories is a disgrace to the nation, and every decent American should be disgusted by it.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens victory over him, citing false claims of voter fraud. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people.

7:40 p.m.

Former President Bill Clinton says the attack on the U.S. Capitol was fueled over four years of poison politics and lit by President Donald Trump.

Clinton said in a statement Wednesday night that the riot at the Capitol resulted from a combination of deliberate disinformation that created distrust in the system and pit Americans against one another.

He wrote, The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost.

His wife, Hillary Clinton, lost a bitter election to Trump in 2016 and conceded to him immediately. Trump has refused to accept his defeat by Democrat Joe Biden in November and is trying to cast him as an illegitimate president.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

7:20 p.m.

A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, later deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!

State House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw said Evans will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.

He said he has not spoken to Evans yet about his involvement.

The delegate from Wayne County said in a statement later on Facebook that he was heading back to West Virginia and was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history.

6:55 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will resume the Electoral College proceedings once the Capitol is cleared of pro-Donald Trump protesters and safe for use.

Pelosi said she made the decision Wednesday in consultation with the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the vice president, who will preside.

She noted the day would always be part of history, but now it would be as such a shameful picture of our country was put out into the world.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

6:45 p.m.

Dozens of pro-Trump protesters remain on the streets of the nations capital in defiance of the curfew imposed after rioters stormed the Capitol.

The mostly maskless crowd was forcibly removed from the Capitol on Wednesday after breaking into the building and halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were pushed out of the immediate area and moved down the hill, where they taunted law enforcement and moved barricades.

Police said anyone found on the streets after the 6 p.m. curfew would be arrested. Officers in full riot gear with shields lined the streets near the U.S. Capitol.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said their debate on affirming Bidens victory would continue after the Capitol was secured.

6:40 p.m.

The head of the nations largest union of flight attendants says people who took part in the violent protest at the Capitol must be banned from flying.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said in a statement Wednesday that some of the people who traveled in our planes (Tuesday) participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today.

She says, Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area. Acts against our democracy, our government and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.

Nelson and the union endorsed President-elect Joe Biden over President Donald Trump before the November election.

Trump supporters on a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Washington heckled Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, the lone Republican senator to vote to oust Trump after he was impeached. On an American Airlines flight from Dallas, a large contingent of Trump supporters got in an angry yelling match with other passengers after one of the presidents supporters projected Trump 2020 on the cabin ceiling and walls.

6:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is blaming President Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection at the Capitol.

Romney, the GOPs 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of Trumps, said the violent breach of the Capitol on Wednesday was due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months.

The Utah senator said those who continue to support Trumps dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy.

Romney ridiculed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans who want an audit of the election results: Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the president will continue to claim the election was stolen.

The simple truth, Romney said, is that President-elect (Joe) Biden won this election. President Trump lost.

6:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump has appeared to justify the violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

In a tweet Wednesday night, Trump said, These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

Trump has faced mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers to do more to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name.

6:20 p.m.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen says the violent pro-Trump protest at the U.S. Capitol was an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of democracy.

Rosen said Wednesday that the Justice Department has been working with U.S. Capitol Police and other federal law enforcement agencies to secure the Capitol. He says hundreds of federal agents from Justice Department agencies were sent to assist.

He called it an unacceptable situation and said federal prosecutors intend to enforce the laws of our land.

Dozens of President Donald Trumps supporters breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police declared the Capitol to be secure about four hours later.

6:10 p.m.

Former President George W. Bush says he and his wife, Laura, are sickened and heartbroken over the mayhem in Washington and have watched in disbelief and dismay as events unfolded.

Bush said the assault on the Capitol on Wednesday and the disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens victory was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

The Republican said in a statement that he is appalled by what he described as reckless behavior by some political leaders since the election and the lack of respect for U.S. institutions, traditions and law enforcement.

Bush addressed those who are disappointed by the election result, saying, Our country is more important than the politics of the moment.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting. They fought with officers both inside the building and outside.

6:10 p.m.

A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died.

Thats according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

5:50 p.m.

Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

The occupation interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations around the Capitol complex and Washington, D.C. after thousands of Trump supporters breached the building and skirmished with police officers.

Lawmakers have signaled that they would resume the constitutionally mandated count as soon as it was safe to do so.

5:40 p.m.

Police are using tear gas and percussion grenades to begin clearing pro-Trump protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington.

Police donned gas masks as they moved in Wednesday evening with force to clear protesters from the Capitol grounds shortly before a curfew took hold. In the moments before, there were violent clashes between the police and protesters, who tore railing for the inauguration scaffolding and threw it at the officers.

Police used tear gas and percussion grenades to break up the crowd, which began dispersing.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police said at least one person was shot inside the Capitol; their condition was not immediately known.

The districts police chief said at least 13 people were arrested, and five firearms had been recovered during the pro-Trump protests on Wednesday.

5:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Ben Sasse is directly blaming President Donald Trump for the storming of the Capitol by huge, angry crowds of pro-Trump protesters.

The Nebraska lawmaker and frequent critic of Trump said Wednesday evening that the Capitol was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard  tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution.

Sasse says in a written statement, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The protesters broke into the building as Congress was beginning the formal process of certifying the electoral votes that gave Democratic President-elect Joe Biden a victory over Trump in November. Vice President Mike Pence has the ceremonial role of overseeing that certification and resisted Trump efforts to pressure him to overturn the election results.

Trump has continued to fallaciously claim that the voting was marred by fraud and that he actually won. Earlier Wednesday Trump addressed a huge crowd of protesters outside the White House and urged them to gather at the Capitol.

5:25 p.m.

The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.

5:05 p.m.

Pro-Trump demonstrators have massed outside statehouses across the country, forcing evacuations in at least two states. In St. Paul, Minnesota, cheers rang out from demonstrators in reaction to the news that supporters of President Donald Trump had stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Hundreds of mostly unmasked people people gathered outside capitols on Wednesday with Trump flags and Stop the Steal signs. In Georgia and Oklahoma, some demonstrators carried guns.

New Mexico state police evacuated staff from a statehouse building that includes the governors and secretary of states offices as a precaution shortly after hundreds of flag-waving supporters arrived in a vehicle caravan and on horseback. A spokesperson for the governors office says there was no indication of threats at the statehouse.

The staff of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was sent home as several hundred pro-Trump demonstrators rallied outside the Capitol, though the demonstration remained relatively calm. A brief scuffle between pro-Trump demonstrators, who included members of the Proud Boys, and counterprotesters broke out in Columbus, Ohio, but there was no immediate threat to the Capitol.

5 p.m.

The police chief of Washington, D.C., says pro-Trump protesters deployed chemical irritants on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.

Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. One civilian was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behavior of the Trump supporters was shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful. She says, There will be law and order and this behavior will not be tolerated.

Metropolitan police have been sent to the Capitol, and authorities were coming in from Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey to help out. The National Guard was also deployed, as were Homeland Security investigators and Secret Service.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

4:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump, in a video message, is urging supporters to go home but is also keeping up false attacks about the presidential election.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trump opened his video, saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said, we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. The statement came as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:37 p.m.

Two influential business groups are calling for the attack on the nations Capitol to end and for a peaceful transition of power.

Business Roundtable, which represents some of the most powerful companies in America including Walmart, Apple, Starbucks and General Electric, called on President Donald Trump and other officials to bring the protests to an end.

The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, the Roundtable said in a statement Wednesday. The country deserves better.

Separately, the CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Donohue, which represents large and small companies, urged officials to clear the Capitol and for Congress to approve the results of the presidential election won by Joe Biden.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength. The Capitol went into lockdown after its security perimeters were breached and protesters entered the building.

4:35 p.m.

At least one explosive device has been found near the U.S. Capitol amid a violent occupation of the building by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

Thats according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Thousands of supporters of the president occupied the Capitol complex as lawmakers were beginning to tally the electoral votes that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Vice President Mike Pence has called on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than Trump, who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

4:10 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden also demanded President Donald Trump to immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence that he described as an unprecedented assault as pro-Trump protestors violently occupy U.S. Capitol.

Bidens condemnation came after violent protesters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elects victory in the November election.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:05 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than President Donald Trump who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Pence, long a loyal aide to the president, defied Trump earlier Wednesday, tell him he didnt have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. Trump had publicly called on Pence to overturn the will of the voters, but Pences constitutional role in the process was only ceremonial.

Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Trump later issued a restrained call for peace but did not ask his supporters to disperse.

4 p.m.

The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the citys armory. The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.

The officials said the D.C. request for National Guard was not rejected earlier in the day. Instead, according to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military in a law enforcement role at the Capitol. As a result, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Hoffman said the law enforcement response to the violence will be led by the Justice Department.

3:55 p.m.

The top Democrats in Congress are demanding that President Donald Trump order his supporters to leave the Capitol following a chaotic protest aimed at blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a joint statement on Wednesday after violent protesters stormed the Capitol. They said, We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately.

Trump earlier encouraged his supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he did not call for them to disperse. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he repeated his false claims that President-elect Joe Biden had won the election through voter fraud.

He urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:50 p.m.

The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trumps supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

She added, We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.

Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.

3:40 p.m.

Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on President Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters angry about his election loss.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he spoke with the president earlier Wednesday and told him to make a statement to make sure that we can calm individuals down.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that it is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey told The Associated Press that while he sympathizes with the protesters position, they shouldnt get violent, and it would be nice if Trump called on them to protest in a peaceful way in an appropriate spot, where you belong, where you should be.

Many Republicans had backed Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.

This is Banana Republic crap that were watching right now, said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College vote.

3:37 p.m.

Supporters of President Donald Trump got into a angry shouting match with other passengers on a Washington-bound American Airlines plane after they projected a Trump 2020 logo on the cabin ceiling and walls.

The Trump supporters said a passenger threatened to kill them, and there was yelling back and forth. A flight attendant intervened, telling one passenger in the aisle to sit down.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night after Americans flight 1291 from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport landed at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., and was taxiing to the gate.

The scene was posted on Twitter by Maranie Staab, a Portland, Oregon-based independent journalist who says on her website that she focuses on human rights and social-justice issues.

Our team is reviewing this incident, said American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing. We applaud our outstanding crewmembers for their professionalism in de-escalating a tense onboard situation and getting our customers to their destination safely.

American said law enforcement was not called, and that passengers deplaned and dispersed without further incident.

3:35 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from supporters of President Donald Trump who are protesting Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

3:30 p.m.

One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.

Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

3:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is encouraging supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he is not calling for them to disperse.

As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, No violence! adding: Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.

But Trump did not ask supporters to vacate the area as the unrest continued.

Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol  at one point even suggesting he would join them. He is upset that he lost the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and has falsely claimed voter fraud to explain it away.

He also urged his supporters to get rid of the weak Congress people  presumably through primary challenges  saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:15 p.m.

A Defense Department official says Washington, D.C., has requested an additional 200 National Guard members as supporters of President Donald Trump violently clash with law enforcement at the Capitol.

That request is currently under review at the Pentagon to determine how the Guard can respond to support law enforcement.

According to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military at the Capitol. Instead, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Officials said the request for more National Guard has not been rejected.

Trump had urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

3:10 p.m.

Pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump to condemn supporters who are violently clashing with law enforcement on Capitol Hill.

Among those urging Trump to act: his former communications director, Alyssa Farah, who tweeted that Trump should Condemn this now.

She says, you are the only one they will listen to. For our country!

Dozens of people have breached security perimeters at the Capitol, forcing the lockdown of the building and halting the vote to certify Joe Bidens presidential victory.

Trump has so far offered a single tweet asking his supporters to Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

His former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted: The Presidents tweet is not enough. He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home.

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, also addressed Trump supporters in a tweet, calling them the patriots challenging the fraudulent election and telling them that POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY.

3 p.m.

Protesters backing President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

Trump urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers have backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Protesters are now inside the Senate chamber. One got up on the dais and yelled Trump won that election.

Several dozen are roaming through the halls, yelling, Where are they?

Some were also in the visitors galleries.

2:50 p.m.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid skirmishes by supporters of President Donald Trump

Pro-Trump protestors breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, violently clashing with law enforcement as lawmakers were gathered inside to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Novembers presidential election.

Law enforcement instructed lawmakers to retrieve masks from under their seats amid the clashes. The Capitol building was placed on lockdown, as Trump supporters marched through evacuated public spaces in the building.

After egging on protests, Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

2:47 p.m.

After egging on protests, President Donald Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement, Trump tweeted, as tear gas was deployed in the locked-down Capitol. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Trump at a rally earlier Wednesday encouraged his supporters to head to the Capitol.

Were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them, Trump said.

2:45 p.m.

Lawmakers are being evacuated from the U.S. Capitol after protesters breached security and entered the building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other senators were led out, escorted by staff and police on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the House were also being evacuated. Both chambers had been debating the certification of Joe Bidens victory in the Electoral College.

The skirmishes came shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

Protesters could be seen marching through the Capitols stately Statuary Hall shouting and waving Trump banners and American flags.

Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

2:40 p.m.

The mayor of Washington, D.C., has ordered a curfew in the nations capital beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday after protestors seeking to overturn the election results stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the order as protestors supporting President Donald Trump breached the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting to formally count the electors that will make Joe Biden president on Jan. 20.

The order extends through 6 a.m. Thursday.

The skirmishes came shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:30 p.m.

Protesting supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol.

There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and the debate over the electoral count was suspended.

A representative from the Capitol police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told lawmakers to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.

House Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern of Massachusetts told the crowd that the House expected to go back into session soon. Meanwhile, members milled around the floor and looked at their phones.

Reporters and others outside the chamber were told to go their seats inside and not leave.

The skirmishes came just shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

The Senate has recessed its debate over an objection to the results of the Electoral College after protesters forced police to lock down the building.

Reporters were told to stay in the Senates press gallery as the doors were locked.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz says American democracy is in crisis with polls showing that large numbers of voters believe the election that just occurred was rigged.

Cruz, a Republican, objected to the certification of election results in Arizona, saying the Senate has a responsibility to acknowledge the profound threat posed by widespread disbelief in the legitimacy of the election.

He called for the creation of a commission to conduct a 10-day emergency audit to investigate any irregularities, citing a similar commission created after the 1876 presidential election.

Cruz urged lawmakers not to take the easy path, but instead act together and create a credible and fair tribunal. Consider the claims, consider the facts, consider the evidence and make a conclusive determination whether and to what extent this election complied with the Constitution.'

1:55 p.m.

The U.S. Capitol Police are evacuating some congressional office buildings due to police activity as thousands gather outside the Capitol to protest the electoral vote.

Police told congressional staff members they should evacuate the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress. It wasnt immediately clear what specifically sparked the evacuation.

A police spokeswoman did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

Thousands of people have descended on the U.S. Capitol as Congress is expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens 2020 presidential win. Videos posted online showed protesters fighting with U.S. Capitol Police officers as police fired pepper spray to keep them back.
U.S airlines and law enforcement agencies have bolstered security at Washington-area airports on Thursday after supporters of President Donald Trump caused mayhem in the U.S. capital in an attempt to overturn his election loss.

Passengers can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence as they travel through the airports," a Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority spokesman said on Thursday.

The Washington disruption on Wednesday, in which four people died, followed reports of unruly Trump supporters on flights into the Washington area and prompted a prominent union leader to call for them to be barred from commercial flights out of the region.

The mob mentality behavior that took place on several flights to the D.C. area  was unacceptable and threatened the safety and security of every single person on board," Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) representing workers at 17 airlines, said in a statement late on Wednesday.

Acts against our democracy, our government and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight," she said.

United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines said they were working closely with law enforcement agencies to keep people safe and would continue enforcing strict mask policies on flights.

Some flight attendants have expressed concern that protesters would spread COVID-19.

United and American also increased staffing at the areas airports and earlier this week moved their crews away from downtown D.C. hotels.

Southwest Airlines said it was monitoring events and expected customers to adhere to applicable laws, federal air regulations and crew member instructions while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration, which has authority over U.S. travel security, said late Wednesday it had multiple layers of security in place without providing details.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
Nonprofit health plan continues to lead in diversity and gender equity at the highest levels of the company

Blue Shield of California today announced Myechia Minter-Jordan, M.D., MBA, has joined its board of directors, making the governing body of the nonprofit health plan a majority of women for the first time in its 82-year history.

Dr. Minter-Jordan is president and CEO of DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement and Catalyst Institute, a nonprofit organization working to improve overall health of individuals, families and communities through better oral health. She also co-founded the Community Care Collaborative, the nations largest Medicaid Accountable Care Organization comprised of 19 Federally-Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Massachusetts serving over 100,000 patients.

My passion lies with community health and the key role it plays in the American health system, which is also at the heart of Blue Shield of Californias nonprofit mission, Dr. Minter-Jordan said. Im honored to join Blue Shields board of directors and help transform our healthcare system into one that delivers high-quality care thats sustainably affordable for everyone.

Her appointment follows last falls election of Kristina (Kris) Leslie as the first woman to chair the health plans board. Blue Shields board of directors is now comprised of seven women and six men.

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Its an exciting time to join an innovative company like Blue Shield of California, Leslie said. Dr. Minter-Jordans expertise and knowledge will help us greatly, and we all look forward to working with her to transform health care in California and beyond.

Prior to joining DentaQuest in 2019, Dr. Minter-Jordan spent 12 years at Dimock Community Health Center, including serving as president and CEO. Dimock is the second-largest health system in the Boston area. She graduated from Brown University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business, where she also worked as an attending physician and instructor of medicine.

Blue Shield of California is a leader in diversity and gender equity, with four of the five standing board committees now being led by women. The health plan also achieved pay equity for its employees across gender and ethnicity in 2018, has a balanced representation of women and men in leadership roles (Director and above), and it was recently selected as one of Americas Best Companies for Women to Advance by Parity.org.
On the 43rd day of the agitation, farmers have launched a tractor march from multiple sites. The tractor rally has been called by around 40 farmers' unions. Tractor marches were conducted from Singhu to Tikri border, Tikri to Kundli border, Ghazipur to Palwal and Rewasan to Palwal. The farmers are agitating against the recently introduced farm laws. The tractor march comes after farmers said that they would intensify protests if the January 4 talks fail. The talks between the government and the farmers held on January 4 remained inconclusive.

Rakesh Tikait, senior BKU leader said that around 2,500 tractors from Haryana participated in today's march. Bharati Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) chief Joginder Singh Ugrahan said that farmers participated in the march with over 3,500 tractors. "We want to warn that if the government doesn't not accept our demands, farmers' protest will get intensified further," Abhimanyu Kohar, a senior member of Samkyukt Kisan Morcha, told PTI.

According to farmers' unions this tractor march is just a rehearsal of the proposed march on January 26. Farmers have said that they will conduct tractor marches on January 26 from Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh towards the national capital.

Delhi Police increased security around the borders ahead of the tractor rally. It announced the closure of roads across the city. Singhu, Auchandi, Piau Maniyari, Saboli and Mangesh borders were closed for traffic movement. "Please take alternate route via Lampur Safiabad, Palla & Singhu school toll tax borders. Traffic has been diverted from Mukarba & GTK road. Please avoid Outer Ring Road, GTK Road & NH-44," said Delhi Traffic Police.

It said that Chilla and Ghazipur borders are closed for traffic coming from Noida and Ghaziabad to Delhi. "Please take alternate route for coming to Delhi via Anand Vihar, DND, Bhopra & Loni Borders," said Delhi Traffic Police adding that Tikri and Dhansa borders are closed too.

Jhatikara Border is open only for LMV (Cars/Light Motor Vehicles), two wheelers and pedestrian movement, while people travelling to Haryana can take the routes via Jharoda (only single carriageway), Daurala, Kapashera, Badusarai, Rajokri NH-8, Bijwasan/Bajghera, Palam Vihar and Dundahera borders.

Also read: No plans to buy agricultural land for corporate, contract farming: RIL

Also read: Rebooting Economy 55: Farmer producer organisations best bet for small, marginal farmers
The violent pro-Trump riot on Capitol Hill on Wednesday has sparked multiple anti-fascist demonstrations in Massachusetts that aim to decry the extremism witnessed in Washington, D.C.

A day after taking to the streets in the hours following the insurrection in the nations capital, demonstrators in Boston are again planning to rally Thursday, WCVB reported.

Protestors marched from Nubian Square in Roxbury to the State House on Beacon Hill on Wednesday, calling for a need to end far-right extremism and remove Republican President Donald Trump from office, according to WCVB.

Massachusetts State Police said Wednesday afternoon they were monitoring for any developments out of Washington D.C. and for any planned demonstrations in the commonwealth.

[We] will be prepared to ensure that any protestors in our areas of jurisdiction are able to freely express their right to demonstrate provided they do so peacefully and with respect for the rights, safety, and property of others, state police said.

Both state and Boston police were working to ensure the safety of residents and those involved in the protest, according to authorities.

In the wake of the chaos seen at the Capitol, where rioters stormed the federal building and forced congressional lawmakers to evacuate, four deaths were reported and two explosive devices were found, the Metropolitan Police Department said. A long gun and molotov cocktails were also discovered in a cooler in a vehicle.

More than 52 people were arrested over the course of the insurrection, and several officers were wounded as well, according to the department.

The violence came after months of Trump peddling false information about the most recent presidential election, including that he won by a landslide and that there was widespread voter fraud.

Many public officials, including nearly all of Massachusetts congressional delegation, have accused the sitting president of inciting the riot, with some calling for his impeachment.

There has been every effort to demonstrate that this election has been stolen and every effort has failed dramatically, a protestor at Wednesday nights demonstration in Boston told WHDH. Theres no evidence that its been stolen.

WCVB reported another rally is scheduled in Boston at 5 p.m. Thursday.

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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said Russia, along with Turkey, Armenia and Iran, will be able to use the new transport corridor from Nakhchivan.

"Currently, specific works are being carried out to open the Nakhchivan corridor. I do not want to get ahead of events, but the opening of this corridor is reflected on in the joint statement signed on November 10. Thats why the corridor will definitely open, which will create new opportunities in the region. Azerbaijan as well as Turkey, Russia, Armenia, and Iran will use this road," he said at a videoconference on the results of 2020.

Ilham Aliyev stressed that this road will be of particular importance for multilateral cooperation.
Jo Stevens smiles after winning Cardiff Central for Labour, at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff, Wales, on June 9, 2017. (Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)

MP Jo Stevens Leaves Hospital After Recovering From CCP Virus

British MP Jo Stevens, who was admitted to hospital after contracting the CCP virus, said on Wednesday she had returned home.

Stevens, 54, who represents Cardiff Central, a constituency in Wales, serves as the main opposition Labour Partys shadow culture secretary.

I cannot begin to describe my gratitude to the wonderful people who have cared for me in hospital. They are truly exceptional. I feel so fortunate to be back home knowing that for so many families, it has been a very different situation.  Jo Stevens (@JoStevensLabour) January 6, 2021

On Christmas Eve, her Twitter account said she had been laid low with COVID for a while. Her team said on Jan. 2 that she was being treated in hospital for the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

On Wednesday night, Stevens said on Twitter she was back home from hospital.

Thank you to everyone who has sent good wishes. This has meant such a lot. I cannot begin to describe my gratitude to the wonderful people who have cared for me in hospital. They are truly exceptional, she wrote.

I feel so fortunate to be back home knowing that for so many families, it has been a very different situation.

Labour leader Keir Starmer welcomed the news.

So pleased that our dear friend & colleague @JoStevensLabour is out of hospital & back home. Thanks #NHS & speedy full recovery, Jo.  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 6, 2021

So pleased that our dear friend & colleague @JoStevensLabour is out of hospital & back home. Thanks #NHS & speedy full recovery, Jo, he wrote on Twitter.

Stevens is the fourth member of the House of Commons known to have received hospital treatment for the CCP virus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was taken to St Thomass Hospital in central London on April 5 and spent three days in intensive care.

Labour MP Tony Lloyd spent 25 days in Manchester Royal Infirmary in April, including 10 days in an induced coma on a ventilator.

Another Labour MP, Yasmin Qureshi, spent six days in hospital in October, where she was treated for pneumonia after testing positive for the CCP virus.

The whole of the UK is currently under lockdown to curb the spread of a new CCP virus variant, which the government said has a 50 to 70 percent faster rate of transmission.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that on average one in 50 people have the CCP virus in England, with around one in 30 for London, where infections have been rising fastest.

So far, 1.3 million people in the UK have been vaccinated against the virus, according to the government.
The Indonesian Ulema Council has to determine whether the vaccine is halal or not because a pig-based gelatin is used as a stabiliser in some vaccines. President Joko Widodo will be the first to receive a dose to boost public trust in vaccines.

Jakarta (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) plans to issue a ruling on whether the governments Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccine is permissible (halal) in Islam or not before the country begins a mass vaccination campaign next week.

The worlds largest Muslim-majority country is set to launch the campaign on 13 January after obtaining three million doses of the vaccine developed by China's Sinovac.

President Joko Widodo will be the first to receive a dose to boost public trust in the vaccines.

Doubts about its permissibility come from the fact that a pig-based gelatin is used as a stabiliser in some vaccines. For Muslims, who make up about 90 percent of the Indonesian population, consuming pork is strictly prohibited,

The controversy over the vaccines adherence to Islamic principles has hindered public health initiatives in the past, including in 2018, when the MUI issued a religious decree declaring that a measles vaccine was banned under Islam.

Our goal is for the fatwa, the religious decree, to come out before the first injections begin, said Muti Arintawati, a MUI official tasked with analysing food and drugs to assess whether they are halal or not.

Indonesia is struggling with the worst COVID-19 outbreak in Southeast Asia and local authorities hope the vaccine will help lessen the health and economic crises that are ravaging the country.
Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said Thursday the social media giant is banning President Donald Trump indefinitely, marking a dramatic escalation of the conflictbetween Silicon Valley and the White House after Trump weaponized the web to help stoke a riot at the U.S. Capitol.

"We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great," Zuckerberg wrote. "Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete."

Facebook's suspension marked the most aggressive penalty that any social media company has meted out to Trump over his four-year term, a period in which he has repeatedly peddled falsehoods, attacked critics and spread divisive rhetoric online. Twitter on Wednesday evening also suspended Trump for 12 hours for the first time, but the company's blockade lifted Thursday morning, according to a person familiar with the discussions. By Thursday afternoon, the president had not yet tweeted.

The tech giants each took the rare aggressive steps after a violent mob stormed the House and Senate Wednesday, forcing lawmakers into a lockdown and briefly interrupting their formal process to certify Joseph Biden as the next president of the United States. In failing to act until after the deadly riot occurred, Facebook, Twitter and Google-owned YouTube have faced sharp criticism saying they should have done more, and sooner, to stop Trump from helping provoke the situation.

"While I'm pleased to see social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube take long-belated steps to address the President's sustained misuse of their platforms to sow discord and violence, these isolated actions are both too late and not nearly enough," said Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., in a statement. "Disinformation and extremism researchers have for years pointed to broader network-based exploitation of these platforms."

Critics also noted that the moves by tech companies appeared politically expedient, coming as Democrats take full control of Congress and Trump prepares to depart the White House in 13 days.

"It has not escaped my attention that the day social media companies decided there actually IS more they could do to police Trump's destructive behavior was the same day that they learned Democrats would chair all the Congressional committees that oversee them," tweeted Jennifer Palmieri, Hillary Clinton's former communications director.

At the outset of Trump's term, Facebook and Twitter chose to make exceptions for the speech of public figures, allowing them to use troubling language that would otherwise violate their policies on hate speech and harassment. Those key decisions - made in the name of newsworthiness - enabled Trump and his allies to push the boundaries of political discourse online, helping him to build a powerful online movement and amass more than 88 million Twitter followers and more than 35 million on Facebook. Some of those supporters have ties to extreme far right groups and conspiracy theories, such as QAnon, and flashed their insignia duringWednesday's riot.

Trump has weaponized that audience repeatedly in the months leading up to the presidential election and its aftermath, peddling falsehoods that promote the idea that there has been rampant voter fraud. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube at times have taken action in response, but their attempts to label the president's tweets as erroneous have largely not stopped their viral spread - or toned down the sort of political tensions that spilled out into public view this week.

Even though Facebook suspended Trump on Thursday, Pro-Trump pages and groups with tens of thousands of members - including one, called "Joe Biden is not my president," which is hidden from public view - quickly mobilized in support. Some Facebook users blamed the Capitol riot on "antifa," echoing Trump's erroneous contention that left-leaning antagonists stoked the violence.

Facebook has cracked down on some of the most pervasive and violent conspiracy theories, including QAnon, and groups including the Proud Boys, a far-right group with ties to white nationalism. The social media company's belated efforts also have had the effect of pushing many of the groups' leaders to alternative social platforms such as Parler, where Trump supporters continued to make violent threats.

"He's part of a much larger system of disinformation," said Joan Donovan, the research director at Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. "And as a result, taking action against Trump is symbolic in some ways, but unless they consistently apply these rules to media manipulators and disinformers, this is going to keep happening."

She pointed out that in the days leading up the rally, the possibility of violence was clear enough from the calls for civil war being posted on far-right platforms such as Gab, 8kun, and Parler. Trump used his megaphone to repeatedly claim the election was stolen, teeing up people's rage and anger over his conspiracies.

The seeds of that choice were planted for Facebook as far back as 2015, when the company was confronted with then-candidate Trump's hateful comments about immigrants and Muslims during the campaign. Executives determined the comment was hate speech, The Post previously reported, and debated several courses of action, including banning Trump at the time or even weakening the site's hate speech rules across the board.

Ultimately, the executives codified their exception into a newsworthiness policy that gave broad latitude to problematic speech from populist figures all over the world. Twitter followed suit with a similar policy.

As Trump's presidency got underway, it was clear that was a complex decision. Trump drew an online movement of passionate supporters, some of whom were white nationalists and conspiracy theorists that pushed ideas and memes in his direction. Trump has retweeted QAnon-affiliated accounts more than 250 times since taking office, according to left-leaning watchdog group Media Matters. He has also appeared to encourage violence, including his post this spring that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts."

Then Trump revved up his baseless campaign claiming election fraud, first by tweeting about mail-in ballots and more recently saying the election was stolen.

Twitter and Facebook both responded by attaching warning labels that the claims were disputed, and in Twitter's case, blocking the visibility of dozens of posts. In the days after the election, Twitter blocked the visibility of dozens of tweets and disabled the ability to retweet them, along with several hundred posts from other public figures.

On Wednesday, Twitter punished Trump over a series of tweets that sought to cast doubt over the 2020 presidential race. One included a video in which Trump spread disinformation about the election's outcome, even as he told rioters to leave the House and Senate at a time when lawmakers had started the process of certifying Joseph Biden as the next president. Another tweet attributed the violent mob's actions to the widely disproved claim that votes had been "stripped away from great patriots."

Twitter required Trump to delete the tweets to obtain access to his account, but it made clear it plans to escalate its enforcement efforts and suspend the president permanently if he continues to break its rules.

Facebook and its photo-sharing service, Instagram, then suspended Trump from posting over 24 hours starting Wednesday evening, and the tech giant joined Twitter and YouTube in taking down the president's earlier video. Facebook also said it would remove harmful content posted by other users promoting similar riots at the U.S. Capitol before a day later extending its suspension indefinitely.

Throughout Wednesday, Facebook executives struggled with the decision, particularly because Trump told his supporters to stand down in the video - even has he used inflammatory language, according to a person familiar with the discussions who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the conversations.

The threat for further violence - and Trump's history in using social media to spread misinformation - prompted a wide array of critics including the NAACP and the Anti-Defamation League to call on Silicon Valley to suspend the president outright in the final days of his first and only term. Meanwhile, Trump's supporters took to alternative social-media platforms, including Parler, to tout their support for the riots and call for further bloodshed.
As the poet Bill Berkson once wrote, Martha Diamond, who is known for her indelible New York cityscapes rendered in thick, gestural brush strokes and bold, contrasting colors, builds edifices that bring citified chaos into focus as character, condensing the rush and stabilizing it as an emblem. Next week sees the opening of a new show, at Magenta Plains gallery on Manhattans Lower East Side, that explores the depths of Diamonds affinity for these structures. Culled from pieces completed in the 80s, a pivotal decade for the artist that culminated in her work appearing in the 1989 Whitney Biennial, the six large-scale oil paintings to go on view share a palette of muted grays, midnight blues, glowing yellows and burnt scarlets  shades encountered on a lonely stroll at night, or thanks to a peek through the blinds after dark. (A number of preparatory studies on Masonite will also be on display.) Having lived and worked on the Bowery since 1969, Diamond indeed draws on scenes from her own walks through the city, depicting grids of buttery windows (as in Moonlight/City View #2, 1981) or stacks of green fence screens on identical balconies (Untitled 11, 1987). She also paints with her nondominant hand, which gives her canvases their intimate, figurative quality. They brood, slump and occasionally menace, and yet theyre also solitary and anonymous  in other words, the works themselves are true city dwellers. More than a particular place, says Olivia Smith, the gallerys director, they represent a memory of something that we all recognize. For this New Yorker, whose city has felt all but unrecognizable these past 10 months, its a welcomed remembrance. Martha Diamond: 1980-1989 is on view from Jan. 13 through Feb. 17 at Magenta Plains, 94 Allen Street, New York City, magentaplains.com.
Russia:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wrapping up his Russia visit on a high, on Saturday reaffirmed Indias commitment to reducing carbon emission under the Paris Climate Change accord, as he invited global businesses to invest in the worlds fastest growing economy, saying sky is the limit for them.



In a speech at an economic forum, and in a subsequent question-and-answer session, Modi made his case forcefully to frequent applause, as he touched on subjects as diverse as relations with China, terrorism, Donald Trump, the Vedas and the power of youth.



He cleverly ducked a question from the moderator, U.S. TV network NBC anchor Megyn Kelly on whether he believed Russian President Vladimir Putins claim that Russia was not involved in influencing U.S. election results through hacking.



You have been talking at length about leaders like President Trump, Hillary Clinton, Chancellor Merkel and President Putin. Among such big leaders, I dont think, you need a lawyer like me, Modi said, to laughter and applause from an audience of several hundred at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that included the Russian president sitting next to him.



The annual event was held at the sprawling conference center on the outskirts of St. Petersburg, Russias second-largest city and Putins hometown. On Friday, Modi and Putin held a summit, and signed several agreements including a critical one to build two more reactors of a nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu with Russias help.

ALSO READ: PM Modi arrives in Paris for last leg of four-nation tour



Modis reply on hacking was the only moment that approached light-heartedness in his otherwise intense pitch for investment that was matched by terse replies by Putin on a range of prickly subjects such as Syria, his relationship with Trump, his support for Syrian leader Bashar Assad, U.S. sanctions against Russia and growing income inequity in Russia.



Modi also sidestepped a question on which side he stood after Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Change accord. In his reply, he quoted the Vedas to say that harming the environment is a crime, and milking nature is the right of the humans.



I have in simple ways stated a dream of new India. I have quoted from 5000-year-old Vedas to say that humans have a right to milk nature but have no right to exploit nature, he said, speaking in Hindi interspersed with English phrases.



Modi said he was asked a similar question in Germany earlier this week, before the US decision was made public. At the time, Modi said, he had replied Paris or no Paris, it is our conviction that we have no right to snatch from our future generation their right to have a clean and beautiful earth. His speech earlier, however, was almost entirely devoted to attracting foreign investment.



He invited global businesses to invest in India, saying its market of 120 crore people provides vast opportunities from agriculture to defense, while being protected by political stability and a vibrant judicial system.



The sky is the limit in India. You can venture here in any area you want (to do business), said Modi, the first prime minister of India to attend the SPIEF forum, which is held annually in St. Petersburg. Modi said that his governments journey toward developing India is built on investments in infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and services.



Fifty cities need metros, 500 cities need solid waste management and drinking water. Besides, India has the worlds second largest railway network. It needs to be expanded, upgraded technologically to make it safer and reliable. The clean India movement has embarked on a program to clean the 2,500 kilometer long Ganga, Modi said.



All this provides immense opportunities for investment, he said. The market is open even for defence manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and medical devices. I invite you all. A nation of 1.2 billion people invites the world. The worlds oldest civilization invites you all, he said.



He said that in the last three years since he came to power, India has attracted $160 billion of foreign investment including $60 billion, the highest ever, in the last financial year.



When pressed for comments on the US withdrawing from trade deals, Modi said, India believes in open economy. It has taken all decisions in that direction.



He added that in an era of globalisation, we should help each other as much as we can. It will be better.

ALSO READ: PM Modi says not a single bullet fired in 40 years despite border dispute with China

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An Olyphant man already serving time in state prison for sexting a 14-year-old girl in western Pennsylvania faces new child pornography charges after police say sexually explicit photos of young girls were found on his cellphone.

Jason Michael Duplessis, 28, was charged with six counts of child pornography in a complaint state police at Dunmore filed Wednesday with Magisterial District Judge John Pesota.

Duplessis is currently an inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Fayette, where he is serving a sentence of 16 months to eight years from Venango County for felony solicitation of sexual abuse of children.

State police in Franklin, which is about midway between Pittsburgh and Erie, originally arrested Duplessis in October 2018 on a long series of charges for sending inappropriate texts to a 14-year-old Venango County girl.

He pleaded guilty in November 2018 and was sentenced in March 2019.

As part of the sexting investigation, troopers seized Duplessis cellphone, police said, and a forensic analysis was performed on the device.

The phone contained 674 image files, many of them containing photographs of prepubescent girls in various stages of undress, state police at Dunmore said.

Some of the photos depicted young girls engaged in sexual acts with adults, police said.

According to state police, Duplessis communicated with his 14-year-old victim in Venango County using sites such as Snapchat, Skype and Facebook.

In addition to asking her for nude photos and sending her a photo of male genitalia in return, he told her he loved her, said he missed seeing her sexy body and apologized for being a creep and a pervert, state police said.

It was unclear when Duplessis will be returned to Lackawanna County for arraignment on the latest charges.
After spending most of 2020 telling small businesses to close and limit their customers, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday proposed $4 billion worth of state spending he says will help them survive in 2021.

Newsom was the first U.S. governor to impose a statewide stay-at-home order because of the coronavirus pandemic in March, earning praise at the time for decisive action to contain the spread. But a recent surge of cases has caused those restrictions to linger into 2021, shuttering bars, restaurants, barber shops, gyms and movie theaters for months at a time while imposing strict limits on capacity inside retail stores during the years busiest shopping season.

Those restrictions have had an uneven impact on the worlds fifth largest economy. While people with higher incomes kept their jobs by working from home, people with lower incomes, including retail and restaurant workers, either lost their employment or were put on unpaid furlough as small business owners struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic.

Mounting frustration over Newsoms orders, even as virus cases overwhelm hospitals, has fueled a recall effort. Newsom is set to release his new budget proposal on Friday. But Tuesday, he offered a preview by revealing more than $4 billion worth of state spending aimed at creating jobs and helping small businesses.

Close to half of that money, $1.5 billion, would help people purchase electric cars and create construction jobs by paying for the charging stations necessary for drivers to use them. The proposal is linked to Newsoms plan to ban the sale of all new gas-powered cars in California by 2035.

Small businesses would get $575 million. The money would pay for grants of up to $25,000 each to small business owners. That money includes $25 million for small museums and art galleries that have been forced to close during the pandemic. Newsom and the state Legislature have already given $500 million to this program, so this new proposal, if approved, would make more than $1 billion available to small business owners.

Some businesses could also get a tax break if they hire more workers. Last year, Newsom signed a law that promised certain business owners a $1,000 credit on their state tax bill for the net increase of each new worker hired by Dec. 1. The governors office says more than 9,000 businesses have reserved $54 million of those credits so far. Newsoms proposal would spend $100 million to extend that program.

The plan would waive $70.6 million in various fees imposed on businesses most impacted by the pandemic, including barbers, cosmetologists, manicurists, bars and restaurants. And with a record number of people leaving the state, including tech giants Oracle and Hewlett-Packard, Newsom said he would give businesses $430 million worth of tax credits to stay in California and hire people.

Other benefits include another $50 million for a program that offers up to $100,000 in loans to small businesses, $100 million to expand a sales tax exemption to reduce the cost of manufacturing equipment, and a proposal Newsom says would mitigate the effects of a cap on a federal income tax deduction.

These budget proposals reflect our commitment to an equitable, broad-based recovery that ensures California remains the best place to start and grow a business, Newsom said in a news release.

Most of these proposals, if approved, would not take effect until July. But Newsom has asked state lawmakers to approve the $575 million for small business grants before then. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins said they would work with Newsom to take early action in providing meaningful additional relief.

Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, a Republican from Rocklin and one of Newsoms chief critics in the Legislature, said Newsoms proposal might modestly help some small businesses.

What would help a lot more is if the governor stopped arbitrarily shutting them down and harassing them, he said. Small businesses are not asking for the governors help. They are asking him to get out of their way.

John Kabateck, California state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said Newsoms proposals are very helpful steps in the direction of Main Street recovery. But he criticized Newsom for investing the bulk of the $4 billion on infrastructure for electric cars, saying that money would be better spent by giving it to small businesses.

Weve got retailers, shoe store owners, restaurant owners, farmers and many more who are not sure they are going to be around for the next month or two and any spare dollars that our state has in the coffers ought to be invested there and not squandered on admirable but misdirected priorities, he said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California
NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of QuantumScape Corporation ("QuantumScape" the "Company") (NYSE: QS). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether QuantumScape 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 January 4, 2021, Seeking Alpha published an article alleging that several risks associated with QuantumScape's solid-state batteries made them "completely unacceptable for real world field electric vehicles." Specifically, the article stated that the batteries' power means that they "will only last for 260 cycles or about 75,000 miles of aggressive driving." The article further alleged that because solid-state batteries are temperature sensitive, the results of the batteries' "power and cycle tests at 30 and 45 degrees above would have been significantly worse if run even a few degrees lower."

On this news, QuantumScape's stock price fell $34.49 per share, or 40.84%, to close at $49.96 per share on January 4, 2021.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris 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, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

rswilloughby@pomlaw.com

888-476-6529 ext. 7980
WASHINGTON (AP)  Lawmakers of both parties raised the prospect Thursday of ousting President Donald Trump from office, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that if he wasn't removed, the House may move forward with a second impeachment.

Though Trump has less than two weeks in office, lawmakers and even some in his administration began discussing the issue Wednesday afternoon as Trump first refused to forcefully condemn the violent assault on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of his supporters, and then appeared to excuse it.

Senior Trump administration officials raised the long-shot possibility of invoking Section 4 of the 25th Amendment  the forceful removal of Trump from power by his own Cabinet.

Pelosi told a news conference she is waiting for a decision from Vice President Mike Pence and other Cabinet officials. She challenged several of them by name, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.

How does the 25th Amendment work? A quick guide to how Trump could be removed from office WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump's role in inciting violence at the Capitol and his long refusal to acknowledge his election defeat is

"Do they stand by these actions?" Pelosi asked. "Are they ready to say that for the next 13 days this dangerous man can do further harm to our country?"

Most Democrats, and many Republicans, put the blame squarely on Trump after hundreds of protesters bearing Trump flags and clothing broke into the Capitol on Wednesday and caused destruction and mass evacuations. The president had urged his supporters to protest as Congress was counting the electoral votes that confirmed Joe Biden's win.

Pelosi said "a threshold was crossed of such magnitude" that Trump should not be allowed to make any decisions. And if the Cabinet didn't act, the House might, she said.

There did not appear to be public support for the move, for now, among members of Trump's Cabinet, especially after Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao resigned in protest Thursday following the Capitol attack. But officials across the government went so far as to study up on the procedures for declaring Trump "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office."

According to two people involved in the administration talks, staff-level discussions on the matter took place across multiple departments and even parts of the White House. No member of the Cabinet has publicly expressed support for the move, which would make Pence the acting president. But several were believed to be sympathetic to the notion, believing Trump is too volatile in his waning days before Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20.

Under the 25th Amendment, Trump could dispute his Cabinet's finding, but the Cabinet could quickly reaffirm its position, keeping Pence in power while the question fell to lawmakers.

As lawmakers assessed damage in the ransacked Capitol, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also called Thursday for the Cabinet to remove him.

Schumer said the attack on the Capitol "was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president." He said Trump "should not hold office one day longer."

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Schumer said Pence and the Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment and immediately remove Trump from office. Otherwise, he said, it's up to Congress.

"If the vice president and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president," Schumer said.

While the House could quickly vote to impeach Trump, it is extremely unlikely that Congress could remove the president in the next 13 days. The Senate would have to receive the articles and then hold a trial and vote on them.

+10 Rouses co-owner engulfed in controversy after photo shows him at Trump rally outside Capitol Louisiana businessman Donald Rouse Sr. and the regional supermarket chain he co-owns became engulfed in controversy after a photo surfaced on 

And even if they did so, the Republican Senate would be unlikely to vote to convict. Democrats are set to narrowly take the Senate when Biden is inaugurated, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell holds the gavel until then.

As Pelosi suggested impeachment was a possibility, three Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee announced articles of impeachment. Reps. David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Ted Lieu of California wrote in the articles that Trump "willfully made statements that encouraged  and foreseeably resulted in  imminent lawless action at the Capitol."

The House impeached Trump in 2019, but the Republican-led Senate acquitted him in early 2020.

At least one House Republican also called for Trump's removal. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., a frequent Trump critic, said in a video on Twitter that Trump is "unfit" and "unwell."

Kinzinger said the president "must now relinquish control of the executive branch voluntarily or involuntarily."

Former Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., who's clashed with Trump for years, said he doesn't think invoking the 25th Amendment is realistic because of the support it would need from Cabinet members and because of the short time left in Trump's term. But he said in an interview that he supported the decisions both by some White House and administration officials to quit and others who are remaining "to ensure that basically the guard rails stay where they should."

Flake added: "We've got two weeks here, and let's make sure we get to the inauguration."

___

Associated Press writer Alan Fram contributed to this report.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said that the COVID-19 vaccines 'Covishield' and 'Covaxin' are on the verge of being rolled out.

The Centre has finalised 41 destinations for the delivery of coronavirus vaccines.

In the north region, Karnal and the national capital Delhi have been selected as mini-hub for the delivery of vaccines. In the east and northeast region, Kolkata will be the hub for the vaccines' delivery. Whereas, Pune will be the central hub, and Chennai and Hyderabad will be southern India's hub.

The health ministry said the vaccine will be supplied to the identified consignee points of 19 states and union territories -- Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal -- by the supplier.

The vaccine for the remaining 18 states and union territories -- Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Daman and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttarakhand -- will be received from their respective government medical store depots (GMSDs).

Dr Vardhan said that some priority groups have been decided for vaccination as advised by the experts' groups formed by the prime minister.

In the first phase, the health workers, frontline workers, like armed forces, central police, municipal workers will be inoculated. And, in the second phase, people over 50 years will be administered the vaccine.

Additionally, the government has roped in the Indian Air Force and commercial airlines for the delivery of the two vaccines across the country.

The government officials on Thursday informed that "Transport aircraft of the Air Force, including the C-130 Js and AN-32s are planned to be used for taking the vaccines to the remote parts of the country. Arrangements are being made by the supplier to provide the vaccines in specialised containers that will keep the vaccines refrigerated safely for 24 hours during transportation and delivery to the local administration officials".

Also read: 10% COVID-19 vaccines will be wasted, says Centre; to cost Rs 1,320 crore more

Also read: Aviation ministry meets airlines to discuss coronavirus vaccine transportation, delivery
Lava Mobiles announced the new range of Z smartphones that it claims are entirely made in India. This means that the smartphones have been conceptualised and manufactured in India in line with the Design in India programme that the government announced years ago. It is not exactly a comeback of Lava Mobiles but a firm declaration that the company exists and now wants to fight off the onslaught by Chinese rivals. The operative word is Chinese because the reemergence of the homegrown brands stems from the anti-China sentiment that is rife in the market.

Sonam Wangchuk, the Indian personality who spearheaded the anti-China campaign, is closely related with the new "Made in India" devices from Lava Mobiles. Lava Mobiles' president and business head Sunil Rana said its new smartphones come with the military-grade endurance, suggesting that it is suitable for uses by defence forces. Lava Mobiles has launched the Z1, Z2, Z4, Z6 smartphones in India spread across various price ranges.

But apart from the default specifications, Lava Mobiles is giving users the ability to customise their smartphones through a new programme called My Z. This new programme will allow buyers to pick and drop specifications on their phone as per their choice on select devices only. Lava's new 'Made-to-Order' concept for smartphones will let you choose between 2GB, 3GB, 4GB, or 6GB RAM, and mix it with 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB ROM in a combination of your choice. Further, you can choose between a dual (13+2MP) or a triple rear camera (13+5+2MP), an 8MP or a 16MP selfie camera. You can also select the colour of your choice, your own version of Lava's Z series.

This tool will be available via Lava's online website initially but retail stores will have it soon. Lava has also announced Z Up that lets you upgrade your phone with more RAM and storage for an incremental price without having to replace the phone. The Z Up programme will be available on Z2, Z4, and Z6 smartphones only.

Lava Z1, Z2, Z4, Z6 price, specifications

The Lava Z1 costs Rs 5,499, the Z2 is priced at Rs 6,999, the Z4 will cost you Rs 8,999, and finally, the Z6 will sell for Rs 9,999. The first sale begins on January 11 when you will be able to purchase the Z2, Z4, Z6, and MyZ smartphones. The Lava Z1 and Z Up will be available starting January 26. All new devices can be purchased from Lava online store, physical stores, leading online and offline outlets. Lava has also launched a new fitness band called Befit for Rs 2,699.

The Lava Z1 is the entry-level smartphone with a 5-inch 720p display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection on top, a first for this price segment. The smartphone is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio A20 processor paired with 2GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage. There is support for microSD card to expand the storage. It comes with a 5MP rear and a 5MP front camera, along with the LED flash on the backside. There is a 5-magnet loudspeaker inside the phone that the company claims will belt out loud audio. The Lava Z1 is backed by a 3100mAh battery with support for regular charging.

Next up is the Lava Z2 that comes with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, a 13+2MP dual-camera system along with an 8MP selfie camera. The Lava Z4 has 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 13MP main camera, a 5MP secondary camera, and a 2MP tertiary camera. There is a 16MP front camera on the phone. And finally, the Lava Z6 has the combination of 6GB RAM and 64GB storage with the same triple rear camera setup (13MP+5MP+2MP) and a 16MP selfie camera. All three phones, Z2, Z4, and Z6 have 6.5-inch HD+ screens, are powered by MediaTek Helio G35 processors, and have 5000mAh battery inside.

The Lava BeFIT smart fitness band comes with temperature monitoring, heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement tool, support for calls, SMS, email & social messaging apps. There is the auto-sleep feature also available.
A group of adventurers visited what they believed is a haunted house in South Carolina over the weekend and discovered a dead body inside the home's freezer.

According to an Oxygen report, eight people were riding four-wheelers near an abandoned home in Norway on Sunday when they decided to go inside the abandoned local house.

The group noticed a foul smell upon entering the establishment. One group member then opened a deep freezer inside the "haunted" house and found a decomposing body wearing jeans and socks.

Crime Online reported that it is unclear when the group had contacted authorities to respond to their gruesome discovery. However, Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office is already investigating the person's death that the group found in the establishment.

A coroner has yet to make an identification of the decomposing body. Due to the body's current state, investigators do not yet know the gender of the dead person.

Madison Chiders, one of the individuals who discovered the dead body, said it was horrifying and could not tell if it was a person due to the decomposed state of the body, which has been there a long time. She added that there were maggots everywhere.

Related story: Mexico City's Popular Haunted Houses: What Are the Stories Behind Them?

'Haunted' House With Dead Body Engulfed in Flames

The abandoned home in Norway was burned down early Tuesday morning or two days after the dead body was found, to which the Orangeburg County Fire Department responded. Authorities said the incident is suspicious.

Orangeburg County firefighters have not yet determined the cause of the fire in the vacant house. Deputies say the house was determined a crime scene and was turned over to investigators and county coroner for further probing.

The property owner was notified and showed to be cooperating with investigators involved in the case. The previous tenant of the house, Ron Philips, said that his family lived in that house for many years and they are devastated by the news, according to a WLTX News 19 report.

"My daughter grew up out there and it really has affected her to know that somebody would come out there and do such a thing as dispose a body in the old freezer on the back porch," Philips said in a report.

He noted that the incident is just a terrible thing. Philips said that he still kept several belongings at the house after moving out, with the property owner's permission. However, he added that he had not visited the vacant home in over a year.

The freezer, which contained the decomposing body, previously belonged to his family, he said. When asked about the home's reputation being haunted, he said that there were some voices in the house, and it has been like that for years.

"It wasn't like it was haunted no, not haunted, but the rocking chair upstairs used to rock by itself in the middle of the night sometimes," he noted in a report.

Philips believed that it had "some spirit about it" and "that's the way I put it."

Related story: Slightly Haunted House For Sale in Pennsylvania, Family Wants Out After Several Creepy Incidents [VIDEO]




The gun found in the pants pocket of self-described antifa activist Michael Reinoehl after he was killed by police in Washington fits the make of the gun likely used to kill a man after a pro-Trump rally in Portland last summer, new reports indicate.

Portland police records released this week show that the gun recovered from Reinoehl in Washington was an Inter Ordnance Hellcat .380-caliber pistol  one of three types of .380-caliber guns that ballistics tests indicate likely killed Aaron Jay Danielson, an Oregon States Police forensic scientist reported.

Yet a full forensic examination of the gun hasnt been completed yet, Thurston County Sheriffs Lt. Ray Brady said this week.

Reinoehl, 48, was accused of shooting Danielson, a follower of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer, in downtown Portland after a car rally Aug. 29 in support of Donald Trump. Danielson, 39, died from a single bullet to the upper right chest, an autopsy found. The bullet was found lodged in his back, according to the autopsy.

Reinoehl went on the run and was killed five days later in Washington by members of a fugitive task force trying to arrest him in Danielsons death.

According to the Portland police investigative reports, police recovered the bullet from Danielsons body as well as a spent bullet casing and a bullet fragment from the Portland shooting scene. Investigators sent them to the Oregon State Police crime lab for ballistics analysis.

State forensic scientist Leland Samuelson reported on Sept. 3 that the casing and a bullet fragment were fired from the same .380-caliber gun and that the bullet recovered from Danielson also was fired from a .380-caliber gun.

The casing was likely from one of three makes of a .380-caliber pistol: an Inter Ordnance Hellcat, Colt or Llama, Samuelson reported.

Also on Sept. 3, a Multnomah County Circuit judge signed an arrest warrant for Reinoehl in Danielsons killing at 4:52 p.m.

Portland Detective Rico Beniga, the lead investigator in Danielsons homicide, alerted another Portland police detective assigned to the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force of the warrant. That detective notified the marshals task force for the Lacey, Wa. area based on information police had that Reinoehl was there, according to the reports.

Around 7:10 p.m. that night, Portland detectives learned that Reinoehl had been shot and killed during his attempted arrest.

Four officers fired more than 30 rounds at Reinoehl after they cornered him in his car on Sept. 3 outside the apartment complex near Lacey, Wa., where he had been hiding out, a Thurston County sheriffs lieutenant said in October.

Beniga and a Multnomah County deputy district attorney responded to the Washington shooting scene, arriving about 10 p.m. , the reports indicate.

Beniga was on scene when a deputy coroner examined Reinoehl, who was pronounced dead in the street. Investigators in Washington recovered the .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol from Reinoehls pants pocket, the reports said.

The Portland homicide detective also noted, according to the police report, that Reinoehl appeared to be wearing the same three-quarter length pants and sandals that he was seen on video wearing during the Aug. 29 fatal shooting of Danielson in Portland, the reports said.

On Oct. 20, Beniga learned the .380-caliber gun recovered from Reinoehl in Washington was being analyzed at the Washington state crime lab. The lab also was awaiting firearm tracing information from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

To date, ballistic examination of the recovered firearm has not been completed in connection with this investigation. Comparative analysis will be conducted upon availability, the Portland police reports said.

The Portland Police Bureaus 237-page report also disclosed:

-- A day after Danielson was killed, someone shot at Reinoehls residence on Northeast 92nd Avenue. Reinoehl and his son rented the basement of the home and another family lived upstairs. The family reported evidence of a shooting after returning home about 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 30. No one was injured.

-- Reinoehls landlord told police that he gave Reinoehl 10 days to leave the home on Aug. 18 after he discovered high school-age kids smoking pot in Reinoehls basement apartment.

When the landlord checked in with Reinoehl via text on Aug. 23, Reinoehl sent a message back, writing that the Proud Boys were after him and he had nowhere else to go, the police report said.

On Aug. 29, the same day Danielson was killed, the landlord again texted Reinoehl to remind him he needed to move out and that he didnt want the sheriffs office to evict him. Reinoehl replied that threatening to use the sheriff triggered his PTSD because those were the people trying to kill him, the police report said. Reinoehl mentioned again that the Proud Boys were after him. That was the last conversation the landlord had with Reinoehl.

--When Portland police searched Reinoehls Portland residence on Sept. 3 with a search warrant, officers called in the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit to address an apparent homemade explosive device found in plain view on a vehicle in the driveway, the report said. No further mention of the device was found in the report.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian

Subscribe to Facebook page

SUNRISE, Fla., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Interim HealthCare Inc., the nation's leading franchise network of home care, senior care, home health and hospice and healthcare staffing services, names Melissa Williams, HHA/CNA, as its 2020 Paraprofessional of the Year. Caring for individuals and families in Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla counties, Melissa has been a member of the Interim HealthCare of Tallahassee, Florida team since 2015.

This honor is given to an individual that provides exemplary patient care and continuously demonstrates the H.E.A.R.T. qualities of Interim HealthCare paraprofessionals, which stands for Honorable, Experience, Ability, Reliability and Training.

Melissa's work in Interim Healthcare of Tallahassee's senior independent living facility consists of seeing 10-13 patients a day for short visits focused on wellness checks and medication reminders. Despite challenges brought on by COVID-19, Melissa has remained dedicated to her work and extremely diligent about keeping her multiple clients safe from infection. In addition, she consistently brainstorms ways for her team to better serve patients, such as being at the forefront of the staff's adoption of Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) and mobile device documentation earlier in the year.

"Melissa has been an excellent home health aide and member of our team for over five years. But over the past eight months especially, she has led the way for our team to improve processes and introduce substantial modifications to our workflows," said Cynthia Lavoie, owner of Interim HealthCare of Tallahassee. "The efficiency, stamina, and personal interaction that she brings to each of her clients, six days a week, is truly admirable. Her clients genuinely look forward to seeing her every day and we are so lucky to have a caregiver like Melissa on our staff."

Melissa is also invested in her education and was the first of Interim HealthCare of Tallahassee's employees to complete the company's Care Professional Development Path for Aides program, also known as the Pin program. The program allows employees to earn specializations through continuing education to expand their career path in caregiving, earning raises for each level accomplished. Thanks to her credentialed knowledge base, Melissa is the first person assigned to assist new clients in the senior independent living facility, and is also frequently asked to train new staff.

Melissa's advancement within the company is a testament to Interim HealthCare's commitment to professional career expansion. First in Home Care, the home healthcare leader provides advancement opportunities for all caregivers, including aides, with specialized training and professional certifications to improve clinical outcomes, as well as business and operations opportunities. As Melissa found, home healthcare is the perfect setting for those who enjoy serving others, are selfless, trustworthy, lead with compassion, and are dependable workers both independently and as part of care team.

"I'm honored to be chosen as Interim HealthCare's 2020 Paraprofessional of the Year, and to contribute to improving people's lives through caregiving," said Melissa. "The sense of purpose that I feel coming into work every day is what inspires me to keep growing in my career, and I'm grateful to Interim HealthCare for providing the resources to help me achieve that."

To find more future award-winning employees, Interim HealthCare also recently launched its 'Made for This' recruiting campaign. The company seeks employees for a range of career paths from paraprofessionals (home health, hospice and support aides) to LPNs, RNs, therapists, and CNAs. Interim HealthCare is also recruiting service-oriented people wanting to transition from other industries, or those looking to change healthcare careers to gain more flexibility and autonomy.

For more information about working with Interim HealthCare, please visit https://www.interimhealthcare.com/careers/.

About Interim HealthCare Inc.

Interim HealthCare Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing. It is part of Caring Brands International, which also includes UK-based Bluebird Care and Australia-based Just Better Care, both well-known franchise brands in their countries. With more than 530 franchise locations in seven countries, Caring Brands International is a global healthcare leader.

Interim HealthCare in the United States is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, meeting a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare staffing needs. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

SOURCE Interim HealthCare Inc.

Related Links

http://www.interimhealthcare.com


Etienne Boiteux France

A musical artist, Etienne left his home region of Doubs when he was twenty years old to move to the capital after having studied classical piano for several years. He painted his first work, an auto portrait covered with a transparent lily pad leaf at age 23. He learned drawing at the Sevres Workshop, and painting with Christian Zeimert, and attended the School of Visual Communication (ECV). He worked as a graphic artist for twenty years, which allowed him to renew his relationship with imagery, while keeping a critical eye on his work as an artist. His first exhibition was held in Tours in 1993. 2010 marked a turning point in his artistic career. Etienne decided to dedicate himself exclusively to his passion. He found the medium of paint more fascinating than the flat surface of advertising graphic work, finding inspiration in his different travels (Turkey, Burkina Faso), natural elements (water, earth, air, fire) and in his urban environment. The sight of Parisian walls, worn and covered with graffiti makes him question the traces of time on modern society. The artist defines his melancholic works as ""scenic abstraction"". Searching for a language that is void of all artifice, Etienne doesn't hesitate to question the medium in an ""archaeological"" approach to art. His colour palette is reduced to a minimum. Sombre tones invade the battered space of a canvas that is scraped, scratched and attacked by the coloured material. This purist conception of art shows the influence of his models, Antoni Tapies (Spanish artist, 20th - 21st century), Pierre Soulages (French artist), Alberto Burri (Italian artist, 20th century) and Anselm Kiefer (German artist). A constant need for novelty pushes him to explore different techniques (painting, collage, engraving) and to use different and varied materials (resin, zinc, lead, coal, glass, gold leaf). During his travels, photography helps him fix ""instants"" of life that feed his active imagination.
UPDATE: See the latest information on when and where you can get a coronavirus vaccine in the Bay Area here.

As California hospitals and public health officials gear up to vaccinate the next, much larger group of people eligible for coronavirus vaccines  essential workers and people 75 and older  many in this group are wondering how they will be notified that they are eligible for vaccines, and when they can expect them to begin.

It is unclear when exactly this next phase, known as Phase 1b of the vaccine rollout, will start. Some Bay Area counties estimate it will begin in late January or early February. Others do not have a projected timeline. Counties and hospitals are largely still vaccinating people in Phase 1a, who are health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.

Very soon, as the supply increases over the next weeks, you can be expecting a formal announcement of when 1b is in effect, Dr. Rob Schechter, co-chair of a state vaccine advisory group, said during a public meeting Wednesday.

While likely weeks away, the next stage of the vaccination campaign will pose new challenges for health agencies and providers already struggling to push vaccinations out quickly. The rollout so far is going more slowly than anticipated, with just a quarter of the roughly 2 million doses of vaccine that have been distributed to California going into peoples arms. The current group is about 2.4 million people, and the next group is 15 million  8.5 million teachers and child care workers, food and agriculture workers, emergency services workers, and people 75 years and older, followed by 6.5 million other essential workers in transportation and critical infrastructure, and people 65 to 74 years old.

Theres a lot of anxious anticipation for this, Marin County deputy health officer Dr. Tyler Evans told the county Board of Supervisors Tuesday. This is the first phase thats going to include the community.

Health care providers and public health officials are working out how to notify residents beyond health care workers about vaccinations, but many details have yet to be finalized. Kaiser, the regions largest health system with 4.5 million members in Northern California, will notify its members by email, conversations with physicians, reminders and other channels of communication to our members, a Kaiser spokesman said.

UCSF is working with local health officials on how to contact patients in Phase 1b, said Desi Kotis, UCSF chief pharmacy executive overseeing vaccinations. It may get complicated because a patient, for instance, may have gone to UCSF to see a specialist in the past, but typically goes to another provider for primary care.

Were working out those logistics on how wed contact patients, Kotis said. I know patients are asking, theyre inquiring. We are starting to answer their inquiries and place certain messages on our website.

Some local health departments, including Mariposa County, are building registries to notify people about vaccinations, and doing outreach on social media to get people to sign up. As part of the registry sign-up process, people can indicate if they will need transportation to get to a vaccination site, the countys public health officer, Dr. Eric Sergienko, said during the Wednesday meeting.

More for you Local Coronavirus live updates: Bay Area sees plunge in...

To reach some populations, such as farm workers, health care providers may send vaccination teams out in the community, said Kim Saruwatari, director of Riverside County Public Health Department.

The state department of health is staffing a phone hotline, 1-833-422-4255, and email, covidcallcter@cdph.ca.gov, to answer the publics questions about vaccines. The agency may also set up an online tool, similar to that in other states, where people can find out whether they are in the phase currently eligible for vaccines.

When vaccines do become available to the broader public, large venues like arenas, fairgrounds, concert halls or their parking lots may be used as vaccination sites. UCSF is in talks about the possibility of using the Moscone Center, Cow Palace or Chase Center, Kotis said.

Larger spaces are needed for COVID vaccinations than flu shots because people must be physically distanced if they are waiting in line. And people must be observed for 15 to 30 minutes after receiving the shot to monitor for severe allergic reactions, and that requires waiting in a separate space.

Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat_Ho
Trump supporters storm US Capitol, tear gas deployed; DC mayor issues curfew

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Pro-Trump protesters breached the U.S. Capitol Wednesday afternoon as Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers in both chambers were set to count votes from the Electoral College and likely solidify Joe Bidens election victory.

According to reports, throngs of Trump supporters pushed through barriers established along the perimeter of the U.S. Capitol causing a suspension in the electoral vote count and a lockdown in the Capitol.

The Washington Post reports that some of the protesters slipped past Capitol Hill Police and entered the building where the important vote count was taking place.

Inside the Capitol, there was a standoff between police and protesters. One person was confirmed shot inside the Capitol, paramedics told local media.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, D-Calif., confirmed in an interview with Fox News that shots had been fired inside the building. The situation surrounding the shooting is not immediately clear.

NBC News cited several law enforcement officials to report that the person who was shot in the Capitol has died.

Video posted online shows scenes in which protesters outside clashed with police, with each side spraying each other with what appears to be pepper spray.

President Donald Trump, who has maintained that targeted voter fraud compromised the 2020 election results and furthered the idea that the election was stolen from him, took to Twitter just after 2:30 p.m. to urge supporters to support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement.

They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful! the president tweeted.

Just after 3 p.m., Trump again urged supporters at the Capitol to stay peaceful.

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue, he wrote.

According to CNN, hundreds of protesters pushed past the barriers surrounding the U.S. Capitol after 1 p.m., where they clashed with officers. About an hour-and-a-half later, some protesters made it into the Capitol building.

Shortly after, the doors to the House and Senate chambers were locked and the House floor was eventually evacuated.

Local radio news outlet WTOP reports that members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to wear gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda.

District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a curfew of 6 p.m. Wednesday through 6 a.m. Thursday.

During the hours of the curfew, no person, other than persons designated by the Mayor, shall walk, bike, run, loiter, stand, or motor by car or other mode of transport upon any street, alley, park, or other public place within the District, the mayors office announced in a statement.

Although Trump had called for protesters to remain peaceful, congressional leaders called on the president to be more forceful in calling on protesters to leave the Capitol grounds.

"We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protesters leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately, the top Democrats in the House and Senate said in a joint statement shared by The Washington Post.

Later in the afternoon, Trump issued a video on Twitter calling for supporters "to go home in peace." Again repeating claims for voter fraud, Trump told supporters he knows how they feel and again stressed that the election was "stolen from us."

"But we cant play into the hands of these people," Trump said. "We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. You are very special."

Vice President Mike Pence took to Twitter Wednesday afternoon to call on the violence at the Capitol to stop.

"The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building," he tweeted. "Peaceful protest is the right of every American but this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Even though Trump has asserted that voter fraud compromised the election, all 50 states have certified the results of the elections in their states.

Earlier in the day, Trump spoke at a Stop the Steal rally in D.C. attended by thousands of supporters in which he repeated claims of voter fraud. After the rally, supporters made their way to the Capitol grounds as part of a Save America March.

Some Capitol Hill Police officers were reportedly injured in the clashes with demonstrators and evacuated.

White House Press Secretary Kaleigh McEnany tweeted just after 3:30 p.m. that at Trumps discretion, the National Guard has been deployed along with other federal protective services.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said on Twitter that he will send members of the Virginia National Guard as well as 200 Virginia State Troopers to assist in the chaos at the U.S. Capitol.

In addition to the citywide curfew, the city's transit system, Metro, will shut down early due to the curfew.

Jack Graham, a Southern Baptist megachurch pastor from Plano, Texas, who has been a supporter of the president, condemned the violence taking place in Washington.

"Violence at our nations capital is to be condemned and law and order must prevail. Pray for our country. This is heartbreaking," Graham wrote in a tweet.

Rabbis Marvin Hier and Abraham Cooper, senior officials with the Jewish human rights organization Simon Wiesenthal Center, also denounced the violence in the nation's capital.

The right to protest is sacrosanct in American life. But the very values and rights bestowed by our democracy are degraded and diminished when police officers have to draw their guns to protect our duly elected officials in heart of our nation by violent protesters who, by their reckless and dangerous behavior have inflicted grievous wounds on our nation," a joint statement reads.

"Nothing, not even the emotional charges of voter fraud in a presidential election, can ever legitimize or excuse such behavior. For as the Talmud warns, Pray for the welfare of the government, for without  it man would swallow his fellow. Today is a dark day for America.
WASHINGTON - The number of new coronavirus infections continued to rise Thursday across the region as the number of recent daily cases set a record.

The District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia added 8,617 new daily cases - the third most in a day since the start of the pandemic - sending the seven-day average soaring to 7,725. It's the eighth consecutive day the recent average has risen across the region.

Compared to last week, the average of new daily cases is up 19% in D.C., 21% in Maryland and 29% in Virginia.

The increase comes as the distribution of vaccines continues across the region.

Virginia hospitals have administered more than 102,900 doses of the coronavirus vaccine in the three weeks since shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccinations arrived in the state, according to the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. Starting with the first shipments to Virginia in mid-December, the state's 67 hospitals have received more than 269,000 doses, the association reported Thursday.

The Pfizer vaccine is administered in two doses 21 days apart, while the Moderna vaccine is administered in two doses 28 days apart. Hospitals already have begun administering some of the 72,150 doses of the Pfizer vaccine they received Dec. 31.

"It is important to understand that in addition to responding to the current covid-19 surge, Virginia hospitals are also leading the way on a complex vaccination process that involves many moving pieces," Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association President and CEO Sean Connaughton said.

The process includes coordination of temperature-controlled shipment and delivery of the vaccine, storage in ultracold conditions, redistribution to other health-care facilities and scheduling vaccination clinics.

In Virginia, three groups are responsible for vaccinating the public: Hospitals give the vaccine to front-line clinicians at greatest risk of exposure before vaccinating other health care professionals. CVS and Walgreens pharmacies are coordinating vaccinations for staffers and residences of long-term-care facilities. The Virginia Department of Health and local health districts, with help from hospitals, are overseeing vaccinations for other health professionals.

In Maryland, 98,536 people had received the first dose of the vaccine as of Thursday, according to that state's vaccine distribution portal.

In D.C., 16,989 vaccine doses have been administered. The city's health department reports that 40,075 doses have been delivered to health-care providers.

D.C. added 252 new infections Thursday, Maryland had 2,745 new cases and Virginia added 4,728. D.C. reported two new deaths, Virginia reported 49 and Maryland had 41.

The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus ticked upward in D.C. and Virginia on Thursday, with 278 people hospitalized in D.C. and 3,000 in Virginia. Maryland had 1,834 people hospitalized Thursday, down slightly from 1,862 a day earlier.

The Washington suburbs continue to be among the hardest-hit jurisdictions in Maryland and Virginia, with Prince George's County, by far, leading the state in the total number of reported coronavirus cases, including 3,190 in the past seven days. Montgomery County, Maryland's most populous jurisdiction, has added 3,057 in the past seven days.

When adjusted for population, Prince George's is third among Maryland jurisdictions in terms of cases per 100,000 residents, behind Alleghany and Somerset counties, while Montgomery County is 10th.

In Virginia, Fairfax County has reported the most cases in Virginia since the start of the pandemic, with 3,258 infections in the past seven days.
UK farming ministers voiced their concerns about possible imports of sub-standard food when they joined the Defra Secretary at the Oxford Farming Conference.

Ministers of the UK's devolved nations expressed fears that standards could be traded away to secure trade deals with states like the US and Australia.

"We are very concerned that cheap imported food post-Brexit may threaten British farming," said Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy in Scotland.

"We argued for legal protections against that, protections that were refused by the UK government."

He said food security could not be taken for granted in a world in which uncertainty was a constant.

"With the resurgence of tariffs, leaving production to market forces, as we believe the UK Treasury seems intent on doing, seems to us to be a dangerous strategy."

During the Oxford Farming Conference, held online due to the pandemic, Mr Ewing was joined by other devolved farming ministers in expressing concern.

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Rural Affairs in Wales said: "Following the UK leaving the EU, Wales needs to focus on new strategies for promoting Welsh produce.

"Welsh lamb exports, for example, were a great success last year even during the pandemic. This is something that I am focused on maintaining and building upon.

"In a post-EU world the reputation of Welsh produce for sustainability will be crucial. We are well known for our high animal welfare standards, for our non-intensive production and for our low emission, environmentally focused farming.

"Our target, though, is to be even better. To become a world leader in the kind of low emission systems we need to tackle climate change."

She added: "In addition, my colleagues and I in the Welsh government have emphasised no future free trade agreements should undermine the high food safety and production standards we have in Wales."

Edwin Poots, the Minister in Northern Ireland, which unlike other parts of the UK will remain aligned with EU rules, warned that the UK needed to protect its high farming standards.

"Government should recognise that food production is a public good, which should not be outsourced to other countries across the world with lower environmental standards.

"Our farmers should be able to compete on a level playing field, whether that be food, environmental, animal welfare or, indeed, labour standards when imports enter the UK.

"It is absolutely critical that any trade deals reflect these very important issues," Mr Poots said.

OFC director Sarah Mukhergee, who chaired the discussion between the Ministers, questioned whether it was possible to bring together divergent views across the four home nations when it came to negotiating trade deals.

George Eustice said it was: "When it comes to international trade agreements we have got very clear manifesto commitments on what we will and will not accept in those.

"The SPS chapter is something that the UK will decide. And we also use tariff policies to ensure that our producers are not undermined by lower standard foods in other parts of the world."

But Fergus Ewing insisted 'there are worrying signs', highlighting concerns over produce imports which could undermine UK standards of hygiene, provenance and welfare.

"Other countries don't observe these rules and if the importation of cheap food is going to be permitted - and I haven't seen anything that clearly can prevent this - George said it wouldn't happen but they refused the legal protections that, actually, Michael Gove promised when he was in George's job.

"He promised very clearly at a meeting I attended with Lesley, I believe, that there would be action taken on a trade bill to make it illegal to import such produce unless it was demonstrated that it had been produced with the same standards that pertain here.

"Now, that pledge was broken, like so many others. And I do think that there are already worrying signs of problems emerging," he said.

Mr Poots said that UK animal welfare standards were extremely high, and if the country could also have high environmental standards then the UK would have "the Rolls Royce of product across the world."

"I don't want to be competing with South American commodity based agriculture," the Northern Irish minister said.

OFC chairman Sally Williams said she believed the discussion during the conference was the first time that all four UK farming ministers had spoken together in such a forum.

WASHINGTON (AP)  One of the four people who died during the siege on the U.S. Capitol was a 55-year-old man from Alabama.

District of Columbia police say 55-year-old Kevin D. Greeson of Athens died of a medical emergency during the fracas on Wednesday.

Officials did not release additional details about the circumstances of Greesons death.

Police say Lonnie Zoffman of Falkville is facing charges of carrying an unlicensed pistol and having an unregistered gun and ammunition.

Zoffman couldn't immediately be reached for comment on Thursday.
State Sen. and former Minority Leader Joe Benning, a Republican, represents the Caledonia-Orange District. He can be contacted At beaner77@myfairpoint.net. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Brattleboro Reformer.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Here is the latest on Congress tally of the Electoral College vote won by Joe Biden (all times local):

3:55 a.m.

President Donald Trump now says there will be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory and after a day of violence when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Trump says in a statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

He adds: I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

Trumps account is currently locked by Twitter.

Trump has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.

3:41 a.m.

Congress has formally validated Joe Bidens presidential election victory on a day that saw a time-honored ceremony become a nightmare of unprecedented political terror.

The House and Senate certified the Democrats electoral college win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police.

The rampage began shortly after President Donald Trump repeated his unfounded claims of election fraud to thousands of rallying demonstrators hed invited to Washington. Many then surged to the Capitol after he incited them to go there as lawmakers debated the electoral votes.

More than six hours after the violence erupted, lawmakers resumed their session.

Thirteen Republican senators and dozens of GOP representatives had planned to force debate and votes on perhaps six different states votes.

The assault on the Capitol made some Republicans squeamish about trying to overturn Bidens win, and challenges were lodged only against Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both efforts lost overwhelmingly.

Biden defeated Trump by 306-232 electoral votes and will be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3:25 a.m.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is defending his objection to the Electoral College results as the right thing to do.

The Texas senator condemned the violence that erupted as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an extraordinary attack over the election outcome.

Cruz led the first challenge to Joe Bidens defeat of President Donald Trump by objecting to Arizonas results. He sought to have Congress launch a commission to investigate the election. His effort was roundly defeated in the House and Senate.

Cruz said he was confident the country will have a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Biden is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3 a.m.

The House has joined the Senate in turning aside Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Lawmakers in the House voted 282-138 against the objection as the counting of Electoral College votes continued into the early hours of Thursday morning. The Senate shut down the same objection 92-7 just after midnight, and unlike the House, declined to debate before voting.

After a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

2:20 a.m.

A small group of House lawmakers came close to physically fighting early Thursday morning as the congressional count of electoral votes stretched into the wee hours and a Pennsylvania Democrat charged that Republicans had been telling lies about his states votes.

Rep. Morgan Griffiths, R-Va., objected after Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said a breach of the Capitol by an angry mob earlier in the day was inspired by lies, the same lies you are hearing in this room tonight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shot down the objection, but a few minutes later Republicans and Democrats streamed to the middle aisle, with around a dozen lawmakers getting close to each other and arguing. But the group quickly broke up when Pelosi called for order on the floor.

President Donald Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in Pennsylvania and other states and Republicans have echoed those claims as they have challenged electoral votes.

12:55 a.m.

The Senate has quickly killed Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Senators voted 92-7 after midnight to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, its the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he believes no other states votes will be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

12:15 a.m. Thursday

Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have objected to the counting of Pennsylvanias electoral votes, triggering up to two hours of debate in the House and Senate.

The objections come 11 hours after the congressional count to confirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential victory began, and after lawmakers had to evacuate both chambers for several hours to escape a mob that had violently breached the Capitol.

Hawley said last week that he would object to Pennsylvanias electoral votes, saying Congress should investigate voter fraud. President Donald Trump has falsely said since his defeat that there was widespread fraud in the election.

Biden won Pennsylvania by just over 80,000 votes. Since the Nov. 3 election, Trump and his allies filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging Bidens win on various grounds, including that many or all of the states mail-in ballots were illegal.

The lawsuits failed as judge after judge found no violation of state law or constitutional rights, or no grounds to grant an immediate halt to certifying the election.

11:20 p.m. Wednesday

The House has voted overwhelmingly to reject an objection to President-elect Joe Bidens win in Arizona, joining the Senate in upholding the results of the election there.

The objection failed 303-121 on Wednesday night, with only Republicans voting in support.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Now that Arizona is out of the way, Congress will reconvene as the joint session and make its way through the rest of the states that have objections.

11:10 p.m.

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in medical emergencies.

Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee. Police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

10:15 p.m.

The Senate has overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.

The objection to the results in Arizona -- spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz -- was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

The Republicans raised the objection based on false claims pushed by President Donald Trump and others of issues with the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials.

10:10 p.m.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says a commission to examine the 2020 election is not a proper next step and affirmed that Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, called it a uniquely bad idea to delay this election, referencing the commission idea proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Graham says, Count me out. Enough is enough.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Graham said that if youre a conservative, the idea that Vice President Mike Pence could reverse the results of the election, as President Donald Trump had urged him to do, was the most offensive concept in the world.

10 p.m.

Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

9:55 p.m.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he is going forward with his objection to the Electoral College results in Pennsylvania despite the violent breach at the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

The Missouri senator said he did not support violence but said the Senate should go forward with a legal process that includes his objections.

Hawley says his objections should be debated peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets. He says he hoped lawmakers would not brush his concerns aside because of the violence earlier Wednesday, including the death of a protester inside the Capitol.

Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

9:45 p.m.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump has falsely said there was widespread fraud in the election to explain his defeat and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trumps, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

9:15 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

9:10 p.m.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending 1,000 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials. It comes after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday: For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.s aid.

The presidents supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Trump convinced them that he was cheated out of a victory by rampant, widespread voter fraud, a false claim.

8:55 p.m.

Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

8:45 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Congress will not be deterred in confirming the results of the presidential election hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Republican leader reopened the Senate late Wednesday vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College for President-elect Joe Biden. It was interrupted earlier in the way when rioters breached the security perimeter and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. One person was fatally shot.

McConnell says demonstrators tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed.

McConnell plans to keep the Senate in session Wednesday to finish confirming the results.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true. He reiterated the claim in a video filmed as his demonstrators were storming the Capitol.

8:35 p.m.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.

Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

8:20 p.m.

Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation.

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

Obama says it should not have come as a surprise, and that for two months a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth.

He says their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

8:10 p.m.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

8:05 p.m.

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in protest over President Donald Trumps Syria policies, blamed the president for the violence at the U.S. Capitol.

In a sharp rebuke Wednesday, Mattis said the violence was fomented by Trump, who has used the presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens.

His written statement concluded, Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country.

Mattis, a retired four-star Marine general who stepped down as Pentagon chief in December 2018, had an embattled relationship with Trump, but largely remained publicly quiet and avoided direct criticism. Since he left the job, however, he has been more openly derisive of Trump, including a public condemnation of the presidents heavy-handed use of military force to quell protests near the White House last June.

7:55 p.m.

Stephanie Grisham, chief of staff and press secretary for first lady Melania Trump, has resigned following violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Grisham says in a statement Wednesday that it was an honor to serve the country in the White House and be part of he first ladys mission to help children.

Grisham was one of Trumps longest serving aides, having joined the campaign in 2015. She served as the White House press secretary and never held a press briefing.

Wednesdays violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by the presidents supporters sparked renewed conversations inside the White House about mass resignations by mid-level aides who are responsible for operations of the office of the president.

Two people familiar with the conversations said the aides were torn between fears of what more would happen if they left and a desire to register their disgust with their boss. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.

7:45 p.m.

The Republican National Committee says it strongly condemns the violence at the Capitol, adding that the violent scenes do not represent acts of patriotism, but an attack on our country and its founding principles.

The RNC is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican political platform. Its statement condemning the violence came hours after Republican President Donald Trump baselessly complained that the election was stripped away from great patriots. He went on to tell them to go home with love & in peace.

The groups communications director, Michael Ahrens, says, What happened today was domestic terrorism.

He says to see the U.S. flag used in the name of unfounded conspiracy theories is a disgrace to the nation, and every decent American should be disgusted by it.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens victory over him, citing false claims of voter fraud. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people.

7:40 p.m.

Former President Bill Clinton says the attack on the U.S. Capitol was fueled over four years of poison politics and lit by President Donald Trump.

Clinton said in a statement Wednesday night that the riot at the Capitol resulted from a combination of deliberate disinformation that created distrust in the system and pit Americans against one another.

He wrote, The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost.

His wife, Hillary Clinton, lost a bitter election to Trump in 2016 and conceded to him immediately. Trump has refused to accept his defeat by Democrat Joe Biden in November and is trying to cast him as an illegitimate president.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

7:20 p.m.

A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, later deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!

State House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw said Evans will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.

He said he has not spoken to Evans yet about his involvement.

The delegate from Wayne County said in a statement later on Facebook that he was heading back to West Virginia and was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history.

6:55 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will resume the Electoral College proceedings once the Capitol is cleared of pro-Donald Trump protesters and safe for use.

Pelosi said she made the decision Wednesday in consultation with the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the vice president, who will preside.

She noted the day would always be part of history, but now it would be as such a shameful picture of our country was put out into the world.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

6:45 p.m.

Dozens of pro-Trump protesters remain on the streets of the nations capital in defiance of the curfew imposed after rioters stormed the Capitol.

The mostly maskless crowd was forcibly removed from the Capitol on Wednesday after breaking into the building and halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were pushed out of the immediate area and moved down the hill, where they taunted law enforcement and moved barricades.

Police said anyone found on the streets after the 6 p.m. curfew would be arrested. Officers in full riot gear with shields lined the streets near the U.S. Capitol.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said their debate on affirming Bidens victory would continue after the Capitol was secured.

6:40 p.m.

The head of the nations largest union of flight attendants says people who took part in the violent protest at the Capitol must be banned from flying.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said in a statement Wednesday that some of the people who traveled in our planes (Tuesday) participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today.

She says, Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area. Acts against our democracy, our government and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.

Nelson and the union endorsed President-elect Joe Biden over President Donald Trump before the November election.

Trump supporters on a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Washington heckled Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, the lone Republican senator to vote to oust Trump after he was impeached. On an American Airlines flight from Dallas, a large contingent of Trump supporters got in an angry yelling match with other passengers after one of the presidents supporters projected Trump 2020 on the cabin ceiling and walls.

6:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is blaming President Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection at the Capitol.

Romney, the GOPs 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of Trumps, said the violent breach of the Capitol on Wednesday was due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months.

The Utah senator said those who continue to support Trumps dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy.

Romney ridiculed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans who want an audit of the election results: Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the president will continue to claim the election was stolen.

The simple truth, Romney said, is that President-elect (Joe) Biden won this election. President Trump lost.

6:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump has appeared to justify the violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

In a tweet Wednesday night, Trump said, These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

Trump has faced mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers to do more to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name.

6:20 p.m.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen says the violent pro-Trump protest at the U.S. Capitol was an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of democracy.

Rosen said Wednesday that the Justice Department has been working with U.S. Capitol Police and other federal law enforcement agencies to secure the Capitol. He says hundreds of federal agents from Justice Department agencies were sent to assist.

He called it an unacceptable situation and said federal prosecutors intend to enforce the laws of our land.

Dozens of President Donald Trumps supporters breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police declared the Capitol to be secure about four hours later.

6:10 p.m.

Former President George W. Bush says he and his wife, Laura, are sickened and heartbroken over the mayhem in Washington and have watched in disbelief and dismay as events unfolded.

Bush said the assault on the Capitol on Wednesday and the disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens victory was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

The Republican said in a statement that he is appalled by what he described as reckless behavior by some political leaders since the election and the lack of respect for U.S. institutions, traditions and law enforcement.

Bush addressed those who are disappointed by the election result, saying, Our country is more important than the politics of the moment.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting. They fought with officers both inside the building and outside.

6:10 p.m.

A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died.

Thats according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

5:50 p.m.

Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

The occupation interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations around the Capitol complex and Washington, D.C. after thousands of Trump supporters breached the building and skirmished with police officers.

Lawmakers have signaled that they would resume the constitutionally mandated count as soon as it was safe to do so.

5:40 p.m.

Police are using tear gas and percussion grenades to begin clearing pro-Trump protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington.

Police donned gas masks as they moved in Wednesday evening with force to clear protesters from the Capitol grounds shortly before a curfew took hold. In the moments before, there were violent clashes between the police and protesters, who tore railing for the inauguration scaffolding and threw it at the officers.

Police used tear gas and percussion grenades to break up the crowd, which began dispersing.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police said at least one person was shot inside the Capitol; their condition was not immediately known.

The districts police chief said at least 13 people were arrested, and five firearms had been recovered during the pro-Trump protests on Wednesday.

5:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Ben Sasse is directly blaming President Donald Trump for the storming of the Capitol by huge, angry crowds of pro-Trump protesters.

The Nebraska lawmaker and frequent critic of Trump said Wednesday evening that the Capitol was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard  tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution.

Sasse says in a written statement, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The protesters broke into the building as Congress was beginning the formal process of certifying the electoral votes that gave Democratic President-elect Joe Biden a victory over Trump in November. Vice President Mike Pence has the ceremonial role of overseeing that certification and resisted Trump efforts to pressure him to overturn the election results.

Trump has continued to fallaciously claim that the voting was marred by fraud and that he actually won. Earlier Wednesday Trump addressed a huge crowd of protesters outside the White House and urged them to gather at the Capitol.

5:25 p.m.

The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.

5:05 p.m.

Pro-Trump demonstrators have massed outside statehouses across the country, forcing evacuations in at least two states. In St. Paul, Minnesota, cheers rang out from demonstrators in reaction to the news that supporters of President Donald Trump had stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Hundreds of mostly unmasked people people gathered outside capitols on Wednesday with Trump flags and Stop the Steal signs. In Georgia and Oklahoma, some demonstrators carried guns.

New Mexico state police evacuated staff from a statehouse building that includes the governors and secretary of states offices as a precaution shortly after hundreds of flag-waving supporters arrived in a vehicle caravan and on horseback. A spokesperson for the governors office says there was no indication of threats at the statehouse.

The staff of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was sent home as several hundred pro-Trump demonstrators rallied outside the Capitol, though the demonstration remained relatively calm. A brief scuffle between pro-Trump demonstrators, who included members of the Proud Boys, and counterprotesters broke out in Columbus, Ohio, but there was no immediate threat to the Capitol.

5 p.m.

The police chief of Washington, D.C., says pro-Trump protesters deployed chemical irritants on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.

Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. One civilian was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behavior of the Trump supporters was shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful. She says, There will be law and order and this behavior will not be tolerated.

Metropolitan police have been sent to the Capitol, and authorities were coming in from Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey to help out. The National Guard was also deployed, as were Homeland Security investigators and Secret Service.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

4:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump, in a video message, is urging supporters to go home but is also keeping up false attacks about the presidential election.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trump opened his video, saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said, we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. The statement came as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:37 p.m.

Two influential business groups are calling for the attack on the nations Capitol to end and for a peaceful transition of power.

Business Roundtable, which represents some of the most powerful companies in America including Walmart, Apple, Starbucks and General Electric, called on President Donald Trump and other officials to bring the protests to an end.

The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, the Roundtable said in a statement Wednesday. The country deserves better.

Separately, the CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Donohue, which represents large and small companies, urged officials to clear the Capitol and for Congress to approve the results of the presidential election won by Joe Biden.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength. The Capitol went into lockdown after its security perimeters were breached and protesters entered the building.

4:35 p.m.

At least one explosive device has been found near the U.S. Capitol amid a violent occupation of the building by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

Thats according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Thousands of supporters of the president occupied the Capitol complex as lawmakers were beginning to tally the electoral votes that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Vice President Mike Pence has called on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than Trump, who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

4:10 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden also demanded President Donald Trump to immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence that he described as an unprecedented assault as pro-Trump protestors violently occupy U.S. Capitol.

Bidens condemnation came after violent protesters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elects victory in the November election.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:05 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than President Donald Trump who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Pence, long a loyal aide to the president, defied Trump earlier Wednesday, tell him he didnt have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. Trump had publicly called on Pence to overturn the will of the voters, but Pences constitutional role in the process was only ceremonial.

Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Trump later issued a restrained call for peace but did not ask his supporters to disperse.

4 p.m.

The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the citys armory. The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.

The officials said the D.C. request for National Guard was not rejected earlier in the day. Instead, according to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military in a law enforcement role at the Capitol. As a result, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Hoffman said the law enforcement response to the violence will be led by the Justice Department.

3:55 p.m.

The top Democrats in Congress are demanding that President Donald Trump order his supporters to leave the Capitol following a chaotic protest aimed at blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a joint statement on Wednesday after violent protesters stormed the Capitol. They said, We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately.

Trump earlier encouraged his supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he did not call for them to disperse. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he repeated his false claims that President-elect Joe Biden had won the election through voter fraud.

He urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:50 p.m.

The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trumps supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

She added, We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.

Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.

3:40 p.m.

Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on President Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters angry about his election loss.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he spoke with the president earlier Wednesday and told him to make a statement to make sure that we can calm individuals down.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that it is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey told The Associated Press that while he sympathizes with the protesters position, they shouldnt get violent, and it would be nice if Trump called on them to protest in a peaceful way in an appropriate spot, where you belong, where you should be.

Many Republicans had backed Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.

This is Banana Republic crap that were watching right now, said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College vote.

3:37 p.m.

Supporters of President Donald Trump got into a angry shouting match with other passengers on a Washington-bound American Airlines plane after they projected a Trump 2020 logo on the cabin ceiling and walls.

The Trump supporters said a passenger threatened to kill them, and there was yelling back and forth. A flight attendant intervened, telling one passenger in the aisle to sit down.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night after Americans flight 1291 from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport landed at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., and was taxiing to the gate.

The scene was posted on Twitter by Maranie Staab, a Portland, Oregon-based independent journalist who says on her website that she focuses on human rights and social-justice issues.

Our team is reviewing this incident, said American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing. We applaud our outstanding crewmembers for their professionalism in de-escalating a tense onboard situation and getting our customers to their destination safely.

American said law enforcement was not called, and that passengers deplaned and dispersed without further incident.

3:35 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from supporters of President Donald Trump who are protesting Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

3:30 p.m.

One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.

Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

3:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is encouraging supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he is not calling for them to disperse.

As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, No violence! adding: Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.

But Trump did not ask supporters to vacate the area as the unrest continued.

Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol  at one point even suggesting he would join them. He is upset that he lost the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and has falsely claimed voter fraud to explain it away.

He also urged his supporters to get rid of the weak Congress people  presumably through primary challenges  saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:15 p.m.

A Defense Department official says Washington, D.C., has requested an additional 200 National Guard members as supporters of President Donald Trump violently clash with law enforcement at the Capitol.

That request is currently under review at the Pentagon to determine how the Guard can respond to support law enforcement.

According to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military at the Capitol. Instead, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Officials said the request for more National Guard has not been rejected.

Trump had urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

3:10 p.m.

Pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump to condemn supporters who are violently clashing with law enforcement on Capitol Hill.

Among those urging Trump to act: his former communications director, Alyssa Farah, who tweeted that Trump should Condemn this now.

She says, you are the only one they will listen to. For our country!

Dozens of people have breached security perimeters at the Capitol, forcing the lockdown of the building and halting the vote to certify Joe Bidens presidential victory.

Trump has so far offered a single tweet asking his supporters to Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

His former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted: The Presidents tweet is not enough. He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home.

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, also addressed Trump supporters in a tweet, calling them the patriots challenging the fraudulent election and telling them that POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY.

3 p.m.

Protesters backing President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

Trump urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers have backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Protesters are now inside the Senate chamber. One got up on the dais and yelled Trump won that election.

Several dozen are roaming through the halls, yelling, Where are they?

Some were also in the visitors galleries.

2:50 p.m.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid skirmishes by supporters of President Donald Trump

Pro-Trump protestors breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, violently clashing with law enforcement as lawmakers were gathered inside to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Novembers presidential election.

Law enforcement instructed lawmakers to retrieve masks from under their seats amid the clashes. The Capitol building was placed on lockdown, as Trump supporters marched through evacuated public spaces in the building.

After egging on protests, Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

2:47 p.m.

After egging on protests, President Donald Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement, Trump tweeted, as tear gas was deployed in the locked-down Capitol. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Trump at a rally earlier Wednesday encouraged his supporters to head to the Capitol.

Were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them, Trump said.

2:45 p.m.

Lawmakers are being evacuated from the U.S. Capitol after protesters breached security and entered the building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other senators were led out, escorted by staff and police on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the House were also being evacuated. Both chambers had been debating the certification of Joe Bidens victory in the Electoral College.

The skirmishes came shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

Protesters could be seen marching through the Capitols stately Statuary Hall shouting and waving Trump banners and American flags.

Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

2:40 p.m.

The mayor of Washington, D.C., has ordered a curfew in the nations capital beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday after protestors seeking to overturn the election results stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the order as protestors supporting President Donald Trump breached the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting to formally count the electors that will make Joe Biden president on Jan. 20.

The order extends through 6 a.m. Thursday.

The skirmishes came shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:30 p.m.

Protesting supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol.

There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and the debate over the electoral count was suspended.

A representative from the Capitol police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told lawmakers to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.

House Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern of Massachusetts told the crowd that the House expected to go back into session soon. Meanwhile, members milled around the floor and looked at their phones.

Reporters and others outside the chamber were told to go their seats inside and not leave.

The skirmishes came just shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

The Senate has recessed its debate over an objection to the results of the Electoral College after protesters forced police to lock down the building.

Reporters were told to stay in the Senates press gallery as the doors were locked.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz says American democracy is in crisis with polls showing that large numbers of voters believe the election that just occurred was rigged.

Cruz, a Republican, objected to the certification of election results in Arizona, saying the Senate has a responsibility to acknowledge the profound threat posed by widespread disbelief in the legitimacy of the election.

He called for the creation of a commission to conduct a 10-day emergency audit to investigate any irregularities, citing a similar commission created after the 1876 presidential election.

Cruz urged lawmakers not to take the easy path, but instead act together and create a credible and fair tribunal. Consider the claims, consider the facts, consider the evidence and make a conclusive determination whether and to what extent this election complied with the Constitution.'

1:55 p.m.

The U.S. Capitol Police are evacuating some congressional office buildings due to police activity as thousands gather outside the Capitol to protest the electoral vote.

Police told congressional staff members they should evacuate the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress. It wasnt immediately clear what specifically sparked the evacuation.

A police spokeswoman did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

Thousands of people have descended on the U.S. Capitol as Congress is expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens 2020 presidential win. Videos posted online showed protesters fighting with U.S. Capitol Police officers as police fired pepper spray to keep them back.
Facebook will bar President Donald Trump from posting on its system at least until the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

In a post Thursday morning, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said the risk of allowing Trump to use the platform is too great, following his incitement of a mob that later touched off a deadly riot in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Zuckerberg says Trumps account will be locked for at least the next two weeks but could remain locked indefinitely.

Twitter and Instagram on Wednesday also temporarily locked President Donald Trumps accounts after he repeatedly posted false accusations about the integrity of the election.

A message left with the White House on Thursday morning was not immediately returned.

While some cheered the platforms actions, experts noted that the companies actions follow years of hemming and hawing on Trump and his supporters spreading dangerous misinformation and encouraging violence that have contributed to Wednesdays violence.

Jennifer Grygiel, a Syracuse University communications professor and an expert on social media, said Wednesdays events in Washington, D.C. are a direct result of Trumps use of social media to spread propaganda and disinformation, and that the platforms should bear some responsibility for their inaction.

This is what happens, Grygiel said. We didnt just see a breach at the Capitol. Social media platforms have been breached by the president repeatedly. This is disinformation. This was a coup attempt in the United States.

Trump posted the video more than two hours after protesters entered the Capitol, interrupting lawmakers meeting in an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Trump opened his video saying, I know your pain. I know youre hurt. But you have to go home now.

After repeating false claims about voter fraud affecting the election, Trump went on to say: We cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. He posted his video as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers and the death of at least one person.

Trump has harnessed social media  especially Twitter  as a potent tool for spreading misinformation about the election. Wednesdays riot only increased calls to ban Trump from the platform.

The President has promoted sedition and incited violence, Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive officer of the Anti-Defamation League said in a statement. More than anything, what is happening right now at the Capitol is a direct result of the fear and disinformation that has been spewed consistently from the Oval Office.

In a statement Thursday morning, Trump said there would be an orderly transition on January 20th and acknowledged defeat in the election for the first time. His aides posted the statement on Twitter because his account remained suspended.

More:

Blame for U.S. Capitol violence lies squarely with Trump, former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge says

Rep. Scott Perry, Missouri senator object to Pa. electoral votes, triggering debate

Sen. Toomey refutes Trumps Pa. election allegations after Capitol attack
Sophie Piper shared a stunning bikini snap as she went public with her new boyfriend, six months after she split from her ex-boyfriend Connor Durman.

The Love Island star, 22, took to Instagram on Wednesday as she slipped into a striped bikini by Boohoo while soaking up the sun on her getaway.

Sharing a glimpse into her personal life, Rochelle Humes' younger sister enthused about being at her 'happiest' with her mystery beau as she took part in the social media platform's new photo challenge.

On cloud nine: Sophie Piper shared a stunning bikini snap as she went public with her new boyfriend, six months after she split from her ex-boyfriend Connor Durman

Showcasing her toned figure, the model wowed in the sizzling two-piece, which was styled with a sheer white shirt and a bucket hat.

The media personality uploaded another swimwear shot to her page earlier in the week, which saw her pose up a storm in black lace.

Essex native Sophie went on to tease her followers to a peek at her love life as she posted a video of herself sitting on her new man's lap, alongside the caption: 'You at your happiest: very happy right now'. (sic)

Smitten: The Love Island star, 22, took to Instagram on Wednesday to enthuse about being at her 'happiest' with her mystery beau as she took part in the platform's new photo challenge

Wow-factor: The model uploaded another swimwear shot to her page earlier in the week, which saw her pose up a storm in black lace

'Very happy right now': The former medical PA went on to tease her followers to a peek at her love life as she posted a video of herself sitting on her new man's lap

MailOnline has contacted Sophie's representatives for further comment.

The TV star's social media activity came following her split from Love Island beau Connor, 26, just six months after leaving the villa.

The beauty and the former coffee bean salesman met and fell for each over during the winter version of the ITV2 series in January last year, with the duo said to have taken things slowly once they got home.

However, amid the coronavirus pandemic, it was reported that the pair haven't seen each other since lockdown began and that they never made their romance 'official'.

A source told The Sun: 'Things just fizzled out. They never even went official. It just didnt have a chance to get started because of lockdown and they both agreed it was better to just stay friends.'

When Connor was dumped from the South African villa, the pair vowed to continue their relationship once they got both got back to the UK.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to the family of Mrs Florence Oyiela Sakwa who passed away yesterday while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital.

Mrs Sakwa, a retired teacher, was the mother of the National Youth Service Director General Matilda Pamela Aleyo Sakwa.

In his message of comfort and encouragement, the President mourned Mrs Sakwa as a highly accomplished teacher who contributed immensely to the growth of the education sector in the country.

Mwalimu Florence had a big impact in the education sector as she taught very many prominent personalities. She also ensured that all her children attained the highest level of education, President Kenyatta noted.

Mrs Sakwa, a teacher of English, taught in several schools over the years among them Lwak Girls, Kisumu Technical, Mutuini Secondary School, Dagoretti High and Ofafa Jericho High before retiring.

The President said Mrs Sakwa will be missed by many Kenyans especially the girls and women she mentored.

My deepest condolences to the family, friends and relatives of Mama Florence Sakwa for the loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time of mourning.

It is my prayer that the Almighty God will give you the strength and courage to bear the loss, the President said.
Gardai are investigating the burglary at a property in Clane

Gardai are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred in north Kildare in which three masked men armed with knives broke into a mans home.

The victim of the crime arrived at the property in Clane, Co Kildare, at 9pm where he was confronted by the armed gang who threatened him with a knife.

The gang had broken into the property when the man, who is understood to be aged in his 20s, was not at home.

Sources said that the gang escaped with a substantial four figure sum of cash following the raid.

The investigation is being led by officers based at Naas garda station.

Gardai are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred at approximately 9pm on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at a residence in Clane, Co Kildare, a garda spokesman said.

Its reported a sum of cash was taken. No injuries to persons or damage to property was reported.

No arrests have been made to date. Investigations are ongoing, he added.

Senior sources say detectives believe the home invasion in Clane is not linked to two other recent horrific aggravated burglaries in Co Kildare.

This seems to be the work of a different crew, a source told the Herald.

On New Years Eve, a 92-year-old man and his 89-year-old wife were terrorised in their Newbridge home when a gang of up to five masked men stormed their home.

It is understood that more than 8,000 in cash was stolen in the shocking incident in which the gang ransacked their home.

Detectives are investigating whether the same gang who carried out the Newbridge crime are also responsible for a similar burglary that happened in Athy, Co Kildare, on December 18 last, in which a 70-year-old man was badly assaulted and the criminals escaped with onlyaround 100.

No arrests have been made in either of these cases.

Meanwhile, in a completely separate investigation being carried out by Naas gardai, officers plan to interview up to 30 people who may have information about a fatal assault on criminal Mark Loughlin (29).

Mr Loughlin was killed in Allenwood South in Co Kildare at around 4am on Sunday.

There have been no arrests yet in the case but sources say that a local man has emerged as a suspect.

Up to 30 people need to be spoken to in relation to what happened in Allenwood and the belief is that this was a row between two different groupings of criminals, a senior source said.

The victim who is originally from Edenderry, Co Offaly, was previously jailed for firing a shot at gardai in June, 2015.

Gardai are treating the discovery of Loughlins body just before 4am as being related to an earlier incident that happened at around 1am.

Online Editors
Late one evening four years ago, Erica Spera, then 25, noticed two bumps blooming in her vaginal area. The discovery alarmed her because, a week earlier, after not having sex for about six months, the New York City comedian twice hooked up with a new partner. Spera believed she was generally on the careful side of the spectrum, landing there in part because, during college, a friend of hers had contracted genital herpes. Shed asked the man if he ever had a sexually transmitted infection, and hed said no. But with nothing to be done about the bumps as she readied for bed, Spera decided to visit a walk-in medical care clinic the next day. When she woke up, the number of bumps had doubled, totaling half a dozen by the time she disrobed for the doctor.

Oh yeah, its genital herpes, Spera recalls the doctor saying evenly. I see it all the time; its not a big deal.

Um, do you have genital herpes? Spera asked, hitting pause on the doctors playlist of nonchalant observances. The doctor said she didnt, and Spera pleaded for some compassion.

Its jarring news to hear, Spera says. I was, like, a mess.

More than one out of every six people between the ages of 14 and 49 have genital herpes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, the commonality of cases does little if anything to mitigate the despair that, for most, comes with a diagnosis. Nor does the fact that genital herpes is about as easy to manage as oral herpes, and outbreaks often number only a few, with decreasing severity and frequency, over a lifetime.

After her diagnosis, Spera endured depression, and her self-confidence tanked. She quickly lost 10 pounds because she thought, You need to be really hot now, or else no man would want to have sex with her. Then, even after questioning the honesty of the guy she slept with  who later tested positive for herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1, one of two types that causes genital herpes  Spera briefly dated him again out of worries over constant rejection on the dating scene. Such emotional carnage is a direct result of social stigmatization of HSV-positive individuals.

Meanwhile, mirroring and potentially exacerbating this harsh, unsympathetic reality today is our cultural response to COVID-19.

I feel like theres some hidden animosity sometimes against people who have COVID, says Dr. Jessica Shepherd, an OB/GYN, womens health expert, and clinical advisor to FemiClear, a company that manufactures genital herpes treatment products for women. As is true of the HSV virus types, Shepherd says someone with COVID-19 could be asymptomatic and infect others, which goes against the narrative that people who spread either the HSV viruses or the coronavirus are generally irresponsible. Shepherd believes the medical community could have done a better job informing the public about the realities of COVID-19, and calls for a PR-type revamp targeting public perception of people with the illness.

A number of COVID-19 victim-blaming cases have turned up in the media, with reports of those victims experiencing shame and isolation, not unlike that often felt by those with genital herpes. One man who wrote a letter to the Charlotte Observer said he experienced victim-blaming twice: upon his initial COVID-19 infection and re-infection. The victim-blaming phenomenon quickly became so disturbing and pervasive  particularly in communities of people of color  that by April the Surgeon General under the Obama administration, Dr. Regina Benjamin, felt compelled to speak out against it. We dont want to blame victims, she told WBEZ in Chicago. One of the things I hope we come out of this entire crisis with on the other end is a little more empathy.

The stigmatization of individuals with genital herpes dates back decades. In a fear-mongering 1982 Time cover story, genital herpes was labeled Todays Scarlet Letter. Since then, publications like The Atlantic and Slate have attempted to right that wrong, respectively categorized the stigma as overblown in 2014 and, last year, identifying the virus as a generally harmless skin condition that happens to sometimes be spread sexually. Vice even published a 2016 expose charging big pharma with generating and promoting herpes stigma in the 1970s to sell new medications for its treatment  a propaganda campaign that eventually led to the garish Time cover.

Still, in spite of those more recent articles, as well as stigma-busting efforts from groups like The STI Project, which was founded in 2012, the negative image of people with genital herpes is so profound it inhibits the medical communitys ability to track it. The CDC does not recommend widespread screening of the virus because theres a high rate of false-positive tests and the risk of shaming and stigmatizing people outweighs the potential benefits.

The amount of grief that Ive heard from folks is so disproportionate to what the virus actually is, says Ella Dawson, a 28-year-old Brooklynite whos among the leading voices of advocacy for people living with genital herpes. Ive heard stories of people who self-harm or consider suicide, and its just so unfair.

Among the more under-discussed outcomes of a genital herpes diagnosis, Dawson says, is the fact that many settle into abusive relationships. In such scenarios, Dawson characterizes the virus as a bargaining chip that supplies the abuser with a reason to oppress their partner.

Because people with STIs are struggling with so much shame, theyre also more likely to isolate themselves and keep it a secret, Dawson adds, and then that isolates you from folks who might be able to spot that youre in an unhealthy relationship and help you.

There are more fortunate stories of people with genital herpes finding love, and developing a healthy, caring relationship, however. Josh Zuege, a 36-year-old produce clerk living in Firestone, Colorado, a town 30 miles north of Denver, was diagnosed with the virus three years ago. Though he was dealing with other personal issues around the same time, he says the revelation was so stressful that hes certain it played a role in an eczema outbreak that consumed an entire hand. Eventually, he adopted a more positive outlook  on his diagnosis and on life in general. Hes had just two genital herpes outbreaks since his diagnosis, and came to realize that the only significant change the virus would have on his life would be added difficulty in dating. He no longer felt like a hopeless case.

You just gotta find someone who doesnt care about certain things, they just care about you, Zuege says. That comes with getting to know somebody.

Hes now living with a woman, the first sexual partner he had after his diagnosis. Theyve dated for two years, and he says theyre building a life together. Naturally, Zuege was nervous about informing his girlfriend of his status, but she took it in stride, which was a tremendous relief to him. He believes theyre so sympatico because they took things slow after meeting, getting to know each other as friends before becoming sexual. Though they have unprotected sex, Zuege says his girlfriend has shown no symptoms of genital herpes.

If that sounds surprising, it shouldnt. According to a chart produced by Adrial Dale, founder of Herpes Opportunity, assuming that intercourse is not occurring during an outbreak, the unprotected sex transmission rate of genital herpes from male to female is just 10 percent. (Its only four percent going the other way.) Added measures like daily medications, condom use, and tracking of outbreak symptoms lowers those rates even more.

With such low transmission frequency, why is the virus so pervasive? Because people dont talk about it, and theyre not willing to disclose [their status] to partners, Dr. Shepherd says. She observes that many people with the virus worry about rejection, due in large part to the social stigmatization surrounding those who are HSV-positive. Both points were born out in an August 2020 nationwide survey of women aged 18 to 55, performed by FemiClear. The resulting data showed that 28 percent of respondents with genital herpes said they are not telling their sexual partners about their condition beforehand. Fifty-eight percent of respondents said they would not be intimate with someone who has the virus, exhibiting just how culturally deep-seated the stigmatization remains.

Count Erica Spera among the growing number of advocates working to change that. After pulling herself out of depression, she founded a support group for people with genital herpes and, later, co-created a podcast, Shooters Gonna Shoot, where she openly discusses dating with the virus. Ella Dawson recently tweeted that listening to Speras stories is such a goddamn relief, adding that its rare to find clever people who arent sex educators just talking openly about dating and herpes jokes and how weird shit is.

As the world sees a brightening light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, perhaps there will be less anxiety about COVID-19, and more civil, productive discussions about how to treat those with easily transmissible viruses. As Dawson observes: Its a real opportunity to show your best or your worst self.

Shes somewhat optimistic the former version of people will show up, eventually, after the pandemic, in their approach to those with genital herpes.

I think that folks are learning to have conversations about protection and behavior and what risks are you taking and have you gotten tested, she says. That will help normalize some of the risk and harm reduction and behaviors in conversations that weve been so uncomfortable having.

Herpes stigma might still be widespread, but in light of COVID-19, says Dawson, an advocate now for one quarter of her lifetime, all of a sudden people are speaking my language.

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The post Why Is Herpes Stigma Still a Thing? appeared first on InsideHook.
Genomic testing has confirmed a casual cleaner at a Brisbane hotel quarantine site was infected with a more contagious strain of COVID-19 originating from the United Kingdom, as authorities rush to trace her movements across the city.

Visits to hospitals, aged care, disability and correctional facilities across the city have been restricted after the cleaner, a woman in her 20s who worked a shift at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane's CBD while unknowingly infectious, became the first locally acquired case of COVID-19 in 113 days.

The woman is believed to have been infected at the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Credit:Matt Dennien

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has also called for a boost to federal hotel quarantine help in the wake of the case, with one person describing strict protocols among staff at the hotel  where genomic testing had detected the UK strain among four guests who had been previously diagnosed.

Addressing the media on Thursday morning, where she also announced a child in hotel quarantine had also been confirmed with the virus overnight, Ms Palaszczuk flagged the issue of federal assistance ahead of Friday's national cabinet meeting.
NEW DELHI (AP)  As the coronavirus tears through India, night watchman Sagar Kumar thinks constantly about getting vaccines for himself and his family of five amid critical shortages of shots in the country. But even if he knew how to get one, it wouldnt be easy.

The good news is that one of the staff members was very, very quick-thinking, and was able to grab and secure the Electoral College ballots and bring them with her to this location, Duckworth said in a phone interview. So we have them with us, and we will be able to proceed as long as Mitch McConnell calls us back into session.
Vietnams development outlook is set to be formulated over the next few weeks when the 13th National Party Congress takes place in Hanoi,

with the role of the private sector in the economy to be further enhanced, creating a fairer playing field for enterprises across all economic sectors.

Vietnams most important political event of 2021, the National Party Congress, will see its 13th edition take place over a week from January 25 in the capital.

Its main duties consist of discussing and approving the political report, adopting Vietnams Socioeconomic Development Plan for the next five years and Socioeconomic Development Strategy for the next 10 years, amending Party statutes, and most importantly, electing the new Party Central Committee.

The newly-elected Party Central Committee will then convene its first plenum to elect the Party general secretary, the Secretariat, and head of the Committees Inspection Commission and its members.

The draft of documents to be discussed by the National Party Congress will cover vital issues for socioeconomic development over the next decade. Overall, they envision the countrys roadmap for the countrys development until 2030 and beyond.

In the draft, Vietnams aspirations for further development for more prosperity and happiness are determined. This is one of the vital highlights in the drafts, reflecting the high expectations of people, said Nguyen Viet Thong, general secretary of the Central Theory Council.

Overall, Vietnam aims by 2030 to become a developing nation with a modern industrial sector and a high middle-income level, as well as a modern management institution. It is expected that by 2045, Vietnam will become a high-income country.

Private sector advances

Thong said that in a bid to accelerate economic restructuring, the congress draft stresses that it is a must to restructure the system of enterprises in the economy, develop the Vietnamese business community, and boost the link between foreign-invested and domestic enterprises.

According to the draft report by the Central Party Committee on summarising the implementation of the 2011-2020 Socioeconomic Development Strategy, and formulating the 2021-2030 Socioeconomic Development Strategy, the Party stressed that the Vietnamese private sector must be strongly developed qualitatively and quantitatively, effectively, and sustainably, and be turned into a really important impetus for national economic development.

All obstructions and prejudice must be removed, while all favourable conditions must be created for the private sector to develop. The sector must be supported in innovation, technological modernisation, human resources development, and labour productivity improvement, the draft report stated. Major economic groups with strength and regional and international competitiveness are encouraged for development. Efforts are to be made to see at least two million operational enterprises which can create 60-65 per cent of GDP by 2030.

In Vietnam, the private sector creates up to 40 per cent of GDP, over 50 per cent of economic growth, 30 per cent of the state budget revenue, and 85 per cent of the labour force.

Vietnam currently has nearly 800,000 operational enterprises, of which about 98 per cent are of small or medium size. According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), in 2020, there were nearly 135,000 newly-established enterprises, with total registered capital of over VND2.23 quadrillion ($97 billion), employing more than a million labourers. This was down 2.3 per cent in the number of registered enterprises, but up 29.25 per cent in registered capital.

In fact, the Party in 2017 issued Resolution No.10-NQ/TW on developing the private sector into an important impetus of the socialist-oriented market economy. According to many economic experts, Resolution 10 is an enlightening resolution for the private sector, handing it a clear, equal legality with other backbone state economic blocks.

Noticeably, entrepreneurial spirit spreads widely in society and the robust development of the private economy in some industries such as construction, processing, manufacturing, automobile, air transport, and finance and banking has shaped powerful and potential national brands for Vietnam.

According to the GSO, more than 3,000 innovative startups are in operation and many of them are very successful.

Ongoing investment selection

The country will continue shifting attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) from quantity to quality, with high added value, and effectiveness and high technology considered the biggest priority in the countrys policy of attracting this type of capital.

Effectiveness in wooing foreign investment cooperation must be increased, with selection and priority of projects with advanced technology and modern governance and high innovation, and especially having big spillover effects to and connection with domestic businesses, the draft report read.

Vietnam is now drafting a new strategy for luring such investment for the years to come. According to drafters, this strategy is a roadmap for Vietnam to woo new-generation FDI, in a bid to further economic growth for until 2030.

Professor Nguyen Mai, vice head of the State Committee for Cooperation and Investment, which is now the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), told VIR, It is time for us to not only be interested in both registered and disbursed FDI, but also interested in directing it to the sectors prioritised for development in Vietnam, so that it can better serve national socioeconomic development.

While talking about Vietnams success stories in luring global big groups such as Samsung, LG, Intel, GE, Mitsubishi, and Panasonic, World Bank experts said that despite the stories, Vietnam should seriously reconsider its FDI attraction methods, in order to determine sectors prioritised for foreign-invested projects, especially in the current context that Vietnam wants to upgrade its economy and seize opportunities brought about by Industry 4.0.

Experts have been talking too much about Vietnams need to lure FDI with high added value, but they have failed to specify what sectors will have such investment. Thus the new attraction strategy must specify this, said Simon Bell, senior consultant on investment policies from the World Bank, adding that this is one of the biggest challenges for not only Vietnam, but also for many nations that have succeeded in luring FDI in the first stage. The challenge is how to determine the sectors in need of such funding with feasibility and expectations.

Based on its studies, the bank has specified a series of new priority sectors for FDI attraction, such as high-quality metal, minerals, high-tech electronic spare parts, innovative and high-tech agriculture, and high-quality tourism services.

Besides this, Vietnam can in the short term focus the attraction of FDI into the sectors of manufacturing original technology and equipment, automobile equipment, and environmental tech. Longer term, priorities should be placed on production of pharmacy and healthcare, financial services, financial technology, IT services, and intellectual services.

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said that Vietnam must seize opportunities from the ongoing shift of FDI flows amid the health currency.

The government has established a special taskforce to welcome the new FDI wave as directed by Resolution No.50-NQ/TW dated August 20, 2019 on orientations to perfect institutions and policies as well as improve the quality and efficiency of foreign investment cooperation activities to 2030, he said. Vietnam has become a safe destination for investment, trade, and tourism. We need to attract more FDI, with a focus laid on major multinational corporations with high technology and leading supply chains and value chains. We also need to formulate a specific set of criteria for wooing them at any price.

According to the MPI, Vietnam has so far lured over $383 billion worth of registered FDI for over 33,000 projects. From January until December 20, 2020, the total of newly-registered, newly-added, and capital contribution and stake purchases in FDI hit $28.5 billion, down 25 per cent on-year. Total disbursement in the period was nearly $20 billion, down 2 per cent on-year.

The 13th National Party Congress will discuss and adopt documents vital to national construction and development, including: - The draft political report, which is the central report of the event - The draft report on summarising the implementation of the 2011-2020 Socioeconomic Development Strategy, and formulating the 2021-2030 Socioeconomic Development Strategy. - The draft report on assessing the results of the implementation of 2016-2020 socioeconomic development tasks, and orientations and tasks for socioeconomic development for the 2021-2025 period. - The draft report on summarising the construction of the Party and implementation of the Partys regulations for the 12th National Party Congress tenure.

Khoi Nguyen (VIR)

Private sector, non-State enterprises to be placed at heart of 10-year development strategy Enterprises, organisations and individuals have been called on to contribute to Vietnams draft socio-economic development strategy for the next 10 years.

A 44-year-old man, reeling from a failed pathology lab business, posed at different times as assistant professor at AIIMS, Delhi, an advisor in Niti Aayog and a paediatrician to cheat people and seek favours at government facilities, the Delhi Police said on Thursday after arresting him.

Identified as Devender Kumar Mishra, the arrested suspect had allegedly been using a host of fake identifies for nearly a decade until a tip-off from an army officer landed him in the Delhi Polices net on Tuesday.

Shibesh Singh, additional commissioner of police (crime branch), said Mishra would sometimes pose as a joint secretary with the health ministry and other times as an assistant professor at AIIMS. He would also allegedly pose as an advisor to the Niti Aayog and as a paediatrician with a hospital in Madhya Pradesh, the state to which he belongs.

Once he posed as a senior bureaucrat to recommend an arms licence for a man in Uttar Pradesh, in lieu of money. On another occasion, he opened a clinic in Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, said the additional CP.

Bhism Singh, deputy commissioner of police (crime branch), said at the clinic, Mishra put up a board saying he had degrees in paediatrics from AIIMS and joined hands with a nurse to provide medical services.

There were occasions when Mishra would pose as a joint secretary to stay at army messes and receive facilities meant for high-ranking officials, said the DCP.

Mishra would allegedly claim to be a visiting faculty to different medical colleges. He used all these impersonations to promise people help with transfers and jumping the queues at hospitals for surgeries and other treatments. He would dupe people of money in this manner, said the DCP.

The multiple hats that Mishra donned was what finally did him in, the police said.

On December 28, we received an email from an army officer who found it suspicious that a man could hold so many different positions, ranging from an assistant professor to a joint secretary and a doctor to Niti Aayog advisor, said DCP Singh.

On Tuesday, the police arrested him from Panchkuian Road in Central Delhi.

The police said the man is a trained lab technician. He ran a lab in Rewa in Madhya Pradesh two decades ago. In Delhi, he opened a blood collection centre in east Delhi in 2008, but it soon wrapped up and he began perpetrating this fraud, the officer said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Supporters of President Donald Trump violently gained access to the U.S. Capitol building, physically pushing past police in an effort to disrupt Congressional certification of the 2020 presidential election on Wednesday.

Thousands of people gathered in Washington D.C. in an effort to challenge the certification of the election that the president has repeatedly said was fraudulent, but without evidence of widespread fraud.

A tweet from a Huffington Post reporter inside the Capitol showed photos of a group who had breached the building carrying a confederate battle flag, and wearing Make America Great Again hats.

Protesters have breached the Capitol. Theyre outside the Senate chamber pic.twitter.com/I021tKliUD  Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 6, 2021

A much larger group rushed past police at the Capitol and gained access to the buildings steps. Congress members and their staff paused the certification process, and were first told to shelter in place and later moved to a secure location, as law enforcement made efforts to lock down the Capitol.

Associated Press video showed the moment the presidents supporters rushed past barricades outside the Capitol building on their way to its front steps.

Instead of condemning his supporters actions disrupting the democratic process, President Trump first took to Twitter to criticize Vice President Michael Pence for not going along with his request to take action against the certification.

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth! the president wrote on the social media site.

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021

Shortly after that tweet, the president again took to social media to call for support to law enforcement.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement, he wrote. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Over an hour after the violence started, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the president would deploy the National Guard and other federal agencies to try to quell the violence.

At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.



We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.  Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) January 6, 2021

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a statement saying she would order a 6 p.m. curfew for the city that would be lifted at 6 a.m. on Thursday.

More than two hours after his supporters broke into the U.S. Capitol building, the president told them to go home, but continued his baseless claims that the election was stolen from him.

I know your pain. I know your hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us, he said. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order.

That video marked a slight change in tone from the presidents comments earlier in the day in which he directly addressed his supporters and called for them to go toward the Capitol building.

Were going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue  I love Pennsylvania Avenue  and were going to the Capitol, he said. Were going to try and give our Republicans, the weak ones because the strong ones dont need any help. Were going to try and give them the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country.

Multiple bipartisan local officials spoke out against the violence.

Among Staten Island officials, City Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) issued one of the strongest statements of the day, describing those who stormed the Capitol as insurrectionists and their actions as sedition.

For generations, the peaceful transfer of power has been a hallmark of our democracy. Today, insurrectionists have staged a coup on our Capitol building, assaulting police and threatening the lives of lawmakers and their staffs, she wrote in her statement.

This is sedition, a dangerous day for our democracy and all that our ancestors have fought for. It is time for everyone who professes to love this country and defend democracy to call for the immediate return to order and civility.

State Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) condemned the members of congress who said they would object to the certification process.

This is insane. The President should condemn this, but he wont, the senator wrote. Every member of Congress suborning this farce today, is responsible for this and should resign! Any cop injured today is on the their head !

This is insane. The President should condemn this, but he won't. Every member of Congress suborning this farce today, is responsible for this and should resign! Any cop injured today is on the their head ! https://t.co/VxGdrKFGlI  Senator Diane Savino (@dianesavino) January 6, 2021

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) is among the legislators who said they planned to object during the certification.

Malliotakis said she and her staff were safe inside the Capitol building thanks to the hardworking Capitol Police officers on duty today. I encourage those who are violently protesting to stand down immediately and abide by the law. This is not who we are.

My staff & I are safe inside the Capitol complex thanks to the hardworking Capitol Police officers on duty today. I encourage those who are violently protesting to stand down immediately and abide by the law. This is not who we are.  Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (@RepMalliotakis) January 6, 2021

When asked specifically about Malliotakis comments about objecting to the certification, Savino said she hopes her Congressional colleagues follow the lead of Mitch McConnell and George Pataki.

Senate Majority Leader McConnell and former Gov. Pataki have voiced their support for the certification of the Electoral Colleges election of Joe Biden that occurred Dec. 14.

Republican Borough President James Oddo referenced the 2003 assassination of City Councilman James Davis at the hands of a gunman inside the City Council Chamber of City Hall.

I was in City Hall when James Davis was (assassinated) and I can hear the gun shots in my head like it happened yesterday, he said. I will take that sound and those emotions to my grave. What I am watching is insane.

I was in City Hall when James Davis was assented and I can hear the gun shots in my head like it happened yesterday. I will take that sound and those emotions to my grave. What I am watching is insane.  Jimmy Oddo (@HeyNowJO) January 6, 2021

City Council Minority Leader Steven Matteo (R-Mid-Island) said what was happening was wrong on every level.

It is putting law enforcement officers in danger and preventing the US Congress from performing its Constitutional duty, he said going on to say he understands frustration about Trumps loss in the Nov. 3 election.

Dozens of legal challenges to the election brought by Trump supporters frustrated with the elections outcome have been turned back by the U.S. court system, and the presidents former Attorney General, William Barr, said there was no evidence of widespread election fraud.

I understand the frustration that so many Americans feel about the Presidential election, Matteo wrote on Twitter. I understand the desire to protest and I support the right of all to peacefully protest.

Whats happening right now at the US Capitol is wrong on every level. It is putting law enforcement officers in danger and preventing the US Congress from performing its Constitutional duty.  Steven Matteo (@StevenMatteo) January 6, 2021

Democratic Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon issued a statement condemning the acts. He described those committing the actors as terrorists.

As Staten Islands chief law enforcement officer, a former member of Congress, but most of all as an American, I find the situation at the US Capitol utterly appalling. These are not protestors, these are terrorists, he wrote.

The disrespect being shown for the law enforcement officers putting themselves in harms way cannot stand. We all must respect the rule of law, and I pray for the safety of all innocent people inside and around the building.

(1/2) As Staten Islands chief law enforcement officer, a former member of Congress, but most of all as an American, I find the situation at the US Capitol utterly appalling. These are not protestors, these are terrorists.  Michael E. McMahon (@StatenIslandDA) January 6, 2021

Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-North Shore) described what was happening in the nations capital as unacceptable, adding violence is never acceptable.

This must stop now, he said. Our democracy and our democratic process is the defining characteristic of our nation and who we are as Americans. The chaos in Washington D.C. is endangering lives and forcefully disrupting our democratic process. What we are seeing unfold right now in our nations capital is fundamentally un-American. There is no excuse for this.

City Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore) condemned the violence, but compared it to violence connected to protests throughout Trumps presidency from his supporters.

This isnt good. Violence will not change the outcome. Assaulting police will not help. It is bad when liberal groups do it, and its bad now. Period, Borelli wrote on Twitter.

This isnt good. Violence will not change the outcome. Assaulting police will not help. It is bad when liberal groups do it, and its bad now. Period.  Joe Borelli (@JoeBorelliNYC) January 6, 2021

In response to a follow-up question, Borelli referenced the violence he, members of his family, and some of his colleagues faced at Trumps inauguration.

At the time, he said a friend was hit with a battery, and one of his staffers was hit with a rock. On Wednesday, he also referenced a limo in Washington D.C. that was set ablaze the same day as the inauguration.

Unfortunately, we see origins of this on the left. When one side breaks norms for years, acts violently, resists the governance of a duly elected president, eventually the other side gets ideas too, he said.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband Robert Vadra has opened up on his desire to enter politics and contest elections after being subjected to grilling by the Income tax department.

Vadra alleged that he was subjected to such treatment because he is related to a prominent political family.

Speaking to IANS in New Delhi on Thursday at his Sukhdev Vihar office, Vadra said, "I am related to a family that has for generations served the people of this country and have even been martyred for the country. I have seen, learnt, campaigned, spent time in different parts of the country and I suppose to fight this kind of dynamic I have to be in Parliament." He said "Obviously now I do feel I have fought this outside for far too long. I have explained myself, cleared myself but this is constant that they trouble me now as I am not in politics. I always kept away from politics because I have my set beliefs." Vadra said he will take the decision at an appropriate time. "When I see a place where people will vote me to represent them and I can make a difference for people in that area and if my family approves of it," he said.

He said that the entire family supports him specially Priyanka on his decisions.

"Priyanka is always supportive. I am talking about the entire family and when they approve of it, I can be in politics and fight my issues in political arena." Vadra has campaigned in elections in Raebareli and Amethi and hoardings came up in Moradabad in his support as he claimed he has spent his childhood in that place and people want him to be there.

He insisted that he is fighting the political battle without being in politics and he was used each time as a "punching bag" whenever the government is in a bind.

While he rejects the accusation of 'benami' property. "These are just rumours and there is nothing against me, there is no basis on which they can say anything like this, they have no clarity on it," Vadra added.

He said that he is a part of a political family and so he has to deal with the other parties. "They too talk about me and people of the country and journalists are interested and want to know our comments." He said all this is "to divert attention from the real issues that government has to face each time. So now the timing is the Covid era, there are economic issues of farmers sitting on protest, committing suicide and you think that we must send some kind of agencies to come and ask me the same kind of questions which I have already answered." "So when there are issues which the government does not want to answer so they think lets divert the issue and put the spotlight on somebody else." He defended himself and claimed that all these accusations had been cleared by the courts.

"I have been cleared by various agencies but every time the timing is significant. I don't say it but everyone says that whenever there are problems I am targeted." Vadra have been at the centre of various controversies and the most recent is the issue of 'benami' property which he has rejected.

While he personally endorses Rahul Gandhi, saying he has all the potential to lead the Congress party but it is the party which has to decide.

"The Congress party is a democratic party, everybody has a voice if the party feels he has potential they will elect him as President," he said on being asked about Rahul coming back as party chief.

On Priyanka Gandhi, he said she is doing her work honestly and people of the country will want her to be more active at the national level. He said that she must be given more time to prove her mettle.

In this Dec. 14, 2020, file photo, California Gov. Gavin Newsom holds up a vial of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center in Los Angeles. With frustration rising over the slow rollout of the vaccine, state leaders and other politicians are turning up the pressure, improvising and seeking to bend the rules to get shots in arms more quickly. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

New York's governor threatened to fine hospitals if they don't use their allotment of COVID-19 vaccine fast enough. His South Carolina counterpart warned health care workers they have until Jan. 15 to get a shot or move to the back of the line. California's governor wants to use dentists to vaccinate people.

With frustration rising over the sluggish rollout of the vaccine, state leaders and other politicians around the U.S. are turning up the pressure, improvising and seeking to bend the rules to get shots in arms more quickly.

Meanwhile, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Wednesday that the government will allow more drugstores to start giving vaccinations to speed up the process. If health workers aren't lining up fast enough, he said, it is OK to expand eligibility to lower-priority groups.

"We need to not be overly prescriptive in that, especially as we see governors who are leaving vaccines sitting in freezers rather than getting it out into people's arms," he said.

As of Wednesday, more than three weeks into the U.S. vaccination campaign, 5.3 million people had gotten their first shot out of the 17 million doses distributed so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While that is believed to an undercount because of a lag in reporting, health officials are still well behind where they wanted to be.

In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, people arrive at Jackson Memorial Hospital to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Miami. With frustration rising over the slow rollout of the vaccine, state leaders and other politicians are turning up the pressure, improvising and seeking to bend the rules to get shots in arms more quickly. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

The slow rollout has been blamed on a multitude of problems, including a lack of funding and direction from Washington, mismatches between supply and demand, a patchwork of approaches by state and local governments, distrust of the vaccine, and disarray created by the holidays.

Across much of the nation, health care workers and nursing home residents are being given priority for the initial, limited supplies of the vaccine at this stage. But pressure is building to let other groups step up. Louisiana began vaccinating older people Monday, while Alaska and Mississippi have given the OK for the elderly to start receiving shots over the next few days. Michigan will begin giving vaccines to seniors and front-line workers such as teachers and police next week,

The U.S. has an estimated 21 million health care workers and 3 million residents of nursing homes and other long-term care centers. The CDC said about 512,000 people in such centers have been vaccinated through a partnership between the government and the CVS and Walgreens drugstore chains.

Government officials over the past few days reported that the number of people receiving shots has accelerated to about a half-million a day, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said the pace could soon reach 1 million or more.

Fauci estimated that between 70% and 85% of the U.S. population will ultimately need to be vaccinated to achieve "herd immunity," a goal he said could be achieved by the start of next fall. That translates to as many as 280 million people.

In this Jan. 4, 2021, file photo, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, right rear, watches as Carlos Dennis, left, 65, rolls up his sleeve so that Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue paramedic, Capt. Javier Crespo, can administer a COVID-19 vaccine shot at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. With frustration rising over the slow rollout of the vaccine, state leaders and other politicians are turning up the pressure, improvising and seeking to bend the rules to get shots in arms more quickly. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Azar announced that in addition to the nursing home program, pharmacies from 19 chains will be allowed to help now with dispensing shots to ease pressure on hospitals, which have been the main vaccine providers so far. More than 40,000 drugstores will eventually be involved, he said.

The pharmacies will still have to follow state guidelines for who gets in line first.

The U.S. death toll, meanwhile, climbed to around 360,000. COVID-19 deaths set another one-day record at 3,775 on Tuesday, though authorities have cautioned that the numbers around holidays can fluctuate dramatically because some health agencies fall behind in reporting cases, then catch up.

Concerns also grew about a new, more contagious variant of the virus. In Southern California, San Diego County health authorities confirmed 24 cases, the biggest known concentration so far in the United States. Cases have also been reported in Colorado, Florida, Georgia and New York.

With cases and hospitalizations also soaring, politicians are getting aggressive in trying to accelerate the vaccination drive. The governors of California, Maryland and North Carolina said they will use the National Guard.

In this Jan. 5, 2021, file photo, Cardiologist Dr. Malcolm Taylor receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination at Phillips Medical Services in Jackson, Miss. With frustration rising over the slow rollout of the vaccine, state leaders and other politicians are turning up the pressure, improvising and seeking to bend the rules to get shots in arms more quickly. (Eric Shelton/The Clarion-Ledger via AP)

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan warned, too, that any facility that has not administered at least 75% of its first doses may have future allocations reduced until they can speed up vaccinations.

While about 270,000 doses have been put directly in the hands of front-line vaccinators in the state over the last three weeks, Hogan said that only about 77,000 people had been inoculated as of Tuesday, or about 1.3% of the state's population.

Gov. Henry McMaster of South Carolina warned that health care workers will lose their place in line if they don't move quickly to get their shots. As of Monday, the state had given out less than half its initial allotment of the Pfizer vaccine to about 43,000 people.

In California, where just 1% of the population was reported vaccinated, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he wants to give providers the flexibility to give shots to people not on the priority list if doses are in danger of going to waste. He also wants to expand the pool of professionals dispensing shots.

The pace had been so slow in New York that Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday threatened to fine hospitals up to $100,000 if they don't finish their first round of inoculations by the end of the week. He also threatened to stop sending the vaccine to hospitals that don't use their share promptly.

In this Dec. 24, 2020, file photo, healthcare workers wait in line to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Seton Medical Center in Daly City, Calif. With frustration rising over the slow rollout of the vaccine, state leaders and other politicians are turning up the pressure, improvising and seeking to bend the rules to get shots in arms more quickly. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

"Move it quickly. We're serious," Cuomo warned. "If you don't want to be fined, just don't participate in the program. It's not a mandatory program."

The delays prompted New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to call for eligibility to be expanded, and on Wednesday he announced a plan to provide shots to 10,000 of the city's police officers by Sunday.

But Cuomo immediately shot down that idea, saying, "We need to get the health care population done first because they are the front line."

Explore further Fauci: US could soon give 1 million vaccinations a day

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Police of Nghi Loc District in the north-central Vietnamese province of Nghe An are searching for a group of four illegal migrants from China.

Local police were informed of the presence of four Chinese nationals in the locale who tipsters say illegally entered Vietnam through the northern border province of Lang Son, according to an official dispatch endorsed by Nguyen Trong Tue, head of public security in Nghi Loc, on Monday.

The Chinese group was said to have stopped in the coastal city of Hai Phong and the north-central province of Quang Binh before heading to the beach town of Cua Lo in Nghe An.

Police of Nghi Loc District asked relevant forces in nearby communes and townships to quickly comb through lodging facilities, hotels, motels, restaurants, eateries, and business premises that hire Chinese workers to search for and detain the illegal migrants.

Monitoring and searches on the connecting roads between villages and communes, as well as cooperation with taxi and xe om (motorbike taxi) collectives to track down the vehicle used by the Chinese group should be heightened, the dispatch stated.

Should the illegal immigrants be detected and detained, regulative measures such as COVID-19 prevention guidelines as well as ID and border entry paperwork checks must be upheld.

The group should be also brought to the local medical clinic for quarantine immediately upon their detection.

Speaking with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Tue said searches underway in communes are simply to verify whether the four Chinese nationals have entered the locale and residents should not be too worried.

Instead, the community should keep upholding the COVID-19 prevention measures, he added.

Since March 2020, border guards of Nghe An Province have detected 189 border jumpers in 99 different cases.

Security along the Vietnamese border has been tightened over the past few days to prevent illegal entries and reduce risks of COVID-19 transmission from border jumpers.

On December 26, the Ministry of Health confirmed four coronavirus cases among a group of six Vietnamese people who sneaked into Vietnam two days earlier through the Vietnam-Cambodia border to avoid mandatory quarantine applied to anyone arriving from outside the country.

The Southeast Asian country has documented 1,505 COVID-19 cases, with 1,353 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to Ministry of Health statistics.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
NEW HAVEN  While more than 16,500 of Yale New Haven Healths front-line workers have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the health care system is receiving only half the amount of vaccine requested, officials said Wednesday.

Otherwise, where we are right now is relatively positive and hopeful for us, CEO Marna Borgstrom said during an online news conference, because the second wave of the pandemic so far does not appear to be spiking as high as in the spring, she said.

Dr. Thomas Balcezak, chief clinical officer for Yale New Haven, gave credit to our communities who are helping us flatten that curve. Unlike the first surge in March and April, this wave has got a smaller total number and is spread out in a flatter way, indicating that in fact the efforts to slow the spread of the virus are working, he said.

Borgstrom said there were 440 COVID-19 patients in the systems five hospitals a month ago, but on Wednesday that number was 332, with 76 in intensive care and 45 of those on ventilators. Yale New Haven Hospital had 160 inpatients, while there were 87 at Bridgeport Hospital, 36 at Greenwich Hospital, 40 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London and nine at Westerly Hospital in Rhode Island.

Yale New Haven has requested 10,000 doses of vaccine each week, according to spokesman Vincent Petrini.

Balcezak said the state allocates about half of that order and, while the first shipments were the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, the health system is receiving the Moderna vaccine now.

He said Yale New Haven received 6,000 does this week, but wed like to see more like 10,000 to 12,000 total doses.

On Tuesday, the first 280 employees who received the Pfizer vaccine received their second dose, 21 days later. The Moderna vaccine requires a second dose 28 days after the first.

Weve sent invitations to more than 33,000 individuals, Balcezak said. Weve scheduled more than half of those folks to receive their first vaccine.  Its really encouraging to see the excitement, the enthusiasm and the emotions that have run so high among our employees and medical staff when theyre getting this vaccine. It really represents for us a light at the end of the tunnel.

Balcezak said about 1,000 staff members per day have received vaccinations, and our goal is to use up all of our doses right up to the moment that we receive our next allocation.

He said some employees have not responded to the invitation to get their shots, but said, I dont think weve seen significant resistance. I think there are pockets of individuals that are waiting to see how others do with regard to getting the vaccine.

Balcezak said staff have been surveyed to determine their reasons for not scheduling themselves, and were debunking those reasons. They include fears that the vaccine could affect fertility or that it is not safe.

A lot of that initial concern is starting to break down and were getting to a tipping point, he said.

The new variant of the virus that has appeared as close as New York state is thought to be more infectious, not any more lethal, but given its infectivity and its increased infectiousness, it represents a risk for us because, as you increase the infectiousness of a virus you can increase its spread and create a logarithmic growth in the number of cases that you may see.

He said hospitals in Connecticut have been working together with the state Department of Public Health and unlike the rest of the country, I think youve seen in Connecticut, we have been vaccinating using all of our supply as soon as we get it.

Balcezak said the health systems scheduling system has prevented vaccine doses from going unused. One of the logistical challenges of both Moderna and Pfizer is that they both require special handling, he said. Neither can be kept in a syringe for more than six hours. There are 10 doses of vaccine in each vial, he said, and at the end of the day, if there are doses left, an on-call list is used to find people to give the vaccine to.

Balcezak labeled as speculation or modeling theories of how to administer the vaccine in different ways than have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration: using two different vaccines on the same patient, forgoing the second dose in order to vaccinate more people or cutting each dose in half.

All three of those things have not been scientifically studied. They have not been part of any clinical trial, Balcezak said. He said the FDA has stated it will not approve any variation in how the vaccines are given.

Borgstrom said the health system, which ended its fiscal year Sept. 30 with a $121 million loss, down from $430 million because of federal assistance, has received an additional $123 million in December but is still operating at a loss.

Balcezak said the health system is testing 4,000 employees per day, and we have a goal to get to 10,000, but that the ability to increase the number of tests is limited by supplies. However, he said, we are seeing less exposure to our employees and less testing demand on our employees.

edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com; 203-680-9382

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Latest on Congress tally of the Electoral College vote won by Joe Biden (all times local):

10:15 p.m.

The Senate has overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.

The objection to the results in Arizona -- spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz -- was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

The Republicans raised the objection based on false claims pushed by President Donald Trump and others of issues with the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials.

___

10:10 p.m.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says a commission to examine the 2020 election is not a proper next step and affirmed that Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, called it a uniquely bad idea to delay this election, referencing the commission idea proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Graham says, Count me out. Enough is enough.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Graham said that if youre a conservative, the idea that Vice President Mike Pence could reverse the results of the election, as President Donald Trump had urged him to do, was the most offensive concept in the world.

___

10 p.m.

Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

___

9:55 p.m.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he is going forward with his objection to the Electoral College results in Pennsylvania despite the violent breach at the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

The Missouri senator said he did not support violence but said the Senate should go forward with a legal process that includes his objections.

Hawley says his objections should be debated peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets. He says he hoped lawmakers would not brush his concerns aside because of the violence earlier Wednesday, including the death of a protester inside the Capitol.

Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

___

9:45 p.m.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump has falsely said there was widespread fraud in the election to explain his defeat and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trumps, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

____

9:15 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

___

9:10 pm.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending 1,000 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials. It comes after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday: For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.s aid.

The presidents supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Trump convinced them that he was cheated out of a victory by rampant, widespread voter fraud, a false claim.

___

8:55 p.m.

Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

___

8:45 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Congress will not be deterred in confirming the results of the presidential election hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Republican leader reopened the Senate late Wednesday vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College for President-elect Joe Biden. It was interrupted earlier in the way when rioters breached the security perimeter and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. One person was fatally shot.

McConnell says demonstrators tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed.

McConnell plans to keep the Senate in session Wednesday to finish confirming the results.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true. He reiterated the claim in a video filmed as his demonstrators were storming the Capitol.

___

8:35 p.m.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.

Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

___

8:20 p.m.

Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation.

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

Obama says it should not have come as a surprise, and that for two months a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth.

He says their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

___

8:10 p.m.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

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7:45 p.m.

The Republican National Committee says it strongly condemns the violence at the Capitol, adding that the violent scenes do not represent acts of patriotism, but an attack on our country and its founding principles.

The RNC is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican political platform. Its statement condemning the violence came hours after Republican President Donald Trump baselessly complained that the election was stripped away from great patriots. He went on to tell them to go home with love & in peace.

The groups communications director, Michael Ahrens, says, What happened today was domestic terrorism.

He says to see the U.S. flag used in the name of unfounded conspiracy theories is a disgrace to the nation, and every decent American should be disgusted by it.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens victory over him, citing false claims of voter fraud. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people."

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7:40 p.m.

Former President Bill Clinton says the attack on the U.S. Capitol was fueled over four years of poison politics and lit by President Donald Trump.

Clinton said in a statement Wednesday night that the riot at the Capitol resulted from a combination of deliberate disinformation that created distrust in the system and pit Americans against one another.

He wrote, The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost.

His wife, Hillary Clinton, lost a bitter election to Trump in 2016 and conceded to him immediately. Trump has refused to accept his defeat by Democrat Joe Biden in November and is trying to cast him as an illegitimate president.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

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7:20 p.m.

A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, later deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!"

State House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw said Evans will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.

He said he has not spoken to Evans yet about his involvement.

The delegate from Wayne County said in a statement later on Facebook that he was heading back to West Virginia and was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history.

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6:55 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will resume the Electoral College proceedings once the Capitol is cleared of pro-Donald Trump protesters and safe for use.

Pelosi said she made the decision Wednesday in consultation with the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the vice president, who will preside.

She noted the day would always be part of history, but now it would be as such a shameful picture of our country was put out into the world.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

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6:45 p.m.

Dozens of pro-Trump protesters remain on the streets of the nations capital in defiance of the curfew imposed after rioters stormed the Capitol.

The mostly maskless crowd was forcibly removed from the Capitol on Wednesday after breaking into the building and halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were pushed out of the immediate area and moved down the hill, where they taunted law enforcement and moved barricades.

Police said anyone found on the streets after the 6 p.m. curfew would be arrested. Officers in full riot gear with shields lined the streets near the U.S. Capitol.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said their debate on affirming Biden's victory would continue after the Capitol was secured.

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6:40 p.m.

The head of the nations largest union of flight attendants says people who took part in the violent protest at the Capitol must be banned from flying.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said in a statement Wednesday that some of the people who traveled in our planes (Tuesday) participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today.

She says, Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area. Acts against our democracy, our government and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.

Nelson and the union endorsed President-elect Joe Biden over President Donald Trump before the November election.

Trump supporters on a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Washington heckled Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, the lone Republican senator to vote to oust Trump after he was impeached. On an American Airlines flight from Dallas, a large contingent of Trump supporters got in an angry yelling match with other passengers after one of the presidents supporters projected Trump 2020 on the cabin ceiling and walls.

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6:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is blaming President Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection at the Capitol.

Romney, the GOPs 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of Trump's, said the violent breach of the Capitol on Wednesday was due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months.

The Utah senator said those who continue to support Trumps dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy.

Romney ridiculed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans who want an audit of the election results: Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the president will continue to claim the election was stolen.

The simple truth, Romney said, is that President-elect (Joe) Biden won this election. President Trump lost.

6:10 p.m.

Former President George W. Bush says he and his wife, Laura, are sickened and heartbroken over the mayhem in Washington and have watched in disbelief and dismay as events unfolded.

Bush said the assault on the Capitol on Wednesday and the disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting to affirm Democrat Joe Biden's victory was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

The Republican said in a statement that he is appalled by what he described as reckless behavior by some political leaders since the election and the lack of respect for U.S. institutions, traditions and law enforcement.

Bush addressed those who are disappointed by the election result, saying, Our country is more important than the politics of the moment.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting. They fought with officers both inside the building and outside.

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6:10 p.m.

A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died.

Thats according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

 By AP writers Michael Balsamo and Colleen Long

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5:50 p.m.

Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

The occupation interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations around the Capitol complex and Washington, D.C. after thousands of Trump supporters breached the building and skirmished with police officers.

Lawmakers have signaled that they would resume the constitutionally mandated count as soon as it was safe to do so.

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5:45 p.m.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam have issued a curfew for two inner suburbs of northern Virginia as authorities sought to gain control after rioting at the U.S. Capitol.

The curfew applies from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday in Arlington County and the city of Alexandria, which are across the Potomac River from the nations capital. The curfew coincides with a similar order in the District of Columbia.

Northam said he issued the order at the request of local officials.

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson confirmed that the city requested the curfew. He tweeted, Lets keep our community safe in the face of the terror we have seen across the River today."

Virginia sent local and state police to the District to provide aid. Violating the curfew is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail.

The curfew was imposed barely an hour before it was to take effect.

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5:40 p.m.

Police are using tear gas and percussion grenades to begin clearing pro-Trump protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington.

Police donned gas masks as they moved in Wednesday evening with force to clear protesters from the Capitol grounds shortly before a curfew took hold. In the moments before, there were violent clashes between the police and protesters, who tore railing for the inauguration scaffolding and threw it at the officers.

Police used tear gas and percussion grenades to break up the crowd, which began dispersing.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police said at least one person was shot inside the Capitol; their condition was not immediately known.

The districts police chief said at least 13 people were arrested, and five firearms had been recovered during the pro-Trump protests on Wednesday.

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HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CONGRESS' TALLY OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTE

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power, forcing lawmakers to be rushed from the building and interrupting challenges to Joe Biden's Electoral College victory. Trump issued a restrained call for peace but did not call on his supporters to leave.

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HERE'S WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON:

5:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Ben Sasse is directly blaming President Donald Trump for the storming of the Capitol by huge, angry crowds of pro-Trump protesters.

The Nebraska lawmaker and frequent critic of Trump said Wednesday evening that the Capitol was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard  tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution.

Sasse says in a written statement, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The protesters broke into the building as Congress was beginning the formal process of certifying the electoral votes that gave Democratic President-elect Joe Biden a victory over Trump in November. Vice President Mike Pence has the ceremonial role of overseeing that certification and resisted Trump efforts to pressure him to overturn the election results.

Trump has continued to fallaciously claim that the voting was marred by fraud and that he actually won. Earlier Wednesday Trump addressed a huge crowd of protesters outside the White House and urged them to gather at the Capitol.

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5:25 p.m.

The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.

5 p.m.

The police chief of Washington, D.C., says pro-Trump protesters deployed chemical irritants on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.

Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. One civilian was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behavior of the Trump supporters was shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful. She says, There will be law and order and this behavior will not be tolerated.

Metropolitan police have been sent to the Capitol, and authorities were coming in from Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey to help out. The National Guard was also deployed, as were Homeland Security investigators and Secret Service.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

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4:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump, in a video message, is urging supporters to go home but is also keeping up false attacks about the presidential election.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trump opened his video, saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said, we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. The statement came as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

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4:37 p.m.

Business Roundtable, an influential group representing U.S. companies, is calling on President Donald Trump and other officials to end the protests at the U.S. Capitol and begin a peaceful transition of power.

The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, the Roundtable said in a statement Wednesday. The country deserves better.

The Roundtable represents some of the most powerful companies in America including Walmart, Apple, Starbucks and General Electric.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win.

He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he repeated his false claims that Biden had won the election through voter fraud.

He urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength. The Capitol went into lockdown after its security perimeters were breached and protesters entered the building.

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4:35 p.m.

At least one explosive device has been found near the U.S. Capitol amid a violent occupation of the building by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

That's according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Thousands of supporters of the president occupied the Capitol complex as lawmakers were beginning to tally the electoral votes that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Vice President Mike Pence has called on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than Trump, who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

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4:10 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden also demanded President Donald Trump to immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence that he described as an unprecedented assault as pro-Trump protestors violently occupy U.S. Capitol.

Bidens condemnation came after violent protesters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elects victory in the November election.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:05 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than President Donald Trump who merely called for his supported to "remain peaceful."

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, "This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Pence, long a loyal aide to the president, defied Trump earlier Wednesday, tell him he didn't have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. Trump had publicly called on Pence to overturn the will of the voters, but Pence's constitutional role in the process was only ceremonial.

Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Trump later issued a restrained call for peace but did not ask his supporters to disperse.

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4 p.m.

The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the city's armory. The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.

The officials said the D.C. request for National Guard was not rejected earlier in the day. Instead, according to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military in a law enforcement role at the Capitol. As a result, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Hoffman said the law enforcement response to the violence will be led by the Justice Department.

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3:55 p.m.

The top Democrats in Congress are demanding that President Donald Trump order his supporters to leave the Capitol following a chaotic protest aimed at blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a joint statement on Wednesday after violent protesters stormed the Capitol. They said, "We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately."

Trump earlier encouraged his supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to "remain peaceful," but he did not call for them to disperse. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he repeated his false claims that President-elect Joe Biden had won the election through voter fraud.

He urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to "get rid of the weak Congress people" and saying, "get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength."

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3:50 p.m.

The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trump's supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that "At President @realDonaldTrump's direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services."

She added, "We reiterate President Trump's call against violence and to remain peaceful."

Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.

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3:40 p.m.

Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on President Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters angry about his election loss.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he spoke with the president earlier Wednesday and told him to make a statement to "make sure that we can calm individuals down."

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that "it is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down."

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey told The Associated Press that while he sympathizes with the protesters' position, they shouldn't get violent, and it would be "nice" if Trump called on them to "protest in a peaceful way in an appropriate spot, where you belong, where you should be."

Many Republicans had backed Trump's false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to "call it off."

"This is Banana Republic crap that we're watching right now," said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College vote.

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3:37 p.m.

Supporters of President Donald Trump got into a angry shouting match with other passengers on a Washington-bound American Airlines plane after they projected a "Trump 2020" logo on the cabin ceiling and walls.

The Trump supporters said a passenger threatened to kill them, and there was yelling back and forth. A flight attendant intervened, telling one passenger in the aisle to sit down.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night after American's flight 1291 from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport landed at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., and was taxiing to the gate.

The scene was posted on Twitter by Maranie Staab, a Portland, Oregon-based independent journalist who says on her website that she focuses on human rights and social-justice issues.

"Our team is reviewing this incident," said American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing. "We applaud our outstanding crewmembers for their professionalism in de-escalating a tense onboard situation and getting our customers to their destination safely."

American said law enforcement was not called, and that passengers deplaned and dispersed without further incident.

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3:35 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from supporters of President Donald Trump who are protesting Congress' formal approval of President-elect Joe Biden's win.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Biden's presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

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3:30 p.m.

One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.

That's according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Biden's presidential win. Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

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3:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is encouraging supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to "remain peaceful," but he is not calling for them to disperse.

As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, "No violence!" adding: "Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue."

But Trump did not ask supporters to vacate the area as the unrest continued.

Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol  at one point even suggesting he would join them. He is upset that he lost the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and has falsely claimed voter fraud to explain it away.

He also urged his supporters to "get rid of the weak Congress people"  presumably through primary challenges  saying, "get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength."

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3:15 p.m.

A Defense Department official says Washington, D.C., has requested an additional 200 National Guard members as supporters of President Donald Trump violently clash with law enforcement at the Capitol.

That request is currently under review at the Pentagon to determine how the Guard can respond to support law enforcement.

According to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military at the Capitol. Instead, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Officials said the request for more National Guard has not been rejected.

Trump had urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress' formal approval of President-elect Joe Biden's win. Several Republican lawmakers backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

___

3:10 p.m.

Pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump to condemn supporters who are violently clashing with law enforcement on Capitol Hill.

Among those urging Trump to act: his former communications director, Alyssa Farah, who tweeted that Trump should "Condemn this now."

She says, "you are the only one they will listen to. For our country!"

Dozens of people have breached security perimeters at the Capitol, forcing the lockdown of the building and halting the vote to certify Joe Biden's presidential victory.

Trump has so far offered a single tweet asking his supporters to "Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!"

His former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted: "The President's tweet is not enough. He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home."

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, also addressed Trump supporters in a tweet, calling them the "patriots challenging the fraudulent election" and telling them that "POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY."

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3 p.m.

Protesters backing President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Biden's victory in the November election.

Trump urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress' formal approval of Biden's win. Several Republican lawmakers have backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Protesters are now inside the Senate chamber. One got up on the dais and yelled "Trump won that election."

Several dozen are roaming through the halls, yelling, "Where are they?"

Some were also in the visitors' galleries.

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2:50 p.m.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid skirmishes by supporters of President Donald Trump

Pro-Trump protestors breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, violently clashing with law enforcement as lawmakers were gathered inside to formalize President-elect Joe Biden's victory in November's presidential election.

Law enforcement instructed lawmakers to retrieve masks from under their seats amid the clashes. The Capitol building was placed on lockdown, as Trump supporters marched through evacuated public spaces in the building.

After egging on protests, Trump tweeted to his supporters to "stay peaceful" as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

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2:47 p.m.

After egging on protests, President Donald Trump tweeted to his supporters to "stay peaceful" as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

"Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement," Trump tweeted, as tear gas was deployed in the locked-down Capitol. "They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!"

Trump at a rally earlier Wednesday encouraged his supporters to head to the Capitol.

"We're going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and we're probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them," Trump said.

___

2:45 p.m.

Lawmakers are being evacuated from the U.S. Capitol after protesters breached security and entered the building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other senators were led out, escorted by staff and police on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the House were also being evacuated. Both chambers had been debating the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the Electoral College.

The skirmishes came shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

Protesters could be seen marching through the Capitol's stately Statuary Hall shouting and waving Trump banners and American flags.

Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

___

2:40 p.m.

The mayor of Washington, D.C., has ordered a curfew in the nation's capital beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday after protestors seeking to overturn the election results stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the order as protestors supporting President Donald Trump breached the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting to formally count the electors that will make Joe Biden president on Jan. 20.

The order extends through 6 a.m. Thursday.

The skirmishes came shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

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2:30 p.m.

Protesting supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol.

There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and the debate over the electoral count was suspended.

A representative from the Capitol police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told lawmakers to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.

House Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern of Massachusetts told the crowd that the House expected to go back into session soon. Meanwhile, members milled around the floor and looked at their phones.

Reporters and others outside the chamber were told to go their seats inside and not leave.

The skirmishes came just shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

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2:20 p.m.

The Senate has recessed its debate over an objection to the results of the Electoral College after protesters forced police to lock down the building.

Reporters were told to stay in the Senate's press gallery as the doors were locked.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol's steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

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2:20 p.m.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz says American "democracy is in crisis" with polls showing that large numbers of voters "believe the election that just occurred was rigged."

Cruz, a Republican, objected to the certification of election results in Arizona, saying the Senate has a responsibility to acknowledge the profound threat posed by widespread disbelief in the legitimacy of the election.

He called for the creation of a commission to conduct a 10-day "emergency audit" to investigate any irregularities, citing a similar commission created after the 1876 presidential election.

Cruz urged lawmakers not to "take the easy path, but instead act together" and create a "credible and fair tribunal. Consider the claims, consider the facts, consider the evidence and make a conclusive determination whether and to what extent this election complied with the Constitution.''

___

1:55 p.m.

The U.S. Capitol Police are evacuating some congressional office buildings due to "police activity" as thousands gather outside the Capitol to protest the electoral vote.

Police told congressional staff members they should evacuate the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress. It wasn't immediately clear what specifically sparked the evacuation.

A police spokeswoman did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

Thousands of people have descended on the U.S. Capitol as Congress is expected to vote to affirm Joe Biden's 2020 presidential win. Videos posted online showed protesters fighting with U.S. Capitol Police officers as police fired pepper spray to keep them back.

Rudy Giuliani, acting as President Trumps attorney, reportedly left a voicemail meant to be sent to Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville in an attempt to get the senator to stall Congress from certifying the Electoral College results but instead left the message on another senators phone, according to a report published Wednesday night.

Giuliani, the former New York City mayor who represented the president in his failed legal challenges to the election results in several states Trump lost, left a voicemail meant for Tuberville around 6 p.m., urging the senator to object to the Electoral College results in 10 states, the Dispatch reported. Giuliani advised Tuberville to act, according to the publication, to bide time for Giuliani to come up with proof of election fraud.

So if you could object to every state and, along with a congressman, get a hearing for every state, I know we would delay you a lot, but it would give us the opportunity to get the legislators who are very, very close to pulling their vote, particularly after what McConnell did today, Giuliani said in the voicemail obtained by the Dispatch.

Except Giuliani did not dial Tuberville, as he had thought. The message was left with another senator, who passed along the voicemail to the Dispatch.

And it appears that Tuberville did not get the message. As the joint session of Congress resumed Wednesday night, no senators objected to several states that Trump wanted to contest. Subsequently, the objections failed and the electoral votes were awarded to President-elect Joe Biden.
F our people have died after Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol in a bid to stop the certification of Joe Biden's election victory.

A woman was shot by police and three others died as a result of "medical emergencies, officials said.

So far, more than 52 people have been arrested - 47 of them for curfew violations.

It came as a riotous mob, who have been condemned as domestic terrorists, pushed through police barricades before smashing into the iconic Capitol building.

Trump supporters storm US Capitol

Some besieged the House of Representatives chamber while lawmakers were inside, banging on its doors and forcing suspension of the certification debate.

Security officers piled furniture against the chamber's door and drew their pistols before helping lawmakers and others escape.

The woman shot by police as not yet been named by officials, but officials earlier said she was a civilian.

President-elect Joe Biden denounces Capitol Hill violence

Washington DC Metropolitan Police earlier said five guns, including handguns and long guns, been seized.

Two pipe bombs were recovered from the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national committees, as well as a cooler from a vehicle on Capitol grounds that contained Molotov cocktails.

Pro-Trump supporters storm US Capitol 1 /43 Pro-Trump supporters storm US Capitol U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol AP Police officers use pepper spray on pro-Trump protesters during the clashes REUTERS U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol AP An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington REUTERS A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber Getty Images Smoke fills the walkway outside the Senate Chamber as supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by U.S. Capitol Police officers inside the Capitol AP A supporter of US President Donald Trump struggles with a riot policeman after the protester pushed a line of police outside the Capitol building AFP via Getty Images People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol AP Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by U.S. Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol AP Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier AP Supporters of President Donald Trump puts water in his eyes after U.S. Capitol Police deployed a chemical agent outside of the U.S. Capitol AP Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, AP Police keep a watch on demonstrators who tried to break through a police barrier AP Donald Trump President Donald Trump speaks at a rally AP With the Washington Monument in the background, people attend a rally in support of President Donald Trump near the White House AP Demonstrators break TV equipment outside the the U.S. Capitol AP Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, REUTERS Police confront supporters of President Donald Trump as they demonstrate on the second floor of the U.S. Capitol near the entrance to the Senate after breaching security defenses, in Washington REUTERS Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump clash with police officers in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington REUTERS Law enforcement officers push back against supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump attempting to enter U.S. Capitol during a protest against the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress REUTERS Protesters clash with Capitol police during a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress REUTERS Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol AP U.S. President-elect Joe Biden clasps his hands in prayer as he speaks about the violent protests in and around the U.S. Capitol in Washington REUTERS A supporter of President Donald Trump carries a Confederate battle flag on the second floor of the U.S. Capitol near the entrance to the Senate after breaching security defences in Washington, REUTERS Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump cover their faces to protect from tear gas during a clash with police officers in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington REUTERS Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they push barricades to storm the US Capitol AFP via Getty Images A supporter of US President Donald Trump wears a gas mask as he protests after storming the US Capitol AFP via Getty Images Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol AFP via Getty Images Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Vice President Mike Pence talk before a joint session of the House and Senate convenes to count the Electoral College votes cast in November's election, at the Capitol in Washington AP The House Chamber is empty after a hasty evacuation as protesters tried to break into the chamber at the U.S. Capitol AP Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington AP Damage is visible in the hallways in the early morning hours after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington AP Congress staffers barricade themselves after Trump supporters stormed inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC AFP via Getty Images Tear gas is released into a crowd of protesters during clashes with Capitol police at a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress, at the U.S. Capitol Building REUTERS Congress staffers hold up their hands while Capitol Police Swat teams check everyone in the room as they secure the floor of Trump suporters in Washington, DC AFP via Getty Images A supporter of US President Donald Trump wears a gas mask and holds a bust of him after he and hundreds of others stormed stormed the Capitol building AFP via Getty Images Congress staffers barricade themselves after Trump supporters stormed inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC AFP via Getty Images A pro-Trump protester carries the lectern of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi through the Roturnda of the U.S. Capitol Building after a pro-Trump mob stormed the building Getty Images Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest in the US Capitol Rotunda AFP via Getty Images A pro-Trump mob gathers inside the Senate chamber in the U.S. Capitol after groups stormed the building Getty Images Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol AP Members of the Oath Keepers are seen among supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol during a protest against the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress REUTERS Getty Images

Some 14 police officers were injured and two were rushed to hospital.

Protesters were last night being moved away from the Capitol after a citywide curfew began at 6pm (11pm UK time).

Officials confirmed that the Capitol Building has been made secure after the dramatic scenes, which president-elect Joe Biden described as a siege.

The Senate later continued debating the certification of Mr Bidens presidency.

A pro-Trump mob confronts US Capitol police outside the Senate chamber / Getty Images

On the chaotic scenes Mr Biden said US democracy was under unprecedented assault," adding: "its not a protest, its an insurrection".

Donald Trump made a recorded statement, telling the demonstrators to go home. However, in the clip he told his followers that the results of the election were fraudulent, and he feels their pain".

Police struggled for more than three hours after the invasion to clear the Capitol of Trump supporters before declaring the building secure shortly after 5.30 pm (11.30pm UK time).

The assault on the Capitol was seen as the culmination of months of divisive and escalating rhetoric around the November 3 election, with Trump repeatedly making false claims that the vote was rigged and urging his supporters to help him overturn his loss.

The chaotic scenes unfolded after Mr Trump - who before the election refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he lost - addressed thousands of supporters near the White House and told them to march on the Capitol to express their anger at the voting process.

Riot police prepare to move demonstrators away from the US Capitol in Washington DC / AFP via Getty Images

He told his supporters to pressure their elected officials to reject the results, urging them "to fight."

Mr Trump came under intensive fire from some prominent Republicans in Congress, who put the blame for the dayas violence squarely on his shoulders.

"There is no question that the President formed the mob, the President incited the mob, the President addressed the mob. He lit the flame," House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney said on Twitter.
Patients and healthcare providers at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre rated virtual care during COVID-19 as highly satisfactory overall for quality of care and convenience, while at the same time saving patients millions in costs.

Research led by Princess Margaret Radiation Oncologist Dr. Alejandro Berlin showed that virtual care can be implemented rapidly and safely across a highly-specialized and high-volume cancer centre. Eighty (80) per cent of patients reported they were either very satisfied or satisfied with it, citing convenience as a main factor, with 72 per cent of physicians reporting similar satisfaction with it.

Moreover, 64 per cent of healthcare providers and 85 per cent of patients indicated that the quality of care was comparable or better than the in-person model of care. Sixty-six per cent (66%) of respondents in both groups - patients and physicians - were either very likely or likely to recommend virtual care for future appointments.

The overall cost savings for 22,085 patients studied during the research study period between March 23, 2020 and May 22, 2020 was more than $3M ($3,085,274.00CAD) - potentially $18M for one year.

Study findings are published in JAMA Oncology, January 7, 2021.

"The surprising result of implementing virtual care almost overnight were the impressive benefits for our patients and clinicians," says Dr. Keith Stewart, Director, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Vice President, Cancer, University Health Network and one of the study authors

"With these findings, a new normal emerges which includes virtual care as a feasible and important part of care for many patients. They will help guide the transformation of telemedicine in the post COVID-19 era, firmly establishing virtual care as a standard option that we can offer appropriate patients."

Virtual care was developed and launched at Princess Margaret 12 days after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared on March 11, 2020.

This was done to protect patients from preventable exposure and to minimize the impact of infection control measures and concerns about availability of personal protective equipment for patients and staff.

Four days after the digital solution supporting virtual care was launched on March 23, 2020, more than 50 percent of outpatient clinic visits had shifted to virtual care, consisting of either video or telephone calls.

By one month after the March 23 start date, outpatient clinic volumes (in person and virtual) were restored to pre-COVID-19 levels - about 3,900 clinic visits weekly.

In total, from March 23, 2020 to May 22, 2020, 22,085 virtual visits by phone or video took place, accounting for an average of 68 per cent of the daily clinic visits.

Importantly, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy on-site visits, along with metrics for safety and timeliness of cancer care remained stable throughout the study, comparable to the pre-COVID-19 period.

"The shift to virtual care, helped ensure that patients needing in-person visits, such as those receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments could continue, while decreasing traffic and facilitating physical distancing on premises," explains Dr. Berlin.

"It enabled our high-volume centre to take care of all our patients during an unsettling and uncertain time - without compromising on either the safety or quality of care."

Institutional and province-defined quality standards of cancer care - such as safety incidents and referrals seen within 14 days - were tracked throughout the study, and beyond, and no changes were observed.

"Virtual care became a safety net for patients," says Dr. Berlin, who is also an Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto. "It was reassuring for patients during the uncertainty of COVID-19. Their care team was still there for them, but in a different way.

"For the future, we aim to examine what criteria - in addition to clinical - make this a good or even preferred option for select patients."

Dr. Berlin describes several factors that contributed to the success of the project, including:

A sense of urgency to complete a well-defined and clearly communicated goal (a shift of more than 50% of visits to virtual care) that is high impact for patients and clinicians,

An agile design and implementation approach, relying on existing software, and continuous feedback which was folded back into new iterations,

Involvement of many stakeholders, including front-line staff, to map out "pain points" and work flows,

A tightly-knit, multi-disciplinary team - from engineering design to patient and family input - which pulled together seamlessly to respond to the unprecedented challenge.

"We went broad and bold because of the needs of the moment," says Dr. Berlin.

"This was a huge effort on the part of everyone at Princess Margaret," he emphasizes. "Behind every patient call or video was a clinician committed to continuity of care for our patients. Working behind the scenes of every appointment there was a whole team with varied expertise.

"It was heart-warming for our patients. What came through our surveys is that patients felt supported, cared for, and comforted as uncertainty continues to be the norm.

"Patients could focus on what was most important to them - their health."

###

This work was supported by funds from The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

About Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
A Mississippi woman is facing a federal indictment for allegedly driving her 16-year-old relative under false pretenses to Texas and selling her for sex in exchange for $300.

Madison Murphy, of Starkville, Mississippi, is being held on suspicion of child sex trafficking stemming from the incident that took place last summer.

According to federal court records, Murphy had lured her underage relative to Texas by pretending she was taking her to a modeling job, then handed her over to a pimp who instructed her to perform sex acts on a male client.

Madison Murphy is facing federal child sex trafficking charges for allegedly luring her 16-year-old relative to North Richland Hills, Texas, for sex with a john (stock photo)

After allegedly being threatened with violence if she told anyone about what happened, or refused to meet with additional johns for sex, the teen contacted the local police and was rescued from a motel room in suburban Fort Worth.

Federal documents obtained by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram recount how Murphy placed ads online featuring photos taken from her young relative's Instagram account, and advertised her services as a sex worker.

Murphy did not have to wait long for responses to start coming in because of her relative's youthful looks, the documents stated.

According to information presented during a detention hearing last September, in June 2020, Murphy got in contact with a pimp and then convinced her 16-year-old family member to travel with her to Texas, ostensibly for a modeling gig. The woman also took her younger sister along for the ride.

Murphy, her sister and the victim arrived at a Motel 6 in North Richland Hills, Texas, on the night of June 23, and within an hour the 16-year-old was informed that she needed to get ready for a sexual encounter with a john.

Murphy, her sister and the teen then drove to a home in Fort Worth, where they met up with the pimp, according to the records.

The 16-year-old was rescued from a Motel 6 by police after allegedly being threatened by a pimp (stock image)

The 16-year-old girl was then taken to another address, where she performed sex acts on a man and was paid $300, which she later handed over to the pimp's girlfriend.

After being taken back to the motel, the victim said the pimp threatened to kill her if she refused to go on more 'dates' with clients that he had lined up for her.

When she was left alone in the room, the teenager called 911 and summoned police.

During an interview with a detective following her rescue, the 16-year-old was quoted as telling him: 'I'm not doing this anymore.'
There will be almost half a million doses of Covid-19 vaccines in Ireland by the end of March, the minister for health has said.

This includes a combination of 350,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 110,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine, with hopes high that the AstraZeneca vaccine and a further vaccine from Johnson & Johnson could be approved soon too, boosting supplies further.

The latter comes in a single dose and is easier to apply, Stephen Donnelly told RTE radio, adding that by the end of February, he anticipated that all nursing home residents and staff along with frontline workers will have been vaccinated.

The minister also defended the pace of the vaccination programme on Newstalk.

Were not slow. Were moving at the same pace as the rest of Europe.

"Irelands approach was that the only constraint would be the arrival of the vaccine, he said.

The situation in the country was now very serious he told Morning Ireland. There were 921 people in hospital with Covid-19  89 of them in critical care. The UK variant was now in the country at a serious level across all parts of the country.

The arrival of the UK variant made it difficult to model and project when the peak will come, he said: The plan is not to run out of ICU beds.

That was why extra measures had been introduced. Under surge capacity plans there would be 350 ICU beds with a further 50 in private hospitals, if necessary, he added.

Read More Daniel McConnell: Every vaccine delay means an extra week of business and school closures

The message remained for people to stay at home, said Mr Donnelly.

He also noted it is the government's 'absolute intention' that the Leaving Cert exams will go ahead as planned.

That is despite the 'very serious' risk posed by Covid-19. But, he said, the public health advice is that schools are safe, but people moving to and from them is not.

Mr Donnelly said that he had sought advice specifically from the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan on the opening of schools.

He said that advice says that children appear protected from the virus and that the opening of schools in August had "no discernible" effect on the increase of cases.

Mr Donnelly said that there was "ongoing contact" with teaching unions with regard to the plan to open schools to Leaving Cert students for three days a week.

He said it was education minister Norma Foley's "absolute intention" that the Leaving Cert go ahead in its traditional format, rather than a return to the predicted grades that were used for the class of 2020.
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PM should talk directly to protesting farmers; Govt has lost trust of entire farming community: Harsimrat

India

pti-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Jan 07: A day before the government's eighth round of talks with protesting farm unions, SAD leader and former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said the Centre has lost the trust of the entire farming community and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should directly talk to agitating farmers.

Expressing her anguish over the pain of farmers, Badal, leader of the ruling BJP's erstwhile ally, said, "It is strange that farmers are spending nights in open during the chilling winters and even then their demands are falling on deaf ears."

In an interview to PTI, Badal who resigned from Union Cabinet in September last year when the three farm bills were being passed in Lok Sabha, said what farmers have gone through in last six-seven weeks, is the same what she went through when she was a Union Minister.

"...To avoid the situation which has arisen now and the protest, I kept pleading for months, whether it was in cabinet meetings or in direct meetings with top leaders of the central government that please listen to farmers before bringing these three bills as they are 'annadaatas' of the country, otherwise it would lead to agitations and protests. But my all pleas fell on to deaf ears," she said.

Asking who will be held responsible for deaths of farmers during the protest, Badal said the Centre has lost the trust of farmers across the country. "Farmers are dying at the doorstep of the central government while protesting for their demands. Who will be responsible for deaths of 'annadaatas' of the country?" Badal said.

Supreme Court expresses concern over massive gathering of farmers during COVID-19

Talking about the ongoing meetings between protesting farmers and Centre, Badal said after seven rounds of meetings nothing concrete has come out. "After several rounds of meetings if ministers are unable to resolve the farmers' issues then Prime Minister Narendra Modi should directly talk to protesting farmers," Badal said.

She also attacked the Congress-led Punjab government and state chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh and said he has failed to fulfill his responsibility as guardian of the state and its people.

"Both the central and state governments are equal partners in this crime against farmers. While farmers were sitting on dharna, the Chief Minister of Punjab was having fun in his farmhouse. Captain Amarinder Singh has miserably failed to fulfil his responsibilities as chief minister of Punjab and as guardian of its people," Badal said.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal was Union Food Processing Minister in the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and resigned when the bills were taken up for passage in Lok Sabha.

Her husband and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal had announced her resignation in the lower house while participating in the debate on the three farm bills. Days later, SAD also moved out of the ruling NDA breaking its decades-old alliance with the BJP.
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Tata Motors Ltd is quoting at Rs 197.95, up 1.31% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 8.44% in last one year as compared to a 18.21% spurt in NIFTY and a 19.25% spurt in the Nifty Auto.

Tata Motors Ltd is up for a fifth straight session in a row. The stock is quoting at Rs 197.95, up 1.31% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.49% on the day, quoting at 14215.3. The Sensex is at 48359.31, up 0.38%. Tata Motors Ltd has risen around 8.88% in last one month.

Meanwhile, Nifty Auto index of which Tata Motors Ltd is a constituent, has risen around 1.87% in last one month and is currently quoting at 9379.55, up 0.98% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 340.75 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 564.58 lakh shares in last one month.

The benchmark January futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 200.1, up 2.14% on the day. Tata Motors Ltd is up 8.44% in last one year as compared to a 18.21% spurt in NIFTY and a 19.25% spurt in the Nifty Auto index.

The PE of the stock is 0 based on TTM earnings ending September 20.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amazon, one of the world's tech giants, is reportedly working on a new Alexa-enabled device that can help detect and track sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous sleeping disorder.

Amazon's Sleep Apnea Tracker

According to Business Insider, the device is small, around the size of your palm, and will not require any contact as you can place it on your nightstand and it will work as a contactless sleep apnea tracker, based on what their sources said, who are people familiar with the device.

A prototype is reportedly being developed, which looks like a standing hexagonal pad, according to one of the sources.

The tool has been internally codenamed "Brahms," which they believe is in reference to the German composer Johannes Brahms, who is well-known for composing "Lullaby," and who some experts believe to have suffered from sleep apnea himself.

Brahms will be mainly using a millimeter-wave radar that can track the user's sleeping and breathing patterns.

Subtleties in the user's movements that are attributed to sleep apnea will also be detected.

Read More: Amazon Buys 11 Boeing 767-300 Jets to Boost Delivery Network: The Plan is to Have 85 Planes by 2022

What We Know So Far

Little is known about the device, but people familiar with the matter said that it will most likely connect to other devices, specifically smartphones, and will have a dedicated app where users can track their breathing patterns while they are sleeping.

Moreover, it may also send notifications through the app in case it has detected that the user has stopped breathing due to his or her condition.

According to The Verge, it seems like the company is planning to use cloud technology and machine learning to help understand more sleep disorders besides sleep apnea, and it also seems like the company has grown its team focusing on the sleep tracking device over the past year.

Furthermore, Business Insider has also seen an internal document stating that the company is expanding its scope to bring cloud and application-development in-house.

This is compared to when they were relying on external teams within Amazon.

Nevertheless, it is unclear when the device will be launched, and when the news outlet reached out to Amazon, the company did not comment.

The Growing Sleep-Tracking Industry

If it does launch, the company is set to face against an industry of sleep-tracking devices, and it's also not the first time radar is being used to track sleeping patterns since it has been around for years.

For example, Nintendo had announced a "non-wearable" device back in 2014 that could help people track their sleep through radio waves.

However, the company later said that they are unsure whether the device would be a viable product, so it ended up never being released to the public.

Moreover, OnePlus has also announced a concept phone they are developing that will be using mmWave radar to help monitor user's breathing, and with big companies like Apple, Samsung, and even Xiaomi acquiring startup companies that focus on sleep-tracking and health, Amazon's upcoming Alexa-enabled device might face tough competition.

Nevertheless, it's really not that surprising, especially as 360 Research Reports rather recently said that the global market for sleep-tracking devices will reach $43.5 billion in size by 2026.

Related Article: Apple Fitness+ Could be the Next Powerhouse Fitness App: Could It Compete With Peloton App?

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Written by: Nhx Tingson

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

My sister, from Edinburgh Scotland, visited my home in West Kelowna, during Remembrance Day ceremonies 2018., paying respect to our Canadian men and women who gave their lives for there country.

Now 2021, my sister who lives in Edinburgh Scotland is dying of cancer and I cannot visit her because of the lockdown rules and stay-home policies that our government has laid out, but it seems that the politicians who were the ones who set these rules, these lockdown rules, can go visit and go vacationing in the sun while the rest of us are forbidden to travel and told to stay home

They are being allowed to resign which is totally wrong, they should be fired and charged for breaking there own guidelines and rules. The talk right now and it is valid, is that there seems to be one one set of rules for them and another set for us.

Thomas James McLuskey, Veteran.
Slamming President for inciting violence at the US Capitol, all four living former US presidents -- Barack Obama, George W Bush, and Jimmy Carter -- have condemned the actions of pro-Trump rioters and underlined the need for a peaceful transfer of power.

The statement of Obama and three former presidents came hours after thousands of pro-Trump rioters on Wednesday stormed the US Capitol, interrupting a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were set to certify President-elect Joe Biden's win.

History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation. But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise, Obama said in a lengthy statement.

For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth that this was not a particularly close election and that President-elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20, he said.

"Their fantasy narrative has spiralled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo, Obama said.

In the November 3 presidential election, Biden, a Democrat won 306 Electoral College votes while Trump, a Republican, mustered only 232 votes.

Obama said, Right now, Republican leaders have a choice made clear in the desecrated chambers of democracy. They can continue down this road and keep stoking the raging fires. Or they can choose reality and take the first steps toward extinguishing the flames. They can choose America."



The former president said he was heartened to see many members of Trump's party speak up forcefully today.

Their voices add to the examples of Republican state and local election officials in states like Georgia who've refused to be intimidated and have discharged their duties honourably. We need more leaders like these right now and in the days, weeks, and months ahead as President-elect Biden works to restore a common purpose to our It's up to all of us as Americans, regardless of party, to support him in that goal, he said.

In a separate statement, former US President said he and the former First Lady watched the scenes of "mayhem unfolding at the seat of our nation's government in disbelief and dismay".

It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic not our democratic republic. I am appalled by the reckless behaviour of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement, he said.

The violent assault on the Capitol and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes. Insurrection could do grave damage to our nation and reputation, Bush said.

In the US, he said, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law.

"To those who are disappointed in the results of the election: Our country is more important than the of the moment. Let the officials elected by the people fulfil their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety," Bush said.

According to former US President Bill Clinton, the "unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country" was fuelled by more than four years of "poison politics" spreading deliberate misinformation, sowing distrust in the system and "pitting Americans against one another".

"We must reject today's violence, turn the page and move forward together honouring our Constitution, remaining committed to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, he said.

Carter, also a Democrat, said he was "troubled" by the day's events in the US Capitol.

"This is a national tragedy and is not who we are as a nation," he said. "Having observed elections in troubled democracies worldwide, I know that we the people can unite to walk back from this precipice to peacefully uphold the laws of our nation, and we must.

"We join our fellow citizens in praying for a peaceful resolution so our nation can heal and complete the transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries."



Former Secretary of State and First Lady, Hillary Clinton, said "domestic terrorists" attacked a foundation of American democracy: the peaceful transfer of power following free elections.

We must reestablish the rule of law and hold them accountable. Democracy is fragile. Our leaders must live up to their responsibility to protect it, she said.

Former Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush alleged that Trump provoked the disgusting events at the Capitol.

He has gone from creating chaos to inciting insurrection. Mr President, accept your defeat, go home to Florida and let our elected officials do their jobs and rebuild confidence in our democracy, he said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Dec. 18 declaration of the new Yemeni Cabinet sparked a wave of hope among Yemenis and signaled a significant stride toward peace, at least, in Yemen's south. Unexpectedly, the sense of optimism plummeted when three blasts hit Aden International Airport as the new Yemeni Cabinet arrived from Riyadh on Dec. 30. The southern separatists and the UN-recognized government signed a Saudi-sponsored peace deal in November 2019 to form a unity government.

The explosions left more than 20 people dead and over 100 wounded; no one has claimed responsibility so far. The attack was a powerful alert that challenges facing the new Yemeni government are formidable.

At present, the government is in Aden amid tight security measures. It has a variety of problems to address; the economic collapse is among the urgent issues that are of grave concern to all Yemenis.

Six years of war have culminated in dire economic conditions across Yemen. Millions of people suffer from food insecurity and famine is looming. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on the economy as the national currency has kept losing its value against the dollar. Prior to the war breakout in 2015, one US dollar was equivalent to 240 Yemeni rials. Lately, the Yemeni rial fell to as low as 900 per dollar. Simultaneously, the prices of food commodities soar nonstop amid rare job opportunities and unpaid salaries.

The fighting has fragmented the country, and it has spread misery nationwide. On Dec. 19, civilians staged a protest in the government-controlled Taiz city, demanding immediate measures to tackle the plunging currency and the rising poverty. The Houthi-controlled population keeps silent, but silence is not an indicator of welfare  but fear of the crackdown.

The population in the south and north have no adequate access to basic services. This reality prompted the World Bank in December to endorse a $303.9 million grant to Yemen to enhance access to essential services and boost economic prospects. Nonetheless, these attempts to help Yemen do not seem capable of creating a drastic economic change.

In view of the current turmoil, it is unlikely that the new government will be competent to address economic issues in a few weeks or even months. The spokesman for the UN secretary-general, Stephane Dujarric, said in December, Next year [2021], more than half of all Yemenis will go hungry, and we expect 5 million people to be living just one step away from famine 

Although the road to sustainable economic recovery is teeming with several obstacles at this critical time, the new Cabinet asserts that it will overcome all hurdles and deal with this challenging situation. Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed said in a statement Dec. 19, We are aware that the challenges are enormous, but we will bravely confront them.[We have] a clear plan and agenda on how to deal with current challenges.

Wafeeq Saleh, an economic analyst focusing on Yemen's economy, told Al-Monitor that the Yemeni government can lead an economic recovery to mitigate people's suffering. However, this cannot happen without efficient action plans. Saleh said, The government needs to have proper economic policies and practical programs to stem the economic collapse through activating all the government institutions and the resumption of exports such as oil and gas.

Moreover, accountability over revenues is an urgent need. Saleh added, The revenues of customs and taxation should be deposited into the Central Bank in Aden. Plus, austerity measures need to be adopted in to order to rationalize expenditures, fight all forms of corruption and address any issues in the revenue-generating institutions.

Since September 2016, Yemen's public employees have not received their salaries regularly, which has left millions of families exposed to harsh living conditions. Saleh emphasized the need for the regular payment of public employees' wages. I think the government will be able to fulfill its financial obligations toward citizens and improve the level of services as long as it operates [from within Yemen], activates all revenue institutions and fights the rampant corruption, he noted.

Civilians in Yemen have shown conflicting sentiments toward the return of the government to Aden. Some Yemenis exhibit hope that better days are coming while others are still skeptical about the government's success, particularly at the economic level.

Fawaz Ahmed, a resident in Aden, told Al-Monitor that he is optimistic about the new Cabinet's arrival in Aden. We will not worry about infighting in this city because the Southern Transitional Council and the government have finally agreed to accept each other. This will lead them to concentrate on economic issues instead of focusing on fighting one another.

Ahmed believes that the south will be stable and civilians will move smoothly in the southern provinces without the fear of being caught in clashes or being stuck at security checkpoints. When this happens, the transportation of people and goods will be easier, and business will improve, he added.

Mohammed al-Samei, a Yemeni journalist in Taiz, said that the new Yemeni government will not quickly handle all economic issues. He told Al-Monitor, The government, for example, cannot resolve the currency crisis unless it receives a new Saudi deposit in addition to resuming oil and gas exports. This will provide the public budget with the hard currency, leading to boosting the Yemeni rial.

Samei ruled out that the government will soon be capable of regularly paying the employees' salaries or providing adequate services such as health, water and electricity. For this to happen the government needs more time. Also the war should stop and the conflicting sides should reach a peace agreement, he noted.

Now Yemen's new UN-recognized government is no longer in exile in Riyadh, and it closely observes the ordeal of the people at home. It remains to be seen if the government's presence on Yemeni soil would make a difference in Yemenis' lives.

A second nationwide drill to test the countrys preparedness for conducting a mammoth vaccination drive is set to be conducted on Friday across 737 districts in 33 states and Union Territories, days after Indias drug regulator gave its clearance for two Covid-19 vaccines.

Fridays drill will be the largest undertaken in the country so far. A dry run was carried out in just eight districts on December 28-29. The first countrywide drill covering 74 districts was held on January 2.

The lessons learnt from the earlier exercise will be made use to execute another dry run. Whatever was lacking earlier has been rectified, and will be tested in Fridays dry run, Union health minister Harsh Vardhan told states and Union Territories in an online meeting on Thursday.

Vardhan, who faced questions about the timeline for receiving vaccine shots at the meeting, added: It [supply of vaccines] is in works, and we will intimate you [states/UTs] all soon as we are moving towards the final stages of vaccination in the country.

His remarks came on the day the Union health ministry said in a communique that states and UTs are likely to receive the first supply of Covid-19 vaccines shortly and asked them to remain prepared to accept the consignments.

Indias drug regulator on January 3 approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the indigenously developed Bharat Biotech vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country. Officials have indicated that vaccination drive will begin in the second week of January.

Fridays mock drills are another attempt to test the infrastructure and the logistics that will play a major role in immunising the country of 1.3 billion people, and familiarise district- and block-level officials on all aspects of Covid-19 roll-out.

The exercise will also involve testing the Co-WIN digital platform that will be the backbone of the Covid-19 vaccine delivery management system. The app will be used to provide real-time information on vaccine stock, cold storage status and help coordinate the dates and venue for vaccination with recipients.
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.
Updated at 12:32 ET on 01-07-2021

Bangladeshi officials said Wednesday that the governments installation of barbed-wire fencing around Rohingya camps  to confine the stateless refugees from Myanmar to their settlements in Coxs Bazar  was almost complete and would be finished by June.

Authorities have completed nearly 80 percent of the controversial project to erect 142 kilometers (88 miles) of fencing around the sprawling refugee camps in Coxs Bazar district, according to information from officials.

The barbed-wire fence would keep the Rohingya safe and secure and would also deter their criminal activities, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said Wednesday.

The government launched the project in December 2019, saying it was needed to boost security and reduce crime in the border region next-door to Myanmars Rakhine state. More than 1 million Rohingya refugees are sheltering at camps and settlements in southeastern Bangladesh.

The Rohingya people have been fleeing from different camps. They have been spreading across the country, even though our law and enforcement agencies have been trying to stop them, Khan told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service, after presiding over a Dhaka meeting of a committee on law and order at the refugee camps.

They are refugees. They must live within the camps. They cannot go out. The government is building the barbed-wire fencing around the camps so that the Rohingya can stay inside the camps with safety and security, he said.

Khan said the fence would also prevent the refugees from participating in illegal activities.

We at the meeting have discussed the criminal activities of the Rohingya. If the barbed-wire fencing is built, we can contain the criminal activities in and around the camps, the minister said.

The army has already put up 111 km (69 miles) of fencing around refugee camps in Ukhia and Teknaf, both sub-districts of Coxs Bazar, Home Ministry spokesman Sharif Mahmud said.

The rest of the fence will be finished by June this year, Mahmud told BenarNews.

The committee also decided Wednesday that the government would set up a police station at Bhashan Char, a remote Bay of Bengal island where the government has relocated nearly 3,500 Rohingya refugees from mainland Coxs Bazar, Mahmud said.

Separately, a Rohingya photographer, Abul Kalam, who was arrested last week for suspected involvement in an attack on a local magistrate and a camp administrator in May 2020, was released from jail in Cox's Bazar on Wednesday after a court granted him bail two days earlier.

The photographer was arrested as he took pictures of fellow Rohingya boarding buses as they relocated to Bhashan Char.

On Wednesday, Kalam said he had not even heard of any assault on local officials last May.

I feel happy after returning to my family members. But I am feeling insecure at this camp, he told BenarNews. I was not tortured.

Fencing Counterproductive

Most of the refugees live in 34 camps in Coxs Bazar, including more than 740,000 who escaped a brutal crackdown in Rakhine state that began in August 2017.

Restrictions like barbed-wire fencing are counterproductive, could alienate the refugees and set the stage for greater insecurity and conflict in southern Bangladesh, the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based NGO, said in a December 2019 report.

One refugee at a Coxs Bazar camp said he didnt mind a fence around the camps, but he did mind that some of his compatriots were being called criminals.

We are grateful to Bangladesh for giving us refuge. We have nothing to say if the government builds barbed-wire fencing, Rahmat Ullah, a resident of Balukhali camp, told BenarNews.

But the government should not think we are criminals. The Myanmar military has committed genocide against our community.

A Rohingya woman and child sit on a beach in Selangor after entering Malaysia illegally via boat from Indonesia, Jan.6, 2021. [Photo courtesy Selangor Fire and Rescue Department]

Rohingya illegally enter Malaysia from Indonesia

Meanwhile on Wednesday, authorities in Malaysia detained more than 30 Rohingya who entered the country illegally by boat from North Sumatra province in neighboring Indonesia, a police source told BenarNews.

The 35 Rohingya included 17 women, eight men, seven boys, and three girls, the source added.

They are believed to have sailed from Bagan Asahan near Tanjung Balai in Medan, Indonesia. By the time they were apprehended, the boat they came in was long gone, said the police official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.

Many of the nearly 400 Rohingya refugees who landed in Indonesias Aceh province last June and September have family members in neighboring Malaysia, Rima Shah Putra, of humanitarian group Geutanyoe Foundation, told BenarNews.

Malaysia has always been the destination for them, Lilianne Fan, chairperson of the Rohingya Working Group for the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network, told BenarNews.

All those who arrived in Aceh last year intended to come to Malaysia originally, because most of them have relatives there. They only ended up in Aceh because they were not allowed to disembark in Malaysia or Thailand, Fan said.

In Thailand, local media reported that immigration police on Monday had arrested 18 Rohingya in Bangkok who were illegally brought in from Rakhine state.

And in Myanmar, police arrested around 100 Rohingya on Wednesday after a raid at a residence in Yangon, police confirmed to the Reuters news agency.

Police didnt give a reason for the arrest, but Myanmar often detains Rohingya for illegal travel when they try to leave their home state of Rakhine, the agency said.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
Vietnamese rice, particularly the popular ST25, is highly appreciated by the international community, photo Le Toan

Nguyen Quang Hoa, director of Duong Vu Co., Ltd.  one of the largest exporting and processing companies in the Mekong Delta province of Long An  described to VIR the details of another successful year for the company, with export volume of nearly 300,000 tonnes worth nearly $100 million.

The exact figures are not yet available but they are much higher than last year. The companys key export markets are the Philippines and China, and in 2021 we will continue to expand our customer base in these two countries, Hoa said.

Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development show that, as of the end of 2020, the rice export quantity of Vietnam saw a light decrease of 2.5 per cent from 6.37 million tonnes in 2019, but still reaped a record export turnover of over $3 billion, up from $2.81 billion in the previous year. The average selling price of rice is approximately $490 per tonne, up 12.7 per cent on-year.

Pham Thai Binh, general director of Trung An Hi-tech Farming JSC, said that the increase in selling price came from an improvement in quality and lack of supply around the world.

Vietnam has an advantage in having three crops a year while other countries including Thailand and Cambodia can only muster one or two crops, and actually ran out of rice from around September, according to Binh. Meanwhile the market demand for rice is still on an uptrend, especially in the Philippines, the largest rice export market for Vietnam. The demand will continue to climb as there is a general tendency of stocking up, Binh said.

Standing behind India, Thailand is the second-largest rice exporter in the world  however, it has been difficult to maintain momentum due to unfavourable weather conditions, increase in the valuation of its currency, general fierce competition, and current trends in giving up rice cultivation.

In addition, the import tariff on rice that the Philippines applies on countries in ASEAN is 30 per cent while the tariff applied on countries outside the bloc is 50 per cent, giving us an edge over global competition, Binh said.

Improving the quality is deemed the key reason in pushing up prices. Instead of providing low-cost rice in the past, farmers and exporters are proactively in offering high-end rice to the worlds hardest markets, including South Korea and Europe.

For example, the Vietnamese ST25 rice was awarded the second prize at the Worlds Best Rice Contest 2020, which took place within the framework of the 12th World Rice Conference in the United States in December via videoconference.

Vietnamese rice has been the winner of top prizes in international competitions for four consecutive years, and ST25 rice has added to that. Indeed, many foreign partners have expressed their admiration for the countrys efforts to introduce Vietnamese brands to the wider international market, said Ho Quang Cua, known as the father of ST25 rice.

The General Statistics Office forecasted that rice export turnover has numerous market space for growth, with a projected average increase by 15-20 per cent in valuation from now to 2025.

Free trade potential

Although the countrys export turnover saw a hike, the largest export destinations are still traditional markets such as China and the Philippines. Numerous rice processing and trading enterprises, including those operating outside the sector, are dreaming about taking advantage of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). However, it may not be easy to immediately enjoy benefits from these deals.

Indeed, even Hoa from Duong Vu Co., Ltd., when asked about the possible benefits that could be gleaned from the RCEP in particular, revealed he knew almost nothing about it.

I have yet to hear about the RCEP, so I cannot forecast the potential from this agreement, he said. Even the companys market study team has yet to report any information on potential opportunities from this deal to me.

Meanwhile, since the EVFTA came into effect in August 2020, Hoas company has been receiving proposals from foreign companies in the EU to order products. In addition, the director has had numerous friends in other local enterprises asking for his opinion about plans to skim profits from the agreement.

However, according to Hoa, almost all of these companies operate outside the rice processing and trading sector, thus risks for these enterprises could be sizable.

I advised them to put these intentions on hold if they dont have deep experience in this sector and knowledge about the market, despite the strong financial potential they may have, Hoa said. Numerous companies operating in this sector have yet to enjoy any benefits from the EVFTA. The tariff for rice is down to zero  however, Vietnamese rice faces difficulties in competing with those imported from Cambodia and Thailand.

The EVFTA is nevertheless set to draw a bright future for Vietnamese rice. As part of the agreement, the EU offers Vietnam a quota of 80,000 tonnes of rice a year, subject to zero tariff rates, comprising 30,000 tonnes of husked rice, 20,000 tonnes of unhusked rice, and 30,000 tonnes of the fragrant variety, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The EU will also fully liberalise the trade of broken rice, helping Vietnam export an estimated 100,000 tonnes there annually.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the EU consumes about 2.5 million tonnes of rice annually, with consumption in the market increasing significantly due to the popularity of Asian food.

A number of rice processing companies succeeded in exporting their first batches of rice to the EU after the agreement took effect. In late September, Loc Troi Group, which holds 17 per cent of the countrys total export quota to the EU, handled a batch of 126 tonnes of a jasmine rice variety to Europe, marking a part of Vietnams quota of 30,000 tonnes of the fragrant rice to this market.

Competitive neighbours

A director of one leading rice group told VIR, This move has yet to prove real achievements. Since the agreement came into effect, many enterprises from the EU are looking for a big slice of the pie, thus the phenomenon of EU companies buying rice from Vietnam to export is understandable.

The director added that the problem is that the purpose of many deals is to simply explore the market and so not all of the deals will be a success. Loc Trois batch may be one of these tests. It will take one or two years to review the real effectiveness of exporting rice to this market, he said.

According to his experience, a large number of customers in the EU have a preference for KDM rice (Khao Dac Mali, from Cambodia), which is harvested once a year from plantations in northwestern Cambodia and is also recognised as one of the worlds finest fragrant varieties. At the same time, a majority of rice grown in Vietnam consist of short-term crops of around three months each.

In addition, the director added that growing long-term crops is a traditional cultivation method in Cambodia and Thailand, which became their competitive advantage as Western consumers believe longer cultivation time results in better quality  although a number of local businesses have started to study to develop this method, albeit on a smaller scale.

A number of EU importers and hosts of retail stores said that rice from Thailand is not always better and cheaper than Vietnams, but it holds a solid position in the market thanks to its stability. Providers are always ensured a delivery deadline, correctly-ordered products, and correct weights. Especially, selling prices are stable, even if there are delays in international logistics networks.

Furthermore, the capacity of local producers remains weak, according to Binh of Trung An Hi-tech Farming JSC. Binh told VIR that the industry faces numerous risks, with production capacity being one of the biggest. Vietnam has about 150 rice exporting and processing enterprises, the majority of which do not have enough capacity in both management and finance to maintain operations.

Looking at these factors, it is easy to see there are still difficulties for Vietnamese rice exporting to the EU in the future, Binh said.
Free movement between WA and Queensland remains in place as health authorities seek more information about a quarantine hotel cleaner from Brisbane who tested positive for COVID-19.

The cleaner is Queenslands first case of local transmission in nearly four months and has contact tracers frantically trying to retrace her movements in the community from January 2.

WA Premier Mark McGowan at Armadale on Thursday. Credit:Peter de Kruijff

According to WAs border policies, Queensland could lose its very low risk status, which allows isolation-free travel, if even one community case is recorded.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said on Thursday morning he had not been advised of any community spread in Queensland but would seek new advice.
Backed by Sajid Nadiadwala, Bachchan Pandey also stars Kriti Sanon, Arshad Warsi, Prateik Babbar, Pankaj Tripathi in pivotal roles

Akshay Kumar, who began filming for his upcoming movie Bachchan Pandey, has shared a new look from the film and sought best wishes from his fans.

The picture sees the actor sporting a gritty look with a red cloth tied around his head.

Check out the new look here

According to Hindustan Times, Kumar is teaming up with producer Sajid Nadiadwala for the tenth time with Bachchan Pandey. The film went on floors Wednesday, 6 January. The film, which stars Kumar and Kriti Sanon in lead roles, recently saw the cast set off to Rajasthan for the shoot. It also stars Arshad Warsi, Prateik Babbar, Pankaj Tripathi in pivotal roles. Bachchan Pandey will see Kumar as a gangster, who aspires to be an actor; Sanon will play a journalist, who wishes to be a director and Warsi as a struggling actor. Recently Warsi shared an image from the sets crediting Kumar for clicking it.
A Korean cosmetics company has taken the guesswork out of makeup.

Amorepacific's Color Tailor app analyzes your face, determines what shade of lipstick would best complement your complexion and then sends the results to a machine that mixes up a custom tube of it while you wait.

The company is showing off its Lip Factory system next week at the Consumer Electronic Showcase, the annual tech convention that's moved to the virtual world in light of the pandemic.

Users upload a photo of their face onto the Color Tailor app, which uses artificial intelligence to select a flattering hue from among more than 2,000 different possible combinations.

The machine then mixes and matches pigments to create a custom product you can buy.

It's already earned CES' Innovation Award in the health and wellness category, and was praised as 'world's first smart factory system capable of customizing lip makeup.'

Scroll down for video

Users upload a photo and the Color Tailor app's artificial intelligence determines which shade of lipstick is best suited to their skintone. It then sends the info to the Lip Factory machine to create a bespoke tube that can be purchased

A demo version of the Lip Factory was unveiled in August at Amorepacific's flagship store in Seoul's trendy Seongsu neighborhood, New Atlas reports.

The company is aiming to refine the technology, but it could wind up in salons and cosmetics stores worldwide.

Amorepacific will showcase the Lip Factory by Color Tailor at the virtual CES show from January 11 to 14.

It's the second consecutive year the company has been honored with an Innovation Award.

The Lip Factory machine can mix a custom lip hue from among more than 2,000 different possible combinations

A demo version of the Lip Factory machine was unveiled in August at Amorepacific's flagship store in Seoul's trendy Seongsu neighborhood

'[This recognition] demonstrates Amorepacific's ability to integrate the latest digital technologies like AI with beauty products and services, said Aiden Park, Amorepacific's vice president of research and development.

'We look forward to presenting more digital beauty innovations that enable new, creative access to beauty.'

According to CES, 'the distinguishing factor of the lip makeup market, which accounts for a quarter of the $72.2 billion global color makeup market, is its rapid shift in trend.'

While manufacturers release limited products, it said, Lip Factory 'can produce customized makeup in the desired color immediately.'

Cosmetics magnate Leonard Lauder coined the term 'lipstick index' in the early 2000s to describe an affordable indulgence women would turn to during an economic slump, when they had to economize elsewhere.

The coronavirus pandemic has hit the lipstick industry hard, though, as face masks make it impossible to see and people are staying home alone.

Experts say sales of lip color have plummeted anywhere from 20 to 50 percent.

Started in 1945, Amorepacific is the 12th largest cosmetics company in the world, with annual sales of over $4.8 billion.

It operates more than 30 beauty, and health brands including innisfree, Sulwhasoo, Laneige, and Mamonde.
Robert Lotter is an entrepreneur, innovator, philanthropist and modern day superhero who has helped put hundreds of child predators behind bars on an international scale.

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / Robert Lotter, acclaimed innovator and entrepreneur, was just named GoGirl Worldwide Magazine's "GoGuy" of 2020.

To read the feature about Robert Lotter in GoGirl Worldwide Magazine, visit: https://www.gogirlmgz.com/robertlottergoguy.

Serial entrepreneur, CEO, businessman, industrious innovator, patented inventor, and tireless philanthropist, Robert Lotter of Orange County, California, is changing the world for the better. Born in the Midwest to a pair of modest, lower-middle class parents, Robert suffered a traumatic brain injury at the age of 11. Growing up with this disability, Robert struggled socially and finally convinced his parents to let him go into the Military at the age of 17. Despite his disability he was assigned to the U.S. Army Nuclear Weapons program, which exposed Robert to military-style processes of drilling procedures to perfection, which would become the nucleus of his award-winning ingenuity, industry accolades, and widespread media attention. With the help of his committed teachers both in and out of the Military, Robert learned to duplicate exact, successful patterns. Later in life he would describe that all successful patterns have a rhythm and that rhythms are actually algorithms. By practicing algorithms, repetitive sequences, and patterns he rebuilt his brain. His personal gratitude for his teachers led Robert to develop some of today's most remarkable, revolutionary mobile technologies, including cyber-bullying protection program KidsSafe, and most notably, RADAR, an innovative law enforcement application, which was deployed worldwide and employs advanced software applications and forensic data to catch pedophiles and would-be child predators. This cutting-edge innovation creates "patterns" in children's mobile devices, leading law enforcement directly to child traffickers. He then created "My Mobile Watchdog", which parents can use to monitor and protect their children from online strangers and potentially harmful applications that could jeopardize their safety. Robert's life-saving innovations have been replicated by law enforcement and technology companies all around the globe.

GoGirl Worldwide Magazine is a female owned magazine founded by former Apprentice star and Top 10 Miss USA Finalist, Jennifer Murphy. Each issue highlights the stories of amazing and powerful women working to empower and uplift others. Past covers have featured business woman Elena Cardone, billionaire entrepreneur Janice Bryant Howroyd, fitness influencer Cass Martin, and hip hop mogul Dia Simms. Go Girl Magazine also highlights "Go Guys" - which include influential men who dedicate their talents and resources to helping empower people and make the world a better place.

One of Robert's most notable innovations is "My Mobile Watchdog". The program allows parents to monitor and protect their children from online strangers and potentially harmful applications that could jeopardize their safety. Robert initially worked with Research in Motion (RIM), the inventor of the Blackberry device. Together, RIM and Robert took the very first smartphone to the cloud. Later this technology was redeployed in RADAR and used to arrest and convict hundreds hundreds of child predators worldwide. As a kid who fortunately had access to amazing teachers and nurturers, Robert was always passionate about giving back and protecting children, as they can be the most vulnerable among us. It was important for him to create a product that would help them stay safe from all of the potentially dangerous applications and people on the internet.

About Robert Lotter:

Robert Lotter has dedicated his life to the protection of others. By focusing his energies on the protection of others, Robert Lotter has risen from humble beginnings to becoming a highly successful owner, CEO, and investor. An inventor and mobile technology innovator, he approaches every challenge with a strict adherence to military-style investigation, testing, and problem solving. Whether helping teachers solidify their financial footing, protecting children from sexual predators or providing a suite of on-demand software applications that empowers today's mobile workforce, Robert consistently applies his talents in the service of others. Even before enrolling in college, Robert joined the military to serve his country. For a decade, he worked on behalf of the U.S. Nuclear program, becoming a maintenance specialist, chief, and instructor. He was twice awarded The Army Service Commendation Medal. Robert's volunteer work, including chairing the Orange County (CA) Inmate Re-Entry Program, was honored with The President's Volunteer Service Award, the nation's premier volunteers recognition. For the real story about Robert Lotter, visit https://www.gogirlmgz.com/robertlottergoguy

Contact:

press@glazersmedia.com

323-553-3786

SOURCE: One World Publishing

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623251/Robert-Lotter-Named-as-GoGirl-Worldwide-Magazines-GoGuy-With-a-Heart-of-Pure-Gold
A Newry gym owner accused of breaching Covid regulations faces fines totalling 30,000, a court heard yesterday.

With Declan Trainor facing three charges of breaching Covid regulations by refusing to close his gym, the 32-year-old could be fined up to 10,000 on each count.

Previously the Co Down man had represented himself during proceedings at Newry Magistrates Court, indicating that he intended to "challenge the jurisdiction" of the court.

Yesterday, however, solicitor Joseph McVeigh said he had been instructed by the defendant.

Trainor, from Rossmara Park in Warrenpoint, faces charges on two bills of indictment charging him with three counts of contravening requirements under the Covid restrictions, allegedly committed on dates between December 1 and 8.

When he first appeared in court last month, he was asked if he had anything to say and the defendant stated: "My name is Declan. I am a living man. I was born on 11 of the eighth 88".

The Covid charges arise following a handful of videos, shot by Trainor himself at The Gym in Newry city, which shows half a dozen officers arresting him after they gain entry to his premises as he debates with them the legalities of their actions.

In the videos, which have been shared thousands of times across social media platforms and which have attracted both vehement support and stinging criticism, Trainor calls on the public to "take a stand" against Covid restrictions.

In court yesterday, a prosecuting lawyer said the directing officer had requested the footage from the officers' body worn cameras, adding that the material was due to be received in two weeks' time.

Mr McVeigh told Deputy District Judge Sean O'Hare he intended to lodge a bail variation application as Trainor was seeking the return of his 2,500 cash surety which was lodged with the court as part of his bail conditions.

He said given the offences Trainor faces can only be dealt with in the Magistrates Court, "it seems perplexing that there is a surety in the case".

Adjourning the case to January 20, Mr O'Hare said while it may be a petty sessions case, "the maximum sentence is a 10,000 fine".

He told Trainor, who came in to court wearing a face mask as his case was called, that while the PPS file was not yet completed "it's within target and Mr McVeigh will advise you about the bail variation".

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An independent think tank has accused Stormont of a grave failure of governance for not providing leadership and a united front during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As the first anniversary of the deal to restore power-sharing approaches on Saturday, the group Pivotal called on the Executive to urgently agree a programme for government and to work hard to restore public confidence.

It said that while some progress had been made in health and education, many of the pledges outlined in New Decade, New Approach remain unfulfilled.

The pandemic was a major factor in this but, nonetheless, Northern Ireland has growing challenges that require reform. Covid-19 has not made those any less pressing, it said.

Pivotal director, Ann Watt, said: Northern Ireland needs a government focussed on tackling our long-term problems in health, education and the economy. To do that, the Executive needs to work with a genuine sense of partnership and common purpose. This has been lacking  a culture change is necessary.

Ms Watt said that Stormont's early handling of the pandemic was positive: The daily press conferences from the First Minister and Deputy First Minister provided a regular stream of information - crucial during such difficult times - as well as a sense of collective responsibility and accountability.

However, from June onwards, cracks began to show. The daily conferences were abandoned after the Deputy First Ministers attendance at a prominent republican funeral. Covid rates rose and, in November, a renewed set of measures to reduce infection rates was blocked by the use of a cross-community mechanism.

This was the old misuse of power, falling down along old factional lines, all in the middle of the biggest global health crisis in a century.

Ms Watt said that New Decade, New Approach showed welcome ambition for Northern Ireland but was signed off without an agreement on funding to deliver its commitments, and without the politicians agreeing a policy agenda or priorities.

 A programme for government was supposed to follow quickly but never arrived, she said. Transformation of health and social care, improving skills in the workforce, and making Northern Ireland a leader in climate reform are priorities  all of which should be underpinned, as quickly as possible, by a programme for government.

Pivotals report welcomed the settling of the nurses pay dispute, the appointment of a mental health champion, and the reconfiguration of the health system to focus on Covid.

But it added: Northern Irelands waiting times are off the charts and no plan to fix this was brought forward, while the wider transformation envisioned in the Bengoa report has not progressed.

On education, it welcomed the settling of the teachers pay dispute and a review into the links between underachievement and socio-economic background.

However, it added: Fundamental pressure on schools budgets has not been addressed, a new Special Educational Needs (SEN) framework has not appeared, and the system still lacks a modern approach to careers, skills and training.

It urged Stormont to draw up a recovery plan to address lost learning due to Covid, to significantly invest and reform SEN, and to work towards "creating an economy fit for the future.

On the environment, Pivotal noted that the Executive still had no climate change strategy, no legislation nor emission targets, no energy strategy and the promised Independent Environmental Protection Agency has not appeared.

On the economy, the report said there had been little strategic investment in long-term skills development and little movement on developing a regionally-balanced economy. On infrastructure, it stated that a plan for wider infrastructure investment is lacking, and nothing has been done to reduce pressures on the wastewater system".

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(Natural News) Concrete sidewalks in Israel have been heating up and emitting steam due to trapped energy coming from a mysterious source. Experts dispatched to the scene did not detect any dangerous substances at the site nor any risk to the buildings stability but determined that the heat was caused by an unidentified energy source below ground.

Residents of an apartment building in Tel Aviv first noticed that the ground was emitting steam on New Years eve. Authorities then inspected the site and told residents to evacuate. The area had since been declared safe but residents refused to go back home as authorities still havent identified the source of the problem.

Grounds geyser-like activity baffles experts

Around two weeks ago, a resident reported to the apartment owners committee that the concrete surface outside was heating up. Modi Feldberg, the committee head of one of the buildings, went to investigate and said that he almost got burned after stepping on the concrete. Feldberg said that steam was also coming out of the concrete in adjacent buildings.

I was afraid there was a power line in the area, and I asked a laborer to dig into the ground with a shovel. All of a sudden, steam came out. I imagined that it was probably a geyser, said Feldberg. He noted, however, that there had never been any problems with the electricity in the building.

Authorities later fenced off the area and told the residents of two apartment buildings to evacuate. The Geological Survey of Israel confirmed that the ground was heating up after drilling holes in the area, finding that the steam was water-based and was as hot as 140 degrees.

An official investigating the scene surmised that an electrical problem over a period of several days might have been the source of the heat. But the Israel Electric Corporation denied that there was a connection between the heat and the power grid. Experts also concluded that the buildings were up to code and found no dangerous substances that might have interacted with the groundwater.

With the case still unresolved, the municipal government decided to have the holes filled in. Officials said, however, that they will continue to monitor the temperature of the ground and keep performing tests to pinpoint the heat source. (Related: 4.9 Magnitude earthquake in Algeria collapses houses and leaves huge cracks on the ground.)

The residents had also been permitted to return to their homes since Saturday, though many of them were still reluctant to occupy the area. Natan Drori, who lives in one of the evacuated buildings, said that the residents do not plan to return until theres a detailed report about the source of the problem.

They evacuated us because they were worried about our safety, and now theyre calling on us to return without providing any kind of convincing explanation. How can you be so sure theres no danger to the residents? Drori said.

Sinkholes in Israel appear without warning

The mysterious event at Tel Aviv caused concerns because sinkholes have appeared without warning along the Israeli side of the Dead Sea. According to a report by Live Science, these sinkholes have opened up because the Dead Sea has been receding.

As the hypersaline water retreats, fresh groundwater wells up and dissolves layers of salt, forming large underground cavities that give way to sinkholes.

Hanan Ginat, a geologist at the Dead Sea and Arava Science Center in Israel, said that most of the sinkholes on the Dead Sea appear along the Israeli side, with more than 5,000 sinkholes on that region alone. Ginat also said that sinkholes are difficult to predict, saying: Were looking for systems to forecast where they will happen, but its very complicated.

Besides its extreme salinity, the Dead Sea is known for having the lowest elevation on Earth. And for the past few decades, it continues to shrink due to the diversion of water from the Jordan River (which feeds the Dead Sea) and mineral mining down south.

Read more articles about natural catastrophes like sinkholes at Disaster.news.

Sources include:

StrangeSounds.org 1

Haaretz.com



LiveScience.com

Link.Springer.com
Mission to Seafarers announces crew welfare campaign to maintain seafarer support during pandemic

The Mission to Seafarers announced the launch of a new fundraising campaign to sustain the crew welfare support currently being provided around the world at a time when it is most needed and as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The Mission will unveil a rolling programme of initiatives which will have significant benefits for the welfare of the entire industry from welfare training for seafarers and frontline staff to new family support network offerings, reassurance and practical help.



The programme has already received a generous donation from MSC to start the Sustaining Crew Welfare Campaign which will ensure the Mission is providing the best care possible, encouraging innovation in adapting and maintaining services to meet seafarers needs, and providing mental wellbeing support.



Following the success of the Flying Angel Campaign, which provided immediate welfare relief where it was most needed, The Mission to Seafarers is now focusing on a sustainability programme to ensure the support continues for seafarers. In response to a possible mental health crisis, the lack of crew changes and the families impacted by extended or cancelled contracts, the Mission will be focusing initially on three main strands to offer support: Justice & Welfare, Innovation & Regional Support and Family Support.



Justice & Welfare

The Mission is often the first point of contact for seafarers in difficulty. Issues can include abandonment, the aftermath of a pirate attack, human rights abuses or issues between crews such as bullying and harassment. Seafarers families often contact the Mission following a bereavement or where a loved one has been lost at sea. Where possible, Mission teams co-ordinate the work with recognised organisations, such as Port State Control to enable chaplains to focus on the mental health and wellbeing side effects of the issue and to provide practical support.



This fund will help The Mission enhance the training of its frontline teams to cope with the new demands they are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.



Innovation & Regional Support

The Mission to Seafarers operates in nine regions, each one differently impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. This campaign will enable local and regional teams to adapt their support, depending on what local seafarers need most, according to current and emerging requirements.



In locations where chaplains and ship visitors have been able to visit vessels, the demand for SIM cards has soared, with Hong Kong reporting sales of 25,000 units in three months. Adaptation of seafarer centres could allow crews 24/7 access to specific areas.



Family Support

Maintaining the Family Support Network in the Philippines is essential and the Mission plans to establish a new service in India. This offering is vital to support families emotionally and practically. The Family Support Network in the Philippines was established in 2017 and, during the pandemic, the team in Manila provide transport for returning seafarers and food to families with no income. They have also co-ordinated the provision of life-sustaining medication to seafarers overseas living with HIV. Across the network, teams continue to support seafarers and their families who have financial, emotional, health or relationship concerns.



Based on the success in the Philippines, the Mission plans to build a new Family Support Network in India. During the pandemic, our Chaplain and the Tuticorin team has provided vital food to over 1,000 seafarers families who have been unable to work due to the issues in crew changes. The Mission sees this as an important development for the charity and the seafarers.



For us at MSC, our people are our number one priority. As an essential conduit for global trade, container shipping relies on the seafarers who keep global trade moving even under extremely difficult operating conditions. We are proud to support initiatives such as the new Crew Welfare Programme by The Mission to Seafarers to alleviate the hardship on these heroes of the transportation world and their families, who are absolutely essential to the trade flow which our society all relies upon, said Bud Darr, Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy and Government Affairs, MSC Group.



The Revd Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General of The Mission to Seafarers, added:



During the pandemic, seafarers health has become even more fragile, with some working in excess of a year without a break. With limited crew changes, and in some countries no sign of the pandemic easing, our help is vital to those on the front line of international trade. Our Flying Angel Campaign was crucial to providing rapid relief and support to seafarers facing the most challenging circumstances.



Now we need to be able to sustain this network of welfare support. We are calling on the industry to recognise that this crisis has not abated and we need to unite to support our international key workers. Without the generosity of donations, our work is not possible. We give our sincere thanks to MSC for providing the first donation of our new campaign and look forward to being able to continue our support for seafarers.








Parkside Library

by Richard Brandi

Architects Appleton and Wolfard designed eight modern libraries in the 1950s and 1960s for the San Francisco Public Library, the largest number completed by a single firm. The first, the Parkside branch at Taraval Street and 22nd Avenue, set the pattern for the rest. In the early 2000s, these buildings faced rehabilitation to bring them into compliance with current codes and ADA rules under a bond passed by voters in 2000. The upgrades did not alter their modern character significantly.

That is fortunate since the libraries are good illustrations of postwar architecture. Built in 1951, on a one-story open plan with lots of glass and brick, the Parkside was hailed as the "finest branch library in the country. . .light, spacious and comfortably quiet." (San Francisco Chronicle, October 28, 1951) The Architect and Engineer (March 1952) noted that it had "the appearance of a swank country club or a modern luxurious residence," and that "its gay turquoise, yellow and natural brick color scheme" gave it the look of "a refined night club."

Built on the edge of McCoppin Park, the building runs east and west along Taraval Street. Large windows on the north side provide ample light, while south-facing windows are angled at 45-degrees to the southeast to prevent the intrusion of harsh direct sunlight. The open plan featured a fireplace with reading lounge and an outside patio with landscaping by Lawrence Halprin. The library's cork floor and radiant heating were innovations for the time. The copper-hooded fireplace, along with furniture designed by Charles and Ray Eames and Hermann Miller, evoke the warm feeling of a suburban living room.

The design was inspired by new needs as explained by city librarian Laurence Clarke: "These days a library must merchandise its services in much the same way that a successful bookshop operates... [W]e think we have the right approach at Parkside, efficiency, service to all, and a building people want to use." (Christian Science Monitor, January 7, 1951)

And people did want to use the new building. Attendance at the new Parkside Branch was double that of the previous facility that had opened in the mid-1930s in a rented one-story wood frame storefront at 1541 Taraval Street. Its success led to further library commissions for Appleton and Wolfard: the Marina (1953), Ortega (1955), Merced (1957), North Beach (1958), Eureka (1960), Western Addition (1965) and Excelsior (1966) branches.

Following the pattern of the Parkside, all the Appleton and Wolfard libraries look more like suburban homes than institutional buildings. Their signature detailsexposed brick or masonry walls, wood beams, large areas of glass, patios, fireplaces (except the Western Addition and Excelsior) and reading loungesgive the air of informality and provide the comforts of a post-war California tract home. Wolfard liked doing residential design, and that interest may have informed his library plans.

Educated at UC Berkeley, Harold Wolfard (1907-1977) received a master's degree in architecture in 1932, and was licensed in 1940. He joined Hyman and Appleton in the 1930s as a draftsman and later worked as an architect in the firm.

The firm of Hyman and Appleton had a long tenure in San Francisco. Samuel Lightner Hyman (1885-1948) and Abraham Appleton (1887-1981) were both educated at UC Berkeley and Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Their work included the Jewish Community Center, with Arthur Brown, Jr. (demolished), Sinai Mortuary, Hebrew Home for the Aged, the Visitation Valley School, and many homes.

In the 1930s, Hyman and Appleton also remodeled buildings, including the Crown Zellerbach building at 343 Sansome Street, in the Art Deco/Art Moderne idiom. Neither architect could be considered a "modernist," although Hyman's obituary (1948) says "of recent years he became absorbed in modern architecture."

Wolfard brought the modern aesthetic to the firm, which, shortly after Hyman's death, became Appleton and Wolfard. Robert Appleton, AIA, Abraham's son, joined the firm in 1950 after graduating from UC Berkeley in 1942 and receiving his architectural license in 1950. He worked on the branch libraries and remembers Wolfard as the lead designer.

Appleton and Wolfard also designed the Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park and homes in St. Francis Wood, Sea Cliff, and other areas. Robert Appleton succeeded his father and worked with Wolfard until the firm closed in 1972.

The Appleton and Wolfard branches are essentially unaltered since their original construction, although in some cases the floors, lights, ceilings, and windows may have been repaired or replaced. Each of the Appleton and Wolfard branches were rehabilitated from 2002-2008. Generally, the rehabilitation plans called for upgrading the fire, electrical and seismic systems. Major alternations involved making the bathrooms, doorways and passages ADA accessible.

Some of the assumptions that informed library design in the early 1950s have changed. Space limitations limit the use of lounge seating although some comfortable chairs were incorporated in all the branches. The fireplaces are a non-conforming use for an assembly occupancy under present codes. A concern over theft prevents unfettered use of outdoor patios. Instead, libraries have become informal day care centers and community meeting places, both demanding more space.

At the Parkside, the need for more space changed the original look and feeling. Bookcases rose above the rear windowsill, breaking the clean lines of the original design. Bookshelves and computer tables cluttered what was once an open, spacious interior. Children's drawings cover the fireplace. The patio was seldom used; being on the north side it was often too cold to use for reading and there is no outdoor furniture. The Halprin landscape became overgrown and intruded on the patio.

On November 6, 2010, the updated and LEED Silver-certified Parkside Branch reopened to the public.

Contribute your own stories about the Parkside!
A new code tackling disinformation on Facebook, Twitter and Google could be introduced within weeks, as urgency to limit the risk from online falsehoods and propaganda grows ahead of the coronavirus vaccination rollout in Australia.

The social media behemoths have been grappling with how to deal with fake news and misleading posts on their services during turbulent events over the past year including the outcome of the US Presidential election and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pro-Trump supporters storm the US Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump. Credit:Samuel Corum/Getty Images

Twitter suspended Donald Trump's account on Thursday (local time) after he posted a video inaccurately saying the election had been stolen from him, while his supporters stormed Capitol Hill. The attempted coup prompted President Barack Obama to criticise the Republican party "and its accompanying media ecosystem" for being unwilling to tell their followers the truth and creating a "fantasy narrative [that] has spiralled further and further from reality".

Keeping misinformation under control has become a major focus of the social media giants and a voluntary local code to stop the spread of falsehoods online is expected to be introduced quickly in 2021.
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All civilizations are of equal value, and all have merits and flaws. There is no such thing as a perfect civilization or a civilization without a single virtue, and no one civilization should be judged superior or inferior to another.

Before the opening of new sea routes, there existed a state of basic equality between different civilizations. This state was shattered, however, by Western colonial expansion and eventual hegemony. During this process, some remote civilizations were decimated, such as the American Indian and ancient West African civilizations, and core regions of ancient civilizations such as West Asia, North Africa, India, and China also fell one by one into the hands of Western invaders. Equality between civilizations no longer existed, and many civilizations faced a crisis of life and death.

According to Arnold Toynbee, challenge and response constitute a mechanism for the existence of civilization that determines whether a civilization will disappear or continue. Whether this theory is correct or not, the fact is that at the moment of Western hegemony reaching its peak, at a time when many civilizations were facing a crisis of life and death, there formed a global movement, and that movement was named modernization. This marked the beginning of cultural rejuvenation, the means of which was modernization. Through modernization, non-Western countries learned from the West how to catch up. By the beginning of the 21st century, non-Western countries had already achieved tremendous progress toward modernization, ushering in a new historical turning point.

Modernization began in Western Europe, and the emergence of modern nation-states marked the starting point of this process, which involved all aspects of society. Many important events from the history textbook, such as the Renaissance, the Reformation, the opening of new sea routes, the scientific and technological revolution, and the bourgeoisie revolution, are all part of Western modernization. Today, while the process of modernization has generally been completed in Western countries, cultural diversity has not disappeared. On the contrary, it has become even more vibrant, even within those Western countries.

First, there are different pathways to modernization. Britain took a gradual approach toward reform, France took the road of violent revolution, Germany carried out reforms from the top down, and the US, as a British colony, had to first gain independence before focusing on development. On the economic front, after the Industrial Revolution, Britain adopted the laissez-faire approach, and France basically followed suit while making some alterations, while Germany took the extraordinary route of promoting rapid economic growth with state power. Although the US followed Britain's laissez-faire model, in the 20th century, it became the first developed capitalist country to carry out large-scale state intervention.

Second, different countries have different political and social systems. Politically, Britain practices constitutional monarchy, while the US adheres to the republican system. There are clear distinctions between the parliamentary and presidential systems, further widening the political gap between the two countries. Looking at electoral methods, Britain has adopted the "first past the post" system, while the US invented the Electoral College system. As for the "three branches of government," the US is the only developed capitalist country to have truly incorporated this into its institutional design, so the US system is hardly the typical model. In terms of social systems, European countries practice a welfare model, something that the US has refused to adopt, perceiving it as a hotbed for laziness.

Third, Western countries are not immutable throughout the development process. As examples of this, Britain shifted from a laissez-faire society to a welfare-based one, France cycled through revolution to reach reform, and the US abolished racial discrimination policies, acknowledging racial equality at least in legal terms. These changes prove that there are differing forms of modernization even within one country, and that cultural diversity is a normal state.

If this is the case even in Western countries, then when the wave of modernization sweeps through non-Western regions, it surely exhibits even greater diversity. It is apparent that during the global process of modernization, every country displays its own characteristics, and it is also clear that different countries have different models of modernization, for example, the Latin American model, the East Asian model, the Soviet model, and of course, the Chinese model. Mahatma Gandhi who launched the campaign of nonviolent resistance, Fidel Castro who led the Cuban revolution, Gamal Abdel Nasser who advocated Arab socialism, and Nelson Mandela who fought against apartheid in South Africa  all played a unique role in the modernization process of their countries and endowed that process with unique features. And yet, these successes cannot be replicated. When Western countries tried to forcibly change the political systems of Arab countries under the pretense of building a democratic Middle East, the Arab Spring became the Arab Winter, not only drenching the Middle East in blood but also bringing disaster to Europe itself.

Nevertheless, the Western theory of universal values insists upon uniformity, and does not acknowledge the diversity of cultural development. Francis Fukuyama declared that human history had come to an end. This idea can be traced back to Hegel, although the difference is that the latter believed Prussia to be the end, whereas Fukuyama believed the US to be the end. However, if even the US has not reached the end of its own history, how can humanity come to an end?

Does cultural diversity inevitably lead to conflict, and does conflict in turn lead to a life-and-death contest? In the eyes of the Chinese people, "the ocean is vast because it embraces all rivers." The modern world can accommodate a diversity of modern civilizations, and modernization will mold a richer and more varied world. After a century of effort to modernize, many old civilizations have gained new life, recovered their confidence, and rediscovered their identities. The inequality between civilizations caused by Western hegemony is now being reversed. This process, which Samuel Huntington referred to as "clash of civilizations," should actually be considered a "revival of civilizations." Revival means a reappearance of cultural diversity and a rebalancing of equality between different civilizations; it also means that people think more deeply about the relevance of ancient civilizations in modern times by turning to traditional wisdom to resolve contemporary issues, such as the relationships between humans and nature, morality and gain, individual and collective, and freedom and constraint. In this complex and changing world, the only way to resolve humanity's common problems is to rely on the concerted efforts of all civilizations, both Western and non-Western ones.

No matter how complex today's world appears to be, there is only one trend, and it is of peace, development, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Harmony between countries leads to world peace, while confrontation can only end in chaos. Peace and development are the common aspirations of people the world over, Cold War and zero-sum mentalities are becoming increasingly passe, and arrogance or "going it alone" is universally decried. Only peaceful development and cooperation can truly bring benefits for all and ensure that everyone wins. The lessons of the Peloponnesian War, two world wars, and a Cold War that lasted more than 40 years have been both bitter and profound. Since ancient times, the Chinese nation has understood that "a warlike state, however big it may be, will eventually fall." In today's hard-earned environment of peace, China cherishes development opportunities, and is willing to promote world peace through its own development.

Today's world has become a community with a shared future in which all countries are bound together. It is an irreversible trend of the times that people around the globe must join hands to overcome difficulties and achieve shared development. Everyone should uphold the idea of living in a rich, vibrant, and culturally diverse world, create a bright tapestry interwoven with elements of all civilizations, and work together to eliminate real cultural barriers, to resist erroneous views obstructing the interaction of human minds, and to eliminate misunderstandings hindering human exchange, and learn from one another in the modern world to create a better future for all.

China Mosaic

http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm

Cultural Diversity Leads to a Shared Future for the World

http://v.china.com.cn/2020-12/29/content_77060430.htm

SOURCE China.org.cn
The New Jersey Attorney General is urging the Supreme Court not to review and overturn a federal appeals court ruling issued last year against a $1 billion natural gas pipeline that will run through New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley.

The Federal Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled in September 2019 that the PennEast Pipeline cannot seize New Jersey-owned land in order to build the gas line. Citing the Eleventh Amendment, the decision held that PennEast cannot use eminent domain on state land under the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity, which exempts New Jersey from condemnation lawsuits initiated by private parties like PennEast.

In response to the ruling, PennEast asked the Supreme Court to review the appeals decision. Prior to making a decision on whether or not to hear it, the Supreme Court requested the Solicitor General for the Department of Justice file a brief on the case  which was filed on Dec. 9.

The PennEast pipeline is a proposed 116-mile, 36-inch diameter underground gas pipeline that would originate in Pennsylvania and traverse through western Hunterdon and Mercer counties.

New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and other lawyers representing the state filed a brief on Dec. 23 that responds to the Dec. 9 brief filed by the Trump administration and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

In the earlier brief, lawyers for the Justice Department and FERC criticize the lower court ruling itself and contend the court lacked the jurisdiction to issue a ruling at all.

In the latest brief, the state argues that the Trump administrations rejection of the legitimacy of the Third Circuits ruling is wrong. Specifically, Grewal and others contend that the U.S. fails to identify any other pipeline affected by the decision ... despite passage of over a year as well as ignores entirely that PennEast is currently seeking FERCs approval of a modified pipeline consistent with the panels ruling.

The United States instead focuses primarily on its disagreements with the panel, rehashing arguments that the panel unanimously rejected, the brief states.

While the Trump administration previously said the lower courts decision threatens to significantly disrupt the governments ability to administer the countrys natural gas supply, the states brief argues that their emphasis on the impact of the decision is misguided.

Despite the passage of over a year since the panels decision, the United States offers no evidence of disruption, only speculation, it was written in the brief.

Criticizing the Trump administrations opinion that the court of appeals should not have exercised its jurisdiction over the pipeline, the state argued that Congress lacks authority to stop a State from asserting a limit on the jurisdiction of the very court where it was sued.

It defies logic and law to say that a state cannot assert a limitation on the jurisdiction of a federal court unless it affirmatively files another suit, against another party, in another court, the brief adds. That is why the United States points to no other instance where a state must assert its immunity in any court other than the one where it was sued.

Patricia Kornick, spokesperson for PennEast, did not offer a response to the latest brief. Instead, she directed her attention to the brief filed earlier by Trump administration, describing it as another encouraging development for the PennEast Pipeline following the 2019 federal appeals court decision against it.

By advocating for the U.S. Supreme Court to grant the PennEast petition, the solicitor general agreed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and 18 business, labor and consumer advocacy organizations, which filed amicus briefs, and the project itself that last years lower court ruling seriously was flawed and should be reversed, Kornick said.

She also expressed PennEasts hope that the Supreme Court will decide to hear the case.

New Jersey and Pennsylvania families and businesses deserve energy that is clean, reliable, affordable, and American-made, Kornick said. We remain hopeful that the court quickly grants the PennEast petition and reverses the Third Circuit decision, allowing consumers finally to benefit from this long-overdue infrastructure project to lower bills, create jobs and protect our environment.

Tom Gilbert, campaign director for NJ Conservation Foundation and ReThink Energy NJ, expressed his support for the brief filed by the state.

We applaud Governor (Phil) Murphy and Attorney General Grewal for continuing to defend New Jerseys rights and preserved lands against an unneeded, polluting pipeline, Gilbert said.

Jennifer Danis, senior fellow for Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, commended Grewal for plainly and forcefully demonstrated why the Court should not take up PennEasts attempt to subvert state sovereignty.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Caroline Fassett may be reached at cfassett@njadvancemedia.com
Members of Congress met at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday to certify the Electoral College votes before protesters stormed the building and broke inside.

New Yorks 22nd Congressional District did not have representation at the ceremony, since the race is not yet decided and court proceedings are ongoing.

Incumbent Anthony Brindisi spoke with NEWSChannel 2 about Wednesdays events, saying it was an act of domestic terrorism.

"What we're witnessing right now are acts of domestic terrorism by people who want to sow seeds of doubt and conspiracy on our elections and there's no place for it in our country, he said.

Brindisi said President Trump emboldened the protesters to take these drastic actions.

"Let me be very clear; the president bears total responsibility for this. Number one, he was at the protest today, said Brindisi. He told them to go there, to the Capitol, to march to the Capitol and show strength. What does he think these people are going to do when he says that?"

Republican Claudia Tenney tweeted during Wednesdays events, saying election concerns to not excuse violence.

Deep concerns over election integrity do not justify violence or property destruction. We can only safeguard our Constitution & the Rule of Law by acting legally & peacefully. Those who threaten, attack, & destroy betray our fundamental rights of free speech & assembly.  Claudia Tenney (@claudiatenney) January 6, 2021

Gov. Andrew Cuomo also released the following statement addressing the incident:

"The cornerstone of our democracy is the peaceful transfer of power. We must call this what it actually is: a failed attempt at a coup. This is the final chapter of an incompetent, cruel, and divisive administration that has trampled on the Constitution and the rule of law at every turn, and we won't let President Trump, the members of Congress who enable him, or the lawless mob that stormed our nation's Capitol steal our democracy. The election results are clear and the will of the American people will be carried out."
Former Republican President George W. Bush condemned the rioting at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday and said he was appalled by the "reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election."

"It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight," Bush said in a statement. "This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic - not our democratic republic."

He said the violent assault on the Capitol was undertaken by "people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes. Insurrection could do grave damage to our nation and reputation."

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The FBI and Naperville police say this neon green Dodge Charger is believed to be the getaway vehicle used by two men accused of trying to rob a bank in Naperville and successfully robbing banks in Lombard and Wilmette, all on Monday. (FBI / HANDOUT)
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Countries in Asia were stepping up their fight against the coronavirus again on Thursday in a fresh effort to suppress an illness they had previously tamed, joining Europe in imposing new curbs.

Japan was set to declare a state of emergency in Tokyo ahead of the release of figures expected to show a record number of infections, while China reported its highest single-day case number since July.

It comes a day after the world clocked up a record number of deaths in a single day and the European Union approved a second vaccine.

There was also no slowing of the spread in North America where Canada was forced to order its first curfew of the pandemic in a push to halt a second wave.

The global outbreak shows no signs of abating, with more than 1.8 million people known to have died worldwide from 86 million confirmed cases.

Japan's outbreak has not been as severe as those in Europe and the US, but on Thursday the government was forced to announce new restrictions in the capital region that it said would last a month, primarily targeting restaurants and bars.

The curbs will be far less strict than the harsh lockdowns seen in other parts of the world. Businesses are being asked to stop serving alcohol by 7 pm and close an hour later, and residents have been requested to avoid non-essential outings after 8 pm.

Local media said Tokyo would report more than 2,400 new cases on Thursday, shattering the previous record of 1,591 logged a day earlier.

The minister in charge of Japan's pandemic response warned that Tokyo's medical system was "stretched thin".

'Can't leave the city'

In neighbouring China, authorities reported 63 new infections Thursdaythe highest daily tally since Julyas authorities tried to stamp out an outbreak in a city of 11 million near Beijing.

The government in the city of Shijiazhuang in China's northern Hebei province has imposed school closures, cut travel links and begun mass testing as cases spike.

"I did the nucleic acid test last night, but don't have the results yet. Without it I can't leave the city," one young woman told state broadcaster CCTV.

One district in the city has been sealed off while major highways leading into the area have been closed and inter-city bus travel halted.

Experts see mass vaccinations as the best route back to normality, but the first rollouts have coincided with alarming spikes in deaths and caseloads across many parts of the world.

The latest global numbers make for grim reading. On Wednesday, a record 15,769 COVID-19 deaths were recorded around the world in the space of 24 hours.

In North America, the virus continues to rage, with Mexico on Wednesday reporting more than 1,100 deaths and over 13,000 infections.

In Canada, authorities in Quebec imposed a curfew on the province of eight million from 8 pm to 5 am that will last four weeks, and violators could face fines of up to Can$6,000 (US$4,700).

A curfew of this scale has not been ordered in Canada since the Spanish flu a century ago, according to historians.

The province joined OntarioCanada's economic engine with a population of 14 millionin restricting people's movements and daily routines.

Lockdowns in Europe

The EU on Wednesday cleared the Moderna vaccine for use in the 27-nation bloc, following the approval last month of the Pfizer-BioNTech jab.

Several European governments have been criticised for slow rollouts, with the Netherlands only delivering its first shots on Wednesday.

The EU as a whole has so far shifted more than one million dosesfewer than Britain has managed.

And the vaccines have not yet relieved weary Europeans from the burden of stay-at-home orders, curfews, closed shops and shuttered schools.

A new lockdown came into force in Britain on Wednesday, and Ireland followed suit shortly after.

"We simply have to suppress this surge," Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin told reporters.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  As the coronavirus (COVID-19) raged across New York City last spring, the federal government loosened regulations to allow for methadone  a vital medication that can treat severe pain and narcotic drug addiction  to be delivered to the homes of those who need it.

Following those alterations to normally-stringent protocols surrounding methadone, the city Health Department and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) rolled out its delivery program in May.

Since then, none of those deliveries occurred on Staten Island.

The delivery of methadone to New Yorkers is intended to support the ability of individuals to quarantine and isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is an important COVID-19 mitigation strategy, said Victoria Merlino a spokeswoman for the city Health Department.

Additionally, the program ensures individuals continue to receive their medication, which is an important overdose prevention strategy, said Merlino.

However, Dr. Timothy Sullivan, chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Staten Island University Hospital, said the borough was not included in the program in an interview with the Advance/SILive.com.

Sullivan said the program is funded and operated by the city Health Department, and they operate it in the various boroughs, except for Staten Island.

During a recent phone call with the city Health Department, Sullivan said he made a plea that they consider including Staten Island in the initiative, adding that it is offered in Brooklyn, where Northwell, the health care system that operates SIUH, makes use of it.

Sadly ... it often happens, Sullivan said of Staten Islands exclusion to the program.

In response to an inquiry looking to ascertain the cause of Staten Island not being included in the citys methadone home delivery program, Merlino said, Some programs, including programs on Staten Island, have opted to provide their own medication delivery service or establish other mechanisms to get medication to individuals who need it.

The city Health Department said it discussed the program with SIUH in the spring, when it was decided the hospital could manage without the methadone delivery program. The agency said it is open to considering SIUH for the initiative.

Within the last nine months, according to the city Health Department, it has reached out to SIUH several times to explore interest in the program. Each time, the agency said SIUH did not respond.

Sullivan called the program a really useful service, especially given the potential for individuals to be infected while they are receiving their medication.

While federal guidelines previously severely restricted methadone, the latest guidelines allow for methadone home delivery if an individual is isolating due to a positive COVID-19 test result, has COVID-19 symptoms, is quarantining due to travel or exposure to the virus, or is over the age of 50 and has underlying health conditions.

With its staff of 20 city Health Department workers, the program was slated to be able to make approximately 1,300 deliveries a month, the release for the initiative said in May.

However, through the end of 2020, just over 3,100 deliveries to 700 New Yorkers were made.

That comes as Staten Island saw its number of overdoses double between April 1  the early days of the pandemic  and Oct. 1, the Advance/SILive.com reported.

Mental health and recovery professionals feared that increased stress and anxiety, along with isolation and other socioeconomic factors, like loss of employment, would prove to be difficult for individuals in recovery and those who are actively struggling from substance misuse.

While the program has reportedly been met with criticism from some, Sullivan said increased overdose deaths have not been present in the Islands population of methadone maintenance patients.

Christine, 46, who has been a patient at SIUHs methadone clinic for about eight years and asked to only be identified by her first name for privacy concerns, said she has been forced to receive her methadone in the parking lot of the facility to avoid exposure to others.

Considered a stable patient, Christine said she has underlying conditions that put her at risk for more serious symptoms of COVID-19 and also recently had foot surgery, making it hazardous for her to drive.

Despite being under the 50-year-old threshold outlined by the city to be eligible for methadone home delivery, she said she has received multiple recommendations for her to be eligible for the delivery program.

You have to risk your life just to get methadone, Christine said in an interview with the Advance/SILive.com. It shouldnt be that people who suffer from dependency of addiction have to suffer and risk their lives to COVID.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - Golden Goliath Resources Ltd. (TSXV GNG) (OTC Pink: GGTHF) (FSE: GGZ)

Golden Goliath Resources Ltd. is pleased to announce the resumption of exploration on its Kwai project in the Red Lake district of Ontario. The Kwai project covers a 10 km section of the Pakwash fault south of Red Lake, adjoining the Dixie Lake area currently being explored by Great Bear Resources and BTU Metals. A new road that links the East Grid to the South Dixie road (new GNG access road) has been completed and will be plowed immediately to allow access for the geophysical crew who will survey Beauregard Lake with IP- Resistivity starting January 10th. This grid will cover a 2 km section of the Pakwash Fault covered by the lake in an area thought to be one of the sources for gold grains in the tills on the West Grid. Splay faults crossing beneath the lake will also be surveyed (Figure 2).





Figure 1: Red Lake District Properties including the Kwai and SLF properties of Golden Goliath

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4761/71561_dec0e619d4098a38_002full.jpg

This survey will fill in a large gap in the overall IP coverage, as the rest of the IP survey was done during the summer months. The coverage of this gap is important because airborne Mag and EM surveys show that a large splay fault cuts the main Pakwash break beneath the lake (figures 2 and 4) and that is a prime gold exploration target.





Figure 2: Proposed IP coverage of Beauregard Lake

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4761/71561_dec0e619d4098a38_003full.jpg

Diamond drill pads will be placed in advance on as many as 20 targets on the East and Central Grids, linking them to the new road access to the East Grid. The East Grid is also an area that could be a possible source of gold grains in the till. Drilling on the Central Grid, south of Beauregard Lake will be included in this phase as access to this area is also gained from the new GNG access road (see photos on Company website under photo gallery).





Figure 3: Probable Source areas for basal till gold grains

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4761/71561_dec0e619d4098a38_004full.jpg

In addition, drilling on the west grid has discovered a wide belt of Uchi age rocks of basalt composition, which appears to extend into the south part of the East grid. Recently received Whole Rock geochemical analysis shows that these basalts are the type of host rock found in the mines in Red Lake.

Drilling will begin when the drill pads are ready in the later part of January.





Figure 4: Kwai Property fault Structures Interpreted from Magnetic Data

To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4761/71561_dec0e619d4098a38_005full.jpg

CEO Paul Sorbara comments: "We are looking forward to our 2021 exploration of the Kwai property."

This news release has been reviewed by Robert S. Middleton P.Eng who is acting as QP for this phase of the exploration under the NI 43-101 requirements.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Paul Sorbara, MSc, PGeo

CEO, Golden Goliath Resources Ltd.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain statements included herein may constitute "forward-looking statements". All statements included in this press release that address future events, conditions or results, including in connection with exploration activity, future acquisitions and any financing, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "must", "plan", "believe", "expect", "estimate", "think", "continue", "should", "will", "could", "intend", "anticipate" or "future" or the negative forms thereof or similar variations. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by management in light of their experiences and their perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors they believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those mentioned in the Company's continuous disclosure documents, which can be found under its profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Many of such risks and uncertainties are outside the control of the Company and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In making such forward-looking statements, management has relied upon a number of material factors and assumptions, on the basis of currently available information, for which there is no insurance that such information will prove accurate. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Golden Goliath Resources Ltd.

J. Paul Sorbara, M.Sc., P.Geo

President & CEO

Phone: +1(604) 682-2950 Email: jps@goldengoliath.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.

About Golden Goliath

Golden Goliath Resources Ltd. is a junior exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (symbol GNG). The Company is focused on exploring and developing the gold and silver potential of properties in the Red Lake District of Ontario. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the San Timoteo property, located in the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains of northwestern Mexico, as well as NSR royalties on several other nearby properties.

To find out more about Golden Goliath visit our website at www.goldengoliath.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71561
" " Most people will see a face in this tree stump. Melinda Podor/Getty Images

The world is full of faces. Faces in wall outlets. Faces in lamp switches. Faces in cheese graters. Sometimes these faces have religious significance, like the women who found an image of the Virgin Mary in her grilled cheese (and then sold it for $28,000), or the Cheeto that looks convincingly like Jesus.

The phenomenon of seeing faces where they're not supposed to be  in clouds, on buildings, in tacos  is so common and widespread that it has a name: pareidolia. In Greek, pareidolia translates as "beyond form or image," and it means finding meanings or patterns where there aren't any, like hearing a heartbeat in white noise or believing that a seat cushion is mad at you.

It's easy to dismiss pareidolia as a fun optical illusion, or worse, as a psychotic delusion. But some scientists now believe that our uncanny ability to find faces in everyday objects points to a new understanding of how our brains process the outside world. Instead of taking in visual cues and then making sense of them as an apple, a tree or a face, it might be the other way around. What if our brains are actually telling our eyes what to see?

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We Are Programmed to See Faces

Kang Lee is a professor of applied psychology and human development at the University of Toronto. In addition to giving a popular TED Talk on how to tell if kids are lying, Lee has spent decades studying how infants, children and adults process faces.

"As soon as we're born, we start to look for faces," says Lee, explaining that it's a product of millions of years of evolution. "One reason is that our ancestors needed to avoid predators or find prey, all of which have faces. And a second reason is that humans are very social animals. When we interact with each other, we need to know if the other person is a friend or foe."

" " This rock formation along the Dalles of the St. Croix River in Minnesota bears an uncanny resemblance to a man's face. Marcia Straub/Getty Images

Evolution might explain pareidolia, too. Since the ability to quickly recognize and respond to different faces could be a matter of life and death, there's a much higher cost for not seeing the lion's face in the underbrush than for mistaking an orange-and-black flower for a lion's face. The brain is better off making a "false positive" (pareidolia) if it means that you're primed to recognize real danger, too.

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Which Comes First, the Eyes or the Brain?

It's clear that evolution has programmed our brains to prioritize faces, but how exactly does it all work under the hood? That's what Lee wanted to find out.

The conventional wisdom is that the eyes take in visual stimuli from the outside world  light, colors, shapes, movement  and send that information to the visual cortex located in a region of the brain known as the occipital lobe. After the occipital lobe translates the raw data into images, those images are sent to the frontal lobe, which does the high-level processing. Is that a rock outcropping or is it a giant head?

That conventional model is what Lee calls "bottom-up" processing, in which the brain's role is to passively take in information and make sense of it. If the brain sees faces everywhere, it's because the brain is responding to facelike stimuli  basically any cluster of spots and spaces that roughly look like two eyes, a nose and a mouth.

But Kang and other researchers began to question the bottom-up processing model. They wondered if it wasn't the other way around; a "top-down" process in which the brain is calling the shots.

"We wanted to know whether the frontal lobe actually plays a very important role in helping us to see faces," says Lee. "Instead of the face imagery coming from the outside, the brain generates some kind of expectation from the frontal lobe, then goes back to the occipital lobe and finally to our eyes and then we see faces."

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'Seeing Jesus in Toast'

That question is what made Lee think about pareidolia. He'd read those stories of people seeing images of Jesus, Elvis and angels in their toast and tortillas, and wondered if he could build an experiment around it.

" " This is the 10-year-old cheese sandwich that sold for $28,000 in 2004. The seller, Florida resident Diana Duyser, said after taking a bite she saw the Virgin Mary staring back at her. She said she had done nothing to preserve it but keep it in a plastic box. AFP via Getty Images

So, Lee recruited a bunch of regular people, hooked them up to an fMRI scanner, and showed them a series of grainy images, some of which contained hidden faces and some of which were pure noise. The participants were told that exactly half of the images contained a face (not true) and were asked with each new image, "Do you see a face?" As a result of this prodding, participants reported seeing a face 34 percent of the time when there was nothing but static.

What was most interesting to Lee were the images coming back from the real-time fMRI scan. When participants reported seeing a face, the "face area" of their visual cortex lit up, even when there was no face in the image at all. That told Lee that another part of the brain must be telling the visual cortex to see a face.

In a paper provocatively titled, "Seeing Jesus in toast: Neural and behavioral correlates of face pareidolia," Lee and his colleagues reported that when the brain was properly "primed" to see faces, then the expectation to see a face was coming from the frontal lobe, specifically an area called the inferior frontal gyrus.

"The inferior frontal gyrus is a very interesting area," says Lee. "It's related to generating some kind of idea and then instructing our visual cortex to see things. If the idea is a face, then it would see a face. If the idea is Jesus, I'm pretty sure the cortex is going to see Jesus. If the idea is Elvis, then it's going to see Elvis."

The "Jesus in toast" paper won Lee a 2014 Ig Nobel prize, a cheeky award handed out by the humorous science magazine Annals of Improbable Research, but Lee says the pareidolia experiment proved that top-down processing plays a critical role in how we experience the world around us.

"A lot of things we see in the world aren't coming from our sight, but are coming from inside our minds," says Lee.

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Friend or Foe?

Lee has also run research on babies and racial bias. He found the very youngest babies were able to recognize differences between faces of all races but lost that ability as they grew older. By 9 months, they could only differentiate between faces that were their same race. The rest started to blur together. The reason is that they had only been exposed to same-race faces (in most cases, mom and dad) for the first nine months of their lives.

From his research, Lee now believes racial biases aren't biological; we simply learn to trust people that look like the faces we saw when our brains were first developing. Unfortunately, this can develop later into different kinds of biases based on societal messaging and stereotypes.

"The reason there are racial biases is because of early experiences," says Lee. "If we created a diverse visual and social experience for children, then they would be less likely to have biases."

The good news is that parents and educators can combat racial bias by exposing infants and toddlers to faces of all races and identifying them as "Jill" or "Derek," not as a "white person" or a "Black person."

Now That's Cool If you can't get enough images of inanimate objects making funny faces, check out the "Hello Little Fella!" groups on Facebook and Flickr.
PFAS investigation in Pellston completes second round of samples

Officials discovered polyfluoroalkyls in Pellston residential water sources in late 2019. The airport is believed to be the source of the substances.
The U.S. Department of Justice building is seen in Washington on July 22, 2019. (Alastair Pike/AFP/Getty Images)

DOJ Employee Email Accounts Accessed by SolarWinds Hackers

The Justice Department confirmed Wednesday that its employees email accounts had been accessed by the hackers who broke into software company SolarWinds.

The department discovered the breach on Dec. 24, 2020, and has eliminated the identified method by which the hackers had accessed its Microsoft Office 365 email environment, spokesperson Marc Raimondi said in a statement.

At this point, the number of potentially accessed [Microsoft Office 365] mailboxes appears limited to around 3 percent and we have no indication that any classified systems were impacted, Raimondi said.

The department has more than 110,000 employees across multiple law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Although Raimondi didnt provide a precise number of email accounts affected, a three percent breach could mean that the hackers accessed about 3,000 email accounts.

According to a joint statement issued Tuesday by the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the National Security Agency, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the recently discovered infiltration into U.S. government and private networks via compromised SolarWinds systems is likely associated with Russia.

This work indicates that an Advanced Persistent Threat actor, likely Russian in origin, is responsible for most or all of the recently discovered, ongoing cyber compromises of both government and non-governmental networks, the intelligence agencies said.

At this time, we believe this was, and continues to be, an intelligence gathering effort, the agencies said. We are taking all necessary steps to understand the full scope of this campaign and respond accordingly.

In a December 2020 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SolarWinds said that the data of some 18,000 customers could be compromised by the intrusion of SolarWinds Orion, a widely-used IT infrastructure management software.

Microsoft, the developer of Windows OS, Office, and Xbox, reported in December that it used SolarWinds Orion inside its internal network. The company later said in a blog post that the hackers behind the SolarWinds attack managed to get inside its internal network and used a small number of internal accounts to access Microsoft source code repositories.

The hackers, however, werent able to make any changes to the repositories they accessed, since the compromised accounts did not have permissions to modify any code, according to Microsoft.

At Microsoft, we have an inner source approachthe use of open source software development best practices and an open source-like cultureto making source code viewable within Microsoft, the company explained. This means we do not rely on the secrecy of source code for the security of products, and our threat models assume that attackers have knowledge of source code. So viewing source code isnt tied to elevation of risk.
(BJP) on Thursday said farmers should have waited till the next round of talks, scheduled for January 8, before giving a call for tractor march on the capital.

"It is not correct to call for any movement when the talks are underway. Farmers should have waited till January 8 talks with the Centre before calling for tractor march. Last two rounds of talks had ended on a positive note and we are hopeful for a solution in the next round," Shahnawaz Hussain, spokesperson of BJP said speaking to ANI.

Taking a dig at the Congress and its government in Punjab, Hussain said that people in Punjab and the Central government, both know the role of the state government in farmers protest.

"Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has failed to establish the law and order situation in the state," he accused.

Talking about the Congress demand of Bharat Ratna to Sonia Gandhi, he said that the party demanding it for making Sonia Ji happy.

"Congress has not given Bharat Ratna to many deserving personalities during its tenure. But now they have demanded it for Sonia Gandhi," he said.

Senior Congress leader Harish Rawat, earlier this week has demanded the government to give Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour, to Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi along with BSP chief Mayawati.

Terming Maharashtra government a "puppet government" Hussain said that Uddhav Thackeray compromised the ideology of Bala Saheb Thackeray and did exactly what the Congress ask him to do.

The BJP spokesperson further attacked Trinamool Congress (TMC) and stated, that TMC is a sinking ship and both West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and leader Abhishek Banerjee are sailing in that boat.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A US envoy visited Algeria on Thursday as part of a regional tour to discuss issues including the Libya conflict and disputed Western Sahara, officials said

Algiers, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jan, 2021 ) :A US envoy visited Algeria on Thursday as part of a regional tour to discuss issues including the Libya conflict and disputed Western Sahara, officials said.

David Schenker, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, was accompanied by US Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and General Jeffrey Harrigian, the US Air Force commander in Europe and Africa, the US embassy said.

Algeria's foreign ministry said the visit would help reinforce talks between the two countries on "bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest" including Libya and Western Sahara.

Algeria shares borders with conflict-riddled Libya and is the key foreign backer of the Polisario Front, which has campaigned for independence in the Western Sahara since the 1970s.

Morocco, another Algerian neighbour, normalised ties with Israel in December in a deal brokered by the US, which recognised Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara.

The Morocco-Israel deal was criticised by Algeria, with Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad slamming "foreign manoeuvres which aim to destabilise" his country.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place since October in Libya, where rival administrations agreed to ink a truce and pave the way for political talks leading to elections later this year.

Schenker, who arrived from Jordan and is set to travel to Morocco, held talks Thursday with Algerian Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum.

"The meeting was a chance to hold a complete and frank assessment of bilateral ties between the two countries and exchange views on the role expected by the United States to confront current challenges on the international and regional levels," Boukadoum later tweeted.
District nurses who will be at the forefront of the Covid vaccination campaign have not yet received jabs to protect them from the virus, it can be revealed.

The director of the Royal College of Nursing in Northern Ireland, Pat Cullen, has hit out at the situation, calling for it to be addressed urgently.

She said: "These are nurses who will be front and centre when it comes to providing the vaccine for GP practices to those who are housebound and too frail to attend clinics, yet they have no idea when they will be vaccinated. These are nurses who, time and time, feel they're being let down."

It is the latest upset for health service employees, coming as the row deepens over delays to the second doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination to thousands of frontline healthcare workers.

A decision has been taken to delay the second dose of the vaccine for trust healthcare staff to 12 weeks, while the second dose will be administered to care home staff and residents as planned.

The Department of Health has not provided an explanation for the disparity.

The new policy aims to ensure more people receive a first dose, which officials have said will increase the overall number of people with some immunity to the virus.

Under the new policy, healthcare workers will not receive the second dose at three weeks, as has been advised by the manufacturer.

Instead, they have been told the second dose will be administered between 10 and 12 weeks after the first dose.

However, there are growing concerns there are inadequate stocks of the vaccine after Northern Ireland's chief scientific adviser told the Stormont health committee yesterday that "most people" will receive the vaccine before 12 weeks.

Dr Tom Black, chair of the British Medical Association's Northern Ireland Council, said: "We have not been able to find out how many vaccines are left in storage in Northern Ireland for healthcare workers awaiting a second dose.

"We have asked on a couple of occasions without getting an answer and we will be writing again to the Health Minister to ask how many vaccines are left," he added.

"The big concern that doctors have and are reporting to me is that they are worried there won't be any vaccine available for them to get the second dose. We know from our vaccine experts that you shouldn't mix and match vaccines."

The Belfast Telegraph has asked the Department of Health for the number of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines currently in stock in Northern Ireland but has not received a response.

But speaking in the Assembly yesterday, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "We do not have enough supplies to vaccinate everyone right now. Supplies will inevitably come in batches. And that means that we have to prioritise.

"In that, we will be guided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

"There is no defensible alternative to that.

"In the coming weeks, the primary focus will remain on protecting those members of our community most at risk of serious illness and death from the virus."

In relation to the situation facing district nurses, a spokeswoman from the Department of Health said it is a matter for the individual health trusts.

Download the Belfast Telegraph App Get quick and easy access to the latest Northern Ireland news, sport, business and opinion with the Belfast Telegraph App.

Belfast Telegraph
Hours after a pro-Trump mob incited by the president stormed the Capitol, dozens of Democrats demanded that he be removed under the 25th Amendment - an unprecedented option being seriously discussed late Wednesday by senior administration officials alarmed at Trump's conduct.

The amendment, which can remove a president "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office," has only been used briefly for medical events, as when President Ronald Reagan underwent colon surgery.

But some politicians and experts argue that Trump has met those standards by encouraging violence through his incendiary rhetoric and by refusing to accept the reality of his defeat.

"President Trump revealed that he is not mentally sound and is unable to process and accept the results of the 2020 election," Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee wrote to Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday. "President Trump's willingness to invite violence and social unrest to overturn the election results by force clearly meet this standard."

Although the amendment has never been used in these circumstances, some experts say it could provide a faster and more realistic path than impeachment to quickly remove Trump from power. That would all depend, though, on the backing of Pence and the Cabinet.

So how would it work?

The amendment, which was ratified in 1967 after concerns about the order of succession after John F. Kennedy's assassination, would allow Pence and a majority of the Cabinet to declare that Trump is unfit for duty. They would then send a letter to Congress about their decision.

At that moment, said Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the University of California at Berkeley's School of Law, Pence would assume the powers of the presidency. If Trump were in a coma or otherwise incapacitated, Pence would keep that power indefinitely.

But the amendment also gives Trump the power to object by writing his own letter to Congress - an action that would immediately restore his powers. If that happened, though, Pence and the full Cabinet would have four days overrule him. (There's no agreement on who would be in power for those four days, The Washington Post's Philip Bump reported. The amendment is unclear and would likely have to be tested in court.)

If Pence and the Cabinet did overrule Trump, Congress would be called on to decide the dispute. Pence would remain in power in the meantime.

That's where the timing gets interesting. The amendment orders Congress to convene within 48 hours to decide on whether to boot the president - but then it gives lawmakers 21 days to make a decision.

Affirming Pence's move would require a two-thirds majority of both the House and Senate. That's an unlikely result, considering a majority of House Republicans voted early on Thursday to back Trump's electoral objections.

But if the House and Senate leadership simply stalled the vote, they could effectively run out the clock on Trump's term, leaving Pence in charge until President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20, Chemerinsky said.

"Pence would be the president for that time," he said.

Impeachment, by contrast, would be extraordinarily difficult to push through the House and a Senate trial by Jan. 20, Chemerinsky said. (Unlike impeachment, the 25th Amendment can't actually remove Trump from office - instead, it would delegate his powers to Pence.)

That's not to say that Pence or the Cabinet would ever embrace removing Trump under the 25th Amendment. While senior aides did discuss the option on Wednesday, those talks were informal and no concrete plans were in the works, The Washington Post reported.

If the aim is to avoid further violence and turmoil, Pence and the Cabinet would have to weigh whether removing Trump early would actually accomplish that, Chemerinsky said.

"Do they perceive Trump as so dangerous in the next 13 days that he needs to be gone immediately?" Chemerinsky said. "Or do they think this would just divide the country even further and make him into a martyr?"
ISTANBUL - Turkey is once again accusing Greece of illegally pushing back migrant boats in difficulty in the Aegean Sea.

''Greece pushes innocent people to death. And Europe just watches'', Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu wrote on his Twitter profile. He shared a video in which a rubber dinghy carrying several people on board appears to be adrift while a Greek coast guard vessel nearby intervenes to push it back, until migrants are rescued by Turkish coast guards.

''We condemn Frontex and the European Parliament that don't denounce this inhuman behavior that occurs every day'', added Soylu.
Blue-ringed octopus known as one of worlds most venomous marine creatures

A beach-goer has issued a desperate warning to parents after he found a deadly blue-ringed octopus hiding in a shell his child collected.

Randwick City Council shared pictures of the blue-ring octopus on Facebook, after a man found the creature on Yarra Bay beach, New South Wales on Monday.

The Randwick resident Andrew has reminded parents to remain vigilant after he took his kids down to the beach for an afternoon swim.

Randwick City Council has reminded beachgoers to stay vigilant after a local family discovered a blue-ringed octopus after hiding in their children's shell collection

After his children picked up a few shells from the shore line, the father noticed a peculiar sight scamper across the family's towel.

'Our 11-year-old son set a couple of shells down on a beach towel my wife was sitting on and then a few moments later this little fella and another scampered across the towel,' he said.

A deadly blue-ringed octopus emerged from the shells, startling the family.

'The funny thing is that we'd spoken recently with the kids about how the Blue Ringed Octopus could be found around the area and that they're super deadly, however we never really expected to see one,' he said.

The octopus was eventually returned to the ocean, far away from fellow beachgoers.

Despite the shocking discovery, Andrew said no children or octopuses where harmed.

'Their (blue-ring octopuses) rings lit up so blue when they swam away. It was incredible,' he said.

Local residents were quick to comment on the photo.

A family found a blue-ringed octopus during an afternoon swim at Yarra Beach in New South Wales (pictured)

Local Randwick family find a small blue-ring octopus (pictured) scuttling across their beach towel on Monday afternoon

Blue-ringed octopus bites are highly venomous to humans and emergency services should be called immediately (pictured: stock photo of a blue-ringed octopus)

'I found a blue-ringed octopus last week. Stay vigilant everyone', one said.

'Thanks for the heads up and good reminder', another added.

Other residents recommended to avoid picking up shells when venturing to local beaches.

'Its scary and probably not a very good idea to be picking up shells in the water', one said.
Leanne Pearson was fed up with 2020.

The Winnipeg country-rocker has seen the COVID-19 pandemic pull her life and career over to the side of the road.

Like so many other people in 2020, Pearson had become separated from loved ones. For months, she was in Winnipeg, staying with her folks and writing songs, while her fiance, Jordan Riley, was at their home in Nashville, a closed border separating the two.

So she made a daring decision. She boarded a flight to Music City, one shes taken many times, and shifted her relationship, and her music, back into high gear.

"I did make the leap and take the risk of travelling from Manitoba to Nashville to see Jordan in September. It was scary, so knowing the anxiety that I felt while travelling and the risk I took, Im going to stay put here for a while until things calm down," says Pearson, who won two Manitoba Country Music Awards in 2019, including album of the year for the LP Pull It Off, and in 2018 was named the MCMAs female artist of the year.

The result: a new single, Miles Away; a new musical style that focuses on feelings rather than F-150s; and an innovative new video that came out just before Christmas that puts an American Sign Language translator and the songs lyrics at centre stage.

"While I was in Winnipeg in quarantine I was writing music a lot and I was kind of emotional about the situation of being away from my fiance, not knowing when wed get married, not knowing when Id see him again," Pearson says.

"I wrote it and sent a video of me playing it to him and said, Hey, I wrote this song for you. I decided to post it on social media and the response was overwhelming."

So she contacted Murray Pulver  the former Doc Walker and Crash Test Dummies member who has become one of Winnipegs most sought-after music producers  to turn the video into a single.

"For me to release Miles Away... something so vulnerable, is really just me wanting to share my life and where Im at, something so personal that has impacted other people," Pearson says. "I just wanted to get on with life and to release something I feel a connection to."

She recorded a music video shortly after  it will be released soon, she says  but she latched onto a different idea after learning about Sign a Song, a Nashville company that makes music accessible for those who are unable to hear.

"Growing up, my nanas were my best friends, and one was blind and one was deaf," Pearson says. "So one never got the chance to hear my singing voice but she could see me performing and laughing onstage and having fun. The other couldnt see me onstage but she could hear my voice."

The video begins with Pearson sitting on a stool and strumming a white acoustic guitar, but quickly shifts to Sign a Songs Kiley Scott signing the lyrics to Miles Away while Pearson plays in the background.

The presentation is an apt one for 2020, a year where ASL translators were often seen accompanying government health officials and politicians to provide updates about the COVID-19 pandemic.

"That was my vision. I wanted her to be front and centre because the reason to make the video was to make the song accessible," Pearson says.

On the relationship front, Pearson and Riley, much to the delight of their families and her 11,000-plus followers on Twitter and Instagram, eloped and livestreamed the Nashville nuptials back to Winnipeg with the King  Elvis Presley lives forever in Tennessee  presiding over the ceremony.

SUPPLIED The King presided when Leanne Pearson married Jordan Riley; they livestreamed the Nashville nuptials back to Winnipeg.

"We were going to have all these wedding celebrations in Manitoba and have the wedding here in Nashville," Pearson says. "The dates kept getting pushed and pushed and pushed. Wed been separated for about four months due to COVID travel bans.

"When we were finally reunited, we just said, Lets just elope. We just couldnt wait to get married. We already had the wedding bands.

"We were initially going to the courthouse but we decided to surprise them with an Elvis Chapel and our cat Winnie as the cat-in-honour. It was taking a really dark situation and turning into something happy and positive that family and friends and fans and everybody could cry happy tears and laugh about down the road, instead of waiting out COVID or going to the courthouse."

Ben Dartnell photo Leanne Pearson took a risk and moved to Nashville to be with her now-husband in September.

The happy couple celebrated the event by dancing while the Elvis impersonator sang Burning Love.

The spontaneous marriage fits right in with Pearsons energetic onstage presence and the antics she sometimes displays on social media. Shes says engaging with fans on Instagram and Twitter is an essential part of being an entertainer.

"Its something I did struggle with very early on, because Im a very private and reserved person, despite what you see on social media," she says. "I realized that people who follow you on social media are essentially friends. Theyre invested in you and your life and your career just as much as you are. If youre not willing to share with your followers things about your life, youre never going to connect with them."

A big connection with fans came when she and Jordan appeared in a 2018 episode of HGTVs reality show The Property Brothers, in which the identical twin hosts and contractors, Jonathan and Drew Scott, renovate homes across the United States for people featured on the show.

Among the homes new features was a music room for Pearson, which has gained added value now that she uses it for livestreamed performances.

"I have a beautiful music room that the Property Brothers made," she says. "Jonathan and Drew have the same kind of humour as I do, so I got along really well with them.

"Its my first time in my whole life having a music room and having guitars hanging on a wall and records on a wall. Its the first time Ive had my own space for my music and its a wonderful feeling."

alan.small@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter:@AlanDSmall
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World leaders and governments expressed shock and outrage at the storming of the US Capitol in Washington by supporters of President Donald Trump, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging orderly and peaceful transfer of power in the US.

Modi said he was distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington, DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests, he tweeted.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was furious and saddened by the events and said Trump shared blame for the unrest.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the disgraceful scenes in US Congress.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the rampage at the Capitol was a disgraceful act and it must be vigorously condemned.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned an assault on US democracy, which tonight appears under siege.

French President Emmanuel Macron said, We will not give in to the violence of a few who want to question democracy. What happened today in Washington is not American.

Russian officials pointed to the storming of the US Capitol as evidence of Americas decline, with Konstantin Kosachyov, chairman of the Russian upper houses foreign affairs committee, saying it showed US democracy was limping on both feet.


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Spain's total number of coronavirus infections surged past two million on Thursday as cases jumped following the Christmas holidays, government figures showed on Thursday.

The milestone came as the health ministry announced another 42,360 new cases over the past 48 hours, taking the overall figure to 2,024,904.

But seroprevalence studies, that test people using a blood serum sample, suggest the figure is far higher.

"The total number of confirmed cases... already exceeds two million today," said Maria Jose Serra, deputy head of the health ministry's emergencies unit.

"Clearly, we are seeing a new increase of cases, they had decreased and now they are increasing again in what we could call the third wave."

Over the same 48-hour period, Spain also saw another 245 deaths, raising the overall toll to 51,675. And the incidence rate also shot up, rising from 296 cases per 100,000 people to 321, the figures showed.

On October 21, Spain became the first European country to record a million coronavirus infections, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez admitting just days later that the real number was three times higher.

And in mid-December, a new seroprevalence study suggested around 4.7 million people had been infected by the virusor around 10 percent of Spain's population.

Although the numbers have shot up, prompting most of Spain's 17 regions to impose new curbs on public life, the government has remained adamant it won't impose a new lockdown.

Jose Serra also said Spain had identified "around 60 confirmed cases" of the highly-contagious coronavirus variant which is sweeping Britain, but said it was not a key driver in the recent surge.

- 'No plans for new lockdown' -

With infection spreading rapidly across Europe, many countries have been forced into a second or even a third lockdown, but Spain has so far insisted the restrictions put in place under its state of emergency are sufficient.

"It's not in our sights, nor is it a measure we are contemplating," said Illa earlier on Thursday.

Memories of the harsh months-long lockdown imposed last March remain fresh in Spain where no one was allowed out for walks or exercise for six weeks until the government began slowly easing the rules, first for children.

Since the lockdown ended in June, the regions have taken responsibility for managing the pandemic, with the state of emergency granting them the legal rights to enforce a curfew and other restrictions.

But it does not give them the power to impose a regional lockdownwhich can only be done by the central government.

Castille and Leon, one of the worst-hit regions, has asked the government to impose a brief lockdown in the area but that request was turned down.

Neighbouring Extramadura, a landlocked region flanking Portugal which has the highest incidence in the country, has shuttered bars, restaurants and all non-essential shops for several weeks.

And the northeastern region of Catalonia on Thursday introduced new rules meaning residents cannot leave their town or city without a valid reason.

Shopping centres and gyms have been closed there, bars and restaurants can serve only breakfast or lunch, and at the weekend, only essential shops can open.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

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January 7, 2021 Pangilinan: All-senators' caucus to discuss how to move forward on Charter change resolution AN ALL-SENATORS' caucus will discuss how to move forward on the Senate resolution to amend the 1987 Constitution, said Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes and Laws. "Katulad ng mga ginawa natin noong nakaraang Kongreso, pinakamaiging pag-usapan ito sa all-senators' caucus at sana magkaroon ng consensus kung ano ang direksyon (As was our approach in the previous Congress, it would be best if the matter be tackled and discussed first in an all Senators Caucus wherein a consensus as to how to move forward hopefully can be reached)," he said when asked about it. "In fairness to the Charter change proponents the resolution was filed prior to the PSG vaccine controversy," he said, referring to the controversy of the Presidential Security Group receiving a Covid vaccine from China still to be tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and efficacy. Pangilinan raised concerns about the timing of the resolution, noting that all-government focus must be on controlling and managing the disease so that the country can get back on its feet. "Kasama sa pag-uusapan sa caucus ay ang timing ng Charter amendments, lalo na at hindi pa rin nasusugpo ang Covid at dapa pa rin ang ekonomiya natin (Among the issues that can be discussed in the caucus would be the timing of charter amendments considering that the country is facing the worst economic and health crisis in recent memory)," Pangilinan said. "Ngayon ba ang tamang panahon para pag-usapan ito? In addition is the matter of Congress voting jointly or separately in proposing Charter amendments," he added. Asked if he would request for an all-senators' caucus, Pangilinan said: "Ipinapaubaya ko sa liderato ng Senado ang desisyon na 'yan (I leave it to the Senate leadership to decide on the matter of an all-senators' caucus)." On whether he would conduct public consultations similar to the ones he conducted in the last Congress, Pangilinan said: "Depende sa resulta ng mapag-usapan sa caucus. Pakikinggan muna natin ang mga sentimiento ng mga kapwa senador (It would depend on the discussions during the caucus. Let's hear out the sentiments of our fellow senators)." Past survey results showed that a sizeable majority of Filipinos are opposed to changing the 1987 Constitution. Earlier, several House leaders met and announced that the Chamber is gearing to revive deliberations on Charter change. The hearing could be set next week, they said.
A mural of Libyan warlord Mohsen al-Kani outside a militia detention centre in Tarhuna, after the town was taken by pro-Tripoli forces last June - AFP

Libya's United Nations-backed government was urged on Thursday to investigate the deaths of hundreds of people in a town where a family of exotic animal-owning brothers implemented a years-long reign of terror.

At least 338 residents of Tarhuna, an agricultural town 45 miles southeast of the Libyan capital, were reported missing in the years that a local family called the Kanis controlled the area, according to Tripolis Public Authority for Search and Identification of Missing Persons.

Since the Kani brothers and their militia were driven from Tarhuna last June, workers have exhumed 120 bodies from 27 mass graves in the town, the authoritys head Kamal al-Siwi told Human Rights Watch.

But the New York-based watchdog said Thursday that Tripolis Government of National Accord should do more to identify the victims and pursue accountability against the brothers, who once received GNA support.

"The authorities should act on the grim discovery of mass graves by taking proper steps to identify the bodies and bringing those responsible for abuses to justice," said Hanan Salah, Human Rights Watch's senior Libya researcher.

Following the overthrow and killing of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, seven brothers from the Kani family exploited Libyas lawlessness to pursue a decades-old family feud, assassinating relatives who were Gaddafi supporters, the BBC reported.

After the second youngest Kani brother was killed in 2012, the remaining six brothers created a militia to establish a fiefdom around Tarhuna, ruling the town through fear and earning wealth through extortion.

A photo from Tarhuna in 2017 shows uniformed Kaniyat militiamen parading through the town with a pair of leashed lions, which were rumoured to feed on the flesh of murdered townspeople.

The militia initially supported the GNA but switched allegiances in 2019 to support eastern-based warlord Khalifa Haftar during his 14-month long campaign to seize Tripoli.

Story continues

It was during this time that enforced disappearances in Tarhuna peaked, according to HRW, as militiamen struggled to maintain their grip on the town.

By the time Turkey-backed pro-GNA forces halted Gen Haftars assault on the capital last year, two more of the brothers had died, likely in a Turkish drone strike. The surviving four Kani brothers and their militia fled to eastern Libya, while the warring parties later signed a ceasefire in October.

Some of the bodies exhumed in Tarhuna show signs of torture, while others were handcuffed. Among the dead are women and children as young as five, HRW said.

Al-Kanis are ruthless and worked to eliminate anyone that could stand in their way, one Tarhuna resident whose relative was seized by the militia told HRW, asking to remain anonymous for fear of retribution For them, if youre not with them, then youre against them.

In November, the United States sanctioned the eldest Kani brother Mohamed and the militia for the murder of civilians recently discovered in numerous mass graves in Tarhouna, as well as torture, forced disappearances, and displacement of civilians.
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Madhya Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel signed off on Thursday on an ordinance to regulate inter-faith marriages that prescribes a punishment of two to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rs.50,000 for forcing women to convert their religion.

An official in Raj Bhavan said the ordinance targets those who force women, minors, and people from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to undergo religious conversion.. Reconversion to ones original religion will not be considered a crime, the official said, requesting anonymity..

The governor, who is in Lucknow at present ,has signed the drafts of all the ordinances which were approved by the state cabinet and sent to the governor for her consent and promulgation on December 29, 2020. There were about 12 such ordinances which couldnt be tabled in the state assemblys winter session, which was postponed due to the Covid situation, the official added.

One of the ordinances prescribes punishment of those guilty of adulteration of food and drugs with up to a life term in prison.

Madhya Pradesh follows Uttar Pradesh in introducing an ordinance cracking down on interfaith relationships that allegedly use marriage as a lure to force Hindu women to convert to Islam in a practice that some groups term love jihad, but one that the courts and the Union government do not officially recognise . The stringent laws do not use the words love jihad, and the UP law has already been challenged in the Supreme Court.

The ordinance to regulate religious conversion is called the Madhya Pradesh Dharmik Swatantrata (Freedom of Religion) Ordinance, 2020. It will replace the 1968 Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act and prohibit conversion and attempted conversion through misrepresentation, allurement, threat, force, undue influence, coercion, marriage and any fraudulent means.

Conspiracy and abetment to religious conversion have been prohibited too in the ordinance, states the ordinances draft.

Inter-faith marriages solemnised by way of misrepresentation, allurement, threat, coercion, undue influence and fraud will be deemed null and void. Parental property rights will be given to children born out of such marriages and the man will have to pay a maintenance allowance to the woman and children.

In cases of religious conversion in violation of the provisions involving women, minors, and women from scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, the prescribed punishment is two to 10 years in jail a minimum fine of Rs 50,000. In other cases of religious conversion, it prescribes a minimum jail term of one year and a maximum of five years. and fine of Rs. 25,000 .

In cases of religious conversion by way of impersonation or misrepresentation, the punishment will be three to 10 yeas in jail and fine of Rs 50,000.

A mass religious conversion (conversion of two or more persons at the same time) in violation of the ordinance will invite a jail term of at least five years that can be extended to 10 years. Repeat offences will attract a jail term of five to 10 years.

The crimes registered under the ordinance are cognisable and non-bailable. A sessions court is authorised to hear the case. Investigation into the crime cant be done by a police officer lower to the rank of a police sub-inspector. The onus of proof will lie on the accused, the draft says.

A person embracing another religion voluntarily and the priest (dharmik vyakti) getting the conversion done will have to inform the district magistrate at least 60 days prior to the scheduled date of conversion. Violation of this provision will attract a sentence of three to five years in prison and a minimum fine of Rs 50,000.

Travellers to be banned from entering next week if they do not have negative test

But there are concerns in the travel industry some will be stuck away on holiday

It is expected to cause a scramble for return flights as 100,000 Brits are abroad

Are you rushing to get home before the testing rule comes in? Email martin.robinson@mailonline.co.uk or tips@dailymail.com

Britons may be stranded abroad as ministers say travellers will be banned from entering the UK within days if they do not have proof they are clear of coronavirus.

Passengers on planes, boats or trains will be banned from entering the UK next week if they do not have a negative test within 72 hours of departure.

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But there are concerns in the travel industry some will be stuck on holiday because many destinations do not have testing facilities.

It is expected to cause a scramble for return flights as around 100,000 Brits are currently away in hotspots such as Dubai and the Maldives.

Ministers agreed the strict measures last night amid growing pressure to tighten borders - but have not confirmed a start date, although it is expected to be next week.

They will apply to Britons and foreign nationals in a bid to keep out infections and mutant strains such as the one in South Africa. The curbs could come in next week.

Travellers will be banned from entering the UK next week if they do not have a negative test within 72 hours of departure. Pictured: Heathrow

It is expected to cause a scramble for return flights as around 100,000 Brits are currently away in hotspots such as Dubai and the Maldives. Pictured: Heathrow last month

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WHICH LATERAL FLOW TESTS DOES THE UK GOVERNMENT USE? There are currently three lateral flow test devices on the Government's approved list. They are: SD Biosensor Standard Q Antigen Test Manufacturer: SD Biosensor When tested: August Claimed accuracy: 95.5% Real-world accuracy: Thought to be around 70% - source Price: Unknown SD Biosensor's rapid coronavirus test Innova Tried & Tested Antigen Test Manufacturer: Innova Tried & Tested When tested: August Claimed accuracy: 99% Real-world accuracy: 'At least 50 per cent', according to Dept Health Price: 8.69 per test (bulk order) Innova's rapid coronavirus test Healgen Rapid Covid-19 Antigen Test Manufacturer: Healgen When tested: September Claimed accuracy: 97.3% Real-world accuracy: Unknown Price: Unknown Healgen's rapid coronavirus test

Every traveller coming into UK ports or airports should have a pre-flight negative test to enter or will face a 500 on-the-spot fine. It is not clear whether they will then forced into quarantine.

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Airlines and other carriers should bar people from travelling without them but Border Force guards will carry out spot checks on arrivals.

It was unclear last night whether PCR tests will be demanded in all circumstances or if rapid 'lateral flow' tests, considered less accurate, might also be accepted.

However, the travel industry raised fears some Britons could be stranded as some countries do not have the resources.

One holidaymaker on the Caribbean island told the Times there was 'zero chance' they could be tested before their flight to the UK tomorrow.

The new rules mean travellers will have to quarantine for ten days  even if they test negative  if arriving from a 'red list' country with high rates of Covid-19.

But they will be able to leave isolation if a second test, which can be taken from the fifth day, is negative.

All travellers will require a 'passenger locator form' and face a 500 fine if they fail to comply.

Children under 11 will be exempt as will hauliers.

Hauliers crossing the Channel to France will also still need a negative test before departure following a decision by the French government on Thursday.

Some people will also dodge the new rules if they are coming from 'countries without the infrastructure available to deliver the tests'.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: 'With new strains of the virus developing internationally we must take further precautions.

'Taken together with the existing mandatory self-isolation period for passengers returning from high-risk countries, pre-departure tests will provide a further line of defence.'

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Britain's airline industry said it recognised the need to act to introduce pre-departure testing but only as a short-term, emergency measure.

Chief Executive of Airlines UK Tim Alderslade said: 'Once the roll-out of the vaccine accelerates, the focus must be on returning travel to normal as quickly as possible in order to support the UK's economic recovery.'

But travel consultant Paul Charles raised concerns about how realistic it is to have a pre-arrival test policy.

He tweeted: 'How I wonder is the government's plan for everyone departing from overseas to take a test ever going to work?'

He also questioned what will happen if test results come back slowly, and whether the infrastructure is in place to handle the paperwork.

The government was working with the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to roll out similar measures.

Ministers agreed the strict measures last night amid growing pressure to tighten borders (file image)

The new rules mean travellers will have to quarantine for ten days  even if they test negative  if arriving from a red list country with high rates of Covid-19. Pictured, passengers arriving in New York on a flight from London

Boris Johnson confirmed earlier this week a requirement for arrivals to have tested negative will be introduced, amid alarm at the spread of new variants around the world. Pictured, border control at Heathrow Airport

The new rule would not apply to the Common Travel Area which includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland as well as the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Who doesn't have to provide a negative test on arrival in the UK? Hauliers

Children under 11

Air crews

People travelling from countries where tests are not available

It comes after ministers extended the travel ban on arrivals from South Africa to its neighbouring countries to keep out the new strain.

It affects Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique and Angola, plus the Seychelles and Mauritius.

The ban comes into effect from tomorrow at 4am.

The Department for Transport said the move was in response to data showing a steep rise in cases of the new variant in the region.

Last night Israel was also removed from the 'safe' list.

Lockdown restrictions which came into force on Wednesday mean holidays are banned.

All passengers arriving from countries not on the government's travel corridor list will still be required to self-isolate for ten days, regardless of their Covid test result.

Scotland, which has devolved powers over transport policy, announced on Thursday travellers from Israel and Jerusalem, Botswana, Mauritius and the Seychelles were being removed from its travel corridor list and passengers arriving from those countries would still be required to self-isolate for 10 days.

Around 230 planes hit the tarmac at Britain's six busiest airports on Wednesday, with 26 coming from the US which is being battered by the virus.

Thousands have arrived at Heathrow in the past few days, with full data not yet available but sources at the airport said the figure was be in the tens of thousands.

In November nearly 747,000 entered through the London hub airport.

Figures from Labour yesterday showed that just three in every 100 people arriving in the UK are being checked to see if they are complying with quarantine requirements.

Boris Johnson

Keir Starmer

Zahawi says Covid tests at airports 'pointless' in clashes with Piers Morgan on ITV Nadhim Zahawi engaged in brutal clashes with Piers Morgan yesterday over the government's Covid border controls. The vaccines minister was slammed on ITV's Good Morning Britain as he insisted it would be 'pointless' to test people at UK airports. In a vicious rebuke, Morgan said: 'We have, for inexplicable reasons, to anyone with a brain throughout this pandemic resolutely refused to test people when they arrive at our border, nor have we required anybody to have a test to be negative when they get here. 'Do you know how many people we have tested at our border?' Mr Zahawi said: 'The answer is you don't take a test on the border because it's pointless.' Morgan added: 'So the answer is zero we don't test people, any of our borders when they come in. 'Secondly, we have never required anybody to have a test, and to test negative before they get on a plane to our country, unlike almost every other country in the world.' Mr Zahawi said: 'If you ask the scientists  Chris Whitty and Jonathan Van-Tam  that test at the border is near pointless because that person may be showing no symptoms, may test negative and two days later be positive.'

Mr Thomas-Symonds has written to Priti Patel to demand 'an urgent review and improvement plan of quarantine arrangements'.

Mr Thomas-Symonds said analysis of Government data suggested just three per cent of arrivals expected to quarantine in England and Northern Ireland were successfully contacted by compliance checkers in the summer.

He said the Government's Isolation Assurance Service, tasked with ensuring quarantine compliance, did not contact more than 1.9 million of the two million passengers spot checked by Border Force between June and September.

In a letter to the Home Secretary, Mr Thomas-Symonds said the numbers were 'deeply concerning' and demonstrate that 'efforts to track, trace and isolate cases coming into the UK have been completely undermined'.

He said: 'The lack of a robust quarantine system as a result of shortcomings from the Government mean that it is virtually impossible to keep a grip on this spread or other variants that may come from overseas, leaving the UK defenceless, and completely exposed, with the nation's doors unlocked to further COVID mutations.

The Labour frontbencher said there must be 'an urgent review and improvement plan of quarantine arrangements' rolled out as soon as possible.

The calls for action come amid growing concerns over a variant of the disease discovered in South Africa.

The Home Office has defended its 'stringent measures', and pointed to its move to stop direct flights from South Africa to the UK.

In the first lockdown, the Government argued against introducing border restrictions while the prevalence was so high in the UK, with experts arguing it would do little to bring down infection rates.

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However, a quarantine period was introduced in June after the first peak and when cases were more under control.
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The $2,000 stimulus checks blocked by the Republican-controlled Senate in December are gaining steam after Democrats won Georgias two Senate seats and will control the chamber.

One of the first things that I want to do when our new senators are seated is deliver the $2,000 checks to the American families, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who will soon become the majority leader, said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The $2,000 direct payments would be an increase from the $600 direct payments currently being distributed, meaning that eligible Americans would potentially receive an additional $1,400 (as well as an additional for $1,400 each dependent), based on the legislation passed by the House in late December.

Read more: Everything you need to know about the second stimulus payment

Both of the Democratic candidates, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, have supported the $2,000 checks and campaigned on it. President-elect Joe Biden who supported the candidates in Georgia on Monday said their election will put an end to the block in Washington.

That $2000 stimulus check, that money would go out the door immediately, to help people who are in real trouble, Biden said. Think about what it will mean to your lives, putting food on the table, paying rent.

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden elbow bumps Democratic U.S. Senate candidate from Georgia Jon Ossoff as he campaigns on behalf of Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, ahead of their January 5 run-off elections, during a drive-in campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., January 4, 2021. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) who introduced the $2,000 direct payment provision and requested a Senate vote on it twice  with both attempts blocked for a vote by the GOP  also welcomed the unfolding Georgia results.

Promises made must be kept, Sanders tweeted on Wednesday. That means not only the $2,000 direct payment, but an aggressive agenda that recognizes the economic desperation facing so many Americans.

Read more: Here's what the new coronavirus stimulus deal means for your wallet

The slim majority the Democrats would have in the Senate would allow them to put stimulus legislation for a vote, but they would still need 60 votes  as a filibuster is likely  to pass such legislation, meaning 10 Republicans must sign on.

It definitely makes it much easier to at least get a stimulus bill on the Senate floor, Mark Harkins, a former congressional staffer and senior fellow at Georgetowns Government Affairs Institute, told Yahoo Money. Majority Leader McConnell seemed to be the main impediment to that.

A precarious balancing act

President Trump demanded the amount of the stimulus checks to be increased from $600 to $2,000 in December, holding up the $900 billion stimulus deal for three days before signing it into law. That same month, the House overwhelmingly passed legislation to increase the direct payments to $2,000 in the original bill.

While Democratic leaders vocally support more stimulus checks, they have not yet said whether theyll seek to include the provision in a bigger stimulus deal or try to pass it as a standalone legislation.

The difficulty is, it won't be just the $2,000 [checks] but some amount of money, additional to the stimulus. There were a whole lot of other things that Democrats left out, Harkins said. There is still a precarious balancing act that a presumptive leader Schumer would have to work through to get a bill through.

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A standalone stimulus check legislation may be easier to pass the Senate and gather the needed 60 votes as numerous Republican senators have supported the provision. But Democrats may want to add aid for state and local governments in the next potential relief bill after compromising and excluding the provision from the most recent stimulus deal.

But a bill with a higher price tag and such provisions could mean less support from Republican lawmakers. The GOP previously characterized state and local aid as a blue state bailout, but that could change when a bill is vote is in front of them, Harkins said.

That was a great talking point for keeping it off the floor, he said. But once it actually comes for a vote and senators have to explain why Republican Party senators are denying aid to their states, that'll be more of a difficult thing.

Denitsa is a writer for Yahoo Finance and Cashay, a new personal finance website. Follow her on Twitter @denitsa_tsekova.

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Travelling during the pandemic is less risky than riding a motorbike, Sammy Wilson has said.

Mr Wilson was speaking after he and fellow DUP MP Jim Shannon were criticised for attending the House of Commons in London - despite the Speaker urging members not to physically appear unless "absolutely necessary".

Sammy Wilson sat - socially distanced - beside Mr Shannon and asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson how another "damaging" lockdown would protect the vulnerable, the NHS and stem the spread of the virus.

Mr Wilson later defended the pair's attendance, stating he had the job acting as a proxy for other DUP MPs in the event of a vote, while Mr Shannon wanted to speak in person as the party's health spokesperson.

During the session, the PM rejected the East Antrim MP's claims the first two lockdowns had been ineffective.

Mr Shannon had been listed to appear virtually along with Ian Paisley.

Expand Close Session: Jim Shannon and Sammy Wilson in the House of Commons yesterday / Facebook

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Whatsapp Session: Jim Shannon and Sammy Wilson in the House of Commons yesterday

Mr Wilson has been criticised on several occasions in the past for allegedly breaching Covid regulations.

Earlier this week the DUP stalwart defended a trip to Portrush at the weekend after returning home from London, amid chaotic scenes of day-trippers descending on the Causeway coast.

One Twitter user said they spotted Mr Wilson on Portrush's East Strand and questioned if he should be self-isolating following his return from London, where he was carrying out his work as an MP.

Mr Wilson defended travelling to the Commons on the BBC, stating: "I drive a motorbike, I drive a motor car. Actually, at my age, I'm more in danger of being killed on my motorbike than I am of being affected by this virus."

He added: "If there is a vote, as Chief Whip, I will be a proxy for all our members.

"Jim Shannon is our health spokesperson and both of us made the decision that, A: we wanted to register our votes if there were votes, and B: that as health spokesperson he wanted to speak and speak in person in the chamber.

"There is nobody who is more aware of the risks than Jim Shannon, and in fact sometimes we would chide him about how safety-conscious he is."

Regarding his trip to Portrush at the weekend, he said: "I decided that I want to go, and it wasn't to far from my own home, for a walk along the beach, I was not with a crowd. I think, given the bracing wind at the beach, it would have killed everything, including coronavirus. And, of course, thousands of others made the same decision."

London is currently under Tier 4 of the UK Government's coronavirus regulations, banning non-essential travel.

Large crowds descended on the north coast over the weekend. First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster said she regretted seeing the images of the crowds along the Causeway Coast. Ahead of a Executive meeting on Monday, she said: "There were huge crowds gathering together and I really regret that because we have very difficult decisions to take tonight as a consequence of that."

Mr Wilson was one of 70 MPs listed on the Commons website to ask an urgent question following a ministerial update from Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the Government's Covid-19 response.

The DUP MP was one of only four members listed for a question to be attending the chamber physically.

Mr Shannon also defended his presence in the House. "I am the DUP's Health spokesman and was not likely to be called via the call list," he said.

"Interventions are only possible if you are physically in the chamber. Having buried family with Covid, I am very aware of the dangers and would never take unnecessary risk.

"Parliament should look at extending the virtual arrangements further which would negate people like me having to travel. Remote voting is not available, only proxy which means each party has to have representatives in the building to cover any potential votes."

Belfast Telegraph


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Photo: Contributed

By now, you have heard that COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed worldwide, including in Canada.



Two vaccines have been approved for use by Health Canada  the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.



Without getting into the technical details, both vaccines require two doses to be deemed effective.



Pfizer-BioNTech requires a second dose to be given 21 days after the first dose, while the Moderna doses will be given 28 days apart.



The timing between the first dose and the second dose is important, given the limited supply of available vaccine



For example, at the beginning of this week, British Columbia had received 54,625 doses combined of

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine.



In turn, 28,209 of these doses have now already been administered to those who fall under Stage 1 priority.



Who is Stage 1 priority here in B.C.?



A brief summary of this list includes residents, staff and essential visitors to long-term care and assisted-living residences.



In addition, "Individuals in hospital or community awaiting a long-term care placement as well as Health care workers providing care for COVID-19 patients in settings like ICU, emergency departments, medical/surgical units and paramedics."



Remote and isolated Indigenous communities are also included in Stage 1.



Some have looked at the 54,625 doses of vaccine delivered to B.C. and questioned why only 28,209 doses have been administered to date, pointing out this vaccination rate is only around 51%.



Herein lies the challenge.



Since two doses are required per person, the 54,625 doses allows for 27,312 individuals to receive both shots of the vaccine.



B.C. has now administered more than 28,000 doses.



That means that there is not enough vaccine available for all those vaccinated individuals to receive their second dose.



The supply to give those required second doses has not yet arrived in B.C.



This additional vaccine supply must first land in Canada, then is transported to B.C. and finally distributed to various vaccination sites within our province to be available for those needing the required second dose within that 21-28 day window.



This illustrates the immense challenges that Provincial Health Authorities are dealing with given the very limited COVID supply that the Federal Government has managed to procure.



For some context, while B.C. has received 54,625 doses, nearby Washington State, with a population 2.6 million people more B.C., received more than six times more doses at 358,025.



It is important to understand, with the limited supply of COVID vaccine here in B.C., citizens must continue to take all precautions as a result.



To put it bluntly, it will be some time before the vaccine delivery will make a significant impact.



My question this week:

Are you satisfied with how the vaccine is being distributed in Canada?

I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.

Supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in was has been described as a terrible day for the country (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Hours after hundreds of President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a harrowing assault on American democracy, a shaken Congress on Thursday formally certified Democrat Joe Bidens election victory.

Late on Wednesday houses of Congress resumed their work on certifying Biden's Electoral College win, with debate stretching into the early hours of Thursday. After debate, the House and Senate rejected two objections to the tally and certified the final Electoral College vote with Biden receiving 306 votes and Trump 232 votes.

President Trump has issued a statement to CNN saying that the decision "represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history."

He also said that there will be an "orderly transition".

"Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," Trump said in a statement.

"I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again," he added.

In the gravest assault on the symbol of American democracy in more than 200 years, rioters forced their way past metal security barricades, broke windows and scaled walls to fight their way into the Capitol.

Police said four people died during the chaos - one from gunshot wounds and three from medical emergencies - and 52 people were arrested.

Some besieged the House of Representatives chamber while lawmakers were inside, banging on its doors and forcing suspension of the certification debate. Security officers piled furniture against the chambers door and drew their pistols before helping lawmakers and others escape.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) U.S. Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) A supporter of President Donald Trump carries a Conferderate battle on the second floor of the U.S. Capitol near the entrance to the Senate after breaching security defenses, in Washington, U.S., January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Theiler A protester holds a sign saying "Trump won" at a rally in support of U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Oregon, U.S. January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Terray Sylvester Protesters hold a rally in support of U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Oregon, U.S. January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Terray Sylvester Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump clash with police officers in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, U.S., January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Leah Millis Police officers stand guard as supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, U.S., January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Leah Millis A security officer gestures after supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump breached security defenses at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, U.S., January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Theiler Congresman David Trone @RepDavidTrone on Twitter: 'I am safe. We have been evacuated. Let me be clear: we will not be stopped by this lawless intimidation.' Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, U.S. January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith A protester wears a mask bearing a slogan in opposition to Oregon Governor Kate Brown at a rally in support of U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Oregon, U.S. January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Terray Sylvester / Facebook

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Whatsapp Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

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Hours later, both houses of Congress resumed their work on certifying Bidens Electoral College win, with debate stretching into the early hours of Thursday. It quickly became clear that objections from pro-Trump Republican lawmakers to Bidens victory in battleground states would be rejected overwhelmingly, including by most Republicans.

To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today - you did not win, Vice President Mike Pence, who presided over the session, said as it resumed. Lets get back to work, he said, drawing applause.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has been suspended from Twitter and Facebook after tweeting to supporters who attacked the US Capitol

The assault on the Capitol was the culmination of months of divisive and escalating rhetoric around the Nov. 3 election, with Trump repeatedly making false claims that the vote was rigged and urging his supporters to help him overturn his loss.

Expand Close Joe Biden has been formally approved as US President / Facebook

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The chaos unfolded after Trump - who before the election refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he lost - addressed thousands of supporters near the White House and told them to march on the Capitol to express their anger at the voting process.

He told his supporters to pressure their elected officials to reject the results, urging them to fight.

Trump came under intensive fire from some prominent Republicans in Congress, who put the blame for the days violence squarely on his shoulders.

There is no question that the President formed the mob, the President incited the mob, the President addressed the mob. He lit the flame, House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney said on Twitter.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton, a leading conservative from Arkansas, called on Trump to accept his election loss and quit misleading the American people and repudiate mob violence.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who had remained silent while Trump has sought to overturn the election result, called the invasion a failed insurrection and promised that we will not bow to lawlessness or intimidation.

We are back in our posts. We will discharge our duty under the Constitution, and for our nation. And we are going to do it tonight, he said.

Expand Close In this image from video, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks as the Senate reconvenes after protesters stormed into the US Capitol (Senate Television via AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp In this image from video, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks as the Senate reconvenes after protesters stormed into the US Capitol (Senate Television via AP)

The shock of the assault on the Capitol seemed to soften the resolve of some Republicans who had supported Trumps efforts to convince Americans of his baseless claims of fraud.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trumps staunchest allies in Congress, rejected an effort by his fellow Republicans to object to election results in hopes of setting up a commission to investigate Trumps unsubstantiated allegations of election fraud.

All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough, Graham said on the floor of the Senate. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are lawfully elected and will become the president and the vice president of the United States on Jan. 20.

The Senate rejected by a 93-6 vote Republican objections to the certification of Bidens victory in the battleground state of Arizona, ensuring their defeat. The House of Representatives, controlled by Democrats, also rejected the move by a 303-121 vote.

The Senate also rejected an objection to the certification in Pennsylvania on a 92-7 vote. The House was still debating the objection.

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Reuters

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How did the rally unfold? A crowd of thousands gathered at the "Save America March" to listen to Trump. They wore red baseball caps and cheered as he spoke. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video They then made their way towards the Capitol building. While the joint session of Congress was continuing, protesters pushed past the police lines set up on the steps. In footage uploaded to Twitter, furious men screaming "traitor" were seen trying to rip open the barricades.

Some members of Congress and journalists took to social media to say they were told to "shelter in place" at their offices after reports some protesters broke through barriers. What happened inside the building? An announcement was played inside the Capitol as lawmakers were meeting saying that due to an "external security threat" no one could enter or exit the Capitol. Both chambers abruptly went into recess and the debate over the electoral count was suspended.

Protesters entered the Capitol Building, bypassing security and metal detectors. House members were told to don gas masks, as tear gas was fired in the Capitol Rotunda. People shelter in the House of Representatives gallery as protesters try to break into the chamber at the US Capitol. Credit:AP The Senate and the House of Representatives were evacuated, and Vice-President Mike Pence and lawmakers were whisked to secure locations. Incredible pictures showed security officials with guns drawn on the floor of the House of Representatives, people fighting with police in the Rotunda, and rioters smashing windows and streaming into the building where the nation's leaders had gathered to count votes sealing President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

Loading Protesters could be seen marching through the Capitols stately Statuary Hall shouting and waving Trump banners and American flags. One got up on the dais and yelled: "Trump won that election." National Guard troops were deployed and a citywide curfew was called for shortly after dusk. The New York Times also reported that a pipe bomb was found at the headquarters of the Republican National Committee in Washington and that the Democratic National Committee headquarters was evacuated after security discovered a suspicious package.

Has anyone been injured? Four people died as supporters of Trump violently occupied the Capitol. Washington police chief Robert Contee said the dead included a woman who was shot by the Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in "medical emergencies". Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the occupation and that officials had declared the scene a riot. The woman was shot as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting are unclear. Has Trump responded?

Loading After egging on his supporters for several hours at the rally, Trump tweeted that they should "stay peaceful". "Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement," he tweeted. "They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!" Under increasing pressure from both sides of politics to condemn the protesters, he then published a video on Twitter telling protesters to go home in peace. The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol.

Trump opened his video by saying: "I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now." He also went on to call the supporters "very special." He also said "we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. You're very special." Almost two hours later, as a curfew was imposed in Washington, he tweeted again, telling his supporters to "remember this day forever". Twitter has since locked Trump's account for 12 hours and threatened a longer ban if he doesn't remove these three tweets, which the social media giant described as "repeated and severe violations" of its policies.

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube also took down Trump posts a few hours ago. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video What did Biden say? President-elect Joe Biden called for the restoration of "just simple decency". He had planned to deliver a speech focused on how to revive the economy and provide financial relief for small business owners reeling from the coronavirus pandemic in his native Delaware.

Loading But shortly before he was to begin speaking, demonstrators broke into the Capitol. "At this hour our democracy is under unprecedented assault unlike anything we've seen in modern times," Biden said, adding that what unfolded was "an assault on the rule of law like few times we have ever seen it". He said the uprising bordered on sedition, adding, "The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect a true America, do not represent who we are. "I call on this mob to pull back and allow democracy to go forward," Biden said. "At their best the words of a president can inspire, at their worst they can incite."

How have former US politicians reacted? A number of former US presidents have strongly condemned the violence. Former US president Bill Clinton said the attack on the Capitol was fuelled by over four years of "poison politics" lit by Trump. "The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost," he said.

Former US president Barrack Obama urged Republican leaders to "take the first steps towards extinguishing the flames" in the wake of the riots. "History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation," he said. "But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise." Former president George W. Bush said he and his wife, Laura, were sickened and heartbroken over the "mayhem" in Washington and that they watched in "disbelief and dismay" as events unfolded.

Loading What is happening now? Protesters were cleared off the steps and the Capitol Building was secured so that lawmakers could return. Tear gas was deployed to try and disperse the crowds outside the building. A citywide curfew came into effect at 6pm (10am AEDT). Minutes before the curfew came into effect, US Capitol Police said the building had been secured.
The Dallas-based taco juggernaut Velvet Taco is coming soon to San Antonio in a big way, with the first location in a brand-new building near The Rim and a second in the renovated bones of the punk-rock icon Tacoland near the Pearl.

Velvet Taco CEO Clay Dover confirmed plans to open near The Rim on Feb. 22, followed on March 22 by the Pearl-area location on Grayson.

Known for globally inspired rogue tacos like spicy chicken tikka, Korean pork and crunchy falafel scattered among more traditional options, Velvet Taco hardly fits into the San Antonio mom-and-pop model, but thats just part of the adventure for Dover.

Im a Dallas guy, but Im a Texan, and I love San Antonio, he said, praising restaurants like Blanco Cafe and Garcias Mexican Food as well as local chefs like Johnny Hernandez and Andrew Weissman. Theres great diversity and an up-and-coming food culture, and San Antonio is one of the most culturally rich cities I know of.

Dover said Velvet Taco  with more than 20 locations scattered across Dallas, Austin, Houston, Fort Worth, Atlanta, Chicago and Charlotte  has been eager to land in San Antonio for a couple of years now, and already he sees potential to expand in the city.

On ExpressNews.com: Critics picks: The best 25 San Antonio restaurant dishes of 2020

With the Loop 1604 and Pearl-area locations, Dover said he sees a tale of two different sites, both of which fold into the Velvet Taco stable, which includes a renovated former gas station in Richardson. The Pearl-area site on the River Walk most recently housed Viva Tacoland, which closed in May 2019. Construction has added kitchen and dining spaces while preserving many of the original murals as well as the sprawling landmark oak tree out front.

Along with its global specialties, Velvet Tacos menu includes favorites like slow-roasted brisket, buffalo chicken and green chile pork along with novel approaches like Nashville hot tofu, fish and chips, shrimp and grits and a chicken-and-waffle taco with a thin, crepe-style waffle wrap. Sides include red curry coconut queso, Mexican street corn, maxed-out tater tots and barbacoa beef nachos.

Both San Antonio locations will feature frozen margaritas, beer and wine.

Velvet Taco, 5515 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 105; 101 W. Grayson St., velvettaco.com . Hours for both: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Both will offer dine-in, curbside pickup and delivery options.

msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking | Instagram: @fedmanwalking
WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, objected to certifying the results of the 2020 election early Thursday morning after an unprecedented day where a mob broke into the U.S. Capitol, forcing lawmakers into lock-down.

Stefanik announced Monday that she would object to Congress certifying some states' electoral college votes because she believes elections in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan were improperly conducted. She supported objections in these four states, but when the House voted on an objection brought against the Arizona electors, she voted to certify that state.

Toward the start of an overnight debate and vote late Wednesday, Stefanik said, tens of millions of Americans are concerned that the 2020 election featured unconstitutional overreach by unelected state officials and judges ignoring state election laws. We can and we should peacefully discuss these concerns.

The campaign of President Donald J. Trump and his supporters filed dozens of lawsuits challenging President-elect Joe Biden's victory, but judges have not found that election laws were broken in the course of the 2020 election or that fraud occurred. Biden won the popular vote and the Electoral College vote.

The House and Senate voted overwhelmingly Thursday morning to certify the election results.

Stefanik said lawmakers should work together to repair faith in the U.S. election system.

RELATED: Elise Stefanik - from ambitious private school student, to ardent Trump backer

She also condemned the violence at the U.S. Capitol earlier in the day and recommended perpetrators be prosecuted. After a rally where Trump maintained without evidence that the election was stolen from him, thousands of his supporters marched on the Capitol, breached the building and forced lawmakers to evacuate and hide as they waved Trump flags and some engaged in vandalism.

Four people died during the confrontation, including a woman who was shot by Capitol Police, according to The Washington Post. The Associated Press reported 52 people were arrested as of Wednesday night, including 26 on the Capitol grounds. Fourteen police officers were hurt.

After Capitol Police secured the building, lawmakers returned to their chambers Wednesday night to continue their work.

Listen to The Eagle, a Times Union podcast On this week's episode, we go over what unfolded in Washington this week, and the ripple effects it's creating for New York and in the Capital Region.





New York Republican reps. Nicole Malliotakis of Staten Island, Lee Zeldin of Shirley and Chris Jacobs of Orchard Park also voted in favor of objections.

"Americans deserve nothing less than full faith and confidence in their elections, Zeldin said. Thats why we need to have this debate today.

Some Republicans decided to drop their objections to the certification on Wednesday after the protest at the Capitol. Thirteen senators said earlier this week they would object, but only eight voted to register their opposition Wednesday night.

Even before the break-in, some Republicans made it clear they thought the objections were inappropriate, most notably Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

"I believe protecting our constitutional order requires respecting the limits of our own power, he said. He added it would be unfair to overrule courts and states on this extraordinarily thin basis.

Objections by Republicans were never expected to change the outcome of the election because Democrats hold a majority in the House. Biden is scheduled to be inaugurated on Jan. 20.

Research shows rising lizard temperatures may change predator-prey relationship with snakes

In a study spanning four decades, researchers from the University of Hong Kong's Research Division for Ecology & Biodiversity (HKU) in the Faculty of Science, and Toho University's Department of Biology (Toho), Japan, have discovered that predation by snakes is pushing lizards to be active at warmer body temperatures on islands where snakes are present, in comparison to islands free from snakes. Their work also detected significant climatic warming throughout the years and found lizard body temperatures to have also increased accordingly. The findings show that lizard thermal biology is highly dependent on predation pressures and that body temperatures are rising suggest that such ectothermic predator-prey relationships may be changing under climatic warming.

Lizard VS Snakes on Izu Islands

The research published in the journal Ecology Letters is the first to present long-term observations on the thermal biology behind the prey-predator relationship of snakes and lizards on the Izu Islands. Less than a million years old, these islands are located near the southeastern coast of the Japanese mainland and represent a valuable natural laboratory for studying ecological and evolutionary processes. Similar to the reasons initially drawing evolutionary biologists to the Galapagos, the simplified island system with low numbers of species overall provides an opportunity to directly study selective pressures on species.

In this system, one dominant lizard species is found on all these islands; Okada's five-lined skink (Plestiodon latiscutatus). Its mainland predator, the Japanese four-lined rat snake (Elaphe quadrivirgata), is found on most but not all of the islands. This has resulted P. latiscutatus populations that have experienced different evolutionary pressures, either free from or subject to predation by E. quadrivirgata.

The research was conducted by PhD student Felix LANDRY YUAN (HKU) and PhD Candidate Shun ITO (Tohoku University's Graduate School of Life Science) and led by Dr Timothy BONEBRAKE (HKU) and Professor Masami HASEGAWA (Toho). Initial observation and data collection was first started by Professor HASEGAWA in the early 1980's, when he first noticed lizard behaviour differed on islands with and without snakes. Professor Hasegawa has since continually visited the islands annually to catch lizards and snakes for body temperature and morphological measurements. The researchers have accordingly detected that annual temperatures across the Izu Islands had increased by just over 1C since Professor Hasegawa first started his observations, and that lizard body temperature had also increased with the same magnitude.

Higher body temperature helps the lizards

In addition to body temperature measurements, in 2018 and 2019 Felix Landry Yuan carried a portable racetrack, tripod and camera to the islands to measure the speed at which lizards ran at different temperatures. By analyzing thermally dependent running speeds of over 150 lizards across the islands, the researchers were able to establish how predation by snakes affected lizard thermal biology and the probable consequences for their fitness. Dr Bonebrake notes that: "by racing lizards of different temperatures down a track, Felix was able to show that optimal temperatures were higher for lizards on the island with snakes, consistent with the high body temperatures observed on the island. Shun Ito was also able to identify differences in lizard hind leg length that had consequences for survival. Thus, the higher body temperatures and morphological differences help the lizards run faster and better escape the snakes. The exciting and unique aspect of this work is how the experimental work matches and supports the extensive natural history data and observation."

With climate change ongoing, the dynamics of this prey-predator relationship could be affected on islands with snakes, as lizard body temperatures are likely to continue to rise. In addition, as predation has considerable consequences for the thermal biology of its prey, the presence or absence of snake predators could differentially influence general vulnerability of lizards to climatic warming across islands.

The Izu Islands demonstrate the value of island systems in teasing apart mechanisms through which predation directly influences behaviour, morphology and physiology of prey species. On the other hand, understanding the ways in which predation can affect prey responses to climate change requires long-term study. This international collaboration between HKU and Toho used these unique properties of this system (and Professor Hasegawa's forethought and intensive data collections since the 80s) to show how predator-prey relationships may be vulnerable in a warming climate. "It is a great pleasure to reveal ecological and evolutionary responses among prey and predator interactions by this international research team. I'm very hopeful that the Izu islands become a key model island system to study ongoing evolution under global environmental change by attracting ambitious young Asian biologists to research this further." Professor HASEGAWA said.

###

Felix Landry Yuan was supported by a Hong Kong PhD Fellowship from the Research Grants Council. Professor Masami Hasegawa received funding for this work from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) - (19H03307, 15H04426).

About the research paper "Predator presence and recent climatic warming raise body temperatures of island lizards": https:/ / onlinelibrary. wiley. com/ doi/ full/ 10. 1111/ ele. 13671

Landry Yuan F*, Ito S*, Tsang TPN, Kuriyama T, Yamakazi T, Bonebrake TC, Hasegawa M (2021) Ecology Letters *These authors contributed equally to the manuscript.

Images download and captions: https:/ / www. scifac. hku. hk/ press

This story has been published on: 2021-01-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The county has given preliminary approval to continue a program with the state of Michigan that provides assistant prosecutors to help combat violent crime.

Commissioners gave committee approval to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the state at their meeting Wednesday, Jan. 6, clearing the way for the program to continue for the eighth straight year at no cost to the county.

The program is part of the Distressed Cities Initiative, created by former Gov. Rick Snyder and continued under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and has also included funding for the city of Flint lockup and for additional patrols in Flint by Michigan State Police.

In 2012, Snyder announced the program for four Michigan cities under financial distress, including Flint and Saginaw.

The new agreement with the state for additional prosecutors provides for five assistant prosecutors and up to three legal interns to assist the county address a backlog of active warrants, according to the MOU that received preliminary approval.

The prosecutors will be appointed by the attorney general but will be jointly selected for hire by the county and the state, the agreement says.

If we didnt have it, I would be coming to you, asking for replacement funding, county Prosecutor David Leyton told commissioners before the unanimous vote, which is expected to be given final approval next week. This is a great help to me to keep up with the caseload we have... a great opportunity for us.

In return for the assistant prosecutors funded from the Michigan Department of Attorney General, the county agrees to include the assistants on the countys liability and workers compensation policies and provide them with work assignments, office space, desk phones, computers, office supplies, and other basic essentials necessary to perform their jobs, according to a memorandum from Leyton to commissioners.

Read more:

Flint, Genesee County reach short-term deal on city lockup

Grand Blanc Democrat Mark Young to lead Genesee County commissioners in 2021

First woman to lead Genesee County Health Department starts work, says we will defeat COVID-19
Telangana has become the third state in the country to successfully undertake 'Urban Local Bodies (ULB)' reform stipulated by the Department of Expenditure, the Ministry of Finance said on Thursday.

The state is now eligible to mobilise additional financial resources of 2,508 crores through open market borrowings. Permission for the same was issued by the Department of Expenditure on January 7.

Also Read | The faces behind the farmer revolt

Telangana has now joined Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in completing the reforms. These three states have been granted additional borrowing permission of 7,406 crores.

Reforms in the urban local bodies and the urban utilities reforms are aimed at financial strengthening of ULBs in the state and to enable them to provide better public health and sanitation services.

In view of the resource required to meet the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the central government had on 17 May 2020 enhanced the borrowing limit of states by 2% of their Gross States Domestic Product (GSDP).

Half of this special dispensation was linked to undertaking citizen-centric reforms by the states. The states get permission to raise additional funds equivalent to 0.25% of GSDP on completion of reforms in each sector.

The four citizen-centric areas identified for reforms were -- implementation of One Nation One Ration Card System, ease of doing business reform, urban local body/ utility reforms and power sector reforms.

So far, 10 states have implemented the One Nation One Ration Card System, seven states have done ease of doing business reforms and three states have done local body reforms. Total additional borrowing permission issued so far to states who have done the refoms stands at 54,190 crore.

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WhatsApps updated privacy policy and terms of service makes has now made it mandatory for the app users to share some of their crucial data with Facebook. This strategy employed by WhatsApp has raised several concerns when it comes to privacy of the app users.

WhatsApps updated privacy policy and terms of service have now made it mandatory for the app users to share some of their crucial data with Facebook. Amongst other things, it includes the sharing of device information, transaction data, and IP address with the parent company. Furthermore, access to WhatsApp services will be denied to those users who do not accept the change in terms by February 8, 2020, as per the notification.

The notification for updated terms was received by millions of Indians on 6th January 2021, Wednesday, as a part of their global roll-out strategy. The notification included key updates to WhatsApps service policy and the processing of data. It conveyed how WhatsApp would be partnering with Facebook to offer integrations across Facebook Company Products as well as how businesses can manage their WhatsApp chats through Facebook hosted services. The latter feature primarily targets third-party service providers by making advanced features available at their disposal.

Despite having an end-to-end encryption policy for chats, WhatsApp is engaged in collecting a large amount of data from its users. This includes location information of the user, despite the settings being turned off and device and usage log which directs WhatsApps profile picture, status, and chat groups. The updated policy mandates for this data to be shared with Facebook.

Also read:Chemical weapons landing in the hands of terrorists: India at UN Security Council

Also read: Laxmi Ratan Shukla quits TMC ahead of WB polls; is Mamatas rule under threat ?

Earlier the users were provided with an option to refuse having their account information shared with Facebook, however with the mandatory policy in place, this option will now cease to exist. This strategy employed by WhatsApp has raised several concerns when it comes to the privacy of the app users.

Also read: Long kept secret: ISRO scientist Tapan Mishra claims of being poisoned with deadly arsenic
US Capitol Police detain protesters outside of the House Chamber. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Photo: Getty

US President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the Capitol yesterday to stop the confirmation of Joe Biden as the next president, as unprecedented scenes of violence and chaos played out in Washington.

Dozens of protesters managed to break into the building and roam the corridors of Congress as tens of thousands gathered outside in support of the US presidents false claims of election victory.

Congressmen who had gathered in the Senate and the House of Representatives to certify the election results were forced to flee under escort as law enforcement lost control of the situation.

In the House chamber, security officers pulled their guns and barricaded the door. At least one pro-Trump protester entered the Senate chamber, sitting with his hand aloft in victory.

One woman was shot and later died as scuffles broke out in the corridors of the Capitol. It was unclear who fired the shot.

As evening approached, a 6pm citywide curfew was announced. The events were widely described as a dark day for American democracy.

Mr Trump had addressed the crowds hours before they marched on the Capitol, telling them to stop the steal and doubling down on his false claims of election victory.

Mr Biden, the president-elect, said US democracy was under unprecedented assault.

I call on President Trump to go on national TV and demand an end to this siege, he said. Let me be very clear. The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect the true America [and] do not represent who we are.

What were seeing are a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent, its disorder. Its chaos. It borders on sedition. And it must end now. I call on this mob to pull back and allow the work of democracy to go forward.

After violence broke out Mr Trump later called for calm, writing on Twitter: I am asking for everyone at the US Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence!

Mr Trump later released a video telling his supporters to go home.

Read More

He said: You have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order. We dont want anybody hurt.

The remarkable developments in the nations capital were not inevitable when the sun rose yesterday morning, though there was a sense of foreboding around the city.

Thousands of the presidents faithful had gathered the night before, arriving after Mr Trump demanded support for his ongoing claim that he, not Mr Biden, was the real election victor.

It was the day when Congress was due to perform its largely ceremonial duty of signing off the results ahead of the inauguration on January 20, when Mr Biden becomes president.

But the day had double significance. The final balance of the Senate, a chamber in which the Republicans have held the majority for six years, swung in favour of the Democrats. Georgia, a stronghold of the Republican Party for decades, voted on Tuesday for its two US senators.

Expand Close Protesters enter the Senate Chambe. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Protesters enter the Senate Chambe. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images

Yesterday morning, Democrat Raphael Warnock was declared the winner in his race against Kelly Loeffler, the Republican.

The second race, between Jon Ossoff, a 33-year-old documentary film-maker, and David Perdue, the sitting republican senator, was closer. But by yesterday afternoon the race had been called for Mr Ossoff. The Democrats had flipped both seats  a remarkable feat  to take control of the Senate.

Democrats were celebrating their expected victories and working out just how beneficial it would be for Mr Bidens presidency.

For one, he will no longer need to rely on Republican votes to confirm any of his proposed cabinet members  some of whom had been controversial  or judicial appointments, not least a Supreme Court pick should a seat become free in his term. For another, passing his legislative agenda will be easier.

While bold progressive reforms like expanding government-funded healthcare and major climate change action may be hard to keep the Democrats united on, others such as getting more stimulus money to help those affected by the pandemic should pass.

The jubilation on the Democratic side was matched by the frustration on the Republican side.



Much of the blame was heading towards Mr Trump, who had gone to political war with senior Republicans in Georgia over their refusal to overturn Mr Bidens win and disheartened supporters with claims of election rigging.

By midmorning attention was focusing on downtown Washington DC. Tens of thousands of pro-Trump protesters had been gathering outside of the White House.

Their presence in the capital was not just welcomed by Mr Trump but actively encouraged.

For weeks, the president has been turning his attention to Congresss role in approving the presidential election results.

When the president spoke to the crowd he unleashed a furious verbal attack on Republican congressmen who had refused to endorse his baseless claims of victory.

Theyre weak Republicans. Theyre pathetic Republicans, he said at one point.

His defiance of election defeat was total: We will never give up, we will never concede. It doesnt happen. You dont concede when theres theft involved.

Mr Trump also repeatedly demanded that Mike Pence, who as vice-president oversees the Senate procedures, somehow intervene to reject the confirmation of the election results.

Mike Pence, I hope youre going to stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country, he said. And if youre not, Im going to be very disappointed in you.

The crowd cheered. And yet just as Mr Trump was uttering his demands, Mr Pence was doing the opposite  releasing a letter sent to congressmen explaining why he would not be following the presidents advice.

The move was doomed to defeat. Even before the session to certify the Electoral College result had started it was clear the vast majority of US senators were willing and ready to confirm Mr Bidens victory.

But then the crowds descended.

Sent on their way by Mr Trump to march up Capitol Hill from the White House, his vocal army of supporters reached the Capitol building. The first protesters reached the inside at 2pm.

The entire District of Columbia National Guard, made up of 1,100 troops, was ordered into the city at the request of Washingtons mayor, Muriel Bowser.

Footage showed that one protester reached the office of Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic House Speaker, and left a note reading we will not back down. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Read More

 Washington Post
(Natural News) Sen. Ted Cruz has called Google the biggest threat to freedom of speech and election integrity in America. In an interview with Breitbart News last Saturday, Cruz voiced his concerns about Google, Twitter and Facebooks meddling with election results, calling big tech the single greatest threat confronting America to having free and fair elections.

Cruz singled out Google and called it the most dangerous company on the face of the planet due to the companys size and the how it controls the vast majority of online searches. The tech company has been accused of suppressing conservative content and promoting left-leaning media outlets on its search engine.

Cruz also slammed Twitter and Facebook for their part in quelling conservative views and discouraging content that put Democrats in a bad light. He noted, for example, Twitters attempts to censor content exposing Democratic Presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son Hunter Bidens links to China, Russia and Ukraine.

Cruzs comments came just as Congress voted to override President Donald Trumps veto of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA), which the latter did over the bills failure to repeal Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act that protects social media companies from litigation.

Google influencing votes in favor of Democrats

Cruz based his comments on a 2019 hearing for the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution for which he served as chairman. One of the guest speakers for the hearing, renowned psychologist Robert Epstein, talked about big techs manipulation abilities. Epstein, according to Cruz, found that Google shifted more than 2.6 million votes to the Democrat Party in the 2016 election through rigged search outcomes.

Dr. Epstein is not a Republican. He is a liberal Democrat who voted for Hillary Clinton but is outraged to see that kind of abuse of power. Google is clearly the most dangerous, said Cruz. (Related: Google caught reminding liberals, but not conservatives, to vote.)

Google, which also owns the video-sharing platform YouTube, had been repeatedly accused of anti-conservative bias. Critics pointed to its banning of YouTube content creators holding conservative views and blacklisting of websites such as NaturalNews. A 2018 report also shows that 96 percent of Google search results for Trump prioritized left-leaning and anti-Trump media outlets.

Twitter, Facebook promoting Democratic views

Cruz also condemned Twitter and Facebook for downplaying controversies on the left and suppressing conservative views. In an online hearing in November last year, members of Congress including Cruz interrogated Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg about their respective companies censorship and manipulation practices.

We just recently had a hearing where Jack Dorsey testified with a beard that looked like he had crawled out from under a bridge, Cruz told Breitbart News. I asked Mr. Dorsey at that hearing, Who the hell elected you and put you in charge of what were allowed to read?

Cruz, in his statement, was referring to Twitters censorship of the New York Post stories about the Bidens business dealings with China, Ukraine and Russia in the lead-up to last years elections. The news outlet got blocked from Twitter after running a story about it, which caused a maelstrom of criticism from politicians close to Trump, including Cruz.

Cruz expressed his concern about the censorship of such a prominent publication and said: The New York Post is not some fly-by-night organization. It is the newspaper with the fourth-highest circulation in the country. It was founded by Alexander freakin Hamilton. (Related: Giuliani: Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey covering up child pornography.)

Cruz is more restrained in his criticism against Facebook, even crediting Zuckerberg for acknowledging the need to protect free speech. He noted, however, that Zuckerberg benefited because Twitter and Google are so rotten that even though Facebooks pretty bad, just saying free speech is important makes him appear markedly better than his rivals, but all three are very serious concerns.

Cruzs comments came a day after the Senate voted to override Trumps veto of the NDAA. The bill includes Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Act, which grants immunity to social media companies like Facebook and Twitter from legal liabilities for content posted by users. Trump vetoed the bill because he wanted to repeal Section 230 as it poses a serious threat to election integrity and national security.

Cruz was among the senators who voted in favor of Trumps veto.

Not long before the Senate ruling, the Republican Senate majority reported that Facebook censored one of its ad accounts. This came just as Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue are vying to get re-elected in the decisive Georgia Senate runoff on Jan. 5.

Read more stories about big techs attempts to rig the elections at TechGiants.news.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

TheGuardian.com

PJMedia.com

DW.com

CNBC.com
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Katie Bernhardt, the chairperson of the Louisiana Democratic Party, criticized members of the state's congressional delegation Thursday for what she called their role in the storming of the U. S. Capitol that delayed certification of President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

Bernhardt, in remarks on the steps of the state capitol, called for "all of the members of our federal delegation to cease in any and all actions that have already and could continue to contribute to more acts of insurrections, violence and harm to our federal security and our nation's global standing."

"Now is the time for Republicans in our own state to own their own role in inciting violence at our nation's Capitol," she said.

"That means more than saying that they disagree with the action of the terrorists that attacked our democracy yesterday."

Five of the six members of Louisiana's Republican congressional delegation sided with President Donald Trump in his bid to stop Biden from becoming the nation's next president during what is normally a routine tabulation of electoral votes from the Nov. 3 election.

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U. S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, of Baton Rouge, supported the election results during the two votes taken Wednesday night.

Cassidy and others in the delegation have since issued statements condemning the violence that ensued when pro-Trump protesters got past security guards and forced the count to halt for hours.

"I'm speaking directly to the leadership of the Louisiana GOP," Bernhardt said.

"The fact that Congress has finally certified the results of this election is not a free pass for those officials who knowingly incited the terrorists that attacked our Capitol yesterday."

Bernhardt noted that Trump carried Louisiana by about 400,000 votes in the November contest.

"We accepted the results because we trust in the election system," she said.
ASTI, JAN 7 - A 13-year-old boy was killed by a bullet and not a firecracker in Asti in Piedmont on New Year's Eve, police said after an autopsy Thursday. The boy, Roudin Seferovic, had initially been thought to have been killed by a large banger. The autopsy showed that he instead died from a deep haemorrhage caused by a shot from a hunting rifle. The shot is believed to have been fired at close range, police said the autopsy indicated. Police said they believed the boy's death was due to a "tragic accident". Seferovic lived with his family in a Roma camp, where the incident took place. He was playing when the bullet hit him, police said. Seferovic was rushed to hospital but arrived in cardiac arrest and all eforts to revive him failed. The president of the Italian Association of Gypsies Today (AIZO), Carla Osella, said the boy will be buried with Muslim rites at Asti cemetery. (ANSA).
Mangaluru:

The Coast Guard on Sunday rescued all 27 members aboard the barge that was sinking in the Arabian sea off Ullal coast in Dakshina Kannada district. Official sources said the Coast Guard had rescued four persons last night and the remaining 23 persons this morning.



It was earlier reported that 33 persons were in the barge.



A lifeboat was used to rescue the stranded men instead of the earlier plan to use a helicopter to airlift them.



The rescue operation, which had been halted due to rough seas last night, resumed at 7 am today, the sources said.



They said four people had been rescued from the sinking barge last night with the aid of Gemini, an inflatable rubber boat along with a diving officer and boarding team of Indian Coast Guard vessel ICGS Amartya.

Read | Indian Navy rescues 4 stranded tugboat crew members off Mumbai coast



However, the rescue operations had to be aborted in the night due to bad weather and light conditions.



The Barge Ibis, a 2964 GRT vessel with a length of 65.58 metre and breadth of 32 metres, with 27 crew, was engaged in operations to prevent sea erosion,south of Old Port Mangalore.



Coast Guard Karnataka received a telephonic message at about 4.45 pm last evening regarding flooding in the barge.



ICGS Amartya had been maintaining its position in the area with continuous communication with Barge Ibis since last evening, the sources said.

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PITTSBURGH, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pittsburgh Business Group on Health (PBGH) today announces Quit Genius as the winner of the fall 2020 PBGH Innovations Summit, which identifies and rewards emerging health care technologies, products or services designed to help employers build a healthier workforce.

San Francisco, CA-based Quit Genius is the world's first technology-enabled digital clinic for multiple addictions  allowing employees and health plan members to access a proven treatment program 100 percent remotely. It is estimated one in four Americans battle a substance addiction that adversely affects health and happiness.

"PBGH is proud to recognize Quit Genius for its work in developing an easy-to-use digital platform, which allows employees to improve their lives and beat back the addictive behaviors that limit their ability to live a healthy life," said Jessica Brooks, CEO & executive director, PBGH.

Quit Genius is built around the simple idea that everyone deserves access to high quality, cost-effective addiction treatment. It is a good business decision for employers to offer a quality addiction solution.

"When left unchecked, addiction can wreak havoc in a person's life. The price of addiction impacts individuals as well as employers. Many organizations don't realize the true cost of substance use disorder as it relates to healthcare. Employees with multiple addictions are one of the most significant drivers of an organization's medical spend. We are thrilled that forward thinking organizations are beginning to recognize this issue and taking steps forward to solve it," said Dr. Yusuf Sherwani, CEO and Co-Founder of Quit Genius.

Brooks said while more than 50 companies were considered for the fall Innovations Summit, a pre-selection committee whittled the number down to just five finalists, which had the most promise for employers. During the Summit, each of the finalists then presented to a "Shark Tank-like" employer panel, from which a winner was selected.

Nominations for the spring 2021 PBGH Innovations Summit will open in January 2021. For more information, visit www.pbghpa.org.

About the Pittsburgh Business Group on Health

PBGH empowers the business community to get the most value, access, and quality in healthcare. As the region's only not-for-profit business-only coalition representing the healthcare needs of more than one million employees and family members regionally and across the country, PBGH leverages collective action, heightened awareness, and advocacy on behalf of the business community to ensure available healthcare options promote a vibrant regional economic future. Founded in 1981, PBGH is comprised of large, mid-size and small employers across private and public, government and academia sectors. @pbghpa

SOURCE The Pittsburgh Business Group on Health

Related Links

http://www.pbghpa.org


Posts on social media said a law allowed all kids in the United States as young as 11 years old to get vaccinated without parental consent, a claim that is mostly false.

In late December 2020, the D.C. Council passed a law specific to Washington, D.C., allowing kids to get vaccinated without parental consent if they were deemed by a doctor capable of giving informed consent.

However, no law allows kids nationwide to get vaccinated without parental consent. Only some states are allowing minors to get shots if their parents opposed, Snopes reported. Some posts shared a screenshot from a website called the Conservative Brief.

Read also: Fact Check: Can Burnt Oranges Aid in Restoring Lost Senses from COVID-19?

One post questioned, "Did The U.S. just pass legislation that children can get the Covid vaccine without parental consent?"

No Federal Law Allows Kids to Be Vaccinated Without Parental Consent

It showed a misleading photo of Dr. Anthony Fauci with an article headline: "D.C. Passes Bill to Immunize Children Without Parental Knowledge, Consent." However, several screenshots switched out "D.C. with "Dems," implying a national scope.

It led readers across the U.S. to believe that the new bill was a national law applying to all children 11 years old and older. But it is worth noting that there is no such federal law in existence.

Kids Vaccination Bill Not Linked to Fauci

Even though the bill did get passed in Washington, D.C., it had nothing to do with Fauci, reports clarified. Instead, the law went into effect on December 23 last year under the council.

It will allow children ages 11 and above to get vaccinated against a range of illnesses such as polio, measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as the COVID-19 coronavirus and human papillomavirus.

Related Story: Fact Check: Did Experts Say Asymptomatic Patients Can't Spread COVID-19?

Vaccination records would be sent to the children's school and not to their parents if they were allowed to attend school without vaccines against infectious diseases due to religious exemptions.

The bill was put forward in the D.C. Council in early 2019 by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh because of a measles outbreak, said an article from CBS affiliate WUSA 9. It was introduced as the Minor Consent for Vaccinations Amendment Act of 2019.

Its goal was to circumvent parents who believe in anti-vaccine conspiracy theory and refuse to let their kids get vaccinated, establishing dangerous outbreaks.

Bill Allows Direct Payment from Insurance Companies

The social media posts also said the bill required insurance companies, school administrators, and medical personnel to conceal vaccination records from parents.

Politifact pointed out in its fact check that the law allows doctors who follow the legislation to seek direct payments for the vaccines from insurance companies rather than involving the parents.

One of the known cases of a child circumventing his parents' wishes on vaccinations was Ethan Lindenberger. He was vaccinated against his mother's wishes when he turned 18.

Lindenberger became famous for his vaccination story in 2017 and has since moved on to become a public health advocate.

Rules on minors getting vaccinated without parents' permission vary depending on states, but none is present in the federal law.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health (D-HH), New Hampshire's only academic health system serving nearly 2 million patients across northern New England, and West Health, a family of nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations working to lower health care costs to enable successful aging, are bringing accredited geriatric emergency care and, for the first time, providing older adults in the region with specialized telehealth services from an accredited emergency department. Northern New England is home to one of the fastest-growing senior populations in the country.

D-HH and West Health announced today that they will provide telehealth services and geriatric emergency department (GED) training, education and other resources to four rural hospitals in a two-phase "hub and spoke" approach. The first two hospitals to receive telemedicine support from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) will be Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, and Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center in Windsor, VT, both members of the D-HH system. Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, NH, and Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, VT, will be brought on in phase two. All four spoke sites will gain access to supplemental telehealth services provided by DHMC with an emphasis on geriatric nursing, transitional care management, and support of on-call geriatricians. These new partnerships will enable the four hospitals to earn national accreditation as Level 2 GEDs from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

Our location in the Upper Valley positions us right between New Hampshire and Vermont, which have two of the most rapidly aging populations of all 50 states. The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the need for telemedicine services and quality critical access hospitals more than ever, especially for elderly people who may struggle to get to doctor's appointments or to a hospital in an emergency. Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital is proud to be part of D-HH and West Health's efforts to improve access to this vulnerable population." Michael Lynch, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Alice Peck Day

The initiative is the latest to emerge from a 2019 three-year research collaboration between West Health and D-HH, which also includes the creation of the nation's first Level 1 accredited rural GED within DHMC. Its completion is expected in early 2021. Nearly 200 hospitals have received GED accreditation in the U.S.; nationally, only 12 hospitals have achieved Level 1 accreditation, all of which besides DHMC are in urban areas.

"The ability to offer GED services and the option of telehealth to our patients is a significant asset, and sets us and other 'spoke' sites apart from other small hospitals in our region," said Joseph Perras, MD, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer at Mt. Ascutney. "We want our patients, especially the elderly, to know that they don't need to travel outside their community to receive quality care that's tailored to their needs. Mt. Ascutney's inclusion in D-HH and West Health's GED program is critical for our efforts to serve our community's aging population."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 46 million seniors live in the United States with about 1 in 5 residing in rural areas where access to healthcare and transportation may be limited. Older adults account for about 20% of all emergency department visits and are more likely to have multiple chronic diseases and suffer from cognitive issues, social isolation, loneliness, poverty and food insecurity than their younger counterparts.

"Geriatric emergency departments promote best clinical practices for older adults, create a more positive and sensitive physical environment and help improve health outcomes, better coordinate care, and reduce costs," said Shelley Lyford, president and chief executive officer of West Health. "We are pleased to be working with Dartmouth-Hitchcock to extend its reach to rural hospitals and bring the power of geriatric emergency care and telehealth to more patients throughout the region."

"We are in a unique situation at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, as the two states we serve have large populations of older adults," said Scott Rodi, MD, chair of Emergency Medicine at DHMC. "When we partnered with West Health to create our GED program, we knew that working with critical access hospitals in our region would be the key to delivering the best, most comprehensive care to this population. We're proud to roll out our first two 'spoke' sites at our affiliate hospitals Mt. Ascutney and Alice Peck Day in phase one, and look forward to working with Valley Regional and Gifford in phase two."

The lessons learned from these collaborations will enable D-HH and West Health to determine the effectiveness of using telemedicine to extend geriatric emergency care to other rural hospitals across the country.
LONDON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pcysys, the automated penetration testing company, has announced its expansion in the European market, with offices in France, Germany, Italy, Iberia and the Nordics. This is to support the growth in demand for a continuous security validation solution.

Pcysys recently announced its $25 million Series-B Funding round completion led by US-based venture capital and private equity firm Insight Partners along with existing investors, The Blackstone Group and Awz Ventures. The company, which has developed PenTera, the revolutionary Automated Penetration Testing platform, has raised $40 million to date.

In addition, following the substantial traction the company has experienced in the UK and Central Europe regions, and strong demand in other parts of Europe fostered local partners, the decision to hire local region managers and field engineering team was the natural next step.

Pierre Clavel, France Regional Sales Manager, adds: "French enterprises are very forward-thinking in cyber security and are fast to adopt proven new technologies in the space. Companies need solutions that automate security validation processes, to assess and increase their cyber resiliency."

Fabio Murolo, DACH Enterprise Account Manager, posits: "Germany is a country of early adoption. With the cyber sophistication of the region, there is a clear desire for better visibility into the adversary perspective to reduce risk, and we have seen this in the way companies are embracing PenTera and automating security validation."

Paolo Bufarini, Italy Regional Sales Manager, comments: "Pcysys has already seen quite a few successes in the region working with local partners. It's time to amplify our presence to allow more Italian enterprises access to 1-click penetration testing."

Raul Gordillo, Iberia Regional Sales Manager, says: "As seen worldwide, the Iberia cybersecurity community too appreciates the need for a solution that provides accurate and ongoing visibility to the network, allowing enterprises to increase remediation efficiency and stay ahead of potential adversaries."

Joakim Wiling, Nordics Regional Sales Manager, says: "Enterprises in the Nordics have realized that vulnerability scanning alone does not answer the need to continuous posture assessment and are searching for a complete security validation solution to better reflect the true adversary point of view."

Requiring no agents or pre-installations, the PenTera platform uses algorithms to locally and remotely scan and ethically penetrate the network with the latest hacking techniques. PenTera weighs each vulnerability as part of the complete attack vector, allowing organizations to focus remediation efforts on the breachable vulnerabilities that take part in the 'kill-chain.' The platform is aligned with the MITRE ATT&CK framework and consistently provides the enterprise infrastructure with the highest standard of security testing.

About Pcysys

Pcysys delivers PenTera, the automated network penetration testing platform that assesses and reduces cybersecurity risk. The platform runs on the Cloud or on-site to identify, analyze, and focus remediation efforts on breachable vulnerabilities. Hundreds of security professionals and service providers around the world use PenTera to perform continuous machine-based penetration tests that improve their immunity against cyber attacks across their organizational networks.

Contact: Aviv Cohen, Pcysys CMO | aviv@pcysys.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/832279/Pcysys_Logo.jpg

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has filed a police complaint against Actor Sonu Sood, accusing him of illegally converting a six-story residential building located in Juhu, Mumbai into a hotel.

After registering BMC's complaint, the police have stated that they would investigate the case and would take the required steps. The actor himself is yet to comment on this accusation by the BMC.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 induced lockdowns last year, Sood had offered the same six-story building in Juhu to be turned into quarantine facility for medical professionals.

BJP leader Ram Kadam has stated that the BMC and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government is now targeting Actor Sonu Sood after going against another actor Kangana Ranaut last year.

Kadam said that Sood's humanitarian work during the COVID-19 crisis has not gone down well with the Maharashtra government that is why they are targeting him now.

"Another vendetta politics by Shiv Sena? This complaint against social worker and actor Sonu Sood seems politically motivated. We saw how this Maharashtra government attacked and targeted Kangana Ranaut. Shiv Sena was always against Sonu Sood's humanitarian work," Kadam said in a tweet.

In another Tweet, he asked the Maharashtra government, "How many people's voices are you going to suppress?"

During the COVID-19 lockdown earlier this year, Sood had helped hundreds of stranded migrant workers reach their homes. He had also engaged in other philanthropic activities during the lockdown to help the people who were affected most by the pandemic. Sood was showered with praise for his efforts in helping the needy, some even dubbed him 'The Messiah of Migrants'. The actor had even launched a toll-free helpline to help those who were in dire need of assistance.

Also Read: Sonu Sood mortgages Juhu properties to raise funds for needy

Also read: Sonu Sood's Pravasirojgar raises Rs 250 crore from Temasek-backed GoodWorker
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A former Worcester man arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border in November on a warrant for child rape has been ruled a danger to society by a judge and ordered held without bail for up to four months.

Luis B. Padilla Matute, 23, was found dangerous Tuesday after prosecutors alleged he raped a 13-year-old girl in 2017, The Telegram & Gazette reported.

Padilla Matute is charged with forcible child rape.

The girl said she slept at Padilla Matutes home following a party at which her boyfriend and others were drinking and smoking marijuana, prosecutors said. The girls boyfriend left the party to drive someone home and did not return because he was too drunk, they said.

She said in the morning, Padilla Matute gave her juice, and after drinking it, she felt she could not move and he raped her, according to authorities.

Padilla Matutes court-appointed lawyer, Joseph Hennessy, said in a Massachusetts court that his client denies the allegations and will fight them.

Padilla Matute, a Honduran citizen, was arrested at the border in Laredo, Texas, in November while trying to re-enter the U.S. by Customs and Border Protection agents who found he had a warrant out for his arrest.

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A total of 25,379 people tested positive for Covid-19 in France in the past 24 hours, the highest daily tally in one week, while pressure on the country's hospitals continued to ease, the health authorities said on Wednesday.

The grand total of France's confirmed coronavirus cases was 27,05,618 on Wednesday, ranking the country sixth highest globally after the US, India, Brazil, Russia and Britain, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Hospital admissions dropped by 163 to 24,741. That included 2,616 people in intensive care units, down from 2,625 on Tuesday.

Since the start of the outbreak, France has reported 66,565 coronavirus-related deaths. On Wednesday alone, 283 patients died.

On December 27, 2020, France launched a vaccination campaign in three phases focusing first on nursing home residents and staff. Some 14 million people who suffer from chronic illnesses will be vaccinated starting from February. A broader vaccination campaign aimed at the general public is planned for the spring.

According to a survey conducted by pollster Elabe and released on Wednesday, 45 per cent of the 1,002 respondents would refuse to be inoculated, and 75 percent disapproved of the government's vaccination program.

As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in France and some other countries with the already-authorised coronavirus vaccines.

Meanwhile, 235 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 63 of them in clinical trials -- in countries including Germany, China, Russia, Britain and the US, according to information released by the World Health Organization on January 6, 2021.
DUBLIN, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Infrared Search And Track (IRST) Systems Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2020 To 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Infrared search and track (IRST) or infrared sighting and tracking is a method of passive tracking with the help of infrared radiation. There are various types of electromagnetic radiation which include infrared radiation, radio waves, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and microwaves. Humans are not capable of perceiving such as infrared radiation with naked eyes. However, the radiation can be made visible to the eyes with the help of sensors and appropriate devices such as infrared cameras and detectors. The technology is capable of detecting infrared radiation emitted from the bodies of any living beings or non-living objects. The systems are extensively used in defense applications in security and surveillance through passive searching and tracking.



Continued technological advancements in infrared sensing systems have upgraded the capabilities of present infrared search and track (IRST) systems. The use of highly accurate sensors, state-of-the-art image processing, and advanced display systems have led to the rise of effective and efficient infrared search and track (IRST) systems in recent years. The infrared search and track (IRST) systems are able to search and track an object in adverse conditions such as bad weather, pitch-black darkness, and water settings.



Owing to the aforementioned merits, the demand for IRST systems has escalated significantly and expected to grow even further in the following years. The infrared search and track (IRST) systems can be mounted on different platforms such as airborne, naval, or any land vehicle or infrastructure. IRST systems offer higher efficiency in passive surveillance as compared to other technologies as RADAR and SONAR. The systems are extensively used in military aircraft and jets aiding in identifying approaching aircraft, missiles, and projectiles. Consequently, infrared search and track (IRST) systems have become an integral part of modern defense equipment and the market is expected to rise significantly during the forecast period from 2020 to 2028.



Other in-depth analysis provided in the report includes:

Current and future market trends to justify the forthcoming attractive markets within the infrared search and track (IRST) systems market.

Market fullers, market impediments, and their impact on the market growth

In-depth competitive environment analysis

Trailing 2-Year market size data (2018 - 2019)

Overall, the research study provides a holistic view of the global infrared search and track (IRST) systems market, offering market size and estimates for the period from 2020 to 2028, keeping in mind the above-mentioned factors.



In 2019, the airborne infrared search and track (IRST) system dominated the overall infrared search and track (IRST) systems market worldwide in terms of revenue. Military and defense operations are heavily dependent on air force strikes. Modern infrared search and track (IRST) systems can search, track, and target an enemy aircraft. The system has the ability to differentiate discreet aircraft in formations and intermediate ranges when compared to other traditional fighter radar systems available. In addition, infrared search and track (IRST) systems are also used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV's) for surveying and inspection of a particular location.



A naval platform for infrared search and track (IRST) systems trailed the airborne platform segment in terms of revenue. Infrared search and track (IRST) systems are actively installed and used on the aircraft carriers. The system helps to track incoming projectiles or missiles toward the carriers. In addition, infrared search and track (IRST) systems also guide the naval carriers through harsh and unfavorable weather conditions. Owing to the features offered, the adoption of infrared search and track (IRST) systems for naval carriers has raised significantly in the past few years and is expected to grow at a consistent rate in the following years.



The defense end-use segment was the largest segment in terms of revenue in the overall infrared search and track (IRST) systems market. The segment contributed to more than 78% of the total market across the world. Consistently growing needs for tracking and locating have urged government agencies to incorporate the infrared search and track (IRST) systems for defense applications. In addition, rising investment by the governments of developed nations such as the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and others also boosted the demand for infrared search and track (IRST) system.



Infrared search and track (IRST) systems have limited applications in the civil end-use segment. Consequently, the segment contributed a nominal share compared to the defense end-use applications in 2019. Infrared search and track (IRST) systems have been adopted gradually in commercial aircraft for better tracking and navigation. In addition, the system is also used in public security and traffic control helicopters. The scope of the systems is gradually expanding in the civil end-use applications. Consequently, the segment is expected to rise steadily in the following years.



In 2019, the infrared search and track (IRST) systems market worldwide is dominated by the Europe region. A consistent rise in the defense budget has been observed in the past few years in Europe especially in the U.K., France, Germany, Sweden, and the Rest of Europe. The sense of passive and situational awareness has boosted the adoption of infrared search and track (IRST) systems in the defense system in the aforementioned countries. Consequently, the demand for IRST system has shown significant growth in this region.



Asia Pacific followed the European region, in terms of revenue, in the global infrared search and track (IRST) markets, as of 2019. Rising territorial issues and terrorist activities have urged the Asia Pacific nations to strengthen their war capabilities. Defense aircraft modernization and procurement of passive monitoring systems have boosted the demand for advanced infrared search and track (IRST) systems. With the rising trend of procurement of advanced defense equipment and growing defense budget, the market for infrared search and track (IRST) systems is also expected to show significant growth in the following years.



Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1 Preface



Chapter 2 Executive Summary



Chapter 3 Market Dynamics

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 Global Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Revenue, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn)

3.2 Market Dynamics

3.2.1 Market Drivers

3.2.2 Market Restraints

3.2.3 Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints

3.3 Attractive Investment Proposition

3.4 Market Inclination Insights: Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems

3.4.1 Key Trends Analysis

3.5 Competitive Landscape of Key Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Manufacturers



Chapter 4 Global Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market, By Platform

4.1 Overview

4.2 Airborne

4.2.1 Global Airborne Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Revenue and Growth, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn)

4.3 Naval

4.3.1 Global Naval Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Revenue and Growth, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn)

4.4 Land

4.4.1 Global Land Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Revenue and Growth, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn)



Chapter 5 Global Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market, By End-use

5.1 Overview

5.2 Defense

5.2.1 Global Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market for Defense Revenue and Growth, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn)

5.3 Civil

5.3.1 Global Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market for Civil Revenue and Growth, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn)



Chapter 6 North America Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis

6.1 Overview

6.1.1 North America Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Revenue and Growth, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn) (Y-o-Y %)

6.2 North America Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis, By Platform, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Mn)

6.2.1 Comparative Analysis

6.3 North America Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis, By End-use, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Mn)

6.3.1 Comparative Analysis

6.4 North America Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis, By Country, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Mn)

6.4.1 U.S.

6.4.2 Canada



Chapter 7 Europe Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis

7.1 Overview

7.1.1 Europe Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Revenue and Growth, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn) (Y-o-Y %)

7.2 Europe Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis, By Platform, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Mn)

7.2.1 Comparative Analysis

7.3 Europe Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis, By End-use, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Mn)

7.3.1 Comparative Analysis

7.4 Europe Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis, By Country, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Mn)

7.4.1 U.K.

7.4.2 Germany

7.4.3 France

7.4.4 Rest of Europe



Chapter 8 Asia Pacific Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis

8.1 Overview

8.1.1 Asia Pacific Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Revenue and Growth, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn)

8.2 Asia Pacific Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis, By Platform, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Mn)

8.2.1 Comparative Analysis

8.3 Asia Pacific Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis, By End-use, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Mn)

8.3.1 Comparative Analysis

8.4 Asia Pacific Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis, By Country, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Mn)

8.4.1 Japan

8.4.2 China

8.4.3 India

8.4.4 Rest of Asia-Pacific



Chapter 9 Rest of the World (RoW) Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis

9.1 Overview

9.1.1 RoW Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Revenue and Growth, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn) (Y-o-Y %)

9.2 RoW Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis, By Platform, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Mn)

9.2.1 Comparative Analysis

9.3 RoW Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis, By End-use, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Mn)

9.3.1 Comparative Analysis

9.4 RoW Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market Analysis, By Region, 2018 - 2028 (US$ Mn)

9.4.1 The Middle East and Africa

9.4.2 Latin America



Chapter 10 Company Profiles

10.1 Lockheed Martin Corporation

10.1.1 Lockheed Martin Corporation: Company Snapshot (Company Details, Geographical Presence, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments)

10.2 Thales Group

10.2.1 Thales Group: Company Snapshot (Company Details, Geographical Presence, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments)

10.3 Safran S.A.

10.3.1 Safran S.A.: Company Snapshot (Company Details, Geographical Presence, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments)

10.4 Rheinmetall AG

10.4.1 Rheinmetall AG.: Company Snapshot (Company Details, Geographical Presence, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments)

10.5 Leonardo S.p.A.

10.5.1 Leonardo S.p.A.: Company Snapshot (Company Details, Geographical Presence, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments)

10.6 Northrop Grumman Corporation

10.6.1 Northrop Grumman Corporation: Company Snapshot (Company Details, Geographical Presence, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments)

10.7 HGH Systemes Infrarouges SAS

10.7.1 HGH Systemes Infrarouges SAS: Company Snapshot (Company Details, Geographical Presence, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments)

10.8 Rheinmetall AG

10.8.1 Rheinmetall AG: Company Snapshot (Company Details, Geographical Presence, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments)

10.9 Aselsan A.S.

10.9.1 Aselsan A.S.: Company Snapshot (Company Details, Geographical Presence, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments)

10.10 The Boeing Company

10.10.1 The Boeing Company: Company Snapshot (Company Details, Geographical Presence, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments)



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yixhuu

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

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In an unprecedented reaction to the U.S. presidential elections, thousands of President Donald J. Trumps supporters gathered Washington, D.C. Wednesday.

As Congress counted Electoral College votes, confirming President-elect Joe Bidens win, Trump supporters pushed through the barriers at the front of the Capitol building. Although Capitol police attempted to quell the actions to break through, the numbers of those protesters involved made it difficult.

The building tension could be heard through those close to the president with his lawyer, Rudy Gulliani stating Lets have trial by combat, and the president himself tweeting that Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our country and our Constitution.

Trump tweeted in the morning on the U.S. election process being worse than that of third world countries. A few hours later, protesters supporting the presidents claims of election fraud, broke into the Capitol building.

Rep. Seth Moulton, of Massachusetts, tweeted of his experience and made reference to serving with the U.S. Marines in Iraq. He compared it with what he had seen on the hill, saying, I never imagined it as a US Congressman in America.

As protesters made their way past the police and up the steps of the grand building, capitol police fired tear gas into the gathered protesters in an attempt to disperse the group.

Lawmakers inside were alerted of the trouble outside and were ushered off to an undisclosed location for safety. Back on the U.S. House Chamber floor, police were seen with their firearms drawn and the doors barraged against the angered presidents supporters outside.

Images of the reactions from those inside were documented by photographers on the scene and looks of confusion with the unprecedented actions of protesters can clearly be seen on their faces.

As the dark approaches, police officers are still working to remove the crowd from the building and steps.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A crowd of Trump supporters gather outside as seen from inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress will hold a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. The joint session was disrupted as the Trump supporters breached the Capitol building. (Photo by Cheriss May/Getty Images)Getty Images

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.(AP Photo/John Minchillo)AP

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)Getty Images

Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images

U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP

People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)AP

People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)AP

U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)AP

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Members of congress run for cover as protesters try to enter the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)Getty Images

U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP

People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)AP

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Protesters enter the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A protester sits in the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters have entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Getty Images

U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)AP

People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)AP
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to reply within two weeks on the measures undertaken to stop the spread of COVID-19 at the protest sites.

A day before the government's eighth round of talks with protesting farm unions, thousands of farmers are participating in a tractor rally on the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways Thursday in a rehearsal for 26 January, when they will move into the National Capital from Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

The tractor rally began on Thursday morning on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway in Haryana as well as the Western Peripheral Expressway, which starts at Ghaziabad and ends in Noida. The farmers will then return on the same route. The police have asked people to avoid this expressway. Security along the stretch was also tightened.

The tractor rally is being organised by Sanyukta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella of 40 farmer unions. The tractor rally was initially planned for Tuesday. However, bad weather forced the farmers to defer the rally by a day.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to reply within two weeks on the measures undertaken to stop the spread of COVID-19 at the protest sites.

Tens of thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping out on roads around the capital, New Delhi, for over 40 days, braving the bitter cold and continuous rain over the last few days. They insist that the government withdraw the laws and guarantee a minimum support price for their produce.

The seventh round of talks between protesting farm unions and the Centre ended in a stalemate as the farmer leaders stuck to their demand seeking repeal of the three contentious farm laws, even as the government listed various benefits that can be availed from the legislations. The next meeting will take place on 8 January.

Punjabi music, rousing slogans take over roads at Singhu border

A cacophony of rumbling engines, Punjabi tunes and rousing slogans filled the air as rows of tractors took over the roads at the Singhu border for the protest march by farmers on Thursday.

The tractor march started from four different points  Singhuto Tikri Border, Tikri to Kundli, Ghazipurto Palwal and Rewasan to Palwal.

Jan 7/ Thousands of farmers demanding scraping of pro-corporate farm laws are taking out tractor rally on Eastern & Western Peripheral Highways around Delhi. This rally organised as a rehearsal for Republic Day farmers rally in Delhi called by farmers orgs#TractorMarchDelhi pic.twitter.com/luiG4U0KRb  CPIML Liberation (@cpimlliberation) January 7, 2021

"The government has been hosting meeting after meeting. They know what we want. We want the laws to be repealed, but all we get are futile talks. With this rally, we want to give them a glimpse of what we can do, and what we will do on January 26.

"Today the rally is happening on the periphery of Delhi, but when our farmer leaders decide that we need to enter the capital, we will do that," said Harjinder Singh from Punjab's Hoshiarpur.

Perched on their tractors, protesting farmers moved out of the protest site, and speakers on their vehicles belted out music keeping their spirits high. Some of the tractors participating in the march were seen with national flags.

Other protestors lined the path providing their fellow farmers with all kinds of supplies, including peanuts, fritters, tea, and newspapers.

"We are the sons of the soil. If the laws are passed, we will starve to death. This rally is our way of telling the government that we will not give up unless it gives in to our demands," said Jaspal Singh Deol from Punjab's Chamkaur Sahib.

According to Navpal Singh from Jalandhar, the rally was a show of farmers' might and strength.

"This rally is to show the government our strength and number and educate people of the country about what we are doing, and why we are doing it.

SC expresses concern over large gathering of farmers during COVID-19

The Supreme Court Thursday asked the Centre whether the farmers protesting against the new farm laws at Delhi borders are protected against the spread of COVID-19 and said that the guidelines to contain the virus should be followed.

The apex court was hearing a plea seeking various reliefs including CBI probe into the matter related to assembly of people at Anand Vihar Bus Terminal and the Tablighi Jamaat congregation at Nizammudin Markaz in the national capital after the nationwide lockdown was announced last year to contain the pandemic.

"You must tell us what is happening. The same problem is going to arise in farmers' agitation. I do not know if farmers are protected from COVID. So, the same problem is going to arise. It is not that everything is over", said Chief Justice SA Bobde, who was heading the bench which also comprised Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian.

The top court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, whether protesting farmers are protected from COVID-19 . Mehta replied, Certainly not.

Mehta said that he will file a report within two weeks on what has been done and what needs to be done.

Haryana farmers group meets Narendra Singh Tomar

A farmer group from Haryana met Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, seeking their participation in the eighth round of talks to be held on Friday and said it wants to raise the long-pending Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal issue.

Separately, Punjab's Nanaksar Gurudwara head Baba Lakha, a renowned religious leader of the state, also met Tomar in Delhi and discussed the issues related to farmers' protest.

The representation made by Haryana Yuva Kisan Sagarsh Samithi (HYKSS), headed by former MLA Naresh Yadav Ateli, however, focussed on the SYL issue.

A delegation of 20 farmers reached the national capital by walking for over 130 kms from Ateli town in Mahendragarh district for eight days from 30 December.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ateli said, "I told the minister that you are inviting farmers' leaders for the 8 January meeting. Please invite our 11 members as well. We are also farmers and want to raise the SYL canal issue."

While the SYL Canal issue is 45-years old, the protest over new farm laws is a recent development, he said, adding the government should give priority to settle the SYL canal issue with the Punjab government. The HYKSS President said the issue has been raised with the Union Jal Shakti Ministry as well.

Asked if there was a discussion on new farm laws in the meeting, he said, "Our main demand is water because there cannot be farming without water. Farm laws have come now. The SYL issue is very old."

On the farm laws, Ateli said, "Politics is happening on this issue... If any farmers' leaders or political parties say that the laws are not good, then they should come up with proper proof. If the laws are wrong, then what is right?"

Asked if HYKSS supports the new laws, he said, "My fight is on water. I have not gone into details of the new laws. Laws are passed in Parliament, they will end their only. That is the work of Parliament."

He also mentioned that ongoing protest at Delhi borders is causing inconvenience to the public due to the road jam.

Govt has lost trust of entire farming community, says SAD leader

SAD leader and former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday said the Centre has lost the trust of the entire farming community and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should directly talk to agitating farmers.

Expressing her anguish over the pain of farmers, Badal, leader of the ruling BJP's erstwhile ally, said, "It is strange that farmers are spending nights in open during the chilling winters and even then their demands are falling on deaf ears."

In an interview to PTI, Badal who resigned from Union Cabinet in September last year when the three farm bills were being passed in Lok Sabha, said what farmers have gone through in last six-seven weeks, is the same what she went through when she was a Union Minister.

"...To avoid the situation which has arisen now and the protest, I kept pleading for months, whether it was in cabinet meetings or indirect meetings with top leaders of the central government that please listen to farmers before bringing these three bills as they are 'annadaatas' of the country, otherwise it would lead to agitations and protests. But my all pleas fell on to deaf ears," she said.

Asking who will be held responsible for deaths of farmers during the protest, Badal said the Centre has lost the trust of farmers across the country.

"Farmers are dying at the doorstep of the central government while protesting for their demands. Who will be responsible for deaths of 'annadaatas' of the country?" Badal said.

Talking about the ongoing meetings between protesting farmers and Centre, Badal said after seven rounds of meetings nothing concrete has come out.

"After several rounds of meetings if ministers are unable to resolve the farmers' issues then Prime Minister Narendra Modi should directly talk to protesting farmers," Badal said.

She also attacked the Congress-led Punjab government and state chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh and said he has failed to fulfil his responsibility as guardian of the state and its people.

"Both the central and state governments are equal partners in this crime against farmers. While farmers were sitting on dharna, the Chief Minister of Punjab was having fun in his farmhouse. Captain Amarinder Singh has miserably failed to fulfil his responsibilities as chief minister of Punjab and as guardian of its people," Badal said.

With inputs PTI
RTE is to issue a public apology and report itself to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland for airing a sketch which suggested God was involved in rape.

The broadcasters Editorial Standards Board has ordered the sketch from the New Years Eve Countdown Show to be removed from RTEs website as it did not comply with RTE's own standards, and broader regulations.

It comes after the show was condemned by the Archbishop Eamon Martin as blasphemous. RTE also received thousands of complaints from members of the public.

Read More

Initially RTE refused to delete the segment from the online version of the programme, but it will now do so as a result of the review by the standards board.

The clip, which was part of a Waterford Whispers News sketch, showed God being led away by gardai for sexual harassment offenses.

The RTE Editorial Standards Board said the sketch caused undue offence and did not give due respect for religious beliefs.

The Board also found the sketch did not comply with the provision in the RTE Journalism and Content Guidelines regarding sensitivity to peoples religious beliefs.

After consideration of the RTE Editorial Standards Board's findings, RTE has made the following decisions:

RTE will make a voluntary disclosure of non-compliance to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and engage with the authority in this process;

RTE will request the Editorial Standards Board to review the processes involved in the broadcast and report on same;

RTE will remove this sketch from the RTE Player;

RTE will carry a public statement and apology, with due prominence, acknowledging this sketch did not meet the standards expected of the national broadcaster.

The Director General of RTE Dee Forbes said today: "We accept the findings of the Editorial Standards Board that this sketch was not compliant with our own guidelines or with our obligations under the relevant codes. On behalf of RTE, I fully apologise for that. We will now review the processes involved and engage constructively with the BAI."





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Set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, "Sylvie's Love" is the sort of classic Sirkian melodrama that Douglas Sirk - let alone Hollywood - never made, because its characters were all too often invisible. Centering on the swoony, on-again, off-again romance between Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha), an up-and-coming sax player, and Sylvie (Tessa Thompson), the young woman he meets when he takes a job in her father's Harlem record store, the film leverages a color-saturated production design, evocative pop and jazz tunes and a vivid script - one character jokes that his shoes are so worn out that when he steps on a sandwich he can feel the mayonnaise - to tell a story that is lush, transporting and real-feeling, despite conforming to the laws of romantic movies. (There will be indiscretions, secrets, not to mention unrequited longing.) But it's not the formula to which writer-director Eugene Ashe hews that makes the movie work. Rather, it's that he uses convention to interrogate the genre of the period romance itself, simultaneously indulging in its most pleasurable contours while interrogating the casual sexism and implicit racism of the form. Thompson is at the top of her game, sensual and emotionally present, while Asomugha, who also produced, comes across as more reserved: a man whose feelings are expressed in his music, not his words. It's Sylvie who is given the film's best lines, as when she explains to Robert why she doesn't want to give up a great job to follow him to Motown: "I can't be the woman of your dreams while also trying to be the woman of my own." PG-13. Available on Amazon Prime. Contains some sexuality and smoking. 117 minutes.

- - -

ALSO STREAMING:

Ai Wei Wei is the subject of the documentary "Ai Wei Wei: Yours Truly," which looks at the Chinese artist and activist as he creates "@Large," a site-specific art exhibition that debuted on Alcatraz Island in 2014. He is also the director two new documentaries: "CoroNation," which documents the coronavirus pandemic in Wuhan, China; and "Cockroach," which examines the pro-democracy demonstrations waged by Hong Kong activists against mainland China last year. Unrated. "Ai Wei Wei: Yours Truly" (76 minutes, in English, Mandarin and Arabic with subtitles) is available on Amazon Prime; "CoroNation" (115 minutes, in Mandarin with subtitles) and "Cockroach" (93 minutes, in English and Cantonese with subtitles) are available on Alamo on Demand and Vimeo on Demand.

- - -

Actress Audrey Hepburn is the subject of "Audrey," a documentary that the Hollywood Reporter says is no catty tell-all, but rather a "fundamentally well-curated packaging of archive and original material, punctuated with insightful interviews with friends, family members and appreciative collaborators and admirers." TV-MA. Available on various platforms. 90 minutes.

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Latvia's official Oscar submission, "Blizzard of Souls" is a World War I-set drama, as seen through the eyes of a farm-boy-turned-soldier. Slant magazine calls the film "stylistically old-fashioned but emotionally powerful." Unrated. Available afisilver.afi.com. In Latvian with subtitles. 104 minutes.A scene from "Boys vs. Girls."

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Set in the summer of 1990 "Boys vs. Girls" is a Canadian comedy about a 70-year-old summer camp undergoing growing pains in an attempt to go coed. Colin Mochrie ("Whose Line Is It Anyway?") plays the harried camp director, and Kevin McDonald ("The Kids in the Hall") is the mischievous caretaker. Unrated. Available on various streaming platforms. 80 minutes.

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After the death of her Algerian immigrant grandfather, a French woman named Neige - played by actress, co-writer and director Maiwenn, who based the screenplay on her own life - becomes obsessed with reclaiming her ethnicity in the drama "DNA." Despite the film's struggle to engage its audience, the New York Times writes that "there's a dreamy contentment to the movie's final moments as (Neige) wanders, bathed in golden light and Stephen Warbeck's lovely score, a woman who has found something she hadn't known was lost." TV-MA. Available on Netflix. In French with subtitles. 91 minutes.

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In 1983, vocalist Sam Harris took the grand prize on the reality show "Star Search." Documenting Harris's autobiographical 2015 off-Broadway show (based on his memoir "Ham: Slices of a Life"), the film "Ham: A Musical Memoir" tells what happened to Harris after that television competition. If you're not a fan of musicals, Film Threat says: skip it. But if you if you love everything Broadway, "You'll have a great time with Harris and his fun, light and poignant story." Unrated. Available atbroadwayhd.com. 113 minutes.

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The documentary "The Reason I Jump" examines the experiences of nonspeaking autistic people from around the world. Based on the 2016 book by the same title, the film is, according to Variety, "as emotionally piercing as it is beautiful to behold." Unrated. Available at virtualavalon.org and afisilver.afi.com. In English and Krio with subtitles. 82 minutes.

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Narrated by Nick Offerman ("Parks and Recreation"), the documentary "Sacred Cow: The Nutritional, Environmental and Ethical Case for Better Meat" explores whether there's a happy medium in the often contentious discourse about meat-eating (or, more specifically, beef-eating). According to Film Threat, the film "finds the middle ground of the great meat debate by showing the mistakes and misinformation from the corporate agriculture complex and the rhetoric from militant vegan camps." Unrated. Available on various streaming platforms. 80 minutes.

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Chloe Grace Moretz plays Captain Maude Garrett in "Shadow in the Cloud," a World War II-set thriller about the crew of a B-17 bomber with a top-secret package. The New York Times calls it "the kind of girl-power action adventure in which women can't just do anything, they do everything - including fighting sexist boors, enemy fire and a gremlin all at once from the underside of a bomber." R. Available at virtualavalon.org, afisilver.afi.com and themiracletheatre.com. Contains strong language throughout, sexual references and violence. 83 minutes.

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In the romantic dramedy "Stars Fell on Alabama," a Hollywood agent (James Maslow) convinces his starlet client (Ciara Hanna) to pretend to be his girlfriend for the duration of his high school reunion. The film features original music by "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks. PG-13. Available on various streaming platforms. Contains some suggestive material. 87 minutes.
Portland residents chanted Impeach Donald Trump outside City Hall and some activists urged people to take to the streets later as city leaders and others denounced rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol in a stunning day of unrest in Washington, D.C.

This is an attempted coup in our country, said Diana Meisenhelter, a member of the Defend Democracy Coalition, a group of community organizations that called for the impromptu gathering in downtown Wednesday afternoon.

We choose our leaders, Meisenhelter said, they dont choose themselves. ... We watched with abhorrence to see our nations Capitol overrun by armed thugs.

The mob in Washington breached the Capitol, overrunning police and interrupting debate on the certification of the presidential election. President-elect Joe Biden condemned the chaos and called on Trump to go on national TV to call for peace. A woman died after being shot inside the building.

In Salem, several hundred people rallied at the state Capitol in a planned event to support Trumps false claim that voter fraud cost him the election. Police declared an unlawful assembly after about two hours when counter-protesters arrived and a fight broke out.

At City Hall, about two dozen people remained peaceful. Among the signs on display: Trump Is Not Above The Law! and Electoral Justice = Racial Justice. Count Every Vote. Many in the crowd of called for Trumps removal from office.

He shouldnt even be there another day, said coalition member Destiny Houston.

The group represents more than 40 organizations in Portland and the Pacific Northwest with the goal to stand up for Black lives and protect the integrity of the 2020 election, according to its website.

We are not going to let hate take our house, Houston said. Thats Americas house.

Among those gathered, activist Dre Miller said what Ive seen today caused me a lot of trauma, describing the contrast of the police response to the Capitol takeover with the law enforcement response to social justice demonstrations in Portland.

He said he and others here have gotten gassed and shot with impact munitions without getting close to the doors of the federal courthouse or the Multnomah County Justice Center, the scene of many mass protests this summer.

It doesnt even equal out to me, he said Its ridiculous. Im tired of it.

Miller said he will continue to take to the streets of Portland to protest police violence.

Another group, PNW Resistance, called for a separate gathering Wednesday night billed as Stop the fascist coup! No good government! at Chapman Square near City Hall.

Alyssa Pariah from Democratic Socialists of America at Portland City Hall, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021.

Mayor Ted Wheeler, city commissioners and Multnomah County Chairwoman Deborah Kafoury decried the Washington mayhem.

Wheeler opened the City Councils afternoon meeting, saying Whats happening today in Washington, D.C., at the hands of Trump supporters, white supremacists and other extremists ... is an assault on and an affront on our democracy. The situation in our nations Capitol is incredibly dangerous, destructive and despicable and may have significant implications across the state, our nation and, indeed, the world.

Wheeler has clashed publicly in the past with Trump, especially as the Trump administration sent in federal officers in July to guard the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse after some protesters targeted it with vandalism.

The mayor called the scene in Washington the culmination of four years of divisive, hostile rhetoric.

Its saddening and, unfortunately, not unexpected, Wheeler said. Once again Donald Trump is not only failing as a leader, hes giving tacit, if not explicit, approval to those whod undermine our nations core principles.

Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty said she would call the days rebellion what it is  a terrorist attack on our democracy.

The commissioners later released a joint statement saying, We stand united in support of the confirmation of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Its time to move forward. Its time to accept the will of the people.

-- Maxine Bernstein with Shane Dixon Kavanaugh

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212

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The DCGI has approved Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in India.

The COVID-19 vaccine is likely to arrive in Delhi by early next week and robust preparations are underway to stock it in the required thermal environment and ensure effective roll-out of the inoculation exercise, sources said on Wednesday. The city government is creating a massive storage facility at the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) and the police administration has been informed about the imminent arrival of the vaccine lot.

"We are making robust preparations for the roll-out, and 621 cold chain facilities have been set up. The storage facility at RGSSH can stock about 50,000 vaccines. All arrangements being made there to keep it in temperature-controlled environment," a senior official said. One vial of the vaccine has about 4.6-5 ml capacity and contains on an average 8-10 doses, another official said.

COVID-19 vaccination drive | Second nation-wide dry run to take place on January 8

"We are expecting that the vaccine will arrive by next week, possibly by Tuesday. But which vaccine will come, we have not been told. Our storage can keep it at 2-8 degrees Celsius, so either of the two approved vaccines can be stored," a source said. India's drugs regulator has approved Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, and the indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.

It paves the way for the roll out of at least two vaccines in the country in the coming days. A total of 1,000 vaccination centres will be set up in Delhi. About 600 centres will be set up in the first phase, for which work is underway in full swing, the officials said.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

Dr Suneela Garg, public health expert and professor of excellence at Maulana Azad Medical College here, said the roll-out system will work akin to an electoral exercise. "Those who have registered themselves will get an SMS a couple of days prior to the day of vaccination, telling about the location of the centre and the date of vaccination," she said.

At every vaccination centre, there will be multiple booths, each to take a maximum of 100 people, said Garg, who is guiding the city government on the exercise. "Inside, every booth, one officer will check details and match them with those shown on the CoWIN app for people,following which the necessary documents will be checked and then they will be taken one by one for vaccination," she said.

There will be a nodal officer at each vaccination centre, officials said. The COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network or CoWIN app and its ecosystem will be used to manage and scale up the massive vaccination drive that is expected to begin soon across the country.

Everything will be fed to the database in real-time. Also, the person after being vaccinated will be kept under observation for any AEFI (adverse effect following immunisation), Garg said. She added that the process to monitor a person after vaccination is not new but a regular medical protocol.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Saturday had said the city government has so far made preparations to vaccinate one lakh people in a day. The Delhi government is fully prepared to receive, store and administer COVID-19 vaccine to 51 lakh priority category persons in the city in the first phase of vaccination, the minister had said.

These include healthcare workers who will be the first to be inoculated against the coronavirus, followed by frontline workers, people aged above 50 years and those below 50 years who have co-morbidities, he added. Vaccination centres will either be hospitals or facilities linked to hospitals.

As part of the first phase, about three lakh healthcare workers and nearly six lakh frontline workers, totalling about nine lakh, will be the first ones to get the vaccine. The city government has announced that the vaccine will be provided to people in Delhi free of cost.
L uxury goods giant LVMH has completed a purchase of Tiffany & Co, and announced new appointments at the US jeweller.

The update comes more than a year after the proposed deal was first unveiled. Bernard Arnault, chairman of LVMH, today said Tiffany, which is known for its engagement rings, is an iconic brand.

Arnault added: We are optimistic about Tiffanys ability to accelerate its growth, innovate and remain at the forefront of our discerning customers most cherished life achievements and memories.

LVMH, behind brands such as Louis Vuitton and Fendi, first agreed to buy Tiffany for $135 per share in November 2019. However, the deal was subject to a number of obstacles, including the coronavirus crisis hurting the luxury retail sector, and delays.

The companies had been locked in legal disputes, but in October said they have agreed to settle their pending litigation, and Tiffany would be acquired for 131.5 per share in cash. That meant a discount of $425 million for LVMH.

In conjunction with the closing of the transaction, LVMH today announced several leadership appointments at Tiffany.

Anthony Ledru, previously executive vice president, global commercial activities at Louis Vuitton, and formerly senior vice president of North America at Tiffany, becomes boss of Tiffany, effective immediately.

Alessandro Bogliolo, the current chief executive of Tiffany, has agreed to remain with the company to facilitate the transition through to January 22, after which time he will depart the business.

Bogliolo said: I am convinced that Tiffany will thrive under LVMH leadership. I look forward to ensuring a smooth transition to Anthony and his team and wish him and all the Tiffany community continued success in the years to come.

Among other changes, are Louis Vuitton chief executive Michael Burke becoming chairman of Tiffany.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7)  The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth on Thursday said 13 billion of funds under the Interim Reimbursement Mechanism or IRM had already been liquidated by recipient health care institutions.

The state health insurer added that this represents 87% of the 14.97 billion released under the IRM as of December 21. PhilHealth said a total of 353 of 711 health care facilities have declared full liquidation.

It added that 273 institutions have liquidated at least 50%, while the rest are still below this.

PhilHealth said the liquidation proves it did not lose 15 billion to corruption.

Of the amount liquidated, the highest recorded was in the National Capital Region with 3.59 billion. Central Luzon followed with 1.77 billion, and CALABARZON with 1.026 billion.

In August last year, former PhilHealth anti-fraud legal officer Thorrsson Montes Keith claimed agency officials stole 15 billion using different fraudulent schemes, which covers the unauthorized release of IRM funds.

The National Bureau of Investigation has filed a complaint with the Ombudsman against PhilHealth officials, including former president and chief executive officer Ricardo Morales, who stepped down amid the controversy.
Federal investigators are probing business-card sales practices at American Express, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The investigators are looking into whether AmEx allegedly 'used aggressive and misleading sales tactics to sell cards to business owners and whether customers were harmed,' according to the report.

A spokesman for AmEx said the company had been cooperating with a regulatory review of small business card sales between 2015 and 2016 since spring, but declined to give further details including about the regulators involved.

'We have conducted a detailed, independent review of these sales from this time period, and found no evidence of a pattern of misleading sales practices,' the spokesman said in an email.

Federal investigators are probing business-card sales practices at American Express. The investigators are looking into whether AmEx (file image) allegedly 'used aggressive and misleading sales tactics to sell cards to business owners and whether customers were harmed'

The business units responsible for these sales represented about 0.25 per cent of the 65 million total new cards AmEx acquired worldwide between 2014 and 2019, the statement said.

The Inspector General's office at the Treasury Department, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp and the Federal Reserve are also examining whether specific employees contributed to the alleged behavior and if higher-level employees supported it.

More than a dozen current and former AmEx employees previously told the Journal that some salespeople misled small-business owners into signing up for cards to boost sales numbers.

The workers claimed that some salespeople 'misrepresented card rewards and fees'. They also said salespeople would issue cards that customers didn't ask for.

Employees told the Journal in March 2020, that the company had dabbled in dodgy sales tactics since at least 2015. At the time, AmEx was trying to retain Costco's small-business customers after the warehouse club ended their 16-year partnership.

During their contract, Costco didnt accept credit cards in its stores from any company but AmEx.

AmEx took a major loss after the partnership with Costco ended and that's allegedly when AmEx launched an aggressive campaign to keep Costco customers who owned businesses.

That's when a team of about 100 salespeople out of Phoenix were tasked with calling up Costco-business card holders and convincing them to sign up for AmEx business cards, according to the Journal.

More than a dozen current and former AmEx employees (file image) previously claimed that some salespeople misled small-business owners into signing up for cards to boost sales numbers

The strategy worked and within six months of its start, some salespeople had earned commissions of $50,000 to $100,000, current and former employees told the Journal.

In addition, the push is alleged to have led salespeople to cut corners. Officials said they are reviewing whether the companys compensation plans encouraged salespeople such alleged behavior.

For example, the investigation by the inspectors general offices is probing whether employees made sales calls that werent recorded, as current and former AmEx employees claimed. It is also alleged that managers would make calls from their personal phones.

They are also investigating how salespeople used customers' personal information to make sales.

According to the Journal, employees claimed that some salespeople pulled Social Security numbers and addresses from customer databases to submit card applications on behalf of business owners who didnt always want them.

In a statement, an AmEx spokeswoman said: 'We have robust compliance policies and controls in place, and do not tolerate misconduct.'

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is also investigating business-card sales practices at the company, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

The OCC's investigation is focused on cards issued to business owners to replace their co-branded AmEx Costco card.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp and the Federal Reserve did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

A spokesman for the OCC declined to comment, while the Treasury Office of Inspector General (OIG) said, 'it could neither confirm nor deny the existence of investigations'.

Shares of AmEx were down 3.7 per cent at $117.95.
President Donald Trump is unfit to lead the country for another minute, let alone another 13 days. Congress must impeach him immediately for fomenting insurrection by his supporters to prevent a peaceful transfer of power. If Congress wont act, members of the Cabinet must invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

Pro-Trump mobs stormed the Capitol Wednesday in an attempt to prevent what should have been a ceremonial certification of Democrat Joe Bidens win in the Electoral College.

The president created the conditions for violence by refusing to admit defeat for months, whipping up the anger and disaffection of his supporters. His enablers in Congress lit the match by giving Trumps supporters false hope that the outcome of a free and fair election could be reversed. They are complicit in the violence.

Also complicit are the pro-Trump media that eagerly spread the presidents lies, unchallenged, and the social media companies that allowed disinformation and conspiracy theories to flourish on their platforms. Rioters also attacked journalists and their equipment, the ultimate expression of truth decay.

They all should have seen it coming. So should have the Capitol police, who were caught flat-footed.

After senators and representatives were rushed to safety, members of the mob brazenly roamed the House and Senate chambers and occupied House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office. It took hours for law enforcement and the National Guard to respond in numbers great enough to repel and disperse the mob.

And for hours during this deplorable assault on democracy, the leader of our country and commander in chief remained silent. Trump appeared only after Biden went on national television demanding that he call off his mob.

The president limply urged his supporters to go home, while also continuing to push the false narrative of a stolen election. We love you, youre very special, he cooed. Disgusting.

The insurrectionists ignored their coup leader, anyway. This is the cumulative effect of lies built on lies.

The attack on the seat of U.S. government by Trumps deranged supporters is a putrid end to a morally bankrupt presidency. Whether it ends today or on Jan. 20, these are perilous times for the nation.

The Republicans controlled the White House, Senate and House in 2016. After Trumps loss and Democratic victories in two Georgia Senate races, they have none. These supporters have shattered, literally, the halls of our democracy. Make no mistake, the sickness of the Trumpist philosophy has poisoned the Republican party and will remain a threat to our democracy well after the leader leaves the stage.

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As much as many of us might like to, no one will forget the year 2020. Not only did the deadly coronavirus pandemic shut down much of St. Louis and the rest of the world by mid-March, but the year also saw one of the most divisive and contentious presidential elections in U.S. history.

In St. Louis, closings due to the pandemic caused employees at several Jewish organizations and institutions to be furloughed and beloved traditions such as Passover seders, summer camp and High Holy Day services to largely take place virtually.

But there was still plenty to get excited about including the groundbreaking of a $21 million Holocaust museum expansion and a $400,000 renovation of the mikvah, both on the Millstone campus, not to mention a Jewish pitcher joining the St. Louis Cardinals.

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January

Jewish Family & Childrens Service changed its name to Jewish Family Services (JFS). However, its mission remains the same: supporting families and seniors, alleviating hunger and improving mental health. Miriam Seidenfeld, the executive director of the agency, said the change was motivated by concerns that there was a lack of awareness of the organizations work, which includes serving more than 60,000 clients annually through counseling services and at places such as the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.

H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy moved at the end of 2020 and reopened Jan. 6 in its new, smaller location, at 8645 Old Bonhomme Road in University City, along with Yeshivat Kadimah High School. The former Epstein location on Warson Road eventually was transformed into the Miriam Foundations Miriam Academy, which opened in July.

The St. Louis Holocaust Museum and Learning Center received a $750,000 challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. According to the NEH, this is one of the largest grants for a Holocaust-related project and one of fewer than 10 grants of this magnitude in Missouri. The grant came just as the museum was getting ready to launch a major renovation that will triple its current space.

February

Plans began to enhance building security at local Jewish facilities after Jewish Federation of St. Louis allocated $350,000 to this effort in December 2019. According to Scott Biondo, Federations community security director, improvements included strengthening or adding physical barriers outside buildings and upgrading audio-visual equipment at entrances as well as training staff about what to do in case of an attack.

The New Jewish Theatre received a record 21 nominations for the 2020 St. Louis Theatre Circle Awards for outstanding achievement in St. Louis Professional Theatre. NJTs previous high was 12. (It wound up taking home six of the honors, more than any other troupe in the running.) NJT is a program of the Jewish Community Center of St. Louis.

The Jewish Light hosted The Events Event: 20/20 Vision for Lifes Celebrations. One-hundred-eighty guests browsed exquisite tables designed by wedding, bar mitzvah and event planning professionals, and heard from guest speaker Simcha Lourie, an award-winning party planner in St. Louis. View a photo gallery of the table designs here, or a gallery of guests attending by clicking here.

March

Like much of the rest of the world, the St. Louis Jewish community shut down mid-month to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Most employees began to work from home as synagogues and other Jewish institutions closed, bnai mitzvahs and other celebratory events were postponed or cancelled and funerals and shiva calls started to take place virtually.

Five members of same St. Louis family battled the coronavirus. Jane Weinhaus, a beloved teacher at Temple Israels Deustch Early Childhood Center, spent more than two weeks at Missouri Baptist Hospital and was on and off a ventilator. Her husband, Michael Weinhaus, also was hospitalized with the virus. The couples adult sons, Jason and Ryan, and Ryans wife, Dr. Brittanie Weinhaus, also tested positive for the virus, though they quarantined at home. The Jewish Light first reported this story, which was picked up nationally by outlets including NBCs Today show, ABCs Good Morning America and CNN. All five members eventually recovered.

Temple Israel of Godfrey, Ill. shut down after nearly 100 years. The small Reform congregation suffered a steady decline in membership; the number of congregants at closing was 11. As a result of the pandemic, the temple had to forgo its planned ending Shabbat, which was supposed to include a ceremony celebrating the transfer of the temples remaining Sefer Torah to Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community. Temple Israels second Torah scroll was donated in August 2019 to a congregation in Missoula, Mont.

Federation created a Community Response Fund to meet the unprecedented needs caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Throughout our 119-year history, Federation has always stepped up to meet the challenges of our community This fund will help meet those unexpected demands on our services, said Brian Herstig, president and CEO of Federation. In addition, Michael and Carol Staenberg created a matching grant to double the impact of any gifts totaling up to $100,000. As of late April, more than 360 donors had given to the fund, raising $600,000.

April

Passover looked very different this year because of the pandemic, with more local families taking to Zoom as the safest option to gather their family for seders. Chabad of Greater St. Louis offered free, to-go seder kits, which included essential items needed to host and lead a seder (but no brisket!).

Due to a rapid decline in advertising since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jewish Light began publishing its print edition every other week. On alternate weeks, the paper publishes online only at www.stljewishlight.com. All obituaries continue to be published both online and in the next available print edition. The paper also started delivering free, weekly email newsletters that readers can sign up for at www.stljewishlight.com/email.

For a short time, the J furloughed the majority of its staff, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The organization, which has campuses in Chesterfield and near Creve Coeur, furloughed more than 100 employees and kept about 70 staff members at reduced hours or salaries. However, within two weeks, the J received a Paycheck Protection Program loan from the federal government and rehired its entire full-time staff and some part-time staff. Across the Millstone Campus, Jewish Federation froze salaries, bonuses and hiring.

With the help of local philanthropist and developer Michael Staenberg, the Sylvia Green Memorial Mikvah on the Millstone Jewish Community Campus got a $400,000 makeover and name change. The mikvah is a Jewish ritual bath that caters to Orthodox families. Immersion in the mikvah also serves as a final step in the process of conversion to any stream of Judaism. Renovations included an overhaul of all three immersion pools as well as the addition of a new preparation room and more changing space. Staenberg agreed to fund half the cost of the renovation while members of the board of the mikvah were responsible to fundraise the rest. The new mikvah, which opened later in the year, is now called the Staenberg Family Mikvah.

May

Jewish Federation of St. Louis eliminated its Center for Jewish Learning, including all adult education classes, because the programming was often duplicating or competing with other institutions and synagogues. That is something our own criteria call for us not to do, a Federation spokesman stated in an email. The cuts were not related to the financial crisis caused by the pandemic, the spokesman added. The organization planned to maintain the centers Shma: Listen! Speaker Series, the Shinshinim Israeli emissary program, and professional councils connected to religious school and early childhood educators.

Congregation Shaare Emeth leaders decided to cancel the Reform synagogues two summer programs because of the pandemic. The J also decided to cancel its summer overnight program at Camp Sabra at Lake of the Ozarks.

Rabbis often steer clear of politics, but this year, clergy fromTemple Emanuel, Temple Israel; Shaare Emeth; United Hebrew; Central Reform; Bnai Amoona; Kol Rinah; Bais Abraham; and Young Israel urged Gov. Mike Parson to allow residents to vote by mail for any reason because of the pandemic. Parson later approved a bill to allow all Missourians to vote by mail.

June

As the country continued to grapple with the death of George Floyd, a Black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25, Jewish activists wrote an open letter signed by more than 900 Jews, at least seven from the St. Louis area, including Rabbi Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation. The letter urged Jewish institutions to commit to a number of actions within three years, including having a fifth of staff, senior leadership and board seats filled by people of color; participating in anti-racist education; investing a fifth of all grants in organizations led by people of color; and committing to replacing contracts with police departments with alternative structures of community safety.

Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council stated in a response that the organizations would bring together leadership of Jewish organizations across our community to study your calls to action and determine how to realize this bold new future

The pandemic sliced into a significant portion of Kohns Kosher Delis revenue because of the loss of catering for events and hot dog sales at Cardinals and Blues games. But the Creve Coeur eatery saw its online sales increase by more than 50%, much of it going to customers along the East Coast.

July

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation aimed at combating the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. The law requires companies entering into a contract with the state to certify that they will not engage in a boycott of Israel. It applies to companies worth over $100,000 with 10 or more employees. The passage came after years of efforts from pro-Israel lawmakers and advocates.

Just six months after starting in the position, Sandra Harris resigned as executive director of the Holocaust Museum & Learning Center. The museum did not provide a reason for the resignation and Harris could not be reached for comment. The move came as the organization prepared a multi-million dollar expansion of its museum.

Rabbi Janine Schloss, who had spent a dozen years at Shaare Emeth before moving to Seattle, returned to St. Louis to become the spiritual leader of Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community. She replaced Cantor Joshua Finkel who relocated to Mahwah, N.J., to become cantor of Congregation Beth Haverim Shir Shalom.

In its 20th anniversary year, the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis reimagined its Back to School! Store to continue to serve 2,000 children, providing school essentials, clothing and more. Usually, the children, accompanied by an NCJW volunteer, get to select the supplies and clothes they want at a festive event. In 2020, volunteers had items delivered directly to children.

August

Rabbi Joseph Rosenbloom, who served Temple Emanuel for almost six decades, died Aug. 3 at age 91. He really loved his congregation, and growing up, almost every vacation, if it was a long vacation, he would get a call to come home because something had happened, and it was never a negative thing for him. He just loved serving his community, said his daughter Dena Rosenbloom.

The Cardinals added to their nest of Jewish players. Fourteen years after Jason Marquis last played for the Cardinals, the team again had a Jewish pitcher: Rob Kaminsky. The left-hander made his major league debut on Aug. 16 against the Chicago White Sox. Remarkably, he did not allow a hit in his first four appearances.

September

The Jewish Federation of St. Louis held its 2020 Annual Meeting virtually on Sept. 10. Jewish Federation presented the Fred A. Goldstein Award for Professional Leadership to Tova Greenblatt, the principal of the Esther Miller Bais Yaakov High School; the David N. and Roselin Grosberg Young Leadership Awards to Melanie Winograd and David Palatnik; and the RubinBrown Corporate Leadership Award to Royal Banks of Missouri.

Synagogues and Jewish organizations had to get creative with the High Holidays this year due to the pandemic. Rabbi Yosef David of Aish stopped by peoples homes for a kind of curbside shofar service. In addition to virtual services streaming online, some congregations took services and celebrations outdoors to parks or parking lots. For example, young families with United Hebrew Congregation gathered in Millennium Park in Creve Coeur and Congregation Bnai Amoona offered families a Rosh Hashanah service in its pavilion and a drive-in shofar service in the parking lot. Chabad offered seven outdoor Rosh Hashanah services in local parks and outdoor spaces, from locations in the Central West End to St. Charles.

The Jewish community mourned the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Sept. 18. She was remembered as a trailblazer and a pursuer of justice, according to a Jewish Light editorial. At a vigil, former Missouri State Rep. Stacey Newman said: A true tzaddik has passed. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a true hero of our lifetime.

October

The Jewish community lost business leader and philanthropist Sidney Guller, who died Oct. 3 at age 96. Guller was a major benefactor of Washington Universitys Olin Business School, the Technion Society, Jewish Family Services and the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, to name a few.

In preparation for Election Day on Nov. 3, Central Reform Congregation and Congregation Shaare Emeth offered volunteer notary services for Missouri voters planning to mail in their ballots. Notarization was required for most ballots if a voter is under the age of 65.

A Southern Illinois synagogue was vandalized three times in about six weeks. During those incidents someone broke stained glass windows, stole audio equipment, and damaged the Hebrew letters on the congregations ark at United Hebrew Temple in Benton, Ill. (not to be confused with United Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis). The synagogue is located about two hours from St. Louis. The Jewish Federation of Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri and Western Kentucky organized a fundraising campaign to pay for repairs at the synagogue and to purchase new security equipment.

Longtime Jewish community leader Harris Frank died Oct. 19 at age 95. For decades, Frank was a visionary leader and generous supporter of numerous organizations and causes. Frank served as president of Congregation Shaare Emeth, the J, Federation and Westwood Country Club. He was also a co-founder with the late Kenneth Marshall of both the local and national Senior Olympics. Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman of Shaare Emeth called Harris the heart and soul of the congregation and noted his support as a benefactor and lay leader of the temple. Lynn Wittels, president & CEO of the J, remembered Harris as a leader among leaders.

NJT announced it was postponing performances until fall 2021 because of the pandemic. The postponement from J leaders followed an industry-wide trend, as concerns and restrictions around large public gatherings continued.

November

Democratic Missouri State Sen. Jill Schupp, who is Jewish, lost to Republican U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner by a 52% to 45.4% vote in the run for Missouris 2nd Congressional District. However, Schupp told the Jewish Light after the election that she plans on serving the rest of her term in the Missouri Senate, which ends in January 2023. Voters also elected two new Jewish state representatives, both Republicans, for their first terms in office: Adam Schwadron of St. Charles and Michael Davis of Kansas City.

Like so many events, the Js 42nd St. Louis Jewish Book Festival shifted to a virtual format this year. The festival opened with a keynote talk by director and cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black, Get Shorty, The Addams Family, to name a few) on Nov. 1. Over the following seven days, the festival featured 13 additional authors, including Bruce Feiler, Judy Gold and Sara Paretsky. Read our interview with Sonnenfeld here.

This years festival was immediately followed by the St. Louis Jewish Film Festival, also held virtually, which typically takes place in June. The documentary Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles opened the festival and was followed by 11 additional films, including documentaries like The Spy Behind Home Plate, Aviva Kempners documentary about Morris Moe Berg, and feature films.

Kol Rinah welcomed the Light for a tour of its new synagogue building in Clayton as it nears completion of a $5 million renovation. The Conservative synagogue was created from the merger of Brith Sholom Kneseth Israel and Shaare Zedek in 2013. In 2015, the congregation agreed to a building exchange with the Journey, a Christian church that had a location on Hanley Road in Clayton. The church and the synagogue shared space in the former Shaare Zedek building while Kol Rinah completed its renovation of the former church building, which includes an 8,000-square foot addition. Kol Rinah Rabbi Noah Arnow said the new synagogue building is like having a really wonderful, big secret that you cant share with anybody because right now you can have such small groups in our building safely, and I just wish that we could actually share this amazing accomplishment and this spectacular sacred space with our whole community.

The newly renamed St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum held a virtual groundbreaking on Nov. 15 for its new $21 million facility. The 35,000-square foot building, which the organization hopes to open in 2022, will triple the museums size. The museum had previously been the Holocaust Museum & Learning Center in Memory of Gloria M. Goldstein and has been renamed for the family of Gloria Kaplan Feldman, a local Holocaust survivor with a long history of philanthropy in the local Jewish community. Feldman wrote in a letter to the Light that the museum is dedicated in honor of the survivors and in memory of the victims, not only our family. She noted that she, her late husband, Rubin Feldman, and her brother David Kaplan are committed to Holocaust education as survivors of the atrocities.

The Jewish Light recognized seven individuals and one group of dedicated volunteers as 2020 Unsung Heroes. This was the 11th year the Light has honored individuals or groups making a difference in the community and doing so without significant public recognition. This years honorees were Allen and Ronnie Brockman, Mark Dana, Aleeza Granote, Sheryl Kalman, Steve Rosenblum, Alan Spector and the volunteers of the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis Back to School! Store. (View the Nov. 19 virtual event online at stljewishlight.com/unsung.)

Congregation Temple Israel held its 34th annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Those in Need. Typically, the synagogue welcomes guests to the temple for a Thanksgiving meal, but due to the pandemic, volunteers delivered the meals serving more than 350 individuals and families.

December

St. Louis adapted its Hanukkah celebrations to remain safely socially distanced. Synagogues held drive-through celebrations, Jewish organizations lit menorahs outdoors, and events like the Brothers Lazaroffs annual Hanukkah Hullabaloo went virtual.

Judaism Alive, the nonprofit led by local Jewish musician Rick Recht, launched JKids Radio, a streaming service that offers contemporary Jewish music and educational programming for children and families. Judaism Alive had operated PJ Library Radio, a streaming service sponsored by PJ Library, which sends free Jewish childrens books to families. The organization has changed the name of that music stream to JKids Radio and added all kinds of wonderful programming for children and their families, so thats what really excites me, Recht said. (For more information, visit JKidsRadio.com.)
Access to additional liquidity to fuel Calian's growth strategy

OTTAWA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / Calian Group Ltd., (TSX:CGY) a provider of trusted products and solutions announces the closing of a CDN $80 million debt agreement with Royal Bank of Canada ("RBC") and Desjardins Capital Markets ("Desjardins").

This new three-year term for $80 million with RBC and Desjardins comes with an accordion of $40M for total availability of up to $120 million and replaces the existing credit line with RBC. The long-term committed capital enables Calian to continue to execute its growth strategy that includes, entry into new markets, product development, acquisition integration, and continued focus on new mergers and acquisitions ("M&A").

"Calian's demonstrated growth strategy consists of organic and acquisitive growth in all four of our operating segments" says Patrick Houston, Chief Financial Officer, Calian. "Closing this debt agreement with RBC and Desjardins demonstrates confidence in our strategy, our strong financial position and provides the liquidity to execute on our M&A pipeline."

Calian's diverse capabilities are delivered through four operating segments: Advanced Technologies, Health, Learning, and Information Technology. In 2020, Calian completed six M&As, achieved 20% organic growth, and reported its 76th consecutive profitable quarter, culminating in record revenue and EBITDA of $432M and $37M respectively.

About Calian

Calian employs over 4,400 people in its delivery of diverse products and solutions for private sector, government and defence customers in North American and global markets. The Company's diverse capabilities are delivered through four segments: Advanced Technologies, Health, Learning, and Information Technologies. Advanced Technologies provides innovative products, technologies and manufacturing services and solutions for the space, communications, defence, nuclear, government and agriculture sectors. Health manages a network of more than 1,800 health care professionals delivering primary care and occupational health services to public and private sector clients across Canada. Learning is a trusted provider of emergency management, consulting and specialized training services and solutions for the Canadian Armed Forces and clients in the defence, health, energy and other sectors. Information Technology supports public- and private-sector customer requirements for subject matter expertise in the delivery of complex IT and cyber security solutions. Headquartered in Ottawa, the Company's offices and projects span Canada and international markets. For further information, please visit our website at www.calian.com.

Media inquiries:

613-599-8600 x 2298

Investor Relations inquiries:

ir@calian.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER

Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company's most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

Calian  Head Office  770 Palladium Drive  Ottawa  Ontario  Canada  K2V 1C8

Tel: 613.599.8600  Fax: 613-592-3664  General Info email: info@calian.com

SOURCE: Calian Group Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623461/Calian-Announces-Closing-of-CDN-80-Million-Debt-Agreement
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Jim Newell, Slates senior political reporter, was inside the Capitol when the building was breached by pro-Trump rioters on Wednesday. His day started in the press gallery, watching Republicans attempt to object to the Electoral College tallies during a joint session of Congress. When I reached him Wednesday evening, he was hunkered down in a room in an undisclosed location on Capitol grounds, packed in with a bunch of other journalists. On Thursdays episode of What Next, I talked to Jim about what it was like inside the Capitol siege and what he thinks could and should happen next. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

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Mary Harris: Jim, how are you?

Jim Newell: At this point, at 6:15 on Wednesday, Ive actually been bored for a couple of hours. [laughs] You know, I was pretty much locked down at 2:30, and then I was sent to one undisclosed location and then escorted to a new undisclosed location. But theres nothing to freaking do. Im just sitting here, you know?

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You said yesterday that you were kind of looking forward to going to the Capitol and seeing how the different groups interacted, seeing how this certification went down. But you immediately said, Im probably going to regret it, like, right away. And I was thinking about that all day as we saw what played out.

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Didnt I say something like Oh, Im sure its not going to be that bad, the protests? Only a couple of thousand people and it will peter out. Ive been regretting saying that all day.

Take us back to the scene in the House before the breach.

You know, they made an agreement, the leaders, the day before that you would not have everyone on the floor, you would limit it to certain numbers of people who needed to be there to speak.

Because of COVID.

Because of COVID. And, sure enough, theres probably 100-plus Republicans there.

And already theyre not really respecting the rules.

Yeah. And then Arizona comes, and Paul Gosar, whos an Arizona member whos nuts, objects and Cruz seconds him. Theres a big standing ovation for Cruz. And he has this look like he knows what hes doing is ridiculous, but he has a very serious look on his face.

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Afterward, when the Senate met separately to debate this objection, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell got up and expressed his displeasure that his members had chosen to slow down the certification process.

From what I heard, there was a little bit of equivalence in there, like Well, Democrats have objected before, they set this precedent. But it sounded like the meat of his speech was aggressive and confrontational towards what Trump was doing and what his allies in Congress were doing, trying to have Congress overturn an election, and he did mention the election wasnt even close. So I give some credit there to him. There are a lot of people around here trying to toe the line a little more carefully. I think [Florida Sen.] Rick Scott announced, like, I will reject one states worth of electors or somethingthats the kind of needle hes trying to thread. And McConnell was pretty firm overall that this is an embarrassment.

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Its a little late to grow a backbone.

Its a little late. It wouldve been nice if he hadnt led [Trump] on. But at least he did have a cutoff point, when the Electoral College voted. As we see now, probably a majority of House Republicans do not have a cutoff point. Maybe today was the cutoff point.

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And shortly after McConnell gave his speech is when Congress was evacuated.

I looked outside. I started seeing reports about the west front of the Capitol and how they were breaching some barricades there and trying to get on the inaugural platform. And I looked out the window at the east front. It seemed like everything was fine there, so I figured this was an isolated incident. And then a little bit later, I walked by that same window, looking at the east front, and those barricades had been breached. And I saw people kind of flooding towards the building. Then a police officer came by and said, OK, the Capitol itself is going to lock down now. Then I watched the second-floor door, central in the Capitol, from the third floor. I saw a bunch of cops outside trying to protect it and a lot of noisesit sounded really like people were storming the barricades. And then eventually I saw someone break through and shatter the window on that door, which is bulletproof glass.

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Its a little bit like a horror movie, when you see a crowd of people rush up to something and break it down.

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You dont expect a building like the Capitolits like if people rushed up and got to the West Wing and started smashing the glass there or something. I mean, you dont see people do that. And thats when it really snapped for me, like, OK, this is going to be an actual potentially violent situation that I dont think the police were prepared for. And thats when I was like, well, I better get out of here.

The staff there was like, You need to get in now. And so then I was locked up there for a few hours.

With a bunch of press?

Yeah. And that was a little nerve-wracking. There wasnt, like, armed guards outside that door.

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Could you hear things?

Oh, yeah. You could hear people running through the hall. You could hear some people start banging on the door, and wed all quickly put our stuffin case we had to make a run for it. I could smell traces of tear gas at some point. We didnt quite know, and we were pretty grateful that the door lock was holding. But you kind of start to look around the room at the objects that are there in case they bust through it. But I think mostly they were just running around and just causing what trouble they couldyou know, turning doorknobs, seeing where they can get into.

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From the beginning of all this, there was a question of wheres the president? And around 4:30, when you were being moved, is when his video was released, video about a minute long, pretty strange, saying to the rioters, we love you, but please go home.

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And within that he said, I understand the election was stolen, it was rigged. I cant believe were allowing this to happen. And then he about half an hour ago tweeted out again, something like This is what happens when you steal an election but lets be peaceful. That just leaves me speechless. I cant think of something worse to do.

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What I really feel mostly is just anger at this whole situation, and that there need to be consequences.  Jim Newell

What happens now? Rep. Ilhan Omar has said shes drafting articles of impeachment. Various folks have suggested we need to move fast, like within 24 hours, because whats happened is so dangerous. Youve seen some manufacturers submit a letter to the vice president saying you could invoke the 25th Amendment and take charge, saying Trump is incapacitated. I wonder where you think all that is going.

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I dont know if its going anywhere, but Im at the point now where Im not ruling it out. I personally think either of those should absolutely happen right now. I think playtime is over here. It really just doesnt seem tenable even for two more weeks, right now. Its the worst thing Ive ever seen in the government of this country.

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It stood out to me that Rep. Katherine Clark, whos a member of leadership, was one of the people saying that impeachment was on the table. Hakeem Jeffries went on cable news and said theyre not ruling it out. And I thought, OK, this actually might happen.

I dont know how far it would get and then, you know, a day will pass and I bet ultimately it doesnt go anywhere, but I think it would be completely justified. And I dont think its a radical idea really at all. But its something where if you spend a couple more days being like, Ooh, were thinking about it, then theres not really any point to it.

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You have to move fast.

Yeah. Do it, like, tonight or

Do it while your Republican colleagues are freaked out.

Yeah.

I wonder if theres any talk about consequences for members who support Trump. There was this kind of shocking photo of Josh Hawley walking into the building today where he saw some folks outside, Trump supporters, and he egged them on, he raised his fist. Obviously, the mood is quite different now. I mean, Rep. Cori Bush has raised the idea of possibly censuring her colleagues. Do you think that will get off the ground?

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I dont really know. What I really feel mostly is just anger at this whole situation, and this feeling that there need to be consequences and not just another one of those things like What a wacky day in Washington, D.C.! I dont know exactly what they should be, but I feel like you cant just let these people get away with this.

What would it take for there to be consequences?

Im not sure. An overwhelming sense among Republicans that Trump is gone and they need to cut bait with him. If theyre so horrified by what they saw today that they need to put an end to this experiment. And maybe if theyre pissed off about Georgia, thats another way that they might do it. But we havent seen in four yearsI dont really know how a member can defend what happened today and not feel as if they led this back on.

Everyone kind of has this momentI guess for House members when they tell you you might need to use your gas mask, with reporters when you actually see a glass window being brokenits like this new breakthrough in sort of internet bullshit becoming real. And I think that was what was so frightening today, is you can see all of this just Trump tweeting nonsense, all these guys enabling him in the House, enabling this nonsense because its politically convenient. Going along because you dont want him to tweet angrily at you and what that can kind of spiral intoand it can spiral into something real.

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New Delhi: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) filed a case against actor Sonu Sood for allegedly transforming six-storey Shakti Sagar residential building in Juhu into a hotel. The complaint was filed at the Juhu police station under the Maharashtra Region and Town Planning Act.

In the complaint registered against Sonu Sood and his wife Sonali on January 4, BMC has alleged that the changes have been made to the structure without permission.

Taking to Twitter, BJP leader Ram Kadam condemned the Shiv Sena led MahaVikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra and called the step by the BMC vendetta polictics. He wrote on Thursay (January 7), Another vendetta politics by #ShivSena? This complaint against social worker and actor @SonuSood seems politically motivated. We saw how this #MaharashtraGovt attacked and targetted @KanganaRanaut. Shiv Sena was always against #SonuSood's humanitarian work.

Social work that #SonuSood did during lockdown has given him a cult status which has clearly hurt #shivSena @mybmc @CPMumbaiPolice  Ram Kadam (@ramkadam) January 7, 2021

In a video released by the leader, Kadam acknowledged the humanitarian work done by Sonu Sood during the COVID-19 induced lockdown. Offering support to the actor, he added that the country stands with the talented actor, the Maharashtra government should remember that.

Meanwhile, continuing his humanitarian streak, Sonu Sood gifted smartphones to 100 crew members of his upcoming Telugu film in Hyderabad.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company

TUCSON, Ariz., January 7, 2021 -- Critical Path Institute's (C-Path) Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Consortium announces that clinical study results using the Consortium's Diary for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms-Constipation (DIBSS-C) were recently included in the expanded label for the drug LINZESS (linaclotide). The DIBSS-C was developed by the PRO Consortium's Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Working Group to support the evaluation of both primary and key secondary endpoints related to improvements in IBS-C signs and symptoms within the context of clinical trials and is currently in FDA's Clinical Outcome Assessment Qualification Program. Although the DIBSS-C was not specifically mentioned, results from its abdominal symptom scale were included in the updated label for LINZESS. This is the first time a PRO Consortium measure has been used to support a label claim.

"The multi-stakeholder collaboration within the Critical Path Institute's PRO Consortium, inclusive of sponsors, patients, measurement experts and FDA has been critical in being able to incorporate the patient's voice into a development program and product labeling. This is a huge win for patients to understand the impact of treatment on symptoms that matter to them and inform their treatment decision-making for this burdensome condition," stated Robyn T. Carson, MPH, Vice President, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, at AbbVie and co-chair of the PRO Consortium's IBS Working Group.

IBS is a chronic functional bowel disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain associated with alterations in bowel movements. Diagnosis of functional bowel disorders, like IBS, is based on symptom criteria because there are no consistent and reliable diagnostic biomarkers. Because these symptoms are subject to natural variability, the DIBSS-C was developed as a daily and event-based diary to facilitate the collection of reliable data. The component of the DIBSS-C used to support the expanded LINZESS label was the abdominal symptom scale, which assesses abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, and bloating.

"The use of patient-reported outcomes to support a treatment's label expansion reinforces FDA's commitment to the needs of the gastrointestinal illness community," noted Ceciel T. Rooker, President of International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders and a participant in the IBS Working Group. "It is a clear indication that patient voices are being heard and a huge win for the community as a whole. IFFGD is proud to be a part of the PRO Consortium's IBS Working Group and we are excited to see the continued emphasis on meeting true patient needs by listening to patient voices."

###

Further information about the DIBSS-C is available by contacting procadmin@c-path.org.

Critical Path Institute is supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is 69% funded by FDA/HHS, totaling $19,471,171, and 31% funded by non-government source(s), totaling $8,612,313. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, FDA/HHS or the U.S. Government.

About Critical Path Institute>

Critical Path Institute (C-Path) is an independent, nonprofit organization established in 2005 as a public and private partnership. C-Path's mission is to catalyze the development of new approaches that advance medical innovation and regulatory science, accelerating the path to a healthier world. An international leader in forming collaborations, C-Path has established numerous global consortia that currently include more than 1,600 scientists from government and regulatory agencies, academia, patient organizations, disease foundations, and dozens of pharmaceutical and biotech companies. C-Path US is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona and C-Path, Ltd. EU is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with additional staff in multiple other locations. For more information, visit c-path.org and c-path.eu.

About C-Path's Patient-Reported Outcome Consortium

The Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Consortium was formed in 2008 by Critical Path Institute in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and the pharmaceutical industry. The mission of the PRO Consortium is to establish and maintain a collaborative framework with appropriate stakeholders for the qualification of PRO measures and other clinical outcome assessments (COAs) that will be publicly available for use in clinical trials where COA-based endpoints are used to support product labeling claims.

Contact:

Kissy Black

C-Path

615.310.1894

kblack@c-path.org
Blackstone (Image: Reuters)

American private equity giant Blackstone is preparing to launch an initial public offering (IPO) for an auto parts firm it controls, the second potential big-ticket listing of an enterprise from its India portfolio in 2021.

Gurugram-based global auto component maker Sona Comstar, which is backed by Blackstone and Sunjay Kapur-led Sona Group, has launched preliminary talks with bankers and is looking to raise Rs 3,500 crore to Rs 4,000 crore by listing on the exchanges, people familiar with the matter told Moneycontrol.

The size of the issue has not been finalised yet and may change at a later stage, they said.

Sona Comstar has shortlisted investment banks Kotak Mahindra Capital, JM Financial , Credit Suisse, Nomura and JP Morgan as advisors and may file the DRHP ( draft red herring prospectus) with SEBI by February, said one of the persons cited above.

Nomura is also part of Blackstones advisors for the Aadhar Housing Finance IPO, which was first reported by Moneycontrol on November 3, 2020.

Blackstone will make a partial exit via the IPO. The listing is aimed at scaling up Sona Comstar, bringing in more stakeholders and making it a bigger, stronger platform, added a second person.

The firm aims to become one of the top four Indian auto component companies by FY24, according to its website.

Blackstone is the worlds largest alternative asset manager and the biggest owner of commercial real estate in India. It has also kickstarted preliminary discussions for an IPO by its housing finance portfolio company Aadhar Housing Finance. Moneycontrol was the first to report the story on November 3, 2020.

In August 2019, Blackstone announced the merger of Chennai-based auto component firm Comstar, which it controlled, with Sona BLW to create Sona Comstar. Blackstone would hold a 65 percent stake in the firm and Sanjay Kapur would hold 35 percent, according to the announcement.

The auto market is at the bottom of the cycle. Investors are largely underweight and can build positions in new issuances, said a third individual familiar with Sona Comstars IPO plans. A fourth individual also confirmed the IPO roadmap of the firm.

All the four individuals spoke to Moneycontrol on the condition of anonymity. In response to an email query, Blackstone and Credit Suisse declined to comment. Moneycontrol is awaiting an email response from Sona Comstar, Kotak Mahindra Capital, and JM Financial, and the story will be updated will their responses.

On December 10, 2020, Coimbatore-headquartered auto component maker Craftsman Automation filed its DRHP with SEBI to launch a Rs 750-crore IPO.

The Sona Comstar footprint

Sunjay Kapur is the Chairman of Sona Comstar, which has 9 plants spread across India, China, Mexico, and the US. The export-driven firm had revenues of Rs 1,600 crore in FY19 and has set a revenue target of $1 billion by 2024. According to reports, it supplies to auto majors such as Ford Motors, Daimler, Tata Motors, and Ashok Leyland.

According to its website, its one of the worlds largest manufacturers of precision forged gears for differentials with a global market share of 6 percent as well as the producer of the worlds lightest starter motor. In the domestic market, the firm is a leading player in the commercial vehicle space for bevel gear supplies.

In addition to differential gears, the company produces BSG ( Belt Driven Starter Generator) solutions for hybrid cars, traction motors for EV applications, starter motors, alternators, transmission gears, axle stubs and differential assemblies for electric and combustion engine vehicles.

According to Automobile Component Manufacturers Association, auto component exports from India are expected to reach $80 billion by 2026.

Blackstone's IPO report card

The last domestic IPO from the Blackstone portfolio through the traditional route happened more than five years back when fragrance maker SH Kelkar launched a Rs 500-crore offer in October 2015.

When it comes to REIT ( real estate investment trust ) listings, in April, 2019, India saw its first REIT IPO when Embassy Office Parks , backed by Blackstone and Embassy Group hit the domestic bourses. Later, in August 2020 , the second REIT IPO, namely Mindspace Business Parks , backed by Blackstone and K Raheja Corp, made its market debut.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Spokesperson of the President of Artsakh Vahram Poghosyan has commented on the reports according to which the Azerbaijani armed forces have opened irregular shots around Shushi, and then fired at the military positions of the Artsakh Defense Army.

Poghosyan told Armenpress that there have been several shots, but were fired into the air.

On December 31, on New Years night, we also had a similar situation when Azerbaijanis have fired shots into the air. I live in Stepanakert and can say that I havent heard the shots this time. In any case, the Defense Army has already informed that there have been several shots fired in the air, in other words, no shot was fired towards our positions, Vahram Poghosyan said.

He noted that the Defense Army servicemen and the Russian peacekeepers fulfill their duties.
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Lorraine Pascale has revealed she is engaged to her boyfriend of three years Dennis O'Brien after he proposed during the U.K's second lockdown.

The television chef, 48, announced her happy news during an appearance on Loose Women on Thursday.

Lorraine said she cried for ten minutes before accepting Dennis' proposal after he popped the question on his birthday.

Congratulations! Lorraine Pascale has revealed she is engaged to her boyfriend of three years Dennis O'Brien after he proposed during the second lockdown

Lorraine said: 'Big news: I got engaged over lockdown. The lucky man is Dennis OBrien, he's amazing, we've been together for three years.

'It was during the second lockdown and it was actually on his birthday it was just when the restaurants were opening, and they were delaying their opening and he and I were testing recipes and he proposed and I cried for ten minutes before I said yes, I cried and cried and cried.'

Lorraine married musician Count Kazimierz Balinski-Jundzill at age 23, and they had a daughter Ella. The couple separated in 2000 and subsequently divorced.

Thrilled: Lorraine said she cried for ten minutes before accepting Dennis' proposal after he popped the question on his birthday

And the chef talked about her daughter Ella, 24, who has carved a successful career in the acting industry having starred in Charlie's Angels alongside Kristen Stewart.

She said: 'You know what I havent seen Ella since March and I miss her so much.

'Shes doing incredibly well, shes got two projects coming up which will be announced soon. Shes really happy, living the dream and enjoying the hot weather.'

The television personality first rose to fame in the modelling industry after being scouted by the agent who scouted Naomi Campbell.

Based in New York, Lorraine achieved recognition as the first black British model to appear on the cover of American Elle.

Over the moon: The television chef, 48, announced her happy news during an appearance on Loose Women on Thursday

Exciting: Lorraine said: 'Big news: I got engaged over lockdown. The lucky man is Dennis OBrien, he's amazing, we've been together for three years'

Lorraine took a diploma cookery course at Leith's School of Food and Wine in 2005 and found that cookery fitted her 'like a pair of old jeans' and went on to establish herself as a specialist cakemaker, with a contract with Selfridges.

On Thursday's show, the chef spoke about how she is doing a master's degree in Psychology and a doctorate.

She told the panel: 'Ive been through so much nonsense in my life I wanted to put it to good use. if you find real meaning to it, it can be healing.

'Rather than be a TV chef talking about her experiences I wanted to do something different.

Motherhood: Lorraine married musician Count Kazimierz Balinski-Jundzill at age 23, and they had a daughter Ella (pictured together in 2017) before splitting in 2000

Details: She said: 'He proposed and I cried for ten minutes before I said yes, I cried and cried and cried.'

'When I was modelling I felt it was fun and everything but I couldn't be who I wanted to be, it was the same with cooking.

'At first it was fun, but then after a few episodes it was you have to make this recipe, and this one... I thought you know what I'm just going to totally change, totally be me, stop being so reserved and be totally myself.'

Lorraine said the career change would be to help others after experiencing 'emotionally abusive relationships'.

She said: 'Ive been in bad relationships, emotionally abusive ones, I got dumped the day my mum passed away, I wanted to put what I learned through much therapy and training to help other people we're talking about Black Lives Matter and it's great, but I hope it can come in the forefront with mental health.'
A special plane with doctors on board has arrived in Yerevan from Moscow to test for coronavirus the senior Armenian officials who are going to fly to Moscow for important talks, the Telegram channel of the WarGonzo program reported, citing its sources in the Russian security forces.

"According to the WarGonzo program, the process is under the monitoring of one of the Russian special services," it added in particular. "According to the information the WarGonzo program has received from sources close to the Office of the President of the Russian Federation, an Azerbaijani delegation is also going to visit Moscow. The opening of a corridor between the territories controlled by Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan may be a subject of negotiations. The relevant clause on the unblocking of transport communications was included in the agreement signed on November 9. However, concrete mechanisms have not been developed yet."

The information about the arrival of Russian doctors in Armenia was confirmed also by Aram Gabrielyanov, the founder of News Media Holding. "Details of Pashinyan's upcoming visit to Moscow. Doctors have taken the prime minister's blood samples for analysis, and he is in strict quarantine. Russian doctors did not believe the documents of Pashinyan's personal doctor about the presence of antibodies against the coronavirus; they will conduct their own tests. Besides, the analyses will show the existence of any deviation in Pashinyan. This whole strict procedure takes place because Pashinyan has proposed to hold talks with [Azerbaijan President Ilham] Aliyev in Moscow. There is no exact information on what the Prime Minister of Armenia is ready to sign," Gabrielyanov added.

On November 9, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a joint statement on a complete cessation of hostilitieswhich Azerbaijan had launched on September 27in and around Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Accordingly, Russian peacekeepers are deployed in the region to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities. But this statement also stipulates the handover of part of Artsakh lands to Azerbaijan.

Ayvazian travelled to Stepanakert earlier this week for talks with Karabakhs leaders. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev condemned the trip as provocative in televised remarks aired on Thursday.

Aliyev said Armenian officials must stop visiting Karabakh without Bakus permission. Let them not forget about the war, he said, according to the TASS news agency.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry claimed earlier that Ayvazians trip violated the ceasefire agreement that stopped the war in and around Karabakh on November 10.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Anna Naghdalian, dismissed the claim as completely baseless.

In written comments to the Interfax news agency, Naghdalian insisted that the truce agreement does not place any restrictions on contacts between Armenia and Karabakh at various levels. Nor does it specify Karabakhs status, she said.

Naghdalian said that Baku itself is violating a key provision of the agreement by refusing to free dozens of Armenian soldiers and civilians that were captured during the six-week war.

The deal brokered by Russian President Vladimir Putin calls for the exchange of all prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians held by the conflicting sides. So far 54 Armenians have been freed and returned home.

A senior Azerbaijani official reportedly said on Monday that only two Armenians POWs and three civilians remain in Azerbaijani captivity.

Siranush Sahakian, a Yerevan-based human rights lawyer dealing with the prisoners, dismissed that claim when she spoke to RFE/RLs Armenian Service on Wednesday. Sahakian said that the Armenian side possesses evidence of at least 120 Armenian captives still being held by Baku.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians press secretary, Mane Gevorgian, warned on Thursday that Bakus reluctance to free them will seriously complicate the implementation of another key term of the ceasefire accord: the opening of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border for cargo and passenger traffic.

The accord specifically commits Yerevan to opening a transport link between the Nakhichevan exclave and the rest of Azerbaijan, which would pass through Armenias southeastern Syunik province. Gevorgian said that contrary to Aliyevs statements it would not serve as a permanent corridor. She also stressed that Baku will have to allow, for its part, Armenia to use Azerbaijani territory as a transit route for cargo shipments to and from Russia and Iran.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- East Grand Rapids has a new city manager.

Shea Charles, who previously served 15 years as city manager of Howell, was unanimously appointed to the role Monday, Jan. 4, by the East Grand Rapids City Commission.

Charles will begin as city manager in mid-February with a salary of $130,000, officials say.

The commissioners and I were particularly impressed by Sheas robust background in municipal work and leadership, Mayor Katie Favale said in a statement.

We are confident he will build on our citys great work, lead us into the future and work seamlessly with our experienced staff and community partners. We look forward to his leadership as we begin to transition back to normal operations in 2021.

Charles will take over for Interim City Manager Doug La Fave. La Fave has served in that role since early 2019 following the retirement of former City Manager Brian Donovan. Donovan was the city manager for nearly 25 years.

According to this LinkedIn, Charles served as city manager of Howell for just over 15 years. He left the job in 2019 and, in October of that year, began as interim chief executive officer of Michigan Municipal Services Authority.

His career also includes various management and administrative positions in municipalities around the state, according to East Grand Rapids officials.

As city manager of East Grand Rapids, Charles will oversee a budget of $24 million and staff of more than 90 people.

East Grand Rapids is such a vibrant community, and I am eager to get started working with the team and jumping right in, Charles said in a statement. I am looking forward to getting to know the residents and the community and learning more about how we can work together to continue enhancing it.

The Michigan Municipal League assisted the city in its search for a new city manager.

That search, East Grand Rapids officials said, included community and staff surveys, virtual meet-and-greets and interviews. Of the 56 applicants, Charles was placed among the six finalists before ultimately garnering the appointment.

Charles will move to East Grand Rapids from Howell with his wife, Barb, and son, Ethan.

Read more:

Whos eligible for COVID-19 vaccine and what else to know about program expansion

Michigan Capitol temporarily shut down as state police investigate threat

Letter from the Editor: The internet never forgets or forgives, and thats why MLive considers requests to remove old content
As long as Moscow grips Europes supplies of gas and oil, NATO will always be compromised in the face of Russian aggression. Yet the dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh threatens to damage Europes new alternative energy connection  the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC). If the US is to secure this supply, and NATO unity, it must do more to promote regional stability through renewed diplomatic and economic efforts.

Moscow has repeatedly used its energy for geopolitical leverage in the past. In the 2006 Russia-Ukraine gas crisis, the 50% government owned energy supplier Gazprom cut off its supply to Europe in response to Ukraine siphoning for its domestic needs. The move sent shockwaves throughout Europe. Italy lost 3.2 million cubic metres of gas between the 1st and the 3rd of January, triggering a series of regional and national crises. The episode highlighted how much of a chokehold Moscow had on the continent, and that it wasnt afraid to squeeze it tighter.

Consequently, Europe rightly recognized the need to diversify Europes energy sources. The Ukrainian crisis, combined with the discovery of the new gas fields in the Caspian Sea, (70km from Azerbaijans capital Baku), led to the construction of the SGC. Seven years since work began, the first commercial sale of gas took place on New Years Eve.

A 3,500km long pipeline now runs to Italy via Turkey, Greece and Albania. Although the SGC has required a joint investment of approximately $40 billion from international gas companies, the significance of it is not just economic. The project has required the crossing of cultural and political lines: a symbol of resistance against the Russian energy monopoly.

The final leg of the SGC, the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, became commercially operational on November 15, 2020. It holds the door open to a European continent that isnt dependent upon Russia for its energy supply. An energy-independent Europe in turn creates a stronger, more unified NATO that can resist Russian intent to reclaim former Soviet territory.

The recent clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region threaten to disrupt this new-found energy independence afforded by SGC. Tensions have risen to some of the highest levels since its height in 1994. Damaging Azerbaijan's energy infrastructure is a core component to the Armenian conflict strategy, as illustrated by an Armenian parliamentarian calling for the targeting of Azerbaijan's oil and gas pipelines. These are not empty threats: on October 4th attacks on the famous Ganja Gap threatened not only civilian fatalities but the destruction of key energy infrastructure. A missile strike on the SGC could have fatally destabilizing consequences on the region, and would undermine Europes wider energy independence efforts.

There is peace in the region, for now. A Moscow-driven ceasefire has been brokered, and this has led to 2000 Russian peace-keeping boots being stationed on the ground on sovereign Azerbaijani territory. The Russian motive is far from humanitarian. Moscow knows it needs to keep its backyard relatively stable, whilst enforcing the idea of Russia upon its neighbors. This weak form of peace is not enough to deter future instability, and has reinforced Russian control of one Europes most strategically important regions. There should be no doubt these 2000 troops have an additional duty of developing contingencies and resources for a reinforcement surge should Putin launch further offensive operations.

Russia has been able to assert itself on what was previously a bi-partisan peace process. The Russian-brokered ceasefire sits in stark contravention to the original mission of the Minsk group, the organization involving Russia, France and the US, tasked with coming to a peace-agreement in the region. The organization, established in 1992, has had extremely limited success in resolving the dispute.

The Minsk group had previously received praise for articulating a road to peace in the 2007 Madrid agreement. The principles included negotiating a resolution on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, creating a corridor between Armenia and the region as well as re-establishing the rights of internally displaced persons. However, as talks proceeded, legal fixity and accountability gave way to a more informal, soft-law approach. Incompatible strategic objectives and ineffective diplomacy meant the Minsk group allowed itself to get stuck into a form of diplomatic rigor mortis. Azerbaijan has gained nothing from the process.

Not being helpful, France directly contravened one of the key principles of the Minsk group: neutrality. Last month, the French senate passed a resolution calling for the government to recognize Nagorno-Karabakhs independence. Though the Macron administration has ignored it, France has lost credibility as a result. However, the US is not guiltless in the stasis of the peace process.

With American focus on the pandemic, social disorder and the election, it has opened the door to a new Russian status-quo which threatens once again to destabilize European energy security.

America needs to shift its focus back onto the South Caucasus and regain its credibility at the negotiation table. It cannot, and should not, hope to match Russias military presence. Instead, it should drive reconciliation between Azerbaijan and Armenia through economic engagement. Only then can the bears grip be loosened in the Southern Caucasus and NATOs energy security.

U.S. Army Ret. Col. Wes Martin has conducted military police investigations on four continents.
Bharat Director Ali Abbas Zafar Reveals Wife Alicia Had Danced With Disha In The Film, Opens Up About Why He Married Suddenly

Director Ali Abbas Zafar seems to be having a great time in both his professional and personal life. On the work front, he is awaiting the release of the web-series Tandav and in his personal life, he finally took the big step and married Alicia. Now, in a recent interview, he has opened up about how he met Alicia and why he decided to marry so suddenly.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ali Abbas Zafar (@aliabbaszafar)

Talking to ETimes, he revealed that Alicia had danced along with Disha Patanni for Bharat's song Slow Motion. He said, "I got to know her during 'Tiger Zinda Hai'. After that, I kept pursuing her to marry me; she said 'yes' only last year."

Talking about the wedding, he said, "Mom and Dad had tested COVID positive, so I had to bring the marriage date ahead. They are growing old and wanted me to get married. Otherwise the wedding was planned for 2022... I introduced her to my mother on Christmas, 2020 and the marriage took place on January 3, 2021, at my Dehradun house. It was a very private affair. My brother who stays in London could not attend due to the pandemic but we ensured that he got to witness it online."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ali Abbas Zafar (@aliabbaszafar)

Well, congratulations to Ali and Alicia. We wish them a happy married life.
The approval comes as preparations for Moroccos vaccine rollout have reached advanced stages, the Health Ministry said.

Morocco has approved the emergency use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, jointly developed with the UKs Oxford University. The countrys Health Ministry said Wednesday that the Serum Institute of India in under contract from AstraZeneca to make the shots. Last month, the Moroccan government announced it had ordered 65 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Chinas Sinopharm and Britains AstraZeneca. The country of 35 million people has not yet received the vaccines.

Approval of Sinopharms vaccine is under review by Moroccos regulators and is expected to be granted in the coming days.

According to the authorization documents, the AstraZeneca vaccine would be administered in two doses with an interval of between four and 12 weeks.

The approval comes as preparations for Moroccos vaccine rollout have reached advanced stages, the Health Ministry said. A launch date has not been announced.

The immunization plan aims to vaccinate 80 percent of the population, including frontline workers and people suffering from chronic diseases.

In response to rising coronavirus infections, Morocco imposed a nationwide curfew and ordered restaurants in major cities to close.
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
Five of the six members of Louisianas Republican congressional delegation sided with President Donald Trump in votes late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning that sought to overturn the election of Joe Biden as president.

All six of them condemned the insurrection that led the pro-Trump mob to breach security Wednesday, seize control of parts of the U.S. Capitol and force the rushed evacuation of lawmakers, including Vice President Mike Pence. None of the six has condemned Trump, who called on his supporters to head to the Capitol earlier Wednesday and has been blamed by many Republicans and Democrats for inciting the attack.

Trump is even facing calls that he be forced out of office, either through another impeachment process or through the 25th Amendment, although neither effort seems likely to win much support among Louisiana's Republican lawmakers.

Of them, only U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy supported the election results during the two votes taken late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning after police cleared out the mob. He said Thursday evening that he has received both encouragement and criticism from constituents for his stance.

U.S. Reps. Steve Scalise, of Jefferson, Mike Johnson, of Benton and Clay Higgins, of Lafayette, backed Trump in voting not to certify the electors from either Arizona or Pennsylvania.

U.S. Sen. John N. Kennedy voted to accept the electors from Pennsylvania but not from Arizona. U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, of Baton Rouge, voted just the opposite, supporting the electors from Arizona but not Pennsylvania.

Louisiana doesn't yet have a congressman representing the sprawling 5th Congressional District, which includes Monroe, Alexandria and Bogalusa. U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham retired and his successor, Luke Letlow, died on Dec. 29 before being sworn in. A primary election has been set for March 20 to replace Letlow.

Congress had convened Wednesday for what usually is a ceremonial event to accept the Electoral College votes certified by each state and which showed Biden had won the Nov. 3 election. The count was abruptly stopped when a group of people waving Trump flags and egged on by the president rampaged through the U.S. Capitol. The vote, the last one in the protracted presidential election, was delayed by about eight hours as law enforcement cleared the Capitol.

Theres a lot of images that we have and that law enforcement is gathering, every single one of them needs to be held accountable, Scalise said in an interview, in comments echoed by his colleagues. If you let anarchists change the way youre voting on an issue, thats a dangerous precedent as well.

Images have included the Trump supporters pushing aside barricades and Capitol Police to rush the Capitol building. Once inside, one man was seen carrying an oversized Confederate flag while another man was photographed in Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office, with a foot on her desk. A third person sat in the chair Pence had vacated in the Senate and said that Trump had the election stolen from him. Several people died amid the tumult inside the Capitol.

Trump has come under such strong criticism that Democrats and some Republicans are calling for Pence and a majority of the cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment and force the president from office during his final days in power. Trump could block that move, and then it would take a two-thirds vote of Congress to remove him.

Clearly, there was a heck of a lot of disinformation put out there about the election, including that the election could be overturned at the electoral college. Its just not constitutional, and the allegations of fraud were not true. They had been pretty well debunked, except they continued to circulate on social media. Whoever promoted that, knowing it was false, to that degree, they helped create the climate, Cassidy told The Advocate and Times-Picayune.

Practically speaking, obviously Democrats want to impeach the president, but there isnt enough time to impeach, he added.

Reaching two-thirds to invoke the 25th Amendment would require substantial Republican support since Democrats have only a bare majority in both the House and the Senate.

Graves, in an interview with The Advocate and Times-Picayune, was not enthusiastic about going that route.

"The reality is were less than two weeks away from the end of this presidency," he said. "Could you go out there and do those drastic things? You could. But those things might be more damaging. ...What makes more sense at this point is that he effectively begins his withdrawal and does not use that microphone at all, certainly not to the extent hes used it in the past.

Scalise had little interest in invoking the 25th Amendment or trying to impeach Trump, another idea that has surfaced.

Right now, we need to focus on a peaceful transfer of power, and thats going to happen on Jan. 20, and we need to focus on reuniting the country," Scalise said. "Theres some very sharp divisions that still exist. Thats where our focus needs to be. Yet another impeachment is not going to help bring people together right now. Were literally less than two weeks away from the peaceful transfer of power. We need to ensure that happens, and it will.

The votes in the Capitol centered on an obscure constitutional provision that allowed Congress to decide whether to certify the electoral result in a particular state, as long as at least one senator and one representative wanted to do that.

The first objection came on Arizona. The two chambers separated and were beginning what appeared to be hours of debate when Capitol police interrupted and evacuated members because a violent mob had stormed the building.

Hours later the House and Senate reconvened to vote on whether to accept the objection.

At 9:58 p.m. the Senate voted 6 to 93 to reject the notion with Cassidy voting with the majority to accept Arizonas Electoral College ballots and Kennedy voting to object.

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Final Senate vote Arizona Final U.S. Senate Vote on objecting to Arizona Electoral College Votes, Jan. 6, 2021

The House followed suit by accepting Arizonas electors at 11:08 p.m., according to the Congressional Record.

Three of Louisianas congressmen were among the 121 Republican members who wanted to block the Arizona votes. They were Scalise, the No. 2 Republican, Higgins and Johnson. Graves and Cedric Richmond, the only Democrat in Louisiana delegation, were among the 303 representatives who voted against the Arizona objection.

House vote on Arizona Final House Vote on objecting to Arizona Electoral College Votes, Jan. 6, 2021

Later, another objection was raised on accepting Pennsylvanias election result.

The Senate failed to sustain that objection on a 7 to 92 vote. Cassidy and Kennedy voted with the majority to accept the electors.

At 3:08 a.m., when the U.S. House took up the Pennsylvania objection, all four Republican members of Louisianas delegation  Graves, Higgins, Johnson and Scalise  agreed with the objection and Richmond voted against. The objection failed on a vote of 138 for and 282 against with 11 representatives not voting.

That was the last objection.

Senate vote on Pennsylvania Final Senate Vote on objecting to Pennsylvania Electoral College Votes, Jan. 7, 2021

U.S. House vote on Pennsylvania Final U.S. House Vote on objecting to Pennsylvania Electoral College Votes, Jan. 7, 2021

About a half hour later, with all the states votes counted, Pence, who was presiding, ended the marathon evening.

Using the prescribed language, Pence said: The announcement of the state of the vote by the president of the Senate shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of the persons elected president and vice president of the United States, each for the term beginning on the 20th day of January 2021, and shall be entered together with a list of the votes on the journals of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

In a Facebook post Thursday, Kennedy said his vote on Arizona's electors was to give voice to those concerned about election "irregularities," although no court or election official has found evidence of irregularities.

"I joined several Senate colleagues in calling for a bipartisan commission to inspect election issues raised across the country," Kennedy said. "Our proposal was not successful, but our goal to ensure full confidence and transparency in our elections  for all Americans  is a noble one, and Ill keep pursuing it."

Higgins told House members that he was acting out of principle in rejecting the electors from Arizona and Pennsylvania.

"State executive officials usurped the constitutionally vested authority of state legislatures within several of the sovereign states," he said, not noting that those state officials in Arizona were Republicans.

In a Facebook post, Graves explained why he voted for the Arizona electors and against the Pennsylvania ones.

"The Republican governor certified the states election results and there was no substantive objection by their legislature," Graves said. "Both the Arizona House and Senate have Republican majorities.

"In the case of Pennsylvania, a number of voting anomalies took place based upon decisions by local election officials," Graves added, without noting that Republican judges rejected his view. "The governor, attorney general and secretary of state appeared to be involved in some changes  all Democrats. In addition, judges made changes that did not comply with the election process established by the Pennsylvania legislature. It appears that the cumulative actions in Pennsylvania did not result in fair elections in that state. This tipped the scales of the election in favor of Vice President Biden."

Graves, in the interview, said he made his votes knowing that the outcome would not have been enough to prevent Biden from winning.

Democracy triumphed," Cassidy said. "The House and Senate came back in. And were completing the business of the orderly transfer. As a constitutional conservative, that means a heck of a lot to me. The fact that there was an orderly transfer is very important to me.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Amid the ongoing agitation by the farmers against the three Central farm laws, the Youth Congress has planned to pay nationwide tribute to the farmers who had lost their lives during the protests under the programme 'Ek Diya Shaheedo Ke Naam' at 6 pm on Friday.

The Youth Congress said in a statement that on the call of the outfit's national president Srinivas BV, the workers in all the states and districts of would gather and pay tribute to the martyred farmers by lighting diyas at 6 pm on Friday.

The Youth Congress said that the farmers are the soul of the country, but the Modi government is insulting the 'annadatas' by not accepting their legitimate demands, which is why it has called upon the youth of the country and the leaders and activists of the Youth Congress at all levels to gather at 6 pm on Friday and pay tribute to the deceased farmers by lighting diyas.

Meanwhile on Thursday, a day ahead of the next round of talks with the Union government, the farmers on the Delhi borders organised a 'tractor march', describing the event as a "rehearsal" for a similar roadshow proposed on January 26 to oppose the three Central farm laws.
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A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has refuted claims made by the U.S. State Department in a tweet about the so-called "Clean Network," describing them as absurd and hypocritical.

Spokesperson Hua Chunying make the remarks on Wednesday in response to the tweet posted the day before which said the "Clean Network" now includes 180 telecommunications companies and dozens of leading high-tech companies, and "the tide is turning against Huawei and other surveillance tools of the Chinese Communist Party."

"Although the United States continues to attack Huawei, no country or company has provided any evidence to prove that Huawei's products pose a threat to them," Hua told a daily news briefing.

The U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) has long forced some operators, such as AT&T, to provide them with data, Hua said, adding that more than a decade ago, the NSA had used fake base stations named Dirtbox in wiretapping projects such as the Boundless Informant, so as to secretly steal data from mobile phones. As French newspaper Le Monde reported, thanks to Dirtbox, data from 62.5 million phones was collected by the United States in France.

Leaked documents of PRISM revealed that the United States sees apps as "data mines" and has used APPs to mine intelligence data for years. Under pressure, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Skype, Google Maps and even Angry Birds were forced to cooperate with the NSA.

As revealed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the NSA and intelligence agencies of other Five Eyes countries initiated Project Irritant Horn, which hijacks the Play Store to implant spyware on target smartphones or exploit loopholes. With this program, the Five Eyes managed to steal massive amounts of data.

The Washington Post exposed that the NSA, along with the Government Communications Headquarters of Britain, launched a surveillance program called Muscular to frequently break into the cloud servers of Google and Yahoo. They even went so far as to intercept data and direct it to the agencies' own database. This was how hundreds of millions of personal information records were collected.

Snowden exposed a program codenamed Staterooms, under which the United States installed surveillance equipment in around 100 embassies and consulates abroad for the purpose of spying, Hua said.

She quoted an article titled the Filthy Hypocrisy of America's "Clean" China-Free Internet, published on a U.S. website, as saying that "the State Department has a new vision for a 'clean' internet, by which it means a China-free internet."

"Faced with these publicly reported facts, doesn't the U.S. State Department want to give any explanation?" Hua asked.
2 Websites Selling Trump Merchandise Are Shut Down This briefing has ended. Follow our latest coverage of markets, business and the economy.

Shopify closes two e-commerce sites tied to Trump, including campaign store. The crowd that gathered at President Trumps rally, before members stormed Congress, was filled with Trump merchandise. At least two online stores associated with the president were shut down on Thursday. Credit... Kenny Holston for The New York Times Shopify, the company that powers e-commerce sites for more than one million merchants, said on Thursday that it had closed two online stores tied to President Trump, including those run by the Trump Organization and the Trump campaign. A company representative said that the sites violated a policy that prohibits the support of organizations or people that threaten or condone violence to further a cause. Users who navigated to sites like TrumpStore.com and shop.donaldjtrump.com were met with messages that the sites were unavailable. Cached versions of the sites show that they had sold merchandise like $45 pairs of Trump-branded champagne flutes, $30 Make America Great Again hats and a $24 poster of a cartoon of Mr. Trump punching into the air. Shopify, which said that it does not tolerate actions that incite violence, still appeared to be powering other sites selling Trump merchandise as of Thursday afternoon. For example, the sites OfficialTrump2020store.com and Trump-Hats.com were among several that were still active, highlighting how difficult it can be for technology companies to begin policing websites. Shopify declined to comment on the additional sites. Based on recent events, we have determined that the actions by President Donald J. Trump violate our Acceptable Use Policy, which prohibits promotion or support of organizations, platforms or people that threaten or condone violence to further a cause, the Shopify representative said earlier on Thursday. As a result, we have terminated stores affiliated with President Trump. Shopifys technology makes it simple for individuals to make retail websites with as little as an email address and a credit card. At the outset of the pandemic last year, the company closed thousands of sites that claimed to be selling virus-fighting products.

Stocks climb to record as Wall Street keeps its focus on Democrats spending plans. Stocks rose to another record on Thursday, a day after chaos erupted in Washington when a pro-Trump mob overran the Capitol building, as investors focused instead on chances for increased federal spending by a Biden administration and a Congress under unified Democratic control. The S&P 500 climbed by 1.5 percent, adding to a string of records since President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. won the presidential election. The S&P is up nearly 13 percent since that Nov. 3 vote, but only now, after Democrats won two Senate seats in runoff elections in Georgia on Tuesday, do investors feel they have a complete view of the implications of the political season. Across stock, bond and commodities markets, they are betting that Democratic control will soon translate into another major round of Federal stimulus spending, raising the chances of a much stronger economic recovery over the coming months  a view that helped traders look past violence in Washington and to the impact of a government unified under Democratic leadership, analysts said. The political cycle of 2020 has ended. Weve finished the senatorial elections. Weve finished the House elections. Weve finished the presidential elections, said Randy Watts, chief investment officer for ONeil Global Advisors, a financial advisory firm. So I think the market is happy, as many investors are, to finally get that behind them and be able to focus on policy and economics and corporate profits. Investors are also banking on the rollout of coronavirus vaccines to eventually energize business activity that has been dormant during the pandemic, and, as they have for months, also looked past fresh evidence of the economic catastrophe unfolding. On Thursday, the Labor Department reported that 922,000 workers filed new state claims for unemployment benefits last week, while another 161,000 new claims were filed under a federal program. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose above 1.07 percent. While that is remarkably low by long-term historical standards, it is the highest level for yields since March, when the arrival of the coronavirus sent global markets into a tailspin. Its a reflection that theres going to be more stimulus. Theres going to be bigger supply, and theres a bigger risk of inflation, said James Bianco, president of Bianco Research, a financial market research firm based in Chicago. Economists at Goldman Sachs said they expected Democrats to pass $750 billion in fiscal stimulus in the first quarter of the year. The U.S. investment bank also raised its forecast for economic growth this year to 6.4 percent from 5.9 percent. Matt Phillips and

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Simon & Schuster drops Senator Hawleys book. Image Senator Josh Hawley on Wednesday. His book, The Tyranny of Big Tech, was scheduled for release in June. Credit... Drew Angerer/Getty Images Simon & Schuster said on Thursday that it would cancel the publication of an upcoming book by Senator Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican and Trump ally who challenged the results of the presidential election and was accused of helping incite the mob that stormed the Capitol on Wednesday. His book, The Tyranny of Big Tech, was scheduled to be published in June. We did not come to this decision lightly, Simon & Schuster said in a statement. As a publisher it will always be our mission to amplify a variety of voices and viewpoints. At the same time we take seriously our larger public responsibility as citizens, and cannot support Senator Hawley after his role in what became a dangerous threat. The senators office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The subject of Mr. Hawleys book, which was already available for preorder on Amazon and other retailers, is not about the election or Mr. Trump, but about technology corporations like Google, Facebook and Amazon. Its cancellation was remarkably swift and raised questions about how publishers will approach future books by conservatives who have supported Mr. Trumps efforts to invalidate the election. Rebukes on Twitter aimed at Simon & Schuster for their plans to publish the book came from several writers and at least one Simon & Schuster author. But the conservative publisher Regnery, which released a book in the fall by Senator Ted Cruz, another leader of the push to overturn the election results, did not appear to be facing similar pressure. Tom Spence, Regnerys president and publisher, said the company did not have any further deals with Mr. Cruz at the moment but would work with him again. Mr. Spence also said that if Simon & Schuster canceled Mr. Hawleys book deal, We would be interested. Elizabeth A. Harris and

American Airlines bans alcohol on flights to and from Washington after Capitol riot. American Airlines planes at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in November. Credit... Michael Reynolds/EPA, via Shutterstock American Airlines said on Thursday that it had banned alcohol on flights to and from Washington at least through Thursday night and was taking other precautions to keep its employees and passengers safe after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol on Wednesday. The company said it had increased staffing at the areas three main airports. United Airlines said it has also stepped up airport staffing and had moved crews out of hotels in downtown Washington earlier in the week. American, United and Delta Air Lines said they were in close contact with local and federal authorities. Even before the attack on the Capitol, airline crews and passengers had reported encountering unruly passengers headed to Washington early on Wednesday. Flight attendant unions expressed concern after members reported having to confront passengers who were being disruptive, behaving aggressively or flouting mask requirements. Video and photos posted on social media showed pro-Trump passengers cheering, singing and yelling at other passengers. We are incredibly concerned about recent politically motivated incidents on board passenger aircraft, Julie Hedrick, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents 27,000 American flight attendants, said in a statement. Regardless of ones political beliefs, the cabin of a commercial aircraft must, out of necessity, be a calm environment for the safety of everyone onboard. In a note to members on Wednesday, Ms. Hedrick said that the airline would move all layover crews to airport hotels through next Sunday and offer private transportation to area airports. Remain extra vigilant on flights departing from the Washington, D.C., area for the next few days, and involve your fellow crew members if you have safety concerns, she wrote. In a separate statement, Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants, which has tens of thousands of members at 17 airlines, called on airlines and law enforcement to take all steps necessary to keep passengers and crews safe. The mob mentality behavior that took place on several flights to the D.C. area yesterday was unacceptable and threatened the safety and security of every single person onboard, she said in the statement on Wednesday.

Daimler responds: We depend on a reliable and stable political framework. A Freightliner truck, made by Daimler, ready for snow in Iowa City, Iowa. Daimler, which also makes Mercedes-Benz cars, employs more than 25,000 in the United States. Credit... Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen, via Associated Press German car and truck maker Daimler, which operates factories in Alabama and other states, joined other Europeans on Thursday in expressing dismay at the storming of the Capitol in Washington, suggesting that political polarization is bad for the economy. The United States Congress has been a symbol of freedom and democracy around the world for centuries, Daimler, which builds Mercedes-Benz cars at a factory in Tuscaloosa, Ala., said in a statement. We are saddened to see lawlessness and violence on Capitol Hill and hope that there will now be a peaceful transition of power to the incoming administration. As a company, we depend on a reliable and stable political framework that supports the creation of prosperity, employment and economic growth, Daimler said. Almost all of Alabamas congressional delegation supported efforts to overturn the results of the presidential election. Representative Terri Sewell, a Democrat whose district includes Tuscaloosa, was an exception. Besides being a major part of the Alabama economy, Daimler also builds Freightliner and Western Star trucks and Thomas Built Buses in Portland, Ore., and several other locations. The company employs more than 25,000 people in the United States, where it generated more than $20 billion in sales during the first half of 2020. We are an integral part of the economy and public in the U.S.A., Daimler said.

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The Capitol rampage drew rebukes from business leaders, but not always of the president. When Jamie Dimon, the chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, issued a statement condemning the violence in Washington on Wednesday, he urged our elected leaders to call for an end to it. He did not directly mention President Trump. Nor did the Charles Scharf, the chief executive of Wells Fargo (The behavior in Washington, D.C., today is unacceptable) or the chief executives of Goldman Sachs, Bank of America or Citigroup. Business leaders and organizations often instead referred to leaders or called for the peaceful transition of power to President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. Business leaders have rarely criticized Mr. Trump directly. When he announced, shortly before he was inaugurated, that Stephen K. Bannon would be his chief strategist in the White House, Democrats on the congressional committees that oversee the finance industry asked industry leaders to publicly oppose the appointment. The lawmakers called Mr. Bannon a bigot beloved by white supremacists and said the business leaders had a moral obligation to speak out. None did. After Mr. Trump took office, chief executives found themselves in the uncomfortable position of deciding whether to take part in so-called business advisory councils, common forums for business leaders to influence the policy of a new president, even as he was rolling out policies many saw as hateful. Several such councils disbanded after Mr. Trump declined in 2017 to condemn violence by white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va., and said there were very fine people and blame on both sides. With the presidents increasing efforts to subvert the election, organizations have grown bolder. On Monday, for example, 170 business leaders signed their names to a statement, organized by the business advocacy organization Partnership for New York City, urging Congress to certify the result of the presidential election, though some prominent members were missing. On Wednesday, as a mob stormed the Capitol, organizations not known for vocal statements seemed to no longer worry about the political ramifications of speaking up against Mr. Trump. The research group High Frequency Economics suspended regular publication of its research notes for the first time since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and sent a note to its clients: We at High Frequency Economics are disgusted by the role of the president of the United States in inciting this riot, and we are saddened that he cannot find the character to stand up in front of the mob he has created, quell the violence and send everyone home. And the Business Roundtable, a group of chief executives, including Mr. Dimon, from some of the nations largest companies, was direct as to the cause of the violence. The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, the group said. The country deserves better. Business Roundtable calls on the president and all relevant officials to put an end to the chaos and to facilitate the peaceful transition of power. William P. Davis and

Unemployment claims remained high in the latest weekly report. The Royal Divinity Food Bank in Birmingham, Ala., says it has been feeding hundreds more families each month since the pandemic began. Credit... Audra Melton for The New York Times New claims for unemployment benefits remained high last week, the government reported on Thursday, the latest evidence that the pandemic-racked economy still has a lot of lost ground to make up heading into a new year. A total of 922,000 workers filed initial claims for state benefits during the final week of 2020, the Labor Department said, while another 161,000 new claims were filed under a federal pandemic jobless program. Neither figure is seasonally adjusted. On a seasonally adjusted basis, new state claims totaled 787,000. The labor market has improved since the coronavirus pandemic broke out and closed down the economy. But of the more than 22 million jobs that disappeared in the spring, 10 million remain lost. With a recently enacted $900 billion relief package that includes an extension of federal unemployment benefits, most of the unemployed can at least look forward to more financial help. Still, this winter is going to be very difficult, said Kathy Bostjancic, chief U.S. financial economist at Oxford Economics. Were seeing overall economic momentum is slowing, and that feeds through to the labor market. Employers are very cautious about rehiring at the same time they have had to increase layoffs, Ms. Bostjancic said, but the resurgence of the virus is really the main culprit here. A fuller picture of December employment will come Friday when the Labor Department releases its monthly jobs report, and most analysts are expecting minor payroll gains  or even the first net loss since April. As for Thursdays report, there was a sharp increase in claims for extended state benefits  payments to the long-term unemployed whose regular benefits have run out. But new claims under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program fell, most likely reflecting the exhaustion of benefits before Congress acted. Some fuzziness surrounding the count could be related to the difficulty of seasonally adjusting the numbers over the holidays, said Ernie Tedeschi, the head of fiscal analysis at Evercore ISI. The unadjusted number for new state claims was up by 77,000 from the previous week, while the seasonally adjusted number scarcely budged. But longer-term trends, Mr. Tedeschi noted, are more meaningful than any week-to-week changes.

Job postings and hiring reflect a rocky recovery. Even with the arrival of vaccines, employers are still cautious related to their work force strategy, said Amy Glaser of the staffing firm Adecco USA. Credit... Bryan Anselm for The New York Times While the availability of vaccines will speed the economys return to normal, employers remain wary about hiring, job recruiters say. Job postings and hiring typically fall off at the end of December, and the trend after the latest holiday season has been more pronounced than usual. Right now, employers are still cautious related to their work force strategy, said Amy Glaser, senior vice president at the staffing firm Adecco USA. The rebound has been bumpy, and employers have responded in kind, retaining flexibility to increase or reduce their staffing through the use of temporary workers, Ms. Glaser said. That could mean more people are cycling through jobs. Julia Pollak, a labor economist at the online job site ZipRecruiter, has seen the same caution. Employers are being apprehensive, and job seekers are not yet flocking back to the market in droves, either, Ms. Pollak said. The virus is still spreading, hospitalizations have hit a new record, and there is a pullback in demand for certain services. A lot of stay-at-home orders and restrictions are causing a further decline. Some industries have managed to thrive. A key measure of manufacturing, for instance, rose this week to its highest level since 2018. Construction spending and employment have grown along with a surge in home buying. Staffing agencies say they have seen hiring in the automotive business and financial services. The demand for warehouse and delivery workers also remains strong. One of the biggest trends has been the increase in customer service workers and call center representatives operating from home, Ms. Glaser of Adecco said. Those jobs require greater digital literacy than in the past, she said, because individuals must be able to set up their computers and solve problems themselves. There is no tech person sitting down the hallway, she said.

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Elon Musk has become the worlds richest person, as Teslas stock rallies. Credit... Odd Andersen/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX, is now the richest person in the world. An increase in Teslas share price on Thursday pushed Mr. Musk past Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a ranking of the worlds 500 wealthiest people. Mr. Musks net worth was $195 billion by the end of trading on Thursday, $10 billion more than that of Mr. Bezoss. Mr. Musks wealth has increased by more than $150 billion over the past 12 months, thanks to a rally in Teslas share price, which surged 743 percent in 2020. The carmakers shares rose nearly 8 percent on Thursday. How strange, Mr. Musk said on Twitter. Well, back to work, he added. Mr. Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur, would not have been able to edge out Mr. Bezos  who has held the title of the richest person in the world since Oct. 2017  were it not for Mr. Bezos philanthropy, including his donation of $680 million worth of Amazon shares in November, as well as his divorce, which caused him to relinquish about 25 percent of his stock in the e-commerce giant to MacKenzie Scott, his ex-wife.



But the rally in Teslas stock price was also propelled by the companys success last year. Tesla delivered nearly 500,000 cars in 2020 as sales rose 36 percent from the year before. The company reported profits in the last four quarters, and its stock was added to the S&P 500 index.

LVMH completes its acquisition of Tiffany, and an executive shake-up follows. The Tiffany-LVMH saga has finally come to a well-polished, multifaceted end. LVMH, the French conglomerate, completed its acquisition of the American jewelry brand on Thursday, and it was out with the old and in with the new  executives, anyway. The fresh slate of power players comes with a pedigree steeped in LVMH tradition, and is sure to set off a new round of speculation over the future leadership of the worlds largest luxury group. After a brief transition period, gone will be Reed Krakoff, Tiffanys chief artistic officer and former New York Fashion Week designer, who tried to update the brand the blue box built with Lady Gaga as a celebrity face and ironic $1,000 silver tin cans. Also leaving will be Daniella Vitale, the chief brand officer, who joined from Barneys after that retailer went bankrupt. In their place comes Alexandre Arnault, the 28-year-old second son of Bernard Arnault, LVMHs chairman and chief executive. The younger Mr. Arnault has been named executive vice president, product and communications. Its the next step in the ascension of Alexandre Arnault within the family business. He was previously head of Rimowa, the LVMH-owned German luggage brand, and was also the only LVMH family member to accompany his father to the opening of a new Louis Vuitton factory in Texas where President Trump did the ribbon-cutting honors. (His younger brother, Frederic, is chief executive of Tag Heuer; his elder half brother, Antoine, is chief executive of Berluti, chairman of Loro Piana, an LVMH board member and group director of communications; and his elder half sister, Delphine, is Louis Vuittons executive vice president and an LVMH board member.) In addition, Michael Burke, the chief executive of Louis Vuitton and a longtime Arnault family consiglieri, will also become chairman of the Tiffany board of directors, and Anthony Ledru, executive vice president for global commercial activities at Louis Vuitton, will take Alessandro Bogliolos place as Tiffany chief executive. They will start their positions at a good moment for Tiffany, which earlier this week reported its best holiday sales period in its history and announced it had acquired an 80-carat diamond that would become the largest such stone it had ever offered for sale. Gives new meaning to jewel in the crown.
One of the stunning images from the pro-Donald Trump rioters invading the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday shows Capitol police pointing guns at a door as protesters tried to bust into the House chambers.

In the middle of that photo  in a blue shirt and a Texas flag mask  is U.S. Rep and former Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls, R-Texas. Nehls said he was trying to negotiate with the mob as the Capitol police attempted to keep them at bay.
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The pace of Britains rollout of Covid-19 vaccines is being limited by the supply of shots, and the government is working with both Pfizer and AstraZeneca to increase supplies, health minister Matt Hancock said on Thursday.

The government must quickly ramp up the rate of vaccinations in order to meet an ambitious target to inoculate more than 13 million people who are elderly, vulnerable or frontline workers by mid-February.

The rate limiting step is the supply of vaccine, and were working with the companies, both Pfizer and of course AstraZeneca, to increase the supply, Hancock told broadcasters.

The manufacturers are doing a brilliant job, and theyre delivering to the schedule thats agreed, but that schedule is the amount of vaccine that we have ... we expect to see that amount of vaccine being delivered going up.

Hancock spoke after the Covid-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University was rolled out in doctors surgeries from Thursday.

More than 1.3 million people in the United Kingdom have received one shot of either AstraZenecas or Pfizers Covid-19 vaccine, but the government needs to be administering around 2 million doses a week to hit its February target.

In a sign of supply constraints, one doctor visited by Hancock on Thursday said she had not received the delivery of AstraZenecas vaccine she had been expecting.

Birmingham City Councils leader and local lawmakers also wrote to Hancock saying no AstraZeneca vaccine was available in the central English city and that stocks of the Pfizer shot would run out on Friday.

Britain is prioritising the administration of an initial shot to more people, delaying second doses beyond a month after the first.

Just 20,000 people received their second shot of the Pfizer vaccine before the guidance was changed. Pfizer has said there is no data for the efficacy of the first shot beyond 21 days.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that if the vaccine rollout goes to plan, new lockdown measures introduced this week could start to be eased in February.

Johnson, who will give a news conference later on Thursday, has previously cited the time it takes for the regulator to approve batches of AstraZenecas vaccine as one limiting factor.

AstraZenecas vaccine was first deployed in hospitals on Monday. It does not have the ultra-low temperature requirements that Pfizers does, making it easier to roll out.

Initial boxes of the Pfizer vaccine contained nearly 1,000 doses, but the NHS said smaller boxes had also been approved for use that could be used in settings like care homes without wasting doses.
Georgette Mosbacher, the U.S. ambassador to Poland, has filed in a resignation, effective Jan. 20, Mosbacher told a private TV station. The ambassador said her decision was in accordance with rules applying to politically-nominated ambassadors and that her resignation should be submitted before a new president is sworn in. Mosbacher said she would continue her involvement in the region and was not leaving Poland for good. She said she did not agree with Donald Trump, who claims victory in the U.S. presidential election contrary to official results. She also said that, according to her, the vote count was fair in most cases. The Polish president, Andrzej Duda, accepted Mosbachers credentials in September 2018. She has been the first U.S. woman ambassador in Warsaw.

(CNN) -- Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday publicly broke with President Donald Trump, the boss he's served obsequiously for four years, saying he cannot submit to demands he overthrow the results of the election.

Pence formalized his views in a letter to lawmakers, declaring he has no "unilateral authority to decide presidential contests" and could not change the results of the election.

"It is my considered judgement that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not," he wrote.

He ended his letter: "So Help Me God."

It was the final word from Pence before he presided over a joint session of Congress to tally the Electoral College votes. The session was interrupted when violent pro-Trump protesters stormed the US Capitol, forcing a lockdown and Pence's evacuation from the building.

Amid the chaos, Trump began tweeting his rage at Pence.

"Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution," he tweeted.

He made only passing reference to the mobs of his supporters storming the Capitol building, saying to "support our Capitol Police and "Stay peaceful!" But he did not denounce the violence.

Pence had conveyed his views to the President in a meeting on Tuesday, sources familiar with the conversation told CNN. But Trump, consumed with conspiracies and unsound legal advice, hasn't listened. And afterward, he unleashed his rage on a man who has thus far successfully avoided that fate.

"I hope Mike is going to do the right thing," Trump said at a rally on the Ellipse midday Wednesday. "If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election."

"If he doesn't," he added later, "that will be a sad day for our country."

Even after Pence had released his statement, Trump said he hoped his vice president would ignore "the stupid people" and submit to his arm-twisting.

It's an excruciating position for Trump's loyal lieutenant, who has his own political ambitions that, for now, appear to run opposite to his constitutional responsibilities. Pence has stuck by Trump through myriad scandals, including equivocal statements on White supremacy and his impeachment. He has sought to defend and bolster Trump with skeptical foreign allies and traditional Republican groups. His fealty has earned him scorn but -- until now -- helped him avoid Trump's wrath.

Even advisers closely aligned with Trump describe the coming assault against Pence as despicable.

Pence arrived on Capitol Hill at around 1 p.m. ET to preside over the joint session of Congress that will formalize President-elect Joe Biden's victory over Trump. As president of the Senate, his role is purely ceremonial: he will open envelopes, present them to "tellers" and announce the winner at the end.

It's a duty he's tried, unsuccessfully, to explain to Trump over several meetings stretching hours, beginning in the middle of last month. During a final huddle in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Pence again made clear that his powers do not allow him to block certification of Biden's win.

But Trump either heard something different or decided to ignore what Pence said. He released a statement late in the evening saying he and his vice president were in "total agreement" that he has the power to decertify votes.

And on Wednesday morning, Trump made the false claim on Twitter that Pence has the power to reject states' certification, delaying the process and ultimately giving him the win.

"Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!" Trump wrote.

Later, at the rally of his supporters where he railed against "weak Republicans" and complained about "explosions of bullsh*t," Trump continued pressing Pence, describing a recent conversation with his vice president.

"I just spoke to Mike. I said, 'Mike, that doesn't take courage. What takes courage is to do nothing,' " he said.

A senior White House official, whose views are closely aligned with Trump's, told CNN what the President is doing to Pence in their final days in office is "shameful." This official noted how Pence has stuck by the President even amid the "Access Hollywood" scandal only to witness him turn on him at the very end.

Pence, meanwhile, is bracing himself for Wednesday's proceedings and has accepted that a rough few days are ahead of him, people familiar with his thinking tell CNN.

He has mulled ways to signal his support for the President while carrying out his pro forma role by referencing Trump's concerns about voter fraud during the debate before certification, according to people familiar with the matter. But after lengthy meetings with the Senate parliamentarian, the White House counsel's office and other experts, Pence was left to conclude he cannot impede the final result.

Although Pence attempted to soften the blow for Trump by carefully laying out what he can expect from him on Capitol Hill, the President has offered his own theories that appear based on advice he's received from an increasingly fringe group of lawyers and advisers, including personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, conservative lawyer John Eastman and trade adviser Peter Navarro.

Trump's principal wish is for Pence to delay the certification further by refusing states' electoral slates, hoping to end up back in the courts.

"Let them sue," some of Trump's advisers have told him.

The President hopes by creating chaos and lending credence to his false claims the election was rife with fraud, he can at least depart office with his supporters believing he was the rightful winner whose victory was stolen.

People around Pence say he has no plans to carry out Trump's orders. As a result, the President has lashed out at one of his most loyal aides with increasing fervor.

Privately, Trump's criticism has been even blunter than his public entreaties, sources said. The President has told people he saved Pence's career by selecting him as vice president and that Pence would be nothing without Trump.

Still, Pence and people around him all believe there is nothing he can do, one person close to him said.

Few Trump staffers said they were surprised by the President's turn on Pence, since he has shown a willingness to attack other loyal officials, though many were privately critical.

"No one has been more loyal than (Pence)," one official said. "Trump turns on everyone in the end."
The Westminster Magistrates Court in London was set to start a two-day hearing in the extradition case of diamantaire Nirav Modi on Thursday, when concluding arguments will be made by his defence team and the Crown Prosecution Service on Indias behalf.

Modi, 49, who is lodged in the Wandsworth prison in west London, is expected to attend the hearing remotely. He is facing extradition to India on charges of major financial offences linked to a Mumbai branch of the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

At the last hearing on November 3, citing the December 2018 judgment in the extradition case of businessman Vijay Mallya, the court had rejected objections by Modis defence team on admitting evidence submitted by the Indian government.

District judge Samuel Goozee said he was bound by the Mallya judgment delivered by chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot, adding that he would adopt the approach taken in Mallya.

Statements of several witnesses to Modis alleged fraud are part of Indias documentation in the case, including individuals who alleged that they were threatened at the behest of Modi.

Modi is the subject of two extradition requests - one lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the other by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Charges against Modi involve PNBs Mumbai branch that extended his companies loans worth over Rs 11,300 crore.

The CBI case relates to large-scale fraud upon PNB, through the fraudulent obtaining of Letters of Understanding (LOUs or loan agreements). The ED case relates to the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud.

The second extradition request was made on the basis of two additional offences as part of the CBI case, relating to allegations that Modi interfered with the CBI investigation by causing disappearance of evidence and intimidating witnesses (criminal intimidation to cause death).

The magistrates court had cleared Mallyas extradition in December 2018. His appeals in the high court were also turned down, but the extradition currently awaits resolution of a legal process, widely believed to be an application for asylum.
Digital services taxes adopted by India, Italy and Turkey discriminate against U.S. companies and are inconsistent with international tax principles, the U.S. Trade Representative's office said on Wednesday, paving the way for potential retaliatory tariffs.

USTR, releasing the findings of its "Section 301" investigations into the digital taxes, said it was not taking specific actions at this time, but "will continue to evaluate all available options."

Also Read | The faces behind the farmer revolt

The probes are among several still open USTR Section 301 investigations that could lead to tariffs before President Donald Trump leaves office or early in the administration of President-elect Joe Biden. Among these is a more advanced probe into France's digital services tax.

USTR had set a Jan. 6 deadline for implementing 25% tariffs on French cosmetics, handbags and other imports valued at around $1.3 billion annually in retaliation against the French digital taxes.

But it was unclear late on Wednesday whether collections of those duties would begin as scheduled. Spokesmen for USTR and Customs and Border Protection, the agency responsible for tariff collections, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

USTR has concluded the digital taxes imposed by France, India, Italy and Turkey discriminate against big U.S. tech firms, such as Google, Facebook, Apple and Amazon.com

In the latest report, it also said the Indian, Italian and Turkish taxes were "unreasonable" because they are "inconsistent with principles of international taxation, including due to its application to revenue rather than income, extraterritorial application, and failure to provide tax certainty."

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Hong Kong: Govt safeguards national security

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it has a constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security.

The Hong Kong SAR Government made the statement in response to sweeping and erroneous remarks by overseas government officials and politicians on the arrest of certain people for allegedly committing an offence relating to subversion under the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Since enactment of the National Security Law by the National People's Congress Standing Committee on June 30, 2020 and promulgation for its application in Hong Kong on the same day in accordance with the Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been discharging its duty to safeguard national security in Hong Kong lawfully and dutifully, without fear or anxiety.

The National Security Law, or indeed any law in the Hong Kong SAR, applies equally to every person in Hong Kong and no one is above the law.

The Hong Kong SAR Government is appalled by remarks made by some overseas government officials that seemed to suggest that people with certain political beliefs should be immune to legal sanctions.

Hong Kong prides itself on the rule of law and law enforcement agencies are duty-bound to take action against unlawful acts, regardless of the political background of the suspects. Arrests made are based on evidence and strictly in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

As provided for in the Basic Law, the Department of Justice makes independent prosecutorial decisions based on evidence, applicable laws and in accordance with its Prosecution Code, free from any interference.

The statement pointed out that any person who is prosecuted has the right to a fair trial by our independent courts, and the burden is on the prosecution to prove that the accused committed a crime beyond reasonable doubt before there can be a conviction.

Enshrined in the Basic Law, the courts of the Hong Kong SAR enjoy judicial power independently, including that of final adjudication, free from any interference.

Contrary to allegations made by some overseas commentators, the National Security Law clearly stipulates four types of offences endangering national security and the penalties.

At the same time, the National Security Law contains specific provisions upholding Hong Kong people's rights and freedoms under the Basic Law as well as the relevant provisions of international covenants on human rights as applied to Hong Kong.

The law also provides for the presumption of innocence, the prohibition of double jeopardy, and the right to defend oneself and other rights in judicial proceedings that a criminal suspect, defendant and other parties in judicial proceedings are entitled to under the law.

These important features have put the National Security Law on par with, if not superior to, similar national security laws in other jurisdictions. In making slandering remarks about the National Security Law, many overseas critics are clearly adopting double standards and merely exposing their prejudice against the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the purpose of the National Security Law is to prevent, stop and punish acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law.

Article 22 of the National Security Law stipulates that any person who organises, plans, commits or participates in acts by force or threat of force or other unlawful means with a view to subverting state power shall be guilty of an offence.

There is a clear line between political pluralism and attempts to seriously undermine the performance of government duties and functions. Such a vicious plot would not be tolerated in any country.

Since implementation of the National Security Law, street violence which had haunted Hong Kong people for months since June 2019 have subsided and stability has been restored. The legitimate rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong have been upheld and criminals are brought to justice through our independent judiciary.

A stable environment is vitally important to the prosperity of Hong Kong and the business activities of both local and overseas enterprises here.



The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that it has the determination, perseverance and capability to enforce the National Security Law to safeguard Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability under the one country, two systems principle.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will not be intimidated by threats of sanctions by overseas governments, nor will it shy away from condemning foreign or external forces that have flagrantly interfered in Hong Kong's affairs.

This story has been published on: 2021-01-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
I earned my wounds, proudly fighting in a war I did not support on the orders of a president I did not vote for, because I believed in  and I still do believe in  the values of our nation. Because I believe in a government of, by and for the people, Duckworth said. I have spent my entire life defending our democracy, but I never, never thought it would be necessary to defend it from an attempted violent overthrow in our nations own Capitol. Well, I refuse anyone intent on instigating chaos or inciting violence to deter me from carrying out my constitutional duties.

The annual BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) has been a very different experience for students this year.

The trip to the RDS, often involving long bus journeys from all over the country, could not go ahead as planned.

However, the show must go on despite the Covid-19 restrictions, and what better event to make use of technology to showcase the work of young people from all over the country?

In the first ever virtual exhibition, 550 projects from 213 schools have been shortlisted.

Vital

The opening ceremony was streamed from the Mansion House in Dublin and President Michael D Higgins launched the event.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has reaffirmed the critical importance of science as a vital tool for humanity, both to combat the transmission of coronavirus and to reduce the suffering and tragedy to which it gives rise," he said.

This year's winner will be announced online tomorrow and will be presented with a cheque for 7,500 along with the newly-designed BTYSTE perpetual trophy. In all, there are more than 200 prizes for individuals, groups, and teachers.

In Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, students from Colaiste Cholmcille examined the project "Is Covid-19 a catalyst for sustainability".

Joseph Harrison said he and Alessandro Cian decided to look at the subject because "Covid has made us do things differently with travel, work and education".

Also among those showcasing their projects online yesterday were students from St Kieran's College in Kilkenny.

The pupils conducted a project titled "An investigation into the effects of eating before sleep".

Herald
Chinese integrated circuit chip product and solution provider Guoxin Micro confirmed with Global Times on Wednesday that it has begun to supply customized SIM cards in batches which support quantum-encrypted calls. SIM, short for subscriber identity module, is a piece of plastic that slots into the smartphone that acts as a unique ID, so that the phone can be connected to a mobile network. If users need to apply for quantum secure call services, they can bring their ID card to local office, replace the customized quantum secure call SIM card, download an app, China Telecom told the Global Times on Wednesday. The whole process does not require a change in phone number or the phone itself. During each call, users can choose whether they will make normal calls or quantum secure calls, the network operator said. China Telecom has recently rolled out the country's first quantum secure call product facing the civilian market and the product has been put into trial operation in East China's Anhui Province. The carrier is now recruiting users who would like to experience the new service in the province. The major feature of making phone calls based on the quantum technology is a higher level of security due to the randomness in distributing keys. Each time a user initiates the quantum secret call, the call will randomly extract a quantum key in the chip to establish a connection with the background and verify identity information. After the authentication is passed, a new key is generated in real time as the session key for authentication. The key is separated from the session key and discarded after usage. In November last year, China Telecom announced its project in the quantum security sector, aiming to provide quantum security encryption solutions for 10,000 government and enterprise customers, and quantum security call services for more than 10 million mobile terminal users. The launch of quantum secure calls serves as a crucial step for promoting the civilization process of quantum communication, analysts said. In the short term, the user groups of quantum secure communication products are mainly focused on government affairs, military, finance, large and medium enterprises, but with the average users' awareness of personal privacy and information security improves, demand will also be stoked in the mass market. China will include quantum technology as one of the technological advances in its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), striving to gain first-mover advantages, a senior official with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) said at a press briefing in October.


The scenes are nearly unbelievable: An armed mob storming the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the counting of the electoral votes. The rioters claimed to be patriots, some of them even waving the Revolutionary War flag "Don't Tread on Me." So what would our nation's founders have thought about this conduct?

The answer is pretty clear - they would have denounced it as treason. Article III of the Constitution limits the crime to "levying war against the United States" or "adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort." Adhering to enemies addresses aid to foreign nations or groups with whom the United States is in a state of open war. By contrast, "levying war" primarily addresses internal concerns. The Constitution's drafters understood the term "levying war" to include any armed insurrection to obstruct a law of the United States. When tax protesters in western Pennsylvania attempted to resist the collection of federal excise taxes during the Whiskey Rebellion, President George Washington formed an army to fight them; his administration later indicted a number of the rebels for treason. A few years later, when men in eastern Pennsylvania used force to prevent the collection of a federal property tax, the John Adams administration prosecuted the leaders for treason. Supreme Court justices presiding over these trials all agreed that treason had been committed. In 1842, Justice Joseph Story summarized the law, concluding that it was treason "by force to prevent the execution of any one or more general and public laws of the government, or to resist the exercise of any legitimate authority of the government in its sovereign capacity."

An armed attack on the Capitol to obstruct the counting of the electoral votes easily qualifies as treason under the framers' original understanding of the Treason Clause. Indeed, the case is even stronger than it was in the Whiskey Rebellion and Fries's Rebellion cases, none of which involved a direct attack on the national capital.

But in a perverse irony, the MAGA mob may be protected from a treason prosecution because of an 1851 case arising out of the Fugitive Slave Act. The Millard Fillmore administration prosecuted men in Pennsylvania who fought the return of enslaved people to captivity (and in the process killed Edward Gorsuch, a distant relative of current Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch). Presiding over the trial, which was held in the second floor of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Supreme Court Justice Robert Grier held that resistance to one particular law was not enough - treason by levying war requires a design to overthrow the government itself.

And that's where things get tricky. Grier's decision has never been formally accepted (or repudiated) by the Supreme Court, but it seems likely that a federal court would follow it. Did the MAGA mob attempt to the overthrow the government of the United States, or did they just seek to obstruct one particular law (the Electoral Count Act)? A prosecutor could certainly argue that it was an attempt on the government itself: The Electoral Count Act is not just any law. It's about the peaceful transfer of power. And an attempt to thwart the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's lawful accession to power through force looks very much like an attempt to overthrow the government itself. I have repeatedly written about the importance of not tossing the term "treason" around lightly. But of all the events of the last four years, this comes the closest to the framers' understanding of the crime.

On the other hand, if treason charges ever went to trial, lawyers for the defendants would push Grier's opinion for all it's worth, insisting that there was no intent to overthrow the United States government as such; they were simply protesting what they viewed, however benightedly, as a stolen election. The Constitution as it was interpreted in 1851, not the original Constitution of 1787, might then come in to save them.

But there are ample other criminal charges that can more easily be brought. Seditious conspiracy is an obvious fit. This statute prohibits, among other things, "two or more people" from conspiring to "by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the authority thereof." Seditious conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; it was most notably used recently to prosecute the 1993 World Trade Center bombers. The MAGA mob's actions on Wednesday fit this statute to a T. And other criminal statutes, ranging from simple trespass to firearms offenses, will also come into play. Washington D.C. police had arrested at least 52 people by Wednesday evening, mostly for allegedly carrying illegal weapons or violating the city's emergency curfew.

No matter what charges are forthcoming later, one thing should be crystal clear: No person storming the Capitol to overthrow an election has any business claiming to be an heir to our country's founders. George Washington, who laid the foundation of the Capitol building, would have viewed the attack as treason, even if modern law might not necessarily agree.

- - -

Larson is a Martin Luther King, Jr. professor of law at the UC Davis School of Law and the author of the books "On Treason: A Citizen's Guide to the Law" and "The Trials of Allegiance: Treason, Juries, and the American Revolution."
Tom Holland has joked that he gave up Dry January after just 12 hours as he engaged in a hilarious Twitter exchange with his father Dominic on Monday.

The annual campaign sees people temporarily give up drinking for the whole of January to restore themselves after the overindulgence of the festive season.

Yet Spider-Man star Tom, 24, admitted that he gave up Dry January after 21 hours with his award-winning comedian father Dominic, 53, also failing the challenge.

Candid: Tom Holland has joked that he gave up Dry January after just 12 hours as he engaged in a hilarious Twitter exchange with his father Dominic on Monday (pictured in 2018)

Dominic was first to confess, tweeting: 'Called time on dry January embarrassingly early but we have a full house  it's cold and dark outside'

To which Tom, who is set to reprise his role as Peter Parker in Spider-Man 3, retweeted his dad and added: 'I was doing really wellfor about 12 hours' alongside a crying emoji.

Tom was likely to have been making the most of some quality time with his family over the festive period because he's got the third Spider-Man movie to keep him busy over the next few months.

Father-and-son: The annual campaign sees people temporarily give up drinking for the whole of January to restore themselves after the overindulgence of the festive season (pictured 2014)

Hilarious: Yet Spider-Man star Tom, 24, admitted that he gave up Dry January after 21 hours with his award-winning comedian father Dominic, 53, also failing the challenge

The actor follows many Britons who abandoned the annual Dry January after less than a week of 2021 following the new national lockdown announced by Boris Johnson on Monday.

Following Mr Johnson's drastic measures, put in place to combat a surge in infections and the threat of the NHS collapsing, people took to social media to joke about giving up on trying to be sober in the first month of 2021.

Celebrities also joined in the urge to give up on being sober, including former winner of I'm A Celebrity Vicky Pattison, and Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan.

Funny: Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan also joked: 'If you're still planning to do #Veganuary or #DryJanuary after that announcement, see a doctor'

Keeping it real: Vicky Pattison shared on her Instagram account a snap of booze, cakes and crisps with her 4.7million followers. She said she too was giving up on Dry January

It comes after Tom revealed in October, a month before production was due to begin, that he had received his new script for Spider-Man 3.

And he promised to stay tight-lipped this time after previously running into trouble for accidentally revealing spoilers.

He shared on his Instagram story: 'Hey, so, I just got home and I'm in Atlanta. I've just been delivered a package. That package is an iPad, and on that iPad is a script.

'And that script is Spider-Man 3, so I'm about to find out what I'm going to be doing for the next five months.

Exciting: It comes after Tom revealed in October, a month before production was due to begin, that he had received his new script for Spider-Man 3

'I'm not going to tell you anything about it, because I've learned my lesson.'

Rumours recently circulated that Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire, who have both played the web-slinger in previous films, are to appear in the new movie.

But a spokesperson for the film simply said: 'Those rumoured castings are not confirmed.'



ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear congratulated Boston Mayor Marty Walsh following reports that President-Elect Biden intends to nominate him to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor:

"Mayor Walsh has a deep understanding of labor issues, and his experience as mayor of a major city  and work within the building trades - will be incredibly valuable as the country addresses the need to build a 21st Century economy and infrastructure," Spear said. "The professional drivers, mechanics, dock workers, dispatchers  the millions of individuals who make up the workforce of our industry - are the critical resource that powers trucking and our economy.

"On behalf of the trucking industry, I want to congratulate Mayor Walsh on his nomination at this critical time in our history to lead the Labor Department. We look forward to working with him to keep Americans working and our economy moving."

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter , Facebook , or at Trucking Moves America Forward .

SOURCE American Trucking Associations
A prisoner who stole a handgun from a prison officer allegedly shot a police car before turning it on himself in a failed escape attempt.

The 37-year-old man was a medium-security inmate from the South Coast Correctional Centre and was escorted by corrections officers for a medical transfer to Wollongong Hospital at 12pm on Wednesday.

He grabbed a female officer's gun and shot at a passing police car as he ran down the busy Crown Street in Wollongong.

The escapee then turned onto Gladstone Avenue where he fatally shot himself in the neck with the same handgun.

An escaped prisoner, a 37-year-old man, reportedly stole a female correctional officer's gun and shot at a police car before turning the gun on himself on Gladstone Avenue in Wollongong on Wednesday. Picture: A police officer and car guard the crime scene on Wednesday

'During the incident, a police Dog Unit vehicle was driving past and is believed to have been hit by a bullet,' NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia.

'The officer and his dog were not injured.'

A source close to the investigation told Daily Mail Australia that the prisoner fired at the police car with the stolen handgun as he fled.

Corrective Services NSW said it was 'investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an inmate at Wollongong'.

'The 37-year-old man suffered serious self-inflicted injuries during an escort to a medical facility at approximately midday today and died a short time later,' she said.

'All deaths in custody are subject to a coronial inquest.'

It is not suggested a correctional services officer shot the prisoner.

A NSW Police Dog Unit. The prisoner reportedly shot a gun at a NSW Police Dog Unit vehicle, which was hit, but the the officer and his dog were not injured

There were chaotic scenes in Wollongong on Wednesday as police swarmed the area in response to what was initially thought to be a shoot-out

Five ambulance crews were called to Gladstone Avenue just after 12pm and tried to perform CPR on the man but were unable to save him.

There were chaotic scenes in Wollongong on Wednesday as police swarmed the area in response to what was initially thought to be a shoot-out.

Police established a crime scene on Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, which were closed for a number of hours during investigations.

They have since reopened to traffic.

Corrective Services and NSW Police are preparing evidence for the State Coroner's Court to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the death.

If you or anyone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our NationAfter the British people voted in 2016 to leave the European Union (leading to the recently concluded official Brexit in the last days of 2020), you questioned whether we in the United States might need to begin bracing ourselves to face successful secessionist movements. Your latest book,, contains a fictional account of the secessions of California, with one-tenth of the U.S. population and the fifth largest economy in the world, and Texas, with 29 million people and the 10th largest economy in the world. Thomas Jefferson wrote to John Breckinridge in1803 that it wouldnt be the worst thing that could happen if the country broke up into cousins or sister republics. What's wrong with the breakup of America?I have two answers, one principled and one pragmatic. The principled answer is that the ideals of the American founding represent not only something remarkable in the history of the world, but something very good. The long history of the United States has been that of extending these rights to more and more members of the American family, and by extension, through American power in World War II and throughout the Cold War, toward more members of the human family. This is ultimately a good nation, based on good principles. We cannot presume that all that comes afterward will be just as good.The pragmatic concern is that the consequences of the loss of American power in the world would be catastrophic. We would see the re-emergence of the kinds of great power conflicts that we have not dealt with for generations. It would come to our shores. It always does. For the peace of the nation, I think it's indispensable that this nation endures. But powerful nations have fallen apart in the past.Suppose California decides to secede ( Calexit ). What does that look like?Californias exit would assure for the indefinite future the dominance of the American right over the remainder of the nation. We'd effectively be a one-party nation for a while. That spooks the other blue states.In one Calexit scenario that I painted, there would be a consensual, relatively peaceful separation with no objection. The two nations would recognize diplomatic relations with each other, the standard practice of international law. There's another scenario where they don't recognize each other, but the United Nations does recognize them, and other nations do recognize them. Under international law they are, for all practical purposes, different nations.One of my suggestions is that, instead of a divorce, we double down on federalism . We increase the amount of autonomy that we grant cities and states. This is vitally important, because we have to de-escalate national politics. What we have is an increasingly diverse nation that is increasingly divided, but with increasingly centralized rule that is ultimately incompatible with increased diversity. We need to empower local and state governments far more than we do now. For that to happen, we have to recognize that federalism should be a principle and not a tactic. What happens now is that whoever's out of power loves federalism and whoever's in power hates federalism.Where does the national guarantee of certain unalienable rights butt up against decentralization?We cannot have a federalism of the Bill of Rights . The Bill of Rights has to be uniform. We keep the 14th amendment. The Bill of Rights is the fundamental American social compact. This is operationalizing the Declaration of Independence, and where we've fallen down is that we've had a federalism of the Bill of Rights. African-Americans, up until 1964 in the South, did not enjoy the full range of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They didn't, and it created injustice and instability.Every American region should be bound by the Bill of Rights. That leaves a ton of play on other things, including tax policy, health-care policy, environmental policy, energy policy, you name it. But everyone should still enjoy due process. Everyone should still have the right to speak freely, the right to free exercise of religion. Those things can't be dependent upon a state border.But there are those in our society angry that the Bill of Rights is uniformly applied throughout the United States. They rankle at the idea that the national government would tell people whether they can have the Ten Commandments on their courthouse lawn. Their grievance is precisely that they don't want to adhere to the 14th amendment.Each side of our political divide is struggling with illiberalism right now. You have left liberalism and left authoritarianism, and you have right liberalism and right authoritarianism. For this vision to work, you have to fend off the authoritarians. You have to fend off those who question the classical liberal doctrines of the American founding. You're embracing a particular ideology of classical liberalism that facilitates pluralism in a land of liberty. There are people who don't like that, and then there are people who are so blinded by negative polarization that they can't even think. A victory by a progressive anywhere is a threat to conservatives everywhere. We have to get rid of that mindset.The defense of small L liberalism, classical liberalism, is one of the central tasks of our time, and the necessity for that defense is realigning our political tribes. Right and left liberals have far more in common with each other than they have with the authoritarians on their own sides. My book is a clarion call to remember what classical liberalism is, and to remember what pluralism is. Pluralism means that sometimes your political opponents get what they want. If you try to create a country where they never get what they want, you won't succeed. And you'll rip this place apart.You can't enforce the bringing down of partisanship and political temper. It has to come from the hearts or the good sense of the people. Do you see any positive signs towards reconciliation?Youve got to have a change in heart. It could happen spontaneously in a critical mass of Americans. Thats pretty dubious, but there are an increasing number of Americans who are alarmed about our present course and the level of polarization. I know multiple groups that are working at the grassroots level to try to bring competing ideological factions together. It's starting small, but there are a lot of smart people with big platforms who are really worried about this. There are points of light throughout, but we can't underestimate the power of leadership. One of the problems that weve had over the last four years is that the occupant in the White House has been deeply and intentionally cruel and divisive. One thing that does give me hope is that the American people have a history of taking a hard turn away from previous trends.Do you agree with those who think that the radical secularization of American life in media, in pop culture, in the law, in our academies, is a meaningful reason for our decline?I question the word "decline." I think its a meaningful reason for our polarization. By many social measures, America's not in decline. Divorce rates are going down, illegitimate births are going down. The abortion rate is going down according to a lot of measures of social health. The crime rate is still pretty low after highs 30 years ago. There are things that are worse than they should be. It's mixed, but in many ways, the overall picture is positive.Were more divided. People don't feel like the nation is moving in the right direction. And it's all compounded by the pandemic. America was built from the ground up to withstand dramatic religious differences. If you look back to the founding, the Eastern Seaboard was populated by all the major theological strands of the wars of religion. It was far from guaranteed that Puritans and Anglicans and Catholics and Quakers could live together in one country. In fact, there was lots of precedent that said it was not possible. We were built to live across big religious differences with multiple religious communities flourishing and thriving. But it requires a level of tolerance that is elusive in this time of negative polarization.You sound like a man of the Enlightenment. You sound eminently rational, centrist. There's a high level of tolerance in you, a willingness to concede that there are going to be fundamental divides. You're not out there attacking Biden as a socialist who's going to destroy America. You seem to be a deeply enlightened human being who's maybe rethinking his identity.I am not a Republican anymore. In the first chapter of the book, I chronicle my move from the partisan world and the partisan mind. I have not changed in my commitment to classical liberalism. I've not changed in my commitment to civil liberties. What has changed is my perspective on the perils of partisanship. I have a new respect for the value of pluralism. And I have less certainty about any given ideological program as being the definitive solution to long-term, intractable American problems.That's one of the reasons why I encourage Christian young people to shed the partisan mind. I'm pro-life, anti-racist, pro-immigrant, and I love free speech. What party do I belong to? There is no party. I'm trying to sell them on embracing that. What ends up happening when you fall into the partisan mind is that years later, youll find yourself defending things you don't really care about, all for the sake of making a difference in the things that you do care about. You do it for the sake of the coalitional allegiances that are necessary in party politics. I question the value of that.
WASHINGTON: Security officers in dark suits drew their pistols and trained them on the shouting mob trying to smash their way through the door of the normally sedate House of Representatives chamber. The extraordinary scene unfolded amid the unprecedented assault on the U.S. Congress by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

It was one of many shocking moments that played out on television screens across the world as the seat of the worlds greatest democracy came under assault from hundreds of protesters angered by Trumps loss to his Democratic opponent Joe Biden in the November presidential election.

One woman was shot and killed in a chaotic crush of people near a stairway. A video posted on social media showed what sounded like a gunshot and an officer in dark clothing armed with a rifle standing near where she fell. Other officers rushed to assist her. The circumstances of her shooting, including who fired the shots, were not clear.

What began as a raucous protest against Trumps defeat boiled over into a siege of the Capitol, a symbol of U.S. democracy, that paralyzed Congress as it went through the final steps of ratifying the victory of President-elect Joe Biden.

Rioters brawled with police officers, pushed their way past metal security barricades, broke windows and forced their way inside the building, forcing lawmakers in both the House and the Senate to suspend their work and instead go into hiding in offices and other secured rooms.

A gray-bearded protester used what looked like a plexiglass riot shield to break a glass window of the Capitol, clearing the way for rioters to climb through.

Members with military experience, including Democratic Representative Jason Crow, a former U.S. Army Ranger, and Republican Representative Markwayne Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, jumped in to help. Representative Reuben Gallego, a former Marine, told fellow House members how to put on their gas masks.

Much of the melee was captured in photos and videos posted on social media, news footage and witnessed by Reuters journalists.

The rioters who stormed the Capitol roamed freely through the corridors, carrying flags  at least one a large Confederate battle ensign  and snapping photographs.

One man posed for a photo in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, one booted foot propped on the corner of her desk. Another grinned at a news photographer as he carted a lectern down a hallway.

As demonstrators pressed closer to lawmakers, they scuffled with officers. One group discharged a fire extinguisher, leaving a haze. Tear gas blew into the rotunda beneath the iconic buildings soaring dome.

Some rioters besieged the House of Representatives chamber while lawmakers were inside, banging on its doors, cutting off escape routes.

Itfelt like it was happening in slow motion, Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell said.

Security officers piled furniture against the chambers door and drew their pistols. Lawmakers and reporters heard loud popping noises from outside and dived for cover on the floor.

I was opening my gas mask and we heard pop, pop, pop and we all went down," Democratic Representative Vicente Gonzalez told Reuters.

After 15 minutes, Capitol Police officers secured enough of a pathway through the Capitol to escort House members from the chamber to another location, urging them to hurry as they wound down stairs and through tunnels to avoid the chaos.

BANANA REPUBLIC

Many House members were in their offices when the assault happened because Pelosi had limited the number of people in the chamber to 11 from each party because of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

Some evacuated at the urging of Capitol police while others barricaded themselves inside their offices

Representative Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Wisconsin, said in a video on social media that he was sheltering in place" in his office. This is banana republic crap that were watching happen right now," he said.

Across the Capitol, other demonstrators pushed into the Senate gallery, where minutes earlier security officials had evacuated lawmakers and Vice President Mike Pence, who presided over the vote-counting.

A few climbed down from the gallery to the chamber floor, then climbed to the dais for photographs. One man, bare-chested and wearing a fur hat with horns, his face painted red, white and blue, posed for photos there holding an American flag.

Dozens of lawmakers hunkered in a secure room for hours while officers worked to clear the building. Lawmakers from both parties, riven hours earlier by the election outcome, prayed together for American democracy.

When Congress returned on Wednesday night to resume counting the votes, clusters of armed agents, some wearing tactical gear and carrying automatic weapons, were stationed around the Capitol.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

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Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

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Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

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Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

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DALLAS, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- North Texas Alliance to Reduce Unintended Pregnancy in Teens (NTARUPT), the leading teen pregnancy prevention non-profit in North Texas, announces the Texas television premiere of " Young Women Rising: Could Empowering Girls Transform the World? " on Friday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. CT on KERA-TV . The documentary will be repeated throughout January and February.

"Thousands of Dallas and North Texas teens and parents face a lack of quality sexual and reproductive health education and access to reproductive health resources. A deficit that leads to unintended teen pregnancies and opportunities interrupted for generations," says Terry Greenberg, Ntarupt CEO. "Our Ntarupt team is dedicated to disrupting this interruption and helping more teens thrive. To have our work spotlighted in this documentary humbles and excites us. Thank you to the Global Mosaic team and to KERA for premiering the film. And for our student film contest participant to be featured in the documentary is especially momentous. We hope everyone enjoys it and that it encourages more local teens to participate in our 2021 student film and scholarship contest."

About the Documentary

Ntarupt's work in teen pregnancy prevention has been featured on the global scale alongside changemakers in Mumbai, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada, West Virginia, and at the Texas Women's Foundation in Dallas (TWF). The documentary also features local high school students and filmmakers, as well as showcases footage from Dallas' Lincoln High School. It also features Ntarupt and Texas Women's Foundation's work with the Young Women's Initiative-Dallas (YWI-Dallas).

The film highlights how local organizations around the globe are finding creative solutions to support girls and young women, and create positive ripple effects that strengthen cities, counties and countries. The courageous work of women like Greenberg, as well as Neema Namadamu (the founder of Hero Women Rising ) are featured as examples of turning local challenges into opportunities. Viewers can also gain insights from well-known leaders that are featured such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and Melinda Gates from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

North Texans can watch and record the documentary at the following times on KERA-TV online or PBS Channel 13:

Friday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

at Sunday, Jan. 10 at 3:30 a.m.

at Monday, Jan. 11 at 4:30 a.m.

at Thursday, Jan. 14 at 4:30 a.m.

at Sunday, Jan. 24 at 4:30 a.m.

at Monday, Feb. 1 at 11:30 p.m.

at Saturday, Feb. 13 at 4:30 a.m.

6th Annual Student Film Contest & Scholarships

Ntarupt announces its 2021 Student Film Contest and scholarships for Dallas-area youth. This year's film prompt asks teens to show how reproductive health can be impacted by factors such as race, ethnicity, income and/or location. The submission deadline: March 31, 2021. Each film will be judged by a distinguished panel of judges, and the top films will be screened at the event in April 2021. Click here for rules, prizes, and more .

Ntarupt will award scholarships to high school student film contest winners:

1st Place  $1000

2nd Place  $ 750

3rd Place  $ 500

School Dept. - $500

Upcoming Teen Pregnancy Prevention Virtual Panel

To complement the airing, we are continuing the conversation with the "Impact of Teen Pregnancy in Dallas & Around the Globe", the first global virtual panel to discuss the importance of educating and supporting young women to create a positive ripple effect to strengthen cities and countries. The panel will be hosted in February 2021 with forthcoming details announced on the Ntarupt Facebook page .

ABOUT

North Texas Alliance to Reduce Unintended Pregnancy in Teens (Ntarupt) is the sole organization in North Texas committed to bringing together community resources for both parents and teens with a focus on teen pregnancy prevention and sexual and reproductive health, which it has been doing since its inception in 2014. TalkAboutItDallas.com is an online resource from Ntarupt with funding provided by The City of Dallas, The United Way Ground Floor, and various private and public donations.

LINK TV

Founded in 1999, Link TV is an independent viewer-supported media organization dedicated to providing programs that engage and educate its audiences with unique perspectives and activate them to become involved in the world. Reaching more than 30 million U.S. satellite households nationally (on DIRECTV channel 375 and DISH Network channel 9410), Link TV connects American viewers with people at the heart of breaking events, organizations at the forefront of social change and the vibrant cultures of an increasingly global community.

KERA-TV

KERA is a community-supported media organization that delivers distinctive, relevant and essential content to North Texans. The mission of North Texas Public Broadcasting is to serve North Texans through public television, radio and multimedia resources that educate, engage, inspire, inform and entertain. KERA serves the fourth-largest population area in the country. Each week, more than 2.6 million people connect with KERA through our television and radio broadcast channels, websites, social media and mobile apps.

MEDIA CONTACT:

EJP Marketing Co.

Ayona Anderson

[email protected]

SOURCE North Texas Alliance to Reduce Unintended Pregnancy in Teens (Ntarupt)

Related Links

https://www.ntarupt.org


For the 20th straight day, there were virtually no vacant intensive care beds available across much of California as hospitals scrambled to treat wave after wave of new COVID-19 patients.

This surge has been relentless, said Dr. Ahmad Kamal, Santa Clara Countys COVID-19 director, during a Wednesday press briefing. It is straining our health care system to a breaking point.

Intensive care bed availability in the Bay Area rose fractionally on Wednesday to 7.4%, but the overall picture across the state looked grim. Capacity remained at 0% in Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley, the two hardest-hit regions.

A record 21,922 people were hospitalized with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in California as of Wednesday, according to data compiled by The Chronicle. Nearly 4,700 of those patients were in intensive care units.

There were 503 new COVID-19 deaths reported  well above the two-week daily average of just under 300 deaths a day.

The total number of confirmed cases in California grew by 43,907, pushing the state over 2.5 million confirmed infections since the start of the pandemic.

Health officials urged residents to stay home, mask up and avoid frivolous 911 calls due to the unprecedented strain on hospitals and emergency medical systems.

The E.R. is full, said Dr. Jeffrey Chien, the director of the emergency department at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose. Folks are waiting for beds  were getting really creative with places to seat patients.

The dire warning came after some hospitals in Santa Clara County reported waits of up to seven hours to put patients in beds.

Before Thanksgiving, the county was averaging about five cases per 100,000 people. Now, its 50 per 100,000, according to Dr. Kamal, the countys COVID-19 director.

This is 10 times worse than weve had before, he said. As awful as it is, it can get worse.

Hospital outbreak

The news briefing came as a report emerged that nearly 10% of the emergency room staff at a Gilroy hospital have tested positive for the coronavirus, the second outbreak to hit South Bay hospitals in recent weeks.

Eight out of around 80 emergency department staff at St. Louise Regional Hospital contracted the coronavirus in the past week, Joy Alexiou, public information officer for the Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System, said Wednesday.

Infected staff members are quarantining and none required hospitalization.

Mario Tama / Getty Images

Santa Clara County Counsel James Williams said he expects the state will extend the regional stay-at-home order for the Bay Area, which is set to expire on Friday.

The order was already extended in the Southern California and San Joaquin Valley regions.

We have every indication it will be extended here in the Bay Area as well because the hospital situation has not improved since it was issued, Williams said.

Terrible milestone

The picture in the Southern California region was even more dire, with public health data showing that more than 1,000 residents in Los Angeles County have died of COVID-19 over the past week.

L.A. County reached the terrible milestone of more than 11,000 deaths due to COVID-19, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said in a statement Wednesday. As a community, we must commit to stopping the spread of COVID-19 in its tracks so that we can save as many lives as possible.

Los Angeles County health officials have directed ambulance crews not to transport patients with little chance of survival to hospitals and to conserve the use of oxygen.

California has assigned more than 1,420 additional medical personnel around the state in an effort to lessen the strain on hospitals facing surging new cases and hospitalizations.

The program is being managed by the states Office of Emergency Services and includes members of the National Guard, emergency responders and over 800 contractors.

Vaccine delays

The staggering number of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths come as vaccines continue to trickle out. Less than one-third of the available vaccine doses have been administered in California so far, according to state data.

As of Tuesday, 459,564 doses out of the 1,762,900 allocated to California had been administered, covering roughly 1.5% of the states entire population of adults.

Mario Tama / Getty Images

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said at a press briefing Wednesday that states should not let priority recommendations get in the way of distributing vaccines. He said states like California should open up vaccinations to older adults and vulnerable groups.

By all means, you want to be opening up to people 70 and over, or 65 and over, Azar said.

Pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens said Wednesday that they expect to complete the first round of vaccinations at skilled nursing facilities by Jan. 25.

In a statement, CVS Health CEO Larry J. Merlo said the company is in discussions with several states to make a limited number of doses available in the coming weeks at its CVS Pharmacy locations in advance of the broader rollout.

Variant spreads

Concern continued to grow around a highly contagious variant of the coronavirus that has been discovered in California.

Twenty-four new cases of a mutated SARS-CoV-2 strain, known as B117 and first identified in the United Kingdom in December, were discovered in San Diego County on Tuesday.

Out of the 24 newly confirmed patients, four are children under 10. The infected are believed to have no travel history and to have come from 19 different households, county officials said.

The fact that these cases have been identified in multiple parts of the region shows that this strain of the virus could be rapidly spreading, said Wilma Wooten, San Diego Countys public health officer.

Gov. Gavin Newsom canceled his daily COVID-19 update Wednesday in response to the events transpiring at the U.S. Capitol, where protesters overran the building during congressional presidential confirmation proceedings.

Earlier in the day, Newsom called for $600 stimulus payments to low-income Californians. With less than a month to go before California property owners could resume evicting tenants who have not paid their rent, he also said that he would support extending the states partial eviction moratorium.

Aidin Vaziri is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avaziri@sfchronicle.com
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Social media misinformation can negatively influence people's attitudes about vaccine safety and effectiveness, but credible organizationssuch as research universities and health institutionscan play a pivotal role in debunking myths with simple tags that link to factual information, University of California, Davis, researchers, suggest in a new study.

Researchers found that fact-check tags located immediately below or near a post can generate more positive attitudes toward vaccines than misinformation alone, and perceived source expertise makes a difference."In fact, fact-checking labels from health institutions and research universities were seen as more 'expert' than others, indirectly resulting in more positive attitudes toward vaccines," said Jingwen Zhang, assistant professor of communication and lead author of the study.

The findings were published online Wednesday, Jan. 6, in the journal Preventive Medicine.

Has implications for COVID-19

The data was collected in 2018before the COVID-19 pandemicbut the study's results could influence public communications about COVID-19 vaccines, researchers said.

"The most important thing I learned from this paper is that fact checking is effective...giving people a simple label can change their attitude," Zhang said. "Secondly, I am calling for more researchers and scientists to engage in public health and science communications. We need to be more proactive. We are not using our power right now."

While there is a strong consensus in the medical community that vaccines are safe, cost-effective and successful in preventing diseases, widespread vaccine hesitancy has resurged in many countries, the study said. The United States has faced issues with lower-than-preferred vaccine participation for influenza and even measles, which medical experts blamed for a 2019 measles outbreak. "Because both individuals and groups can post misinformation, such as false claims about vaccines, social media have played a role in spreading misinformation," Zhang said.

A UC Davis study showed that those exposed to fact-checking labels were more likely to develop more positive attitudes toward vaccines than misinformation alone. The illustration shows an example of a tagged tweet and mock messaging on a mock twitter page created by researchers. Credit: Jingwen Zhang/courtesy illustration

Study authors tested the effects of simple fact-checking labels with 1,198 people nationwide who showed different levels of vaccine hesitancy. In the experiment, researchers used multiple misinformation messages covering five vaccine types and five categories of 13 different fact-checking sources. They avoided any explanations that repeated the false information.

Using a mock twitter account, one post, for example, consisted of a misinformation claim on a specific vaccine and a picture of a vaccine bottle. It read: "According to a US Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) there were 93,000 adverse reactions to last year's Flu Shot including 1,080 deaths & 8,888 hospitalizations."

Researchers then used alternating fact-checking labels from various sources in media, health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Johns Hopkins University, and algorithms. One read, for example, "This post is falsified. Fact-checked by the Centers For Disease Control. Learn why this is falsified."

The results showed that those exposed to fact-checking labels were more likely to develop more positive attitudes toward vaccines than misinformation alone. Further, the labels' effect was not moderated by vaccine skepticism, the type of vaccine misinformation or political ideology.

"What approaches are most effective at targeting vaccine misinformation on social media among users unlikely to visit fact-checking websites or engage with thorough corrections?" researchers asked in the paper. "This project shows that seeing a fact-checking label immediately below a misinformation post can make viewers more favorable toward vaccines."

She explained that a tag could be as simple as a reply to a misinforming tweet that explains the information is false, and links to credible information at a university or institutional web site.

Ideally, she said, tagging should be done by social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter. She said social media companies are working with entities, such as the WHO, to correct misinformation. "We are headed in the right direction, but more needs to happen," she said.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

More information: Jingwen Zhang et al, Effects of fact-checking social media vaccine misinformation on attitudes toward vaccines, Preventive Medicine (2021). Journal information: Preventive Medicine Jingwen Zhang et al, Effects of fact-checking social media vaccine misinformation on attitudes toward vaccines,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106408
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PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- The fatal shooting of a 15-year-old Pascagoula teen by a 14-year-old has been ruled an accident, Pascagoula Police Chief Matt Chapman said Thursday morning.

The incident occurred late Wednesday afternoon. Police were dispatched a 5:17 p.m. to the 3300 block of Argentina Street, responding to a report of a shooting. When they arrived, officers found the 15-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound.

The officers attempted life-saving measures until paramedics arrived and transported the victim to Singing River Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Initially, a statement from the police reported the 14-year-old was in custody, but after additional investigation, ruled the shooting accidental.

Neither the victim nor the other teen have been identified.

The shooting death marked the second time in four days a Pascagoula teen died as a result of gunfire. On Sunday, officers responded to the 3000 block of Eden Street, where they located 16-year-old Travis Reddix suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Officers attempted life-saving measures, but Reddix died at the scene.

That case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Pascagoula Police Department at 228-762-2211.
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon scrambled to deploy more than a thousand National Guard forces to help protect the Capitol on Wednesday after they had remained on the sidelines during a limited early deployment while rioters stormed Congress.

The absence of authorized military personnel while chaos upended the certification of the presidential election was a stark contrast to the military's role in protests over racial violence in June, when National Guard helicopters flew perilously low over crowds of protesters, front-line forces massed near the city, and Pentagon leaders were criticized for appearing to support President Donald Trump's heavy-handed response.

This time, Pentagon officials appeared determined to steer clear of the politically charged fray, acting in lockstep with city leaders as they outlined a small, minimally visible role for the District of Columbia National Guard, and none at all for active-duty military forces.

That decision faced intensified scrutiny later Wednesday after Trump supporters, many of them wearing tactical gear, crashed through defenses erected by D.C. and Capitol police and pushed inside the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to halt election certification proceedings and evacuate in fear. One woman died after being shot, officials said.

In a statement issued after those events, acting defense secretary Christopher Miller said the Pentagon had mobilized all available D.C. National Guard forces, amounting to about 1,100 service members, and would provide additional support as requested.

"Our people are sworn to defend the Constitution and our democratic form of government and they will act accordingly," he said.

The decision to deploy the D.C. Guard was up to Miller. Although he discussed the situation with Vice President Mike Pence, it was Miller who authorized the full deployment, according to a senior U.S. official, who noted that the vice president does not have the power to make that decision because he is not in the chain of command.

Because D.C. is not a state, the D.C. Guard answers to the president, but he has delegated authority to command the capital's guardsmen to Miller and Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy - two of the top officials at the Pentagon.

The governors of Maryland and Virginia also activated state troopers and members of their Guards to help respond to the situation.

Officials said the Justice Department would lead the law enforcement response. Responsibility to protect the Capitol, which is federal territory, falls to the Capitol Police Department, which reports to Congress. The National Guard is trained to support federal and local law enforcement during civil unrest.

Wednesday's dramatic events generated questions about why the military remained on the margins of a well-publicized protest whose members made no secret of their desire to use force.

"Questions will be asked about the adequacy of the planning by the various law enforcement organizations tasked with protecting the Capitol against violent disorder like this," said Peter Feaver, a professor of political science and an expert in civil-military relations at Duke University.

Last year, during the racial justice protests, Trump ordered a vast contingent of guardsmen onto the streets of D.C., and he had a falling out with the Pentagon leadership after his defense secretary warned against deploying active-troops under the Insurrection Act in the capital's streets. But as the president's supporters signaled their intent to descend upon Congress this week, Trump issued no such orders.

In his statement on Wednesday, Miller said he and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, consulted with Pence, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., before fully activating the D.C. Guard, but Miller did not mention any consultations with Trump.

The scenes of Trump supporters storming into the Capitol stunned former military and Pentagon leaders.

"Today's tyranny, an effort to subjugate America's democracy by mob rule, was fomented and directed by Mr. Trump," former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in December 2018, said in a statement.

"His effort to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice," Mattis said. "Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain on our reputation, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be a man without a country."

Retired Gen. Joseph Dunford, who was Trump's first chairman of the Joint Chiefs, called what occurred in Washington "an outrageous assault."

"I believe our leaders who have continued to undermine a peaceful transition in accordance with our Constitution have set the conditions for today's violence," he said in a statement.

The events of recent weeks, as Trump has used an expanding array of means to try to overturn President-elect Joe Biden's electoral win, has revived fears among many Americans that Trump might try to employ the military in his quest to remain in office.

While preparing for Wednesday's demonstrations, Pentagon leaders were still smarting from criticism of their role in the Trump administration's outsize and militarized response to protests in the capital after the police death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. That included the deployment of guardsmen from D.C. and 11 states, as well as the staging of active-duty troops outside the capital and the deployment of federal agents without insignia.

Members of the National Guard were also at the White House when federal law enforcement cleared protesters in Lafayette Square with tear gas and rubber pellets, allowing Trump to cross the street to take a photograph with a Bible in front of St. John's Church.

With those events in mind, top defense officials specifically ensured that the 340 members of the D.C. Guard, whose activation were requested this week by Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser, would stay away from the Capitol to avoid the poor optics of uniformed military personnel and Humvees flanking civilian protesters.

One senior U.S. official told The Washington Post on Tuesday that at the Pentagon, "everyone has got a lot of scar tissue and a lot of PTSD from the domestic unrest of the summer" and did not want a repeat. The official added, "We've learned our lessons and will be absolutely nowhere near the Capitol Building."

As Trump supporters gathered in central Washington on Wednesday, however, the events quickly spiraled beyond the control of Capitol and D.C. police.

During a midday phone call with Pentagon leaders, Capitol police requested about 200 troops from the D.C. Guard for immediate backup, according to a person familiar with the call. But Pentagon leaders did not immediately approve the request, according to people familiar with the conversation.

McCarthy - who was not on the call, according to one person familiar with it - said later at a news conference that there was "a little bit of confusion" after the request but that the Pentagon decided about a half-hour later to mobilize the entire D.C. Guard, though the Defense Department left it to the federal law enforcement to clear the Capitol of the rioters.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said she texted Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, while taking shelter with other lawmakers.

"I wanted them to understand from someone that they knew and someone had seen worse that this was a rapidly developing security situation and I couldn't say with clarity that the situation was under control," said Slotkin, who previously served as a senior Pentagon official and intelligence analyst in Iraq.

When Milley called her back, he said Guard forces, not active duty troops, would be deployed. "He was like, 'We got it, We're on it,' " she said.

Speaking later alongside Bowser at a news conference, McCarthy said he had fully mobilized the D.C. Guard at about 3 p.m.

By early evening, the National Guard had been ordered to reestablish a perimeter around the Capitol, where guardsmen stood behind D.C. police with riot shields. Officials said National Guard forces would carry shields and batons but no firearms.

The task of clearing the Capitol itself has fallen primarily to federal law enforcement agents, with acting attorney general Jeffrey Rosen overseeing the response.

The National Guard did not ask to deploy aircraft as part of the response, an additional point of contrast to June, when a pair of Guard helicopters roared over demonstrators, flying as low as 45 feet and prompting fierce criticism and an ongoing investigation.

"Here it seems it's disproportionate force on the other side of the spectrum," said Rachel Vanlandingham, a military law expert and professor at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles.

Feaver said that given all the advanced warning from Trump supporters about their willingness to escalate to violence, one would have expected authorities to have a robust plan in place with contingencies assessed and war games run, with the National Guard in a backup role.

"Given what happened in June, authorities are understandably wary about escalating to the National Guard," Feaver said. "That said, no mature and secure democracy wants to see its legislative chambers taken over by violent mobs."

Slotkin placed greater responsibility on the Capitol Police and D.C. police, rather than the National Guard, for how the breakdown occurred and said she expected an after-action review.

Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, whom Trump fired in November over his pushback to Trump's attempt to use military forces to quash protests in June, wrote on Twitter that he was confident the military would stay out of politics in the coming weeks.

"This must end now for the good of the republic," he said.

- - -

The Washington Post's Devlin Barrett contributed to this report.
Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff has won his Senate run-off election, one of the two Democrats needed to ensure control of the US Senate, serving US President Donald Trump a stunning defeat in his last days in office while dramatically improving the fate of President-elect Joe Bidens progressive agenda.

The 33-year-old Ossoff defeated 71-year-old Republican David Perdue, who held the seat for the past six years and had the strong support of President Donald Trump.

The success of Ossoff and his fellow Democrat challenger Raphael Warnock is a symbol of a striking shift in Georgia's politics as the swelling number of diverse, college-educated voters flex their power in the heart of the Deep South.

This week's elections mark the formal end of the turbulent 2020 election season. The unusually high stakes transformed Georgia, once a solidly Republican state, into one of the nation's premier battlegrounds during the final days of Trump's presidency  and likely beyond.
In 2009, a 24-year-old employee of Singapore-based software-as-a-service (Saas) customer engagement firm Capillary Technologies went on a holiday and didn't return. It was found that he had a break-up and had committed suicide. Two years on, a similar incident occurred in the company. "He was 23, looked happy and was doing quite well in the organisation. In fact, we had moved him to Mumbai," says Aneesh Reddy, Co-founder and CEO. The firm is still not sure what happened in this case though. "Generally we hire a batch of 5-10 freshers from campus, but no one from his cohort knew," adds Reddy.

The incidents were an eye-opener for Reddy. "I realised the extent of stigma around mental health and how important it is to ensure that people have access to someone to talk to and lean on." So, when one of his former employees launched online counselling and emotional wellness firm YourDOST, Reddy became one of their early angel investors and also their first corporate client.

According to the government's National Mental Health Survey 2016, over 10 per cent of Indian adults, approximately 150 million people, suffer from some form of mental health disorder. It also found that nearly one in every 20 people suffer from depression.

The country was already at a tipping point. Covid-19 only added to the problem and brought the issue out in the open. According to a study of 10,000-plus individuals by smart-tech healthcare platform GOQii, almost 49 per cent of Indians are struggling with depression. Of these, 26 per cent are facing mild depression, 17 per cent face a more strenuous kind and 6 per cent are severely depressed.

Companies have started taking note as well. "Covid has brought the focus on mental health to the forefront and we are seeing openness in corporates to address it," says Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, Mpower. Counselling services, sensitivity workshops for managers and fixed working hours - India Inc is going all out to address such issues. But the question is, are they working?

The Right Values

The pandemic has had its effect on most people. Work from home has been difficult, job losses and pay cuts have led to financial constraints, and families have lost their loves ones. "On top of that, social isolation for prolonged periods is making people anxious. Mental fatigue has set in, people are fed up and want to get on with their lives, but there is no end in sight causing depressive disorders in many," says Birla.

Companies are rolling out programmes for mental well-being of employees, including roping in counselling support firms for delivering self-help workshops (online and offline), knowledge-sharing sessions and online counselling and therapy. From April to date, Mpower has on-boarded 30 corporates and its 24x7 helpline has received more than 65,000 calls from employees. YourDOST, too, increased its client's base by 100 during lockdown.

But access to counsellors is not enough, it is important to call out the elephant in the room. Birla shares how her organisation gets requests from companies to remove the phrase 'mental health' from workshops. "The stigma is so high that people want to address it but don't want to make it obvious that they are discussing mental health," she adds. "This we don't like to do because it defeats the very purpose of de-stigmatising it."

Pidilite Industries Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Rahul Sinha says the company conducts general awareness sessions on mental well-being every week on its communication platform Facebook@Work hosted by occupational experts on topics such as managing stress, distancing work and life etc. Law firm Trilegal, too, has conducted six such workshops.

But conversations around mental illness still remain largely stifled due to the stigma associated with it. An employee, who works as a digital marketer, says he lost out on a number of job opportunities whenever he disclosed to his manager that he was suffering from schizophrenia. At times, he adds, companies would increase his work load. The result: He has stopped sharing about his condition for the last seven-eight years, and now, he is gainfully employed.

Very often, companies don't make concessions on targets or workloads, despite knowing that stress is a common trigger for several mental health ailments, says another employee. "My manager is okay with my anxiety issues as long as I continue to perform."

The Trust Factor

For mental health programmes to work, the fundamental values of respect, dignity and non-discrimination have to be in place. "People need to be reassured that seeking mental healthcare, which the company has made available, will be strictly confidential. And that, under no circumstances, any disclosure will affect the concerned persons employment," says Vikram Patel, Professor of Global Health at Harvard Medical School. "One has to begin with these values otherwise there is no way that any employee will seek mental healthcare."

Capillary, says Reddy, keeps a track of monthly aggregate data on top stressors for employees. "When we on-boarded YourDOST, 3-4 per cent of employees went and got a session. I was worried that we were doing something wrong, but the counsellor said that at any given point in time, 5 per cent of the population will always have issues." The only time the company has made a request to be made aware of someone's situation is when they are at the risk of harming themselves.

An employee in a media firm who spoke on condition of anonymity says he doesn't use the services of his corporate therapist because of the requirement of sending a mail to the HR before seeking an appointment.

Another adds she will never use the service because of trust issues. "While my organisation has a great culture, it is still a corporate house where everything is driven by economics. I can't trust the therapist they provide with my deepest and darkest secrets that I don't want even my family to know."

Tanmoy Goswami, Founder of mental health journalism platform Sanity by Tanmoy, suggests giving employees mental health allowance, which they can use as and when they deem fit.

Culture Issues

Mental health programmes can't be relegated to a one-time workshop or session, an overall strategy needs to be put in place. "For its communication to be effective leaders have to be involved, otherwise it will remain another unread HR email in the inbox," says YourDOST Co-founder and COO Puneet Manuja.

"They have to be treated very much like cultural initiatives," says Ira Gupta, HR head, Microsoft India. It would start with training leaders, making them talk about mental health issues and demonstrating those values to their teams. Sriram Rajamani, Managing Director, Microsoft Research India, heads the mental wellness community at the firm. The employee group focusses on creating systemic capability to support employees and destigmatise the issue within the organisation.

Work-life balance, too, plays a crucial role in minimising stress since long work hours over sustained periods can be demoralising. During an internal survey among employees at Mondelez, the management found that people were not taking breaks as they were working from home. The company decided to institutionalise a culture to enable work-life distancing. "Earlier the conversation was about work- life integration, but we realised it was important to create work-life distancing," says Mahalakshmi R., Director, HR, Mondelez India.

The maker of Cadbury Dairy Milk, Oreo and Tang, among others, created a five-point Leadership Pledge, which was taken by Mondelez India President Deepak Iyer, along with the country's leadership team on remote work commitments. The leadership has been encouraging others to follow it as well. The five-point agenda includes setting 30 minutes of digital detox time, taking care of oneself through an exercise/meditation routine, setting a time limit to switch off from work, expressing gratitude, and the last, but most important, the 'Do Nothing Days'.

"We realised people were not taking leaves, so we created 'Do Nothing Days' where we encouraged people to take breaks and utilise their leaves, to spend time with themselves and their families," adds Mahalakshmi.

Sinha of Pidilite says the company has created digital etiquette guidelines, one of those is to ensure all meetings happen between 10 a.m. and 5.30 p.m., with the exception of lunch time from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. "We are now sharing data with leaders on the number of times meetings happened outside designated hours," he adds. Almost 30 per cent of the meetings were spilling outside earlier, now it has reduced to 8-9 per cent.

Training Sessions

A company may have the best of policies, but without participation from the workforce, it is just an initiative on paper. That is where training can play a critical role.

Harvard's Patel says one of the most important strategies to ensure employee well-being is to have a zero-tolerance policy on workplace harassment and bullying. "This means those in positions of power are the ones who are going to have to change their behaviour towards those who are reporting to them," he adds.

He shares how at Harvard University all the senior faculty have to undergo not only a regular training on aligning with the policy of zero harassment, but are also made aware that there is a system for their staff to report.

Training can also help in overcoming the bias that mental illness is a personal failing, that the person is not capable of handling stress and therefore may not be the right person for the company. "It is a scientific fact today that mental illness can be treated like any physical ailment, and this needs to be conveyed that it doesn't have any association with the capability of the person to work harder," says Patel.

Pidilite has been conducting sensitivity training for leaders for the last seven months on managing and identifying stress for themselves and their team members. Microsoft does ally-ship training where the focus is to teach people how to be an ally, how to communicate with the person on how he/she is feeling and the right language to use.

It is still early days for mental health advocacy in India. It is a positive that everyone is talking about it, but there's still a long way to go.

@sonalkhetarpal7
A Richboro man who spent eight years on the run after plotting to set fire to his failing tanning salon has been sentenced to five years in federal prison.

U.S. District Judge C. Darnell Jones II on Wednesday sentenced Jason Gusoff, 45, to that term, followed by three years of supervised release. Gusoff must also pay back the $105,486 he bilked from Zurich North America Insurance Co.

Gusoff pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to commit arson for a 2008 fire that destroyed California Tanning, a business in Mayfair he purchased a year earlier, according to federal prosecutors.

If you are charged with a federal crime in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, you will not be able to evade justice by fleeing to another country, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams said in a statement. We will find you and hold you accountable for your actions. In this case, the defendant was captured, convicted, and will spend five years behind bars.

Gusoffs attorney, Thomas F. Burke, said that the plea deal was negotiated with federal authorities and that his client was satisfied with the outcome.

The judge and the prosecutor treated my client very fairly, Burke said. It couldve gone a lot worse, couldve been much harsher. This was a great resolution all around.

Gusoff bought the former JW Tanning in 2007, and insured it for $260,000 against fire damage, according to the federal indictment.

Over the following months, as the business faltered, Gusoff plotted with Joseph Braubitz to destroy the business and collect the money, the indictment said. On July 30, 2008, Braubitz intentionally set the fire, seriously burning himself in the process. The insurance company then sent Gusoff more than $105,000 for the claim he had filed.

Three years later, after investigating the fire at the request of local authorities, who initially deemed it suspicious, federal prosecutors convened a grand jury, which later indicted both men.

Weeks before his 2011 trial, Gusoff fled the country using his brothers passport and hid until 2019, when U.S. Marshals arrested him in Cambodia, court records show.

In that span, Braubitz pleaded guilty. He was released from federal custody in July 2014, according to records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Technology impacts every facet of contemporary life, but the education sector lags in adopting tools that could revolutionize learning. However, the US Universities like Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago are quite progressive and way ahead of the times.

At the present times, when only around 3 per cent of global education expenditure goes towards technology, filling the gap in India are Universities like IIT Chicago, which blends education and technology to suit the Indian context and the community of learners, especially students and working professionals.

From homework management to online curricula and techno-worker upskilling, the tech-focussed University is trying to transform the classroom for learners at every stage of education.

Providing Masters programs online, the university is especially becoming a favourite among working professionals due to the versatility of the programs offered.

The best thing about its online degree programs is that real classroom video lectures (recorded classes) are provided to the students, who can watch them as per their convenience and even multiple times. However, they complete their degree at the same pace as the on-campus students.

View Full Image Sri Kumar Panyam.





They get same project work, same assignments, appear in exams on the same date as do the on-campus students. They even receive the exact same degree certificate but at just 33 per cent cost of the total tuition fee charged for the on-campus degree programs," says Mr. Sri Kumar Panyam, Director India Operations, Illinois Institute of Technology, adding, The significant difference in fee is what makes the online degree program lucrative for Indian students, especially the working professionals."

Given that fact that the university provides three modes of study (on campus, online in India and hybrid mode of study), working professionals are provided the option to switch from online mode to on-campus mode, in case they are transferred to the US.

Interestingly, the GRE and GMAT tests have been done away with, keeping the pandemic crisis in consideration. Also, the absence of TOEFL or IELTS tests has made the online degree programs of Illinois Tech more lucrative.

Thats not all. Those learners who complete their online degree programs from Illinois Tech are deemed as American graduates who become eligible for a H1B Visa under American Graduate Pool quota. Every year, the number of visa applicants under the American Graduate Pool quota are very less compared to the general quota.

The programs are quite attractive but it is certainly not only about the costs. The phenomenal and strong alumni network of the university is something that makes it stand out.

Speaking about the same, Sri Kumar Panyam, who is also the chief mentor of Indian Students Association in Chicago, says, We prepare students for professions that require technological sophistication, innovative mindset and entrepreneurial spirit. From magnetic tapes, cell phones, bar code technology to Pentium4 chip, Amazon Alexa and Bira91 Beer, the inventions and innovations of our alumni have changed the course of human history."

Some of the famous names from India, who happened to study from Illinois Tech, are Rajeev Chandrasekhar (MP from Bangalore), Jamshyd Godrej (Managing Director of Godrej & Boyce), Sanjay Kirloskar (Chairman of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd), GV Prasad (Co-chairman and Managing Director of Dr Reddy's) and N. Srinivasan (Managing Director of India Cements and owner of Chennai Super Kings).

The list is too long but to specify, almost 75,000 world renowned businessmen, industrialists and others have completed their education from this international university, which speaks about the quality of education on offer.

With two annual intakes, in January (Spring Intake) and August (Fall Intake), this world-class university has established three registered offices in India. Mr Sri Kumar Panyam, along with his team, provide free services including assistance right from the admission and throughout the program at these offices.

Associated with the university from the last six years, Mr Sri Kumar has been interacting with the parents as well as enrolled students. He has also managed to create a useful parent network successfully.

It is pertinent to mention that Illinois Institute of Technology, commonly known as Illinois Tech is a private, independent, not-for-profit university based in Chicago with programs in Engineering, Science, Architecture, Business, Law, Design, Human Sciences, and Applied Technology.

Created in 1890 by the merger of Armour Institute and Lewis Institute, Illinois Tech forayed into India in 1997 when it set up its wholly owned subsidiary in India - Illinois Institute of Technology (India) Pvt Ltd (IIT IPL), to provide quality Masters and Certificate Education to thousands of working professionals at a subsidized cost. The aim was to provide quality education to people who cannot manage to undertake a fulltime programme in the US.

Students who wish to switch to the reputed international university for their higher studies and working professionals who want to upgrade their skills while keeping their job intact can take advantage of this splendid opportunity by visiting the official website www.iitindia.iit.edu

Disclaimer: This content is released by Digpu News Network. No HT journalist was involved in the creation of this content.

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Molly-Mae Hague revealed she is still traumatised after being rejected as a model for being 'the wrong shape' despite initially being 'spotted' by an agency scout.

The Love Island star and influencer, 21, told fans she had an 'awful' and very 'traumatising' experience when she was younger after she was asked to audition for a reputable agency in London.

She said: 'I definitely don't do modelling but I have the funniest story that happened to me when I was younger. It's not funny at all actually. It's still traumatising me to this day.'

'I'm still traumatised to this day': Molly-Mae Hague revealed the 'awful' way a model scout from a reputable agency rejected her for being the 'wrong shape'

She explained: 'Basically I was on a train and got scouted, so embarrassing. This woman from a modelling agency she scouted me'

She explained: 'Basically I was on a train and got scouted, so embarrassing. This woman from a modelling agency she scouted me.

'She was like "Please can you come in tomorrow and we can potentially sign you". I was absolutely buzzing. I always wanted to be a model when I was younger, definitely not anymore.'

Molly-Mae, who cancelled all her plans to attend the audition said: 'So I went into London, cancelled work for the day, went for a meeting with this woman.

'She was like "Please can you come in tomorrow and we can potentially sign you". I was absolutely buzzing. I always wanted to be a model when I was younger, definitely not anymore'

Molly-Mae said: 'She literally took one look at me and said "yeah no sorry made a mistake you're not the right shape to be a model" and I literally was traumatised trying to be all polite'

'She got me to stand in front of her and some other people and do like a little twirl in all black clothing and stuff, like no make up.

'She literally took one look at me and said "yeah no sorry made a mistake you're not the right shape to be a model" and I literally was traumatised trying to be all polite whereas if it happened now it would be a different story.

'I was like "can you give me constructive criticism? What wasn't right about me?" She was like "you looked different on the train, like your legs looked different". Honestly it was awful.'

Molly-Mae said she felt the industry was too harsh and admired anyone who was modelling.

Oh no! She also admitted in a fan Q and A that she and her Love Island boyfriend Tommy Fury have been spending too much time alone during lockdown because they live together

She said: 'I just had to tell that story if anyone asks me about modelling. Just that day, taking the day off work, getting on the train and being so excited and that woman just shutting me down like that and it was so so so bad and if anyone that is watching this has ever had that happen to them before, like screw the person that did that to you.

'I still think about it to this day. I'm not like bothered by it but the modelling industry is just so harsh and not nice. Hats off to models though.'

Older and wiser Molly-Mae admitted she still wishes she could stand up for herself more.

She said: 'What first comes to mind is to always stand up for myself. Even though I don't do that now I was really bad for it when I was younger.

'I wish it was something I'd be better at now and when I was younger too.'

She also admitted in a fan Q and A that she and her Love Island boyfriend Tommy Fury have been spending too much time alone during lockdown because they live together.

She also admitted she was the one who always gave in first in arguments and tried to hug it out and said the prospect of babies and marriage excited her.

She said: 'I am the one in the relationship that always gives in first, and tries to sort arguments out. I normally gauge it by asking for a hug and normally that just nips it in the bud.

'Then if the hug doesn't work, just say sorry. I would rather just end it, [the argument, not the relationship] because arguments get so long.'

Molly-Mae also spoke about being asked about marriage and babies and she said it doesn't bother her to be asked about it.

'I don't really care,' she said. 'Instagram could never pressure me to do something as big as that, so I just do my own thing and it happens when it happens.'
Police officers walked the halls of the Massachusetts State House Thursday as a skeleton crew of lawmakers went back to work the day after violence at the U.S. Capitol.

Senate President Karen Spilka presided over the swearing in of the Governors Council, the eight-member body that vets judicial candidates, in the House chamber. The Ashland Democrat stood alongside House Speaker Ron Mariano, Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito as she led councilors attending remotely and in person through their oath of office

The ceremony typically happens on the same day as the swearing in for legislators, which are packed with families, friends and supporters, but most of the councilors were sworn in virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The only reference to the U.S. Capitol breach that shook the nation was a remark from Baker thanking the council for their professionalism.

People expect their elected representatives to perform with a certain level of decorum that is not unreasonable, he said. Your commitment to that, day after day after day, has been a significant, positive sense of security and graciousness that people in a time like this of super high anxiety really appreciate, so thank you for that, and we look forward to working with you in this new year.

In his news conference Thursday afternoon, Republican governor condemned those who stormed the U.S. Capitol and President Donald Trump, noting that he previously declined to commit to a peaceful transition of power and cast doubt on the election results.

Yesterday, he thanked the mob for their support, Baker said. The whole thing makes me sick. Yesterdays riot was a dark moment for our country made even more depressing by the presidents role leading up to it and his wholly inadequate response to the violence.

Baker said he was involved in regular conversations with state and public safety officials, lawmakers and others, but he declined to share internal conversations about safety. He did say theres no credible threat to the Massachusetts State House or other buildings in the state.

Theres a constant ongoing dialogue about whats happening around the commonwealth, and that also includes conversations about whats going on around this building, Baker said. We certainly will continue to maintain what I describe as a high degree of vigilance about ensuring that the people of Massachusetts are protected throughout this period of time.

Massachusetts State Police declined to comment on whether theyve ramped up security at the State House or anywhere else, other to say there was no credible threat within the state, but uniformed law enforcement officials were seen walking through the halls.

The barricade and sign that says the building is closed to the public, put up after the pandemic was declared, was moved up near the gates of the Ashburton Place entrance. The little telltale signs suggest a heightened sense of awareness a day after the violence in Washington, D.C. that left multiple dead.

State legislators were watching the events unfold online as they wrapped up their first day of the new two-year legislative session.

Earlier today, I took my oath of office and swore to support the Constitution of the United States, Sen. Barry Finegold, an Andover Democrat who last session served as chairman of the Joint Committee on Election Laws. We are blessed to live in this great democracy, and the abhorrent actions of the violent mob at the Capitol do not reflect our core American values. This egregious attempt to overturn our democratic process is the ultimate affront to everyone who has fought for freedom and all the veterans who have sacrificed themselves for our country.

Sen. Eric Lesser had stopped at a rest stop in Ludlow on on his way back from the State House when he heard about the breach from a staffer. He checked social media and started following the reports.

Its a bright red line in public life that has now been crossed, the Longmeadow Democrat said. Its a day that will live in infamy alongside Pearl Harbor, alongside September 11, except in this case it was our own citizens.

Karen Spilka said in a tweet Wednesday night she was horrified by the attack.

military members and others placed in danger today, I am also calling on those who fomented these riots to condemn the idea that differences in ideology should be settled by violence. This is not who we are, and this must not be who we become. 2/2  Senate President Karen Spilka (@KarenSpilka) January 6, 2021

Mariano, a Quincy Democrat, tweeted that his thoughts are with members of Congress and their staff.

Today, while the Massachusetts House and Senate peacefully began a new legislative session, rioters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol.



My thoughts, and those of the entire House, are with our partners in Congress and their staff affected by todays events.  Speaker Ron Mariano (@RonMariano) January 7, 2021

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, who also attended the Governor Councils swearing in ceremony, issued a statement Thursday condemning the violence and pushing back against the idea that what happened amounted to a protest.

The marauding and mayhem, fueled by misleading and inflammatory rhetoric, that took place yesterday, at the very location where President-elect [Joe] Biden will raise his hand to swear an oath to protect the Constitution, was instead, a debasement of that document and its principles, he said.

There is a divide present in our nation but there is also a fundamental ability to heal that divide, he added. My ultimate faith in the goodness of my neighbors, and those who live in communities, and cities and towns across our Commonwealth and our nation, informed from the trials that have tested us in the past, gives me great hope that we can regain our sense of common purpose as Americans.

Related Content:
DUBLIN, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Industrial Gases Market Research Report: By Type, Delivery, End User - Global Industry Analysis and Demand Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The industrial gases market valued $92,392.4 million in 2019, and it is set to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period of 2020-2030, to reach $154,079.5 million by 2030. The increase in the revenue can be attributed to the diversified application of gases in industries, numerous government initiatives to shift toward alternative energy sources, and development of the healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, the prosperity of the food processing industry will contribute to the market growth in the future.



In the food and beverage industry, gases find application in the production of decaffeinated coffee and carbonating beer and soft drinks. Apart from the food processing sector, gases are widely used in sectors such as electronics, healthcare, chemicals, heavy metal, and petroleum. For instance, the heavy metal industry employs acetylene for the oxy-acetylene flame to cut and weld metals. In addition, hydrogen is used in large volumes to manufacture chemicals and refine petroleum. The expansion in all these sectors is, therefore, expected to drive the industrial gases market growth.



The end user segment of the market is categorized into metal processing, healthcare, chemical, electronics, food processing, and oil & gas and petrochemical. Amongst these, the oil & gas and petrochemical category dominated the market in 2019 due to the application of several gases in natural gas and crude oil reservoirs to provide artificial pressure to them. Additionally, the production capacity of refineries is being increased to meet the oil and gas demand from downstream sectors, including metal and chemical processing. Thus, the expansion of the oil & gas and petrochemical sector will drive the market growth in the future.



To leverage the expanding industrial gases market to gain a competitive edge, industry players are opting for acquisitions and mergers. These acquisitions and mergers are majorly aimed at improving the geographical presence of the companies and expanding their product portfolio. This trend was reflected in the merger of Linde AG with Praxair Inc. in 2018 to form Linde Plc. Another such instance was the acquisition of Southern Industrial Gases Sdn. Bhd. by Air Liquide SA in October 2019.



Geographically, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) industrial gases market generated the highest revenue in 2019, and it will continue to do so during the forecast period. The rising number of production units in South Korea, India, Japan, and China due to cheap labor, flexible environment laws, and increasing demand for end products is driving the market growth. For instance, the manufacturing sector of China and Japan stood at $4.0 trillion and $1.0 trillion, respectively, during 2018-2019, which reflects the consumption of numerous gases in huge volumes.



In addition to the largest share, the APAC industrial gases market will grow the fastest during the forecast period. It can be attributed to the surge in the population and increase in the purchasing power of the people in the region. The shift of manufacturing units from Western countries to the APAC region due to the increasing demand for end-use products in the latter will also add to the fast-paced growth of the market, as will the surging expenditure on healthcare in the emerging nations of the region.



Therefore, the growing number of production units, to cater to the demand for the end-use products, will lead to the rising consumption of gases in factories.



Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Research Background

1.1 Research Objectives

1.2 Market Definition

1.3 Research Scope

1.3.1 Market Segmentation by Type

1.3.2 Market Segmentation by Delivery

1.3.3 Market Segmentation by End User

1.3.4 Market Segmentation by Region

1.3.5 Analysis Period

1.3.6 Market Data Reporting Unit

1.3.6.1 Value

1.3.6.2 Volume

1.4 Key Stakeholders



Chapter 2. Research Methodology

2.1 Secondary Research

2.2 Primary Research

2.2.1 Breakdown of Primary Research Respondents

2.2.1.1 By region

2.2.1.2 By industry participant

2.2.1.3 By company type

2.3 Market Size Estimation

2.4 Data Triangulation

2.5 Assumptions for the Study



Chapter 3. Executive Summary



Chapter 4. Introduction

4.1 Definition of Market Segments

4.1.1 By Type

4.1.1.1 Hydrogen

4.1.1.2 Oxygen

4.1.1.3 Carbon dioxide

4.1.1.4 Nitrogen

4.1.1.5 Argon

4.1.1.6 Helium

4.1.1.7 Acetylene

4.1.2 By Delivery

4.1.2.1 Bulk container

4.1.2.2 Cylinder

4.1.2.3 On-site generation

4.1.3 By End User

4.1.3.1 Oil & gas and petrochemical

4.1.3.2 Chemical

4.1.3.3 Food processing

4.1.3.4 Healthcare

4.1.3.5 Electronics

4.1.3.6 Metal processing

4.1.3.7 Others

4.2 Value Chain Analysis

4.3 Market Dynamics

4.3.1 Trends

4.3.1.1 Increasing number of mergers and acquisitions

4.3.2 Drivers

4.3.2.1 Large base of end-use industries

4.3.2.2 Increasing government initiatives toward alternate source of energy

4.3.2.3 Rising healthcare expenditure

4.3.2.4 Impact analysis of drivers on market forecast

4.3.3 Restraints

4.3.3.1 High cost associated with the storage and transportation of industrial gases

4.3.3.2 Impact analysis of restraints on market forecast

4.3.4 Opportunities

4.3.4.1 Increasing demand for on-site and captive hydrogen production

4.3.4.2 Growing healthcare market in emerging economies

4.4 Impact of COVID-19

4.4.1 Global Share by Countries

4.4.1.1 Contribution of countries toward global manufacturing output

4.4.2 Contribution of Countries toward Global Export and Import (2019)

4.4.2.1 Top 20 countries by export ($B)

4.4.2.2 Top 20 countries by import ($B)

4.4.3 Global Scenario of COVID-19 Impact

4.4.4 Global Scenario

4.4.4.1 GDP growth rate (2019)

4.4.4.2 GDP growth rate (2020)

4.4.4.3 GDP growth rate projection for 2021

4.4.5 Assessment of COVID-19 Impact on GDP and Economic Forecast

4.4.6 Assessment of COVID-19 Impact on Workforce Across Various Sectors

4.4.7 Impact of COVID-19 on Global Industrial Gases Market

4.5 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

4.5.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers

4.5.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.5.3 Intensity of Rivalry

4.5.4 Threat of New Entrants

4.5.5 Threat of Substitutes



Chapter 5. Global Market Size and Forecast

5.1 By Type

5.2 By Delivery

5.3 By End User

5.4 By Region



Chapter 6. North America Market Size and Forecast

6.1 By Type

6.2 By Delivery

6.3 By End User

6.4 By Country



Chapter 7. Europe Market Size and Forecast

7.1 By Type

7.2 By Delivery

7.3 By End User

7.4 By Country



Chapter 8. APAC Market Size and Forecast

8.1 By Type

8.2 By Delivery

8.3 By End User

8.4 By Country



Chapter 9. LATAM Market Size and Forecast

9.1 By Type

9.2 By Delivery

9.3 By End User

9.4 By Country



Chapter 10. MEA Market Size and Forecast

10.1 By Type

10.2 By Delivery

10.3 By End User

10.4 By Country



Chapter 11. Major Market: Segment Analysis

11.1 China Industrial Gases Market, by Type

11.2 China Industrial Gases Market, by Delivery

11.3 China Industrial Gases Market, by End User

11.4 U.S. Industrial Gases Market, by Type

11.5 U.S. Industrial Gases Market, by Delivery

11.6 U.S. Industrial Gases Market, by End User

11.7 Germany Industrial Gases Market, by Type

11.8 Germany Industrial Gases Market, by Delivery

11.9 Germany Industrial Gases Market, by End User

11.10 India Industrial Gases Market, by Type

11.11 India Industrial Gases Market, by Delivery

11.12 India Industrial Gases Market, by End User



Chapter 12. Competitive Landscape

12.1 Market Share Analysis of Key Players

12.2 Competitive Benchmarking of Key Players

12.3 List of Other Players

12.4 Global Strategic Developments of Key Players

12.4.1 Mergers and Acquisitions

12.4.2 Product Launches

12.4.3 Partnerships

12.4.4 Facility Expansions

12.4.5 Other Developments



Chapter 13. Company Profiles

13.1 Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

13.1.1 Business Overview

13.1.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.1.3 Key Financial Summary

13.2 Air Liquide SA

13.2.1 Business Overview

13.2.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.2.3 Key Financial Summary

13.3 Linde Plc

13.3.1 Business Overview

13.3.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.3.3 Key Financial Summary

13.4 Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation

13.4.1 Business Overview

13.4.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.4.3 Key Financial Summary

13.5 SOL SpA

13.5.1 Business Overview

13.5.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.5.3 Key Financial Summary

13.6 Showa Denko K.K.

13.6.1 Business Overview

13.6.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.6.3 Key Financial Summary

13.7 Messer Group GmbH

13.7.1 Business Overview

13.7.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.7.3 Key Financial Summary

13.8 India Glycols Limited

13.8.1 Business Overview

13.8.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.8.3 Key Financial Summary

13.9 BASF SE

13.9.1 Business Overview

13.9.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.9.3 Key Financial Summary

13.10 Yateem Oxygen

13.10.1 Business Overview

13.10.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.11 Buzwair Industrial Gases Factories

13.11.1 Business Overview

13.11.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.12 Dubai Industrial Gases

13.12.1 Business Overview

13.12.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.13 Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases Ltd.

13.13.1 Business Overview

13.13.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.14 Bharuka Gases Limited

13.14.1 Business Overview

13.14.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.15 Asia Technical Gas Co. Pte Ltd.

13.15.1 Business Overview

13.15.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.16 Abdullah Hashim Industrial Gases & Equipment Co. Ltd.

13.16.1 Business Overview

13.16.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.17 Gulf Cryo

13.17.1 Business Overview

13.17.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.18 Bristol Gases

13.18.1 Business Overview

13.18.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.19 SICGIL India Limited

13.19.1 Business Overview

13.19.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.20 The Southern Gas Ltd.

13.20.1 Business Overview

13.20.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.20.3 Key Financial Summary

13.21 Iwatani Corporation

13.21.1 Business Overview

13.21.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.21.3 Key Financial Summary

13.22 Chart Industries Inc.

13.22.1 Business Overview

13.22.2 Product and Service Offerings

13.22.3 Key Financial Summary



Chapter 14. Appendix

14.1 Abbreviations

14.2 Sources and References

14.3 Related Reports



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/i4i3ln

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.



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Hopitality major OYO Hotels & Homes has raised Rs 54 crore from Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd.

According to a filing with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), OYO has raised the capital as part of its series F1 funding round.

With this investment, Hindustan Media Ventures subscribed to 125 Series F1 Compulsory Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares (Series F1 CCCPS) of OYO, with a face value of Rs 100 each for cash, at an issue price of Rs 43.20 lakh per Series F1 CCCPS for an aggregate consideration equivalent to Rs 54 crore on a private placement basis.

OYO, however, declined to comment on the development.

OYO Hotels & Homes, currently operates an asset-light chain of hotels and vacation homes and offers over 43,000 hotels and 1.50 lakh homes around the world. OYO currently operates in over 800 cities in 80 countries, including the US, Europe, the UK, India, Middle East, southeast Asia, and Japan.

The company is backed by leading investors, including the SoftBank Vision Fund, Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed Ventures, Airbnb, and Hero Enterprise, among others.

Hindustan Media Ventures is promoted by HT Media Ltd which hold 74.4 per cent stake in the company.



Earn your Associate of Applied Business in Business IT (BIT) degree online from the University of Cincinnati. This program can be completed fully online, with curriculum customized to fit your schedule, interests and how quickly you want to complete your degree. Application deadline July 1, 2021. Learn More 

I'd typically argue that having a significant event or announcement anywhere near an election is foolish. Well, four vendors decided to prove me wrong by having events and making announcements that have a material impact that, at times, goes well beyond the technology market and the U.S.

Even though this was unintentional, each vendor's announcement appeared designed to cut through the noise, and some could directly impact future elections.

Let's talk about how Cisco, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Qualcomm disrupted the world last week, and we'll close with my new favorite digital assistant, the new Amazon Echo 4th Generation, which may be one of the best holiday gifts under $100.

Cisco

Cisco had its partner event last week, and while much of that event focused on Cisco's channel efforts, there was a ton of additional content. Due to the election, there were two things they announced that particularly caught my attention. Those were Connected Justice Solution for Courts and Webex Legislate.

Connected Justice Solution for Courts is a program that allows judicial systems both in the U.S. and abroad to carry out court hearings better virtually. But it goes beyond that because, much like education-focused systems, it takes the overhead away from the judge, allowing them to do their jobs more efficiently.

Also, even after the pandemic, it addresses several pre-existing problems with court systems, particularly in the U.S. I've been in several courtrooms over the last few years. Invariably there are technological messes with unreliable and mismatched solutions, a lack of connectivity for attorneys and their clients, and an unsustainable workload that detracts significantly from a judge's ability to understand a case -- let alone consistently rule on the law.

This is on top of the problems associated with getting juries seated on time, travel to and from the court for attorneys and their clients, and the increased security threats, both physical and electronic, that revolve around court appearances.

Cisco's solution virtualizes the process by allowing people to join safely and securely remotely, and removes the aggravation of all the mismatched technology that clutters up courtrooms. The result should be an increase in the effectiveness of judges, greater personal safety and security, and far higher productivity which should materially improve the court process and make it far more convenient.

Even more powerful is Webex Legislate. This tool was designed to help governments function remotely. Since legislatures like ours tend to allow lawmakers to work from home, they are better able to be informed on the issues they are to vote on, better able to vote when they are remote due to illness or campaign requirements, and more protected against illnesses -- from the common cold to pandemics.

Webex Legislate

Lenovo

But the more subtle benefit is that they are also voting electronically. This effort could remove electronic voting concerns from the last decade when it was tried before technology was ready. This solution should make legislators in any country that uses it both more effective and more likely to be informed, while creating an opportunity for a far more convenient voting process -- first for them and then for us. That would be huge.

Lenovo's Tech World 2020 event was last week, and they showcased many hearts at the event. Lenovo's diversity demonstrations in terms of people and geographies and its product breadth were unmatched. However, the most exciting part was its industrial robot announcement. For some time, Lenovo has been the broadest vendor in its class with a product line that spans smartphones to back-office IT (including servers and storage). But at this year's event, the company launched its first robot, and it is pretty amazing.

The robot is initially targeted at the automotive market, with a focus on painting. However, given the robot's design, it could relatively easily be converted to do things like assembly, firefighting, medical assistance in hospitals or homes, and security. It is a robotic arm with accessories that sits on a motorized base that can quickly move forward and back, and side to side, with uniquely configured wheels that allow for that lateral movement.

I believe the next big wave is robotics, and this robot can initially be trained in a task remotely, then teach itself how to do the job better, and finally, it can teach its peer robots what it has learned. This robot is a significant game changer, potentially, in that it may drive Lenovo's peers to consider this market while setting a new bar for what could become a reconfigurable AI-driven robotic line. The name of the robot, Morningstar, may give a few folks pause, but it is an impressive offering that could accelerate the coming robotics revolution.

Microsoft

One of the big problems for firms and buyers of technology is not being able to tell if productivity enhancement promises are met. Not only can we often not determine if the user is using a product correctly or using the product to its full capability, often we can't even tell if they are using the product at all. It's a bit like trying to decide which car is fastest without inventing the speedometer. Unlike cars, we typically don't have productivity races between people. We have needed a reliable way to measure productivity to justify the purchase of productivity tools.

To address this problem, Microsoft last week announced the Microsoft Productivity Score tool. It only works with Microsoft 365, but it provides users and managers the information they need to see whether they are working optimally. Productivity Score provides feedback to assure that a tool is being used as productively as possible; and it will tell managers if a user needs training or help. It will also help flag times when the user may be overwhelmed or in distress.

This capability is particularly critical for those working remotely because problems often don't become apparent until they have already damaged the project or the employee. Besides, with complex products like Microsoft 365, we often don't have time to discover or properly use all of the features, which adversely impacts our job quality and productivity. This tool will help surface that kind of problem and help point out things we need to do to improve our performance and highlight things management could do to help.

This is not an employee monitoring tool. Rather, it enhances productivity and reduces frustration. This should cause other firms to create similar solutions to assure we are getting the full use of the related product. The Microsoft Productivity Score tool is impressive. The only issue I have is that I wish it was available decades ago.

Qualcomm

Last but not least, last week, the Ninth Circuit Court finally released its decision on the appeal of the bogus FTC case against Qualcomm that had been driven by Apple in an attempt to use the U.S. legal system to bully Qualcomm into providing technology at a price that Apple dictated.

Fortunately, that effort failed spectacularly. The federal appeals court refused to reconsider its decision earlier this year to throw out the government antitrust case against Qualcomm. This both validated Qualcomm's business model and put an exclamation point on why it is a terrible idea to abuse a supplier by manufacturing a case against them.

Even on its face, this was screwy as hell because Qualcomm has a fraction of the power and resources Apple does, yet Apple was screaming that this smaller and weaker supplier was abusing them. On top of that, Apple tried to put Qualcomm, which is crucial to the U.S. technology leadership, out of business.

On a list of nasty things an OEM has ever done to a supplier, this would be at the top. Having this end definitively should stand as a warning to other powerful companies not to use government resources to gain an onerous financial edge on a supplier. I hope this outcome will definitively showcase that our law enforcement agencies, or more accurately our judicial system, aren't corrupt. We need that reminder from time to time.

Wrapping Up

While the election is a huge distraction, powerful events and product launches by Cisco, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Qualcomm cut through the noise and promise to make our future brighter. From more effective courts and legislators, to flexible and intelligent robots, to tools we can use to improve remote productivity, to validation that our justice system works -- last week was remarkable.

Here is hoping this finds you all safe and well and that our significant vendors continue to think out of the box in their efforts to make our future brighter.

The 4th Generation Echo

I'm a huge Amazon Echo fan. Virtually every room in my house, except for closets and our half bathroom, has an Echo device in it. Yep, I even have one in my garage and outdoors where we sit during the summer.

Amazon's original Echo was what broke the ice. Its combination of affordable price, good sound, and ease of use made it an enormous success. But its design is dated, and, admittedly, the sound lacks depth. As other, less expensive Echo devices got better, the original needed a refresh.

The 4th Generation Echo looks more modern, with the activity light ring moved to the bottom where it makes the device look like it wants to take off. It comes in three colors, Charcoal, Glacier White, and Twilight Blue. I think I like the Twilight Blue the most.

This iteration has depth of sound that fills the room, with a low end that is far superior to its predecessor. Short of adding a subwoofer, I doubt you could get better low-end sound out of a device like this. It's currently priced at only $99 and is likely to go on sale for less before Christmas.

4th Generation Echo

Every year I pick a go-to Christmas gift. This Echo will likely be my choice for 2020, given its combination of low cost and great sound.

It has no camera, which works for those of us who don't want cameras anyplace where we are likely to be undressed. Like all Echo devices, it can control more of your smart home than any other manufacturer's digital assistant. It takes just a few minutes to set up, and I wish all of the technology devices I've tested worked as well.

Because the new 4th Generation Echo is a significant improvement over the 3rd Generation -- and likely to become my go-to Christmas gift -- the new 4th Generation Amazon Echo is my product of the week.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network.

Rob Enderle has been an ECT News Network columnist since 2003. His areas of interest include AI, autonomous driving, drones, personal technology, emerging technology, regulation, litigation, M&E, and technology in politics. He has an MBA in human resources, marketing and computer science. He is also a certified management accountant. Enderle currently is president and principal analyst of the Enderle Group, a consultancy that serves the technology industry. He formerly served as a senior research fellow at Giga Information Group and Forrester. Email Rob.


- CannMart to launch high demand, strong margin 1-Gram vape carts with licensed Phyto brand

- Namaste retains market-making services

TORONTO, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Namaste Technologies Inc. ("Namaste"or the "Company") (TSXV: N) (FRANKFURT: M5BQ) (OTCMKTS: NXTTF), a leading platform for cannabis products, accessories, and education, is pleased to announce the launch of its 2.0 consumer-focused recreational house brand "Roilty". Under the Roilty brand, Namaste's wholly owned subsidiary CannMart Inc. ("CannMart") will launch new products such as live resin targeted to be available in February, followed by rosin, shatter, crumble and wax in successive quarters. Trademark for Roilty is pending approval.

Roilty:

The focus of the new brand Roilty is specifically focused around 2.0 products. With the recent acquisition of CannMart Labs Inc., Namaste now has the capability to develop high quality products that are in high demand at a lower price than competitors. Roilty will be positioned as a high-end, accessible mainstream brand

CannMart Labs facility in Ontario is completed for BHO extraction using leading extraction technology, making it one of only a few facilities in Canada with such capabilities

is completed for BHO extraction using leading extraction technology, making it one of only a few facilities in with such capabilities Set to produce in-house branded Cannabis 2.0 products for medical channel customers available at CannMart.com and recreational customers across Canada through sister company CannMart's network of provincial sales partners

through sister company CannMart's network of provincial sales partners Cannabis 2.0 products initially planned include vape cartridges, live resin and shatter, with capabilities to expand future product offerings to rosin, capsules, tinctures and edibles

Phyto 1-Gram Vape Cartridges:

CannMart to launch Phyto 1-gram vape carts, a product with high demand coupled with high margins. We anticipate a shift in consumer demand from 0.5-gram to 1-gram vape carts.

The following SKU's will be available in a 1-gram cartridge:

Blueberry

Pink Kush

Grapefruit Haze

Green Apple

A purchase order from a province has just been received for two of our best-selling strains, Blueberry and Pink Kush. Grapefruit Haze and Green Apple are two new strains based on consumer demand feedback.

"We are excited for the launch of our in-house brand "Roilty" as we see an increasing demand for additional 2.0 products with a strong value proposition," said Meni Morim, CEO of Namaste. "We are working hard towards receiving our processing licence from Health Canada and look forward to producing our in house branded Cannabis 2.0 products, for our medical channel customers at CannMart.com and recreational consumers across Canada through our network of provincial sales partners. We are clearly focused on the execution of our strategy to position Namaste as a leading cannabis company and look forward to building on this positive momentum in 2021."

Namaste Retains Market-Making Services:

Namaste has, subject to regulatory approval, retained Venture Liquidity Providers Inc. (VLP) to initiate its market-making service to provide assistance in maintaining an orderly trading market for the common shares of the Company.

The market-making service will be undertaken by VLP through a registered broker, W.D. Latimer Co. Ltd., in compliance with the applicable policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and other applicable laws. For its services, the corporation has agreed to pay VLP $5,000 per month for a period of 12 months. The agreement may be terminated at any time by the corporation or VLP. The corporation and VLP act at arm's length, and VLP has no present interest, directly or indirectly, in the corporation or its securities. The finances and the shares required for the market-making service are provided by W.D. Latimer. The fee paid by the company to VLP is for services only.

VLP is a specialized consulting firm based in Toronto providing a variety of services focused on TSX-V-listed issuers.

About Namaste Technologies Inc.

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Namaste Technologies is a leading online platform for cannabis products, accessories, and responsible education. The Company's 'everything cannabis store', CannMart.com, provides medical customers with a diverse selection of hand-picked products from a multitude of federally-licensed cultivators, all on one convenient site. The Company also distributes licensed and in-house branded cannabis and cannabis derived products to recreational consumers in Canada through a number of provincial government control boards and retailing bodies and facilitates licensed cannabis retailer sales online in Saskatchewan. Namaste's global technology and continuous innovation address local needs in a burgeoning cannabis industry requiring smart solutions.

Information on the Company and its many products can be accessed through the links below:

NamasteTechnologies.com

NamasteMD.com

Cannmart.com

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION  This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not historical in nature contain forward-looking information. Forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "expect", "likely", "should", "would", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen. The forward-looking information contained herein, including, without limitation, statements related to the future success of Namaste's business strategy, is made as of the date of this press release and is based on assumptions management believed to be reasonable at the time, including, without limitation, Namaste's standing in the online marketplace for cannabis products, Namaste's beliefs regarding the expected demand for cannabis products and the expected growth of that market, results of operations, operational matters, historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. While we consider these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to management, there is no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this press release. Such factors include, without limitation: regulatory risk, risks relating to the Company's ability to execute its business strategy and the benefits realizable therefrom and risks specifically related to the Company's operations. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's current MD&A and annual information form, both of which have been filed under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release or has in any way approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release.

SOURCE Namaste Technologies Inc.
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PHILADELPHIA - Medical school curriculums may misuse race and play a role in perpetuating physician bias, a team led by Penn Medicine researchers found in an analysis of curriculum from the preclinical phase of medical education. In a perspective piece published Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, the researchers identified five key categories in which curriculum misrepresented race in class discussions, presentations, and assessments. The authors recommend that rather than oversimplifying conversations about how race affects diseases' prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment, medical school faculty must widen the lens to "impart an adequate and accurate understanding of the complexity of these relationships."

"In medical school, 20 years ago, we often learned that higher rates of hypertension in certain racial and ethnic groups, was due to genetic predisposition, personal behaviors, or unfortunate circumstances. Now we know this is not true. There are no characteristics innate to racial and ethnic groups, biological or otherwise, that adequately explains these differences. They stem, instead, from differential experiences in our society -- it's structural racism, not race," said the study's senior author Jaya Aysola, MD, MPH, assistant dean of Inclusion and Diversity in the Perelman School of Medicine and executive director at the Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement. "When we speak of dismantling structural racism, we must begin with medical education, where these sorts of race-based biases are still being reinforced in the classroom."

Though the researchers focused on lectures from a single medical school, the study authors from other institutions found similar misrepresentations of race in their preclinical medical curriculums. The five categories of biases that the research team identified were: semantics, prevalence of disparities without context, race-based diagnostic bias, pathologizing race, and race-based clinical guidelines.

For example, the study authors noted the use of "African American," is a socially and politically meaningful identity for many people, but not for all people of African descent. Moreover, they write, it is a poor proxy for genetic difference, since it lumps people from many different ancestral populations together. The researchers also found that educators regularly pathologized race, describing poor outcomes for minority patients, without referencing research on racism's effects on health. Structural racism, such as policies that segregate neighborhoods by race, creates differential opportunities for education, employment, and optimal health. "Students are rarely exposed to such research or its implications," the researchers write. The researchers also highlighted the teaching of guidelines that endorse the use of racial categories in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. One course they analyzed, for instance, encouraged the use of race-adjusted glomerular filtration rate, or GFR, equations, which many experts now say limits care for Black patients and exacerbates health disparities.

"Race is not a biomedical term, and it is a poor proxy for ancestry. Yet, we continue to generate, impart, and assess medical knowledge with this imprecision. In doing so, we perpetuate biases and ignore the actual contributors to the race-based differences we see," Aysola said. "There are several aspects of the medical education apparatus that we have to fundamentally change in order to get to the ideal state where we're dismantling the structures that perpetuate racism."

The authors recommend that medical schools:

Standardize language to describe race and ethnicity, such as using a country of origin to discuss genetic predisposition to disease, rather than "Asian" or "African American."

Appropriately contextualize racial and ethnic differences in disease burden, including always considering the structural and social determinants of disease.

Generate and impart evidence-based medical knowledge when it comes to race, such as reforming board examinations to avoid testing students on race-based clinical guidelines and racial heuristics.

"We are not arguing that race is irrelevant, and our framework is not meant to trigger discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using race in medicine," the authors write in closing. "Rather, we wish to provide evidence-based guidelines for defining and using race in generating and imparting medical knowledge."

###

Penn authors Christina Amutah, Kaliya Greenidge, Adjoa Mante, Michelle Munyikwa, Sanjna L. Surya, Eve Higginbotham, Dorothy Roberts, and Risa Lavizzo-Mourey also contributed to this work.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A prominent developer who owns several downtown Cleveland buildings plans to buy 55 Public Square, even as the Justice Department seeks to seize it amid accusations that an organization controlled by a Ukrainian oligarch bought it with laundered money.

Doug Price of the Willoughby-based K&D Group confirmed that he still plans to purchase the 22-story office building, owned by Optima Ventures of Miami. Optima and K&D, which also owns Terminal Tower and The Halle Building, among others, entered a contract on Dec. 22 for K&D to buy the building for $17 million.

The price is half of what Optima agreed to pay when it bought the complex that included the office building, parking garage and the now-closed John Qs steakhouse in 2008. Optima is financially underwater in its ownership of the building.

The buildings sale is complicated by a forfeiture lawsuit the Justice Department filed last week in federal court in Miami. Federal prosecutors said 55 Public Square is one of several that Optima and its affiliates bought through ill-gotten money. Ukrainian powerbroker Igor Kolomoisky and his associates are accused of using Optima to launder tens of millions of dollars through U.S. real estate and businesses, with much of the money pouring into downtown Cleveland, court records show.

The lawsuit referenced Prices agreement to buy the building and adjacent parking lot. It did not identify the buyer, though Price confirmed it was his company.

He said his lawyers are negotiating with the Justice Department to try to allow the sale to proceed.

We need a clean title, Price said. We need some signoff that (the Justice Department) is satisfied. We view this as the necessary step to get this job done.

An attorney for Optima did not return a voicemail. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Miami, which filed the forfeiture lawsuit, did not respond to a text message.

Optima was once one of the largest landlords in downtown Cleveland, though its property interests in the city dwindled over the past decade. It still owns 55 Public Square, One Cleveland Center on East 9th Street and the nearby Westin Cleveland Downtown.

The hotel has also faced financial trouble, in large part because of the coronavirus pandemics economic impact on the hospitality industry, and a lender filed suit seeking foreclosure in October. Optima is fighting the foreclosure.

The FBIs Cleveland office has investigated Optima for several years. Agents in August raided an affiliates offices at One Cleveland Center.

The Justice Department, which previously filed lawsuits to seize office buildings in Louisville and Dallas, said Kolomoisky helped siphon $5 billion from PrivatBank, a Ukrainian lender that he and Gennadiy Boholiubov opened in 1992.

According to court records, the men fleeced the bank out of loans from about 2008 to 2016, repaid the loans with more loans and then poured some of the money into U.S. properties. Ukrainian authorities uncovered the scheme in 2016 and the countrys national bank took over PrivatBank.

The forfeiture lawsuit filed Dec. 30 detailed a series of complex business transactions that led to 55 Public Squares purchase. In the end, Optima paid $12.8 million upfront of the $34 million sale price and took out a mortgage for the rest.

Optima obtained $18.5 million in loans for the office tower since 2017, the lawsuit said. It defaulted on the loans last month, owing more than $14.5 million on the principal, interest and property taxes to 55 Bridge Lending of Cleveland.

Following the agreed-upon default, 55 Bridge Lending, which federal prosecutors describe as being created by Optimas attorneys and ... funded by unwitting Cleveland-based investors, filed a foreclosure lawsuit. Lending group manager Sam Petros did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Jon Pinney, an attorney involved with 55 Bridge Lending, declined comment regarding the Justice Departments characterization of the group.

Petros told Crains Cleveland Business that the lending groups lawsuit was meant as a friendly foreclosure to ensure Optima goes through with the sale of 55 Public Square.

Price said about 40% of the building, completed in 1958 and in desperate need of upgrades, is occupied. It remains the home of First National Bank, which has its name displayed at the top of the building.

The developer, who pulled out of a deal with Optima in 2018 to buy the building, said he plans to turn the buildings bottom half into apartments. The top half will remain office space.

The developer plans to petition to have the building added to the National Register of Historic Places, which would help qualify a renovation project for state and federal tax credits.

Former federal prosecutor Jack Sammon said the Justice Departments forfeiture case complicates the buildings sale but does not prevent it from happening. There are ways to ensure the government does not lose out on property or proceeds a judge later determines it is entitled to, such as putting the sale proceeds into an escrow account.

What it can do, however, is drag out the sales closing. Complex white-collar criminal investigations can take years for agents to investigate and prosecutors to shepherd through the court.

Still, it makes sense from the standpoint of the government. Theyre likely to get more money at arms length rather than a sale at auction, Sammon said.

Lawmakers say Capitol Police and the Trump administration must be investigated over the violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob on Wednesday  the first breach of the core seat of American government in two centuries.

Reacting with disgust and calls for dozens more arrests and official inquiries  along with renewed pushes to oust President Donald Trump for inciting the march on the Capitol  lawmakers cited widely-shared photos and video footage of an outnumbered and outplanned Capitol Police force overcome by an unruly MAGA-clad mob.

Many lawmakers and leading Black voices nationwide, pointing to Trumps and law enforcement agencies fierce crackdown on unrest over racial injustice this summer, questioned how the scene may have unfolded had most of the pro-Trump insurrectionists been Black.

Some entered the Capitol carrying Confederate flags and holding noosed mannequins, and a noose was slung over a platform on the West side of the Capitol. Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, who called the the mob domestic terrorists, described the scene as familiar and terrifying.

Many feel seen by your candor & vulnerability in this moment @jddelaney A mob of domestic terrorists, many of them waving confederate flags stormed our buildings & erected a noose on the West lawn of the Capitol. Yesterday was familiar & terrifying. So much to process. I got you. https://t.co/bdDDRLy9kK  Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) January 7, 2021

Rep. Mondaire Jones, a Democrat from New York, called for a full investigation and told the Washington Post that if the rioters had been Black, they would have been gunned down before they got inside the Capitol.

Some officers were spotted letting Trump-flag-waving rioters through Capitol barriers. Some officers posed for selfies with smiling trespassers and vandals inside the building. And police allowed many in the throng to simply exit after theyd smashed Capitol doors and windows, ransacked congressional offices and vandalized federal property, including statues.

We will not be intimidated by these acts of white supremacy and domestic terrorism, Pressley, who called for Trumps quick impeachment, said in a statement late Wednesday night. We must act with the urgency this crisis demands. Our democracy depends on it.

OH and here it is, the Capitol Police literally just let them in.pic.twitter.com/Cl77kGdh0P  Kristin Mink *Donate to GA-based organizing groups (@KristinMinkDC) January 6, 2021

Cops are taking selfies with the terrorists. pic.twitter.com/EjkQ83h1p2  Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) January 6, 2021

Murder the media, read graffiti scrawled onto a door seen in a video shared by Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, who called for the FBI to find and arrest perpetrators.

As someone who covered the summer protests it appears that Capitol Police and DC police are handling crowd control very differently these days... https://t.co/uyOFwW67K4  Beatrice-Elizabeth Peterson (@MissBeaE) January 6, 2021

The breach, which prompted a lockdown and evacuation of several buildings, came as more than 100 Republican members of Congress sought to curtail President-elect Joe Bidens decisive Electoral College victory.

It also began not long after Trump complained on Twitter about his own Vice President Mike Pence, for supposedly not having the courage to disregard his constitutional duty.

Pence, in defiance of pressure and false claims from Trump and his Republican allies, told Congress Wednesday afternoon that he did not believe he had the unilateral authority to throw out some of Bidens electoral votes. Republicans efforts to overturn the election ultimately failed after Congress reconvened once the building was secured.

After midnight, Rep. Ilhan Omar, who along with Pressley is one of the progressive group of lawmakers known as the squad, called for an immediate investigation into the security failures.

We spend billions of dollars on national security and today failed to protect our nations capital from a lawless mob, she said. Unacceptable!

Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat from Ohio who chairs an appropriations subcommittee that controls funding for the Capitol Police department, told Politico Wednesday night that You can bet your ass that were going to get to the bottom of it.

I think its pretty clear that theres going to be a number of people who are going to be without employment very, very soon, Ryan said. Because this is an embarrassment  both on behalf of the mob and the president, and the insurrection and the attempted coup, but also the lack of professional planning and dealing with what we knew was going to occur.

Ryan questioned how it was permissible for insurrectionists to be given free passage to the Capitol building. He also echoed complaints from Black leaders and scholars who noted a sharp disparity in law enforcement presence, and restraint, on Wednesday compared to the response to Black Lives Matter protests after the police killing of George Floyd in May.

If Black people were storming the Capitol, they would have been treated so much differently than they were today, Ryan said. I dont think theres any question that communities of color would have been handled much, much differently.

The police were more aggressive with a black reporter in Minnesota than they were with people trying to overthrow the government yesterday. https://t.co/gnuMoKRfT4  jelani cobb (@jelani9) January 7, 2021

Theyve killed us for less! tweeted the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

They've killed us for less!  NAACP (@NAACP) January 6, 2021

Todays insurrection and coup by hundreds of pro-Trump supporters is one more example of the hypocrisy in our countrys law enforcement response to protest, Black Lives Matter tweeted Wednesday evening.

Todays insurrection and coup by hundreds of pro-Trump supporters is one more example of the hypocrisy in our countrys law enforcement response to protest.  Black Lives Matter (@Blklivesmatter) January 6, 2021

Whether the Trump rioters seen hanging from balconies, carrying podiums, and breaking glass doors and windows face punishment remains to be seen. Trump on June 26 signed an order calling for law enforcement to prosecute to the fullest extent anyone who participates in efforts to incite violence or other illegal activity in connection with the riots and acts of vandalism.

For willful injury of federal property, someone could now get up to a decade in prison, according to CBS News.

In a statement, U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steve A. Sund said officers and our law enforcement partners responded valiantly when faced with thousands of individuals involved in violent riotous actions as they stormed the United States Capitol Building.

Sund noted that police at the time were grappling with not only the mob at the Capitol but reports of pipe bombs and suspicious vehicles. The owner of a suspicious vehicle and 13 additional suspects were arrested for unlawful entry of the Capitol, Sund added. But several more were seen on video exiting with police permission and assistance.

The USCP is conducting a thorough review of this incident, security planning and policies and procedures, Sund said.

Related Content:

Harry Potter star Jessie Cave's three-month-old son Abraham has left Chelsea & Westminster Hospital after being treated for coronavirus.

Two days after confirming her baby's diagnosis, the British actress, 33, confirmed he had been sent home as she shared a series of images from Abraham's stay in hospital, including her diary of his sleep and his bandaged arm.

Jessie shared her thankful note alongside the images, writing: 'Baby is home now. Thank you for all the well wishes and messages of support. Be safe everybody amazing care from everybody at Chelsea & Westminster'.

Earlier in the week, the actress - who has Abraham, son Donnie, five, and daughter Margot, three, with comedian Alfie Brown - confirmed her baby was 'okay and doing well' having been stricken with the 'powerful and contagious' strain of the virus.

Sweet: Harry Potter star Jessie Cave's three-month-old son Abraham has left Chelsea & Westminster Hospital after being treated for coronavirus

Home again: Jessie shared her thankful note alongside the images, writing: 'Baby is home now. Thank you for all the well wishes and messages of support. Be safe everybody amazing care from everybody at Chelsea & Westminster'

Jessie was doting on Abraham in the snap as she shared the news with her 162,000 Instagram followers that he was now at home.

In the images she posted, she showed the bed she had been given next to his hospital cot, his sterilised bottles, her various creams and a video of Abraham.

On Tuesday morning, the actress shared a snap of her baby in a hospital cot in an isolated room, with an iPad playing Boris Johnson's national address announcing lockdown in the forefront in her initial announcement.

In her caption, Jessie - who has Abraham, son Donnie, five, and daughter Margot, three, with comedian Alfie Brown - confirmed her baby is 'okay and doing well' having been stricken with the 'super powerful and contagious' strain of the virus.

London-based Jessie welcomed Abraham in October and the newborn spent the first days of his life in the neo-natal unit following her 'terrifying and humbling' pregnancy, before being discharged in November.

Having left the hospital in November, Jessie was back with her youngest after he tested positive for the new strain of the virus.

Her boy: She shared a series of snap, including an image of Abraham's bandaged arm

Temporary lodging: She shared an image of the bed she was given in the hospital next to her son

Notes: She shared an image of a feeding diary she kept for her son

A caption alongside the shot read: 'I watched the news about lockdown from an isolated room in hospital. Poor baby is covid positive.

'He's okay and doing well but they are being vigilant and cautious, thankfully...

'This strain is super powerful and contagious so I do hope that people take extra care in the coming weeks.

'Really didn't want this to be the start of my families new year. Really didn't want to be back in a hospital so soon after his traumatic birth...

'Once again I'm in awe of nurses and doctors. It makes me even more proud of my brother, a&e doctor and my father, king GP...

Sweet: Little Abraham was entranced by a video on Jessie's iPad

Tough times: Earlier in the week, the actress - who has Abraham, son Donnie, five, and daughter Margot, three, with comedian Alfie Brown - confirmed her baby is 'okay and doing well' having been stricken with the 'powerful and contagious' strain of the virus

Her love: In her caption, Jessie, who shares Abraham, son Donnie, five, and daughter Margot, three, with comedian Alfie Brown, confirmed her baby is 'okay and doing well' having been stricken with the 'super powerful and contagious' strain of the virus

Tough times: A caption alongside the shot read: 'I watched the news about lockdown from an isolated room in hospital. Poor baby is covid positive. He's okay and doing well but they are being vigilant and cautious, thankfully'

'Please wish baby a speedy recovery. He's 9llbs 7 now so he's a stronger and bigger boy than he was when we were last in a hospital room (and the needle went into his hand with louder more powerful screams) Love and best wishes to everyone'.

She later took to Instagram stories to share more snaps from inside the hospital, including stethoscope hanging over the bed, a breakfast of Cornflakes and juice and a sweet image of Abraham.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Jessie for comment.

It is not yet clear whether any other members of her family have been infected.

In her caption, Jessie praised her father David Lloyd, who is a GP, and her brother Robbie Lloyd - an A&E doctor. She grew up in London and attended Hammersmith's Latymer Upper School. The family still live in the capital.

In November, research found that newborn babies are very unlikely to become severely ill with Covid-19, with researchers also concluding that the chances of a baby catching the virus from their infected mother is very slim.

Insight: She later took to Instagram stories to share more snaps from inside the hospital, including stethoscope hanging over the bed, a breakfast of Cornflakes and juice and a sweet image of Abraham

Babies and COVID-19 Although rare, children under one are at higher risk of severe illness with COVID-19 than older children. This is due to their immature immune systems and smaller airways, which make them more likely to develop issues with respiratory virus infections. Newborns can become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 during childbirth or by exposure to sick caregivers after delivery. Research shows that only about 2% to 5% of infants born to women with COVID-19 near time of delivery test positive for the virus in the days after birth Infants who have COVID-19 or who can't be tested due to a lack of availability and have no symptoms might be discharged from the hospital, depending on the circumstances. It's recommended that the baby's caregivers wear face masks and wash their hands to protect themselves. Frequent follow-up with the baby's health care provider is needed  by phone, virtual visits or in-office visits  for 14 days. Infants who test negative for COVID-19 can be sent home from the hospital. Source: Mayo Clinic Advertisement

Just 66 babies out of 118,000 born in the UK between March and April, at the peak of the first wave, caught the illness in their first month of life  the equivalent of one in 1,785 births or 0.06 per cent.

Imperial College London researchers revealed the extremely low risk Covid-19 posed to infants after sifting through births between March and April registered by the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU).

Of the babies that got the disease 28 were classed as severely ill and suffered a high temperature, breathing problems, or bouts of coughing or vomiting.

Whirlwind: The cartoonist famously became pregnant with her first child after a one-night stand with her on-off partner in 2014 (pictured with their kids Donnie, five, and Margot, three)

Between six and 30 per cent of newborns need to be admitted to intensive care for specialist treatment with other respiratory illnesses, studies have showed.

In October, when announcing Abraham's arrival, Jessie posted a picture of herself breastfeeding and revealed he's 'in the neo natal unit but he's a strong boy'.

Earlier this year, stand-up star Alfie revealed he and Jessie rekindled their relationship after splitting up when their youngest child was only 10 weeks old.

Together again: Earlier this year, stand-up star Alfie revealed he and Jessie rekindled their relationship after splitting up when their youngest child was only 10 weeks old

On maintaining a healthy work-life balance, the actress told Bustle in 2018: 'I learned pretty early on you can't do much work with children around.

'When they were babies maybe, but now they don't sleep so I'm basically on my feet the entire day. My mum is brilliant; she helps me most days.

'And, actually, up until a few weeks ago I was living with her and my sister. My partner Alfie and I split up when Margot was only 10 weeks old.'

The cartoonist, who juggles her stand-up and acting career with her successful 'doodle' company, famously became pregnant with her first child after a one-night stand with her on-off partner in 2014.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
The foreign minister says the process is under his personal control.

Four crew members of the Captain Khayyam tanker, detained in the territorial waters of Libya on February 13, 2016, are returning to Ukraine.

Sailors Yevhen Morar, Volodymyr Tostohan, Oleh Voinerovsky, and Pavlo Chaika are already on their way home, according to the President's Office.

In December 2017, a Libyan court sentenced four Ukrainians and other crew members of the Captain Khayyam to five years in prison.

Since the two sailors have been having health issues, Ukraine officials have repeatedly raised before the Libyan side the issue of their release on humanitarian grounds.

President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the release of Ukrainian citizens and noted that they would finally be able to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.

Read alsoUkraine finalizes prisoner swap listThe head of state also thanked Ukrainian diplomats, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other agencies for their efforts that contributed to the return of Ukrainians.

"The Ukrainian state does not forget and does not leave its citizens in trouble. And we are doing everything possible, using all channels, so that Ukrainians who seek to return home can do this. That's because the state exists for citizens, to protect their rights and freedoms. In turn, citizens defend our state. That's how it should be," the president said.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he was keeping the process of return under personal control.

"President Volodymyr Zelensky always insists on observing one important and unshakable principle: 'Ukraine does not give up on its own people.' This is a formula of respect for our state and citizens. Every time this principle is confirmed in practice, I am proud of Ukraine. And for the families of returning citizens, everything is easier. They will just finally be able to hug their loved ones," he said.

Background

In February 2016, the Libyan coast guard detained in the territorial waters the Captain Khayyam tanker flying the flag of Sierra Leone. Among the crew members were citizens of Ukraine, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.

In March 2016, the crew was arrested on suspicion of smuggling petroleum products.

Reporting by UNIAN
Appointment

7 January 2021

First Hospitality, a hotel management, acquisition, development, and consulting company, announces the appointment of Jordan Bernstein to vice president of business development. Bernstein brings over 15 years of hospitality experience with a focus on company growth to his new role.

In his new role, Bernstein is responsible for developing new management contracts nationwide working in collaboration with Natalie Stone, who oversees different regions in the same role as vice president of business development at First Hospitality. Bernstein and Stone are tasked with expanding First Hospitality's portfolio of third-party managed hotels.

Before joining the company, Bernstein held a director role with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) overseeing transactions, asset management and upscale development. In this dual role, Bernstein was responsible for the development and franchise growth of IHG's upscale brands, as well as strategic projects, workouts, and retention of priority hotels. Prior to IHG, Bernstein worked with Starwood Hotels & Resorts for over 12 years. At Starwood, he held a number of roles in the Global and North America Development organizations, including global strategic planning, and managed and franchised hotel development in the United States and Caribbean. Jordan received his degree in applied economics and management from Cornell University. He is currently based in New York City.
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Capella Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: CMIL) (FRA: N7D2) (the "Company" or "Capella") is pleased to announce that, further to its News Release dated October 28, 2020, it has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Cerrado Gold Inc. ("Cerrado") pursuant to which Capella will sell its 100% interest in its Argentine subsidiary, Minera Mariana Argentina S.A. ("Minera Mariana"), to Cerrado (the "Transaction"). Minera Mariana is the owner of the Las Calandrias and Los Cisnes gold-silver projects, in addition to a portfolio of exploration concessions located in the Eastern Deseado Massif, Santa Cruz Province, southern Argentina. The terms of the Transaction were announced in the Company's News Release dated October 28, 2020. Under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, Capella will receive 1,125,000 Cerrado shares on closing of the Transaction, expected to be during January 2021, subject to upward adjustment in certain circumstances.

Eric Roth, Capella's President and CEO, commented today: "I am very pleased to be announcing today the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement with Cerrado for Minera Mariana. The Las Calandrias gold-silver project particularly is expected to benefit greatly from the exploration and operational expertise of Cerrado's team at the adjacent Minera Don Nicolas (MDN) gold mine, with its geographical proximity to MDN's mining/processing operations at Paloma and Martinetas providing Las Calandrias with potential synergies for future development.

With the divestiture of the Company's Argentine assets completed upon closing of the Transaction, we will be able to focus all of our attention on advancing our three high-grade gold projects (the Southern Gold Line Project in Sweden, plus the Savant Lake and Domain Joint Ventures in Canada) in addition to our two high-grade copper assets in the past-producing Lkken and Kjli mining districts of central Norway. Capella is well positioned to capitalize on buoyant markets for both gold and copper, and our short-term goal continues to be moving priority targets through the permitting process and onward to drilling as soon as possible. I look forward to providing the market with updates on all of Capella's projects in short order."

On Behalf of the Board of Capella Minerals Ltd.

"Eric Roth"

___________________________

Eric Roth, Ph.D., FAusIMM

President & CEO

About Capella Minerals Ltd

Capella is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of quality mineral resource properties in favourable jurisdictions with a focus on high-grade gold and copper deposits. The Company's precious metals focus is on the discovery of high-grade gold deposits on its recently acquired Southern Gold Line Project in Sweden, in addition to its active Canadian Joint Ventures with Ethos Gold Corp. at Savant Lake (Ontario) and Yamana Gold Inc. at Domain (Manitoba). The Company also retains a residual interest (subject to an option to purchase agreement with Austral Gold Ltd) in the Sierra Blanca gold-silver epithermal project in Santa Cruz, Argentina.

The Company's copper focus is on the discovery of high-grade massive sulfide (VMS) deposits within district-scale land positions around the past-producing Lkken and Kjli copper mines in central Norway. Field activities are ongoing on all projects, with the primary focus being to advance priority targets through the permitting process and onwards to drilling and discovery.

Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of Capella, including the timing, completion of and results from the exploration and drill programs described in this release. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Capella in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is 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. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in Capella's most recently filed MD&A. Capella does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

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.

SOURCE Capella Minerals Limited

Related Links

https://capellaminerals.com/



Japanese business leaders said Thursday support will be necessary for struggling firms under a second state of emergency over the novel coronavirus in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures, while they viewed the decision as inevitable due to resurging infections.

Many owners in the restaurant industry are expected to follow a government request to shorten their business hours, bracing for a further drop in revenue after the number of bankruptcies in the sector hit an all-time high last year as many people refrained from dining out.

"A fresh request for shorter business hours, among others, will deal an additional blow to businesses that have already taken an enormous hit, especially restaurants that have barely endured on the brink of management crisis," said Akio Mimura, chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Mimura asked for "flexible and swift" aid from the government and local authorities to firms that follow requests so that they can stay in business.

Under the state of emergency through Feb. 7, restaurants and bars are asked to stop serving alcohol by 7 p.m. and close by 8 p.m. The government will provide up to 60,000 yen ($580) a day to dining and drinking establishments that comply with its request to shorten business hours, an increase from the current support of up to 40,000 yen.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused Congress state president Sunil Jakhar for forcibly interfering in the next month's municipal elections in Punjab. In a press statement issued from the party headquarters, senior party leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Punjab Legislative Assembly Harpal Singh Cheema said that Jakhar was trying to forcefully interfere in next month's municipal elections in Punjab.

He said that Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and Jakhar were planning to rig the elections and were not deterred by adopting any government manipulation to win the election.

Harpal CheemaTaking a dig at Sunil Jakhar, Cheema said that the former was neither an MLA, nor an MP or minister of any department, so in what capacity he attends the government meetings. "Why does he interfere in government schemes and policy making? Captain Amarinder should answer as to why the leaders rejected by the public are involved in government work, " he said.

Cheema said that Jakhar and other Congress leaders interfering in government work was not a good sign for democracy. "By doing this, Captain government and Congress leaders are weakening democracy, " he added.

Cheema further said that interference by Punjab Congress leaders in election related matters was against the rules of free and fair election of the Election Commission. He said with the intervention of the Congress leaders in the election matter; the credibility of the commission was also being harmed. "The Election Commission should take cognizance of this matter and stop the interference being made by the Congress leaders in the matter, " he added.

Captain Amarinder Singh

He also requested the Governor of Punjab to take cognizance of the matter, restraint the Congress leaders for their interference in the elections and seek an answer from the Captain government on the interference being done by non-governmental people in government work.

Accusing the Captain-led state government of misusing the government machinery, Cheema said that just as the Akali government used to abuse the government machinery for its political benefit, in the same way, the Captain government was also misusing power for its petty political interests.

"Captain do not desist from adopting any government manipulation for political gains. Now the people of Punjab have understood his intention. The public will answer them in the coming elections, " he added. He said that as the people got fed up with the actions of the 'Akalis' and rejected them, similarly the people would also reject the Congress.
The US Capitol Hill in Washington DC is the seat of the government of the most powerful country in the world. The area is much like our own Parliament area in Delhi houses the Capitol, the US Supreme Court, the US Senate and the House of Representatives.

The US Capitol has seen much violence and protests over the years, but was breached for the first time on Wednesday in two centuries.

Also read: Why Did Nobody Protect the US Capitol? Police Draw Severe Criticism for Attack by Pro-Trump Mob

As people of the US and its authorities are still trying to figure how such a huge breach could take place, heres a look back at the major instances of violence the US Capitol Hill has seen.

British Forces Burn Capitol Hill in 1814

During the War of 1812, fought between the United States and Britain and Ireland  both sides had allies, British troops had breached the US Capitol and set fire to it. According to the Art and History section of the United States Senate website, the presidents mansion and other local landmarks were also burnt.

It says, The ensuing fire reduced all but one of the capital city's major public buildings to smoking rubble, and only a torrential rainstorm saved the Capitol from complete destruction. The blaze particularly devastated the Capitol's Senate wing, the oldest part of the building, which was honeycombed with vulnerable wooden floors and housed the valuable but combustible collection of books and manuscripts of the Library of Congress, then located in the Capitol building.

President Andrew Jackson Escaped Assassination Bid in 1835

An unemployed man named Richard Lawrence attempted to shoot at then US president Andrew Jackson when he was leaving the funeral of South Carolina Representative Warren Davis at the House chamber of the Capitol building on January 30, 1835.

The Smithsonian Magazine says that Lawrence accosted Jackson as he was exiting the East Portico. While Lawrence fired from his Derringer pistol, the bullet failed to be discharged.

Bombing in the Senate Reception Room in 1915

A former professor of German at Harvard University, Erich Muenter, detonated three sticks of dynamite at the Senate Reception Room in the afternoon of July 2, 1915, leading up to the weekend of July 4, the American independence day.

According to the United States Senate website, when Meunter found the Senate Chamber locked, he went inside the Senate Reception Room and placed the package under the Senate's telephone switchboard.

The blast that resulted had wrecked the room, damaged phone booths and shattered windows.

Muenter wrote a letter to the Washington Evening Star saying he wanted to "make enough noise to be heard above the voices that clamor for war. This explosion is an exclamation point in my appeal for peace. He is said to have been angry with American financiers aiding Britain against Germany in World War I.

Puerto Rican attack in 1954

Four Puerto Rican nationalists opened fire from a gallery in the House of Representatives demanding independence of Puerto Rico. PBS says that the protesters shouted Freedom for Puerto Rico and waved the Puerto Rican flag. The incident, where 30 rounds of shots were fired, left five members of the US Congress injured.

" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">In pics: Violence Erupts at US Capitol As Trump Supporters Flock in a Bid to Overturn Election

Attempted Attack on 9/11 in 2001

While the two World Trade Centre buildings in New York City and Pentagon were the target of a terrorist attack in 2001, reports suggest that another plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was intended to be taken to the US Capitol by four Al Qaeda terrorists.

However, the plane never reached its intended target, because the passenger and cabin crew stormed the cockpit of the plane, which ultimately crashed in Sommerset, Pennsylvania.

Reports suggest that it was either headed for the White House or Capitol Hill. The New York Times quoted staff of the commission investigating the 9/11 attacks as saying, We are sure that the nation owes a debt to the passengers of United 93. Their actions saved the lives of countless others, and may have saved either the U.S. Capitol or the White House from destruction."

Black Woman Killed After Breaching Checkpoint in 2013

While the US Capitol Police has come under fire for the attack on Wednesday, it was also compared to an incident where a black woman was killed in Capitol Hill in 2013. Mirian Carey was killed after she tried to take a u-turn through a White House security checkpoint, and was chased to the Capitol Hill by US security officials where she was shot dead.

Carey was a dental hygienist. According to a CNN report says she was shot five times from behind, one of which hit her head. The womans child was inside the car with her.

Federal prosecutors in D.C. filed no charges against the officers involved in the incident. Huffpost had quoted an official statement at the time as saying, After a careful, thorough and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors have found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that these officers used excessive force under the circumstances known to them at the time or that they acted with the requisite criminal intent. The incident had raised questions about police brutality in the US.
Salem Community College Distinguished Alumnus Paul J. Stankard will present Flameworked Treasures: Celebrating Flameworked Glass via Zoom on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m.

The free streaming will be hosted by the colleges Glass Education Center.

Stankard will discuss his work and process, as well as cite other contemporary artists he believes are making significant work utilizing the flameworking process. The presentation will conclude with questions from the viewing audience.

Stankard, whose paperweight artwork is represented in more than 60 museums around the world, enrolled in the what-was-then-named Salem County Vocational Technical Institutes scientific glassblowing program in 1961. During his 10-year scientific glassblowing career, he became a master of fabricating complex instruments. In 1972, he left industry to pursue creative glasswork full time.

Stankard has received two honorary doctorate degrees, one honorary associate degree and many awards within the glass community, most recently the Masters of the Medium award from Smithsonians James Renwick Alliance, Glass Art Societys Lifetime Achievement Award and American Craft Council College of Fellows. He is an artist-in-resident and honorary professor at Salem Community College.

Stankard is the author of an autobiography, No Green Berries or Leaves: The Creative Journey of an Artist in Glass; an educational resource, Spark the Creative Flame: Making the Journey from Craft to Art; and, most recently, Studio Craft as Career: A Guide to Achieving Excellence in Art-making.

For more on Stankards work and his writing visit paulstankard.com.

Register for the Jan. 13 presentation at salemcc.edu/flameworked-treasures. Registrants will receive an email with the Zoom link. For more information, contact Kristin Deady at kdeady@salemcc.edu or 856-351-2234.

For more information on educational opportunities in glass at SCC, visit salemcc.edu/glass.

Send community news to south@njadvancemedia.com.

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday issued joint statement at Elysee Palace in Paris. PM Modi said that climate and terrorism are two big threats in front of humanity.

"Paris Agreement is joint legacy of the world and it is an article of faith for Indians," said PM Modi.

"Many Indian soldiers who died for our country, for its freedom, are very much evidence of strong bonds between our countries. France committed to fighting climate change and will continue, not only within framework of Paris accord also in actions we are implementing. I will be travelling to India by end of the year and we will convene a meeting of the world solar alliance," said French President Emmanuel Macron.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron and discussed issues of international and mutual interests including ways to enhance the strategic ties, countering terrorism and climate change.

The two leaders met at the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the president of France.

A meeting to mark a new warmth and friendship. PM @narendramodi meets new French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted along with some pictures of the two leaders.

Modi arrived in France from Russia, where he held talks with President Vladimir Putin and attended an international economic forum. Before Russia, Modi also visited Germany and Spain and held talks with the top leadership there.

The two sides are expected to issue a joint declaration after the Modi-Macron meeting.

I would be exchanging views with the French President on important global issues including UN Security Council reforms and Indias permanent membership of the UN Security Council, Indias membership of the various multilateral export control regimes, counter-terrorism cooperation, collaboration on climate change and International Solar Alliance, Modi had said ahead of the visit.

France is Indias 9th largest investment partner. France is also a key partner in Indias development initiatives in areas like defence, space, nuclear and renewable energy, urban development and railways.

Prime Minister Modi had also called up Macron to congratulate him on his poll victory and said he looked forward to work with him to further deepen the bilateral ties.

39-year-old Macron created history last month by becoming the youngest president of France.

With PTI inputs

Also read: PM Modi to meet new French President Emmanuel Macron during four-nation trip to Germany, Spain, Russia and France

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Gardai are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred in north Kildare in which three masked men armed with knives broke into a mans home.

The victim of the crime arrived at the property in Clane, Co Kildare, at 9pm where he was confronted by the armed gang who threatened him with a knife.

The gang had broken into the property when the man, who is understood to be aged in his 20s, was not at home.

Sources said that the gang escaped with a substantial four figure sum of cash following the raid.

The investigation is being led by officers based at Naas Station.

Gardai are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred at approximately 9pm on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at a residence in Clane, Co Kildare, a garda spokesman said.

Its reported a sum of cash was taken. No injuries to persons or damage to property was reported.

No arrests have been made to date. Investigations are ongoing, he added.

Senior sources say detectives believe the home invasion in Clane is not linked to two other recent horrific aggravated burglaries in Co Kildare.

This seems to be the work of a different crew, a source told the Irish Independent. On New Years Eve, a 92-year-old man and his 89-year-old wife were terrorised in their Newbridge home when a gang of up to five masked men stormed their home.

It is understood that over 8,000 in cash was stolen in the shocking incident in which the gang ransacked their home.

Detectives are investigating whether the same gang who carried out the Newbridge crime are also responsible for a similar burglary that happened in Athy, Co Kildare, on December 18 last, in which a 70-year-old man was badly assaulted and the criminals escaped with around 100.

No arrests have been made in either of these cases.

Meanwhile, in a separate investigation being carried out by Naas gardai, officers plan to interview up to 30 people who may have information about a fatal assault on criminal Mark Loughlin (29).

Mr Loughlin was killed in Allenwood South in Co Kildare at around 4am on Sunday.

There have been no arrests yet in the case but sources say that a local man has emerged as a suspect.

Up to 30 people need to be spoken to in relation to what happened in Allenwood and the belief is that this was a row between two different groupings of criminals, a senior source said.

The victim who is originally from Edenderry, Co Offaly, was previously jailed for firing a shot at gardai in June, 2015. Gardai are treating the discovery of Mr Loughlins body just before 4am as being related to an earlier incident that happened at around 1am.

Irish Independent
Trump supporters participate in a rally in front of the White House on Wednesday, ahead of Congress' certification of Joe Biden's victory. (John Minchillo / Associated Press)

To the editor: If there are no consequences for President Trump's acts of sedition on Jan. 6, what will prevent future presidents from fomenting similar rebellions? Are we so afraid of Trump's supporters that we will let him retire comfortably to Mar-a-Lago? ("Think the 25th Amendment is a solution to the next two weeks? Think again," Jan. 7)

Unless there is swift and severe punishment for Trump in the form of impeachment and removal from office, this country is almost certain to experience more violent, insurrectionist mobs.

Responsible parties must act immediately given the lateness of the hour. The short time left in Trump's presidency should not discourage action but, rather, provoke a rapid response. Both parties must now realize that giving this president a pass will have grave consequences.

Karen Hamstrom, Mission Viejo

..

To the editor: The objective of lawmakers (and other sane people) is to prevent Trump from using his presidential powers to do irreparable harm to the country in the remaining days of his administration  something like starting a war with Iran or declaring martial law.

In order to do so legally, however, you have to have a legal framework. The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides such a framework.

Even if Trump objects and the proceedings drag on, the mere act of invoking the amendment provides grounds for Vice President Mike Pence to effectively pen the president in.

The alternative is to leave Trump in power but rein him in unofficially. But that act, by itself, sets a very bad precedent.

Ara Kassabian, Glendale

..

To the editor: In light of the appalling events at the U.S. Capitol, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) must support newly elected Rep. Cori Bush's (D-Mo.) resolution to expel the members of the "sedition caucus." Bush rightly wants an investigation into how the Republican members of Congress who challenged the election result may have incited Wednesday's violence. It seems they have broken their oaths to defend the Constitution.

Story continues

Congress must also impeach and remove Trump immediately. Just in the past week, we have heard the president ask the Georgia secretary of state to "find" additional votes for him and say to the Capitol rioters that he loves them.

What we are seeing is white nationalist domestic terrorism. Reconciling with our country's long history of white supremacy and eradicating it start with real consequences for the terrorists and those who aid and abet them.

Daniela Lapidous, Santa Clara

..

To the editor: Officials were outraged by the failure of law enforcement at the Capitol. Trump supporters will not lose their power and their vehemence as long as this president is in office.

Lawmakers must act quickly to remove Trump by invoking the 25th Amendment or by impeachment and conviction. Otherwise, they are acting as doormats for the intrusion of further violence.

Whether or not there is further violence until or at President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, we must preserve the dignity of our country and our democracy. We must not tolerate the criminal outrages of this president a moment longer.

It is not enough for Trump to be almost out of office. He must be removed with repudiation, condemnation and consequences.

Beth Ruben, Santa Barbara

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

The National Investigation (NIA) on Wednesday said that they arrested an absconding accused person connected to the murder of sub-inspector A Wilson that took place in Kanyakumari district on January 8, 2020.

The investigation agency arrested 39-year-old Shihabudeen alias Sirajudeen alias Khalid when he arrived at the Chennai International Airport from Qatar.

After taking over from the Tamil Nadu Police, the NIA re-registered the case on February 1, 2020 and arrested two suspects, Abdul Shameem and Thoufiq, whom the agency referred to as Jehadi terrorists.

Also Read: Two suspects arrested in TN cops murder case

During the investigation, the roles of accused Shihabudeen, Khaja Mohideen, Mahboob Pasha, Ejas Pasha and Jaffer Ali were revealed in the conspiracy to carry out the terrorist act besides the assistance provided to the assailants in procuring illegal firearm and prohibited ammunition, for waging violent jihad, the NIAs statement read.

On July 10, 2020, a charge- sheet was filed against the six men under sections 120B, 302, 353 and 506, 34 of the IPC, sections 16, 18, 18B, 20, 23, 38 and 39 of the UA (P) Act besides sections 25(1B)(a) and 27 of the Arms Act.

Shihabudeen had arranged the illegal fire arm and prohibited ammunition used by Shameem and Thoufiq, to commit the terrorist act, the agency said, adding that he was on the run since January 2020.

Wilson,a special sub inspector was on duty at a check post along the Kaliyakkavilai Market Road in Kanyakumari close to the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border when he was shot dead last year.

Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' on Thursday announced that the JEE Advanced will be held on 3 July this year. The competitive exam will be organised by IIT Kharagpur.

The minister further announced that the eligibility criteria of 75% marks for Class 12 board exam has been scrapped for the convenience of students. He also informed that JEE (Advanced) - 2021 will be held as a computer-based test.

Also Read | The faces behind the farmer revolt

"You have enough time to prepare for the JEE Advanced 2021. Since Covid-19 crisis is not yet over, we have also kept aside the 75% score criteria in 2021," said the education minister.

In the previous years, students were required to score either minimum 75% in class 12 or be among the top 20 percentile in their board exams, in addition to qualifying the IIT Advanced exam, to secure admission in any of the 23 IITs.

The education ministry has also decided to allow the qualifying candidates of JEE Main 2020 who were unable to appear for the second stage of the examination due to the Covid-19 pandemic to directly appear for JEE Advanced 2021.

In 2020, JEE Advanced was held on September 27 after being rescheduled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Multiple attempts

Earlier, the government had announced that Joint Entrance Exam (Main) will be conducted in four sessions in February, March, April and May starting from February 23 to 26, 2021. The next sessions of the exam will be held between March 15-18, April 27-30 and May 24-28.

"We have examined the suggestions received from students and various quarters and it has been decided that JEE-Mains will be held in four sessions in February, March, April and May," Nishank had said.

"The move will ensure that students don't miss out on opportunities due to clash of exams or due to the Covid-19 situation at present," he added.

Students will be given a choice to answer 75 questions (25 each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) out of 90 (30 each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics). Merit list/ranking will be prepared based on the best score of the candidate.

Moreover, in view of New Education Policy, JEE(Mains) 2021 exam to be held in 13 languages -Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu & Urdu.

Candidates who have qualified for JEE (Advanced) are allowed to appear for the admission process in the IITs. The counselling and seat allotment process is conducted by the Joint Seat Allocation Authority and the counselling process is conducted on the basis of the candidate's score in JEE (Advanced).

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After a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, with President Donald Trump himself urging them at a White House rally shortly before the melee to never concede and we will not take it anymore, a number of prominent business and political leaders have called for invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

The National Association of Manufacturers, which represents more than 14,000 U.S. companies, asked Vice President Mike Pence to seriously consider invoking the amendment.

Throughout this whole disgusting episode, Trump has been cheered on by members of his own party, adding fuel to the distrust that has enflamed violent anger, said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons said in a statement. This is not law and order. This is chaos. It is mob rule. It is dangerous.

Others who weighed in included the NAACP, several U.S. House members and Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican.

By early evening, Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, tweeted that she was drawing up Articles of Impeachment to remove Trump from office.

I am drawing up Articles of Impeachment, she wrote in a tweet. Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate. We cant allow him to remain in office, its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath.

Charlie Crist, the Democratic St. Petersburg House member who is a former Florida governor, also called for invoking the amendment.

The 25th Amendment allows for the removal of a president, Crist said. Its time to remove the president.

In addition, Democratic Reps. Ted Lieu of California and David Cicilline of Rhode Island were drafting a letter to Pence on Wednesday to demand that he invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump, NBC News reported.

WHAT IS THE 25TH AMENDMENT?

Congress ratified the amendment in 1967 and President Lyndon Johnson signed it into law on Feb. 23, 1967.

After John F. Kennedys assassination in 1963 and the succession of Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson as president, there was growing concern that Johnson was not physically fit for the post as he had a heart attack.

With Kennedys death, there also was concern that the country lacked a Constitutional plan if a president and vice president were killed or incapacitated.

25TH AMENDMENT HAS FOUR SECTIONS

The 25th Amendment created a legal pathway for naming a new president if one became incapacitated in office or died. The Amendment also called for the vice president to take over and to give Congress a shared role in replacing a vice president.

The Amendment calls for the removal of a sitting president from office in three of four specific sections, each one setting forth a different set of circumstances.

Section 1 says that if the president dies or resigns, the vice president will become president.

Section 2 says that if the vice presidency becomes vacant, then the president would nominate a vice president and that person must be confirmed by congressional majority.

Section 3 says if a president decides he or she is temporarily unable to fulfill their duties, the president would have to tell the president pro tempore of the Senate (who is currently Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley) and the Speaker of the House (Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi). The vice president would assume the duties of the president until the president is able to return to office.

Section 4 says that if the vice president and either a majority of the Cabinet or Congress, through votes, deem the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, they would write a letter to the president pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.

Once this would be invoked, the vice president would immediately become president.

The president can fight this by submitting a written declaration objecting to the charges. He can resume his duties assuming Congress and the vice president agree that he is fit to fulfill his duties.

If the president disputes this, then two-thirds of the House and the Senate must vote to name the vice president as acting president.

This clause has never been invoked.

It is Section 4 that groups have called on Pence, Congress and the Cabinet to consider with Trump.

HAS THE 25TH AMENDMENT BEEN USED?

Section 4 has never been used, although there have been close calls in the past.

President Ronald Reagans administration prepared the papers to invoke the 25th Amendment when Reagan was shot and underwent surgery in 1981.

Reagan invoked Section 3 in 1985 when he underwent colon surgery and President George W. Bush transferred powers to Vice President Dick Cheney twice in 2002 and 2007 when he underwent a medical procedure with anesthesia.

When Trump contracted COVID-19 last year, the amendment came up in case Trumps condition worsened and the disease affected his thinking.
Gurugram, Jan 7 : A dry run for coronavirus vaccine distribution was conducted at six different places in Gurugram on Thursday.

The places where the dry run was carried out were -- the Government Primary School in Wazirabad, Government Primary School in Daulatabad, Government Primary School in Basai Enclave, Government Primary School in Chauma, Community Centre located in Sector 56 in Tigra village and Primary Health Centre in Bhangrola.

During a mock exercise, around 25-25 people were vaccinated at all the vaccination centres.

A six-member team from the World Health Organization (WHO), including Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO representative to India, also visited the Covid vaccination centres to take stock of the preparations being made by the district health department. The WHO team was satisfied with the preparations.

Ofrin inspected two sites in urban and rural areas on Thursday and reviewed the arrangements made for the vaccination programme.

The WHO team, along with health officials, went to the primary health centre in Bhangrola village, where it reviewed the preparations for vaccination.

Thereafter, the officials went to collect information about data updation which was being done through the 'Covid Mobile App'.

During the visit, the WHO officials inspected the observation room built there and the team then went to the dry run centre set up at the Government Primary School in Wazirabad and conducted an inspection regarding vaccination.

"WHO representative Roderico H. Ofrin was satisfied with the arrangements made for vaccination in Gurugram. He also gave necessary guidelines to the officials present on the occasion," said Virender Yadav, civil surgeon, Gurugram.

Talking to mediapersons, Ofrin said, "Social distancing is very important for those coming to the centres so that everyone is protected. Necessary crowd management arrangements should be ensured so that people do not gather inside and outside the centres and maintain proper distance from each other."
ABOVE: She is right. I remain hopeful that the insurrectionists will be brought to justice.

Historian of coups and right-wing authoritarians here. If there are not severe consequences for every lawmaker & Trump govt official who backed this, every member of the Capitol Police who collaborated with them, this "strategy of disruption" will escalate in 2021

Inhofe being sworn in by Pence (Image via video still)

HUFF POST: Sen. James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) has shared a private conversation with VP Pence, quoting Pence  enraged by Trump's betrayal  as saying:

After all the things I've done for him!

CNN: Holy shit! William Barr, Trump's ex-AG, accused Trump of orchestrating a mob to pressure Congress, calling it a betrayal of his office.

Biden is making progressive picks left and left! (Image via video still)

FACEBOOK: President-elect Biden has made new, progressive announcements of his picks for various offices, and importantly termed those involved in Wednesday's insurrection as domestic terrorists. Among his picks, he has tapped Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo to serve as Secretary of Commerce and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh (a top union leader in the past) as Secretary of Labor.

Garland, Monaco, Gupta & Clarke (Image via BuildBackBetter.gov)

He also made his pick of Merrick Garland as AG official, and a clearly moved Garland spoke at length about his career and his gratitude. Also announced: Lisa Monaco as Deputy Attorney General, Vanita Gupta as Associate Attorney General and Kristen Clarke as Assistant General for the Civil Rights Division.

WAPO: Bad news  Mitch McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, is resigning as Transportation Secretary. Though this would normally be good news, the fact that a Cabinet member is resigning means there is not enough support among them to get rid of Trump via the 25th Amendment. (Many had demanded Pence and the Cabinet invoke that Amendment, including Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and every prominent sitting Democrat you can think of, right up to and including incoming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.) We are stuck with a madman for another 13 days. She said, in an email to staff:

Yesterday, our country experienced a traumatic and entirely avoidable event as supporters of the President stormed the Capitol building following a rally he addressed. As Im sure is the case with many of you, it has deeply troubled me in a way that I simply cannot set aside.

BUZZFEED: A West Virginia Republican lawmaker who had just been sworn in as a member of the House of Delegates livestreamed his participation in the insurrection at the Capitol, proudly proclaiming, Patriots inside, baby! and shouting  his name.

PITCHFORK: Obscure musicians Ariel Pink (who once lied about working with Madonna and got smacked the fuck down for it) and John Maus were both spotted at the insurrection on the Capitol Wednesday. Pink performed, and now says he was just supporting Trump, and didn't join the riot. Maus ... is radio silent.

RELATED: My skeptical response to Terri Nunn basically saying she'd been stupid to play Mar-a-Lago and was sorry made The New York Daily News.

TWITTER: Joe Scarborough WENT OFF on the Capitol Police for letting insurrectionists overrun the Capitol. He's 100% right:

This is worth your time. Turn up the volume and please share. Thank you, @JoeNBC, for being the voice we need right now. pic.twitter.com/YnojyPYRTA  Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 7, 2021

ADVOCATE: Great header  The Gay Titanic Sank; Let the Era of Selfishness Go with It.

REUTERS: Anti-gay rhetoric is inflaming the upcoming Ugandan election.

NDTV: Fashion designer Saishe Shinde (formerly Swapnil Shinde) who has dressed many celebrated Indian figures, has come out as trans:

It was only in my early 20s ... where I found the courage to accept my truth; I truly bloomed. I spent the next few years believing that I was attracted to men because I was gay, but it was only 6 years ago that I finally accepted to myself, and today that I accept to you. I'm not a gay man. I am a Transwoman.

INSTAGRAM (FOLLOWS APPRECIATED): Today's birthdays include Nicolas Cage, who has been surprisingly hot at various times:
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In a brazen case of mass kidnapping, a group of over 100 people belonging to a Madhya Pradesh village abducted 38 tribal women and children from Rajasthan on suspicion that their men were involved in stealing their bikes, police said on Thursday.

The Rajasthan police, however, managed to secure the release of kidnapped women and children from Madhya Pradesh within hours of the offence and arrested six of the kidnappers and seized their arms and ammunition and the car used for the abduction on Wednesday afternoon. The brazen offence of inter-state kidnapping of tribal women was committed in Unhel police station area of Jhalwar district in Rajasthan by the people of Kalasiya village under Alot police station of Ratlam district in Madhya Pradesh, Unhel police station's SHO Bhanwar Singh said.

Singh said several families of Kanjar' tribe community live in makeshifts tents at the interstate border under his police station area. These tribal people are often suspected to be involved in various crimes in the area by locals, he added.

The provocation for this daring offence of mass kidnapping was the theft of a motorbike of someone belonging to Kalasiya village in the neighbouring Ratlam district, he added. Following the theft, over 100 men of Kalasiya village, armed with guns, iron rods and lathis, reached Bamandevriya and Hajdia villages under Unhel police station area, where these tribal people lived, in a bus, a car and several motorcycles, said Singh.

They surrounded the makeshift tents of these tribal people and apparently wanted to round up men and threaten them against indulging in crime and recover their stolen bikes, said Singh. But as there were no tribal community men found there, the Kalasiya villagers forced a total of 10 women, 20 minor girls and eight children of various age, into the bus and sped towards their own village in MP, said Singh.

After the Unhel police came to know of this audacious act, it organised a team and rushed after the speeding bus, said Singh, adding after the Kalasiya villagers found themselves being chased, they dropped the kidnapped women on way under the Alot police station area in MP and fled the scene, the SHO said. After recovering the kidnapped women and children, the Unhel police lodged a criminal case against 100-odd people under various IPC sections related to kidnapping, rioting, illegal confinement and unlawful assembly besides various other sections of Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, said Singh.

The Unhel police also arrested six members of the villagers' gang, travelling in a car and recovered a country-made pistol, two live cartridges, one sword and several iron rods from them, said Singh, adding the police also seized the car. The SHO identified the arrested men as Suresh Singh alias Suraj Singh, Bahadur Singh, Surender Singh, Mahendra Singh, Narayan Singh and Guman Singh, all residents of Kalasiya village in MP.

He said the bus which was used to kidnap the tribal women was found to be belonging to Kishan Singh, a former sarpanch' of Kalasiya village. The entire operation to rescue the kidnapped women was guided by Additional Superintended of Police Rajesh Yadav and DySP Brijmohan Meena, the SHO said, adding the efforts are being made to nab the remaining 94 involved in the crime.

.
Richard Schwartz

Health Evolution, the nations premier convener of health care CEOs, announced that Richard Schwartz has joined as its new President.

Schwartz served as Chief Operating Officer of the Advisory Board Companys health care practice from 2002-2018. Across his tenure, the Advisory Board health care practice grew from less than 100 employees to more than 2,000, from serving several hundred health care member organizations to serving several thousand, and from less than $10 million in revenue to more than $500 million.

I have long admired Health Evolutions privileged position with respect to the health care CEO community. Health Evolution is the premier platform for these CEOs to collaborate and address the core challenges facing the industry. Never have those challenges been more critical than now amid the confluence of the COVID-19 pandemic, greater appreciation for health disparities and social determinants, mounting unmet mental health needs, and escalating strains on the affordability of care, Schwartz says. Health Evolution is positioned to support the CEOs who are leading a new era in transformation of health care in America.

As Health Evolution President, Schwartz will oversee all aspects of Health Evolution products. He will have responsibility for three existing lines of business  Summit, Insights and Forum  and will oversee efforts to mature, integrate and expand these offerings and to develop new products.

Richard joins Health Evolution with a strong and proven track record as a growth-oriented business leader. He understands what health care leaders need and knows how to build and deliver products to meet those needs, says David J. Brailer, MD, PhD, Executive Chairman of Health Evolution. He is aligned with our mission to be the preeminent convener and supporter of health care leaders who drive change.

Prior to joining Health Evolution, Schwartz provided consulting services to a range of firms from private equity and other investment companies to health care and media organizations. Before the Advisory Board, Schwartz worked at a boutique consulting firm advising Fortune 100-size companies on policy issues, a bio-technology center, and a policy think-tank.

Schwartz earned a B.A. degree from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from Duke University.

About Health Evolution

Health Evolution engages chief executives, presidents, founders, board chairs, policymakers and other top industry leaders. We do this by convening in-person and virtual gatherings, publishing insights and analyzing information that helps industry leaders accelerate progress, develop opportunities and shape new strategies. We support executives seeking to create a high quality and efficient health care systems based on prevention, affordability access, equity and outcomes for people and their communities. http://www.HealthEvolution.com.

Health Evolution hosts the annual Summit in Laguna Niguel, California, facilitates the Forum with more than 250 payor, provider and life science CEO Fellows focusing on new models of care delivery, next generation IT in health care, and community health and advancing health equity to enable cross-industry leaders to drive impactful and lasting change. We also produce regular webcasts, publish the weekly Health Evolution Insider digital publication, which informs 11,500+ CEO-level subscribers, and hosts the Innovation Lab where CEOs learn from CEOs about emerging technologies being used to solve established business problems.
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Some people have lost their eyesight, but they continue to "see." This phenomenon, a kind of vivid visual hallucination, is named after the Swiss doctor, Charles Bonnet, who described in 1769 how his completely blind grandfather experienced vivid, detailed visions of people, animals and objects. Charles Bonnet syndrome, which appears in those who have lost their eyesight, was investigated in a study led by scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science. The findings, published today in Brain, suggest a mechanism by which normal, spontaneous activity in the visual centers of the brain can trigger visual hallucinations in the blind.

Prof. Rafi Malach and his group members of the Institute's Neurobiology Department research the phenomenon of spontaneous "resting-state" fluctuations in the brain. These mysterious slow fluctuations, which occur all over the brain, take place well below the threshold of consciousness. Despite a fair amount of research into these spontaneous fluctuations, their function is still largely unknown. The research group hypothesized that these fluctuations underlie spontaneous behaviors. However, it is typically difficult to investigate truly unprompted behaviors in a scientific manner for two reasons, since, for one, instructing people to behave spontaneously is usually a spontaneity-killer. Secondly, it is difficult to separate the brain's spontaneous fluctuations from other, task-related brain activity. The question was: How could they isolate a case of a truly spontaneous, unprompted, behavior in which the role of spontaneous brain activity could be tested?

Individuals experiencing Charles Bonnet visual hallucinations presented the group with a rare opportunity to investigate their hypothesis. This is because in Charles Bonnet syndrome, the hallucinations appear at random, in a truly unprompted fashion, and the visual centers of the brain do not process outside stimuli (because these individuals are blind), and are thus activated spontaneously. In a study led by Dr. Avital Hahamy, a former research student in Malach's lab who is now a postdoctoral research fellow at University College London, the relation between these hallucinations and the spontaneous brain activity has indeed been unveiled.

The researchers first invited to their lab five people who had lost their sight and reported occasionally experiencing clear visual hallucinations. These participants' brain activity was measured using an fMRI scanner while they described their hallucinations as these occurred. The scientists then created movies based on the participants' verbal descriptions, and they showed these movies to a sighted control group, also inside the fMRI scanner. A second control group consisted of blind people who had lost their sight but did not experience visual hallucinations. These were asked to imagine similar visual images while in the scanner.

The same visual areas in the brain were active in all three groups - those that hallucinated, those that watched the films and those creating imagery in their minds' eye. But the researchers noted a difference in the timing of the neural activity between these groups. In both the sighted participants and those in the imagery group, the activity was seen to take place in response either to visual input or to the instructions set in the task. But in the group with Charles Bonnet syndrome, the scientists observed a gradually increasing wave of activity, reminiscent of the slow spontaneous fluctuations, that emerged just before the onset of the hallucinations. In other words, the hallucinations were not the result of external stimuli (eg., sensory images or instructions to imagine specific things), but were rather evoked internally by the slow, spontaneous, brain activity fluctuations.

"Our research clearly shows that the same visual system is active when we see the world outside of us, when we imagine it, when we hallucinate, and probably also when we dream," says Malach. "It also exemplifies the creative power of vision and the contribution of spontaneous brain activity to unprompted and creative behaviors," he adds.

In addition to the scientific value of the work, Hahamy hopes it may raise awareness of Charles Bonnet syndrome, which can be frightening to those who experience it. "These individuals may keep their visual hallucinations a secret - even from doctors and family - and we want them to understand that these visions are a natural product of a healthy brain, in which the visual centers remain intact, even if the eyes have ceased to send them sensory input," she says.

###

Also participating in this research were Dr. Meytal Wilf, formerly in Malach's lab, of Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland; Dr. Boris Rosin, of the Ophthalmology Departments of Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, and University of of Pittsburgh Medical Center; and Prof. Marlene Behrmann of Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Prof. Rafael Malach's research is supported by the Dr. Lou Siminovitch Laboratory for Research in Neurobiology.

The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, is one of the world's top-ranking multidisciplinary research institutions. Noted for its wide-ranging exploration of the natural and exact sciences, the Institute is home to scientists, students, technicians and supporting staff. Institute research efforts include the search for new ways of fighting disease and hunger, examining leading questions in mathematics and computer science, probing the physics of matter and the universe, creating novel materials and developing new strategies for protecting the environment.
After being beaten by Houston police in 1959, Eldrewey Stearnes dedicated his life to civil rights in Texas and beyond.

We wanted change, and it was something you had to be willing to die for, Stearnes told the Houston Chronicle in 2008. And, I was willing to die for a noble cause.

The civil rights activist known for leading sit-ins and demonstrations to desegregate Houston, died Dec. 23, at 89.

Stearnes had been ill and weak in recent months, said his youngest brother, Rudolph Jovan Stearnes, 75. He died at HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland in Texas City. While the official cause of death has not been determined, Rudolph Stearnes said his brothers death is not COVID-19 related.

Stearnes was born in Galveston in December 1931 to Rudolph Stearnes, who worked as a paint contractor, and homemaker Devona Juanita Stearnes. The oldest of six, he attended Central High School in Galveston before enlisting and serving two years in the U.S. Army starting in March 1951. After an honorable discharge in 1953, he attended Michigan State University, where he studied political science. Stearnes later attended law school at Texas Southern Universitys Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where his career in the Civil Rights Movement and efforts to desegregate areas of Texas began.

He had a strong, humanitarian desire to make this a better world. Every fiber in his body was always, Im going to get this done and its going to make this better, Rudolph said.

In 1959, Stearnes was beaten by police during a traffic stop and taken to jail. Shortly afterward, he launched the sit-in movement West of the Mississippi and in Houston. On March 4, 1960, Stearnes and about a dozen Texas Southern students protested at Weingartens Supermarket about a mile from campus, demanding service at the lunch counter. Though they were denied, the protest served as a catalyst for other sit-ins throughout the city. By the end of the year, Houston businesses were largely desegregated, although the feat got minimal exposure due to a historical media blackout coordinated by businessmen who coerced media to not report on the sit-ins, according to a local historian.

The site of the first sit-in was celebrated with a historical marker in 2010.

Stearnes thereafter dedicated himself to civil rights and bettering the lives of Black people  believing that it could make life better for everyone, his brother said.

He believed Black history should one day become American history. It should be one, Rudolph emphasized.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Why the media stayed quiet as Houston integrated its lunch counters

Stearnes, whose name is more commonly spelled Stearns without the last e  a change his brother said was made partially due to it being commonly misspelled  led with his passion for equality and eventually gave up his successful private law practice to devote himself full-time to his efforts  a move most lawyers wouldnt have made without financial compensation.

He never had any personal life of his own, his brother said. He never said I want this for me.  never money, cars, houses or luxury. It never meant nothing to him. It was always a bigger desire than what we cherish on a daily basis.

Others realized his dedication, Rudolph said, adding that Stearnes former fiance broke off their engagement, telling their mother that he belonged to the world.

After 1963, Stearnes life began to change, said Thomas Cole, a friend who is also a historian and director of the McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

The student movement was largely co-opted by older businessmen in the city who made deals to quietly integrate  a move that would ultimately undercut the momentum and many efforts of younger activists, Cole said. Stearnes mental health also declined, he said, with the activist experiencing several psychotic breaks as a result of bipolar disease and a struggle with alcoholism.

He was courageous. He was brilliant. He was the person who sparked the sit-in movement that led to desegregation, and he was flawed and troubled and suffered, Cole said.

Stearnes, however, was still valued and respected for his mind and ideas, with many businessmen and entrepreneurs seeking him out to assist them in their ventures.

He did that for little to nothing. Sometimes, maybe just for a couple of drinks, his brother said.

Cole added that Stearnes tried to get back into the mainstream. There was this magic about him that people paid attention to, but it never went anywhere.

Harry Stovall, 88, who grew up with Stearnes, said he remembers his friend as a studious young man. He also remembers the marches and news of Stearnes being arrested and beaten by the police.

He was a young man who didnt back down. Hed heal and go right back to the same thing. He was a deep, deep believer  and rightly so  of equal rights, Stovall said.

Stearnes also knew the importance of his story and was planning to write an autobiography about his life, his brother said. That was his energy, Rudolph Stearnes of the project. It kept him going.

Cole, the historian, did write a book about the activist.

Cole, who met Stearnes in 1983, emphasized his intensity, great heart and desire for equality.

Stearnes was a patient in a hospital while Cole was presenting at a case conference for students. When Stearnes claimed to be the first integration leader in Houston, Cole said he chalked it up to grandiosity. But after learning more, he became fascinated with Stearnes story. An unlikely friendship developed between the two and eventually yielded the biography No Color Is My Kind: The Life of Eldrewey Stearnes and the Integration of Houston published by the University of Texas Press.

It was an incredible amount of time I spent with him  interviewing, transcribing, hearing every single story three to four times, Cole said. There was nobody like him.

Funeral services will likely be small due to COVID-19, but Rudolph Stearnes said he has begun contacting his brothers old colleagues and family friends in the hope of erecting a permanent monument or statue to celebrate his brothers unsung legacy. A military salute will be announced in the near future.

brittany.britto@chron.com
An amalgam of artists from the Middle East and North Africa are scheduled to gather at the second Egypt International Art Fair, scheduled to take place from 12 to 14 February.

The fair organisers said "this is the first event of its kind that brings together a wide variety of Arab artists, audiences, critics, patrons, and art collectors from all over the region. All these participants, with their active presence, will contribute to enriching the event, creating dialogue and interaction between the audience and participating artists."

This year, the fairs board of trustees consists of a group of prominent public figures, artists and academics, including Ahmed Nawar, Mohamed Abla, and Syrian actress Kinda Alloush.

A member of the Board of Trustees, Mohamed Younes, said in a press release: This session comes under exceptional difficult circumstances imposed on cultural activity and the global economy by the coronavirus epidemic. It requires more effort from us, however despite the challenges, we are committed to holding this important event. In such challenging times, the fair is a rare window of opportunity for the art movement in Egypt and the region to rise again, and for recovery from this harsh ordeal that afflicted the region and the world at large."

He added that the fair is "one of the important and ambitious international events that seek to create a dynamic communication between those interested in art, from institutions to individuals. We aim to showcase the creative practice in its widest and most comprehensive form, while boosting the relationship between arts and all other fields and activities."

This edition of the annual fair will host a wide spectrum of artistic practices in Egypt and the MENA region. It represents a real opportunity to establish a new cooperation between all capitals of the Arab region, read the press release.

More details about the Egypt International Art Fair are yet to be revealed. For more information, please visit the fair's website here.

The organisers said all safety measures to avoid the spread of the coronavirus will be strictly adopted during the event.

The Egypt International Art Fair will be held at Dusit Thani Lakeview Cairo.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 22:08:53|Editor: huaxia

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-It was a "dark day in the history of the United States Capitol," Vice President Mike Pence said in a Senate session when Congress reconvened on Wednesday night to resume the proceedings to count the electoral votes.







WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- On Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. Capitol has witnessed what many called "a dark chapter" in history as protesters stormed into the building, clashed with security officers and forced the evacuation of lawmakers who were having a session to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election.

The chaotic and violent scenes, at the seat of American democracy, has laid bare the country's profound divide as well as failure in governance.

STORM AT CAPITOL

Lawmakers of both the House and the Senate had to stop their debates and evacuated from the floors after a group of protesters broke into the historic building. A widespread picture on the Internet showed Capitol Police inside the House chamber drawing their guns near a barricaded door in a standoff with people trying to break in.

A supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump stands near the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

The last time the U.S. Capitol was breached was August 1814, when the British set the building on fire during the War of 1812.

Confrontations between law enforcement officers and protesters on Wednesday have caused multiple injuries on both sides. Four people, including a woman shot at the Capitol, died in the clash, according to police.

Pipe bombs were reportedly found on Capitol grounds as well as in headquarters for the Democratic and Republican National Committees.

The protesters "have fired chemical irritants, bricks, bottles, and guns. They have breached the security of the Capitol and their destructive and riotous behavior has the potential to spread beyond the Capitol," said Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

A curfew for the District of Columbia is in effect through Thursday morning.

Bowser also extended a state of public emergency to 15 days on Wednesday night, until the day after Biden's inauguration.

DEEP DIVIDE

The chaos, violence and disruption came as outgoing President Donald Trump continued to push claims of a "fraudulent" election, which had been dismissed by U.S. courts at different levels due to a profound lack of evidence.

A supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump attends a demonstration near the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

On Wednesday noon, the president addressed a massive crowd of supporters on the Ellipse, a park south of the White House, and encouraged demonstrations on Capitol Hill, with an eye to adding pressure on Congressional Republicans who have been divided over efforts to contest Electoral College votes.

The violent clashes at the Capitol later made headlines across the globe and prompted widespread concern in the United States and beyond.

In a video clip posted on Twitter Wednesday afternoon, Trump urged his supporters to "go home" after the demonstrations.

"You have to go home now. We have to have peace," Trump said, while again repeating allegations that the election had been "stolen."

Twitter has temporarily blocked Trump's account and asked him to remove tweets that the company said violated its "Civic Integrity policy."

Both the Senate and the House late Wednesday night rejected an attempt to overturn Biden's win in Arizona, long a deep-red state that flipped to the Democrats in last year's election.

The chambers later met in a joint session again to resume counting the electoral votes, and concluded by certifying the Electoral College count of 306 votes in favor of Biden against 232 in favor of Trump.

It takes at least 270 electoral votes to win the White House. The former U.S. vice president also won the popular vote by more than 7 million ballots.

BIPARTISAN DENUNCIATIONS

A growing number of political figures of both parties, including former U.S. presidents, have denounced the violent incidents, and many have directly accused Trump of fanning the flames of unrest. Multiple top officials in Trump's administration have already resigned or are reportedly considering resignations.

Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather near the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

Biden, in remarks from Wilmington, Delaware on Wednesday afternoon, condemned what he called an "insurrection" at the U.S. Capitol.

"It's not protest, it's insurrection," Biden said. "This is not dissent. It's disorder. It's chaos. It borders on sedition."

It was a "dark day in the history of the United States Capitol," Vice President Mike Pence said in a Senate session when Congress reconvened on Wednesday night to resume the proceedings to count the electoral votes.

"History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation," former U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement on Wednesday evening. "But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise."

"So much for the peaceful transfer of power, for American exceptionalism, for our being a shining city on a hill," tweeted Richard Haass, president of U.S. think tank the Council on Foreign Relations.

"We are seeing images that I never imagined we would see in this country -- in some other capital yes, but not here," Haass wrote. "No one in the world is likely to see, respect, fear, or depend on us in the same way again. If the post-American era has a start date, it is almost certainly today." (Video reporters: Hu Yousong, Tan Yixiao, Yang Shilong and Zhang Ruoxuan; Video editor: Gao Shang.)
New Delhi, Jan 7 : In an outreach to the Sikh community, the Modi government has detailed several steps taken by the government for the welfare of the community which is at the forefront of the farmers' agitation.

A document put out by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's special relationship with the Sikhs" is a new outreach by the Centre seen to assuage the community.

It said Prime Minister Modi's special relationship with Sikhs has been seen in his personal gestures to the community and to the Sikh Gurus, as well as in his government's work for empowering the Sikh community.

"He has paid great respect to the Sikh Gurus while he has always lauded the bravery, courage and spirit of enterprise of the Sikhs. With such a Prime Minister at the helm, no wonder that the government also has taken many institutional measures for the welfare of the Sikhs," the document said.

"Whether it is about celebration of holy occasions such as Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji's 550th birth anniversary or Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji's 350th birth anniversary, whether it is about justice for victims of 1984 riots or about construction of Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, Prime Minister Modi has taken personal interest and led the way in working for the Sikh community," it said.

The document puts out in detail steps taken by the Modi government for the welfare of Sikhs.

In a section called 'Powering Punjab's Progress', the document says Punjab has a special place in Modi's heart, having had a long relationship with the state's politics and people.

"He has seen closely the challenges faced by the people of the state and has always accorded top priority to the development of the state. PM Modi has worked with attention to detail to address various longstanding issues of the state," it said.
As a result, Mr. Trumps silence on resignations created anxiety and a high level of confusion across the federal work force, officials said.

Theres been no memo sent to anybody, Christopher R. Hill, who was an ambassador to four countries under Presidents Bill Clinton, Bush and Barack Obama, said on Wednesday, before the White House order was issued. And so a number of ambassadors are saying, Hey, Ill just stay until Im informed otherwise.

Mr. Hill, who also served as an assistant secretary of state to Mr. Bush, predicted that the delay would not significantly undercut national security or foreign policy, or have widespread adverse effects, other than participating in sort of a scorched-earth political effort.

Another former ambassador, Eric Rubin, who was the chief envoy to Bulgaria under Mr. Obama and Mr. Trump, and is now the president of the union that represents career diplomats, noted that the world is watching the transition process  in part to see if the United States will return to an era of domestic politics ending at the waters edge. That has been a mantra of American foreign policy for much of the last 75 years.

Since the end of the Reagan administration at least, departing presidents have requested the resignations of political appointees, who account for about 4,000 of the federal governments 2.1 million employees. Their timely departure helps prevent a personnel bottleneck immediately after the inauguration that would occur if departing employees were still being processed just as new administration appointees were coming in.

Even during friendly transitions of power, it is fairly common for a new presidential administration to take several months or longer to appoint a majority of its senior advisers.

Most politically appointed ambassadors, for example, do not take up their foreign posts until early summer after the transition in January, depending on how quickly they can be confirmed by the Senate.

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Turkish Society is pleased to announce the ninth class of "Young Society Leaders," a group of 20 accomplished professionals with a demonstrated record of leadership ability and commitment to serve the U.S.-Turkish community at large.

"We are pleased to welcome our newest class of Young Society Leaders. Like those who came before them, they are a diverse group of young people who are becoming leaders in their respective fields and who will undoubtedly provide the future leadership of the Society and take a major role in shaping and improving Turkish American relations.We are proud to have all of them on board," said Lawrence M. Kaye, Co-Vice Chair of The American Turkish Society.

"Congratulations to the new class of Young Society Leaders. We're thrilled to have you with us in creating an extraordinary future for the next generation of leaders and driving change in matters important to the American-Turkish community at large. Young Society Leaders represent a diverse field of professions from business, law, science, academia to the arts. Each of us has the opportunity, the privilege, to make a difference in creating a world that brings together the best of American and Turkish societies and inspire our global community to act," said Ertem Osmanoglu, Chair of the Young Society Leaders and Member of the Board at The American Turkish Society.

The newest members of the Young Society Leaders program are:

Feride Tansug Acar- Founder of L'Appart PR Istanbul , Founder of FT Consultancy/ LifeisStyle.us Melis Aker - Writer, Actor, Musician Korhan Basaran - Artistic Director & Choreographer K. Suha Boylu - President at KSB Group Buke Cuhadar - Vice President of Global Operations at Global Entrepreneurship Network Kurt Davis Jr. - Senior Vice President at Houlihan Lokey Tugce Dursun - Managing Director at Barclays David R. Goldberg -Ph.D. - Chairman Emeritus, Lensdrop, Inc. and Engaging Eurasia Fellow, Harvard University Ferve Khan - Associate in the Bankruptcy & Restructuring Group at BakerHostetler LLP Ruya Koman - Actress & Filmmaker Jennifer Miel - Executive Director, Middle East , Turkey and Central Asia Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Executive Director, U.S.-Turkey Business Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Selman Nacar - Founder & Film Director at Kuyu Fim Sebnem Tugce Pala - Energy Policy and Grant Strategy Director at REEF Technology Binnaz Saktanber - Writer & Editor Kerem Siral - Founder at Aradolu Melisa Tapan - Founder of Gate 27 Capt. Seda Turhan - Co-founder at Domer Marine & Domer Trade Aydogan Yanilmaz - Voice Building Engineer at Apple Mahir Yavuz - Founder at Topos Derya Yenice Oflu - Co-Founder & Technical Manager at Domer Trade

The American Turkish Society's mission is to enhance business, economic, and cultural ties between Turkey and the United States. The Society convenes leaders in government, business, and civil society to discuss and advance U.S.-Turkish relations; fosters understanding and cooperation between the two countries through education, cultural exchange, philanthropy, and networking; informs the American public about Turkey's current affairs, economy, history, and society; presents and supports programs highlighting Turkish arts and culture; and nurtures the next generation of leaders through its Young Society Leaders program. Founded in 1949 by a group of visionaries, The American Turkish Society is the oldest American institution dedicated to building bridges between the United States and Turkey in order to achieve common goals of peace and prosperity. The American Turkish Society is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization, registered in New York State. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

SOURCE The American Turkish Society

Related Links

http://www.americanturkishsociety.org


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The first troll Dr. Shikha Jain encountered was angry about vaccines.

The person responded a few years ago to Jain's tweet about getting a flu vaccine with a message criticizing her appearance and telling the doctor she obviously didn't know anything about medicine.

Even before COVID-19, doctors faced harassment just for sharing health information. Now, in a pandemic where even evidence-based suggestions such as wearing masks and socially distancing have become political, doctors open their social media in a weary time only to find more anger.

"It's unfortunate that this has become such a commonplace issue," said Jain, an oncologist and assistant professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

Jain said she and her colleagues have been labeled socialists or liberals, and accused of profiting off the pandemic. "We're getting attacked, and it's getting put into the political sphere, where this really shouldn't be a political conversation," she said.

A new study co-authored by Jain and other doctors at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago revealed physicians are sexually harassed and personally attacked online on the basis of their religion, race or recommendations. About one quarter of doctors said they had been harassed online, according to the study released Monday in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal.

Data was collected before COVID-19, but the authors noted that the harassment has only intensified during the pandemic.

"It's more and more obvious that the type of rhetoric and attacks that were happening prepandemic seem to have ramped up in the very polarized and stressful time that we've been living in over the last year," Jain said.

She said she has received angry messages about vaccines, as well as sexually explicit direct messages. Too many to count, she deletes them and blocks users.

Anticipating the pandemic would make for a tough year online, Jain co-founded a COVID-19 advocacy group, the Illinois Medical Professionals Action Collaborative Team, in March. The group came to Jain's defense when a radio station criticized her for encouraging people to stay home.

This type of harassment is damaging for people already at a disadvantage, including women and people of color, historically left out of the upper echelons of the profession. Social media might become one more way that women are weeded out, Jain said, if they leave online platforms because of harassment.

Dr. Vineet Arora, assistant dean for scholarship and discovery at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, also co-authored the study. She emphasized that physicians use their own free time to offer public health informationoften at the request of institutions or officials urging doctors to help promote the safety of vaccinesand that the harassment adds more stress.

"You're trying to do the right thing," Arora said. "But we can't let people feel like they're alone."

In the study, which researchers said was to their knowledge the first to assess physician experiences with online harassment, 1 in 6 women reported they'd been sexually harassed. This echoes data that shows women and people of color are attacked more online. According to Pew Research Center data, Black and Hispanic people reported being targeted more than white people, and women were twice as likely as men to be targeted as a result of their gender.

In the physician study, doctors reported everything from death threats to trolls contacting employers and certifying boards with fake complaints.

Of the 464 participants who responded to the 2019 surveywhich asked two questions: Have you ever been personally targeted or attacked on social media? Have you ever been sexually harassed on social media?42% were men, and 58% were women or nonbinary.

Examples of personal attacks included a doctor who recounted that anti-vaccine people wrote negative reviews and sent a death threat. Another doctor said people called their place of employment, demanding the doctor be fired for political posts on Twitter.

One doctor received racial threats, including someone saying they should leave the country. Another doctor was sent images of Holocaust victims after posts related to being Jewish.

Women reported receiving sexually explicit messages, including pornographic images. Two described threats of assault, including a Black woman threatened with rape by white supremacists after her civil rights advocacy.

As people remain skeptical of the vaccineespecially in communities of color where distrust in the medical system runs deepreal risks exist if Black doctors do not want to engage online and emphasize safety, Arora said.

"If they're worried about speaking up because of social media attacks, that's going to be a problem where we all lose," she said.

Employers and professional societies should support doctors who experience harassment and seek ways to help, the authors wrote, especially as social media plays a role in networking, medical education and research.

A group formed before the pandemic, Shots Heard Round the World, helps health care providers who are being attacked by anti-vaxxers.

"Physicians (are) extending themselves to advocate online for public health issues, and they're receiving threats that go as extreme as death threats," Arora said.

Explore further One in four doctors attacked, harassed on social media

2021 Chicago Tribune.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A San Antonio area representative was "on the front lines" as President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, according to a fellow Texas congressman's account of the chaos.

Rep. Pat Fallon, a Republican in a district north of Dallas, told his Facebook followers that Capitol police entered the House chamber during a debate. The politicians were first told to stay in their seats, then an evacuation began.

The pro-Trump mob soon reached the doors of the chamber. Fallon, along with Rep. Tony Gonzales and other Texas Republicans, "augmented the Police and stood our ground." The group was "literally on the front lines," he recalled.

READ ALSO: Julian Castro calls Ted Cruz 'an embarrassment to the state of Texas'

"We will never be intimated by any mob, regardless of their motivations," Fallon wrote.

Fallon was elected in November. Gonzales won Texas' 23rd congressional district, which stretches from the San Antonio area to the outskirts of El Paso, on the same day.

According to Fallon, the group broke off furniture to make clubs, then helped the police barricade the doors. They stepped to the side after placing a large piece of furniture against the doors, then pieces of glass shattered. People yelled that shots had been fired.

"Those rounds, if thats what caused that broken glass would have struck us just seconds before," Fallon wrote.

The representative said that he did not yet know who was responsible for the chaos, but condemned the violence and reported the congressmen were safe at an undisclosed location.

After the incident, Gonzales tweeted that he "served our country because this does not happen here  it happens in war zones."

"America is resilient. We will overcome this divide. Violent protestors are NOT patriots," Gonzales wrote.
(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 33 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 29 are locally transmitted. Among the local cases, five have unknown sources of infection.

The patients include 15 males and 18 females aged between four and 87.

Eleven cases involve two workers and nine close contacts from the Tseung Kwan O - Lam Tin Tunnel construction site cluster.

The four imported cases involve one patient who arrived from Nepal and three from Pakistan.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.
A leading teachers union has called on all education staff to be prioritised for the coronavirus vaccination to help get children back into the classroom as quickly and safely as possible.

The NASUWT said it was in the national interest for teachers to be at the head of the queue to receive the vaccination.

Schools have entered another period of remote learning, with most pupils to receive home schooling until the half term break in February.

The Union said it is essential both to help protect teachers and their pupils but to allow the country to move to a situation where children are back in schools and colleges, minimising the disruption to their education.

The NASUWT has presented evidence showing that staff working in both secondary and primary schools are far more likely to be infected than the wider community, with rates of virus prevalence amongst school staff between three and four times higher than the prevalence rate for adults.

Read More

NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach said: Teachers and education staff are unable to practice social distancing from their pupils and few are provided with essential PPE as part of their day-to-day roles.

With provision for younger age children and for children with special and additional learning needs, it is clear that there are additional risks present which are comparable to those that exist in the provision of health and social care.

He said that while it is right that health and social care staff are prioritised, teachers must also be identified as a priority group for the vaccine.

Through the autumn term, we have seen a bad situation getting worse by the day, said Dr Roach.

Now, at the start of 2021, the position is as bad if not worse than it was in March.

The impact on this generation of children and young people should not be underestimated and, it is our view, that everything that can be done should be done to ensure the safe and sustainable resumption of school and college-based education for all pupils as quickly as possible.

We have seen too much disruption to childrens' education. Whilst teachers are doing everything that is being asked of them, they also deserve the same levels of protection in the face of this highly deadly and highly contagious virus.

Education Minister Peter Weir has already said he would support the call for teachers to receive vaccinations as quickly as possible.

The minister said he would support any measures that would allow teachers and school staff to receive Covid vaccinations early.

It would be helpful if that was made a priority, but the decision on who is vaccinated and when is made centrally between the four nations, its not a call I or Health Minister Robin Swann can make, he said.

I would be in favour of anything that lessens the anxiety staff in schools are feeling.

I am hopeful that the logistics on the ground will be speeded up to allow the vaccination process to be turbo-charged. Anything that makes those working in education feel safer and more confident would be welcomed.

Education staff are all key workers and there is no intention to alter that.

NASUWT National Official Northern Ireland, Justin McCamphill said staff who are still working face to face with pupils need to be protected, particularly those working in special schools.

It is in the interest of wider public health that all teachers and education staff are prioritised in the roll-out of the Coronavirus vaccines, he said.

It is particularly important for staff in special schools and all those working face-to-face with children and young people right now.

Getting schools open again as soon as possible, without further disruption, means not only that lessons need to be learned, but also that credible and sustainable solutions are implemented.

This means that tougher control measures will be needed to ensure workplace safety, together with priority roll out of the Coronavirus vaccines to all frontline education staff in order to minimise further disruption to childrens education.

Download the Belfast Telegraph App Get quick and easy access to the latest Northern Ireland news, sport, business and opinion with the Belfast Telegraph App.

Belfast Telegraph
The peaceful gathering was pulled together after organizers said they were shocked and dismayed with the days events as Congress was scheduled to certify the electoral victory of President-elect Joe Biden. The gathering was organized at the Peoples Corner, an area at the intersection of Deerfield and Waukegan roads that has been used for protests over the last several months.
With the new year comes another round of prescription drug price hikes, CBS News reported Tuesday.

The data come from 46brooklyn Research, a nonprofit company that aims to improve access to drug pricing information. AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, and other major pharmaceutical companies are raising their prices by a median of 4.6 percent, the nonprofit said. In all, more than 500 drugs will cost more this year.

GlaxoSmithKline raised the price on 34 of its drug brands on Jan. 1, company spokesperson Lyndsay Meyer told CBS News. "Compared to last year, we've taken fewer list price increases and we didn't raise the list price of 18 products across our portfolio," Meyer noted.

Pfizer told CBS News that its prices rose about 1 percent. "This modest increase is necessary to support investments that allow us to continue to discover new medicines and deliver those breakthroughs to the patients who need them," a company spokeswoman said.

Bristol Myers Squibb "responsibly balances pricing its medicines so high-risk innovation is rewarded while providing access and affordability support for its patients," the company said in a statement to CBS News. The company sells the lung cancer treatment Opdivo, which is expected to rise 2 percent in price, and the arthritis drug Orencia, which is looking at a 5 percent jump, CBS News said.

Other drugs expected to see price hikes include Zipsor (by 10 percent), Sabril (by 10 percent), Humira (by 7 percent), Kengreal (by 6 percent), Lyrica (by 5 percent), and Chantix (by 3 percent).

Explore further Price hikes for hundreds of medications

More information: CBS News Article

Copyright  2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Canadian regulators must still reopen the country's airspace to the 737 MAX following its worldwide grounding in 2019

Canadian airline WestJet said Wednesday it plans to return its passenger fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to the skies this month, nearly two years ago after their worldwide grounding following two crashes that killed 346 people.

"Our first MAX will be ready to return safely to service as of January 21," company president Ed Sims said in a statement.

The return to service, however, is conditional on regulators reopening Canadian airspace to the jetliner, a decision expected this month after Boeing addressed technical issues and improved pilot training on the MAX.

In December, the Canadian government announced that it had validated changes made to the design of the aircraft used by domestic carriers Air Canada, WestJet and Sunwing.

"While we don't have final confirmation on when (Transport Canada) will open Canadian airspace to the 737 MAX aircraft, in the interest of transparency we are sharing our intent to fly once this confirmation is received," Sims said.

The first Westjet MAX flightsto be operated three times per week between Calgary and Torontoare scheduled to take off on January 21.

The MAX crisis began with a 2018 crash of the jet in Indonesia, followed by another in March 2019 in Ethiopia, which killed a total of 346 people and saw the aircraft taken out of service across the globe.

Brazil was the first country to allow it to return to service, starting with a domestic flight in December by Brazilian budget carrier Gol, followed by American Airlines in the United States.

Explore further Boeing 737 MAX to return to US skies with American flight

 2021 AFP


MONROVIA, Md., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wanda L. Spence, great-niece of civil rights daughter Delilah W. Pierce, internationally renowned artist, curator, advocate, and diplomat, launches Nebulae Global Benefit Corporation to manage the development and launch of mobility devices that will bring equity and greater independence to individuals with physical disabilities.

Wanda put her creativity into action after a member of her church experienced a non-life-threatening fall. The experience left the church member with anxiety.

Nebulae Global Benefit Corporation

"I could tell the church member was embarrassed and upset with her independence being diminished. I immediately started thinking about how I could create a company to develop products to help maintain a sense of independence for individuals with physical disabilities," said Wanda.

Wanda then asked Stephen R. McDow II (son) to help. Stephen has spoken several times on how the cooperative business model could be used to innovate products that impact individuals with disabilities.

Stephen said, "Oftentimes, poor Whites and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are forgotten about if they live with a physical disability in society. They often feel isolated and become depressed, leading to a diminished quality of life. We cannot throw away the key and forget about the millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities."

Still motivated from speaking at the Cooperatives UK Retail Conference, Stephen connected Wanda (mother) with his mentor and friend, Roland Hall, senior partner at Autry, Hall, Cook, LLP in Georgia. Mr. Hall advised them to launch a benefit corporation and manage it following the cooperative principles. A benefit corporation will create jobs, empower entrepreneurs, and build strong eco-systems.

On Nov. 30, 2020, Nebulae Global Benefit Corporation was formed.

Wanda L. Spence, Founder & CEO, "We feel like it is our calling to help improve the human condition by investing in entrepreneurs and communities."

Nebulae Global has an initial goal of raising $2 to $5 million in capital to develop and launch its first product - a patented mobility medical device. The Spence Family has invested some initial startup capital; however, reaching the financial targets will increase opportunities for success.

"Stephen and I knew we needed an all-star team to accomplish our goals. We hired Chad Schneider, PE, MSE, who is the founder and president of Root3 Labs, an engineering and product development firm and recruited Dr. Ursela Worsham, from UC Irvine Medical School as a founding board member to name a few," Wanda said.

Mr. Schneider will serve as Nebulae's chief technologist and help lead the development of Nebulae Global's portfolio of mobility and disability products. Chad has over 20 years of engineering experience in the design of complex electromechanical prototypes and products for the medical device industry.

Dr. Ursula Worsham, Executive Director of Student Support Services for University of California Irvine School of Medicine will help Nebulae Global maintain its focus on helping people and communities first over profit.

Contact: Stephen R. McDow II, Executive Vice President, Strategy at [email protected].

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Wanda & Stephen

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SOURCE Nebulae Global Benefit Corporation
Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701)

Today

Showers with the chance of some thunder this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers with the chance of some thunder this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%.

Robert Mallett

Rabin Martin names Robert Mallett CEO effective immediately. Jeffrey L. Sturchio, Rabin Martins CEO since July 2014, will continue in an advisory role as chairman. Mallett joins the agency from Africare, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of lives of the people in Africa, where he was president and CEO. He was previously executive vice president & general counsel for the Public & Senior Markets Group at United Healthcare and a senior vp at Pfizer. During the Clinton administration, Mallett served as deputy secretary and acting secretary of the Department of Commerce. In his new post, he will guide Rabin Martins strategy and drive the companys progress toward improving health for underserved populations. Roberts strong business acumen, passion for operational excellence, and deep belief in the importance of talent, especially the critical role of diversity, equity and inclusion, will help him lead Rabin Martin to new successes, said John Doolittle, CEO of Omnicom Public Relations Group, which includes Rabin Martin.

Kate Thomas, Donald Ritchey and Alexx Weincek

Crosby Marketing Communications promotes Kate Thomas to digital design supervisor, Donald Ritchey to director of IT services, and Alexx Weincek to senior multimedia designer. Thomas has been with the agency for 15 years, and was previously a senior digital designer, creating digital campaigns for such clients as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Disabled American Veterans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Before coming to Crosby in 2018, Ritchey was an IT specialist at AT&T. He has also worked as a contractor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Weincek joined the agency in 2012, and creates digital and multimedia content for clients as well as supporting front-end design for web development projects.

Jacqui Faclier

Viral Nation hires Jacqui Faclier as executive VP, general manager. Faclier comes to Viral Nation from DDB Canada, where she was most recently managing director of the firms Toronto office. She previously worked for both Young & Rubicam and Wunderman. At Viral Nation, Faclier will be responsible for people and capabilities development, financial management and revenue growth. Viral Nation CEO Joe Gagliese said Facliers exceptional new business and client relations leadership will help the agency as it expands in Canada and the US.
Fayetteville, N.Y.  Village of Fayetteville Mayor Mark Olson has tested positive for Covid-19.

The village announced Wednesday that Olson tested positive on Sunday after beginning to feel ill last weekend. He and his family, who also tested positive, are quarantining at home.

Olson will continue to work from home, though Deputy Mayor Dan Kinsella is helping with some duties, according to the announcement.

Village board meetings, which have been via Zoom for the last month, will continue to be held remotely.

Olson is tired, but otherwise is doing OK and plans to return to normal duty after he is cleared from Covid-19 protocol next week, the announcement said.

In October, Olson had to quarantine for a possible Covid-19 exposure. He was potentially exposed to the coronavirus after Binghamton Mayor Richard David tested positive for Covid-19 the same day Olson, David, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and seven other New York mayors gathered in Syracuse for a news conference calling on federal lawmakers to provide financial relief for local governments.

Contact Jacob Pucci at jpucci@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @JacobPucci.
Business groups and leaders of large corporations condemned the violence on Capitol Hill that disrupted efforts to certify the election of President-elect Joe Biden on Wednesday.

Hours after supporters of President Donald Trump forced lawmakers from the floors of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Business Roundtable, a group of CEOs from some of the nations largest companies, called on the president and other officials to "put an end to the chaos and facilitate the peaceful transition of power."

"The chaos unfolding in the nation's capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election," the organization posted on Twitter.

The National Association of Manufacturers, one of the countrys largest lobbying groups, suggested that Vice President Mike Pence should consider invoking a provision of the 25th Amendment that allows members of the presidents Cabinet to temporarily remove him from power.

Anyone indulging conspiracy theories to raise campaign dollars is complicit, the association said. Vice President Pence, who was evacuated from the Capitol, should seriously consider working with the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to preserve democracy.

This is sedition, the group said of the actions of the mob, and said Trump had incited the violence.

The chief executive of the US Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Donohue, called the events an attack on democracy, and Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, said, "Today's riots are repugnant and fly in the face of the most basic tenets of our Constitution."

The research group High Frequency Economics suspended regular publication of its research notes for the first time since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

"We at High Frequency Economics are disgusted by the role of the president of the United States in inciting this riot, and we are saddened that he cannot find the character to stand up in front of the mob he has created, quell the violence and send everyone home," the group wrote to its clients. "Responsibility for this outrage rests securely on his shoulders."

Many business leaders spoke out individually, although many avoided calling out the president and other politicians by name. I strongly condemn the violence in our nations capital, Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

"Our elected leaders have a responsibility to call for an end to the violence, accept the results and, as our democracy has for hundreds of years, support the peaceful transition of power," he said.

The CEO of Wells Fargo, Charles Scharf, called on leaders to"come together to address the divisions in our society" and complete the "peaceful transition of power" to Biden. The CEO of Bank of America, Brian Moynihan, called the events "appalling," and Michael Corbat, CEO of Citigroup, said he was "disgusted."

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, Googles parent company, said the events were shocking and scary for all of us in an email to employees that was obtained by The New York Times.

"The lawlessness and violence occurring on Capitol Hill today is the antithesis of democracy and we strongly condemn it," Pichai said.

Tim Ryan, CEO of the accounting firm PwC, formerly known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, was addressing staff during a previously planned webcast as the Capitol was stormed, prompting him to tell employees what was happening.

Our Capitol building has been stormed by protesters that are resisting our democratic process and are threatening violence, Ryan said, according to the company. I think it is safe to say that this is a surreal day that will go down in our countrys history, and it is devastating to watch these events unfold right before our eyes.

Dan Schulman, president and CEO of PayPal, called the events shocking and disturbing. Arvind Krishna, IBMs chairman and CEO, called it "unprecedented lawlessness."

Labor unions also denounced the violence.

Mary Kay Henry, head of the Service Employees International Union, said the violence was about wielding the power of whiteness to threaten what we hold dear  the chance for families of every race to thrive.

Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, posting on Twitter, called the actions an "attempted coup."

"We are witnessing one of the greatest assaults on our democracy since the Civil War," he said.

By Emily Flitter, Gillian Friedman, Kellen Browning and David Gelles

c.2021 The New York Times Company

A New Jersey man is among the arrests made by police during Wednesdays storming of the U.S. Capitol building, an attack led by President Trump loyalists that left four dead, authorities said Thursday.

Leonard Guthrie, of Cape May, is charged with unlawful entry, the U.S. Capitol police said in a press statement Thursday. His age was not listed.

The Capitol police reported 10 arrests for unlawful entry, and four people charged with assaulting police, or firearms charges.

The riot, which interrupted the vote to accept the Electoral College results declaring Joe Biden as president elect, led to a woman being fatally shot, and three others dead from other incidents, police in Washington said.

Gov. Phil Murphys called the attack an act of domestic terrorism, and one-time Trump ally, former Gov. Chris Christie said the presidents response, as people invaded the building home to Congress, was wholly insufficient and said Trump was selfish and self-centered.

Capitol Police, who are charged with protecting Congress, turned to other law enforcement for help with the mob that overwhelmed the complex and sent lawmakers into hiding. Both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hour-slong occupation of the complex before it was cleared Wednesday evening.

Four people died, one of them a woman who was shot and killed by police inside the Capitol. Three other people died after suffering medical emergencies related to the breach, said Robert Contee, chief of the citys Metropolitan Police Department.

Police said 52 people were arrested as of Wednesday night, including 26 on the Capitol grounds. Fourteen police officers were injured, Contee said.

16 Violence outside the U.S. Capitol as Trump supporters storm chambers

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com.
Versiti Blood Center of Michigan is encouraging Michigan residents to make an appointment to donate life-saving blood in Michigan.

A blood drive will take place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9 at Sanford Community Drive at Our Lady of Grace (St. Agnes site), 2500 W. River Road.

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A High Court in Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday, disqualified the candidature of Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his running mate, Gani Audu, in the September 19, 2020, governorship election in the state.

Mr Ize-Iyamu was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.

The court, presided by Courage Ogbebor, held that the APC deputy governorship candidate was not qualified to contest the election as a result of discrepancies in the names in his documents that he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commissions Form EC9.

The case in Suit No B/358/2020 was brought against Mr Audu by the plaintiff, Sunday Kadiri, from Ogbona ward, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The plaintiff had asked the court to disqualify Mr Audu from participating in the election on account of having allegedly given false information to the electoral commission to aid his qualification for the election.

He also asked the court to annul the candidacy of Mr Ize-Iyamu as the APC candidate for governor on account of running with an unqualified candidate for deputy governor.

Reacting swiftly to the judgment, Mr Ize-Iyamu said the ruling was unfortunate and utterly wrong.

The APC governorship candidate, in a statement, said he had already instructed his lawyer to file an appeal against the judgment, expressing hope that the appellate court would dismiss the ruling.

Mr Ize-Iyamu said, I have already instructed my counsel to appeal against the judgement, as I am convinced that the Court of Appeal will dispassionately consider the facts presented before the court and arrive at a just decision under the law.

I urge all my teeming supporters to remain calm and law-abiding. Justice will surely prevail in this matter to the glory of our God.

In a related pre-election matter, a Federal High Court in Abuja of coordinate jurisdiction had in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/758/2020, filed by Action Democratic Party (ADP), dismissed the matter with no cost because the reliefs sought had been overtaken by events.

The court held that the election has been conducted, a winner had been declared by INEC and Mr Ize-Iyamu was not challenging the result of the election.
WASHINGTON  As the wreckage from a violent pro-Trump mob that breached the Capitol was being cleared from hallways, more than half of Californias Republicans in Congress voted to reject election results that cemented President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Seven California Republicans, including the partys House leader, voted to deny certification of election results from Arizona and Pennsylvania, states where Biden defeated President Trump in the November election. Only two sided with the majority of Congress and all Democrats in at least one of the votes to reject the challenges to the lawful results, and two more were not present because they have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The votes came late Wednesday night, after proceedings of the typically perfunctory Electoral College certification were interrupted by a mob of Trump supporters who swarmed the Capitol, broke into the House and Senate chambers, and ransacked offices. One woman among the crowd was fatally shot by Capitol Police defending the doors to the House. Explosive devices were defused, according to Capitol Police. Lawmakers were evacuated to safe holding rooms as the Capitol was slowly cleared, using gas masks after tear gas had been deployed in the marble halls.

Once Congress resumed, House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield delivered remarks decrying the violence and calling for the parties to come together. Then, he voted to reject results from Arizona and Pennsylvania.

He was joined by Republican Reps. Ken Calvert of Corona (Riverside County), Mike Garcia of Santa Clarita (Los Angeles County), Darrell Issa of Vista (San Diego County), Doug LaMalfa of Richvale (Butte County), Devin Nunes of Tulare and Jay Obernolte of Big Bear Lake (San Bernardino County). LaMalfa also signed the initial objection to Arizona.

Rep. Tom McClintock of Elk Grove (Sacramento County) voted to certify the results from Arizona and Pennsylvania. Rep. Young Kim of Fullerton voted for Pennsylvanias certification and did not vote on the Arizona resolution, but released a statement earlier this week saying she would reject such objections.

GOP Rep. Michelle Steel of Seal Beach (Orange County) and Republican Rep.-elect David Valadao of Hanford (Kings County) were not present for either vote, as both have tested positive for the coronavirus. Valadao is yet to be sworn in because he tested positive before Congress convened Sunday, but released a statement saying he would have joined the majority in certifying the results for Biden.

The challenge to the Arizona vote was rejected in the House 303-121 and in the Senate 93-6, and the Pennsylvania challenge was rejected 282-138 and 92-7, respectively. Congress completed the roll call of state results early Thursday and certified Biden as the winner.

The last-gasp attempt to subvert Novembers election results made use of rules that allow objections as each states Electoral College votes are certified. If both a member of the House and Senate object, it triggers a round of debate and then a vote of each chamber.

The effort was always doomed to fail, but Trump had urged his partys lawmakers to object regardless, to support his false claims about election fraud, which have been rejected by dozens of courts as baseless.

Republicans argued that the results were questionable either because of irregularities they did not provide credible evidence for, or because of the way states made changes to election procedures to ensure safety during the pandemic. Those concerns have already been heard by several courts and the changes and results have been upheld as legal.

LaMalfa said he was voting to allow time for more investigation of the claims.

I have no interest in overturning any election solely based on allegations, LaMalfa said in a statement. I do want the allegations to be investigated before Congress gives a final approval to the results. ... My vote today was to ensure that the investigation happened before inauguration day.

Garcia said he believed the states changes to election procedures were invalid. But he said in a statement Thursday it was also time to move on.

My objection to the electoral votes of two states was not in an attempt to overturn the results of the election, it was to fulfill my duty to protect the rights of the men and women of Californias 25th District, Garcia said. Let me be clear, the constitutionally mandated election process has run its course. Joe Biden is the next president of the United States and I congratulate both President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their win.

Although McClintock joined a request to the Supreme Court to throw out four states votes for Biden last month, which was summarily rejected, he said the Constitution was clear that it was not Congress right to overrule states election results.

No one has ever claimed that ours is a perfect system, McClintock wrote in an opinion piece this week. It is merely the best we have yet been able to design. And until we come up with something better, we owe it to our country, our Constitution and our posterity to stand by it and to respect its outcome, despite our wishes and suspicions.

Valadao took a stronger stand in a statement provided by his office, saying his colleagues efforts were harmful.

It is not the role of Congress to choose who the states certify, Valadao said. Choosing to ignore the facts for the sake of party power is damaging to the American peoples confidence in the Electoral College and sets an unwise precedent for future elections. Simply put, Congress does not have the power to pick the president  the American people do, through the Electoral College.

Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated how Rep. Young Kim voted on the resolutions. She did not vote on the Arizona objection.
The San Antonio Independent School District will welcome back students from the winter break next week, but wont move to the next phase of in-person learning because of the communitys high rate of COVID-19 cases.

Since the beginning of the fall semester, Superintendent Pedro Martinez and his principals have been asking parents to allow them to direct how many children return to campuses while complying with state rules that require districts to provide in-person learning for any family that chooses it.

With family cooperation, Martinez has been able to control the return of kids and only 30 percent of students were in classrooms before the break.

The district is seeking to stay at that 30 percent level or below when classes resume next week, Martinez said when he spoke to more than 1,000 employees during a virtual town hall Wednesday afternoon for staff.

Schools are re-opening amid a surge of new coronavirus cases, and teacher unions have called on districts to return to virtual learning. The positivity rate in Bexar County rose to 23.2 percent on Monday, nearing the record rate of 24.2 percent during the last surge, and hospitals are caring for more patients than at any other point in the pandemic.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios coronavirus positivity rate spikes to 23.2 percent as COVID-19 hospitalizations near summer peak

We are still going to be open next week, but we are going to hold off on any large phases and Im going to ask families to allow us to do that because the positivity rate is so high, Martinez said. The district held a town hall for families Wednesday evening.

Martinez also announced that COVID-19 testing will be available weekly to all SAISD schools, and the district will provide vaccines to staff who want them as early as next weekend.

SAISD nurses already received vaccines two weeks ago, said Toni Thompson, associate superintendent of human resources, and the district is working with healthcare industry partners to access vaccines for all staff as soon as possible.

The district will start providing vaccines to employees 65 and older and those with high-risk health conditions, which aligns with state and federal protocols. After those employees receive vaccines, the district will provide them for all other educators in the system, Thompson said.

Were hopeful that were going to be able to secure these vaccines so that we can systematically and strategically schedule them for all employees over the next several weeks through a common district site, Thompson said.

Some vaccines should be available in the district as soon as next weekend, she said. The district will have another town hall Tuesday with medical experts to answer employee questions about the vaccine. Employees will be able to volunteer for the vaccine, and the district will send a survey Thursday to gauge interest.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio adds record 2,152 new COVID-19 cases as region hits new high for hospitalizations

This will hopefully be so much more efficient than what some of you may have experienced in the last couple of weeks with long lines, and certainly were just excited that we would have access to the vaccine for our own employees, Thompson said. We sincerely hope that youll take advantage of this opportunity as it is one of the primary ways that we can mitigate risk and exposure.

District officials started contacting Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath about two months ago, urging them to prioritize school personnel in the vaccine roll out, Martinez said.

The district had been using local non-profit Community Labs to regularly test asymptomatic students and staff in some schools, but it hadnt been clear until recently that the partnership will continue through the end of the school year.

Julie Castro, 43, an instructional assistant at Sarah King Elementary, said she still wants SAISD to halt in-person instruction completely, even though the district is not allowed to do that under Texas Education Agency guidelines. Nonetheless, hearing the new plan for the spring was somewhat comforting, she said.

Its not exactly where we want to be, but at least were kind of going in the right direction, said Castro, a member of the San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel, the staff union at SAISD. At least were not pushing for more kids and at least were all getting the option of getting tested.

Theyre being more cautious, she said.

krista.torralva@express-news.net; Andy.Picon@hearst.com
Well, 2020 is over and 2021 is finally here. We faced many challenges in 2020, but we are moving forward into 2021 with high hopes for a better year. We would like to thank all of our essential workers for their continued efforts to keep our community safe. We also appreciate those who are the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This is a step in the right direction toward putting an end to this pandemic. In the meantime, the safety of our shoppers, tenants and employees is our priority. We are regularly disinfecting all surfaces, including the restrooms and dining areas. We also want to remind everyone that masks are required at all times in the mall, unless seated in the food court to eat.

We would like to welcome our new tenant, B. Davis Photography and Big Ds Auctions. They are owned and operated by Damian and Bernadette Davis. They are located in the Great Outdoors wing of the mall, across from Teddy Mountain. B. Davis Photography offers a variety of family photo packages with amazing backdrops. Visit her page on Facebook at facebook.com/BernieDavisPhotography to see some of her work, or to book an appointment. Big Ds Auctions offers a large assortment of new and used items. He has an auction coming up on Jan. 8, and to see some of the items available, visit his Facebook page at facebook.com/BigDsAuctions.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  Mississippi residents 75 and older are now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Mississippi health officials say they are looking to ramp up distribution as quickly and safely as possible as cases and virus-related deaths continue to reach peak levels in the state.

We know that people in this group are at the highest risk for severe illness, for hospitalization and also for death, and its very important that we offer it to those folks," said State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs at a Wednesday news briefing.

Mississippi reported a record 91 virus-related deaths in one day Tuesday  something Dobbs said is weighing heavily on officials' minds.

Starting Wednesday, those 75 and over can get vaccinated at 18 high-volume drive-through sites throughout the state, Dobbs said.

Appointments can be made for the drive-through clinics at https://covidvaccine.umc.edu. Patients are required to fill in their date of birth on the form, but verification will be on the honor system, Dobbs said. Those with additional questions can call the MSDH COVID-19 Hotline at 1-877-978-6453.

Dobbs said the drive-through sites are set to accommodate at least 300 patients this week, with another 6,000 slots available for patients next week.

We know that those appointments are filling up very quickly, Dobbs said.

Additionally, more than 170 private clinics and community health centers that wish to start vaccinating patients have requested doses from the state Department of Health.

Dobbs said 9,500 doses have already been sent out to private clinics and community health centers to vaccinate employees. Those facilities have been approved to begin using the leftover vaccine on qualifying patients. More vaccine will be on the way to those sites soon. The Department of Health will release the names of the private clinics that will be vaccinating patients in the coming days.

Republican Gov. Tate Reeves said Monday that he hoped to get vaccinations up and running for those over 75 by next week, but the Department of Health made it happen sooner. Reeves said he aims to make those over 65 eligible for vaccinations next.

So far, 43% of the 53,000 doses allocated to health systems have been used to vaccinate health care employees. Approximately 1.4% of the vaccine allocated for long-term care facilities  around 78,000 doses  has been administered. Walgreens and CVS Health are running that initiative through contracts with the federal government.

During a meeting of the Mississippi Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Wednesday, representatives from CVS and Walgreens said they are working quickly to add more staff to speed up the process, including looking to pharmacists out of state to help.

Executive Director of the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy Susan McCoy said there are plenty of pharmacists in Mississippi that would be willing to assist. She said she would put a call out to pharmacists to apply to join the program.

We need to get people immunized, and I don't think someone who's about to die of the virus cares where the person comes from," Chairman Sen. Hob Bryan said. Bryan said CVS and Walgreens officials should do anything in their power to fold more professionals from both Mississippi and-out of-state into the process.

Dobbs asked that residents remain patient during the vaccination rollout process.

I know folks are very anxious to have it done, but it needs to be done in an orderly way and an efficient way," he said.
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Effective January 1, 2021, homeowners in Los Angeles and Orange County that have equity in their primary residence of $600,000.00 or less can now seek relief from their debts through a federal bankruptcy proceeding and still be able to keep their residence.

Many Californians are facing mounting bills and unemployment (or reduced employment) due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Prior to 2021, these same Californians, who owned their residence were limited by how much equity they could have in their residence and still be able to keep the home in a federal bankruptcy proceeding. This limitation kept many people from seeking relief from their mounting debt.

Now with this new legislation, Californians should consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney to determine whether a federal bankruptcy proceeding is available to them in order to obtain relief from their debts.

Larry D. Simons of the Law Offices of Larry D. Simons, is board certified in bankruptcy law and has been continuously since 2004. He has been in practice for over twenty five years. Mr. Simons has been named a Super Lawyer in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2021 for his work in bankruptcy, an honor bestowed upon for less than 5% of the attorneys who practice in California.

Mr. Simons invites the public to contact his office and speak to himself or his other attorney Frank Ruggier, who is also board certified, to find out if a federal bankruptcy proceeding can provide relief from their debt.

Mr. Simons can be reached via email at larry@lsimonslaw.com and Mr. Ruggier can be reached at frank@lsimonslaw.com. Both are available by phone at (818) 672-1778.

About Law Offices of Larry D. Simons: A full service law firm with offices in Mission Hills and Riverside, California, representing individuals and businesses before the United States Bankruptcy Court.
PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SurveySparrow, an experienced management solution, focused to help brands and professionals deliver better customer & employee experiences announces growth of 329% revenue increase, year-over-year. The company has undergone a major customer base expansion & have managed to acquire 50,000+ customers that include industry giants like Grant Thorton, Honda, Exin, Godrej, and more, in under 3 years after its inception.

"To see the changes that SurveySparrow has driven in the Survey market, & the growth from being the world's first chat survey to an end-to-end conversational experience platform is truly overwhelming. I want to extend my gratitude towards our supportive customers, incredible team & our investors for believing in the potential of SurveySparrow. This wouldn't have been possible otherwise," said Shihab Muhammad, CEO & founder, SurveySparrow.

Trending as the Moment leader in G2 grid, & recognized under G2's Fastest Growing Products 2020, this announcement comes on the heels of SurveySparrow winning the coveted Top 100 Red Herring North America.

As the world is still trying to recover from a global pandemic, the rapid growth of SurveySparrow, is a positive sign that the businesses are reinventing themselves to work for the long term, and are succeeding. SurveySparrow's remote-friendly solutions helped their customers to stay connected with their customers & employees, & attracted more businesses to choose SurveySparrow.

"SurveySparrow, for us, has been a flexible but robust listening tool with powerful scaling capabilities, when needed. They understood our needs, curated a custom solution, & helped us go live in just 15 days, & that's impressive," said Isha Goyal, Head - C&B, GodrejCP.

The young platform had been in the limelight earlier launch of two in-built solutions - NPS & 360 assessments. This when combined with customer success programs focused on solution selling, helped SurveySparrow to achieve steady growth.

"Last six months, working with multiple states & clients across the USA, we've screened 70K+ applicants using SurveySparrow to help fight COVID-19 with contact tracing initiatives. I want to take a moment to recognize how SurveySparrow has been an awesome partner in our journey so far," said Saurabh Gupta, CTO, GattiHr.

Rated 4.5 & up in G2, Gartner & other SaaS review platforms, SurveySparrow reported a huge rise in organic growth even amidst COVID & bagged an impressive 329% growth. Being an experience platform that advocates for refined experiences, they're said to have some huge releases for the year 2021.

About SurveySparrow

SurveySparrow is a leading experience management platform on a mission to help brands refine experiences at every touchpoint. SurveySparrow's platform bundles tools such as NPS, 360-degree assessments, Offline, Chat, & Classic Surveys which are mobile-first, highly engaging, and user-friendly. SurveySparrow's platform empowers 50,000+ customers across 149 countries including Warner bros, Grant Thornton, Deloitte, Siemens, Godrej & many more.

For more information, please visit www.surveysparrow.com

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WASHINGTON  Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined a growing chorus of Democrats, including U.S. Reps. Paul Tonko and Antonio Delgado, calling for the immediate removal of President Donald J. Trump from office after his supporters invaded the U.S. Capitol, encouraged by the president himself.

Schumer and Pelosi called Vice President Mike Pence Thursday morning and asked him to use the 25th amendment of the U.S. Constitution to end Trump's presidency, the Democrats said Thursday night. They said they have not yet heard back from Pence.

"This president should not hold office one day longer," Schumer, D-N.Y., said Thursday. The quickest and most effective way  it can be done today  to remove this president from office would be for the vice president to immediately invoke the 25th amendment. If the vice president and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president.

Pelosi, D-Calif,, said Thursday the overwhelming sentiment in her chamber was that the House should impeach Trump again if his cabinet does not remove him.

Trump only has two weeks left in his term, before President-elect Joe Biden is scheduled to be inaugurated on Jan. 20. It would be difficult for Congress to complete an impeachment proceeding in the House and trial in the Senate in that time frame.

Use of the the 25th amendment of the U.S. Constitution is at the discretion of Pence and Trumps cabinet; the amendment would allow them to remove him from office if they decide he is unable to complete his duties. Pence would complete Trump's term.

On Wednesday, Trump rallied supporters at the National Mall and encouraged them to march on the Capitol to show their displeasure with the election. Later, he continued false claims that the election was stolen from him and called Pence a traitor for refusing to stop the election certification.

On Thursday morning, Trump acknowledged he lost the Nov. 3 election for the first time and said he would give Biden an orderly transition of power. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany also condemned the violence of the rioters, which she said was antithetical to their administration's values.

Former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., said in a Times Union interview Thursday Trumps actions fueled the mob who attacked the Capitol, but removing him from office in the last two weeks of his term would only turn up the heat on a polarized, divided nation.

I was irate at what I saw. That just cannot happen again, Lott said. Trump has to take the blame ... I just cant believe it.

But Lott, who presided over the impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton, said impeachments were always harmful and counter-productive. He thought Pence invoking the 25th was a terrible idea, too.

Weve got a chance to turn the page here, lets do it, he said. It just would be more misery and more angst and more everything. Were dealing with enough of that right now.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand also called for any method to be used to remove Trump, whether the 25th Amendment, impeachment or "criminal prosecution."

"These options will require the vice president, cabinet members, and Republican members of the Senate to hold the president accountable in a way they never have before. If they fail to do so, history will rightfully judge them as complicit," she said.

Seventeen Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee wrote to Pence Wednesday urging him to invoke the 25th and begin the process of removing him from office.

Other House Democrats have already said they are drawing up new articles of impeachment. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker also backed impeachment on Wednesday.

Delgado, D-Rhinebeck, who was one of the last Democrats to announce he would vote in favor of articles of impeachment in 2019, said Thursday he supported removing the president through his cabinet or "this Congress" with a "heavy heart."

"President Trump gave a speech to his supporters in front of the White House, where he not only spewed baseless claims of election fraud, but also proclaimed to those listening, youll never take back our country with weakness, you have to show strength and you have to be strong." Delgado said.

"For the safety of our people, Republic, our laws and our Constitution, Congress must adopt articles of impeachment and remove Donald Trump from office immediately," Tonko said.

Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott said Wednesday Trump should resign or be removed from office by Congress or his cabinet.

Former Republican Rep. John Faso, who represented the 19th District from 2016 to 2018, said: "If he had one shred of respect for his office and the Constitution he should resign. He incited that mob and that would be grounds of removal from office but (it's) unlikely in the time remaining."
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A recent research report added by Decisiondatabases on the Fluorescent Magnetic Particles Flaw Detector Market provides a comprehensive view of this business sector by giving a detailed description of the global market shares, regional & country-level market size, growth, trends, and forecast analysis. This report also focuses on value chain optimization, recent developments, opportunities analysis, and industrial sector expansion.

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According to this study, over the next five years, the Fluorescent Magnetic Particles Flaw Detector market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Fluorescent Magnetic Particles Flaw Detector business, shared in Chapter 3.

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Callington Haven

Baugh & Weedon

MAGNAFLUX

Nihon Denji Sokki

Johnson and Allen

Karl Deutsch

Promprilad

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Sheyang Hongliang

Parker Research

Gould-Bass

Kugler GmbH

SREM Technologies

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This study considers the Fluorescent Magnetic Particles Flaw Detector value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Magnetic Yokes

Magnetic Benches

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Oil & Gas

Automotive

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Industrial Equipment

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Focuses on the key global Fluorescent Magnetic Particles Flaw Detector manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Fluorescent Magnetic Particles Flaw Detector with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

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To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

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DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

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CHICAGO, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Electronic Warfare Market by Capability (Support, Attack, Protection), Platform (Airborne, Naval, Ground, Space), Product (EW Equipment, EW Operational Support), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Electronic Warfare Market size is projected to grow from USD 17.0 billion in 2020 to USD 20.9 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2020 to 2025. Significant technological advancements and integration of electronics in military equipment are resulting in a shift towards multilayered defense systems, which is expected to drive the electronic warfare market during the forecast period. Adding to these factors, the increase in the use of UAV systems and the need for ground surveillance and communication jamming serve as opportunities for the electronic warfare market.

Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=1301

Electronic warfare is now among the crucial requirements of the defense and intelligence agencies across countries. Hence, military and intelligence agencies are the key end-users, showcasing greater demand for electronic warfare equipment. Some industry experts have noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has not affected the demand for electronic warfare, especially for military end use. Companies such as Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel), and L3Harris Technologies (US) received contracts for the supply of electronic warfare to the armed forces of various nations in the first half of 2020, showcasing continuous demand during the COVID-19 crisis.

However, due to the precautionary measures undertaken by government agencies to minimize the spread of COVID-19, many manufacturing facilities have been temporarily closed, which has resulted in delays in order deliveries. This trend seems to vary with countries in 2020. While countries in Europe show steady growth in demand for electronic warfare; a more significant increase in demand is observed in North America. Below are some important developments that showcase the increase in demand for electronic warfare in the defense sector during the COVID-19 crisis in the North American region.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has moderately impacted the electronic warfare market on the supply side. This impact is due to the delays in order deliveries, owing to large-scale disruptions in the supply chain in affected countries. Some companies across non-hotspot countries have resumed partial operations in line with government safety guidelines. Their production is slow, the primary reason being the shortage of labor as well as inadequate supply of components from other suppliers and subsidiaries. However, in terms of demand, the impact on the market is expected to remain moderate since funds for deliveries were already allocated prior to the pandemic.

Increasing procurement of electronic warfare systems due to growing transnational and regional instability

The increasing frequency of bilateral militarized conflicts among countries is progressing at a rapid pace, which has led to the growing need for defense forces of countries to strengthen their security measures. New weapons and combat systems are being developed to cater to warfare needs. The advent of digital battlefields has propelled the incorporation of electronic warfare technology in all defense systems used during combat missions. These systems have resulted in a change in the procurement priorities of nations to keep pace with emerging warfare needs.

Based on capability, the support segment of the electronic warfare market is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period

In terms of capability, the market is segregated into electronic warfare support, protection, and attack. The electronic support segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR) has improved the situational awareness capabilities of militaries and subsequently enhanced their decision-making process. The increased focus on situational awareness capabilities from defence sector is expected to support the growth of electronic warfare support segment in the upcoming years.

Electronic warfare equipment sub segment of the electronic warfare market by product is projected to witness the highest CAGR owing to increasing focus on defence equipment upgradation across the globe

Based on product, the electronic warfare market has been segmented into electronic warfare equipment and electronic warfare operational support. The electronic warfare equipment segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR owing to the increasing procurement of electronic warfare equipment for the ugaradation of various platforms such as naval vessel, land vehicle and aircraft due to benefits such as advance electronic protection,electronic attack and electronic support applications.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Electronic Warfare Market"

273 - Tables

82 - Figures

340 - Pages

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The North America market is projected to contribute the largest share from 2020 to 2025 in the electronic warfare market

The US and Canada are key countries considered for market analysis in the North American region. This region is expected to lead the market from 2020 to 2025, owing to increased investments in electronic warfare technologies by countries in this region. Defense forces of countries in the North American region are involved in the development of technologically advanced EW systems. Well-established and prominent manufacturers of electronic warfare systems in this region include Lockheed Martin (US), Northrop Grumman (US), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), and Raytheon (US).

The North America US is recognized as one of the key manufacturers, exporters, and users of EW systems worldwide and is known to have the strongest EW capabilities. Key manufacturers of EW systems in the US include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., and Raytheon. The new defense strategy of the US indicates an increase in EW spending to include advanced capabilities in existing defense systems of the US Army to counter incoming threats.

The Electronic Warfare market is dominated by a few globally established players such as as BAE Systems Plc. (UK), Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Thales Group (US), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), and SAAB AB (Sweden), among others.

Related Reports:

Aircraft Survivability Equipment Market by Platform (Combat aircraft, Combat helicopter, Special mission aircraft, UAV), Subsystem (Electronic Support, Electronic Attack, Non-combat systems), Fit (Line fit, Forward Fit) and Region - Global Forecast to 2022

Network Centric Warfare (NCW) Market by Platform (Land, Air, Naval, Unmanned), Application (ISR, Communication, Computer, Cyber, Combat, Control & Command), Mission Type, Communication Network, Architecture, and Region - Global Forecast to 2021

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People still need to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and others safe, she said. Im really concerned about this new strain (of the virus) which is proving to be more contagious, and its impact on our medical system and the health of our residents.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 05:40:33|Editor: huaxia

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LIMA, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Peru extended the ban on flights to and from Europe for another 15 days on Wednesday to prevent the variant of the novel coronavirus from reaching the country.

The new decision was published on the Ministry of Transport and Communications website.

The original suspension was announced on Dec. 21 by Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti as part of measures to keep out the variant, which has yet to arrive in the South American country.

Although flights to some Latin American countries and the United States continue, Peru requires all travelers to show a negative COVID-19 test result administered within the last 72 hours prior to entering the country.

In addition, as of Jan. 4, international travelers, Peruvians and foreigners alike, must remain in mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Despite the fact that Peru has seen a slight increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in several regions, including the capital Lima, authorities have ruled out a second wave, but do acknowledge a new outbreak.

As of Tuesday, Peru had a total of 1,022,018 cases and 37,925 deaths. Enditem
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Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment has advised residents to stay indoors as air pollution worsened on January 6.

Air pollution in Hanoi worsened on January 6. Illustrative image.

According to the results from 35 air quality monitoring stations in Hanoi, the Environment Protection Department announced that the air quality has improved slightly from the previous day but was still highly alarming.

The results from 16 stations were very bad, and the rest were bad. Some of the most polluted locations are Pham Van Dong, Hang Dau, Minh Khai, and Thanh Cong streets.



The results on the websites of the Northern Centre for Environmental Monitoring showed that air pollution in adjacent cities and provinces was also bad.



One of the causes of pollution is dust is trapped near the ground when the air cannot rise. Moreover, too many vehicles on the streets have worsened the situation.



The Department of Natural Resources and Environment has asked residents to reduce outdoor exercises and stay indoors. Everyone should wear face masks that can prevent fine particles when going out. It's better to use public transport or cars. Dtinews
SAGINAW, MI  A Saginaw mother is charged in connection with a daytime eruption of gunfire along a Saginaw street.

Saginaw County District Judge Elian E.H. Fichtner on Thursday, Jan. 7, arraigned Kaylen D. Oehring, 52, on single counts of assault with intent to murder and felony firearm.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred about 1:18 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5, and began at Babel Food Market, 2321 Webber St. on Saginaws East Side, police said. Oehring and an adult man visited the store, the latter of whom got into a disagreement with another male customer, said Saginaw Police Sgt. Matthew Gerow.

A 30-year-old man also entered the store and intervened in the dispute, Gerow said. Shortly thereafter, Oehring and the man with her drove away from the store and followed the other customer who had intervened in the earlier dispute, according to police.

Near Webber and Sheridan, the man in the vehicle with Oehring fired a several shots from a handgun at the other customers vehicle, Gerow said. The driver of that vehicle took off and collided with another vehicle, Gerow said.

The man who was shot at was not struck by the bullets, though his vehicle was, the sergeant said.

The assailants fled the scene before police arrived. Police later arrested Oehring though the alleged shooter remains at large. Authorities on Wednesday issued a seven-count warrant against that person.

Appearing at Oehrings arraignment, defense attorney Lauren Dye said she has no criminal history.

She indicated to me that the codefendant is her 29-year-old son, Dye said. It sounds to me like there was a physical altercation between the alleged victim in this matter and her son. They do not know each other. It sounds like a random incident. She had no weapons on her person during this incident. I dont know what her participation was, but she indicated to me it was very limited and she was not a primary participant.

Judge Fichtner said she was concerned with assaultive nature of the allegations. She set Oehrings bond at $15,000 cash-surety. If she posts it, she is to be monitored on a tether, Fichtner ordered.

Oehring is to appear for a preexamination conference on Jan. 15.

Saginaw had 103 shootings in 2020, an increase of 158 percent from 2019s 40 shootings. The city also had 26 homicides in 2020, compared to nine in 2019.

Read more:

Dispute at Saginaw store leads to gunfire, woman arrested

Saginaw man found shot to death is citys 26th homicide of 2020

Saginaw officials say put down the guns and come together after city sees increase in violence
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  President Gerald R. Ford, whose statue at the U.S. Capitol was desecrated Wednesday when supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building, would be heartbroken by the violence that unfolded, said a local historian.

He loved Capitol Hill. He thought that the founders arrangements, set up in the constitution, to deal with conflict were among the best ever devised by human beings, said Gleaves Whitney, the former head of Grand Valley State Universitys Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies.

He would be heartbroken that people chose violence and possibly insurrection to overturn the values he held dear and the institution he spent many decades working in.

Whitney said he was horrified and disgusted when he saw a photo circulating online of a Trump supporter who climbed onto Fords statue and placed a Make America Great Again (MAGA) hat on its head and a Trump 2020 flag through the arm.

I was horrified and disgusted by the image of a hooligan in Statuary Hall with the audacity to place a flag in President Fords hands that would not represent President Fords values or views, he said.

Whitney now serves as executive director Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. But he emphasized that he was making his remarks in his capacity as a private citizen and that they do not reflect the official stance of the foundation.

Following a Trump rally and protests at or near the Capitol and White House, demonstrators, some armed, pushed through police barricades, broke windows, assaulted police and breached the Capitol while the Legislature held a session for the purpose of certifying the election of Joe Biden.

At least six Michigan residents were among the 70 people arrested by Washington D.C. Metropolitan and U.S. Capitol police during the incident.

President Ford would have made a forceful statement, were he alive today, to condemn any action in the Trump administration that would incite a mob to violence and insurrection, Whitney said.

Whitney also provided a statement from Mike Ford, President Fords oldest son.

One president had the courage to lose an election to save our country, and another president would be willing to destroy our country because he lost the election, Ford said. Where is the integrity, humility, and self-sacrifice that are needed to lead and heal our divided nation.

Whitney also emphasized that Ford, who serves as chair of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, was speaking on his own behalf and not on behalf of the foundation.

Ford represented Grand Rapids in Congress for 13-terms before he was appointed Vice President by Richard Nixon following the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew. He became the 38th president when Nixon resigned in August 1974.

Ford died on Dec. 26, 2006, at the age of 93 at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. The causes of death listed on the subsequent death certificate were arteriosclerotic cerebrovascular disease and cardiac arrest.

Paul Murphy, a professor of history at Grand Valley State University, said Ford believed in the rule of law, and placing the Trump flag and hat on the head of Fords statue is completely a misunderstanding of what this guy stood for.

You cant imagine someone like him who spent his life in that institution, and was devoted to it in a lot of ways, counting on seeing anything like what happened yesterday, he said.

I think his values and beliefs would have been completely opposite to what those folks were trying to do in the Capitol yesterday.

U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, said those who desecrated Fords statue demonstrated an appalling ignorance of this legacy.

President Fords legacy is the political courage he demonstrated in helping our nation heal after Watergate, Meijer said in a statement.

The domestic terrorists who ransacked the Capitol and desecrated President Fords statue in the Rotunda demonstrated an appalling ignorance of this legacy and the Constitution we swore an oath to support and defend. As the inscription on this statues base reads, Our constitution works: our great republic is a government of laws and not of men.

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If the Rev. Albert Mohler could rewind history, he says he would have had a different judgment on President Donald Trump.

But the well-known evangelical figure does not feel remorse about his decision to support the presidents re-election and advocate that others do the same.

I stand by the comments that I've made at every point, Mohler said on Wednesday evening. If I could rewind history and know then what I know now, wed be talking about a different kind of judgment. But we have to live life in a temporal line and seek to be faithful in those moments.

Mohler is the longtime president of the Southern Baptist Conventions flagship seminary in Louisville, Ky., and is a contender to lead the SBC when the faith group elects a new president in June.

The evangelical leader has forcefully condemned Trump over the last half-decade, characterizing him as a sexual predator at one point and, after Trump clinched the Republican Party nomination in 2016, Tweeting simply: Never. Ever. Period.

His decision late last year to support Trumps re-election set off a firestorm as the SBC, the second-nations largest faith group, continued to grapple with race issues and, before that, its longstanding relationship with conservative politicians.

Since then, Mohler has spoken out against Trump several times, namely as the outgoing president continued his false claims of widespread voter fraud.

He spoke to the Chronicle on Wednesday evening about the violence and chaos that broke out in the nations Capitol earlier in the day.

Here is a transcript of that conversation, edited for clarity:

Chronicle: As you reflect on the events of the day to this point, what are your thoughts?

Mohler: Well, my first thought is that we've seen the unfolding of an American tragedy and scandal. This is a sight I never thought Americans would see: The necessity of the National Guard called out basically to protect the United States Capitol and the work of Congress in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility.

There were people erecting crucifixes, waving Jesus 2020 banners. How does that make you feel?

Well, it just adds to the scandal to have God dragged into this equation as if there's divine sanction for this kind of unconscionable activity.

But we must not be naive. Attempts to co-opt Christianity for political purposes go back to the Roman Empire. So there's no shock in that pattern. But there is absolute shock in the extent to which it was on full display in Washington.

RNS

What role do you think you and other evangelical leaders have had in that?

I fully expect the question, but I've tried to be extremely clear from the beginning of the Trump phenomenon in terms of my judgment. And I stand by the comments that I've made at every point. If I could rewind history, and know then what I know now, wed be talking about a different kind of judgment.

But we have to live life in a temporal line and seek to be faithful in those moments. And for most evangelical Christians, voting for Donald Trump was seen as a necessity in a binary system.

Now, there have been some who have just openly celebrated Trump. But I think there will be a great deal of embarrassment for that now.

You mentioned if you had hindsight, your judgment would be different. Can you elaborate at all on what that judgment would be?

Not really, because we really don't have the ability to go back and know then what we know now. And we're still left with this horrifying binary in a polarized America. Today I could not vote for Joe Biden any more than I could not vote for him on November the third.

But what we have seen is the is the true character of Donald Trump come out in a way that I do find not -- that I don't accept was merely inevitable.

He bears full responsibility for his actions and his words. And he bears full responsibility for encouraging what amounted to an attempted insurrection against the United States government.

There are people who would hear that and say, We're talking about what you would or wouldn't have done with hindsight, but it's not as if there were not people, including within that SBC and other evangelical circles, who were saying, This is who Donald Trump was. I think you would agree they were proven at least a little bit right today. Do you feel like you should have listened to them more? What lessons do you take from that?

I'm not going to enter into the naivete that acts as if we did not have a binary choice. And we're all responsible for the choices we make.

I don't believe that there is any inevitability to Donald Trump's actions, for which he is responsible, over the last several weeks. I did not believe that he was going to go quietly into any potential defeat. But what we have seen is something beyond what, frankly, I would have imagined in an American nightmare.

I understand your position on Trump and and I understand it's a nuanced one, and one that has evolved over time. But there are also people who are not reading daily religion news, who are not following this stuff, listening to (Mohlers podcast, The Briefing) every day and hearing those points. They do not see the nuance of your opinion; they just see an endorsement of someone of your stature in the evangelical world, of Trump. Do you consider that when you're making these endorsements?

Well, again, I did not choose Donald Trump as the nominee of the Republican Party. I did not choose a binary in which I have to choose between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, or Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

So there's no way to enter into this as if there is some realistic alternative. And so the Never Trumpers can feel quite self-satisfied. But the reality is that I don't believe their position was any more tenable.

Can you elaborate on that a little bit  what you mean by any more tenable?

I think, given what was at stake in the 2020 election in the positions of the Democratic Party, and its nominee, and the positions of the Republican Party and its nominee, there just was no legitimate way out of that binary dilemma.

And we can't go back and re-litigate November the third, but I voted in conscience on November the third.

And I understand you say there are people who aren't going to track nuances, but I have to live with making an unfolding, consistent argument every single day, and I've done my best my entire adult life to set out what is a principled Christian and conservative position. And I'll continue to do that.

If people are going to assume that everyone who voted for Trump was celebrating Trump's character and personality, then there's nowhere to go from here.

I understand your point on it being a binary choice, but I don't necessarily agree with that. Because you didn't have to endorse anyone. You had been on the record in the years previously, very forcefully condemning Trump as a candidate, and as a president. Why did you feel compelled to wade into this knowing  you had to know what was at stake 

Robert, Im willing to answer that question, but I'll only answer it honestly: Given the role I play I, in the midst of an election, am asked basically every single day, How are you going to vote? There's actually no way to avoid answering that question if you live in my shoes, because even not answering the question is a way of answering it.

I made clear back in April of this year what people close to me had known for a long time. People listening to The Briefing certainly weren't surprised that, weighing issues in the balance, I said I would vote for Donald Trump.

I understand your use of the word endorsement, but I didn't use that because that's a different step. But I clearly indicated that I was going to vote for Trump, gave the reasons why and I encouraged others to do the same.

And you know, in 2016, I did not vote for Trump. I also didn't think that Trump would be elected president. I feel like I'm in pretty good company in that.

But he was elected president. And once he became president, I said aloud, I'm going to do as much as I can to try to help his administration o get to the right policies, and I would support the administration when it got to those right policies and would oppose it when it did not

And there were very important and very clear policy gains during the Trump administration. I had hoped the same pattern would continue for another four years.

This is shifting gears a little bit. I'm seeing a lot of people who watched what happened today and saw a lot of white faces, acting violently who were not treated the same way as, say, Black Lives Matter protesters were over the summer there 

Insurrectionists should be treated as insurrectionists, regardless of the context, and regardless of which side of the political equation they are on.

Sure. I agree. Nothing about today, I would assume, has changed your view on Critical Race Theory (which holds that law and legal institutions have upheld and been sources of racism and white supremacy).

But seeing some of the events today  did it any way change how you're thinking about race and inequality in America more generally?

You dont need (Critical Race Theory) to understand just how sinful and wrong and horrifying racism is. You don't need CRT to tell you that that was a grotesque display of human sinfulness. And that it was indeed racism in its most basic form. And so there is no hesitation to condemn racism as racism.

But we don't need CRT in order to understand a Biblical doctrine of sin.

You said earlier, I can't remember exactly how you phrased it  but you still wouldn't have voted for Joe Biden today. Would you have voted for Donald Trump?

What I said was that I voted in clear conscience on November the third. We don't have an election today. So I'm just not going to enter into hypotheticals.

But I did not vote on November the third believing and expecting that what would happen today would happen. I am genuinely shocked and horrified by the developments that have unfolded today.

But is there any remorse in that?

How can you have remorse for doing what you believe was right on November the third? I mean, that's not even historically viable.

Maybe remorse isn't the right word.

My regret is in discovering that Donald Trump has acted in this way, and has sought to openly encourage the subversion of the Constitution he swore to uphold.

robert.downen@chron.com
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, is telling a fellow Texas lawmaker to resign from office immediately over the riots at the U.S. Capitol sparked by Trump supporters protesting the election results.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz should resign from the United States Senate immediately, Castro tweeted Wednesday.

His brother, former Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro, agreed: @tedcruz should resign from the United States Senate immediately.

Another former presidential candidate and Texas politician, Beto ORouke, blamed Cruzs self serving attempt at sedition that has helped to inspire these terrorists and their attempted coup.

Cruz led a group of Republican senators to object to electors from battleground states won by President-elect Joe Biden, repeating President Donald Trumps baseless claims of voter fraud. As lawmakers from the House and Senate separated for two hours of debate, a group of protesters stormed the Capitol and entered the Senate floor, wearing Make America Great Again hats and waving Confederate flags.

At least one woman was shot inside the US Capitol building, an explosive device was found on the Capitol grounds, and at least five others were hospitalized.. MSNBC reports the woman died, according to several law enforcement officials.

The New York Times reports other lawmakers blamed Cruz and others objecting to the election results for the violence.

This is what youve gotten, guys, U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, yelled in the Senate chamber.

37 Violence at the U.S. Capitol as Trump supporters storm chambers

Another Congress member, Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri, called for Cruz and Sen. Josh Hawley, as well as potentially others who supported challenging the Electoral College votes, to be expelled from office.

I believe the Republican members of Congress who have incited this domestic terror attack through their attempts to overturn the election must face consequences. They have broken their sacred Oath of Office. I will be introducing a resolution calling for their expulsion, Bush tweeted.

Ill co-sponsor this, New York Rep. Mondaire Jones responded to Bush. Several of my colleagues have violated their oath of office and must be expelled for todays ongoing violence and insurrection.

Cruz refused to take blame and condemned violence and division in a series of tweets.

Violence is always unacceptable. Even when passions run high. Anyone engaged in violenceespecially against law enforcementshould be fully prosecuted, Cruz wrote. God bless the Capitol Police and the honorable men & women of law enforcement who show great courage keeping all of us safe.

Stop stoking division. Stop spreading hatred. Stop using malicious rhetoric (such as false & reckless charges of sedition), he tweeted to ORourke. Stop showing contempt for the half of the country that disagrees with you. Violence is wrong. We can do better. We are one Nation. #EPluribusUnum

.@tedcruz should resign from the United States Senate immediately. https://t.co/O1D5K6Gt0k  Julian Castro (@JulianCastro) January 6, 2021

Ill co-sponsor this. Several of my colleagues have violated their oath of office and must be expelled for todays ongoing violence and insurrection. https://t.co/QYgo0Xkxlj  Rep. Mondaire Jones (@RepJones) January 6, 2021

Violence is always unacceptable. Even when passions run high.



Anyone engaged in violenceespecially against law enforcementshould be fully prosecuted.



God bless the Capitol Police and the honorable men & women of law enforcement who show great courage keeping all of us safe.  Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 6, 2021
Barack Obama weighed in on the descent on the Capitol by thousands of Trump's supporters, claiming: 'We'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise'

Barack Obama weighed in on the unprecedented breach of Capitol Hill on Wednesday by thousands of Donald Trump's supporters, claiming the chaos is not surprising based on the rhetoric surrounding the election.

'History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation,' Obama wrote in a statement Wednesday.

He added: 'But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.'

The former president remained largely silent on the scene taking place in Washington D.C. on January 6  the same day Congress moved to certify the election for Joe Biden, who served as Obama's vice president for eight years.

He weighed in, finally, around 8:00 p.m., as the massive scene at the Capitol dissipated and Congress continued their joint session to accept the Electoral College results six hours behind schedule.

'Here's my statement on today's violence at the Capitol,' Obama wrote in a tweet with an image of his statement attached.

'Their [Republicans'] fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further fro reality, and it builds upon years of resentment,' Obama wrote. 'Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up in a violent crescendo.'

After listening to President Trump speak at the Ellipse Wednesday afternoon, thousands of supporters marched from there to Capitol Hill, where they were able to successfully breach the Capitol and obstruct Congress from their duty to certify the election.

The Capitol immediately went on lockdown, and lawmakers escorted from their respective chambers.

Obama said he feels optimistic that members of the GOP are turning against the president, claiming: 'We need more leaders like these.'

The former president wrote in his statement 'History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation'

As Obama released his statement, all three other remaining living presidents also released their statements on the matter.

Former Democratic President Bill Clinton released a statement in a four-part Twitter thread.

'Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country,' the 42nd president wrote. 'The assault was fueled by more than four years of poison politics spreading deliberate misinformation, sowing distrust in our system, and pitting Americans against one another.'

He continued: 'The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost. The election was free, the count was fair, the result is final. We must complete the peaceful transfer of power our Constitution mandates.'

'I have always believed that America is made up of good, decent people. I still do,' he said.

'If that's who we really are, we must reject today's violence, turn the page, and move forward togetherhonoring our Constitution, remaining committed to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.'

Former President Jimmy Carter released a statement late Wednesday night, as Congress voted on whether to accept the Electoral College results.

'This is a national tragedy,' Carter said of the 'violence at the U.S. Capitol.'

'Having observed elections in troubled democracies worldwide, I know that we the people can unite to walk back from this precipice to peacefully uphold the laws of our nation, and we must,' he added in the statement.

Former President George W. Bush, specifically, lashed out at Trump's loyalists in Congress, claiming they are the ones who caused the president's biggest supporters to storm the Capitol building.

'It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight,' the 43rd U.S. president said in his statement.. 'This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic - not our democratic republic.'

Utah Republican Senator Mitt Romney joined in on Bush's sentiment.

Romney, who has been an outspoken critic of the president from his post as Utah senator the last two years, said the chaos on Capitol Hill was due to a 'selfish man's injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action.'

He also blamed his Republican colleagues in the House and Senate for agreeing to object to the Electoral College results and giving supporters false hope that there is a way to overturn Joe Biden's victory.

'The objectors have claimed they are doing so on behalf of the voters,' Romney said in a statement released Wednesday. 'Have an audit, they say, to satisfy the many people who believe that the election was stolen. Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the President will continue to claim that the election was stolen.'

Utah Republican Senator Mitt Romney (left) and former Republican President George W. Bush (right) also condemned the Wednesday siege of the Capitol, claiming GOP lawmakers were to blame for inciting the action by planning to challenge the Electoral College results

Bush released a statement calling the scene at the Capitol 'sickening' and how election results are 'disputed in a banana republic'

Romney condemned his Republican colleagues in Congress in a Wednesday statement, writing: 'The objectors have claimed they are doing so on behalf of the voters. Have an audit, they say, to satisfy the many people who believe that the election was stolen. Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the President will continue to claim that the election was stolen'

A group of Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate launched a plan to object to the election results, siding with the president on his still unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud and an outcome 'rigged' by the Democrats.

Bush said in his statement: 'I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement.'

'The violent assault on the Capitol  and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress  was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes,' Bush continued.

Romney urged his fellow GOP lawmakers to 'show respect for voters' upset with the election results and 'tell them the truth' about the election outcome. 'That is the burden, and the duty, of leadership,' he explained in his statement.

'The truth is that President-elect Biden won this election,' Romney reiterated. 'President Trump lost.'

Bush also condemned the president and his thousands of supporters who took siege of the Capitol on Wednesday in an unprecedented and massive demonstration after marching from a rally with the prescient at the Ellipse to Capitol Hill.

The supporters were obstructing a joint session of Congress from moving forward with certifying Biden's victory, the next move in propelling the president-elect to the White House.

Bush called the scene an 'insurrection.'

Starting Wednesday afternoon, thousands of protesters who traveled to Washington D.C. to protest the election results marched from the Ellipse near the White House to the Capitol to interrupt the session.

Vice President Mike Pence was evacuated from the Senate chamber shortly after 2 p.m., along with Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, the president pro tempore  who is in the line of succession for the presidency.

Thousands of pro-Trump protesters descended on Capitol Hill Wednesday obstructing Congress from certifying the election for Joe Biden

The demonstrators were able to breach the Capitol and shut down the process of certification by wandering the halls, sitting at lawmakers and aides' desks, confronting law enforcement and banging down the doors of the chambers

Protesters could be heard banging on the doors as senators attempted to continue their debate on the electoral college count.

Shortly after 2:30 p.m., the entire chamber was evacuated before the breach occurred and demonstrators were able to make their way inside the building.

As they rushed away congressional leaders, Senate parliamentary staff grabbed hold of the boxes containing the electoral college certificates and took them out.

The president's supporters wandered the halls of Congress and into the House and Senate chambers, sat at the desks of lawmakers and their aides and one, quite literally, hung from the rafters off the side of the Senate viewing balcony.
Unnecessary Proposed Food Handler Certification Will Further Harm Black-Owned Restaurants in LA County

Our country will remember this year as the year of COVID-19 and the uprising in activism for Black communities throughout the country. During a financially burdensome time for all restaurants, but especially for Black business owners, we started the Black Restaurant Coalition of Los Angeles. Our organization was founded to strengthen, support, and promote restaurateurs, small businesses and the entire Black restaurant community.

Many small business restaurant owners in Los Angeles County are still standing, but they have been through the unimaginable these past few months. While facing uncertainty in unprecedented times, restaurant owners have been forced to stop serving customers indoors and outdoors, then forced to only open outdoor dining.

Restaurants changed their business model overnight to focus on outdoor dining and takeout. Many restaurants invested thousands of dollars to create outdoor seating only to have outdoor dining banned yet again.

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One of the worst parts about the announcement to shut outdoor dining again was that it came just before the holiday season, when most restaurants would be gearing up for a busy time.

We understand that the County has tough decisions to make, but folks knew when the ban was enacted that there was no evidence of COVID-19 transmission at outdoor dining establishments. That is precisely why a judge recently overturned LA Countys ban on outdoor dining. While we cannot eat outside at the moment due to a 3-week stay-at-home order from the state, this ruling showed that the County was out of line when ordering businesses to shut most of their operations without the proper reasoning to back that decision.

In the midst of all of this, the County released a report the following week mentioning that they will continue their pursuit to develop a new burdensome food handler card requirement. This proposal would require delivery drivers to pay for and take a lengthy course to get a certification before they could deliver food.

An added certification would dissuade folks from signing up to deliver food.

Restaurants are relying on food delivery more than ever. Now is not the time to add a requirement that will lead to fewer delivery drivers and could create a shortage. A shortage in food delivery workers after months of slow business will force many restaurants out of business.

Restaurants, like all businesses, expect their services and products to be excellent because it represents them and their brand. They, of course, want safe food delivery to be practiced but this program would not help make food delivery safer. We already have safety protocols in place that protects the food for customers and restaurants. This year, the California legislature passed a law enhancing food delivery safety standards, including requiring restaurants to seal takeout bags and requiring delivery drivers to transport food in a clean environment.

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Food delivery has been a lifeline for restaurants that are getting hit from every angle. Now is not the time for an unnecessary new requirement that will impact our industry.

The Black Restaurant Coalition of Los Angeles is committed to our members and Black- owned restaurants throughout the County. We keep our pulse on the issues that impact restaurants and will continue to do that and push back when it is warranted.

The County needs to do more for restaurants, especially the small businesses that may not make it through another slow month.

Restaurants and the people who depend on them for employment, need our support now more than ever.

Lets thank our restaurants.

Lets order from our restaurants regularly.

And lets advocate for our restaurants.

Jades Stevens is the founder of Dine Black L.A. The Black Restaurant Coalition of Los Angeles supports and promotes restaurateurs, small businesses and the entire Black restaurant community to ensure the equitable economic growth of the sector.

The RBI on Thursday asked banks to align their internal audit function with international best practices, like those issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS).

As per a 2002 guidance note, banks are required to put in place a risk based internal audit (RBIA) system as part of their internal control framework that relies on a well-defined policy for internal audit, functional independence with sufficient standing and authority within the bank, among others.

RBI said while the guidance note lays out the basic approach for RBIA functions, banks are expected to re-orient their approach, in line with the evolving best practices, as a part of their overall Governance and Internal Control framework. "Banks are encouraged to adopt the International Internal Audit standards, like those issued by the BCBS and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)," it said in a circular.

To bring uniformity in approach followed by the banks, as also to align the expectations on internal audit function with the best practices, RBI has advised them certain norms on 'authority, stature and independence', 'competence', 'staff rotation', 'tenor for appointment of head of internal audit', 'reporting line' and 'remuneration'.

RBI further said the internal audit function should not be outsourced. However, where required, experts, including former employees, could be hired on contractual basis subject to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (ACB) being assured that such expertise does not exist within the audit function of the bank, it said.

It has also said banks must ensure and demonstrate through proper documentation that their RBIA framework captures all the significant criteria/principles suited for their organisational structure, the business model and the risks.

A MAN has been rescued from the Shannon in sub zero temperatures by Limerick Fire Services Swiftwater team.

The Leader understands passers-by heard his shouts for help around 2am this Thursday morning. Munster Regional Fire Control was contacted at 2.03am. Limerick Fire Service was at the city location in minutes.

The rescue boat was quickly launched and the male, aged in his 20s, was brought to safety by Swiftwater Rescue Firefighters.

HSE paramedics treated him at the scene before bringing him to UHL where his condition is not believed to be life threatening.
MOSCOW  For anyone who has covered political turmoil across the wreckage of the former Soviet Union over the past three decades, the mob that stormed the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday looked shockingly familiar, down to the dress code and embrace of banners trumpeting seemingly lost causes.

In fervor and style, the mob resembled the ragtag bands that seized control of the Parliament building in Moscow in 1993, clamoring for the revival of the Soviet Union. Much the same scenes unfolded two decades later, as self-styled militias stormed the regional assembly in Donetsk, a major industrial city in eastern Ukraine and now the capital of a secessionist, pro-Russian peoples republic.

Ersatz military gear  camouflage jackets, old boots, black wool hats and bandannas  were much in evidence back then, as were the flags of long-dead and, we all assumed, safely buried causes.

In Donetsk, these included not just the Red Flag of the defunct Soviet Union and the black-yellow-white tricolor of the long-gone Tsarist empire, but at times also the emblem of an even more distant, failed venture, the Confederate States of America. None of them knew much or really cared about the Confederacy, but they did know it was hated by the kind of people they hated.
Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hiltons contemporary luxury hotel brand, has announced plans to bring the global brand to Manama, Bahrain following the signing of an agreement to open Conrad Residences Bahrain Financial Harbour in 2022 at the upcoming mixed-use development, First Energy Bank Tower.

The highly anticipated property will be the first fully residential luxury development for the Conrad brand in the Middle East. Part of Bahrain Financial Harbour, a commercial waterfront development located on the northern shore of Manama, Conrad Residences Bahrain Financial Harbour will provide an exceptional location for people to enjoy spectacular coastal views of the Arabian Gulf while being conveniently located in the heart of the capital citys up-and-coming business and residential district.

Were extremely delighted with this partnership with Hilton which will mark the debut of Conrad Hotels & Resorts first fully residential property in the Middle East. We believe that this will be a high value addition, not only for the upcoming FEB Tower at Bahrain Financial Harbour, but for the Kingdom of Bahrain, said Mohamed Ghanem, CEO of First Energy Bank. The introduction of the Conrad brand to Bahrain will provide further visibility of the hospitality sector in the kingdom, enabling the property to offer a unique and premium product appealing to regional and international travellers, and will attract a new class of travellers to the Kingdom of Bahrain."

We are delighted to debut Conrad Hotels & Resorts in Bahrain with this outstanding new property, said Carlos Khneisser, vice president of development, Middle East and Africa, Hilton. We see significant opportunity in branded luxury residences for our world class hospitality brands. Whether planning a long or short-term stay, guests can look forward to enjoying unparalleled service standards and state-of-the-art amenities at this exclusive Conrad property.

Featuring 98 purposefully designed and elegantly serviced apartments, Conrad Residences Bahrain Financial Harbour will be located just minutes away from some of the most sought-after waterfront leisure and business venues, including the Harbour Towers, Financial Centre, The Avenues Mall, Bahrain Bay, and Reef Island. The property will offer unobstructed views of the Arabian Gulf from its elevated waterfront location, as well as a number of exquisite culinary options, including mouthwatering delicacies at the propertys all-day restaurant, succulent dishes at the pool lounge grill, and refreshing beverages at the lobby cafe. The hotel will also offer a fully equipped gym, an outdoor pool, and a conveniently located boardroom.

I am thrilled that we will be establishing a presence in Manama with Conrads first all-residential property in the Middle East. Providing a host of both leisure and business opportunities amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain Financial Harbour is the ideal setting in which to debut Conrads modern yet stylish residential offering, says Nils-Arne Schroeder, global brand head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts. Conrad properties around the world are known for their seamless connection between contemporary design, inspiring destinations and leading innovation  and this property will be no exception. - TradeArabia News Service
At a State-designated quarantine camp for returnees from abroad in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)



The new case is a 26-year-old Vietnamese woman returning home from France on Flight VN5010 which landed in Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City on December 16. She has been quarantined upon their arrival.

The subcommittee for treatment reported that 14 more patients have been given the all-clear from the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, raising the total number of recoveries to 1,353. The number of deaths related to the disease is still kept at 35.

Among the patients undergoing treatment across the country, 14 tested negative for the virus once, six twice and seven thrice.

As many as 19,292 people who had close contact with COVID-19 patients or entered Vietnam from pandemic-hit regions are currently quarantined nationwide./.
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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Members of the National Guard and the Washington D.C. police stand guard to keep demonstrators away from the U.S. Capitol on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol earlier, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images/AFP)

Guterres, according to his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, was "saddened" by the breach of the US Capitol building by supporters of outgoing US President Donald Trump.

"In such circumstances, it is important that political leaders impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence, as well as to respect democratic processes and the rule of law," Dujarric said in a statement.

Former Turkish minister Bozkir pointed out the particular relationship between the UN and the United States as the organization's host country.

"Deeply concerned by violence at the Capitol in #WashingtonDC and the interruption of the democratic process in the UN's host country," he tweeted.

Another tweet from Bozkir's office's official account repeated the sentiment.

"The US is one of the world's major democracies," it said. "I believe that peace & respect for democratic processes will prevail in our host country at this critical time."
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By Nassuuna Noelyn

Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has spoken about the travel of his children as Uganda moves closer to the election date.

Yesterday, social media was on fire after photos of Bobi Wines children at the airport leaving the country were leaked.

While posting on his Facebook page, Bobi Wine explains that there has been a direct attack on his family especially his children.

Firstly, the nation is aware of the challenges my family has endured from the time I decided to take on the dictatorship of Gen. Yoweri Museveni. My children have lived in constant fear over the past three years. On several occasions, the cars which trail us have been trailing them, even to and from school. Last year, there was a direct attack on a car transporting two of them from school, forcing us to change their schools, and try to strengthen security around them., he posted on his Facebook page.

He adds that he received information which explained that his children were going to be physically harmed.

For most of this year, they have largely lived as prisoners; very rarely leaving home. As we near the election, I received credible information from sources within the system of plans by the regime to cause physical harm to them!  he adds.

Bobi Wine has however blamed the regime for directly attacking his family especially during the Age Limit debate.

You all recall that in 2017, at the height of the Age Limit debate, they threw grenades at my son, Solomon Sekayis bed room window, and left a message that I should back off, or the consequences would be dire. The regime has made it a deliberate plot to attack me, and when they dont, attack those who are close to me so as to demoralise me! There is nothing Museveni is not ready to do in order to stay in power against the will of Ugandans!  he posted.

However, his music rival, Bebe Cool in a tweet that was later deleted by Twitter for violating Twitter rules blamed Bobi Wine for taking his children away and leaving behind the children of those who are close to him.

I feel bad for Eddie Mutwe and Nubian Lees children as in who will protect them while their parents are in jail. Anyway safe travels travellers, he posted.

However many people on social media have condemned Bebe Cool for sharing the minors travel information.

Bobi Wine has also blamed the immigration staff for their unprofessional manner in which they released his childrens travel details.

Every Sunday around 7:30 p.m., I strap on my mask and cross the street to my favorite bodega to buy Pabst Blue Ribbon, some sour gummy worms, and a box of Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. A year ago, I would have picked all these snacks up in the movie theater lobby, but now the plan is to head right back up to my apartment, plop down on the couch, cue up a movie on Netflix (last time it was Lady Bird) and log into a familiar GroupMe Chatroom where between 10-15 of my friends are waiting. I know that at 8 oclock, with a few perfectly synchronized taps of the play button, the same movie will suddenly stream simultaneously across TVs, laptops and cell phones all around the country in a ceremony weve somewhat chokingly dubbed CoVideo Club.

The puns, you see, are pretty important.

While some folks have used the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic to increase their personal wealth by several billion dollars, Ive focussed more on my hobbies, you know? Ive gotten back into writing poetry (its bad), Ive started learning to play the keyboard (also bad), and Ive gotten back into Overwatch on Playstation 4 (that Im actually good at). Most of these pastimes are best enjoyed alone, but during a pandemic, the last thing any of us needs is more alone time. The opportunity to socialize in groups of any size are rare, but a virtual space can be a great substitute  provided its managed properly.

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Since March, on the first weekend of the pandemic, this weird little movie club has been that for me. And, after talking it over with a few other members, I found out I wasnt alone: "The group has been a huge source of positivity in an otherwise difficult period of time, said Mike Petzinger, an original member. It's especially great to have a bit of daily dialogue with friends while stuck working from home daily.

Other members feel the same. I joined mid-pandemic, said Peggy Nelling, who shares an apartment with two other CoVideo regulars. I have enjoyed having something to look forward to and a supportive group that ends up being about so much more than movies.

The pandemic hit at a weird point personally, said Natasha Jokic, one of Peggys roommates and an active member, so its been a great way to meet new people and get a feeling of community.

I agree that the movie club is something special. The past year has fluctuated between frightening, exhausting, mind-numbing and boring, and its been invaluable to have both routine and a safe place to chat about whatever is on your mind. And it turns out this sort of thing doesnt just happen: Theres a lot of thought, not to mention weekly effort, that goes into keeping something like this running smoothly.

First, you have to make sure everyone involved adheres to the system. Each week, as soon as the movie ends, nominations for next weeks event officially open. Participants can nominate any movie available on Netflix, though theres been recent talk of expanding our options to HBO Max, Hulu or Disney+ it all depends on what streaming services every member has. The first eight nominations received are in the running, and thats where the voting system comes in.

I made a simple 8-seed bracket on Illustrator when we started the tournament system back in March, says Covideo Club founder and graphic designer Gabe Smoller. I shuffle the list of nominations that Ive received to randomize the matchups, then I throw everything onto the bracket template."

To cap things off, I do a quick image search for a frame of the last movie we watched that is most representative of the watch experience  usually something really funny or really divisive. This week, its the shot of the girls Chuck Taylors under her ballroom dress in a scene from Christmas Prince (a shot that I 100% predicted would happen a few moments before it happened).

Each participant then has a couple days to vote on four movie match-ups: This week Ive voted for Catch Me if You Can against Swiss Army Man, and Quigley Down Under against A Clockwork Orange, 17 Again against Death to 2020 and Cant Hardly Wait against Double Jeopardy, but only because I just recently watched Double Jeopardy. On Wednesday, half the nominees will be eliminated and two new brackets will be created. Friday itll be whittled down to the final two, which wont be decided until an hour before the movie actually begins (in the case of a tie, the winner is decided with a dice roll, broadcast live on Instagram).

You cant overstate the importance of sticking to the rules with something like this. Much like the U.S. Government, Covideo Club only works if everyone agrees to respect the system. If you, like me, really dont want to watch Clueless but Clueless wins, you bite the bullet and watch Clueless, both because that respects the rules, and because it might turn out that you'll like Clueless (its based on Jane Austens Emma! I didnt even realize).

When it comes to watching the movie itself, there are plenty of pre-pandemic equivalents. Different corners of the internet regularly organize remote watches, where strangers sync up their favorite mode of viewing to watch a movie together and comment on it with jokes, analysis, and hastily assembled meme-images. In the 30-something years since the launch of Mystery Science Theater 3000, movies have only become a more routinely interactive experience, and everyone in chat is familiar with rowdy screenings of everything from The Rocky Horror Picture Show to, more recently, Cats. Its that, only virtual.

Looking back over the chat from the middle of a Sunday night is like reading half a conversation. Every message is a reference or response to something happening on a virtually shared screen, so most jokes (because its mostly jokes) read like surreal nonsense. I like how [Timothee Chalamet] spreads his arms, someone wrote last weekend. Like hes California Jesus.

Similarly, Covideo Club mainstays The Coen Brothers, whose films Fargo and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs have both won Sunday night spots, are exclusively referred to as The Corn Bros  not because anyone thinks theyre corny, but because somebody made a typo once back in August and it just sort of caught on.

Ironically, the chat is most valuable when were not even watching a movie. Sure, you can drop in, leave your vote for the movie, and go about your day, but most members end up checking in with each other. Members have celebrated finishing grad school, announced promotions, and even shared photos of their socially distanced wedding in chat. One member has started chronicling his favorite jokes in collages he posts on Instagram. Back in the summer, we even used to meet in the park, to chat and drink beers out of brown paper bags while sitting 6 feet apart.

It's important to note at this point that weekly movie nights were already a thing before the pandemic. But once the members were isolated, they reached out to other friends who were struggling with loneliness and now, with our one year anniversary around the corner, we've had people join in from all across the country. As it exists now, CoVideo Club is a unique blend of different social groups: Some of whom have known each other for decades, others have never, even now, met in person.

Movie club has been great during the pandemic, said Joey Schwartzman, another active member because it connects me with friends that I wouldnt have otherwise been able to see.

Covideo Club is really special, Smoller said. Its one of a very small number of reliable, scheduled activities that I can look forward to each week during the pandemic. I worry that when IRL (in real life) movie club returns, our living room will not be able to accommodate all of the amazing people who have come to be regular fixtures every Sunday.

"I don't even know these people, said Robin Cheung, but the club has helped keep me sane by providing me with sufficiently entertaining memes and jokes."
As Ireland grapples with obtaining and administering a Covid vaccine to as many citizens as possible, theres one element that it has had to put together in a hurry  an IT system to keep track of it all.

This is not a simple Excel sheet. Nor is it a question of gradually linking up different agencies, digitally, over time.

The Government has to introduce a way to stitch together multiple IT systems across different State bodies and departments in weeks. It then has to make sure that it all works with the systems used by doctors, nursing homes, pharmacies and members of the public.

The challenge is laid bare in a specification sheet published by the Government in recent weeks.

Ireland does not have a national vaccination ICT system with the required level of functionality to support the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, says the HSE document.

Therefore, a functionally rich and proven solution for the proposed vaccination programme must be sourced, purchased, implemented and integrated into the HSE ICT infrastructure.

The task and scale of such an IT system is daunting.

Read More

There are at least a dozen different IT systems in use across different Government departments, agencies and stakeholder participants, such as doctors, nursing homes and hospitals.

GPs, for example, use a selection of different systems, including HealthOne, Complete GP, Helix or Socrates. The HSEs task is to try and make its new vaccination system compliant with all of them.

It also has to do basic things, like synchronise with text-messaging, email systems and Eircodes.

And it must be capable of vaccine passport interoperability and other data-checking functions at a European level.

All of this needs to be done while making sure that everything is GDPR-compliant, meaning that a data protection impact assessment (DPIA), or maybe multiple instances of it, must be carried out.

Normally, this wouldnt be an impossible ask. Lots of big software companies base their offerings connecting up services like this.

But it would take 12 to 18 months. By contrast, Ireland has weeks, if not days, to get things moving.

A few weeks ago, HSE boss Paul Reid said that the State will turn to IBM and Salesforce for part of the IT system that will help to tie some of the strands together quickly.

The contract was signed 31st December 2020, a HSE spokesperson told the Irish Independent.

The records are being kept on the Salesforce system but we are not producing vaccine certificates yet.

The spokesperson did not say how much the state is paying for the technology.

However, it is set to perform the same function as IBMs Digital Health Pass, which can deliver a vaccine certification in a way that respects privacy because it uses so-called Blockchain technology that keeps personal health data on an individuals phone as opposed to a Government database.

Read More

The Irish Independent caught up with IBMs global vice president for Blockchain solutions, Eric Piscini, to ask about how the technology works.

As you deliver the vaccine, you also deliver a digital certificate that everybody can have on their phone, he said.

Then they can show that to businesses or travel companies or hospitals or anyone you need to interact with.

Mr Piscini said that the system is also designed to accommodate those without smartphones, in roughly the same way that airline or concert tickets work.

Inclusion is important, he said. You need to make sure that everybody will have access to this technology, even if they don't have a smartphone. We have a way to be able to go on your computer and print, so you can carry a bit of paper with you. This might be a QR code with a unique signature.

Expand Close App: Decentralised platform is the reason to use Blockchain, says Eric Piscini / Facebook

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Whatsapp App: Decentralised platform is the reason to use Blockchain, says Eric Piscini

Mr Piscini also said that privacy is one of the most main things that citizens will be looking for.

We [IBM] have access to none of the personal data, he said. What we deliver is just a verification mechanism. I think people are more comfortable being in control of their information, knowing that big tech companies like IBM do not have access to this information. That's a very important piece of the platform here.

A typical scenario of how the whole thing might work might see a pharmacy administering a test. This test result would be sent to the individual, whereupon the system could create a credential, done on the phone, said Mr Piscini.

From there, a hashed representation of the data could materialise as a QR code.

Crucially, such a code would not contain any personal medical information, he said, but only a certification of the test result and possibly an expiration date on its validity.

Then you might go and present the QR code to an individual at, for example, a stadium. The person there might double check that code against the one stored in the Blockchain system. If they are the same, and theyre in date, you might get into the stadium.

Mr Piscini said that the use of Blockchain is a boost for any vaccine delivery IT systems security.

It's a decentralised platform and this is the reason we use Blockchain, he said.

If you wanted to hack into the system, you would have to hack every single phone to get every piece of information that's across the network, which is impossible. That's the value of a decentralised network.

The basic job of the new IT system is to tie together lots of practical strands involved in booking, delivering and verifying vaccine tests.

This includes appointments and bookings for citizen tests, integration with systems used by pharmacies, GPs and care facilities (such as nursing homes) and the proper identification of citizens to receive it.

The result, it is hoped, will be a usable, secure record of bookings and clinical workflows as well as verifiable citizen participation numbers and details of vaccine administration, including any adverse drug reactions. All of this, the Government hopes, will make for a reliable vaccine certificate that might be usable in a number of situations.

This last point is one of the most talked-about by-products of the vaccination rollout: could a vaccine certificate equate somehow to a vaccine passport?

Might it be somehow integrated into ticketing systems or visa requirements?

The Government hopes this will be the case, according to its specification sheet for the new system. But it says that were unlikely to go it alone on this, instead synchronising with what the rest of Europe does.

The design of this certificate and the scope of how [a vaccine certificate] will be delivered, either physically, digitally or both, is currently being progressed with a number of stakeholders, including the EU, according to the HSE.

How fast can we make progress implementing such technology in Ireland and other countries?

It's going to take time, said Mr Piscini. It's not going to happen overnight. But I'm very optimistic. The level of integration that is required to benefit from it is very light. If you want to integrate a solution like this into an airline system or a stadium, it will take a little more. But in general, its very light. The design of the platform is designed to be a utility.
Croatia's president and most of the cabinet received coronavirus jabs before TV cameras on Thursday as part of a campaign to counter widespread vaccine hesitancy among the public.

Some 20,000 people in a population of 4.2 million have so far received the jab since Croatia launched its vaccination campaign with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on December 27.

The first doses were given to retirement home residents and healthcare workers, and patients with chronic diseases and people over age 65 are next in line.

But nearly half of respondents -- 44 per cent -- to an Ipsos survey in mid-December said they did not plan to get inoculated.

46 were in favour of a shot while 10 per cent were undecided, according to the poll.

Sceptics voiced fears that the vaccines were developed too fast and unease over possible side effects.

Coronavirus vaccine news live updates on DH

"I urge everyone... to get vaccinated, it certainly helps," President Zoran Milanovic told reporters after getting his jab at the presidency.

Ten cabinet ministers were also publicly vaccinated, while Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and six other ministers already infected with the coronavirus did not take part.

Experts insist that with clinical trials carried out on tens of thousands of volunteers, any major risks would have already been detected.

But rare side effects, or those affecting specific patient profiles, cannot be categorically ruled out.

Croatia has ordered some 5.6 million vaccines doses so far, including those of Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca.

Since the start of the pandemic, the country has registered more than 2,00,000 coronavirus infections and more than 4,000 deaths.
Why Meyersdale nursing care workers are protesting

According to its website, the skilled nursing facility has the lone Veterans Administration contract in Somerset County.
The Rev. Emanuel Cleavers ending a prayer opening the first day of Congress with the words Amen and A-woman was apparently a pun, according to him.

Cleaver, a United Methodist minister who previously served as mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, is a Democratic representative for Missouris Fifth District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Associated Press reported that he said that the A-woman reference meant to shout out to the record number of women now serving in Congress, which is 144.

Recognizing the feminine milestone in the U.S. House and Senate is great, but do it with proper grammar. The word amen has Hebrew origins and means so be it, or let it be so. The website dictionary.com defines the word as an exclamation uttered at the end of a prayer or hymn, meaning so be it, and a noun as an utterance of amen. Nowhere does it refer to the masculine or feminine gender.

Nevertheless, the meme makers of social media ran with Cleavers utterance. Of the many plays on the incident, a photo of Manhattans southern tip was edged with the word WOMANhattan. A map of Germany crossed out the countrys title with the new name Gerwomany. Taking the possibility of President-elect Joe Biden requiring masks for all, a photo of Biden with a mask proclaims, Biden promises nationwide mask mandate and womandate.

While Cleaver wanted to recognize women in the congressional seats, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has leveled the playing field with House rules stripping any mention of gender-specific pronouns. Gone will be such designations as man, woman, mother, father, daughter and son. Gone will be the word seaman and instead the word seafarer, chair instead of chairman and no mention of himself or herself. A person will be referred to as themself.

Its interesting how one representative aimed to spotlight women and new House rules flatten the designations of male and female. Regardless, male and female, man and woman and the pronouns that describe them are widely used and arent disappearing from the English language anytime soon. Additionally, the word man or men included in certain words like amen, menu and mention have nothing to do with the male population. People should be more concerned about using proper language and teaching it to younger generations rather than trying to make everything politically correct.
5 reactions to Rev. Raphael Warnocks historic election as Georgias first black senator

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Longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Raphael Warnock was elected as Georgias first black senator, defeating Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler in a closely contested runoff.

The race was called for the man who currently leads the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. both served as pastors, at around 2 a.m. Wednesday by the Associated Press after he built a statewide lead of more than 40,000 votes.

Warnock, who told The Christian Post last summer that he believes the U.S. Senate could benefit from having a pastor in its midst, thanked voters for placing their faith in him in a victory speech.

I stand before you as a man who knows that the improbable journey that led me to this place in this historic moment in America could only happen here. We were told we couldnt win this election, but tonight we proved that with hope, hard work and the people by our side, anything is possible, said Warnock, who also served as pastor of the late Democratic Congressman John Lewis.

I am so honored by the faith that you have shown in me, and I promise you this: I am going to the Senate to work for Georgia, all of Georgia, no matter who you cast your vote for in this election.

The Morehouse College graduate also touted his roots as the son of a pastor and a mother who used to pick somebody elses cotton in Waycross, Georgia.

Because this is America, the 82-year-old hands that used to pick somebody elses cotton went to the polls and picked her youngest son to be a United States Senator, said Warnock, who will be the 11th black person to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Warnocks election has since sparked a flurry of excitement and criticism around the country. Here are five reactions to his win.
A day after San Antonio reported a record number of COVID-19 cases, the city again surpassed another troubling milestone: the number of hospital beds filled with COVID-19 patients.

Over the last day, 184 people with COVID-19 were admitted to San Antonio hospitals  the highest one-day total ever reported. That tipped Wednesdays hospitalizations to 1,341 patients, up from 1,318 Tuesday.

The previous peak was 1,267, set during the summer surge of the virus.

Our ability to maintain capacity at hospitals is important to everyone, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. If youre in a car accident, if youre pregnant, if you need surgery, if you need medical care that needs hospitalization, that is being affected by the stress on our hospitals.

Health officials estimate that 1,700 or more COVID-19 patients could flood San Antonio hospitals this month. If the numbers grow so large that there arent enough hospital beds and staff to care for patients, medical providers will be forced to ration care  not only to patients with COVID-19 but anyone who needs medical care.

County Judge Nelson Wolff said that hospitals are currently preparing to convert typical hospital rooms into intensive care units if the need arises.

More than 1 in 3 patients in Bexar County hospitals have COVID-19. Of those, 383 required intensive care Wednesday, up from 369 the previous day. The number of patients on ventilators also jumped to 199, from 185 on Tuesday.

It could only be a matter of time before the number of patients severely ill with COVID-19 shatters the records set this summer, when 438 patients needed intensive care and 299 relied on ventilators to breathe.

In the beginning of the pandemic, ventilators were thought to be one of the best weapons against the virus. But in the months since then, medical professionals have learned more effective ways to prevent patients from becoming severely ill with COVID-19.

One of those treatments is an antibody cocktail aimed at staving off the worst of the disease effects. Wolff said health workers at the Freeman Coliseum have been administering those treatments at far higher rates than they were last year. About 60 people are receiving the antibody cocktails each day now, up from 8 when the program first started, Wolff said.

Were doing everything we can to keep people out of hospitals, said Wolff.

But its becoming harder and harder for residents to avoid the disease as it spreads across the city. Officials reported 2,097 cases Wednesday, bringing Bexar Countys total since the start of the pandemic to 126,867.

Its very dangerous out there with regard to the transmission of COVID-19, Nirenberg said.

San Antonio has already begun to see the deadly consequences of surges in cases over the holidays. Bexar Countys death toll since the start of the pandemic now stands at 1,578 after officials reported four more deaths Wednesday.

The latest victims include a Hispanic man in his 60s; a Hispanic man in his 70s; a Black man in his 60s; and a white woman in her 80s. All of them died at area hospitals.

marina.riker@express-news.net

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Facebook bans Trump indefinitely following deadly Capitol riot

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Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of social media giant Facebook, announced Thursday that President Donald Trump has been banned from the platform indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks following a deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday.

We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great. Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete, Zuckerberg said in a statement Thursday morning.

The decision comes after pro-Trump rioters and others breached the Capitol building in a bid to prevent the confirmation of President-elect Joe Biden's victory by Congress which was affirmed early Thursday.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee told USA Today that four people died during the unrest including a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, and three others  two men and one woman  who died in separate medical emergencies.

Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump protest outside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Demonstrators breached security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. | ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images

The woman shot dead by Capitol Police was identified as 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt from San Diego. She was an Air Force veteran who served for 14 years.

She loved her country, and she was doing what she thought was right to support her country in joining up with like-minded people that also love their president and their country, her husband, Aaron Babbitt, told KTLA5. She was voicing her opinion, and she got killed for it.

He said he learned about his wifes death on the news and doesnt understand why she was killed because as far as he knew, she wasnt carrying any weapons.

I dont know why she had to die in the peoples house, he said. Thats our house; its everybodys house.

As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy. https://t.co/k6OkjNG3bM  Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 7, 2021

On Wednesday, Twitter and Facebook said they were forced to lock President Trump out of his accounts limiting his access to his millions of followers after he published a series of messages they marked as inaccurate and inflammatory.

In one post that was removed by Twitter, Trump released a video in which he urged supporters "to go home in peace." Again repeating claims for voter fraud, Trump told supporters he knows how they feel and again stressed that the election was "stolen from us."

"But we cant play into the hands of these people," Trump said. "We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. You are very special."

Twitter said in a statement that the presidents account would be suspended for 12 hours after the removal of tweets they found to be in violation of their policy and could face permanent suspension for any future violations including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies.

Zuckerberg called the riot shocking on Thursday and said President Trump had clearly demonstrated that he plans to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power.

The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden. His decision to use his platform to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building has rightly disturbed people in the US and around the world. We removed these statements yesterday because we judged that their effect  and likely their intent  would be to provoke further violence, Zuckerberg said.

Following the certification of the election results by Congress, the priority for the whole country must now be to ensure that the remaining 13 days and the days after inauguration pass peacefully and in accordance with established democratic norms.

Over the last several years, we have allowed President Trump to use our platform consistent with our own rules, at times removing content or labeling his posts when they violate our policies. We did this because we believe that the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech. But the current context is now fundamentally different, involving use of our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government, he added.

Officials in D.C. said so far police have made "in excess of 52 arrests," including 26 on U.S. Capitol grounds in connection to the riot.

Several White House officials including Stephanie Grisham, the former White House press secretary and chief of staff to first lady Melania Trump have since resigned following the unrest.

It has been an honor to serve the country in the @WhiteHouse. I am very proud to have been a part of @FLOTUS@MELANIATRUMP mission to help children everywhere, & proud of the many accomplishments of this Administration, Grisham said in a statement on Twitter acknowledging her departure at approximately 8 p.m. Wednesday.

It has been an honor to serve the country in the @WhiteHouse . I am very proud to have been a part of @FLOTUS@MELANIATRUMP mission to help children everywhere, & proud of the many accomplishments of this Administration. Signing off now - you can find me at @OMGrisham ??????????  Stephanie Grisham (@StephGrisham45) January 7, 2021

The first ladys chief of staff has worked for the Trumps since the 2016 campaign and is one of their longest-serving aides. White House Social Secretary Anna Cristina "Rickie" Niceta also resigned Wednesday effective immediately, according to CNN.

Another White House press aide Sarah Matthews also resigned Wednesday night, noting that while she was honored to serve in the Trump administration, she "was deeply disturbed by what I saw today."

"Our nation needs a peaceful transfer of power," she added in a statement.

The riot also drew bipartisan rebuke including from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo who called it a failed attempt at a coup.

"The cornerstone of our democracy is the peaceful transfer of power. We must call this what it actually is: a failed attempt at a coup. This is the final chapter of an incompetent, cruel, and divisive administration that has trampled on the Constitution and the rule of law at every turn, and we won't let President Trump, the members of Congress who enable him, or the lawless mob that stormed our nation's Capitol steal our democracy, he said in a statement. "The election results are clear and the will of the American people will be carried out."

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also forcefully rejected the attack on the Capitol in a speech on the Senate floor Wednesday, insisting that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were lawfully elected and will become the president and the vice president of the United States.

Trump and I, weve had a hell of a journey. I hate it to end this way. Oh my God, I hate it. From my point of view, hes been a consequential president, but today, first thing youll see. All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough, he said.

Ive tried to be helpful, but when this Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled four to three, that they didnt violate the constitution of Wisconsin, I agree with the three, but I accept the four. If Al Gore could accept five-four hes not president, I can accept Wisconsin four to three, he continued.

It is over. Joe Biden. Ive traveled the world with Joe. I hoped he lost. I prayed he would lose. He won. Hes the legitimate President of the United States. I cannot convince people, certain groups, by my words, but I will tell you by my actions that maybe I above all others in this body need to say this. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are lawfully elected and will become the President and the Vice President of the United States on January the 20th.
Trump supporters gather in DC for peaceful Save America March before some storm Capitol

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WASHINGTON  Thousands of supporters of President Donald Trump braved the cold weather at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., Wednesday as they sought to show their support for the president and protest the certification of the Electoral College votes for the 2020 presidential election.

Trump supporters from across the country waited in line for hours to get into the Save America March, an event hosted by the Women for America First, a pro-Trump group. The event was one of many taking place on Capitol Hill as the results of the 2020 presidential election continue to be plagued by allegations of fraud.

Ahead of the protests, several Republican members of Congress announced that they would object to the certification of the electoral votes in a handful of contested swing states and called for a commission to investigate election irregularities.

Immediately following the Save America March and the other protests, violence broke out on Capitol Hill as hundreds of Trump supporters and others stormed the United States Capitol while members of Congress were debating the certification of electoral votes.

Members of the Electoral College met in their respective state capitals on Dec. 14 to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Democrat Joe Biden received 306 electoral votes while Trump received 232 electoral votes. Congress is mandated by the 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to count the electoral votes and members of the House and Senate have the ability to challenge results in certain states.

Following the breach of the Capitol, Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and evangelical leaders quickly condemned the acts of violence.

The Save America March, when it was gathered at the Ellipse, was not violent and had a positive atmosphere, although several attendees had choice words and hand gestures for members of the media.

In response to the violence that broke out at the Capitol following the event, Amy Kremer, chairwoman of Women for America First, said in a statement to The Christian Post:

We unequivocally denounce violence of any type and under any circumstances. We are saddened and disappointed at the violence that erupted on Capitol Hill, instigated by a handful of bad actors, that transpired after the rally. "Unfortunately, for months the left and the mainstream media told the American people that violence was an acceptable political tool. They were wrong. It is not. We stand by and strongly support the men and women of the Capitol Hill police and law enforcement in general and our organization played absolutely no role in the unfortunate events that transpired. What is truly sad, is that the misdeeds of a handful of people will overshadow the overwhelming success of the peaceful event  attended by hundreds of thousands of Americans  that we sponsored today. The movement that was launched by President Donald J. Trump is one that respects the rule of law, supports our law enforcement and believes that violence has no place in politics today.

Several attendees of the Save America March spoke with The Christian Post to affirm their support for Trump and share their thoughts about the 2020 election. John Scoggins of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Kelly Edwards of Salt Lake City, Utah, spoke separately to CP, both said that they attended the stop the steal rally.

Its totally wrong what they did, said Christie Nicholson from Idaho, Edwards sister. Biden never won, Biden will never be my president, and [hes] not who the people voted in and its a total disgrace to the United States.

Rose Bowe and Becky Hicks from Nashville, Tennessee, told CP that they went to Washington "to support our president and fight for our country, to take it back because we believe if he is not re-elected  we may lose our country forever.

Hicks added: Im here because the Constitution matters. Every vote should count. And this ridiculous no-gender, amen/woman-man, its just  its time for people to stand up and believe in something. Make a stand.

This country was built on God and it needs to stay on God, and this president is all about doing that  bringing this country back to God, Rowe added.

After mentioning that From Nashville all the way here, at least half the people that weve come in contact with were on their way to this, Hicks contended that Trump didnt lose and called for a full recount of the 2020 election, citing so many discrepancies.

Before the women expressed hope that President Trump will pull off a miracle today, Hicks stressed the importance of election integrity: People fought and died for every vote.

Anne from Cornwall, Connecticut, cited her admiration for the president as her main reason for attending the rally: Im a Trumper all the way. I got so excited when I saw him after his election. I actually didnt like him before. I didnt know anything about him. But because of what hes done for the country, hes the most admired man in the world right now. How could you not love him?

Elizabeth Beth Smith, a California native and military member who is serving in Texas, shared her perspective on the 2020 election: Ive spent 21 years in the military. Im all about the country.

Smith said that she would have had no problem accepting the results of the election if it had been a fair election and he lost. She insisted that that wasnt the case at all. The evidence is very clear  I mean, hours and hours and hours  of evidence, of testimony, of video footage  All of these people are out here supporting our president and its amazing to see.

Smith contended that people who believe that the allegations of voter fraud amount to a conspiracy theory havent looked at the evidence and asserted that the conspiracy is on the part of the Democrats and anybody working to steal the election.

Pastor Paula White, a spiritual adviser to Trump, asked that every adversary against democracy, against freedom, against life, against liberty, against justice, against peace, against righteousness be overturned right now in the name of Jesus as she delivered the invocation. Let justice be done. Let we the people have the assurance of a fair and a just election. Hear our cry and turn our hearts to you.

God, I pray that you return the hearts of those who are in power and position to make decisions, to walk in your wisdom and to do justly today, she added. White also thanked God for the president because he has stood with Israel, he has stood with life, he has stood for righteousness, he has stood for the most vulnerable, he has stood to alleviate poverty, he has stood for religious freedom, he has stood for safety and protection, he has stood for a place, God, that few men could stand.

As attendees anxiously awaited an address from President Donald Trump scheduled for 11 a.m., many other Trump supporters addressed the crowd. Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones, a Democrat who has become an outspoken Trump supporter, used his speech to announce that he was officially joining the Republican Party as the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.

Other speakers at the event included Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C., Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., as well as former New York City mayor and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani.

As Proud to be an American by Lee Greenwood played over the loud speaker, the president began to speak to his loyal supporters. We will never give up, we will never concede, Trump vowed. We will stop the steal. During his speech, members of the crowd chanted Fight for Trump!

Like many of the other speakers, Trump stressed the importance of defeating Republicans who refuse to challenge the results of the election: We have to primary the hell out of the ones that dont fight. He cited Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., as an example of a House Republican he would like to see primaried, specifically highlighting his disagreements with her view on foreign policy.

Trump also discussed his displeasure with Gov. Brian Kemp, R-Ga., and the elected officials in Georgia who signed a consent decree spearheaded by liberal activist Stacey Abrams that loosened signature requirements for mail-in ballots. She took them to lunch, Trump noted, as he recalled how he helped Kemp beat Abrams in the 2018 gubernatorial election by endorsing him in the Republican primary and the general election.

Later, Trump maintained that Youll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength and you have to be strong. Youre not going to have a Republican Party if you dont get tough, Trump told the crowd. We have come to demand that Congress do the right thing and only count the electors who have been lawfully slated.

Additionally, the president directed a message at Vice President Mike Pence: I hope youre going to stand up for the good of our Constitution and of our country. And if youre not, Im going to be very disappointed in you. As president of the Senate, Pence presides over the counting of Electoral College votes in a largely ceremonial role.

This year, using the pretext of the China virus and the scam of mail-in ballots, Democrats attempted the most brazen and outrageous election theft, he said. Our election was over at 10 in the evening. Were leading Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia by hundreds of thousands of votes and then late in the evening or early in the morning, boom, theres explosions of bullsh**.

We won in a landslide. This was a landslide, the president maintained. This is the most corrupt election in the history, maybe of the world.

Trump also urged Congress and the state legislatures to take action to prevent election fraud in the future, specifically to quickly pass sweeping election reforms. As his speech concluded, Trump took a more optimistic tone, stressing that Today is not the end. Its just the beginning.

Despite all thats happened, the best is yet come, he continued, as the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.

Should Republicans efforts to challenge the electoral votes in certain swing states succeed, an event that seems unlikely given the makeup of the 117th Congress and several Republicans expressing unease about challenging the election results, Bidens electoral vote total would drop below 270, leading the House of Representatives to pick the president.

Under this scenario, each state gets one vote regardless of size and since Republicans control a majority of state delegations, Trump would presumably win.
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Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg posted an update Thursday morning saying that President Donald Trump's account on the social media site will be suspended "until a peaceful transition of power is complete."

Zuckerberg's post contained the following statement:

"The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden. His decision to use his platform to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building has rightly disturbed people in the U.S. and around the world."

"We removed these statements yesterday because we judged that their effect -- and likely their intent -- would be to provoke further violence. Following the certification of the election results by Congress, the priority for the whole country must now be to ensure that the remaining 13 days and the days after inauguration pass peacefully and in accordance with established democratic norms."

"Over the last several years, we have allowed President Trump to use our platform consistent with our own rules, at times removing content or labeling his posts when they violate our policies. We did this because we believe that the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech. But the current context is now fundamentally different, involving use of our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government.

"We believe the risks of allowing the president to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great. Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete."





On Wednesday, Twitter temporarily suspended Trump's account after he repeatedly posted false accusations about the election after his supporters stormed the Capitol following a Trump rally.

Twitter said it was requiring Trump to remove tweets and locking the president's account "for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets. If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked." The company said Trump's account also could be suspended permanently if future violations of its rules, "including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies," occur.



Facebook officials initially said it would block Trump from posting content for a 24-hour period, The New York Times reported.

Facebook also removed a short video by Trump in which he urged supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday to go home while also repeating false accusations about the integrity of the presidential election.



YouTube also said it removed the Trump video for spreading false claims about widespread election fraud. But a copy of the video was still easy to find as of Wednesday evening.

Guy Rosen, Facebooks vice president of integrity, said on Twitter Wednesday that the video was removed because it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.



Trump opened his video saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said: We cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. The statement came as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The European Research Council (ERC) will fund the development of an innovative platform incorporating the IIASA crowdsourcing game Picture Pile. IIASA Strategic Initiatives Program Director Steffen Fritz will lead the project.

Rapid advances in computing power, the availability of big data, and improvements in machine learning algorithms mean artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world as we know it. Computer vision, which entails AI technology allowing computers to understand and label images, is used in activities as diverse as driverless car testing, medical diagnostics, and the monitoring of livestock. The development of the new Picture Pile Platform, which is funded by an ERC Proof of Concept Grant, aims to provide users with the opportunity to set up and run their own crowd-sourced image classification campaigns, which can then quickly and accurately train AI algorithms. ERC Proof of Concept Grants provide top-up funding to ERC grantees to explore the innovation potential of their scientific discoveries and bring the results of their frontier research closer to market.

"We have often been approached by institutions asking if we could make a pile, in other words, specific image classifications, in Picture Pile. The new platform will address the gap that currently exists in the market for a platform that allows users to build their own tailored, quality controlled crowdsourcing campaigns to collect image classifications in an efficient, engaging, and fair way, and then possibly make the data collected openly and freely available. Once the platform has been built, the running costs will be low, and the overall benefit for society will be tremendous," explains IIASA Strategic Initiatives Program Director Steffen Fritz, who will lead the project.

While there are many image databases that can be used to train machine learning algorithms to perform computer vision tasks, there is a lack of datasets containing more specific features of interest, for example, crop or building types. The new Picture Pile Platform will address this by building upon the existing Picture Pile crowdsourcing application, that allows users to classify or help sort through piles of pictures, which can be very high resolution satellite images, geo-tagged photographs, or any other images (e.g., images from medical applications) that require sorting. After a pile has been sorted, the image classifications can be made publicly available with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) metadata so that they can be freely used by anyone. In addition, the platform will provide quality control mechanisms to guarantee the accuracy of the data collected. It is also envisaged that premium services will be added to make the platform commercially self-sustaining.

Picture Pile was initially developed as part of the pioneering research and development activities within the ERC Consolidator Grant, 'CrowdLand: Harnessing the power of crowdsourcing to improve land cover and land-use information', and has significantly contributed to the emerging field of citizen science. To date, there have been 34 Picture Pile campaigns, involving 10,130 people who have classified over 15 million images.

IIASA has collaborated with numerous institutions including the European Space Agency, the Earth Day Network, the Wilson Center, remote sensing companies, and universities to create piles with Picture Pile to train machines to detect slums from satellite and ground photos, marine litter from aerial photos, and classifications of different crops in order to tackle food security issues. Currently IIASA and SAS are utilizing Picture Pile to power algorithms to detect deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.

The gamified version of the Picture Pile annotation tool is accessible as an online version as well as a mobile app in both IOS and Android (name: Picture Pile).

"If it is possible for everyone to easily, quickly, and freely run their own Picture Pile campaigns, and choose for the resulting data to be made openly and freely available to everyone, scientists and application developers from many different fields will be able to train AI models that can solve tasks faster, more reliably, and more cost effectively than humans. The opportunities for applying this innovation to a broad range of sectors promises far-reaching benefits to society and scientific research," says IIASA researcher Tobias Sturn, lead developer on the Picture Pile Platform.

This highly competitive ERC Proof of Concept grant is one of three awarded to Austria-based institutions in the latest annual rounds. IIASA researchers have been awarded a number of ERC grants over the last year to fund frontier research in the fields of equitable pension policies, climate change and population trends, and negative emissions technologies.

###

Contacts:

Researcher contact

Steffen Fritz

Program Director

IIASA Strategic Initiatives Program

Tel: +43 2236 807 353

fritz@iiasa.ac.at

Communications Officer

Rachel Potter

IIASA Press Office

Tel: +43 2236 807 788

Mob: +43 676 83 807 788

potter@iiasa.ac.at

About IIASA:


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WASHINGTON - As President Donald Trump told a sprawling crowd outside the White House that they should never accept defeat, hundreds of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in what amounted to an attempted coup that they hoped would overturn the election he lost. In the chaos, law enforcement officials said, a California woman was shot and killed by Capitol Police and three people died of medical emergencies.

The violent scene - much of it incited by the president's incendiary language - was like no other in modern American history, bringing to a sudden halt the congressional certification of Joe Biden's electoral victory.

With poles bearing blue Trump flags, a mob that would eventually grow into the thousands bashed through Capitol doors and windows, forcing their way past police officers unprepared for the onslaught. Lawmakers were evacuated shortly before an armed standoff at the House chamber's entrance. The woman who was shot, 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt of San Diego, was rushed to an ambulance, police said, and later died. Canisters of tear gas were fired across the Rotunda's white marble floor, and on the steps outside the building, rioters flew Confederate flags.

"USA! USA!" chanted the would-be saboteurs of a 244-year-old democracy.

The Senate stopped its proceedings, and the House doors were closed. In a notification, U.S. Capitol Police said no one would be allowed to come or go from the building as they struggled to regain control. "Stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover," police warned.

All 1,100 members of the D.C. National Guard were activated, and Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, imposed a citywide curfew. From 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, Bowser said, no one other than essential personnel would be allowed outdoors in the city.

The mob had arrived hours earlier, charging past the metal barricades on the property's outer edge. Hundreds, then thousands followed them. Some scaled the Capitol's walls to reach entrances; others climbed over one another.

On the building's east side, police initially pushed the pro-Trump demonstrators back but soon gave up and fell back to the foot of the main steps. Within a half-hour, fights broke out again, and police retreated to the top of the stairs as screaming Trump supporters surged closer. After the police perimeters were breached, the elated crowd began to sing the national anthem.

For an hour, they banged on the doors, chanting, "Let us in! Let us in!" Police inside fired pepper balls and smoke bombs into the crowd but failed to turn them away. After each volley, the rioters, who were mostly White men, would cluster around the doors again, yelling, arguing, pledging revolution.

Sometime after 2:10 p.m., a man used a clear plastic riot shield to break through the windows on a first floor to the south side of the building, then hopped in with a few others. Once inside, police suspect, rioters opened doors to let in more of their compatriots.

A Capitol Police officer shouted from a higher stairway at the intruders, yelling at them to stop, but when they didn't, the officer fired at a man coming at him, two law enforcement officials said. Amid shouts and people rushing to get away from the sound of gunfire, protesters saw a woman in their group collapse. Police believe she was unarmed, a law enforcement official said, but the officer who shot her did not know that. Capitol Police had already been warned by D.C. police that many protesters were secretly carrying weapons.

"They shot a girl!" someone yelled as a group of Trump supporters ran out of the southeast entrance.

A team of paramedics with a gurney soon arrived and a Capitol Police officer stepped aside to let them pass. "White female, shot in the shoulder," the officer said as they hurried past. They emerged minutes later.

On the gurney was a woman in jeans, gazing vacantly to one side, her torso and face covered in blood. As the gurney was loaded into the back of the ambulance, pro-Trump protesters swarmed around it, screaming, "Murderers!"

Capitol Police officers with long guns pushed the rioters back, and the ambulance drove off.

Babbitt was shot while trying to climb through a broken window in an area behind the House chamber. Her ex-husband confirmed her death Wednesday night.

Three other people died of medical emergencies, D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee said in a Wednesday-night news conference.

The people's names, and the circumstances of their deaths, were not released during the news conference with Contee and Bowser.

Also at the news conference, Bowser declared a public emergency in the city until Jan. 21, to improve security "through the inauguration." The declaration gives her more authority to draw on resources to maintain city security. Inauguration Day is scheduled for Jan. 20.

Bowser called the attack on the Capitol an "affront on our American democracy" and implored city residents to abide by the city's curfew.

"I urge anyone who is not in place in your home or your hotel - and if you mean to cause trouble in the streets of D.C. you will be arrested," she said.

Bowser blamed the president for the rioting.

"We saw an unprecedented attack on our American Democracy incited by the United States president," Bowser said. "He must be held accountable. His constant and divisive rhetoric led to the abhorrent actions we saw today."

Contee said 14 D.C. officers were injured. One was pulled into a crowd, assaulted and hospitalized. Another received "significant facial injuries" after being hit by a projectile. Others are not as serious.

Contee said police had made at least 52 arrests: four for carrying pistols without licenses, one arrest for possession of a prohibited weapon and 47 arrests for curfew violations and unlawful entry. Twenty-six of the 52 arrests were made on Capitol grounds, Contee said.

The chief also confirmed that police recovered two pipe bombs at the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee offices. A cooler that contained molotov cocktails was also found on Capitol grounds, the chief said. Bowser said officials will review video and issue alerts for people who breached the Capitol, adding that they "need to be held accountable for the carnage."

Contee also said in the news conference that D.C. police had participated in "several planning meetings with Capitol Police" and other agencies to plan for protests on Wednesday. He said Capitol Police called for help at 1 p.m. because of "significant activity" outside the Capitol and that "we immediately deployed platoons to assist the Capitol Police."

During the siege in the Capitol, where lawmakers had donned gas masks kept under their chairs, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., could only think of his family as he and other lawmakers hid from the mob. Reeling from the loss of his 25-year-old son last week, Raskin had taken one of his daughters and his son-in-law to the Capitol to watch the debates unfold over certification of Biden's election, he said, "because we wanted to be together." Raskin was helping lead Democrats' arguments against Republican objectors.

"I thought I could show them the peaceful transfer of power in the United States of America," Raskin told C-SPAN earlier. "What was really going through my mind was their safety because they were not with me in the chamber, and I just wanted us all to get back together."

Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., said members were told that chemical irritants had been released in Statuary Hall and, for a moment, braced for the possibility that they would be exposed to tear gas. Capitol Police barricaded the doors with tables and bookshelves.

Spanberger, a former CIA case officer, said that it was a crisis she would only expect to see unfold in fragile, faraway places.

"This is what we see in failing countries," she said. "This is what leads to a death of democracy."

The shooting and the breach triggered an instant call for help across Washington to other law enforcement agencies. At the U.S. Secret Service, headquarters sent out an emergency alert to all gun-carrying Secret Service personnel to report to headquarters in preparation to help secure the Capitol.

Meanwhile, dozens of other rioters streamed into the building, where they smashed windows and vandalized offices.

"MURDER THE MEDIA," read a message written on one door.

"WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN," read another left in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who also refused to back down, later directing her colleagues to return and finish validating Biden's victory.

Rep. Karen Bass, a Democrat from California, shared a photo on Twitter of a long-haired man in a Trump hat carrying a rostrum adorned with the gold-colored seal of the speaker.

"Arrest this man," she demanded.

At 3:30 p.m., more law enforcement in riot gear arrived at the Capitol.

"Traitors," Trump supporters shouted. "What's your oath?"

Biden condemned what he called an "unprecedented assault" on American democracy, "unlike anything we've seen in modern times."

"This is not dissent. It's disorder. It's chaos," he said. "It borders on sedition, and it must end now."

For hours, Trump made little effort to quell the violence he had helped instigate, finally sharing a video at 4:17 p.m. in which he told people to "go home" - while continuing to promote the falsehood that he had won the election.

"We love you," he told them. "You're very special."

The Capitol has been the target of violence before. In 1954, Puerto Rican nationalists opened fire from a House gallery, injuring five lawmakers on the floor below. In 1971, a bomb planted by a radical left-wing group exploded, though no one was harmed. In 1998, a gunman opened fire, killing two Capitol Police officers. But not since the British set fire to the Capitol in 1814 has a mob overrun the ultimate symbol of American freedom.

At about 8:30 p.m., just more than an hour after hundreds of law enforcement officers had at last finished clearing the mob and removing Trump flags left inside the building, heavily armed FBI agents and police officers in riot gear escorted lawmakers back to work.

D.C. police had arrested 13 people by early evening, they said, including three in possession of firearms. About 6 p.m., a man was stabbed at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near Freedom Plaza, though it was unclear whether the attack was related to the demonstrations.

At the Capitol, those who had made it inside took on a celebrity status when they came back out. A woman who said she had footage on her phone of Capitol Police pointing guns at rioters was circled by dozens who wanted to see it. People traded what information they had about the woman who was shot inside. Some called her a "martyr."

After she was taken away, the mood soured, though many remained joyous. "We're making history," one woman said as she strolled down Independence Avenue with friends.

Beneath streaming flags, including some that read "F--- Biden" and that depicted Trump as the movie character Rambo, people loudly exhorted Jesus and chanted "USA!"

Many called friends and family and took videos.

"We weren't violent before, but we are now," a middle-aged White man said, talking into his cellphone. "There's no going back."

- - -

The WashingtonPost's Peter Hermann, Rachel Chason, Marissa J. Lang, Carol D. Leonnig, Perry Stein, Emily Davies, Jessica Contrera, Katie Mettler, Michael Brice-Saddler, Harrison Smith, Clarence Williams, Antonio Olivo, Teo Armus, Justin Wm. Moyer and Fredrick Kunkle contributed to this report.
Badaun : , Jan 7 (IANS) A two-member team of the National Women's Commission (NCW) on Thursday met the family of the 50-year-old woman who was allegedly gang-raped and murdered in Badaun district on January 3. The NCW team also visited the crime site.

Chandramukhi Devi, one of the members of the team, said that she was not satisfied with the role of the police in the incident. "If the police would have shown swiftness in the matter, perhaps they could have saved the victim," she said after her visit.

Before paying a visit to the victim's family, the team also had a meeting with the SSP of the area and went through the details of the incident.

Interestingly, even as the NCW team was at the house of the victim, the wife and daughter of one of the accused in the crime tried to meet the visiting delegation.

The wife and daughter of the accused, Jashpal, demanded justice for themselves and claimed that he was innocent. "My husband got a call that there is a patient and went to do his job. He came to know about the case later," said Jaspal's wife, claiming that he is being framed.

According to police, the 50-year-old woman, who was an Anganwadi worker, was gang-raped and murdered in the Ughaiti area of Badaun district when she had gone to a temple on Sunday evening.

The post-mortem report of the deceased confirmed rape, injury in her private parts, and fracture in her legs.

An FIR was registered against three accused, including a priest, at the Ughaiti police station under Sections 376 (d) and 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Two of the accused persons have been arrested while the priest is still absconding.

The police station in-charge was also suspended for negligence of duty as the family members of the deceased had alleged police apathy in the delay caused in filing the FIR in the case.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the authorities to take strongest legal action against the accused and instructed the ADG (Zone), Bareilly, to submit a report. He also instructed the UP Special Task Force to assist in the investigation.
Maharashtra will take nearly three months to complete the first phase of Covid-19 vaccination for 800,000 people, state health minister Rajesh Tope said on Thursday.

The health ministers statement came a day ahead of the dry run for vaccination in 30 districts and 25 municipal corporation areas. The dry run is being done to detect logistical issues that may crop up in the actual immunisation drive expected to start after January 13.

Tope said, In the first phase, we have decided to keep 80 to 100 centres. If we have to immunise 800,000 people, itll take about 80-90 days. We will carry out the process scientifically. He added that the administration has already uploaded details of approximately 800,000 health workers on the CoWin app.

The minister said, The vaccination centres will be at district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, medical college hospitals and civic n hospitals, where tertiary care is available. Tope added that the Centre has not provided them any clarity on the time between two doses. The state has also sought clarity from the Centre on the vaccine to be provided and has also demanded more ice-lined refrigerators (ILR), deep freezers and walk-in coolers for the storage of vaccines.

Maharashtra, meanwhile, on Thursday reported three fresh cases of the mutated strain of Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. The three new cases are from Pimpri-Chinchwad, state health department officials said. The total cases of the new variant in the state have now risen to 11. On Monday, eight samples tested positive for the new variant, which originated from the United Kingdom (UK) and is said to be 70% more transmissible than the original strain.

A health department update stated all 11 patients are asymptomatic, of which two  one each from Mumbai and Pune  were discharged after completing 14 days of quarantine and their two consecutive samples were found negative by an RT-PCR test.

Of the 11 cases, one person is from Gujarat and the other is from Goa.

The state reported 3,729 fresh Covid-19 cases on Thursday, taking the total to 1,95,82,82. The state also reported 72 fresh fatalities, taking the toll closer to the 50,000 mark at 49,897. Mumbai added 665 fresh cases on Thursday, taking its tally to 296,985. Mumbai reported seven fatalities, pushing the toll in the city to 11,162.

Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said the dry run will help the administration find out any logistical issues, including the usefulness of the CoWin app, before the actual vaccination starts.

As per the guidelines of the Centre, a dry run will be carried out in Maharashtras 30 districts and 25 municipal corporation areas. Each district will have three centres, while the municipal areas will have one vaccine centre in the dry run, said Tope in a statement. Last week, the state had conducted a small-scale dry run in four districts and two municipal corporation areas.

A statement from the health department said the dry run will show if problems exist in storage, supply and administration, and these will be ironed out. The statement said it will help check out how convenient and useful the CoWin app. Besides that, it will help the planning, implementation and reporting of coronavirus vaccination, verification and inspection of all these matters, before starting the actual vaccination.

The state health minister participated in the meeting with Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan held via video-conferencing over the vaccination drive. The meeting was to take stock of the preparation, but we do not have much clarity on the vaccine that will be provided. They [Centre] have said that they would inform us [about the vaccine]. They have categorically told us to carry out vaccination in tertiary care centres, a clarification we had sought, the minister told HT.

Tope said the state has sought several changes in the CoWin application. The state has also demanded only one of the two vaccinations, so as to maintain uniformity. We have sought many changes in the CoWin app. We also demanded that only one vaccine should be given to us. Because one vaccines second dose could be after 30 days, while the others maybe after 45 days, it would create confusion. We have given them details about our shortage in the ILR, deep freezers, walk-in coolers. We need 667 ILCs, but so far they have provided 101, we asked for the remaining.

We asked time slots to be specified for people to arrive at Centres. In absence of timing, people may crowd at vaccination centres. Besides, in the app, we need bifurcation for ones who refuse to take the vaccine, since it is for emergency use now, Tope added.

Until now, the reason why the drug levodopa (L-Dopa), which reduces the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, declines in efficacy after a few years' use has been unknown. A side effect that then often occur is involuntary movements. A Swedish-French collaboration, led from Uppsala University, has now been able to connect the problems with defective metabolism of L-Dopa in the brain. The study is published in Science Advances.

"The findings may lead to new strategies for treating advanced Parkinson's," says Professor Per Andren of the Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences at Uppsala University. He and Dr Erwan Bezard of the University of Bordeaux, France, headed the study jointly.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is caused by the slow death of nerve cells that produce the key neurotransmitter dopamine. This results in the typical symptoms, such as rigidity and tremor. Treatment with L-Dopa, a precursor to dopamine, initially works very well as a rule; but after a few years, the effect of each dose becomes progressively more short-lived.

Adverse side effects, such as rapid alternation between rigidity and uncontrolled movements that become increasingly severe over time, are very common. Finally, the benefits of L-Dopa treatment are jeopardised and the symptoms can become debilitating. Which neurochemical mechanisms cause these side effects is unknown. The involuntary movements are collectively known as "L-Dopa-induced dyskinesia".

Using a new method, "matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging" (MALDI-MSI), the researchers were able to map numerous neurotransmitters and other biomolecules directly in non-human primate brain tissue, which had not been possible before. The samples came from a French biobank.

Thus, they were able to compare in detail, and identify the differences between, the brains of two groups of parkinsonian animals. One group was suffering from motor complications caused by long-term L-Dopa treatment. In the second group were individuals who had PD symptoms to the same degree, and were receiving identical L-Dopa treatment, but in whom the medication had not caused the motor side effects.

In the group with motor disorders, abnormally elevated levels of both L-Dopa and 3-O-methyldopa were detected. The latter, a metabolite, is a product formed when L-Dopa is converted to dopamine. This was seen in all the brain regions examined, except - to the researchers' surprise - the particular part of the brain known as the striatum, which is thought to be involved in L-Dopa-induced movement disorders.

This suggests that brain mechanisms other than those that were previously recognised may underlie the motor disorders. Instead of originating in the striatum, these problems are most likely triggered by a direct effect of L-Dopa or dopamine, or a combination of the two, in some other part of the brain.

Although there seems to be a direct connection between L-Dopa and motor complications, the mechanism that brings about the involuntary movements is still unclear and subject to further research. On the other hand, the new results show a direct role for L-Dopa in this motor disorder - independently from dopamine. And this indicates that L-Dopa may also act on its own in the brain," Professor Per Andren, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University
Four Ukrainian crewmembers of the Captain Khayyam tanker, who were detained in Libya since 2016, are returning to Ukraine.

Four Ukrainian citizens - members of the crew of the tanker Captain Khayyam, which was detained in the territorial waters of Libya on February 13, 2016, return to Ukraine. Sailors Yevhen Morar, Volodymyr Tostohan, Oleh Voynerovsky and Pavlo Chaika are already on their way home, the press service of the Head of State reports.

As noted, a Libyan court sentenced four Ukrainians and other crewmembers of the tanker Captain Khayyam to five years in prison in December 2017.

As two Ukrainian sailors have health problems, representatives of Ukraine have repeatedly raised the issue of their release for humanitarian reasons in negotiations with the Libyan party, the statement reads.

President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the release of Ukrainian citizens and noted that they would finally be able to celebrate Christmas with their relatives and friends.

The Head of State also thanked Ukrainian diplomats, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other agencies for their work, which made it possible for Ukrainians to return home.

"The Ukrainian state does not forget and does not leave its citizens in trouble. And we do everything possible, we use all channels so that Ukrainians who want to return home can do it. Because the state exists for the citizens, to protect their rights and freedoms. And citizens defend our country. That's exactly how it should be," the President said.

As noted, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba keeps the process of the sailors return under personal control.

"President Volodymyr Zelensky always insists on following one important and unshakable principle called Ukraine does not leave its people. This is a formula of respect for our state and citizens. Every time this principle is confirmed in practice, I am proud of Ukraine. And for citizens who return, everything is easier. They will just finally be able to hug their loved ones," he said.

As reported, Captain Khayyam tanker was detained in the territorial waters of Libya in 2016.

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Insurance groups signal intent to raise funds for stock boost, illustration photo

The last few days of 2020 witnessed an impressive public debut of PVI Re-insurance (PVI Re), one of the most notable of such companies in the country. Some 72.8 million of PVI Res shares were officially publicly traded on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HSX) from December 24, luring attention from local and international financiers alike.

Currently, there are only two Vietnam-based reinsurers in the market. Vietnam National Reinsurer Corporation (VNR) is the market leader with 10 per cent, followed by PVI Re with 7 per cent. The remainder is acquired by other foreign reinsurers.

According to representatives from PVI Re, the companys customers include the 20 largest insurance companies in Vietnam, and it also boasts a partnership with insurance brokers as well as international reinsurance companies around the globe.

PVI Re is receiving support from HDI Global SE  a German insurance company that holds 42.91 per cent of stake in PVI Holdings. HDI Global SE is also part of Talanx Group, the third-largest German insurance group in terms of premium income and one of the largest in Europe.

In August last year, HDI Global SE was allegedly fined VND125 million ($5,400) for conducting one or several transactions to obscure company ownership and avoid information disclosure responsibilities, according to the State Securities Commission of Vietnam. A fine of VND60 million ($2,600) was also imposed on the corporation for violating the foreign ownership limit (FOL). Furthermore, HDI has also allegedly conducted a number of transactions aimed at concealing its true ownership of PVI shares.

Besides the initial public offering (IPO) last month, PVI Re is in preparation for a capital hike in 2021.

Insurance law regulates the maximum liabilities with respect to each risk or per individual loss not to exceed 10 per cent of equity, so if PVI Re successfully expands its capital, the ability towards insurance cases with high insured value will be more competitive, noted analysts at KIS Securities.

In June last year, PVI was approved to increase its charter capital to VND3.1 trillion ($134.8 million). It is now the largest non-life insurer in Vietnam, with HDI Global SE being its largest shareholder

According to KIS Securities, Vietnam consists of 31 non-life insurers, 18 life insurers, 16 brokers, and two reinsurers. Many reputable foreign insurance companies have presences in Vietnam in both life and non-life sectors. Currently, local players such as Bao Viet Life Insurance, PVI, PTI, and Bao Minh Insurance have large market shares in terms of the gross premium. Most of them are listed on Vietnamese stock exchanges and have gained investors attention.

Vietnam National Aviation Insurance Corporation (VNI) has recently been approved to publicly trade 80 million of shares on the Unlisted Public Company Market (UPCoM). On October 20, 2020, the State Securities Commission issued Decision No.679/QD-XPVPHC to sanction administrative violations in the field of securities and stock market for VNI, with a fine of more than VND400 million ($17,400).

Military Insurance Corporation (MIC) has meanwhile signalled its interest in moving from UPCoM to the HSX. The insurer has prepared for its re-listing plan on the HSX, hoping the fresh move could facilitate better financial capacity as well as enhance its position. However, MIC has rescheduled its dream until market conditions show signs of improvement.

Petrolimex Insurance JSC (PJICO)  an insurance subsidiary of Petrolimex  also confirmed its commitment to file for an IPO in its recent meeting. PJICOs board has approved to raise the foreign cap from 49 per cent to 100 per cent.

On the other hand, as one of the most experienced players in the country, Bao Viet Life boasts various support from state-owned agencies as well as foreign-invested enterprises.

Japans Sumitomo Life is the second-largest shareholder at 22.09 per cent, following a private placement for 4.61 per cent stake in 2019 and an acquisition of 17.48 per cent of stake from HSBC Insurance in 2013.

Domestic insurers continue to seek for ways to compete successfully against international counterparts, which are superior in financial resources as well as professional procedures in both risk assessment and claim management.

A representative of VNR explained to intellasia.net last week that local groups do still have distinct advantages over bigger firms. These include knowledge about the domestic market and sensitivity to policy changes, along with an ability to provide customers with more effective products, consistent with market characteristics. The representative added that domestic reinsurance companies would be able to make fast prompt claims payments, which is of great significance in providing financial support to customers when losses occur.

However, leaders of PVI Re noted that most insurance/reinsurance companies in the Vietnamese market were still conducting transactions traditionally, which consumed human resources and increased costs. Therefore, it is necessary to accelerate digitialisation and application of IT to enhance labour efficiency and reduce paperwork.
Moreno was out on his own recognizance after being hit with charges of insurance fraud and obstruction of justice stemming from an incident in early 2019, when prosecutors say Moreno falsely claimed to police and his insurance company that his 2016 Audi A6 had been stolen from his garage.
Photos posted on social media of the U.S. Capitol building after Wednesday's violent siege show ransacked offices, walls marked with paint and broken windows.

Tom Brandt, communications director for Sen. Jerry Moran, posted images on Twitter of papers thrown across an office floor and broken furniture.

"Just walked through our United States Capitol," Brandt wrote. "This is despicable. This is unbelievable. All of it."

NBC reporter Leigh Ann Caldwell walked through the Capitol on Thursday morning and posted a series of images revealing the damage. One image of the doors into the building from the front steps show double-paned glass shattered. "They are cast in iron from Italy and moved here in the 1860s or earlier," Caldwell wrote.

Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images

Images also revealed broken iron benches, paint-splattered walls, destroyed plants and bullet ridden doors.

USA Today reporter Christal Hayes was inside the building after the pro-Trump mob stormed the building and shared images on Twitter showing broken glass everywhere. Hayes noted a used medical kit with an IV and AED machine used on a woman injured in the chaos.

CNN reporter Ali Zaslav shared a video of an office with papers covering the floor.

"The ransacked office of the Senate Parliamentarian," Zaslav wrote.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office was one target of the Trump supporters, and broken glass was strewn across surfaces.

Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power, forcing lawmakers to be rushed from the building and interrupting challenges to Joe Bidens Electoral College victory. Congress returned later Wednesday to resume their proceedings after the Capitol was cleared by law enforcement.

Andrew Harnik/Associated Press

The ordinarily mundane procedure of certifying a new president was always going to be extraordinary, with Republican supporters of Trump vowing to protest results of an election that they have baselessly insisted was marred by fraud.

The deliberations inside were still in its early stages when they were overcome by raucous demonstrations outside, as Trump supporters who clashed with police entered the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags. They abruptly interrupted the proceedings in an out-of-control scene that featured eerie official warnings directing people to duck under their seats for cover and put on gas masks.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

Four people died during the unrest, including a woman who was fatally shot in the chest.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead also three others who died in medical emergencies.

Here are more photos from the siege:

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
It has long been a popular saying in pop culture that the devil works hard but Kris Jenner works harder. Jenner, the matriarch of the Kardashian family, has always found a way to turn every situation into a gain for the family. So, its only natural that fans would begin to wonder if shes also behind the recent rumors that Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West are getting a divorce.

Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, and Kris Jenner | Dominique Charriau/WireImage

Kris Jenner made an empire off of her daughters

Way back in 2007, no one really knew much about the Kardshians. The familys biggest claim to fame was Robert Kardashians role in the O.J. Simpson trial, but they were definitely nowhere near being household names.

However, that year Kris Jenner premiered Keeping Up With the Kardashians where she was able to turn Kims sex tape scandal into ratings. Since then, the Kardashians have documented an insane amount of drama, including multiple divorces, cheating scandals, feuds, and fights. Because the show was able to produce over a decade of dramatic situations, fans have often wondered how much of the drama in that family is real and how much of it is just for ratings.

What is going on with Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West?

Several news outlets have been reporting that things are rocky between Kim and Kanye.

Kim and Kanye are in counseling and exploring their options, a source recently told People. They have been working on their marriage for a long time, but no decision has been made.

The two have been largely living separately, with Kim in California and Kanye in Wyoming.

He knows that shes done, a source told the outlet of the rapper. She has had enough, and she told him that she wants some space to figure out her future.

Hes OK, the source continued. Hes sad, but OK. He knows the inevitable will happen, and he knows that its coming soon.

All the while, Jenner and the family have been supportive of this drama.

Kris Jenner and Kims sisters are being as supportive as possible, another source said. Theyve seen Kim struggle over the last year and ultimately just want both her and Kanye to be happy, however that may look.

Christmas at Kourtneys  pic.twitter.com/CDhfTMQv9o  Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) December 26, 2020

RELATED: The Kardashians Just Signed a Huge Deal With Hulu, Here Are the Details

Is Kris Jenner behind it all?

Earlier this year, the Kardashians and Jenner announced that this would be the final season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. But despite that, the family continues to have dramatic situation after dramatic situation and fans are started to think that things are sounding suspicious.

Shes always done Their culture destroying reality show was canceled Alas, she needs attention. Her 15 minutes of shame is gone. So shes gotta try something, one person tweeted of Kim.

Some fans even directly attributed the rumors to Jenner.

Headlines. All about headlines. When you get no press you have to [create] headlines Kris is totally behind it, one person wrote. Gotta keep the brand alive.

Whether Jenner is behind the rumors or not, they managed to keep the family trending during one of the most politically newsworthy days of the year while extremists and protestors attacked the U.S. Capitol.

So, someone should really give Jenner some kind of award.
As riots and violence unfolded at the U.S. Capitol building, Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson said he was sad to see violent behavior from supporters of President Donald Trump challenging the election results  and reiterated claims that the race might have been tainted by fraud.

An avid supporter of President Donald Trump, Hodgson echoed claims of election fraud that have been repeatedly debunked by Republican and Democratic leaders in contested states where Joe Biden ultimately won. Efforts to challenge those results have also been dismissed by judges in multiple states. Armed rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol building as lawmakers gathered to certify the election results that declared Biden the next president.

Participating in violent protests is never the right answer, and it certainly is not the way to object to alleged election fraud.  Sheriff Thomas Hodgson (@SheriffHodgson) January 6, 2021

Hodgson said violence is never the answer before calling for an elections audit before Jan. 20.

The fastest way to end the ongoing debate over elections issues and the deep divide in our country is to have an audit prior to Jan. 20 so both Democrats and Republicans can be assured they can continue to have faith in our elections, he tweeted.

Hodgson has made headlines in years past for his support of Trumps plans to build the wall along the Southwest border and crack down on illegal immigration. The Bristol County House of Correction has been at the center of an investigation into an altercation between immigrant detainees and the sheriff in May.

The fastest way to end the ongoing debate over elections issues and the deep divide in our country is to have an audit prior to Jan. 20 so both Democrats and Republicans can be assured they can continue to have faith in our elections.



End the violence now!  Sheriff Thomas Hodgson (@SheriffHodgson) January 6, 2021

Hodgsons comments came as reports state someone in the building was shot during the incident Wednesday afternoon. Hours after his comments, it was reported that the the woman died.

The sheriffs response seemed similar to remarks Trump delivered in a video he tweeted. He told his supporters to remain peaceful, but not before reiterating claims that the election was stolen from him.

I know your pain. I know youre hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, Trump said in a video before telling his supporters to go home.

Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, blamed Trump for the election fraud claims at the heart of the armed takeover.

The chaos now unfolding is the sad but predictable outcome of weeks of attacks, perpetrated by President Trump and his supporters against the democratic process that makes America the greatest nation on earth, and these baseless challenges to President-elect Bidens victory must stop, Baker said.

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, also a Republican, also called on Trump and his base to condemn the armed takeover.

The horrific violence unfolding at the Capitol is an attack on our democracy and should be condemned without qualification by President Trump and his supporters, Polito said. It is time for all Americans to embrace a peaceful transition of power and move forward to heal our nation.

Related content:
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
The rice sector is expected to again post high growth this year, when new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs) Vietnam has signed with foreign partners come into play.

Amid the difficulties posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, rice exporters quickly made appropriate adjustments and actively sought new markets while fully tapping into the advantages brought about by FTAs.

Vice Chairman of the VFA, Do Ha Nam, said 2020 was a successful year for Vietnams rice exports, which he attributed to increasing demand in many countries and the improved competitiveness of Vietnamese rice around the world.

The EU-Vietnam FTA (EVFTA) has created a major opportunity for Vietnamese rice to enter European markets and then make inroads into other choosy markets, Nam said.

Experts said that if Vietnam wants to maintain rice export growth in 2021 it needs to focus on building a complete rice value chain and controlling quality in production, processing, and distribution.

The VFA predicted that rice exports will continue to grow this year because export markets, such as the Philippines and Africa, are continuing to sign contracts.

Within the framework of the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) FTA, EAEU member states have pledged to give Vietnam a tariff quota of 10,000 tonnes of rice for this year.

Vietnams rice exports to the UK will also enjoy zero percent tariffs without quotas under the recently-signed UK-Vietnam FTA.

To fully tap into the advantages available under FTAs, rice export giants such as the Intimex Corporation JSC, the Loc Troi Group, the VRICE Co., and the Trung An Hi-Tech Agriculture JSC are planning to seek additional importers in markets where Vietnam has signed FTAs, especially in the UK.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to support exporters via providing timely information on market demand and strengthening trade promotion efforts.
UP government promulgated an ordinance on inter-faith marriages, religious conversions and a similar law was enacted by Uttrakhand in 2018

The petitioners submitted that the two laws seemed to be premised on conspiracy theories and assume that all conversions are illegally forced upon individuals.  PTI

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stay the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh laws regulating inter-faith marriages and conversion while issuing notice in two pleas challenging the validity of the laws.

Refusing to stay the laws, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad A. Bobde said it cant decide which provisions of the two laws were oppressive unless it hears the state governments concerned.

The Uttar Pradesh government has promulgated an ordinance regulating inter-faith marriages and religious conversions and a similar was enacted by the Uttrakhand in 2018.

When advocate Pradeep Kumar Yadav pointed out that the BJP governments in Madhya Pradesh and Haryana were also bringing laws on the lines of the UP ordinance and society is affected, the CJI said the court would not expand the petitions scope.

The bench, also comprising Justice A.S. Bopanna and Justice V Ramasubramanian, however, agreed to examine the validity of the ordinance and the laws.

The court was hearing petitions, one by Delhi-based lawyer Vishal Thakre and the another by Mumbai-based NGO Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), challenging the constitutional validity of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religious Ordinance, 2020, and the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act, 2018.

The petitions under Article 32 stated that the two laws were violative of Articles 21 and 25 as they empower the State to suppress an individuals liberty and the freedom to practice religion of one's choice.

The Uttarakhand law and UP ordinance essentially bar conversion to any other religion for the purpose of marriage.

The ordinance lays down a detailed procedure to be followed before an individual can convert from one religion to another. Violation of the same entails criminal liability on the individual who undergoes conversion and the individual who converts the person.

The ordinance also states that no person shall convert or attempt to convert either directly or otherwise any other person from one religion to another by use or practice of misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means or by marriage nor shall any person abet, convince or conspire such conversion.

The petitioners submitted that the two laws seemed to be premised on conspiracy theories and assume that all conversions are illegally forced upon individuals, though they have attained the age of majority. It intrudes into the right to privacy under Article 21 and freedom of religion under Article 25, it was contended.

The plea also highlighted that the UP ordinance casts the burden of proof on the accused against the established principles of criminal jurisprudence.

The burden of proof gets shifted and it is dangerous as it is a non-bailable offence and also under a circumstance where they are pitched against hostile communities and family members who masquerade in the glory of protection of women," one of the petitions said.

Initially, CJI Bobde was not in favour of issuing notice after Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta informed the court that both the challenges are pending in the respective High Courts.

They however, agreed to hear the [etitions on advocate Pradeep Kumar Yadav arguing that the Supreme Court can take up cases which are pending in different High Courts.

Objecting to the parties coming straight to the Supreme Court under Article 32, the CJI said: First you exercise your right under Article 32 by approaching the respective High Courts and come here if you don't get any relief.

Senior advocate C.U. Singh told the court that the legislations under challenge are obnoxious in nature and that couples were being picked up by force from wedding places.

We need stay on reverse burden of proof and intimation to police for marriage. Prima facie its an oppressive clause. Its a non-bailable offence. This is there in both Acts. Daily there are reports of people being picked up by force. It is obnoxious to seek prior permission for marriage from a magistrate, Singh argued.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Capitol was breached by protesters on Wednesday afternoon, a tense situation that has forced proceedings to count Electoral College votes cast in the 2020 presidential election to halt.

Lawmakers are reportedly being evacuated from the House and the Senate, as protesters supporting outgoing President Donald Trump, a Republican, forced their way into the building, which has been placed under a lockdown, and entered the chambers.

"All buildings within the Capitol Complex, Capitol: External security threat, no entry or exit is permitted, stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover," according to a message from Capitol Police.

U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina, tweeted out a video clip showing physical confrontation between protesters and police.

"Just evacuated my office in Cannon due to a nearby threat. Now we're seeing protesters assaulting Capitol Police," she wrote. "This is wrong... I'm heartbroken for our nation today."

A woman is reportedly in critical condition after being shot in the chest on the Capitol grounds.

At least five people, including a law enforcement officer, have been transported to the hospital, according to D.C. emergency authorities. Several officers have been treated for pepper spray exposure.

Trump tweeted he's asking "everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful."

"No violence," he wrote. "Respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"

Vice President Mike Pence, who was presiding the congressional session certifying President-elect and Democrat Joe Biden's victory over Trump, issued a much stronger statement.

"The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now," Pence tweeted. "Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building."

In a joint statement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, top congressional Democrats, said that they are "calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately."

The entire D.C. National Guard has been activated following breach of the U.S. Capitol, according to Jonathan Hoffman, chief spokesman for the Pentagon. Virginia is also sending 200 state troopers and mobilizing a unit of the Guard to respond to the situation, a state official said.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Wednesday afternoon ordered a citywide curfew in the wake of the incidents.

In a statement, Bowser said the curfew will run from 6 p.m. on Wednesday until 6 a.m. on Thursday.

"During the hours of the curfew, no person, other than persons designated by the Mayor, shall walk, bike, run, loiter, stand, or motor by car or other mode of transport upon any street, alley, park, or other public place within the District," Bowser said.
Forget who wants to be a millionaire? If you want to be up among the richest people in the world, its going to take billions.

Just ask Elon Musk, who yesterday leapfrogged Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to become the richest man on the planet.

On Wednesday, the 49-year-old South Africa-born engineers fortune stood at $181 billion (133 billion) and Bezoss at $184 billion (136 billion).

But thanks to a surge in the share price of his electric car company Tesla, his fortune  which goes up by tens of millions every day  had risen yesterday to $188.5 billion (139 billion).

Bezos, 56, had held the top spot since October 2017, when he overtook Microsoft founder Bill Gates, 65, who has a net worth of $119.3 billion (88 billion).

The trio, who all made their billions from technology, form a very exclusive club of tycoons to have held the title of the worlds richest man, jostling for first, second and third position as stock prices and fortunes have wavered.

And from a love of private jets and fancy houses, through to costly divorces, thats not all these moneybags have in common.

But while Musk may currently be the richest, who is the flashest? Who still drives a seven-year-old Honda, who cant boast of an art collection, and who has sworn off space travel? CLAUDIA CONNELL invites you little people to take a look at the richest men in the world 

Elon Musk (left) has officially become the world's richest person after a surge in Tesla shares increased his net worth to a whopping $188.5billion, dethroning Amazon's Jeff Bezos (right)

Luxury jets and gas-guzzling cars

Musk: He is careful to be seen driving his own electric vehicles, with an 80,000 Model S Tesla his car of choice. He was seen recently driving the prototype of his new 40,000 Cybertruck. The man who wants people to drive greener cars also keeps a gas guzzling 1967 Jaguar E-Type worth 60,000 and owns two private jets  a Gulfstream G550, which costs 45 million and a 48 million Gulfstream G650.

Bezos: The Amazon boss is no petrolhead. The last time he was asked about his car, he revealed he drove a seven-year-old Honda Accord. He scores some billionaire points with his 48 million private jet, an eight-seater Gulfstream G650ER, and the 3.5 million hanger he bought to keep it in.

Gates: The climate-change activist recently bought a 116,000 Porsche Taycan Turbo (but at least its electric). He also has a 100,000 Ferrari 348 and a 60,000 Jaguar XJ6. He describes his jet  a 29 million, 19-seater Bombardier BD-700  as his guilty pleasure.

All three men own private jets and Elon Musk owns two. Microsoft founder Bill Gates describes his jet - a 29 million, 19-seater Bombardier BD-700 (pictured)  as his guilty pleasure

Musk is obsessed with 'colonising' Mars and founded his SpaceX company in 2002. Pictured: The SpaceX Falcon Heavy launches from the Kennedy Space Centre, in February 2018

Firing up the space race

Musk: Like a comic book villain, he is obsessed with colonising Mars. He founded his SpaceX company in 2002 and last year it became the first private company to send humans into orbit when it flew two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station. He says that by 2050 he will have a city of one million people on the Red Planet, whod all have paid around 375,000 to relocate.

Bezos: Twenty years ago he founded Blue Origin, a company that aims to make space travel available to all (as long as youre filthy rich). He envisages a future where people will live in floating space colonies with ecosystems similar to Earth.

Gates: He has stated that hes not in the least bit interested in joining the billionaire space race, recently calling Musks Mars colonisation plan delusional. However, he has invested 700 million in a company called EarthNow, which aims to cover Earth in video surveillance via hundreds of low-earth orbit satellites.

Elon Musk with his first wife Justine whom he divorced in 2008 after eight years of marriage. Justine, mother of his five sons, accused him of under-valuing his assets in bitter divorce battle

Love, marriage and costly divorces

Musk: He met first wife, author Justine, when they were students. They married in 2000 and split after eight years. During a bitter divorce, Justine, mother of his five sons, accused him of under-valuing his assets.

The judge rejected her claims and Musk gave her a 9 million settlement. In 2010, he married British actress Talulah Riley, now 35, but divorced on friendly terms two years later. In 2013, they remarried  only to divorce again in 2016, with the total settlement estimated to be 20 million.

Bezos: When youre divorcing the worlds richest man, you can expect a handsome payout. In 2019, he agreed to a 28 billion settlement after splitting with MacKenzie Scott, his wife of 26 years and mother to his four children.

She is now a successful novelist who has kept a four per cent share in Amazon worth 26 billion.

Gates: No divorce bills for Bill; he has been happily married to Melinda for 26 years.

Scandals, tweets and conspiracies

Musk: In 2018, he tweeted that he was thinking of taking Tesla private at a cost of $420 (310) per share  way more than its trading value  and had secured the funding to do so. It led to a 30 million fine from trading body the Security and Exchanges Commission.

When 12 boys were trapped in a cave in Thailand, Musk sent a submarine for the rescue operation. It was never used, and when British diver Vernon Unsworth accused him of being an attention-seeker, Musk called him pedo guy on Twitter. Unsworth sued for defamation but lost.

Bezos: Shortly after his separation from MacKenzie, the National Enquirer published intimate texts between him and new girlfriend Lauren Sanchez, which, they claimed, proved they had been conducting an affair for many months.

Bezos then accused the U.S. tabloid of blackmailing him with the threat of publishing more texts and nude photos if he didnt call off an investigation into who leaked the texts. The Enquirer responded by saying Laurens brother Michael Sanchez had supplied the information in return for 150,000.

In addition, Amazon  worth nearly 2 trillion  has been accused of swerving 75 billion of global taxes over the past decade.

Gates: Did you know Bill Gates is responsible for Covid-19? He manufactured the virus in order to make a fortune from a vaccine.

None of this is true, of course  just bonkers conspiracy theories that all stem from a 2010 talk he gave where he predicted that a virus could wipe out millions.

While Bill Gates has been happily married to wife Melinda (right) for 26 years, Bezos agreed to a 28bn settlement after splitting with MacKenzie Scott (left) , wife and mother to his children

Giving back or not helping enough

Musk: Its hard to imagine a cash poor billionaire, but Elon is. Most of his wealth is tied up in his Telsa and SpaceX shares. However, he has given 70 million to charity so far and signed the Giving Pledge, set up by Bill and Melinda Gates, to encourage the super-rich to offload half of their wealth.

Bezos: He has been criticised for not giving generously enough despite establishing his own charitable foundation, the Day One Fund, two years ago. It supports homeless families and provides early years education in low income areas, with a 1.5 billion donation. However, Forbes recently stated he donates less than one per cent of his fortune.

He hasnt signed the Giving Pledge. However, last year, he pledged 7.5 billion to help fight climate change.

Gates: To date he has given 37 billion to good causes via the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The couple have vowed to leave only a small amount of their fortune to their children, with the rest going to charity.

One of Elon Musk's six Bel-Air homes which he sold in April for $29 million and which served as his main residence - $12m more than he paid for it in 2012

More houses than in Monopoly

Musk: He announced last year that he intends to sell all his physical possessions, including his homes (worth a total of 100 million). Last summer, a buyer paid 22 million for his seven-bedroom mansion in LAs exclusive Bel Air.

He is now offering his other four Bel Air houses as part of a bundle at the bargain price of 47 million. In 2019, he sold another home in Brentwood, LA, for a more modest 2.87 million.

Bezos: Last year, he bought a 123 million estate in Beverly Hills that set a record for house sales in California. The main house (there are three on the ten-acre compound) is 13,000 square feet with eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms. And its not even his main home  thats a sprawling estate in Medina, Washington State, worth 43 million.

Throw in two houses in LA, a 12 million converted museum in Washington DC, numerous apartments in New York and a 330,000-acre ranch in Texas and it adds up to an estimated 200 million property portfolio.

Gates: His main home is a huge estate, also in Medina, nicknamed Xanadu 2.0 (after the fictional mansion in Citizen Kane). The main mansion offers 66,000 square feet of space and comes with a pool that plays underwater music.

The estate was recently valued at 94 million. And he has bought a San Diego beachfront mansion for 32 million.

There are two further properties in Florida, an equestrian centre in California and a ski lodge in Montana, adding up to 170 million worth of homes.

James Bond Toys: Elon Musk paid 620,000 for this Lotus Esprit submarine car used in Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me which could be driven on land and also go underwater

James Bond toys

Musk: Seven years ago he paid 620,000 for the Lotus Esprit submarine car used in the Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me, which could be driven on land and also go underwater. I was disappointed to learn that it cant actually transform, he said at the time.

Bezos: He had the fortune, the plane, the property portfolio  all that was missing was a giant clock inside a hollowed out mountain. So Bezos spent 36 million on a 500ft thermal-powered clock, housed in a mountain in West Texas that will tell the time for the next 10,000 years. They do sell watches on Amazon, Jeff.

Gates: In 2013, it was rumoured he was the new owner of the 314-acre Caribbean island Grand Bogue Caye off the coast of Belize that was sold to an undisclosed buyer for 18 million. But while he did tour the island, he is not thought to have put in an offer.

Elon Musk with girlfriend of two years Canadian musician Claire Boucher, stage name Grimes

For richer...and richer

Musk: His girlfriend of two years is Canadian musician Claire Boucher, who is 17 years his junior. She performs under the name of Grimes  and in May last year gave birth to a boy named X-AE-A-XII, or X for short.

Bezos: He was accused of cheating on his (now ex) wife MacKenzie with current girlfriend Lauren Sanchez, 51. Lauren was married to movie agent Patrick Whitesell and the pair were friends with Bezos and MacKenzie. After 18 months of dating, Lauren (right with Bezos) has been spotted with what looks like a knuckle-duster of an engagement ring.

Gates: Bill has been devoted to wife Melinda, 56, for nearly 30 years. The couple met when she started working for Microsoft as a product manager in 1987. They have three grown-up children.

The art of spending it

Musk: He sent works by street artist Tristan Eaton into space on his rocket launch this year, but otherwise Elon isnt much of an art buff.

Bezos: Only started investing in art this year, when he was reported to have paid 39 million at Christies for Hurting The Word Radio #2 by U.S. artist Ed Ruscha. Hes also thought to have bought Vignette 19 by Kerry James Marshall for 13 million.

Gates: Owner of a 100 million art collection, the most valuable work of which is Leonardo Da Vincis Codex Leicester (right), a collection of scientific writings which he paid 23 million for in 1994 and is now worth twice that.

His collection also includes Lost On The Great Banks by American artist Winslow Homer, which he purchased for 26 milion.
WINNIPEG, MB, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Medicure Inc. ("Medicure" or the "Company") (TSXV: MPH) (OTC: MCUJF), a cardiovascular pharmaceutical company, today announced that through its Barbados subsidiary, Medicure International Inc., it intends to file an Investigational New Drug ("IND") application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") pertaining to its legacy product Pyridoxal 5-phosphate ("P5P", also referred to as "MC-1") for the treatment of seizures associated with pyridox(am)ine 5'-phosphate oxidase ("PNPO") deficiency. The majority of patients with PNPO deficiency have mutations in the PNPO gene, which is required for the production of normal levels of P5P. In connection with the IND, the Company will proceed with a Phase 3 clinical trial to treat PNPO deficient patients with a daily dose of MC-1.

The FDA and the European Medicines Agency ("EMA") have both granted a Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to MC-1 for the treatment of seizures associated with PNPO deficiency. Additionally, the FDA has granted Orphan Drug Status and a Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to MC-1 for the treatment of PNPO deficiency.

Under the Creating Hope Act passed into federal law in 2012, the FDA grants a Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for serious and life-threatening diseases that primarily affect children ages 18 years or younger and fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. If a new drug application ("NDA") for MC-1 for patients with PNPO deficiency is approved, the Company may be eligible to receive a priority review voucher ("PRV") from the FDA, which can be redeemed to obtain priority review for any subsequent marketing application.

"MC-1 has the potential to become the first FDA-approved therapy for patients with PNPO deficiency. Receiving Orphan Drug Status and a Rare Pediatric Disease Designation from the FDA is a significant milestone for this program and underscores the critical value of our work," said Dr. Albert D. Friesen, CEO of Medicure and Chair of its Board of Directors. "With this designation, we will work diligently towards FDA approval and the issuance of a PRV in order to expedite realization of the value of MC-1. We are grateful to the FDA and Congress for having enacted this law which helps Medicure and all companies develop innovative drugs for rare pediatric conditions."

About Medicure Inc.

Medicure is a pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapies for the U.S. cardiovascular market. The present focus of the Company is the marketing and distribution of AGGRASTAT (tirofiban hydrochloride) injection and ZYPITAMAG (pitavastatin) tablets in the United States, where they are sold through the Company's U.S. subsidiary, Medicure Pharma Inc. Medicure also operates Marley Drug, Inc. ("Marley"), a pharmacy located in North Carolina that offers an Extended Supply mail order drug program serving all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Marley is committed to improving the health status of their patients and the communities they serve while reducing overall health care costs for employers and other health care consumers. For more information visit www.marleydrug.com. To learn more about The Extended Supply Generic Drug Program call 800.286.6781 or email [email protected]. For more information on Medicure please visit www.medicure.com. For additional information about AGGRASTAT, refer to the full Prescribing Information. For additional information about ZYPITAMAG, refer to the full Prescribing Information.

To be added to Medicure's e-mail list, please visit:

http://medicure.mediaroom.com/alerts

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.

Forward Looking Information: Statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believes", "may", "plans", "will", "estimates", "continues", "anticipates", "intends", "expects" and similar expressions, may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. federal securities laws (such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are hereinafter collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements, include estimates, analysis and opinions of management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors which the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances. Inherent in forward-looking statements are known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company's ability to predict or control that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, and as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, among others, the Company's future product revenues, expected results, including future revenue from P5P, the likelihood of receiving a PRV, expected future growth in revenues, stage of development, additional capital requirements, risks associated with the completion and timing of clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approval to market the Company's products, the ability to protect its intellectual property, dependence upon collaborative partners, changes in government regulation or regulatory approval processes, and rapid technological change in the industry. Such statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions about: general business and economic conditions; the impact of changes in Canadian-US dollar and other foreign exchange rates on the Company's revenues, costs and results; the timing of the receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals for the Company's research and development projects; the availability of financing for the Company's commercial operations and/or research and development projects, or the availability of financing on reasonable terms; results of current and future clinical trials; the uncertainties associated with the acceptance and demand for new products and market competition. The foregoing list of important factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of factors, other than as may be required by applicable legislation. Additional discussion regarding the risks and uncertainties relating to the Company and its business can be found in the Company's other filings with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities or the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and in the "Risk Factors" section of its Form 20F for the year ended December 31, 2019.

SOURCE Medicure Inc.

Related Links

www.medicure.com


WASHINGTON - When a group of pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol and smashed windows on Wednesday, a woman jumped onto a pane and started through.

Seconds later, a gunshot rang out and the woman, who had a Trump flag tied around her waist, tipped back and fell onto the marble floor as blood spilled from her shoulder.

"They shot a girl!" someone yelled as the crowd ran out of the southeast entrance.

She died later that day, police said. She was one of four fatalities from the violent rioting that wreaked havoc through the halls of Congress on Wednesday, halting the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's electoral victory. Three others died of unspecified medical emergencies during the chaos.

The woman was 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt, a California native and Air Force veteran, her former husband told The Washington Post. Before her death in the Capitol, she had used her social media to express fervent support for President Donald Trump and echo many of the president's conspiracy theories and false claims of mass voter fraud.

Police have not yet confirmed Babbitt's identity or confirmed details about how she was shot. The woman was shot by U.S. Capitol Police, Washington D.C. Police Chief Robert J. Contee III told reporters on Wednesday.

Babbitt, a native of San Diego, served in Afghanistan and Iraq in the Air Force before other deployments with the National Guard to Kuwait and Qatar, ex-husband Timothy McEntee told The Post. McEntee and Babbitt met in the Air Force and were married for 14 years, before splitting in May 2019.

McEntee, who did not know Babbitt had traveled to D.C. for the protests, was shocked by the news of her death and described her as smart and strong-willed.

"I feel absolutely terrible and sick to my stomach about it," he wrote in a text message. "She was never afraid to speak her mind and in a way this was her way of speaking her mind (going to the rally)."

McEntee said Babbitt had remarried and owned a pool supply company with her husband, Aaron Babbitt.

Babbitt's mother-in-law told WTTG, who did not identify her by name, that her son did not accompany Babbitt to Washington.

"I really don't know why she decided to do this," she said.

In an interview with San Diego station KUSI, Babbitt's husband said she was a passionate Trump supporter. McEntee echoed those sentiments, adding that she was "very loud and opinionated, but caring, sweet, thoughtful, loving."

"You would never forget meeting her," he wrote.

On social media, Babbitt recorded combative videos about immigration policy, while expressing her support for a border wall. In early September, she tweeted a picture from a Trump boat parade in San Diego wearing a shirt that said, "We are Q," referring to QAnon, the far-right conspiracy theory. The tweet also included the hashtag "#WWG1WGA," an acronym used by supporters who believe in the claims that Trump was battling a group of "deep state" child abusers.

Babbitt also retweeted messages calling for Vice President Pence to resign and be charged with treason, videos of Trump rallies and photos of the president's supporters flying to D.C. for the protests.

In one of her final posts, she responded to a tweet saying that many flights to D.C. were canceled because of weather. "The entire world is corrupt," the person said.

In response, Babbitt wrote: "Nothing will stop us . . . they can try and try and try but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours . . . dark to light!"
Vietnamese dragon fruit needs to increase its value to enter new export markets and reduce the dependency on the Chinese market. (Photo: VNA)

HCM City  In the first 11 months of this year dragon fruit exports fell by 10 percent because of the COVID-19 pandemic but still dominated Vietnamese fruit exports with shipments of more than 1 billion USD.But the story Vietnamese consumers know about dragon fruit is not its billion-dollar export but the need for rescue almost every year by authorities as they land in the market at dirt cheap prices. In Ho Chi Minh City, it would then sell for 7,500 VND per kilogramme or even 6,600 VND.This is because of the overwhelming dependence on the Chinese market. While it is now also exported to new markets such as the US, the EU, Japan, Australia, and South Korea, China still accounts for 92.3 percent of exports.Thus, whenever there is any problem in the Chinese market such as COVID-19 pandemic, the repercussions will immediately be felt in Vietnam. Moreover, it is not a favourite fruit in Vietnam.But Chinese especially like the fruit thanks to its beautiful red colour, which makes it suitable for worshipping.In the past the supply of dragon fruit was limited, and it used to cost 50,000 - 60,000 VND (2.2-2.6 USD) per kilogramme, fetching great benefit to growers.Compared to rice, it was very profitable, and farmers massively increased the area under the fruit and output, and the inevitable consequence has been lower prices.According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the area under the fruit now is about 57,000 hectares and output is more than 500,000 tonnes, both 20 times up from 10 years ago.To increase the value of the fruit, achieving excellence at every step in the value chain is critical to the long-term commercial success of premium fruits, experts said.This year five tonnes of red-flesh dragon fruit were taken to Australia for a promotional event.Australia permitted import of Vietnamese dragon fruit in July last year after more than nine years of negotiations.It is the first and still only country to sell this fruit to Australia.The promotion of the fruit was meant to grasp an opportunity to create a sustainable position in one of the most demanding markets in the world.
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The deck can be stacked against victims of domestic violence, who often face fear, injury, financial ruin and emotional turmoil over leaving their abuser. For those who are unauthorized immigrants, the hurdles can be magnified by worries that reporting the crime could separate them from their children and their adopted country.

Many in that situation have found an advocate in Christina Helwig of Escondido. The 38-year-old immigration law attorney has spent the past five years doing pro bono work for clients in shelters in Orange County, as well as many others who are dealing with difficult immigration issues.

Helwigs efforts were honored last month in Anaheim, when she received a Spirit of Volunteerism Award from OneOC, an Orange County nonprofit resource center.

The award recognized Helwigs volunteer efforts with Human Options, an Irvine nonprofit that has counseled and sheltered more than 32,000 victims of domestic violence. Helwig shares her expertise in monthly immigration law forums and in one-on-one legal consultations at regional law clinics, and has handled cases for nearly 200 clients.

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Helwig said seeing how her work can positively impact the lives of others has been gratifying.

Theres nothing that can describe the feeling when you first meet someone in a shelter and they have this cloud of gray around them, she said. A few months later, especially when youre starting to help them fix their status, they become shiny and vibrant. Their whole demeanor changes. It takes me back to why I wanted to go to law school in the first place.

Helwig grew up in the Bay area city of Alameda, where her parents divorced when she was young. Family finances were tight and she describes her childhood as very difficult. Her father and grandfather, who ran a dive shop, often volunteered their services to law enforcement in search-and-rescue operations, which she admired. By the time she was in high school, Helwig said she felt drawn to the law herself.

I didnt really know what I was getting myself into but law was something that made order out of chaos, and that appealed to me, she said.

After studying pre-law at Cal State University, Hayward (now named CSU, East Bay), she attended UC Hastings law school in San Francisco. During school, she spent a semester as a law clerk for San Mateo Countys District Attorneys office. When she earned her law degree in 2005, she spent six years with a firm that specializes in insurance defense cases. It was lucrative work, but Helwig said she wasnt completely fulfilled with what she was doing or the place she was doing it.

In 2000, she met her future husband, Ray Stendall, who was at the time a Bay area tech worker. He grew up in Canada, the child of Romanian immigrants whod fled the regime of Nicolae Ceausescu. When the recession hit, Stendall lost his work visa due to corporate downsizing and she saw the difficulties he faced trying to clear up his H-1B visa status.

Around 2009, they moved to Orange County to escape the traffic and congestion of the Bay area. For three years, she continued working long-distance for the insurance defense firm. Then in 2012, she started her own law practice in San Juan Capistrano. At the same time, she began working as an apprentice in a friends firm that specializes in immigration law. That work took her into battered womens shelters and right away, Helwig said she knew shed found her calling.

I just felt like this is where I belonged, she said. Its hard to put into words but I believe that lack of access should not limit your ability to get help when its needed most.

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Helwigs clients include unauthorized abuse victims who are married to abusers with permanent legal status, unauthorized victims of crime who are cooperating with law enforcement, DACA cases (unauthorized young adults brought to the U.S. as small children) and families trying to fix their immigration paperwork. Helwig meets many of her pro bono clients at shelters, where she said her biggest challenge is earning the trust of clients whove often been beaten and lied to for years by their abuser.

Helwig  who speaks Spanish at 70 percent proficiency  said she comes into the shelters in street clothes to avoid intimidating these clients and works quickly to educate them on the law.

The biggest challenge Im trying to break through is establishing trust and undoing all the information their abuser programmed into them, she said. They would be told the police wont help you or Ill have the police take you. Or if the abuser had papers or is documented, theyd say theyll give me the kids because you dont have papers. 

Many times, the cycle of dependence in these relationships is hard to break and the victims return to their abusers. But Helwig said she doesnt get discouraged. Those clients almost always come back.

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Nobody wants to go into a shelter, she said. By the time you get to that last resort, most of the things a client has been through can get very severe before they finally pull the trigger and say Ill drop everything and go into the shelter. 

Helwig has worked with clients at shelters including Lauras House, the Womens Transitional Living Center (WTLC), Thomas House Family Shelter and Human Options.

Sara Behmerwohld, an attorney and legal advocacy program supervisor for Human Options, said Helwig has gone above and beyond for the nonprofit organizations domestic violence clients.

Christina gets it, Behmerwohld said. Its not something that can be taught in terms of how to appropriately and professionally work with a survivor of domestic violence while still providing competent legal advice. She has this outstanding ability to empathize and demonstrate care for the clients while still moving them forward on that (legal) path theyre on.

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Four years ago, Helwig and her husband moved to Escondidos Hidden Meadows neighborhood, where they now live on a small blackberry farm with their dachshund-Pekingnese mix, DaVinci. She doesnt mind the one-hour commute to work in Orange County each day because shes never found a more idyllic place on Earth than DaVinci Farm.

Recently, she began volunteering her services to Interfaith Community Services in Escondido and shes hoping to open a new law office somewhere in North County, where she plans to continue doing the same kind of work with local residents.

Being able to hand documents over the desk to someone and watch them light up ... I want to keep experiencing that, she said.

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pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  An Espanola woman wanted on a murder charge was taken into custody without incident in Castle Rock, Colorado, on Tuesday, according to New Mexico State Police.

Marina Salcido, 28, is charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the death last month of 30-year-old Saul Martinez of Espanola.

A State Police news release says that on Dec. 18, Espanola police were called to Holy Cross Street, where they found Martinez in a black Mercedes stopped in the roadway with its headlights on; he had a gunshot wound to the chest .

An Espanola police investigation determined that Martinez had been shot inside his vehicle while it was parked outside Salcidos home on El Llano Road, and was driven to the location where he was found. Because Salcidos home is outside the Espanola Police Departments jurisdiction, State Police were called in to take over the investigation.

Working with Espanola police, State Police found that Salcido was with Martinez at her home minutes before his death. She was seen driving away in a black Mercedes shortly after a gunshot was heard, according to State Police.

A short time later, Salcido was seen out of breath walking back to her residence, the release says.

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................................................................

State Police learned that Salcido had traveled to Castle Rock, where Castle Rock police and the Douglas County Regional SWAT team apprehended her. She was booked into a local jail and is awaiting extradition to New Mexico.

Online court records show Salcido was scheduled to attend a status hearing in Espanola Magistrate Court on Jan. 8 for driving with a revoked licence stemming from her second DWI arrest in March 2019.

Martinez had three DWIs on his record, and was charged in June with battery against a household member and two counts of child abuse.
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DecisionDatabases added the latest report with a global perspective on the Automation and Control System in Healthcare Market studied under different segments, including type, application, and regions. The report is treated with size, trends, growth, share, and forecast till 2025. Besides, the research report studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall growth at the global level. This report also offers a lucrative area of the industry at the regional and country level.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Automation and Control System in Healthcare market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Automation and Control System in Healthcare Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-30201

According to this study, over the next five years, the Automation and Control System in Healthcare market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Automation and Control System in Healthcare business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Automation and Control System in Healthcare market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Automation and Control System in Healthcare market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Siemens

General Electric Company

Swisslog Holding

Stryker Corporation

Tecan Group

Intuitive Surgical

Koninklijke Philips

Medtronic.

Danaher Corporation

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-30201

This study considers the Automation and Control System in Healthcare value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Diagnostics and Monitoring Automation

Therapeutic Automation

Pharmacy and Laboratory Automation

Medical Logistics Automation

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Diagnostics and Monitoring Automation

Therapeutic Automation

Pharmacy and Laboratory Automation

Medical Logistics Automation

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Automation and Control System in Healthcare Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-30201

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Automation and Control System in Healthcare consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Automation and Control System in Healthcare market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Automation and Control System in Healthcare manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Automation and Control System in Healthcare with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Automation and Control System in Healthcare submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

For more details:

DecisionDatabases.com

E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com

Phone: +91 90 28 057900

Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/

Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/automation-and-control-system-in-healthcare-market-size-growth-emerging-trends-future-investors-and-virtual-analysis-by-2025/
Channel Nine will be reviving its classic game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? this year.

The original format aired from 1999 until 2010 before it was replaced by a spin-off called 'Millionaire Hot Seat'.

The popular program is set to return to screens in January and a sneak peek of the new season has confirmed Eddie McGuire will be returning as host.

It's coming back! Channel Nine will revive classic game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and Eddie McGuire (pictured) will be returning as host

The new trailer begins with an image of Sydney's Harbour Bridge before hundreds of banknotes fly past.

A voiceover says: 'We're kicking off the year with event television that will sweep the nation. Australia's favourite game show is back.'

Former host Eddie McGuire is then seen sitting on the set of the show and adds: 'The greatest quiz show on the planet is back with prime time special events.'

Coming soon: The popular game show is set to air in January and Channel Nine has offered a sneak peek into the new season

'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? special events coming in January on Nine.'

The Nine game show offers contestants the opportunity to win up to $1 million by answering increasingly difficult multiple choice questions.

In 2009, the show moved to a fast-paced version known as Millionaire Hot Seat.

History: The original format aired from 1999 to 2010 before it was replaced by a spin-off called 'Millionaire Hot Seat'

Millionaire Hot Seat has been losing viewers since September 2015, when game show The Chase premiered on Seven.

Nine tried to shake things up in 2017 by extending the program to an hour and quickening the pace with the inclusion of the Fastest Finger First Round.

But despite these changes, The Chase still remains No. 1 by a significant margin.
LaTesha Lee and her children cant bear to live in their former home. Not with the bullet holes and the memories of the place where her son and their brother died.
An adorable dog has been turning heads online with a strange and unnerving talent.

Kiko, a nine-month-old Finnish spitz nicknamed the 'Exorcist Puppy', has the ability to rotate her head 180 degrees.

Owner Ashleigh MacPherson has trained the pooch to perform the freakish trick on command when she says the word 'demon'.

Pictured: Kiko, a nine-month-old Finnish spitz nicknamed the 'Exorcist Puppy', has the ability to rotate her head 180 degrees

The 28-year-old New Zealander said she finds the head-turning trick hilarious and that it makes her laugh every time.

'She has always done it, since she was a small puppy. At first, she started doing it as she slept. I always just thought 'she just likes to sleep broken,' she told Ladbible.

Instead of turning her head around like a 'normal' dog the pup would bend her neck backwards and look at what's behind her 'upside down'.

'So anytime she was facing away from me, she would bend her neck backwards, just to keep her focus on me.'

Online commenters have likened the canine's weird ability to the classic horror film The Exorcist, where a child rotates her head 180 degrees after being possessed by the devil.

Kiko has amassed an army over 95,000 followers on Instagram with fans of the cute animal both shocked and confused by her odd trick.

Owner Ashleigh MacPherson has trained the pooch to perform the freakish trick on command when she says the word 'demon'

Online commenters have likened the canine's weird ability to the classic horror film The Exorcist, where a child rotates her head 180 degrees after being possessed by the devil

Ms MacPherson said when people see the dog turn it's head in public, they go from shocked and scared to smiling and laughing.

'Kiko has been the best thing during these hard times. She is a "Covid puppy" and was actually born a few days before lockdown happened in New Zealand,' she said.

Although the loving pet has been titled the 'Exorcist Puppy', Ms MacPherson said Kiko is a laid back, cuddly, and sweet dog that helped her enjoy the difficult time she spent during New Zealand's coronavirus lockdown.
Attorney Franklyn M. Gimbel

The award was presented at the MBAs 160th Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 23, 2020, at the new Fiserv Forum. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to the lawyer whose career achievements in both the practice of law and community service demonstrate a consistent level of excellence.

Frank started practicing law in 1960 after graduating from Marquette University Law School (from which he also won the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015) and soon became one of four assistant U.S. attorneys in Milwaukee. He prosecuted the local head of the Mafia for tax evasion and won a conviction. Attorney Gimbel established GRGB in 1968 and has tried 200 jury cases over his legal career. He has handled multiple homicide cases with acquittals in several cases. In 1988, he argued a case in front of the United States Supreme Court, winning a reversal and establishing a new rule of law for asserting entrapment as a defense in a criminal case.

Frank served as the lawyer for the Milwaukee Deputy Sheriffs Association for 31 years and negotiated many contracts on its behalf. In addition to his law practice, Frank has always been community-minded. He served on the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission and served as Chairman of the Wisconsin Center District Board, which oversaw the construction of Milwaukees first Convention Center. Frank also served as President of both the Milwaukee Bar Association and the State Bar of Wisconsin as well as the local Milwaukee Rotary Club.

Frank thanked his two families when accepting the award--his wife and children and his GRGB family.

About Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP

Serving Wisconsin since 1968, Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown has earned a position of admiration in the legal community. The firm is known for its tradition of honesty and integrity, as well as the ability to achieve positive results in cases ranging from complex civil litigation to white-collar crime investigations. GRGB has earned respect for passionate representation of their clients rights.

The firm has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America and has been named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars by Law & Politics. GRGB attorneys have served as Presidents of the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Bar Association as well as Chairmen of sections and divisions. For more information on GRGB and its lawyers, please visit http://www.grgblaw.com.


New Delhi:

The investigating agencies on Saturday hit Kashmir separatist leaders hard. National Investigation Agency raided 23 locations in Kashmir, Haryana and the national capital in connection with a case of alleged funding received by separatist groups for carrying out subversive activities in the Valley. At the same time, ED issued fresh summons to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah in connection with an over a decade-old case of money laundering registered against him for alleged terror financing.



NIA crackdown on Pak terror funding



In a pre-dawn swoop, NIA on Saturday raided 23 locations in Kashmir, Haryana and the national capital in connection with a case of alleged funding received by separatist groups for carrying out subversive activities in the Valley.



After registering an FIR earlier this week, various NIA teams, which had been camping in the Valley for few days, moved under heavy escort from their camp office located at Humhama, on the outskirts of the Srinagar city.



Among those raided by the NIA were Altaf Fantoosh, the son-in-law of hardline leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, businessman Zahoor Watali, Shahid-ul-Islam, leader of Awami Action Committee led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, and some second rung separatist leaders belonging to both factions of the Hurriyat Conference and the JKLF.



The agency seized nearly Rs 1.5 crore from various locations in the Kashmir Valley, besides documents which were being scrutinised, officials said.

Read | Pak terror funding: NIA registers FIR against Geelani, Hafiz Saeed after raids at Delhi, Haryana and Kashmir locations

This is for the first time since militancy raised its ugly head in early 1990s that a central probe agency has carried out raids in connection with terror funding to separatists which has been used for carrying out subversive activities in the Valley.



Earlier in 2002, Income Tax department had carried out searches against separatist leaders, including Geelani, and seized cash and other documents. However, no criminal case had been registered then.



While no separatist leader from the Valley has been named in the FIR registered by the NIA, organisations like the Hurriyat Conference (factions led by Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq), Hizbul Mujahideen, Dukhtaran-e-Milat and Lashker-e-Taiba besides Pakistan-based chief of Jamaat-ul Dawah Hafeez Saeed have been mentioned.



The NIA, which had earlier registered a Preliminary Enquiry, also raided around eight hawala dealers and traders in the national, besides two in Sonepat, Haryana.



The raids were carried out following the questioning of three separatist leadersNayeem Khan, who was seen on television during a sting operation purportedly confessing to receiving money from Pakistan-based terror groups, Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate and Gazi Javed Baba of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, in the national capital last month.



The separatists were allegedly receiving funds from the chief of Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), Hafiz Saeed, to carry out subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley, including pelting stones at security forces, damaging public property and burning schools and other government establishments.



ED issues fresh summons to separatist leader Shabir Shah in decade old money laundering case



The ED has issued fresh summons to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah in connection with an over a decade-old case of money laundering registered against him for alleged terror financing.



Officials said the agency has asked Shah to depose before the investigating officer (IO) of the case here on June 6.



The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had issued a similar summons to Shah on May 25 but he had failed to keep the date.



Fresh summons have now been issued to Shah, they said.

Read | PM Modi targets Pakistan in Russia, says some nations arming, funding terrorists



The central probe agency has issued several summons to Shah over the last few years in pursuance of the August 2005 case wherein the Delhi Polices Special Cell had arrested Mohammed Aslam Wani (35), an alleged hawala dealer, who had claimed that he had passed on Rs 2.25 crore to Shah.



Shah has never kept the dates with ED. He has in the past told PTI that the ED case against him was politically motivated.



The ED had registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Shah and Wani.



Wani was arrested allegedly with Rs 63 lakh, received through hawala channels from the Middle East, and a large cache of ammunition on August 26, 2005.



During questioning, he had told the police that Rs 50 lakh was to be delivered to Shah and Rs 10 lakh to Jaish-e-Mohammad area commander in Srinagar, Abu Baqar, and the rest was his commission.



Wani, who hailed from Srinagar, had also claimed that he had delivered around Rs 2.25 crore to Shah and his kin in multiple instalments over the past year.



The ED, sources said, wants to probe the proceeds of crime of alleged terror financing in this case.

(With PTI Inputs)

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BROOKLYN, N.Y., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Restaurants, food service and hotel sector employers across America are being urged to register now for an enhanced level of loans under the second round of the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through Eastern Union, one of the country's largest commercial real estate finance firms.

Ira Zlotowitz is president of Eastern Union, which is pre-applying restaurants, food service companies, and hotels to receive loans under the new round of the SBA's PPP program

New PPP guidelines target food service and hotel industries for added financial relief at a level 40 percent above other business categories. In the initial round, applicants overall could apply for loans at a level 2.5 times their average monthly payroll. The figure has now been boosted to a level 3.5 times average monthly payroll specifically for restaurants, food service and hotel sector employers.

"Food service firms and hotels should act quickly to tap into this higher level of federal assistance," said Ira Zlotowitz, president of Eastern Union. "But there's only finite funding available. Millions of businesses will apply for this limited pool of loans. The sooner employers begin filing applications, the better their odds of being funded.

"Even if businesses don't have complete paperwork in hand, it's critical to initiate the pre-application process now to get ahead of the pack," said Mr. Zlotowitz. "Building upon Eastern Union' formidable record of success in brokering thousands of PPP loans during the first round, businesses should act to get their loan applications into the system."

During the first round of PPP in the spring, Eastern Union brokered more than 10,000 loans for employers nationwide.

The PPP is made available through the Small Business Administration (SBA). Pursuant to SBA rules, Eastern Union arranges loan registrations at no charge to applicants.

Eastern Union achieved a high level of performance during the first PPP round by working with a sophisticated banking partner that ranked third-highest in loan volume among PPP lenders nationwide. The partner possesses the technological depth to process high volumes of loans, and to execute applications within a swift turnaround period.

During the first round, federal funding ran out in a matter of weeks. Second-round funds are also expected to deplete quickly.

PPP loans provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep workers on the payroll, while covering operating expenses. SBA will forgive loans if employee retention criteria are met and if funds are used for eligible expenses, plus other conditions. Applicants that had received PPP loans during the first round are eligible to apply again under this new round of PPP funding.

To register now, employers can visit easternunion.com/ppp

About Eastern Union

Founded in 2001, Eastern Union is a leading national commercial mortgage brokerage firm employing more than 125 real estate professionals and closing $5 billion in transactions annually. Eastern Union leverages its relationships with banks and its marketplace knowledge to secure the best available rates. Active nationwide, Eastern Union is headquartered in New York, with branches along the East Coast.

The firm arranges financing for multi-state, multi-site portfolios and for smaller, single-property transactions. Eastern Union's Multi-Family Group reset market pricing by offering a quarter-point fee -- with no back-end fees -- for refinancing properties backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, transactions known as "agency refinancings." Capital introductions are handled through Eastern Union's affiliate, Eastern Equity Advisors.

Eastern Union's free eCALC app instantly and conveniently helps investors value and underwrite deals.

For more information, visit www. easternunion.com .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Steve Vitoff

Eastern Union

516 652 0785

[email protected]

SOURCE Eastern Union

The Egyptian ministry of Trade and industry has extended for additional three months the ban on all kinds of beans export, in an effort to meet domestic demand amid the pandemic, Arab Finance reports.

The decision however according to the ministry excludes beans surplus and the amount will be determined the supply ministry and subject to approval from the trade ministry.

The directive according to trade minister Nevin Gamea comes as part of the governments plan to supply the local market with basic commodities, in line with the COVID-19 crisis, the online media notes.

The Arab country imposed in October a three-month ban on all kinds of beans as the government decided to supply the local market with basic commodities, in line with the outbreak of COVID-19.

It said then stock of beans was sufficient for five months and a half, Arab Finance notes.
WashingtonThe world's leading power, the self-proclaimed beacon of democracy, lived through hours of uncertainty on Wednesday after tens of thousands of Donald Trump supporters surrounded and assaulted the grounds of the Washington Congress. At least dozens managed to enter the building by breaking windows and forcing doors. Unopposed at first by Capitol security, they strolled through the halls, entered congressional offices - where several had their photographs taken -, and went in the Senate and the House of Representatives, which had been vacated minutes earlier. Approximately three hours after the assault began, police reinforcements helped regain control of the building and its surroundings. Earlier, Vice President Mike Pence was evacuated and the congressmen had to seek shelter.
Travellers to Canada will now need a negative COVID-19 test The test will not replace the 14-day quarantine requirement.

Travellers to Canada will now need a negative COVID-19 test The test will not replace the 14-day quarantine requirement.

Travellers to Canada will now need a negative COVID-19 test The test will not replace the 14-day quarantine requirement. Mohanad Moetaz Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

Sans Font Size A

A

Canada will require arriving travellers to obtain a negative COVID-19 test three days before arriving. The test must be a PCR test, which is currently considered the most effective coronavirus test. This policy will go into effect on January 7, 2021.



In addition, there will be more border officials at Canadas ports of entry to ensure those arriving understand the new rules. This is according to public health minister Bill Blair, who also stated that this does not replace the 14-day quarantine requirement. The details are still being finalized and more information is expected to be available next week.

It is required by law that all those arriving in Canada must quarantine for 14 days. This means that they must stay indoors at all times and have a plan on how they will obtain groceries, food and medicine. Those who break quarantine rules may face up to six months in prison or up to CAD $750,000 in fines.

However, some travellers may be allowed to break quarantine if they obtain approval from the government prior to travelling to Canada. Usually, this is for compassionate reasons, such as attending a funeral, or spending time with a loved one during their last moments.

Find out if youre eligible for Canadian immigration

The new measure comes after Quebecs health minister Christian Dube called on federal authorities to intensify COVID-19 screening of arriving travellers. The province had also previously closed non-essential stores.

It is also a response to the surge of COVID-19 cases across the country. There has been an increasing number of cases as winter crept in, with over 550,000 total cases as of December 29.

Canada has begun administering COVID-19 vaccines earlier this month, when Canada received its first batch of the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna vaccine has also started making its way into Canada.

So far, just over 70,000 Pfizer vaccinations have been administered across Canada, according to a vaccine tracker created by a University of Saskatchewan student, based on provincial updates.

Checklist for travellers to Canada

Travellers must have a negative PCR test for COVID-19 obtained up to three days prior to travel. Travellers must have a 14-day quarantine plan. They must know how they intend to reach their place of quarantine and how they intend to obtain essential items such as food, groceries or medicine. Travellers must install the ArriveCAN mobile application prior to travelling to Canada. They must provide personal information as well as their flight details. They are also required to complete a daily self-assessment on the application.

Find out if youre eligible for Canadian immigration

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
The Narada IP65 rated HELiION FEN Series batteries are secure, quality batteries that can be used outside an existing structure, or on a pole, and provide multiple benefits anywhere outdoor power is needed. The advanced intelligence of the lithium battery technology features a simple installation and load/charge system integration. Its energy transfer patented technology provides high cell utilization efficiency for a prolonged system operational life.

"Our HELiION series has always been instrumental for OSP, telecom, 5G, CATV, rail and other applications," said Micheal Sirard , Executive Vice President, Technical Operations & Engineering, MPINarada. "The combined talent of our engineering team has designed an IP65 rated product, making it a critical selection for any outdoor application. "

Additionally, the LFP lithium chemistry makes it one of the safest technologies suitable for high and low temperature operations and is capable of 1C and higher discharge rates. The innovative technology of the HELiION FEN series, provides an easy to install, fully self-contained, space-saving outdoor application and is a leading solution for the battery market today. For more information on the HELiION series, go to www.mpinarada.com .

About MPINarada: Since 1994, Narada has been a leader of one of the broadest and most reliable VRLA and lithium battery solutions for telecom , data center , colocation, edge, grid, microgrid, and C&I energy storage . MPINarada is the North American operation providing local sales support, engineering and design, and multiple inventory locations.

CONTACT: Jennifer MacNeil

Marketing Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE MPINarada

Related Links

https://www.mpinarada.com


LONDON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratis was created for a simple purpose - to provide enterprises with blockchain as a service (BaaS) solutions, designed to implement complex blockchain architecture within mainstream coding languages, used by everyday companies away from the crypto niche.

It does this through cloud solutions, support for C# and .NET application building, alongside tool customization via its open source protocol. The result of this? Stratis unlocks the power of blockchain technology for mainstream businesses, and unlocks the mainstream market for the blockchain industry - two powerful combinations.

Enterprises that find themselves relying on the Stratis tool set will access a less expensive and less complex blockchain building framework. Companies no longer need to purchase and manage their own full nodes, nor do they need to build a blockchain infrastructure from scratch - something which is niche and represents a huge barrier to entry by setup cost to all but the largest of companies. Moreover, businesses in need of smart contract support will be pleased to find that Stratis supports virtual machines via Microsoft's Azure cloud platform.

Stratis - Tailored with Perfection

Stratis holds several key values that make it an optimal choice for blockchain operations - decentralization, privacy, scalability, practicality, accessibility, reliability, security, and performance. To better understand this, Stratis blockchains run a number of cloud-based full nodes, so decentralization is assured. Privacy is guaranteed - through cryptographic encryption, all transactions and communications remain private. Stratis is also keen on providing an adaptable degree of scalability, achieved through the means of intuitive sidechain usage.

Companies looking to leverage the power of smart contracts must know that Stratis is the only platform providing support for C# execution, so developers can efficiently code self-enforcing programs utilising their existing development tools and existing knowledge of a rich and versatile programming language. Stratis is also working on facilitating cross-chain communication between contracts running within Stratis' ecosystem and those deployed on the Ethereum blockchain, hence increasing their suitability for today's interconnected world.

STRAX Swap on Binance

In September 2020, the team introduced STRAX, a more powerful protocol designed to flawlessly integrate within the platform's existing business model. Previously-minted STRAT tokens have been swapped to STRAX tokens on a 1:1 basis via Binance. Following the shift, Stratis will introduce a series of other advanced features, such as the STRAX SideChain, Stratis InterFlux, SegWit support, cold-staking, the DeFi app library, IoT development tools, and many others.

Since STRAX is based on the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, network participants can receive token-based rewards in exchange for staking their STRAX tokens. Stratis is well-aware of the security risks posed by hot wallet storage, so the team has decided to use cold-staking for ideal token security.

2021 - The Year for Stratis & BaaS

In Q1 2021, Stratis will launch the Unity Development Kit (allowing the integration of NFTs and decentralized identities within the gaming ecosystem), the DeFi Software Library (a catalogue of C# standardized smart contracts), the Stratis DAO (a means of funding next-gen developments via voting), the Stratis System Contracts (introducing on-chain logic and simplifying user-driven processes), and the mobile wallet featuring token support (supporting tokens issued on the Cirrus Sidechain).

In Q2 2021, Stratis will launch the Python Development Kit (allowing Python coders to build on Stratis), the IoT Development Kit (meant to introduce Stratis solutions to IoT hardware), a new version of Proof-of-Stake (boasting improved security and additional features), Stratis Oracles (a distributed means of accessing off-chain data), and Dex Mobile Support (allowing mobile trading of SRC20 tokens).

In Q4 2021, Stratis will launch Ethereum Interoperability (known as InterFlux, this will enable usage of wrapped STRAX tokens on the Ethereum chain), alongside the STO & Digital Asset Platform (providing the tools needed to manage token offerings).

With so much happening last year, and so much on the horizon, 2021 looks like a promising year for Stratis. Click here to find out more about how Stratis is changing the world one blockchain at a time.

Follow Stratis on Twitter - https://twitter.com/stratisplatform

Join the Stratis Developer Academy - https://academy.stratisplatform.com

Check out Stratis on GitHub - https://github.com/stratisproject

Read the latest Stratis news - https://www.stratisplatform.com/news

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Commercial property insurers who are already edgy after suffering historic losses from civil unrest got another jolt Wednesday when pro-Trump protestors smashed windows to gain entry into the U.S. Capitol.

But theres a lot of mileage between the Washington D.C. protest and the kind of widespread rioting that erupted after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which caused more than $2 billion in projected damages, said Thomas R. Johansmeyer, leader of Verisks Property Claims Services.

Catastrophe-level property losses from rioting arent likely unless the protests move far beyond government buildings. Johansmeyer said a bond fire needs a gale-force wind to become a conflagration even if has plenty of fuel to burn.

You have all the ingredients of making a bonfire, but good luck getting that 40 mph wind, he said.

Washington D.C. Metro police pushed demonstrators out of the Capitol building late Wednesday. Television news coverage showed men with riot-gear bashing out windows to force their way into the building. Ashli Elizabeth Babbit of Oceanside, Calif., who was part of a phalanx that attempted to bust through a barricaded door, was fatally shot during the rally, according to a report in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association condemned the assault in a press release.

Insurers support the peaceful transition of power, stated President and Chief Executive Officer David A. Sampson. We are in the business of protecting American families, businesses, individuals, communities, and the larger economy. The actions taking place in Washington, D.C. today threaten the very pillars of our country.

Bloomberg News reported that hundreds of Trump supporters broke through the gates of the Washington State governors mansion in Olympia on Wednesday and called on Gov. Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee to come outside. State houses in Texas, Utah, New Mexico and Georgia were shut down as a precaution.

Johansmeyer told the Claims Journal in November that property owners were taking reasonable precautions to protect their businesses from civil unrest, such as boarding up windows, because of sharp political divisions. He said the wrong comment by any of the two presidential candidates, coupled with an event that looked like a legitimate reason for any group to feel disenfranchised, could set off a powder keg.

Was the presidential election  which President Trump has claimed without evidence was fraught with fraud  just the spark that is needed?

Johansmeyer said Wednesday it is too soon to say, but also that a lot more has to go wrong before theres any danger of another catastrophic event.

Civil unrest has caused catastrophe-level losses  $25 million or more  only a dozen times since 1950, Johansmeyer said. Until the George Floyd riots, violence that erupted in Los Angeles in connection with the police beating of Rodney King in 1991 held the record for insured losses.

What were looking at is an event in D.C. of significant symbolic importance and obvious cultural significance as well, he said.

But Johansmeyer said while the assault on the U.S. Capitol is significant for society, the event so far doesnt appear to be especially significant in terms of property losses. The Capitol building is not located near any shopping district or residential area, he said. And the damage  while shocking to witness  appeared primarily superficial.

Johansmeyer said, for example, more than 200 buildings were damaged on Chicagos Loop during rioting this summer, but the damages were limited to broken windows and loss of inventory from looting. Similarly, protestors have been vandalizing properties in downtown Portland, Oregon for much of the year, but the losses are limited to a narrow geographic area.

For property insurers, Johansmeyer said, things get dicey when people start setting fires.

Without fire, the risk of reaching the catastrophe threshold goes down, he said.

About the photo: Demonstrators gather outside of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6. Bloomberg News.


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On January 3, 2021, a 23-year-old Mumbai youths decision to live-stream his suicide on Facebook ended up saving his life. Alerted by a Facebook team in Ireland, the Mumbai Police rushed to his home, pushed open the door and took the unconscious man to the hospital within an hour of the bid.

A few months ago, West Bengal Police informed a youths unsuspecting father of his sons bid to end his life with a sharp weapon. The police were again alerted by a Facebook team after the youth live-streamed the bid on the social media platform. A tip-off from the Facebook office in the US in July 2018 helped the Guwahati police save a minor girl.

There are several more instances of Facebook alerting authorities about distressed people trying to harm themselves.

India, which has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, reported around 381 deaths by suicide a day in 2019, adding to 1,39,123 fatalities over the year, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows. The suicide rate for 2019 was 3.4 percent higher than that in 2018. The WHO says suicides can be prevented with timely intervention.

The social media giant has millions of users, churning out huge amounts of data in form of posts, texts or videos every day. It is humanly impossible to keep tabs on what is being said and shared and that is why Facebook relies on artificial intelligence (AI) to scan for signs of trouble.

How does Facebook know?

The Mumbai man and the West Bengal youth had live-streamed their suicide attempt while the girl in Guwahati had shared on her Facebook timeline the day she was planning to kill herself.

Those who saw her post could have reported it to Facebook. The social media major has a community operations team for reviewing such reports. The team offers support by connecting the person to local authorities, helplines or non-government groups working in the field.

The other way is Facebooks artificial intelligence algorithm that identifies potential self-harm.

Why have an AI tool when there is a reporting mechanism?

In a February 21, 2018 blog, Facebook developers who worked on the tool said, In the past, weve relied on loved ones to report concerning posts to us since they are in the best position to know when someone is struggling. However, many posts expressing suicidal thoughts are never reported to Facebook, or are not reported fast enough. This was one of the big reasons the firm strengthened suicide prevention.

But would an AI tool be smart enough?

The AI tool was launched in 2018 but had been in the works for some time. In its initial avatar in 2017, Facebook used a machine-learning model to identify keywords or phrases known to be associated with suicide by working with experts. Words like kill, goodbye, sadness, depressed, or die can be associated with self-harm. The review team would then take a call on the next course of action.

But the same words can be used in a different context I can die of boredom or my work is killing me. These phrases cant be construed as an indication of self-harm but a machine would not know that.

Facebooks community operations team had to spend more time filtering what are known as false positives.

the machine learning model caught too many harmless false positives to be a useful filter for the human review team, Catherine Card, Director of Product Management, said in a September 2018 blog post.

The team took trained the system using AI to create a more intelligent tool. The smaller data set helped us develop a much more nuanced understanding of what is a suicidal pattern and what isnt, Dan Muriello, an engineer on the team that produced the tools, said in the same post.

Is that enough? No. That is just one factor. The tool also looks at the comments left on the post and the nature of the comments.

Here, too, there is linguistic nuance to consider, said Card in the post.

Posts that reviewers determined as serious cases tended to have comments like tell me where you are or has anyone heard from him/her? Potentially less-urgent posts had comments along the lines of Call anytime or Im here for you.

Then there are patterns toowhat were the previous posts and what did they talk about? If posts suggest self-harm, then what is the duration between them to understand if a user is in imminent danger. The tool considers all this.

What about videos, live streaming?

Nitish Chandan, who works with Cyber Peace Foundation, a cybersecurity think tank, told Moneycontrol that Facebook would have developed an algorithm for live-stream videos as well but that is resource intensive.

In these cases, the reporting mechanism is one way. The tool also uses comments and the users content pattern to ascertain the nature of these posts before flagging them to the community operations team for verification.

What if the posts are not in English?

Can machines understand Punjabi, Malayalam, Tamil or any other Indian languages? Yes, they can. That is one of the reasons why the tool has been helpful so far.

Facebook recently introduced a machine-translation model, which, according to reports, can translate 100 languages without relying on English data.

In India, one of the largest markets for Facebook, the company offers support in multiple regional languages. According to a report by Statista, there are about 310 million Facebook users in India.

These features make detection of self-harm possible, said Chandan. The developers said in a blog post that the technology helps cover a large number of languages and uses cross-lingual abilities to improve the systems performance.

Janice Verghese, an advocate who also works with Cyber Peace Foundation, said content reviewers across the world helped with the decision making.

What happens when the system flags a suicide attempt?

Once self-harm is reported by people or flagged by the system, it is reviewed by Facebooks community operations team which decides on action.

It can pan out in a couple of ways. When the user is not in imminent danger, the team will help the person find support, which could be a helpline or counselling services. Facebook has tie-ups with groups across countries to help such people.

In cases of urgent intervention, local authorities, like police, are alerted immediately.

How does Facebook know the location?

There are multiple ways to track the location.

1. Most of the users share the name of the city they live in

2. When users access Facebook through mobile, in most cases, they give the app access to geolocation.

3. As Chrome is often the preferred mode of browsing, it can tag location unless the user has the location turned off

4. Many users also tag their location when posting on Facebook.

5. Some users also share their mobile numbers on Facebook

One of these is enough to track approximate user location and alert authorities, Chandan said. Facebook may not be able to get the exact location in some cases, so police have to step in.

Can authorities track people in time?

Yes. In August 2020, the Facebook post of a 27-year-old man in Delhi was flagged by the system for self-harm. According to a PTI report, Facebooks team alerted the Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Anyesh Roy and shared the number of the user. That should have been enough but the man had travelled to Mumbai, which police got to know after talking to the mans wife whose number he was using.

After a concerted effort, Delhi and Mumbai police tracked the man down and dissuaded him from taking the extreme step. The man was in financial distress.

How accurate is the system?

Facebook does not share how accurate the tool is. The company is yet to respond to Moneycontrols queries about the tool. The story will be updated to add the companys comments when they come.

According to a research paper published in Biomedical Informatics Insights by Coppersmith et al, the AI model implemented by social media majors like Facebook could be 10 times more accurate in predicting suicide attempts than those of clinicians.

What about privacy?

Sharing content on Facebook about mental health would not infringe on privacy any more than the usual posts do.

But what one needs to look out for is if the company is sharing information with third-party users, which can be a huge concern, said Chandan. Facebook is yet to respond to an email seeking its response on how it protects privacy.
Supermodel Stella Tennant who died last month at the age of 50 took her own life after struggling with mental health problems, her family have confirmed.

The aristocratic model, whose illustrious career saw her appear in numerous advertising campaigns for the likes of Calvin Klein, Chanel, Hermes, and Burberry, died at her home in Duns, Scotland, on December 22.

In a public statement, the model's family have now said that the model, whose 'creativity, intelligence and humour touched so many', had been 'unwell for some time' and 'felt unable to go on'.

A family spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph: 'Stella had been unwell for some time. So, it is a matter of our deepest sorrow and despair that she felt unable to go on, despite the love of those closest to her.

Stella Tennant, who died last month at the age of 50, had been 'unwell for some time' and 'felt unable to go on', her family told The Daily Telegraph

'In grieving Stella's loss, her family renews a heartfelt request that respect for their privacy should continue.'

A family source also told the paper that they felt it was 'important to raise awareness around mental health' which was too often misunderstood.

Mrs Tennant is survived by her former husband David Lasnet and their four children, Marcel, Cecily, Jasmine, and Iris, who are aged 15 to 22.

The model was the granddaughter of Andrew Cavendish, the 11th Duke of Devonshire and Deborah Mitford, one of the well-known aristocratic siblings.

Her first shoot made the cover of British Vogue in December 1993, which Mrs Tennant later said came about 'by accident', and at the end of that day's work she was asked to do a Versace campaign in Paris, which ended up as the cover of the Italian edition.

The model was known for her androgynous looks during her 1990s heyday and soon became a muse for Karl Lagerfeld, which the fashion designer attributed to her resemblance to Coco Chanel.

Mrs Tennant also appeared in numerous advertising campaigns for the likes of Calvin Klein, Chanel, Hermes, and Burberry before retiring in 1998 when she was pregnant with her first child.

The model said her first shoot for British Vogue in December 1993 came about 'by accident'

Mrs Tennant, who was known for her androgynous looks during her 1990s heyday, became a muse for Karl Lagerfeld (pictured together in 2012)

Mrs Tennant pictured at her wedding to David Lasnet at Oxnam Kirk Church in 1999

She later returned to the runway and worked on several campaigns behind the camera.

The model also maintained a strong interest in sculpture, and ran a luxury homewares brand with her sister Issy a studio at her home in Berwickshire.

In August, it was revealed Mrs Tennant had separated from her husband David Lasnet after 21 years of marriage.

The pair met while Mrs Tennant was at the height of her fame and when he was working as an assistant for Mario Testino and was assigned to a New York shoot with her.

After a high-profile society wedding, they lived together near her parents' sprawling 16th century estate in the Scottish Borders and went on to have four children.

Mr Lasnet was later inspired to change his profession and became an osteopath after their son Marcel had whooping cough as a toddler.

Mrs Tennant was the granddaughter of Andrew Cavendish, the 11th Duke of Devonshire and Deborah Mitford, one of the well-known aristocratic siblings

Last month there was an outpouring of grief in the wake of the model's death, with former Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman paying tribute to, 'one of the loveliest people to work with and an exceptional beauty. And devoted mother. '

Fashion designer Stella McCartney led the tributes pouring in online for Mrs Tennant, writing: 'My darling Stella, I f****** love you and will miss you so, so terribly. What sad, horrific news to end this already shocking year!

'My heart goes out to your stunning family who must be in such undeserving pain. I am speechless... Rest in peace, you inspiring woman.

'Your soul and inner beauty exceeded the external perfection, Stella. May you ride high above us all on the most perfect horse, eternally in peace.'

Elsewhere, British Vogue Editor-In-Chief Edward Enninful wrote: 'R.I.P kind and wonderful Stella. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.'

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.

by Vladimir Rozanskij

The new apostolic administrator of Minks was auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Pinsk and he turned 75 last May. He too is a witness of the "silent" Church of the Soviet years. He attended clandestine seminaries and was a personal friend of the former Metropolitan of Minsk-Mogilev. He kept the faith of several villages alive, touring three Russian provinces to meet and support the faithful. He committed himself to reconstruction, to the fall of communism.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - On January 3, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, Metropolitan of Minsk-Mogilev, on the same day he reached the canonical age of 75. In his place he appointed as administrator of the archdiocese, Msgr. Kazimierz Wielikoselec, auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Pinsk, who turned 75 last May. The circumstance greatly surprised the Belarusian faithful.

Wielikoselec also resigned last year according to custom, but the pope allowed him to remain in service for another two years, as is usually granted to resigning bishops who are still in good health. In the case of Kondrusiewicz's resignation, very delicate mechanisms came into play, such as the need to please the authorities in order to return the archbishop to his homeland, replacing him with a figure who echoes his symbolic meaning.

In fact, Kazimierz Wielikoselec is also a witness of the "silent" Church of the Soviet years, like the former archbishop of Minsk. The new administrator was born in May 1945, a few days before the great Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War (as World War II is called here), in the village of Starovolja in the Pruzhank region, in the Belovezheskaya Pusha forest that divides Belarus from Poland, an area of great Catholic tradition. His father accompanied him every Sunday to the nearest open church, which was sixty kilometres from home, in the village of Kobrin; they went by bicycle and had to leave at two in the morning, to be able to reach the only Mass at 8 in the morning. As he himself told on the website of the cathlic.by diocese, his vocation was born during those night trips, on the saddle of the bike.

Kazimierz managed to keep his faith in the difficult context of atheist propaganda, which was particularly aggressive in Belarus. At the end of the 1950s, the secretary of the Communist Party Nikita Khruscev promised that this would be the first Soviet republic completely freed from all memory of religion. The young Catholic served in the army for the then mandatory two years, and later worked as a welder in the construction of one of the first supermarkets in Vilnius, Lithuania, planning to enrol in medical school.

Studying as a doctor now seemed an obligatory path: his desire to enter the seminary - the only one then open to everyone in Riga, Latvia, in addition to that of Kaunas for Lithuanians - had been frustrated by a repeated refusal for three consecutive years. In the meantime, Kazimierz had however begun to prepare for the priesthood in the "underground seminary" run by Lithuanian priests throughout the Soviet Union, and in particular in Belarus. In these difficult circumstances, he met his peer Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, who had managed to become a priest before him, and helped him by providing him with the necessary religious literature.

In 1981 Kazimierz then managed to enter the Riga seminary, and was admitted directly to the third year. After ordination in 1984, at the hands of Cardinal Julijans Vaivods (then still in pectore), he was able to serve in the parish of the village of Ishkold in the Baranovici region, despite all the difficulties coming from the authorities, in one of the few ancient churches still remained standing, dating from the fifteenth century. As it happened in those years, due to the lack of priests, Father Kazimierz went around the villages of three neighbouring regions, to be able to reach the scattered Catholics in some way, and to keep the existing churches active, and then dedicate himself to their reconstruction immediately after the end of communism.

Msgr. Wielikoselec was consecrated bishop in the diocese of Pinsk, in 1999, after joining the Dominican Order in secret, very active in the rebirth of the Church in the former Soviet Union, and as a non-titular bishop he toured the country, helping the dioceses that reopened after the long period of persecutions. He became a shepherd loved by all. Alongside Kondrusiewicz and the other bishops and priests, he will long remain a sure guide for Catholics and all people of good will, in these times of suffering and change.

World Food Program head warns of potential famines of 'biblical proportions' in 2021

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The head of the World Food Program believes that 2021 could see famines of biblical proportions as the economic struggles of COVID-19 may hamper global responses to food shortages caused by military conflicts, the rise of Islamic extremism and locust infestations.

In an interview late last year with The Christian Post during a visit to Washington, D.C., WFP Executive Director David Beasley, a former Republican governor of South Carolina, expressed concern for the funding problems that could be in store for 2021.

Despite receiving historic levels of funding and leading the food-assistance branch of the United Nations to a Nobel Peace Prize since he took the helm in April 2017, the 63-year-old Beasley warned the fiscal realities of the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to a decrease in funding at a time when as many as 270 million could be pushed to the brink of starvation.

When I joined the WFP, the number of people on the brink of starvation versus general hunger was 80 million people, he explained. There is a technical term for that. But it was 80 million marchings toward starvation. That number spiked, went up to 135 million at the end of [2019] primarily because of manmade conflict, compounded on top of that with climate extremes and destabilized or fragile governments. On top of that, COVID comes and the number we anticipated based upon economic deterioration and because of COVID decisions is now 270 million people that are marching to the brink of starvation.

Last April as governments worldwide were enacting policies to respond to the pandemic, Beasley told the U.N. Security Council that funding shortfalls caused by the pandemic could cause multiple famines of biblical proportions within a short few months.

I think it could be much bigger. It depends on how you define biblical proportions, Beasley told CP. In the generic sense, 2021 is going to be catastrophic unless we receive extraordinary financial support. I made a comment back in late 2019 that 2020 was going to be the worst humanitarian year since World War II. I would lay out the reasons why. Then before 2020 hit, desert locusts came on top of that, and then COVID came into the scene.

If we did not get the support we need and certain international actions were not taken, there would be famines of biblical proportions and destabilization and migration, he added. The international community responded very significantly in 2020. That has been very good and we have been able to avert famine this year.

The director stressed that the problem for 2021 lies in the fact that government budgets for 2020 were largely set in 2019 based on strong economic indicators before the pandemic hit. WFP receives its funding in contributions from world governments as well as individual donations. In 2019, it assisted over 97 million people in 88 countries.

With strong economic outlooks, great performance indicators, we had good budgeting, he said. That was good news. Then, COVID hits. The wealthy nations passed economic stimulus packages  between $11 and $17 trillion worth economic stimulus packages  to help jumpstart the economy and keep things going without having a major economic depression because of the lockdowns and shutdowns.

Beasley said he was concerned by some of the decisions some governments were making in response to COVID.

[L]eaders at that time were making decisions about COVID in a vacuum, not understanding the economic ripple effect when you just lock things down, without understanding the supply logistics and all these different dynamics, he said.

You cannot make decisions about COVID in a vacuum. We have to work it together and we can minimize death and destabilization and migration.

In November, Beasley met with U.S. lawmakers, White House and State Department officials about the global situation, saying that there is a lot of bad stuff out there right now.

In spite of what you might read in the press about the U.S. backing down of its multilateral commitment, as to the World Food Program, the United States is stepping up in a big way, Beasley assured. When you turn on the television and read any news, it appears that the Republicans and Democrats are fighting over anything and everything. But when I come to town and ask to meet, they lay down their differences and their guns and they make peace on this issue. I call it the miracle  because the Republicans and the Democrats come together.

The former lawmaker said that Jesus used food as a weapon of peace in a lot of different contexts.

We say we use food as a weapon of peace around the world and we have even used food in Washington, he said. If it works here, it will work everywhere.

When Beasley took the job in 2017, the annual budget for the agency was about $5.9 billion, with just less than $2 billion coming from the U.S. According to Beasley, the WFP raised upwards of $8.4 billion in 2019, with about $3.5 billion coming from the U.S.

I was also able to get funding up from Germany, the U.K. and others, he said.

After assisting nearly 100 million people suffering from acute food insecurity and hunger in 2019, the WFP was the recipient of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger and generate better conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas.

According to The Norwegian Nobel Committee, the WFP acts as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.

Beasley recalled the day he was informed the WFP won the Nobel Prize.

Very rarely am I speechless. That was one of the few moments, he said. I was in Niger that day. We had just been in the field out in a pretty rough area with extremist groups on all sides. We were working on access issues. When we dont have access, they use food as a weapon of recruitment. Somebody comes busting in the door and says We won! I was like, You got to be kidding me.

As hunger is often used as a weapon of war, Beasley believes that we can end hunger" if we can end the wars."

Another major driver of hunger in 2020 has been a record infestation of crop-destroying desert locusts across several countries in East Africa and the Middle East.

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization warned last month that new locust swarms are already forming and threatening to re-invade northern Kenya while breeding is also underway on both sides of the Red Sea, posing a new threat to Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, the Sudan, and Yemen.

We have done a lot of work and a lot of work to be done. There is a lot of distraction because of obvious things. We are making headway but we are not out of the woodwork yet, Beasley said of the WFPs locust response. COVID has really [delayed] that progress. All the money we were going to put into desert locusts, you can imagine, everyone is fighting for every dollar now. But the locusts are not resolved and the locusts are moving.

With millions on the brink of starvation, Beasley cited the least of these passage from Matthew 25 to state that Jesus is making a clear point here.

Every human being is made in the image of God. Every human being is created in the image of the Almighty, he said. But when we deny that human support and love, then we are denying the Almighty. I look at everybody being equal and everybody is the same. Everybody on Earth has a right to [eat].
A petition calling for the U.K to reduce university tuition fees by two-thirds garnered more than 200,000 signatures. The online appeal urged the U.K government to slash British university students' annual tuition fees from 9,250 ($12,568.58) to 3,000 ($4076.30).

The petition urge debates between university students and MPs

The maker of the petition named on the parliamentary website as M Osman believes that the current tuition fee is "too high," significantly when the coronavirus pandemic disrupts people.

According to Evening Standard via MSN, the appeal received a spike in support since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced universities would need to move almost all teaching online amid the third national lockdown. The new guidance on the return of the university campuses divided students into two groups.

Those who have the course medicine, veterinary, dentistry, science, social work, or education will resume for the spring term after being tested twice or taking self-quarantine for ten days. All other students are then told to remain with their term online with distance learning in place to last until mid-February.

On Tuesday, PM Johnson told a Downing Street press briefing the government would search for students' arrangements and advised them not to return to their accommodation. "What we hope is that they (students) will get online learning that will allow them to continue with their degree courses," he said.

However, Johnson added that there would be issues with their accommodation cost that the government will have to look at as a government. They need to see the arrangements the universities set to deal with the reasonable concerns of many students.

Meanwhile, M Osman's petition request aims to go further and "consider holding debates in Parliament between university students and MPs to discuss issues that affect the U.K. students.

Read also: Super Spreaders: UK COVID-19 Variant in Several Cities in Northern China

Exams cancellation will risk the futures of young people

PM Johnson has announced the third national lockdown causing schools to cancel exams. However, U.K Education Secretary Gavin Williamson promised that the government had "learned the lessons" from last summer; predicted grades fiasco.

This decision to change the process of students' merit will risk the futures of millions of young people, as per HuffPost via MSN.

In an EAR study, students' experiences were explored following last year's announcement of exam cancellations. It revealed that 80% of students were concerned with their grades being predicted. Also, nearly a quarter (23%) are worried that their teachers would discriminate how the exam cancellations disenfranchise most vulnerable and marginalized children.

Multiple reasons were cited for the students' concern. The 50% of students are worried that their learning style would not be accounted for, such as the cramming of revision before the exams could not be captured by predicted-based class assessment often over six months prior to the exams.

Read also: UK Government Announces $6.2 Billion COVID-19 Lockdown Grants to Help Hospitality, Retail, and Leisure Firms

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Remove all 126 traitors in Congress, too

To the Editor:

On Wednesday, six United States Senators and 120 Members of Congress along with pro-Trump supporters committed sedition, enabled anarchy and assaulted the very foundations of our Republic. These men and women who took an oath to defend our country from both foreign and domestic attacks led the charge. Using President Franklin D. Roosevelts own words (paraphrased), yesterday, January 6th, is a date that will live in infamy, our nation was attacked, not from without but from within. Hiding behind sham lies, deceit and misinformation both President Donald Trump and his gutless minions sanctioned this horrendous coup detat. This riot and its source lie squarely at the feet of each of them.

Todays editorial calls for the immediate removal of Trump, but I would go further and state that these 126 traitors be removed, as well. Their rhetoric is more about appealing to a rabid base than championing the will of the people and defending our Constitution. Our nation, and my father, fought to defend our Constitution on foreign soil, he risked his life in order to prevent this countrys slide into a world dominated by dictators and anarchists. Watching yesterdays chaos, his generation of soldiers would be appalled. Im glad he wasnt here to see this.

Tom ONeil

Liverpool

Try Trump for treason, just like John Brown

To the Editor:

If I remember my history, John Brown led an insurrection in 1859 and was captured, tried for his crimes, found guilty of treason and hanged. After what happened at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, the same thing should be taking place against the occupant of the White House.

What I saw was Trump calling on his followers, a band of right-wing extremists, to overthrow the government so Trump could maintain power even though he lost a fair and accurate election. Fortunately, Trump was not able to use his power as commander in chief to use the military to overthrow the government since so many former military leaders called upon the military not to obey unlawful orders.

Trump has killed many people because of his mishandling of the virus and now he has led a failed insurrection. He has failed to honor his sworn duty to protect and serve the people and the Constitution of this country and now has tried to destroy it. He should pay the price for treason just like John Brown.

Joseph W. Sallustio

Blossvale

The writer is a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Shame on Congress for emboldening Trump

To the Editor:

What happened Wednesday in our nations Capitol came as no surprise to anyone who has been paying attention. Our democracy was put to perhaps the biggest test it has ever seen, and it just barely survived. It didnt have to happen. Congressional Republicans have enabled this president into the monstrosity he has become. They emboldened him for four years, time after time, when they chose to remain silent when they should have spoken out, when they chose to repeat his lies and misinformation, and in the process, failed to hold him accountable for anything. As a result, each time he received a Congressional pass, he became even more emboldened. Shame on them for not seeing how dangerous Trump was from the beginning, for not taking his behavior seriously.

Politics is not a game. Truth matters. Science matters. Experts matter. Politicians with Integrity matter. There is no hope for our country if Congress doesnt learn from this incident. We need leadership. Our politicians must end their addiction to fomenting divisiveness, and to doing and saying whatever it takes to be reelected. It is killing us. Congress must find a way to come together and get things done. Our nation is in crisis. We need our elected officials to renew their commitment to respecting and adhering to the democratic process, to get to work, and put the well-being of our people and our planet first. Time is running out.

Ann Pilcher

Jamesville

America looks like a two-bit banana republic

To the Editor:

Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021  a date which will live in infamy  the halls of the U.S. Congress (including the Senate chamber) were violently attacked by supporters of President Donald Trump, whose intent was to disrupt the confirmation of Joe Biden as the next president. It is a date which eviscerates the very fabric of my soul, a date which makes me question whether the United States of America is still a democratic republic.

How could a terrorist, seditious and criminal act such as the violence on our nations capital be allowed to happen? How could the fascist, treasonable, unlawful and immoral act be incited, supported and condoned by our president and many of his congressional allies?

Until recent history, these would be the happenings in a two-bit banana republic, or 1933 Germany. Unbelievably, today, it has become a common occurrence in parts of America.

It is well past the time for this anarchy to stop. It is long past the time for this tyranny to be tolerated. If we are to live in a society that respects the rule of law, it is now the time for those who provoke, support or commit this lawlessness to be held accountable.

John Miller

Rome

4 years of spinelessness led to insurrection

To the Editor:

In The Fire Next Time, James Baldwin wrote a civilization is not destroyed by wicked people, it is not necessary that people be wicked but only that they be spineless. Today, we have sadly seen how true this is. Although it was protesters who stormed our nations Capitol Wednesday, this was the culmination of four years of Republican members of Congress spineless refusal to stand up to Trump that created the violent, anti-democratic insurrection today.

Congressman John Katko, it is not enough (even if it were true) to be a so-called moderate, or a problem-solver or a bipartisan leader. Until Wednesday, you have failed to challenge the presidents autocratic rhetoric. You have remained silent. You, too, have been spineless.

And today, like many of your fellow Republicans, you too have blood on your hands. Today, you wrote: We will recover from this and we certainly must learn from it. Will you?

Ellen Somers

Syracuse

Why are white rioters treated with kid gloves?

To the Editor:

Just like the almost forgotten invasion of the Michigan State Capitol earlier this year, a mob of entitled white thugs invaded our Capitol Wednesday. Had they been brown or black skinned, they would likely have been hauled out in body bags. But no, somehow white criminals get delicately treated with kid gloves. It is a disgusting reminder of the lingering racism so deeply embedded in our country. If this is not a wakeup call, I cannot imagine what is. We have so very far yet to travel to make the nations ideals a reality for all our citizens.

These criminals were incited by President Donald Trump, a man who has refused at every turn to respect the basic rules of the 230-year history of our Republic. Trump ought to be impeached again. He has incited violence, indulged in the language of organized crime trying to intimidate election officials to violate their oaths of office, and subverted the peaceful transfer of power, which is a bedrock to how this country operates. He has disgraced himself, and lowered our nations prestige in the eyes of our friends and foes alike across the globe.

This horrifying episode is entirely on his shoulders, and he should be brought to account, along with every one of these vandals that violated the Capitol building.

Chris Shepherd

Syracuse

Remove Trump so we can have some peace

To the Editor:

Regarding Wednesdays editorial Trump is unfit to lead. Remove him now (Jan. 6, 2020):

You are absolutely correct. Trump is unfit to lead this nation for even a day longer. His lack of fitness may be his mental instability or his placing of personal revenge for his loss of the presidential election over the safety of the country. Or it may be the fact that he has neglected to carry out his presidential duties over the past two months.

Invoke the 25th Amendment. Get him out of the White House. Do it in the middle of the night when there would be the least disturbance. Do it safely without personal injury to him. Take him to a safe place, perhaps Camp David. Take away his phone and any other means of outside contact so that he (and we) can have relative peace and quiet through Inauguration Day.

He is sick, and this illness makes him extremely dangerous to this nation and its citizens. Trump has done enough damage to last more than a lifetime. Enough is enough.

Kathleen DAmico

Cicero

Country is grievously wounded by assault on Capitol

To the Editor:

What words do I have to describe Wednesdays events in Washington, D.C.? I am saddened, shocked, appalled, furious, heartbroken for our country. The assault on decency, civility, honor, truth, morality and integrity which started slowly four years ago has finally come to its logical conclusion  call it sedition, insurrection or whatever you will, but what occurred Wednesday in the Capitol was invited and incited by a sitting president of the United States. Our democracy, our country was grievously wounded. Let us pray we have the will and the skill to recover and heal.

M. Marr

DeRuyter

Related:

Trump is unfit to lead. Remove him now (Editorial)

Trump acknowledges defeat after Congress confirms electoral vote

Trump Cabinet members discuss invoking 25th Amendment (reports)
The Supreme court on Thursday asked the Centre whether the thousands of farmers camping in and around Delhi in protest against the three farm laws over the past many weeks are protected from Covid. The court likened the state of affairs to one involving the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in the capital in March last year that went on to become one of the biggest clusters of coronavirus cases.

This same problem is going to arise during the farmer protest. We do not know if farmers are being protected from Covid. What guidelines have you issued for prevention of such things, remarked a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde.

The bench, which also comprised Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Have you learnt from your experience in handling this [Jamaat] event? Have you found out how it happened?

Mehta, who appeared for the Centre, told the bench that the investigation into the Jamaat gathering was still on by the Delhi Police He added Covid-19 guidelines with regard to large gatherings were in place and sought two weeks to file a reply.

The remarks were made during the hearing of a public interest litigation by Jammu-based lawyer Supriya Pandita for a CBI probe into the Jamaat gathering. The petition underlined the need for guidelines to prevent such events from creating harm to public health at the time of the pandemic.

Panditas lawyer, OP Parihar, cited the Jamaat gathering and added the groups chief Maulana Saad has not been arrested yet. The bench said it is not interested in one person. We are interested in ensuring Covid guidelines are prepared and implemented.

The PIL alleged negligence on part of the Delhi Government and Centre in allowing a mass gathering of Tablighi Jamaat members to assemble in the Capital. The petition demanded that an independent probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation alone would indicate the administrative lapses.

Pandita in her petition stated, Ignoring all social distancing norms to avoid the deadly coronavirus, hundreds had been staying in the 100-year-old mosque since March 8 last year. More than 2,000 delegates from Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan attended the congregation of Tablighi Jamaat.

The area where the event took place was sealed on March 30, 2020.

Pandita said that cluster transmission of the virus took place as at least 16,500 people visited Tablighi Jamaats headquarters in Nizamuddin between March 13 and 24. The area was sealed by the police on March 30.

In June 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs filed an affidavit in the apex court stating that all efforts were being made by the Delhi Police to complete the probe into the case. It rejected the request of the petitioner to entrust the probe to the CBI. Although the matter was heard by the Court since May 2020, notice on the petition was issued only on Thursday.
The economy of the Central Asian countries is expected to recover to 3 percent in 2021 due to a modest rise in commodity prices and investments within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China, said the World Bank in a report on Wednesday.

The economic recovery "will be supported by foreign direct investment as the subregion deepens its integration with the Belt and Road Initiative," the World Bank said in its latest Global Economic Prospects.

In particular, the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of Uzbekistan, the region's most populous country, will reach 4.3 percent in 2021 and 4.5 percent in 2022, it said.

According to the bank, Uzbekistan registered a 0.6-percent GDP growth in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the bank pointed out the setbacks for Central Asia's economic development in the future.

"The immediate outlook for economic growth in the region is clouded by uncertainty over the recent surge in COVID-19, which has contributed to social unrest in some countries, as well as the risk of escalating geopolitical tensions," it said.
ECU

With no doors, roof, or airbags, the Ariel Atom might look frightening to some, but for speed-loving adrenaline junkies, its raw nature is what makes it so appealing.Released in 2018, the fourth generation of this extraordinary vehicle was completely redesigned, with only the fuel cap, brake, and clutch pedals being carried over from the previous model.At the base of the Atom 4 stands an all-new bronze welded multi-diameter tubular exoskeleton chassis conceived in-house by the Ariel engineering and design team.Compared to past models, the lightweight hand-built structure uses larger diameter main and diagonal tubes, new aluminum-alloy bulkheads as well as many other small enhancements that increase its torsional rigidity by 15%.The raw interior gains more space and legroom thanks to the redesigned chassis. The twin-seat unit from previous versions has been replaced with a pair of lightweight individually adjustable single seats, and a full-color TFT screen has been mounted behind the 12-inch (305 mm) race suede-covered steering wheel.For the suspension, the new car retains the double unequal length wishbones configuration with inboard, pushrod operated dampers borrowed from open-wheel race cars, but the geometry of the entire system has been drastically improved.As standard for North American customers, the Atom 4 comes with 2-Piece Eibach race-spec springs and a set of Bilstein single adjustable shocks.The carmaker offers two optional suspension packages that feature motorsport-derived Bilstein MDS double-adjustable dampers or state-of-the-art Ohlins TTX three-way adjustable shocks. The latter are usually found on single-seater, prototype, or GT race cars.Under the rear cover, we find the heart of the Atom, a Honda K20C turbocharged 2.0-liter (122-cu in) four-cylinder i-VTEC direct-injection engine borrowed from the Civic Type R . It uses a new exhaust system which features a ceramic honeycomb, palladium/rhodium-rich catalytic converter and an 8.4-inch (215 mm) stainless silencer.At around 6,500 rpm, the powerplant reaches its maximum standard output of 324 hp, while the peak torque value of 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) is felt at 3,000 rpm.Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission that uses a lightweight aluminum-alloy casing.For an extra $8,000, customers can choose to drastically upgrade their Atom 4 with the Performance Package that boosts engine power to 354 hp, adds a three-stage variable boost controller, high-performance radiator, race-spectuning, adjustable traction control, de-cat performance exhaust system, and a limited-slip differential.Even without any upgrades, drivers can accelerate to 60 mph (96 kph) from a standstill in just 2.8 seconds, and if they continue to floor the pedal, the Atom 4 can reach a top speed of 162 mph (261 kph). These figures make it the fastest standard Atom produced so far by the British manufacturer.Conceived by Coventry University student Niki Smart with input and funding from various automotive industry companies such as British Steel and Tom Walkinshaw Racing, the car was first unveiled at the British International Motor Show in October 1996.Initially powered by a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre Rover K-series engine, it was a resounding success that led to mass production four years later.Since the second part of 2020, the Atom has been manufactured under license in North America by TMI Autotech, Inc. in Alton, Virginia, and is available for a base price of $75,000.
Current Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, and former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican, issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning the violent occupation of the nations capitol building, where Congress was slated to affirm President-elect Joe Bidens presidential win.

What started out as a group of protesters supporting President Donald Trump devolved into a violent group that stormed and occupied the U.S. Capitol. The Associated Press reports one woman who was shot in the building is dead, and dozens of protesters both inside and outside the building were seen fighting with police.

What is unfolding today in our nations capital is truly appalling. Violence, vandalism, and insurrection have no place in this great country of ours. We are a nation of laws, not mobs, Whitmer said in a statement.

While we come from different backgrounds and political parties, Governor Whitmer and I share a deep love for our country, Snyder said in the statement.

We must always remember that we are Americans first, and we are not one anothers enemy. Thats why I join with Governor Whitmer in calling on people of goodwill across America to pray for peace, calm, and healing.

Whitmer in the statement encouraged people to unify to defeat our real enemy, which is the pandemic that has taken far too many of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. As Americans, there is no problem we cant solve, and no challenge we cant meet. Lets all stay safe. Lets take care of each other. And lets move forward together, as one United States of America.

Whitmer also released a video statement on Twitter.

I am appalled at the insurrection we saw in our nations Capitol today.

We had an election. We voted. Now, we need to work together to move forward. pic.twitter.com/TuY7w0f9DB  Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) January 6, 2021

The President, along with some of his supporters and other Republicans, have pushed a widely debunked narrative that the election Trump lost to Biden was actually stolen. Trumps legal team has put forward baseless claims of widespread election fraud in Michigan and other states. The courts have repeatedly rejected them.

Michigan political leaders from both sides of the aisle have acknowledged Bidens win in the state and condemned the riot in D.C. on Wednesday.

The violent actions at our nations Capitol are a disgrace. Today should have been a peaceful event. I condemn the actions of the individuals who threatened our members of Congress and our Republic. They are criminals who should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake, said in a statement posted to Twitter.

The violent actions at our nation's Capitol are a disgrace. Today should have been a peaceful event. I condemn the actions of the individuals who threatened our members of Congress and our Republic. They are criminals who should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  Sen. Mike Shirkey (@SenMikeShirkey) January 6, 2021

House Speaker Jason Wentworth, R-Clare, put out a statement Wednesday requesting Trump use the power of his voice and office to bring order and peace immediately.

However, some Republican lawmakers in Michigan have also sought to undermine or invalidate Bidens win. Both the Senate under Shirkey and the House under former House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, held hearings where those testifying parroted baseless claims of election fraud.

Four Michigan congressmen and 15 state lawmakers, all Republicans, signed onto a lawsuit that aimed to invalidate the presidential election results.

Most recently, a majority of Michigans Republican senators signed onto a letter asking Vice President Mike Pence to temporarily delay certification of the Electoral College.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has lodged a complaint against Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, alleging that he has converted a residential building in Juhu into a hotel without permission, a police official said on Thursday. The K-West ward of the BMC filed the complaint at Juhu Police Station on Monday.

Vishwas Mote, assistant municipal commissioner of K- West ward, confirmed that the complaint has been filed against Sood for alleged violation of the provisions of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act. In the two-page complaint letter, the BMC alleged that the actor did not take any permission from the authorities before carrying out the structural changes in Shakti Sagar, a residential building on Juhus AB Nair Road.

It was found that accused Mr Sonu Sood and Mrs Sonali Sonu Sood have instituted/commenced/undertaken/carried out development or changed the user of land as detailed below: Unauthorised addition/alteration beyond approved plans and unauthorised change of user from residential to residential hotel building without taking technical sanction from competent authority," the BMC said in its complaint. As per the complaint, the BMC had issued a notice to Sood in October last year in this connection.

The land was one again inspected on Monday and it was found that the accused had not complied with the requistitions and was continuing to carry out unauthorised development even after the notice was served to him," the BMC said in the complaint. Sources in the Juhu police station said that no FIR has been registered against the actor so far.

We are waiting for the BMC officials to tell us in detail about the unauthorised structural changes so that we can take further steps," the police official said. Sood, who is known for films like Dabangg", Jodha Akbar", and Simmba, came into spotlight for his work in helping migrants reach their homes during the lockdown. PTI ZAiii NP NP 01071533 NNNN.
First, to state the obvious, there is no question that Trump-supporters criminally entered the Capitol and behaved abominably. All who breached the inadequate protective perimeter must be prosecuted to the full measure of the law. Throw the book at them!

But there are grounds for suspicion that provocateurs, anxious to discredit Trump, his supporters, conservatives, and those who question the integrity of the presidential vote may have been the point of the spear in violently attacking the Capitol. Rowan Scarborough reports in the Washington Times:

Trump supporters say that antifa members disguised as one of them infiltrated the protesters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. A retired military officer told The Washington Times that the firm XRVision used its software to do facial recognition of protesters and matched two Philadelphia antifa members to two men inside the Senate. The source provided the photo match to The Times. One has a tattoo that indicates he is a Stalinist sympathizer. antifa promotes anarchy through violence and wants the end of America in favor of a Stalinist-state. "No more USA at all" is a protest chant. XRVision also has identified another man who, while not known to have antifa links, is someone who shows up at climate and Black Lives Matter protests in the West.

Video available on Twitter (for now) shows a crowd at one door the Capitol and Trump-supporters shouting "That's Antifa!" and trying to stop a black-clad person with a helmet that says "Trump" on its back (suitable for news cameras) from breaking into the building.



Twitter video screen grab (cropped).

OMG! BUSTED! Video shows Trump supporters stopping & pulling away Antifa men from breaking the Capitol windows. Trump supporters are heard yelling out Thats Antifa!!!

Dems set us up & GOP just threw us under the bus over a trap. Surreal! Wow! pic.twitter.com/f7ExMZ0DcD  Melissa Tate (@TheRightMelissa) January 7, 2021

This dramatic photo of a black-clad younger climber does not resemble a middle-aged Trump-supporter. It is someone who prepared and probably trained.

Whoever participated in this incursion is a criminal and ought to be prosecuted. Mobs are a terrible thing and can become intoxicated, egged on into behavior most individuals in the mob would not plan and would regret later. That does not excuse them for responsibility, but it does heighten the payoff if and when an agent provocateur acts in order to enflame opponents into self-destructive acts.

There must be a complete and thorough inquiry into the mob action. I wish that I had more faith in the FBI.
It was a Wednesday, and the Democrats were happy that morning because down in Georgia, they had just won two seats in the U.S. Senate and it looked like they would finally have some power again. But in the middle of the afternoon, while members of Congress were inside the U.S. Capitol debating whether to affirm the election of the new president  his name was Joe Biden  a mob of terrorists broke into the building.
WASHINGTON  When a group of pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol and smashed windows on Wednesday, a woman jumped onto a pane and started through.

Seconds later, a gunshot rang out and the woman, who had a Trump flag tied around her waist, tipped back and fell onto the marble floor as blood spilled from her shoulder.

They shot a girl! someone yelled as the crowd ran out of the southeast entrance.

She died later that day, police said. She was one of four fatalities from the violent rioting that wreaked havoc through the halls of Congress on Wednesday, halting the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens electoral victory. Three others died of unspecified medical emergencies during the chaos.

The woman was 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt, a California native and Air Force veteran, her former husband told The Washington Post. Before her death in the Capitol, she had used her social media to express fervent support for President Donald Trump and echo many of the presidents conspiracy theories and false claims of mass voter fraud.

Police have not yet confirmed Babbitts identity or confirmed details about how she was shot. The woman was shot by U.S. Capitol Police, Washington D.C. Police Chief Robert J. Contee III told reporters on Wednesday.

Babbitt, a native of San Diego, served in Afghanistan and Iraq in the Air Force before other deployments with the National Guard to Kuwait and Qatar, ex-husband Timothy McEntee told The Post. McEntee and Babbitt met in the Air Force and were married for 14 years, before splitting in May 2019.

McEntee, who did not know Babbitt had traveled to D.C. for the protests, was shocked by the news of her death and described her as smart and strong-willed.

I feel absolutely terrible and sick to my stomach about it, he wrote in a text message. She was never afraid to speak her mind and in a way this was her way of speaking her mind (going to the rally).

McEntee said Babbitt had remarried and owned a pool supply company with her husband, Aaron Babbitt.

Babbitts mother-in-law told WTTG, who did not identify her by name, that her son did not accompany Babbitt to Washington.

I really dont know why she decided to do this, she said.

In an interview with San Diego station KUSI, Babbitts husband said she was a passionate Trump supporter. McEntee echoed those sentiments, adding that she was very loud and opinionated, but caring, sweet, thoughtful, loving.

You would never forget meeting her, he wrote.

On social media, Babbitt recorded combative videos about immigration policy, while expressing her support for a border wall. In early September, she tweeted a picture from a Trump boat parade in San Diego wearing a shirt that said, We are Q, referring to QAnon, the far-right conspiracy theory. The tweet also included the hashtag #WWG1WGA, an acronym used by supporters who believe in the claims that Trump was battling a group of deep state child abusers.

Babbitt also retweeted messages calling for Vice President Pence to resign and be charged with treason, videos of Trump rallies and photos of the presidents supporters flying to D.C. for the protests.

In one of her final posts, she responded to a tweet saying that many flights to D.C. were canceled because of weather. The entire world is corrupt, the person said.

In response, Babbitt wrote: Nothing will stop us  they can try and try and try but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours  dark to light!
Midland Mayor Patrick Payton addressed the participation of a former mayoral candidate in the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Payton, talking in a United Command Team press conference Thursday, said the following of the participation of Midlands Jenny Cudd in the riot: It saddens me. And that's just as far as I'm willing to comment on that. It saddens me.

He also said the upheaval was an indication of how bad 2020 has been, whether its rioting that broke out with Black Lives Matter protests or storming the Capitol. Violent protesters are on both sides of the aisle, he said.

Protesters marched to Capitol Hill following President Donald Trumps speech in front of the White House as Congress was debating the Electoral College results of the presidential election. In his speech, Trump repeated unproven allegations of election fraud and told his supporters to march to the Capitol.

RELATED: Former Midland mayoral candidate among protesters at US Capitol building

Cudd ran against Payton and Jerry Morales for mayor in November 2019. She picked up 15.6 percent of the vote. In 2020, Cudd was active in protests in Midland and Odessa against business closures and potential mask mandates having to do with the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday, Cudd went on to social media multiple times Wednesday to comment about what was taking place and her actions during the events at the U.S. Capitol. Midlander Eliel Rosa also participated, according to Cudds postings.

In an interview with the Reporter-Telegram on Thursday, Cudd denied doing anything unlawful during the riots at the Capitol. She said that, unbeknownst to her, individuals with Antifa broke through barriers and assaulted police officers before she arrived.

Cudd said she then walked into the Capitol with a large group and took pictures inside the rotunda for about 15 minutes before leaving. She said she did not go onto the House or Senate floors or into any lawmakers' offices.

The group of Trump supporters marched to the Capitol with the goal of peacefully assembling in a "show of solidarity," according to Cudd. She condemned the violence incited by some protesters.


Hospitals in Northern Ireland are cancelling planned operations due to a surge of patients with coronavirus.

The Belfast health trust said it had made the difficult decision to cancel all planned inpatient surgery this week due to rising numbers of Covid cases.

Chief scientific officer Professor Ian Young has warned that as many as one in 40 people may have the virus and hospital inpatients could increase to 1,000 in the coming weeks.

The Stormont Executive was due to meet on Thursday about sweeping new lockdown measures set to come into force on Friday. However, that meeting was postponed due to family bereavements affecting two ministers.

The new restrictions will include a stay-at-home order with anyone away from home without reasonable excuse potentially facing a 200 fixed penalty notice or a fine of up to 5,000 (5,525) if the case goes to court.

Meanwhile, public gatherings for worship are to be suspended until next month.

The decision was taken by leaders of the Catholic, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Methodist churches following a meeting with medical chiefs.

The latest department of health figures revealed a further 17 deaths with Covid-19, along with 1,410 more positive cases.

Hospital capacity across the region is at 103%, with 599 Covid-confirmed inpatients, 44 of whom are being treated in intensive care.

Read More Public worship suspended in Northern Ireland until next month

Infection control nurse Colin Clarke looks out from a Covid-19 recovery ward at Craigavon Area Hospital in Co Armagh (Niall Carson/PA)

All of the health trusts are reducing the number of planned operations.

In a statement, the Belfast Trust apologised for the move, adding surgery will be rearranged as soon as possible.

We will rearrange this surgery as soon as possible and we will do everything we can to ensure continuity of care throughout this challenging time, they said.

We are also actively considering moving many outpatient appointments to virtual appointments in order to reduce footfall on our sites and to encourage the public to stay home whenever possible.

The Western Trust said its hospitals are facing unprecedented pressures with increasing numbers of Covid positive patients and the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen is operating at 118% bed capacity.

It said projections indicate a doubling in numbers from the third week of January.

Geraldine McKay, director of acute hospitals, said they have taken the very regrettable, but necessary decision to postpone routine elective inpatient, outpatient and day case surgeries until further notice.

Red flag and some time critical procedures and clinics will continue, but will be reviewed daily, she added.

The Northern Trust said it has cancelled the majority of its planned surgery to free up staff to support the significant Covid-19 surge while the South Eastern Trust is still carrying out some elective surgeries, but indicated fewer will be carried out from next Monday.

The Southern Trust said in addition to Covid cases there has also been a rise in traumas due to the recent icy weather.

It temporarily suspended elective in-patient surgery on Thursday and Friday in order to provide timely surgery to time-critical fracture patients.

Chief scientific adviser Professor Ian Young said as many as one in 40 people may have coronavirus in some parts of Northern Ireland (Press Eye/PA)

Prof Young said many more than those diagnosed are likely to be Covid positive because many people are asymptomatic and are not diagnosed.

He said the Mid Ulster Council area had the largest number of cases within the last week, followed by the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area.

Its very likely that in parts of Northern Ireland there are as many as one person in 40 who currently has Covid  in those local government districts which currently have the highest incidence of the virus, he told the BBC.

In the past we have had around 500 hospital inpatients being treated for Covid; we could easily before the end of this month rise to 1,000 or more and, indeed, depending on the impact of the new variant, those numbers could rise even further beyond that, he said.

He urged the public to listen to the stay-at-home message as new lockdown measures are set to become law on Friday.

My message to everyone in Northern Ireland is to please, please listen to the stay at home message which we are trying to give, he said.

People should only be leaving their home for essential purposes, if they really need to. We all need to minimise our contacts.
President-elect has selected Merrick Garland, a federal appeals court judge who in 2016 was snubbed by Republicans for a seat on the Supreme Court, as his attorney general, two people familiar with the selection process have said.

In picking Garland, Biden is turning to an experienced judge who held senior positions at the Justice Department decades ago, including as a supervisor of the prosecution of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

The pick will force Senate Republicans to contend with the nomination of someone they spurned four years ago refusing even to hold hearings when a Supreme Court vacancy arose but Biden is banking on Garland's credentials and reputation for moderation to ensure confirmation.

Biden is expected to announce Garland's appointment on Thursday, along with other senior leaders of the department, including former homeland security adviser Lisa Monaco as deputy and former Justice Department civil rights chief Vanita Gupta as associate attorney general, the No. 3 official. He will also name an assistant for civil rights, Kristen Clarke, the president of Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, an advocacy group.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
FREDERICTON - There are now 130 active cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick  the highest number in the province since the start of the pandemic.

Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick chief medical officer of health, is shown in a government handout photo. Public Health officials in New Brunswick are reporting 24 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the province Thursday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Government of New Brunswick MANDATORY CREDIT

FREDERICTON - There are now 130 active cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick  the highest number in the province since the start of the pandemic.

Health officials in New Brunswick reported 24 new cases Thursday, bringing the total to 717 since the beginning of the health crisis.

"The current situation is the worst we have seen so far during this pandemic," chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell told a news conference in Fredericton Thursday. The previous peak in active cases was 120 in late November.

Russell said there are multiple outbreaks across the province, including in several long-term care facilities.

Those facilities include Fundy Manor II, a 28-bed special care home in Hillsborough, N.B., and Parkland Riverview's Canterbury Hall, a 60-bed special care home in Riverview.

"Public health has begun an investigation at both facilities. Working with the facility staff, contact tracing has commenced," Russell said.

There were also more cases reported Thursday at Parkland Saint John where 11 residents and seven employees have now tested positive for COVID-19.

Health Minister Dorothy Shephard also announced a positive case has been confirmed at Bessborough School in Moncton and the school community has been notified. Students stayed home Thursday.

Shephard said the province is taking positive steps on the vaccine front.

"As of this morning, 5,019 people in New Brunswick have received the first dose of the vaccine. By the end of this week we will have administered more than 7,500 doses," Shephard said.

"The 1,871 people who received their first dose of vaccine at a clinic in Miramichi in December will be the first to receive their second dose this coming weekend and be fully inoculated," she said.

Two more shipments of vaccine totalling 6,600 doses are expected next week.

Currently one person is in hospital with the disease, in intensive care. There are 101 health-care workers off the job across the province for COVID-related reasons.

Russell said while there has been a lot of chatter on social media about imposing greater restrictions and moving the province to the highest "red" alert level, no decision has been made by government to do that.

"We have overcome all of the challenges we have faced thus far, and I am confident that we can continue to do so," she said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2021.
MOSCOW  For anyone who has covered political turmoil across the wreckage of the former Soviet Union over the past three decades, the mob that stormed the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday looked shockingly familiar, down to the dress code and embrace of banners trumpeting seemingly lost causes.

In fervor and style, the mob resembled the ragtag bands that seized control of the Parliament building in Moscow in 1993, clamoring for the revival of the Soviet Union. Much the same scenes unfolded two decades later, as self-styled militias stormed the regional assembly in Donetsk, a major industrial city in eastern Ukraine and now the capital of a secessionist, pro-Russian peoples republic.

Ersatz military gear  camouflage jackets, old boots, black wool hats and bandannas  were much in evidence back then, as were the flags of long-dead and, we all assumed, safely buried causes.

In Donetsk, these included not just the Red Flag of the defunct Soviet Union and the black-yellow-white tricolor of the long-gone Tsarist empire, but at times also the emblem of an even more distant, failed venture, the Confederate States of America. None of them knew much or really cared about the Confederacy, but they did know it was hated by the kind of people they hated.
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In this years state budget estimates, $34.4 million was set aside for Fire and Emergency Services, down from the almost $49 million estimated last financial year, with the figure continually decreasing year-on-year until hitting $29.67 million in 2023/24. It indicates just how much of the bushfire season will largely run on the goodwill and dedication of its volunteers, who make up a good number of the 200 fireys deployed at any one time across WA. Loading Volunteer fireys might work at the local IGA or earthmoving business, like Nikki Woods, and because theyre based in fire-prone bush areas, they understand what it takes to protect their properties and, often, livelihoods. The current Gingin bushfire, which jumped containment lines late Monday and continues to threaten lives and homes, also burned many hectares of agriculture, including tainting 25,000 olive trees and putting at risk a West Australian olive oil business in the Shire of Gingin.

No lives or residences have been lost so far. But volunteer fire services stay largely quiet over the pressure felt to carry the weight of an increasingly dangerous firefront for fear of biting the only hand that feeds them. Volunteers did, however, express a non-politically motivated disappointment at the lack of an incident review report into the 2019 Yanchep fires. The Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades holds the very firm view that inclusive, transparent and timely reviews of major incidents are the key to learning from the past. It called on the 2020 Bushfire Royal Commission to consider whether the federal government should create a national agency or fund independent consultants to undertake reviews of major incidents on behalf of all states and territories.

In short, we believe doing this would mean more opportunities for sharing valuable learnings faster and wider than currently possible, reducing the burden of state departments that might be stretched dealing with other issues (eg. other fires or COVID-19) and perhaps most valuably, the removal of any perception of the inevitable conflict of interest that comes from any entity reviewing itself, they said. On Wednesday, Emergency Services Minister Fran Logan said the firefighting response to the current Red Gully/Gingin blaze  and that of the Yanchep bushfires in 2019  was based on the recommendations of an inquiry into the devastating Yarloop fires of 2016. Yarloop is still recovering from the devastating 2016 blaze. Credit:Marta Pascual Juanola Mr Logan said the creation of a co-ordinated fire response involving several government departments at play near Lancelin followed the recommendations made by special inquirer Euan Ferguson in the wake of the South West blaze. The 2016 Yarloop bushfires burned through almost 70,000 hectares and razed more than 160 homes in the area, killing two.

After the fire, residents in the small town described the helplessness they felt as trees caught alight in a ring of fire, spreading through the streets and gutting homes. Mr Fergusons 17 recommendations also included the creation of a rural fire service, a more agile system to apply for burning permits for private owners, and expanded roles for volunteer firefighters. But for Greens going into March's state election, the improvements dont go far enough, and climate exchange remains the biggest factor. On the back of the Gingin fires, Greens senator Jordon Steele-John vowed on Wednesday "to ensure the reality that the climate crisis is causing bigger and more damaging bushfires is not swept under the rug."

Greens WA spokesperson for climate change, Tim Clifford, had already come out swinging in November over WA Labors aspiration of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, calling it fanciful rhetoric. Loading Western Australia is almost single-handedly contributing to Australias rising emissions due to our burgeoning LNG industry, which has been allowed to operate with little to no pollution controls, he said at the time. And yet this policy fails to hold them accountable for their carbon pollution, despite the fact that offsetting their emissions would only cost these multinational companies 1-2 per cent of their profits and create thousands of sustainable jobs here in WA. The McGowan climate policy focuses on six areas: clean manufacturing and future industries; transforming energy generation and use; storing carbon and caring for our landscapes; lower carbon transport; resilient cities and regions; and government leadership.
Lasioglossum leptocephalum; a, b, female lectotype (Nefta); c, e, Djerba; d, Tripoli; f, Bat Yam. Credit: Hebrew University

There is no overestimating the importance of pollinators in our world today. While crop pollination relies mainly on managed colonies of the domesticated honey bee (Apis mellifera), wild, unmanaged pollinators were found to be highly effective, often critical contributors to pollination services in natural and agricultural systems. Among these wild pollinators, native bees are the most important pollinator group Recognizing their importance, Israeli researchers were excited upon the discovery of a new bee species in the Coastal Plain region, particularly in light of decreases in pollinator populations, most notably bees, in many parts of the world.

In response to the decrease, biologists have placed habitat preservation and restoration as one of the key tools in protecting pollinators, and biodiversity as a whole. In the process of ongoing studies on how to conserve such habitats currently ongoing in Israel's Sharon (coastal) region, researchers were surprised to discover a previously unknown wild bee species. The discovery was recently published in the Belgian Journal of Entomology.

The Israeli study focused on the impact of restoration activities of a threatened sand ecosystem along Israel's coastal plains. Large-scale Eucalyptus plantings that took place in this region in the last decade, caused dramatic changes in habitat characteristics and decreased local biodiversity. Researchers led by Professor Yael Mandelik and Ph.D. candidate Karmit Levy from the Department of Entomology in the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have spent the past five years studying the effect of these restoration activities and specifically how they affect the local bee population.

Comparison of the pilosity on the metasoma; a, Lasioglossum leptocephalum, Israel: Park Britannia; b, Lasioglossum dorchini, female, Israel. Credit: Nahal Alexander

Comparison of the pilosity on the third tergum; a, Lasioglossum leptocephalum, Israel: Park Britannia; b, Lasioglossum dorchini, female, Israel. Credit: Nahal Alexander

Using a variety of classical methods for surveying insects and plants, the team found reasons for optimism in the gradual change following restoration actions. "We observed changes in bee communities and in the availability of their food and nesting resources in the restored habitats. In general, we can see that restoration efforts have positive effects on bee communities" explained Ms. Levy.

Alongside these optimistic findings, the researchers recorded another exciting discovery; a new species of bee that had never before been recorded and that is believed to be unique to sand dunes found on Israel's coastal plains. The species identified and described by Dr. Alain Pauly, a taxonomist (classifier of species) from the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels. The name chosen for the species was Lasioglossum dorchini in tribute to the Israeli bee researcher Dr. Achik Dorchin, The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University.

Comparison of the punctuation in the middle of the first tergum; a, Lasioglossum leptocephalum, Israel: Park Britania; b, Lasioglossum dorchini, female, Israel. Credit: Nahal Alexander

Comparison of the colour of the hind leg; a, Lasioglossum leptocephalum, Israel: BatYam; b, Lasioglossum dorchini, Israel. Credit: Nahal Alexander

"Beyond just the professional excitement of discovering a new species that was previously unknown to science, this finding has broader applicative value in helping us better understand bee communities, their habitat requirements and the pollination services they may provide," Professor Mandelik said.

Explore further Decline of bees, other pollinators threatens US crop yields

More information: Lasioglossum dorchini (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Halictidae) a new species of bee from Israel. Full text or PDF: Lasioglossum dorchini (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Halictidae) a new species of bee from Israel. Full text or PDF: www.researchgate.net/publicati  s_of_bee_from_Israel
Jails and Pandemic Control

(TNS)  Since Dec. 1, there have been COVID-19 outbreaks in five of West Virginia's regional jails and at least four correctional centers.During that time, at least 833 inmates in the 10 regional jails throughout West Virginia tested positive for the virus, and three outbreaks in three separate jails exceeded 190 cases  two outbreaks exceeded 250 cases.During the whole month of December, and so far in January, the regional jails have operated at no fewer than 1,300 inmates above their listed capacity, despite efforts earlier this year to lower inmate populations because of the pandemic, as well as a new bail reform law for magistrates that went into effect this summer."Every jail outbreak is a time bomb," said Quenton King, criminal justice policy analyst for the West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy. "We keep getting lucky. I say 'lucky,' and that's with five inmates and one staff death. It could be a lot more. The odds just aren't in our favor." Since the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in March, five inmates in the custody of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation have died, according to Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation data provided to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.The state's 10 regional jails have been well beyond capacity since Dec. 1, when there were 5,709 inmates in the jails that are equipped with 4,265 beds, according to correctional facility information on the DHHR website.On Tuesday, there were 5,739 inmates in the jails, according to a data sheet for jails and correctional facilities posted on the DHHR website.The average daily population in the state's 10 regional jails between Dec. 1 and Jan. 4 was 5,640 people.Since Dec. 1, the Northern Regional Jail, Eastern Regional Jail, Central Regional Jail, and Tygart Valley Regional Jail have experienced significant COVID-19 outbreaks, according to data submitted to the DHHR by corrections officials.At the height of the outbreak in the Eastern Regional Jail, on Dec. 28 and 29, there were 268 active cases at the Martinsburg facility, where the inmate capacity is 448 people. There were 522 people incarcerated there on Dec. 28 and 524 people on Dec. 29.As of Jan. 1, there were 253 active cases at the Central Regional Jail in Braxton County, where there is a capacity for 312 inmates. As of Monday, there were 251 active cases among 468 people incarcerated there.The Northern Regional Jail in Moundsville experienced an outbreak early in December. On Dec. 8, 198 inmates were considered to have active cases of COVID-19. That jail has a capacity for 366 people, and there were 444 people incarcerated there on Dec. 8.As of Monday, the Tygart Valley Regional Jail in Barbour County, with a capacity for 368 people, had 84 active cases among its inmates. There were 506 people incarcerated there Tuesday."As the prevalence of COVID rises in the state, in the general population, and we're still incarcerating people in jails, we're still going to have a lot of jail outbreaks," King said.Last week, Gov. Jim Justice said there were no plans to vaccinate any inmates of any age in the state's COVID-19 vaccination plan. Correctional officers are included in Phase 1-B of the plan, along with police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other first responders.In April, a federal judge ruled that West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials had the discretion to implement policies and manage inmates without a court stepping in to mandate what they must do.Corrections officials took steps in the spring to decrease the jail population, reducing the total population by 10 percent by the beginning of April.On April 20, there were 4,100 people in the state's jails, but the population has gone up steadily since then, King said.Regional jails house people who are awaiting trial but can't pay their bail or haven't had a bail posted. They also hold those who are serving sentences for misdemeanor crimes and some nonviolent felonies. The corrections system houses those convicted of and sentenced for felony crimes.Lida Shepherd works for the American Friends Service Committee's West Virginia Economic Justice Project. Shepherd was relieved to see the jail population decrease in April thanks to orders from the Supreme Court and efforts by magistrates and public defenders throughout the state. However, now that the jails again are overcrowded  even more so than they were when the pandemic began  they've become "tinderboxes" for COVID-19 outbreaks, she said."When nearly half of the people in our regional jails haven't been convicted of a crime, in the middle of a pandemic, we're looking at both a public health crisis and a moral one," Shepherd said.In addition to guidance and efforts for temporary population control, a bail reform law that was meant to decrease the jail population took effect in July.The law, previously House Bill 2419, requires magistrates to release people from custody on a personal recognizance bond if that person was arrested on certain nonviolent charges, instead of issuing a cash bail and sending the person to jail when they can't pay it. The American Friends Service Committee lobbied for the Legislature's support of the bill."Now, more than ever before, we must reduce our regional jail population, which could be accomplished in part through more personal recognizance bonds and following the bail law that went into effect over the summer," Shepherd said. "This law mandates PR bonds for low-level felonies and misdemeanors, except for good cause shown."The new law, so far, hasn't had the intended effect, King said."It's obvious magistrates aren't following it to the letter," King said. "We don't know where exactly. We don't know which magistrates, and we don't know why they're not following it. It's very clear [that] bail reform isn't working, but it's also clear, prisons aren't taking in people either.Outbreaks in the jails have ebbed and flowed, with rates similar to those in the general public, King said. In the state's correctional centers, which are roughly 1,500 inmates below their capacities, the outbreaks have been limited.Per the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation's COVID-19 response policy, transfers from the jails to correctional centers for people sentenced to them have been limited since the pandemic began, said Lawrence Messina, director of communications for the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security.As of late, corrections officials have completely halted efforts to transfer inmates from jails to prisons after their sentencing, Messina said in an email Monday.As of Tuesday, there were COVID-19 outbreaks in two correctional facilities, Saint Marys Correctional Center and Ohio County Correctional Center.There were 56 cases at Saint Mary's on Tuesday, down from 285 cases there on Dec. 25 and 26. In the Ohio County center, there were 11 active cases Tuesday.Corrections Cpl. Mark Rustemeyer, 58, who had worked at the Saint Marys center since 1998, died Jan. 2 while being treated for COVID-19, Department of Homeland Security officials announced in a news release Sunday. As of Sunday, there were 54 active cases of the disease among corrections staff, according to the news release.Based on data compiled from the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, King said that, as of Dec. 17, about 2,200 people in the jails were technically in the custody of Corrections, meaning they've been sentenced to correctional centers but still are living in the overcrowded jails.The state's correctional centers were 1,604 people below their 5,427-bed capacity Monday."Either way, one or the other would be at or over capacity," King said. "This isn't just happening in West Virginia. Other states have stopped taking in new prisoners. It's stopping outbreaks in most of the prisons, but it's not stopping the outbreaks in jails."

Tourists visit Zengpintang Aged Liquor Museum in Nanchang, capital of east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 6, 2021. Covering over 4,500 square meters, the museum with 18 exhibition halls showcases a collection of over 13,000 exhibits. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

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Amaravati, Jan 7 : The Andhra Pradesh Urban Development Department inked a pact with UK's prestigious University of Cambridge on Thursday to train teachers and students in English.

"As per the memorandum of understanding, University of Cambridge will provide training to teachers and students under the municipal department in order to improve English language proficiency," said an official statement.

This programme is limited to the teachers and students under the municipal department.

Municipal administration commissioner Vijay Kumar signed the agreement on behalf of the government with T.K. Arunachalam, University of Cambridge's regional director for South Asia, in the presence of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The AP government has already introduced English as the language of instruction in government schools to better equip students in an environment of globalisation.
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A Hoover man pleaded guilty Thursday to making unapproved drug products in his kitchen and warehouse, and marketing and selling them as a cancer treatment

Patrick Charles Bishop, 54, issued the guilty plea to one count of conspiracy for fraudulently introducing adulterated drugs and misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, according Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder. He was indicted on the federal charges in August.

According to the plea agreement, Bishop owned and operated Patrick LLC, which was organized in Nevada. Between 2015 and 2016, Bishop purchased, manufactured, labeled, marketed, sold and distributed drug products purportedly containing a peptide called PNC-27. PNC-27 has not been approved by the FDA for use in the United States as a drug to treat any disease, including cancer. Nor has PNC-27 undergone clinical trials in the United States on human beings to determine its efficacy, safety, or potential risks or side effects.

Bishop took steps to conceal these activities from the FDA and others, authorities said. He used the business name Best Peptide Supply, LLC, to buy PNC-27 from GL Biochem, a manufacturer based in China, and used the business name Immuno Cellular Restoration Program, Inc., to sell PNC-27 products to others. He described his distribution of PNC-27 products as part of a research effort, and made false representations to FDA personnel and others.

Bishop paid GL Biochem more than $600,000 for the product. He repeatedly assured the manufacturer that he would use the peptide solely for laboratory research purposes. But instead, he used the peptide to make homemade suppositories in his kitchen in Birmingham, and at a warehouse he rented in Pelham. The facilities were not sterile and did not comply with current good manufacturing practices. Customers who purchased suppositories from Bishop reported finding pieces of hair in their suppository packs.

Bishop marketed the PNC-27 drug products to alternative-medicine doctors, cancer patients, and others as an effective treatment for cancer. Bishop sold PNC-27 drug products to Hope4Cancer, a holistic cancer treatment center with clinics in Mexico. Bishop shipped the products to a location in California, and Hope4Cancer would use the products to treat patients at its Mexico clinics. Bishop also sold PNC-27 drug products to patients and others in the United States.

He faces five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been set for May 5.

A 21-year-old Muslim woman who had married a Hindu man last month against wishes of her family appeared before a magistrate in Uttar Pradesh's Auraiya and said she doesn't want to live with her husband as he refused to accept Islam, police said on Thursday. According to a marriage certificate produced by Nazra, a resident of Senganpur village in Auraiya, she had married Akash of Kulgaon village at an Arya Samaj temple on December 21 after changing her name to Neha, Bamaen police post incharge Devi Sah Verma said on Thursday.

As her husband Akash did not accept Islam, she gave a statement before the magistrate on Wednesday that she does not want to live with him. She was sent with her parents, Verma said. Both Nazra and Akash were in a relationship, which was opposed by their families. On October 12, both had left their home, Verma said.

Two days after, the woman's father Allahudin lodged a case against Akash and one other Raj Kumar for luring his daughter, Verma said. He alleged that she took away Rs 80,000 cash and ornaments worth lakhs of rupees. Police said the woman's statement has been recorded and her medical examination has also been done.
Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2021 4:50 pm

A Chehalis man known for organizing mixed martial arts fighting events in Lewis County has been arrested on charges of child molestation and sexual exploitation of a minor.

Roy Rodriguez Jr., 46, was arrested Jan. 3 on charges of child molestation and sexual exploitation of a minor related to the reported continued abuse of two girls between 2010 and 2012 while they were in his care.

According to Lewis County Superior Court documents, Rodriguez allegedly supplied a then 12-year-old girl and a 13-to-14-year-old girl with alcohol and marijuana and had them pose in various stages of undress for photos and comply with requests from online chat rooms and pornographic website live chats repeatedly between 2010 and 2012.

The victims reported that Rodriguez was usually in the room, standing so that he was off-camera but could see the computer screen, and that he went to great lengths to groom them and normalize sexualized behavior.

Both victims recalled a specific incident where Rodriguez took them both to an MMA party he was hosting and tried to get them to drink what they believed were drinks, either spiked with an excessive amount of alcohol or drugged, so that he could let people at the party have sex with them, and that Rodriguez got mad at them when they expressed that the drinks tasted off and refused to finish them, according to court documents.

While there are only two named victims in this case, investigators did identify other alleged victims during the course of the investigation. According to the Lewis County Prosecutors Office, the other victims were not included in the case because the alleged crimes occurred either past the statute of limitations or outside of Washington state, or because the other victims have chosen not to make an official report.

Of the alleged victims not included in this case, one reported that Rodriguez drugged her and potentially had sex with her while she was unconscious; two reported that Rodriguez raped them; and one reported that Rodriguez molested her when she was 9 or 10 years old.

The first named victim submitted a report to the Chehalis Police in August of 2018, and the second named victim stepped forward in August 2020.

During the investigation, at least seven different witnesses expressed concern that if charges are brought against Roy Rodriguez, that he will kill them, or their families, or shoot up their families, and Rodriguez allegedly told a family member that he is working on getting a gun because he could not go back to jail, according to Lewis County Superior Court documents.

Rodriguez was previously convicted on a rape of a child charge in Grays Harbor County stemming from an incident in June 1992, and was also convicted on a bail jumping charge from an incident in August 1994.

Rodriguez is currently being held in the Lewis County Jail on a $500,000 bail and awaits an hearing on Jan. 7.

Kaagaz Review: Pankaj Tripathi Will Touch Your Heart As Bharat Lal Mritak In This Comic Tragedy

Movie: Kaagaz Rated: 3.5/5.0 Cast: Pankaj Tripathi, Monal Gajjar Director: Satish Kaushik

When Satish Kaushik and Pankaj Tripathi announced their film Kaagaz, the first thought on many of our minds was, Finally Pankaj ji gets the lead role he deserves! While the actor has proven his versatility time and again through his much-loved characters like Kaleen Bhaiya, Pandit of Fukrey and Ludos Sattu Bhaiya, fans were eagerly waiting to see him as the protagonist of a story. Well, Kaagaz has finally premiered on ZEE5 and saying that Pankaj has done justice to his character is an understatement. Also starring an extremely talented ensemble cast of actors including Monal Gajjar, Amar Upadhyay and the evergreen Satish ji, Kaagaz is a story which deserved to be told.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pankaj Tripathi (@pankajtripathi)

The film begins with a special surprise from producer Salman Khan. Thats right, hes also a part of the film. Well, his voice is. We are then introduced to a common man, living a common but happy life as a husband, father and a band master. His life changes when he decides to take a loan and expand his business. Pankaj aka Bharat Lal finds out that his cousin brothers, uncle and aunt bribed a government official to declare him dead on papers to take over his land. The film then follows his struggle to prove that he is alive in this fight with the antagonist, the Kaagaz. Villagers laugh it off as a joke and many make him feel like there's no use fighting. However, he gives it his all.

Bharat Lal loses his business, his family and at one point he even loses his will to fight against the corrupt system. What makes Kaagaz even more heart-wrenching is the fact that this is a true story about a man who fought for around 20 years to prove that he is alive. However, makers have made sure that fans got comic relief even in the most tragic scenes! Kudos for that. One minute you feel really bad for Pankajs character, but the next you are laughing because a member of the village got paper flowers for him, as hes dead on paper. The performance of each and every character is extremely natural and the story makes sure to keep your attention till the very end.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pankaj Tripathi (@pankajtripathi)

The direction and camera angles deserve a special mention as they add more depth to the film. Just one complaint! At times, the film tends to drag and leaves you wondering if a few scenes were really that necessary. Also in the end when Bharat Lal finally hears that he is alive, there is a spur of emotion. But it could have been a little bit more dramatic, considering that its a film. Other than these tidbits, Kaagaz is a good film which one must watch. Pankaj Tripathi and Satish Kaushiks on-screen camaraderie is fun to watch, but the actors on-screen chemistry with Monal steals the show. All in all, Kaagaz is enjoyable, emotional and quite entertaining.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : A day ahead of the next round of talks with the Union government, thousands of farmers protesting on the Delhi borders organised a 'tractor march' on Thursday, describing the event as a "rehearsal" for a similar roadshow proposed on January 26 to oppose the three new central farm laws.

The march comprising both men and women sitting on hundreds of tractors was flagged off from the Singhu and Tikri entry points on the Delhi-Haryana borders and Ghazipur on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border.

The sloganeering farmers drove their tractors towards Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways, where they plan to converge later in the day.

The tractors sported the tricolour and farmer union flags, apart from banners proclaiming their opposition to the farm laws even as policemen and bystanders looked on with curiosity.

The farmers will return to the protest spots on the Delhi borders, from where they had started in the morning.

The tractor rally has been organised by Sanyukta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella of 40 farmer unions demanding the repeal of the three new farm laws and procurement of crops at Minimum Support Price.

Earlier, the march was scheduled for Wednesday but was cancelled due to inclement weather.

"The government should listen to the farmers. We are just demanding the repeal of the contentious farm laws," Bharatiya Kisan Union spokesperson Rakesh Tikait told IANS.

In view of the tractor march, authorities said there would be diversions at several points on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

"The tractor march will pass through the Eastern Peripheral Road and back through the Expressway," a police officer said.

The seventh round of talks between the Centre and farm leaders ended in a stalemate on Monday. Both sides agreed to meet again on January 8.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Addis Ababa, Jan 7 : More than 101,000 people have been displaced due to recurrent violence in Ethiopia since July 2020, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said.

"Between the end of July 2020 and January 4, 2021, more than 101,000 people were displaced by violence from Bullen, Dangur, Dibate, Guba, Mandura and Wombera woredas (districts) of Metekel zone in Benishangul Gumuz region," Xinhua news agency quoted the UNOCHA as saying in a situation report published on Wednesday.

Due to "the deteriorating security situation in the zone, humanitarian access and lifesaving assistance to the 28,000 returnees and 101,000 new internally displaced persons (IDPs) are challenging", it said.

It also noted that the regional government has been providing limited lifesaving assistance using armed escorts.

Clusters at sub-national level have been mapping resources but so far insecurity has not allowed transporting staff and commodities to affected areas.

The Ethiopian federal government is in the process of establishing an Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) in the Metekel zone to coordinate the humanitarian response to the IDPs, the UNOCHA noted.

In recent years, deadly inter-communal violence has taken place in the Metekel zone, eventually killing hundreds of civilians.

In December 2020, the zone witnessed similar deadly attacks, which claimed the lives of at least 207 civilians.

Among the victims were some 20 elderly persons as well as 17 children, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), a rights group.

The latest bloodshed on December 22, 2020, was carried out by armed men who shot at residents while they were asleep.
Malkangiri (Odisha):

A Maoist involved in half a dozen murder cases and carrying a reward of Rs 4 lakh reward on his head was killed in an encounter with security forces in Malkangiri district early on Saturday.



G Nageswar Rao alias Chinnabai (38), involved in many crimes including half-a-dozen murders, was gunned down in Chitrakona cut-off area during the encounter following an operation launched by police in Kapatuti forest, Malkangiri Superintendent of Police, Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said.



A pistol, some ammunition, explosives and several Maoist-related materials were seized from the spot following the gun battle, while a massive combing operation was launched in the area to track fleeing ultras, if any, the SP said.



Chinnabai, who hailed from Kundumulu village in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, was an active rebel since 2008 and worked as assistant commandant in Kalimela Area Committee of Malkangiri division under Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee of the outlawed CPI (Maoist).



The red rebel was carrying a reward of Rs four lakh announced by Odisha Government, the SP said.



Chinnabai was involved in a number of offences including around six killings, some landmine blasts, ambush and encounters with security personnel, police said.



The encounter took place after security personnel launched operations following specific information that a Maoist camp existed in the dense forest in the remote area located on Odisha-Andhra border.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
(Natural News) The Wisconsin legislature has introduced a proposal to officially decertify the states election results, citing fraud and misconduct, and declare President Donald Trump the rightful winner.

Assembly Resolution 3, introduced by Rep. Scott Allen, states that when the executive branch or administrative agencies charged with enforcing laws choose to step outside, go beyond, or otherwise stretch them to something other than what is written, which the resolution suggests occurred, then the legitimacy of the government begins to erode.

Consequently, it is up to the legislative branch to address these problems with action, which Resolution 3 outlines. In essence, members of the Wisconsin State Assembly are declaring that it is the highest priority to take up legislation crafted to ensure civil officers follow the laws as written.

Furthermore, a significant portion of the population, the resolution explains, believes that the election is fraudulent, which both warrants and necessitates intervention by state representatives on behalf of We the People.

[I]t is incumbent upon the legislature to address the issues that are in question, the resolution declares.

[T]he members of the Wisconsin State Assembly place the redress to these and other election law violations and failed administrative procedures as its highest priority and shall take up legislation crafted to ensure civil officers follow the laws as written.

Wisconsins election results are fraudulent, and thus should not stand

Outlined as departures from the letter of the law by the state of Wisconsin in its handling of the 2020 election results is a lengthy bullet point list of violations. These include:

 Clerks providing absentee ballots to electors without applications

 Clerks and deputy clerks who were authorized by the municipal clerk failing to write on the official ballot, in the space for official endorsement, the clerks initials and official title

 Clerks issuing absentee ballots to electors who were required to enclose a copy of their proof of identification, or an authorized substitute document

 Clerks failing to enter initials on ballot envelopes indicating whether the elector is exempt from providing proof of identification

 Clerks in Milwaukee and Dane Counties declaring electors in their counties to be indefinitely confined, which sparked chaos and confusion

 Clerks failing to keep current the mailing list established under the aforementioned subsection, which allowed more than 215,000 electors to avoid identification requirements and safeguards established by the state legislature

 Clerks and the board of canvassers permitting absentee ballots returned without the required witness address to still be counted

 Clerks who received absentee ballots with improperly completed certificates or no certificates filling in missing information

 The Wisconsin Elections Commission barring special voting deputies from entering qualified nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and instead mailing ballots to residents directly, skirting safeguards established by the legislature to protect our most vulnerable citizens and loved ones

 The clerk of the City of Madison creating an event named Democracy in the Park and, of her own accord, designating alternate sites where absentee ballots could be collected and counted

All of these actions and more resulted in fraud, the resolution suggests, the likes of which has perhaps never before been seen.

Without legitimacy, the resolution goes on to explain, there can be no government of the people, by the people, or for the people. If this illegitimacy is allowed to stand, then our government will devolve into a system of coercion and bribery that seeks to use the guise of elections to hold a degree of credibility.

What becomes of this resolution remains to be seen, and the good news is that the wait will not be long. You can keep up with the latest by visiting our election fraud headquarters at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

Wisconsin.gov

NaturalNews.com




Muslims, Jews and even Hindus have questioned the composition of the proposed vaccines developed by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Even as India is scrambling to start the coronavirus vaccination drive, Muslims have raised concern over the use of pork products -- forbidden in Islam and Judaism, while the Hindus have questioned the inclusion of cow blood in the vaccine.

Even before the Covid vaccination process starts in India. The Indian Muslims have courted another controversy. The question is whether they'll be amenable to get vaccinated or not, as there are reports that the proposed vaccines may not be halal as per the Islamic dietary laws.

Halal or haram

The vaccine manufacturers -- Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna -- have rejected in vain the allegations of using pork gelatine. The manufacturers have clarified that pork products are not part of the vaccines, though pork-derived gelatine is known to be used as a stabiliser for safe storage and transportation of the vaccines.

The approved Covid-19 vaccines have been met with a mixed response from the Islamic theological community, halal associations and halal pharmaceutical experts as to whether the vaccine is halal, despite various governments' approval, including those of many Muslim-majority countries.

In the UK, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which is being given to the public, was approved by the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) and other Islamic scholars, stating the vaccine was halal "based on the information available."

According to the British government, the vaccine does not contain any components of animal origin, which has been a concern for Muslims as porcine, which is haram (non-permissible), or non-halal slaughtered beef could have been used.

However, the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), a unit of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), has so far, not officially stated that the vaccine is halal or not halal. Ihsan Ovut, the Secretary General of SMIIC, in an email to an Islamic website, said there is "no specific standard developed on the halal-ness of COVID-19 vaccines".

A halal pharmaceuticals expert says the vaccine cannot be claimed as halal if they are not halal-certified. But this No is on technical grounds. According to Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Sheikh, who works at SMIIC, the halal certification has to be carried out by a competent third-party and cannot be claimed by a manufacturer itself, which Prizer did. It is an opinion seconded by the World Halal Authority (WHA).

Acceptance by Muslim countries

However, in spite of these flimsy or technical objections, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UAE and Pakistan, countries which claim to be Islamic or are Muslim-majority countries, have approved the Sinopharm vaccine, while Singapore's government has authorised the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for use in the country. This step must have been taken after considering the religious sensibilities and analysis of the composition of these vaccines.

In Singapore, which has a sizeable Muslim population, the Office of the Mufti of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), stated on its website that the Covid-19 vaccine is "a basic necessity (daruriyyat)" as it is a life-saving inoculation. In Indonesia, the government has already said it will include the Muslim clerical body in the Covid-19 vaccine procurement and certification process.

Indian Ulema's view

In India, the controversy was stoked last week by Mumbai's Raza Academy, a Barelvi outfit, seeking details about all the vaccines being developed and whether they contain pork extract, from the WHO.

The Indian Islamic scholars, as usual are divided on the issue with the majority of them citing verses from the Holy Quran (Surah Nisa and Surah Baqara) to advocate for the vaccine, but not giving a clear-cut guidance to the Muslim populace.

Leading Islamic scholar Akhtarul Wasey, former professor of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, trying to put at rest the whole issue, opines that for Muslims pork and alcohol are not permissible for eating and drinking purposes, but if a part of these is used for medicinal purpose then it is allowed in Islam, as that medicine will be taken for the express purpose of saving life, which is allowed in Islam. Furthermore, he asserted that according to Islamic jurists a person suffering from hunger for more than three days and nearer to death is also allowed to eat the meat of a dead animal, in order to survive.

Prof. Wasey urged the Muslim Ulema to be more proactive in this regard and appreciated the stand taken by Deoband and Nadwa, the two leading Islamic seminaries in this regard. He also reiterated the fact that the Polio drive in India was completed successfully and the scourge of Polio in India was wiped out after the intervention of Indian Ulema. In fact, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has become the first Muslim body in India to categorically state that Muslims are permitted to use the Coronavirus vaccines, even if they contain pork extracts, as it sought to dispel all rumours suggesting otherwise.

In an advisory, the Shariah Council of the JIH said, "Islam gives great importance to human life and also emphasises on its protection." It added: "If an impermissible object is transformed into another thing, totally different in properties and characters, it may be considered as clean and permissible. On this basis, the use of Gelatine derived from the body part of a haram animal has been considered to be permissible by Islamic jurists. Same is the opinion of some jurists about pork Gelatine."

It is not just Muslims in India, who were concerned about the composition of the vaccines. Swami Chakrapani, president of the Hindu Mahasabha, had written to President Ram Nath Kovind demanding that the government and pharmaceutical companies clarify whether Covid-19 vaccines contain cow's blood or not. But the Indian media coolly overlooked this letter.

There's a similar assessment by a broad consensus of religious leaders in the Orthodox Jewish community as well. Rabbi David Stav, chairman of Tzohar, a rabbinical organisation in Israel, said, "According to the Jewish law, the prohibition on eating pork or using pork is only forbidden when it's a natural way of eating it. If "it's injected into the body, not (eaten) through the mouth," then there is "no prohibition and no problem, especially when we are concerned about sicknesses."

Nonetheless, the Indian Muslims concerns as to whether the vaccine is halal or not, might be a challenge to convince people to be inoculated in addition to the anti-vaccination phenomena proliferating in many countries.

Meanwhile, there are reports that a halal-certified vaccine may however be on the horizon. Malaysia's MYEG inked a deal with China's Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical to conduct Phase-3 clinical trials in Malaysia and to obtain halal certification, based on Malaysia's DSM standards for a Covid vaccine. Indonesia's state-owned PT Bio Farma, which is working with China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd, has also confirmed that it is seeking halal certification for the COVID-19 vaccine.

(Asad Mirza is a political commentator based in New Delhi. The views expressed are personal)

--IANS

mirza/dpb


Earlier this evening hundreds of ESB customers in Longford, particularly in Lanesboro and surrounding areas, were hit by a power outage.

ESB Networks said owing to a fault at Rooskey, there were 1,397 customers without electricity from just before 6pm.

Power has been restored to some of the affected households and premises and ESB says the estimated time for power to be restored is 9.30pm.

ESB stated, "We apologise for the loss of supply. We are currently working to repair a fault affecting your premises and will restore power as quickly as possible. Estimated time for power to be restored 06/01/2021 21:30."

When the power went out ...the irony of an outage by @ESBGroup in Lanesborough, county Longford this evening - the only building in the community which had lights on was yes , you guessed it - the Lough Ree Power plant that went off the national grid on December 18th pic.twitter.com/VgsQ9TNPcu  Ciaran Mullooly (@ciaranmullooly) January 6, 2021
A day after a mob broke into the U.S. Capitol  as lawmakers started the process of confirming President-elect Joe Bidens victory  former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus said the ensuing chaos showed how fragile our system really is.

I think all of us have taken the peaceful transfer of power for granted, said Straus, a Republican, who spoke during a webinar Thursday staged by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. It just reminds all of us, again ... that its up to all of us to protect our institutions that are built and maintained on trust. And yesterday was just a very difficult day for that.

Straus led the Texas House from 2009 to 2019. Since leaving office, hes become among the most prominent critics of President Donald Trump within the GOP.

On ExpressNews.com: Ted Cruz, Texas Republicans face backlash after mob storms Capitol

On Sunday, Straus blasted Trumps efforts to overturn the results of the Nov. 3 election. Over the last two months, Trump has falsely claimed he won the election, even as state and federal courts have dismissed dozens of Trump campaign lawsuits challenging the results.

On Saturday, Trump called the Georgia Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, to ask him to find 11,780 votes  one vote more that Trumps losing margin in the state.

Donald Trump is trying to dismantle our democracy by seeking to invalidate an election he lost, Straus said in a Jan. 3 tweet. Anyone who supports this effort is demonstrating a disregard for the U.S. Constitution, the will of the American people, the sanctity of the electoral process, and the rule of law.

On ExpressNews.com: Despite riot, 17 Texans in Congress declined to certify Biden's win. Here's what they say.

During the webinar Thursday, Straus said it was heartening to watch senators on Wednesday night, hours after the violent fracas at the Capitol, return to the chambers to vote to certify Bidens electoral win.

Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri filed separate objections seeking to prevent the confirmation of electoral votes from states Trump lost. The Senate voted down the objections 93-6 and 92-7, respectively.

Watching some of the senators last night  not all of them, all but about six or seven  made me hopeful again, Straus said. Maybe, after 1,447 days of Donald Trumps presidency ... we can move forward from here rededicated to rebuilding the trust and confidence that we should have in our institutions in the U.S.

diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net

ROCHESTER, Minn. - As Governor Walz eases coronavirus restrictions on indoor dining, at least one Rochester restaurant is gearing up to welcome guests again.

Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria is preparing its dining room to seat between 20 and 25 patrons possibly starting next week.

Owner Pasquale Presa says while he's excited to welcome people back, safety and cleanliness come first.

"We just want to get ready," Presa told KIMT News 3. "We want to make sure that we're very, very equipped to keep people safe, feel comfortable, and know that when they come here, we're not just laxed, we're taking this serious, for their safety and our safety."

Presa adds the dining area will be separate from Pasquale's take-out area to ensure everyone is able to have a safe, comfortable experience eating their favorite comfort food.
Ten years on from the 2011 Queensland floods, Brisbane residents have been warned another disaster of the same scale could hit any year, or even year upon year.

As Australia faces a La Nina season with expected heavy rain and the remnants of cyclone Imogen delivers a bucketing in parts of Queensland, Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city needed to be fully prepared for future floods.

The New Farm Riverwalk floats down the Brisbane River during the 2011 floods. Credit:Michelle Smith

"Next week marks the 10th anniversary of the 2011 flood. It is a week that none of us who were around at the time will forget," Cr Schrinner said on Thursday.

In 2011 flash flooding devastated Toowoomba and then Ipswich and Brisbane were inundated as the Brisbane River and the Wivenhoe Dam rose rapidly amid torrential rain.
During a two-week period that included winter break, a total of 431 coronavirus cases among Massachusetts students and public school staffers have been reported by the state.

From Dec. 24 to Jan. 6, there were 178 students and 253 staff members who reported a positive test for COVID-19 within seven days of being inside school buildings, according to a report released Thursday by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The department typically releases its COVID report each Thursday. The report only includes cases if the infected person has been in a school building within the seven days before testing positive. That means any students who test positive but are in a remote learning model are not included.

Schools were closed for winter break from Dec. 24 through Jan. 1. The last time DESE released a COVID report, on Dec. 24, cases were reported among 552 students and 397 staff members. The week prior, 1,009 cases were announced, the highest number reported by DESE in a single week.

This weeks report includes 171 student cases and 208 staff cases at local school districts. There were two student cases and six staff cases at education collaboratives. And there were five student cases and 39 staff cases at approved special education schools.

The largest number of student cases among districts was nine in Marshfield. There were eight cases each in Hudson and Melrose, seven cases in Hingham and six cases in Acton-Boxborough.

District staff cases were highest in Worcester, with 12, according to the report. There were 10 staff cases in Arlington, eight each in Haverhill and Boston, and seven each in Everett, Fall River and New Bedford.

Other districts reported various numbers of staff and student cases.

The two student cases at education collaboratives were at LABBB Collaborative and South Shore Educational Collaborative.

Staff cases at education collaboratives included two at South Shore Educational Collaborative, and one each at LABBB Collaborative, South Coast Educational Collaborative, Northshore Education Consortium and READS Collaborative, per the report.

At approved special education schools, there were three cases at the New England Center for Children School and one case each at the May Center School for Brain Injury and Related Disorders Residential (Brockton) and The Guild for Human Services School.

Staff cases at approved education schools included 12 at the May Center School for Brain Injury and Related Disorders Residential (Brockton), seven at the May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (Randolph), four each at the Crystal Springs School and Amego School and one or two cases each at a handful of other schools.

There are an estimated 450,000 students and 75,000 staff members currently in public school buildings during the pandemic, according to the department. Some schools have transitioned to remote learning as COVID cases surge statewide, and some districts, including Worcester and Springfield, have relied on remote learning since September.

On Tuesday, DESE announced that Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System testing would be shorter for students in grades 3-8, that there will be a modified competency determination for the class of 2021, and that the commissioner will not name any new schools or districts as underperforming or chronically underperforming.

Even though the results from this years tests will not be used to declare any school or district as underperforming, they will provide critical diagnostic information for educators, parents, schools and districts, Massachusetts Secretary of Education James Peyser told MassLive on Tuesday.

Related Content:
ROCHESTER, Minn. - An organization in Rochester is shedding light on the relief package that was distributed to bars and restaurants last month.

In a recent letter sent out to over a thousand of it's members, the Eagles Club say they qualified for $25,000 from the $88 million dollars provided, but didn't receive it. They explain they aren't considered eligible due to being under the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The letter stated the organization has been, "unfairly denied any funding from state and federal sources (including PPP) for various reasons."

Members say the organization has complied with every guideline, operates like a normal restaurant and pays state and federal taxes, yet isn't qualified like its fellow hospitality businesses. Renee Tschumper volunteers with the club and said if they operate like a restaurant, then they should get the same benefits. "The Eagles Club is just like any other bar and restaurant in Minnesota," she explained. "They're open, they work as a restaurant bar and yet during all these, they had to pay their bills."

The club had to let go of at least 35 of its employees during the shut down, had to completely drain its savings that was set aside and will have to start over all over again. "It's more about making sure the people that work here have a job to come back to, that the club can stay open for its members," explained Tschumper. "We don't do things to look for something back in return. But when you see all these other establishments getting something and you're being excluded, that's a problem." She said some local elected officials have responded to their letter and claim they are looking into it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed shock at the storming of the US Capitol in Washington by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Terming the protests "unlawful", PM Modi said he is "distressed" to see the news and hoped that the transfer of power between President Donald Trump and US President-elect Joe Biden will be peaceful.

Also Read | The faces behind the farmer revolt

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote, "Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue."

Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021

The PM further added: "The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests."

What is happening at US Capitol building?

Amid chaotic scenes in Washington, one person was shot dead inside the US Capitol as supporters of US President Donald Trump used "chemical irritants" on police in order to break into the US Capitol in anger over his election defeat.

As per a report by the Associated Press, an explosive device was also recovered near the US Capitol. However, officials said that the device was no longer a threat.

The Capitol building houses the US Congress and is the seat of the legislative branch of the American government.

Several photos and videos on social media show a woman who was part of the protests on the floor inside the US Capitol and bleeding after gunfire erupted momentarily.

National Guard deployed after Trump supporters storm U.S. Capitol pic.twitter.com/UOlFVWwnKZ  Reuters (@Reuters) January 7, 2021

"One shooting victim was transported from the Capitol," a person attached to an emergency response unit told AFP, adding that there were "other injuries" as well in the chaotic protests and that the situation remained fluid.

At around 4.15 am (Indian Standard Time), the US officials said that they successfully secured the Capitol building following a four-hour confrontation with pro-Trump rioters.

The Capitol Police is now in the process of dispersing supporters of Donald Trump from the site.

Democracy is under unprecedented assault: Biden

Following the storming of the US Capitol, President-elect Joe Biden addressed the nation and said, "At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault. Unlike anything we have seen in modern times. An assault on the citadel of liberty, the Capitol itself."

"The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect the true America. Do not represent who we are. What we are seeing is a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent, it's disorder," Biden added.

Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence called for the violence at the US Capitol to "stop now". Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and House majority leader Nancy Pelosi also issued a joint statement urging Trump to ask his supporters to vacate the Capitol building.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced a curfew from 6 pm Wednesday (Eastern Standard Time). Mayor Bowser went on to say that the behaviour of Trump supporters is "shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful".

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Hours after supporters of Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol, social media giants Twitter, Facebook and Instagram locked the outgoing Presidents page on their respective platforms.

Twitter locked Trump out of his account for 12 hours and said that future violations by Trump could result in a permanent suspension. The company had asked Trump to delete three of his tweets, including a short video, which is at the centre of the storm.

Trump deleted those posts; had they remained, Twitter had threatened to extend the suspension of his account.

Facebook and the platform its owns - Instagram - said Trumps pages will be blocked for 24 hours, reported Associated Press. Guy Rosen, Facebooks vice president of integrity, said, This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trumps video.

This is what happens, said Jennifer Grygiel, a communications professor at Syracuse University. We didnt just see a breach at the Capitol. Social media platforms have been breached by the president repeatedly. This is disinformation. This was a coup attempt in the United States.

So far, YouTube has not taken similar action to muzzle Trump.

Trump has harnessed social media - especially Twitter - as a potent tool for spreading misinformation about the election. Wednesdays riot only increased calls to ban Trump from the platform.

In the video which has now been deleted by social media platforms, Trump had expressed empathy for the mob which violently forced its way inside, clashed with police and forced lawmakers into hiding.

These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long, Trump said in the message. He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

Trump has been single-mindedly focused on his electoral defeat since Election Day, aides said, at the expense of the other responsibilities of his office, including the fight against the raging coronavirus.

(With inputs from agencies)
Adoption of disinfection robots has increased rapidly after the outbreak of COVID-19 . There has been an increase in the sale of disinfection robots by 400-600% across the globe. The novel coronavirus outbreak has also highlighted the inability of conventional techniques in disinfecting and sanitizing a facility, and this factor has rapidly driven the adoption of disinfection robots, as these robots can effectively disinfect hospitals and other public areas with minimal human interference.

Many companies have got a stamp of approval for their products to fight the COVID-19 battle. Approvals for different products further enhances the attention given by end users. Many providers of disinfection services have entered the disinfection robots market, and many more are coming in with their innovative and advanced technologies and software. With the coronavirus outbreak, manufacturers of disinfection robots will be able to cash in on vast opportunities to make their business stand out from competitors by coming up with a broad range of products.

As per PMR analysis, the global disinfection robots market is set to surge at a high CAGR of 27% over the next ten years, expanding 10X in value over the same period of time.

Get Sample Copy of Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/22822

Companies covered in Disinfection Robot Market Report

Xenex Disinfection Services, LLC

Nevoa Inc.

Ultraviolet Devices, Inc.

Rubedo Sistemos

Blue Ocean Robotics ApS

Bioquell, Inc.

Skytron, LLC.

The Clorox Company (Procter & Gamble)

OMRON Corporation

Fetch Robotics, Inc.

Geek+

Akara Robotics Ltd.

FINSEN TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

TMI Robotics Co., Ltd

SESTO Robotics

OTSAW

Get To Know Methodology of Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/22822

Key Takeaways from Disinfection Robots Market Study

Based on product, with market value share of over 3/4 , UV light robots will be the most profitable segment, due to higher adoption coupled with superior disinfection efficacy as compared to hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) robots.

, UV light robots will be the most profitable segment, due to higher adoption coupled with superior disinfection efficacy as compared to hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) robots. In terms of technology, fully autonomous robots is the leading segment, owing to higher efficiency and low human interaction while disinfecting as compared to semi-autonomous robots.

North America is the most lucrative region in the global disinfection robots market, with around 45% of the market share, owing to higher adoption of these devices in the region.

of the market share, owing to higher adoption of these devices in the region. As end users, hospitals is most profitable segment with around 2/3 of the market value share, due to higher demand for disinfection robots in order to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

Increasing demand for disinfection robots to reduce the spread of healthcare facility-associated infections, increasing technological advancements, and growing concerns about maintaining environmental hygiene after the COVID-19 outbreak are some of the factors expected to contribute in propelling the growth of the global disinfection robots market for years to come, says a PMR analyst.

Access Full Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/22822

Key Strategy amongst Market Players

Key players in the disinfection robots market focusing on strengthening their market presence through a variety of advanced technologies and software with the development of new platforms. Manufacturers are highly focusing on developing products to meet every budget of end users. Leading players are trying to provide their products in middle and lower income countries, and local players are focusing on increasing their product reach with the launch of various types of disinfection robots. Market players are focusing on launching facility-specific disinfection robots in order to enhance the efficacy of disinfection procedures and increasing the adoption of their products.

Growing Trends in Disinfection Robots Market Space

Manufacturers in the disinfection robots market space are highly focusing on developing facility-specific disinfection robots for reducing the cost of manual cleaning, such as robots for commercial spaces and offices. Companies are understanding the demands of various end users and are effectively providing their services based on applications. Manufacturers are modifying predesigned medical robots, such as with the use of UV technology. UV light can be combined with mobile robots to make disinfection services autonomous and more efficient. These trends are expected to boost the growth of the disinfection robots market over the forecast period of 2020 to 2030.

What else is in the report?

Persistence Market Research offers a unique perspective and actionable insights on the disinfection robots market in its latest study, presenting historical demand assessment of 2015 - 2019 and projections for 2020 - 2030 based on product (hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) robots and UV light robots) , technology (semi-autonomous robots and fully-autonomous robots), and end user (hospitals, clinics & emergency care centers, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical & biotech companies, airports, railway stations, shopping malls, production facilities, office buildings, and others ), across seven key regions.
W ith four dead and Americas reputation in tatters, Donald Trump today finally offered an orderly transition of power to Joe Biden.

The Presidents grudging and belated statement was the first time he has conceded defeat in the 2020 election. But it came at a price, as America woke to see the carnage inflicted by Trump-supporting rioters who stormed Congress, forced politicians into hiding and took over the Senate chamber. Among the dead was a woman, shot by police.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th, said Mr Trump.

His words were posted on Twitter by an aide. The Presidents personal Twitter account has been frozen for posting comments that appeared to justify the unprecedented assault on the seat of the nations democracy.

Vice-president Mike Pence defied his leader by taking part as Congress finally reconvened to formally confirm Mr Bidens victory in the early hours. Mr Trumps ambassador to the UK, Woody Johnson, said the rioters should be prosecuted.

The President could now face unprecedented moves to disbar him from office or even terminate his presidency. Tom Tugendhat, the British MP and chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said he had spoken to senior Republicans this morning who are considering a vote to impeach him, which could ban Mr Trump from ever running for office again.

Although the President has only a fortnight left in the White House, Democrats are calling for the unprecedented step of invoking the 25th Amendment to end his term immediately for being unfit to serve.

Extraordinarily, according to reports in Washington, some members of Mr Trumps own Republican cabinet were considering the 25th Amendment. To succeed, it would require vice-president Mike Pence and a majority of the cabinet to vote for his removal on the grounds of his inability to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

Pro-Trump supporters storm US Capitol 1 /43 Pro-Trump supporters storm US Capitol U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol AP Police officers use pepper spray on pro-Trump protesters during the clashes REUTERS U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol AP An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington REUTERS A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber Getty Images Smoke fills the walkway outside the Senate Chamber as supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by U.S. Capitol Police officers inside the Capitol AP A supporter of US President Donald Trump struggles with a riot policeman after the protester pushed a line of police outside the Capitol building AFP via Getty Images People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol AP Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by U.S. Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol AP Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier AP Supporters of President Donald Trump puts water in his eyes after U.S. Capitol Police deployed a chemical agent outside of the U.S. Capitol AP Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, AP Police keep a watch on demonstrators who tried to break through a police barrier AP Donald Trump President Donald Trump speaks at a rally AP With the Washington Monument in the background, people attend a rally in support of President Donald Trump near the White House AP Demonstrators break TV equipment outside the the U.S. Capitol AP Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, REUTERS Police confront supporters of President Donald Trump as they demonstrate on the second floor of the U.S. Capitol near the entrance to the Senate after breaching security defenses, in Washington REUTERS Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump clash with police officers in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington REUTERS Law enforcement officers push back against supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump attempting to enter U.S. Capitol during a protest against the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress REUTERS Protesters clash with Capitol police during a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress REUTERS Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol AP U.S. President-elect Joe Biden clasps his hands in prayer as he speaks about the violent protests in and around the U.S. Capitol in Washington REUTERS A supporter of President Donald Trump carries a Confederate battle flag on the second floor of the U.S. Capitol near the entrance to the Senate after breaching security defences in Washington, REUTERS Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump cover their faces to protect from tear gas during a clash with police officers in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington REUTERS Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they push barricades to storm the US Capitol AFP via Getty Images A supporter of US President Donald Trump wears a gas mask as he protests after storming the US Capitol AFP via Getty Images Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol AFP via Getty Images Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Vice President Mike Pence talk before a joint session of the House and Senate convenes to count the Electoral College votes cast in November's election, at the Capitol in Washington AP The House Chamber is empty after a hasty evacuation as protesters tried to break into the chamber at the U.S. Capitol AP Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington AP Damage is visible in the hallways in the early morning hours after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington AP Congress staffers barricade themselves after Trump supporters stormed inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC AFP via Getty Images Tear gas is released into a crowd of protesters during clashes with Capitol police at a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress, at the U.S. Capitol Building REUTERS Congress staffers hold up their hands while Capitol Police Swat teams check everyone in the room as they secure the floor of Trump suporters in Washington, DC AFP via Getty Images A supporter of US President Donald Trump wears a gas mask and holds a bust of him after he and hundreds of others stormed stormed the Capitol building AFP via Getty Images Congress staffers barricade themselves after Trump supporters stormed inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC AFP via Getty Images A pro-Trump protester carries the lectern of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi through the Roturnda of the U.S. Capitol Building after a pro-Trump mob stormed the building Getty Images Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest in the US Capitol Rotunda AFP via Getty Images A pro-Trump mob gathers inside the Senate chamber in the U.S. Capitol after groups stormed the building Getty Images Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol AP Members of the Oath Keepers are seen among supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol during a protest against the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress REUTERS Getty Images

There was worldwide shock when Mr Trump last night described the rioters as very special and told them, We love you. The chaos on Capitol Hill broke out at around 2.15pm local time when supporters broke through a handful of guards to burst into the Capitol complex. Within minutes, they were swarming through the building and banging on the doors of the House of Representatives gallery, where politicians were debating the presidential election results.

Trapped inside for about 15 minutes, the politicians picked up pieces of furniture to defend themselves in case the barricaded doors were breached.

Winston Churchills grandson, the British politician Sir Nicholas Soames, tweeted in response: Finally the World can see that Trump is a maniac.

There was praise for Mr Biden who made a dignified speech calling on Trump to call off the mob, saying: The words of a president matter, no matter how good or bad that president is. At their best, the words of a president can inspire. At their worst, they can incite.

In extraordinary developments:

- Senior Republicans including the loyal Mr Pence were rushing to distance themselves from Trump.

- The woman who died was named as 35-year-old Ashli Babbit, an air force veteran from San Diego. She was apparently unarmed and had earlier tweeted: Nothing will stop us. the storm is here. Three other people died in the chaos, while 14 officers were injured.

- Pipe bombs, Molotov cocktails and guns were recovered in the Capitol grounds after dozens were arrested and when riot police finally cleared the pro-Trump protest from the building. During the hours-long stand-off some Congress members had to lock themselves into their offices.

- A shell-shocked Congress formally confirmed Mr Bidens election victory overnight after Senators reconvened after five hours of delay under the protection of armed guards. Mr Pence formally ascertained the result as the clock struck 3.32am local time. It marked the last step in affirming Mr Bidens presidency ahead of the inauguration on January 20. To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win, said Mr Pence. Enough is enough, declared Senator Lindsey Graham who had, until last night, encouraged Mr Trump to continue with baseless legal challenges to his defeat.

Mr Johnson, the US ambassador to London, tweeted: Yesterday was a dark day for the United States. Like you, I watched the horrible scenes from Washington with profound concern and sadness. Those who participated and engaged in criminal acts should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of our law. One fear haunting Republicans was that the billionaire could run again in four years time as an independent.

Mr Tugendhat told the Standard: Members of the House I have spoken to last night and this morning are talking of impeaching him, not so much to bring short his term now but to make sure he never stands again.

Seoul, Jan 7 : Samsung Display, the world's largest mobile display maker, on Thursday unveiled its new brand and logo for its organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display products as the company vowed to bolster its OLED business this year.

The company said its OLED panels will be produced under the brand of "Samsung OLED" to better promote its products.

Samsung, which has been producing OLED panels since 2007, said it has applied to register a trademark for its new brand and logo in 43 countries, including the United States, China and member states of the European Union.

This year, Samsung said it particularly aims to improve its sales of OLED displays used for laptops as the pandemic-induced work-from-home and distance learning trends pushed up demand for notebooks, reports Yonhap news agency.

The South Korean display maker said it plans to release more than 10 types of OLED panels for laptop use, with the production of a 15.6-inch full HD panel starting from February.

"We expect the 2021 sales of OLED panels for notebooks to quintuple from a year ago," the company said. "As more firms are introducing OLED display-equipped laptops, we will secure more clients to expand the market." According to market researcher TrendForce, global notebook shipments for 2021 are projected to reach 217 million units, up 8.6 per cent from a year ago.
The Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) announced its biennial election of officers for 2021-2022.

New ABIR officers elected to Bermudas leading international insurers and reinsurers industry association are:

Chair Marc Grandisson, CEO of Arch Capital Group Ltd.

Deputy Chair Pina Albo, CEO of Hamilton Insurance Group Ltd.

Second Deputy Chair Christopher Schaper, CEO of AIG Re.

Past ABIR Chairs Albert Benchimol, president and CEO of AXIS Capital; Kevin ODonnell, president & CEO of RenaissanceRe Holdings and Stephen Catlin, chairman and CEO of Convex also serve as ABIR officers.

Im energized to advance ABIRs international mission and look forward to working with my fellow ABIR member companies to promote the Bermuda re/insurance markets interests around the world, Grandisson said. Id like to thank past ABIR Chairs for their tremendous service in the public policy, education and advocacy for the Bermuda market. Bermuda is well positioned for the upcoming market opportunities around the world and ABIR will continue to advocate for open, well-regulated competitive insurance markets globally.

Grandisson, who began his two-year ABIR chair term Jan. 1, was promoted to Arch chief executive officer in March 2018. Grandisson joined Arch Reinsurance Ltd. in October 2001 as chief actuary and subsequently held various leadership roles throughout the organization including chairman and chief executive officer of Arch Worldwide Reinsurance Group from 2005 to 2015, and the chairman and chief executive officer of Arch Worldwide Mortgage Group from February 2014 to December 2015.

Prior to joining Arch, Grandisson held various positions with the Berkshire Hathaway Group, F&G Re, Inc. and Tillinghast/Towers Perrin. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science from Universite Laval in Canada and a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

Albo joined Hamilton as chief executive officer in January 2018 and is the first female CEO to be elected an ABIR officer. Albo began her career as a lawyer in Toronto, Canada. After practicing in real estate, corporate finance and M&A, she joined Munich Re as a claims expert. During her 25-year career at Munich Re, she held increasingly senior positions including President, Reinsurance at Munich Re America and member of the Group Executive Committee of Munich Re. Albo has been a member of many industry boards including the Board of the Insurance Information Institute, the Board of the Reinsurance Association of America, and the National Board of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation.

Albo holds a Maitrise en Droit, International and European Community Law, from LUniversite dAix-Marseille III, Aix-en-Provence, France; a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto, Canada; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Languages from the University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She has been recognized for her contributions to the insurance industry and has received numerous awards including the Association of Professional Insurance Womens Woman of the Year (2011). She was designated a Top Influencer in Insurance Business Americas List of Hot 100 (2014) and placed on Intelligent Insurers list of Top 100 Women in Re/insurance (2014 and 2015).

Schaper is the group CEO for AIG Re, the global reinsurance business of American International Group (AIG), which brings together the organizations of Validus Re, Alphacat and Talbot Treaty under one entity. Schaper joined AIG in 2019 and has over 30 years of re/insurance industry experience serving in both executive leadership and board roles during his career. Schaper joined AIG from Marsh & McLennan Companies, where he was CEO of Victor Insurance Holdings, Marshs global managing general agent business. Schaper joined Marsh in 2016 and was a member of the Marsh Operating Committee. Prior to that, Schaper served as President of Montpelier Re Ltd. and Underwriting Chairman of Blue Capital, Montpeliers capital markets entity and held several leadership positions at Endurance Specialty Insurance Ltd., including chief underwriting officer and head of Reinsurance Schaper holds a masters degree and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University and is a member of the board on the Deans Advisory Council at the Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business.

ABIR members wrote USD$109 billion in gross written premium (CY2019) and make up about 36% of the global reinsurance market based on property/casualty net premiums earned, keeping insurance premiums affordable and accessible for consumers around the world. ABIR members alone supply nearly half of capacity for Lloyds of London Syndicates (2019).

In Bermuda, ABIR members lead the local economy and contributed over $830 million to direct economic impact to the Island in 2019 including investments of over $131 million on local construction, real estate, housing and leasing.

ABIR member companies include Aeolus, AIG, Arch, Ariel Re, Argo Group, Ascot, Aspen, Assured Guaranty, Awbury, AXIS, Chubb, Convex, Fidelis, Fortitude Re, Hamilton, Hannover Re, Hiscox, Lancashire, MS Amlin, PartnerRe, Qatar Re, RenaissanceRe, Sirius, Third Point Re, Validus Re, and Watford Re. Broker advisory cabinet members include: Guy Carpenter/Marsh and Willis Towers Watson.

Source: Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR)

Topics Carriers Reinsurance Bermuda

[January 07, 2021] Expand Business through FOODEX JAPAN 2021 to Be Held in Chiba Prefecture Online As Well: Real & Virtual "Hybrid" Operation Is "New Normal" for Food & Beverage Exhibitions

CHIBA, Japan, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FOODEX JAPAN 2021 is scheduled to be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba prefecture, the venue for several events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, from March 9 to 12, 2021. FOODEX JAPAN is a leading food & beverage exhibition in Japan having over 45 years of history, with exhibitors from over 90 countries and regions participating. So, even though it is located in Japan, both exhibitors and buyers have an opportunity to expand their business globally throughout the 4-day exhibition. It is an established practice for the Chiba Prefectural Government to set up its own booth at FOODEX JAPAN to support the development of sales channels for food-related businesses in the prefecture. It will be the first time to organize two types of FOODEX JAPAN exhibitions at te same time: in person and online. By combining the two methods, both exhibitors and buyers can expect to have more business meeting opportunities regardless of time and place.



Up until now, providing food and beverage samples at business meetings was essential part of this industry. However, in this new era, even though it is impossible to provide such samples in person in the case of a virtual exhibition, FOODEX JAPAN organizers think it important to create a network with potential buyers, first through online meetings and then continuing to further business development. Please refer to the following links regarding "What you can do with FOODEX JAPAN Virtual Exhibition":

https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202012239068-O1-o2t6sQeq.pdf FOODEX JAPAN 2021 Date: March 9 - 12, 2021 Venue: Makuhari Messe, Chiba Prefecture, Japan Application due date (extended from original date): Pavilion organizer: January 18, 2021 Individual exhibitor: Raw space: January 18, 2021

Package booth: February 19, 2021 Inquiry: https://www.jma.or.jp/foodex/en/ Brochure: https://www.jma.or.jp/foodex/en/img/etc/documents/pdf-brochure2021.pdf SOURCE Chiba Prefectural Government

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An American human rights lawyer who was detained in Hong Kong with scores of democracy activists and supporters as part of a sweeping crackdown was granted bail, his associate said Thursday.

John Clancey, who works at law firm Ho Tse Wai & Partners, was one of 53 people arrested Wednesday under the national security law over their participation in an unofficial primary election last year that authorities say was part of a plan to paralyze the government and subvert state power.

The mass arrests were the largest move against Hong Kongs democracy movement since Beijing imposed the law last June to quell dissent in the semi-autonomous territory following months of anti-government protests in 2019.

The primaries were held by the pro-democracy camp to determine the best candidates to field as they sought to gain a majority in Hong Kongs legislature.

While most of those arrested were candidates in the primaries, Clancey was a treasurer for political organization Power for Democracy, which was involved in the event.

The legislative election that would have followed the unofficial primaries was postponed by a year by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who cited public health risks during the coronavirus pandemic.

The remaining activists will be granted bail without charge, although most had their passports confiscated as evidence, according to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, which cited unnamed sources.

The security law criminalizes acts of subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign powers to intervene in the citys affairs. Serious offenders could face up a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

Authorities pointed to a plan called 10 steps to mutual destruction allegedly indicating that the primaries were part of a broader push to cause damage to both Hong Kong and mainland China.

That plan was published as an opinion piece in Apple Daily newspaper by former law professor and pro-democracy activist Benny Tai, who was also arrested on Wednesday. He said that between 2020 and 2022, there would be 10 steps to mutual destruction, including the pro-democracy bloc winning a majority in the legislature, intensifying protests, the forced resignation of Lam due to the budget bill being rejected twice, and international sanctions against the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

The arrests drew condemnation from the UN, the US, and Europe.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called them an outrage and said the US would explore further sanctions and restrictions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials and entities.

I am also appalled by the news of the arrest of an American citizen as part of this campaign of political repression, he said, adding the United States would not tolerate the arbitrary detention or harassment of its citizens.

Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, said the arrests indicate that the offence of subversion under the National Security Law is indeed being used to detain individuals for exercising legitimate rights to participate in political and public life.

Kurt Tong, the former U.S. consul general in Hong Kong, saw the arrests as part of a methodical and escalating campaign to eradicate viable opposition politics both among the protesters and elected parties.

The national security law provides the legal foundation to do that, said Tong, now a partner at The Asia Group consultancy in Washington, D.C.

China wants to preserve Hong Kongs economic vibrancy and free market without what it views as political complications, he said. He didnt predict a mass exodus by companies, saying the city retains its residual energy and dynamism, but warned there could be a measurable impact over time.

Chinas taking a big gamble by picking away at parts of the Hong Kong system that it doesnt like, he said. It really risks damaging parts that it values.
SpendEdge forecast the global Online Advertising market is expected to grow by USD 84 billion as we reach 2024. This is due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of 2020. However, healthy growth is expected to continue throughout the forecast period, and the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.38%.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005334/en/

SpendEdge has announced the release of its Global Online Advertising Market Procurement Intelligence Report (Graphic: Business Wire)

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Major Five Online Advertising Companies:

Omnicom Group Inc.

Publicis Groupe SA

The Interpublic Group of Companies Inc.

Harte Hanks Inc.

WPP Plc

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Online Advertising 2020-2024: Scope

SpendEdge presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The Online Advertising market report covers the following areas:

Online Advertising Market Size

Online Advertising Market Trends

Online Advertising Market Analysis

Online Advertising Market Geographic Landscape Outlook

APAC

Europe

MEA

North America

South America

Key leading countries

SpendEdge suggests various forecast scenarios considering the impact of COVID-19. SpendEdge's in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports. SpendEdge's SUBSCRIPTION platform

Online Advertising Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024

Detailed information on factors that will assist Online Advertising market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the Online Advertising market size

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in supplier behavior

The growth of the Online Advertising market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of Online Advertising market vendors

Related Reports on Materials Include:

Agrochemicals Sourcing and Procurement Intelligence Report: The agrochemicals will grow at a CAGR of 3.55% during 2021-2025. Prices will increase by 1%-3% during the forecast period and suppliers will have a moderate bargaining power in this market.

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Flexible Packaging Sourcing and Procurement Intelligence Report: The flexible packaging will grow at a CAGR of 4.42% during 2021-2025. Prices will increase by 4%-8% during the forecast period and suppliers will have a moderate bargaining power in this market.

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Table of Content

Executive Summary

Market Insights

Category Pricing Insights

Cost-saving Opportunities

Best Practices

Category Ecosystem

Category Management Strategy

Category Management Enablers

Suppliers Selection

Suppliers under Coverage

US Market Insights

Category scope

Appendix

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According to the first advanced estimate by National Statistical Office (NSO), the Indian economy is expected to contract by 7.7% in fiscal 2020-21  20 basis points more than the 7.5% contraction projected by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India.

High frequency indicators suggest greater optimism than the MPCs forecast of 0.1% growth in the December quarter. At the same time, there are other statistics that suggest a more sober approach. Here are four charts put these mutually conflicting trends in context.

NIBRI, PMI, GST collections suggest a robust ongoing recovery

The two earliest high-frequency economic indicators  Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for manufacturing and the Nomura India Business Resumption Index (NIBRI)  for the period ending Dec 2020 were released on Jan 4. Both of them suggest an upbeat economic environment. For the week ending January 3, NIBRI reached its highest ever value of 94.5 (100 is the pre-lockdown base). PMI manufacturing was at 56.4 in Dec 2020, making it the fifth consecutive month when it was above the critical threshold of 50, which signifies an expansion in economic activity compared to previous month. PMI Services, while it was above the threshold of 50 for the third consecutive month in Dec, has been losing momentum since Oct. Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in Dec  they are supposed to capture transactions carried out in Nov  reached ?1.15 lakh crore, the highest ever nominal monthly collection. In an interview to HT, finance secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey attributed the increase in December GST collections to greater economic activities and better compliance with targeted approach to curb evasion.

However, both NIBRI and PMI note continuing job losses

Many economists have pointed out that the ongoing economic recovery is being led by profits and therefore has a smaller base. The latest NIBRI and PMI releases underline this trend. Employment decreased in December, thereby stretching the current sequence of job shedding to nine months. Companies stated that government guidelines to have employees working only on shifts and difficulties in finding suitable staff were the key factors causing the latest fall in payroll numbers, said a statement from IHS Markit, the agency which releases the PMI numbers. To be sure, the pace of (employment) contraction was moderate and the weakest in the current downturn period, the statement added. A research note by Nomura economists also noted a worsening on the employment front. The labour participation rate eased to 40.3% in early January from 40.9% in December, it said. These observations are in sync with the unemployment trends from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) database, the only high-frequency source of employment statistics in India.

Employment has been falling month-after-month since September 2020 when it was estimated at 397.6 million. As a result, employment has not only remained consistently below year-ago levels, it has also fallen far short of the two-years ago levels. Employment in November and December 2020 was lower than it was in November and December 2019 and was also lower than it was in November and December 2018, respectively Mahesh Vyas, CMIEs managing director and chief executive officer, said in a note published on its website.

October-November revenues have increased for the Centre, but states have not gained

Data from the Controller General of Accounts, which works under the ministry of finance, shows that gross tax revenues on October and November (latest available data) were greater than last years levels. To be sure, overall Gross Tax Revenue (GTR) up to November for fiscal year 2020-21 was still lower than 2019-20 levels. Even the monthly improvement seen in October-November GTR collections is driven by higher union excise duty collections, which are on account of increased taxes on petrol and diesel. Because the additional taxes on petrol and diesel and not a part of divisible pool of taxes, states have not seen an improvement in tax devolutions from the centre. In fact, year on year shortfall, both on a monthly and cumulative basis, in centres tax devolution to the states has been the highest in October and November in the current fiscal year.

The Centre-state asymmetry in tax collections has also translated into spending

Central taxes were meant to provide for 31% of states total receipts in the current fiscal year. As this shortfall increases, state finances are bound to come under greater strain, especially given the fact that state governments have done most of the heavy lifting in dealing with the pandemic. CMIE had cumulative spending data for 13 states up to November 2020. A comparison with cumulative spending for these states up to November 2019 shows a 6.5% reduction. For the 19 states for which cumulative spending figures are available up to Oct 2020, there was a 4.8% shortfall compared to Oct 2019 levels. The shortfall in capital expenditure for these states was even greater: 28.3% on an annual basis up to Oct 2020 and 27.9% up to Nov 2020. States incur a bigger spending than the Centre in India, especially when it comes to capital expenditure, which is crucial for future growth. Budget estimates for 2020-21 put the Centres total spending and capital spending at 72.2% and 46.6% of the total spending by states on these heads. Given the shortfall in states spending and their precarious revenue situation, the fiscal year is likely to end with a pro-cyclical cut in government spending.
The fatal shootings came after the end of an exceptionally violent year in Chicago. The city recorded more than 760 homicides, an increase of more than 50% over 2019. Meanwhile, there were more than 3,200 shootings in 2020, also an increase of more than 50%. More than 4,100 people were shot, at least 686 of them fatally, in 2020, after almost 2,200 people were shot in 2019, at least 460 of them fatally, according to data compiled by the Tribune.

Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 16:55:04|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on Nov. 23, 2020 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

Challenging China's red line on the Taiwan question is not only unwise but also dangerous.

BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United States is once again provoking China over Taiwan question with the State Department declaring R. Clarke Cooper, the assistant secretary for political-military affairs, to deliver remarks during a U.S.-Taiwan political-military dialogue on Thursday.

This is a violation of three China-U.S. joint communiques which allow no official exchanges of any form between the United States and Taiwan. Beijing has made it crystal clear that the Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations, and the one-China principle is the political foundation of the bilateral relationship.

Challenging China's red line on the Taiwan question is not only unwise but also dangerous. On the one hand, playing the Taiwan card is toxic to China-U.S. relations, as the act seriously damages China's national interests and grossly interferes in China's internal affairs. On the other hand, playing the Taiwan card is toxic to cross-Strait peace and stability. Official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan have dangerously emboldened separatist forces on the island, risking pushing the region into further confrontation.

The current U.S. administration is in its twilight days. It should refrain from irresponsible acts like this and leave a clean slate for the next administration. Provocations like this, based on the selfish interests of certain politicians, mean the next administration will inherit nothing but mess and obstacles. That would leave one of the world's most important bilateral relations in worse shape.

Since taking power, the Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority has been attempting to deceive and mislead the residents of Taiwan, provoke and escalate cross-Strait confrontation, undermining cross-Strait relations, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. These acts are doomed to fail.

Taiwan separatists need to give up their fantasy of counting on foreign intervention to keep China permanently divided, and understand that Washington is merely using the island as a pawn in its power play against China. They also need to stop daydreaming about using politics and the military -- or whatever Thursday's dialogue entailed -- to buck the historical trend towards reunification.

Both the DPP and Washington should understand clearly that Beijing will never compromise on its core interests. China has the resolve, full confidence and sufficient capability to thwart any form of interference by external forces and the separatist acts of "Taiwan independence." 

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Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 64F. Winds light and variable.
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Healthcare is likely to change for many Britons living in the EU due to Brexit

Expats will no longer be able to rely on the EHIC card for their health needs

Some insurers are refusing to cover expats on travel insurance policies

However, there are other options they can use to ensure they are safe

Britain has entered the new year an independent country, having left the European Union.

Holidaymakers have already been warned that travelling to EU countries could now be more expensive, especially given the absence of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

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But what will this mean for expats? Some have already experienced issues when trying to return to Spain after visiting relatives in the UK for Christmas and the New Year.

A small group were told their paperwork was not correct - even though they had already been informed it was satisfactory.

This shows that things are likely to change for expats who up until now may have depended on their EHIC for at least some of their healthcare protection.

The cards gave travellers the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country.

Expats that have become permanent residents may now have access to the same level of healthcare as other residents - although this depends on which country they are now living in.

What insurance should I get as an expat?

There are many different insurance options for expats who are living and working overseas.

The cover you get will depend on how much you pay, as well as other factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, the excess you choose and what, if any, medication you take.

Brian Brown of financial comparison service Defaqto said: 'If they live in the country permanently I would expect expats to receive the same level of healthcare as other local residents without needing insurance, but that may depend on each country's immigration rules.

'If the EHIC scheme is no longer available, people who spend long periods in second homes in Europe will need to buy an extended trip travel insurance policy to cover them for the entire time they are away.

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'Alternatively, they might be able to buy an annual policy which allows up to a certain number of days abroad per trip - typically limited to 31, 45, 60 or 90 days at a time.

'The big issue for these expats is that many of them will be older, and travel insurance premiums can become expensive for them - particularly if they are going to spend long periods abroad.'

The EHIC is being replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card - but details are yet to come

According to the Government, UK nationals living in the EU before Brexit will keep their rights to healthcare in the EU country they live in, as long as these are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.

This includes expats who have their healthcare paid for by the UK, for example through the S1 scheme.

However, your exact healthcare entitlements depend on which EU country you live in. It is important that expats check the Government website to find out more.

For those who are planning to move to the EU this year, arrangements are still being made between the UK and the EU as to what healthcare will be available.

Some travel insurers are refusing to cover expats

Brexit has definitely put a spanner in the works for many expats, with some insurers now not even offering travel cover for UK expats living abroad.

A spokesperson for Go Compare said: 'Traditionally, travel insurance would not provide cover for expats as policies cover travel to and from the UK only.

Moving abroad: Many expats move to the EU when they retire in search of sun, sea and sand

'GoCompare offers travel insurance comparison to UK residents looking for insurance cover for holidays abroad.

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'We don't offer travel or health insurance comparison for UK expats living in EU countries. Expats worried about the impact of Brexit on their healthcare arrangements should seek specialist advice.

'For those who spend considerable amounts of time abroad and are looking to cover wider medical treatments and costs accordingly, international health insurance should be a consideration moving forward - particularly for those working or living in Europe following the UK's departure from the EU.'

Unclear when EHIC 'replacement' will arrive

However, if you are a UK State Pensioner with a registered S1, you may still be able to access healthcare under the now-limited EHIC.

One other option that is likely to be available to expats is the new Global Health Insurance Card, which Britain will issue in place of the EHIC.

It will allow for state-provided medical treatment if people fall ill or have an accident in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

It will cover chronic or existing illnesses, routine maternity care and emergencies - but specialised treatment, such as dialysis, will require 'a prior agreement' to make sure it is available.

As before, there is no provision for taking you home free of charge if you fall seriously ill or suffer a serious accident. Only travel insurance will cover that.

It is also not known when this will be introduced, with current details simply saying it will be available in the future.

Chris King, head of travel insurance at Compare the Market, said: 'Most Britons will need to apply for a new Global Health Insurance Card to get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost, or for free.

'It is strongly advised to take out travel insurance before going to Europe or further afield to make sure you are covered for any and all medical treatment you may need, since this can be extremely costly.

'As well as medical cover, travel insurance can cover lost or damaged luggage and some delays or cancellations.

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'UK nationals moving abroad or already living in Europe on a permanent basis should check their entitlement to medical treatment with their GP and the authority in the country.'
Hyderabad, Jan 7 : With Covid-19 vaccines all set to be rolled out, the Telangana government has urged the Centre to allocate additional doses to the state.

The request was made by Health Minister E. Rajender on Thursday during a video conference Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan had on preparedness for carrying out another Covid vaccine dry run in the state.

Rajender told the central minister that since the vaccines are being manufactured in Hyderabad, Telangana deserves to get more allocation, and that additional supplies to Telangana would help the state vaccinate cover more high-risk groups.

He said that the additional supplies will enable the state to inoculate not just healthcare workers but other frontline workers like grade four employees in hospitals, sanitation staff, police personnel and people above 60 years.

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has developed Covaxin, which is one of the two vaccines approved for emergency use by Drug Controller General of India five days ago.

Health officials expect the vaccine to be available in a week's time. They have identified around 80 lakh beneficiaries for the first phase of vaccination. They include healthcare workers, municipal and sanitation staff, people above the age of 50 years irrespective of their medical condition, and people under the age of 50 years with co-morbidities. Since the vaccine would be given in two doses, the state would require 1.6 crore doses in the first phase.

Rajender had earlier said there are indications that the Central government would issue five lakh doses after the dry run. It would be followed by 10 lakh doses, and then one crore doses.

Meanwhile, the state has made all arrangements for second phase of dry run on Friday. The process will be conducted at around 1,200 centres across the state.

Rajender informed Harsh Vardhan that the health officials were facing technical glitches in the Co-Win software, an integral part of the Covid vaccine roll-out initiative. The officials are facing problems in enrolling the names of beneficiaries.

Harsh Vardhan assured the state minister that the software glitches will be addressed immediately.

A dry run was earlier conducted at seven sites in Hyderabad and Mahabubnagar last week.

Covaxin, India's indigenous Covid vaccine by Bharat Biotech, has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). This indigenous, inactivated vaccine is developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech's BSL-3 (Bio-Safety Level 3) bio-containment facility in Hyderabad.

The Phase 3 human clinical trials of Covaxin began mid-November. This is India's first and only Phase 3 efficacy study for a Covid-19 vaccine, and the largest phase 3 efficacy trial ever conducted for any vaccine in India.

In September last year, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had assured the Assembly that his government will ensure that Telangana, as the home state, get priority in supply of Covid-19 vaccine as and when it is manufactured by Bharat Biotech.

He had stated that the government will talk to the company and will ensure that Telangana gets priority.

"We will talk to Bharat Biotech. Definitely, it's a home state and if vaccines are made here, we will get first priority. There should be no doubt. We are ensuring this," he said.

The Chief Minister gave the assurance when All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi raised the issue

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Republican lawmakers early Thursday objected to counting Pennsylvania's electors, further delaying the certification of Joe Biden's election victory after the House and Senate rejected an earlier challenge to his win in Arizona.

The overnight scenes in Congress -- normally a ceremonial procedure but one that Donald Trump's loyalists have sought to co-opt as the last gasp attempt to keep the president in power -- come hours after violent unrest in the US Capitol by pro-Trump rioters interrupted the process.

Senator Josh Hawley joined the objection of dozens of House Republicans over Pennsylvania's electors, prompting the two chambers to debate the challenge.

In the Senate, though, Republican leader Mitch McConnell quickly quashed debate and the chamber voted 92 to 7 to reject the objection.

Debate did proceed in the House, where Scott Perry of Pennsylvania argued that his objection was aimed at safeguarding the US Constitution.

That prompted a fiery rebuttal from Democrat Joe Neguse, who held up a pocket copy of the charter and said: "Under our constitution, Congress doesn't choose the president, the American people do, and they have chosen in resounding numbers."

Earlier lawmakers swept aside the effort to reject Arizona's 11 electoral votes.

Senators voted 93 to 6 against the objection, while in the House, 303 lawmakers opposed it including 82 Republicans.

But even after the violence of the day, 121 Republicans voted unsuccessfully to block the counting of Arizona's votes.

The joint session of Congress is certifying the electoral votes of all 50 states to confirm Biden's 306-232 electoral victory in November.

It was delayed when protesters stormed the Capitol building, triggering unprecedented chaos and violence that drew condemnation from around the world and some Republican scorn for Trump.

"We saw bloodshed because a demagogue chose to spread falsehoods and sow distrust of his own fellow Americans," said Senator Pat Toomey, angry that other Republicans were objecting to the electors of his state of Pennsylvania.

Story continues

"Let's not abet such deception. Let's reject this motion," he said.

Egged on in an extraordinary rally by an aggrieved Trump, a flag-waving mob broke down barricades outside the Capitol and swarmed inside, rampaging through offices and onto the usually solemn legislative floors.

bur-mlm/ft
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order banning transactions with eight Chinese apps, including popular Chinese payment apps Alipay and WeChat Pay, over privacy concerns.

The other apps are CamScanner, QQ Wallet, SHAREit, Tencent QQ, VMate and WPS Office. The executive order goes into effect in 45 days. Trump leaves office in two weeks.

The president said in the order that the apps can access private information from their users. That information could be used to "track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, and build dossiers of personal information", he said.

The order instructs Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to evaluate other apps that could pose a "national security threat".

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Wednesday that the ban is another example of the United States abusing national power to unjustifiably crack down on foreign companies. The order will have some impact on related Chinese companies, but more importantly, it will harm the interests of US consumers and the interests of the US.

She urged the US to respect the principles of the market economy and fair competition and abide by international economic and trade rules to provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for foreign companies, including Chinese ones, to invest and operate in the country. She added that China would take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights of Chinese companies.

Kingsoft Office, a Chinese software and internet service provider, said in a statement on Wednesday that the US government's ban on its office software WPS Office will not have a substantial impact on its development in the short term. WPS Office has more than 100 million users in overseas markets and most of them use the software for free. It only involves a small amount of advertising business.

"The company continues to pay attention to overseas markets and is also reviewing the possible consequences of the US government order to clarify its possible impact on the company. We will release further announcements in due course," Kingsoft Office added.

The Trump administration has targeted Chinese-owned social media applications, claiming that they pose a national security risk.

In August, Trump issued two executive orders banning TikTok, a popular video-sharing app owned by Chinese company Byte-Dance, and social networking app WeChat, which belongs to Tencent.

Both orders have faced legal challenges. The order banning downloads of WeChat in the US was blocked by a federal judge in September shortly after it was scheduled to take effect.

Two federal judges also separately blocked the order concerning TikTok, which would have restricted US transactions with the company, effectively banning the app in the US.

Thanks to the courts' ruling, both apps currently continue to operate in the US. The Trump administration has sought to overturn the rulings.

Doubts expressed

Trump's latest ban on Chinese apps has drawn an immediate reaction from Chinese communities in the US. At an online forum on WenxueCity, a website for Chinese people living in the US, some users expressed doubt over whether the order would really go into effect since TikTok and WeChat still operate.

Alipay, owned by Chinese financial-technology giant Ant Group, has more than 1 billion users. Alipay and WeChat Pay are the two most popular payment apps, which jointly account for 90 percent of China's mobile payment market.

A large number of merchants in the US have started to accept payment via Alipay, according to the company.
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.

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[January 07, 2021] A Photographer and A Family 70 Years of Friendship

BEIJING, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A photographer's personal narration of a seven-decade-long story by China.org.cn The first spring after the founding of the People's Republic of China (1949), I was working as a press photographer for Zhejiang Daily. On my very first trip to cover the countryside by myself, I met a farmer named Ye Gentu and his family in Qixing, Jiaxing. After that, they became an important part of my life. In 1950, 1959, 1990, 2008, and 2019, over a timespan of seven decades, I captured the lives of four generations of this family through my lens. As I flip through these photos today and familiar faces appear before my eyes, I see not just the people themselves, but all the millions upon millions of Chinese farmers. I see their kindness, their assiduousness, their humble simplicity, and their dependable character, and appreciate how they have built a brighter future through their own efforts. I am now 90 years old, but thinking back, it feels like only yesterday that I first travelled to Jiaxing. The first picture is a family portrait, and I returned to the family in 1959. As I listened to Gentu describe all that had happened over the years, and as I looked around at the Ye family's neat and tidy little courtyard, I was suddenly so moved that I didn't know how to react. All I could do was lift up my camera again and say, "Let me take another family portrait for you!" A few days before National Day in 1962, I received this letter from Gentu, inviting me to attend his daughter's wedding, and immediately I went to the bus station to buy a ticket. I soon realized, however, that I could not attend a wedding empty handed, but what should I bring as a gift? The photos sandwiched between the pages of my notebook gave me an idea. "I'm afraid I don't have anything nice to give Guifeng, just these family portraits that I developed and framed. I hope that she can look at them often when she is with her husband's family and that they remind her how much her life has changed from the hard days of the past." These humble gifts were an expression of my friendship, and my way of giving my best wishes to the bride and Gentu's family. Standing in front of all the well-wishers present, he turned to his daughter and said, "Guifeng, though our bellies are now full, we cannot forget the past. Twelve years ago when we lived in Jiaxing, this comrade took our picture. Three years ago, he visited us again in Huangyan and took another photo of our family. These two photos are a record of how much our family has changed over the years. Today is your wedding day, and though I didn't originally prepare a dowry for you, I want to give you these photos as family heirlooms that you can bring to your husband's home. In the future, you can look at them to see how things have changed, and when you have your own children, you can tell them about how we used to be." With that, he passed the framed pictures to the newlywed couple. My wife still remembers me telling her about the great project that I had envisioned after I returned from the wedding: "I want to make each of the five people in the photos individual subjects, and produce a photo report every five yearsto tell the story of this family over a 30-year period."



Neither of us could have guessed that the coming Cultural Revolution (1966-76) would upset my plans. When I finally returned to Liangpengling in late December, 1978, I learned that it had already been four years since Ye Gentu passed away.

After that, I would visit Jiaxing and Huangyan three or four times a year to see how the rest of his family were getting along. They also made a point of meeting me whenever they came to Hangzhou, and shared all of the big news in their lives with me as soon as it happened. In May of 1984, I made a special trip to visit Jiaxing at Gentu's oldest son, Xingfu's invitation. Ten years earlier when he was discharged from the army, he decided to stay and build a life for himself there. At the time of my visit, he was already in charge of a large unit of workers at a local farm and responsible for more than 30 hectares of cropland. Coincidentally, the place where he worked was the same place where he was born. When my boat floated up to the bank, I saw that Xingfu's whole family was already on the dock waiting for me. Before we even had a chance to greet each other, two lively looking children dressed in nice new clothes bounced over and, under Xingfu's instructions, called out to me "Grandpa! Grandpa!" Arriving at Xingfu's home, I found that his family lived in a spacious and tidy house filled with trendy furniture. They had a bicycle and a sewing machine, and basically all of the other possessions that the average worker's family had. Impressed, I said to Xingfu, "Before liberation, your mother would always sigh about your name, saying that giving you a name meaning prosperity was just wishful thinking since there was no prosperity to be found at the time. But now look at you, you've lived up to your name!" "By all accounts, good times have come at last," he replied. "Now the kids can have a good life, with nice clothes to wear and fresh food to eat." Xingfu's son Shengzhong chimed in with his father and proclaimed his own lofty aspirations. "I want to keep becoming more capable until I'm a master at what I do!" Listening to this wide-eyed and innocent child speak, I couldn't help but smile. Little did I know, Shengzhong would stay true to his word. In the fall of 1992, 20-year-old Ye Shengzhong entered the Minfeng Paper Mill in Jiaxing. Starting as an ordinary shift worker, he quickly became hailed as a young expert. At the beginning of the summer in 2004, Xingfu phoned to invite me to Shengzhong's wedding. "I'll definitely be there," I replied excitedly, "and I'll bring another family 'heirloom' to give to Shengzhong." After that, I also attended the wedding of Weiping, another grandson of Gentu's. I was already 86 years old by then. Worried that I would have trouble walking around, my wife stayed with me the night before in Taizhou and accompanied me the following day to Liangpengling. By that time, I wasn't just like a relative to the Ye family, but also a friend of the whole village. People called me Grandpa Xu and joked that I had been to the village so many times that I had basically become a fixture there. "Are you worried I didn't bring a gift for your grandson?" I joked as I signaled my wife to take out our present  another family portrait! This photo was taken when I came to Huangyan during the Mid-Autumn Festival the previous year. Seeing the young and old members of the Ye family holding the picture and smiling, I cannot help but raise my camera once again. Seven decades, four generations. In Jiaxing and Huangyan, the Ye family blossomed and grew. Xingfu's son Shengzhong got a job at a state-owned enterprise, Gentu's second son, Xingyou's son, Chengjian opened a seafood restaurant in Taizhou, and Xingfa's son Weiping ran a hardware business. Only Guifeng's son Yang Huijun was still a farmer. However, he was already a very different kind of farmer than Gentu was. The specialty of Maoshe Village is growing watermelon, with two-thirds of its working-age young people in the watermelon business. Over the years, Huijun not only mastered the skills for growing watermelon, but also developed a keen ability to analyze the market. Going all over the place to plant vast crops of watermelon, he can be counted among the new generation of skilled farmers who have found their talents in high demand beyond the confines of their villages. As a lifelong friend of the Ye family, if there is one thing that I asked of them, it is that I could see one of their family go to university. On June 8, 2013, this dream of mine finally came true  Guifeng's eldest granddaughter, that is Huijun's daughter Yang Xichen was about to graduate from East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai with a degree in bioengineering! How could I miss such an important moment? I had to go. There, I took a photo of Xichen in her graduation gown. Is this where the Ye family's story ended? Of course not. On the eve of the Lantern Festival in 2019, I went to Taizhou, Jiaxing, and Huangyan with a few young reporters from Zhejiang Daily to take photos of the Ye family's descendants. Looking out the window as our car sped down the highway, I found the villages and factories we passed looked brand new. All those years ago, it was a difficult journey that required weaving around on many roads, but now you can drive straight there. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, Zhejiang has thrived economically and enjoyed a beautiful environment, and everywhere one goes one can feel that a new era has begun. China Mosaic

http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm A Photographer and A Family 70 Years of Friendship

http://v.china.com.cn/2020-12/29/content_77060464.htm View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-photographer-and-a-family-70-years-of-friendship-301202686.html SOURCE China.org.cn

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Take a stand against gun violence terrorizing our streets

Gun violence spiked across the country in 2020, the most violent year in decades. 19,000 were killed in shootings, the highest death toll in 20 years (and that does not include gun suicides). Mass shootings  defined as four or more shot in an incident  also rose drastically to over 600.

Chicagos 769 homicides in 2020 were, according to ABC News, more homicides than in all but one year in more than two decades. The 4,033 shooting victims were also drastically higher. The spike in Chicago was echoed in other big cities like Detroit, Washington, D.C., New York and Atlanta and in smaller cities like Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Rockford, Illinois. In all these cities, the victims are disproportionately people of color. The new year started off where the old ended, with 30 people shot and five killed in Chicago over the holiday weekend. We are killing one another in larger numbers in the midst of the national pandemic.

The experts agree on the underlying causes. The COVID-19 economic devastation increased misery, anger, and fear. More and more found themselves under harsh pressure, unable to keep the roof over their heads, get adequate schooling for the young, secure decent health care and adequate food. The pandemic also caused a severe cutback in violence prevention programs, in conflict de-escalation services. The George Floyd murder and recurrent police violence exacerbated the tensions.

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And most important of all, of course, is Americas perverse addiction to guns. The year 2020 witnessed record sales of guns across the country. There are 5 million new gun owners in America. Sensible gun regulations have been blocked at the federal and state level. In too many instances, state legislatures have blocked the efforts of cities to regulate guns. Guns are not made in Chicago. There are no gun ranges. Guns are brought in across state lines.

The result is, frankly, absurd. The ban on assault weapons, weapons designed to kill people in large numbers in warfare, has been repealed. States across the country allow open carry and camouflaged carry. Protesters surrounded the Michigan legislature armed with rifles and guns.

Others threatened and began to plot an armed kidnapping of the governor, protesting her sensible COVID restrictions. At Donald Trumps calling, the streets of Washington, D.C., will be filled with protesters, many of them armed.

This is yet another example of how a rabid minority  dispensing lots of cash and armies of lobbyists  can spurn the will of the majority. The majority of Americans want sensible gun control laws. Now, however, there is a yawning partisan divide with Democrats and Independents supporting stronger gun control and Republican support waning.

With gun violence spiking and political disputes turning into armed confrontations, it is past time for real leadership to step forward. Mike Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York, has shown the way. As a presidential candidate, he put forth a sensible comprehensive reform agenda. As a private citizen, he has helped to support groups calling for reform. He understands, more than most, that gun violence takes far more victims than those who die. It is a major public health crisis, leaving thousands permanently disabled and in need of care.

The incoming administration inherits staggering catastrophes that it must address. Surely one of these is the growing gun violence that terrorizes our streets. This administration should push America to make a real choice about gun violence. Do we want to allow more and more violence, to witness political disputes turning into violent exchanges of gunfire? Or will we make a commitment to making our streets safer with police not having to worry about being outgunned by the violent. Banning assault weapons should be a no-brainer. Cracking down on the shipping of guns across state lines is another. Real investment in violence prevention services must be increased. Our schools should be teaching the practice and praising the courage of nonviolence.

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From its endless wars to the spiking gun violence on its streets, America leads the world in violence. This is not a race we want to run or to win. It is time for the majority to be heard.

The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, is one of Americas foremost civil rights, religious and political figures. Over the past forty years, he has played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality, and economic and social justice. On August 9, 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded Reverend Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor.
According to a Tweet published on January 7, 2020, by Mahmoud Gamal, the second Gowind-2500 El Fateh-class class corvette ENS Port Said 976 has officially joined the Egyptian navy. The corvette was built in 2018 by the Egyptian military-owned Alexandria shipyard in cooperation with the French Company DCNS, now Naval Group, under a technology transfer contract.

According to a Tweet published on January 7, 2020, by Mahmoud Gamal, the second Gowind-2500 El Fateh-class class corvette ENS Port Said 976 has officially joined the Egyptian navy. The corvette was built in 2018 by the Egyptian military-owned Alexandria shipyard in cooperation with the French Company DCNS, now Naval Group, under a technology transfer contract.

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

The official ceremony of the handover by the Egyptian Navy of the second Gowind-2500 class corvette ENS Port Said 976. (Picture source Twitter Mahmoud Gamal)

In 2014, Egypt signed a contract with DCNS now Naval Group for the purchase of four Gowind 2,500-ton corvettes with an option for two more. The contract included the necessary technology transfer; given that DCNS partner Alexandria Shipyard would build three of the vessels in Egypt. Construction of the second vessel started in April 2016, in Egypt.

On March 17th, 2017, DCNS has announced the success of the first sea trials of the first-of-class Gowind 2500 corvette under construction in Lorient, France by DCNS. In September 2016, DCNS launched the very first GOWIND 2500 corvette for the Egyptian Navy. The float out took place at the Lorient naval shipyard one day after the launch of FREMM Bretagne for the French Navy. The first steel cut of the Egyptian Navy corvette took place on April 16, 2015.

The Gowind 2500 multi-mission corvette is designed for surveillance, surface and subsurface combat, protection and escort naval missions. It can also perform presence, maritime surveillance and policing missions against trafficking and piracy.

The ENS El Fateh (971) is the lead ship of the Egyptian Gowind-class corvette of the Egyptian Navy. She was commissioned on 22 September 2017.

The El Fateh-Class Corvette is powered by a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system including two MTU diesel engines and two electric engines. The ship can reach a top speed of 28 knots (52 km/h; 32 mph) with a cruising range of 3,700 nmi (6,900 km; 4,300 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph). She has an endurance of 21 days and a crew of 65 sailors. The corvette is also able to accommodate 15 Special Forces.

The El Fateh-Class Corvette is armed with one OTO Melara 76 mm or Bofors 57 mm gun main gun, two Nexter Narwhal 20 mm or MSI DS30M 30 mm cannon, 8  16 VLS (Vertical Launching System) for MICA VL air defense missile, 4  8  Exocet or Naval Strike Missile anti-ship missile and two triple torpedo launchers.
Temperatures in HCMC and other southern Vietnam localities could drop to 18 degrees Celsius from Saturday to Monday as a mass of cold air approaches from the north.

Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Center on Thursday said temperatures would drop to their lowest in the early morning, before gradually rising during the day. The highest temperature could go up to 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 degrees Fahrenheit) at noon, it added.

From Friday, HCMC and other southern Vietnam regions could experience unseasonal rains, negatively affecting plants and flowers to be used as decorations for the Lunar New Year Festival in February.

After next Monday, another mass of cold air would affect southern Vietnam, though not as severely as the one prior.

Le Dinh Quyet, deputy head of the centers forecasting department, said temperature differences between noon and the afternoon could be up to 13 degrees Celsius apart. Such differences could cause fatigue, especially for those who work outdoors.

HCMC has a tropical wet and dry climate, with average temperature of 27.5 degrees Celsius.

In the past decade, the coldest temperature recorded in the city was 17 degrees Celsius in 2009. Its coldest temperature ever recorded since 1976 was 16.4 degrees Celsius on Dec. 25, 1999. Last year, the coldest temperature was 20 degrees Celsius, according to the center.

Vietnam is expected to experience a colder winter than usual this year as the Pacific Ocean sea surface temperature drops, forming the La Nina phenomenon, weather experts said last year. The country should expect up to 27 waves of cold air coming from the north this winter, a typical average.

Average temperatures in the first three months of 2021 are expected to be approximately the same as previous years. More frequent rainfall can occur in central and southern Vietnam as a result of La Nina, and even during the dry season in the Central Highlands, according to Nguyen Van Huong, head of the weather forecasting department at the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
Phan Thanh Mien is one of the 14 Inspiring Characters honored by VietNamNets readers in 2020. However, he could not be present at the campaign medal awards ceremony because he passed away after his great flood relief efforts earlier this year.

The simple house of Mien, the late chairman of Bac Trach commune, Bo Trach district, is located in a small village next to the Gianh River in Bo Trach district in Quang Binh province. Two months have elapsed since the day Mien died because of Whitmore disease contracted during the days he was exposed to the rain and floods.

Phan Thanh Mien (first right) was a talented and good official

Rescuing others

Holding a child in front of the house with the imprint of the historic flood, Nguyen Van Chung, 34, said the floodwater rose up very rapidly at the dawn of October 19.

The electricity was cut and it was completely dark. People were caught in a downpour and surrounded by strong water flow. Many families got stuck and shouted for help.

In the midst of panic, I saw uncle Mien wading in the flood current which was up to his neck, together with some other men, pushing small boats to every house and carrying people to a primary school, 200 meters away, to escape the flood, Chung recalled.

He shouted Anyone need help?. And my wife and my two children were carried to the boat safely. I swam after them. All my family members escaped the flood, he said.

Many other people, like Chung and his family members, reached shelter safely with Miens support.

Interrupting Chung, Phan Thi Xuan, a local woman, said: We loved Mien and we were grateful to him. He was a good man, but why didn't he have good luck?

Xuan lives opposite of Chungs house, raising four grandchildren. Her son lives and works in the south. When the flood rushed down, with a small junk, Mien saved all her family members from the flood.

I remember him wearing a raincoat wet to his skin. His face turned pale because he was soaked in floodwaters for a long time while rescuing people. He suffered from a disease and died just because he saved us. We will never forget him, she said.

Phan Van Dong, head of Hamlet 4, said before the flood rushed down, Mien came to every hamlet asking local authorities to be on duty to ensure safety for people.

When the floods rose up, Mien ran across the commune and borrowed two coracles and one junk, then gave them to the teams to rescue people. When wading into the water, he crashed into the fence which injured his leg. He came back to the communes clinic to dress the wound and then continued to rescue people.

He spent sleepless nights, and stayed under incessant rain, so the wound had bacterial contamination and he passed away. We have lost a talented and good person, Dong said.

The plan that never came true

Wearing a mourning headband, Nguyen Thi Oanh, 47, the wife of Mien, said her husband could not say anything to her before he died. They were married nearly 30 years ago and have three daughters.

Oanh said on the day when the flood rose up, Mien stopped by for a while before he left to help locals. She had to manage to rearrange things to cope with the flood.

On October 18 afternoon, he returned home and told me to manage everything myself, because he was busy helping other people, because heavy floods were anticipated, she recalled.

Phan Thanh Mien is one of the 14 Inspiring Characters honored by VietNamNets readers in 2020. However, he could not be present at the campaign medal awards ceremony because he passed away after his great flood relief efforts earlier this year.

He left and only came back after two days, having a meal in a hurry, and left again. At that moment, his right knee was injured and he had a mild fever, she said.

Two days later, when the fever became more serious, he went to the communes clinic to have injections. He refused to be hospitalized, saying that he still had work to do. Only on October 23, when he became seriously ill, did he go to Bo Trach Hospital near his house.

As he continued suffering from high fever, he was transferred to the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Hospital in Dong Hoi City and then to Hue City Central Hospital. Doctors said he suffered from Whitmore disease, the first case the hospital had received so far.

Nguyen Thi Oanh, Mien's wife, and their youngest daughter

When I went to the sickroom and saw him, I asked him if he loved me and our daughters, and tears fell from his eyes, she recalled.

On November 11, she heard from her son in law that her husband had died. It was the first and last time that Oanh had taken her husband to hospital.

The couple had agreed that they would save money to raise their daughter and then upgrade the house with its leaky roofs which was built 23 years ago. However, the plan never occurred.

Every man and woman in the commune said they loved the good civil servant, but they could not do anything more for him. They just hoped that Mien would be recognized as a martyr.

Ha An

Four killed, two missing as flash floods hit Central Highlands, South Central regions Four people had been killed and two others missing because of widespreading flooding, triggered by adverse downpours, in the Central Highlands and the South Central region, as of 6:00pm on December 1.
Mumbai, Jan 7 : After getting accolades for helping migrants during the Covid-19 lockdown, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood and the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation have locked horns over his premises in Juhu here.

The BMC has lodged a police complaint against Sood accusing him of 'illegally' converting his six-storied home in Shakti Sagar Building in Juhu without getting proper permissions.

Following a complaint by a social activist, the BMC filed its complaint with the Juhu Police Station invoking the Maharashtra Region & Town Planning Act. The police are now probing the matter before proceeding further.

On his part, Sood has claimed that he has done nothing illegal, secured all the necessary permissions and was only awaiting a nod from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA).

Back in June 2018, Sood had submitted an application to the BMC's K-West Ward Building Proposal Department, proposing to convert his residential premises into a lodging-cum-boarding facility.

The BMC returned the proposal in September 2018 directing him to comply with all the norms and submit an amended proposal, which has reportedly not been done so far.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party slammed the BMC move alleging it was an act of 'vendetta' on the lines of the action taken against actress Kangana Ranaut.

BJP spokesperson Ram Kadam questioned how when the same premises were turned into a quarantine facility last year by the BMC and there was nothing wrong , it now suddenly found the premises to be illegal, and asked the civic body to 'beware' of targeting a famous personality.
Ready to work with new US administration says Pak foreign minister

On Indias permanent council seat, here is what Bidens US pick said

US elections 2021: Russia meddled, Iran did too, China sat it out

Orderly, peaceful transfer of power must continue says PM Modi after US violence

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 07: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed distress over the riots and violence in Washington DC.

US: 4 dead after hundreds of Trump supporters storm US capitol, explosives seized | Oneindia News

The PM said that orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. He also said that the democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.

In an unprecedented breach of security, thousands of angry supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump have entered the US Capitol and clashed with police, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Biden's victory in the November election. One person has died in the incident.

Trump concedes, says transition would be smooth on Jan 20

The police had a tough time in managing the crowd, as hundreds of protesters made their way into the US Capitol, where members of the US Congress were going through the process of counting and certifying the electoral college votes. Both the House and Senate and the entire Capitol was placed under a lockdown.

Members of the US Congress were asked to get hold of the gas masks under their seats as the police resorted to tear gas to disperse protestors.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peacefull Trump said in a tweet.

Multiple news outlets showed protestors walking with ease inside the Capitol and hundreds of them occupying the inaugural stage. A large number of them were seen climbing the wall.

Vice President Mike Pence, who was inside the Capitol presiding over the joint session of the Congress, was evacuated from the building. The process was on to evacuate all the other lawmakers, thus temporarily suspending the process to count and certify the electoral college votes.

Washington DC Mayor imposed a city-wide curfew. This is possibly for the first time in the recent history that such a large number of people have breached into the US Capitol and disrupted the constitutional provisions.

Trump who lost the popular and electoral college vote continues to dispute the results, without evidence, and has encouraged his supporters to attend the rallies in the national capital.

He took the stage about noon to roaring crowds, claiming he had won the election.

Senator Ted Cruz said that the violence was unacceptable.

Every American has the right to peacefully protest, but the violence we are witnessing on US Capitol grounds is unacceptable. Attacking property and the brave men and women of the Capitol Police must stop. I strongly condemn these acts. Our nation is better than this,Congressman Steve Womack said.

United States Capitol Police saved my life. Attacks on law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs are never acceptable. Period. We can passionately protest without being violent, said House Republican Whip Steve Scalise.
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BRIDGEPORT  Police are investigating after a robbery was reported at an address off the Boston Post Road in the citys Boston Avenue-Mill Hill neighborhood Tuesday.

Officers were called to the 2100th block of Boston Post Road on a report of an armed robbery, police said in a tweet at 8:38 p.m.
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(Newser)  Washington, DC wasn't the only capital targeted by pro-President Trump protesters Wednesday. In Atlanta, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and his staff were evacuated from the Georgia Capitol as militia members gathered outside, 11Alive reports. Officials say they were escorted out of the building due to security concerns as Trump supporters tried to enter to deliver written grievances relating to the presidential election, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Staffers at the Utah Capitol were also evacuated as hundreds of Trump supporters gathered outside, the Salt Lake Tribune reports. Tribune photographer Rick Egan says he was recording the protest when he was pepper-sprayed by man who mocked him for wearing a mask.

story continues below

Protesterssome of them armedgathered at other statehouses around the country, including in New Mexico, South Carolina, California, and Ohio, but most of the protests remained small and relatively peaceful, the AP reports. In Kansas, pro-Trump protesters entered the Statehouse, but they entered peacefully through security checkpoints and police said their protest permit allowed them to be in the building, KSNT reports. In Washington state, where the Capitol building in Olympia was closed due to the pandemic, dozens of protesters broke through a gate at the governor's mansion and remained on the lawn for about 30 minutes until dispersing after a brief standoff with police. (Read more Election 2020 stories.)
ATLANTA (AP) - Democrats have won both Georgia Senate seats - and with them, the U.S. Senate majority.

That's a stunning defeat for President Donald Trump in his final days in office and it dramatically improves the fate of President-elect Joe Bidens progressive agenda.

Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, Democratic challengers who represented the diversity of their partys evolving coalition, defeated Republicans David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler.

The twin victories Wednesday end nearly two decades in which Democrats have been shut out of statewide victories in Georgia.

Biden became the first Democratic presidential candidate to carry the state since 1992.
Highlights Realme has launched the V15 5G smartphone in China.

The Realme V15 5G is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor.

The smartphone design is based on the Realme Koi fish.

Realme V15 5G has been launched in China days after it was first teased. The new smartphone is the Realme Koi that appeared a few days back and was believed to be the flagship phone instead. But Realme China's president Xu Qi Chase confirmed that Koi is the V15. The Realme V15 is the third smartphone in the V-series bringing 5G support in the mid-range segment. There is hardly anything different on the Realme V15 5G from the company's recent phones except for the camera design that now features big circles like those on Oppo Reno 5.

The Realme V15 design is based on the Koi fish, which is significant in Chinese and Japanese cultures. The Koi fish is famous for its beauty and vibrant colours, which is why the Realme V15 features the combination of immensely shiny and bright orange, yellow, and blue colours. The smartphone also has the "Dare to Leap" slogan imprinted in bold letters, keeping the back of the device really busy. The smartphone will be available in China initially before the company decides to bring it to other markets in future.

Realme V15 5G price

Realme has priced the V15 5G at starting CNY 1,499, which is roughly Rs 17,000, but it will be available for an introductory price of CNY 1,399 (roughly Rs 15,900). This model comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. There is another variant with 8GB RAM that costs a little higher at CNY 1,999, which is roughly Rs 22,600. Realme V15 comes in silver, blue, and gradient colourways and will go on sale on January 14.

Realme V15 5G specifications

The new Realme smartphone features support for 5G on all carriers in China but only the sub-6GHz band network. It is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor with up to 8 gigs of RAM. You have only 128 gigs of onboard storage on the phone, with support for microSD card to expand it. Realme V15 comes with a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED punch-hole display with a refresh rate of 60Hz and the maximum brightness of 600 nits. The display also has a fingerprint sensor embedded. The smartphone comes with IP protection for dust and water resistance. For authentication, there is facial recognition, as well.

For photography, the Realme V15 comes with a triple camera setup comprising a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. The selfies and video calls on the Realme V15 are handled by a 16MP front-facing camera featuring AI and smart HDR. Realme has said that V15 5G cameras support 4K video recording, UIS Max (ultra image stabilisation), and 1080p slow-motion videos at 120fps. The Realme V15 5G is backed by a 4310mAh battery that charges at up to 50W. Realme claims the battery can charge 50 per cent in just 18 minutes using the bundled charger. The smartphone is only 8.1mm thick and weighs 176 grams.

Actor Sonu Sood, who transformed from a reel-to-real hero for thousands of migrants as he helped them reach home during the lockdown and even find jobs through his charitable initiatives, says his memoir I Am No Messiah is his way of chronicling the experiences of the masses when life came to a standstill courtesy the coronavirus pandemic.

Sood was catapulted to national fame for his philanthrophy and not just acting chops when he came forward to help stranded and jobless migrants during the over two month-long lockdown from March 25, 2020 as the countrys poor poured out of cities and took to highways to reach their home, sometimes covering the journey of thousand miles on foot.

Moved by their plight, Sood and his team launched an initiative to help these workers in Mumbai and different parts of the country. He also introduced Pravasi Rojgar app for job seekers and launched e-rickshaws to the underprivileged.

Looking back, the Dabangg star said, his interactions with the people changed the way he looked at life and inspired the memoir, which he has penned with Meena K Iyer.

It (lockdown) changed my outlook towards life. I will always remember 2020 as a year when we all tried to be the best versions of ourselves. It (memoir) was my way of capturing those moments for posterity. The memoir is extremely special. Right from the time when I began penning down my experiences to the time when it released a while back, every moment has been special, Sood told PTI in an interview.

Published by Penguin Random House India, I Am No Messiah recounts the emotional and often challenging journeys the 47-year-old actor undertook along with the people he helped.

According to the actors team, Sood has helped around one lakh people from Mumbai, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and other states to reach their homes, besides providing assistance to those needing medical help and employment.

The actor, who has previously played villain in films such as Dabangg, Simmba, RRajkumar and Arundhati, feels overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and being called a superhero and messiah.

I truly believe that I am no messiah. My parents have always taught me the importance of helping others and I was simply following their advice, he said, adding, he zeroed in on the title of no messiah for his book to reiterate the point.

Reflecting on the year gone by that saw the pandemic affect people from all walks of life, Sood said the poor suffered the most.

So many migrant labourers had to take to the streets because they had no other way of reaching their homes. Children belonging to underprivileged families in rural areas do not have any access to education currently because they dont own smartphones. I believe it is our duty to extend a helping hand to those in need in any way possible. Sood, who came to Mumbai from Moga, Punjab in the late 1990s, said he will continue to help people as much as he possible.

My parents have always told me that with success and privilege comes responsibility. I am always going to remember their words. The year was a reality check for us. It taught us to put others before us and to keep our families closer to us than ever. Going ahead, I hope we continue to be kind and compassionate beings. While Sood was praised for his charitable endeavours, he also had many detractors doubting his motivations.

The actor, however, said the love he received overshadowed the hate and trolling.

The power of love is very strong. No kind of negativity has bogged me down, he said.

In 2021, the actor has a busy film slate to look forward to in Prithviraj, where he will star alongside Akshay Kumar and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar.

In south, he has two Telugu movies coming up - Acharya with veteran star Chiranjeevi and romantic-comedy Alludu Adhurs.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. )

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Here it is. Thats it, my guide says about the worlds tallest tree.

You would think that a towering 380-foot coast redwood named Hyperion would need no introduction, but heres the thing: the tree perches in a dense, primordial forest deep within Redwood National Park. There are soaring redwoods all around it, so its impossible to tell from the ground which tree is the tallest.

This one here? I ask. That ones not taller?

Measuring from base to top Hyperion is the tallest, my guide says. I nod and smile, trying to muster some enthusiasm. But in truth, after an arduous hike that included a half-hour slog through an ice-cold stream, I was expecting more. The skeptic in me actually wondered if this could be a red herring Hyperion, an elaborate ruse meant to deter people from visiting the real thing.

Lets back up for a second, as you might be wondering how I came to visit the worlds tallest tree, the location of which is supposedly top secret. Well, first of all, that secret is very poorly guarded. A Google search pulls up specific directions to the tree, and a cursory glance at social media posts with #hyperion reveals that plenty of people have ventured here to snap selfies and stomp around. This is a potentially huge problem, as it creates social trails and can damage the understory and roots systems that are critical to the health of redwoods.



I didn't know this before I was invited by my guide, a Humboldt marketing professional and former ranger, to visit the tree. And as it turns out, when someone offers to show you the tallest known tree on Earth, you don't say, "Hold on a minute, let me just research the ethics of that first."

Am I sorry I went? I wouldnt go that far. But I actually dont recommend going all the way to Hyperion, which is not only a pain in the ass but also involves damaging the trees habitat, all for a negligible payoff. I do, however, recommend going halfway when travel is again advisable, because that part of the hike is both free of controversy and incredibly beautiful.

Ashley Harrell

The first leg of the journey  the part that takes place on an actual trail  brings visitors to Tall Trees Grove, which is the most treasured and seldom-visited area of Redwood National Park. To protect it from overtourism, only 50 cars per day are granted access to the trailhead in the form of a permit that must be obtained 48 hours in advance.

During the pandemic, permits are available online, but when normalcy returns, theyll again be issued at the visitor center. From there, its a short drive up Highway 101 to Bald Hills Road, then a turnoff to the Tall Trees Access Road, which is guarded by a locked gate.

Ashley Harrell

As we approached it, another car was stopped on the opposite side. A fellow emerged to unlock the gate on his way out, and in a brief exchange, he mentioned he had just visited Hyperion tree. Like I said, secret schmeecret.

From there, it was a bumpy 6 miles along the former logging road to the parking lot, where I could count the cars on one hand. From the trailhead, the path descended 800 feet into the floodplain of Redwood Creek, where a healthy mix of freshwater, nutrient-rich soil and wind protection has supported this sky-high ecosystem for thousands of years.

Stretching up from a carpet of massive ferns and sorrel, many of the redwoods on the loop exceed 350 feet, and its here that one of the worlds formerly tallest trees, the Libbey Tree, is found. (It was demoted when its top broke off a few decades ago.)

After wandering among the esteemed giants, gawking at oversized burls and fire damage and admiring the trees resilience, my guide pointed to Redwood Creek and indicated we would cross. We replaced our hiking shoes with water shoes and waded across, the icy water stabbing at our feet and ankles.

Ashley Harrell

We hiked a short while before reaching another, faster-moving creek, which was littered with technicolor maple leaves. While it was inarguably lovely, the frigid water, muddy embankments and slippery rocks were challenging to navigate. At times, the water came above the knee (and when the winter rains come, I'm told it goes even higher). I lost sensation in my feet after a while, which was actually preferable to the stabby feeling.



This hike would be hard for most people, I decided, and asked my guide how many times he had visited the tree. This will be number three, he said.

A former Yosemite park ranger, the guide has a keen interest in megatrees, and when a fellow redwood enthusiast discovered the location and offered to take him along, he was game. My guide later showed the tree to a San Francisco Chronicle journalist, and now he was showing it to me.

In arriving at the tree  which required scrambling from the frosty water and over a slick tangle of roots, then over a massive tree trunk  I understood why my guide hadnt returned more frequently.

Ashley Harrell

The tree was, well, just another redwood. A super tall, burn-scarred, leafy, branchy redwood, surrounded by others very much like it. I clambered up to the base, which was about 15 feet across. I hiked around it. The guide took my picture with the tree.

Hyperion has stood approximately 600 years in this spot. In 1978, it apparently came within weeks of being felled by a logging company, but Jimmy Carter expanded the boundaries of the park just in time.

The most interesting aspects of this scientific marvel, I decided, could be read about and talked about. But they could not be seen, at least not from here on the ground. As the trunk extends toward the sky it tapers dramatically before entering a thick cluster of branches and greenery from neighboring trees, which fully obscures the view of the top.

If youre still thinking you need to visit Hyperion, to check a box or cross something off your bucket list, I have additional bad news. There are whispers of taller trees than Hyperion, trees that scientists have stopped naming to keep them from becoming targets of visitation.

There has also been talk of trees growing faster than Hyperion that could surpass it. And isnt that always how it goes, a new record, a new champion, just around the corner?

Heres something to keep in mind: If you come to Redwood National Park, if you stay on the trails and leave no trace as you admire all of these ancient and magnificent trees, you will have not only visited  but helped preserve  the worlds tallest ecosystem.

WASHINGTON, D.C.  Lawmakers from Oregon say that they are safe after demonstrators breached the Capitol building on Wednesday, and Senator Jeff Merkeley says that the subject of Wednesday's session  the Electoral College ballots from all U.S. states  are also safe.

The House and Senate met in a joint session on Wednesday to ratify the Electoral College votes decided by voters in the November election. As anticipated, a group of Republican lawmakers objected the outcome in Arizona, leading the two chambers to break up in order to debate the objections.

I am safe, and thank you to all who have reached out in concern. It's been a truly dark day at the U.S. Capitol. I was able to give Oregon reporters an update on the situation at the Capitol a short while ago. You can listen to the audio of my update here: https://t.co/GPxFn4cnGk  Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) January 6, 2021

It was during this debate that pro-Trump protesters pushed through police blockades and broke into the Capitol, causing a lockdown of the building. Representatives and Senators were whisked away to "secure locations." Photos show some officers barricading the doors of the House chamber and drew guns on groups that were trying to break through, in addition to pro-Trump demonstrators roaming the Senate chamber.

Despite the rapid retreat, Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon shared a photo showing the official Electoral ballots, saying that they were rescued from the Senate floor.

"If our capable floor staff hadnt grabbed them, they would have been burned by the mob," Merkley said in a tweet.

Sen. Merkley later confirmed that he was safe, calling the situation a "dark day" at the U.S. Capitol. Senator Ron Wyden likewise said that he and his staff were safe and sheltering in a secure location.

"As a steadfast defender of the First Amendment, I will always support peaceful protest even if I disagree with the views that are expressed. This is far from peaceful protest," Wyden said.

Newly sworn-in Congressman Cliff Bentz, representing Oregon's 2nd District, also denounced the actions of those who stormed the Capitol.

"Peaceful protest is essential to our society. Violent protest is not. I urge all to respect the Capitol Police and allow Congress to resume deliberation in the electoral process," Bentz tweeted.

Merkley placed the blame for the day's events of President Donald Trump's endorsement of conspiracy theories regarding the November election, and a lack of strong bipartisan rebuke to those theories  creating a narrative that is "completely apart from reality" for an increasingly furious segment of the population.
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Donald Trump is likely to have many epithets attached to his name, among them is likely to be the worst loser in US presidential history.

Not only has his final effort to overturn the 2020 election failed, the challenge by his allies to the electoral college count in Congress also fell flat, as predicted.

Just as his earlier efforts also foundered when the Supreme Court rejected Texass lawsuit to throw out the results in four swing states.

It is to be hoped that his infamous and shameful attempts to undermine the will of the people will never be repeated.

His antics look like they have played a considerable role in returning the Senate to the control of Democrats, judging by results in Georgia.

Democrat challenger Raphael Warnock becomes the first black senator to represent the state of Georgia. Though the race between Jon Ossoff and one-term senator David Perdue was too close to call, Mr Ossoff has claimed victory.

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During four years in office, Mr Trump has violated political norms, attacked democratic institutions, sought to discredit government agencies, championed baseless conspiracy theories and been impeached by the House. It is quite a list. Small wonder there have been legitimate concerns voiced that his scorched-earth effort to invalidate the outcome amounts to a new level of reckless political irresponsibility.

This dangerous game of trampling all over revered democratic norms was carried out in spite of election officials and his own former attorney general agreeing there were no problems on a scale that could change the outcome.

All the states certified their results as fair and accurate, by Republican and Democratic officials alike. The limitless extent to which Mr Trump was prepared to go to pursue his personal agenda, is also without precedent.

This weeks disclosure he bullied and threatened Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, in an hour-long private phone call, marked a new low in a downward spiral, which began almost as soon as he assumed office.

His brazen order to Mr Raffensperger to find thousands of votes that do not exist was a mortal insult  not just to US voters, but to all who respect democracy around the world, and who looked to the US as its protector.

For all these reasons, the likely return of the Senate to Democratic control is a fitting rebuke to Mr Trump. Irresponsible and self-serving to the end, he summonsed thousands of supporters to Washington for rallies despite the pandemic.

His baseless, hollow assertion the presidential election was stolen from him will be seen for what it is, a discredited and inglorious last stand.

Perhaps this last temper tantrum can be forgotten on the grounds he will soon be out of the Oval Office.

However, his fellow Republicans will have a lot of work to do to repair the damage done by facilitating and even endorsing the shameless charade for so long on Capitol Hill.
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Website nordwest-zeitung.de uses latest and advanced technologies. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 67288 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS. The main html page has a size of 443707 bytes (433.31 kb uncompressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-01-07, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.
Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is blaming President Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection at the Capitol.

Romney, the GOPs 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of Trumps, said the violent breach of the Capitol on Wednesday was due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months.

To see the latest updates, check here.

The Utah senator said those who continue to support Trumps dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy.

Romney ridiculed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans who want an audit of the election results: Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the president will continue to claim the election was stolen.

The simple truth, Romney said, is that President-elect (Joe) Biden won this election. President Trump lost.
New York: Shortly before leaving the White House on Wednesday morning for the Ellipse, a park near the White House, where a stage had been set up for him to address supporters, US President Donald Trump had a word with Vice-President Mike Pence.

Pence repeated what he had told Trump a day earlier: that when he went to Capitol Hill in a few hours to oversee the tallying of the electoral votes that would certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory, he would not have the power to do what the President wanted and overturn the results. Pence was planning to release a letter soon explaining that.

President Donald Trump addresses a rally protesting at the presidential election results on the Ellipse, with the White House in the background, in Washington on Wednesday. Credit:Pete Marovich/The New York Times

Trump listened, and stewed and chastised Pence as soft. He was sombre as he got into the presidential motorcade for the short ride over to the Ellipse, where he made clear in his roughly 70-minute speech that he was furious with Pence and that he wanted the people gathered on the Mall to go to the Capitol immediately afterwards in protest at what he falsely claimed was a stolen election.

With his loyal No.2 no longer so loyal in his eyes and with Congress poised to spend the day brushing aside the protests he had nurtured about the Electoral College outcome, Trump urged his supporters to take another step to back him.


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Malawi remains one of the worlds least developed countries, with few resources to build efficient fixed-line telecom infrastructure. As a result, the countrys two mobile networks provide the vast majority of connections for voice and data services.

Both Airtel Malawi and TMN have invested in LTE to improve data services, and by September 2019 TMNs entire network had been upgraded to LTE. Nevertheless, this market duopoly has resulted in relatively high prices for services, prompting the government in late 2020 to call for a new license to be issued in a bid to improve market competition.

Mobile penetration remains low in comparison to the regional average and so there are considerable opportunities for further growth, particularly in the mobile broadband sector.

The internet sector is reasonably competitive, with about 50 licensed ISPs, though the limited availability and high cost of international bandwidth has held back growth and kept broadband access prices among the highest in the region. These limitations are being addressed, with national fibre backbone nearing completion and improved access to international submarine cables via a transit link from neighbouring countries.

BuddeComm notes that the outbreak of the Coronavirus in 2020 is having a significant impact on production and supply chains globally. During the coming year the telecoms sector to various degrees is likely to experience a downturn in mobile device production, while it may also be difficult for network operators to manage workflows when maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure. Overall progress towards 5G may be postponed or slowed down in some countries.

On the consumer side, spending on telecoms services and devices is under pressure from the financial effect of large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. However, the crucial nature of telecom services, both for general communication as well as a tool for home-working, will offset such pressures. In many markets the net effect should be a steady though reduced increased in subscriber growth.

Although it is challenging to predict and interpret the long-term impacts of the crisis as it develops, these have been acknowledged in the industry forecasts contained in this report.

The report also covers the responses of the telecom operators as well as government agencies and regulators as they react to the crisis to ensure that citizens can continue to make optimum use of telecom services. This can be reflected in subsidy schemes and the promotion of tele-health and tele-education, among other solutions.

Key developments:

President of Malawi calls for a third mobile licence to be awarded;

New SIM cards required registration process;

Government begins review of the National ICT policy and the Malawi Digital Broadcasting policy;

Regulator uses USF to install mobile towers in rural areas, to be leased to Airtel Malawi and MTL for a fee;

Airtel Malawi completes an IPO;

MTL switches off its CDMA network;

World Bank provides $72.4 million to help Malawi engage in the digital economy;

Reserve Bank of Malawi reports on m-payment progress for Q2 2020;

Regulator leans on Universal Access Fund to improve mobile services to rural areas;

Report updates include recent market developments, regulators market report for 2018, operator data to Q2 2020, assessment of the global impact of COVID-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.

Get a Full Copy of this Report

Developing Telecoms market report summaries are produced in partnership with BuddeCom, the worlds largest continually updated online telecommunications research service.

The above article is a summary of the following BuddeCom report:

Report title: Malawi - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Edition: October 2020

Analyst: Henry Lancaster

Contributing Analyst: Peter Lange

Number of pages: 71

Companies mentioned in this report: Malawi Telecommunications (MTL), Access Communications (ACL), Bharti Airtel (Zain, Celtel), Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM), G-Mobile (GAIN), Celcom, ESCOM, MalawiNet, MTL Online, Skyband, Globe Internet, Broadmax, Burco

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Via a tweet on Wednesday, San Antonio state Rep. Diego Bernal pointed out Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's silence on social media after a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol.

During and after the siege Wednesday, Texas lawmakers on both sides of the aisle condemned the president's supporters for storming the Capitol, forcing congressional members into hiding and to flee the building. The lawmakers were in the process of certifying President-elect Joe Biden's win in November when the mob broke into the building.
Although they are avid supporters of President Donald Trump, local legislators said Wednesday that they do not like the violence at the protest in Washington over the 2020 election.

I plead with the crowds in Washington to remain peaceful, to respect the Capitol ground, the police and federal agencies on the ground in Washington, D.C., said state Rep. Joe Kerwin, R-125. Violence is never the answer for political disagreements.

State Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, also said the demonstrators have gone too far in their actions.

There is no place for what were seeing right now, the former Schuylkill County commissioner said. This behavior is dangerous.

The pro-Trump protests disrupted the Senates consideration of the election results and objections made to them. The Senate had been expected to certify former Vice President Joe Biden as the winner of the election and enable him to take the oath of office Jan. 20 as the countrys 46th president.

Protesters even entered the Capitol.

State Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, said the protest was a far cry from a pro-Trump rally he had attended in Wilkes-Barre. He said that event was no trouble at all, and that such rallies, which the president has often hosted, were anything but violent.

Theyve always been safe, fun events, Twardzik said.

State Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, the other member of the countys state legislative delegation, said the protesters went too far.

I support the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Argall said. But what I saw Wednesday afternoon is just plain wrong. Theres a big difference between peaceful protest and breaking and entering, destruction and chaos.

Kerwin said the protest runs counter to the Republican Partys principles and could be counterproductive.

As Americans, we have more in common that unites us than divides us, and we need to start acting like that, he said. I believe that any sort of violence, vandalism and lawlessness directed on behalf of the president and the Republican Party does great harm to the presidents legacy and the conservative movement.

Argall said he does not want anything like this to occur again.

I hope I never, ever see this again, he said.
MAIZEVILLE  The manifestation of God made man in Jesus Christ was celebrated Wednesday in Eastern Rite Catholic and most Eastern Orthodox churches as the faithful observed the Feast of the Theophany of Our Lord.

Divine Liturgies were celebrated on the holy day on Jan. 6 or on the vigil, with the previous day one of fast and abstinence.

The Rev. Petro Zvarych, pastor, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Maizeville on Wednesday after having celebrated the vigil at St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in Frackville on Tuesday.

 Christ is baptized, and our response is, In the River Jordan,  Zvarych said, reciting the greeting to others for the day. He also spoke it in Ukrainian.

Today we gather together to celebrate the day God made his appearance at the moment the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him (Jesus Christ) and a voice from above said, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased,  Zvarych said in his homily. This event is called Theophany because when our Lord was baptized, God appeared in the Holy Trinity.

The heavens opened and there appeared the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thats what the word Theophany means, which is appearance of God. 

The Solemnity of the Theophany of Our Lord is a major feast in Eastern Christianity that celebrates the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by St. John the Baptist.

The importance of the event, described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, involves the first public manifestation of the Holy Trinity to mankind.

In Western Christianity, Wednesday marked the Feast of the Epiphany, when the Magi came to visit Jesus and present gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Originally, the feast in the Catholic Church also included the Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ (Christmas), the appearance of the Magi and also the wedding feast at Cana  the appearances of God.

Gradually, the feast of Christmas/Nativity was moved in the West to Dec. 25, and the Western church accepted the visit by the Magi on Jan. 6, which is why the Feast of the Three Kings is celebrated on the 12th day of Christmas.

At the conclusion of the liturgy, The Great Blessing of Jordan Water ceremony was held.

Zvarych was assisted by parishioners Tom Smolock, John Kostingo and John Smolock, who each held a trikiri, a liturgical candlestick with three lighted candles joined at the base.

The men held the trikiri during the service. During the ceremony, Zvarych took a lighted trikiri, made the sign of the cross with it over the water-filled baptismal font, then turned it over and put it in the font, extinguishing the flames.

He repeated the ritual with the other trikiri.

After additional prayers, Zvarych leaned forward and blew on the water three times, then dipped his right hand into the water and made the sign of the cross three times, then held a crucifix and dipped it three times into the water.

After Zvarych walked through the church to sprinkle the Jordan Water on the congregants using an aspergillum, people came up to fill containers they had brought to take home the Jordan Water.
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BUDAPEST: Hungary is proposing extending remote learning for secondary schools beyond next Monday due to high coronavirus infections and uncertainties over a new variant of the virus that first emerged in the United Kingdom, a state secretary said.

Zoltan Maruzsa told an online briefing on Thursday that Prime Minister Viktor Orbans government would make a decision about the extension on Friday, adding however that classroom teaching in secondary schools was unlikely to resume next week.

We decided to be cautious, the safety of human lives is the most important thing now," Maruzsa said.

The government will decide tomorrow, but I am asking schools to prepare for in-person teaching not to start again on Jan. 11."

Since Nov. 11 all secondary schools have been closed as have hotels and restaurants except for takeaway meals, a 1900 GMT curfew has been in place, and all gatherings have been banned.

These measures had been due to expire on Monday. The government will decide on Friday whether to extend them.

As of Thursday, Hungary had reported 334,836 COVID-19 cases and 10,325 deaths. More than 5,000 people are in hospital, down from earlier peaks, but fresh data shows new infections rising again.

Hungary has not detected the variant of the coronavirus found in Britain yet, surgeon general Cecilia Muller told the briefing.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
Bargain Storage

Business Property Trust celebrated numerous achievements across its proven portfolio of self-storage and covered RV storage properties in 2020, recording rave reviews from customers and community organizations despite the global pandemic.

The company now owns and operates 11 properties in Arizona and Texas, many of which received valuable recognition during a challenging year from key industry organizations, online influencers and niche publications.

Our core values, strong culture and creative vision are clearly resonating for all the right reasons, said Barry Raber, president and chief executive officer of Business Property Trust. I couldnt be prouder of our success in 2020 and look forward to growing our brand recognition in 2021.

Here are some of the highlights for the company and its flagship divisions, Bargain Storage and Carefree Covered RV Storage, during the past year:

High company scores from Google, Glassdoor and others: Nothing says more about a brand than what customers and employees think of it.

Bargain Storage earned more than 500 five-star reviews in 2020, securing a 4.9-star average on Google reviews, with customers frequently noting excellent customer service, caring staff, clean facilities and upgraded security features.

Bargain Storage also conducted its first companywide annual survey, asking customers how likely they would be to refer a friend or family member to the business. Fully 81% of respondents would promote Bargain Storage, earning an NPS score of 74  which is nearly double the industry average.

Meanwhile, employees gave Bargain Storage 4.8 stars out of five on Glassdoor, a website that allows workers to rank businesses anonymously. Among reviews, 96% of respondents would recommend the company to a friend as a great place to work.

Standout success in Fort Worth: Five organizations recognized Fort Worth Bargain Storage for its standout performance. The Fort Worth location was one of 11 businesses to receive the 2020 Central Texas Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics, earning recognition for its impressive reviews, customer service and emphasis on developing team chemistry among employees. The location also earned favorable rankings from websites Top Rated Local, StorageUnits.com, ThreeBestRated.com and Expertise.com.

Big in Texas: Bargain Storages locations in Dallas, DeSoto and Plano all made key listings in the self-storage industry for Top Rated Local, while Dallas, Plano and the recently sold Houston location earned honors from StorageUnits.com. The company also acquired its newest location, in Wylie, in May 2020.

Rising Arizona: Bargain Storages two Glendale locations ranked in the top three across all facilities in Glendale, according to website Top Rated Local. The facilities also received recognition from Expertise.com and LocalBest.com, which selected Glendale for its 2020 Top 5 award. The Phoenix location also earned recognition from website Top Rated Local, StorageUnits.com and ThreeBestRated.com. Meanwhile, Youngtown Bargain Storage is featured in the January 2021 edition of the Youngtown Village Reporter.

In the news: Upstart business venture Carefree Covered RV Storage, which acquired its first property in fall 2019, was featured in the East Valley Courier Newspaper in Arizona. The company in Nov. 2020 acquired its second location, in Chandler, Arizona, which included 594 covered, enclosed or open-air parking spots. It is now undergoing $4 million in planned improvements.

National exposure: Bargain Storage in 2020 cracked Inside Self-Storages top 100 list for most square footage as one of the industrys leading players. And Raber, the company president, has been selected by Top 100 Magazine to be featured in an upcoming edition of its Top 100 People in Real Estate Magazine.

--

Business Property Trust, LLC, is a niche real estate investment firm located in Portland, Oregon. The company, founded in 1999, purchases and operates self-storage through its Bargain Storage brand and covered recreational vehicle parking through Carefree Covered RV Storage.
Perched atop their tractors, protesting farmers moved out of the protest site as speakers on their vehicles belted out music keeping their spirits high. Others lined the path providing the fellow farmers with supplies, including peanuts, fritters, tea, and newspapers

A cacophony of rumbling engines, Punjabi tunes and rousing slogans filled the air as rows of tractors took over the roads at the Singhu border for the protest march by farmers on Thursday.

Thousands of farmers who have been protesting at the Delhi-Haryana borders for over 40 days took out a tractor march to strengthen their agitation against the new farm laws.

The tractor march started from four different points -- Singhuto Tikri Border, Tikri to Kundli, Ghazipurto Palwal and Rewasan to Palwal.

"The government has been hosting meeting after meeting. They know what we want. We want the laws to be repealed, but all we get are futile talks. With this rally we want to give them a glimpse of what we can do, and what we will do on January 26.

"Today the rally is happening on the periphery of Delhi, but when our farmer leaders decide that we need to enter the capital, we will do that," said Harjinder Singh from Punjab's Hoshiarpur.

Perched on their tractors, protesting farmers moved out of the protest site, and speakers on their vehicles belted out music keeping their spirits high. Some of tractors participating in the march were seen with national flags.

Other protestors lined the path providing their fellow farmers with all kinds of supplies, including peanuts, fritters, tea, and newspapers.

"We are the sons of soil. If the laws are passed, we will starve to death. This rally is our way of telling the government that we will not give up unless it gives in to our demands," said Jaspal Singh Deol from Punjab's Chamkaur Sahib.

According to Navpal Singh from Jalandhar, the rally was a show of farmers' might and strength.

"This rally is to show the government our strength and number, and educate people of the country about what we are doing, and why we are doing it.

"A lot of people who are not from farming families think that these laws will only affect the farmers, but it's important they know that if passed these laws are going to have an impact on every citizen of the country," he said.

Meanwhile, the crowd thinned at the Singhu Border, the main protest site, but life continued as usual.

Langars kept dishing out meals, and medical camps distributed medicines to all those who stayed back, particularly the elderly and the women. Logs for burning have been brought in huge quantities to keep people warm in the chilling temperatures.

Braving severe cold and sporadic rains, thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and some other parts of the country have been camping at several Delhi border points for over 40 days, demanding repeal of the farm laws, a legal guarantee on minimum support price for their crops and other two issues.

Enacted in September, the three farm laws have been projected by the Centre as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove the middlemen and allow farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country.

However, the protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of the MSP and do away with the "mandi" (wholesale market) system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates.

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Calling Rahul Gandhi a warrior for standing up against the Modi government, the Shiv Sena on Thursday said "rulers in Delhi" are afraid of the Congress leader.

An editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamana also said it was a good thing that Rahul Gandhi is becoming the Congress president.

"The rulers in Delhi fear Rahul Gandhi. Had it not been so, campaigns to discredit the Gandhi family would not have been carried out," the editorial said.

"A dictator is afraid even if one man is against him, and if this lone warrior is honest, the fear increases by a hundred times. The Delhi rulers' fear of Rahul Gandhi is in this category," editorial said.

It is a good thing that Rahul Gandhi is becoming the Congress president again, the Sena mouthpiece said. "One must accept that BJP has no alternative to Narendra Modi and Congress has no alternative to Rahul Gandhi, the Sena said.

"Despite propagating that Rahul Gandhi is a weak leader, he is still standing and attacking the government at every opportunity he gets," it said. The Opposition will, at some point, rise from the ashes like the Phoenix," it added.

Shiv Sena's praise for Rahul Gandhi comes a fortnight after Sena MP Sanjay Raut called for expanding the scope of the Congress-led UPA bloc, saying the Opposition should unite against the "dictatorial attitude" of the Centre and provide a "formidable alternative" to the Modi government.

Ahead of next month's Aurangabad Municipal Corporation elections, the Sena and Congress, partners in the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in Maharashtra, have been at loggerheads over a demand to rename that city.

While the Sena wants Aurangabad renamed Sambhajinagar after a Maratha warrior, many state Congress leaders have opposed this move.
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Members of the Swat team patrol and secure the Statuary Hall before Vice President Mike Pence makes his way into the House Chamber, at the US Capitol in Washington on Jan. 7, 2021. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

Pipe Bombs Found in Republican, Democratic Headquarters in DC: Officials

Police in Washington D.C. confirmed late on Wednesday that explosives were located near the U.S. Capitol in the midst of protests and as people stormed the complex.

D.C.s Metropolitan Police Department said it recovered a pipe bomb from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and another one from the Republican National Committee (RNC), said Chief Robert Contee in a press conference.

Molotov cocktails were also found in a vehicle on the Capitol grounds, Contee said.

The FBI confirmed that two explosive devices were found.

Two suspected explosive devices were rendered safe by the FBI and our law enforcement partners. The investigation is ongoing, the agency told The Epoch Times.

Earlier, the FBI said, Along with our law enforcement partners, FBI Washington Field Office responded to reports of suspicious devices. The investigation is ongoing  The FBI has been deployed to assist our U.S. Capitol Police partners as requested in protection of federal property and public safety.

Officials told news outlets that at least four died in the midst of the chaos, including a woman who was shot by a U.S. Capitol Police officer. Officials are now reviewing the matter.

A group of protesters enter the Senate Chamber in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Contee, in the news conference, offered his condolences to the family of the woman who died, Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt.

Security initially was handled almost entirely alone by the U.S. Capitol Police, a 2,000-member force under the control of Congress and dedicated to protecting the 126-acre Capitol Grounds. For reasons that remained unclear as of early Thursday, other arms of the U.S. federal governments vast security apparatus did not arrive in force for hours as rioters besieged the seat of Congress.

A U.S. defense official said Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser requested National Guard troops at around 2 p.m. That was about 45 minutes after the protesters had breached the first barricade. Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller activated the full D.C. National Guard at about 2:30, the official said.

Joe Biggs, a Proud Boys organizer, said more than 65 members of his group attended the protests but that he did not know whether any of them entered the Capitol building. He said he advised other Proud Boys to stay inside and avoid confrontations with police.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a curfew from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday for the city. Virginias Ralph Northam also announced a State of Emergency for the Commonwealth and put Arlington and Alexandria under a curfew.

The Virginia and Maryland National Guards were also called in.

Zachary Stieber and Reuters contributed to this report.
On Wednesday, we saw dramatic evidence of the consequences of Sen. Rob Portmans and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordans support for President Donald Trump, as a Trump mob attacked our nations Capitol. Portman and Jordan have enabled a president who is destroying our democracy as he encouraged a mob to march on the bedrock of our democracy -- the Capitol, where our elected representatives were counting the votes to determine the next president. Portman and Jordans support of Trump, their working to reelect this would-be despot, their silence when he has encouraged other attacks on democracy -- all have come back to haunt us.

Remember the Trump mob ransacking our nations Capitol when Portman and Jordan are up for reelection.

Mary Behm,

Oberlin
A group of farmers disrupted the speech of BJP MLA Vikram Saini while he was enumerating the feats and the schemes of the government at a kisan mela (farmers fair) at Khatauli town of Muzaffarnagar on Wednesday and told him bluntly that they were not interested in the achievements of the BJP government,claimed Bharatiya Kisan Unions (BKU) former Muzaffarnagar district president Raju Ahlawat.

He claimed that he came to know about the incident from a number of farmers who attended the fair. We have come here to listen to things about farmers and not the achievements, said the group of farmers according to Ahlawat. Later, the group of farmers was pacified by administrative and agriculture officials present there, he claimed.

Saini, the legislator from Khatauli assembly seat who was the chief guest at the event, however, claimed that nobody opposed him. He further claimed that there were only two farmers who raised the issues related to their bank loans and power bills. A number of farmers attended the kisan mela.

The MLA said he spoke about the issues which were related to farmers and mainly focused on how farmers could double their income by adopting modern technology in farming.

I am simply an MLA of the party and therefore cant say much about farm laws. Top party leaders understand these issues better, he added.

Ahlawat described the new farm laws as a death warrant for farmers and said that the anger against BJP leaders was growing in the entire western UP.

The controversial farm laws have united farmers and they are fighting together to oppose them, said Ahlawat.

Jagdish Singh, pradhan of Chabaria village in Meerut district, also endorsed Ahlawats claim that anger among the farmers was growing. On the other hand, MLA Saini claimed that farmers of the region were happy with the BJP.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
Labor has demanded Prime Minister Scott Morrison bring government MPs spreading disinformation about the US presidential election into line, saying they are undermining democracy.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also wants Mr Morrison to leverage his strong relationship with Donald Trump to tell him to respect the democratic processes after the President stepped up his unproven claims of voter fraud and threats of legal action.

Coalition MPs including Matt Canavan and George Christensen have been posting unproven claims about US voter fraud on social media. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

A result in the election is coming down to narrowing votes in a handful of states, with Democratic contender Joe Biden edging ahead.

In a statement to reporters at the White House, Mr Trump claimed the election was being stolen from him, complained about opinion polls and threatened to take legal action. Fact checks, including by this masthead and Associated Press, found these claims were fabricated.
French President Emmanuel Macrons top adviser Emmanuel Bonne and Indias National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will on Thursday hold an annual strategic dialogue that is expected to review the progress made over a 10,000-megawatt nuclear power plant to be set up in Maharashtra and the construction of six diesel-electric submarines under the Indian Navys P-75I programme, people aware of the developments said.

The two top advisers will also discuss improving maritime security and developments in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the context of Chinas aggressive moves along the Line of Actual Control, they said.

Bonne, President Macrons diplomatic adviser, is expected to call on PM Narendra Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishankar, and meet foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Friday. The two sides will hold discussions on wide-ranging bilateral and global issues, the external affairs ministry said in a statement ahead of the strategic dialogue that will seek to reinforce deep ties between the two countries. France has been one of Indias most reliable partners in Europe for years but the two countries inched closer over the last few years, leading to a defence deal for 36 Rafale aircraft. When French defence minister Florence Parly was in India last year in the context of the induction of the fighter jets in the Indian Air Force, she and defence minister Rajnath Singh agreed to stick to the Rafale template of government-to-government deals for future defence purchases.

India is expected to sign a $2.5-billion contract this year for 56 medium-transport aircraft under the Make in India initiative. India is also looking at the acquisition of six Airbus 330 multi-role transport tanker aircraft for expanding the IAFs strike capability through latest mid-air refuellers as well as the Safran aircraft engines under the Make in India programme. The jet engines which are used by Dassault Aviation for the Rafale jets could be used to power the twin-engine advanced multi-role combat aircraft developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) till it develops its own version.

An official said that France responded positively to New Delhis concerns about access of military technology to countries which have adversarial relations with India, a reference to Pakistan. France has decided against helping Pakistan upgrade its fleet of Mirage fighter jets, air defence system and Agosta 90B class submarines, a decision that was timed after Prime Minister Imran Khans loud criticism of French President Macron. Around the same time, France also conveyed to Qatar, which had earlier bought Rafale jets for its air force, not to allow any Pakistan-origin technicians near the aircraft for maintenance.

Pakistan watchers said that it was on account of the French governments restrictive approach that the Mirage 3 and Mirage 5 fighter jets in Pakistan air forces inventory did not participate in last months joint aerial exercises, Eagle-IX, involving the Chinese and Pakistan air force. Doval and Bonne are also expected to discuss Indias other neighbour, China, in some detail, particularly given French concerns around Beijing attempting to flex muscles in the Indo-Pacific region. China has, for instance, been trying to get people in the French island group of New Caledonia to vote for independence in three referendums being held to decide its future. This island group with an area of 18,575 sq km, located in the South Pacific east of Australia, is one of the 16 overseas territories of France that are home to 1.5 million French citizens.

In October last year, France formalised its interest in the Indo-Pacific when President Macron appointed Christophe Penot, one of his countrys most senior diplomats as the first French envoy for the Indo-Pacific. As part of this focus, France has forged new initiatives such as the trilateral dialogue launched with India and Australia in September last to enhance cooperation and strengthen multilateralism in the region.
A former employee of a Mercedes Benz facility in Spain wrecked close to 50 brand-new vehicles parked in a private parking lot. The 38-year-old man who was earlier fired from his job allegedly destroyed new vans which are estimated to have caused around $6 million in damages.

On December 31, the unnamed former worker stole a JCB and drove 21 km to the factory which is located on an industrial estate in Spains Basque capital Vitoria-Gasteiz. He then went on to destroy around 50 brand-new cars, which were parked outside the assembly line.

According to Daily Mail report, the damaged vans included high-end Mercedes-Benz V class vehicles, along with a number of electric eVitos which recently came out of assembly line. Luckily there were no injuries in this incident as it took place when there were not many people present on site other than a few security and maintenance personnel.

Photos from the site are doing rounds on social media which show the extent of the damage he unleashed. Among the photos is a door razed to the ground, while several others show cars crushed in the violent attack. The news report also mentioned that a security guard had to fire a warning shot in the air to get the man to stop. The guard did not take any direct action while waiting for the police to arrive.

Officials are currently investigating the attack and the local police have said that the suspect worked at the site between 2016 and 2017. Officers in Vitoria have arrested a man aged 38 who stole a JCB from one firm and smashed it into 50 parked vehicles, a spokesperson for the local police said. The suspect has been held on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

Also Watch:

Mercedes-Benz Spain has not said anything on the issue and are yet to release an official statement. However, going by the photos of the carnage it looks like deliveries of Mercedes V-Class, Vito, e-Vito and EQV vehicles shall be delayed since the company will have to rebuild these vans from scratch.
Rep. Susan Wild was sitting in the House gallery Wednesday afternoon, listening to objections about Arizonas electoral count, when Capitol Police sent out a security alert.

Everybody was to remain where they were and keep doors locked and be quiet, the Lehigh Valley Democrat said in a phone interview Wednesday evening. After that, she heard a commotion in the hallway outside the gallery, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader, were quickly taken off the floor.

What soon unfolded was captured in a chilling photo of Wild lying on her back on the chamber floor, terrified, while a colleague, Colorado Democrat Jason Crow, offered an outstretched hand. The picture quickly became one of the most memorable images of the chaos and terror as a mob stormed the Capitol and angry insurgents burst inside.

Wild and other members of the House were instructed to remain in place and stay calm, and to pull out the gas masks stashed under their seats because tear gas was going to be deployed at some point.

Then they were told to evacuate.

The mood just completely changed, she said. People were shouting over each other, so its really hard to understand what people were saying.

She was among a group of about 20 people who were the last in line to leave. They maneuvered between narrow rows of seats, while holding on to their gas masks.

All of a sudden, the last group of us were told to get down, that we couldnt evacuate because there was a new disturbance out in the hallway, Wild said. And right after we were told to get down I started hearing shots and breaking glass and didnt really know what was going on, except that it was terrifying.

While she was in the gallery, Wild had called her son and asked him to put his sister on the phone as well. I wasnt anxious to let them know that I was in a dangerous situation, but I wasnt sure what was going to happen next, and felt the need to talk to them, she said. Later, she learned they had heard shots and breaking glass in the background.

The situation was terrifying. And made the more so, because it seemed as though the police were very much outnumbered, Wild said. From my vantage point, it seems like we did not have nearly enough police on the House floor. There wasnt even one policeman at every door when this first all came down.

She didnt get back up off the floor until they were told the door had been secured, and to get out as quickly as possible.

I dont know how much time elapsed, she said. I completely lost sense of time.

Wild and others were then led by police down steps and through a series of hallways, shepherded to a safe location with a lot of guards outside the door.

Since then, her fear has given way to anger and fatigue. Wild said Wednesday evening she was in a room with 300 other people  many of whom are refusing to wear masks, and who are being very accusatory toward the Democrats about why this all happened. She said she couldnt disclose the location of the room, but that it feels like its a COVID super-spreader event.

Im very, very worried for how we will move forward after this, how we will ever feel safe, she said. She had been looking forward to the day visitors could return to the Capitol in the wake of the pandemic, and God only knows when that will happen again. So that makes me very sad.

Wild said she didnt know when she and others would be released from the room, despite police announcing that the Capitol had been cleared.

We still have to finish the Electoral College process, she said. (The count resumed later Wednesday night.)

After the days tumultuous events, she said, its hard to imagine leaving the Capitol grounds and going home.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday demanded that Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh resign for allegedly implementing the three controversial farm laws in the state despite the protesting against it.

Addressing a press conference, AAP national spokesperson and its Punjab units co-incharge Raghav Chadha alleged that Punjab minister of food and civil supplies Bharat Bhushan Ashu told the media that the state had opened its doors for farmers from neighbouring regions to sell their produce.

In a press conference, the Punjab minister clearly said the three farm laws have been implemented in the state. He also mentioned how all produce is being bought and sold as per the new laws. There cannot be a bigger fraud, a bigger betrayal than this, Chadha said.

However, in an interview to news agency ANI, Capt Singh labelled as false reports that Punjab has implemented the farm laws. The ministers statement had been mischievously twisted by one newspaper, which others picked up without verifying the facts, he said.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. and BAY COUNTY, Fla., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bay Economic Development Alliance (Bay EDA) and Gulf Coast State College partners with local manufacturers to bring a program to the Northwest Florida region that grows highly skilled manufacturing talent.

The Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) is a national work-study program that develops global entry-level multi-craft maintenance technicians. It is through the collective efforts of multiple community partners including but not limited to Trane Technologies, Gulf Coast State College, Bay EDA, and CareerSource Gulf Coast, the Gulf Coast FAME Chapter is established. The Gulf Coast FAME Chapter strives to ensure that our local industry continues to recruit the talent needed to support operations.

In 2010, the first FAME Chapter was established in Kentucky to support local manufacturing operations. From there, chapters have grown to over thirty locations throughout the United States. Recently, FAME was recognized by the Brookings Institute for the impressive participant success after graduation. Their study found that FAME graduates earned 63% more than non-FAME graduates who had similar education experiences and similar careers.

For the Gulf Coast FAME Chapter, founding companies include Trane Technologies, Berg Pipe, Merrick Industries, Eastern Shipbuilding, ACMT, EPS, Maritech Machine, and others. Over time, this program is designed to create a pipeline of broadly trained individuals who can transition to full-time employment upon graduation. For participating companies, this program will become a critical pipeline for attracting skilled talent into their advanced manufacturing operations.

The program recruits students and pairs them with a sponsoring company to complete a two-year apprenticeship program. During the program, students receive formal classroom training two days per week and work onsite at their sponsoring company three days a week.

Participants in the FAME program can be recent high school graduates, military members transitioning to the workforce, or individuals looking to move into a new career path. The FAME program is designed to give students hands-on experience while also providing formal educational credentials. The program has focuses on professional presence skills, lean manufacturing acumen, as well as formal technical capabilities. The starting cohort of students will be recruited throughout Spring 2021 and will begin the FAME program in Fall 2021.

Trane Technologies, a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient environments, recognized is a founding member in the Gulf Coast FAME Chapter. According to Brad Van Haitsma, Plant Manager of the Lynn Haven Trane CHVAC location, "The FAME program definitely fills a void that traditional college programs cannot while setting participants up for high paying, skilled work that can be applied to many different industries. Combining strong character and work ethic with having tangible, relevant skills like the ones taught in this FAME program are the skills that will provide the participants with building blocks to make their own careers successful. I look forward to sponsoring participants and watching their career aspirations come true as they learn new skills and apply them in our facility."

Gulf Coast FAME is currently recruiting manufactures who are interested in attracting and developing skilled talent into their manufacturing operations and students to participate in the first cohort. Interested manufacturers should reach out to the Bay EDA (Garrett Wright at [email protected]) or Tara Beck at [email protected] for more information.

Students interested in starting a rewarding manufacturing career should visit https://fame-usa.com/ to sign-up to receive updates and information. Gulf Coast FAME's first two student information sessions will be hosted on January 26 at 1:00 p.m. CST and 7:00 p.m. CST. Registration is open to the public and can be found on Facebook @GulfCoastFAME.

SOURCE Bay Economic Development Alliance

Related Links

https://www.bayeda.com/


1. Yes. The public must have assurances that ethical standards are met by everyone.

2. Yes. As long as an independent board hears the grievances, its a worthwhile idea.

3. No. The concept is too broad. It should be limited to the citys elected officials.

4. No. There are plenty of stipulations in place already. An ordinance is a waste of time.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without seeing how it would be structured and applied.

Vote

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China National Space Administration recently informed that its Tianwen-1 Mars orbiter and rover are speeding toward the Red Planet and preparing to arrive on February 10. Tianwen-1 which translates to "questions to heaven" was launched on a Long March 5 rocket back in July 2020 from Wenchang on Hainan Island. According to CNSA, on January 3, the spacecraft was approximately 130 kilometres from Earth and nearly 8.3 kilometres from Mars.

Now, as all systems are working normally, the spacecraft is expected to enter Mars orbit in February. It will perform a burn of its engines to slow it down enough to be captured by Mars gravitational pull. According to China's CCTV news network, the CNSA has said that Tianwen-1 will be about 190 km away from the Earth when the probe arrives in Mars orbit, after a journey of around 470 million km.

READ: WHO Chief 'disappointed' As Team Probing Virus Origins Denied Entry To China

While speaking to the media outlet, Li Zhencai, deputy commander of the Tianwen-1 Mars probe project with the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) said that the preparations for entering Mars orbit are underway. Li added that the officials plan to complete all the commands and joint exercise with the Beijing Aerospace Control Center before January 24. Further, he added that a court trajectory correction manoeuvre is to be carried out to ensure the spacecraft will be on course for entering Mars orbit.

READ: 'Not Just A Visa Issue': China On Delay In WHO's Planned Mission To Probe COVID-19 Origin

Tianwen-1 to land on NASA's Viking 2 lander site

After entering orbit, the Chinese spacecraft will begin to prepared for a landing attempt of the missions rover. However, the CNSA has stated that the landing wont take place until May. If Tianwen-1 successfully lands on the Red Planet, the rover will investigate the surface soil characteristics and potential water-ice distribution with its Subsurface Exploration Radar Instrument. The rover will also analyse the surface material composition and characteristics of the Martian climate and environment on the surface.

Meanwhile, Tianwen-1 will make a landing on Mars around the same time as NASAs Perseverance rover and the UAEs Hope orbiter. China has isolated an area stretching from Isidis Planitia across to the big volcano Elysium Mons for the landing where NASA's Viking 2 lander touched down in 1976.

According to reports, Chinas rover will operate for at least 90 Martian days. Tianwen-1 orbiter is expected to provide scientific communication links to the rover while it will carry out the observation on the dedicated Mars area for one Martian year, which is approximately 687 days on the earth.

READ: China Reacts To US Support For Taiwan, App Ban

READ: Where Is Jack Ma, China's E-commerce Pioneer?


New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron's top diplomatic advisor, who is in India for talks, has assured his country's support to New Delhi at the United Nations Security Council and also highlighted how Paris did not allow China "play..games".

Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, said that France has not let China play any procedural games regarding the security concern in Kashmir.

"Whether it be on Kashmir, we`ve been supportive of India in the security concern. We haven`t let the Chinese play any kind of procedural games. When it comes to the Himalayas, check our statements, they are perfectly clear. What we say publicly, we say it to the Chinese privately. There is no ambiguity," he said while speaking at an event here on Thursday.

He further called on China to respect international rules and be less aggressive to other nations. "We want China to respect certain rules, we want China to be less aggressive, we want China to understand that we are present in the field, willing and able to defend our interests," he said.

Bonne also asserted the need to be strong enough to not let the Chinese administration develop another set of norms and principles, and the need to be able to counter China by creating a global proposal, which drives China to work within the same framework as other nations. He further said that China does not comply with the rules, certain consequences could be drawn from it.

Earlier in the day, Bonne spoke on India`s two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying that the term will be critical for both Paris and New Delhi to take initiatives related to the Indo-Pacific region and terrorist threats.

"We need India..we want to develop ties with India in a long term approach," he added. India`s tenure at the Security Council formally began on Monday with a flag installation ceremony.Bonne is in India for the annual strategic dialogue between the two countries.

France has always backed India's permanent membership of the council. Earlier this month, India became a non-permanent member of the council for a 2-year term period. Interestingly, bonne was a member of the French team when India was last at the UNSC in the 2011-2012 period.

Asked about Chinese aggressiveness with India, he said, "Let us not go for confrontation and it's much easier to say this from Paris, than from Delhi when you almost have a problem in the Himalayas and when you have Pakistan at your border...When it comes to the Himalayas, just check our statement we are perfectly clear. What we say publicly, we say to the Chinese also privately."

Last year saw the visit of the French Defence Minister to India amid the India China Line of actual control row. She was in India for the induction ceremony of Rafales in the Indian airforce.
Last Saturday, Richard Barnett of Gravette, Ark., criticized Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a Facebook post for using the description "white nationalist" as a "derogatory term."

"I am white. There is no denying that. I am a nationalist. I put my nation first. So that makes me a white nationalist," Barnett wrote on page he maintained under a pseudonym, before adding that people who were not nationalists should "get the f--- out of our nation."

Just four days later, Barnett was photographed sitting with his feet up on a desk in Pelosi's office at the U.S. Capitol - an image that quickly became emblematic of the chaotic storming of the complex by a pro-Trump mob.

Barnett, who is 60 and goes by the nickname "Bigo," identified himself as the intruder in Pelosi's office to New York Times reporter Matthew Rosenberg later on Wednesday, according to a post on Twitter by Rosenberg.

Barnett also confirmed his involvement to the Arkansas television station 5News. Barnett, who was photographed outside the Capitol holding an envelope he said he removed from Pelosi's office, said he had taken the envelope because he had bled on it. "I put a quarter on the desk because I'm not a thief," he told 5News.

Calls on Wednesday evening to a cellphone number registered to Barnett were routed to a voice mail account that was not accepting messages.

Barnett is a President Donald Trump supporter and gun rights advocate who has repeatedly shared false claims via social media that the election was stolen, according to a review of two Facebook accounts tied to Barnett. In one post, Barnett falsely asserted that there were "mountains of evidence" of voter fraud.

One of the Facebook accounts, in Barnett's name, was locked or removed from the social media site Wednesday evening. Another account, named "George Reincarnated Patton" after the World War II general, was locked or removed Thursday morning. The Post was able to link the latter account to Barnett because the profile picture depicted Barnett and the page contained a selfie of Barnett as well as a post he had signed using his real name. In addition, a post on the "Patton" account last Saturday urged his friends to shift to the account in Barnett's real name. "Tired of double posting," it said.

In a Dec. 28 Facebook post on the Patton page, Barnett announced he would be attending Wednesday's rally and urged fellow Arkansans to make sacrifices to join him there. "This is OUR COUNTRY!!!," he wrote. "Can you give one day from the Internet or work or whatever to be active." He added, "Get the f--- up people. Please STAND!!! If not now, when?"

In the post, Barnett expressed disappointment that past political events he had attended had attracted only a "small handful" of people. Ten days earlier, he had posted photographs of himself and a few others protesting the election result outside the Capitol building in Little Rock, Ark. Barnett posed for one picture holding a rifle.

In a separate post the same day, Barnett wrote that he "came into this world kicking and screaming, covered in someone else's blood," adding, "I'm not afraid to go out the same way." The post was accompanied by a selfie of Barnett with a rifle strapped to his chest. He was wearing a polo shirt bearing on one sleeve a pro-police "Blue Lives Matter" flag logo.

Barnett later shared a link to a speech that Vice President Mike Pence gave on Dec. 22 to a conservative group's convention in West Palm Beach, Fla., at which Pence pledged "to keep fighting until every illegal vote is thrown out."

Barnett has organized fundraising events for the police department in Sulphur Springs, Ark., near Gravette, according to his Facebook accounts and an October article in the Westside Eagle-Observer newspaper. The article said Barnett presented the department with a check to fund the purchase of body cameras for officers after raising money at a "Back The Blue" rally and auction.

Sulphur Springs police chief Jarod Morgan, who was photographed by the newspaper accepting the check from Barnett, did not respond to messages on Wednesday evening.

Also in October, Barnetthelped to raise more than $1,000 for "Save Our Children," an anti-child-trafficking campaign, according to another article in the Eagle-Observer. Facebook limited the use of the national campaign's hashtag because it found that content tied to the campaign was associated with the QAnon conspiracy theory, which entails false allegations about child abuse among the global elite.

Online in recent weeks, Barnett has shared numerous conspiracy theories about the coronavirus pandemic and the vaccines being used to combat it. He has railed against mask requirements, complaining in one post that he was denied service by a food truck.

Amid the gripes about the pandemic and the election, Barnett posted to his Facebook page a video of people arriving for Wednesday's rally.

"It's early folks, but we're coming together," said a voice narrating the clip. "Get ready for the party."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  If you miss watching The Office on Netflix, dont worry  its now streaming on Peacock, NBCUniversals new streaming service.

The U.S. version of The Office, inspired by a series from the United Kingdom, moved to Peacock on Jan. 1.

The Office has a similar comical, documentary style to that of the Ricky Gervais-led British original. The American version depicts the everyday work lives of office employees in the Scranton, Pa., branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. It aired on NBC from March 24, 2005, to May 16, 2013, lasting a total of nine seasons.

*** Learn more about Peacock here ***

The shows cast includes Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, B.J. Novak, Ed Helms, Mindy Kaling, Craig Robinson, James Spader, Ellie Kemper and Catherine Tate. The Office became so popular, it inspired an off-Broadway musical production in Manhattan, merchandise and memes.

Heres how watching The Office on Peacock will be different than Netflix.

All nine seasons of the workplace mockumentary are available, but Peacock also offers exclusive and never-before-seen content.

Dubbed Superfan Episodes, viewers can watch never-before-scene footage, extended cuts and deleted scenes from the original series. Behind-the-scenes footage also will be available, such as bloopers, featurettes and interviews.

Peacock will offer curated themed episode collections and playlists of some of the shows best moments, like holiday-themed episodes, the love story between Jim and Pam, or episodes with favorite guest characters.

Other playlists include favorite episodes from some of the series stars, as well as playlists of the funniest episodes and the most heartfelt episodes. Cold Opens is a collection of clips with the best cold opens from the show, like Kevins Famous Chili and Dwights Fire Drill.

Spanish audio and Spanish closed captions will be available for both the original series and Superfan Episodes in February.

*** Create a Peacock streaming service account here ***

Peacock gives users who sign up without a payment method free access to a limited amount of content. The first two seasons of The Office will be available for free, along with bloopers, clip playlists and The Office Zen Channel, which will be a channel of ambient noise devoted to the sights and sounds of the office for people working from home.

But if you want to view all 201 episodes, as well as extended cuts, never-before-seen footage and deleted scenes, it will come at a cost. To gain access to all the episodes in the shows nine seasons, fans will need to subscribe to Peacock Premium. Plans start at $4.99 a month (or $49.99 a year), which unlocks every Office episode and the Superfan episode with ads.

Peacock Premium plus, which is $9.99 a month (or $99.99 a year), features everything from the lower-priced tiers with ad-free streaming.

FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbor officials are considering a ban on police use of a facial-recognition technology.

The issue came up this week as City Council reconsidered its recent approval of a $348,308 contract for new dashboard cameras for Ann Arbor Police Department vehicles.

Even though facial-recognition technology is not part of the contract and Police Chief Michael Cox said AAPD doesnt use it, Linh Song, a council liaison to the citys police oversight commission, said she brought the contract back for reconsideration Monday night, Jan. 4, to have a public discussion about it and address concerns.

Shes been in talks with Lisa Jackson, oversight commission chair, and Council Member Travis Radina, D-3rd Ward, and wants to see if theres potential for a collaboration between the police oversight and human rights commissions to explore a ban on facial-recognition technology in Ann Arbor, she said.

The 2nd Ward Democrat has been looking into bans in other communities across the nation, reading up on arguments for a ban and how the technology can disproportionately misidentify people of color and, in one example, falsely matched 28 members of Congress with mugshots of people arrested for crimes. One of the leading concerns is the potential for racial bias and abuse by law enforcement.

Cox and Information Technology Director Tom Shewchuk assured council the city does not use facial-recognition technology, the city has no plans to use it and its not part of the new dash-cam contract.

Police Chief Michael Cox discusses facial-recognition technology with the Ann Arbor City Council on Jan. 4, 2021, saying AAPD does not use it and has no plans to use it.CTN

The technology is used by other municipalities and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Song said, prompting a discussion about the issue before council ultimately voted unanimously to re-approve the new dash-cam contract.

Ann Arbor resident Adam Oxner raised concerns when the contract first went before council last month, urging city leaders to make sure the oversight commission has a say on such purchases to avoid using facial-recognition technology.

Facial-recognition technology has been proven over and over again to be biased and used mostly to surveil lower-income communities and communities of color, Oxner said.

The new six-year contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. includes the cost of new cameras and Wi-Fi offload server hardware in patrol vehicles and cloud data storage via Evidence.com.

While it does not grant Axon the right to analyze the citys data in ways that identify anyones personally identifiable information, it does upload all recordings to Axons servers and thats a citizen privacy concern, Oxner said.

Ann Arbor Police Department getting its first all-electric Ford Mustangs

Song asked at this weeks meeting whether council approval would be needed if there were any contract changes that allowed facial-recognition technology to be used.

Any movement toward use of facial-recognition technology would definitely go through council due to the sensitive nature of it, Shewchuk said.

AAPD doesnt use the technology because its unreliable, Cox said, but he doesnt think the city needs to ban it.

Im probably less inclined to want to ban something that hasnt been perfected, because sometimes the spinoffs from some of those technologies could truly help us in ways that we dont even know, he said. And I know right now law enforcement needs as much help as we can get in any way possible.

Council Member Linh Song, D-2nd Ward, discusses a potential ban on facial-recognition technology at the Ann Arbor City Council meeting Jan. 4, 2021.CTN

Song asked what type of information will be collected by Axons servers from AAPDs video footage.

Both body-cam and dash-cam video footage is kept in the cloud and stored by Axon, Cox said.

Instead of us having the storage capability, its kept in their storage ... but they dont grant anyone access to it, he said. Its our data, we control it, we can upload it, we can download it and other people dont have access to it.

Axon doesnt use AAPDs video footage or data to experiment or try to make its product better, he said.

And the thing about Axon is they actually have an ethics board where they talk about their technology and the use of their technology just to make sure that its in line with best practices throughout the country, he said, adding Axon has no plans on using any kind of facial recognition.

Council Member Kathy Griswold, D-2nd Ward, asked if the video data could be hacked.

Im not aware of any hacks to the data and it is as secure as it can be, Shewchuk said, though he added nothing is truly 100% secure. Anybody can be hacked any time if somebody wants the data bad enough.

Dash cameras and body cameras help provide transparency in policing, Cox said.

And I think this is something that the police world certainly needs right now, he said.

Council Member Elizabeth Nelson, D-4th Ward, agreed the issue should go to the police oversight and human rights commissions for a broader discussion.

There are other communities that have a formal review of technology purchases, she said.

And that would sort of cover a lot of city departments, she said. When we started having security at city hall and cameras going, I know that I saw some discussion online around the footage that was being taken and the potential for that footage from city hall  just people coming on and off of elevators  to be personally identifying.

City Administrator Tom Crawford said city officials are having conversations about smart cities technologies and thats another place to have this discussion.

Theres a lot that goes into this, he said, noting theres technology today that captures images that can be used for a multitude of purposes. I know the university is working on trying to identify when someone wants to cross a street. If were able to pick that up, then thats actually beneficial for safety.

MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:

New drawings offer closer look at 22 townhomes proposed on Ann Arbors Main Street

History of racism discussed as Ann Arbor OKs single-family zoning for 26 properties

Democracy bent but didnt break, Dingell says after Congress certifies electoral vote

Disgusting and unacceptable. Ann Arbor officials rebuke Trump and his supporters

Trump needs to be impeached and removed immediately, Rashida Tlaib says
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Not since the War of 1812, when British forces set fire to the Capitol, had the halls of power in Washington been overtaken by violent intruders as they were yesterday.

The crowd of hundreds who broke windows and burst their way through the front doors were only the front lines of a mob of thousands, which President Trump himself had encouraged that morning to march en masse to the Capitol, with the goal of disrupting Congresss acceptance of the Electoral College vote. You will never take back our country with weakness, he said.

The presidents supporters forced their way past law enforcement officers, entered the Senate chambers and put their feet up, quite literally, on the House speakers desk. Then they eventually filed out, largely without being detained by the police.

A person with knowledge of the events told Maggie Haberman that Trump had resisted sending in the National Guard even after the Capitol had been stormed and that it had taken intervention from senior White House officials to get those forces ordered into action.

Badly outnumbered, the Capitol Police skirmished with rioters who were overrunning the Capitol but didnt deploy the kinds of aggressive tactics that police forces in cities around the country had used against protesters throughout 2020. Some videos showed officers standing passively by, and the failure of law enforcement personnel to keep the Capitol safe seems likely to be a major point of discussion in the coming days.

One woman died after being shot by a police officer inside the Capitol, officials said. Three other people died in what the authorities called medical emergencies. Numerous police officers were reported to have been injured during the fracas yesterday.

It was all a bridge too far even for some of the staunchest allies of Trump, who released a one-minute video expressing love for his supporters at the Capitol and only equivocally asking them to back off. Once the Capitol was re-secured and debate resumed hours after the mayhem began, much  but certainly not all  of the Republican resistance to accepting the election results withered away, and Congress moved forward with certifying Joe Bidens victory.

Around 3:40 a.m. Eastern time, Vice President Mike Pence made it official, affirming Biden as the nations 46th president. In a striking break with the president, he opened the proceedings hours earlier with a firm rebuke to the rioters, telling them, You did not win. He ended the brief but forceful speech with an exhortation  Lets get back to work  and drew an ovation from the Senate.

There may have been a whiff of presidential auditioning here  whether for 2024 or 24 hours from now. A statement from Trump, issued via surrogates after Twitter and Facebook locked his accounts, promised an orderly transition, but a growing number of civic and business leaders called on members of his cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment and declare him unfit for office.

That prospect, which appears to remain unlikely, would place Pence in the Oval Office for the final days of the administration.

Some prominent Democrats have also called for Trump to be re-impeached immediately, calling it the best way to ensure his removal from office and avoid any further violence before Biden enters the White House.

Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota tweeted yesterday that she would draw up articles of impeachment. We cant allow him to remain in office, its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath, she wrote. A number of other House Democrats expressed their support for the move.

And Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the chair of the House Democratic caucus, said in an interview with ABC News that all options should be on the table with regard to removing the president from office.

In remarks yesterday afternoon from Wilmington, Del., Biden denounced the violence at the Capitol and called on Trump to condemn it.

This is not dissent, he said. It borders on sedition. Calling it an insurrection, Biden demanded that Trump go on national television to address what happened, but his calls fell on deaf ears.

The end of the Trump presidency will also be the end of Republican control in the Senate, after Jon Ossoff, one of the Democratic challengers in Georgia, was declared the winner yesterday in his runoff election against David Perdue.

Ossoff will join the Rev. Raphael Warnock, who defeated the states other Republican incumbent, Senator Kelly Loeffler, as the first Democratic senators from Georgia in 16 years.

They will shift the balance of power significantly in Washington from the right wing toward the center, as Democrats will hold razor-thin control over both houses of Congress.

Democrats in the Senate will now be in a position to confirm Bidens appointments, including Merrick Garland, whom Biden will pick as attorney general, people close to his decision said yesterday. For Garland, it may feel like poetic justice if his nomination slides past Mitch McConnell, who denied Garland a place on the Supreme Court in 2016 but as the Republican leader will no longer control the Senates majority.

If Trump has driven the Republican Party off a political cliff, most of the momentum is still inside the car: Well over half of rank-and-file Republican voters still think that the election was stolen from him.

While the Senates Republican caucus mostly came together to allow Bidens win to be confirmed, some senators logged official objections in the record. And on the House side, well over 100 legislators voted in support of objections that the Democratic majority overruled.

While conservative news outlets like Fox News and Newsmax were heavily critical of the rioting at the Capitol, it remains hard to imagine that the coalition Trump has assembled will easily disintegrate or meaningfully change course  even after such a traumatic event.
Indian smartphone manufacturer Lava is hosting a virtual event today, where the company is expected to announce a new made in India smartphone series. Lava has been teasing today's launch since the last few days, where the company has been asking users to guess the smartphone's specifications. According to the teasers shared by Lava, its new smartphone will come with a water-drop style notch and black back panel with blue detailing.

Lava will host its #ProudlyIndian event at 12PM (noon) today, where the company is expected to announce a new smartphone series. The event will be streamed live via Lava's official YouTube handle (can also be watched in the video embed below). According to reports, Lava could launch as many as four smartphones today that may fall in the budget to mid-range segments. The smartphones, according to reports, could be launched between the Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 price range and will go up against the like of Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, and Vivo.

Nothing can be made out from the teasers Lava has shared in the past few days, except the water drop-style notch and a black back panel with blue accents and frame.

Brace yourself for tomorrow, where the future will change and the unimaginable will happen.Watch the launch event at - https://t.co/ghFdDQOECM#Lava7thJanLaunch #ProudlyIndian pic.twitter.com/Zl94fIZJYZ Lava Mobiles (@LavaMobile) January 6, 2021

Lava's promotion of its made in India smartphone(s) is quite similar to the marketing approach taken by Micromax for its In series last year. The company is banking on the rising sentiment against Chinese brands in the country to market its upcoming Made in India smartphone(s). Lava recently launched an entry-level phone called BeU in India with dual cameras and Android 10 Go Edition to boot.
Katie Holmes is keeping up with her quarantine-era hobby.

The 42-year-old was spotted makeup-free in New York City heading into the art studio to channel her creativity for a day painting on Thursday.

Since lockdown began, Katie and her 14-year-old daughter Suri have been picking up new hobbies to stay busy while the country remains largely shut down.

Mom's day out: Katie Holmes was spotted makeup-free in New York City heading into the art studio to channel her creativity for a day painting on Thursday

Katie certainly dressed the part of artist in a pair of khaki pants that looked similar to the loose fitting type worn by painters.

A lover of fashion, the former Dawson's Creek star, couldn't just wear plain old painters pants so she paired the slacks with a matching khaki blazer over a simple white button-up.

The actress topped the look off with a leather trench and a pair of white trainers and she pulled her espresso colored hair off her face into a high top knot.

Due to the raging coronavirus pandemic, Katie made sure to remember her disposable facemask as she took to the streets of Manhattan.

Dressing the part: Katie sported a pair of khaki pants that looked similar to the loose fitting type worn by painters with a matching blazer and white trainers

In November, the mother of one penned a candid essay for Vogue Australia where she revealed that painting is one of the things she and daughter Suri had started to do to stay busy.

'Hobbies such as sewing, painting and writing became new hallmarks of satisfaction and having had time at home to just be,' she wrote for the magazine. 'To listen. To live for a moment in time without the pressure of results and instead appreciate the natural rhythms of mother and daughter was the most precious gift.'

Holmes has also been keeping busy with her new love, 33-year-old chef Emilio Vitolo Jr.

Artist: In November, the mother of one penned a candid essay for Vogue Australia where she revealed that painting is one of the things she and daughter Suri had started to do to stay busy

She and her restaurateur boyfriend seem to be getting more serious these days and even spent Christmas Eve together and have gone Instagram official.

The duo was seen walking arm-in-arm through Washington Square Park, where they stopped to take pictures of a Christmas tree, and later enjoyed dinner at French restaurant Claudette on Fifth Avenue.

On December 18, Holmess birthday, Emilio uploaded an adorable black-and-white photo of the new couple laughing with one another to Instagram.

'Hobbies such as sewing, painting and writing became new hallmarks of satisfaction and having had time at home to just be,' she wrote for the magazine. 'To listen. To live for a moment in time without the pressure of results and instead appreciate the natural rhythms of mother and daughter was the most precious gift.' (one of Katie's paintings pictured here)

In the caption, he wrote, 'The most amazing ,kindest, beautiful person . Every time I see your face it makes me smile . Happy Birthday !!! I love you !!'

And Katie responded in the comments section of the post in kind, with 'Thank you so much my Love I love u too!!!!!'

Since the couple got together in 2020, the Dawson's Creek star has been a frequent guest at her chef-boyfriend's popular, family owned, Italian restaurant, Emilio's Ballato.

Katie and Emilio reportedly met for the first time last year, though it wasn't until September that they launched their romance.

Dawson's Creek is available to stream on Stan in Australia
Supporters of President Trump who stormed the US Capitol building in Washington, DC, on Wednesday were planning the event for weeks on social media apps like Parler and Gab as well as pro-Trump internet forums.

Far-right backers of the president had been anonymously posting messages on TheDonald.win, a Reddit-like message board that was created after Reddit banned a subreddit of the same name last year due to its content.

Trump supporters posted messages on TheDonald that threatened violence against lawmakers, police, and journalists if Congress did not refuse to ratify President-elect Joe Bidens victory, according to BuzzFeed News.

Violent rhetoric and advice on weaponry ramped up significantly in the past three weeks on social media platforms as groups planned for the rallies, including white nationalists and enthusiasts of the wide-ranging QAnon conspiracy theory, according to researchers and public postings.

Far-right supporters of President Trump are seen above just outside the US Capitol building in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. The rioters who ransacked the building planned the event for weeks on social media sites like Gab, Parler, Telegram, and TheDonald.win

TheDonald.win is a Reddit-style message board where pro-Trump users post messages. In the days leading up to Wednesday, there were several calls for violence as well as the taking up of arms during events in Washington, DC

A graphic from TheDonald.win urges the public to 'be there' in Washington, DC, on January 6 where it 'will be wild'

TheDonald is a message board that bears the same name as the subreddit that was banned last year by Reddit for violating its policies against hate speech and harassment

Comments during the occupation of the Capitol on TheDonald included WE WANT BLOOD and murder Pelosi, according to research firm Advance Democracy Inc.

On TheDonald, more than 50 per cent of the top posts on January 4, 2021, about the January 6th Electoral College certification featured unmoderated calls for violence in the top five responses, the organization found.

ARMED WITH RIFLE, HANDGUN, 2 KNIVES AND AS MUCH AMMO AS YOU CAN CARRY, one post on the website said.

What if Congress ignores the evidence? one TheDonald user wrote in a thread.

Storm the Capitol, another replied. The reply review more than 500 likes.

Youre f*****g right we do, another said.

While the violence was going on, one popular thread was titled: 'PATRIOTS STORM THE CAPITOL | WATCH PARTY.'

One TheDonald user vowed that he would 'be willing to die' for Trump and that 'we will secure victory on January 6th'

'The only solution is total revolution,' wrote another pro-Trump user on TheDonald

'Bring rope. I had a premonition we'll need it,' wrote another poster on TheDonald.win

'On January 6th the revolution to take back our nation has begun. Give up nothing. Take everything,' wrote another poster on TheDonald

Another graphic posted on the site calls for Trump supporters to 'tar and feather these f*****s'

Trump supporters also used Trump-friendly platforms like Gab and Parler as well as the encrypted messaging app Telegram to call for violent behavior.

Just imagine if ALL the Patriots who are gathered in DC right now were to Rush the Senate, the Supreme Court and the Halls of Congress and take them over, one Parler user wrote.

We shouldn't count on Trump saving us. Jan 6th We The People need to be saving him, another Parler user wrote in the days leading up to January 6.

Several of the Trump supporters even talked about violating the local gun laws in Washington, DC, and bringing their firearms.

All this bulls*** about not bringing guns to D.C. needs to stop, read one post from TheDonald.win.

This is America. F*** D.C. it's in the Constitution. Bring your god**** guns.

On Parler, one person posted a meme which read: Who would you like to see dispatched first? 1) Nancy Pelosi 2) John Roberts 3) Pence 4) other (please name) I was leaning towards Nancy, but it might have to be Pence.

On Wednesday, some of Trumps supporters hung a noose from a tree and chanted Hang Mike Pence.

According to Advance Democracy, Trump supporters who took part in the ransacking could have been motivated by posts on more mainstream platforms like TikTok and Twitter.

Several QAnon-affiliated accounts mentioned January 6, though they were not as explicit in their calls for violence.

As Twitter and Facebook have cracked down harder on hate speech in recent years, pro-Trump users online have migrated to alternative social media sites like Gab

Parler is another Twitter competitor that has branded itself a 'free speech-driven' alternative

A Facebook group called Red State Secession, which has some 8,000 followers, called for a revolution on January 6.

The page links to a website that asks followers to send the home and office addresses as well as travel routes of political enemies including judges who blocked Trumps agenda.

'Extremists have for weeks repeatedly expressed their intentions to attend the January 6 protests, and unabashedly voiced their desire for chaos and violence online,' said Jared Holt, a visiting research fellow with DFRLab.

'What we've witnessed is the manifestation of that violent online rhetoric into real-life danger.'

Parle CEO John Matze insisted that unlike Twitter and Facebook, his platform was a 'neutral town square'

'The earliest call we got on our radar for today specifically was a militia movement chatroom talking about being "ready for blood" if things didn't start changing for Trump,' Holt said.

Parler's CEO, John Matze, denied that his app bears responsibility for any of the violence. He said his service is more akin to a 'neutral town square.'

'If people are breaking the law, violating our terms of service, or doing anything illegal, we would definitely get involved,' he told The New York Times.

'But if people are just trying to assemble or theyre trying to put together an event - which is what a lot of people tried to do at this event today - theres nothing particularly wrong about that.'

Matze said that Parler has removed accounts that have engaged in 'doxxing' - or posting personal information about users in an attempt to get others to harass them.

When asked if Parler bears responsibility for Trump supporters using the app to organize the ransacking of the Capitol on Wednesday, he said: 'Organizing an event isn't illegal.'

A Facebook group called Red State Secession, which has some 8,000 followers, called for a revolution on January 6. The page links to a website that asks followers to send the home and office addresses as well as travel routes of political enemies including judges who blocked Trumps agenda.

Parler, which styles itself as a 'free speech-driven' space, reportedly gets funding from hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer and his daughter and conservative activist Rebekah.

Right-wing social media users have flocked to Parler, messaging app Telegram and hands-off social site Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

Matze, who describes himself as libertarian, has said he founded the company in 2018 as a bipartisan platform but has doubled down on marketing to conservatives as they took to the site.

Those who have joined include commentator Candace Owens, Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani and right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who handcuffed herself to the door of Twitters New York office in November 2018 to protest a ban on her by the site.

Facebook and Instagram said Thursday they will bar Trump from posting at least until the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

In an extraordinary post, Facebook CEO Zuckerberg accused Trump of using Facebook to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government. Zuckerberg announced that Facebook would lock the president's account for at least the next 13 days

In the 13 days left in his presidency, Trump will not be able to communicate to his more than 35.2 million followers on Facebook

Twitter said Thursday that its still evaluating whether to lift or extend what started as a 12-hour lockdown of Trumps account.

Trump has repeatedly harnessed the power of social media to spread falsehoods about election integrity and the results of the presidential race.

Platforms like Facebook have occasionally labeled or even removed some of his posts, but the overall response has failed to satisfy a growing number of critics who say the platforms have enabled the spread of dangerous misinformation.

In light of Wednesdays riot, however, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said a more aggressive approach is needed.

'The current context is now fundamentally different, involving use of our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government,' he wrote.

Roseanne Boyland, 34, died. Her family told DailyMail.com she was 'trampled in the Rotunda'

The three Trump fanatics who died during Wednesday's mob attack on the Capitol died from a heart attack, a stroke and being trampled in the Rotunda.

Roseanne Boyland, 34, from Georgia, Kevin Greeson, 55, from Alabama and Benjamin Phillips, 50, from Pennsylvania, all died on Wednesday.

Phillips, a computer programmer who traveled to DC with dozens of other Trump fans from Pennsylvania, suffered a stroke.

Greeson, who had high blood pressure, suffered a heart attack 'in the midst of the excitement', his family said.

Roseanne was 'trampled in the Rotunda', her family told DailyMail.com on Thursday after police she had been potentially 'crushed' in the mob.

Capitol Police were seen performing CPR on her at 5pm after she collapsed. She was pronounced dead in the hospital a little before 6pm.

It's unclear if the two men were among the violent mob who stormed the building, like she was.

Roseanne's family in Georgia told DailyMail.com on Thursday that it was the first Trump event she ever attended. She'd been hesitant to go and her relatives say they tried to dissuade her.

Kevin Greeson, 55, from Alabama (left). His family say he is prone to high blood pressure and suffered a heart attack 'in the midst of excitement' on Wednesday. Phillips had organized for dozens of people to drive from PA to DC. He had a stroke then died at the scene

Roseanne was 'trampled in the Rotunda', her family told DailyMail.com on Thursday after police she had been potentially 'crushed' in the mob.

She traveled to DC on Tuesday night and had planned to 'hang back' but was emboldened by Trump's speech, her relatives said.

'She just really just believed in Trump and that's it.

'This was her first one. She wasn't even supposed to go... we all didn't want her to go. She was hanging back and then after the speech yesterday...

'They're still working on [the details]. Someone said she was trampled, others said she collapsed.... we're still trying to figure it out,' the relative said.

She just really just believed in Trump...it cost her her life

Her brother-in-law, Justin Cave, said the rally cost her her life.

He blames Trump for her death.

'Roseanne, like a lot of people there, was really passionate about her beliefs as was her right.

'I personally believe that the President incited a riot that cost four of his biggest fans their lives. One of them happened to be my sister.

'I personally believe we should invoke the 25th amendment.'

In a statement that he read aloud, he said: 'Our family is devastated by the loss of Roseanne. She was a wonderful sister, daughter and aunt. Anyone who knew her knows how compassionate she was.

'She would always put others before herself. As we watched these awful events unfold, we hoped that Roseanne was not among the crowd.

Greeson's family said he was peaceful and intended no violence. These are some his recent posts on Parler

'Tragically, she was and it cost her her life,' he said.

Another woman - 35-year-old air force veteran Ashli Babbitt - was shot dead by Capitol police.

Phillips was a computer programmer.

Roseanne's brother-in-law Justin Cave blames Trump for her death

According to The Inquirer, he described the day as 'the first day of the rest of our lives'.

'They should name this year Zero because something will happen,' his friends claim he said before the riot got underway.

Phillips founded the website Trumparoo, where Trump supporters can speak to each other, and organized transport for dozens of people to get to DC from Pennsylvania on Wednesday.

It's unclear at what point in the day he suffered his heart attack, or if he was married or had children.

Greeson's son announced his death on Facebook.

'My dad had a heart attack yesterday and sadly passed away. We all loved him so much.

'He was such a great man we all miss you so much. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers,' he said.

Social media photographs show Greeson posing proudly with two AR-15 rifles. He regularly posted on the website Parler where he encouraged violence against Democrats.

Among recent comments was: 'Let's take this f*****g country BACK! Load your guns and take to the streets.

Phillips friends said that on the drive to DC, he was excited and described the day as 'the first day of the rest of our lives'.

Phillips founded the website Trumparoo. He organized a caravan from Pennsylvania to Washington on January 6

Phillips posted on his website throughout the day on Wednesday before he died

Boyland was obsessed with Trump. This is one of the memes she posted on Facebook

'Let's give them a war... Democrats don't have guns... we do.. bring your stick, I'm bringing my guns.'

Ashli Babbitt, 35, was shot and killed by Capitol police

He also tweeted that hydroxychloroquine was a known cure for COVID - which has not been proven.

His family however say he was not violent and was only there to show his support for Trump.

'Kevin had a history of high blood pressure, and in the midst of the excitement, suffered a heart attack.

'Our family is devastated.

'We are thankful for all of the thoughts and prayers and appreciate privacy at this time as we grieve,' they said.

President Trump has said nothing of their deaths himself.

In a brief statement in the White House briefing room, his press secretary Kayleigh Mcenany said: 'Those who violently besieged our capitol are the opposite of everything this administration stands for.'

She walked away without taking any questions from the press. Trump's Twitter and Facebook accounts have been locked.

Diamantaire Nirav Modis defence team on Thursday alleged that the Arthur Road jail in Mumbai did not have arrangements or plans to deal with his mental health issues, including risk of suicide, and urged the Westminster Magistrates Court to dismiss Indias extradition request.

Modis lawyer, Claire Montgomery, also alleged that Modi would not receive a fair trial if extradited, and cited reported statements by Indian ministers and two former judges who deposed in the case, Abhay Thipsay and Markandey Katju.

Mental health and risk of suicide were the main grounds on which the court earlier this week blocked the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States, where he is wanted to face charges of leaking classified information.

The first day or the two-day hearing on concluding arguments in the Modi case was focused on issues of mental health and fair trial. The issue whether a prima facie case exists against him will be the focus on Friday, with a judgment expected in weeks.

Helen Malcolm of the Crown Prosecution Service representing India said the court could ask the government of India for a fresh assurance on facilities for mental health treatment in Barrack number 12 of the Mumbai jail.

According to Montgomery, the court was not obliged to ask for such an assurance after a certain time limit.

Malcolm did not see equivalence between the Assange and Modi cases, as claimed by Montgomery, since the former reportedly suffers from Aspergers Syndrome and depression.

She also denied that there was any plan to keep Modi in solitary confinement in the Arthur Road jail, as claimed.

Besides medical facilities available in the jail, Malcolm reminded the court that India had submitted details of at least three hospitals nearby where he could be treated. He would also be able to seek private treatment of his choice, she added.

According to Malcolm, there is no difference between Modis case and that of businessman Vijay Mallya; the court had recommended Mallyas extradition in December 2018.

She also refuted claims that Indias judiciary is not independent or that Modi would not receive a fair trial if extradited.

Montgomery said the government of India had submitted an utterly worthless assurance that Modi would have access to necessary medical facilities. Judge Samuel Goozee heard both sides and concluded against that the government of India had ample opportunities to respond to concerns previously raised by a medical doctor who had examined Modi.

Modi, 49, who is lodged in the Wandsworth prison in west London and attended the hearing remotely, wearing a jacket and sporting a beard, is the subject of two extradition requests; one processed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the other by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Charges against Modi involve PNBs Mumbai branch that extended his companies loans worth over Rs 11,300 crore. The CBI case relates to large-scale fraud upon PNB, through the fraudulent obtaining of Letters of Understanding (LOUs/loan agreements) - the ED case relates to the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud.

The second extradition request was made on the basis of two additional offences as part of the CBI case, relating to allegations that Modi interfered with the CBI investigation by causing disappearance of evidence and intimidating witnesses (criminal intimidation to cause death).
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland Pump Company, a leading independent specialty pump rental and dewatering solutions provider, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Complete Dewatering Pumps & Wellpoints - CDPW, based in Edgewater, Florida. This marks the second acquisition since partnering with XPV Water Partners and adds to Holland Pump's extensive wellpoint pump fleet and dewatering services offering. The addition of CDPW also increases Holland Pump's engineering capabilities to service municipal and commercial projects across the Southeast and Gulf regions.

CDPW was established in 1923 and is a leading full-service dewatering and pump rental provider for a broad range of municipal and commercial applications. With 97 years of reliably serving customers across the Southeast, CDPW continues to provide innovative solutions and equipment to solve some of the most difficult site conditions and dewatering challenges. The addition of CDPW complements Holland Pump's capabilities and enhances its wellpoint service offering. The acquisition also adds a 39,000 square foot manufacturing facility to further expand Holland Pump's engineering capabilities while adding an additional service location in the Southeast market.

"This acquisition is aligned with our continued commitment to deliver best-in-class customer service experience through our pump fleet, field and engineering support, while increasing our wellpoint solutions and engineering capabilities which will enable us to continue delivering on our Finish Faster promise," said Win Blodgett, Holland Pump Company President.

"We are very pleased to welcome the knowledgeable and experienced team at CDPW to the Holland Pump family." said Sam Saintonge, Board Member and Partner at XPV Water Partners.

Amy and Jason Fletcher, Presidents of CDPW said, "We are excited to join the growing Holland Pump family, and we look forward to benefiting from the combined experience, capabilities and resources. This transaction will enable us to expand our service offering, while continuing to deliver best-in-class wellpoint installation, rental and services to help our customers maximize productivity and efficiency."

About Holland Pump Company

For over 40 years, Holland Pump has been a leader in the manufacture, sale, distribution, rental and service of specialty pumps and dewatering solutions. With a relentless focus on customer service and enabling its customers to complete their projects faster and with less hassle, Holland Pump has gained a reputation for its expertise in the southern United States. From their headquarters in West Palm Beach, Holland Pump operates 9 branch operations across Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina.

For more information, visit www.hollandpump.com.

About XPV Water Partners

XPV Water Partners is comprised of experienced water entrepreneurs, operators, and investment professionals dedicated to making a difference in the water industry. XPV invests in and actively supports water-focused companies to enable them to grow and deliver value for all stakeholders. XPV manages over $400 million USD in investment capital from institutional investors in North America, Europe, and Asia.

For more information, visit www.xpvwaterpartners.com.

SOURCE Holland Pump Company

Related Links

http://www.hollandpump.com


They split up in 2016.

Liev Schreiber, 53, and Naomi Watts, 52, proved once more that amicable exes are possible while enjoying a winter vacation together in Italy with their kids.

The actors were joined by their two children, Kai, 12, and Sasha, 13, stepping out to pick up some pizza in Venice, Italy on Thursday.

Happy family: Liev Schreiber, 53, and Naomi Watts, 52, proved once more that amicable exes are possible while enjoying a winter vacation together in Italy with their kids

The former couple and their kids bundled up for the chilly January weather in winter coats and protective facemasks for their lunchtime jaunt.

Naomi kept it casual in wide-legged jeans, a black coat and an oversized beige knit scarf with sneakers and a black beanie.

Liev was equally low key in grey slacks and a navy blue jacket. The Ray Donovan star held hands with his youngest as the group walked through the Italian city.

Keeping it casual: The actors were joined by their two children, Kai, 12, and Sasha, 13, stepping out to pick up some pizza in Venice, Italy on Thursday

At one point the family stopped to pick up a take-away pizza from a restaurant set up for outdoor dining - despite the winter weather - due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Liev has been based in Italy for a number of weeks, filming his new project Across the River And Into The Trees, based on the critically reviled Ernest Hemingway novel of the same name, in Venice.

Over the New Year holiday, Naomi, Sasha and Kai joined him for some recreational time together hitting the slopes in the Italian Alps in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Staying busy: Liev has been based in Italy for a number of weeks, filming his new project Across the River And Into The Trees, based on the critically reviled Ernest Hemingway novel of the same name, in Venice

The former pair split in 2016 after 11 years together, it's unclear if they had ever officially wed.

Since the end to their romance, Liev and Naomi have remained good friends and closely co-parent their children together.

The actress is currently dating fellow actor Billy Crudup, 52, while Liev has been seeing actress Taylor Neisen, 27.
This is truly a turning point in history, and we are excited about the hope that this vaccine presents, said Sagora Senior Livings Sr. Vice President, Dara Brown.

With the newly authorized Pfizer vaccine becoming available to Sagora Senior Living as early as December 28, 2020, the company is preparing to distribute the vaccine to its residents and associates in its 44 multi-state communities.

Sagoras Assisted Living and Memory Care residents and associates will receive the vaccines during the first emergency response distribution in addition to some Independent Living residents as the vaccine is made available. The company has partnered with CVS Pharmacy to assist in administering vaccines to their residents and associates.

This is truly a turning point in history, and we are excited about the hope that this vaccine presents, said Sagora Senior Livings Sr. Vice President, Dara Brown. At Sagora Senior Living, our teams are called to change lives, however, COVID-19 has shifted that focus to saving lives. We are strongly recommending that our residents take this opportunity to help put COVID-19 in the past so we may look forward to a brighter future where we are able to physically be with others, embrace them and share laughs and memories.

CVS will come on-site to each of Sagoras communities and at least three clinics will be scheduled to ensure that all residents and associates have the opportunity to be vaccinated. These clinics will be set up between 21 to 28 days apart, as the vaccine requires two doses with at least 21 or 28 days in between doses.

For more information about the vaccine and updates from Sagora Senior Living, visit the companys dedicated COVID-19 vaccine webpage at https://www.sagora.com/covid-19-vaccine-resources/.


The polar vortex has started to break apart, with some chunks of frigid air drifting away from their normal home near the North Pole. But no big blizzards are suddenly going to blast the eastern United States.

Despite all the buzz you may have heard on social media, the weakening and breakup of the polar vortex is not something that happens overnight. It is a gradual process, so it could take weeks for this to affect the weather in our neck of the woods.

Here are a few things to know about the polar vortex and its potential impact on our winter weather.

What is the polar vortex?

The polar vortex is a mass of frigid air that normally circulates tightly around the North Pole (and also around the South Pole), but occasionally the circulation weakens.

When this happens, pockets of cold air will break away from the Arctic region, drift down into Canada and then into the northern United States. It also could drift into other parts of the northern hemisphere, like Europe and Asia.

The polar vortex occasionally weakens, allowing Arctic air to drift down into the United States.NOAA

Why is the polar vortex breaking apart?

During recent weeks, mainly from Christmas to early January, temperatures in the stratosphere have gotten increasingly warmer  a process known as Sudden Stratospheric Warming, or SSW.

The stratosphere is the higher level of the Earths atmosphere, and its where the polar vortex primarily circulates. When temperatures there warm up, experts say, that disrupts the tight circulation of cold air around the North Pole, allowing pools of frigid air to dip south, away from the Arctic region.

Is this unusual?

No. Its fairly common for the polar vortex circulation to occasionally weaken during winter months, and sometimes it even happens in the summer, said Sarah Johnson, a meteorologist at the National Weather Services regional forecast office in New Jersey.

Even though the polar vortex can send cold Arctic air into the United States, it doesn't guarantee it will increase the number of snowstorms. Moisture and other factors need to be in place.NOAA

Do the changes in the polar vortex mean more snow for New Jersey?

Johnson said theres no guarantee that pieces of the polar vortex circulation will drift all the way down to New Jersey soon  at least in the next week or two. But if it does make it here, the most likely impact on our region will be an outbreak of Arctic air.

Since the air from the polar vortex circulation tends to be cold and dry, that would not boost New Jerseys chances of snowstorms, unless other factors come into play.

Just having Arctic air drift down does not necessarily mean youre going to have wintry precipitation, she noted. Cold air is just one major ingredient needed for snow; other big factors are moisture, storm tracks and atmospheric blocking.

Are any snowstorms heading toward New Jersey soon?

A large storm system is expected to bring a mix of snow and rain to parts of the southeastern United States this Friday, but that system is expected to remain south of New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service and AccuWeather.

Johnson said the weather service will be closely monitoring another storm system that could affect the eastern U.S. next Monday or Tuesday. She said its too early to get a good handle on whether that system will bring snow or rain, and whether it will impact New Jersey.

A winter storm is expected to bring rain and snow to parts of the southeastern United States on Friday, Jan. 8.AccuWeather

When will the Arctic air arrive in New Jersey?

Forecasters from AccuWeather believe theres a good chance of cold air outbreaks starting in the Rockies between Jan. 11 and Jan. 15 and in the eastern U.S. during the week of Jan. 17.

At the same time, an active storm track is likely to continue in the South and along the East Coast  and the combination could spell more chances for snowfall in the coming weeks, AccuWeather noted.

Forecasters from AccuWeather say there's a good chance cold air from the polar vortex will be dropping into the United States in late January, and an active winter storm pattern will develop.AccuWeather

Other factors favoring a snowy winter

In an interview with NJ Advance Media last week, Jim Sullivan, a long-range meteorologist for the private WeatherWorks forecasting company, said the polar vortex is just one of several forces that appear to be coming into play during the second half of January and early February that could significantly boost the chances of snowstorms in New Jersey.

In addition to pieces of the polar vortex drifting down into our region, Sullivan said another major factor in boosting our chances of snow is the formation of a weather pattern known as the North Atlantic Oscillation, or NAO. When the NAO turns to a negative phase, which is happening now, it basically shifts the polar jet stream and helps storms over the eastern U.S. slow down and grow stronger, Sullivan said.

FLASHBACK TO JANUARY BLIZZARD OF 1996

With this type of pattern, a large ridge of high pressure in the upper atmosphere often remains centered near Greenland in the North Atlantic and stays in place for a long period. This type of setup, known as the Greenland block, allows cold air to push down from Canada into the eastern region of the U.S., where it remains entrenched because the ridge near Greenland prevents the cold air from moving out.

This contributes to snowstorms when the cold air combines with moisture.

Sullivan said some of New Jerseys snowiest winters during the past 10 or 15 years occurred when there was a prolonged Greenland block  including the highly active winter of 2010-2011.

Another Greenland block was in place in March and April 2018, when New Jersey was hit by four noreasters in a matter of weeks. One of those coastal storms dumping as much as 2 feet of snow in parts of Bergen, Essex and Morris counties.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.

Terrorists broke into the U.S. Capitol today, under the banner of the Confederate flag and the colors  perhaps even the blessing -- of Donald Trump himself.

How?

Thugs rushed Capitol police, sent senators and congressmen scurrying for safety on the floors of both houses. They broke glass, vandalized American history, scrawled on our walls, crashed our offices, committed federal crimes and posted their own incriminating photos on the internet. They took selfies with cops and each other, stole and destroyed equipment, treated the Peoples house and the People themselves as a derisive and obscene joke, while the president expressed his love, and winked a tacit approval.

How?

Politicians gasped and feigned shock. Like they didnt see it coming. Like they didnt play their part. How does this happen, the world dared to ask.

How?

How?

How dare you pretend you have to ask.

Because it was easy to see, as the president coaxed his most virulent followers to come to Washington to make noise, as he lied about election fraud and sought to hold on to power like a B-movie dictator. It was easy to see as Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks whipped a crowd into a frenzy this very morning, telling them it was time to kick ass. It was easy to see as Rudy Giuliani incited that crowd with calls for trial by combat.

It was easy to see as Brooks and Alabama Congressmen Barry Moore and Mike Rogers and Robert Aderholt and Gary Palmer and Sen. Tommy Tuberville all chose to challenge electoral college votes. Not because there was evidence of fraud. Not because ballots in key states had not been reviewed and examined and accepted by courts. Not for any other reason than fear, and pandering, and an epidemic lack of courage and leadership.

How does this happen?

How does it not, when Brooks and Fox News personalities make baseless claims that it was Antifa, and not Trump supporters, who broke and entered the nations seat of power? As if the whole country did not see the perpetrators committing their crimes and bragging of them on camera.

How does it not, when so-called leaders like Trump and Brooks and scores of others regularly look at the world, ignore whats there and manufacture absurd realities to stoke the fears of their supporters and curry favor with extremists?

What happened today was tragic. It was nauseating. It was offensive. But it was easy to predict, to anyone who has watched the attacking rhetoric of Donald Trump seep into the repertoire of politicians from the U.S. Senate to dogcatcher. It is easy to predict for those who saw the language of talk radio  the anti-news, fearmongering, conspiracy theorizing, bullying -- become the language of the Oval Office.

It is easy to predict to anyone who sees politicians up and down the line play on fear, pander to voters worst impulses, and sell their own souls to kowtow to the most absurd whims of Trump himself.

It is easy to predict for anyone  it should be everyone  who has seen the president make excuses for white supremacy and voter suppression.

How did this happen? Thats not the question for today. That question has been answered.

The question is how to ensure that it never, ever happens again.

By demanding truth over lies. By putting country over party. By guarding our proven institutions. By valuing hope over fear. By recognizing that Donald Trump is not just an unstable and heretical man. He is a clear and present danger, far more a threat to the country, still, than the goon in the Viking suit who broke into your Capitol and sullied it.

How? Invoke the 25th Amendment. It is an emergency. It is time.
E-commerce buying is growing in Tier 2 and 3 cities. A new breed of tech-powered entrepreneurs is emerging from these cities in the country, according to fintech company Instamojos e-commerce outlook 2021 report.

The report said entrepreneurs understand the power of online presence and digital operations. There has been a 3X growth in unique businesses creating online stores. Businesses will come prepared with lean and flexible models that operate in an online-offline mix. The focus will be on selling directly to the consumer in 2021. Patna, Guwahati, Imphal were some of the many cities that topped the charts.

Small businesses in India are today evolving themselves as per the consumer and industry requirements. They are hungry for growth and much more resilient than we couldve imagined, said Akash Gehani, chief operating officer and co-founder, Merchants have come to understand the diverse nature of consumers and that innovation is the key differentiator.

ALSO READ: Tata Consumer strengthens wellness portfolio with sharper focus on immunity

He said itself brought in more than 200,000 small businesses from tier II and tier III cities during the lockdown period. More than 70 per cent of these entrepreneurs had no prior online presence. He said small businesses owners are making necessary changes to their brands, to the way they operate, and also the way they deal with their customers online in order to survive in the growing e-commerce space.

(unified payments interface) will dominate the payments space. On Instamojo, there was a 135 per cent year over year growth. Also, more affluent buyers will purchase from local businesses.

The report said upskilling has become a priority for business in 2021. Digitisation will make small business owners invest in digital skilling programmes. Across 2020, MojoVersity, Instamojos e-learning platform for entrepreneurs, saw a 9x growth in enrollments and an 11x growth in the number of merchants getting digitally certified. Raniganj, Ratnagiri, and Kondotty, all tier III cities, were among the top 10 cities in terms of traffic on MojoVersity.

Businesses are expected to become funding ready with government initiatives and positive investor outlook. As more entrepreneurs emerge from smaller towns and cities in India, accelerators and incubators are also expanding their services into markets to help nurture the upcoming businesses. Industry reports indicate that 40 per cent of investors will come from Tier II and Tier III cities.

ALSO READ: GDP estimates on expected lines, has fiscal implications for country

There would be a priority on omnichannel automation. Online invoicing and single platform automation is expected to become mandatory for businesses. Also, online accounting, invoicing, and inventory management will emerge as the first preference for the new age entrepreneur.

According to the report, customer support would become hyper-personalised. For Tier II and Tier III cities, localised customer support in regional languages and dialects will help businesses and brands to gain a competitive edge. The customer support will be tech-driven with automated ticketing, live chatbots, advanced CRM (customer relationship management) and omnichannel support.

Photo and video-sharing social media platform Instagram is also becoming a major branding and acquisition channel for businesses. As a large number of businesses went online in 2020, they also recognised the importance of a wide social media presence. The number of businesses updating their social media handles on their online store went up an average of 30 per cent quarter-over-quarter.
Alex Albon's Formula 1 career is not over, according to top Red Bull official Dr Helmut Marko.

With Sergio Perez replacing him for 2021, British-born Thai driver Albon is retaining Red Bull's backing as he moves into the German touring car series DTM.

"Alex Albon is a young, ambitious racing driver and an excellent asset to the DTM," said series boss Gerhard Berger.

Albon, 24, will divide his time between the German category and serving as Red Bull and Alpha Tauri's reserve driver at some grands prix.

"He will test with us and work on the simulator and be a reserve at many grands prix - this applies to all four cars," Marko told motorsport-total.com.

"It's not over for him. Albon failed not because he is not talented, but because of a lack of consistency. In the end, we got to the point that it caused him a lot of stress."

Marko also said Red Bull is "ready" to loan Albon to other Formula 1 teams if necessary in 2021.

"That would allow him to do extra kilometres in the race, not just in testing," he said.

Alpha Tauri boss Franz Tost thinks Albon's opportunity at Red Bull simply came too soon.

"There is no magic formula," he is quoted by motorsport-magazin.com.

"We had drivers who succeeded at Red Bull like Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel, but I continue to stress that drivers need three years at Alpha Tauri to survive at Red Bull."

(GMM)
A somewhat surprising statement from Missouri's newly elected Governor who has support from both MAGA activists and the good old boy network that REALLY runs Missouri.



Read more . . .

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson expressed dismay on Wednesday at news that a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol to derail the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's victory. But he said people should "absolutely not" place the blame for the violence on President Donald Trump or the Republicans who were trying to block certification of the presidential election results.
Wherever leftist anarchy rears its ugly head, the nearly universal response seems to be: close your eyes; dont look! The mob violence yesterday at the US Capitol, on the other hand, will be a tool for establishment repression of conservatives.

But for the left, the establishment attitude is: Maybe if the evil is ignored, it will go away. And for those of us old enough to have experienced anarchist riots and destruction in the 1960s and 70s, it could be argued thats how it played out. The evil went away  eventually.

Maybe America should just wait them out again this time?

Wrong!

First of all, the core elements of the movement to destroy America fifty years ago never really went away; they just went underground. The end of the Vietnam War took it off the table as the prime reason to riot, pillage and plunder -- to burn America down.

Additionally, strides were made on civil rights, the other front in the domestic war ongoing back then. Progress began on righting decades of national wrongs. As a result, riot, pillage and plunder took a holiday. Even hard-core radicals could no longer justify throwing their late-night Molotov cocktail parties.

Having been dumped into the middle of the mayhem when I returned from Vietnam in 1969, I came face-to-face with the anti-America revolutionaries far too frequently. Along the way, I was able to identify five distinct, but interacting components: (1) socialist-loving intellectuals; (2) screw-the-public profiteers; (3) mass media manipulators; (4) antimilitary/antiauthority zealots; and (5) sanctimonious amoral moralists. There might have been more.

Appallingly, the same anti-America factions bent on destroying U.S. democracy back then are synergizing again. My fear is they could succeed this time.

Aided by the global pandemic that destroyed a booming U.S. economy, their guy got the most claimed votes on Nov. 3. People are questioning how many were illegitimate ballots, but his claimed total was bigger. As a result, the anarchists will be empowered significantly going forward. They got him elected  presumably.

Freedom-loving Americans need to grasp what theyre up against. Freedom could be fleeting if something isnt done -- soon!

(1) Socialist-Loving Intellectuals: Since serving in combat in 1969, Ive spent a half century inside the ivory tower. That has convinced me the intelligentsia are the #1 threat to American freedom. University Marxists/Leninists/Stalinists gave birth to todays woke cancel culture while simultaneously administering last rites to higher education quality in America.

Beyond that, they educate the other four anarchist elements -- profiteers, manipulators, zealots, and moralists -- to serve themselves, not others; especially, not America. And, of course, they continually propagate more of their own  with the in-breeding generating precisely what genetics predicts.

Pedagogic indoctrination is sometimes subtle, oftentimes not, but the brainwashing works. Back in 1969, political correctness was merely a glimmer in university socialists eyes, but the stage was being set. It took time for PC to be institutionalized on all campuses nationwide.

You should recognize the outcomes with the cancel culture destroying monuments and dictating what words can and cannot be said. All cannot be used if lives is the next word in any sentence. Academic anarchists did that.

(2) Screw-the-Public Profiteers: President Reagan once said: Politics is supposed to be the second-oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.

One could argue that politicians and bureaucrats -- government pimps and prostitutes using Reagans analogy -- are the number-one threat. However, they received their political science degrees from Marxist faculty prior to heading to DC to socialize the country. Thus, screw-the-public profiteers finish below their mentors as threat #2  #2 being apt in multiple ways.

The pimps and prostitutes profit at taxpayers expense, fleecing the country theyre supposed to serve. Logic might say the pimps are more culpable, but bureaucrats service the acts politicians negotiate.

Yes, Mr. President, thats a very close resemblance to the oldest profession.

There were countless deep-state, insurance policy examples in 2019. Civil servants [sic] might not accrue immediate financial gains, but covert abuses yield IOUs.

And 2020s COVID-19 offered examples daily of elected swamp dwellers being swamp slime. Some bog amphibians can regenerate limbs; DC-types need backbones and morals.

(3) Mass Media Manipulators: Few people knew how bad the reporting was in the 60s and 70s, since the hacks still feigned being truthful. Their stilted propaganda was subtle, but effective -- regurgitate bile repeatedly until others swallow it.

Thats still true today; reporters just dont fake honesty anymore.

The mainstream was bad in the Vietnam era, but its worse now. It resembles the Mekong Delta 50 years ago where human excrement from villages went straight into the rivers and streams. Keep your mouth shut was advised when crossing or bathing in them. Thats difficult bathing in 2021s polluted mainstream.

(4) Antimilitary/Antiauthority Zealots: In-the-streets anarchists were the most visible anti-America Americans back in the 60s and 70s as they are today. But, theyre just destructive thugs empowered by the classless classes above.

As noted previously, Antifa is the Weather Underground of 50-years ago, just without the bombs -- yet Body counts and building rubble will go up when they access explosives.

Burgess Owens remarked recently, Whether it be Antifa, a terrorist group, whether it be BLM, a terrorist group, I tell you one thing they have in common with the KKK: Theyre cowards and bullies. Cowards become bullies in mobs, just like 50-years ago with the Weathermen and Students for a Democratic Society. Cowardly anti-Americans defines them all.

(5) Sanctimonious Amoral Moralists: Hollywood narcissists and allied windbags are anarchists-light at best. Theyll stoke the flames, taking few risks themselves.

They pontificated from sheltered soapboxes a half century ago as theyre doing again in the new Millennium. One amoral old retread moved from advocating the killing of U.S. soldiers to attacking climate change but that affirmative action was brief. Thankfully, she hasnt contributed patriot names to any walls of late, but her zealot comrades have.

Returning from combat in 1969, I had no clue Id be doing battle for decades with these five synergizing groups of anarchists. My Welcome Home from Vietnam wasnt thanks to them.

Fully comprehending the interplay took 30 years, but that got me to the rank order above. From an old combat vet perspective, #1 and #2 would categorize as strategic threats, #3 and #4 as tactical threats, and #5 as worthless threats. The last one cant be ignored though, since those blowholes own a bully pulpit.

American patriots need to understand: these anarchists want to end U.S. democracy. The conspirators failed a half century ago; they might succeed this time.

Pre-400 BC, Sophocles recognized, there is no greater evil than anarchy.

America needs to figure that out -- soon!

R.W. Trewyn, Ph.D. has been a university faculty member for 42 years, working in central administration the past 26 years.

Image credit: Pixabay public domain
Manitobans heard again Wednesday not to expect much change in restrictions in the near future.

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Manitobans heard again Wednesday not to expect much change in restrictions in the near future.

Details were also provided on the current situation with vaccines and the freshly launched hunt for a provincial director of immunization.

The current public health orders expire at the end of day Friday, but Dr. Jazz Atwal, the acting deputy chief provincial public health officer, could not say when an update on those would be available, only that the details were being worked out.

There was a rise in new cases  176, as compared to lower numbers in past days  with 10 new deaths.

"Weve been asking you to restrict your life for eight weeks. Thats a long time. Todays numbers are a bit higher, but the restrictions in place have made a difference and will continue to make a difference," Atwal said.

"Im asking you to keep going. We have other holidays coming up, such as Ukrainian Christmas."

Atwal reported nearly 60 cases and more than 400 contacts have been linked to holiday gatherings.

"We were worried about a spike following the holidays, and those numbers will influence the decisions about what kind of changes can be made in the restrictions in the coming days," he said.

But the current ins and outs of COVID-19 vaccination dominated the provinces update.

Asked why the province was just now looking to hire a director of immunization, Dr. Joss Reimer, medical officer of health, Manitoba Health and Seniors Care, and a member of Manitobas COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Task Force, said it is looking to the future.

"Our immunization campaign is going to be going on for many months in the future," Reimer said.

"Currently, we have an amazing team, but its folks who have been pulled from other parts of government, from other parts of Health. And, we would like to expand our team and be thinking about how we can continue to do this in the best way possible, while still seeing some of our workers go back to some of the services that they were providing."

To date, Manitoba has received a total of 22,230 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which includes approximately 7,000 doses delivered yesterday, according to a bulletin from the province released after the live update.

Further, as of Wednesday morning, 5,165 people have been immunized using the Pfizer vaccine.

"There are currently about 17,000 doses of Pfizer in the province, which will be used for the remainder of this weeks immunizations (5,250) as well as the 6,650 appointments for first- and second-dose immunizations that will be scheduled at the super site next week," the province stated.

Reimer said there have been questions about the provinces inventory of vaccine, and what its doing to ensure that Manitobans are immunized as quickly as possible.

"I can say that our first clinic at Rady was a success. The entire stock of vaccine that we had at that facility was used, with none remaining at the end of that," she said.

That immunization clinic, at the University of Manitobas Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the Bannatyne campus, concluded Dec. 31.

Reimer further said hundreds of people are now being vaccinated daily at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg.

According to the bulletin, plans for the Moderna vaccine will be provided in the coming weeks. The provinces first shipment of 7,300 doses has been allocated to immunize First Nations communities and personal care home residents.

Plans are also being made to ensure Brandons super site at the Keystone Centre, which opens Jan. 18, and Thompsons, which opens Feb. 1, have an adequate supply.

See Province  Page A5

"In the early stages, we were retaining a higher number of doses because the shipments and the number of doses were still uncertain. So, because we didnt know exactly when and how many of the doses would be arriving, we wanted to make sure that we had enough for the people who were coming into the clinic," Reimer said.

"We needed to make sure that we had enough in the freezer for our first clinic, then again, when we were opening up our first super site."

Moving forward, this will not be the case, she added, as the province expects delivery from the federal government will become more predictable and will arrive when theyre supposed to. The federal government is responsible for procurement.

Reimer also reported on adverse effects to the vaccine.

"The adverse events following immunization are quite rare, but theyre expected in every immunization campaign," she said, adding the concern is with an unexpected or more serious reaction from whats typically seen.

The province will be updating Manitobans on such events on a weekly basis.

So far, there have been four such events in the province, with two people requiring no further care and two requiring emergency-room care. One of those two have fully recovered, with details forthcoming on the second.

The province expects that approximately two per cent of the population will be vaccinated by the end of January and four per cent by the end of February, according to the bulletin.

"However, by increasing the number of immunizers working in super sites, the province can accelerate the pace of vaccination on a very efficient basis to meet any future increases in supply from federal allocations, or as additional vaccines are approved for use in Canada," the province stated.

Premier Brian Pallister said Wednesday that all Manitobans who wanted a vaccine could be immunized by the end of March if the doses were available from the federal government.

Reimer said she wouldnt speculate on whether the province would be able to vaccinate 1.3 million Manitobans in a defined amount of time.

"But I can absolutely confirm that we do have a scale-up plan in place and could increase our numbers substantially, fairly quickly, if the vaccine were available," she said.

 mletourneau@brandonsun.com

 Michele LeTourneau covers Indigenous matters for The Brandon Sun under the Local Journalism Initiative, a federally funded program that supports the creation of original civic journalism.

WEDNESDAYS COVID-19 UPDATE

The COVID-19 update from the province on Wednesday saw 10 additional deaths listed, and 176 new cases. Nine were removed due to data correction, making the new total 167.

New cases are as follows:

- 11 cases in the InterlakeEastern health region;

- 31 cases in the Northern health region;

- 12 in the Prairie Mountain Health region;

- 13 cases in the Southern HealthSante Sud health region; and

- 109 cases in the Winnipeg health region.

The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate was 10.4 in the province, and 11.5 per cent in Winnipeg.

Lab-confirmed cases in Manitoba total 25,541, with 705 deaths or 2.76 per cent.

The province also reported 237 people are in hospital with active COVID-19, as well as 92 people in hospital with COVID-19 who are no longer infectious but continue to require care, for a total of 329 hospitalizations.

Thirty two people are in intensive care units with active COVID-19, as well as five people with COVID-19 who are no longer infectious but continue to require critical care, for a total of 37 ICU patients.

Tuesday, 1,845 tests were completed, for a total of 430,597since February.

 Source: Province of Manitoba

TUESDAYS VACCINATION NUMBERS

On Tuesday, 871 people received the COVID-19 vaccine at the immunization super site at RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. The people immunized against COVID-19 to date include:

 3,938 from the Winnipeg health region

 534 from the Southern HealthSante Sud health region

 398 from the InterlakeEastern health region

 214 from Prairie Mountain Health

 23 from the Northern health region

 Source: Province of Manitoba

CURRENT VACCINE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

There are no changes to the eligibility criteria for immunization as of Wednesday. However, additional clarification was provided.

Those eligible include health care workers who have direct contact with patients and:

 work in critical care units (intensive care units only, no age restrictions)

 work in long-term care facilities, born on or before Dec. 31, 1975

 work in acute care facilities, born on or before Dec. 31, 1975

 assigned to a COVID-19 immunization clinic or designated COVID-19 testing site (no age restrictions)

 work in a laboratory handling COVID-19 specimens (no age restrictions and may include some individuals who do not have direct contact with patients, based on their role)

 work on a designated COVID-19 hospital ward (no age restrictions); and

 work in provincial or federal correctional facilities (no age restrictions).

 Source: Province of Manitoba
Authorities issued advisories to contain the spread of avian influenza, or bird flu, on Wednesday and asked all states to keep a close vigil to detect any unusual bird death as the Centre confirmed the outbreak has been reported from at least four states. Here is what we know about the outbreak:

-- Thousands of birds have died in Kerala (mostly poultry), Himachal Pradesh (migratory birds), and Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (crows) since the beginning of the outbreak in December-end.

-- Migratory birds are believed to have been the source of the outbreak.

-- The government has set up a control room in New Delhi to keep a watch on the situation even as no cases among humans has been reported so far.

-- Around 400,000 chickens have died in Haryanas Panchkula district over the past 20 days.

-- Similarly, three crows are suspected to have died of the disease in Uttarakhands capital Dehradun. Their test reports were awaited.

-- Jharkhand and Gujarat, too, have sounded an alert.

-- The Union health ministry has deployed special teams in Panchkula, apart from Keralas two epicentres.

-- Experts said the current outbreak is caused by the H5N8 strain, though there are other strains circulating globally. A series of outbreaks have been reported in Europe in the past weeks, with wild birds suspected to be spreading the disease.

-- Both H5N1 (another strain of avian influenza) and H5N8 have high pathogenicity (the ability of a pathogen to cause disease), but they do not infect humans much.

-- Past outbreaks among farm birds have needed extensive culling.

-- The current outbreak began barely a few months after India declared the country free from the disease on September 30. India notified the first outbreak of avian influenza in 2006.

-- The government has identified 12 disease epicentres: Baran, Kota, Jhalawar regions in Rajasthan; Mandsaur, Indore, Malwa areas in Madhya Pradesh; Kangra in Himachal Pradesh; and Keralas Kottayam and Alappuzha (four epicentres).

-- Over 69,000 birds, including ducks and chickens, were culled in Alappuzha and Kottayam, Kerala, on Wednesday.

-- Kerala has declared bird flu a state disaster and deployed rapid response teams for culling and surveillance efforts.

-- Madhya Pradesh has banned transportation of poultry from other states as a measure to check the bird flu spread.

-- Himachal Pradesh banned sale and export of poultry products and fish in the four subdivisions of Dehra, Fatehpur, Jawali, and Indora.
WASHINGTON -- Stunned officials from around the globe voiced a range of reactions -- from deep concern and disgust to apparent satisfaction -- after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, disrupting one of the final steps in the presidential election in a building that is the citadel of American democracy.



In a scene unprecedented in modern U.S. history, a crowd of supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump breached a police line outside the Capitol on January 6 as Congress was confirming President-elect Joe Biden's victory two weeks before his inauguration, causing chaos and the evacuation of lawmakers. The lawmakers later reconvened and confirmed the November 3 vote.

Trump has since acknowledged for the first time that Biden will be sworn in as the country's 46th president, saying in a statement on January 7 that there will be an "orderly" transition.

For millions of people in countries that have experienced violent political upheaval, the chaotic events looked familiar: a crowd storming the national legislature, fighting with police, and roaming unobstructed in the building's corridors.

The violence forced politicians to take cover amid gunfire that claimed the life of a woman shot after the mob broke through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side.

Police said three other people died from "medical emergencies" that occurred during the mayhem and that 52 people had been arrested so far for their roles in the riot.



Western officials voiced anger and dismay that it could happen in the U.S. capital.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the images made her "angry and sad" and that Trump had to accept some of the blame. The German foreign minister, Heiko Maas, said the violence and chaos would please "the enemies of democracy" worldwide.



"Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter. "The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power."



Diplomats from Russia, which has bristled at U.S. criticism of its record on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law under President Vladimir Putin, took a different tack.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said an "archaic" U.S. electoral system and the politicization of the U.S. media were to blame for the unrest in Washington.



On Facebook, Zakharova reposted a comment from a U.S. journalist who wrote, "The United States will never again be able to tell the world that we are the paragon of democracy."



Russia's first deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyansky, called the images "Maidan-style," a reference to the popular uprising that pushed Ukraine's Moscow-friendly president, Viktor Yanukovych, from power in 2014.



Putin has falsely claimed that months of massive and mostly peaceful protests on Kyiv's Independence Square were a U.S.-backed coup, and the term has a very negative connotation among Russian officials.



"Some of my friends ask whether someone will distribute crackers to the protesters," Polyansky said, a mocking reference to the actions of a U.S. State Department official during the protests on the Maidan in December 2013.

His comment was retweeted by the Twitter account of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the violence but tweeted admiration for the resiliency of the U.S. system:



Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba took to Twitter to share the sentiments of Western officials, saying rule of law and democratic principles must be restored in Washington.



"This is important not only for the U.S., but for Ukraine and the entire democratic world as well," he said.



The United States has been a key supporter of Ukraine as it carries out tough political and economic reforms necessary to join Western organizations and which Russia has sought to undermine.



Even right-wing Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, who has backed Trump and who has yet to congratulate Biden on his victory, tweeted: "All should be very troubled by the violence taking place in Washington D.C."



"We hope American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis. Democracy presupposes peaceful protest, but violence and death threats --from Left or Right -- are ALWAYS wrong."

Trump had called his supporters to rally in Washington earlier in the day to protest the results of the November 3 presidential election, which he has continued to claim were rigged despite overwhelming evidence that there was no widespread fraud and the fact that courts have rejected dozens of his attempts to overturn the outcome.



Numerous foreign leaders called on Trump and members of the mob that stormed the Capitol to swiftly ensure a peaceful transfer of power.

Maas, the German foreign minister, urged the Trump supporters to "stop trampling" on democratic values. "The enemies of democracy will be pleased to see these incredible images from Washington, D.C.," he added.



Turkey, which like Russia has been repeatedly chided by the United States for having authoritarian rule, was also quick to comment on the developments.



"We follow the events in the USA with concern and invite the parties to calmness. We believe that problems will always be solved within law and democracy," Mustafa Sentop, the speaker of Turkey's parliament, said on Twitter.

The EU's foreign policy chief condemned what he called an "assault on U.S. democracy."



"In the eyes of the world, American democracy tonight appears under siege," Josep Borrell tweeted. "This is not America. The election results of 3 November must be fully respected."



Trump eventually issued a restrained call for peace well after the riot was under way, but did not immediately ask his supporters to disperse.



Later, he urged them to go home but did not condemn the violence, called them "very special people," and reiterated his false claim that he won the election.



Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada, a neighbor and close U.S. ally, was "deeply disturbed and saddened" by the events in Washington.



"Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld -- and it will be," Trudeau tweeted.

Former U.S. President George W. Bush called the violence an "insurrection," saying, "This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic -- not our democratic republic."

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP
In a blow to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, Democratic challengers in two pivotal Senate runoff races in Georgia, Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, defeated Republican incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue. The result, if it survives various challenges, would leave the US Senate divided between 50 Republicans and 50 Democrats, with the vice president holding the tiebreaking vote.

After the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on January 20assuming that occurs as scheduledthe Democrats would take the majority in the Senate and Democrat Chuck Schumer would replace Republican Mitch McConnell as majority leader. With Biden, Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Democrats would be in control of the White House and both houses of Congress for the first time since 2010.

As he did in the November election, Trump has claimed that the Georgia vote was rigged and that Warnock and Ossoffs vote totals were artificially inflated by late night vote dumps. Neither Loeffler nor Perdue have conceded their races, with multiple recounts, court challenges and lawsuits possible in the coming days as the final votes are tallied.

Due to the out-of-control spread of the coronavirus, over 3 million voters decided to vote by mail or cast early votes, rather than attend crowded polling places on January 5. Unlike the general election November 3, however, state election officials were prepared to begin counting the early votes as soon as the polls opened Tuesday morning, and most vote counting was completed by early Wednesday morning.

President-elect Joe Biden, center, at the end of a drive-in rally for Georgia Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate Raphael Warnock, left, and Jon Ossoff, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

In response to Trumps ongoing claims of election fraud, Gabriel Sterling, a top Republican Georgia election official and frequent target of Trumps attacks, said on Wednesday that there wasnt any evidence of any irregularities. The biggest thing weve seen is from the presidents fertile mind of finding fraud where none exists.

The runoff races are the most expensive Senate races in US history. Together, the four candidates and their political allies have spent more than $830 million on the two races, more than double the $343.1 million that was spent on the entire 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. In part due to a surge in internet contributions, Ossoff and Warnock actually raised more money than Loeffler, the wife of the CEO of the New York Stock Exchange, and Perdue, former CEO of Dollar General.

The runoff elections were held under Georgia laws requiring a candidate to win 50 percent of the vote in the general election. Perdue narrowly missed that mark, leading Ossoff by 49.7 percent to 48 percent, while Warnock and Loeffler advanced to the runoff after a fractured contest with 20 candidates on the ballot, in which Warnock led with 32.9 percent.

The runoff was dominated by Trumps continued attempts to subvert the results of the national vote, including in Georgia, where Biden captured the states 16 electoral votes by a margin of 11,779 votes. Only three days before the runoff vote, Trump conducted an hour-long telephone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in which he demanded that state officials find the votes necessary to overturn Bidens victory.

Perdue and Loeffler campaigned as full-throated advocates of Trump and his bogus claims of a stolen election. While the two Democrats campaigned with Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, they followed Bidens direction and sought to downplay the danger of dictatorship and spread complacency about Trumps threats to democracy.

Over the weekend, Trump held a rally with the Republican candidates in Dalton, a large town in the northwest Georgia congressional district where Marjorie Taylor Greene, an open supporter of the fascist QAnon tendency, was the victorious Republican candidate in November. The location was chosen both to show Trumps support for the fascists and to counter reports of flagging turnout in the early voting in heavily Republican areas.

About 1 a.m. Wednesday, the major television networks and the Associated Press called the special Senate race in favor of Warnock over Loeffler, as his lead swelled to more than 50,000 votes. The networks called the Ossoff victory over Perdue, which came by a smaller margin, about 20,000 votes, late Wednesday afternoon.

Over 4.5 million turned out to vote in the two run-off elections, more than 90 percent of the 4.9 million who voted in the Georgia November presidential election. There was a significant increase in the proportion of black and working class voters in the electorate, compared to November 3.

Warnock was the senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the former pulpit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He will be the first African-American senator from Georgia in its history. Ossoff, at the age of 33, will be the youngest senator elected from any state since 1973, and the first Jewish senator from Georgia.

Despite the inevitable media celebrations of this victory for diversity, the Democrats are trusted servants of corporate America and the capitalist state. Warnocks clerical position is one of the prime perquisites of the black political establishment in Atlanta, which has been tightly integrated into the US political elite, and he was selected for the nomination by party leaders. Ossoff is a graduate of the Georgetown School of Foreign Service, a former aide to Representative Hank Johnson, and became a documentary producer specializing in Africa and the Middle East.

The two Republican senators ran virulent red-baiting campaigns, claiming that the election of the two Democrats would turn America into a socialist country. Both laced their campaign advertisements with racist and anti-Semitic tropes, including ads that darkened Warnocks skin to emphasize his race, and elongated Ossoffs nose, a typical anti-Semitic slur.

The two Democrats highlighted the rampant corruption of the two Republican incumbents, including claims of insider trading. Both Perdue and Loeffler were investigated by the Senate Ethics Committee for dumping soon-to-be worthless stock after they received classified intelligence briefings last winter about the danger of the coronavirus.

Loeffler tried to portray Warnock as anti-Israel, condemning sermons given by Warnock in which he made mild criticisms of Israel for shooting and killing unarmed Palestinian protesters during a 2018 sermon. Warnock responded by swinging to the right, supporting increased military aid to Israel and declaring his opposition to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.


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A new documentary broadcast this week reveals a never-seen-before perspective on the sinking of the Titanic.

Notes taken during the investigation into the sinking of the famous vessel have been made available for the first time for the Sky History film.

The notes taken by the judge overseeing the inquiry, Lord Mersey, John Bingham have been made public by his great, great grandson Ned Bigham.

The show, presented by A-list Hollywood star Laurence Fishburne, investigates the real reason for the sinking of RMS Titanic?

After the disaster, Lord Mersey interviewed hundreds of eyewitnesses, with his notes casting new light on the controversy over the speed at which the Belfast-built Titanic was travelling when it struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic in 1912, killing more than 1,500 people.

In his notes, Lord Mersey underlines with importance the historical allegation that the captain of the Titanic, Edward Smith, showed a message he had received warning of icebergs to one of the VIP guests aboard the vessel, the chair of the White Star Line, J Bruce Ismay, who took the note and held onto it, aware that the worlds press would be waiting in New York for the luxury vessel to arrive.

It was feared at the time of the inquiry that Lord Mersey, given his close ties to those in officialdom and connections to heads of the White Star Line, would have a slanted view of what actually happened which would be reflected in his judgment.

The final report was often criticised for covering up the negligence of the Titanics captain and White Star Line itself.

Lord Merseys private papers have long been sought after by Titanic historians who feel that his personal writings would give a more accurate reflection of what happened on that fateful day.

Speed

He addresses the issue of speed, which has long been one of the main reasons historians believe the disaster could have been averted.

He wrote: Speed, 21 knots. And never reduced to time of collision, notwithstanding wary that icebergs in vicinity and that she would be likely to meet them.

While many have blamed Capt Smith for his alleged insistence on maintaining a high speed, Lord Mersey wrote that he had major concerns over the speed at which the ship was travelling, even though he said he was not able to blame Capt Smith for the disaster.

Speaking of the assertion that the crew on the Titanic had been warned about ice in the area, he penned: Two vessels informed her: icebergs, growlers, floes.

Growlers are small pieces of icebergs which have broken free, while ice floes are large packs of floating ice which can be over 10km wide. The iceberg the Titanic is believed to have struck was almost 100 feet high and 400 feet long.

The judges notes also reveal that he was concerned with the lack of lifeboat deployment drills by the Titanics crew ahead of the disaster.

He questioned whether the crew had been trained sufficiently in using the lifeboats, of which there were only 20 available, enough for just half the passengers on board.

Following the inquiry, changes were made in the shipping industry to ensure boats had enough lifeboats for all passengers.

Lord Mersey addressed the role of the SS Californian, which was just under 20 miles from the Titanic when it sent messages to the crew warning of ice fields. He said the ship should have been able to come to the Titanics aid had it not turned off its communication system.

Again, changes were made in the industry to ensure ships kept their communications on 24/7.

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Unfortunately, in the past year or so, and even in my own community, you have folks that use public safety as a way to exert or use that as a point of political influence either by potentially overfunding public safety, which weve seen folks do in the past, or by underfunding it, which is something that weve been seeing as well occasionally. So, we just want to take that off the table, Bohacek responded.

JACKSON, MI  A request for an investigation into the ethics of two Jackson City Council members is headed to the Michigan Attorney General.

The Jackson City Councils decision to seek the investigation on Ward 4 Councilwoman Laura Dwyer Schlecte and Ward 3 Councilman Jeromy Alexander came during a nearly three-hour meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

The action stems from 18 questions presented to Schlecte on potential ethics violations. They question whether Schlecte, who owns Thinking Real Estate, fully disclosed her involvement in working with a developer who proposed buying the city-owned Vermeulens and Masonic Temple buildings on Cortland Street.

Schlecte defends her actions, saying she withdrew her professional involvement in the proposed deal when concerns were raised. And she called for council to investigate Alexander, who led the ethics questioning, for a potential conflict of interest because hes previously done work for Jackson School of the Arts, which purchased the Vermeulens building in December for $500,000.

Related: Jackson School of the Arts passes on Masonic Temple, buys Vermeulens building instead

After about an hour discussion, the council voted 5-0 to send Schlectes responses to the questions to the Michigan Attorney Generals office with a cover letter from City Attorney Matt Hagerty requesting an investigation of both Schlecte and Alexanders alleged conflicts of interest. Alexander and Schlecte abstained from the vote.

City officials confirmed Wednesday, Jan. 6, that they are preparing the documents to send to state officials.

City administration is following the directives of the city council that were set out at Tuesday nights special meeting, City Spokesman Aaron Dimick said in a statement. City administration awaits any possible actions from the attorney general before commenting any further.

Related: Councilwoman maintains she was transparent about role in potential Jackson development deal

Schlectes company was representing Detroit Rock Solid, which proposed buying the two buildings for $1, with each to be developed into mixed-use space. Schlecte withdrew her company, which stood to make a $25,000 commission if the deal succeeded, from the proposal when Alexander pointed out potential conflicts of interest in early December.

The 18 questions drafted by Alexander acted as an initial investigation from council. Schlecte was questioned about her real estate company, how she became involved with Detroit Rock Solid, if she would receive any financial gain from a deal and how she met with council members about the proposal.

In her response, Schlecte maintains she acted transparently because she sought advice from city officials about her involvement in the potential sale of city-owned property. They said it was OK so long as she abstained from discussion and voting, Schlecte said.

In her call to have Alexander investigated, Schlecte noted his ties to JSA in the computer repair work hes been contracted to do for the nonprofit. She alleges Alexander stood to receive more work if the deal with JSA succeeded.

The first two hours of the Jan. 5 virtual meeting were filled with citizen comments on the situation. Most were from friends, clients, tenants and colleagues of Schlecte supporting her character and what they said is her mission to make Jackson a vibrant community.

Council members debated whether to create a special council committee to investigate the query further  either in addition to sending Schlectes response to the state or before sending the response. But Schlecte objected, saying she followed the ethics investigations request in its original motion on Dec. 8, and that any further council-conducted investigation violated her due process rights.

Related: Investigation launched into Jackson council members role with city-owned building deal

Im tired of listening to the whims of a fellow council member who has a grudge against me for some unknown reason and whos clearly trying to publicly embarrass me, Schlecte said. This needs to be put an end to. You guys already made the motion for me to answer the questions, send them to the attorney general. Just do it.

Alexander agreed with Schlecte to forward the information, but said the council could also continue an investigation on its own. Hagerty then recommended that council have a collective direction so that information wasnt submitted piecemeal.

Councilman Will Forgrave, Ward 6, proposed creating a council committee to continue the investigation that would consist of himself and Councilwoman Karen Bunnell, Ward 5. He later retracted the motion after Hagerty recommended waiting for the attorney generals actions before determining whether an in-house investigation was warranted.

MORE JACKSON NEWS:

Portion of M-60 dedicated to fallen Jackson-area Iraq War veteran

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Jacksons automotive history to be highlighted at museum in historic building

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin on protestors breaching Capitol: We shouldnt be shocked
The recent military flair up of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was ended on the 10th November by a Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement after 44 days. The most important question in the years to come appears to be: Quo vadis, Nagorno-Karabakh? Azer Babayev* explores the role the international community can play in ensuring the current fragile peace lasts in the article Nagorno-Karabakh: War is Over, What is to be Done Now? for Global Policy Journal.

Usually, a goal, or a destination is the prerequisite of any movement. In the case of Nagorno-Karabakh, however, the way itself seems to be the goal, and that way is called confidence building. Here, two approaches appear to be keys for a successful peace-building process: defusing the status issue and gradual restoring relations. And they can be influenced or accelerated through supporting initiatives by the international community. Indeed, given the current confrontational positions, they are indispensable.

Defusing the status issue would create conditions that enable the gradual restoration of economic relations and human contacts between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, the process of creating understanding only promises success if the advantages of peace gradually become tangible for both parties.

In the South Caucasus, a first gradualist step would be rebuilding the transportation infrastructure (roads, railways, and air traffic) with international support  similar to the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe that the EU established after NATO intervention in Yugoslavia in 1999. Experience shows that cross-border retail trade would begin immediately thereafter. This is no panacea, but rather the beginning of a long process.

In addition, establishing diplomatic ties between Turkey and Armenia and opening the border could be highly conducive for the rapprochement of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Turkey closed its border with Armenia in the early 1990s in response to Yerevans occupation of surrounding territories outside of Nagorno-Karabakh. Now, these sanctions could be transformed into an incentive for making a timetable to open all regional borders, including the transport routes from Turkey to Armenia and those that pass-through Armenia to Azerbaijan. Indeed, after the end of the recent war, Turkey declared its basic willingness, to open its borders with Armenia.

Ethno-nationalist and revisionist historical narratives must also be rejected, starting with reporting about the other side. Take the case of Trieste: In 1993, more than 40 years after Italy and Yugoslavia were forcibly separated and 20 years after the Osimo Treaty (which settled their final borders), Italy and Slovenia finally set up a historical commission that published a co-authored text on Italian-Slovenian Relations 18801956. Obviously, such changes in the national psyche take generations, especially after wars. But they must begin as soon as possible.

Another challenge is the return of refugees and IDPs. The largest group is made up of Azeris who fled the seven districts that Armenia occupied in 1992/1993. Although their homes have been ruined under occupation, these refugees intend to return to these recently regained territories. Another group is the Azeris who left Nagorno-Karabakh itself. Although they constitute a smaller group, their return is the most sensitive: The now exclusively Armenian surroundings are not very inviting. This problem is well known in Bosnia and Herzegovina for example, where most places have remained ethnically homogeneous.

Overall, the specific pros and cons of all schemes for settling the conflict must be made tangible: This is where international actors play a decisive role. The case of Northern Ireland serves as an excellent example. Negotiations were not initiated by the conflict parties but rather by London and Dublin, with the involvement of politicians from the USA. A pattern of slow and instructive diplomatic scuttling was developed, and although antagonistic perceptions, binary ways of thinking, and behavioral patterns were not totally eliminated, the antagonists began to open up to compromise. That took a lot of time and an often tortuous path. Every single step towards possible cooperation demanded the careful management of spoilers who resisted each partial concession that they regarded as betraying their holy mission. And the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh looks not much different.

*Azer Babayev is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at ADA University (Baku). Ha has recently been a visiting scholar at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) and co-edited the book 'The Nagorno-Karabakh Deadlock: Insights from Successful Conflict Settlements' (Springer VS 2020)
A week before The Challenge 36 aired, Tori Deal and Jordan Wiseley announced they called off their engagement and parted ways. Many fans claimed they saw Tori on vacation with co-star Fessy Shafaat, causing them to believe she cheated on him during the show. After MTV shared a clip that highlighted a possible romantic connection between the two, Tori spoke out.

Tori Deal attends Are You The One? New York Premiere | John Lamparski

The Challenge stars Tori Deal and Jordan Wiseley broke up

Rookie from Are You the One 4? Tori Deal met multi-champ Jordan Wiseley during The Challenge 30, where she made it to the finals. Her then-boyfriend Derrick Henry went home much earlier, and she ended up cheating on him with Jordan.

The new couple decided to pursue a relationship and moved in with each other. They returned for War of the Worlds 2, where Jordan proposed to Tori, and Total Madness, in which they both went home before the finals. The AYTO star came back for the following season, Double Agents, but Jordan stayed behind.

Tori and Jordan's engagement brought the entire house together. Well, almost the entire house.



See what happens at the explosive, two-hour long The Challenge: War of The Worlds 2 reunion at 9/8c on @mtv. #TheChallenge34 pic.twitter.com/kDi2k99udR  challengemtv (@ChallengeMTV) December 17, 2019

RELATED: The Challenge Stars Jordan Wiseley and Tori Deal Split After 3 Years of Dating

When she finished filming, fans began noticing Tori seemingly moved out of their place together. A few weeks later, in Nov. 2020, the power couple separately announced their breakup.

Their explanations implied that public pressure had something to do with their split.

Fans claimed they recently saw Fessy Shafaat and Tori on vacation together

Two-time competitor Fessy Shafaat also appeared on Double Agents. After filming wrapped in October 2020, fans claimed they saw the two on vacation together in Turks and Caicos.

While there, Fessy went live on Instagram to talk to his followers, and many viewers insisted they heard Tori rapping and singing in the background.

Fessy and Tori when they went on vacation together pic.twitter.com/cBcAM86LqW  Jay (@jaychallenge1) January 6, 2021

RELATED: The Challenge: Fans Found Evidence Tori Deal is Dating Fessy Shafaat After Jordan Wiseley Breakup

Additionally, one user pointed out that he falsely tagged his location in Hawaii when uploading pictures to Instagram.

After announcing the breakup, Tori revealed shes relocating back to the East Coast from California on her podcast, causing many fans to believe she had moved on, possibly with Fessy.

Tori denies cheating on Jordan in Instagram Story

Jordan and Tori revealed their separation a week before Double Agents premiered. Therefore, several followers assumed something happened with Fessy during season 36.

Ahead of episode 4, MTV shared a 45-second teaser showcasing Tori and Fessys new working relationship. In a confessional, he explained he thought they shared a genuine connection but didnt get a chance to speak last season because she mostly hung out with Jordan. He also called her a dope and very good-looking woman.

Tori is playing her own game so, where does Fessy fit into that?



Find out TOMORROW on The Challenge: Double Agents at 8/7c on @mtv. #TheChallenge36 pic.twitter.com/FK7d8wUsda  challengemtv (@ChallengeMTV) January 5, 2021

RELATED: The Challenge: Fessy Shafaat Explains Why He Revealed the Double Agents Power To See Secret Vote

Cory Wharton gave his opinion on the situation, noting Fessys always had an attraction toward Tori, who entered the house engaged, and believes its obvious the two are working together. After many fans began sharing the clip as a way to validate their belief that Tori cheated, the AYTO star released a statement on her Instagram Story.

She claimed that Fessy admitting he found her attractive did not mean they did anything and denied cheating on her ex with him. However, she never clarified if she and the Big Brother star are currently seeing each other. The Challenge 36 airs Wednesdays at 8/7 Central on MTV.
Kannada actress and producer Radhika Kumaraswamy on Wednesday denied she had received Rs 1.25 crore from S. Yuvaraj Swamy Yadav. Instead, she claimed she had received Rs 15 lakh from him and Rs 60 lakh from a producer, that too as an advance for a film in which she was to act.

It is worth noting here, that the Bengaluru police arrested Swamy Yadav, 55, posing as a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary for allegedly cheating government job aspirants by convincing them of his "strong political connections" on December 17.

Since last week, reports started appearing in a section of the media alleging that Radhika too was involved in this scam as she had received Rs 1.25 crore from him.

To give credence to these reports, the police summoned Radhika's elder brother Raviraj and questioned him for more than an hour regarding his connections with Swamy Yadav.

In a hurriedly convened press conference, Radhika told reporters that her family knew Swamy Yadav for the last 17 years and knew him as an "astrologer" through her father.

"He had predicted that I would be the mother of a girl child when I was 16 year old, subsequently he also predicted my father's death which also came true. Similarly there were many incidents that he predicted about our family that turned out to be true. Therefore, our relationship got stronger over a period of 17 years. I was also shocked to hear that he was arrested. Prior to his arrest, he predicted that I would be in trouble till February of this year and what an ironic prediction it turned out to be. I came in trouble only because of him," she explained.

"He (Swamy Yadav) had discussed with me that he would be producing a movie - Natyarani Shantala (Dancing queen Shantala) - and credited Rs 15 lakh in my account as an advance. Subsequently, another producer of this movie, credited Rs 60 lakh into my account in March 2020. When asked about who was producing the movie, he just stated that his brother-in-law is also partnering with him to produce the movie," she said.

In her attempt to distance herself from the controversy, she said that her family had been duped on several occasions and despite this her family had never tried to defraud anyone. "On numerous counts, we have been defrauded but our family has remained united," she said and quickly asserted that the family was ready to face any consequence.

In response to a question, Radhika said that she was not the only person who fell for his ploys but several top ranking VIPs too have fallen for his dubious personality. "How can I know that person who predicted several good things about our family, could do such a thing. I was not aware of any of his deeds. Our connections with him were limited to astrology and films not beyond that," she said and added quickly that Swamy Yadav was not her relative.

She added that their conversations never went beyond films and fixing muhruts (auspicious time) to start any good work. "Almost every day he used to change his Whatsapp DP, in which either he was seen giving a bouquet or being felicitated by some VIP. So, I never suspected him or his intentions at all," she explained.

She added that her family came to know him through her father about 17 or 18 years ago and he called her sometime early last year, when she was in Delhi for work. "I received a call from him and he also met me in Delhi there itself on the pretext of meeting us after my father's death in 2019. He came to us and met us in Delhi. After this, he asked me whether she was interested in acting in movies, to which I said, she would act if she got a good offer and a script," she said.

Answering to a question that does she have any agreement to prove that the advance was given to her for her role in the movie, she reasoned that not all movies are agreed upon on the basis of agreement papers. "Sometimes, we (actors) accept offers based on oral agreements as well. This is one such agreement," she claimed.

She asserted that she will cooperate with the police as and when the police summons her and it is known by now that her brother had already responded to the police summons and faced an inquiry without creating any fuss.

In 2010, Radhika had hit the headlines when she declared that she was married to former Karnataka Chief Minister, H. D. Kumaraswamy in 2006 and had a daughter.

It may also be recalled that on December 17, based on complaint Bengaluru's Central Crime Branch arrested a 55-year-old Yuvaraj Swamy Yadav posing as a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary for allegedly cheating government job aspirants by convincing them of his "strong political connections".

The CCB sleuths arrested Yuvaraj, a resident of Nagarabhavi and seized 100 cheques worth Rs 91 crore from his residence.

After his arrest, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Patil told reporters that a complaint was filed by a person who had given Yuvaraj Swamy Rs 1 crore after the accused had promised him a tender for a project.

The CCB chief said that Yuvraj had allegedly taken Rs 10 crore from an educationist-turned politician from north Karnataka by promising him to help procure a ticket to contest the upcoming Belagavi by-elections.

The politician demanded his money back and Yuvraj told him that he had given the cash to different people in the state and central governments and could not return it. The politician filed a complaint through a third party, who was also allegedly duped by Yuvraj.
The AAP on Thursday demanded that the BJP immediately dissolve Delhis municipal corporation and hold fresh elections.

Addressing a press conference, AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj claimed that the BJP has miserably failed to run the citys municipal corporation.

AAP demands that the BJP should immediately dissolve the municipal corporation and a fresh election must take place, said Bhardwaj.

Bhardwaj alleged that during the 2017 municipal corporation election campaign, the then Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari had misled people by promising that there will be no scarcity of money in the municipal corporations because the BJP will directly bring in funds from the Central government.

Tiwari misled the people of Delhi by making false promises and did not bring a single penny from the Centre. He should resign from the post of MP, said Bhardwaj.

He further said despite getting the full amount of funding from the Kejriwal government and increasing the house tax and many other taxes as well, the BJP-ruled MCD claims that they do not have any money to pay the salaries of the employees. PTI UZM RDM RDM
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Carlos Javier Sanchez | Contributor

Thousands of low-income Texans have less than a month to find new providers of birth control, cancer screenings and other non-abortion services as the state moves forward with plans to boot Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program, according to a letter sent from the state health agency.

The nonprofit had asked for at least a six month extension to help recipients transition to new providers, following a November court ruling that allowed Republican officials to stop reimbursing it for Medicaid services. In the letter sent Monday, however, the health agency said it has only until Feb. 3, and is prohibited from accepting any new Medicaid patients.




Donald Trump was recorded pressuring Georgias state secretary to find 11,780 votes to overturn the presidential election in his favour, in a leaked telephone conversation that could land the US president in a second impeachment trial.

Democrats called for the impeachment process after the audio was released by the Washington Post on Sunday, with congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others leading the calls.

She told reporters that the presidents attempt to overturn the presidential race was an attack on the election and absolutely impeachable, while Kamala Harris - the vice president-elect - added that Mr Trump's actions represented "a bald-faced, bold abuse of power by the president."

Mr Trump, who refuses to accept his loss to president-elect Joe Biden, was recorded telling Brad Raffensperger - a Republican - that we won the state. There's nothing wrong with saying, you know, um, that you've recalculated.

In reality, Mr Biden has been certified as the winner of both the presidency and the state, and was found to have swung Georgia after two recounts.

But with little more than two weeks until Mr Trump departs Washington DC, legal experts have said a second impeachment trial would be difficult to stage, despite the presidents latest actions.

His first impeachment, which ended with his acquittal by the US Senate in February 2020, lasted almost five months from the initial enquiries carried-out by the House.

The logistics of holding impeachment proceedings in the final two weeks of a presidency are admittedly hard to pull off, said the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics watchdog in a statement on Sunday.

Despite that, the watchdog added that if this isnt impeachable conduct, then literally nothing is.

What Trump did on that phone call is absolutely an impeachable offence and one that we should draw a line in the sand over for future presidents, said Brian Klass, professor of global politics at UCL.

[But] theres a debate to be had", said Mr Klass, who added that something needed to be done despite the political implications.

Should a second impeachment process prove to be too difficult, some legal experts suggested that Mr Trump could also be tried under state law for the phone call.

Both the solicitation of election fraud and conspiracy to commit election fraud are crimes under Georgia state law, and so there was a possible breach by the president, according to Anthony Michael Kreis, professor at Georgia State University.

Theres just no way that if you read the code and the way the code is structured, and then you look at what the president of the United States requested, that he has not violated this law  the spirit of it for sure, said Mr Kreis, who spoke to Politico.

There is also the possibility that federal laws were broken by Mr Trump, according to the

A former justice department inspector, Michael R. Bromwich, added that Mr Trump also appeared to have broken federal laws, which block the procurement, casting, or tabulation of ballots that are known by the person to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent under the laws of the State in which the election is held.

Unless there are portions of the tape that somehow negate criminal intent, I just want to find 11,780 votes and his threats against Raffensperger and his counsel violate 52 U.S. Code  20511, said Mr Bomwich, who added that His best defence would be insanity.
Amid tight security, thousands of farmers on Thursday started their tractor-march from protest sites -- Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders -- against the three agriculture laws.

Bharati Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) chiefJoginder Singh Ugrahan said that farmers participated in the march with over 3,500 tractors and trolleys.

According to the protesting farm unions, this is just "rehearsal" for their proposed January 26 tractor parade that will be move into the capital from different parts of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Farmers started the tractor march around 11 am and moved towards KundliManesarPalwal Expressway amid heavy deployment of Delhi Police and Haryana Police personnel.

The tractor march, led by senior BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, moved towards Palwal.

"In the coming days, we will intensify our agitation against the three farm laws. Around 2,500 tractors from Haryana have participated in today's march.

"We want to warn that if the government doesn't not accept our demands, farmers' protest will get intensified further," Abhimanyu Kohar, a senior member of Samkyukt Kisan Morcha, told PTI.

The tractor march started from four different points -- Singhuto Tikri Border, Tikri to Kundli, Ghazipurto Palwal and Rewasan to Palwal.

Braving severe cold and sporadic rains, thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and some other parts of the country have been camping at several Delhi border points for over 40 days, demanding repeal of farm laws, a legal guarantee on minimum support price for their crops and other two issues.

The seventh round of talks between protesting unions and three central ministers ended inconclusively on Monday as farmer groups stuck to their demand for the repeal of three laws, while the government listed out various benefits of the new acts for the growth of the country's agriculture sector.
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The Chief Judge of Enugu State, Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu, has paid glowing tribute to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his administrations commitment in the provision of critical infrastructure for the state judiciary to efficiently discharge its responsibilities in the state.

Justice Emehelu, who spoke during the swearing-in of six new judges into the state judiciary by the governor, stated that prior to the inception of Mr Ugwuanyis administration, it has not been possible for the judiciary of Enugu State to get even one slot for appointment.

Describing the swearing-in of the new judges as historic, the Enugu State chief judge stressed that it was remarkable to note that the state judiciary under the present administration, from 2016 to date, has produced 15 judges.

Ms Emehelu thanked Mr Ugwuanyi for making the feat possible, stressing that it could not have been possible if not for his administrations massive infrastructural interventions in the state judiciary, especially in providing all the facilities that are necessary for these appointments.

According to her, the committee from the National Judicial Council (NJC) came and inspected what we had on the ground and having been satisfied, gave us the green light which has culminated in the exercise we are performing today. I want to say a big thank you to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for making it possible.

Speaking after swearing in Martha Nkiru Aroh-Onuoha, Paul Chukwuemeka Ugwueze, Hyacinthia Urunwa Ezugwu, Juliet Uchenna Mogboh and Okey Paulinus Anike as High Court judges in Enugu State, as well as Richard Emeka Ogbodo as a judge of the Customary Court of Appeal of the state, Governor Ugwuanyi explained that the action was a sequel to his approvals to the recommendations of the National Judicial Council (NJC), in compliance with Section 271 sub-section 2 and Section 281 sub-section 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The governor, who lamented the difficulties being experienced because of the dearth of judges, pointed out that the appointment of the new Judges was a timeous relief to the Enugu State Judiciary and the people of the state.

Highlighting his administrations recent major infrastructural interventions in the judiciary, Mr Ugwuanyi stated that it delivered extensively reconstructed State Judiciary Headquarters complex in Enugu, one new High Court building, eleven new Magistrate Court buildings, two new Open Registry buildings, new permanent Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters building, 34 new Model Customary Court buildings (two in each Local Government Area) as well as other essential tools and equipment, which he said will be complemented by these appointments for more efficient administration and speedy dispensation of justice in Enugu State.

The governor therefore congratulated the new judges on their well-deserved appointments and charged them to bring their expertise and the requisite gravitas to bear on the discharge of their new responsibilities.

Responding on behalf of other newly sworn-in judges, Ms Aroh-Onuoha, thanked God and Mr Ugwuanyi for the elevation.

She equally commended the governor for his administrations unprecedented interventions in the judiciary, saying: Within four years, fifteen Judges were appointed; court buildings have been massively renovated and new ones constructed.

Ms Aroh-Onuoha went further to appreciate the State Chief Judge for her motivation and support, including others who contributed towards their accomplishment.
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If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side, our democracy would enter a death spiral.  We cannot keep drifting apart into two separate tribes with a separate set of facts and separate realities.

 Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, hours before protesters entered the U.S. Capitol by force

We bid farewell and good riddance to 2020 with the hope that a new year would bring a brighter reality.

Instead, it took just days for 2021 to ring in a new low for American democracy and unity.

Wednesday started with Congress preparing to certify the election of incoming President Joe Biden, which included strong remarks from McConnell and Vice President Mike Pence supporting the legitimacy of the results and its obvious conclusion.

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At the same time, thousands of protesters gathered nearby for the second day in support of President Trumps vain and unproven claims that he won the election.

Before members of Congress could undertake their quadrennial constitutional duty, however, protesters made their way to the Capitol and hundreds were able to pass through police lines, with some entering the building by breaking windows with what appeared to be minimal resistance.

The vice president was escorted away to a safe place while others in the Capitol sheltered in place. Lawmakers were evacuated to safe areas, and news video later showed thugs roaming through and disrespecting the esteemed settings of the Senate floor and congressional offices.

Pence, tweeting from an undisclosed location after being evacuated, forcefully called for a halt to the action: The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building.

Trump is rightly being blamed for shamefully fueling the flames leading to this dark, dark episode in American history. After months of claiming election fraud, Trump recklessly urged protesters outside the White House early Wednesday to head to the Capitol to show strength and opposition to the election of Biden.

While last year was filled with violent and sometimes deadly riots across America as well as long-term takeovers and destruction of public and private facilities  for which there also seemed to be little resistance from law enforcement  this riot at the U.S. Capitol, the peoples house, took a giant leap in ignominy.

It is a stain on the ideal of American democracy. It has increased the already serious divide among Americans and has brought international shame to our country. No doubt it is already a much played highlight reel in Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.

And while Pence was quick to disclaim and condemn the disreputable action, Trump dodged and weaved throughout the day, eventually telling protesters to go home while still desperately clinging to his claim that the election was a fraud. A weak attempt at bringing peace to an explosive event in which a woman was killed.

But he didnt stop there. He dangerously ended a later tweet by invoking his followers to Remember this day forever!

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Illinois, who called the action a coup attempt, put it best in a tweet to Trump: You are not protecting the country. Where is the DC guard? You are done and your legacy will be a disaster.

That sentiment grew throughout the Capitol. Several Republican senators who had planned to oppose the certification of the election changed their positions, condemning the rioting and calling for unity.

By the end of the day, order had been restored and Congress was on the verge of confirming Bidens victory.

Nothing changed, but much was lost.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) (UPDATED) -- Two men were hospitalized after being stabbed outside the state Capitol during a melee involving supporters of President Donald Trump and counterprotesters.

The two men, aged 36 and 40, were hospitalized with injuries after the stabbing Wednesday afternoon. One of them underwent emergency surgery to repair an eviscerated bowel.

State police say 37-year-old Alexander S. Contompasis of nearby Rensselaer was charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon and menacing.

He was arraigned Thursday morning in Albany City Court, where a judge set bail at $30,000. His defense attorney said he was defending himself against self-identified members of the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group.
If things don't change between now and Inauguration Day, the 2020 election will go down as a historic loss for democracy.

But on New Year's Eve, across the Atlantic, democracy just had a historic win. That's the day Great Britain, four tortuous years after the British people overwhelmingly demanded their liberty from the European Union in a national referendum, finally regained her sovereignty. "The war is over," exulted Brexit champion Nigel Farage as soon as the U.K. struck its last-minute trade deal with the E.U. on December 31. Brendan O'Neill, editor at Spiked, also hails the victory, but he believes that the war for democracy "has only just begun":

Brexit is best seen as the first battle in the war; as the first stand-off in a far broader struggle to take back control, not merely from Brussels but from our own elites. The war for democracy must continue, and with vigour.

The unexpected election of Donald Trump in 2016 was the start of a political revolution in the United States. For the first time in memory, traditional working-class and middle-class Americans found themselves with a ferocious advocate in the White House, who was also unapologetically pro-America, and determined to restore her standing on the world stage. The war of annihilation unleashed by progressives on Trump quickly revealed itself as a war to eradicate his supporters as well. By giving as good as he got  or usually better  Trump forever unmasked the Deep State and the creeping tyranny of a bipartisan cabal of elites.

But just as our revolution was taking off, the U.K.'s revolution was being strangled in its crib. The largest majority in British history, 17.4 million voters, had turned out in 2016 to demand their country back from faceless, unaccountable technocrats in Brussels. Yet instead of marking the departure of the U.K. from the E.U., the referendum triggered, as O'Neill describes it, "that heady, deranged moment when the political, media and cultural establishments looked with horror upon the vote for Brexit and started to plan its overthrow." Only the day after the referendum, members of Parliament, "seething about the temerity of the dimwitted public in voting for Brexit," were plotting its demise. "In the words of that arch anti-democrat David Lammy," O'Neill writes, "the Labour MP who furiously devoted himself to thwarting the most important democratic vote ever cast in this country, 'we can stop this madness and bring this nightmare to an end.'" Thus began "the long, scandalous two years of the Remainer Parliament," when recalcitrant M.P.s "did everything within their power to stop Brexit and to silence the democratic roar of the British people."

But as much of a menace as the European Union is to democracy, O'Neill explains that, in reality, the assault on Brexit was "not a dastardly plot by Germany." The battle against Brexit was a civil war, waged by

British politicians and British campaigners and members of the British media and cultural elites. It was they who openly raged against the 'low-information' electorate. It was they who spread conspiracy theories about the co-option of British plebs' minds by nefarious Big Tech and evil Russians[.] ... It was the British liberal elite who gathered in the streets in their tens of thousands explicitly to demand the revocation of the votes of millions of working-class people[.] ... To these people, to these political, media and cultural players who devoted so much energy, time and money to trying to keep Britain in the EU, the importance of the EU lies in the insulation it provides between politics and people; between the making of laws and the citizens expected to live by those laws; between us and them.

Britain's them were their dimwitted public, the "low-information electorate" whose American counterparts are known as "deplorables"  and like the British them, we're also too unintelligent to govern ourselves. Just ask Sarah Smarsh at The Guardian. She believes that if you're a white American with access to NPR or CNN, and yet still "believe the current president is a good man," it's because you're "irrational ... perhaps even disturbed," or else you're "moved not by facts but by the feelings [your] outrageous leader incites." Two days after the 2016 presidential election, Foreign Policy magazine declared "Trump Won Because Voters Are Ignorant, Literally." F.P. lectured its readers that "Democracy is the rule of the people, but the people are in many ways unfit to rule."

That's what they think. Literally.

The fanaticism for the E.U. of Britain's "political and chattering classes"  impelling mass, furious gatherings of Remainers in their "EU-themed clothing" and "blue-painted faces"  is "directly proportionate to these people's antagonism towards the idea of the wisdom of the crowd." You'll observe the sinister resemblance to their like-minded American cousins on this side of the Atlantic. The maxim that "technocracy is preferable to democracy" is also embraced by America's chatterers and cognoscenti, because "experts know better than ordinary voters; [and] some issues are too big to be dealt with by mere citizens." In 2009, Thomas Friedman, downcast over how Barack Obama's mission to "usher in a new way of being on the planet" was being blocked by a Republican Congress, ruminated over the "great advantages" available to a "one-party autocracy"  provided, naturellement, that "a reasonably enlightened group of people" are in charge, Friedman having in mind enlightened people like the Democrats  or the people who run China. Why waste time educating the Bible-clinging dolts on the calamities of climate change when "one party can just impose the politically difficult but critically important policies needed to move a society forward in the 21st century"?

Friedman's wish of a dozen years ago is now the theme of the 2021 Democrat playbook.

That means that these are dark days, indeed. But it took scrapping through five years of defeats before Britain, at last, saw the fulfillment of "the people's will over the alleged expertise of [their] elected representatives." Parliament voted for the trade deal only "with gritted teeth," stresses O'Neill, because "they had no option. We made them do this[.] ... If the elites had their way ... Brexit would simply have been stopped."

Could it be that this generation of Britons  people I've often written off as decent, if bendy, consumers of socialized benefits, continental vice, and tabloid gossip about the Royal Family (basically, spongier versions of their Hun-defying ancestors)  has more pluck than we give it credit for? America clearly is not the only place the war for democracy rages, and at the moment, in our country, democracy is losing. But just as the Battle of Brexit is only one, early victory in the larger war, the defeats American democracy is suffering now can't be the whole war, either. The Brexit win followed five dark years of reverses and scorn for the Leavers who first roared for it  while being abused as "ignorant losers, white, old, xenophobic and stupid, 'gammon' who would be better dead or disfranchised." In those same years, the United States was enjoying the advances under Trump. Now it may be our turn. The Establishment Puppet-Elect has even promised us darkness!

Our cousins' hard fought slog to liberate themselves from the E.U. could be a lesson for us Yanks. Considering the present state of the American republic, we should be humble enough to learn it.

T.R. Clancy looks at the world from Dearborn, Michigan. You can email him at trclancy@yahoo.com.

Image: Alexas_Fotos via Pixabay, Pixabay License.

By Liu Zhongmin

Unidentified gunmen attacked two villages in western Niger, killing about 100 people on January 2. This incident brought international terrorism, which remains relatively silent under the pandemic, to the attention of the international community. In fact, the global counter-terrorism sees undercurrents lurking and even situation rebounding under cover of the pandemic in some regions. The utilitarian and passive anti-terrorism policies of the US and other countries have also made the international counter-terrorism situation more complicated.

No large-scale terrorist attack occurred in 2020 due to the pandemic. All countries are turning their human, material, and financial resources to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced their anti-terrorism investment. Terrorist organizations, especially the Islamic State, are able to rebuild in secret. Affected by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the presidential election, and the strategic contraction in the Middle East, US counter-terrorism policies have become increasingly negative and utilitarian, which also contributed to the development of terrorism.

At the same time, the inherent conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Yemen have been dragging on for a long time. New hot issues such as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan have emerged one after another. This also provided conditions for the development of terrorism, especially the cross-border movement of "jihadists". Moreover, the economic and social crisis, especially the crisis of people's livelihood caused by the pandemic, is more conducive to recruiting terrorist organizations in the long run. Affected by this, the recovery and reconstruction of the terrorist forces and even the momentum of the rebound of terrorist attacks in the Middle East and South Asia cannot be underestimated.

In addition, the vicious interaction between European right-wing forces and radical Islamic forces has also continued to deepen the chronic diseases of terrorism and extremism in Europe.

The adverse effects brought about by the increasingly negative and utilitarian counter-terrorism policies of the US also require in-depth study and judgment.

First, the US continues to withdraw its troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Although it maintains a flexible policy of increasing and decreasing in different periods, the general trend is contracting. The current deterioration of the counter-terrorism situation in Iraq is closely related to this reason.

Second, US policy of helping and fighting against the Taliban forces in Afghanistan contributes to instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Even the possibilities of internal divisions within the Taliban and the reorganization of extremist forces in South Asia cannot be ruled out.

Third, the USs assassination of the general of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, its unbridled favoritism towards Israel on the Palestinian issue, and the advancing of the reconciliation between Arab countries and Israel regardless of the rights of Palestine are all negative approaches which can stimulate terrorism.

Fourth, the US links China's counter-terrorism and de-radicalization policies with human rights issues, slanders and accuses China, and uses the stigmatizing link as a tool for the strategic competition with China.

(The author is a professor of the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University)
The Hoboken City Council passed an emergency resolution Wednesday night formally opposing a state bill that would limit the height of new buildings developed below the Palisades cliffs.

Councilmembers said there was an urgent need for the resolution, given rumors that a statehouse committee in Trenton would vote on the bill as early as next week.

The bill is intended to protect views of New York City from atop the Palisades, which run from Jersey City north into Bergen County. New developments built below the cliffs would be required to top out no higher than 10 feet below the clifftop or Palisade Avenue.

Hoboken is the only Hudson County municipality that lies entirely below the cliffs.

The resolution passed with five votes. Councilman Michael Russo opposed the resolution, arguing that it wasnt urgent and conversations with local state legislators should have taken place before a vote was held. Councilmen Phil Cohen and Jim Doyle abstained, while Councilwoman Vanessa Falco was absent.

The resolution, which Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher sponsored, argues that the Palisade bill limits Hobokens ability to self-zone. It would also hinder new development needed for tax revenue, affordable housing, and new school space, the resolution states.

Council President Ruben Ramos, a former state assemblyman, said it was important for the council to go on record about the controversial bill.

I think its important that if it goes before the committee vote that those committee members have a clear understanding of what our position is because if were silent before that meeting takes place theyre going to say that were OK with it, he said.

When asked, Mayor Ravi Bhalla did not say whether he supports the state bill, but spokesman Vijay Chaudhuri said he has been working cooperatively, behind the scenes with our neighboring cities and elected officials on matters of development.

He is committed to ensuring Hoboken continues to grow in a manner consistent with the scale, charm and character that makes it a great place to live and looks forward to amicably resolving any outstanding issues, Chaudhuri said.

These bills are devastating to Hoboken, Fisher responded. They do not protect against overdevelopment or even the character of Hoboken. What they do is put the full burden of paying for critical upgrades solely on the backs of Hoboken taxpayers. In not opposing the bill, Mayor Bhalla is putting Union Citys interests before Hoboken.

The municipalitys state Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro is a sponsor of the bill and previously told The Jersey Journal that it shouldnt impact projects unless they are directly in front of the cliffs. The current version of the bill, however, regulates developments all the way to the Hudson River.

State Sens. Brian Stack and Nicholas Sacco are sponsoring the bill in the senate and are the mayors of Union City and North Bergen, respectively, which enjoy views atop the cliffs.

The Palisades Cliffs Protection Act would permanently prevent development threats against a true natural wonder right in our backyard and would ensure that generations to come will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the cliffs, they said in a joint statement.
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Swiss scooter pioneer Micro Mobility has joined 1% for the Planet, committing to donate one percent of the annual sales of its Eco-Collection Mini and Maxi scooters to support nonprofit organizations focusing on the environment.

Micro Kickboard

Wim Ouboter, founder of Micro explains the decision to join 1% for the Planet as follows: "We recognize that the challenges facing our world are too great for any one person or organization to solve alone. To make meaningful positive change, we all need to work together. Companies like us have an even greater obligation to help. Our partnership with 1% for the Planet is another step in the right direction."

The move to join 1% for the Planet, co-founded by Yvon Chouinard, also founder of Patagonia, follows Micro's launch in 2020 of their Eco-Collection which utilizes recycled ocean plastic. As of 2021, one percent of sales from this Eco-Collection will be donated to environmental charities in collaboration with 1% for the Planet.

"Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment, and only 5% of that comes from businesses. The planet needs bigger support than this, and our growing network of business members is doing its valuable part to increase giving and support on-the-ground outcomes. We're excited to welcome Micro to our global movement," says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet.

By contributing 1 percent of their annual sales, thousands of 1% for the Planet members have raised over $265 million dollars to approved environmental nonprofits around the globe. Nonprofits are approved based on referrals, track record, and environmental focus.

About Micro:

Micro Kickboard is the U.S. Distributor for Micro-Mobility, based in Switzerland. 'Micro', founded by Wim Ouboter, became world-famous in the 1990s with its Micro Scooter. True to the vision of a 'better urban lifestyle', Micro now offers over 50 different mobility products for children, teenagers, and adults, and is the world market leader in the premium segment. The range extends from the popular kid's scooters and stylish electric scooters to the latest coup, the electric car Microlino.

About 1% for the Planet:

1% for the Planet is a global organization that exists to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. They inspire businesses and individuals to support environmental nonprofits through membership and everyday actions. They make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling, and third-party certification. Started in 2002, 1% for the Planet's global network consists of thousands of businesses, individuals, and environmental nonprofits working towards a better future for all. More information is available at onepercentfortheplanet.org/facts.

Press Contact - Micro Kickboard

Jamie Rau

[email protected]

www.microkickboard.com

(616) 242-0044

Press Contact - 1% for the Planet

Allyson Barlett

[email protected]

www.onepercentfortheplanet.org

(802) 861-0460

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NEW YORK (AP)  The storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump played out on national television and social media in searing fashion Wednesday.

The pictures were stunning: security officials with guns drawn on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, people fighting with police in the Capitol Rotunda, rioters smashing windows and streaming into the building where the nations leaders had gathered to count votes sealing President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Reporters and anchors described scenes of bedlam and fear, questioning how security and the nations leaders did not anticipate it.

This is so, so embarrassing for the United States of America, CNNs Wolf Blitzer said.

People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)AP

Television networks had gathered to watch congressional debate over the election but their cameras quickly turned to ominous scenes outside the building as a crowd that had listened to an angry speech by Trump marched to the building.

As demonstrators climbed steps and penetrated the Capitol, it quickly flew out of control.

The mob has overtaken the process of trying to certify the electoral college, said Fox News Channel reporter Chad Pergram. Security here at the U.S. Capitol has failed.

How were you not prepared for this? NBC News Katy Tur said.

That is not Ukraine, that is not Belarus, ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos said as images of people banging on the U.S. Capitol door played.

U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)AP

Some anchors were quick to assign blame: CNNs Jake Tapper said it was violence incited by Trump, his supporters and leaders of the congressional effort to challenge the electoral college vote, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri.

Its an absolutely disgraceful moment in United States history and there are specific villains, Tapper said.

CBS News Norah ODonnell conducted an extraordinary interview with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, pressing him on whether he has urged Trump to do something to stop his supporters and confronting him on whether the false claims of widespread electoral fraud had led to it.

Why have you all run from the Capitol? ODonnell asked him.

Earlier in the day, the nations deep divisions were apparent in the media. Fox News Channel, Newsmax and One America News Network all carried the presidents speech outside the Capitol live, even as the debate within the Capitol was beginning.

CNN and MSNBC, meanwhile, ignored Trumps words.
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday asked Tamil Nadu government to "immediately issue necessary order" to bring their guidelines in line with the MHA guidelines issued for Covid-19 containment after the state increased seating capacity of theatres and cinema halls from 50% to 100% earlier.

"Government of Tamil Nadu order of permitting increase the seating capacity of Cinema/theaters/ multiplexes from existing 50% to 100% is dilution of MHA order. States and UT shall not dilute guidelines issued under DM act in any manner," MHA said in a statement.

"Govt of Tamil Nadu is requested to immediately issue necessary order to bring their Guidelines in line with the MHA guidelines dated 28 December 2020 and inform compliance to this Ministry," the ministry further said.

Home secretary wrote to Tamil Nadu Chief secretary to issue orders aligned to MHA guidelines, allowing multiplexes to operate outside containment zones with up to 50% occupancy/

On Monday, Tamil Nadu government had permitted to increase the seating capacity of cinemas, theatres, multiplexes from existing 50% to 100% following COVID19 protocols.

The seating capacity of Cinemas/theatres/Multiplexes shall be permitted to increase from existing 0% to 100% by following the Standard Operating Procedure issued already. Further, in order to create awareness among the spectators, the precautionary measures for Covid 19 shall also be screened during the showtime," the government order issued on Monday stated.

People would be thermal screened and sanitisers would be provided and if movie lovers arrive without a mask they would be provided mask free of cost, state officials had said. "We will also sanitise the premises between each show."

The order comes days after actors and theatre owners requested Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami to allow theatres to function at their full capacity. As per the COVID-19 safety protocol, since last October, the theatres in the state were allowed to fill up only 50 per cent of their seats to ensure social distancing.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu on Wednesday reported 811 new COVID-19 cases, 943 discharges, and 11 deaths in the last 24 hours. The active cases in the state now stand at 7,665 while the total cases are at 8,23,181, the health bulletin said.

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The government on Thursday said that its Covid-19 vaccination online portal Co-WIN has already registered over 78 lakh beneficiaries.

Short for Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network, the CoWIN app is a repurposed from the e-VIN platform that will provide real-time information of vaccine stocks, their storage temperature and individualized tracking of beneficiaries of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said, "This platform will assist the program managers across all levels through automated session allocation for pre-registered beneficiaries, their verification and for generating a digital certificate upon successful completion of the vaccine schedule."

Among the various features, the CoWIN app includes automated session allocation, the health ministry said in a press briefing. One of the authentication methods would be to use of Aadhaar to prevent malpractice, officials said.

Other features include SMS in 12 languages, which will be sent to guide those waiting to get vaccinated and frontline workers who are engaged in inoculation process. A QR code-based vaccination certificate will issued after all the doses and people can store it in their mobile phone, the ministry said.

Moreover, the government's document storage app DigiLocker can be integrated to store and fetch the QR code-based certificate.

Apart from this, there will be a 24x7 helpline, chatbox with pattern recognition to help navigate the portal

SMS to be sent in 12 languages, 24x7 helpline, chatbox with pattern recognition to help navigate portal, digital locker for integrated data retrieval and storing of QR code certificate are some of the salient features of the CoWIN Delivery Management Plan.

Healthcare workers and frontline workers would not need to register themselves as a beneficiary as their data is bulk database that has been populated on the Co-WIN vaccine delivery management system in a bulk manner.

Meanwhile, The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday asked people not to download or register on the fraudulent apps named Co-WIN, "created by unscrupulous elements", which have been made available on the app store.

"Some apps named 'Co-WIN' apparently created by unscrupulous elements to sound similar to upcoming official platform of Government, are on Appstores. DO NOT download or share personal information on these. MoHFW Official platform will be adequately publicised on its launch," the Union Health ministry tweeted.

On the other hand, reviewing the Covid-19 vaccine dry run, which is scheduled to take place across the country tomorrow, Vardhan asked states to be prepared for a "glitch-free" dry run.

The second nationwide mock drill on the Covid19 vaccination will be held at three-session sites of 736 districts across 33 States/UTs.

On the roll-out of the vaccine, the government added that as many as 41 destinations across India have been finalised for the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines.

The national capital and Karnal will be made mini hubs for delivery of coronavirus vaccines in northern India. For the eastern region, Kolkata will be the hub and will also be a nodal point for the northeast.

Meanwhile, Chennai and Hyderabad will be the designated points for Southern India.













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Highlights To streamline the entire vaccination process, the government of India will roll out the CoWIN app to the public.

Registration on the CoWIN app will be mandatory to receive a vaccine and will require identification documents like Aadhaar card, driving licence, PAN or bank passbook.

The ministry has warned users from uploading private information on fake apps, saying that it will publicise the authentic app on launch.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has warned citizens from downloading fake CoWIN apps that are doing rounds on app stores. The government's CoWIN app is still under development and will soon be available to Android and iOS users to download for free. The ministry noted that the app will be "adequately publicised" on its launch for the public. It has further warned users from uploading private information, that the authentic app will require from users to register for a vaccine.

"Some apps named "#CoWIN" apparently created by unscrupulous elements to sound similar to the upcoming official platform of the Government, are on App Stores. DO NOT download or share personal information on these. #MoHFW Official platform will be adequately publicised on its launch," the Ministry of Health noted in a tweet.

The app is likely to go live for the general public soon on the MSH (MeitY Startup Hub) portal. Besides, the government has a dedicated website for the vaccine, https://www.cowin.gov.in/login that will also have links to download the apps from where users can register to get the vaccine. Users should check the source from which they are downloading the app to prevent getting duped.

CoWIN, which stands for Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network, is an extension of the government's eVIN network and has been launched solely for the upcoming Covid-19 vaccination drive to track and monitor beneficiaries across the country. Registration on the app will be mandatory to receive a vaccine.

According to the reports, the beneficiaries would be able to register themselves after uploading an identification document like Aadhaar card, driving licence, PAN or bank passbook.

When registration is done, the beneficiary acknowledgment module will send an SMS to the registered mobile number and the administrative set up for the Covid-19 vaccination programme will get into business for delivery and inoculation of the vaccine. Data will be uploaded on CoWin-20 app so that it helps the health authorities decide the priority and keep track of the follow-up.

On january 3, the Drug Control General of India approved two COVID-19 vaccines for use including the Covishield and Covaxin. It was announced that the first phase of the vaccination would include frontline workers, people who are above the age of 50.

On December 23, IT Minister Ravi Shankar announced a challenge to strengthen the system that will be used to scale up the mechanism for COVID Vaccine Distribution System, nationally. The challenge will go on till January 15, 2021, and the top 5 applicants will be provided the CoWIN APIs (Application Programming Interface) to prove the efficacy of their solutions for possible integration with the platform. The top contestants will also win a cash prize of Rs 40 lakh and Rs 20 lakh.
Mumbai: Critically-acclaimed romantic-drama Is Love Enough? Sir" is set to be released on Netflix on January 9, director Rohena Gera announced on Thursday. The Mumbai-set film is a tender romance between a widowed domestic help, Ratna, played by Tillotama Shome, and her employer, Ashwin, essayed by Vivek Gomber, who returns to India from the US after breaking off his engagement.

Sir", which premiered at Cannes Film Festival in 2018, was earlier scheduled to release in March 2019 but was pushed due to the coronavirus pandemic. It finally released in theatres last November. Gera took to Twitter and thanked the audience for their love and support towards the independent" project. Sir is a completely independent film that found its way into hearts and minds around the world thanks to the hard work, love and support of so many. Now it is about to reach your home! Watch or rewatch: On Netflix, from Saturday! Do set your reminder and remind friends!" she tweeted.

The critically-acclaimed movie marks the feature directorial debut of Gera, who started out in the industry as one of the screenwriters on the popular 2003 show Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin" and released a documentary Whats Love Got to Do with It?" in 2013. Sir" won the Gan Foundation Award at Cannes 2018 and released in around 25 countries, before making it to the Indian theatres less than two months ago.

It also stars Geetanjali Kulkarni, Ahmareen Anjum, and Rahul Vohra.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
By David Greenberg

Republican Party leaders have been recklessly playing with fire in recent days  as, indeed, they have been for years. Yesterday, their pyromania sparked a horrific conflagration.

For the first time since British troops ransacked Washington during the War of 1812, the U.S. Capitol was taken over. A fanatical mob of supporters of President Trump invaded the seat of national lawmaking to shut down vital Constitutional business. The crowd  reportedly armed, clad in military gear, or wielding Confederate flags  was furious that Congress planned to formally recognize President-elect Joe Biden as the next president. Primed by Trump, who has been spewing conspiracy theories ever since he lost his reelection bid, the marauders seemed to believe, against all evidence, that the president had actually won the November vote.

Congresss agenda for Wednesday was set forth in an 1887 law prescribing how to count the Electoral College votes, which were cast on Dec. 14. The law says that if members of both chambers of Congress object to a given states Electoral Vote tally, a debate follows. If a state has sent two competing slates of electors sent to Congress, then Congress decides between them.

But since this law was passed, hardly anyone has ever raised objections  mainly because our elections have indeed been free and fair. On the few times that legislators have lodged protests, overwhelming bipartisan majorities have confined those protests to the level of mere symbolism. This year, though, prodded by Trump and fearful of defying his fans, a cadre of Republicans planned a full-scale objection to the vote count.

Despite these Republicans recklessness, it was still heartening to watch other party leaders who had truckled to Trump for years finally stand up for the Constitution. Vice President Mike Pence, who has abided or abetted all kinds of offenses to democracy, drew the line at joining in a nakedly illegal power play. On the Senate floor, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has often enabled or turned a blind eye to Trumps unethical behavior, rebuked colleagues like Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley who were fomenting the disruption, calling a Republican failure to acknowledge Bidens clean victory a poisonous path where only the winners of an election actually accept the results.

But these high-minded words, though welcome, proved too little, too late. Four years of an out-of-control president, tolerated or assisted by his party, had fostered a cult of wild, violence-prone legion of zealots out in the land. Many of these extremists convened in Washington this week, where Trump addressed them on the morning of the congressional vote count.

The rioters themselves, obviously, bear responsibility for their lawlessness and violence. They must be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law. But there were many other failures, too, that led to this catastrophe. The Capitol police failed miserably. Indefensibly unprepared for the assault, they seemed to make little effort to stop the mob once it breached the first barricades.

The Defense Department, which reportedly denied requests days earlier to deploy National Guardsmen for support, also failed America. Congress must investigate why the Pentagon leaders denied those early requests, and whether they did so out of fealty to Trump, bureaucratic ineptitude, or some other reason.

Republican politicians, including Cruz and Hawley, are amply culpable for going along with the lie that there was anything seriously amiss in the voting of 2020. Some of these Republicans claimed they were emulating Democrats like Rep. Stephanie Tubbs-Jones and Sen. Barbara Boxer, who in 2005 objected to the certification of Ohios electoral votes  at a time when some fringe leftists were sowing conspiracy theories that John Kerry had won the state and with it the presidency. Tubbs-Jones and Boxer were wrong to do so, no doubt, and their effort sank like a stone. But their brief gesture provides no real precedent for the antics of yesterdays congressional Republicans, not least because, unlike yesterdays miscreants, they enjoyed no support from anyone prominent, certainly not a president with a powerful megaphone and passionate, violent followers.

Finally, there is no denying that much responsibility for yesterdays riot lies with Donald Trump himself. From the moment he announced his candidacy for the White House in 2015, millions of Americans of all political stripes could see plainly that he was unfit for office. For much of that presidential campaign, right-wing politicians, conservative journalists and other Republican leaders admirably pointed out the danger that Trump posed to democracy. Only after he won the partys nomination did they start to fall like dominoes.

The very quality that led to this moment  Trumps unwillingness to accept defeat at the polls  was also evident long ago. As far back as the fall of 2016, when asked to accept the outcome of the upcoming election regardless of whether he won, Trump pointedly refused. After he was elected, moreover, he formed a commission to explore rumors of voter fraud because he couldnt accept having lost even the popular vote. The commission found no fraud and dissolved.

Last year, when Senator Susan Collins of Maine was asked why she did not vote to impeach Trump in the Ukraine scandal, she said, infamously, I think hes learned his lesson. Her remark drew endless ridicule because Donald Trump, it should be obvious, is incapable of learning lessons.

But its not too late for the rest of us to learn ours.

David Greenberg is a professor of history and journalism and media studies at Rutgers University and the author, most recently, of Republic of Spin: An Inside History of the American Presidency.

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(TNS) - The COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Alabama, one of the slowest in the nation, has led to confusion as vaccine doses trickle piecemeal from individual counties and providers.While the state is officially still in the 1A portion of its distribution plan  the most stringent level reserved for health care and frontline workers  some providers began as early as last week to consider vaccinating older adults in the 1B priority group. But confusion appears rampant among providers about when and how they can begin offering vaccines outside of the health care community.As expected, there is also not enough vaccine to meet demand at this time. In Calhoun County, one of the first Alabama counties to announce it had vaccine product available to adults 75 and older, a line wrapped around the Anniston City Meeting Center in frigid Wednesday morning temperatures.Organizers, who first announced vaccine availability on Tuesday, posted to social media around 9 a.m. Wednesday that they had already met their limit for the day."Is there not a better way for these older people to get their vaccine than standing in cold on walkers and wheelchairs for hours?" Denise Ramsey posted on social media in response to Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center announcement that no more doses were available Wednesday.Ramsey told the Montgomery Advertiser her mother, 85, arrived at the center at 7 a.m. today and saw a line "around the building and up the road." She didn't feel up to standing in line in the cold and planned to go back at 9, but by then it was too late."I just think there is a better way it could be done," Ramsey said. "This is two days she has not been able to get vaccine. I have a friend whose parents are in their 90s. They are not able to stand there."The Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency has not returned an Advertiser request for comment.By Jan 2., the most recently available data, 226,250 doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine had been allotted to Alabama, while just 42,810 had been distributed.This ranks Alabama as 4th slowest in the nation in vaccine distribution, according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alabama has a per capita distribution rate of 821 per 100,000 people, ahead of only Georgia, Mississippi and Kansas."The supply is far less than we would like for it to be. We have to work within the allocation that we have and move the vaccine as expediently as possible. This is more complex than giving the flu shot," said Dr. Karen Landers with the Alabama Department of Public Health.Landers said once a vaccine vial, which contains multiple doses, is punctured, it must all be used within 6 hours, requiring careful time management of recipients. Recipients also must be monitored for up to 30 minutes for signs of an allergic reaction, which is not common and easy to treat but requires more staffing."There's a lot to be worked through," Landers said.In Montgomery County, rumors spread this week that the County Health Department were opening up vaccinations to older adults. But both the department the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency director declined to answer any questions on the topic, referring the Advertiser the ADPH.There is no centralized database or apparent public notification plan to inform Alabamians when they might be eligible to receive the vaccine. Some states, such as Tennessee, have a county-level list of which recipient category is now eligible in which county, along with contact information.Landers said Wednesday there are plans for something similar in Alabama but state officials are awaiting county-level data.Counties and other providers do have the green light to move past Phase 1A, Landers said, without seeking approval from state officials."There will be nuances in individual counties. There may be counties and region, based on uptake and saturation, that are able to move past Phase 1A," Landers said. "This could be on a daily basis that they could move to a subset. ... Some counties are able to do that and some aren't. This is a fluid situation, and everybody needs to understand that it's based upon the supply."Alabama has not released a comprehensive list of which providers have received vaccine, citing safety and logistical concerns, though several major hospitals among the first recipients have been open about their vaccine use.In Montgomery, Baptist Health has administered 1,462 vaccine doses to Baptist Health employees in addition to 761 "community healthcare employees." Jackson Hospital confirmed Tuesday they had received an allotment but did not provide specifics.In Tuscaloosa, DCH spokesperson Andy North said the system should "easily use" its initial allotment of nearly 3,000 on phase 1A recipients. The hospital systems had administered nearly 1,700 by Monday evening and were nearing time to administer the second dose to the first recipients."DCH has not yet received a second shipment of doses but has indicated more are needed," North said. "It is our understanding that ADPH is to indicate the timing of progressing to later phases and we have not yet received confirmation that we can do so. We are preparing our processes with the intent to be able to manage additional external volume as soon as we have confirmation that we can proceed with the next phase."Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to swell in Alabama. Hospitalizations broke 3,000 for the first time this week, and case positivity rates have skyrocketed across the state, reaching more than 70% in one county.Laura Grill, president of the East Alabama Medical Center, said in a Monday statement she is "blown away by how so many people have become number  and even belligerent  to COVID-19" as officials across the state plead with the public to remain cautious as the pandemic threatens to overtake hospital staffing capacity."Our clinical team is tired, but they press on," Grill said. "And I know health officials are tired of pleading with people about wearing a mask, social distancing and not gathering with people outside your immediate family. This is not hard to do, but people will fight you over it. And then I am amazed how quickly these same people become believers in COVID when they are the person diagnosed, or when a family member is hospitalized with the virus and is fighting for air."Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Melissa Brown at 334-240-0132 or mabrown@gannett.com.This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Slow roll: Alabama's anemic vaccine release spreads confusion as some begin vaccinating elderly___(c)2021 the Montgomery Advertiser (Montgomery, Ala.)Visit the Montgomery Advertiser (Montgomery, Ala.) at www.montgomeryadvertiser.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Hyderabad-based vaccine manufacturer Bharat Biotech has concluded the recruitment of volunteers for the phase III trials of its Covid vaccine, Covaxin, on Thursday after achieving the sample size it had promised to the ethics committee. The firm has achieved the targeted number of volunteers, which is 25,800 participants, in total.

The recruitment was supposed to be concluded by December 31 but was extended by a week since it was short of 4,000 volunteers that time.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Rai, head of community medicine and principal investigator of the trial at All India Institute of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi told IANS that the recruitment for the phase III study is closed now.

"Around 99 per cent of the promised target was achieved by AIIMS. However, we have finished our enrollment after achieving the target in toto," he said.

Dr. C Prabhakar Reddy, principal investigator of Covaxin's phase III clinical trial at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, said that a few sites missed their individual target by a few numbers.

"However, the sites which over achieved their target compensated for it," he added.

While many sites struggled to find volunteers for the phase 3 study, a few sites registered them in abundance. AIIMS Patna, one of the clinical sites for Covaxin undertook around 1,400 subjects despite its individual target set at 1,000.

IANS had earlier reported that AIIMS Delhi and several other clinical sites were facing the dearth of volunteers since people were unwilling to participate in the exercise, hoping that they would receive the vaccine anyway once it is rolled-out by the government.

The phase III study of the Covaxin, which initially spanned at 25 clinical sites across the country, inducted several more sites in the last week of December since many sites were unable to find the volunteers for the study.

Dr. Dhananjay Lad, co-investigator of the trial at Redkar Hospital, Goa, told IANS that the trial was extended to around 30 clinical sites.

"A few sites were also removed in the process because of several reasons. One of the reasons was inability to enroll a bare minimum number of participants," he said.

The trial was started with three sites each in Uttar Pradesh (Aligarh Muslim University), West Bengal (ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases) and Tamil Nadu (Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine) on November 10.

Covaxin has been given approval for restricted emergency use by India's drug regulator. While the efficacy of the vaccine is yet to be determined, it was given a go-ahead by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) citing public interest.

Covaxin is indigenously developed by the Bharat Biotech, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

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ROCHESTER, Minn. - Rochester Public Schools has released its latest phase in the return to learn plan.

RPS said Thursday that elementary students will return to the hybrid learning model with a "rolling start."

Secondary students will remain in Distance Learning Plus Supports.

The school board will reassess the data on Tuesday, Feb. 2 to see if any changes will be made.

For the complete release, click here.

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WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia was yanked out of a Capitol bathroom by security and hurried into the House chamber just before it locked down as a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the building on Wednesday.

They literally pulled me out of the bathroom and shoved me to the floor and said, Were locking everyone in, you have to stay on the floor, the Houston Democrat said.

Garcia said police then told those in the House there was tear gas in the Capitol and to get out their gas masks.

There we all were pulling out our masks, trying to figure it all out, Garcia said. None of us ever thought thered be a day wed use them, but here we were.

Then came the banging and banging on the House doors.

They said now apparently the intruders are trying to get in and we dont know what their intentions are and everyone has to leave, Garcia said.

RELATED: Ted Cruz, Texas Republicans face backlash after mob storms Capitol

Garcia was one of several Texans on the House floor as rioters tried to break in. U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, a Republican freshman sworn in just days ago, can be seen helping Capitol police in a viral photo of the standoff between police with guns drawn and rioters trying to storm the chamber.

I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Capitol police barricading entrance to our sacred House chamber, while trying to calm the situation talking to protesters, the former Fort Bend sheriff tweeted. What Im witnessing is a disgrace. Were better than this. Violence is NEVER the answer.

Nehls was among a handful of Texas Republicans near the barricades, U.S. Rep. Pat Fallon, a Dallas-area Republican, wrote on Facebook. Others included U.S. Reps. Tony Gonzales of San Antonio and Ronny Jackson.

Ronny looked over at me and declared, Im not going anywhere! Tony and Troy looked back and nodded reassuringly, Fallon wrote. I remembered what Tim Grunhard (a center at Notre Dame) would say before a big game at home in South Bend. So I repeated it, This IS OUR House! And were gonna protect it!!! No one flinched. No one!!!

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

U.S. Rep. Al Green, another Houston Democrat, said he was on his way to the chamber and sent back to his office. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat, was also in his office, where he livestreamed a conversation on Instagram with his brother Julian.

I think everybody is just sort of trying to touch base with our families, with our constituents, reassuring people were safe and secure, Garcia said in a phone interview. There's a level of uncertainty and a level of apprehension about what comes next, what happens with this mob, this domestic terrorist group.

The House was evacuated to an unknown location where members of both parties remained hunkered down as the citys 6 p.m. curfew went into effect. Garcia said theyd been brought Goldfish Crackers and water and were anxious to get back to the floor to finish counting Electoral College votes.

Were all determined to continue to work together tonight, Garcia said. We could be here all night. But its OK. I think here everyones committed to finishing our constitutional duty, making sure people know our democracy works, making sure people know work continues under the dome.

ben.wermund@chron.com
West Bengal Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) conducted a meeting on Thursday to discuss seat-sharing ahead of the 2021 Assembly Elections in the state.

Biman Bose, chairman of the Left Front along with Congress Abdul Mannan along with other Left leaders held a meeting after central leadership of both parties permitted the state units to discuss seat-sharing arrangements.

Seat sharing was discussed, but there has been no conclusion to that discussion as yet. Further talks will take place, Bose was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Both CPI(M) and Congress have attacked Trinamool Congress over the states law and order situation and on December 31 demanded that the Mamata Banerjee-led government prove its majority in the assembly.

CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said that he does not believe that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has the support of an adequate number of legislators. Many ruling party MLAs have told me in private that the government is apparently scared to call an assembly session. They also claimed that governance was getting affected due to the prevailing confusion, Chakraborty was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury earlier this week said he does not want to take the TMC along with other Left parties in its objective to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He cited a strong anti-incumbency sentiment prevailing against Mamata Banerjee government as a reason behind his decision. He also pointed out that TMC was a former ally of the BJP.

The anti-incumbency sentiment against the TMC government runs so deep and so large that any unity of all the anti-BJP forces will only help the BJP more. It will be counter productive. People have great anger against the TMC. Aligning with Trinamool will therefore only turn people against us and help the BJP, Yechury was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Congress leaders have also intensified their attacks on Mamata Banerjee-led government amid TMC suffering from a series of defections. Abdul Mannan after hearing reports of discontent in TMCs ranks had challenged chief minister Mamata Banerjee to prove her majority in the assembly. If your claim is true, please appear for a floor test in assembly, the Congress leader said.

Trinamool Congress is likely to face a close contest in the legislative assembly elections which are scheduled to take place later this year. BJP leaders have travelled to Bengal multiple times with union home minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda leading the charge. BJP president Nadda will once again visit the state on Saturday to review the state BJP units preparations for the elections. The state has also seen incidents of violence during rallies and skirmishes between party cadres which has raised concerns among ordinary citizens and lawmakers alike.
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Donald Trump has caved in and agreed to an 'orderly transition' after Congress certified Biden's election win

The usually-routine process was delayed by hours after Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol Building

Four people were left dead amid hours of anarchy as the mob ran riot, looted, and clashed with security

One woman, veteran Ashli Babbit, was shot dead while three more died from 'individual medical emergencies'

Trump's own cabinet are now thought to be discussing using 25th Amendment to declare him 'unfit for office'

Donald Trump has promised an 'orderly transition' of power after Joe Biden's election win was finally certified by Congress - a process delayed by hours after a day of chaos in the US Capitol that left four dead.

Trump, who has been temporarily banned from Twitter in the wake of the riot, issued a tone-deaf statement via his aide in which he conceded defeat, while at the same time hailing the mayhem as 'the end of the greatest first term in presidential history'.

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The President also continued to dispute the election result, saying: 'Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

'I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted.

'While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it's only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!'

The statement came after one of the darkest days in American political history which began with Trump urging his supporters to march on the Capitol Building to stop the result being certified, and ended with four people dead.

The scenes were so harrowing that some Democrats today demanded that Trump be removed from office immediately - saying the country cannot afford for him to stay in power for another 13 days.

Democrat Chuck Schumer, the soon-to-be majority leader of the Senate, called for Mike Pence and the cabinet to declare Trump unfit for office under the 25th Amendment - or alternatively for Congress to hold last-ditch impeachment hearings.

'What happened at the US Capitol yesterday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president. This president should not hold office one day longer,' Schumer said.

As a wary world waited for Trump to resurface on Twitter after his 12-hour ban, Facebook went a step further today by announcing that his account had been suspended indefinitely - with Mark Zuckerberg saying that 'the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great'.

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Trump was left further isolated today by a series of White House resignations, including former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney who said 'I can't stay here... not after yesterday' and added that more staffers were likely to quit.

Meanwhile, there were questions about how the invaders had managed to breach security so easily - with Capitol Police chief Steven Sund today defending his officers for 'acting valiantly' during the rampage.

Congress had been in session at the time of the attack, undertaking the typically-routine business of certifying the election result - which was being opposed by a number of Republicans loyal to Trump.

The President had been holding a rally nearby at the White House before urging his supporters to go to the Capitol, where they broke in amid the debates - trashing the symbolic home of western democracy as they looted and broke into congressional offices with politicians donning gas masks and fleeing under armed guard.

One woman - 14-year Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit - was shot dead inside the building, while three others died from 'individual medical emergencies' elsewhere on Capitol property.

Pipe bombs were also left outside the headquarters of the Democrat and Republican National Committees and a truck-full of rifles and Molotov cocktails seized.

Biden described the rioters as 'extremists' staging an 'insurrection' that 'bordered on sedition' and called on Trump to order them away from the building. Trump did eventually speak out - to call the rioters 'great patriots' and say he 'loved' them, a move which saw him temporarily banned from social media.

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Congress was eventually able to return to session after the National Guard was called in and a 6pm curfew imposed, with many Republicans dropping their opposition to the vote - and Pence eventually certifying Biden as the winner.

Pence hammered the final gavel at 3.41am, bringing Trump's presidency to an end after just one term in which he lost Republicans the presidency and control of both houses of congress.

As the dust settled...

It was revealed that Trump had 'rebuffed and resisted' attempts to call in the National Guard and end the rioting, leaving the job to Mike Pence

Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger and Stephanie Grisham, former press secretary who became chief of staff for Melania Trump, were among those who quit in protest over the violence

Barack Obama and George W Bush slammed Trump and MAGA supporters for the chaos in the Capitol, describing it as like 'a banana republic'

America's fellow democracies reacted with horror and alarm, with Boris Johnson condemning the 'disgraceful scenes' and Germany's Angela Merkel saying she was 'furious and saddened'

Enemies of America delighted in the chaos, with Iran saying US democracy was 'fragile and vulnerable' while Venezuela parodied US officials bemoaning a lack of democracy in other countries

A fist-fight almost broke out in the House during a speech by Democrat congressman Conor Lamb who called Republicans backing efforts to overturn the election 'liars' and said they should be 'ashamed'

Anger mounted over why so few Trump supporters were arrested and why Capitol security was so lax, as videos emerged showing cops helping supporters get close to the building and posing for selfies with them

All eyes turned on Trump's Twitter account as his 12-hour ban looked set to expire, with indefinite suspension on the table if he continues to breach their rules

Anarchy reigned at the US Capitol on Wednesday after thousands of Donald Trump supporters, urged on by the President himself, marched on the building to try and stop Congress certifying Joe Biden's election win

U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as protesters try to break into the House Chamber

Guns were drawn inside the House chamber as dozens of Trump supporters broke inside the building, ran riot, looted, clashed with security and broke into congressional offices

One woman - 14-year Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit - was shot dead inside the Capitol as three others died on Capitol grounds from 'individual medical emergencies'

Dan Scavino tweets

Dan Scavino tweets

A protester screams "freedom" inside the Senate chamber after the U.S. Capitol was breached by a mob

A protester yells after making his way inside the Senate Chamber at the US Captiol on Wednesday as the election results were being certified

Capitol police detain protesters outside of the House Chamber on Wednesday

Congressional staffers barricade themselves inside their offices as Trump supporters rampage through the Capitol Building

Protesters broke windows to gain access to the Capitol as lawmakers were whisked to safety on Wednesday afternoon

A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber

A protester shrouded in a Trump banner sits in the Speaker's chair in the House of Representatives after breaking in

Trump protesters, one of them bloodied, walk around the House of Representatives after forcing their way inside

A supporter of US President Donald J. Trump sits on the desk of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

A protester walks through Congress carrying Nancy Pelosi's lectern after storming the Capitol

Members of congress run for cover as protesters try to enter the House Chamber

Supporters of Donald Trump gather in the Capitol Rotunda, shouting slogans as they try to overturn the election result

A wall of Trump supporters are seen outside the Capitol before crowds breached barriers and stormed inside

The steps of the US Capitol are covered in Trump supporters after the President urged them to march on the building as part of his effort to stop the election result being certified

Mike Pence eventually sealed Trump's fate as he read out the official certification of the votes, with Biden the victor on 306 electoral college votes to Trump's 232

Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speak after the election was certified early Thursday

The Ohio congressman charged with funding the Capitol Police has since vowed to launch an investigation into how hundreds of Trump supporters were able to storm U.S. Capitol buildings and run riot.

Rep. Tim Ryan said that he believed there were some 'strategic mistakes from the very beginning' after videos emerged on social media that appeared to show officers taking aside barriers for demonstrators and even taking selfies with them.

Pence seals Trump's fate: Vice President ends 15-hour attempt to overturn election result Vice President Mike Pence ended Donald Trump's desperate campaign to overturn the election at 3:41 a.m. Thursday as he certified President-elect Joe Biden's win  despite the objections of scores of Republicans. Pence made the final announcement after a nearly 15-hour saga that saw rioting supporters of President Donald Trump mob the U.S. Capitol Building in a day of carnage and shame. The rioters were attempting to stop the typically-routine business of certifying the US election result which was being opposed by Republicans from both House and Senate, led by Texas senator Ted Cruz. They broke into the building as both the House and Senate were debating the result in Arizona, which flipped from Trump to Biden, forcing the session to be delayed by hours. Politicians were eventually able to return where the challenge was shot down by overwhelming majorities in both houses. A challenge against the result in Pennsylvania was then debated late into the night, before eventually being shredded as well. Attempted challenges to results in Georgia, Michigan and Nevada failed to get off the ground after Republicans who were expected to back them withdrew their objections, following the rioting. That spelled the end of the MAGA campaign to upend an election and Pence went on to read out the results of the Electoral College: Biden 306, Trump 232. Trump is now facing a certain end to his presidency on January 20, but could see that date brought forward amid reports that members of his own cabinet are considering declaring him unfit for office via the 25th Amendment. Democrats are also thought to be considering another attempt to impeach him with Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell - formerly their biggest barrier to impeachment - now openly in rebellion against Trump. It comes after Republicans lost both senate seats in Georgia in run-off races, costing McConnell his job in a defeat widely blamed on Trump's election fraud campaign.

He promised that Capitol Police would face imminent firings for the 'embarrassment' that was their response to the 'attempted coup'.

'I think it's pretty clear that there's going to be a number of people who are going to be without employment very, very soon,' Ryan said, 'because this is an embarrassment  both on behalf of the mob and the president, and the insurrection and the attempted coup, but also the lack of professional planning and dealing with what we knew was going to occur.'

'You can bet your a** that we're going to get to the bottom of it,' the Ohio Democrat added.

One of the key questions hanging in the air on Thursday morning was why the National Guard was not deployed sooner to end the chaos, and who ultimately called them in.

Maggie Haberman, the New York Times's Washington correspondent, suggested on Twitter that Trump had 'rebuffed and resisted' calling in the guard, leaving the job to Vice President Pence.

Even after the rioters were cleared, the threat of violence remained inside the House with a fist-fight almost breaking out during debates over the election result.

As Conor Lamb, a Democrat from the battleground state of Pennsylvania, called out Republicans opposing the results as 'liars' an argument broke out between two other representatives broke out - forcing colleagues to separate the pair.

The ugly scenes led to a backlash even within the White House, where several officials have quit in protest.

Mick Mulvaney, Trump's former chief of staff, announced he was resigning as the US special envoy to Northern Ireland and he expected others to step down.

'I can't stay here, not after yesterday,' Mulvaney told CNBC. 'And I wouldn't be surprised to see more of my friends resign over the course of the next 24 to 48 hours.'

Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger handed in his resignation Wednesday in dismay over the day's , according to Bloomberg.

Pottinger had been planning to stand down on inauguration day. But sources told the outlet he decided to quit early as he was dismayed by Trump's part in inciting the unrest that has so far left four dead.

Pottinger's departure comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Stephanie Grisham, the former White House press secretary who became chief of staff for Melania Trump, resigned her position on Wednesday effective immediately.

Grisham's decision was also said to be based on the riots and sources said more aides including National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien were on the brink of leaving.

She was followed by White House press secretary Sarah Matthews and White House social secretary Anna Cristina Niceta Lloyd.

The exodus from the Trump administration comes as the president has been accused of trying to freeze out his number two.

Sources said Trump had revoked Vice President Chief of Staff Marc Short's White House access Wednesday after Mike Pence refused to bow to the president's demand that he overturn the election.

Babbit was identified as the woman shot inside the Capitol by her husband, who said she was a 14-year veteran who served four tours with Air Force as a 'high level security official', a fervent supporter of Trump and 'a great patriot to all who knew her'.

A fellow Trump supporter told WUSA 9: 'A number of police and secret service were saying 'get back, get down, get out of the way.'

'She didn't heed the call and as we kind of raced up to grab people and pull them back they shot her in the neck and she fell back on me.

'And she started to say 'it's fine, it's cool' and then she started kinda moving weird and blood was coming out of her mouth and neck and nose and I don't know if she's alive or dead any more.'

He added: 'I'm not injured... it could have been me, but she went in first.'

Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., helps ATF police officers (special highly trained officers) clean up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Wednesday

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., second from left, walks past damage with staffers in the early morning hours of Thursday

Speaker Nancy Pelosi's suite of offices were also targeted by the rioters who smashed a mirror, cracked the Democrat's nameplate and left a menacing message scrawled on a file: 'WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN'

Dust and a gas mask are visible on the ground in the early morning hours of Thursday. It's not clear who it belongs to but lawmakers were told to don masks as the police started to deploy tear gas

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency in the city for the next 15 days until Biden's inauguration.

Biden himself spoke out amid the anarchy, labeling the rioters 'extremists' who were 'dedicated to lawlessness' while urging Trump 'to go on national television to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege.'

Capitol Police chief Steven Sund today defended his department's response to the violent breach at the Capitol, saying officers 'acted valiantly when faced with thousands of individuals involved in violent riotous actions' as they stormed the building.

Rioters 'actively attacked' Capitol police and other law enforcement officers Wednesday with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants, and took up other weapons against our officers,' Sund said in a statement.

The attack on the Capitol was 'unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C.,' said Sund, a former city police officer.

'Make no mistake: these mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior. The actions of the USCP officers were heroic given the situation they faced.'

Sund's statement came after lawmakers from both parties vowed an investigation into how law enforcement handled Wednesday's violent breach at the Capitol, questioning whether a lack of preparedness allowed a mob to occupy and vandalize the building.

Congress was eventually able to return to session where Biden's election victory was certified, despite the continued objections of Republican senators and congressmen.

The lawmakers were seen flanked by armed guards as they made their way back into chambers.

Trump's fate was sealed by Vice President Pence at 3:41 a.m. Thursday morning as he certified President-elect Joe Biden's win  despite the attempt of scores of Republicans to object to it.

Congress' overwhelming rejection of attempts to overturn the vote and Pence's role in it will surely further enrage Trump, who wanted his VP to unilaterally overrule Biden's win.

With just 13 days left of his presidency, Trump is now at war with Mitch McConnell, facing whispers of his own cabinet trying to force him out and Democrats openly discussing impeaching him again - while just a handful of senators led by Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley and the majority of the House GOP remain loyal.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that the certification would resume in a letter to Democratic colleagues, writing: 'We have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use.'

'We always knew this responsibility would take us into the night. The night may still be long but we are hopeful for a shorter agenda, but our purpose will be accomplished,' she said.

Vice President Mike Pence reopened the Senate by condemning the violent siege 'in the strongest possible terms' - but did not lay the blame on Trump for inciting the MAGA mob.

'To those who wreaked havoc in our capitol today, you did not win,' Pence said. 'Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the people's house.'

The vice president, who is chairing the special Senate session, called it a 'dark day in the history of the United States Capitol.'

Trump taken off social media after praising rioters Twitter has suspended Donald Trump's account for 12 hours and for the first time deleted his tweets after he praised the mob who stormed Congress and said he 'loved' them. YouTube and Facebook also followed suit in removing the posts, with Facebook and Instagram also blocking Trump from their platform for 24 hours. Snapchat blocked him on Wednesday morning, before he filmed the video. The platform said their locking of his account was indefinite. In the deleted video, he poured more fuel on the fire, claiming the election was 'stolen' and telling the rioters that he 'loved' them. Twitter said it had removed the tweets for violating their 'Civic Integrity policy'. 'As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy,' the social media company said. 'This means that the account of @realDonaldTrump will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets. If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked.'

'But thanks to the swift efforts of the U.S. Capitol Police, federal, state and local law enforcement, the violence was quelled. The Capitol is secured and the people's work continues,' Pence said.

But astonishingly  and to the disgust of Republicans including Mitt Romney and every Democrat  some Republicans continued their doomed bid to overturn the election result.

In the Senate, objections were filed in Arizona and Pennsylvania, but both were torpedoed by majority vote.

House Republicans also tried to challenge the results in Georgia, Michigan and Nevada, but didn't have final support.

Pennsylvania's vote concluded just before 1am, virtually bringing the 12-hour certification saga to a close.

Former President George W. Bush and Senator Mitt Romney lashed out at Donald Trump's loyalists in Congress on Wednesday, claiming they are the ones who caused the president's biggest supporters to storm the Capitol building.

'It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight,' the 43rd U.S. president said in a statement Wednesday. 'This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic - not our democratic republic.'

Romney, who has been an outspoken critic of the president from his post as Utah senator the last two years, said the chaos on Capitol Hill was due to a 'selfish man's injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action.'

He also blamed his Republican colleagues in the House and Senate for agreeing to object to the Electoral College results and giving supporters false hope that there is a way to overturn Joe Biden's victory.

'The objectors have claimed they are doing so on behalf of the voters,' Romney said in a statement released Wednesday. 'Have an audit, they say, to satisfy the many people who believe that the election was stolen. Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the President will continue to claim that the election was stolen.'

The chaotic scenes unfolded at about 3pm, soon after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters and encouraged them to march to the Capitol. The protesters organized via far-right social media sites, including Gab and Parler, telling each other the best routes to avoid police on their way to the Capitol.

As the mob broke down police barricades and stormed into the Capitol, lawmakers cowering inside the House Chamber were told to put on gas masks as tear gas was fired in the Rotunda. Officers at the front door of the chamber had their guns drawn at a protester trying to break down the door.

For those fleeing, it was a race against time: Protesters were getting in as quickly as members of Congress could get out.

Papers were strewn over the carpet of a parliamentarian's office

Furniture was flipped over during the violent invasion

Heavily-armed federal forces try to bring order in the hallways of American democracy after a violent mob barged in

Babbit (pictured right) was described by her husband as a 'great patriot to all who knew her' and a fervent Trump supporter

A Trump supporter receives medical treatment after apparently being hit in the mouth with a rubber bullet during the riot

A Trump supporter walks away with a bloodied nose after clashing with police near the Capitol Building in Washington DC

A marcher with a bloodied face is seen in the crowd near the Capitol building after clashes with police

A supporter of President Trump wearing tactical gear is arrested by police near the Capitol Building

A Trump supporter is slammed to the ground by police near the Capitol Building while attempting to get inside

A Trump supporter wears a painted American flag Guy Fawkes mask amid chaotic scenes at the Capitol

Pro-Trump rioters destroy network video gear as hundreds of others breach the security perimeter and penetrate the U.S. Capitol to protest against the Electoral College vote count

The DC National Guard was deployed to the streets to help enforce a 6pm curfew

National Guard members line up on the Capitol grounds as protesters continue occupying the area after curfew

A protester struggles with a riot police officer outside the Capitol building after the 6pm curfew went into effect

Paramedics work to resuscitate a patient near the Capitol after it was stormed by Trump supporters on Wednesday

The lawmakers were seen flanked by armed guards as they made their way into the Capitol

Trump supporters are seen in the streets around the US Capitol ahead of the rioting inside the building

Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6

Police hold back supporters of US President Donald Trump as they gather outside the US Capitol's Rotunda

Pro-Trump supporters and police clash outside the United States Capitol Building

Pro-Trump supporters gather and march to protest against the Electoral College vote count that would certify President-elect Joe Biden as the winner

Tear gas blows in the Capitol's Statuary Hall as invaders bearing Trump paraphernalia stormed the building on Wednesday

The Confederate flag was flew in the hallways of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday after a Trump supporter brought it inside

The mob walked right through the halls of Congress, ransacking offices and brazenly taking photos

One protester occupied the Senate dais and yelled: 'Trump won that election'. Some protesters even occupied Pelosi's office, sitting mockingly at a desk.

Pence ordered National Guard to the Capitol after Trump 'resisted' Mike Pence made the call to activate the National Guard after Trump supporters ran wild in the Capitol Building, it has been revealed. Acting Pentagon chief Christopher Miller revealed that he spoke to Pence and not Trump, the Commander in Chief, before sending in the Guard to clear out rioters. Maggie Haberman, the New York Times's White House correspondent, later revealed that Trump had 'rebuffed and resisted' attempts to call in the guard before 'White House advisers' intervened to get the move approved. Meanwhile White House National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien praised Pence's courage for certifying the state election results - a typically routine task that was thrust under the spotlight after Trump falsely suggested that Pence had the power to reject the result and declare him the victor. 'I just spoke with Vice President Pence. He is a genuinely fine and decent man. He exhibited courage today as he did at the Capitol on 9/11 as a Congressman. I am proud to serve with him,' wrote O'Brien.

After protesters started clashing with law enforcement, Trump tweeted to his supporters to 'stay peaceful'.

'Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!' the president wrote.

As the violence escalated, Trump tweeted: 'I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order - respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!'

He did not initially tell the protesters to leave.

Biden on Wednesday evening called for the restoration of 'simple decency' after the mob delayed Congress from certifying the results of November's election.

'At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault unlike anything we've seen in modern times,' Biden said. He called it 'an assault on the rule of law like few times we have ever seen it.'

'I call on this mob to pull back and allow democracy to go forward.

In an address that took less than 10 minutes and was televised against a split screen of the still-occupied Capitol building, Biden attempted to project calm and to say that a deeply divided country can still come together - while also expressing outrage.

He stopped short of accusing Trump of treason but said the events 'bordered on sedition'.

'At their best, the words of a president can inspire,' Biden added. 'At their worst they can incite.'

Minutes after Biden's address, Trump posted his own video telling his mob of supporters that he 'loves' them, but to 'go home'. In the same breath he also continued to peddle his baseless claims that the 'election was stolen'.

The chaos began with a rally outside the White House during which Trump repeated unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud and then urged his followers to march on the Capitol Building, suggesting that he would join them

Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal lawyer, demanded a 'trial by combat' during an incendiary speech at the rally on Wednesday

Leigh Ann Luck dressed up as Statue of Liberty shouts as supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump protest

People wait on the National Mall outside a security perimeter for a rally of supporters of US President Donald Trump challenging the results of the 2020 election

The protests escalated into violence as Trump supporters clashed with police on the grounds of the Capitol

Members of congress ran from the floor as police ordered them to evacuate to their offices for their own safety after a mob smashed through police barricades

Paramedics and protesters work together to transport a wounded man on a barrier near the Capitol

Police try to hold back protesters pushing into a doorway at the Capitol on Wednesday

The mostly maskless crowd flooded the halls of the Capitol with little resistance from Capitol Police

A Trump supporter posed alongside a statue of President Gerald Ford inside the Capitol

Police deployed tear gas at protesters who refused to step away from barriers outside the White House

Police spray tear gas at a protester who picked up a police barricade in an effort to get closer to the Capitol

A banner bearing the word 'treason' is seen inside the US Capitol building after it was ransacked by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday

Damage is seen inside the US Capitol building early on Thursday as a Congressional staffer speaks on the phone beside statues of America's heroes

Trash and Trump signs are seen piled beside the statue of the great American hero Major Andrew Jackson

Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cleans up debris and trash strewn across the floor in the early morning hours of Thursday,

Trump's cabinet discuss using 25th Amendment to declare him 'unfit for office' Members of President Donald Trump's cabinet have been discussing use of the 25th Amendment to the constitution to declare him unfit for office after the president encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol and many of them ran wild inside the seat of legislative power. It is a provision never used for the removal of a president against his will and faces extraordinary burdens to take effect. Nevertheless, CBS News reported that Trump cabinet members had been discussing the idea. 'I'm talking about actual members of the Cabinet,' said Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan. The 25th Amendment, which also governs a president who voluntarily relinquishes power on a temporary basis, requires that the vice president and 'a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide' inform the Congress that the president is 'unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.' Several Trump cabinet members serve on an 'acting' basis and have not been confirmed by the Senate, lowering the number from the 16 threshold. A post election purge took out the Defense secretary, and Attorney General Bill Barr left before Christmas after a clash with Trump.

'There's never been a time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it away from all of us - from me, from you, from our country. This was a fraudulent election, but we can't play into the hands of these people,' he said.

'We have to have peace. So, go home. We love you. You're very special. You've seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace.'

The video was later removed by Facebook, Twitter and YouTube because it violated their policies.

The president then posted another tweet reiterating his false claim that the election was stolen and encouraging supporters to 'remember this day'. The tweet was perceived by some as an attempt to rile up the Capitol crowds.

'These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long,' he tweeted. 'Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!'

Twitter removed the tweet for violating its rules.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Democrats captured control of the U.S. Senate on Wednesday when Jon Ossoff defeated GOP Sen. David Perdue in a Georgia Senate runoff, in a victory that hands a major win to President-elect Joe Biden.

Ossoff, 33, knocked off Republican Sen. David Perdue, who had said he will back President Trump's effort to overturn the election results.

His celebratory moment came as the U.S. Capitol was still being occupied by a mob of Donald Trump supporters who breached the building, with U.S. Capitol Police seeking to regain order while aided by National Guard forces.

Although his win was being overshadowed by history-making events unfolding in the Capitol while Trump supporters sought to disrupt the count that will make Joe Biden's win official, it is certain to reverberate throughout Biden's tenure.

With Democrats at 50-50 with Republicans, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will give Democrats a majority in the chamber.

That will allow Biden to confirm cabinet members, install his appointees on federal courts, and fashion major legislation that can overcome Republican hurdles.

Ossoff, who runs a documentary film company and once worked on Capitol Hill, declared himself the winner of his contest with Republican Senator David Perdue before networks made the call, a claim quickly backed up in statements from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

His will be the second victory - the Rev. Raphael Warnock was first win of the night, beating Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler - and would give Democrats complete control on Capitol Hill for the next two years.

'It is with humility that I thank the people of Georgia for electing me to serve you in the United States senate. Thank you for the confidence and trust you have placed in me,' Ossoff said in a video posted to Twitter.

He led Perdue by more than 17,000 votes, which is just shy of a 0.5 percent threshold to avoid a recount. Most outstanding votes were from Democratic-leaning areas.

America's enemies taunt Trump: Iran's President Rouhani revels in 'fragile Western democracy', China mocks 'beautiful sight' of mob storming Capitol and Russian media gloats America's enemies have taunted Donald Trump with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reveling in the 'fragility of Western democracy', China mocking the 'beautiful' sight of a mob storming the US Capitol and Russian media gloating about scenes that have shocked the world. In a speech broadcast by state television, Rouhani said: 'What we saw in the United States yesterday evening and today shows above all how fragile and vulnerable Western democracy is.' China's internet erupted in mirth at America's troubled democracy after Trump supporters caused carnage in Washington DC, comparing the chaos to the Hong Kong anti-government protests of 2019. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani gave a televised speech about the latest chaos in the US in which he stated the latest events show 'how fragile and vulnerable Western democracy is' On Thursday morning, state media tabloid Global Times tweeted side-by-side photo comparisons of Hong Kong protesters occupying the city's Legislative Council Complex in July 2019 with Wednesday's Washington riots. The latter saw hardcore Trump fans invade the US Capitol to protest the election defeat, taking selfies, scuffling with security and ransacking parts of the building. Meanwhile Russian media delighted in the chaos in the US, with a senior minister stating US democracy was 'limping on both feet' and Venezuela's socialist regime said it hopes that the 'American people can blaze a new path toward stability'. '@SpeakerPelosi once referred to the Hong Kong riots as 'a beautiful sight to behold',' the Global Times said in the tweet, referring to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's June 2019 comment about Hong Kong's mass pro-democracy demonstrations, which were mostly peaceful at that time. 'It remains yet to be seen whether she will say the same about the recent developments in Capitol Hill.' China's Communist Youth League also described the unrest as a 'beautiful sight' on the Twitter-like Weibo platform. Russia's state-run news outlet RT published an op-ed implying the US was getting what it deserves as a result of its foreign policy. 'Do you realize now what you have done? US gets the kind of 'democracy' it championed overseas,' the op-ed's headline read, adding 'the US denounced as illegitimate the presidential elections in Belarus, Bolivia and Venezuela.' Wednesday's siege of the US Capitol building by supporters of President Trump forced politicians to rush from the building and interrupted challenges to Joe Biden's Electoral College victory and as Electoral College votes were counted. Nicolas Maduro Turkey's foreign ministry called the events in the US 'worrying' Venezuela's socialist regime trolled Washington on Wednesday, expressing regret over the Trump mob storming the Capitol building and hope that the 'American people can blaze a new path toward stability'. The country's minister for foreign affairs, Jorge Arreaza, released a statement on Wednesday saying Venezuela 'expresses its concern over the acts of violence that are taking place in the city of Washington' He added that the country 'condemns political polarization and aspires that the American people can blaze a new path toward stability and social justice.' Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's president, has been at odds with Trump and his administration during its time in office, with the US backing attempts to install opposition leader Juan Guaido as president. 'With this regrettable episode, the United States suffers from the same that it has generated in other countries which its policies of aggression,' Venezuela's statement read. The country said it hoped 'the American people can blaze a new path toward stability and social justice.'

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Footage that was streamed online during the riot showed Trump supporters rampaging through the Capitol Building

Trump supporters ransack congressional offices after breaking into the Capitol Building in an attempt to overturn the election result

A Trump supporter is seen in the window of the Capitol Building in Washington DC after breaking inside

A rioter holds a Trump flag inside the US Capitol after storming the building. He is standing in front of a painting depicting the Battle of Lake Erie - major US naval victory in the War of 1812

Lawmakers were urged to put gas masks on as police fired tear gas to stop the protesters

Rep. David Trone wears a gas mask inside the US Capitol. Lawmakers cowering inside the House Chamber were urged to put on gas masks as tear gas was fired in the Rotunda

Members of Congress are pictured rushing to evacuate the House Chamber as protesters attempted to enter

Lawmakers cower in fear as protesters try to break down the doors of the House Chamber on Wednesday

The storming brought the certification of Joe Bidens victory to a halt  after Pence said he would defy Trump and refuse to overturn the election single-handed

Supporters of US President Donald Trump roam under the Capitol Rotunda after invading the Capitol building

Protesters gesture to U.S. Capitol Police in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber at the Capitol

Blood is seen on the floor after a woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol during a riot on Wednesday

Protesters use a a barrier to break down a door at the Capitol on Wednesday

FBI agents arrive on the Capitol grounds to help enforce a 6pm curfew

'We love you. You are special.' Trump finally addresses Capitol mob HE unleashed and says 'Go home now. We have to have peace' Donald Trump told his mob of supporters that he 'loves' them, but to 'go home' after they rampaged past police barriers to storm the U.S. Capitol. But despite calling for his supporters to stand down, he continued to peddle the baseless claims that the 'election was stolen' in a video posted to Twitter Wednesday afternoon. 'There's never been a time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it away from all of us - from me, from you, from our country. This was a fraudulent election, but we can't play into the hands of these people. 'We have to have peace. So, go home. We love you. You're very special. You've seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace,' Trump said. It came hours after Trump stirred them into a frenzy at his 'Stop the Steal' rally, telling them to march on the U.S. Capitol. The president still has not conceded the election and earlier Wednesday addressed a crowd at the ellipse spouting conspiracy theories that he still had a path to win - if Vice President Mike Pence did his bidding, as well as if GOP lawmakers revolted. Pence did no such thing. The chaotic scenes unfolded soon after Trump addressed thousands of protesters and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol. After protesters started clashing with law enforcement following the Capitol breach, Trump tweeted to his supporters to 'stay peaceful'

Mob smashes through police barriers and wall of tear gas to stop Biden's victory being certified: How Trump protesters turned Congress into a battlefield

Capitol Police used tear gas as hundreds of people were seen climbing the marble steps outside the building. They banged on the locked doors of the Capitol and smashed the glass in the doors.

Demonstrators fought with police and then forced their way into the building.

Asked how so many people were able to get in, officials said they were focusing their attention on keeping lawmakers inside safe.

One video posted on TikTok appeared to show a group of about four officers standing by as protesters pushed past a barricade near the Capitol building.

The officers did not appear to try to block the stampede, instead walking with it toward the building.

One protester jumped up on the dais, where the president of the Senate presides, and yelled: 'Trump won that election.'

Several dozen protesters roamed the halls of the Capitol, yelling: 'Where are they?'

Tear gas was being used by Capitol Police as protesters filled both the House and Senate side of the Capitol.

Another protester in the Senate yelled: 'Where's Pence, show yourself!'

The chaos caused the Capitol to go on lockdown and disrupted the certification of the electoral college vote that would cement Biden's victory.

Mayor Bowser declared a 6pm curfew for the city and said multiple law enforcement agencies would be patrolling the streets. Just before the curfew went into effect she was asked multiple by times by CNN if curfew violators would be arrested, but she refused to give a clear answer.

Bowser said 'many' arrests had already been made but did not have a specific number.

As footage started coming out of Capitol Hill being breached by angry Trump supporters, Donald Trump Jr tried to quell the outburst with a tweet  that was critical of Democrats and liberals.

'This is wrong and not who we are. Be peaceful and use your 1st Amendment rights, but don't start acting like the other side,' Trump Jr. wrote. 'We have a country to save and this doesn't help anyone.'

Meanwhile, the president continued to direct his rage at Pence, who earlier announced he would not single-handedly overturn the election results from his position of the chair.

'Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!' the president tweeted.

The extraordinary breech was a departure from security mishaps of the past. Protesters have routinely disrupted televised hearings while in progress and even events inside the House chamber. But trained Capitol Police are usually able to arrest disruptors and remove them immediately. Often formal charges are never filed.

But in Wednesday's storming of the building, dozens of people made it by armed police officers and entered the building without going through any security set up to keep out those with weapons or dangerous items.

There were occasions after September 11th when the building was placed on lockdown and people were ordered to leave, but this usually happened when suspicious packages were discovered.

When the building is open, as it was before the pandemic, members of the general public are not allowed to walk unescorted on the second floor where lawmakers enter and exit the legislative chambers.

The protesters were aided by scaffolding constructed for the upcoming inauguration.

In another tense piece of video from inside, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) tweeted video of protesters repeatedly rushing Capitol Police officers in the crypt, in the ground floor part of the building under the rotunda.

'I like many people voted for President Trump in the 2020 election and hoped for a different result,' McCaul wrote. 'But violence and destruction is not the way to express your grievances. This is disgraceful and has to end.'

Celebs respond to MAGA carnage with Chris Evans blasting police response and Sarah Jessica Parker calling looters cowards A number of celebrities took to social media after supporters of President Donald Trump violently stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to protest his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden, leading to the death of one woman and politicians scrambling to safety. Amid Wednesday's events, authorities lost control as rioters entered the Capitol building vandalizing and trespassing, with some of the MAGA mob making it in to Nancy Pelosi's office. Four people died in the chaos. Leading the messages was Captain America actor Chris Evans, who penned: 'I'm speechless. Just think of the carnage had they not been white. So many people enabled this.' The latest: Leading the messages was Captain America actor Chris Evans, who penned: 'Im speechless. Just think of the carnage had they not been white. So many people enabled this' Chloe Grace Moretz blasted Sen ted Cruz tweeting: 'Look what you incentivized.' SJP called the MAGA mob cowards . . Along with Chris, many others questioned the effectiveness of authorities on hand, stating that the response would have been significantly different if the rioters were black. Filmmaker Ava DuVernay shared a clip from the day's events, writing: 'The language of white supremacy is a language of cowardice disguised as dominance.' A number of celebrities urged politicians to invoke the 25th amendment - which legislates for the Vice President to take control if the Commander-in-Chief is 'unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office' - and end the former Apprentice star's term two weeks earlier than planned. Actor Armie Hammer wrote: 'Reported shots fired inside the house chambers. This is why we can't have nice things, you f***ing mouth breathers who stormed the capital ... It's a good thing this wasn't a BLM rally or else these a******s would have actual riot police to deal with.' Other celebs called for the impeachment and removal of Trump, whose Twitter account was suspended in an unprecedented move, amid a series of tweets. Respect: Another star weighing in was Stevie Wonder, who called for 'narcissistic and dangerous' Trump to be removed from office following the horrific riots in Washington DC . . Contrast: Union's spouse Dwayne Wade pointed out Trump's treatment of Colin Kaepernick in contrast to Wednesday's melee Sarah Jessica Parker tweeted: 'Unimaginable. Disgraceful. Shocking. But no surprise. So many to hold responsible. You know who you are. You dismissed the violent, divisive, cruel rhetoric. You made excuses. Cowards He/you are not leaders. We will try to re-build. You will try to live with yourselves.' Chloe Grace Moretz blasted Senator Ted Cruz, tweeting: 'Look what you incentivized.' Actor Jeffrey Wright penned: 'Hold on. You mean the 'grab 'em by the p****,' d*** joke at a Presidential debate, 'I could stand in the middle of 5th Ave & shoot somebody,' 'Russia, if you're listening,' 'I would like you to do us a favor tho,' 'Fellas, I need 11,000 votes.' guy was actually a criminal bum?!!' Actor Josh Gad wrote: 'Is there any single reason Donald Trump is not in handcuffs at this very moment? If any other American incited thousands into storming the Capital Building, they would already be behind bars. 'The 'Law and Order' President needs to face both right now.'

Several windows inside the Capitol were shattered during Wednesday's chaos at the Capitol

Police deploy a stream of tear gas a protesters occupying the Capitol grounds on Wednesday

A woman is pushed into an ambulance near the Capitol on Wednesday evening

Trump's mob causes chaos nationwide: MAGA fans take to the streets in California, Oregon, New Mexico and Kansas and surround Georgia's Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's office

As the US Capitol was stormed, Trump supporters staged smaller rallies outside statehouses in several cities, including Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix and Salt Lake City.

Protesters swarmed into the Kansas statehouse in Topeka and gathered inside the first floor of the Capitol Rotunda, though the rally remained orderly, television station KSNT reported.

There were no immediate reports of violence, despite the flurry of demonstrations by pro-Trump demonstrators echoing his baseless claims that he was robbed of a re-election victory due to voter fraud.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said on Twitter that he had instructed city agencies to close municipal offices early in Colorado's state capital 'out of an abundance of caution' after about 700 demonstrators gathered at the statehouse downtown.

'My hope is that this situation will be resolved quickly. Pray for our nation,' he tweeted.

A major courthouse complex and two other government buildings in Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, were also ordered closed due to protests near the statehouse.

Among those whose daily routines were altered were aides to Georgia's secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, the Republican election official pressured by Trump in a weekend telephone call to 'find' enough additional votes for the president to overturn the November victory of President-elect Joe Biden, due to take office in two weeks.

Raffensperger's spokesman, Walter Jones, said staff left their offices after lunch out of an abundance of caution because of protests. He said Raffensperger was not in the office at the time.

In Salt Lake City, Dana Jones, director of the state Capitol Preservation Board, said she had asked building staff to work from home on Wednesday afternoon on the advice of the Utah Highway Patrol and public safety commissioner, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

The precaution was taken, the newspaper said, in response to a crowd of about 250 pro-Trump demonstrators who posted signs on the Capitol building that read: 'Stop the steal!' and 'Trump won!'

A Utah state police spokesman said security had been beefed up at the Capitol, though he said protesters there were 'very peaceful,' the Tribune reported. It said one of its photographers was pepper-sprayed by individuals upset that he was documenting their protest.

Several hundred Trump supporters also staged a 'Stop the Steal' rally at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix, cheering and jeering while exhibiting a guillotine.

MISSOURI: Armed men stand on the steps at the State Capitol after a rally in support of President Donald Trump

ATLANTA: The crowd consisted of around 25 people, some of whom were carrying assault rifles

LA: Christian Angelo Hill, 19, a Black Lives Matter supporter, reacts after being sprayed with an unknown substance during a rally held by U.S. President Donald Trump supporters

OREGON: Protesters hold a rally in support of U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem

TEXAS: Jack Finger, of San Antonio, protests the election with supporters of President Donald Trump Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Austin

ATLANTA: Georgia Capitol Police escorted Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger (above) and his staff out of the building shortly before 3pm

'I won't betray my oath': Pence publicly defies Trump's demand to block Biden's confirmation

Trump told thousands of supporters just outside the White House that he wanted Pence to 'come through' for us and demanded that he reject electoral votes out of hand over that the president claims is 'fraud.'

He threatened Pence saying 'I'm not hearing good stories' and telling him to have 'courage' to strike down swing states' votes  a move which would defy the constitution.

But minutes before arriving on Capitol Hill to preside over the joint session of Congress to certify the election's outcome, Pence bluntly told lawmakers that he would refuse to obey Trump's orders.

Pence sent a letter to the 535 senators and representatives on Capitol Hill ahead of his presiding over the Joint Session that will certify Joe Biden's victory.

In it, he outlined his belief in his role in the proceedings, which he notes is 'ceremonial' and adds that it doesn't include the authority to 'determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not.'

Trump has tried to put the blame on Pence for his expected loss on Wednesday but the president also lacks support among the majority of senators in his own party, which dooms his efforts for a congressional overthrow of the results.

Pence acknowledged Trump's allegations the election was rigged, of which there has been no proof and no court has upheld, in a likely peace offering to the president.

'I share the concerns of millions of Americans about the integrity of this election,' he wrote.

Images emerged shortly before of hundreds of protesters descending on the steps of the Capitol after rallying near the White House for President Donald Trump

A Capitol Police officer urged lawmakers to leave the building after top leaders were escorted out

Pence acknowledged Trump's allegations the election was rigged, which there has been no proof and no court has upheld, in a likely peace offering to the president

Members of the far-right group Proud Boys make 'OK' hand gestures indicating "white power" during the chaos

Tear gas was being used by Capitol Police as protesters filled both the House and Senate side of the Capitol

Capitol Police spray tear gas at Trump supporters as they try to break through a police barrier

In a letter Wednesday, Pence said, 'It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution contains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not'

But he noted as vice president he does not have the power from the constitution to decide which electoral votes are counted and which are not.

'As a student of history who loves the constitution and reveres its Framers, I do not believe that the Founds of our country intended to invest the vice president with unilateral authority to decide which electoral votes should be counted during the Joint Session of Congress and no Vice President in American history has ever asserted such authority,' Pence noted.

He added vice presidents in the past have conducted 'the proceedings in an orderly manner even where the count resulted in the defeat of their party or their own candidacy'.

'It is my considered judgement that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not,' he said.

He concluded his letter with a prayer to God: 'When the Joint Session of Congress convenes today, I will do my duty to see to it that we open the certificates of electors of the several states, we hear objections raised by Senators and Representatives, and we count the votes of the Electoral College for President and Vice President in a manner consistent with our Constitution, laws and history. So Help Me God.'

Pelosi reminded lawmakers that only 11 members from each party were allowed on the House floor at a time due to social distancing. She called out Republicans for having too many lawmakers on the floor

'The law says voter registration ends on October 5. Democrats said we don't care what the law says they went to a court got an Obama appointed judge to extend in 18 days,' Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, a top Trump ally on Capitol Hill, complained of Arizona

Speaker Nancy Pelosi presided over the debate. She sanitized the gavel before she used it. Pence had used it when he presided over the Joint Session

REPUBLICANS OBJECT TO ARIZONA'S VOTES

When the certification process got underway shortly after 1pm Wednesday, lawmakers got through Alabama and Alaska, two states that went for Trump, before the first objection was filed for Arizona.

Rep. Paul Gosar, an Arizona Republican, objected to his state's Electoral College votes going to Biden and Harris. He confirmed that his objection had been signed on to by a US senator.

Democrats in the chamber audibly groaned while droves of Republicans in the chamber stood up and clapped.

The move forced Pence to order the houses out of Joint Session. The senators in the House chamber started moving back toward their side of the US Capitol.

On the House side, during their debate on the Arizona objection, Republican lawmakers used their time to complain about the treatment of the president, particularly the impeachment process and special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.

They did not offer any proof of voter fraud but complained that voter laws were changed ahead of the November contest, which is not illegal.

'The law says voter registration ends on October 5. Democrats said we don't care what the law says they went to a court got an Obama appointed judge to extend in 18 days,' Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, a top Trump ally on Capitol Hill, complained of Arizona.

Many states had their voter registration deadlines extended because of the coronavirus pandemic  the extension applied to voters of both parties. Other states extended the time period allowing mail-in voting, again because of the pandemic and it applied to all voters.

Democrats argued the election was legally conducted.

'Under some of the most trying circumstances in our history, our fellow citizens conducted a free and fair election vindicating our founders belief once again that we were capable of self government, and a peaceful transition of power,' Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff said.

Speaker Pelosi presided over the debate. She sanitized the gavel before she used it. Pence had used it when he presided over the Joint Session.

Pelosi also reminded lawmakers that only 11 members from each party were allowed on the House floor at a time due to social distancing. She called out Republicans for having too many lawmakers on the floor.

MITCH MCCONNELL SLAMS ELECTION 'CONSPIRACY THEORIES'

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell shamed Trump and his own Republican colleagues for mounting challenges to the Electoral College vote count, saying their doing so could lead to a 'death spiral' of American democracy  and pointing out there's no real evidence of widespread voter fraud.

'We're debating a step that has never been taken in American history, whether Congress should overrule the voters and overturn a presidential election,' he said on the Senate floor, after Rep Gosar and a batch of GOP senators, including Sen Ted Cruz, objected to Arizona's Electoral College vote count.

McConnell ridiculed Trump's claims of widespread voter fraud in a five-minute speech, which will be one of his last as majority leader, and which he said was about the most important vote of his career.

'The assertions range from specific, local allegations to Constitutional arguments to sweeping conspiracy theories,' McConnell said.

He reminded senators that he was supportive of Trump using the country's legal system, which handed the president and his team loss after loss. And pointed out that these cases were heard by some of the 'all-star judges whom the president himself nominated' - including on the U.S. Supreme Court.

McConnell said that every election is plagued by some instances of vote irregularity. 'And of course that's unacceptable,' he said.

McConnell ridiculed President Donald Trump's claims of widespread voter fraud in a five-minute speech which will be one of his last as majority leader  and which he said was about the most important vote of his career

The top Senate Republican also said he supported 'strong state-led voting reforms,' adding that he didn't wan tto see 'last year's bizarre pandemic procedures' - like mail-in ballots that gave Democrats an edge - 'become the new norm.'

'But my colleagues nothing before us proves illegality anywhere near the massive scale, the massive scale that would have tipped the entire election,' McConnell argued. 'Nor can public doubt alone justify a radical break, when the doubt itself was incited without any evidence.'

He pointed out that the Constitution gives Congress a 'limited role.'

'We simply can't declare ourselves a national board of elections on steroids,' McConnell said.

Twisting the knife into Trump, McConnell also pointed out that the race between Biden and Trump 'was not unusually close.'

'The Electoral College margin was almost identical to what it was in 2016,' McConnell pointed out.

'If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side our democracy would enter a death spiral,' McConnell warned. 'We'd never see a whole nation accept an election again.'

'Every four years there would be a scramble for power at any cost,' he added.

TRUMP'S STOP THE STEAL RALLY

This came after Trump excoriated 'weak' Republicans and demanded fealty from Pence to a rally crowd near the White House on Wednesday, where he demanded Pence and Congress overturn the election results that lead to his defeat.

In an extraordinary speech, Trump once again called his election 'rigged' just minutes before a joint meeting of Congress was to begin counting the certified electoral votes that have him losing to Joe Biden.

Trump referred to votes that came in after 10pm election night  which consisted of in-person and mail-in ballots and denied him the lead he said he and his pollsters anticipated  as 'these explosions of bullsh*t.'

Members of the crowd immediately chanted 'Bullshi*t!' in response.

'Our election was over at 10 in the evening,' Trump said.

Trump mocked his party's 2012 Republican presidential nominee, now-Sen. Mitt Romney, for conceded his own race back then.

'We will never concede. It doesn't happen,' he said  although losing candidates have conceded for generations. 'There's never been anything like this. It's a pure theft.'

Trump's comments amounted to a declaration of war on elements of his party, after his lawyer Rudy Giuliani demanded 'trial by combat' against opponents of his claims of election fraud.

Trump spoke to a crowd of several thousand  but referred to them as consisting of 'hundreds of thousands' of supporters fathered on a lawn south of the White House that doesn't hold that many.

He said his election was 'stolen by the fake news media. That's what they've done and that's what they're doing.'

Trump addressed his thousands of his supporters near the White House Wednesday at his 'Save America' rally and declared war on his own party, calling Republicans who opposed him 'weak'

Hours after a humiliating defeat in one Georgia Senate race and the prospect of losing another, Team Trump showed no sign of conceding

A crowd of Trump supporters started gathering outside of the White House for a rally on Wednesday

He urged his supporters to march down to the Congress, which was to commence the count at 1 pm.

'We're going to walk down to the Capitol and we're going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women,' he said, speaking from behind a pane of bullet-proof material.

He turned up the heat on Pence, a potential 2024 contender who will preside over the count. His role is set in the Constitution and the Electoral Count Act, and is largely ceremonial.

'Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us, and if he doesn't that will be a sad day for our country because you're sworn to uphold our Constitution,' he said.

Trump acknowledged that he has tried to pressure Pence into rejecting votes from states he lost, quoting from a conversation he has denied happened.

'All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to re-certify and we become president and you are the happiest people,' he told his fans, who cheered 'Stop the Steal!' at times.

'I said Mike, that doesn't take courage. What takes courage is to do nothing. That takes courage. And then we're stuck with a president who lost the election by a lot and we have to live with that,' he said of Biden.

'If we're wrong we will be made fools of, but if we're right a lot of them will go to jail. Let's have trial by combat,' he said, without explaining exactly what he meant by combat

Donald Trump Jr, the president's eldest son, demanded that Republican Party lawmakers in Congress 'be the hero, not the zero' and refuse to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory

Thousands of supporters of President Trump are seen above near the Washington Monument for the 'Save America' rally on Wednesday

Trump touted his own vote total, but denied Biden's was real.

'And by the way, does anybody believe that Joe had 80 million votes?' Trump asked rhetorically. 'Does anybody believe that? He had 80 million computer votes. It's a disgrace,' Trump said.

His mention of the pandemic came in terms of his own race, where millions voted by mail as thousands battled infections in a year more than 300,000 Americans died of COVID-19.

'They've used the pandemic as a way of defrauding the people in a proper election,' Trump said.

'Eight weeks. I want to go back eight weeks. Let's go back eight weeks,' he mused at one point, as he described a conversation with an unnamed official who told him that he would be lock to win in 2024.

Trump repeatedly couched his demands not as an effort to overturn the votes of the people, but as a legal effort.

'Somebody says: Well we have to obey the Constitution,' Trump said. 'And you are, because you're protecting our country and you're protecting the Constitution so you are,' he said.

He said it would protect the country from having what he called 'an illegitimate president.'

'The states were defrauded. They were given false information,' Trump claimed.

During various tangents, he complained about how he is treated on social media, such as when 'I get a flag' on his tweets. 'I don't care about Twitter, Twitter's bad news, he said afterward.

He went after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell several times, including for not going along with his proposal to change communications laws.

'I helped Mitch get elected,' he said of the longtime incumbent.

'And then all of a sudden you have something like this,' he said, going after 'weak Republicans' and 'pathetic Republicans'  despite a top official in Georgia blaming him for the likely defeats of two Senate Republican incumbents.

He also called out Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) after her comment that failing to accept the electors certified by states would violate the Constitution.

'The Liz Cheneys of the world, we've got to get rid of them,' Trump said.

'Brian Kemp  vote him the hell out of office please,' Trump said of the Georgia governor.

He said Georgia's secretary of state Brad Raffensperger had 'no clue' what was going on, but then said 'maybe' he was with the other side  the Democrats.

'I can't believe this guy was a Republican,' said Trump. 'He loves recording telephone conversations,' Trump said  mentioning a leaked call where Trump can be heard asking him to 'find' 11,780 votes to make him the winner.

'People love that conversation, because it says what's going on,' Trump said.

Donald Trump Jr (left), the president's eldest son, kisses his girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle (right), before addressing the rally on Wednesday

Donald Trump Jr., claimed there were 100,000 people there but images showed far fewer and he bashed elected Republicans who have refused to go along with his father's claims of frau

Trump also complained about the Supreme Court, which failed to take up a Texas lawsuit he sought to join, and even his former attorney general Bill Barr, who said before leaving his post there wasn't sufficient fraud to change the outcome.

'I'm not happy with the Supreme Court. They look to rule against me. I picked three people. I fought like hell for one in particular,' Trump inveighed.

'You know I read a story in one of the newspapers recently, how I control the three Supreme Court Justices. I control them. They're puppets. I read it about Bill Barr - that he's my personal attorney, that he'll do anything for me.

'But he denied pulling Barr's strings'And I said, you know, it really is genius, because what they do is that, and it makes it really impossible for them to ever give you a victory, because all of a sudden Bill Barr changed if you hadn't noticed. I like Bill Barr but he changed because he didn't want to be considered my personal attorney, and the Supreme Court. They ruled against me so much you know why? Because the story is, I haven't spoken to any of them. Any since virtually they got in, but the story is that they're my puppet, right, that they're puppets. And now that the only way they can get out of that - because they hate that it's not good on the social circuit. And the only way they get out is to rule against Trump. So let's rule against Trump and they do.'

'You know I read a story in one of the newspapers recently, how I control the three Supreme Court Justices. I control them. They're puppets. I read it about Bill Barr - that he's my personal attorney, that he'll do anything for me.'

But he denied pulling Barr's strings'And I said, you know, it really is genius, because what they do is that, and it makes it really impossible for them to ever give you a victory, because all of a sudden Bill Barr changed if you hadn't noticed. I like Bill Barr but he changed because he didn't want to be considered my personal attorney, and the Supreme Court. They ruled against me so much you know why? Because the story is, I haven't spoken to any of them. Any since virtually they got in, but the story is that they're my puppet, right, that they're puppets. And now that the only way they can get out of that - because they hate that it's not good on the social circuit. And the only way they get out is to rule against Trump. So let's rule against Trump and they do.'

Giuliani said, 'If we're wrong we will be made fools of, but if we're right a lot of them will go to jail. Let's have trial by combat,' he said, without explaining exactly what he meant by combat.

'I'm willing to stake my reputation, the president is willing to stake his reputation on the fact that we're going to find criminality there,' said the former New York mayor. Trump and his allies have suffered dozens of losses in state and federal courts with suits charging election fraud.

He spoke to thousands of cheering supporters on the Ellipse south of the White House. A permit was for 30,000 people.

The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed there were 100,000 people there but images showed far fewer.

He bashed elected Republicans who have refused to go along with his father's claims of fraud.

'The people who did nothing to stop the steal -- this gathering should send a message to them. This isn't their Republican Party anymore. This is Donald Trump's Republican Party. This is the Republican Party that will put America first,' he said.

His girlfriend, former Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle, also spoke.

Eric Trump (right), the president's son, and his wife, Lara Trump, raise their fists in front of thousands of supporters near the White House on Wednesday

A militia-like group is seen making their way to Trump's rally on Wednesday morning

Trump supporters gather near the White House and watch the rally on a big screen set up nearby

A woman is seen holding a sign that reads 'Trump is the party' as the president's supporters gather on the Washington Monument grounds

Trump supporters braved cold temperatures in Washington, DC, on Wednesday hours before the start of planned demonstrations

A Trump supporter is seen with a protective vest decorated with Trump badges at Wednesday's rally

Trump was expected to address his supporters later in the morning during a rally on the Ellipse, just south of the White House

United States Park Police are seen above arresting a man near the Washington Monument on Wednesday

After claiming fraud in Trump's election, John Eastman claimed fraud in the count Tuesday night, which allowed Rev. Raphael Warnock to be called as the winner in one runoff and has Democrat Jon Ossoff leading in another.

Explaining how the fraud he claims occurred happened, Eastman said: 'You know the old way was to have a bunch of ballots sitting in a box under the floor  They put those ballots in a secret folder in the machines, sitting there waiting until they know how many they need  I can now in that machine match those unvoted ballots with an unvoted voter and put them together in the machine. How do we know that happened last night in real time? You saw when it went to 99 per cent of the vote total, and it stopped.'

He pointed to a point late in the vote count while counties were still tabulating votes  a version of Trump's complaint that he led in early returns on election night in November. Last night, Republicans led until addition in-person votes came in in populous Democratic-leaning counties 'That means they were unloading the ballots from that secret folder,' he claimed.

At least 10 people were arrested for gun possession crimes and other violations and others were seen clashing with counter-demonstrators.

One man from North Carolina was detained after he was caught carrying a gun without a license.

The man rode into the capital on a bus which was stopped by police near Ninth Street and Constitution Avenue NW.

Police boarded the bus and confiscated a rifle and a handgun as well as a drum magazine that holds additional ammunition.

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Many in the crowd were photographed not wearing masks and gathered in tight quarters, shoulder to shoulder, despite the raging pandemic and the nationwide surge in the number of coronavirus cases.
What Americans saw on television Wednesday was not peaceful protest.

It was a riot by supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump. They swarmed streets leading to the U.S. Capitol. They stormed the symbol of our democracy, knocked down security barriers and overpowered riot police. Then they ransacked the legislative chambers while senators and members of Congress took refuge wherever they could.

As of press time, one of the rioters has died of a gunshot wound; several other people were injured.

It was a security breach that overwhelmed Capitol Police, who were in a standoff with remnants of the mob well into the evening.

JASON ANDREW, STR / NYT

The unbelievable scene smacked of violence and vandalism. It also could be called domestic terrorism, intended to undermine what always has been a peaceful transfer of power in this country.

Earlier in the day, a joint session of Congress was working to certify Electoral College votes, state by state, in what normally is a genteel constitutional formality.

Some Republicans were trying to slow the process in yet another attempt to reverse an election result they didnt like.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

The world has witnessed the shameful acts inside those chambers and out, as a sitting president unleashed violent extremists on the nations capital.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, was in his office in the Rayburn House Office Building, across Independence Avenue from the Capitol.

He said his staff was directed to shelter in place.

He was unflinching in his assessment of Wednesdays events.

The president of the United States inspired a coup attempt, Castro said. Ive been in public service for 18 years, serving the people of San Antonio. This is the most bizarre, chaotic thing Ive witnessed as a public official.

Those involved have First Amendment rights to protest, the congressman said, but those who have committed illegal acts should be prosecuted.

Castro said he hoped order can be restored.

After inciting them in person and on Twitter earlier in the day, Trump went to the airwaves to ask his supporters to go home, while repeating unfounded claims of election fraud.

His is an alternate reality in which only he benefits from calling the election rigged.

The presidents words from the fall campaign echoed amid the rioting.

In September, during a nationally televised debate, he addressed a white supremacist group called the Proud Boys. Challenged to repudiate the group, Trump instead called on its members to stand back and stand by.

Law enforcement investigations will determine who initiated or encouraged the riot, and whether the Proud Boys were involved.

Castro pointed to both Trump and his enablers, singling out U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who encouraged people to come here and behave in this way.

Ted Cruz should resign immediately, Castro said.

Those whove violated laws should be prosecuted, he added, pointing to those who stormed the Capitol and made threats against the Capitol Police and others.

Castro didnt directly address the issue of race in the incident. But it was impossible to ignore.

A march by menacing white demonstrators didnt trigger an aggressive police response. The contrast with how police have treated people of color during some peaceful protests was unmistakable.

On June 1, amid protests over the death of George Floyd, law enforcement officers tear-gassed peaceful demonstrators in Lafayette Park near the White House so Trump could walk to St. Johns Episcopal Church and pose for a photo op holding a Bible.

Before rioters reached the Capitol on Wednesday, there was an air of joyfulness in the crowd. Smiling faces could be seen, because hardly any were wearing masks.

It was eerie, as is the alternative reality that brought them to Washington.

There will be an accounting for this attack on Washington, on government and on the transfer of power.

Arrests will be made. Some even may go to prison for their acts.

Politicians, too, will be held to account for what they did and didnt do, none more than the outgoing president.

For the past four years, he has fueled anger, racism and grievance.

President-elect Joe Biden was right to say democracy was under an unprecedented assault on Wednesday.

His appeals for decency and unity brought a semblance of hope. He said the mob represented a small number of extremists, not the country.

Many Americans feared this would happen someday. Now it will forever define Trumps legacy and that of his enablers.

Though the scenes were scary, we are not scared. Still, Jan. 20 cant come soon enough.

eayala@express-news.net

SIGN UP: Get breaking news from Action News Now delivered to your inbox DOWNLOAD: For continuing coverage on news across Northern California Pro-Trump protesters have stormed the US Capitol on Jan. 6 as members of Congress were meeting to certify the Electoral College results of the 2020 presidential election. Pro-Trump protesters have stormed the US Capitol on Jan. 6 as members of Congress were meeting to certify the Electoral College results of the 2020 presidential election.

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(UPDATE: 8:13 p.m.) - Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in medical emergencies.

Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee. Police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

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(UPDATE: 2:52 p.m.) - One person has died after being shot by law enforcement at the Capitol, sources told NBC News.

At least one explosive device was found on the Capitol grounds, officials told NBC News. At least five people were taken to the hospital, NBC News reports.

Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump, according to The Associated Press.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

The occupation interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations around the Capitol complex and Washington, D.C. after thousands of Trump supporters breached the building and skirmished with police officers.

Lawmakers have signaled that they would resume the constitutionally mandated count as soon as it was safe to do so.

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As protestors breach the U.S. Capitol, delaying confirmation by the House and the Senate of the results of the Nov. 3 presidential election  injuring multiple police officers and threatening the safety of our elected leaders in the process  the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) announced it is condemning the violence as an affront to our democracy and calling for a return to civility in the expression of political opinions. They shared the following statement below:

Todays violent breach of the U.S. Capitol Building is reprehensible and belies the values and traditions upon which this country was built, said Brian Marvel, President of the Peace Officers Research Association of California. Respect for the rule of law and those sworn to uphold it are at the foundation of our democracy. We stand in solidarity with the men and women in law enforcement who are on the front lines of defending and upholding the law of the land. Regardless of where we stand politically, we are all Americans, and must return immediately to the civil discourse that is the heart of our great American experiment.

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(UPDATE: 2:31 p.m.) - The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.

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(UPDATE: 1:40 p.m.) - President Donald Trump told supporters to 'go home' but continued his election attacks on a recorded video message. According to the Associated Press, the President said his backers are "very special."



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(UPDATE: 12:53 p.m.) - The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end a violent occupation by President Donald Trumps supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

She added, We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.

Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.

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(UPDATE: 12:49 p.m.) - Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on President Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters angry about his election loss.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he spoke with the president earlier Wednesday and told him to make a statement to make sure that we can calm individuals down.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that it is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey told The Associated Press that while he sympathizes with the protesters position, they shouldnt get violent, and it would be nice if Trump called on them to protest in a peaceful way in an appropriate spot, where you belong, where you should be.

Many Republicans had backed Trumps false claims of widespread voter spread to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.

This is Banana Republic crap that were watching right now, said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College vote.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from supporters of President Donald Trump who are protesting Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

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(UPDATE: 12:30 p.m.) - One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.

Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

President Donald Trump is encouraging supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he is not calling for them to disperse.

As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, No violence! adding: Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.

But Trump did not ask supporters to vacate the area as the unrest continued.

Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol - at one point even suggesting he would join them. He is upset that he lost the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and has falsely claimed voter fraud to explain it away.

He also urged his supporters to get rid of the weak Congress people - presumably through primary challenges - saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

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(UPDATE: 11:52 a.m.) - Lawmakers are being evacuated from the U.S. Capitol after protesters breached security and entered the building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other senators were led out, escorted by staff and police on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the House were also being evacuated. Both chambers had been debating the certification of Joe Bidens victory in the Electoral College.

The skirmishes came shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

Protesters could be seen marching through the Capitols stately Statuary Hall shouting and waving Trump banners and American flags.

Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

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The U.S. Capitol locked down Wednesday with lawmakers inside as violent clashes broke out between supporters of President Donald Trump police.

An announcement was played inside the Capitol as lawmakers were meeting and expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens victory.

WATCH LIVE: Congress counts Electoral College vote

The skirmishes occurred outside the building, in the very spot president-elect Biden will be inaugurated in just two weeks.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back.
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The Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday arrested three people, including a functionary of Tamil Nadus ruling AIADMK, in connection with the 2019 Pollachi sexual assault case, officials familiar with the matter said.

A total of eight people have been arrested in the case that came to light in February 2019 when a 19-year-old woman filed a complaint against four men for allegedly sexually assaulting her and filming the act in Coimbatore districts Pollachi town. During the investigation, it was revealed that a network of men sexually assaulted close to 50 women.

Those arrested on Thursday were identified as K Arulanantham, 34, the AIADMKs Pollachi town students wing secretary, Haron Paul, 29, Bike Balu, 27, a second-hand bike dealer, police officials said.

They are friends of the accused who were previously arrested in the case, a senior police official said on condition of anonymity.

The AIADMK announced Arulananthams expulsion from all party posts. We request that party workers should not have any contacts with him, chief minister E Palaniswami and deputy CM O Panneerselvam, said in a statement in Chennai.
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.
Topping the list was Hurricane Laura, which caused $13 billion in damage when it struck Southwestern Louisiana in late August. Laura was one of the years record number of 30 named storms in 2020; 12 of those storms made landfall, another record. The storms caused $43 billion in losses, almost half the total for all U.S. disasters last year.

In addition to the number of storms, the 2020 hurricane season was unusually devastating because climate change is making storms more likely to stall once they hit land, pumping more rain and wind into coastal towns and cities for longer periods of time, Mr. Rauch said.

The next costliest category of natural disasters was convective storms, which includes thunderstorms, tornadoes, hailstorms and derechos, and caused $40 billion in losses last year. The derecho that struck Iowa and other Midwestern states in August caused almost $7 billion in damage, destroying huge amounts of corn and soybean crops.

Wildfires caused another $16 billion in losses. Last years wildfires stood out not just because of the numbers of acres burned or houses destroyed, Munich Re said, but also because so much of that damage was outside of California. Some 4,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in Oregon alone.
Eric Jerome Dickey, bestselling novelist, dead at 59

Eric Jerome Dickey, the bestselling novelist who blended crime, romance and eroticism in Sister, Sister, Waking With Enemies and dozens of other stories about contemporary Black life, has died at age 59.

Dickeys publicist at Penguin Random House, Emily Canders, told The Associated Press that the author died of cancer Sunday in Los Angeles. She did not immediately provide other details beyond listing four daughters among his survivors.

Dickey was an aspiring actor and stand-up comic who began writing fiction in his mid-30s and shaped a witty, conversational and sometimes graphic prose style. It brought him a wide readership through such novels as Sister, Sister and Naughty or Nice and through his Gideon crime fiction series, which included Sleeping With Strangers and Resurrecting Midnight.

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He also worked on the screenplay for the 1998 movie Cappuccino, wrote a comic book miniseries for Marvel, and contributed to such anthologies as Mothers and Sons and Black Silk: A Collection of African American Erotica.

In comedy you learn to write with flow, segue, setup, and punch line, but in a way that people wont see or notice. And in theater you learn about character, he told BookPage in 2000. Youve got to bring something to it, and what you bring is the understanding of the character you get from doing your homework, from understanding the little stuff like speech patterns and the way the character walks, and from understanding the big stuff, your characters motivation.

He wrote 29 novels in all, according to his publisher, and has more than 7 million copies in print worldwide. His final book, The Son of Mr. Suleman, comes out in April.

I am truly saddened to hear about the passing of Eric Jerome Dickey, author Roxane Gay tweeted Tuesday. His were some of the first novels I ever read about black people that werent about slavery or civil rights. He was a great storyteller.

Dickey was a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and a computer technology major at the University of Memphis. He moved to Los Angeles after college and eventually set much of his work there. He worked as a software engineer in the aerospace industry, but found himself becoming more interested in the arts. He developed his narrative skills through creative writing classes at UCLA and through reading; favorite authors included Judy Blume.

Im always trying to write a good story, he told NPR in 2007. When Im writing Im always trying to write these twists and turns that, as youre reading the book, you get to  its called these oh-no-he-didnt or no-she-didnt or no-that-didnt-happen moment where, you know, you want to call your friend and say, are you on page 40? Get to page 40.
Richard Barnett sits at the desk of Speaker Nancy Pelosi. (AFP via Getty Images)

Richard Barnett, the rioter captured in a viral photo sitting at the desk of Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the storming of the US Capitol, said in a Facebook post that he was prepared for a violent death, The Washington Post reported.

Mr Barnett posted a picture of himself with a rifle using a Facebook account linked to him by The Post, writing that he came into this world kicking and screaming, covered in someone elses blood... Im not afraid to go out the same way.

He has previously criticised Speaker Nancy Pelosi for using the term White nationalist in a derogatory way. Mr Barnett, from Arkansas, posted under a pseudonym that: I am white. There is no denying that. I am a nationalist. I put my nation first. So that makes me a white nationalist," he wrote adding that anyone who doesn't identify as a nationalist should leave the country.

Mr Barnett was open about the fact that he had been in the Speaker's office when speaking to a New York Times reporter.

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Speaking to Arkansas TV-station 5News, Barnett criticised the actions of the Capitol Police. "We marched down there. They start tear-gassing us. They start roughing up our people. It pissed some people off," he said.

Capitol riots - live: Proud Boys boast about DC terror as photo emerges of RNC pipe bomb

5News asked him about the possibility of federal charges against him. He said: "Am I scared? Hell no. But yeah, there's a possibility. I didn't do anything. I didn't breach the doors. I got shoved in. I didn't mean to be there. Hell. I was walking around looking for a bathroom."

Mr Barnett told 5News that he was pushed inside the Capitol when the mob broke through the doors. He later found the Speaker's office.

"I threw my feet up on the desk," he said. Then he realized that he was bleeding from a cut. "I bled on her envelope, so I picked up the envelope and put it in my pocket, and I put a quarter on the desk cause I'm not a thief."

Story continues

Facebook posts on accounts linked to Mr Barnett by The Washington Post has been spreading false claims of voter fraud. While he criticised the actions of the Capitol Police, he has been seen in images wearing a Blue Lives Matter logo in support of law enforcement. He has also fundraised for the police department in Sulphur Springs in Arkansas, The Westside Eagle-Observer reported.

According to the same paper, Mr Barnett helped raise over $1000 for Save Our Children, a campaign working to stop child-trafficking that has had its social media presence limited after spreading Qanon conspiracy theories which falsely alleges that the global elite is filled with child abusers.

Mr Barnett has also shared conspiracy theories about Covid and the new vaccines aimed at ending the pandemic. He has also complained about mask mandates.

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As a growing coronavirus outbreak at the Oregon State Hospital fills up the facilitys lone COVID-19 unit, administrators this week moved to stop admitting new patients so they can use the available space for more quarantine beds.

U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman agreed to allow the psychiatric hospital to extend its freeze on admitting new patients until Jan. 15, as the state hospital makes room for a quickly-increasing number of patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.

According to a court document filed Monday on behalf of state hospital administrators, there are currently 18 patients infected with coronavirus  all housed in a unit with 19 beds. Twenty-six more patients living in two different areas are awaiting test results to determine whether they were also infected.

The filing said the hospital will soon need to devote a second unit to patients who have tested positive for the virus. The only unit available to convert to a COVID-19 unit was previously supposed to serve new patients.

Twenty-nine patients have tested positive for the virus since the first outbreak at the hospital in October, according to state hospital spokeswoman Rebeka Gipson-King. Eleven have since recovered. Gipson-King said no one associated with the state hospital has died from the virus. One patient was treated at a local emergency department, but was not admitted there and remains in state hospital care.

The psychiatric hospital, with campuses in Salem and Junction City, can serve up 650 patients, many of whom have been civilly committed, found unable to aid and assist in their own criminal defense, or found guilty by reason of insanity.

The terms of a 2002 federal lawsuit require the state hospital to admit a certain number of patients each week so people are not languishing in jail. During the pandemic, hospital administrators have repeatedly requested and received permission to further pause admissions. The first outbreak at the hospital was reported in October.

The latest outbreak was confirmed Dec. 28, when 11 patients living in a unit known as Bird 1 tested positive and were transferred to the COVID-19 unit. All patients and workers in that unit were tested for the virus.

Gipson-King said that outbreak infected five staff members. A total of 15 employees have tested positive since Dec. 28, according to a court document filed Monday by the states lawyers.

Disability Rights Oregon, an advocacy group, has criticized the state hospitals slower admissions process and has pushed for expanding community-based treatment for defendants with mental illness.

Staff members and patients have also criticized hospital administrators handling of the pandemic, including what some described as a failure to properly plan for outbreaks. Meanwhile, many staff members are on coronavirus-related leave, which other employees have said has led to outsize responsibility for those who are still working.

The state hospital began administering the COVID-19 vaccine last week, and so far has vaccinated more than 1,400 workers at the Salem campus, Gipson-King said. She said 72 patients at the Junction City campus, out of nearly 100 served there, have also received the vaccine, and Salem patients will have access to the vaccine next week.

-Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR
POTTSVILLE  Schuylkill Countys mental health program has almost $144,000 more to spend on its services, as the commissioners on Wednesday approved an increase in the agencys budget.

However, the increase in the Mental Health & Developmental Services Agencys budget will not cost county taxpayers anything, as the money is coming from the state and federal governments.

The commissioners approved $143,949 the agency will receive. County Administrator Gary R. Bender said the supplemental budget appropriation is needed for bookkeeping purposes.

When additional moneys come in, you cant just put them in the budget without a supplemental budget appropriation, he said.

Bender said the additional money includes a $120,611 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for violence prevention and a $23,338 grant of federal money funneled through the state Department of Human Services to boost other agency programs.

The commissioners also approved an additional appropriation of $16,470 to improve security at the Human Services Building.

Also on Wednesday, the commissioners approved the following budget adjustments for 2020:

 911 Center, $24,000.

 Administration, $75,350.

 Children & Youth, $1,930.

 Clerk of Courts, $70.

 Coroners Office, $29,509.

 Election Bureau, $8,238.

 Human Services, $35.

 Magisterial District Judges, $200.

 Maintenance, $490.

 Prison, $13,707.

 Public Defenders Office, $350.

 Sheriffs Office, $15,493.

 Tax Assessment, $2,500.

 Tax Claim Bureau, $9,000.

Financial Analyst 1 Christopher Kerns said part of the money going to the coroners office came from the county contingency fund. Otherwise, all of the adjustments involve moving money from one line item to another without any increase in spending, he said.

They had significantly more autopsies than expected due to the countywide drug problem, Kerns said.

In other business, the commissioners:

 Awarded a contact to AMC Enterprise for a Community Development Block Grant demolition project at 527-529 Arlington St., Shenandoah. Bender said the building is a single house.

 Delegated authority to Bender, Kerns and Director of Finance Paul E. Buber to approve contracts for county business involving amounts below the bid limit and telephone quote thresholds of $21,300 and $11,500, respectively.

These thresholds are set by the County Code, Bender said.

Crude oil futures climbed to Rs 3,741 per barrel on January 7 as participants increased their long position as seen by the open interest. Crude oil price rose after Saudi Arabia pledged additional production cut and a sharp decline in US crude stockpiles.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that US crude inventories fell by 8.01 million barrels for the week ended January 1.

Crude oil prices traded near multi-month high amid signs of tightening supply and continuing stimulus measures in the US.

OPEC+ agreed that most producers would hold output steady in February and March while allowing Russia and Kazakhstan to increase output by modest 75,000 bpd in February and a further 75,000 in March.

NYMEX crude trades higher above $50/bbl supported by a bigger-than-expected decline in US crude oil stocks, Saudis voluntary production cuts, tensions relating to Iran and hopes of additional stimulus measures in the US. However, weighing on price is rising coronavirus cases globally and disappointing US labour data. Crude may continue to trade higher on expectations of tightening supply," said Ravindra Rao, VP-Head Commodity Research at Kotak Securities.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was up 0.63 percent quoting at $50.95 per barrel, while Brent crude, the London-based international benchmark gained 0.28 percent to $54.45 per barrel.

MCX iCOMDEX Crude Oil Index inched higher 22.80 points, or 0.54 percent, at 4,265.86 at 15:44.

In the futures market, crude oil for January delivery touched an intraday high of Rs 3,755 and an intraday low of Rs 3,722 per barrel on the MCX. So far in the current series, black gold has touched a low of Rs 3,130 and a high of Rs 3,755.

Crude oil delivery for January soared Rs 20, or 0.54 percent, to Rs 3,741 per barrel at 15:46 hours IST with a business turnover of 2,658 lots.

Crude oil delivery for February gained Rs 31, or 0.83 percent, to Rs 3,755 per barrel with a business volume of 14 lots.

The value of January and Februarys contracts traded so far is Rs 285.29 crore and Rs 0.22 crore, respectively.

Trading strategy

Tapan Patel- Senior Analyst (Commodities), HDFC Securities

Crude oil prices traded higher with benchmark NYMEX WTI crude oil rising above $51 per barrel on Thursday, gaining for a third consecutive day. MCX Crude oil January futures were trading up at Rs 3,745 by noon session.

Crude oil prices gained with a rally in equities, bullish inventory data and expectations of tighter supply. Saudi Arabia surprised the market with its pledge to cut 1 mb per day of output in February and March.

We expect crude oil prices to trade sideways to up with support at $49 and resistance at $52. MCX Crude oil January has support at Rs 3,670, resistance at Rs 3,780.

Anuj Gupta- DVP- Commodities and Currencies Research, Angel Broking Ltd

Depleting inventories and hopes over improvement in demand considering the additional stimulus by the US might support Oil prices. On the MCX, oil prices are expected to trade lower today. As for today can go for buy in MCX crude oil at Rs 3,700 levels with the stop loss of Rs 3,630 levels and for the target of Rs 3,800 levels. We expect WTI crude oil may test $55 to $58 levels very soon.

For all commodities-related news, click here

: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Liam Neeson has been in Australia filming his new action flick Blacklight in Melbourne's outer suburbs since early November.

But, for four days next week, the film will be shooting a car chase sequence in Canberra, and they are looking for extras.

According to the ABC, several streets in the Australian capital city will shut off to film the action packed scene.

Down Under: Liam Neeson [pictured] has been in Australia filming his new action flick Blacklight in Melbourne's outer suburbs since early November

The four days of filming is set to bring more than $1 million in revenue and many jobs including work for extras.

Those who are interested in applying for an extra role can register through Film Plus.

Unfortunately for fans, the Taken star himself will not be present in Canberra during filming as he has already returned to the United States.

Starring role: The film will be shooting a car chase sequence in Canberra, and they are looking for extras

According to the publication, Liam's stunt double will replace him in the scene and it will mark the end of filming.

Screen Canberra Chief Executive Monica Penders told the ABC: 'His stunt double, also from the United States, will have to go back to America soon [which is] why filming has to happen now.'

'This is the last scene that they're doing.'

Back home: Unfortunately for fans, the Taken star himself will not be present in Canberra during filming as he has already returned to the United States

Last month, the film's producer Paul Currie said Liam wasn't able to do any sightseeing in Australia during his visit due to strict COVID-safe protocols on set.

'He hasn't had time to go out to restaurants or anything like that, and we can't let him out anyway,' Currie told The Age.

Liam was seen on the set of the film in November, wearing a protective face mask to limit the spread of COVID-19 as he stepped out of his trailer to meet an awaiting film crew.

The star also spent two weeks in hotel quarantine in Sydney after arriving from overseas.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 6, 2021) - McLaren Resources Inc. (CSE: MCL) (FSE: 3ML) ("McLaren" / the "Company") announces that it has closed a non-brokered private placement financing consisting of flow-through share units (the "Flow-Through Units") for gross proceeds of $300,000.

The Company has issued a total of 3,750,000 Flow-Through Units. The Flow-Through Units were issued at a price of $0.08 per unit, with each Flow-Through Unit consisting of one common share in the capital of McLaren issued on a flow-through basis pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant is exercisable at a price of $0.125 per common share for a period of 18 months from the date of issuance.

Gross proceeds from the financing will be used by McLaren for exploration expenditures on its McCool, Blue Quartz and Kerrs gold properties located in the prolific Timmins Gold District in Northern Ontario.

In connection with the financing, McLaren paid finder's fees consisting of $22,015 in cash, including a finder's fee of $19,775 to Accilent Capital Management Inc.

The Company also announces that it has terminated its option agreement on the TimGinn gold property located in Timmins, Ontario.

About McLaren

McLaren is focused on exploring its gold properties located in the Timmins Gold District of Northeastern Ontario. The McCool Property located 2 km north of Highway 101 and neighbours several large gold deposits including the Golden Highway project property 1km to the south and the Fenn Gib gold project 5 km to the east. The Black Fox mine is 15 km to the west and the Holt Mine Complex is 20 km to the east. The McLaren Blue Quartz Property is 6 km north of Black Fox Mine, and the McLaren Kerrs Property is 10 km east of the Blue Quartz Property.

For more information, please contact: Radovan Danilovsky, President, Phone: 416-203-6784, www.mclarenresources.com

MCLAREN RESOURCES INC.

44 Victoria Street, Suite 1616

Toronto, Ontario M5C 1Y2

This news release which announces a completed financing is not for distribution in the United States.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of the press release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward looking statements". When used in this document, the words "anticipated", "expect", "estimated", "forecast", "planned", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements or information. These statements are based on current expectations of management; however, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. McLaren Resources Inc. does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof, except as required by securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71542
Business owners need to be prepared for the possibility that they may not reopen until the end of March, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has warned.

It came as the Government announced tough new restrictions aimed at stemming the massive surge in Covid-19 cases. Taoiseach Micheal Martin urged people to face the coming weeks with steely determination and resolve in a bid to suppress the virus. He said personal decisions people make will directly affect how many more people get sick and how many more people die.

Mr Martin, meanwhile, said people should forget about take-away pints and publicans should not be selling them as they can lead to gatherings that spread the virus.

Read More

Garda checkpoints will be returning today as part of additional policing measures due to Level 5 lockdown.

Static checkpoint under Operation Fanacht will recommence from 7am on national roads  not motorways  with random local mobile checkpoints designed to support the stay home message.

The Courts Service announced no new Central or Criminal Court trials would begin this month. Some longer trials involving larger numbers of defendants and witnesses had been due to begin at Croke Park but these will not start until February at the earliest.

Announcing the new restrictions, Mr Martin said: We are in a battle against the deadly and ever changing virus.

The lockdown were introducing today is designed to reflect that stark and simple reality. Unless youre involved in absolutely essential work you have no reason to be away from your home.

Mr Varadkar said there is hope in the form of Covid-19 vaccines but the vulnerable must be protected until they can be inoculated.

January is the month in which we all stay in, he said.

Mr Varadkar set out a timeline that would see nursing home residents, healthcare staff, very elderly people and those with chronic illness vaccinated by the end of March.

The hospitality sector has been closed since Christmas Eve and the Enterprise Minister was asked if pubs and restaurants may need to stay closed until then.

Mr Varadkar said the timeline he described is with use of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines and it could be stepped up more if the Astrazeneca one becomes available. But he added: if I was running a business now I would be thinking that its a probability that Ill be closed until the end of March.

He added: In case I put the heart across people we will review the situation on January 30 and make decisions on restrictions then.

The situation is deteriorating. It is very bad. It is going to get worse in our hospitals and ICUs. Were not going to be out of the woods by the end of January.

Supports like the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and weekly payments for businesses which are closed will continue until at least March 31 in case things go on that long. He added: I think anybody in the business community needs to be prepared for that possibility. Up to 500,000 people may end up on the PUP.

Mr Varadkar said the Government is engaging with banks to ensure they provide additional payment breaks to mortgage holders and people with loans who cant meet the payments as a result of the crisis and the response so far has been positive.

Both Mr Martin and Education Minister Norma Foley spoke of how its still the Governments intention to hold the traditional Leaving Cert exams this summer and said the public health advice is that schools are a safe environment.

Leaving Cert students will be able to attend their schools for three days a week under the Governments plan. Mr Martin said the move would mean there would be around 61,000 people travelling to and from schools rather than more than 1m students and teachers if they were left fully open.

Asked about the possibility of a rebate scheme for parents paying fees for creches whose services they cant use, Mr Martin said Children Minister Roderic OGorman is examining the matter.

A Department of Children statement said Mr OGorman is asking that providers pause payment of fees or return fees paid in advance for parents who are not essential workers and therefore cannot access services.

The resumption of the ECCE pre-school programme has been postponed until February 1 with other services open for the children of essential workers only. A household of an essential worker, without an existing childcare arrangement, can form a bubble with another household so their child can be looked after.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said the ban on travel from Britain, which has been at the centre of an outbreak of a highly transmissible new strain of the virus, will be lifted on Saturday. Passengers coming from the UK by air or sea will be required to produce a negative PCR test result they got within 72 hours of travel. Failure to do so could result in a 2,500 fine or up to six months in prison.

Mr Ryan said requirement for the test will be extended to other red list countries in the coming weeks. Mr Martin said early data suggests 41pc of people who travelled from the UK in December and tested positive for the virus had the new variant.

Read More

Irish Independent
London: Boris Johnson has "unreservedly condemned" Donald Trump for inspiring the dramatic assault on the Capitol building, making the British Prime Minister the first world leader to directly blame the US President for the riot.

In some of the strongest criticism of Trump by any US ally to date, Johnson told reporters at Downing Street that the outgoing US President was to blame for Wednesday's extraordinary violence.

"Insofar as he encouraged people to storm the Capitol and insofar as the President consistently cast doubt on the outcome of a free and fair election, I think that was completely wrong," Johnson said.

Donald Trump and Boris Johnson, pictured last year at a NATO conference. Credit:AP

"I think what President Trump has been saying about that is completely wrong and I unreservedly condemn encouraging people to behave in the disgraceful way they did in the Capitol."

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OyaGen, Inc. announced today publication in VIRUSES, a peer reviewed journal, of studies carried out by OyaGen in collaboration with NIH/NIAID Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick MD. This Study identified OYA1 as a "highly effective" antiviral against several viruses including Ebola and Lassa viruses.

Bennett et al., A Novel Ebola Virus VP40 Matrix Protein-Based Screening for Identification of Novel Candidate Medical Countermeasures.' (2021) Viruses 13:52 https://doi.org/10.3390/v13010052

About OYA1. OYA1 (a.k.a. sangivamycin) has broad-spectrum antiviral activity in laboratory-based assays against several viruses. The published study results showed that OYA1 was "highly effective" in reducing the spread of Ebola Virus infection in laboratory tests with the live Ebola virus carried out by NIAID. The data also suggest that OYA1 could be significantly more potent than Gilead Science's remdesivir. In vitro studies showed that when OYA1 is dosed with remdesivir both compounds are markedly more effective inhibiting Ebola virus replication and do so at much lower doses than is needed with either compound alone. OYA1 proved equally effective in stopping Ebola infectivity when it was added at the time of infection or 24 hours after an infection.

OYA1 was previously tested by the National Cancer Institute for its potential to treat a variety of cancers in the 1960's. In those earlier clinical trials, 88 men, women and children received a range of doses and a dose frequency up to 120 days with no adverse side effects. OYA1 was abandoned as a drug candidate for cancer because it had no effect in reducing tumor burden. Preclinical animal safety studies also performed in the 1960's and recently repeated by OyaGen identified safe dose ranges and showed the OYA1 was retained in the tissues of the body for several days at concentrations approximately half of the original dose. OYA1 has a simple chemical synthetic pathway starting with readily available compounds and is stable as a dry powder for years.

Dr. Harold Smith, founder and CEO of OyaGen said that: "The newly published findings are very encouraging and suggest that OYA1 may be a highly effective treatment candidate for Ebola and Lassa infections. OyaGen's lead drug candidate for Ebola may also improve the efficacy of remdesivir in treating Ebola infections as combination therapy and thereby also may reduce the potential emergence of drug resistant viral strains that are often seen when only one treatment modality is used to combat infectious diseases." "The published data are consistent with prior published studies that show when OYA1 concentrations were high enough to suppress cell growth in the lab, it slowed cell division (cytostatic) but did not kill the cells. These findings are consistent with human clinical trials that showed that the OYA1 is safe and well tolerated in humans. We also noted that in comparing the data reported in our publication to the clinical trial data from the 1960s that the amount of OYA1 anticipated to be required to inhibit greater that 90% of virus replication appears to be at the lower doses of drug than were given to human subjects during the cancer clinical trials.

OyaGen Inc is a privately held Biotechnology Company located in Rochester NY. OyaGen is focused on the identification and preclinical development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of viral diseases including HIV, Coronavirus and Ebola.

For more information on OyaGen, Inc., please visit the company's website at www.oyageninc.com and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OyaGeninc, or call OyaGen, Inc. at (585) 697-4351. The studies reported were supported in part by OyaGen, Inc and in part through the Battelle Memorial Institute's former prime contract with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under Contract No. HHSN272200700016I and Laulima Government Solutions, LLC's current prime contract with NIAID under Contract No. HHSN272201800013C (S.Y., J.L.). C.L.F., E.N.P., Y.C., J.D., and J.H.K. performed this work as former employees of Battelle Memorial Institute and current employees of Tunnell Government Services (TGS), a subcontractor of Laulima Government Solutions, LLC under Contract No. HHSN272201800013C.

SOURCE OyaGen, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.oyageninc.com


Donald Trump will be out of the White House in less than two weeks, but Trumpism isnt going anywhere. The question is, how powerful a grip on the Republican Party will it hold after this weeks insurrection at the U.S. Capitol?

Follow Kevin McCarthys moves. There may be no better barometer of the future of Trumpism than the California Republican, leader of the House GOP.

He dearly hopes to replace Nancy Pelosi as speaker in two years. McCarthy feels that the fastest way to the speakers chair is by hitching himself to the Trump train, as so far, hes giving no sign of anything but unquestioning loyalty to the defeated president.

Ive known Kevin for 25 years, worked with him on campaigns, and hes always had his finger on the pulse of the base of the Republican Party, said Mike Madrid, a former political director of the California GOP who is a co-founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project.

Kevin is the single smartest political operative when it comes to tactics. Hes brilliant, Madrid said.

Watch what he does over the next few months. If he starts to distance himself, then you know something is changing, Madrid said.

For now, the Bakersfield Republican is still what Trump began calling him in 2017: My Kevin.

Even after Trump insurrectionists stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, McCarthy led a majority of his House delegation in voting to block Joe Bidens election in two states.

He enabled Trumps lies that dozens of judges, some appointed by Trump, have found baseless. McCarthy told the Hill, a Washington news outlet, before Wednesdays vote to certify Bidens victory that I think its right that we have the debate. How else do we have a way to change the election problems?

In the aftermath of Wednesdays riot against the peaceful transfer of power, a stream of Trump administration officials resigned their offices. On Thursday, it included Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells wife.

She wrote in a letter to her Transportation Department colleagues that yesterday, our country experienced a traumatic and entirely avoidable event as supporters of the president stormed the Capitol building following a rally he addressed. As Im sure is the case with many of you, it has deeply troubled me in a way that I simply cannot set aside.

But McCarthy could set it aside. He couldnt even bring himself to say the people attacking the Capitol, unmistakably wearing red MAGA caps and carrying Trump flags, were Trump supporters.

People came here to do some damage, I dont know who they were with, McCarthy told Fox News commentator Laura Ingraham.

When Ingraham mused without any evidence that we dont know if they were antifa  a popular post-riot talking point among Trump supporters that has no basis in fact  McCarthy didnt rebut her.

McCarthy embrace of Trump isnt about policy, as the 55-year-old has never been an ideologue. Hes always been about tapping into the GOPs zeitgeist.

I couldnt tell you if Kevin is moderate or conservative, Mike Franc, who analyzed Congress for the conservative Heritage Foundation, told The Chronicle for a 2011 profile of him. Franc would later serve as McCarthys policy director and counsel.

Madrid has known McCarthy since the House member led a moderate faction of the Young Republicans. After that, McCarthy regularly escorted Republicans on tours of Silicon Valley  before Trump demonized Big Tech.

Perhaps that explains how, like much of the Republican Party, McCarthy did not come to Trumpism easily. In 2016, the Washington Post obtained a recording of McCarthy saying Trump could be receiving payments from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Theres two people I think Putin pays: Rohrabacher and Trump, McCarthy said, referring to former longtime Orange County GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher. A McCarthy aide described his comment as a failed attempt at humor.

But soon enough, McCarthy was all in on Trump. Thats where the pulse of the Republican Party base was. He never bucked Trump over the past four years.

He wont anytime soon, either, Madrid predicted. He doesnt expect McCarthy to join the parade of Republicans who are now trying to distance themselves from Trump, such as Mick Mulvaney, the presidents former chief of staff.

The folks who spent time away from our families, put our careers on the line to go work for Donald Trump, and we did have those successes to look back at, but now it will always be, Oh yeah, you work for the guy who tried to overtake the government, Mulvaney told CNBC after he resigned as special U.S. envoy to Northern Ireland on Thursday.

The danger Mulvaney cited is one that could eventually bite even a deft politician like McCarthy, Madrid said.

I dont know how you come back from being a henchman who fomented an insurrection, he said.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
[January 07, 2021] GBT Continues Research on AI Detection System

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GBT Technologies Inc. (OTC PINK: GTCH) ("GBT, or the Company), announced that its joint venture, GBT Tokenize Corp. (GBT/Tokenize), is continuing with its research associated with an AI system to detect and open clogs within arteries based on its proprietary radio technology, which has an internal code name of Hermes.

The research is evaluating a system targeted for arterial clogs cleaning, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or any other body vascular organ. The researching is focusing on the use of an intravenous mini-probe unit that could travel within the artery, searching to find clogs including complete blockages (Total Occlusions). Upon detecting a clog, GBT/Tokenize will evaluate whether the system will have the capability to remove it and clear the blood vessel for efficient blood flow. This blockage may cause a condition called atherosclerosis (when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries) and can eventually block the artery, causing vascular disease, heart attack or stroke. The research is evaluating whether the unit can use AI based and radio frequency imaging system to "see" within arteries. We are now researching the development of a low frequency radio system to scan within arteries, producing 3D visuals, shown on a computer screen, and used for intravenous navigation. GBT/Tokenize is evaluating developing a system that will have the capability to be manually remote controlled by physicians or to autonomously operated inside blood vessels. It is intended that an advanced SOC (System on Chip) microchip with an embedded software will control the unit's operations. The goal is to research the inclusion of a wireless communication capability to produce a computerized 3D imaging for the operating physician. We are evaluating initial setup of the system for inserted into a human body, for example through a large leg artery, and autonomously or manually travel further to other parts of the body. Using a variety of micro-sensors, we are researching the viability of a system that will search and remove clogs without damaging the vessels tissue. The device is intended to use an innovative AI controlled propulsion system that is based on water jet propulsion concept that does not involve external, rotating moving parts to avoid artery's walls damages. This research is looking into the viability of the use of the most recent micromachining mechanical engineering technology.



"Our AI technology can be implemented in a wide variety of applicaions to control mechanical, optical and electrical systems, analyzing arterial data and making decisions in real time. We are commencing research - code name Hermes, to use our AI capabilities to search, identify and remove plaque within arteries and blood vessels. In this project, we are researching the ability to use GBT Tokenizes AI technology to control a mini-probe unit that will be inserted into a human body through a main artery. If our research is positively concluded, we believe that this type of system can be a breakthrough within the cardiovascular domain, offering less invasive treatments and introducing a new method to save lives. Artificial Intelligence technology encapsulates the future health care and we're investing vast efforts to utilize our experience and knowledge in this domain."



If the research of the device is successfully concluded, the Company will be required to obtain approval for use of the device from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Further, following the conclusion of the research, the development of this product would require significant funds as well as the partnering with a company that specializes in the development of medical devices and obtaining FDA approval. About Us

GBT Technologies, Inc. (OTC PINK: GTCH) (GBT) (http://gbtti.com) is a development stage company which considers itself a native of Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Enabled Mobile Technology Platforms used to increase IC performance. GBT has assembled a team with extensive technology expertise and is building an intellectual property portfolio consisting of many patents. GBTs mission, to license the technology and IP to synergetic partners in the areas of hardware and software. Once commercialized, it is GBTs goal to have a suite of products including smart microchips, AI, encryption, Blockchain, IC design, mobile security applications, database management protocols, with tracking and supporting cloud software (without the need for GPS). GBT envisions this system as a creation of a global mesh network using advanced nodes and super performing new generation IC technology. The core of the system will be its advanced microchip technology; technology that can be installed in any mobile or fixed device worldwide. GBTs vision is to produce this system as a low cost, secure, private-mesh-network between any and all enabled devices. Thus, providing shared processing, advanced mobile database management and sharing while using these enhanced mobile features as an alternative to traditional carrier services.

Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, governmental and public policy changes, the Companys ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, if at all, the Companys successful development of its products and the integration into its existing products and the commercial acceptance of the Companys products. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. Contact:

Dr. Danny Rittman, CTO

press@gopherprotocol.com



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BLM protesters would have been treated differently if they had gathered at the Capitol, the president-elect said.

In the conference, Biden said: No one can tell me that if it had been a group of Black Lives Matters protesting yesterday they wouldnt have been treated very very differently than the mob of thugs that stormed the capital.

He went on to say: We all know thats true, before adding, And that is unacceptable..and the American people saw it in plain view.

His comments came after people took to social media to share what they felt were the differences in the way the two protests were handled by both the police and President Trump.
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The demand for land, factories, and warehouses surged, causing rents in industrial zones to rise even further, photo Le Toan

The current rapid and high rise in rents at industrial parks and factories is creating great pressure on manufacturers and may deter investors who are looking for profitable properties to realise their projects.

A representative of one company said the high rent increases are significantly impacting the manufacturing system.

We dont even know at which level the next rents will be and cannot expand our operation or warehouse space as were unable to calculate our budget, said the representative.

Under current regulations, tenants should be able to choose to pay rent once for the entire lifetime of the project or submit annually. However, many landlords are forcing their tenants to pay annually, which means that rent can also increase each time.

Pham Thi Minh Hieu, director of Hoang Ha Technology Co., Ltd. in Ho Chi Minh Citys Hoa Phu Industrial Park, said that her company has a land leasing contract with the landlord until 2057 but the landlord insists on annual payments that can be increased, causing much trouble and financial loss to her company.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Manh Trung, another tenant in Ho Chi Minh City reported that the rent was stable in the first five years, and was then bumped up with the condition that the increase would be no more than 15 per cent of the agreed fee.

But since 2015, many tenants could not calculate their costs as Decree No.142/2005/ND-CP from 2005 stipulates that the land rent is only fixed for five years. Afterwards, it can be recalculated based on the market price of neighbouring land plots, said Trung.

Land lease fees fluctuate continuously and some localities only allow tenants to pay annually. But when doing so, tenants cannot receive a red book, so they cannot mortgage their assets, he added.

According to real estate experts, increasing land rents are making it difficult for project owners to invest in industrial parks as they are placed in a negative status with their business when considering the costs and efficiency of each project.

John Campbell, manager of Industrial Services at Savills Vietnam, told VIR that the rapid increase in land rates affects occupancy rates, especially in new industrial zones that are in need of investment.

There are several investors who expressed their concerns about the current hike in prices, while there are already high occupancy rates in many localities, which means that this higher demand will push prices even higher, said Campbell.

Vacant land in many main areas in the north and south of Vietnam is becoming increasingly scarce.

Consequently, some companies are now looking at alternative tier 2 provinces such as Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Vinh Long in the south, and Vinh Phuc, Thai Nguyen, Bac Giang, Ha Nam, Thai Binh, and Quang Ninh in the north.

Escalating rents

Demand for land, factories, and warehouses surged, causing rent in industrial zones close to major cities to escalate. Figures from CBRE show that the demand for industrial real estate has recorded continuous growth in the past few quarters.

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are leading in rent increases, while the average rent of other provinces in the north and in the south has been increasing by up to 30 per cent compared to the same period of last year.

In Ho Chi Minh City, some industrial zones charged $150 per square metre last year, which has now increased to $300 per sq.m for a term of 30-45 years. In Dong Nai province, rent per sq.m increased from $100 to $155 per term. Long An province recorded an increase from $110 to $200 per sq.m per term.

During the last months of 2020, rents continued to increase by nearly 25 per cent compared to the previous quarter, with industrial zones such as Hiep Phuoc and Tan Tao seeing price hikes of up to 37 per cent. In Binh Duong province, rents are up 22 per cent.

Meanwhile, ready-built factories are also continuously setting new prices. The current rent sits at $4-5 per sq.m per month, compared to $3.50 three years ago. Rents for ready-built warehouses also increased by up to 10 per cent in new projects compared to the same period of 2019.

As existing industrial zones are gradually being filled, the scarcity becomes even more serious, while new projects are still waiting for official approval from the government to start operations. Real estate experts argued that the current price fluctuations for industrial land are unprecedented, with those fees not even including VAT and management and service fees.

Investments catch up

As one of the most attractive destinations for investment in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has received more than $3 billion into the industrial property segment during the last two years, mainly flowing into private equity, institutional funds, and pension funds.

The countrys market has been occupied by some well-known players such as VNL of VinaCapital, VPF of Dragon Capital, Indochina Capital, and Saigon Asset Management.

Warburg Pincus, one of the largest international private equity firms, has invested in Vingroups accommodation and retail arm and industrial property via a joint venture named BW Industrial Development, together with domestic Becamex IDC, to develop a ready-built factory and warehouse system in Vietnam.

BW Industrial Development so far has accumulated over 1.2 million sq.m of gross floor area at the end of 2020. As of the third quarter of last year, the company had 21 projects in key industrial hubs nationwide, including ready-built factories, logistics warehouses, as well as sale-and-leaseback units.

LOGOS, a growing logistics developer headquartered in Sydney, officially announced its entry into Vietnam to establish a portfolio that was initially forecast at $350 million. The firm boasts some of the worlds largest fund managers as its shareholders, including ARA Asset Management, a leading Asia-Pacific real assets fund manager.

According to Glenn Hughes, CEO of LOGOS Vietnam, his company is developing its first Vietnam-based asset  a 13-hectare development site within VSIP Bac Ninh Industrial Park.

For LOGOS, expansion into the country happened in direct response to the increasing demand from clients in the region, Hughes said.

While a few years ago, it was mainly Chinese investors targeting Vietnam, now the country is in everybodys sights. Facing this huge demand pressure, the nation is likely to see land and construction prices for industrial parks go up, in addition to the country-specific challenges such as the slow land clearing processes, he added.

Many other developers and investors are rushing into the Vietnamese market. Among them, SEA Logistic Partners has set up a joint venture with GLP to develop modern logistics real estate in Vietnam. The first three developments are set up in the northern provinces of Bac Ninh and Bac Giang and the southern province of Long An.

Gaw Capital Partners, a real estate private equity firm with a global portfolio of over $36 billion, has teamed up with NP Capital Partners to set up Gaw NP Industrial, which is injecting around $200 million into high-quality logistics warehouses, ready-built factories, and built-to-suit facilities. Its first project  Gaw NP Yen Binh located in Thai Nguyen province  is now going to open for the first tenant sometime this month.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - Eco Depot, Inc. (OTC PINK: ECDP), a Nevada company, has completed labs to meet the ISO Fire Retardant Standards for Nordic Structures prefabricated I-Joist building products manufacturing. Lab results from studies conducted by FPInnovations, sponsored by Nordic Structures, as a potential economic advantage to fire proofing OSB manufactured I-Joists, have marked Bronya Climate Shield Thermal Liquid Insulation as "Promising" and functionally meeting ISO minimum Fire Retardant Standards. The lab results will be made available in a supplementary filing and are also available by request at Eco Depot corporate.

The company is excited about the results from the first laboratory tests as promising due to limited application. The test only went to 1 millimeter, equivalent to one coat of Bronya Climate Shield fire retardant liquid thermal insulation, bringing economic fire retardation within the most recent fire proofing standards which have not been met yet by existing available products within economic viability standards by manufacturers. The next laboratory test will be placed with a second coat bringing the coating to 1.5 mm and 2 mm, or the equivalent of a second coat, which is expected to meet the latest international codes and applicable under manufacturing economic demands to create a viable, safe and low-cost product by Nordic Structures and other global prefabricated building materials manufacturers.

Outside of existing plans with global retailers, Eco Depot intends commercialize Bronya Climate Shield thermal insulation paint as an applied fire retardant and "fireproof agent" at the industrial fabrication level in the I-Joist Industry, to meet the International Residential Code (IRC) Fire Rating, in time with increasing demand on global building materials in support of the Build Back Better initiative.

The new mandate requires fire proofing for 15 minutes and 30 seconds and at cost-effective means, which has challenged industry participants, here to date, unsatisfactorily. Being there are few products available in the market, Eco Depot believes Bronya Climate Shield will be the premier manufacturer companion product meeting the new mandates for cost-effective fire-retardant building materials and supplies in the manufacturing space as well.

The Problem in the building materials and supplies industry, specifically I-joists, is that the main competitor for fire retardant I-joists meeting new international standards are steel and their relevant manufacturers, which are expensive and heavy and not as cost effective for the entire supply chain all the way to physical home and building construction sites.

The Solution to the construction industry will be available upon completion of the successful second laboratory tests with the second coat application, which could prove a more cost effective and relatively easier manufacture, providing cost-margin reductions affecting related industries from fabrication, logistics and contractor pricing for lowering costs, which is an important element in the Build Back Better initiative.

Product Information

Bronya Climate Shield is a multi-purpose liquid insulation that can be applied on any surface, both indoors and outdoors, at temperatures of -60 C up to +200 C. Bronya Climate Shield is a cost-effective Do-It-Yourself (DIY) product with thermal conductivity of 0,001 W/m Celsius, proven to reduce energy costs by up to 40% and labor costs by 70%. Moreover, this excellent quality product provides insulation lasting from 10 to 30 years, depending on the application.

Bronya's product line also includes a thermal waterproof, fire-retardant and anti-corrosion liquid insulating paint coating. Bronya Climate Shield can provide its end-users with an easy-to-use, safe, and cost-effective liquid thermal insulation paint product line that drastically improves the thermal efficiency in building, transportation, and industrial sectors.

Overview of Fire-retardant I -Joists Industry

The global I-joist market is worth US$ 2.8 Billion in 2019.

I-joist is an engineered wood product made from a combination of timber products such as laminated veneer timber or graded solid timber. Also known as a wooden I-beam, composite wooden joist, and plywood I-beam, I-joist has two parts, namely the web and flanges. The web is placed between the top and bottom flanges that gives it the distinct 'I' shape. The flanges resist bending, and the web helps to transmit the shear stresses, relying on plywood's panel shear capacity and dimensional stability.

Bronya Canada Group is currently working with Nordic Structures that produces over 80 million linear feet per year of I-joists sold in the North American Market to meet the International Residential Code (IRC) Standard. Attempts to meet the same standards with cost effectiveness from companies like Weyerhaeuser which produces hopeful products, contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, now involved in a class action lawsuit in over 15 states involving many builders seeking similar construction advantages.

Builders seeking advantage in the construction of these homes under question, reveals a necessary yet unfulfilled market as evidenced by their involvement in the legal matter, include CalAtlantic Homes, Carrier Homes, Gerber Homes, Great Traditions, Homes by Whittaker (also known as New Town Homebuilders), Infinity Homes, KB Homes, K. Hovnanian Homes, Lennar, Mattamy Homes, Procacci Development Company, Pulte Homes, Richmond American Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers, Village Homes, Westport as largely well known and others as well.

Formaldehyde is present in dangerous levels in a large quantity of new homes built between December 2016 and July 2017. The TJI joists were manufactured using formaldehyde. People who have these TJI Joists in their homes have reported that the TJI Joists produce a strong pickle-like odor, causing severe physical reactions, including nausea, headaches, difficulty breathing, and stinging and tearing eyes.

This unfortunate oversight reveals a market demand of builders seeking cost effective solutions for building materials at the wholesale direct from manufacturer strata of home construction to provide safe and affordable housing with sufficient economic incentive to builders.

Objectives with I-Joist and subsequent manufacturing products

Bronya Canada Group has decided to pursue this opportunity, consulting with Julie Frappier, Ing., Director of Technical Services at Nordic Structures. FPInnovations Laboratory was engaged to conduct an evaluation of Bronya Climate Shield intumescent Fire-retardant Insulating product to improve the fire performance of I-shaped wooden trusses with OSB panels.

The objective was to determine if Bronya Climate Shield intumescent Fire-retardant Insulating product would meet the International Residential Code (IRC) requirement and provide some means of fire protection to protect the underside of residential floor assemblies.

The ultimate goal of Nordic Structures is to conduct a successful fire resistance test, in accordance with the performance requirements set out in the Acceptance Criteria for Prefabricated Wood I-Joists (AC 14) [1] in order to obtain fire performance recognition equivalent to the materials described in exception 4 of Section R302.13 of the International Residential Code 2018 [2]. Thus, thermal protection is required in order to adequately and economically meet the minimum fire resistance requirements for the core of the truss made up of OSB (webstock) panels.

Methodology

A fire performance assessment was conducted at the Quebec City laboratory using the cone calorimeter in accordance with ISO 5660 "Reaction-to-fire tests - Heat release, smoke production and mass loss. The American and similar version of this standard is the ASTM E1354 "Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter.

According to ISO 5660, samples can be positioned vertically or horizontally. The horizontal positioning was selected because of the intumescent effect of the products previously studied for Nordic Structures as well as for the ability to position the samples at a distance greater than 25 mm from the conical heating element. This methodology has been used in various studies conducted for Nordic Structures to allow a reasonable comparison of the results. In addition, exposure to thermal flow by radiation of 50 kW/m2 is identical to that stipulated in AC 14, but on a smaller scale.

All experimental measurements and methods were carried out in line with the principles set out in the specified standards and procedures.

References

International Testing References used were as follows:

[1] ICC-ES, Acceptance Criteria for Prefabricated Wood I-Joists (AC 14), ICC Evaluation Services LLC, 2019.

[2] ICC, International Residential Code, Washington (DC): International Code Council, 2018.

[3] ISO, ISO 5660-1: Reaction-to-fire tests - Heat release, smoke production and mass loss rate - Part 1: Heat release rate (cone calorimeter method), Geneva (Switzerland): International Organization for Standardization, 2002.

[4] ASTM, ASTM E1354 Standard test method for heat and visible smoke release rates for materials and products using an oxygen consumption calorimeter, West Conshohocken (PA): ASTM International, 2013.

[5] ASTM, ASTM E119 Standard test methods for fire tests of building construction and materials, West Conshohocken (PA): ASTM International, 2018.

[6] ASTM, ASTM E1623 Standard test method for determination of fire and thermal parameters of materials, products and systems using an intermediate scale calorimeter (ICAL), West Conshohocken (PA): ASTM International, 2011.

[7] C. Dagenais et Z. Chen, Eevaluation de la resistance au feu des poutrelles de bois en I (projet 301013016), FPInnovations, Quebec (Canada), 2019.

Conclusions from first Laboratory examination

The objective of this study was to assess the potential for reducing the flammability of components when they are protected with intumescent surface varnishes from the Bronya company.

Based on the results obtained, the performance of the Bronya white product at 1.0 mm thick is the most promising, but slightly insufficient to allow a fire resistance test of at least 15.5 minutes (930 s).

It is recommended to evaluate this product at a greater thickness in order to increase, in particular, the time of mass loss in order to delay the thermomechanical degradation of the OSB when subjected to fire exposure. An evaluation of its performance following accelerated aging will also be required in order to meet the criteria set out in THE AC 14 standard.

Finally, a new testing method was developed by FPInnovations in 2018 to assess the fire performance of I-wood truss panels [7]. This method makes it possible to characterize thermomechanical degradation according to the time of exposure to flames. Based on this characterization, finite element modeling can then accurately predict the failure time, failure mode and vertical deformation of the element. This approach should be preferred as it offers a thermal and mechanical evaluation.

Based on the abovementioned conclusion Bronya Canada Group has decided pursue this opportunity and submit a thicker Bronya coating that will meet the International Residential Code (IRC) requirement of 15.5 minutes. Bronya Canada Group will submit additional Bronya samples of 1.5 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm for testing to meet the International Residential Code (IRC).

Note: A copy of the full report is available in Eco Depot, Inc. (ECDP) Supplementary Filings.

ABOUT NORDIC STRUCTURES

Nordic Structures is an innovative company in engineered wood products and solid wood construction. Its local resource comes from responsibly managed lands within the boreal forest. Its vertical integration, from forest to structure, reinforced by its experienced design team, ensures optimal quality and an unmatched level of service.

Chantiers Chibougamau manufactures and markets certified and competitive forest products, tailor-made for customers concerned with sustainable development. The company enhances the resources of the boreal forest with advanced technologies and remains committed to providing the most comprehensive line of sustainable wood products.

Company website: https://www.nordic.ca/en/company/news

ABOUT ECO DEPOT

Eco Depot, Inc. acquires, manages, and develops eco-friendly real estate assets and consumer brand products. Their focus is to provide investments, funding, and support for acquisitions, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and green companies dedicated to protecting the environment. Eco Depot is a development stage distributor of eco-friendly consumer brand products and is publicly traded Over the Counter at (OTC PINK: ECDP).

ABOUT BRONYA CANADA GROUP

Bronya Coatings Group, Inc. ("the Company") is based in Montreal and intends to commercialize a Multi-Purpose liquid thermal insulation paint Bronya Climate Shield product line in North America. The Company's mission is to establish third-party production facilities on a global scale to reduce the costs associated with the business' supply chain. The Company also has established relationships with major home improvement stores on a worldwide basis.

ABOUT BRONYA CLIMATE SHIELD

Bronya Climate Shield increases energy efficiency, energy savings and reduces carbon emissions through energy conservation. Product website: www.bronyaclimateshield.com

Contact:

Eco Depot, Inc.

21 Nelson St. Unit 205

Toronto, Ont, M5V 3H9, Canada

ecdp.co

+1-(800) 323-7006

info@ecdp.co

Website:

www.ECDP.co



Product Inquiries:

info@bronyaclimateshield.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This Press Release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has tried, whenever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements using words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "potential" and similar expressions. These statements reflect the Company's current beliefs and are based upon information currently available to it.

Accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or advise in the event of any change, addition, or alteration to the information catered in this Press Release, including such forward-looking statements.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release includes information relating to the new team members expertise and how the Company will benefit from their ability to assist the Company implement its business plan. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with the implementation of the Company's business plan and matters relating thereto, risks associated with the industry, competition, regulatory change, the need for additional financing, reliance on key personnel, the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers or directors, and the volatility of the Company's common share price and volume. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the Company's proposed business, such as failure of the business strategy and government regulation; risks related to the Company's operations, such as additional financing requirements and access to capital, reliance on key and qualified personnel, insurance, competition, intellectual property and reliable supply chains; risks related to the Company and its business generally. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71572
South Carolina mulling ban on heartbeat abortions with some exceptions

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South Carolina's lawmakers will consider a pair of bills that, if enacted, would ban abortions performed on an unborn baby when a heartbeat is detected, which can be as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.

Two bills were pre-filed last month for the South Carolina General Assembly to consider when they begin their legislative session next Tuesday.

Senate Bill 1, also called the South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act, was pre-filed in December and was referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs. The bill prohibits an abortion on a pregnant woman before a physician determines  whether the human fetus the pregnant woman is carrying has a detectable fetal heartbeat.

SB 1 bans abortions performed on a fetus with a heartbeat, except when the physician determines according to standard medical practice that a medical emergency exists.

Any abortion provider found to be in violation of the bill, if the proposed legislation becomes law, can face a fine of $10,000, a maximum prison sentence of two years, or both.

House Bill 3163, a similar bill also known as the South Carolina Stands for Life Act, was likewise pre-filed in December and then referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Like the Senate version, the proposed legislation clarified that it is not meant to prohibit the sale or prescription of contraceptive products and that the woman seeking the abortion will not be criminally prosecuted.

Over the past few years, several states have passed similar laws banning abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detectable, only to have measures struck down or blocked in the courts.

Last July, for example, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a heartbeat abortion ban into law, only to have U.S. District Court Judge William Campbell stop it from taking effect.

The Act will immediately impact patients seeking abortions and imposes criminal sanctions on abortion providers. The time-sensitive nature of the procedure also weighs in favor of injunctive relief pending a preliminary injunction hearing, wrote Campbell.

In February of last year, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit unanimously upheld a block on Mississippis heartbeat abortion ban, which was passed in 2019.

The panels per curiam ruling referenced an earlier legal decision against a different Mississippi law that banned most abortions performed after 15 weeks gestation.

In 2018, Mississippi enacted a law prohibiting abortions, with limited exceptions, after 15 weeks gestational age. A district court enjoined the law, and we recently upheld that injunction, stated the opinion.

If a ban on abortion after 15 weeks is unconstitutional, then it follows that a ban on abortion at an earlier stage of pregnancy is also unconstitutional.
Rahul Mahajan, who was recently evicted from Bigg Boss 14, lashed out at fellow challenger Rakhi Sawant. On the show, he called her a cheap celebrity, leading to much backlash online. However, in a new interview, he stood by his comment and said that her actions might be entertaining to watch but living with her under the same roof is impossible.

Talking about Rakhi, Rahul said that if her fans and followers did not condone cheap acts, she would not be able to do such things. He called her popularity unfortunate.

In an interview with The Times of India, Rahul said, I still stand by my words. During my fight with Rakhi where I called her a cheap celebrity, all I was asking her was to hear my side, but she refused to. Instead, she started showing me her a**. She was thinking that when she will do such things, the audience will get happy and there are people who like such behaviour. I would like to tell people, if you watch such acts for 10 minutes you might enjoy it but just try to live with Rakhi for 10 days, you wont be able to tolerate her.

Also read: Guru Randhawa fuels engagement rumours as he teases new beginnings with mystery woman. Nora Fatehi congratulates him

Rahul elaborated, There have been so many fake babas in our country who have been culprits. I feel if they were culprits, their followers are to be blamed too. Similarly, if followers dont support someone cheap, celebrities would not be able to do cheap acts. I know I got a lot of hate on social media for this. But I feel ye desh ka durbhagya hai (this is the tragedy of our country)... This shows we are desperate for cheap comedy acts.

Last month, during an argument, Rahul lashed out at Rakhi, calling her a cheap level ki celebrity and said that her fans are also cheap. She burst into tears after his comments.

Rakhis husband Ritesh, in an interview, objected to Rahuls comments about her and reminded him of the allegations of domestic violence levelled against him by two of his ex-wives, Shweta Singh and Dimpy Ganguly.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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Additional Reporting: Ben Fox, Associated Press

US President Donald Trump has asked his supporters, those who stormed the United States Capitol building earlier today, to "go home in peace."

In a pre-recorded message that will do little to ease tensions in Washington, Mr Trump repeated the baseless claim that the recent US election was "stolen" from him.

We had an election that was stolen from us, it was a landslide election and everyone knows it, especially the other side.

"But you have to go home now, we have to have peace," Mr Trump said.

"We have to have law and order, we have to respect our great people in law and order. We dont want anybody hurt."

Mr Trump asked his supporters "not to play into the hands" of the people he believes are trying to prevent his re-election.

Neither Mr Trump, nor his allies have produced any evidence the US election was in fact "stolen."

Theres never been a period of time like this where such a thing happened, where they could take it away from all of us - from me from you, from our country.

Ending his message, Mr Trump called the protestors "very special."

"So go home, we love you, youre very special," he said.

"Youve seen what happens, youve seen the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil.

"I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace," he added.

Importantly, Mr Trump failed to condemn any of the actions of the DC protestors.

In what is a first for the social media company, Twitter has blocked the like, retweet, and reply functions on Mr Trump's Twitter message, citing a "risk of violence."

In addition, we have been significantly restricting engagement with Tweets labeled under our Civic Integrity Policy due to the risk of violence. This means these labeled Tweets will not be able to be replied to, Retweeted, or liked.  Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 6, 2021

Facebook has also announced that it will be removing Mr Trump's video outright.

This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trump's video. We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence.  Guy Rosen (@guyro) January 6, 2021

Meanwhile, one woman has died after being shot in the chest on the grounds of the Capitol building.

The Washington DC National Guard has been deployed to help bring the protests under control.

Read More Warnock and Ossoff win in Georgia, handing Democrats Senate control

'End this siege' - President-elect Biden calls on Trump to order protestors to stand down

President-elect Joe Biden has called on President Trump to appear on TV immediately and call on the protestors to move away from the US Capitol

US President-elect Joe Biden earlier addressed the nation amid violent clashes at the US Capitol.

Acknowledging that the eyes of the world were now on Washington DC, Mr Biden called on US President Donald Trump to "step up" call on his supporters to withdraw from the area.

Mr Biden said the US capitol and democracy in the US were "under assault."

"This is an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings - the doing of the people's business.

President-elect Biden addresses the nation: https://t.co/BXM3SZK25R  The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 6, 2021

"The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect the true America, they do not reflect who we are," the President-elect said.

This is not dissent, it's disorder. It's chaos, it borders on sedition, and it must end now.

"We are so much better than what we have seen today," Mr Biden said.

"I am genuinely shocked and saddened that our nation, so long the beacon of light and hope for democracy, has come to such a dark moment.

Mr Biden's Vice-President elect Kamla Harris also condemned scenes in Washington today.

I join President-elect @JoeBiden in calling for the assault on the Capitol and our nations public servants to end, and as he said, allow the work of democracy to go forward.  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 6, 2021

Read More In Pictures: Shocking scenes as Trump supporters storm US Capitol

One person shot as protestors storm US Capitol building

One person has been shot during skirmishes between police and Trump supporters at the Capitol building in Washington DC, according to reports.

The US Capitol is currently in lockdown after protesters breached barricades amid violent clashes between President Donald Trumps supporters and Washington DC police.

Both chambers of Congress abruptly recessed as they were debating the Electoral College vote that gave Joe Biden the presidency.

Photo by Win McNamee. pic.twitter.com/nn3Vm95oEQ  Dr. Jeffrey Guterman (@JeffreyGuterman) January 6, 2021

There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and debate was suspended.

A representative from the Capitol police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told politicians to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.

An announcement was played inside the Capitol as lawmakers were meeting and expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens victory.

Due to an external security threat, no one could enter or exit the Capitol complex, the recording said.

The skirmishes occurred outside in the very spot where president-elect Biden will be inaugurated in just two weeks.

At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.



We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.  Kayleigh McEnany 45 Archived (@PressSec45) January 6, 2021

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps and were met by officers in riot gear.

Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back. Some in the crowd were shouting traitors as officers tried to keep them back.

A suspicious package was also reported in the area, Capitol Police said.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud at a rally near the White House on Wednesday ahead of Congress vote.

A supporter of President Trump sits inside Speaker Pelosi's office. pic.twitter.com/xyhj0Lziro  NBC News (@NBCNews) January 6, 2021

We will not let them silence your voices, Mr Trump told the protesters, who had lined up before sunrise to get a prime position to hear the president.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid the skirmishes.

Law enforcement instructed politicians to retrieve masks from under their seats amid the clashes.

After seemingly egging on the protests, President Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the US Capitol to help quell the violence.

A spokesperson told the Associated Press that officers from the Federal Protective Service and US Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene.

He said they were requested to assist by US Capitol Police.

A protestor sitting in the chair of the Vice President in the US House. Picture: Igor Bobic/ Twitter

Earlier: Senators inside the US Capitol Building, who had been preparing to formally declare Joe Biden the next US President, have been evacuated.

Several protestors are now on the Senate floor.

Among the evacuees is US Vice-President Mike Pence.

Democrat of Virginia Congressman from Virginia, Gerry Connolly confirmed on Twitter that members were given gas masks before being moved from the floor. Tear gas was dispensed in the Rotunda.

There are now unconfirmed reports of an 'armed stand-off' outside the doors of the Senate floor.

Donald Trump has sent a tweet asking his supporters to remain peaceful."

Earlier: The US Capitol building has gone into lockdown, with politicians inside, as violent clashes broke out between supporters of President Donald Trump and police.

An announcement was played inside the Capitol as politicians were meeting and expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens victory.

A dozen Capitol Police officers rush toward House chamber thru crowd of protesters pic.twitter.com/zjEmjt0cyB  John Bresnahan (@bresreports) January 6, 2021

Due to an external security threat, no-one could enter or exit the Capitol complex, the recording said.

Trump supporters (John Minchillo/AP)

Both chambers abruptly went into recess.

The skirmishes occurred outside in the very spot where president-elect Biden will be inaugurated in just two weeks.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps and were met by officers in riot gear.

Police officers are holding them steps away from the Senate chamber, which is locked. Senators are inside. I see a few confederate flags. pic.twitter.com/YI7X7KmuUG  Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 6, 2021

Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back.

Some in the crowd were shouting traitors as officers tried to keep them back.

A suspicious package was also reported in the area, Capitol Police said.

The mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser, has now announced a citywide curfew from 6pm tonight until 6am tomorrow.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud at a rally near the White House on Wednesday ahead of Congress vote.

We will not let them silence your voices, Trump told the protesters, who had lined up before sunrise to get a prime position to hear the president.

Cho Young-suh, head of KB Research

By Park Jae-hyuk



A former vice president at Shinhan Financial Group's IT service unit has jumped ship to Shinhan's rival KB Financial Group, taking the nation's banking industry by surprise.



Cho Young-suh, former vice president of Shinhan DS, announced that KB Financial Group had appointed him as the new head of the group's think tank, KB Research, and the leader of KB Kookmin Bank's digital transformation strategy department in its latest reshuffle last week.



Considering the conservative and rigid culture of the domestic banking industry, it is unusual for banking group executives to move to rival lenders. Shinhan and KB are in fierce competition to take the leading bank title.



The Korea Times called Cho to ask him the reason for his recent decision, but he was unavailable for comment.



Cho is known as an expert in digital strategies for financial services companies.



Starting his career as a finance ministry official, he went on to work for McKinsey & Company and Bain & Company as a consultant in charge of financial firms' growth strategies and digitization.



He joined Shinhan in 2017 as an executive to direct its digitization. Earlier last year, he was appointed the vice president of Shinhan DS, which is currently led by CEO Sunny Yi, another former Bain consultant who joined Shinhan in 2019.



During a previous interview with The Korea Times in 2019, Cho said he could proudly say that Shinhan was the industry leader in terms of digital transformation.



However, after he abruptly moved to KB late last year, industry officials are wondering whether he will enable KB to achieve its goal of becoming more customer-oriented and the No. 1 financial platform provider. On top of hiring Cho, KB reformed its organizational structure recently to better pursue digitization.



Some officials speculate Shinhan might not maintain the digital strategies Cho formerly handled, such as operation of the group's integrated R&D center, the Shinhan Digital Innovation Institute, and the "digitized Noah's ark," which is intended to reorganize every sector to align with the digital-oriented ecosystem.


Five years after Texas legalized medical marijuana for people with debilitating illnesses, advocates and industry experts say the states strict rules, red tape and burdensome barriers to entry have left the program largely inaccessible to those it was intended to help.

But with a new legislative session gaveling in this month, some Texas lawmakers see an opportunity to fix the states medical cannabis program  known as the Compassionate Use Program  by further expanding eligibility and loosening some restrictions so Texas laws more closely resemble those of other states that allow the treatment.

There are 3,519 Texans registered with the state to use medical marijuana, though advocates say 2 million people are eligible based on current law.

Texas program pales in overall participation and scope compared with other states: It has fewer enrolled patients and businesses than most other states with medical marijuana programs. At least some form of medical marijuana is legal in 47 states nationwide, but Texas restrictions put it in the bottom 11 in terms of accessibility, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Were pretty dang close to the bottom. Were pretty far behind, said state Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, referring to how access to Texas medical marijuana program fares compared with other states. Menendez will push legislation in the next session to further expand the program.

Oklahoma, home to 25 million fewer people than Texas, has more than 100 times as many registered patients who can access medical marijuana. In December, two years after the passage of Oklahomas medical cannabis program, there were 365,464 people enrolled. To the east, Louisiana, with a fifth of Texas population, had 4,350 patients in 2019, and to the west, New Mexico had enrolled more than 82,000 people in its program as of the same year.

Industry experts say Texas narrowly designed program is also hindering a market that could help drive Texas economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Heres this  billion-dollar birds nest thats sitting on the South Lawn of the Capitol, waiting for the right legislator to come pick it up and take it inside, and to present it to the other legislators and say, Here you go. Heres a way for us to  [help] our citizens, said Morris Denton, CEO of Compassionate Cultivation, one of the states three licensed medical cannabis businesses, at this years Texas Marijuana Policy Conference in November.

The business costs in Texas associated with the medical marijuana industry are sky high. At the same time, advocates and business leaders already in the market complain the state has one of the most restrictive caps on the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC  the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that makes people feel high  that medical cannabis products are legally allowed to contain. Only six states that allow medical marijuana have THC caps lower than Texas, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The program is so limited that the National Organization for Reforming Marijuana Laws doesnt recognize it as a true medical marijuana program. Instead, the group labels Texas a medical CBD state for its emphasis on cannabidiol  derived from hemp and containing only traces of the psychoactive compounds found in cannabis  over THC for medicinal use.

Jax Finkel, executive director for Texas NORML, said the reason Texas is often not considered a true medical marijuana state is because it caps medical cannabis at 0.5% THC, and over-the-counter hemp products are capped at 0.3%. That means people who get prescriptions from their doctors and pay for medical marijuana would be getting a product that has only marginally more THC than a CBD-oil or tincture purchased at a local store.

While there is a difference there that has an added value and there is also value to being a registered patient, that does create somewhat of a problem, Finkel said. And so a lot of people dont really see our program as a fully functioning program.

But some Texas lawmakers hope to change that. As of Dec. 14, at least seven bills had been filed by lawmakers seeking to expand the Compassionate Use Program. Menendez is authoring a far-reaching bill that would make more patients eligible, strike the THC cap and lower business fees, among other changes.

I think wed see a lot more participation if we had a real medical cannabis program, said Heather Fazio, director of Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy.

In the past, medical cannabis bills have faced opposition from lawmakers who see it as a path to legalizing recreational marijuana, Menendez said. But he says expanding the program will put decisions about who can access the medicine into the hands of doctors.

When the Senate voted to include more patients in 2019, state Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, said he was concerned the legislation was more of a cliff than a slippery slope.

I come at this with a highly guarded sense of danger of the direction that this might take us to recreational use, Birdwell said. I wouldnt be comfortable going any further than this because of what Im seeing in Colorado, Washington and Oregon and whats happening in those states. I am highly guarded.

A Push to Expand the Law

Advocates say among the biggest failures of Texas medical cannabis program is its narrow disease profile  the list of conditions that qualify Texans to register as medical cannabis users. Fazio said most states with successful programs count post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain among qualifying conditions, and neither is on Texas list.

In 2015, Texas list of qualifying medical conditions had one item: intractable epilepsy. The 2019 expansion of the law added diseases such as terminal cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons disease and Lou Gehrigs disease, or ALS.

The number of registered patients has steadily climbed since 2017. After lawmakers tweaked the program in 2019 to include more patients, the number of registered patients more than doubled from about 1,300.

But the bar for eligibility is still high. This legislative session, Fazio is pushing lawmakers to expand the states disease profile to include PTSD and chronic pain, which would particularly benefit Texas veteran population  the second largest in the country as of 2017.

One Texan who is left out of the states program is April Martinez, a U.S. Army veteran from Killeen. In 2006, Martinez was a chemical specialist in Afghanistan as part of a signal unit.

After returning home, she has experienced constant migraines, muscle fatigue and cognitive issues. Martinez said she has tried everything from Botox to Alzheimers medication to treat her pain.

She moved to Washington for a few years and gave medical cannabis a try, and saw immediate results. She said she stopped taking seven of her eight medications and could once again read, spend quality time with her kids and go out in the sun without experiencing excruciating pain.

It felt like I was finally starting to see the sun through the clouds, and then we came back to Texas once my husband retired from the military, Martinez said at a panel during the Texas Marijuana Policy Conference in November.

Martinez doesnt qualify to use medical cannabis under Texas law.

Having to look at the rest of your life, you can see every single day is, you are just going to feel beaten up and overwhelmed and not enough energy and everything that you do is going to cause you some amount of pain, is a really hard way to imagine the rest of your life, Martinez said in an interview with The Texas Tribune.

Oklahoma, among other states, allow physicians to decide who qualifies for medical cannabis. Under Texas current law, Menendez said, lawmakers pick winners and losers through their strict criteria for medical cannabis use.

I dont understand what the lack of trust in Texas and the people of Texas is, because thats what this is, he said in an interview. At the end of the day, theyre trying to keep cannabis out of the hands of everyone except for the people who theyve laid out that can have access to it.

The lack of autonomy for patients and physicians is a major issue in Texas medical marijuana system, said Dr. Robert S. Marks, chief executive officer of Diagnostic Pain Center in Austin. Marks is one of the 240 Texas physicians who can enter patients into the compassionate use registry.

He said that while the system is better than nothing, its a bit disjointed and could be more effective. The list of patients who can receive medical cannabis is both specific and broad, leaving it ripe for both exploitation as well as limitation, Marks said. For example, he said the list allows for people to receive cannabis for spasticity, a broad term but a legitimate reason to use cannabis.

Its challenging due to the fact that there are a lot of people that dont qualify based on this list of diagnoses, Marks said at a panel during the Texas Marijuana Policy Conference. But yet theres no question that this particular medicine would be a safer, viable option compared to alternatives.

By allowing for more autonomy, Marks said, the states system could cut down on the time it takes physicians to provide medical cannabis and better satisfy patients with products that work.

Cannabis is the only medicine where doctors are being told a dosing maximum, which is an incredible low dosage of THC, Fazio said. We trust doctors with far more dangerous substances.

A Potential Boon for Business

Texas officials approved three companies to grow and sell medical cannabis in 2017, two years after the Compassionate Use Program was signed into law. Under the watchful eyes of state regulators, those three companies serve about 3,500 patients across Texas.

But they say thats not enough patients for businesses to be profitable.

Together with high licensing fees and strict rules for transporting and storing inventory, it is challenging  and costly  for medical cannabis businesses to operate in Texas, said Denton, of Compassionate Cultivation. For example, the $7,300 application fee to open a dispensing organization in Texas is nearly three times as costly as in Oklahoma. Louisianas fee is just $450.

The capital requirements in order to build out a vertically integrated business are not insignificant; in fact, theyre very high, Denton said. The ability to make money in this kind of an industry is nonexistent at this point.

Denton says his business alone has the ability to serve the entirety of the states legal market. In Oklahoma, more than 9,500 licensed businesses collectively serve the states more than 365,000 patients. Louisiana, with 4,350 patients as of 2019, has approved two businesses to grow medical cannabis and nine to sell it.

Medical marijuana is already an economic engine in other states. In Oklahoma, which has the biggest program in the country on a per capita basis, sales since 2018 rose above $1 billion last month, according to reports.

During the 2021 legislative session, Compassionate Cultivation will also ask lawmakers to allow licensed companies to open retail, or dispensing, locations across the state. Under current regulations, the businesses are prohibited from storing inventory outside their facilities, making it difficult to deliver medicine to patients hundreds of miles away, Denton said.

I believe that this business is arguably the most regulated business in the state of Texas right now, Denton said. We operate a business  in a fishbowl, under a microscope.

Disclosure: Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy, Compassionate Cultivation and The National Conference of State Legislatures have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

Texas medical marijuana program is one of the most restrictive in the country. Advocates hope the Legislature will change that. was first published at https://www.texastribune.org/2021/01/04/texas-medical-marijuana-2021/ by The Texas Tribune. The Texas Tribune is proud to celebrate 10 years of exceptional journalism for an exceptional state.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

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Union Health Minister is slated to hold a video conferencing on Thursday with health ministers of all the states and union territories to review preparedness for another nationwide dry run of administering Covid-19 vaccine on January 8.

The Central government is gearing up for the roll out of Covid-19 vaccine across the country. As a simulation of actual execution, another round of dry run will now be conducted in all 700 plus districts of all states and UTs, except Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, on Friday.

Each district will identify three types of session sites, similar to the previous dry run including a public health facility like a District Hospital or Medical College, private health facility and rural or urban outreach sites.

The mock drill will familiarise the state, district, block and hospital level officers on all aspects of Covid-19 roll out.

This activity will help administrators in strengthening the linkages between planning, implementation and reporting mechanisms, identification of any residual challenges prior to the actual implementation and to provide confidence to the programme managers at all levels to carry out a smooth implementation of the vaccination drive.

To facilitate the entire vaccination process, a software,'Co-WIN', has been developed by the for real time information of vaccine stocks, their storage temperature and individualized tracking of beneficiaries for Covid-19 vaccine.

This software will assist the programme managers across all levels in conduct of the vaccination sessions. A dedicated 24x7 call centre has also been established for technical queries of Co-WIN users.

The cold chain infrastructure, like walk-in-freezers, walk-in-coolers, ice-lined refrigerators, deep freezers, along with sufficient supplies of syringes and other logistics have been ensured to begin Covid-19 vaccination drive.

Around 1.7 lakh vaccinators and three lakh vaccination team members have been trained on the process to be followed at the vaccination sites which include beneficiary verification, vaccination, cold chain and logistics management, bio-medical waste management, AEFI management and reporting on Co-WIN software.

Detailed operational guidelines on all aspects of the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out, including session planning and management, session site layout and its organization, AEFI management, IEC messages, infection prevention and control practices etc., have already been shared with the States and UTs and they have also been oriented on the same.

On January 2, almost all states and Union Territory had conducted dry run at 285 session sites spread across 125 districts to assess ability and readiness of authorities to administer shots to hundreds of millions of people, including many in remote corners of the country.

On December 28 and 29, the first dry run was conducted in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Rajkot and Gandhinagar district of Gujarat, Ludhiana and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar of Punjab and Sonitpur and Nalbari districts of Assam.

The Central government plans to vaccinate nearly 30 crore people in the first phase of drive. It will be offered to one crore healthcare workers, along with 2 crore frontline and essential workers and 27 crore elderly, mostly above the age of 50 years with comorbidities.

The on Tuesday announced that vaccination drive will be rolled-out by January 13.

Two vaccines -- Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin have been approved for restricted emergency use. It will be first offered to one crore healthcare workers and two crore frontline workers for free.

--IANS

aka/pgh

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The ruling family of North Korea's former bodyguard has spoken out in the latest interview, wherein he shared and described his experience protecting and training a man who wields absolute power in the secretive nuclear-armed state.

Kim Il Sung's Former Bodyguard Speaks up

The bodyguard Lee Young Guk served on the security detail of the former North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Il, who is the father of the current head of the hermit state, Kim Jong Un, for a decade from 1978 to 1988.

After a few years, Kim Jong Il took the helm of their dynasty which was then still ruled by his father, the Hermit state's founder Kim Il Sung.

Lee went on to serve as a military adviser before leaving the country sometime around the year of 2000, but recalls preparing for the role later on.

Based on video footage obtained by a news agency of a yet unreleased interview in J uly that will be aired in the upcoming documentary of National Geographic, 'North Korea: Inside the Mind of a Dictator,' that is set to premiere on Sunday, January 18 at 8 p.m. EST, Lee shared that he was taught to believe he had to protect him with his life, Yahoo! News reported.

He also added they were young and enthusiastic during that time.

Since the establishment of the Hermit state more than 70 years ago, the political life in North Korea has been controlled by the Kim family, and their safety has long been considered as paramount.

Despite that dissent is ever since nonexistent under the authoritarian ruling of the Kim family, preparation and training of the bodyguards of the leaders remain a priority.

Read also: Kim Jong Un to Open North Korean Worker's Party Congress Amid Health and Economic Crises

Lee even acted and used his hands mimicking the action of firing a gun and said 'bang, bang.'

He mentioned that the most important thing in his duty was marksmanship.

Even during the training of the bodyguards, the man who would become the next supreme leader after the death of his father in 1994 was never far away.

He also shared that Kim Jong Il also loved to watch the bodyguards shooting their guns and do martial arts, Lee also stated that he could break 11 bricks at once, after that he pointed to his right palm and shared that it is the reason behind his scar in that portion of his hand,Newsweek reported.

The bodyguard also revealed that he had spent time with Kim Jong Un, the third-generation ruler, who is also believed to have been born in January 1984.

Compare to Kim Jong Il, who is thought to have been designated for years, his son is believed to have had less time to prepare for the position, as he assumed it in late 2011 at the age of 27 which made him the youngest world leader during that time, C21 Media reported.

Previously Lee has also described the childhood of Kim Jong Un as lonely and stated that he had no one to play with as a child in his younger years.

Related article: North Korea Seeks Assitance from Global Alliance to Procure COVID-19 Vaccine

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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Justice Minister Helen McEntee yesterday revealed she has tested positive for Covid-19.

Ms McEntee, who is pregnant with her first child, confirmed the news on Twitter.

"I was recently tested and have received a positive result for #Covid19," she posted.

"In line with our HSE guidance I am isolating. I am continuing to carry out my duties by working remotely, including attending Cabinet.

"The information the HSE has shows that pregnant women or their babies are not at a higher risk if we get Covid-19.

"At the same time I urge everyone to follow public health advice and stay at home. If you think you're developing symptoms, no matter how small, act as though you have Covid.

"We all know the seriousness of the situation. We must protect our health system and our most vulnerable."

The minister announced last month she is pregnant and is due her baby in May. She is the second Government minister to test positive for the virus.

Last month Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue confirmed he had contracted coronavirus.

It comes as the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 has surpassed the peak of the first wave, the head of the Health Service Executive (HSE) said.

The previous highest number of patients with the virus in hospital was 881 on April 15.

Exceeded

Paul Reid, HSE chief executive, tweeted: "With 921 people in hospital, we've now exceeded the peak level of the 1st wave (881). 75 in ICU.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney yesterday also urged people to protect the health system.

"I know it's not easy for so many, but we must act together to protect people and our health system," he said.

Herald
Egypts prosecutor-general ordered on Wednesday the release of two people pending investigation into the gang rape case that took place in 2014.

The prosecution ordered the release of Nazli Mostafa Karim and Seif Ahmed Bedour following four months of detention in what became known as the Fairmont rape case.

The release comes after online human rights campaigns demanded freeing Karim and Bedour.

Amnesty International demanded their release last month.

According to his family, Bedour was a child when the incident occurred and he had no connection to the crime, save for being a friend to one of the witnesses who willingly went to the prosecution to give her testimony in August before she and Bedour were arrested.

Bedours friend was released days later pending investigation.

Karims mother, renowned actress Noha El-Amrousy, also launched an online campaign demanding the release of her daughter. El-Amrousy said her daughter was not only a witness in the case but also a victim of all sorts of abuse, including physical and psychological abuse, by her ex-husband, a defendant in the case.

Karim was married to one of the defendants in the case, believed to have fled to London, where there is no extradition agreement between Egypt and the UK.

According to sources that spoke to Ahram Online, the defendant's lawyer filed complaints against Karim and other witnesses, reportedly for drug addiction and debauchery.

Another online campaign was launched by friends and family of event organiser Ahmed El-Ganzoury demanding his release as a witness in the case.

El-Ganzoury, Karim, and Bedour were apprehended at just about the same time.

El-Ganzoury, commonly known as Ganz, had organised the techno-dance party of mid-February 2014 that reportedly preceded the after-party held in a Nile Fairmont suite, where the rape allegedly took place.

The case went viral in July after an anonymous Instagram account published posts accusing a group of young men of being involved in a gang rape following a party at the hotel.

In September, the National Council of Women officially reported the case to the prosecution on behalf of the victim.

Five defendants were arrested and two remain at large, reportedly out of the country, after the culprits' names and photos were circulated on social media platforms.

Two suspects, Omar Hafez and Amir Zayed, were arrested between late August and September. One of them had attempted to flee the country.

Three suspects, Ahmed Toulan, Amr Hussein and Khaled Hussein, were arrested in Beirut by the Interpol in August before they were extradicted to Egypt in September.

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Disgraced Love Island star Zara Holland has fled Barbados leaving her sick boyfriend Elliott Love locked up in the islands coronavirus isolation unit alone and facing jail, MailOnline can exclusively reveal.

The former Miss England jetted back to Britain last night - just hours after she was ordered to pay a 4,500 fine or go to jail for nine months for breaching the islands tough Covid rules.

Holland, 25, sat alone before boarding a Virgin Atlantic flight to Manchester at the Grantley Adams International Airport, where she and Love, 30, had been arrested last month trying to flee after he tested positive for the deadly disease.

Dressed in black leggings and top and white trainers, with her long blonde hair loose, she wore a mask as she kept far apart from the other passengers in the departure lounge.

One fellow traveller said: She was sitting well away from everyone else and trying to keep a very low profile. To say she looked sheepish is an understatement.

Please scroll down for video.

Zara Holland jetted back to Britain last night - just hours after she was ordered to pay a 4,500 fine or go to jail for nine months for breaching the islands tough Covid-19 quarantine rules

The 25-year-old sat alone before boarding a Virgin Atlantic flight to Manchester at the Grantley Adams International Airport, where she and Love, 30, (above, pictured earlier) had been arrested last month trying to flee after he tested positive for the deadly disease

A guest who had been staying at the luxury Hilton hotel, where Holland, of North Ferriby, East Yorkshire, holed up after her arrest, spotted the former beauty queen scurrying out of the 350-a-night hotel several hours after she left court. Pictured on a previous holiday

We were shocked to see her because we know her boyfriend is still being detained while he battles Covid.

'Im amazed shes left him behind.

Love is still trapped in the islands mosquito-ridden Paragon Isolation Centre where he will stay until he is clear of the potentially fatal virus.

He will have to test negative twice for the virus over the space of five days before he is allowed out of the military base which has been turned into a coronavirus quarantine centre.

He is then expected to be charged with breaking Barbados strict Covid rules and taken to court where he faces a sentence of up to a year in jail and an 18,000 fine if convicted.

Holland, of North Ferriby, East Yorkshire, could have been jailed for up to a year but the magistrate instead imposed the fine, which many on social media condemned as a let off.

The fine was paid immediately by her lawyer meaning the former Miss England was free to leave.

A guest who had been staying at the luxury Hilton hotel, where Holland holed up after her arrest, spotted the former beauty queen scurrying out of the 350-a-night hotel several hours after she left court.

Andrew Pilgrim QC, Holland's lawyer, told MailOnline today: Zara left Barbados last night. The fine has been paid and she was free to go.

Dressed in black and white trainers, with her long blond hair loose, she kept far apart from the other passengers in the departure lounge

Holland could have been jailed for up to a year but the magistrate instead imposed the fine, which many on social media have condemned as a let off. The fine was paid immediately by her lawyer meaning the former Miss England was free to leave

Love is trapped in the islands mosquito-ridden Paragon Isolation Centre where he will stay until he is totally clear of the potentially fatal virus. He will have to test negative twice for the virus over the space of five days before he is allowed out

A family friend added: Zara has gone home. She left last night by plane.

At court on Wednesday, the shaken reality star had blamed her actions on a foolish error and breathed a sigh of relief when she escaped with a fine of GBP 4,417 [B$12,000].

She had pleaded guilty to leaving the Sugar Bay hotel on December 29 while she was under quarantine.

Chief magistrate Ian Weekes admonished her for breaking the nation's tough rules that have prevented the holiday island being overrun by the virus.

We cannot tolerate that you breached the quarantine protocol, he said. You had been told to stay at your hotel and you should have done that.

Mr Pilgrim blamed her lapse' on a 'foolish error,' telling the court she had two negative tests and became extremely nervous about her and Love's status in Barbados, which is why she decided to try and leave the island.

Love had already tested positive for Covid when the pair bought return flights to the UK.

Mr Pilgrim told the court Holland was involved in a lot of charity work in the UK, including helping children with cancer, and also helped with transportation for people in need.

He said she had the utmost respect for the people of Barbados and had been holidaying on the island twice a year for the last six years.

At court on Wednesday, the shaken reality star had blamed her actions on a foolish error and breathed a sigh of relief when she escaped with a fine of GBP 4,417 [B$12,000]. Holland was warned she would be jailed for nine months if she didnt pay within seven days

She had pleaded guilty to leaving the Sugar Bay hotel on December 29 while she was under quarantine. Chief magistrate Ian Weekes admonished her for breaking the nation's tough rules that have prevented the holiday island being overrun by the virus

Mr Pilgrim blamed her lapse' on a 'foolish error,' telling the court she had two negative tests and became extremely nervous about her and Love's status in Barbados, which is why she decided to try and leave the island

Holland remained silent when she left court but stood beside Mr Pilgrim as he spoke on her behalf.

He said: We accepted the decision of the court. Miss Holland wants to express her sincere apologies to the entire nation of Barbados.'

Love tested positive for Covid after arriving on the island last Sunday.

The couple were given red wristbands and told to remain in their room at the 300-a-night Sugar Bay until they were taken to a quarantine centre on the north of the island.

Instead, they booked would have been a British Airways flight back to the UK packed with fellow British holiday makers, cut off their wristbands and took a taxi to the airport where, according to a local source, their names raised some red flags with airport officials because of their short turnaround time in the country.

They were arrested as they made their way to departures after surveillance cameras captured the pair entering public bathrooms and exiting wearing different clothing.

Last week Jamaican tourist Dean George Scott, 49, admitted in court to leaving quarantine to 'buy Fanta' and other snacks after arriving on the holiday island at the beginning of December. He was jailed for six months.

Love tested positive for Covid last Sunday. The couple were given red wristbands and told to remain in their room at the 300-a-night Sugar Bay until they were taken to a quarantine centre on the north of the island. Pictured: Holland at the Hilton on Tuesday
A man accused of wounding three Harris County Sheriffs Office deputies Sunday in a Midtown club shooting  which also left his mother dead  was celebrating his birthday, court records show.

Joseph Gonzalez turned 25 about two hours before, police said, opening fire on patrons  some of whom were relatives  and law enforcement outside the Set night club at 2900 Travis Street.

Prosecutors revealed in court Tuesday that the deputies  uniformed and working a security job at the club  rushed outside to help the suspects father following a fight.

Authorities outlined the accusations against suspected gunman Joseph Gonzalez  who appeared in an orange jumpsuit and his right arm in a sling  in court. The Houston man is charged with three counts of aggravated assault against a public servant and felon in possession of a weapon as the investigation into his mothers death at the club continues.

Prosecutors said she was fatally struck in the crossfire  by whose bullets it was not yet known. A murder charge is to be expected, officials said.

Gonzalez is being held on a combined $1 million bail on the charges, court records show.

The shooting began when a valet warned the deputies about the unfolding violence. Outside they found the suspects father with a head injury in the parking lot. One of the deputies stepped away to help tell EMS where to go around 2 a.m. when he heard gunfire, prosecutors said.

The deputy then saw Gonzalez fire into the gathering crowd of patrons and he returned fire, striking him. Amid the chaos, the deputy realized he had also been shot and tried treating himself.

The suspect fled the club in a red truck and sought medical help at a Sugar Land hospital, officials said. The shooting aftermath left several pools of blood in the club parking lot.

One of the deputies was shot six times. Two of the enforcement officials remain hospitalized in stable condition, prosecutors said.

Court records show Gonzalez was imprisoned until 2018 on two prior felonies out of Galveston County  burglary of a habitation and attempted indecency with a child.

nicole.hensley@chron.com
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 10:46:16|Editor: huaxia

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ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- More than 101,000 people have been displaced due to violence in Ethiopia's Benishangul-Gumuz regional state since July 2020, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said Wednesday.

"Between end of July 2020 and 04 January 2021, more than 101,000 people were displaced by violence from Bullen, Dangur, Dibate, Guba, Mandura and Wombera woredas (districts) of Metekel zone in Benishangul Gumuz region," the UNOCHA said in its situation report published on Wednesday.

Due to "the deteriorating security situation in the zone, humanitarian access and lifesaving assistance to the 28,000 returnees and 101,000 new internally displaced persons (IDPs) are challenging," it said.

It also noted that the regional government has been providing limited lifesaving assistance since July 2020 using armed escorts.

Clusters at sub-national level have been mapping resources but so far insecurity has not allowed transporting staff and commodities to affected areas.

The Ethiopian federal government is in the process of establishing an Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) in the Metekel zone to coordinate the humanitarian response to the IDPs, the UNOCHA noted.

In recent years, deadly inter-communal violence has taken place in the Metekel zone, eventually killing hundreds of civilians.

In late December, the zone witnessed similar deadly attacks, which claimed the lives of at least 207 civilians, Ethiopia's federal rights group confirmed.

Among the victims were some 20 elderly persons as well as 17 children, including a six-month-old baby, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), a rights group established by the Ethiopian parliament, said on Dec. 26.

The latest bloodshed, which occurred at around 10:00 pm local time (1900 GMT) on Dec. 22, was carried out by armed men who set fire and shot at residents while they were asleep, the commission said. Enditem
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Nigeria: Terrorist attacks surged in December and may increase in 2021, Christian group warns

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Radical Islamic militants and terrorist groups killed at least 200 people in the last two weeks of December, bringing the number of Nigerian Christians killed in 2020 to 2,400, according to a new report.

Nigerian human rights group The International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law released the report on Sunday that catalogs the killings. Intersocietys founder and chairman of the board, Emeka Umeagbalasi, told The Christian Post that this December was one of the deadliest months on record for Nigerian Christians.

Weve noticed an upsurge in the killings. At least one of the reasons that I havent relocated to my village [for Christmas is] just to monitor what is going on, he said. The local media is operating under censorship.

This recent wave of killings follows a pattern of radical Islamist violence in Nigeria, he said. Since 2009, over 34,000 Nigerian Christians have been killed and many more have been displaced by the violence.

Militants murdered seven Christians every day in 2020 on average, said Umeagbalasi. Nigerias Southern Kaduna province experienced the most deaths, with at least 495 people killed by radical Islamists.

In one incident, Islamic militants stopped cars on a highway, he said. At gunpoint, they interrogated travelers to discover if they were Christian. Then, they forced the Christians from their cars. They killed five who attempted escape and kidnapped the remaining 35.

Kidnappings of Christians happen for various reasons, Umeagbalasi said. Some are motivated by money, some are political attacks by the government, some are motivated by Islamic radicalism. Most people kidnapped by Islamic radicals face death or slavery.

Some of the death count from December includes abducted people presumed dead, Umeagbalasi said. When terrorist groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP and Fulani militants kidnap people, they either kill them or make ransom demands. In many of last months cases, the kidnappers sent no ransom demands.

Terrorist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province made a vow to step up attacks on Christians over Christmas, Umeagbalasi said. The groups called Christmas celebrations ungodly.

In December, Boko Haram killed at least 130 Christians, the report said. Fulani tribe Islamist militias killed at least 70.

Some of Intersocietys sources say terrorist groups have attacked more fiercely because they believe Joe Bidens presidential administration will not advocate for religious freedom in Nigeria, Umeagbalasi said. The Obama administration focused less on fighting Nigerian terrorism than the Trump administration did.

Once Biden comes [into office], he will give them license to kill, said Umeagblalasi. That is also the thinking of the present government of Nigeria.

Umeagbalasi said that Nigerias government supports or ignores radical Islamist killings. On Dec. 17, Islamists killed a family of eight in the Gora Gan community. The familys home was in front of a military barracks.

If the Fulani jihadis can attack and wipe out a family of eight located opposite a military base where soldiers are stationed, it tells you theres very strong evidence of the conspiratorial nature of the military and the jihadis, he said.

In 2021, Islamist attacks on Nigerian Christians will probably increase, Umeagbalasi said.

We are seeing the continuation and consolidation of the attacks on Christians. There is no hope on the ground that suggests otherwise, he said. The security forces are disproportionately composed of Muslims. The Christians are not likely to get protection. Dont expect the government to do anything.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan advised the Government that the full reopening of schools would constitute a very significant additional risk as the country battles with an unprecedented level of Covid-19 transmission in the community.

In a letter to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, dated January 5, Dr Holohan noted that data received by the National Public Health Emergency Team shows schools are a safe environment.

However, given the current epidemiological situation, significant levels of mobility and linked activity generated by the reopening of schools would pose too risky, he said.

Read More

Dr Holohan said the core priority must be protecting the overall health and wellbeing of children.

Given the staffing challenges already evident across the health and social care sector, it will also be important that measures are taken to limit the impact of a closure of schools on health care workers and other essential workers, he said.

Specific measures should also be taken to ensure that more vulnerable children can best be supported over the coming weeks.

Schools will remain closed until the end of January at least, except for Leaving Cert students, who will attend three days a week.

This decision has been criticised by teaching unions, who have accused the Government of jeopardising the health and safety of teachers and pupils.

The Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) described the move as gravely concerning.

"This premature decision of Government is deeply damaging to the trust and confidence that has allowed us to keep schools open since September, despite the various problems, said TUI president Martin Marjoram.

"Our members do not have trust and confidence that opening schools to Leaving Certificate students as is proposed can be safely achieved under the current circumstances."

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has said that the government did not get specific advice from Nphet in relation to opening schools three days a week for Leaving Cert students.

There isnt specific advice on sixth years but there is general advice," he said on RTE News at One this afternoon.

[The letter] doesnt say that schools are unsafe, it says that they are relatively safe environment. It doesn't call for the closure of schools, that was a decision made by government, but it does say that if there is a full closure of schools that we should have regard to the negative effects of that and make special provisions.

He said that the government does want to see the Leaving Cert go ahead.

If those sixth years dont have FaceTime with their teachers, don't get into labs, don't get into practical rooms, that then becomes a real difficulty.

He said that the three-day Leaving Cert week came out of the blue for teachers and unions.

Mr Varadkar said that consultation with stakeholders prior to making a decision takes a prolonged period and may have delayed the decision by a week or two.

Those sixth years have already lost so much teaching time already because they lost three of fifth year.

Aodhan O Riordain, the Labour partys education spokesperson, called on the Government to abandon plans to allow sixth year students to return to school next week.

Meanwhile, Leaving Cert students have also voiced their concerns about proceeding with the traditional exams in the summer.

A group of students from Claregalway College have written to Education Minister Norma Foley calling on her to rethink the Departments decision.

The letter highlights how many students live with family members who have underlying conditions.

Any suggestion to return to school, to the detriment of their health and wellbeing, is disgraceful, the letter states.

All we ask of the Department is the option of predicted grades, and an abolition of the Governments Leaving Cert at all costs plan.





Irish Independent
President Donald Trump was wrong.

Speaking to supporters who gathered Wednesday in Washington to urge Congress to overturn his loss to President-elect Joe Biden, Trump spent several minutes rattling off a slew of false claims about Pennsylvanias election. He encouraged supporters to march to Capitol Hill, and not long after, a mob of Trump supporters attacked the building.

Little of what Trump said was grounded in reality.

Here are the facts.

There is no discrepancy between the number of voters and the number of votes counted.

Trumps false claim:

Pennsylvania had 205,000 more votes than you had voters.

The reality:

The claim that there were more ballots than voters comes from a flawed analysis done by state Republican lawmakers who relied on incomplete data and a misunderstanding of how those data are collected.

A small group of Republican state representatives, led by Rep. Frank Ryan (R., Lebanon), announced last week that they had compared the number of votes counted with the number of voters actually voted. By their calculations, there were almost seven million votes cast but fewer than 6.8 million voters who participated in the election.

It was a stunning announcement. And it was wrong.

Any analysis based on vote histories is incomplete because those data are not yet finalized. Some counties are still finishing the work of marking every voter as having voted.

Its unclear exactly what source the lawmakers used for their data  a spokesperson for Ryan did not return multiple emails last week  but a news release about the analysis attributed the data to the Pennsylvania Department of States voter registry. That database doesnt have a complete list of the vote histories for every voter yet. There is no way to use it to determine the number of participating voters in the 2020 election.

We are unclear as to exactly what data and what the legislators actually did to offer this so-called analysis, the Department of State said in response to the Republican report. But what we do know is some counties have not yet finished entering into the SURE system what are called voter histories.

When the Republican report was released, Philadelphia, Allegheny, Butler, and Cambria Counties hadnt yet finished uploading all their voter history data, the department said.

Theres no mathematical impossibility here, just the wrong use of election data.

 READ MORE: Fact-checking other false claims about Pennsylvanias presidential election

Mail ballots received after Election Day werent actually counted.

Trumps false claim:

More than 10,000 votes in Pennsylvania were illegally counted even though they were received after Election Day.

The reality:

They werent.

This claim refers to about 10,000 mail ballots that were received between 8 p.m. on Election Day and 5 p.m. the Friday after, a grace period the Pennsylvania Supreme Court had ordered to allow votes to be counted given concerns about mail delivery during the pandemic.

Republicans argued the state Supreme Court overstepped its bounds. Attempts to get the U.S. Supreme Court to block the deadline extension were unsuccessful, but the legal challenges remain before that court, which on Friday will discuss whether to take up the appeals.

Because of the ongoing litigation, counties are keeping separate the ballots that arrived by the 8 p.m. Election Day deadline set by state law and those that arrived in the three days after. While they were physically counted, those tallies have been kept separate the entire time.

The Pennsylvania Department of State didnt include those ballots in its certified vote totals, meaning they werent part of the Electoral College vote.

 READ MORE: 10,000 Pennsylvania votes are in limbo. They wont change the outcome. They could still have a huge impact.

No ballots were received by elections officials before they had been mailed out.

Trumps false claim:

More than 60,000 ballots in Pennsylvania were reported received back, they got back, before they were ever supposedly mailed out. In other words you got the ballot before you mailed it!

The reality:

As with the claim about discrepancies in vote histories, this appears to be based on a misunderstanding of how election data are collected. The key is to understand that the state database is old  it was rolled out nearly two decades ago  and run by humans who were stretched thin running an election with historic turnout during a public health crisis.

Heres how it works: After you apply for a mail ballot, a worker processes and approves the application, then prints and mails a ballot to you. Later, when you return the ballot, the bar code on the envelope is scanned to acknowledge that it was received, which updates the voter history.

All of that depends on workers manually updating the system, and they were usually dealing with a massive backlog of ballots and applications. That means, for example, that a ballot application could have been received days before it was processed, or a ballot could be received weeks or even months before it was marked as received.

Its not an automated system, and the data are imperfect.

The system also sometimes simply glitches, as was the case when voters received multiple emails telling them their ballots were on the way, even after theyd been received.

Dead people didnt vote.

Trumps false claim:

Over 8,000 ballots in Pennsylvania were cast by people whose names and dates of birth matched individuals who died in 2020 and prior. Think of that, dead people!

The reality:

Theres only evidence of one attempt to cast a ballot on behalf of a dead person: Delaware County prosecutors charged a Republican with registering his dead mother and submitting a mail ballot in her name, along with registering his dead mother-in-law.

The man said he cast the fraudulent ballot for Trump.

Other than that, theres simply no evidence of ballots being cast in the names of dead people. Philadelphia City Commissioner Al Schmidt, a Republican, has had his office look into several specific claims about dead Philadelphia voters. None were real.

Another point about misuse of data: If youre looking for matches between names and dates of birth, youll find plenty. There are more than nine million registered voters in Pennsylvania, and there are people who share the same name and birth date.

There are voters who are currently dead who voted in the 2020 election, but they were alive at the time, and theyre removed from the rolls once elections officials know about their death. But the seven million votes this election? They were cast by voters who were very much alive.

PolitiFact is a nonpartisan, fact-checking website operated by the nonprofit Poynter Institute for Media Studies.
Business groups and leaders of large corporations have condemned the violence on Capitol Hill that disrupted efforts to certify the election of President-elect Joe Biden.

Hours after supporters of President Donald Trump forced lawmakers from the floors of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Business Roundtable, a group of CEOs from some of the nation's largest companies, called on the president and other officials to "put an end to the chaos and facilitate the peaceful transition of power."

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier. Credit:AP Photo/John Minchillo

"The chaos unfolding in the nation's capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election," the organisation posted on Twitter.

The National Association of Manufacturers, one of the country's largest lobbying groups, suggested that Vice President Mike Pence should consider invoking a provision of the 25th Amendment that allows members of the president's Cabinet to temporarily remove him from power.
Warning over scam text messages claiming people are eligible to apply for covid vaccine

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jan 7th, 2021

A warning has been issued over scam text messages claiming that people are now eligible to apply for the COVID-19 vaccine are

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has said it has received evidence of fraudulent messages sent to the public informing them that a dose of the new COVID-19 vaccine is available to them.

People are being sent a text message claiming to be from the NHS which informs the recipient that, we have identified that your [sic].

The message ends with a link to a bogus website mocked up to look like a legitimate NHS platform.





The website requests personal details, including name and address.

It asks for banking details, supposedly for verification. This is a scam  you will be contacted by the NHS when you are eligible for your vaccine and you will not have to pay for it.

 Scam text messages inviting people for a coronavirus vaccine are circulating. Youll only be contacted by the NHS, usually by phone or post. No text from the NHS will ever ask for bank details or payment. Report scams by forwarding the text to Ofcom on 7726 pic.twitter.com/U0MuXYuFmw  Welsh Government #StayHome (@WelshGovernment) January 6, 2021

This is the latest in a series of scams themed around the pandemic in circulation since last March. CTSI has said

With the UK vaccine rollout underway, scammers have modified their scam to consider this new development.

The phoney messages were first reported at the end of December by people living on the Western Isles of Scotland.

The NHS on the Isles has since issued a warning to the public that Health Boards will never ask for any details about your bank account.

This scam is by no means limited to the region, and people throughout the UK are warned that they may receive similar messages.

Katherine Hart, Lead Officer at CTSI, said: I have been tracking and warning the public about COVID-19-related scams since the beginning of the pandemic, and at every stage of response, unscrupulous individuals have modified their campaigns to defraud the public.

The vaccine brings great hope for an end to the pandemic and lockdowns, but some only wish to create even further misery by defrauding others. The NHS will never ask you for banking details, passwords, or PIN numbers and these should serve as instant red flags.

Do not provide any information to the scammers, but please also report suspicious messages to Action Fraud, or if in Scotland, Police Scotland, as this provides intelligence and assists authorities in combating scams.

To report scams, contact Action Fraud
Panaji, Jan 7 : Police in Goa on Thursday booked First Information Reports in connection with Wednesday evening's violence related to the construction of the IIT-Goa campus in North Goa's Melaulim village.

Several Congress leaders among local villagers have been accused of rioting, assaulting police officials and preventing government officials from discharging their duty, after violence erupted in Melaulim over the process of survey and demarcation of land allotted to the IIT authorities for setting up of the campus.

Villagers were cane-charged by the police, after a government team of survey officials escorted by the police were pelted with stones by the protesters, hundreds of whom had blocked road access to Melaulim village.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has already stated that those who have attacked police officials will be punished.

"Those who have taken law into their hands would be punished. The government will go ahead with the project," Sawant said, even as villagers of Melaulim have demanded the dismissal of police officials involved in the cane-charge, which they claimed was unprovoked.

Goa Congress president Girish Chodankar on Thursday warned Sawant against targeting Congress party officials by naming them in the FIRs.

"The BJP government in Goa has directed the Goa Police to filed FIRs against Goa Pradesh Congress Committee office bearers Sankalp Amonkar, Amarnath Panjikar, Dasharath Manjrekar, Ranjit Rane and other for supporting the Melaulim farmers," Chodankar told reporters.

"Goa CM will not succeed to suppress our voice using Section 307 IPC. We are committed to the cause of the Melaulim farmers," Chodankar also said.

Ever since an IIT was allotted to Goa by the Central government in 2014, the institute has been functioning from a temporary campus shared by the Goa Engineering College in Farmagudi village in South Goa.

Two sites previously identified by the state government, in Canacona and Sanguem sub districts, for setting up a permanent campus for the IIT were dropped in the face of protests from local residents and after pressure from the Opposition, which had alleged a land scam in shortlisting of sites for the technology institute.

The villagers of Melaulim claim that they are being forcefully evicted from their landholdings by the government and have blamed the hurried land acquisition process adopted by the authorities for securing the land for the IIT campus project.
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She narrowly escaped England's new COVID-19 restrictions by jetting to Dubai with her pals.

And Francesca Allen set pulses racing once again in a plunging taupe bikini as she shared a glimpse of her latest poolside look on Thursday.

The reality star, 25, posed in her hotel bathroom for the sultry video as she prepared for another afternoon of sunbathing.

Sizzling: Francesca Allen set pulses racing once again in a plunging taupe bikini as she shared a glimpse of her latest poolside look on Thursday

Francesca slipped into the plunging nude bikini top and matching bottoms as she posed in front of her hotel room's mirror.

The star teamed the two-piece with a blue and white kimono as she prepared for another day topping up her tan by the pool.

Francesca has eagerly documented her lavish getaway with a slew of snaps, while must of the UK is ordered to stay at home except for essential reasons to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Sensational: The reality star, 25, posed in her hotel bathroom for the sultry video as she prepared for another afternoon of sunbathing

On Tuesday Francesca and her pal Joanna Chimonides went on a scenic boat trip in the city just hours after the UK's new national lockdown was announced on Monday.

The Love Island stars donned bikinis in a clip Francesca shared to her Instagram Stories as Britons at home are preparing to spend several weeks at home.

Francesca, 25, showcased her jaw-dropping figure in a beige two-piece while she also donned a crisp white shirt.

The reality star wore a patterned bandanna and added to her look with a pair of shades as she relaxed on the boat.

Joanna, 24, put on an eye-catching display as she donned a bright orange bikini along with a multi-coloured bandanna.

Abroad: On Tuesday Francesca and her pal Joanna Chimonides went on a scenic boat trip in the city just hours after the UK's new national lockdown was announced on Monday

Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, she struck a playful pose for the camera as she sat alongside her pal.

Also on Monday, Joanna shared a snap of herself going for a Dune buggy ride where she donned a black crop top that highlighted her washboard stomach.

Dubai had become a hotspot for influencers as people are still permitted to travel there for work purposes.

Under the latest national lockdown rules, which is now in effect, holidays are banned as international travel is only permitted for a strict number of reasons such as for work.

UK residents currently abroad do not need to return home immediately. However, they should check with your airline or travel operator on arrangements for returning.

Looking good: She showcased her jaw-dropping figure in a beige two-piece while she also donned a crisp white shirt

In Dubai, social distancing and the wearing of face masks is mandatory when away from your home. This also applies to visitors staying in hotels when they are not in their room.

The United Arab Emirates has played host to a number of stars over the past year, despite the consistent rules throughout advising against international travel, save for work or education.

Amid yacht trips and wild nights out, a host of stars, including TOWIE's Amber Turner, Dan Edgar, Yazmin Oukhellou and James Lock, have all maintained their trips have been for business purposes with many confirming their work plans on social media or to publications through their representatives.

Incredible: Also on Monday, Joanna, 24, shared a snap of herself going for a Dune buggy ride where she donned a black crop top that highlighted her washboard stomach

It comes amid the UK being plunged into a third national lockdown that comes into effect on Wednesday, with secondary schools, pubs and non-essential shops shut.

Government guidelines for international travel currently state: 'Following identification of a new variant of the virus, international travel from your area may be increasingly restricted because of domestic regulations...

'Different rules apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For example, those in tier 4 areas in England will not be permitted to travel abroad apart from limited exceptions, such as work purposes. Follow all the rules that apply to you.'
Following its recent announcement that all New Orleans public schools were reverting to remote learning because of rising coronavirus infection rates, the Orleans Parish school district released a list of locations where families can find free meals that students would have received while in school.

NOLA Public Schools has 34 "feeding locations" scattered at public charter school buildings across New Orleans neighborhoods.

Officials noted that the distribution times vary, but meals will be served free for all children under the age of 18, regardless of the school they are enrolled in.

The district also said that if families can't get to the public locations to get the meals, they can have food delivered to them through the City of New Orleans Meal Assistance Program. To access it, families should visit nola.311.org and look for the meal assistance program registration, officials said.

The meal handout is part of a federally funded program that kicked off last spring as officials scrambled to issue "grab and go" breakfasts and lunches at schools and business parking lots across the metro area in an effort to feed families.

Many had relied on school meals before, and statistics show even more residents are reeling financially due to the pandemic that's been relentless in New Orleans and the surrounding region.

+2 Federal program that has distributed 12 million pounds of food in New Orleans region gets extension The federal government has approved another round of funding for the program that has fueled the large-scale grocery giveaways that have been 

The federal government has also approved another $1.5 billion in funding for the Farmers to Families program responsible for huge grocery giveaways, which thousands of hungry families have relied on during the pandemic.

Though New Orleans public schools are now mostly online-only, the district said some schools would accommodate in-person instruction for certain populations, including those getting special education, under reduced class sizes.

+6 Could children go hungry this summer from coronavirus? Food banks worry, schools' plans unclear As coronavirus has decimated the economy, school districts in the New Orleans area have scrambled to help their most vulnerable populations: t

The district was also allowing charter schools to give in-person instruction for younger students in pre-K through fifth grades in smaller groups of no more than 15.

It wasn't immediately clear how many schools were offering this option. District officials only said that families who need the service should contact their individual schools.

Mandatory remote learning will be in place until at least Jan. 21, although officials have warned that school buildings won't open to most families again until the city sees "a marked and sustained improvement in the metrics."

Here are Orleans Parish school district free meal locations:

Akili Academy: 3811 N. Galvez St., Mondays & Wednesdays 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Alice M. Harte Charter School: 5300 Berkeley Drive, Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m. - noon

Andrew Wilson Charter School: 3617 General Pershing St., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.- noon

Ben Franklin Elementary on Nashville: 401 Nashville Ave., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Ben Franklin Elementary on Jefferson: 1116 Jefferson Ave., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Ben Franklin High: 2001 Leon C Simon Drive, Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Bethune Elementary: 2401 Humanity St., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Booker T. Washington High School: 1201 S. Roman St., Fridays 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Coghill Elementary: 4617 Mirabeau Ave., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Esperanza Charter School: 4407 S. Carrollton Ave., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

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Foundation Preparatory: 3121 St. Bernard Ave., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Habans Elementary: 3501 Seine St., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Harriet Tubman Elementary: 2013 General Meyer Ave., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Hynes Elementary: Lakeview: 990 Harrison Ave., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Hynes Elementary: UNO: 6101 Chatham Blvd., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

IDEA: 12000 Hayne Blvd., Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-noon

KIPP Believe: 3815 St. Bernard Ave., Fridays 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

KIPP Leadership: 2300 St. Claude Ave., Fridays 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

KIPP Morial: 7701 Grant St., Fridays 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Lafayette Academy Lower School: 2733 Esplanade St., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Lafayette Academy Middle School: 9330 Forshey St., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Landry High School: 1201 LB Landry Ave., Mondays 9 a.m.-noon

Lusher Elementary: 7315 Willow St., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Lusher High: 5624 Freret St., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Lycee Francais: 1800 Monroe St., Monday-Friday - 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Martin Behrman Elementary School: 2832 General Meyer Ave., Mondays 9 a.m.-noon

McDonogh 35 High School: 4000 Cadillac St., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Morris Jeff Community School: 211 S. Lopez St., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Moton Charter School: 8550 Curran Blvd., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

New Orleans Center for Creative Arts: 2800 Chartres St., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

ReNEW Schaumburg Elementary: 9501 Grant St., Wednesdays & Fridays 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

ReNEW SciTech Elementary: 820 Jackson Ave., Wednesdays & Fridays 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Singleton Charter: 2220 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon

Warren Easton High: 3019 Canal St., Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk attends a press conference at parliament house in Brisbane, Australia, on March 25, 2020. (Jono Searle/Getty Images)

A Young Child and Hotel Quarantine Cleaner Test Positive for the CCP Virus in Queensland

A young child in hotel quarantine in Queensland has tested positive for the CCP virus after returning from the UK, along with a member of a hotel quarantine cleaning staff, the states government reported on Thursday.

Genome sequencing is underway to determine if either of those infected with the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus (novel coronavirus) has the new UK strain that is allegedly 70 percent more infections than the original strain.

The cleaner who worked at the Grand Chancellor hotel developed systems on Wednesday and was tested the same day, returning a positive result later that night.

Health officials conducted contact tracing overnight.

We need to ensure that there is no community spread, so we need to make sure that people in Brisbane are getting tested if they have systems, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

People living in Sunnybank Hills, Algester, and Calamvale in the south of Brisbane are being urged to get tested.

We need the community to stay alert, she said.

The premier also announced that travellers from Greater Sydney had been banned from coming to Queensland, and Victoria may be next.

Chief Health Officer Jannette Young said she was eager to contain the virus spread as soon as possible.

I want to find these cases right at the start of an outbreak, not down the track, Young said. If we can find them now, today, then we can stop the outbreak spreading, and we dont need to put any restrictions in place.

She announced a detailed list of locations the cleaner had been to while infectious:

Train from Altandi station to Roma street  Saturday 2 January at 7:00 am Train from Central Station to Altandi station  Saturday 2 January at 4:00 pm Woolworths Calamvale North  Sunday 3 January from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Coles Sunnybank Hills  Tuesday 5 January from 7:30 am to 8:00 am Newsagent at Sunnybank Hills Shopping Town  Tuesday 5 January from 8:00 am to 8:15 am

Young said they are working with Queensland Transport to get GoCard information, but in the meantime urged people who boarded those trains to get tested if they show symptoms.

Currently there are 20 active cases of COVID-19 in Queensland.
In spring 2020, 937 businesses submitted applications for more than 4,500 sites. But only 75 dispensary licenses were available, and just 21 qualified for a lottery to determine the license winners, many of them with multiple perfect scores for licenses in different parts of the state. But because of complaints that the scoring was inconsistent and unfair, the lottery was held up in September while applications are rescored, and no one has received new licenses yet.
PTI

Thousands of farmers are holding a tractor rally on Thursday, the 43rd day of the ongoing farmers' protest along the Delhi border. Read more

Here's more top news of the day:

1) Violent Mob Storms US Capitol Hill; At Least 4 Dead: Timeline Of How The Chaos Unfolded

In an precedented turn of events, bedlam broke loose in the US Capitol on Wednesday when President Donald Trumps supporters laid siege to the building. They scaled walls to enter the premises, knocking violently on senate office doors and shouting obscenities at senators who hid behind chairs and closed doors. Read more

AFP

2) Dzukou Range In Nagaland Is Burning For 10 Days Now & Authorities Are Struggling To Douse Fire

N Biren Singh/ Twitter

Indian Air Force helicopters, NDRF teams, forest, police and local volunteers are continuing their effort to douse the fire raging in the scenic Dzukou range in Nagaland's Kohima district for over a week now. Read more

3) Woman Allegedly Gangraped & Brutalised Followed By Police Inaction: Timeline Of Badaun Horror

File Photo

Only months after the horrific Hathras gangrape and murder, another gangrape and murder case from Uttar Pradesh has shaken the collective conscience of the nation. Read more

4) Environmental Crisis In Making: Wildlife Board Gives Nod To Rail Tracks Through Western Ghats

The location of the proposed Hubballi-Ankola railway line. Image: Poornesha H.C.

The project is controversial since it is expected to involve diversion of 10.45 ha of forest land in Dandeli wildlife sanctuary in Karnatakas Western Ghats, according to a report by Hindustan Times. Read more

5) 621 Cold Chain Units; 1000 Centres: How Delhi Is Gearing For COVID Vaccination Drive

AFP

The COVID-19 vaccine is likely to arrive in Delhi by early next week and robust preparations are underway to stock it in the required temperature, ensuring effective roll-out of the inoculation exercise. Read more

6) 'Not Europe, It's Kerala': Photos Of Newly-Built Park Take Internet By Storm, Impresses People

Kerala tourism minister

Images of the new Vagbhatananda Park at Karakkad, near Vadakara in Kozhikode district, quickly went viral across social media sites shortly after it was inaugurated by state Tourism Minister Kadakampalli Surendran. Read more

The fire erupted on Thursday morning on Allee Leopold Goebel.

The report says that the building's attic caught fire, but that the flames were quickly brought under control by firefighters. The street had to be closed off to traffic for the duration of the operation. Nobody was injured.

 Domingos Oliveira (RTL)  Domingos Oliveira (RTL)  Domingos Oliveira (RTL)  Domingos Oliveira (RTL)

Firefighters from the capital were at the scene with four trucks and received support from local police. First responders were present as well.
Chinese American: I Cannot Accept This

WASHINGTONXie immigrated to America from China eight years ago, and she said she can remember the moment and the culture shock with great clarity. In China, Xie did not join the Chinese Communist Party CCP, but she was completely familiar with the vicious and dishonest communist culture it perpetuated.

She and other soon-to-be citizens were asked to swear and oath, and under the CCP you would have been asked to pledge your life to whatever the Party wishes, Xie said.

So when the US immigration officers merely asked everyone to swear they would tell the truth, Xie was deeply moved. The very fact that America was a country that valued truth was so different from the communist culture she had known.

This was the first American election Xie had paid attention to, she said at a rally supporting President Donald Trump in Washington on Jan. 6. Hundreds of thousands were demonstrating that day during the joint session of Congress to count the Electoral College votes.

I never thought this would happen, absolutely not, she said.

On the night of the election Xie said she went to bed while Trump was still in the lead. The next morning, there were huge spikes in votes for Joe Biden in a few states, and Xie did a search for some answers.

Even with just common sense you know that somethings wrong. I didnt know what at first, but more and more the truth came out, and wow, it was fraud, she said. And the scale and magnitude of this fraud was shocking.

She was reluctant to believe fraud had happened, especially at first, but as more and more evidence came out in public hearings, Xie was horrified. There were cases of fraud at every level and across the country, something she did not think could happen in America.

Im truly saddened by this, Xie said. Her husband is an American and after the presidential election, they attended Stop the Steal protest in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Afterwards, she remember he sadly told her, America is dead.

I have never seen him so despondent, Xie said. It only quickened her resolve to protest election fraud.

Just as shocking as the fraud was the refutations and dismissals against the allegations, Xie added, as they were bald-faced lies made without conscience.

I asked my husband, what are we going to pass onto future generations? If one person lies, its a lie, but if masses of people lie its supposed to be alright? she said. I cannot accept this.

To the world, America upholds integrity, she said. She remembers the joy she felt when she first came to America, Xie said, pleasantly surprised to see people on the streets smiling and good natured. But today everything has changed, and I cannot believe it, I cannot accept it.

I absolutely cannot accept lies, and I cannot accept a so-called president who uses lies to win an election, Xie said. Seriously, look at what a great nation this is. And Trump is an incredibly brave president, and the country needs such a courageous person who will not give up the fight for truth to lead a great nation.

We cannot have a coward, a liar, indeed a thiefcan a great a nation as America accept a thief as their president? I dont care if he had anything to do with arranging the fraud, or if he was aware of the arrangements, though honestly with just common sense its impossible that he wouldnt know, Xie said.

So I really hope America can return to its right path. Go back toward God, and the Christian moral foundation the country was built on, and uphold these traditional values, she said.

She hoped other Chinese Americans would take a stand during this time of crisis as well. Xie said many of them might have come to this country for economic opportunity or good schools for their children, but sooner or later they have to realize that if they dont stand for the traditional moral values the country was built on, those freedoms fall away.

Think about what you really came here for, she said. The values are truly whats important  if you can make a lot of money here, but you dont have the freedom to think what you want and say what you believe, honestly eventually that hurts your economic freedom too. If you dont have freedom, you dont have opinions and your own thoughts. Freedom is what is most important.

Xie understands that a lot of Americans are still confused at this time; for example she has friends who say they also want the truth but are still waiting for mainstream media to reveal evidence of fraud before they can accept it. She tells people they should watch the public hearings to see the evidence for themselves instead.

We have this kind of responsibility, she said.

All Americans need to take a stand for what is true and right at this time, she said, but she understands why many people have become jaded, so she prays that God will help them see.

With reporting by Steve Wen.

Colonel Cyrille Atonfack capture d'ecran

A soldier is currently battling for life at the Yaounde military hospital after sustaining severe bullet wounds in an attack in Wum on New Years Eve, officials have said.

In a press release Wednesday, Navy Captain Atonfack Guemo Cyrille Serge, Head of the Communication Division at the Ministry of Defense unveils the circumstances under which the soldier sustained bullet wounds.

On Thursday 31st December 2020, at about 10 a.m., a soldier of the 51st Motorized Infantry Battalion returning to base became the target of heavy fire from secessionist terrorists on the heights of the place called Waindu, Wum Subdivision, in Menchum Division, North West Region, he said but failed to mention the name of the victim.

The victim sustained serious bullet wounds. Thus, he was evacuated to Bamenda. Following the severity of the wounds, he was transferred to the Military Hospital of the First Military Region in Yaounde for proper treatment, the press release adds.

Navy Captain Atonfack Guemo said following the attack, defense and security officers carried out research operations which led to the localization of a small group of terrorists in a house not far from the place of the assault, in the Zongokuo neighborhood.

Soldier gravely wounded in Wum (c) Archives

His words: Operations to arrest the occupants conducted on the night of 1st January 2021, unfortunately, led to the death of two members of the gang, under unclear circumstances. The victims are Kum Bah Gilbert alias Lion and Ngong Godlove, 28 and 23 years old respectively.

Reliable intelligence holds that they were into underground operations and that they only reappeared in the locality during the end of the year 2020 festivities.

Investigation opened by local administrative and defense and security authorities shall ascertain the causes of these unfortunate events.

Cameroons state forces have been battling to dislodge armed separatists who pitched their tents in the North West and South West Regions since Anglophone protests transformed into an armed conflict in 2017.

Corporate demands by Common Law Lawyers and Anglophone Teachers led to protests in November 2016. The street demonstrations later morphed into ongoing running gun battles between state forces and armed separatist fighters in the predominantly English-speaking regions, leading to untold destruction of human lives, their habitats, and livelihoods.

Tit-for-tat killings, kidnappings, arsons, maiming, and outright terror have become part of daily lives in some parts of the English-speaking regions.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, Congress did what it was always going to do and certified Joe Bidens Electoral College victory. Vice President Mike Pence presided over the joint session that resumed Wednesday evening, spanning two days and two different versions of America, which, at last, culminated in the pro forma certification of the 2020 election at 3:45 a.m. The tone and tenor of the day changed significantly following the violent insurrection staged by thousands of pro-Trump supporters. The outcome, however, which was never subject to change other than in the minds of those who staged the attack, remained the same: Joe Biden will be the next president of the United States. Pence read aloud the official tally of the 538 votes, articulating, once again, Bidens win with 306 electoral votes to Trumps 232.

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A group of Trump-aligned Republicans, led by Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, had planned on contesting the certification of a host of states, but the deadly Capitol invasion deflated much of the cynical Republican bluster. When the Trump mob stormed the building around 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, the process in the Senate, which is organized alphabetically by state name, had only gotten as far as Arizona. Republicans objected to the vote in the state, and the process was poised to turn long and sprawling with absurd objections made by Republicans in service of Trumps desire to stay in office. But when Congress reconvened after the mayhem of the afternoon, the performative display was largely curtailed.

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You did not win. Violence never wins, said Vice President Mike Pence as he condemned the violent supporters of President Trump who stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to block certification of the presidential election results pic.twitter.com/fwn1V78hrI  Reuters (@Reuters) January 7, 2021

The Republican charade was not completely dispelled, though, as Hawley and GOP Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry lodged a challenge to Pennsylvanias results. The Senate bypassed debate and quickly voted down the challenge 92 to 7. The House did the same after two hours of sometimes heated debate. Even after the days events, six Republican senators joined Hawley in supporting the Pennsylvania challenge: Sens. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Roger Marshall of Kansas, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Ted Cruz of Texas, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, and Rick Scott of Florida. Notably, neither of Pennsylvanias senators, one a Democrat and the other a Republican, signed on. In the end, both the Arizona and Pennsylvania challenges were voted down by wide margins in both houses. No other states results were subject to challenge.

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After Bidens win was certified, President Donald Trump released a statement through a White House aide because the presidents Twitter account had been suspended by the social media company earlier Wednesday. Trumps remarks for the first time explicitly acknowledged the outcome of the November election. Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th, the statement read. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!
A female doctor in Mexico was admitted to ICU after receiving the Pfizer-BioNtech Covid-19 vaccine a few days ago. Mexican authorities said they are investigating the matter after it was brought to their notice that the 32-year-old female doctor was admitted to hospital after receiving the Pfizer vaccine.

Mexican authorities are yet to reveal the name of the female doctor who is currently admitted at a public hospital in the northern state of Nuevo Leon. The doctor was admitted to the hospital after she experienced seizures, difficulty breathing and a skin rash.

The initial diagnosis is encephalomyelitis, the Health Ministry said in a statement released on Friday. Encephalomyelitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

According to the Mexico Health Ministry, the doctor has a history of allergic reactions. The ministry noted that there is no evidence from clinical trials that anyone developed encephalomyelitis after receiving Pfizer vaccine.

Victor Hugo Borja, an IMSS director, was quoted as saying by Reuters that the doctor is responding favourably to treatment and had suffered no new seizures. According to Borja, the doctor has also recovered some of the lost muscle strength.

Today, shes been able to sit up and its possible shell be discharged in the following days, said Borja at a news conference.

On Wednesday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had said that it was keeping an eye on allergic reactions to the coronavirus vaccines from Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc. The CDC has also appealed to the people to not get the second dose after facing a serious allergy.
A bail application for embattled fashion mogul Peter Nygard was adjourned Wednesday after lawyers for the attorney general of Canada requested more time to examine extradition materials from U.S. authorities and affidavits from his defence team.

A bail application for embattled fashion mogul Peter Nygard was adjourned Wednesday after lawyers for the attorney general of Canada requested more time to examine extradition materials from U.S. authorities and affidavits from his defence team.

Nygard, 79, is facing possible extradition to the U.S. to face charges of sex trafficking and racketeering spanning three decades.

Nygard, appeared by video from Headingley Correctional Centre for Wednesdays hearing, his long grey hear pulled back in a bun, wearing a disposable face mask, which he pulled below his chin at one point to reveal a grey moustache.

Peter Nygard appeared by video in a Winnipeg courtroom. (La Liberte Manitoba / Tadens Mpwene)

He was arrested on an extradition warrant and taken into custody Dec. 14. He will remain in custody pending a two-day bail hearing now scheduled for Jan 19-20.

Coverage of Winnipeg business icon Peter Nygard Click to Expand (Mintaha Neslihan Eroglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images/TNS) Winnipeg businessman Peter Nygard is the subject of a civil class-action lawsuit filed in the U.S. Posted: 11:45 AM Mar. 10, 2020 A class-action lawsuit alleges Winnipeg fashion mogul Peter Nygard lured women, many under the age of 18, to his Bahamian estate so he could assault, rape and sodomize them  part of a decades-long sex-trafficking scheme his companies helped him achieve. Justice officials in New York have filed a nine-count indictment against Nygard for sex-trafficking and racketeering offences over decades. Read Full Story

Scott Farlinger, counsel for the attorney general, said he will be opposing Nygards release, arguing he poses "a serious risk of flight," is a risk to offend while on release and that his release would bring the justice system into disrepute.

Nygard lawyers Jay Prober and Richard Wolson urged Queens Bench Justice Theodor Bock to at least start the hearing, arguing Nygard was at grave risk of contracting COVID-19 while in custody.

"To adjourn the matter without even getting started today would be grossly unfair and grossly unjust, particularly because COVID is rampant at Headingley," Prober said. "Every day that Mr. Nygard languishes there puts his life at risk."

Nygard has a pacemaker and suffers from several health conditions considered complicating factors for COVID-19, including coronary artery disease, Type 2 diabetes, and blood-pressure issues, a doctor said in an affidavit filed in support of his release.

"Mr. Nygard has a high probability of developing a severe morbid or fatal outcome while in custody," said Dr. Harvey Lee, identified in the affidavit as a doctor specializing in internal medicine, endocrinology and metabolism. "His current circumstances and present condition and the potential for contracting COVID-19 remains high."

Peter Nygard was arrested Dec. 15. (Jason Halstead / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Nygard, in his own affidavit, said his health has "seriously deteriorated" during his three weeks in custody.

"I am getting weaker every day," he said. "I have lost weight, have difficulty breathing (its getting worse), have suffered dizziness and fainting spells as well as numbness in my hands and toes. Unfortunately, I am not getting the nourishment necessary to keep me safe and healthy. I can only digest about 20 per cent of the food served."

Riddled by debt, Nygard doesnt have the money to flee the country, a Nygard International executive alleged in an affidavit. The Nygard Group of companies was placed in receivership last March after lenders White Oak Capital and Second Avenue Capital Partners went to court for repayment of a US$25 million loan.

"With the receivership of his companies Peter Nygard has lost virtually everything except for his home in the Bahamas and his Falcon Lake cabin," said Greg Fenske, who offered to put up a $900,000 surety for Nygard and let him live at a home he owns, under his supervision.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The Nygard Group of companies was placed in receivership last March after lenders White Oak Capital and Second Avenue Capital Partners went to court for repayment of a US$25 million loan.

"Knowing Peter Nygard the way I do, I do not consider him to be a flight risk whatsoever," Fenske said. "He remained in Winnipeg and Falcon Lake part of the winter (since February 2020), all of the spring, all of the summer and all of the fall knowing full well that he was under investigation by the U.S. authorities."

Prober dismissed concerns Nygard poses a flight risk, noting he previously offered, through his lawyers, to turn himself in to police in July, and again in September.

"Its unusual in my opinion that he wouldnt already have been released, in the form of a promise to appear (in court) or an undertaking," Prober told Bock. "I think the problem is Mr. Nygards case has generated a media frenzy, basically a lynch-mob atmosphere. Thats what we are faced with and its grossly unfair."

"Its unusual in my opinion that he wouldnt already have been released, in the form of a promise to appear (in court) or an undertaking"  Nygard lawyer Jay Prober

A nine-count indictment filed in the Southern District of New York spanning 1995 to 2020 alleges Nygard, business associates and co-conspirators engaged in a "pattern of criminal conduct involving at least dozens of victims in the United States, the Bahamas, and Canada, among other locations."

Nygard is accused of raping and trafficking women and young girls for sex, targeting victims from "disadvantaged backgrounds" and with a "history of abuse." He is accused of silencing them with "threats, false promises of modelling opportunities" and "other coercive means."

The allegations mirror those of more than 50 women included in a class-action lawsuit filed against Nygard in Manhattan last February.

Nygard said in his affidavit he has not renewed his passport and no longer owns a private jet. If released, he would "rigorously follow" all bail conditions, including 24-hour house arrest and wearing an electronic ankle bracelet.

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca
[January 07, 2021] Dynasil Appoints Militram Futuristic Technologies to Target Israel's Fast Growing Industrial, Commercial and Military Segments

NEWTON, Mass., Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dynasil Corporation of America ("Dynasil" or the "Company"), a leading developer and manufacturer of optics and photonics products, optical detection and analysis technology and components for homeland security, medical and industrial markets, today announces that it has appointed Militram Futuristic Technologies of Israel to pursue the growing demand in Israels industrial, commercial and military segments.

This is an important development for each of the Dynasil subsidiaries being able to serve the growing demands of the commercial, industrial, defense and military segments in Israel, said Peter Sulick, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Dynasil. It makes Dynasils deep-rooted expertise in optical materials, components, coatings, scintillation and detection solutions, and radiation detection and imaging, accessible to Israeli companies  both in government and industry. Dynasils manufacturing operations in the US will extend Militram and its customers in Israel the use of U.S. FMF/FMS congressional funding for the Israeli systems market. p align="justify">Militram Futuristic Technologies will represent products and solutions from Dynasil Fused Silica (DFS), Evaporated Metal Films (EMF Corp.), Hilger Crystals, and Optometrics. Dynasil joins an exclusive club of world-leading photonics companies represented by Militram in Israel.



About Dynasil

Dynasil Corporation of America develops and manufactures optics and photonics products, optical detection and analysis technology and components for the homeland security, medical and industrial markets. Combining world-class expertise in research and materials science with extensive experience in manufacturing and product development, Dynasil is commercializing products including dual-mode radiation detection solutions for Homeland Security and commercial applications and sensors for non-destructive testing. Dynasil has an impressive portfolio of issued and pending U.S. patents. The Company is based in Newton, MA, with additional operations in MA, MN, NY, NJ and the United Kingdom. More information about the Company is available at www.dynasil.com. About Militram

Militram is a leading solution provider of high-tech, leading-edge components, systems, sub systems and equipment. It is Israels largest and oldest representative company in electro optics with broad reach in both industrial and large military programs. It has the systems knowledge to support large military, airborne and space programs as well as highly qualified high-level personnel to support them.

SOURCE Dynasil Corporation of America

Contact: Patty Kehe Corporate Secretary Dynasil Corporation of America Phone: 617.668.6855 pkehe@dynasil.com

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Myanmar: Over 3,000 Myanmar migrant workers stage a protest in Mahachai

by YIN MYO THU

January 07,2021 | Source: Eleven Myanmar

More than 3,000 Myanmar migrant workers in Mahachai are staging a protest as over 30 Myanmar workers being infected with COVID-19 are discharged from hospital, said Khaing Gyi, Chairman of Aid Alliance Committee (AAC). Thai authorities placed a 14-day lockdown in Mahachai as the COVID-19 is spread around again in Samut Sakhon Province since December 17. The protest occurred as the authorities instructed over 30 Myanmar migrant workers, who are still infected with the COVID1-9 virus, to discharge from the hospital on January 4 and took them to stay inside the compound which has been placed on lockdown. The patients being sent back to the compound are women who have children. So arent the women having medical treatment? If the children are in emergency state, how they will do. So Myanmar migrant workers stage a protest against Thai authorities for sending back the patients, said Khaing Gyi.



More than 3,500 Myanmar migrant workers and over 1,000 Thai citizens are joined the protest. Officials from Myanmar embassy, Thai authorities and workers are negotiating. The workers asked for the confirmed patients to have medical treatment in separate place. According to Public Health Ministry of Thailand, more than 1,700 Myanmar migrant workers in Mahachai are being infected with the virus. A 68-year old woman from the Central Shrimp Market in Mahachai went ill on December 13 and tested positive. Thai authorities conducted swab test in the area.



The COVID-19 outbreak was occurred in Mahachai, Samut Sakhon Province, where Myanmar migrant workers mostly live. Most of people lived in Mahachai are Myanmar migrant workers and only ten per cent of population are Thai citizens. Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced more than 4,000 Myanmar workers are stranded in the province. Aid groups helping Myanmar migrant workers said Myanmar migrant workers are being discriminated in Thailand and some have been expelled from their job.



According to Bangkok Post, the outbreak started from Maha Chaing is reached to Phuket, Korat, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Pathom, Ratcha Buri, Suphan Buri and Bangkok. Thai authorities will conduct COVID-19 test COVID-19 test especially in warehouses, ports and harbours where fish are sold and bought in some provinces nearby of Samut Sakhun Province, where migrant workers are working.
Sports lie at the margins of our culture, different from how it is elsewhere in the world, and from how it used to be. This is one of the reasons why criminality among youth proceeds unchecked. There is no youth labour market, and the school system ruthlessly triages youth.
Nick de la Torre / HC

Devon Energy has completed its acquisition of rival WPX Energy, creating one of the nations largest shale players with a dominant position in West Texas.

The acquisition gives Oklahoma City-based Devon access to 400,000 acres in the Delaware Basin that spans West Texas and New Mexico. The combined company is expected to have production of 277,000 barrels a day and save $575 million in costs
Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2021 5:09 pm

The Southwest Washington Food Hub is hosting an informational session for food producers interested in selling through its cooperative Tuesday, Jan. 12, on Zoom.

The value-added producer outreach session is to help the food hub learn more about serving regional food manufacturers and finding businesses interested in selling through the hubs online platform.

The food hub, based out of Tumwater, aims to be the most robust regional sales platform for locally-sourced ingredients and value-added products in Southwest Washington. Producers are asked to attend this meeting and learn how they can expand their markets through the Southwest Washington Food Hub.

The food hub, launched in 2020, is a farmer-owned cooperative focused on sourcing products from Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Pierce and Mason counties. The cooperative is committed to developing new markets for local farmers and value-add processors, and provides an online ordering platform, aggregation, packing and delivery services.

The Southwest Washington Food Hub is a project the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) supports in its Regional Agriculture Development (RAD) efforts. The EDC is leading efforts to support agricultural business viability and building a more resilient regional food supply chain.

The Thurston EDC is working to build a vibrant agricultural economy sustained by diverse and high-value markets, access to necessary infrastructure for production, distribution and marketing and living wages.

We are working toward growing and processing more food within our region for distribution to the people of our region and beyond, the Thurston EDC said in a press release.

Food hub development, marketing and sales is supported by the Northwest Agriculture Business Center, Thurston WSU Extension, Pacific Mountain Workforce Council and Thurston Economic Development Council.

Join the Southwest Washington Food Hub for an informational session from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 12. For the Zoom link or more information, email the Southwest Washington Food Hub at: info@swwafoodhub.com.

GREENWICH  Appalling and embarrassing for our country was how Greenwich resident Randall Atcheson described the rioting in Washington, D.C., as demonstrators stormed the Capitol during a joint session of Congress on Wednesday afternoon.

I saw it and I said, This is not America. I dont know what this is, Atcheson said Thursday outside the outside the Starbucks on Greenwich Avenue. Its embarrassing, and we need to correct it as soon as possible.

The events weighed heavily a day later, as residents looked back on the actions of the protesters, who interrupted Congress as it counted the electoral college votes in President-Elect Joe Bidens victory, and blamed President Donald Trump for inciting the crowd.

But the kind of change that is needed, Atcheson said, will not happen just because Biden is replacing Trump. People must change how they treat one another, he said.

I think if everybody would go by the golden rule, do onto others as you would have them do onto you, we could go a long way in fixing a whole bunch of stuff, Atcheson said. His feelings, he said, came from the heart.

Kyle Clark, a town resident, said she was horrified and terrified by the rioting at the Capitol.

It was shameful and disgraceful, Clark said. It was probably one of the worst things Ive ever seen. It made me feel like I wasnt living in the United States.

There is a deep disparity between what the Republican Party once stood for and what the discourse has been under Trump, she said.

This is one persons fault and one persons fault only, Clark said, referring to Trump. As long as he is in still form of power, I dont think anythings going to change. I feel like as long as he has a platform, he will lord his power over these people. No one is taking a stand. Until people truly take a stand and not just go with whatever way the wind is blowing, this isnt going to change.

Town resident Ken Robertson said he believes Trump should be removed from office even though the president has less than two weeks left in his term. Many Democrats have called for Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, which can remove a sitting president or for Congress to begin a second impeachment proceeding against Trump.

What we saw was shocking, but for four years every time he has done something, I have said it was unbelievable and then he does something else, Robertson said. So what hes doing is actually not unbelievable but quite obvious.  This is not something I think thats suddenly going to be fixed because we have a new president and a Democratic Congress.

The rioters anger didnt surprise Robertson because he said there have been divisions in the country for more than 200 years.

Theyre more at the surface now, he said. It appears to be worse, but the seeds of it have always been there. Its like when you see a Black Lives Matter protest. Theyre not speaking about something thats just happened now. Theyre speaking about something going on through institutional racism. I hope there is more stability with the new administration, but I dont see this going away.

Jilly Lakeman, a native of Australia who moved to Greenwich seven years ago, blamed Trump for the events at the Capitol.

He started this, hes behind it, she said. I hope it will blow over, but Im afraid this is going to go on.

Her friends in Australia and New Zealand told her they had never seen anything like Wednesdays events, and neither had she, Lakeman said. She said she has despaired over what has happened to the country over the past four years, particularly after the events on Wednesday.

Its tragic, Lakeman said.

David Rojas, a native of Colombia who lives in Queens, N.Y., said he has seen violent protests before, but not like what he saw on Wednesday.

It was crazy, said Rojas, who was in Greenwich with his family to visit his grandmother. I have been in this country two years, and it is hard to believe that people from this country can do something like that. What was a bigger impact to me was that I kept asking, Where was the security in this country? How was it possible people could get inside? Where was the police? Where was the security? This is the United States. Its the country thats supposed to have the most powerful security. This had me worried.

Rojas, who was with his 18-month-old son Brandon, said one reason he and his family came to America was for security.

When you saw those protesters and you didnt know what they were capable of doing, I couldnt believe it, Rojas said. Its not that Colombia isnt secure, but in America you feel more secure. It was hard to believe.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com

Eoin Lalor Beirne (3) and his sister Aoibheann (6) have fun in the snow near their home in Kippure, Co Wicklow. Photo: Damien Eagers

Met Eireann has issued a new 18-hour nationwide weather warning with temperatures set to hit as low as -4C tonight.

The Status Yellow low temperature/ ice warning will come into effect at 5pm today and remain until 11am on Friday.

It came as snow and black ice caused travel chaos across Ireland.

Overnight snow falls across Ireland left many roads in a treacherous condition as temperatures sank to as low as minus 4C in places.

Siberian conditions are expected to continue for the next 48 hours as pedestrians and motorists were urged to use extreme care on roads and footpaths.

Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Kildare and Wicklow were all hit by snow falls - with heavier snow likely for the north and north east.

In north Cork, traffic was reduced to a crawl after snow falls left many areas resembling a winter wonderland.

Expand Close Rocco the dog enjoying the snow. Photo: Johnny Brew / Facebook

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Driving conditions on local roads near the Galtee Mountains in north Cork, south Limerick and south Tipperary were described as extremely challenging.

Black ice was reported on many roads with Gardai and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) urging people to adhere to the Government's Covid-19 advice to stay home and undertake only essential journeys.

A number of minor collisions were reported - virtually all related to motorists losing control of vehicles on slippery surfaces.

Freezing conditions are set to continue for the next few days as much of the country endures a short, sharp blast of Arctic-influenced weather.

Night-time readings will fall well below freezing, while daytime temperatures will not climb much beyond zero degrees. There will be freezing fog in places and widespread frost and icy patches.

A low of -4C was the forecast for last night, but that is expected to dip further on Friday night.

The deep cold means any snowfalls can be expected to lie, particularly on high ground, and even light dustings are likely to make roads and paths treacherous.

Met Eireann warned that temperatures could drop even lower on Friday evening.

Meteorologist Aoife Healy said everyone needed to take extra care outdoors because of the conditions.

Theres a cold front moving across the country and the cloud is building up ahead of that, but it does clear up behind that and it becomes quite clear and bright," she said.

With the winter sun, however, if there is any snow lying, it can create a really powerful glare that makes visibility difficult  especially for drivers.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland said all preparations were in place to grit the roads, and 200,000 tonnes of salt was available at regional depots with 360 gritting trucks and 327 snowploughs ready to deploy if needed.

Its an essential service so the restrictions wont interfere with that, said spokesman Sean ONeill.

Irish Independent
Shmoop Logo The Shmoop Heartbeat is major progress for education, social emotional learning, students, & teachers everywhere.  Shmoop's CEO, Andy Rahden

Shmoop Heartbeat has earned the Learner Variability product certification from Digital Promise. The product certification serves as a rigorous, reliable signal for district and school administrators, educators, and families looking for evidence of educational technology (edtech) products supporting learner variability.

Shmoop submitted evidence to Digital Promise confirming their commitment to supporting learning differences.

Now more than ever, we need to understand that every child being in a different place is the rule, not the exception. The Shmoop Heartbeat can help all schools & kids understand themselves holistically and be better prepared to learn said Shmoops Chief Experience Officer, Mike Soldan.

Educators and families want to know that edtech products support a broad range of learners, said Vic Vuchic, chief innovation officer and executive director of the Learner Variability Project at Digital Promise. The Learner Variability product certification celebrates those products that intentionally design for the whole child and allow learners to make adjustments based on their needs. Congratulations to these product companies!

In February, 2020, Digital Promise released the first of its edtech product certifications. After nearly a decade of edtech marketplace research, Digital Promise recognized that while education leaders want to know whether a product will improve learning, there is a strong distrust of product-authored studies. Through Product Certifications, consumers can narrow their options as they select products by identifying edtech that is truly committed to learner variability before trying it out in their classrooms.

The Learner Variability product certification uses a competency-based learning framework, developed in consultation with Digital Promises Learner Variability Project advisory board, expert researchers, and nearly 50 educators across the United States.

All developers, educators, edtech investors, and families are also encouraged to explore the Research Based Design Product Certification, sign the Research-Based Product Promise, and demand high-quality products that support each learner. More information on Digital Promises product certifications can be found at productcertifications.digitalpromise.org.

Press Contact:

Adam Weldon

Shmoop

aweldon@shmoop.com

Erica Lawton Weinschenk

Digital Promise

erica@digitalpromise.org

About Shmoop

Shmoop was founded in 2008 with a focus on easing the stress of the learning environment. Its Online Courses, Test Prep, Teaching Guides, Study Guides, and interactive Study Tools are written by teachers and educators, balancing a teen-friendly, approachable style with academically rigorous concepts. Shmoop sees 6 million monthly unique visitors and has won numerous awards from EdTech Digest, Tech & Learning, and the Association of Educational Publishers. (http://www.shmoop.com).

About Digital Promise

Digital Promise is a nonprofit organization that builds powerful networks and takes on grand challenges by working at the intersection of researchers, entrepreneurs, and educators. Our vision is that all people, at every stage of their lives, have access to learning experiences that help them acquire the knowledge and skills they need to thrive and continuously learn in an ever-changing world. For more information, visit the Digital Promise website website and follow @digitalpromise for updates.
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Australia's worst fears were realised on Thursday night when Queensland confirmed a mutant strain of Covid which plunged the UK into a third lockdown has escaped hotel quarantine and is in the community.

A woman in her 20s who works as a cleaner at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane's Spring Hill tested positive to the highly-contagious strain of the virus late on Wednesday.

Health officials have since determined she spent at least four days in the community while infected, visiting Brisbane's busiest train stations during peak hour and two grocery stores in her local community.

There are concerns the mutated virus, which is believed to be up to 70 per cent more contagious than previous strains, could have already spread among close contacts.

Queensland Health authorities maintained on Thursday that the employee did all the right things by seeking testing when she did - but fear the hyper virulent strain may have passed to others with ease.

There are mounting concerns that the super strain will prompt other state leaders to slam their borders shut to Queensland - particularly after the Sunshine State has been so quick to close to other states in the past.

States including Western Australia, which has banned people from NSW completely, have been trigger-happy when it comes to border closures after even the smallest outbreak - with the mutant outbreak likely to illicit a similar response from Premier Mark McGowan.

A terrifying map shows the Brisbane locations which have been exposed to the UK's mutant variant of the virus since January 2, including a busy train line, a Coles and a Woolworths

Drive-through clinics have been set up throughout Queensland and people are urged to get tested if they develop symptoms (pictured, a testing centre in Murrarrie, Brisbane)

The cleaner visited the Calamvale North Woolworths (pictured) between 11am and noon on January 3 while infected

Poll Should other states close their borders to Queensland? Yes No Should other states close their borders to Queensland? Yes 408 votes

No 79 votes Now share your opinion





Sydneysiders are not able to enter Queensland until at least the end of January after a cluster on the Northern Beaches spread through the city, with a new outbreak since popping up in the western suburbs.

Victoria has also shut its border to all of NSW, fearing another wave of the deadly virus - after its second left 820 people dead and millions suffering three months of strict lockdown.

Victorians have already been placed on high alert after recording 27 cases in recent weeks, believed to have been brought across the border from NSW by a visitor.

A terrifying map shows the locations which have been exposed to the UK's mutant variant of the virus since January 2.

The woman, who lives in Algester in Brisbane's south, last worked on January 2 before developing symptoms and seeking a Covid test on Wednesday night.

Prior to that, she caught a train to work from Altandi Station to Roma Street Station at 7am on Saturday, January 2, one of the busiest stations in Brisbane's CBD.

Later that afternoon, she boarded a 4pm train from Central Station back to Altandi Station. Contact tracers will use pre-paid travel cards to track potential contacts who may have been at one of the stations at the same time.

The next day, she visited the Calamvale North Woolworths between 11am and noon, and then two days later on January 5 visited Coles in Sunnybank Hills from 7.30am to 8am.

From 8am to 8.15am, she also visited the Nextra newsagent also in the Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown on the same day.

The infected cleaner, a woman in her 20s who lives in Algester, had been working at the Hotel Grand Chancellor at Spring Hill (pictured), with her most recent shift on January 2

Prior to that, she caught a train to work from Altandi Station to Roma Street Station (pictured) at 7am on Saturday, January 2

From 8am to 8.15am on January 5th, she also visited the Nextra newsagent also in the Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown (pictured)

It is not clear if any more locations will be identified in the coming days.

Health officials are urgently trying to trace the cleaner's contacts - prompting emergency restrictions for aged care homes and hospitals.

They are also urgently trying to establish whether she had a second job anywhere else.

The Hotel Grand Chancellor, where she was working at the time, has processed four Covid-positive cases recently, including one with the mutant UK strain.

The cleaner's diagnosis marks the first time in 113 days that a person in Queensland contracted the illness locally. All other infections have occurred in the hotel quarantine system.

Queensland was one of Australia's only states to have not experienced any breaches in the quarantine program prior to the cleaner's case, despite accepting a total of 60,000 returned travellers since the program was introduced on March 20, 2020 when international borders were slammed shut.

The UK variant of Covid entered Queensland via a returned traveller at Brisbane Airport and has been identified in quarantine throughout the nation. This is the first time it has leaked from hotel quarantine

The concerning infection comes just hours ahead of an emergency National Cabinet meeting to discuss further restrictions on the UK, fearing such an exposure.

Australian authorities have been at loggerheads in recent days discussing the mutant strain of the virus and the devastating impact it could have on the community if it were to escape quarantine.

Prior to Thursday, two returned travellers in Sydney, three in Perth, four in Victoria and one in South Australia had been diagnosed with the super strain, but it hadn't escaped quarantine.

In Sydney alone, 31 Covid-positive travellers returning from the UK have arrived in hotel quarantine between November and Boxing Day alone - though only two have been found to be carrying the new strain.

With lockdown in the UK and cases at an all-time high, more returning Australians than ever have been leaving the nation, with just 69 positive cases entering Sydney from the UK between March 29 and September 30.

Scientists fear the new mutated UK strain is between 50 per cent and 74 per cent more infectious than the original virus.

URGENT ALERT FOR AREAS THE INFECTED CLEANER VISITED Anyone who has been to the following locations  regardless of whether they have symptoms or not  should get tested and isolate until they receive their result. Saturday January 2: Train from Altandi to Roma Street at 7am Saturday January 2: Train from Central station to Altandi station at 4pm Sunday January 3: Woolworths Calamvale North from 11am to noon Tuesday January 5: Coles Sunnybank Hills from 7.30am to 8am Tuesday January 5: Nextra newsagent at Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown from 8am to 8.15am Advertisement

The strain has spiralled out of control in the UK, where infections reached a record 62,000 new daily cases on Wednesday, just hours after the nation's prime minister Boris Johnson said he had 'no choice' but to impose a brutal third national lockdown.

Initial estimates suggest more than 50 per cent of England's Covid cases between October and December are infected with this new strain, and modelling suggests that percentage could soar to 90 per cent by the end of January.

Passengers travelling from the UK and other COVID-19 hotspots are soon expected to face mandatory pre-flight coronavirus tests before they even step on the plane.

The infected cleaner, a woman in her 20s who lives in Algester, in Brisbane's south, had been working at the Hotel Grand Chancellor at Spring Hill

On January 5 the infected cleaner visited Coles in Sunnybank Hills from 7.30am to 8am while unknowingly infected

National Cabinet will on Friday discuss making face masks compulsory on all domestic flights, and subjecting flight crews to Covid tests and mandatory quarantine from next week.

Health chiefs will also consider a travel ban for UK and South Africa but it is unlikely to get the green light amid fears thousands of Australians stranded overseas and desperate to return home will unable to do so.

The mutant outbreak prompted Queensland's Chief Health Officer to impose swift restrictions on Thursday night, effective immediately.

Dr Jeannette Young said visitors will be banned from aged care, hospitals, disability services and corrections facilities.

This applies to those in Metro North, Metro South and West Moreton Hospital and Health Service regions.

'We're taking a very cautious approach with this case, now that we know for sure this person has the UK variant of the virus,' she said.

'Evidence shows that this variant is 70 percent more infectious than other strains.

'This is why I'm taking this firm action swiftly, to protect our most vulnerable facilities.'

A deserted Regent Street in London on January 5 as millions more worked from home again and non-essential shops are shut for at least seven weeks - as the mutant strain grips the nation's capital

Explained: UK's mutant Covid strain The highly infectious mutant strain of Covid now has 27 variations after it was first identified in Kent County, England, on September 21. It now represents more than 50% of new cases diagnosed between October and Dec, making it the most common strain of Covid in England presently. The deadly strain is believed to be more contagious and affects children worse than the original, prompting the government to plunge England back into its third nationwide lockdown. The new variant is between 50 per cent and 74 per cent more contagious than the last, but is not necessarily any more deadly. Advertisement

Experts are concerned Australian children could fall victim to the highly infectious virus if it does seep widely into the community.

Children were largely considered safe from the virus because of extremely low rates of serious illness, but the new strain appears more dangerous to young people.

Jeremy Nicholson, from Murdoch University's Australian National Phenome Centre, told The Australian the new mutations are more likely to enter children's lungs than in the past.

'The easier it is to get in, the more infectious it is and therefore the fewer virus particles in the air needed. This variant finds it easier to get into children than previous versions,' he explained.

'With the new variant they get much worse respiratory symptoms because the virus can get into the lung more easily.'

The quarantine system was brought into place on March 20 when Australia shut its borders, with only Australian citizens, permanent residents or those with special exemptions allowed in.

NSW narrowly avoided catastrophe four times in the past month due to Covid breaches in the hotel quarantine system for returned travellers.

All current outbreaks in the state, which threaten to derail Australia's envy-inducing handling of the pandemic, are linked to various bungles in the important isolation system.

Contact tracers have linked the Berala cluster, which has 16 known cases, to a quarantine driver who contracted the virus while transporting a family from an international flight to a hotel.

They believe he gave the virus to a colleague who then visited the alcohol store and passed it on to a staff member.

Sydney's last significant cluster in Avalon in the Northern Beaches is also believed to be linked to a separate leak from hotel quarantine.

Passengers are tested for Covid-19 at Melbourne Airport on December 20, with Australia running a careful quarantine system for travellers

A member of the Australian Defence Force speaks to a Victorian Police officer outside of a hotel quarantine facility. It was a similar leak that sparked the state's deadly second wave

Contact tracers said the Avalon cluster strain appeared to be similar to a virus variant detected in a quarantined American traveller who tested positive last month.

However, just how the virus spread to Avalon - sparking 148 cases, many contracted at local pubs - remains unknown.

'We may never find a link back,' NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said.

A cleaner at Darling Harbour's Novotel quarantine hotel tested positive to the virus on December 2. She has not been linked to any further cases and does not have the mutant strain.

Another driver, a Sydney Ground Transport employee who ferried around air crew from the airport to their hotel, tested positive on December 16, taking the number of breaches in the last month to four.

Both NSW and Victoria recorded zero new locally transmitted cases of Covid on Thursday, leaving Queensland as the only state in Australia to identify a case within the community.
Former Hong Kong Governor Lord Patten has called on the EU to scrap its controversial trade agreement with China as it would 'spit in the face of human rights'.

Former Hong Kong Governor Lord Patten has called on the EU to scrap its controversial trade agreement with China as it would 'spit in the face of human rights'.

The call comes as 53 people were arrested yesterday on suspicion of 'subversion' in Hong Kong in a dramatic escalation of China's crackdown on opposition in the city.

The sweep is the latest salvo in Beijing's battle to stamp out opposition after millions hit the streets in 2019 with huge and sometimes violent democracy protests.

Lord Patten said if the EU went ahead with the economic deal with China, which has not yet been ratified by the European parliament, it would make a 'mockery' of Europe's ambitions to be taken seriously as a global and economic player.

'It spits in the face of human rights and shows a delusional view of the Chinese Communist Party's trustworthiness on the international stage,' he said.

In comments designed to resonate with Germany, which is a key advocate of the deal, Lord Patten said: 'It is worth remembering, for all European politicians wherever they come from, that the Jewish community around the world has been outspoken about Xinjiang and in particular has drawn attention to the similarities between what is happening in that region today and the Holocaust in the 1940s.'

The call comes as 53 people were arrested yesterday on suspicion of 'subversion' in Hong Kong in a dramatic escalation of China's crackdown on opposition in the city

Pro-democracy activist Lester Shum is led away by police in a Wednesday morning crackdown which saw more than 50 activists arrested in Hong Kong

The economic deal would allow European firms operate in China in electric cars, telecom cloud services and certain activities linked to air and maritime transport.

They will also be allowed to fully own units in the automotive sector, many financial services, private hospitals, advertising, real estate and environmental services, such as sewage.

Lord Patten added that it was 'extraordinary' that Europe seems to believe that China can be trusted to sign up to international labour standards.

'Are we about to see the end of forced labour in Xinjiang and the development of a trade union movement in China? Forget it.'

Pro-democracy protesters defy Police crack down and national security law in October last year

He continued: 'It is surely inconceivable that the European Parliament can support the miserable draft deal that the European commission wants to sign with Beijing.

'It is a massive strategic blunder at a time when President [elect] [Joe] Biden will be seeking to put together an international partnership of liberal democracies to deal with the bullying loutish behaviour and assault on our international rules by Chinese Communists.

'We should not be seeking to contain China but to constrain the Chinese Communist Party.'

His comments come after an American human rights lawyer, John Clancey, was among more than 50 people arrested in Hong Kong yesterday.

He was detained on suspicion of 'subversion' after national security police searched his law firm which is known for taking on human rights cases in the former British colony.

US human rights lawyer John Clancey was among those arrested in the Central district, becoming the first American detained under the national security law

Mr Clancey, who was granted bail today, is the first US national arrested under the draconian new security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong last year. He is a veteran legal activist and a fluent Cantonese speaker who lives in the city that was roiled by protests last year.

'Continue to work for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong,' he told reporters as he was led away by officers. He has not made a comment since he was granted bail.

Police confirmed 53 people were arrested for 'subversion' in an early morning operation that involved some 1,000 officers.

The charges were sparked by an attempt by opposition groups last year to win a majority in the city's partially-elected legislature.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today threatened sanctions against individuals and organizations involved in the arrest of dozens of Hong Kong democracy figures, voicing anger that an American was among those rounded up.

Pompeo said the 53 people arrested Wednesday 'should be released immediately and unconditionally'.

'The United States will not stand idly by while the people of Hong Kong suffer under Communist oppression,' Pompeo said in a late-night statement after a day of political violence in Washington.

'The United States will consider sanctions and other restrictions on any and all individuals and entities involved in executing this assault on the Hong Kong people.'

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today threatened sanctions against individuals and organizations involved in the arrest of dozens of Hong Kong democracy figures, voicing anger that an American was among those rounded up

Pompeo, who remains in office for two weeks, said the United States would also 'explore restrictions' against the financial hub's trade representative office in Washington.

Pompeo, a vehement critic of Beijing, said he was 'appalled' by the arrest of John Clancey.

'Let me be clear: The United States will not tolerate the arbitrary detention or harassment of US citizens,' he said.

Hua Chunying, spokeswoman for China's foreign ministry, said Pompeo's statement was 'in serious violation of the norms governing international relations', and urged the secretary of state to 'stop interfering in China's internal affairs'.

'For a period of time, we have seen a minority of anti-China politicians in the Trump administration continue to stage their final madness, unscrupulously using their remaining term to deliberately undermine China-US relations and serve their personal political interests,' she said.

'This kind of move goes against the trend of history and will surely be punished by history.'

Ben Chung, a member of a pro-democracy political group, is led away by police during the round-up of more than 50 Hong Kong opposition figures

Pompeo also announced that Kelly Craft, the US ambassador to the UN, would soon travel to Taiwan, calling the island 'a reliable partner and vibrant democracy that has flourished despite CCP (Chinese Communist Party) efforts to undermine its great success'.

'Taiwan shows what a free China could achieve,' he added.

The outgoing Trump administration has sent a bevy of high-level diplomatic delegations to Taiwan in the last year as it clashes with China on trade, security and human rights. No date was given for Craft's upcoming visit.

Hong Kong's security chief John Lee described the arrests as 'necessary' and aimed at a group of people who tried to 'sink Hong Kong into an abyss'.

But the operation sparked a rebuke from Antony Blinken, Joe Biden's pick for Secretary of State, who said authorities were launching 'an assault on those bravely advocating for universal rights'.

'The Biden-Harris administration will stand with the people of Hong Kong and against Beijing's crackdown on democracy,' he added.

Western politicians accuse Beijing of dismantling the 'one country, two systems' arrangement which means the former British colony enjoys freedoms unknown in mainland China.

Those detained represented a broad cross-section of Hong Kong's opposition, from veteran former pro-democracy lawmakers such as James To, Andrew Wan, Lam Cheuk-ting and Claudia Mo to a host of younger activists.

Among the youth campaigners were Gwyneth Ho, a former journalist turned social activist, district councillor Tiffany Yuen and Jeffrey Andrews, a campaigner known for working with ethnic minorities.

Colleagues of Joshua Wong, one of the city's most famous democracy activists who is currently in jail, said via his official Facebook account that his home was searched.

The police operation also involved the media.

Three local news outlets - Stand News, Apple Daily and Inmediahk - said national security police visited to request documents.

'This is a real night of the long knives, the largest single attack upon democracy in Hong Kong yet,' said Antony Dapiran, a lawyer who has written books on the city's protest movement.

Nathan Law, a prominent democracy leader who fled overseas last year, accused authorities of trying to 'extinguish the flames of resistance' with the latest arrests.

The foundations of Wednesday's mass arrests were laid last summer when pro-democracy parties organised an unofficial primary for local legislative elections which were ultimately scrapped altogether.

Police outside Lester Shum's office during the crackdown in the former British colony, where China is accused of dismantling the 'one country, two systems' arrangement

Only half the legislature's 70-seats are popularly elected. The campaign's aim was to win all 35 elected seats and take a majority in the legislature for the first time and try to block government policies.

More than 600,000 Hong Kongers turned out to vote in the unofficial poll which infuriated Beijing.

Chinese officials at the time warned any attempt to win a majority and block government policies constituted 'subversion' under the new security law.

The national security law was imposed on Hong Kong in late June in response to the 2019 protests, targeting acts Beijing deems to be secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

Officials said the security law would only target an 'extreme minority'.

But it swiftly silenced dissent and outlawed a host of peaceful political views with dozens of prominent figures targeted even before Wednesday's operation.

Over the course of the last year, prominent democracy supporters have been arrested, jailed, barred from politics or have fled overseas.

National security crimes carry a maximum of life in prison and bail is not usually granted for those who are charged.

The law also toppled the legal firewall between Hong Kong's independent judiciary and the mainland's Communist Party-controlled courts.

China has claimed jurisdiction over especially serious security crimes and has allowed its security agents to operate openly in the city for the first time.
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Premier Senior Living, a senior living management company, has announced the plan to bring its new Revela brand to Illinois. Revela of O'Fallon, a new assisted living and memory care community, is coming to O'Fallon, Illinois. This 92-unit, 89,000 square foot development is planned to break ground in mid-February 2021, with an opening date of April 2022. Comprised of 60 assisted living and 32 memory care units, the community was designed by St Louis Design Alliance and will be constructed by Poettker Construction.

Revela of O'Fallon

"We are excited to bring Revela to O'Fallon and look forward to developing a strong relationship with the O'Fallon community. Our passion is the creation and operation of stellar senior living communities and this furthers our mission and growth," said Eric Hadley, Executive Vice President of Premier Senior Living. "In mid-2022 we will have the pleasure of welcoming home the new residents of Revela of O'Fallon" Hadley remarked.

Revela of O'Fallon will anchor new development on the eastern edge of O'Fallon, as part of a 26-acre mixed-use development on Seven Hills Road, near the O'Fallon Public Safety facility and YMCA. The overall mixed-use development consists of three components, including office, senior living, and residential land uses. "This project already addresses a goal frequently discussed within our 2040 Master Plan by ensuring residents have optimal housing during whatever stage in their lives they may be in," says Mayor Herb Roach. "O'Fallon is proud to have Premier Senior Living developing here on Seven Hills Road."

"When it comes to senior lifestyles and care, Premier Senior Living is leading the way in providing lifestyles and services that are empowering, encouraging and engaging for our residents, our families, and our staff. We are pleased to have the support and active involvement of the City of O'Fallon and, together, we can make O'Fallon home throughout all phases of life," said Hadley.

About Premier Senior Living: Based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Premier Senior Living manages and develops senior living communities. Premier seeks intentional growth with a desire to preserve local community presence and identity. Senior living: including independent living, assisted living and memory care, is our core purpose. www.premierseniorliving.com

About the City of O'Fallon: Located along Interstate 64 in Southern Illinois, O'Fallon is a key part of the St. Louis Metro East. Home to national retailers and local businesses alike, it is among the fastest-growing cities in the region and ranked as one of the best places to live by several national publications. www.ofallonillinois.org

Contact: Eric Hadley

Telephone: 843-296-3985

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.premierseniorliving.com

SOURCE Premier Senior Living

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https://www.premierseniorliving.com


Syracuse, NY -- President Trump has lost the moral authority to lead following the deadly rioting Thursday at the U.S. Capitol, according to Ryan McMahon, Onondaga Countys Republican executive.

As for whether Vice President Michael Pence should pursue Trumps removal under the 25th Amendment, or whether Congress should impeach the president again, seeking his removal, McMahon suggested that caution was the best way forward right now.

But he described a surreal experience of watching the events unfold from afar.

It was just a devastating day for our country, McMahon said. The president lost the moral authority to lead the country. The vice president was given a loyalty test, and the vice president passed that loyalty test, and Im very proud of that.

It was a shocking and devastating day. Just shocking.

McMahon, speaking at a coronavirus briefing, answered a question about his reaction to the rioting at the end.

Pro-Trump protesters, fueled by the Presidents calls for resistance, broke into the U.S. Capitol and sent lawmakers scrambling for cover. Four died and scores of law enforcement were injured in the ensuing chaos.

Theres no leadership in the White House right now, McMahon said, adding that whatever was best for the transition to President-Elect Joe Biden needed to happen.

He noted that voters dont seem to be happy with either party: Republicans lost the White House and Senate, while Republicans picked up seats in the still-Democrat-controlled House of Representatives.

Words matter, McMahon repeated during his answer, later adding: Words matter on the left and right.
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi - Vietnam has been successful in controlling COVID-19 in 2020 and is likely to keep the situation contained next year, said Joseph Incalcaterra, chief economist for ASEAN at the HSBC Global Research, on an article recently published on www.dailymirror.uk.



Incalcaterra said Vietnam together with Singapore are two Southeast Asian countries that will be able to keep the pandemic under control and smoothly roll out vaccines.



He praised Vietnams handling of the virus, and said its response to the pandemic allowed the country to maintain its reputation as a very good destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). The country has been seen as an alternative manufacturing hub for companies, given that FDI this year remains very resilient into Vietnam.



Overall, however, Southeast Asia may not benefit from a vaccine in the near future, given the logistical difficulties in rural parts of the region.



We really dont have great visibility on the short-term recovery, given how deep the damage is, he added.



According to him, until the virus is under control, it is hard to see this investment engine regain its momentum. Meanwhile, ambitious infrastructure programmes pursued by countries to make the region a reliable manufacturing production base have been installed, which he said, is the biggest short-term hindrance to growth in Southeast Asia.
Australians will start getting vaccinated against Covid-19 in mid-February and the jab may be compulsory for some people, Scott Morrison announced on Thursday.

The prime minister said he expects regulators to approve the Pfizer vaccine, which has already been rolled out around the world, before the end of January.

The American company ships the vaccine two weeks after approval and then another week will be spent testing the batch when it arrives in Australia.

The vials will then be sent to hospitals around the nation.

Supporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground wore full-body protection as they entered on Thursday

Hotel quarantine workers, healthcare workers and aged care staff and residents will be vaccinated first.

Elderly people, indigenous Australians over 55, people with clinical conditions and high-risk workers will be next.

Despite repeatedly insisting that a Covid-19 vaccine will be voluntary, Mr Morrison flagged the possibility that it may be a legal requirement for certain types of people to get the jab.

He said National Cabinet discussions 'will include the necessity for state governments and territory governments to harmonise and ensure and national consistency in public health orders which is the process by which any requirement to have the vaccine is made legal across Australia.'

Pressed further by journalists, the prime minister refused to say if a legal direction to get vaccinated would apply to quarantine workers or aged care residents.

'All I have said today is that discussion needs to be had and so we will have that discussion,' he said.

'That is an important public health discussion that needs to be had with states and territories.'

The government also expects regulators to approve the AstraZeneca vaccine and roll it out in March.

Initially, imported doses will be used before Australia begins producing its own vials at the CSL factory in Melbourne.

Initially, between 30 and 50 hospitals will be used as hubs to distribute the Pfizer vaccine.

Then general practice clinics, existing Commonwealth GP respiratory clinics and a number of other state run vaccination clinics will be used.

Covid-19 testing at a new walk-in clinic in Berala on Thursday

Each person will receive two jabs of the same vaccine about a month apart.

Mr Morrison is targeting 80,000 vaccinations a week in February and wants this number to rapidly increase to issue four million jabs by the end of March.

The Pfizer jab is much more difficult to distribute because it must be stored at -70C so the AstraZeneca jab will be the one distributed to remote populations.

The prime minister said he and Health Minister Greg Hunt will get the vaccine on TV early to improve public confidence.

'It's important for public confidence for leaders around the country and I'll make myself available to do that. I've had no discussion with the premiers but I'm sure they would as well,' he said.

Scott Morrison has announced a coronavirus vaccine will be rolled out to vulnerable people in Australia in mid February

The vaccines will be distributed to each state based on the number of priority people that need the vaccine, not based on the amount of infections in each area.

The last group to be vaccinated will be children. Professor Brendan Murphy said: 'We know that children are at very low risk of getting Covid and transmitting Covid and the vaccine has not yet been thoroughly tested against children.'

The government expects every Australian who wants a jab to get one by October.

But the prime minister said that Covid safe practices will continue throughout 2021 even with the vaccine.

'Vaccination is not a silver bullet Covid safe practices do not end, they continue.

'Covid safe practices will be a 2021 lived experience. It will still be a fight over the course of 2021 but this will add a very significant further defence and offence I should in combatting the virus around the world,' he said.

Mr Morrison said the Theraputic Goods Administration was working overtime to approve the vaccines but was not cutting any corners.

COVID-19 testing at the Merrylands drive-through clinic in Sydney on Thursday

'There have been no delays in this process... it is moving considerably faster than the normal vaccination approval process in Australia but without skipping a step, without cutting a corner,' he said.

Countries around the world including the US and UK have already been rolling out the vaccine under emergency approval.

The prime minster said Australia did not need to do this because the number of infections here is much lower.

Meanwhile, the National Cabinet of state leaders will meet on Friday to discuss tightening hotel quarantine due to worries about the UK's more infectious strain of coronavirus.
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Pen Underwriting, the UK-based managing general agent, announced a new long-term UK capacity deal with Zurich Insurance in the specialist area of hazardous industries and tanker transportation, building on a strategic partnership of consistent capacity provision that dates back more than 30 years.

The agreement will see Zurich provide capacity in excess of 165 million (US$224.7 million) in premium over the next five years for Pens Hazardous Goods and Environmental Industries motor fleet proposition. Pens products in this area are tailored to the specific needs of different segments of the high hazard transportation and distribution sector, such as companies working in fuels and oil, chemicals, lubricants, LPG, liquid waste and industrial cleaning as well as non-hazardous tanker operators.

Pen said the new deal underlines its commitment to serving and supporting businesses in the hazardous, environmental and bulk liquid industries, where risk management expertise and loss mitigation services combine with insurance protection to offer brokers and their clients market-leading propositions, direct access to experienced technical underwriters and embedded extras, including 24/7 emergency spill response.

We are absolutely delighted to secure the continued long-term commitment from Zurich in support of our UK fleet insurance solution in this highly specialist market, commented Adam Shefras, managing director of Hazardous Goods & Environmental Industries at Pen Underwriting.

Set against the current backdrop of market challenges, the strength and longevity of our partnership with Zurich, our decades of experience and close relationship with industry bodies enable us to provide brokers and their clients with much-needed consistency, appropriate protection and long-term sustainability across a sector that has to be able to manage catastrophic losses.

Our long-term collaboration with Pen Underwriting and mutual commitment to keeping the UKs hazardous and environmental industries moving is one we are very pleased to renew and build upon, said Kevin Morton, strategy manager from Zurich.

Pens sector expertise, underwriting discipline, claims service, provision of timely and accurate data and constant drive for improvement in all aspects of the portfolio continue to make this an important and attractive distribution opportunity for Zurich and an extremely valued partnership, Morton added.

Source: Pen Underwriting

Topics Mergers Underwriting

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The head of a union representing flight attendants from 17 airlines said the people who were part of the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday should be barred from getting back on planes and flying home.

In a statement released Wednesday night, Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, condemned the "mob mentality behavior" on flights to the District of Columbia area on Tuesday that included passengers heckling Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and getting into shouting matches.

"Some of the people who traveled in our planes yesterday participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today," Nelson said in the statement Wednesday. "Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area."

She continued: "Acts against our democracy, our government, and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight."

Nelson called on airlines as well as law enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation to protect passengers and crew by "keeping all problems on the ground."

The union did not say who should be responsible for keeping passengers off planes or how those people should be identified. D.C. police had arrested 13 people by Wednesday night. A mob of hundreds broke through the Capitol's doors and windows, prompting an armed standoff and forcing lawmakers to evacuate. One woman was shot and later died.

An AFA statement said crew layovers had moved from the downtown D.C. area and that the union was working with airlines to confirm the safety of crew members.

"We are taking a hard line for flight safety and we are encouraging airlines, government agencies, and law enforcement to help keep problems off our flights," the statement said. "It is important we maintain order and calm in our cabins - for safety and security immediately and for confidence in air safety among the traveling public."

Representatives for United and Southwest either did not immediately respond to questions about the statement Wednesday night or declined to address it.

American Airlines said it was "working closely with local law enforcement and airport authority partners to ensure the safety of our customers and team members on the ground and in the air" and had increased staffing at airports in the D.C. area as a precautionary measure.

A statement from Delta Air Lines said the airline would not discuss specifics about its safety and security measures.

"Delta continually works with law enforcement agencies and all aviation stakeholders to enact methods - both seen and unseen - as part of our unwavering efforts to keep everyone safe at our airports and on our flights," the statement said. "We expect our people and customers to treat one another with dignity and respect as we safely fly them to their destinations, including wearing of masks and following all instructions from Delta people at the airport and on-board."
Vedantu, a pioneer in LIVE online tutoring in India, has announced two senior appointments in its marketing team with Kunal Dubey as Head of Marketing and Lucky Saini as Head of Brand. The dynamic duo has been working together in the industry for the last 7 years and will spearhead marketing efforts to position Vedantu as the most preferred and loved EdTech brand amongst students and parents. At the precipice of becoming one of the largest EdTech brands globally, Vedantus growth strategy will be strongly supported by the marketing & brand team. Based in Bengaluru, Kunal and Lucky will report to the companys COO, Arvind Singhal.

Arvind Singhal, Chief Operating Officer, Vedantu said, As we enter our next phase of unstoppable growth, Kunal and Luckys diverse experience in the internet, startup and advertising ecosystem will propel our brand to greater heights. While Kunal will build a high-performance marketing team and set the bar for customer growth and media innovations, Lucky will lead the task of brand building through inspiring brand storytelling and bring alive the Vedantu DNA as an experience at every touchpoint. Together they will define the marketing and brand playbook and steer Vedantu towards becoming one of the most student centric, trusted and loved brand in India.

On his appointment Kunal Dubey, Head of Marketing, Vedantu said, Vedantus culture reflects the organizations rock-solid foundation as well as empathetic leadership. I am humbled to take on this role and believe that a strong culture leads to great business stories. I look forward to building a passionate marketing team that lives and breathes our brand purpose every day.

Lucky Saini, Head of Brand, Vedantu said, "The culture and energy at Vedantu is infectious and inspiring. To get an opportunity of being a part of this soulful and passionate brand journey that is reinventing and re-imagining learning & teaching for India is very exciting. With my experience in consumer behavior, brand strategy and creative marketing, I look forward to telling the Vedantu story in the most engaging and relevant way.

Kunal & Lucky brings diversified yet complementary skillsets and enormous creative experience of working together with several brands in the last 6 to 7 years. From co-leading Big Billion Days to founding Dentsu Slingshot, the duo has been instrumental in building various brands in their career.

Individually, Kunal brings with him 15 odd years of overall experience, out of which 9 years in the startup ecosystem- eBay India, Flipkart, and PhonePe. In his previous roles, he has led Flipkart's media team as well as the marketing for India's most prominent retail event, Big Billion Days, until 2019. As an intrapreneur, he also started a new business model with Dentsu Slingshot  that provides end-to-end marketing services to startups and early-stage marketing units. Kunal holds an MBA in Marketing from N.L Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research.

Lucky has over a decade of experience in marketing and advertising at Ogilvy and Autumn Grey, along with marketing stints at Flipkart, Dentsu Slingshots, Manipal Education, and Manipal Group. He has led multiple functions while at Flipkart, from category marketing and customer acquisition to brand building initiatives, in his previous roles.
Traffic is likely to be disrupted on the outskirts of Delhi on the 43rd day of farmers agitation as the protesters plan to carry out a tractor march on Thursday, converging on the eastern and western peripheral expressways that form a ring around the national Capital. This is likely to affect commuters on Kundli-Manesar-Palwal highway, Eastern Peripheral Expressway and the National Highway-9.

The tractor march comes a day ahead of another round of talks with the government over farmers demand for repeal of the three farm laws passed by Centre in September. Last week, agitating farmers had announced that Thursdays tractor march would be a rehearsal of their march on Rajpath on January 26, Republic Day.

Shalini Singh, joint commissioner of police (western range), said that since the march is not scheduled to enter Delhi, the police arrangement would remain as before but traffic on the outskirts is likely to be affected.

Also read | Farmers make their protest waterproof at Singhu border

Police in Gautam Buddh Nagar said they will enforce diversions on the Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal or Eastern Peripheral Expressway. In view of this, vehicles will not be allowed to get on the eastern peripheral expressway from Beel Akbarpur and Sirsa cut towards Palwal from 12pm to 3pm. Similarly, vehicles wont be allowed on the expressway from Sirsa cut and Beel Akbarpur towards Sonipat from 2pm to 5pm and will be diverted, police said in a statement.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials also said the tractor march will affect traffic on both eastern and western peripheral expressways. Tractors are not allowed on eastern periphery expressway and there will be traffic disruption if they carry out a march. We will speak to the district officials about the issue, said Mudit Garg, project director of NHAI.

Meanwhile, Delhis borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh continue to remain closed at several points on Thursday due to the ongoing agitation. The Capitals borders with Uttar Pradesh at Chilla and Ghazipur have remained closed for those coming from Noida and Ghaziabad while the opposite carriageway remains open.

For those coming into Delhi from Uttar Pradesh, the traffic police advised them to take routes passing through Anand Vihar, DND, Loni DND and Apsara borders which have remained mostly unaffected.

For borders between Delhi and Haryana, the routes passing through Singhu, Tikri, Auchandi, Piau Manyari, Saboli, and Mangesh continue to remain closed.

Jhatikara border is open for light vehicles and pedestrians while only a single carriageway of the Jharoda border is open for traffic.The traffic police said that they have been diverting traffic from Mukarba and GTK Road. Motorists who need to travel between Delhi and Haryana can choose other border routes such as the Daurala, Kapashera, Badusarai, Rajokri NH-8, Bijwasan/Bajghera, Palam Vihar and Dundahera.

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CHICOPEE  Two people accused of manufacturing THC extract oil and a psychedelic drug and growing marijuana without a license were arrested after firefighters uncovered the illegal drug operation while extinguishing a fire.

David Chmielewski, 38, of Chicopee, and Stephanie Rollings, 37, of Springfield, face charges of manufacturing and cultivating class C and D drugs and possession to distribute class C and D drugs, said Danusia Liszka, police public information officer.

The arrest stemmed from a fire that occurred at about 11:15 a.m. at 348 Montcalm St. Residents escaped safely and the fire was extinguished quickly by Chicopee firefighters.

After the fire was extinguished, fire investigators notified Chicopee police narcotics detectives that they had found evidence of what is believed to be an elaborate operation to cultivate and manufacture illegal substances, Liszka said. The investigation came to a halt until the Chicopee Police Department could obtain a search warrant.

The state Hazardous Materials team also responded and assessed the home for harmful chemicals and byproducts from the manufacturing operation. After it was cleared by the team, police searched the home, she said.

The state Department of Environmental Protection, the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit and the State Police Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team also assisted city police and fire departments, she said.

We also want to thank the citizens in the neighborhood for their patience and understanding during this event, she said.

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The UKs competition regulator has launched an investigation into NVIDIAs $40 billion acquisition of ARM. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has asked interested third parties to submit views on the deal ahead of an investigation that will commence later in 2021.

ARM employs 3,000 people in Britain, but the CMA wont consider the takeovers impact on employment. Rather, it will assess how the deal will impact product prices and quality. The regulator has the power to block the deal if it finds that it breaks UK antitrust laws.

The chip technology industry is worth billions and critical to many of the products that we use most in our everyday lives, said CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli in a statement. We will work closely with other competition authorities around the world to carefully consider the impact of the deal and ensure that it doesnt ultimately result in consumers facing more expensive or lower-quality products.

The CMA is likely to consider whether, following the takeover, ARM has an incentive to withdraw, raise prices or reduce the quality of its IP licensing services to NVIDIAs rivals.

ARM was a standalone public company before it was acquired by Japans Softbank for $32 billion in 2016. In September 2020, NVIDIA announced a takeover of the firm. At the time, ARM chief executive said it would take up to 18 months for the deal to be approved by regulators around the world.

ARM designs and licenses (but doesnt manufacture) chips mainly for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Those are used by Apple for its A14 smartphone and M1 Mac processors, along with Qualcomm, Samsung and numerous other manufacturers.

In October 2020, ARMs co-founder Hermann Hauser said that the takeover has the potential to end ARMs neutral position in the tech industry. NVIDIA has an opportunity to become the quasi monopoly supplier of microprocessors to the world, he told the Guardian. This [deal] will give NVIDIA a dominant position in all processor segments and create another US technology monopoly.
Members of Pennsylvanias congressional delegation described the violence at the U.S. Capitol as a disgrace and unacceptable.

Supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol as Congress met Wednesday to count the electoral votes, a final procedural step before Joe Biden becomes the nations 46th president. Members of Congress, Vice President Mike Pence and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris were ushered out of the Capitol in an unimaginable scene garnering worldwide attention.

Members of Congress condemned the rioting in the U.S. Capitol. Some lawmakers said they were simultaneously angry, heartbroken and undeterred from fulfilling their duties. Two House Democrats from Pennsylvania said Trump should step down or be removed for inciting the violence.

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, a Lehigh County Democrat, told CBS News about the surreal scene of glass breaking and the sound of shots being fired.

Harrowing day, but Im still here, Wild said on Twitter.

We will certify this election, she said. We will fulfill our duty to this country. We will not be intimidated by the actions of these terrorists.

Harrowing day, but Im still here.



We will certify this election.

We will fulfill our duty to this country. We will not be intimidated by the actions of these terrorists. https://t.co/a553kIKgRd  Rep. Susan Wild (@RepSusanWild) January 6, 2021

In a striking photo, U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., held Wilds hand as the violence engulfed the Capitol.

Rep. Jason Crow comforts Rep. Susan Wild while taking cover. (Tom Williams, CQ/Roll Call) https://t.co/KCm7KGyRZT pic.twitter.com/u35i6VDh1E  Justin Miller (@justinjm1) January 6, 2021

U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, a Lehigh County Republican who had said its time for all lawmakers to accept Bidens victory, denounced the invasion of the Capitol.

This is an absolute disgrace, Toomey said.

Toomey spoke on the Senate floor Wednesday night in defense of Pennsylvanias election.

We witnessed today the damage that can result when men in power and responsibility refuse to acknowledge the truth, Toomey said. We saw bloodshed because a demagogue chose to spread falsehoods, and sew distrust of his own fellow Americans. Lets not abet such deception. Lets reject this motion.

This is an absolute disgrace. I appreciate the work of the United States Capitol Police under difficult circumstances. I am currently safe as are the few members of my staff that are currently at the Capitol complex.  Senator Pat Toomey (@SenToomey) January 6, 2021

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., spoke on the Senate floor Wednesday night in defense of the integrity of Pennsylvanias election. He rebuked what he described as attempts to disenfranchise Pennsylvanias votes based upon a lie that the election was fraudulent.

That same lie sowed the seeds of todays violence and todays lawlessness here in the Capitol, Casey said on the Senate floor.

Two Democratic members in the Philadelphia suburbs, U.S. Reps. Madeleine Dean and Mary Gay Scanlon, said Trump should resign or be removed from office.

The president incited an assault on the seat of government because he cannot accept the reality of his election loss, Dean wrote on Twitter. He is clearly unfit for office and must be removed from command.

Earlier Scanlon wrote on Twitter, My heart is broken for our country.

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican representing Bucks County, said on Twitter the violence in the Capitol was nothing short of a coup attempt.

Fitzpatrick was the lone Pennsylvania House Republican who did not sign a letter objecting to the count of Pennsylvanias electoral votes. He also blamed President Trump for igniting the violence.

The President of the United States has been lying to his supporters with false information and false expectations, Fitzpatrick said. He lit the flame of incitement and owns responsibility for this.

Eight of Pennsylvanias nine U.S. House Republicans had said they planned to object to the count of the Keystone States electoral votes. Still, those lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York, also decried the violence at the Capitol.

Today in DC should have been about meaningful debate, peaceful protest and the Rule of Law -- not chaos and talks of coups, Perry said in a post on Twitter. I unequivocally condemn any violence and criminal acts taking place, and pray for a restoration of peace.

Today in DC should have been about meaningful debate, peaceful protest and the Rule of Law -- not chaos and talks of coups. I unequivocally condemn any violence and criminal acts taking place, and pray for a restoration of peace.  RepScottPerry (@RepScottPerry) January 6, 2021

U.S. Rep. John Joyce, another Republican representing part of central Pennsylvania, said he was disheartened by the attack on the Capitol.

Our nation was founded on the principles of freedom of speech & peaceful demonstration, Joyce said on Twitter. Violent protest is always unacceptable. Like so many Americans, I am deeply saddened by the unlawful attacks on the Capitol. This must end.

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, a Republican from Luzerne County, described his view when rioters stormed the Capitol.

I stayed back trying to help secure the doors, Meuser said on Twitter. Capitol Police kept everyone safe, while putting themselves at risk. We must be grateful to our law enforcement and condemn violent lawlessness. God bless America. We will get through this.

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, a Lancaster County Republican, thanked the Capitol police for keeping him and his staff safe but expressed astonishment at the days events.

I am horrified by the violence and destruction at the Capitol, Smucker said on Twitter. This is not who we are as a country. Please go home now.

Similarly, U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat, said the Capitol rioting represented the worst of America.

I served this country in both the Air Force and now in Congress, Houlahan said on Twitter. People give their lives so that we can live in a peaceful and free society with a peaceful transition of power. Todays violent actions at the Capitol are the antithesis of who we are as a country.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, who represents part of the Pittsburgh suburbs, said he was angry but not intimidated.

We will not give up, Lamb said. Arrest & prosecute the people who invaded our Capitol & lets get back to work.

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, an Erie Republican, said the violence cannot be tolerated.

We know there is a lot of anger over this election and whats happening in America, but this is not who we are, Kelly said. We resolve our disputes peacefully under the rule of law. This must stop now.

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Philadelphia Democrat, said he was moved by the many inquiries about his safety.

I will also tell you this: we will not let some band of thugs stop us from doing our constitutional duty, he said on Twitter. Our democracy is at stake.

More from PennLive

Blame for U.S. Capitol violence lies squarely with Trump, former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge says

President Trumps supporters attempted a coup: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf on U.S. Capitol attack

After U.S. Capitol rioting, Pa. House, Senate staffers told to work from home

Top Pa. Senate Republican on Capitol mob: What is going on in DC should never happen
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) sent a message on Twitter on Wednesday night in the context of the protests in Washington, showing that "Capitol Hill violence is disquieting and unacceptable,"according to AGERPRES.

"The violence on Capitol Hill in Washington DC is disquieting and unacceptable. We have confidence in US democracy, which should remain a global model, and we are confident that the situation will soon deescalate to allow the resumption of vote validation," the MAE said on Twitter.

Thousands of supporters of US President Donald Trump rallied in front of the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday and tore down several security barriers, leading to clashes with police and chaotic scenes in front of the US Congress, where Congressmen met to officially validate Democrat Joe Biden's election victory.
The British government has refused to publish its database supposedly logging civilian casualties from murderous airstrikes in Yemen carried out by the Saudi-led coalition, which is armed by the UK and US.

While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has listed a staggering 516 potential International Humanitarian Law (IHL) violations by the coalition of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the real number is far higher.

Destroyed house in South Sanaa, Yemen. (credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Prime Minister Boris Johnsons government is intent on maintaining the barbaric House of Sauds control over the Arab Peninsula. It is suppressing any information that Riyadh or its backers are committing war crimes and avoiding accusations that the UK is violating its own rules against supplying arms likely to be used in violation of IHL.

The UK is a crucial supplier of weaponry to the coalition, having licensed more than 6.5 billion worth of arms in the five years since April 26, 2015, when the bombing began. Many of the bombs, missiles, and aircraft components are licensed via the opaque and secretive Open Licence system that is more flexible than a standard licence and avoids the need to apply for a new licence for every export. The Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) therefore estimates that the real value of the UKs arms sales to Saudi Arabia since the start of the war is 18 billion, around three times the official figure.

In July 2019, the Court of Appeal, in a case brought by CAAT, ruled that the government had failed to assess whether British-supplied weapons would be used in Riyadhs murderous war in Yemen, in breach of both IHL and Britains own laws prohibiting the sale of weapons when there is a clear risk they might be used in violations of international humanitarian law. It banned further sales pending a review of the governments vetting procedures, which had revealed that the government had simply stopped recording whether suspected violations had occurred.

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) has shown that the Saudi-led war against Yemenwaged with the full backing of Washington and Londonhas killed over 100,000 people, mostly civilians. The attacks have targeted food production, schools and hospitals, creating the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Around 24 million of the countrys 28 million people need humanitarian aid, with at least half the population on the brink of starvation. Many thousands have died of starvation, including at least 75,000 children under five, while the worst cholera epidemic in modern history has infected 1.2 million.

In September, a United Nations expert panel concluded that Saudi-led forces had been responsible for IHL breaches and concluded that those who armed the perpetrators, including the UK, could be aiding and assisting war crimes.

From the start of the war in April 2015, the Saudi bombing campaign has depended on the UK. More than half of Saudi Arabias combat aircraft used for the bombing raids are UK-supplied, as well as bombs, missiles, intelligence and elite Special Forces commandos used to target civilians, as even the MoDs own limited database shows.

The government carried out a review of its vetting procedures and ignoring the documentary evidence, concluded that any IHL violations committed by the Saudi coalition were isolated incidents. It used this whitewash to resume arms sales to Riyadh in July 2020. The CAAT is now seeking a Judicial Review into the legality of the governments decision.

Glimpses into the scale of the governments deception have been revealed by the MoDs answers to parliamentary questions showing the omission of several air strikes that breach IHL, as recorded by security, human rights groups and humanitarian groups, including the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and the Yemen Data Project.

The MoD confirmed that most of the incidents listed by Labours shadow international trade secretary Emily Thornberry were not on its database, including attacks in January 2018 on a bridge and a market in Al-Mufdhah area that led to the deaths of 17 people and the wounding of more than 20 others, and a September 2015 air strike on a funeral gathering in Khabb wa al-Shaaf neighbourhood that killed 30 people.

The origins of the war lie in the 2011 Arab Spring, when mass protests broke out against the 32-year-long dictatorial rule of US and Saudi-backed president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, who turned the military on the protesters. Following Salehs resignation, his vice-president Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi took over, promising reforms in an election without any opposition candidates. Houthi rebels in the north of the country rejected Hadis cosmetic reforms and, with the support of the former dictator, captured the capital Sanaa, forcing Hadi to take refuge in Saudi Arabia.

In March 2015, Saudi Arabia invaded Yemen, claiming that the Houthi rebels were Irans proxies, and seeking to reimpose Hadi, expecting a speedy victory for its military coalition with the UAE and other Arab countries. While the Saudis prosecuted the war by air, launching about 257,000 air strikes, the UAE blockaded Hodeidah, Yemens principal Red Sea port, seized the strategically located Socotra Islands and provided many of the ground troops, along with local or tribal militias operating in unstable and fluid alliancessome backed by Riyadh and some by Abu Dhabi. The UAE pulled out of the war in late 2019 amid growing disagreements with the Saudi-backed Hadi government, accusing it of aligning with the Islah party, viewed as close to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Under the pressure of a military onslaught, Yemen has fragmented into three areas. The first is controlled by the Houthis in the north. The second is controlled by the UAE-backed secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the south, and the Republican Guards on the western coast, led by former president Salehs nephew. The third, in the eastern provinces, is controlled by Hadis dwindling forces.

In November 2019, the US and France brokered the Riyadh Agreement, signed by the Hadi government in exile and the STC, for a power sharing deal. Nevertheless, the war continued as the Houthis refused to agree a ceasefire.

In December, a new government under Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed was sworn in, in Riyadh, in what was heralded as a reconciliation between Hadi and the STC that would fight the Houthi rebels. Days later, when this new government flew into Aden airport on December 30, it was greeted with a huge explosion, killing at least 22 people and injuring dozens more. The new cabinet was unhurt, but the blast killed five members of the International Red Cross.

Riyadh blamed Iran and the Houthis, a claim they denied, while the STC--which had declared self-rule in Aden in April, triggering clashes with Hadis forces--viewed the new government as a Saudi puppet. The STC calculated that Riyadh would favour the northern part of the country and take over the oil and gas fields in the south, eliminating the STC as a political and economic force. The agreement made no mention of taking back control of the Socotra Islands from the UAE, the STCs erstwhile backer which is reportedly considering establishing military bases there that would also serve Israel. Saudi forces ordered the arrest of Abdel Nasser al-Bawa, a senior STC military and pro-secessionist official, accusing him of being involved in planning and carrying out the attack.

For the imperialist powers in London and Washington, and their regional proxies, Yemen and the humanitarian crisis engulfing its people are merely collateral damage in the struggle for domination over the energy rich-Middle East.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

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Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 63F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
The storming of the US Capitol by pro-Trump protesters to disrupt the electoral college vote count to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory has sparked interest and coverage by media outlets across the world. Fewer countries were more interested in the events that took place than Iran.

During a speech today, President Hassan Rouhani talked about the chaos in Washington, DC. You saw what happened in the United States; what we saw is how false and fragile Western democracy is and how it does not have a strong foundation, Rouhani said. He added that, despite being able to make progress in other areas in their country, a populist was able to strike such a blow to his own country and our region.

Rouhani continued, You see what happens when an unhealthy person comes and acquires power and what problems he creates for his country, and I hope this is a lesson for the next people to occupy the White House. He added, Those who in two weeks will have power in the White House must return America, which is a great nation, to its rightful place.

According to Rouhani, the United States should return to reason and lawfulness when it comes to international issues, adding that those who are semi-literate or are pursuing the interests of their family should be removed from administrative positions at the heads of institutions in the country.

When President Donald Trump took office, he vowed to exit the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan Action, which was signed under President Barack Obama. In 2018, Trump reapplied economic sanctions on Iran, severely limiting their ability to sell their oil and conduct financial transactions with countries in Europe and Asia. Trump argued that he wanted a better deal while Iran maintained their position that the JCPOA, which was signed between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany, was an international agreement and was not renegotiable.

The economic pressure took a large toll on Iran, and tensions between the two countries reached a peak when Trump ordered the assassination of Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Iran retaliated with launching missiles at a US base in Iraq.

While the United States continued to add more sanctions on Iran, Tehran continued to take steps away from the nuclear deal. Most recently, Iran announced that it has begun enriching uranium to 20% at its Fordow fuel enrichment plant. Under the JCPOA, Irans enrichment level remained below 5% and no enrichment at Fordow would take place for another decade. Irans announcement of 20% was in line with the countrys parliament bill called Strategic Action to Remove Sanctions. Iran has clarified on numerous occasions that all the steps away from the nuclear deal are reversible, and if Biden reenters the JCPOA, Iran will reverse their nuclear steps. Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for Irans Atomic Energy Organization, said today that Iran is even capable of enriching at 90% if it desires to do so.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Four years ago, Shelly Skripnichuk brought one of Central New Yorks oldest and last German restaurants back to life.

Now, the lights are off again at Danzers German & American Gasthof at 153 Ainsley Drive in Syracuse. Its been closed since late November, just after Gov. Andrew Cuomo placed the city and some of its suburbs into an orange zone. Cuomo used rising Covid-19 cases to justify his order that restaurants in those areas shut down for indoor dining.

Skripnichuk doesnt know when, or if, Danzers can reopen. She knows shes losing money every day it remains closed.

I still have to pay mortgage payments, utilities, insurance etc. ... not sure how much longer I will be able to hang in there, she said. I pray every day that I am able to put my staff back to work.

Skripnichuk reached out to syracuse.com Wednesday after reading a story in which owners of other restaurants in the Syracuse orange zone talked about their efforts to convince Cuomo to lift the indoor dining restriction. At the least, they want a level playing field with nearby restaurants in parts of the county that can operate with fewer restrictions including limited indoor dining.

Skripnichuk shares that feeling. She is a former server and manager at Danzers who bought the restaurant in 2017, two years after it was closed by the former owner. She reopened after giving it a renovation and using many of the original recipes, including its generously sized sandwiches, along with new ones in the German tradition.

Danzers opened on Ainsley Drive in 1973. The business dates back to 1946, when Ludwig Danzer opened the original location at Park and John streets on the citys North Side. At one time, Danzers had seven locations in the Syracuse area.

Now Skripnichuk is watching as some of her customers head to nearby restaurants outside the orange zone when they want to dine out. She mentioned a few places in nearby Jamesville, which is in a yellow zone and can seat people up to four at a table.

Its just a losing battle, she said.

She tried to offer takeout, which is allowed in the orange zone, but couldnt make it work. On the weekend she did it in late November, she had receipts of $272 on a Friday and around $400 on a Saturday.

That doesnt come close to paying the bills, she said.

To make matters worse, on one of those days, state and local inspectors showed up to enforce wearing masks, social distancing and other state orders. She said the only two people inside the restaurant (who were not dining in) stood up and then put their masks on while the inspectors were there.

So they cited me and now I have a $1,500 fine, on a day I made $272 she said. I cant afford a $1,500 fine. And there was basically nobody there.

There may be some movement toward relief. Both Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh have called on Cuomo to either lift the orange zone restrictions and/or level the whole county into a yellow zone.

She welcomes that, also noting McMahon and Walsh are aware of the price the county and city are paying in lost sales tax revenues. At Danzers, revenues (and the accompanying sales tax payments) were down 54% in 2020 compared to 2019, she said.

Meanwhile, theres still a mortgage to pay and other expenses. She had to lay off her 17 employees, for the second time this year.

Skripnichuk doesnt know how much longer she can hold on.

I dont know what Im going to do, she said. Do I dip into my retirement savings? Does the bank take (the restaurant) over? Its just frustrating and awful.

Don Cazentre write for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.
Some farms may even decide to change their type of operation completely. While this typically occurs when the farm transitions from one generation to another or out of the family, a significant investment of capital is often required for this to occur, plus new markets need to be established, and there is a learning curve as well.

The changing climate also impacts pests that farmers have to manage. As the climate warms we have seen pests from warmer regions creeping slowly northward. These pests can be weeds, insects and even diseases of crops. In the past, these pests may have been killed by the harsh, prolonged winter temperatures, but with the new reality of a warming climate, they may be able to survive.

Yet all hope is not lost. Cornells Climate Smart Farming program is available to help farmers in New York and the Northeast increase both their productivity and incomes sustainably while working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions using best management practices, increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy, and increasing the farms resiliency to extreme weather and climate variability by adopting best management practices for climate change adaptation. More information about Cornell Climate Smart Farming can be found at climatesmartfarming.org.

Farmers tend to be problem solvers, and will work to remain resilient and adopt practices to reduce the impacts of climate on their farms. We are fortunate in the New York and the Northeast to have a diversity of agriculture, which will help with some of the challenges ahead.

Judy Wright is the senior agriculture specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County. For more information, visit senecacountycce.org or call (315) 539-9251 ext. 109.

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(TNS)  The state Health Department officially launched its new AlohaSafe Alert app, along with a new media campaign targeting Hawaii's youth on Wednesday as the daily case count and death toll continued to rise.On Wednesday, the department reported, bringing the state's totals since the start of the pandemic to 299 fatalities and 22, 310 cases.The 10 additional coronavirus-related deaths occurred between Nov. 12 and Dec. 19, and involved seniors with underlying conditions. All but one had been hospitalized. On Oahu, they included four men in their 60s, one of whom died at home ; two men in their 70s ; and a man and two women in their 80s. The Maui victim was a man in his 70s.The new statewide infection cases include 85 on Oahu, 29 on Maui, eight on Hawaii island, three on Kauai, one on Molokai and 17 residents diagnosed outside of Hawaii. According to the Hawaii COVID-19 data dashboard, a total of 115 patients with the virus were in Hawaii hospitals as of 8 :30 a.m. Monday, with 18 in intensive care units and 15 on ventilators. The state's, a free exposure notification app intended to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, went live statewide on Wednesday.The app, which is downloadable for free from Apple or Google Play, is designed to alert users if they have been exposed to the new coronavirus using Bluetooth technology. It was launched by the Hawaii Department of Health in partnership with aio Digital and the Hawaii Executive Collaborative, and is the state's official COVID-19 exposure notification app."Masks, distance and vaccines are all valuable tools against COVID-19, " said state Health Department Director Dr. Libby Char in a news release. "The AlohaSafe Alert app is another important tool in the fight against COVID-19. This innovative app was developed for the community, by the community, and it has the potential to greatly increase the speed of the exposure notification process, allowing anyone who receives an alert to quickly self-quarantine and get tested if needed."The app was first piloted on Lanai and in Hana, Maui, in mid-November, then shortly after, with the support of Mayor Michael Victorino, followed by Hawaii County at the end of December. On Wednesday, the app went live on Kauai and Oahu.The use of the app is intended to supplement, not replace, contact tracing efforts by the state Health Department.It is part of a nationwide effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 by anonymously alerting people if they have potentially been exposed, allowing them to self-quarantine, get tested and seek medical advice sooner rather than later.After the app is downloaded, the smartphone uses Bluetooth technology to anonymously communicate with other phones that have a Google Apple Exposure Notification (GAEN ) application. Devices with the appwhich runs in the background and does not need to be openwill automatically "ping " each other, measuring the Bluetooth signal strength and duration of interaction.Once the Department of Health confirms a person has become infected with COVID-19, the person with the app will be sent a verification code by text to anonymously notify others of a possible exposure.The notification will be triggered if phones were in proximity to one another in the past 14 days, at a distance of 6 feet or less for at least 15 minutes. Privacy is protected, according to officials. Recipients of the notifications will not know who exposed them, or where they were exposed.More than a dozen other U.S. states, including California, Washington, and the District of Columbia are participating in the GAEN system, with their own versions of the app, which are interoperable with the AlohaSafe Alert app. In California, the app is known as CA notify, and in Washington as WA Notify.But the app is only useful if people actually download and use it.The state's goal is to get 15 percent of Hawaii's smartphone owners to download the app, which equates to about 150, 000 people. Based on a study, this can decrease COVID-19 infections by 8 percent and deaths by 6 percent.To date, there have been about 13, 700 downloads and 235 notifications issued in Hawaii.The app is compatible with Android versions 6 or above and iPhones with OS 13.7 or greater, although there are efforts underway to make it more broadly accessible. It does not work on iPads or other tablets.The cost to develop the app was about $115, 000with $90, 000 from the state Health Department using federal coronavirus relief funds, and $25, 000 from the private sector.Additionally, the department launched its highlighting the COVID-19 trials and tribulations of the younger generation, including college students and restaurant workers.The individuals highlighted ask others to mask up and comply with COVID-19 restrictions so that life and the economy in Hawaii can return to normal.The public service announcements will air this week through March 7 on a variety of media, including broadcast television, radio, print, and digital, social, and streaming platforms.Vaccination efforts also continued, with a focus on reaching health care workers and nursing home residents, followed by.On Wednesday, the department announced that to rapidly administer COVID-19 vaccines to independent health care workers.Independent health care providers and staff who have not yet received a vaccination should complete an developed by the Health Department to start the process.Information collected from the survey will be sent to the closest participating hospital, which will then contact the health care provider to schedule a vaccination appointment.



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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

How to position state and local government workers for success in 2021

Public-sector agencies are in a tricky spot. Due to significant pandemic-related impacts on 2020 tax revenue, current challenges will only continue to mutate and persist throughout 2021. The Catch-22 of it is this: Government agencies (especially on state and local levels) will likely have significantly smaller budgets than at any time in recent history, while its never been more important they make significant investments in their workforces.

In fact, COVID-19 has continually validated the need for digital government. Agencies that already had modern technology platforms in place -- those that allowed them to adapt to new working realities and maintain operational continuity -- have leapt further ahead, while the digital have-nots-- whether due to budgetary or regulatory challenges, outdated workplace culture or competing priorities -- have only become more hamstrung. The time to close the gap must be now.

How can agencies step up and keep up in the new year? Ultimately, it comes down to embracing digital tools and approaches that elevate, equip and empower employees to succeed, no matter what the new reality looks like.

Elevate employees

Even prior to COVID-19, technology and workforce trends were already quickly encroaching upon standard operating procedures at most government agencies. Observe the following:

Staffing shortages are common in the public sector, especially in key areas like cybersecurity, acquisition management and data science.

The gap between public- and private-sector talent is growing.

Ages of IT pros at government agencies are increasing rapidly, with fewer young people set to replace retiring senior staff.

Leaders facing these challenges at the local and state levels must tackle them head-on by prioritizing employees and their experience -- and altering the culture of public service going forward.

Many public-sector leaders already know what they must do. Forty-four percent indicated in a recent IDC report that talent excellence in a collaborative and innovative culture should be a priority. A recent Oxford Economics survey found more than half of leaders believe employee satisfaction has the greatest influence on organizational strategy and success. Still, only about 22% have completely executed decisions that would improve employee experience.

This is why learning and development initiatives -- grounded in speed, cost and overall efficacy goals -- are critical to closing any related gaps. By allowing employees to embrace higher value work, L&D strategies can simultaneously modernize and humanize local and state agencies looking to operate in more agile and responsive ways, to both internal and external factors.

Equip employees

All the cultural and experiential shifts an agency could ever want mean nothing without the accompanying technological capabilities necessary to support them. According to the IDC DX Leader Sentiment Survey last year, 25% of agencies worldwide had yet to develop the capabilities required to run a digital enterprise.

State and local agencies must continue working to close that gap in 2021. That means digitizing and consolidating internal data and processes so tasks are integrated and simplified. It means adopting emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotic process automation to eliminate repetitive and tedious tasks and allow employees to focus on more strategic work. It means embracing data and analytics to improve short- and long-term internal efficiencies and cost savings. And it means asking employees about their experience and listening to understand what they need to best do their jobs.

Empower employees

Tying these corresponding cultural and technological investments together positions agencies for a stronger, digitally focused and employee-centered future -- one where everyone can come together to put the efforts into action. For instance, here are some state and local government agencies who have stepped up amidst the tumult of 2020:

The IT team in Orlando, Fla., spent the better part of three years working on the citys digital transformation. Prior to the pandemic, they had already compiled a list of 300 different services that could be at least started online, such as reserving parks, reporting potholes, requesting new garbage bins and more. During the pandemic, the team has continued to study and improve their tools and technology, using feedback from citizen satisfaction surveys.

Illinois recently implemented digital ERP software, effectively transforming the way its government agencies operate statewide. Fifty-four state agencies have successfully migrated to an enterprise platform, accounting for nearly 90% of the states overall annual budget. To execute, the state focused on three main categories: finance, analytics and human capital management.

At the outset of the COVID-19 crisis, Portland, Ore., quickly realized it needed to adjust its typical protocol for responding to emergencies. Manual processes that worked for short-term incidents simply couldnt manage the long-haul demands of the pandemic. The city refined its use of its HR software so it could more easily move team members to new positions, manage schedules and assign roles and responsibilities. Thanks to the flexibility and speed of a cloud-based solution, Portland was able to streamline the complexity of the emergency staffing process and focus, above all else, on helping community members.

A number of state and local government agencies are also modernizing the contact tracing process, as they work to keep citizens safe from COVID-19.

State and local agencies may have to contend with legacy technology and complexity to move the employee experience forward. But the reality is simple: They must invest in the future today so that those employees can build a better future tomorrow.
The Arabian Business Community (ABC) Bahrain, the kingdom's busiest and most successful market place, has recorded 1.64 million referrals to businesses in Bahrain during 2020.

The portal, which has now established itself as the leading business reference resource for anyone looking for contact and business information about companies in the Kingdom, provides a unique promotional service which helps companies promote themselves to potential buyers of their products and services.

"In todays challenging market, companies are looking to obtain that leading edge on their competitors and ABC Bahrain provides a competitive advantage which generates quantifiable business referrals to their corporate profiles on the portal," said Ronnie Middleton, Manager Director of Al Hilal Group.

"For just BD8 ($21) per day, a company can join the community as a Premium Partner providing them with a range of benefits including Top of Mind positioning in their field of business, enhanced profile pages which are effectively a Showroom for their products and services, free email campaigns, free classified advertising on the site and promotional exposure not just on ABC but across Al Hilals range of publications and social media sites including the GDN and the Groups market leading trade media such as Gulf Construction, Gulf Industry, Travel & Tourism News and Oil & Gas News," he stated.

Al Hilal has recorded an increase in the number of Bahrain companies joining the community this year and ABC has now become the most highly ranked information resource in Bahrain.

"When searching for information about companies in Bahrain you will see that search engines like Google rank ABC highly and in many cases above an individual companys social media platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram," remarked Middleton.

"This is the result of our very successful and ongoing SEO campaigns which will keep ABC ahead of any other corporate information resourcing websites. Today ABC represents the most cost effective marketing tool any company can use and my message to Bahrain companies is that 'If you are in business in Bahrain, make sure you position yourself ahead of your competition by becoming a Premium Partner on ABC Bahrain!

Al Hilal Group has rolled out ABC portals across all GCC countries and during 2020 generated a record 5.91 million business referral across all 14 portals representing an increase of over 9% in visitors during what has been a very unsettled year.
The skipper barred from fishing within 12 nautical miles of Rockall in the Atlantic by a Marine Scotland patrol ship was returning home on Wednesday night.

Adrian McClenaghan said his business now faced an uncertain future if he could not return to Rockall waters, which is where he earns about 30% of his turnover.

Given the recent Brexit deal saw 25% slashed off the amount of fish he is normally allowed to catch each year  his quota  it is another blow to his business.

In 2019, I warned the Government that the Rockall fishing dispute would be a real problem after Brexit. The shameful 2013 Agreement between the Irish and British government that recognised British sovereignty over the Rockall fishing waters has never been ratified by the Dail. pic.twitter.com/icNvxeZlhH  Padraig Mac Lochlainn TD (@PadraigMacL) January 5, 2021

Anybody taking a 50% hit on their turnover is going to struggle, he told the Irish Examiner, speaking from the bridge of his trawler.

This is devastating to not just me and my 10 crew, but also all the other boats who cant fish around Rockall until this situation gets sorted out.

Mr McClenaghan left Greencastle Port on December 28 with his crew and had intended to be back home by Tuesday.

He is one of 140 Irish skippers who have permission to fish in UK waters.

But his licence does not prevent him from fishing around or even mention Rockall.

Cleaning up after landing the catch: Lithuanian fisherman Egidijus Maciulskis working on New Years Eve aboard the 15-metre trawler La Petite Edelweiss, which is owned by Sean Bawn OSullivan, from Castletownbere, West Cork.

He said he was told by Scottish officials who boarded his Northern Celt trawler on Monday he couldnt fish in the disputed waters.

The boarding took place after the vessel had followed him for just under two days.

Mr McClenaghan waited to see if the matter could be resolved with the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

But without any official clarification coming from Dublin about his position by Tuesday night, and against the threat of being arrested if he entered the waters around Rockall, he decided to return to Donegal.

Read More Irish vessel stopped while fishing near Rockall

The start of the year is a very important market for us, he said.

But we have lost that now and the longer we stay in the area, the more costs we clock up.

I couldnt get any clarification from anybody about whether or not we were okay to go inside the 12-mile zone.

So we stayed outside it and went into international waters instead, and they followed us there.

But there was no fishing there so we returned to the area outside the 12-mile zone and it was after that that their skipper called us up and said they were going to board us and do an inspection.

I asked what the situation was, as far as Rockall was concerned.

I was told our licence does not give us the right to fish within 12 nautical miles of Rockall.

He added: It doesnt feel great knowing that you can be arrested and taken into a foreign port."

Sean O'Donoghue, Killybegs Fishing Organisation CEO, is the go-between between Mr McClenaghan and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Skipper Sean Bawn OSullivan, from Castletownbere, West Cork, working on New Years Eve 2020 aboard his 15-metre trawler La Petite Edelweiss.

He said unless a diplomatic solution could be found, the Irish State faces a lengthy legal battle over the issue.

The government in Dublin needs to do more to assert Irish fishing rights around Rockall. As the Wolfe Tones song goes: This rock is part of Ireland, For it's written in folklore. pic.twitter.com/d3axqUkH7k  Barry McElduff (@BarryMcElduff) January 5, 2021

We are very worried about the future of fishing in this area, he said.

If we are talking about having legal solutions here, they would take too long.

Our members stand to lose a significant proportion of our earnings from not being able to fish in a 12-mile zone which, in our view, doesnt exist.

Asked for a comment, the Department of Foreign Affairs said: "We are in contact with Scottish and UK authorities.

The department declined to explain the current post-Brexit deal position as to whether or not Irish travellers could currently fish within 12 nautical miles of Rockall.

The Department of Agriculture declined to comment because it said Foreign Affairs is the lead agency dealing with the Rockall issue.
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It does make it challenging with some of the lot depths and how the streets come together but it also offers opportunities to have some unique development and to get some quality buildings that are not as cookie cutter that you might see in some other sites, he said.
Most members of New Jerseys congressional delegation reported they are safe after supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

The mob marched on the Congress, which was meeting to hear challenges from Republican lawmakers against electoral votes in battleground states, despite the fact that the totals were certified and dozens of judges and state officials rejected unproven allegations of fraud.

Several New Jersey House members were in the chamber when protesters started banging on the doors, forcing Capitol Police to evacuate them.

Heres who reported being safe, either through social media or on the phone with NJ Advance Media. After the two Republican members of the delegation checked in, its now the full New Jersey contingent:

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez

Rep. Donald Norcross, D-1st Dist.

Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd Dist. (he did not post on social media or respond to calls but issued a statement condemning the storming of the Capitol)

Rep. Andy Kim, D-3rd Dist.

Rep. Chris Smith, R-4th Dist.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist.

Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-6th Dist

Rep. Tom Malinowski, D-7th Dist.

Rep. Albio Sires, D-8th Dist.

Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-9th Dist.

Rep. Donald Payne Jr., D-10th Dist.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th Dist.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-12th Dist.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com.
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Digital Editor
Priyanka Chopra visited a salon in London on Wednesday evening, seemingly violating the UKs Covid-19 lockdown rules. The UK is under a total lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to curb spiralling cases amid rising concerns surrounding a more infectious new variant of the virus. The regulations state that personal care services, including salons and spas, must close.

According to a report, Priyanka arrived at the salon with her mother, Dr Madhu Chopra, and pet dog Diana at around 4.55pm. Celebrity stylist Josh Wood was also present. The police were alerted of the breach and reached the salon to give a verbal reminder to the owner. No fine was imposed.

Metro.co.uk quoted a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police as saying, Police were alerted at around 17:40hrs on Wednesday, 6 January to reports of a Covid breach taking place within a hairdressers on Lansdowne Mews, Notting Hill. Officers attended and the owner of the salon was given a verbal reminder of the important need to comply with all regulations regarding Covid-19 and signposted to other sources of advice. No fixed penalty notices were issued.

Priyanka is reportedly stranded in London with her husband, Nick Jonas. She was in the city to shoot for her upcoming film, Text For You. While filming was originally supposed to end later this month, the production team is trying to arrange for everyone to return to the US at the earliest.

Also read | When Ranbir Kapoor requested Hollywood star Natalie Portman for a picture, but she asked him to get lost

Last month, Nick shot for a cameo in Text For You, which features Priyanka and Sam Heughan in the lead roles. Celine Dion, Russell Tovey and Omid Djalili will also star in the film, a remake of the German film SMS Fur Dich.

Directed by Jim Strouse, Text For You is about a young woman, reeling from the death of her fiance in a car accident, who continues to send romantic messages to his old phone number even after two years. When his number is reassigned, she develops a bond with the new owner.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Guns and gunplay in separate cases have earned a 21-year-old Port Richmond man a four-year stint upstate.

Freddy Espinals combined sentences also sparked an appeal by his lawyer to the boroughs young people.

These consecutive sentences show the seriousness in which the district attorney is treating gun cases, said attorney Mark J. Fonte. I urge the youth of Staten Island to put down these weapons. The lives of our youth are too precious to be lost to senseless violence or lengthy periods of incarceration.

Espinal, 21, was sentenced on Tuesday to two years behind bars and 18 months in prison in each case, to run consecutively.

Gun violence has no place in our communities and my office remains committed to ensuring those who attempt to possess illegal firearms are held accountable, said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. My thanks to the NYPD for their assistance on this case and ADA Matthew Gamberg for his tireless work holding this defendant accountable.

The defendants troubles with the law surfaced on Sept. 5, 2019.

Police arrested him near his home at about 2 a.m., a spokesman for the NYPD previously told the Advance/SILive.com.

Espinal had a .22-caliber Jennings Firearms semiautomatic handgun and an undisclosed quantity of marijuana in his possession, cops alleged.

Anti-Crime Unit and Field Intelligence officers were credited with the arrest in a post on the 121st Precinct Twitter feed.

Great proactive police work! a message on the Twitter feed said.

An accompanying photo showed the Jennings pistol, six bullets and a magazine.

While free on bond in that case, Espinal got his hands on another gun last Sept. 17, authorities said.

Espinal fired the weapon multiple times at about 9:10 p.m. at the corner of Heberton Avenue and Albion Place in his community, according to police and a criminal complaint.

The defendant hit a 25-year-old man in the leg, the complaint said.

Espinal and the victim were acquaintances, said a source with knowledge of the investigation.

Espinal was arrested two days later on Sept. 19.

He was indicted on charges of attempted murder, attempted assault, criminal weapon possession, assault and criminal firearm possession.

Mark J. Fonte, the defendant Freddy Espinal's lawyer, urged Staten Island's young people to put down their weapons. Fonte is seen in a 2019 photo.

On Nov. 9, Espinal resolved both cases in state Supreme Court, St. George, by pleading guilty in each to attempted second-degree criminal weapon possession.
A woman has accused actor Cezanne Khan of scamming her for a green card. The development comes after Cezanne announced earlier this week that he has been in a relationship for the last three years. The actor denied the claims.

In an interview, the woman, a US citizen of Pakistani descent, said that Cezanne used her to obtain a green card, and filed for divorce promptly after receiving one. He said that she was just an obsessive fan.

I dont care if he gets married 50 times over now, but why is he hiding the fact that he was married earlier? He cheated on me and used me to obtain green card in the US and lived off my money. The moment he got the green card, he filed for divorce, Aisha Pirani told The Times of India, sharing pictures of a marriage certificate, and of herself with Cezanne.

Cezanne countered, I was never married to her. This is a case of an obsessive fan. Its irrelevant to talk about such people. She is just trying to gain publicity through me. He added, She is the sister of my cousins wife who lives in Karachi, thats how I know her. I have no idea about any marriage certificate. She morphs a lot of stuff. She has been posting messages on social handles for two to three years and my fans have been asking me whether all this is true. There is a limit to obsession and this is going overboard now. The fact that she was married to me and we are now divorced is her fabrication. I havent said anything to her because I know she is obsessive.

Also read: Cezanne Khan has been in a relationship for 3 years, reveals how he proposed marriage after she cooked biryani for him

Earlier this week, the actor, best known for playing Anurag Basu in the original Kasautii Zindagii Kay, announced that he will tie the knot soon. She is someone special and I am dating her for the past three years. She is from Amroha (Uttar Pradesh). I am in a happy space with her and looking at tying the knot soon. We had planned to get married by the end of 2020 but postponed it owing to the pandemic. We will tie the knot this year, hed told TOI.

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ott:10:ht-tv_listing-desktop
January 7, 2021 (BRAMPTON - HAMILTON) -- When dealing with a life-limiting illness, palliative care can improve the quality of life for patients and families. However, for many people, the fear of "end of life" care prevents them from exploring it. A recent study from William Osler Health System (Osler) and McMaster University examined awareness of palliative care in the South Asian community and found that culture plays a critical role in the perception of palliative care. This perception, in turn, affects whether or not patients will be open to receiving it.

Funded by a McMaster University, Department of Family Medicine, Pilot Research Project Funding Grant, the observational study is one of the few person-centered palliative care studies focused on the South Asian community outside India. The results showed that seventy per cent of participants in the study had a lack of understanding of palliative care and forty-four per cent thought that palliative care went against their values and beliefs.

At the same time, many of the participants agreed that when facing a life-limiting illness, they wanted to ensure that they or their family members had a better quality of life and alleviated suffering - which is what the palliative care paradigm provides.

"This research is an essential first step in understanding how the South Asian community perceives what it's like to deal with a serious illness and their fears about palliative care," said Dr. Naheed Dosani, Palliative Care physician, William Osler Health System. "Too often in health care a one size fits all approach is used in communities with diverse populations. This study illustrates how creating customized approaches focusing on the needs of the local community will allow us to provide more effective palliative care."

Recent Ontario research also indicates that immigrants of South Asian origin are at a higher risk of aggressive end-of-life care that is often contrary to their wishes. There is a strong likelihood that perceptions of palliative care within the South Asian populations are contributing to this.

"Being aware of cultural differences is an important part of working with patients," said Dr. Martin Chasen, Medical Director of Supportive and Palliative Care, William Osler Health System. "This study is a key part of Osler's mandate to strengthen our expertise in treating diverse populations and to ensure all our patients have access to safe, compassionate, quality care."

Other key findings in the study showed that participants had differing attitudes when it came to talking about death - ranging from discomfort to frank acceptance. Participants also acknowledged the key role of the family in providing care. While the study showed education is necessary to change common perceptions of palliative care, cultural values, faith, and spiritual beliefs didn't necessarily pose a barrier to participants accepting palliative care services.

"Insights from this study will have implications on the development and implementation of culturally competent palliative care services for health care professionals," said Dr. David Price, Chair and Professor, McMaster University Department of Family Medicine. "The term 'palliative care' can mean so many things and this research illustrates the importance of taking into account cultural differences when recommending care in diverse populations."

The study was conducted out of Brampton Civic Hospital, where the surrounding community per capita population of South Asian immigrants and peoples of descent is seventy per cent.

"I always thought palliative care was focused on end-of-life care," said Tejinder Cheema, the daughter of an Osler palliative care patient. "However, after speaking with the team at Brampton Civic and learning that palliative care is focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, I was happy to include it in my mother's treatment plan."

###

Published in the BMC Palliative Care journal in September 2020, Perceptions of palliative care in a South Asian community: findings from an observational study, the study explores how differing cultural and social norms and religious affiliations impact perceptions of palliative care within the South Asian community.

ABOUT WILLIAM OSLER HEALTH SYSTEM and FOUNDATION: William Osler Health System is a hospital system, which includes Brampton Civic Hospital, Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness and Etobicoke General Hospital, and serves 1.3 million residents of Brampton, Etobicoke and surrounding communities within the Central West region. Osler's emergency departments are among the busiest in Canada and its Mental Health and Addictions program is one of the largest in Ontario. William Osler Health System Foundation seeks to create a healthier community through giving by inspiring its communities to invest in exceptional health care close to home.

ABOUT MCMASTER UNIVERSITY: McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 23,000, and more than 160,000 alumni in 140 countries. The Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine has a global reputation for educational advancement, and is internationally known for its research intensity and development of evidence-based medicine.

For more information:

Donna Harris

Manager, Public Relations and Digital Media

William Osler Health System

P: 416-543-9294

donna.harris@williamoslerhs.ca

Veronica McGuire

Media Relations, Faculty of Health Sciences

McMaster University

P: 905-525-9140 ext. 22169

vmcquir@mcmaster.ca
Over 2,300 people in UK infected with Covid-19 strain found in India; How worrying is the variant?

Dogs sniff could be your next COVID-19 test: Know why

Will Facebook, Twitter, Instagram be banned in India? Check new IT Rules, Regulations and Penalties 2021

Explained: How Indonesia is demanding to know if COVID-19 vaccine is halal

International

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, Jan 06: With just one-sentence, Sinovac, the Chinese vaccine maker, wrote to Indonesia's state-owned vaccine manufacturer in July that the coronavirus vaccine was "manufactured free of porcine materials".

Though the letter did not reveal much of the situation, Indonesian clerics needed more details. A vaccine, that is laced with the smallest amount of pork DNA could dissuade some followers of Islam from inoculation in Indonesia, the country with the world's largest Muslim population. However, Sinovac took months to provide more information, which came only this week.

Health Ministry all set to roll out COVID-19 vaccine

The Chinese company's delayed response has been yet another challenge in Indonesia's already fragile vaccine rollout. With the highest number of coronavirus infections in Southeast Asia, the country is eager to drum up support for its goal of inoculating 181.5 million adults within 15 months.

But, the question that has been revolving around the looming questions about the safety of the Sinovac vaccine and whether it is halal, or allowed under Islam, are making the efforts more complicated for the government.

Explainer: Do you really have to give up alcohol before getting COVID-19 vaccine?

"There shouldn't be any concern about whether this vaccine is halal or not halal," President Joko Widodo said. "We are in an emergency situation because of the COVID pandemic."

It can be seen that Indonesia has recorded nearly 800,000 infections and more than 23,000 deaths, staggering numbers in a region where virus cases have remained relatively low.

Explainer: What will happen to coronavirus post pandemic wave?

Inoculations are set to begin with health workers, soldiers and police officers in the coming weeks, once health authorities are satisfied that the Sinovac vaccine is safe and effective. Joko said he would go first to show there was nothing to fear.

However, the vaccine must also undergo another round of approval process by the Ulema Council, an influential group of Muslim clerics that decides which products are halal in Indonesia.

Islamic authorities in other countries where Muslims make up a sizable share of the population, have already ruled that coronavirus vaccines are permissible, even if they contain pork gelatin, which is used to stabilize many inoculations.

First anti COVID-19 vaccine shots likely by January 13

Earlier, the Vatican released a statement declaring coronavirus vaccines "morally acceptable" for Catholics who might be opposed to a vaccine developed with stem cells from fetuses aborted decades ago.

UP: 50-year-old brutally gangraped and killed by priest and two others in Badaun | Oneindia News

"In pharmaceutical products, halal is one of the important elements after the safety, efficacy and quality of the vaccine itself," Bambang Heriyanto, a spokesman for Bio Farma, Indonesia's state-owned vaccine manufacturer said.

The Ulema Council is expected to issue a decree, or fatwa, authorizing the use of the Sinovac vaccine in the coming weeks, but the nature of its findings could affect how widely it is accepted in Indonesia, especially among the country's many conservative Muslims.

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Story first published: Wednesday, January 6, 2021, 14:25 [IST]

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Most of the art worlds major international events scheduled for the early months of 2021 have already been postponed or converted into more pandemic-aware formats.

Thousands of well-heeled frequent flyers browsing around yet another exhibition center, in yet another country, eager to discover the art worlds next big thing...

That was the fun of art fairs, the destination events that defined and fueled a global boom in recent years. In 2019, sales from the worlds art fairs reached an estimated $16.6 billion, with dealers relying on fairs to generate more than 40 percent of that years revenue, according to last years Art Basel & UBS Art Market Report.

But the coronavirus pandemic stopped the art fair merry-go-round. Back in March, the Tefaf Maastricht fair in the Netherlands closed four days early when an exhibitor tested positive for the virus. After Tefafs closure, at least 25 participants and visitors reported having COVID-19 symptoms. Mass-attendance art fairs have been on hold ever since, replaced  with limited success  by less lucrative online equivalents.

Now, as countries roll out vaccination programs, even with the virus continuing to mutate and infection levels rising, the art world is banking on the return of in-person events. In November, live fairs made a comeback for local collectors in China, where infection rates had subsided.

But most of the art worlds major international events scheduled for the early months of 2021 have already been postponed or converted into more pandemic-aware formats.

The ARCO Madrid fair has shifted from February to July, as has Frieze Los Angeles, which this year will leave Paramount Studios and be dispersed across several smaller venues in the city. Tefaf Maastricht has moved from its traditional March slot to May, as has Art Basel Hong Kong. Frieze New York says it will maintain its usual May timing, but it has cut its exhibitor list by two-thirds and will move from Randalls Island to the Shed, the new cultural center in the Hudson Yards area of Manhattan.

New York is one of the few cities where you can hold a fair for 60 international galleries without having to rely on a huge international attendance. There are so many collectors in the city, said Victoria Siddall, the Frieze board director. Its a much smaller fair, but it felt right for the first half of the year.

Alain Servais, a Brussels-based collector who before the pandemic would typically attend around 15 major art fairs per year, said the crisis provided an opportunity for smaller regional events.

Servais said that he planned to be in the Netherlands in early February for Art Rotterdam, a showcase mainly for Northern European galleries representing emerging artists that as of Tuesday was still scheduled to be an in-person event. But Arabella Coebergh, a spokeswoman for Art Rotterdam, said that an expected announcement by the Dutch government next week regarding pandemic restrictions could lead to the postponement of the fair until July.

Still, Servais said, There is room for local fairs if they have a good focus  Im not so worried about them. But he added: The big international fairs are most exposed this year. People will travel less, and these fairs count on international attendance for their success.

This shake-up of the international fair scene comes at a time when, in a contracting art market, many gallerists were already questioning the cost of exhibiting at such events.

In 2017, we were doing 12 art fairs, said Marianne Boesky, a New York-based gallerist. I felt I had to do these events. Theyd gotten so expensive. When I looked at our revenues compared to overheads at art fairs, we barely broke even, and that didnt count the man-hours.

In 2021, Boeskys program will be cut down to about six fairs in Europe, the United States and Asia, she said. But Im not sure, she added. Every two weeks we seem to change our plans.

Arguably, the bellwether test for the mass-attendance art fair model will come in June at Art Basel in Switzerland. In recent years, the event has become a must-attend fixture for most international collectors. The in-person fair, which usually features about 290 exhibitors drawing about 90,000 visitors, was canceled last year and converted to an online format.

If things go quickly in the right direction with new vaccination programs and we start to see a lifting of travel restrictions, wed love to have Art Basel Hong Kong in May and Art Basel in Basel come June mark the beginning of a huge comeback for the art world and the art market, said Marc Spiegler, Art Basels global director. Now, thats our hope, but its not our only scenario.

If Art Basel does take place, with or without the glitzy parties and dinners that go with it, will a critical mass of collectors, curators and advisers be prepared, or allowed, to fly across the world to be there?

At this stage, many fairgoers remain cautious.

As much as I would love to attend Art Basel in June, I will not like to attend a fair until such an event is no longer the highest-risk activity for COVID-19 , said Heather Flow, an art adviser based in New York. I will not suggest a client attend a fair until the risk level is lower. Very few people enjoy buying art online, but no one wants COVID-19 .

Nikolaus Barta, a collector based in Vienna who fell seriously ill with COVID-19 after visiting last years Tefaf Maastricht, said he was thinking about visiting Art Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, in March, but no other in-person fairs.

If you get on an Emirates flight, you have to have been tested, he said. I have had a bad feeling about fairs after Maastricht. In Europe they are too big and too crowded. Ive had COVID, but the virus is mutating. You never know.

Boesky, the New York gallerist, said she did not expect the art fair scene to fully return until September at the earliest. That would be just in time for the rescheduled Armory show and the following months Frieze fairs in London and FIAC in Paris.

Even that seems premature to Josh Baer, an art market commentator and adviser based in New York. His influential Baer Faxt online newsletter predicted last week that 2021s first real art fair in person would be Art Basel Miami Beach in December.

Like many in the art world, Baer regards online viewing rooms as a poor substitute for the real thing. Collectors are already bored of online everything, he said.

Patience, of course, is a virtue. And it appears that art fair organizers and exhibitors are in for a virtuous 2021.

Scott Reyburn c.2021 The New York Times Company

Feature image: Art Basel Hong Kong from Wikimedia Commons/Wing1990hk
Rudy Giuliani, acting as President Trumps attorney, reportedly left a voicemail meant to be sent to Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville in an attempt to get the senator to stall Congress from certifying the Electoral College results but instead left the message on another senators phone, according to a report published Wednesday night.

Giuliani, the former New York City mayor who represented the president in his failed legal challenges to the election results in several states Trump lost, left a voicemail meant for Tuberville around 6 p.m., urging the senator to object to the Electoral College results in 10 states, the Dispatch reported. Giuliani advised Tuberville to act, according to the publication, to bide time for Giuliani to come up with proof of election fraud.

So if you could object to every state and, along with a congressman, get a hearing for every state, I know we would delay you a lot, but it would give us the opportunity to get the legislators who are very, very close to pulling their vote, particularly after what McConnell did today, Giuliani said in the voicemail obtained by the Dispatch.

Except Giuliani did not dial Tuberville, as he had thought. The message was left with another senator, who passed along the voicemail to the Dispatch.

And it appears that Tuberville did not get the message. As the joint session of Congress resumed Wednesday night, no senators objected to several states that Trump wanted to contest. Subsequently, the objections failed and the electoral votes were awarded to President-elect Joe Biden.
Leaders around the world condemned the storming of the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, expressing shock at the chaos unfolding in a country they once relied upon for global leadership.

Disgraceful scenes in US Congress, tweeted Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, a staunch ally of the United States over generations. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.

Other allies were similarly appalled at what they described as an attack on American democracy, though some said they believed US democratic institutions would withstand the turmoil. Some leaders singled out Trump for harsh criticism.

Click here for live updates US Capitol breach

Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling on democracy, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas wrote on Twitter. From inflammatory words come violent deeds. He added that contempt for democratic institutions has disastrous effects.

The beauty of democracy? with a shrug emoji was the reaction tweeted by Bashir Ahmad, a personal assistant to the president of Nigeria, which has seen several coups since independence  including one led decades ago by President Muhammadu Buhari, who most recently entered the office via a vote.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera and Colombian President Ivan Duque were among those in Latin America who denounced the protesters, but both also said they were confident that American democracy and the rule of law would prevail.

In this sad episode in the US, supporters of fascism showed their real face: anti-democratic and aggressive, tweeted Luis Roberto Barroso, Brazilian Supreme Court justice and the head of the countrys electoral court. He said he hoped American society and institutions react with vigor to this threat to democracy.

Venezuela, which is under US sanctions, said the events in Washington show that the US is suffering what it has generated in other countries with its politics of aggression.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has survived US-backed opposition efforts to oust him despite accusations of human rights abuses, civil unrest and a humanitarian crisis that has forced millions to flee the oil-rich country.

In Puerto Rico, many people took to social media and joked that the US territory no longer wanted statehood. Independence, they said, looked appealing for the first time in decades.

In fact, it was that pursuit of independence that marked one of the last times the US Congress was stormed violently. Four members of Puerto Ricos Nationalist Party opened fire on the House floor in March 1954, wounding five lawmakers.

Italians watched the events with shock, having always considered the US to be the model of democracy and the country that rescued Italy after its fascist descent during World War II.

This is the widely anticipated outcome of Trumpism, tweeted a retired Italian center-left politician, Pierluigi Castagnetti. And unfortunately it wont end today. When politics is replaced by deception and fanaticism of the people the drift is inevitable.

European Parliament President David Sassoli, who leads one of the largest legislatures in the world, also denounced the scenes at the Capitol. The European Union has spent four cantankerous years dealing with the Trump administration, and its top officials have repeatedly said they are looking forward to a better relationship under President-elect Joe Biden.

This is insurrection. Nothing less. In Washington, tweeted Carl Bildt, a former prime minister of Sweden.

Turkey, a NATO ally that has sometimes been at odds with Washington, expressed concern over the images of angry Trump supporters trying to thwart the certification of Biden as the new president. The chaos forced lawmakers to be rushed from the building.

A Turkish Foreign Ministry statement urged all parties in the United States to use moderation and common sense.

We believe that the United States will overcome this domestic political crisis with maturity, the ministry said.

The ministry statement also urged Turkish citizens in the United States to stay away from crowds and demonstrations.

Trump issued a restrained call for peace well after the melee was underway but did not immediately ask supporters to disperse. Later, he urged them to go home and called them very special people.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country was deeply disturbed by the events in the US, Canadas closest ally and neighbor.

Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld  and it will be, Trudeau tweeted.

Volkan Bozkir, president of the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, said he was saddened by the developments. But, he tweeted, I believe that peace & respect for democratic processes will prevail in our host country at this critical time.

Polish President Andrzej Duda, who twice visited Trump at the White House and hosted him in Poland, said on Twitter that his country had full confidence in the power of American democracy.
Washington: President-elect Joe Biden has selected Merrick Garland, a federal appeals court judge who in 2016 was snubbed by Republicans for a seat on the Supreme Court, as his attorney general, two people familiar with the selection process said Wednesday.

In picking Garland, Biden is turning to an experienced judge who held senior positions at the Justice Department decades ago, including as a supervisor of the prosecution of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The pick will force Senate Republicans to contend with the nomination of someone they spurned in 2016  refusing even to hold hearings when a Supreme Court vacancy arose  but Biden may be banking on Garland's credentials and reputation for moderation to ensure confirmation.

resident-elect Joe Biden is set to name Merrick Garland as Attorney General. Credit:AP

Biden is expected to announce Garlands appointment on Thursday (Friday AEDT), along with other senior leaders of the department, including former homeland security adviser Lisa Monaco as deputy attorney general and former Justice Department civil rights chief Vanita Gupta as associate attorney general. He will also name an assistant attorney general for civil rights, Kristen Clarke, the president of Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, an advocacy group.

Garland was selected over other finalists including Alabama Senator Doug Jones and former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates. The people familiar with the process spoke on condition of anonymity. One said Biden regards Garland as an attorney general who can restore integrity to the Justice Department and as someone who, having served in the Justice Department under presidents of both political parties, will be respected by nonpartisan career staff.
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A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
But former business minister has urged government to intervene with funding

The government has been urged to help save the Scouting movement after it reported a 'drastic downturn' in income due to the pandemic.

The Scouts Association has already made 100 redundancies after finding itself in 'severe financial difficulty.'

But its plans to sell off Baden-Powell House - the London HQ named after its founder in the 1950s - and the Downe scout training centre in Kent have prompted calls for Government action.

Labour MP Gareth Thomas, a former Business Minister, said it was only right for the scouts to receive funding when other organisations helping youngsters were given millions of pounds from taxpayers.

Plans by the Scout Association to sell off Baden-Powell House - the London HQ named after its founder in the 1950s - and the Downe scout training centre in Kent have prompted calls for Government action

'The Scout Association is rightly a much-loved national institution and I hope ministers will meet as a matter of urgency with the Scout Association to help them stave off their Covid-related financial troubles,' he told The Mirror.

In previous years the vast majority of Britain's cadet force funding had gone to the National Citizen Service, a holiday volunteering programme set up by David Cameron as part of his Big Society initiative.

He added: 'Given the money ministers find to support similar organisations, like the National Citizen Service and the Army and Navy Cadets, it is only right that they should help the Scouts to avoid axing so many jobs and being forced to sell off their iconic former headquarters in central London, Baden-Powell House, and a much-loved, 86-acre campsite that has been dedicated to scouting for almost 100 years, into private hands.'

The Downe Scout Activity Centre near London's Kent border has been used by generations of Scouts and school children and was bought by founder Lord Baden-Powell to train more leaders in 1929.

The activity site at Downe, near Orpington, is a historic one for the organisation and holds fond memories for many generations of Scouts and Scout leaders.

The Scouts Association has already made 100 redundancies after finding itself in 'severe financial difficulty' as a result of the pandemic. Pictured: Downe Scout Activity Centre in south London the association plans to sell off

Celebrity explorer Bear Grylls, who was made Chief Scout in 2009, has received calls to press the government for more help

Baden Powell was spurred on to set up the Scouts after fighting in the Boer War and realising there was a gap for a movement to give young boys a purpose.

In August 1907, he organised a trial scouting camp to be made up of 20 boys from a diverse selection of social backgrounds.

They spent a week on Brownsea Island in Dorset and it proved to be a great success.

From there, the idea blossomed and the first National Scout Rally was attended by 11,000 boys in Crystal Palace, south London, in 1909.

In February 1929, 66 acres was signed over to the then Boy Scouts of London in Downe, in the borough of Bromley, just beyond London's urban sprawl.

Labour MP Gareth Thomas, a former Business Minister, said it was only right for the scouts to receive funding when other organisations helping youngsters were given millions of pounds from taxpayers

Charles Darwin lived nearby at Down House and undertook his famous worm experiments on at least two areas of the site.

In a short time, adult leader training courses were in full swing and Baden-Powell encouraged Scouts from the East End to visit to experience life in the countryside, where they could camp under the stars and swim.

At its peak, 20,000 a year would visit Downe's 86 acres for day visits and residential experiences for Scouts, Guides, schools and other youth groups, as well as activities such as abseiling, archery and shelter-building.

Campdowne - which attracted 2,000 Scouts and Guides every four years - also became a bit hit with celebrities including explorer Bear Grylls, made Chief Scout in 2009 aged 34.

Baden Powell was spurred on to set up the Scouts after fighting in the Boer War and realising there was a gap for a movement to give young boys a purpose. Pictured: His memorial statue in Poole, Dorset

David Walliams tried out archery on a visit in 2013 while polar explorer Ben Saunders and Ray Mears also attended the site to teach kids survival skills - and Ray was awarded his Outdoor Adventure Badge.

But following the outbreak of Covid-19, it is set to be sold off alongside the association's former HQ, Baden-Powell House in South Kensington, purchased in the 1950s as a hostel to house Scouts visiting the city.

Heartbroken leaders have formed a Facebook group to try and save the site, with dozens recounting life-changing memories of their time there.

Others have taken Mr Grylls to task on Twitter over the closure.

One Tweeted: 'Bear, I have been made aware today of plans to sell Downe Scout Activity Camp near Biggin Hill.

Robert Baden-Powell: Army officer turned founder of the Scouts Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, was a British Army officer who made his name during the defence of Mafeking but became known to history as the founder of the Scouts. Inspired by watching young men conduct themselves with courage and fortitude at Mafeking, he realised boys had huge potential that was often left untapped, and decided to re-write a handbook for soldiers for a younger audience. His ambition was reflected in one of his many notable quotes: 'One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are a boy, so that you can be useful and so you can enjoy life when you are a man.' He ran a trial scout camp on Brownsea Island near Poole in 1907 which proved a huge success and was seen as the beginning of scouting. A year later he used experiences from the trial to help write Scouting for Boys a year later - the seminal work of the movement filled with instructions for activities and skills. The idea was astonishingly popular and scout troops soon popped up across the world. By 1910, scouting had almost 108,000 participants, of which more than 100,000 were young people. As the movement grew internationally, the association was able to buy several sites across the country and later the world, and now totals 900. In 1929, the Boy Scouts Association hosted the 3rd World Scout Jamboree at Arrowe Park in Cheshire; some 56,000 Scouts from 35 countries attended, making it the largest World Scout Jamboree to date. Baden-Powell eventually retired at the 5th World Scout Jamboree in 1937, living out his last years in Nyeri, Kenya. He died in 1941, and his gravesite has become a national monument. Advertisement

'This is to ease major financial pressure on the scouting movement. The government needs to do more to help.

'Downe is a wonderful place and I have stayed there as a parent helper many times.

'The loss of this facility will be a travesty for Cubs and Scouts in the whole of the southern counties and other parts of the country.

'Any more that you can do to pressure government would be much appreciated.'

Grylls recently signed a joint letter with several other public figures voicing their concern that youth services are being starved of funding at the very time when investment in young people has never been needed more.

Liz Chick added: 'Spent so many happy times at Downe Scout camp as a Guide, Guide leader, Venture Scout, and Scout leader over the years.

'Friendships made which I know will last my lifetime. So hope it can be saved for future generations.'

Some have even suggested crowdfunding the site in a bid to save it, despite a rumoured price tag of 2m.

A spokesman for the Scouts said: 'Our Board of Trustees has agreed it will look for potential buyers of Downe Scout Activity Centre.

'Like all charities the Scouts is facing severe financial difficulty with a drastic downturn in our income at a national level since March.

'This is because of a massive drop in commercial activity. Centrally we have made use of the job retention scheme and have made many difficult decisions such as cutting services and making redundancies.

'The money and savings from the asset sales and staff cuts will enable us to replenish our reserves and invest in the things that support volunteers' most: programme, safeguarding, safety.

'It can stabilise finances long term. We will consult with members about the priorities for how we allocate the money from property sales.'

A Culture Department spokesman said: 'Youth groups are vitally important to young people and the communities they serve, and we are doing everything we can to support them.

'The Scouts has received more than 1million in dedicated support from our coronavirus charities fund, as well as benefiting from wider government financial support schemes.

'Uniformed youth groups will be able to benefit further from the 16.5m package we are launching specifically for youth organisations across the country.'
The central government on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that an understanding could be in sight with the farmers unions over the contentious agricultural laws, even as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) lamented that there was no improvement in the situation.

CJI SA Bobde, however, also said that the top court has always encouraged talks, and that the legal adjudication surrounding the farm laws and farmers protests could wait if there was the possibility of a breakthrough. The court said it would take up the matter on January 11 but could defer the hearing in case there was some progress in talks.

The statement by the government suggesting a headway in negotiation has come two days after the seventh round of talks between the Centre and farm leaders ended in a stalemate. The three Union ministers part of the negotiations had suggested it was not possible to commit to a rollback of the laws without wider consultations with higher authorities. The farm unions had rejected this position, and said they would enhance their agitation -- a large tractor rally has been planned on the outskirts of the Capital on Thursday. Both sides, however, agreed to continue the talks on January 8.

On Wednesday, the CJI-led bench was hearing a plea by petitioner-advocate ML Sharma, who has challenged the laws on the ground that Centre lacked power to legislate on the issues directly relating to agriculture produce, its trade and market.

The bench, which also included justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, told Sharma that his petition could also be heard along with another batch of petitions on the same issue that are listed on January 8. At this point, the CJI remarked: There is no improvement in the situation at all.

The comment triggered a response from solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who said that the government was into healthy discussions with the farmers, and this is why they did not want to file an affidavit in response to the petitions in the court.

We will have to oppose the petitions if we file our counter affidavit. We are into a healthy discussion otherwise. So, we dont want to file our affidavits and oppose the petitions. We dont want to oppose anything formally since we are discussing right now, Mehta submitted, indicating that a documented counter by the government at this stage may not be conducive for the talks.

Attorney general KK Venugopal, who also represents the Centre in these matters, added that the government would not want to put on record any kind of opposition regarding the farmers issues. There are good chances that parties may come to an understanding. In case such an understanding is to be reached, we would not want to file our affidavits and oppose anything, said Venugopal.

The law officers submissions prompted the CJI to observe: We would like to encourage talks. That has always been our intention since we started hearing this matter.

The bench then assured Venugopal and Mehta that the court could simply adjourn the proceedings on Monday to a future date if the talks continue. We dont want to create more problems when the talks are going on, it added.

Asked about the governments contention in the Supreme Court, Darshan Pal, a senior leader of the farmers agitation, said: We are not a party to the any of the petitions regarding the three farm laws. Hence, we have no stand on this. The government must repeal the three laws, which continues to be our foremost demand.

Pal, however, said the government has not shown any signs of rolling back the laws, and he insisted that there could be no progress without that.

Balbir Singh Rajewal, another farm union leader, said if there was any verdict by the court that has a bearing on the agitation, a response will be formulated only after studying the ruling. He said that the court had already made it clear that farmers had a right to protest peacefully.

Thousands of farmers are fully prepared for Thursdays tractor rally that is planned to converge on the KMP Expressway, Rajewal said. The rally, which the farm unions are calling a rehearsal for a larger rally on Republic Day, will cover both eastern and western peripheral expressways.

This will be a dress rehearsal for the tractor parade by farmers on Republic Day in the national capital, said Yogendra Yadav, one of the leaders coordinating the protests.

Meanwhile, the court issued notices on Sharmas petition, which has also challenged the 1954-amendment in the Constitution by virtue of which Entry 33 of the Concurrent List was re-enacted. This re-enactment also gave Centre the authority to legislate on trade and commerce in, and the production, supply and distribution of foodstuffs, cattle fodder, raw cotton and cotton seeds; and raw jute.

According to Sharma, the government misused Entry 33 to frame the three laws  Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Agriculture and Promotion) Act, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act 2020. His petition contends the Centre has no authority under the Constitution to legislate on these issues, and only states can frame these laws. Sharmas plea added the laws will lead to exploitation of farmers by big corporate houses.

On December 17, hearing a clutch of petitions relating to the farmers protests, the top court allowed the agitations to go on, and showed its inclination of setting up an independent committee to mediate between the protesting farmers and the government. The decision on the constitution of the committee, however, was deferred since the prominent unions spearheading the protests did not participate in the court proceedings.
Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 71F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 71F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Palm Tree LLC, an M&A advisory with a wholly owned broker-dealer subsidiary, Palm Tree Securities LLC, announced today that banking executive Tom Hill has joined the firm.

Mr. Hill will lead efforts alongside the Capital Markets team to provide its private equity and corporate clients with strategic solutions to scenarios including acquisition finance, recapitalizations, growth capital, minority equity, buyouts, dividend recapitalizations, and sell-side advisory.

His background and relationships in the banking and finance sector will enable Palm Tree to present its clients with a wide range of financing options. "We can find the best possible solution to any financing circumstance," said Mr. Hill. "Our relationships with banks, hedge funds, the SBIC, and other private funding sources means we can create financing structures that meet our clients' needs."

Mr. Hill joins Palm Tree with over 20 years of banking and finance experience. He previously led the commercial banking divisions of Banc of California and Opus Bank and was a senior relationship manager at East West Bank. His career has encompassed cash-flow-based acquisition financing, dividend recapitalizations, asset-based loans, owner-occupied financing, and related financial structures.

"Tom's relationships add a deep bench of financing options to our firm," said Stephen Rossi, Managing Director of Capital Markets at Palm Tree. "It means we can move fast and provide more flexibility to solving our clients' investment banking needs."

About Palm Tree

Palm Tree is the modern M&A advisory. A hybrid of accounting consultancy and investment bank, it consults on financial, operational, and investment solutions. Born out of private equity, Palm Tree navigates the time-sensitive, demanding, uncompromising rigors of M&A with the perspective of owners and investors. This gives its clients the advantage of experience and expertise across the full continuum of transactions, transitions, and transformations.

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Parapapaaa! Sound the field trumpets, the cavalrys arrived. Well, the Army at any rate  and not a moment too soon. Brigadier Phil Prosser of the 3rd Division was introduced at yesterdays Downing Street press conference as the man in charge of rolling out the vaccine.

And thank goodness for that.

The Brig certainly inspired confidence. Towering over the Prime Minister, here stood a man who clearly Gets. Things. Done. Granite jaw. Thousand-yard stare. Haircut you could time your watch to.

Judging by his no-nonsense manner, Id say a fair few corporals have felt the short sharp sting of his boot over the years.

Even Boris seemed to cower in his presence like a newly-thrashed mongrel.

Action Man fatigues: Brigadier Phil Prosser (pictured yesterday) of the 3rd Division was introduced at yesterdays Downing Street press conference as the man in charge of rolling out the vaccine.

In fact, I would not be altogether surprised if Brigadier Prosser had given the PM a swift cuff round the ear beforehand for insolence.

The Brig spoke as though briefing his troops on a night-time ambush: Operation Arm Puncture. I am Brigadier Prosser, Commander, 101 Logistics, he boomed. And my team are used to complex-IT-Y.

His diction was so succinct it seemed to ricochet around the oak-panelled room like a stray bullet. Compared to the gasbag boffins were used to hearing, he used words as sparingly as emergency safety matches. Each sentence came perfectly formed and readily digestible.

He was dressed in Action Man military fatigues. Course he was. Probably took a quick yomp up Box Hill on his way into London.

Before we heard from the Brigadier, Boris had given us an update on how things had been going so far. More than 1.5million people had now been vaccinated

He spoke of executing his mission and of his aim to deliver excellence.

The complex-IT-Y of this mission, Prosser said, was unparalleled.

To give us some idea of the scope, he compared the logistics of the past 30 days to setting up a new supermarket chain. Yet you could tell he was relishing every moment of it.

Before we heard from the Brigadier, Boris had given us an update on how things had been going so far. More than 1.5million people had now been vaccinated.

He spoke of executing his mission and of his aim to deliver excellence. The complex-IT-Y of this mission, Prosser said, was unparalleled. Pictured: UK Army logistics commander Brigadier Phil Prosser arrives at 10 Downing Street

He promised hundreds of thousands of jabs a day by next week. We were assured he was throwing everything at it, round the clock if necessary.

He then spoilt it by inviting ridicule as he attempted to pronounce the names of two rheumatoid arthritis drugs which have recently been identified as potentially effective treatments against Covid-19  tocilizumab and sarilumab. The words flopped out of his rubbery mouth as tossyleesymub and sareeesumab. Hang on... werent they characters from aTolkien novel?

Er, theyll shortly be on everyones lips, Boris mumbled apologetically.

Joining the PM and the Brig was NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens. Hes the one who dresses like a banker. Suave beggar.

Brigadier Prosser tweeted this picture in October 2019 under the caption: 'Thats the end of the #CombatPower demonstration. Thumbs up An awesome few days showcasing our amazing people delivering #FightingSustainment to @3rdUKDivision. Flexed biceps Everyone a #winner but some more than others. Privilege to present coins to some of the best'

Not being a politician, he was able to boast that vaccinations in the UK were now running at 300 times the rate in France. If that didnt earn him a drink at No10 later, nothing will.

Sir Simon explained how the vaccine would first be delivered by GPs, then by other partners. By this he meant the St John Ambulance staff, pharmacies  and the Army.

But by the tone of his voice, he did not sound altogether keen on these outsiders muscling in on his patch.

Call me naive, but if time is of the essence couldnt volunteers be trained to help deliver what is a simple injection?

Earlier in the Lords, Tory peer Lord Blencathra pointed out that thousands of people routinely self-inject their medication every day.

He tweeted this in September 2019, saying: Its not the will to win that matters its the will to prepare to win. Awesome to have Comd @field_army & @FdArmyComdSM visit #ExIV19 Purposeful training #FightingLogistics through to Sustain @3rdUKDivision #OneTeam #ProfessionalExcellence'

Even I was capable of administering insulin jabs to my diabetic terrier. Were not talking about splitting the atom here.

From the media there came the inevitable questions about Donald Trump and the events on Capitol Hill.

Boris replied that America had always stood for freedom and democracy but the President was clearly wrong to carry on claiming he had won the election.

His voice was scratchy and irritable as he said this. Hed really wanted to focus on discussing the vaccine rollout.

This is high-stakes time now for the PM. No room for any cock-ups.

But, like the rest of us, hes no doubt delighted to have the Brig on board.
Life goes on in this town despite political turmoil in the nation's capitol. Accordingly, we share an alternative glimpse what's hot from a pop culture, community news and top headline perspective.



Snow Job Scheme Debuts

Kansas City will deploy additional trucks, drivers for future snow storms KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Following the New Year's Day snow storm, the city of Kansas City says it will make some changes to improve its snowplowing game plan.

Show-Me Tragic Stats

Two-fifths of Missouri's COVID-19 deaths were in last 2 months Two-fifths of all of Missouri's COVID-19 deaths were reported in the last two months of 2020, according to the state health department.Data on the department's COVID-19 dashboard shows that 2,369 deaths were reported in November and December.

Rock Chalk Waiting Game

Kansas Stumbles On COVID-19 Vaccinations, Leaving Health Officials Confused And Doses On Shelves For starters, the COVID-19 vaccine doses intended for Ness County in west-central Kansas landed somewhere else. "That was my first clue we had a problem," said Carolyn Gabel, the county's public health administrator. Then someone from Dodge City called. Those vials bound for Ness City? They hadn't been kept as cold as needed.

Kansas City Community Effort To Push COVID Vaxx

AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine trial in Kansas City recruits diverse participants - The Beacon For Sarah Franco, 49, a Hispanic resident of Kansas City, Kansas, COVID-19 vaccines are a blessing. "Everything that is helpful to go through this pandemic should be welcome," Franco said through a translator. But while Franco plans to get vaccinated once it's available to the general public, she says many people she knows are divided on the vaccine - and some are afraid.

Panty Promo Peek

Christine Quinn showcases her incredible frame in a sheer bodysuit She is the reality show icon who is known for always putting on a glamorous display. And Christine Quinn looked incredible as she slipped into racy lace lingerie for a sizzling Savage x Fenty photoshoot this week.

Prez Trump Shut Down On Social Media

In unprecedented move, Twitter locks President Trump's account after tweets with 'severe violations' In an unprecedented move, Twitter locked President Trump's account on Wednesday after freezing three of his tweets about the riots at the U.S. Capitol so they could not be liked or forwarded. The @realDonaldTrump account will be locked and those tweets must be removed.

Prez Trump End Game???

Democratic lawmakers call for Pence to invoke 25th Amendment, remove Trump from office Dear @VP @Mike_Pence: You need to start the 25th Amendment. @realDonaldTrump is detached from reality. https://t.co/FkGBte8ZxB - Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) January 6, 2021 Donald J. Trump should immediately be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate as soon as Congress reconvenes.

Bad Ideas Abound Today

Some Orthodox Christians ignore COVID warnings on Epiphany SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) - Thousands of Orthodox Christian worshippers in Bulgaria on Wednesday ignored warnings issued by health authorities to abstain from mass gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic and kept instead to their centuries-old Epiphany traditions.

Help Troops Work

'Serving those who serve': KC metro's largest Vet career fair going virtual The Greater KC Veterans Career Fair offers unique opportunities for job seekers

Courthouse Sign Up

All Jackson County residents asked to fill out vaccine survey to decide order by: Travis Meier Posted: / Updated: JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. - The county health department is asking all residents to fill out a survey to help them determine who will get the vaccine and when. The Jackson County Health Department is filling vaccination appointments through a survey tool, which helps officials decide who is most at risk.

City Hall Honcho Talks

City Manager to address Downtowners + Mayor opens up on podcast Kansas City's new City Manager Brian Platt will take center stage at this month's meeting of the KC Downtowners. The virtual luncheon meeting is set for noon Wednesday, Jan. 13. Admission is free, although you will need to RSVP online.

World Turns Colder

Thursday will be cloudy with highs in the mid-30s Hide Transcript Show Transcript STARTING TO SEE AT LEAST SOME RAINFALL. 39 DEGREES IN THE NEXT HOUR, NOTICE HOW WE STILL HAVE THE YELLOW TRIANGLES. ALSO ON THIS GRAPHIC WE HAVE ADDED HOW LIKELY YOU ARE TO SEE RAINFALL. 60% SHOT THROUGH 8:00 BY 9:00-10:00-11:00 IT GOES TO A 40% CHANCE.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now . . .


Hong Kong: Jailed Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been arrested on a new charge under the national security law while an American rights lawyer who was detained in a sweeping crackdown was granted bail.

Friends and family of Wong, who is serving a 13-month prison sentence for organising and participating in an unauthorised protest in 2019, were informed that he had been arrested on suspicion of violating the national security law and was taken away to give a statement on the new charge, according to a post on his Facebook page.

Activist Joshua Wong was arrested on suspicion of violating the national security law. Credit:AP

The post also stated that Wong's lawyer was unable to meet with him, and that Wong had been transferred back to prison after giving the statement, which was not disclosed.

Separately, John Clancey, an American human rights lawyer who works at law firm Ho Tse Wai & Partners, was granted bail, his associate said. He was one of 53 activists arrested on Wednesday under the national security law. He couldn't be reached for comment.
OTTAWA - Sen. Don Plett is facing calls for his resignation as Conservative leader in the Senate after choosing to vacation in Mexico over the holidays.

OTTAWA - Sen. Don Plett is facing calls for his resignation as Conservative leader in the Senate after choosing to vacation in Mexico over the holidays.

But Plett is not the only senator who travelled abroad even as Canadians were being told to stay home to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Conservative Sen. Don Plett arrives at the Senate, Tuesday October 29, 2013 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Sen. Vern White, a former Conservative who now sits with the Canadian Senators Group, has admitted to the CBC that he went to Finland to visit his wife's parents.

And four other senators have not responded to repeated questions from The Canadian Press about whether they've left the country since Dec. 1.

The vast majority  87 of the current roster of 93 senators  say they have stayed home, as recommended by public health authorities. Indeed, most said they haven't travelled anywhere since the pandemic began sweeping Canada last March.

"Personally, I find it insulting to Canadians when politicians promote or recommend rules that they themselves dont follow," said Sen. Rosa Galvez, a member of the Independent Senators Group.

"Im appalled that the leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Donald Plett, travelled to a resort in Mexico when he berated the prime minister for going to a close-by cottage this summer and he stated in his end-of-year message, 'We cannot travel and gather as we normally would.'"

Galvez said Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole should remove Plett as his Senate leader, just as MPs from multiple parties have been stripped of their committee and other parliamentary duties for failing to abide by public health instructions.

However, O'Toole's office has said it's not up to the leader. The party's Senate leader is chosen by Conservative senators.

Sen. Marilou McPhedran, also a member of the Independent Senators Group, doubted that Conservative senators will choose to punish Plett.

"Most of them have followed his preference for not wearing a mask in the Senate chamber much of the time, thereby exposing the rest of us, but particularly more vulnerable members of their own caucus sitting nearer to them, to their aerosol expulsions for hours on end," McPhedran said.

"So it seems doubtful that they will see Sen. Pletts decision to vacation outside Canada to be a significant reflection on his leadership."

Most of the 20 Conservative senators declined to comment on Plett's future.

One, Sen. Elizabeth Marshall, said in an email: "I consider any concerns I have about Senator Pletts travel an internal matter."

Two Conservative senators expressed support for Plett.

"Sen. Plett continues to have my full confidence as the Conservative Senate caucus leader," Sen. Linda Frum said in an email.

"He made a mistake, he acknowledged that mistake, and we need to move forward."

On Monday, a spokesperson for Plett said the senator travelled to Mexico on Dec. 28. Upon his arrival, he "reflected on his decision to travel" and immediately made arrangements to return home to Manitoba on Dec. 31.

Plett's arrival in Mexico would have coincided with the furor that erupted over the Dec. 29 revelation that Ontario's finance minister, Rod Phillips, was vacationing on the Caribbean island of St. Barts. Phillips resigned several days later.

Plett is now quarantining for 14 days, as required by Manitoba public health protocols.

A spokesperson for Conservative Sen. Salma Ataullahjan said the senator does not feel that Plett should resign as Senate leader.

"The government has not called for a clear ban on international travel, therefore those who made a choice to travel have to (follow) the guidelines on how to protect themselves and others before, during and after they travel," the spokesperson noted.

"Sen. Plett is self-isolating after his travel as he should, and that should not impact his position as leader of the Opposition."

Plett's office declined to comment on his future.

The Canadian Press contacted all 93 senators to see if any others vacationed outside the country.

Five, including White, did not respond to repeated email and phone messages. White did, however, tell the CBC on Wednesday that he was in quarantine in Finland, in accordance with that country's pandemic guidelines, after travelling there with his family on Dec. 28.

The other four non-responders included Sen. Scott Tannas, leader of the Canadian Senators Group, and his deputy leader, Josee Verner.

Verner aide Renee Farrell initially said she didn't know if the senator had travelled outside the country and promised to check with the senator. She did not respond to subsequent email and phone messages over several days.

The other non-responders were Jean-Guy Dagenais of the Canadian Senators Group, and Rosemary Moodie of the Independent Senators Group.

Meanwhile, Governor General Julie Payette said she has not left the country since the start of the pandemic in March and has restricted her movements in Canada to those needed to carry out her constitutional duties and to care for her teenage son and older parents in Montreal.

In a video message Thursday to Canadians, in which she urged people to continue to be vigilant, Payette said: "Like you, I have had to adapt to these unprecedented circumstances. As a scientist, I take epidemic outbreaks very seriously, and that is why we closed Rideau Hall at the outset of the pandemic to ensure the safety of our staff and the health of our visitors.

"Like you, I have strictly minimized contacts other than through digital means. "

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2021.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. Earlier version had Jean-Guy Dagenais as a Conservative senator. He is in fact a member of the Canadian Senators Group.

A former New York City police sergeant from New Jersey falsely claimed she worked for hours as part of recovery efforts from the 9/11 terrorist attacks and fraudulently tried to collect federal benefits, authorities said.

Sally Spinosa, of Freehold, surrendered Thursday to face charges, including submitting false claims, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York.

The 55-year-old former NYPD sergeant in 2010 claimed during a screening interview for the World Trade Center Health Program that she worked for hundreds of hours at the Fresh Kills Landfill in Staten Island from Sept. 2001 to June 2002, according to a complaint filed in the case. Once one of the worlds largest landfills, Fresh Kills was used as a site to process debris from the World Trade Center attacks. Police and other officials worked at the site, sifting through wreckage to recover human remains.

In 2014, Spinosa applied for funds from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund falsely claiming she was at the landfill for two hours a day for 62 straight days, according to authorities. To support the alleged scam, investigators said she falsified a signed affidavit purportedly from one of her police supervisors.

Despite her claims to the health and victim compensation programs, the sergeant spent little to no time at the landfill, authorities said. During the time frame, she was pregnant and doing limited work outside of her police units office, or out of work entirely on parental leave.

After the September 11 attacks on New York City, the brave men and women of the NYPD risked their lives and safety to rebuild the City. As alleged, former NYPD sergeant Sally Spinosa exploited her position by brazenly  and falsely  claiming to have worked hundreds of hours in the recovery effort, Audrey Strauss, the acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney, said.

Based on the fraud, the World Trade Center Health Program paid for some of her medical expenses, authorities said. She was initially denied benefits, but reapplied using the alleged bogus claims.

There is no place in the NYPD for criminal behavior, Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear if Spinosa, who was a cop from July 1986 to July 2019, had retained an attorney. She scheduled for a court hearing in Manhattan later on Thursday.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.
Saudi-based Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has signed an agreement with Misk Art Institute (MAI) to boost inter-company cooperation.

The MoU aims to provide inter-company counsel on information related to the arts sector and the research and documentation of artwork; hold training courses for artists and art professionals; and establish internships in the arts and culture sectors. It also offers consultancy and advisory services on developing resources in the arts sector.

This partnership comes in line with DGDA's grand plans to turn the historic Saudi city into one of the worlds foremost lifestyle destinations for culture and heritage, hospitality, retail and education, said the statement from the Authority.

As part of its ambitious plans for the kingdom, DGDA will be setting up a revolutionary hub dedicated to supporting innovation in the fields of digital art, artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technologies.

Spread over 10,000 sq m area, it will boast six art studios, a library, an art store, workspace for artists, and halls for workshops and training classes to form an integrated creative platform to promote digital arts.

The Diriyah Gate developer pointed out that the MAI partnership was part of the Saudi Vision 2030 linked policies, aimed at creating increased job opportunities and prospects for the local community and putting the country on the world tourist map.

Under the agreement, both sides will exchange artwork and information across media resources between MAI, DGDA and others.

"The planned artistic projects in Diriyah aim to make a quantum leap in the culture and arts sphere and are expected to change the artistic landscape of the Kingdom," remarked Reem Alsultan, CEO of Misk Art Institute, after signing the deal with Jerry Inzerillo CEO of DGDA.

"The memo comes within the framework of the Institute's eagerness to provide support, consultancy, and training to all bodies and firms working in the art and creative sector. This will transform the city into a vital hub for visitors and tourists both inside and outside the kingdom," she stated.

On the MAI partnership, CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: "DGDA is delighted to boost its collaboration with the Misk Art Institute through this deal, as through its recent successful projects, the Institute has played an intrinsic role in the cultural life of the kingdom, and we look forward to our future joint endeavors."

HONG KONG, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The district court of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Wednesday convicted three people arrested for assaulting Fu Guohao, a journalist from the Beijing-based Global Times newspaper, in August 2019.

According to the court, Amy Pat was found guilty of three crimes including false imprisonment, assaulting and rioting, while Lai Yun-long and Ho Ka-lok were found guilty of two crimes, namely assaulting and rioting. The fourth defendant in the case, Wong Yat-ho, was acquitted on all charges.

The judge also encouraged the public to read the judgement to understand more about the ruling.

Fu was tied up and beaten by the rioters during a violent incident at Hong Kong International Airport on Aug. 13.
WASHINGTON  President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday denounced the rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol as domestic terrorists and he blamed President Donald Trump for the violence that has shaken the nations capital and beyond.

The riot by Trump supporters who breached the security of Congress on Wednesday was not dissent, was not disorder, was not protest. It was chaos.

 UPDATE: The latest news concerning Wednesdays insurrection at the U.S. Capitol

Those who massed on Capitol Hill intending to disrupt a joint session of Congress that was certifying Bidens election victory over Trump werent protesters. Dont dare call them protesters. They were a riotous mob  insurrectionists, domestic terrorists. Its that basic, Biden said.

In solemn tones, Biden said the actions Trump has taken to subvert the nations democratic institutions throughout his presidency led directly to the mayhem in Washington.

In the past four years, weve had a president whos made his contempt for our democracy, our Constitution, the rule of law clear in everything he has done, Biden said. He unleashed an all-out assault on our institutions of our democracy from the outset. And yesterday was the culmination of that unrelenting attack.

The mob of hundreds of Trump backers broke into the Capitol and roamed the halls looking for lawmakers, who were forced to halt their deliberations and seek safety. The violent protesters were egged on by Trump himself, who has falsely contended that he lost the election due to voter fraud.

Trumps claims were repeatedly dismissed in the courts, including the Supreme Court, and by state election officials from both parties, and even by some in his own administration. But the president went to greater and greater lengths to try to subvert the election, culminating this week in efforts by some Republican members of Congress to object to the certification of the results and the violence at the Capitol. After the disruption, Congress returned to work late Wednesday and affirmed Bidens victory early Thursday.

Biden ticked off a list of Trumps assaults on American norms, including his attacks on the press and the intelligence community and his pressure on state and federal officials and judges to submit to his efforts to overturn the election. Biden said that on Wednesday, Trump tried to use a mob to silence the voices of nearly 160 million Americans who voted in November.

And both he and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris spoke about the police treatment of the largely white protesters on Wednesday, compared with the heavy-handed way in which police have handled Black Lives Matter protests.

We witnessed two systems of justice, when we saw one that let extremists storm the United States Capitol and another that released tear gas on peaceful protesters last summer, Harris said.

Biden declared that no one can tell me that if it had been a group of Black Lives Matter protesting yesterday, they wouldnt have been treated very, very differently than the mob of thugs that stormed the Capitol.

He expressed hope that images comparing the police presence Wednesday to that marshaled to prepare for Black Lives Matters protests would open Americans eyes to the needs for reform.

The remarks came during an event in Wilmington, Delaware, to introduce Bidens Justice Department team, to be led by federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland as attorney general. Biden also announced Obama administration homeland security adviser Lisa Monaco would serve as deputy attorney general and former Justice Department civil rights chief Vanita Gupta as associate attorney general, the No. 3 official. He also named an assistant attorney general for civil rights, Kristen Clarke, now the president of Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, an advocacy group.

The Justice Department is expected to dramatically change course during the Biden administration, with a greater focus on civil rights issues and a review of policing policies. Both Biden and Harris spoke Wednesday about the importance of an independent judiciary.

Biden said some of the most important work for the nation remains committing ourselves to the rule of law in this nation, invigorating our domestic and democratic institutions carrying out equal justice under law in America.

There is no more important place for us to do this work than the Department of Justice, he said.

As Vaporesso grows in size and influence as an international brand, its capacity to influence positive change around the world expands. This growing ability contrasted with the COVID-19 outbreak resulted in the company ramping up corporate social responsibility initiatives throughout 2020. Through a global network of international partners, Vaporesso has been donating time, money, and energy to giving.

In France, Vaporesso CARE specifically chose the Christmas holiday as a time to give back. With COVID-19 still raging throughout the country and much of the rest of the world, many people were unable to spend time with their loved ones during the festive season. This, coupled with financial pressures meant that many people were in desperate need of support. Understanding this, Vaporesso CARE connected with local vape shops to give away free supplies, helping needy people throughout the holiday season. The food supplies have also been donated to a number of charity organizations with the intention of giving to an even wider range of people with the whole event receiving praise from a number of local media outlets such as OUEST FRANCE, LE COURRIER INDEPENDANT and the municipality of Rives-en-Seine.

Regarding the distribution of relief supplies through French vape shops, Vaporesso Global Marketing Director, Niki Zhang, said "At Vaporesso, we take being a positive corporate citizen very seriously. Doing what we can to give back to the community is part of our global mission to make the world a better place."



The Vaporesso CARE program is dedicated to charity and positive action projects. Initially put together to help international partners cope with the pandemic, it has since grown to represent much more than the fight against COVID-19. Vaporesso CARE is now dedicated to supporting communities around the world through working together with local vape shops and institutions and is set to continue to grow into the future.



SOURCE VAPORESSO
Getty

The rioting and violence at the Capitol on Wednesday only further proves that the country is divided, and that there are two different Americas we are living in.

Rioters violently stormed the Capitol, and police did absolutely nothing to stop itin fact, it reminds me of a line from Giancarlo Esposito in the popular Amazon Prime satire "The Boys." Esposito plays Stan Edgar, the calculating CEO of an evil megacorporation that creates superheroes through dubious means. Even as a rich and powerful man, however, Edgar understands the rules are different for him as a Black man in America.
A book of evidence is to be prepared in the investigation of a case where a wheelchair-bound man was dragged to the ground, robbed and left injured outside Mercy University Hospital in the middle of the afternoon.

The accused man, Connie Foley, appeared by video link from prison at Cork District Court today.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial by judge and jury in the case. The sergeant added that it would take six weeks to prepare the book of evidence in the case.

Defence solicitor, Cathal Lombard, said there was no objection to the case being adjourned for that purpose. Judge Olann Kelleher put the case back until February 17 at Cork District Court.

Detective Garda Lorna Healy previously charged Connie Foley of Goulds Hill, Mallow, County Cork, with carrying out the robbery of the man in the wheelchair on Monday afternoon, September 14, 2020.

It is understood that the injured party is a 50-year-old amputee.

Det. Garda Healy said members of the public passing Gravel Lane, near the Mercy University Hospital shortly before 4 pm that day, assisted the victim who was dragged from his wheelchair. Det. Garda Healy said the injured party was bruised all over his body as a result of the incident.

Connie Foley made no reply when he was arrested, charged with robbery and cautioned.

The allegation in the case was that a wheelchair-bound man was approached by a man who asked him for his mobile phone and he refused.

Det. Garda Healy said the man then grabbed the wallet belonging to the injured party, dragging him from his wheelchair in the process. The wallet was later recovered and 100 was missing from it.

The detective said there was excellent CCTV footage of the incident.

Mr Lombard, solicitor, previously stated on Foleys behalf, He strenuously denied he was the person in this incident when he was interviewed by gardai. The defendant also said, I was at home all day on that date. If you go back and look at cameras.

It was reported that the robbery happened after the wheelchair user had attended the Mercy University Hospital for a medical appointment on Monday afternoon and was resting in his wheelchair at nearby Gravel Lane.

A passing taxi driver heard the wheelchair users cries for help and he and several members of the public helped him back into his wheelchair before alerting gardai who were quickly on the scene.
Marco Rubio responds to CNN's Chris Cuomo for mocking him as 'Bible boy'

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Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., has responded to two CNN opinion hosts who questioned his faith while they sarcastically mocked him as Mr. Bible boy live on air Monday.

CNN's Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon lambasted President Donald Trump over his phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger that critics argue demonstrated an attempt to convince an elected official to forge election results. Cuomo and Lemon harshly criticized congressional Republicans for not condemning the presidents phone call more forcefully.

Slamming congressional Republicans for what they deemed as enabling Trump, Cuomo specifically singled out Rubio, a former rival of Trumps for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.

Referring to Rubio as Mr. Bible boy, Cuomo alleged that Rubio has a Bible quote for every moment, he just never speaks truth to power  or acts on any of it in the interests of his own state or of this country. As Cuomo spoke, Lemon repeatedly signaled agreement.

Rubio responded to Cuomo on Twitter Tuesday: The verses I tweet are usually the ones chosen by the Catholic Church for that day's mass. But the fact he thinks words written thousands of years ago are relevant to current events proves the Bible isnt just a book, its the word of God. AMEN.

The verses I tweet are usually the ones chosen by the Catholic Church for that days mass



But the fact he thinks words written thousands of years ago are relevant to current events proves the Bible isnt just a book,its the word of God



AMEN.https://t.co/nqsDxWqRJo#FoxNews  Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 5, 2021

Earlier in the conversation, Lemon held up Raffensperger, who has become a target of criticism from Trump and several Republicans for his handling of the election and his agreement to sign a consent decree that led to loosening of signature verification requirements for mail-in ballots, as a man of faith.

According to Lemon, Raffenspergers faith was the reason he could sit there and just very stoically say, Sorry, Mr. President, youre wrong. Our data shows that you did not win Georgia.

Throughout the Trump administration, members of the media have repeatedly called into question the faith of Trump and his supporters. In a 2018 interview, Lemon got into an argument with the Rev. Franklin Graham, the CEO of Samaritans Purse, about whether the president exemplified Christian values.

Reflecting on his education in Catholic school and citing the Bible passage from the Gospel of Luke proclaiming that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, Lemon remarked that the Bible and everyone always taught me to do unto others and not attack others and thats all this president does. He also called into question evangelical support for Trump in light of reports of his infidelity and use of the word s---hole to describe certain countries.

Lemon tried to portray Graham and other evangelical Christians as hypocrites because they called out the personal behavior of President Bill Clinton, who had a sexual affair with an intern while in office, but not Trump. These alleged affairs, that are alleged with Trump, didnt happen while he was in office. This happened 11, 12, 13, 14 years ago. And so, I think theres a big difference, Graham responded.

I think the president has changed quite a bit in the last 11 years, he contended.

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, made similar arguments during an interview with Politico that took place at around the same time: Among evangelicals, there is an understanding that we are all fallen and the idea of forgiveness is very prominent. I think the evangelical community gives him grace for the mistakes that hes made.
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Pedestrians wearing face masks are seen on a street in Tokyo, Japan, Jan. 7, 2021. Japan on Wednesday reported 6,001 new daily COVID-19 cases, marking the first time the number has topped the 6,000-mark and booking the highest number of daily infections on record since the outbreak of the pandemic here. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi)

TOKYO, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Japan on Wednesday reported 6,001 new daily COVID-19 cases, marking the first time the number has topped the 6,000-mark and booking the highest number of daily infections on record since the outbreak of the pandemic here.

The latest surge in nationwide cases far eclipses the previous record of 4,916 new cases logged on Tuesday and comes as Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is gearing up to declare a state of emergency for Tokyo and three of its neighboring prefectures due to a recent surge in cases.

Tokyo's new daily infections hit a record 1,591 on Wednesday, with other records also set in Saitama and Chiba, confirming a record 394 and 311 cases, respectively.

Kanagawa, meanwhile, the second hardest hit in the Greater Tokyo area reported 591 cases.

All four areas will be covered by the virus declaration set to be made by Suga on Thursday.

Government officials have said that the emergency declaration is expected to be kept in place until Feb. 7.

A state of emergency was declared in Tokyo and six other prefectures on April 7 last year. It was later expanded to cover the whole country before being lifted in late May.

Japan's central prefecture of Aichi saw its cases rise by 364 on Wednesday as its Governor Hideaki Omura told a press conference that "if this trend continues for a few days" he might ask the central government to expand the virus emergency to cover his prefecture.

Japan's second hardest-hit region of Osaka also reported a record number of infections at 560, along with Fukuoka Prefecture which reported a record 316 new infections.

The record number of cases in numerous prefectures across Japan on Wednesday has underscored health professionals concerns about the strain on the medical system.

Amid rising concerns about the health care system, Suga said he would take into account the opinions of health experts on Thursday before making a final decision on the declaration.

He also said he would be looking to the health experts to "set a direction" regarding the emergency declaration.

Hiroshi Nishiura, a professor at Kyoto University specializing in mathematical modeling for infectious diseases, on Wednesday told a meeting of health experts advising the government it will take two months or so for the daily number of new infections in Tokyo to fall below 100, according to Kyodo News.

Shigeru Omi, head of a government subcommittee on the pandemic, meanwhile, was quoted as saying it would be an "extremely difficult feat to improve the situation to a state where the state of emergency could be lifted in less than one month."

Toshio Nakagawa, president of the Japan Medical Association, said in a separate press conference the government should look into the possibility of expanding the declaration nationwide.

"Depending on how the virus spreads, we may have to consider a nationwide state of emergency," Nakagawa said.

Nakagawa also called for all lawmakers to "completely refrain from dining out at night regardless of the number of attendees."

His remarks came as Suga drew criticism for attending a dinner party with more than four other people, despite his own calls for the public not to attend such events where the virus could be transmitted.

Restaurants that serve alcohol will be asked to close by 8 p.m. from Friday, thereafter, all dining facilities including those which do not serve alcohol will be asked to close at 8 p.m. from Jan. 12 through Jan. 31.

People will also be encouraged to stay and work from home, government sources said and refrain from making unnecessary trips outdoors.

"Since the Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding prefectures are connected, we are coordinating with each other to implement (more) effective measures," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said.

As things stand, there are currently no penalties for people or establishments who fail to comply with new measures set out, although Suga said the government will, by proposing a legal revision this month, try to change this.

The current legislation provides a legal basis for governors to ask residents in their prefectures to stay at home and also enables stronger steps to deal with outbreaks, including the requisition of medical supplies and food, as well as the expropriation of private land for emergency health facilities.

But it does not provide a legal basis for imposing a lockdown with restrictions on the movement of people, or fines for those who leave their homes, as has been seen in numerous countries' lockdowns overseas.

During his New Year's address on Monday, however, Suga said a legal revision aimed at providing benefits for those who comply with anti-virus measures, such as earlier closing times, and penalties for those who do not conform, will be sought in a parliamentary session to be convened later in January.

Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in charge of the government's response to the coronavirus, is set to report the situation to parliament on Thursday. Enditem
Members of the pro-Trump mob that broke into the U.S. Capitol building Wednesday broke into the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi while there.

Trump-friendly media shared photos and videos from inside the office, and AFP photographer Saul Loeb took a photo of one such demonstrator sitting at a desk in Pelosi's office.

Another photo shows that someone left a folder on her desk with the writing, "WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN" in red ink. And yet another photo shows someone  with their face exposed and smiling for the camera  walking off with a lectern with the House Speaker logo on it, but it's unclear if the lectern was taken from Pelosi's office or from another location.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

During the riots, Pelosi put out a statement with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling for President Trump to intervene.

"We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately," the statement reads.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters at the Capitol and lawmakers inside the House chamber were told to put on gas masks as tear gas was fired in the Rotunda.

A pro-Trump mob was also seen inside the Senate chamber. One person got up on the dais and yelled Trump won that election.

Several dozen are roaming through the halls, yelling Where are they? according to a pool report.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story identified one Trump supporter as sitting at Nancy Pelosis desk. It has since been amended to state that the person was sitting at a desk inside Pelosis office, after Pelosi's daughter took to Twitter to clarify that was not the House speaker's desk.
AHDB has applied for emergency approval to provide limited use of Vydate after the government confirmed that it will not re-authorise the pesticide.

As of 1 January this year, the nematode treatment is no longer approved for use in the United Kingdom.

The nematicide is an important tool for growers of sugar beet, potatoes, onions, carrots and other field veg to control pests on their crop.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) applied for emergency approval for the 2021 growing season, particularly for growers who lack alternative pest control options.

AHDB received the following communication from Vydate manufacturer Corteva: "It is with great disappointment that I have to advise you that the UK application for re-authorisation of Vydate for use in 2021 has not been successful.

"Corteva received a communication from CRD (Chemicals Regulation Division) on 24 December to inform us that Vydate has not been re-authorised for sale, distribution and use in the UK beyond 31 December 2020.

"The CRD granted an amendment to allow the disposal and storage of Vydate 10G until 28 February 2021."

Reacting to the development, the NFU said it was 'urgently engaging' with Defra to discuss the development and the practicalities of its disposal plan.

The union's vice president Tom Bradshaw said: It is extremely disappointing that Vydate will not be re-authorised by the UK government.

"It is unacceptable the announcement was made just one week before the authorisation ended, with no time for growers to prepare."
Governor Anandiben Patel on Thursday signed an ordinance for its promulgation to regulate inter-faith marriages in Madhya Pradesh. The ordinance provides for two to 10- year imprisonment and a fine up to Rs50,000 for anyone found guilty of forcing women, minors, and people from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to undergo religious conversion.

According to the ordinance, reconversion to embrace ones ancestral religion will not be considered a crime, as per the official.

An official said Patel has signed the drafts of all the 12 ordinances that the state cabinet approved and sent for her consent and promulgation on December 29. The ordinances were issued as the state assemblys winter session was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They include the one that provides for life imprisonment for those found guilty of adulteration of food and drugs.

Also read | Supreme Court to examine laws against unlawful conversion in UP, Uttarakhand

The Madhya Pradesh Dharmik Swatantrata (Freedom of Religion) Ordinance defines ancestral religion as that of a persons father at the time of birth. It replaces the 1968 Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act and prohibits conversion and attempts on conversion done through misrepresentation, allurement, threat, force, undue influence, coercion marriage, and any fraudulent means. Conspiracy and abetment to religious conversion have been prohibited too..., says the ordinance.

It provides for annulment of inter-faith marriages solemnised by misrepresentation, allurement, threat, coercion, undue influence, and fraud. The ordinance seeks to provide parental property rights to children born out of such marriages and maintenance to the woman and children.

The cases registered under the ordinance are cognisable and non-bailable and sessions courts are authorised to hear them.

The ordinance has a provision for punishing organisations, which organise such conversions. A person embracing another religion voluntarily and the priest getting it done will have to inform the district magistrate at least 60 days prior to the scheduled date of conversion.

Over two dozen Muslim men have been arrested in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh since a similar ordinance was enacted there last month. Other Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states like Haryana, Karnataka and Assam are planning to bring in similar anti-conversion laws that critics say are vague and being used to target inter-faith couples.

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.
Dancing With The Stars pro Witney Carson became a mom for the first time on January 3.

Revealing her newborn son's name on Instagram Wednesday afternoon, the 27-year-old shared the first photo of Kevin Leo McAllister after giving birth via C-section.

A healthy baby boy gracing she and husband Carson McAllister's hearts, Witney shared the meaning behind the name while calling him, 'the most precious gift.'

Little Leo: Dancing With The Stars pro Witney Carson, 27, revealed her newborn son's name on Wednesday afternoon after giving birth to her first son with husband Carson McAllister on January 3

'Kevin Leo McAllister. Named after his grandpa who sent him down to us,' she wrote.

'Born on Jan. 3rd 2021, 7lbs. 2oz. 21' long! My little Leo, I love you more than words can express.'

'You are the most precious gift. My life will forever be changed by your sweet spirit. Welcome to the world Leo,' she gushed.

Documenting parts of her labor on social media, the Utah native shared that it was not an easy process.

Birthing an angel: The Utah native revealed that the labor was not easy and she went through an 'unexpected c-section' before coming face to face with baby Leo; pictured January 3

Growing family: Witney and her husband of four years have now added one more to their family with the arrival of Leo who she named after her grandfather

'After a really hard 24 hour labor, and an unexpected c-section... we are all healthy and well. We are so grateful & we've been soaking up every moment with our perfect angel boy. Thank you for all the prayers!'

On Tuesday she posted a video before, during and after the pregnancy as she her husband of four years spent their first '24 hours,' with their 'precious, beautiful boy.'

'Everyone tells you how special bringing life into this world is but you never know exactly what they mean until it happens to you. This is my whole entire world,' she said.

Fellow DWTS pro Artem Chigvintsev who recently welcomed his first child with Nikki Bella wrote, 'Congratulations.'

Bliss: McAllister stayed by his wife's side throughout the day-long delivery as the pair reveled in their final moments as a family of two

Whatever it takes: From the comfort of her hospital bed, Witney shared that she received an epidural to help with pain management

She also received flowers from Derek Hough's DWTS pro girlfriend Hayley Erbert as she thanked her for the 'sweet' gift.

Husband McAllister stayed by his wife's side throughout the day-long delivery as the pair reveled in their final moments as a family of two.

'Never loved this man more than I do right now,' she wrote across a photo with her husband. 'He's an actual angel.

From the comfort of her hospital bed, Witney shared that she received an epidural to help with pain management.

'Contractions are actual hell but the epidural is heaven.... so I'm doing great,' she captioned a shot as Carson massaged her hand.

Out of commision: A longtime pro on the hit ABC show, Carson opted out of the competition this year after announcing her pregnancy in July; pictured January 1

She first revealed the new of her pregnancy on July 23 as she posted a photo of she and Kevin with their ultrasound photos and a pregnancy test.

'We love this little bean so much already and we cant wait to start this beautiful chapter in our lives!,' she shared.

Due to her pregnancy the longtime DWTS pro was not able to participate in the most recent season as she kept the health of her baby in mind.

Witney and Carson were married on Jan. 1, 2016 in a ceremony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City and celebrated their five-year wedding anniversary on Friday.
RTHK: Impeachment charges being drawn up against Trump

A Democratic congresswoman on Wednesday said she was drawing up articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump after mobs broke into the US Capitol following Trump's urgings to his supporters to fight to undo his election loss.

"We cant allow him to remain in office, its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfil our oath," US Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota wrote on Twitter even though there are just two weeks left before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another Democratic lawmaker and member of the liberal "Squad" often targeted by the Republican Trump, echoed Omar's call in a one-word tweet: "Impeach."

Hundreds of protesters marched from a Trump rally near the White House to the Capitol and stormed the building. Video showed people breaking windows and pressing past barricades to get inside. Lawmakers from the Senate and the House of Representatives were evacuated as they met to confirm Biden's victory in the November 3 election.

Calls for Trump's removal spread rapidly across social media from Democratic lawmakers, commentators and some of Trump's fellow Republicans, including Vermont Governor Phil Scott.

"The fabric of our democracy and the principles of our republic are under attack by the President. Enough is enough. President Trump should resign or be removed from office by his Cabinet, or by the Congress," Scott said in a tweet.

Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat, said Congress should "impeach and convict" Trump on Thursday. "This is outrageous and the president caused it."

"Inciting a coup has to warrant impeachment," NAACP Chairman Leon Russell wrote on Twitter. Russell and others said Trump's cabinet should initiate the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which transfers power to the vice president if the president becomes unable to do his job.

New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell should lead a delegation of Republican leaders to the White House "to tell Trump that he has to resign immediately - or they will join with Democrats and impeach him."

Some Republican lawmakers had been attempting a last-ditch effort to challenge the election results when the Capitol was breached, encouraged by Trump and his unfounded claims of voter fraud.

Trump's former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci told Reuters via text: "Donald Trump and elected officials need to be impeached and removed from office. They have damaged our standing in the international community and are now threatening our way of life."

A senior congressional source said Democrats could issue a quick one-count bill of impeachment against Trump for inciting or encouraging rioting and proceed with a vote, but the move would likely flounder in the Republican-controlled Senate.

The Senate acquitted Trump in February 2020 after an impeachment trial led by the Democratic-controlled House on charges of trying to pressure Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2021-01-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Former acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf. Photo: Getty Images

President Trump has been attempting to overturn the results of the presidential election for weeks. He has been fomenting racial strife, chaos, and discord for five years. But for some veterans of his administration, the mob scene at the Capitol on Wednesday was, at long, long last, the breaking point. (Likely helping along their decision: there are only two weeks left in the presidents term anyway.) As lower-level staffers reportedly worry about post-administration employment, below is a list of who has fled the foundering administration so far.

Chad Wolf resigned from his role as acting Homeland Security secretary on Monday, describing his decision as one warranted by recent events. Wolfs departure is notable in light of his staunch support of the authoritarian tactics the president demanded to be used this summer against Black Lives Matter protestors. He will be replaced by Pete Gaynor, the FEMA administrator.

Betsy DeVos resigned from her role as Education Secretary, according to a Thursday night report from the Wall Street Journal. That behavior was unconscionable for our country, she wrote in her resignation. There is no mistaking the impact your rhetoric had on the situation, and it is the inflection point for me.

Elaine Chao stepped down as Transportation secretary on Thursday, citing Wednesdays events as the impetus for her resignation in an email to staff.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the U.S. Department of Transportation. pic.twitter.com/rFxPsBoh6t  Sec. Elaine Chao (@SecElaineChao) January 7, 2021

Chao, who is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is the first Cabinet member to leave the administration in the wake of the Capitol riot.

Mick Mulvaney, a self-proclaimed right-wing nutjob who memorably predicted in November that the president would handle an election loss gracefully, has long been a Trump ultraloyalist for years, serving as the presidents chief of staff for a year among other high-profile roles. He had been serving as special U.S. envoy to Northern Ireland but told CNBC he was quitting. I called [Secretary of State] Mike Pompeo last night to let him know I was resigning from that. I cant do it. I cant stay, Mulvaney said. Trump is not the same as he was eight months ago. he added, unconvincingly.

Matthew Pottinger, deputy national security adviser. Pottinger, Bloomberg reports, was inspired to do so by Wednesdays violence. His boss, National Security Adviser Robert OBrien, is also considering resigning, according to CNN.

Sarah Matthews, White House deputy press secretary. Matthews said in a statement that I was honored to serve in the Trump administration and proud of the policies we enacted, but that, As someone who worked in the halls of Congress, I was deeply disturbed by what I saw today. Ill be stepping down from my role, effective immediately. Our nation needs a peaceful transfer of power.

Tyler Goodspeed, acting chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers. The events of yesterday made my position no longer tenable, he told the New York Times.

Stephanie Grisham, chief of staff for First Lady Melania Trump. Grisham, who served as the White House press secretary for nine months  though she never held an on-camera briefing during that time  joined the Trump team as a press liaison all the way back in 2015. In a statement announcing her departure, she did not mention Wednesdays chaotic events.

Anna Cristina Rickie Niceta, White House social secretary. Niceta, who was in charge of events ranging from state visits to the Easter-egg roll, did not provide a reason for her exit.

Elinore F. McCance-Katz, the assistant secretary of the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, announced her resignation Thursday night: This behavior was totally unacceptable and in my own heart I simply am not able to continue. I believe that we are given certain life situations where we must make the difficult decisions and we get one chance to do it the right way.

Anthony Ruggiero, the senior director for counterproliferation and biodefense at the National Security Council, has resigned according to CNN. Ruggiero is one of the NSCs North Korea specialists.

John Costello, assistant secretary for intelligence and security at the Commerce Department, blamed President Trump for inciting Wednesdays mob in a note explaining his resignation.

Today, I resigned my position as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Intelligence and Security. pic.twitter.com/x8d6qCczok  John Costello (@CostelloJK) January 7, 2021

Ryan Tully, senior director for European and Russian affairs at the National Security Council, decided to leave his post early after Wednesday, Bloomberg reports.
Nashik:

Areas around Nashik district of Maharashtra received heavy pre-monsoon showers on Saturday which resulted in death of three persons and injury to one in separate incidents of lightning amid heavy rains and thunderstorm in the district.

Eight houses were damaged and nearly 12 cattle also died in different talukas of Nashik after heavy rains occurred on Saturday, a source at the collectors office here said.

Nashik city and the talukas of Malegaon, Igatpuri, Trimbakeshwar, Nandgaon and Niphad in the district experienced heavy pre-monsoon showers, leading to water-logging and disruption of power supply at various places.

Samadhan Sumrao (30) and Sunanda Gaikwad (32), from different villages in Malegaon, and Vithal Ughade (25), from Igatpuri, were killed after lightning struck them.

A woman also sustained injuries in the incident and was admitted to Malegaon civil hospital, the source said.

Rains caused flooding of roads and farms at various places. Eight houses were damaged in Malegaon due to the heavy downpour, the source said.

In Nashik city, a mobile tower, installed atop a building in Govind Nagar locality, collapsed due to gusty winds and rain. No one was injured in the incident, though some damage to the building was reported, police said.

Besides, a tree got uprooted on ITI-CIDCO road in the city, they said.

Due to heavy rains, power supply was disrupted for several hours in the city and adjoining places but was restored late last night, the source said.

Nashik city received 30 mm rain, Igatpuri- 30mm, Dindori- 22 mm, Trimbakeshwar- 42 mm, Malegaon- 45 mm, Nandgaon- 36 mm, Yeola- 12 mm and Sinnar 10 mm, as per official data.

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David Harris Jr: Were Still Going to Fight, We Fight Every Day

WASHINGTONWriter and podcaster David Harris Jr. has been publishing about 25 articles a day on his independent media outlet DavidHarrisJr.com because he, like many Americans, have lost trust in legacy media.

The media does have the power. What the people dont understand is its programming, he said at a rally in Washington on Jan. 6. Hundreds of thousands turned up on Wednesday to demonstrate ahead of the joint session of Congress.

We used to, could trust our media, but our media has been bought. There are so many ties to foreign agencies and foreign countries that are trying to infiltrate our countrys minds and so they do it through programming. Big tech is the same, he said. He has faced censorship himself. Big tech has been censoring me; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, they censor me like crazy, they take followers from me, the lower my reach. But were still going to fight, we fight every day.

He came to cover the demonstrations and rallies for Trump on Jan. 6.

The turnout for this president is amazing, he said. At least 75, if not 80 million Americans support this president. I do not believe with any ounce of my being, that Joe Biden got 80 million votes, more than any other president in history.

I believe this election was absolutely stolen from the American people, and were not just going to sit back and take it quietly, he said. He added that what just happened in the Georgia senate runoff elections was the same as what happened on Nov. 3.

It was the same voting machines, several voting machines went down, and I think they stole those elections from those two senators, Loeffler and Perdue, and again I hope that we have justice, he said.

Regardless of what plays out in Congress on Wednesday, he had hope for justice.

I cant really speak to whats going to happen but one thing I know for sure is God is good. He loves this country, Hes not going to leave this country aside no matter what happens, he said. Enough people in our country are praying, believing, for Gods will to be done and it will be done. This is just a ripple we have to deal with.

With reporting by Fang Fei.
He continued: Im calling on all of my conservative friends, my Republican friends to say, What would I do if Black Lives Matter dropped 30,000 Black people on the nations capital and laid siege to the seat of power in the middle of a joint session of Congress and broke in? What would I say if Black Lives Matter did that? If Muslims did it? If Muslims dropped 30,000 Muslims on the seat of government in the middle of a joint session of Congress and ran in there and there was blood on the floor and tear gas? What would we be saying?
"We can guarantee that the vaccine will be free and will be delivered free," he said. Loading The government hopes to start vaccinating 80,000 people a week then ramp up, with a target of 4 million people immunised by the end of March. At this stage, it aims to vaccinate almost 13.4 million people  about half the population  by the middle of the year. The two vaccines will be distributed separately and all doses recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register to avoid situations seen overseas where people have been confused about which they received. Both require people to have two doses, which are administered within weeks of each other. Between 30 and 50 "cold-chain" hubs will be set up in locations to be decided by state governments to distribute and administer the Pfizer vaccine, which must be stored at minus 70 Celsius.

The AstraZeneca version will be delivered via GP respiratory clinics, people's regular doctors, dedicated state government clinics, Aboriginal-controlled health services and potentially at pharmacies later in the year  in more than 1000 locations. But Mr Morrison warned the vaccination was "no silver bullet". Loading "Once the vaccination starts, COVID-safe practices do not end. They continue," he said. "The vaccine both here in Australia and around the world will continue to be rolled out but it will still be a fight over the course of 2021." He and Health Minister Greg Hunt, along with Labor leader Anthony Albanese and Opposition health spokesman Chris Bowen will publicly receive the vaccines relatively early.

"None of us want to be queue jumpers but we also recognise the public confidence role," Mr Hunt said. Infectious diseases expert Robert Booy supported the TGA's approval timeline, saying there was an advantage in not having the vaccine straight away because Australia could get a clearer picture from the experiences of other countries that had rolled it out on an emergency basis. "That will maximise public confidence in the vaccines and maximise the percentage of people who take up the vaccine because they know it will be safely and effectively delivered," Professor Booy said. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video However, University of Sydney vaccine expert Julie Leask cautioned that governments had to make sure they had excellent communication strategies and gave the public enough detail about what was going on, or risk leaving the community vulnerable to anti-vaccination activism.

"If you leave an information gap, somebody is going to fill that and if the first information available to people when they are shaping their view scares them off the vaccine it is going to be harder to bring them around," she said. "But you never know. Look how well we've gone during this pandemic and the trust the government has enjoyed from the community." Professor Leask said once Australia had enough vaccinated personnel working on its borders and in the quarantine system, the country would have bought time to immunise the rest of the population. Loading National cabinet will decide on Friday whether to apply more stringent requirements to international arrivals, particularly those coming from the UK where a more infectious strain of the virus is rampant. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews wants national cabinet to adopt his state's position on mandatory flight crew and hotel quarantine staff testing and implement pre-flight testing for passengers from the United Kingdom. NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the latter measure was being considered in advice the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee would deliver to leaders late on Thursday.
One of the big questions during the 2019-20 season was whether the Devils would trade defenseman Sami Vatanen or try to re-sign him to a new deal when he became a free agent during the offseason.

The answer, apparently, was both.

The Devils re-signed Vatanen on Thursday, bringing him back to New Jersey after he was dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes ahead of last seasons trade deadline. Vatanens contract is a one-year, $2 million deal.

When Vatanen was traded, he was dealing with an ankle injury, and he didnt appear in any regular-season games before play was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Vatanen returned to play in seven of the Hurricanes playoff games, allowing the Devils to receive a third-round pick that was one of the conditions of the trade. The Devils also got forward prospect Janne Kuokkanen, who is a candidate to make the team out of training camp this season.

With Vatanen back in the fold, the Devils defense could have a drastically different look for the regular season. While he was with the Devils, Vatanen was a consistent presence in the top two pairings, often times leading the Devils in ice time when he was healthy.

The Devils already have P.K. Subban and Damon Severson on the right side, plus Connor Carrick. On the left, they have Ryan Murray, Will Butcher, Dmitri Kulikov and prospect Ty Smith.

Vatanen, a right-handed defenseman, is capable of playing on his opposite side, as he did frequently last season in pairings with Subban and Severson.

If the Devils kept Vatanen on the right, heres what a potential defensive lineup could look like:

Murray-Severson

Butcher-Subban

Smith-Vatanen

Extras: Carrick, Kulikov

If Vatanen played on the left, here is another potential lineup combo:

Murray-Severson

Vatanen-Subban

Butcher-Smith

Extras: Carrick, Kulikov

Smith is capable of playing on the right hand side despite being a lefty, but its unlikely the Devils would play him with Butcher as a rookie, since both play very similar styles and are smaller defenders.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, its likely Vatanen wont be ready to play at the start of the regular season on Jan. 14. Vatanen needs to travel from Finland to New Jersey, and once he arrives, he must quarantine for seven days and have negative tests throughout his isolation.

With the Devils set to host the Boston Bruins in their season opener in seven days on Jan. 14, Vatanen likely wont be part of that lineup.

Get Devils Insider text messages from reporters: Cut through the clutter of social media and communicate directly with Devils beat writer Chris Ryan. Plus, exclusive news and analysis every day. Sign up now.

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Chris Ryan may be reached at cryan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisRyan_NJ. Find NJ.com Devils on Facebook.
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According to the IMARC Group, the Stepper system stands for an integrated solution providing high-performance micro-stepping drives with high-torque stepper motors in several mechanical devices. The stepper motor acts as an electrochemical device and converts electrical pulses into mechanical power. Stepper systems also include single and dual-shaft motors, power supplies, interface cables, configuration software, etc. They are extensively utilized for applications that require accurate positioning and speed control, such as printing presses, 3D printing equipment, textile machines, medical imaging devices, and robotics.

Request for a free sample copy of this report: https://www.imarcgroup.com/stepper-system-market/requestsample

The widespread adoption of stepper motors in industrial machines, along with the escalating demand for automated devices, is primarily driving the global market. Furthermore, the expanding robotics industry has also propelled the utilization of stepper systems, thereby augmenting the market growth. Besides this, the introduction of miniaturized motors has catalyzed the demand for stepper systems for superior torque speed, higher precision, and improved efficiency. Besides this, several technological advancements have led to the integration of input/output (I/O) terminals in stepper motors for better cost efficiency and overcoming spatial constraints, thereby further driving the market on a global level.

Browse full report with detailed TOC and list of figures and tables: https://www.imarcgroup.com/stepper-system-market

Breakup by Component Type:

Stepper Motors

Stepper Drives

Breakup by End-Use:

Industrial Machinery

Medical Devices

Semiconductor Machinery

Others

Breakup by Region:

North America United States Canada

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Indonesia Others

Europe Germany France United Kingdom Italy Spain Russia Others

Latin America Brazil Mexico Others

Middle East and Africa



Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined with some of the key players being ABB, Beckhoff Automation, MinebeaMitsumi, Nidec Corporation, Nippon Pulse Motor Co. Ltd., Oriental Motor Co. Ltd., Parker Hannifin, Sanyo Denki Co. Ltd., Schneider Electric SE, etc.

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Last August, the heavy rains that lashed several parts of the state also resulted in the partial caving in of a bridge across the stream near Dodla village in Eturunagaram mandal.  DC Image

Hyderabad: Pilgrims and travellers making their way to and from the Medaram jatara may soon have a smoother access to the temples of the tribal goddesses deep inside the forests with the Centre approving the construction of a causeway across Jampanna Vagu in Mulugu district.

A decision to allow the construction of the causeway was taken by the standing committee of National Board of Wildlife (SC-NBWL) at its 60th meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. The committee recommended the construction of the causeway from Muthapur to Motlagudem in the district.

The Jampanna Vagu nearly every year poses some problems for people trying to cross it, particularly during the rainy season. There have also been several instances when pilgrims trying to cross the stream had to be rescued from the sometime fast-flowing water in the stream.

Last August, the heavy rains that lashed several parts of the state also resulted in the partial caving in of a bridge across the stream near Dodla village in Eturunagaram mandal.

The new proposal for a causeway was approved by the NBWL provided that certain conditions to ensure minimal disturbance to the forest during the construction are followed.

On this guided day trip, you will get to discover three popular sites of Bohemian Saxon Switzerland in a day. You will visit the Bastei Bridge, the Pravcicka Gate and the Kamenice Gorge. First, the tour will take you to the German part of the national park to admire the Bastei Bridge and take in the views of the Elbe River Canyon. Here, you will also get to see the medieval ruins of Neurathen Castle.

Then, you will head to the Czech part of the national park to embark on a two-kilometre hike towards the Pravcicka Gate. Along the tour, there will be a stop at a traditional Czech restaurant for lunch. After that, you will hike down to the Kamenice Gorge, where you will have the chance to experience a cruise on the river.
Gurugram, Jan 7 : The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha took out a tractor rally in Gurugram on Thursday in support of the farmer protests against the three agricultural laws.

The tractor rally started from Rajiv Chowk from 1 p.m. and returned at 4 p.m. to the protest site. However, the tractor march halted traffic movement in several stretches in the city.

The policemen stationed at the protest site had tried to stop the tractor rally of the farmers by putting up barricades at Rajiv Chowk but later removed the barricades as the farmers were adamant on taking out the rally.

"The tractor rally was started at the protest site from Rajiv Chowk and passed through Sohna Chowk, Chintpurni temple in Sector-5, Atul Kataria Chowk via Sheetla Mata Road, Agrasen Chowk, Mor Chowk in Civil Lines and later ended at the protest site at Rajiv Chowk," said Chaudhary Santokh Singh, President of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, Gurugram unit.

During the rally the farmers raised slogans against the government and said the government should roll back the three farm laws as soon as possible.

"We had prayed at the Sheetla Mata temple in Gurugram that the Sheetla Mata should give goodwill to the government and the government should withdraw the three black laws," Singh said.

Around 25 tractors featured in the rally which travelled for about 20 kms inside the city.

"The Gurugram residents supported the rally across the city and there is great indignation against the three black laws. This was a rehearsal. On Republic Day, farmers will put up the tricolour on the tractors and will proceed towards the national capital," Singh said.
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A year after Iran shot down a Ukrainian civilian airliner as it took off from Tehran, killing 176 passengers and crew, relatives of the dead are still waiting for answers.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed an exception for an 18-year old to complete his engineering course from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay after it had last month ordered the institute to provisionally admit him. Siddhant Batra was ranked 270 in the All India Joint Engineering Entrance 2020 but clicked the withdraw link during the online admission process.

Disposing the petition filed by Batra, the bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Dinesh Maheshwari and Hrishikesh Roy asked IIT, Bombay to regularise Batras admission despite the fact that the institute had admitted students to its capacity and had even begun classes. However, the bench made it clear that this will not be treated as a precedent. On December 9, the SC issued notice on Batras petition and held, By interim order, we direct that the petitioner should be permitted to join the respondent-institution and pursue his course subject to fulfillment of all other formalities.

Batra had initially approached Bombay High Court but IIT-Bombay refused to admit Batras action to be a mistake.
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As an angry mob stormed the heart of the world's most powerful democracy, the rest of the world watched the once-unimaginable scenes unfolding in Washington with dismay and disbelief.

And many of those following live broadcasts of armed people forcing their way into the US Capitol saw a warning for all the world's democracies: If this can happen in the United States, it can happen anywhere.

"We currently witness an attack on the very fundaments of democratic structures and institutions," said Peter Beyer, the German governments coordinator for trans-Atlantic affairs, who was watching the scenes from Washington live on TV. "This is not merely a US national issue, but it shakes the world, at least all democracies."

As shocking as the violence Wednesday was, some were not totally surprised that the Trump presidency was ending like this, in a spasm of chaos.

"This is what happens when you sow hatred," Stephane Sejourne, a member of the European Parliament and close ally of President Emmanuel Macron of France, wrote on Twitter. "Let us defend and protect our democracy, because it cannot be taken for granted."

Several leaders directly blamed President Donald Trump for the violence.

"The peaceful transfer of power is the cornerstone of every democracy. A lesson once taught to the world by the USA," the German vice chancellor, Olaf Scholz, wrote. "It is a disgrace that Donald Trump is undermining it by inciting violence and destruction."

Jeremy Hunt, a Conservative former foreign secretary in the United Kingdom, said on Twitter that Trump "shames American democracy tonight & causes its friends anguish but he is not America."

Even the secretary-general of NATO took the unusual step of weighing in on a domestic issue in a member state. "Shocking scenes in Washington, DC," Jens Stoltenberg wrote in a tweet. "The outcome of this democratic election must be respected."

For many foreign leaders, the scenes in the US also conjured uneasy echoes of recent attacks on democracy at home.

Heiko Maas, the German foreign minister, drew a parallel between the storming of the Capitol and the recent attempt by a mob of far-right German protesters to enter the Reichstag, the building that houses Germany's Parliament.

"Inflammatory words will lead to acts of violence  on the steps of the Reichstag, and now in the Capitol," Mass wrote on Twitter. "The contempt for democratic institutions has a devastating effect.

"The enemies of democracy will be happy about these unbelievable pictures from Washington DC," Mass added.

And they were.

In Russia, the violence fit neatly into the Kremlins propaganda narrative of a crumbling American democracy. Russias state-controlled news channel, Rossiya-24, broadcast the chaos in the Capitol on a split screen: one side showing happy Orthodox Christmas festivities in Russia, the other the violent mayhem in Washington.

Footage of bloodied Americans lying on the ground recalled the channels coverage of US-backed street protests in Ukraine in the winter of 2013-14, reinforcing Russias message that the United States is now harvesting at home the violent fruit of its own foreign meddling.

The world's strongmen and dictators "must be in euphoric and celebratory mood," wrote Yossi Melman, a writer for Haaretz, the Israeli newspaper. "The glorified democracy in the world is in shambles like a third world country."

Concern about the message the violence would send about the fragility of American democracy was widespread.

"As Mexicans, what is surprising is that for the first time the United States, which has been an example of democracy, is becoming the counterexample of it, said Ana Paula Ordorica, a Mexican newspaper columnist and television host who covered the US election in November for Televisa. "This is something that normally, the US would watch happen in another country."

Amid the expressions of horror and concern, there were also some hopeful voices, insisting that this was a last convulsion of the Trump presidency rather than the beginning of the end of Western democracy.

"I trust in the strength of America's democracy," tweeted Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain. "The new Presidency of @JoeBiden will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people."

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece concurred, tweeting: "American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis."

By Katrin Bennhold

c.2021 The New York Times Company

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Pro-Trump rioters on Wednesday, January 6, after a Trump rally in Washington DC, stormed the US Capitol, overran police and breached the Senate building where members of Congress were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Biden's win in the November 2020 presidential election.



Before the riots began, Republicans in both chambers had planned to object to the count and delay the inevitable certification of Biden's win.



Right now, the US Capitol is on lockdown as police couldn't contain the supporters who have taken over the Senate floor and are even making poses and taking pictures as they move round the building donning Trump flags and insignia.



The purpoted attack on Capitol Hill comes after Trump told his supporters he will never concede to Biden while also blasting Vice-president Mike Pence for not having the 'courage to overturn Biden's win'

Before the invasion, Congress was in session to count and certify the Electoral College votes for president and vice president.



The US Capitol Police have ordered staff to evacuate House Cannon building and the James Madison Memorial Building which is part of the Library of Congress.



The police also sent an alert to staff alert to staff about a suspicious package in the 300 Block of First Street SE, advising staff to avoid the area.













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.

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(Natural News) The storming of the US Capitol Building today is now being pounced upon by the left-wing media to demonize Trump supporters as violent terrorists. Yet the same media outlets described Antifa / BLM violence as mostly peaceful, even when those left-wing actors were hurling Molotov cocktails and wielding blinding lasers against law enforcement.

Update: We have now confirmed that the storming of the Capitol Building was initiated by left-wing provocateurs who met with Capitol Police yesterday and planned the event. A photo has emerged of the Viking individual who led the storming action today (shown on the right side of the photo below). This same person  wearing the same outfit and nearly identical face paint  was also reportedly spotted at a BLM rally earlier this year.

Note the identical tattoos, facial hair and costume:

This short video shows Capitol Police actively waving a group of protesters to breach the Capitol building. It was all coordinated:

You can then see from this video that they were allowed to stream right in, without any police attempting to stop them:

https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec/status/1346941059905978369

A flyer has also emerged that calls upon Antifa to dress up like MAGA supporters in order to impersonate them while instigating violence:

The only violence committed today was the Capitol Police shooting and reportedly killing an unarmed female Trump supporter who was shot in the neck.

Jeffrey Prather has confirmed through his intelligence networks that the people who led the storming of the Capitol Building were Antifa / BLM operatives. The entire attack was a false flag event.

Its the police, in other words, who are committing the violence, not Trump supporters.

Given that Leftists have rigged everything else  the media, Big Tech, the elections, U.S. history, etc.  no one would be surprised if they also rigged the events at the Capitol Building.

Patriots are polite. Its the radical Left that uses violence for political purposes.

Heres a video of the Capitol Police shooting an unarmed female Trump supporter in the neck:
The police arrested three men allegedly involved in more than 24 criminal cases, including those of carjacking, assault, house thefts and illegal possession of firearms in Gururgam and Rajasthan.

The accused have been identified as Dinesh Kumar and Iqbal alias Lalla, both from Gurugram, and Ankit alias Kalia, of Uttar Pradesh. They were arrested on Wednesday night from Sector 29 while they were planning to rob a driver of his car in a parking area, said police.

The police said they have several cases of carjacking registered against them in and around Delhi.

Preet Pal Sangwan, assistant commissioner of police (crime), said that Dinesh was declared a proclaimed offender and a reward of Rs 5,000 was declared on his arrest. They had formed a gang three years ago and used to target new cars from different areas. Most of the cars were robbed from parking lots in Sector 29 and Sohna Road, he said.

Sangwan said the crime investigation unit of DLF-4 on Wednesday night received a tip-off, following which a team was formed and a raid was conducted. We have recovered two countrymade pistols and four live cartridges from their possession. They were earlier also booked for possession of illegal arms and had assaulted a few people in Shivaji Nagar area, he said.

The police said that on January 10 of 2020, they had assaulted a family and had stolen valuables from their house in Gandhi Nagar. They had a personal enmity with one of their friends who was out on bail in a burglary case and had visited his house to meet him, but the family did not allow them to enter following which they allegedly assaulted the family and killed the persons sister with iron rods, said police.

There are more members in the gang and police said they are questioning suspects to get their names.
A brick factory workers stack bricks on carts in Dhaka, Bangladesh, January 9, 2019. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain - RC19159104A0

The number of persons who exited the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in October 2020 is the lowest so far in this fiscal, as per the latest data.

As many as 2,40,163 individuals exited the EPFO against 4,78,316 people in the month of September indicating a nearly 50 percent month-on-month reduction in the number of people who exited the EPFO.

The number of persons who exited the EPFO stood at 6,65,405 in April, 8,34,623 in May, 8,87,567 in June, 7,38,038 in July, and 6,25,659 in August.

Prashant Singh, Vice President and Business Head- Compliance and Payroll Outsourcing, TeamLease Services, said, "The data talks about the sentiment of industry and stability in various sectors like services, pharma, e-commerce, food tech, fintech and Ed tech."

"Returning of migrant workers to their work states with hotels, restaurants and bars opening up (though with defined timelines) has also pushed the stability and continuity of employment. various initiatives taken by state and central government and schemes like Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana have provided an impetus to the local and workers who have stayed back in their home state," he added.

"To add to this the festive season starting early October till December has also raised the sentiments, confidence and overall stability to the economy, employment and growth," Singh noted.

"October and November in 2020 were peak season period in India given Dussehera and Diwali, during such a period average earning increases and so does hiring and requirement of workforce," said Lohit Bhatia, President, Indian Staffing Federation.

"This period also coincides with bonus and such payouts, accordingly for personnel who have been in the company in the past will refrain from moving or exiting the employer losing their bonuses," Bhatia added.

Commenting on the outlook, Lohit Bhatia said, "While their is increase in economic activity which means downsizing by any employer will be lower, in coming days the attrition should rise again as more job opportunities create higher healthy attrition. Having said that, employers reducing workforce only due to Covid19 which was the scenario in Q1 and Q2 has substantially reduced."

As many as 44,69,771 individuals have exited the EPFO in this fiscal so far.
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Harry Cabluck, STF / Associated Press

The Texas Department of Public Safety closed Texas Capitol grounds in Austin Wednesday as rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.

The Capitol and Capitol Complex are closed to the public effective immediately, the department said in a statement attributed to deputy director of homeland security Freeman Martin, the Texas Tribune's Cassandra Pollock reports.
Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.

Whats new: A new report by logistics service provider Elane Inc. estimates Chinas coal imports by sea last year fell 15% year-on-year to 240 million tons, mainly caused by the decline in the volume imported from May to October. The volume of coal imported returned to growth of 15% year-on-year in December.

Imports from Chinas top two suppliers Indonesia and Australia both dropped 19% last year from 2019, to 130 million tons and 68.05 million tons, respectively. However, imports from Russia rose 17% year-on-year during the same period to 19.7 million tons.

Whats the background: The slump in coal imports came as the government tightened regulations in May. One coking coal trader at Hebei provinces Jingtang port told Caixin that authorities required them to import coal strictly in accordance with monthly import quotas.

There were no specific standards limiting coal import volume in previous years, a coal analyst told Caixin, adding that imports usually increase when demand for power increases in order to bring down prices.

A report published by Essence Securities on Saturday said new import quotas will be given out this month, which could ease the tight supply.

Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use. To read the full Caixin article in Chinese, click here.

Contact reporter Lu Yutong (yutonglu@caixin.com) and editor Marcus Ryder (marcusryder@caixin.com)

Support quality journalism in China. Subscribe to Caixin Global starting at $0.99.
Indian sugar mills are aggressively signing export contracts after New Delhi approved a subsidy for overseas sales and as global prices hit their highest level in 3-1/2 years, four industry officials told Reuters on Thursday.

The exports will help the world's second-biggest sugar producer to bring down stockpiles and support local prices, which, at odds with the global market, have been falling due to oversupply at home.

But the shipments could cap a rally in benchmark prices in New York and London.

Mills have so far agreed contracts to export 1.5 million tonnes of sugar in the 2020/21 marketing year that started on Oct. 1, mainly to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and African countries for shipments in January to March, the officials said.

Contracts were signed between $375 and $395 a tonne on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, three dealers directly involved in the deals said. They did not wish to be identified in line with their organisations' policies.

"Most of the contracts were done for raw sugar, which is heading to Indonesia," said Rahil Shaikh, managing director of MEIR Commodities India.

Indonesia, which traditionally imports the bulk of its requirement from Thailand, started buying Indian sugar in 2020 after changing purity regulations for sugar imports.

Out of the 1.5 million tonnes of export contracts signed, nearly 1 million tonnes was for raw sugar, while the rest was for white sugar, dealers said.

Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and African countries are buying small amounts of white sugar, but demand is limited for whites due to a shortage of containers, they said.

"Currently mills' net realization from exports is higher than domestic sales after adding the government subsidy for exports," said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm.

In mid-December, India approved a subsidy of 5,833 rupees ($79.53) per tonne to encourage cash-strapped mills to export 6 million tonnes of sugar in the 2020/21.

Shoring up domestic prices of sugar will help ensure that millions of Indian farmers get the price set by the government.

The government fixes sugar cane prices that mills must pay to farmers, but with sugar prices under pressure mills were struggling to pay the mandatory price for cane.
Sinn Fein spokesperson on Justice, Martin Kenny TD, has called for an urgent review into the operation of the Irish Prison Service.

Teachta Kenny said: The incidence of Covid-19 within the community is now extremely high, and the likelihood of keeping the virus out of all settings is becoming smaller as a result.



The staff and officials of the Prison Service should be commended for their actions thus far during the pandemic. Their humane and flexible approach has prevented the issues we saw in congregated places, such as direct provision or the meat factories, occurring within prisons.



That approach must be revisited, and issues such as the numbers being committed to prison from the community, early release, and all other operational matters need to be examined by the Minister for Justice.



We are facing into a difficult time, and prisoners, prison officers and all those connected to prisons must have their health and safety put first.

EXPLAINER: What are the new Covid-19 restrictions?
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.
5 reactions to Rev. Raphael Warnocks historic election as Georgias first black senator

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Longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Raphael Warnock was elected as Georgias first black senator, defeating Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler in a closely contested runoff.

The race was called for the man who currently leads the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. both served as pastors, at around 2 a.m. Wednesday by the Associated Press after he built a statewide lead of more than 40,000 votes.

Warnock, who told The Christian Post last summer that he believes the U.S. Senate could benefit from having a pastor in its midst, thanked voters for placing their faith in him in a victory speech.

I stand before you as a man who knows that the improbable journey that led me to this place in this historic moment in America could only happen here. We were told we couldnt win this election, but tonight we proved that with hope, hard work and the people by our side, anything is possible, said Warnock, who also served as pastor of the late Democratic Congressman John Lewis.

I am so honored by the faith that you have shown in me, and I promise you this: I am going to the Senate to work for Georgia, all of Georgia, no matter who you cast your vote for in this election.

The Morehouse College graduate also touted his roots as the son of a pastor and a mother who used to pick somebody elses cotton in Waycross, Georgia.

Because this is America, the 82-year-old hands that used to pick somebody elses cotton went to the polls and picked her youngest son to be a United States Senator, said Warnock, who will be the 11th black person to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Warnocks election has since sparked a flurry of excitement and criticism around the country. Here are five reactions to his win.

The federal government released updated rules for lenders just before midnight on Wednesday for the next round of Paycheck Protection Program lending, but it did not set a date for when it expects to begin taking applications.

Lenders anticipate the program could restart as soon as next week. Last months stimulus package included $284 billion for new loans through the small-business relief program, which ended in August after distributing $523 billion to more than five million businesses. In this next round, the hardest-hit business  those whose sales have dropped at least 25 percent from before the pandemic  can qualify for a second loan. First-time borrowers will also be eligible for loans.

The Small Business Administration, which runs the program, plans to give small lenders a head start. In its first two days, the program will accept loan applications only from community lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions, which specialize in working with low-income borrowers and in areas underserved by larger lenders.

For second loans of more than $150,000, applicants will need to provide their lender with records proving their sales have declined. Lenders will need to do a good faith review of those documents, but will be allowed to rely on borrowers certifications that their claims are accurate  a win for lenders, which are concerned about being held liable for fraudulent claims.
Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit

Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit



Reflects on the past year and looks ahead to 2021



In a year marked by unique challenges, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) proudly fought for more economic opportunity for millions of Texans, security for America and her allies, and freedom for all Americans to live, work, and worship as they choose.





WATCH: Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit



Reflecting on the past year, Sen. Cruz said:



Texans are strong and resilient and the American spirit has always been marked by courage and generosity. That spirit was on full display throughout this year as we dealt with the massive economic and public health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We dealt with enflamed racial division and a polarized political environment.



Despite all of these difficulties, Texans and Americans alike rose to the challenge to help our neighbors and those in need by supporting our brave health care workers, first responders, grocery store clerks, and other critical workers on the front lines of this crisis, truly making a difference in our communities. People across this great nation exercised their fundamental rights to further the promises this nation was founded upon  freedom and equality. I am confident that we will come out of these troubled times stronger, more united, and renewed in pursuit of freedom and opportunity for every American.



As we look ahead to 2021, I am deeply honored to continue representing the great state of Texas, and I will continue fighting to reopen our economy and to get millions of Americans safely back to work, back to school, to strengthen Americas national security, and to protect the religious liberty and the constitutional rights of each and every American.



Sen. Cruzs 2020 Highlights:



Combatting the Coronavirus Pandemic



* SIGNED INTO LAW: Helped secure passage of three coronavirus emergency response packages to address the public health crisis and deliver real relief for the American people.

* Launched the #CombatCOVID19Challenge, a social media challenge to encourage Americans to continue supporting their communities as we all work to combat this pandemic. Sen. Cruz kicked off the challenge by delivering food to the Houston Police Officers Union.

* Introduced the Reinvigorating the Economy, Creating Opportunity for every Vocation, Employer, Retiree & Youth or RECOVERY Act, a comprehensive legislative package designed to help small businesses re-hire their employees and create jobs, help kids get back to school safely, allow Americans to catch-up on their retirement savings, and help find cures for COVID-19 while increasing testing.

* Introduced the Creating Capacity for Communities in Need Act, legislation to increase healthcare capacity and to speed up FDA approval for certain vaccines and therapeutics.

* PASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Led the fight to pass legislation to enhance partnerships between companies in the United States and Israel to develop innovative medical projects aimed at detecting, treating, and curing COVID-19.

* Introduced the Equal Access to Care Act and the Right to Test Act, legislation to expand healthcare access and make testing more available.

* Introduced the Bring Entrepreneurial Advancements to Consumers Here In North America or BEAT CHINA Act to incentivize pharmaceutical, medical device, and supply manufacturers to relocate to the United States.

* Introduced the Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act, legislation to sanction Chinese officials involved in the ongoing suppression of medical experts, journalists, and political dissidents, amid Chinese censorship of its citizens that helped fuel the coronavirus pandemic.

* Introduced the Coronavirus Emergency Education Grants Act, legislation designed to empower all families with the resources needed to provide for their childrens public, private, or homeschool education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

* Introduced the COVID-19 Vaccine Protection Act to prevent the Communist Chinese Party (CCP) from stealing or sabotaging American COVID-19 vaccine research.

* Introduced the Addressing Missed-savings Opportunities for Retirement due to an Epidemic or AMORE Act to allow individuals facing financial challenges and who are unable to make contributions to their tax-advantaged retirement accounts in 2020 to make catch-up contributions to these accounts in the coming years.



Delivering for Texas



* INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Protected small and independent refiners facing bankruptcy because of the pandemic by working with the administration to make sure these energy producers had access to critical capital. Sen. Cruz also worked to ensure that banks were not discriminating against energy producers so that they could keep their wells producing, their doors open and their employees on the payroll.

* INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Successfully pushed for the Federal Reserve to establish a new lending facility to provide immediate emergency liquidity for oil and gas businesses, a request they granted by altering their Main Street Lending Program to allow energy companies to qualify for much-needed relief.

* INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Led the fight in the Senate to help secure an agreement for Saudi Arabia and Russia to significantly cut oil production amid this emergency. These efforts held Saudi Arabia and Russia accountable for engaging in predatory oil pricing during the pandemic, which greatly impacted Texas energy producers.

* SIGNED INTO LAW: Worked to secure passage for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which was signed by President Trump, a decisive victory for farmers, ranchers, businesses, and manufacturers to ensure greater economic opportunities for all Americans. This trade agreement puts American jobs first, including the 2.2 million jobs in Texas directly dependent on international trade.

* PASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Led the fight as chair of the Aviation and Space Subcommittee to unanimously pass in the Senate the NASA Authorization Act, legislation that gives NASA the resources it needs to face a new era of space exploration and enhances our presence in low-Earth orbit. The bill will also help Americans safely return to the moon and will bring us closer to an American taking the first step on the surface of Mars. In addition, Sen. Cruzs legislation to permanently protect the Apollo landing sites on the moon also passed the House and Senate.

* Led efforts to urge the U.S. Air Force to designate Port San Antonio and Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) as the location for the U.S. Space Command Headquarters (USSPACECOM HQ).

* SIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts in the Senate to pass legislation authorizing the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to establish a memorial commemorating the Republic of Texas Legation in Washington D.C. which was signed into law in December.



Boosting Jobs, Jobs, Jobs



* Provided much needed relief by supporting additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to assist small businesses and hardworking men and women who are hurting as a result of this unprecedented economic devastation. Sen. Cruz also introduced legislation to expand the PPP to local chambers of commerce to provide valuable resources to small businesses across the country.

* SIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts to pass through the U.S. Senate the Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act, legislation to streamline the PPP loan forgiveness process for small business owners, which would help lessen the burden they have shouldered due to coronavirus.

* Introduced the Cost Recovery and Expensing Acceleration to Transform the Economy and Jumpstart Opportunities for Businesses and Startups or CREATE JOBS Act, legislation to boost jobs by restructuring the tax code and reforming expensing.

* Introduced the Loan Interest Forgiveness for Taxpayers Under a Pandemic or LIFT UP Act, legislation that would expand the eligibility for debt forgiveness provided in the CARES Act to small businesses that received Small Business Administration disaster loans.

* Introduced the Work Safe Act, legislation that would provide tax credits to businesses that test employees for COVID-19 every week  a common sense step to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

* Introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at reforming the National Environmental Policy Act to streamline infrastructure projects and help get men and women all across the country back to work.



Confirming Constitutionalist Judges and Protecting Our Independent Judiciary



* As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Cruz led the fight to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the third Supreme Court justice he has helped confirm since 2017. Justice Barrett is a principled constitutionalist with impeccable credentials and her confirmation was a great victory for every American who cares about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and our fundamental liberties.

* In 2020, the Senate confirmed 48 federal judges, while celebrating the 200th federal judicial nominee confirmed by the Senate since the election of President Donald J. Trump. These 234 judges will faithfully interpret and apply the law as part of an independent judiciary, and their addition to the federal courts will benefit all Americans who value the Constitution and individual liberties for decades to come.

* Led the fight in the Senate to preserve the integrity and independence of the Supreme Court by introducing two proposals, including the Keep Nine constitutional amendment, to maintain the number of justices on the bench and protect Americans constitutional liberties.



Standing with the Brave Men and Women of Law Enforcement



* Took a stand against Antifa and introduced the Restitution for Economic losses Caused by Leaders who Allow Insurrection and Mayhem or RECLAIM Act, legislation to hold state and local officials liable when rioters establish lawless autonomous zones and officials abdicate their duty to protect their citizens. Sen. Cruz also delivered a speech on the Senate floor condemning the violent groups that hijacked the peaceful and just protests honoring George Floyd, and calling for strong leadership to stop the riots and restore law and order.

* Signed Heritage Actions Police Pledge to reaffirm his support for the men and women of our nations law enforcement and his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.

* Introduced legislation to rename the U.S. Border Patrol Station in Rocksprings to honor Agent Donna M. Doss, who proudly served in the U.S. Border Patrol for more than 15 years and was killed in the line of duty.

* Chaired a hearing titled The Right of the People Peaceably to Assemble: Protecting Speech by Stopping Anarchist Violence, examining how groups like Antifa and other anti-American anarchists exploit peaceful protests and engage in political violence.

* Took action to protect Americans by re-introducing Kates law, legislation to impose a mandatory minimum prison sentence on illegal aliens with serious felony convictions who illegally reenter the country.

* Introduced the National Child Identification Act, legislation that would authorize the use of federal grant funds from the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to provide child identification kits to local law enforcement for distribution to parents of children who attend kindergarten or elementary school. These kits remain with parents, who may provide the kit to law enforcement in the tragic event that their child is missing.

* SIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts to rename a U.S. Post Office in Houston, Texas the Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office Building, to serve as a lasting tribute to Deputy Dhaliwals trailblazing legacy for Sikh Americans and religious minorities in law enforcement. This legislation passed the U.S. Senate and was signed into law in December.



Holding Big Tech Accountable



* Fought to subpoena both Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on political censorship and election interference and questioned them at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

* Called for a criminal investigation into Twitter for violating our laws prohibiting Americans from providing services to sanctioned Iranian individuals.

* Sent two letters  one to Google and one to Facebook  slamming the companies for their separate announcements regarding their decisions to limit or block election advertising.

* Joined Parler, a pro-free-speech social media platform.

* Questioned the CEOs of Twitter, Facebook, and Google at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing regarding Big Techs repeated political censorship and their attempts to interfere in the 2020 election, as well as the need to reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.



Protecting Our Religious Freedom



* Introduced the Safeguarding Americans from Coronavirus and Religious Exercise Discrimination or SACRED Act, legislation that would block federal funding for COVID relief to state and local governments that discriminate against religious individuals or institutions, violating their First Amendment rights.

* INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Called on the Department of Justice to investigate state and local officials who target and discriminate against religious communities under the guise of protecting public health, which resulted in a rebuke of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

* Sent a letter urging the Secretary of Defense to protect religious freedom within the Department of Defense after reports that the Army has censored military chaplains and harmed their ability to provide religious services during the coronavirus pandemic - access that is not only essential for many service members, but also mandated by the Constitution.

* Joined an amicus brief on behalf of 34 Senators supporting the Capitol Hill Baptist Churchs lawsuit against Muriel Bowser, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., after she permitted and participated in several mass protests but issued COVID-19 regulations prohibiting a religious gathering of more than 100 individuals outdoors.

* Penned an op-ed warning against the dangers of pandemic authoritarianism and urged state and local leaders to protect Americans civil liberties as we all work together to combat COVID-19.



Protecting Life



* Sent a letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) requesting a full investigation into the 37 Planned Parenthood affiliates who applied for and improperly received a total of $80 million in loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

* Called on the administration to maintain pro-life protections during the search for COVID-19 treatments and cures.

* Urged the FDA to classify the abortion pill Mifeprex as a hazard to public health.



Honoring Our Veterans



* Introduced the Limiting and Enabling Gathering Awards Commemorating Yesteryear or LEGACY Act to facilitate the repatriation of medals, including the Congressional Medal of Honor (MoH), into the United States for display in museums and for educational purposes.

* Cosponsored the National Purple Heart Honor Mission Commemorative Coin Act, legislation that would direct the Treasury Department to issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in 2022 honoring Purple Heart recipients and the work of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.

* SIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts in the Senate to pass legislation that would give the president authority to award posthumously the Medal of Honor to Texass own Sergeant First Class (SFC) Alwyn Cashe. This legislation was signed into law in December.

* SIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts to rename a U.S. Postal Office located in Castroville, Texas as the Lance Corporal Rhonald Dain Rairdan Post Office, as a memorial to Lance Corporal Rairdan and his fellow soldiers who fell in the line of duty. This legislation passed the U.S. Senate and was signed into law in December.



Defending Our Second Amendment Rights



* Urged the ATF to ensure that law-abiding citizens are not deprived of their constitutional right to keep and bear arms during the coronavirus pandemic.

* Raised concerns to the Attorney General and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) about the ATFs practice of relying on non-public standards in its regulation of the importation of ArmaLite Rifle (AR) styled pistols and pistol stabilizing braces.



Standing Up to Americas Enemies and Adversaries While Standing With Her Allies



Russia



* PASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Led a congressional push to halt construction of Vladimir Putins Nord Stream 2 pipeline by clarifying and expanding sanctions. If completed, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline would reward Russias aggressive expansionism and economic blackmail, hold our European allies energy security hostage to Russia, and undermine Americas national security interests. These efforts passed the U.S. Senate.

* INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Led the fight for the United States to exit from Cold War-style treaties that constrain American capabilities while providing advantages to Russia or China, such as the Open Skies Treaty and outdated nuclear treaties.



Middle East



* Attended the White House signing ceremony for the Abraham Accords, historic agreements to normalize relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, the achievement of which validated Sen. Cruzs long-running advocacy that unapologetically standing with Israel would unite our allies across the region.

* INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Led the fight to end the catastrophic Obama-Iran nuclear deal, including by revoking the remaining civil-nuclear waivers stemming from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and calling for the deal to be ended once and for all by invoking UN snapback sanctions, restoring all international sanctions on Iran and preventing the United Nations Arms embargo on Iran from expiring.

* Introduced the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act, a bill that urges the U.S. State Department to use its statutory authority to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

* Introduced the Stop Sending American Taxpayer Money To Governments Controlled By Terrorists Act aimed at creating accountability related to the use of American funds in Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon.

* PASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Following the successful mission that killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and a designated terrorist, Sen. Cruz introduced and the Senate passed in February an amendment recognizing and applauding the president and the brave men and women involved in the mission.

* Fought against and introduced a resolution condemning the International Criminal Court for unjust, politicized prosecutions against American and Israeli citizens.



China



* Sen. Cruzs leadership against the CCPs human rights atrocities and political oppression led to his being repeatedly sanctioned, something he calls a badge of honor.

* Led efforts to end U.S. dependence on China for rare earth elements and other critical minerals by introducing the Onshoring Rare Earths or ORE Act, legislation that would establish a supply chain in the U.S. for minerals used to manufacture defense technologies and other high-tech products.

* INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Led the fight to combat the CCPs propaganda by introducing the Blocking Evasive Attempts to Manipulate Signals or BEAMS Act, legislation to prevent the CCP from exploiting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) loopholes to propagandize to Americans from radio stations in Mexico or Canada, including through stations entangled with Chinese state-owned media outlets such as Phoenix TV. This legislation resulted in the Trump Administration blocking the license to these stations.

* Introduced the Stopping Censorship, Restoring Integrity, Protecting Talkies or SCRIPT Act, legislation cutting off Hollywood studios from assistance they receive from the Department of Defense if those studios censor their films for screening in China.

* Introduced the Sanctioning and Highlighting Authoritarian Medicine and Eugenics or SHAME Act, legislation sanctioning CCP officials for systematic ethnic cleansing, including through forced abortions and other coercive population control measures in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

* Introduced the Strongly and Unambiguously Sanctioning Proliferators Exploiting Nuclear Diplomacy or SUSPEND Act, legislation imposing sanctions on the defense sectors of China and Russia unless those countries reverse violations of their obligations under international arms control treaties.

* Introduced the Protecting America from Spies Act, legislation that would allow the Department of State to deny visas to individuals who have committed acts of espionage or intellectual property theft against the United States.

* Stood with our friends in Taiwan by introducing the Taiwan Symbols of Sovereignty Act, allowing diplomats and service members in the Taiwanese military to display their flag and wear their uniforms while in the United States on official businesses, and fighting against the exclusion of Taiwan from international forums such as ICAO at the behest of Communist China.



Western Hemisphere



* Fought to ensure deep and robust relations between the United States and our Mexican partners, including working with the Trump administration to protect supply lines running between the two countries and recently calling on the Departments of State and Justice to prevent the Mexican government from undermining our countries security and law enforcement relationship.

* Introduced a bipartisan resolution to rename the street outside the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C. as Oswaldo Paya Way, casting a light on the Cuban regimes human rights atrocities.

* Introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing support for the people of Nicaragua.

* Continued working to bring home Americans unjustly held by the Maduro regime in Venezuela, including calling for sanctions against officials involved in the imprisonment of the CITGO 6.




Today, residents of the Tbilisi suburb of Ponichala blocked the central expressway connecting the capital of Georgia with the city of Rustavi, media report.

The demonstrators complained that the gas supply has been interrupted in Ponichala for three days. Thus, about 1,200 families have been left without gas. Therefore, the protesters demanded a meeting with representatives of the Tbilisi Energy gas distribution company, Sputnik Georgia reports.
Terrified parents of severely epileptic children are warning of the dire health consequences if Brexit continues to halt imports of vital medicinal cannabis.

They have demanded the Government urgently strikes an agreement with the Netherlands to continue procuring the 'life-saving' Bedrolite oil their children rely on.

Supplies were previously guaranteed through EU membership, but Dutch law bans the trade of certain medicinal drugs and the divorce deal did not include arrangements to safeguard this.

Around 40 children suffering from severe epilepsy in the UK are believed to use the drug - and parents are warning their existing stocks will run out within weeks.

Tannine Clarry, 32, fears that losing access to the prescription will cost her six-year-old daughter Indie-Rose her independence and set back years of progress.

The child, who was born with Dravet syndrome, a catastrophic form of epilepsy, was barely able to walk or talk before being given a new lease of life by the CBD oil.

Another mother, Emily Howis, 36, said the drug reduced 22-month-old Clover's average of 30 seizures a week to just one.

That her daughter now risks foregoing the treatment she branded a 'disgrace' and said: 'I can only imagine how bad her seizures will get without it.'

Tannine Clarry, 32, fears that losing access to the prescription will cost her six-year-old daughter Indie-Rose her independence and set back years of progress

Another mother, Emily Howis, 36, said the drug reduced 22-month-old Clover's average of 30 seizures a week to just one (Father Spencer Carkeet pictured)

Hannah Deacon said she had only learned of the change in policy surrounding medical cannabis less than two weeks before the Brexit transition period came to an end on December 31. Pictured: Ms Deacon and Alfie Dingley

Her demands for ministerial action were echoed by campaigner Hannah Deacon, who tirelessly fought for medicinal cannabis to be legal to treat her nine-year-old son Alfie Dingley.

She said: 'This is not about the politics of Brexit. It's about children's lives being at stake. Boris Johnson must step in, work with the Dutch Government and help us.'

The Government confirmed it is liaising with its counterparts in the Netherlands to keep the flow of the drugs.

Ms Clarry, from Clare Suffolk, spent three years trying to find the right treatment for Indie-Rose before she finally discovered the instant remedy effects of Bedrolite.

Faced with the prospect of losing access to the drug, she said: 'I am worried her seizures will increase again, any change to medication with epilepsy is dangerous and we can't predict what might happen now.

'All we want is the government to really look at this problem and help us, we are not asking for a lot.

'We finally found this oil for Indie-Rose, and less than a year later, after watching her progress to such an extent, we're now going to watch her illness take her over again.'

She recalled how Indie-Rose would endure up to 50 seizures each month because of the debilitating genetic disorder.

The episodes were so bad that her daughter would not even recognise her younger brother, and while traditional forms of treatment 'numbed' the effects, 'it didn't give her a chance to be kid, she was always out of it.'

Indie-Rose who was born with Dravet syndrome, a catastrophic form of epilepsy, was barely able to walk or talk before being given a new lease of life by the CBD oil

Ms Clarry, from Clare Suffolk, spent three years trying to find the right treatment for Indie-Rose before she finally discovered the instant remedy effects of Bedrolite

The anxious mother spent three years fighting for Indie-Rose to get the appropriate treatment, including spending half a year in Holland to secure the Bedrolite oil.

She recalled how Indie-Rose slept through the night before recognising her brother for the first time. 'I broke down in tears seeing that,' Ms Clarry said.

Ms Clarry has since spent 34,000 on prescriptions and even took to making her own CBD oil which she uses to help other families.

But she said her own oil does not match the effectiveness of the Dutch-manufactured drug and is urging for an arrangement between the governments of London and Amsterdam.

She said: 'We have watched Indie-Rose grow into this bubbly excited girl since she's had the right treatment and the thought of that stopping it painful, I don't think any mother or father should have to go through this.'

Her fear has been shared by Ms Howis, from Frome Somerset, who said her 'heart fell out of my body' upon hearing that Bedrolite supplies could stop.

Her daughter Clover Carkeet was diagnosed with Aicardi syndrome at 12 weeks old, meaning she has many brain abnormalities, including absent or underdeveloped tissue connections between the left and right halves of her brain, which cause seizures.

Ms Howis said: 'We felt like we were finally settled and had finally found something that controlled Clover's seizures, and suddenly it was being taken away from us - and within a matter of weeks.'

She explained that they had 10 weeks worth of supplies left and had ordered another three months' worth - but are no longer sure if this will arrive.

She went on: 'It is a disgrace that our medication has been blocked. We are special needs parents - it's already tough with all the challenges at every step of their lives.

'You would expect access to medicine that improves their lives, not being blocked from it.'

Ms Howis, from Frome Somerset, who said her 'heart fell out of my body' upon hearing that Clover's Bedrolite supplies could stop

Clover Carkeet was diagnosed with Aicardi syndrome at 12 weeks old, meaning she has many brain abnormalities, including absent or underdeveloped tissue connections between the left and right halves of her brain, which cause seizures

The doctors told Ms Howis and partner Spencer Carkeet, 48, that their daughter would likely never walk or talk, and that she would lose the skills she had developed so far.

The mother described Clover's early days as 'the lowest and darkest time of my life' as the effects of her illness became clear.

She said: 'Doctors told me when I was 30 weeks pregnant that Clover had some anomalies in her brain.

'We knew lots of people went on and lived completely normal lives with this anomaly and Clover was born at full-term in perfect health.

'But when I picked her up from a nap one morning when she was 12 weeks old, her legs kept giving way and her eyes were rolling back.

'I knew she was having a seizure immediately and took her to the hospital.

'I was devastated by her Aicardi diagnosis and genuinely thought I was going to have a child that was a vegetable from then on.

'It was the lowest and darkest time of my life.'

The doctors told Ms Howis and partner Spencer Carkeet, 48, that their daughter would likely never walk or talk, and that she would lose the skills she had developed so far

In June 2019, Clover was prescribed a six-week course of steroids - but the side effects were horrific for the young girl, who became 'a lump'.

Ms Howis said: 'She was put on a very high dose, more than an adult would take, and the side effects were horrendous.

'She didn't smile or move anymore and became like a lump that we fed and tried to get to sleep.

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'There was nothing behind her eyes, it was like someone had turned the light out.

'She wouldn't engage or play, she would just lay there staring into space.

'It was devastating to watch. She went from being such a happy, bright little girl to almost being nothing.

'She woke every 45 minutes through the night and I became a shell of a person, getting no rest.

'The steroids also made her gain a lot of weight and her cheeks became so swollen I could barely see her beautiful brown eyes.

'It kept us going to know that it was temporary and we checked off every day on a calendar until she came back to us.'

As Clover was weaned off of the steroids in July 2019, 'glimpses' of her former self came back, but the medication hadn't managed to control her seizures.

By March 2020 Clover was suffering more than 30 clusters a week - with each cluster itself involving around 30 seizures and lasting between five to 15 minutes.

Ms Howis said: 'Things were getting worse rather than better. Clover was crying after every spasm and all I could do was cuddle her and try to reassure her.

'It is awful seeing your child in pain and not being able to do a thing about it. It is totally out of my control and just devastating.

'The drugs that the doctors were offering would affect her development.

'We wanted to opt for something that gave her quality of life rather than turning her into a vegetable.'

After doing research online, the she contacted Ms Deacon, whose son Alfie was the first child to be granted access to medical cannabis in the UK.

Ms Deacon put her in touch with a clinic that was able to help secure a prescription for Clover and she started taking the treatment in August 2020, taking the oil twice a day.

Ms Howis said: 'We saw a dramatic difference in Clover within a week. Her seizures started to decrease every week and by November she was only having between one and three clusters a week.

'The seizure control is incredible and as we increased her dose, we saw improvements in her communication too. She's even started to speak, which makes my heart sing.'

Ms Deacon said: 'Sadly, this bombshell blow to the 42 families affected is just another development in a long line of events which show the legalisation of medicinal cannabis has completely failed.

'The 2018 law change took years of hard-fought campaigning, so it is utterly appalling that despite having years to prepare for Brexit, the Government gave us just two weeks' notice that we will lose access to the one treatment which has drastically improved the lives of our very sick children.

'Medicinal cannabis products are incredibly complex, and they cannot be interchanged easily.

'Being told to withdraw our children's treatment does not just mean picking something else up from the pharmacist instead, it is incredibly dangerous and risks putting them in hospital, or even death.

'We are making a desperate plea to the UK and Dutch governments to work together to find a long-term solution to this crisis.'

A Government spokesperson said: 'We sympathise with patients dealing with challenging conditions and we are working urgently with the Dutch government to find a solution which will enable patients to access the medications they need.'
The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) signed an agreement on December 31, 2020 to sell its entire equity interest in the 1,242 MW Mong Duong 2 coal-fired power plant in Vietnam to a consortium led by a US-based investor.

This transaction is expected to close in late 2021 or early 2022, subject to customary approvals, including from the government of Vietnam and the minority partners in Mong Duong 2.

We have had a very positive experience in developing, building, and owning Mong Duong 2 and Vietnam remains an important growth market for AES, where we look forward to contributing to the countrys transition to a more sustainable energy future, said Andres Gluski, AES president and chief executive officer.

In line with our global strategy to invest in renewables and LNG infrastructure, in Vietnam we continue to make good progress on the development of the 450 TBTU Son My LNG terminal with PetroVietnam (PVN) and the 2,250 MW Son My 2 combined cycle gas power plant.

AES owns a 51 percent equity interest in Mong Duong 2, Posco Energy Company Limited owns 30 percent, and Stable Investment Corporation, a subsidiary of China Investment Corporation, owns the remaining 19 percent.

The construction of Mong Duong 2 was completed in 2015 under a Build-Own-Transfer (BOT) contract, with a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Vietnam Electricity (EVN), a state-owned utility.

The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy.

Together with our many stakeholders, were improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs, the company said in a press release on Monday.

Our diverse workforce is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence, while partnering with our customers on their strategic energy transitions and continuing to meet their energy needs today.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - TransCanna Holdings Inc. (CSE: TCAN) (FSE: TH8) ("TransCanna" or the "Company") announces record THC test results achieved via data driven process improvements at wholly owned subsidiary Lyfted Farms.

Recent testing by a State certified, third party laboratory confirmed total THC to be 31.3% and total cannabinoids at 41.43% for the Lyfted Farms' Garlic NoodlesTM cannabis flower, both are record levels for Lyfted Farms indoor cultivation team. Notably, total flower yield also increased by 17%.

Systematic, data driven process enhancements to multiple facets of the genetics-to-harvest cycle have resulted in superior test results for total THC, total cannabinoids, and yield metrics.

Process improvements have been deployed in nursery, canopy management, CO2 pressure, curing, flushing, and to harvest timing as results of a year-long data collection effort begin to show results.

Lyfted Farms believes the improvements are sustainable (within genetic variation fluctuations) as they are based on process design driven by data collection.

TransCanna CEO Bob Blink observes "Achieving anything over 30% THC puts our products amongst the leading cultivators in the State. Coupled with our unique genetics, this gives Lyfted Farms a solid advantage in connecting with the end consumer."

About TransCanna Holdings Inc.

TransCanna Holdings Inc. is a California based, Canadian listed, Company building cannabis-focused brands for the California lifestyle through its wholly-owned California subsidiaries.

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.transcanna.com or email the Company at info@transcanna.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Bob Blink, CEO

604-349-3011

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71558
A day ahead of the next round of talks with the Union government, thousands of farmers protesting on the Delhi borders organised a 'tractor march' on Thursday amid tight security, describing the event as a "rehearsal" for a similar roadshow proposed on January 26 to oppose the three new Central farm laws.

The farmers are also giving training to women to drive tractors in several districts of Haryana and also to the women participating in the agitation at the Delhi-Haryana Singhu border, who are set to join the tractor parade on Republic Day.

The march comprising both men and women sitting on hundreds of tractors was flagged off from the Singhu and Tikri entry points on the Delhi-Haryana borders and Ghazipur on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border at 11 am.

Police were deployed on the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana borders with Delhi to accompany the farmers during the march.

The sloganeering farmers drove their tractors towards Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways while demanding the three farm laws be repealed, warning to intensify their protest if the government doesn't agree to their demands.

A few farmers even performed stunts and danced to songs played on the music systems installed on their tractors on the Eastern Peripheral Highway, where they sat to eat 'langar' in the afternoon.

The tractors in the convoy sported the tricolour and farmer union flags, apart from banners proclaiming their opposition to the farm laws even as policemen and bystanders looked on with curiosity.

After the meeting on the peripheral highway, the farmers returned to the protest spots on the Delhi borders, from where they had started in the morning.

Speaking to the media, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) chief Joginder Singh Ugrahan said that over 3,500 tractor-trolleys were driven during the march.

Later in the day, the farmers converged on the highway and discussed their future strategy.

"The government should listen to the farmers. We are just demanding the contentious farm laws be repealed," Bharatiya Kisan Union spokesperson Rakesh Tikait told IANS.

The tractor march was organised by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella of 40 farmers' unions, to demand repealing of the three new farm laws and procurement of crops at Minimum Support Price.

The march was initially scheduled for Wednesday but was cancelled due to inclement weather.

In view of the tractor march, authorities had ordered diversion of traffic at several points on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

"The tractor march passed through the Eastern Peripheral Road and returned through the Expressway," a police officer said.

Meanwhile, many women participants in the farmers' agitation are also learning driving skills to participate in the tractor parade. Many women at Singhu border and in Jind district of Haryana have been seen taking driving lessons to participate in the tractor parade planned on January 26.

The seventh round of talks between the Centre and farm leaders on their remaining demands ended in a stalemate on Monday. Both sides will now meet again on Friday.

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Carrum Health , the first digital health company connecting employers and employees to Centers of Excellence (COEs) through a technology-powered platform for better, more cost-effective healthcare, today closed $40 million in Series A funding led by Tiger Global Management LLC, with participation from GreatPoint Ventures and Cross Creek and return investors Wildcat Venture Partners and SpringRock Ventures. Carrum Health will use this funding to expand its offerings to more employers, provide access to additional healthcare services and enhance technology to support its fast-growing roster of clients and providers.

The Carrum Health App eliminates surprise medical bills, giving patients transparent pricing from the start and guiding them through their surgery journey. The Carrum Health App makes planning a surgery easier and offers a personalized, guided experience for patients, including post-operative daily checkins.

Carrum Health is applying the latest technology to enhance care, increase access and improve outcomes. With its digital marketplace, patient app and AI-driven insights, the company delivers value-based care that is more economical for self-insured employers, increases employee access to top-performing providers and drives practice growth for providers.

A Digital Marketplace for Premier Care

Carrum Health developed the first-ever digital marketplace that enables employers to purchase healthcare services directly from top providers for a bundled price. This approach helps employers curb rising healthcare spending at a time when surgery-related costs account for as much as 50% of expenses, with 25% of surgeries not being medically necessary, according to data from Carrum Health.

"Working with Carrum, self-insured companies can offer their employees the best care from top surgeons while effectively managing their spend. Carrum is going after a $100 billion market opportunity, and we're very excited to partner with Sach and his team," said Scott Shleifer, partner at Tiger Global Management.

Carrum Health's COE digital platform eliminates the complexities of co-pays, deductibles and coinsurance, while ensuring that patients get exceptional care, leading to better outcomes, at a lower, predictable cost. With this model, Carrum Health's providers offer a 30-day warranty on each procedure, including any costs associated with the care. Because clinical quality is of utmost importance, Carrum Health evaluates both the COE and the surgeon with a proprietary 50-point evaluation process, ensuring only the top 10% of providers are invited to join the platform.

"Carrum Health caught our attention because they have created a technology solution that, when combined with a high-touch personalized service, is already bending the cost curve and improving the overall health and wellbeing of surgery populations," said Ray Lane, managing partner at GreatPoint Ventures. "Carrum Health is changing both sides of the healthcare market, impacting how providers can build their practices and how employers procure and pay for their services. We are excited to help them expand their footprint nationally."

AI-Driven Insights for Benefits Managers

Carrum Health saw an opportunity to not only change how healthcare is paid for, but also how it is delivered. At the heart of Carrum Health's marketplace platform is a layer of analytics that integrates data from numerous sources, including claims information, to monitor cost and quality. Using machine learning, Carrum Health identifies the people most at risk for surgery and utilizes post-discharge data collection to monitor recovery and prevent complications that contribute to readmissions.

A Connected Mobile App Puts Power in Patient's Hand

The platform is connected to the Carrum Health mobile app, which provides patients with the power to manage their own health by guiding them through all aspects of their care journey. Patients also have access to an expert care specialist who assists them throughout the process.

"Making high-quality healthcare more affordable and easier to access is what drives us every day at Carrum Health," said Sach Jain, CEO and founder of Carrum Health. "For years, the industry has talked about redesigning healthcare to benefit patients, but the only way to really do that is to tackle the underlying economics of care, a truly difficult task. At Carrum Health we're solving just that. Employers now have a modern, technology-driven solution to help patients get better care without financial headache and we're not stopping at surgery. In 2021 we'll be expanding our reach and impact with additional services. It's such an honor to pave the way for a better healthcare future and we're so excited for what's to come."

Over the last 12 months, the number of Fortune 500 companies relying on Carrum Health has doubled with the addition of dozens of organizations in retail, manufacturing, communications, insurance, education and government. Since its launch in 2014, the company has broadened its COE network with new partners, including Johns Hopkins HealthCare LLC, Mayo Clinic and Tenet Healthcare. This rapid expansion has been fueled by proven results coming from Carrum Health's focus on clinical quality and its ability to immediately cut employers' surgery costs by as much as half, a priority that has become more critical for companies struggling with increasing healthcare costs related to COVID-19.

About Carrum Health

Carrum Health was founded in 2014 with a mission to "bring common sense to healthcare" through a value-based healthcare model that benefits families, employers and providers. Headquartered in South San Francisco, Carrum's award-winning surgery benefits platform connects self-insured employers with top providers under standardized bundled payment arrangements to better manage healthcare costs. By aligning provider incentives with quality performance, Carrum drives improvements in patient experience and health outcomes. Customers include large Fortune 500 companies and public sector organizations. For more information, visit carrumhealth.com .

About Tiger Global

Tiger Global Management, LLC is an investment firm focused on public and private companies in the global internet, software, consumer and financial technology sectors. Since 2003, its private equity business has invested in hundreds of companies across more than 30 countries, including investments ranging from Series A to pre-IPO. Such investments have included Spotify, Harry's, Warby Parker, Peloton, JD.com, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yandex, Mail.ru Group, Despegar, Ola and Flipkart. Tiger Global Management, LLC, was founded in 2001 and is based in New York; it has affiliate offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangalore and Melbourne.

SOURCE Carrum Health

Related Links

https://www.carrumhealth.com


FREDERICTON - A national civil liberties group is launching a legal action against New Brunswick in order to increase abortion access in the province.

Clinic 554 in Fredericton, N.B., is shown on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019. A national civil Liberties group has launched legal action against the province of New Brunswick in an effort to increase abortion access in the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kevin Bissett

FREDERICTON - A national civil liberties group is launching a legal action against New Brunswick in order to increase abortion access in the province.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association filed a statement of claim with the Court of Queen's Bench on Wednesday, asking for a judge to declare a section of New Brunswick law unconstitutional.

Regulation 84-20 of the Medical Services Payment Act prohibits government subsidies for abortions conducted outside an approved hospital.

Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, CCLA's equality program director, said, "Women's choices about their bodies do not need to be regulated.

"It is the regulation of women, girls and trans individuals' bodies through regulation 84-20 that is the problem," she told a virtual news conference Thursday.

The group says the regulation is inconsistent with and in violation of the Canada Health Act. "Unfortunately the government of New Brunswick has been fighting against the equality and reproductive freedom of women, girls and trans people for decades," Mendelsohn Aviv said.

New Brunswick's government subsidizes abortions at two hospitals in Moncton and one in Bathurst, but won't cover the cost of the procedure at a private clinic.

"By restricting abortion access in this way, the province is violating women's, girls' and trans peoples' fundamental right to make their own choices, their right to privacy, to safety, and of course, the right to equality. Today we are marking the beginning of the end," she said.

The statement of claim says it has been over 30 years since the Supreme Court of Canada's landmark ruling in R. v. Morgentaler, which declared the criminal prohibition on abortion was a violation of Constitutional rights.

"However, abortion remains inaccessible in New Brunswick, particularly to those living in rural areas of the province and to the vulnerable facing personal hardships like poverty and domestic violence," it states.

Fredericton's Clinic 554 has threatened to close a number of times in recent years but is still providing abortions. Dr. Adrian Edgar, the clinic's medical director, would not say Thursday how many abortions are conducted there. The clinic's services are funded almost exclusively by public donations.

"I'm both saddened and thankful by today's announcement," Edgar told the news conference. "Thankful to the CCLA for defending the charter rights of New Brunswickers and saddened to live in a province with a government that would suppress them."

Mendelsohn Aviv said the government has an opportunity to resolve the issue without going to court, but she said she expects there will be a prolonged legal fight.

"It seems they are making it fairly clear they want to fight us at every turn and on every front," she said. "We hope this is not the case but in the same way, activists have been hoping for a long time the government will do what is right for women and girls and trans folks in the province."

When reached for comment Thursday, a government spokesman said the province doesn't comment on legal matters.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2021.
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FRONTLINE workers have spoken out about the chaotic scenes witnessed in their hospitals to raise awareness before its too late, as they fear the stay-at-home message isnt sinking in with the public.

Doctors and nurses on the ground have warned that the worrying situation unfolding in Irish hospitals is about to get much worse as the true impact of Christmas will only be felt in the coming week.

I dont know how were going to avoid the situation that we saw in countries like Italy, said Rachel McNamara, a ward-based doctor at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

We are going to be overwhelmed in the next few days as people who picked up Covid over the holidays may only begin to feel the real effects now and we dont know how the health system is going to cope, so panic is really setting in.

It doesnt feel like people have the capacity to take it as serious this time around and fatigue has really played a factor.

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"I dont know what to say to warn people that this is coming. People will only come to realise it when they see footage of Ireland in the same position as Italy was in last March, and by then it will be too late, Dr McNamara added.

The 14-day incidence rate in Limerick is the third highest in the country, with 1252.4 cases per 100,000 of the population.

UHL is currently treating 78 patients with the virus, with six in intensive care. All outpatient appointments and elective surgeries have been cancelled.

Dr McNamara has been working at UHL for the last three years and has never faced anything like this before.

The third wave has so far proven to surpass even her worst fears.

Things really feel different this time around. Its a bit lonelier for healthcare workers given that during the first wave the focus was really on protecting the health service and you could see people staying at home, but I think everybody in society has just run out of patience.

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"They only have enough compassion and empathy to keep themselves going now.

Back in March when I would have been driving to work it felt like a post-apocalyptic world. When I drove to work this morning, traffic was at an almost normal level. The situation is going to get out of control.

Dealing with family members who lost loved ones to Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic has been one of the most difficult aspects for the Limerick doctor.

Im worried people are becoming numb to it and seeing less than 10 deaths as a win. How can that be a win? Behind every death is a heartbroken family. The anxiety and stress these people are under because they cant see their relatives is serious.

I have never seen the hospital fill up so quickly, its filled with sicker people than before.

At the moment were reaching a stage where Im not sure how much more we can take.

People have seen family members, friends and relatives who have sailed through the virus and they might have been asymptomatic, and this makes people drop the guard. Theyre not overly trying to protect themselves.

"Some people will be unlucky and the more people with underlying conditions that end up being exposed, the more tragedy were going to end up with.

The number of people in the States hospitals with Covid-19 passed 1,000 for the first time yesterday.

Paul Reid, chief executive of the Health Service Executive, described the figure of 1,022 patients as a sad milestone that nobody wanted to happen.

Mary Dunne, clinical nurse manager in the emergency department at University Hospital Waterford (UHW), told the Irish Independent her biggest concern is running out of bed space or ventilators.

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The Government easing restrictions at Christmas and Waterford reaching the All-Ireland hurling final was something of a perfect storm for the county.

I was nervous about those events as I expected us to see a surge due to people gathering. Theres plans in place for surges, but were worried about what happens if we go beyond the surge expected, she said.

Everyday its getting busier. Sick leave is also an issue as staff are out with Covid and that makes managing the situation harder.

Ms Dunne has 30 years experience in healthcare and described the worsening situation as majorly concerning. She pleaded with members of the public to do their part.

Theres a lot of Covid in the community and its hugely concerning. Your health is your wealth. People are worried about exams, but if youre not healthy you cant do your Leaving Cert; you cant do your job  without your health you have nothing.

Its just for a few weeks so if they would just row in, please God we will get that R number down. Well look back at the awful January of 2021 and be out the other side and well have less Covid and less sick people, but we have to do as were told.

Meanwhile, thousands of student nurses will be joining colleagues on the frontline in the coming weeks as their college placements begin.

The issue of paying student nurses has been a hot topic since the start of the pandemic, with many working more than 36 hours a week for no pay. A report which recommended paying students 100 each week has been described as an insult.

Teighlour Fegan (20), a second-year student who will soon be commuting from Wexford to Dublin for her placement, hit out at the treatment of nurses.

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We, amongst many others are holding up our healthcare system, and all we will receive is a lovely applause from the Government, she said.

Were not important enough to get paid, nor do we do real work. It was said by mid-January we could have 2,000 people hospitalised with Covid, but this still isnt enough for the Government to pay student nurses.

We sacrifice the health of our families and our own to work on the frontline in this pandemic.

"There are so many HSE staff out of work sick with Covid or because they are a close contact, and student nurses have to fill these gaps.

Weve been told that an allowance of 100 a week will be made to student nurses and this is so insulting for the work we do and it really shows how worthy we are to our Government.

My healthcare job is letting me go whilst Im on placement as Im too high-risk, Ill have no income. How can our hard work and efforts be worth less than 2.80 an hour?

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The sight is incredible. Two eras next to each other. One is more than 100 years old, and the other is just four months old. And the one uniting these two periods is a man in his 60s.

This is my granddaughter, and that used to be my neighbours house, says a beaming Manoj Jain. The little girl is too young to have a name, he says, but lets call her Angel. The house behind him is a bungalow in ruins. In fact, it is one of the very few edifices of such a vintage that still survive in Gurugram, a place in the National Capital Region otherwise so modern that it is known as the Millennium City. This particular locality, Roshanpura, actually has a handful of old houses, many of them in a similar shabby state. Mr Jain, who describes himself as a retired man, lives with his family in a house directly opposite this picturesque ruin.

My house is also old, he declares. Waving his hand dismissively, he cheerily launches a diatribe on the newer buildings. They are nothing compared to the old ones. Houses like ours have walls that are 18 inches thick. Imagine that in the houses of today, with their 4 inch walls!

Meanwhile, its warm and sunny, and Angel is lying on Mr Jains lap, her eyes closed, oblivious to the architecture of the past and present. Her familys colourful laundry is drying on a wash line strung across the length of the derelict bungalow.

The paint of this long-uninhibited house has peeled off the brick walls. The windows are without glass panes. The doors are open, but they are choked with overgrown wild grass. Money plant vines have spread upon the entire front facade, entangling the bungalow into a kind of fishing net. Its difficult to see anything inside the open rooms because of the vegetation. The whole setting looks like a scene in a fairy tale.

The family that owns it now lives in another city, says Mr Jain. He remembers playing in this house as a boy. The kids living here were my friends. He would go to the housewhen it was still a homealmost everyday. There were taaksarched nicheson every wall. Indeed, one can spot a few of those taaks even from the outside, if you strain your eyes and look through the vine-cover.

And it had marble floor, adds Mr Jain. He gestures towards a multi-storey building on his right. It is very new. The walls havent been painted yet. An old bungalow stood there too... all such houses are being replaced one by one, he observes, betraying no hint of lament in his voice. But my house shall remain.

One wonders what this place will be like when Angel will be big enough to understand the changes brought about by time. A mall perhaps? In any case, you ought to see this edifice before it disappears into history.
The Cyber Cell of the Mumbai Police's Crime Branch arrested six persons for using fake websites to dupe people. The police said the accused have duped 10,000 people till now through lucrative advertisements on their social media handles. According to the police, the incident came into light on December 15 after a person approached them with a complaint. The complainant was cheated of a hefty amount of Rs 3.6 lakh. The cyber police registered a case under relevant sections of cheating and forgery.

While investigating the case, police observed that the fraudsters were operating from Patna and few from West Bengal. A team was sent following which a woman including six persons were arrested in the case. The accused has confessed to committing the crime, Police said.

Their pattern of work was to observe popular websites that were visited by most number of internet users and recreating those websites, police added in their statement. They reach to the people through advertisements on social media, WhatsApp and by personally contacting them for which they even have a call centre in Patna.

Links were provided to the victims, which would take them to fake websites, said an officer, adding that the public generally don't differentiate between fake and original websites as the whole pattern of filling forms and payment modes are similar to the original one. After taking the money, the accused would disappear.

This gang has so far duplicated websites of petrol pumps/ LPG dealership agencies, private loan providers, Reliance towers, Snapdeal and Naaptol, among others. The gang has been operational since July 2018. The mastermind of the scam is a BCom Graduate, based in Bihar, police said. "There are more people who are part of the scam and are still absconding. We are trying to locate them as well," said an officer.

Also read: How online frauds are growing in the digital payment space
A boy who braved cold weather and rugged terrain while lost in a national park overnight says the thought of hurting his family kept him going.

Logan Good, 13, went missing when he walked ahead of his family while they were hiking at Alligator Gorge in Mount Remarkable National Park in South Australia's Southern Flinders Ranges at 6.30pm on Wednesday.

The teenager desperately tried to find his family but ended up spending the night at the Kingfisher campground, where he used pebbles for a bed and a rock as a pillow.

Police, SES and Fire Service searched for Logan to no avail before the teen stumbled across the remote Alligator Lodge cabin, where he asked for help and was found at 1.15pm on Thursday.

Logan Good, 13, is pictured after he was found on Thursday. He went missing when he walked ahead of his family while they were hiking at Alligator Gorge in Mount Remarkable National Park in South Australia's Southern Flinders Ranges at 6.30pm on Wednesday

Logan said the one thing that kept him going was the thought of his mother Hayley Good, 38, her partner Brendan Jones, 34, grandmother and siblings.

'I was thinking about what would happen (with my family),' he told The Advertiser.

The 13-year-old tried to find his family and when he failed, followed signs to the Kingfisher campground, where he decided to spend the night.

Logan was wearing a T-shirt, shorts and boots that night, when temperatures dropped to 12.5C in the area.

'I walked back to a place where I could fill up my drink bottle and stayed there the night,' he told the publication.

'I had my whole body on pebbles and I found a rock to put my head against.'

Logan and his mother Hayley hug after being reunited. He said the thought of his family kept him going as he spent the night in the national park

Logan slept on pebbles and rocks in a campground on Wednesday night and was wearing a T-shirt, shorts and boots that night, when temperatures dropped to 12.5C in the area

The next morning, Logan hiked 6km searching for help until he found the Alligator Lodge, where he knocked on the door and asked to use the phone.

Occupant Alexis Luke knew who Logan was and helped the boy call his family and the police.

Police officers picked up Logan and drove him back to a car park, where he was reunited with his family.

Logan was filmed running into his mother Hayley's arms in an emotional reunion.

Alligator Gorge (pictured) in the Mount Remarkable National Park is a rugged, isolated area known for brown snakes. Logan was wearing a T-shirt, shorts and boots that night, when temperatures dropped to 12.5C in the area

Ms Good, who did not sleep on Wednesday night, posted a picture of Logan smiling and holding his thumb up in the back of their car on the way home on Thursday.

'Myself and the family would like to say thank you for all the concern, sharing my post and prays while Logan was missing,' she captioned the post.

'He is back safe and sound no breaks, scratches, has walked 20kms and has learned a big lesson.

'So thankful to the SA Police, Emergency services and Polair for all they did to bring our man back home.'
The storming of the Capitol in Washington puts the United States into a small club with Guatemala, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan where protesters have caused chaos by invading parliaments in the past year.

Here is a recap on the legislatures that have been attacked or occupied:

- Guatemala -

Anti-government protesters set fire to parts of Guatemala's Congress building on November 21 over the Central American country's budget, in an invasion that lasts 10 minutes.

They demand an end to cuts in health and education spending and call on President Alejandro Giammattei to resign.

- Armenia -

Hundreds of protesters angry at the country's defeat in six weeks of fighting with Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region break into the parliament chamber on November 10.

Scuffles break out with police as they take the podium and shout at MPs to resign.

Authorities later say they have thwarted a plot to assassinate Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who signed the peace deal, and arrest opposition leader Artur Vanetsyan, the former head of the security services.

- Kyrgyzstan -

Protesters smash their way into the parliament in Bishkek and throw papers from the windows of the office of then president Sooronbay Jeenbekov. They are furious at alleged vote-rigging in the Central Asian country's October 4 elections.

The crisis sees opposition leader Sadyr Japarov being sprung from jail by his supporters.

He is now favourite to win a presidential vote on Sunday.

- Mali -

One person dies and 20 are hurt when the West African country's national assembly and other government buildings are attacked after a big demonstration on July 10 against then president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

He is overthrown in a coup a month later.

- Lebanon -

Thousands of demonstrators angry at a catastrophic blast that destroyed large parts of central Beirut in August clash with police outside parliament.

Dozens also storm government ministries and the headquarters of the country's banking association.

- Germany -

Anti-mask protesters attempt to force their way into the Reichstag building in Berlin on August 29 before they are pushed back by police using pepper spray.

The clashes involving dozens of protesters -- some carrying German imperial flags -- come after 38,000 people march against Covid-19 restrictions amid a social media-driven campaign against mask wearing.

- Serbia -

Anti-mask demonstrators fired up by social media defy a ban on mass gatherings to attack the Serbian parliament in Belgrade on July 10, pelting police with stones, bottles and flares.

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FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Civitas Senior Living, a senior living management company, and StoneCreek Real Estate Partners, a senior housing developer, have announced their plan to bring StoneCreek of Copperfield -- a new, luxury independent living, assisted living, and memory care community -- to Houston, Texas. This will mark the sixth collaboration and partnership between the two companies.

"Both of our companies share a passion for providing the finest senior living accommodations to our residents," said Wayne Powell, Founder and CEO of Civitas Senior Living. "It's our mission to create a carefree lifestyle they will love and want to call home. We're excited to continue our successful partnership with StoneCreek Real Estate and look forward to serving the Houston community."

StoneCreek of Copperfield will be a redevelopment of the Copperfield Racquet and Health Club, a longtime landmark of Northwest Houston for more than 30 years. "I grew up in the area," said Nick Craig, co-founder of StoneCreek Real Estate Partners, "and I still run the nearby trails when I'm in town. In fact, one of my close buddies used to lifeguard at the pool. We're thrilled to continue its legacy by transforming it into a world-class senior living community that will serve the residents of Northwest Houston for years to come."

The approximately 98,000 square-foot community will be situated on 6.6 acres featuring 12 independent living villas as well as 74 assisted living and 18 memory care residences. StoneCreek of Copperfield's spacious residences will feature stainless steel appliances, private bathrooms, and walk-in closets. The community will exude a cozy, Texas character while still providing upscale, on-site amenities and services today's senior living resident desires. A boutique salon, creative arts studio, fitness center, personalized care plans, and chef-prepared dining options are just some of the services residents will experience. Of particular importance is StoneCreek's connection to the area. "StoneCreek will be a community of active, passionate residents who will be proud to call Copperfield home," said Powell. "Our activity programming was created to foster those relationships with the greater community." StoneCreek's proximity to walking trails, shopping destinations, local restaurants, and area country clubs provide StoneCreek of Copperfield's residents various opportunities to explore their neighborhood. All these features are located just minutes from Highway 290 along with other major Houston freeways.

Civitas Senior Living's signature Passion Program will provide StoneCreek of Copperfield's residents rich, full lives brimming with exciting social engagements and activities. Personalized experiences guided by attentive caregivers, delicious food, and overall wellness will keep residents active and involved. Residents' lives will be enhanced by enjoying memorable moments and celebratory events. "We believe that life is best when days are filled with passion and lived with purpose," said Powell. Civitas' revolutionary Passion Program is the cornerstone of the 41 senior living communities it manages across the U.S.

StoneCreek of Copperfield is a collective effort between developer StoneCreek Real Estate Partners, management company Civitas Senior Living, Pi Architects, and interior design firm Senior By Design. Ground-up construction is planned to begin January 2021 with a Summer 2022 opening. The community will be located at 15800 Longenbaugh Drive.

About StoneCreek Real Estate Partners

StoneCreek Real Estate Partners is a collaboration of recognized and seasoned real estate professionals with over 50 years of combined experience in capitalizing, developing, and delivering successful senior living projects. StoneCreek offers a full array of development services for senior living projects including site selection, acquisition, due diligence, land procurement, and turn-key, ground-up development with construction management. For more information about StoneCreek Real Estate Partners, please visit stonecrk.com .

About Civitas Senior Living, LLC

Civitas Senior Living is a senior living owner/operator, property management, and consulting company based in Fort Worth that specializes in the development, acquisition, and operational management of senior housing properties. These properties include assisted living and memory care residences and independent senior living facilities. Civitas is known for its signature Passion Program, which ensures a high-quality, comprehensive continuum of care through a unique integration of all the factors that affect community management. For more information about Civitas, please visit civitasseniorliving.com.

Media inquiries can be sent to

[email protected]

817-784-7591

SOURCE Civitas Senior Living

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London: Boris Johnson has "unreservedly condemned" Donald Trump for inspiring the dramatic assault on the Capitol building, making the British Prime Minister the first world leader to directly blame the US President for the riot.

In some of the strongest criticism of Trump by any US ally to date, Johnson told reporters at Downing Street that the outgoing US President was to blame for Wednesday's extraordinary violence.

"Insofar as he encouraged people to storm the Capitol and insofar as the President consistently cast doubt on the outcome of a free and fair election, I think that was completely wrong," Johnson said.

Donald Trump and Boris Johnson, pictured last year at a NATO conference. Credit:AP

"I think what President Trump has been saying about that is completely wrong and I unreservedly condemn encouraging people to behave in the disgraceful way they did in the Capitol."
TOKYO - Japan declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and three nearby areas on Thursday as coronavirus cases continue to surge, hitting a daily record of 2,447 in the capital.

People wearing face masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus walk across an intersection at Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

TOKYO - Japan declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and three nearby areas on Thursday as coronavirus cases continue to surge, hitting a daily record of 2,447 in the capital.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga issued the declaration at the government task force for the coronavirus. It lasts from Friday until Feb. 7, and centres around asking restaurants and bars to close at 8 p.m. and people to stay home and not mingle in crowds.

The declaration carries no penalties. But it works as a strong request while Japan juggles to keep its economy going.

Shopping malls and schools will remain open. Movie theatres, museums and other events will be asked to reduce attendance. Places that defy the request will be publicized on a list, while those that comply will be eligible for aid, according to officials.

I am confident we can overcome this, but I must ask all of you endure a restricted life for a while longer, Suga told reporters after the declaration.

He promised more aid for hospitals treating COVID-19 patients. The Japanese military is ready to help, and efforts are underway to get a vaccine approved and delivered, he added.

Please take this matter seriously as your own, to protect all precious life, your parents, your grandparents, family and friends, over generations, Suga said.

Coronavirus cases have been surging in Japan following year-end and New Years holidays.

Shigeru Omi, a doctor who heads the government panel on coronavirus measures, described the latest wave as explosive, requiring the emergency declaration.

Tokyo has logged record numbers of daily cases for two straight days, after 1,591 on Wednesday. Nationwide, cases have been growing steadily by more than 5,000 a day.

Some experts say Japan should have acted sooner, and a government campaign to promote domestic travel through discounts was a mistake.

Opinion on having eateries close early is mixed, since places could simply get more crowded in earlier hours.

Dr. Hiroshi Nishiura, an expert on infectious diseases, said the rate of increase in number of cases will decline but infections will continue to rise. He believes more drastic action is needed.

Vaccinations are expected to start next month in Japan, with health and essential workers first. The rollout is likely to take months.

Dr. Atsuo Hamada, an expert on infections and professor at Tokyo Medical University Hospital, said curtailing nighttime drinking and dining will help.

When people go out to eat at night, they tend to get drunk, talk in loud voices and sing so airborne infections spread more quickly, he said in a recent telephone interview.

Keeping COVID-19 infections under control is imperative for Japan with the Tokyo Olympics set for July. Politicians have repeatedly stressed it must go on despite an increasingly doubtful public.

A similar state of emergency was issued last April hrough late May, and was eventually widened to apply nationwide.

The effort was largely effective. Japanese tend to follow orders from authorities, even without the threat of penalties. Almost everyone has been wearing masks.

A legal change is needed to allow for penalties in emergency declarations, and such a move is set to be considered in parliament. A strict lockdown, like ones in Europe, is not being considered.

Yoshimasa Maruyama, chief economist at SMBC Nikko Securities, said the economic damage from the declaration will be limited, with real gross domestic product growth likely to be pushed down by 0.2 percentage points in the first quarter of 2021.

The emergency last year affected a wider part of the economy, and it coincided with the time when the economy was already struggling amid plunging global trade, he said.

Other economists are projecting a slightly greater negative impact on GDP.

During the second quarter last year, Japans economy shrank nearly 8%, but has gradually rebounded, growing 5% in the July-September 2020 period.

Trade has stagnated, although hopes are high for a gradual recovery. Some parts of Asia have not been as affected by the coronavirus as the U.S. and Europe.

Still, the restaurant and hotel sectors will be slammed, and government assistance is needed, Maruyama said.

Shingo Sakai, who runs La Rochelle French cuisine restaurants in Tokyo, said fine dining takes more than two hours, and his customers usually dont get out of the office until after 6 p.m.

We have to keep our dining quality, and at the same time we need to keep our reputation by following the government order, he said.

I have to think about cutting costs to keep the company alive. Theres no place to cut costs because I did that for the last six months. Theres no room for that.

Japans unemployment rate has risen, but has not shot up, hovering at about 3%. Bankruptcies related to the coronavirus total about 800 so far, high for Japan, according to Tokyo Shoko Research.

But shopping districts have been packed, a situation that has contributed to the most recent virus wave.

Some 250,000 cases have been confirmed nationwide with more than 3,700 deaths, according to the Health Ministry. Hospitals are getting stretched thin.

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike and the heads of neighbouring Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures asked the government for the emergency declaration over the weekend.

We need to now recognize that virus infections have entered a totally new stage, she said. Tokyo is making the protection of human life a top priority.

Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter https://twitter.com/yurikageyama
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
Democrat Jon Ossoff was declared the projected winner of his U.S. Senate runoff race in the southern state of Georgia on Wednesday afternoon by The Associated Press.

He joins the Rev. Raphael Warnock, who was declared the winner of his Senate race, also in Georgia, earlier Wednesday, giving their Democratic Party control of the U.S. Senate. The Democrats already control the House of Representatives, albeit by a narrower margin than two years ago.

Ossoff becomes the first Jewish senator from Georgia, a former Confederate state. At 33, he will be the youngest sitting U.S. senator. He maintained a tight lead over Republican Sen. David Perdue, whose six-year term expired Sunday. A former congressional aide and television documentary producer, Ossoff claimed victory early Wednesday before the AP and other news organizations declared him the winner.

His victory gave Democrats full control of Congress, ensuring that President-elect Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers can more easily enact their legislative agenda.

Warnock becomes the first Black U.S. senator from Georgia. He is the senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the church once led by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Warnock defeated Republican incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler in a race that was called by Edison Research and The Associated Press early Wednesday after the candidates exchanged leads overnight.

Warnock and Ossoff needed heavy turnout from African American voters, as did Biden two months ago, when his popularity with Black voters and other groups allowed him to capture Georgia's 16 electoral votes by a margin of almost 12,000 out of 5 million votes cast.

Warnock's win also crystalizes a yearslong political shift in Georgia, where growing numbers of minorities and college-educated residents have helped turn the state from a longtime Republican stronghold into a swing state.

"Georgia is in such an incredible place when you think of the arc of our history," Warnock said Wednesday on ABC's "Good Morning America" news show. "This is the reversal of the old Southern strategy that sought to divide people."

Biden quickly commended Warnock and Ossoff on Wednesday before Ossoff was declared the winner.

"I congratulate the people of Georgia, who turned out in record numbers once again, just as they did in November, to elect two new senators, demand action, and call on our elected leaders to end the gridlock and move us forward as a nation," Biden said in a statement.

Going into Tuesday's voting, Republicans controlled the 100-seat Senate with a 50-48 advantage, needing to win one of the Georgia contests to keep their majority and act as a bulwark against Biden's legislative proposals after he is inaugurated January 20.
Huntington, WV (25701)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers late. Areas of patchy fog. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers late. Areas of patchy fog. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea on Wednesday issued a statement urging the government to protect the rights of prisoners after more than 1,000 people tested positive for coronavirus at a jail in eastern Seoul.

The main opposition People Power Party reported Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae to the police for dereliction of duty and involuntary manslaughter after one person who became infected at the Seoul Dongbu Detention Center died. The man, who was in his 60s, suffered from other chronic diseases including diabetes.

Four inmates are also suing the government for W10 million each citing damage due to a lack of proper quarantine measures (US$1=W1,087).

The total number of cases at the jail rose to 1,170 including 42 correctional officers as of Thursday. That means about half of the 2,419 inmates and staff have been infected.


Stella Tennant's cause of death has finally been revealed by her family, and it is undoubtedly painful and tragic.

Just five days after her birthday, news broke that the 50-year-old British stunner was found dead at her Scottish Borders home. At the time, the devastating news was confirmed by her family, saying that she passed away on December 22.

"It is with great sadness we announce the sudden death of Stella Tennant on 22nd December 2020...Her family ask for their privacy to be respected. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date," the statement reads, as obtained by BBC.

Stella Tennant's Cause of Death

Now, as confirmed by Stella Tennant's family to The Telegraph, the aristocratic model took her own life.

In a statement, they thanked the overwhelming "sympathy and support" for the British supermodel, who they described as a "beautiful and sensitive" human being.

"We have been humbled by the outpouring of messages of sympathy and support since Stella died. She was a beautiful soul, adored by a close family and good friends, a sensitive and talented woman whose creativity, intelligence and humor touched so many," the statement read.

In addition, the family revealed that former Vogue covergirl had been struggling with mental illness that prompted her to take her own life: "Stella had been unwell for some time. So it is a matter of our deepest sorrow and despair that she felt unable to go on, despite the love of those closest to her."

With Stella Tennant's death, they asked the public to give them the "privacy" to mourn for the loss of model and fashion designer.

"In grieving Stella's loss, her family renews a heartfelt request that respect for their privacy should continue."

Fashion Industry Pays Tribute to Stella Tennant

Following the supermodel's tragic death, fashion houses paid tribute to one of the most iconic supermodels who graced countless magazine covers and runways.

Italian luxury fashion company Versace took to their official Twitter account to honor the contribution of Tennant in the industry.

"Versace is mourning the death of #StellaTennant. Stella was Gianni Versace's muse for many years and friend of the family. We will miss you forever Stella. Rest In Peace. Stella Tennant for Atelier Versace SS 1996, ph. Richard Avedon @Avedon," the post read.

Meanwhile, Vogue magazine dedicated an article for the fashion icon titled "A Tribute to Stella Tennant, a Unique Spirit, and My Friend."

During her 30-year career in the fashion industry, Tennant worked with several renowned fashion houses and designers, including Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Burberry and Calvin Klein.

She is known for her aristocratic background, as she was the granddaughter of the 11th Duke of Devonshire, Andrew Cavendish, and Deborah Mitford.

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About five years ago, New York Citys child welfare agency began working with a prominent Columbia University professor to study foster children who identify as L.G.B.T.Q.  a significant undertaking because nationwide data on gay and transgender teenagers in foster care is scarce.

The groundbreaking study by the professor, Theo Sandfort, was released in November and praised by advocacy groups and academics. They said the findings for the first time demonstrated what had been seen anecdotally: over a third of young people in the citys foster care system identify as L.G.B.T.Q. and struggle to find the support they need.

Then came the backlash.

Some critics of the child welfare agency circulated what they contended was questionable research and writings by Dr. Sandfort in the 1980s on pedophilia in the Netherlands. They challenged whether he should have been selected to conduct the study.

The agency, the Administration for Childrens Services, said last month that it stood by the foster care survey. It said it would use the findings to adopt a plan to improve social services for L.G.B.T.Q. foster children and would build on its research.
Twitter's latest provision and update for Android allowed its OS users to upload high resolution 4K images on the platform via the social media's applications. The short word social media is known as one of the best platforms to showcase high definition (HD) or high quality (HQ) images compared to other platforms like Facebook, which cuts image quality and resolution.

The social media and the company behind it have evolved from compressing photos and videos to minimal quality to unload high volume on its servers. HQ photos make their way to the platform (which takes a load for HQ). Twitter was known for initially compromising image quality upon upload but has improved since then, after user complaints and reports.

4K resolution images are the highest quality possible in present photos and cameras. Only limited platforms offer 8K image captures (and most are still in the video format). These HD photos' quality is hardly noticeable in the mobile platform, but it would be better to see them in 4K-ready displays such as laptops, desktop monitors, and 4K TVs.

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Twitter's 4K: Now Available for the Google Android Platform

According to Android Police, Twitter has made 4K uploads for Android for this year only, which had a massive time gap compared to Apple's iOS, which had the highest resolution upload since last year, 2020. The feature is called "Load 4K" and is now available in the Android application of the social media platform.

Google's Android is usually not late in these kinds of updates, with some updates for devices earlier for the operating system as there are more users of the platform in the country and the globe. However, for the 4K image resolution dispute, Android seems to have been left behind, with the Apple iOS platform being favored more for its compatibility.

The new feature is available on its Beta testing phase for the Android platform, in version beta v8.76 and above. Twitter has not yet revealed when it would fully integrate 4K in the update version and move away from its beta testing phase.

Twitter 4K Android: Here's How to View and Upload Photos

The settings for uploading 4K resolution images to the platform is the same as Twitter for iOS platforms and Twitter for Android. The way to upload the photos is by creating a tweet with the "+" and Twitter logo, then selecting the 4K photo captured by one's device.

Since Twitter already supports the upload of 4K images, it would compress the photo only but would not sacrifice its quality as there would be an option where users can view the picture in 4K. The HQ photo's resolution for 4K is 1440x2160 pixels, enough to be highly-defined even on larger screen displays like 4K televisions.

To view a photo, Android users need to click on the image and press the ellipsis or "three dots," which reveals a menu, and then click "Load 4K." This feature would reload the photo and show the 4K image quality fully for the user.

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Six dairy farms are needed to encourage a greater rate of technology adoption within the industry as part of a new network of demonstration farms in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is currently establishing Technology Demonstration Farms.

The aim is to encourage technology adoption on farms, as research shows that early adopters play an important role in convincing their peers to take more innovative approaches.

Farms will be selected under three themes namely: Feed efficiency, genetic selection and fertility management and dairy replacement heifer rearing.

The next application window for dairy farms, while currently open, is about to close soon.

Don Morrow, head of dairy at DAERA's College of Agriculture Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) said: "Farmers are eligible to apply for more than one theme but can only be appointed under one theme

"Two farms are being sought for each theme with appointments being made on a competitive basis.

"Those farmers who meet the eligibility criteria, and are short-listed, will be assessed by a panel of judges.

"Selected farms will be expected to host between eight and twelve visits per year and will receive a hosting payment of 600 for each visit.

Dairy farmers who are interested in becoming a demonstration farm can find out more details about the scheme and complete an online application.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 13 January 2021.
Over 50,000 employees of Delhis three municipalities began an indefinite strike on Thursday over the non-payment of pending salaries and pensions.

The employees on strike include nurses and paramedical staff at Hindu Rao Hospital and Rajan Babu TB Hospital, teachers, engineers, staff of the horticulture department, clerks, domestic breeding checkers, and class 4 staff such as ward boys, beldars and labour workers.

The strike has been called under the aegis of the Confederation of MCD Employees Union  an umbrella body of civic body employees unions.

The employees also staged a protest at the Civil Lines zonal office of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, demanding the release of their pending salaries.

They also attempted to march to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijals office, but were stopped by the police midway through. They later, to the L-Gs office, submitted a memorandum of their demands, which included payment of pending salaries, unification of the three civic bodies and finding a permanent solution to end the financial crisis in the corporations.

AP Khan, convener of the umbrella body, said employees in several of the north civic bodys departments have not been paid salaries for the last four or five months, while staffers of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) have not been paid for the last two months. Additionally the South Delhi Municipal Corporation has not cleared pensions for the last two months, Khan said.

Employees have been working without a salary for four or five months and are now unable to take care of their families. We have raised the issue with the authorities several times, but to no avail. We are compelled to go on strike until our demands are met. We want all our pending salaries and pensions to be cleared and a permanent solution to this problem, he said.

The strike affected medical services at the North body-run Hindu Rao Hospital, which has around 350 nursing and paramedical staff, and RBTB Hospital, which has around 200 such staffers.

It is time the civic administration clears our pending salaries. Nurses across North MCD-run hospitals have not been paid salaries for October, November and December. We are going on indefinite strike due to the breach of assurance from the authorities, Indu Jamwal, president Nurses Welfare Association Hindu Rao Hospital, said.

Jai Prakash, North corporation mayor, said the strike was not a solution to the problem, claiming that salaries were being paid despite a financial crisis.

I appeal to workers to call off the strike. There is a funds crunch, but we are still releasing salaries to various departments one-by-one. We are making arrangements to pay salaries of the agitating employees as soon as possible, he said.
Plans to implement new North Wales Dementia Strategy set to be backed by councillors

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jan 7th, 2021

Plans to implement a new North Wales Dementia Strategy are set to be backed by councillors next week.

It is estimated that between 10,000 and 11,000 people are currently living with dementia across the region.

This figure is set to increase in the coming years as the number of older people in the population increases, with the report before councillors noting: This number is likely to increase as the number of older people in the population increases. Women are more likely to have dementia than men, possibly because they live longer. In North Wales an estimated 6,300 women have dementia and 3,700 men. It is estimated that 2,700 people living with dementia in North Wales will be Welsh speakers. 

The strategy , which was was developed jointly by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) and the six North Wales councils, supported by Public Health Wales, Bangor University, those who access dementia services, carers as well as other partners, outlines how organisations across north Wales will work towards integrated dementia services.





It focuses on the needs of people living with dementia in North Wales, including those with young onset dementia and people with mild cognitive impairments, along with those who care for people living with dementia.

There are 33 actions spread across the various themes of the strategy, which include:

Continuing, expanding and improving current service provision, including providing support services for all diagnosed and expanding provision of the memory clinics

Supporting research into the cause of dementia and encourage participation

Facilitating information sharing, both between colleagues and with people affected by dementia

Integrating training and commissioning, for both carers and health staff

Raise awareness and continue dementia friendly work, with the general public, information on how to get diagnosed and expanding dementia friendly organisations and towns

Supporting people affected by dementia, including their families and carers, with information sharing, expanding service provision and improving awareness.

Cllr Joan Lowe, lead member for health and adult social care, said: This has already gone through the regional partnership board and being adopted.

The next step is for all partners to take it back to either their executive board or the health board to finally ratify it.

Its a way of working forward and working together in the future. Dementia is a horrible experience for families and the more we can do to help and the better.

Cllr Lowe added that the new strategy will not replace the work that is already carried out by Wrexham Council but add to it, We shall carry on with our work in the council with dementia. As we have done in the past, because in most departments within the council, weve already got dementia champions.

Weve had the dementia bus twice in Wrexham in the past two or three years to try and raise awareness. So well carry on with that our own work locally. But, but this strategy is sort of an overarching, but each county will carry on with it their own work that theyre already doing and have done for many years.

Some of the work carried out is in the report, with some early actions detailed and explained by the council:

There are now twenty one officers who are Dementia Champions who are from a variety of Departments across the Authority who can provide face to face dementia friends sessions, however due to the current pandemic these are now available via Zoom and two officers are trained to provide these.

To date there are 337 officers within the Council who have completed a dementia friends session within the Council.

The Dementia Bus /Virtual Dementia Tour was a unique training experience that gave delegates an experience of what dementia might be like by using specialist equipment and creating a simulated environment. Attended by both professionals and family members and was attended by approx. 1,134 people over a series of dates.

A dementia interpreter course was commissioned and enables delegates to understand how to communicate with people with dementia, and recognise that behaviours are often a way of telling us something. This training was accessed by seventy two people. Additional sessions were cancelled due to the pandemic and more are planned in 2021 as it is now offered virtually.

Wrexham Council Chief Executive Ian Bancroft added, As Joan said, we play a really active role with the work we do around dementia friends, and dementia awareness is really, really critical. It is cutting edge in terms of the numbers of people that we have as dementia friends, and the use of things like the dementia bus to encourage people to look at what dementia means and get a better understanding.

The full strategy document also details the landscape of unpaid carers across North Wales: The population assessment identified that around 73,000 people provide unpaid care in North Wales, about 11% of the population and the number of carers is increasing. People aged 50 to 64 are the most likely to provide unpaid care. Around half of all carers are in employment and 30% of carers are retired.

Between 60% and 70% of all unpaid dementia carers are women and there are 2.5 times more women than men who provide intensive on-duty care for someone 24-hours a day. They are also 2.3 times more likely than men to have been providing care to someone with dementia for more than five years and therefore make up a large portion of the carers who are supporting someone with advanced dementia.

The report will be considered by members of the executive board on Tuesday 12 January at 10am. The meeting will also be webcast live on the Wrexham Council website.
Steinbeck, Wanda

Wanda Marie Steinbeck, 69, of Bardwell, Kentucky died on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield. A lifelong resident of Carlisle County, Wanda was born on March 22, 1951 in Clinton Hospital to the late Stanford and Eloise Bragg Steinbeck. Wanda attended Cunningham Grade School and graduated with high academic honors from Carlisle County High School in 1969. She then matriculated at Murray State University in the pre-med program graduating with a BS in Biology in 1973. Shortly after graduating she entered Paducah Community College to pursue her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. She began her career at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah and a few years later felt called to serve in the Pediatric Unit. Her deep compassion and expertise in treating her young patients earned the respect and recognition of the Pediatricians and Nursing Team. Wanda was one of the first nurses called to assist with difficult procedures or to accompany her patients being transported to larger Childrens Hospitals in Louisville, Memphis, and Nashville.

Wanda had a true gift to calm her fearful patients and to reassure their parents or to comfort them in times of grief. She would take the time and often stay after her shift to talk, read, or play games with her young patients. Her many patients and their caregivers were grateful for her deep concern and dedication. After many years at Western Baptist, Wanda retired and decided to become a Home Health Care Nurse with Lourdes Hospital. She enjoyed these years, being able to care for not only the medical needs of her patients but their need for someone to listen and talk with them. Her care brought them happiness and joy. Wanda was well read and enjoyed traveling and learning about different cultures. She visited five Continents both for pleasure or on Nursing trips. The Nursing trips were often in very remote and isolated areas of the World and the ability to share with them knowledge to help their Communities brought her purpose and joy. She also enjoyed visiting many Historic Sites and National Parks across the United States. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, Kathryn Louise Steinbeck; her paternal grandparents, Jerry M. and Annye Moyers Steinbeck; her aunt and uncle, Evelyn (Steinbeck) and Martin Johnson of Illinois, her cousins, Walter Steinbeck, Lorri Steinbeck Holder, and William Steinbeck. Wanda is survived by her four cousins; Ceil C. Chris Johnson of Campton Hills, Illinois, Jerome M. Johnson of Campton Hills, Illinois, John Steinbeck of Bardwell, Leah Steinbeck Workman of Paducah. She also leaves dear friends, Rosemary Marbry and Vickie Morgan of Bardwell and her St. Jerome Catholic Church Family in Fancy Farm and Priest Father Darrell Venters who was a great source of comfort and prayer. Services will not be held at this time due to the current pandemic and will be private.

We appreciate your help in maintaining state mandated Covid restrictions. This includes wearing a mask and maintaining the minimum six feet of distancing within our facility at all times.

During this difficult time of Covid, you may show your support by joining the Hugs from Home program where your message will be attached to a balloon in the chapel to remind the family of your love and support. Please go to www.milnerandorr.com to send a hug.

You may leave a message of sympathy and light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) signs on to the Pennsylvania objection in the House Chamber during a reconvening of a joint session of Congress in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Congress Dismisses Objection to Electoral College Votes for Pennsylvania

The House and Senate voted to reject an objection to Electoral College votes for Pennsylvania in the early hours of Thursday.

Earlier, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) joined 80 House members led by Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) in objecting to the states slate of 20 Electoral College votes for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden during a vote held late into the night on Wednesday.

There was no debate in the Senate over the objection prior to the 92-7 vote, as Hawley made his statement during the debate on the Arizona objection earlier in the night.

The House voted to reject the objection at a vote of 282-138 at 3:11 a.m. ET. The two chambers moved back to a joint session to continue the counting of electoral votes around 3:23 a.m. ET.

National Guard troops walk through the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Hawley was the first senator and among the first lawmakers to announce that he would object to the certification of electoral college votes.

He was joined by six other Republican senators who voted in favor of the objection: Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Cynthia Lummis (Wy.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

Hours before the vote, a group of protesters breached the Capitol building, sending Congress into chaos and forcing police to take precautions and disperse thousands of Trump supporters who had rallied on Capitol Hill as their representatives deliberated whether of not to certify Electoral College votes for Arizonaone of the battleground states where allegations of election fraud and irregularities have surfaced.

NOW: Police release teargas into crowd of people at top of Capitol: pic.twitter.com/vxk8ZHs4rC  Bowen Xiao (@BowenXiao_) January 6, 2021

Video footage showed people dressed in black with red MAGA hats spraying fire extinguishers inside the Capitol. It is unclear who instigated the protests that breached the building.

Hawley condemned the violence that unfolded on Capitol Hill, which have left four people dead, according to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser.

The woman shot inside the U.S. Capitol has been identified as Trump supporter and veteran Ashli Babbitt. The three other deaths have been attributed to medical complications, perhaps from the tear gas used to disperse protesters.

Shocking claim: eye witness claims Trump supporter shot in the neck by authorities, after protesters entered the Capitol building pic.twitter.com/gqx788wlxK  Joshua Philipp (@JoshJPhilipp) January 6, 2021

After a number of senators changed their minds in challenging the votes after the assault of the Capitol, Hawleys office indicated that he would stay the course and mount a formal objection as planned to Pennsylvanias electoral votes favoring Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.

Pennsylvania, which is a state that I have been focused on as an example as to why people are concerned. Millions of Americans are concerned about our elections integrity, Hawley said of the Keystone State during the Arizona debate.

He called out Pennsylvania lawmakers over enacting new procedures regarding mail-in ballots.

Last year, Pennsylvania elected officials passed a whole new law that allows universal mail-in balloting, he said. And did it irregardless of what the Pennsylvania Constitution says.

And then when Pennsylvania and [its] citizens tried to go and be heard on the subject, before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, they were dismissed on grounds of procedure, timeliness in violation of that Supreme Courts own precedent.

Debate continues over Pennsylvania in the House as of early Thursday, 12:50 a.m. local time.

The Arizona challenge failed to secure support from both the House and Senate.
Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff has won his Senate run-off election, one of the two Democrats needed to ensure control of the US Senate, serving US President Donald Trump a stunning defeat in his last days in office while dramatically improving the fate of President-elect Joe Bidens progressive agenda.

The 33-year-old Ossoff defeated 71-year-old Republican David Perdue, who held the seat for the past six years and had the strong support of President Donald Trump.

The success of Ossoff and his fellow Democrat challenger Raphael Warnock is a symbol of a striking shift in Georgia's politics as the swelling number of diverse, college-educated voters flex their power in the heart of the Deep South.

This week's elections mark the formal end of the turbulent 2020 election season. The unusually high stakes transformed Georgia, once a solidly Republican state, into one of the nation's premier battlegrounds during the final days of Trump's presidency  and likely beyond.
(Natural News) The liberal media is rushing to smear all Trump supporters as terrorists after the protests today in DC, but a quick trip down memory lane proves that they felt differently about the Anti-Kavanaugh protesters in 2018.

(Article by Clayton Keirns republished from TrendingPolitics.com)

Yes, when the protesters against Kavanaugh stormed the Capitol during the confirmation hearings, they encouraged the protests and even said they came at the right time.

The reporter praised the protest as by far the largest and most well organized protest against Brett Kavanaugh.

Watch below (wait for tweet to load):

https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec/status/1347014406652235777

The double standard in the liberal media is truly disgusting.

Read more at: TrendingPolitics.com and Biased.news
New Jerseys top health officials estimated that vaccinations could be widely available by April or May, while announcing that police officers and firefighters in the state can start receiving shots on Thursday, the first expansion of the pool of people eligible at this early stage.

More than 450,000 New Jersey residents preregistered to receive the coronavirus vaccine in one day, Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday, adding that the high demand for the vaccine is encouraging even though it caused delays and a rough launch for the states web portal Tuesday. People who preregister could have a chance at getting shots sooner than the spring  but the state has asked only health-care workers to use the website for now.

The eagerness among many for the vaccine comes as a possible spike in infections looms in the post-holiday weeks. But Pennsylvania is still seeing the fatal effects of the intense preholiday surge, with 368 coronavirus-related deaths reported Wednesday, the highest number in one day since May.

Health officials had expected a potential higher number of deaths this week due to slow reporting during the holidays. Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine and other officials have said weeks may pass before the projected surge is fully reflected in the commonwealths numbers, and it is too early to know what impact travel and gatherings will have on case counts, hospitalizations, and deaths.

In Montgomery County, the regions first mass vaccination clinic opened Wednesday, with health-care workers lining up for shots; Pennsylvania State Police said theyd start handing out fliers about the states quarantine and mask requirements during routine traffic stops; and federal officials reported that severe allergic reactions to the vaccine were exceedingly rare among the first Americans vaccinated.

By the end of the day Tuesday, at least 190,766 doses of the coronavirus vaccine had been administered to people in Pennsylvania, including in Philadelphia. Only health-care workers and nursing home residents and staff are eligible to be vaccinated. A wider group of essential workers and people 75 and older will start getting shots in the next phase, for which the state has said it is still working on plans.

 READ MORE: Montgomery County opens Philadelphia areas first mass COVID-19 vaccination site for health-care workers

In New Jersey, Murphy and his top health officer said they believed based on conversations with hospital personnel that the number of administered vaccines is being underreported throughout the country and that the states count, which stood at nearly 138,000 people vaccinated as of Wednesday, was a significant underestimate. Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli attributed part of that lag to the different systems being used between hospitals and other providers to track the doses.

Anyone who preregisters will be kept informed about when they will be able to receive a vaccine, Murphy said.

By preregistering, youll be among the very first to know when the time comes for you to roll up your sleeves, he said.

On Friday, mega-sites for vaccinations will open in Morris and Gloucester Counties. By the end of February, Persichilli said 1,092 clinics will have vaccines.

Eventually, vaccination sites will be linked up to the online portal and people will be able to sign up for appointments at specific locations once they are notified that they are eligible, she said.

New Jersey reported 5,028 newly confirmed cases and 104 deaths. Hospitalization numbers are staying steady, officials said.

 READ MORE: As Philly begins vaccinating medics against COVID-19, department officials want more to consider taking it

In Pennsylvanias hospitals on Wednesday, about 5,684 patients were being treated for the coronavirus, nearly double the spring peak but slightly fewer than the height of the resurgence last month; 1,148 of those patients were in intensive care units.

The state reported 9,474 new cases  a couple thousand fewer than the record-high daily numbers it was regularly reporting last month but higher than numbers logged during the weeks of Christmas and New Years. Philadelphia reported 603 cases and 29 deaths.

Staff writers Laura McCrystal and Rob Tornoe contributed to this article.
Free movement between WA and Queensland remains in place as health authorities seek more information about a quarantine hotel cleaner from Brisbane who tested positive for COVID-19.

The cleaner is Queenslands first case of local transmission in nearly four months and has contact tracers frantically trying to retrace her movements in the community from January 2.

WA Premier Mark McGowan at Armadale on Thursday. Credit:Peter de Kruijff

According to WAs border policies, Queensland could lose its very low risk status, which allows isolation-free travel, if even one community case is recorded.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said on Thursday morning he had not been advised of any community spread in Queensland but would seek new advice.
Swamy of Ankapur village went to Saudi Arabia in 2012 in search of livelihood and returned home for vacation in 2014.  DC Image

NIZAMABAD: The reunion of a Gulf migrant worker with family members after six years brought cheers among the family and relatives in Ankapur village of Armoor mandal on Wednesday.

Katthula Swamy returned home safely from Saudi Arabia and met his wife and two children. His plight was highlighted in Deccan Chronicle on November 25 and 26.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Rena, sister in-law of Katthula Swamy, said that they feared for the safety of Swamy in Saudi Arabia during Covid-19 pandemic.

"We had no hopes as he had lost employment and was struck in a financial crisis. The official machinery reacted immediately after the report was published in Deccan Chronicle, she said.

Katthula Swamy of Ankapur village went to Saudi Arabia in 2012 in search of livelihood. He returned home for vacation in 2014. After going back he faced several problems. He worked as a driver by taking a vehicle on an engaged basis. He incurred heavy losses due to technical problems in the vehicle.

The owner of the vehicle demanded payment for the repair and denied to return Swamys passport. The pandemic worsened his situation. He explained his pathetic condition to the Deccan Chronicle from Saudi Arabia over the phone and the news appeared in these columns.

Nizamabad commissioner of police Kartikeya directed Armoor police to submit a report on Katthula Swamy family.

Telangana Gulf welfare and cultural association president P. Basanth Reddy coordinated with NRI department of Telangana state, Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia for Swamys safe return.

Ankapur sarpanch Maccharla Poojitha, upa-sarpanch Maccharla Kishore Reddy provided free flight tickets to Katthula Swamy to return home. For the quarantine period Swamy first landed in Mumbai airport and later reached RGIA in Hyderabad. He took a bus and reached Ankapur on Wednesday.
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Jacksonville Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Tara J. Armer, 35, of 1042 E. Morton Ave. was arrested at 9:41 p.m. Tuesday after being accused of punching someone she is dating, according to a police report.

ACCIDENTS

 Dustin R. Cook, 40, of Jacksonville was cited on a charge of disobeying a traffic control device after the car he was driving and one being driven by Jacqueline L. Flynn, 60, of Jacksonville collided at 8:46 a.m. Wednesday at West College Avenue and Main Street. Flynn was cited on a charge of operating an uninsured vehicle.

THEFTS, BURGLARIES

 About $1,512 worth of items were stolen about 4 p.m. Monday from a business in the 1200 block of West Morton Avenue, according to a report filed at 2:11 p.m. Tuesday.

OTHER REPORTS

 A Jacksonville resident reported being struck in the lip with a hammer about 6 p.m. Tuesday.

 A counterfeit $20 bill was recovered from a business in the 300 block of West Morton Avenue, according to a report filed at 3:37 p.m. Tuesday.

South Jacksonville Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Linda G. Irlam, 59, of 1002 King St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 11:54 a.m. Tuesday on charges of domestic battery and abuse or neglect of an elderly person involving a family member in her care.



Brown County

Sheriff

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Robert W. Crafton, 23, of Versailles was booked into Greene County Jail at 8:03 p.m. Dec. 30 on an aggravated domestic battery charge and on a warrant accusing him of violating parole.



Greene County

Sheriff

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Coty T. Camerer, 36, of Carrollton was booked into Greene County Jail at 1:09 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended.

 Ronald E. Mielke, 38, of Walkerville was booked into Greene County Jail at 10:30 p.m. Friday on charges of improper display of registration and leaving the scene of an accident.

Carrollton Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Joseph W. Meza, 33, of Carrollton was booked into Greene County Jail at 2:51 p.m. Tuesday on an aggravated domestic battery charge.

 Samantha M. Day, 28, of Carrollton was booked into Greene County Jail at 1:27 p.m. Tuesday on a battery charge.

Roodhouse Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Cory S. Johnson, 28, of Franklin was booked into Greene County Jail at 4:51 p.m. Dec. 31 on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

 Daryn A. Laschanzky, 26, of Maryville was booked into Greene County Jail at 3:15 p.m. Dec. 31 on charges of possession of cannabis and possession of methamphetamine.

State police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Brent B. Boyd, 37, of Jacksonville was booked into Greene County Jail at 11:24 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving while license is revoked or suspended, improper lane use and leaving the scene of an accident.

White Hall Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Kurt C.M. Costello, 25, of White Hall was booked into Greene County Jail at 9:22 p.m. Dec. 31 on charges of aggravated assault of a peace officer or fire or emergency worker, resisting a peace officer and criminal damage to property.

Compiled by David C.L. Bauer

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The U.S. Congress has certified the election of Joe Biden as the next president of the United States.

The certification, a constitutional requirement, was done hours after supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building to prevent the lawmakers from certifying the election.

At least four people have been reported dead from the ensuing violence at the Capitol building which has been condemned by Mr Biden and other American and world leaders.

Details later
New Delhi : On the eve of another round of talks with the government, thousands of farmers on Thursday (January 7) took out tractor marches from protest sites of Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders and Haryana's Rewasan as the agitating unions asserted they would not accept the Centre's offer of amendments to the three farm laws.

According to the protesting farm unions, these marches were a "rehearsal" for their proposed January 26 "Kisan parade" to the national capital from different parts of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

The tractor marches started from four different points -- Singhu to Tikri Border, Tikri to Kundli, Ghazipur to Palwal and Rewasan to Palwal.

The protesting unions claimed the marches were "a grand success". With their eighth round of meeting with the Centre is scheduled to take place on Friday (January 8), the protesting unions made it clear that three farm laws should be repealed and minimum support price for crops should be made into a legal right of all farmers.

"We will never accept the amendments offered by the government and to fulfil our demands, we will continue to intensify the protests," Samkyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of 40 protesting unions, said.

Live TV

From the Singhu and Tikri borders, farmers drove their tractors towards the the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal expressway in the morning and then they came back later. Perched on their tractors, protesting farmers moved slowly through the protest sites, with speakers on their vehicles belting out music keeping their spirits high. Other protestors lined the path providing fellow farmers with all kinds of supplies, including peanuts, fritters, tea, and newspapers.

Farmers, with more than 5,000 tractors and other vehicles, have again showed to the world that they are united, focused, tireless, and firm in their resolve, Morch's senior member Darshan Pal said.

As farmers, especially youths owing allegiance to different farm bodies took part in the march, their tractors sported the tricolour, the flags of the farmers' unions and banners mentioning 'No Farmer No Food'.

Bharati Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) chief Joginder Singh Ugrahan said that they will not accept anything less than the repeal of the three farm laws.

Another BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) leader Shingara Singh Mann said "The tractor rally was peaceful and was a complete success."

The last meeting between farm unions and Union ministers remained inconclusive on Monday (January 4) as the former stuck to their demand for the repeal of the three laws, while the government listed out various benefits of the new acts for the growth of the country's agriculture sector.

From Ghazipur, the tractor march, led by senior BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, moved towards Palwal. "In the coming days, we will intensify our agitation against the three farm laws. Around 2,500 tractors from Haryana have participated in today's march.

"We want to warn that if the government doesn't not accept our demands, farmers' protest will get intensified further," Abhimanyu Kohar, a senior member of Samkyukt Kisan Morcha, told PTI.

At Tikri Border protest site, some persons allegedly misbehaved with mediapersons.

Samkyukt Kisan Morcha condemned the attack on a section of media, saying that the discipline committee is investigating into the reports received and the individuals concerned will be handed over to the police.

"The government has been hosting meeting after meeting. They know what we want. We want the laws to be repealed, but all we get are futile talks. With this rally, we want to give them a glimpse of what we can do, and what we will do on January 26.

"Today, the rally is happening on the periphery of Delhi, but when our farmer leaders decide that we need to enter the capital, we will do that," Harjinder Singh, a participant of tractor march from Punjab's Hoshiarpur, said.

In a statement later, Sankyukt Kisan Moarcha claimed that across the nation, farmers showed unity by participating in tractor marches in their own localities, adding that farmers in many districts of Uttar Pradesh had tractor marches in their respective block and district headquarters.

Women farmers also participated in all marches in large numbers, it stated, adding that farmers in various towns of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand also participated in this nationwide event.

Enacted in September, the three farm laws have been projected by the Centre as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove the middlemen and allow farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country.

However, the protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of the MSP and do away with the "mandi" (wholesale market) system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates.
HOUSTON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN) ("Main Street") is pleased to announce that it recently completed a new portfolio investment to facilitate the minority recapitalization of Bolder Panther Group, LLC (the "Company" or "Smoker Friendly"), one of the largest retailers of tobacco products in the United States. Main Street partnered with the Company's senior management team and other existing shareholders to facilitate the transaction, with Main Street funding $51.7 million in a combination of first-lien, senior secured term debt and a direct preferred equity investment. Main Street is also providing the Company with a revolving line of credit to support its working capital needs and has agreed to make a delayed draw term loan available to the Company to assist with its acquisition growth strategy.

The Company operates over 160 retail stores across seven states which operate as tobacco stores, cigar lounges, liquor stores, and gas stations. The Company also owns a private-label tobacco line that has an additional 700+ stores that sell its branded products.

ABOUT MAIN STREET CAPITAL CORPORATION

Main Street (www.mainstcapital.com) is a principal investment firm that primarily provides long-term debt and equity capital to lower middle market companies and debt capital to middle market companies. Main Street's portfolio investments are typically made to support management buyouts, recapitalizations, growth financings, refinancings and acquisitions of companies that operate in diverse industry sectors. Main Street seeks to partner with entrepreneurs, business owners and management teams and generally provides "one stop" financing alternatives within its lower middle market portfolio. Main Street's lower middle market companies generally have annual revenues between $10 million and $150 million. Main Street's middle market debt investments are made in businesses that are generally larger in size than its lower middle market portfolio companies.

Main Street, through its wholly owned portfolio company MSC Adviser I, LLC ("MSC Adviser"), also maintains an asset management business through which it manages approximately $950 million of investments for third parties. MSC Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

Contacts:

Main Street Capital Corporation

Dwayne L. Hyzak, CEO, [email protected]

Brent D. Smith, CFO, [email protected]

713-350-6000



Dennard Lascar Investor Relations

Ken Dennard | [email protected]

Zach Vaughan | [email protected]

713-529-6600

SOURCE Main Street Capital Corporation

Related Links

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The Jammu and Kashmir government, which announced 28,400 crore a new industrial developmental scheme to give impetus to the industrial sector, is also working on a land allotment policy.

The policy is still being formulated...it will look into all the aspects of how much land has to be allotted and how to go about it, said a senior official.

As of now, 3,000 acres of land has been earmarked, he said.

For the purpose of investment, a substantial land bank in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions has been created by the government. It will meet the land requirement of new industrial enterprises. It is for both, the industrialists of J&K and those from other parts, he added.

The official, however, didnt elaborate whether the land will be leased out to industrialists from outside or they will be given absolute proprietorship.

Every aspect will be looked into in the land allotment policy, he added.
Last week, in a joint statement repeating false allegations of voter fraud in multiple states, Ted Cruz and several of his Senate colleagues called on Congress to appoint an electoral commission to adjudicate the 2020 election.

Cruz cited the bipartisan Electoral Commission of 1877 as a historical precedent but this comparison makes little sense. Congress created that commission after the election of 1876, when several states submitted multiple election returns; this year, there are no states in which the electoral vote legitimately is in dispute.

It is deeply ironic that Cruz would cite the aftermath of the 1876 election as a precedent, when Cruz and his allies more closely resemble the losing party in 1876  the Democrats  than their Republican forebears. During the 1877 commission, it was Democrats who pursued claims of fraud. Republicans warned that their opponents continued efforts to overturn the election results could cause massive civic unrest and that any claims of fraud were offset by Democrats massive campaign to suppress Black votes throughout the South.

Todays GOP has pushed for greater restrictions on voting rights that disproportionately affect Black communities. The Trump administrations campaign to overturn the 2020 results has identified cities with majority Black populations as the source of fraud. Cruz and his allies look nothing like the Republicans who sat on the 1877 commission; those men promoted greater democratic participation.

Congress created the 1877 commission to resolve a crisis over the 1876 results. The 1876 contest unfolded in individual states, and results were certified by state election boards and governors. But unlike most elections  including last years, which resulted in a clear and legitimate outcome in every state  in 1876 it was unclear who had won in three states. In Florida, South Carolina and Louisiana, both political parties sent their own set of electoral votes to Congress  one set for Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and another for Democrat Samuel J. Tilden.

The commission  five members of the Republican-controlled Senate, five members of the Democraict-controlled House and five Supreme Court justices  spent February 1877 hearing arguments. Tildens advocates argued that the commission should investigate voter fraud during the election. Unlike the 2020 election, there was ample evidence of fraud.

Hayess Republican supporters argued against reopening the returns in favor of letting the commission vote on the evidence. Republicans knew they had the votes to secure Hayes electors in these states because of the partisan makeup of the commission, but their main concern was that if the commission were to investigate all the allegations of fraud, the election disputes could go on for months. They feared widespread violence and perhaps even a second civil war  not such a far-fetched prospect, just 12 years after the wars end  if no decision were made before the inauguration, which was held in March.

But Republicans were quick to point out that if the commission started digging into the election, fraud was not the only problem they would find. As one Hayes commissioner argued, the Tilden electors in Louisiana had been obtained by intimidation produced by murder, violence, and the most dreadful crimes. Democrats had used extensive violence and intimidation to prevent Black men from voting.

In Florida, in counties with roughly equal numbers of white and Black voters, Democrats armed with guns and rope attacked Black men in the middle of the night, telling them, We aint going to be done with you tonight until they promised to abandon the Republican Party and vote Democratic. According to one Black voter who testified before Congress, he and others were forced through intimidation and violence to switch their votes to the Democrats: If I would not do it, they would kill us sure.

White Democrats executed a campaign of organized terrorism. In July, a white supremacist group called the Red Shirts attacked Hamburg, South Carolina, a center of local Black political power in a state with a sizable Black majority. Hundreds of gun-toting whites from South Carolina and Georgia descended on the town, executing members of the militia and ransacking Black homes and shops. In November, Red Shirt poll managers used violence to prevent Black men from casting their votes; in one Black-majority district, the vote was 211-2 in favor of the Democrats.

But even that massive program of voter suppression didnt prompt the Republicans to agree to reopen the returns, and Republican members of the commission feared the effects of a prolonged national struggle. Reinvestigating the returns would have the effect of creating more civil unrest, not less. Ultimately, Republicans understood that ensuring the contested votes were awarded to Hayes implicitly meant safeguarding the votes of Black men in the South.

An old story holds that Hayes won the White House through a brokered compromise wherein Republicans agreed to abandon Black voters in the South by removing federal troops and ending Reconstruction. But this supposed Compromise of 1877 is largely a myth. Some troops remained even after Hayes took office, and Republicans continued to advocate Black rights well into the 1880s. Most important, Black men and women continued to fight back against the efforts of Southern Democrats to create a republic for white men only.

Todays Republicans have tried to restrict the right to vote, targeting communities of color.

In refusing to accept the legitimate results of the 2020 election, Cruz and his colleagues argue that an Electoral Commission of 2021 would dramatically improve Americans faith in our electoral process. But just like the losers of the 1876 election, the only Americans who concern the party that lost last years presidential election are the white ones.
The B-52H bomber nicknamed Wise Guy sits in post dock nearing completion of its regeneration back to active service, Nov. 19, 2020. The bomber sat in the desert for 10 years at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Groups National-Level Airpower Reservoir located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona and is the second B-52H aircraft to be brought back to active service. The first aircraft was nicknamed Ghost Rider and was regenerated in 2015. Both bombers are here at the same time and will return to the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota.(U.S. Air Force photo by Ron Mullan)

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On Wednesday, Jan. 6, Google Data was released announcing the most searched idols in Korea in 2020. Keep on reading to see which male idols were the most searched in the country for the year.

The number one most searched male idol in South Korea in 2020 is none other than BTS member V! The idol often went viral for his stunning visuals and his vocals. Even one simple tweet from the idol would go viral! It is no exaggeration to say that V's popularity truly skyrocketed this 2020.

On March 13, 2020, V released the song "Sweet Night", which was included in the soundtrack of the JTBC drama "Itaewon Class". The song was produced, written, and sung entirely by V. "Sweet Night" is a calming, indie-pop song that is sung entirely in English. The track earned favorable reviews from music critics, with people applauding V for the song's composition, his amazing vocal performance, and his heart-warming lyrics. "Sweet Night" debuted at number two on the Billboard US Digital Song Sales Chart, making him the highest-charting Korean soloist in the chart's history.

On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2020, V released the solo song "Snow Flower" featuring Peakboy.

RELATED: Music Critic Praises BTS Vs Voice + Says He is a Vital Part of The Groups Musical Identity

The second most-searched idol in 2020 is fellow BTS member Jungkook! Like V, Jungkook also went viral for his amazing voice and visuals. In 2020, Jungkook got quite the attention for his new long hair and his manly physique. Whether Jungkook had his hair up in a bun or down and flowing, Jungkook was able to snatch the hearts of locals with a simple look!

Jungkook, like V, also released his own solo song this year. On June 4, 2020, Jungkook dropped the song "Still With You" for free through BTS's official SoundCloud page. Jungkook produced the song himself. The idol released the song as part of BTS's yearly debut celebrations. The song was praised by Billboard, who described the song as having tinkling synths and gently strummed guitars and brushed drums.

ALSO READ: BTS is The Most Viewed Wikipedia Page - See The Other Top Viewed K-Pop Pages Here

Sitting at number three is yet another BTS member - Jimin!

Jimin, who is often praised for his sleek and smooth dancing as well as for his pure and delicate vocals, often went viral for those very things! People also loved the duality the often idol showed on stage. Did your search for Jimin this year?

Like V and Jungkook, Jimin also released a solo song this year. A day before V dropped "Snow Flower", Jimin released "Christmas Love" on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2020. Consequence of Sound described "Christmas Love" as a "snappy pop number" that is as pure as a blanket of fresh snow. It is a track about love that does not talk about one specific person, but about the feeling that time of year.

RELATED: BTS Jimin, BLACKPINK Jennie, and More: Korean Media Outlet Selects the 'Sell-Out Stars' of the Year

From 4-25, the most-searched idols on Google are:

4. EXO's Baekhyun

5. BTS's Suga

6. EXO's Chen

7. BTS's Jin

8. ASTRO's Cha Eunwoo

9. EXO's Chanyeol

10. NCT's Jaehyun

11. SHINee's Taemin

12. BTS's RM

13. EXO's Sehun

14. NCT's Haechan

15. EXO's D.O

16. WINNER's Song Mino

17. BTS's J-Hope

18. SF9's Rowoon

19. NCT's Taeyong

20. EXO's Suho

21. NCT's Jaemin

22. NCT's Doyoung

23. SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan

24. NCT's Mark

25. EXO's Kai

Did your favorite male idol appear on the most-searched list?

For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns This

Written by Alexa Lewis
Hill County COVID-19 Update

by County Judge Justin Lewis



(January 4 update) As we enter a new year, we enter a new phase in the fight against COVID-19. In seeking to find success in this fight, everyone is looking for the magic remedy. While we are hopeful the vaccines will provide our ultimate path to victory, we are still a long way from there and must find a way to manage the time between now and then.



When facing a challenge and searching for a proven path to success, I like to seek advice and counsel from others who have a proven method. So, today, I want to share with you the words of Mr. Rogers, There are three ways to ultimate success. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind. This pandemic is taking a toll on everyone in one way or another, and the only way we get through it successfully is to take care of one another.



While we continue to monitor the number of new cases and hospitalization rates, our attention has also turned to vaccinations and increased pressure on the testing infrastructure in place. The hospitalization rate of COVID-19 patients in Trauma Region M, which includes Hill County, has soared to 31%. As we come out of the holiday break, we are not anticipating a significant decrease in that number in the immediate future. So, what does that mean for Hill County?



Simply put, it means many of our businesses are continuing to operate at reduced capacity or havent been able to reopen at all. It also means the chance of encountering someone with the virus is growing, so it is imperative to continue our social distancing, mask wearing and hand washing.



Today had its challenges as we reopened the COVID-19 free testing facility at the John Erwin Annex in downtown Hillsboro. The cars lined up for testing were longer than normal because this is the first day we have been open for testing in several days. Traffic flow downtown was impacted and made for some longer than normal wait times for those seeking tests. However, Im confident if we can all work together and be patient for the next few days, the process will sort itself out and the traffic flow will improve. Testing and access to free testing is important for the residents of Hill County and our ability to ultimately eliminate the virus in our community, so please be patient and kind to help keep this vital resource available to everyone.



A few things we can do together to speed up the process:



1.) Register ahead. You can text DOCSTX (all uppercase) to 41411. You will receive a registration link in a return text. Be sure to choose the Hillsboro Franklin Street Annex testing center when completing the form.



2.) Park and walk in to the testing center location. An additional six people will be on site tomorrow to help with registration and testing. If you are able and feel comfortable with it, walk-ins are being accepted.



3.) Register ahead. I say this again because if you wait in line in your car and have not pre-registered, you will be instructed to park, complete the registration process and then either walk in or wait in line again to be tested.



We have started to see vaccine distribution happening in the county. I am repeatedly asked about the vaccines and when/how they will be available. The fact is that right now county judges have no more information on this than you do. I have not been given any information on how many doses are currently available or will be available at a later date.



The best I can do is share with you the information available on the Texas Department of State Health Services website.



According to that information, we are still in the initial phase of distributing the vaccine. Individuals in phase 1A or 1B are now eligible to receive the vaccine if they can find a provider to administer it.



People in phase 1A are direct care workers which include hospital, long-term care, EMS 9-1-1, home health, outpatient, ER/urgent care, pharmacies, first responders, and school nurse employees. Phase 1A also includes residents in long-term care facilities.



Phase 1B includes all people age 65 and over or those 16 and older with a chronic medical condition, including pregnancy, diabetes, kidney disease, and others.



At this point, it is unclear when other individuals will become eligible to receive the vaccine. Im sure youre hearing stories of people other than the ones listed here receiving the vaccine already, but to my knowledge, these are the only ones eligible at this time, but the county government is not involved in the distribution of the vaccine.



To see more information on the status of the rollout of the vaccine in Texas, please visit https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/immunize/vaccine.aspx.



Please wear your mask, wash your hands and take care of each other. One day this will all be in our rearview mirror, but today is not that day.



God Bless Hill County.




In late December, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order imposing up to a $1 million fine and loss of all state licenses for health care workers who knowingly give the COVID-19 vaccine to ineligible people. The governor also floated the idea of criminalizing unauthorized vaccination. Now Cuomo is threatening to fine hospitals if they dont distribute their vaccines fast enough.

The governors heavy-handed tactics have more than a whiff of desperation about them. Only about 2 million Americans got their first of two COVID-19 shots in 2020, about 18 million short of the Trump administrations year-end goal. New York has given 1.4% of its population the first of two shots, which is far short of where we should be, but still better than the average state. Perhaps more meaningfully, given that the main limiting factor for vaccination is how much vaccine is released to the state by the federal government, 31% of the doses that New York has received from the feds have found their way into someones arm as of January 4. Florida has administered just 23% of the doses the feds have sent.

More COVID-19 vaccines will be approved soon and vaccine production is ramping up, but weve got a long way to go. We need to vaccinate somewhere between 70% and 85% of the total population, twice, to achieve herd immunity. And the new, more easily transmitted variant of the virus could run rampant in the months ahead if vaccine distribution isnt wide enough to tamp it down.

Unfortunately, the governors bluster is inviting unintended consequences that could actually make vaccination go more slowly. COVID-19 vaccines have to be used within a certain amount of time after theyre defrosted, or they become useless. (Even under ideal freezer conditions, the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines only have a six-month shelf life. Distribution is so slow that the editorial board of The New York Times raised the specter of the miracle vaccines going bad even in the freezers.)

Cuomos plan to fine providers for unauthorized vaccinations all but ensures that some doses of vaccine will be thrown out. By contrast, the Washington D.C. Health Department has a rule that any vaccine doses that are about to expire must go to whoever wants them. D.C. is ahead of New York in vaccine distribution: 2.2% of the Districts residents have gotten their first shot.

Cuomos executive order is meant to clamp down on outright fraud, which is a laudable goal  but the language of the executive order is broad enough to punish well-meaning health care providers who use an expiring vaccine rather than let it go bad.

These so-called temperature excursions happen more often than youd think. A Christmas Day power outage in Connecticut started the clock ticking on 200 doses. When a compressor failed at a Northern California hospital pharmacy, 600 doses of vaccine thawed and had to be used in the next 2 hours. An all-out push to distribute the vaccine culminated in a text message inviting anyone who wanted a shot to present themselves immediately, regardless of status. Vaccines went to people who werent technically eligible yet, but California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state wasnt going to punish anyone who gives a vaccine that would otherwise go to waste: (We) arent enforcing against just common sense and the energy of someone who says: Look, I dont want to waste this dose. Why dont I get it to someone?

Cuomo has offered no such reassurances. If a New York hospital were faced with a similar scenario, every health care worker who knowingly vaccinated out of turn could be fined at least a million dollars and lose their license. Thats a far cry from the scandal that motivated the executive order and talk of new criminal laws: the Parcare Community Health Networks alleged fraud against the state of New York. Officials say the network misrepresented itself to obtain the Moderna vaccine from the state.

Cuomo could easily modify his executive order to exempt health care professionals acting in good faith who give away expiring vaccines. Health care professionals shouldnt have to worry about letting an unexpected surplus go bad, or being punished for giving doses to anyone whos available. The key here is good faith. Contriving to have doses left over, earmarking extra doses for influential people, or selling the vaccine would still be out-of-bounds because theyre not good-faith attempts to use up a perishable product.

We want to make sure that the vaccine is given out fairly, but we shouldnt let preoccupation with optimal fairness slow down the vaccine rollout. Every person who gets vaccinated benefits everyone else by pushing us closer to herd immunity.

At his daily press conference on Tuesday, Cuomo threatened to fine hospitals $100,000 if they dont use all the doses theyve been given by the end of the week. Cuomo didnt mention that it was his idea to take mass vaccination out of the hands of county health departments, who have been drilling for years to vaccinate their populations, and put the vaccine distribution strategy in the hands of regional centers, typically located in hospitals.

Cuomo noted that some hospitals have only given one-fifth of the doses that theyve been allocated, while others have used far more of their supply. Its unclear why some hospitals are putting doses into arms so much faster than others. Vaccine refusal by staff may account for some of the lag. Sixty percent of nursing home employees in Ohio declined to be vaccinated. Hospitals may be lagging because theyre swamped by the pandemic. Hospitalization levels have doubled since early December. Some have argued that it was a bad idea to change course and make hospitals so central to the vaccine rollout in the first place. Whatever the cause, threatening hospitals with fines is unlikely to speed up the process. Threats of million-dollar fines for health care providers only add to the climate of uncertainty and anxiety.

All this saber-rattling is not addressing the root problems behind the slow rollout. Vaccine rollout isnt slow because of fraud. Its slow because the federal government has abdicated its responsibilities and forced every state to make up a distribution strategy on the fly.

Cuomo characterized the COVID-19 vaccination effort as the most ambitious governmental operation ever undertaken, and hes not exaggerating. The Trump administration abdicated its role to create a national vaccination strategy. Each state is left to decide how to allocate vaccines. And each state will rely heavily on a patchwork of providers including under-funded county health departments, private clinics, pharmacies, and urgent care centers. In New York, each region must devise its own plan for vaccine distribution and submit it to the state for approval this week.

New York has a five-phase plan that roughly corresponds to the CDCs recommendations for vaccine allocation. Health care workers and nursing home patients and staff are vaccinated in Phase 1. Phase 2 includes first responders, teachers, grocery store workers, and some other essential workers. Phase 3 is for adults over 65 and people under 65 with pre-existing conditions that put them at high risk. Phase 4 is for all other essential workers, and Phase 5 is for healthy adults and children.

Some pundits have urged states to scrap the whole phase system and distribute vaccines purely by age, and they have some compelling arguments. Age is a simple, transparent criterion. In theory, it could be more efficient to assign a place in line based on a single number: Your birthdate. Its certainly easier to prove how old you are than it is to prove that you have a preexisting condition or an essential occupation  and theres less opportunity for the rich to elbow their way to the front of the line. And since older people are at much higher risk of dying from COVID-19, vaccinating the oldest people first would save more lives.

However, New York has chosen to put essential workers ahead of seniors in order to restore or maintain core societal functions like in-person schooling, firefighting and transit. Putting essential workers ahead may not prevent as many deaths as allocating purely by age, but we have to keep society going while we push toward herd immunity. Its not entirely a zero-sum game, either. As Cuomo noted at his press conference on Tuesday, the large public sector unions that represent teachers, firefighters, and transit workers have their own health care distribution systems, which means they can vaccinate their members without competing with the general public for appointments.

The states are laboratories of democracy and there is an experiment underway to test whether putting seniors first would streamline vaccine delivery. In late December, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, abruptly decided to make everyone 65 years old and up eligible for a vaccine in the first phase, alongside health care workers and nursing home residents and staff. It didnt simplify the process. Seniors are 20% of Floridas population, or about 4.5 million people. Just over 1 million doses have been delivered to Florida so far, according to the CDCs vaccine tracker site. DeSantis was pandering to a huge constituency. But telling 4.5 million people theyre first in line for 1 million doses has created a fiasco. County health department websites are crashing under the strain and elders camping out overnight in the hopes of getting their shots.

New York received fewer doses of vaccine per capita from the federal government than Florida got, but weve already vaccinated slightly more of our population than Florida has.

Whats more, New York has transferred more of the vaccine it has received into peoples arms. The Sunshine State has administered just 23% of the doses that have been delivered to it, while New York has administered 31% of the doses it has received. If vaccination by age were really so much simpler, we would expect Florida to be vaccinating people faster than New York, but they arent.

Israel is capturing admiring global headlines because theyve already vaccinated 15% of their population, more per capita than any other nation. Israel is prioritizing vaccines for those 60 and older, but thats not why vaccination is going so fast. Israels vaccination program is humming along because theyve got a highly digitized national health care system, and a coherent national plan for distributing the vaccine. Under its universal health insurance system, all Israelis belong to one of four HMOs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally negotiated an early and favorable deal with Pfizer to buy vaccines  and Pfizer was especially eager to do business with Israel because their digitized national health system produces such useful data on how the vaccine is working.

While vaccinating purely by age might be the optimal strategy if we were starting from scratch, Floridas example suggests that we cant solve deep, systemic problems with the fragmented, inefficient and unequal American health care system by tinkering with accessibility criteria. The United States is in bad shape to vaccinate its population for COVID-19 and that cant be fixed with a simpler allocation formula or with punitive fines that will only make health care providers less likely to make full use of the limited doses that we have.
Annie Lynch (centre right), 79, who is the first person to receive a coronavirus vaccine in Ireland after the jab was administered to her at the St Jamess Hospital in Dublin (Marc OSullivan/AP)

More than 15,000 people have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine in Ireland to date.

The countrys health chief said a total of 35,000 people will have received the Pfizer BioNTech jab by the end of the week.

Paul Reid described the States coronavirus vaccination programme as the great light and great hope as the country faces the weeks ahead.

A total of 15,314 people have been given vaccinated since December 29.

It has given a great lift to the country and it has given a great inspirational lift to our healthcare workers, he said.

It comes as the health service struggles to cope with rising community transmission of the virus and escalating hospital admissions.

The Government announced a raft of new lockdown measures on Wednesday in a bid to suppress community transmission.

Expand Close Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly (Julien Behal Photography/PA) / Facebook

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Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said the HSE received a delivery of the Moderna vaccine hours after it was approved on Wednesday.

Mr Donnelly said the Government expects to receive around 110,00 doses of the vaccine in the first quarter of the year.

The European Medicines Agency approved the the Modern vaccine for Europe on Wednesday.

Mr Donnelly said that along with 360,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, the Government will have 470,000 doses by the end of March.

By the end of next month, he said all nursing home residents and healthcare workers will be vaccinated.

The rollout of the States coronavirus vaccination programme began last week when 79-year-old grandmother Annie Lynch, from Dublin, became the first person in the Republic to receive the jab on December 29.

The chief clinical officer of the HSE warned the numbers were going in the wrong direction with extraordinarily high positivity rates and referrals from GPs for Covid-19 being recorded.

Dr Colm Henry said there were 25,000 referrals on Monday, 18,000 on Tuesday and 14,000 on Wednesday.

Were seeing positive rates now in community testing from 40% to 50% which is extraordinarily high levels, he said.

The message is if you think you have Covid-19, more than likely you do.

He added: The incidence rate is increasing across all age groups, especially young adults.

This level of infection has been rising rapidly since late December and early January.

He said the five-day moving average now stands at 5,525 cases per day.

Irelands 14-day incidence per 100,000 now stands at 819, which is higher than the UK and the 10th highest in Europe.

Dr Colm Henry says the R rate of the virus is now over two but the modelling team are working out the precise number.

There is early evidence emerging that the new variant played a role in the rapid increase since Christmas, he added.

PA Media
DOHC

Believe it or not, Carroll Shelby chose Goes Like Hell over the original proposal of Coyote, a nameplate we now associate with theengine in the Ford F-150 and Mustang GT. Adding to the already convoluted nomenclature, Dodge rolled out the Omni GLH-T for the 1985 model year with a turbocharger for the 2.2-liter engine, translating to 146 horsepower.But wait, theres more! 500 examples of the breed, all of them painted in black, were sold to Shelby. These cars became the GLHS, which stands for Goes Like Hell Some more, and the one in the photo gallery is chassis number 086 according to Mecum Auctions . Personally owned by Carroll, chassis number 1B3BZ18E9GD251155 looks like it was produced yesterday because the odometer shows just 8,176 miles (13,158 kilometers).The exterior paintwork and plastic, logo stickers, and interior are all original, along with the five-speed manual transmission and Garrett turbocharger that runs at 12 pounds per square inch of boost instead of 7.2 PSI for the Omni GLH-T. In this application, the 2,213-cc four-banger develops around 175 horsepower and 175 pound-feet (237 Nm) of torque.Estimated to fetch between as much as $75,000, the car is titled in the Carroll Hall Shelby Trusts name and backed up by an extensive reference file. Featured on My Classic Car in 2017, Mecum Auctions highlights that GLHS number 086 out of 500 stands as an important part of Shelbys rich legacy.Although it doesnt hold a candle to the Cobra and Mustang GT350 , I cant deny this car has that certain something about it because of its first owner. Other than that, Europe offered more engaging hatchbacks in the latter part of the 1980s. The Renault 5 GT Turbo comes to mind, which is 659 pounds (299 kilograms) lighter on its feet than the Shelby Omni.
Might a new technological development of researchers from Tel Aviv University soon revolutionize the dairy products we consume? The initiators of the development believe that in the not-too-distant future we will be able to buy dairy products in the supermarket that are identical in taste and color to the ordinary dairy products that we consume today, but with one small difference: the dairy products will be produced from yeast rather than from cow.

Behind this development is Professor Tamir Tuller from the Biomedical Engineering Department of the Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering at Tel Aviv University. Together with foodtech entrepreneur Dr. Eyal Iffergan, Tuller established the startup company Imagindairy, which attempts to do the as-yet impossible: produce cow's milk from yeast.

In recent years, increased awareness of the damage caused by the dairy industry to the environment and human health, and the ethical dilemmas of animal husbandry, biotechnology companies worldwide have been searching for milk substitutes.

Professor Tuller explains that the goal of Imagindairy is to produce milk with all the important nutritional values of animal milk, and with the same taste, aroma, and texture that we are all familiar with, but without the suffering that cows endure, and without damage to the environment. Imagindairy's milk and cheese products will actually be much healthier than milk that comes from animals, since it will not contain cholesterol, lactose, or somatic cells.

"Our startup also includes food engineers and food experts from the Strauss Company," Professor Tuller says. "Currently, they are trying to take milk proteins from yeast and produce cheese from them. This is a long process of improvement - of productivity, taste, and, of course, of the price. This product is not a milk substitute like almond or soymilk. We plan to produce dairy products that will be identical to products that come from animals by introducing the yeast genome the genes that code for milk development in cows"

Imaginedairy has been working with Tel Aviv University via Ramot, the university's technology transfer company,

The groundbreaking technology of Professor Tuller could revolutionize the dairy industry as we know it." Keren Primor Cohen, CEO of Ramot

For about a decade, Professor Tuller's laboratory at Tel Aviv University has specialized in the modeling and engineering of gene expression using biophysical simulations, computational modeling of molecular evolution, and machine learning.

Among other things, these models are used to make the production of heterologous proteins (proteins coded by genes that come from another organism) more efficient and thus cheaper. Professor Tuller's technology has been successfully used in the past to produce vaccines, antibodies, biosensors, and green energy using various organisms such as yeast, bacteria, micro-algae, and even viruses. Professor Tuller and his colleagues are now on the way to conquering a new objective: cow's milk.

Professor Tuller says: "The genome of every living creature contains genes that encode the recipe for making chains of amino acids that make up proteins. However, it also contains information that encodes the complicated process that is known as 'gene expression' -- the timing and pace of the creation of the proteins. Gene expression is the process of turning information stored in "inanimate" DNA into proteins that are the 'essence of life' and are a major ingredient in every living thing that we know, from human beings to the coronavirus to cow's milk.

For many years, biotechnology companies have been harnessing the gene expression process in order to produce desirable proteins affordably. They do this by taking a gene from one living organism and implanting it in the genome of another organism that will serve as a 'factory' for producing the protein that is encoded in that gene. This technology has been used for many years to produce medications, vaccines, and energy, and it is also used in the food industry."

Professor Tuller adds: "Theoretically, we can reach a situation in which we can't tell the difference between cow's milk that comes from a cow and cow's milk that comes from yeast. But in order for that to happen in an economical way, we must turn the yeast cells into efficient factories that produce milk proteins - not a simple challenge to solve. Even though we know what the genes that encode the proteins for cow's milk are, those genes are written in the 'language' of cow cells, and need to be rewritten in the 'language' of yeast. This will make the production of the milk proteins possible in an appropriate, affordable, and efficient way in the yeast cell 'factory'.

With the help of models that we developed in the laboratory, we believe that within a fairly short time, we will succeed in making yeast produce milk proteins in an efficient way that will enable affordable, high-quality industrial-scale, production.

There have already been attempts to produce milk from microflora, but the price of producing milk in this way was a far cry from being affordable. I believe that we are on the right path, and within a fairly short time, we will be able to prepare in our own homes, toast with yellow cheese that was made from yeast and not from cow's milk, without having paid any more for it."
Press Release

January 7, 2021 TOLENTINO LAUDS MALACANANG DECISION TO ALLOW LGUS TO PROCURE COVID-19 VACCINES Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Government, today said that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's decision to allow local government units (LGUs) to procure COVID-19 vaccines under a tripartite agreement among the LGUs, the national government, and pharmaceutical firms will ensure that all Filipinos, even those who are not among the priority list of the national government, are inoculated. According to Tolentino, vaccinating the most number of Filipinos possible will be an important step to achieving herd immunity against COVID-19. Early this week, Metro Manila mayors bared their plans and budgets for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for their constituents. "The proactive approach by LGUs should not only be lauded but actively encouraged. There is more than sufficient legal basis for LGUs to procure COVID-19 vaccines for their own constituents," Tolentino said. According to the senator, under the Local Government Code (LGC), LGUs have devolved powers which include the provision of basic health services compliant with standards and criteria set by the DOH. This devolution of power is consistent with the principle of decentralization and local autonomy enshrined in our Constitution, laws, and jurisprudence. In Pimentel Jr. v. Aguirre (G.R. No. 132988, 19 July 2000), the Supreme Court held that the rationale behind the decentralization of administrative powers from the national government to LGUs is "to broaden the base of government power and in the process to make local governments 'more responsive and accountable,' and 'ensure their fullest development as self-reliant communities and make them more effective partners in the pursuit of national development and social progress.'" Hence, under the LGC, municipalities and cities are mandated and empowered to deliver basic health services and facilities, such as implementation of programs and projects on communicable and non-communicable disease control services; access to secondary and tertiary health services; and purchase of necessary medicines, medical supplies, and equipment, including vaccines. The DOH itself, in a policy paper, said that health devolution is justified given the urgency of local action in providing health services without the need for higher-level government intervention. Emergency Use Authorization Earlier, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during a virtual briefing that any vaccine given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may only be procured by the national government. She also said that a vaccine will only be available in the market if it receives a certificate of product registration under the regular process. Last December 2020, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Executive Order No. 121, granting authority to the Director General of the FDA to issue EUA for COVID-19 drugs and vaccines. The FDA has since issued Circular No. 2020-036 prescribing the guidelines in the implementation of EO 121. According to Tolentino, there is nothing in current laws nor in EO 121 or FDA Circular No. 2020-036 prohibiting LGUs from procuring vaccines or limiting the procurement of vaccines to the national government only. Moreover, last 27 December 2020, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that if LGUs want to include their constituents who are not considered priority recipients of the COVID-19 vaccination program of the national government, they could procure vaccines approved by the FDA to vaccinate their constituents. Vaccines as Emergency Purchases Tolentino said government procurement laws give LGUs authority to purchase their much-needed supplies during the pandemic, including vaccines, without having to go through the long process of a public bidding. Under R.A. No. 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act, procuring entities such as LGUs are allowed to engage in negotiated procurement in emergency cases, which cover "imminent danger to life or property during a state of calamity, or when time is of the essence arising from natural or man-made calamities or other causes where immediate action is necessary to prevent damage to or loss of life or property." The implementing rules of R.A. No. 9184 define negotiated procurement as "a method of procurement of goods, infrastructure projects and consulting services, whereby the procuring entity directly negotiates a contract with a technically, legally and financially capable supplier, contractor or consultant." Tolentino said that with the powers endowed upon them by the 1987 Constitution, the LGC, and other laws, LGUs should take on an even greater role during the pandemic. According to him, a mass vaccination program of the government against COVID-19 will only be successful with the cooperation and active participation of LGUs.
The relatives of the servicemen who went missing during the recent Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) war will contestat the Administrative Court of Armeniathe government's inaction. Arsen Ghukasyan, who has been looking for his nephew in Artsakh for more than two months, announced this live on Facebook Thursday.

"Our fight for more than three months to find the missing, captives, corpses has had partial success only at the expense of our persistence. However, it is not an effective way and is beneficial only to those in charge who are already collecting testimonies against us. (). We are going to prosecute the military, the investigators, and the government, which conceals all this," Ghukasyan said.

He also turned to journalists for assistance. "We expect [your] assistance that we go out on international platforms and inform that our authorities are deliberately concealing the [actual] number of dead, captives and missing people, so that they will not be held accountable before their relatives in the future. The war is over and there can be no excuses anymore." Ghukasyan added in particular.

He turned also to lawyers for assistance. "Our initiative has decided to launch one criminal case in the case of each of our relativesunder the [Criminal Code] article on military negligence, betrayal; you will say that. Within the framework of these cases, we will demand an open and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the death of our relatives, as well as the guilt of the soldiers who caused the death, also of the Commander-in-Chief. We also want to contestat the Administrative Courtthe government's inaction, to force them to finally tell us the true numbers of the fallen, captives and missing," Arsen Ghukasyan said, adding that the relatives want to discuss with lawyers the matter of petitioning to the ECtHR, too.
Amethi, Jan 7 : Without naming anybody in particular, Union Minister for Textiles and Women and Child Development Smriti Irani on Thursday alleged that before her, Parliamentarians from Amethi visited the constituency only when they were seeking votes.

Irani was visiting Amethi, her constituency, on Thursday. Travelling by road to Pardeshpur via Lucknow, she inaugurated a bridge and road project worth Rs 6.46 crore at the Swar Bharati School here.

On the occasion, without naming Rahul Gandhi, she took a swipe at him by saying that in the past MPs from the constituency came here once in five years, only to appeal for votes. "Devoid of representatives for years together, the people of Amethi will now be served under the auspices of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Looking at this resolve, the people voted for me in 2019 and anointed me MP. I express my gratitude to all of you today." The Amethi MP further said, "In the year 2014, I remember when I came to you, life was an uphill struggle for the people of the area. Women were seeking means of empowerment. Families were looking for a roof over their heads and youngsters were seeking educational facilities. Now, when I have come to meet you today, I am proud to announce that the Prime Minister has provided more than 30,800 gas cylinders to the women in the Salon assembly segment itself." Irani said, "The Amethi Lok Sabha constituency saw a time when MPs were seen seeking votes once in five years and in the same Salon assembly segment a few days ago , we listened to the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat address together.For the first time, the people here got to see the MP, MLAs and district officials standing together and people putting forward their proposals."
Kerala Assembly speaker P Sreeramakrishnan and the customs department are headed for a face-off in the gold smuggling case after the formers office rushed a letter to the customs saying it has to take permission of the Speaker before summoning his staff for questioning in the case.

Customs had summoned Speakers additional personal secretary, K Ayyappan, to appear before the agency three days back but he did not. The Assembly secretary then sent a letter to the customs saying it has to take permission of the Speaker before summoning Assembly staff, because like law-makers, they also enjoy certain privileges.

The Opposition Congress and legal experts have criticised the Speakers move as an attempt to scuttle the on-going probe into gold smuggling.

The Speaker has defended his stance and argued that the legislature secretariat has not blocked any investigation into the smuggling case but it wanted all rules to be followed.

The legislature secretariat has reminded the agency about the house rules. Staff of the assembly also enjoys certain privileges under Rule 165, he said.

However, a senior customs official said the agency had sought legal opinion on the matter and that the Assembly staff wasnt entitled to any privilege outside the house. He added that a fresh notice will be issued to the additional personal secretary.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress has filed a notice to remove the Speaker in the wake of the allegations against him ahead of the budget session of the assembly, starting Friday. After the gold smuggling case surfaced, the Speaker was accused of close relationship with the main accused Swapna Suresh. He later admitted that he knew Suresh as an employee of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) consulate and attended some functions on her invitation.

Also Read: Kerala dollar smuggling case: Customs issues fresh notice to K Ayyappan

But Congress and BJP leaders allege that it was more than an official relationship and that Sreeramakrishnan had travelled with Suresh several times to West Asian countries.

They also allege the accused smuggled US dollars to the Gulf countries using Sreeramakrishnans green channel access. They also alleged that a major portion of the smuggled US dollar was commission obtained from various projects. The Speaker has denied these allegations and said he was ready for any probe.

He is misusing rules and privileges to save his face, said Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala. There is a strong likelihood that the Speaker will be summoned by the investigating agencies after the budget session.

When the customs busted the gold smuggling racket in July, Suresh was working as a consultant with the Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited. Before this, she worked at the UAE consulate at the state capital as its public relations officer. After the gold smuggling case surfaced, her degree was also found to be a fake.

Last month Suresh told a court in Kochi that her life was in danger and sought special protection for herself and her family members. She said she was under pressure not to take big names and some people met her in the jail a couple of times to pressurise her. Later, the court directed the prisons department to provide her adequate security. Detained under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (Cofeposa), Swapna is lodged in the womens jail in Thiruvananthapuram.
Sheldon Adelson Takes Leave To Resume Cancer Treatment

January 07, 2021 Matthew Pitt

Sheldon Adelson is taking leave of absence after resuming treatment for cancer. The 87-year-old multi-billionaire founder and Chief Executive Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp has handed the reins to the companys President, Robert Goldstein, who is now the acting chairman and CEO.

Adelson was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in 2018 but remained at the helm of his casino empire. A spokesperson for Las Vegas Sands Corp informed The Wall Street Journal about Adelsons cancer treatment.

Mr. Adelson is still dealing with certain side effects from medication he is taking for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These side effects have restricted his availability to travel or keep regular office hours. They have not, however, prevented him from fulfilling his duties as chairman and CEO.

Traditional treatment for this type of cancer includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem-cell transplants. It is unknown what treatment Adelson undertook or has resumed.

What Could Joe Biden's Election Means for U.S. Online Poker?

Casino Mogul Steps Away From Day-to-Day Business

Adelson has stepped away from the day-to-day running of Las Vegas Sands Corp. with immediate effect. Cancer treatment can be debilitating in a young, healthy person never mind a man approaching his 90th year.

He has long suffered from peripheral neuropathy, a nerve disorder that causes weakness, numbness, and pain, which makes it difficult for Adelson to walk.

The polarizing entrepreneur started his business career at the age of 12 when he borrowed $200 from an uncle to purchase a license to sell newspapers in Boston. Adelson has since created almost 50 businesses, but it is his casino empire that hes best known for.

Adelson bought the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1988. Three years later, while on honeymoon in Venice with his second wife, Miriam, Adelson found the inspiration for what is now The Venetian.

Hes since built casinos in Pennsylvania, Macau, and Singapore.

Three Things That Show How Much Lindsey Graham HATES Online Poker

A Love of Casinos, a Hate of Online Gambling

There is no doubting Adelson is a powerful man. Being in the top 30 of the words wealthiest people, courtesy of a near $36 billion net worth, does that to a person. Hes used his power and wealth for good, but also to campaign against online gambling.

Although Adelson has an obvious affinity with casinos and gambling, he detests online gambling and online poker in particular. In 2014, he founded the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling and drafted the Internet Gambling Control Act. The bill would have effectively banned all forms of online gambling in the United States, overturning the 2011 decision of the United States Department of Justice that suggested online poker dud not fall under the Wire Act, 18U.S.C.  1084.

Reports suggest Adelson recently spent $75 million supporting a campaign against President-elect Joe Biden, knowing full well the Republicans are averse to internet gambling.

Leaving Las Vegas? Heading to Australia?

It was only three months ago that some almost unthinkable news about Adelson broke. A report in Bloomberg hinted at Adelson hiring a consultant to explore the possibility of not only leaving Las Vegas but exiting the US gambling industry completely.

The US arm of Las Vegas Sands Corp. only accounts for approximately 13% of the companys revenue. That figure will likely be less in the next set of financial figures due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In April 2020, Adelson spoke publicly after his company recorded a 51.1% decrease in revenue.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business has been unprecedented, and I have never seen anything like it in my over 70 years in business. We are fortunate that our financial strength will allow us to continue to execute our previously announced capital expenditure programs in both Macau and Singapore while continuing to pursue growth opportunities in new markets.

One of those new markets could well be sunny Australia. Crown Resorts and its senior management team has seen their names dragged through the mud over the past six months. Crown recently opened the hotel at its new AUD$2 billion complex in Barangaroo, Sydney but its lavish casino remains under lock and key after regulators refused to issue a casino license.

James Packer is Crowns majority shareholder, one who has made it no secret he wants to walk away. Packer attempted to sell 19.9% of his Crown stock to Melco Resorts Lawrence Ho for AUD$1.76 billion in May 2019. Unfortunately, the deal broke rules set by Australian regulators in regards Crown completing its Sydney project, hence, not obtaining a casino licence.

Perhaps it is only a coincidence, but Packers AUD$200 million super-yacht was spotted parked up next to Adelsons Queen Miri boat in the French Caribbean just before the end of 2020. Packer has, of course, denied any meetings between the two billionaires took place. Any potential deal could be scuppered now Adelson is suffering with ill health.
UK mystery drama Death in Paradise has been renewed for two more seasons by the BBC, just as its 10th season is launching.

Set on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, series 10 was filmed entirely through the pandemic, with production delayed by three months.

Series 11 and 12 will see cast regulars and new faces alike descend on Saint Marie.

Executive Producer Tim Key: We are hugely proud of series ten and delighted well be heading back to Saint Marie to continue the story. Our amazing cast and crew have delivered against the odds this year and we cant wait to get going again  weve got huge plans for the future, with lots of surprises to come.

Belinda Campbell, Joint Managing Director of Red Planet Pictures, says: Were delighted that Death In Paradise has been recommissioned for two more series. Its testament to the talent of the cast and production team and the loyalty of our amazing audience that after 10 series we remain one of the UKs favourite TV dramas.

The show is one of the broadcasters biggest exports, licensed to over 230 territories, often proving the best performing drama on its respective channel in each region. In the UK, series nine averaged over eight million viewers.

BBC Commissioning Editor Tommy Bulfin says: Were really proud of Death In Paradise and know how popular it is with viewers, offering some much needed escapism as well as compelling whodunnits and deeply satisfying plot twists. We hope audiences enjoy the tenth anniversary series starting tonight, and they have lots to look forward to with series 11 and 12.

Death in Paradise screens in Australia on both BBC First and ABC.

Related

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday carried out raids at six locations in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir in connection with the narcotics and weapons case.

"The agency is carrying out searches at six locations in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir," an NIA official said.

The official further informed that the raids started in several locations in the wee hours of Thursday and were still underway. However, the official refused to share details of the locations and the names of the people involved against whom the raids were being conducted.

According to NIA officials, the raids were underway in connection with the case of weapons and narcotics that the anti-terror probe agency had registered in 2020.
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A recent research report added by Decisiondatabases on the Isolation Gloves Market provides a comprehensive view of this business sector by giving a detailed description of the global market shares, regional & country-level market size, growth, trends, and forecast analysis. This report also focuses on value chain optimization, recent developments, opportunities analysis, and industrial sector expansion.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Isolation Gloves market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Isolation Gloves Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-30268

According to this study, over the next five years, the Isolation Gloves market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Isolation Gloves business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Isolation Gloves market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Isolation Gloves market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Ansell

PIERCAN

Safetyware Group

Inert Corporation

Renco Corporation

Honeywell

Jung Gummitechnik

Nichwell

Terra Universal

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-30268

This study considers the Isolation Gloves value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Nitrile Rubber

Hypalon

Epdm Rubber

Neoprene

Latex

Butyl Rubber

Other

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

IT

Pharmaceutical Industry

Food Industry

Chemical Industry

Research Experiment

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Isolation Gloves Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-30268

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Isolation Gloves consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Isolation Gloves market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Isolation Gloves manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Isolation Gloves with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Isolation Gloves submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

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DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

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Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/global-isolation-gloves-market-report-analysis-by-types-applications-regional-outlook-and-forecast-to-2025/
[January 07, 2021] Harris Williams Advises TricorBraun on its Pending Sale to Ares Management Corporation and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board

Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, announces it is advising TricorBraun, a portfolio company of AEA Investors LP (AEA), on its pending sale to funds managed by Ares Management Corporation's Private Equity Group (Ares) and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board (Ontario Teachers'). TricorBraun is North America's largest primary packaging distributor and one of the largest providers of packaging in the world. The transaction is being led by Bob Baltimore, Graham Gillam and Bill Greven of the Harris Williams Specialty Distribution Group and Brandt Carr and Dan Savage of the firm's Industrials Group. "Having worked with TricorBraun previously, it has been impressive to witness the company's continued success under the management team and AEA's leadership," said Bob Baltimore, a managing director at Harris Williams. "We are proud to have worked with AEA and management on another successful transaction and are excited to watch the company build on its leadership position with the support of its new partners." "Keith Strope, executive chairman of TricorBraun, Court Carruthers, president and CEO of TricorBraun, and the rest of the management team have fantastic new partners in Ares and Ontario Teachers', and we are excited to see what the future holds for the company as the preeminent distribution platform in the packaging sector," said Graham Gillam, a director at Harris Wiliams. "We continue to see strong private equity demand for market leading distribution platforms."



TricorBraun is North America's largest primary packaging distributor and one of the largest providers of packaging in the world. The company serves consumer packaged goods companies, from cutting-edge start-ups to the world's most iconic brands, and is a critical packaging provider for the essential personal care and household cleaning, food and beverage, and healthcare/nutraceutical industries. From rigid to flexible packaging, stock and custom capabilities, and countless options of materials, industries, and markets served, TricorBraun's range of packaging solutions sets it apart. Serving customers since 1902, TricorBraun has grown to $1.5 billion in annual sales, with more than 1,100 team members in 50 locations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. AEA was founded in 1968 by the Rockefeller, Mellon and Harriman family interests and S.G. Warburg & Co. as a private investment vehicle for a select group of industrial family offices with substantial assets. AEA has an extraordinary global network built over many years which includes leading industrial families, business executives and leaders; many of whom invest with AEA as active individual investors ("Participants") and/or join its portfolio company boards or act in other advisory roles. Today, AEA's approximately 90 investment professionals operate globally with offices in New York, Connecticut, London, Munich and Shanghai. The firm manages funds that have over $15 billion of invested and committed capital including the leveraged buyouts of middle market companies and small business companies and mezzanine and senior debt investments. AEA Private Equity invests across three sectors: value added industrials, consumer and services.

Ares is a leading global alternative investment manager operating integrated groups across Credit, Private Equity, Real Estate and Strategic Initiatives. Ares' investment groups collaborate to deliver innovative investment solutions and consistent, attractive investment returns for fund investors throughout market cycles. As of September 30, 2020, Ares' global platform had approximately $179 billion of assets under management with more than 1,400 employees operating across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Ontario Teachers' is the administrator of Canada's largest single-profession pension plan, with $204.7 billion Canadian dollars ($161.3 billion) in net assets, as at June 30, 2020. The defined-benefit plan, which is fully funded as of January 1, 2020, invests and administers the pensions of the province of Ontario's 329,000 active and retired teachers. Harris Williams, an investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, advocates for sellers and buyers of companies worldwide through critical milestones and provides thoughtful advice during the lives of their businesses. By collaborating as one firm across Industry Groups and geographies, the firm helps its clients achieve outcomes that support their objectives and strategically create value. Harris Williams is committed to execution excellence and to building enduring, valued relationships that are based on mutual trust. Harris Williams is a subsidiary of the PNC (News - Alert) Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). Harris Williams' Specialty Distribution Group has experience across a variety of sectors, including automotive and heavy duty aftermarket; building products; consumer; electrical and communications; foodservice; healthcare; industrial; and technology. For more information on the firm's Specialty Distribution Group, visit the Specialty Distribution Group's section of the Harris Williams' website. The Harris Williams Industrials Group has experience across a variety of sectors, including advanced manufacturing; building products; chemicals and specialty materials; industrial technology; and packaging. For more information on the firm's Industrials Group and other recent transactions, visit the Industrials Group's section of the Harris Williams website. Harris Williams LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is a private limited company incorporated under English law with its registered office at 8th Floor, 20 Farringdon Street, London EC4A 4AB, UK, registered with the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales (registration number 07078852). Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH is registered in the commercial register of the local court of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, under HRB 107540. The registered address is Bockenheimer Landstrasse 33-35, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (email address: hwgermany@harriswilliams.com). Geschaftsfuhrer/Directors: Jeffery H. Perkins, Paul Poggi. (VAT No. DE321666994). Harris Williams is a trade name under which Harris Williams LLC, Harris Williams & Co. Ltd and Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH conduct business. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005756/en/

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Teens have shocked the world with video claiming their strict parents controled their life.

The unnamed girls, from the US, shared video on TikTok claiming they had very strict parents who monitored what they wore, listen to, their friends and the messages they sent.

One 19-year-old from Minnesota claimed her parents make her use the app Life 360, a family safety service which allows members of a family circle to see where the others are at all times.

Another claimed she has bars on her window even though her bedroom is on the second floor, while a third who is 17 says she can't listen to rap music and that her parents demand her password so they can go through her phone.

Participants claim they were making the TikTok videos in secret and deleting the app from their phones afterwards, prompting horrified viewers to say the parents were abusive and that their children should try to escape.

An unnamed 19-year-old college freshman from Minnesota has revealed the strict rules her parents put her through

The student said she could not message her friends or be on social media without her parents going through her messages

The discussion was prompted by a user who asked people to post videos, saying: 'Tell me you have strict parents without telling me you have strict parents.'

After explaining she was 19 and a college freshman, the student claimed: 'I'm not allowed to have my phone or my laptop up in my room past 9 o'clock. They have to be downstairs unless I'm doing homework.'

She went on to say she's not allowed to have social media, and that her father fully controls a Facebook account she had created to find a college roommate - not letting her post anything on there.

'I can hardly hang out with people, especially if it's like new people that they've never met before. Making friends and hanging out with them is hard,' she added.

In a TikTok video, the teen explained her grades dictated a lot of what she was allowed to do, and that her parents controlled her finances

i would never do my child like this ..... thats sick. pic.twitter.com/19O1SZYdkW  Sadie Saxton. (@50sixnights) January 4, 2021

Claiming her grades determine a lot of things in her life, she added her parents requested that she keep her geolocation on at all times on the family safety app Life360.

According to the student, even her fashion choices arent her own.

She said: 'I have clothes I can and cannot wear, and my mom refuses to buy any kind of fancy lingerie or anything like that.'

She finished by adding that her father regularly looks through her phone, which includes the messages she sends and the pictures she takes.

'He controls everything in my life like my bank account, which I do not have access to and he can get all emails that I get sent to him,' she said.

People were horrified by the teen's claims, with some worrying she was being raised to have no agency in life

In a following video shared a day later, she explained she was able to send the viral video to TikTok because she has social media accounts that she hides from her parents by deleting the apps from her phone before handing it in at 9 o'clock.

Another girl filmed her own video claiming her parents are equally strict, and take her phone away for a month if they ever see her using it without a case.

She was only allowed to use the popular picture-based app Snapchat from this year.

Other teens claimed their parents were strict on Tiktok. One, left, claimed her bedroom window had bars, even though it was on the second floor and the other, right, said she could not listen to rap

Like the girl from Minnesota, she claims her mother goes through everything on her phone.

She then showed that her bedroom window had bars - potentially to discourage her from sneaking out - even though she lives on the second floor of her parents' house.

Another girl claimed she was not allowed to listen to music with explicit lyrics or rap, and said she had to give the password to all her electronic devices and accounts to her parents so they could go through them.

Many of the 3.8million people who watched the video from the college student sympathized with the student, with some saying they had gone through the same thing with their parents.

'Its weird and it makes life really hard. My parents would dead*** not let me hang out with anyone they didnt know. And then would refuse to meet anyone. My mom straight told me she wasnt interested in meeting my friends. Made s*** impossible,' one said.

Others said the girl's family situation was really 'sad.'

'This is so sad. These women will have a hard time with agency later on and making decisions as these parents traumatized them into thinking they need guardians all the time,' one wrote.

'thats actually kinda sad, 'another said.

Some criticized the parents for the way they were raising their daughter.

'I've never heard of life 360. It sounds like hell for these adolescents/young adults,' another said, addressing the app the teen's parents used to monitor her every move.

'Think some of this stems from viewing women/girls as property therefore extremes are taken to "preserve virginity" aka uphold the family's honor. For others tho it's just a total power and control mindset,' one said.

'I swear people have kids just so they can have something in their lives that they know they have control over,' another wrote.
Ten months since the Covid-19 outbreak, schools reopened to thin attendance in Punjab on Thursday amid confusion among school heads over the requirement of written consent from parents during the pandemic.

Punjab school education minister Vijay Inder Singla announced on Wednesday afternoon that all government government, semi-government and private schools affiliated to the Punjab School Education Board would be reopened for students from Classes 5 to 12. The decision was taken around 2pm but the authorities issued another notification around 9pm, saying only those students who bring along the written consent of their parents will be allowed to attend class.

A majority of schools had only sent messages to parents to send their wards, but when the children arrived on Thursday, they were asked to submit the written consent from their parents.

Government school authorities said the thin attendance at most schools was also due to the parent-teacher meeting scheduled for Thursday during which few students turn up in any case.

10% ATTENDANCE IN LUDHIANA SCHOOLS

Barely 10% students attended the physical classes in Ludhiana with the authorities saying many parents were hesitant to send their wards, fearing they may contract the coronavirus infection.

At the Government Primary School, Model Gram, in Ludhiana only seven of the 45 students of Class 5 came to school on Thursday. The students were accommodated by maintaining social distancing in classrooms. Jyoti Arora, an elementary training teacher at the school, said, Parents have been informed to send their children with written consent. We expect more students to attend classes from Monday.

The situation was similar in almost all schools of the district.

STRENGTH TO IMPROVE IN DAYS TO COME

Twenty of the 130 students of Class 5 at Government Primary School, Haibowal Kalan, attended classes on Thursday. School head Shivani Sood said, We asked the parents to send their wards with the written consent but most of them are not willing yet. Todays parent-teacher meeting was aimed at motivating them. We are hopeful they will give their consent in the days to come.

Ludhiana district education officer, elementary-cum-secondary, Rajinder Kaur said, We got an overwhelming response from parents at the PTMs. The attendance in primary and middle schools will improve in the next few days. Parents are willing to send their children as only two months are left for the final exams.

Parents and students attending the parent-teacher meeting at a government school in Bathinda on Thursday. (Sanjeev Kumar/HT)

PTMs IN BATHINDA, PATIALA SCHOOLS

Students of Classes 5-8 accompanied their parents to the parent-teacher meeting (PTM), scheduled in government schools on January 7 and 8, in Bathinda, Mansa and Patiala districts.

The parents were briefed by the school staff about the governments decision to resume classes and the need for submitting a consent letter amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The principal of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Model Town, Bathinda, Saveen Kiran, said students of Classes 9 to 12 are already attending school daily for three hours to take preparatory tests or meeting teachers to clear doubts.

Since the PTM for Classes 5 to 8 is already planned on Thursday and Friday, there wont be teaching work for two days. The government clarification came late on Wednesday that attending classes is not compulsory, so we started contacting parents to give consent letters if they wished to send their wards to attend classes, she said.

The media in-charge of the education department in Mansa, Hardeep Sidhu, also confirmed that PTMs are being held for two days. Schools are being readied to follow the standard operation procedure (SOP) of Covid-19, he said.

Another head of a government school said they are working on how to accommodate more students willing to attend class. Schools can cater to only 50% strength, keeping in mind the SOP. Each class can be divided into two sections and students may be called on alternate days, the principal said.

Private institutions in Bathinda are yet to decide on resuming school for students of Classes 5-8.

In Patiala, government schools opened for Classes 5 to 8 and on Thursday with 50% attendance.

A teacher of a government school in a village said, Parents came in large numbers and brought their children along. Students of Class 6 were excited to meet their new teachers and friends after having completed primary school.

In Amritsar, schools reported poor attendance on the opening day. District education officer (secondary) Satinder Singh said the strength will increase from Monday.

(With inputs from Bathinda, Patiala and Amritsar)
Karnataka health minister Dr K Sudhakar on Thursday informed that the Covid-19 vaccination dry run will be conducted at 263 places across the state on January 8.

Speaking to the media after the video conferencing with Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Sudhakar said vaccination drive should be peoples movement, once we get the vaccine.

The minister said a detailed discussion was carried out with the Union Government regarding the preparation and distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine.

We are conducting vaccination dry run at 263 places on January 8. Earlier it was planned at 3 locations in each district, but we have prepared to conduct at 7 locations in each district. This dry run will be held at 24 district hospitals, 20 medical colleges, 43 taluk hospitals, 31 community health centres, 87 primary health centres, 30 urban primary health care centres and 28 private health centres across the state, he added.

The minister also said the central government has provided 24 lakh syringes.

We have 10 walk-in coolers, 4 walk-in freezers, 3,201 ILRs, 3,039 deep freezers, 3,312 cold boxes, 46,591 vaccine carriers and 2,25,749 ice packs. The Central government has also provided 64 Large ice-lined refrigerators (ILRs) with a capacity of 225 litres each. Remaining 2 walk-in coolers and 1 walk-in freezer will be received from the Centre, he added.

The health minister said 6.30 lakh healthcare workers serving in both Government and private sector have registered for vaccination and the window for registration is still open.

He said the Central government is providing 1 crore vaccines to all states.

Police, health workers, defence personnel and Corona warriors will get the vaccine on priority, said the minister.

He asserted that there is no harm from vaccination, this will help the people and they should act responsibly.

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 9,196 active coronavirus cases in Karnataka, 9,02,817 recoveries and 12,124 deaths.

Warnock, Ossoff Win Georgia Senate Runoffs

Biden and Democrats Feeling Just Peachy

The racial awakening in the United States last year after the police killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd may have propelled a sweep for Democrats in the January 5, 2021 Georgia Senate runoffs, paving the way for President-elect Joe Biden to push his legislative agenda without fear of obstruction.

With about 3,000 absentee votes remaining outstanding from Chatham County as of early Wednesday morning, unofficial tallies indicate that both Democrats, Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, have defeated Republican incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue.

If the unofficial results hold, Warnock will go to Washington as the first Black Democratic senator from the South and Georgias first African-American senator.

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Ossoff will also make history, arriving on Capitol Hill as the first Jewish senator from the Peach State.

With 98 percent of the results reported, Warnock defeated his opponent, 50.6 percent to 49.4 percent while Ossoff turned back Perdue 50.2 percent to 49.8 percent, according to CNN projections.

The razor-thin margins of victory by both Democrats would be summarized by veteran Black journalist Roland Martin who has been reporting from Atlanta for the past month and posting to his podcast, Roland Martin Unfiltered.

We say it like its just a passing thought but its true, every vote counts, he said as Warnocks victory appeared imminent.

The projected wins also sent a resounding message from Georgia to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky): Youre fired!

The victories mean that McConnell and the Republicans no longer control the Senate. It also puts an end to McConnells moniker as The Grim Reaper  a title indicating his propensity for ensuring that vital legislation passed by the House would routinely die in his graveyard.

Because this is America, the 82-year-old hands that used to pick somebody elses cotton went to the polls and picked her youngest son to be a United States senator, Warnock said, a reference to his mother made during a victory speech early Wednesday.

I stand before you as a man who knows that the improbable journey that led me to this place in this historic moment in America could only happen here, he added.

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What happened last night was stunning, Warnock said in his first interview on Wednesday with CNN.

Warnock said he plans to return to his pulpit on Sunday morning.

Its the people who teach you how to be an effective pastor . . . and an effective senator, he said. I dont plan to become a politician.

He also said that hes proud of the people of the Georgia and his colleague Ossoff who was mentored by the late Rep. John Lewis.

The election, which shifted in favor of Democrats after votes were counted late Tuesday from heavily Black-populated DeKalb County, proved karma symbolic for some.

Following a near-decade war against the Voting Rights Act and the undisputable suppression of hundreds of thousands  if not millions  of African-American Democratic votes, Republicans lost the White House and the Senate, in large part, because traditional red states like Georgia flipped.

Democrats also count as the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Warnock, 50, the senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached and served as pastor, will serve for a two-year term in a seat which became vacant after former GOP Sen. Johnny Isakson retired early.

Ossoff, 33, who owns a production company that makes documentaries, ended the hopes of the 77-year-old Perdue for a second six-year term.

Both elections required runoffs after no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote in Novembers general election.

More than three million Georgia residents flocked to the polls before Tuesdays runoffs, contributing to an historic voter turnout for a runoff election.

Each of the four candidates received more than two million votes in the tight contests.

The election came as Trump continued to ramp up unsubstantiated claims of election fraud in the state.

In Fulton County, election workers reportedly faced death threats and racial slurs.

County Director of Elections Richard Barron said an unidentified man made a bomb threat against the county, prompting a visit to the individuals home by the FBI.

The person said that the Nashville bombing was a practice run for what we would see today at one of our polling places, Barron said.

Several county staffers also received death threats, Barron said.

And we have had innumerable racial slurs thrown at our staff, mostly via phone but some on social media as well, and thats been a really disappointing  just disconcerting turn of events, he said.

Barron added that the Presidents claims of voter fraud have not helped.

Late Tuesday night, Twitter flagged a post by the President as a disinformation alert.

In the tweet in which Twitter administrators inserted a strike-through line and stamped as disinformation, Trump wrote, Looks like they are setting up a big voter dump against the Republican candidates. Waiting to see how many votes they need.

The President posted the tweet as votes in heavily-populated African-American locations like DeKalb County were being tabulated and reported.

When I moved to Georgia 19 years ago, Roy Barnes, the last Democratic governor, was about to be tossed out for opposing the Confederate flag, tweeted Jelani Cobb, a staff writer with The New Yorker and a professor at Columbia University.

The fact that the state is now close to being represented by a Black man and a Jew in the U.S. Senate is stunning.

Warnock, during his CNN interview on Wednesday morning, when asked about the improbability of his victory, ended his remarks with the following:

In America, anything is possible, he said.

Washington Informer Editor D. Kevin McNeir contributed to this report.
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair responds to a question during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, on Dec. 11, 2020. (Patrick Doyle/The Canadian Press)

Public Safety Minister Details Chinas Infiltration in Canada in Letter to MPs

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair revealed how China steals commercial secrets and technology from Canada and how the communist regime uses covert programs to silence overseas dissent.

In a letter to members of parliament, obtained by Global News, Blair said China is the most robust foreign interference actor in Canada, while Russia and several other countries are behind similar activities.

Through investigations and monitoring, we continue to identify and shed light on the multiple ways foreign interference manifests itself in Canada, allowing us to be well-armed with the knowledge needed to deploy our tools to counter it, Blair wrote in the letter.

This was intended to raise public awareness of the threats posed by these countries, Blair wrote.

His letter came as a follow-up of a motion put forth in November 2020 by the Conservative Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Chong, who called on the Liberal government to develop a stronger foreign affairs strategy to counter Chinas growing operations.

The Liberal government is failing to uphold democratic norms and defend Canadas sovereignty by failing to comply with the motion on China adopted on November 18th. Read my statement: https://t.co/9VdfKR7AM8#cdnpoli #polcan pic.twitter.com/hidRcGSgSt  Michael Chong  (@MichaelChongMP) December 21, 2020

The motion also urged the government to ban Chinese telecom company Huawei from Canadas 5G network construction.

The Trudeau governments failure to comply with the motion undermines democratic norms, while failing to address threats to Canada from Communist China, Chong wrote in a statement.

While Blair did not address Huawei in the letter, he said the government was particularly concerned about foreign adversaries gaining control over the countrys critical infrastructure and Canadians personal data.

In addition, Blair stated that Beijing has been threatening and intimidating residents in countries around the world, often through state entities and non-state proxies. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would justify its infringement of other countries sovereignty and its violation of human rights by tactfully portraying itself as fighting against crime and corruption.

However, we are aware that these tactics can also be used as cover for silencing dissent, including on university campuses, pressuring political opponents and instilling general fear of state power, no matter where a person is located, the letter said.

Scott Jones, head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and CSE deputy chief of IT security, looks on during an announcement on the National Cyber Security Strategy on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Canada, on June 12, 2018. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)

The minister also cited the House committee testimony of Scott Jones, the head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, who had stated that it was a difficult decision to publicly attribute the countries working within Canada, but ultimately we need to acknowledge that these countries pose a risk.

When we do an attribution [of the countries interfering in Canada] it tends to get organizations to take seriously the alerts we put out, Jones said in his testimony in December 2020.

In the 2020 cyber threat assessment report (pdf), the Cyber Centre acknowledged that state-sponsored threat actors would continue to steal intellectual property and commercial information from Canadian government agencies and enterprises. In particular, they would target public health technologies related to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the context of the pandemic, Canadas security and intelligence agencies moved quickly to work with the life sciences sectors involved in Canadas response to COVID-19 to help protect them from foreign interference activities, Blair wrote.

Blair said the government is aware of ongoing attempts by some foreign states to undermine our economy for their own benefit, and is now taking enhanced scrutiny of investments by foreign state-owned enterprises and private investors.

Whenever malign foreign states seek to harm our communities, undermine our values, or jeopardize the very institutions on which our country is built, we will take action, Blair wrote.
2020 was a difficult year for humanity. Coronavirus pandemic pushed loved ones away from each other. Many were left jobless, as businesses, small and big, shut worldwide. Some took up multiple jobs to make their ends meet. But with 2020 becoming the thing of the past, people are hoping to see better days, while some are trying to make peoples days a little better.

One such man following the latter happens to be a YouTuber from the US who recently gave away $2021 (approx 1.5 lakh) to random strangers in his latest video.

Juan Gonzalez, the man behind the popular YouTube pranks and experiments channel ThatWasEpic", recently warmed hearts on the Internet when he shot and uploaded a video titled: Giving People $2021 To Start Off The Year"

The video is exactly what it promises in the title and its thumbnail. Juan, the YouTuber, walks up to unsuspecting citizens on the streets and introduces himself before pulling out the money from his pocket and handing them the generous amount of $2021. He then asks them to make 2021 their year" before casually walking away from the camera frame.

The video uploaded on Wednesday captured the priceless reactions of recipients of the money, who were bewildered by the generous offer. Some wondered if the YouTuber was playing a rude prank on them and even had a good look at the money while accepting it.

Viewed more than half a million times in a short span, viewers appreciated Juan for his random act of kindness and dropped pretty wholesome comments below the video.

Wow! That was really Epic! No lie!" commented one user.

People like Juan and MrBeast is a Blessing to this world!" wrote another.

Doing stuff like this is probably so much more fulfilling than buying a gucci bag or some new shoes. I hope to do more charitable stuff like this in 2021!"

Things you can see from the space;

1-The great wall of China

2-Juans heart"

I love how Juan is smooth when doing pranks and pickups, yet so awkward when being generous. Thats called being humble."

This video had some awesome reactions! Thank you for continuing to help people, Juan! Keep doing what you do!"

In his previous video, Juan gave away cars to strangers waiting for the bus at the bus stop- a video that was also received well on the platform.

Meanwhile, Masala Mantra Indian Bistro based in Floridas Cape Coral recently posted a picture of a bill on its social media handle where it showed how a customer paid them a tip of $2,020. What was even more surprising was that the total bill for the food and drinks, including tax, was $269.

Also Read: Customer Leaves a Symbolic Tip of $2,020 at Indian Restaurant in US to Bid Goodbye to 2020

Captioning the post, Masala Mantra Indian Bistro wrote that a $2,020 tip was given to their server Dawn. The post further mentioned that they cannot stop smiling and feeling happy for their employee. The restaurant mentioned in its post, God bless this group of kind folks. The year 2020 was especially hard for restaurant owners including theirs. However, this act of kindness made their year, as mentioned in the post.

Read all the Latest News and Breaking News here
NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 4, 2021, Credit Suisse declared a Coupon Amount for the Credit Suisse S&P MLP Index ETN (the "ETN").

ETN Ticker ETN Name Ex-Date Record Date Coupon Payment Date Coupon Amount

per ETN Coupon Frequency Current Yield* MLPO Credit Suisse S&P

MLP Index ETN 1/13/21 1/14/21 1/25/21 $0.1723 Quarterly 8.79%

* The "Current Yield" equals the current quarterly Coupon Amount, annualized and divided by the Closing Indicative Value of the ETN on December 31, 2020.

 The Current Yield, which is based on the ETN's Coupon Amount, is not indicative of future quarterly Coupon Amounts, if any, on the ETNs. The quarterly Coupon Amount (if any) is variable and dependent on the most recent distributions of the MLPs included in the index, and such amount does not represent a fixed periodic interest payment. There can be no assurance that the MLPs included in the index will make any distributions in any future period. Any payment on the ETN is subject to Credit Suisse's ability to pay its obligations as they become due. For more information regarding the ETN's coupon payments, please refer to the ETN's pricing supplement.

Press Contact

Anna Christensen, Credit Suisse AG, [email protected]

Credit Suisse ETNs

Telephone +1 800 320 1225, [email protected]suisse.com

The ETNs may not be suitable for all investors and should be purchased only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of investing in the ETNs. The ETNs are subject to the credit risk of Credit Suisse. You may receive less, and possibly significantly less, than the principal amount of your investment at maturity or upon repurchase or sale. Investors will not have any partnership interests or other rights in the MLPs included in the index. Coupon Amounts on the ETNs will vary and could be zero. An investment in the ETNs involves significant risks. For further information regarding risks, please see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the applicable pricing supplement.

Credit Suisse AG

Credit Suisse is one of the world's leading financial services providers. Our strategy builds on Credit Suisse's core strengths: its position as a leading wealth manager, its specialist investment banking capabilities and its strong presence in our home market of Switzerland. We seek to follow a balanced approach to wealth management, aiming to capitalize on both the large pool of wealth within mature markets as well as the significant growth in wealth in Asia Pacific and other emerging markets, while also serving key developed markets with an emphasis on Switzerland. Credit Suisse employs approximately 48,800 people. The registered shares (CSGN) of Credit Suisse Group AG, are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com .

Disclaimer

This document was produced by and the opinions expressed are those of Credit Suisse as of the date of writing and are subject to change. It has been prepared solely for information purposes and for the use of the recipient. It does not constitute an offer or an invitation by or on behalf of Credit Suisse to any person to buy or sell any security. Any reference to past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future. The information and analysis contained in this publication have been compiled or arrived at from sources believed to be reliable but Credit Suisse does not make any representation as to their accuracy or completeness and does not accept liability for any loss arising from the use hereof.

Credit Suisse has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offering to which this press release relates. Before you invest, you should read the applicable Pricing Supplement, the Prospectus Supplement dated June 18, 2020, and the Prospectus dated June 18, 2020 that Credit Suisse has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Credit Suisse and this offering. You may obtain these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or clicking the hyperlink below:

Pricing Supplement dated November 9, 2020:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1053092/000089109220012081/e11689-424b2.htm

Alternatively, Credit Suisse, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC or any agent or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the applicable pricing supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus if you so request by calling 1-800-320-1225.

This document was produced by and the opinions expressed are those of Credit Suisse as of the date of writing and are subject to change.

Copyright  2021, CREDIT SUISSE GROUP AG and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Credit Suisse AG

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Where are they? a Trump supporter demanded in a crowd of dozens roaming the halls of the Capitol, bearing Trump flags and pounding on doors.

They  lawmakers, staff members and more  were hiding under tables, hunkered in lockdowns, saying prayers and seeing the fruits of the countrys divisions up close and violent.

Guns were drawn. A woman was shot and killed by police, and three others died in apparent medical emergencies. A Trump flag hung on the Capitol. The graceful Rotunda reeked of tear gas. Glass shattered.

On Wednesday, hallowed spaces of American democracy, one after another, yielded to the occupation of Congress.

The pro-Trump mob took over the presiding officers chair in the Senate, the offices of the House speaker and the Senate dais, where one yelled, Trump won that election.

A supporter of US President Donald Trump sits inside the office of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as he protest inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 6, 2021. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) AFP via Getty Images

They mocked its leaders, posing for photos in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one with his feet propped on a desk in her office, another sitting in the same seat Vice President Mike Pence had occupied only moments before during the proceedings to certify the Electoral College vote. That certification would eventually take place, but not until well after midnight.

There was a heavy police presence at the Capitol on Thursday morning, including officers from D.C., Maryland and Virginia and the D.C. National Guard. But the streets were quiet.

Wednesday began as a day of reckoning for President Donald Trumps futile attempt to cling to power as Congress took up the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory. It devolved into scenes of fear and agony that left a prime ritual of American democracy in tatters.

Trump told his morning crowd at the Ellipse that he would go with them to the Capitol, but he didnt. Instead he sent them off with incendiary rhetoric.

If you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore, he said. Let the weak ones get out, he went on. This is a time for strength.

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, told the crowd, Lets have trial by combat.

Damage is visible in the hallways in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)AP

What happened Wednesday was nothing less than an attempted coup, said Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., a frequent Trump critic, said, Today, the United States Capitol  the worlds greatest symbol of self-government  was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard.

Sasse went on: Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

Police said they recovered two pipe bombs, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee and a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

Yet Trump, in a video posted 90 minutes after lawmakers were evacuated, told the insurrectionists We love you. Youre very special, while asking them to go home.

Authorities eventually regained control as night fell.

Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol's Rotunda as reported tear gas smoke fills a corridor on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Saul LOEB / AFP) AFP via Getty Images

Heavily armed officers brought in as reinforcements started using tear gas in a coordinated effort to get people moving toward the door, then combed the halls for stragglers, pushing the mob farther out onto the plaza and lawn, in clouds of tear gas, flash-bangs and percussion grenades.

Video footage also showed officers letting people calmly walk out the doors of the Capitol despite the rioting and vandalism. Only about a dozen arrests were made in the hours after authorities regained control. They said a woman was shot earlier as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side.

She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

Early on, some inside the Capitol saw the trouble coming outside the windows. Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota surveyed the growing crowd on the grounds not long after Trump had addressed his supporters by the Ellipse, fueling their grievances over an election that he and they say he won, against all evidence.

I looked out the windows and could see how outmanned the Capitol Police were, Phillips said. Under the very risers set up for Bidens inauguration, Trump supporters clashed with police who blasted pepper spray in an attempt to hold them back.

It didnt work. Throngs of maskless MAGA-hatted demonstrators tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps. Some in the crowd were shouting traitors as officers tried to keep them back. They broke into the building.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A pro-Trump mob breaks into the U.S. Capitol on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty Images

Announcements blared: Due to an external security threat, no one could enter or exit the Capitol complex, the recording said. A loud bang sounded as officials detonated a suspicious package to make sure it was not dangerous.

It was about 1:15 p.m. when New Hampshire Rep. Chris Pappas, a Democrat, said Capitol Police banged on his door and told us to drop everything, get out as quickly as we could.

It was breathtaking how quickly law enforcement got overwhelmed by these protesters, he told The Associated Press.

Shortly after 2 p.m., Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Vice President Mike Pence were evacuated from the Senate as protesters and police shouted outside the doors.

Protesters are in the building, were the last words picked up by a microphone carrying a live feed of the Senate before it shut off.

Police evacuated the chamber at 2:30 p.m., grabbing boxes of Electoral College certificates as they left.

Phillips yelled at Republicans, This is because of you!

Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., told reporters he was in the House chamber when protesters began storming it. He said security officers urged lawmakers to put gas masks on and herded them into a corner of the massive room.

When we got over to other side of the gallery, the Republican side, they made us all get down, you could see that they were fending off some sort of assault, it looked like, he said. They had a piece of furniture up against the door, the door, the entry to the floor from the Rotunda, and they had guns pulled. The officers eventually escorted the lawmakers out of the chamber.

Lawmakers evacuate the floor as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP

Shortly after being told to put on gas masks, most members were quickly escorted out of the chamber. But some members remained in the upper gallery seats, where they had been seated due to distancing requirements.

Along with a group of reporters who had been escorted from the press area and Capitol workers who act as ushers, the members ducked on the floor as police secured a door to the chamber down below with guns pointed. After making sure the hallways were clear, police swiftly escorted the members and others down a series of hallways and tunnels to a cafeteria in one of the House office buildings.

Describing the scene, Democratic Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut said there was a point there where officers had their guns and weapons pointed at the door, they were obviously expecting a breach through the door. It was clear that there were pretty close to pulling the trigger so they asked us all to get down in the chamber.

As he walked out of the Capitol, Himes said he had lived in Latin America and always assumed it could never happen here.

Weve known for four years that our democracy was in peril and this is hopefully the worst and final moment of it, Himes said. But with a president egging these people on, with the Republicans doing all they can to try to make people feel like their democracy has been taken away from them even though theyre the ones doing the taking, its really hard, really sad. I spent my entire political career reaching out to the other side. And its really hard to see this.

Democratic Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley was also in the balcony. Its not good to be around terrified colleagues, with guns drawn toward people who have a barricade ... people crying. Not what you want to see, he said.

This is how a coup is started, said Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif. This is how democracy dies.

By MARY CLARE JALONICK, ANDREW TAYLOR, LISA MASCARO and CALVIN WOODWARD, The Associated Press. Associated Press writers Ben Fox, Ashraf Khalil, Alan Fram and Michael Balsamo in Washington and Michael Casey in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.
ATLANTA, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mammoth Holdings, LLC ("Mammoth"), an Atlanta-based conveyor car wash operator, has acquired two express conveyor car washes from Fast Trac Express Car Wash ("Fast Trac") in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Northport, Alabama.

Marcus Kittrell, the founder of Mammoth's Marc-1 brand and Mammoth's Executive Vice President, explained, "Fast Trac fits our existing footprint well as we expand our presence in Alabama." He added, "Mammoth will now have 14 stores in the state providing our customers and unlimited wash club subscribers with expanded wash options."

Fast Trac's founder HM Nowlin stated, "There's no group I'd like my washes to be part of more than Mammoth in large part because of my respect for Marcus Kittrell." He added, "They [Mammoth] structured a deal tailor-made to meet my needs and treated my team and me with respect from start to finish."

Mammoth is the first car wash acquisition platform formed by industry-insiders and is the 8th largest express conveyor car wash operator in the United States. Mammoth is customer-focused operationally and operator-focused in its approach to acquisitions and seeks to be the partner-of-choice for car wash operators who desire liquidity, growth capital, and a tax-deferred equity investment opportunity. Mammoth's multi-brand portfolio includes Marc-1, Wash Me Fast, Swifty, Ultra, Finish Line, Wiggy Wash, Shine On, and PitStop, among others. Mammoth has significant growth capital at its disposal and is actively seeking acquisitions and development opportunities.

In October 2018, Mammoth partnered with Red Dog Equity LLC, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, which, through its partnership with Tom Pritzker's family business interests (advised by The Pritzker Organization), provides the equity for Mammoth's corporate development initiatives. Monroe Capital provides Mammoth's debt financing.

About Mammoth Holdings

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Mammoth Holdings operates 47 conveyor car washes under the Marc-1, Swifty, Ultra, Wash Me Fast, Wiggy Wash, Pals, Finish Line, Shine On, PitStop, and QuickWash Express brands in Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Illinois, Utah, and Tennessee. Mammoth was founded by Gary Dennis and Chip Hackett in 2002. To learn more, please visit one of our locations or see us online at: www.mammothholdings.com.

About Fast Trac

Following the transaction, Fast Trac will continue to own and operate three express conveyor car washes in Madison County, Alabama. Fast Trac was founded by HM Nowlin in 2008. To learn more, please visit Fast Trac or see us online at: www.fasttraccarwash.com.

About Red Dog Equity LLC

Red Dog Equity LLCTM is a private equity firm that invests in lower middle-market companies poised for strong growth in partnership with driven, entrepreneurial business leaders ("Red Dogs"). To learn more, please visit: www.reddogequity.com.

About The Pritzker Organization

The Pritzker Organization is the merchant bank for the business interests of the Tom Pritzker family. Additional information can be found at www.pritzkerorg.com.

SOURCE Mammoth Holdings

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By Keita Nakamura, KYODO NEWS - Jan 5, 2021 - 19:34 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

A monthlong state of emergency planned by the Japanese government to contain a resurgence of novel coronavirus infections is expected to knock trillions of yen off private consumption, with some economists predicting the economy will return to contraction.

Expected economic impacts of a state of emergency in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures, which the government of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is considering declaring on Thursday, will likely be smaller than those seen after the first emergency declaration in April last year in Tokyo and six prefectures.

The declaration then was later expanded to the entire nation and fully lifted in late May. Expected restrictions this time, though not legally binding and limited to the Tokyo area, could still wipe out a significant part, if not all, of growth previously expected in the January to March quarter, economists said.

An economic slowdown in the capital could have a ripple effect, and there is even a possibility that the planned state of emergency will be expanded, they said.

Tokyo reported more than 1,200 new coronavirus infections Tuesday, with a record-high 111 COVID-19 patients in serious condition. It was the second-highest figure for the capital, after 1,337 cases reported on Dec. 31.

"The situation has been getting worse, and if the areas and the period of the declaration are extended, the percentage of the GDP shrinkage in the current quarter could be a double-digit one," said Shinichiro Kobayashi, a senior economist at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co.

"In that case, the repercussions would materialize not only in the form of consumption falls but corporate bankruptcies and increased unemployment," Kobayashi said. "That means Japan's economy could fall into a vicious cycle of deterioration in employment and income levels."

Kobayashi had last month predicted an annualized real 0.5 percent contraction in Japan's economy in the first quarter of 2021 due to the virus resurgence.

With the first state of emergency prompting people to refrain from nonessential outings and a range of businesses to cut operating hours, Japan's gross domestic product contracted an annualized real 29.2 percent in the April to June period from the previous quarter.

As economic activities restarted gradually after the emergency was fully lifted, the economy showed a sharp rebound in the following quarter, growing an annualized 22.9 percent.

According to the average forecast of 35 economists polled in December by the Japan Center for Economic Research, the economy was projected to grow an annualized 1.31 percent in the January-March term following 3.44 percent growth in the quarter to December.

Takahide Kiuchi, executive economist at the Nomura Research Institute, said about 4.89 trillion yen ($47.5 billion) of domestic consumption is estimated to disappear due to the state of emergency declaration for the Tokyo area, pushing down the nation's annual GDP by 0.88 percentage point.

The estimate is based on an assumption that 55.8 percent of the country's private consumption is not of an essential or urgent nature as shown by the government's household spending data, Kiuchi said.

Although private spending projected to be lost would be smaller than the estimated loss of 10.7 trillion yen last April and 11.2 trillion yen the following month, Kiuchi said the planned state of emergency could be expanded to nationwide in stages, knocking 14.0 trillion yen off consumption per month, or pushing down the annual GDP by 2.53 percentage points.

Hideo Kumano, chief economist at the Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, predicts the expected economic impact to be 2.8 trillion yen, assuming restrictions last for 50 days, almost the same as the first emergency declaration.

"Even if the target area is limited only to Tokyo and its vicinity, economic activities in different areas interact and almost all other regions in Japan will be affected," Kumano said.

Related coverage:

Coronavirus: Japan PM to decide on state of emergency declaration Jan. 7
Homelessness Advisory Committee Talks Permanent Supportive Housing



Joseph Finn,, president of the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, talks too the Homelessness Advisory Committee on Wednesday. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Pittsfield is looking into the concept of micro-housing units as a solution to its homelessness problem.

The Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance outlined the pilot project, called "A Place to Live," to the Homelessness Advisory Committee on Wednesday. The nonprofit's President Joseph Finn said the organization is working with Mayor Linda Tyer's office to create housing that he says is a cost-effective model of permanent supportive housing that can be replicated across the state.

"Right now, do we really need people living one, two, three, or four years within a shelter?" Finn said. "We can do better than this."

MHSA is receiving about $150,000 per year for the next five years to help fund this project.

A Place To Live is also referred to as the "Worcester Model" because, in June 2020, Worcester Housing Authority became the first agency in the state to receive permits and state approval for adopting the micro-unit concept. A Place to Live: Worcester will provide permanent supportive housing for adults experiencing long-term homelessness with 24 rooms for single adults and one room for a live-in house manager.

In this housing complex, a case manager will help tenants access behavioral health services, primary care, job training programs, and addiction treatment. The building also will offer easy access to transportation and other amenities and is expected to be ready for tenants at the end of 2021.

The four Massachusetts communities targeted for this project are Lowell, Worcester, Brockton, and Pittsfield.

MHSA was recently funded with the grant through the Massachusetts Community Health Fund. This fund provides an opportunity to address the root causes of health inequities in communities across Massachusetts with Health Resources in Action (HRiA) acting as the fiscal agent and is responsible for facilitating the planning and implementation of both funds.

These are dollars that come from larger hospitals and are re-invested into the community to address issues around health equity across the commonwealth. This funding is intended for communities that often don't get access to critical and important resources.

MHSA's grant for "Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change" targets social determinations of health, addressing specific things that stand in the way of health equity for impoverished and disabled people of the commonwealth.

Finn, who has been working on the issue of homelessness for about 30 years, said the key social determinants of health are housing for people experiencing homelessness.

"How are we supposed to achieve so-called integrated care of health when somebody doesn't even know where they are going to be staying that night," he said.

The focus of the project is to achieve a state of "function zero," which indicates that homelessness in a given community is rare overall and brief when it occurs.

By building micro-units specifically designed for permanent supportive housing, Finn said that a wealth of money would be saved as compared to renovating pre-existing housing for that purpose.

According to Margulies Perruzzi Design firm, which came up with the design concept for the housing units, the real problem in addressing housing for people experiencing homelessness is that organizations are always retrofitting and revamping old housing, which is incredibly costly, and have never stopped to think about ways that one could design and build housing that meets the needs of what people are experiencing.

Finn said there would always be a shelter component that is needed in communities, but permanent supportive housing is the first step that needs to be taken toward achieving health equity in the Pittsfield community.

"I have to say, Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority enjoys a wonderful partnership with MHSA with our rapid rehousing program," Chairwoman Kim Borden said to Finn. "I feel like you could probably talk to us for another hour just to expand on all of your thoughts and ideas and the programs that we're looking at moving forward, so thank you for that."
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-08 06:37:59|Editor: huaxia

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SANTIAGO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Thursday announced 470 million U.S. dollars in emergency pandemic relief for the country's poorest households amid a resurgence in COVID-19.

The aid will benefit about 3.2 million vulnerable households affected by the health and economic crisis, Pinera told reporters at the government headquarters.

The plan will provide up to 140 U.S. dollars per person for households in cities that have been in lockdown for four of the last five weeks, with a cap of 10 beneficiaries per household.

Smaller aid between 35 U.S. dollars and 56 U.S. dollars will go to poor residents in cities that have emerged or are emerging from lockdown.

In all, the relief package will benefit over 7.8 million people, said Pinera.

The pandemic has led to 21.6 billion U.S. dollars in economic losses, equivalent to 12 percent of the country's gross domestic product. Enditem
The author says that while our U.S. stock averages did well again in 2020, Asian stocks did equally as well and, in some cases, better. Some of that performance can be attributed to the declining dollar. A weaker dollar benefits U.S. holders of foreign equities, and most analysts expect the greenback to weaken further this year.
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ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / Findit, Inc. (OTC PINK:FDIT) owner of Findit.com, a full service social networking platform which provides online marketing campaigns and tools for members to increase brand awareness through content creation and sharing resulting in indexing in search engines is highlighting: Johnny Wooten, WynCore and NutraCap Labs. Each of these members have engaged Findit to assist them with their online marketing strategy with a customized marketing campaign that is tailored to their needs and marketing objectives. The marketing campaigns consist of content created on Findit, social sharing, video production and more and the campaigns recur on a monthly basis.

Our first featured member is Johnny Wooten. Johnny Wooten is an auto detailing and car care products store that operates the website johnnywooten.com and is open to the public at their Winston Salem location. Individual car lovers, commercial auto spas and independent detailers can purchase high quality, competitively priced auto detailing products from Johnny Wooten in person or online to baby their car, truck or SUV. Johnny Wooten is committed to exceptional customer service and wants you to be happy with your purchase, offering worry free returns and exchanges. Their products are perfect for commercial auto detailing shops, too. Findit has produced several videos for Johnny Wooten during their campaign to assist with improving their online presence. Videos are used in content created on Findit and the video in this release is one that was produced for Johnny Wooten.

Visit Johnny Wooten on Findit Under One of Their Findit Sites

findit.com/car-care-products

Our next featured member is WynCore. WynCore offers end to end warehouse management software customization services for warehouses utilizing Manhattan software. Their software developers can help cater your WMS to meet your specific warehouse needs, creating the ideal solution for your business. With 24/7 technical support available, they are there for when problems arise, helping minimize interruptions. WynCore offers a variety of services to help improve efficiency at your warehouse including Manhattan software training, QA testing, and they have experienced WMOS and PKMS consultants available to assist you. Improve your warehouse's efficiency with custom WMS solutions for your Manhattan Software by getting in touch with WynCore today by calling 866-996-2673.

Visit WynCore on Findit Under One of Their Findit Sites

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Our final featured member is NutraCap Labs. NutraCap Labs offers professional custom supplement formulation services with private labeling and works with individuals looking to launch their private label supplement line. They operate a state of the art, FDA registered facility in Norcross GA and have over 100k square feet of high quality raw materials. Because of this large inventory, they are able to create virtually any supplement that individuals want all while providing industry best lead times and low bottle minimums. They are the actual manufacturer and not a broker for your supplements, allowing them to control the quality, consistency, and safety of your products. Launch your own private label supplement business today by getting in touch with NutraCap Labs at 800-688-5956 and start their three step process.

Visit NutraCap Labs on Findit Under One of their Findit Sites



findit.com/private-label-supplements

Claim your Name on Findit today with a Findit URL. Findit URLs are $9.95 per month and each name only exists once on Findit. There is no limit to the number of URLs that you can have and URLs that are not renewed on a monthly basis do have the ability to be claimed by other people or businesses.

Want to be a featured member on Findit? Get in touch with us at 404-443-3224 or email clark@findit.com.

About Findit, Inc.

Findit.com which is a Social Media Content Management Platform that provides an interactive search engine for all content posted in Findit to appear in Findit search. The site is an open platform that provides access to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines access to its content posted to Findit so it can be indexed in these search engines as well. Findit provides Members the ability to post, share and manage their content. Once they have posted in Findit, we ensure the content gets indexed in Findit Search results. Findit provides an option for anyone to submit URLs that they want indexed in Findit search result, along with posting status updates through Findit Right Now. Status Updates posted in Findit can be crawled by outside search engines which can result in additional organic indexing. All posts on Findit can be shared to other social and bookmarking sites by members and non-members. Findit provides Real Estate Agents the ability to create their own Findit Site where they can pull in their listing and others through their IDX account. Findit, Inc., is focused on the development of monetized Internet-based web products that can provide an increase in brand awareness of our members. Findit, Inc., trades under the stock symbol FDIT on the OTC Pinksheets.

Safe Harbor:

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including statements regarding potential sales, the success of the company's business, as well as statements that include the word believe or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Findit, Inc. to differ materially from those implied or expressed.

CONTACT:

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404-443-3224

SOURCE: Findit.com

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623509/Findit-Highlights-Johnny-Wooten-WynCore-and-NutraCap-Labs-Who-Utilize-Findit-To-Improve-Overall-Presence-In-Search-and-Throughout-Social-Media
WASHINGTON  As the wreckage from a violent pro-Trump mob that breached the Capitol was being cleared from hallways, more than half of Californias Republicans in Congress voted to reject election results that cemented President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Seven California Republicans, including the partys House leader, voted to deny certification of election results from Arizona and Pennsylvania, states where Biden defeated President Trump in the November election. Only two sided with the majority of Congress and all Democrats in at least one of the votes to reject the challenges to the lawful results, and two more were not present because they have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The votes came late Wednesday night, after proceedings of the typically perfunctory Electoral College certification were interrupted by a mob of Trump supporters who swarmed the Capitol, broke into the House and Senate chambers, and ransacked offices. One woman among the crowd was fatally shot by Capitol Police defending the doors to the House. Explosive devices were defused, according to Capitol Police. Lawmakers were evacuated to safe holding rooms as the Capitol was slowly cleared, using gas masks after tear gas had been deployed in the marble halls.

Once Congress resumed, House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield delivered remarks decrying the violence and calling for the parties to come together. Then, he voted to reject results from Arizona and Pennsylvania.

He was joined by Republican Reps. Ken Calvert of Corona (Riverside County), Mike Garcia of Santa Clarita (Los Angeles County), Darrell Issa of Vista (San Diego County), Doug LaMalfa of Richvale (Butte County), Devin Nunes of Tulare and Jay Obernolte of Big Bear Lake (San Bernardino County). LaMalfa also signed the initial objection to Arizona.

Rep. Tom McClintock of Elk Grove (Sacramento County) voted to certify the results from Arizona and Pennsylvania. Rep. Young Kim of Fullerton voted for Pennsylvanias certification and did not vote on the Arizona resolution, but released a statement earlier this week saying she would reject such objections.

GOP Rep. Michelle Steel of Seal Beach (Orange County) and Republican Rep.-elect David Valadao of Hanford (Kings County) were not present for either vote, as both have tested positive for the coronavirus. Valadao is yet to be sworn in because he tested positive before Congress convened Sunday, but released a statement saying he would have joined the majority in certifying the results for Biden.

The challenge to the Arizona vote was rejected in the House 303-121 and in the Senate 93-6, and the Pennsylvania challenge was rejected 282-138 and 92-7, respectively. Congress completed the roll call of state results early Thursday and certified Biden as the winner.

The last-gasp attempt to subvert Novembers election results made use of rules that allow objections as each states Electoral College votes are certified. If both a member of the House and Senate object, it triggers a round of debate and then a vote of each chamber.

The effort was always doomed to fail, but Trump had urged his partys lawmakers to object regardless, to support his false claims about election fraud, which have been rejected by dozens of courts as baseless.

Republicans argued that the results were questionable either because of irregularities they did not provide credible evidence for, or because of the way states made changes to election procedures to ensure safety during the pandemic. Those concerns have already been heard by several courts and the changes and results have been upheld as legal.

LaMalfa said he was voting to allow time for more investigation of the claims.

I have no interest in overturning any election solely based on allegations, LaMalfa said in a statement. I do want the allegations to be investigated before Congress gives a final approval to the results. ... My vote today was to ensure that the investigation happened before inauguration day.

Garcia said he believed the states changes to election procedures were invalid. But he said in a statement Thursday it was also time to move on.

My objection to the electoral votes of two states was not in an attempt to overturn the results of the election, it was to fulfill my duty to protect the rights of the men and women of Californias 25th District, Garcia said. Let me be clear, the constitutionally mandated election process has run its course. Joe Biden is the next president of the United States and I congratulate both President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their win.

Although McClintock joined a request to the Supreme Court to throw out four states votes for Biden last month, which was summarily rejected, he said the Constitution was clear that it was not Congress right to overrule states election results.

No one has ever claimed that ours is a perfect system, McClintock wrote in an opinion piece this week. It is merely the best we have yet been able to design. And until we come up with something better, we owe it to our country, our Constitution and our posterity to stand by it and to respect its outcome, despite our wishes and suspicions.

Valadao took a stronger stand in a statement provided by his office, saying his colleagues efforts were harmful.

It is not the role of Congress to choose who the states certify, Valadao said. Choosing to ignore the facts for the sake of party power is damaging to the American peoples confidence in the Electoral College and sets an unwise precedent for future elections. Simply put, Congress does not have the power to pick the president  the American people do, through the Electoral College.

Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated how Rep. Young Kim voted on the resolutions. She did not vote on the Arizona objection.

Russia behind SolarWinds hack, intel agencies claim

Russia is the likely culprit of the widespread hack of U.S. networks, a White House task force concluded.

Since the attack, analysts and some administration officials have suggested a Russian intelligence service is behind the attack on SolarWinds' Orion product, but the Jan. 5 statement from the Cyber Unified Coordination Group -- which includes the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the National Security Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence -- is the first time the federal government has explicitly attributed the attack to Russia.

"This work indicates that an Advanced Persistent Threat actor, likely Russian in origin, is responsible for most or all of the recently discovered, ongoing cyber compromises of both government and non-governmental networks," the statement reads.

The group also said it has identified fewer than 10 government agencies that were explicitly targeted by hackers with follow-on activity using the access provided by the SolarWinds breach.

The task force statement references an initial estimate by SolarWinds that said 18,000 "public and private sector customers" downloaded the malicious code implanted within the companys update server for its Orion IT management software.

However, officials believe "a much smaller number have been compromised by follow-on activity on their systems"  and these include fewer than 10 government agencies. The group said it is also "working to identify and notify the nongovernment entities who also may be impacted."

Microsoft and cybersecurity firm FireEye last month estimated several dozen organizations were victimized by hackers beyond merely downloading the backdoor vulnerability discovered in SolarWinds Orion. The New York Times over the weekend the reported that intelligence officials now believe that 250 organizations may have been "affected."

In the wake of the ongoing breach, some lawmakers have suggested the hack was an act of war. Other lawmakers and analysts have pointed out merely breaching the government's systems is espionage, but does not constitute an act of war.

The government assessment is that the hack falls under the category of espionage.

"At this time, we believe this was, and continues to be, an intelligence gathering effort," the statement reads.

The statement also details the roles and responsibilities of the task force agencies, and notes that NSA is working with defense industrial base system owners to assess "the scale and scope of the incident" and provide mitigation assistance. No defense contractors have yet been identified as targets. Officials at the Departments of Defense, Treasury, Commerce and Homeland Security have confirmed that they were affected by the breach. Press reports have named other agencies including the State Department and the National Institutes of Health as targets.

President Donald Trump has previously suggested China was behind the hack. That claim was not mentioned in the task force statement.

This article was first posted to FCW, a sibling site to GCN.

People could soon talk to dead family members thanks to an artificial intelligence 'ghostbot'.

Microsoft has applied for a patent for an app that could digitally reincarnate the deceased by using images, voice data, social media posts, electronic messages and letters.

The app would then allow living relatives to interact with their loved ones from beyond the grave through smart devices such as the Amazon Alexa or Google Nest.

The technology would also see 2D or 3D models of the person generated using images.

The app would allow living relatives to interact with their loved ones from beyond the grave through smart devices such as the Amazon Alexa (pictured) or Google Nest

Microsoft's patent says social data would be used to, 'create or modify a special index in the theme of the specific person's personality.'

But critics said that while the 'ghostbot' could help people through the grieving process, some suggested it was 'creepy and terrifying.'

Microsoft adds: 'The special index may be used to train a chat bot to converse and interact in the personality of a specific person.

'In some aspects, a voice font of the specific person may be generated using recordings and sound data related to the specific person.'

The patent, filed last month to the US Patent and Trademark Office, goes on to suggest that a '2D/3D model of the specific person may be generated using images, depth information, and/or video data associated with the specific person'.

Kanye West commissioned a hologram of his wife Kim Kardashian's late father for her birthday

Kanye West gifted his wife Kim Kardashian a hologram of her late father Robert (pictured) for her 40th birthday. The two-and-a-half minute video showed Robert addressing his daughter.

Techrepublic.com called the idea 'intriguing and terrifying' while the tech blog Ubergizmo said: 'We admit that it might be a bit nostalgic to be able to 'talk' to a dead loved one online where the chatbot can mimic that person realistically, but it still feels kind of weird and a little bit wrong.'

Last month, Kanye West gifted his wife Kim Kardashian a hologram of her late father Robert for her 40th birthday.

The famous attorney, who passed away from esophageal cancer in July of 2003 at the age of 59, was brought back to virtual life for the unconventional gift, which a number of fans branded 'creepy'.

The two-and-a-half minute video showed Robert addressing his daughter.

Among the statements made by the virtual incarnation of the late Kardashian patriarch were that his famous daughter was 'all grown up', while he also hailed Kanye as 'the most genius man in the whole world'.
Company's total fundraising surpasses $100 million as market goes mainstream

NEW YORK and TARTU & TALLINN, Estonia, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Glia, a leading provider of Digital Customer Service , today announced that it has raised $78 million in Series C funding, bringing Glia's total fundraising to $107 million. This round was led by existing investor Insight Partners and Glia was advised in the transaction by Cooley LLP.

Glia (https://www.glia.com)Glia grew by more than 150% in 2020 as the pandemic forced businesses to reimagine how they guide and connect with customers in a digital world. The investment will allow Glia to meet the mounting demand for Digital Customer Service, scaling the category that it helped define. Glia plans to expand every department across its organization, with a focus on product development. In addition, the company is exploring strategic acquisitions.

"We are proud to expand our investment in Glia as the company continues to lead the evolution of Digital Customer Service for enterprises globally," said Lonne Jaffe, managing director at Insight Partners. "Glia's platform including CoBrowsing , video chat, and in-app messaging, provides the modern technology necessary for businesses to meet customers in their digital journeys and communicate through the customer's channel of choice. With this capital, the company will continue to scale and keep up with skyrocketing demand."

Don Brown, a pioneer in the customer service space, also invested in Glia's Series C. Brown was the founder and CEO of Interactive Intelligence, which was acquired by Genesys in 2016 for $1.4 billion. Brown commented, "Many companies are still focused on moving antiquated, on-premises telephony systems to cloud contact centers that essentially offer the same functionality. Instead, businesses can leapfrog this process and move directly to a digital-first cloud approach by partnering with Glia. If I were to build Interactive Intelligence for today's contact center, I would take Glia's approach."

"Just as Zoom has transformed the way consumers communicate with colleagues, family, and friends, Digital Customer Service is changing the way businesses support and engage with customers. This is an area that has gone mainstream, as evidenced by Facebook's recent billion-dollar acquisition of Kustomer," said Dan Michaeli, co-founder and CEO at Glia. "This capital will allow us to maintain our current momentum, helping businesses across the globe adopt the digital-first approach to customer service necessary to compete and build customer loyalty. Digital Customer Service is the future, and the future is here."

About Glia

Glia is reinventing how businesses support their customers in a digital world. Glia's solution enriches web and mobile experiences with digital communication choices, on-screen collaboration and AI-enabled assistance. Glia has partnered with more than 150 financial institutions, insurance companies and fintech providers across the globe to improve top and bottom-line results through Digital Customer Service. The company has won numerous awards for its innovation - most recently recognized by Gartner as a Cool Vendor for 2020. Visit glia.com to learn more.

About Insight Partners

Insight Partners is a leading global venture capital and private equity firm investing in high-growth technology and software ScaleUp companies that are driving transformative change in their industries. Founded in 1995, Insight Partners has invested in more than 400 companies worldwide and has raised through a series of funds more than $30 billion in capital commitments. Insight's mission is to find, fund, and work successfully with visionary executives, providing them with practical, hands-on software expertise to foster long-term success. Across its people and its portfolio, Insight encourages a culture around a belief that ScaleUp companies and growth create opportunity for all. For more information on Insight and all its investments, visit www.insightpartners.com or follow us on Twitter @insightpartners



Media Contact: Maggie Wise

678.781.7229

maggie@williammills.com

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ANN ARBOR, MI  Alina Bardwell wanted to get involved with volunteering over the summer, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, in-person volunteering was largely impossible.

Thats when she got the idea of becoming an online tutor. Now, she and more than a dozen other UM students have created MiTutor, a free online tutoring service that helps K-12 students in low-income families get help with their schoolwork.

As schools transitioned to online platforms, Bardwell realized that now is the time to help students keep up with school, especially for low income families who might not be able to comfortably afford typical tutoring rates.

We all know that lower-income families have been hit harder than anyone by the pandemic. Some have lost their jobs, some have been forced to quit in order to help their kids with school, many are essential workers working long hours and cannot be home to help their kids with school, said Bardwell, a sophomore from Ann Arbor. We want to give back in the best, safest way we can: by helping their kids perform better in school for free.

Bardwell drove around Ypsilanti over the summer and hung up posters with her contact info promoting free virtual tutoring. One family contacted her in August and asked for help. Since then, she has been tutoring their child twice a week and formed a personal connection with the family.

After finding another family in need, she asked her friend, Johanna Bozic, a UM sophomore from Chicago, to tutor them, and the two talked over winter break about expanding the program. While just looking at the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti originally, the duo found that online tutoring was a need for the Metro Detroit area as virtual learning continued throughout the fall and into 2021.

Tutors have experience in all subjects and can help students complete their schoolwork or who are falling behind their peers in specific subjects, Bardwell said. Tutors will be matched with families based on the tutors experience in areas that the student needs help in, as well as the availability of the tutor, schedule for both parties and the initial fit between the two.

Above all, we are focusing on building strong relationships with our students and helping them enjoy learning, Bardwell said. Our matching program is designed to foster these relationships so that students feel comfortable with one tutor helping them with their schoolwork.

After posting in an Ypsilanti Facebook group, Bardwell and Bozic said the interest in MiTutor has grown significantly. Bardwell said the post had over 40 responses from interested parents, and while distance isnt a factor because everything is virtual, there are only about 15 to 20 tutors available for the upcoming semester.

Bardwell and Bozic are doing their best to accommodate the demand, but they hope that as the program grows, more tutors will be available to work with students. As the pandemic gets better, Bardwell hopes to safely transition into in-person tutoring, but both know that virtual learning will likely never go away.

For Bozic, the goal is to not only help kids with their education, but also to give them more confidence in school, something to look forward to and a friend who will listen to them.

I think this program is great because, eventually, I believe our tutors will learn that as much as we help these kids, they really help us too, said Bozic.

In the future, Bardwell and Bozic will be looking for more UM students with tutoring experience to join their team. Tutors will start working with families on Jan. 18, Bardwell said. Interested families can contact Bardwell at abardwel@umich.edu or Bozic at jbozic@umich.edu.

READ MORE:

Violence at U.S. Capitol condemned by University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University officials

Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College partner in Futures for Frontliners program

15,000 LEGO bricks become Martin Luther King Jr. mosaic from Eastern Michigan University professor
WESTPORT  Residents are pushing for a civilian police review board ordinance after growing concerns with the recently established Civilian Review Panel.

The issue of police accountability has become an urgent national discussion, Jason Stiber, the ordinances lead petitioner, said at a Representative Town Meeting this week. Those who follow detailed studies on the issue know that police brutality is directly linked to the problem with police unions working against police accountability; sweeping problems of repeat offenders under the rug can have devastating consequences.

Discussions of a civilian review panel first popped up back in the spring of 2019, when Stiber was given a distracted driving ticket by Westport police who apparently mistook a hash brown for a cellphone. Stiber was later found not guilty.

Following protests against police brutality seen across the nation and in town in 2020, the first selectman started the panel to help hire new employees and to review and provide feedback to civilian complaints.

Currently, the panel consists of TEAM Westport Chair Harold Bailey and selectwomen Jennifer Tooker and Melissa Kane, who were all appointed by the first selectman.

But Stiber voiced concern with the limitations and possible conflicts in the panel. He said the 2020 Police Accountability Act gave the RTM the right to pass ordinances creating a civilian review board. He added the acts change to the standard of qualified immunity made it urgent and necessary that Westport change the complaint and investigation process.

With the change in the qualified immunity standard, there will now be a greatly increased potential of taxpayer liability for police misconduct, Stiber said. This potential for increased liability demands that we must now reform the complaint and investigation process, in order to meet our obligations to taxpayers.

He said more importantly, however, the town should make the reasonable reforms because it was the right thing to do.

As part of his proposal, a newly established review board would investigate complaints, participate in hiring decisions and receive and make recommendations for service awards for Westport police officers. The new board would be comprised of five elected voting members each serving four-year terms.

Stiber said the ordinance allows the police chief to ultimately make the disciplinary decision, so police are involved and their views are embraced in the proposal.

The ordinance is not anti-police, in any way, but it is pro-accountability, pro-transparency, and pro-checks and balances, he said. Many of us believe that the majority of police are good, conscientious people, but all humans are flawed.

Several residents voiced early support for the proposal.

We need a police review board that is composed of civilian members elected by Westporters, not appointed by Westport politicians, Cecilia Stiber, a Westport resident, said. We must solidify Westporters right to civilian review of police conduct, like all other towns in Connecticut is entitled, by codifying an independently elected CRB into ordinance.

But RTM members did not comment on the petition, choosing to follow the common practice of waiting for the second reading of petitions after they have gone through the proper committees.

Its more difficult for the RTM members who havent been exposed to the full text to even have a great appreciation for what the commenters are trying to contribute to the topic, said Seth Braunstein, a RTM member. Its of much greater impact to the people who will vote on this to have the benefit of the comments after the ordinance has been fully digested and considered at the committee level.

The RTM will further discuss the petition at its meeting on Feb. 2.

dj.simmons@hearstmediact.com
Hundreds of President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a stunning bid to overturn his election defeat, battling police in the hallways and delaying the certification of Democratic President-elect Joe Biden's victory for hours.

In the gravest assault on the symbol of American democracy in more than 200 years, rioters forced their way past metal security barricades, broke windows and scaled walls to fight their way into the Capitol.

Police said four people died during the chaos - one from gunshot wounds and three from medical emergencies - and 52 people were arrested.

Some besieged the House of Representatives chamber while lawmakers were inside, banging on its doors and forcing suspension of the certification debate. Security officers piled furniture against the chamber's door and drew their pistols before helping lawmakers and others escape.

Hours later, both houses of Congress resumed their work on certifying Biden's Electoral College win, with debate stretching into the early hours of Thursday. It quickly became clear that objections from pro-Trump Republican lawmakers to Biden's victory in battleground states would be rejected overwhelmingly, including by most Republicans.

"To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today - you did not win," Vice President Mike Pence, who presided over the session, said as it resumed. "Let's get back to work," he said, drawing applause.

Police struggled for more than three hours after the invasion to clear the Capitol of Trump supporters before declaring the building secure shortly after 5:30 p.m. (2230 GMT).

The assault on the Capitol was the culmination of months of divisive and escalating rhetoric around the Nov. 3 election, with Trump repeatedly making false claims that the vote was rigged and urging his supporters to help him overturn his loss.

The chaos unfolded after Trump - who before the election refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he lost - addressed thousands of supporters near the White House and told them to march on the Capitol to express their anger at the voting process.

He told his supporters to pressure their elected officials to reject the results, urging them "to fight."

Trump came under intensive fire from some prominent Republicans in Congress, who put the blame for the days violence squarely on his shoulders.

"There is no question that the President formed the mob, the President incited the mob, the President addressed the mob. He lit the flame," House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney said on Twitter.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton, a leading conservative from Arkansas, called on Trump to accept his election loss and "quit misleading the American people and repudiate mob violence."

A source familiar with the situation said there have been discussions among some Cabinet members and Trump allies about invoking the 25th Amendment, which would allow a majority of the Cabinet to declare Trump unable to perform his duties, making Pence the acting president. A second source familiar with the effort doubted it would go anywhere with Trump having just two more weeks in office.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who had remained silent while Trump has sought to overturn the election result, called the invasion a "failed insurrection" and promised that "we will not bow to lawlessness or intimidation."

"We are back in our posts. We will discharge our duty under the Constitution, and for our nation. And we are going to do it tonight," he said.

'RECKLESS BEHAVIOR'

The shock of the assault on the Capitol seemed to soften the resolve of some Republicans who had supported Trump's efforts to convince Americans of his baseless claims of fraud.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trumps staunchest allies in Congress, rejected an effort by his fellow Republicans to object to election results in hopes of setting up a commission to investigate Trumps unsubstantiated allegations of election fraud.

"All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough," Graham said on the floor of the Senate. "Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are lawfully elected and will become the president and the vice president of the United States on Jan. 20."

The Senate rejected by a 93-6 vote Republican objections to the certification of Biden's victory in the battleground state of Arizona, ensuring their defeat. The House of Representatives, controlled by Democrats, also rejected the move by a 303-121 vote.

The Senate also rejected an objection to the certification in Pennsylvania on a 92-7 vote. The House was still debating the objection.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered a citywide curfew starting at 6 p.m. (2300 GMT).

National Guard troops, FBI agents and U.S. Secret Service were deployed to help overwhelmed Capitol police. Guard troops and police pushed protesters away from the Capitol after the curfew took effect.

It was the most damaging attack on the iconic building since the British army burned it in 1814, according to the U.S. Capitol Historical Society.

Biden, a Democrat who defeated the Republican president in the November election and is due to take office on Jan. 20, said the activity of the protesters "borders on sedition."

TRUMP REPEATS FALSE CLAIMS

In a video posted to Twitter while the rioters roamed the Capitol, Trump repeated his false claims about election fraud but urged the protesters to leave.

"You have to go home now, we have to have peace," he said, adding: "We love you. You're very special."

Twitter Inc later restricted users from retweeting Trump's video, and Facebook Inc took it down entirely, citing the risk of violence. Twitter said later it had locked the account of Trump for 12 hours over "repeated and severe violations" of the social media platform's "civic integrity" rules and threatened permanent suspension.

Election officials of both parties and independent observers have said there was no significant fraud in the Nov. 3 contest, in which Biden won 7 million more votes than Trump.

Weeks have passed since the states completed certifying that Biden won in the Electoral College, which decides presidential elections, by a 306-232 vote. Trump's challenges to Biden's victory have been rejected by courts across the country.

Trump had pressed Pence to throw out election results in states the president narrowly lost, although Pence has no authority to do so. Pence said in a statement he could not accept or reject electoral votes unilaterally.

The mayhem stunned world leaders. "Trump and his supporters must accept the decision of American voters at last and stop trampling on democracy," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said.

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The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps held naval drills involving hundreds of boats in the Persian Gulf, just as a South Korean delegation headed to Tehran to negotiate the release of a tanker seized by Iran earlier this week.

The IRGCs volunteer Basij paramilitary force led a parade of more than 700 light and mid-weight vessels in the waters off Assalouyeh on Thursday, around 450 kilometers (280 miles) west of the port of Bandar Abbas where the Korean ship is being held, according to a statement on the IRGCs news website, Sepah News.

The IRGCs naval fleet is mostly comprised of small, agile boats that it uses to police shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday some of them seized the South Korean-flagged Hankuk Chemi for alleged violations of environmental laws, something its operator has denied.

South Korea has already sent its own warship, the ROKS Choi Young, toward waters near the strait, and a diplomatic delegation left for Iran early on Thursday to negotiate the tankers release, Yonhap news agency reported.

Iran has used its influence over the Persian Gulf to push back against US-led attempts to isolate it economically. A government spokesman this week linked the seizure of the tanker to billions of dollars trapped in South Korea by US sanctions.

Thursdays parade was part of commemoration events for the one-year anniversary of the killing of IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani by the US, according to the statement.
Expanding digital-only lenders open up framework questions, illustration photo

Digital-only group TNEX, in partnership with Vietnamese lender Vietnam Maritime Bank (MSB), is boasting about its service speed as a core component of its business. It takes just a few minutes to register, and new customers will immediately receive a free-for-life revolutionary bank account and virtual debit card with virtual TNEX Blue Card within 24 hours.

According to Bryan Carroll, TNEX CEO and also chief digital officer at MSB, TNEX is the first cloud-based bank in Vietnam where everything is open source.

TNEX leverages user data analytics, AI, and machine learning for event streaming, and also a number of Amazon tools. It will also shortly move to utilising facial recognition.

Its in-house electronic Know-Your-Customer makes use of data science  customer data captured can be used to improve the customer experience, such as using it to make payments.

TNEXs mission is to provide inclusive, secure, free, and innovative financial and lifestyle solutions for every individual and small- and micro-sized enterprises in both urban and rural areas, Carroll said.

We have not followed traditional banks that run campaigns to teach their customers how to use products. Instead, our products are articulated in a way that they understand, he added.

Vietnam boasts great potential for digital financial services, with 80 per cent of the population under 52 years of age, 68 million internet users, and 148 million active mobile subscriptions.

Besides new entrant TNEX, several other players are vying with each other to increase their footprint.

Timo Bank, the acclaimed digital-only lender which has operated in Vietnam for five years, recently started its partnership with Viet Capital Bank, saying it would bring a seamless and smooth banking experience, fuelled by technology and innovation.

Viet Capital Bank CEO Ngo Quang Trung explained, Digital transformation is an inevitable trend for banks because of the social context as well as the rapid change of technology that has shifted customer habits. Viet Capital Bank is not an exception to this trend. Fintech is the future and we have been quick to capitalise on this trend for development and growth.

In the upcoming roadmap for development, Viet Capital Bank is pivoting towards providing a banking platform and services to partners operating in the fintech space, Trung added. Timo is a partner that we highly appreciate not only for its experience and the similarity of our visions but also its customer experience efforts over time.

Before tying the knot with Viet Capital Bank, Timo cut ties with its original banking partner, VPBank. The latter has nevertheless been making strides to build its own digital subsidiary with YOLO, which since 2018 has focused on younger people.

Replicating a strategy that has made Chinese tech giants Tencent and Ant Financial global fintech leaders, YOLO is pursuing the idea of providing a digital ecosystem with diversified services combined with a bank.

It is now in close relationship with Mastercard to issue debit cards services, without visiting brick-and-mortar branches.

Elsewhere, Wee Digital  a Vietnamese startup offering digital banking experience through biometrics-based solutions and deep data analytics  has received much attention from international and local investors alike.

In June 2020, the startup successfully raised a seven-digit US dollar amount from South Korean InterVest and existing backer VinaCapital Ventures.

Wee Digital said it will use the funding to expand its operations across Vietnam and focus on partnering with banking clients in applying biometrics solutions to their services, enhancing customer experience, according to Dealstreetasia.

In Vietnam, some major lenders have also sped up with digitally-led services, together with virtual banks such as TPBank with LiveBank, and OCB with OMNI.

Virtual banks in Vietnam currently have to pair up with more-established groups as current regulations are currently restrictive and incomplete.

Dao Minh Tu, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, said digitally-led banking services are expanding at a breakneck pace, facilitating various perks for clients, especially amid the pandemic. However, it is not straightforward to properly manage and build a comprehensive legal framework for virtual banks.

We need to thoroughly study how to manage this kind of bank, Tu emphasised.

According to Tu, e-payment methods of ride-hailing platforms like Grab are already causing authorities to scratch their heads in terms of a suitable legal framework. Preparation for such a framework for fintech sandboxes is underway, but issuing official policies may still be some way off.
The Ho Chi Minh City travel sector plans to double down on its investment in pushing retail tourism to the domestic market in the hope of recovering from the effects of COVID-19.

The city should leverage its strong retail sector in order to boost the tourism industry, Nguyen Thi Khanh, chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, said during the organizations general meeting on Tuesday.

The citys tourism sector was heavily battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted tourism operations throughout Vietnam and forced many firms out of business, leading to many of the industry's professionals seeking new jobs or change careers.

In light of the situation, the new standing committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association aims to boost support programs for businesses and promotional activities in order to help the local tourism industry bounce back.

To achieve the goal, the organization is advising firms to develop new products and cooperate with localities to create new round trip tours targeting local travelers.

The organization has also urged agencies to create a preemptive plan to safely welcome foreign tourists back to the country.

In the long run, the city must develop a comprehensive plan to sustainably develop tourism, capitalizing on its bustling retail sector and essentially positioning Ho Chi Minh City as the regions 'shopping heaven.'

Mindful of the devastation COVID-19 has wreaked on local tourism, the association put forward bold plans to stimulate the recovery of the sector.

In furtherance of their vision to transform Ho Chi Minh City into the liveliest tourism city in Asia, local authorities reached out to the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association for assistance, said Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, director of the municipal Department of Tourism.

Product development will serve as a key component of the plan to achieve this goal and firms are encouraged to team up with governmental agencies to diversify tourism offerings.

Ha Van Sieu, deputy director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), said tourism in Ho Chi Minh City assumes a leading role that poses significant impacts on the overall development of Vietnams tourism, and the citys tourism association has proved a great leader by reaching to the counterparts of other locales to promote the direction of VNAT.

During these hard times, Ho Chi Minh Citys tourism [stakeholders] have linked up to overcome obstacles and aid the industrys recovery, spearheading [domestic] economic development, Sieu said.

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Singapore officials have recently admitted that data from its COVID-19 contact tracing programme can also be accessed by police. According to BBC, on January 4 the parliament was told that the data could be used for the purpose of criminal investigations. However, earlier the officials had explicitly ruled out that the information would be used for anything other than the virus tracking.

Nearly 80 per cent of residents are signed up to the Trace Together Programme. The voluntary use had also increased after the government had announced that it would soon be needed to access anything from the supermarket to place of work. The programme uses a smartphone app or Bluetooth token and it also monitors who you have been in contact with.

If a person tests positive for the deadly virus, the data allows tracers to swiftly notify anyone that might have been infected. This had prompted concerns over privacy, however, the officials had encouraged people to enrol and even promised that the data would never be used for other purposes. Previously, the Singaporean authorities said that the data will never be accessed unless the users test positive for coronavirus and are contacted by the contact tracing team.

READ: Singapore To Block Travellers From South Africa To Stop Spread Of Mutant Virus

However, on Monday, Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Tan said that the app can in fact also be used for the purpose of criminal investigation, adding that otherwise, the data is to be used only for contact tracing and for the purpose of fighting the COVID crisis. The same day, the privacy statement on the Trace Together was also updated and it stated that the Criminal Procedure Code applies to all data under Singapores jurisdiction.

The statement read, Also, we want to be transparent with you. TraceTogether data may be used in circumstances where citizen safety and security is or has been affected. The Singapore Police Force is empowered under the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) to obtain any data, including TraceTogether data, for criminal investigations.

READ: Singapore Starts COVID-19 Vaccination For Healthcare Workers

Govt to stand down after pandemic

On Tuesday, Singapores Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan clarified that it was not just Trace Together data was used in cases of serious criminal investigations. He said that under the CPC, other forms of sensitive data like phone and banking records would also have their privacy regulations overruled. Balakrishnan said that to his knowledge, police had so far once accessed the programme in the case of a murder investigation.

Further, the minister stressed that once the pandemic is over, there will no longer be a need for the contact tracing. He added that the government will also stand down the Trace Together programme once the country overcomes the deadly pandemic. Singapore was among the first countries to introduce the app and the introduction of token had sparked a rare backlash against the government over concerns the would be mandatory. An online petition calling for it to be ditched was also signed by nearly 55,000 people.

READ: Singapore Airlines Offers 'COVID Passports' For Safe Travel; All About Health Certificates

READ: COVID-19: Singapore Becomes First Asian Country To Get Pfizer Vaccine Shipment


T he UK has recorded 52,618 coronavirus cases and1,162 deaths overnight.

It is the first time the daily Covid-19 death toll has passed 1,100 since April.

It is the highest single-day total since April 21, when 1,224 deaths were recorded.

But the Governments death figures continue to be affected by a lag in the publication of recent data. They contain some deaths that occurred over the Christmas and New Year period that have only just been reported.

The total number of infections recorded across the country since the start of the pandemic now stands at 2,889,419, while the total number of deaths within 28 days of a postivie test is 78,508, according to the Department of Health dashboard.

However, separate figures published by the UKs statistics agencies, together with additional data on deaths that have occurred in recent days, show there have now been more than 94,000 fatalities involving the virus in the country.

NHS staff describe being on the Covid-19 front line

It comes as NHS trusts in London are on the verge of being overwhelmed, according to leaked health service documents, while other trusts are rapidly turning normal wards into intensive care units (ICUs).

As of January 4, there were 30,451 people in UK hospitals with coronavirus, much higher than the April 12 peak of 21,684.

Meanwhile

 A surgery visited by Health Secretary Matt Hancock to promote the vaccine launch in England is yet to receive supplies of the Oxford/AstraZeneca product. Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the scenes were like something from political comedy The Thick Of It.

 Of the 269,886 people transferred to the NHS Test and Trace system in the week to December 30, 84.9 per cent were reached, down from 86.4 per cent in the previous week, and the lowest percentage since the week to October 28.

 In the seven days to January 3 there were 9,256 ambulance handover delays of between 30 and 60 minutes in England and 5,318 delays greater than 60 minutes. These are the highest weekly numbers so far this winter.

Hospitals across London have reached crisis point / PA

Rupert Pearse, professor of intensive care medicine and a consultant at the Royal London, said his ICU staff are having to care for far more sick patients as he urged the public to heed the stay at home lockdown message.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme there would usually be one fully-trained ICU nurse to one ICU patient but staff are becoming increasingly stretched.

Right now we are diluting down to one (ICU) nurse to three (patients) and filling those gaps with untrained staff and in some instances doctors helping nurses deliver their care  and were even facing diluting that further to one in four, he said.

As intensive care doctors, were not sure how we can together deliver the quality of care that we need to.

Speaking on behalf of the Intensive Care Society, he said the problems are not just in London, but in other hospitals across the UK, and are not limited to ICU wards.

He added: We are really very concerned now about the seriousness of the situation  which is definitely worse than the first wave and proving much harder to deal with now as the resources we had in the first wave arent available to us.

So were really struggling to provide the quality of patient care that we think patients deserve. And the impact of the pandemic is taking care away from other illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.

In essence, the healthcare available to all of us is not as good as it should be right now.

Prof Pearse said that unless people take the lockdown seriously, the impact on healthcare across the country could be catastrophic.

Coronavirus: Deserted Tier 4 London 1 /18 Coronavirus: Deserted Tier 4 London London Tier 4 Jeremy Selwyn London Tier 4 PA London Tier 4 PA London Tier 4 PA London Tier 4 PA London Tier 4 PA London Tier 4 Jeremy Selwyn London Tier 4 Jeremy Selwyn London Tier 4 Jeremy Selwyn London Tier 4 Jeremy Selwyn London Tier 4 Jeremy Selwyn London Tier 4 Jeremy Selwyn London Tier 4 PA London Tier 4 PA London Tier 4 PA London Tier 4 PA London Tier 4 PA London Tier 4 PA

According to an NHS England Zoom presentation seen by the Health Service Journal (HSJ), hospital capacity in London will not be enough for the expected rise in patients in the coming weeks.

The data showed that, even if the number of Covid patients grows at the lowest rate considered likely, and measures to manage demand and increase capacity, including opening the capitals Nightingale hospital, are successful, the NHS in London will be short of nearly 2,000 general and acute (G&A) and intensive care beds by January 19.

Meanwhile, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson, told the Today programme that hospital bosses across England are looking to the care and nursing home sector for any spare capacity.

He said the Exeter and Manchester Nightingale hospitals are currently being used but Nightingales are the last-resort insurance policy as they are not purpose-built for health and care and require the diversion of staff.

Elsewhere, Dr Richard Cree, from the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, urged people to follow the rules, writing on his blog: I have spent a torrid few days desperately trying to keep people alive and failing.

We have all seen far too many people die. Please, please stay at home.

The first community vaccinations in England with the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab took place in GP surgeries on Thursday and it is hoped that around 1,000 sites will be delivering vaccines by the end of the week.

The vaccine can be stored at normal fridge temperatures, unlike the Pfizer jab which requires storage at minus 70C.
The heartthrob of the nation, Kartik Aaryan created an uproar across the masses as he ended 2020 by wrapping his film Dhamaka in the record breaking time frame of 10 days. With just a few days of break, the talented and dedicated actor has now kickstarted 2021 with his first shoot of the year.

One of the busiest actors of the industry, the young star has his hands full with back to back films as well as other work commitments. Beginning the year with a bang and taking no time to rest, Kartik Aaryan is back to work and do what he does the best - entertain.

The Love Aaj Kal actor shared pictures from his first shoot of 2021 on his social media. Giving a glimpse of the sets and the shoot, he captioned them as, "Lets roll #2021 #FirstShoot ".

From playing an intense character of a journalist in the action thriller Dhamaka, entering the horror comedy space in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 to enjoying the entertaining comic space in Dostana 2 amongst other varied and diverse roles, 2021 is all set to unfold the assorted facades of Kartik Aaryan's versatility.

ALSO READ: Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, Kriti Sanon And Others Have A Gala Time At Manish Malhotra's Dinner Party

ALSO READ: Kartik Aaryan's Role In Dhamaka Was Earlier Offered To Kriti Sanon; Film Was To Be Directed By Rahul Dholakia
Good morning.

It is official. After a nightlong debate  and an onslaught of violence as a pro-Trump mob overran the Capitol building  Congress has certified President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s victory and President Trumps loss.

The violent run-up to the final vote, driven by the presidents repeatedly debunked claim that the election had been stolen, riveted and divided the state as it did the rest of the nation. Californians voted 2-to-1 for Mr. Biden, but more than six million voted to give Mr. Trump a second term in the White House.

There was defiance: In Orange County, Los Angeles, Sacramento and elsewhere, the presidents supporters took to the streets, waving Trump flags and Stop the Steal signs. Were here to stand  to stand for America and against evil, Ken Rickner, 62, a stucco contractor from Antioch, said, carrying a Trump flag in a cold rain outside Californias Capitol, where about 300 people held a demonstration.

There was disgust: Im sickened. This is not our country, Representative Jared Huffman, a Democratic congressman from San Rafael, told The San Francisco Chronicle by phone from his Capitol office as the insurrection unfolded around him and constant sirens blared outside. Representative Karen Bass called for the arrest of marauders, tweeting their photos. As the anarchy wore on, a rising chorus of Democrats  many from California  called for Mr. Trump to be removed from office. The President of the United States continues to be detached from reality, Representative Ted Lieu tweeted. You know it. I know it. We all know it.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has slammed Gov Andrew Cuomo for refusing to allow him to use thousands of unused COVID-19 vaccine doses for the elderly and police after revealing a high number of healthcare workers are not signing up for appointments.

The Mayor has repeatedly called for the state's priority criteria to be expanded so NYC can start vaccinating those aged of 75 and all essential workers such as police, grocery store workers and teachers.

He has argued that demand from healthcare workers to receive the vaccine is drying up so the city should be able to move on to the next phase and start giving out shots to other priority groups.

Under state guidelines set by Cuomo, healthcare workers and nursing home residents and staff are the first groups eligible to receive shots.

Just 149,932 NYC residents have received vaccines in the last three weeks. The city has been allocated 487,375 doses for use, according to the latest city data.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday slammed Gov Andrew Cuomo for refusing to allow him to use thousands of unused COVID-19 vaccine doses for the elderly and police

'We need to vaccinate all New Yorkers who are vulnerable, all New Yorkers who are high priority. We need the freedom to vaccinate,' de Blasio said during his press briefing on Thursday.

'It makes no sense if I have someone over 75 whose ready right now to be vaccinated, there's no reason I shouldn't be doing that.

'If I've got an essential worker or a first responder who is ready right now and we have really efficient ways to reach them because they're part of the government - we can organize within our agencies very efficiently - there's no reason to hold that back.

'If you had a world where everyone said 'I 100 percent want the vaccine'... then the governor's theory would make a lot of sense. But on the ground it's different. We're at the frontline, here's what we're seeing. A lot of people aren't ready to take the vaccine in category 1A.'

Cuomo earlier this week threatened to fine hospitals up to $100,000 if they dont finish their first round of inoculations by the end of the week. He also threatened to stop sending the vaccine to hospitals that don't use their share promptly.

Dr Michael Katz, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, addressed the lack of response from healthcare workers during de Blasio's press conference.

Under state guidelines set by Cuomo, healthcare workers and nursing home residents and staff are the first groups eligible to receive shots

Just 149,932 NYC residents have received vaccines in the last three weeks. The city has been allocated 487,375 doses for use, according to the latest city data

'When we opened vaccine slots there was tremendous interest... as the days moved on we found that demand began to decrease,' Katz said.

'We spent a lot of time walking through the hospital encouraging people individually.'

He said a lot of healthcare workers who had been working with COVID patients for 10 months said they weren't taking the vaccine because they have either had the virus, had a stronger immune system because they haven't had it or are not ready to take the shot.

'All of a sudden we now have appointments available but we don't have arms to give that injection too,' he said.

De Blasio said that vulnerable people who are aged over 75 and are currently hospitalized are not eligible to receive the vaccine under the state rules.

'It makes no sense. If they're in the hospital... give them the vaccine,' de Blasio said.

The Mayor also lashed out, saying that the state wasn't allowing them to move ahead with vaccinating NYPD and corrections officers.

De Blasio said the state wasn't allowing them to move ahead with vaccinating NYPD and corrections officers despite first responders now being eligible. He used this chart to show the state's definition (left) and who the city want to vaccinate (right)

People line up at Nassau County's first COVID-19 vaccination distribution site, set up by Northwell Health and Nassau County, at Nassau County Community College this week

He announced a day earlier his plan to provide shots to 10,000 of the city's police officers by Sunday.

Cuomo, however, immediately shot down that idea, saying: 'We need to get the health care population done first because they are the front line.'

De Blasio said his plan to vaccinate NYPD officers was put in place after the state expanded phase 1A of the rollout plan.

While revised guidelines released by the state on Tuesday do not explicitly say that police can now be vaccinated, a de Blasio spokesperson said city officials had been told they could include police and correction officers as front-line workers who are eligible for the shots.

De Blasio said the city 'very clearly' interpreted the news rules to mean that NYPD and corrections officers who administer CPR when responding to incidents were now eligible.

'We were ready to go a do a huge vaccination effort at department of correction and NYPD. We were told by the state they would not allow that,' de Blasio said, adding that the state informed him it only applies to a smaller percentage of NYPD medical core workers.
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After the reelection defeat of United States President Donald Trump, despite not calling for a dispersal, Trump encouraged his supporters who stormed the Capitol on Wednesday to remain peaceful.

Trump Calls for Peace

The joint session of Congress where lawmakers were counting electoral votes which will also be affirming the White House victory of Democrat Joe Biden two weeks before the Inauguration Day was delayed by the protesters as they bulled their way into the Capitol, overwhelming the police as they put chaos into the seat of democracy, BBC reported.

Trump responded offered a muted response to the violence as loyalists who are brandishing his paraphernalia and clashing with police, occupying the Capitol, and even stormed the Senate chamber.

Due to the growing pressure coming from his allies in condemning the violence, Trump emphasized in a tweet that they should remember that they are the Party of law and order, and reminded the people to respect the law and the great men and women in Blue.

As the unrest continues, several hours later, Trump tweeted that these are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously and viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been unfairly and badly treated for a long time.

But he asked his supporters also in the tweet to go home with love and in peace but remember this day forever.

During the earlier part of the rally, Trump had encouraged his supporters to march on the Capitol and suggested at one point that he will be joining them on Capitol Hill.

In his remarks, he used violent undertones and incendiary language.

Trump also had urged his supporters in getting rid of the weak people in Congress, presumably because of primary challenges.

Read Also: Flight Attendant Brutally Dies Allegedly in the Hands of Friends on New Year's Eve

He also added that it is time to get the weak ones to get out as it is time for strength.

On the other hand, Republican lawmakers are pleading with President Trump and do more in stopping the violence brought by his supporters.

House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of California shared that he also asked the president to calm the individuals down.

According to Fox News, McCarthy shared to them that he was able to talk to the president already and he suggested to the president to make a statement to put the individuals calm down.

Even Senate ally, Marco Rubio of Florida who also a Republican appealed to the White House directly and ask Trump that the men and women of law enforcement are under assault and he reminded Trump that he plays a vital role in helping and restoring the order by sending resources to assist the police and also ask those who are doing this to stop and stand down, PIX11 reported.

Another Representative from Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher posted a video message on social media and urged Trump to call it off and shared that this is the Banana Republic crap that we are watching right now.

He has also spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans regarding the certification of the Electoral College vote that Biden has won.

Related Article: Autopsy Results of Flight Attendant Found in Hotel Tub on New Year's Day Leak, Family Challenges Findings

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Since day-start on Thursday, no ceasefire violations have been recorded.

Russian-controlled forces in eastern Ukraine's Donbas breached the ceasefire agreement five times over the past day, January 6.

That's according to an update by the press center of the Joint Forces Operation Command.

"Over the past day, January 6, in the Joint Forces Operation zone, five ceasefire violations were recorded. In the area of responsibility of the Skhid tactical group not far from Vodiane, in the Azov littoral, Russian occupation forces opened fire several times using 120 mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, and a large-caliber machine gun. At noon, enemy fire activity of Russia's armed groups was spotted not far from the settlement of Opytne. Here, the enemy made several non-aimed using a easel-mounted grenade launcher, and near Hnutove  using small arms," the report says.

OSCE representatives were informed about ceasefire violations through the Ukrainian side to the Joint Ceasefire Control and Coordination Center.

Ukrainian troops returned fire to the enemy attacks.

There were no combat losses among the Ukrainian defenders, the HQ added.

Since day-start on Thursday, no ceasefire violations have been recorded.

Donbas war: Related

Reporting by UNIAN
Irish journalist Donie OSullivan has become on overnight sensation following his dramatic coverage of the unrest at the US Capitol.

The Co Kerry native started trending on social media for his reporting from the scene as supporters of outgoing president Donald Trump stormed the building.

He calmly relayed news back to the CNN studio as viewers across the world watched in horror as the drama unfolded.

Comedian Dara O Briain was amongst those who congratulated the reporter, saying CNN just introduced a reporter called Donie OSullivan and fair dues, he sounds exactly like youd hope.

John King, CNNs chief national correspondent, described Mr OSullivan as awesome.

Screenwriter Declan Lawn said of OSullivan: All the other CNN correspondents cant believe this stuff and are freaking out but Donie OSullivan is strolling around like hes seen far worse coming out of a Carlow nightclub.

Read More

Another female fan posted a picture of herself with a video, saying 'I dont think I quoted you accurately but this Irish American is very proud'.

Trade unionist Brendan Ogle added: "All joking aside, you mind yourself #donie. Fantastic reporting. It really was class. Theres something 'bout Donie."

Another added: "As a member of the US Gay Irish delegation my husband and I would agree to the motion of wanting some of @donie."

Another fan tweeted: "We're all very proud of @donie but we also all want him to be safe and to go home now for a nice cup of tea and a bath."

Donie's sister tweeted proudly: "Well, everyone seems to know my brother now. So proud of you Donie. Up Kerry!"

Read More

Responding to the outpouring on social media, OSullivan said on Twitter that he was overwhelmed by all the love from Ireland tonight."

OSullivan has been working as a reporter with CNN for almost five years and prior to this spent over two years working as a journalist for Storyful in New York and Dublin.

Download the Sunday World app Now download the free app for all the latest Sunday World News, Crime, Irish Showbiz and Sport. Available on Apple and Android devices

Online Editors
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Irish no-frills airline Ryanair on Thursday slashed its annual traffic forecast after axing more flights due to the coronavirus fallout.

It expects to carry between 26 million and 30 million passengers in the company's financial to March, Ryanair said in a statement.

That compared with a prior forecast of less than 35 million.

The Dublin-based carrier also cut its flight schedules during the first quarter of 2021 amid fresh COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions.

The airline said it still expects to make a net loss in the current fiscal year after the deadly pandemic ravaged the aviation industry.

"Ryanair will significantly cut its flight schedules from Thursday 21 January, which will result in few, if any, flights being operated to/from Ireland or the UK" until restrictions are lifted, it said.

The carrier meanwhile urged the Irish and UK governments to accelerate the pace of their COVID-19 vaccine programmes.

Explore further Ryanair slashes more flights on virus restrictions

 2021 AFP
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There was a whole lot of noise in the two months between Joe Biden winning the 2020 election in Pennsylvania and the final certification of that victory in Congress in the early-morning hours Thursday.

Even before voters cast their ballots, President Donald Trump threatened to flood the state with lawyers to challenge results. And in the run-up to Election Day, it had already become one of the most litigated elections in Pennsylvanias history. Lawsuits over the legality of mail ballot drop boxes, deadlines, and satellite elections offices flooded the courts. Trump loudly and baselessly claimed that he could only lose the state by fraud.

The attacks on the elections legitimacy only escalated as the results came in. Trumps refusal to concede and false allegations of fraud fueled another whirlwind of failed lawsuits and a public opinion campaign that stoked voter uncertainty.

Their complaints culminated early Thursday when Sen. Josh Hawley (R., Mo.) and dozens of House Republicans  including eight of Pennsylvanias nine GOP congressmen  sought to disqualify Pennsylvanias 20 electoral votes.

Their efforts were voted down just after 3 a.m. Thursday, paving the way for Congress to finalize Bidens victory.

Here are some key events that led to that moment:

Nov. 4  In the early morning hours after Election Day, Trump declares he has an impossible to catch lead over Biden in Pennsylvania, despite the fact most mail ballots have not yet been counted. Later, he falsely declares victory.

Week of Nov. 4  In the days after the election, Trump campaign lawyers file roughly a dozen lawsuits in state and federal courts across Pennsylvania challenging issues such as the level of access monitors had to the counting of votes in Philadelphia and other locations, or seeking to disqualify batches of mail ballots for procedural defects like voters failing to write their address on the outside of the envelope. Nearly all are ultimately rejected by courts.

Nov. 7  News organizations project Biden has won Pennsylvania and, with it, the presidency.

 READ MORE: Fact-checking false claims about Pennsylvanias presidential election by Trump and his allies

Nov. 9  The Trump campaign files a federal lawsuit in Williamsport, its first sweeping legal challenge seeking to block certification of Pennsylvanias election results. The suit compiles many complaints that had already been litigated in state courts  like issues over poll monitor access to vote counting and disparities in whether counties allowed voters to correct mistakes on mail ballots. The suit is the first legal challenge to propose setting aside the results and having state legislators declare the victor instead.

Nov. 21  U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann, a former county GOP chairman in Pennsylvania, rejects the Trump campaigns suit after a remarkable court hearing in Williamsport, in which Trump campaign lawyer Rudy Giuliani strays from the campaigns earlier arguments over Pennsylvanias rules for the casting and counting of votes. Instead, he alleges a cabal of Democratic officials nationwide had conspired to steal the election. In tossing the suit, Brann describes it as a strained legal argument with speculative accusations  unsupported by the evidence. The Trump campaign appeals the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Nov. 21  U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R., Pa.) files a suit before a state appellate court seeking to disqualify all votes cast by mail in the state, arguing the 2019 state law that had enabled them had been unconstitutionally approved by the GOP-controlled state Legislature.

Nov. 23  Pennsylvania counties certify their results and send them to the Department of State. A handful of Republican county commissioners vote against certifying their results.

Nov. 24  Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar certifies the election results: 80,555 more votes for Biden than for Trump. Gov. Tom Wolf signs the Certificate of Ascertainment to name the 20 Biden electors who will represent the state in the Electoral College.

 READ MORE: With the vote count now over, heres how Pennsylvania broke for Joe Biden

Nov. 25  Republican state senators hold a hearing with Trump lawyers Giuliani and Jenna Ellis in Gettysburg, airing a number of false voter fraud conspiracy claims. Trump calls into the meeting. This election was rigged, and we cant let that happen, he tells the crowd through a phone held up to a microphone. We cant let that happen for our country, and this election has to be turned around because we won Pennsylvania by a lot and we won all these swing states by a lot. Some Republican state senators meet with Trump in the White House that night, with one abruptly leaving the meeting after testing positive for COVID-19.

Nov. 27  The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit upholds Branns rejection of the Trump campaigns federal suit, saying the campaign did not have legal standing to challenge the administration of Pennsylvanias election. But while it throws out the case on procedural grounds, Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas, a Trump appointee, also addresses in his opinion the merits of the campaigns claims of malfeasance and finds them lacking. Calling an election unfair does not make it so, he writes. Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here. Kelly vows to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Nov. 28  The Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejects Kellys challenge to Pennsylvanias vote-by-mail law. Though the justices split on whether the questions the congressman raised over the laws constitutionality deserved further hearing, they all agree that nothing untoward occurred with votes cast in this election and reject his proposed remedy of disenfranchising millions of voters across the state. It is not our role to lend legitimacy to such transparent and untimely efforts to subvert the will of Pennsylvania voters, Justice David N. Wecht writes in an opinion.

Week of Nov. 30  Trump calls Pennsylvania House Speaker Bryan Cutler twice to enlist his help in his efforts.

Dec. 4  More than 60 Republican lawmakers in Harrisburg  including Cutler and House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff  disavow Pennsylvanias election results and in a letter call on members of Congress to object during the counting of electoral votes in Washington. The missive comes just hours after Trump allies on Twitter called them cowards and accused them of letting America down  and hours after Cutler and Benninghoff signed a memo saying the state legislature had no authority to interfere with the certification of the states vote.

 READ MORE: 2020 was an ugly year in Harrisburg. Dont expect 2021 to be much better.

Dec. 8  The U.S. Supreme Court declines to consider Kellys appeal. Meanwhile, a new front in the legal battle opens. In an audacious brief riddled with factual errors, questionable legal arguments, and debunked conspiracy theories, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton urges the high court to disqualify votes from Pennsylvania and three other battleground states, claiming significant and unconstitutional irregularities. Trump, 17 Republican state attorneys general, and dozens of GOP lawmakers in Harrisburg and Washington sign on in support of the suit.

Dec. 11  The U.S. Supreme Court rejects Paxtons case, saying in a brief, unsigned order that Texas lacked standing to challenge the manner in which another state conducts its election.

Dec. 14  Pennsylvanias electors cast the states 20 Electoral College votes for Biden. The Pennsylvania Republican Party announces 20 GOP electors had also met to cast a conditional vote for Trump. The Trump campaign says the effort was meant to preserve any legal claims that may be presented going forward.

Dec. 21  Trumps campaign asks the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn several Pennsylvania Supreme Court decisions that prohibited counties from comparing mail ballot signatures to those on file, blocked campaigns and political parties from challenging ballots as they are being counted, allowed limitations on observers to the vote count in Philadelphia, and allowed ballots to count even if voters had forgotten to fill out the address or date on the envelope.

Dec. 23  Trump invites the entire state Senate Republican caucus to lunch at the White House.

Jan. 4  Top Republicans in the state Senate ask Congress to delay certifying Pennsylvanias results, writing in a letter that a majority of the State Senate is troubled by the many inconsistencies that happened in our Commonwealth during the 2020 election.

Jan. 6  Congress meets to count electoral votes, with a group of Republican senators and a majority of Republican members of the House planning to object to Pennsylvanias results. Lawmakers begin debating an objection to Arizonas results when a mob attacking the Capitol and the democratic process breaches the building, interrupting the session. Afterward, senators drop their planned objections to other states, but Hawley says hell still object to Pennsylvanias results.

Jan. 7  In the early hours, as the session continues, Hawley and Kelly object to Pennsylvanias electoral results. The two chambers split up for debate, with the House taking a full two hours as Republican lawmakers argue for objecting to the results  making a variety of false or misleading claims about the election  while Democrats demand the results are counted. Ultimately, both the House and Senate vote against the objection, officially accepting Pennsylvanias 20 Electoral College votes for Biden.
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Health Minister Robin Swann has fired a warning at those who continue to flout health regulations, saying that they might as well be "slapping a nurse in the face".

Northern Ireland has been warned it's facing the most difficult winter ever as new lockdown measures from the Executive come into force.

Tough new measures come into force at midnight on Thursday, with First Minister Arlene Foster saying hopes are now pinned on the vaccination programme as being "our way out of this."

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said that the country is now facing "a desperate situation" as the Department of Health recorded a further 1,985 new positive cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday, with 13 further deaths and the R rate of transmission at 1.8.

People are now only allowed to leave home for medical needs, to buy food or to exercise. Those who cannot work from home will also be allowed to leave.

The new rules will be in place until at least February 6.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: "We need to stay home and restrict our contacts as much as possible. It is that straightforward and that simple.

"If anybody out there still thinks that Covid is a joke, a hoax, I'll say to them 'catch yourselves on'. What they do is akin to slapping a nurse in the face."

As the new lockdown restrictions were debated in the Assembly, Justice Minister Naomi Long said that anyone leaving home without a reasonable excuse could be hit with a 5,000 fine.

While there is a long list of exceptions - including necessary attendance at work, accessing goods from businesses which can legitimately open, accessing medical care and taking exercise - a 200 fixed penalty notice can be issued for breaching the stay at home rule, which can reach 5,000 if the case goes to court.

"In addition, police will have the power to direct people to return to their home, and remove a person to where they normally reside," she told MLAs.

Ms Long emphasised that enforcement will remain a last resort but that the public are advised to stay within 10 miles of their home to take exercise.

Mrs O'Neill said Northern Ireland is now facing a "very grave situation".

"The escalation in positive cases is a real threat to our health service," she said.

"Covid-19 cases have increased to the point where it's simply not possible to protect the NHS and save lives without further significant restrictions. Doing nothing is not an option.

"We are in a desperate situation, and it's going to get worse over the next number of weeks."

Mrs Foster said the brightest hope on the horizon was the vaccination programme.

"We will come through this and the vaccine programme, which is a credit to the dedication of the scientific community as well as our health and social care sector," she said.

"We need to do everything we can to stay safe, protect the NHS and save lives. We have more difficult weeks to get through, but we will get there together."

Around 50,000 people have received a first vaccination dose, with 91% of care home residents have now vaccinated.

And Northern Ireland's Nightingale Hospital, based at the in the tower block at Belfast City Hospital, is set to be expanded from 24 intensive care beds to 32.

On Wednesday, the Republic of Ireland reported 17 further coronavirus-related deaths and 7,836 new cases.
Southern Pines, NC (28387)

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Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. Hot. High 91F. Winds light and variable..

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New Delhi:

He was labelled as the next big thing in Dalit politics in Uttar Pradesh and a challenge for the BSP but the party is least impressed by the exploits of Chandrasekhar Azad Ravan let alone consider him a threat.

Recently, Chandrasekhar organised a massive Dalit protest in Delhi against atrocities by the upper caste in Saharanpur, despite being underground to evade arrest for his alleged role in inflaming caste-based violence in the district.

The presence of around 5,000 supporters carrying blue-themed posters and masks of Chandrasekhar alongside B R Ambedkars led to observers terming it as the beginning of a new era in Dalit politics and a threat to Bahujan Samaj Party.

ALSO READ | Bhim Army protest: Founder Chandrashekhar Azad, thousands of Dalit activists assemble at Delhi's Jantar Mantar



Sporting a chevron moustache, a blue scarf and an acquired sturdiness, Chandrasekhar is anything but tame.

Chandrasekhars Bhim army is based out of Saharanpur from where the founder of BSP, the late Kanshi Ram, began his political career.

While Kanshi Ram got several mentions by Bhim army, the outfit alleges BSP supremo Mayawati seemed to have failed in leaving an imprint on the Dalits.

Leaders who represent us have done nothing to make our situation better. That is why we had to come up with our own army to protect our brothers from the upper-caste, a member of Bhim army said.

With nearly six lakhs Dalits residing in the district, Saharanpur had been a stronghold for the BSP until recently when the party lost the seats both in general election in 2014 and Assembly election this year.

The BSP, whose symbolic colour is also blue, however, downplayed losing ground in the district and refused to acknowledge Bhim army or Chandrasekhar as a threat.

We lost the election as Congress-SP alliance led to polarisation, said BSPs Jagpal Singh who lost the Assembly election in Saharanpur by nearly 12,000 votes to Masood Akhtar of the Congress.

He preferred calling the members of Bhim army as his children who were young and committed to Dalit rights albeit not integrated enough to run an oraganisation or a party.

They used WhatsApp to gather Dalits for the protest in Delhi. It did not involve hard work while the BSP is committed to the idea of Bahujan (people in majority) and brotherhood, Singh told PTI.

The Bhim army, meanwhile, has alleged police action on their members after the violence.

They are saying we received funds from Naxalites. We have no connection with them yet, but have to rethink if we do not get justice, Jai Bhagwan Jatav, a confidant of Chandrasekhar, said.

The tension between Dalits and Thakurs snowballed into a full-blown clash on May 5 in Saharanpurs Shabbirpur village. The district is simmering following a spate of caste clashes and killings.

Saharanpur police, however, said that it was probing the case only through criminal angle.

It hardly matters what their ideology is, and we dont want to get involved in that. We are investigating the matter from a criminal angle, senior superintendent of police Prabal Pratap Singh said.

It has been close to a month since an FIR was registered against Chandrasekhar but he is yet to be nabbed, and continues to reach out to his supporters through WhatsApp and Facebook videos.

We (Bhim army) are not a political outfit. We are representatives of our community who will not sit silently anymore, 30-year-old Chandrasekhar, a lawyer from the Chamar community, said in a Facebook video on May 28.

Saharanpur is the north-most district of Uttar Pradesh. Scheduled caste population in the district is about 21 per cent of the total population which is nearly 29 lakhs.

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WASHINGTON - Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Thursday called for President Donald Trump's immediate removal from office, either by his Cabinet or through impeachment, describing the violence at the Capitol on Wednesday as "an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president."

"What happened at the U.S. Capitol yesterday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president," Schumer said in a statement. "This president should not hold office one day longer."

Schumer said the "quickest and most effective way" to remove Trump would be under the 25th Amendment.

Under that process, the president can be removed from office by the vice president plus a majority of the Cabinet, or by the vice president and a body established by Congress, if they determine he "is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office."

"If the Vice President and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president," Schumer said.

The Democratic-led House impeached Trump last year related to political overtures to Ukraine, but he was acquitted by the Republican-led Senate.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked against Trump, becoming the highest-profile Republican to press for the president to be relieved of his official duties.

"Sadly, yesterday, it became evident that not only has the president abdicated his duty to protect the American people and the people's House, he invoked and inflamed passions that only gave fuel to the insurrection that we saw here," Kinzinger said in a video he posted on Twitter on Thursday morning.

"When pressed to move and denounce the violence, he barely did so, while of course victimizing himself and seeming to give a wink and a nod to those doing it," the Illinois Republican added, referring to the Twitter video in which Trump on Wednesday called on the rioters to "go home" but told them: "We love you. You're very special."

"All indications are that the president has become unmoored - not just from his duty or even his oath, but from reality itself," Kinzinger said. "It is for this reason that I call for the vice president and members of the Cabinet to ensure that the next few weeks are safe for the American people, and that we have a sane captain of the ship."

Kinzinger said that it is time to invoke the 25th Amendment "to end this nightmare."

Earlier Thursday, Trump pledged an "orderly transition" in a statement issued shortly after Vice President Mike Pence announced Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election at the end of a joint session of Congress that was disrupted for hours by violent Trump supporters.

Trump's statement stopped short of conceding to Biden, who plans to address the nation Thursday and introduce his nominees for several top Justice Department posts.

Contractors Question: Does the guidance given to contractors at the 11th hour before the Brexit deal still stand?

More pressing for me ahead of a new contract, what if I use a UK limited company to provide IT services to an EU-based client, but I remain based in the UK and work remotely, with only occasional visits to the client?

Experts Answer: Lets tackle your first question first.

Despite a Brexit agreement now being signed off by both the UK and the EU, very little practical information can be added to the Contractor UK piece you have linked to.

Since the deal, we have received many questions on how the VAT rules will change when a UK company like yours, invoices an EU company for services post-December 31st 2020.

The UKs new status

Be aware, since January 1st 2021 the UK is a third country so far as the EU/EEA is concerned. Contractor consulting services are Business-to-Business (B2B) exports so in that sense, the usual export rules will apply.

With VAT specifically, if a UK recruitment agency receives an EU country-registered Personal Services Companys services, then the PSC will now not charge VAT to the UK business (which mirrors what it would have done with a US company).

Then, the UK company receiving the invoice will account for UK VAT as input tax on its VAT Return. In other words, the so-called Reverse Charge provisions continue to apply.

However with VAT and further issues about contracting overseas, in the EU in particular, it is our hope that further post-Brexit negotiations and a specific agreement on services will add the detail you seek on the situation.

A change to your invoices

Regarding your second question, if you live and work in the UK and invoice your EU clients from your UK limited company, then there are very few factors that will change for you, at least as far as the Withdrawal Agreement now stands.

The one notable change to be aware of is that your Business-to-Business (B2B) invoices will be zero-rated as exports.

As an aside, what we are coming up against is a certain prejudice arising against UK limited companies. We have had instances where the client has asked to be billed by an EU company, although we cannot find any formal requirement for this.

Clients unreasonable demands (cont.)

We have also come across clients wishing to invoice UK limited companies from the EU, charging local VAT rates. We can find no grounds for this either, although some clients have insisted it is the case.

Keep in mind, services are of paramount importance to the UK but, in our view, less so to the EU.

Until the EU and the UK agree in further or new detail on how to treat such services, including IT services such as yours, then the rules we understand to apply are four-fold and as follows.

Four fundamentals

First, you are now very unlikely to obtain an A1 from the EU to work in the UK, or vice-versa. However, if you do hold such a certificate already, it will continue to be effective until its expiry. Without an A1 you will have to pay social charges in the country where you work.

Second, the UK and the EU have reached a healthcare agreement when visiting the EU.

In particular, millions of UK Citizens can still access free healthcare across Europe after Brexit through a new UK GLOBAL HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (GHIC).

If you apply for a card now, youll receive a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. But note, you do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires.

Travelling without your GHIC?

Next, if you need treatment while visiting a country where GHIC is valid and you do not have your card with you (in your question you talk of occasional visits to your client in the EU), you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC).

The Helpline to get a (PRC) is 0044 191 218 1999 - call from the hospital or clinic where you are receiving treatment and select option 2.

You should note that a (PRC) can only be issued if you need treatment.

Count your days or get fined, expelled

Fourth and finally, a UK national can now spend only 90 days out of 180-day period within an EU country without a visa.

You face fines and even deportation if after 90 days you dont leave the EU completely.

However, be careful because you must aggregate the days you spend in the Schengen Area countries, so some contractors will need to keep an extra careful count of where they are and for how long. The Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

In closing, please note an important caveat -- you may not work gainfully without a work visa and the 90 days are for tourism and business purposes only -- not employment or running a business.

The expert was Kevin Austin, managing director of overseas contracting advisory Access Financial.
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Congratulations comrade Raphael Warnock , for your winning the Senate post. Now it is your turn to focus on bringing decorum and sense of decency in American political decision making . Ignore the petty teething like hurdles perpetrated by the white supremacists, these need not to derail your focus from the broad agenda of building much awaited revolutionary culture in selfish ridden American politics. This position is eked on the apparent reality that irrational violence will never rule, but people will always rule. Thus, it is obvious that there is substantial quality of revolutionary realism in the dynamics of the currently unfolding political changes in America regardless of some sham resistance from the few shit-holes of Ku Klux Klan cultured white supremacists.

American political history charges that Ku Klux Klan is a traditional racist organization supporting exclusive or anti-black political faith and culture which nourishes itself on the assumption that an American with European ancestry is socially superior to Americans with non - European ancestry. However, it is so unfortunate that this has been the guiding philosophy of the Republican party. A philosophy which believed in building political and capitalist economic superiority on basis of racial subjection and enslavement of the black people.

Most unfortunate is the truth in the social fact that American democracy will only be achieved when the slaves are in power. It will be achieved when the generations of slaves are in political power through fair and revolutionary political decisions like the ones evinced in the unanimous support for Joe Bidden Presidency . In fact election of Joe Bidden is one of the most Democratic events in the history of American politics . Thus, Donald Trump has no basis to label Joe Bidden presidential win as fraudulent election, in fact it was the most revolutionary election. A milestone in liberation struggle of the powerless in America.

Philosophically, the most dirty political thought of our time is to think that one group of people is superior politically than the other. To think that whites are politically Superior than blacks in America, that the Israeli are politically Superior than Arabs in Israel or that the Kikuyu's are politically inferior than the Luhyia's in Kenya. The fact is that social superiority or inferiority should not form ethos of our modern politics, what humanity wants most is shared prosperity.

Thus, American whites must revolutionize racial-political conscience to accept other Americans, not just on paper and theory , but by accepting to share American prosperity. This is what American democracy has failed to achieve, it has always achieved to maintain human lives in poverty amid extreme prosperity. Courtesy of Patrimonial capitalism. It must be condemned.

By -Alexander Opicho

(From, Lodwar, Kenya)

[email protected] com
Belarus has officially adopted a new national emblem that carries slightly more Western and less Russian references despite the European Union and the United States having refused to recognize Alyaksandr Lukashenka as the winner of last year's presidential election.

The law on new state symbols signed by Lukashenka on January 4 was published on the official document website on January 7.

The national anthem, flag, and several other symbols have remained unchanged. However, the updated national emblem now displays subtle differences compared to the previous, Soviet era-rooted one.

Most notably, the globe on the new emblem has been slightly rotated eastward, making Western Europe and the Atlantic Ocean more visible compared to the previous one, where Russia and Eurasia were featured more prominently.

Other changes include a larger contour of Belarus at the center of the emblem and a slightly bigger red star on top, still reminiscent of Soviet times.



The changes were initiated in early 2020, when Russia was persistently pushing Lukashenka for closer ties.

Lukashenka, who has been in power since 1994, had resisted pressure from Moscow in recent years to agree to deeper integration under the unification agreement which envisaged close political, economic, and military ties but stopped short of forming a single nation.

However, facing months of protests demanding his resignation following the disputed August 9 presidential election, Lukashenka has reverted to his old rhetoric recently, again praising Moscow and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has supported him during the ongoing political crisis.

Crisis In Belarus Read our coverage as Belarusians continue to demand the resignation of Alyaksandr Lukashenka amid a brutal crackdown on protesters. The West refuses to recognize him as the country's legitimate leader after an August 9 election considered fraudulent.

Nearly 30,000 people have been detained, and hundreds beaten in detention and on the streets, in the postelection crackdown by the Belarusian government.

The EU and United States refuse to recognize Lukashenka as the country's legitimate leader and imposed sanctions on him and other senior officials.

The vote, which handed the 66-year-old Lukashenka a sixth term, was widely dismissed as having been rigged. Opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, largely seen as the real winner of the election, was forced to flee to Lithuania shortly afterward.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 09:28:40|Editor: huaxia

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TRIPOLI, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Wednesday announced rehabilitating three schools in the Libyan capital Tripoli that were damaged by the armed conflict between the eastern-based army and forces of the UN-backed government.

"Through Libya stabilization (project), UNDP fully rehabilitated and handed over the Abdulbasit Al Hamroni School, Al Hakh Revolution School and Al Jelani Al Gargoti School located in Greater Tripoli," UNDP said in a statement.

"After rehabilitation, 1,190 students will enjoy better education in an adequate learning environment," the statement said.

The eastern-based army and the UN-backed government had been engaged in a deadly armed conflict for over a year in and around capital Tripoli, which ended in June 2020 when the UN-backed government announced its takeover of all western Libya after the withdrawal of the eastern-based army.

According to the UN-backed government, 14 schools in Tripoli were severely damaged by the armed conflict. Enditem
Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Thursday welcomed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's statement in Sri Lanka, which he said signified the Centre's concern towards Tamils and would be welcomed by the people of Tamil Nadu.

Jaishankar unequivocally stated the Indian position on the 13th Amendment to the island nation, Purohit said in a statement.

Quoting Jaishankar from a press conference he addressed with his Srilankan counterpart Dinesh Gunawardena in Colombo on Wednesday, the Governor emphasised, "this is an important statement, signifying the concern of the Indian Government towards their Tamil sisters and brothers in Sri Lanka."

His words are sure to be welcomed by the people of Tamil Nadu." Jaishankar's statement "is in the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji's own untiring efforts for the welfare of the Tamil population in Sri Lanka, the Governor said.On January 6, Jaishankar underlined India's backing for Lanka's reconciliation process and an "inclusive political outlook" that encourages ethnic harmony.

The Foreign Minister had said: "As we promote peace and well-being in the region, India has been strongly committed to the unity, stability and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.

Our support for the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka is longstanding, as indeed for an inclusive political outlook that encourages ethnic harmony.

"It is in Sri Lanka's own interest that the expectations of the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka are fulfilled.That applies equally to the commitments made by the Sri Lankan government on meaningful devolution, including the 13th Amendment to the Constitution," Jaishankar added.

The progress and prosperity of Sri Lanka would surely be advanced as a consequence, he asserted.The 13th Amendment provides for devolution of power to the Tamil community. India has been pressing Sri Lanka to implement the 13th amendment which was brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987.His remarks assume significance in the backdrop of moves by the ruling Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) allies to mount a public campaign for abolition of Sri Lanka's provincial councils system.The SLPP's Sinhala majority hardliners have been advocating a total abolition of the island's provincial council system established in 1987.

The DMK had recently urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prevail upon Sri Lanka to give up its 'proposal' to abolish the provincial councils as it went against the island nation's 13th Amendment to Constitution.

(IMAGE CREDITS:PTI)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
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The Union Health Ministry has cautioned people against downloading or sharing personal details on apps that have names similar to "Co-WIN". This is because the ministry said that such apps were created by "unscrupulous elements" and can misuse personal information.

"Some apps named 'Co-WIN' apparently created by unscrupulous elements to sound similar to the upcoming official platform of Government, are on Appstores. DO NOT download or share personal information on these. MoHFW Official platform will be adequately publicised on its launch," the Union Health Ministry tweeted.

Some apps named "#CoWIN" apparently created by unscrupulous elements to sound similar to upcoming official platform of Government, are on Appstores. DO NOT download or share personal information on these. #MoHFW Official platform will be adequately publicised on its launch. - Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 6, 2021

The Co-WIN (COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network) app, a digital platform created for real-time monitoring of COVID-19 vaccine delivery and distribution by the Centre, is in its final stage of implementation and has not gone live on Google Play Store or any other app store.

The health ministry had earlier stated that Co-WIN digital platform includes a free downloadable mobile application that can help record vaccine data. One can register themselves on it if they want the vaccine.

"There will be five modules in Co-WIN app -- Administrator module, registration module, vaccination module, beneficiary acknowledgment module, and report module."

The administrator module is for the administrators who will be conducting these vaccination sessions. Through this module, they can create sessions and the respective vaccinators and managers will be notified.

The registration module is for people to get registered for vaccination. It will upload bulk data on co-morbidity provided by local authorities or by surveyors.

The vaccination module will verify the beneficiary's details and update the vaccination status.

The beneficiary acknowledgment module will send SMS to beneficiaries. It will also generate QR-based certificates after one gets immunised.

The report module will prepare reports of how many vaccine sessions have been conducted, how many people have attended those, how many people have dropped out etc.

The app will also send real-time data of the temperature of the cold-storages to the main server.

Also Read: 10% COVID-19 vaccines will be wasted, says Centre; to cost Rs 1,320 crore more

Also Read: Banks lend Rs 1,200 crore to 12.17 lakh street vendors; SBI disburses Rs 180 crore

Also Read: Is US trade body's probe undermining India's right to tax digital transactions?
Thank goodness we have a law and order president who was willing to protect our federal building in Oregon when concerned about protests by the Black Lives Matter marchers. Look how he took control of the protesters breaching our Capitol .... Or at least, that is what I dreamed before I woke up from my nap to see the insurrection of President Donald Trumps supporters, who seem to get a pass from our law and disorder president. Shame, shame, shame.

Maxine Brand,

Lyndhurst
In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, people listen as President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Washington. The U.S. registered its highest deaths yet from the coronavirus on the same day as a mob attack on the nation's capitol laid bare some of the same, deep political divisions that have hampered the battle against the pandemic. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

The U.S. registered more COVID-19 deaths in a single day than ever beforenearly 3,900on the very day the mob attack on the Capitol laid bare some of the same, deep political divisions that have hampered the battle against the pandemic.

The virus is surging in several states, with California hit particularly hard, reporting on Thursday a record two-day total of 1,042 coronavirus deaths. Skyrocketing caseloads there are threatening to force hospitals to ration care and essentially decide who lives and who dies.

"Folks are gasping for breath. Folks look like they're drowning when they are in bed right in front of us," said Dr. Jeffrey Chien, an emergency room physician at Santa Clara Valley Regional Medical Center, urging people to do their part to help slow the spread. "I'm begging everyone to help us out because we aren't the front line. We're the last line."

Meanwhile, the number of Americans who have gotten their first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine climbed to at least 5.9 million Thursday, a one-day gain of about 600,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hundreds of millions will need to be vaccinated to stop the coronavirus.

About 1.9 million people around the world have died of the virus, more than 360,000 in the U.S. alone. December was by far the nation's deadliest month yet, and health experts are warning that January could be more terrible still because of family gatherings and travel over the holidays.

In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington. The U.S. registered its highest deaths yet from the coronavirus on the same day as a mob attack on the nation's capitol laid bare some of the same, deep political divisions that have hampered the battle against the pandemic. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

A new, more contagious variant is spreading around the globe and in the U.S. Also, it remains to be seen what effect the thousands of supporters of President Donald Trump who converged this week in Washington, many of them without masks, will have on the spread of the scourge.

Trump has long downplayed the virus and scorned masks, and many of his ardent supporters have followed his example. He has also raged against lockdowns and egged on protesters objecting to restrictions in states such as Michigan, where armed supporters invaded the statehouse last spring.

On Wednesday, the day a horde of protesters breached the U.S. Capitol, disrupting efforts to certify the election of Joe Biden, the U.S. recorded 3,865 virus deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. The numbers can fluctuate dramatically after holidays and weekends, and the figure is subject to revision.

In this Jan. 5, 2021, file photo, medical personnel walk on a bridge to a hospital parking lot after their work shift at LAC+ USC Medical Center in Los Angeles. The U.S. registered its highest deaths yet from the coronavirus on the same day as a mob attack on the nation's capitol laid bare some of the same, deep political divisions that have hampered the battle against the pandemic. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

"The domestic terrorists overran the Capitol police, just as the virus has been allowed to overrun Americans," said Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. "The U.S. lost control of a Trump-incited mob and a Trump-played-down pandemic virus."

Some of the forces contributing to the eruption of violence were partially foreseen by experts in global disease planning when they held a tabletop exercise in 2019, said Dr. Eric Toner, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security who directed the drill.

"We did consider the possibility of active disinformation and using a pandemic for political gain," Toner said. "Real life turned out to be much worse."

In California, health authorities Thursday reported 583 new deaths, a day after 459 people died. The overall death toll there stands at more than 28,000. The state also registered more than a quarter-million new weekly cases, and only Arizona tops California in cases per resident. Florida broke its record for the highest single-day number of cases with over 19,800, while its death toll reached 22,400.

In this Jan. 5, 2021, file photo, emergency medical technicians sanitize an ambulance stretcher after transporting a patient at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center in Los Angeles. The U.S. registered its highest deaths yet from the coronavirus on the same day as a mob attack on the nation's capitol laid bare some of the same, deep political divisions that have hampered the battle against the pandemic. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, Trump supporters gesture to U.S. Capitol Police in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber at the Capitol in Washington. The U.S. registered its highest deaths yet from the coronavirus on the same day as a mob attack on the nation's capitol laid bare some of the same, deep political divisions that have hampered the battle against the pandemic. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

In this Jan. 4, 2021, file photo, motorists line up to take a coronavirus test in a parking lot at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The U.S. registered its highest deaths yet from the coronavirus on the same day as a mob attack on the nation's capitol laid bare some of the same, deep political divisions that have hampered the battle against the pandemic. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)

In this Jan. 5, 2021, file photo, a worker gives instructions to motorists at a COVID-19 testing site in Los Angeles. The U.S. registered its highest deaths yet from the coronavirus on the same day as a mob attack on the nation's capitol laid bare some of the same, deep political divisions that have hampered the battle against the pandemic. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

Los Angeles County, the nation's most populous with 10 million residents, and nearly two dozen other counties have essentially run out of intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 patients.

"This is a health crisis of epic proportions," said Barbara Ferrer, public health director for Los Angeles County.

Guidelines posted on the website for Methodist Hospital of Southern California warned: "If a patient becomes extremely ill and very unlikely to survive their illness (even with life-saving treatment), then certain resources ... may be allocated to another patient who is more likely to survive."

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Supporters cheer at a concert prior to the election results on 4 January (ANSA)

Pope Francis turns his thoughts to the Central African Republic, after recent elections led to clashes among citizens.

By Vatican News staff writer

After reciting the Angelus on the feast of the Epiphany, Pope Francis turned his thoughts to the Central African Republic, assuring that he is following events in the nation "carefully and with preoccupation".

Elections were held recently in the Central African Republic. The Pope noted that "the people have manifested their desire to continue on the path of peace."

And he invited "all parties to a fraternal and respectful dialogue, to reject hatred, and to avoid all forms of violence."

The Central African Republic is one of the poorest and most unstable countries in the continent, despite being rich in resources such as diamonds and uranium. According to the UN, half of the country's population is dependent on humanitarian aid and a fifth is displaced.

Violence surrounding elections

The President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, was re-elected on 27 December, with opposition candidates making claims that the election was rigged.

Since the beginning of December, the situation in the country has become very tense.

A coalition of armed groups, the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), has intensified attacks after the decision of the Constitutional Court to exclude former president Francois Bozize, from among the candidates.

He is supported by the rebels and opposes the current president. The Central African government and the UN have refused the rebels' request to postpone the election.

President Touadera has allegedly accepted help from foreign countries to try to maintain control over national territory.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 21:27:53|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Basij, a force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), held on Thursday a naval parade on the shores of Assaluyeh port in the Gulf, official IRNA news agency reported.

The parade, attended by more than 700 light and heavy vessels, is a show of support to Iran's defense goals and the IRGC's navy, Hossein Salami, chief commander of the IRGC, was quoted as saying.

The armed forces and the people are ready to defend the interests of Iran, particularly in the Gulf and in the country's waters, he noted.

Basij consists of volunteer troops who operate on IRGC's call and command. Enditem
Washington: Jerry Daniele believes things that arent true. He is confident, for example, that Donald Trump received 75 per cent of the vote in the November election  the largest share of the popular vote of any candidate in modern US history.

The fact the official results show Trump won only 47 per cent of the vote is because of rampant fraud committed by Democrats in multiple states, Daniele says.

Trump supporters Michelle and Jerry Daniele believe Democrats stole the presidential election. Credit:Matthew Knott

"This was not an election  this was a soft coup," Daniele says. He believes truckloads of illegal ballots for Joe Biden were shipped into key swing states on election night, depriving Trump of his rightful victory.

Daniele and wife Michelle flew six hours from their home in New Mexico to Washington on Thursday (AEDT) to join tens of thousands of Trump supporters at a protest against the looming certification of Joe Biden's election victory.
By removing the religious factor from the Karabakh conflict, we have, of course, significantly reduced the possible degree of this conflict, with the ensuing consequences. Kirill, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, stated this in an interview with Russia TV.

"I hope that there will be peace, and I am based on the positions of the church and religious authorities of Armenia as well as Karabakh and Azerbaijan. You know that the Russian Church has initiated a discussion of the Karabakh issue with the participation of the Catholicos of All Armenians and the Supreme Mufti, the Supreme Muslim Leader of Azerbaijan, Pashazade. We have held several rounds of such talks and agreed on many issues. And I believe the main result of these talks is that the two religious leaders, who are backed by the majority of the people, talked to each other, and this conversation was very calm in the sense that there were no accusations, no tension. (). This has never happened before, and this was because the religious leaders themselves bear full responsibility for the spiritual condition of their people.

Therefore, the role of religious leaders is important; we do not exaggerate, but we do not underestimate it either. In the end, very clear results were achieved during these negotiations: the exchange of captives, the non-use of religious symbols, religious expressions, religious motivation to inspire the warring parties. By removing the religious factor from this confrontation, we have, of course, significantly reduced the possible degree of this conflict, with the ensuing consequences. Therefore, without exaggerating the role of religious leaders, it should not be ignored in any way.

The Russian Church is also ready to participate in this process in order to have its peacekeeping contribution to the solution of a very difficult problem, which, unfortunately, could be stopped at the moment only with the presence of Russian peacekeepers." Patriarch Kirill added.

On November 9, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a joint statement on a complete cessation of hostilitieswhich Azerbaijan had launched on September 27in and around Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Accordingly, Russian peacekeepers are deployed in the region to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities.
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Even as Amazon plans to fill a dizzying amount of new Bellevue office space, all near the future downtown light rail station, it's making a second big bet on the Eastside  where the company was founded 26 years ago. Now the state's largest employer, as it eclipses a shrinking Boeing, the company announced yesterday a $2 billion initiative to foster about 20,000 affordable housing units nationally  including an initial 1,000 here.

Jeff Bezos said in a statement, This new $2 billion Housing Equity Fund will create or preserve 20,000 affordable homes in all three of our headquarters regions  Arlington, Puget Sound and Nashville. It will also help local families achieve long-term stability while building strong, inclusive communities.





. . .
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Ventures, the ventures arm of Novo Holdings, today announces its participation in the BioGeneration Ventures (BGV) oversubscribed fourth fund, 'BGV IV', which has closed at EUR 140M ($170 million).

As one of the most active biotech investors in US and Europe, Novo Ventures' investment strategy is to identify and invest in life science companies developing innovative products with the potential to significantly advance patient care. This investment in BGV IV Fund enhances Novo Ventures' reach into BGV's home market, the Benelux, which is fast becoming one of the leading and most productive life sciences regions in Europe.

BGV, which is based in The Netherlands, aims to build new companies in Europe around either single asset or technology platforms, with the goal of creating transformational new medicines and also creating significant returns for its LPs. The BGV IV fund follows the same successful investment strategy as the firm's three prior funds and the team has already made four new investments from BGV IV.

Commenting on the investment, Naveed Siddiqi, Senior Partner at Novo Ventures, said:

"Europe continues to be at the forefront of both life science innovation and investment, and Novo Ventures is proud to be one of the most active direct investors in European life sciences. This investment enables us to better access the high-quality science being discovered and developed particularly in the Benelux region, and it is a continuation of our strategy to selectively enhance our reach in life science hotspots around the world through collaborative relationships. We have been impressed with BGV's strong track record in company creation and efforts to promote pioneering science and entrepreneurs. Our international investment team's long and diverse experience and deep capital pool enables us to support companies through to key value inflection points. We are excited to have close access into this ecosystem and look forward to working alongside BGV's talented team in backing the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovation."

Edward van Wezel, BGV's Managing Partner, added:

"We are very pleased to welcome Novo Holdings as an investor to our new fund. As one of the largest investors in life sciences globally, the Novo Ventures team shares our passion and focus to support world-class science and management teams. Progressing early-stage projects from discovery to clinical proof-of-concept requires a breadth of experience that founding teams often do not have from the outset. This is where the BGV team's collective experience is a key differentiator, with their extensive network and experience spanning investment, life sciences, business development and commercial operations. With this closing at 140 million, we are well positioned to support our portfolio companies with both increased financial capacity and our strong, expanding international network."

To date, BGV's portfolio successes include Acerta Pharma, which was acquired by AstraZeneca for up to USD 7bn and whose lead product, Calquence, is now approved and marketed in the US , and Staten Biotechnology, which signed a EUR 430M exclusive option deal with Novo Nordisk. Other companies in the current BGV portfolio include NorthSea Therapeutics, Azafaros, Varmx, and Confo Therapeutics.

Novo Holdings has participated in BGV IV alongside institutional investors Schroder Adveq, Industriens Pension, KfW Capital and the European Investment Fund (with the support of the European Commission's Investment Plan for Europe and of the Netherlands National Promotional Institution Invest-NL), and global pharma companies, Bristol Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly and Company.

About Novo Holdings A/S and Novo Ventures

Novo Holdings is recognized as a world-leading life science investor with a focus on creating long-term value. As a life sciences investor, Novo Holdings provides seed and venture capital to development-stage companies and takes significant ownership positions in growth and well-established companies. Novo Holdings also manages a broad portfolio of diversified financial assets. For more information: https://www.novoholdings.dk.

Novo Ventures is a global team of investment professionals employed by Novo affiliates that supports Novo Holdings' investments in private, public, and structured product opportunities in the life sciences industry. For more information: https://www.novoholdings.dk/investments/ventures/.

About BioGeneration Ventures (BGV)

BioGeneration Ventures (BGV) is a venture capital company, with a focus on early stage European biotech companies. The Company has a strong track record of significant financial returns through investing in innovations in healthcare and providing the expertise to build world-class teams. The Company manages over 250 million ($300 million) of funds investing in areas where true scientific innovations, the unmet medical need, and the potential to demonstrate a significant proof of concept all come together.

BGV strives to work with founding teams to mature science and build companies. The Company uses its experience to guide progress into clinical trials, ultimately leading to successful drug development and value realisation for its investors. BGV applies its expertise in a rigorous process to select the most compelling opportunities with the best prospects for exit.

BGV is based in Naarden, The Netherlands and closely collaborates with Forbion . For more information, please see the website: www.biogenerationventures.com.

SOURCE Novo Holdings

Related Links

https://www.novoholdings.dk


The governor of the Bank of England has said that it is problematic that the European Union wants information on what regulations the UK wants to change in the future.

Andrew Bailey was speaking of the demand for so-called equivalence which ensures UK and EU rules are in line.

Without it, the EU could block UK based companies from selling services in Europe.

Im a strong supporter of open markets. I fail to see why people would want to close themselves off from open markets, Mr Bailey told MPs on the UK Treasury Select Committee.

But the situation we find ourselves in is that the EU wants more information from the UK on what its future intentions are on regulation. I think thats quite problematic frankly in terms of equivalence.

The EU has said that it only wants to allow euro-denominated derivatives trading, which includes buying and selling currency and bonds, to take place within the bloc or somewhere else with equivalent rules.

The British government agreed a deal last month which covers trade in the post-Brexit era.

Negotiators are now pushing to sign a memorandum of understanding about financial services, which forms a major part of the UK economy but was not included in last months deal, by March.

Read More Households save record 13.4bn in year to November as pandemic hampers spending

Mr Bailey said that the Bank would give its full support to the Treasury in negotiating this, but said he had not discussed with the Treasury whether the Bank will be directly involved with the negotiations.

He also supported efforts to ensure the UK does not only change its rules when regulators in Brussels say so.

I would strongly recommend that we do not become a rule-taker, I think that is a very bad place to end up in. And if the price of that is no equivalence, then I am afraid that will follow, Mr Bailey said.

But I think thats the wrong outcome for both the European Union and the UK, but if thats where it goes to.

Markets have been stable in the last week or two, partly because they were broadly expecting what they got, he said. The Bank had been more worried about how markets would react.

Around 5,000 to 7,000 jobs have migrated from the UK financial services sector because of Brexit, Mr Bailey said.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 22:59:48|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's food safety authority decided on Thursday to suspend the import of poultry meat and products from different areas in Britain, South Korea, Denmark and Hungary due to the bird flu outbreaks.

The Center for Food Safety (CFS) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said this was in view of notifications from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of South Korea, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza in East Devon District of Devon County in Britain, Sejong City in South Korea, Viborg Municipality in Denmark and Komarom-Esztergom County in Hungary respectively.

The CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products, including poultry eggs, from these areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong. Enditem
More Dante Now, Please! (Part 4): The Road of Repentance

This is the fourth and final article in this particular Dante series. We remember that we read Dante because he addresses the big questions of truth and reality, and we saw how in Hell the issue of free will is of paramount importance. Subsequently, we discovered that although Purgatory and Hell seem similar in that they are both places of suffering, they differ fundamentally. In the former, there is hope and ultimately beauty, whereas in the latter, there is only despair and profound ugliness. These differences reflect the choices that individuals make in their lifetimes, and these choices are themselves all part of a psychological mind-set or disposition.

But what of Heaven, the third and final stage of Dantes upward ascent toward God? Is that some boring place where we are destined to sit around listlessly singing hymns? How is it different from the other two psychological and spiritual places?

First, of course, we see that Heaven is a place where there is no pain or suffering, no psychological angst or guilt, and none of the three major psychological problems humans experience of blame, projection, and denial. Its Paradise, in fact!

Yet the peculiar factor in all this is that all the people in Heaven are sinners just like everybody else in Purgatory and in Hell. How can that be? And perhaps even more trenchantly for the modern mind: How can that be fair or seen as equal treatment?

Venus Ruling

Heaven, in fact, is full of great sinners! An example that especially illustrates this point can be found in Canto 9. As Dante ascends the levels of Heaven, the occupants are at first grouped according to their ruling planet: the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, and so on. Each planet deals with a certain disposition.

On Venus, Dante learns that sin is not as important as understanding the divine order. Canto 8, as illustrated by Gustave Dore. (Public Domain)

Unsurprisingly, Venus is where we find individuals preoccupied in their earthly life with passion, sex, and love; and here we meet a noblewoman, Cunizza da Romano.

What is surprising is that Cunizza first married a Guelph leader for political advantage. Then she had the poet Sordello as a lover for several years, and then later had a love affair with the knight Enrico da Bovio. Following Enricos death, Cunizza married (at her brothers command) Count Aimerio. Then if that were not enough love, it is believed that she married a nobleman from Verona, and on his death, married her brother Ezzelinos astrologer from Padua! The point is, she certainly hadfor the time and her stationan exceptional love life.

We might recall at this point arguably the most famous canto in all of the Divine Comedy, that of the love affair between Paolo and Francesca, in Canto 5 of Hell. This canto is justly famous for many reasons, but not least is the fact that Dante himself faints with pity at the end of the scene. (Virgil upbraids him about this in the next canto because such a response to the sufferings of Francesca suggests, albeit obliquely, that God has got his judgment wrong in this case.)

How can it be that Francesca is in Hell for one affair or transgression only, whereas Cunizza is in Heaven despite having had many lovers? To give just one answer is, possibly, to oversimplify the situation, but it has to do with the fact that, as Dante scholar Guy Raffa puts it (citing ancient sources), Cunizza knew love during each stage of her life.

As Cunizza herself says (in Mark Musas translation), facing Dante, But gladly I myself forgive in me/ what caused my fate. Notice those critical words there: Gladly I myself forgive in me. There is in them what we would nowadays call self-acceptance. She had no wrong intentions, although her passions may have been excessive. For example, there is something of the true medieval concept of chivalry and gallantry in the occupations of two of her lovers: Sordello was a troubadour poet, and Enrico da Bovio, with whom Cunizza traveled widely, was a knight.

In short, she was led from one love to another, but always in the spirit of love itself. It was likely more spiritual or more in accordance with the mores of her time to have entered a nunnery and renounced the flesh altogether, but thatunder the sway, as it were, of Venus, her guiding planetary influencewasnt her way. She was destined to enjoy the flesh fullygladly as she sayseven though there may have been excess in it.

Cunizza da Romano in an illustration of Dantes Paradise, Canto 9, by John Flaxman. (Public Domain)

As a short sidebar, it is worth commenting here that we are not to understand this position as being Dantes endorsing astrology as we understand it now: that is, as predicting the future in some Christmas cracker kind of way. Rather, the ancients understood that there was a profound connection between what was below (the Earth) and what was above (the heavens and the stars): One mirrored the other, and not least in our understanding of who we are.

Dante himself proudly mentions that he was born under the Gemini star sign, and regards this as significant as to the kind of person he is. In this sense, then, we can interpret the planetary signs as being analogous to personality types. If Myers-Briggs delineates 16 types of personality, well, with astrology we have 12.

Again, to be clear, these are not fixed determinations but rather predispositions to certain traits. Free will is always operative, and humans are always responsible for their actions and choices.

Entering Life via the Narrow Gate

But to return to Cunizza, she has done that very difficult thing, which is to enter life via the narrow gate, for the broad gate through which most people go leads to not-life, or more dramatically, to destruction. Her path reflects what former vicar and British Member of Parliament Christopher Bryant talks about when he says, One of the rewards of the journey will be that of becoming more and more completely what one essentially is. If we put this in modern, Jungian terms, what it means is accepting the shadow side of ones personality. It is the integration of the whole self or soul.

To unpack this a little, Freud referred to a dark side of the ego, or alter ego, which he called the id. This is equivalent to Jungs idea of the shadow: complexes, disordered tendencies, repressed energies that we do not like or even accept or acknowledge in ourselves. On the contrary, this shadow exposes the ideal self-image, the one we like to present to the world, as false: We are not just this nice person, this successful professional, or this I-have-it-all on Instagram personality.

No, within us there is something deeply disruptive and disturbing, and it is better, so our ego continually reasons, if other people dont see it. Eventually, of course, if we repress the shadow long enough, we begin to believe it isnt there. At that point, the only inkling of its existence left to us will be through our dreams, often nightmares.

Writer Thomas Moore observed, When soul is neglected, it doesnt just go away; it appears symptomatically in obsessions, addictions, violence, and loss of meaning. In other words, in Christian terms, this leads to sin. We fail to take responsibility for our own soul, and this leads to its own loss.

In Heaven, the reverse occurs. Here, the soul is not neglected but cherished and loved through the conscious process of integration. John Monbourquette, the Canadian psychologist, expressed it this way: Jung considered the reintegration of the shadow to be the ultimate moral challenge. This work consists of recognizing our shadow, accepting it as part of ourselves and reintegrating it into the whole personality. Those persons who can welcome and embrace their shadow become whole and unique individuals. Furthermore, he adds, This process brings to mind the Taoist vision of the real: the universe results from the constant and invisible harmonizing of its fundamental polarity, the yin-yang.

Accepting Our Paths Graciously

This, then, is not just a Christian understanding, although Dante explicitly links it to Christian revelation, but the process of becoming who one truly is runs through all wisdom literature. Monbourquette says, The mystics [called it] the night of faith; the myths of Osiris and of Dionysus described it through images of dismemberment of the person  More familiar to some is Christianitys comparison of it to the death of the old person and to a crucifixion.

Its remarkable that science, through Jung, some 600 or so years later, discovers what Dante reveals in his poem. And we need to grasp just how comprehensive that vision of human nature and its frailties is. There are nine levels of heaven before we reach the Heaven of heavens at level ten, or what is called the Empyrean. At each level, the astrological order is followed. So first, at the Moon, we find the sinners who broke their vows (the inconstant moon of popular romantic songs!), sometimes unintentionally, but nevertheless they were at fault.

Canto 2 explores redeemed sinners under the sway of the Moon. (Public Domain)

Then at volatile Mercury, we find the swift seekers after fame and glory. Venus weve metthe excess of passion or love. After Venus, the Sun, and as is appropriate with its association with light, we find the wise spirits, among them the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon. But as we know (1 Kings 11:4), he was a deep sinner too.

From the Sun we move to Mars, the warlike planet. It is worth commenting here how all-embracing the scope of the sins are: Venus for love, and Mars for waropposite tendencies yet both leading to sin as well as redemption. Here Dante meets his own great-great-grandfather, Cacciaguida, an old warrior who died fighting in the Second Crusade.

Dante meets his own great-great-grandfather, Cacciaguida, an old warrior who died fighting in the Second Crusade. Divine Comedy, by Dante Alighieri. L. Hachette et Cie, Paris, 1868. (Public Domain)

Jupiter holds the spirits of those rulers and kings who led the world. But above them, at Saturn, are the contemplativesthose who devoted their lives to asceticism and devotion to God.

Beyond Saturn, we reach the Fixed Stars where we find Adam and the three major Apostles; it need hardly be noted that Adam was a sinner, or that the apostle Peter was, given all his gaffes recorded in the Gospels. And so on, to the final vision.

In short, we have the whole array of failed human beings, who sinned some way or other according to their predilections, but who became self-aware, acknowledged their faults, and repented. British writer Alan W. Watts expressed this in a very stark way: The choice is between paranoia, being beside yourself, and metanoia, being with yourselfordinarily translated as repentance.

Canto 31 from Dantes Paradise. (Public Domain)

Finally, then, poet and translator A.S. Kline comments, Free will is misused in Hell, re-aligned in Purgatory, and correctly applied to earthly and heavenly existence in Paradise. In Dantes final stanza, this becomes: But already my desire and my will/ Were being turned like a wheel, all at one speed,/ By the love which moves the sun and the other stars (C.H. Sisson translation). At this moment, what we really want and what we really decide to do coincide; there is no more frustration as we fail to live up to our highest ideals. Instead, we havehelped through reading Dantes poem, reenacting his journey to Paradisebegun to understand what is truly involved.

Please also see More Dante Now, Please! (Part 1): How Dante Provokes Thinking, More Dante Now, Please! (Part 2): Lets Hear It for Free Will! and More Dante Now, Please! (Part 3): Let Beauty Begin.

James Sale is an English businessman whose company, Motivational Maps Ltd., operates in 15 countries. He is the author of over 40 books on management and education. As a poet, he has performed for The Society of Classical Poets symposium at New Yorks Princeton Club in June 2019. His most recent collection, HellWard, follows Dantes journey and is available on Amazon.com
Lindsey McPherson/CQ-Roll Call

WASHINGTON  With a mob cleared from the Capitol, Congress is reconvening Wednesday night to complete the certification of the Electoral College votes.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced her chambers reconvening in a Dear Colleague letter.

The Senate reconvened at about 5 p.m. Pacific time, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer told reporters.

Today, a shameful assault was made on our democracy. It was anointed at the highest level of government, Pelosi wrote. It cannot, however, deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden.

Pelosi said she other Democratic leaders held calls with the Pentagon, the Justice Department and Vice President Mike Pence to decide next steps.

We have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use, the California Democrat said.

The news came more than four hours after the Capitol complex went on lockdown when a mob supporting President Donald Trumps attempts to overturn the election results stormed the Capitol.

Lawmakers, staff and reporters were evacuated from the House and Senate floor and galleries and taken to secure locations at the complex.

Shortly before 3 p.m. Pacific time, the House Sergeant-at-Arms informed a group of more than 100 people that had evacuated from the House side that the Capitol had been cleared.

But its unclear how much work needs to be done to clean up any damage in the building and the chambers. The pro-Trump mob had breached the Senate chamber, and pictures showed some carrying floor equipment, like a speakers podium, around the hallways.

Pelosi suggested in her letter that the plan when Congress resumes is for them to complete the joint session. First the chambers will need to resume their separate deliberations on an objection that Republicans lodged to the Arizona results.

We always knew this responsibility would take us into the night, Pelosi said. The night may still be long but we are hopeful for a shorter agenda, but our purpose will be accomplished.

Its unclear if Republicans will still object to the results from other states, including Georgia and Pennsylvania, as some had planned. Some of the GOP senators involved in the objection effort had been spotted huddling and deliberating, but they have yet to share an update on their plans.

-- CQ/Roll Call via Tribune News Service
 LIVE UPDATES: Pro-Trump insurrectionists breach U.S. Capitol, interrupting certification of Joe Bidens electoral win

Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey described the insurrection Wednesday at the Capitol building as an attempted coup and said the violence was on the hands of President Trump and his enablers.

He also criticized a seeming lack of planning by the Capitol Police, contending that they didnt have enough people to handle the situation, despite having about 2,000 officers and a number of federal partnerships.

We have a weak, pathetic individual sitting at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Ramsey told The Inquirer on Wednesday afternoon, as the situation between Capitol Police and Trump supporters remained volatile. I wont even call him president. Hes sad, pitiful. Hes a loser. I knew he would be bad. I had no idea hed be this damn bad. Its just so embarrassing. So terrible  so embarrassing on so many levels. This is the United States of America.

Ramsey before serving in Philadelphia was the chief of D.C.s Metropolitan Police Department from 1998 to early 2007. He said Capitol Police should have had more officers deployed in anticipation of possible violence.

Theres no way in hell they should have taken over that building  you dont lose the U.S. Capitol, for Gods sake, he said. Its not just any building. Its the symbol of the United States. People recognize it before they do the White House.

He predicted that action to clear the crowd might have escalated the violence, but thats on them [the insurrectionists], Ramsey said. You cannot just let them do what theyre doing right now.
Amber Turner has hit out at trolls who accused her of being 'damaging' after she showed off her breakfast and lunch on Wednesday.

The TOWIE star, 27, shared a picture of her combined meal which comprised of five slices of red pepper, chicken breast and a kiwi smoothie with her fans.

But Amber was left irked when she was inundated with 'rude' messages from trolls who accused her of skipping meals and not eating enough.

'Leave me be!': Amber Turner has hit out at trolls who accused her of being 'damaging' after she showed off her breakfast and lunch on Wednesday

Amber wrote: 'Ok so I don't usually respond to people sending me rude messages but it's actually really got on my nerves so here goes!!

'I used 180g of chicken and a large pepper. My plate was a big dinner plate which makes it look small. But I can assure you it's not!

'When I said breakfast and lunch all in 1, I never meant to eat less/ skip a meal! I meant it literally.'

Health: The TOWIE star, 27, shared a picture of her combined meal which comprised of five slices of red pepper, chicken breast and a kiwi smoothie with her fans

Working out: The reality star later shared a throwback snap of herself lifting weights while at the gym

The reality star explained she would sometimes have a protein smoothie for breakfast, then workout and have lunch later.

But Amber said on Wednesday she slept in till 10.45am, then did a workout and a 5k run so didn't end up eating until 2.40pm.

She continued to rant: 'That's only 3 hours 55mins after being awake. If I woke up at 7am and was eating chicken and a smoothie and 11.30am would you be messaging me abuse saying what I'm doing is "damaging" no!

'It's so pathetic and has actually really annoyed me! Leave me be!! And thanks to all the lovely people who message me saying they love my boring plain food.'

Sizzling: Amber showcased her cleavage in a revealing 320 Fendi swimsuit and she accessorised with a 945 YSL handbag in a throwback Dubai snap on Monday

It comes after Amber flew out to Dubai last month just before Essex was plunged into Tier 4.

The reality star and boyfriend Dan Edgar shared multiple updates from their trip as they flew out of London's Heathrow Airport for an 'exciting business venture'.

Amber revealed they had both had a coronavirus test before travelling, which came back negative, and they also had an antibody test to see if they had ever had Covid-19, which too came back negative.

The pair headed to her 'favourite' Palm Jumeirah with the reality star uploading plenty of bikini-clad snaps during her sun-soaked break.

The couple then returned home to Essex for Christmas while many reality stars continued their Dubai jaunt.
Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, have we become a nation of wimps?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The US Capitol was breached on Wednesday for the first time since 1814, when the British marched into Washington DC and set it ablaze

"Being an old farm boy myself, chickens coming home to roost never did make me sad..." Malcolm X.

On 6 January, 2021, America's chickens came home to roost.

The US Capitol was breached on Wednesday for the first time since 1814, when the British marched into Washington DC and set it, and other buildings (including the White House) ablaze.

That, according to the director of scholarship and operations with the US Capitol Historic Society.

In 1814, the breach was made by the enemies without. Wednesday's breach was made by the enemies within: A mob of insurrectionists riled up by President Donald Trump.

A president who has for months vowed to "fight like hell" to stay in power. Who has claimed that the US election was "rigged" [it wasn't]. Who has, over the past four years, systematically nurtured and weaponised white grievance and racism against his enemies. Who has called the press "the enemy of the people" (a phrase favoured by autocrats and dictators).

America's allies were in dismay and disbelief. It's enemies rejoicing.

Newspapers, for once, found the vocabulary necessary to accurately describe the harrowing events unfolding on LIVE television. Social media saw outpourings of shock and anger.

A common refrain seemed to be: "How could this happen here?"

President-elect Joe Biden, making a speech from Delaware said: ... let me be very clear: The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect the true America, do not represent who we are... Im genuinely shocked and saddened that our nation, so long a beacon of hope and light for democracy, has come to such a dark moment.

He added. Americas about honour, decency, respect, tolerance. Thats who we are. Thats who weve always been.

But has it really?

Even a cursory look at history proves that the President-elect is mistaken.

After all, the edifice that is America was built on the bones of Native-Americans and blood and sweat of Black people.

Let's start with the Native Americans. This was their land, after all.

Since the day Christopher Columbus arrived on their shores in 1492, the indigenous people had to endure persecution and genocide that saw their population whittled away from 15 million in North America to a mere 238,000 in the late 19th Century.

Not to mention the over 1,500 wars and attacks authorised by the US government against them (the most of any country in the world against its indigenous people).

As historian Bernard Bailyn told the Smithsonian Magazine about the conflict between the Pilgrims and the Pequots:"... Look at the peaceful Pilgrims. Our William Bradford. He goes to see the Pequot War battlefield and he is appalled. He said, The stink [of heaps of dead bodies] was too much.

War, what is it good for?

And the War of Independence? (1775-1783) Cut through the myths and the colourful tales and what you're left with is bloody butcher's work that left 50,000 dead (though hardly as bloody as the Civil War, but more on that shortly).

As per the Boston Globe, Holger Hoock, in his book Dark violence and atrocities of the Revolutionary War, offering a corrective to the sanitised version of the American Revolution passed down the generations, but also provides a case study in the power of myth-making by showing how the revolutionaries portrayed the British as barbarous and themselves as scrupulously observing the accepted rules of civilised warfare.

As per the book, Washington, who did not consider Britains Iroquois allies human beings, ordered the Continental Army to carry out a punitive campaign that decimated the Iroquois crops and homes with the avowed goal of the total ruin of their settlements.

Patriots vs traitors

Wednesday's events, which caused the hashtag 'CivilWar2021' to trend, occurred on the same day that demise of the last widow of a veteran of the American Civil War made headlines. She had passed away in December.

That Civil War (1861 to 1865), coming on the heels of the election of then president Abraham Lincoln, fought over the original sin of slavery between patriots and traitors (to quote Ulysses S Grant, the Commanding General of the United States Army, and soon-to-be President of The United States) saw relentless and savage fighting from both sides that resulted in the death of over 6,00000 soldiers, left millions injured and the South decimated.

US Grant, who was given the nickname Unconditional Surrender, was unusually lenient with the vanquished (by the orders of his Commander-In-Chief Lincoln). A fact he later came to regret as president, when White supremacists and the remnants of the Confederate Army terrorised the Black people in the South.

Eventually, Reconstruction (1865 to 1877) gave way to Jim Crow, which saw Southern Legislatures pass laws restricting Black men from exercising their franchise through literacy tests and poll taxes, banned interracial marriage and mandated the separation of whites from persons of colour in public transportation and schools.

Until the advent of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and for years afterward, Black people were openly segregated, harassed, and murdered in the South.

Japanese-Americans, Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Ask Japanese-Americans during World War II, 120,000 of whom, peaceful and law abiding, were taken from their homes and placed in internment camps with no regard to their constitutional rights.

Actor George Takei, who experienced this as a child, recalls in his graphic novel They Called Us Enemy, "Shame is a cruel thing . It should rest on the perpetrators, but they don't carry it the way the victims do."

"I saw people crying and couldn't understand why," Takei recalled.

Ask the Japanese, who, some argue were on the brink of surrender during the conflict, bore the brunt of not just one, but both Atomic bombs ever used in the history of war (by the United States, of course) on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Over 200,000 died and thousands more followed in the years to come due to radiation sickness.

Korea and Vietnam

Ask the people of Korea, on whom a mind-numbing amount of Napalm was used during the Korean War (1950 to 1953).

As Mark Greenside explained to PBS: Napalm was this hideous, jellied gas burning at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. It didn't just kill you; it tortured you. It has a complete reference to Zyclon-B, the gas they used in the concentration camps. It felt like chemical warfare at its worst.

A quarter of a million pounds (113,398 kilograms) of napalm bombs were dropped by US forces every day, mostly in the form of the M-47 napalm bomb and the M-74 incendiary bombs.

Ask the Vietnamese, on whom up to 400,000 tons of Napalm was dropped during the Vietnam War.

Perhaps the most famous picture in history is that of Phan Thi Kim Phuc by Associated Press photographer Nick Ut. Kim Phuc, just nine when her village was napalmed by American forces, running naked and screaming in pain.

The story about a high level military officer saying "we had to destroy the village to save it" may only be an apocryphal tale, but it seems to succinctly sum up US foreign policy for decades. Speaking of which...

Interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan

Ask the peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan, where US troop levels are set to be reduced to 2,500 each by mid-January.

In Afghanistan, two decades after the US launched an invasion and spilled countless blood and treasure, the Taliban remain unbeaten, unbowed and unbroken. Not to mention the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. This, as the United States eyes the exit, and leaves India in an unenviable position.

In Iraq, which America basically broke but did not buy, the US is reducing its footprint by abandoning smaller outposts and reducing troop levels to around 3,000. It is also on the verge of shutting its Baghdad Embassy.

Just days ago, thousands Iraqi paramilitary groups gathered in Baghdad to mark the anniversary of the US killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and an Iraqi militia commander. An Iraq court recently issued an arrest warrant for Trump.

Despite its long brutal history of violence and its record of interventionism, America, much like an out-of-touch wrestling promoter, likes to simplistically portray itself as "the good guy" taking on "the bad guys."

Storming of the Capitol

"America's long journey as a stable democracy seems to be in doubt."

Those were the words of an ITV News journalist covering the scene inside the Capitol.

Wow, this by ITV News is the best footage I have seen from inside the Capitol. The journalist notes: "America's long journey as a stable democracy appears to be in doubt." pic.twitter.com/zvhsbwI1x5  Amy Siskind  (@Amy_Siskind) January 7, 2021

The chaotic scenes from the storming of the building at the very heart of American democracy by angry supporters of President Donald Trump reminded one of countries where popular uprisings topple a dictator: The Arab Spring or Czechoslovakia's Velvet Revolution.

Scenes that have left America shamefaced in the eyes of the world.

To gauge how far the United States has fallen, Venezuela, which has been the target of both Republican and Democratic administrations since the 1990s, on Wednesday released a statement expressing concern over the developments in Washington and condemning the political polarisation.

In his 1989 farewell address, US president Ronald Reagan returned to a familiar theme throughout his political life: that of America as a shining city on a hill.

"I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That's how I saw it, and see it still," he said.

This, for the longest time, has been the story America has told itself. Of its inherent goodness. Of its righteousness. Of its morality.

But today's events show that it isn't, and perhaps never was.

That shining hill was nothing more than a mirage.

America's mask is now off.

With inputs from agencies
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said he reassigned the almost 2-year-old probe of the shooting deaths of a mother and her two daughters to a cold case detective because his departments original investigation was insufficient.

Quite frankly, I dont think a full-on effort was made, Salazar said Thursday of the initial investigation of the deaths of San Antonio hairstylist Nichol Leila Olsen, 37, and her daughters, Alexa Denice Montez, 16, and London Sophia Bribiescas, 10, at a home in far Northwest Bexar County.

The sheriff declined to specify how the original homicide investigators work fell short, but said he wasnt satisfied when he recently reviewed their final report. However, he said the second look at the case is unlikely to change a conclusion that it was a murder-suicide.

There were some stones left unturned, Salazar told reporters during a media briefing. Ill leave it at that.  I cant go too much into detail. As I saw it  and my chief deputy agreed with me when I asked him to review it  there were some stones left unturned.

The sheriff said several people were at fault for the incomplete case but that he didnt think it was done out of malice. Some sheriffs officials probably should have got a better eyeball on it before it came to my desk, Salazar said.

He said people absolutely will be held accountable but declined to specify how, noting more details on that will be available in the near future.

On ExpressNews.com: A single mother, her millionaire boyfriend and how their storybook romance ended in horror

Olsen and her daughters were found shot to death Jan. 10, 2019, in a $1 million home in the gated Anaqua Springs Ranch subdivision near Leon Springs. A handgun was found near Olsens body. Within days, the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office ruled Olsens death a suicide and her daughters deaths homicides.

At the time, the house was owned by Olsens boyfriend, Charles Edward Wheeler, who has since sold the property and moved to Austin.

Wheeler, now 33, told investigators he had departed the residence the previous night after an argument with Olsen. He called 911 to report the shootings when he returned home the next morning.

The sheriff previously described Wheeler as a person of interest in the case. Everybody associated with this case is still a person of interest, Salazar said Thursday. That does not mean theyre suspected of any wrongdoing. I cant say that emphatically enough. But it just means I want my investigators to talk to you again.

No charges have ever been filed in the case. Wheelers attorneys said he had nothing to do with the deaths and have called on Salazar to publicly clear their clients name.

Salazar said there is no evidence at this point to suggest that Olsens death was not a suicide. I dont think that theres anything thats going to happen thats going to alter the (medical examiners) findings at this point, he said Thursday.

On ExpressNews.com: Sheriff says Anaqua Springs killings most likely a murder-suicide, case may soon be closed

The sheriff said he cant predict how long it will take to complete the investigation. He had originally asked his investigators to submit their final report on the case by Christmas. Earlier this week, he said it will take longer.

An attorney for the youngest childs family said he learned some witnesses may not have been contacted during the sheriffs offices original investigation, while many witnesses statements were not recorded or taken in writing.

Londons family is grateful to Detective Rubin Arevalos for reaching out as part of his effort to correct deficiencies in the original investigation, attorney Joe Hoelscher said in a text message to the San Antonio Express-News. Of course, we are all disappointed to find out ... that the investigation will carry on indefinitely and that it has not been conducted to the standard that Bexar County residents and Alexa and London deserve.

Although Salazars failure to close this investigation in a timely manner will prolong the familys pain, what matters most is that the truth comes to light.

Hoelscher urged any potential witnesses to cooperate with the investigation, even if previously contacted.

After two years, evidence not secured by the investigators may be missing or stale, he said. So we ask those who may assist to please contact BCSO and make themselves known before justice delayed becomes justice denied.

pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: Peggy_OHare
[January 07, 2021] Brigadier General Barry L. Shoop Appointed to Bubblr Advisory Board

Shoops Leadership Experience Bridges Military, Academia, Industry and Not-for-Profit Sectors During Distinguished 40-Year Career London, UK, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Bubblr Inc., (OTC PINK: BBLR), ("Bubblr" or the "Company"), an ethical technology company focused on the development and commercialization of mobile-first technologies, today announced the appointment of Barry L. Shoop, Ph.D., P.E., Brigadier General U.S. Army Retired, as a member of the companys Advisory Board, effective January 1st, 2021. Dr. Shoops diverse career spans over 40-years and includes key leadership roles in military, academic, industrial, and not-for-profit sectors. Since January of 2019, Dr. Shoop has served as the Dean of Engineering of the Albert Nerken School of Engineering at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City. Prior to joining Cooper Union, Dr. Shoop had a distinguished military career highlighted by his expertise in technology, defense, and academia. His service included time as Chief Technology Officer for the Joint IED Defeat Organization in the U.S. Department of Defense, where he led the shaping and deployment of a US$4.5B science and technology investment portfolio. Additionally, he served 25-years in a variety of leadership roles at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including as Director of the Photonics Research Center, Director of the Electrical Engineering Program and, ultimately, as Professor and Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Dr. Shoop retired from the Army as a Brigadier General in 2019. Steven Saunders, Chief Executive Officer of Bubblr, commented, Dr. Shoop is a highly respected leader and technology innovator. His support and insight will be invaluable to us as we continue to grow and develop the company. In addition, Dr. Shoops stature will lend crdence to Bubblrs mission to bring privacy back to users, trust to online content, and sustainability to the digital marketplace. We are privileged to have him join the Bubblr Advisory Board.



Commenting on his decision to join the Board, Dr. Shoop stated, One of the things that drew me to accept the advisory board position with Bubblr is the compelling ethical nature of their mission. I am a strong advocate of ethical technology solutions that enable social justice and benefit society and humanity. I look forward to supporting the Bubblr team and contributing to the companys growth and impact. Dr. Shoop has served on the Board of Directors of the Optical Society of America (OSA), the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE is the worlds largest technical professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity with more than 430,000 members in over 160 countries. In 2016 Dr. Shoop served as the President and CEO of the IEEE. Dr. Shoop is a frequent invited, plenary, and keynote speaker on innovation, and teaches short courses and seminars on the subject. He has been an advisor to several Fortune 500 companies, focusing on organizational structure and culture that encourages and supports an ecosystem of innovation.

Dr. Shoop received a B.S. degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. from Stanford University, both in electrical engineering. He is a Fellow of the IEEE, OSA and the International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE). Dr. Shoop was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional honors accorded an engineer. About Bubblr, Inc. Bubblr, Inc. is an ethical technology company focused on mobile-first technology that aims to bring back privacy to users, trust in online content, and sustainability to the digital marketplace. Through its portfolio of digital mobile apps, Bubblrs next-generation mobile ecosystem, and platform, partners with publishers to address challenges related to free online content, while protecting end-users from data harvesting and manipulation. These ecosystems connect into a new model for online search, which is a fair and sustainable ad-free marketplace. For more information, visit http://www.bubblr.com Important Cautions Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the definition of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such as in section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements should not be used to make an investment decision. The words 'estimate,' 'possible' and 'seeking' and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as to the date the statement was made. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted, or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties to which forward-looking statements are subject include, but are not limited to, the effect of government regulation, competition, and other material risks. Contacts:

Investor Relations

Stephanie Prince

PCG Advisory

(646) 863-7997

sprince@pcgadvisory.com



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Australia could start vaccinating vulnerable groups of the population next month, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has revealed, saying approvals for the Pfizer vaccine were hoped to be finalised by the end of January.

After pressure from the federal opposition and some scientists to speed up the process, Mr Morrison said he was hoping to receive data from Pfizer this month to allow the vaccine's approval and "we are now in a position where believe we will be able to commence vaccinations of [vulnerable groups] in mid to late February".

Prime Minister Scott Morrison reveals the COVID-19 vaccine roadmap. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The previous timeline was to begin the vaccination program in March. Mr Morrison said the aim would be to vaccinate 80,000 people each week to begin with, and for that to build over the next four to six weeks.

He said the government was working towards having four million people vaccinated by the end of March.
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The staff of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), on Thursday, embarked on an indefinite strike over poor funding.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the strike commenced in the early hours of Thursday across the nation.

The President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, NIMC branch, Lucky Michael, confirmed the action to this newspaper via a phone interview.

The Nigerian government had directed telecommunication operators through the Nigerian Communication Commission to block subscribers who fail to link their mobile numbers to their NIN

The directive said subscribers were given a period of two weeks to link their numbers but was later extended to January 18 2021.

Subscribers without NIN have until February 9 to register and link it to their phone numbers

Mr Michael said members of the association from level 12 and below are directed to resume office and do nothing from January 7.

Consequent upon the just concluded congress of the above-mentioned association that took place on January 6, 2020, the unit executive directs all members of grade level 12 and below in the head office and state offices to report to their respective duty posts tomorrow January 7, 2020 and do nothing,  a notice signed by Mr Micheal said.

All members at the local government offices and special centres are advised to stay away from their various centres as task force and implementation committees would be on parade to ensure total compliance to the directive.

Reasons for strike

Mr Micheal said the welfare of its members was paramount for the strike to hold, saying they are being exposed to COVID-19 despite all warnings from Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

Some staff have contracted the COVID-19 virus and the management is not doing anything, he said.

Also, he said workers receive poor remuneration despite the risk they have been exposed to.

Staff members were infected with COVID-19 and adequate measures have not been taken to curtail the spread. The safety of staff should be prioritised while offices environment should be fumigated immediately.

The NIMC staff salary structure approved by the Federal Government vide Presidential assent be implemented in the personnel appropriation of the 2021 annual budget effective January 2021.

When asked about calling off the strike, he said the action will end when the government responds to the demands.

That the lopsided and irregular promotion done in 2017 and 2020 be reviewed, regularised and gazetted in accordance with public service rules.
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Northern Irish farmers who need to travel off-farm have been told to carry ID following reports of police questioning agriculture employees.

The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) said it had received reports of police checks on farm workers travelling to their place of work and those who must commute to undertake farm-related tasks.

Northern Ireland is currently in the second week of a six-week lockdown in which non-essential retail is closed due to the rising Covid-19 cases.

A stay at home order will become legally enforceable from Friday (8 January).

The UFU has advised farmers who need to travel off-farm to undertake any work-related duties to carry a form of ID that will certify that their journey is in relation to essential work.

"This type of identification could be a letterhead, business card or other paperwork relating to your farm business," a spokesperson for the union said.

"This is particularly important if travelling by ferry, as well as by road."

He added: "The UFU have worked with other industry partners so that all essential workers in the food chain can travel to their workplace.

"We have produced pro-forma letters for agri related businesses to issue to employers whose commute to work is essential."

ROME, JAN 7 - Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte on Wednesday expressed concern about the violence staged by supporters of outgoing United States President Donald Trump at the Capital in Washington. "I am following what is happening in #Washington with great concern," Conte said via Twitter. "Violence is incompatible with the exercise of democratic rights and freedoms. "I am confident in the strength and robustness of the institutions of the United States. #CapitolHill" (ANSA).
Mumbai, Jan 7 : Actor Rahul Roy returned home on Thursday after being discharged from a private hospital where he was undergoing treatment for over a month following a brain stroke at the end of November. The 52-year-old actor is yet to recover fully.

"I am back home after a long treatment in the hospital. I am recovering and it's still a long journey for full recovery.

Today I would like to thank everyone who stood by me all this while, Rohit my brother, my sister my best friend Priyanka @priyankaroy_pia my brother in law Romeer @romeersen along with my friends Aditi Gowitrikar @aditigovitrikar , Dr Huz, Zahid, Ashwani Kumar @ashwani2118 , Azhar @azharhussaindirector ,Shruti Dwivedi @shrutidwivediofficial , Suchitra Pillai @suchipillai and all my fans for praying for me. Love you all," Roy wrote on Instagram.

The actor suffered a brain stroke while shooting for his film "LAC: Live The Battle" in Kargil in the last week of November, and was rushed to Mumbai. he was initially admitted to Nanavati Hospital.

Roy was discharged from Nanavati on December 8 and admitted to a private hospital in Mira Road the same day. The actor's sister Priyanka and brother-in-law Romeer have been taking care of him.
[January 07, 2021] Morgan Stanley Energy Partners Announces Strategic Partnership with SolMicroGrid

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Energy Partners ("MSEP"), part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, announced today that they have completed an investment in Alpharetta, Georgia-based SolMicroGrid ("SolMicroGrid" or the "Company"). This strategic partnership will support the growth of SolMicroGrid's business, which offers innovative microgrid solutions through an Energy-as-a-Service ("EaaS") business model. SolMicroGrid is a developer and operator of microgrid systems for commercial and industrial customers throughout North America. SolMicroGrid's senior management team, led by Matthew Ward and Joyce Bone, has significant technical and operational microgrid and environmental services experience. The partnership with MSEP provides the Company with resources to accelerate the development of its assets, capabilities, and product offerings to its commercial and industrial customers. A portion of the proceeds from MSEP's investment will go to support the initial deployment of SolMicroGrid's solar-enabled microgrid systems to certain commercial and industrial customer locations in California. The microgrids will help protect those locations from power outages while providing cost-effective, renewable power. John Moon, Head of Morgan Stanley Energy Partners, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with SolMicroGrid to develop innovative and efficient renewable energy systems for commercial and industrial customers. We believe this is a compelling opportunity to work with a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial management team and look forward to building on SolMicroGrid's early success to provide clean and reliable on-site power to community-critical businesses." Matthew Ward, Co-Founder and CEO of SolMicroGrid, said, "We founded SolMicroGrid with a mission to provide customers with resilient, efficient and sustainable energy solutions utilizing the latest power generation and power storage equipment, all enabled by industry-leading software. We are excited to provide customers with a cost-effective and sustainable solution to rising electricity prices and grid instability. Morgan Stanley Energy Partners provides us with a strong sponsorwho will assist us as we seek to build an industry-leading microgrid franchise."



Joyce Bone, Co-Founder and President of SolMicroGrid, stated, "The rising cost and increasing complexity of sourcing not just clean but reliable power requires a new and innovative approach to the provision of electricity. We are excited to have the opportunity to share best-in-class solutions for our customers with the support of a world-class financial partner." Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, SolMicroGrid is a differentiated developer and operator of solar-enabled microgrid systems offering energy resiliency and efficiency to commercial and industrial customers. For further information about SolMicroGrid, please visit www.solmicrogrid.com.

Vertical Capital Advisors served as financial advisor to SolMicroGrid's Co-Founders. About Morgan Stanley Energy Partners Morgan Stanley Energy Partners, the energy-focused private equity business of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, is a leading energy private equity platform that makes privately negotiated equity and equity-related investments in energy companies located primarily in North America. Morgan Stanley Energy Partners pursues a differentiated investment strategy, focused on the buyout and build-up of strategically attractive, established energy businesses across the energy value chain in partnership with world-class management teams. For further information about Morgan Stanley Energy Partners, please visit www.morganstanley.com/im/energypartners. About Morgan Stanley Investment Management Morgan Stanley Investment Management, together with its investment advisory affiliates, has more than 729 investment professionals around the world and $715 billion in assets under management or supervision as of September 30, 2020. Morgan Stanley Investment Management strives to provide outstanding long-term investment performance, service and a comprehensive suite of investment management solutions to a diverse client base, which includes governments, institutions, corporations and individuals worldwide. For further information about Morgan Stanley Investment Management, please visit www.morganstanley.com/im. About Morgan Stanley Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in more than 41 countries, the Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005192/en/

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Update: On Saturday, the man was arrested in Arizona and has been charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

---

A well-known QAnon promoter has learned first-hand what it feels like to be accused of being someone you are not.

Because of his flashy costume, the so-called Q Shaman has become a photogenic fixture of QAnon rallies  and he found himself an even bigger platform on Jan. 6 when images of him breaking into the U.S. Capitol were seen all over the world. Shirtless, face painted and sporting a furry hat, he is unmistakable.

Except, it appears, to the conspiracy theory ecosystem he is part of.

The Q Shaman is an Arizona man named Jake Angeli, who has been vocally and publicly in favor of President Donald Trump and a slew of far-right conspiracy theories for years. He's also, as his name indicates, a big QAnon believer. QAnon adherents believe a secret military operation is currently in play to take down the satanic, occasionally cannibalistic, group of pedophiles who make up the global elite. Although QAnon welcomes and incorporates almost any old-school conspiracy theory you can think of  anti-Semitic tropes, JFK conspiracy, anti-vax pseudoscience, etc.  its unifier is Trump, who believers insist is integral to taking down the deep state.

Angeli has sported his distinctive look in Arizona since at least 2019, when he hit the media's radar for appearing at pro-Trump and QAnon rallies. From the Arizona Republic:

"Angeli, in a 2020 interview with The Arizona Republic, said that he wears the fur bonnet, paints his face and walks around shirtless with ragged pants as a way to attract attention. Then, he said, he is able to speak to people about his beliefs about QAnon and other truths he says remain hidden."

Win McNamee/TNS

Despite his well-documented history as a Trump supporter, on Wednesday night the right-wing media ecosystem turned on him. Lin Wood, the lawyer behind several failed suits to overrun the presidential election, tweeted a photo of Angeli and others who broke into the Capitol with the caption, "Indisputable photographic evidence that antifa violently broke into Congress today." The tweet is no longer available as Wood's Twitter account was banned.

The talking point was also picked up by Pastor Mark Burns, another big name on the pro-Trump social media circuit. "This is NOT a Trump supporter...This is a staged #Antifa attack," he tweeted with a photo of Angeli posing on the Senate dais.

Angeli himself responded to the Wood tweet, trying to clarify that he is, in fact, pro-Trump.

"Mr. Wood. I am not antifa or blm," he wrote. "I'm a Qanon & digital soldier. My name is Jake & I marched with the police & fought against BLM & ANTIFA in PHX. Look up OAN's coverage of July 4ths rally in PHX capital. I was standing against the BLM mob out numbered but unphased. Look it up..."

Tony Thai/Hearst Connecticut Media

Conspiracy theories about antifa, which is an ideology that opposes fascism not an organized group, have quickly gone mainstream on the right. By Wednesday evening, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., was already on the floor of Congress repeating it.

"Some of the people who breached the Capitol today were not Trump supporters," he said. "They were masquerading as Trump supporters and in fact, were members of the violent terrorist group antifa."

There is no evidence "antifa" infiltrators were part of the mob that broke into the Capitol. Accusing left-aligned groups of terrorism is a well-trod path for conspiracy theorists, who point to fictional "false flags" meant to discredit conservatives. The deflection is proactive as well as reactive; InfoWars host Alex Jones regularly warns his listeners that staged terrorist attacks are constantly on the horizon, planned by their enemies to pin on "patriots."

The unsubstantiated antifa claim was amplified last night by Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham, and on Thursday morning, Rep. Mo Brooks, an Alabama Republican, was tweeting it, too.

"Please, dont be like #FakeNewsMedia, dont rush to judgment on assault on Capitol. Wait for investigation," he wrote. "All may not be (and likely is not) what appears. Evidence growing that fascist ANTIFA orchestrated Capitol attack with clever mob control tactics."

In fact, there are thousands of videos and photos, many taken by the Trump supporters themselves, showing proud Trump fans wandering the building. Other well-known far-right personalities, like infamous alt-right troll Baked Alaska, were actually livestreamed from inside Senate offices.

Governor Gavin Newsom View Photo

Sacramento, CA  Advising that he canceled todays COVID-19 update out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of governors office staff, Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement in response to chaos transpiring at the U.S. Capitol:

Peaceful protest is an important mechanism of our democracy but what we are witnessing in our nations Capital building is reprehensible and an outright assault to our democracy and democratic institutions. The people of California have spoken, and our congressional delegation should never have to fear for their lives to represent Californians. We are concerned for the safety of Californias congressional delegation and U.S. Capitol staff and are reaching out to offer support in every way possible. President Trump must call for an end to this escalating situation, acknowledge the will of the people to bring President-Elect Biden to the White House, and move immediately to a peaceful transition of power.

Click here for reaction from local lawmakers.
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EU grants 8 mn to 55 research projects, including 8 in Italy ERC funds projects with economic, social impact

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JANUARY 7 - The European Research Council (ERC) is funding 55 projects that have ''high implementation potential'' at an economic and social level with 150,000 each for a total of 8.25 million euros. The projects include a new low-cost test to diagnose Covid-19, a technique to develop medicines against blindness and new technologies to produce clean energy.



Eight of the projects funded are Italian. They are promoted by the Italian institute of technology (ITT) and the Polytechnic of Milan, with two projects each, and by the universities of Milan, Pisa, Florence and the Federico II in Naples.(ANSAmed).



(ANSA).




At least two men from Florida have been charged with unlawful entry in the chaotic breach of the U.S. Capitol by a mob supporting President Donald Trump.

In addition, officials say a Florida firefighter has been placed on leave after photos surfaced of him participating in Wednesdays violent event.

The U.S. Capitol Police say John Anderson of St. Augustine and Michael Curzio of Summerfield are facing the unlawful entry charges. It wasnt immediately clear Thursday whether they were jailed or whether they had lawyers to represent them.

The USCP is continuing to review surveillance video and open source material to identify others who may be subject to criminal charges, Capitol Police said in a press release.

A spokeswoman for a fire department near Orlando said one of its firefighters was being investigated for participating in the Capitol breach. Sanford Fire Department firefighter Andy Williams has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome, said spokeswoman Bianca Gillett.

The photo shows Williams wearing a Trump hat while standing outside the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Another Florida man, Adam Christian Johnson of Parrish, was identified by numerous people as the person photographed carrying a House lectern while walking and grinning through the Capitol rotunda. There was no word on whether Johnson will face charges.

The lectern appeared to be that of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The Bradenton Herald reports that neither Johnson nor family members have responded to phone calls.


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A Creggan councillor has urged anyone with information about the shooting of a man in the area last night to pass it on to the PSNI.

A man in his 30s was shot in the leg during the attack at Southway around 7pm.

He was taken to hospital but the extent of his injuries is not known.

Police have described it as a paramilitary-style attack.

Sinn Fein Councillor Tina Burke has condemned the shooting.

There is no place for guns on our streets," she said.

Anyone with information should bring it forward to the police.

Detective Sergeant Burns said Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, we are treating this shooting incident as a paramilitary style assault.

"Those responsible for this barbaric act do not represent the interests of this community, nor do they contribute anything to it.

"They do it to try and exert influence, or gain control of those they claim to represent.

I am appealing for anyone with information to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1498 06/01/21, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/ makeareport/.

"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
President-elect Joe Biden introduced four Justice Department nominees who will become the top law enforcement officials in the country Thursday by reinforcing how they would restore integrity to the department in the aftermath of rioting at the Capitol.

Biden said "a riotous mob" and "insurrectionists" interrupted Congress counting the Electoral College votes that confirmed he beat President Donald Trump. But, he said, his appointees would restore integrity and independence to the department, and prevent political or partisan favoritism in pursuing cases.

Biden also said the Trump administration treated the mob differently than Black Lives Matter protesters last summer, when federal authorities tear-gassed peaceful protesters so that Trump could have his picture taken outside a church holding a Bible.

"Nobody can tell me that if it was a group of Black Lives Matter protesters that they wouldn't have been treated differently than the thugs who stormed the Capitol," Biden said at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware. "We all know that is true. And it is unacceptable  totally unacceptable."

Biden noted that the Justice Department was created in 1870 to enforce laws after the Civil War and combat the early incarnation of the Ku Klux Klan.

There is no more important and heartfelt effort on my part than restoring the independence and integrity of our Justice Department, Biden said.

Cabinet nominees: Joe Biden will nominate Merrick Garland as attorney general

Biden nominated federal Judge Merrick Garland, whose nomination to the Supreme Court during the Obama administration languished for nearly a year in the Senate, to serve as attorney general. Garland is now chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, nicknamed the second-highest court in the country.

Biden also nominated Lisa Monaco, a former Homeland Security adviser in the Obama administration, to serve as deputy attorney general; Kristen Clarke, executive director of the National Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, to lead the departments Civil Rights Division; and Vanita Gupta, a former acting civil rights chief, to serve as associate attorney general.

Story continues

Merrick Garland

Garland has served on the court since 1997 after prosecuting significant cases for the Justice Department, including the charges against Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh and Unabomber Ted Kaczynski.

Garland called his return to the department a homecoming. He said a foundation of the rule of law is that similar cases are treated the same, not differently depending on the participants party, power, affluence or race.

The rule of law is not just some lawyers turn of phrase. It is the very foundation of our democracy, said Garland, who also noted the reason for the departments founding after the Civil War to ensure compliance with the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments to the Constitution.

"These principles  ensuring the rule of law and making the promise of equal justice under law real  are the great principles upon which the Department of Justice was founded and for which it must always stand," Garland said. "They echo today in priorities that lie before us, from ensuring racial equity in our justice system to meeting the evolving threat of violent extremism."

Lisa Monaco

Monaco previously worked at the Justice Department for 15 years, serving as a prosecutor and eventually as assistant attorney general for national security. She became chief of staff to former FBI Director Robert Mueller and served as a White House adviser on homeland security and counterterrorism.

Monaco served as counsel to former Attorney General Janet Reno, who hung a portrait of a predecessor, Ed Levi, who reaffirmed the integrity and independence of the department after the Watergate investigation of the early 1970s. When former President Gerald Ford asked Levi what the department needed most, Monaco said he replied: "A soul."

The soul of the Justice Department lives in the integrity of its career professionals, in the independence of its investigations and its prosecutions, and in the principles it brings to bear as it stewards the ideal of justice in America," Monaco said.

Federal Judge Merrick Garland (C) delivers remarks after being nominated to be U.S. attorney general by President-elect Joe Biden (R) at The Queen theater Jan. 7, 2021 in Wilmington, Delaware.

Vanita Gupta

Gupta, the daughter of Indian immigrants who urged Biden online to appoint diverse officials to serve in his administration, is the president and chief executive of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. She previously oversaw the Justice Department's investigations of systemic police abuse in several cities, including Chicago, Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri.

Gupta recalled how she felt unsafe as a child while eating at a McDonald's with her sister, mother and grandmother when skinheads began calling them slurs and throwing food at them. But she said the incident stuck with her as a reminder that people of courage must work to protect the freedom of individuals  that freedoms don't protect themselve.

"Yesterday's horrific events at the Capitol reminded us that our democracy cannot be taken for granted, that our nation has a long history of disinformation, white supremacist violence, mob violence," Gupta said. "I am honored to return to a department that I know will push every day for justice, accountability and equality under the law."

Kristen Clarke

Clarke, who is the Black daughter of Jamaican immigrants and also met online with Biden to urge greater diversity among appointees, advocated creation of a voter-access commission because of the continuing litigation and disputes with state officials over voting rights.

Her group fought in court to protect voting rights throughout the primaries and general election. As a Justice Department attorney previously, Clark investigated police misconduct and worked on advancing voting rights.

"The clarion call of equal justice under law is what binds us together as a nation," Clarke said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden Cabinet picks: Merrick Garland introduced as attorney general
A 20-year-old criminal with links to the gangs involved in serious organised criminality in Drogheda is due to be sentenced next month in a landmark money mule case.

Sean Everitt from Hill View in the Co Louth town is already serving sentences for drug dealing and aggravated burglary but he can expect more jail time after he admitted having 10,000 in his bank account which was the proceeds of crime.

It is understood he was to be paid about 1,000 for the use of his bank account which he hoped would go towards paying off a drugs debt to one of the violent gangs involved in the deadly Drogheda feud.

However, Everitt was busted after he unsuccessfully attempted to withdraw the cash from a bank in August, 2019, in an incident which was caught on CCTV.

Sources say that the bank had the money locked and provided the information to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) who had set up a major investigation codenamed Operation Ransom.

This investigation began after over 200 customers of an Irish bank became victims of a major 2.7 million phishing scam in which they provided their bank details after receiving a bogus text message that led to their bank accounts being cleared out.

The international crime gang behind the massive theft then used money mules such as Everitt who allowed their bank accounts be used by the crime organisation to withdraw and deposit money stolen from other accounts.

GNECB detectives identified 56 money mules across the country and 39 of these people have now been arrested.

Everitt was the first person to be arrested as part of Operation Ransom when fraud squad detectives brought him from Cloverhill Prison for questioning in October, 2019.

At that stage, he was on remand in the jail on charges of possession of cocaine totalling 16,000 and cannabis resin worth 19,000.

On November 16 last, Everitt was handed a four year jail sentence for this offence at Drogheda Circuit Court and on the same date he was also given an additional four year term for his role in an horrific aggravated burglary in which a wheel brace was used to terrorise a family in Tullagh, Co Louth in September, 2019.

He will be sentenced next month at Dublin Circuit Court for possession of 10,000 believed to be the proceeds of criminal conduct after he pleaded guilty at a court sitting in December.

A senior source said that Everitt is not typical of most young people who act as money mules, the vast majority who are teenagers without any previous convictions.

He got involved through pure criminality but in many other cases students who have never had any involvement in crime become money mules, the source explained.

The organised crime gang use social media particularly Snapchat to find people who will allow their bank accounts be used to launder money and they often target students who receive very little reward for letting their bank accounts be used  once they get involved they lose complete control of their accounts, the source explained.

The average age of people arrested as part of Operation Ransom is 19 and among the suspects detained as part of the massive investigation is a 20-year-old Clondalkin man who had 44,000 in his bank account.

Investigations also established that in Limerick, a young man used the account of his 15-year-old brother to launder a large amount of money leading to the arrest of the teenager.

Of the 56 people arrested so far, at least 19 are Irish nationals with the rest being Romanian, Nigerian, Pakistani and Lithuanian nationals.

GNECB have identified hotspots for money mules in Kildare, Limerick, Mallow and Galway and anywhere where there are third level colleges across the country.

Operation Ransom is just one of around half a dozen different investigations into money mules and the fraud squad have identified an additional 600 suspects across the country in these probes with many more arrests expected this year.

Last September gardai and the banks warned of an increase in the crime, with the industry estimating that more than 12m has been laundered using money mules in the first nine months of last year.





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Tunisias tourism revenue plunged by 65% in 2020 compared to 2019, to around $746 million, official figures showed on Thursday, as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the countrys economy.

In 2020, the number of visitors fell by 78%, as western tourists deserted Tunisias hotels and resorts, a government official told Reuters. Tunisia had received a record 9.5 million visitors in 2019.

The contraction of Tunisias economy is expected to be at least 7% in 2020 as a result of the loss of revenue from tourism, which accounts for about 8% of GDP and is a major source of foreign currency.

Central bank data showed that tourism revenues fell to 2 billion Tunisian dinars ($746 million), compared to 5.6 billion dinars the previous year.

Travel restrictions and the spread of the novel coronavirus around the world led most hotels in Tunisia to close and tens of thousands in the tourism sector lost their jobs, which prompted the government to announce facilities in loans to hotel owners. ($1 = 2.6811 Tunisian dinars)

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.)

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Worshippers gathered inside the St. Sava Temple in the Serbian capital Belgrade on Thursday to mark Orthodox Christmas, despite concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

In Serbia, Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7, observing the Julian calendar.

The service at St Sava Temple - the main cathedral of the Serbian Orthodox church - is one of the highlights of the religious calendar.

Worshippers were asked to observe coronavirus regulations by social distancing and wearing face coverings, although footage showed few people with masks on.

(IMAGE CREDITS:AP)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
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SAN JOSE (BCN)

A "stop the steal protest" made its way to San Jose on the same day extremist supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The South Bay protest was organized by a local group known as the "Vietnamese Movement for Trump."

Close to 80 people, mostly Vietnamese Americans, gathered across the street from Grand Century Mall in the city's Little Saigon.

The protests were not nearly as intense as the mob that raided the Capitol on Wednesday, but videos from the event on social media show some shouting and shoving back-and-forth between Trump supporters and counterprotesters.

HERO Tent, a local grassroots non-profit group that supports civil rights activism, claimed on Twitter that the protest, "was not peaceful at all."

"Today's Trump rally was full of actual racists spewing racial slurs and hitting counterprotesters with their flags," the tweet reads.

However, no one was arrested, and officers were present to prevent any violence, according to San Jose police.

Many Vietnamese Americans support Trump because of their strong dissent against socialism and communism.

This is because many of the Vietnamese Americans here fled South Vietnam after it was conquered by communist North Vietnam in 1975.

At the protest, several protesters wore military uniforms and carried the yellow and red flag of South Vietnam. Posters with the words "America will never be a socialist country," were also visible.

Representatives from "Vietnamese Movement for Trump" did not immediately respond for comment.

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[January 07, 2021] Women In Bio Elects Katie Williams, Associate Director of Business Development at Applied BioMath, as 2021 President-Elect

Sea Island, GA, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Women In Bio (WIB), a national organization of professionals committed to promoting the careers, leadership, and entrepreneurship of women in the life sciences, has elected Katie Williams of the Research Triangle Park area as the 2021 National President-Elect. Williams previously served as the WIB-National Vice Chair for the Mentorship, Advisors, Peers, and Sponsorship (MAPS) program and as Chair of the WIB-RTP chapter. We are thrilled to welcome Katie to the WIB 2021 Executive Team. Her leadership experience both at the chapter and national level, along with her clear enthusiasm and strong dedication, will benefit the entire organization as she assumes the President-Elect role, said WIB-National President, Kayla Valdes, Ph.D. Williams earned her bachelors degree in Mathematical Biology from the University of Michigan and her doctorate in Applied Math from the University of Arizona. She has spent the last 10 years working at the intersection of mathematics, biomedical engineering, and medicine. She now applies this experience to align business and scientific objectives as an Associate Director of Business Development at Applied BioMath, a pharmaceutical and biotech service provider that builds systems pharmacology models to inform critical drug discovery and development decisions. "The goal of Women In Bio to promote the leadership of women and to maximize their potential in the life sciences is one we share and fully support at Applied BioMath," said John Burke, Ph.D., Co-founder, President, and CEO of Applied BioMath. "Katie joined us about four-and-a-half years ago as a modeler to support our services projects with our biopharma clients and transitioned to our business developent team. She has been a leader and go-getter within Applied BioMath and out. We look forward to her continued leadership and growth in the future and are very proud of the work she has and will continue to do to support women in the life sciences and Applied BioMath."



Women In Bio looks forward to Williams further contribution to the WIB mission of empowering women in the life sciences. Its an exciting time for women in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries as organizations are starting to actively build more representative teams. We all have the same goal of treating disease, and to be successful in this endeavor we need to engage all the top minds in our field, Williams said. I am excited to support Women In Bio in continuing to remove barriers and support advancement of women in the life sciences, and I am grateful to Applied BioMath for the support Ive received over the last four years, she added.

ABOUT WOMEN IN BIO (WIB) Founded in 2002 to support women employed in the field of life sciences from the classroom to the boardroom, Women In Bio (WIB) is a multifaceted organization with 13 chapters across North America and Montreal. It offers an array of professional educational programs, peer to peer learning, mentoring and networking opportunities, and is the only organization for women that integrates all career levels and life sciences fields. WIB is funded by sponsors and partners dedicated to supporting women of all ages in their lifelong journey in the life sciences and beyond. Please visit http://www.womeninbio.org. ABOUT APPLIED BIOMATH Founded in 2013, Applied BioMaths mission is to revolutionize drug invention. Applied BioMath uses mathematical modeling and simulation to provide quantitative and predictive guidance to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to help accelerate and de-risk drug research and development. Their approach employs proprietary algorithms and software to support groups worldwide in decision-making from early research through clinical trials. The Applied BioMath team leverages their decades of expertise in biology, mathematical modeling and analysis, high-performance computing, and industry experience to help groups better understand their candidate, its best-in-class parameters, competitive advantages, patients, and the best path forward into and in the clinic. For more information about Applied BioMath and its services, visit www.appliedbiomath.com. Attachment katiewilliams

Marsha Morgenstern Women In Bio (412) 223-7855 mmorgenstern@womeninbio.org

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B&M Bargains has doled out a 20p-a-share special dividend to shareholders as well as 30million to its boss Simon Arora after the cheap retailer enjoyed a bumper Christmas..

Arora and his family are the biggest shareholders in B&M, enabling him to pay himself 30million, in addition to a 44million dividend payout revealed two months ago.

B&M will also share some of the profits with staff, and has agreed to pay 30,000 workers an extra week's wages.

Brothers, let to right, Bobby, Robin, Simon Arora are behind the extraordinary rise of discount store B&M Bargains

All in a year: A chart showing B&M's share price shifts over the last year

Shares in London-listed B&M are currently down 0.19 per cent or 1p to 529p. A year ago the group's share price stood at 405p.

The extra 20p-a-share payout will be on top of the special payout of 25p per share and 4.3p ordinary payout, which the retailer said it would dish out at its half-year results in November.

While many retailers up and down the country battle to survive, bosses at B&M said group revenue rose 22.5 per cent in the 13 week period to 26 December, with its UK stores generating revenue growth of 26.6 per cent. On a like-for-like basis, UK sales jumped 21.1 per cent.

In November Mr Arora was forced to defend the company's first special dividend payout as it came at a time when B&M was benefitting from the business rates holiday announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Since then, B&M has agreed to hand back over 80million received frim the Government during the pandemic.

In the money: Analyst Russ Mould said B&M has 'mastered the art of retail'

B&M, which is based in Luxembourg but has its UK head office in Liverpool, opened 18 new stores and closed two during the period, creating 500 new jobs, meaning B&M now has 673 stores across the country.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'The company has mastered the key art of retail  giving people what they want at the right price and at the right time in the right locations.

'This should stand it in good stead as we exit the coronavirus crisis, particularly as its keen prices will appeal in an economy ravaged by the events of the last year.'

B&M boss Mr Arora said: 'Our trading performance is testament to the hard work and commitment of all our colleagues, to whom I express my sincere thanks.

'The safety and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues has remained our priority during these unprecedented times, whilst we have worked hard to provide customers with the everyday essentials they need.

'We are awarding some 30,000 store and distribution colleagues an extra week's wages in recognition of their considerable efforts.'

He added that he remains confident that the business will remain strong in the coming year, despite continued uncertainty on the high street.

B&M's Heron Foods arm also saw sales grow 7.6 per cent over the period to 102.9million.

Open: B&M has been branded an essential retailer and been able to stay open in the UK throughout the pandemic

But, its division in France, Babou and B&M France, struggled due to lockdowns in the country during November.

Sales across the French arm fell 1.4 per cent due to a four week temporary closure, but remained relatively strong outside of this period.

AJ Bell's investment director Russ Mould, said: 'Value retailer B&M has been a winner during the Covid-19 pandemic whether restrictions have been relatively tighter or looser, and thats reflected in a big increase in festive sales and the promise of a special dividend for shareholders. This is a rare income good news story for investors.

'Able to stay open through lockdown due to its focus on essential lines such as homewares, food and DIY products, it will be interesting to see if the new, stricter measures in the UK interrupt its momentum.'

Amy Higginbotham, a retail analyst at GlobalData, said tBritain's lockdown had enabled B&M to thrive. Its low prices appealed to shoppers during the current economic uncertainty while its big out-of-town stores 'allow shoppers and staff to adhere to social-distancing guidelines,' she said

B&M has been deemed an essential retailer by the Government and stores will stay open throughout the latest lockdown.

The retailer offers a broad range of products including food and drink, toiletries, cleaning products, DIY tools, medicines, and items for pets. It has over 670 stores across the country.

On Wednesday, B&M confirmed that NHS and care staff will be able to save an extra 10 per cent on their shop at B&M during the latest lockdown.
Chandigarh, Jan 7 : The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday said it has decided to create a joint strategy along with like-minded parties on ways and means to strengthen the federal structure of the country which is being "eroded under the NDA government".

The parties will hold a conference in New Delhi after January 15 whose main focus will be on erosion of federalism and its impact on farmers as well as financial well being of states.

Disclosing this in a statement here, senior SAD leader Prem Singh Chandumajra said a three-member party committee had been formed by party President Sukhbir Singh Badal to reach out to lik-eminded parties who were perturbed by the rise of a unitary system in the country.

"We have reached out to the Trinamool Congress, the Shiv Sena, the INLD, the DMK and the Samajwadi Party. We are also trying to get in touch with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The purpose is to hold a conference and work jointly for strengthening the federal structure as visualised by our constitution makers." Chandumajra said leaders of regional parties had agreed to be part of the meeting which would be addressed by five-time Chief Minister and SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal.

"Earlier the meeting was fixed for January 7 but had to be postponed due to a slight indisposition of Badal." The SAD leader said the three agricultural laws, which had even been forced through Parliament, were a direct interference of the Centre in the powers of the states.

He said even though agriculture was a state subject, the Centre went ahead to legislate on this issue. "We are clear that these laws can't be legislated by Parliament. They also override state laws and market committees and will only help corporate besides weakening the finances of the states." Asserting that states should not be put at the mercy of the Centre, Chandumajra said this trend was increasing as was seen earlier in West Bengal where the Governor was interfering in the functioning of an elected government and even in Punjab recently when its Governor summoned senior government officials bypassing the state government.

"The SAD is against this trend and will do its utmost to unite like-minded parties to form a bulwark against the increasing centralization of powers in the hands of the Union government," he added.
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Fairfield concerned citizens hosting socially-distanced Food Drive

A group of Fairfield concerned citizens who started weekly community food drives in March, 2020, will hold their 25th food drive, socially-distanced, from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday in front of Berkshire Hathaway, HomeServices New England Properties, 1583 Post Road, in Fairfield, to help the communitys vulnerale citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery.

All items collected will go to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, which provides food, shelter, clothing, education, job training and counseling for the urban poor and addiction. Social Distancing protocols will be followed.

Fairfield residents Helene Daly, Heather Dubrosky and Alexis Harrison started the weekly community food drives in response to an overwhelming demand that local food pantries and agencies were beginning to experience following the new virus. While many individuals have returned to work and business have re-opened, families and individuals throughout Fairfield County continue to experience hardship and new financial circumstances.

As we enter the new year, were grateful to have the opportunity to continue to help others in our community most affected by hunger and unforeseen circumstances brought on by COVID-19, Harrison said. People in Fairfield are generous, compassionate and always unite when our community faces challenges, Harrison said.

Items that will be collected include: Cash donations, grocery gift cards, cleaning products, Lysol wipes, paper towels, hand sanitizer, shelf stable milk, canned green beans, carrots and corn, canned fruit, pasta side dishes, flour, sugar, oil, gravy, muffin mix, cookies (non-bulk), stuffing. salad dressing, ketchup and boxed dried potatoes.

Two law firms merge

The law firm of Brody Wilkinson PC has merged with the law firm of Hermenze & Marcantonio LLC, currently based in Westport. The two firms will operate under the name of Brody Wilkinson PC from its main office at 2507 Post Road in Southport, Conn. follwowng the completion of an office expansion.

Principals of Hermenze & Marcantonio LLC, David R. Hermenze, Edward Marcantonio and James D. Funnell, Jr., and the firms staff have now also joined Brody Wilkinson PC.

With a combined Trusts & Estates practice now 14 lawyers-strong that is supported by a highly skilled team of professionals, our sum is greater than our parts, Brody Wilkinson PC Principal Robert Noren said. Not only do we have one of the most substantial Trusts & Estates practices in the state (of Connecticut) but with 24 lawyers in total, Brody Wilkinson is one of the largest firms in Eastern Fairfield County with exciting plans for additional growth. With this integration, Hermenze & Marcantonio can offer their existing clients seamless access to sophisticated legal services in the areas of business transactions, commercial and residential real estate, employment and dispute resolution.

After extensive planning discussions regarding how Hermenze & Marcantonio could best accommodate our continued business growth, client needs and future succession goals, my partners and I determined that a strategic business combination was the best answer. As such, we began our search for a firm that would allow us to continue our methods of practice, while offering opportunities for growth and succession. In the end, there was only one real choice, Brody Wilkinson, a firm we have collaborated with on many matters over the years. We have the highest personal and professional respect for the attorneys at Brody Wilkinson and believe that the combination of our Trusts & Estates practices will provide outstanding opportunities for mutual assistance and cross-pollination of ideas, David R. Hermenze said.
He made the call during the National Health Conference in Hanoi on January 6 which reviewed the sectors performance last year and mapped out tasks for this year.

2020 was an unforgettable year for the health sector during which medical workers in the frontline of the fight against COVID-19, undeterred by hardships, have devoted themselves to protecting peoples lives and well-being and to the nations socio-economic development at large, he said.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivers a speech at the National Health Conference in Hanoi on January 6. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam has successfully fulfilled the dual goals of containing the pandemic and maintaining positive economic growth and thats thanks to the participation of medical workers, military and police officers in the COVID-19 response, the leader added.

The PM took the occasion to thank doctors, nurses and other frontliners at quarantine facilities and health care establishments who have worked relentlessly and tirelessly over the past year to keep Vietnam safe from the novel coronavirus.

He later ordered the health sector, together with military and police forces, to continue stay vigilant against the pandemic, saying they must neither let their guard down nor allow the COVID-19 outbreak to resurge in the country.

He also asked the Ministry of Health to ensure decent medical services for the 13th National Party Congress slated for the end of this month.

Speaking at the event, UNDP Representative in Vietnam Caitlin Wiesen hailed what Vietnam has achieved last year, saying it has been an impressive year of accomplishment for Vietnam.

Last year, Vietnam for the first time entered the group of high human development countries according to UNDPs Global Human Development Report, she said, adding that the countrys life expectancy at birth and healthy life expectancy scores are now better than the average of the high human development group.

She went on to say Vietnam has emerged as a leading country in containing the pandemic and one of the few countries to record positive economic growth in 2020 and Vietnams success in achieving the twin goals of containing the pandemic and reviving the economy, has shown that giving priority to protecting the lives of people is also the best way to sustain economic activity during the pandemic.

Vietnams exemplary response to the COVID-19 pandemic largely depended on swift and effective Government action combined with the trust and willingness of citizens to contribute to the Governments preventive and protective measures. Vietnam offers to the world lessons learnt from this success in terms of transparency, accountability, social cohesion and innovation.

She cited a UNDP report on citizen opinions on the Governments response to the COVID-19 pandemic shows peoples strong consensus and support for the governments policies and actions. More than 97 percent of respondents assessed the leadership of the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control as good or very good./.
Professor Angus Dalgleish (pictured) said: 'The administration of the jabs has lacked the dynamism that might be expected at a time of national emergency'

Amid the grim return of a nationwide lockdown, the Government is banking on a successful rollout of the vaccination programme as the route back to some form of normality.

Indeed, in his sombre broadcast on Monday, the Prime Minister presented the vaccine as a shining source of hope in the darkness of renewed restrictions.

But the administration of the jabs has lacked the dynamism that might be expected at a time of national emergency, partly because of the operations logistical demands  and partly because of the absurd bureaucracy that has enveloped the recruitment of volunteer vaccinators.

Against this backdrop, the Government has had to ration the delivery of doses, with priority being given to healthcare workers and those with the highest rates of Covid mortality, namely the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

The need to protect the NHS workforce is obvious  and one that, as a doctor, I fully support. At present, Covid is forcing hospitals to lose between 10 and 30 per cent of staff. That drain on precious resources cannot continue.

But I disagree with the other priority for the elderly and chronically ill  not because I am heartless and do not value the lives of the vulnerable  but for reasons of practicality and efficacy.

If, as the Government claims, the primary aim of official policy is to halt the transmission of the disease, then vaccinating these two groups will have only a limited impact. Most of the people in these groups are likely to be shielding already and so protected to some degree. Nor are they the individuals largely responsible for the spread.

That is why it would be far better to target the younger, more economically active and social population  and especially the key workers who have most contact with the public such as supermarket and delivery staff, those who work on public transport, postal employees and of course teachers.

'I welcome Health Secretary Matt Hancocks statement yesterday  somewhat belated  that teachers have a very strong case to get vaccine priority,' said Professor Angus Dalgleish

I welcome Health Secretary Matt Hancocks statement yesterday  somewhat belated  that teachers have a very strong case to get vaccine priority. Such a change in approach would reduce rates of infection in the wider community rapidly.

It would also have a tremendous advantage in that, by giving protection to vital workers, it would allow the economy to move out of its current destructive paralysis.

Without such a change in strategy, the effect of this third national lockdown will be even more devastating than what has gone before, reflected in soaring business failures, debts, job losses, worsening mental health and the consequences for those suffering other health problems who cannot get the tests or treatment they need.

There is nothing cruel about prioritising vaccinations in this way. Indeed, the opposite is true. By driving up immunity and reducing the spread of the disease, we would actually lower the risks to the vulnerable.

This is no time for virtue-signalling or empty posturing.

We are at war with a unique menace. The threat can only be dealt with effectively in a spirit of dispassionate realism about exactly how this disease is spreading.

Professor Dalgleish is an oncologist at a London teaching hospital and a signatory to the Great Barrington Declaration, which calls for protection of the most vulnerable rather than economically ruinous lockdowns
Panic buying has broken out across greater Brisbane as 2.5 million residents prepare to head into a three-day-long lockdown to curb the spread of a UK strain of Covid-19.

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton, and Redland residents will only be allowed to leave their homes for four reasons from 6pm on Friday to 6pm on Monday.

That includes essential shopping, work, healthcare or exercise around the neighbourhood. They will also need to wear face masks when leaving their homes.

The draconian lockdown comes after a Brisbane hotel quarantine cleaner tested positive on Thursday for a UK strain of Covid-19, which authorities say is 70 per cent more infectious.

The news of a lockdown has led residents in the region to storm the local supermarkets and stock up on groceries.

Long queues of shoppers with trolleys packed with groceries were photographed at a Coles at New Farm.

Shelves were stripped bare in the fresh produce section of a Woolworths store with toilet paper supplies dwindling in some supermarkets.

Car parks were filled to capacity while lines of shoppers formed outside of supermarkets and snaked around shopping centres.

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton, and Redland residents will only be allowed to leave their homes for four reasons from 6pm on Friday

Panic buying has broken out across greater Brisbane as 2.5 million residents prepare to head into a three-day-long lockdown to curb the spread of a UK strain of Covid-19 (pictured, shoppers at a Coles in New Farm)

A Coles at New Farm was packed with shoppers following the announcement of hard lockdown in Brisbane from 6pm Friday

A shopper leaves the Coles at New Farm in Brisbane as crowds rushed to the supermarket ahead of the looming lockdown

Ms Palaszczuk has urged residents to think of the three-day-long lockdown as a 'long weekend'.

'We need to do this. I've accepted the strong advice from Dr Young,' Ms Palaszczuk said.

'If we do not do this now, it could end up being a 30-day lockdown.'

Anyone travelling from Brisbane into New South Wales will also be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

The UK mutation of Covid-19 has health authorities worried that if they don't act quickly, it may spread quickly in the community.

'Please, everybody, let's be in this together, let's stay at home, look at it as a long weekend at home with your family and friends,' Ms Palaszczuk said.

'It will be tough on everyone for these three days. I think everybody in Queensland, especially the Greater Brisbane area, knows what we are seeing in the UK and other places around the world is high rates of infection from this particular strain.

'We do not want to see that happening here in our great state and that is why we are taking those strong actions today.

Residents will also not be allowed to have more than two visitors are their home while restaurants will only be open for takeaway.

Prime minister Scott Morrison tweeted his support following the announcement of the lockdown.

'Wise call by Queslsand Premier AnnastaciaMP to have a brief lockdown to enable Queensland health authorities to get on top of the UK strain case in Brisbane,' it read.

Long queues have formed outside of shops and supermarkets as shoppers rush to buy groceries ahead of lockdown in Brisbane

A shopper visits the Coles at New Farm ahead of the hard lockdown in Brisbane from 6pm Friday

Shoppers headed straight to a Coles at New Farm after it was announced Brisbane would be placed into a hard lockdown

Shoppers queue outside a Woolworths at Camp Hill ahead of hard lockdown in Brisbane

Although supermarkets will still be open during the lockdown in Brisbane, shoppers have rushed to buy groceries

'A big thanks in advance to everyone in greater Brisbane for their patience in coming days.'

Queensland reported no new locally transmitted cases and nine new cases in hotel quarantine on Friday.

Aged care homes across greater Brisbane were also sent into lockdown with visitors barred from visiting facilities in the Metro North, Metro South and West Morton heath regions.

Hospitals, prisons and disability accommodation in the same areas are also banned from accepting visitors.

The mutated strain plaguing the UK is believed to be up to 70 per cent more infectious than the original.

It is causing a sharp rise in cases in England and prompted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to order a national lockdown until at least mid-February.

Britain reported more than 60,000 new confirmed cases in 24 hours for the second day in a row on Wednesday.

Workers lay down distance stickers on the floor as shoppers rush to Gasworks Plaza at Newstead in Brisbane

Staff work tirelessly as shoppers rush to the supermarkets to buy groceries ahead of the lockdown

A shopper carries out a haul of groceries, including toilet paper, amid the shopping frenzy

A queue of shoppers forms at the Gasworks Plaza at Newstead, in Brisbane, on Friday afternoon

What the lockdown means for you Residents living in greater Brisbane will only be allowed to leave their homes for four reasons from 6pm on Friday. 1) Essential work 2) Healthcare or compassionate care 3) Essential shopping 4) Exercise in the local neighbourhood Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has urged residents to avoid non-essential activities like going to the cinema. Households will not be allowed to have more than two visitors per day. Restaurants and cafes will only be allowed to open for takeaway. Funerals and weddings will also be limited to 20 people. Masks will also be made mandatory, though children under the age of 12 will be exempt. The lockdown will be lifted at 6pm on Monday. Advertisement

Queensland's chief health officer Dr Jeanette Young said health authorities were acting fast to trace down anyone who had come into contact with the cleaner.

'We need to find every single case now,' Dr Young said.

'We need to find every person who might have had contact with that lady now, find them find them, and get them into quarantine. That's what we've got to do over the next three days.'

The hotel cleaner's infection ends almost four months of zero locally acquired cases in Queensland.

The positive case, a woman in her 20s, was infectious from January 2 before testing positive after showing symptoms on Wednesday.

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus is urged to get tested immediately.

Supermarket staff hands a face mask to a shopper during the shopping blitz at Gasworks Plaza at Newstead on Friday

Shoppers are seen walking into a Woolworths at Chermside Marketplace in Brisbane

Empty shelves at Aldi in Manly on Brisbane's bayside after shoppers go beserk

Shoppers were waiting in line outside of supermarkets ahead of the Brisbane lockdown

Contact tracers are tracking the movements of the cleaner, who worked at the hotel Grand Chancellor on January 2.

'This woman has been exceptionally helpful with us, telling us exactly where she's been, so we're following up,' Dr Young said.

The woman from Algester travelled on the public rail network to and from Brisbane's inner city and southside.

Health authorities say she visited several locations while potentially infectious.

The woman travelled on a train from Altandi station to Roma Street station at 7am on January 2, then returned on the 4pm service the same day.

She also visited Woolworths at the Calamvale Central Shopping Centre from 11am to 12pm on Sunday 3 January.

Prime minister Scott Morrison tweeted his support following the announcement of the lockdown

A terrifying map shows the Brisbane locations which have been exposed to the UK's mutant variant of the virus since January 2, including a busy train line, a Coles and a Woolworths

The cleaner visited the Calamvale North Woolworths (pictured) between 11am and noon on January 3 while infected

The UK variant of Covid entered Queensland via a returned traveller at Brisbane Airport and has been identified in quarantine throughout the nation. This is the first time it has leaked from hotel quarantine

She was also at Coles in Sunnybank Hills for 30 minutes from 7.30am on Tuesday 5 January.

She was also a newsagent at Sunnybank Hills Shopping Town from 8am to 8.15am on the same day.

'The good thing is this lady hasn't been to any restaurants or cafes and when we know they are such a critical ear for spread, so that's really good news,' Dr Young said.

Dr Young reminded residents it was important to get ontop of the virus early before it potentially spread.

'I'm really concerned that if we were to have cases from this very, very contagious, infectious virus, we wouldn't be able to get on top of it,' Dr Young said.

'That's why we have to bring this in fast, rather than be able to wait and see what the extent of the spread is, because once it is spread, it will be too late to act.'

Residents will only be allowed to leave their homes for four reasons: essential shopping, exercise in the local neighbourhood, healthcare reasons or for work

The hard lockdown in Greater Brisbane will last from 6pm Friday to 6pm Monday

Ms Palaszczuk has also announced travellers coming from Greater Sydney will not be allowed into Queensland until at least the end of January (pictured, patrol at Queensland and New South Wales border)

Residents of Algester, Sunnybank Hills and Calamvale who have symptoms of the infection are especially urged to get tested as soon as possible.

The Sunshine State now has 20 active COVID-19 cases and the new positive case comes from 15,000 tests over the previous 24-hour period.

Ms Palaszczuk has also announced travellers coming from Greater Sydney will not be allowed into Queensland until at least the end of January.

'I know this is very disappointing for people during this time, but we are concerned still about Greater Sydney. We have a watching brief as well on Victoria,' she said.

'We'll be having a national cabinet meeting tomorrow. I'll get further updates there.'

The border closure will be reviewed at the end of the month.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (the "Company" or "Aires") has received approval from the Depository Trust Company to make its common shares, traded on the OTCQB under the symbol AAIRF, now eligible for electronic clearing and settlement through DTC's automated processes.

This electronic method of clearing securities speeds up the receipt of stock and cash, and thus accelerates the settlement process for investors and brokers while cutting costs and providing access to a wider network of brokerage firms, enabling the stock to be traded over a wider selection of firms by coming into compliance with their requirements.

"Obtaining DTC eligibility demonstrates Aires' commitment to increasing visibility and accessibility for our shareholders," stated Dimitry Serov, President and CEO. "We expect that access to DTC's platform will enhance liquidity and increase trading volume, presenting American Aires to an even broader range of investors in the United States."

DTC is a stock depository that facilitates and simplifies electronic trading of securities in the U.S. DTC, a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., is a member of the U.S. Federal Reserve System and a registered clearing agency within the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About American Aires Inc. American Aires Inc. is a nanotechnology company which has developed proprietary silicon-based microprocessors that reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The technology was developed by a team of highly credited scientists and confirmed by independent third-party validation including peer reviewed studies and publications in scientific journals. The technology specifically targets cellphones, computers, baby monitors, Wi-Fi radiation and general EMR emitted by consumer electronic devices. Aires has launched a full suite of consumer products under the brand name "Airestech" for use on almost all consumer electronic devices. The Company has adopted a global ecommerce and distribution platform that scales easily as sales grow. Since launching in 2019, Aires has enjoyed exuberant growth. The company has been aggressively building out their ecommerce platform which is now capable of delivering up to 10,000 shipments a day along with recent customer service center agreements. Strategically placed fulfillment centers have been secured to ensure prompt delivery around the globe (see PR Jan. 31, 2020). With the launch of 5G networks around the world, this year, we are seeing an increase of news, reports and leading health organizations discussing the potential harm of EMR and the importance of identifying solutions to reduce these harmful rays. Aires products are the solution. www.airestech.com.

On behalf of the board of directors



Company Contact

Dimitry Serov, CEO

Email: dimitry@airestech.com

Telephone: (905) 482-4667

Website: www.airestech.com

For further information please contact:

Investor Cubed Inc.:

Neil Simon, CEO

Email: wifi@airestech.com

Telephone: (647) 258-3310

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 future financial position, 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.sedar.com. 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.

Not intended for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of United States Securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71494
Trump Protesters Occupy Capitol for Several Hours

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - A group of protesters showing loyalty to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, interrupting a joint session of Congress which was scheduled to accept the Electoral College vote that would formally declare Joe Biden as the next president.The nations elected representatives scrambled to crouch under desks and donned gas masks, while police tried to barricade the building. A woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol, and Washingtons mayor instituted an evening curfew in an attempt to contain the situation.Trump spoke to peaceful protesters earlier, urging his supporters to march to the Capitol to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens victory.Some Republican lawmakers were in the midst of raising objections to the results on his behalf when the proceedings were abruptly stopped.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said lawmakers were resuming the counting of electoral votes Wednesday evening after the Capitol was cleared of the intruders.The president issued a pair of tweets and a taped video Wednesday afternoon, telling his supporters it was time to go home in peace,  although he didn't back down from his claims about the Electoral vote.President-elect Biden, two weeks away from his scheduled inauguration, said American democracy was under unprecedented assault, a sentiment echoed by many in Congress, including some Republicans. Former President George W. Bush said he watched the events in disbelief and dismay.Tensions were already running high when lawmakers gathered early Wednesday afternoon for the constitutionally mandated counting of the Electoral College results, in which Biden defeated Trump, 306-232. Despite pleas from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, more than 150 GOP lawmakers planned to support objections to some of the results.Shortly after the first GOP objections, protesters fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls. Lawmakers were told to duck under their seats for cover and put on gas masks after tear gas was used in the Capitol Rotunda. Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., told reporters he was in the House chamber when rioters began storming it. Security officers made us all get down, you could see that they were fending off some sort of assault, it looked like. They had a piece of furniture up against the door, the entry to the floor from the Rotunda, and they had guns pulled, Peters said.And they just told us to take our pins off, he added, referring to lapel pins members wear so Capitol Police can quickly identify them. Then the lawmakers were evacuated.Staff members grabbed the boxes of Electoral College votes as the evacuation took place. Otherwise, Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon said, the ballots could have been destroyed by the protesters.The Pentagon said about 1,100 District of Columbia National Guard members were being mobilized to help support law enforcement at the Capitol. More than a dozen people were arrested.As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials worked their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible and police in riot gear moved down the steps, pushing demonstrators back.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the United States, predicted on Thursday that the daily death toll from the coronavirus would continue to rise for weeks to come, and counseled patience with the vaccination program gearing up across the nation.

Hours later, officials across the United States reported yet another daily record for deaths, over 4,000. The total for the pandemic in the U.S. has surpassed 365,400.

In an interview with NPR, Dr. Fauci said the high toll was likely to continue, and was probably a reflection of increased travel and gatherings over the holidays.

We believe things will get worse as we get into January, he said.

He stressed that it was still possible to blunt that acceleration by strictly adhering to public health measures like social distancing and mask wearing.
Albert had a reputation for driving a hard bargain. On one occasion a banker dining at Kleinwort Benson's in-house canteen, managed by the Roux corporation, complained of finding a lead slug from a rifle in a piece of lamb. The unlucky diner suggested that a half-price dinner at Le Gavroche might be appropriate compensation. Albert offered him a voucher for another meal in the canteen. Celebration champagne: Albert Roux with his chefs, including his bearded son Michel, 29, back in the kitchens of his celebrated Le Gavroche restaurant last night after a court gave it a clean bill of health. Credit:Express Newspapers Albert took to television like duck a l'orange. At Home With the Roux Brothers saw him squabbling affectionately with brother Michel. "Well, zat's 'ow 'e does it," he used to say, relishing the role of the cuddly, cheeky Frenchman, "me, ah prefer to do eet like zis". In reality he was an exacting taskmaster who insisted on perfection, and sometimes, it seemed, a little more. When running the kitchens at Le Gavroche he was known to stand with a plate that was ready for service, counting down from 10. If the right waiter had not collected the plate by the time he got to zero he would let go, and a souffle would go crashing to the ground. This refusal to accept anything less than the best enabled the family to pioneer, almost single-handedly, a revolution in the standards of raw materials available to restaurateurs.

From the start they refused to accept the stale fish, bruised fruit and poorly butchered meat which other restaurateurs allowed into their kitchens. Instead they chose a handful of suppliers and set out to re-educate them where necessary. Perhaps his greatest contribution to British cooking was that he impressed on a new generation of young chefs  including Marco Pierre White, Pierre Koffmann, Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing  his own impossibly high standards and unmatched knowledge. Albert Roux was born at Semur-en-Brionnais, Burgundy, on October 8 1935, the son of a pork butcher who left Albert's mother on her own to look after him, his sister and his younger brother. To help support the family Albert left school at 14 and took up an apprenticeship with a patissier. At 17 he married his childhood sweetheart, Monique, having considered a vocation to the priesthood  an ambition which, as he explained many years later, was wholly unrealistic: "I would have made a very bad priest," he told the Daily Mail in 2014, "because I am  was  a philanderer. And imagining myself visiting a nunnery  that would have been bad." His second wife Cheryl only agreed to marry him, she said, when he had "unloaded" his other seven companions: "I would not be part of his harem". But that marriage foundered, as gossip columns reported, after an involvement with a cloakroom attendant roughly half Albert Roux's age.

He came to Britain for the first time in 1952, and worked in the kitchen for Nancy (Viscountess) Astor, then in the French Embassy in London. He served in the French army in the Algerian war from 1955, returning to England in 1957. He became private chef to Major Peter Cazalet, at whose dining table the Queen Mother, whose horses he trained, was a frequent guest. He remained in Cazalet's service for "nine of my happiest years". Albert, left and Michel Roux display their honourary OBE medals presented to them by the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, on behalf of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, at a ceremony at the Foriegn and Commonwealth offices in central London, 2002. Credit:PA Albert opened Le Gavroche ("the street urchin") with Michel in Lower Sloane Street in the spring of 1967, backed by his former boss' son Edward Cazelet, along with Michael von Clemm, Jacob Rothschild and some other enthusiasts. Ava Gardner, Charlie Chaplin and Robert Redford attending the opening buffet. In those days dinner for two, including wine, would have cost a hefty 5. The brothers took it in turns to cook at the stove, the other acting as maitre d'. A year later Le Gavroche was the most chic eatery in London, among the cognoscenti at least, and one of the most expensive.

Not content with having one restaurant acknowledged as the best in the land, Albert and Michel set about finding a second location. Eventually they settled on a quiet hotel, the Waterside Inn, on the Thames at Bray. They did not change the name, but they changed just about everything else, and opened in 1976. Albert's toughness was demonstrated in this period when he went into hospital for a hip operation and just a few days after the surgery was back at Le Gavroche masterminding the preparation of a banquet for 3000 people at the Royal Albert Hall. That year, with sponsorship from Diners Club, Albert and Michel set up a scholarship for young chefs, offering the prize of a three-month, all-expenses-paid apprenticeship at a Michelin-starred restaurant of the winner's choice. While running the Gavroche kitchen Albert also found time to experiment with the sous-vide technique of food preparation  vacuum-packing fresh food and cooking at precise temperatures, for reheating later with minimum spoiling. By 1988 the Roux business empire was not flourishing, but the contract catering side of the business, started by Albert in 1986, was to see the Roux brothers through the recession.

However, every chef's worst nightmare became reality for Albert in 1989 after a health inspector decided that the kitchens of Le Gavroche were "filthy, fly-ridden and at risk from infection by rats and mice". Albert faced 15 summonses for breaches of hygiene regulations and five for alleged health and safety offences. He vigorously contested the allegations, embarrassing the inspector who had brought them by pointing out that he had asked Roux to sign a copy of his cookbook and had discussed bringing his wife to the restaurant. After a long-drawn-out legal action, during which the press had a field day with jokes of the "Waiter, there's a fly in my soup" variety, a magistrate took just two minutes to dismiss all the charges, and Roux's 100,000 costs were paid. Loading Outside the kitchen, Roux enjoyed fishing in the Scottish Highlands and going to the races. Roux was appointed OBE in 2002, and made a Chevalier of the Legion d'honneur in 2005. He was a Maitre Cuisiniere de France, and a member of the Academie Culinaire de France.
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WESTPORT  The nation watched as a mob of President Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, which caused destruction and left one woman dead.

As officials condemned the actions that evening and night, Superintendent Thomas Scarice focused on how the district could help the students.

This is an emotional time and there will be a range of strong feelings from anger to sadness and fear, Scarice said an email to families and staff Wednesday night. There will also be a great deal of confusion on the part of our students. ... We will aim to validate our students feelings and questions, while doing our best to work through some very complex issues.

He said the school team was ready to meet students Thursday morning and serve them in the most professional manner. Faculty and staff were given resources to support them and each building principal met with them Thursday.

Highest among our priorities is to assure each child that they are safe in the school environment, Scarice said.

Each education level will use an age-appropriate approach, ranging from a more responsive tactic at the lowest levels to looking at Wednesdays events in social studies classes at the middle and high school levels, he said.

The elementary level wont have group discussions about the incident, but teachers were prepared to address individual students as needed.

We cannot make assumptions about how parents prefer to approach such topics with our youngest learners, Scarice said in Wednesdays email. As a result, we will be responsive in nature. If conversations and questions persist, and an elementary teacher needs to briefly address the class, parents will be informed so that they can appropriately follow up with their child.

Middle school classes addressed the events in social studies classes, viewing it mainly through a civics lens and focusing on the process to certify an election. Scarice said students probably heard a lot about this on the news and in social media and might be unfamiliar with it.

Additionally, the natural inquisitive nature of early adolescence typically sparks dialogue about current events, he said. Our social studies teachers are being provided with tools and resources to facilitate discussions while providing context for our students to comprehend the events of the day, and the implications as we move forward.

Support staff were also prepared to offer additional intervention for any middle school student who needed it.

High school teachers facilitated discussions in social studies classes with students generating the questions.

Our high school students are close to voting age, Scarice said. Among the relevant topics for classroom discussions are the process of elections, the constitutional role of Congress in presidential elections, and the idea that the events that transpired today are more about our democracy than politics.

Additional, individual support was provided during lunch waves and throughout the day as well.

In my experience, these are the times when the humanity of our work intersects with our professional responsibilities, he said. We are an organization composed of people and we bring all of our strengths and imperfections to our work every day. We will not be perfect, but we will answer the call and bring our professional best to serve your child tomorrow and beyond.

Though Scarice wasnt without criticism.

I watched the events at the Capitol today with utter disbelief and abject sadness, he said. By now Im sure youve read countless comments and reflections about the lawlessness and violent attack on our democracy incited by the reckless behaviors and comments of some of our elected officials, including our sitting president. All I can add to this commentary is my condemnation.

First Selectman Jim Marpe also spoke out against what happened in Washington, D.C., targeting Trump, though not by name.

As the chief elected officer of Westport, to watch the behavior and the blatant abrogation of responsibility by the chief elected officer of the United States was discouraging and disgusting, he said in a statement. I am embarrassed for our country. Thankfully, as a community, our local elected officials regularly participate in a civil and respectful process that gives me hope and confidence that our democracy can and will survive.

kkoerting@newstimes.com
Twitter said Wednesday it has locked President Donald Trump's account for 12 hours, and warned for the first time that it may suspend him permanently.

The temporary lock reflects Trump's violation of the Twitter rules, the company said.

"We have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity Policy," Twitter said. "This means that the account of @realDonaldTrump will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets. If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked." Twitter added that "future violations... will result in permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account." The announcement marks a major escalation by Twitter against Trump's account and responds to calls by civil rights groups for Trump to be banned from the platform.

As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy. https://t.co/k6OkjNG3bM  Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 7, 2021

Click Here for contuining live coverage.
The Haryana government on Thursday extended the tenure of director general of police (DGP) Manoj Yadava till further orders.

Yadava was appointed as head of police force on February 18, 2019, for a period of two years though he has more than four years to retire.

As per the directions of the Supreme Court, the DGP should have a minimum tenure of at least two years irrespective of his date of superannuation. The apex court direction does not bar the state government from extending the DGPs tenure beyond two years if the incumbent is in service, officials said.

Yadava, who remained posted as additional director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for several years, was among three IPS officers recommended by a committee of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for appointment as the state police chief.

The officers had returned to his parent cadre after a 15-year stint with the IB.
It was late at night, and the scientists sitting in the white 4WD had been slowly driving through the sweeping grasslands for hours, their eyes trained on a small screen on the dashboard.

Suddenly, they saw a white glowing dot on the screen. They got out of the car and crept through the paddock to where the thermal camera had located its target and found a male plains wanderer, sitting on a nest. After taking a few photos, they crept away.

The critically-endangered plains wanderer.

Its very exciting to find one, says researcher and PhD candidate Fenella Dawlings.

They are very cute little birds and not many people have the privilege of seeing them. Its special.
The Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora, has warned Nigerians against complacency in containing the COVID-19 pandemic as vaccines may not arrive the country as soon as expected.

He made this known while speaking at the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 briefing on Thursday.

Represented by the Director, Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Adebimpe Adebiyi, he said the government is working hard to get the approved vaccines to fight the virus.

We are working very hard to get vaccines for our people. It may not come soon enough, therefore we need to be alive to get the vaccines when they come, he said.

He said this is to underscore the importance of compliance with non-pharmaceutical measures as advised to reduce transmissibility of the virus.

Although Mr Mamora said the vaccines may not come soon, the Nigerian government earlier said the country will receive at least 100,000 doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech approved COVID-19 vaccines by the end of January.

The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, said a letter announcing this allocation in the first phase of the delivery of the vaccines is expected from the COVAX facility during the week.

In the first phase through the COVAX facility, we expect to receive approximately 100,000 doses of the Pfizer and bioNtech vaccine by the end of January, he said.

Mr Shuaib also said the country is expecting free 42 million doses of vaccines in the second phase through the COVAX facility, an initiative run by the vaccine alliance, GAVI, to ensure equitable access to a COVID vaccine.

He said the second phase will be a combination of all the available approved vaccines currently in the market.

He, however, said these vaccines will cover only about 20 per cent of Nigerias over 200 million estimated population.

Vaccines

Amidst the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, many countries are already on the queue to access effective vaccines for citizens.

The Nigerian government had earlier inaugurated an 18-member national COVID-19 task team to ensure vaccine security when it finally gets to the country.

Despite these efforts, health experts and bodies recently told PREMIUM TIMES it is almost impossible for Nigeria to start a vaccine campaign in January.

Evidence on the ground at the countrys National Strategic Cold Store also suggest that Africas most populous country may not be fully ready to receive and administer the COVID-19 vaccine.

There are no ultra-cold freezers needed to store some of the frontrunners such as the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, according to Iyabo Daradara, Director, Logistics and Health Commodities at the NPHCDA.

Doubting COVID-19

At the briefing, chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha said some Nigerians are still doubting the virulent nature of the coronavirus pandemic.

The share level of doubts about the virus is alarming and I call on everyone to become advocates in support of the National Response, Mr Mustapha said.

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He said efforts are ongoing to ensure more Nigerians are well informed of the risks associated with the virus.

Mr Mustapha also noted that the government is reviewing its strategies to tackle COVID-19 pandemic, especially in risk communication, vaccine hesitancy, and fake news.

He said the PTF will intensify the risk communication and community engagement and create more awareness.
(Natural News) Following yesterdays false flag storming of the Capitol Building  staged by left-wing Antifa / BLM instigators who dressed up as MAGA supporters  we witnessed the final act of betrayal against our constitutional republic as members of Congress flipped against truth and voted to accept the fraudulent Biden electors, making Joe Biden the president-elect.

The false flag storming of the Capitol Building is being used by the media and members of Congress to whitewash all the overwhelming evidence of election fraud in the general election. Suddenly in the media narrative, even the possibility of vote fraud by the Biden camp no longer matters because some people stormed the Capitol Building and that was scary.

Patrick Byrne has retweeted this video revealing Capitol Police openly directing Antifa / BLM actors (dressed as MAGA patriots) to invade certain sections of the Capitol Building. Byrne calls it, The moment we realized that this is a staged psyop

That same media narrative demands that we forget the radical Lefts storming of the Capitol Building during Kavanaughs SCOTUS hearing, of course. Youre also not supposed to remember the many months of extreme violence and domestic terrorism of the radical Left as they burned cities, assaulted federal officers and set fire to police cars and government buildings throughout much of 2020.

The following video gives you a taste of how the media covered Leftists storming the Capitol during the Kavanaugh hearings:

Trump did NOT concede, and the transition of power doesnt necessarily mean a transition to Biden

Under the cover of night, the treasonous US Congress voted to install CCP puppet Joe Biden into the White House, confirming his fraudulent slate of electors as accepted. A few hours later, Trump issued a statement about a transition of power. Here it is:

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th. I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!

This statement is being widely interpreted by the media to be a concession statement from the president. However, it is no such thing.

Trump did not concede at all. He did not congratulate Joe Biden and he did not say he would leave the White House.

When he says, the end of the greatest first term, that makes perfect sense, since Trumps second term would begin on January 20th. So his first term is ending.

More importantly, Trump did not specify what the orderly transition means. He didnt say there would be a transition to Biden being installed as president. He might be referring to the transition of America away from the tyranny of the deep state and the return of power to the People.

In fact, Trumps statement seems to be designed to disarm those calling for his immediate removal under the 25th Amendment so that Trump can continue to work the military solution that would seek mass arrests of the traitors who attempted to pull off their criminal coup against America.

Many traitors will be arrested & jailed over the next several days, wrote attorney Lin Wood in a Parler tweet he issued during the early morning hours, after Congress completed its final act of betrayal of America.

He also retweeted another statement from Parler user @StormIsUponUs who explained, Sleep well tonight patriots. The constitutional process played out till the end, and Trump didnt interfere once. You are going to love how this movie ends.

Trumps proclamation to disperse is a necessary legal step before invoking the Insurrection Act

Yesterday Trump released a video that contained a proclamation to disperse. This was the video in which he told everybody to go home in peace.

This statement, it turns out, is a necessary step to invoke the militia or US armed forces to defend the republic.

10 USC Section 254 is called Proclamation to disperse and it explains:

Whenever the President considers it necessary to use the militia or the armed forces under this chapter, he shall, by proclamation, immediately order the insurgents to disperse and retire peaceably to their abodes within a limited time.

That is exactly what Trump did yesterday.

He then boarded Air Force One and flew to a military base in Texas, where he could be safe from any kinetic coup attempt in the swamp of Washington D.C. This was tweeted out by CodeMonkeyZ, citing MonkeyWerx:

Now, Trump is likely preparing to invoke the Insurrection Act or some other form of military authority to conduct mass arrests of the traitors who have betrayed this nation (which now includes VP Mike Pence, Lindsay Graham, Mitch McConnell and many others).

Understand that Trump didnt know for sure who the traitors were until about 3 a.m. this morning, because thats when the final votes came down in Congress, affirming the complete list of US Senators and House members who are complicit in the criminal coup against the United States of America.

Naturally every single Democrat in Congress was confirmed as a traitor. But most members of the GOP also joined the traitor list. The Gateway Pundit published the full list of treasonous GOP members this morning, all of whom voted against the objections to the Biden slate of electors:

Amodei Republican Nevada

Armstrong Republican North Dakota

Bacon Republican Nebraska

Balderson Republican Ohio

Barr Republican Kentucky

Bentz Republican Oregon

Buchanan Republican Florida

Buck Republican Colorado

Bucshon Republican Indiana

Chabot Republican Ohio

Cheney Republican Wyoming

Comer Republican Kentucky

Crenshaw Republican Texas

Curtis Republican Utah

Davis, Rodney Republican Illinois

Emmer Republican Minnesota

Feenstra Republican Iowa

Ferguson Republican Georgia

Fitzpatrick Republican Pennsylvania

Fortenberry Republican Nebraska

Foxx Republican North Carolina

Gallagher Republican Wisconsin

Garbarino Republican New York

Gonzales, Tony Republican Texas

Gonzalez (OH) Republican Ohio

Graves (LA) Republican Louisiana

Grothman Republican Wisconsin

Guthrie Republican Kentucky

Herrera Beutler Republican Washington

Hill Republican Arkansas

Hinson Republican Iowa

Hollingsworth Republican Indiana

Huizenga Republican Michigan

Johnson (SD) Republican South Dakota

Joyce (OH) Republican Ohio

Katko Republican New York

Keller Republican Pennsylvania

Kinzinger Republican Illinois

Kustoff Republican Tennessee

LaHood Republican Illinois

Latta Republican Ohio

Mace Republican South Carolina

Massie Republican Kentucky

McCaul Republican Texas

McClintock Republican California

McHenry Republican North Carolina

McKinley Republican West Virginia

Meijer Republican Michigan

Meuser Republican Pennsylvania

Miller-Meeks Republican Iowa

Moolenaar Republican Michigan

Mooney Republican West Virginia

Moore (UT) Republican Utah

Murphy (NC) Republican North Carolina

Newhouse Republican Washington

Owens Republican Utah

Pence Republican Indiana

Reed Republican New York

Rodgers (WA) Republican Washington

Roy Republican Texas

Schweikert Republican Arizona

Scott, Austin Republican Georgia

Simpson Republican Idaho

Smith (NJ) Republican New Jersey

Smucker Republican Pennsylvania

Spartz Republican Indiana

Stauber Republican Minnesota

Stefanik Republican New York

Steil Republican Wisconsin

Stewart Republican Utah

Stivers Republican Ohio

Taylor Republican Texas

Thompson (PA) Republican Pennsylvania

Turner Republican Ohio

Upton Republican Michigan

Van Duyne Republican Texas

Wagner Republican Missouri

Waltz Republican Florida

Wenstrup Republican Ohio

Westerman Republican Arkansas

Wittman Republican Virginia

Womack Republican Arkansas

Young Republican Alaska

On the Senate side, there were only seven US Senators who held the line and voted to object to the election fraud. These are the only seven US Senators who arent traitors:

Sen. Ted Cruz

Sen. Josh Hawley

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith

Sen. Cynthia Lummis

Sen. Roger Marshall

Sen. John Kennedy

Sen. Tommy Tuberville

Only now does Trump have the final arrest list of treasonous actors who betrayed America in our final hour. In fact, theres no way Trump could have known all this unless the scenario was allowed to run its course.

Most Americans, for example, would never have believed that VP Mike Pence  an evangelical Christian  would have betrayed the nation in its most critical moment. Now, Lin Woods statements about Mike Pence being linked to pedophilia, Jeffrey Epstein and child trafficking operations suddenly make sense to anyone paying attention. Pence was controlled opposition from the very start, and Pence was the source of the leaks from the White House over the last four years. Globalists have had Pence over a barrel from day one.

Will Trump pull the trigger?

The only question now is: Will Trump pull the trigger and unleash the military arrests?

Note that Trump does not have the loyalty of the US Army, nor of many top generals. He doesnt need that. Trump has Chris Miller at the DoD, and he has the loyalty of Special Operations Forces (SOF) command, along with Space Force, the Air Force and most of the US Marines. Thats all he needs.

Trump must now activate a military option to defend the republic, either via the Insurrection Act or other military authority. He has put everything in place for this very moment. Importantly, Trump patiently attempted to defend the Republic through the courts and through Congress, watching as each option was exhausted due to extreme corruption, criminality and fraud throughout the system. (Even SCOTUS was compromised in the same way Pence has been compromised: Blackmail, extortion and pedophilia.)

Trump had decided early on that he would not act until every civil option was exhausted. As of 3 a.m. this morning, that waypoint has now been reached. There are two options remaining for defending America now:

Trump invokes the military authority option and initiates the mass arrests. Armed patriots rise up to defend the nation and declare independence from tyranny.

As I have stated in my Situation Update podcasts, we urge Trump to choose option #1 so that option #2 doesnt get spontaneously activated across the country, likely plunging the nation into hot civil war.

The window of opportunity for Trump to invoke his military authority option is very narrow: Perhaps as small as 72 hours from now.

If we do not see action from Trump in the next 72 hours, only then could we conclude he has likely thrown in the towel. Until then, we must watch carefully and try to discern whats actually taking place behind the scenes to defend this nation.

Trump has not conceded. America is not yet lost, although it is admittedly very, very close to that tipping point.

But sometimes in history, the most dramatic outcomes of truth and light can only come after the most dire suffering through darkness. Today is Americas darkest day, but it may yet be followed by victory.

The GOP is finished

One final thought for this article: The GOP is finished. 80+ million Trump supporters will no longer support any GOP candidate from this day forward. We learned last night that the GOP will betray America when it counts, and from this day forward, we denounce the GOP and urge all readers and supporters to join us in that denouncement.

Never send donations to the GOP again.

Never vote for a GOP candidate ever again, unless their name is Trump.

Never believe anything a GOP weasel promises in any election speech or campaign ad.

There are a few exceptions to the GOP treason, such as heroes Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, Josh Hawley and a few others, but last night showed us that when it really counts for our country, the GOP will betray us all when it is politically convenient for them to do so.

The GOP as a party is just as dead now as the DNC.

The only question remaining is whether the United States of America is dead as well, and we wont know the answer for sure until we see what Trump does over the next several days.

Heres my Situation Update podcast for today, which helps explain more:

Brighteon.com/36a99416-d5ef-4ef8-9249-e99192ae6b96

Hear each days new podcast at:

https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport

A dose of a CCP virus vaccine being developed by Johnson & Johnson, in Sept. 2020. (Cheryl Gerber/Courtesy of Johnson & Johnson via AP)

UK Could Roll Out New Janssen One-Shot Vaccine Within Weeks If Approved

Within weeks, the UK could start to roll out 30 million doses of a new vaccine against the CCP virus, speeding up the countrys inoculation programme because it only requires one dose to be effective.

Both the Oxford/AstraZeneca and the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines already being rolled out in the UK need two shots given weeks apart and provide relatively lower degrees of protection between first and second doses.

In November the one-shot vaccine developed by U.S. company Janssen, part of pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, began to undergo a phase of clinical trials in the UK involving 6,000 volunteers across the country.

It is still in larger-scale multi-country phase three trials but, according to the company, could be submitted for emergency-use approval as early as next month.



The Janssen vaccine is highly likely to work according to Sir John Bell, regius professor of medicine at the University of Oxford and UK Vaccine Taskforce adviser, and if approved will help the UK government accelerate its vaccination programme.

My prediction is that itll work well, although we need to wait for the trial results, he told The Telegraph on Wednesday.

I think they will have supplies available for the UK in a time frame that would allow it just to catch the mid-February target of getting the numbers up.

Way Out of Lockdown

The UK is under its third national lockdown following the rapid spread of a new variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

Lockdown rules say people cant leave home without a reasonable excuse, like shopping for essentials or once-daily exercise.

Neither can they go out to work if they can work from home, and socialising is restricted to within the same household and legally allowed bubbles.

Close-contact care home visits are prohibited, schools are closed to most pupils, most hospitality venues are closed, and travel is also restricted.

Vaccines are widely seen as the only way out of restrictions, and the UK government has pre-ordered 30 million doses of the Janssen one-shot vaccine candidate as part of the 350 million doses of various vaccines it has reserved.

Top Four Initial Target Groups

In a vaccine update from Downing Street on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said over 1.1 million people in England and 1.3 million across the UK as a whole had already been vaccinated.

They were given either the Pfizer/BioNTech jab, which has presented distribution difficulties because it has to be stored at minus 70 degrees Centigrade super-cold temperatures, or the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, which was administered to its first recipient in the world, an 82-year-old man in Oxford, on Monday.

Johnson said the aim was to have offered everyone in the top four initial target groupscare home residents and staff, the over 70s, frontline NHS staff, and the clinically extremely vulnerablea vaccine by Feb. 15.

He said almost 1,000 sites across the country would be offering vaccines by the end of the week, with seven stadia or exhibition centre sites to be added the following week.

On Dec. 6 official statistics showed 62,322 new CCP virus cases in the UK, the highest daily rate than at any time during the pandemic, with weekly figures up 42.6 percent on the previous seven days. Weekly recorded deaths meanwhile were up 37.2 percent on the previous week and hospitalisations up 19.8 percent.
MIDDLETOWN  For Mayor Ben Florsheim, the use of virtual platforms is a way to bring people together.

To continue a practice of using such means that has become regular during the pandemic, Florsheim will be giving weekly updates on municipal matters on social media, as a way to connect with constituents as well as encourage more engagement surrounding city issues.

Prior to each months Common Council meeting, Florsheim holds a Facebook Live session during which he talks about that evenings agenda. He announced the exciting development that these will now be done on a weekly basis to inform the public of topics of discussion, as well as field questions.

Florsheim ran for office on a platform of making it easier for residents to be involved in governmental processes, he said, according to the Facebook video. Weve done things this year to try to move in that direction, including implementing SeeClickFix, and doing these Facebook town halls when it comes to the council, he said.

Such efforts were interrupted by the pandemic, the mayor said, making it harder to gather for in-person conversations. One of the silver linings of these past year is that is it has introduced us to all the ways we werent utilizing this before to use these virtual platforms to bring people together, he said.

The Common Council addressed a number of matters at this weeks hourlong session, in addition to passing along the draft of the 2030 Plan of Conservation and Development to zoning board members.

A total of $328,072 in CARES Act Grant monies was approved for initiatives, such as to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus in order to meet the federal Housing Urban Developments objectives, according to video footage of Monday nights virtual meeting.

Councilors voted on an appropriation of $2,500 to allow Recreation & Community Services staff to help the senior center serve older adults during the pandemic, to purchase supplies to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, to prepare for safe reopening, and respond to COVID-related issues.

In other business, the draft of the 2030 Plan of Conservation and Development was approved. After it is reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the final version is expected to be voted upon Jan. 13.

During the discussion, Deputy Majority Leader Grady Faulkner talked about the history of such plans spelled out in the plan, specifically those addressing economic and social inequality. I impress upon [the Planning and Zoning Commission] to at least mention some sort of initiative in that area as part of the plan, he said, according to the video.

What I think happens is, we identify things, and sometimes we talk about them, but, if we dont have them in front of us, we dont approach them. We forget about them, Faulkner said.

He suggested the city could leverage resources such as the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Side Street to Main Street program, which teaches budding minority business owners all the skills necessary to operate their endeavors. He told participants hed also like to see the Middlesex County Historical Society, which last year held a Middle Passage ceremony at Harbor Park, to acknowledge Middletowns participation in the slave trade and Underground Railroad.

In other business, city leaders approved six $5,000 in CARES Act Community Development Block Grants to Tropical Sun, 871 Newfield St.; Two Sabos (Conspiracy), 350 Main St.; Emanuels Salon, 573 Newfield St.; Tschudins Chocolates, Cigar Social (dba Man Cave), 386 Main St.; and Middletown Massage Therapy, 834 Newfield St.

Council members also passed a $3,000 appropriation from the general fund to pay for relocation costs for displaced Middletown residents, as required by the Connecticut Uniform Relocation Act. That will be used for rehousing apartment residents temporarily in the case of housing code violations, Elak said Tuesday.

He offered the example of an enforcement officer being called to a home for an emergency involving a broken heater. City statute requires his office pay for a hotel for residents until the property owner fixes the problem. The landlord is then billed for expenses.

CARES Act grants, in the amount of $5,000, are still available. For information and to apply, visit middletownct.gov.
GABORONE, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Botswana will forever cherish and appreciate the cooperation that has existed between the southern African country and China in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, an official said Tuesday.

Botswana has benefitted immensely from the Chinese government and individuals in fighting the disease, Hon. Sethomo Lelatisitswe, Botswana's assistant minister of health and wellness, told Xinhua.

When the pandemic was first reported in China at the tail end of 2019, Lelatisitswe said Botswana donated 5,000 U.S. dollars to assist China's fight against COVID-19.

Botswana made the donation "because of the true 45-year-old friendship that exists between the two nations," and the gesture was aimed at ensuring that "our friends are safe from the disease," said Lelatisitswe.

Little did Botswana know that it was going to receive more donations from China when the disease became a global pandemic affecting almost every country on Earth, he said.

After the first confirmed case in Botswana was recorded in March last year, China provided a lot of support to "our relatively weak health systems when it came to dealing with the pandemic," he said.

China donated personal protective equipment (PPEs), ventilators, surgical masks, medical gloves, isolation shoes, extraction kits, sanitizers as well as technical assistance to health authorities to implement protocols aimed at curbing the spread of the disease, he said.

"Botswana will forever cherish the assistance from China. PPEs are crucial in the prevention of the spread of the disease, we really appreciate the good gesture," he said.
The second season of Amazon Prime Videos hit show The Family Man has been allotted a release date. Starring Manoj Bajpayee as a spy, the action comedy series will be out on February 12.

Sharing a short new teaser, makers Raj&DK posted on Twitter, This time, no one is safe. #WhoisRaji Chehre ke peeche chehra, raaz hai ismein gehra #TheFamilyManOnPrime on 12th Feb (There is face behind every face and they all hold secrets). The teaser is scored with the shows opening theme and shows Manoj with a shocked expression.

Fans are already excited to watch the adventure continue. Cant wait for the teaser and trailer!! Jaldi jaldi lao, wrote one fan on Raj&DKs tweet. A fan of Samantha Akkinenni expressed their eagerness to watch her in the new season. Cant wait Star-struck Raji is non other than our @Samanthaprabhu2.

The first season also starred Priyamani and Gul Panag. It featured Manoj as a middle class Indian man who is also one of the countrys most successful spies. The action packed show followed his life as he struggled to keep his family and work life in balance.

Talking about pairing Manoj Bajpayee with Tamil star Priyamani, Raj&DK had earlier told IANS, When we were writing the story, we wanted to show a cross-cultural marriage so that in the story, quite organically, we could show both sides of Indian culture. While casting, we looked for actors who suited the roles.

Also read: Inside Deepika Padukone birthday celebrations: Ranveer plays host, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt attend. See pics

Theres pressure from fans across the globe [to take the story ahead]. There has been an audience for such content, and the success of so many web shows in India allows us to narrate the story like it needed to be told, they had added.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10:ht-tv_listing-desktop
The US National Guard was so busy last year with 'unprecedented' domestic deployments -- helping with Covid-19, civil unrest and natural disasters -- it referred to 2020 as Year of the Guard.

So far, this year is no slouch, either.

In the nation's capital, about 6,200 Guard members from six states and the District of Columbia are gathering to support law enforcement after rioters stormed the halls of Congress.

In Wisconsin, the governor sent Guard members to Kenosha this week ahead of prosecutors' Tuesday announcement that police officers won't be charged in the Jacob Blake shooting.

And across the country, National Guard members have been toiling in all kinds of roles to fight the coronavirus pandemic -- helping at testing sites, delivering protective equipment, sanitizing elderly care facilities and, more recently, helping to get vaccine shots into arms.

Nearly 20,500 National Guard members were working across the country on Covid-19 relief efforts as of Thursday. They represent the majority of Guard members currently deployed domestically, the Guard says.

With most holding civilian jobs until they're called up for overseas and homeland missions, Guard members are commonly activated stateside for natural disasters, as they were last year for wildfires and severe storms.

But 2020 put more on their plates.

At its busiest, the National Guard had more than 86,400 members serving stateside in early June, largely for Covid-19 or civil disturbances in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis, the Guard says.

'Those are numbers that you just wouldn't think about as a Guardsman in these days and times,' Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. John Sampa said last month.

Some are inoculating people against Covid-19

Guard members are increasingly helping with the country's Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

In New Hampshire, they're helping put shots into people's arms.

The state has set up 13 drive-through vaccination sites for qualified residents -- such as first responders -- at places like school parking lots and rented property, said Paul Raymond Jr., spokesman for the New Hampshire Joint Information Center.

About 100 Guard members are split among the sites, making sure the vaccines get there, managing traffic and signing people in. And a few with health backgrounds -- medics and nurses -- administer the shots.

It's been part of a whirlwind year for Maj. Lindsey Whelan, the New Hampshire Air National Guard's chief nurse, who was activated just a few weeks ago to oversee a site in Nashua that's receiving about 200 patients a day.

Apart from the Guard, she's an intensive care nurse and trauma program manager at Manchester's Elliot Hospital. She left maternity leave in September to join her colleagues at the hospital in the thick of the pandemic.

She says it's encouraging to be on the vaccine side of things.

'I spent the better half of last year with colleagues, watching Covid patients come through and seeing how their family and friends are suffering. It's nice to be on the other side of this ... and prevent patients from getting it in the first place,' Whelan told CNN Wednesday.

Maryland, too, is having its National Guard administer shots and give logistical support. This week it's sending teams to help local health departments with their clinics, according to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.

Some are training others to administer the shots

In Arizona, National Guard medics are training or retraining medical students and retired medical workers to give shots. The students and retirees had volunteered to help the state administer the Covid-19 vaccines.

Guard medics started training the volunteers on Monday. Two days later, some of the volunteers were already giving shots at a vaccination center in Maricopa County, according to the Arizona National Guard.

'This is a monumental call to service that requires a whole-of-communuity approach to accomplish,' Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire, director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, said of the volunteers.

Others are answering phone calls and helping with tests

In New York, Guard members are helping at 15 drive-through Covid-19 testing sites, putting together test kits. They are also screening passengers at 12 airports across the state, the Guard says.

It also created and ran field hospitals like the one at Manhattan's Javits Convention Center, where the Guard says more than 1,000 coronavirus patients were treated.

New Mexico's National Guard says its members are helping store, transport and administer vaccine doses.

In New Hampshire, besides the more than 100 members working at the vaccination sites, some 300 others are working on other virus-related tasks, including helping to operate a state call center, fielding questions like where to get tested or vaccinated.

Since April, it also has been operating a warehouse for personal protective equipment and distributing that equipment to hospitals, businesses, schools and polling sites across the state.

At the New Hampshire Guard's busiest moment last summer, more than 700 were activated for eight different efforts supporting the state against Covid-19, says Lt. Col. Greg Heilshorn.

The pandemic activations are 'unprecedented' for the New Hampshire National Guard, both for the variety and duration of the missions, he says.

'We've never seen anything like this in our modern history for noncombat-related activation,' Heilshorn said.

Some are helping to protect against civil unrest

Thousands of Guard members also have been called this week to guard against civil unrest, most of them in Washington DC.

Before Wednesday's storming of the Capitol, a few hundred Guard members were activated. That's because officials knew demonstrators backing President Donald Trump were planning to congregate as Congress met to certify President-elect Joe Biden's election victory.

Initially, those few hundred Guard members were meant to focus mainly on crowd management and traffic control at Metro subway stations and a few dozen other locations, officials said.

But after the riot at the Capitol, more were being called in -- from DC, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania -- bringing the total to about 6,200, a US defense official said Thursday.

In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers mobilized 500 Wisconsin National Guard troops this week, at the request of local officials, ahead of prosecutors' announcement in the Blake case.

The Guard members were to 'be on hand to support local first responders, ensure Kenoshans are able to assemble safely, and to protect critical infrastructure as necessary,' Evers said Monday.

In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp said Wednesday he'll extend an order, first issued in the summer, keeping the National Guard activated so that he can call on it to protect the state Capitol building and other state buildings if needed.

Kemp put the Guard on alert in July after violent clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators in Atlanta during protests against police brutality.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly spelled the last name of Maj. Lindsey Whelan and misstated her title. Whelan is the chief nurse of the New Hampshire Air National Guard.
Sheep farmers across the UK are being encouraged to complete the British Sheep Breed Survey 2020 before the 11 January deadline.

This investigation into the UK breeding flock has been undertaken since 1971 to record the number of sheep within each breed, their distribution and mating structure.

The last survey took place in 2012 and its report showed new breeds that were not recorded previously, the changing influence of crossbred ewes and rise of certain terminal sire and lowland breeds.

AHDB, British Wool, Hybu Cig Cymru  Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), Signet and Quality Meat Scotland have produced the latest version of the survey.

Nia Davies, research officer at HCC said: The breed structure of the UK sheep sector continues to change as we meet the changing demands of the industry.

"We hope that the results of this survey will show us exactly how things have evolved so that the impacts of the last eight years can be investigated."

The form asks for details of the ewes put to ram and a summary of the rams used, as well as the number of lambs sold from the 2020 lamb crop and the sheep sold for breeding in 2020.

We look forward to analysing the results which will help us to understand the changing landscape of the sheep sector, Ms Davies added.

The research will also assist British Wool to keep the wool grading system relevant and as such, aim to add value to producers wool over the medium to long-term.

Replacement copies of the survey, as well as the 2012 survey report, can be accessed online.
On this weeks episode of Segue, Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles weekly radio program exploring the lives and work of the people on campus and beyond, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Kevin Leonard, PhD, interviews Director of Bands Ruben D. Gomez, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Music.

This episode of Segue airs at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 10. Listeners can tune into WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound or siue.edu/wsie.

Gomez earned his masters with a specialization in wind band conducting at Middle Tennessee State University in 2017 and earned his doctorate from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 2019. He joined the SIUE faculty last fall.

How did you become interested in music? inquires Leonard.

I am originally from Colombia, and my interest in music started with my family, explains Gomez. My father was an amateur musician who played many folk string instruments. My uncles and grandfathers were also musicians.

Gomezs father began taking him to music lessons when he was seven years old, exposing him to different instruments at a young age. Inspired by his father, he began studying music at a local conservatory.

What experiences at the conservatory drove you to pursue a professional career in music? asks Leonard.

I had many role models, answers Gomez. One of my teachers was a great pianist and composer, and I wanted to be like him. When I was in high school, I began seeing music differently as I attended more concerts and orchestras.

Were there any other people who influenced you to take this path? asks Leonard.

There was not necessarily a person, but there was a moment, says Gomez. As a high school student, I was offered free tickets to a concert performed by a symphony orchestra. For me, this was a crucial point. In the middle of that concert, I realized I wanted to be on that stage as a professional musician.

At some point, you decided you wanted to be a conductor, notes Leonard. What led you to begin conducting?

During my undergrad, I played piano and clarinet, explains Gomez. From my first years, I was interested in composing, writing and transcribing music.

After transcribing a clarinet piece for his band director, Gomez was asked to conduct the piece for the first time. He then realized his passion for conducting.

I still remember how painful my right arm was, jokes Gomez. The next week, I was able to conduct the same piece and was more aware about what was happening. I enjoyed being able to receive energy from the players while I was conducting.

Afterwards, Gomez took conducting courses and attended workshops to hone his skills. Now, Gomez uses his first experience as an anecdote to teach his conducting students.

You taught for a dozen years at a University in Colombia before deciding to pursue graduate degrees in the United States, says Leonard. Tell us what led you to this decision.

This decision began when my university organized conducting workshops, says Gomez. A role model of mine was conducting and giving information in a practical way, and I wanted to be like him. I then realized that all conducting graduate degrees were from the U.S.

Later on, Gomez participated in conferences featuring American band conductors and was inspired by their teaching approach. To reach his goal of earning a masters degree, he studied English while researching American music universities.

What has guided your composing over the course of your career? inquires Leonard.

Composers have a message to tell the world, answers Gomez. We are storytellers. What is that message? For some people, it may be political or about nature. When I first started, I was in an imitation step, composing like the artists I admired.

A mentor from Europe advised me to tell the story of my roots. I then became more interested in telling the stories of Colombian culture, including Colombias rich rhythms and styles. That was a turning point in my career.

Thank you for joining us and discussing your music, experiences and teaching, ends Leonard. I look forward to hearing your ensembles performed and working with you.

Tune in at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 10, to WSIE 88.7 The Sound to hear the entire conversation.
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Lockdown party organisers have been slapped with 30,000 worth of fines for holding floating raves on canal boats - placing revellers in 'grave danger'.

Police were called to a New Year's Eve party on the River Lea in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, where they discovered organisers selling tickets to 40 party-goers.

They found DJ decks, a bar and cannisters used for inhaling nitrous oxide.

It followed two more raves on December 11 and December 13 in Broxbourne - which has the highest infection rate of eastern England, with 1,376 people infected per 100,000 as of January 2nd.

Police were called to a New Year's Eve party on the River Lea (pictured: Library image) in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, where they discovered organisers selling tickets to 40 party-goers

Hertfordshire Constabulary were also called to vessels on the nearby River Lee on December 11 and again on December 13.

Following the rave on December 13, officers dispersed more than 100 people from the scene, arresting a man who refused to cooperate.

Officers returned to the scene on December 17 to serve a closure order on the vessels, seizing four generators, four large speakers, two large amplifiers and a large quantity of alcohol in the process.

In the wake of the New Year's Eve party a 33-year-old man from East London has been hit with a 10,000 fine for organising and selling tickets to the rave and has now been banned from returning to the area.

One vessel was ordered to leave Broxbourne, while the owners of both boats were fined 10,000 each.

The owners, who were both from North London, were aged 30 and 31.

Sgt Chris Fisher of Herts police said: 'My team worked hard over the festive period to disperse and prevent illegal raves on board boats moored along the river.

'Even if we weren't living through a pandemic and under strict rules not to socialise in large groups to prevent coronavirus transmission, these party boats would be illegal, representing a grave danger to anyone who attends.

'They are dangerous for attendees with no crowd control measures, medical staff or security provision on site.

'Currently our area has one of the highest case rates in the region, so this makes it even more important that people adhere to the rules and not mix in large groups.'

'I'd appeal to everyone's sense of decency to do the right thing and follow the clear lockdown rules now in place.'
WASHINGTON - The number of new coronavirus infections continued to rise Thursday across the region as the number of recent daily cases set a record.

The District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia added 8,617 new daily cases - the third most in a day since the start of the pandemic - sending the seven-day average soaring to 7,725. It's the eighth consecutive day the recent average has risen across the region.

Compared to last week, the average of new daily cases is up 19% in D.C., 21% in Maryland and 29% in Virginia.

The increase comes as the distribution of vaccines continues across the region.

Virginia hospitals have administered more than 102,900 doses of the coronavirus vaccine in the three weeks since shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccinations arrived in the state, according to the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. Starting with the first shipments to Virginia in mid-December, the state's 67 hospitals have received more than 269,000 doses, the association reported Thursday.

The Pfizer vaccine is administered in two doses 21 days apart, while the Moderna vaccine is administered in two doses 28 days apart. Hospitals already have begun administering some of the 72,150 doses of the Pfizer vaccine they received Dec. 31.

"It is important to understand that in addition to responding to the current covid-19 surge, Virginia hospitals are also leading the way on a complex vaccination process that involves many moving pieces," Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association President and CEO Sean Connaughton said.

The process includes coordination of temperature-controlled shipment and delivery of the vaccine, storage in ultracold conditions, redistribution to other health-care facilities and scheduling vaccination clinics.

In Virginia, three groups are responsible for vaccinating the public: Hospitals give the vaccine to front-line clinicians at greatest risk of exposure before vaccinating other health care professionals. CVS and Walgreens pharmacies are coordinating vaccinations for staffers and residences of long-term-care facilities. The Virginia Department of Health and local health districts, with help from hospitals, are overseeing vaccinations for other health professionals.

In Maryland, 98,536 people had received the first dose of the vaccine as of Thursday, according to that state's vaccine distribution portal.

In D.C., 16,989 vaccine doses have been administered. The city's health department reports that 40,075 doses have been delivered to health-care providers.

D.C. added 252 new infections Thursday, Maryland had 2,745 new cases and Virginia added 4,728. D.C. reported two new deaths, Virginia reported 49 and Maryland had 41.

The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus ticked upward in D.C. and Virginia on Thursday, with 278 people hospitalized in D.C. and 3,000 in Virginia. Maryland had 1,834 people hospitalized Thursday, down slightly from 1,862 a day earlier.

The Washington suburbs continue to be among the hardest-hit jurisdictions in Maryland and Virginia, with Prince George's County, by far, leading the state in the total number of reported coronavirus cases, including 3,190 in the past seven days. Montgomery County, Maryland's most populous jurisdiction, has added 3,057 in the past seven days.

When adjusted for population, Prince George's is third among Maryland jurisdictions in terms of cases per 100,000 residents, behind Alleghany and Somerset counties, while Montgomery County is 10th.

In Virginia, Fairfax County has reported the most cases in Virginia since the start of the pandemic, with 3,258 infections in the past seven days.


UPDATE: A third New Jersey Democrat said he supported impeachment.

LATEST: Trump acknowledges defeat after Congress confirms electoral vote

Three New Jersey Democrats called Wednesday for impeaching President Donald Trump, accusing him of inciting the violence by his supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol. A third said he should be prosecuted.

Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Tom Malinowski, who were forced to flee the U.S. Capitol, said Trumps actions made him unfit for the presidency. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., D-10th Dist., later called for Trump to be removed immediately.

He is dangerous to this democracy, Watson Coleman, D-12th Dist., told NJ Advance Media. He has incited violence against the government of this United States and he needs to be removed.

Malinowski, D-7th Dist., was the first New Jersey lawmaker to announce his support for beginning the initial impeachment proceedings against Trump in 2019.

We do have to consider the meaning of this event and what the consequences should be, Malinowski said. The president clearly incited a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol to prevent the Congress from exercising its lawful duties. Theres no question that this is an impeachable act.

Malinowski, in fact, said there might be some Republicans who would go along this time.

Given the magnitude of the stakes, it would be important if we move in the direction to do it swiftly and on a bipartisan basis, and there are Republican members of this body who would, I believe, be prepared to consider that at this point.

Payne tweeted out Wednesday night where he stood.

After today's events, I support efforts to remove Trump from office immediately.



Then we need to expel all officials who supported this attempted coup. They serve the Constitution and should be accountable for today's national tragedy. NO ONE is above the law in America! pic.twitter.com/jkFKkGVFvf  Rep. Donald Payne Jr (@RepDonaldPayne) January 7, 2021

And Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-9th Dist., said Trump should face criminal penalties after he leaves the White House.

When he leaves office, Trump must be prosecuted for his crimes, including his incitement to violence, said Pascrell, a fierce opponent of the president.

Meanwhile, Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., announced on Twitter that she would draw up new articles of impeachment as a result of Wednesdays violence.

We cant allow him to remain in office, she tweeted. Its a matter of preserving our republic and we need to fulfill our oath.

Violence broke out after protesters marched to the Capitol following a rally where Trump repeated his disproven allegations of voter fraud. Those allegations have been rejected by dozens of judges, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and officials who have certified the results in all 50 states.

At the time, the House and Senate were debating Republican objections to electoral vote counts in battleground states, challenges that had no chance of succeeding because majorities of both chambers indicated they would reject them.

The impeachment resolution accuses Trump of encouraging supporters to come in Washington with the sole purpose of inciting violence and obstruct Congress in engaging in its constitutionally mandated legislative business of certifying the Electoral College results of the 2020 election.

It also mentioned his attempt to ask Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes in order to reverse the outcome of the state election that went for Joe Biden.

The Democratic-controlled House in December 2019 made Trump only the third U.S. president ever to be impeached, but the Republican-controlled Senate acquitted him without calling any witnesses.

Even though Trump will leave office Jan. 20, impeaching him a second time, would ensure that he will never ever hold office again and will never have another chance to be destructive to the democracy of this country, Watson Coleman said.

After the Capitol was secured, Trump appeared to sympathize with the protesters, who followed the presidents urging and brought their grievances to Congress.

These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long, he said in a tweet that Twitter later removed.

Other New Jersey lawmakers also blamed Trump for the violence.

On August 24, 1814, the British stormed our Capitol and set fire to it.



Now the Capitol has again been breached and sieged.



Donald Trump incited this. He is responsible for this. And he is silent as this tragic moment continues.  Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) January 6, 2021

Enough is enough! tweeted Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-6th Dist. Trump is inciting violence and spreading dangerous misinformation that is undermining our democracy and our way of life.

The world was watching as a sitting American president attempted to takedown democracy by inciting chaos and violence, because he cannot accept that he lost an election, tweeted Rep. Albio Sires, D-8th Dist.

Trump has incited this riot, a coup, said Rep. Donald Norcross, D-1st Dist. This is a direct attack on our democracy.

Pascrell and Sires also signed onto a resolution authorized by Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., calling for the expulsion of those lawmakers who have sought to overturn the election.

Most of the House Republican conference, including Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd Dist., urged the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the election results in several battleground states and give the presidency to Trump. The court threw out the lawsuit.

I have signed onto my colleague @RepCori's resolution. Any House members who have tried to overturn the election and install a dictatorship have violated the Constitution and should not sit in Congress. https://t.co/cLdvTdE2cj  Bill Pascrell, Jr. (@BillPascrell) January 6, 2021

And several congressional Republicans, including Van Drew, said they would object to certifying the electoral votes in several contested states, thus denying Biden the victory he received Nov. 3.

But the third-ranking House Republican, Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming, who did not sign onto the Texas lawsuit, said Trump was solely to blame for Wednesdays violence.

Theres no question the president formed the mob, the president incited the mob, the president addressed the mob, she said on the Fox News Channel. He lit the flame.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com.




Haiti - Bahamas : 74 Haitians in an irregular migratory situation repatriated





74 Haitians (57 men, 13 women and 4 minors) were repatriated to Haiti in Port-au-Prince, via Bahamasair shortly before 10:00 a.m. on Monday January 4, the Bahamas Ministry of Immigration confirmed.



Of this group, 53 Haitians were apprehended on Andros (the largest island in the Bahamas archipelago) and the other 21 were among those apprehended on Long Island during the holiday season.



This repatriation was led by Vonetta Darling-Flowers, Senior Immigration Officer and a team of eight officers from the Immigration Department's Law Enforcement Unit,



The Immigration Department has reminded Bahamians that it is committed to combating illegal migration and that anyone who harbors or assists illegal aliens is an offense punishable by a fine of US$20,000 or a prison sentence of 4 years or both, according to the revised Immigration Ordinance 2018.



SL/ HaitiLibre


















Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who once promised President Donald Trump his undying support, voted Wednesday night and Thursday morning to overturn the election results in Arizona and Pennsylvania in an attempt to prevent Joe Biden from becoming president.

Van Drew, R-2nd Dist., was one of 121 House Republicans challenging the results in a state that Biden won Nov. 3, the first Democrat to carry Arizona since 1996. The challenge was rejected, 303-121, after the Senate dismissed it by 93-6.

He also was one of 138 Republicans who supported the Pennsylvania challenge, even as the states GOP senator, Patrick Toomey, opposed it. That challenge, too, was rejected, 92-7, in the Senate, and 282-138 in the House.

Van Drew did not respond to requests for comment. He did not speak during either floor debate.

He told Fox News last month that the states acted unlawfully in changing election rules.

Constitutionally, when you change the system and the way you are voting, you are supposed to have a meeting of the legislature, Van Drew said at the time.

New Jerseys other Republican House member, Chris Smith, voted against both challenges.

Nullifying the electors of any state requires proof that electors were not lawfully certified according to state laws, said Smith, R-4th Dist., citing then-Attorney General William Barrs comments that last month that to date, we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election.

The votes were delayed to late in the evening and overnight as the Capitol was locked down and the Senate and House recessed when a mob of pro-Trump protesters stormed the building. They had come from a rally where the president first continued to claim without evidence that he had been re-elected and the election was stolen from him.

A majority of House Republicans, led by GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, continued to back the president. But most Republican senators did not.

We witnessed today the damage that can result when men in power and responsibility refuse to acknowledge the truth, Toomey said on the Senate floor. We saw bloodshed because the demagogue chose to spread falsehoods and sow distrust of his own fellow Americans. Lets not abet such deception.

Van Drew also was one of the House Republicans who signed onto a lawsuit asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the election and re-elect Trump. The court dismissed the effort.

House and Senate Republicans have sought to prevent Congress from certifying the electoral votes in several battleground states and thus deprive Biden of the support needed to move into the White House on Jan. 20.

They threatened to challenge votes in other states, even as the fraud allegations were dismissed by dozens of judges and by officials in all 50 states who have certified Bidens 306-232 Electoral College victory.

Van Drew was one of only two House Democrats who opposed both impeachment counts against Trump in December 2019, and then switched to the Republican Party after meeting with the president in the Oval Office.

He beat back a strong challenge from educator Amy Kennedy, a member of the iconic Democratic family, in November.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant.

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Democrats won one hotly contested US Senate race in Georgia on Wednesday and pulled ahead in a second, edging closer to control of the chamber and the power to advance Democratic President-elect Joe Bidens policy goals when he takes office this month.

Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock beat Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler, TV networks and Edison Research projected. Democrat Jon Ossoff held a narrow lead over Republican David Perdue in the other race, with a final outcome not expected until later on Wednesday.

With 98% reporting, Warnock was ahead of Loeffler by 1.2 percentage points, roughly 50,000 votes, according to Edison Research.

Ossoff on Wednesday claimed victory on Wednesday morning as he held a slight lead of about 16,000 votes in a race that was still too close for major news organisations to call. It is with humility that I thank the people of Georgia for electing me to serve you in the United States Senate, Ossoff said in a video statement.

Democrats must win both contests to take control of the Senate. A Democratic sweep would create a 50-50 split in the Senate and give vice president-elect Kamala Harris, as president of the Senate, the tie-breaking vote after she and Biden take office on January 20. The party already has a narrow majority in the US House of Representatives.

If Republicans hold the second seat, they will effectively wield veto power over Bidens political and judicial appointees as well as many of his legislative initiatives in areas such as economic relief from the coronavirus pandemic, climate change, healthcare and criminal justice.

Most of the votes remaining to be counted were in counties Biden won in November, with roughly 13,000 votes still to be counted in Democratic-leaning DeKalb County near Atlanta, according to Edison Research estimates, fuelling Democratic optimism about an astounding Georgia sweep. No Democrat had won a US Senate race in Georgia in 20 years.

But it could take days to get the final tally, as thousands of military and overseas ballots can still be counted as late as Friday. The narrow results will almost certainly spark legal challenges or recounts that also could delay a final determination of Senate control.

We were told that we couldnt win this election. But tonight, we proved that with hope, hard work and the people by our side, anything is possible, Warnock, a Baptist preacher, told supporters in a livestream message.

I am going to the Senate to work for all of Georgia, no matter who you cast your vote for in this election.

Warnock will become Georgias first Black US senator and Ossoff, at 33, would be the Senates youngest member if he wins.

The critical races drew an estimated 4.5 million voters -- a record for a runoff -- along with nearly half a billion dollars in advertising spending since November 3 and visits on Monday by Republican President Donald Trump and Biden.

Even if they manage to secure a slim Senate majority, Biden and Democrats could find it difficult to advance some legislative priorities in the Senate, where most bills need to clear a 60-vote procedural threshold in the 100-seat chamber.

The head-to-head runoff elections in Georgia, a quirk of state law, became necessary when no candidate in either race drew more than 50% of the vote in Novembers general election.

Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger said election officials would take a break overnight but resume counting on Wednesday morning. Hopefully by noon well have a better idea where we are, he said on CNN. Perdue is a former Fortune 500 executive who has served one Senate term. Loeffler, one of the wealthiest members of Congress, was appointed a year ago to fill the seat of a retiring senator.
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[January 06, 2021] LG Display redefines the role of displays in the contactless era at CES 2021

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Display, the world's leading innovator of display technologies, announced today it will unveil its latest display products and technologies under the theme of 'Display, now the real world comes to you' at CES 2021. The company will emphasize the redefined role of displays in the contactless era as well as presenting various display solutions optimized for the lifestyle of customers during CES. LG Display will showcase cutting-edge display products through 11 lifestyle theme zones organized to not only demonstrate the excellent picture quality of OLED displays but also to introduce how displays can provide solutions for upgraded and more convenient lives. By doing so, the company will highlight three values of displays, which are 'Natural Reality', 'Lifestyle in Harmony', and 'Better for People'. Furthermore, the company will stress the role of a 'display that cares about people' by showing functions that are safer and designed to protect users' health. LG Display will be introducing its latest innovations to the general public at CES for the first time during this year's all-digital event. Those interested in LG Display's OLED lifestyle solutions can gain access to the various conceptual exhibition zones via the event's official site (https://ces.tech) and LG Display's website (www.lgdisplay.com) from the opening day on Jan. 11. 'Natural Reality' - The latest products that offer realistic and natural picture quality with UHD OLED and premium IPS technology LG Display will showcase an 88-inch 8K Cinematic Sound OLED (CSO) and a 77-inch Wallpaper OLED. Through these products, the company is highlighting OLED as a display that delivers realistic and natural picture quality without any exaggeration. In addition, the company will demonstrate a variety of professional display products for monitors and laptops, ranging from 15.6-inch to 27-inch to 31.5-inch displays. These are premium IT products incorporating high-definition IPS LCD technology, which has been recognized as being comfortable for the viewer's eyes. 'Lifestyle in Harmony' - OLED solutions optimized for various lifestyles



The 'Smart Home Zone' will feature a bed with a 55-inch Transparent OLED named 'Smart Bed', which you can use to check weather information or watch movies. At the push of a button, the Smart Bed's 55-inch Transparent OLED display rises from its frame to show information or TV contents in various screen ratios without compromising its clear image quality. The Smart Bed display's movable frame can easily be taken to various locations in a house to serve the diverse needs of users.

The 'Game Zone' will present the best gaming environment, providing the ultimate sense of realism with visual immersion and vivid sound through LG Display's 48-inch Bendable Cinematic Sound OLED (CSO) gaming TV, which is being unveiled for the first time in the world. It can be turned into a flat screen while watching TV or used as a curved screen while gaming for an extreme immersive viewing experience. With the company's CSO technology, this OLED display vibrates and makes its own sound without the use of speakers. Moreover, LG Display is proposing a new display concept needed for consumers in the contactless era caused by COVID-19. The 'Restaurant Zone' will recreate a sushi bar environment, in which a 55-inch Transparent OLED and a 23.1-inch in-TOUCH display are installed in the space between customers and chefs, allowing menu checking and ordering to be easily done via these displays. In the case of the 'Metro Zone', it will give passengers the chance to check route maps or weather and regional information on a 55-inch Transparent OLED display installed on a subway train's windows, while they will still be able to enjoy the view outside with high transparency. The 'Retail Zone' will also introduce 29-inch and 23.1-inch in-TOUCH products, making it convenient to order and pay in a contactless environment at various consumer stores. 'Better for People' - The superiority of OLED for eye health and safety LG Display is focusing on promoting various OLED usage environments during CES 2021, emphasizing that OLED technology is helpful in promoting eye health and overall well-being, including safety. As contactless societies become the norm, TV viewing time at home is increasing and online classes for children are expanding. As a result, displays that are easy on the eyes are becoming more and more important, and LG Display plans to underscore OLED as an optimal display in the post-coronavirus era. LG Display's OLED products have acquired certifications for low blue light emissions and flicker-free status from Germany's TUV Rheinland and the U.S.-based safety agency UL (Underwriters Laboratories). By lowering the amount of blue light to the lowest level in the industry, the company has also obtained the "Eye-safe TV" certification from Eyesafe, an American eye health certification body. By obtaining these certifications, the company's displays are recognized as being effective in promoting eye health. About LG Display LG Display Co., Ltd. [NYSE: LPL, KRX: 034220] is the world's leading innovator of display technologies, including thin-film transistor liquid crystal and OLED displays. The company manufactures display panels in a broad range of sizes and specifications primarily for use in TVs, notebook computers, desktop monitors, and various other applications, including tablets and mobile devices. LG Display currently operates manufacturing facilities in Korea and China, and back-end assembly facilities in Korea, China, and Vietnam. The company has approximately 60,000 employees operating worldwide. For more news and information about LG Display, please visit www.lgdisplay.com . Media Contact:

Jean Lee, Senior Manager, Global Communications

LG Display

Email: jean.lee@lgdisplay.com Sue Kim, Executive Vice President

Insight Communications Consultants

Email: sue.kim@insightcomms.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lg-display-redefines-the-role-of-displays-in-the-contactless-era-at-ces-2021-301202398.html SOURCE LG Display

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Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer, shown in March, is urging Angelenos to make immediate changes in behavior amid a "health crisis of epic proportions." (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

Worried Los Angeles County health leaders said Wednesday that the region was rapidly losing its battle against COVID-19 as the virus spread unchecked, adding that only immediate and decisive changes in behavior can prevent a steep rise in deaths as a post-holiday surge hits and hospitals cant treat all who are sick.

Today, Im more troubled than ever before, said Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer.

This is a health crisis of epic proportions and we need everyone  I mean everyone  to use the tools right in front of them to help us drive down transmission of this deadly virus.

Southern California and much of the state are under a stay-at-home order, which officials believe has made a difference but was no match for holiday travel, gatherings and social events.

Ferrer and others said they believe the virus is spreading in workplaces, then in communities as families gather.

This is especially true in neighborhoods with multigenerational families living under one roof, often in overcrowded conditions.

Officials have urged people to stay home as much as possible and limit shopping if they can.

Its really up to us as a community of whether or not we want to get it back under control. The gatherings at Thanksgiving have put a lot of strain on hospitals in our most populated county in the nation. But we cant let that stop us and we cant let that make us defeated, said Dr. Christina Ghaly, the Los Angeles County director of health services.

We have the power to get this virus under control if we choose to do that, and its really up to us, she added.

Coronavirus infections in California reached 2.5 million Wednesday.

According to The Times tracker, 1 of every 16 people in the state has tested positive for the virus at some point during the pandemic, with the number of new cases increasing by more than 1 million in less than a month.

Los Angeles Countys situation is particularly grim. On a daily basis, 1 in every 5 tests are now coming back positive. That number was 1 in 25 in early November.

Story continues

What had been an inexorable daily increase in hospitalizations for COVID-19 has started to level off, probably representing a time period of relatively lower virus transmission in the first couple of weeks of December, about the time the regional stay-at-home order was issued but before people started gathering for the Christmas holiday.

But those gains are expected to be short-lived.

Mobility data suggest there was a lot of travel and socializing at the end of December. If there hadnt been, the local outbreak would be peaking right now and starting to decline soon.

Under the stay-at-home order, outdoor dining and some businesses such as hair salons have been temporarily closed.

But shopping malls remain open, as do many retail stores, with safety protocols.

This week, officials said the virus was widespread, and they repeated these suggested changes in behavior: Avoid eating or drinking with anyone not in your household; wash or sanitize your hands every hour if youre around others; exercise by yourself or only with others from your household.

L.A. County reached another distressing milestone, surpassing 11,000 COVID-19 deaths Tuesday.

Over the last week, the county has averaged 183 COVID-19 deaths a day  the equivalent of one every eight minutes  and 13,500 new coronavirus infections, a count expected to grow with the reopening of testing sites after the holidays.

The countys cumulative coronavirus case count now tops 853,000.

The higher the numbers of new cases, the higher the number will be of people who are ending up needing care in the hospital, Ferrer said. And for many of the people who go into the hospital for care, they have significantly longer lengths of stay than other people seeking care at the hospital.

COVID-19 patients now average six or seven days in the hospital until theyre discharged or die.

Hospitals have been forced to add ICU capacity by using space in other parts of the hospital to house critically ill patients, including recovery rooms.

Overall ICU capacity is far above what it would normally be, Ghaly said, and about three-quarters of the staffed ICU space now is filled with COVID patients.

Other parts of Southern California have also been hit hard.

In San Diego County, after posting a relatively low 1,814 new cases Tuesday, the number jumped to 3,815 Wednesday.

Nathan Fletcher, chair of the county Board of Supervisors, said during the countys weekly COVID-19 briefing that experts continue to predict a significant surge of additional cases, and eventually hospitalizations, connected to the Christmas-New Years Eve holiday week.

We expect the holiday cases to arrive soon, and a corresponding increase in hospitalizations to continue, certainly, through the end of the month, Fletcher said.

Orange County officials reported 3,077 new cases, bringing total reported cases in the county to 175,032. An additional 17 deaths were recorded.

Those deaths include about five skilled nursing facility residents and 12 assisted living facility residents.

Orange County deaths are at 1,943.

Times Community News staff writer Lilly Nguyen and Paul Sisson of the San Diego Union-Tribune contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
With the EBizCharge partnership, we have assured our clients, both present and future, a cost-effective and pain-free integration for their credit card payment processing into SAP Business One.  Joseph Lasman, CEO, Softengine Inc.

Century Business Solutions is excited to announce its partnership with Softengine Inc., an award-winning Gold Partner of SAP Business One, to allow credit card processing directly within SAP Business One.

Century Business Solutions development team has built a payment integration for SAP Business One that uses Centurys proprietary payment gateway, EBizCharge, to provide credit card processing for thousands of merchants across the country.

Centurys credit card integration allows merchants to process credit cards from directly within SAP Business One.

The powerful EBizCharge payment gateway is designed to lower processing fees by submitting line-item details directly to the bank. EBizCharge is entirely PCI compliant and offers advanced data encryption and tokenization technology to ensure maximum transaction security within SAP Business One. EBizCharge is compatible with over 100 major online shopping carts and provides unlimited transactions and batch history for reporting purposes.

Softengine commits to providing our customers with flexibility within their payment portal solutions. With the EBizCharge partnership, we have assured our clients, both present and future, a cost-effective and pain-free integration for their credit card payment processing into SAP Business One," said Joseph Lasman, CEO of Softengine Inc.

With EBizCharge, users can run custom reports, sort through transactions by category, and immediately release funds when issuing refunds.

The partnership between Softengine Inc. and Century Business Solutions will help streamline workflow, eliminate double data entry, and make payment processing more efficient within SAP Business One.

About Century Business Solutions

Century Business Solutions is reinventing the way companies accept credit card payments with their all-in-one payment solution, EBizCharge. EBizCharge is one of the top payment gateway alternatives to its more expensive and inefficient counterparts and is specifically designed to reduce payment processing costs and inefficiencies. EBizCharge integrates seamlessly with over 100+ accounting, ERP, CRM, and shopping cart systems, including QuickBooks, Sage, SAP B1, Microsoft Dynamics, Acumatica, Magento, and WooCommerce. Century is partnered and certified with Microsoft Dynamics, Acumatica, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, WooCommerce, Magento, and many more. For more information, visit https://www.centurybizsolutions.net.

About Softengine Inc.

Founded in 1997, Softengine is a recognized leader in providing innovative business solutions to the wholesale distribution and manufacturing industries. Softengine focuses on several verticals, including food and beverage, consumer products, retail, and manufacturing. By focusing on specific markets, Softengine delivers deep domain expertise to the industries that it serves. Its targeted solutions enable businesses to win customer loyalty and control costs by gaining greater control, comfort, and visibility of their operations. As a company, Softengine's focus is to create industry-specific solutions, state-of-the-art technology, and on-going commitment to customer success.

For more information, visit https://softengine.com/sap
She keeps her 15 million social media followers entertained with an array of sizzling snaps.

And Candice Swanepoel showcased her natural beauty in a stunning swimsuit video she uploaded to Instagram on Wednesday.

The model, 32, looked incredible as she donned a yellow one-piece that highlighted her jaw-dropping physique.

Wow: Candice Swanepoel showcased her natural beauty in a stunning swimsuit video she uploaded to Instagram on Wednesday

The South African beauty showed off her sun-kissed glow as she gazed at the ocean in the video while looking ahead to the New Year.

Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, Candice added to her look with a pair of earrings.

Alongside the video, she wrote: 'Welcoming 2021...Looking forward to what you will teach us..'

As well as modelling, Candice is kept busy by her two young sons - Anaca, four, and Ariel, two. Their father is her ex Hermann Nicoli, 38 who is also a model.

Beauty: The model, 32, looked incredible as she donned a yellow one-piece that highlighted her jaw-dropping physique

The former couple split in November 2018 after 12 years together. In summer 2019, the star confirmed she was single on social media after months of speculation.

The beauty recently gushed about her love for her homeland, South Africa, on Instagram.

'Africa. A distant and intimidating land to many, untouchable in its vastness, wild to its core, where weakness flounders and strength essential for survival,' said the mother of two.

'An unforgiving land where poverty and hunger are a daily struggle, a country plagued with troubles and strife,' added the Vogue cover girl.

Radiant: The South African beauty showed off her sun-kissed glow as she gazed at the ocean in the video while looking ahead to the New Year

'South Africa, my birthplace, my home, sits at the southern tip of this land. A country with a resounding heartbeat, and soulful energy where beauty is illuminating and sorrow so vividly present.'

Candice then shared: 'The unspoken truths of children taking care of children in the many shanty towns scattered all over the country, where "sangomas" witch doctors offer superstitious remedies and where colour and religion a bloody battlefield for hundreds of years...'

She also said on her Tropic Of C site that she gives back: 'We create partnerships and programs that support women around the globe.'

Looking good: keeps her 15 million social media followers entertained with an array of sizzling snaps.

Candice first launched her swimwear line in 2018 after appearing in campaigns for many other brands including Tom Ford, Givenchy, and Ralph Lauren, among others.

After walking for the brand for three years, the supermodel was named a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2010 and was featured on the cover of the lingerie line's swim catalog in 2013.

She has also walked the runway for various fashion houses including Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana and Versace.
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More than 300 residents of the Libyan town of Tarhuna have been abducted or reported missing since the start of the countrys civil war, a prominent rights group said in a report Thursday that called on authorities in Tripoli to investigate the disappearances.

Since the Kaniyat militia took control of the western Libyan city of Tarhuna in 2015, at least 388 people have been reported missing. Family members who spoke with the New York-based Human Rights Watch all alleged that the Kaniyat armed group was behind the disappearances of their relatives.

Located some 57 miles southeast of Tripoli, Gen. Khalifa Hifters Libyan National Army (LNA) used Tarhuna as a staging ground for a 14-month offensive against the capital, which ended in defeat this summer. The Kaniyat militia, which is loyal to Hifter, had controlled Tarhuna until the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) recaptured it in June.

The North African country descended into chaos amid a 2011 uprising that overthrew and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. The country is now ruled by two administrations, each supported by foreign backers who have flooded the country with illegal arms and mercenaries.

The Tripoli-based GNA says it has discovered 27 unmarked mass graves in Tarhuna. The bodies, some of which showed signs of abuse, have not yet been identified but are believed to be both civilians and GNA soldiers. Human Rights Watch called on the United Nations and foreign governments to provide forensic experts to assist in the GNA's gravesite investigations.

Families in Tarhuna whose loved ones went missing face a difficult time moving forward with their lives, said Hanan Salah, senior Libya researcher at Human Rights Watch. The authorities should act on the grim discovery of mass graves by taking proper steps to identify the bodies and bringing those responsible for abuses to justice.

In November, the Trump administration sanctioned the Kaniyat militia and its leader, Mohamed al-Kani, accusing them of torturing and killing civilians in a cruel campaign of oppression.
Washington, Jan 8 : Acting US Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf on Thursday urged President Donald Trump to "strongly condemn" the violence that took place at the Capitol when his supporters stormed the building a day earlier.

"What transpired yesterday was tragic and sickening," Wolf said in a statement. "While I have consistently condemned political violence on both sides of the aisle, specifically violence directed at law enforcement, we now see some supporters of the President using violence as a means to achieve political ends. This is unacceptable." "These violent actions are unconscionable, and I implore the President and all elected officials to strongly condemn the violence that took place yesterday," he continued.

Wolf also noted that he will remain in his position until the end of the Trump administration to ensure "an orderly transition" to President-elect Joe Biden's homeland security team, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Shortly after Wolf issued the statement, the White House announced in a release that Trump has withdrawn nomination of him for homeland security secretary.

Wolf, who has been serving as acting homeland security secretary for more than a year, was nominated by Trump last year to formally lead the agency but the nomination was never confirmed by the US Senate.

A White House spokesperson said on Thursday that "the withdrawal occurred yesterday and was not related at all to Wednesday's events or the Acting Secretary's comments this morning." Wolf remains the acting secretary and continues to perform the duties of his office, the spokesperson added.

Protesters in support of Trump's futile efforts to reject the 2020 presidential election results breached the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon when the US Congress met to affirm Biden's Electoral College victory.

Chaos and violence forced an hours-long lockdown on the Capitol grounds, which also left four people dead, with multiple injuries and dozens of arrests.

Trump has been roundly criticised for inciting the unrest with disputed claims that the election was fraudulent. A growing number of his administration's officials have resigned in the wake of the incidents.

In another statement on Thursday, the White House said it "grieves the loss of life that occurred yesterday and extends sympathies to their families and loved ones." "We also continue to pray for a speedy recovery for those who suffered injury," it added.

The US Congress reconvened on Wednesday night and affirmed Biden's victory early Thursday morning. Later, Trump acknowledged the end of his presidency and pledged that "there will be an orderly transition on January 20", the day he will leave office and Biden will be inaugurated.
NEW DELHI (AP)  As the coronavirus tears through India, night watchman Sagar Kumar thinks constantly about getting vaccines for himself and his family of five amid critical shortages of shots in the country. But even if he knew how to get one, it wouldnt be easy.

Question Everything! Purpose and Intent of this website: Leaving In Style "It is a beautiful sight to behold." Nanci Pelosi - Speaker of the House By Moon Of Alabama January 07, 2021 " Information Clearing House " - Trump's supporters are taking care that their president can leave in style.

U.S. foreign policy has come home to bite. Does anyone still remember when the Twitter blue ticks lauded this 'peaceful' 'pro-democracy' action?

Speaker of the House Nanci Pelosi once said of the protests in Hong Kong: "It is a beautiful sight to behold."

teleSUR English @telesurenglish - 22:20 UTC  Jan 6, 2021

See any similarities? Images from Juan Guaido's attempt to storm Venezuela's National Assembly and today's pro-Trump mobs occupying the U.S. Capitol building, just one year apart. No Advertising - No Government Grants - No Algorithm - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Newsletter

This ITV footage of average Americans storming their Capitol is truly extraordinary. These people are true believers who strongly feel that they have been wronged.

Ruslan Moldovanov @Revolov - 00:50 UTC  Jan 7, 2021

Washington, D.C., today resembles an Eastern European capital where a color revolution is unfolding.

...

The same very vibes

Some Capitol guests were violent but those may well have been saboteurs:

DR JANES DC 2.0 - @DrJaneRuby - 4:11 UTC  Jan 7, 2021

Trump supporters physically stopped Antifa rioter from trying to break window at Capitol building.

They were trying to call them out

pic.twitter.com/JKr2bKm9ax

Who by the way knew that members of Congress have gas masks under their seats?

Tear gas was deployed in the Capitol rotunda, so the order came down for lawmakers to ready gas masks that are stored under their seats. Allred helped some his colleagues take out their masks as Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps veteran, provided instruction. When you put your mask on, breathe slowly or youll hyperventilate, Gallego said, according to Allred.

There surely is a lot of hyperventilating right now. Trump is accused of inciting violence.

It doesn't read like that. In fact Trump spoke out against violence and called on the people to leave peacefully only to get censored by the blue tick monopoly:

Protesters, who were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside, were described as "special people" by President Donald Trump, who responded to calls to condemn the violence. In a video address shared on Twitter, he urged his supporters to "go home" but repeated an unsubstantiated claim that the election was "stolen". He said: "I know your pain, I know youre hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us, it was a landslide election and everyone knows it especially the other side. "But you have to go home now, we have to have peace, we have to have law and order, we have to respect our great people in law and order. We don't want anybody hurt." He described it as a "tough period of time", and repeated false claims that the November's election was "fraudulent". He ended the video message by calling the protesters "very special", adding: "We cant play into the hands of these people. "We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special." Twitter disabled the video from being liked or retweeted "due to a risk of violence". It was later deleted.

Explain to me how the above quotes are risking violence or a breach of 'civic integrity'? What, please, is that?

Twitter Safety @TwitterSafety - 0:02 UTC  Jan 7, 2021

Replying to @TwitterSafety

Future violations of the Twitter Rules, including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies, will result in permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account.

During the brawl a Capitol Police officer shot an unarmed woman. She was a pro-Trump veteran. Trump and his supporters will unreasonably be blamed for that.

Alastair Crooke has called this America's epiphany moment:

The blanketing canopy pressing down across the globe of TINA (there is no alternative) is rupturing. The fabric is tearing at the seams. Now, with the U.S. courts having abdicated their role in adjudicating suits in connection with the 3rd November election, it seems that President Trump will make a last effort to change the course of events between 620 January (inauguration day). At point of writing, some 140 Republican Representatives say they will challenge the outcome of certain elections on 6 January. Whether this challenge will succeed (in all its dimensions) is moot. What then? Well, Red America  whether rightly or wrongly  sees that 20 January may prove to be the end of the line for them. Eight out of ten Republicans believe the election stolen; that the crucial Georgia Senatorial race likely will be stolen too; that the destruction of small and mid-sized businesses through lockdown was a premeditated strategy to further consolidate Big Business Oligarchs; and that ultimately Red Americans will face cancellation by an incoming woke soft-totalitarianism, orchestrated by Big Tech. This is their perspective  their Epiphany revelation. It is, to say the least, bleak.

...

Yes, many American (and western) myths about American identity and politics lie shattered on the ground. Many still are in a state of shock. They had imagined their elections as somehow sacrosanct. They had imagined the courts as arbitrators. And they never imagined to see a U.S. President ridiculed and humiliated so, by the MSM. Reality has arrived as a slap in the face. And yes  TINA is over; a market for alternatives is now open for business.

...

But much more than this, the tear to that oppressive TINA canopy allows other civilisational-states assertively to reject criticisms, or policies, which have been weaponised against their value-systems. If Red America can utterly reject woke values, and vice versa, then why should other civilisations not reject western Enlightenment values?

This has been coming for a while.

It will only intensify.
Nearly all US presidents have been good. Some have been great. Thus runs the mythology. On Inauguration Day the skies have been a wintry grey but when Kennedy or Roosevelt or Reagan stepped to the lectern the sun's brilliant rays shone forth with meteorological magic.

But the squalor of Wednesday in the United States? Years of Trump and the conspiratorial right have eroded the web of conventions that kept a 1780s constitution in some working order. Posters proclaimed "Pelosi is Satan" and "Jesus 2020". Members of Congress were evacuated as if pursued by al-Qaeda. Protesters took turns in the vice-president's chair on the Senate dais, fists raised. Where did this come from?

Simple. From Trump's invitation on December 19 that his supporters flock to Washington on January 6 to block the transfer of power: "Be there, will be wild!" His lawyer Rudy Giuliani whipped them up for "trial by combat". His son, Don jnr, urged them on, swearing: "We're coming for you. And we're going to have a good time doing it."

This verbal recklessness produced mob rule in what official historians might call "the majesty" of the US Capitol.

It advertised one of the powerful truths of fascist thinking: the power of the big lie energetically repeated  in this case, that the election was stolen. And for a majority of demonstrators, stolen by African-Americans. This is now the biggest galvanising force in US politics  if by galvanising one means motivating supporters to change political outcomes with violence.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa on President-elect Joe Biden's nomination of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as the next U.S. Secretary of Labor.

"The Teamsters are elated with President-elect Biden's nomination of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as the next Secretary of Labor. Hardworking Americans will be hard pressed to find a person who stands up for their wellbeing more than Mayor Walsh, a 25-year union man himself who grew up in the movement and understands the struggles of regular people just trying to earn a living and support their families.

"As the former head of the Boston Building Trades and long-time president of Laborers' Union 223 who also co-chaired the Massachusetts Democratic Party Labor Caucus while he was a state lawmaker, Marty Walsh knows that unions and workers have come under assault in recent years. Their interests have been subverted by corporations who have used the courts, legislation and deregulation to fatten their wallets at the expense of their workers.

"At a time when millions are out of work and struggling, working Americans deserve someone who will be in their corner while leading the charge for a fairer nation. The Teamsters urge the Senate to quickly confirm Mayor Walsh as Secretary of Labor once Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are sworn in."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Ted Gotsch, (703) 899-0869

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Related Links

http://www.teamster.org


A long line of artistic trailblazers have been cultivated from the land that sweeps the banks of the Nore over the years, and all are worth recalling in ink.

One artist all-too-often left on the margins of local art history conversations and out of Kilkennys collective art consciousness however is the prodigious talent of William John Hennessy.

Born in Thomastown in 1839, William John Hennessy was brought up in a household that really valued Irish cultural traditions.

Williams father, John, was a Young Irelander. He advocated for the revival of the Irish language and for the study of Irish history from a young age to further the aims of Irish nationalism.

Fearing a rebellion, the British Government ruled in 1848 that Young Irelanders could be arrested without trial, putting the family at risk.

The danger of persecution forced John Hennessys hand and the patriarch fled the country alone, as an exile, landing in Canada in 1848 before settling down in New York City shortly after.

William, his mother Catherine and his brother summoned the funds to join their father in New York very shortly after in 1849.

New York City offered a fresh start and fresh opportunities for young William, as it has for the many generations of immigrants that have landed on its shores.

William, pursuing his interests, began drawing while still in his early teens.

At 15 he attended the National Academy of Design to study fine art painting, a feat illustrating his talent.

William John Hennessy exhibited at the National Academy in New York in 1857 and was elected as a full member only six years later in 1863.

The predominant medium of his work was painting (oil and watercolour) but he was also a very skilled sketch artist, woodcarver and illustrator.

He went on to win commissions to illustrate the literary works of many famous poets including Lord Tennyson, Henry Longfellow and John Whittier.

William would become lauded both in the art community and among the public for his slice of life painted scenes that synthesised the atmosphere of French Naturalism with the skilled precision of the Pre-Raphaelite artists.

Two famous examples of his work are The Pride of Dijon (1879), an iconic depiction of romance, and The Votive Offering' (1875).

The Pride of Dijon (1879)

Hennessy went on to co-found the Artists Fund Society in New York City. The society assisted members and their families in cases of illness, old age, and death and even assisted non-members in cases of great distress.

He became an honorary member of the American Society of Painters in Watercolours soon after, partly based on the credit his philanthropy brought him.

William and his wife Charlotte upped sticks and moved to London in 1870, joining a large expatriate community there, and he became a welcome member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1902.

The Royal Hibernian Academy displayed a number of his paintings between 1879 and 1907.

He passed away in Sussex, England in December, 1917.
COVID-19 and dental and dental hygiene students' career plans

Alexandria, Va., USA -- The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted dental education and training. The study "COVID-19 and Dental and Dental Hygiene Students' Career Plans," published in the JDR Clinical & Translational Research (JDR CTR), examined the short-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental hygiene and dental students' career intentions.

An anonymous online survey was emailed to dental and dental hygiene students enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, USA. The survey consisted of 81 questions that covered a wide range of topics including demographics, anticipated educational debt, career plans post-graduation, readiness to enter clinical practice or residency and student wellness. The authors found that students at all levels of training have become concerned about the limited employment opportunities, long-term stability of the dental profession and on the interruptions to clinical education and licensure examinations consequent to the pandemic.

More than 10% of all student study respondents felt anxious about the future of dentistry, with approximately 40% of those in their final year choosing to change their career post-graduation plans. Students who reported an intent to change their career plans had significantly higher perceived stress and anxiety scores and lower resilience scores than students who reported no change to their career plans. Compared to white students, more black, indigenous and people of color reported that they had changed their career plans.

Lead author Dina Garcia of Virginia Commonwealth University concluded, "A comprehensive effort inclusive of adeptly designed clinical and curriculum experiences paired with wellness interventions and support tailored to students is needed."

"The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the career plans of dental and dental hygiene students may negatively affect the future dental workforce," said JDR CTR Editor-in-Chief Jocelyne S. Feine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. "We lack understanding of both the short-term and long-term effects of prolonged and unanticipated public health crises on the dental workforce. More studies are needed to provide this information so that these issues can be appropriately addressed."

###

View a PDF of this press release.

About the JDR Clinical and Translational Research

The JDR Clinical & Translational Research is a quarterly publication. This peer-reviewed journal is dedicated to publishing original dental, oral and craniofacial research at the interface between discovery science and clinical application with the translation of research into healthcare delivery systems at the individual patient, clinical practice and community levels. The JDR CTR has been accepted for inclusion in MEDLINE.

International Association for Dental Research

The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with over 10,000 individual members worldwide, with a Mission to drive dental, oral and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being worldwide. To learn more, visit http://www. iadr. org . The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) is the largest Division of IADR with 3,100 members in the United States. To learn more, visit http://www. iadr. org/ aadr .

This story has been published on: 2021-01-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
JERSEY CITY, N.J., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) today announced revisions to the REFINE-ALS biomarker study protocol to address the safety of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) during the pandemic. The amendment gives patients the ability to consent to participate virtually, with the option to utilize telemedicine and home health agencies in lieu of hospital or in-office visits.

"In an effort to address the evolving concerns of the ALS community this year, we made it a priority to do what we can to support them during these unprecedented times," said Gustavo A. Suarez Zambrano, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs, MTPA. "With that in mind, we are thankful to be able to offer a potential alternative for patients to be able to participate in the REFINE-ALS study in a virtual setting when in-person assessments are not possible, enabling us to continue fostering scientific knowledge."

The study, sponsored by MTPA and led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI), is designed to identify and measure specific biomarkers and clinical assessments in up to 300 people with ALS in the U.S. who have begun treatment on RADICAVA (edaravone). There are approximately 40 sites across the country and the study will utilize the expertise of multiple specialty laboratories to assess biomarker samples for oxidative stress, inflammation, neuronal and muscle injury. Biomarkers will be measured prior to initiating treatment with RADICAVA, at the start of treatment, and at pre-specified time points throughout the 24-week study period (six cycles of treatment).

In addition, patients may opt in to receive their genetic results for five common mutations associated with the disease, including SOD1, TARDBP, C9ORF72, FUS and VCP. Advanced tele-genetic counseling will also be made available for those who choose to receive this information.

"There is much about ALS that we still don't know, but we're working toward learning more every day," said primary investigator James Berry, M.D., M.P.H., MGH NCRI, Boston. "We are grateful to MTPA for their support with these important changes to the REFINE-ALS study, and excited to be able to share with participants more about their genetic makeup in relation to ALS. I generally see research as a way forward to better understand this progressive disease, and for many patients, participating in a study that evaluates biomarkers is a way of giving back to the ALS community at large."

Patients interested in learning more about the trial can call (617) 724-2609 or visit ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04259255) for more information.

About RADICAVA (edaravone) IV

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved RADICAVA (edaravone) IV on May 5, 2017 as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).1 Edaravone was discovered and developed for ALS by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC) and commercialized in the U.S. by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. MTPC group companies began researching ALS in 2001 through an iterative clinical platform over a 13-year period. In 2015, edaravone IV was approved for use as a treatment for ALS in Japan and South Korea. Marketing authorization was granted in Canada in October 2018 and Switzerland in January 2019.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Before you receive RADICAVA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

have asthma.

are allergic to other medicines.

are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if RADICAVA will harm your unborn baby.

are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if RADICAVA passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will receive RADICAVA or breastfeed.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of RADICAVA?

RADICAVA may cause serious side effects including hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions and sulfite allergic reactions.

Hypersensitivity reactions have happened in people receiving RADICAVA and can happen after your infusion is finished.

RADICAVA contains sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may cause a type of allergic reaction that can be serious and life-threatening. Sodium bisulfite can also cause less severe asthma episodes in certain people. Sulfite sensitivity can happen more often in people who have asthma than in people who do not have asthma.

Tell your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms: hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; fainting; breathing problems; wheezing; trouble swallowing; dizziness; itching; or an asthma attack (in people with asthma).

Your healthcare provider will monitor you during treatment to watch for signs and symptoms of all the serious side effects.

The most common side effects of RADICAVA include bruising (contusion), problems walking (gait disturbance), and headache.

These are not all the possible side effects of RADICAVA. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. at 1-888-292-0058 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

For more information, including full Prescribing Information and Patient Information, please visit www.RADICAVA.com.

About Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc.

Based in Jersey City, N.J., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation's (MTPC) 100 percent owned U.S. holding company, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Holdings America, Inc. It was established by MTPC to commercialize approved pharmaceutical products in North America. For more information, please visit www.mt-pharma-america.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Overview of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, which was founded in 1678, has its headquarters in Doshomachi, Osaka, which is the birthplace of Japan's pharmaceutical industry. With business centered on ethical pharmaceuticals, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma is a well-established company with one of the longest histories of pharmaceutical companies in Japan.2 In accordance with the corporate philosophy of "contributing to the healthier lives of people around the world through the creation of pharmaceuticals," the Company formulated the key concept of Open Up the Future under the Medium-Term Management Plan 2016-2020. Through the discovery of drugs that address unmet medical needs, centered on its priority disease areas  immune-inflammation diseases, diabetes and kidney, central nervous system, and vaccines  Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma will strive to contribute to the health of patients around the world. MTPC is the parent company of MTPA and MTDA. For more information, go to https://www.mt-pharma.co.jp/e/.

Media inquiries:

Debbie Etchison

908-340-8578

[email protected]





1 RADICAVA U.S. Prescribing Information. August 2018.

2 Research by TOKYO SHOKO RESEARCH, LTD.

SOURCE Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.mt-pharma-america.com


The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has launched a new center for psychedelics research. The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research pursues a multipronged clinical and research approach to discovering novel and more efficacious therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other stress-related conditions in the veteran and civilian population. The Center will focus on studying MDMA, psilocybin, and other psychedelic compounds.

MDMA, the psychoactive drug sometimes referred to as ecstasy, has the potential to become a powerful tool in the treatment of PTSD. In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration designated MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a breakthrough therapy. Although MDMA itself is not yet approved for clinical use, Phase III trials are underway, and expanded access status to the treatment was recently granted. While the results of preliminary clinical studies are extremely promising, MDMA-assisted therapy is an entirely new treatment modality. Therefore, it is critical to obtain information about how the therapy may work in patients with complex mental health issues.

The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research will focus on performing the clinical trials necessary for adoption of MDMA and other psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The Center will also conduct comprehensive research on the mechanisms of action of these treatments so that they can be scaled and most effectively delivered to appropriate patients.

The Center is led by Rachel Yehuda, PhD, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She is also Director of Mental Health at the Bronx VA Medical Center and Director of the Traumatic Stress Studies Program at Mount Sinai, a program she founded in 1991. Dr. Yehuda has a long track record of educational, clinical, and world-renowned scientific work in traumatic stress studies and recently completed the clinician training for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).

"People taking MDMA report feelings of introspection, connectedness, compassion towards self and others, empathy, and increased interpersonal trust, which are optimal conditions for engaging in the processing of difficult or traumatic material," said Dr. Yehuda. "It is important that we listen to people's subjective experiences with these compounds and then study therapeutic possibilities through rigorous clinical trials."

The center is being launched with activity in four key areas:

Training and Education: Licensed clinicians trained and credentialed in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy training (provided by the MAPS) will establish a program to train others in the mental health community. The center will also establish a curriculum for a clinical rotation that will provide education about psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in the ISMMS psychiatry residency.

Clinical Trials: The center will pilot and evaluate the delivery of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for patients with PTSD.

Basic Science and Translational Neuroscience Research: The center will investigate the mechanisms of psychedelics using a combination of clinical and translational approaches to study the effects of these treatment approaches on brain function and cellular biology.

Collaboration and Public Education: To facilitate scientific collaboration, the center will develop a consortium with investigators at other academic centers that are also interested in understanding mechanisms of action and clinical effects of psychedelic therapies, and will develop programming for the public on the use of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

"New approaches are desperately needed for the millions of people, both civilians and veterans, who suffer from PTSD," said Dennis S. Charney, MD, the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and President for Academic Affairs for the Mount Sinai Health System. "Researchers at the Mount Sinai Health System are at the forefront of uncovering the biological causes of these disorders, and we understand that the future of psychotherapy must include research into existing compounds, and not just the discovery of new drugs and therapies. Under Dr. Yehuda's leadership, The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research will provide better understanding of how this particular treatment works and of the mechanisms of resilience and recovery for some of the most devastating psychiatric disorders."

###

To hear Dr. Yehuda talk about the therapeutic promise of psychedelics, click here to access "PTSD, Meet MDMA," a recent episode of Mount Sinai's Road to Resilience podcast.

About the Mount Sinai Health System

The Mount Sinai Health System is New York City's largest academic medical system, encompassing eight hospitals, a leading medical school, and a vast network of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. Mount Sinai is a national and international source of unrivaled education, translational research and discovery, and collaborative clinical leadership ensuring that we deliver the highest quality care--from prevention to treatment of the most serious and complex human diseases. The Health System includes more than 7,200 physicians and features a robust and continually expanding network of multispecialty services, including more than 400 ambulatory practice locations throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, and Long Island. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 14 on U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" of the Top 20 Best Hospitals in the country and the Icahn School of Medicine as one of the Top 20 Best Medical Schools in country. Mount Sinai Health System hospitals are consistently ranked regionally by specialty by U.S. News & World Report.
Theres general agreement that the UK government has handled the pandemic badly in many (though not all) respects. Why?

Its tempting to claim that ten years of Tory austerity has reduced the effectiveness of government and diminished NHS capacity: the UK has fewer doctors, hospital beds and ICU spaces than comparable countries.

Such a claim, however, runs into a problem. By some measures, the UK was actually reasonably well-prepared for the pandemic. In October 2019 the Global Heath Security Index ranked (pdf) the UK second in the world in its preparedness for the pandemic (just behind the US!). And the World Banks measure of government effectiveness placed the UK alongside the US and Taiwan - one of whom has handled the pandemic well and the other badly  and far above Vietnam, which has also controlled the virus.

This might tell us that such cross-country indices are flawed. Or it might tell us that the UKs problem wasnt with the state but with the government  a combination of Johnsons own flaws and his having to kowtow to the lunatic fringe of the Tory party.

This too is plausible. But it too runs into a problem  that bad government long pre-dates Johnson. In 2013 Ivor Crewe and Anthony King published The Blunders of our Governments which analysed a litany of policy failures such as Individual Learning Accounts, public-private partnerships and various government IT projects: we might add the Iraq war to this. And even then, their complaint was not new. In 1995 Patrick Dunleavy wrote (pdf):

Britain now stands out amongst comparable European countries, and perhaps amongst liberal democracies as a whole, as a state unusually prone to make large-scale, avoidable policy mistakes.

Think of the monetarist experiment of 1979-81 which decimated industry, entering the ERM or the poll tax.

Not that policy errors began with Thatcher. Aris Roussinos likens the governments errors in tackling Covid to the serial errors made in the early years of WWII.

From this perspective, Johnson is merely following a long tradition of incompetence.

But what causes this tradition? Paradoxically, Johnsons errors have been the exact opposite of many of those identified by Dunleavy. He blamed overly speedy legislation and political hyperactivism. But Johnson has been systematically guilty of the opposite  of acting too slowly.

There are, though, other structural faults.

Crewe and King cite a divorce between policy making and implementation, arguing that Whitehall has traditionally valorized theoretical policy formulation over the dull grunt-work of management.

Crewe and King and Dunleavy also cite a lack of adequate checks and balances, perhaps exacerbated by our overly-centralized state  a problem magnified by George Osbornes gutting of local government. It used to be said that one factor here, which distinguished us from mainland Europe, was our traditional lack of coalition government  although the 2010-15 experience has weakened this claim.

Another factor, they add, is a tendency to groupthink. This, I suspect, is worsened by the overconfidence of individual Prime Ministers. It might be no accident that our worst PMs disproportionately attended private school, as this inculcates (among other misperceptions) a tendency for ones confidence to exceed ones abilities.

There might be more  a fundamental problem with our political culture. It doesnt even recognise what politics should be about. In principle, it should be about solving problems of collective action  of what happens when individuals pursuing their self-interest produce outcomes that are bad for us all. Too many people however  not least the media  dont see this*. They think instead that a branch of marketing, or a game of jockeying for individual self-advancement. The upshot is that nobody takes proper politics seriously. Yes, Johnson is a clown  but he is a democratically elected clown, and thus a symptom of a problem.

For these reasons, conventional partisan politics misses an important fact  that it is not enough to get the right people elected; better government requires structural and cultural change.

But, but, but. If something persists for a long time, its because it suits some powerful interests. And a political system with the risk of big policy errors actually does this. Few people of influence care about competent government as long as taxes dont rise or rents fall. And so dysfunctional government persists.

* Among those not seeing it is Whitehall itself. Our most powerful government department, the Treasury, has traditionally regarded the public finances as if they were a households finances. This is why governments have occasionally tried to circumvent the Treasurys power by appointing ministers for economic affairs  without success.
New Delhi:

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that the government's intent of restoring normalcy in the Kashmir Valley and bringing to book the perpetrators of terrorism is "quite clear", hours after the NIA carried out raids to track terror funding.

In a pre-dawn swoop, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday raided 23 locations in Kashmir, Haryana and the national capital in connection with a case of alleged funding received by separatist groups for carrying out subversive activities in the Valley.

On queries about Pakistan's heavy firing along the Line of Control (LoC), the minister told reporters that the action from the Indian side this time is "much, much more befitting than ever before".

ALSO READ | Crackdown on Kashmir separatists: NIA registers FIR against Geelani, Saeed; ED issues summons to Shabir Shah



In yet another ceasefire violation, Pakistan shelled forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting Indian troops to retaliate.

Asked by the NIA searches, Singh said the people of Kashmir wanted normalcy to be restored. They want to be "part of the development journey" and not be deprived of opportunities available in the other parts of the country.

Keeping with the will of the people of Kashmir, the minister said, "the government has to take the responsibility for ensuring that peace is restored and all the perpetrators of terrorism and disturbance are brought to book."

On action against the separatists, he said, "I think that it is not for me to answer. The agencies concerned- Ministries of Home Affairs and Defence -- take an appropriate view but yes the intent of Modi government is quite clear."

Without naming anyone, Singh said, with the issue of terror funding coming to light, people of the country have realised "the duplicity of so-called activists, including the self-styled intellectuals".

He said the decision on who should be searched must be "best left to the professional wisdom" of the security agencies.

On Pakistan attacking civilian areas along the LoC, Singh, who represents Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, said that the neighbouring country has a "very poor" human rights record and is even violating them on its soil like in Balochistan province.

"The epicentre of the most grievous form of human rights violations in the Indian subcontinent is none other than Pakistan," the minister of state in the prime minister's office claimed.

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Genomic testing has confirmed a casual cleaner at a Brisbane hotel quarantine site was infected with a more contagious strain of COVID-19 originating from the United Kingdom, as authorities rush to trace her movements across the city.

Visits to hospitals, aged care, disability and correctional facilities across the city have been restricted after the cleaner, a woman in her 20s who worked a shift at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane's CBD while unknowingly infectious, became the first locally acquired case of COVID-19 in 113 days.

The woman is believed to have been infected at the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Credit:Matt Dennien

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has also called for a boost to federal hotel quarantine help in the wake of the case, with one person describing strict protocols among staff at the hotel  where genomic testing had detected the UK strain among four guests who had been previously diagnosed.

Addressing the media on Thursday morning, where she also announced a child in hotel quarantine had also been confirmed with the virus overnight, Ms Palaszczuk flagged the issue of federal assistance ahead of Friday's national cabinet meeting.
Trump supporters gather in DC for peaceful Save America March before some storm Capitol

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WASHINGTON  Thousands of supporters of President Donald Trump braved the cold weather at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., Wednesday as they sought to show their support for the president and protest the certification of the Electoral College votes for the 2020 presidential election.

Trump supporters from across the country waited in line for hours to get into the Save America March, an event hosted by the Women for America First, a pro-Trump group. The event was one of many taking place on Capitol Hill as the results of the 2020 presidential election continue to be plagued by allegations of fraud.

Ahead of the protests, several Republican members of Congress announced that they would object to the certification of the electoral votes in a handful of contested swing states and called for a commission to investigate election irregularities.

Immediately following the Save America March and the other protests, violence broke out on Capitol Hill as hundreds of Trump supporters and others stormed the United States Capitol while members of Congress were debating the certification of electoral votes.

Members of the Electoral College met in their respective state capitals on Dec. 14 to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Democrat Joe Biden received 306 electoral votes while Trump received 232 electoral votes. Congress is mandated by the 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to count the electoral votes and members of the House and Senate have the ability to challenge results in certain states.

Following the breach of the Capitol, Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and evangelical leaders quickly condemned the acts of violence.

The Save America March, when it was gathered at the Ellipse, was not violent and had a positive atmosphere, although several attendees had choice words and hand gestures for members of the media.

In response to the violence that broke out at the Capitol following the event, Amy Kremer, chairwoman of Women for America First, said in a statement to The Christian Post:

We unequivocally denounce violence of any type and under any circumstances. We are saddened and disappointed at the violence that erupted on Capitol Hill, instigated by a handful of bad actors, that transpired after the rally. "Unfortunately, for months the left and the mainstream media told the American people that violence was an acceptable political tool. They were wrong. It is not. We stand by and strongly support the men and women of the Capitol Hill police and law enforcement in general and our organization played absolutely no role in the unfortunate events that transpired. What is truly sad, is that the misdeeds of a handful of people will overshadow the overwhelming success of the peaceful event  attended by hundreds of thousands of Americans  that we sponsored today. The movement that was launched by President Donald J. Trump is one that respects the rule of law, supports our law enforcement and believes that violence has no place in politics today.

Several attendees of the Save America March spoke with The Christian Post to affirm their support for Trump and share their thoughts about the 2020 election. John Scoggins of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Kelly Edwards of Salt Lake City, Utah, spoke separately to CP, both said that they attended the stop the steal rally.

Its totally wrong what they did, said Christie Nicholson from Idaho, Edwards sister. Biden never won, Biden will never be my president, and [hes] not who the people voted in and its a total disgrace to the United States.

Rose Bowe and Becky Hicks from Nashville, Tennessee, told CP that they went to Washington "to support our president and fight for our country, to take it back because we believe if he is not re-elected  we may lose our country forever.

Hicks added: Im here because the Constitution matters. Every vote should count. And this ridiculous no-gender, amen/woman-man, its just  its time for people to stand up and believe in something. Make a stand.

This country was built on God and it needs to stay on God, and this president is all about doing that  bringing this country back to God, Rowe added.

After mentioning that From Nashville all the way here, at least half the people that weve come in contact with were on their way to this, Hicks contended that Trump didnt lose and called for a full recount of the 2020 election, citing so many discrepancies.

Before the women expressed hope that President Trump will pull off a miracle today, Hicks stressed the importance of election integrity: People fought and died for every vote.

Anne from Cornwall, Connecticut, cited her admiration for the president as her main reason for attending the rally: Im a Trumper all the way. I got so excited when I saw him after his election. I actually didnt like him before. I didnt know anything about him. But because of what hes done for the country, hes the most admired man in the world right now. How could you not love him?

Elizabeth Beth Smith, a California native and military member who is serving in Texas, shared her perspective on the 2020 election: Ive spent 21 years in the military. Im all about the country.

Smith said that she would have had no problem accepting the results of the election if it had been a fair election and he lost. She insisted that that wasnt the case at all. The evidence is very clear  I mean, hours and hours and hours  of evidence, of testimony, of video footage  All of these people are out here supporting our president and its amazing to see.

Smith contended that people who believe that the allegations of voter fraud amount to a conspiracy theory havent looked at the evidence and asserted that the conspiracy is on the part of the Democrats and anybody working to steal the election.

Pastor Paula White, a spiritual adviser to Trump, asked that every adversary against democracy, against freedom, against life, against liberty, against justice, against peace, against righteousness be overturned right now in the name of Jesus as she delivered the invocation. Let justice be done. Let we the people have the assurance of a fair and a just election. Hear our cry and turn our hearts to you.

God, I pray that you return the hearts of those who are in power and position to make decisions, to walk in your wisdom and to do justly today, she added. White also thanked God for the president because he has stood with Israel, he has stood with life, he has stood for righteousness, he has stood for the most vulnerable, he has stood to alleviate poverty, he has stood for religious freedom, he has stood for safety and protection, he has stood for a place, God, that few men could stand.

As attendees anxiously awaited an address from President Donald Trump scheduled for 11 a.m., many other Trump supporters addressed the crowd. Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones, a Democrat who has become an outspoken Trump supporter, used his speech to announce that he was officially joining the Republican Party as the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.

Other speakers at the event included Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C., Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., as well as former New York City mayor and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani.

As Proud to be an American by Lee Greenwood played over the loud speaker, the president began to speak to his loyal supporters. We will never give up, we will never concede, Trump vowed. We will stop the steal. During his speech, members of the crowd chanted Fight for Trump!

Like many of the other speakers, Trump stressed the importance of defeating Republicans who refuse to challenge the results of the election: We have to primary the hell out of the ones that dont fight. He cited Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., as an example of a House Republican he would like to see primaried, specifically highlighting his disagreements with her view on foreign policy.

Trump also discussed his displeasure with Gov. Brian Kemp, R-Ga., and the elected officials in Georgia who signed a consent decree spearheaded by liberal activist Stacey Abrams that loosened signature requirements for mail-in ballots. She took them to lunch, Trump noted, as he recalled how he helped Kemp beat Abrams in the 2018 gubernatorial election by endorsing him in the Republican primary and the general election.

Later, Trump maintained that Youll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength and you have to be strong. Youre not going to have a Republican Party if you dont get tough, Trump told the crowd. We have come to demand that Congress do the right thing and only count the electors who have been lawfully slated.

Additionally, the president directed a message at Vice President Mike Pence: I hope youre going to stand up for the good of our Constitution and of our country. And if youre not, Im going to be very disappointed in you. As president of the Senate, Pence presides over the counting of Electoral College votes in a largely ceremonial role.

This year, using the pretext of the China virus and the scam of mail-in ballots, Democrats attempted the most brazen and outrageous election theft, he said. Our election was over at 10 in the evening. Were leading Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia by hundreds of thousands of votes and then late in the evening or early in the morning, boom, theres explosions of bullsh**.

We won in a landslide. This was a landslide, the president maintained. This is the most corrupt election in the history, maybe of the world.

Trump also urged Congress and the state legislatures to take action to prevent election fraud in the future, specifically to quickly pass sweeping election reforms. As his speech concluded, Trump took a more optimistic tone, stressing that Today is not the end. Its just the beginning.

Despite all thats happened, the best is yet come, he continued, as the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.

Should Republicans efforts to challenge the electoral votes in certain swing states succeed, an event that seems unlikely given the makeup of the 117th Congress and several Republicans expressing unease about challenging the election results, Bidens electoral vote total would drop below 270, leading the House of Representatives to pick the president.

Under this scenario, each state gets one vote regardless of size and since Republicans control a majority of state delegations, Trump would presumably win.
Few Americans watched the takeover of the U.S. Capitol building Wednesday and thought, Ive seen this before. But the siege looked uncomfortably familiar to the men and women of the Michigan Legislature, who experienced a similar situation on April 30, when armed demonstrators occupied the statehouse in Lansing to protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmers emergency COVID-19 order.

Scores of protesters, many wearing tactical gear and carrying guns, swarmed the Michigan Capitol building, confronted a line of police, and packed the gallery above lawmakers as they deliberated. Two weeks later, the state canceled a legislative session when faced with another armed protest billed as Judgment Day. The FBI later uncovered a plot by some of the protest attendees to kidnap the governor and shoot everyone in the Michigan Capitol.

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I spoke to three Michigan state senators, Jim Ananich, Jeremy Moss, and Dayna Polehanki, all Democrats who were there that day. They werent surprised to see things have escalated since the spring. I wish I could say I was surprised, Ananich told me. This a four-year culmination of Republicans empowering, emboldening, and frankly cowering from the president of the United States who seems to have no cares about the Constitution or the rule of lawabout anyone but himself. Unfortunately, it was probably destined to happen.

These are some of their thoughts on todays deja vu.

On April 30:

They were standing with AR-15s looking down at people exercising one of the most fundamental freedoms of our country, operating a democratic society. One of them was quoted as saying, Why were you there? To make sure they vote the right way. So this does feel like a culmination of that. Jim Ananich

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My first reaction was thinking about a school shooting, thinking what is my path out of this building if something should happen. And its a sad state of affairs that my first thought was, This is what schoolchildren go through. Now that its targeting lawmakers, maybe we can think about our ability and obligation to deal with this issue. Jeremy Moss

Im the one who took that viral photo of the men with the guns in the balcony. Im a new legislator, so I asked my colleagues, Is this normal? This doesnt seem right. Two of the four in the photo I took are sitting in jail right now. I didnt know on April 30 I was taking photos of the men involved in that alleged kidnapping and massacre. Dayna Polehanki

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Directly above me, men with rifles yelling at us. Some of my colleagues who own bullet proof vests are wearing them. I have never appreciated our Sergeants-at-Arms more than today. #mileg pic.twitter.com/voOZpPYWOs  Senator Dayna Polehanki (@SenPolehanki) April 30, 2020

On the aftermath in Michigan:

When I cant speak freely and press my vote button because someone is standing over me with a rifle, youre infringing on my First Amendment rights. Whats it going to take? Someone to sue the Michigan Capitol Commission, which has the legal authority to ban guns [from the statehouse grounds]? They wont do it. I wonder if this will be a wake-up call. DP

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Thats when my colleagues started wearing bulletproof vests. Instead of stopping domestic terrorists with guns, Americans doing their duty participating in the democratic process did what they had to do. JA

Its not unusual to see someone in the Capitol carrying a weapon. Its still unnerving, but its not unusual. April 30 was not thatit was not a display of Second Amendment rights, it was a display of intimidation. As Democrats, the targets of that intimidation, we sounded the alarm that this was not a safe expression of the Second Amendment. We were dismissed by Republicans, by the Michigan Capitol Commission, and it was not until we learned that these people were plotting to burn the capitol and kill everybody that we were taken seriously. And still there has been no action, and no action as these scenes replay in D.C. today. JM

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On watching it happen in D.C.:

If this doesnt wake people up that there are seditious traitors, including the president of the United States, then I dont know what will. Im certain that Michigan inspired these folks. They truly believe theyve been chosen to do this. And theyve had the president and Republican leaders who have either openly or through code words encouraged this. Im certain we have more patriots than traitors in this country, and I believe this will shake the conscience of people across this country. JA

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I woke up elated at this news from Georgia and boy did that turn. It has a lot of the same vibe, the same paraphernalia, the Trump flags, the men, the white men. The only difference was that in our situation the men had guns. Theres no satisfaction. If anything, it makes me feel more helpless. Hello, I took a photo of guys who were involved in a plot to massacre people. It makes me want to get the majority in 2022. Were four seats away in the [state] house and senate. I tell you what, we do that, we can get the guns out of there. DP

There were lessons to be learned that werent. This happened in Michigan on April 30, Washington in January, and unless theres a serious discussion about how American governance can be safe and secure, nothing will change. The good news is that the chief enabler will be gone. The bad news is that no one will be able to control them. JM
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While some Alabama counties have already begun offering the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone over age 75, it will likely be weeks before that happens statewide, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Dr. Karen Landers of the ADPH said Thursday that the state was currently making a soft transition, from Phase 1a of the states vaccine allocation plan to Phase 1b, but that it may still be weeks before the state as a whole is ready to make that step.

Phase 1a is focused on delivering the vaccine to frontline health care workers and residents and staff of nursing homes. Phase 1b includes people over 75, law enforcement, firefighters and teachers and other education workers. Landers said those Phase 1b groups include more than 300,000 Alabamians and the state just doesnt have enough supply of the vaccine for that to happen.

We certainly know that the supply is going to be less than the demand for the vaccine, Landers said Thursday in an interview with AL.com.

Landers said most of the state is working to distribute the vaccine to larger numbers of health care workers before opening up the process to additional groups, though some have offered the vaccine to those over 75, or to law enforcement and fire fighters.

In Etowah County, a scheduled drive-thru vaccine clinic ran out of doses in less than three hours, after creating a miles-long line in Gadsden. In Calhoun County, the health department offered the vaccine to people over 75 in Anniston beginning on Tuesday, causing long lines there as well. In Madison County, sheriffs deputies began receiving the vaccine early this week.

Each county or region may be in a different phase, Landers said. There are some counties that due to the saturation of the vaccine uptake have been able to start to vaccinate some persons in the 75 and above age group and also in our law enforcement and firefighter community.

So I do expect that we will have some soft transition into that group of persons and continue over the next couple of weeks to expand in that category.

Landers said there may also be smaller instances where the vaccine is offered to people further down the list so the state doesnt waste doses of vaccine that have already been thawed for distribution.

Our commitment is to not lose a dose of vaccine in the state of Alabama, Landers said. We want to make sure that every dose is appropriately used for patients.

But she said it may be spring before people beyond Phase 1b can begin receiving the vaccine.

I think at this point in time, given the supply that we have, were really looking into the spring before we can really start seeing much expansion, she said.

The full interview with Dr. Landers is embedded below:
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Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur has added another goal to his scoring streak, bringing his season's total to 16 in all competitions.

Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 in the semifinal of the EFL Cup, currently known as the Carabao Cup, on Tuesday, advancing to the final for the first time since 2015. When the team was up 1-0, Son doubled the lead with a speedy counterattack in the 70th minute.

The goal came after he scored his 100th goal as a Spur in the team's previous match against Leeds United on Jan. 2, and marks his 150th career goal in Europe.
United Way Names Davis as New COO

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - The United Way of Paducah-McCracken County announced Kelly Davis as their new Chief Operations Officer on Monday.Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Betsy Burkeen, said Davis will be in charge of improving overall operations, fundraising efforts, and efficiencies. She will also engage the community to build support for the mission of the United Way."I am extremely excited and humbled," Davis told West Kentucky Star.According to Davis, her first few days in the position have been a learning experience."Right now there's an overwhelming amount of information that I'm trying to wrap my mind around. I've worked in the Chamber as a non-profit but it's completely different than a service non-profit." Davis said, "It's been a really great week so far, but it's a lot of information."She previously worked as the Member Services Director for the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce. After joining the organization in 2015, she helped to establish and direct the Paducah Young Professionals, an organization with a mission to help connect, engage, and develop young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40.When asked if there was anything she wanted people to know about the United Way, Davis said the organization contributes to many different agencies throughout the community.She said, "When you give to the United Way, you are giving to multiple agencies throughout the community that do a variety of different things to assist our neighbors and friends. So it's not just one organization that you're helping, you're helping our entire community."Davis Graduated from Murray State University with a master's degree in journalism and an undergraduate degree in both Public Relation and Organizational Communications. She also serves as President-Elect for the Kiwanis Club of Paducah, committee chair for the American Cancer Society's Dancing with Our Stars event, and director of the Dancin' Divas, an adult dance troupe that benefits the mission of Norton Children's Hospital.
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San Francisco, 7 Jan 2021: The Report Predictive Dialer Software Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Software, Services), By Deployment, By Enterprise Size, By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

The global predictive dialer software market size is expected to reach USD 12.19 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 37.0% from 2021 to 2028. Predictive dialer software uses statistical algorithms to predict the availability of contact center agents and estimates the normal time for phone calls to be answered. The dialing rate is then adjusted accordingly considering these two factors.

Businesses are widely adopting predictive dialer systems to reach out to a large number of customers automatically. Furthermore, predictive dialer dials from a list of phone numbers and can detect disconnected phone numbers, voicemail messages, busy signals, and unanswered numbers. Such a system potentially allows companies to keep their customers updated about a service issue or emergency.

Numerous businesses across the globe are adopting predictive dialer software to leverage automated dialer technology to connect with their customers in real-time. The software allows contact center agents to adjust the calling rate efficiently according to the sales benchmarks and quotas. The software also allows agents to access valuable customer information related to the next call in the lineup.

Predictive dialer software can allow contact center agents to effectively handle high call volumes. The software can also help businesses in improving agent efficiency and productivity with a lesser workforce. The outbreak of COVID-19 is anticipated to drive the demand for predictive dialer software as companies prefer working with a limited workforce amid the pandemic.

Access Research Report of Predictive Dialer Software Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/predictive-dialer-software-market

Predictive Dialer Software Market Report Highlights

By component, the software segment is expected to continue dominating the market over the forecast period. The capability of the software to help agents in handling blended calls and deal with both outbound and inbound calls prompts businesses to adopt the software to deliver higher customer satisfaction

On the basis of deployment, cloud-based predictive dialer software assists businesses with the processes related to voice broadcasting and live call transfer. Its key features include voicemail detection, concurrent calling, campaign analytics, and text-to-speech conversion

In terms of enterprise size, small and medium enterprises need efficient communication systems, which can potentially boost their business. Predictive dialer systems are suitable for small and medium enterprises as they can autodial call efficiently as per the business needs

Based on end use, government agencies are widely adopting predictive dialer systems as they are affordable, can be easily installed on a desktop, and require no additional hardware. As a result, even smaller government organizations are adopting these systems to effectively communicate with citizens and staff

Continued adoption of the latest technologies in emerging economies, such as China and India, is expected to create growth opportunities for the market in Asia Pacific

List of Key Players of Predictive Dialer Software Market

Agile CRM

ChaseData Corporation

Convoso

Five9, Inc.

NICE inContact

PhoneBurner

RingCentral, Inc.

Star2Billing S.L.

VanillaSoft

Ytel Inc.

Access Press Release of Predictive Dialer Software Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-predictive-dialer-software-market
A medical worker shows a syringe with the Sinovac Biotech Vero Cell vaccine at a health care center in Yantai, Shandong Province, China, on Jan. 5, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Another Northern Chinese City Orders Mass COVID-19 Testing as Outbreak Intensifies

Another northern Chinese city has issued strict controls following a surge in COVID-19 cases.

On Jan. 6, the Shijiazhuang government ruled that all its 11 million residents must take COVID-19 nucleic acid tests within the following three to four days.

A Chinese vaccine specialist also shared his thoughts on social media about the new COVID-19 vaccine approved by authorities, saying it could potentially induce negative side effects.

Outbreak Coverup

On Wednesday, Chinas National Health Commission announced dozens of new infections in Hebei Province. The patients were from Shijiazhuang and Xingtai cities.

The commission then designated the whole Gaocheng district of Shijiazhuang city to be a high-risk region for contracting the CCP virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease. According to the city government, Gaocheng district has 790,100 residents as of the end of 2019.

According to the central governments guidelines, a region is determined to be high-risk when more than 50 residents are diagnosed as COVID-19 patients (not counting asymptomatic carriers, who are considered a separate category in China).

But on Wednesday, state-run Xinhua unexpectedly published a commentary criticizing the Hebei provincial government for underreporting the local outbreak.

In the past few days, the [Hebei government] really hasnt publicized enough outbreak-related information, especially the details about diagnosed patients, such as where they live and their activities in the past weeks, the commentary stated.

The article went on to explain that publishing information about the infections could calm down the people, and urged local governments to prepare carefully for outbreak-related press conferences and to organize them regularly.

Strict Controls

The lack of transparent information has frustrated local residents as authorities adopted strict policies in an attempt to contain outbreaks.

The Shijiazhuang government banned all get-togethers and only allowed small-size family parties for weddings and funerals.

It also canceled a large number of flights entering and leaving the city, suspended all passenger bus transportation to other cities, and operated fewer local bus and subway train services.

The city didnt allow any vehicles to leave the city either.

Furthermore, drivers who drove vehicles with Shijiazhuang license plates reported on Wednesday that Beijing authorities didnt allow them to enter the city and forced them to continue driving on the highways.

The Hebei Provincial Chest Hospital, No. 5 Shijiazhuang Hospital, and several other hospitals in Shijiazhuang announced that they had stopped receiving new patients.

Panic

Shijiazhuang residents have also started to stock up on foods in preparation for a full lockdown.

On Chinese social media platforms, locals complained that they couldnt buy cabbage, celery, eggs, instant noodles, and other foods that can be reserved for a relatively longer time, as store shelves were cleared out.

Lin Ming (pseudonym), a student at the Hebei Medical University, told the Chinese-language Epoch Times the reason why students in his university shouted outside their dorm windows on the night of Jan. 4.

We have been locked inside the campus since the start of this semester in September. In the past few months, teachers, postgraduate students, and seniors could enter and leave the campus freely, but westudents in the other classeswerent allowed to leave, Lin said.

73 Side Effects

Tao Lina is a vaccine specialist based in Shanghai. He posted on Weibo, a Twitter-like platform, a photo of the product instructions for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sinopharm, in which 73 side effects were listed.

Highly likely to have serious side effects such as high blood pressure, loss of vision, loss of taste, and urinary incontinence, the label stated, according to Taos post.

Other listed side effects, such as headache, is a common side effect of inactivated vaccines, Tao noted. Other common effects include soreness in the area of the shot, fever, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, coughing, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and difficulty breathing.

Tao commented: [This] vaccine has successfully become the least safe vaccine in the world.

The Weibo post has since been deleted by censors.
On Friday, the government and protesting farm organisations will have the eighth round of talks to find a resolution to the standoff over the new farm laws. The agitation, led primarily by farmers from Punjab and Haryana, at Delhis borders, is now in its second month  and they have continued in severe cold, facing unseasonal rains, and at great cost to human lives and comfort. And the farm unions have a singular demand  repeal the laws. This maximalist approach, however, could be counterproductive.

This newspaper believes that the government erred in not ensuring a process of adequate consultation and legislative scrutiny before the passage of the laws. It also should have read the mood on the ground in Punjab, refrained from a coercive response at the beginning, and understood the spirit behind the movement. But it must be acknowledged that the government, after its initial missteps, has consistently reached out to the farmers; it has shown flexibility in offering a set of amendments to the laws which would allay a set of apprehensions of the farmers; it has even agreed to roll back certain provisions on penalising farmers for their ecologically harmful practices. Yet, the farm unions have adopted a hard stance  in other words, my way or the highway.

The fact is that an elected government, with an overwhelming legislative mandate, has the right to pass laws. Opposition to laws is legitimate. But this must not happen at the cost of economic logic, and even humanitarian consequences for fellow citizens and protesters themselves. By adopting an approach that settles for nothing less than a repeal, farmers are putting at risk the sympathy they have garnered from other quarters. Political leadership entails give and take. Agriculture needs modernisation, great interface with industry, and more choice for farmers. Institutionalising MSP in law is poor economics  even though the government must continue to offer support to farmers at all stages of the production cycle and during procurement when possible. While the government should continue to show flexibility and sensitivity, the ball is firmly in the court of farm unions to engage responsibly. The movement has already brought the issues concerning agriculture and the need for income security to the national centre stage. It is time for a resolution now.
Sen. Josh Hawley is being branded a traitor for his clinched-fist salute to President Donald Trump's supporters before they stormed the U.S. Capitol Building Wednesday afternoon.

Hawley was the first U.S. senator who said he would join a group of House Republicans to object to Electoral College results in key swing states - a process that had commenced when rioters broke into and ransacked the Capitol for several hours.

Hawley, Sen. Ted Cruz and the other dozen U.S. senators who had planned to object - which would delay the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's win for hours - have still not said whether they planned to give it up on the heels of the Capitol attack.

Sen. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, told Capitol Hill reporters that he didn't believe there would be additional objections to Biden's Electoral College count.

Hawley, who is from Missouri, previously committed to object to Pennsylvania's vote count, over protests from the state's own GOP Sen. Pat Toomey.

Sen. Josh Hawley has been branded a traitor for his clinched-fist salute to President Donald Trump's supporters before they clashed with police and stormed the U.S. Capitol

Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said that the image of Sen. Josh Hawley raising his fist in support would become a 'symbol of sedition'

Hawley was also photographed giving Trump supporters a thumbs up. That crowd would later break inside the Capitol Building in a violent siege that lasted hours

Hawley was the first senator to announce he would sign on to a House GOP challenge of certain states' Electoral College vote counts

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted the image of Hawley and called on the Missouri Republican to 'resign immediately'

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier set up around the U.S. Capitol Building to protect lawmakers as they certify the Electoral College results

Democratic Coalition co-founder Scott Dworkin said Hawley 'needs to be arrested for his treason'

Trump supporters gathered outside the Capitol and were given a show of support from Hawley before breaking into the building in a chaotic display for several hours Wednesday

Hawley did put out a statement commending law enforcement who kept senators safe.

'Thank you to the brave law enforcement officials who have put their lives on the line,' his office tweeted around 4:30 p.m. 'The violence must end, those who attacked police and broke the law must be prosecuted, and Congress must get back to work and finish its job.'

Hawley also sent out a fundraising plea as the chaos kicked off, according to the Kansas City Star.

That paper's editorial board lashed out at Hawley, headlining the piece, 'Sen. Josh Hawley has blood on his hands in Capitol coup attempt.'

'Hawleys actions in the last week had such impact that he deserves an impressive share of the blame for the blood thats been shed,' the op-ed argued.

On Twitter, the picture of Hawley, outside the Capitol Building with a raised left fist quickly circulated.

'The picture (among many) we will all remember from what we've witnessed today @HawleyMO - you are @realDonaldTrump's symbol of this sedition,' tweeted former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, who's a Trump critic.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio shared the image too.

'None of today's violence happens without the seditious actions of @HawleyMo,' de Blasio wrote. 'He sparked a violent incident that endangered lives and threatened the sanctity of our democracy just to further his own political ambitions.'

'He doesn't deserve his seat. He should resign immediately,' de Blasio said.

Walter Shaub, the former director of the United States Office of Government Ethics, called Hawley the 'leader of the insurrection.'

Shaub added that the Missouri Republican inspired 'traitors, vandals thugs, and rioters everywhere.'

'Senator Josh Hawley is the epitome of a privileged American upbringing and education, and look how he has paid it back to our society,' historian Michael Beschloss tweeted.

Democratic Coalition co-founder Scott Dworkin said Hawley 'needs to be arrested for his treason.'

For weeks, President Donald Trump has misled his supporters into believing that his election loss could be overturned by Congress.

Lawmakers are able to object, debate and then vote on states' tallies - but the votes for that effort to be successful simply weren't there, nor does Congress truly have the power to overrule the Electoral College count, most scholars believe.

For this reason, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell begged members of his caucus not to join House GOP efforts to object to the results - as a House member and a senator are both needed to move the process forward.

Before rioters broke into the Capitol Wednesday, McConnell made a floor speech saying just as much.

'We're debating a step that has neve been taken in American history, whether Congress should overrule the voters and overtrun a presidential election,' McConnell said.

The Kentucky Republican discouraged the objections because there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud, as Trump has falsely claimed.

'But my colleagues nothing before us proves illegality anywhere near the massive scale, the massive scale that would have tipped the entire election,' McConnell argued. 'Nor can public doubt alone justify a radical break, when the doubt itself was incited without any evidence.'

Lawmakers appeared ready to restart the Electoral College certification once Trump supporters were removed by police from the U.S. Capitol.
A former BBC Radio 5 Live presenter deleted a tweet that called for DC police to shoot pro-Trump rioters who stormed the Capitol - around an hour before an Air Force veteran was killed.

LBC radio host Shelagh Fogarty yesterday replied to a tweet which showed a video of dozens of MAGA protesters engaging in scuffles with police inside the Capitol Building in Washington DC.

In a now-deleted post, Ms Fogarty said: 'Shoot them', and added in a tweet which is still online: 'You would if they were black'.

Around an hour later, unarmed Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit, 35, was shot in the chest when she tried to clamber through a barricaded entrance. The 14-year veteran from San Diego later died.

The tweet sparked a furious backlash on Twitter led by actor Laurence Fox and TalkRadio presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer, while LBC's owner Global Radio told the National File that it will investigate the incident.

Ms Fogarty initially justified her call to shoot the rioters even after Ms Babbit's death, calling them 'white supremacists' and saying 'black invaders' wouldn't 'have reached the door, let alone the inner sanctum' of the building.

The radio presenter claimed her tweet was simply meant to reflect that disparity in police response, but later backtracked by deleting her 'clumsy' reply amid a ferocious Twitterstorm.

Global Radio, which owns LBC, had not responded to MailOnline's request for comment at the time of publication.

LBC radio host Shelagh Fogarty replied to a tweet which showed a video of dozens of MAGA protesters engaging in scuffles with police inside the Capitol Building in Washington DC

In a now-deleted post, Ms Fogarty said: 'Shoot them', and added in a tweet which is still online: 'You would if they were black'. The tweet sparked a furious backlash on Twitter led by actor Laurence Fox and TalkRadio presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer

Around an hour later, unarmed Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit, 35, from San Diego was shot in the chest when she tried to clamber through a barricaded entrance and later died

TalkRadio presenter Ms Hartley-Brewer responded to Ms Fogarty's first tweet with: 'Bloody hell'.

Ms Fogarty replied: 'You know what I meant. These are white supremacists who, but for the colour of their skin, wouldn't have reached the door let alone the inner sanctum. Nobody should be shot. Nobody should be there'.

The TalkRadio presenter tweeted back: 'That really wasn't what it looked like you meant'.

Outspoken actor Mr Fox said: 'I don't understand how anyone could tweet 'Shoot them. Why are you inciting people to commit violence?'

Another social-media user tweeted: 'Don't remember her saying this when BLM [Black Lives Matter] and Antifa were burning businesses down and kicking peoples' heads in during last summer's rioting'.

The LBC presenter responded: 'You mistake me - again.

'Do you honestly think black invaders of the Capitol building goading police and security in a seat of democratic power would NOT have been shot? That was my point. I want nobody shot.'

TalkRadio presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer responded to Ms Fogarty's first tweet with: 'Bloody hell'. Ms Fogarty replied: 'You know what I meant. These are white supremacists who, but for the colour of their skin, wouldn't have reached the door let alone the inner sanctum'

Actor Laurence Fox tweeted: 'I don't understand how anyone could tweet 'Shoot them. Why are you inciting people to commit violence?'

Paramedics tend to Babbit moments after she was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday

After Ms Babbit was shot dead, Ms Fogarty tweeted: 'A woman has died and while my tweet was making a wider point about who gets shot in America - it was clumsy. Awful events.'

The row came on one of the darkest days in US political history, which began with Donald Trump urging his supports supporters to march on the Capitol Building to stop the result of the 2020 election being certified.

Congress had been in session at the time of the attack, undertaking the typically-routine business of certifying the election result - which was being opposed by a number of Republicans loyal to Trump.

The President had been holding a rally nearby at the White House before urging his supporters to go to the Capitol, where they broke in and trashed the symbolic home of western democracy.

They looted and broke into congressional offices, while politicians donned gas masks and fled under armed guard.

Pro-Trump rioters standing in the Rotunda after storming the Capitol building

Another social-media user tweeted: 'Don't remember her saying this when BLM [Black Lives Matter] and Antifa were burning businesses down and kicking peoples' heads in during last summer's rioting'. The LBC presenter responded: 'You mistake me - again'

After Ms Babbit was shot dead, Ms Fogarty tweeted: 'A woman has died and while my tweet was making a wider point about who gets shot in America - it was clumsy. Awful events'

Ms Babbit was shot dead inside the building, as three others died from 'individual medical emergencies' elsewhere on Capitol property.

Pipe bombs were also left outside the headquarters of the Democrat and Republican National Committees and a truck-full of rifles and Molotov cocktails seized.

Joe Biden described the rioters as 'extremists' staging an 'insurrection' that 'bordered on sedition' and called on Trump to order them away from the building.

Trump called the rioters 'great patriots' and said he 'loved' them - a move which saw him temporarily banned from social media.

Congress was eventually able to return to session after the National Guard was called in and a 6pm curfew imposed, with many Republicans dropping their opposition to the vote - and Mike Pence eventually certifying Biden as the winner.

Trump will now leave office at the latest on January 20, when Biden is sworn in, if he is not impeached or declared unfit for office in the meantime.
BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - The New York Stock Exchange will delist three Chinese telecom companies targeted by a Trump executive order, after earlier scrapping the plan following new specific guidance from the Department of Treasury. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. is considering prohibiting Americans from investing in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. The NYSE said Wednesday in a statement that it will move forward with the delisting of three Chinese telecom companies to comply with U.S. law. The NYSE said it received a guidance on January 5 from the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control indicating that U.S. persons cannot engage in certain transactions in the ADRs of China Telecom Corporation Limited (CHA), China Mobile Limited (CHL), and China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited (CHU) after 9:30 a.m. eastern time on January 11, 2021. All three companies are also listed in Hong Kong. On 4th January, the NYSE had abandoned its plans to delist the three Chinese telecom companies, after consulting with regulatory authorities. But, it did not provide specific reason for the sudden reversal. On December 31, 2020, the NYSE said it had started proceedings to delist the securities of three Chinese telecommunications companies in order to comply with a U.S. executive order that imposed restrictions on companies identified as affiliated with the Chinese military. The NYSE then said the three Chinese companies would be suspended from trading between January 7 and January 11. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in November 2020 that prohibited U.S. investors from buying and selling shares in a list of Chinese companies designated by the U.S. as having military ties. 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.
Sonu Sood has denied allegations of unauthorised development, saying that he has taken approval from the BMC and was only waiting for clearance from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has filed an FIR against Bollywood actor Sonu Sood for allegedly converting a six-storey residential building in Mumbais Juhu into a hotel without the approval from the civic body.

In its complaint, BMC said Sood converted a residential building named Shakti Sagar on Juhu's AB Nair Road into a hotel without change of user permission.

Here is the update

Maharashtra: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has filed a police complaint against actor Sonu Sood (in file photo) for allegedly converting a six-storey residential building in Juhu into a hotel without BMC's permission. pic.twitter.com/49FU1Y3iGJ  ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2021

According to Times of India, Sood has denied the allegations and maintains that he had the required permissions and was only waiting for clearance from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA).

The BMC has asked the Juhu police to take cognisance of the offence under the Maharashtra Region and Town Planning (MRTP) Act.

The complaint also alleged that the actor did not comply with the notice and carried out with unauthorised development even after the notice was sent to him.

When Sood was contacted he said he has taken approval for change of user from the BMC. The approval did not reach due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The actor said that he will abide by the law and that the hotel was used to house COVID-19 frontline workers. He also said that if the permissions do not come, he will restore the property to a residential structure.

Money Control reports that Sood had in October last year moved to the Mumbai Civil Court against the notice sent to him by the BMC, however, he did not get any interim relief.

The judicial body gave the actor three weeks' times to appeal at the Bombay High Court. The time provided by the court has passed and Sood had not restored the alterations and additions as per the plan approved and it is, therefore, the civic body has filed a complaint under the MRTP Act.

STAMFORD -- A Stamford woman was shot and killed after trying to ram her car into a White House security barrier and leading police on a high-speed chase past the Capitol with her 18-month-old daughter in tow.

Miriam Carey, 34, of 114 Woodside Green, drove her black Infiniti coupe onto a driveway leading to the White House, and over a set of lowered barricades. When Carey couldn't get through a second barrier, she spun the car in the opposite direction, flipping a Secret Service officer over the hood of the car as she sped away, said B.J. Campbell, a tourist from Portland, Ore.

A representative of Carey's family in Brooklyn, N.Y., said the family is still gathering information and was surprised by Thursday's incident.

On Friday morning the law enforcement response appeared to be packing up. Stamford police officers still had the area cordoned off, and residents were still not being allowed into building 114. Residents whose cars were parked in the lot in front of it were able to get out. Bridge Street was reopened. There was still a state environmental response trailer and crew on the scene, though.

Thursday night, fire trucks had lined Washington Boulevard, with a hose line running down to the area of the condo complex's lawn, where there are barbecue grills. Plastic tarpaulins had been strung up around the area, and emergency lights on telescoping poles shone down into it. Stamford police officers kept the public away, and people wearing FBI jackets or plain clothes swarmed around the property.

Residents stood around the edges watching and hoping to get back into their apartments. One had resolved to go to his parents' house, but needed clothes for work the next day. Another had parked his car on a side street, and was considering sleeping in it.

Carey was a licensed dental hygienist and according to a local law enforcement official, she suffered from mental illness, but had no criminal record.

Carey's car at one point was surrounded by police cars, and she managed to escape, careening around a traffic circle and past the north side of the Capitol. Video shot by a TV cameraman showed police pointing firearms at her car before she rammed a Secret Service vehicle and continued driving. Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier said police shot and killed her just outside the Hart Senate Office Building, a block northeast of the Capitol.

One Secret Service member and a 23-year veteran of the Capitol Police were injured. Officials said they were in good condition and expected to recover.

"This appears to be an isolated, singular matter, with, at this point, no nexus to terrorism," Capitol Police Chief Kim Dine said.

Dine said an officer took the child from the car to a hospital. She is in good condition and under protective custody, officials said.

Soon after Carey was fatally shot, the investigation into the chaotic events led to Stamford. Local police, along with federal law enforcement officials, descended on the Woodside Green condominium complex, bordered by Washington Boulevard and Bridge and Summer streets, just north of downtown.

"A full investigation is underway by federal authorities who are in Stamford currently," Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia said. "Stamford police are assisting federal authorities as needed."

City officials were not able to provide further information about the incident, as federal authorities are in charge of the investigation.

Several federal agents, including FBI and Secret Service, were seen entering the complex. The FBI expects the investigation to continue through the night.

"It is a very methodical process not unlike Newtown," an agent on the scene said.

A state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection response truck arrived at the scene around 8:30 p.m.

Investigators are piecing together any clues that would indicate why someone who appeared successful would strap her young daughter into a car seat in the back of a luxury car, drive to the nation's Capitol, which is in the midst of a government shutdown, and act so erratically.

According to public records, Carey lived near her family in Brooklyn, N.Y., from at least 1997 to 2009, when she moved to Stamford. She earned her dental hygiene license from New York state in 2002, and after letting her license expire in July 2008 she applied for and received a license to practice in Connecticut in September 2009. In 2011, she started her own temporary employment firm called Experienced Dental Placements out of her condo.

In 2012, Carey's condo association filed suit against her, but it was later withdrawn for the parties to discuss matters out of court. It's not clear why the suit was filed.

Before entering the condo Thursday evening, police used a bomb-detecting robot to enter Carey's unit, 1C at 114 Woodside Green. Federal agents showed neighbors a photo of the suspect, but did not identify the woman, according to neighbors. Residents of the 212-unit complex were still not being allowed to re-enter their homes as of 9 p.m.

At one point, two plain-clothes officers escorted a woman into the building and emerged a short time later, the woman carrying a small, white dog.

Vanessa Fabre, who said she moved into Woodside Green this past February, shook her head when she heard the woman involved may be one of her neighbors.

"That's crazy," she said.

Fabre had earlier driven into the parking lot of the complex, saw police surrounding it and two news helicopters hovering overhead.

"The people here seem very nice, but there are some weird people here."

Janet Vazquez was among the hundreds of residents barred from entering their apartments while police investigated, said she was alarmed by the situation.

"This is so scary," Vazquez said. "It makes you realize you can't escape stuff like this anymore. It doesn't matter if you live in a big city or a small one."

Kevin Morano said he lives two doors down from the suspect and said he only knew that Carey was a dental hygienist and that she drove fast in a black Infiniti and a white BMW.

"I know one thing; she always drove too fast," Morano said.

Staff writers Wes Duplantier, Maggie Gordon, John Nickerson, Mike Mayko and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Uzbekistan has carried out "some" human rights reforms in recent years, but continues to "severely" hinder the work of independent nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with "excessive and burdensome" registration requirements.

The government of President Shavkat Mirziyoev should amend the legislation and allow independent groups to register NGOs that seek to work on sensitive issues, including human rights and forced labor, the New York-based human rights watchdog said in a statement on January 7.

HRW said the Uzbek government has taken some important steps to ease the registration process since Mirziyoev took over Central Asia's most populous nation of 32 million in 2016, including reducing the registration fee, cutting the time period for government review of registration documents, and opening a portal that allows submission of applications by independent groups online.

However, vague and burdensome rules remain in place despite a commitment made by the president in 2018 to sweep away restrictions on NGOs, according to HRW.

It quoted representatives of six independent groups that have sought registration in Uzbekistan in recent years as saying that their registration applications had been rejected, often for minor alleged mistakes, including grammar or even minor punctuation mistakes, missing information, or the language used in application documents.

The legislation includes excessive requirements for registration and an extensive list of reasons for rejection, making decision-making by authorities appear arbitrary, according to the representatives.

One of the NGOs was finally allowed to register on its third attempt, HRW said.

Vladislav Lobanov, assistant Europe and Central Asia researcher at HRW, said the Uzbek government needs to respond to international calls for civil society be allowed to act freely.

Last year, the United Nations Human Rights Committee expressed concern that current legislation continues to impose restrictions on the right to freedom of association and over the small number of independent self-initiated NGOs registered [in the country, and] the high number of rejections for registration.

The European Union and the United States have also expressed concern over registration barriers for NGOs.
PFAS investigation in Pellston completes second round of samples

Officials discovered polyfluoroalkyls in Pellston residential water sources in late 2019. The airport is believed to be the source of the substances.
The Boaz Police Department will now leave cards when they stop by to check businesses overnight.

Police are calling them "good morning" cards. Police say this new practice is a way to connect with the community and let Boaz business owners know they're keeping an eye out for them.

"It's really nice to know that while we're gone, while we're not there, somebody is looking out for you," explained B.J. Jones, owner of Clark's Pharmacy.

Clark's Pharmacy in Boaz was one of the first businesses to get a "good morning" card. The cards let owners know that police came by to check on their business.

That's something the owner of Clark's Pharmacy in Boaz says is a good call. His business had multiple break-in attempts in 2020. Police responded to those attempts within minutes.

Police say this new practice isn't because of any rise in crime but a way to let the community know they've got their back. Police say a card won't be left every time a business is checked.

CLEVELAND, Ohio  A chaotic, violent day in the nations Capitol brought out strong emotions among elected officials in Ohio.

You can listen online here.

But while they condemned the rioters in Washington, D.C., some elected officials took aim at their colleagues. Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes used Twitter to say Ohio Republican Party Chairman Jane Timken and other GOP members bore responsibility for the violence by supporters of Donald Trump. And Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was reminded that he had assured Ohioans in September that Trump would leave office peacefully if the president lost the election ... which has not occurred. Through all this, victories in elections in Georgia will give Democrats control of the U.S. Senate, and Sherrod Brown is pledging to use this advantage to pass legislation for $2,000 stimulus checks.

Hear cleveland.com editor Chris Quinn discuss these stories and more in The Wake Up podcast.

The podcast is a summary of cleveland.coms morning newsletter The Wake Up. You can receive The Wake Up through email at 5:30 a.m. each weekday by subscribing here.

You can get our podcasts delivered directly to your phone, and we have an Apple podcasts channel exclusively for this podcast. Subscribe here.

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Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

The global Flexible Epoxy Resin Market is segmented by type, application, end-use industry, and region.

Various types of flexible are available in the market such as urethane modified, rubber modified, dimer acid, and others. The urethane modified epoxy resins segment is leading the market due to its high flexibility, good tensile strength, and chemical resistance. These epoxy resins are highly used for offshore applications where gas and sea water resistance is required.

The application segment includes primer, composites, adhesives, semiconductors, electrical laminates, and others. The primer segment is extensively used due to high demand from the paints & coatings industry. It is also used in decorative flooring applications for its chemical and abrasion resistance. The composites are extensively used in military & defense due to weight reduction, corrosion resistance, and part consolidation in military vehicles, military shelters and pallets, and in lightweight helmets & body armor. The adhesive application is used where reduced mechanical stress within the bond line is required, which is caused by the thermal mismatch of the bonded substrates.

The end-use industry segment consists of paints & coatings, construction, automotive, electrical & electronics, and others. The paints & coatings segment is likely to dominate the market owing to their properties such as chemical resistance, durability, abrasion resistance, and others. The product is used in construction of cladding & facades, roofing, doors & windows, and others. Various automotive parts such as mud flaps, impact panels, underbody guards, bumpers, ducting & sheeting, and others are manufactured with the help of these resins. Moreover, silicone-free thermally conductive foils, flexible printed circuit boards, and pressure sensitive electronic devices are manufactured using flexible epoxy resin.

Access Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/flexible-epoxy-resin-market-6009

Regional Analysis

The global flexible epoxy resin market is spanned across five regions namely Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific dominated the global flexible epoxy resin market in 2016 on account of the high demand from the major end-use industries such as construction, paints & coatings, and automotive industries in the region.

The high demand for these resins from the military & defense and automotive industry coupled with the rebound in construction activities in North America is projected to drive the market growth over the forecast period.

The high product demand for the manufacturing of various automotive parts in Western European countries is likely to influence the market growth.

The Latin American region is expected to grow significantly due to the growing automotive industry in the region.

The infrastructural hub present in the GCC countries is likely to drive the growth of the Middle East & Africa market.

Competitive Analysis

Some of the manufacturers operating in the global flexible epoxy resin market are Olin Corporation (US), Hexion (US), Kukdo Chemical Co., Ltd. (South Korea), Aditya Birla Chemicals (India), Huntsman International LLC (US), DIC CORPORATION (Japan), Emerald Performance Materials (US), EPOXONIC (Germany), Spolchemie (Czech Republic), Cardolite (US), Atul Ltd. (India), INTERTRONICS (Oxfordshire), Conren Ltd. (UK), Mereco Technologies (US), and Resoltech (France).
WASHINGTON  Texas Democrats went to work early Thursday to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time, out ahead of leaders in the House of Representatives who were waiting to see if Trumps own Cabinet members would help strip him of power using the 25th Amendment, which offers a more direct route.

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a top member of the House Judiciary Committee, was among a handful of House Democrats who filed impeachment resolutions.

Trump, the Houston Democrat said, made a clarion call to his followers to come to D.C. on Wednesday, where he fired them up at a rally outside the White House, urging them to move to the Capitol as Congress began to count Electoral College votes  a procedural step that Trump characterized as a sort of final showdown over the election.

17 TEXANS IN CONGRESS OBJECT TO BIDENS WIN: Heres what they say.

We will never give up. We will never concede, Trump said at the rally.

He had no qualms of sending people down with the idea that they were going into combat, Jackson Lee said. They were here for war.

Jackson Lee was one of several Texas Democrats pushing for Trumps removal Thursday. Her resolution, which says Trump has actively and continuously endeavored to undermine the essential institutions and foundations of a democratic system of government in the United States, has the backing of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Nearly every other Texas Democrat had signed onto impeachment resolutions offered by Democrats in the House on Thursday. Among them were U.S. Reps Al Green and Sylvia Garcia of Houston, Joaquin Castro and Lloyd Doggett of San Antonio, Veronica Escobar of El Paso and Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen.

Green said impeachment is a necessary response to the way he incited and attempted to orchestrate what could have been a coup if it had been successful.

The House should reconvene immediately to impeach this unfit, unhinged, seditious President, Doggett said. For our safety today and as a message to future would-be tyrants, we must demand accountability.

The effort comes as some Republicans were promoting debunked claims that rioters at the Capitol were not actually Trumps supporters, but leftists in disguise, seeking to shift blame from the president.

Those who stormed the Capitol yesterday were not Trump supporters, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote on Facebook. Paxton had addressed the crowd at a rally outside the White House on Wednesday before moving to the Capitol, telling them, we will not quit fighting.

Paxton should also be held accountable for Wednesdays events, said Chris Turner, a state representative who chairs the Texas House Democratic Caucus. He called on the state Legislature to consider all options at our disposal to hold Paxton responsible for any role he may have played in inciting violence, pointing to his comments at the rally.

FACT CHECK: Man in horned fur cap at Capitol riot supports Trump, not antifa

In D.C., there was growing consensus among Democrats that something needed to be done to hold the president accountable.

What we saw from the president is so incredibly dangerous and so antithetical to what we not just believe should happen, but expect to happen in response to our elections, said U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, a Houston Democrat. We absolutely have to have accountability.

Fletcher  who on Thursday evening backed impeachment, saying Trump represents a grave threat to our Constitution and to our country  was initially unsure if it was the correct route.

We impeached the president a year ago. We warned of this danger, she said. Nobody did it without a sincere and deeply held concern about his fitness for office, and I think we are witnessing the extent of those well-founded fears right now.

Many were pressuring members of the administration to act. Three Texas Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee  Garcia, Jackson Lee and Escobar  signed a letter calling on the administration to invoke the 25th Amendment. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat, made similar calls on Twitter.

After the carnage in the Capitol incited by Trump and his enablers like Cruz and Hawley, this is the only choice, Castro said.

While it was mostly Democrats calling for Trumps removal Thursday, even some Republicans said he bears some blame for the storming of the Capitol.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

People need to go to jail and the president should never have spun up certain Americans to believe something that simply cannot be, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, a Central Texas Republican, said in a speech on the House floor Wednesday night.

Rhetoric has consequences, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, a Republican whose district stretches from Houston to Austin, said on Twitter. It certainly did in this case.

Others, meanwhile, sought to keep pressure on U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans who objected to electoral votes on Wednesday, blaming them for escalating the post-election strife that preceded Wednesdays eruption.

In Houston, about a dozen people gathered outside the building housing Cruzs office, shouting and holding signs saying Remove Traitors, 25th Amendment and Trump lost, fascists get out.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, called for the Senate to expel Cruz if he doesnt resign, echoing calls Castro made on Wednesday.

Sen. Cruz, you must accept responsibility for how your craven, self-serving actions contributed to the deaths of four people yesterday, she said in a tweet.

Cruz responded: Leading a debate in the Senate on ensuring election integrity is doing our jobs, and its in no way responsible for the despicable terrorists who attacked the Capitol yesterday.

Sorry, I aint going anywhere, he said.

U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a Houston Republican, meanwhile, said some of his GOP colleagues in the House played a bigger role in planting the seeds for yesterdays riots on Capitol Hill than many realize.

These people have been lied to en masse by the millions, Crenshaw said. In the sense that they were led to believe Jan. 6 was anything but a political performance for a few opportunistic politicians to give a five-minute speech. That is all that it ever was. People were lied to.

Crenshaw was among those who supported a Texas lawsuit aimed at overturning results from four battleground states, which the Supreme Court rejected. But he voted to certify Bidens win on Thursday.

Sixteen Texas Republicans in the House voted to object to certifying President-elect Joe Bidens win, even after the riots.

PAXTON AT D.C. RALLY: We will not quit fighting

Some joined Paxton in falsely accusing Antifa and leftists for inciting the violence.

U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, a Tyler Republican, insinuated one of those leading the charge was a leftist, tweeting: Please people; no violence. That only hurts our cause. Those leading the charge like the guy in yellow with the communist hammer & sickle tattoo: stopping the violence applies to you too.

The tattoo Gohmert appeared to be referencing was not a hammer and sickle, but a symbol from the video game Dishonored.

Similar theories spread online and were quickly debunked. Many of those pictured at the rallies are known right-wing activists.

Even Trump acknowledged the rioters were his supporters, saying in a recorded message urging them to go home on Wednesday: We love you, youre very special.

Jeremy Wallace and Taylor Goldenstein contributed reporting from Austin, Hannah Dellinger and Samantha Ketterer contributed reporting from Houston.

ben.wermund@chron.com

President-elect Joe Biden has reportedly tapped Boston Mayor Marty Walsh to lead the U.S. Department of Labor.

Walsh, a former union president elected in 2013 after five-term mayor Thomas Menino, was a longtime favorite of Biden.

Walshs appointment was first reported by Politico, which cited sources familiar with Bidens decision. While at least one union leader confirmed hearing the news from Walsh, and multiple reports earlier Thursday said he was nominated, the Boston Democrat broke his silence on the news in a tweet just before 9 p.m. after Biden announced his latest round of nominations.

Working people, labor unions and those fighting every day for their shot at the middle class are the backbone of our economy and of this country, he tweeted. As Secretary of Labor, Ill work just as hard for you as you do for your families and livelihoods. You have my word.

Working people, labor unions, and those fighting every day for their shot at the middle class are the backbone of our economy and of this country. As Secretary of Labor, Ill work just as hard for you as you do for your families and livelihoods. You have my word.  Marty Walsh (@MartyJWalsh) January 8, 2021

Walsh hadnt officially announced a re-election bid while City Councilors Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell announcing campaigns in September. He previously noted that he enjoyed his current job and that Biden couldnt take everyone from Massachusetts, as other Bay State natives like former Gov. Deval Patrick and Sen. Elizabeth Warren were considered for Cabinet posts.

Im focused on being the best mayor I can be, Walsh told MassLive in September, before Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump in the presidential election. Too many people four years ago were picking what offices they wanted, and the night of the election they got a shot when Donald Trump won.

Sean OBrien, president of Teamsters Local 25, said he heard about the nomination Thursday morning. He texted Walsh asking if that was true, to which he replied, it will be.

The one thing thats been proven over the last four years is this Labor Department has been run by corporate attorneys and corporate consultants who have not had the best interests in working people, both union and non-union, and its time to obviously put someone in there like Mayor Walsh who is very experienced at navigating through running big business, said OBrien, whose local represents 12,000 in the Boston area. He ran the city of Boston for two terms. He knows how to navigate and how to build bridges and relationships between unions and business. Hes going to be good all around.

United Food and Commercial Workers spokesman Abraham White tweeted the union supports Walshs nomination to head the Labor Department. The union has 1.3 million members nationwide, including more than 23,000 in Massachusetts.

.@Marty_Walsh stood strong with @UFCW union workers on strike in 2019 fighting to protect their health care.



Walsh continues to fight for working families today and that's exactly why @UFCW's 1.3 million workers support him as @JoeBiden's Labor Secretary. https://t.co/sdKADr85al https://t.co/hqfYq5A9sn  Abraham White (@abwhite7) January 7, 2021

Walshs potential departure to Washington, D.C. opens up the mayoral race even further. Wu and Campbell seek to become the citys first woman, and person of color, to serve in the role.

Wu congratulated Walshs nomination in a statement Thursday afternoon.

He will be the first union member to serve in this role in nearly 50 years, and his leadership will come at a critical time for the labor movement, Wu said. There is much work to do to clean up the backwards, anti-worker policies of the Trump administration that have hurt so many here in our city, and Boston needs a partner to fight for working families at the federal level.

Gov. Charlie Baker, asked about Walshs nomination, said he has had a positive collaborative working relationship with Walsh, who was a state representative before running for mayor.

On many many issues our ability to work together has made a big difference in the city and surrounding environment, and I consider [him] somebody I can be very straight with about pretty much everything we talk about, the Republican governor said. If he does take this job, obviously well wish him well and do everything we can to ensure that in the midst of this difficult time that we transition effectively and quickly and collaboratively to whoever his successor will be.

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This years general election ballot presents the voter with a dilemma. We have wrestled with this years choices, as we imagine many voters have. Up and down the ticket we are faced with choices in political ideologies, personalities, backgrounds and governing styles.

A Chinese company has come under fire for fining lazy employees who take more than one toilet break per day.

Anpu Electric Science and Technology, a Chinese corporation based in Dongguan, Guangdong province, admitted to enforcing a bizarre once-a-day toilet break policy and fining employees who break it with 20 yuan ($3). According to notices issued by the company and leaked on social media by disgruntled employees, at least seven staff members were penalized on December 20 and 21. The rule has sparked outrage online, but company officials explained managements decision to create the bizarre rule by saying that many employees were lazy and used toilet breaks to smoke and avoid their duties.

Photo: Jasmin_Sessler/Pixabay

We are helpless. The fact is that the workers are lazy at work, a company manager, surnamed Cao, told Guangdong TV. The management talked with those workers many times, but didnt achieve a positive result yet.

Cao added that the toilet break-limiting rule was deemed a better alternative to firing staff, because finding new workers would have been more difficult. He also clarified that offenders had not been asked to pay the 20-yuan fines, instead the amount was deducted from their monthly bonuses.

Interestingly, accordingly to company policy, workers wanting to take more than one toilet break a day, have to register with their boss before visiting the restroom, which only enraged Chinese netizens even more. However, there were some people who actually sympathized with the company.

Photo: Giorgio Trovato/Unsplash

They are forced to do this, one person commented on Chinese website 163.com. Some employees use the toilet for too long and use it frequently. It will no doubt hurt the companys productivity.

However, most people blasted Anpu Electric Science and Technology and its management, calling the rule exploitative and humiliating.

What era is it? The freedom of going to the toilet has become a luxury, one Weibo user lamented.

Photo: Ian Kirkland/Unsplash

News of the toilet-break penalty caught the attention of the Dongguan Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau. Officials there have started an investigation into the matter, but they have already told Chinese publication The Paper that the rule was illegal.

Apparently, toilet breaks are a serious issue in China, with private companies taking all sorts of weird measures to keep the time spent by staff in the restroom to a minimum. Last year, we wrote about a corporation that had installed timers on bathroom stalls, and SCMP reports that in 2018, tech giant NetEase spent 2 million yuan to block internet service in its bathrooms.

Mayor London Breeds nominees for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency board  a small business owner and an accessibility advocate were approved Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors.

Manny Yekutiel, the owner of cafe and political event space Mannys in the Mission, and Fiona Hinze, system change director at Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco, will help oversee the agency that runs Muni, streets and parking during a tumultuous time, with ridership and finances devastated by the pandemic.

Supervisors battled the mayor, who appoints all seven members of the agencys board, on one of her nominees last year. In August, the board rejected Breeds nomination of transit advocate Jane Natoli and approved Sharon Lai, a former city planner.

On Tuesday, supervisors unanimously supported Hinze, who has cerebral palsy and uses an electric wheelchair, and voted 9-2 in favor of Yekutiel. Sandra Lee Fewer and Dean Preston dissented, saying they wanted a Latino board member instead. Latinos make up 15% of the citys population, but at least 30% of Muni ridership, the SFMTAs Local Government Affairs Manager Joel Ramos told supervisors.

I think it is 100% disheartening and a travesty that we dont have Latino representation on the SFMTA board of directors, said Supervisor Shamann Walton, who voted in favor of Yekutiel. That is a problem and we will continue to fight to make sure that changes.

Courtesy of the Mayoras Office of Communications /

Supervisors, including the two who voted no, applauded the accomplishments of each nominee and pledged to approve a Latino member of the board in the near future. Director Sharon Lai, who was recently approved in August, is up for reappointment in March 2021. Two more seats wont be open until 2022. The two approved appointments mean that the seven-member SFMTA board will be filled for the first time since May.

Ramos, who formerly served as an SFMTA board member, said the agencys director Jeffrey Tumlin has acknowledged the need for more diverse representation and met on Monday with the agencys Latinx Affinity Group. In December, the SFMTA board adopted a multi-step racial equity plan that included data showing the agencys leadership was disproportionately white compared to its workforce. The plan was required by the citys Office of Racial Equity, which was created in 2019.

This is why we need a racial equity office, Fewer said Tuesday before voting no.

Preston, who also voted no, said he struggled how to vote. He said he received multiple comments from Latino community leaders supporting and opposing Yekutiels nomination. He cited the need for diversity and the business owners lack of meaningful transportation experience during a crisis for the agency as reasons for his opposition.

Our public transportation is a shadow of its former self, Preston said. Transit operators are living in fear of losing their jobs with layoffs threatened. Many essential workers have no way to get to work using public transit. Entire lines are shut down with no plan to restore them. MTA has squandered massive amounts of money on failed capital projects. Meanwhile, many members of the public are fearful of returning to public transit.

I think real questions persist about how and if public transit is going to bounce back during the pandemic and beyond, he said.

Editors note: A previous version of this story misstated the date when an SFTMA board seat will open up.

Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@mallorymoench

Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria shows the press a box of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac as containers carrying doses of it are unloaded from a cargo plane that arrived from China at Guarulhos International Airport in Guarulhos, near Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020. The experimental vaccine is being tested in a partnership with the Butantan Institute and Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

A vaccine candidate made by China's Sinovac is 78% effective in protecting against COVID-19, according to results of a study announced Thursday by Brazilian state health officials seeking federal approval of the shot.

More than 12,000 health workers participated in the study, which detected 218 cases of COVID-19about 160 of those among people who received a placebo rather than the actual vaccine.

Turkish officials last month said that a smaller, companion study in that country of the same vaccine candidate found an efficacy rate of over 90%.

The government of Sao Paulo state, which has contracted for the vaccine, said it is asking Brazil's federal health regulators for emergency approval to begin using it. Gov. Joao Doria plans to start a vaccination campaign for the state's 46 million residents on Jan. 25.

The health agency said in a statement that it has not yet received full data on the study.

The researchers reported no serious side effects in the study.

The U.S. has required vaccine candidates to be tested in at least 30,000 people to determine safety and effectiveness.

The Sinovac candidate was ready for late-stage testing at a time when China had such little coronavirus spread that the company was forced to look to multiple locations abroad to amass the necessary data.

Health workers push a patient suspected of having COVID-19 into the HRAN Hospital in Brasilia, Brazil, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

A patient suspected of having COVID-19 is transferred from an ambulance to the Regional Hospital of Samambaia, which specializes in the care of new coronavirus cases in Brasilia, Brazil, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

"Today is the day of hope, the day of life," Doria said in a news conference. Brazil is nearing 200,000 deaths caused by the virus.

The Sao Paulo governor is an adversary of President Jair Bolsonaro, who has downplayed the risks of the pandemic since the beginning and has repeatedly questioned the quality of the Chinese vaccine.

A different Chinese company, SinoPharm, announced last week that its similar vaccine is about 79% effective. Both of those vaccines rely on inactivated viruses.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 11:55:28|Editor: huaxia

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LOS ANGELES, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were arrested in Los Angeles downtown after a rally organized by supporters of President Donald Trump turned into a clash with counter-protesters on Wednesday afternoon, and no serious injury was reported so far.

The rally started outside Los Angeles City Hall in the morning, where about 300 demonstrators held U.S. national flags and carried signs supporting Trump.

Police declared an unlawful assembly of the gathering at noon, ordering the crowd to disperse, then skirmishes began erupting around as counter-protesters gathered nearby.

Tony Im, a spokesman from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), was quoted by the local KTLA news channel as saying that four people were arrested.

Pictures posted online showed that at least two young white men who were in custody wore red hat with sign saying "Make America Great Again."

Im said "several fights" broke out during the demonstration, but he didn't have information on whether anyone had been seriously hurt. Video from the scene showed one Trump's supporter left with his face bloodied, and one counter-protester wearing a Black Lives Matter insignia on his clothing was sprayed with a chemical irritant by a protester.

Other small rallies organized by Trump's supporters played out in some small cities in Southern California Wednesday as well. Enditem
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Leaders around the world condemned the storming of the United States Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, expressing shock at the chaos unfolding in a country they once relied upon for global leadership.

But Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stopped short of criticising Mr Trump for inciting the violence, saying "it is not for me to offer commentary on world leaders".

Mr Morrison said the storming of US Congress was "disgraceful", "heartbreaking" and "terribly distressing, terribly concerning".

"I am pleased that the Senate has been able to recommence their proceedings, and we hope for a peaceful and stable transition of government to the new administration elected by the American people," Morrison said.
January Possibly Worse Month of Pandemic, Infected Healthcare Workers Numbers Rise

I hope all Los Angeles County residents will start the new year by asking what each of us can do to stop the spread of COVID-19, said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. If we fail to use the tools currently available, our frontline healthcare workers, now caring for distressingly large numbers of COVID-19 patients, will face many more weeks of increasing numbers of patients and the heartbreaking loss of many lives.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continues to urge the public to stay home. They are anticipating another surge due to Christmas and New Years traveling and socializing outside of households that took place during the holidays. They stated that January could possibly be the worst weve seen of the pandemic.

The numbers continue to climb among healthcare workers testing positive with COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 28,448 healthcare workers and first responders tested positive for COVID-19. Half of the cases are Latino/Latinx healthcare workers with 67% of cases among women. The L.A. County Health Dept. has stated 86% of healthcare workers who passed away had underlying health conditions. The breakdown of COVID-19 deaths among healthcare workers so far has been: 67 at skilled nursing and long-term care facilities; 21 among healthcare workers at hospitals with 11 deaths at outpatient facilities. Out of nurses, 39% continue to account for the majority of deaths among healthcare workers.

As of Saturday, January 2, the county has received 189,995 doses of the Pfizer vaccine with 96,390 doses going to frontline healthcare workers. Also, the county has received 81,571 Moderna doses with 22,221 going to staff and residents at skilled nursing facilities including EMTs and paramedics. According to the Los Angeles Health Dept., the next Pfizer rollout, consisting of 82,745 doses, will be second doses to the first group of healthcare workers vaccinated in mid-December. Its been stated the coming 50,700 Moderna doses will go to priority groups in Tier 2 of Phase 1A. Tier 2 includes healthcare workers at urgent care and primary care clinics, home healthcare workers and healthcare field workers.

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As of Monday, January 4, the L.A. County Dept. of Public Health confirmed 77 new deaths and new cases 9,142 of COVID-19. There were 6,914 people with COVID-19 hospitalized with 20% of these people in the ICU. Since early November, the daily hospitalizations of people with COVID-19 has increased more than 905%.

Public Health identified 827,498 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 10,850 deaths. Across the Southland: Los Angeles County shows 787,217 cases, Long Beach with 33,271 cases and Pasadena with 7,010. According to race and ethnicity, COVID-19 statistics show: American Indian/Alaska Native with 1,300; Asian with 30,008; Black with 25,630; Hispanic/Latino with 345,719; Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander with 2,943; White with 74,339; those of other race and ethnicity with 78,597 and 228,681 under investigation.

Its better to be lonely than sick; better to care for others by following all the rules than to end up passing along the virus to someone who gets hospitalized or even dies, said Ferrer. We are grateful to the frontline healthcare workers who are fighting hard to save thousands of lives, but we all know that there are certain people who simply wont survive the ravages of this powerful virus.

This heartache does not need to continue.

For more information and statistics on COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, please visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/
3 1 of 3 Waterbury Police Department photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Waterbury Police Department / Contributed photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3





Connecticut native Latrisha Chambers, 40, died after a fire in Brooklyn on Jan. 5, according to the Republican American. The paper reports that Chambers was found unconscious inside her apartment and later pronounced dead at the hospital.

According to the Republican American, Chambers was originally from Danbury and was involved with New Hope Baptist Church in town. She graduated from Stone Academy in Waterbury and had worked in a plastic surgery office in Ridgefield, "where she was regarded as a trustworthy employee who would open the office each morning, among other past jobs," Chambers' mother told the paper.
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, said he is safe and sheltered in place after rioters breached the U.S. Capitol Wednesday.

I am safe and sheltered in place. Horrified and shell-shocked by the violence of rioters trying to undo the constitutional transfer of power. @RealDonaldTrump, for the sake of our nation and safety of our people, tell your supporters to stand down and leave town, Upton posted on Twitter at 3:33 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6.

The Southwest Michigan congressman and other lawmakers are waiting and watching to see how the tense situation will end.

People converged on Washington, D.C., Wednesday, and a crowd gathered to watch Trump speak in front of the White House. Crowds then met at the U.S. Capitol, and breached the Senate and House chambers.

I am safe and sheltered in place. Horrified and shell-shocked by the violence of rioters trying to undo the constitutional transfer of power. @RealDonaldTrump, for the sake of our nation and safety of our people, tell your supporters to stand down and leave town.  Fred Upton #WearYourMask (@RepFredUpton) January 6, 2021

Crowds gathered at the Save America event Wednesday, where Trump, Rudy Giuliani and others spoke. Giuliani called for trial by combat during his remarks that came hours before people swarmed the Capitol.

Trump continues to object to the results of the election.

After violence broke out at the Capitol Wednesday, Trump delivered remarks and told people to go home.

Two days ago, on Jan. 4, Upton tweeted that there have been no cases of election fraud.

Voters  not judges or politicians  must decide elections. These objections would establish a new precedent allowing the Congress to supersede the will of the people. There have been no cases of fraud discovered that would overturn President-elect Bidens 154K-vote victory in MI, Upton said on Twitter.

Read more:

Video: Trump supporters breach U.S. Capitol

Biden calls on Trump to step up, end violent protest at Capitol

Warnock, Ossoff win in Georgia, handing Dems U.S. Senate control

Michigan congressman says Trump provoked insurrection of U.S. government
Capitol police in SWAT gear had evacuated Democratic leaders from U.S. House Chamber when U.S. Rep Matt Cartwright heard five or six loud bangs.

Rioters breached the building. U.S. House members hurried toward a narrow staircase leading to tunnels beneath the Capitol building.

The infiltrators, there to protest Congress expected confirmation of President-elect Joe Bidens election, broke through barriers outside the Capitol and entered the building, bypassing metal detectors, Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, said in a telephone call Wednesday from Washington, D.C.

The whole thing was surreal, he said.

The events that led to the evacuation began about 2:15 p.m. as Cartwright sat with House Democratic leaders and watched a House member from Arizona challenge the states electors. Suddenly, Capitol police rushed in and removed House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and House Democratic Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina. Cartwright did not see them remove House Speaker Nancy Pelosi; she was gone by the time he looked for her.

One or two minutes later, one of the Capitol police commanders got a hold of a microphone and announced that the building had been breached, raising serious safety concerns, Cartwright said. By then, the infiltrators had reached the Capitol rotunda.

Police asked House members to grab emergency escape hoods normally stored under their seats because tear gas had been dispersed in the rotunda. He did not know who fired the tear gas.

I never put it on and I didnt see anyone else who did, he said.

At that point, the same commander announced the infiltrators had reached National Statuary Hall, which is closer to the House chamber and where sculptures of famous Americans stand.

Thats when members heard five or six loud bangs on the chamber doors. Cartwright said he is unsure if shots were fired.

I confess I didnt think anything of it for the first couple of times. And then it dawned on me that this is people trying to break into the House floor, he said.

As he looked out a translucent window in the chambers, he saw a couple of flashes in Statuary Hall. He also saw Capitol Police standing by the main door with clubs and what looked like tire irons, ready to subdue people who charged inside.

A minute or so later, the commander told members shots had been fired and ordered members toward a stairwell in the chambers southwest corner.

Thats when it started to feel a little dicey because some of our members, theyre elderly and theyre not too spry, he said.

As members descended the stairs, a police officer ordered them to move faster yelling, Theyre right behind us, he said.

We all made our escape uneventfully, he said. I cant say I really ever felt in danger.

He said authorities asked him to avoid saying where he was during the phone call.

Cartwright criticized the protesters for their lack of respect for the American judicial system.

I believe the election was free and fair. I think that we have tested it in court case after court case after court case, something like 60 court cases, he said. And, to believe after dozens and dozens of judges, state and federal, Democratic judges and Republican judges have thrown these things out of court for utter lack of evidence, to continue to believe that the election was rigged or fraudulent or are subject to mass fraud, I think is at some point you have to understand that to be what it is  a massive amount of disrespect for the judges, and the judiciary and the judicial system in our country.

Our last chance

Frank Scavo, the former Old Forge school director, led a local contingent to Washington D.C. Wednesday to challenge Bidens election as president.

On the way home, Scavo called the trip relatively uneventful until the chaos erupted at the Capitol. At one point, he said he was up around the Capitol building standing near police officers, just people watching. He posted photos taken on the Capitol steps to his Facebook page Wednesday afternoon, writing on one post, No certification today!!!

At no point did we feel threatened. At no point did we see animosity or anything towards law enforcement, Scavo said. When the police came with reinforcements, we werent really involved in anything, so we had nothing to fear.

Scavo said it was clear a lot of people feel unhappy with the conduct of these elections.

America is going to have to work that out so we dont have a repeat of this, and not ignore it as they have done in the past, he said.

Ron Knapp of Nanticoke was on the same bus trip and said he witnessed a peaceful protest turn to chaos as people rushed into the Capitol. No one from the Scavo-organized group took part in the siege of the building, according to Knapp. He never felt that he or other group members were in danger, though it was clear passions were rising out of control in some of the protesters.

People were hot under the collar because of Vice President Mike Pences decision not to challenge the Electoral College results, Knapp said. Law enforcement did not intervene until the Capitol was breached, he said.

I think they knew there was some steam that was going to be blown off, Knapp said. They expected that.

Trump supporter Robert Bejeski Jr. of Duryea also went to DC on the bus trip Scavo organized. Bejeskis wife and father did, too.

I feel that the election was stolen from us and this was our last chance to save our future elections and our current republic, said Bejeski, 39.

Throughout the day, they chanted stop the steal while waving Trump signs. After hearing Trump speak, they made their way to the Capitol. When the protest turned to pandemonium, his group decided it was time to leave.

Most everything weve seen was peaceful and good-hearted Trump supporters, he said.

Knapp was happy he made the trip despite the up-close look at civil unrest.

I wouldnt have missed it for the world, he said. This is a historic moment for our country.

Absolute disgrace

Several other federal lawmakers from Pennsylvania decried the Capitol takeover.

In a statement, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey condemned the rioting.

This is an absolute disgrace, Toomey said. I appreciate the work of the United States Capitol Police under difficult circumstances.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Caseys office issued a statement saying hes safe.

Our entire staff continues to work remotely today, the statement read. Senator Casey was the only member of our team in the Capitol complex. He is safe and taking direction from the United States Capitol Police.

U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-12, Snyder County, took to Twitter to denounce what happened at the Capitol.

The violence happening at the U.S. Capitol is shameful, completely unacceptable, and un-American, he wrote. This is not how our republic should operate and the rioters must be fully prosecuted. God bless our Capitol police and first responders.

Eric Mark and Brooke Williams, staff writers, contributed to this report.
For a president who plumbs to lower depths with each public utterance, Donald Trumps graceless performance since his electoral defeat in November would surprise nobody. But the manner in which he has tried to subvert institutions is appalling. His lawyers have made unhinged assertions. He has welcomed a disgraced former associate to the White House whose recommendation is for Trump to call in the army. He has tried bullying Georgian officials, by claimingwithout any evidencethat the election in that state was flawed, and pleaded that the officials somehow find some 11,000 votes so that he can flip the state in his favour. He has not criticized his supporters who vandalized four African-American churches in Washington.

In a pathetic exercise of grandstanding, a few Republican members of the House of Representatives and about a dozen Republican senators are trying to challenge the electoral college vote, with the sole aim of compelling their saner Republican colleagues to defend the duly-certified electoral college votes, or repudiate those. If the majority of Republican senators ratify the vote for Biden, they run the risk of insurgent pro-Trump challenges when they seek re-election (and five relatively moderate Republicans are particularly vulnerable). If they do repudiate the vote, they unleash the energized Trump supporters they disagree with. The role of a relatively senior senator like Ted Cruz (who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in 2016) is particularly cynical and galling. He and senator Josh Hawley are fighting against the inevitable not because they believe Trumps alternate view of reality; rather, they seek to inherit the Trump constituency in 2024 for the next presidential race. It places vice-president Mike Pence, a likely candidate in 2024, in a quandary: he must declare the outcome. If he stays loyal to Trump and lets the dispute fester, he throws the constitution overboard; if he act responsibly, he allows Cruz to become the frontrunner.

The situation is grim enough for ten former secretaries of defense to write a joint appeal calling upon the army to stay out of the electoral process. Dozens of corporate chiefs have urged the US Congress to name Joe Biden as the duly-elected president. It is preposterous even to think that such appeals have become necessary; such shenanigans are common in countries new to democracy, unused to peaceful transfers of power; not in a country that has held elections since the late 18th century, even during world wars and an economic depression. Think of how the US State Department has reacted to presidents in other countries holding on to power after losing elections. Trump is following those presidents, but only up to a point. He hasnt jailed opponents, imposed censorship, or called in the troops yet, but its hard to argue thats because he cherishes democracy. He probably realizes that the generals will say no. After all, several judges he has appointed at federal courts have thrown out his legal challenges in 60 cases across America, and even the Supreme Court, where he appointed three of the nine judges, has dismissed his fact-free complaints.

Trumps singular achievement is the destruction of the Republican Party. A party that believed in a small government, which was on the right side during the US Civil War, which believed in free trade, and which focused on individual responsibility (against collective obligations), now looks like a reckless organization where racist, homophobic, xenophobic and misogynist views are being normalized. Critics of Republicans would argue that they were always like that, but thats unfair; there have been many constitutionalist and responsible Republicans. The effort to impeach Richard Nixon wasnt partisan.

To be sure, there are Republicans who claim to stand by those values. But a few exceptions apart, many have left it till too late. Establishment Republicans have allowed their party to be stolen; it is now a grotesque caricature of its former self.

Politicians like Cruz assume that America has changed, and humouring an extremist base will yield political dividends. Thats not unreasonable. Trump got 74 million votes in November, more votes than any candidate in American political history except Biden, who won 81 million votes. Trump got 11 million more votes than his 2016 tally (when his rival that year, Hillary Clinton, had outpolled him by 3 million votes but lost the US electoral college). Biden not only won more votes, he won key states, to win the electoral college 306-232. Trump is popular, but we should remember that in neither 2016 nor 2020 did he win the majority of votes.

Cruzs embrace of extremism could destroy moderates. If Trump does not run in 2024 (he will be 78, which is Bidens age now), and doesnt anoint a successor (his daughter Ivanka, for example), or is mired in lawsuits, his constituency is up for grabs. Thats what Cruz, Pence and others want.

American institutions have held firm so far, but they have been shaken at the core. America needs to safeguard its constitution. The law will catch up with citizen Trump; but he has eroded and undermined norms, and recovering whats lost will be hard.

Salil Tripathi is a writer based in New York. Read Salils previous Mint columns at www.livemint.com/saliltripathi

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An arrest warrant has been issued for outgoing President Donald Trump in connection with the killing of an Iranian general and a powerful Iraqi militia leader last year, Iraq's judiciary said.

The warrant was issued on Thursday by a judge in Baghdad's investigative court tasked with probing the Washington-directed drone strike that killed Gen. Qassim Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the court's media office said.

They were killed outside the capital's airport last January.

Al-Muhandis was the deputy leader of the state-sanctioned Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella group composed of an array of militias, including Iran-backed groups, formed to fight the Islamic State group.

Iraq's judiciary has issued an arrest warrant for outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump in connection with the killing of an Iranian general and a powerful Iraqi militia leader last year

People attend the first anniversary of the killing of senior Iranian military commander General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a U.S. attack, in Baghdad, Iraq, January 2

Worshippers chant slogans during Friday prayers ceremony, as a banner show Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, left, and Iraqi Shiite senior militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in Iraq in a U.S. drone attack on January 3, 2020 (File image)

Soleimani headed the expeditionary Quds force of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The arrest warrant was for a charge of premeditated murder, which carries the death penalty on conviction. It is unlikely to be carried out but symbolic in the waning days of Trump's presidency.

The decision to issue the warrant 'was made after the judge recorded the statements of the claimants from the family of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis,' according to a statement from the Supreme Judicial Council.

Trump talks to reporters while hosting Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi (not pictured) and Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien in the Oval Office at the White House August 20, 2020

The investigation into the killings is ongoing, the court said.

The killings sparked a diplomatic crisis and strained U.S.-Iraq ties, drawing the ire of Shiite political lawmakers who passed a non-binding resolution to pressure the government to oust foreign troops from the country.

Iran-backed groups have since stepped up attacks against the American presence in Iraq, leading to threats by Washington to shutter its Baghdad diplomatic mission.

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COVID-19 has seen hardware developers pledge to make their technology 'open source' to support frontline services, but their designs are still far from open

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen hardware developers clamouring to make 'open source' technology to support our frontline services. Their intentions have been honourable - an invitation to teams across the world to collaborate in developing essential equipment such as ventilators, thereby making the process of producing critical instruments more effective, both in time and cost.

In practice, however, most developers of hardware have shown little 'openness' in their sharing of designs, a fact lamented by a group of physicists from the University of Bath in the UK, in a paper published this week in The Design Journal.

According to the group, the pandemic has highlighted serious flaws in a system that forces research groups around the world to start from scratch every time a tweak needs to be made to an existing instrument, simply because they can't get their hands on the original designs.

"The term 'open source' is being applied to the final design of an instrument - and I'm pleased to say there has been a willingness during the pandemic to share these final designs - but the design process itself also needs to be open, something it isn't now," explains physics researcher Dr Julian Stirling.

Dr Stirling uses a fictional scenario to describe the problem with the current model of open design: "Alice, a university researcher, gets public funding to create a new type of microscope, the NewScope. She spends two years developing this instrument and eventually gets it working.

A paper is published describing the principles behind her microscope, but the designs themselves are sold to a company. From these designs, the company produces the Fab NewScope. The instrument is popular with scientists and they are happy to buy it.

"Then Bob, another researcher, has an idea that will improve the Fab NewScope, and he gets public funding to make these improvements. But he doesn't have access to the designs for the NewScope, so he has to start from scratch. Bob spends two years creating his improved NewScope, 18 months of which are spent redesigning the original microscope. He makes most of the same mistakes as Alice and goes down many of the same dead ends.

"Eventually, the NewScope+ is complete and a paper describing the principles behind it is published, but the designs themselves are sold to a company. Some time later, Charlie has a great idea for improving NewScope+ and so the whole process of reinventing the NewScope starts again."

Dr Stirling believes complete openness is needed at every point in the design process, not least because hardware designs are generally generated by academics from public funds.

"If the public is funding a generation of knowledge, they should have access to it," he says. "For a company to collect the data that comes from this public-funded knowledge and then patent it seems a bit perverse to me."

During the pandemic, many large tech companies - including Amazon, Microsoft and IBM - have signed the Open COVID pledge in recognition of the need for them to apply every tool at their disposal to halt the pandemic and treat those affected. The pledge is to make intellectual property available free of charge where it can be put to use in the fight against Covid-19. Dr Stirling welcomes this gesture of goodwill but he points out that the pledge is time-limited.

"So when the next pandemic hits, we'll be back in the same situation."

This year has seen a surge in the development of ventilators to treat those most severely affected by the Covid virus, and participants of the open-source pledge have showed willing in sharing their ventilator designs. However, as Dr Stirling explains, for legitimate legal and liability reasons, many pledge signatories have adopted an open-when-finished model, meaning their final design plans are open for others to use but their engineering efforts happen behind closed doors, so remote teams aren't able to collaborate in real time.

"There has been a proliferation of projects with teams across the world independently designing over a hundred mutually incompatible ventilators," said Dr Stirling. "This a huge amount of duplicated effort."

Dr Stirling believes the way forward is for universities to give more support to staff who wish to engage in open design. He also calls on governments to clarify the liability of individual teams contributing to open design, so researchers are more willing to share their ideas throughout the design process without fearing they could face a lawsuit if a manufacturer produces a malfunctioning product from their prototype design. He also highlights that the regulatory process may be a barrier for open-source designs, as a manufacturer is required to understand and explain why a device has been designed the way it has.

"Ultimately, it is a device not a design that gets certified. It has to be this way as you don't want anyone manufacturing a ventilator - you want accredited trained professionals," said Dr Stirling. "If a manufacturer only sees your final design, how can they understand it enough to take legal responsibility? With an open design process, transferring this knowledge should be possible."

For the past five years the same research group has worked on the design for an open-source microscope that is now being adapted by individuals and organisations around the world. The 3D printed OpenFlexure Microscope is highly customisable, meaning it be can adapted for laboratory, school and home use. The project has evolved such that every step of the design process is openly available.

"The more we work in the open, the less time we waste re-explaining the same issues to collaborators. This body of knowledge about the design is so important for our Tanzanian collaborators as they work to develop the design into a certified medical diagnostic device."

###

TOKYO, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Sider, a developer and provider of software development support tools, has created an optimized recommended coding guide 'Recommended Rules' and has integrated them to its automated code review service. By analyzing hundreds of existing coding guidelines, this guide contains only the essential rules followed by many open-source projects and was developed based on joint research with Professor Shingo Takada of the Department of Information Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University and Associate Professor Seigo Nakura of the Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Nanzan University. The Recommended Rules are already a part of the default setup of Sider, but the configuration files can also be downloaded separately from the following url and applied to other linters and analysis engines: https://help.sider.review/tools/cplusplus/cpplint#recommended-ruleset

Sider, an automated code review service that supports GitHub and GitLab

The Recommended Rules were created by extracting coding guides that were being applied to 1,000 well-known and actively developed open-source software projects, and by analyzing source code and its development histories. By applying these new rules, Sider's automated code review generates suggestions of greater relevance and importance, lending itself to greater productivity for software development efforts.

The Recommended Rules are currently applicable to the C/C++ analysis tool (cpplint) for Sider. It is also in the process of being applied to languages such as Java, Ruby, and JavaScript. Other languages will be supported in due course.

Programming languages for which Recommended Rules can be applied

C/C++

Java (will be applied soon)

JavaScript (will be applied soon)

Ruby (will be applied soon)

Ruby (will be applied soon)

TypeScript (will be applied soon)

Programming languages to be supported

C#

CSS

Golang

Kotlin

Python

PHP

Swift

Shell script

Research background

Coding guides were created and published for the purpose of maintaining high code quality in software. Adhering to these rules is expected to provide benefits such as deterring bugs, improving readability and maintainability, and preventing security vulnerabilities. However, the rules set forth in these various coding guides also have varying degrees of importance. For example, in programming languages where " and ' can be utilized equally, there are guides that include rules that specify which one should be used in principle. While following the rules during development is expected to make things easier for the development team, it is not clear whether applying these rules to code that is already completed is worth the effort. In some teams/projects, the decision is made not to unify as it does not contribute to productivity.

Recommended Rules was created as a coding guide that is useful for any project. By first introducing this guide into a project, and then enabling other necessary rules according to the project, it will be easy to set up and operate the guide according to the project.

In creating Recommended Rules, Sider collaborated with Professor Shingo Takada of the Department of Information Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, and Associate Professor Seigo Nakura of the Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Nanzan University. Research content is scheduled to be released in the form of research papers.

Reference papers, posters, etc.

Toru Kurashige , Kentaro Suetsugu , Koichiro Sumi , Masataka Nagura , Shingo Takada , Akihiro Asahara : A Survey of Coding Convention Violations in OSS, Software Engineering Symposium 2020 (SES2020), Poster Session ( September 2020 )

, , , , , : A Survey of Coding Convention Violations in OSS, Software Engineering Symposium 2020 (SES2020), Poster Session ( ) Masataka Nagura , Kensuke Taguchi , and Shingo Takada : A Method for Predicting Defects in Software Changes Based on Coding Convention Violation Metrics, Transactions of Information Processing Society of Japan , Vol. 61, No. 4, pp. 895-907 ( Apr. 2020 ) (in Japanese).

Joint research partners

Shingo Takada , Professor at Takata Laboratory, Department of Information Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University

, Professor at Takata Laboratory, Department of Information Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Masatake Nagura , Associate Professor at Department of Software Engineering, Nanzan University

About Recommended Rules

Recommended Rules, an optimized recommended coding guide, was developed by Sider Corporation based on joint research with Professor Shingo Takada of the Department of Information Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University and Associate Professor Seigo Nagura of the Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Nanzan University. The responsibility for providing this guide rests with Sider.

About Sider Corporation

Sider Corporation was established in 2019 as a product development company in the field of software development, and is a spin-off from Fixstars Corporation, a global leader in software acceleration services. Since its inception in 2002, Fixstars has been providing powerful software acceleration solutions to global companies and research institutions in various fields such as automated driving, quantum computing, medical devices, financial systems, and computer graphics. With the experience of these client projects, Sider Corporation provides Sider, an automated code review service, and Sider Team Insights, a project management assistant tool. Sider Corporation is committed to improving the development experience for all engineers by realizing a world where AI and people collaborate in software development. For more information, please visit https://siderlabs.com.

Company name: Sider Corporation

Website: https://siderlabs.com

Location 18F, Gate City Osaki West Tower, 1-11-1, Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Date established August 8, 2019

Representative Akihiro Asahara, CEO

For press inquiries

Marketing Department

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +1-408-400-3679

SOURCE Sider Corporation
Azerbaijani soldier Amin Musayev, freed from Armenian captivity, said that he was not going to surrender, but was wounded, and the invaders took him by surprise, approached from behind, then loaded him into a car and covered him with a wet blanket.

Amin Musayev noted that on the way the invaders constantly stopped and beat him. Then I lost consciousness and woke up only in the hospital, the soldier said.

Quite possibly, never before or since has so much snow fallen upon so many.

Twenty-five years ago on Jan. 7 and 8, Philadelphia, with an unprecedented (and controversial) 30.7 inches of snow, was at the epicenter of one of the most extreme weather events in the nations history.

From Virginia to Massachusetts, 20 inches or more accumulated in areas inhabited by 39.8 million people. Big snows have been winter perennials in Eastern population, but no other storm in an analysis dating to 1950 had affected that many residents with such staggering amounts of snow.

This was the storm for the ages, no question about it, said Louis W. Uccellini, head of the National Weather Service and coauthor of what is considered the seminal treatise on winter storms, and of that snow-population study. Nor has any snow since quite measured up to its impact in the analysis by Uccellini and meteorologist Paul J. Kocin.

All day Sunday, Jan. 7, 1996, it was as though the entire Philadelphia region had vanished behind shrouds of snow crystals frenzied by blinding blizzard winds. By the time the snow shut off on Monday afternoon, Jan. 8, 1996, the region wasnt paralyzed so much as stunned.

More than 30 emergency vehicles, including 15 firetrucks, were stranded in the streets. Highways were closed on both sides of the river. For the storms shutdown powers, the coronavirus would envy it.

The actual snow totals were even more unbelievable than the improbable outcomes the computer models had suggested.

Something like this wasnt supposed to happen around here, not in early January, not ever. And wasnt the world getting warmer? Yes, and they might be related, said Uccellini.

 READ MORE: Meteorologists, trends  and history  argue for a sixth straight cold shoulder from winter in Philly

We might have fewer snowstorms, he said this week, and we could face the potential of heavier snowstorms.

As it would turn out, the Blizzard of 96 would be part of a new generation of mega-snowstorms in Philadelphia and the Northeast, the kind that would dwarf the snows of yesteryear.

But in the first week of 1996 no one, it seemed, was quite ready to believe it.

Could this really happen?

Computer models consistently predicted a major winter coastal storm for the first weekend in January 1996  and predictably bickered as the event drew closer. At midweek, they had Philadelphia barely on the northern edge of the heavy snow, recalled Uccellini, who at the time was chief of the weather services Office of Meteorology. On Thursday, the Mount Holly office issued a Winter Storm Outlook.

It wasnt until Friday that the computers nudged the heavy snow line through Philadelphia, and by Saturday morning they were seeing 18 to 24 inches, Uccellini said, adding: Thats when the lid came off. Boston didnt become a forecast target until Saturday evening, he said.

Some meteorologists were reluctant to go with such bold accumulation forecasts, Uccellini recalled. For one thing, early January isnt the harvest season for snow in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Typically, the heaviest snows hold off until later in January and early February.

In Philadelphia, for example, the standing record for snowfall on Jan. 7 had been 5 inches, set in 1991. More than five times that amount fell on Jan. 7, 1996.

More significantly, snowfalls up to 2 feet were on the rare side of unusual in the I-95 cities, period. The March 1993 blizzard crushed the interior Northeast with profound snows, but totals on the coastal Plain generally were a foot or less.

In fact, before 1996, Philadelphia never had a 2-foot snowfall. The record was 21.3 inches set on Feb. 11-12, 1983, only the second 20-plus snowfall in records dating to the winter of 1884-85.

Forecasters, however, put their skepticism aside, and the likes of AccuWeather Inc. and the Weather Channel went with predictions of 1 to 2 feet.

The snow started between 2 and 3 a.m., recalled Tony Gigi, who was the midnight-shift forecaster at the National Weather Service in Mount Holly that Sunday morning and who posted the blizzard warning. Visibility dropped to a mile at 4 a.m., and was down to a blizzard-level quarter mile at 10 a.m.

Gigi somehow made it home to Mount Laurel after his shift, only to be called into work Monday to relieve stranded, exhausted colleagues who pleaded, We need someone whos awake. He made it back to the office, after his Chevy Blazer was extricated from a snowdrift on a Jersey jughandle.

The final totals from the observers Monday were staggering.

And like the forecasts, it was all hard to believe.

A measure of skepticism

That 30.7 official total  as reported at the official observation station at Philadelphia International Airport  turned out to be quite controversial, requiring a recount, a federal investigation, and a verdict that took four years to render. The skepticism wasnt founded solely on the utter improbability.

The snow wasnt measured: The total was estimated with a formula using the melted-liquid content of the snow with the air temperature, which was in the teens and 20s while the snow was falling.

The new automated observing system the weather service had installed in stations around the country could do just about everything but measure snow.

The government commissioned then Franklin Institute meteorologist Jon Nese and New Jersey state climatologist Dave Robinson, a Rutgers University professor, to vet the total. They concluded that since similar totals were reported nearby, including 33 inches in Cherry Hill, the evidence was insufficient to overturn the 30.7 figure, and it still stands.

These days, by the way, humans do the measuring.

Piling on

Since 1996, forecasters have been far less gun-shy in predicting prodigious amounts of snow. In a few notable cases, those predictions have been a source of prodigious embarrassment. However, in others they have been very much on the money.

 READ MORE: Top 10 snowstorms in Philadelphia history

At 28.5 inches, the snows of Feb. 5-6, 2010, not only nearly toppled the 1996 record, it was followed a few days later by another snowfall that left an official 16 inches in Philly and 2-plus feet elsewhere in the region.

And the 23.2 inches of Dec. 19-20, 2009, and the 22.4 of Jan. 23-24, 2016, werent exactly flurries.

Officially 18.7 inches were measured in Philly on Feb. 16-17, 2003, and higher amounts were reported elsewhere.

Half of the top 10 snowfalls in Philadelphia in 135 years of record-keeping have occurred in the last 25 years.

 READ MORE: Much has changed in 2020. The magic and mystery of snow persist. | Book excerpt

Uccellini said the recent mega-snows could well be evidence supporting the hypothesis that a warming world would mean wetter storms; warmer air can hold more water.

But he added a cautionary note.

Its rather a small sample size, he said. Youve got to be careful, but there is a trend line.
Congress overwhelmingly dismissed bids to overturn President-elect Joe Biden's victory in Arizona and Pennsylvania, with final votes coming in at 3 a.m. Thursday morning.

In both instances, a majority of House Republicans voted in a way that favored President Donald Trump's baseless claims that widespread voter fraud existed.

However, they were outnumbered by Democrats and joined by a bloc of GOP members.

A majority of House Republicans, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (pictured), voted in President Trump's favor and for objections to Electoral College vote challenges in the states of Arizona and Pennsylvania

Sen. Josh Hawley (left) was joined by Sen. Ted Cruz (right) who had assembled a so-called 'dirty dozen' to object to certain states' Electoral College vote counts. Hawley single-handedly signed onto the Pennsylvania objection, delaying the final certification

The votes put an end to any hope of Trump having Congress overturn the election in his favor.

Biden was at 244 of the 270 Electoral College votes needed when a final challenge of Pennsylvania's count, signed onto by Republican Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, pushed lawmakers back into their respective chambers.

In the Senate, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell skipped the two hours of permitted debate and went straight to a vote.

The upper chamber voted 92-7 to overrule the Republicans' objection.

'We don't expect additional votes tonight,' he said when things were done. McConnell had been against the GOP effort to challenge the Electoral College vote counts from the beginning.

The House proceeded with debate and then voted 282 to 138 to overrule the challenge of Pennsylvania, with 64 Republicans voting alongside Democrats to make up the majority.

Earlier the Senate had voted 93 to 6 against the Republican-led objection to Arizona's 11 Electoral College votes.

A short time later, the House of Representatives took the same vote, and while the effort failed, more the half of House Republicans voted in favor of the objection - a move President Donald Trump has been pressuring them to take.

The final House vote was 303 against the objection, which included 220 Democrats and 83 Republicans.

Yet 122 GOP House members voted in its favor, including the party's leader, Rep. Kevin McCarthy.

Another challenge, that to Georgia's Electoral College votes, failed when Senate Republicans withdrew their support of GOP House members' objection.

And then another, to Michigan's count - offered by QAnon promoter Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia - was also shot down, because it failed to gain Senate support.

The same happened with an objection to Nevada's Electoral College vote count.

Cheers greeted the announcement each time.

At nearly 4 a.m., Rep. Louie Gohmert tried to get one more challenge through - for the state of Wisconsin - but, again, a senator had withdrawn.

The Constitution mandates that Congress meet on January 6 to certify the results of the presidential election. The states are read alphabetically and the votes tallied.

Before the MAGA mob rioted in the halls of Congress Wednesday, Rep. Paul Gosar, an Arizona Republican, filed the first objection of the day and was joined by a group of GOP senators - sending lawmakers back to their respective chambers for two hours of debate and then votes.

But the pro-Trump rioters held up the separate House and Senate debates for hours, with the Senate finally resuming its session after 8 p.m. and the House a short time after.

Sen. Josh Hawley refused to back down on his objections to Electoral College vote and voted with five other Republicans against confirming Arizona's 11 votes

Earlier, supporters of President Donald Trump mobbed the U.S. Capitol Building, stalling the Congressional session in which the Electoral College votes are counted

Sen. Mitt Romney (left) praised Republicans including Sen. Kelly Loeffler, (right) who changed her mind about mounting an Electoral College challenge after the violent riot that occurred on Capitol Hill

A dozen or more Republican senators had said they would join House members in objecting to a number of states' Electoral College results, repeating President Donald Trump's claims and conspiracy theories about election fraud.

That number dwindled down to a 'dirty half-dozen' with a number of senators abandoning the effort after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol Building Wednesday afternoon - breaking windows, tussling with police and ransacking Congressional offices.

One female Trump supporter was shot and killed.

Still Sens. Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley voted to reject Arizona's votes, alongside Sens. John Kennedy and Cindy Hyde-Smith, as well as newly minted Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Roger Marshall.

Hawley, who was the first senator who pledged to back a House GOP effort to object to certain states' Electoral College vote counts, refused to abandon the effort entirely.

The Missouri Republican argued that the Senate floor was the appropriate place to address any election fraud concerns - as opposed to a violent riot.

'Violence is not how you achieve change,' Hawley said. 'And that's why I submit to my colleagues that what we're doing here tonight is actually very important. Because fo those who have concerns about the integrity of our elections ... this is the appropriate means, this is the lawful place, where those objections and concerns should be heard.'

He said he hoped the Senate could address concerns 'peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets.'

Hawley then indicated that he might not file objections after the debate over Arizona was complete, bringing up the issues he had with Pennsylvania during his brief floor speech.

'And so Mr President let me just say now, that briefly, in lieu of speaking about it later, a word about Pennsylvania - this is a state that I have been focused on, objected to,' Hawley said.

He then went on to complain that the state set-up 'universal mail-in balloting.'

'And did it irregardless of what the Pennsylvania Constitution says,' Hawley said, using the improper word for regardless.

The senator then objected to how the Pennsylvania Supreme Court made its decision, holding up the law that allowed for enhanced mail-in voting during the coronavirus pandemic.

Hawley later, indeed, signed onto the Pennsylvania objection.

Directly after Hawley spoke, Sen. Mitt Romney applauded those senators, like Sens. Kelly Loeffler and James Lankford, who had abandoned Hawley and the 'dirty dozen's' effort.

'The best way we can show respect to the voters who are upset is by telling them the truth,' Romney implored.

And the truth, he said, was 'President-Elect Biden won the election. President Trump lost.'

'I've had that experience myself, it's no fun,' Romney said, a reference to losing the 2012 presidential election to Democratic President Barack Obama.

Marshall, a Kansas Republican, argued in his debut floor speech, 'We must restore faith and confidence in one of our republic's most hallowed and patriotic duties: voting.'

Marshall said he backed the creation of an electoral commission to give states to 'construtive suggestions' going forward, due to the 'jarring irregularities' he claimed took place in the 2020 race.

Georgia Republican Loeffler, who lost her race in the early hours Wednesday to Democratic Rev. Raphael Warnock, announced that she would no longer be filing objections to Electoral College votes.

'When I arrived in Washington this morning, I fully intended to object to the certification of the electoral votes,' she said. 'However, the events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider and I cannot now, in good conscience, object.'

Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican, also announced that he no longer supporters senators filing objections.

Later in the night, as the Pennsylvania debate went on, tensions rose in the House during a speech from Rep. Conor Lamb.

Lamb, who represents the Pittsburgh area, unloaded on the Republicans who objected to the vote from his state.

Lamb first read from the speech he had planned to give pre-riot, including that Allegheny County's vote-counting operation had '31 video cameras!' he said, raising his voice.

'These objections don't deserve an ounce of respect. Not an ounce,' he then said.

'A woman died out there tonight and you're making these objections,' Lamb went on. 'Let's be clear about what happened in this chamber today: invaders came in for the first time since the War of 1812.'

Lamb nodded over in the direction of a group of his Republican colleagues.

'We know that that attack today, it didn't materialize out of nowhere. It was inspired by lies, the same lies you're hearing in this room tonight, and the members who are repeating those lies should be ashamed of themselves,' Lamb said. 'Their constituents should be ashamed of them.'

Rep. Morgan Griffith shouted to have Lamb's comments struck from the record.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gaveled his request down, later explaining that he wasn't quick enough, saying it needed to happen 'exactly when the words are spoken.'

Nearby, a scuffle among lawmakers nearly broke out involving Rep. Andy Harris, a Maryland Republican, and Rep. Colin Allred, a Texas Democrat, according to Capitol Hill reportrs.

Allred is a former professional football player.

Before the siege on Capitol Hill that lasted hours, McConnell had warned his Republican colleagues against mounting challenges, which would extend the certification process for hours.

McConnell called it a 'poisonous path,' which would put democracy in a 'death spiral.'

McConnell also made clear that he did not believe there was any evidence of widespread voter fraud, as President Donald Trump has claimed.

'We're debating a step that has neve been taken in American history, whether Congress should overrule the voters and overtrun a presidential election,' he said on the Senate floor, after Rep. Paul Gosar and a batch of GOP senators, including Sen. Ted Cruz, objected to Arizona's Electoral College vote count.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ripped his GOP colleagues who are trying to mount challenges to the presidential election during a Congressional session Wednesday

McConnell ridiculed President Donald Trump's claims of widespread voter fraud in a five-minute speech which will be one of his last as majority leader  and which he said was about the most important vote of his career.

'The assertions range from specific, local allegations to Constitutional arguments to sweeping conspiracy theories,' McConnell said.

He reminded senators that he was supportive of Trump using the country's legal system, which handed the president and his team loss after loss. And pointed out that these cases were heard by some of the 'all-star judges whom the president himself nominated' - including on the U.S. Supreme Court.

McConnell said that every election is plagued by some instances of vote irregularity.

'And of course that's unacceptable,' he said.

The top Senate Republican also said he supported 'strong state-led voting reforms,' adding that he didn't want to see 'last year's bizarre pandemic procedures' - like mail-in ballots that gave Democrats an edge - 'become the new norm.'

'But my colleagues nothing before us proves illegality anywhere near the massive scale, the massive scale that would have tipped the entire election,' McConnell argued. 'Nor can public doubt alone justify a radical break, when the doubt itself was incited without any evidence.'

He pointed out that the Constitution gives Congress a 'limited role.'

'We simply can't declare ourselves a national board of elections on steroids,' McConnell said.

Twisting the knife into Trump, McConnell also pointed out that the race between President-elect Joe Biden and Trump 'was not unusually close.'

'The Electoral College margin was almost idential to what it was in 2016,' McConnell pointed out.

'If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side our democracy would enter a death spiral,' McConnel warned. 'We'd never see a whole nation accept an election again.'

'Every four years there would be a scramble for power at any cost,' he added. 'This will lead us down a poisonous path where only the winner accepts the result.'
WASHINGTON  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that President Trump should be removed from office after Wednesdays riot at the U.S. Capitol.

The San Francisco Democrat said at a news conference that if the Cabinet and Vice President Mike Pence do not use the 25th Amendment procedures to declare the president incapacitated and install Pence as acting president, the House could proceed with impeachment to try to remove Trump.

She accused Trump of committing an act of sedition and inciting the riot that overtook the Capitol on Wednesday. The mob of violent Trump supporters overran police guarding the building after he urged them to march on the Capitol at a rally nearby.

Yesterday the president of the United States incited an armed insurrection against America, Pelosi said. The gleeful desecration of the U.S. Capitol, which is the temple of our American democracy, and the violence targeting Congress are horrors that will forever stain our nations history. Instigated by the president of the United States  thats why its such a stain.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York made the same call Thursday.

Schumer said in a separate news conference that he and Pelosi tried to call Pence Thursday, but that after they were kept on hold for more than 20 minutes, the vice president declined to get on the phone. That prompted them to take their demand public, he said.

Many of Californias Democratic lawmakers also joined the call to impeach Trump or invoke the 25th Amendment procedures that allow the Cabinet and vice president to declare the president unable to serve.

Bay Area Democrats who supported the idea included Reps. Mark DeSaulnier of Concord, Anna Eshoo of Palo Alto, Jared Huffman of San Rafael, Ro Khanna of Fremont, Barbara Lee of Oakland, Jackie Speier of San Mateo, Eric Swalwell of Dublin and Mike Thompson of St. Helena.

My phone is exploding with impeach, impeach, impeach, Pelosi said. The president must be held accountable.

One Republican lawmaker, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, of Illinois, also supported such efforts.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, who is still serving in her California Senate seat, has not commented on removing Trump from office. Asked by a reporter early Thursday in the Capitol whether he should be impeached, she said, Oy. You know what, and then trailed off without finishing the thought.

In remarks at the announcement of President-elect Joe Bidens nominees to run the Justice Department, Harris called Wednesdays events an assault on the rule of law and it has no place in our democracy.

The House has once already voted to impeach Trump, in late 2019, but the Senate acquitted him in early 2020.

Pelosi said time was of the essence, although Biden will take office Jan. 20. Calling Trump a very dangerous person who should not continue on office, she said, This is urgent. This is emergency of the highest magnitude

She continued, We are in a very difficult place in our country as long as Donald Trump sits in the White House. ... While its only 13 days left, any day can be a horror show for America.

While Pelosi said action by the vice president would be fastest, Congress could also move quickly if needed.

We will review what our options are in terms of the 25th Amendment, Pelosi said. If (Trump) wants to be unique and be doubly impeached, thats kind of up to him and his Cabinet.

Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan

USA TODAY is keeping track of the news surrounding COVID-19 as a pair of vaccines join the U.S. fight against a virus that has killed more than 365,000 Americans since the first reported fatality in February. Keep refreshing this page for the latest updates surrounding the coronavirus, including who is getting the vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, as well as other top news from across the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for our Coronavirus Watch newsletter for updates directly to your inbox, join our Facebook group or scroll through our in-depth answers to reader questions for everything you need to know about the coronavirus.

In the headlines:

 Two Portland hospitals threw out more than three dozen doses of the COVID-19 vaccine when it couldn't find health care workers to take surplus vaccine before it expired, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Wednesday. More than 60,000 doses have been administered, but nearly 75% of the doses delivered to the state  some 225,000  have yet to make it into the arms of Oregonians.

 U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, a Kansas Republican, announced early Thursday morning he tested positive for COVID-19 overnight, hours after participating in a failed effort to block Joe Biden's Electoral College win. According to a tweet, hes not experiencing any symptoms and will not return to the House floor until hes cleared.

 Sen. Rick Scott is calling for a Congressional investigation into reports of improper vaccine distribution after a Washington Post investigation found a Florida assisted-living company may have been doling out scarce coronavirus vaccines to board members and affluent friends who made generous donations to the West Palm Beach facility.

 California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday proposed to extend a moratorium on evictions and $600 state stimulus checks for millions of low-income residents, including undocumented immigrants who file taxes with the state, under a budget proposal. Californians who have been impacted by this pandemic will get help to provide for their families and keep a roof over their heads, Newsom said in a statement. The Golden State has reported more than 2.4 million confirmed cases and 27,400 deaths, according to state data.

Story continues

 Amazon is now selling COVID-19 tests for customers to use at home. The DxTerity COVID-19 Saliva at-Home Collection Kit detects the presence of the virus but does not confirm immunity or detect antibodies. A single COVID-19 testing kit is listed for $110, and a 10-pack bundle is available for $1,000.

 Both CVS and Walgreens said they expect to finish delivering the first round of the COVID-19 vaccine doses at nursing homes on schedule by Jan. 25. As of Tuesday, CVS has administered 351,231 vaccines in nursing homes, including nearly 30,000 in big states like California and Florida.

 Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi said he will eliminate a Sunday lockdown, shorten a curfew that has been in place since the pandemic began and reopen beaches, marinas and pools. The new curfew will run from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and will be in effect for 30 days starting Thursday.

 Today's numbers: The U.S. has more than 21.5 million confirmed coronavirus cases and 365,100 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The global totals: More than 87.1 million cases and 1.88 million deaths.

More contagious coronavirus variant found in 3 more states

Three more U.S. states have discovered the more contagious coronavirus variant that was first identified in the United Kingdom. As of Thursday, the strain has been found in eight states and 33 countries.

Texas health officials on Thursday announced the state found the variant known as B.1.1.7 in a man with no history of travel. The man, who is between 30 and 40 years old, is isolating while health officials work to identify and quarantine his close contacts.

In Pennsylvania, health officials identified the strain in a person described as a "traveler," The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. "It was not a community spread case," Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine said. The patient experienced mild symptoms and is isolating at home, the newspaper reported.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday said the state discovered two cases of the coronavirus variant. The two people, between the ages of 15 and 25, each traveled recently, one to Ireland and the other to New York state.

Brazilian study finds Chinese vaccine 78% effective

A vaccine candidate made by Chinas Sinovac is 78% effective in protecting against COVID-19, according to results of a study announced Thursday by Brazilian state health officials seeking federal approval of the shot.

More than 12,000 health workers participated in the study, which detected 218 cases of COVID-19  about 160 of those among people who received a placebo rather than the actual vaccine. Researchers reported no serious side effects in the study.

The U.S. requires vaccine candidates to be tested in at least 30,000 people to determine safety and effectiveness.

Turkish officials last month said that a smaller, companion study in that country of the same vaccine candidate found an efficacy rate of over 90%. A different Chinese company, SinoPharm, announced last week that its similar vaccine is about 79% effective. Both of those vaccines rely on inactivated viruses.

COVID-19 deaths surge to national records amid Capitol chaos

The United States reported a record 3,865 COVID-19 deaths Wednesday, blowing far past a record set just a day before, a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data shows. At that pace, an American is reported dead about every 22 seconds.

The U.S. also reported another record with 1,558,568 new cases in the latest week. At that pace, 155 people in the United States are reported positive every minute.

Those national records come as individual states struggle with coronavirus. Texas, Florida and New York reported record numbers of cases in the week ending Wednesday. The country's most populated state, California, reported a record number of deaths in the week ending Wednesday: 2,592 people.

Among the other states reporting records Wednesday: Louisiana reported a record number of cases per week in the fall surge. Massachusetts, one of the worst-hit states in the spring, also reported a record number of cases. And Arizona, which faced a horrifying summer surge, reported record numbers of both cases and deaths in the latest week. Daily numbers may be higher than reported due to lags in data collection throughout the holidays.

 Michael Stucka

Death of Florida doctor after receiving COVID vaccine under investigation

A Florida doctor has died several weeks after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, although it's not yet clear whether his death Monday was related to the shot he received on Dec. 18. Dr. Gregory Michael, 56, an OB-GYN at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, died after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke apparently resulting from a lack of platelets.

Miami medical examiners are investigating his death, according the Florida Department of Health. In a Facebook post, his wife, Heidi Neckelmann, said he sought emergency care three days after the shot because he had dots on his skin that indicated internal bleeding.

Pfizer, which along with its partner BioNTech made the vaccine the man received, said in a statement it is aware of the death. "We are actively investigating this case, but we don't believe at this time that there is any direct connection to the vaccine," the statement said.

 Karen Weintraub

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: COVID update: California stimulus checks; CVS, Walgreens vaccines
A disability pensioner is 'devastated and traumatised' after her elderly rescue dog Roxy was viciously mauled to death in front of her.

Annette, 60, was collecting mail with her 14-year-old fox terrier Roxy on New Year's Day when two other dogs roaming the streets attacked.

Annette watched on in horror as Roxy was pinned down, had her stomach slashed and ribs broken.

Two male neighbours ran across the road and desperately tried to intervene to stop the attack.

A Gold Coast pet owner is distraught after her rescue dog Roxy (pictured) was fatally attacked by two other dogs

Annette's daughter Bec Jones said her mother has been left 'devastated and traumatised' by Roxy's death as the pet 'was her world'

'Mum was standing out the front of her house and Roxy was under her feet and two dogs come and grabbed her,' Annette's daughter Bec Jones told Daily Mail Australia.

'They had lock-jaw on her had her pinned down and broke her ribs.

'The boys across the street couldn't get the dogs off her. They had to grab sticks and poles out of the skip.'

Annette was standing covered in blood, with Roxy unable to walk and yelping every time someone tried to pick her up.

A car drove past and the driver, who Ms Jones thought might be the owner, called the dogs over.

Roxy was taken to the vet but had to be put down due to her severe injuries.

Ms Jones said the vicious attack on the beloved pet was 'cruel, inhumane... it's not right'.

She said Roxy was a companion dog for her mother and they never left each other's side.

Roxy was a 14-year-old Fox Terrier and never left Annette's side in the time since she got her as a rescue dog

'I'm not sure how she will cope, she has been under so much stress and now this happened,' Ms Jones said.

'Her dog was her world, she had her by her side for 12 years as a rescue dog and is the only company she had at night.'

Ms Jones said the attack could not have come at a worse time for her mother.

'She has lived at that house for 10 years and never been a trouble to anyone. She recently had her house flooded and as a result everything she owns had to be thrown out due to mould,' Ms Jones said.

'She has no beds or anything. The government were kind enough to relocate her into a new unit in Southport and she was due to move on Tuesday with her beloved little dog and this attack has taken that away from her.

'She was so looking forward to starting a new chapter and fresh start and this has happened.'

Ms Jones said Roxy's death had hurt the whole family and she set up a GoFundMe to help get her mother back on her feet.

'We are beyond heartbroken and I want to try help her the best way I can with organising some nice new furniture,' she said.

Gold Coast City Council is investigating the attack.

The family launched a public appeal for anyone who saw the dogs roaming around Yarrayne Road in Nerang about 4.30pm on January 1 to get in touch.

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights

Jan. 7, 2021



NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue released the following statement today:

As philosopher Sidney Hook cogently said, there can be no right to a revolution in a democracy. That is because the faith of everyone who believes in democracy rests on the assumption that "all morally legitimate demands can sooner or later be realized through democratic processes without recourse to revolutionary violence." In light of recent events, this kernel of wisdom needs to be restated.

The Catholic League condemns the violence that occurred in the U.S. Capitol yesterday. We also condemn the violence that occurred throughout 2020 in many urban areas. The two are not unrelated: When the aggrieved on one side riot with impunity, it inspires the aggrieved on the other side to act accordingly.

Just as worthy of condemnation are those who refused to denounce last year's rioters but are now exercised over this year's rioters. Selective indignation is morally offensive.

Moreover, when Antifa and Black Lives Matter rioters were on the loose, we were told to understand the root causes of their anger, yet no such empathy is shown to those who rioted yesterday. This kind of duplicity is intellectually dishonest.

Those who riot must be stopped and prosecuted, no matter what their grievances or objectives. We will not make progress in this nation until everyone can agree on this fundamental principle. Sadly, listening to our elites over the past year, we have a long way to go.
Listen to article

First City Monument Bank Limited (FCMB) has appointed an acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) in the person of Mrs. Yemisi Edun.

The appointment, announced today, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, followed the decision by the substantive MD/CEO, Mr. Adam Nuru, to proceed on voluntary leave as the board investigates allegation of paternity scandal against him.

Prior to her appointment, Mrs. Yemisi Edun was Executive Director, Finance, at FMB. According to her biography on the ban's official website, she holds a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife and a Masters' degree in International Accounting and Finance from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. She is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). She is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and an Associate Member of the Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Member of Information Systems Audit and Control, U.S.A. and a Certified Information Systems Auditor.

She began her career with Akintola Williams Deloitte (member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu) in 1987 with focus on corporate finance activities as well as audit of banks and other financial institutions. She joined FCMB in year 2000 as Divisional Head of Internal Audit and Control before assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer of the Bank.
NEW DELHI : Facebook's decision to access commercial user data of its encrypted chat platform WhatsApp will help advertisers target consumers with relevant and customised ads on the company's family of apps including Instagram, said digital experts. Currently, advertising is not available on WhatsApp.

The move by Facebook will strengthen its social commerce and advertising play as it leverages WhatsApps' massive reach in India.

Also Read | Meet the faces behind the faceless farm protest at Delhis doorstep

There are 400 million users on WhatsApp in India which also happens to be the first country for WhatsApp to launch payments. Facebook user base stands at 310 million, according to data platform Statista.

"So, while WhatsApp wouldn't have access to user chat but they will have data on location, interpersonal connections, interaction with business accounts and any third party links of products or services that a user clicks. If a user, for instance, is interacting with a WhatsApp business account of Nykaa then Facebook can show beauty related ads to the same user on its other platforms," said Gautam Mehra, CEO, DAN (Dentsu Aegis Network) Programmatic & chief data officer, DAN  South Asia.

According to a GroupM advertising forecast put out in February last year, the digital advertising market in India is expected to touch 27, 000 crore in 2020 led by video, voice, and vernacular advertising. Facebook and Google dominate the market owning 80% of the digital ad pie.

"While Google is larger in many respects but certain brand categories are extremely sticky on Facebook/Instagram. Beauty e-tailer Nykaa, for instance, spends 4X ad money on Facebook than Google. Most of the direct to consumer (D2C) brands are Instagram-first. Majority of online commerce is being driven by disposable income and impulse buying where Facebook scores over Google as it helps consumers discover brands. Purchase on Google is more intentional," said Mehra.

WhatsApp can also help Facebook to target consumers in tier II and III towns which is around 70% of India's total internet population, argued Prashant Puri, co-founder and chief executive of digital marketing agency AdLift. "User data from WhatsApp translates into relevant ads which are not a nuisance to users therefore creating better reach and higher conversion rates. If Yatra.com, for instance, sends a user confirmation message on WhatsApp then that's a crucial data point for MakeMyTrip that can also target the same user," he added.

Noting that WhatsApp is expected to share user profile, contacts and time spent Shradha Agarwal, strategy head and COO, Grapes Digital, an integrated communications agency, said the data on groups joined by users is expected to benefit advertisers.

"If a mother has joined fitness groups on WhatsApp, we can customise a nutrition related product ad for her. I also feel that the privacy policy is a step towards testing waters to bring advertising on WhatsApp which currently has the one of the biggest and highly engaged digital user base practically replacing SMS service," she added.

Social media giant Facebook Indias revenues grew 43% year-on-year to about 1,277.3 crore in 2019-20, while its net profit more than doubled to 135.7 crore. Its total income was 893.4 crore in the financial year ended 31 March, 2019, according to Registrar of Companies filing - shared by market intelligence firm Tofler.

The privacy policy change has legal implications both from user privacy to data transfer for commercial gain perspective.

Apart from raising pertinent questions on user privacy, the government must examine the impact of this decision on its own authorities, which have been using WhatsApp for official purposes, in violation of the Public Records Act, 1993 said Virag Gupta, a Supreme Court lawyer.

"Additionally, the government should determine the deemed value of user data of Indians which is being transferred for commercial gains. On the basis of this value, the government ought to impose GST and other taxes on the bulk transfer of data by the Facebook group companies. For this purpose, the government may bring special provisions in the finance bill in the next budget session," he added.

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Missing Chinese Rights Lawyers Sister Commits Suicide

Renowned human rights lawyer Gao Zhishengs elder sister killed herself in May 2020, after facing years of pressure from the Chinese regime.

Gao represented vulnerable groups in China, including disabled children, dismissed workers, victims of forced demolitions, Falun Gong adherents, house Christians, among others. He was detained multiple times by authorities as a result of his advocacy. He disappeared in August 2017 and is suspected to be detained, though his whereabouts are unknown.

The news was made known on Jan. 1 by Gaos wife, Geng He, via her Twitter account.

Geng fled mainland China with their then-16-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son to Thailand with the help of friends on Jan. 9, 2009. The family successfully arrived in the United States that March and were later accepted as refugees.

Gao Zhisheng, his wife, Geng He and two children. (The Epoch Times )

Geng said in an interview with The Epoch Times that Gaos sister had taken good care of her husband and constantly worried about his safety following his disappearance.

To coerce Gao into giving up his legal advocacy, Chinese authorities exerted huge pressure on his family as well as his elder sister. According to Geng, Gaos sisters home in Dongying city, Shandong Province has long been monitored by the local police.

In August 2006, Gao paid a visit to his sisters home while her husband was critically ill. However, several policemen suddenly broke in, abducted him, and sent him to Beijing for detention, with his eyes and mouth sealed with yellow tape and his head covered with a black hood, according to Radio Free Asia.

At the time, his sister was also arrested and taken to the local police bureau of Dongying City.

Chinese authorities pressured Gaos family to disown Geng, who was already in the United States. They still are afraid to receive any phone calls from Geng.

As months dragged on, Gaos sister developed insomnia and depression. Eventually, she couldnt bear the emotional toll and threw herself into a river last May and ended her life, Geng said.

Gao Zhisheng: the Conscience of China

Gao was thrice-nominated candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize, in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

David Kilgour, a former Canadian MP and lawyer, described him as the conscience of China.

Gao published open letters addressed to then-Chinese leader Hu Jintao and premier Wen Jiabao between 2004 and 2005, urging them to stop the systematic persecution of Falun Gong adherents. The spiritual practice, rooted in moral teachings based on truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, has been severely suppressed since 1999, with millions detained inside prisons, labor camps, and other facilities in China. Hundreds of thousands have been tortured while incarcerated, according to the Falun Dafa Information Center.

In the letters, Gao described the torture that Falun Gong practitioners in labor camps experienced, calling for an immediate end to such cruel practices.

After his arrest in 2006, Gao was sentenced to three years in prison on the charge of inciting subversion of state power, an offense often used against dissidents.

His lawyers license was revoked in August the same year.

Gao was repeatedly placed under arrests, detention, and close monitoring between 2009 and 2017.

On Aug. 13, 2017, Gao Zhisheng fled his home province of Shaanxi with the help of two fellow lawyers. He hid in Shanxi Province, but was discovered by police on Aug. 19. He has disappeared since then.

His Family and Supporters Hold Gaos Images and Signs Looking for Gao Zhisheng, Provided to The Epoch Times.

Geng said that she had asked the Chinese regimes Ministry of Justice and the General Administration of Prisons many times to disclose her husbands location. But authorities declined her requests, claiming plausible deniability.

Geng told The Epoch Times that she hopes the American government can help find her husband and bring him back for a family reunion.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  After being forced to flee and shelter in place when a mob stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, federal lawmakers from Oregon have issued statements summing up their perspectives.

The trail of destruction and looting. What happened today was an assault by the domestic terrorists who stormed the Capitol, but it was also an assault on our constitution.

[sound on] pic.twitter.com/BrELF7cMz1  Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) January 7, 2021 Lawmakers are escorted back to the Senate Chamber on Wednesday after sheltering during the breach of the Capitol building (Courtesy Senator Jeff Merkley's office). Lawmakers are escorted back to the Senate Chamber on Wednesday after sheltering during the breach of the Capitol building (Courtesy Senator Jeff Merkley's office).

RELATED: Staffers whisk away Electoral College ballots during Capitol breach, Sen. Merkley says

Congressman Cliff Bentz (Oregon's 2nd District)

The violent events that took place yesterday on the Capitol grounds are a stain on the history of our country. There is absolutely no excuse for protests to turn into riots, and I condemn the actions of the rioters in the strongest terms possible. I call on all Americans to choose peaceful protests over violence, chaos, and anarchy. I commend Capitol Police for their brave efforts to end yesterdays incident and enable Congress to return to our important work.

As the Representative of Oregons Second District, I am committed to listening to the opinions of my constituents, upholding the Constitution, and engaging in the deliberative process entrusted to the United States House of Representatives. I have heard many speak of distrust in the elections that were facilitated by several states. That is why I wrote to Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month, urging for a prompt and thorough congressional investigation into voting irregularities during the 2020 presidential election. So far, my request has fallen on deaf ears. Therefore, the duty has fallen on Congress to begin restoring faith in our representative form of government and to ensure the voice of the American people is heard through the Electoral College certification process.

After seeking the opinions of constitutional experts, listening to my constituents, and many conversations with Members from the states in question, I cast my vote in support of the objection to the certification of the Electors from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In doing so, my goal was to protect the integrity of our elections and to prompt all states to uphold election laws as determined by their state legislatures  all in accordance with our Constitution.

Article II of the Constitution sets forth that each state legislature is entrusted with the authority to establish and facilitate elections within that state. In Pennsylvania, the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the states Supreme Court did not adhere to the statutes set forth by the legislature when they extended deadlines for the return of absentee ballots. This action violated the principles of Article II of the Constitution because the state legislature had not previously delegated broader authority to the Secretary. Ultimately, this change in voting procedures by a non-legislative body contributed to a widespread loss of faith by many Americans in the integrity of the 2020 election  including many in my district. Such a violation of our Constitution must be discouraged in the strongest terms possible.

I could not support objections to the certification of Electors of any other state  including Arizona. Like many states in question, the Arizona legislature had in fact delegated broader authority to administer elections to other state and local agencies, and I found little evidence supporting an argument that Article II of the Constitution was violated.

As we conclude the Electoral College certification process, we can accept that Joe Biden will be the next President of the United States. I am committed to a peaceful transfer of power, but I continue to empathize with those whose frustrations with the electoral system remain unresolved. I share their frustrations, and as the Representative of Oregons Second District, I will do my best to address their concerns.

Thank you to the men and women of @CapitolPolice for their bravery and professionalism today. #OR02 pic.twitter.com/zOM1bH6fvJ  Congressman Cliff Bentz (@RepBentz) January 7, 2021

Congressman Peter DeFazio (Oregon's 4th District)

What happened today at the U.S. Capitol, in no uncertain terms, was an attempted coup by insurrectionists who were encouraged by Donald Trumps violent, destructive, and treasonous rhetoric and behavior.

For 245 years, the peaceful transfer of power following a free and fair election, as dictated by our Constitution, has been a bedrock of our representative democracy. Todays events were an assault on that foundation, and on the will of the American people, spurred on by a sitting president intent on sowing chaos and the destruction of our democracy for his own personal gain.

There has been zero evidence of widespread fraud in the November elections. This accusation is an outright lie which has been promoted by President Trump and has been overwhelmingly rejected and disproven by state and local election officials across the country, the federal courts, the Supreme Court, as well as President Trumps own Justice Department and election security officials.

I strongly believe President Trump should be impeached and legally removed from office for his seditious actions and violation of his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitutionthe very same oath that I and every other Member of Congress have taken.

What has happened at the Capitol is unprecedented and dangerous, but I will stand firm and perform my constitutional duty to ensure our representative democracy will survive. Congress will certify the Electoral College votes tonight and ensure that President-elect Joe Biden is peacefully inaugurated. The will of the American people will prevail, as our Constitution intended.

I call on all Members of Congress, the President, and Vice President to stop promoting the lie that the election was fraudulent, denounce the destructive behavior by the insurrectionists, and honor their oath of office by upholding the will of the people and supporting the peaceful transfer of power.

I am looking forward to working with the incoming Biden administration and am hopeful that we can get back to fighting the COVID-19 crisis, creating jobs, and providing real relief for Americas working families.

I strongly believe President Trump should be impeached and legally removed from office for his seditious actions and violation of his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitutionthe very same oath that I and every other Member of Congress have taken.  Rep Peter DeFazio (@RepPeterDeFazio) January 7, 2021

Senator Jeff Merkley

Americans have witnessed many foreign strongmen ignore elections to cling to power. I never thought we would see this kind of attempted coup in our most hallowed temple of democracy, but thats exactly whats happened today. The American people have rejected Donald Trumps failed leadership, but he and his loyalists were trying to find any means by which to keep him in power. That is unacceptable in our republic.

There is no evidence of any systemic fraud in any of the six states Republicans planned to challenge. All such claims were examined not only by respective state authorities, but by the courts. But the failure of Republican leaders to stand up and speak the truth and dismiss the false claims and conspiracy theories promoted by President Trump fueled todays attempted insurrection. When a president attempts to deceive the public and inspire an anti-democratic revolt, its the responsibility of all to stand up, set the record straight, and protect and defend our constitutional republic.

We now have a tremendous amount to do to restore our institutions so deeply damaged over the last four years. We have pressing challenges in our nation, and we need to have everyone engaged in addressing them. The point of serving in a republic is to produce solutions and remedies to the issues people face, not to hold power for powers sake.

I look forward to serving in the Senate while Joe Biden and Kamala Harris lead our nation. We must immediately address the economic and health care issues raised by the pandemic. We need to invest in the foundations for families to thrive, which means health care, housing, education and good paying jobs. We need to restore our democracy and take on voter suppression, gerrymandering, and dark money, the real issues corrupting our election system. And we need to take on the biggest issue facing our planet: climate chaos.

We have much work to do, and we need to get to that work right away. I hope that a few hours from now, the Senate will be able to return to the floor of the Senate to complete its debate on whether to accept the electoral votes from Arizona, and then to join with the House to complete the counting of electoral votes from across the nation. That is our responsibility under the Constitution. Lets get it done tonight, and then lets go to work on these important issues facing our democracy.

Trump is absolutely unfit and should be removed from office. If we can do it by Jan 20 by impeachment, I am all for it. The cabinet and VP can and should invoke the 25th Amendment TODAY. And there should be criminal investigations and prosecutions. Justice demands accountability.  Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) January 7, 2021

Senator Ron Wyden

Whats happening today in our nations Capitol is a direct assault on democracy, a riot by insurrectionists that caps off four years of Donald Trump fanning the flames of fanaticism. Every Republican lawmaker who supported his efforts to overturn a legitimate election shares responsibility for the violence at the heart of our democracy.

"All Americans must be able to elect House and Senate members safe in the knowledge that their views will be represented in civil debate here in Congress without mob rule ever squelching that discussion.

"As a steadfast defender of the First Amendment, I will always support peaceful protest even if I disagree with the views that are expressed. This is far from peaceful protest. But I thank the Capitol Police for their courage protecting all elected officials from criminals bent on destroying democracy. And I very much look forward to resuming the urgent work for our country, as soon as possible.
President Donald Trump early Thursday morning acknowledged for the first time he will leave office and agreed to an orderly transition of power, bringing an end to an unprecedented and chaotic chapter in U.S. history and a presidential term that supporters and foes alike agree was among the countrys most consequential.

Notably though, Trump didnt admit defeat or say he was conceding. He also failed to publicly recognize the deadly riot his supporters participated in inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th, Trump said in a statement. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

The statement came just minutes after Trumps last-ditch attempt to prevent the certification of Joe Bidens win was snubbed by Congress and after weeks in which the president contested the election through a variety of outlandish conspiracy theories and fruitless court challenges.

His efforts culminated in a rally on Wednesday at the nations capital, during which his supporters stormed and ransacked the Capitol building and forced members of Congress  along with Vice President Mike Pence  to abruptly halt the certification vote and flee the premises. Dozens were arrested and at least four people were ultimately killed during the chaos.

Congress came back later in the evening to complete the vote. And though Republican lawmakers continued to argue, against evidence, that widespread fraud had taken place, many in the party announced they would drop any remaining opposition to Bidens election.

By that point, Trump had been hunkered inside the White House for hours watching news coverage, unable to use his preferred social media platforms because his accounts had been temporarily suspended after his posts had been deemed to have incited violence. Top aides had announced their resignation over how he had handled the day's events, senior officials were threatening to leave the administration in the days ahead, and even previously-supportive Republican senators were taking to the floor to admonish him.

Story continues

"Trump and I, we had a hell of a journey. I hate it being this way, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said on the Senate floor. All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough. I tried to be helpful."

Within the Trump family, disagreements had sprouted over whether he should concede. Jared Kushner, the presidents senior adviser and son-in-law, had urged him to do so weeks ago. First lady Melania Trump, eager to leave the White House and enter private life in Florida, also pushed Trump after the election to admit defeat.

But Trumps adult sons, Don Jr. and Eric, urged him to fight the election. And in recent weeks, Trump had relied on the advice of just a small group of people  including his attorney Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York and chief of staff Mark Meadows  who either pushed him to continue to try to overturn the election or werent willing to tell him it was time to give up the fight.

Thursdays statement by Trump was one of the rare moments in which he bowed to those urging him to publicly acknowledge that he will no longer be president after January 20th. It also represented one of the few times in which he broke with his base, whom he encouraged to understand that the avenues for overturning the election results were over.

I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted, Trump said. His statement was circulated to reporters by an adviser and on the Twitter account of his social media director Dan Scavino since the president remained locked out of his Twitter account.

Trumps statement was not a concession, but it was an acknowledgment that his legal battles reached the end of the road and is a capstone to a damaging week for Republicans. In addition to losing the presidency, the party on Tuesday night lost a pair of Senate runoff contests in Georgia, a state once thought to be an impregnable citadel of Republican power. The twin elections of Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff handed control of the upper chamber to Democrats for the first time since 2014, and greatly bolstered Bidens chances of enacting an ambitious agenda on health care, climate and economic relief to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Losing the Senate, where Republicans have long stymied Democrats on everything from confirming judges to taxes to immigration reform, vindicated internal party critics who had warned for years that the mercurial populism and lurching, personality-driven Trump style would ultimately lead the GOP to ruin.

No less a figure than Graham had once tweeted, "If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed.......and we will deserve it. But Graham, like so many Republicans, had come to conclude it was easier, and politically wiser, to align with Trump than to condemn him.

Though Trump said the transition would be orderly, questions remain about how civil the transfer of power between the two men will actually be. Trump has told confidants that he has no plans to be in attendance at his soon-to-be-successors inauguration, although he has been encouraged to attend by some allies. He has also previously considered hosting a rally on that day, in what could be a precursor to another run at the White House in 2024.

After what transpired on Wednesday, those ambitions may be on hold. Still, Trump said that while it is the end of his first term in office, he will continue his fight to Make America Great Again."
ll Missoula County residents ages 16 and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. UM will announce vaccine clinics for the university community here. UM students and employees, as well as their partners, spouses and household members, are encouraged to schedule an appointment.

All UM students and employees are eligible for Missoula County vaccines clinics. The county vaccine website is the best place to check on availability of vaccines.

UMs Health Services Pharmacy inside Curry Health Center will offer vaccine clinics throughout the summer. Register online for your vaccine appointment today. Clinics will be offered most Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the summer.

Curry Health Center continues to offer free, rapid testing for symptomatic students, with results typically available within one hour. Students must call 406-243-2122 to make an appointment for a COVID test before coming in. If at any time students feel ill, they develop symptoms or they want to discuss medical questions, Curry Health Center is ready to help.

Missoula County is coordinating vaccine administration throughout the county. Visit the county's vaccine website for information on all vaccine clinics and locations that currently have vaccine available. This site contains an interactive map and a distribution dashboard showing how many doses have been administered. The county vaccine website is the best place to check on availability of vaccines.

UM and the Missoula City-County Health Department are closely tracking COVID-19 case trends at UM and in Missoula. The MCCHD is releasing information about UM-affiliated cases each day. Find health department information on UM-affiliated COVID-19 cases on this page under the "Data" tab.
Contributed photo / NRG Energy

MIDDLETOWN  Employees of NRGs Middletown Generating Station and Devon Generating Station in Milford have long been active members of their communities, according to the company.

As part of a nearly $9,000 donation, the Middletown and Devon stations chose two local organizations to support: St. Vincent de Paul Place of Middletown and Boys & Girls Village of Milford, both of which are helping to care for/feed the vulnerable this holiday season, according to a press release.

[January 07, 2021] OPTIMDosing Launches Automated COVID-19 Pre-Screening App for Schools & Employers

OPTIMDosing a provider of digital healthcare solutions, today announced the launch of AITIA Coronavirus, an automated pre-screening tool for COVID-19. AITIA Coronavirus takes on the compliance burden of tracking employees, visitors, students and teachers by creating an easy-to-use platform that allows administrators the ability to customize screening criteria, send reminders to its registered users, push alerts and track risk-exposure to the coronavirus. Utilizing AWS HIPAA-compliant servers, AITIA Coronavirus ensures that all submitted data is secure. "We believe AITIA Coronavirus (in conjunction with a well-defined reopening plan) can assist our country's return to in-person learning for our children and an in-person return-to-work for businesses. For example, a K-8 school located in Michigan that has been using the AITIA Coronavirus app since August, was able to utilize AITIA to more granularly track potential exposure to individuals that were in contact with COVID-19 and sequester only those parts of the school that may have had contact - while keeping the rest of the school open," said Dr. Kenneth Kohn, Co-Founder of OPTIMDosing. "This program, in conjunction with state-mandated reopening guidelines (such as limiting class sizes, daily sanitizing, social distancing, and masks) has allowed our schools to maintain some semblance of reopening while minimizing the impact of the global pandemic on children's eduction. We know that exposure to individuals with COVID-19 is not a matter of if, but when. With the help of AITIA, schools and businesses are using technology to keep our economy going in these unprecedented times."



AITIA Coronavirus simplifies the pre-screening process in several ways. It offers: Pre-set reminders that are designed to ensure visitors/users provide responses to pre-screening criteria

that are designed to ensure visitors/users provide responses to pre-screening criteria Alerts & Notifications that are sent to administrators when responses fall outside acceptable criteria defined by the administrator

that are sent to administrators when responses fall outside acceptable criteria defined by the administrator Dashboard that allows administrators to visualize the population in a quick glance to assess risk

that allows administrators to visualize the population in a quick glance to assess risk Symptom Screening questions that can be customized to assess possible risk for COVID-19 While this is the first application for the AITIA platform, AITIA was originally designed as a remote patient monitoring tool to assist doctors and patients to collect information that can assist in improving patient diagnosis, treatment and on-going care for critical as well as acute patient needs. For more information on the app, please visit the app website at www.aitiaapp.com.

About OPTIMDosing: OPTIMDosing is a digital healthcare technology company passionate about solving the communication challenges in healthcare. The OPTIMDosing digital solutions are built using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) to provide informed insights and recommendations to healthcare professionals regarding their patients' healthcare needs. We want to make it easier for physicians and healthcare professionals to access data and improve communications while minimizing technological complexity. For more information, please visit www.optimdosing.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005593/en/

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The Bombay high court on Thursday allowed ailing jailed Telugu poet P Varavara Rao, 82, to remain until January 13 in a Mumbai hospital, where he was late last year admitted to on the courts directions for better treatment.

The extension was granted even as Raos condition has improved after his wife, P Hemlatha, sought one-week to go through his medical reports. It also scheduled the hearing of his bail plea on health grounds on January 13.

Rao is among over a dozen scholars and rights activists arrested for their alleged links with Maoists and for allegedly instigating violence at Bhima Koregaon near Pune in 2018. The violence was triggered during the 200th-anniversary celebration of a battle in which Dalits fought with British forces and defeated an upper-caste ruler. The activists are accused of making provocative speeches that allegedly triggered the violence.

Also Read: On liberty, the lack of judicial consistency

Raos lawyer, R Satyanarayan, earlier on Thursday told the court they were awaiting his medical reports from the hospitals his client has been treated at since May 28. He sought the extension of his hospital stay, saying they need some time to go through the reports.

Satyanarayan informed the court that Raos health has recovered substantially but he was unaware whether his client could walk.

In the absence of the states lawyers, the court accepted Satyanarayans request.
Illinois House Republicans are making another effort to take the process of redrawing legislative districts out of the hands of lawmakers and place the duty on an independent 11-person commission.

State Reps. Tim Butler of Springfield, Ryan Spain of Peoria and Jackie Haas of Kankakee have proposed legislation creating an Independent Redistricting Commission and called for action during the upcoming lame duck session.

This gives us an opportunity going into veto session to put this on the books, to pass something quickly and hold the governors feet to the fire in his promise to enact fair maps, Butler said.

In a 2018 gubernatorial candidate questionnaire in the Northwest Herald, then-candidate J.B. Pritzker said, I support ending the gerrymandering of districts to encourage more competitive elections.

A similar remapping proposal failed to make the ballot in November. The Illinois Supreme Court has twice struck down independent redistricting amendments to the state constitution, including in 2014 when thousands of Illinoisans signed a petition in favor of the change.

A partisan decision by the Illinois Supreme Court scuttled the effort of those nearly 600,000 people to make a difference and offer a choice for a different way forward in the state of Illinois, and that decision really burns me to this day, Spain said.

The three lawmakers said their latest bid to revoke remapping powers from the legislature is an attempt at fairness and not an attempt to elect more Republicans to the General Assembly.

Its inexplicable that someone who lives in Momence can be represented by someone who lives in the area, but someone across the street from them cannot, Haas said. These moves were not based on township, village or meaningful divisions, but on pure partisan maneuvers to advantage Madigan to keep his majority and power.

Both Spain and Butler say the bill, which is expected to be filed this week, would adhere to the federal Voting Rights Acts requirements to ensure fair racial and ethnic representation.

The General Assembly is tasked with drawing new legislative maps for the next decade by June.

The U.S. Census is expected to release updated population data soon to guide state legislatures through the remapping process.
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Los Angeles County Appoints Its First Black CEO

Fesia Davenport was formally confirmed today as Los Angeles Countys first Black chief executive officer, one of a host of diverse senior appointments made by the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Hilda Solis, who currently chairs the board, welcomed the new executives in a series of statements.

I am proud to welcome a history-making, diverse and highly accomplished group of new department heads, Solis said. Ensuring equity and representation at the executive level is of paramount importance as we continue to serve and guide the nations most populous county through the most challenging period in our recent history.

Davenport has filled the role of acting CEO since her predecessor, Sachi Hamai, retired in August. She is responsible for a $38.2 billion budget and overseeing funding for an exhaustive set of priorities ranging from fighting homelessness to rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine and retooling the countys probation and juvenile justice system.

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County Counsel Rodrigo Castro-Silva also was confirmed in his new role, stepping into the shoes of Mary Wickham, who has moved on to a seat on the bench as a commissioner for the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Castro-Silva will oversee county litigation as the board battles with Sheriff Alex Villanueva as some members seek to remove him from his elected post and as the union that represents county prosecutors has sued District Attorney George Gascon over recent reforms.

Other new department heads include: Rafael Carbajal, director of Consumer and Business Affairs; Emilio Salas, executive director of the Los Angeles County Development Authority; and Adolfo Gonzales, chief probation officer.

These new appointees possess outstanding credentials as proven leaders in their professions and will oversee crucially important areas  including support for consumers, businesses and, unsheltered (individuals), justice system reform and housing, Solis said, noting that all will face

daunting challenges given both the pandemic and initiatives to overhaul various departments.

Carbajal, who has served as acting director since September and was previously the departments chief deputy, said he was honored to run the DCBA, which manages many COVID-related relief programs in addition to a wide-ranging set of other services. He led efforts on rent stabilization and tenant protection, and the department also includes the Office of Immigrant Affairs.

I look forward to working with the board, my colleagues, and our partners to help our communities not only endure but emerge stronger from this challenging time, Carbajal said in a statement.

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Salas, who has been running the LACDA for more than a year as the acting ED, has worked for the agency since 1988. The LACDAs focus is on affordable housing and community and economic development at a time when both are sorely needed.

The department runs 10 separate COVID-19 emergency relief programs totaling nearly $200 million, including for emergency rental assistance and grants to micro-entrepreneurs.

While I am extremely proud of my team and our collective work to meet these challenges, I fully understand that so much more needs to be done to weave a safety net for the millions of county residents that are genuinely hurting now and are worried about the future, Salas said. We will use our collective resources to do what is required of us and what the people of this great county expect from its government leaders.

Gonzales came to Los Angeles from a job as probation chief for San Diego County and has a long career in law enforcement, including as a police chief for National City and assistant chief for the San Diego Police Department.

He will take over probation as the county seeks to move responsibility for juvenile justice out of the department and put money into diversion programs aimed at reducing the jail population.

The board is likely betting on his ability to lean into proposed reforms, and Gonzales oversaw the bifurcation of adult and juvenile probation in San Diego and also received a grant from Georgetowns Center for Juvenile Justice Reform to implement a new youth custody model.

The supervisors also appointed attorney Wendelyn Julien as the first executive director of a new Probation Oversight Commission. As the CEO of the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Los Angeles, Julien advocated for foster youth. She also serves on a county commission charged with overseeing the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
(L-R) Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, The Right Reverend Dr. Paul Colton and Archbishop of Dublin & Glendalough The Most Revd Michael Jackson reviewing the new stamp last month.

A stunning image of the sun, moon and the stars reflecting in a stained glass church panel will adorn a new series of stamps unveiled by An Post today to mark the 150th anniversary of the Disestablishment of the Church of Ireland.

The new national 1 stamp bears the image of the iconic panel that graces the window of the Cathedral of Saint Fin Barr in Cork city.

The new series, designed by Dublins Vermillion Design company, pays homage to the Church of Irelands break from the Church of England and the State when it was officially disestablished on January 1, 1871.

The act, along with the introduction of Home Rule and the Land Act under then British Prime Minister William Gladstone was among his efforts to deal with the so-called Irish question while removing the status of a State church that had commanded the allegiance of only a minority of the population, according to An Post.

The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough, gave his blessing to the new series.

He said: "Disestablishment has enabled the Church of Ireland to be free to shape its own future. Today's Church of Ireland wants to invest the energy of that freedom in the life of today's Irish society.

When the Irish Church Act 1869 dissolved the union between the Church of Ireland and the State, an early strategist of the disestablished church said that the Church of Ireland was free to shape her future course, independent of State control and focus on its own personal and spiritual mission.

Disestablishment would see the Church of Ireland becoming an entity in its own right from 1871, tied to neither the Church of England nor the State. It has enabled the Church to find afresh its independence and mission. It has conferred freedom for laity and clergy to develop a synodical way of life and understanding and to engage with confidence with those of other traditions, he concluded.

The Sun, Moon and Stars panel is among 74 stained glass windows in St Fin Barres Cathedral which feature the watercolour paintings of William Burges, who was awarded first prize in the architectural competition to rebuild the cathedral in 1863, and Horatio Walter Lonsdale.

The image was reproduced by the kind permission of the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral.

The stamp and a special First Day Cover envelope are available from today at all main post offices and online for the next year.

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Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.
(HealthDay)Tinder, Grindr and other dating apps have a reputation for encouraging casual hookups, but a new study suggests app users may be looking for and findinglove in all the right places after all.

Unlike more traditional dating sites such as Match.com and EHarmony, these apps are largely based on rating photos. You swipe right if you like what you see, or left if you don't. It's that simple, which is why many felt they would foster shallow relationships.

That wasn't the case for Los Angeles publicist Anthoni Allen-Zouhry, who swiped right when she first saw her now husband's photo on Tinder. They have now been married for close to two years and are expecting their first child. "Love found me," she said. "I was looking for a relationship, but I was also just casually dating and not putting too much pressure on myself. It took a few months before we actually got serious."

And there are many couples just like Allen-Zouhry and her husband, according to a study published recently in the journal PLOS ONE.

Study author Gina Potarca, a researcher at the Institute of Demography and Socioeconomics at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, examined data from a 2018 family survey by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office to find out more about relationships formed online and offline. The survey included more than 3,200 people older than 18 who were in a relationship and had met their partner in the last decade.

Couples who met via a dating app were more interested in living together compared with those who met offline, and women who found their partner through a dating app were more apt to want kids than those who found their partner in other ways. What's more, couples who met on dating apps were just as happy in their relationship as pairs who met elsewhere.

App users also expanded their horizons and dating pool. These apps can make it easier to meet people who live further away and come from different backgrounds, the study found.

"Large parts of the media claim they have a negative impact on the quality of relationships since they render people incapable of investing in an exclusive or long-term relationship. Up to now, though, there has been no evidence to prove this is the case," Potarca said in a University of Geneva news release.

"Knowing that dating apps have likely become even more popular during this year's periods of lockdown and social distancing, it is reassuring to dismiss alarming concerns about the long-term effects of using these tools," she added.

Random hookups take on an added risk during a pandemic, but it is difficult to be alone during such an uncertain time, said Pepper Schwartz, a professor of sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle. "People may actually take more time getting to know each other over text and FaceTime and find that they have more in common than they would have if they just met for a casual hookup," she said.

The swiping apps are easy to use, but you have to be even more discerning about who you decide to meet up with due to the risks of COVID-19, Schwartz said.

"People are scared and isolated, but they are not going to leave the house and risk their life to just meet anybody," agreed Lori Zaslow, a New York City matchmaker and relationship expert.

"The emotional connection is going to count a lot more in this day and age," she said. "Before, you might swipe quickly and not have been as selective, but the stakes are much higher now."

The new study took place in Switzerland, so it's hard to say whether they apply to other countries, said Schwartz. But, "I do believe that people go through a period of time where they sleep around and have sexual adventures with these apps, but then they may get tired of it and may look to settle down," she said.

And dating sites and apps are a good place to find Mr. or Ms. Right, Schwartz said. "People on any dating site are putting themselves out there and are motivated to meet someone," she said. "If you are at a bar or restaurant, someone you meet may or may not be looking to connect."

Schwartz said paid apps or services are the way to go when you are truly serious about settling down. "If you are looking for someone who is looking for someone, knowing they are willing to pay shows you that they are serious."

Explore further Dating apps don't inhibit love

Copyright  2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
India on Wednesday welcomed the reconciliation and rapprochement among countries in the Gulf region at the GCC Summit and hoped that such encouraging developments will further promote peace, progress and stability in that region. The Ministry of External Affairs also said that India will look forward to enhancing its "institutional dialogue and partnership with the GCC."

'India shares an excellent relationship with all GCC countries'

When asked about the reported announcement of the restoration of full ties among Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt, with Qatar at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Al-Ula, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava responded by saying, "We were pleased to note the positive developments at the recently concluded GCC Summit in Al-Ula, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

"We welcome the reconciliation and rapprochement between countries in the region. India shares an excellent relationship with all the countries in the GCC which is in our extended neighbourhood and we hope that such encouraging developments will further promote peace, progress and stability in the region," he said. India will continue to work with GCC countries for the strengthening of our bilateral cooperation, the MEA spokesperson said. "We also look forward to enhance our institutional dialogue and partnership with the GCC," he said.

READ | 'Why now?' Nitish Kumar questions Congress' demand for 'Bharat Ratna' to Sonia & Mayawati

READ | US Capitol Siege LIVE: 52 arrested, four dead in pro-Trump riots in Washington

Qatar ruler lands in Saudi Arabia

Gulf Arab leaders signed a declaration on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia to mark a new page in relations following the kingdom's decision to end a three-and-a-half-year embargo of Qatar.

Qatar's ruling emir arrived in Saudi Arabia and was greeted with an embrace by the kingdom's crown prince on Tuesday, following an announcement that the kingdom would end its yearslong embargo on the tiny Gulf Arab state. The decision to open borders was the first major step toward ending the diplomatic crisis that has deeply divided US defence partners, frayed societal ties and torn apart a traditionally clubby alliance of Arab states.

The arrival of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the kingdom's ancient desert city of Al-Ula was broadcast live on Saudi TV. He was seen descending from his plane and being greeted with a hug by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The diplomatic breakthrough comes after a final push by the outgoing Trump administration and fellow Gulf state Kuwait to mediate an end to the crisis.

READ | BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly discharged from Kolkata Hospital; says 'I am absolutely fine'

READ | Farmer Unions claim 'political victory' & 'Centre's defeat' as UK PM calls off India visit

(With agency inputs)

On the incoming Biden administration's to-do list is a review of missile defense policy and posture. The absence of significant political debate on the topic and bipartisan support for the new defense budget's relevant provisions suggests that the administration is likely to choose a steady-as-she-goes course. Alas, it won't have that luxury. The U.S. missile defense project is at a fork in the road. Various unwelcome developments invoke first-order questions about the nature of the missile defense problem and the level of national effort needed to solve it.[i]

Steady-as-she-goes implies continuing along three policy tracks: (1) development of homeland missile defenses to stay ahead of the emerging threats from regional challengers (aka rogue states), (2) development of regional missile defenses for protection of U.S. bases and forces (and for those allies wishing to participate), and (3) assurances to Russia and China that the United States has neither the intention nor the capability to negate their strategic deterrents. Steady-as-she-goes also implies spending roughly $10 billion per year towards these ends that the United States has averaged for the last couple of decades in the open-ended pursuit of new and better capabilities. This legacy approach has served the United States and its allies well enough, primarily by blunting the North Korean nuclear threat, despite Russia and China's complaints and their responses in policy and force structure.

Three key developments call into question the continued efficacy of this legacy approach. First, North Korea is now well launched on its effort to build up a force of nuclear-tipped missiles. Its growing force will come up quickly on the ability to overwhelm the existing homeland missile defense system. NORTHCOM assesses that North Korea will reach this threshold in 2025.[ii] This raises new questions about what it means to stay ahead of the rogue state threat. Staying ahead of the rogue state threat wasnt very challenging when rogue states had neither ICBMs nor nuclear weapons nor production capacity. Does the United States accept the necessity of a prolonged and expensive offense/defense race with North Korea?

Second, the technological improvement of U.S. homeland missile defenses has faltered. Yet another attempt to deploy an improved kill vehicle has been canceled after great expense. The ambition to rapidly deploy improved interceptors has again gone unfulfilled. The needed network of space-based sensors has again proven unaffordable. Many of the ambitious technology development projects envisioned in the Trump administration's 2017 Missile Defense Review (MDR) were then studied and largely set aside in the budgeting process. These factors overshadow some important positive developments, including capabilities for left-of-launch operations, both kinetic and non-kinetic (including artificial-intelligence enabled counter-force capability improvements).[iii] Policymakers hope that new technologies will offer solutions to these problems in the 2030s or 2040s, though more elegant solutions remain elusive.[iv]

The combination of the first two factors puts the United States in a difficult new spot. Substantial improvements to the Ground-based Mid-Course Defense (GMD) system are unlikely for another decade. Thus, to stay ahead of North Korea is going to require an "underlayer" of shorter-range systems that could be surged in times of crisis and war to protect the U.S. homeland. Because of the potentially large number of such systems that could be surge-able, Russia and China could see them as a significant new threat to their deterrents, especially in those scenarios where they assume a first strike upon their forces by the United States.

Deployment of such an underlayer would, however, call into question a core premise of U.S. missile defense strategy as it has been pursued since 1999: that the United States can field a homeland defense robust enough against rogue states but not so robust as to deprive Russia and China of confidence in their strategic deterrents. It also invites a discussion of whether it remains important to stay ahead of the emerging rogue state threat. If and as North Korea's forces grow, it may become capable of not only overwhelming the defense but engaging in larger-scale strikes posing an existential threat to U.S. allies and also potentially to the United States. In its relations with Russia and China, the United States has deemed missile defense as unnecessary to deal with such larger scale strikes because the threat of nuclear retaliation is credible. Should this logic also apply to the larger scale strikes of rogue stakes, if they become possible?

Third, U.S. deterrence strategy can no longer focus on regional challengers. Russia and China have become major power rivals to the United States. They are deeply opposed to U.S.-backed regional security orders and are well prepared for military conflict with the United States over those orders. Moreover, missiles play a central role in their preparations, leading to significant investments, including in the latest hypersonic technologies. Some discount these capabilities on the argument that they add little to the strategic deterrents of Russia and Chinaalready well stocked with hypersonic ballistic weapons. But Russia and/or China may deploy hypersonic cruise missiles for the particular purpose of striking critical command and control assets very early in a conflict, thus introducing a new source of crisis instability.

This calls into question another core premise of U.S. missile defense policy since 1999: that the United States could adopt a laissez-faire attitude toward adjustments in the strategic postures of Russia and China taken in the name of restoring the status quo ante (that is, the strategic balance without U.S. missile defenses). It also calls into question the hope that Moscow and Beijing could be sufficiently assured by Washington to cooperate to ensure strategic stability. This naturally raises questions about whether the United States should continue to seek strategic stability with both and ultimately whether missile defense doesnt have some purposes relative to Russian and Chinese strategic forces.

These developments call for some tough choices. The Trump administration struggled with these choices in its long-delayed MDR. Congress then also struggled. Big policy departures were debated and sometimes pronounced. But the limits of budgets, technology, and political consensus then took hold. The Trump missile defense legacy ends up being more steady-as-she-goes than revolutionarywith one critical difference.

For two decades, U.S. policy was guided by the following language in the 1999 National Missile Defense Act: that it is the policy of the United States to deploy as soon as is technologically possible an effective national missile defense system capable of defending the territory of the United States against limited ballistic missile attack, whether accidental, unauthorized, or deliberate. Note the emphasis on limited. In 2019, the Trump administration joined with allies in the Congress to eliminate this language.[v] Instead, the administration committed to continuously strengthen and expand missile defenses.[vi] The president set a simple goalto destroy any missile launched against the United States, anywhere, any time, any place.[vii] His commitment to making space-based sensors and interceptors "a very, very big part of our defenses" aligns well with his commitment to seek overmatching military capabilities.[viii]

From an American perspective, this is a potentially significant shift, as it implies a major break with prior assurances to Russia and China. This is also a potentially significant shift from the perspective of U.S. allies fearful of being caught up in rising major power friction over strategic stability. From the Russian and Chinese perspective, this is simply confirmation of what they have long believed about Americas true strategic ambitions and consistent with the long-promised open-ended pursuit of missile defenses unconstrained by the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

What are the alternatives to the legacy approach? One alternative is to follow the Trump administration's lead by aligning U.S. missile defense strategy with the need to "compete, deter, and win" against major power rivals. This implies trying to get ahead and stay ahead of not just regional challengers but also China and Russia. It also implies setting aside the rogue state threat as the pacing factor for further developing U.S. defenses.

The presumed benefits of such a posture are many.[ix] The United States and its allies would be free from the coercive effects of Russian and Chinese missile-backed threats. They would have the confidence to stand up to aggression aimed at re-making the regional security orders. Having been out-competed by the United States to a position of strategic dominance, Russia and China might then be chastened in their international behaviors.

But these presumed benefits are not within reach over the next decade. Indeed, there is a high likelihood that they are beyond our practical reachtechnologically, fiscally, politically. Even the attempt could be very costly, with high budget costs, opportunity costs (reducing the willingness of Moscow and Beijing to cooperate in other ways), and assurance costs (renewing allied anxieties about the potentially destabilizing consequences of U.S. missile defenses). There is a significant risk as well: of an arms race with Russia and China that the United States might not be able to win.

For the purpose of maintaining stable strategic relations with Russia and China, this posture would be significantly counter-productive. It would introduce a new arms race and crisis instabilities. This cost is more significant than before. In the period from 1990 to 2015 or so, when we were little worried about the risks of major war and especially nuclear war with Russia and China, new instabilities carried little risk. In the new period, the risks are substantially higher.

The other basic alternative to the legacy pathway is to re-focus on protection against limited strikes. But it cannot simply re-embrace the former goal. It would be necessary also to account for the likely future growth of the missile forces of regional challengers by clarifying that the United States seeks protection from limited strikes on its homeland, whatever their origin, and sees nuclear deterrence as credible and effective for preventing larger scale strikes, whoever might contemplate them. This would rule out larger warfighting requirements to focus instead on the roles of missile defenses in negating blackmail, brinkmanship, and coercion. It would also rule in a role for missile defenses in protecting against limited strikes with hypersonic weapons on critical command and control assets.

This approach's presumed benefits are that it would provide protection against the most worrisome rogue state threats while offering some hope for restabilizing the strategic military relationships with Russia and China. This could provide a basis for a new arms control bargain with one or both. Even if that were to prove elusive, the United States would have a more solid foundation for criticizing any further growth in its forces.

Whether the bipartisanship necessary to sustain this second alternative can be created is an open question today. It will be possible only with a clear and compelling case for restraint and the negative consequences of continuing to pursue the legacy approach.

In sum, it is time to revisit fundamental questions about U.S. missile defense strategy. What problem are we trying to solve? How do we plan to do so? The existing answer has us trying to solve problems we can no longer solve. A steady-as-she-goes strategy to 2030 only postpones an inevitable reckoning with the contradictions of the legacy approach. The United States would be best served by a choice to restore but modify the goal of protection against limited strikes.

Brad Roberts served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy from 2009 to 2013, and in this capacity, he co-directed the Obama Administration's Ballistic Missile Defense Review. The views expressed here are his personal views and should not be attributed to any organization with which he is or has been affiliated.

Notes:

[i] This essay summarizes arguments that first appeared in a chapter entitled Missile Defense in 2030: Fit for What Purpose in 2030? in Brad Roberts, ed., Fit for Purpose? The U.S. Strategic Posture in 2030 and Beyond, Occasional Paper of the Center for Global Security Research (Livermore, CA: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, October 2020).

[ii] Jason Sherman, NORTHCOM: US to assume increased risk against North Korean ICBMs in 2025, Inside Defense, July 26, 2020.

[iii] Herbert C. Kemp, Left of Launch: Countering Theater Ballistic Missiles, Issue Brief (Washington, DC: Atlantic Council, 2017).

[iv] Tom Karako and Wes Rumbaugh, Inflection Point: Missile Defense and Defeat in the 2021 Budget, Issue Brief (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, March 2020) and Steve Trimble, Missile Defense Agency Reveals Hypersonic Defense Vision, Aviation Week Online, August 7, 2020.

[v] Michaela Dodge, The Backward Step on Missile Defense in the FY 2020 NDAA, Information Series No. 455 (Fairfax, Va.: National Institute for Public Policy, 2020).

[vi] Missile Defense Review 2019, Department of Defense.

[vii] Remarks by President Trump and Vice President Pence Announcing the Missile Defense Review, The White House, January 17, 2019.

[viii] National Security Strategy, White House, 2017.

[ix] See also Steve Lambakis, The Future of Homeland Missile Defenses (Fairfax, Va.: National Institute for Public Policy, 2014).
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An unprecedented health crisis such as the COVID-19 has disrupted businesses the world over. The commercial real estate segment in India has been no exception. The segment that had witnessed continual growth with net absorption touching 46.5 million sq ft in 2019, came to a grinding halt with the pandemic led lockdown.

Even as corporate organisations adapted to a work-from-home environment, data breach and privacy remained a concern on the one hand and employee wellness and safety protocols atmosphere goaded organisation on the other.

What has emerged as an outcome of the pandemic is an altered leasing landscape with two defined trends. Firstly, the robust credit-worthiness of Grade A tenants has come to the fore, with most tenants belonging to the IT industry renewing contracts. The second and more pronounced trend is the introduction of new and flexible leasing models that landlords are willing to offer tenants of Grade B spaces, to help them cope with the current challenges.

The new norm is thus the rise in demand of co-working spaces that are being re-invented in line with the expectation of corporates with capex constraints. As occupiers among medium-scale organisations remain undecided about long-term leases, developers are stepping up to meet occupier demands. As large co-working players move with agility, some consolidation in the space is inevitable.

In 2021, net absorption is likely to hover around 32-35 mn sq ft. This will be at par with the annual net absorption levels seen during 2016-2018.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

New age commercial real estate - Re-focussing on the conscious workplace

The pandemic that will have a long-term societal implication has altered workplace fundamentals that present a host of new opportunities for the commercial real estate segment. Though workplace transformation with technology, sustainability and collaboration at its core had begun a few years back, the pandemic has fast-tracked the progress of the same.

With the primary concern of businesses being employee health and well-being innovation around design structures with employee wellness in mind and the adoption of new technology is inevitable. As offices resume to full-strength in the year ahead, maximising safety and wellness of employees will take precedence over operational issues for businesses across the board.

Going ahead, CRE investment will include advanced hardware such as contactless and voice-based equipment to ensure better efficiency and safety. Further, air quality and efficient air conditioning will remain top of mind to ensure the safety and wellness of employees. Plans are already on the drawing board for organisations to use existing data and AI models to ensure social distancing. These metrics will define business continuity planning for most organisations going ahead.

Overall, there is a clear shift towards a conscious workplace, the need for which has been highlighted by the pandemic. The lockdown has given organisations the time and space to rethink employee culture and led to the realisation that sustainability and inclusivity are key ingredients in the recipe of success.

Inclusivity for instance, through induction of differently-abled workforce and providing a safe atmosphere for them to function at par with their colleagues, leads to higher performance and can help businesses achieve higher outcomes. The scope for developers is therefore to make infrastructure investments in workplaces to make them inclusive and accessible to all.

Similarly, the opportunity for zero carbon objectives through the real estate life cycle is huge. JLL research suggests that 40 percent of global CHG emissions are generated by the construction sector. With corporates making a conscious move towards the environment, social and governance (ESG) a part of their evaluation metrics, use of sustainable materials in construction will be a priority for developers.

In conclusion, it is fair to say that the focus will shift to creating an experience for employees with safety, and wellness in mind even as co-working becomes a defining trend in office spaces. Elements such as data democratisation through efficient use of technology platforms and easy interface will play a significant role in modern workplaces.
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On January 6, the Joint Session of Congress was interrupted by protesters dressed in Trump garb who breached the Capitol during Congress's joint session. They were later repulsed to continue the session to resolve the electoral count.

After months of unrest over the 2020 Election, protestors took it for themselves to storm the Capitol during the counting of electoral votes.

On Wednesday, the National Guard and other agencies were sent to the U.S. Capitol to control the situation. Those who are assumed to be Trump supporters stormed into the Capitol. It happened during the joint session of Congress, reported The Epoch Times.

During the chaos, President Donald Trump ordered the National Guard to enter the Capitol and restore order. Other agencies were like federal protective services, were field to assist in the effort, said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.

The acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said the Department of Justice sent federal officers and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to help capitol police. The sheer number of protestors was too much for the Capitol Police to handle.

One reports stated that the Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told outlets that Federal Protective Service and the Secret Service were asked for immediate assistance. It came as the Capitol Police sent for help as violence increased. The Epoch Times got an email from the FBI to assist as the federal property is threatened and public safety questioned.

Later the FBI mentioned that their bomb squads diffused two explosive devices. As a result, there will be an inquiry going on.

Also read: January 6: Congress to Convene on Rules in Regards to the Disputed Electoral College Count

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (Democrat) sent a contingent of Virginia's National Guard to Washington, with 200 state troopers. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, sent troopers to assist the capitol forces. He issued commands to the Maryland National Guard's adjutant general to back up law enforcement units to restore order.

A Pentagon spokesman, Jonathan Hoffman, stated that the Department of Justice controlled all law enforcement response. The acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller is in contact with the Congress leadership.

More official like Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat dispatched about 340 D.C. National Guard personnel, to help police control the vast crowds who support Trump. The president called for order as the violence ensued, as opposed to the Antifa unrest months before.

No one was harmed during the protests, said one official. Protesters presumed to support President Trump gained entry during the session, which was canceled with the lawmakers' forced evacuation. Some wore masks like Antifa members during the breach.

Police were arresting left and right but were outnumbered by the protestors with Trump paraphernalia. Officers blocked the entrance, and guns were drawn as protestors were waiting outside.

All the violence took President Trump by surprise, not expecting the chaos of emotions boiled over a flawed election, covered up by a bias media. He said that violence was not correct and asked to respect the police.

Many Americans believe the Democrats stole the election in 2020, but many Democrats and the media want the issue to be accepted. But many see the weight of evidence and the steal and don't think Biden won fairly.

Many protesters dressed in Trump garb enter the Capitol at a critical point; there will be an investigation on the arrested individuals before blame is given.

Related articles: The Left: Antifa Terrorists Threaten Senator Josh Hawley, Wife, and Infant Daughter at his Home

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
She jetted to Mexico to ring in the New Year.

And Sadie Frost appeared thoroughly relaxed as she hit the beach in Tulum on Monday.

The actress, 55, cut a stylish figure in a white kaftan which had yellow and orange embroidery around the neckline and sleeves.

Mexico break: Sadie Frost appeared thoroughly relaxed as she hit the beach in Tulum on Monday

Sadie headed to a day bed to relax in the sunshine and later pulled down the straps of her swimwear to avoid getting tan lines.

She wore her brunette hair down and accentuated her youthful complexion by going make-up free.

The star was spotted chatting on the phone as she basked in the glorious sunshine.

Beachwear: The actress, 55, cut a stylish figure in a white kaftan which had yellow and orange embroidery around the neckline and sleeves

Soaking up the sun: Sadie headed to a day bed to relax in the sunshine and later pulled down the straps of her swimwear to avoid getting tan lines

Sadie appears to have flouted travel rules for her trip to Tulum. The last time the designer was pictured was in London was on Thursday 17 December delivering gifts to a charity.

Two days later Prime Minister Boris Johnson plunged the capital into Tier 4, placing a ban on travelling outside the area.

Under the latest national lockdown rules, which is now in effect, holidays are banned as international travel is only permitted for a strict number of reasons such as for work.

Santa Sadie: Sadie appears to have flouted travel rules for her trip to Tulum. The last time the designer was pictured was in London was on Thursday 17 December delivering gifts

UK residents currently abroad do not need to return home immediately. However, they should check with your airline or travel operator on arrangements for returning.

Within the UK, domestic holidays are also banned as you must stay at home at all times except for a limited number of 'reasonable excuses' such as shopping for essentials or work.

The Government has said if you need to travel you should stay local  meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live  and look to reduce the number of journeys you make overall.

The mother-of-four divorced actor Jude Law, 47, in 2003 and has been happily in a relationship with multi-millionaire businessman Darren Strowger for six years after being introduced by supermodel mutual pal Kate Moss, 46.

The couple chose to keep their separate London homes, an arrangement that suits independent Sadie just fine.

She previously said: 'I like being on my own and I like my own space. I used to be not able to do anything on my own and I do like sharing my life with somebody.

'But with my partner now, yes, we love each other and we are strong personalities, but I am not sure if we could live together.'

'Some people who are in their 50s are settled down with a partner. I don't live with my partner. I have got more time on my own by being at home. I think I have got a little better as I'm not so co-dependent.'

Sadie shares son Finlay, 30, with her first husband, Spandau Ballet guitarist Gary Kemp, 60, who she was married to from 1988 to 1995.

The actress has three children with Jude; model and actor son Rafferty, 24, model daughter Iris, 20, and aspiring actor Rudy, 18.
Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.
Tadhg Daly said nursing homes were ready, willing and able (Oireachtas TV/PA)

There can be no further room for slippages or delays in delivering the Covid-19 vaccination programme to nursing homes, Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) has said.

The first rollout of the vaccine in care homes was due to start on Monday, however it was delayed due to issues with consent forms.

On Tuesday, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that more than 135,000 people will be vaccinated with two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in Ireland by the end of February.

He said that 75,000 of those vaccinated would be people in long-term care facilities, both residents and staff.

The rollout of the vaccine programme in nursing homes will begin this week, with around 16 care homes to receive the jab on Thursday.

There are many nursing homes across the country that are ready, willing and able for the vaccine Tadhg Daly, chief executive of NHI

HSE boss Paul Reid has said that doses of the vaccine will be given seven days a week.

Tadhg Daly, chief executive of NHI, said he was surprised the first doses of the vaccine were not given on Monday as planned.

Health staff were due to go to Hollybrook Lodge and Raheny Community Nursing Unit in Dublin.

There are many nursing homes across the country that are ready, willing and able for the vaccine, he added.

An IT system was supposed to be developed for the administration of the vaccine, a bit like the flu vaccine one, but what we are seeing at the moment is a paper exercise.

The NHI, which is the representative body for private nursing homes, issued guidance to all its members based on the HSE national consent policy.

Our members are engaging with residents and staff and making sure they have the relevant information, and can make an informed decision themselves, he added.

Because of the high level of discourse around Covid and the vaccination programme we are hopeful there will be a high take-up.

Seven-day vaccination rollout imperative for nursing homes https://t.co/pKYbm2Z4nh  Nursing Homes Ire (@NursingHomesIre) January 4, 2021

When I spoke to colleagues in Northern Ireland and Scotland, they are saying that some 90% of residents will take it and more than 70% of their staff will.

Mr Daly said that many of its members are ready to receive the vaccine, adding that there is rising concern over the high levels of coronavirus transmission in the community.

We know that if there is a high level of transmission in the community, that affects all healthcare settings, both acute settings and nursing homes, Mr Daly added.

The sector has been vigilant throughout but we are back on hyper-vigilance and thats why the vaccination programme needs to be expedited.

They are fearful of having an outbreak  its hugely concerning for our members.

The vaccine programme needs to be safe and effective, so there can be no further slippage or delays in getting it out to nursing homes.

NHI repeated its calls for the Department of Health to allow nursing home residents to nominate a visitor that would receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

Mr Daly said that would allow the nominee to visit their relative or friend at the care home once they receive the jab.

Download the Belfast Telegraph App Get quick and easy access to the latest Northern Ireland news, sport, business and opinion with the Belfast Telegraph App.

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Telkom recently launched a legal challenge against ICASAs plan to auction radio frequency spectrum that is to be used for 4G and 5G networks in South Africa.

It said there are many grounds of review, which include that 700MHz and 800MHz digital dividend bands are not currently commercially viable as they are still in use by broadcasters.

Telkom further argues that ICASA has not taken into account the lack of competition in South Africas cellular market.

It does not believe the regulator is doing enough to break the dominance of Vodacom and MTN in the market.

ICASA said it will oppose Telkoms court application against its forthcoming radio frequency spectrum auction.

This court application does not stop us from proceeding with the receipt of applications in this regard, ICASA said.

Telkoms legal challenge comes two months after it approached the Competition Tribunal to declare the suite of spectrum arrangements between Vodacom and Rain as a merger.

Telkom said the merger should have been notifiable in terms of the Competition Act because of the multiple agreements between Vodacom and Rain.

Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko later admitted that there is in itself nothing wrong with the Vodacom-Rain agreement and that they are challenging it in the context of spectrum.

What makes this complaint strange is that Telkom previously told the Pretoria High Court that neither the Competition Commission nor the Competition Tribunal had the jurisdiction to intervene in issues involving telecommunications operators because the industry had a regulator of its own.

This is a clear sign that Telkom is willing to use any avenue available to try to prevent Vodacom and MTN from getting additional spectrum.

Telkom trying to prevent competition and lower data prices

Anyone who has been following the South African telecoms market for the last two decades has seen this before  Telkom trying to stop competition.

The planned spectrum auction will put additional spectrum in the hands of mobile operators, which in turn will increase their network capacity.

Operators like Vodacom and MTN would not want to waste this additional capacity, and the easiest way to fill it up is to make data more affordable to give them a competitive advantage.

More spectrum will also limit Vodacom and MTNs reliance on Rain and Liquid Telecoms networks to serve their subscribers.

Reducing roaming will give them more freedom to cut data prices, as wholesale roaming rates create a pricing floor.

Giving more spectrum to mobile operators will therefore increase competition and lower data prices in South Africa. This is bad news for Telkom.

Telkom currently relies on its competitive data pricing to grow its mobile subscriber base. This is its main competitive advantage.

The company is known for poor customer service levels and its network quality is not a match for MTN and Vodacom. It can therefore not rely on customer service or network quality to attract new subscribers.

It is also still struggling to shake its monopolistic mindset. Maseko said the company is still grappling with its monopolistic past, which has hampered its ability to function in a competitive market.

The Telkom CEO said their staff was not trained to sell on price and innovation and to ensure their products were better than their competitors.

A more competitive mobile market with declining data prices is therefore a big risk to Telkom as it will struggle to adapt.

Lower data prices will remove its main competitive advantage. and it is not clear what Telkom can then offer to beat Vodacom and MTN.

To address this risk, Telkom has gone back to its old playbook of trying to prevent competition and keep prices high.

Telkoms legal challenge against ICASAs planned spectrum auction is, therefore, nothing more than trying to keep mobile data prices as high as possible for as long as possible.

Telkom CEO Sipho Masekos comments about competing

This is an opinion piece.

Now read: Here are the companies that applied for new spectrum


NBC News - A teenage girl from Arizona and her boyfriend have been charged with murder after the slaying of a 36-year-old woman last month.

Ottilia Piros, the girl's mother, was shot and killed at her home in Greece, N.Y., in December 2020.

Hannah Thomas, 17, and 16-year-old Richard Avila were reportedly visiting Piros for the Christmas holiday, local authorities said.

Both have been charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, police said, according to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.

Thomas and Avila are residents of Arizona. The pair were stopped by police on Dec. 29 in Saint Robert, Mo., for speeding in Piros' car.

After Thomas and Avila gave varied accounts of their trip and false information, officers decided to call the Greece Police Department to confirm that Piros had given them permission to use the car.

It was at that point that Piros' body was discovered.

Saint Robert officers also found a handgun in the vehicle that ballistics analysis showed was the gun used to shoot Piros in the head.

Piros had previously called Greece Police, saying she had not heard from her daughter for several days.

Teen arrested in New York City attack on SUV in broad daylight Video

Newly appointed Chief Andrew Forsythe told reporters in a news conference on Tuesday that the act was "egregious and sickening," though noting that he was not yet prepared to discuss a motive.

"This woman, who didn't deserve this, [was killed] over the holidays at the hands of her own daughter," he said. "Think about that and the manner that this occurred. Our hearts go out to that family, to their friends because it doesn't get much worse than that."

The murder, which Forsythe deemed an "execution," was the town's only homicide of 2020.

WHAM reported Tuesday that Thomas also faces a tampering charge in Missouri, where the two are awaiting extradition to New York for arraignment.

It was not immediately clear if the teenagers had attorneys to represent them, according to the Associated Press.
Is Bethenny Frankel back together with her ex? Or is Miami just a romantic city? Because The Real Housewives of NYC star was looking mighty cozy with Paul Bernon the other day.

Paparazzi didnt catch the TV personality, 50, and movie producer, 43, holding hands.

Local artist Romero Britto did.

Bethenny Frankel in Miami: Im a real beach today

The NYC pair visited Brittos Miami Beach studio with Frankels 10-year-old daughter Bryn (dad is another ex, Jason Hoppy).

On Brittos Instagram you can see the Skinngygirl founder and her handsome (we thought former) flame holding hands; another shot sees her sitting on his lap. The two reportedly broke up back in October after roughly two years together with scant details as to why.

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A rep for Frankel did not immediately respond to Peoples request for comment. And dont bother looking for any other sexy shots on the beach on the businesswomans social media; they dont exist.

Not that this matters, but Frankel, who was born in New York but attended Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, is still technically a married woman. The 50 year old separated from Hoppy back in 2012 but they still cant come to an agreement over custody of Bryn and other icky divorce matters.

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Maybe 2021 is her year for love to stick? Because on her Instagram to tell her 2.3 million followers Happy New Year, Frankel seemed to be a changed person after the hell of coronavirus:

This year I reinforced what is important. I chose happiness. I cherished moments. I tried to make a difference in peoples lives. I clung to my daughter and furry rescue babies. I cooked and cocktailed with a passion. I let go of what wasnt positive in my life. I turned 50 - and celebrated with just my daughter and my dogs at home. I turned down work and money that didnt add meaning and true value to my life. I told people how I feel. I took my lack of vanity to a new level. I got realer, the long post partially read. I nurtured old and new friendships. I realized and understood my mortality. I truly felt and learned the real value of health and time being the greatest commodities in life. I realized how truly happy I am. I came from a place of yes.

Washington, Jan 7 : The US Congress has reconvened for proceedings to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the November 2020 election, hours after sitting President Donald Trump's supporters violently stormed the Capitol building.

"We condemn the violence in the strongest possible terms," Xinhua news agency quoted Vice President Mike Pence, who is presiding over a session in the Senate, as saying late Wednesday night.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, also lashed out at protesters who stormed the Capitol and halted the Electoral College vote counting, while stressing that Congress will completion the certification of the results.

"We will not bow to lawlessness or intimidation. We are back at our posts. We will discharge our duty by the Constitution and for our nation. And we're going to do it tonight.

"They tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed. They failed to obstruct this Congress. This failed insurrection only underscores how crucial the task before us is for our republic," McConnell said.

"We'll follow our precedents, our laws, and our Constitution to the letter. And we will certify the winner of the presidential election," he added.

Addressing the Senate floor, Republican Senator Mitt Romney said the violence was "an insurrection incited by" the President.

"We gather due to a selfish man's injured pride, and the outrage of supporters who he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning. What happened today was an insurrection incited by the president of the US," The Hill news website quoted the 2012 Republican presidential nominee as saying.

"Those who choose to continue to support his dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legislative Democratic election will forever be seen as being complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy." Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives have also resumed their session.

Earlier on Wednesday, the two chambers were separately debating an objection to the counting of Arizona's electoral votes before police placed a lockdown on the Capitol due to the breaches that also led to the killing of a woman in gunfire.

The chaos resulted in a lockdown and eventual evacuation at the Capitol.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Even as it operates on a global scale Kalsec, Kalamazoo Spice Extraction Company, has remained a homegrown family business.

The company has expanded to three continents over the course of 60 years, but its headquarters remain at 3713 W. Main St. in Kalamazoo.

Kalsec was founded in 1958 by Paul H. Todd, Jr., who first sold hot chili extract. Prior to getting into spices, he worked for his grandfather, Albert May Todd, known as the Peppermint King of Kalamazoo, at the A. M. Todd mint company.

Todds new business has continued the founders legacy of creating products derived from natural herbs, spices, vegetables and hops. Today, more than 450 people worldwide are employed by Kalsec with over 75% of those employees located at the Kalamazoo headquarters.

Three generations later, the company is now run by Martha Todd, who serves as chair of the board.

But even beyond the Todd family tree, the feeling of kinship has always been at the heart of Kalsecs company philosophy, Todd said.

She recalled growing up at the farm on West Main Street where Kalsec is headquartered. She grew up alongside children of Kalsec workers from an Ethiopian plant, where her grandfather helped workers escape the countrys civil war in the 1970s, employing them at his Kalamazoo plant.

Her family celebrated Christmas with the farm crew, including Harry Todd, vice president of manufacturing who now has a building named in honor of his 50-year tenure. Todd joked that, for years, she thought Harry was her biological uncle, because the families were so close and had the same last name.

But its not just blood relatives and those who share the family name who are considered part of the Kalsec family.

Its always been a part of our DNA, its who we are, Todd said. We feel like everybody that works with us is our family.

In November, Kalsecs commitment to social and environmental justice was honored and the company became a Certified B Corporation. To keep the certification, Kalsec is required to consider the impact of decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment.

Kalsec joins the elite ranks of 3,720 Certified B Corporations across 150 industries in 74 countries.

A mission that balances purpose and profit has longstanding roots in the company, Todd said.

We want people to come here and be inspired by the work they do, she said. We want them to feel like theyre doing something bigger than just their day-to-day job. Theyre contributing to something bigger, thats life-changing for them and for their communities.

The certification solidifies her grandfathers core values of innovation, sustainable sourcing practices, and treating people with respect and dignity, Todd said

His belief was that when you operate in an area and you have resources that come from that area, whether it be labor force or natural resources, that its really important that you give back to that community, she said.

For nearly 30 years, the company has partnered Earth University, a Costa Rica-based foundation that offers a four-year undergraduate program in agricultural sciences and natural resources management.

The foundation, supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, educates students from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia with the hope that these students will contribute to the sustainable development of their countries and construct a prosperous and just society, according to the website.

Every year an intern from Earth University joins the Kalsec team in Kalamazoo. Kalsec Senior Vice President of Procurement Gustavo Puente was an Earth University intern in 2001, and was recently added to the foundations board of directors.

Locally, Kalsec helped fund Kalamazoo Valley Community Colleges Center for Sustainable Brewing Education and supports several two-year scholarships to benefit disadvantaged students.

Companies big and small were put to the test in 2020 as employers walked the tightrope of ensuring employee safety while also staying profitable during a global pandemic.

Kalsecs Asian market proved to be an advantage as their counterparts in Malaysia, Shanghai and Singapore forewarned them about the coronavirus pandemic, Todd said. They shared best practices of staggering shifts and working from home. The team in Asia were able to ship personal protective equipment even as shortages began in the U.S.

Even before Kalamazoo County had its first coronavirus case, plans were in place to stop overtime to separate shifts and increase pay, Todd said.

The pandemic also shed light on a need for productive work-from-home spaces, Todd said. As the company forges ahead into a new year with the virus still a public health hazard, Todd is pitching ideas for community centers and flexible office space.

As a single working parent, she intimately understands the need for childcare and parental leave.

Ive been a single mom for 18 years, and I was thinking about how hard it is for women to really get forward in their careers when your job gets put on hold when you have a baby, she said. Reentering the workforce can be really hard because youve lost that time.

Todd was inspired by Patagonia co-founder Malinda Pennoyer Chouinard, who wrote a book on how Patagonias onsite daycare advanced gender equity in the companys highest positions. Patagonia is also a Certified B Corporation.

Four years ago, Kalsec opened its own early learning center and it has already been a major recruitment tool, Todd said.

Knowing that this is the type of company that cares about things like that really helps inspire people to be more engaged, she said.

Staying grounded in family values amid global expansion is part of Kalsecs vision to be private and sustainable business for the next 100 years; which starts anew every day.

Kalsec joins 19 other Certified B Corporations in Michigan and is the only company in Kalamazoo with the distinction. Todd said she hopes the goal of putting people before profits can be manifested throughout the community.

Hopefully were setting an example for other companies in the community to do the same, she said. If everybody that is in a position to pool their resources we can really improve the quality of living and the standards for everybody in our community not just our employees.

More on MLive:

12-acre woodland remains open to the public after $200K raised to keep Kalamazoo wild

American Airlines returns to Kalamazoo airport after 3-month hiatus

Pilot program launched to connect Black and Brown therapists to clients of color

20 bars and restaurants that opened or closed in the Kalamazoo area in 2020
TD Gary Gannon said there is a need to move teachers and students up in the priority list for the vaccine. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The hostility among principals towards the now abandoned proposal to allow Leaving Certs to attend school for three days a week shows the government plan wasnt well thought out, according to education spokesperson for the Social Democrats and Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon.

Speaking on Independent.ies political podcast The Floating Voter, the TD said that some principals were, in hyperbole, calling to storm on the Dail Trump style in a meeting this morning.

The level of hostility in general, aggression on the call, I think some of them were calling to storm the Dail Trump style, to just have their voices heard. That was said in hyperbole but I mean, it was still said, he said.

The level, amongst teachers and amongst educators, there is a real capacity for industrial unrest here.

He also said that there is a real need to move teachers and students up in the priority list for the coronavirus vaccine.

Teachers are number 11 on the list at the moment.

It would make a lot of sense if teachers were moved up that list, especially if were going to be keeping them in the environment that were keeping them in.

Deputy Gannon said that despite government figures, including Education Minister Norma Foley, consistently saying that schools are safe, they have never said why they are safe.

Reacting to last nights unrest in Washington DC after Trump supporters stormed Capitol Hill, he said that we should not be complacent that a similar event could not happen here.

He also rubbished recent claims that the Social Democrats would join Labour, saying that leader Alan Kelly is like a bull in a china shop.

Its not something that were interested in.

I dont think our two cultures would merge easily, he added.

Read More

Online Editors
A Manitoba woman says she may be trapped in the U.S. without access to prenatal care, after struggling to receive a required COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of her scheduled flight home.

A Manitoba woman says she may be trapped in the U.S. without access to prenatal care, after struggling to receive a required COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of her scheduled flight home.

Samantha Dasilva lives in Anola but on Wednesday was in West Palm Beach, Fla. In a telephone interview, she said she has spent the last three weeks quarantining with her husband, who lives in the U.S., while visiting him over the holidays.

Dasilva said she hasnt been able to see her partner in person for the entirety of her 28-week pregnancy due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, and this was her only opportunity to do so before the baby is due.

"I do understand that (the Manitoba government) told people not to go anywhere, but Im not on vacation, I am visiting my husband," she said.

She had a planned flight home scheduled for Thursday evening. After the Canadian government announced last week all incoming international travellers will have to present a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their flight  starting Thursday  Dasilva said she found herself rushing, and thus far failing, to meet the requirement.

She took a test Jan. 3, in hopes of having a result within the three-day window requirement, but said the quickest guaranteed results shes received from a lab in Florida is two to four days.

"We have been scrambling nonstop trying to get answers from labs, trying to contact different agencies to see if we can pay more money to get results faster," she said.

Delta Air Lines sent her an email Wednesday morning warning she would not be allowed on her flight without a negative COVID-19 test result. Dasilva plans to wait until noon Thursday and, should she not receive results by then, she will have to reschedule her flight and plan another test.

Her greatest fear is being stuck in a "loop" of receiving test results that dont coincide with the 72-hour rule, having to reschedule her flight again, and attempt to get another test and receive results in time.

"Its super terrifying, I dont know if Im going to be stuck here," she said.

If so, Dasilva said her health and that of her child will be at risk. Her travellers insurance runs out Thursday; she has an important prenatal appointment to correlate with finishing her 14-day quarantine in Manitoba she would have to reschedule.

"And at that point, Ill be 30 weeks pregnant, so I kind of need that prenatal care," she said.

The Manitoba government has also asked international travellers disembarking in the province to get tested for COVID-19 immediately after landing, regardless of symptoms, then again seven days later.

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: malakabas_
[January 07, 2021] Kyligence CEO Identifies Top Big Data, Cloud, and Data Analytics Predictions for 2021

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kyligence , originator of Apache Kylin and developer of the AI-augmented analytics platform Kyligence Cloud, today announced its cloud data analytics predictions for 2021, focusing on the rapid growth rate of cloud-native data warehouse and data storage services that will enable the massive acceleration of analytics adoption.

According to Luke Han, co-founder and CEO at Kyligence and co-creator and PMC chair of the Apache Kylin project, the last decade in technology has laid the foundation for embedded intelligence in every sector of society. This is the result of a combination of highly automated cloud infrastructure, rich open source software innovation, mature data engineering and data science disciplines, and the general adoption of distributed computing techniques and technologies. The following major trends guide his predictions for 2021: Analytics Above All  Multi-Platform, Multi-Cloud Chief Data Officers (CDOs) and Chief Analytics Officers (CAOs) will increasingly view their datasets and analytics beyond the boundaries of individual cloud and data platforms. While the expense of data movement will motivate data teams to leave data where it is, many will pursue ways to engineer their analytics pipelines to source data from multiple public and private cloud platforms, and across cloud storage, data warehouses, and data lakes. Accidental Citizen Analysts While some have cast doubt on the idea of Citizen Analysts/Data Scientists, there is an increasing desire by executives to push down machine enhanced decision making to a much broader population of information workers. The resulting flow of curated data and actionable intelligence will create a large pool of accidental analysts ho are able to benefit from data driven insights without unsustainable retraining requirements.



Cloud Costs: Metrics and Mitigation Virtually every cloud vendor now provides cloud cost forecasting tools to their customers. But there is a growing number of companies that are taking a harder look at the numbers and algorithms to provide first and foremost more accurate predictions, but also some intelligence on how to mitigate cloud costs to reduce the frequency of cloud cost overruns.

Data Factories for Machine Learning Organizations whose early successes in machine learning have spurred them to expand their programs are finding that a fast moving production line of high quality datasets are the fuel that will drive that expansion. This will elevate Data as a Service to a higher priority for data engineering teams. Clueless Infrastructure Components Will Struggle The inexorable march of embedded intelligence in nearly all aspects of IT and Analytics infrastructure will raise the bar for vendors and platforms hoping to become an integral part of their prospects cloud stack. Increasingly, If IT cant ask its infrastructure how its feeling via AI-Augmented functions, IT might see that black box component as a vestigial organ. Data Gravity and Vertical Clouds If data gravity attracts applications, data, and attention, then the formation of vertically aligned professional clouds are the inevitable next step in the evolution of industry exchanges, marketplaces, and trading systems. Tweet this: @Kyligence 2021 Predictions #datastorage #cloud #BI #bigdataanalytics https://kyligence.io/newsroom/



About Kyligence



Founded by the creators of Apache Kylin, Kyligence Cloud provides an intelligent analytics performance layer that sits between data sources (data warehouses, data lakes, cloud storage) and BI tools (Tableau, Qlik, Excel), making data marts and other analytics middleware unnecessary. The result is sub-second query response time for BI, SQL, OLAP, and Excel users even against petabytes of data. Kyligence also features an AI-augmented learning engine to ensure peak performance and vastly simplified data modeling.



Kyligence is headquartered in San Jose, CA. Investors include Redpoint Ventures, Coatue, Cisco, China Broadband Capital, Shunwei Capital, and Eight Roads Ventures (the proprietary investment arm of Fidelity International Limited). Kyligence serves a global customer base that includes Appzen, McDonalds, LOREAL, Xactly, China Merchants Bank, and Huawei.



Follow Kyligence on LinkedIn and Twitter .



Media Contact:

Kim Pegnato

33 Vine Communications

kpegnato73@gmail.com

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The unprecedented violence that Donald Trumps supporters wreaked on the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday spurred a wave of Republican criticism of the president, suggesting the potential for the GOP to increasingly distance itself from Trump as he leaves office.

Longtime Trump ally Tom Cotton, a senator from Arkansas, said in a statement, Its past time for the president to accept the results of the election, quit misleading the American people, and repudiate mob violence.

Some supporters of Trumps attempt to get Congress to reject the Electoral College votes of key states won by Joe Biden said they changed their plans after the violence Wednesday. Senator Kelly Loeffler, who lost in a Georgia runoff race Tuesday and had planned to object to her states vote for Biden Wednesday, said she couldnt in good conscience continue with her intended objections.

Click here to follow live coverage of US Capitol breach

Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina pinned the blame for the mob that broke into the Capitol squarely on Trump.

The President bears responsibility for todays events by promoting the unfounded conspiracy theories that have led to this point, Burr said in a statement, noting that courts had already rejected Trumps efforts to overturn his November election loss to

Lighted flame

Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, a member of the chambers GOP leadership team, told reporters, Its a tragic day, and he was part of it.

Former New Jersey Governor and Trump supporter Chris Christie flagged that the president and his son had spoken to the crowd, and the subsequent violence is the result of their words, whether intended or not. He said on ABC that Trumps initial response to simply call for protesters to be peaceful was not good enough.

Also Read | 1 shot dead in violence at US Capitol: All you need to know

Republicans whove previously clashed with the president were more strident.

The No. 3 House Republican, Liz Cheney of Wyoming, said, Theres no question the president formed the mob, the president incited the mob, the president addressed the mob -- he lit the flame. She said on CNN Wednesday afternoon that Trumps response so far has been completely intolerable and insufficient.

Inevitable outcome

GOP Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska said, This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The day also saw a notable split between Trump and his own vice president, with Mike Pence issuing a statement saying he had no intention of interfering with the congressional validation of Bidens victory in the Electoral College. Trump tweeted in reaction that Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution.

The United States Capitol -- the worlds greatest symbol of self-government -- was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard, tweeting against his vice president for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution, Sasse said.

Trumps claim that the Nov. 3 result was fraudulent, while baseless, saw most congressional Republicans hold off on recognizing Biden as president-elect -- showcasing the presidents sway over the caucus. A week after Election Day, only four Republican senators, including Mitt Romney of Utah, had acknowledged Bidens win.

McConnells shift

Splits started to widen after the Electoral College met and voted for Biden on Dec. 14, spurring Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and others to recognize Biden as president-elect -- in turn fueling antagonistic tweets by Trump. The internecine tensions deepened as the outgoing president increasingly attacked authorities in his own party for failing to overturn his loss in Georgia, which has a GOP governor and secretary of state.

On Wednesday, Trumps failure to swiftly call for his supporters to remove themselves from the Capitol triggered widespread calls by GOP members to do just that.

Trumps first tweet following the Capitol breach urged protesters to stay peaceful, but fell short of telling them to vacate the building. Pence later tweeted and demanded that the demonstrators leave.

Peaceful protest is the right of every American but this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Pence tweeted. The violence and destruction taking place at the U.S. Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building.

Senator Ted Cruz, one of the Republicans who had led the efforts to challenge the Electoral College results in Wednesdays joint session of Congress, also condemned the mob that broke into congressional buildings.

The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but violence --from Left or Right -- is ALWAYS wrong, Cruz tweeted. And those engaged in violence are hurting the cause they say they support.

Not legitimate

French Hill, an Arkansas Republican, told Bloomberg News that it was time for Trump to address the protesters and encourage a peaceful transfer of power so the nation could move forward.

To use violence to make the assumption that the election is not legitimate and cannot be certified I think is exactly what our founders were concerned about, Hill said. Weve seen their worst fear play out today.

Trump later tweeted out a video message telling his supporters to go home, but by then, blood had already been shed. A woman was shot and later died as a result of the violence, according to the Capitol police.

Other Republicans, including John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican, earlier in the day began assigning blame to Trump for the partys poor performances in Georgias Senate runoff elections on Tuesday -- saying the presidents unsupported claims of rigged elections had given voters less incentive to show up and vote for their candidates.

McConnells shift

With the party now headed for the minority in both houses of Congress, and out of the White House, Republican lawmakers will need to craft a fresh message heading into the 2022 election, and decide what role if any Trump will continue to have.

McConnell, a seventh-term Kentucky Republican, Wednesday afternoon signaled an increasing tilt against Trump.

President Trump claims the election was stolen, McConnell said in his speech after the joint congressional session began. Dismissing those claims, he said that the election wasnt even particularly close and that it was Congresss job under the Constitution to accept the results and certify Biden the winner.

McConnell excoriated the effort by more than a dozen of Republicans to lodge what amounted to a doomed protest vote against the election results.

The voters, the courts and the states have all spoken. Theyve all spoken. If we overrule them, it would damage our republic forever, he said.

Most Senate Republicans seemed likely to follow his lead, even before the mob broke into the Capitol and lawmakers were evacuated in a chaotic episode that drew global condemnation.

With the Senate now returning to Democratic control for the first time in six years, Republicans now face a couple years in the wilderness, with no unity on where to go next.


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Its nothing less than a nuclear option.

But as a shocked nation looked on as armed protestors stormed the nations capital on Wednesday afternoon, there was talk of removing Donald Trump from office as the president continued to insist that the election had been stolenfrom him.

And some called for him to be stopped through the 25th Amendment to the Constitution.

Among them were Rep. Ted Liu, the California Democrat, who tweeted out: Dear @VP @Mike_Pence: You need to start the 25th Amendment. @realDonaldTrump is detached from reality.

The 25th Amendment says that if the president becomes unable to do his job, the vice president becomes the president. The amendment was invoked when both Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush underwent medical procedures, temporarily transferring power to their vice presidents. But it also has a mechanism, known as Section Four, which can remove the president immediately if the vice-president and the majority of the cabinet decide that the president has become unfit to carry out the powers and duties of the office.

By transmitting a letter to Congress, the vice-president then becomes the acting president and remains so unless and until Congress takes action refusing to allow that transfer of power to stand.

Authorities stand guard outside the U.S. Capitol after supporters of President Donald Trump gathered Wednesday.AP

The forced removal of a president through Section Four has never been employed, although it was discussed by pundits early in the Trump presidency. And despite the outrage over Wednesdays confrontation in the halls of Congress, legal experts said the 25th Amendment was not likely to be triggered, nor would it be successful if it was.

Invocation of the amendments removal provision, however justified, seems impracticable given the process outlined in the amendment, said former New Jersey Attorney General John Farmer Jr., who now serves as director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.

Farmer pointed out the amendment allows the president to immediately undo the action by transmitting a written declaration that no inability exists. He then resumes office  unless the vice president and majority of the cabinet transmit to the congress their written declaration that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

After that, Congress is to convene within 48 hours and must decide within 21 days by two-thirds vote that he is unable to carry out his duties.

Bottom line, concluded Farmer, as a practical matter I dont think its achievable within the time remaining in Trumps term and I doubt it would muster the necessary levels of support in his cabinet or Congress to remove him.

Ronald Chen, a Rutgers University law professor who served as co-dean of Rutgers Law School and the former New Jersey Public Advocate, said not only would it take the vice president and a majority of confirmed members of the cabinet to certify that the president was unable to discharge his duties, but only confirmed members of the cabinet would count  not the acting Secretary of Defense.

Whether Pence, even if willing, could get in touch with a majority of the cabinet is a big question mark, Chen said. Plus, if Trump got wind of it, he can instantly dismiss all members of the cabinet except Pence himself, so it would have to be done quickly. As a practical matter, I dont think its a viable option.

Elie Honig, a former federal prosecutor who headed the states Division of Criminal Justice, also agreed the 25th amendment was not the solution.

Even if the VP could garner a majority of cabinet officers  which seems very unlikely  the president can declare himself to be competent, which allows him to re-take power.

However, Honig said the House absolutely can  and I believe should  impeach the president, and the Senate can convict and remove him.

This is an unprecedented abuse and misuse of power and Trump cannot be trusted to remain in office even for the next two weeks, Honig said.

Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter.

Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL.

As many as nine consignments containing medical supplies and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) were handed over during March-December 2020 to Bhutan by India as assistance for the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, said the Indian Embassy in Thimphu on Thursday.

According to a tweet by the Indian High Commission, RT-PCR testing kits, portable X-Ray machines were sent to Bhutan during the pandemic.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with Bhutan during times of Covid-19! 9 consignments containing RT-PCR test kits, a portable X-Ray machine, medical supplies and PPE equipment were handed over during March-December 2020, the Indian High Commission tweeted.

In December, India handed over a consignment of RT-PCR Covid-19 test kits for 20,000 tests to Bhutan to fight the pandemic. The 9th consignment of medical supplies was delivered at Phuentsholing, Bhutan.

India will keep providing all required support to Bhutan in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, the Embassy of India, Thimphu said. Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, in a statement dated December 24 said, India stands alongside Bhutan. Together, we will fight the Covid-19 pandemic, through a sustainable recovery.

As per the latest update by Johns Hopkins University, Bhutan has reported 755 Covid-19 cases in total.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP)  Small businesses in Alaska say new federal coronavirus relief funds will provide needed aid, especially for those in the service industry facing their slowest time of the year.

The aid package grants almost $300 billion nationwide in new forgivable loans. The first round of federal aid in March provided about $1.3 billion to roughly 12,000 Alaska businesses, the Anchorage Daily News reported Tuesday.

The new package provides extra money for restaurants, breweries, bars, hotels, live venues, movie theaters and cultural institutions, which were hit hard by public he...
Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

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Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

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Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

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Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

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DUBLIN, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Future-proof Pharma Labels - Global Market Outlook (2019-2027)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global Future-proof Pharma Labels Market is growing at a CAGR of 16.1% during the forecast period.



Some of the key factors propelling the market growth include increasing counterfeiting cases, increasing adoption of smart technologies, and mitigation of non-adherence. However, lack of standards and additional cost are likely to restraint the market.



The future-proof labeling technology is set to transform the pharmaceutical industry, including supply-chain management, cold-chain monitoring, track-and-trace compliance, and authentication. With the usage of technologies such as RFID and NFC, among others, drugs and medical devices are digitally visible, traceable, and well monitored, from the manufacture, all the way through, to retail shelves, and even to the consumer's homes. Future-proofing label technologies provide the solutions that can be used by the organizations for redirecting losses into investments in packaging, and potentially into profits.



By technology, radio-frequency identification (RFID) segment is anticipated to grow at the significant rate during the forecast period. RFID technology has become essential across a wide range of industries. Increasing risks from substandard and falsified drugs are creating a need for efficient anti-counterfeiting solutions in the pharmaceutical industry.



This has boosted RFID's adoption in combination with the electronic product code (EPC) in the pharmaceutical industry. RFID readers are being deployed for more efficient and potentially life-saving when used for monitoring drug quality and movement of the product.



On the basis of geography, Asia Pacific region is expected to have considerable market growth during the forecast period, due to increasing demand for anti-counterfeiting measures to be taken by the pharma companies in this area. A change in China's patent law has encouraged more R&D effort and less generic drug manufacture in recent years.



The degree of traceability that integrates RFID with consumer-scannable codes like QR can provide is expected to be an all-important link to the supply chain to prevent counterfeiting across the region. Moreover, India is also one of the top pharmaceutical manufacturers in the world. Most of the pharmaceutical exporters in India are expected to use future-proof labels to meet the safety and security regulations of importing countries.



Some of the key players in Future-proof Pharma Labels Market include UPM Raflatac, Inc., Loftware, Inc., Schreiner Group, Covectra, Inc., NiceLabel (Euro Plus d.o.o.), CCL Industries Inc., and Avery Dennison Corporation.



What the report offers:

Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments

Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

Covers Market data for the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024 and 2027

Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)

Strategic analysis: Drivers and Constraints, Product/Technology Analysis, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis, etc.

Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations

Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends Company Profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments

Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Key Topics Covered:



1 Executive Summary



2 Preface

2.1 Abstract

2.2 Stake Holders

2.3 Research Scope

2.4 Research Methodology

2.5 Research Sources



3 Market Trend Analysis

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Drivers

3.3 Restraints

3.4 Opportunities

3.5 Threats

3.6 Technology Analysis

3.7 Emerging Markets

3.8 Impact of COVID-19



4 Porters Five Forces Analysis

4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

4.3 Threat of Substitutes

4.4 Threat of New Entrants

4.5 Competitive Rivalry



5 Global Future-proof Pharma Labels Market, By Technology

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Sensing Labels

5.3 Near-Field-Communication (NFC)

5.4 Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)



6 Global Future-proof Pharma Labels Market, By Geography

6.1 Introduction

6.2 North America

6.2.1 US

6.2.2 Canada

6.2.3 Mexico

6.3 Europe

6.3.1 Germany

6.3.2 UK

6.3.3 Italy

6.3.4 France

6.3.5 Spain

6.3.6 Rest of Europe

6.4 Asia-Pacific

6.4.1 Japan

6.4.2 China

6.4.3 India

6.4.4 Australia

6.4.5 New Zealand

6.4.6 South Korea

6.4.7 Rest of Asia-Pacific

6.5 South America

6.5.1 Argentina

6.5.2 Brazil

6.5.3 Chile

6.5.4 Rest of South America

6.6 Middle East & Africa

6.6.1 Saudi Arabia

6.6.2 UAE

6.6.3 Qatar

6.6.4 South Africa

6.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa



7 Key Developments

7.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures

7.2 Acquisitions & Mergers

7.3 New Product Launches

7.4 Expansions

7.5 Other Key Strategies



8 Company Profiling

8.1 UPM Raflatac, Inc.

8.2 Loftware, Inc.

8.3 Schreiner Group

8.4 Covectra, Inc.

8.5 NiceLabel (Euro Plus d.o.o.)

8.6 CCL Industries Inc.

8.7 Avery Dennison Corporation



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rezr15

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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SOURCE Research and Markets

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Louisiana families on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  known commonly as SNAP or food stamps  could be eligible for an additional 15% on top of what they have previously qualified for, and the state said Thursday that any increases will be transferred to their cards beginning Friday.

The monthly increase, which is in effect through June, is part of the second major federal aid package passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump late last month. The first, last spring's CARES Act, saw all families receiving SNAP benefits brought up to the maximum benefit amount allowed for their household size.

+2 Federal program that has distributed 12 million pounds of food in New Orleans region gets extension The federal government has approved another round of funding for the program that has fueled the large-scale grocery giveaways that have been 

While the new bill didn't expand eligibility, state officials say there are key differences this time that will increase SNAP's reach at a time people need it most, and encouraged anyone in need to apply.

Shavana Howard, assistant secretary for family support for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, said the program will no longer count the $300 a week in extended unemployment benefits as income, something that the CARES Act required last spring when the weekly payments were $600.

Counting extended unemployment benefits as income put SNAP out of reach for 44,165 applicants between March and July alone, and another 2,185 households who had been receiving benefits were kicked off because of it.

"I am very excited to see that Congress really acted for the people who really need the help," Howard said. "They did think of how they needed to do things differently.

Howard said many students who did not previously qualify for SNAP because a portion of their parents' income they had to declare on financial aid forms was counted against them, will qualify this time.

Students, she said, "need help just like anyone else who is in poverty needs help.

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DCFS began loading benefits for January at the beginning of month on its regular schedule, but will add the 15% to those allotments beginning tomorrow. A family of three, for example, would previously have received a maximum allotment of $535 per month, but will now get $616 for qualifying food purchases. The maximum allotment for a family of six goes from $969 per month to $1,114.

Howard said the increase can make a significant difference for families in need.

"Its enough to ensure that they an continue to eat  and to make sure children can concentrate on a lesson (in school) instead of being hungry all day, Howard said.

Hunger has soared in Louisiana since the onset of the pandemic, and the problem was only made worse as the state was hit with storm after storm during a record 2020 hurricane season.

From February to November, the state added 95,228 households  or 177,069 people  to the rolls and finished November with 456,000 households receiving SNAP benefits, an increase of 26%. This followed four years of steady declines in the number of families receiving assistance before the pandemic started. When the outbreak began in March, DCFS received five times the normal volume of SNAP applications within the first 30 days.

DCFS said about $445 million in SNAP benefits flowed to Louisiana families in need from March to December, with about $45 million of that resulting from the switch to maximum allotments. That additional amount benefitted about 580,000 people in 270,000 households each month.

This highlights an important aspect of the 15% increase in the most recent aid bill, said Danny Mintz, director of safety net policy with the nonprofit Louisiana Budget Project. With about a third of SNAP recipients already at the maximum allotment, this 15% increase is the only additional help they've gotten from the program since the pandemic began.

"This will be the first time the poorest in Louisiana see any increase," Mintz said, noting that grocery prices have been climbing during the pandemic.

Mintz said surveys have showed families tend to hit the limit on their grocery budget three weeks into the month, and he said the 15% increase will at least take a bite out of that shortfall. But he said that rather than approving the increase for six months, the bill could have tied it to an unemployment rate or something less arbitrary. The pandemic's ill effects on the economy, he said, will very likely extend beyond June.
Alphabet and Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai on Thursday condemned the "lawlessness and violence" events at the US Capitol as the "antithesis of democracy" in a memo to employees.

"Holding free and safe elections and resolving our differences peacefully are foundational to the functioning of democracy. The United States has a long and proud history of doing this," the Google CEO wrote to the company after supporters of President Donald Trump violently stormed the government building that houses Congress.

"The lawlessness and violence occurring on Capitol Hill today is the antithesis of democracy and we strongly condemn it," Pichai added.

Take a look at Pichai's memo here:

"Hi everyone, The scenes from Washington D.C. today are shocking and scary for all of us. To start, we are checking in on our D.C. employees to ensure they are safe. We're monitoring the situation and will keep affected employees updated if we take any extra precautionary steps that impact offices or buildings.

Holding free and safe elections and resolving our differences peacefully are foundational to the functioning of democracy. The United States has a long and proud history of doing this. The lawlessness and violence occurring on Capitol Hill today is the antithesis of democracy and we strongly condemn it.

We'll continue to send updates as needed. In the meantime, please prioritize your health and wellbeing by checking in with your support systems -- however you define them -- and leaning on your Google community. If you're looking for extra connection or support, these resources are a good place to start.

Please take good care of yourself and one another.

- Sundar"

4 dead in riots at US Capitol in Washington DC

Four people died on the US Capitol grounds and as many as 52 people have been arrested so far after supporters of President Donald Trump breached the US Capitol building in Washington DC in an attempt to stop the US Congress from ratifying the Electoral College vote that would officially confirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump.

Donald Trump supporters, carrying unlicensed or prohibited firearms, created chaos that resulted in rioting and violence at the Capitol building, which houses the US Congress and is the seat of the legislative branch of the US government.

Despite the presence of officers in full riot gear and curfew ordered by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, dozens of Trump supporters were seen violating the norms.

Meanwhile, US Vice President Mike Pence reconvened the US Congress to certify President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College win once the Capitol building was cleared of Trump supporters.

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Congress moved late Wednesday toward confirming President-elect Joe Bidens victory after a mob of loyalists, urged on by President Donald Trump, stormed and occupied the Capitol, disrupting the final electoral count in a shocking display of violence that shook the core of American democracy.

There was no parallel in modern U.S. history, with insurgents acting in the presidents name vandalizing Speaker Nancy Pelosis office, smashing windows, looting art and briefly taking control of the Senate chamber, where they took turns posing for photographs with fists up on the dais where Vice President Mike Pence had just presided. Outside the building, they erected a gallows, punctured the tires of a police SUV and left a note on its windshield saying, PELOSI IS SATAN.

By the time the Senate reconvened, hours after lawmakers had been evacuated from a Capitol overrun by rebels carrying pro-Trump paraphernalia, one of the nations most polarizing moments had yielded an unexpected window of solidarity that briefly eclipsed partisan division. Republicans and Democrats alike rose to denounce the violence and express their determination to carry out what they called a constitutionally sacrosanct function.

IN PICS | Violence Erupts at US Capitol As Trump Supporters Flock in a Bid to Overturn Election

To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win, Pence said in a sharp break from Trump, who had praised the mob. Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the peoples house.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the majority leader, said the failed insurrection had only clarified Congress purpose. They tried to disrupt our democracy, he said. They failed.

Under pressure from their colleagues, some Republicans who had planned several hours of objections to Bidens victory agreed to drop their challenges, though Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri was expected to press forward with a challenge to Pennsylvanias electors. Lawmakers met into the night to debate and vote on an objection to Arizonas results lodged just before the violence broke out in the Capitol. The challenge failed in the Senate, 93-6, killing it and signaling that any additional efforts were all but certain to be unsuccessful.

The upheaval unfolded on a day when Democrats secured a stunning pair of victories in runoff elections in Georgia, winning effective control of the Senate and the complete levers of power in Washington. And it arrived as Congress met for what would normally have been a perfunctory and ceremonial session to declare Bidens election.

From the start, Trumps allies, acting at his behest, had been determined to use the session to formally contest the outcome. Driving a painful wedge among Republicans, they trumpeted his false claims of voting fraud and initially gave voice inside the Capitol to those who ultimately forced their way in, stopping the process in its tracks.

Lawmakers and Pence mostly took shelter together near the Capitol, amid violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, but small groups reported being stranded for a time in offices and hideaways throughout the building.

ALSO READ: 'Democracy Under Assault': Joe Biden Calls Capitol Violence 'Insurrection' as Senate Reconvenes

Capitol Police, reinforced by the FBI and National Guard in tactical gear, successfully retook the Capitol complex just before 6 p.m., after more than three hours of mayhem. Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington declared a citywide curfew from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday.

The siege was the climax of a weekslong campaign by Trump, filled with baseless claims of fraud and outright lies, to try to overturn a democratically decided election that he lost. He fought the result in court with dozens of spurious lawsuits that he lost. He outright pressured Republican leaders in key battleground states to reverse the will of the voters. And he fought, at last, to turn the congressional counting into the site of his final stand.

We gather due to a selfish mans injured pride, and the outrage of supporters who he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning, said Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and the 2012 presidential nominee, said after the chamber reconvened. What happened here today was an insurrection incited by the president of the United States.

Far from discouraging confrontation, Trump had encouraged his supporters earlier Wednesday to confront Republican lawmakers going against him to side with the Constitution.

We will never concede, he told a group of thousands gathered near the White House, inveighing against members of his own party preparing to finalize his loss as weak Republicans, pathetic Republicans whose leadership had gone down the tubes. He then repeatedly told them to march to the Capitol, where the vote tallying was about to get underway. The violence began a little more than two hours later.

In a speech just before the violence broke out, McConnell, the most powerful Republican on Capitol Hill, forcefully rebuked Trump and members of his own party, warning that the drive to overturn a legitimate election risked sending democracy into a death spiral.

The voters, the courts and the states have all spoken, said McConnell, the majority leader. If we overrule them all, it would damage our republic forever.

Yet even as he spoke, it was becoming clear that the vicious cycle had already been unleashed. Within an hour, McConnell was in the grip of his Capitol Police detail and being rushed out of his chamber with other senators as members of his own party chanted curses to his name.

Biden, in his own remarks, demanded that Trump intervene to tamp down an unprecedented assault on democracy. He called for a televised address by Trump to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege.

This is not dissent. Its disorder. Its chaos. It borders on sedition, and it must end now, Biden said. I call on this mob to pull back and allow the work of democracy to go forward.

Trump initially stayed quiet as the mob rampaged through the Capitol. When he did make himself heard, it was to call for support for law enforcement in a tweet that concluded, Stay peaceful! But not long after, he released a brief video repeating his disproved claim that the election was stolen and speaking in sympathetic and affectionate terms to members of the mob. Later, he absolved the mobsters of their gross assault, effectively arguing that their actions had been warranted.

These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long, Trump wrote Wednesday evening in a tweet, which Twitter later removed. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

The mob of Trump supporters was already massing by the thousands on Capitol Hill when Congress convened in joint session at 1 p.m. Under normal circumstances, the counting of electoral votes is little more than a glorified paperwork exercise.

But with Trumps refusal to concede, his allies had planned a series of as many as six objections to the electoral votes of battleground states Biden won, turning the session into a messy final parliamentary stand.

The president had also intensely pressured Pence, who as vice president oversees the counting, to go rogue and unilaterally throw out the votes of key battleground states Trump lost. Shortly before the session began, Pence denied him in a bold statement after four years of loyal alliance.

I do not believe that the founders of our country intended to invest the vice president with unilateral authority to decide which electoral votes should be counted during the joint session of Congress, and no vice president in American history has ever asserted such authority, he wrote.

Once the counting got underway, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona quickly lodged the first such objection to Gosars home state, sending senators and House members to their respective chambers for up to two hours of debate on Trumps baseless fraud claims.

About 2:15 p.m., as the House and Senate separately debated the objection, security rushed Pence out of the Senate chamber, and the Capitol building was placed on lockdown after the demonstrators surged past barricades and law enforcement toward the legislative chambers.

We now have individuals that have breached the Capitol building, an officer told the House.

In a scene of unrest common in other countries but seldom witnessed in the history of the U.S. capital, hundreds of people in the mob barreled past fence barricades outside the Capitol and clashed with officers. Shouting demonstrators mobbed the second-floor lobby just outside the Senate chamber, as law enforcement officials placed themselves in front of the chamber doors.

For a time, senators and members of the House were locked inside their respective chambers. Just outside the locked doors, Trumps supporters violently tussled with police. A woman inside the building was shot and later died, the District of Columbia police said, and multiple officers were injured.

As the mob closed in, senators were rushed into the well of the Senate and down into the basement, where they left the building via an underground tunnel.

This is what youve gotten, guys, Romney yelled as the Senate was first thrust into a lockdown, apparently addressing his Republican colleagues who were leading the charge to press Trumps false claims of a stolen election.

On the other side of the Capitol, Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., yelled out to Republicans on the House floor: Call Trump, tell him to call off his revolutionary guards.

Multiple lawmakers reported that the Capitol Police had instructed them to take cover on the House floor and prepare to use protective hoods after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda of the Capitol. Shortly after, police escorted senators and members of House from the building to others nearby, as the mob swarmed the hallways just steps from where lawmakers were meeting, carrying pro-Trump paraphernalia.

Rep. Nancy Mace, a freshman Republican from South Carolina, described seeing people assaulting Capitol Police. In a Twitter post, Mace shared a video of the chaos and wrote: This is wrong. This is not who we are. Im heartbroken for our nation today.

In the early afternoon, police fired what appeared to be flash-bang grenades. Rather than disperse, the demonstrators cheered and shouted, Push forward, push forward. One person shouted, Thats our house, meaning the Capitol. Other people repeatedly shouted, You swore an oath.

When the violence broke out, it was Pence, sheltering in the Capitol, not Trump who approved the deployment of the D.C. National Guard, according to Defense Department officials. Trump initially rebuffed and resisted requests to mobilize forces, according to a person with knowledge of the events. It required intervention from Pat Cipollone, the White House counsel, among other officials, the person said.

At the White House, officials  including two from the East Wing and a top press aide  began submitting their resignations, with more expected to follow in the coming days.

I dont recognize our country today, and the members of Congress who have supported this anarchy do not deserve to represent their fellow Americans, said Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va.

Other Republicans laid responsibility squarely at the feet of the president.

What he has done and what he has caused here is something weve never seen before in our history, Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the No. 3 House Republican, said on NBC. Cheney said that the chaos unleashed on Capitol Hill would be part of his legacy.

What we are seeing today is a result of that  a result of convincing people that Congress was going to overturn the results of the election, a result of suggestions that he wouldnt leave office, she said.

Nicholas Fandos and Emily Cochrane c.2021 The New York Times Company
In accordance with NZX Listing Rule 3.20.1(a) New Zealand King Salmon advises that Chief Financial Officer Andrew Clark has resigned.

New Zealand King Salmon CEO and Managing Director Grant Rosewarne commented, on behalf of the Board and the whole New Zealand King Salmon team, I thank Andrew for the outstanding contribution he has made to our company. Among his many achievements, most notable was leading us to become a publicly listed company. This has had many benefits, including access to equity funding, more transparency, the opportunity for greater NZ beneficial ownership and improved social license. Andrew has also made important contributions to our business strategy, from its crafting to implementation, helping to make NZ King Salmon a more profitable and resilient company, plus overseeing the executive efforts and resources employed towards health, safety and risk activities advancing to now best practice.

Andrews last day with the Company will be 6 April 2021.

New Zealand King Salmon has commenced an executive search to replace Mr Clark and will provide a further market update in due course.

See the links below for more details:

NZK resignation of CFO Andrew Clark Jan 2021

Source: New Zealand King Salmon Investments Limited

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A Town Creek woman was killed in a wreck Wednesday morning.

Alabama State Troopers say the two-vehicle wreck happened at approximately 7:45 a.m. and claimed the life of Shiloe Wiegers, 42. They say she was killed when the Honda Civic she was driving failed to yield the right away from a stop sign to a Ford F250.

Wiegers died at the scene of the wreck, which happened at the intersection of Franklin County 75 and Franklin County 724, about two miles east of Russellville.

Troopers continue to investigate.
Regarding the Ministry of Public Securitys proposal to install cameras and impose fines for traffic violations on highways, experts said this should have been done a long time ago.

Vu Anh Tuan from the Vietnam-Germany University said that, in developed countries, information technology, specifically road cameras, are used to monitor traffic.

With cameras, traffic violations such as overspeeding, running a red light or wrong-way driving can be detected accurately, which minimizes conflicts and disagreements between people and policemen.

Studies on traffic behavior found that drivers violations are typically speeding, driving the wrong way, or running a red light.

If the behaviors can be supervised with road camera systems and strictly punished, people will be aware that all of their violations will be recorded and they wont be able to escape penalties.

Khuat Viet Hung, executive deputy chair of the National Traffic Safety Committee, said the camera installation on highways needs to be implemented per the governments Resolution 12. This means that this work must be implemented and fulfilled in 2019-2021.

Nguyen Van Thanh, former chair of the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association, said that Vietnam should have installed cameras to supervise traffic and impose fines a long time ago.

I proposed installing cameras when I was chair of the association. Installing cameras and applying fines is not only transparent, but also helps reduce the number of policemen on site, Thanh said.

He went on to say that to ensure transparency, the management of data from cameras must be supervised strictly. All the data must be transmitted to the Traffic Police Department.

He also stressed that the data about penalties must be shown to the offenders soon so they don't continue making violations with a fine of up to hundreds of millions of dong.

This happens when they repeat the same violations, and the violations accumulate for one or two years and they are only informed about the fine when they go to register vehicles, he said.

Lowering costs, simplifying procedures for ownership transfer

According to Tuan, developed countries have more favorable conditions to install cameras and impose fines than Vietnam because they control vehicles more strictly.

In Vietnam, in many cases, vehicles change hands many times, but procedures on ownership transfer are not followed. Therefore, it is difficult to trace traffic violators.

Tuan thinks the state should apply policies to encourage people to fulfill procedures by offering ownership transfer fee reductions and simplifying procedures.

Vu Diep

Traffic accidents claim 6,700 lives this year A total of 14,510 traffic accidents happened across Vietnam this year to December 23, killing 6,700 people and injuring 10,804 others, the National Traffic Safety Committee has revealed.
China played down on Wednesday World Health Organization (WHO) concern about a delay in authorisation for a visit by team of experts looking into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, saying arrangements were being worked out.

The head of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said on Tuesday he was very disappointed that China had not authorised the entry of the team for the investigation, which he said was a WHO priority. We are eager to get the mission underway as soon as possible, he said.

The coronavirus disease was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and has since spread around the world.

Much remains unknown about its origins and China has been sensitive about any suggestion it could have done more in the early stages of the pandemic to stop it.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, told a regular news briefing in Beijing that the problem was not just about visas for the team.

Asked about reports that the dates had been agreed upon, she said there had been a misunderstanding and the two sides were still in discussions over the timing and other arrangements and remain in close communication.

Theres no need to overinterpret this, she said.

Chinas experts were also busy dealing with a renewed spurt of coronavirus infections, with many locations entering a wartime footing to stop the virus, she said.

The delay by Chinese authorities fuels concern that Beijing is obstructing international efforts to trace the origins of a pandemic that has now killed over 1.8 million people worldwide.

The 10-strong team of international experts had been due to set off in early January as part of a long-awaited mission to investigate early cases of the disease.

China has been seeking to shape the narrative about when and where the pandemic began, with senior diplomat Wang Yi saying more and more studies showed that it emerged in multiple regions.

WHO emergencies chief Mike Ryan has previously called this highly speculative.

China has also dismissed criticism of its handling of early cases although some including US President Donald Trump have questioned its actions during the outbreak.

The WHO, too, has been criticised for being too deferential to China through the course of the pandemic, and has been blamed by other countries for initially downplaying the severity of the crisis. Trump said last year that the superpower would terminate its relationship with the WHO unless it demonstrated independence from China. The US President also called for a transparent investigation and criticised the terms under which Chinese experts conducted a first phase of research.

The mission is due to be led by Peter Ben Embarek, the WHOs top expert on animal diseases that cross the species barrier, who went to China on a preliminary mission last July.
(Newser)  With one upcoming guest host of Jeopardy! embroiled in a bit of online controversy, a second has just been announced. Sources tell the Los Angeles Times that Katie Couric has been selected to fill a one-week slot in Alex Trebek's place in the wake of his November death at the age of 80 from cancer. Per the New York Post, Trebek's final appearance, which he filmed in October, will air on Friday, and Jeopardy! champ Ken Jennings will serve as the first guest host starting Monday. It's not clear for how long Jennings, 46, will hold onto the reins, or when Couric will start her stint.

story continues below

The show's producers announced after Trebek's death that they haven't yet chosen a permanent replacement for the longtime host, so the guest hosts (and there may be more to come) will hold down the fort until a final selection is made. As for the credentials of the 64-year-old Couric, she's best known as the popular co-anchor of NBC's Today show, which she helmed from 1991 to 2006. Meanwhile, Trebek's final episode on Friday will feature "a special tribute to the life and work of the man who captained America's Favorite Quiz Show with skill, style, and sophistication for 36+ years," reads a statement from Sony Pictures Television, which produces the show, per the Post. (Read more Katie Couric stories.)
President Donald Trump, accused by Democrats and Republicans of inciting an insurrection of the U.S. Capitol, faces a second impeachment by the House of Representatives.

Several House Democrats on Thursday announced that they had drafted articles of impeachment just as Trump administration officials told reporters that the Cabinet had been discussing Trumps removal by invoking the 25th Amendment.

The impeachment resolution, led by Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, was cosponsored by Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and a handful of other Democrats as of Thursday afternoon. At least one Republican, Sen. Mitt Romney, largely agrees with the core message Democrats delivered in the articles of impeachment: that Trump engaged in impeachable high crimes and misdemeanors by willfully inciting violence against the government of the United States.

Articles of Impeachment for introduction, so proud of everyone co-leading this effort with us.



We need to move quickly to remove this President from office. pic.twitter.com/vbZtA7g6fc  Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 7, 2021

The drafters noted that Trump addressed a crowd of his supporters just as Vice President Mike Pence presided over a joint session of Congress set to certify Joe Bidens Electoral College victory on Wednesday. Pence had previously alerted Congress that he would fulfill his constitutional duty and announce Bidens winning tally instead of caving to pressure from Trump and his Republican allies to try to overturn the election.

Trump, who had encouraged his followers to amass in Washington, D.C., saying it would be wild, reiterated false claims to the crowd, telling them We won this election and we won it by a landslide, the House Democrats note.

He also willfully made statements that encouraged  and foreseeably resulted in  imminent lawless action at the Capitol, according to the articles of impeachment. Incited by President Donald Trump, a mob unlawfully breached the Capitol, injured law enforcement personnel, menaced members of congress and the vice president, interfered with the join sessions solemn constitutional duty to certify the election results, and engaged in violent, deadly, destructive and seditious acts.

News of the articles of impeachment came just after Sen. Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, said Trump shouldnt be president for one day longer and called for Trumps removal by 25th amendment or impeachment.

Democrats, who control the House and will soon control the Senate after tight wins in a pair of runoffs in Georgia, would seek at least a repeat vote from the lone Republican senator who sought to convict Trump the first time he was impeached: Romney.

Romney said Wednesday that there may not be enough time to complete impeachment proceedings, and when asked about invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump, he said he thought we have to hold our breath for the next 20 days, Bloomberg reported.

But in a speech that drew applause from both sides of the aisle late Wednesday night, Romney, a frequent Trump critic, delivered a message in lock step with the House Democrats calling for impeachment. The former Massachusetts governor described Wednesdays scene as an insurrection caused by a sore loser in the president and fueled by election fraud falsehoods propagated by members of his own party.

We gather due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of supporters who he deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning, he said. What happened here today was an insurrection incited by the president of the United States.

Romney warned that many Republicans, some of whom persisted Wednesday in challenging the certification of Bidens win, would be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack on our democracy. Fairly or not, they will be remembered for their role for this shameful episode in American history.

The Democrat-controlled House previously impeached Trump last year on charges that he withheld military aid to Ukraine while pressuring the Ukrainian president to dig up dirt on the Democrat who eventually beat him: President-elect Joe Biden. The GOP-controlled Senate voted to acquit him.

Related Content:
Conservative Democrat Vernon Jones becomes a Republican and joins the GOP through a tweet posted on Wednesday evening,

"Moments ago, I announced that I am officially joining the Republican Party," read the first part of his tweet, The Blaze reported.

"Now more than ever, the Republican Party is in desperate need of leaders that know how to fight," he revealed. "I know how to fight."

In addition to this, The Blaze presented that Jones' decision was borne from his experience of the Georgia runoffs and of the national scale wherein the Georgia Representative saw the Republican's "need to support each other" and to reach out to African-Americans.

"They have not learned that yet. Loeffler nor Perdue put together a real stiff team to go after the African American vote," he revealed in an interview with Newsmax. "I did not see a significant effort for the African-American community in terms of voter get out for the Republican candidates."

"The face of the Republican party is going to be African-American men. African-American men, 2 million more voted for the president. The president has cracked the wall on getting African-American men votes," he stressed.

Jones observed during the Georgia runoffs that the Republicans lacked unity unlike the Democrats and this lack has become a liability to the party. He said that this divide has even lead to the Democrats winning in Georgia.

"You and I and others know there has been a split with the leadership of the Republicans, including with the president," Jones told Newsmax in an interview.

"Georgia's still a red state, it's not a blue state. What you've seen happen is you've seen the Democrats more organized and run as a pack. We have not seen that on the Republican side," he stressed.

Despite being a Democrat, Jones have been actively campaigning for Republican senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in the same way he did President Donald Trump for re-election in April of 2019.

Christianity Daily actually earlier reported that Jones wanted the Republican senators to win to prevent socialism from taking over America "and to ensure that the police are not defunded."

"This whole thing has been riddled with irregularities," Jones said, referring to the U.S. elections. "So more people who want to seek transparency should vote than those who allowed those background deals to take place and those who allowed this election to have irregularities and not speaking out about it."

His support of the Republicans have brought him much criticism among Democrats. Republicans, on the other hand, approve his actions.

"We love @RepVernonJones! #MAGA" Tweeted Trump's 2020 Senior Advisor Jason Miller in appreciation of Jones who really attends the campaign rallies for Loeffler and Perdue aside from tweeting about them and the Trump Campaign.

"To big cheers from the Dalton crowd, @RepVernonJones calls for an expansion of Georgia's new hate-crimes law to cover political ideology--specifically, he said, Trump backers wearing MAGA hats. 'Hold the line for Georgia--we mean business,' he thunders from the stage," cited AJC Political Reporter Greg Bluestein on the campaign rally last Tuesday in his Twitter account.

Jones explained, as per The Blaze, that his sensationalized endorsement of Trump last April came from his appreciation of the president's good economic handling and criminal justice reform.
Yaound, Jan 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jan, 2021 ) :Four soldiers and a civilian were killed Wednesday when an official convoy was hit by makeshift explosives in a restive English-speaking region of Cameroon, the government said.

A government spokesman blamed "separatist terrorists" for the killings in the Northwest province, where Anglophone separatists are fighting for independence.

The official whose convoy was apparently targeted was unhurt, spokesman Rene Emmanuel Sadi said in a statement.

Three other people were wounded in the attack, which occurred just before 1:00 am local (0000 GMT) near the town of Mbengwi.

The convoy comprising the local prefect and other officials was on the way back from a ceremony when it was "ambushed by separatists armed with makeshift explosives", Sadi said.

In Anglophone Cameroon, the army and separatist groups have been fighting each other for three years.

Civilians are frequently caught between the warring sides and are victims of crimes and abuses on both sides, according to international NGOs and the UN.

As well as attacks targeting police officers and soldiers, the armed separatists -- nicknamed "Amba Boys" -- are increasingly kidnapping civilians, especially students and teachers who they accuse of teaching French.

They have also murdered inhabitants who they suspect of "collaborating" with Yaounde.

More than 3,000 people have been killed and at least 700,000 have fled their homes since October 2017, when militants declared independence in two western regions of the country where English speakers are a majority.

The declaration has not been recognised internationally.
Health systems in countries such as South Africa are invariably characterised by a mix of public authorities with wider social obligations and private arrangements, such as insurance and service provision, responsive to individual demand and need.

Professor Alex van den Heever, chair, Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies at the Wits School of Governance.

So, what did the pandemic reveal about the South African health system?

Getting the public and private sectors to serve the public interest depends on the conscious organisation of the health system by the state. Naive policy debates however tend to fixate on simplistic distinctions between public sectors, assumed to be virtuous by nature, and private sectors, assumed to be driven exclusively by transactional values.For a considerable time in South Africa it has been evident that public authorities do not naturally act in the public interest. Far from being inherently virtuous, they are highly susceptible to capture by private interests where institutional designs fail to avoid this possibility. A poorly designed public health system will reflect the worst of all worlds. It will serve private interests without any of the benefits of a private market.However, in the absence of a well-designed regulatory framework, private systems will also fall short of the achievement of wider social goals. Unregulated private health markets suffer from market failures that remove many of the positive outcomes markets can deliver. Three deviations from competitive markets serve as explanation.First, the need for health insurance interrupts the relationship between household budget constraints and the cost of healthcare services leading to supplier-induced demand.Second, market-related incentives do not exist to offer relevant information on the quality of health services to users, thereby removing product quality as a basis for informed consumer choice.Third, health insurance product complexity impairs the ability of consumers to make informed decisions about their choice of insurer, perverting the incentives for efficient healthcare service purchasing.As noted by the Health Market Inquiry the South African private health system reflects all the expected outcomes arising from the failure of government to regulate for the above well-understood weaknesses.Despite these market failures the private health system has important features useful to any future organisation of the health system. First, it has substantial assets in the form of facilities equipment and a relatively well organised and trained workforce. Second, it has capable organisations and institutions that contribute towards its resilience and adaptability as a sector.First, the public health system has fewer critical care beds than the private sector, despite having more overall beds. This is largely due to the closure of hospital-based services in the public sector from 1994 to the present in the absence of any national public hospital strategy. Remarkably, in March 2020 the public sector did not even have an inventory of public and private facilities despite running all public facilities and licensing all private facilities.Furthermore, apart from the Western Cape, the public hospital system was not even able to report on Covid-19 hospital activities to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD). The private health system however reported all Covid-19 hospital activities to the NICD from 1 April 2020. According to the NICD the private hospital system also treated more Covid-19 patients than the public health system.If the excess death information reported by the South African Medical Research Council accurately reflects Covid-19 deaths, then thousands of public sector patients were either not treated or not reported. Irrespective, were it not for the substantial capabilities of the private hospital system all the private patients would have required accommodation in the plainly fragile public hospital system.Second, operating through the centralised state laboratory services the public health system at no point exceeded the Covid-19 testing capacity of the private health system. The public system was also apparently unable to implement a coordinated testing and tracing strategy that utilised the combined capabilities of the public and private sectors. Testing and tracing therefore never formed part of a strategy to suppress transmission at times when prevalence was low.Third, the rampant corruption in the procurement of Covid-19 supplies by provincial governments derives from the patronage-based governance design of the public health system where posts and tenders are exchanged for political advancement and kick-backs. Patronage-based systems occur where political office-bearers are able to capture the appointment, procurement and licensing decisions of public organisations. In South Africa this has led to the collapse of performance at all levels of government.The pandemic has therefore revealed nothing surprising about the South African health system. The failure to regulate either the public or private systems properly is arguably causally related to the patronage model of governance that has depleted the capabilities of the state. Unfortunately, all evidence suggests that for the foreseeable future no meaningful reform of the health system will occur aside from populist rhetoric about the un-implementable National Health Insurance.
President-elect Joe Biden has chosen Merrick Garland to fill in the position of attorney general on Wednesday for his incoming administration, according to sources familiar with the attorney general nomination.

Garland is a federal appeals court judge who was snubbed by the Republicans for a seat on the Supreme Court on 2016, according to an Associated Press News report.

Biden is asking for help to an experienced job who was at senior positions at the Justice Department decades ago. This includes a supervisor of the prosecution of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.

Biden choosing Garland will force Senate Republicans to fight with the nomination of someone they spurned four years ago. However, Biden is betting on Garland's credential and reputation for moderation to ensure confirmation.

Biden is expected to release the news of Garland's appointment on Thursday. This will also include announcement for other senior leaders of the department.

Lisa Monaco is seen to be the deputy attorney general. Monaco is a former homeland security adviser.

Related story: Supreme Court Nominee Merrick Garland Scores Hispanic National Bar Association Endorsement





Meanwhile, former Department civil rights chief Vanita Gupta is seen to be nominated by Biden as associate attorney general. Biden will also choose an assistant attorney general for civil rights, which would be Kristen Clarke, who is the president of Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

It is expected that confirming Garland as attorney general would likely be an easier path with Democrats expected to win a Senate majority after winning the Georgia senate races, according to an NBC News report.

Merrick Garland

Garland is a veteran jurist and a moderate. He is seen as someone who could help restore the Justice Department's independence, which is Biden's priority after criticism that President Donald Trump has put too much influence over the department.

Biden would also appoint a younger judge to replace Garland on the critical D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Earlier reports showed that Biden has also been considering former Alabama Sen. Doug Jones and Sally Yates to be attorney general.

Garland came into the spotlight in 2016 after former President Barack Obama nominated him to fill the Supreme Court vacancy that was left open after the death of conservative jurist Antonin Scalia.

However, Senate Republicans at the time refused to even hold a hearing for Garland.

Trump then nominated Neil Gorusch for Scalia's seat. Gorusch then was confirmed in the position in 2017.

Once in the position, Garland would be responsible for criminal justice, Biden said that will focus on issues of racial justice, according to The Hill report.

Aside from Obama, former President Bill Clinton also nominated Garland to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, which he was confirmed in the position in 1997.

Garland then became the chief judge of the panel, which has influence next to Supreme Court in 2013, according to a Bloomberg report.

"People need to be reassured that the government can be trusted, that the Justice Department can be trusted and that we have a system where no one person is above the law," Donald Ayer was quoted on a report.

Ayer served as a deputy attorney general during former President George H.W. Bush's administration.

Related story: Ginsburg Makes History, First Woman to Lie in State at U.S. Capitol





Sleeping in the car is looming as the only option for stranded Victorians who have spent thousands on emergency accommodation in NSW on top of the rent for homes they can't get to because of the border closure.

Seddon couple Juliet Brown, 26 and Cameron Reiss, 27 are stuck in limbo in regional NSW with their cat Ernie as they chip away at their savings while paying for their empty home in Melbourne's inner west.

Cameron Reiss, Juliet Brown and Ernie the cat.

After visiting family in Sydney after a long year in lockdown the couple planned to spend two weeks in what was then the "green zone" of NSW. Ernie suffers from a neurological condition which means he had to come along on the trip.

But the couple's plan was dashed when the hard border went up over New Year's Eve.
ALPHA, N.J., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OMID Holdings, Inc. (OTC Pink: OMID), a publicly-traded health and wellness company, today seeks to provide an update to shareholders.



"In the past year, OMID has made significant progress in its stated goals, overcoming the many obstacles and challenges that defined 2020," stated Adam Frank, OMID's Chairman and CEO. "As a newly-listed organization, it was my primary objective to build confidence in the viability of our business as well as my overall commitment to shareholders. I believe that the financial statements will continue to validate these combined efforts."



"In my Letter to Shareholders  published in February, 2020  I made a commitment to expand our sales channels and increase our marketing activities. We achieved these objectives in part through acquiring Peac Labs, our newest brand; investing in our manufacturing capabilities, introducing new products; and establishing a manufacturing contract with one of our private label customers. One final item that I committed to was capitalizing on new opportunities."



"Many of our shareholders have inquired about the recent successful vote in favor of recreational marijuana in New Jersey. I cannot make a concrete commitment about our involvement due to uncertainties with the yet-to-be-written rules and regulations for the industry; however, I can certainly confirm my intention to pursue the recreational market as an additional revenue stream with the potential to readily integrate into our current operations."



About OMID Holdings, Inc.



OMID Holdings, Inc. is a publicly-traded (OTC Pink: OMID) health and wellness company which owns and operates a manufacturing facility in Alpha, New Jersey. The headquarters is FDA-registered and Food Grade Certified for production within its clean room environment. The company is currently focused on the development, manufacture, and sale of hemp-based products for private label and in-house brands. For more information about the company, please visit https://omidholdingsinc.com/ .



Safe Harbor Act: Forward-Looking Statements are included within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, including words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

+1 908-386-2880

[email protected]

SOURCE OMID Holdings, Inc.

Related Links

https://omidholdingsinc.com



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TORONTO, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K; NYSE:KGC) (the Company) will release its 2020 fourth-quarter and full-year financial statements and operating results on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, after market close. The Company will also provide its full-year 2021 guidance, mineral reserve and mineral resource statement as of December 31, 2020, and an exploration and project update. Kinross will hold a conference call and audio webcast on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 8 a.m. ET to present the results, followed by a question-and-answer session.



The call-in numbers for the conference call on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 8 a.m. ET are as follows:

Canada & US toll-free  +1 (833) 968-2237; Passcode: 9694745

Outside of Canada & US  +1 (825) 312-2059; Passcode: 9694745

Replay (available up to 14 days after the call):

Canada & US toll-free  +1 (800) 585-8367; Passcode: 9694745

Outside of Canada & US  +1 (416) 621-4642; Passcode: 9694745

You may also access the conference call on a listen-only basis via webcast at our website www.kinross.com. The audio webcast will be archived on www.kinross.com.

Kinross' quarterly reporting schedule for the remainder of 2021 will be as follows:

Q1 2021  Tuesday, May 11, 2021; financial statements and operating results will be released after market close. A conference call and audio webcast will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 7:45 a.m. ET.



 Tuesday, May 11, 2021; financial statements and operating results will be released after market close. A conference call and audio webcast will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 7:45 a.m. ET. Annual Meeting of Shareholders  Wednesday, May 12, 2021; the meeting will be held at 10 a.m. ET.



 Wednesday, May 12, 2021; the meeting will be held at 10 a.m. ET. Q2 2021  Wednesday, July 28, 2021; financial statements and operating results will be released after market close. A conference call and audio webcast will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 8 a.m. ET.



 Wednesday, July 28, 2021; financial statements and operating results will be released after market close. A conference call and audio webcast will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 8 a.m. ET. Q3 2021  Wednesday, November 10, 2021; financial statements and operating results will be released after market close. A conference call and audio webcast will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 8 a.m. ET.

About Kinross Gold Corporation

Kinross is a Canadian-based senior gold mining company with mines and projects in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Ghana, Mauritania, and Russia. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC).

Media Contact

Louie Diaz

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

phone: 416-369-6469

louie.diaz@kinross.com

Investor Relations Contact

Tom Elliott

Senior Vice-President, Investor Relations

phone: 416-365-3390

tom.elliott@kinross.com

Source: Kinross Gold Corporation

NEW DELHI (AP)  As the coronavirus tears through India, night watchman Sagar Kumar thinks constantly about getting vaccines for himself and his family of five amid critical shortages of shots in the country. But even if he knew how to get one, it wouldnt be easy.


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Former President Pranab Mukherjee has revealed in his memoir that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "earned and achieved" the prime ministership "through popular choice" unlike his predecessor Manmohan Singh.

Singh "was offered the post by Sonia Gandhi," he wrote. Detailing several big decisions and events in India during the five years of his tenure as President, Mukherjee in his memoir called "The Presidential years, 2012-2017" offered a ringside view of Indian politics and political leaders and also talked about India-Pakistan relations.

The 197-page book he completed before his death last year was released on January 5 and contains 11 chapters.

Also Read: Don't publish Pranab book, says son; 'cheap publicity', says daughter

"The route to prime ministership for the two PMs I worked with was very different. Dr (Manmohan) Singh was offered the post by Sonia Gandhi; she had been chosen as the prime ministerial candidate by the Congress Parliamentary Party and other constituents of the UPA, but she declined the offer," Mukherjee wrote in his memoir. However, he noted that Singh possessed "determination", "a strong sense of propriety", and a "steely willpower."

Praises for PM Modi

Heaping praises on PM Modi, Mukherjee wrote, "He (Singh) did well as a PM. Modi, on the other hand, became PM through popular choice after leading the BJP to a historic victory in 2014. He is a politician to the core and had been named the BJP's prime ministerial candidate as the party went into campaign mode. He was then Gujarat's CM and had built an image that seemed to click with the masses. He has earned and achieved the prime ministership."

The late President said that (PM) Modi made an impression on him during his first meeting itself when the PM-designate met him officially along with some senior BJP leaders to stake claim to form the government.

"I congratulated Modi, who requested for some time to speak with me. Using a newspaper clipping that had reported on my earlier speech (2014 Republic Day address) hoping for a politically stable mandate, he asserted that he had achieved the objective of a clear majority that I had envisaged," Mukherjee wrote adding that "thereafter, he requested for a week's time before the swearing-in ceremony. I was surprised at his request. He insisted that he needed time to address the issue of his successor in his home state, Gujarat. He, however, confirmed to me that he had no such problems in cabinet formation at the Centre."

Also Read: 'Left an indelible mark on India's growth': PM Modi, President Kovind honour Pranab Mukherjee

Camaraderie with PM Modi

Further talking about PM Modi, Mukherjee said that despite being a Congressman all his life, he, as President, enjoyed "very cordial relations" with the former during his tenure. Such was the extent of his camaraderie with the prime minister that Mukherjee even used to have discussions with PM Modi before he embarked on an overseas visit. The prime minister would also send him a written note detailing the focal points of relations with the particular country.

"He would send me a letter in which the core points of our bilateral relations were mentioned. It was a practice initiated by PM Modi," the late President disclosed. He added that ahead of his visit to Russia in 2015, he was advised by the prime minister to have "detailed discussions with (President Vladimir) Putin on aspects ranging from civil nuclear cooperation and space to the process of delivering defence hardware, including Sukhoi-30 and other sensitive equipment, as well as higher education."

Intriguingly, the late President expected a "hung Parliament" in 2014 with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with around 195-200 seats. Mukherjee revealed that he was even preparing to invite Congress to form the government even when it had lesser seats but assured a stable regime.

"It would have been my constitutional responsibility to ensure stability. Had the Congress emerged with fewer seats but promised a stable government, I would have invited the leader of the party to form the government, keeping in mind their previous track record in managing coalition governments successfully," he wrote in his memoir.

"This would have been in contravention of the convention established by the former president, Shankar Dayal Sharma, of inviting the single-largest party to form the government. He had invited Vajpayee to form the government after a hung House in 1996, despite lack of clarity on Vajpayee's numbers. I was convinced even before the 2014 elections that I would not be neutral between stability and instability," Mukherjee added.

As per him, he was "greatly relieved over the decisive mandate" but was disappointed at the same over his "one-time party's performance."

Congress leadership

Talking about the leadership of Congress President Sonia Gandhi, the late President was of the view that she failed to manage party affairs appropriately. He said that since (Manmohan) Singh stayed away from the House for a long time, MPs lost contact with the party and the Congress leadership could not demonstrate its capability in challenging times. Mukherjee stated that Sonia Gandhi also failed to handle Maharashtra's leadership crisis.

Also Read: 'Party leadership lost focus': Pranab Mukherjee blames Sonia, Manmohan for 2014 defeat in memoir

India-Pakistan relations

Sharing his opinion on India and Pakistan relations, the late President suggested that the former needs to tackle the latter through "deft handling" instead of "romanticising its political approach".

"India must pursue its Pakistan-related policies with utmost care and deft handling, and not through romanticising its political approach,"

Mukherjee added that India gained a little by "over-talking" about the surgical strikes of 2016.

The late President said that such strikes by Indian forces across the border have been "normal military operations in response to Pakistan's continued aggression" and that "there is really no need to over-publicise them."

He further stated that PM Modi's surprise visit to Lahore to attend the birthday of the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter was "unnecessary and uncalled for" in the wake of prevailing conditions in India-Pakistan relations at that time.

Mukherjee added that it would be in India's interests to continue engagement with Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The Ben auctioning rare whiskies to support drinks industry workers in Scotland

Scottish charity The Ben is auctioning off a collection of rare and exclusive whiskies to raise funds for drinks industry workers hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among the lots donated to the auction, which is being hosted by Whisky Auctioneer, are a Glendronach PX single cask, a rare 22-year-old Hazelburn, a bottle of the first-ever single cask from Ardnamurchan distillery signed by Alex Bruce, and 25 bottles of Ardbeg 14 Years Old from Whisky Cellar. A number of virtual events, including a tasting with Glenfarclas, are also going under the hammer.

The Ben, which gives financial assistance to people who have worked in the licensed trade, has itself been affected by the pandemic and hopes to use the auction to raise much-needed funds to continue its work. All money raised from the auction will go to help licensed trade staff.

Bidding opened for the virtual auction on whiskyauctioneer.com in December and is open until 7pm on Monday, 11 January. It follows the success of the Ambassadors' Collection auctions, which in the past two years have raised thousands of pounds for The Ben.

The Whisky Ambassadors said: "The Scottish hospitality industry is what makes Scotland a great place to visit. Our pubs and hotels are legendary, we hear it first hand every time we attend whisky shows across the world. The whisky industry has always worked closely with hotels and pubs across Scotland.

"When Covid hit we could not begin to understand the stress it would put on our friends and colleagues within the hospitality sector. This year, more than ever before, we had to help. That is why Whisky Ambassadors from across the UK collaborated, at short notice, to generously donate one-of-one editions, single cask bottlings, virtual tasting experiences and bottles signed by industry celebrities to raise awareness and funds for The Ben in Scotland."

John Hutchison, president of The Ben, said: "The Ben works tirelessly to help disadvantaged colleagues from the hospitality sector; 2020 has been one of the hardest years for our sector and as a consequence we have helped a record number of beneficiaries. The financial impact on us as a charity is significant, and all monies raised from this auction will go straight to helping individuals in Scotland."

Iain McClune, founder of Whisky Auctioneer, added: "Never has there been a more important time to form partnerships and support those in need in the hospitality industry. We're proud to host the auction of these charity lots, which include an impressive collection of liquid and some incredible once-in-a-lifetime whisky experiences."

7 January 2021 - Bethany Whymark
The government plans to launch a WhatsApp chatbot to address queries regarding the Covid-19 vaccination, people familiar with the matter said. The queries can be sent on the number 9013151515 with the message say vaccine, they added. The project is at the pilot stage and is being used to respond to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the vaccination.

Once the chatbot is fully developed and launched, people will be able to get information about the nearest locations where they can get vaccinated, the number of doses, and when they will need to be administered.

The algorithms are done. We are just identifying the maximum number of possible queries before the launch, an official said.

Also read | 15 more test +ve for new UK Covid strain, total 73

The Drugs Controller General of India on Sunday announced that it has approved Covaxin, Bharat Biotech International Limiteds locally developed vaccine for Covid-19, and Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in India by the Serum Institute of India. The immunisation roll-out will begin with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

The Centre has faced criticism for prematurely rolling out Covaxin without the completion of its phase III trials.

As per the chatbots FAQ section, the vaccine will be introduced in the country only after regulatory bodies clear it based on its safety and efficacy.

The 13-page document addresses key issues, including who will get the vaccine first, whether those who have recovered from Covid-19 need the vaccine, and how vaccines are chosen for administration. It underlines the vaccination is mandatory.

Once the chatbot is fully functional, it will be linked to the Co-WIN app and be able to provide real-time data, the official cited above said.

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Illinois newest member of Congress faces widespread backlash after quoting Nazi leader Adolf Hitler at a political rally Tuesday before violence broke out Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, who represents the 15th Congressional District in southeastern Illinois, addressed a crowd at the Moms for America rally. She said: Hitler was right on one thing, whoever has the youth has the future.

Miller was in Washington, D.C., to contest the election results before rioting and looting broke out at the Capitol. Miller eventually voted in favor of objecting to the results from Arizona.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is Jewish, did not hold back when addressing the comments at a COVID-19 news conference Wednesday.

Let me be clear, Hitler got nothing right, Pritzker said. This reprehensible rhetoric has no place in our politics.

Pritzker said Miller needed to visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center.

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider, who announced last month that he is stepping down, said Millers comments were disgusting.

That language is wrong and disgusting, he said. We urge Congresswoman Miller to apologize.

Jonathan Greenblatt, the head of the Anti-Defamation League, said invoking (Hitlers) name in this or any other context is widely offensive and disrespects the millions who perished due to the Nazis hateful, genocidal regime.

State Rep. Jonathan Carroll of Northbrook also condemned Millers statements.

Im in complete shock that our newest Congresswoman from Illinois would quote one of the worst monsters in our worlds history, Carroll said. Maybe she should educate herself as to the context of that quote and how hurtful this is to my community and the impact of Hitlers efforts.

Miller easily won the November race for the 15th Congressional District vacated by retiring state Rep. John Shimkus and vowed to stand with President Donald Trump by objecting to what she calls the tainted election results.
It has been less than one week since Hamilton County gave the first dose of the COVID vaccine and it has been less than one week since Hamilton County was given the greatest jolt of reality that any of us anywhere in the United States could ever imagine. Nobody was ready for the magnitude of what was going to happen and the very first thing you need to know is that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has just ranked Tennessee as No. 3 in the country on the list of states vaccinating the fastest.

It is not a hard reach to find that of the 95 counties in Tennessee, not one is faster in getting the vaccine into citizens arms than the Hamilton County Health Department. And then there is this: If you could know what the people of Hamilton County have done since that first ungainly start -- this in less than one week, mind you  we would all begin to cry in gratitude.

In the last two days, the Health Department has given every dose of a 2,000 allotment that didnt even arrive until Monday. I joyously believe that not one city and not another state in America can make that claim. Yet that is small potatoes, brother. According to a variety of sources, by this time next week Hamilton County will have a huge inoculation center in place with parking for well over 2,000 cars.

The center will have ample rest rooms, easy access, and every amenity you can imagine, that will deliver over 2,000 doses of vaccine on any given day. As this is written, software is being expedited to allow a reservation process that could begin as early as the middle of next week, or  to use a catch line  in just six days.

Within several weeks it is conceivable there will be no lines, no need to arrive at 4 a.m. in hope of being given the vaccine. There will be room to wait comfortably those 30 minutes after the vaccine is given to guard against allergic reactions.

What I am telling you is that nowhere in the United States will have Hamilton Countys equal by next week. And again, I must emphasize  It. Has. Just. Been. Six. Days.  since heath officials all over America realized all 50 states were in this way over our heads.

Are you realizing the enormity of this miracle? But, wait  it gets so good it will boggle your mind.

Obviously, you want to know where our super center will be. The location will be announced Thursday or Friday. The best location is the Alstom testing site on Riverfront Parkway, but there is a lack of sufficient parking. Obviously, that will remain as a seven-day-a-week testing location. Logic will then demand that the only place in the county with that much readily available parking is Volkswagen at Enterprise South.

You say there is no building, yet if you were to call the Pentagon, you would find out some military logistical secrets. With todays modern technology and emergency resources, the United States has the wherewithal to plop down a durable tent-like structure, with adequate heat and air, that is big enough to hold a horse race. Modular support-buildings, rest-room facilities, telephone systems with the parking already there? Oh  figure somewhere in the vicinity of  just about six days.

Aint gonna work, the skeptics will cry. Thats too far away!  What, then waiting six hours in a car? You drive to Bonny Oaks to get your drivers license. This is less than 10 minutes from Hamilton Place. This aint no big grab. There isnt any bus service up there! Quick answer: Yet.

Then there are the strike teams, Whoa! Before Volkswagen falls prey to epilepsy, these strikers will be well organized groups of health department staff that will venture into specific areas all over the county to administer the vaccine. On Monday one such strike team hit Orange Grove, our renowned centers for the physically and mentally challenged. They even went to the centers group homes, and gave 300 doses of vaccine within a few hours.

You are going to hear a lot about the strike teams. The health department is working in collaboration with the federal government to provide vaccines of those who are physically unable to fare for themselves. The vaccine comes from the state but, understand, it is carefully allotted outside of the shipment for the general public, as any humanitarian can easily argue.

These strike teams will target certain areas where mitigating circumstances become necessary. Yes, as the vaccine becomes more plentiful  several manufacturers will join Pfizer and Moderna within short months  it will get better. Unbeknownst to you, over 300 organizations such as drug stores, emergency care clinics, doctors groups, and the like, have already applied with the state of Tennessee to become partners with county health departments and administer as well as give vaccinations.

The over-riding problem is availability of the vaccine. According to the CDC, the state of Tennessee has already distributed over 300,000 in-state and over 150,000 doses have been given (50.8 percent.) Why? Short answer: Other Tennessee counties lack the proficiency of Becky Barnes and the Hamilton County Health Department.

Some may have noticed that at 6:03 a.m. on Wednesday, the now-well oiled teamwork of the Hamilton Countys logistical services announced there were enough donors to meet the 1,000 doses that would be given when the infusion center at Chattanooga State opened at 9 a.m. This was a huge courtesy to the citizens of our county, especially since the vaccines are still limited to those 75 and older.

County Mayor Jim Coppinger explained: I fear we may have disappointed some people but it was far better for them to know than waiting in line. Everybody involved want to serve our citizens in the best possible way we can. You talk about the around-the-clock effort to do the right thing; it is amazing what has been accomplished. When we realized the moving parts of the puzzle, we brought in our Emergency Management people (bravo for Chris Adams), the National Guard, the sheriffs office, and every other resource we could imagine.

Point of clarity: When the tax split of 2013 occurred, the city of Chattanooga was relieved of any obligation to the Health Department. It is totally supported by the county. Surely you recognize the city has done precious little to help in the coronavirus pandemic in Chattanooga. The city took $1.6 million of coronavirus relief and gave its employees a one-time salary bonus. They just took $800,000 to help non-profits and while that is certainly noble, offered not a nickel to help ease the countys burdensome load to help in the care of 180,000 city residents. Not a nickel.

Just between us pigeons: The $1.6 million employee bonuses using COVID relief funds raised eyebrows all the way to Washington. Yesterday the City Council chunked $225,000 to the Tivoli and the Memorial Auditorium, $75,000 to the Forgotten Child Fund, $300,000 to small business relief, and $40,000 to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. At the same time, there were three new COVID deaths in Chattanooga, 525 new cases on Wednesday, with 205 patients hospitalized and 62 in Intensive Care Units. Ask me how were doing?

If you dont think we wouldnt save millions every year with some type of metro rule like Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis embraced long ago, then get in line with Chattanoogas City Council. These are the heartless dandies who blatantly ignore the fact that a rash of in-the-city-limits shootings in 2020 ended up at Erlanger Hospital and with each there is an indigent cost of $25,000 in the first 30 minutes. There is no known way for Erlanger to get a thin dime of it back but the city of Chattanooga budgets not a nickel for Erlanger year after year. Ask me how were doing?

When the city used $1.6 million of COVID money to give its employees raises, the County Commission was aghast. There is absolutely no way the county could do the same. At the Health Department, Barnes and her top lieutenants are salaried. They are not eligible for county-wide raises or bonuses. Instead, Becky must juggle a precarious budget with the necessity of hiring at least 100 hands-on nurses and medical practitioners to immediately step forward and meet the needs of a new super center that will come online next week.

Dont kid yourself; there are urgent requests to the Electric Power Board, the Tennessee-American Water Company, plumbers for the restrooms, carpenters, and engineers for HVAC, traffic specialists, you name it. Verizon says it is setting up a state-of-the-art telephone tower that can handle volume demands. Go ahead, run up there and take a look-see for yourself.

I am simply telling you that it took the Lord God six days to create the world as we know it and, in the exact same amount of time, the collective brilliance of Hamilton County has created a glistening jewel of a plan that will overwhelm any other efforts in all of Gods kingdom.

On New Years Eve our Hamilton Country Health Department couldnt herd a dozen goats. Since then, in just six days, they have emerged as a G.O.A.T alright: Greatest of All Time.

* * *

As of Wednesday night, it is not known when the next vaccine doses will arrive in Hamilton County. None have been scheduled for arrival on Thursday or Friday. If shipments arrive on Monday or Tuesday next week, these doses could be administered in the new inoculation center. Please check the Hamilton County Health Departments website regularly for updates. www.health.hamiltontn.org

royexum@aol.com
Bypass censorship by sharing this link:

(Natural News) Patrick Byrne posted a photo on Monday of Dominion Voting Machines sitting in a warehouse in Sacramento.

(Article by Jim Hoft republished from TheGatewayPundit.com)

All of the boxes have Made in China labels.

Dominion Machines: Made in China (Sacramento, CA) pic.twitter.com/mVNm6ghPmj  Patrick Byrne (@PatrickByrne) January 5, 2021

In 2019 NBC News warned that Dominion Computer parts were made in China.

Denver-based company, but parts are indeed made in China. We obviously shouldnt have been trusting these for our elections. https://t.co/lGbDtZ7FW8  Trump'sConscience (@c3t1p99) January 5, 2021

And China has a long history of including spyware in their products.

In 2016 China was accused of loading up to 700 million Android devices with pre-installed spyware.

Read more at: TheGatewayPundit.com and CommunistChina.news.
At least four people have been reported dead, according to latest reports, as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed US Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, overpowered security personnel to reach deep inside the building, forced lawmakers to shelter in place under desks and in rooms, and brought to a halt a key constitutional procedure that had just got under way to certify President-elect Joe Bidens election victory.

Clashes broke out between the insurrectionists and security personnel and several people were reported injured apart from the deaths. The injured include law enforcement personnel and dozens have been taken into custody.

They had been driven out of the building by late evening. But even though a nighttime curfew came into effect at 6pm, the mobs, though thinned down, continued to loiter around the complex, menacingly, hurling invectives at police.

To storm the Capitol, to smash windows, to occupy offices, and to threaten the safety of duly elected officials is not protest, Biden said in remarks to the nation. It is insurrection. The world is watching - and like so many other Americans, I am shocked and saddened that our nation, so long a beacon of light, hope, and democracy has come to such a dark moment.

Former President George W Bush, a Republican, also slammed the mob action as an insurrection, as did other Republicans such as Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Mitt Romney, also a 2012 presidential nominee.

Calls went up shortly for Trump to be impeached, even if there were just two more weeks left of his term, or be removed from office under the 25th Amendment of US constitution, which empowers the federal cabinet to sideline the president finding him unfit to govern.

Leading legal experts such as Lawrence Tribe, a Harvard law professor, told CNN that Trump had engaged in inciting sedition.

The world watched in horror as well. Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington, DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests, said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Disgraceful scenes in US Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a close Trump ally, tweeted.

Statements of shock and outrage flowed from capitals of other US allies and partners.

The rioters had marched to the Capitol from a rally nearby where Trump had railed against his election defeat, attributing it to fraud and cheating. And then he called on them to march on the Capitol, promising to walk with them.

Were going to walk down to the Capitol, and were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, Trump told his cheering supporters, referring to the certification process. And were probably not going to be cheering, so much for some of them because youll never take back our country with weakness, you have to show strength and you have to be strong.

But he did not walk with them. He went back to the White House to watch the mayhem on TV.

Men and women carrying Trump campaign flags and the national flag stormed the over 200-year-old Capitol, which was last breached in 1812 by the British in a war, overwhelming security personnel with their sheer numbers.

They made it to the well of the Senate and one of them posed for pictures sitting in the Senate presidents seat, which was occupied by Vice-President Pence just a while ago.

Another man went into Speaker Nancy Pelosis office, took her seat and posed for pictures with his feet up on her desk. One of them left a note for her, We will not back down.

US congress had just started a joint session at the time to certify Bidens election victory. And the two chambers had broken up to debate, separately under the rules, the first of the several objections Trumps allies in congress had planned to raise against the certification.

They were soon sheltering in place as rioters took over the building, forcing back Capitol police, some of whom were seen posing for selfies with the rioters. The process resumed later in the evening after the complex had been cleared of Trumps supporters.

Though shocked and outraged, leaders of both parties resolved to put forth a joint front to demonstrate they would not be intimidated and resumed the certification process later in the evening. They planned to continue the process as long as it would take, even if it meant going through the night.

As news of the insurrection spread, calls were issued for Trump, as the instigator and inciter, to intervene and call off his supporters. He ignored them for a while and then responded with an insipid tweet saying, Stay peaceful.

He posted another tweet and then, after a public appeal from Biden to step up, Trump posted a long message with a video, in which he reiterated his claim the election was stolen, appealed to the rioters to go home calling them patriots and saying he loved them.

Facebook took down that video and so did Twitter, which went a step further and locked the US presidents Twitter account for 12 hours.

This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trumps video. We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence, said Guy Rosen of Facebook.
The storming of the US Congress buildings in Washington DC by a mob of pro-Trump vandals was a thuggish attempt to overturn a free and fair election. Those involved must face a reckoning, including President Donald Trump himself.

It is important that all sides, including those once sympathetic to Mr Trump in Australia, accept the seriousness of what has happened and, worse, what might have happened.

This was not simply a random act of unrest that has cost at least four people their lives. Or even just a desecration of one of the sacred sites of world democracy. It was part of a plot to prevent president-elect Joe Biden taking office. Mr Biden rightly described it as an act bordering on sedition.

It came after two months in which Mr Trump has falsely claimed the election was stolen and refused to concede. At a protest outside the Congress on Tuesday, Mr Trump told the crowd again about his illegal strategy to stay in office.

The mob took this as incitement to disperse the joint sitting of Congress that had started inside and was about to certify the result of the November 3 election. Mr Trump, who had no hesitation last year in sending troops against Black Lives Matter protesters, did nothing to protect the Capitol from the mob he directed to its steps. Credible sources report Mr Trump rebuffed requests to deploy the National Guard.

A rare white Bengal tiger cub named Nieves (Snow) born at a zoo in Spain, Central America was rejected by its mother and is now being raised by humans. Just a week old, Nieves is a first-ever female of its kind, born to a yellow and black Bengal tiger which was rescued 5 years ago. Due to its unique appearance, the cub was rejected by the tigress and is now tended by Zoo director Eduardo Sacasa. Nieves was born white due to a recessive gene, which it inherited from the male tiger and its mother Dalila is now unable to produce the milk for the cub, according to BBC.

The female rescue tiger was taken in by the Zoo after she was abandoned by a circus. She mated with a white Bengal tiger under the captive breeding programme that resulted in the cubs distinctive features and skin colouration. However, the female cub Nieves appears to have inbred genetic deformities and isnt the only white cub in the zoo. Earlier at least two white male cubs Osma and Halime were welcomes by the Nicaragua zoo which was donated by a zoo in Mexico. However, the White Bengal tiger cub is the first-ever white tiger born within the country. The cub is now being tended with a milk bottle by the zoos caretaker Marina Arguello. While most cubs with inbreeding animosities are born with health issues, Nieves is a healthy tiger cub that feeds once every three hours.

Read: Musician With Multiple Talents Impresses People, Netizens Call Him 'best In World | WATCH

Read: 'Looks Gross': Man Cooks Pasta Using Blue Energy Drink, Netizens Call It 'blasphemy'

Zoo shares tiger cub-mother video

In a Facebook post, the zoo shared footage of the Royal Bengal tiger mother and the white cub relaxing. Birth of a White Bengal Tiger daughter of a pair of yellow Bengal Tigers but with white maternal grandfather, it informed in the caption. Viewers were amused at the beauty of the tiger infant as they wished both mother and the cub good health. What a precious little thing! Baby animals are the cutest, I loved watching it even though it's on video, one wrote. How many tigers do they have in labor? Asked another.  Doctor, that puppy is so tiny! How do you know the tiger was in a gestation condition if the puppy is so tiny compared to the size of the mother? Another enquired.

Read: Capitol Hill Siege Triggers 'not So Hilarious' Meme Fest, Netizens 'welcome 2021'

Read: Snakes Engage In Fight Leaving Netizens Intrigued, Internet In Awe Of 'great Footage'

Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment.
Reporter

Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey).
At least 64 Americans are now infected with 'super-covid,' according to a DailyMail.com tally.

Connecticut is the latest struck by the more infectious UK variant with one case in a person who recently traveled to Ireland and another who traveled to New York testing positive. Both people are between 15 and 25 and live in New Haven County.

Texas and Pennsylvania also each reported one first cases on Thursday, while a new federal CDC dashboard shows that Florida's cases of the highly contagious UK variant have exploded to 22.

The CDC says there may be more US cases than the 52 counted by its database, but that many have been confirmed by the federal agency, according to CNN.

California has at least 34 cases, with a cluster of 32 reported by San Diego County and two infections with the new variant reported by San Bernardino County.

A total of 38 US cases have been identified, including one in each Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia and New York, two in Colorado and 32 in California, where there is a cluster in San Diego.

At least seven states have cases of the B117 variant, a CDC official told DailyMail.com this earlier in this week. Today's reports from Texas and Pennsylvania bring the state count to seven but the official said it's likely to crop up in others in the coming weeks.

The Texas case is a person in Harris County who has no recent travel history, suggesting the variant is silently spreading in the county, and perhaps the state.

The Pennsylvania case is a person in Dauphin County who tested positive for the new variant after a 'known international exposure,' said Dr Rachel Levine, Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on Thursday.

It comes as the US records its deadliest day on record with nearly 4,000 fatalities reported Wednesday. More than 250,000 new cases were reported yesterday.

Nonetheless, federal authorities have done little to step up efforts to monitor and stem outbreaks of the new variant, which has caused a surge of infections in the UK and sent the nation into its strictest set of lockdowns yet.

Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Texas all reported their first cases of the more infectious 'super-covid' variant from the UK, on Thursday and the CDC reported that Florida has 22 cases, bringing the US total to 64, according to a DailyMail.com tally

Pennsylvania Health Commissioner Dr Rachel Levine said the state has been bracing for the arrival of the UK variant by getting up to 35 samples checked for it a week

'Pennsylvania has been preparing for this variant by working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and has been sending 10-35 random samples biweekly to the CDC since November to study sequencing and detect any potential cases for this new COVID-19 variant,' Dr Levine said.

'Public health experts are in the early stages of working to better understand this new variant, how it spreads and how it affects people who are infected with it.

'There is still much to learn about this new variant, so we need to remain vigilant and continue to urge Pennsylvanians to stop the spread by washing their hands, practicing social distancing, avoiding gatherings, downloading COVID Alert PA and answering the call. Stay calm, stay alert and stay safe.'

The slim silver lining to the Pennsylvania case is that it was in a traveler who knows where they contracted the infection.

Contacts of this person will be much easier to trace.

In many states, including Colorado (which had the very first cases) and California, the initial cases were in people who did not have any recent travel history, meaning the UK variant was already spreading silently there.

Once the UK announced the more infectious variant - known as B117 - had emerged there, US health officials assumed it was already in the States.

Economic ties between the UK and the US are tight and flights between the two countries continued through the pandemic.

In addition to regular testing for residents (pictured), Philadelphia health chief asked that anyone who has recently traveled to the UK to come in for COVID-19 testing so the city can sequence the genomes of anyone who test positive to see if if they have the new variant (file)

Like most of the US, Pennsylvania is seeing an uptick in cases following the holidays with more than 8,500 added on Wednesday. If the UK variant of coronavirus is already spreading there, it could be set to send cases soaring

Sixteen flights from London Heathrow airport arrived at JFK International Airport in New York City a day, prior to new restrictions that saw airlines cut down their number of flights between the cities.

Now, the US only allows travelers from the UK to enter if they have an exception and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Some experts have complained that's not enough, calling for a full ban on travelers coming from the UK, where the B117 variant is becoming dominant.

Like much of the country, Pennsylvania has seen new infections rise again following the holidays.

Yesterday, the state reported more than 8,500 new cases. Nearly 700,000 confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in Pennsylvania and 17,179 people have died.

Concerned that there could be people who went to the UK and returned prior to the testing restriction in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr Thomas Farley said Wednesday that the local labs would start testing recent travelers for COVID-19.

'In the United Kingdom they're seeing an explosive growth in cases across the nation, and the models suggest that B117 is the reason,' Farley said.

'I do think it will be identified eventually.'

Sure enough, a case was found a day later. It's unclear if it was a result of the Philadelphia testing program. Dauphin County is about 100 miles from Philadelphia.

Farley's ask for people with travel history to get tested by Philadelphia labs was strategic.

The effort employed labs run by the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and CDC, which are capable of doing the complex process required to determine if someone has a particular variant of coronavirus.

Farley admitted that this process - sequencing the genome of virus found in samples of mucus to see if they have mutations that mark the new variant - is tedious and comprehensive monitoring will be a challenge - but one Philadelphia intends to rise to.

'They are getting samples from people who have already been tested in the city to do that sequencing,' he said of the sophisticated labs.

'It's not something you can do in very very large volumes, so it'll be a small number of people. Which is why I put out the call for people who have recently traveled to the United Kingdom, so we'd be more likely to find it....It's going to be difficult for us to do enough testing to get a sense of how much of this variant might be out here, and that's a national issue not just for Philadelphia.'

CDC SAYS DETECTING THE MORE INFECTIOUS VARIANT IS NOT 'URGENT' DESPITE IT TRIGGERING LOCKDOWNS IN THE UK

At the national level, however, that problem is not being seen as 'urgent' a CDC official told DailyMail.com.

The CDC is stepping up the number of samples it sequences in search of the new variant from 3,500 to some 6,000 a week.

But it does its sequencing in large batches, which can be more time consuming. States have reported waiting up to two weeks to get results back from the samples they submitted to the agency, according to New York state health officials.

'For less urgent sequencing, when there isn't an urgent need to get the data turned around quickly, it's much more efficient to batch them when it's [for the purpose of] large surveillance data,' Dr Dr Greg Armstrong, director of the CDC's Office of Advanced Molecular Detection, told DailyMail.com when asked why it takes the CDC up to two weeks to tell states whether samples contain the new variant.

'We assumed it was already here in the US, given how strong the economic ties are between here and the UK, so we figured we'd be able to find it relatively quickly. We're aware of it now in seven different states and anticipate finding it in a lot of different places.'

At the time that he told DailyMail.com the variant was in seven states, only five had announced the presence of B117. Pennsylvania is the sixth, leaving one state that has confirmed a case to the CDC but not to the public.

Dr Armstrong refused to reveal the identity of the remaining states during an interview.

He said that CDC expects to hear the variant is in even more states in the coming weeks, but that that doesn't change anything.

'There are no clinical implications for these patients, and a variant with this low presence is not going to impact what non-pharmacological interventions [that we employ],' he said.

'The CDC's attitude is 'wrong and dangerous' Peter Pitts, co-founder of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest, told DailyMail.com.

'It's very alarming,' he said.

'The reality is that new strains of of COVID-19 need to be at the top of the epidemiological priority list.'

The new B117 variant has sent the UK into another lockdown and become dominant in much of the country where it was first announced just a little over three weeks ago.

If it takes hold in the US, it could be disastrous. Vaccine rollout is going slowly, hospitals in many states and cities are already overwhelmed by coronavirus patients, and the US has just set another record for deaths in a single day with nearly 4,000 fatalities reported Wednesday.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, speaks at a meeting attended by the country's publicity officials in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Wang Huning has called for better public communication to provide firm ideological guarantee and strong spiritual force for a good start of fully building a modern socialist country.

Wang, 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, made the remarks Wednesday at a meeting attended by the country's publicity officials.

Noting that the work on public communication has seen profound and fundamental changes since the 18th CPC National Congress, Wang underscored the importance to make studying, publicizing and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era a major political task in doing a good job in public communication this year.

Wang demanded all-out efforts on the publicity work for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, and to tell well CPC stories to mark the Party's centenary.

He also urged more efforts to plan the reform and development of the country's cultural sector during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, enhance the cultural soft power and strengthen the Party's leadership over public communication work.

Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting and made work plans.
As democratic governments around the world reacted with horror to President Donald Trump supporters' storming of the Capitol, China's official propagandists could barely contain their schadenfreude.

If you don't allow the storming of your own legislature, they asked, how could you support it in Hong Kong?

It was an illustration of how Trump's subversion of American democracy has provided cover for authoritarian governments like China's. Beijing has found the chaos incited by Trump a convenient defense for its authoritarian policies and iron-fisted suppression of dissent.

"We hope that the American people can enjoy peace, stability and security as soon as possible," China Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying was cited in state media saying Thursday, turning the tables on Western governments' regular expressions of concern for the welfare of China's people.

Chinese propaganda outlets seized on Wednesday's breaching of the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob to castigate U.S. politicians for their support of violent protesters in Hong Kong who broke into the city's legislature in 2019.

"@SpeakerPelosi once referred to the Hong Kong riots as 'a beautiful sight to behold' - it remains yet to be seen whether she will say the same about the recent developments in Capitol Hill," the nationalistic Chinese state-run tabloid Global Times posted on Twitter.

For many Western observers, the two scenarios were different in kind. In Hong Kong, protesters who were demanding the right to elect the city's leaders tried to stop an extradition bill they viewed as an alarming step in China's erosion of Hong Kong's freedoms. In the United States, Trump supporters on Wednesday were seeking to prevent a peaceful transfer of power to the rightfully elected next president.

Chinese state media did not go into such distinctions, simply finding in the U.S. example a justification for China's own crackdowns against dissent. Beijing has long argued its restrictions on its people's freedoms were necessary to prevent chaos, and the unrest in the United States under President Trump has played into that narrative.

The Chinese Communist Party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection ran a commentary by political columnist Lan Linzong, saying that the U.S. image as a "beacon of democracy and freedom" has been shattered.

"This 'beautiful sight' is just one of many outbreaks resulting from deep-rooted internal conflicts in America," she wrote.

#TrumpSupportersStormCapitol was trending on Chinese social media platform Weibo on Thursday, with some 54,000 posts and 500 million views as of early afternoon local time.

For China's government, the unrest in Washington has also been useful as a distraction from its offensives in Hong Kong. On Tuesday evening U.S. time, as Americans were gripped by the Georgia runoff election, Hong Kong authorities effectively neutralized the city's remaining democracy movement, arresting 53 former lawmakers and activists, including an American lawyer.

In quieter times, the arrest of an American human rights attorney in China would have drawn widespread attention. During the 2019 Hong Kong democracy protests, the fate of the city had topped headlines for days.

But the Hong Kong crackdown was quickly overshadowed by the storming of the Capitol, which threw the U.S. government into an unprecedented crisis. As U.S. officials debated if the president should be removed from office, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's late-night statement that the United States would consider further sanctions against Hong Kong's government hardly drew notice.

By Thursday afternoon, China's top leaders had yet to directly comment on the U.S. situation. The country's centralized bureaucracy is often slower than other nations to issue an official stance on current events.

The Chinese embassy posted a warning about the Washington violence and curfew on Wednesday, telling Chinese citizens to be careful of their safety and to consider avoiding crowded places.

"In case of danger or emergency, please call the police in a timely fashion," the embassy's statement said.

- - -

The Washington Post's Lyric Li in Beijing and Alicia Chen in Taipei contributed to this report.
Sydney apartment residents are being asked to make their guests scan a QR code every time they enter through the front door.

A section of the Macquarie Park Village complex in the city's north has laminated Covid contact tracing notices at the entrance to some units.

Those entering each apartment are asked to use a Service New South Wales government app 'to check in before entering' like customers are required to now at restaurants, cafes, clubs, hairdressers and cinemas.

Another sign explains the rules for tenants and guests entering both the building and individual apartments in the 'Perth' section of the complex, which is on the corner of Herring and Epping roads, near a university and major shopping mall.

Sydney apartment residents are being asked to make their guests scan a QR code every time they enter through the front door. The QR code is blacked out for privacy reasons

'Please ensure you and visitors are registering when entering the building/units,' the sign said.

'Tenants need to register once, visitors on every visit.

'This will allow us to be Covid safe.'

The sign said 'the responsibility to check in is on you'.

A woman who lives in the complex, asking to remain anonymous for fear of antagonising government authorities, said requiring residents to make their guests sign a QR code went too far.

'It's one thing to contact trace at public venues but I refuse to f***ing do this in my own home,' she said.

'This is beyond government overreach and a violation of privacy.

People entering each apartment are asked to use a Service New South Wales government app 'to check in before entering' like customers are required to do at restaurants, cafes, clubs, hairdressers and cinemas

'I'm not "checking in" to my own goddamn home on an app that sends directly to the government.'

The resident said maintenance workers, who weren't wearing face masks, knocked at her door on Wednesday, entered her rental unit and put up the notices but she didn't realise signs had gone up until after they had left.

'They put signs all over the buildings last week saying they were going to be doing inspections on the fire alarms in the units,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'I was actually home and let them in.'

No third party strata group has yet acknowledged putting up the signs which coincided with fire inspections.

Her section of Macquarie Park Village is called Perth, with areas of the complex named after Australian capital cities.

The Macquarie Park Village complex in the city's north has laminated contact tracing notices at the entrance to each unit

Daily Mail Australia contacted the property manager for the Perth section of the Macquarie Park Village to ask if the sign-in system for guests was compulsory or voluntary and if they were concerned about possible privacy breaches.

Pacific Building Management Group said they did not put up the signs and suggested landlords using Airbnb or individual real estate agents may have done this.

They also said the signs had nothing to do with the fire contractors.

While Sydney's north has had a spate of locally-acquired coronavirus cases, the Ryde local government area has no existing active cases, despite being home to Macquarie University and the Macquarie Centre shopping mall.

The NSW government at this stage is only requiring hospitality and service venues to make patrons sign in via a QR code.
Standards Specialist, Vienna, Austria

Organization: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Country: Austria

City: Vienna, Austria

Office: IAEA Vienna, Austria

Grade: P-4

Closing date: Monday, 15 February 2021

Standards Specialist (P4)

( 2021/0050 (138277) )

Organization: NSOC-Safety Standards and Security Guidance Development Section

Primary Location: Austria-Vienna-Vienna-IAEA Headquarters

Job Posting: 2021-01-04, 9:44:47 AM

Contract Type : Fixed Term

Regular

Probation Period : 1 Year

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Safety and Security (NS) formulates and implements the IAEAs nuclear safety and security programme, which encompasses the IAEAs activities to protect people and the environment from radiation exposure, and responds to the needs of its Member States related to nuclear safety and nuclear security.

The Office of Safety and Security Coordination (NSOC) is located in the Office of the Deputy Director General, Head of the Department. Its mission is to ensure the technical consistency and effective coordination of the IAEAs activities in the nuclear, radiation, transport and waste safety and nuclear security programmes. NSOC comprises three Sections: the Programme and Strategy Coordination Section, the Networks Management and Partnership Section and the Safety Standards and Security Guidance Development Section.

The mission of the Safety Standards and Security Guidance Development Section (SSDS) is to coordinate and support the departmental efforts to ensure that the IAEAs safety standards and nuclear security guidance constitute a comprehensive, up to date, coherent and authoritative suite of internationally agreed and accepted references; to enhance the review-revision process with the implementation of a new information technology platform for the knowledge and content management of the whole series of safety standards and nuclear security guidance; to provide for the maintenance of the safety and security glossaries and to promote the worldwide harmonized use of the Safety Standards publications and Nuclear Security Series publications.

Main Purpose

As a key member of the Safety and Security Coordination Section, the Standards Specialist implements the Departments strategies and processes for establishing IAEA safety and security related publications, thus contributing to fulfilling the statutory mandate of the IAEA. In particular, the Standards Specialist reviews and redrafts text of draft Document Preparation Profiles and draft Safety Reports, TECDOCs and other safety and security related draft publications at a similar level to ensure and enhance their quality.

Role

The Standards Specialist is: (1) technical reviser reviewing and redrafting text of draft safety standards, security guidance and other draft safety and security related publications, ensuring the appropriateness of content, syntax, usage, terminology, style and language; (2) project manager establishing and applying mechanisms to support the efficiency, efficacy and effectiveness of the development of safety standards and security guidance; (3) adviser on the preparation of safety standards, security guidance and other draft safety and security related publications.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Review and in consultation redraft texts of draft standards, draft nuclear security guidance and other draft safety and security related publications for syntax, usage, clarity, terminology and consistency.

Apply the strategies and processes for the establishment of safety standards and the development of nuclear security guidance and monitor their implementation.

Analyse feedback on the safety standards and security guidance and promote the use of the Departments knowledge and content management system for safety standards and nuclear security guidance (NSS-OUI) for feedback collection.

Tags civil servants content management information technology nuclear safety project manager quality management risk management safety and security safety standards

Develop and apply meaningful measures of the effectiveness of safety standards and security guidance in enhancing nuclear safety and nuclear security in Member States.

Present the activities of the Safety Standards and Security Guidance Development Section to IAEA staff, to the Commission on Safety Standards, the Safety Standards Committees and the Nuclear Security Guidance Committee.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies

NameDefinition

Planning and Organizing

Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Sections priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.

Communication

Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions.

Achieving Results

Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Divisions programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned.

Teamwork

Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.

Functional Competencies

NameDefinition

Client orientation

Helps clients to analyse their needs. Seeks to understand service needs from the clients perspective and ensure that the clients standards are met.

Commitment to continuous process improvement

Plans and executes activities in the context of quality and risk management and identifies opportunities for process, system and structural improvement, as well as improving current practices. Analyses processes and procedures, and proposes improvements.

Judgement/decision making

Consults with supervisor/manager and takes decisions in full compliance with the Agencys regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards.

Asset Expertise

FunctionNameExpertise Description

Nuclear Safety

IAEA Safety Standards

Ability to revise IAEA safety standards desirable.

Physical Protection

Regulatory Framework

Ability to revise IAEA nuclear security guidance desirable.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Masters Degree

Advance university degree in Science or Engineering.

Minimum 7 years of professional experience, of which at least four years at the international level, in conducting the review and revision of high level scientific, technical and regulatory related texts.

Experience in quality management is an asset.

Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $73516 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 38669*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance

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Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged

Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process
Local News

By Ls Cohen Published: January 07 2021

Officer Bethany Green presented a plaque with flags to the third precinct.

When Officer Bethany Green returned to work as a patrolwoman in the Suffolk County Police Department after her deployment in the Middle East, she presented flags and a plaque to the third precinct where she works.

Suffolk County Police Third Precinct Inspector John Rowan and Deputy Inspector Darrel Simmons welcomed Green back to work and accepted the plaque.

Green, a patrol officer in the Third Precinct, is also a Major in the United States Army. She recently returned from a deployment in the Middle East.

According to her online profile, Green serves as a JAG attorney in the New York Army National Guard and is a former Suffolk County assistant district attorney. She served in Afghanistan in 2011 to 2012 and joined the police force in 2013. She was also a Stony Brook University 40 Under 40 honoree.


One local hospital is enticing its employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine by offering them a bonus.

Houston Methodist is offering its 26,000 staff a $500 bonus if they agree to get the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Kate Gibson of CBS News.

VACCINE SCAMS: FBI warns of COVID-19 vaccine scams and how to avoid them

Marc L. Boom, M.D., President & Chief Executive Officer at Houston Methodist sent an email to staff, according to Gibson, stating the bonus was a way of expressing their gratitude to employees.

"This bonus is a thank you for your perseverance throughout a difficult 2020 as well as something to look forward to, to provide hope, during the next couple of challenging months," Boom said according to Ronnie Marley with Fox 26.

According to Gibson, Houston Methodist had previously given employees a $500 bonus about six weeks prior for their hard work during the pandemic.

This may seem unorthodox, but companies across the country seem to be following the same formula to convince their employees to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Gracedale Nursing Home in Pennsylvania was one of the first to receive the Pfizer vaccine and is offering their employees $750 for getting the vaccine, according to Ali Reid and Will Lewis with WFMZ 69.

"So, the county is using federal CARES Act money designated for nursing home infection control to offer an incentive. Each Gracedale employee will be given $750 for getting a shot. That could cost as much as $490,000 if all 650 employees get the vaccine," according to the WFMZ authors.

Elmbrook Homes executive Tony Baird said to Tyger Allen with KTEN 10 News his company is also offering employees incentives to take the COVID-19 vaccine for their Brookside Nursing Center in Madill, Okla.

"We are offering bonus money for employees to take the vaccine," Baird said. "The younger population tends to be a little less excited about taking the vaccine because of uncertainties that they see, so we're offering a financial incentive to take the vaccine."

According to Boom, the vaccine isn't mandatory for Houston Methodist employees but "will be eventually for most workers."

Would you take the COVID-19 vaccine if your employer offered you a bonus for it?


A scientist who helped discover the African virus Ebola around 40 years ago has warned of new deadly viruses that could be more fatal and spread as rapidly as COVID-19.

Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum has cautioned that humankind faces several unknown threats in the form of diseases that could blight people across the globe.

While two new variants of COVID-19 have shook the world causing a surge in cases, forecasts of 'Disease X' have also emerged where 'X' refers to "unexpected". The infection has been labelled by the WHO (World Health Organisation) as hypothetical as of now which could lead to a pandemic in future.

Also Read: From side-effects to insufficient clinical data: What those getting Moderna, Pfizer vaccines must know

Presently, the threat, 'Disease X', effecting humans looms large and is said to be as fatal as the Ebola virus, spreads as fast as the novel coronavirus, and could potentially start another pandemic in the days to come.

Warning about unknown diseases, Prof. Tamfum added that new viruses appearing from the tropical forests of Africa could spread rapidly and prove to be a threat to humanity. "We are now in a world where new pathogens will come out. And that's what constitutes a threat for humanity", he told CNN.

When asked if any new illness or infection could be more fateful than COVID-19, the professor said, "yes, I think so." His remarks came as a woman in a remote town of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, showed symptoms of a haemorrhagic fever, which scientists fear could be a portent of a new and potentially fatal virus. This pathogen, they caution, could be as contagious as the novel coronavirus but has Ebola's mortality rate of 50-90%.

Also Read: Four variants of coronavirus found since beginning of pandemic, says WHO

The woman, identified as Ingende, was tested for several diseases, including Ebola, but they all came out as negative. This sparked fears that her illness may have been caused by the so-called 'Disease X'

"We've all got to be frightened," the woman's physician, Dr. Dadin Bonkole, told the US news channel, adding that "we have to be afraid of new diseases" as Ebola and COVID-19 were both unknown before.

Meanwhile, Prof. Tamfum also cautioned that many more zoonotic diseases, specifically those that get transmitted from animals to humans, could arise. He stated that diseases, namely influenza, rabies, and yellow fever have all jumped from animals to humans, adding occurrences are common and could lead to epidemics and pandemics in the future.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : As the country prepares for the COVID-19 vaccine roll out, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan will be visiting Tamil Nadu on Friday.

During his visit, Vardhan will review the preparedness and oversee the dry run operations at the scheduled sites.

A massive countrywide mock drill to prepare for the COVID-19 vaccination is being conducted on Friday in 736 districts across 33 States and UTs.

The Union Health Minister will visit the site at Government General Hospital, Chennai followed by the one at Government Omandurar Hospital, Chennai.

In the afternoon, he will visit the private vaccination centre in Apollo Hospital, Chennai after a brief visit to the General Medical Store Depot (GMSD) in Periamedu.

This is one of the four national vaccine storage facilities, the other three being at Mumbai, Kolkata and Karnal.

Thereafter, Harsh Vardhan will visit the vaccination centre at Chengalpattu. He will be visiting the Hindustan Bio-Tech Limited Campus at Chengalpattu after concluding his supervision at these sites.

The objective of the mock drill for COVID-19 vaccination is to simulate the actual vaccine administration event.

The entire planning of the vaccination drive including beneficiary registration, microplanning and vaccination at the planned sites, will be tested under the supervision of the District Collectors and District Magistrates.

The dry run will also familiarize the State, District, Block and Hospital level officers with all aspects of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out.

This activity will help administrators in strengthening the linkages between planning, implementation and reporting mechanisms, identification of any residual challenges prior to the actual implementation and to instil confidence in the programme managers at all levels for a smooth vaccination drive.
Recent headlines should be deeply disturbing to all Americans who care about our country. To me, it feels like politically sobriety is being trampled by a faction of the GOP that has fallen off the wagon. Never before in American history has a president refused to accept the results of the electoral college, yet here we are with Trump and his drunken loyalists doing just that. From my perspective, that fringe of the GOP has gone off the rails.

Thankfully, there still are some sober members of the Congressional GOP. Consider the words of these GOP leaders:

Rep Adam Kinzinger: When you end up where principles dont matter, beliefs dont matter, its just about who can be the loudest and kind of maintain power through raw anger and aggression, youre no different from a lot of Latin American countries at that point.

Rep Will Hurd: A sitting president undermining our political process & questioning the legality of the voices of countless Americans without evidence is not only dangerous & wrong, it undermines the very foundation this nation was built upon.

The only success that Abiy Ahmed, the prime minister of Ethiopia, may have achieved since assuming office a couple of years ago is that the very foundations on which modern Ethiopia, at least since 1991, has been resting have been shaken.

Before Ahmed took over after a stormy convention within the now-defunct Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the various ethnicities in Ethiopia hardly tried to coexist in peace and harmony.

The ethno-federal system introduced by Meles Zenawi, Ethiopias former long-serving prime minister and godfather of the modern nation, seemed doable, at least on the surface. While it is true that federalism in Ethiopia can be observed only in the official name of the republic and some other appearances like the celebration by the countrys various ethnicities of their respective cultural events and traditions, it is also true that the nation was glued together in one piece by the Zenawi system no matter how fragmented it was deep down inside.

But with Ahmed in office, Ethiopias ethno-federalism has shown its ugliest face ever, with mounting attacks targeting people based on their ethnicities.

Reflecting on the days prior to his appointment as Ethiopias prime minister and early days in office, Ahmed aped his predecessor in a lengthy talk to the countrys parliament. The incumbent premier addressed the Ethiopian House of Representatives and said that when his predecessor Hailemariam Desalegn had resigned, he had not done so because of what he had hoped at the time would be part of the political solution in the country, but rather because he had wanted to avoid what Ahmed called a coup. He said plainly that the Tigrayan-controlled security services had wanted to stage a coup against the feckless government of Desalegn in order to bring in a man more tailored to maintain their interests.

This was the first time that Ahmed had spoken in public of the essence of the problems between him and the Tigrayans, claiming that they had wanted to kill him before he became prime minister. He also recalled how he had been under active surveillance wherever he went and how snipers had been placed on every corner in Oromia where Ahmed had been leading the Oromo Democratic Party (OPD) less than two months ahead of his election as prime minister. He said he had released a video in collaboration with his comrades, as he put it, to urge the people of Oromia to stay alert and keep up the momentum in case he and other strugglers were murdered.

One needs to pause here to reflect on the video part. Though the Oromo peoples demands were legitimate, since Addis Ababas urban development plans aimed in effect to end their decades-long dream of having their own independent state with Finfinne, as they refer to the capital city of Ethiopia, as their capital, other questions look inevitable. What had turned the protests at the confiscation of the land of impoverished Oromo farmers into a rebellion demanding the removal of the Desalegn-led government? Who was in league with Oromo nationals in exile like Jawar Mohamed, now detained under terrorism charges? Above all, who had solicited and received money from the Oromo expatriates to keep up the momentum against the Desalegn government? In plain words, who in fact had staged a coup?

The ensuing events show that Ahmeds coup stories are not only unsubstantiated, but are also misleading, and that they have only one aim: to justify the terrible acts of killing, the demolition of infrastructure, and the shelling of historical religious sites in Tigray. In other words, Ahmeds war on Tigray is more than an attempt to enforce the law, as his entourage and the Ethiopian state-run media are arguing, because it is effectively a military expedition to subdue the Tigrayans into accepting the legitimacy of his rule in the same way that the expansionist emperor Menelik II, who hailed from the Amhara, had done in Ethiopias older history.

As a means of paying back favours, Ahmed allowed the return of all Oromo armed groups into Ethiopia and removed the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) from the Ethiopian list of terrorist organisations under the bright banner of giving space to different political groups. In truth, the step was intended to secure the balance of military power that would be needed in the fight against the Tigrayan-led security apparatus.

Ahmed said that he was forgiving the devilish fellow Ethiopians in the TPLF who had insisted on inflicting damage to the country at a time when he was working for its prosperity. He said he did not want to go to war in Tigray, but that the TPLF was at war with him, forcing him to trigger it. He elaborated in front of the Ethiopian parliament the ways in which the TPLF-dominated security agencies had prevented him from entering the palace of the prime minister with his security detail; how they had wrongly passed intelligence from him to foreign intelligence services in order to mislead him; and how he had not even been able to talk on the telephone with his deputy Demeke Mekonen to get into the swing of things.

But Ahmeds narrative does not correspond to the facts on the ground because when he assumed office he started a cleansing campaign against the Tigrayans and removed almost all of them from senior military and intelligence posts, pushing them to amass in Mekele, their regions capital.

Apparently, Ahmed wants to wash his hands of the bloody acts committed not only in Tigray, but also in the Southern Nations, the Nationalities Peoples Region (now divided into two regions), Beni Shengul Gumuz, the Somali Region and even in his own region of Oromia. The common denominator of all the tragic incidents that have happened in all these regions is that Ethiopia lacks a politically seasoned prime minister familiar with the complicated nature of this multi-ethnic nation.

Ahmed believes he is the legitimate leader of the country, though his legitimacy is being questioned over government-sponsored acts of killing, peaking in the campaign against Tigray.

When he assumed office in 2018, it was hoped that Ethiopia would emerge as a centre of democracy and freedoms in East Africa and as a model that could be an inspiration elsewhere. Unfortunately, Ahmed has proved wrong those who thought of him as a reformist. Instead of getting down to brass tacks in addressing the chronic problems of his country, Ahmed has led Ethiopia further into chaos.

*The writer is a former press and information officer in Ethiopia and an expert on African affairs.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 7 January, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

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Good morning.

We can expect more fallout, including resignations and disavowals, after the disgraceful attack on democracy by pro-Trump rioters in Washington. The U.S. Congress confirmed Joe Biden as the next president at about 3:40 a.m. local time. Meanwhile, the current president remained locked out of several of his social-media accounts this morning.

 Adam Treusch, assignment editor
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Orthodox Feast: Congregation of Saint John the Baptist, the Forerunner

1869 - Birth of historian, literary critic and poet Stefan Orasanu (d. Nov. 12, 1903)

1872 - Birth of sculptor Frederic Storck (d. Dec. 26, 1942)

1902 - Birth of geologist Nicolae S. Petrulian, member of the Romanian Academy (d. Nov. 9, 1983)

1917 - The National Committee of Romanians emigrated from Austro-Hungary, headed by Vasile Lucaciu and Octavian Goga, is created in Iasi. The 12-member committee signed the Declaration of war against Austro-Hungary

1918 - Birth of Ion Frunzetti, poet, essayist, art critic and translator (d. Sept. 11, 1985)

1936 - Birth of actress Ioana Bulca.

1940 - Death of politician and lawyer Grigore Trancu-Iasi (b. Oct. 23, 1874)

1944 - Death of geologist and paleontologist Ion Th. Simionescu, member and president (1942 - 1944) of the Romanian Academy (b. July 10, 1873)

1946 - Under the pressure of the Allied Control Committee, a representative of each the National Peasants' Party and the National Liberal Party is admitted to the Dr. Petru Groza government, serving as Secretaries of state without a portfolio. End of the "royal strike"

1958 - Death of Dr. Petru Groza, head of the Presidium of the Grand National Assembly, founder and president of the Ploughmen's Front, president of the Council of Ministers (March 6, 1945 - June 2, 1952) (b. Dec. 7, 1884)

1990 - Law-Decree No. 6 on the abolition of the death penalty, sanctioning the decision president of the Council of the National Salvation Front Ion Iliescu had announced in his New Year's Eve address

1992 - Population and housing census. The share of Romanians of the total 22,810,000-strong population is found to have increased from 88.1 percent in 1977 to 89.4 percent (7 - 14)

1995 - Completion of the construction of the 44 MW dam and hydropower plant of Calimanesti (Vrancea), on the Siret river, begun in 1987

2004 - At the meeting of the UN Security Council, Romania receives the chairmanship of the 1518 Committee on Iraq and the vice-chairmanship of the Al-Qaeda and Taliban Sanctions Committee

2007 - Death of artistic director, playwright, screenwriter and Professor Sorana Coroama-Stanca (b. Jan. 24, 1921)

2011 - Death of Ion Vova, actor and high-profile director of the National Radio Theater, who went under the sobriquet 'Mr. Radio' (b. Sept. 30, 1917)

2020 - Prime minister Ludovic Orban pays workign visit to Brusesels, meets NATO and EU dignitaries, among whom the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.AGERPRES


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) said it expects higher adverse impacts from the COVID-19 in the second quarter. But, the company anticipates first-half fiscal 2021 adjusted earnings per share to be broadly in line with prior expectations.



The company maintained fiscal 2021 guidance of low single-digit growth in adjusted earnings per share at constant currency rates, with the profile skewed to opportunity.



On a full-year basis, the opportunity from the distribution of vaccinations is likely to be offset by COVID-19 related lock-downs and restrictions, and by increased growth investments.



The company reported that its net loss attributable to the company for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was $308 million or $0.36 per share compared to net profit of $845 million or $0.95 per share in the same quarter a year ago. The loss was entirely due to the AmerisourceBergen charge.



Adjusted net earnings decreased 13.9 percent to $1.1 billion, down 14.3 percent on a constant currency basis, compared with the same quarter a year ago. Adjusted earnings per share was $1.22, a decrease of 11.2 percent on a reported basis and a decrease of 11.6 percent on a constant currency basis, compared with the same quarter a year ago, reflecting an estimated adverse COVID-19 impact of $0.26 to $0.30 per share.



Sales for the first-quarter were $36.31 billion, an increase of 5.7 percent from the year-ago quarter, and an increase of 5.2 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting growth in Retail Pharmacy USA and Pharmaceutical Wholesale.



Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $1.03 per share and revenues of $34.95 billion for the first-quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

WALGREENS-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
British Heart Foundations asking the public to donate their discarded presents by post to help support the charity

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jan 7th, 2021

The British Heart Foundation is asking the public to donate their discarded presents by post, to support its shops and online platforms this New Year

Due to the coronavirus restrictions in place, the charitys shops are temporarily closed but people are being invited to donate via post to help support the BHF at this critical time.

Allison Swaine Hughes, retail director at the British Heart Foundation, said: If youre feeling charitable and want to declutter post-Christmas, you can regift any unwanted presents to the BHF and help support our vital work.

By donating to us you will also help prevent quality items from going to waste and free up space around the house.





This new year were welcoming everything from good quality clothes, shoes, handbags and jewellery to DVDs, CDs, books and childrens toys and you can simply donate items using our freepost donation service.

Were urgently appealing for your support after an incredibly difficult year for our shops. Without your generous donations, we cant fund life saving breakthroughs for the 7.4 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases.

You can post smaller items such as branded clothing, jewellery, vinyl records and cameras by downloading a freepost label from the BHF website and heading to your nearest Collect+ drop-off point with your package, as part of your essential shopping trip.

BHF shops and stores across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are closed for now, in line with the latest Government advice on non-essential retail.

To post your items head to: www.bhf.org.uk/postyourdonations
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A man has been shot in a paramilitary-style attack in Londonderry, police have said.

It happened in the Southway area of Creggan on Wednesday at around 7.30pm.

The victim, aged in his 30s, was shot in the leg and taken to hospital for treatment.

The PSNI described the incident as "barbaric".

PSNI Detective Sergeant Burns said those responsible for it do not contribute to the community or represent its interests.

"Nor do they contribute anything to it," he added.

"They do it to try and exert influence, or gain control of those they claim to represent."

Sinn Fein Councillor Tina Burke condemned the attack.

She added: "There is no place for guns on our streets.

Anyone with information should bring it forward to the police.

DUP Foyle MLA Garry Middleton said the shooting was "disgraceful."

"There is no place for this violence in our society," he tweeted.

Police have appealed for information.

Download the Belfast Telegraph App Get quick and easy access to the latest Northern Ireland news, sport, business and opinion with the Belfast Telegraph App.

Belfast Telegraph
Registration Underway for Casper Start-Up Challenge

IMPACT Casper, a business development program of the University of Wyomings Business Resource Network, is moving forward with a fifth year of the Casper Start-Up Challenge and another $50,000 seed fund.

We are excited about the possibilities of 2021, working with new companies and really helping make a difference in Casper, says Eric Schlidt, director of IMPACT Casper. We have had the startups in our program make tremendous progress during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are ready to help other entrepreneurs in their businesses. We are interested in building companies that have the potential to create jobs located in Casper.

IMPACT Casper is part of IMPACT 307, which has physical incubators in Laramie, Sheridan and Casper but maintains a statewide presence. IMPACT 307 underwent a rebranding from the Wyoming Technology Business Center in June. The IMPACT 307 team administers and assists with multiple other startup challenges throughout the state.

We know the people of Casper are extremely innovative and persistent, which are some of the qualities needed for a startup, Schlidt says. However, we work with companies that are in a very basic idea stage as well as full production.

IMPACT Casper is interested in helping companies that help bring new opportunities and fill the gaps that people see. There is no requirement for how early a company is in business development, even if it is just an idea.

Registration for the 2021 Casper Start-Up Challenge is now open and closes Jan. 26. The link to register and additional information may be found at www.impact307.org. Sponsors include Advance Casper, First Interstate Bank, Hilltop Bank, Oil City News and WIDC Frontier CDC.

For more information on the Casper Start-Up Challenge, call Schlidt at (307) 315-6401 or email eschlid1@uwyo.edu.
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.
Season Four of Going Places with Ernie Dingo screens on SBS / NITV later this month.

The 12 part series showcases the beauty of Australias best travel destinations as Australians rediscover their own backyard.

Half hour episodes screen on SBS with one hour editions on NITV.

Director of Indigenous Content, Tanya Orman, said: Going Places With Ernie Dingo is a show that continues to appeal to NITV and SBS audiences alike. The fourth season is a remarkable achievement, off the back of a year thats challenged travel as we know it  its safe to say that this season of Going Places with Ernie Dingo is an escape for audiences, more than ever before. The fan-favourite series continues to champion the best places to travel in Australia, and dually does not fail to educate on Country and culture as well as entertain.

Presenter Ernie Dingo said: Everyone will walk away from watching all-new Going Places knowing more about Australia, its cultures and people. We visit some of the most beautiful places in the country and through the knowledge of the local people, we learn about their community and why they live there. Im sure people at home will get to know the places we visit on a personal level and might just find somewhere new they want to visit themselves.

The fourth season of Going Places with Ernie Dingo champions Australias diversity  not only in landscape but also cultures and people. In each episode, Ernie meets with traditional owners and locals and his conversational and laid-back interview style provides an intimate portrait of each of the locations he visits.

This season sees Ernie meet an array of extraordinary characters, exploring connection to Country and culture. He meets with First Nations communities in Darwin who educate audiences on the importance of the wildlife to the land, a nun on Bathurst Island who is working with young families and artists to share their love for their culture, traditional owners in the Whitsundays who are conducting research on sea turtles, and many more incredible individuals.

Ernie scales from the Top End in Queensland to the Murray River in South Australia, and special guest Aaron Faaoso (Black Comedy, Little J & Big Cuz) joins Ernie for a couple of special episodes along the way, exploring the outback town of Longreach, as well as guest presenting one episode where he takes us to Granite Belt in Queensland, catching up with music legend Kev Carmody for a chat.

7:30pm Saturday 30 January on SBS and 8:30pm Sunday 31 January on NITV.

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At the dawn of another year, the arrival of a new production of All Creatures Great and Small on the PBS Masterpiece showcase might feel boringly familiar. One more production made to appeal to viewers who love nothing better than a polite British period piece?

All Creatures Great and Small is definitely polite. And cozy. And comfortingly unchallenging. But as 2021 begins, watching this fresh take on what was, decades ago, already a public television favorite, turns out to be just what the doctor of veterinary medicine ordered.

I havent watched the BBC series adaptation of James Herriots books, which drew a devoted following when the original episodes aired in the late 1970s. The new version is, like the earlier iteration, based on Herriots experiences working as a veterinarian in Yorkshire.

Coming at a time when everything seems stressful and difficult, the new All Creatures Great and Small feels as comforting as a cup of tea, as warming as a fleecy blanket on a cold night, and as welcoming as a fire burning indoors while the winter wind blows outside.

The seven episodes in Season 1 tell the story of young veterinarian James Herriot (the pen name adopted by Alf Wight). Nicholas Ralph, hair slicked back in a style appropriate for the 1930s setting, radiates pale decency as the vet whose devotion to animal welfare makes him heroic  modestly, of course.

A new version of "All Creatures Great and Small" is coming as a series to "Masterpiece." From left, top: Samuel West and Callum Woodhouse; middle, Nicholas Ralph; bottom, Anna Madeley. (Photo: Matt Squire/PBS/Playground Television (UK) Ltd.)

James works under the supervision of the experienced veterinary surgeon, Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West), who is demanding about maintaining the standards of his practice, grumpy and  dash it all!  lovable. Rounding out the household are Mrs. Hall (Anna Madeley), Farnons housekeeper and all-around source of wisdom and understanding.

One recipient of Mrs. Halls understanding is Siegfrieds bright but irresponsible younger brother, Tristan (Callum Woodhouse). Also inhabiting the perfectly quaint community is Helen Alderson (Rachel Shenton), a farmers daughter who has her own ideas about people, including who might deserve a second chance, even when his veterinary diagnosis causes local consternation.

The late Diana Rigg also turns up, welcome as always, as Mrs. Pumphrey, a wealthy woman who totally spoils her overfed, utterly adored Pekingese pup, Tricki Woo.

Rachel Shenton as Helen Alderson and Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot in "All Creatures Great and Small." (Photo: Ed Miller/Playground Television (UK) Ltd.)

All Creatures Great and Small is a celebration of certain stereotypes about British rural life in ye olden days. The countryside is green and lush, with stone bridges over clear rivers, misty trees in the distance, and open skies washed with cloudy light. Everyone walks around in tweedy attire, cardigans and sensible boots, and sips cups of tea.

Ultimately, the series overcomes any possible Another public TV series set in a British village? skepticism the cranky viewer might be harboring. Had the show come along at another time, it might be easier to raise an eyebrow. But its hard not to smile and get a bit sniffly over a scene, for example, of a menacing, barking canine that turns into a face-licking sweetheart once its shown a bit of affection.

With its storylines about goodhearted people trying to take care of cattle, horses, cats and dogs, All Creatures Great and Small is, whether its makers intended it to be or not, the perfect show for this imperfect moment.

All Creatures Great and Small premieres at 9 p.m. Sunday on PBS.

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-- Kristi Turnquist

kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist
One-quarter of Los Angeles residents live in areas without close access to pharmacy services, a new study suggests.

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, found that 25 percent of the county's more than 2,300 census tracts live in so-called 'pharmacy deserts.'

What's more, results found that mostly poor, largely black and LatinX neighborhoods have the fewest pharmacies.

Public health experts worry this could impede efforts to distribute COVID-19 vaccines, especially among of the worst current hot spots in the U.S.

A new study has found that 2.4 million of Los Angeles County's 10 million residents live in so-called 'pharmacy deserts' (above)

The median distance to the nearest retail pharmacy for residents in pharmacy deserts was 1.38 miles compared to 0.5 miles for pharmacy non-deserts

'My goal is to bring these concepts together at the intersection of pharmacy practice, public health and social justice to reduce health disparities,' said first author Dr Cheryl Wisseh, a health sciences assistant clinical professor of clinical pharmacy practice at UCI, in a statement.

The study, published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, is the first to look at pharmacy deserts in the state of California.

Previous studies have found evidence of pharmacy deserts in large metropolitan areas such as Chicago and Philadelphia.

Researchers obtained pharmacy data from the California Department of Consumer Affairs Pharmacy Board Licensee database, most recently updated in January 2020.

Independently owned and retail chain pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens, were geocoded and included in the analysis.

Regions were identified as pharmacy deserts if their nearest pharmacy was at least one mile away.

They found that 25 percent, or 571, of Los Angeles County's 2,323 census tracts were classified as pharmacy deserts.

That's about 2.4 million of the county's 10 million residents.

The median distance to the nearest retail pharmacy for residents in pharmacy deserts was 1.38 miles, compared to 0.5 miles for those in pharmacy non-deserts.

People who lived in pharmacy deserts were more likely to be Black and Hispanic, speak English as a second language, and have more residents living under the federal poverty level.

These areas were also had fewer health professionals to serve the area.

'These social determinants of health compound the negative effects of pharmacy shortage through competing needs,' Wisseh said.

'For example, some residents living below the poverty line may choose to forgo picking up their medications so that they can pay for food, rent and other necessities.'

Residents in pharmacy deserts were more likely to be Black and Hispanic, speak English as a second language and live under the federal poverty level. Pictured: A pharmacy in Tehachapi, California

Experts worry this will make it more difficult to equitably distribute COVID-19 vaccines, especially among one of the nation's worst hit areas. Pictured: David Cheng, director of inpatient pharmacy, holds the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center in Los Angeles, December 14

Because pharmacies are one of the biggest distributors of COVID-19 vaccines, this could have implications for the rollout.

What's more, this could have large implications for vaccination rates in Los Angeles County, one of the nations top hotspots for COVID-19.

The virus is surging in the county with 1,000 deaths recorded in just six days. In fact, COVID-19 is now claiming more lives daily than all other causes combined.

'When you can go in and get vaccinated within your neighborhood, it's undoubtedly safer than having to go to a clinic right now where theres more exposure,' Dr Jonathan Watanabe, a professor of clinical pharmacy at UCI, told DailyMail.com.

'It mitigates so many risks of comorbities' such as diabetes and obesity.

Watanabe says this will especially be more relevant when the vaccine produced by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford.

Unlike the jabs produced by Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc, the AstraZeneca shot can be stored in a refrigerator.

'This will make it easier for pharmacies to store a vaccine,' he said.

He says when people forego going to pharmacies that will easily be able to administer vaccines, it may have consequences in curbing the pandemic.

'There's a real consequence when there's any mechanism so these patients cant get vaccinated for COVID or potentially tested, or even get a flu shot.'

Researchers recommend community-based interventions to increase access to medications, pharmacy services and pharmacists.

Some academic centers and schools of pharmacies are doing this: pharmacists and technicians to be a part of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns,' said Watanabe.

'Go to congregate living establishments and vaccinate there.'

He added that there are also some efforts to try and deploy pharmacists to local clinics and other primary care settings to reach patients where they are.
[January 07, 2021] Granicus Welcomes Patrick Moore, former State of Georgia CIO, as Vice President

DENVER, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Granicus , the leading provider of cloud-based citizen engagement technologies and services, today announced that Patrick Moore has joined the company as Vice President. In this new role, Patrick will spearhead Granicus collaboration with state and local governments to better define, architect, and deliver on their long-term digital transformation objectives.

Moore brings deep insight developed over more than 20 years as a trusted advisor to government leaders deploying new technologies. His deep govtech history includes four years as the State of Georgias CIO where he helped design and implement a customer-first delivery strategy for the state. Following his time with Georgia, Moore leveraged his unique and valuable perspective to advise governments and agencies at all levels. His executive roles in the private sector, his time as a senior fellow with the Center for Digital Government, and his collaborations with NASCIO have helped shape the modern state CIO role and supported multiple governments technology transformation journeys. Citizens expect governments to deliver a seamless customer experience consistent with their other service provider relationships. For many governments, taking the first step in that experience journey is often the hardest, says Moore. I joined Granicus because it is the only technology company Ive encountered that delivers real technology innovations focused on creating an improved, transparent, digital relationship between governments and their citizens. With the public sector poised to enter a new era of digital civic engagement, I look forward to being a voice for government and building strong partnerships thatput Granicus capabilities to work for citizens across the country.



Patrick has dedicated his career to helping governments become more effective through the use of better technologyan approach that perfectly aligns with our vision, said Mark Hynes, CEO at Granicus. As a former CIO, he understands the acute challenges facing state and local governments, and the limitations of existing technologies to help them meaningfully impact and improve their communities. With rich experience at the intersection of government and technology, were confident that Patrick is precisely the right person to help public agencies unlock the full potential of a digital government. Prior to joining Granicus, Moore was a Managing Director at Integris Applied, a management consulting firm focused on helping government CIOs develop more effective technology implementation and adoption strategies. From 2006 - 2011, he served as Georgias state CIO where he transformed service delivery, turned around a broken enterprise IT function, and laid the foundation for a modern technology infrastructure. Moore was a sales and account executive in the state and local government division at HP Enterprise Services, served as Deputy Legislative Director for the late U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell, and participated in two successful Senate campaigns.

Leading govtech publisher Government Technology previously honored Moore as one of the nations Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers, and in 2012, Georgia Trend Magazine named him one of Georgias 40 Under 40. Moore received his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. Moores appointment comes at a time of unprecedented demand for cloud-based solutions that help governments respond to their communities needs while navigating the challenges created by legacy technology solutions. In 2020 alone, Granicus brought numerous innovations to governments in support of the unique challenges brought by the pandemic, enabling government leaders to collaborate, communities to host more than 25,000 virtual meetings, and communicators to send more than five billion COVID-related messages. For more information, visit www.granicus.com . About Granicus

Granicus connects governments with the people they serve by providing the first and only civic engagement platform for the public sector. Over 4,500 federal, state and local government agencies and more than 250 million citizen subscribers power an unmatched Subscriber Network that turns government missions into quantifiable results. With comprehensive cloud-based solutions for communications, government website design, online service delivery, meeting and agenda management software, and records management, Granicus empowers stronger relationships between government and citizens. For more information, visit granicus.com. Media Contact

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New Delhi, Jan 7 : The tide may have begun to turn against China in the pharmaceutical sector as many countries have started reducing dependence on the dragon. This is reflected in a double-digit surge in Indian exports in April-September as anti-China sentiments grew during this period due to the dubious manner in which Beijing concealed facts about the deadly pandemic that was triggered by the Wuhan virus.

According to data compiled by CRISIL, India's exports of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) shot up 18 per cent while that of bulk drugs rose 9 per cent year-on-year in the first half of the 2020-21 financial year. The demand for medicines to fight the pandemic also shot up during this period which has contributed to the increase in exports. During 2019-20, exports of APIs had risen 11 per cent while that of bulk drugs had contracted by 1 per cent.

With China-made Covid-19 vaccine candidates coming under a cloud the country's image has taken a further battering and several countries such as Brazil and ASEAN members have turned towards the western pharma majors and India for sourcing their vaccine requirements.

China's large-scale pharmaceutical factories have been created by western MNCs such as US pharma giant Pfizer who had outsourced production in recent years to cut costs. However, with the decoupling of the western countries gathering pace these companies could exit China.

China's belligerent military posturing in Ladakh and the South China sea and human rights abuse in Hong Kong has alienated it further as a consequence of which it is fast losing its lucrative markets in the US and Europe.

India has been gaining ground at the world stage as it has been stepping up supplies of crucial medicines and equipment such as PPE kits at affordable prices even to the developing countries to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, although India is the world's third-largest drug producer by volumes, it imports 70 per cent of its APIs from China. India's top drug makers, including Dr Reddy's, Lupin, Glenmark, Mylan, Zydus and Pfizer India are dependent on China for APIs.

Experts from India's drug industry say there needs to be a bigger push to make active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) locally and reduce dependence on China. Samina Hamied, executive vice xhairperson, Cipla Ltd, says it is an incredible opportunity to reinvigorate our domestic API business and bring manufacturing back on shore from China. But this needs sustained intervention from the government. Easing the regulatory environment is the biggest challenge right now.

Nilesh Gupta, Managing Director at Lupin Ltd, says that it was not always that the Chinese ruled the roost. "This industry did not get support in India and that's why it died. If you go back, there were as many as six major plants of penicillin G which is a very important intermediate for anti-infectives. All the business moved to China," Gupta said.

Restrictive policies followed in the past are seen to have done the damage.

The government has now launched schemes to develop three mega bulk drug parks in partnership with States. The Central government is giving grants to States to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore for each bulk drug park. As part of another production-linked incentive scheme, financial incentives for eligible manufacturers of 53 critical bulk drugs have been provided on their incremental sales for a period of six years at a cost of Rs 6,940 crore.

Drug manufacturers, too, have realised the need for local production and have started increasing their backward production linkages in the country for sourcing APIs.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)
DUP MP Ian Paisley doesn't believe that President Trumps speech before the siege on the US Capitol provoked the rioters to break the law.

In the build up to the Presidential election in November, Mr Paisley described himself and Mr Trump as good friends, while he posed in a photograph with fellow DUP MPs holding a flag supporting his re-election.

Since losing the election to Joe Biden, Trump has accused opponents of trying to steal the result, while divisions in American society continued to deepen.

Those divisions finally reached breaking point on Wednesday as armed Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building. A woman was shot dead by police and three others died of medical emergencies, police confirmed.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next US Capitol riots: Trump supporters storm Washington [photos] Close Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) AP *** BESTPIX *** WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A Washington DC police officer walks through the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol earlier, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A protester sits in the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters have entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty Images Vice President Mike Pence walks off the House floor as a joint session of the House and Senate convenes to confirm the Electoral College votes cast in November's election, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (Erin Schaff/The New York Times via AP, Pool) AP Demonstrators try to open a door of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A protester screams "Freedom" inside the Senate chamber after the U.S. Capitol was breached by a mob during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building during demonstrations in the nation's capital. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A pro-Trump mob enters the Roturnda of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty Images A demonstrator talks to police over a barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) AP A woman is helped up by police during a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.(AP Photo/John Minchillo)(AP Photo/John Minchillo) AP WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Protesters enter the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters have entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A pro-Trump protester carries the lectern of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi through the Roturnda of the U.S. Capitol Building after a pro-Trump mob stormed the building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty Images A police officer has eyes flushed with water after a confrontation with demonstrators, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.(AP Photo/John Minchillo) AP Supporters of President Donald Trump puts water in his eyes after U.S. Capitol Police deployed a chemical agent outside of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) AP A demonstrator talks to police over a barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) AP Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) AP Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) AP President-elect Joe Biden speaks at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del., Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol "an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the people's business." (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) AP Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) AP Lawmakers prepare to evacuate the the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) AP WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Members of the National Guard and the Washington D.C. police stand guard to keep demonstrators away from the U.S. Capitol on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol earlier, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A member of a pro-Trump mob shatters a window with his fist from inside the Capitol Building after breaking into it on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A group of pro-Trump protesters climb the walls of the Capitol Building after storming the West lawn on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A pro-Trump mob storms the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A crowd of Trump supporters gather outside as seen from inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress will hold a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. The joint session was disrupted as the Trump supporters breached the Capitol building. (Photo by Cheriss May/Getty Images) Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Before the riot took place, thousands of Trump supporters gathered in Washington DC ahead of the Joint Session of Congress to confirm President-elect Bidens victory.

Mr Trump repeated his claims that the election was stolen and encouraged the crowd to march the two miles from the White House to the Capitol.

Expand Close Support: DUP MPs Ian Paisley (left), Sammy Wilson (second left) and Paul Girvan (right) fly the flag for Donald Trump / Facebook

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Whatsapp Support: DUP MPs Ian Paisley (left), Sammy Wilson (second left) and Paul Girvan (right) fly the flag for Donald Trump

North Antrim MP Mr Paisley said it was abhorrent to see any sort of violence interfere with the political process and recognised that both President Trump and President-elect Biden told those involved to go home.

Describing the scenes as startling, he added that it was absolutely tragic that people died.

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Mr Paisley argued, however, that no one can say that Mr Trump provoked protesters to break the law. He said that well go down and well protest peacefully, stated Mr Paisley.

Im looking at his comments that were put up in what seemed to be a live commentary, that they would go down and applaud those members of Congress and the House that they agree with.

He went on to say theres some they dont agree with but he didnt say to do anything.

Someones always going to look for someone to blame here but I think at the end of the day anyone who follows American politics knows it is a very, very deeply divided society.

Mr Paisley stated that Northern Ireland has also witnessed political protests spilling into politics and recalled the brawl in Stormont surrounding the re-election of David Trimble as First Minister in 2001.

There has been hand-to-hand fighting in various council chambers in Northern Ireland so we know something of it but nothing as dramatic I suppose as Capitol Hill  the bastion of the Free World  having this sort of a siege onto it, he said.

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US Vice-President Mike Pence finally came through, but not as directed by his boss, outgoing President Donald Trump.

Pence withstood mounting pressure from Trump to reject US Congresss certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election victory, and early on Thursday declared the Democrat and his running mate Kamla Harris winners of the electoral college with 306 votes each, to 232 for Trump and himself, ending their term in office.

The whole number of electors appointed to vote for president of the US is 538, of which a majority is 270 Joseph R Biden, of the state of Delaware received for president of the US, 306 votes. Donald J Trump of the state of Florida has received 232. The announcement of the state of the vote by the president of the Senate shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of the persons elected president and vice-president of the United States.

Each for the term beginning on the 20th day of January, 2021, and shall be entered together with the list of the votes on the journals of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Pence said on early on Thursday, ending a day that will long be remembered for the infamy visited upon it by the outgoing president, who unleashed an attack on US Congress.

Pences unquestioning public loyalty to Trump in the past even in the face of the presidents most egregious behaviour had been a cause for mounting concern as Trump, having gotten nowhere with lawsuits and vote recounts, came to pin on him his hopes of a second term despite having lost to Biden decisively in the electoral college and by more than 7 million popular votes.

If Vice-President @MikePence comes through for us, we will win the presidency, Trump tweeted on Wednesday morning, just as he was heading out to address a Save America March, where he incited his supporters to march on to Congress.

He tagged on one of his many false claims of poll fraud - Many states want to decertify the mistake they made in certifying incorrect and even fraudulent numbers in a process NOT approved by their state legislatures (which it must be). Mike can send it back!

Mike couldnt, Pence had told Trump in a meeting in the White house the day before, according to reports. The vice-president, who served many terms as member of the House of Representatives before becoming governor of Indiana state, his last job before Trump had asked him to join his ticket, is said to be acutely conscious and respectful of democratic norms.

He told Trump it was not within his constitutional authority to reject Bidens victory when presided over a joint session of the two chambers of Congress for the final stage in a presidential election, to certify the electoral college results.

It is my considered judgement that my oath to support and defend the constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not, Pence wrote in a statement that was circulated just minutes before he started the joint session.

The New York Times reported Pence had reiterated the same argument in a conversation on Wednesday morning.

Pence had not been as forthright in remarks in days before. He had sought to portray his views as aligned with the presidents even if did not go as far as to say what he will do. At an election rally in Georgia, the vice-president had said, Weve all got our doubts about the last election. I share the concerns of millions of Americans about voting irregularities.

Though he did add, wriggling out of a commitment, well have our day in Congress. Well hear the evidence. He did not say what he will do with the evidence, which never qualified to be called that.

Pence had planned to not overturn Bidens election, and would probably have done so anyway. But did the outrage triggered by the storming of Congress by Trumps supporters embolden him enough to go through with this resolve to defy the president openly and actually do it?

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MAGA rioters have turned on the media, destroying television cameras and chasing down news crews trying to report on the ongoing carnage at the US Capitol that has left at least four dead.

An angry mob of Donald Trump supporters were caught on camera swarming a media crew set up outside the capitol building and smashing up thousands of dollars worth of equipment on Wednesday.

Journalists and TV crews were forced to abandon the area and flee as the violent thugs wielding sticks pushed over metal barricades and entered the area they had set up in.

The mob roared with cheers as they kicked over lights and cameras, battered the equipment with flags and sticks and poured water over the electrical gear.

MAGA rioters have turned on the media, destroying television cameras and chasing down news crews trying to report on the carnage at the US Capitol that has so far left one

An angry mob of Donald Trump supporters were caught on camera swarming a media crew set up outside the capitol building and smashing up thousands of dollars worth of equipment

Journalists and TV crews were forced to abandon the area and flee as the violent thugs wielding sticks pushed over a barricade and entered the area they had set up in

The mob roared with cheers as they kicked over lights and cameras, battered them with flags and sticks

Some of the crowd then made a noose from the camera cord and hung it from a tree while one man was seen trying to set fire to equipment as it lay in ruins on the ground.

'We are the news now,' shouted one man, according to Buzzfeed reporter Paul McLeod.

Another Trump supporter then congratulated the vandals on their work, who told him it was 'beautiful'.

'You're all patriots! I love all of you,' he said.

One of the culprits replied: 'You missed it bud. We bum rushed it all. It was beautiful.'

Separate footage of the incident shared by Julia Rosas on social media showed one man swinging a flag pole at the media crew, while others shouted threats to 'get out of here' as the crew quickly backed away.

Some of the equipment that was left destroyed was branded Associated Press while reports on social media said Fox - once Trump's favorite outlet - had also been targeted.

The attack on the press comes as Trump has repeatedly blasted what he calls the 'lamestream media' and called journalists 'the enemy of the people'.

Even Fox has felt the president's wrath of late, after the outlet was first to call Arizona for Joe Biden on November 3 - setting off a furious phone call between Trump and media magnate Rupert Murdoch.

Some of the crowd then made a noose from the camera cord and hung it from a tree, according to Buzzfeed reporter Paul McLeod

'We are the news now,' shouted one man, according to Buzzfeed as another Trump supporter then congratulated the vandals on their work

A vandal is seen destroying the equipment in ongoing scenes of chaos in Washington DC Wednesday

Some of the equipment that was left destroyed was branded Associated Press while reports on social media said Fox - once Trump's favorite outlet - had also been targeted

People - some sporting MAGA hats - surveyed the damage as the capitol building looms in the background

One Trump supporter is seen trying to set some of the equipment alight outside the Capitol building

One man is seen dowsing water over the gear in an effort to ruin it further after news crews fled

While chaos ensued outside the US Capitol Wednesday, it was nothing compared to the unprecedented violence that broke out inside the seat of government.

MAGA supporters stormed inside the building and violently clashed with police in a bid to stop Joe Biden's victory being certified, causing lawmakers to take cover and flee to an undisclosed location for safety while the building went into lockdown.

One female Trump supporter, identified as US Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit of San Diego, died after being shot in the chest.

It was not immediately clear who shot the woman and an investigation is ongoing.

Dozens of police were also reportedly injured and at least one pipe bomb was found on the grounds.

Several prominent Trump supporters posed for photos at the Senate dais moments after Vice President Mike Pence delivered his rebuke to Donald Trump there while others broke into Nancy Pelosi's office, with one man later boasting about looting an envelope from the House Speaker's desk.

President-elect Joe Biden addressed the nation in a speech telling the 'mob to pull back' and urging President Donald Trump to tell his fans to stop the violence and leave the Capitol building.

Supporters of Donald Trump are seen inside the US Capitol after rioters breached security and entered the Capitol

Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday

Trump finally gave an address from the White House later in the afternoon telling his 'very special' supporters that he loves them and understands their pain but asking them 'to go home'.

This came just hours after he held a rally where he had encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol in protest at the certification of Biden's win and where his personal attorney and the man who spearheaded his failed election legal battle - Rudy Giuliani - told supporters to pursue a 'trial by combat'.

The National Guard was deployed to help police enforce a 6pm curfew in Washington DC to stem the violence and the building was briefly secured.

Another lockdown was issued in the evening due to an 'internal security threat' after an officer was reportedly found unconscious.

At around 8pm lawmakers flanked by armed guards began arriving back at the Capitol to resume the Joint Session to certify the Electoral College count of the presidential election.

Vice President Mike Pence condemned the violent siege as he reopened the Senate telling the perpetrators 'violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the people's house.'



At no point during or after the attack did Trump recognize the scope of the crisis and adequately seek to intervene. Thursday evening, more than a day after the fact, Trump released a video statement deploring the violence and acknowledging the inevitable, that a new administration would be be inaugurated. But that is no guarantee he will calm down, wise up or finally put country first. No one can predict what he will do or who he might incite next. That is the key point. We arent interested in punishing Trump. We want to protect the country from what he might do before Biden can take over.

Photo: The Canadian Press Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil attends a news conference in Halifax, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS

The premier of Nova Scotia says the RCMP must change how they alert the public to dangerous incidents following the high-profile arrest of a gunman who remained at large for 19 hours.

Stephen McNeil made the comment Thursday as questions arose about why it took more than three hours on Wednesday for the Mounties to request a provincewide Alert Ready message to warn residents about a manhunt that spanned two provinces.

"The RCMP has an issue when it comes to whether or not they want to use emergency alerts," the premier said after a cabinet meeting. "They need to fix their protocol."

A spokesman for the RCMP said the police force is considering releasing a statement on the issue on Friday.

Provincial Justice Minister Mark Furey  a former Mountie  also weighed in, saying the RCMP must shorten the time it takes for them to prepare Alert Ready messages for distribution by the province's Emergency Management Office.

"We would like to see the times compressed as much as possible to ensure the earliest communication with the Emergency Management Office," he said Thursday, adding that the latest delay may have been caused by factors of which he is unaware.

"(The RCMP) may be better able to explain, and I hope they would explain these circumstances to the public," Furey said. "I've told them that timely and efficient communication is critical in providing public safety to Nova Scotians."

McNeil repeatedly stressed that once the EMO had received the text of the message from the RCMP at 11:35 a.m., it took only seven minutes for the agency to transmit it to TV, radio and wireless devices across the province.

Furey confirmed that municipal police officers in Amherst, N.S., found the suspect's abandoned vehicle at 8:10 a.m., which means the Mounties did not submit the text for the emergency alert until almost three-and-a-half hours later.

Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, the provincial politician who represents the Amherst area for the Opposition Progressive Conservatives, issued a statement Thursday saying the delay was unacceptable.

"Sadly, we know all too well in this province what the consequences can be for delays in notifying the public of immediate danger," she said, referring to the widespread criticism the RCMP faced for failing to use the Alert Ready system when a gunman disguised as a Mountie killed 22 people in April.

"What we learned today is that no progress has been made since the events of April 18-19th."

Smith-McCrossin also alleged that the government was responsible for the delay. The premier, however, said that was inaccurate.

"The fact is that EMO . . . can't write a script about what is taking place on the ground in Amherst," McNeil said. "It needs (the RCMP) to do that."

The shooting suspect, who had fled from New Brunswick some time between 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday and early the next day, remained at large for almost 19 hours before he was arrested without incident by Amherst police just after noon on Wednesday.

The manhunt started near a high school in Riverview, N.B., where a man was wounded by gunfire. Police say the 35-year-old victim was approached by a man who demanded that he give him a bag he was carrying.

The victim was taken to hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The New Brunswick RCMP said 24-year-old Janson Bryan Baker of Moncton was being held in custody Thursday on an unrelated matter.
The world might be witnessing not only the death throes of the Trump presidency but of US democracy.

Democracy's great virtue is not that it guarantees the best possible ruler but that it allows the bloodless removal of a bad one, as the Anglo-Austrian philosopher Karl Popper said. Donald Trump's denialist contortions are an effort to prevent democracy delivering its ultimate benefit.

Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber. Credit:AP

Witnessing the invasion of the American parliament, Trump's first Defence Secretary, Jim Mattis, didn't shrink from naming the chief culprit: "Today's violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump." And he's right.

Trump has potential to do far worse in the final fortnight of his presidency. "Chaos is his friend," his former national security adviser, John Bolton, told me, even before the latest mayhem, "as it has been many times in his life and in businesses and he's hoping to fall back on it".
The ex-boyfriend of mother accused of leaving her nine-month-old boy to die has also been charged with murder 18 months after the baby was found dead.

Andrew Campbell, 41, was wanted for questioning over the death of nine-month-old boy Dexter Wilton at his mother's Sonter Street home in Riverview, Queensland, on June 21, 2019.

Campbell, from Bellbowrie, was on Thursday arrested and charged with murder, interfering with corpse, and neglect.

Bellbowrie man Andrew Campbell (pictured), 41, was wanted in connection with the death of a child at Riverview, Queensland on June 21, 2019. He has now been arrested and charged with murder, interfere with corpse and neglect

Ipswich baby, Dexter Wilton (pictured) was found dead in his mother's home by paramedics in June last year. The boy's mother Natalie Whitehead, was charged by authorities with her young son's murder

Queensland Police launched a search for Campbell late last month after he allegedly did not come forward to authorities despite appeals for him to turn himself in.

The boy's mother Natalie Whitehead, was on December 23 charged with her young son's murder, accused of killing him through days of neglect.

The 34-year-old mother was also charged with misconduct with a corpse and six counts of failure to supply the necessities of life.

Baby Dexter was found dead from alleged neglect and mistreatment 'lasting a period of days' in his mother's home by paramedics.

Campbell was allegedly living with Ms Whitehead at the time of Dexter's death.

He is expected to appear at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Detective Inspector Briese said police were pressing charges after an 18-month long investigation.

'As you can understand in such matters where it involves children, we, like everyone, would like to have it solved quickly and to be wrapped up,' he said.

'But we have to be meticulous and step through everything, including medical reports and medical testing.'
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In UP villagers get cocktail vaccine dose: Covishield first, Covaxin next

ICMR to study effectiveness of Covishield, Covaxin in preventing progression of COVID into severe form

Day before nationwide exercise, Haryana all set to hold COVID-19 vaccine dry run today

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, Jan 07: Haryana is holding a dry run, a simulation of the actual execution of coronavirus vaccine roll-out, on Thursday. This is being done to ensure efficient planning and management of the immunisation process which is expected to begin in a few days.

According to reports, in Gurugram, regional emergencies director of World Health Organisation, Dr Rodrico Ofrin, is likely to visit two sites - at Bhangrola and Wazirabad.

Bhangrola is a rural area, with the dry run being held at a primary health centre. Wazirabad is an urban area, where the drive will be held at a government primary school.

Emergency approval in India to help supply COVID-19 vaccine across globe: AstraZeneca

The drive will start from 11 am at all locations simultaneously, and is likely to continue till 1 pm.

With the mock drill all set to be conducted across 22 districts on Thursday, Haryana has been exempted by the Union health ministry from the massive nationwide mock drill to be held on January 8 across all states and union territories.

Each district across the country has been asked to identify three types of session sites, similar to the previous dry run conducted on January 2, including a public health facility (district hospital/medical college), private health facility and rural or urban outreach sites, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday.

Orderly, peaceful transfer of power must continue says PM Modi after US violence

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan will hold a meeting with the health ministers of states and union territories on Thursday to guide them on conducting the dry run.

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

The entire planning of the vaccination drive including beneficiary registration, microplanning and vaccination at the planned session site will be tested under the leadership of District Collector or District Magistrate during the dry run.

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Story first published: Thursday, January 7, 2021, 9:35 [IST]

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., said Thursday that President Donald Trump is a threat to national security and should be removed from office following the violence at the U.S. Capitol.

Casey, Pennsylvanias senior senator, called on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th amendment of the Constitution and remove Trump from office. Trumps term ends Jan. 20 when President-elect Joe Biden takes office but Casey said the president needs to be removed right away.

President Trump is a threat to our domestic and national security, Casey said in a statement.

It is self-evident that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. I call on Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and begin the process of removing the powers of the presidency from Donald Trump. This is the quickest way to protect our domestic and national security, he said.

Under the 25th Amendment, the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet can determine a president is unfit for office or incapacitated.

Casey said Trump incited the violence when rioters invaded the Capitol Wednesday as members of Congress met to count the electoral votes.

While shocking, yesterdays events were entirely foreseeable, Casey said. They were the direct result of President Trumps lies about the integrity of our most recent election, and his frequent incitements to violence. For weeks, the President has lied about his decisive defeat, promoting wild conspiracy theories about unsubstantiated fraud and encouraging this insurrection.

But he didnt do it alone, Casey said. President Trump was aided and abetted every step of the way by a multitude of Republicans in both the House and Senate who, after four years of enabling his authoritarian tendencies, yesterday sought to invalidate the will of the very people they serve. These members of Congress, along with President Trump, are responsible for this direct assault on our democracy and on our Nations Capitol Building. Their collective actions and words put lives at risk, and struck at the heart of our most fundamental democratic principles.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York also called for the use of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump, saying in a statement he should not hold office one day longer.

Two Democratic members in the Philadelphia suburbs, U.S. Reps. Madeleine Dean and Mary Gay Scanlon, said Trump should resign or be removed from office.

The president incited an assault on the seat of government because he cannot accept the reality of his election loss, Dean wrote on Twitter Wednesday. He is clearly unfit for office and must be removed from command.

U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, a Pittsburgh Democrat, said Thursday he also is urging Pence and the cabinet to remove Trump from office. Doyle said on Twitter Trump should be removed from office in order to prevent him from causing more damage to the United States between now and Inauguration Day.

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, a Philadelphia Democrat, also said he supported the Cabinet invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump and he would vote to impeach Trump again.

Virtually all of those lawmakers calling for Trumps ouster are Democrats. State Rep. Adam Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, called for Trump to be removed via the 25th amendment.

Despite the violence, Congress returned to the Capitol and completed the count of the electoral votes, the final step in the election of Biden as president and Kamala Harris as vice president.

More from PennLive

Capitol violence: Pa. members of Congress describe day of chaos in Washington
President Donald Trump has suggested to aides he wants to pardon himself in the final days of his presidency, according to two people with knowledge of the discussions, a move that would mark one of the most extraordinary and untested uses of presidential power in American history.

In several conversations since Election Day, Trump has told advisers that he is considering giving himself a pardon and, in other instances, asked whether he should and what the effect would be on him legally and politically, according to the two people. It was not clear whether he has broached the topic since he incited his supporters on Wednesday to storm the Capitol in a mob attack.

Trump has shown signs that his level of interest in pardoning himself goes beyond idle musings. He has long maintained he has the power to pardon himself and his polling of aides views is typically a sign that he is preparing to follow through on his aims. He has also become increasingly convinced that his perceived enemies will use the levers of law enforcement to target him after he leaves office.

No president has pardoned himself, so the legitimacy of prospective self-clemency has never been tested in the justice system and legal scholars are divided about whether the courts would recognize it. But they agree a presidential self-pardon could create a dangerous new precedent for presidents to unilaterally declare they are above the law and to insulate themselves from being held accountable for any crimes they committed in office.

A White House spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

Trump has considered a range of pre-emptive pardons for family, including his three oldest children  Donald Jr., Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump  Ivanka Trumps husband, senior White House adviser Jared Kushner, and for close associates like the presidents personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani. Trump has expressed concerns to advisers that a Biden Justice Department might investigate all of them.

Trump, who has told advisers how much he likes having the power to issue clemency, has for weeks solicited aides and allies for suggestions on whom to pardon. He has also offered pre-emptive pardons to advisers and administration officials. Many were taken aback because they did not believe they were in legal jeopardy and that accepting his offer would be seen as an admission of guilt, according to the two people.

Presidential pardons apply only to federal law and provide no protection against state crimes. They would not apply to charges that could be brought by prosecutors in Manhattan investigating the Trump Organizations finances.

The discussions between Trump and his aides about a self-pardon came before his pressure over the weekend on Georgia officials to help him try to overturn the elections results or his incitement of the riots at the Capitol. Trump allies believe that both episodes increased Trumps criminal exposure.

As aides urged Trump to issue a strong condemnation on Wednesday and he rejected that advice, the White House counsel, Pat A. Cipollone, warned Trump that he could face legal exposure for the riot given that he had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol and fight beforehand, according to people briefed on the discussion. Trump had appeared to White House aides to be enjoying watching the scenes play out on television.

Beyond that, the extent of Trumps criminal exposure is unclear. Special counsel Robert Mueller outlined 10 instances in which Trump may have obstructed justice but declined to say whether Trump broke the law, citing legal and factual constraints of prosecuting a sitting president. Former Justice Department officials and legal experts said that several of the acts should be prosecuted.

In 2018, federal prosecutors in New York named Trump as a conspirator in an illegal campaign finance scheme.

Pardons can be broad or narrowly tailored. White-collar defense lawyers said that Trump would be best served by citing specific crimes if he pardons himself, but such details could be politically damaging by suggesting that he was acknowledging he had committed those crimes.

A self-pardon would complicate the already fraught question for the Biden Justice Department about whether to investigate and ultimately prosecute Trump. Democrats and former Justice Department officials contend that if Trump pardons himself and the Justice Department declined to prosecute Trump, it will send a troubling message to Americans about the rule of law and for future presidents about their ability to flout the law.

The Biden Justice Department will not want to acquiesce in a Trump self-pardon, which implies that the president is literally above federal law, said Jack Goldsmith, a Harvard law professor and former top Justice Department official in the George W. Bush administration.

A self-pardon would align with Trumps unprecedented use of the pardon power. The framers of the Constitution gave the president almost total authority to grant clemency for federal crimes, positioning the head of the executive branch as a check on the judicial branch and as someone who could dip into the justice system to show grace and mercy on the downtrodden.

But Trump has eschewed the formal Justice Department process set up to ensure pardons are handed out fairly. Instead, he has used his pardon power unlike any other president to help allies, undermine rivals and push his own political agenda. Of the 94 pardons and commutations Trump has granted, 89% were issued to people who had a personal tie to Trump, helped him politically or whose case resonated with him, according to a tabulation by Goldsmith.

The only president to receive a pardon was Richard Nixon. A month after Nixon left office, his former vice president, Gerald Ford, pardoned him for all crimes he committed in office. The move was widely criticized at the time as allowing the presidency to hover above the law. Ford supporters later blamed the pardon for his election loss two years later, though ultimately the pardon came to be seen as a move that helped the country move on from Watergate.

Trump has maintained throughout his presidency that he has the authority to pardon himself and first discussed the possibility with aides as early as his first year in office. Those discussions began when his campaigns ties to Russia were being scrutinized and investigators were examining whether he had obstructed justice.

Legal scholars are less certain about Trumps declaration that he has an absolute right to pardon himself.

The Justice Department said in a short August 1974 opinion, just four days before Nixon resigned, that it would seem that presidents cannot pardon themselves under the fundamental rule that no one may be a judge in his own case.

But the president is not bound by those opinions, and there is nothing stopping Trump from signing a pardon for himself. The questions would be whether the Justice Department under another president would honor the pardon and set aside any potential prosecution of Trump and, if he were prosecuted, whether the judicial system would ultimately decide whether the pardon insulates Trump from facing charges.

Only a court can invalidate a self-pardon, and it can only do so if the Biden administration brings a case against Trump, Goldsmith said. A Trump self-pardon would thus make it more likely the Biden team prosecutes Trump for crimes committed in office.

Throughout Trumps presidency, he and allies have looked to pardons as a way of helping the president protect himself in criminal investigations. During the Russia investigation, Trump and his personal lawyer John M. Dowd dangled pardons to former aides. One, his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, flouted a plea deal to work with prosecutors.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
The top two Democrats in Congress on Thursday called for President Donald Trump to be removed from office, one day after his supporters stormed and vandalized the U.S. Capitol in a harrowing assault on American democracy.

With 13 days left in Trumps term, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer both said Vice President Mike Pence should invoke the U.S. Constitution to remove him from office before then.

Absent that, they said Congress should move quickly to expel him through the impeachment process.

We are in a very difficult place in our country as long as Donald Trump sits in the White House, Pelosi said at a news conference.

Members of Trumps Cabinet and allies of the Republican president have discussed invoking the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which allows them to remove a president who is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, a source familiar with the situation said, though another source said that was unlikely.

Congress formally certified Democratic President-elect Joe Bidens election victory early on Thursday, after they were forced into hiding by hundreds of rioters who overwhelmed police and invaded the building. More than half of House Republicans and eight senators voted to challenge the election results.

During the proceedings, Pelosi pulled Pence off the House floor to talk.

Meanwhile, Trump faced a staff exodus. One Cabinet official, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who is married to top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell, said she would resign, citing the violence.

Other Trump officials, including top Russia adviser Ryan Tully and envoy Mick Mulvaney, Trumps former chief of staff, also quit. More departures were expected.

Biden blamed the president for the attack but declined to say whether he should remain in office.

He unleashed an all-out assault on the institutions of our democracy from the outset. And yesterday was but the culmination of that unrelenting attack, he said at a news conference.

Facebook, a key social media platform for Trump, also said it would ban Trump posts until Bidens Jan. 20 inauguration. Online retailing platform Shopify said it would take down Trump stores.

CALLS FOR TRUMP TO LEAVE

Dozens of Democrats have called for Trump to be removed through the 25th Amendment or impeachment.

At least two Republicans, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, also said he should go.

But several Republican sources said the 25th Amendment effort was unlikely to go anywhere, given Trumps short time remaining in office.

Democrats drive to remove Trump through impeachment fell short in February 2020, when the Republican-led Senate voted to acquit him on charges of abuse of power and obstructing Congress after Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate Biden.

Trump pledged in an early-morning statement an orderly transition ahead of Bidens inauguration, in part to prevent more staffers from leaving. Yet Trump has stood by the false charge the election was stolen from him.

Trump has not condemned the extraordinary violence that unfolded after he encouraged supporters on Wednesday to march to the Capitol, despite pleas from senior members of his administration.

I implore the President and all elected officials to strongly condemn the violence that took place yesterday, Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said.

Trump has increasingly isolated himself in the White House, relying on a small group of diehard loyalists and lashing out at Pence and others who dare to cross him, four sources said.

On Capitol Hill, new fencing was being installed around the Capitol ahead of Bidens inauguration.

The assault on the Capitol was the culmination of months of divisive and escalating rhetoric by Trump and his allies around the Nov. 3 election, with the president repeatedly making false claims that the vote was rigged and urging his supporters to help him overturn his loss.

Rioters broke windows and besieged the House chamber while lawmakers were inside, banging on its doors. Security officers piled furniture against the chambers door and drew their pistols before helping lawmakers and others escape.

FBI ASKS FOR HELP

The FBI asked the public for tips identifying people involved in the mayhem in which four people died.

In certifying Bidens election triumph, longtime Trump allies such as Pence and McConnell rejected Trumps pleas for intervention.

The Senate and the House rejected two objections by Republican lawmakers to the tally and certified the final Electoral College count, with Biden receiving 306 votes and Trump 232 votes.

Election officials of both parties and independent observers have said there was no significant fraud in the election. Biden received 7 million more votes than Trump in the national popular vote.

SOURCE: REUTERS
She learns to use a gun in her new movie I'm Your Woman.

But Rachel Brosnahan, 30, recently got candid about how she felt about the prospect of holding a firearm while acting.

During a Zoom press conference with Variety reporter Angelique Jackson she revealed that she is 'not very comfortable with guns' - and praised the movie's realism in showing her character 'be bad at' handling one initially.

'Not very comfortable': Rachel Brosnahan, 30, recently got candid about how she felt about the prospect of holding a firearm while acting

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actress explained: 'I feel like when it comes to men and women in some of these films, sometimes it feels like someone gets a gun put in their hand and the power surges through their veins and suddenly they know how to use it. And I myself am not very comfortable with guns.'

Rachel recalled: 'I had to learn to shoot one once before for a film, and once went on an inexplicable date with someone who took me to a shooting range.'

Rachel, who has been married to Broadway veteran Jason Ralph since 2016, dished: 'It's a whole story for another time, a one-date thing.'

She explained: 'But yeah, I'm not super comfortable with guns and I think most people aren't. You know, if you didn't grow up around guns or, you know, or have them around you in your house or you know, whatever, it's not something that a lot of people are comfortable with.'

In character: She may learn to use her gun in her new movie I'm Your Woman

Rachel noted her character 'has never been around guns, and I appreciate so much the opportunity to watch her be bad at it, to watch her be nervous, to watch her - and there was not a lot of acting involved in this moment - you know, shoot the gun for the first time and it scared her.'

The Amazon Prime star shared: 'That we're allowed to use that onscreen felt really different. I don't think I had really seen that journey in a genre like this.'

Set in the 1970s, the movie stars Rachel as a hunky thief's wife called Jean who is caring for her baby boy when her husband vanishes.

She and the baby up in the care of a man she does not know called Cal (Arinze Kene) and over the course of her misadventures winds up having to use a gun.

Cal's father Art, played by Frankie Faison, can be glimpsed in one scene of the trailer teaching Jean how to shoot a firearm in a field.

Throwback chic: Set in the 1970s, the movie stars Rachel as a hunky thief's wife called Jean who is caring for her baby boy when her husband vanishes

'Anyone can learn to shoot, but what you really need to figure out is what you'll do when it's real,' Art warns her ominously.

Cal's wife Teri, played by Marsha Stephanie Blake, then informs Jean that the weapon is so that she will 'be prepared for what comes next.'

In her new interview Rachel pointed to Art's line while teaching Jean to shoot and said that 'in the moment when she really has to use it, she does and she does so with a confidence that changes her - but up until that point it's not such smooth sailing.'

The movie bowed last month to positive reviews to the tune of an 81% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 64 score on Metacritic.
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Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2021 5:22 pm

Arbor Healths new Community Wellness Program is partnering with the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center and the University of Washington to conduct an exercise study in East Lewis County.

The study, titled Study for Rural Innovations in the Delivery of Exercise (STRIDE), will allow 14 community members to get paid for working out by completing a 12-week exercise class from home.

STRIDE is funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The exercise classes will be group-based and virtual.

We encourage all senior citizens who suffer from knee arthritis to pursue the opportunity, Arbor Health said in a press release. Assistance may be available for those who do not have the necessary technology equipment.

For more information about the study, contact the principal investigator, Dr. Kushang Patel, at 206-285-6082 or stridestudy@uw.edu.

Longford has today recorded its highest number of Covid-19 infections in a single day since the pandemic began in March 2020.

The latest figures from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) show that 78 new cases were confirmed in Longford on January 5.

Also read: 'It will be May or June at least' before pubs are allowed reopen, warns Longford publican

Previously, the highest number of positive Covid-19 cases recorded in Longford in a single day came on May 2, 2020 when there were 60 positive cases.

It means that in the past seven days there have been 244 new cases of the virus detected in Longford.

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Longford since the pandemic began is 997 (919 as at Monday, January 4 plus the 78 announced today by NPHET - see table below).

Also read: Longford nursing home residents to be vaccinated within weeks

Longford's 14 day incidence rate of Covid-19 is currently 650.8 per 100,000 population (up considerably from yesterday's rate of 467.3) on the back of 266 cases in the past fortnight.

The national incidence rate is 819.1, up from 674.4 the previous day.

Confirmed Covid-19 cases in this region

County..............Cases (Jan 4).......New Cases (Jan 5)............14-Day Incidence rate

Longford.................919....................+78............................650.8 per 100,000

Leitrim...................409.....................+24.............................477.5 per 100,000

Cavan..................2,983...................+160.............................1,013.4 per 100,000

Roscommon..........1,286....................+25..............................480.3 per 100,000

Westmeath...........1,914...................+123..............................503.5 per 100,000

National

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 17 additional deaths related to COVID-19.

There has been a total of 2,299 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

Also read: Aoife Mulligan releases beautiful new single in aid of Aoifes Clown Doctors

As of midnight, Tuesday 5th January, the HPSC has been notified of 7,836 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 121,154 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

Of the cases notified today:

3,740 are men / 4,078 are women

63% are under 45 years of age

The median age is 36 years old

2,263 in Dublin, 1,373 in Cork, 496 in Louth, 345 in Limerick, 340 in Meath and the remaining 3,019 cases are spread across all other counties.

As of 2pm today, 954 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 88 are in ICU. 105 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; The country is in a serious phase of this surge of COVID-19. There is evidence of an increasing presence of the UK variant in Ireland. All counties have an upward trajectory of the disease. There is concerning escalation of admissions to hospital and ICU. We are very likely to see escalating mortality and ICU admissions in the coming days and weeks.

Also read: Government Minister tests positive for Covid-19

It has never been more important, throughout our experience of this pandemic, to stay home and only meet people outside of your household for essential purposes, always adhering to public health advice; physical distance, hand hygiene, cough/sneeze etiquette, wearing a face covering.

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.
Sudan's Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Yasser Abbas has voiced in a message to South Africa on Thursday Khartoum's concerns on Ethiopian announcment that Addis Ababa would go ahead with the second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in the summer of 2021.

In the statement published by the Sudanese news agency (SUNA), Abbas expressed "his grave concern over the announcement by the Ethiopian minister of irrigation and electricity of his country's intention to proceed with the implementation of the filling for the second year with 13.5 billion cubic metres of water next July without prior notification and without signing an agreement or an exchange of information on the impact of the filling on Sudan's Roseiers Dam."

According to Abbas, the second filling would be "a direct threat to the Roseiers Dam and to the lives of the inhabitants on the banks of the Nile."

The Sudanese minister has also confirmed that the first filling (5 billion cubic metres of water) caused substantial problems in the water stations in Khartoum.

Both Egypt and Sudan have rejected the unilateral decision by Ethiopia to complete the first filling of the dam without returning back to both countries or reaching a final legal binding agreement on the filling and operating of the dam.

Sudan has been vocal in insisting that the GERD represents a direct threat to its Roseiers Dam.

Nevertheless, Abbas affirmed Sudans commitment to continue negotiations on the GERD under the auspices of the African Union (AU) at any time in the event that the methodology used in the negotiations is amended by giving a greater role to experts.

Sudan has pulled out of the latest round of GERD talks after saying it was 'surprised' that the AU has called for the resumption of tripartite negotiations without heeding Khartoum's demands for holding bilateral meetings between the experts and each of the three countries separately to discuss and identify points of difference.

"Sudan cannot bear endless negotiations that do not result in worthy results and solutions," Abbas said.

However, he asserted Sudan's commitment to the initiative of the AU, saying Khartoum awaits the scheduling of bilateral meetings between experts and observers and each country separately before a scheduled 10 January tripartite ministerial meeting.

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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham pardoned a dozen people Wednesday  many of whom had been convicted more than a decade ago of drug possession, burglary, fraud and other nonviolent charges.

Lujan Grishams first round of pardons came in June, when she granted clemency to 19. They were the first issued in New Mexico since 2012.

Those receiving clemency Wednesday were Jerry Abney, James Bell, Sarah T. Gallegos, William Goolsby, Dennis Grube, Blanca Hernandez, Michelle Jacquez, Byron Marshall, Karen Monroe, Leonard Romero, Julian Salaiz and James Sullivan. No details on those cases were immediately available.

Aside from having charges cleared, those pardoned will have certain rights restored, among them the right to vote and hold public office.

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Nora Meyers Sackett, a Governors Office spokeswoman, said that five of those pardoned by Lujan Grisham had applied for clemency under the administration of former Gov. Susana Martinez and that four of them received no answer to their application whatsoever.

Martinez, a Republican and former prosecutor who supported reinstating the death penalty, pardoned three people during her eight years in office.

In 2019, Lujan Grisham published guidelines offering more discretion in issuing pardons.
Joshua Kushner and Karlie Kloss are married. Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

Supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss condemned the pro-Trump siege at the Capitol on Wednesday, saying refusing to accept the election results and inciting violence is "anti-American."

When one Twitter user replied suggesting that Kloss tell that to her brother- and sister-in-law, Trump advisors Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, the supermodel replied saying, "I tried."

In a now-deleted tweet, Ivanka Trump addressed the mob, writing: "American Patriots - any security breach or disrespect to our law enforcement is unacceptable. The violence must stop immediately. Please be peaceful."

She later clarified that she did not think the rioters were "patriots," and that "peaceful protest is patriotic. Violence is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms."

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Supermodel Karlie Kloss said she tried to tell that her brother- and sister-in-law, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, that those who refuse to accept the results of the 2020 election "anti-American."

Kloss condemned the pro-Trump siege that took place at the Capitol in a Wednesday tweet, as Congress debated on whether to certify the 2020 election results.

The insurrection came after President Donald Trump spoke to supporters at a "Save America" rally, encouraging them to object to the election results and "fight" for him.

"And we fight. We fight like Hell and if you don't fight like Hell, you're not going to have a country anymore," Trump said during the rally, adding that "we're going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, I love Pennsylvania Avenue, and we're going to the Capitol and we're going to try and give," but did not finish the thought.

After the mob breached the Capitol, Trump urged them to "stay peaceful!"

Ivanka Trump also wrote in a now-deleted tweet: "American Patriots - any security breach or disrespect to our law enforcement is unacceptable. The violence must stop immediately. Please be peaceful."

Story continues

When asked to clarify if she thought the rioters were "patriots," Ivanka Trump denied it.

"Peaceful protest is patriotic," she wrote. "Violence is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms."

In a tweet Wednesday night, Kloss wrote that "accepting the results of a legitimate democratic election is patriotic."

"Refusing to do so and inciting violence is anti-American," she continued.

One Twitter user replied to Kloss' tweet, urging her to "tell your sister in law and brother law," to which Kloss responded with, "I tried."

The supermodel is married to Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump's son-in-law and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner and brother-in-law of Ivanka Trump.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Mumbai, Jan 7 : Amitabh Bachchan surprised fans by wishing them Merry Christmas on January 7. The actor then explained on social media that this is the date of the Russian Christmas as per the Gregorian calendar.

"Merry Christmas .. Russian Christmas on Jan 7 .. Christmas holiday-January 7th in the Gregorian calendar or December 25, Julian calendar ... as informed by Alla Yukhina, Russian Ef," tweeted Bachchan from his verified account.

Fans from across the world reciprocated to the tweet by wishing the actor on Orthodox Christmas.

"Thank you, Amit Ji! You remember and respect the Russian-speaking population all over the world. They love you very much in Russia! Movies are shown with translation. However, not always the timbre of the voice coincides with yours. So I'm reviewing movies in Hindi," commented a fan from Crimea.

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2021 to all Orthodox Christians who celebrate Christmas on 7th Jan... Greetings and wishes," shared another fan.

On Wednesday, the actor had shared a photograph clicked in Moscow, Soviet Union in 1990-91, where he is seen mobbed by fans for autograph.

On the work front, Big B will feature in upcoming films like "Chehre", Nagraj Manjule's "Jhund", Ayan Mukerji's "Brahmastra", Ajay Devgn's "Mayday" and a yet untitled film co-starring Prabhas and Deepika Padukone.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
(CNN)  The European Union has authorized Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, the second coronavirus vaccine to be approved for use in the EU.

The move finalizes the recommendation of the European Union drugs regulator, who earlier on Wednesday recommended granting the drug a conditional marketing authorization.

Emer Cooke, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) executive director, said on Wednesday that "this vaccine provides us with another tool to overcome the current emergency."

"It is a testament to the efforts and commitment of all involved that we have this second positive vaccine recommendation just short of a year since the pandemic was declared by WHO," she said.

The EU has secured the purchase of up to 160 million doses of the Moderna vaccine -- enough to vaccinate 80 million people of its 448 million citizens -- as part of a joint vaccine strategy aimed to ensure equitable access across the bloc.

Under that contract, the US biotech firm has promised to deliver all their doses between now and September 2021, the European commission said.

Moderna said in a statement that the first deliveries of their vaccine "from Moderna's dedicated non-US supply chain are expected to begin next week."

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission celebrated Wednesday's outcome, saying that "we are providing more Covid-19 vaccines for Europeans. With the Moderna vaccine...we will have a further 160 million doses. And more vaccines will come."

Noting that Europe has secured up to 2 billion doses of potential Covid-19 vaccines, von der Leyen added, "We'll have more than enough safe and effective vaccines for protecting all Europeans."

Stella Kyriakides, the EU's Commissioner for Health and Food Safety said that "we are all in this together and united," adding that a"our efforts will not stop until vaccines are available for everyone in the EU."

Kyriakides also said that member states will "have to ensure that the pace of vaccinations follows suit."

The 27-member bloc is already facing logistical challenges in rolling out the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which the EU purchased 300 millon doses of and which was authorized for use on December 21 and rolled out just days later.

A challenging process

In France, as of January 1, the amount of people vaccinated stood at a paltry 516, according to data made available by the French health agency.

That rate seems to undermine the promise of French Prime Minister Jean Castex, who said that 1 million people would able to be vaccinated by the end of the month.

Jean Rottner, the head of France's "Great East" region, which has been badly impacted by the second wave, said that the slow vaccination rate is "a state scandal," and that he wanted territories to "take over" from the government.

"We are making fun of ourselves because today, being vaccinated has become more complicated than buying a car," Rottner said on public broadcaster France 2.

"We need to accelerate, we are at war," he said, adding that "today, we need to vaccinate everywhere we can, with the means that are at our disposal."

The German government has also come under pressure from both politicians and scientific experts for not securing enough doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to roll out its vaccination program.

Germany has immunized 316,962 people -- around 0.4% of the country's population -- according to Tuesday's data from the Robert Koch Institute, the national agency for disease control and prevention.

Among those vaccinated were around 131,885 residents of nursing homes and around 149,727 medical staff, according to data collected from Germany's federal states.

German health minister Jens Spahn rejected criticism of the delay in inoculations, saying in an interview with public broadcaster ARD on Tuesday that vaccination doses currently available in Germany are "exactly the order of magnitude I have been announcing for weeks."

At the same time, Spahn emphasized that efforts to procure more vaccine doses for Germany are underway, with authorities "very actively" supporting the construction of a new BioNTech production plant in Marburg.

Experts have warned that the biggest challenge for the EU will be the actual rollout of the vaccine, given that both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna shot, which uses new mRNA technology, differs significantly from other more traditional vaccines in terms of storage.

Moderna's vaccine can be stored at temperatures of -20 Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) for up to six months and at refrigerator temperatures of 2-8C (35-46F) for up to 30 days. It can also be kept at room temperature for up to 12 hours, and doesn't need to be diluted prior to use.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine presents more complex logistical challenges, as it must be stored at around -70C (-94F) and lasts just five days in a refrigerator. Vials of the drug also need to be diluted for injection; once diluted, they must be used within six hours, or thrown out.

Vaccine candidates such as Oxford/AstraZeneca's offering -- which is already being distributed in the UK and which experts believe is likely to be approved by European regulators next -- can be kept at normal refrigerator temperatures for at least six months, a benefit to those countries which are ill-equipped to handle the additional demands of cold-chain storage.

A strong cold-chain network is just one aspect when it comes to effectively distributing vaccines, however.

Other factors such as monitoring systems, community engagement and human resourcing are also all crucial to a successful rollout.
Abu Dhabi  the oil powerhouse at the centre of the U.S.s pushback against increasing Chinese influence across the Middle East - last week further cemented this alliance with a dramatic re-organisation of its government to further empower its oil sector, and the awarding of further oil concessions to U.S.-friendly firms. Both of these developments were in line with plans to boost the crude oil production of the chief corporate proxy in this U.S.-Israel strategy  the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC)  from around the current 4 million barrels per day (bpd) to at least 5 million bpd by 2030 at the latest, and to increase its gas output as well. For a long time a huge hurdle for Abu Dhabis plans to dramatically increase oil revenues has been the reticence of various members of its Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) to endorse any proposals regarded as not in keeping with the broadly conservative nature of the Emirate. This reticence persisted despite the March-April 2020 Oil Price War having left the Emirate with a projected budget breakeven oil price of US$69.1 per barrel of Brent for the year, according to IMF figures, whilst Brent struggled to trade over US$50 per barrel during that time.

The pressure to plug budget gaps and to fund plans to safeguard oil production levels resulted in a statement on 23 June from ADNOC that it had agreed to sell a 49 per cent stake in its gas pipelines for just over US$10 billion to a consortium of international investors, subject to the standard regulatory approvals. It also opened the way to China increasing its expansion efforts into the UAE and, as a counter to this move into yet another of the Middle Eastern states made economically vulnerable by the Saudi-instigated 2020 Oil Price War, to the UAE being top of the list for a relationship normalisation with the U.S.-Israel axis.

Last week, though, Abu Dhabi ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a decree to re-organise the SPC into a more oil- and economy-friendly Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs, which will be chaired by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed, who was formerly the vice-chairman of the SPC. He will now oversee this new version of the SPC, which will cover all of Abu Dhabis financial, investment, economic, petroleum and natural resources affairs. The new iteration of the SPC will comprise of board members with a limited tenure of just three years, including in the first instance the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Sultan al-Jaber, who is also the chief executive officer of ADNOC. Khaldoun al-Mubarak, chief executive officer of the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co will also be an initial board member.

Related: Rising LNG Prices Welcome News For U.S. Exporters



Crucially as far as new oil projects and corollary financing are concerned, according to the notes accompanying the decree: The law also stipulates that the Supreme Petroleum Councils regulatory powers will be merged with those of the new council and its members will continue to exercise their role as ADNOCs board members until a new board of directors is appointed. It added that: The council's methodology allows the boards of concerned authorities the corporate autonomy to develop their strategies to be approved by the council, and the independence to develop, approve and implement their annual plans. In short, the new version of the SPC will make quicker, bolder, and more financially savvy decisions than the previous version. This augurs well for a number of crude oil production-boosting initiatives that are key to ADNOC achieving its 5 million bpd crude oil production target by 2030. Before the new version of the SPC had been formed, the previous SPC had approved ADNOCs US$122 billion spending plan over the next five years, albeit a 10 per cent lower capex figure than was supposed to have been spent between 2019 and 2023. It had also announced in November the discovery of 22 billion stock tank barrels (STB) of recoverable unconventional onshore oil resources have been discovered by ADNOC, plus another 2 billion STB in recoverable conventional oil reserves. These new discoveries mean that the UAEs recoverable conventional oil reserves are now 107 billion STB, on a level with the best U.S. shale oil plays, said the SPC.

Around the same time, ADNOCs al-Jaber announced that the company would: continue to pursue partnerships with investors that will allow us to generate new value streams for us to reinvest in higher value, higher return projects. These new deals, as OilPrice.com highlighted at the time after exclusive interviews with senior legal sources close to ADNOC, would focus initially on the awarding of five potentially massive oil and gas blocks as part of the second competitive bidding round that was launched in May 2019. The sources added that they would likely be awarded to U.S. and U.S.-allied firms, in line with the US$10 billion+ that ADNOC secured from a consortium of international investors by selling a 49 per cent stake in its gas pipelines. The five blocks comprise Offshore Block 3, Offshore Block 4, Offshore Block 5, Onshore Block 5 and Onshore Block 2 (which has two separate licensing awards available, one for conventional, the other for unconventional).

Related: Crude Oil Flow From Saudi Arabia To U.S. Falls To Zero



OilPrice.com also highlighted that the chosen U.S-friendly firms would also be in line with those firms that had been vetted as being suitable by the U.S. in the first round of concession awards that ended in March 2019. These featured a consortium led by Italys ENI and Thailands PTT Exploration and Production Public Co. for Offshore Block 1 and Offshore Block 2, while Onshore Block 1 was awarded to Indias Bharat Petroleum Corp. and the Indian Oil Corp., Onshore Block 3 was awarded to the U.S.s Occidental Petroleum, and Onshore Block 4 was awarded to Japans INPEX Corp.

As it transpired last week, ADNOC did precisely as predicted, awarding ENI and PTTEP an exploration concession to look for oil and gas in Offshore Block 3. ENI and PTTEP will hold 100 per cent of the exploration phase with investments up to AED1.51 billion (US$412 million), which include exploration and appraisal drilling, and a participation fee to explore for and appraise oil and gas opportunities. ENI will be the operator in the exploration phase for the block that spans an 11,660 sq km area while ADNOC retains the option to hold a 60 per cent stake in the production phase of the 35-year concession, which starts with the commencement of the exploration phase.

Future awards, OilPrice.com understands from the senior legal sources close to ADNOC, are likely to involve firms from India as well  probably the Bharat Petroleum Corp. and the Indian Oil Corp  as India is an absolutely vital geopolitical component of the U.S. push-back against China. India had demonstrated decisively in the 15 June 2020 clash between military units of the two great Asia powers in the disputed territory of the Himalayas Galwan Valley its willingness to change to a more confrontational approach than had been usual towards its neighbour as and when required. It marked a new push back strategy from India against Chinas policy of seeking to increase its economic and military alliances from Asia through the Middle East and into Southern Europe, in line with its multi-layered multi-generational One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project, and is now a core part of the U.S. Asia-Pacific strategy to try to contain China.

As the U.S.s new poster-boy oil company proxy in the Middle East, ADNOC has been busy cementing its ties with India. ADNOCs al-Jaber announced recently that he looks forward to exploring partnerships with even more Indian companies across the energy giants hydrocarbon value chain, including expanding the commercial scale and scope of the Indian Strategic Reserves Partnership (SPR). Following the agreement of the UAEs normalisation deal with Israel, Indias government approved a proposal that will allow ADNOC  currently the only overseas company allowed to hold and store Indias vitally-important SPR - to export oil from the reserves if there is no domestic demand for it, in the first instance from the Mangalore strategic storage facility (the other major SPR pool being at Padur). This decision marked a major shift in the policy of India in the handling of these vital energy reserves, with the country having previously completely banned all oil exports from the SPR storage facilities.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy savings now ranks among the most important features people consider when shopping for a new home, according to the Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted Energy Saving Products Study released today.

The America's Most Trusted Study is a large-scale survey of consumers in the United States that seeks to identify the brands that people trust the most within their respective industries. The foundational study began with examining home builder brands in 2011 and has evolved into investigating more than 40 classes of home products. Today, the America's Most Trusted Study is the leading source of brand insights for builders, product manufacturers, and service providers seeking to understand people who are actively shopping for a product.

The annual America's Most Trusted award is a distinction based on how consumers evaluate a brand's trustworthiness. In recognition of the importance of energy-saving home products, 8 unique product studies were performed examining the product categories: HVAC Systems, Ceiling Fans, Home Insulation, Residential Windows, Smart Thermostats, Solar Panel Systems, Water Heaters, and Laundry Appliances.

Highlights of Product Brand Awards:

America's Most Trusted Heating and Air Conditioner System Brand

The Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioner (HVAC) System brand earning the 5 Star Trust Rating is Trane. Trane received the highest Net Trust Quotient score (117.3) and earned the #1 ranking in the 2021 Lifestory Research America's Most Trusted HVAC Study. The study's brands included Trane, Carrier, Heil, Whirlpool, Rheem, Lennox, American Standard, Ruud, York, Bryant, Amana, and Goodman. The 2021 ranking is based on 6,453 people surveyed between January and December in the United States who indicated they were actively shopping for a new HVAC system. By winning the #1 trust rating, Trane now has the distinction of being recognized as America's Most Trusted HVAC brand for seven consecutive years 2015-2021. Study details here.

America's Most Trusted Ceiling Fan Brand

The Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted Ceiling Fan brand earning the 5 Star Trust Rating is Hunter. Hunter received the highest Net Trust Quotient score (125.3) and received the #1 ranking in the 2021 Lifestory Research America's Most Trusted Ceiling Fan Study. The study's brands included Hunter, Bigass, Casablanca, Hampton Bay, Craftmade, Harbor Breeze, and Emerson. The 2021 ranking is based on 5,040 people surveyed between January and December in the United States who indicated they were actively shopping for a new Ceiling Fan. Study details here.

America's Most Trusted Home Insulation Brand

The Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted Home Insulation brand earning the 5 Star Trust Rating is Owens Corning. Owens Corning received the highest Net Trust Quotient score (124.4) and received the #1 ranking in the 2021 Lifestory Research America's Most Trusted Home Insulation Study. The study's brands included Owens Corning, Honeywell, Dow, Celotex, Rockwool, US Gypsum, Certain Teed, and BASF and Johns Manville. The 2021 ranking is based on 4,836 people surveyed between January and December in the United States who indicated they were actively shopping for insulation for their home. This is the second consecutive year in which Owens Corning generated the #1 trust rating and recognition as America's Most Trusted Insulation brand. Study details here.

America's Most Trusted Residential Window Brand

The Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted Residential Window brand earning the 5 Star Trust Rating is Andersen. Andersen received the highest Net Trust Quotient score (116.2) and captured the #1 ranking in the 2021 Lifestory Research America's Most Trusted Residential Window Study. The study's brands included Andersen, Pella, Weather Shield, American Craftsman, JELD-WEN, Champion, Milgard, and Marvin. The 2021 ranking is based on 4,334 people surveyed between January and December in the United States who indicated they were actively shopping for windows for their home. Study details here.

America's Most TrustedSmart Thermostat Brand

The Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted Smart Thermostat brand earning the 5 Star Trust Rating is Google Nest Learning Thermostat. Google Nest Learning Thermostat received the highest Net Trust Quotient score (120.1) and the #1 ranking in the 2021 Lifestory Research America's Most Trusted Smart Thermostat Study. The study's most trusted brands included Google Nest Learning Thermostat, Honeywell, Trane, GLAS, Emerson Sensi, Lux, Carrier, Lennox, and Ecobee. The 2021 ranking is based on 5,489 people surveyed between January and December in the United States who indicated they were actively shopping for a new smart thermostat. Study details here.

America's Most Trusted Solar Panel System Brand

The Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted Solar Panel System brand earning the 5 Star Trust Rating is Panasonic. Panasonic received the highest Net Trust Quotient score (106.1) and secured the #1 ranking in the 2021 Lifestory Research America's Most Trusted Solar Panel System Study. The study brands included Panasonic, Tesla, LG, SunPower, SolarEdge, Silfab, Trina Solar, Hyundai, Canadian Solar, JinkoSolar, Enphase, Q CELLS, and Solaria. The 2021 ranking is based on 9,888 people surveyed between January and December in the United States who indicated they were actively shopping for a new solar panel system for their home. Study details here.

America's Most Trusted Water Heater Brand

The Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted Water Heater brand earning the 5 Star Trust Rating is Bosch. Bosch received the highest Net Trust Quotient score (120.0) and earned the #1 ranking in the 2021 Lifestory Research America's Most Trusted Water Heater Study. The study brands included Bosch, AO Smith, Rheem, Bradford White, Whirlpool, Ruud, GE, Kenmore, and Rinnai. The 2021 ranking is based on 5,049 people surveyed between January and December in the United States who indicated they were actively shopping for a new Water Heater. Study details here.

America's Most Trusted Laundry Appliance Brand

The Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted Laundry Appliance brand earning the 5 Star Trust Rating is Whirlpool. Whirlpool generated the highest Net Trust Quotient Score of 112.0 and the #1 ranking among people who were actively shopping for a laundry appliance. The study brands included Whirlpool, Maytag, LG, Samsung, Kenmore, GE, Electrolux, Frigidaire, and Amana. The 2021 ranking is based on the opinions of 7,354 people surveyed between January and December in the United States who indicated they were actively shopping for a new washer or dryer laundry appliance. Study details here.

Visit www.lifestoryresearch.com for detailed trust scores, ratings and ranking from the 2021 study.

About the America's Most Trusted Study

America's Most Trusted is a consumer-based research program based on thousands of people's opinions actively shopping for products. To identify America's Most Trusted, Lifestory Research conducts an ongoing annual survey in which people anonymously assess the trust they have in brands they encounter during their active search for specific products. The trust score is calculated based on how thousands of people judge the merits of more than 500 brands and product segments. Lifestory Research surveys people using well established social science research practices that seek to adhere to the highest quality standards of consumer insight. America's Most Trusted is a registered trademark of Lifestory Corporation. No advertising or promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of Lifestory Research. Learn more. #mostrustedbrands

About Lifestory Research

Leaders, companies, and brands know that great ideas are only useful if they move people toward action. Lifestory Research is an independent, science-driven consumer insights and strategy consulting firm that ignites relationships between companies and their audiences. We are passionate about customers, employees, brands, and the science of influence. We use quantitative and qualitative research to create customer insights, drive innovation, deliver brand strategy, and move people forward.

For more information, please visit www.lifestoryresearch.com

SOURCE Lifestory Research

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SALEM, Ore.  While a pro-Trump crowd stormed the nation's capitol in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, a smaller-scale protest took place at the Oregon Capitol building in Salem.

Oregon State Police reported that it was monitoring the Salem protest alongside Salem Police and the Marion County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday.

3/3 No force was necessary to separate the two groups.



We are grateful to the public who followed warnings to stay away from the affected areas as doing so allowed officers to effectively address the evolving situation.#salemoregon pic.twitter.com/d6b1GBYDB1  Salem Police Department (@SalemPoliceDept) January 6, 2021

Around 2 p.m., a group of counter-protesters arrived at the Capitol to confront the pro-Trump gathering. Oregon State Police said that a fight broke out between the two sides.

"Law Enforcement members quickly separated the two groups and worked to keep the two groups separate for the remainder of the day," OSP said.

Police arrested 43-year-old David Willis of Lincoln County during the event on charges for Harassment and Disorderly Conduct. The investigation is ongoing, OSP said, and more charges may come through after police consult with the Marion County District Attorney's office.

Despite repeated scuffles, Salem Police said that "no force" was needed to keep the two groups separated once officers responded.

"Traffic flow is returning to normal as the streets are opening up again," the agency said on Wednesday afternoon. "The crowds at the Oregon State Capitol have diminished greatly. Oregon State Police is no longer in need of enforcement assistance. We are grateful to the public who followed warnings to stay away from the affected areas as doing so allowed officers to effectively address the evolving situation."

This is a developing story and will be updated with more details as they emerge.
Farmers protesting against the Centres three laws organised a tractor march on Thursday, converging on the eastern and western peripheral expressways that form a ring around Delhi, as the protest enters its 43rd day. The march comes a day before the government and the farmers unions are slated to hold their next round of talks. Women in rural Haryana have been receiving training on driving tractors for todays tractor march, reported news agency PTI.

Union minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday that he sees the ongoing dialogue between farmers and the Centre as an opportunity to explain how beneficial the reforms can be for the former. However, the farmers unions camping at three sites near Delhi have insisted on a total repeal of the new farm laws, while the government has said it is ready to discuss changes to the existing laws. Thursdays tractor march is being touted by the protesters as a trailer of a much bigger march that is being planned for Republic Day.

Also Read: Protesting farmers from Uttarakhand hold tractor rally in Kumaon

Farmers from Kumaon district of Uttarakhand took out a tractor rally to protests against the new farm laws being implemented by the Centre. A protestor told HT that a dozen farmers from Jaspur have left to join farmers at Delhi, with razai and household goods.

Also Read : Supreme Court asks Centre about steps taken to combat Covid-19 at protest sites

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked Centre about guidelines that have been put into place to prevent spread of Covid-19 at farmers protest sites. Citing the example of the Tablighi Jamaat gathering at Delhi, the Court asked Solicitor general Tushar Mehta if the Centre has learned anything from the Jamaat experience.

Follow all updates here:

8th round of talks between govt, protesting farmers tomorrow

The eight round of talks between the central government and the protesting farmers will take place tomorrow. Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar, along with Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Som Parkash, have been leading the governments negotiations with 40 protesting farmer union leaders. The previous rounds of talks have remained inconclusive. However, the government conceded to two demands of the protesters with regard to power subsidy and stubble burning during the sixth meeting held on December 30 last year.

Thursdays event a rehearsal for January 26 tractor march, says farm leader

As protesting farmers- seated on tractors travelled around the KMP Expressway on the outskirts of Delhi on Thursday, a farm leader told news agency PTI that todays tractor march was a rehearsal for the January 26 tractor march.

Sonia Gandhi slams Centre over ongoing stir

Congress President Sonia Gandhi hit out at the central government over the ongoing farmer agitation and the hike in fuel prices by saying that India is standing at the crossroads for the first time since Independence. I once again appeal to the government to repeal the three farm laws immediately and fulfil all the demands of farmers, she said in a statement.

Supreme Court expresses concern over large gatherings amid Covid-19 crisis

The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed concern over large gatherings of protesters at Delhi borders and questioned whether they were protected against the spread of Covid-19.

Farmers protesting the new farm laws take part in tractor rally at Burari

Farmers who are protesting against the newly implemented farm laws held a tractor rally in Burari, reported news agency ANI. Farmers from all over the country have been protesting at three sites in Delhi for well over a month now. As the protest enters its 43rd day, tractor rallies are being flagged off from different parts of the country.

Protesting farmers flag off tractor rally from Haryana

A group of protesting farmers started off for Delhi from Haryana after holding a tractor rally in Palwal. We will head towards Singhu border from here, said Shiv Kumar Kakka, national president, Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh, to news agency ANI. Farmers from all over the country are set to hold tractor rallies in the national Capital ahead of the next round of talks with the Centre.
Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesBy MEREDITH DELISO, ABC News



(WASHINGTON) -- Members of Congress and former White House officials are criticizing the president and calling on him to stop the violence after pro-Trump supporters and protesters breached the Capitol building Wednesday in a stunning scene.



"Donald Trump and his enablers are responsible for inciting this violence," Rep. Marilyn Strickland, D-Wa., told ABC News. The chaos erupted after Trump addressed the crowd and as Congress was in the process of certifying former Vice President Joe Biden's presidential win.



"President Trump incited his followers to violence," Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the Senate Democratic whip, said. "They stormed the Capitol and stopped the House and Senate in session. We do not know at this point the extent of the damage or injuries they have caused."

President Trump incited his followers to violence. They stormed the Capitol and stopped the House and Senate in session. We do not know at this point the extent of the damage or injuries they have caused.  Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) January 6, 2021

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., called the scene "armed insurrection" that was "fueled by the President" and his enablers.



Republican members of Congress also spoke out.



"What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States," Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said in a statement. "Those who choose to continue to support his dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as being complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy. They will be remembered for their role in this shameful episode in American history. That will be their legacy."



"You are not protecting the country. Where is the DC guard? You are done and your legacy will be a disaster," Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., said, responding to an earlier tweet by President Trump.

You are not protecting the country. Where is the DC guard? You are done and your legacy will be a disaster. https://t.co/7jWYWE7TVj  Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) January 6, 2021

"This is a coup attempt," Kinzinger added.



Last month, Trump teased Wednesday's protests in Washington D.C., pushing the Senate to not certify the election for Biden. "Be there, will be wild!" Trump tweeted. He has mentioned the rally, which he addressed, on other occasions as well.

Peter Navarro releases 36-page report alleging election fraud 'more than sufficient' to swing victory to Trump https://t.co/D8KrMHnFdK. A great report by Peter. Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 Election. Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2020

During his speech at the rally, Trump said that he hoped Vice President Mike Pence would "do the right thing" and reject the results of the election, something he is not empowered to do and said in a statement that he would not do.



Trump, who repeatedly falsely said the election was rigged and stolen, also said "We will never give up, We will never concede." Trump lost the popular vote by some 7 million and the electoral vote by essentially the same margin he won the 2016 election, which he termed a "landslide."



Wednesday afternoon, protesters pushed ahead of barricades and a wall of police officers in riot gear to get into the building. A woman was fatally shot inside of the U.S. Capitol, a law enforcement official told ABC News.



Amid the violent protests, Trump took to Twitter to ask for "everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful."



"No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order -- respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"



Former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said the president's tweet Wednesday was "not enough."



"He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home."



"Condemn this now," former White House communications director Alyssa Farah said on Twitter of Trump. "You are the only one they will listen to. For our country!"



In a minute-long video posted to Twitter shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday, Trump repeated falsehoods about the election and addressed the protesters, asking them to "go home in peace."



"We have to have peace. We have to have law and order," he said. "We love you, you're very special," he added. Twitter later removed the tweet with the video.



Rep. David Cicilline, D-RI, said Congress should impeach and convict President Trump for inciting his supporters to storm the Capitol.



"This is outrageous, and the president caused it. We should impeach and convict him tomorrow," he tweeted.

This is outrageous, and the president caused it. We should impeach and convict him tomorrow.  David Cicilline (@davidcicilline) January 6, 2021

Trump advisor and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie also placed blame on the president for the chaos that unfolded at the Capitol. "The president caused this protest to occur. He's the only one that can make it stop," the ABC News contributor said on ABC News Special Report.



Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy appealed to Trump to "appear on TV, condemn the violence and tell people to disband."



And South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham called the protests "a national embarrassment."



"I support peaceful protests but not violence and destruction. People need to leave the Capitol now!" he tweeted.



In a joint statement, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called on Trump to demand that "all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately."



House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy called the protesters' actions "unacceptable and un-American."



"It has got to stop," he tweeted.



During a news conference in Delaware, Biden called on Trump to "demand an end to this siege."



"The words of a president matter, no matter how good or bad that president is," Biden said. "At their best, the words of a president can inspire. At their worst, they can incite."



Former President Bill Clinton also responded to the "unprecedented assault on our Capitol." In a statement, he said it was "fueled by more than four years of poison politics spreading deliberate misinformation, sowing distrust in our system, and pitting Americans against one another."



"The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost," he continued.



Former President Barack Obama said in a statement the violence was a "great dishonor and shame for our nation" that was "incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election." He called on Republican leaders to "choose reality."



The White House has not responded to ABC News' requests for comment.



ABC News' Luke Barr, Ben Gittleson, Rick Klein, Mike Levine, Quinn Scanlan, Benjamin Siegel and Emily Shapiro contributed to this report.



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Cyclone Yaas: NDRF scales up restoration work in Odisha & West Bengal 26 May 2021 | 11:18 PM New Delhi, May 26 (UNI) Following the landfall of the severe cyclonic storm Yaas on Wednesday, the National Disaster Management Force(NDRF) have scaled up the rescue operation in Odisha and West Bengal. see more..

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ED attaches assets worth over Rs 1 67 Cr in Telangana in cheating case 26 May 2021 | 10:02 PM New Delhi, May 26 (UNI) Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said that it had provisionally attached immovable assets worth Rs 1,67,85,200 of Sri Sai Krishna Rice Industrys MD Seemakurthy Narasimha Rao located at Aswaraopeta in Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) in a cheating case. see more..

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COLUMBIA  With the opening of Lexington-Richland District 5s newest elementary school just months away, district trustees are on the clock in determining where its pupils will come from.

Board members in the 17,400-student district are considering a host of redistricting plans that could change the complexion of classrooms for years to come as Chapins Piney Woods Elementary is slated to open in August.

That is truly a priority, board chairwoman Jan Hammond said during a Wednesday workshop where newly installed trustees got their first chance to weigh in on redistricting proposals. They have final say over how the lines will be drawn and plan to vote at an upcoming board meeting, likely some time in February.

We do need Piney Woods prepared for staffing. Our human resources team starts working with principals in January and February, Superintendent Christina Melton said during a December public input session.

Plans by Connecticut-based consulting firm Milone & Macbroom would accomplish several things: Two of the four plans would balance enrollment across all grade levels, but would redistrict between 15 and 27 percent of students through a phase-in approach.

That includes migrations of 10 percent or more for elementary school pupils, although administrators say all sibling groups will travel through schools together.

And each would shuffle students to and from schools to keep capacity below 100 percent through the 2029-30 academic years. Three schools were projected to be above full capacity this school year, prior to COVID-19 related changes.

District officials capped enrollments at a pair of its elementary schools because of ballooning populations, starting with Lake Murray Elementary School in January 2018 and then at Chapin Elementary a year later.

Trustees can decide whether to rezone the district in its entirety, or focus on a pocket around the Chapin area to ensure Piney Woods can open on time as a short term solution.

"We need that immediately, but it doesn't mean we've taken off the table the big picture, because I know redistricting always brings tension to parents," Hammond said. "It's very important to get this school moving."

Chapin is at the center of a Lexington County population boom, necessitating a look at enrollment figures to prevent overcrowded class sizes. Its also why Piney Woods, the districts 13th school, was necessary to construct, officials said. It has a capacity of 700, but the optimal attendance level would be 630 students.

If you didn't build Piney Woods Elementary, you would have severe enrollment pressures" at Chapin Elementary and Lake Murray Elementary, sometimes exceeding 100 percent capacity, Milone & Macbroom planner Michael Zuba said.

Over the course of two public hearings late last year and a community survey completed by more than 7,600 people, parents said maintaining geographic distribution of students and balancing enrollment were among their top concerns.

According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, Lexington County had a population of about 169,000 in 1990. That jumped to 263,000 by 2010. Now, the bureau estimates about 295,000 people live in the county.


New Delhi: The popular SUV Jeep Compass has finally received an update for the Indian market. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) India has claimed that the new updated Jeep will officially be launched next month.

The company claims that the production of the new model has already begun for India and the SUV will soon be dispatched to dealers across the country. The SUV will be manufactured at the company's joint venture manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon, near Pune.

Apart from the pricing, the company has revealed all the changes made to the interiors and exteriors of the car.

The new updated Jeep Compass gets new interiors with some significant improvements to take on the competition. The Jeep Compass now gets a 10.1-inch high-definition display UConnect-5 system, which the company claims is five times faster than its previous generation and can accommodate over-the-air, real-time updates.

The Compass also gets a 360-degree remote camera, cruise control and a button-operated powerlift gate and automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

In terms of safety, the company claims that the SUV comes with over 50 safety features which include panic brake assist, electronic roll mitigation, electronic parking brake, hill hold and hill descent control, six airbags among others.

The new Compass is available with two transmission systems. The 7-Speed dual clutch transmission is available with a 1.4L multiair Petrol engine and the 9-speed automatic transmission available with the 2.0L Multijet II Diesel engine.

"Over the last three years, the made-in-India Jeep Compass has established its superiority in the minds of Indian customers with its world class quality, safety, capability and performance," FCA India President and Managing Director Partha Datta said.

He noted that with the updated version of the SUV, the company has raised the bar, making it an even more compelling proposition, and the one that incorporates customer feedback.

"The new Compass package offers an all-new level of sophistication, passenger comfort, technology and user experience while remaining true to its Jeep DNA," Datta said.

Speaking at the virtual unveiling of the SUV, FCA Asia Pacific Vice President (Sales and Marketing) Billy Hayes said India remains one of the most important markets for the US auto firm.

He noted that more products would be launched in the country and it would also be used as a manufacturing hub for right hand markets.

Earlier this week, FCA said that it will invest $250 million to grow its presence in India with the launch of four new sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) under its Jeep brand over the next two years.

The investment will be made to locally manufacture a mid-size, three-row SUV, assemble the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles in the country.

With Inputs from PTI

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Massachusetts residents who took part in storming the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday will be prosecuted, said US Attorney Andrew E. Lelling.

Once peaceful demonstrations turned violent, they became criminal, he said in a statement.

On Wednesday, supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, prompting the building to go on lockdown. Videos and photos show people clashing with police. Four people died including a woman who was shot by U.S. Capitol Police and three other people who died in what was described as medical emergencies, the Associated Press reported.

The Constitution protects the right to freedom of speech and assembly. What is does not protect is a violent assault on government institutions. Americans on the right and left must re-learn the difference, Lelling said. Anyone who traveled from Massachusetts with the intent to commit such crimes will be prosecuted in the District of Massachusetts.

At least one Massachusetts man is among those arrested after storming the U.S. Capitol.

The FBI is also seeking any information that will help assist in identifying individuals from Wednesday.

Please use this form to submit any images, videos, or other multimedia files you have related to possible violations of federal law committed, the FBI said in a statement. Our goal is to preserve the publics constitutional right to protest by protecting everyone from violence and other criminal activity.

It also came less than five months after Trump authorized up to a decade in prison for willful injury of federal property.

Trump signed an order on June 26, 2020 that calls for law enforcement to prosecute to the fullest extent anyone who participates in efforts to incite violence or other illegal activity in connection with the riots and acts of vandalism.

For willful injury of federal property, someone could now get up to a decade in prison, according to CBS News.

I just had the privilege of signing a very strong Executive Order protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues - and combatting recent Criminal Violence. Long prison terms for these lawless acts against our Great Country! Trump tweeted this past summer.

Related Content:


Kristina Malimon of Portland was arrested Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol on charges of unlawful entry and curfew violation, according to a report by The Washington Post.

Malimon, 28, is the vice chairwoman of Young Republicans of Oregon. On Wednesday, she posted multiple videos on social media from Washington, D.C., including Instagram stories from President Donald Trumps rally before rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Malimons name was on a list of arrests released by D.C. police.

According a statement from a police officer filed in the District of Columbia Superior Court, Malimon and five others were taken into custody as they remained on Capitol grounds an hour after a citywide curfew took effect, and as officers broadcast an amplified warning that failure to vacate the grounds could result in arrest.

On Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, Malimon frequently posts the fraudulent claim that Trump won the November presidential election.

She also shared pictures of herself with Trump ally Roger Stone and son Donald Trump Jr.

According to the Washington Post, Malimon claimed she witnessed irregularities in Georgia last month when she was a volunteer election monitor.

According to a video posted on her Instagram account, Malimon was born in Moldova. In the video, Malimon said both her great-grandfather and grandfather were jailed for their Christian beliefs.

Malimon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Other Oregonians were in D.C. during the mayhem, including Jo Rae Perkins, the unsuccessful Oregon Republican Senate candidate known for supporting QAnon conspiracy theories, who shared videos and pictures of herself at the Capitol.

Salem salon owner Lindsey Graham, who also goes by Patriot Barbie, was also there, according to her Facebook posts. Graham opened her business in May in defiance of Gov. Kate Browns orders.

Two other Oregonians were also on the Metropolitan Police Department list of those arrested -- Yevgemya Malimon, 54, was arrested for unlawful entry and curfew violation at the same time and location as the younger Malimon. Yevgemya is possibly a misspelling of Yevgeniya, and a woman by that name shares a Portland address with Kristina Malimon.

Rodney Taylor, 57, of Oregon, was also arrested for curfew violation.

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker
Mattis issued the harsh rebuke in a statement following Capitol insurrection

He served as Trump's secretary of defense for two years in 2017 and 2018

Said Capitol attack was 'fomented' by Trump and his enablers will 'live in infamy'

Mattis predicted Trump 'will deservedly be left a man without a country'

He previously criticized Trump for advocating military intervention in protests

Former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis has issued an excoriating rebuke of President Donald Trump, saying he 'fomented' the attack on the U.S. Capitol and 'will deservedly be left a many without a country.'

'Today's violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump,' Mattis said in a statement following Wednesday's insurrection on Capitol Hill.

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'His use of the Presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice.'

Mattis, a retired Marine general who served at Trump's secretary of defense for two years, went on to say that the country will 'come together' to 'overcome' the shocking events of January 6.

Former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis has issued an excoriating rebuke of President Donald Trump, saying he 'fomented' the attack on the U.S. Capitol

'His use of the Presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice,' Mattis said in a statement

'Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country,' said Mattis (not pictured) after Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol in shocking scenes

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'Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country,' he said.

Mattis was nominated to lead the Pentagon in 2016 by Trump, who often referred to the retired general as 'Mad Dog', a nickname Mattis is said to despise.

Because Mattis retired from the military in 2013, his nomination required a waiver of the National Security Act of 1947, which requires a seven-year waiting period before retired military personnel can assume the top civilian role leading the defense department.

Congress overwhelmingly voted to waive the requirement, only the second time it has done so, with many viewing Mattis as a stabilizing influence on the Trump administration.

Mattis resigned on December 20, 2018, one day after Trump announced a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria over his objections. His resignation letter offered veiled criticism of many of Trump's foreign policy views.

After resigning, Mattis remarked that he felt it was bad form to criticize the administration he had served, but broke his silence last June to call Trump 'the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people'.

Trump and Mattis are seen together in 2017. Mattis is a retired Marine general who served at Trump's secretary of defense for two years

Marine General James N. Mattis (right) meets with Jordanian Army officers in Afghanistan in 2002. Congress waived the requirement for Mattis that former military officers must be retired for at least seven years before confirmation as secretary of defense

In a lengthy statement to The Atlantic, Mattis blasted Trump for considering military action to 'dominate' protests over racial injustice that were then occurring around the country.

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Wednesday's events at the Capitol unfolded after Trump urged his supporters multiple times to come to Washington for a 'wild' rally on the day Congress was scheduled to certify the results of the Electoral College, confirming Joe Biden as the next president.

Trump loyalists turned out in the thousands and heard the president urge them to march on the Capitol building to express their anger at the voting process and to pressure their elected officials to reject the results.

'We're going to walk down to the Capitol and we're going to cheer on our brave senators and Congressmen and women,' Trump told the crowd, speaking with the White House as a backdrop.

Appearing at what could be his last rally as the sitting president, Trump exhorted his supporters 'to fight.'

Trump exhorted his followers to march to the Capitol and 'fight' at a rally outside the White House just before the attack on the Capitol

A member of a pro-Trump mob bashes an entrance of the Capitol Building in an attempt to gain access on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC

'We will never give up, we will never concede,' Trump said, delighting the crowd by calling Democratic victories the product of what he called 'explosions of bulls**t.'

Trump has sought for weeks to thwart a peaceful transfer of power, aided by groups such as 'Stop the Steal,' which promoted the day's protest and peddled false claims about voter fraud on Facebook and other social media.

In a statement posted on Twitter by White House spokesman Dan Scavino on Thursday, Trump said there would be an orderly transition of power 'though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election'.

But Wednesday's events were the culmination of his efforts to thwart a peaceful transfer.

About 50 minutes into the speech, some of his supporters, waving Trump flags, began heading toward Capitol Hill, where unprecedented mayhem ensued.

A pro-Trump mob storms inside the US Capitol in Washington DC on January 6, 2021

Protesters fought through police barricades, stormed the building and entered lawmakers' chambers.

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The certification process was stopped and Vice President Mike Pence and members of Congress were evacuated.

One of the Trump supporters, Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit, was shot dead by police when she tried to clamber through a barricaded entrance in the Capitol.

As night fell, a Capitol official said the building had been cleared, but outside, some way from the grounds, scores of protesters remained, including members of militia and far-right groups.

Congress, in a joint session led by Vice President Mike Pence, formally certified Biden's election victory hours after control of the Capitol was regained.

Biden will be inaugurated on January 20.
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"We can guarantee that the vaccine will be free and will be delivered free," he said. Loading The government hopes to start vaccinating 80,000 people a week then ramp up, with a target of 4 million people immunised by the end of March. At this stage, it aims to vaccinate almost 13.4 million people  about half the population  by the middle of the year. The two vaccines will be distributed separately and all doses recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register to avoid situations seen overseas where people have been confused about which they received. Both require people to have two doses, which are administered within weeks of each other. Between 30 and 50 "cold-chain" hubs will be set up in locations to be decided by state governments to distribute and administer the Pfizer vaccine, which must be stored at minus 70 Celsius.

The AstraZeneca version will be delivered via GP respiratory clinics, people's regular doctors, dedicated state government clinics, Aboriginal-controlled health services and potentially at pharmacies later in the year  in more than 1000 locations. But Mr Morrison warned the vaccination was "no silver bullet". Loading "Once the vaccination starts, COVID-safe practices do not end. They continue," he said. "The vaccine both here in Australia and around the world will continue to be rolled out but it will still be a fight over the course of 2021." He and Health Minister Greg Hunt, along with Labor leader Anthony Albanese and Opposition health spokesman Chris Bowen will publicly receive the vaccines relatively early.

"None of us want to be queue jumpers but we also recognise the public confidence role," Mr Hunt said. Infectious diseases expert Robert Booy supported the TGA's approval timeline, saying there was an advantage in not having the vaccine straight away because Australia could get a clearer picture from the experiences of other countries that had rolled it out on an emergency basis. "That will maximise public confidence in the vaccines and maximise the percentage of people who take up the vaccine because they know it will be safely and effectively delivered," Professor Booy said. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video However, University of Sydney vaccine expert Julie Leask cautioned that governments had to make sure they had excellent communication strategies and gave the public enough detail about what was going on, or risk leaving the community vulnerable to anti-vaccination activism.

"If you leave an information gap, somebody is going to fill that and if the first information available to people when they are shaping their view scares them off the vaccine it is going to be harder to bring them around," she said. "But you never know. Look how well we've gone during this pandemic and the trust the government has enjoyed from the community." Professor Leask said once Australia had enough vaccinated personnel working on its borders and in the quarantine system, the country would have bought time to immunise the rest of the population. Loading National cabinet will decide on Friday whether to apply more stringent requirements to international arrivals, particularly those coming from the UK where a more infectious strain of the virus is rampant. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews wants national cabinet to adopt his state's position on mandatory flight crew and hotel quarantine staff testing and implement pre-flight testing for passengers from the United Kingdom. NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the latter measure was being considered in advice the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee would deliver to leaders late on Thursday.
Less than an hour after Congress started ratifying the electoral college votes that gave Joe Biden a win in the presidential election, hundreds of camouflage-wearing Trump supporters  egged on by the presidents claims that the election was stolen from him  stormed the Capitol building on Wednesday and forced their way inside. As members of Congress left the Senate and House chambers, taking the electoral college votes with them, rioters in paramilitary gear and wearing QAnon symbols filled the room, taking photos of themselves standing on the dais by the Speakers chair, and sitting in her office with their feet on her desk. Amid the melee, a woman was shot and later died of her injuries. According to CNN, it was the first time the Capitol building had been breached since the War of 1812. DC police reported there were about 50 arrests (two of which appeared to be journalists covering the protesters) and at least two explosive devices were found. Fighting between police and rioters continued near the Capitol through the night, but early Thursday morning Congress ratified the electoral college voting. Donald Trump released a statement saying even though he disagreed with the outcome, there would be an orderly transition on January 20th.

As the event played out across cable news, anchors and commentators struggled to come up with what to call the incident, before landing on terms like sedition and insurrection. We are watching an attempted sedition, Jake Tapper said on CNN during the occupation of the Capitol. We are watching an attempt at a bloodless coup in the United States. Social networks were filled with photos and video footage of the breach of the Capitol and its occupation by rioters. One video posted on TikTok appeared to show police encouraging demonstrators to enter the Capitol building, and other videos posted to TikTok appeared to show members of the police taking friendly photos with those who illegally entered the building. Fox News contributor Ted Williams said, Im very troubled by this, but this has to be laid directly to the foot of the president of the United States. He incited this. He encouraged this.

The Times described a scene of chaos and confusion seldom witnessed in the history of the capital, with hundreds of protesters barreling past fence barricades. Others used more stark language, and compared the response to events in the Capitol with other protests such as those following the death of George Floyd. This is a coup attempt, Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger said on Twitter. Washington Post reporter Aaron Davis said the Defense Department initially refused a request from DC officials to deploy the National Guard, but later relented (the Times said this was authorized by vice president Pence, not by Trump). Amazing how the national guard gets deployed with the quickness in anticipation of protests when police kill someone but when Trump holds his fascist coup rally the national guard is nowhere in sight, said Bree Newsome Bass. David Corn of Mother Jones wrote that Trump is now a terrorist leader.

I reported from Ferguson. The difference in the aggression level of the police there against unarmed protesters vs what were seeing against white people attempting a coup in the capital is effing astounding, said New Yorker writer Jelani Cobb. Nick Kristof of the Times wrote: Wednesday was a horrifying and shameful moment in American history. Ive covered attempted coups in many countries around the world, and now Im finally covering one in the United States. Conservative pundit David Frum wrote in The Atlantic that Republicans should remove Trump tonight. The Washington Post editorial board said the president is unfit to remain in office and must be removed.

New from CJR: A court case reveals the dance between reporter and source

Trump, who repeatedly urged his supporters during a rally Wednesday to march to the Capitol to demand that Congress overturn the election, tweeted a call to stay peaceful after the occupation was well under way. Later, he released a video statement in which he said that the election was stolen from us, and the other side knows it and that it was a fraudulent election, so bad, so evil but urged demonstrators  of whom he said we love you, youre special  to go home. Retweeting was disabled on the tweet containing the video, and when clicked on, a message popped up that said We try to prevent a tweet like this that otherwise breaks the Twitter Rules from reaching more people, so we have disabled most of the ways to engage with it. Another warning label on a Trump tweet said this claim of election fraud is disputed, and this tweet cant be replied to, retweeted or liked due to a risk of violence.

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Los Angeles Times editorial page editor Sewell Chan said Wednesday afternoon that Trumps silence on social media, as a far-right mob entered the Capitol, should be reason enough for @Twitter and @Facebook to finally shut him down. The final two weeks might be the most dangerous of this presidency. Activist Deray said that today would be a great day for Twitter to ban Trump. Twitters official security account later said: In regard to the ongoing situation in Washington, D.C., we are working proactively to protect the health of the public conversation occurring on the service and will take action on any content that violates the Twitter Rules. Venture capital investor Chris Sacca posted a personal message to Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey, saying Youve got blood on your hands, @jack and Zuck. For four years youve rationalized this terror. Inciting violent treason is not a free speech exercise. If you work at those companies, its on you too. Shut it down.

Alex Stamos, former head of security for Facebook, said Wednesday that there have been good arguments for private companies to not silence elected officials, but all those arguments are predicated on the protection of constitutional governance. Twitter and Facebook have to cut him off. There are no legitimate equities left and labeling wont do it. Late Wednesday afternoon, the VP of integrity at Facebook, said: This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trumps video. We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence. On Wednesday evening, Twitter said that as a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy. It said that the presidents account would be locked for 12 hours following the removal of the tweets. Facebook also said late Wednesday that Trumps page would be blocked from posting for 24 hours.

Heres more on the coverage of Wednesdays seismic events:

Blood on his hands : The Kansas City Star editorial board wrote that Josh Hawley, the Republican senator from Missouri, has blood on his hands . This, Sen. Hawley, is what law-breaking and destruction look like. This is what mobs do. This is not a protest, but a riot.

Believable : Tanzina Vega, host of The Takeaway, said Folks  this is not unbelievable. This is the logical culmination of events. NBC presidential historian and author Michael Beschloss said that the president has incited this danger of violence at the Capitol. This is the Frankenstein monster that the Vice President and Republican leaders have abetted and cosseted for four brutal years. They will have to answer to history, Steve Inskeep of NPR said: 9/11 was a more violent attack than this. But todays assault on democracy does direct violence to American ideals. It is an attack on a free and fair election. An attack on the rule of law. And it is an attack from within.

Poisonous buffoonery : Kevin Williamson writes in The National Review that the word coup is overused, but that is what this is: an attempted coup detat under color of law. He argues it would be appropriate to impeach Trump a second time and remove him from office before his term ends. No one who has participated in this poisonous buffoonery should ever hold office again, he says. There was a time when there was a plausible if sometimes self-serving rationale for working for the Trump administration [but] there simply is no defending what it is up to.

Consequences : Gillian Brockell writes in the Washington Post about fourteen senators who were expelled from Congress for refusing to accept the election of President Abraham Lincoln, who won despite not being on the ballot in ten Southern states and earning less than forty percent of the popular vote. A resolution expelled the senators on the grounds they were engaged in [a] conspiracy for the destruction of the Union.

Terminology : Daily Beast reporter Maxwell Tani said : CBS News standards told staff protestors, violent protestors, a violent mob, pro-Trump protestors were all fine to use. NBC News said the crowd could be referred to as a mob or rioters, but cautioned staff against referring to the act as a coup or attempted coup. Ben Smith of the Times said that Post editor Marty Baron told staff to call those storming the Capitol a mob rather than protesters. NPR told its reporters that we wont be calling the people who stormed the Capitol protestors  they are pro-Trump extremists and what they are doing is insurrection.

Media enabled : Emily Bell of the Tow Center at Columbia said it was a media-enabled disaster and that The Murdochs and Fox News are culpable. The Silicon Valley execs who courted this division on their platforms are culpable. Network executives and editors who lacked the ability to treat the threat seriously are culpable. Her fellow Columbia professor Bill Grueskin agreed, saying : You own this, GOP. WSJ edit page. Fox News. Rupert and Lachlan. This is the logical conclusion of everything you have tolerated, encouraged and enabled for 5 years.

Always headed here : The pro-Trump movement was always headed towards something like the occupation of Congress, Charlie Warzel writes in the Times . For years, professional grifters, trolls, true believers and political opportunists have sowed conspiratorial lies [and] we are now witnessing the reaping. For close observers of the pro-Trump and far-right extremist movements, this dark moment has felt almost inevitable. You can draw a straight line from the message-board fever swamps to Mr. Trumps rallies to Charlottesville to Stand back and stand by to this. It is a desperate attempt to overthrow the democratic process. It is also the crash of a universe of toxic conspiracies against the rocks of human reality.

Other notable stories:

CJRs public editor for CNN Ariana Pekary : Where are the law enforcement voices? Yes, the politics are important and they would be remiss to ignore the root causes of todays crisis. But we could use a more measured and technical approach to this tinderbox. It would be nice to know why the Capitol Police failed so spectacularly this afternoon. How did the Trump supporters end up in an armed standoff? Why is it taking so long to respond? Where is Mayor Muriel Bowser? If this happened in any other country, theyd call on one of a myriad of law enforcement experts. The choice to rely on political talking heads is not helpful.

Poynter writes about Tallahassee Democrat reporter CD Davidson-Hiers, who became a one-woman help desk for seniors trying to get the COVID-19 vaccine. She has been covering the rollout of the vaccine in her area, and asked readers to contact her if they had any questions. The next day she awoke to more than 75 text messages from residents who wanted her help in figuring out the process. To have people call me directly now with questions, real questions, this feels like why I got into this profession, she said. It is the most rewarding that its felt in nine months.

Stephen Adler announced that he will retire as editor-in-chief of Reuters in April, after ten years at the head of the global media network. He joined Thomson Reuters in 2010 as senior vice president and editorial director of the companys professional division and was named editor-in-chief the following year. Previously, he was editor-in-chief of BusinessWeek and a reporter and editor at the Wall Street Journal. He was a top editor of The American Lawyer from 1983 to 1988 and began his career as a reporter at local newspapers in Florida. Adler is chairman of CJRs board of overseers, chairman of the board of Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and a member of the board of the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Wyndham Destinations, which owns a chain of resorts, is acquiring Travel + Leisure magazine from owner Meredith Corp. for $100 million, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, as part of a deal that would expand Wyndhams business beyond its core vacation-ownership operations. In addition to the magazine, Travel + Leisure operates membership-based travel services. Wyndham runs 230 timeshare resorts, with more than four million members across its business lines. The combined company would have 18 resort, travel-club and lifestyle-travel brands.

ICYMI: Google silences and then fires a Black artificial-intelligence expert

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg.
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, joined growing calls to remove President Donald Trump from office before the next president is sworn in on Jan. 20, citing concerns from high ranking military officials that Trump is unfit for office.

Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official, said shes been in conversation with senior military officials at the Pentagon who are concerned about the presidents mental health. Members of Congress were forced to evacuate offices and barricade themselves as pro-Trump protesters broke into the U.S. Capitol and disrupted the certification of Electoral College votes.

The chaos ensued after Trump urged supporters to march peacefully toward the Capitol during a rally in Washington D.C. He later issued a statement asking protesters to leave, but also said these are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away.

Related: Michigan representatives call for Trumps removal after riots in U.S. Capitol

Slotkin said Vice President Mike Pence and Cabinet members should invoke the 25th Amendment to declare Trump unable to discharge the duties of his office. Trump, whose term will expire on Jan. 20 regardless, could be removed early if Pence and a majority of the Cabinet decide to do so.

Im proud that some people in the Trump administration have looked at yesterday and said, you know, what, I cant be a part of this. Its never too late to do the right thing, even 13 days before the transition of power, Slotkin said. But those people need to -- if theyve become aware of the threat the president poses -- they need to do the right thing for the country and invoke the 25th Amendment.

Slotkin said Pentagon officials are concerned that Trump could inspire more protests that result in violence. She also expressed concern that Trump could create a national security threat, citing a recent decision to keep an aircraft carrier in the Middle East after it was previously ordered to leave the region.

Yesterday was his last procedural step to overturn the results of the election, Slotkin said. Without that, he is now cornered. He either will accept quietly his fate and transition out peacefully or, depending on his mental state and those around him, he could double and triple down. He could incite, again, a group to come to Washington to protest.

Representatives in Congress, including most of the Democrats in Michigans House delegation and U.S. Sen. Gary Peter, D-Bloomfield Township have voiced their support for invoking the 25th Amendment. Others are seeking to impeach Trump, like U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint.

If we really want to safeguard this country, we will work with the Speaker of the House of Representatives to quickly bring one impeachment article to the floor of the House, which would pass, and one article to the Senate which will require all Democrats and 17 Republicans to stand firm, stand tall and remove this man before he does any more harm, Kildee said.

Kildee said he also supports invoking the 25th Amendment.

The question really is whether these folks are going to act or whether theyre going to roll the dice and sort of hope that nothing happens, Kildee said. I dont feel like, because I dont know if they would do it or I doubt that they might do it, that I should be silent on calling upon them to.

Kildee and Slotkin said rioters who broke into the Capitol Wednesday should be called domestic terrorists. Slotkin said the use of coercion for a political goal is the textbook definition of terrorism.

One woman was killed in a shooting during the protest. Three others died in medical emergencies, according to authorities.

At least six Michigan residents were among the President Donald Trump protesters arrested during demonstrations that led to the riots.

The suspects, whom MLive is not naming until arraignment is confirmed, include: a 64-year-old man charged with unlawful entry and a curfew violation; a 29-year-old man charged with curfew violation; a 25-year-old man charged with carrying a firearm without a license, possession of large-capacity ammunition magazine feeding device and possession of unregistered ammunition; two 44-year-old men are charged with curfew violations and another 36-year-old Michigan resident is also charged with a curfew violation.

The legislative chambers were evacuated and a 6 p.m. curfew instituted when Trump supporters broke into the building, delaying the certification until the politicians reconvened into the early hours of Thursday.

Trump continued to allege the November presidential election is illegitimate due to election fraud, however no proof has been put forward to support such claims.

Kildee said the incident shows Trump cant be trusted to calm tensions after his electoral loss to President-elect Joe Biden.

This president has shown that he will do whatever he has to do to stroke his own ego and serve his own purposes, Kildee said. You know, 24 hours ago I couldnt have imagined what happened in the space of the last day. I cant imagine what he might do in the next couple of weeks, but I do know one thing for sure: One of the ways to minimize the damage is to take away the keys to the car. He is a danger to the country.

READ MORE ON MLIVE:

Far-right activist who encouraged U.S. Capitol occupation also organized stop the steal rally in Michigan

Presence at US Capitol ahead of riot not likely to affect prospective Michigan GOP co-chairs candidacy

6 from Michigan arrested during riots, storming of Capitol in Washington D.C.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN TS Tirumurti said that the country firmly opposed to any use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody, and under any circumstances.

India has formally started its tenure at the United National Security Council (UNSC) for the eighth time as a non-permanent member on Jan 5. Indias Permanent Representative to the UN TS Tirumurti said that the country firmly opposed to any use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody, and under any circumstances. Speaking at the UN body, Tirumurti addressed the Syrian conflict and said terrorist groups have taken advantage of the decade-long conflict in Syria and continue posing a severe threat to the entire region and the world.

Tirumurthi welcomed Syrian Ambassador Bassam al-Sabbagh to the meeting and maintained that India not only strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons but the country also holds the view that there can be no justification for their use under any circumstances by anyone. The Indian Representative lauded the efforts of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in performing its responsibilities during these unprecedented times of the global pandemic.

OPCW is in the process of analyzing the information collected from its most recent deployments for cases related to the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria. Earlier Pakistan had cried foul by refraining from congratulating India from becoming a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), claiming that it raises fundamental questions. Indias previous tenure in UNSC was in 2011-2012.

Also Read: Mission Vaccine: Controversy over Covishield name; notice issued to SII

Also Read: Online loan harassment in Hyderabad drives 3 to suicide, Chinese links found

TS Tirumurti reassured that India would be a voice for the developing world and use its tenure to foster human-centric and inclusive solutions to issues of peace and security.
Jordans Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources said it is in talks with Iraqi authorities on renewing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on crude oil supply signed between the two governments, a media report said.



The two sides are currently negotiating some provisions of the MoU, a ministry informed source, was quoted as saying by state news agency Petra.



The import of Iraqi oil comes within the framework of the MoU signed between the two countries in February 2019, under which Jordan imports about 10,000 barrels per day, which covers 7 per cent of the Kingdoms daily demand.


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Teaneck-based IT services firm Cognizant has created a new service line, Digital Business and Technology (DBT), by merging the two service lines Digital Business and Digital Systems and Technology, the company said in a note on January 7.

The new service line would be headed by Malcolm Frank, who was earlier heading Cognizant's Digital Business Unit. Gregory Hyttenrauch, who was earlier heading Digital Systems and Technology is now President, North America.

Ganesh Ayyar will head Digital Business Operations, which was earlier called Digital Operations.

While the company acknowledged the changes, Cognizant did not further comment on the development. The Economic Times was first to report on the development.

The change in the way the company operates is aligned to the needs of its customers, said a senior Cognizant employee, who shared that under the new service line, sales team can focus more on DBT, which is where the demand is.

DBT includes new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, cloud enablement, and core modernisation, which is in huge demand currently.

Brian Humphries, CEO, noted the demand in the areas of cloud and core modernisation in the earlier earnings call in July.

For IT services firms, including Cognizant, it offers great opportunities.

As Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft, noted in a FICCI event last year, technology has become core to businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Technology is no longer just nice to have," he had said then.

"In a matter of months, COVID-19 has exposed the extent of the digital divide between digital natives and traditional companies," said Humphries in the Q2 earnings call. The company follows calendar year for its fiscal.

That is probably why these changes are in line with the strategy Humphries outlined in the earnings call, which is to align the company's offerings to the changing customer needs.

In the earnings call, Humphries said, we aim to execute a series of bold moves to realize our vision and these actions call for us to accelerate digital, optimize our core business, transform our commercial model, supercharge our talents and enhance our reputation.

Businesses yesterday called for tougher lockdown measures, with some going as far as proposing a long curfew spanning from 6 p.m to 6 a.m.

The curfew now starts at 9 p.m. and goes till 5 a.m. Businesses also called on the Government to free up the importation of Covid-19 vaccines to allow private sector participation and to allow people to travel overseas to get vaccinated.
A scalpel-free alternative to brain surgery has the potential to benefit people with Parkinson's disease symptoms that are much more severe on one side of the body, new research suggests.

More testing is needed, but the approach, which uses a technology called focused ultrasound, could offer a new option for patients whose symptoms are poorly controlled by medications and those who cannot or do not wish to undergo traditional brain surgery.

"This small brain region, the subthalamic nucleus, had a very strong and potent effect on parkinsonian symptoms when we targeted it with precise, focused ultrasound energy," said researcher Jeff Elias, MD, a neurosurgeon at UVA Health and a pioneer in the field of focused ultrasound. "The key for the ultimate adoption of this new procedure will be further refinements of the technology to ensure reliability and safety."

About Focused Ultrasound

Focused ultrasound offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery approaches. The technology focuses sound waves inside the body, much like a magnifying glass focuses light. This allows doctors to interrupt faulty brain circuits or destroy unwanted tissue. Magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) allows doctors to monitor the procedure in real time - and to make adjustments as needed to obtain the best patient outcomes.

To determine if the technology could benefit patients with "asymmetrical" Parkinson's symptoms, Elias and Binit Shah, MD, from UVA's Department of Neurology, collaborated with Spain's Centro Intregral de Neurociencias to evaluate the approach in 40 volunteers in a randomized, double-blinded study. Twenty-seven study participants received treatment with focused ultrasound, while 13 others received a simulated treatment, so that the researchers could compare the results between the real procedure and the placebo. The average age of study participants was 57.

The volunteers' symptoms before and after the procedure were assessed on a scale of 1-44. Those who received the focused ultrasound procedure saw an improvement of 10 points, while those who received the sham treatment saw a difference of less than two points.

The study also looked at the safety of the procedure. Side effects included unwanted movements, muscle weakness, speech disturbances and difficulty walking. In most cases, these were temporary, but some effects persisted in six patients a year later.

The results warrant additional studies in larger numbers of volunteers conducted over longer periods of time, the researchers conclude.

"Parkinson's disease affects patients in more ways than just tremor," Shah said. "The current FDA approval for focused ultrasound in Parkinson's disease treats only tremor. Targeting this new area allows us to improve tremor but also get more overall benefit for our patients than we previously were able to achieve."

###

About UVA's Focused Ultrasound Research

UVA has been at the leading edge of research into the technology's potential to treat disease. For example, the federal Food and Drug Administration approved focused ultrasound for the treatment of essential tremor, a common movement disorder, based on Elias' pioneering research. His work also paved the way for the FDA to authorize the technology to treat tremors caused by Parkinson's disease.

Other researchers at UVA are investigating the technology's potential to treat a wide variety of conditions, including epilepsy and breast cancer.

Findings Published

Elias and his colleagues have published their latest findings in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. The research team consisted of Raul Martinez-Fernandez, Jorge U. Manez-Miro, Rafael Rodriguez-Rojas, Marta del Alamo, Binit B. Shah, Frida Hernandez-Fernandez, Jose A. Pineda-Pardo, Mariana H.G. Monje, Beatriz Fernandez-Rodriguez, Scott A. Sperling, David Mata-Marin, Pasqualina Guida, Fernando Alonso-Frech, Ignacio Obeso, Carmen Gasca-Salas, Lydia Vela-Desojo, Elias and Jose A. Obeso.

The research was supported by InSightec, the manufacturer of the focused ultrasound technology; Charlottesville's Focused Ultrasound Foundation, a longtime supporter of UVA's focused ultrasound research; Fundacion MAPFRE in Madrid; Fundacion Hospitales de Madrid; and a University of Virginia Center of Excellence grant. Elias disclosed that his department at UVA has received research funding from InSightec, but the company had no role in the study design or analysis. A full list of author disclosures is included in the paper in the New England Journal of Medicine.

(Natural News) Those hoping to travel or get an education post-coronavirus may have to get vaccinated with one of President Donald Trumps Operation Warp Speed Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, says Anthony Fauci.

The nations fakest doctor, who recently admitted to lying this entire time about herd immunity, now says that in order to return back to normal life, getting jabbed could be a requirement.

Anything is on the table, Fauci told Newsweek during a recent interview, emphasizing the potential for immunity passports to be rolled out that would have to be presented as an evidence mark for travel or schooling. Anything is possible, of course.

When Joe Biden becomes president, at least in Faucis mind, Fauci is planning to become that fictitious administrations chief medical adviser, in which case the possibility of forced COVID-19 vaccination would become that much more likely.

Its not up to me to make a decision, Fauci further stated. But these are all things that will be discussed [under the Biden administration].

While things like vaccination are almost never mandated federally, Fauci further admitted, China virus jabs could be mandated at the local level or by private companies, which is already happening with regard to face coverings.

Im not sure [the COVID vaccine is] going to be mandatory from a central government standpoint, like federal government mandates, Fauci says. But there are going to be individual institutions that Im sure are going to mandate it.

Fauci is an American traitor who deserves to be dealt with in accordance with the Constitution

Fauci used the example of influenza and hepatitis B vaccines already being mandated at many hospitals. Fauci also used himself as an example, claiming that he is currently not allowed to see any patients if he does not get vaccinated annually for the flu, and once for hepatitis B.

Locally, Fauci envisions cities and towns mandating WuFlu vaccination as a requirement to conduct business or go to school in person. Fauci also speculates that peoples smartphones will be used to verify whether or not they were vaccinated recently.

Israel, apparently, is already planning to require COVID-19 vaccination for international travel. A potential Biden administration could very well do the same, at the recommendation of Fauci.

As for face masks, Fauci does not see them going away anytime soon, even with a vaccine, because the vaccine does not actually work, he admitted. It is more of a signal, or a gesture, aimed at making people feel like it is doing something good in lieu of actual evidence.

Thats the reason why I keep saying that even though you get vaccinated, we should not eliminate, at all, public health measures like wearing masks because we dont know yet what the effect [of the vaccine] is on transmissibility.

Much like what Nancy Pelosi said with regard to Obamacare  that Congress had to pass it in order to find out what was in it  COVID-19 vaccination is one of those things, Fauci admits, that has to be received by the public before we know what it actually does, or does not do.

If we do it correctly, hopefully, as we get into the end of the summer, the beginning of the fall of 2021, we can start to approach some degree of normality, Fauci concluded, borrowing from the new normal lexicon of billionaire eugenicist Bill Gates who said much the same thing earlier this year.

Article III, Section 3, Clause 1 of the United States Constitution has a much better remedy for the virus that is Fauci and his cohorts. Read it for yourself and see what you think.

More of the latest news about Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com

Constitution.Congress.gov
Early humans living two million years ago already had the skills and tools they needed in order to cope with the effects of climate change, study shows.

Archaeologists from the Max Planck Institute studied changes to the environment and habitats of early hominins at the Oldupai Gorge heritage site in Tanzania.

Also known as the 'Cradle of Humankind', new field work at the site revealed our ancestors remained stable despite environment changes over 200,000 years.

These early humans stayed in a habitat continuously throughout - despite having to cope with global warming, wildfires, droughts and volcanic eruptions.

It shows migrations 'out of Africa' were possible even during the early human periods - as our ancestors possessed the ability to expand into new ecosystems.

Olduvai (now Oldupai) Gorge, known as the Cradle of Humankind, is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tanzania. Early human used a wide diversity of habitats amidst environmental changes across a 200,000 year-long period

Co-author Professor Michael Petraglia, of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, in Germany, said it is evidence of a behavioural flexibility.

OLDUPAI GORGE WAS THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND The Unesco World Heritage Oldupai Gorge site is in modern Tanzania. It is located in the Great Rift Valley, between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. It was formed about 30,000 years ago, the result of aggressive geological activity and streams. The steep ravine is about 30 miles long and 300 feet deep. The location boasts extraordinary records of extinct human species. They span several million years and for more than a century experts have been exploring the region to understand where we came from. Advertisement

He said this started in the context of the dawn of the evolution of the hominins - and helped 'set the stage for the eventual global, invasive spread of Homo sapiens.'

Excavations at Tanzania's Oldupai Gorge, previously known as the Olduvai Gorge, uncovered the presence of hominins - our most primitive ancestors - that lived between two and one point eight million years ago.

The oldest form of stone tools, known as Oldowan, were also unearthed, along with a wide variety of mammal fossils including wild cattle, pigs, hippos, panthers, lions, hyena, primates, reptiles and birds - all had been butchered for food.

The crude Oldowan implements were used to smash open the bones and extract the nutritious marrow from the butchered animals, experts discovered.

Remains of one of the first hominins were found just 350 metres away from this site in deposits dating back 1.82 million years.

Known as Homo habilis, the four foot tall species had a short body, long arms like an ape's - and a big brain. Its name translates as 'handy man' after his tool skills.

Despite having to cope with persistent weather catastrophes, the area remained occupied by early humans - proving they could adapt to climate change.

It turned from lakeside palm groves, idyllic meadows littered with ferns and mosaics of woodland to landscapes burned by natural disasters and dry steppes.

The evidence shows periodic but recurrent land use across a subset of environments - punctuated with times when there is an absence of activity.

The Oldubai Gorge, previously known as Oldavai Gorge, in northern Tanzania has produced some of the oldest remains of early human ancestors known to date

Co-author Dr Pastory Bushozi, of Dar es Salaam University, Tanzania, said: 'The occupation of varied and unstable environments - including after volcanic activity - is one of the earliest examples of adaptation to major ecological transformations.'

The Unesco World Heritage Oldupai Gorge site is located in the Great Rift Valley, between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park.

It was formed about 30,000 years ago, the result of aggressive geological activity and streams. The steep ravine is about 30 miles long and 300 feet deep.

The location boasts extraordinary records of extinct human species spanning several million years and for more than a century experts have been exploring outcrops.

The latest study published in Nature Communications sheds light on the environmental contexts in which these hominins lived for the first time.

Excavation at Ewass Oldupa uncovered the oldest Oldowan stone tools ever found at Oldupai Gorge, dating to ~2 million years ago and fossils of mammals, reptiles and birds

Hominin occupation of fluctuating and disturbed habitats is unique in the prehistoric records. It shows complex behavioural adaptations among these early humans.

In the face of new challenges they did not substantially alter their toolkits - but instead their technology remained stable over time.

Indicative of their versatility, typical Oldowan stone tools hewn from pebbles and cobbles and sharp-edged flakes continued to be used even as conditions changed.

It shows they had the capacity to continually exploit a multitude of habitats using reliable tools to process plants and cut up animals - over the long term.

Other hominins such as Australopithecines - the species to which the famous early human ancestor 'Lucy' belongs - may also have been making stone tools there.

The findings have been published in the journal Nature Communications.
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Lisa Wilkinson has launched an attack on Donald Trump - calling the U.S. president a 'criminal' after chaotic and violent riots in which his supporters stormed Capitol Hill in Washington DC.

While displaying footage of the Washington DC chaos showing 'democracy under siege', The Project host Ms Wilkinson addressed the show's viewers on Thursday night saying Trump was 'clearly unhinged'.

Trump has refused to concede his loss to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden following U.S. elections and urged his supporters multiple times to come to Washington for a rally on Wednesday - as the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate were to certify the results of the Electoral College.

'The fact that he refuses allow this peaceful transfer of power, in my mind makes him a criminal,' she said.

Trump supporters meet police as they try to break through a police barrier (pictured) in front of the Capitol building, a symbol of U.S. democracy, on January 6 in Washington

The Project's Lisa Wilkinson (pictured) launched an scathing attack on Donald Trump calling him a 'criminal' following riots on the U.S. capitol, which he had encouraged for weeks by repeating false claims of a fraudulent election to his supporters

President Donald Trump speaks at the 'Stop The Steal' Rally on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters swarmed the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election

'Mike Pence has been loyal to him for four years, there was no thanks to Pence today from Trump.' Ms Wilkinson contuinued.

'All of those people who have allowed this to happen, it was always going to end like this. Even still, it is so awful to watch this Great Western democracy just completely collapse.'

The chaos in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday unfolded after President Donald Trump spent weeks whipping up his supporters with false allegations of fraud in the November 3 election, culminating in a call to march to the building that represents U.S. democracy.

The riots, which left four people dead, forced politicians to rush from the Capitol building and interrupted challenges to Joe Biden's Electoral College victory.

Republican vice president and Senate majority leader Mike Pence had a largely ceremonial role, opening the sealed envelopes from the states after they are carried in mahogany boxes used for the occasion, and reading the results aloud.

But he was under growing pressure from Trump to overturn the will of the voters - despite not having the power to do affect the result, he still issued a statement defying Trump.

President Trump issued a restrained call for peace well after the protests was under way but did not urge supporters to disperse. Earlier he had seemingly egged them on to march to Capitol Hill.

'Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 Election,' Trump, a Republican, tweeted on December 20. 'Big protest in DC on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!'

They turned out in the thousands and heard the president urge them to march on the Capitol building to express their anger at the voting process and to pressure their elected officials to reject the results.

'We're going to walk down to the Capitol and we're going to cheer on our brave senators and Congressmen and women,' Trump told the crowd, speaking with the White House as a backdrop.

Appearing at what could be his last rally as the sitting president, Trump exhorted his supporters 'to fight.'

'We will never give up, we will never concede,' Trump said, delighting the crowd by calling Democratic victories the product of what he called 'explosions of bulls**t.'

'Bulls**t! Bulls**t! Bulls**t!' people chanted in reply.

Trump has sought for weeks to thwart a peaceful transfer of power, aided by groups such as 'Stop the Steal,' which promoted the day's protest and peddled false claims about voter fraud on Facebook and other social media.

Police said both law enforcement and protesters deployed chemical irritants during the hours-long occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared by law enforcement.

The woman was shot as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalised with a gunshot wound and later died.

Armed police keep a watch on demonstrators who tried to break through a police barrier on January 6 from a balcony (pictured) at the Capitol in Washington

Trump supporters, whipped up by weeks of false claims of a fraudulent election by Donald Trump, try to break through a police barrier (pictured)

But Wednesday's events were the culmination of his efforts to thwart a peaceful transfer. About 50 minutes into the speech, some of his supporters, waving Trump flags, began heading toward Capitol Hill, where unprecedented mayhem ensued.

Protesters fought through police barricades, stormed the building and entered lawmakers' chambers. The certification process was stopped and Vice President Mike Pence and members of Congress were evacuated.

In a statement posted on Twitter by White House spokesman Dan Scavino on Thursday, Trump said there would be an orderly transition of power 'though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election'.

Monitoring the scenes of violence on cable news television from the White House, Trump tweeted about an hour after the Capitol was put on lockdown that the protesters should 'remain peaceful.'

As criticism mounted that he had incited a riot, he was urged to say more by a Trump stalwart, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, and some of the advisers who remain for his dwindling days in office.

Biden had come out forcefully on live television and said the violence was 'not a protest, it's insurrection.' He called on Trump to demand 'an end to this siege.'

Mr Trump finally accepted his fate after Mr Pence ended his desperate campaign to overturn the election at 3:41 a.m. Thursday morning US time and certified President-elect Biden's win  despite the attempt of scores of Republicans and a violent MAGA mob to overturn it.

Trump supporters participate in a rally as Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his baseless claims of election fraud (pictured)

Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 in Washington (pictured)

The low down on how Congress certifies the Electoral College vote At 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Senators and Representatives will gather in the House chamber for a Joint Session of Congress to count and certify the electoral college ballots. Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump by 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232. But the constitution calls for Congress to certify the results, in a process that has become largely procedural. It is very difficult to over turn an election and it has never happened in American history. Republicans, however, have vowed to object to the electoral college results, dragging out the certification process and putting on a grand display of theater that will likely please the president. Here's how the day will play out: The process is presided over by the president of the Senate, which is Vice President Mike Pence. Pence will open the states' sealed certificates in alphabetical order and hand them them to one of four 'tellers'  a Republican and a Democrat from each chamber of Congress - who will announce how each state voted. As each state's result is read, Pence will ask whether any member of Congress wishes to raise an objection. At least one member of the House and one member of the Senate must object for the objection to stand. The law also states the objection must be in writing. If the objection is recognized, the lawmakers go to their respective chambers to debate the matter for up to two hours. Then the House and Senate each votes on whether to sustain the objection - which would dismiss the state's votes - or reject the objection. For a state's results to be dismissed, majorities of both chambers have to vote to sustain the objection. If one chamber votes to sustain the objection and the other doesn't, the objection is dismissed and the state's electoral college results stand. The Democratically-controlled House is unlikely to support sustaining an objection, meaning the states' results will stand and Biden will ultimately be declared the winner. Additionally, the Republican-controlled Senate isn't likely to vote in favor of an objection, either. The GOP has a slim margin in the upper chamber and a number of Republican senators have voiced their objections to the objection process. After the objection is voted on by each chamber, the joint session reconvenes and continues with the count. If there's another objection to a different state's vote, the process is repeated. President Trump's allies are looking at challenging three states: Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, which could go into the early morning hours of Thursday. 'At the end of the day, which could be the middle of the night, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be officially declared the next President and Vice President of the United States,' Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote to Democratic House members on Monday. After the votes are recorded from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the vice president declares who has received the requisite majority of electoral college votes. That announcement finalizes the election. WHAT IF THE OBJECTIONS ARE SUSTAINED? If, by some remote chance, an objection is sustained, Trump and his allies hope that will result in the electors being thrown out, ultimately bringing Biden's electoral count below the 270 needed to win. If all three state challenges are successful, Biden would have 259 electoral votes, throwing the election to the House of Representatives to select the next president. Under the 12th Amendment to the Constitution, each state congressional delegation gets one vote. While Democrats control the House, Republicans control the majority of state delegations, which is how Trump hopes to be 'elected.' Sources: NBC News, Washington Post, New York Times Advertisement

Trump supporters clash with police (pictured) as they try to break through a police barrier in violent protest in the United States

Eventually, Trump posted a recorded video on Twitter.

'I know you're hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election,' Trump said, repeating familiar falsehoods. 'But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order.'

He posted another message that called the mob 'great patriots' who were reacting to an election victory 'viciously stripped away.' Twitter later hid three tweets and locked Trump's account.

Three White House aides resigned after the violence at the Capitol and more were considering resigning before the end of Trump's term. Biden will be inaugurated on Jan. 20.

Trump's failure to rein in his supporters stood in sharp contrast to his attitude last summer when he threatened arrests and the use of force to break up protests against racial inequality.

During the Black Lives Matter protests, Trump discussed using the military in response, and an area near the White House was forcibly cleared for him to stage a photo-op in front of a church, holding a Bible.

Thousands of people in the gathered crowd listen as President Donald Trump speaks during the rally Wednesday in Washington (pictured)

Democrats and some Republicans blamed Trump for inciting the violence on Wednesday.

'Todays violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump,' Jim Mattis, a former defense secretary under Trump, said in a statement.

Senator Mitt Romney, a former Republican presidential nominee, called it an 'insurrection incited by the president of the United States.'

Weeks have passed since the states completed certifying that Biden won by 306 votes in the Electoral College to Trump's 232, and Trump's extraordinary challenges to the result have failed in courts across the country.

Yet Trump's rally speech on Wednesday was filled with grievances and voter fraud allegations that have not been backed up with evidence.

He singled out several Republican lawmakers for criticism, including Romney and Representative Liz Cheney, while hailing as heroes those who have sided with him to stop the electoral votes from being certified.

Several times he also urged Pence to intervene. But while Trump was still speaking, Pence released a lengthy statement saying he would carry out his constitutional duty to certify the vote.

'It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not,' Pence wrote.

For some in Russia, the mayhem in Washington, D.C., and the chaotic end of the U.S. election cycle was cause for gloating: "America no longer charts the course, and therefore has lost all right to set it."



For others, it was a lament that the United States saw its democratic tradition marred by violence as supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump refused to let him go: Its no small propaganda benefit for this rotten regime."



The U.S. political turmoil that briefly disrupted the final certification process of Joe Bidens electoral victory is only beginning to reverberate. A day after, as Moscow and the entire country remain in semi-hibernation for a two-week holiday period, Russian critics, pundits, and admirers of American politics began to process the fallout.



For Kremlin allies, it was a net benefit for President Vladimir Putin, who has championed stability and prosperity for Russians -- and continuity for himself as Russias preeminent leader.



"The celebration of democracy is over," said Konstantin Kosachyov, a veteran lawmaker who chairs the foreign affairs committee in the Federation Council, the upper house of parliament.



"This, alas, is actually the bottom. I say this without a shadow of gloating. America no longer charts the course and therefore has lost all right to set it. And even more so to impose on others," he wrote on Facebook.

"The United States certainly cannot now impose its electoral standards on other countries and claim to be the world's 'beacon of democracy'," Leonid Slutsky, Kosachyov's counterpart in the State Duma, the lower chamber, was quoted as telling the state RIA Novosti news agency.



Duma Deputy Chairman Andrei Klimov voiced a long-standing Russian allegation that the popular uprisings over the past two decades that toppled governments in Ukraine, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan -- known as "color revolutions" -- were all instigated by the United States.



"The boomerang of the color revolutions is turning back on the United States," Klimov was quoted as saying. "All this threatens to turn into a crisis in the American system of power."

Russia's sharp-tongued Foreign Ministry spokeswoman used the opportunity to assert that the United States political system was "archaic."

"This is an internal matter for the United States," Maria Zakharova said in a statement to the state news agency TASS.



"At the same time, we draw attention to the fact that the electoral system in the United States is archaic. It does not meet modern democratic standards, creating opportunities for numerous violations, and the American media have become an instrument for political struggle," she said.

The head of the state-controlled news channel RT responded with biting mockery to a lament that the United States would never be able claim itself as a model of democracy.



It never was, Margarita Simonyan said in a post to Twitter. "It was just a matter of time for you to actually see it."



A Gift For The Kremlin?



Grigory Golosov, chairman of the department of political science at the European University at St. Petersburg, said the chaos was a gift for the Kremlin, which has often tried to paint Russia's political system -- once described by a Kremlin aide as "managed democracy" -- as no different than Western democracies.



Still, he told RFE/RL, Russian opposition groups who are gearing up for the national parliamentary elections scheduled for September would likely still be able to draw lessons from how competitive the overall electoral process was -- with one political party successfully and transparently competing against another one -- and that there was no wide-scale ballot-rigging or vote stuffing of the sort that Russia sees routinely.



And Golosov argued that while there were casualties in the U.S. chaos -- five people died, including one from a gunshot wound, and dozens injured -- a similar scenario would have been far worse in Russia.



"Ask any Russian citizen: What would happen if this had occurred" in Russia? Golosov said. "Any Russian would respond: There would be bloodshed, massive bloodshed."



"Trump's departure in hot pursuit of unrest in the capital of the 'citadel of democracy' will allow Russia's lifelong ruler to ask his subjects a new version of what has been his favorite demagogic question for some time now," wrote Georgy Kunadze, who served as deputy foreign minister in the early 1990s: "Do you want what happened in Washington to happen here?"



"And that's no small propaganda benefit for this rotten regime," he said on Facebook.

In a later interview with RFE/RL, Kunadze said that question was one Putin and his advisers asked publicly in 2014 amid the mass demonstrations in Ukraine that culminated in violent street clashes and the ouster of the country's pro-Russian president. The Kremlin has called the ouster a "putsch" and alleged the clashes were fomented by the United States and the West.



He also said that any benefit Russian opposition groups could draw from the American political process was minimal.



"In general, the Russian view is whoever is president, prime minister, the No. 1 man in the government -- whoever he is, he may do whatever he wants, whatever he pleases," Kunadze said.



Gleb Pavlovsky, a former Kremlin spin doctor who is now a political commentator, offered a darkly humorous parallel to the attempted coup d' etat in Moscow in August 1991, when hard-line communist officials tried to overthrow then-Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.



The very same country whose military was unable to crush the anti-coup protesters in 1991 "is now rushing to teach good manners to the Americans," he wrote on Facebook.



Even before the November election, some leading Russian politicians were openly voicing disdain for Biden, given that the U.S. president-elect was, and is, expected to take a harder line toward the Kremlin.

And just days before the final congressional certification, when Biden's victory was already a given, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a veteran political leader who nearly always sides with Kremlin initiatives, made the outlandish proposal that Trump find a way to stay in office.



"Russia can support him, agree on financial support, for example, from Arab sheikhs. And in return, we do not need anything, because Trump is already sick and disgusted with the current situation. Now the main thing that an American president needs is to show willpower to stay in the presidency," he wrote.



Silver Lining?



Other observers found glimmers of hope in the fact that, in the end, the political process more or less worked. The election occurred, the vote tallies were counted and were certified by the states, the Electoral College cast its formal ballots, and Congress ultimately approved that vote -- and now there is a transition of power from one political group to a rival group.



"This drama was neither a crisis of American democracy, nor a delegitimization of elections, nor an attempted coup d'etat," Aleksei Makarkin, a political analyst with the Moscow-based Center for Political Technologies, said in a commentary on Ekho Moskvy radio. "This is a drama of people who considered themselves the majority and did not want to admit the terrible truth for themselves: They became a minority."

Dmitry Gudkov, who was all but hounded out of Russia's parliament for his opposition to some Kremlin policies, said the confusion in Washington was heartening for what it showed about the U.S. political system.



U.S. law enforcement and other security departments and agencies "know that there is a president, but there is also a parliament. And then there are the courts. And all these institutionshold each other by the throats," he said in a post to Facebook. "And this is very good."



But he said, this type of arrangement is just a "Christmas fairy tale" for Russia, where there is only one center of authority, Gudkov said. "Appeals to conscience and respect for the law will not help here" in Russia.
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and SUZHOU, China, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kira Pharmaceuticals, a global biotechnology company pioneering a new generation of complement-targeted therapies to treat immune-mediated diseases, today announced the first closing of an oversubscribed $53.5 million Series B+ financing. The financing was co-led by RA Capital Management and Vivo Capital, with participation from Foresite Capital and APlus Partners. Existing investors, including Quan Capital and Qiming Venture Partners USA, also participated in the first closing.

"While the complement system has historically been difficult to target given its complexity, we believe our LOGIC drug discovery platform enables us to approach complement mediation in new and different ways, unlocking transformative therapies for patients," said Frederick Beddingfield, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Kira Pharmaceuticals. "We are honored to have the support of top-tier global investors as we continue to advance our lead asset P014, a bifunctional biologic entering the clinic soon, and a pipeline of important complement-targeted therapies for patients in need."

With a therapeutic focus on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and oncology, Kira has plans to advance three complement-targeted therapies to the clinic over the next 18 months. Kira's most advanced program, P014, is a first-in-class biologic molecule with a unique mechanism of action designed to inhibit both upstream and downstream complement targets. By regulating two separate rate-limiting steps in the complement activation cascade critical for disease development, P014 provides a powerful and selective approach to complement inhibition. P014 has also been engineered with an extended half-life and potency, with the opportunity for self-administration at home.

"We are thrilled by the rapid progress Kira Pharmaceuticals has made with its lead program, P014, a therapeutic with a truly novel mechanism of action, that will be advancing into the clinic soon," said Matthew Hammond, PhD, Principal at RA Capital Management. "With an intelligent drug discovery platform, a broad pipeline of therapies and a top-tier team, we believe Kira is on the leading edge of defining a new way to target complement and provide long-acting immune modulation."

"We are excited to embark on this partnership with the Kira Pharma team and look forward to the advancement of breakthrough complement therapeutic P014 into the clinic," said Dandan Dong, PhD., Managing Director at Vivo Capital. "With a world-class management team and a global infrastructure, we believe Kira is in a unique position to leverage its scientific expertise and resources to rapidly bring innovative therapies to patients suffering from complement mediated diseases."

About Kira Pharmaceuticals

Kira Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company developing complement-targeted therapies to treat immune-mediated diseases. Enabled by its LOGIC drug discovery platform, the company is committed to advancing first-in-class and best-in-class therapies to transform the lives of patients with complement-driven diseases. With offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts and an R&D center in Suzhou, China, Kira Pharmaceuticals is committed to establishing a global footprint and advancing life-changing therapies to patients around the world.

For more information, please visit www.kirapharma.com.

SOURCE Kira Pharmaceuticals

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BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is spending Orthodox Christmas day on Thursday at the Serbian monastery of Hilandar, on Mount Athos in Greece, where he attended Christmas celebrations in the night and early hours of the morning.



Vucic is carrying out the first official visit by a Serbian president over the past 20 years to such a monastery, founded in 1198. It is one of three monasteries on Mount Athos that are not Greek. In March 2004, the monastery was gravely damaged by a vast fire, with the destruction of about one fourth of the building.



Celebrations for Orthodox Christmas, in the respect of anti-Covid measures, were held in the cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade - inaugurated a few weeks ago after the completion of work to improve its interiors - and in several other churches and monasteries across Serbia and in other Balkan countries of Orthodox religion that follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar of Catholics. Orthodox Christmas was also celebrated in the church of San Spiridione in Trieste, which has a large Serbian community.
Albany, N.Y.  The former treasurer of an Otsego County school district pleaded guilty Wednesday to depositing checks payable to the school district into personal accounts and using the schools Amazon account to make fraudulent purchases.

Kristina Hand, 47, of Morris, pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to stealing at least $34,000 from the Morris Central School District, where she worked as treasurer from 2014 until February 2020, when the school district discovered some of the thefts and fired her.

The bulk of the theftaround $24,000was in the form of checks from former and retired Morris school employees paying the school district for benefits, such as health and dental insurance. Instead of depositing the checks in the school districts designated account, Hand deposited the checks into a personal checking account, as well as an account for a non-profit youth organization of which she was a signatory.

The thefts happened between April 2018 and August 2019, according to federal prosecutors.

Hand also admitted to stealing more than $10,000 by using the districts Amazon account and credit cards to make personal purchases.

Stealing money meant for the education of children is shameful, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a statement announcing Hands guilty plea. Ms. Hand abused her position to fund her lifestyle at the expense of her community.

Hand pleaded guilty to two counts of federal program theft, for stealing from a school district that received federal funds.

Shes slated to be sentenced on May 21. She faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.

Hand has also agreed to pay $34,000 in restitution.

The FBI, New York State Police and the Office of the New York State Comptroller investigated the case.

Contact Jacob Pucci at jpucci@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @JacobPucci.
Condemning the violence at the US Capitol by pro-Trump supporters in the strongest possible terms, Vice President said violence never wins, freedom does, as Congress returned to work on certifying his boss' election loss to Joe Biden.

In an unprecedented incident, thousands of angry supporters of President stormed the US Capitol and clashed with police on Wednesday, resulting in at least four casualties and multiple injuries and interrupting a constitutional process to affirm Biden's victory in the November 3 presidential election.

We condemn the violence that took place here in the strongest possible terms. We grieve the loss of life in these hallowed halls, as well as the injuries suffered by those who defended our Capitol today. And we will always be grateful to the men and women who stayed at their posts to defend this historic place," Pence said in his remarks as he presided over the resumption of the Joint Session of the Congress, which was disrupted after the violence.

"To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, You did not win. Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the people's house.

"As we reconvene in this chamber, the world will again witness the resilience and strength of our democracy, for even in the wake of unprecedented violence and vandalism at this capitol, the elected representatives of the people of the United States have assembled again on the very same day to support and defend the constitution of the united states, Pence said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump slammed Pence for declining to illegally overthrow the results of the November 3 election, saying he lacks courage. The outgoing president's remarks came after Pence presided over the Joint Session of the Congress to count and certify the election results, which was halted by the protesters.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the US Senate will not be intimidated. We will not be kept out of this chamber by thugs, mobs, or threats. We will not bow to lawlessness or intimidation. we are back at our posts. We will discharge our duty under the constitution and for our nation, he said.

"We have never been deterred before, and we will not be deterred today. They tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed. They failed to attempt to obstruct the Congress. This failed insurrection only underscores how crucial the task before us is for our republic," he said.

Senator Chuck Grassley said the violence must not be allowed to disrupt or intimidate lawmakers from performing their constitutional duty.

I took an oath of office to support and defend the Constitution, even in the face of threats. That is the lens through which I view today's process, he said.

According to Senator Tom Carper, the violent mob "incited by the sitting President of the United States, waged an attack" on the country's democracy.

"Instead of watching the ceremonial tallying of electoral votes, we saw an insurrection here in the United States of America. The blatant misinformation that embraces, and the white supremacists and other extremists that he refuses to disavow, have been allowed into our and, today, they forced their way into our Capitol, he said.

Make no mistake: we will not be intimidated by domestic terrorists. We will ensure our Constitution withstands this assault. The certification of the election will continue, and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in on January 20th. I look forward to voting tonight to uphold the will of the American people and doing my part to address the monumental challenges that our country faces going forward, Carper said.

House Majority Leader Steny H Hoyer said the insurrection at the US Capitol complex was a "direct attack on American democracy".

It is shameful and despicable", but it will not prevent the lawmakers from carrying their constitutional duties, he said.

"This is a dark day in our nation's history, but our democracy will prevail. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be confirmed as the next President and Vice President of the United States. When they are sworn into office on January 20, I hope that day will mark the beginning of a new era for the American people in which we can come together as one nation and heal," Hoyer said.

Congressman Steve Cohen, who was in the House Chamber when intruders breached US Capitol security and illegally occupied parts of the Capitol Complex, blamed Trump for the entire episode.

He has continually pushed the false idea that the election he lost by seven million votes was stolen' from him. As recently as last Saturday, he urged the Georgia Secretary of State to find' the votes he needed to win that state.

"Trump's sixty lawsuits, claiming without evidence that irregularities and fraud explained his loss, have been denied, including by Republican and Trump-appointed judges, and his arguments for a victory have gone from bizarre to delusional, Cohen said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Mick Mulvaney, President Donald Trumps former chief of staff, told CNBC on Thursday he has resigned as special US envoy to Northern Ireland, CNBC reported.

I called [Secretary of State] Mike Pompeo last night to let him know I was resigning from that. I cant do it. I cant stay, Mick Mulvaney said in an interview.

Those who choose to stay, and I have talked with some of them, are choosing to stay because theyre worried the president might put someone worse in, Mulvaney said. But he said other officials may resign after Wednesdays riot at the US Capitol.

We didnt sign up for what you saw last night, Mulvaney said. We signed up for making America great again, we signed up for lower taxes and less regulation. The president has a long list of successes that we can be proud of.

But all of that went away yesterday, and I think youre right to ask the question as to how did it happen? Mulvaney said.

Mulvaney added the mayhem at the US Capitol, which forced Congress to halt the process to declare President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the presidential election, would overshadow the Trump administrations accomplishments.
With at least four states across India reporting the spread of avian influenza or bird flu, Delhi on Thursday launched a large-scale sample collection drive to prevent its spread in the city-state even as wholesale rates of chicken dropped by 15-20 in a day, poultry traders said.

In neighbouring Gautam Budh Nagar, the divisional forest department on Thursday has restricted access to certain areas of Okhla Bird Sanctuary and closed the Surajpur wetland to visitors as a preventive measure.

Thousands of birds have died in Kerala (mostly poultry), Himachal Pradesh (migratory birds), and Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (crows) since the start of the outbreak in December-end.

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who is also Delhis development and animal husbandry minister, held a meeting on Thursday to review the situation. Soon after the meeting, Sisodia put out a statement that Delhi has not reported a single case of bird flu so far.

Doctors of all 48 veterinary hospitals of the governments animal husbandry unit are continuously monitoring the situation across Delhi. Also, 11 rapid response teams have been formed which have been asked to regularly collect samples. So far, more than 100 samples have been collected and sent to the designated lab in Jalandhar, Punjab. The report is expected on Monday, Sisodia said after the meeting.

He directed officials to keep a close watch on poultry birds being brought in from neighbouring states, and instructed them to keep a close watch on migratory bird spots, poultry markets, water bodies, zoos and other potential hot spots.

The sites from where samples are being collected include Ghazipur fish and poultry market, Shakti Sthal lake, Sanjay lake, Bhalswa horseshoe lake, Delhi zoo, and smaller water bodies in parks.

Traders said after the Central government issued advisories to states on Wednesday regarding bird flu, the impact was seen on Thursday  a drop in sales which also resulted in a price drop of 15-20 for a kilogram.

In just a single day, the wholesale price of a kilogram of chicken in Delhi has reduced from 90 to 70-75. The number of trucks arriving at Ghazipur market on Thursdays is about 80, and today, too, around 76 trucks arrived at the market. But people have stopped buying chicken even though there is not a single case of bird flu in the city as of now, said Iqbal Qureshi, general secretary of Ghazipur wholesale poultry association.

Traders said the price of chicken would fall further if bird flu cases start emerging in Delhi. They insisted that chicken sold in Delhi are 100% safe as these birds undergo medical checks before being brought to the Ghazipur wholesale market.

Bird sanctuaries closed

The divisional forest department, Gautam Budh Nagar, on Thursday restricted access to certain areas of Okhla Bird Sanctuary and closed the Surajpur wetland for visitors as a preventive measure against bird flu. Forest department officials also held an inspection at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary to check for any unusual death of avifauna and later issued a caution against bird flu.
There will be no new home confinement to combat the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic says Spain's health minister Salvador Illa.

He said the central government doesnt even consider a new state of alarm that empowers regions to lock up their citizens at home.

"It is not even in our minds," said the Minister of Health, who is convinced that the current powers (approved on 25 October and in place until 9 May) are enough to stop the new onslaught of the virus.

Despite acknowledging that the current epidemiological situation causes "a lot of concern" and that the government "does not hide" that "complicated weeks are coming", he insisted that the autonomous regions already have at their disposal a "sufficient range of measures" to try to tackle the situation.

The current measures give powers to the regions, such as the perimeter closure of municipalities, the imposition of curfews, in addition to the closure of shops and hospitality business and capacity reduction controls.

Since the end of the pandemics first state of alarm on 20 June 2020, the government of Pedro Sanchez has been reluctant to lock the population down at home.

Despite pressure from epidemiological experts the government insists that a new total confinement would cause damage to the economy even worse than the one that caused by the lockdown last spring.

Illa's announcement that the government did not even consider home confinement happened at almost at the same time that a CIS survey was published claiming that 60 per cent of Spaniards believe that both the central and regional goverments should have taken more drastic measures to contain the pandemic.

Only 25 per cent of those polled consider the measures implemented so far by the administrations as "adequate".
Health Minister Robin Swann has fired a warning at those who continue to flout health regulations, saying that they might as well be "slapping a nurse in the face".

Northern Ireland has been warned it's facing the most difficult winter ever as new lockdown measures from the Executive come into force.

Tough new measures come into force at midnight on Thursday, with First Minister Arlene Foster saying hopes are now pinned on the vaccination programme as being "our way out of this."

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said that the country is now facing "a desperate situation" as the Department of Health recorded a further 1,985 new positive cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday, with 13 further deaths and the R rate of transmission at 1.8.

People are now only allowed to leave home for medical needs, to buy food or to exercise. Those who cannot work from home will also be allowed to leave.

The new rules will be in place until at least February 6.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: "We need to stay home and restrict our contacts as much as possible. It is that straightforward and that simple.

"If anybody out there still thinks that Covid is a joke, a hoax, I'll say to them 'catch yourselves on'. What they do is akin to slapping a nurse in the face."

As the new lockdown restrictions were debated in the Assembly, Justice Minister Naomi Long said that anyone leaving home without a reasonable excuse could be hit with a 5,000 fine.

While there is a long list of exceptions - including necessary attendance at work, accessing goods from businesses which can legitimately open, accessing medical care and taking exercise - a 200 fixed penalty notice can be issued for breaching the stay at home rule, which can reach 5,000 if the case goes to court.

"In addition, police will have the power to direct people to return to their home, and remove a person to where they normally reside," she told MLAs.

Ms Long emphasised that enforcement will remain a last resort but that the public are advised to stay within 10 miles of their home to take exercise.

Mrs O'Neill said Northern Ireland is now facing a "very grave situation".

"The escalation in positive cases is a real threat to our health service," she said.

"Covid-19 cases have increased to the point where it's simply not possible to protect the NHS and save lives without further significant restrictions. Doing nothing is not an option.

"We are in a desperate situation, and it's going to get worse over the next number of weeks."

Mrs Foster said the brightest hope on the horizon was the vaccination programme.

"We will come through this and the vaccine programme, which is a credit to the dedication of the scientific community as well as our health and social care sector," she said.

"We need to do everything we can to stay safe, protect the NHS and save lives. We have more difficult weeks to get through, but we will get there together."

Around 50,000 people have received a first vaccination dose, with 91% of care home residents have now vaccinated.

And Northern Ireland's Nightingale Hospital, based at the in the tower block at Belfast City Hospital, is set to be expanded from 24 intensive care beds to 32.

On Wednesday, the Republic of Ireland reported 17 further coronavirus-related deaths and 7,836 new cases.
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A total of 3.5 billion barrels of crude oil had been shipped to the global markets as of the end of 2020 from the marine terminal in the Ceyhan district of Adana province in southern Turkey, the last stop of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, according to information provided by Turkey's Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS) Wednesday, Daily Sabah writes in the article Caspian oil flow through Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline reaches 3.5B barrels at end of 2020. The pipeline, inaugurated in July 2006 and dubbed the "energy project of the century," carries Azerbaijani oil from the Caspian Sea, in addition to volumes from other countries in the region like Russia and Kazakhstan.

A total of 4,659 tankers have operated at the Haydar Aliyev Marine Terminal during the pipeline's nearly 15 years of operation. The Turkish section of the 1,076-kilometer-long pipeline is operated by BOTAS International (BIL). In 2019, 233.1 million barrels of crude oil were shipped from the terminal. In 2020, that figure was 278.2 million barrels.

Last year, the company shipped the most barrels in April despite the worldwide lockdowns that decreased the energy needs, reporting 21.3 million barrels, while November was the lowest month with 15.3 million barrels. In April, several European countries, including Germany, France, Denmark, Italy and Greece started imposing lockdowns and different levels of containment measures with the rise in the number of coronavirus cases.

BIL General Manager Nadim Ekiz told Anadolu Agency (AA) Wednesday that the BTC, which has safely transported Azerbaijani oil to world markets since its establishment in 2006, has significantly contributed to Turkey's economy. Noting that they have operated over 4,600 tankers during the 14 years, Ekiz highlighted that the company has become a source of pride for Turkey for its work in the international energy sector. "Our institution, which has become one of the distinguished institutions of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year, he said. "I believe that BOTAS International, which has an important position in the sector, will increase its success in the future with the energy policies determined by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez and will make a name for itself tomorrow as it is today," he added.

BIL was founded by BOTAS on July 3, 1996, to take part in the global energy sector which is dictated by multinational companies that have a say in oil and natural gas projects, and was assigned to operate the BTC Crude Oil Pipeline in 2001.

The oil extracted from the Caspian Sea is delivered to the marine terminal in Ceyhan via Georgia with the BTC, and from there to global markets via tankers. The line has a capacity of 1 million barrels per day and 50 million tons of oil per year.

There are seven oil tankers each with an anchor of 100 meters (328 feet), a height of 20 meters and a storage capacity of 1 million barrels; 51 block valve stations, four pump stations and two pigging stations.

HESSEL, MI  Some of the 47 dogs rescued from a house explosion in the Upper Peninsula late last year are ready to find their forever homes.

So far, seven of the dogs have been adopted  three adults and four puppies, said Tina Newsome, administrator of the Mackinac County Animal Shelter, which took in most of the dogs when the November incident left the owner injured. Many of the dogs suffered from burns and smoke inhalation, and were underweight, she said. Two females were pregnant and have since given birth.

Every one thats gotten adopted has been great, Newsome said. I think theyre just grateful.

Moonpie, shown here, is one of the dogs that was rescued from an explosion at an Upper Peninsula residence. She was one of the first seven to be adopted, out of the 47 rescued. Many of them are healing from burn wounds and smoke inhalation at Mackinac County Animal Shelter. The explosion occurred on Nov. 26, 2020, at a residence in Hessel, Mich. Through a power of attorney, the former owner of the dogs relinquished her rights to the animals in December.Mackinac County Animal Shelter

The dogs, mostly Alaskan huskies, are slowly becoming available as they heal from their injuries, and are spayed and neutered, she said. At least 10 of the dogs will be sterilized this month. The dogs that suffered from smoke inhalation need time to recover before they can safely be put under anesthesia for the procedure .

The Alaskan husky breed is a husky-greyhound mix, which produces a petite, shorthaired dog with facial features similar to a husky except for an elongated snout. Some of them are just 30 pounds, Newsome said. They are built to run.

RELATED: Photos: 46 dogs recovering from burns after U.P. explosion

Some of the dogs are still skittish and refusing food. Generally, they need a lot of work, she said. They cant go to just any home. Mostly, they will all need fenced-in yards.

In some cases, the dogs will have quirks. For example, one of the females wouldnt eat and repeatedly dumped her food on the floor, Newsome said. Staff eventually realized she was accustomed to eating off the ground and began feeding her from a platter instead of a bowl; she is now eating.

Despite not be socialized, none of the dogs have been aggressive toward people, even during wound care, she said. Only one has been aggressive toward other dogs.

North, shown here, is one of the dogs that was rescued from an explosion at an Upper Peninsula residence. He was one of the first seven to be adopted, out of the 47 rescued. Many of them are healing from burn wounds and smoke inhalation at Mackinac County Animal Shelter. The explosion occurred on Nov. 26, 2020, at a residence in Hessel, Mich. Through a power of attorney, the former owner of the dogs relinquished her rights to the animals in December.Mackinac County Animal Shelter

Two of the rescued females gave birth at the shelter, Newsome said. Their nine puppies bring the total to 56 dogs. Included in that number are four then-5-week-old puppies and seven then-12-week-old puppies taken from the residence after the explosion.

Many of the dogs suffered facial burns, including around their eyes and on their ears, bellies and snouts, photos show. Part of one dogs snout melted off. Most of them were also underweight with protruding ribs and hipbones, officials said.

Police suspect that the dogs were abused and neglected prior to the fire. What could have been a lengthy investigation and court process was cut short when the owner, through a power of attorney, gave up her rights to the animals in December, said Mackinac County Undersheriff Ronald Umbarger.

The dogs and their owner were rescued by an off-duty firefighter who ran to the scene from his home. The explosion at the residence in Hessel was ignited when the dog owner lit a cigarette too close to gas cans that had leaked fumes at her residence in Hessel, police said. She and the firefighter were hospitalized.

RELATED: Victim, off-duty firefighter hospitalized after U.P. fire; more than 20 dogs rescued

The off-duty firefighter was first on the scene. He pulled the woman out and then chucked the dogs out as fast as he could, Mackinac County Sheriff Ed Wilk said previously. Dogs chained close to the structure were released so they could get away; about a dozen dogs were let loose. Police quickly tracked down most of the dogs, but it took 13 days to capture the last one.

The former owner had recently moved with the dogs from Alaska. The dogs may have been used for sled dog racing.

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Northern Michigan ski resort opens Enchanted Trail for night snowshoe hikes

Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks says people shouldnt rush to judgment on the identity of those behind the Wednesdays riots at the U.S. Capitol.

In a series of tweets, the Huntsville Republican doubled down on claims Antifa was likely behind the violence as lawmakers attempted to certify the electoral college win by president-elect Joe Biden. At least four people died in the riots, including one who was apparently shot by Capitol Police, and there were numerous arrests. Lawmakers, many wearing gas masks, were told to shelter in place as rioters breached the Capitol complex, smashing windows and causing damage in offices.

Brooks said he was warned by a Congressman on Monday of a growing Antifa threat and was advised to sleep in my office rather than leaving the Capitol complex (and) sleeping in my condo.

I heeded that advice and have slept on my office floor for four straight nights.

Brooks added another Congressman was warned Tuesday by Capitol Police that intelligence suggested fascist ANTIFA was going to try and infiltrate the Trump rally by dressing like Trump supporters.

Evidence, much public, surfacing that many Capitol assaulters were fascist ANTIFAs, not Trump supporters. Again, time will reveal truth. Dont rush to judgment. Dont be fooled by #FakeNewsMedia whose political judgment drives their reporting. My view: fully prosecute all! Brooks added.

Please, dont be like #FakeNewsMedia, dont rush to judgment on assault on Capitol. Wait for investigation. All may not be (and likely is not) what appears. Evidence growing that fascist ANTIFA orchestrated Capitol attack with clever mob control tactics.



Evidence follows:  Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) January 7, 2021

Claims that radical groups were behind the violence began to circulate as crowds pushed into the Capitol, scaling walls and climbing fences. The theory was shared by several lawmakers and widely on social media without evidence to back up the claims.

Before Wednesdays riots and the certification of the election results, Brooks had delivered a fiery speech to Trump supporters where he said that today is the day American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass. He later issued a statement denouncing the violence.
The patient at the centre of a series of PPE breaches at Perth Airport and in hotel quarantine has tested positive to the more contagious UK strain of the coronavirus.

The Department of Health has confirmed the woman in her 80s, who had returned from the United Kingdom on January 2, has the new strain of the virus which UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said was between 50 and 70 per cent more transmissible than previous strains.

The UK strain of SARS-CoV-2 is cause for concern, an expert says. Credit:Getty

On Wednesday it was revealed a nurse, St John Ambulance officer and Perth Airport worker had all breached PPE protocols while transporting the same traveller.

The nurse and Ambulance officer were placed in hotel quarantine within hours of their breaches but the Perth Airport worker, who was not wearing any goggles or gloves when helping her off her flight on January 2, had been in the community since then.
'Clearly not pleased' doesn't translate into consequences when it comes to a holiday-travelling member of Premier Brian Pallister's caucus.

'Clearly not pleased' doesn't translate into consequences when it comes to a holiday-travelling member of Premier Brian Pallister's caucus.

In fact, Pallister rewarded Radisson MLA James Teitsma  who took a December road trip to British Columbia even though the province was pleading with Manitobans to stay home due to code-red pandemic measures  with his reappointment to the province's powerful Treasury Board Tuesday.

During a news conference Tuesday morning, the premier responded to a question about Teitsma's travels.

"His decision to leave the province isn't something I support but he's not a cabinet member," Pallister told reporters, explaining that he would not be taking any disciplinary action.

FACEBOOK PHOTO Radisson MLA James Teitsma has been rewarded with his reappointment to the province's powerful Treasury Board Tuesday.

An order in council dated Tuesday lists Teitsma as a member of the cabinet committee that controls the province's purse-strings "effective immediately."

"The Treasury Board is the committee that decides every single dollar spent by government," NDP Leader Wab Kinew said Wednesday. "If (Teitsma) showed such poor judgment over the holidays, I've got to think that Mr. Pallister should remove him from that committee that has such an important role."

Pallister was asked Wednesday about disciplining Teitsma by removing him from Treasury Board or seats on two legislative standing committees and chose to dodge the question, saying three NDP MLAs and Kinew have all been out of the province.

Kinew has stated that neither he nor anyone from his caucus has been out of the province since the code-red restrictions were imposed. Pallister questioned the fairness of again raising the issue of Teitsma's holiday.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES "If (Teitsma) showed such poor judgment over the holidays, I've got to think that Mr. Pallister should remove him from that committee that has such an important role," NDP Leader Wab Kinew said Wednesday.

"I said clearly yesterday I wasn't pleased with Mr. Teitsma's decision. I know he regrets it," the premier said.

Kinew noted Pallister urged Manitobans to have "compassion and generosity" for the personal circumstances of top civil servant David McLaughlin, clerk of the executive council, who travelled to his family home in Ontario for two weeks in December.

That's a far cry from how Pallister responded to Peguis First Nation for relaxing COVID-19 restrictions and allowing visitors during the holidays, he said.

"Let's think back to the comments that Mr. Pallister made about Chief (Glenn) Hudson before the holidays."  NDP Leader Wab Kinew

"Let's think back to the comments that Mr. Pallister made about Chief (Glenn) Hudson before the holidays," Kinew said. Pallister publicly called out the First Nation a number of times for making its own rules, calling it a "massive mistake."

"He certainly was able to talk tough to a First Nation leader he didn't agree with," Kinew said. "Why can't he take the same approach with his own backbencher?" Kinew said the December absence of McLaughlin, who oversees the vaccine-implementation task force, likely had an impact on the rollout in Manitoba that got off to the slowest start in the country.

"Everyone who's observed the Pallister government throughout the pandemic knows that they always meet in person," said Kinew. "The fact that Mr. McLaughlin was not here in person tells you that he was not actively engaged with the business of government."

"The preparatory work led by Mr. McLaughlin and managed by our health leadership team and in partnership with Indigenous leaders and privatesector partners is remarkable and I'm truly impressed with the work that's been done."  Premier Brian Pallister

Pallister said the vaccination team's work is "indisputably remarkable," putting Manitoba in a position where it could administer the vaccine to every Manitoban by the end of March if it enough doses were available.

"The preparatory work led by Mr. McLaughlin and managed by our health leadership team and in partnership with Indigenous leaders and private-sector partners is remarkable and I'm truly impressed with the work that's been done," Pallister said. "I think the story is a positive one  some choose to focus on the negative instead of the positive."

More attention should be paid to the fact that cabinet ministers in Manitoba  unlike their counterparts in many other provinces  didn't travel internationally over the holidays, he said.

"I think, in fairness, it would be fair to observe that our cabinet members have been demonstrating their responsible behaviour and that we are effectively doing our very, very best to fight COVID," Pallister said.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
A County Derry nurse is among those who have been recognised on a new plaque commemorating nurses who served in the First World War.

Rachel Ferguson, from Moneymore, was one of a number of nurses whose stories have been honoured through the unveiling of a new plaque at Belfast's City Hall.

The plaque is the result of a campaign by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Northern Ireland's History of Nursing Network who researched over 100 names of nurses who served on battlefields.

Born on December 29, 1886, in Ballygoney into a farming family, Rachel was the youngest of eight children. She qualified as a staff nurse in 1915 and immediately volunteered for service.

Initially stationed in Salonika, Greece, she became unwell in 1917, but returned to extend her service by six months, or until her services 'were no longer required, whichever should happen first'.

Rachel was transferred to Italy in November 1917, where she served until her death from pneumonia in June 1918. She was buried in Bordighera Cemetery.

Rachel Ferguson

A book featuring the nurses' stories  Nurses' Voices from WW1: The Northern Ireland Connection  was also published last year.

Heather Thompson from the group said it was a privilege to attend the unveiling of the plaque.

The plaque is dedicated to all nurses who came from our island and served in World War One, she said.

It has been such a worthwhile and enjoyable project for all our group to be involved in, and the plaque is a perfect way to bring our project to a close.

RCN Director in Northern Ireland, Pat Cullen, said the bravery and courage shown by nurses during wartime is now being recreated during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is fitting that this plaque has been unveiled this year during which we have all seen the bravery and courage displayed by nurses today as they battle through the Covid-19 pandemic, she said.

There are fascinating stories which our History of Nursing Network discovered through their research, but what is certain is that these courageous nurses were trailblazers of modern nursing.

Sincere congratulations to all of those involved but in particular Margaret Graham, Chair of the Network and Heather Thompson who led the work on WW1.

It is so important that we remember the lives of those who have gone before us.

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The United Arab Emirates, UAE, has placed an order for two more highly sophisticated surveillance Saab GlobalEye aircraft for a value of $1 billion.

The new contract was signed on Dec. 30 but was only announced by the Swedish company early this week. The new deal, Defense News reports, is an extension of a 2015 deal, which saw the country commit to an initial three copies of the GlobalEye, made up of Bombardier Global 6000 business jets equipped with Saabs Erieye long-range radar and other surveillance sensors.

The new batch included an option for two additional buys. The two new aircraft will be completed by 2025 and works will take place in Gothenburg, Linkoping, Arboga, Jarfalla and Lulea (Sweden) and Centurion in South Africa.

The Gulf country had already taken delivery of its first Saab GlobalEye aircraft in spring last year amid the global pandemic. The military jet is said to provide ground, air and maritime surveillance in a single package.
Patrick Yoes, President of the National Fraternal Order of Police, endorsed Donald Trump in September. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

The largest police union in the US has called on Trump to "forcefully urge" extremists to leave the US Capitol.

The National Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Trump in the 2020 election.

"Lawlessness is not how Americans affect change in our great country," union President Patrick Yoes wrote.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Patrick Yoes, president of the National Fraternal Order of Police, called on President Donald Trump to urge the pro-Trump extremists to leave the US Capitol building.

Yoes said in an emailed statement that the actions in Washington, DC, demonstrate how critical law enforcement are to public safety.

"Without the protection afforded to us by our men and women in blue, our society cannot function," he wrote in the statement.

"We also call on President Trump to forcefully urge these demonstrators to stop their unlawful activity, to stand down, and to disperse," he added. "The actions of some of these demonstrators are endangering our elected officials, Congressional staff, ordinary citizens, and the law enforcement officers on the scene."

Video: How Georgias Senate races became the most expensive ever

Shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a group of pro-Trump rioters breached the Capitol building, forcing the evacuation of Vice President Mike Pence, members of Congress, their staff, and press.

The extremists stole and damaged government property, and members of law enforcement were injured.

It took four hours for law enforcement to secure the Capitol.

Yoes, who leads the largest police union in the nation, has been a staunch Trump supporter.

In September, the union endorsed Trump.

"President Trump has shown time after time that he supports our law enforcement officers and understands the issues our members face every day," said Yoes said at the time. "The FOP is proud to endorse a candidate who calls for law and order across our nation."

In his statement on Wednesday, Yoes called the scene at the Capitol building heartbreaking and commended the work of the US Capitol Police, DC Metro Police, US Park Police, and other responding agencies.

"Lawlessness is not how Americans affect change in our great country," the statement said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg stuck to his word to address what some say are legitimate concerns about election integrity, even after the U.S. Capitol was mobbed by President Donald Trumps loyalists on Wednesday.

On Monday, Jan. 4, Walberg, R-Tipton, joined several other GOP lawmakers in signaling their intent to object to the certification of presidential electors for Joe Biden in at least three states where Trump lost the 2020 presidential election.

At the time, Walberg, who represents Michigans 7th District, said he wanted an electoral commission to perform an emergency audit of the election results in the 10 days before Bidens Jan. 20 inauguration.

Related: Two Michigan Republicans will object to Electoral College vote

After the violent unrest on Jan. 6 delayed the certification process for hours, forced evacuations and shelter-in-place for lawmakers, media and staff and resulted in the death of four people, some lawmakers said they would reverse course and support the certification process.

Walberg, however, joined two other Michigan representatives  Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, and Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township  in objecting to the certification of the electoral votes in Arizona and Pennsylvania.

Walberg and his staff did not respond to calls requesting comment. But in a Thursday, Jan. 7 written statement, Walberg said his vote was not intended to overturn election results but to address election integrity and promote a transparent debate.

For those with legitimate concerns about election integrity, yesterday should have been a time for robust and respectful debate on the House floor, he said in the statement. My focus for that forum was a method to provide greater transparency and raise concerns on behalf of my constituents who lack faith in the electoral process. Given these unresolved concerns regarding irregularities and the overstepping of state laws, I announced my position earlier this week to object.

This vote was never about overturning election results. Safeguarding the ballot box is bigger than one candidate and one election. It was about ensuring free, fair, and legal elections are an unquestionable certainty in the future. Moving forward, we must settle these unanswered constitutional questions in order to prevent future irregularities and restore Americans confidence in the process. With this vote complete, we also must ensure a peaceful transition of power in accordance with the Constitution.

Earlier on Wednesday, Walberg did express dismay at the violence and destruction at the Capitol. On Thursday, he repeated a call for accountability for the pro-Trump supporters who stormed the federal building.

A day later, I am still sickened over the unacceptable violence that transpired at the U.S. Capitol, Walberg said in his statement. It is not what we stand for as Americans. Every lawbreaker should be held fully accountable for their abhorrent actions. "

Some, including Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies, however, believe Walbergs response was inadequate. Dobies called for constituents to remember this moment for Walberg and other lawmakers who supported the objection.

Rep Tim Walberg sided with an extremist minority whose arguments were predicated on a toxic, intentional system of misinformation and disinformation, Dobies wrote on Facebook. Such a sad day for our country.

Heres the three Michigan Republicans that were willing pour gasoline on the fire, even after the first hostile siege on... Posted by Derek Dobies on Thursday, January 7, 2021

The National Guard and local and federal police were called to control Wednesdays chaos, and the mayor of Washington imposed an evening curfew. Legislative proceedings resumed in the late evening after rioters were cleared from the Capitol.

Congress finished certifying Electoral College votes in all states shortly before 4 a.m. Thursday, after hearing debate and conducting votes on objections to electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania.

MORE ON MLIVE:

3 Michigan Republicans object to electoral votes in Arizona, Pennsylvania

Michigan representatives denounce attack on U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump mob

Congressman Upton says attack on Capitol will stain Trumps legacy

West Michigan Republicans describe siege of Capitol by pro-Trump domestic terrorists


By Richard Pennington





Every Korean  schoolboy or schoolgirl, taxi driver, computer programmer  from the highest to the lowest levels of this society may know the glorious tale of how King Sejong took it upon himself in 1443 to construct an entirely new alphabet to fit the Korean language, freeing the people  the literate ones, at least  from their long dependence on classical Chinese. Hangeul is a fundamental part of Korean culture and a source of enduring pride. For good reason, we celebrate its creation and proclamation here every Oct. 9.



Linguistic specialists like Werner Sasse of Germany, Gari Ledyard of the United States, Hiroyuki Umeda of Japan and Geoffrey Sampson of the U.K. consider Hangeul as the world's best phonemic writing system. According to the latter, "it's one of the great intellectual achievements of mankind."



I wonder how King Sejong, who had come to the throne in 1418, did it. He must have had his hands full in administering the government, but he was a polymath, smart and exceptionally well educated. While he may have had some help from the Jiphyeonjeon or Hall of Worthies, King Sejong seems to have produced this "featural" alphabet in morpho-syllabic blocks on his own.



The Worthies, headed by Jeong In-ji, were responsible for compiling the Hunminjeongeum haerye, which clarified how Hangeul could be applied, as well as Yongbieocheonga ("Songs of the Dragons Flying to Heaven"), the first book written in the new script.



But is it possible that Sejong, the bringer of cultural and political enlightenment to Korea, had a template of sorts? I draw your attention to Drogon Chogyal Phagpa, a 13th century Tibetan scholar and political adviser to Kublai Khan.



That Mongol ruler asked him to come up with a new writing system that would unify multilingual Yuan China. So he did, modifying the Tibetan alphabet to create what is known as Phags-pa script. Completed in 1269, it had problems and fell out of use after less than a century.



Nevertheless, some books were written in Phags-pa, a few of which ended up in the Worthies' library in Seoul! I read in the footnotes of James Scarth Gale's "History of the Korean People," "It is certain that Sejong and his scholars referred to this Phags-pa script when they were devising the Korean alphabet."



Here Gale  or more precisely, his editor, Richard Rutt  put forth an unambiguous statement, not a theory or supposition, and it is one that some contemporary Koreans might find unwelcome.



Eager to know more, I visited the National Hangeul Museum in November but did not see anything about Phags-pa or some Mongolian antecedent. The website of the National Academy of Korean Language also said nothing of it. I located an authoritative booklet by the Korea Foundation called Hangeul / Korea's Unique Alphabet, but the story was the same  nothing about Phags-pa.



It is hard not to conclude that Sejong derived five core consonant letters  namely, giyeok, digeut, bieup, chieut and rieul from Phags-pa, because they have more than a passing resemblance to their Mongolian counterparts.



I do not assert that Korea's greatest king borrowed or plagiarized. Sejong's lofty reputation is such that I might have to lay low for a few weeks if I made such a claim. It certainly appears that some aspects of Hangeul can be traced to Drogon Chogyal Phagpa.



Lorenzo Hervas (1735-1809) of Spain, Joseph Hager (1757-1819) of Italy, Jean-Pierre Abel Remusat (1788-1832) of France and Karl Gutzlaff (1803-1851) of Germany studied Hangeul, followed by Gale whose above-referenced book was published in the late 1920s. (Gale, by the way, co-founded the Royal Asiatic Society-Korea Branch which meets monthly at the Somerset Hotel.)



Rutt is fairly clear about the connection between the two purpose-built Asian alphabets. And perhaps no contemporary academic has delved into the subject more fully than Gari Ledyard who bears the imposing title of King Sejong Professor Emeritus of Korean Studies at Columbia University.



Why did later Joseon rulers downplay or worse yet, conceal, Hangeul's Mongolian roots? Keep in mind that adoption of the Korean alphabet was slow and gradual; not until late in the 19th century did it come into widespread use. Just 125 years ago, it did not have the great reputation it is now accorded.



The issue might be traced to the Mongol invasions of Korea, of which there were no fewer than seven between 1231 and 1257. These campaigns were terribly destructive, with thousands of men killed, women raped and people forced into slavery.



The Mongols, perceived as barbarians on horseback, burned and pillaged with ferocity. They destroyed, among other things, the magnificent nine-story pagoda in a temple known as Hwangnyongsa in Gyeongju and the original version of the Tripitaka Koreana.



After the Mongols were pushed out of Korea in the 1350s, few people remembered them fondly. So it is altogether unsurprising that the influence of Phags-pa on Hangeul has been minimized.





Richard Pennington (raput76@gmail.com), a native of Texas in the U.S., works as an editor at a law firm in southern Seoul. He has written 22 nonfiction books, including "Travels of an American-Korean, 2008-2013." He is the director of an NGO, the Committee to Bring Jikji Back to Korea

.


Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has launched an industrial development scheme amounting to Rs 24,800 crore for the Union Territory on Thursday.

The industrial scheme is from the period of the date of notification up to the year 2037 with a total outlay of Rs 28,400 crores. This will encourage new investments, substantial expansion and nurture existing industries in Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said.

Sinha said the new policy is expected to generate employment for 4.5 lakh people resulting in the socio-economic development of the region. Further, the scheme boosts the industrial development to the block level developing the far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

In the last 16 months, Jammu and Kashmir has been transformed into a land of opportunity with forward-looking policy to guarantee prosperity and economic success, he said.

The total amount that was disbursed by the Central government in industrial policy till 2019 was merely Rs 1,123.84 crores while the new policy has an outlay of historic amount of Rs 24,800 crores, he pointed out.

Sinha also announced that Jammu and Kashmir would likely to have metro rail projects in 2023.
In an unprecedented move, Sri Lankan President Gotabhaya Rajapakse on January 1 demanded all public employees swear allegiance to his Vision of Prosperity election program. The manifesto was used by Rajapakse and his ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in the November 2019 presidential ballot and the August 2020 parliamentary elections.

Sri Lanka Health Minister Pavithra Vanniarachchi (in yellow saree) and staff taking oath. (Photo courtesy: wedabima.lk)

It is the first time since the formal independence of Sri Lanka 73 years ago that a Colombo government has compelled state employees to endorse a political manifesto. The blatantly anti-democratic move is another step by President Rajapakse towards autocratic rule backed by the military.

According to the pledge, all public officers must be committed to creation of a disciplined, law-abiding, virtuous and healthy society.

A January 3 editorial in the Sunday Times, which backed Rajapakse in the presidential election, noted that state officers had previously taken an oath to uphold the constitution and the public good. This year, however, they had to endorse and implement the Presidents election manifesto.

The editorial likened Rajapakses demand to fascist German dictator Adolf Hitler, adding: Students of modern history will recall another country where civil servants (state officers) were ordered to swear a similar oath of loyalty, which then extended to loyalty for the dictator.

These lines reflect nervousness in sections of the ruling elite that working people will see through Rajapakses dictatorial moves and, combined with Colombos escalating austerity measures, will provoke mass opposition.

President Rajapakses New Year Message on December 31 referenced his new demand on state workers. No room should be left for the erosion of confidence people placed in the government, he declared.

If each and every public servant properly performs the duties and responsibilities entrusted to them, it is not a difficult task for the government to conquer any challenge it faced.

In other words, public employees must assume responsibility for ensuring the governments success. Under conditions where the Rajapakse regime plans to intensify the workload of all state employees, without any pay increase, this is an impossible task.

The presidents claim that his Vision of Prosperity is to serve the people is a sham.

Rajapakse came to power by exploiting the widespread popular discontent against the former administration of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and its austerity measures and attacks on democratic rights.

Vision of Prosperity consists of empty promises to alleviate poverty, solve unemployment and give concessions to farmers, while pledging strong and stable rule committed to national defence.

Over the past year Rajapakses regime has demonstrated its total commitment to big business and international investors even as COVID-19 has worsened the countrys economic crisis and foreign debt.

In November, his SLPP government passed the 20th Amendment to the constitution. This anti-democratic measure granted Sri Lankas executive president far-reaching autocratic powers, including the appointment of top state officials and higher court judges, the dissolution of parliament and the imposition of emergency bills.

These powers go beyond the 1978 constitution, which first introduced the countrys executive presidency to impose free market economic policies and IMF-dictated austerity.

On taking power, Rajapakse quickly began inserting retired and in-service generals to key government posts, including the appointment of retired Major General Kamal Gunaratne as defence secretary. When COVID-19 began infecting the country, Rajapakse used it as a pretext to put military officers in charge of key ministries and institutions such as ports, customs, health and foreign affairs ministries.

Over the past week Rajapakse has further bolstered the political role of the armed forces. On December 31, he promoted both Defense Secretary Gunaratne and Army Commander Shavendra Silva to the rank of general.

The president then appointed 25 senior military officers as coordinators for the countrys 25 districts supposedly to oversee operations against COVID-19. This task had previously been assigned to district administrative officers. The real purpose of these appointments is not to coordinate logistics related to the pandemic but to tighten the militarys grip over district administrations.

Several key divisions of the department of motor traffic and the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (the state-run shopping chain for consumer goods) were also brought under the control of retired senior military officers.

As popular concerns rose about these measuresexpressed in media comments and on social media platforms such as FacebookDefence Secretary Gunaratne issued a statement.

The military was not taking over the motor traffic department, he declared, but would institute a temporary arrangement to print driving licenses. Gunaratne would not say, however, how long the temporary arrangement would last.

The militarisation of Rajapakses administration has nothing to do with combating COVID-19, but is the preparation to suppress the rising anti-government unrest among workers and the poor.

Striking Gardmore estate workers (WSWS Media)

Last month, Sri Lanka reported nearly 20,000 coronavirus infections, which is equal to the number of infections in the previous two months. As of yesterday, the total official national tally rose to over 46,000 and the number of deaths to 219. Many of these cases are from free trade zone workplaces and other factories, and in the tea plantations.

Yesterday, around 1,000 state health service workers held protests demanding proper health protection and the payment of outstanding wages and supplements. About 100 trainee teachers demonstrated outside the public education department demanding jobs for more than 3,000 trainees. About 1,000 workers at the Gartmore plantation remain on strike against the dismantling of the estate and the threatened axing of their jobs.

These struggles provide just a glimpse of the rising tide of social unrest developing across the country.

In line with its dictatorial preparations, the Rajapakse government is attempting to divide the Sri Lankan working class by whipping up Sinhala chauvinism against the Tamil and Muslim minorities.

According to Sri Lankas current health authority guidelines, all those killed by COVID-19 must be cremated. This has provoked opposition and protests by Muslims who want to observe their religious burial traditions.

The government has rejected these calls, despite the fact that both cremation and burials have been approved by the World Health Organization and renowned epidemiologists. Extremist Sinhala-Buddhist groups, who are backing the government, have been holding provocative counter demonstrations against Muslim protesters.

Opposition parties in Sri Lanka including Samagi Jana Balavegaya, the United National Party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and Tamil National Alliance have not uttered a word against Rajapakses anti-democratic measures and his bolstering of the militarys power. The concern of these parties, which serve the same class interests as the current regime in Colombo, is what to do about the developing social unrest among workers and the poor.

The working class must take Rajapakses measures seriously and prepare to defend its democratic and social rights. It can only advance this struggle by mobilising its political strength independent of all factions of the bourgeoisie, rallying rural poor and fighting for a workers and peasants government on the basis of an international socialist program. This is the program advanced by the Socialist Equality Party. We urge workers, students and youth to study the SEPs policies and join its ranks.


(Natural News) Republicans in the House of Representatives are strongly criticizing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Party for allowing Rep. Gwen Moore of Wisconsin to cast her vote for Speaker of the House a mere six days after she announced that she had tested positive for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19).

Following the 2020 election, the Democratic Partys margin of victory in the House of Representatives was greatly reduced. They now have only 222 seats compared to the Republicans 212, with one seat remaining undecided.

Because of this very narrow margin, and with fears that the progressives in the House may hold her speakership hostage in exchange for some concessions, Pelosi could not afford anybody not being present to give her the Speakers gavel for another two years.

Moore, a Pelosi ally, flew to Washington. She wrote in a tweet that her quarantine period had ended and she was cleared for travel just six days after she first announced that she would be self-isolating.

Moore announced that she tested positive for the coronavirus on Dec. 28, although she failed to divulge when she was tested. In a tweet she wrote, she announced that she had completed her quarantine in just six days and was medically cleared to travel and work on behalf of Wisconsins Fourth Congressional District.

According to revised guidelines put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, quarantines after a positive test can be cut down to between seven to 10 days. Even if Moore had cut down her quarantine to just one week, she still should not be allowed to travel to cast her vote.

Moores actions are further suspect because her spokesperson has not responded directly to news outlets when asked if the representative from Wisconsin has tested negative for COVID-19 before her trip to the Capitol.

All I know is she has been working with her doctors and she has been cleared to travel, said Samara Sheff, Moores press secretary. (Related: Obama and Pelosi didnt win elections in the last decade, it was Dominion.)

Pelosi decision to allow Moore to travel strongly criticized

House Republicans have gone on the offensive, castigating Pelosi for allowing Moore to travel to the Capitol, putting both her health and the health of her colleagues at risk by doing so.

According to Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, it was wrong for the Democratic Party to allow Moore to vote on Sunday so soon after she tested positive for COVID-19.

Pelosi is putting the publics health at risk to keep herself in power, said Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado.

Looks like Speaker Pelosis proxy voting and remote hearing measures are only essential when her leadership position isnt on the line, said Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas in a tweet.

Westerman is referencing new rules that will allow representatives to vote for Speaker remotely or by proxy. Unfortunately for Pelosi, these rules didnt take effect until Monday, Jan. 4  exactly one day after the vote for the speakership.

The double standards shown by Pelosi and Moore are heightened by the fact that several other members of congress were absent from the proceedings due to medical and personal concerns.

Reps.-elect Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida and David Valadao of California, both of whom are Republicans, missed the speakership election following their recent positive COVID-19 test results.

Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings of Florida was absent because of his ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer, and Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland did not attend the speakership election due to the sudden death of his 25-year-old son.

Additionally, Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen of Washington also recently tested positive for the coronavirus. But Larsen attended the speakership election, ending his quarantine after 11 days.

In the end, Pelosi won two more years as Speaker of the House with 216 votes for. She only needed 214 to retain the speakership. Minority Leader McCarthy received 209 votes, while Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York received one vote and three House Democrats answered present when called to cast their vote. Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois received one vote for speaker despite not being a member of the House.

Pelosi will preside over the slimmest majority ever held by any party in the House of Representatives in two decades.

Learn more about how politicians are instituting coronavirus rules that do not apply to them by reading the latest articles at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

TheHill.com

CookPolitical.com

JSOnline.com

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The laws intrude into the right to privacy under Article 21 and freedom of religion under Article 25, it was contended.  PTI

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stay the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh laws regulating inter-faith marriages and conversion while issuing notice in two pleas challenging the validity of the laws.

Refusing to stay the laws, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad A. Bobde said it cant decide which provisions of the two laws were oppressive unless it hears the state governments concerned.

The Uttar Pradesh government has promulgated an ordinance regulating inter-faith marriages and religious conversions and a similar was enacted by the Uttrakhand in 2018.

When advocate Pradeep Kumar Yadav pointed out that the BJP governments in Madhya Pradesh and Haryana were also bringing laws on the lines of the UP ordinance and society is affected, the CJI said the court would not expand the petitions scope.

The bench, also comprising Justice A.S. Bopanna and Justice V Ramasubramanian, however, agreed to examine the validity of the ordinance and the laws.

The court was hearing petitions, one by Delhi-based lawyer Vishal Thakre and the another by Mumbai-based NGO Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), challenging the constitutional validity of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religious Ordinance, 2020, and the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act, 2018.

The petitions under Article 32 stated that the two laws were violative of Articles 21 and 25 as they empower the State to suppress an individuals liberty and the freedom to practice religion of one's choice.

The Uttarakhand law and UP ordinance essentially bar conversion to any other religion for the purpose of marriage.

The ordinance lays down a detailed procedure to be followed before an individual can convert from one religion to another. Violation of the same entails criminal liability on the individual who undergoes conversion and the individual who converts the person.

The ordinance also states that no person shall convert or attempt to convert either directly or otherwise any other person from one religion to another by use or practice of misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means or by marriage nor shall any person abet, convince or conspire such conversion.

The petitioners submitted that the two laws seemed to be premised on conspiracy theories and assume that all conversions are illegally forced upon individuals, though they have attained the age of majority. It intrudes into the right to privacy under Article 21 and freedom of religion under Article 25, it was contended.

The plea also highlighted that the UP ordinance casts the burden of proof on the accused against the established principles of criminal jurisprudence.

The burden of proof gets shifted and it is dangerous as it is a non-bailable offence and also under a circumstance where they are pitched against hostile communities and family members who masquerade in the glory of protection of women," one of the petitions said.

Initially, CJI Bobde was not in favour of issuing notice after Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta informed the court that both the challenges are pending in the respective High Courts.

They however, agreed to hear the [etitions on advocate Pradeep Kumar Yadav arguing that the Supreme Court can take up cases which are pending in different High Courts.

Objecting to the parties coming straight to the Supreme Court under Article 32, the CJI said: First you exercise your right under Article 32 by approaching the respective High Courts and come here if you don't get any relief.

Senior advocate C.U. Singh told the court that the legislations under challenge are obnoxious in nature and that couples were being picked up by force from wedding places.

We need stay on reverse burden of proof and intimation to police for marriage. Prima facie its an oppressive clause. Its a non-bailable offence. This is there in both Acts. Daily there are reports of people being picked up by force. It is obnoxious to seek prior permission for marriage from a magistrate, Singh argued.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
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Focusing on The 'Hardest Hit' Communities

Building Community Trust in COVID-19 Vaccines

(TNS)  In many ways, devastating disparities have defined the coronavirus pandemic.In California, Latino, Black and Pacific Islander residents have been disproportionately killed by the virus. Black and Latino workers have lost their jobs at higher rates during the pandemic. Those who remained employed were more likely to be working the kind of jobs, considered essential, that are often low-paying and put them at greater risk of exposure.In Sacramento, the outbreaks have been stark  ZIP code by ZIP code, low-income neighborhoods and communities of color have seen explosive COVID-19 rates that have remained steady through the last 10 months of the pandemic.Latino households were subsumed by the virus; Black, native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander residents died at higher rates compared to white residents. In the early weeks of the pandemic, health officials acknowledged lagging behind when it came to spotting and triaging infections in communities where residents have historically been disconnected from health services and economic opportunities.The county is in the midst of beginning a massive COVID-19 vaccine roll out operation, but community advocates are already warning that the sluggish pace of inoculation thus far, if coupled with inadequate messaging, persistent public mistrust and limited resources, could severely hamper vaccination efforts in the coming months to protect the most vulnerable members of Sacramento."We are concerned and are worried about what the county is doing. They should be talking about (general public vaccine distribution) now," said policy director Doreena Wong at Asian Resources, Inc. "People need to know what to expect, people need a timeline."It's no wonder that people are hesitant when there really hasn't been that much information about it shared locally."Community advocates do not necessarily fault county public health officers alone for the slow, uneasy roll out. There's been waffling, unclear messaging from the Trump administration, delays in vaccine shipments from manufacturers. Gov. Gavin Newsom has repeatedly emphasized the need for doses to be distributed equitably, but state officials are still finalizing vaccine phases and recommendations. Guidance about how to store and use the vaccines is being updated weekly.The monumental task of vaccinating hundreds of thousands of Sacramentans will require the county to artfully and purposefully orchestrate vacillating public sentiments, limited healthcare resources, staffing and storage issues, usable vaccination sites, equity and prioritization concerns, and the constant feeling that there are just not enough doses, to name a few  all at a never-before-seen scale and timeline."We need to focus distribution on communities hardest hit," said Kiran Savage-Sangwan, executive director of the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network. But crucially, she said, "We have to understand this is not a quick process. We can't start building trust with people in March."Dispelling myths and misinformation about the vaccine and its side effects are going to require a Herculean education campaign, Wong said. Celebrities need to be publicly supporting the vaccine, she said, and public messaging in different languages will need to flood the airways. Employers will need to encourage their workers to get vaccinated, and give them the flexibility and time off to do so. Those who do receive doses will need to normalize the process and share their experiences on social media. Community centers and churches will need to be transformed into vaccination sites. The planning for all this must begin now."If we wait, it's almost like with COVID-19 testing. It took awhile for things to even get translated in Spanish, for COVID-19 things like wear a mask and wash your hands," said Rachel Rios, executive director of La Familia Counseling Center. "We can't do that again, and I don't think the county will ever let that happen again."It's not as easy as putting a sign out and telling people to get vaccinated," she said. "We have to do deeper dives."By the end of this week, Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye said she expects to have at least 7,000 people get vaccinated, mostly frontline healthcare workers and longterm care residents, per state recommendations. The conclusion of this first phase of vaccine distributions, which Kasirye hopes will wrap up by the end of this month, will give way to the much more complicated process of inoculating a plethora of other prioritized groups in California  older residents, those in congregate living, and essential workers in education, food, emergency services and more.Even the prioritization of who gets the vaccine first in California has been criticized by some health advocates. Many would like to see a place-based approach, where neighborhoods most impacted by COVID-19 or communities that are poorer, underserved and already face a higher rate of health issues, could get the vaccine earlier.Some have argued it would be easier to roll-out logistically than the current model: It's much easier to verify someone's ZIP code, for example, than verifying who their employer is and what they do. It's a model that would give places like Oak Park and Del Paso Heights  where COVID-19 has infected thousands of homes  the kind of direct attention and service that advocates say was lacking in the early days of the pandemic."Prioritization and focus has been on an industry's risk of exposure, and what we believe the value of this work is to society, and that's not necessarily an equity approach," Savage-Sangwan said.Even with the vaccines that have been distributed thus far, there have already been hiccups. Some nurses and doctors, many of whom have seen firsthand the worst effects of the virus, are hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccines. About 20 percent to 40 percent of L.A. County's frontline healthcare staff who were offered the vaccine declined it. Sacramento County officials aren't tracking vaccine hesitancy, but the trend is reflected statewide. Among skilled nursing staff, acceptance ranges from 50 percent to 80 percent, according to Deborah Pacyna, spokeswoman for the California Association of Health Facilities.If healthcare workers  perhaps the group most likely to support public health measures and back the scientific research behind the vaccines  are expressing uncertainty, buy-in from the broader community could be an uphill battle. A study in November by COVID Collaborative, NAACP, and UnidosUS found just 14 percent of Black Americans and 34 percent of Latinx Americans trusted the vaccine.Some communities may be particularly uncertain about the vaccine, given past instances of medical institutions exploiting particularly Black and Indigenous people for experiments. The apparent sudden arrival of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have left some skeptical."To go from no vaccines to, 'Oh my goodness, they're here' by the end of the year, that startled a lot of people," said Dr. Hakeem Adeniyi, medical director at the Sacramento Native American Health Center. Even the name Operation Warp Speed contributes to the belief that the vaccine process was rushed, "even though it went through all the same steps that usually take place for vaccines," he said.Adeniyi is one of about 40 staff members who have received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine. As more people are able to get access, health officials will have to prioritize "recognizing Black and Indigenous POC have had to deal with injustices, and (make) sure we're not offering something we can't stand behind."Exactly how everyday Sacramentans will have access to vaccines remains to be seen. While some will be able to receive vaccines through their personal doctors or from pharmacies at CVS, Safeway, Walgreens or Raleys, the county will be ultimately responsible for filling in the gaps, opening up smaller clinics for those who might otherwise not have access.La Familia has been running a walk-in community-based COVID-19 testing site every Monday for months now, testing about 550 people each time. Rios said she would love to offer vaccines to the community as well, but has yet to hear concrete plans from the county.Kasirye said on Tuesday that the county is considering the logistics of converting some community-based test sites into vaccination sites, and has already bought refrigerators to help smaller clinics and centers store vaccines. While the Pfizer-BioNTech doses must be kept extremely cold, the Moderna vaccines can be frozen to temperatures consistent with a typical freezer, which would make it easier to distribute in non-hospital settings."With the vaccine, we know that  just like with the testing  when we move it to a community location with community trust, we know that more people are apt to do that," Rios said.In the next couple of weeks, Kasirye hopes to convene an advisory committee of community-based agencies to help offer guidance on public messaging and outreach. "We just got this vaccine," she said. "We're all ramping up and trying to get it out as quickly as possible, and over the next couple of weeks it'll pick up quite a bit."The consequences of too many already vulnerable populations rejecting the vaccine, or holding out for a few months, will be dire. The longer it takes to get to herd immunity, the more people will be infected with COVID-19 and the more people will die from the disease. Stay-at-home restrictions will continue to remain in place. People, months behind on bills and rent, will fall deeper into debt and poverty."Those same populations that were left out of being tested or discouraged or afraid, those will be the similar populations that will be ignored again," Wong said.
There will be "an almost inevitable" hit to the number of new homes built this year amid the closure of significant parts of the construction industry, professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute, Kieran McQuinn has warned.

The ESRI had forecast 19,600 homes would be built this year after an estimated 18,800 homes were built in 2020, and the completion of around 21,240 new homes in 2019.

However, Prof McQuinn said that the restrictions in January will lead to "an almost inevitable" effect on the number of new homes under construction this year.

Kieran McQuinn, research professor at the ERSI, warns that including parts of the construction industry in the current lockdown is adding to Ireland's economic uncertainty. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

He said that the fact that parts of construction are being included in the lockdown will add to uncertainty for the rest of the year for the industry.

The Government said that non-essential construction will end this week, as part of its package of measures to curb a large rise in the cases of Covid-19.

Some parts of the construction industry are exempt, but major housebuilders anticipate they will close down building sites at the end of Friday.

Prof McQuinn said that demand required about 30,000 new homes to be built each year for a number of years, and that "we will just fall further short of that target given the nature of the lockdown restriction".

He also said that the restrictions on construction will also have an effect on the Government finances and will lead to "a sizeable increase" in the number of people on the pandemic unemployment payments as thousands of building workers are laid off.

However, the Construction Industry Federation, which also represents housebuilders, said that building sites had managed to keep Covid-19 out of its sites and sites in Britain were being kept open by the authorities there.

"The impact of the current lockdown on the industry will take months to calculate," the CIF said.

"The previous lockdown may have resulted in 5,000 fewer homes than expected in 2020. In addition, we estimate somewhere around 10% output, circa 3bn, was lost due to the lockdown," the business group said.

Shares in the two largest housebuilders, Cairn Homes and Glenveagh Properties, were weighed by the new January restrictions.

Their shares fell slightly but failed to join in a global stocks-buying splurge that helped shares in AIB and Bank of Ireland soar by 9% and 5.5%.

Business group Ibec said the Government's finances were in good shape to meet the latest health challenge.

The business community supports the Governments call for a collective effort in suppressing the rising number of Covid cases and will play its part in this endeavour," said its chief executive Danny McCoy.

The speed by which vaccines are rolled out will be central to efforts to tackle the health crisis. Once again, Ibec is calling on Government to urgently and collectively work with business to expedite the widespread rollout of Covid vaccines and promote a greater role for speedier and cost-effective antigen testing," Mr McCoy said.
Photo: (Photo : August de Richelieu from Pexels)

Parents are talking about a virtual classroom idea that can keep children still engaged with their classmates during remote learning. Schools are trying to be creative by putting together on-screen dance parties.





Engaging students during the pandemic

The continuous spread of coronavirus is closely coming to a year. Because of this, children are mostly stuck at home and some kids are missing a lot of usual school activities.

However, schools, parents, and teachers are also continuously looking for ways to keep students engaged even during remote learning.

On-screen dance parties are slowly becoming a hit with students.

ALSO READ: Viral Video: Dad Has Zero Idea He Was Dancing in the Background for His Daughter's Schoolwork





On-screen dance party in Washington

A teacher in Washington, D.C., shared that although it is indeed some tough times for all of us, he does not want his students to miss any fun. The teacher named Azel Prather Jr. shared with Yahoo Life how he did the virtual classroom dance sessions, "I play the song that they want to listen to. We do the dances that they want to do. It's their world, I'm just living in it."

Prather even shared on his Instagram account the on-screen dance that he did for his students.

He shared in his post that it is his way of keeping the kids creative and to keep them engaged. He also explained, "After we workout I let my kids get it off with some dance moves."

ALSO, READ: Students Are Failing to Learn in the Online Learning Set-up Due to COVID-19





On-screen dance parties in California

Another teacher in Elk Grove California also did something nice for her students. Angelica Solorio, a grade five teacher, dressed up and dance in one of her Zoom classes.

This short stunt of Solorio led to weekly costumed dance parties on Zoom of Solorio's students. The teacher shared in an interview with ABC10, "Seeing their smiles and hearing them say I helped them forget their troubles made this become our weekly tradition."

Also in California, but this time in Walnut Creek, teachers are also hosting on-screen dance parties for students.

ALSO READ: Due to the Pandemic: Teachers Are Spending More Time Working to Help Kids Learn





Experts recommend breaks during remote learning

Due to the quarantine lockdowns and the continuous threat of the coronavirus, most of the classes are held online, students spend most of the day in front of computers. Because of this, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended exercise breaks.

Although it is not specified, on-screen dance parties are good starts.

When kids are doing schoolwork, they are recommended to at least have 10 minutes of exercise for every twenty minutes of work.

On the other hand, teens can take breaks between subjects.

According to an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jennifer Weiss, stretching can be a very big help, "So when they have their lunch break, have them do some counter stretches."

ALSO READ: Experts Reveal Possible Parenting Styles in 2021
TORONTO - Canada's hardest-hit regions are further tightening COVID-19 lockdown measures with public health officials blaming holiday gatherings for surging infections and experts suggesting Quebec's clampdown may inspire more restrictions.

A registered pharmacist technician carefully fills the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine at a vaccine clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto on December 15, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

TORONTO - Canada's hardest-hit regions are further tightening COVID-19 lockdown measures with public health officials blaming holiday gatherings for surging infections and experts suggesting Quebec's clampdown may inspire more restrictions.

Ontario's chief medical officer of health dashed expectations that southern Ontario kids could return to class this Monday by delaying in-person instruction another two weeks, citing reports of "concerning behaviour over the holidays."

Amid a new high of 3,519 cases and 89 deaths reported Thursday, Dr. David Williams also extended a regional shutdown in northern Ontario for another two weeks to align with a lockdown in the south, however northern elementary and secondary students can return to class Monday.

Williams said the positivity rate among tested children approached 20 per cent in early January for 12-13 year-olds, up sharply from 5.44 per cent in late November and early December. The government did not provide data on other age groups.

Holiday revelers were also blamed in Manitoba, where acting deputy chief public health officer Dr. Jazz Atwal said the province had seen a "bump" in cases. There were 201 additional COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths reported Thursday.

Restrictions on gatherings and business openings are set to expire Friday, however Premier Brian Pallister has already said they will be extended, with details yet to come.

British Columbia and Alberta also opted to extend health restrictions.

British Columbia chose Feb. 5 to keep its restrictions in place with provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry saying the number of infections was trending up again.

The public health rules prohibit social gatherings among people from different households, as well as adult team sports and other activities. They allow essential workplaces, schools and the health-care system to remain open.

Henry said it's important to protect the public, especially now that a vaccine is available.

"We are in this period of greatest risk and greatest potential benefit and we need to have the room to provide vaccine," she said.

In Alberta, Premier Jason Kenney said restrictions in place since mid-December banning private gatherings will remain until at least Jan. 21. Classrooms, however, will reopen as planned on Monday.

Alberta students in grades 7 to 12 have been learning from home since the end of November and kids in the younger grades switched to online classes after the Christmas break.

Kenney noted that between September and the Christmas break, only 0.4 per cent of students and staff tested positive for COVID-19 and case numbers have dropped among all school-aged groups in December.

"I know that some of you might feel anxious about putting your backpacks on and going back to class on Monday," Kenney said.

"But we have a practical plan that will always put the safety of students and school staff first."

The renewed clampdowns follow Quebec's announcement Wednesday that residents there will face an evening curfew Saturday that bars people from leaving their homes between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., except to work.

Those who violate the rules face fines ranging from $1,000 to $6,000.

University of Manitoba virologist Jason Kindrachuk said Quebec's decision to begin a four-week curfew "sets the tone" for the nation's escalating pandemic fight.

Kindrachuk, on a one-year secondment to the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre, suspected the tough stance sends "alarm bells" to anyone still debating whether the second wave really is that bad and may embolden political and public health leaders in other regions to tighten their own measures.

"Maybe it causes people in the western provinces where they're not being that hard-hit right now to rethink what things they're not doing as far as infection prevention control," said Kindrachuk, pointing to widely varying school mask mandates as an example.

Infectious disease epidemiologist Ashleigh Tuite applauded Ontario's move to delay in-class instruction in southern Ontario but said it falls short of tightening measures to limit community spread and address ongoing concerns about school ventilation, distancing and testing strategy.

"At this point (there's) no sense of what is going to happen over the next two weeks that will make schools safer to return to when those two weeks are up," said Tuite, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

Quebec reported 2,519 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and 74 more deaths, including 16 that occurred in the past 24 hours.

New Brunswick reported 24 new cases and multiple outbreaks, including in several long-term care facilities.

Meanwhile, Gov. Gen. Julie Payette appealed to Canadians' sense of duty in a plea to adhere to public health measures including social distancing and minimizing movements.

In a video statement, Payette said vaccines offer hope but there aren't yet enough to go around.

As of Tuesday, Canada had received nearly 425,000 doses of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines  but fewer than 150,000 Canadians had received shots by then.

During a conference call with premiers Thursday evening, an official said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered whatever support the federal government can provide to deploy vaccines as quickly as possible as deliveries ramp up over the next few weeks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2021.
Covid-19 and Climate Change Will Remain Inextricably Linked, Thanks to the Parallels (and the Denial)

Posted on 7 January 2021 by Guest Author

This is a re-post from Inside Climate News by Ilana Cohen. Inside Climate News is a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for the ICN newsletter here.

Whether or not people accept the science on Covid-19 and climate change, both global crises will have lasting impacts on health and quality of life, especially for the diverse and low-income communities theyve already hit hardest.

The Covid-19 pandemic acted almost like a heat-seeking missile, homing in on the same communities most vulnerable to the effects of a warming world, said Robert Bullard, an author and professor at Texas Southern University who is widely known as the Father of Environmental Justice.

Even worse, Bullard said, the pandemic represented only the tip of the iceberg for what such communities could face.

In many ways, the United States struggle to control Covid-19 has painted a picture, part hopeful and part harrowing, of how the climate crisis might play out in the decades to come.

Many climate activists and progressives hopedat least at initiallythat the death and illness associated with a worldwide pandemic would make it easier for people to take distant climate threats more seriously.

It didnt take all that much imagination. The parallels were everywhere.

As Bullard noted, the same communities were being disproportionately affected in each crisis.

And the same fine particle air pollution, known as PM 2.5, caused primarily by burning fossil fuels, was shown in an early Harvard study to be linked to higher Covid-19 deaths rates among people living in polluted areas.

Climate change is also responsible for the proliferation of zoonotic diseases, like Covid-19, as drought, flooding and extreme weather force food production to encroach on habitats populated by bats, monkeys and other virus-carrying wild animals.

But while Covid-19 has raised some peoples consciousness about the urgent need to act on climate change, it has had the opposite effect on others. At least in the United States, the president and much of his base have embraced the same science denialism that has for years greeted climate change, even as deaths from the coronavirus soared.

Whether or not the Covid-19 pandemic ultimately bolsters or hampers the prospects for U.S. and global climate action, the two crises remain inextricably linked. At least for the foreseeable future, any effort to meaningfully address the root causes of one will involve confronting the other.

Dealing with either crisis also involves tackling the rejection of science promoted by the Trump administration and pervading his base.

If there is a silver lining, it is that the failure of the current administration to respond meaningfully to the pandemic lays bare the deadliness of ideologically-motivated science denial, said Michael Mann, a climate scientist at Penn State University, who warned that such inaction around climate will be even more deadly.

Noting the pandemics minimal impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Mann said Covid-19 had shown the inadequacy of voluntary measures and individual behavior to satisfy the goals of the Paris Agreement and prevent dangerous levels of global warming.

The regional and even national shutdowns made hardly a dent in the grand scheme of global emissions. And they illuminated just how much needs to change for the world to decarbonize on a timeline aligned with climate science.

If Western economies and people with carbon-intense lifestyles simply return to business as usual post-pandemic, a key opportunity to address the climate crisis by changing the behavioral patterns and infrastructure that underlie it may be lost, Mann said.

We need dramatic systemic changes in the form of policies that will help us decarbonize our economy quickly, he added, citing the opportunity to act as part of President-elect Bidens agenda to build back better by rebuilding our energy infrastructure with renewable, green technology.

Surprised by Covid-19 Denialism

When the pandemic swept over the nation in March, John Cook thought many people would register the threat of Covid-19 more readily than that of climate change.

Climate change is challenging as a topic because of the psychological distancewhich causes people to be less concerned about it, said Cook, a research assistant professor at the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University and founder of the climate science blog and information resource Skeptical Science.

Deaths from Covid-19 were right on peoples doorstep and, Cook assumed, would be harder to ignore. But this initial assumption was quickly proven wrong, at least to some extent.

With the spread of Covid-19, a new wave of denial surfaced, one that Cook said was similar to the denialism seen in response to the science of human-caused climate change. Political conservatism and individualism, he said, ranked among the strongest predictors of peoples likelihood to express skepticism about public health measures such as social distancing.

In the end, Covid took the same trajectory of climate change, said Cook, but over a six-month period as opposed to several decades.

Which camp people fall intothose who embrace scientific reality, or those who reject warnings and advice from expertsoften comes down to party affiliation, tribalism and ideology, Cook said.

Having a president who has downplayed the pandemics severity and declared himself immune to Covid-19, despite uncertainty by health experts about whether this is the case has only inflamed the divide between the two camps.

Although the election of Joe Biden, who has expressed a commitment to following science, along with prioritizing environmental and racial justice, could make a difference, the damage done by a Trump presidency may leave an indelible mark.

I think that leadership that follows experts will result in better policy, and leadership that endorses experts will have a positive impact on public attitudes and behavior, said Cook of a Biden presidency.

Still, he said, the factor most likely to change the attitudes and behavior of people who deny the science of Covid-19 and climate change would be receiving cues from their own tribe, from Republican leadership.

And in a deeply polarized political landscape, those cues seem unlikely to materialize. Earlier this month, The Washington Post found that just 27 Congressional Republicans acknowledged Bidens win. If they continue to propagate baseless claims about a stolen election over the next four years, Bidens vision of unity and bipartisan political will for action on Covid-19 and climate change may quickly dissolve.

But the science is clear: In some places, the death toll from climate change may already exceed that from Covid-19. In an analysis published in March, Marshall Burke, an earth system science professor at Stanford University, found that a coronavirus lockdown in China probably saved more lives from a reduction in air pollutionwhich is linked to climate changethan it did from Covid-19.

According to the World Health Organization, climate change is currently estimated to cause more than 150,000 deaths annually. In 2014, the organization estimated that climate change could cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from 2030 to 2050. A study published in 2019 in the New England Journal of Medicine called this a conservative estimate, which could increase if nations fail to meaningfully curb greenhouse gas emissions.

One key lesson from this pandemic is the value of foresight, said Dr. Amanda Millstein, a primary care pediatrician at Hilltop Pediatrics in Richmond, California, and a co-founder of the grassroots organization Climate Health Now, which mobilizes health professionals to combat climate change.

In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic was predictableexperts saw it coming for yearsand while the exact impacts of climate change may remain somewhat uncertain, the existential threat posed by the climate crisis and its outsized impact on marginalized communities is clear.

The opportunity to prepare to mitigate as much disaster and climate chaos as we can, but also to adapt and become more resilient in the face of what we know is here and is coming is really important, she said.

No Vaccine for Denial

In the final analysis, the United States virtually unparalleled failure to contain the spread of Covid-19 has revealed the potency of science denialism and the inadequacy of stopgap solutions for addressing national crises, including climate change.

Still, Mann, the Penn State climate scientist, said the good news is that a Biden administration could position the United States to reassert leadership on the world stage to help ensure that we collectively act on the climate crisis before it is too late.

Bullard, at Texas Southern, also said he felt optimistic about the potential for a Biden administration to revive and strengthen environmental regulations weakened or dismantled under Trump, and to more broadly adopt the mantle of environmental justice across federal agencies. He wants to see the administration go fast and furious on addressing these issues that are justice issues across the board, he said.

At the same time, he said, it is also critical for environmental justice proponents to keep organizing and hold Biden accountable for delivering on his promises, despite the denial they might come up against along the way.

There have always been people denying climate change, just as there have also been people denying systemic racism and now there are people denying Covid-19, said Bullard, but that reality didnt faze organizers like himself.

If those of us who have been fighting for justice were worried about backlash, we would not have made progress, he said. We have to communicate that this is the right time to address these systemic challenges that have just been swept under the rug and ignored for so long.

Whether the pandemic bolsters or hampers the prospects for U.S. climate action may thus depend on whether resting public faith in science proves a Sisyphean task. Unlike for Covid-19, theres no vaccine for denialor for climate change and its unequal effects.
Paris, Jan, 06 2021 (SPS)-  Up to thirty countries are illegally investing in the occupied Sahrawi territories in various sectors of activity, said a new report from the Franco-Sahrawi Center for Studies and Documentation, Ahmed Baba Miske, which added that investments in the occupied territories represent an illegal act.

Spain is the country that invests the most in Western Sahara with a total of 28 companies, followed by France (16) and Germany (15). Companies from distant countries such as Bangladesh, Singapore or New Zealand are also present in Western Sahara.

Fishing and maritime transport are at the main sectors in which foreign companies operate in Western Sahara.

Foreign firms are also operating in the sectors of conventional and renewable energy, mining, mainly in phosphate mining, construction, finance and sport.

The report further said that nearly forty foreign companies have left Western Sahara recently.

Most of them, 19 companies, were extracting phosphate; a dozen were working in the energy sector while the rest of the companies were active in the sectors of finance, fishing, maritime delivery and mines.

Moreover, the Center said that the investments of foreign firms in the occupied Sahrawi territories "constitute flagrant violations of international law and crimes of colonization since (the companies) did not obtain the consent of Western Sahara population or its sole representative, defined by the UN as the Frente POLISARIO."

It also said that "since the departure of the colonial power, Spain in 1976, Western Sahara has been classified by the UN as a non-autonomous territory, and without administration."

In his 2002 opinion, UN legal adviser Hans Correl wrote that "on November 14, 1975, a Declaration of Principles on Western Sahara was signed in Madrid by Spain, Morocco and Mauritania (the Madrid Agreement). Under this declaration, the powers and responsibilities of Spain, as the administering power of the territory were transferred to a temporary tripartite administration. The Madrid Agreement did not provide for a transfer of sovereignty over the territory, nor did it confer on any of the signatory parties the status of administering power, which Spain could not unilaterally transfer."

Besides, the rulings of the EU Court of Justice (European Union), and in particular that of February 27, 2018, reaffirmed the "separate and distinct" status of Western Sahara recognized by the UN (from that of the Kingdom of Morocco).

All these legal decisions and opinions remind us that these decisions are in accordance with the legal opinion of the African Union published in 2015, clarifying the legal status of the Sahrawi Republic and the Kingdom of Morocco.

They also recall that the Moroccan presence is an illegal military occupation and that, therefore, all the economic activities, whether carried out by the Kingdom of Morocco or by a third party, violate international law," explained the Center.SPS

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China expanded list of industries in which it will seek to encourage foreign investment on Dec. 28, 2020.

A total of 1,235 items are on the revised list issued by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner, and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), up from 1,108 a year ago.

An official from the NDRC said the expanded list means that China will welcome foreign investment in more fields, and foreign enterprises will also embrace more opportunities in China. It will better serve the country's new development paradigm, the official added.

The list continues taking the manufacturing sector as a major area where China encourages foreign investment. Items have been newly added or revised in the fields of raw materials, spare parts, and terminal products.

The list, taking promoting the integration of the service and manufacturing industries as one of its priorities, aims to develop new businesses and new infrastructure while expanding opening up. For instance, it newly added or revised the items of 5G and block chain development in the field of R&D, the items of high-end equipment maintenance and digital transformation of production lines in the field of commercial services, and the items of online education, online medical service and remote working in the field of information services.

The list also encourages more foreign investment in central and western part of China. It will help promote the development of regional open economy and export-oriented industrial clusters in central and western provinces, autonomous regions and municipality. For instance, items of agricultural product processing and tourism development projects have been newly added for Heilongjiang and Yunnan provinces.

The list was usually revised every three to five years, but the last revision was made only a year ago. The NDRC official explained that the revision this time was an important measure to further stabilize foreign investment under the current circumstances. It aims to actively respond to the complex exterior environment and the downward trend of global cross-border investment. It adheres to expanding opening up and attracting foreign investment, and promotes existing resources, stabilize additional resources and improve investment quality. It encourages foreign investment in more industries and has added items in manufacturing, producer service industries and central and western regions, so as to boost confidence of foreign investment and stabilize the fundamentals of foreign investment, as well as the supply and industrial chains.

According to the NDRC official, foreign enterprises create around a quarter of China's industrial output, 1/5 of tax revenue and 1/15 of employment. They are major entities in China's domestic economic cycle, playing an active part in promoting high-quality economic development. In addition, foreign invested enterprises enjoy natural advantages in the international economic cycle. They can help upstream and downstream local enterprises integrate into the global industrial chain, and contribute about 40 percent to China's total import and export volume. Therefore, to encourage foreign investment is conducive to promoting the smooth circulation of domestic and international capital, technologies and personnel, and will help enhance the interaction between Chinese and foreign economies, as well as the high-quality development.

According to the list, foreign enterprises not only can invest in more industries, but also enjoy a series of favorable policies. For encouraged foreign investment projects, the equipment within the total investment volume are exempted from tariffs, except for those stipulated in special catalogs. The foreign enterprises that invest in the industries encouraged by western regions and Hainan province will enjoy an 85 percent discount in corporate income tax. Besides, the encouraged industrial projects of intensive land use will enjoy priority in land supply.

The new list will come into effect on Jan. 27 this month, by which the 2019 version will become invalid. The under-construction foreign invested projects that meet the requirements of the 2020 version can enjoy relevant favorable policies.

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Former U.S. President Barack Obama has said history will not be kind to incumbent President Donald Trump over the violence that erupted at the Capitol, Washington D.C, on Wednesday.

The Capitol Building is the seat of the American Congress, equivalent to Nigerias national assembly.

This newspaper had earlier reported how pro-Trump protesters had besieged the Capitol in a move to prevent the Congress from certifying the electoral college votes that gave Joe Biden, candidate of the Democratic Party in the November 2020 election, victory.

In the chaos that ensued, a woman, identified as a 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt, former Air Force veteran from San Diego, was shot. She died in the process. Three more persons also reportedly died in medical emergencies.

Several police personnel and protesters were said to have been injured in the ensuing violence leading to a declaration of curfew by the local police chief.

After the Capitol had been secured and some sort of normalcy restored, the Congress and the Senate later reconvened to continue with the congressional certification of Mr Bidens electoral college victory.

However, condemning the violence mostly perpetrated by Mr Trumps supporters, Mr Obama said history will rightly remember todays violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation.

Mr Obama, a strong Biden backer, said Americans would be kidding themselves if they treated the chaos as a total surprise.

He blamed the Republican Party and the conservative media for egging on their followers to go violent should Mr Bidens victory be upheld.

For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth  that this was not a particularly close election and that President-Elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20. Their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

He advised the Republican leaders to accept the reality of an impending Biden presidency in order to save America or they can choose to continue stoking the raging fire.

Ive been heartened to see many members of the Presidents party speak up forcefully today. Their voices add to the examples of Republican state and local election officials in states like Georgia whove refused to be intimidated and have discharged their duties honorably. We need more leaders like these  right now and in the days, weeks, and months ahead as President-Elect Biden works to restore a common purpose to our politics. Its up to all of us as Americans, regardless of party, to support him in that goal, Mr Obama said.

Mr Biden, 78, who defeated Mr Trump in both the popular votes and at the Electoral College, will be sworn in, alongside his vice president-elect, Kamala Harris, on January 20.

Mr Biden polled 306 votes against Mr Trumps 232 in the electoral college votes.

Mr Trump has, however, continued to vow that he will not concede power to Mr Biden.

For posting unverifiable claims of fraud in the November election and for tweeting in support of the chaos at the Capitol before telling his supporters to be peaceful, Twitter has blocked Mr Trumps account.

Facebook has also suspended his account for 24 hours.
SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon State Police said they have secured the state Capitol building in Salem after there were rumors of an armed takeover.

This comes the same day as thousands of protesters swarmed the United States Capitol, destroying windows and clashing with police. It has also been about two weeks since a group of right-wing protesters broke windows and gained access to the state Capitol building during the third special session of 2020.

OSP said they fully support the rights of freedom on speech and and to gather peacefully, but officials said they do not tolerate any criminal activity. The security of the capitol is one of their priorities.

Troopers said if anyone in the public has any information about people who intend to engage in criminal acts, call OSP immediately.
Burma Myanmars New Parliament to Convene on Feb. 1

A session of the Union Parliament is held in Naypyitaw in March 2020. / Thiha Lwin / The Irrawaddy

YANGONMyanmars newly elected Parliament, the second assembly dominated by the National League for Democracy (NLD), will convene on Feb. 1, the speakers of both chambers of the legislature announced.

The ruling NLD won another landslide election on Nov. 8, winning 396 out of 476 elected seats (83 percent) in the two houses of Parliament, allowing it to form the next government. The main opposition and military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) won only 33 seats (around 7 percent). The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy holds 15 seats and 10 other parties (two Rakhine parties, two Kachin parties, and one each representing the Taang, Mon, Pa-O, Kayah, Wa and Zomi) won a total of 32 seats.

According to the 2008 Constitution, the Parliament shall convene a new term within 90 days of the commencement of the general election.

Both the Lower House and Upper House speakers made announcements on Parliaments Facebook pages that the new Parliament will commence at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1, just one day after the current assemblys term concludes on Jan. 31. Incoming elected representatives are called to arrive in Naypyitaw no later than Jan. 24.

When the new Parliament meets, the election of the speakers of both chambers will be the first order of business, followed by the election of the Union president and vice presidents and the appointments of new cabinet members.

Despite making accusations in support of claims by its proxy USDP that the election was fraudulent, the military on Dec. 31 released the names of 166 newly appointed military personnel who will take up the one-quarter of seats in the two houses of the Union parliament allocated to it under the Constitution.

The new military appointees, who are constitutionally directly appointed by the commander-in-chief of defense services, include three major generals and 21 brigadier generals, along with other colonels, lieutenant colonels, majors and captains.

More than 90 parties contested the Nov. 8 election, yet only 13 of them secured seats in the two houses of the national-level Parliament.

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Myanmar Supreme Court to Decide Whether to Accept Ex-Generals Parties Challenges to President, UEC Chair

Myanmars NLD to Consider Ethnic Parties Nominations for Govt Members
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has filed a complaint against Bollywood actor Sonu Sood with the Mumbai Police alleging he converted a residential building in Juhu into a hotel, confirmed officials of BMC on Thursday.

BMC filed the complaint on January 4, under the Maharashtra Region and Town Planning (MRTP) Act.

BMC has alleged alterations, change of user and unauthorised additions in Shakti Sagar, a residential building on Juhus AB Nair Road, by Sood.

Also Read: Sonu Sood shares his biggest achievement as his hometown Moga gets a road named after his late mother

Vishwas Mote, assistant municipal commissioner of the BMCs K west ward of BMC said, We have filed a complaint against Sonu Sood for converting a residential building into a hotel on January 4. We are coordinating with the Mumbai Police for the investigation.

BMC had reportedly issued a notice to Sood regarding the matter earlier. Sood, in October, had moved the city civil court against the notice.

A First Information Report, however, has not been registered yet. The BMC engineer concerned should personally approach us and point out structural changes or any violations in his for the FIR,said assistant commissioner of police Suhas Raikar.

Soods spokesperson said that an official statement will be issued in the matter soon. Sood was not available for comment.
 Flash

A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday urged the United States to immediately stop any form of official exchange and military ties with Taiwan.

Tan Kefei, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a so-called "political and military dialogue" held between the United States and the Taiwan authorities via video link on Thursday.

China strongly condemns the U.S. act that is in serious violation of the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, Tan said, adding that the Chinese side has lodged stern representations with the U.S. side.

The Taiwan question is China's internal affair, bears on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, involves China's core interests, and brooks no foreign interference, Tan said, adding that "we urge the United States to immediately stop any form of official exchange and military ties with Taiwan."

Tan said that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), with its firm resolve and strong ability, will thwart any form of interference by external forces and attempts by "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces.

The PLA will firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, he added.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
Its time for a fundamental rewiring of those instincts. Twitter, shamefully, has yet to take harsher action against Mr. Trump than a 12-hour suspension. It must also act to indefinitely block Mr. Trumps account. What Mr. Trump has exposed is the companies willingness to look the other way so long as it leads to more clicks, more time spent on their platforms, more shares. He wont be the last to exploit those tendencies.

Lets not forget that Facebook let stand Mr. Trumps apparent threat to protesters after the killing of George Floyd: when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Mr. Trump has used the platforms to downplay the risk of the coronavirus, advance conspiracy theories about his enemies, threaten world leaders and undermine the results of the election. Letting posts like that stay up on the social media platforms sets a dangerous precedent for future politicians and others who would seek to stir up the masses.

Average users who repeatedly violate the companies policies, particularly by inciting violence, are blocked or deleted immediately. Yet the president was given a pass, again and again.

Unfortunately, the companies are likely to continue to allow posts to stay up from other leaders spewing rancor and misinformation when such posts are deemed to have news value. That means personalities who have a large audience of people who look up to and believe them have a lower bar to clear than the general public for spouting conspiracy theories and lies. Thats the opposite of how things should be.

We believe that the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech, Mr. Zuckerberg wrote on Thursday. But thats a red herring. Facebooks lawyers know that it is well within the companys rights to remove or block content. The president, of all people, has many other ways to reach the electorate.
Right now, according to HHS, about 9% of all women of reproductive ages  considered ages 20 to 44  and 18% of Black women in this age group, have hypertension, or chronically high blood pressure. This puts them at higher risk for pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, heart attack, postpartum bleeding and kidney failure. Among these women, 17% are unaware they have hypertension. The agency says hypertensive disorders are responsible for 7% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S.


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.


Three Arrested in Overdose Death Investigation

By West Kentucky Star Staff





PADUCAH - Police have arrested several people in an investigation into a New Years Eve drug overdose death.The Paducah Police Department says a 29-year-old man died of a drug overdose last Thursday at his home. The investigation led detectives to believe that 31-year-old Hershel McClure was selling heroin and other illegal drugs from a home on Ella Drive.Detectives arranged to buy methamphetamine from McClure, then served a search warrant at the home. Police say they found marijuana, meth, drug paraphernalia and 10 pill capsules.McClure allegedly resisted officers when they tried to arrest him and reportedly swallowed a bag of suspected meth. He was taken to Baptist Health Hospital for treatment, and police say he fought with EMTs and hospital staff, kicking a paramedic in the face.Detectives say a small plastic bag covered with saliva was later found in the police cruiser's floorboard.McClure is charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, tampering with physical evidence and third-degree assault (EMS, Fire or Rescue Squad).As their investigation continued on Wednesday, detectives were conducting surveillance on Trail Loop Drive when they spotted arrested 19-year-old Dezmond Rucker, who was wanted in Tennessee for Murder.Rucker was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 38-year-old Joseph Henderson. A search of Henderson revealed heroin, ecstasy pills and a small amount of marijuana. He also had more than $1,000 cash, digital scales and numerous cell phones. He was arrested on charges of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (heroin)  second or greater offense, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine)  second or greater offense, and possession of marijuana.Police said their investigation is continuing and more charges are likely.
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Confusion, unrest, fear, uncertainty -- create your own word cloud of uncomfortable feelings generated by the insurrectionist siege on our nation's Capitol and then try and process them with your family.

It's a lot, so we reached out to L.A.-based therapist, artist and healer Thea Monyee, and Westside Infant-Family Network clinical psychologist Wendy Sun, for some guidance.

And we're listening. Tell us how you're processing your feelings by emailing the reporter at mdale@scpr.org and we'll update this post with what you share.

IF YOU HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN -- TURN OFF THE NEWS

"I can't think of an energetic, or spiritual or emotional plus to [watching the news] because we don't have a plan to give them after that," Monyee says. If you get more stressed out with every tweet, your kids are going to notice.

If you want to stay informed yourself, here are a few options

Set aside specific time for news check-ins.

Ask a friend or family member to text only the most important updates.

If there are multiple adults in the house, take turns engaging with the news.

BUT THEY ALREADY HEARD/ SAW THE NEWS, NOW WHAT?

Sun says use simple but honest language to explain what kids saw or heard. For example, video or photos of pro-Trump extremists breaking windows.

"State the fact like, 'yes, this person is really angry, and he really wants to get into the building,'" Sun said. "So he broke the window, but it's not OK to break the window."

And if they notice that you're angry or upset, take the same approach. For example: "I'm so angry right now. And you know, it's OK. It's because of this, I just saw someone getting hurt or because I saw someone being really rude."

Sun says invite kids to ask questions.

TALK ABOUT FEELINGS

"Let's not assume that we know how [kids] feel. Let's not assume that we know what they need," Monyee says.

Younger kids may not yet have the language to express their feelings. Here's a helpful list of words for emotions from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Instead of "afraid," take trembly or petrified for a test drive.

"We don't have to add on to it or shift or change it or make it more comfortable for ourselves. We can validate it and support it and be open to their possibilities as well as our own," Monyee says.

It can be as simple as using a phrase like:

I hear you

That's an important point

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with me

That's an interesting perspective

Sun says if kids aren't particularly chatty, they might express their feelings while playing with toys. Caregivers can prompt the conversation with questions like "What would (insert toy name here) do if they're scared? Is (toy name here) wondering about what's happening right now?"

EDUCATION & OPEN-MINDEDNESS

For adults and older kids, there are opportunities for growth right now.

Northridge mom Sonia Smith-Kang noticed her teenage daughter was already online as a mob engulfed the Capitol. She wanted to make sure the information she and her siblings read and watched was accurate.

"I think accurate information is empowering. I think it is also necessary for them to be better citizens," Smith-Kang says.

She turns to NPR by way of KPCC 89.3 FM and the Associated Press. Non-profit Common Sense Media has a round-up of news sources for kids all ages here.

Once you've had enough of current events, Monyee suggests looking to history. A few places to start? The American and Haitian Revolutions.

"It's something we will not go backwards from," Monyee says. "We are a new people after this."

As you read, listen or watch, here are some questions to consider:

What was the response from the government?

What happened afterwards?

What did rebuilding look like?

"I think if we remove the emotional piece of it, we could actually just look at these situations as informative," Monyee says.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, JOY IS OK

Just like with airplane oxygen masks, parents need to take care of themselves before they can really care for their kids.

Thea Monyee is an artist, healer and licensed marriage and family therapist. (Courtesy Thea Monyee)

"They have to be calm, and they have to be grounded in order to really address any questions or any type of feelings children may be having," Sun says.

If there's another adult in the house, take a break from the kids when you can. If you're the only caregiver, Sun says even a few minutes of semi-alone time while kids are occupied with playing in another room can help.

And Monyee says,"Don't feel like you can't experience joy in these moments and don't feel guilty for it."

For her family, there's joy in Stevie Wonder's "Music of My Mind," which just arrived at their house on vinyl, or watching "The Wiz."

Maybe for your family, it's getting takeout, taking a walk, blowing bubbles or singing.

FOCUS ON SAFETY

Sun says adults should reinforce to the little ones in their life,that they are safe. Constant anxiety and fear can hinder kids' ability to grow and learn.

Mom Sonia Smith-Kang says it was something she brought up with her older kids, too.

"I just said, 'My job, first and foremost, is to keep you safe. And that is what I plan to do.'"

LET KIDS LEAD

You might notice children acting a little differently over the coming days and weeks. Nightmares are a possibility.

"It's to be expected, because it's a reaction to what the child has experienced," Sun said.

Maybe the next step in processing feelings as a family is drawing, painting, dancing, making a sign for the front yard or creating a freedom dream.

Be open to the possibilities!

"We definitely don't have all the answers or all the wisdom," Monyee says. "I think their generation has been used to adapting to rapid change a little more quickly than we have and that wisdom is what we probably need right now."

You can hear more from Thea Monyee on her podcast Shaping The Shift.

HERE'S WHAT WE'VE HEARD FROM PARENTS

First and foremost: I am here to keep them safe.



We talked about the importance of a Presidents actions and words.



Also important, we talked about the difference in what happens when Black people protest and white. https://t.co/5BDO1Mk5GV  MixedUpClothing (@mixedupclothing) January 6, 2021

Text I sent to teacher:

Just a heads up that in light of the crumbling of the republic... Olivia will not be on Zoom. Putting on a movie for them and trying to deal...  Autumn McDonald (@Autumn_McDo) January 6, 2021

Truthfully and straightforward to my 7 year old. I told him ur president gave the green light to protesters to storm the Capitol and that they are now terrorists. He was confused thinking i meant Biden and asked why he hadnt become president right away.  Lindsey Meyer Clough (@clough_lindsey) January 6, 2021

I have a 11 and 16 year old and we are letting them watch the news so they can see it with their own eyes... It doesn't need an explanation. My kids see how ridiculous and wrong all of this is.  Suzy (@SuzysVista) January 6, 2021
Why Meyersdale nursing care workers are protesting

According to its website, the skilled nursing facility has the lone Veterans Administration contract in Somerset County.
Wednesday was a horrifying and shameful moment in American history. Ive covered attempted coups in many countries around the world, and now Im finally covering one in the United States. Trump and his enablers talk a good game about patriotism. They denounced President Barack Obama for sometimes not wearing a flag lapel pin. They criticized Colin Kaepernick for protesting police brutality by taking a knee rather than standing during the national anthem  and then Trump incited a mob on Wednesday to invade the United States Capitol. The rioters encountered a minimal ...


Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese (left) on Dec. 11, 2020 and Prime Minister Scott Morrison (right) on Dec. 9, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

Australian PM Distressed by Riots at US Capitol, Opposition Leader Shares Sentiments

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the riots at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. on Thursday were distressing and hoped for a peaceful transition of power.

Morrison told reporters the United States was one of the greatest democracies in the world and that Australias thoughts are with them in this difficult time.

The riots and protests that we have seen in Washington D.C. have been terribly distressing, he said. They are very concerning.

Morrison said that he hopes Australias great friend, the United States, has a peaceful and stable transition of government to the new administration.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese shared Morrisons sentiments and, in a video posted on Twitter, labelled the events a great tragedy for democracy in the United States.

Democracy is precious and should not be taken for granted, he said. It should be defended anywhere in the world.

The comments come after protestors wearing pro-Trump apparel broke into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. The protestors disrupted a joint session of Congress which was established to certify the electoral college results in the 2020 election.

After the protesters entered the building, triggering the evacuation of members of Congress, one person was shot and later announced dead.

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said President Trump directed the National Guard to send in forces along with federal protective services.

The Department of Justice also sent in hundreds of federal officers and agents from the FBI to assist, according to Capitol Police Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen.

Trump released a video to address protestors and told them to go home after calls came from Presidential nominee Joe Biden and leaders of Congress and the Senate.

These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously and viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love in peace. Remember this day forever! the president said in the now-removed video.

I know your pain, I know youre hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election and everyone knows it, especially the other side. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace.

We have to have law and order, we have to respect our great people in law and order. We dont want anybody hurt. Its a very tough period of time. Theres never been a time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it away from all of usfrom me, from you, from our country, he added.

This was a fraudulent election. But we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home, we love you, youre very special. Youve seen what happens, youve seen the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home, and go home in peace.

Australia has updated its travel advice for the United States as a result.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warned that curfews are in place in the District of Columbia and Commonwealth of Virginia from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, to 6 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7.

Australians have also been warned to avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the ongoing potential for violence.
Before his directorial debut Get Out, Jordan Peele was well-known as an actor and comedian, though he recently revealed why he made the switch to filmmaking.

Peele, 41, made history by becoming the first Black screenwriter to win Best Original Screenplay for Get Out, which was a critical and commercial hit.

He opened up in a chat with Get Out star Bradley Whitford during a virtual fundraiser for the Georgia Democratic Party (via The Hollywood Reporter), where he revealed he does not like watching himself perform.

Filmmaking: Before his directorial debut Get Out, Jordan Peele was well-known as an actor and comedian, though he recently revealed why he made the switch to filmmaking

Filmmaker: Peele, 41, made history by becoming the first Black screenwriter to win Best Original Screenplay for Get Out, which was a critical and commercial hit

Whitford had asked if the reports were true that Peele had quit acting due to, 'a total lack of interest,' which Peele confirmed.

'I like watching my movies. I can watch the films I direct [but] watching me perform just feels like, its a bad kind of masturbatory. Its masturbation you dont enjoy,' Peele said.

'I feel like I got to do so much and it is a great feeling. When I think about those great moments when youre basking in something you said that feels funny. When I think about all that, I think I got enough,' he added.

Lack of interest: Whitford had asked if the reports were true that Peele had quit acting due to, 'a total lack of interest,' which Peele confirmed

Get Out was a universal hit, earning $255.4 million worldwide from just a $4.5 million budget, with the film earning three more Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director for Peele and Best Actor for Daniel Kaluuya.

While the critical and commercial acclaim were certainly welcomed, Peele revealed he was only interested in how Black people responded.

'"I knew I was making a movie for us. I knew I was making a movie for the me that didnt feel represented in the genre and for everybody, for all the Black people who are screaming at the screen, 'Have some sense, get the f**k out of the house, get some Black people in here so somebody can do the right thing,"' he said.

Get Out: Get Out was a universal hit, earning $255.4 million worldwide from just a $4.5 million budget, with the film earning three more Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director for Peele and Best Actor for Daniel Kaluuya

'When that hit home and I felt that, it was just extreme warmth. Everything else after that was just gravy,' Peele added.

He did add, though, that the film resonating with white audiences as well was rather encouraging.

'The one thing I will say about the unconsciously racist white liberals is theyre ready to watch that movie and try to understand, theres a penance that some people are ready for,' he said.

Resonating: He did add, though, that the film resonating with white audiences as well was rather encouraging

'I was happy that white people seemed to get it. It spoke to me about the power of story,' Peele added.

While he did write and direct the film himself, he admitted that the story of the film was bigger than himself.

'The biggest thing that gets into an artists way is his or her own ego. I truly believe that. Im always trying to figure out ways to keep my ego in check because when that sneaks in there, it f***s shit up  almost always. I submit to this idea that the film, the movie, the story is important. Im less important. It frees me up to be competent. Its not about me and I just have to execute this thing,' he said.
England's farming and environment minister George Eustice said on Thursday he was launching a public consultation on gene editing in agriculture, with the prospect the technology will the regulated less stringently than genetic modification.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in July 2018 that mutagenesis-based gene-editing methods such as a tool called CRISPR/Cas9, which can rearrange targeted bits of DNA, fall under rules that now apply to genetic modification via strands of DNA from a different species.

Britain opposed the verdict, which was widely condemned by biotech and chemical industry associations, as well as academic scientists, but drew praise from some environmental and consumer rights groups.

"As an EU member we obviously had no choice but to slavishly adopt and accept the judgments of the ECJ, however irrational and flawed they might be," Eustice told the Oxford Farming Conference.

"Now we have left the EU we are free to make coherent policy decisions based on science and evidence and it starts today with a new consultation on proposed changes to English law that will enable gene editing to take place, so we can achieve a simpler, scientifically credible regulatory framework to govern important new technologies," Eustice said.

Britain completed its departure from the European Union's orbit on Dec. 31, when a transition period that had kept it aligned with the bloc's single market and customs union ended.

DEBATE GOES ON

Proponents of gene editing argue the method can be seen as equivalent to conventional breeding but many times faster.

The consultation was welcomed by the National Farmers Union.

"New precision-breeding techniques such as gene editing have the potential to offer huge benefits to UK farming and the environment and are absolutely critical in helping us achieve our climate change net-zero ambition," NFU Vice President Tom Bradshaw said.

Some scientists also expressed support for the move.

"Genome editing is already used in medicine and has immense potential for tackling major agricultural challenges related to food security, climate change, and sustainability," Denis Murphy, Head of the Genomics & Computational Biology Research Group at the University of South Wales, said.

"The original ban on genome editing by the European Court of Justice in 2018 caused widespread dismay and was out of line with mainstream scientific opinion, both in Europe and the rest of the world."

But Liz O'Neill, director of environmental group GM Freeze, said the government was pushing the high-tech, quick-fix agenda favoured by industrial farming corporations.

"Unfortunately this consultation has started very badly. Its been launched in the midst of an unprecedented health crisis; it has a clear bias in favour of removing vital safeguards," she said.

Agriculture is devolved within the United Kingdom, so Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can set their own rules.

Fergus Ewing, cabinet secretary for Rural Economy in Scotland, noted the European Commission was in the process of reviewing the ECJ's decision.

"It does seem to me somewhat premature to proceed with a consultation when the EU is reviewing this matter and the outcome of that process will be known very shortly," he said.

Lesley Griffiths, minister for environment, energy and rural affairs, Wales, said there was still a lot of concern about the technology in Wales.

"My main concern would be around health and safety...Here in Wales we take a very different approach (than England)," she said.

Reuters
Educators across Southeast Texas Wednesday framed the historic events happening in Washington D.C. in real time for their students as a protest attempting to halt the certification of the electoral college devolved into a riot, with dozens of people breaching the Capitol building and at least one person being fatally shot.

Carol Kibodeaux, a history teacher at Vidor High School, was in a transition period between classes when she glanced at her phone.

History is unfolding right now, her husband had texted her. Youre a history teacher. I hope youre watching. The Capitol has been breached.

Minutes later, students poured into the classroom.

Have you seen what is happening? one asked.

Kibodeaux told The Enterprise she spent the first 15 minutes of class allowing students to discuss the events, as they read articles and watched news coverage detailing lawmakers barricaded in offices, with those on the house floor being asked to wear gas masks as tear gas was deployed in the Capitol Rotunda.

To see this unfolding was pretty alarming, she said. That was definitely (the students) perspective as well, not just mine.They kind of understood the gravity of it real quick.

Earlier in the semester, Kibodeaux discussed the rare past acts of violence that occurred in the Senate Chambers; such as the caning of Charles Sumner, an antislavery Republican who was nearly beat to death by a pro-slavery house member before the Civil War.

Ive already talked to this group and I talked today about the sanctity of the Capitol, she said. I try and play a really even road with (my students), and just preach tolerance. But this seems like a whole other thing, when you have people breaching the Capitol while they are trying to certify the election. It is unprecedented.

That also was the word used by Lamar History Professor Rebecca Boone, who told The Enterprise that legislatures have not been stormed in such a fashion since the late 1700s when rebellions broke out over taxes and debt.

That is the only time weve had anyone storming legislatures, and they werent the U.S. Capitol, Boone said.

Another student in Kibodeauxs class said the scenes in D.C. were the result of festering radicalism present on both sides of the political spectrum  a lesson Kieodeaux said should be found accurate before making assumptions.

Tomorrow I think I am mostly going to answer a lot of questions, she said. And continue to impart a message of tolerance, and try to make sure we understand exactly what happened before we draw conclusions. It is unfolding before our eyes.

The event was the first time the teacher had watched history unfold in real time since she was in college.

The last time I remember watching news coverage in class was in college, and I was watching 9/11, she said. Ive talked about some things that have been unfolding like the Boston marathon bombing, but this felt different. I dont know it feels like, a revolution  surreal.

At Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, advanced placement government and economics teacher Bernard Perricone said he plans to discuss the events Thursday, with a stress on the elements of the First Amendment.

I think all the students know their first amendment rights, and we are trying to emphasize the role that they play in ensuring that the government is responsive to the concerns of the citizens, Perricone told The Enterprise Wednesday. I wont necessarily offer my ideas and opinions, but we are going to leave it open and see where it goes.

The First Amendment only protects the right to peaceably assemble, so once a protest is declared a riot  like the one in D.C. Wednesday  it is no longer protected under the First Amendment.

Boone said that the Wednesdays events underscore the importance of peaceful discourse and institutions at the bedrock of American democracy.

One of the most imporant things that we try to teach our students is that in the tradition of the Contitution,  we dont obey people, we obey laws, she said. So we really need to have an allegiance to institutions and legal processes instead of charismatic people. That is the differece between a free society and a monarchy.

The events were unprecedented, Boone said, but do not have to be repeated again.

I hope events like this dont become normal, she said. I hope it is an aberration, because you have to be able to use your words, and have your representatives deliberate in peace  or else we have lost everything.

isaac.windes@hearstnp.com

twitter.com/isaacdwindes
Photo: CTV News

The Vancouver Police Department is recommending charges against a man after a pair of incidents Dec. 23.

The first part happened just before 8:30 a.m. when a man walked into a gas station near Hastings Street and Victoria Drive without a mask on. Staff asked him to wear a mask, he became agitated.

"He became upset and allegedly deployed bear spray at an employee before fleeing," write the Vancouver Police Department in an online release.

Police responded to the incident but weren't able to locate the man.

However, a short time later police responded to a break-and-enter nearby. There they found a man matching the description of the suspect in the bear spray incident. When questioned he confessed to the assault.

"Charges were recommended and he was released on conditions," writes Cst. Tania Visitin in an email.

Clay, N.Y.  Can the real estate firm that helped to sell Skaneateless infamous zombie mansion help breathe new life into the struggling Great Northern Mall?

Frank Procopio, who founded Procopio Real Estate in Camillus 10 years ago, says so. His firm recently opened an office in the mall  in the former Yankee Candle shop  and has been hired to be the malls new leasing agent.

Great Northern is ready to have life breathed back into it, Procopio said. Utilizing new technology and creative marketing, we are ready to take on that challenge. The time has come to usher Great Northern Mall into the modern era.

Procopio may be best known for his unconventional approach to marketing a long-vacant Skaneateles mansion that was so badly vandalized that the town considered tearing it down.

Procopio, 37, created and posted on Facebook a 30-second video titled Zombie Mansion to draw the attention of potential buyers. The video started with Walking Dead-like figures in front of an image of the mansion and ended with blood dripping over his firms name.

Soon afterward, the property sold, as is, to an investor group for $301,676 and was later renovated.

Great Northern Mall has fallen onto hard times of its own. Opened Route 31 in Clay in 1988 during the height of the nations mall building boom, online competition and a consumer shift toward open-air shopping plazas have left the center with only about 26 of its estimated 80 storefronts leased, including several stores that shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic and have yet to reopen.

Great Northerns last anchor store, Dicks Sporting Goods, is slated to leave later this year.

Procopio isnt planning any zombie videos to market Great Northern, but he is taking a modern approach to the task. Potential tenants can now take online 3D tours of available storefronts.

But rather than traditional retailers, he sees the mall filling up with doctor, dentist, lawyer and other types of offices, as well as service businesses like hair salons  stuff that would be outside of the realm that you would normally see at a mall.

Were seeing national retailers across the country switching to online sales, so I think it opens up a great place for local business owners and vendors to start to occupy affordable space and breathe some life back into that place, he said.

Changes at the mall are already happening. The long-vacant former Bon-Ton department store was sold last year and is being turned into a self-storage facility. An IHOP restaurant was recently built on an outparcel in front the mall and is expected to open soon.

Procopio has not ruled out traditional retailers and restaurants coming back to the mall. But he does not see that happening right away.

Were hoping for a healthy mix, he said. But youre not going to get a restaurant or a food vendor back in there until you have traffic coming in and out of the mall. We know that.

For the last couple of years, it has not been uncommon to see buckets scattered around the mall to catch water leaking from the roof. Stephen Schmitt, an agent with Procopios firm, said the malls owner has committed to fixing the leaks.

The maintenance guys are working real hard to get it back in shape, he said.

Long Island real estate investor Mike Kohan purchased the mall for $8.5 million in 2017.

ShoppingTown Mall in DeWitt closed last year and was recently taken over by Onondaga County, which plans to look for a buy willing to redevelop the property.

Schmitt has heard the rumors that Great Northern will be the next to go, but he said they are not true.

Its not closing, he said. Were going the other way.

ShoppingTowns closure leaves just two malls in the county  Great Northern and Syracuses Destiny USA, the largest mall in New York.

Schmitt thinks ShoppingTowns demise will be good for Great Northern. With Destiny filled primarily with national retailers, Great Northern is now the only option for locally owned businesses that want to be in a mall, he said.

We overbuilt malls and now finally its getting to an equilibrium where you have a Syracuse mall and now you might have a northern mall thats viable, he said. Too many malls is not good for this area.

Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148

Vaccines should be fast-tracked to teachers and school staff according to Laois Offaly TD Barry Cowen.

The Fianna Fail representative has written the Taoiseach Micheal Martin saying many people have called for the possibility that the vaccination plan could be changed to in light of the emergence of the new variant and the availability of more vaccines.

He has tweeted a copy of correspondence forwarded to An Taoiseach following outlinging concerns expressed to him by "many students, parents, teachers and SNAs in my constituency". (SEE TWEET AT THE END OF STORY).

Some schools in Portlaoise were forced to close early before Christmas due to outbreaks while others saw high absentee levels among students.

It is reported that the Irish National Teachers' Organisation has said that after it's meeting with NPHET officials it remains unsatisfied and with serious questions unanswered over Government plans around schools. The INTO is due to hold an emergency meeting as is the ASTI, the secondary teachers union, about partial reopening

The TUI and FORSA unions want at least deferral of the plan as do school principals.

The leaders of Sinn Fein, Labour and other opposition parties have called for the scrapping of plans for Leaving Cert students to attend schools next week.

The Government wants to open schools on a three day week for Leaving Cert students and facilitate education for children with special needs. The Government argues that schools are safe.
Hundreds of drivers were mistakenly fined after a fake 'no left turn' sign was put up by locals frustrated by early morning traffic.

The road directive appeared on Albert Road from Beecroft Road in Beecroft, on the upper north shore of Sydney, sometime in late 2008 or early 2009.

About 200 drivers were hit with infringements in just three months for failing to follow the fake sign, which said cars could not turn left between 7.30am and 9.30am.

The 'no left turn' sign was officially installed (pictured) years after a local erected a fake road directive

The motorists were hit with a $175 fine but police urged all impacted drivers to appeal the fee when it was revealed the sign was fake, Sydney Morning Herald reported at the time.

The sign, which was nailed to a power pole, was taken down in 2009 after it was found the Roads and Traffic Authority, a former government agency responsible for NSW roads, did not erect it.

But just a few years later, the sign resurfaced - with officials deciding the fake sign was actually a good idea.

In 2012, the Hornsby Shire Council sent a letter to locals proposing the sign.

'Council is considering installing a 'no left turn' restriction,' the letter said.

'The purpose of the restriction is to improve traffic conditions in Wongala Crescent during school drop off and pickup times.

The road directive appeared on Albert Road from Beecroft Road in Beecroft, on the upper north shore of Sydney, sometime in late 2008 or early 2009

'Approximately 290 vehicles during the morning period and and approximately 20 vehicles in the afternoon period will need to use alternate routes if the turn restrictions are installed.'

The sign was officially installed by council sometime between 2013 and 2014.

The community-based story resurfaced after it was shared to Facebook by Humans of Eastwood Daily on Thursday.

'It was actually needed as the volume of traffic using Wongala Crescent during school dropoff time was huge,' one local wrote on the post.

'I speak from first hand experience.'

Other social media users enjoyed the comedic nature of the community-based story.

'Beecroft residents hard at work,' one person wrote.

'We should make or own keep intersection clear haha,' another commented.
The South African Breweries (SAB) is heading to court to challenge the constitutionality of the third alcohol ban, which came into effect when South Africa moved to an adjusted Level 3 lockdown on midnight, 28 December 2020.

Dmytro Skorobogatov via 123RF

Unlawful restriction on public rights

Liquor traders, taverners plead for off-premise sales Liquor traders from the tavern sector are appealing to the government to allow off-premise alcohol sales to resume on 16 January, to help protect the 250,000 jobs in the sector and safeguard livelihoods.

Consequences of alcohol ban

"After much consideration, SAB has decided to approach the courts to challenge the constitutionality of the decision taken and process followed by the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) to re-ban the sale of alcohol. This legal action is the last resort available to SAB in order to protect our employees, suppliers, customers, consumers and all the livelihoods we support," the company said in a statement.SAB said that while is supports all lawful measures that curb the spread of the pandemic  including an earlier curfew to limit movement, reduced indoor and outdoor capacity at gatherings, measured alcohol restrictions by channel and heightened law enforcement  it strongly disagrees with the introduction of yet another outright ban on the sale of alcohol."SAB believes that any ban, including the current one, goes far beyond what is reasonable and necessary to contain the spread of the virus and unlawfully restricts various rights that are enshrined and protected by our constitution. These include the right to freedom of trade, the right to human dignity, privacy, and the right to bodily and psychological integrity."Challenging the constitutionality of the ban, which removes the South African publics right as adults to responsibly consume a beer safely in the privacy of their own homes, is an integral part of SABs action," the brewery said.The industry made representation to the government on 28 December 2020 to consider several alternatives rather than imposing an outright nationwide ban on all formal sales of alcohol. These alternatives included: restrictions on trade channels, with taverns moving from on- to off-premise trading; and trading days and hours remaining restricted for off-premise outlets.SAB believes that the above-proposed limitations coupled with an earlier curfew, would have been reasonable and effective in supporting the healthcare system and would help to mitigate transmission of the virus while still preserving livelihoods and keeping the economy open.The brewery added that the damage to the South African economy and impact on the alcohol value chain arising from ban on the sale of alcohol is disproportional and unlawful."As seen with the last two bans, the unintended consequences of an outright ban on the sale of alcohol are dire. Over 165,000 people have already lost their jobs with a further 100,000 people moving into poverty as a result of the alcohol bans. We have seen small and large businesses severely impacted, billions of rand lost in taxes, the entrenchment of illicit trading and the looting of alcohol stores."Restricting the legal trade of alcohol fuels the growth of the illicit market, a fact that is widely acknowledged internationally. The illicit market is outside the regulatory reach of government, leading to devastating consequences from a health and economic perspective," SAB said.The company said that it's vital that a balanced approach is adopted to ensure the safety of South Africans, whilst simultaneously supporting the economy, and without taking away fundamental rights protected by the constitution. It called on government to work closely with the alcohol industry to enable an earliest possible lifting of the ban on alcohol sales and in order to collaborate in finding lawful and sustainable solutions that assist in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
 Flash

A London court on Wednesday denied bail of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, two days after blocking his extradition to the United States over concerns about his mental health.

It means the 49-year-old Australian will remain in a British prison to await the outcome of an appeal by the U.S. authorities who want him to be sent there to stand trial.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser said Assange "has an incentive to abscond" and there is a good chance he would fail to return to court if freed.

His lawyers argued in court that Assange had new family ties in Britain and he could be bailed to his London home.

Blocking his extradition on Monday, Baraitser outlined evidence of Assange's self-harm and suicidal thoughts, fearing that the United States will be incapable of preventing him from attempting to take his own life.

Spent almost seven years holed up in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, Assange faces an 18-count indictment from the U.S. authorities accusing him of recruiting hackers to steal military secrets.

His lawyers said he could face up to 175 years in jail if convicted in the United States.
Julie Marks is a Vermont homesteader and short-term rental host in Chittenden County. If you would like to join the coalition of Burlington STR Hosts, please email Julie at carriagebarnstudio@gmail.com. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Brattleboro Reformer.
Photo: The Canadian Press An outside view of former premier Alison Redford's so-called 'Sky Palace' in Edmonton is shown on Jan. 26, 2016. Premier Jason Kenney's office confirms he is working out of the penthouse, calling it the best and safest solution due to legislature renovations. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney's office has confirmed he is working out of a penthouse known infamously as the "Sky Palace" because of exterior renovations at the legislature.

Christine Myatt, the premiers spokeswoman, says the temporary move to the Federal Building is the best and safest solution and was announced in August. She said existing furniture is being used and there have been no extraordinary costs.

The move was necessary not only because of the noise, but also due to security concerns, Myatt wrote in an email Wednesday.

The exterior of the legislature's east side is wrapped in white sheeting and scaffolds reach up into higher floor windows.

This move is temporary and the premiers office will return to the legislature when construction on the east wing has been completed, Myatt wrote.

Opposition NDP critic Sarah Hoffman called the decision disturbing given that Kenney is in a penthouse as he deals with fallout from foreign holidays taken by his United Conservative legislature members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hes defending luxury travel from the luxury condo that (former Progressive Conservative premier) Alison Redford built, said Hoffman.

They (the UCP) promised they were going to be humble. They promised they werent going to be the entitled (Progressive Conservative) era. And if anything it feels like theyve doubled down on it.

NDP Leader Rachel Notley said a second office in the Federal Building is necessary, but added she didnt need one in the penthouse. She instead used rooms one floor down when she was premier from 2015 to 2019.

As premier, I also had a secondary office in the Federal Building ... on the 10th floor, Notley wrote on Twitter. I would have never worked out of the and I'm puzzled why Jason Kenney wouldn't use the existing offices. #ARoomWithAView?

Kenney was not available Wednesday. He has not spoken to media since Friday, when he detailed how a number of caucus members and staff had taken or were on Christmas vacations abroad. The government had urged Albertans to hunker down over the holidays and follow strict public health orders meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Kenney declined to sanction the travelling politicians and staff. He said they were helping keep the airline business afloat, had not strictly broken any restrictions and other Albertans were vacationing as well.

Three days later, as public outrage grew, Kenney posted on social media that he had accepted the resignation of Tracy Allard, who was municipal affairs minister, over her Hawaiian vacation. Several members of the legislature were stripped of their responsibilities and his chief of staff, Jamie Huckabay, was asked to step down.

The "Sky Palace" scandal broke in March 2014, the same month Redford resigned over questionable travel expenses and trips.

It was discovered that the top floor of the government-owned building was being lavishly redecorated for Redford and included bedrooms, bathrooms, a dining room, lounge, fireplace, powder room, butler's pantry, walk-in closet and room-by-room temperature controls.

Spending on the suite was cut off as criticism intensified over the taxpayer-funded project that had already racked up at least $240,000 in 3D design drawings, colour boards, room dividers, blueprints and construction.

Neither Tory premier who followed Redford nor the NDP's Notley ever used the penthouse, which became a symbol of entitlement and excess and a politically toxic zone. The luxury accents were either removed or never installed.

Under Notley, the 11 floor suite was repurposed in 2016 as a comparatively spartan multi-purpose meeting room.

What remains is basic but elegant: wood flooring, carved wooden posts and floor-to-ceiling windows. Doors open onto a patio with panoramic views of the city.
Fed up with election fraud, thousands of patriots join the "Save America Rally" in Washington D.C.'s The Ellipse on Wednesday. In fact, people have started to gather as early as the evening of Jan. 5, hours before it's 9 a.m. schedule on Jan. 6.

Long queues actually formed as early as "10:30 p.m. Tuesday" according to a video tweeted by ABC7 Health Reporter Victoria Sanchez. The queue is for the checkpoint set up that will allow people to get inside the main venue to ensure the security of the president.

Real America's Voice tweeted on Wednesday that "the crowd in DC is enormous" showing a footage of numerous people of various ages bearing the cold weather while waving all sorts of signages including the American and the "Trump 2020" flags.

The crowd in DC is enormous. The MSM wont show you, but we will. #MarchToSaveAmerica pic.twitter.com/qL7SFJ4e8g  Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) January 6, 2021

According to a report by One America News Network, rallyists have gathered "to demand a full investigation into election fraud" and to "call on Congress to decertificy fraudulent election results in contested states."

"Many have asserted Joe Biden's purported victory is illegal and Democrat attempts to impose their far-left rule will fail," OANN said.

Eric Trump, Lara Trump, and Donald Trump, Jr., were present and talked on continuing the fight "for the country" that "has only just begun" before President Donald Trump came from the White House nearby.

"All of us are here today do not want to see our election victory stolen by the bold and radical left Democrats, which is what they are doing, and stolen by the fake news media--that's what they have done and what they are doing," the president addressed the protesters.

"We will never give up, we will never concede. You don't concede when there's theft involved," he declared. "Our country has had enough. We will not take it anymore! That's what this is all about."

"And you have a favorite term that all of you people came up with: We will stop the steal!" he stressed.

Trump also gave a rundown of events from Election day to the surfacing of election fraud in the States of Pennysylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and Michigan that has lead to the gathering of today.

"So today, in addition to challenging the certification of the election, I am calling on Congress and the state legislatures to quickly pass sweeping election reforms," he announced.

Simultaneous with Trump's talk on the grounds of the White house, Congress began its joint session in Capitol Hill for the recording of electoral congress votes. During which, Congressman Paul Gosar, Congressman Biggs, Congresswoman Boebert, Congressman Johnson, and Senator Ted Cruz objected to the electoral college submission of Arizona.

After Trump's talk, protesters marched to the U.S. Capitol as scheduled. However, Breitbart reported, a group of Trump supporters clashed with police in an attempt to breach the U.S. Capitol building.

Breitbart cited numerous tweets posted by reporters covering the event showing a group of protesters that have, initially, gone beyond the barricade after tearing down the fence and, later on, violently engaged in battle with members of the police.

"BREAKING: Trump supporters have breached the Capitol building, tearing down 4 layers of security fencing and are attempting to occupy the building - fighting federal police who are overrun. This is the craziest thing I've ever seen in my life. Thousands, police can't stop them," The Blaze reporter Elijah Schaffer posted in twitter with a footage of what was taking place.

The Blaze also reported that even the night before, violence has broken as some Trump supporters clashed with Metropolitan Police and counterprotesters at the Black Lives Matter Plaza. "Officers deployed pepper spray and protesters disavowed their support of law enforcement," The Blaze said.

In the face of the unexpected violent turnout of the gathering, Trump tweeted protesters to calm down and to respect law and order.

"Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!" he enticed. "I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order - respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order - respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021

Ironically, Trump's twitter account was locked after calling for peace and asking violent protesters to go home.

"Twitter has locked the President of the United States out of his account and threatened to ban him for <checks notes> calling for peace and telling violent rioters, 'You have to go home'." Presidential Campaign veteran Sean Davis announced.

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, on other hand, relayed that the president has sent "protective services" to contain the situation.

"At President @realDonaldTrump's direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services. We reiterate President Trump's call against violence and to remain peaceful," she said.
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Congressman says 'awoman' ending of opening prayer was 'light-hearted pun'

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The Democratic congressman who opened up the 117th Congress with a prayer that ended in amen and awoman has since said that awoman was meant to be a light-hearted pun rather than an ecclesiastical statement.

After Sundays awoman prayer provoked condemnation from many conservatives and Christians on social media, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., responded to critics by releasing a statement condemning those who he said misinterpreted and misconstrued his prayer.

I am deeply disappointed that my prayer has been misinterpreted and misconstrued by some to fit a narrative that stokes resentment and greater division among portions of our population, the 76-year-old lawmaker said in a statement shared with The Kansas City Star on Monday.

I believe prayers to be a personal conversation between El Shaddai and the invocator. With this conversation, in the presence of the 117th House of Representatives, I concluded with a light-hearted pun in recognition of the record number of women who will be representing the American people in Congress during this term as well as in recognition of the first female Chaplain of the House of Representatives whose service commenced this week.

Cleaver, the former mayor of Kansas City who for decades served as pastor of Kansas Citys St. James United Methodist Church, continued by saying that he finds these historic occasions to be blessings from God for which I am grateful.

Rather than reflecting on my faithful requests for community healing and reversion from our increasingly tribal tendencies, it appears that some have latched on to the final word of this conversation in an attempt to twist my message to God and demean me personally, Cleaver said. In doing so, they have proven one point of my greater message  that we are all soiled by selfishness, perverted by prejudice and inveigled by ideology.

Among those who were critical of Cleavers awoman comment include Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who joked in a tweet: Dont they know that gender isnt binary??? What about the other 42 genders??"

Many commenters online, including incoming Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., noted that the word amen is not a gendered term.

"I guess the virtue signaling Democrats didnt check the Hebrew etymology of the word Amen to realize it has NOTHING to do with gender, Boebert tweeted. But dont let facts get in the way of a good virtue signal. Also, didnt those words just get banned?"

Boebert's reference was to the introduced code of conduct for the 117th Congress, which includes changing gender-specific terms and pronouns in the House rules to be gender-neutral to "honor all gender identities.

On Monday, former Democrat Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, a 2020 presidential candidate, blasted the gender-neutral language in the new House rules during an interview with Fox News.

"It's the height of hypocrisy for people who claim to be the champions of rights for women to deny the very biological existence of women," Gabbard said. "Their first act as this new Congress could have been to make sure elderly Americans are able to get the COVID vaccine now alongside front-line healthcare workers. Instead of doing something that could actually help save people's lives, they are choosing instead to say, 'You can't say, mother or father.'"

Although Cleaver issued his response to the criticisms of his prayer on Monday, he is still being criticized.

On Wednesday, an op-ed by Katrina Trinko, editor-in-chief at the conservative Daily Signal, was published in USA Today.

Yet with Cleavers wordplay coming amid a House Democrat push to eliminate gendered terms like mother and father from chamber rules in the interest of equality, its hard not to see the vocabulary choice as somewhat pointed, Trinko wrote. Furthermore, the Missouri Democrat could have offered gratitude for the new women in his words without jarringly twisting a prayer ending into a pun.

But even taking Cleaver at his word, his actions still come at a time of a troubling attitude among our political elites toward religion, she continued. Too often our modern world sees religion as needing to conform to us, rather than for us to conform to religion.

Trinko argues that Cleaver is hardly the only example of this kind of thinking.

Just last month, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam told residents they shouldnt want to celebrate the birth of Christ in a church. For me, God is wherever you are, the Democrat said. You dont have to sit in the church pew for God to hear your prayers, Trinko recalled.

Can we imagine lawmakers doing this for a non-Western faith or cultural tradition? Would a lawmaker say he believes Mecca is wherever you want it to be, right there in your heart? Would a politician decree she thinks the Chinese New Year could just as well be celebrated in July?

While Cleaver contends that his prayer included faithful requests for community healing and reversion from our increasingly tribal tendencies, Trinko argues that healing and reversion from tribalism depend on mutual respect, not flippant approaches to faith.
Business in Hong Kong take notice: the citys government has taken off its flimsy mask of moderation and arrested over 50 opposition candidates and an American lawyer in dawn raids.

Banks and brokerage firms, the lucrative redoubt for financial professional expats, can mostly shrug it off. But for media and technology companies that host or transmit ideas its the dawn of a riskier era.

Hong Kong police say that opposition legislators, by holding an unauthorised primary last year and planning to stymie the policy agenda, were effectively trying to overthrow the government, violating a National Security Law that Beijing rammed into force in July.

They have detained nearly all the candidates who stood for election in the primary, plus pollsters and organisers like US lawyer John Clancey, chairman of the Asian Human Rights Commission, the first foreigner to be arrested under the new law.

The move comes even though elected pro-democracy legislators resigned en masse in November, protesting Beijings move to kick four moderate pro-democracy lawmakers from office.

Read More

Given vaguely worded definitions of subversion, sedition and foreign collusion in the legislation, Chief Executive Carrie Lam could have left it there. Yet she arrested them for the primary, and their veto strategy, both of which became largely moot once the coalition resigned.

By removing resistance before delayed legislative elections, Lam has undermined claims that NSL enforcement would only impact a minority of troublemakers.

The bulk of the pro-democracy camp faces charges that can imprison them for years; police say more arrests are coming. And her broad interpretation of what constitutes subversion or foreign collusion will force a rethink among the business community, domestic and foreign.

At the forefront are Western social media companies like Twitter and Facebook, which technically violate the NSL by hosting content Beijing deems subversive, regardless of where it was uploaded. It could also extend to controversial research by analysts  does a note critical of Lams economic response to the pandemic cause people to hate the government?

Information industry leaders have hoped that China would be restrained in its interpretation. They appear to have been overly optimistic.

Read More

Reuters
With this case, all of these school districts are stepping up to hold the company accountable, not only so they can be financially prepared to handle this (vaping) matter into the future, but to show the company that enoughs enough, Shinoff said. This is one way we can stop these bad acts.
Burma Experts Warn of Backlash Against Chinese Infrastructure Projects in Myanmar

The towns of Muse, Myanmar (foreground) and Ruili, China (background), as seen from Muse in Shan State. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy

YANGONWith Chinas ambitious backbone infrastructure projects set to get off the ground this year in Myanmar, mostly in the ethnic states, environmentalists and local observers warn that the National League for Democracy-led (NLD) government will face severe public resistance if it keeps failing to address a lack of transparency surrounding the projects, and to engage with local communities.

The environmentalists and local observers said locals objections to the projects will be one of the biggest challenges faced by the NLD government in its upcoming term. The China-backed projects are hugely unpopular across the country, especially in the ethnic states, due to the long, troubled legacy of the former military juntas extraction of natural resources without public engagement or consultation.

U Win Myo Thu, the chairperson of the Green Motherland Development Association and director of EcoDev Myanmar, one of the countrys leading environmental organizations, told The Irrawaddy that lack of transparency and failure to engage with locals were the biggest weaknesses shown by the NLD government when handling China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) projects during its first term.

The CMEC is a part of Chinese President Xi Jinpings ambitious grand infrastructure plan for the region, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has proposed nearly three dozen projects including strategic infrastructure projects such as the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Rakhine, which will give China access to the Indian Ocean, a New City project in Myanmars commercial capital, and the Muse-Mandalay railway project connecting two economic centers in Myanmar with Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province in southwestern China.

Though the government in Naypyitaw has signed agreements to implement China-backed projects, local residents have received little information about them, fueling growing concern among the public during the past few years, especially regarding the social and environmental effects of the projects, U Win Myo Thu said.

Myanmar joined the BRI in 2018, agreeing with China to establish the estimated 1,700-km-long CMEC, which will connect Kunming with Mandalay in central Myanmar, and then branch east to Yangon and west to the Kyaukphyu SEZ. Since then, however, the government has not officially disclosed details of its agreement with China, particularly Myanmars commitments, and how the CMEC would be implemented in the country.

Last year, during Chinese President Xi Jinpings trip to Myanmar, the government showed its willingness to move Beijings ambitious plan forward by signing agreements on the backbone projects of the CMEC.

Northern Shan State will be home to some of the major CMEC projects, including mega infrastructure projects such as the Muse-Ruili cross-border economic cooperation zone and the Muse-Mandalay railway, which is to be the initial stage of a larger China-Myanmar railway project which will connect with the Chinese rail network at the border town of Ruili in Yunnan province and is expected to be a key part of the economic corridor.

U Aung Myo Htun, project officer at the Heartland Foundation, an environmental watchdog team monitoring CMEC projects based in Lashio, northern Shan State, said that although a feasibility study and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Muse-Mandalay railway project were completed in 2019, local people still have no idea about what the project will entail.

He said the EIAs public consultations were done with a group of people who do not widely represent the affected local communities.

The Heartland Foundation has held several public awareness meetings in locations in northern Shan State through which the Muse-Mandalay project will pass. U Aung Myo Htun stressed that land grabbing is the biggest concern among locals when it comes to the railway project.

In ethnic areas of Myanmar, people customarily use a shared land ownership system that includes freehold land, community forest reserves and customary tenure for rotational farming practices. Amended in 2018, the Vacant, Fallow and Virgin (VFV) Lands Management Law has been criticized by ethnic people for failing to recognize ethnic customary tenure.

U Aung Myo Htun said the majority of affected villagers along the railway route do not have ownership certificates to prove their rights to their land, adding that, If people lose their farmland, they will lose their livelihoods. The government needs to make clear what kind of guarantees it will make [to prevent] such losses.

He added that public objections could lead to project delays if the government doesnt take the views of local people into consideration.

Locals are already suffering so much due to Chinese projects [in northern Shan State]. The negative sentiment is everywhere here and if it explodes, it will create a crisis for the government, he stressed.

Myanmar and China have held several meetings on construction of the cross-border economic cooperation zones (CBEZs) in Shan and Kachin states. Last month, the two sides finalized the location and size of the Muse-Ruili CBEZ in northern Shan State.

While discussions on the CMEC projects have progressedsome are almost ready for implementationthe Shan State parliament has yet to discuss the projects. Moreover, in July, Lower House lawmaker U Sai Tun Aye from Monghsu in northern Shan State submitted questions on the projects to related government ministries. He sought details of the projects and the governments plan to address land confiscations in the project areas, and called for transparency relating to BRI proposals.

However, no representatives of the ministries concerned attended Parliament, according to U Sai Tun Aye, who was told that his questions were too broad.

U Soe Nyunt Lwin, the Shan State minister for planning and finance, told The Irrawaddy that CMEC projects are handled directly at the Union level, adding that the state government has no authority to make decisions relating to the projects.

If the Union government asked them about [public engagement], we will work on it. So far, there is no plan to explain the projects to locals, U Soe Nyunt Lwin said.

In Kachin, two major projects are planned under the CMEC agreements. The US$400-million (527.29-billion-kyat) Myitkyina Economic Zone is to be developed on 4,700 acres (1,900 hectares) of land along the historic Ledo Road in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin. Moreover, the government has signed an agreement with a China-backed company to develop a business park at an estimated cost of $22.4 million on nearly 70 acres in Kanpiketi, a border town in northern Kachin States Special Region 1. The area is controlled by the New Democratic Army-Kachin (NDAK) militia, which is allied with the Myanmar military.

Local observer and lawyer U Gannes Basnez, who works with local residents on land issues, told The Irrawaddy that the public in Kachin has a negative attitude toward Chinese projects due to their past experiences.

In Kachin, the controversial, suspended $3.6-billion Myitsone hydropower dam has faced serious objections not only from Kachin people but also across the country. In the latest example of Chinese investment arousing negative public sentiment, China-backed banana plantations are facing local objections due to fears of environmental damage and land loss.

U Gannes Basnez said that Due to the past experiences they have suffered, people have no trust when it comes to Chinese investment.

They have no expectations of job opportunities, technical transfers or other benefits. The only things they expect from the projects are [negative] social and environmental impacts, he said.

So far, the Kachin government has not held any public consultations or awareness meetings on either the business park or the Myitkyina Economic Zone, despite having signed agreements with China-backed companies.

The Kachin government has ignored locals complaints over the banana plantations, U Gannes Basnez said, especially about the influx of Chinese migrants, loss of farmland and frequent incidents involving trucks used to transport the bananas. They have serious doubts as to whether the state government has the capacity to handle the large projects under the CMCE, he said.

If they do not pay attention to locals, the resistance will be even more intense than it has been in the past few years, especially in ethnic areas, U Gannes Basnez stressed.

Kachin State Chief Minister Dr. Hkyet Aung told The Irrawaddy that both projects are awaiting final approval from the Union level. However, he admitted that the Kachin government had not held any public awareness or consultation meetings relating to CMEC projects during the past five years.

I think that local people should not oppose the projects because they will benefit them, Dr. Hkyet Aung said.

Though the state government has not held public consultations, he said that I believe they have come to realize that the projects will benefit them.

He was not able to answer The Irrawaddys question on why the Kachin government had failed to elicit the publics views, despite the ongoing efforts to implement the projects by the state government.

U Win Myo Thu, the environmentalist, suggested the NLD government carefully observe the ground conditions and gauge the public sentiment and views on the projects.

The government needs to amend all the laws relating to mega infrastructure projects, including environmental governance. And they need to form a third-party mechanism to handle public complaints, he said.

He suggested the government draw up a safety framework for Chinese projects that assesses the risks posed by projects, in particular taking into account public sentiment and the social, environmental and political risks.

The environmentalist added that the government must amend the land law, which fails to recognize ethnic customary tenure.

Since the government took office, they have not built good relations with civil society organizations [CSOs]. If they want more engagement with locals, they must build a good relationship with CSOs. Because CSOs already have close relations with locals, especially in ethnic states, U Win Myo Thu said.

U Aung Myo Htun agreed with U Win Myo Thu, saying the NLDs failure to engage with locals and CSOs has created an understanding gap regarding the governments actual intentions when it comes to implementing the projects.

He said the government should try to improve checks and balances at the regional and state level to handle public complaints about projects, adding that accountability is the key to gaining the publics trust.

The government needs to consider the environmental impact the projects will have, he added.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) listed Myanmar as being highly impacted in terms of the BRIs overall environmental impact, and said the countrys threatened species were critically endangered due to the environmental impacts of the BRI.

U Gannes Basnez said the NLD should enhance the role of lawmakers in engaging with locals, adding that the party should urge lawmakers to increase their knowledge of the projects.

MPs need to be able to explain to people on the ground about government projects. If the government is planning projects for the benefit of the people, it needs to go public and they should explain these projects in a transparent manner, he stressed.

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He chose to go outside to make it known that he was support of what was going to happen. He went outside because I believe he is trying to make himself some sort of leader or hero for what was happening. Him putting up that fist, I have yet to see him put up that fist at a Black Lives Matter march, said Bush, whose political career began as Black Lives Matter organizer in Ferguson.
Vancouver, British Columbia - January 7, 2021 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Media alert for Defense Metals Corp. ("Defense Metals") (TSX-V:DEFN / OTCQB:DFMTF / FSE: 35D). The company was featured in the following article : JINKOSOLAR, DEFENSE METALS, BYD - DEMAND BOOM LEADS TO CATASTROPHE!

Full article and Original source

https://news.financial/comments/jinkosolar-defense-metals-byd-demand-boom-leads-to-catastrophe



Excerpt:

The sales figures for all major electric car manufacturers for the full year 2020 are on the table. 100% more e-cars were sold compared to the same period last year. But even more significant for the future is that vehicles with electric motors have overtaken pure combustion engines in new deliveries. The disruptive replacement is in full swing. However, shortages are emerging in the raw materials needed for the production of batteries and motors.

SHORTAGE OF RAW MATERIALS

In addition to lithium, which is needed for the production of batteries, there is also an enormous surplus of demand for other raw materials. This demand will become much more acute in the coming years. Permanent magnets for electric motors are produced based on rare earth metals. In ten years, the experts at Adamas Intelligence predict that demand for rare earth oxides for use in magnets will rise from USD 2.98 billion to USD 15.65 billion. The analysts at Adamas Intelligence see by far the most significant demand primarily for rare earth magnets such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium. Even more severe is the short-term view of three to five years. The demand for rare earths is growing so enormously that the already insufficient production capacities will not be enough by far. It is a must to make significant investments in the mining industry to saturate demand to some extent.

CHINA'S SUPERIORITY

The People's Republic of China has a virtual monopoly with 80% of rare earth metals production. Politicians are desperately looking for alternatives in Europe or North America. Defense Metals, a mineral explorer, is at the top of the list. Founded in 2016, the Company focuses on acquiring mineral deposits that contain metals and elements used in the production of renewable energy technologies, such as rare earth magnets. Research is underway at the Wicheeda project in the province of British Columbia. The Company says mineral resources are 4.9 million tons at an average grade of 3.02% LREO (light rare earth metals) and inferred mineral resources of 12.1 million tons at an average grade of 2.90% LREO.

CASH BOOST AND THE SHARE PRICE JUMPS

At the end of December, the Company announced that it would receive approximately CAD 632,000 from the exercise of 3.157 million warrants. These funds will be used to strengthen working capital and, in particular, to complete the preliminary economic assessment (PEA) of the project. The stock market is slowly recognizing the extreme demand for rare earth metals. Defense Metals shares have almost doubled to CAD 0.30 in the past four weeks and are close to their 2018 all-time high, but the stock market value is currently just under EUR 10 million. Given the further increase in demand due to the electric car boom, there is still significant room for improvement.

"BUILD YOUR DREAMS" CONTINUES

The importance of the procurement of lithium and rare earth metals is shown by the delivery figures for BYD for December. The Chinese Company sold a total of 56,322 vehicles in the last month of fiscal year 2020. In the previous month, the figure was 53,943 units. Compared to December 2019, this represents a significant increase of over 13,000 units. Crucially, however, the report showed that for the first time in the Company's history, more NEVs were sold than internal combustion vehicles.

LESS GROWTH THAN COMPETITORS

Indeed, BYD is still well ahead of competitors such as NIO (NYSE: NIO) or Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV) in terms of delivery figures. However, sales of electric cars were lower in percentage terms than those of its main Chinese competitors compared to the previous month. Although the share started the day almost 3% down, it managed to get back into the black over the course of the day.

NEW RECORD

The Chinese photovoltaic producer JinkoSolar was able to break its world record. An efficiency of 24.9% was achieved for a large, n-type, TOPCon, monocrystalline solar cell. According to the Company, the monocrystalline solar cell was manufactured on a high-quality, low-defect CZ mono-Si substrate. Earlier this year, when the cell still had an efficiency of 24.2%, JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) said the cell was based on the HOT design and featured tunnel oxide passivated contact technology.

Author

About Defense Metals Corp. https://defensemetals.com/

Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, military, national security and the production of "GREEN" energy technologies, such as, high strength alloys and rare earth magnets. Defense Metals has an option to acquire 100% of the 1,708 hectare Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol "DEFN" on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under "DFMTF" on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under "35D".

For further information, please contact:

Todd Hanas, Bluesky Corporate Communications Ltd.

Vice President, Investor Relations

Tel: (778) 994 8072

Email: todd@blueskycorp.ca

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to finding partnerships, securing potential offtake agreements, and other business opportunities, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Companys views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather conditions, failure to maintain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Companys ability to operate increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law.

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DISTRICT 27

CLAY COUNTY SR-53 bridge repair over Dry Fork Creek (LM 1.3) and Mill Creek (LM 2.5): The contractor will be on site continuing bridge repair work at Mill Creek Bridge located at LM 2.50. The contractor is also scheduled to have a lane closure in place on Dry Fork Bridge located at LM 1.35. The southbound lane of SR 53 will be closed first during Phase 1 on both bridges; the northbound lane will be closed during Phase 2 on both bridges. Lane closures will be in effect until the contract completion on 06/30/21. Motorists are encouraged to use caution through the work zone and obey posted speed limit. RESTRICTIONS: Loads wider than 11' should seek alternate route.

[Mid-State Construction Company, Inc./Moore/CNU198]

CUMBERLAND COUNTY SR-101 (Peavine Road) grading, drainage, and paving from Firetower Road to Westchester/Catoosa Boulevard: Motorists should use caution while driving along Peavine Road and be alert for changes in traffic patterns. The posted speed limit has been reduced from 45 MPH to 35 MPH within the work zone. Temporary lane closures and/or traffic stoppages may be needed as construction activities continue. Motorists should reduce speed on Peavine Road and be alert for construction personnel/equipment entering and exiting the roadway.

[Rogers Group, Inc./Bradley/CNQ921]

DEKALB AND WARREN COUNTY SR-56 construction of bridges and paving from south of Warren-Dekalb county line (LM 24.5) to East Bryant St. (LM 2.9): The contractor will continue installing concrete box culverts and drainage structures. Grade work, bridge work, paving operations, and utility work on the new roadway alignment are ongoing. Traffic is still using the existing SR-56; however, motorists are advised to use caution and watch for construction equipment adjacent to roadway. Flaggers may be present to move equipment across roadway, unload equipment, or complete utility work. The contractor will start grade work inside Smithville City Limits between Dearman Street and East Bryant Street. Traffic in this area will be shifted in the area to allow contractor to complete work. A diversion remains in place for Williams Road to allow contractor to construct new alignment. The speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph in the construction zone. Motorist should use caution in this area and watch for flaggers and construction equipment.

[Jones Bros. Contractors, LLC/Harris/CNT011]

FENTRESS COUNTY SR-85 rock fall mitigation at LM 3.8: The contractor will be on site continuing rock fall mitigation work at MM 3.8. SR 85 in Fentress County will be closed from Sandy RD at MM 2.19 to East Obey Lane at MM 5.67. This closure will remain until contract completion of 05/31/21. During this closure, a detour route will be in place to allow traffic to navigate around the road closure.



[J and M Grading Division, LLC/Moore/CNU276]

FENTRESS AND OVERTON COUNTY SR-85 emergency slide repairs at various locations: The contractor continues work on the Overton County side of SR-85 and the road remains closed from LM 17.5 to LM 22.2. This closure will remain in effect until approximately 05/28/21. The contractor is currently working to stabilize the roadway and is completing construction on the last scheduled roadway retaining wall. Motorists should continue using the signed detour route until the roadway is opened back up.

[Wright Brothers Construction Company, Inc./Moore/CNT154]

PUTNAM COUNTY Utility Work on SR-136 (S. JEFFERSON AVE.) both directions from LM 2.36 to LM 4.14: Shoulder and single lane closure between Spring Street and I-40. Message and arrow boards, signage, and cones will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 3 PM beginning 01/05/21 through 01/22/21.



PUTNAM COUNTY Utility Work on SR-24 (MONTEREY HWY.) northbound from LM 33.53 to LM 36.37: Shoulder and single lane closure between Bee Rock Road and West Bishop Avenue. Signage, flaggers, and barrels will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 8 AM and 4 PM beginning 11/30/20 through 01/29/21.

PUTNAM COUNTY SR-135 (Burgess Falls Road) grading, drainage, signals and paving at the intersection of West Cemetery Road (LM 6.6): Contractor will be installing construction signs, erosion control measure, and gas line relocation. Motorist are advised to use caution while traveling through the work zone and be alert of all signage, traffic control devices, personnel, and equipment.

[Rogers Group, Inc./James/CNU270]

DISTRICT 28

COFFEE COUNTY I-24 (MM 117) improvement of ramps at Exit 117: I-24 WB between MM 118 and MM 116, maintenance work will continue daily. There may be alternating lane closures on WB between MM 116 to MM 118 to support miscellaneous final work. Wattendorf Hwy. will have additional flagging operations in place to support the construction of new turning lane. There will be no impact to the entrance/exit ramp on I-24. Motorist are advised to use caution while traveling through the work zone area and be alert to all traffic signage, personnel, and equipment.

[Permitee/Hussein/PERMIT]

COFFEE COUNTY Utility Work on SR-2 (US-41) both directions from LM 0 to LM 28.55: Mobile lane closure along SR-2 between Holly Court and Henley Lane. Signage, flaggers, and cones will be present, motorists should be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 2 PM between 11/30/20 through 04/02/21.

FRANKLIN COUNTY Utility Work on SR-130 (OLD TULLAHOMA RD.) both directions from LM 3.44 to LM 5.25: Mobile lane closure along SR-476 between Awalt Road and Himes Lane Road. Signage, flaggers, and cones will be present, motorists should be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 3 PM between 12/02/20 through 02/28/21.

GRUNDY COUNTY Utility Work on SR-2 (US-41) both directions from LM 1.95 to LM 0: Mobile lane closure along SR-2 between Holly Court and Henley Lane. Signage, flaggers, and cones will be present, motorists should be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 2 PM between 11/30/20 through 04/02/21.

GRUNDY COUNTY Utility Work on SR-56 both directions from LM 20.19 to LM 25.69: Mobile lane closures along SR-56 from the intersection of SR-56 and SR-108 to the intersection of SR-56 and Store Door Road. Motorists should use caution and be aware of personnel and equipment when traveling through the work zones. Signage, cones, and flaggers will be present between 7 AM to 4 PM starting 08/31/20 through 02/28/21.

GRUNDY COUNTY SR-56 slide repair from LM 26.4 to LM 26.5: Roadway is down to one lane controlled with traffic signals. The schedule for completion is unknown as a major project is being developed for a permanent repair to the slide.

[TDOT/Miner/TDOT]

MARION COUNTY SR-156 resurfacing from east of Orme Mountain Rd (LM 9.3) to near Elm Avenue (LM 14.5): Currently the contractor performing catch basin repair and replacing the curb and gutters on SR-156. Occasionally, the road will be reduced to one lane controlled by a flagger to accommodate the work being performed. Please use caution when traveling through the area.

[Tinsley Asphalt, LLC /Voiles/CNU156]

MARION COUNTY SR-27 slope stabilization at LM 27.9: Roadway is reduced to one lane and is controlled by traffic lights. Use caution as roadway is rough.

[TDOT/Miner/MAINT]

WARREN COUNTY TDOT Bridge Inspection on SR-1 (SPARTA HWY.) both directions from LM 24.29 to LM 24.29: TDOT Bridge Inspection will be performing a 2-year inspection on the bridge located on SR-001 LM 24.29, right and left bridge, over Rocky River on Wednesday, 11/13/21 from 8am until 3pm. This inspection will require a temporary closure of the Eastbound and Westbound lane and shoulder.

WARREN COUNTY TDOT Bridge Inspection on SR-55 (MANCHESTER HWY.) both directions from LM 9.10 to LM 9.10: TDOT Bridge Inspection will be performing a 2-year inspection on the bridges located on SR-55 LM 9.10, (right and left bridge), over the CF&W Railroad and SR-55 business on Tuesday, 11/12/21 from 8am until 11am, (Northbound), and 12pm until 3pm, (Southbound). This inspection will require a temporary closure of the slow lane and shoulder.

DISTRICT 29

BRADLEY COUNTY Utility Work on SR-74 (OCOEE ST. N.E.) both directions from LM 16.26 to LM 16.88: Shoulder and single lane closure between Westview Drive NW and Keith Street NW. Signage and cones will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 3 PM with an estimated completion 01/31/21.

BRADLEY COUNTY SR-60 construction of small drainage structures (LM 15.85 and LM 15.9): During this reporting period the contractor may have intermittent shoulder closures on the right northbound shoulder of SR-60 (25th street) to perform slope stabilization work. These closures will occur from Monday to Friday 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Motorists are advised to use caution and watch for workers and equipment when entering the shopping center at the intersection of Keith Street and 25th Street.

[Whaley Construction, LLC/Wagner/CNU227]

HAMILTON COUNTY SR-319 repair of the bridge over the Tennessee River and Riverpark Drive (LM 2.2): The contractor will be performing repair operations to the bridge that will require lane closures in both directions. Extra caution should be observed of trucks entering and exiting the work-zone. During this report period the inside shoulder and inside lane of traffic in each direction will be closed. Additional flaggers will be present as needed.

[Mid-State Construction Company, Inc./Osbonlighter/CNU205]

HAMILTON COUNTY I-24 Replacement of Belvoir Ave. bridge over I-24 and I-24 bridges over Germantown Road near MM 183: Lane shifts and single lane closures are in place at North and South Terrace approaching the Belvoir Avenue Bridge. Single alternating lane closures on I-24 EB and WB will be used on 01/07/21, and 01/10/21 through 01/13/21 from 9 PM and 6 AM. Additionally, there will be single lane closures in the north and south directions of Germantown Road under the I-24 Bridge and at the intersections of Germantown with North and South Terrace. These closures will occur on 01/07/21 and 01/08/21, and between 01/11/21 and 01/13/21 from 9 AM to 6 AM the following morning. Motorist should be aware of the Belvoir Avenue Bridge closure and detour that was put into place on 04/20/20. There is a 45 MPH speed limit reduction throughout the project corridor on I-24.

[Bell and Associates Construction, LP/Blevins/CMGC03]

HAMILTON COUNTY I-75 at I-24 Interchange Reconstruction: Phase 2 traffic alignments have been implemented. Watch for trucks entering and exiting project. Traffic should expect multiple lane shifts traveling through the interchange. Lane closures will occur Sunday nights through Thursday nights between 9 PM and 6 AM at the following locations: I-75 NB MM 1, I-75 SB MM 3 and I-24 EB MM 184.0 Traffic pacing may occur throughout interchange Sunday nights through Thursday nights between 9 PM and 6 AM. Additionally, there may intermittent shoulder closures at various locations for access to the median and roadside areas. I-75 NB to I-24 WB split has been moved back 1500 feet from its previous location. Welcome Center traffic intending to use I-24 WB now, will have to detour on I-75 NB to Exit 3. Detailed detour information will be available at the Welcome Center. The speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH throughout the interchange.

[C.W. Matthews Contracting Company, Inc./Blevins/DB1801]

HAMILTON COUNTY US-27 (I-124) widening from I-24/US-27 interchange to north of the Olgiati Bridge over the Tennessee River, including widening the Olgiati Bridge: Work on this project continues with activities occurring in the median and shoulders of US-27. Motorists should be alert for construction vehicles entering and exiting the activity area. Motorists should pay close attention to the detour signage posted. The speed limit on US-27 in the construction zone remains 45 MPH. Weather permitting, the contractor may implement temporary lane/shoulder closures on weeknights between the hours of 7 PM and 6 AM. At least one lane will remain open in each direction on US-27. Note: Monday thru Friday from 6AM to 7PM a minimum of two lanes will remain open both northbound and southbound on US-27. Monday thru Friday from 7PM to 6AM and Saturday and Sunday from 6AM to 7PM a minimum of one lane will remain open both northbound and southbound on US-27. Thursday 01/07/21 thru Wednesday 01/13/21  7 PM to 6 AM Temporary lane closures will be in place for southbound and northbound US-27 from the Olgiati Bridge to I-24 with intermittent ramp closures. Saturday 01/09/21 and Sunday 01/10//21  8 AM to 8 PM Temporary ramp closures will be in place for EXIT 1C, US-27 northbound to 4th Street and eastbound Martin Luther King Blvd. on ramp to southbound US-27 for pressure washing and painting the walls and rails. EXIT 1C traffic will be detoured across the Olgiati Bridge to the Manufacturers Road Exit / left on Manufacturers Rd. / right on the US-27 southbound on ramp / southbound to EXIT 1C and 4th Street. Additionally, a message board will be placed on northbound US-27 at EXIT 1A advising traffic about the EXIT 1C closure and suggesting they use the Martin Luther King Blvd. exit (EXIT 1B). The eastbound Martin Luther King Blvd. traffic wishing to go south on US-27 will be detoured to the westbound Martin Luther King Blvd. on ramp to southbound US-27. Saturday (January 9, 2021)  7:00AM to 8:00PM A temporary right lane closure and ramp closure will be in place for northbound US-27 and the 4th Street northbound on ramp for regrinding the concrete ramps. The 4th Street to northbound US-27 traffic will be detoured from 4th Street to Chestnut Street / Martin Luther King Blvd. / Northbound US-27 on ramp. State Troopers are requested for Saturday and Sunday during the day. RESTRICTIONS: I-124 (US-27) Northbound Exit 1C 4th Street Off Ramp No oversize/over dimensional loads. I-124 (US-27) Southbound Exit 1A  1B Martin Luther King Blvd Off Ramp No oversize/over dimensional loads I-124 (US-27) Southbound on Ramps from Martin Luther King Blvd No oversize/over dimensional loads.

[Dement Construction Company, LLC/Micka/CNP230]

HAMILTON COUNTY TDOT Bridge Inspection on SR-8 (MARKET ST.) both directions from LM 9.64 to LM 10.14: On Sunday, 01/10/21, from 8 AM - 1 PM, The Market Street Bridge will be closed to traffic, both directions, for the quarterly lift operation inspection. Detours will be in place.

HAMILTON COUNTY Utility Work on SR-148 (LOOKOUT MTN. SCENIC HWY.) southbound at LM 0.10: Shoulder and single lane closure between Lula Lake Road and TN-GA State Line. There will be temporary red lights to assist with the closure, as well as signage and cones. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 3 PM from 12/15/20 through 01/31/21.

HAMILTON COUNTY Utility Work on SR-2 (BROAD ST.) southbound from LM 6.13 to LM 6.06: Shoulder and single lane closure between Homes Street and W. 34th Street. Signage, cones, and flaggers will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 3 PM from 01/04/21 through 01/13/21.

HAMILTON COUNTY Utility Work on SR-2 (LEE HWY.) eastbound at LM 15.44: Shoulder and single lane closure between E. Brainerd Road and Aiken Road. Signage, and cones will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 2 PM from 01/04/21 through 01/13/21.

HAMILTON COUNTY Utility Work on SR-321 (OOLTEWAH-RINGGOLD RD.) both directions at LM 2.99: Shoulder and single lane closure between Weidner Lane and Wilson Drive. Signage, cones, and flaggers will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 3 PM from 12/15/20 through 01/31/21.

HAMILTON COUNTY SR-29 (US-27) repair of the bridge over Big Soddy Creek (LM 20.6): The contractor will be performing bridge & roadway repair on the SR-29 bridge over Big Soddy Creek. During this report period the contractor will have traffic restricted with two lanes of SR-111 southbound closed. Also, during this report period, the contractor will have two lanes of SR-29 north-bound closed. At least one lane of traffic in both directions shall always remain open.

[Mid-State Construction Company, Inc./Osbonlighter/CNU046]

HAMILTON COUNTY SR-2 (US-64, US-11) improvement of the intersection at Edgmon Road in Collegedale (LM 22.7), including grading, drainage and paving: During this report period, the contractor will be performing grading, drainage and paving. Extra care should be taken while trucks and heavy equipment are entering and exiting the roadway. The roadway may be temporarily restricted to a one lane roadway by flagging operation.

[Talley Construction Company, Inc./Osbonlighter/CNU012]

HAMILTON COUNTY SR-317 (Apison Pike) improvement project from SR-321 (Ooltewah-Ringgold Road) to east of Layton Lane: Lane closures and flagging operations will be required on SR-317, Apison Pike, to install power poles and transfer lines. The flagging operations will be performed on 01/07/21, 01/11/2021, 01/12/2021, and 01/13/2021 from 7 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 7 PM. Closures will last about 2 hours per location. There will also be very short lane closures for blasting that will last five minutes or less. The contractor will have intermittent flagging operations during daytime non-peak hours for utility work, delivery of materials and equipment.

[Wright Brothers Construction Company, Inc./Osbonlighter/CNT336]

HAMILTON COUNTY The construction of an S.I.A. to VW: The contractor will be grading, paving, constructing retaining wall(s) and installing signals & lighting on S.I.A. route connecting Ferdinand Piech Way & Volkswagen Dr. The roadway is not open to traffic. The traveling public should be alert to the entrance and exit of construction vehicles from the jobsite onto the connecting roadways. During the weeks of Dec 1st thru Dec 18th, the contractor may have one lane closed while installing storm drainage. Flaggers will be onsite directing traffic.

[Talley Construction Company, Inc./Osbonlighter/CNU221]

POLK COUNTY Utility Work on SR-33 (HWY. 411) both directions from LM 9.9 to LM 14: Mobile lane closures SR-40 junction to Ocoee River Bridge as crews transition work zone. Motorists should use caution and be aware of personnel and equipment when traveling through the work zones. Signage, cones, and flaggers will be present between 9 AM to 3 PM with an estimated completion of 01/31/21.

POLK COUNTY SR-40 (US-64) bridge over the Ocoee River: During this reporting period, the contractor will be working on foundations for the new bridge over the Ocoee River. The right westbound shoulder of SR-40 (US-64) will be closed for the duration of this work. Motorists are advised to reduce speed and to watch for trucks entering/leaving the highway in the work zone.

[Charles Blalock and Sons, Inc./Wagner/DB1802]

POLK COUNTY SR-40 (US-64) emergency slope stabilization near LM 20.5: During this reporting period, the contractor will be hauling rock fill into the slide area. The eastbound truck climbing lane on SR-40 (US-64) at LM 20.5 is closed and will remain closed for the duration of construction. Motorists are advised to reduce speed in the work zone and watch for trucks entering/leaving the highway.



[Wright Brothers Construction Company, Inc./Wagner/CNU909]

RHEA COUNTY The grading, drainage, construction of bridges, paving and signals on a S.I.A. route serving Nokian Tyres: Construction activity at the Nokian Tyres SIA project has resumed just North of Dayton, TN. The travelling public should be alert to construction vehicles entering and exiting the site. SR-29 traffic will continue to experience slight lane shifts with no shoulders at the entrance to the SIA roadway but there will be no lane closures on SR29



[Dement Construction Company, LLC/Micka/CNU014]

REGION WIDE

REGION 2 TDOT Maintenance drainage work: There will be possible short-term lane and shoulder closures at various locations in Region 2 in order to clean rock and debris from ditches on an as-needed basis. One lane will always be maintained.

[TDOT Operations/Maintenance/R2MAINT]

REGION 2 TDOT Maintenance pothole repair and pavement patching: There will be possible short-term emergency lane closures at various locations in Region 2 in order to repair potholes and patch pavement on an as-needed basis. Depending on location and severity these repairs may be done during the day or at night. In addition to performing the work, regional Operations crews will also provide traffic control.



[TDOT Operations/Maintenance/R2MAINT]

REGION 2 The on-call concrete pavement repair at various locations on various Interstate and State Routes: Vulcan Materials Company will be repairing concrete pavement on the SR-29 NB off-ramp to Sequoyah Rd, the Sequoyah Rd on-ramp to SR-29 NB, and the Jones Gap Rd on-ramp to SR-111 SB. This work will shut down approximately half the width of the ramp leaving a minimum of a 12-foot driving lane. Motorists are advised to use caution while traveling through the work zone and be alert of all traffic signage, personnel and equipment.



[Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC/Voiles/CNT380]

REGION 2 on-call guardrail repair and new guardrail installation on various Interstate and State Routes: The contractor may have short term shoulder and/or lane closures in order to perform guardrail repair. These closures will take place on the interstate nightly from 7 PM to 6 AM Sundays through Thursdays and daily on state routes. At least one travel lane will always remain open to traffic on the interstate, and flaggers will be present on state routes during any work that is performed. Estimated project completion date is June 2021.

[Cumberland Guardrail, Inc./Harris/CNU107]

REGION 2 preventative and unscheduled maintenance of Chattanooga SmartWay Intelligent Transportation System: The contractor may have short term shoulder and/or lane closures in order to perform preventative or unscheduled maintenance to the local SmartWay Intelligent Transportation System. At least one travel lane will always remain open to traffic. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as needed.

[NABCO Electric Company, Inc./Osbonlighter/CNT354]

REGION 2 sweeping and drain cleaning on various interstate and state routes: There will be an area wide sweeping operation on selected regional state routes and interstates. This activity will be supported by a mobile lane closure. Hours of activity are Monday through Wednesday between 8 PM and 6 AM during this reporting period.

[Blevins Enterprises, Inc./Micka/CNT329]

REGION 2 TDOT mowing operations: There will be possible short-term lane closures at various locations on interstates and state routes in Region 2 in order to perform mowing activities on an as-needed basis. In addition to performing the work, regional Operations crews will also provide traffic control.



[TDOT/Maintenance/R2MAINT]

REGION 2 The random on-call cable barrier repair on various Interstate and State Routes: The contractor may have short term shoulder closures in order to perform cable rail repair. Both travel lanes will always remain open to traffic on the interstate during any work that is performed.

[LU, Inc./Harris/CNT292]

RESTRICTIONS

CLAY COUNTY - CNU198: Loads wider than 11' should seek alternate route.

HAMILTON COUNTY - CNP230: I-124 (US-27) Northbound Exit 1C 4th Street Off Ramp No oversize/over dimensional loads. I-124 (US-27) Southbound Exit 1A  1B Martin Luther King Blvd Off Ramp No oversize/over dimensional loads I-124 (US-27) Southbound on Ramps from Martin Luther King Blvd No oversize/over dimensional loads.

Motorists are encouraged to use caution and obey reduced speed limits in all TDOT work zones, regardless of lane closure activity.

Information in this report is provided to the Department of Transportation by the contractors. Most work is weather dependent and subject to change due to inclement weather. All times are local.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511 or any of TDOT's other Twitter pages. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

In 2016, the Tennessee Department of Transportation lost three workers in the line of duty. All three were struck by passing motorists. Those tragedies bring the total number of TDOT lives lost to 112. We don't want to lose another member of our TDOT family. We're asking you to WORK WITH US. To learn more, go to the website at https://www.tn.gov/tdot/work-with-us/.

###
Slamming President Donald Trump for inciting violence at the US Capitol, his predecessor Barack Obama has said it is a moment of "great dishonour and shame" for the United States. The statement of the former popular president came hours after thousands of pro-Trump rioters on Wednesday stormed the US Capitol, interrupting a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were set to certify President-elect Joe Biden's win.

History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation. But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise, Obama said in a lengthy statement.

For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth that this was not a particularly close election and that President-elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20, he said. "Their fantasy narrative has spiralled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo, Obama said.

In the November 3 presidential election, Biden, a Democrat won 306 Electoral College votes while Trump, a Republican, mustered only 232 votes. Obama said, Right now, Republican leaders have a choice made clear in the desecrated chambers of democracy. They can continue down this road and keep stoking the raging fires. Or they can choose reality and take the first steps toward extinguishing the flames. They can choose America."

The former president said he was heartened to see many members of Trump's party speak up forcefully today. Their voices add to the examples of Republican state and local election officials in states like Georgia who've refused to be intimidated and have discharged their duties honourably. We need more leaders like these right now and in the days, weeks, and months ahead as President-elect Biden works to restore a common purpose to our politics. It's up to all of us as Americans, regardless of party, to support him in that goal, he said.

In a separate statement, former US President George W Bush said he and the former First Lady watched the scenes of "mayhem unfolding at the seat of our nation's government in disbelief and dismay".

It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic not our democratic republic. I am appalled by the reckless behaviour of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement, he said.

The violent assault on the Capitol and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes. Insurrection could do grave damage to our nation and reputation, Bush said.

In the US, he said, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law. "To those who are disappointed in the results of the election: Our country is more important than the politics of the moment. Let the officials elected by the people fulfil their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety," Bush said.

According to former US President Bill Clinton, the "unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country" was fuelled by more than four years of "poison politics" spreading deliberate misinformation, sowing distrust in the system and "pitting Americans against one another".

"We must reject today's violence, turn the page and move forward together honouring our Constitution, remaining committed to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, he said. Former Secretary of State and First Lady, Hillary Clinton, said "domestic terrorists" attacked a foundation of American democracy: the peaceful transfer of power following free elections.

We must reestablish the rule of law and hold them accountable. Democracy is fragile. Our leaders must live up to their responsibility to protect it, she said. Former Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush alleged that Trump provoked the disgusting events at the Capitol.

He has gone from creating chaos to inciting insurrection. Mr President, accept your defeat, go home to Florida and let our elected officials do their jobs and rebuild confidence in our democracy, he said.

Also read: US Capitol violence: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram suspend Trump's accounts

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I was sitting next to my Dad as I watched angry white men storm the Capitol on behalf of President Donald Trump.

My father is 78 years old and hes not in the best of health. But when he was younger, he was cool as a cucumber. He and all of his brothers were in the service during Vietnam. My mothers brother was in Vietnam. My mothers father and all of his brothers served in the colored regiment during World War II.

These Black men were patriots. They taught me to be honest and hardworking. And, most importantly, they taught me to love my country even when it didnt love us back.

Its felt like that a lot recently. Last summer, Black people across the country took to the streets about that injustice. We watched Black people get shot to death in our homes, or choked to death under the knee of people who are supposed to protect and serve. And when we marched  to defend our very lives  we were shot with rubber bullets and tear gas.

Still, when I write on the pages of this newspaper about the disparities Black people face in this country, Im told by readers that if I dont like the way this country treats Black people, I can leave. When Ive defended the right of Colin Kaepernick to take a knee, Ive been called a defender of thugs. When Ive written that Donald Trump is a racist, acts like a renegade, and ignores American values, I am called an unpatriotic wench.

I wonder what these same people, these alleged defenders of American values, would say about the mob who broke into the Capitol and trashed desks of lawmakers to impede democracy. Would they question their patriotism?

What happened at the Capitol was not a protest. It was an insurrection. Yet in a tweet thats since been removed, Trump  who still holds the highest office in the land  called the insurgents great patriots.

 READ MORE: Trump told us he would wreck America. Why didnt we believe him the first time? | Will Bunch

Trump supporters have been foreshadowing what would happen for months if they didnt get their way. Yet America was still surprised when they walked into the nations Capitol. We watched as their bodies were left whole as the angry mob breached the Capitol, some waving Confederate flags emblazoned with Trumps face.

While several Republican senators condemned the attack on democracy, many still repeated the lies that prompted it. (And worse: Sen. Josh Hawley was photographed, power fist raised to the crowd, before they stormed the Capitol.) Republicans still voted to object to the certification of Arizona and Pennsylvanias electoral votes, ultimately giving the will of the people the middle finger.

What will happen to them? They will remain in office.

This hypocrisy is at the core of Black peoples pain and anger. This is why even in the face of hope  the Biden-Harris win and Democratic control of the Senate  we want to throw our hands up in despair. Why should I feel sad for my country? Was this country ever mine? We give up.

Because the truth of it is this: The core of the Black Lives Matter and Civil Rights movements was not overthrowing the government. Collectively, Black people want to be listened to. We want to be treated like our lives do matter. And at the very least, we dont want people to feel like they can kill us with impunity. Black people built and fought for this country, too. These are rights of every American.

Need proof? Flint still has dirty water, but the people who stormed the Michigan Capitol werent Black people. In the past, Georgia disenfranchised Black voters. What did they do? They voted in 2020. Here in Philadelphia, even at the height of last summers BLM protests, yes, there was some destruction and outbursts of anger, but these were expressions of democracy. The goal was not stopping democracy from taking place. Why? Because thats not what good Americans do. Not to mention, wed be shot on sight.

So why arent those protesters seen as patriots? Its built into the very roots of our system.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson writes in her 2020 best selling book, Caste, that after Reconstruction, the dominant caste [white Americans] devised a labyrinth of laws to hold the newly freed people at the bottom rung ever so tightly. Wilkerson continues: The colonists created a caste of people who would by definition be seen as dumb because it was illegal to teach them to read or write, as lazy to justify the bullwhip, as immoral to justify rape and forced breeding, as criminal because the colonists made a natural response to kidnap, floggings and torture  the human impulse to defend oneself or break free  a crime if one were black.

No wonder when Black people stand in solidarity, take a knee, or defend our right to just be, we are damned and deemed unpatriotic. It is the American system. This is what happens when a nation collectively believes in the inherent goodness of white people, no matter what they say or do.

 READ MORE: Trump supporters in Washington rejoice over an attack on the U.S. Capitol: Today, its biblical

But while we know this to be true, it doesnt hurt any less when Black peoples loyalty to America is continually questioned. In fact, it stings even more. After all, arent we Americans, too? What do you think it does to us to be constantly vilified for exercising our right to live while we watch a white mob breach the Capitol and walk away? What does this do to our souls?

When we see this, a spectrum of responses comes up, said Ebony White, a licensed professional counselor and psychology professor at Drexel University. Some of us shake our heads at the country because we know this is not new. Then there those of us who are just fed up and angry because we know we dont have the same liberties and rights as those people we just watched storm the Capitol. This is why, collectively speaking, Black people have a hard time believing in America.

Yet we do. We still continue to believe in this country, in spite of everything. We still fight for it to be better.

After all, it was the Black vote that ultimately made the difference in the election. It was the Black vote that the mob was looking to overturn.

My dad and I watched the insurrection coverage well into the night. He nodded off in and out of sleep. And when he woke up, he just shook his head, and didnt say much.

He didnt have to.
Amid the chaos and mayhem at our nation's Capitol, the flags flew high. Dangerous. Despicable. And familiar.

The day had begun with the results of Georgia's runoff election, in which Raphael Warnock was the projected winner and fellow Democrat Jon Ossoff declared victory. In the aftermath of his success, Warnock reflected on the hopeful history he had just made, as the first African American senator from Georgia. The country had come so far, a journey measured by the life of his 82-year-old mother, who had gone from picking cotton for the benefit of overseers to casting a vote for her son for the betterment of her country.

Ossoff, who had interned with the civil rights icon John Lewis, would make history, too. He would by nightfall be projected to become the state's first Jewish senator.

But our grievous history is relentless. And so is hate.

Read More

The rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in hopes of holding on to a past - both near and distant. They hoisted Trump flags aloft because it is he to whom they've pledged their allegiance, refusing to accept his defeat in the November election. "USA!" "USA!" they cried.

These violent and angry mobs of men and women called themselves patriots - despoiling a beautiful and mighty word - as they clambered up inauguration scaffolding, shattered windows and wreaked terror in the nation's capital in the name of a single wretched man and his delusions of greatness. They held signs that evangelized that "Jesus Saves," using religion to justify their attempted coup.

"Fight for Trump!" they chanted. And they let Confederate flags fly on the Capitol steps and inside its hallowed halls, making it plain just how they define the man and the real Americans for whom they claim to be standing firm.

For much of Wednesday afternoon, the president of the United States let the anger of the mob fester as flash bangs echoed off federal buildings and the stink of smoke filled the air. President Donald Trump had incited and encouraged this insurrection. It was his creation, and he put the final flourishes on it in the late morning when he - as well as his family - poured even more accelerant on an already raging fire during a morning rally on the Ellipse.

The Capitol siege was seemingly his end game, the culmination of his campaign of lies and grievances over an election that he lost fair and square.

"We're going to walk down to the Capitol, and we're going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and we're probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them," Trump said from behind a protective clear shield as he was wrapping up his remarks.

"We're never going to take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength, and you have to be strong."

His followers did as they were told.

And so, on the sixth day of a new year that has already felt like a suffocating eternity, democracy bled out. It was bludgeoned and pummeled and stabbed through the heart by a mob of Americans who claimed they were fighting against communism, socialism, liberalism and a host of other -isms, when all along they were simply at war with democracy and the inconvenient truth that sometimes you and yours are simply outvoted.

What to call these people? To describe them as protesters is to undermine those who take to the streets in peace, who raise their voices in hopes of making the country better - not to demolish it. Are they traitors? Terrorists? Radicals? Thugs? They are all of those things - a national quilt of our worst impulses and characteristics. They are young and old. They are men. They are women.

They are mostly White. And they rampaged through the Capitol posting photographs of themselves and one another breaking into the offices of the speaker of the House, looting and rioting and threatening - and, at least initially, being greeted like overzealous tourists compared with the way in which some law enforcement have beaten back Black Lives Matter and racial justice demonstrators.

The president-elect made a statement, too. Joe Biden pleaded for peace and insisted that Trump speak up with certitude and passion and to send his supporters home. "This is not dissent," Biden said. "It's disorder. It's chaos. It borders on sedition. And it must end. Now."

He said the rioters did not represent who we are. But they are, at least in part, who we have become. They're certainly part of who we've always been. They are Americans just as surely as are those who watch them in horror and disgust.

Expand Close Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Americans stormed the Capitol, and they did so while flying the Confederate flag. They did this. They brandished it throughout the marble halls. That is who they are. They are proud of it. And they are part of this body politic.

As democracy lay dying under the Capitol dome, Trump finally spoke to the assailants, in a video posted to Twitter. His call for the violence to cease was grudging and without any of the ruthless gusto that he reserves for agitators who don't look like him, who don't worship him, who don't serve his purposes.

"I know your pain. I know your hurt," Trump said, and then he repeated his lies about having won the election. "But you have to go home now. We have to have peace."

But what Trump has unleashed cannot so easily be controlled or pushed back. History is relentless. Hatred is fierce.

At nightfall, when law enforcement regained control of the Capitol, the lawmakers returned to their task of counting the electoral votes. So many of the provocateurs among them, the ones who had threatened to object to the will of the people, seemed chastened. Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., newly defeated by Warnock, acknowledged a change of heart. But there was nothing to applaud here. No reason to cheer. As Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., noted, "The shame of this day is that it's been aided and abetted by good Americans who are falling prey, who are choosing Trump over truth."

Americans are choosing Trump over democracy.

The rioters want to wallow in the Confederacy. They want to be reborn under the flag of Trump. They want to live in an angry, polluted, heartless world, if only because it means that they get to stand victorious atop the whole, miserable mess.
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Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
Clockwise from top-left, actors Seol Kyung-gu, Lee Ha-nee, Park So-dam, Seo Hyun-woo, Kim Dong-hee and Park Hae-soo / Courtesy of CJ ENM





By Kwak Yeon-soo







A much-anticipated spy action thriller has confirmed its full cast lineup, featuring some of most in-demand actors in Korean cinema today.







The Lamp, the production company behind hits "A Taxi Driver" (2017), "Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission" (2019) and "Samjin Company English Class" (2020), announced the full ensemble cast and said shooting began Jan. 4.







"'Ghost' is an exhilarating and action-packed feature film with stellar cast who engage in mind games. It will also feature flamboyant sets to recreate the ambience of 1930s Gyeongseong (Seoul's name at the time) and make audiences feel like they're time traveling to that period," it said in a statement.







Set in 1933 during the Japanese colonization of Korea, "Ghost" will be an espionage action film written and directed by Lee Hae-young. Lee, known to depict tense sequences and multi-layered characters, previously directed the coming-of-age comedy drama "Like a Virgin" (2014) and the action thriller "Believer" (2018).







"Ghost" will tell the story of five people suspected of being a mysterious "ghost," a spy for an anti-Japanese resistance group. Trapped inside an isolated hotel, the five characters must use their wits to survive and escape while suspecting one another.







Seol Kyung-gu will be starring as Murayama Junji, a Japanese police officer and former soldier who used to be a member of Japan's intelligence agency, but has been demoted to the surveillance and communications bureau. The versatile actor, who starred in "The Merciless" (2016), "Memoir of a Murderer" (2017) and "Birthday" (2018), is set to return to the big screen with Lee Joon-ik's "The Book of Fish" this year.







"Parasite" star Park So-dam will appear as Yuriko, the secretary of a high-ranking official within the Japanese colonial government in Korea despite being Korean. This is her second time working together with director Lee following "The Silenced" (2015), a horror mystery set in 1930s.







Lee Ha-nee, who left a strong impression with audiences for her performance in "Extreme Job" (2019), will play the role of Park Cha-kyung, a communications employee who records coded messages.







Rising star Kim Dong-hee, who rose to fame through Netflix original sereis "Extracurricular" (2020), will play her younger co-worker Baek-ho. Actor Seo Hyun-woo will play Chun Kye-jang, an introverted cryptographer who is talented at decryption, while Park Hae-soo will act as Kaito, the merciless security agent who leads the investigation to single out the "ghost," or the spy who has infiltrated the Japanese colonial government.







The film's release date is yet to be confirmed.






The Worcester branch of the NAACP said Thursday that it would keep fighting to address systemic racism, calling months of inaction in the city a slap in the face.

The branch also said the last two days have been a slap in the face and an assault on the country. On Tuesday, prosecutors in Wisconsin said the officer who shot Jacob Blake in the back in Kenosha last summer, leaving him paralyzed, would not face criminal charges. And on Wednesday, loyalists of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol building, breaking windows and fighting with police in a riot that led to four deaths.

On Tuesday we were angry, sad, and a little numb at the news that the officer who shot Jacob Blake in the back 7 times would not face any criminal charges. As disappointing as it is its no surprise, the branch said in a statement.

Yesterday we saw majority White people storm the Capitol building. My first thought was how did they get so close? What if a group of Black men and women stormed the Capitol? They would have been shot. They would not have made it to the front doors, not to mention inside of the building, the statement continued.

Joining some lawmakers, including members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, the branch called for the immediate impeachment of Trump.

The branch called Wednesdays events an act of terror, and said what unfolded is a reminder of two Americas, the privileged and disadvantaged.

In Worcester, the branch is calling for the immediate implementation of police reform.

Many in the community feel change is well overdue here in the City of Worcester, the statement said. We will again call our elected officials with as much passion as we did in June and ask them to help us prevent what is happening all around the country from happening here. We hear many say, Worcester doesnt have these problems and Ive never seen racism within the Worcester Police Department. Well, do something to make it harder for racism to be here.

A civilian review board with subpoena power and the removal of police officers from the Worcester Public Schools are among reforms sought by the branch.

The Worcester NAACP and our community partners are not going away, and we will keep raising our voices until they are heard, the statement said. We will keep building our coalition and we will keep fighting for change here in Worcester. Systemic racism, and its delays, roadblocks and promises have been in place for a long time and only hard work and determination will change it.

In the last two weeks, Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh have signed police reform bills and ordinances. The branch said neither has everything it wants to see, but that it is a start to holding police officers accountable for unlawful actions.

The past two days are not just an assault on our country, they are a slap in the face to the Black community and all Black residents of Worcester. The months of delays and inaction here in Worcester have equally been a slap in the face, the statement said.

It is time we actively worked to dismantle systemic racism within the Worcester Police Department and instituted the communitys calls for change We at the Worcester Branch NAACP are up for the challenge! We hope Worcesters leaders take immediate steps to bring about real change, the statement continued.

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DIDCOT, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / Altus Strategies Plc (AIM:ALS)(TSX-V:ALTS)(OTCQX:ALTUF) announces encouraging initial results from the ongoing 10,000m Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling programme at its 100% owned Diba gold project ("Diba" or the "Project") located in western Mali. Diba hosts a shallow-dipping near-surface gold deposit (the "Diba Deposit") and several other prospect areas.

Highlights:

Initial results from 10,000m RC drilling programme at Diba gold project in western Mali

Intersections from Diba Deposit include: 3.34 g/t Au over 60m from 17m (including 13.60 g/t Au over 9m) 4.48 g/t Au over 15m from 22m (including 7.18 g/t Au over 9m) 22.11 g/t Au over 6m from 89m 2.51 g/t Au over 12m from 3m (including 3.32 g/t Au over 7m)

Two new zones discovered at the Diba NW prospect, 800m northwest of Diba Deposit.

A Mineral Resource Estimate (" MRE ") for the Diba Deposit comprises: 4,834,000 tonnes at 1.39 g/t Au for 217,000 ounces in the Indicated category 5,479,000 tonnes at 1.06 g/t Au for 187,000 ounces in the Inferred category

") for the Diba Deposit comprises: Further assay results from the balance of the drilling programme anticipated shortly

Follow up drilling planned for Q2 of 2021 to include currently undrilled prospects

Diba is strategically located in a world-famous gold belt that hosts numerous open-pit mines

Steven Poulton, Chief Executive of Altus, commented:

"We are delighted to report on the excellent results returned from the ongoing 10,000m RC drilling programme at the Diba gold project in Western Mali, including 3.34 g/t Au over 60m from 17m downhole from within the Diba Deposit. Separately we are highly encouraged by intercepts outside the margins of the current MRE envelope, indicating along strike and down-dip continuation, including 4.48 g/t Au over 15m from 22m on its western side and 22.11 g/t Au over 6m from 89m on its eastern side.

"The current drilling programme is also testing satellite prospects to the main Diba Deposit. Initial results received from the Diba NW prospect indicate the discovery of two potentially significant, shallow-dipping, and consistent zones of mineralisation totalling approximately 750m in strike length with intersections including 0.87 g/t Au over 21m from 79m.

"A number of priority prospects have not been tested in the current programme, and we anticipate that these will be drilled in a follow-up programme once physical access to the drill rig is complete. In the meantime, we look forward to updating shareholders on further assay results from the current programme as they are received."

Diba Project: Drilling Programme

The RC drilling programme is currently being undertaken by Capital Drilling Limited and, once complete, will comprise approximately 110 holes totalling approximately 10,000m. Approximately 4,800m (over 52 holes) is being drilled in and around that part of the Diba Deposit subject to the MRE, testing the potential down-dip and along strike extensions, as well as infilling areas to increase the resource confidence. Approximately 5,200m is being drilled to test up to five priority prospects each located within 3km of the Diba Deposit.

The results for assays returned for the first 51 holes covering a total of 4886m of drilling are summarised in Table 1 below. These holes were drilled at -60 degrees inclination and ranged between 50m to 270m in length. Drilling has been orientated perpendicular to the strike of the Diba Deposit and the interpreted structural orientation of the target areas.

The programme was designed to:

Test potential extension of that part of the Diba Deposit subject to the MRE along strike and down dip

Increase the resource confidence of the MRE, including the NE trending high-grade zone

Test the potential for mineralisation at five surrounding prospects within 3km of that part of the Diba Deposit subject to the MRE

Provide QAQC support for the Diba Deposit model

Testing potential extension of the Diba MRE

Drilling was undertaken along strike (to the north and south), down-dip (to the east) and also targeted the potential for lenses to the west. To date, approximately 4,345m of drilling has been completed in 23 holes, and assay results have been returned for 14 holes (covering approximately 1396m of drilling). Three holes remain to be drilled.

The results received to date confirm potential on strike and down dip extensions, including:

continuation of mineralisation down-dip in the east 22.11 g/t Au over 6m from 89m downhole (20KSRC049) 0.73 g/t Au over 3m from 80m downhole (20KSRC-050)

continuation of mineralisation up-dip to the west 0.54 g/t Au over 2m from 17m downhole (20KSRC-004) 5.42 g/t Au over 2m from 46m downhole (20KSRC-005)

along strike to the south 1.23 g.t Au over 5m from 87m downhole (20KSRC-009)



Increase the resource confidence of the MRE, including the NE trending high grade zone

Approximately 1,384m of drilling has been completed in 15 holes within that part of the Diba Deposit subject to the MRE, particularly targeting the interpreted high-grade northeast trending zone. Assay results from six holes have been received to date with an additional six holes remaining to be drilled.

The results received to date confirm high grade and near surface mineralisation, including:

7.18 g/t Au over 9m from 26m downhole (20KSRC-006)

29.65 g/t Au over 2m from 26m downhole (20KSRC-028)

3.34 g/t/Au over 60m from 17m downhole (20KSRC-051)

Test the potential for mineralisation at five surrounding prospects within 3km of the MRE

Approximately 5,275m of drilling has been completed in 56 holes across five targets. Assay results have been received for 30 holes to date with an additional two holes remaining to be drilled.

The results received to date validate the exploration potential near to the Diba Deposit, including:

0.75 g/t Au over 16m from 3m downhole (20KSRC-019)

0.87 g/t Au over 21m from 79m downhole (20KSRC-041)

Provide QAQC support for the Diba Deposit model

A number of holes were planned proximal to historic holes to validate previous assay results and intersections in the Diba Deposit model. So far one hole has been completed and a further three holes are to be drilled.

The results received to date validate the historic assay data and intersections, including:

3.34 g/t Au over 60m from 17m downhole (20KSRC-051)

Table 1: Diba drill intersections from current programme

Location Hole ID From (m) To (m) Intersection (m) Grade (g/t Au) Diba Deposit (within MRE) 20KSRC-006 22.00 37.00 15.00 4.48 Including: 26.00 35.00 9.00 7.18 44.00 51.00 7.00 0.51 59.00 60.00 1.00 0.51 20KSRC-010 3.00 15.00 12.00 2.51 Including: 3.00 7.00 4.00 1.62 8.00 15.00 7.00 3.32 20.00 25.00 5.00 0.50 20KSRC-011 7.00 13.00 6.00 0.81 17.00 19.00 2.00 0.99 25.00 29.00 4.00 0.84 20KSRC-015 1.00 6.00 5.00 0.63 38.00 39.00 1.00 2.01 46.00 48.00 2.00 1.14 20KSRC-028 26.00 28.00 2.00 29.65 35.00 36.00 1.00 0.53 41.00 45.00 4.00 0.46 Including: 41.00 42.00 1.00 0.73 70.00 71.00 1.00 1.25 87.00 88.00 1.00 0.78 122.00 127.00 5.00 0.72 152.00 153.00 1.00 0.76 20KSRC-051 17.00 77.00 60.00 3.34 Including: 17.00 20.00 3.00 6.66 22.00 29.00 7.00 2.44 30.00 39.00 9.00 13.60 Diba Deposit (outside MRE) 20KSRC-001 No significant results 20KSRC-002 No significant results 20KSRC-003 19.00 20.00 1.00 1.79 25.00 38.00 13.00 1.05 20KSRC-004 17.00 19.00 2.00 0.54 20KSRC-005 46.00 48.00 2.00 5.42 20KSRC-007 No significant results 20KSRC-008 No significant results 20KSRC-009 83.00 99.00 16.00 0.79 Including: 87.00 92.00 5.00 1.23 20KSRC-012 82.00 85.00 3.00 0.93 20KSRC-013 37.00 38.00 1.00 0.94 20KSRC-014 69.00 70.00 1.00 0.80 20KSRC-016 13.00 16.00 3.00 1.47 26.00 27.00 1.00 0.88 31.00 32.00 1.00 2.27 20KSRC-049A 57.00 58.00 1.00 0.53 76.00 77.00 1.00 0.56 81.00 84.00 3.00 0.43 89.00 95.00 6.00 22.11 103.00 104.00 1.00 0.52 130.00 131.00 1.00 0.51 145.00 148.00 3.00 0.53 167.00 171.00 4.00 0.37 239.00 244.00 5.00 3.33 255.00 256.00 1.00 1.31 20KSRC-050 11.00 12.00 1.00 1.03 80.00 83.00 3.00 0.73 97.00 98.00 1.00 0.51 122.00 124.00 2.00 0.74 134.00 135.00 1.00 0.63 Diba NW Prospect 20KSRC-017 4.00 5.00 1.00 0.50 9.00 10.00 1.00 0.51 40.00 48.00 8.00 0.55 52.00 53.00 1.00 0.73 20KSRC-018 No significant results 20KSRC-019 3.00 19.00 16.00 0.75 23.00 28.00 5.00 0.54 41.00 42.00 1.00 0.52 58.00 59.00 1.00 1.03 75.00 76.00 1.00 0.72 20KSRC-020 22.00 41.00 19.00 0.68 48.00 49.00 1.00 0.53 67.00 69.00 2.00 1.29 20KSRC-021 35.00 36.00 1.00 1.66 20KSRC-022 18.00 19.00 1.00 1.21 25.00 30.00 5.00 0.76 38.00 39.00 1.00 0.51 44.00 45.00 1.00 1.10 72.00 73.00 1.00 0.51 20KSRC-023 2.00 14.00 12.00 0.77 18.00 20.00 2.00 0.62 28.00 30.00 2.00 0.57 68.00 69.00 1.00 0.53 71.00 72.00 1.00 0.79 20KSRC-024 4.00 5.00 1.00 0.89 16.00 21.00 5.00 0.48 39.00 41.00 2.00 0.77 51.00 57.00 6.00 0.57 62.00 63.00 1.00 0.50 20KSRC-025 35.00 50.00 15.00 0.54 62.00 63.00 1.00 0.64 67.00 68.00 1.00 0.66 74.00 76.00 2.00 0.61 20KSRC-026 63.00 64.00 1.00 0.61 20KSRC-027 61.00 62.00 1.00 1.02 20KSRC-029 No significant results 20KSRC-030 No significant results 20KSRC-031 No significant results 20KSRC-032 32.00 33.00 1.00 0.52 60.00 61.00 1.00 0.84 66.00 67.00 1.00 0.57 20KSRC-033 26.00 27.00 1.00 1.17 86.00 87.00 1.00 2.63 20KSRC-034 No significant results 20KSRC-035 20.00 21.00 1.00 0.55 28.00 32.00 4.00 0.72 37.00 46.00 9.00 0.79 54.00 55.00 1.00 0.50 20KSRC-036 15.00 16.00 1.00 0.54 23.00 24.00 1.00 0.77 31.00 32.00 1.00 0.67 35.00 41.00 6.00 0.62 43.00 45.00 2.00 0.62 57.00 61.00 4.00 0.42 68.00 69.00 1.00 0.54 20KSRC-037 16.00 18.00 2.00 0.60 24.00 25.00 1.00 0.62 69.00 79.00 10.00 0.55 86.00 87.00 1.00 0.51 96.00 97.00 1.00 0.82 20KSRC-038 24.00 27.00 3.00 0.71 39.00 48.00 9.00 0.47 79.00 80.00 1.00 0.52 20KSRC-039 2.00 3.00 1.00 0.54 40.00 41.00 1.00 0.60 20KSRC-040 2.00 3.00 1.00 0.59 39.00 46.00 7.00 0.37 66.00 73.00 7.00 0.55 78.00 79.00 1.00 0.51 20KSRC-041 15.00 16.00 1.00 0.60 47.00 48.00 1.00 0.56 57.00 58.00 1.00 1.03 73.00 75.00 2.00 1.09 79.00 100.00 21.00 0.87 20KSRC-042 3.00 11.00 8.00 0.68 17.00 25.00 8.00 0.65 29.00 32.00 3.00 1.36 38.00 44.00 6.00 0.51 64.00 65.00 1.00 0.53 87.00 98.00 11.00 0.73 20KSRC-043 29.00 30.00 1.00 0.52 36.00 44.00 8.00 0.67 48.00 49.00 1.00 0.73 55.00 65.00 10.00 0.85 20KSRC-044 42.00 57.00 15.00 0.52 62.00 67.00 5.00 0.62 72.00 74.00 2.00 0.71 91.00 92.00 1.00 0.76 20KSRC-045 68.00 79.00 11.00 0.47 87.00 98.00 11.00 0.63 20KSRC-046 34.00 35.00 1.00 0.50 40.00 41.00 1.00 1.15 64.00 66.00 2.00 0.99 20KSRC-047 No significant results 20KSRC-048 57.00 58.00 1.00 0.70 74.00 75.00 1.00 1.18

Notes:

Intersections based on 0.5 g/t Au cut off and  3m consecutive internal waste Intersections are down-the-hole and do not represent true widths of mineralisation No grade capping has been applied Estimated true widths for the holes is from 75% to 100% of the intercept width

Illustrations

The following illustrations have been prepared and relate to the disclosure in this announcement and are visible in the version of this announcement on the Company's website (www.altus-strategies.com) or in PDF format by following this link: https://altus-strategies.com/site/assets/files/4994/altus_nr_-_diba_07_jan_2021.pdf

Location of the Diba project in western Mali is shown in Figure 1.

Location of Diba Deposit and satellite prospects is shown in Figure 2.

Plan of drill holes with assay results returned from Diba MRE is shown in Figure 3.

Cross section of drill holes within the Diba MRE area is shown in Figure 4.

Plan of drill holes with assay results returned from satellite prospects is shown in Figure 5

Mineral Resource Update

The Company intends to incorporate the results from the current drill programme when all have been received and compiled into an updated MRE for the Diba Deposit. Diba currently hosts an MRE of 217,000 ounces at 1.39 g/t Au (Indicated) and 187,000 ounces at 1.06 g/t Au (Inferred) in both oxide and fresh domains as set out in Table 2. The MRE was previously reported by the Company on 06 July 2020 (see Altus' news release titled "Significant Gold Resource at Diba Project, Western Mali").

Table 2: Diba Mineral Resource Estimate

Domain Indicated Inferred Tonnes (t) Grade (g/t) Contained gold (oz) Tonnes (t) Grade (g/t) Contained gold (oz) OXIDE 3,900,000 1.46 183,100 939,000 1.10 33,200 FRESH 934,000 1.12 33,600 4,540,000 1.05 153,300 Total 4,834,000 1.39 217,000 5,479,000 1.06 187,000

Notes:

The MRE has an effective date of 06 July 2020. The Mineral Resources in the MRE are classified according to the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) "Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines" dated 29 November, 2019 and CIM "Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" dated 10 May, 2014. Mineral Resources are reported within a pit shell and are reported to a base-case cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Resources as an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, marketing, or other relevant issues. All tonnages reported are dry metric tonnes. Minor discrepancies may occur due to rounding to appropriate significant figures. Tonnages are rounded to 1,000t and gold to 1,000oz as this is an estimate.

Diba Project: Location

The 81km2 Diba (Korali Sud licence) project is located in the Kayes region of western Mali, approximately 450km northwest of the capital city of Bamako. The Project sits 5km west of the Company's Lakanfla gold project, which is under joint venture with ASX listed Marvel Gold Limited and approximately 13km south of the multi-million ounce Sadiola gold mine and 35km south of the multi-million ounce Yatela former gold mine, both owned by Allied Gold Corp. Diba is bounded by the Sadiola permit on its northern and eastern boundaries. Mineralisation hosted on these properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralisation hosted at Diba.

Diba Project: Geology and Mineralisation

Mineralisation at the Diba project is sediment-hosted within a series of stacked lenses, typically between 20m and 40m thick. The lenses are shallow-dipping at approximately 30 degrees angled to the east/east-southeast. The Diba Deposit is considered to be controlled by a number of northwest and northeast orientated structures, with gold occurring as fine-grained disseminations in localised high-grade calcite-quartz veinlets. Alteration at Diba is typically albite-hematite+/-pyrite, although pyrite content is generally very low (<1 %). The weathering profile at the Project is estimated to be up to 70m vertical depth, resulting in extensive oxidation from surface. The oxide gold mineralisation at Diba is predominantly found in saprolite within 50m of surface and across a compact 700m x 700m area.

QAQC

All RC samples were collected following industry best practices with an appropriate number and type of certified reference materials (standards), blanks and duplicates inserted to ensure an effective QAQC regime. Drilling at Diba is being conducted by Capital Drilling Limited. Samples were collected at 1m sample intervals and a representative sample was split at the site and sent for analysis at SGS SARL (Bamako, Mali) by fire assay technique FAE505. All standard, blanks and duplicates have been reviewed and no significant issues with the data have been identified.

Qualified Person

The technical disclosure in this regulatory announcement has been approved by Steven Poulton, Chief Executive of Altus. A graduate of the University of Southampton in Geology (Hons), he also holds a Master's degree from the Camborne School of Mines (Exeter University) in Mining Geology. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and has over 20 years of experience in mineral exploration, and is a Qualified Person under the AIM rules and NI 43-101.

For further information you are invited to visit the Company's website www.altus-strategies.com or contact:

Altus Strategies Plc

Steven Poulton, Chief Executive

Tel:+44 (0) 1235 511 767

E: info@altus-strategies.com

SP Angel (Nominated Adviser)

Richard Morrison / Adam Cowl

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0470

SP Angel (Broker)

Abigail Wayne / Richard Parlons

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0471

Yellow Jersey PR (Financial PR & IR)

Georgia Colkin / Charles Goodwin / Henry Wilkinson

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3004 9512

E: altus@yellowjerseypr.com

About Altus Strategies Plc

Altus Strategies (AIM: ALS, TSX-V: ALTS & OTCQX: ALTUF) is a mining royalty company generating a diversified and precious metal focused portfolio of assets. The Company's focus on Africa and differentiated approach, of generating royalties on its own discoveries as well as through financings and acquisitions with third parties, has attracted key institutional investor backing. The Company engages constructively with all stakeholders, working diligently to minimise its environmental impact and to promote positive economic and social outcomes in the communities where it operates. For further information, please visit www.altus-strategies.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information included in this announcement, including information relating to future financial or operating performance and other statements that express the expectations of the Directors or estimates of future performance constitute "forward-looking statements". 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 without limitation the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programmes on schedule and the success of exploration programmes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date of this announcement and the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Where the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as at the date hereof and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or any forward-looking statements contained in any other announcements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law or regulations.

TSX Venture Exchange Disclaimer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organisation of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Market Abuse Regulation Disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 ("MAR") until the release of this announcement.

Glossary of Terms

The following is a glossary of technical terms:

"Au" means gold

"CIM" means the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum

"g" means grams

"g/t" means grams per tonne

"grade(s)" means the quantity of ore or metal in a specified quantity of rock

"km" means kilometres

"m" means metres

"MRE" means Mineral Resource Estimate

"NI 43-101" means National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" of the Canadian Securities Administrators

"Qualified Person" means a person that has the education, skills and professional credentials to qualify as a qualified person under NI 43-101

"RC" means Reverse Circulation drilling

"t" means a metric tonne

SOURCE: Altus Strategies Plc

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623362/Broad-High-Grade-Gold-Intercepts-from-Drilling-at-Diba-Project-Western-Mali
"COVID-19 has created long-lasting effects that go beyond the virus itself  in our economy and in how we work, interact and coexist," said eOn Mist LLC co-founder Austin Hurst. "As a society, we've effected behavioral change, such as frequent hand washing and surface sanitizing, to fight the pandemic. We want to encourage continuing these habits as studies show that regular hand cleansing reduces school absenteeism by almost 20% and respiratory infections by over 15%, while unclean hands contribute to nearly 50% of all foodborne illness outbreaks. We don't care if people use eOn Mist, just that they keep on keeping their hands clean."

Patrick McClenahan, President and CEO of Goodwill Southern California, adds: "Lessons from the pandemic reinforce how small actions can contribute to the sum total of community's well-being. The eOn Mist donation of eOn Mist dispensers will help our employees stay safe, healthy and working  ultimately supporting a shared commitment to sustainable job growth and creation in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino County."

Since 1916, Goodwill Southern California has provided employment services and training for those with vocational challenges. In the months following the first California stay-at-home orders, Goodwill Southern California distributed more than $3 million in emergency supportive services to the community and virtually served over 30,000 job seekers with employment assistance, far surpassing service numbers from the year prior. Faced with a decrease in revenue and an increase in the demand for services, Goodwill Southern California is proud of the community support and partnerships that have emerged in these challenging times.

eOn Sanitizing Mist Hand Sanitizer was the first FDA-registered continuous-spray hand-sanitizer in a TSA-friendly 2 ounce recyclable format. eOn Mist is available online at www.eOnMist.com and at over 25,000 major retail locations nationwide. eOn Mist produces a fine mist spray with no drips and is easy to apply, especially on children.

To support Goodwill Southern California's "Do Good. Do Goodwill" campaign, and the Jobs Accelerator Fund directly, please visit Give.Goodwillsocal.org or Text "JOBS" to (323) 443-1277.

About eOn Mist, LLC

eOn mist, LLC is based in Los Angeles, California. The Company's first Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) product, eOn Sanitizing Mist, was created and brought to market in record time using rapid prototyping and manufacturing technologies. Since eOn Mist LLC was formed in March 2020, the Company has invested over $23 million in 31 supply chain partners, resulting in a sustained economic impact of employing over 3,000 workers in eOn Mist related roles across the country. Learn more at https://eonmist.com/

About Goodwill Southern California

Transforming lives through the power of work, Goodwill Southern California (GSC) serves individuals with disabilities or other vocational challenges, as well as businesses, by providing education, training, work experience and job placement services. Each year, GSC prepares and places thousands of individuals into sustainable employment through programs and services offered at three campuses, Career Resource Centers, WorkSource Centers, Deaf, Youth and Veteran Employment Programs throughout Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino counties. GSC supports its mission with proceeds generated from more than 80 stores and 30 attended donation centers. GSC spends 95 percent of its budget on programs and services. Committed to caring for the earth, last year GSC diverted over 100 million pounds of reusable or recyclable goods from landfills. Goodwill is GOOD for Everyone!

SOURCE eOn mist LLC; Goodwill Southern California

Related Links

http://www.eonmist.com


For the second straight day, Premier Brian Pallister accused three Manitoba NDP MLAs of having travelled during the holidays, but this time directly accused NDP Leader Wab Kinew of being one of them.

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For the second straight day, Premier Brian Pallister accused three Manitoba NDP MLAs of having travelled during the holidays, but this time directly accused NDP Leader Wab Kinew of being one of them.

During a Wednesday morning media conference, Pallister was asked again about why he was not punishing Radisson MLA James Teitsma of his own party for road tripping to British Columbia and back during the holidays.

"Well, I understand that three NDP members, including their leader, travelled out of the province as well ... so to be fair I think you could ask Mr. Kinew what hes going to do to discipline his colleagues and himself," Pallister replied.

The premier went on to say that if three times as many NDP MLAs had travelled than from his own party, it is a more significant problem for Kinew than him. He also said he was proud that no members of his cabinet travelled outside of the country, unlike ministers in several other jurisdictions.

The accusation was first made on Tuesday, but no proof of the premiers assertions was provided on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Olivia Billson, the premiers press secretary, did not respond to an email asking for further details on the matter by deadline.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, Kinew told the Sun that none of the MLAs in his party had travelled since code red restrictions were put in place in mid-November.

The Sun reached out again to the NDP after Pallisters second round of allegations.

"Can confirm that no NDP MLAs travelled out of the province during the holidays or within the Code Red restrictions," Manitoba NDP communications director Emily Coutts said via email. "This is a pretty obvious attempt on the premiers part to distract from the fact that his own caucus member travelled out of province over the holidays and he is refusing to discipline him."

Manitoba Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont also said on Tuesday that none of the partys three MLAs, including himself, left the province during the holidays.

Pallister denied on Wednesday that the provinces top civil servant, David McLaughlin, working from his Ottawa home hampered the provinces vaccination preparation work, saying that the province could vaccinate every consenting Manitoban by the end of March if the federal government provided enough vaccine doses.

 cslark@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ColinSlark

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York Citys teacher union is beginning to develop plans to vaccinate its members to protect against the coronavirus (COVID-19), according to a new report from NY1.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that big public labor unions can make plans for their members to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

The teachers union, the transit workers union, all these frontline essential workers, please now think about organizing your own system so it alleviates the burden on the retail system, which is going to have to be dealing with the general public, Cuomo said, according to NY1.

Michael Mulgrew, president of the UFT, told the media outlet that the union is working to put a plan together after hearing the governors announcement.

Im happy with what the governor said today, and of course, yes, were already putting a plan together, Mulgrew told NY1.

He said that the UFT is developing a plan that would rely on hospital networks and health-care providers to create vaccine hubs in medical or school buildings, NY1 reported.

It comes down to if we have a plan in place and we identify how much, how many people will go with each institution, then its up to the state to send the doses to those institutions, Mulgrew said, according to NY1.

On Tuesday, the mayors office announced occupational therapists that work in schools can sign up for the vaccine immediately, along with school nurses and physical therapists, according to NY1.

The city Department of Education (DOE) told NY1 that it is continuing efforts to get the coronavirus vaccine to school staff.

Spokeswoman Danielle Filson told the media outlet: Our in-person school-based staff are essential frontline workers, and we want to see them vaccinated as soon as possible. We are pushing to have all school staff included in the next phase, and will work with city partners to make the vaccine available to them.

*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***

New York City is currently in Phase 1a of the vaccination plan, as outlined by the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC), and is vaccinating health-care workers and nursing home residents.

De Blasio said on Monday he wants to start vaccinating educators and school staff in the next few weeks.

However, it is ultimately the states decision regarding which groups are eligible for the vaccine. Currently, the state plans to administer the vaccine to educators, school staff and child-care providers in Phase 2.

The announcement to develop plans to administer the vaccine comes as Mulgrew called on officials to close public schools if the coronavirus infection rate in the city hits 9%, even if the in-school rate is lower.

Using that state measure, if the community infection rate in the city hits 9%, the safe thing to do is to close the schools, even if the in-school rate is lower, said Mulgrew in a statement Monday. Safety comes first  as shown by the fact that hundreds of our elementary schools and classrooms are closed temporarily every day because the virus has been detected. That is how we have stopped the spread of the virus inside our schools.

Mulgrew suggested a solution would be making the vaccine immediately available to all school personnel.

We cant let bureaucratic snarls and procedural delays endanger the safety of students, school staff and their families, he said in the Monday statement.
NEWARK, N.J. - Zhou Fengsuo, a leader of the 1989 Tiananmen Square uprising, hoped to leave Chinese censorship behind when he fled to the United States and became a U.S. citizen. But Chinese censors have caught up with him, through the social-networking service WeChat.

The mobile app, born in China and used by Mandarin speakers around the globe, has long blocked Zhou's friends in China from seeing the political posts he shares from the WeChat account he created in the United States, Zhou says. Then about a year ago, the problem got worse, he says - friends with both U.S. and Chinese accounts said they couldn't see his timeline posts, whether the material was political or mundane.

On a recent morning at Zhou's third-floor walk-up apartment, he and his colleague, Ouyang Ruoyu, took out their phones to demonstrate the blockade. On Zhou's phone, his recent WeChat posts were visible - pictures of fall foliage in the Catskills, a message celebrating the memory of the dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo. But viewed from the U.S.-registered account on Ouyang's phone, the space beneath Zhou's profile photo was an empty white screen.

Two of Zhou's other friends living in the United States, also using accounts created in the United States, said they couldn't see Zhou's posts either.

Seeing this kind of censorship leak into the United States is why Zhou says he supports the Trump administration's push to ban WeChat.

"WeChat is a prison. It's a gulag," said Zhou, who runs the nonprofit group Humanitarian China. "For the United States, it's a Trojan horse to influence society at every level. . . . That's why it must be banned here."

A dozen WeChat users in the United States and Canada shared censorship stories with The Washington Post, ticking off cases of messages that they sent from their North American phones disappearing before reaching friends - at times when those friends were also located in the United States and Canada. Some users also spoke about being unable to log into their accounts after sharing information critical of China.

Several of these users said they, too, support the White House's aim of banning the app. Others said they don't support a ban, but want the United States to pressure WeChat's owner, the Chinese tech giant Tencent, to stop censoring content.

"Sue it, punish it, fine it," said Yang Jianli, a survivor of the Tiananmen Square massacre who now runs a nonprofit organization in Washington. The group, Citizen Power Initiatives for China, is attempting to organize a class-action lawsuit against Tencent, recruiting U.S.-based plaintiffs who have experienced censorship or other problems on WeChat.

In an emailed statement, Tencent spokesman Sean Durkin said the company "operates in a complex regulatory environment, both in China and elsewhere."

A "core" tenet of the global company, he said, "is that we comply with local laws and regulations in the markets where we operate."

WeChat has millions of users in the United States, who use it to keep in touch with family in China, where most Western communication apps, including Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram, are banned. WeChat is known as Weixin inside China, where it is an enormously popular tool for connecting with friends, ordering food, reading news and shopping online.

Durkin said Tencent considers WeChat and Weixin to be "sister apps" that are "separate but interoperable," with "each addressing different users groups and offering different content and features," as well as being subject to "different regulatory environments."

The Trump administration tried to ban WeChat from U.S. app stores in September, saying it posed threats to national security because it collects "vast swaths" of data on Americans and other users, and offers the Chinese Communist Party an avenue for censoring or distorting information.

But in September, a federal judge in San Francisco temporarily halted the ban in response to a lawsuit from WeChat users in the United States, saying the plaintiffs had raised "serious questions" about a ban harming their First Amendment rights.

"Certainly the government's overarching national-security interest is significant. But on this record - while the government has established that China's activities raise significant national security concerns - it has put in scant little evidence that its effective ban of WeChat for all U.S. users addresses those concerns," U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler wrote in a Sept. 19 order granting a preliminary injunction while the case proceeds.

One of the plaintiffs, Elaine Peng, a U.S. citizen in California who runs a nonprofit providing mental health care, told the court that she relies on WeChat to communicate with elderly Chinese American patients and their families. "Since many of the Chinese community members we serve are not fluent in English, WeChat is the only online tool that they rely on," Peng said in a declaration filed in court. WeChat has 2.3 million weekly active users in the U.S., according to analytics provider App Annie.

An appeals-court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 14 to consider the government's motion to lift the preliminary injunction. President-elect Joe Biden's transition team didn't respond to a request for comment on the ban effort.

George Shen, a Chinese American technology executive in the Boston area, said he understands the judge's concerns, but thinks the court should consider that WeChat "restricts freedom, rights and speech in this country."

Shen said he has experienced censorship several times on the WeChat accounts he created in the United States. First, a photo he posted of Liu, the late dissident who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 while serving a prison sentence for "inciting subversion," was deleted from his timeline, Shen said. Then months later, in March 2019, his account was blocked with no explanation - Shen couldn't log in for about a year. Soon after he created an online petition, calling for Tencent to "stop illegal censorship . . . or face sanctions."

Shen created two additional U.S. accounts, and used them in June 2019 to share photos of Hong Kongers commemorating the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre. "Both accounts, within a couple of hours, were immediately blocked," he said, adding that he was unable to log in for a week or two.

Eventually he regained access to all of his accounts, but now nothing he shares from his original account - not even mundane, nonpolitical information - is visible to his friends in China, said Shen, who wrote a blog post recommending ways to avoid WeChat when communicating with people in China.

Chinese authorities require Tencent to heavily censor the app inside China. Posts about Chinese politics - and many other topics - disappear when they are sent to or from a China-registered account. Chinese authorities have used the app to monitor political dissidents and other critics, some of whom have been detained by police or sentenced to prison for their communications.

That censorship doesn't remain in China, however. If a Chinese student or worker moves abroad and continues using an account created in China, the censorship will remain, according to Jeffrey Knockel, a research associate at the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab, which studies information technology and human rights.

"Even if you move to the U.S. and switch your account to a U.S. number and U.S. device, you are still under Chinese political censorship," he said, adding that many people like to keep their Chinese accounts to retain their contact lists and digital-payment details.

Tencent spokesman Durkin confirmed that an account created in China will always be treated as a Chinese Weixin account, even if the user moves abroad and accesses it from an overseas device.

"If a WeChat user sends a message to a friend using Weixin, China law applies to the Weixin user and certain content may be blocked," he said in his emailed statement.

In a 2016 report, Citizen Lab said the number of users potentially affected by this cross-border censorship was "vast," including "students studying abroad, tourists, business travelers, academics attending international conferences, and anyone who has recently emigrated out of China."

Knockel said Citizen Lab hasn't documented any automated political censorship of communications traveling only between WeChat accounts created outside of China. But Zhou's case shows that some U.S.-registered accounts are indeed blocked for other U.S.-registered users. Durkin declined to comment on Zhou or other individual cases.

Earlier this year, Citizen Lab researchers reported another disturbing phenomenon: WeChat was subjecting overseas accounts to surveillance to train algorithms used to censor information in China.

"We show that files and images shared by WeChat users with accounts outside of China are subject to political surveillance, and this content is used to train and build up the censorship system that WeChat uses to censor China-registered users," Citizen Lab researchers wrote.

If the United States had stronger data protection laws, Tencent might have had to disclose this surveillance to users, Knockel said. "If that sort of transparency were necessary and people understood the risks of using the app, then maybe we wouldn't have to worry about whether to ban it," he said.

Asked about the report, Tencent said: "With regard to the suggestion that we engage in content surveillance of international users, we can confirm that all content shared among international users of WeChat is private."

Zhou left China for the United States in 1995, after serving a prison sentence for his leadership role in the Tiananmen protests. He went to business school at the University of Chicago, spent 19 years working in finance and then gave up gainful employment to work for Humanitarian China, which he co-founded in 2007 to provide aid to families of political prisoners in China.

He said he created a WeChat account in the United States about six years ago. It was a useful way to contact people back home, but he experienced censorship early on, hearing from friends in China that they couldn't see his political posts.

Then about a year ago, friends with U.S. accounts started telling him they couldn't see his timeline. His colleague at Humanitarian China, Ouyang Ruoyu, has two accounts - one that he created in China and another that he created after moving to the United States because Tencent kept suspending his Chinese account over his criticism of China, he said. On both accounts, Zhou's timeline is blank, Ouyang demonstrated for The Post, toggling between his accounts on his U.S. phone.

Ouyang came to the United States as an asylum seeker in 2019, after running into trouble with Chinese authorities over his and his father, Ouyang Yi's, political activism, he said. He kept using the WeChat account he created in China, logging into it via a username and password on his U.S. phone, because he wanted to keep in touch with his contact list. But at times his friends can't see what he's sharing.

In early December, Ouyang wrote a post on his Chinese account expressing support for Zhang Zhan, a Chinese journalist sentenced to four years in prison for her coverage of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak. On Ouyang's phone, the post successfully appeared on the timeline of his Chinese account.

But several days later, a friend in China said he couldn't see the message. And when Ouyang logged into his own U.S. account to check whether he could see the post on his Chinese account, he couldn't.

"I just read '1984.' There is a sign, 'Big Brother is watching you.' That is what I feel," Ouyang said about WeChat, adding that he supports a U.S. ban.

Jiabao "Jack" Ji, a Chinese law student at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, also maintains two WeChat accounts. He mostly uses his original account, which he registered in China, but he also created one in the United States.

Ji said he treats the censorship almost like a game, drumming up new ways to try to trick the WeChat algorithms that block content.

In summer 2019, when Ji was trying to share photos on his Chinese account of the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, his posts weren't visible to others.

"If you want to post a picture of a kid in Hong Kong who got shot by police, the algorithm doesn't allow you to," he said. "You have to do a lot of tweaking to un-censor it."

From his Madison apartment, he found a workaround, realizing that the photos would be visible if he posted them upside down. Later, when that technique stopped working, he started using Photoshop to draw random yellow lines on sensitive pictures, which allowed the photos to escape censorship.

Ji said he continues using WeChat "for sheer convenience," to keep in touch with Chinese friends. He said human rights activists in China often use the encrypted messaging app Signal, one of the few Western apps that isn't blocked, or Telegram, another encrypted app that Chinese users can access through a virtual private network.

But "if you want to connect to normal people in China, you have to have a WeChat account," Ji said.

Asked about the proposed ban, Ji initially said he supported it, because it would force Chinese speakers to find a different communication tool that the Chinese authorities have less ability to control. Later, he said he had "mixed feelings" because as a libertarian, he has concerns about the U.S. government using its power to ban a messaging tool.

A short drive from Princeton, N.J., Teng Biao and his family have grown accustomed to grappling with WeChat censorship.

Early last year, Teng opened his U.S.-registered account to praise Li Wenliang, a Chinese doctor silenced by authorities for sounding an early alarm about coronavirus. But Teng's family member, who lives under the same New Jersey roof, couldn't see the post on his China-registered account, which he logs into on his U.S. phone.

And when Teng's wife, Lynn Wang, tried to post an item to her China-registered WeChat timeline in December, she had to delete several politically sensitive words and names before anyone could see the item.

Teng, a dissident who fled China after clashing with the authorities over his human rights work, said he often censors himself on WeChat, avoiding political posts and mostly sticking to personal photos and news so his friends back home "might know I am still alive."

He agrees that banning WeChat would "bring a lot of inconvenience" to Chinese speakers. But ultimately Teng said he supports the idea.

"I think WeChat should be banned because it is a censorship tool and also a propaganda and misinformation tool," he said. "WeChat is controlled by the Chinese authorities. It's not like another Twitter or Facebook."

- - -

The Washington Post's Eva Dou contributed to this report.
Pound Sterling forecast to be slightly overvalued, very limited upside potential for 2021, year-end pound-to-dollar rate below 1.40

According to Credit Agricole, there is little upside potential for the pound Sterling this year, especially as the currency now looks overvalued. The trade deal has notable gaps, and the bank expects the UK currency to be only marginally stronger by the end of 2021, although major downside risks have been alleviated.

We have a neutral to slightly bearish outlook on the GBP for 2021 and expect the currency to regain more ground only in 2022. In our current GBP forecasts, we see GBP/USD at 1.36 and EUR/GBP at 0.89 in Q421 and at 1.41 and 0.88 in Q422 respectively.

Brexit trade deal doesnt resolve underlying issues

Credit Agricole notes that there was no agreement on an implementation phase for the deal which would have soothed concerns over trade friction.

As expected, the deal also does not cover the services sector which is liable to hamper business investment and hiring intensions throughout 2021. This is particularly important given that services account for 80% of UK GDP.

The bare-bones Brexit trade deal concluded in December has been perceived as underwhelming, however, and this could soon put an end to the currencys rally.

National lockdowns will damage the economy

Credit Agricole also points out that the economy will be damaged by the further national lockdowns announced for England with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all in lockdown restrictions as well.

Although the measures are not as tight as in March 2020, there will still be an important negative impact on activity and the data shows that the UK has had the most stringent lockdowns on a cumulative basis.

Image: covid lockdowns

There will be further pressure for monetary and fiscal support to protect the economy. Credit Agricole does not expect that the Bank of England (BoE) will actually deliver a move into negative rates, but on-going speculation of a move in money markets will tend to undermine Sterling support.

The risk of a double-dip UK recession has intensified following the third national lockdown and could force the BoE to ease again before long while the rates markets will continue to speculate about negative policy rates.

Further political risks on the horizon

Credit Agricole also points out to political risks surrounding the Scottish Assembly elections in May with opinion polls suggesting a very strong performance is likely by the SNP which would lead to a further independence push.

A renewed push to hold a second independence referendum in Scotland could also fuel political and economic uncertainty as well.

According to the bank, Sterling is now trading stronger than indicated fair-value levels on both a short-term and long-term basis.

We believe that most positives associated with the Brexit deal are already in the price of the GBP. Our analysis of short-term and long-term fair value further suggests that the GBP is already looking expensive vs both the USD and the EUR.
World leaders shocked at US Capitol violence, express outrage at assault on democracy

Photos courtesy: Twitter

Leaders from around the world have expressed shock and outrage at the violence perpetrated by Trump supporters at the US Capitol on Wednesday. Leaders of nations like Britain, France, India, Canada, Australia and many others have strongly condemned the storming of the US Capitol in Washington.

Here are some of the reactions:

Britain

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Twitter condemned the violence, tweeting, Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.

Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.  Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 6, 2021

France

French President Emmanuel Macron posted a video on his Twitter page, with a message that read, "We believe in democracy.

India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been a firm Trump ally, said he was "distressed to see news about rioting and violence" in Washington.

"Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests," Modi tweeted.

Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted what happened at the US Capitol was an "attack on democracy."

"Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour," he added.

Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour. Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld - and it will be.  Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 6, 2021

Germany

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also condemned the violence and asked the protestors to "stop trampling on democracy", adding that Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of American voters.

European Union

EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted, "In the eyes of the world, American democracy tonight appears under siege".

This is an unseen assault on US democracy, its institutions and the rule of law. This is not America. The election results of 3 November must be fully respected, he added.

In the eyes of the world, American democracy tonight appears under siege.



This is an unseen assault on US democracy, its institutions and the rule of law.



This is not America. The election results of 3 November must be fully respected.  Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) January 6, 2021

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted, Very distressing scenes at the US Congress. We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition.

Very distressing scenes at the US Congress. We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition.  Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 6, 2021

New Zealand

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said what is happening is wrong.

She tweeted, Democracy - the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob. Our thoughts are with everyone who is as devastated as we are by the events of today. I have no doubt democracy will prevail.

Democracy - the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob. Our thoughts are with everyone who is as devastated as we are by the events of today. I have no doubt democracy will prevail.  Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) January 7, 2021

Like so many others, Ive been watching whats happening in the United States. I share the sentiment of friends in the US - what is happening is wrong.  Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) January 7, 2021

Ireland

Irish prime minister Micheal Martin tweeted, "The Irish people have a deep connection with the United States of America, built up over many generations. I know that many, like me, will be watching the scenes unfolding in Washington DC with great concern and dismay".

The Irish people have a deep connection with the United States of America, built up over many generations. I know that many, like me, will be watching the scenes unfolding in Washington DC with great concern and dismay.    Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 6, 2021

Austria

Austrian Chancellor tweeted that he was shocked by the scenes in Washington, D.C..

"This is an unacceptable assault on democracy. A peaceful and orderly transfer of power must be ensured," he added.

Shocked by the scenes in Washington, D.C. This is an unacceptable assault on democracy. A peaceful and orderly transfer of power must be ensured.  Sebastian Kurz (@sebastiankurz) January 6, 2021

The Netherlands

Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte called on Donald Trump to "recognise @JoeBiden as the next president today".

Horrible images from Washington D.C. Dear @realDonaldTrump, recognise @JoeBiden as the next president today.  Mark Rutte (@MinPres) January 6, 2021

Spain

Spanish president Pedro Sanchez tweeted, I am following with concern the news that are coming from Capitol Hill in Washington. I trust in the strength of America's democracy. The new Presidency of @JoeBiden will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the 306-km Rewari-Madar section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor section and said the modern freight corridor is a "game changer" for India in the 21st century and it will prove to be a corridor for the rapid development of the country.

Modi also virtually flagged off the world's first Double Stack Long Haul 1.5 km 'Container Train' between Haryana's new Ateli and Rajasthan's New Kishangarh.

The event was also attended by Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, Haryana Governor Satydev Narayan Arya, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, his deputy Dushyant Chautala, Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, and several others.

Japanese Ambassador to India Satoshi Suzuki also attended the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Modi said, "The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project is being seen as a game changer in the 21st century for India. A big chunk of the project has been dedicated to the nation." The Prime Minister said the speed of the goods and freight trains has reached 90 kmh as compared to 25 kmh, which is thrice more than earlier.

Speaking about the double stack freight train which he flagged off, Modi said, "Today from Haryana's New Ateli and Rajasthan's New Kishangarh, a new double stack 1.5 km-long goods train has been flagged off. This is a big achievement. India is one of the few countries which has such a facility." He also hailed the engineers, labourers, and railway officials for their role. He emphasised that the day is important for the farmers and businessman as this project has brought new hopes and opportunities for them.

"Whether it is the Eastern or Western DFC, this is not only for modern freight trains and advanced freight route, but this is a corridor for the rapid development of the country and it will become the foundation for the new growth centre," Modi said.

Modi pointed out that the newly-inaugurated EDFC corridor has proved to be the new development centre and has started showing its results.

"Same work will be done by WDFC in Haryana, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. This corridor will prove a milestone for the businesses in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan," he said.

The Prime Minister also said that a new pace has been achieved for making the infrastructure of the country modern and advanced.

He said that in the last 10-12 days, through digital transaction Rs 18,000 crore was transferred in over nine crore farmers' bank accounts, and foundation stone was laid for an AIIMS in Rajkot, Gujarat and for a new IIM in Odisha besides many other works.

"When the beginning of the year is good, then the coming days will be much better. The number of inaugurations and new foundation laying is important because India has done all these during the Covid pandemic. India also approved two Made-in-India Covid vaccines and has brought self confidence," he said.

He said that from the beginning of 2021, it will provide pace for Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

"And the people of India will feel proud of these achievements. Today every Indian has given a call that we will not stop and not get tired, and we will work together with more pace," he said.

Modi also stressed that the modern infrastructure gives pace to the economy.

The Prime Minister also hailed Japan's role in the construction of Dedicated Freight Corridor and said, "Throughout India's development journey, Japan and its people have stood by us like a trustworthy friend." "In the construction of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor as well, Japan provided us with financial and technological assistance. I thank Japan and its people," Modi said.

He had inaugurated the Khurja-Bhaupur section of EDFC on December 29 last year. The Dedicated Freight Corridor is one of the largest rail infrastructure projects undertaken by the government, entailing a cost of around Rs 81,459 crore.

The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) has been set up as a Special Purpose Vehicle to plan, develop, mobilise financial resources, construct, maintain and operate the DFCs.

In the first phase, the organisation will construct the Western DFC (1,504 kms) and Eastern DFC (1,856 kms), a total of 3,360 kms.

According to railway ministry officials, to make India a five-trillion-dollar economy it is essential to develop transport networks at a fast pace. Development of transport infrastructure will give a major fillip for the growth of industries, commerce, export and import and agriculture.

The newly-inaugurated section falls in Haryana for 79 kms covering districts of Mahendragarh and Rewari with 227 kms in Rajasthan covering districts like Jaipur, Ajmer, Sikar, Nagaur and Alwar.

According to the railway ministry officials, 40 per cent of the WDFC section falls in Rajasthan. In the newly-inaugurated 306 km section of the WDFC there are nine new DFC stations, six crossing stations -- New Dabla, New Bhagega, New Sri Madhopur, New Pachar Malikpur, New Sakun and New Kishangarh and three junction stations -- New Rewari, New Ateli and New Phulera.

The total value of contracts including civil, electrical and S&T is estimated to be at Rs 5,800 crore in this section excluding land.

According to railways, the opening of this stretch will benefit various industries in Rewari-Manesar, Narnaul, Phulera and Kishangarh areas of Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

The railway officials said that the ports of Gujarat like Kandla, Pipavav, Mundhra, and Dahej will have uninterrupted connectivity to the northern parts of India.

The officials said that DFCCIL will run freight trains at a maximum speed of 100 kmh as against the current maximum speed of 75 kmh on Indian Railway tracks whereas the average speed of freight trains will also be increased from existing speed of 26 kmh to 70 kmh on DFC.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New York State Police are investigating a stabbing that reportedly occurred at a pro-Trump rally in Albany.

WNYT reports Alexander Contompasis, 37, of Rensselaer, N.Y., is in custody after being accused of stabbing two people around lunchtime in East Capitol Park on Wednesday.

A 40-year-old man is in stable condition at Albany Medical Center Hospital and a 36-year-old man has been treated and is expected to be released. Both victims were not identified.

Law enforcement sources told the Times-Union that the violence was connected to a protest involving dozens of people outside the state Capitol building as Gov. Andrew Cuomo was giving a briefing on the Covid-19 pandemic.

Additional details have not been disclosed, but the incident occurred around the same time President Donald Trump repeated baseless claims of election fraud in Washington, D.C. A large group of Trump supporters clashed with police and stormed the U.S. Capitol building Wednesday, wearing Make America Great Again hats and waving Confederate flags in the Senate rotunda as a group of Republicans objected to the Electoral College results favoring President-elect Joe Biden.

Contompasis was taken to Albany County Jail on charges including assault, menacing, and weapons possession.

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Martin Greenwood - Sales Director at dotCMS I am pleased to be joining the team at dotCMS and eager to join forces with my colleague, Stefan Schinkel. Our highly successful run at Hippo CMS (acquired by Bloomreach) has fueled my anticipation and excitement to get back and disrupt the Digital Experience Management space.

dotCMS, a leading-edge, open source, Hybrid Content Management System and Digital Experience Platform software company, announced today that Martin Greenwood has joined the company as sales director, effective January 1, 2021.

We are very pleased that Martin is joining our team and helping us to scale dotCMS to the next level. Having worked with Martin in this industry previously, Im excited and convinced we will have a great run again, says Stefan Schinkel, Chief Revenue Officer. Martins skills and industry experience will enable us to expand our global footprint, and partner ecosystem and bring value to customers who wish to take their digital ambition to the next level.

Mr. Greenwood was most recently working at Nextlabs, managing new business and partnerships with Siemens Teamcenter/SAP and KPMG across the Northeast and Midwest. In recent years, Mr. Greenwood also worked for Denver-based Crownpeak, thus adding further DXP/DXM experience to his track record. I am pleased to be joining the team at dotCMS and eager to join forces with my colleague, Stefan Schinkel. Our highly successful run at Hippo CMS (acquired by Bloomreach) has fueled my anticipation and excitement to get back and disrupt the Digital Experience Management space.

About dotCMS

dotCMS is a leading, open-source Hybrid Content Management System and Digital Experience Platform for companies that want innovation and performance, driving their websites and other content-driven applications. Extensible and massively scalable, both small and large organizations can rapidly deliver personalized and engaging content across browsers, mobile devices, channels, second screens, and endpoints -- all from a single system.

Founded in 2003, dotCMS is a privately owned US company with offices in Miami, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts, and San Jose, Costa Rica. With a global network of certified development partners and an active open source community, dotCMS has generated more than a half-million downloads and thousands of implementations and integration projects worldwide. Notable dotCMS customers include Telus, Standard & Poors, Hospital Corporation of America, Royal Bank of Canada, DirecTV, Thomson Reuters, China Mobile, Aon, and DriveTest Ontario.

For more information go to http://www.dotcms.com or contact sales@dotcms.com
Researchers in the UK have conducted a comprehensive epidemiologic analysis of the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant in an effort to learn more about the expanded range and frequency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in England.

The SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7, which was first detected in the UK in November 2020, has been designated Variant of Concern 202012/01 (VOC) by Public Health England.

The teams analysis of VOC whole genomes identified an increased frequency in the variant that is consistent with a transmission advantage over other SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK.

The estimated difference in reproduction number (number of new infections arising from a single case of infection) between the VOC and non-VOC lineages ranged between 0.4 and 0.7.

The team  from Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh, Public Health England, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and the University of Birmingham  warns that this substantial transmission advantage will pose major challenges for the ongoing control of COVID-19 in the UK and elsewhere over the coming months.

Importantly, the researchers found evidence that while non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were sufficient to control non-VOC lineages during the November 2020 lockdown in England, they were not sufficient to control the VOC.

Neil Ferguson and colleagues warn that social distancing measures will need to be more stringent and that policy decisions will need to be informed by urgent epidemiological investigations into the new variant.

A pre-print version of the paper is available on the medRxiv* server while the article undergoes peer review.

Expansion and growth of the VOC 202012/01 lineage. A) The number of UK LTLAs reporting at least one sampled VOC genome. B) Empirical (solid) and estimated (dash) frequency of TPR-adjusted SGTF in three regions of England. C) Empirical (points) and estimated (line) frequency (log odds) of VOC inferred from genomic data by epidemiological week. D) Empirical (points) and estimated (line) frequency (log odds) of SGTF based on the same data as B.

The VOC possesses advantageous mutations

As of 20th December 2020, the regions in England with the highest number of confirmed cases of the new variant were London, the South East, and the East of England.

The variant possesses a large number of non-synonymous substitutions that are of immunologic significance because they increase host cell binding and infectivity.

One deletion mutation that occurs at positions 69 and 70 (69-70) on the viral spike protein (which binds host cells) has been associated with the failure of diagnostic PCR tests that probe this protein.

The absence of detection of the S gene target in an otherwise positive PCR test increasingly appears to be a highly specific marker for the B.1.1.7 lineage, writes Ferguson and colleagues. Surveillance data from national community testing (Pillar 2) showed a rapid increase in S-gene target failures (SGTF) in PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 in November and December 2020.

Case trends in a subset of NHS STP areas. Total cases reported are shown as a thick line. A subset of these - those tested in the 3 largest Lighthouse laboratories - were tested for SGTF. The total cases line is coloured according to percentage S- among those tested. Counts of S+ and S- reported via the PHE SGSS system are shown by the thin lines. The dates of the second lockdown are indicated by the vertical red lines. Nine representative NHS STP areas from all regions of England are ordered by decreasing percentage S- in the most recent week of data. Raw SGTF data are shown here (not adjusted for TPR), so S- cases in earlier weeks include other non-VOC lineages, especially outside the East and South East of England. Plots for all STP areas are shown in Figure S3.

What did the study involve?

The researchers used various statistical approaches to assess the association between the intensity of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and the frequency of the VOC, B.1.1.7, between November and December 2020 across different regions of the UK.

(A) Map of the difference in median Rt estimates for VOC and non-VOC variants for all STPs for weeks 48 and week 50. (B) Scatterplot of the reproduction numbers of VOC (S-) and non-VOC (S+) by STP and week. Point size indicates frequency of the VOC, while shape and colour signify week and NHS region, respectively.

The teams analysis of whole-genome sequence data collected from community-based diagnostic testing showed that VOC sequences were widely distributed across 199 lower tier local authorities (LTLAs) in England. The sequences were most concentrated in the South East (n=875), London (n=636), and East of England (n=293).

While rapid growth of the variant was first observed in the South East, similar growth patterns are observed later in London, East of England, and now more generally across England, writes Ferguson and colleagues.

The researchers say the growth of the VOC lineage is consistent with it having a transmission advantage over other circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages in England.

Next, the team investigated time trends in the proportion of PCR tests exhibiting SGTF across 275,000 test results.

The changes in VOC frequency inferred from the genetic data closely corresponded with the changes inferred by SGTFs in community-based diagnostic PCR testing.

A shift towards the under 20s

By examining growth trends in SGTF and non-SGTF case numbers at the local area level across England, the researchers showed that the VOC exhibits higher transmissibility compared with non-VOC lineages. The SGTF data also indicated a small but significant shift towards those aged under 20 years being more affected by the VOC than non-VOC variants, even after adjusting for variation by week and region.

Next, the team performed regression analyses to explore the effect of VOC frequency on the overall time-varying reproduction number. The analyses were conducted at two different spatial scales  LTLAs and NHS England Sustainability and Transformation Plan areas (a subdivision of NHS Regions).

Across almost every area analyzed, the researchers observed a very clear visual association between SGTF frequency and epidemic growth of the VOC.

What did the researchers conclude?

Ferguson and colleagues say that across all of the analyses conducted, the VOC was found to have a strong transmission advantage, with the estimated difference in reproduction numbers between the VOC and non-VOC lineages ranging from 0.4 to 0.7.

The substantial transmission advantage we have estimated the VOC to have over prior viral lineages poses major challenges for ongoing control of COVID-19 in the UK and elsewhere in the coming months, writes the team. Critically, we find evidence that non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were sufficient to control non-VOC lineages to reproduction numbers below 1 during the November 2020 lockdown in England, but that at the same time, the NPIs were insufficient to control the VOC.

The researchers say social distancing measures will need to be stricter than they would otherwise have been.

These policy questions will be informed by the ongoing urgent epidemiological investigation into this variant, most notably examining evidence for any changes in severity, but also giving more nuanced understanding into transmissibility changes, they conclude.

*Important Notice

medRxiv 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.

Hours after a Pakistani court issued arrest warrants against banned Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar on Thursday, India called it an acknowledgement by the neighbouring nation of the terror chief's presence in its territory.

So far, at FATF deliberations, Pakistan has denied that Azhar was living on its soil. In February 2020, on the eve of the FATF Paris plenary, Pakistan claimed that Azhar had gone missing." The submission was made before the Financial Action Task Force.

However, India believes that now getting an arrest warrant against Azhar on terror financing charges means that Pakistan is acknowledging that he is being harboured in the country.

"In a significant development, under pressure from FATF, Pakistan has acknowledged Azhar's presence on its territory," a senior Indian government official told news18.

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan on Thursday issued an arrest warrant for Azhar on the charges of terror financing.

As per Indian Intelligence agencies, Azhar who was unwell is recuperating under the care of the Pakistan government and ISI.

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Gujranwala issued the warrant during a hearing in a terror financing case instituted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police against some members of the JeM.

"ATC Gujranwala judge Natasha Naseem Supra issued an arrest warrant for Masood Azhar and directed the CTD to arrest him and present him in the court. The CTD told the judge the JeM chief was involved in terror financing and selling jihadi literature," an official said. He said the ATC judge issued the arrest warrant for Azhar on the request of a CTD inspector.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NODAR, Inc. today released the first demonstration of its Hammerhead 3D vision platform, taking an important step towards truly safe, mainstream autonomous driving. NODAR Hammerhead produces high-density 3D point-clouds at ranges up to 1,000m with astonishing accuracy, eclipsing mono-camera and LiDAR performance and paving the way to L3 and higher autonomy. This unprecedented achievement includes small object detection at previously impossible ranges. In the demonstration released today, Hammerhead is used to detect and accurately measure the distance to a 10cm brick at a distance of 150m (video demo available at http://www.nodarsensor.com).

Reaching this milestone is groundbreaking in two key ways: 1) detecting unknown objects at 150m provides ample time to safely avoid collisions at highway speeds (4.5 seconds at 120kph/74mph) & 2) competitive solutions based on a single camera utilizing AI and inferencing may be able to detect known large objects at this range, however, many lethal obstructions will be unknown to these systems or too small, and will fail detection. NODAR's technology measures the physical environment in real-time, providing distance data for every pixel in view, regardless of whether an object is known or unknown.

Beyond small object detection, NODAR Hammerhead delivers a new level of safety where existing solutions fall flat. Mono-camera solutions relying on deep learning to estimate depth are inherently limited by finite training sets, compute requirements, and known object ambiguity (adult vs. child can introduce range error of 50%), exposing life-threatening uncertainty. Numerous fatal and highly publicized accidents in recent years serve to emphasize the shortcomings of existing systems. LiDARs rely on scanning beams and can easily miss small objects. The LiDAR scanning process takes precious time, whereas a camera-based system offers >20X the area coverage rate with the reliability, robustness, and low price of high volume solid-state cameras. Last, NODAR produces frame-by-frame disparity maps every 33 milliseconds while single-camera systems and LiDAR must aggregate and analyze data before producing results, causing significantly slower performance.

The significant advances in performance, accuracy, and reliability that NODAR brings will yield better performance around critical edge cases, higher levels of safety and an increase in lives saved, at lower cost than current approaches.

Bio-inspired by the hammerhead shark, which has the best depth perception in the animal kingdom due to the wide separation between its eyes, NODAR Hammerhead uses data from multiple cameras to calculate real physical measurements of distance to targets. The unique advantage of NODAR's system is the ability to mount the cameras independently in long-baseline configurations, such as in the sideview mirrors, headlamps, or on the roof. With highly accurate long-range 3D sensing and no reliance upon inferred measurements, Hammerhead accurately captures instances of banked roads, disabled vehicles, and road debris - edge cases that other vision systems will miss.

Leaf Jiang, NODAR founder and CEO, speaks to the significance of today's demonstration: "The automotive world knows that current ADAS systems must advance to ensure human safety. Today, we've taken a fundamental step towards demonstrating that higher levels of automated driving are achievable with existing sensor technology in the immediate term. At NODAR we believe autonomy should never compromise safety, and that a camera-based solution is the only way to deliver on the performance, safety, and pricing requirements of the mainstream automotive market."

NODAR software algorithms run efficiently on OEM computing resources, processing image data from OEM-specified cameras. NODAR is currently engaged in POCs with several automotive OEMs and Tier 1s and is actively seeking partners. For more information, please email [email protected].

About NODAR, Inc.

Based in Cambridge, MA, NODAR is a venture-backed company developing camera-based high-performance 3D vision technology for use in mass-market automotive ADAS and autonomous vehicle applications. For more information, please visit http://www.nodarsensor.com.

SOURCE NODAR, Inc.

Nirav Modi's lawyer raised a British court's judgment blocking the of WikiLeaks founder to the US on mental health grounds, as the embattled diamond merchant appeared via videolink before a court here on Thursday for a two-day hearing of final submissions in his fight against being extradited to India.

The 49-year-old diamond merchant, facing charges of fraud, money laundering and intimidating witnesses in the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab Bank (PNB) scam case, appeared in the Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Sporting a full beard and dressed casually in a blazer, he followed the proceedings from a room at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London as his counsel raised Monday's judgment which blocks the of Assange to the US on the grounds of his mental health.

In the Assange case, which is currently the subject of appeal, District Judge Vanessa Baraitser had ruled that would be oppressive by reason of mental harm as the Australian activist could commit suicide. As in the Assange case, the issues here evidentially are the same the mental condition of Modi and the treatment he would receive given the prison conditions in India, said barrister Clare Montgomery, reiterating that her client's mental health has been deteriorating due to his lengthy incarceration since March 2019.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities, sought an adjournment to the proceedings in order to access Modi's mental health records to be independently evaluated by a consultant psychiatrist and appropriate assurances be acquired in terms of his care in India.

While the issues of mental health are not contested, the consequences of those need cross-examining, said CPS barrister Helen Malcolm, who appeared via video link for the part-remote courtroom settings in place due to the UK's coronavirus lockdown.

The CPS pointed to already existing Indian government assurances in the case as well as the option for Modi to access privately paid for medical treatment, given his offer of millions in the course of several bail applications before the UK courts.

However, District Judge Samuel Goozee turned down the application for adjournment and concluded that the Indian government had ample opportunity to respond to five reports presented by defence witness Dr Andrew Forrester, a forensic psychiatrist who examined Modi on several occasions last year and concluded that coupled with a severe condition of depression, he presents a high risk of suicide albeit not immediately.

The hearing on Thursday went on to focus on the defence team's concluding submissions that several legal bars exist against extraditing Modi to India, including on human rights grounds due to inadequate prison conditions that would fail to provide sufficient anti-suicide measures.

Modi's lawyers also claim that he would not receive a fair trial in India due to the case being politicised by the ruling BJP, which impacted on the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

On Friday, the CPS will conclude submissions on the prima facie case against Modi in detail, which is expected to complete the final hearings in the case and a judgment expected in a few weeks' time.

At the last full hearing in the case in November 2020, Judge Goozee heard the arguments for and against the admissibility of certain witness statements provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) and ruled that the evidence to establish a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against the wanted diamantaire is broadly admissible.

He concluded that he considered himself bound by the previous UK court rulings in the extradition case of former Kingfisher Airlines chief Vijay Mallya, who has been found to have a case to answer in India in his fraud and money laundering case and awaits a confidential legal clearance before UK Home Secretary Priti Patel can consider signing off on his extradition order.

Clare Montgomery, who was also the defence counsel in Mallya's case, has sought to establish that the two cases are completely different.

is the subject of two sets of criminal proceedings, with the CBI case relating to a large-scale fraud upon PNB through the fraudulent obtaining of "Letters of Understanding" (LoUs or loan agreements), and the ED case relating to the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud.

He also faces two additional charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or criminal intimidation to cause death added to the CBI case.

The jeweller has been in prison since he was arrested on March 19, 2019, on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard and his attempts at seeking bail have been repeatedly turned down.

The charges against him centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of credit facilities or LoUs in a conspiracy with banking officials.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Vice President Mike Pence is expected to attend Joe Biden's inauguration in 13 days after overseeing Wednesday's certification of the election while President Donald Trump is considering fleeing town the day before the ceremony.

Three sources close to Pence told Politico he will attend the January 20th swearing-in to show his support for a peaceful transition of power.

One said President Donald Trump's criticism of Pence has made the decision easier.

'It was a much more difficult decision days ago, but less difficult now,' said a person close to Pence.

Devin O'Malley, a spokesman for the Vice President, told the news outlet that Pence and second lady Karen Pence 'have not yet made a decision on their attendance.'

Vice President Mike Pence is expected to attend Joe Biden 's inauguration in 13 days

President Trump hasn't said if he will attend inauguration but he may leave Washington D.C. the day before - in part to ensure his last flight is on Air Force One

President Trump has not said whether or not he will attend. He only acknowledged Biden's win in a statement put out early Thursday morning by an aide after Biden's victory was certified by Congress.

But the president is considering leaving Washington D.C. on January 19th to head to his Mar-a-Lago residence in South Florida - in part so he can fly away on the signature plane Air Force One, officials said.

If Trump left Washington after Biden takes the oath, he would have to ask Biden to let him use the custom-built plane with its distinctive blue and white paint. All outgoing presidents have to make such a request, which is usually granted.

However, it would not have the call sign Air Force One as that can only be used when the current president is on board.

For example, when Barack Obama departed D.C. after he left office, the plane used the call sign 'Special Mission 44' - the number referring to Obama's presidency. If the same pattern is followed, Trump's flight would be 'Special Mission 45.'

But if Trump departs ahead of Biden's swearing-in, the plane would go by Air Force One.

Meanwhile, security will be ramped up for inauguration, with an inside location on standby after an unruly mob of insurgents climbed the stands and breached the Capitol building.

Republican Senator Roy Blunt, who chairs the congressional committee in charge of the inaugural ceremonies, said there would be a greater security presence on January 20th with Biden takes the oath of office.

He told reporters on Capitol Hill that 'there'll be much more depth' and 'deeper in terms of outside support' when it comes to security concerns.

And Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, who also sits on the committee, said there would have to be a 'major, major' review of the security situation with 'changes made.'

'There's going to have to be major, major reviews of what happened and changes made,' she told CBS 'This Morning.'

But the two senators vowed Thursday night that the inauguration ceremony would take place outdoors on the West Front of the Capitol.

'The great American tradition of an inaugural ceremony has occurred in times of peace, in times of turmoil, in times of prosperity, and in times of adversity. We will be swearing in President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021,' they said in a joint statement.

Workers installed a massive, anti-climbing wire fencing in front of the Capitol on Thursday morning as the campus recovered from the previous day's mob scene that left four people dead, the building trashed, furniture broken and items stolen.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser extended the city's 6 p.m. curfew through Inauguration Day.

And the D.C. National Guard will be placed on a 30-day mobilization, ensuring they are on hand for the Jan. 20 inauguration, NBC News reported.

A new perimeter, anti-climbing fence is placed around the Capitol Thursday after insurgents swarmed the building the day before

Plastic sheeting covering the inauguration stands being constructed on the West Front of the Capitol was torn in the wake of the mob

Lawmakers planning for increased security on Inauguration Day, when Joe Biden takes the oath of office

On Wednesday, the pro-Trump mob climbed to the dais where Biden will take the oath

Workers cleaned up trash around the Capitol building on Thursday morning

Senators Roy Blunt (left) and Amy Klobuchar (right), who are on the congressional committee in charge of the inauguration, said there will be an increased security presence

Biden, himself, said he was not worried about his swearing-in day.

'I am not concerned about my safety, security or the inauguration,' he told reporters on Wednesday in Wilmington, Delaware.

The pro-Trump insurgents swarmed over the stands being built on the West Front of the Capitol for the upcoming ceremony.

They climbed to the dais where Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take the oath of office. They waved flags from stand built for TV cameras to record the swearing-in.

And they sat in the same stands nearly every member of Congress, three former presidents, and members of the Supreme Court will sit.

Little damage was caused to the construction area however, with only some of the sheets of plastic covering the stands being ripped.

Blunt said there is an inside location prepared in case the swearing-in needs to be moved inside.

Originally planned in case there was bad weather, it may now be used in case another angry mob returns.

'There's a weather plan, I think the health plan everybody feels is better outside. So, up till now that has driven,' the senior senator from Missouri said.

He pointed out the number of attendees, which had already been limited because of the coronavirus pandemic, would have to be cut even more.

'If we had to move inside we're talking about a few 100 people at most,' he said.

He said his preferred inside location would be Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitors Center, a large open-spaced lobby where more people could attend and still adhere to some form of social distancing.

Typically used to line up tourists preparing to visit the building, the hall is also used for special congressional ceremonies.

Biden condemned the rioting on Wednesday in a nationally televised address.

'At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault,' the president-elect said.

'It's chaos, it borders on sedition and it must end now. I call this mob to pull back and allow this work of democracy to go forward,' he said.

Inaugurations feature most members of the government. President Donald Trump has not said if he will attend Biden's swearing-in but former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are expected.

Most members of Congress attend as do the Supreme Court justices and other political figures like Hillary Clinton.

'I'm always very concerned about the target potential of having this particular group, which you know usually includes most members of Congress, the Supreme Court every former president that could get here,' Blunt said of his worries for the day.

Joe Biden has said he is not worried about security on Inauguration Day

Workers clean up the inauguration stands on the day after the mob climbed them

The stands are being built on the West Front of the Capitol for the January 20th ceremony

Insurgents climbed the Capitol walls Wednesday and breached the building

A pro-Trump mob stormed the inauguration stands in front of the Capitol

The mob climbed onto the stand built for TV cameras to record Biden's inauguration

Inaugurations are classified national security events, which involves a closed air space and massive police and military presence.

Biden already had been planning a scaled back event because of the pandemic and his team has encouraged supporters to stay home. The National Mall is typically packed with supporters to witness their candidate become president.

Workers have disbanded stands built around the White House for the inauguration parade, which will now be a virtual event.

Instead, Joe and Jill Biden, along side Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff, will participate in a socially distanced Pass in Review on the Capitol's West side. Those are military traditions where Biden will review the readiness of military troops.

Biden will also receive a traditional presidential escort with representatives from every branch of the military from 15th Street in Washington to the White House.

That, the Presidential Inaugural Committee says, will be socially distanced too, while 'providing the American people and world with historic images of the President-elect proceeding to the White House without attracting large crowds'.

Additionally, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have canceled the traditional luncheon held on Inauguration Day for the new president, sparing Biden a crowded sit down on Capitol Hill after he takes the oath of office.
NHS hospitals may have to start transferring patients to care homes if coronavirus keeps piling pressure on their wards, a senior health official warned today.

Chris Hopson, chief of healthcare union NHS Providers, warned that some hospitals are almost full already and looking for beds elsewhere for their patients.

'They know there is some spare capacity in the care and nursing sector,' he said. 'They're in the middle of conversations with care and nursing home colleagues to see if they can access that capacity.

'It's literally leaving no stone unturned to maximise every single piece of capacity that we've got, in those areas under pressure.'

If care homes are turned into overflow wards for hospitals it is likely only non-Covid patients would be sent to them, following uproar over a Government policy in the first wave which saw people recovering from coronavirus sent into care homes where they were feared to have triggered killer outbreaks.

Shocking figures last night revealed the number of Covid patients in British hospitals surged past 30,000 on January 4  the most recent data. This was up 27 per cent in a week and towers above the worst figure of 21,700 seen in April 2020.

And hospitalisations are only expected to surge further after health chiefs announced more than 50,000 new infections for the ninth day in a row yesterday.

It comes as an intensive care professor in London warned the situation in hospitals is 'definitely worse than the first wave' as the capital grapples with mounting cases.

And the capital's medical director Vin Diwakar said that they could be overwhelmed within less than two weeks even in a 'best' case scenario. Even if coronavirus patients grew at the lowest likely rate and capacity is increased  including opening the Nightingale  the NHS would still be short 2,000 general, acute and ICU beds by January 19, it was reported.

Hospitals across England are seeing more coronavirus patients than they did in the first wave in 2020 (Pictured: Staff in an intensive care ward in St George's Hospital in London)

A medic works with a patient in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) in St George's Hospital in Tooting, south-west London

Some hospitals are approaching breaking point, and preparing to turn to care homes for help, the chief executive of NHS Providers has said. The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital had surged past 30,000 by January 4, NHS data reveals

On BBC Radio 4 this morning Mr Hopson said the situation is 'really escalating very quickly'.

'We've seen 5,000 new patients in hospital beds with Covid-19 over the last week - that's 10 full hospitals worth of new Covid patients in just seven days so there's a really big challenge.'

LONDON'S HOSPITALS 'TO BE OVERWHELMED IN TWO WEEKS' London's hospitals will be overwhelmed by Covid-19 in less than two weeks even in a 'best' case scenario, an official briefing reportedly warns. Medical director at NHS London Vin Diwakar provided the worrying analysis to medical directors of the capital's hospital trusts over a Zoom call this afternoon. Even if coronavirus patients grew at the lowest likely rate and capacity is increased - including opening the Nightingale - the NHS would still be short 2,000 general, acute and ICU beds by January 19, the HSJ reports. Three scenarios are laid out in the report - 'best', 'average' and 'worse'. These account for the impact of four per cent daily growth, five per cent growth and six per cent growth respectively. Growth for beds on January 5 was 3.5 per cent, with the rate at 4.8 per cent for ICU beds, the report claimed. Advertisement

He said the Nightingales hadn't been utilised - except in Manchester and Exeter - because they required staffing, snatching vital doctors and nurses away from overstretched wards and emergency units.

'It's better if we can access any spare capacity in the nursing home sector because its got staff there,' he said.

'We all recognise that if we're going to do that then we really need to help care and nursing home.

'So, for example, if we're going to discharge patients who need consistent access to high quality therapy we're going to need to ensure that our community services can provide that support.

'We also know if we're going to discharge patients that are perhaps slightly more higher levels of acuity than normal we're going to have to provide extra nursing support.

'The issue is we're now at a point where unless we can access this capacity, we're not going to be able to treat the patients that we need to treat in the NHS.'

Professor Rupert Pearse, a consultant in the capital, also told the programme how staff are already being stretched to the limit in London.

'It is definitely worse than the first wave and proving much harder to deal with now as the resources we had in the first wave arent available to us,' he warned.

Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, warned of spiralling admissions

'So were really struggling to provide the quality of patient care that we think patients deserve. And the impact of the pandemic is taking care away from other illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.'

MailOnline has contacted NHS England to ask how care homes may be utilised to help take the pressure off central hospitals.

Intensive care patients are already being moved from the hardest hit regions to those where there is spare capacity.

Some doctors are currently considering moving the most critically ill from London and the South East to as far afield as Yorkshire and the South West.

The President of the Intensive Care Society, Dr Stephen Webb, said yesterday around 10 intensive care patients were already being shifted every day.

Most of these are moved from and to hospitals within the same regions, he said, but a small number may be moved between regions.

A staff nurse treats patient Peter Watts, 64, in the emergency department at St George's Hospital in Tooting

A patient is prepared for transfer from the Acute Dependency Unit to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) at St George's Hospital

At St George's a surge in coronavirus patients has meant the number of intensive care beds had to be doubled from 60 to 120

Staff sickness due to coronavirus and self-isolation means doctors, nurses and healthcare assistances face demanding shift patterns and exhausting work looking after critically ill Covid-19 patients (Pictured: Staff in St George's Hospital)

There were 30,451 people in hospital with Covid-19 as of January 4, with 2,645 on ventilators in intensive care

NHS statistics show that it is rare for people under the age of 40 to die of Covid-19, with 100 of the 17,572 fatalities in November and December in that age group

Nurses and doctors work on wards at University College Hospital, London, pictured above

Normally, it is rare for intensive care patients to be moved between hospitals.

Dr Webb, who also works in the East of England, said: 'The problem with sending patients to the North is that those units were really badly affected earlier in this wave, and they could be hit with the new variant. Its a very tricky situation.

'If the virus continues as it is, Im much more fearful we may get to saturation point for ICUs, but we have still got a bit of time. We do have capacity in other parts of the country, but not a lot.

'Currently, in the East of England, South East and London, many intensive care units are already saturated. This is where were seeing daily export of patients. but at the moment this is mainly locally.

'So it may be a few miles down the road between London hospitals. We try to avoid moving patients and we always try to move the least sick of our ICU patients. They are transferred using all the equipment needed to keep them alive, accompanied by an ICU doctor and a nurse.'
North China is expected to see temperatures drop by up to 10 C, while Central and East China will see a drop of around 8 C from Tuesday till Friday as a cold air mass sweeps through the country, the National Meteorological Center forecast on Tuesday. On Wednesday, a low of-16 C has been forecast for Beijing, just short of the record low of -17 C recorded in 2000, the Beijing Meteorological Service said. It said that from Wednesday through Friday, the capital will suffer from a dive in temperatures of about 8 C, with temperatures forecast to remain low till next Wednesday. The Beijing bureau launched an emergency response on Tuesday, telling residents to keep warm and urging government departments and agricultural and public service sectors to be prepared. The National Meteorological Center said that temperatures in regions along the Qinling Mountains and the Huaihe River will drop below -10 C, the southernmost places that temperatures lower than-10 C will have reached this week, and in northern parts of South China temperatures will drop below zero. Affected by the cold air, the Xinjiang Uygur and Tibet autonomous regions and Qinghai province will have snowstorms with precipitation of up to 18 millimeters from Tuesday to Wednesday. From Wednesday till Thursday, snow or sleet will hit Southwest China and the Yangtze River region, accompanied by fog or wind gusts of up to 88 kilometers per hour, the center said. On Friday, sleet and snow will arrive in Northwest China, Southwest China and the Shandong Peninsula. Strong winds with speeds of up to 110 km/h will hit the South China Sea, Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea. The center issued a nationwide blue cold warning on Tuesday, the lowest level in its four-tier system and the first of its kind since the new year began. In December, the center issued two nationwide cold weather warnings. "In the first half of January, temperatures in North China and areas along the Huaihe and Yellow rivers will remain lower than the same period in normal years due to the rounds of cold air mass that have swept China since December," Fang Chong, the center's chief forecaster, said. Yuan Yuan, a researcher at the National Climate Center, said the weather was partly caused by La Nina, a fluctuation in sea-air interactions that describes the cooling of ocean surface water. "The phenomenon brought stronger cold air activities at large scales in most parts of China and temperatures will be more likely to drop below that in normal years," she said. Fang said the cold air will remain in Central and East China for the next 10 days before moving southward. The center warned that transportation and police authorities should prepare for icy roads, and farmers and herdsmen need to prepare proper greenhouses for their plants and shelter for animals to prevent them from freezing.


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[January 06, 2021] California company, Amazing Magnets, relocates its Global Headquarters to Texas

ROUND ROCK, Texas, Jan. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As a result of year-over-year growth, Amazing Magnets is relocating its business operations from Anaheim, California and building a state-of-the art global headquarters in Round Rock, Texas. The new headquarters will showcase an engineering design workspace, a media and learning center, and an innovative warehouse facility. After exploring several locations, the company was drawn to Round Rock for its entrepreneurial spirit, access to world-class talent, and beneficial cost of living. What sealed the deal for Amazing Magnets' team is a core value it shares with the city of Round Rock--the importance of community. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Tim Boettcher said, "Our roots are that of a family-owned business with a focus on giving back to the community combined witha passion for continuous learning guided by a unique global strategy and an incredibly talented team. After visiting Round Rock and witnessing its economic growth, diversification and meeting its people, we felt like we had found our home away from home. Everyone was so welcoming, kind and supportive."



On January 7, 2021, the Amazing Magnets team, with invited guests including dignitaries from the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, Council, County Commission, business community and media, will break ground on its 40,000 square-foot global headquarters. Leadership from the Altman Development Group will also be on hand to celebrate. Amazing Magnets designs, manufactures, and distributes magnetic-related devices and products. "The Amazing Magnets team and organization exemplifies the type of people and businesses we want to attract and welcome to the Round Rock community. We are here to help and support them in their growth and hopefully become an integral part of their success," said Jason Ball, the CEO of the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce.

ABOUT - Amazing Magnets is a global company that designs, manufactures and distributes magnetic-related devices and products. It also provides the crucial services associated with these mission-critical functions including engineering, testing, prototyping, contract administration, regulatory compliance and warehousing. Contact Information Name: Judith M. Guido

Email: judithg@amazingmagnets.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-company-amazing-magnets-relocates-its-global-headquarters-to-texas-301201356.html SOURCE Amazing Magnets

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The world's poorest countries can expect to start receiving their first COVID-19 vaccine doses between the end of January and mid-February, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

Vaccination is already under way in some of the world's wealthiest nations, including the United States, Britain, European Union countries and Canada.

Covax, the globally-pooled vaccine procurement and distribution effort, has struck agreements to secure two billion dosesand the first of those will start rolling out within weeks, said the WHO's head of vaccines, Kate O'Brien.

Covax aims to secure vaccines for 20 percent of the population in each participating country by the end of the year, with funding covered for the 92 lower- and lower-middle income economies involved in the scheme.

It is co-led by the WHO, the Gavi vaccine alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

Asked how quickly lower-income African nations would get vaccines, O'Brien told a WHO live social media event: "The facility has access to over two billion doses of vaccine.

"We will start to deliver those vaccines probably by the end of January, and, if not, certainly by early February and mid-February.

"That's how countries in Africa and South Asia, and other countries around the world of these 92 that are less able to afford vaccines, are actually going to get vaccines."

Vaccines pipeline

The WHO granted emergency validation to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on December 31, paving the way for countries worldwide to give swift approval to its import and distribution.

According to the WHO's overview of candidate vaccines, 63 have been tested on humans, 21 of which reached final-stage mass testing.

A further 172 candidate vaccines are being developed in laboratories with a view to eventual human trials.

"There is a really big pipeline of vaccines that are coming through," said O'Brien.

"We are in active review of the data on other vaccines and we do expect to be emergency-use listing additional vaccines in the coming weeks and the next months.

"We have 15 manufacturers that have contacted us believing that they have the data that are required to meet these highest standards."

As for the new mutations of the virus detected in Britain and South Africa, WHO experts have said that while they seem more transmissible, there is no indication that the current vaccines would not work against those variantsand the vaccines are easily adaptable in any case.

"The evaluation about whether the existing vaccines will be impacted at all is under way," said O'Brien.

However, "the kinds of changes being seen in these variants are not felt to be likely to change the impact", she added.

O'Brien said it was too early to tell how long protection would last for following vaccination, and the WHO had no data yet to make any recommendations on receiving doses of different vaccines, having fully reviewed only the Pfizer-BioNTech jab.

She said prospective recipients should be aware it is not uncommon to feel unwell or have a sore arm after receiving a shot.

"Up to a third of people are going to get a headache or not feel well for perhaps 24 hours; the data says sometimes up to 48 hours," she said.

"It is your body's immune response that is actually turning on.

"You might not feel at your best for the first couple of days, but there's a reason for it: something good is happening in your body."

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP



LeBron James has received a death threat on social media from an unknown account with the username witness.kevin.durant.

The post tagged the LA Lakers player and contained a photo of a pistol.

"On Thursday, February 18, I will be going to a Nets vs Lakers game," the post started.

"I will sneak this gun showed in the picture into the arena and shoot James in the head during a timeout. You have been warned James."

Before long, an apology was posted from the same account.

"I'd like to publicly apologise for threatening LeBron as a joke," it started.

"I've come to realise things like these aren't jokes and can be taken very seriously.

"I have over 500 requests after going private because someone posted it on Twitter. Y'all can hate on me all y'all want, but I truly apologise and if I could go back in time and think before posting something like that I would."

The German automaker just threw out in the air (quite literally, check out the gallery to see what we mean) the dashboard of the flagship EQS fully electric limousine. After all, were just days away from the first-ever digital edition of the Consumer Electronics Show ( CES ), which is scheduled between January 11th to 14th. Mercedes-Benz is going there virtually with the newly introduced MBUX Hyperscreen, so theres even a slight chance for the entire EQS to go with the dashboard. If not, were just going to have to contend with this emotional intelligence of the all-electric upper-class model, as the company so poetically explains.For the slightly more level-headed, the MBUX Hyperscreen is the new curved screen unit that makes up the digital dashboard of the upcoming EQS . Its the latest installment in the MBUX saga which kicked off alongside the latest A-Class back in 2018 and just premiered as a second-generation setup inside the all-new S-Class. Now its making another jump forward, fusing analog and digital elements into one (arguably) seamless package  cue the several displays and the turbine-styled air vents at either extremity. As far as the frame is concerned, the plastic is styled in Silver Shadow, while the screens employ the latest OLED technology.Even the passenger gets some OLED real estate out of the total of 141 cm (almost 56 inches), so no one is left out from the connected party; Mercedes-Benz also deploys haptic feedback for better real-world feeling during operation, while artificial intelligence is present to further the experience.Now for the nerdy stuff. Theres both a multifunction camera and a light sensor to accurately measure the ambient conditions and adapt the brightness of the screens, while the MBUX interface uses help from eight CPU cores, 24 gigabytes of RAM (!), and a RAM memory bandwidth of 46.4 GB per second, among other specifics.
With 15 more people testing positive for the new UK variant of Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the total number of UK returnees having tested positive for the mutant virus in the country has reached 73, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday.

The results are based on the genome sequencing of positive samples released by the Indian Sars-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium labs that the Centre has specifically created for the purpose of monitoring any kind of mutations in the virus.

The total number of cases infected with the new strain of the novel coronavirus first reported in the UK now stands at 73, the ministry said.

All these persons have been kept in single room isolation in designated health care facilities by respective state governments. Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine., the ministry said.

The situation is under careful watch and regular advice is being provided to the states for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to INSACOG labs, said the health ministry in a statement.
The fascist insurrection in Washington DCwhich resulted in the storming of the US Congress, the panicked dispersal of terrified senators and members of the House, the delay of the official validation of Joseph Bidens Electoral College majority, and even the occupation of the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosiis a turning point in the political history of the United States.

The hoary glorifications of the invincibility and timelessness of American democracy have been totally exposed and discredited as a hollow political myth. The popular phrase It Cant Happen Here, taken from the title of Sinclair Lewis justly famous fictional account of the rise of American fascism, has been decisively overtaken by events. Not only can a fascist coup happen here. It has happened here, on the afternoon of January 6, 2021.

Trump supporters storm the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Moreover, even if the initial effort has fallen short of its goal, it will happen again.

What occurred yesterday was the outcome of a carefully planned conspiracy. It was instigated by Donald Trump, who has been working with a gang of fascist conspirators strategically positioned within the White House and other powerful institutions, departments and agencies of the state. Wednesdays operation carries with it the overwhelming stench of the Trump sons, close aides like Stephen Miller, and numerous others working behind the scenes within the military, the National Guard and the police.

The conspiracy utilized the well-known techniques of modern coups. The plotters identified the meeting of the Congress to ratify Bidens Electoral College majority as the propitious time for action. The assault was prepared by weeks of lying claims by Trump and his minions that the 2020 election had been stolen. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell rendered critical service by withholding Republican recognition of Bidens election for weeks, thus providing time and legitimacy to Trumps efforts to discredit the election with totally fraudulent claims of ballot fraud.

A majority of Republican congressmen and a substantial number of Republican senators orchestrated Wednesdays political debate at which the legitimacy of the Electoral College vote was challenged, to provide the necessary pretext for the planned right-wing uprising. The final signal for the storming of the Capitol building was given by Trump himself, who delivered an insurrectionary harangue to his supporters, whoone can be certainwere directed by elements with police, military and paramilitary training.

It has already been widely noted that the fascist gangs encountered virtually no resistance as they stormed the Capitol. In the most critical and vulnerable areas of the Capitol building, the police were hardly to be seen. To politically evaluate the police response on Wednesday, one has only to recall the violence deployed last June against a peaceful anti-police brutality demonstration in Lafayette Park.

Had a left-wing protest been called in Washington to protest Trumps efforts to overthrow the results of the election, the demonstratorsas everyone knowswould have been met with a massive show of force by the police and National Guard. There would have been police sharpshooters placed strategically on every building in the vicinity of the protesters. Military helicopters and drones would have been circling overhead. The slightest unauthorized movement by the crowd, however peaceful, would have been met with demands for its immediate dispersal, followed within minutes by the launching of barrages of tear gas cannisters. Hundreds, if not thousands, would have been kettled and arrested.

The response of the Democratic Party to the coup has been a pathetic display of political spinelessness. The first hours of the insurrection passed without a single prominent Democratic leader issuing a clear denunciation of the conspiracy, nor did any prominent Democrats call for popular resistance to the coup. Former President Obama and the Clintons, who are followed by millions on Twitter, remained silent throughout the day.

As for the president-elect, Biden waited hours before finally appearing before the public. After describing the attack on the Capitol as sedition, Biden made this extraordinary appeal to the leader of the conspiracy: I call on President Trump to go on national television now, to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege.

Normally, when confronted with an attempt to overthrow the constitutional regime, the political leader threatened by the conspiracy must immediately seek to deprive the traitors of all access to the mass media and a nationwide audience. But Biden, instead, called on Trump to appear on national televisionto call off the insurrection he himself had organized!

Biden concluded his remarks with the following clarion call. So, President Trump, step up. This bankrupt appeal to the would-be fascist dictator will go down in history as Bidens Hitler, do the right thing speech.

The Democrats, let alone the media, have no intention of exposing the full depth of the conspiracy and holding its plotters and organizers responsible. The effort to cover up the crime has already begun, with the media bloviating on the need for Democrats and Republicans to come together in bipartisan unity.

The decision of the House and the Senate, in the evening hours, to uphold Bidens election is not the end of the crisis.

Appeals for unity with the conspirators clear the path for the next effort to carry out a fascist coup detat. This is the lesson of the invasion of the state Capitol last April by armed fascist thugs in Lansing, Michigan and the subsequent conspiracy in the autumn of 2020 to kidnap and assassinate the Democratic governor of the state, Gretchen Whitmer. The Democratic Party and media quickly suppressed coverage of these crimes and hardly defended Whitmer against the attack. The plotters, thus far, have received little more than a slap on the wrist.

The Democrats response to the fascist conspiracy is not dictated merely by cowardice or stupidity. Rather, as representatives of the financial-corporate oligarchy, they are frightened that the exposure of the criminal conspiracy and its political aims would ignite a mass response within the working class that would spiral into a movement against the capitalist state and the interests it serves.

The effort to conceal the conspiracy must be opposed. Workers must take up the demand for the immediate removal and arrest of Trump. He cannot be allowed to remain in office, utilizing the immense power of the presidency to continue his plotting. His retention of the White House represents a massive threat to the people of the United States and the world. Trump still has the power to declare a national emergency and even launch a war. His finger remains on the nuclear trigger.

Nor should his co-conspirators be left in office. The Republican senators and congressmen involved in the conspiracy must be likewise removed from the Senate and Congress, arrested, placed on trial and sent to prison.

The continuing reference by the Democrats to their Republican colleagues is itself a mockery of democracy.

The demand must be raised for a public investigation with open hearings, aimed at identifying all those involved in the conspiracy, leading to their arrest and imprisonment.

Absolutely no confidence should be placed in the in-coming Biden administrationassuming that his inauguration is not blocked by a further uprisingto hold the conspirators to account and defend democracy.

It must never be forgotten that Biden and the Democrats represent nothing more than another political faction of the same ruling class. As Obama declared immediately after Trumps election, the conflict between the Democrats and Republicans is nothing more than an intramural scrimmage, i.e., a friendly fight between members of the same team. In a statement issued Wednesday evening, Obama singled out Republicans for praise, writing obsequiously: Ive been heartened to see many members of the presidents party speak up forcefully today. The only purpose of such a statement is to conceal the truth about the extent of the fascist coup.

The events of January 6, 2021 must be taken as a warning. The working class must elaborate a political strategy and plan of action to defeat future efforts to impose a dictatorship.

The political and economic dynamic of capitalist reaction and counterrevolution will continue, even with Trump out of office. This dynamic will not abate after January 20. The Democratic Party, whose congressional and senatorial delegation is stacked with millionaires and people with the closest ties to the CIA and the military, are no less capable than the Republicans of organizing a conspiracy to suppress democratic rights.

In any event, the policies of the Biden administration, which will pursue policies set by Wall Street and the military, will perpetuate and escalate the anger and frustration exploited by the fascists.

Throughout the past year, as it has conducted an unrelenting struggle against the ruling class policy of herd immunity, the Socialist Equality Party has shown in detail the connection between the ruling classs inhuman response to the pandemic and the Trump administrations assault on democratic rights.

The danger has not passed.

It is essential to build a network of rank-and-file committees in factories and workplaces capable of organizing broad-based popular resistance through the mobilization of all sections of the working class.

Above all, workers must understand that the disintegration of American democracy is rooted in the crisis of capitalism. In a society riven by staggering levels of social inequality, it is impossible to preserve democracy.

Draw the lessons of January 6!

Take up the fight for socialism and the defense of democratic rights by joining the Socialist Equality Party.

Many Trump sympathizers tried to shift the focus away from the mob scene in Washington and revive months-old stories about the fires and looting that accompanied some protests over police brutality following the killing of George Floyd in May. Those chaotic scenes became a central piece of the Republican Partys messaging to portray the Democrats and Mr. Biden as weak on public safety and captive to far-left extremists.

One of Mr. Trumps campaign slogans was Jobs Not Mobs. And all summer, a constant theme of the commentary from the right about the social unrest was that political violence was almost exclusively a left-wing problem  even as Mr. Trump defended people like Kyle Rittenhouse, a teenager accused of fatally shooting two people who were protesting the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black resident of Kenosha, Wis.

On the floor of the House late Wednesday evening, Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida blamed saboteurs masquerading as Trump supporters for the violence and said, Im sure glad that at least for one day I didnt hear my Democrat colleagues calling to defund the police. That earned him a round of spirited applause from his fellow Republicans.

The Fox News host Laura Ingraham urged people not to rush to judgment about the demonstrators as a whole  a kind of generosity she and many other conservatives rarely displayed when describing the millions of Americans who protested peacefully last summer. Ms. Ingraham described speaking to pro-Trump demonstrators on Wednesday who are extremely upset that they are being lumped in with individuals who would break windows.

She also strained to draw a parallel to the protests outside the White House in late May, when someone started a fire in the basement of St. Johns Church that caused minor damage, saying, That was terrifying. It wasnt all roses and sunshine and peaceful.

Elsewhere in pro-Trump media, the idea that anti-Trump infiltrators were actually responsible for the attack that left four people dead  not the president who teased that the days events will be wild! or the marauders inside the Capitol waving flags and wearing hats emblazoned with his name  was widespread.

Mark Levin, whose radio program reaches 11 million people each week, told his listeners that while he thought the rioters were idiots who had hurt the Trump movement, there was a possibility that they werent really Trump supporters.
As New Jersey expands its COVID-19 vaccination efforts to larger groups of people, qualified volunteers are needed to help give shots into arms, officials said.

State Commissioner of Health Judy Persichelli called for volunteers across the state to help distribute shots through the Medical Reserve Corps, saying recently retired healthcare workers are desired.

Individuals that can serve as vaccinators; physicians, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, anyone who is certified to inoculate, to sign up with their County Medical Reserve Corps, because we do need vaccinators particularly when we bring up all the mega0sites, Persichilli said. I encourage particularly recently retired individuals to sign up.

Gov. Phil Murphy echoed that call out during a Wednesday press briefing.

If you have these skills we need you. So, we asked for health care help out of the bullpen in the spring, were asking for it again, please visit that website, Murphy said.

Volunteers must have had previous experience and training with intramuscular injections, Persichilli said on Wednesday. There is no state training program at this time, she said.

The Medical Reserve Corps is a local-level branch of the Federal Citizen Corps, a federally-run volunteer program that works to harness civilian expertise during times of need. Members of the Medical Reserve Corps are used during public health emergencies, including pandemics, and can help provide emergency medical services, vaccine distribution, and assist with logistics, a description on the Middlesex County government website says.

With COVID-19 vaccines now available, the local health agencies may need MRC volunteers to assist with their vaccination efforts. Some MRC Unit Coordinators specifically requested a statewide appeal for vaccinators, Nancy Kearney, a communications manager for the state Department of Health, told NJ Advance Media.

Decisions on where the volunteers will be used will be decided at the local level, she said.

Volunteer registration has been high since Mondays call out, Persichilli said, but she did not yet know how many volunteers would be needed.

Interested residents can apply to volunteer through a state sign-up website. Participants should select the county they wish to volunteer in on a drop-down menu.

Volunteers will not be used at the six mega0sites, Kearney said. Locations at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall and at Rowan College of South Jersey are scheduled to open on Friday. Its not clear how those sites will be staffed.

In addition to vaccinators, local units are also looking for volunteers with experience in security, language translation/interpretation, education and outreach, warehouse operations, clerical, and counseling, Kearney said.

Volunteers are needed because they fill a role other emergency response organizations, like the National Guard, might not be qualified to fill, Murphy said at Mondays press briefing.

You need a healthcare training and/or background here. People have said, well, gosh, what about the National Guard? There are members of the National Guard who have a healthcare background or profession, in which case we need them, but theyre going to be deployed, and I would guess, State Police in OEM is in the same category ... on doing things like structurally building the mega sites, by example, Murphy said.

Its unclear how many professionals New Jersey needs to reach its goal of vaccinating 70% of New Jersey adult residents  about 4.7 million people  in the next six months. Police officers and firefighters will be eligible for vaccines beginning Thursday.

The general public (those not in high-risk groups or essential jobs) are expected to begin receiving shots sometime this spring.

At least 137,829 doses of the vaccine have been administered in New Jersey, out of 500,000 received, although officials believe those numbers are underreported. Another 450,000 people have pre-registered online for their turn to be vaccinated.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
Martin Shanahan, the CEO of IDA says "we will be fishing in a smaller pool". Photo: Steve Humphreys

IDA Ireland is expecting 2021 to be a difficult year for sourcing new foreign direct investment (FDI), even as the Irish economy recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

IDA chief executive Martin Shanahan said the outlook for the next 12 months was "uncertain", despite a strong result for the agency in 2020.

The IDA won 246 new investments last year - including from 95 new companies - which added net jobs of nearly 9,000. But Mr Shanahan told the Irish Independent that the performance was unlikely to be repeated this year.

"It was a very good year in the context of the pandemic, but some of those results were based on work done up to March 2020 when we were fully operational across our global offices," he said.

"Since then we have been heavily restricted in terms of our ability to engage with clients. That has undoubtedly slowed the investment process. The subdued level of activity is going to have a downward impact."

Read More

Many IDA offices around the world are temporarily closed or short-staffed because of the pandemic, with many people working from home. Travel restrictions imposed by countries and companies alike have reduced the IDA's contacts with prospective investors.

At the same time, global FDI flows are expected to reduce in 2021 amid increased competition. "We will be fishing in a smaller pool," said Mr Shanahan.

The IDA has instead been focusing more on getting bigger investment commitments from existing clients with operations in Ireland already rather than sourcing entirely new investments.

That means the agency will continue its reliance on US multinational companies to the exclusion of expansion into growth markets, such as China and India.

Yesterday the IDA Ireland it is aiming to place at least half of new foreign direct investments (FDI) in regional locations over the next four years in support of the Government's forthcoming National Economic Plan.

The State FDI agency is targeting 800 new inward investments as part of its Strategy 2021-2024, with 400 of these slated for regional locations. The IDA intends these investments to support 50,000 new jobs nationwide.

Read More

Online Editors
BERLIN  Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain on Thursday placed the blame for mob violence at the U.S. Capitol squarely on President Trump.

Ms. Merkel and other leaders of the United States strongest allies in Europe expressed faith in the strength of American democracy, although Mr. Johnson said that the riot had undermined the image of the United States.

These pictures made me angry and sad, Ms. Merkel said, speaking before an online gathering of her conservative partys Bavarian partners, the Christian Social Union, minutes after the United States Congress confirmed President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s victory.

I deeply regret that since November, President Trump has not accepted that he lost, and did not do so again yesterday, Ms. Merkel said. He stoked uncertainties about the election outcome, and that created an atmosphere that made the events of last night possible.
Covid-19 vaccinations for staff commenced on Wednesday at the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT) with plans to deliver the first dose of the vaccine to all staff in the coming weeks.

A peer vaccination team of up to 19 nurses will vaccinate staff Monday to Saturday ensuring that all personnel are protected in a planned and timely way.

Stephen DeRighetti, Enhanced General Nurse became the first person in Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore to be vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine against COVID-19. He was vaccinated by his colleague Neil Perry, Clinical Skills Facilitator Emergency Department. You can watch Stephens message here after he received the vaccine.

Claire Foley - ADON Practice Development Coordinator, Louisea Burke  Director of Nursing, Brian Cosgrave - Radiography Services Manager, Stephen DeRighetti  Enhanced General Nurse, Paula McElligott  Divisional Nurse Manager

Noreen Hynes, General Manager, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore said, I would like to commend the team in MRHT who have worked so hard to begin the delivery of this vaccination programme. We are delighted to start the new year by offering this protection to our frontline workers with this Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. This remains a very worrying time for everybody, most especially our frontline workers who continue to face this virus. I am very appreciative of our staff, they have gone above and beyond. We would ask the community to continue supporting us at what is a particularly challenging time as the virus is so active in our community. Please continue to support us as you have done in the last year, by staying safe by staying at home.

Mr Sean Johnston, Clinical Director, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore said today, It has been a long few months for all of us here in MRHT. We are very relieved to receive the vaccine. It is our combined efforts now that will help stabilise the current COVID-19 status in our communities. This is a very dangerous virus. Please stay safe by staying at home, you can play your part and help us to beat Covid-19.

Mr. Trevor OCallaghan, CEO Dublin Midlands Hospital Group said today: The Dublin Midlands Hospital Group is very pleased to see the continued roll out of this vaccine in our Hospitals following the first vaccine in St James Hospital. We have been extensively planning with Hospitals and their vaccination teams to coordinate the supply of the available vaccine and ensure all frontline staff within the Hospital Group can be vaccinated in a timely way. Today, the vaccine programme will be launched in the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, & Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital. The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and Naas General Hospital are planning for the delivery on Thursday and Friday this week. The Group is also working with Community Health Organisation partners to include prioritised community health frontline workers as part of the vaccination roll out.

Ms. Eileen Whelan, Chief Director of Nursing at Dublin Midlands Hospital Group said, Vaccinations work, and vaccination is key to ensuring patient and staff safety during the Covid 19 pandemic. Our vaccination teams have a wealth of experience across all our Hospitals to commence the roll out of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. We would like to acknowledge all the work that has been undertaken so far and we will continue to build on our capacity to fully complete this programme ensuring our staff are fully protected.

Worldwide, vaccines save at least 2-3 million lives each year  and protect many more from crippling and lifelong illnesses. Only COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorised by the European Medicines Agency, having met stringent safety and effectiveness standards, will be used in Ireland. All COVID-19 vaccines will be carefully monitored over time and updated safety data and information will be published and shared by the HSE, on our website and in our printed information materials.


The world sees Americas turmoil as a warning

Global leaders watched as a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, an attack in which four people died, and many saw it as a warning to democracies everywhere. Several placed the blame squarely on President Trump.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand said she and others in her country were devastated by the events. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany did not mince words about Mr. Trumps role. He stoked uncertainties about the election outcome and that created an atmosphere that made the events of last night possible, she said.

The institutions of democracy prevailed, but the images of mob rule in Washington touched a particular nerve in fractured Western societies, our Paris bureau chief writes. If it could happen at democracys heart, it could happen anywhere.

The latest: In the U.S., there were growing calls for Mr. Trumps immediate removal from office for his role in urging on the violent mob, and a wave of resignations. Facebook announced it would block Mr. Trump from posting through the end of his term, including on Instagram, which it owns. Twitter suspended the presidents account, and the shopping platform Shopify shuttered the campaigns online store. Charges against the rioters may come today. At least 52 people have been arrested, including five on weapons charges.



WASHINGTON (AP)  Here is the latest on Congress tally of the Electoral College vote won by Joe Biden (all times local):

3:55 a.m.

President Donald Trump now says there will be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory and after a day of violence when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Trump says in a statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

He adds: I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

Trumps account is currently locked by Twitter.

Trump has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.

3:41 a.m.

Congress has formally validated Joe Bidens presidential election victory on a day that saw a time-honored ceremony become a nightmare of unprecedented political terror.

The House and Senate certified the Democrats electoral college win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police.

The rampage began shortly after President Donald Trump repeated his unfounded claims of election fraud to thousands of rallying demonstrators hed invited to Washington. Many then surged to the Capitol after he incited them to go there as lawmakers debated the electoral votes.

More than six hours after the violence erupted, lawmakers resumed their session.

Thirteen Republican senators and dozens of GOP representatives had planned to force debate and votes on perhaps six different states votes.

The assault on the Capitol made some Republicans squeamish about trying to overturn Bidens win, and challenges were lodged only against Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both efforts lost overwhelmingly.

Biden defeated Trump by 306-232 electoral votes and will be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3:25 a.m.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is defending his objection to the Electoral College results as the right thing to do.

The Texas senator condemned the violence that erupted as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an extraordinary attack over the election outcome.

Cruz led the first challenge to Joe Bidens defeat of President Donald Trump by objecting to Arizonas results. He sought to have Congress launch a commission to investigate the election. His effort was roundly defeated in the House and Senate.

Cruz said he was confident the country will have a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Biden is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3 a.m.

The House has joined the Senate in turning aside Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Lawmakers in the House voted 282-138 against the objection as the counting of Electoral College votes continued into the early hours of Thursday morning. The Senate shut down the same objection 92-7 just after midnight, and unlike the House, declined to debate before voting.

After a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

2:20 a.m.

A small group of House lawmakers came close to physically fighting early Thursday morning as the congressional count of electoral votes stretched into the wee hours and a Pennsylvania Democrat charged that Republicans had been telling lies about his states votes.

Rep. Morgan Griffiths, R-Va., objected after Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said a breach of the Capitol by an angry mob earlier in the day was inspired by lies, the same lies you are hearing in this room tonight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shot down the objection, but a few minutes later Republicans and Democrats streamed to the middle aisle, with around a dozen lawmakers getting close to each other and arguing. But the group quickly broke up when Pelosi called for order on the floor.

President Donald Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in Pennsylvania and other states and Republicans have echoed those claims as they have challenged electoral votes.

12:55 a.m.

The Senate has quickly killed Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Senators voted 92-7 after midnight to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, its the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he believes no other states votes will be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

12:15 a.m. Thursday

Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have objected to the counting of Pennsylvanias electoral votes, triggering up to two hours of debate in the House and Senate.

The objections come 11 hours after the congressional count to confirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential victory began, and after lawmakers had to evacuate both chambers for several hours to escape a mob that had violently breached the Capitol.

Hawley said last week that he would object to Pennsylvanias electoral votes, saying Congress should investigate voter fraud. President Donald Trump has falsely said since his defeat that there was widespread fraud in the election.

Biden won Pennsylvania by just over 80,000 votes. Since the Nov. 3 election, Trump and his allies filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging Bidens win on various grounds, including that many or all of the states mail-in ballots were illegal.

The lawsuits failed as judge after judge found no violation of state law or constitutional rights, or no grounds to grant an immediate halt to certifying the election.

11:20 p.m. Wednesday

The House has voted overwhelmingly to reject an objection to President-elect Joe Bidens win in Arizona, joining the Senate in upholding the results of the election there.

The objection failed 303-121 on Wednesday night, with only Republicans voting in support.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Now that Arizona is out of the way, Congress will reconvene as the joint session and make its way through the rest of the states that have objections.

11:10 p.m.

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in medical emergencies.

Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee. Police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

10:15 p.m.

The Senate has overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.

The objection to the results in Arizona -- spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz -- was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

The Republicans raised the objection based on false claims pushed by President Donald Trump and others of issues with the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials.

10:10 p.m.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says a commission to examine the 2020 election is not a proper next step and affirmed that Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, called it a uniquely bad idea to delay this election, referencing the commission idea proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Graham says, Count me out. Enough is enough.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Graham said that if youre a conservative, the idea that Vice President Mike Pence could reverse the results of the election, as President Donald Trump had urged him to do, was the most offensive concept in the world.

10 p.m.

Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

9:55 p.m.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he is going forward with his objection to the Electoral College results in Pennsylvania despite the violent breach at the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

The Missouri senator said he did not support violence but said the Senate should go forward with a legal process that includes his objections.

Hawley says his objections should be debated peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets. He says he hoped lawmakers would not brush his concerns aside because of the violence earlier Wednesday, including the death of a protester inside the Capitol.

Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

9:45 p.m.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump has falsely said there was widespread fraud in the election to explain his defeat and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trumps, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

9:15 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

9:10 p.m.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending 1,000 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials. It comes after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday: For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.s aid.

The presidents supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Trump convinced them that he was cheated out of a victory by rampant, widespread voter fraud, a false claim.

8:55 p.m.

Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

8:45 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Congress will not be deterred in confirming the results of the presidential election hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Republican leader reopened the Senate late Wednesday vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College for President-elect Joe Biden. It was interrupted earlier in the way when rioters breached the security perimeter and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. One person was fatally shot.

McConnell says demonstrators tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed.

McConnell plans to keep the Senate in session Wednesday to finish confirming the results.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true. He reiterated the claim in a video filmed as his demonstrators were storming the Capitol.

8:35 p.m.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.

Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

8:20 p.m.

Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation.

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

Obama says it should not have come as a surprise, and that for two months a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth.

He says their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

8:10 p.m.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

8:05 p.m.

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in protest over President Donald Trumps Syria policies, blamed the president for the violence at the U.S. Capitol.

In a sharp rebuke Wednesday, Mattis said the violence was fomented by Trump, who has used the presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens.

His written statement concluded, Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country.

Mattis, a retired four-star Marine general who stepped down as Pentagon chief in December 2018, had an embattled relationship with Trump, but largely remained publicly quiet and avoided direct criticism. Since he left the job, however, he has been more openly derisive of Trump, including a public condemnation of the presidents heavy-handed use of military force to quell protests near the White House last June.

7:55 p.m.

Stephanie Grisham, chief of staff and press secretary for first lady Melania Trump, has resigned following violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Grisham says in a statement Wednesday that it was an honor to serve the country in the White House and be part of he first ladys mission to help children.

Grisham was one of Trumps longest serving aides, having joined the campaign in 2015. She served as the White House press secretary and never held a press briefing.

Wednesdays violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by the presidents supporters sparked renewed conversations inside the White House about mass resignations by mid-level aides who are responsible for operations of the office of the president.

Two people familiar with the conversations said the aides were torn between fears of what more would happen if they left and a desire to register their disgust with their boss. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.

7:45 p.m.

The Republican National Committee says it strongly condemns the violence at the Capitol, adding that the violent scenes do not represent acts of patriotism, but an attack on our country and its founding principles.

The RNC is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican political platform. Its statement condemning the violence came hours after Republican President Donald Trump baselessly complained that the election was stripped away from great patriots. He went on to tell them to go home with love & in peace.

The groups communications director, Michael Ahrens, says, What happened today was domestic terrorism.

He says to see the U.S. flag used in the name of unfounded conspiracy theories is a disgrace to the nation, and every decent American should be disgusted by it.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens victory over him, citing false claims of voter fraud. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people.

7:40 p.m.

Former President Bill Clinton says the attack on the U.S. Capitol was fueled over four years of poison politics and lit by President Donald Trump.

Clinton said in a statement Wednesday night that the riot at the Capitol resulted from a combination of deliberate disinformation that created distrust in the system and pit Americans against one another.

He wrote, The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost.

His wife, Hillary Clinton, lost a bitter election to Trump in 2016 and conceded to him immediately. Trump has refused to accept his defeat by Democrat Joe Biden in November and is trying to cast him as an illegitimate president.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

7:20 p.m.

A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, later deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!

State House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw said Evans will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.

He said he has not spoken to Evans yet about his involvement.

The delegate from Wayne County said in a statement later on Facebook that he was heading back to West Virginia and was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history.

6:55 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will resume the Electoral College proceedings once the Capitol is cleared of pro-Donald Trump protesters and safe for use.

Pelosi said she made the decision Wednesday in consultation with the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the vice president, who will preside.

She noted the day would always be part of history, but now it would be as such a shameful picture of our country was put out into the world.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

6:45 p.m.

Dozens of pro-Trump protesters remain on the streets of the nations capital in defiance of the curfew imposed after rioters stormed the Capitol.

The mostly maskless crowd was forcibly removed from the Capitol on Wednesday after breaking into the building and halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were pushed out of the immediate area and moved down the hill, where they taunted law enforcement and moved barricades.

Police said anyone found on the streets after the 6 p.m. curfew would be arrested. Officers in full riot gear with shields lined the streets near the U.S. Capitol.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said their debate on affirming Bidens victory would continue after the Capitol was secured.

6:40 p.m.

The head of the nations largest union of flight attendants says people who took part in the violent protest at the Capitol must be banned from flying.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said in a statement Wednesday that some of the people who traveled in our planes (Tuesday) participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today.

She says, Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area. Acts against our democracy, our government and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.

Nelson and the union endorsed President-elect Joe Biden over President Donald Trump before the November election.

Trump supporters on a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Washington heckled Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, the lone Republican senator to vote to oust Trump after he was impeached. On an American Airlines flight from Dallas, a large contingent of Trump supporters got in an angry yelling match with other passengers after one of the presidents supporters projected Trump 2020 on the cabin ceiling and walls.

6:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is blaming President Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection at the Capitol.

Romney, the GOPs 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of Trumps, said the violent breach of the Capitol on Wednesday was due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months.

The Utah senator said those who continue to support Trumps dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy.

Romney ridiculed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans who want an audit of the election results: Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the president will continue to claim the election was stolen.

The simple truth, Romney said, is that President-elect (Joe) Biden won this election. President Trump lost.

6:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump has appeared to justify the violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

In a tweet Wednesday night, Trump said, These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

Trump has faced mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers to do more to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name.

6:20 p.m.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen says the violent pro-Trump protest at the U.S. Capitol was an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of democracy.

Rosen said Wednesday that the Justice Department has been working with U.S. Capitol Police and other federal law enforcement agencies to secure the Capitol. He says hundreds of federal agents from Justice Department agencies were sent to assist.

He called it an unacceptable situation and said federal prosecutors intend to enforce the laws of our land.

Dozens of President Donald Trumps supporters breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police declared the Capitol to be secure about four hours later.

6:10 p.m.

Former President George W. Bush says he and his wife, Laura, are sickened and heartbroken over the mayhem in Washington and have watched in disbelief and dismay as events unfolded.

Bush said the assault on the Capitol on Wednesday and the disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens victory was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

The Republican said in a statement that he is appalled by what he described as reckless behavior by some political leaders since the election and the lack of respect for U.S. institutions, traditions and law enforcement.

Bush addressed those who are disappointed by the election result, saying, Our country is more important than the politics of the moment.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting. They fought with officers both inside the building and outside.

6:10 p.m.

A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died.

Thats according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

5:50 p.m.

Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

The occupation interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations around the Capitol complex and Washington, D.C. after thousands of Trump supporters breached the building and skirmished with police officers.

Lawmakers have signaled that they would resume the constitutionally mandated count as soon as it was safe to do so.

5:40 p.m.

Police are using tear gas and percussion grenades to begin clearing pro-Trump protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington.

Police donned gas masks as they moved in Wednesday evening with force to clear protesters from the Capitol grounds shortly before a curfew took hold. In the moments before, there were violent clashes between the police and protesters, who tore railing for the inauguration scaffolding and threw it at the officers.

Police used tear gas and percussion grenades to break up the crowd, which began dispersing.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police said at least one person was shot inside the Capitol; their condition was not immediately known.

The districts police chief said at least 13 people were arrested, and five firearms had been recovered during the pro-Trump protests on Wednesday.

5:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Ben Sasse is directly blaming President Donald Trump for the storming of the Capitol by huge, angry crowds of pro-Trump protesters.

The Nebraska lawmaker and frequent critic of Trump said Wednesday evening that the Capitol was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard  tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution.

Sasse says in a written statement, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The protesters broke into the building as Congress was beginning the formal process of certifying the electoral votes that gave Democratic President-elect Joe Biden a victory over Trump in November. Vice President Mike Pence has the ceremonial role of overseeing that certification and resisted Trump efforts to pressure him to overturn the election results.

Trump has continued to fallaciously claim that the voting was marred by fraud and that he actually won. Earlier Wednesday Trump addressed a huge crowd of protesters outside the White House and urged them to gather at the Capitol.

5:25 p.m.

The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.

5:05 p.m.

Pro-Trump demonstrators have massed outside statehouses across the country, forcing evacuations in at least two states. In St. Paul, Minnesota, cheers rang out from demonstrators in reaction to the news that supporters of President Donald Trump had stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Hundreds of mostly unmasked people people gathered outside capitols on Wednesday with Trump flags and Stop the Steal signs. In Georgia and Oklahoma, some demonstrators carried guns.

New Mexico state police evacuated staff from a statehouse building that includes the governors and secretary of states offices as a precaution shortly after hundreds of flag-waving supporters arrived in a vehicle caravan and on horseback. A spokesperson for the governors office says there was no indication of threats at the statehouse.

The staff of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was sent home as several hundred pro-Trump demonstrators rallied outside the Capitol, though the demonstration remained relatively calm. A brief scuffle between pro-Trump demonstrators, who included members of the Proud Boys, and counterprotesters broke out in Columbus, Ohio, but there was no immediate threat to the Capitol.

5 p.m.

The police chief of Washington, D.C., says pro-Trump protesters deployed chemical irritants on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.

Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. One civilian was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behavior of the Trump supporters was shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful. She says, There will be law and order and this behavior will not be tolerated.

Metropolitan police have been sent to the Capitol, and authorities were coming in from Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey to help out. The National Guard was also deployed, as were Homeland Security investigators and Secret Service.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

4:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump, in a video message, is urging supporters to go home but is also keeping up false attacks about the presidential election.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trump opened his video, saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said, we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. The statement came as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:37 p.m.

Two influential business groups are calling for the attack on the nations Capitol to end and for a peaceful transition of power.

Business Roundtable, which represents some of the most powerful companies in America including Walmart, Apple, Starbucks and General Electric, called on President Donald Trump and other officials to bring the protests to an end.

The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, the Roundtable said in a statement Wednesday. The country deserves better.

Separately, the CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Donohue, which represents large and small companies, urged officials to clear the Capitol and for Congress to approve the results of the presidential election won by Joe Biden.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength. The Capitol went into lockdown after its security perimeters were breached and protesters entered the building.

4:35 p.m.

At least one explosive device has been found near the U.S. Capitol amid a violent occupation of the building by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

Thats according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Thousands of supporters of the president occupied the Capitol complex as lawmakers were beginning to tally the electoral votes that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Vice President Mike Pence has called on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than Trump, who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

4:10 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden also demanded President Donald Trump to immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence that he described as an unprecedented assault as pro-Trump protestors violently occupy U.S. Capitol.

Bidens condemnation came after violent protesters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elects victory in the November election.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:05 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than President Donald Trump who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Pence, long a loyal aide to the president, defied Trump earlier Wednesday, tell him he didnt have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. Trump had publicly called on Pence to overturn the will of the voters, but Pences constitutional role in the process was only ceremonial.

Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Trump later issued a restrained call for peace but did not ask his supporters to disperse.

4 p.m.

The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the citys armory. The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.

The officials said the D.C. request for National Guard was not rejected earlier in the day. Instead, according to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military in a law enforcement role at the Capitol. As a result, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Hoffman said the law enforcement response to the violence will be led by the Justice Department.

3:55 p.m.

The top Democrats in Congress are demanding that President Donald Trump order his supporters to leave the Capitol following a chaotic protest aimed at blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a joint statement on Wednesday after violent protesters stormed the Capitol. They said, We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately.

Trump earlier encouraged his supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he did not call for them to disperse. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he repeated his false claims that President-elect Joe Biden had won the election through voter fraud.

He urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:50 p.m.

The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trumps supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

She added, We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.

Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.

3:40 p.m.

Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on President Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters angry about his election loss.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he spoke with the president earlier Wednesday and told him to make a statement to make sure that we can calm individuals down.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that it is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey told The Associated Press that while he sympathizes with the protesters position, they shouldnt get violent, and it would be nice if Trump called on them to protest in a peaceful way in an appropriate spot, where you belong, where you should be.

Many Republicans had backed Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.

This is Banana Republic crap that were watching right now, said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College vote.

3:37 p.m.

Supporters of President Donald Trump got into a angry shouting match with other passengers on a Washington-bound American Airlines plane after they projected a Trump 2020 logo on the cabin ceiling and walls.

The Trump supporters said a passenger threatened to kill them, and there was yelling back and forth. A flight attendant intervened, telling one passenger in the aisle to sit down.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night after Americans flight 1291 from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport landed at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., and was taxiing to the gate.

The scene was posted on Twitter by Maranie Staab, a Portland, Oregon-based independent journalist who says on her website that she focuses on human rights and social-justice issues.

Our team is reviewing this incident, said American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing. We applaud our outstanding crewmembers for their professionalism in de-escalating a tense onboard situation and getting our customers to their destination safely.

American said law enforcement was not called, and that passengers deplaned and dispersed without further incident.

3:35 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from supporters of President Donald Trump who are protesting Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

3:30 p.m.

One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.

Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

3:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is encouraging supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he is not calling for them to disperse.

As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, No violence! adding: Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.

But Trump did not ask supporters to vacate the area as the unrest continued.

Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol  at one point even suggesting he would join them. He is upset that he lost the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and has falsely claimed voter fraud to explain it away.

He also urged his supporters to get rid of the weak Congress people  presumably through primary challenges  saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:15 p.m.

A Defense Department official says Washington, D.C., has requested an additional 200 National Guard members as supporters of President Donald Trump violently clash with law enforcement at the Capitol.

That request is currently under review at the Pentagon to determine how the Guard can respond to support law enforcement.

According to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military at the Capitol. Instead, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Officials said the request for more National Guard has not been rejected.

Trump had urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

3:10 p.m.

Pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump to condemn supporters who are violently clashing with law enforcement on Capitol Hill.

Among those urging Trump to act: his former communications director, Alyssa Farah, who tweeted that Trump should Condemn this now.

She says, you are the only one they will listen to. For our country!

Dozens of people have breached security perimeters at the Capitol, forcing the lockdown of the building and halting the vote to certify Joe Bidens presidential victory.

Trump has so far offered a single tweet asking his supporters to Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

His former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted: The Presidents tweet is not enough. He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home.

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, also addressed Trump supporters in a tweet, calling them the patriots challenging the fraudulent election and telling them that POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY.

3 p.m.

Protesters backing President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

Trump urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers have backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Protesters are now inside the Senate chamber. One got up on the dais and yelled Trump won that election.

Several dozen are roaming through the halls, yelling, Where are they?

Some were also in the visitors galleries.

2:50 p.m.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid skirmishes by supporters of President Donald Trump

Pro-Trump protestors breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, violently clashing with law enforcement as lawmakers were gathered inside to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Novembers presidential election.

Law enforcement instructed lawmakers to retrieve masks from under their seats amid the clashes. The Capitol building was placed on lockdown, as Trump supporters marched through evacuated public spaces in the building.

After egging on protests, Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

2:47 p.m.

After egging on protests, President Donald Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement, Trump tweeted, as tear gas was deployed in the locked-down Capitol. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Trump at a rally earlier Wednesday encouraged his supporters to head to the Capitol.

Were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them, Trump said.

2:45 p.m.

Lawmakers are being evacuated from the U.S. Capitol after protesters breached security and entered the building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other senators were led out, escorted by staff and police on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the House were also being evacuated. Both chambers had been debating the certification of Joe Bidens victory in the Electoral College.

The skirmishes came shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

Protesters could be seen marching through the Capitols stately Statuary Hall shouting and waving Trump banners and American flags.

Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

2:40 p.m.

The mayor of Washington, D.C., has ordered a curfew in the nations capital beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday after protestors seeking to overturn the election results stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the order as protestors supporting President Donald Trump breached the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting to formally count the electors that will make Joe Biden president on Jan. 20.

The order extends through 6 a.m. Thursday.

The skirmishes came shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:30 p.m.

Protesting supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol.

There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and the debate over the electoral count was suspended.

A representative from the Capitol police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told lawmakers to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.

House Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern of Massachusetts told the crowd that the House expected to go back into session soon. Meanwhile, members milled around the floor and looked at their phones.

Reporters and others outside the chamber were told to go their seats inside and not leave.

The skirmishes came just shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

The Senate has recessed its debate over an objection to the results of the Electoral College after protesters forced police to lock down the building.

Reporters were told to stay in the Senates press gallery as the doors were locked.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz says American democracy is in crisis with polls showing that large numbers of voters believe the election that just occurred was rigged.

Cruz, a Republican, objected to the certification of election results in Arizona, saying the Senate has a responsibility to acknowledge the profound threat posed by widespread disbelief in the legitimacy of the election.

He called for the creation of a commission to conduct a 10-day emergency audit to investigate any irregularities, citing a similar commission created after the 1876 presidential election.

Cruz urged lawmakers not to take the easy path, but instead act together and create a credible and fair tribunal. Consider the claims, consider the facts, consider the evidence and make a conclusive determination whether and to what extent this election complied with the Constitution.'

1:55 p.m.

The U.S. Capitol Police are evacuating some congressional office buildings due to police activity as thousands gather outside the Capitol to protest the electoral vote.

Police told congressional staff members they should evacuate the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress. It wasnt immediately clear what specifically sparked the evacuation.

A police spokeswoman did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

Thousands of people have descended on the U.S. Capitol as Congress is expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens 2020 presidential win. Videos posted online showed protesters fighting with U.S. Capitol Police officers as police fired pepper spray to keep them back.
HCM City targets welcoming 33 million tourists in 2021 (Photo: nld.com.vn)

HCM City  The southern largest economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City has set a target of welcoming 33 million tourists with total revenue of more than 100 trillion VND (4.33 billion USD) in 2021.

The municipal Department of Tourism on January 1, in collaboration with the citys Tourism Association and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, held a welcome ceremony for the first visitors to HCM City in 2021.

Nine tourists departing from Hanoi and Con Dao on Vietnam Airlines flights VN7245, BL6025 and 0V8080 arrived in HCM City on New Years Day.

Ten other passengers on Vietjet Air VJ127 and Bamboo Airways QH203 flights came from Hanoi.

The first visitors to land in HCM City received round-trip domestic flight tickets and travel vouchers, along with multiple discounts from travel agencies and tourism services in HCM City.

Director of the citys Department of Tourism Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa said the welcome ceremony is one of the key activities promoting the annual campaign Thanh pho Ho Chi Minh xin chao - Hello HCM City.

The tourism industry in HCM City looks forward to efficient control of the COVID-19 pandemic from authorities. 2021 is expected to be the year of recovery for the domestic market and reopening of the international market in the following years. The first visitors this year mark the beginning of HCM Citys goal to reach 33 million tourists in 2021, she said.

Hoa added that in an effort to develop HCM City to become a leading tourism city in Asia, the department has planned new tourism products and events to attract more visitors.

Some notable events include the 8th HCM City Ao dai Festival and HCM City Tourism Day, along with tours at old Sai Gons relics.

Last year, the city's tourism market suffered greatly from the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of international visitors to HCM City in 2020 was 1.3 million, down 84.8 percent year on year, while the number of domestic travellers to HCM City was 15.8 million, a decrease of 48.4 percent year on year.

Total tourism revenue was estimated at 84.5 trillion VND (3.66 billion USD), down 39.6 percent compared to 2019.
Credit: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a common gastrointestinal malignancy. Peritoneal metastasis occurs in a majority of patients with advanced stomach cancer and is considered as an aggressive disease with poor outcomes.

Patients with peritoneal metastasis are typically not eligible for curative surgery. Therefore, preoperative detection and diagnosis of peritoneal metastasis are critical to inform treatment decision-making and avoid unnecessary surgery.

A new study published in the JAMA Network Open on Jan. 5 shows that deep learning can help in predicting occult peritoneal metastasis in stomach cancer. It provides a novel and noninvasive approach for stomach cancer patients and may inform individualized surgical management of stomach cancer.

The study was conducted by Dr. Xie Yaoqin's group from the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. Li Ruijiang from Stanford University, Dr. LI Guoxin from Nanfang Hospital, and Dr. Zhou Zhiwei from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center.

The researchers developed a deep learning model called Peritoneal Metastasis Network (PMetNet) to predict clinically occult peritoneal metastasis using preoperative computed tomography (CT) images in patients with stomach cancer.

Dr. Jiang Yuming from Stanford University, one co-first author of this study, explained that the proposed deep learning model may serve as a reliable noninvasive tool for the early identification of patients with clinically occult peritoneal metastasis.

"It can also inform individualized preoperative treatment decision-making and may avoid unnecessary surgery and complications," said Ph.D. candidate Liang Xiaokun from SIAT, the other co-first author.

Explore further New method to help spot gastric cancer cells

More information: Yuming Jiang et al. Noninvasive Prediction of Occult Peritoneal Metastasis in Gastric Cancer Using Deep Learning. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(1):e2032269. Journal information: JAMA Network Open Yuming Jiang et al. Noninvasive Prediction of Occult Peritoneal Metastasis in Gastric Cancer Using Deep Learning.2021;4(1):e2032269. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.32269
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
Multiple law enforcement agencies were required to clear the US Capitol of pro-Trump rioters on Wednesday. (Getty Images)

The US Capitol Police and several other law enforcement agencies have cleared the Capitol of pro-Trump rioters who stormed the building earlier on Wednesday, paving the way for Congress to continue certifying the 2020 election results.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said that process will continue Wednesday night.

Today, a shameful assault was made on our democracy. It was anointed at the highest level of government. It cannot, however, deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden, Ms wrote in a letter to her Democratic colleagues on Wednesday.

To that end, in consultation with [Democratic leaders] and after calls to the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the Vice President, we have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use.

Members of the new Congress are eager to finish the job of officially tallying the Electoral College vote after hundreds  possibly thousands  of rioters interrupted what was already a high-drama joint session on Wednesday where roughly 150 Republicans were challenging the electoral results in in five states.

At least one woman was shot and killed and several USCP officers were injured amid the chaos as rioters breached the Capitol building.

Tear gas was deployed to disperse rioters who burst into various offices in the Capitol  including Ms Pelosis  and took over the House and Senate chambers for a time.

Congressional leaders and Vice President Mike Pence have not announced exactly how the certification will continue, but rank and file members are eager to make quick work of the task before them.

We're going to go back and do our business, West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin III told reporters on Wednesday.

Whatever it takes. These thugs are not running us off.

Other Democrats echoed Mr Manchins resolve to finish the certification process on Wednesday.

[Im] still safe and it appears things are clearing out. We plan to go back into session today to certify the vote so President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris can take office, tweeted Congressman Mike Thompson.

Story continues

This is a tragic and dark day for our great country. The acts of rioters who stormed the Capitol will not be tolerated, the California Democrats wrote.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse tweeted that he is eager to get back to proceedings as soon as possible. Tonight, I hope.

The Rhode Island Democrat is not alone in those hopes, he indicated.

Day of infamy ought to end with us doing our jobs. Many colleagues eager to get back on Floor asap, Mr Whitehouse wrote.

Wednesdays storming of the Capitol has also spurred questions on Capitol Hill about how to handle a defiant and deranged Mr Trump in the final days of his administration, with several Democrats calling for the lame-duck presidents removal.

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is drawing up articles of impeachment against him, a move that at least six other House Democrats have signaled they would support.

Mr Trump, who has just 14 days left in office, has been accused of inciting the riotous mob that stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday and pushed past police officers on their way into the Senate and House chambers.

We cant allow him to remain in office, its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfil our oath, Ms Omar wrote in a tweet announcing that she was crafting impeachment articles.

While no Republican lawmakers had issued any public statements by 6:30pm on Wednesday about removing Mr Trump from office, several had denounced Mr Trump for inciting the insurrection at the Capitol.

Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the third-highest ranking House Republican, placed the blame for Wednesdays mayhem squarely on the outgoing presidents shoulders.

We just had a violent mob assault the US Capitol. ... No question the president formed the mob, the president incited the mob, the president addressed the mob. He lit the flame, Ms Cheney said.

Senator Mitt Romney went a step further, saying that the Republicans who support Mr Trumps bid to throw out the Electoral College results are equally complicit in perpetrating the insurrection staged on Wednesday at the Capitol.

What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States. Those who choose to continue to support his dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as being complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy. They will be remembered for their role in this shameful episode in American history. That will be their legacy, the Utah Republican said.

The president remained defiant throughout the day on Wednesday, refusing to concede the election. He also did not outright condemn the throngs of pro-Trump rioters gathered at the Capitol, telling him he loves them but urging them to go home.

Several hours after he spoke before a crowd of supporters close to the National Mall, saying that we will never concede  it doesn't happen, he posted a video message in which he urged people to leave the buildings they had then occupied, and to and respect law enforcement officers.

You have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order, he said.

Read More

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Russian President Vladimir Putin's last year visit to Damascus was prepared in total secrecy, Igor Kostyukov, the head of the Russian General Staff's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), has said

PETROPAVLOSVSK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th January, 2021) Russian President Vladimir Putin's last year visit to Damascus was prepared in total secrecy, Igor Kostyukov, the head of the Russian General Staff's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), has said.

On January 7, 2020, Putin made a trip to the Syrian capital of Damascus, which included a visit to the Russian forces' command post in the country, negotiations with his counterpart, Bashar Assad, as well as a visit to the Mariamite Cathedral of Damascus and the Umayyad Mosque.

"And in those difficult circumstances, we had to keep the preparations for the visit in absolute secrecy. That meant that the circle of people involved was very limited," Kostyukov said in a documentary about the visit, broadcast by the Russian Rossiya 1 tv channel.

Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the Russian General Staff, explained the level of secrecy by referring to Eastern social and cultural practices.

"[Share] any information - and half of Syria will know about it in about ten minutes. And this is all talked about by mobile phone etc.," Gerasimov said.

The general staff chief went on to say that significant steps had been taken to prevent any leaks.

"And what is the best way [to avoid] a leak? Better not to relate that information to them. So, we had to work in that mode," Gerasimov added.

In order to keep Putin's visit secret, the organizers spread a rumor about a trip by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

"We had to organize implementation of all those tasks to provide the security of the visit without revealing the meaning and goals of those actions. At first, we spread a rumor and created a cover that it was the defense minister who was visiting," Gerasimov stated.

Kostyukov noted that the situation in Syria at the time was quite concerning due to the activities of Damascus' opponents.

"So, the situation in both the country and the capital, despite the trends towards improvement, was nevertheless causing certain concerns," the GRU chief noted.

Gerasimov confirmed that the preparations were kept secret despite the need to check the movement routes in Damascus, demine the road as well as adjacent buildings and send radiation, chemical and biological defense specialists to inspect them.
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Orthodox Christian worshippers in Russia crowded outside of churches in St Petersburg ahead of the Christmas service on Wednesday, standing shoulder-to-shoulder despite coronavirus restrictions.However, some of those present spoke of the COVID-19 danger.

"I'm worried about (coronavirus), I'm in a mask, I don't go up in the crowd. But I believe in God, what else (can I do)? I believe he (God) protects us," Yelena Sadovnikova told the Associated Press.The Russian Orthodox Church, like several other Orthodox denominations, observe Christmas on January 7.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a small 13th-Century church located on an island for Orthodox Christmas services.The Russian Orthodox Church held its main midnight Christmas service at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow, an elaborate ceremony with dozens of clerics led by church head Patriarch Kirill.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, Dallas was at the Capitol participating in Wednesday's Electoral College process when pro-Donald Trump supporters stormed the building.

Meuser reacted to the chaos around 4 p.m. in tweet, saying:

"The House Floor was stormed by rioters. I stayed back trying to help secure the doors. Capitol Police kept everyone safe, while putting themselves at risk. We must be grateful to our law enforcement and condemn violent lawlessness. God bless America. We will get through this."

Meuser was one of eight Republican congressmen from Pennsylvania that played to object to President-elect Joe Biden receiving the state's 20 Electoral College votes.

They allege Bidens popular vote victory in Pennsylvania and the states official certification of electors was based upon a flawed system and an inaccurate vote count.
Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701)

Today

Showers with the chance of some thunder this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers with the chance of some thunder this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%.
The human trial of Vietnams COVID-19 vaccine will begin on January 21-22, Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long has stated.

Volunteers register to participate in NACOVAX trials

COVIVAC has been developed by the Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals (IVAC) based in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa.

Volunteers will begin trials this month at the Hanoi Medical University in the capital. It has already been tested on rabbits and mice.

This is the second Vietnam-produced COVID-19 vaccine to be tested on human. The country is expected to start clinical trials on the third vaccine in March.

According to Minister Long, Vietnam is one of the few ASEAN countries that have COVID-19 vaccine tested on human. In addition, Vietnam has been one of the first four countries to perform the gene sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 and one of the five countries that can produce antibody diagnostic bio-products.

On December 17, 2020, the first Vietnam-made COVID-19 vaccine NANOCOVAX developed by Nanogen Pharmaceutical Biotechnology JSC started human trials with volunteers receiving the first doses at the Military Medical University in Hanoi.

The volunteers remain in a healthy condition after receiving two doses each./.VNA

Declining solar, wind, and battery technology costs are helping to grow the share of renewables in the worlds power mix to the point that governments are pledging net-zero emission electricity generation in two to three decades to fight global warming. Yet, electricity grids will continue to require stable baseload to incorporate growing shares of renewable energy sources and ensure lights are on even when the sun doesnt shine, or the wind doesnt blow. Until battery technology evolves enoughand costs fall far enoughto allow massive storage and deployment of net-zero electricity to the grid, the systems will continue to need power from sources other than solar and wind.

And these will be natural gas and nuclear power, regardless of concerns about emissions from the fossil fuel natural gas and potential disasters at nuclear power facilities such as the ones in Chernobyl or Fukushima.

As natural gas is increasingly considered as just another fossil fuel, nuclear power generation provides carbon-free electricity to the countries that have it, and could be the key to ensuring a stable power grid capable of taking in growing shares of solar and wind power generation.

The United States, where nuclear energy currently provides more than half of the carbon-free electricity, is supporting the development of advanced nuclear reactors as part of the clean energy strategy.

But Europe, which has set a goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, could find itself with growing emissions from the power sector in a decade, as many nuclear reactors are slated for decommissioning. The gap left by lost nuclear power is most easily filled by natural gas-powered electricity generationand this, if it happens, could undermine the net-zero goals of the European Union (EU) and the blocs ambition to be a world leader in the fight against climate change.

U.S. Power Grid Will Need Nuclear For Net-Zero Emissions

A 2020 report from the University of California, Berkeley, said that rapidly declining solar, wind, and storage prices make it entirely feasible for the U.S. to meet 90 percent of its power needs from zero-emission energy sources by 2035 with zero increases in customer costs from todays levels.

Related: How To Play 2021s First Oil Rally



Still, natural gas-fired generation will be needed for 10 percent of Americas power needs. According to the report, in 2035 it would be possible that during normal periods of generation and demand, wind, solar, and batteries provide 70% of annual generation, while hydropower and nuclear provide 20%. Even with an exponential rise in renewable power generation, the U.S. grid will need nuclear power and hydropower to be stable with such a large share of solar and wind.

The U.S. Backs Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technology

The U.S. Department of Energy is funding programs of private companies under DOEs new Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP).

Taking leadership in advanced technology is so important to the countrys future because nuclear energy plays such a key role in our clean energy strategy, U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette said at the end of December when DOE announced it was financially backing five teams to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear reactors in the United States.

All of these projects will put the U.S. on an accelerated timeline to domestically and globally deploy advanced nuclear reactors that will enhance safety and be affordable to construct and operate, Secretary Brouillette said.

According to Washington DC-based Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), a policy organization of the nuclear technologies industry, nuclear energy provides nearly 55 percent of Americas carbon-free electricity. That is more than 2.5 times the amount generated by hydropower, nearly 3 times the amount generated by wind, and more than 12 times the amount generated by solar. Nuclear energy can help the United States to get to the deep carbonization needed to hit climate goals.

Europe Could See Rising Emissions Without Nuclear Power

While the United States is doubling down on efforts to develop advanced and cheaper nuclear reactors, including microreactors and such with new types of technology, Europe could be headed to growing emissions from the electricity sector as nuclear power facilities are scheduled to be decommissioned over the next decade, according to a Reuters analysis from last month.

Related: Rising LNG Prices Welcome News For U.S. Exporters



In many cases, it will be natural gas that will come to the rescue to power grids to ensure grid stability and enough capacity during peak demand because solar and wind generation is variable and dependent on the weather.

For example, Germany, the biggest economy in Europe, is boosting its renewables targets, but it is also phasing out nuclear by next year, while its deadline to phase out coal-fired generation is 2038more than a decade later compared to phase-out plans in the UK and Italy, for example, where the deadline is the mid-2020s.

The UK, which left the EU last year, included support for nuclear power generation as one of the ten pillars in The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution unveiled in November.

The UKs National Grid has issued several warnings about tight supply since the fall of 2020, due to low renewable output amid high demand.

National Grids announcement underscores the urgency of investing in new nuclear capacity, to secure reliable, always-on, emissions-free power, alongside other zero-carbon sources. Otherwise, we will continue to burn gas and coal as a fallback and fall short of our net zero ambitions, Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said in response to one of those warnings.

But its in the UK that one major nuclear power plant project has notoriously seen a delay of nearly a decadeHinkley Point C, originally planned in 2007 to help UK households to cook their 2017 Christmas turkeys, is now set for start-up in the middle of the 2020s.

Nuclear power development and plant construction is expensive, but it could save the plans for low-carbon emission power generation in many developed economies, including in the United States.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Mr. Piasecki, Mr. Prager and Mr. Zukerman are joining Lev after working together for more than nine years at Avison Young. During their careers, they have closed over $15 billion in transactions across all property types for a plethora of institutional and family office clients.

"We join Lev at a tumultuous time in the market, but we know that technology will be the biggest driver for growth.."

Even amongst the market turmoil and uncertainty of 2020, they have successfully negotiated and closed numerous complex transactions, including a $115MM bridge loan for a 5-story office building in Nashville; $157MM in financing for the development of 849 rental units in Santa Monica; and $150MM for six renovations and a development site in Santa Monica and the San Fernando Valley area.

Looking toward 2021 and beyond, Mr. Piasecki felt that Lev's unique blend of market-leading technology and capital markets expertise would be the perfect platform for another decade of tremendous growth, while defining the evolution of the complex world of commercial real estate finance.

"We join Lev at a tumultuous time in the market, but we know that technology will be the biggest driver for growth and differentiation moving forward in the commercial real estate space and we want to help define that path for the future," said Mr. Piasecki. "As I looked at where the market was going, I realized that Yaakov and the team at Lev were leading the path towards the future of how these transactions will happen."

"There are few people who are so knowledgeable about the depth and technicalities of commercial real estate finance, while also having so much foresight into how the industry will evolve," said Yaakov Zar, founder and CEO of Lev. "As we work towards $2 billion of transactions this year and expand into additional service offerings, we're extremely excited to bring Justin, Aaron and Avi to the team. We know that together, we'll be able to have an outsized impact on the CREF experience."

Lev helps commercial real estate owners and investors get the best financing for their properties. Our capital markets experts are superpowered by machine learning technology to help understand your portfolio, identify the best lender for each transaction and get the deal closed quickly, keeping you updated every step of the way. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in SoHo in New York City, Lev transactions across all asset types, nationwide. For more information, visit www.levcapital.com

MEDIA CONTACT

Kimberly Bloorian

[email protected]

www.kloud.nyc

SOURCE Lev Capital

Related Links

https://www.levcapital.com/


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Congress Members, Senators Raise Objections to Electoral Votes, at Joint Session of Congress

Jan. 6 , 2021 (EIRNS)Nancy Pelosi opened the Joint Session of Congress with the majesty and dignity the event demanded, by scolding the Republicans for standing too close together and not abiding by the rule that a maximum of 11 members of each party from each of the two houses be present. Having graced the chamber with her remarks, she turned the proceedings over to the President of the Senate, Mike Pence.

The electoral votes from Alabama and Alaska were counted, with much solemnity but no fanfare. When the votes from Arizona were counted, Congressman Paul Gosar of Arizona, on behalf of himself and 60 other Members of Congress, rose to object. A written objection, also signed by Senator Ted Cruz, was presented, stating that the votes were not regularly given.

The senators returned to their own chamber to debate the objection, presented by Cruz. The debate started with Cruz arguing for his proposal to create an impartial body to examine the evidence presented by both sides, because unless the evidence is heard, the election would lack legitimacy and be doubted by a major section of the electorate. Two senators each from both parties (the Senate Majority and Minority leaders, Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer, Pennsylvanias Pat Toomey and Minnesotas Amy Klobuchar) then proceeded to express their horror at allowing a discussion of election fraud, with McConnell posing the issue as whether the Congress should overrule the voters, and overturn a presidential election.

On the House side, after Pelosi opened the debate with more scolding of Republicans, Republican Representatives began presenting the evidence of fraud which the courts had refused to hear, alternating with scandalized Democrats.

Minority Whip Steve Scalise, from Louisiana, spoke first, to point to Article II, Section 1, and the fact that the elections were conducted not according to laws passed by the legislatures, but by executive branch and judicial officials. Zoe Lofgren spoke to the danger of creating a condition where the president would be elected by Congress, rather than the people. She quoted the 12th Amendment, which gives the Vice President the simple role of opening envelopes. Although she repeated the lie that the 2020 election was the most secure election in modern history, Lofgren pointed out that since there were no alternate slates of electors submitted from any state, there was no point in debating the votes, since there were no alternative votes to use instead.

Ohios Jim Jordan contrasted Bidens rallies with 50 people, with those of Trump, which attracted up to 50,000 people. There are 60 million Americans who think the election was stolen. Why no hearings in the House? he asked. Reviewing the frauds of Comey, Mueller, and the unceasing investigations and impeachment of Donald Trump, Jordan pointed to the stolen election as just another step in the assault on Trump, carried out with the same pattern in each of the contested states, citing the case of Pennsylvania, in particular. Arizonas Andy Biggs spoke of how the Arizona state legislature requested a special session be called to review the election fraud, which the Governor refused to call. He detailed several of the most egregious election violations and the numbers of ballots affected in each, and submitted 1,000 affidavits and declarations of violations witnessed, 32,000 voter registrations accepted after the date specified by law, and other evidence, to be entered into the record.

While fellow Arizonan Paul Gosar then argued the necessity for a forensic audit of his states vote, the entire proceeding was called to a halt because protesters had broken into the Capitol building, heading for the House and Senate chambers.
Donald Trumps top National Security Council officials and a deputy White House chief of staff are considering resigning over the presidents encouragement of protests that led to his supporters storming the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, according to people familiar with the matter.

Those who are discussing stepping down include National Security Advisor Robert OBrien and his deputy, Matt Pottinger, the people said. Also considering resigning is Chris Liddell, assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for policy coordination, the people said.

A deputy White House press secretary, Sarah Matthews, said she had resigned over Wednesdays violence at the Capitol, in which one unidentified woman was killed by a gunshot.

As someone who worked in the halls of Congress I was deeply disturbed by what I saw today, she said in a statement. Ill be stepping down from my role, effective immediately. Our nation needs a peaceful transfer of power.

Click here to follow live updates of US Capitol violence

Trumps decision to urge his supporters to gather in Washington on Wednesday while Congress certified the election, then direct them to march on the Capitol, has caused turmoil in the White House. Earlier Wednesday evening, first lady Melania Trumps chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham, resigned, as well as the White House social secretary, Anna Lloyd, according to people familiar with the matter.

Some of Trumps loyalists were angry that OBrien signaled his displeasure with the president in several tweets on Wednesday, including one that openly praised Vice President Mike Pence after he defied Trumps demands that he unilaterally reject Electoral College votes for President-elect Joe Biden during the joint session of Congress.

The post was interpreted within the White House as criticism of Trump, according to people familiar with the matter.

CNN reported earlier that OBrien, Pottinger and Lidell are considering resigning. NBC News earlier reported Matthewss resignation.

The White House declined to comment.

Also Wednesday, the president told aides not to allow Vice President Mike Pences chief of staff, Marc Short, into the White House, the people said.

Trump acted out of anger toward Short for multiple reasons, according to people familiar with the matter, including a New York Times report that Pence had told him he would not seek to halt the certification of Bidens Electoral College victory. Trump blamed Short for the story, one person said. Another person said Trump doesnt trust Short, and Short doesnt like Trump.

Short was at the building on Wednesday anyway, according to one person familiar with the matter.
Photo taken on Nov. 23, 2020 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

Challenging China's red line on the Taiwan question is not only unwise but also dangerous.

BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United States is once again provoking China over Taiwan question with the State Department declaring R. Clarke Cooper, the assistant secretary for political-military affairs, to deliver remarks during a U.S.-Taiwan political-military dialogue on Thursday.

This is a violation of three China-U.S. joint communiques which allow no official exchanges of any form between the United States and Taiwan. Beijing has made it crystal clear that the Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations, and the one-China principle is the political foundation of the bilateral relationship.

Challenging China's red line on the Taiwan question is not only unwise but also dangerous. On the one hand, playing the Taiwan card is toxic to China-U.S. relations, as the act seriously damages China's national interests and grossly interferes in China's internal affairs. On the other hand, playing the Taiwan card is toxic to cross-Strait peace and stability. Official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan have dangerously emboldened separatist forces on the island, risking pushing the region into further confrontation.

The current U.S. administration is in its twilight days. It should refrain from irresponsible acts like this and leave a clean slate for the next administration. Provocations like this, based on the selfish interests of certain politicians, mean the next administration will inherit nothing but mess and obstacles. That would leave one of the world's most important bilateral relations in worse shape.

Since taking power, the Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority has been attempting to deceive and mislead the residents of Taiwan, provoke and escalate cross-Strait confrontation, undermining cross-Strait relations, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. These acts are doomed to fail.

Taiwan separatists need to give up their fantasy of counting on foreign intervention to keep China permanently divided, and understand that Washington is merely using the island as a pawn in its power play against China. They also need to stop daydreaming about using politics and the military -- or whatever Thursday's dialogue entailed -- to buck the historical trend towards reunification.

Both the DPP and Washington should understand clearly that Beijing will never compromise on its core interests. China has the resolve, full confidence and sufficient capability to thwart any form of interference by external forces and the separatist acts of "Taiwan independence."
Russian-occupation forces in Donbas violate ceasefire five times over past day, no casualties  JFO HQ

Russian-occupation forces in Donbas violated the ceasefire five times, Ukrainian servicemen were not wounded over the past day, the press center of the Joint Force Operation (JFO) headquarters said. "Over the past day, January 6, in the area of the Joint Force Operation, five ceasefire violations were recorded. There were no combat casualties among the Ukrainian defenders," the JFO said in a statement on Facebook on Thursday morning.

In the area of responsibility of the Skhid (East) task force near Vodiane, in the Azov Sea, occupation fighters several times opened fire from 120-mm mortars, grenade launchers of various systems and a large-caliber machine gun.

At noon, hostile enemy fire activity was noticed not

far from Opytne, where the enemy fired several non-aiming shots towards the Ukrainian positions from an automatic easel grenade launcher, and near Hnutove, using from small arms.

The facts of violation of the ceasefire through the Ukrainian side of the JCCC were reported by representatives of the OSCE.

Silence was observed in the area of responsibility of the Pivnich (North) task force.

"Since the beginning of this day, January 7, there has been silence. No ceasefire violations have been recorded," the headquarters said.
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Manchester & London Investment Trust Plc - Results of General Meeting

MANCHESTER AND LONDON INVESTMENT TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

Results of General Meeting

7 January 2021

On 7 December 2020, the Company issued a Circular and convening a General Meeting of the Company.

The full text of the resolutions can be found in the Circular which is available on the Company's website:

https://mlcapman.com/manchester-london-investment-trust-plc/

The Board announces that, at the General Meeting held at 11.55 am today at 12a Princes Gate Mews, London, SW7 2PS, all resolutions were passed. The votes were all cast by poll. The total number of votes cast in relation to each Resolution was as follows:

Resolution Votes for Votes against Votes at Chairman's discretion Shares marked as votes withheld / abstentions Resolution 1 (Ordinary resolution) - To authorise the Board to allot shares in addition to existing authorities 3,125,607 451,839 254 1,819,778 Resolution 2 (Special resolution) - To disapply statutory pre-emption rights in limited circumstances in relation to the issue of Ordinary Shares 3,108,665 469,453 254 1,819,106 Resolution 3 (Ordinary resolution) - To approve the issue of New Ordinary Shares to the Related Party by way of an issue of 3m shares & approve the issue to the Related Party on the 30th September 2020 3,109,092 468,057 254 1,820,075

In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.2, copies of all resolutions will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism

LEI: 213800HMBZXULR2EEO10

Enquiries: M&L Capital Management Ltd ir@mlcapman.com

END.
A relative of a World War One soldier has spoken of his delight at the discovery of lost love letters the soldier sent home to his wife before he was killed in the Battle of the Somme.

The letters, found in a donated sewing box at a charity shop in Fulwell, Sunderland, were addressed to a Mrs Mary Fortune from her husband George Ernest, who served in the Durham Light Infantry.

Mr Ernest was then killed on the Somme between July and November 1916, the bloodiest battle fought on the Western Front which resulted in 420,000 British casualties including 125,000 deaths.

A section of one letter reads: 'We had a little bit of excitement here the other night when there was an aeroplane which had some engine trouble and was forced to land in a corn field which was badly damaged by the people rushing over to see the aeroplane which landed quite safely.

'Best wishes to all at home. Love to you + baby I am your loving husband George xxxx. PS I hope you like the card.'

David Bambrough, 53, came forward after the Sue Ryder shop put out a call for help to reunite the collection of letters with descendants of their recipient.

The letters, found in a charity shop in Fulwell, Sunderland, were addressed to a Mrs Mary Fortune from her husband George Ernest, who served in the Durham Light Infantry

David Bambrough, 53, came forward after a charity shop put out a call for help to reunite a collection of letters with descendants of their recipient

Mr Bambrough, an engineer at Nissan, said: 'My mother, Val, has done a lot of research on our family, through an ancestry website.

'When I got an email from people on the ancestry website telling me about an article, I thought it was a scam at first, but I went online and found it on the Northern Echo website and saw it was true.

'Mary Fortune (nee Bambrough) was my great-grandfather's sister. She had a daughter called Marjorie, who is referred to in the letter as the baby. She wasn't even a year old when her dad died.

'Marjorie was looked after by neighbour's later in her life and when she died in 2003, they disposed of all her possessions.

'My great-aunt Marjorie was really disappointed to hear her personal things were gone.'

A picture believed to be of Mary Fortune and her brother John Bambrough

A letter from King George V confirming that George Ernest had been killed in action

He added: 'Learning of these letters is quite emotional. Two of Mary's brothers were killed within a day of each other in the previous year.

'Edward Watson Bambrough died at Ypres on August 9, 1915 and Charles William Bambrough died on August 10, 1915 at Gallipoli. And then for her husband to be killed in action on the Somme on October 7, 1916.'

Mr Bambrough said he had been in contact with Sue Ryder and was told he could get the letters after lockdown.

He said: 'We are delighted. This this will be an important addition to the family archive. We want to leave a family tree for future generations and populate it with as much material as we can.'
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The Federal government of Nigeria as part of her Covid - 19 survival/relief schemes, came up with a program it tagged "MSMEs Payroll Support" sometime in the month of September 2020; with the view to sustain at least 500,000 jobs in 50,000 MSMEs in critically affected sectors of the Nigerian economy, which includes: Schools, Hospitals. Creative Industries, Road Transport, Tourism, etc.

In furtherance of the above agenda, the government set up a 'Survival Fund', and called on micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission to access the survival fund portal (which was made available to the general public) and apply for the program in order to benefit from the disbursement of the N75 billion MSMEs survival fund.

The Payroll Support Program was designed to cover the payment of three months salaries of employers and a maximum of ten(10) employees of each qualified, applied and verified Firms' by the federal government, and the money(salaries) is to be paid into their individual bank accounts.

Furthermore, it was arranged that each employer of a firm that applied for the scheme will be paid N50,000 per month for the three months duration, while all the employees whose details were submitted at the point of application will receive N30,000 each per month for the three months period. At the point of application, firms were required to provide a minimum of three employees details and a maximum number of ten employees details, in addition to the employer/business owner's detail.

Pursuant to the above arrangements, the Federal government started the disbursement of the MSMEs survival fund payroll support money since October/November, 2020. This thoughtful and responsible gesture by the federal government brought joy and put smiles on the faces of both employers and their employees alike. The program has gone a long way in compensating the losses and curing the hardship they experienced during the year 2020 Covid -19 lockdown.

However, the atmosphere in some firms has been very hostile (there is a resultant disagreement between employers and employees) after receiving the first survival fund payment. The reason being that, the employers of these firms are demanding from their employees the money paid to them by the federal government under the survival fund scheme, and threatening to disengage them should they fail to comply. While some employees have released the monies to their firms/employers for fear of being sacked, others have refused to do so; in the firm believe that the money is theirs'.

It is to the knowledge of the writer that this disagreement between employers and employees over the ownership and usage of the money received by employees in their individual bank accounts from the survival fund payroll support program has taken various dimensions. Some employers and employees have taken to social media to accuse and counter accuse themselves for being greedy, fraudulent, wicked, etc.

The high points of this disagreement in my view, is the fact that some employers had at one time or the other engaged their employees in physical combat, while some had gone extra mile by terminating the employments of their employees for refusing to release the said money to the employers or their firms. Some employees in the other hand, had left their employments as a result of pressure from their employers upon their refusal to release the money received from Survival Fund in their individual bank accounts to their firms. All these in the view of the writer, negates the federal government purpose of establishing the survival fund/payroll support program.

In observance/settlement of the employers and employees disagreement, the writer opined and states as follows:

1. The Federal government Payroll Support program was initiated for the benefits of both employers and employees alike. The aim was to help MSMEs to pay salaries and sustain their employees for the past three month Covid - 19 lockdown in the year, 2020.

2. It was never the intendment of the federal government to take over the whole salary burdens/liabilities of MSMEs that applied to benefit from the program for the three months period, but only to support them.

3. The money paid to employees by the federal government under the survival fund payroll support in their individual bank accounts does not belong to their firms/employers, but to the particular employee who received it. And it is immaterial whether the employee's monthly salary in the firm is up to N30,000 or not.

4. It is fraud, shrewd disobedience to the federal government and an attempt to mess up the sensibility of the federal government in establishing the Survival fund/Payroll Support program for any employer to demand from his/her employee(s) the money or part of the money such employee received from the federal government survival fund - payroll support. It is also immaterial whether the employee's monthly salary in the firm is up to N30,000 or not (N30,000 is the national minimum wage - 2019 National Minimum Wage Act).

5. It is not the intendment of the federal government that employees should release the money paid into their individual bank accounts under the survival fund payroll support program to their employers/firms, as it is aware that employees suffered almost to a breaking point during the 2020 Covid -19 lockdown.

6. The federal government survival fund payroll support to MSMEs does not exonerate firms from not paying their employees during the period in view. Therefore, the firms that claims they have more than ten(10) employees are expected to pay the salaries of the remaining workers, aside those they submitted their details during payroll support program application, and not hoping to achieve all that with the support given by the federal government through the survival fund scheme.

The writer, having considered the disagreement between employers and employees over the ownership and usage of Survival Fund payroll support money (salaries) paid into the employees individual bank accounts, deemed it fit to express his view with this article, and also call on the Federal government to issue a statement in this regard.

Davidleid I. Eluchie, Esq., is a lawyer and investment advisor.

He can be reached via -

Email: [email protected]
An arrest warrant was issued Thursday for outgoing President Donald Trump in connection with the killing of an Iranian general and a powerful Iraqi militia leader last year, Iraqs judiciary said.

The warrant was issued by a judge in Baghdads investigative court tasked with probing the Washington-directed drone strike that killed Gen. Qassim Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the courts media office said. They were killed outside the capitals airport last January.

Al-Muhandis was the deputy leader of the state-sanctioned Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella group composed of an array of militias, including Iran-backed groups, formed to fight the Islamic State group.

Soleimani headed the expeditionary Quds force of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The arrest warrant was for a charge of premeditated murder, which carries the death penalty on conviction. It is unlikely to be carried out but symbolic in the waning days of Trumps presidency.

The decision to issue the warrant was made after the judge recorded the statements of the claimants from the family of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, according to a statement from the Supreme Judicial Council. The investigation into the killings is ongoing, the court said.

The killings sparked a diplomatic crisis and strained US-Iraq ties, drawing the ire of Shiite political lawmakers who passed a non-binding resolution to pressure the government to oust foreign troops from the country.

Iran-backed groups have since stepped up attacks against the American presence in Iraq, leading to threats by Washington to shutter its Baghdad diplomatic mission.
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EMILY ST. LAWRENCE, Chariho girls lacrosse, senior: St. Lawrence tied a school record for goals in a game with nine in a win over Smithfield. St. Lawrence scored 17 goals for the week and has 32 for the season.

CARLY CONSTANTINE, Stonington softball, sophomore: Constantine singled home Shea OConnor with the winning run to hand Waterford, the states No. 2 ranked team at the time, its first loss of the season. For the week, Constantine was 5 for 15.

GREG GORMAN, Westerly baseball, junior: Gorman, a junior, hit a massive home run in a win against Barrington. The homer went over the fence in center field and landed in a nearby road. Gorman was 3 for 3 with four RBIs in the game. He is hitting .571 with 10 RBIs for the season.

BRADIN ANDERSON, Wheeler baseball, freshman: Anderson, a freshman, pitched a complete-game shutout to beat Grasso Tech. Anderson struck out three to earn the first win of his varsity career.

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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has blamed the Capitol violence on lies and provocations from the highest level of authority in the U.S.

The scenes we saw are the result of lies and more lies of division and contempt for democracy, of hate and rabble-rousing, including at the highest level, he said in an address to the nation.

Mr Steinmeier called Wednesdays storming of the U.S. parliament, which left four people dead, a turning point in the American history and an attack on liberal Democracy.

Hundreds of protesters supporting outgoing Republican President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol building during a session that eventually saw lawmakers certify Democrat Joe Bidens college vote victory with 306 votes to Trumps 232.

The lawmakers later reconvened after the Capitol Building had been secured to certify the electoral victory of the President-elect, Joe Biden.

(Sputnik/NAN)
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The chief of the Capitol Police and two other officials in charge of protecting the building submitted their resignations on Thursday night, with Steve Sund stepping down after Nancy Pelosi and the union representing his officers called for him to step aside following the total failure to protect Congress on Wednesday.

Sund, appointed to the role in June 2019, will step down on January 16 - four days before Joe Biden's inauguration.

Pelosi on Thursday called for the resignation of Chief Sund.

His resignation came after that of the House Sergeant at Arms, Paul Irving - whose job it is to protect the House.

He stepped down on Thursday after being told he would be fired for failing to protect the Capitol, as heads began to roll over the horrifying day of violence in America's capital.

Irving had been warned by Chuck Schumer that he would be fired over his office's total failure to stop armed insurgents from breaking into the House chamber.

They were followed by Michael Stenger, the Senate Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, who was asked to resign and submitted his resignation to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, effective immediately.

Stenger was also told by Schumer that he would be fired when Schumer took over control of the Senate, unless he resigned first.

Sund failed to call in the National Guard to help on Wednesday, instead leaving his 2,000 cops on the hill to deal with the mob of nearly 10,000.

Four rioters died and one Capitol Police officer was on life support following a stroke suffered during Wednesday's chaos.

Sergeant at Arms Paul D. Irving (left) - whose job is to protect the House chamber - and the chief of Capitol Police, Steven Sund (right) both stepped down on Thursday. Police are now building a 7ft wall around the Capitol to protect it over the coming weeks

Michael Stenger, Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, also submitted his resignation on Thursday after Mitch McConnell asked for it

The Capitol Police were immediately overpowered and some were seen running away in fear from the rioters.

It wasn't until 3.51pm - nearly four hours after Trump spoke at the rally - that 1,100 armed National Guardsmen were finally mobilized. Five thousand more from neighboring states were drafted in but they were inexplicably told to stage outside the Capitol and not go to the center of the action to help.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser had requested National Guard support from Tuesday to Thursday on New Year's Eve, but she was only given 340 unarmed troops whose job was to help with traffic. It's unclear if she pushed back and asked for more, or why so few were supplied. On Thursday, she shrugged the blame and said Capitol Police should have requested their own back up.

Shortly before 2pm, the rioters descended on Capitol Hill while lawmakers were inside certifying the vote. Over the next two hours, the violence escalated. Some broke into politicians' offices, tauntingly sat at their desks and left threatening notes. One of the protesters was shot dead by cops (bottom right)

Video stills show how the cops were completely overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowd. They breezed past them before storming into the Capitol building

A frightened and outnumbered Capitol Hill cop cowers as the mob rushes towards him on Wednesday

An outnumbered Capitol Police officer inside the Capitol building as Trump supporters storm the building

A Capitol Police officer runs away from the MAGA mob after they breached the building with little resistance

Soft touch: A Trump rioter is escorted by the hand down the steps of the Capitol Building by a cop in riot gear while others stand back and watch the chaos unfold

Just before the U.S. Capitol building is breached, the Capitol Police are hit with bear spray while trying to keep the protestors outside

Posing for pics: Police in the Capitol are seen agreeing to take selfie pictures with members of the MAGA mob who stormed the center of US democracy

Now, defense and police officials cited by The Wall Street Journal say it was a deliberate move not to put heavily armed cops or troops on the streets because they didn't want to inflame tensions between protesters and counter-protesters.

The sources say that police were trying to avoid the tensions that were seen during the summer - when BLM protesters clashed with police in cities all over the country.

The strategy backfired gravely on Wednesday.

Videos have emerged showing some officers assisting some of the rioters down the steps of the Capitol building, standing aside as crowds rush past them and even running away in fear from them up flights of stairs.

Those images stand in stark contrast to the stealthy response shown from the police during the BLM protests of the summer. Only 80 people have been arrested and the police are asking for public help to identify dozens of others. In June, 289 were arrested during a single night of BLM protests.

Now, outraged Americans are demanding answers as to why more was not done to stop the crowds and prevent the first attempted government coup since 1814.

Capitol Hill police face tough questions on why more was not done to prepare for the chaos.

At a press conference on Thursday, Mayor Bowser said 'clearly' there had been 'a failure' but she blamed it on the varying jurisdictions between DC Metropolitan Police Department and Capitol Police.

'Our federal partners let us down' DC Attorney General Karl Racine

'There is going to be a lot of time for us to figure out what happened.

'Obviously, it was a failure or you wouldn't have had police lines breached and people terrorizing members of congress and doing a sacred constitutional requirement.

'Clearly there was a failure. There's going to have to be a real investigation into what happened,' she said.

She shrugged responsibility for the policing failure, saying it was down to Capitol Police and not MPD - which she is in charge of - to prepare for it.

TIMELINE OF THE CHAOS 6AM: Crowds start to gather for Trump rally that is scheduled for 10am On December 19, Trump told his fans on Twitter to gather in Washington DC. He said: 'Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, be wild! They gathered peacefully in their thousands outside the White House to first wish Eric Trump a Happy Birthday, and then head from the President himself. 11.50am: Trump speaks at Save America Rally, promises to walk with crowd down to the Capitol In a long, sermon-like speech that went on for more than an hour, Trump told his fans that he'd walk with them. At that stage, there was no mention of violence. 'And after this, we're going to walk down there, and I'll be there with you, we're going to walk down ... to the Capitol and we are going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women,' he said. He did not, however, walk with with them as promised. 1pm: Lawmakers gather in the House chamber to certify Biden's election win 1.10pm: Rioters arrive at the Capitol building and start clashing with police. At 1.26pm, Capitol police order the evacuations of Library of Congress, Madison Building and Cannon House Office Building but not the House chamber 1.40pm: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bows orders a 6pm curfew but does nothing to address the escalating situation at the Capitol. Meanwhile, Capitol police request back-up. 2.11pm: The rioters scale the walls of the Capitol. Vice President Mike Pence is evacuated from the House chamber moments later. 2.39pm: Videos and photographs emerge showing rioters smashing the windows of the Capitol building 2.47pm: Rioters are seen at the dais 2.53pm: Congress is removed from the Chamber in breathing masks and escape hoods 3:51 p.m. The District of Columbia National Guard, about 1,100 troops, is mobilized to support local law enforcement. 6pm: Washington DC curfew begins, many ignore it to stay put 8pm: Lawmakers return to the Chamber to certify Biden win Advertisement

'The Capitol have their own police departments.

'We cannot decide for the Capitol that we are going to be their police department but we stand ready to assist them in any case,' she said.

She didn't say why MPD officers weren't there to begin with.

Capitol Police say they called in MPD officers after the rioters staged their coup at 2pm.

In a statement earlier on Thursday, Chief Sund defended his officers' efforts as 'valiant,' but said the force was going to carry out a review of what went wrong.

'United States Capitol Police officers and our law enforcement partners responded valiantly when faced with thousands of individuals involved in riotous actions as they stormed the United States Capitol Building.

'These individuals actively attacked United States Capitol Officers and other uniformed law enforcement officers with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants and took up other weapons against our officers.

'They were determined to enter into Capitol Building by causing great damage.

'The violent attack on the US Capitol is unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington DC. Maintaining public safety in an open environment - specifically First Amendment activities - has long been a challenge.'

He added that the force had a 'robust plan' to respond to peaceful protests.

'The USCP had a robust plan established to address anticipated First Amendment activities. But make no mistake - these mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior.

'The actions of the USCP officers were heroic given the situation they faced and I continue to have tremendous respect in the professionalism and dedication of the women and men of the United States Capitol Police.

'The USCP is conducting a thorough review of this incident, security planning and policies and procedures.'

It wasn't until 3.51pm that 1,100 National Guard troops were scrambled to assist Capitol police. By then, a Trump supporter had been shot and killed as she tried to breach the building.

The decision was eventually made by acting defense secretary Christopher C. Miller but it's unclear why he and everyone else waited so long.

Additional National Guard troops from Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware were put on standby but it's also unclear why they weren't told to go straight to the Capitol to help.

On December 31, Mayor Bowser submitted a request for National Guard troops to be in the city from January 5-January 7.

She cited Trump's rally as the reason and the fact that it had been timed to coincide with the certification of the vote.

But Bowser was only given 340 unarmed troops to assist with traffic control.

On Monday, at a press conference, she vowed not to let rioters take over the city or cause violence but she said nothing about needing extra help from the National Guard.

Acting DC Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee also said that he knew 'armed' protesters were due to form large crowds

'There are people intent on coming to our city armed. Some of our intelligence certainly suggests there will be increased crowd sizes,' he said.

Still, nothing was done to beef up the response.

On Thursday morning, DC Attorney General Karl Racine said they'd been 'let down' by federal partners.

Speaking on MSNBC, he said: 'D.C. law enforcement officers, frankly, they did their jobs.

'They helped the Capitol Police restore order and arrested folks pursuant to the curfew order that Mayor Bowser invoked.

'Our federal partners let us down.'

He also called for a 'full accounting' and investigation of the Capitol breach.

'That means FBI, the videotapes, the photos, the social media  go ahead and fully investigate and fully prosecute those who terrorized the Capitol,' he said.

For days before Wednesday's chaos, the rioters were openly discussing their plans to overtake the Capitol or the very least incite violence.

On niche websites like TheDonald, Trump fans told one another to 'bring guns' to the Capitol to fight the certification of Joe Biden's election win.

'All this bulls**t about not bringing guns to D.C. needs to stop.

'This is America. F*** D.C. it's in the Constitution. Bring your goddamn guns,' said one post which received more than 5,000 'upvotes'.

Jared Holt, a visiting research fellow with DFRLab, told BuzzFeed on Wednesday: 'Extremists have for weeks repeatedly expressed their intentions to attend the January 6 protests, and unabashedly voiced their desire for chaos and violence online.

'What we've witnessed is the manifestation of that violent online rhetoric into real-life danger.

A pipe bomb was left outside the RNC on Wednesday

'The earliest call we got on our radar for today specifically was a militia movement chatroom talking about being 'ready for blood' if things didn't start changing for Trump.'

Former DC Police Chief Charles Ramsey was among the many incredulous voices on Wednesday as he watched the situation unfold.

'How they were not ready for this today, I have no idea.

'They were overwhelmed, they did not have the resources. You have to be able to protect the Capitol. That is not OK.'

Earlier, he said in an interview with CNN: 'There's no way they should have gotten into that building in my opinion, but we'll look into that later that's kind of like the hogwash after the event.

'Right now, they've got to retake the capitol and they're going to have to do it using force.

'Anybody inside that building as far as I'm concerned ought to be face down in handcuffs right now,' he added.

'That's what they ought to be doing. I don't know what they're doing in there, but they need to be locking them up without question.'

'There's chatter on the internet now about occupy DC so I don't know whether this is part of it or not but they're going to have to be on high alert.

'They're not going to be able to let these people establish camps or anything like that, but their next challenge will be on January 20 on inauguration day but in the meantime these next couple of days are going to be pretty dicey.'

'The Capitol Police were unprepared for the sheer size of the protest... [they] were overwhelmed and couldn't respond quickly enough David Gomez, a retired FBI executive

He added that hoped Biden counter protesters would not emerge on Wednesday night so that the rest of the demonstrations could continue more peacefully.

'I mean this is a mess, so they'd better establish control as soon as possible,' Ramsey continued.

'Let me tell you it's not going to be pretty, they're going to have to use physical force to get these folks moving and out of there but they've got to take back the Capitol there's no two ways about it.'

A former FBI Executive also said the police were 'unprepared'.

'The Capitol Police were unprepared for the sheer size of the protest. Up until they breached the Capitol, the possibility existed that it was going to be a large protest that didn't cross those barricades.

Supporters of President Donald Trump breech the U.S. Capitol as election results are to be certified in Washington DC on January 6, 2021 after breezing past cops

Capitol Police turn their backs to the mob on Wednesday as thousands descend on the Capitol Building

Trump rioters scale the walls of the US Capitol Building after storming past police

Demonstrators break TV equipment outside the the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President

A supporters of President Donald Trump takes a seat holding a shield outside the Senate Chamber as violence erupted at the Capitol

Richard 'Bigo' Barnett puts feet up on Nancy Pelosi's desk after breaking into the Capitol

Ashli Babbitt was shot and killed inside the US Capitol when Donald Trump's supporters stormed the building and violently clashed with police in a bid to stop Joe Biden's victory being certified

A 7ft fence being erected on Thursday after the attemptedcoup

Efforts are now underway to secure the Capitol. Joe Biden will be inaugurated in two weeks

'Once they did that [law enforcement personnel] were overwhelmed and couldn't respond quickly enough,' David Gomez, a retired FBI executive, told The Wall Street Journal.

RIOTERS PLANNED COUP ON SOCIAL MEDIA DAYS BEFORE THE SIEGE For days before Wednesday's chaos, the rioters were openly discussing their plans to overtake the Capitol or the very least incite violence. On niche websites like TheDonald, Trump fans told one another to 'bring guns' to the Capitol to fight the certification of Joe Biden's election win. 'All this bulls**t about not bringing guns to D.C. needs to stop. 'This is America. F*** D.C. it's in the Constitution. Bring your goddamn guns,' said one post which received more than 5,000 'upvotes'. Jared Holt, a visiting research fellow with DFRLab, told BuzzFeed on Wednesday: 'Extremists have for weeks repeatedly expressed their intentions to attend the January 6 protests, and unabashedly voiced their desire for chaos and violence online. 'What we've witnessed is the manifestation of that violent online rhetoric into real-life danger. 'The earliest call we got on our radar for today specifically was a militia movement chatroom talking about being 'ready for blood' if things didn't start changing for Trump.' Parler, which calls itself a 'free speech network' also saw talk of the violence. Daniel Jones, President of Advance Democracy, told USA Today on Wednesday: 'We are seeing significant volumes of rhetoric online. 'And we're seeing this rhetoric  fueled by President Trump's voter fraud claims  across all social media platforms.' But it's unclear if any of the websites informed the authorities about the high level of rhetoric or their concerns. Advertisement

Larry Schaefer, a retired Capitol Police veteran, told Pro Publica that he was baffled by the response.

'It's not a spur-of-the-moment demonstration that just popped up.

'We have a planned, known demonstration that has a propensity for violence in the past and threats to carry weapons  why would you not prepare yourself as we have done in the past?' he asked.

On Thursday morning, political pundits and commentators across the board raged at Capitol Police and DC officials for allowing the chaos to escalate so gravely.

MSNBC host Joe Scarborough fumed on Morning Joe: 'I've got no questions for Donald Trump, he's an insurrectionist, there are no questions, he should be arrested today, he should be sent to jail today for insurrection against the United States of America.

'But I do wonder this morning why they weren't better prepared for this? Why weren't the Capitol Hill police better prepared for this?

'I never complained when they were tough, I want them to protect the people's house!

'Yesterday, we see them patting terrorists on the back, we see them taking selfies with people who are committing and insurrection against the United States of America, politely opening the door for terrorists who had scrawled on the door 'murder the media,' who had broken through this glass?

'Letting them just walk through, letting these Trump supporters walk through freely.

'And politely opening doors. To the insurrectionists.

'There has to be an investigation.

'How many of these Capitol Hill cops are members of Donald Trump's cult? How many? How many allowed this to happen? And I do want to know, where the hell were the D.C. police?

'If these insurrectionists were black, they would have been shot in the face. And my God, if these insurrections had been were Muslim, they would have been sniped from the tops of buildings.

'So I want to know from the Capitol Hill police, what is it, just white people? Or is it Donald Trump supporters?

'Why do you scream at people for walking across the street three blocks away from the capitol?

'Why are you known as bada**es around the capitol, but then Trump supporters come in and you hold open the f*****g doors for them?

'You open the doors for them? And let them breach the people's house! What is wrong with you? '

Rep. Tim Ryan said that he believed there were some 'strategic mistakes from the very beginning' after videos emerged on social media that appeared to show officers taking aside barriers for demonstrators and even taking selfies with them.

He promised that Capitol Police would face imminent firings for the 'embarrassment' that was their response to the 'attempted coup'.

'I think it's pretty clear that there's going to be a number of people who are going to be without employment very, very soon,' Ryan said, 'because this is an embarrassment  both on behalf of the mob and the president, and the insurrection and the attempted coup, but also the lack of professional planning and dealing with what we knew was going to occur.'

'You can bet your a** that we're going to get to the bottom of it,' the Ohio Democrat added.

Chuck Schumer demands Pence and Cabinet remove Donald Trump with the 25th Amendment NOW

Donald Trump has not been seen since Wednesday afternoon when he whipped supporters into a frenzy

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer is calling for the president's cabinet to make use of the 25th Amendment to declare President Donald Trump unfit for office and put Vice President Mike Pence in charge  after Trump fueled what he called in an 'insurrection' mob that ran wild in the Capitol Wednesday.

The New York senator who will soon become majority leader once Joe Biden is sworn in amid comes amid escalating concern among Trump cabinet officials, former top aides, and his recently departed attorney general about the president's conduct and continued risks the president could pose to the country.

'The quickest and most effective way - it can be done today - to remove this president from office would be for the Vice President to immediately invoke the 25th amendment,' Schumer said.

'If the Vice President and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president,' Schumer added.

His statement came shortly after Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois became the first elected House Republican to call for the Trump cabinet and Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to strip away Trump's power.

'It's with a heavy heart I am calling for the sake of our Democracy that the 25th Amendment be invoked,' Kinzinger said in a statement he posted on Twitter.'

Kinzinger said Trump 'invoked and inflamed passions that only gave fuel to the insurrection we saw.'

His comment followed reporters that members of Trump's cabinet have been discussing use of the 25th Amendment to the constitution to declare him unfit for office.

His statement came as former Attorney General Bill Barr  who departed his post before Christmas  called out Trump for 'orchestrating a mob.'

Barr called it a 'betrayal of his office and supporters.'

He told the Associated Press that 'orchestrating a mob to pressure Congress is inexcusable.'

The talk of using the 25th Amendment comes amid fears of what damage Trump might we able to due even in the short two weeks left in his tenure as aides flee his White House and he continues to lash out at enemies  with control of the military and massive executive power.

Several House Democrats have begun talk of rushing through an impeachment, after the failed January impeachment trial in the Senate.

The 25th Amendment, which also governs a president who voluntarily relinquishes power on a temporary basis, requires that the vice president and 'a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide' inform the Congress that the president is 'unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.'
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Welcome back for another dose of The Dish. See it weekly, broadcast from the Staten Island Advance/SILIVE.coms Facebook page. The live presentation dishes on the boroughs dynamic food industry and takes a behind-the-scenes look at some of the unique businesses in our community at 9 a.m. each Wednesday.

This first Wednesday of the New Year takes us to Juicy Lucy (Juicylucybbq.com/) at 809 Fr. Capodanno in Ocean Breeze, a waterside hamlet on the East Shore. Owner Richie Holmes has some news to share: His barbecue place and drive-in movie operation has shut down until March 6. In the meantime, hell deliver the Island a new takeout and delivery venue  Juicy Lucia.

Call it the Italian alter-ego of Juicy Lucy. This new rendition of the restaurant will feature a streamlined menu with mozzarella sticks, fried ravioli, Chicken Marsala, Francaise, Parm and Scarpariella plus sausage n peppers. A chef from Italy will present stuffed pastas and salumi platters. Yes, Holmes will keep the famed Juicy Lucy wings on the appetizer list.

The Juicy Lucia popup presentation will rev up on Friday, Jan. 20 and stay open on Fridays and Saturdays only through March. Holmes hopes that by then indoor dining will resume once again.

One thing the video touches on that will be of interest to native Staten Islanders is the discussion of the locations history as an eating and drinking spot. In 1962, the place was called Totos. It eventually become the Waterfront Cafe, then Hartleys and Kennedys. After the building burned down it was rebuilt to house Joe & John Totos in 1982. Hurricane Sandy knocked it down in 2012, yet the Totos brought it back again. John Toto retired from the business in 2018 and, after over a million dollars in renovations, Juicy Lucy was born on July 1, 2019.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. For restaurant nostalgia and other thoughts of Staten Island yesteryear in food, she can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.

Missed prior episodes of The Dish? Check them out here:

Beans n Leaves tests a Superior hot cocoa | The Dish

Take a tasty tour of a chocolate factory on Staten Island | The Dish

Watch a chocolate bomb explode and taste gourmet smores on Staten Island | The Dish

Has government overstepped in banning indoor dining in some neighborhoods? | The Dish

Pamelas dishing on a quiet Thanksgiving. So . . . where can you dine indoors? | The Dish

The Mustard Seed grows on Forest Avenue with avocado toast and breakfast empanadas | The Dish

Igloo for 4? Eggers gets creative for wintertime | The Dish

Peace, love and yummy Filipino food at Filled Cafe | The Dish

9 a.m. at Griffs and the whiskey shots and beer flow


Spain on Thursday felt the continuing effects of an unusual weather event dubbed Storm Filomena that is sweeping across the Iberian peninsula in the form of two back-to-back low-pressure systems.

LATEST NEWS Parts of Spain on red alert for what could be record-setting snowfall

For the second day in a row, southern Andalusia, the Canary Islands and the North African exclave city of Ceuta experienced heavy rains, strong winds and rough seas, while central regions of mainland Spain were preparing to be blanketed with snow.

An unusual snow-covered landscape greeted residents of Archivel, in the Mediterranean region of Murcia, on Thursday. Marcial Guillen / EFE

There were traffic disruptions and advisories for difficult driving conditions on over 100 roads on Thursday, while snow chains were being required on 33, according to the traffic authority DGT. Some of the main affected motorways included the A-7 at Alcoy (Alicante); the A-4 at La Guardia (Toledo), the CM-40 and the R-4 ringroad at Ocana (Toledo), the A-3 at Requena (Valencia); the CV-80 at Sax (Alicante) and the RM-15 at Bullas (Murcia).

The DGT also asked motorists to take extra care while driving on the A-4 at Valdemoro (Madrid), on the A-42 at Yuncos (Toledo), on the AP-36 at La Roda (Albacete), on the A-3 at Chiva (Valencia), on the A-91 at Puerto Lumbreras (Almeria) and on the A-44 at Noalejo (Jaen).

Almeria is the province with the greatest number of affected roadways: on seven of them, sections have been cut off to traffic due to heavy snowfall. In Granada province, also in Andalusia, the A-337 is closed off as it passes through La Ragua, and a section of the A-395 has been cut off near the ski resort of Monachil in the Sierra Nevada.

A snow-covered section of the MA-10 road on the island of Mallorca was cut off to traffic on Wednesday. CONSELL DE MALLORCA / Europa Press

The Aemet national weather agency is forecasting the biggest snowfall in years for Thursday, with the greatest snow totals expected in Jaen and Albacete (up to 20 centimeters in both provinces), in Alicante, Castellon and Valencia (15 cm), in Almeria, Granada, Teruel, Ciudad Real, Cuenca and Murcia (10 cm), and in Toledo and Madrid (5 cm). A total of 12 Spanish regions are on alert for snow.

Other parts of the country are preparing for intense rain: Cadiz, Ceuta and Malaga could see rainfall of 80 to 100 mm. There is also an orange warning for low temperatures in Huesca, Avila, Burgos, Leon, Palencia, Segovia, Soria, Zamora, Lleida, Navarre and La Rioja. Meteorologists are expecting to see more snowfall on Friday in central and eastern Spain, and in northern areas on Saturday.

In the Canary Islands, residents have been told to expect winds gusting up to 80 km/h at sea level, and above that in mountain areas. Rough seas could create waves of four to five meters, the weather service warned. There will also be intense rain, particularly in the western islands and on Gran Canaria. Conditions are expected to start improving by Saturday.

While the first low pressure system will push past Spanish territory on Sunday, a second weather event is likely to bring a fresh round of intense rain in southern Andalusia and Ceuta. Temperatures could also drop significantly again, with lows of -10C in central and mountain areas, said Aemet spokesperson Ruben del Campo.

English version by Susana Urra.

Piers Morgan has clashed with Malin Andersson over a body-positive Cosmopolitan cover which he declared was 'glamourising obesity at the height of a pandemic'.

The Good Morning Britain host, 55, took umbrage with the latest issue of Cosmopolitan UK on Wednesday which featured a plus-size model doing yoga, with the caption: 'this is healthy!'

He wrote: 'No, its not. And given that obesity is a major factor in why many get severe covid illness, this @CosmopolitanUK cover is shamefully irresponsible.'

Butting heads: Piers Morgan has clashed with Malin Andersson over a body-positive Cosmopolitan cover which he declared was 'glamourising obesity at the height of a pandemic'

Love Island's Malin, 28, who has carved out a strong social media following as a body-confidence advocate, retweeted Piers' post with the caption: 'This is disgusting.'

Never one to back down Piers retorted: 'Actually, whats disgusting is a big-selling magazine glamourising obesity at the height of a pandemic involving a virus that targets obese people more than any other weight-group.'

Being overweight can raise the risk of severe Covid-19 by 40 per cent, while obese people are 70 per cent more likely to be hospitalised with the disease, according to a July study.

Researchers analysed data from more than 300,000 people, 640 of whom ended up in hospital with the coronavirus at the peak of the pandemic.

Fury: The Good Morning Britain host, 55, took umbrage with the latest issue of Cosmopolitan UK on Wednesday which featured a plus-size model doing yoga, with the caption: 'this is healthy!'

Curves: Malin, a body confidence advocate, quickly hit back at Piers over his tweet

They found extra weight is linked with 'higher odds' of admission to hospital, increasing in line with body mass index (BMI) - a height-to-weight ratio.

Being too thin also raised the risk compared to someone who was a healthy weight, but by a smaller margin of six per cent.

The team, led by University College London, sought to build on previous smaller-scale studies which first shone a light on the link between weight and Covid-19.

Concerns led to an investigation by Public Health England, which last month said it found overweight people are more than three times as likely to die of Covid-19 than those of a healthy weight.

No way: Love Island's Malin, 28, who has carved out a strong social media following as a body-confidence advocate, retweeted Piers' post with the caption: 'This is disgusting'

The tweets come hours after Piers branded Lauren Goodger a 'half wit' and an 'imbecile' for saying she will not take the COVID-19 vaccine - despite 'shoving filler in her lips.'

The reality star, 34, was condemned for her anti-vaxxer views on Tuesday, despite scientists saying vaccination is the best hope for beating COVID-19. She also claimed she 'doesn't believe' in face masks and likened the virus to a cold.

Speaking on Wednesday's Good Morning Britain, an incensed Piers questioned how Lauren could refuse the vaccine but inject herself with fillers - before imploring the public 'not to listen to these imbeciles'.

He said: 'Lauren Goodger, who I'm informed is a TOWIE babe, has gone public having a go about the Covid vaccine on the day we discovered a million people in this country have the virus and we're obviously in a desperate situation.

Hitting back: The star accused the cover of 'glamourising obesity' as he responded to Malin

'She said she's terrified of the vaccine and has already had Covid and didn't die, so obviously it's not a problem.

'She said I don't like taking medicine or antibiotics. Lauren said: "Im more scared of the vaccine than I am the virus" really?'

'She said: "I dont like taking medicine, I wont take antibiotics but I do do aesthetics"... what?'

'Here's a picture of Lauren Goodger. What do you think she's been shoving in her face?

'Where does that come from, Lauren? What have you been injecting into those lips? Did you check where it came from or check what it is?

Taking aim: Piers branded Lauren Goodger a 'half wit' and an 'imbecile' for saying she will not take the COVID -19 vaccine on Tuesday - despite 'shoving filler in her lips'

Criticised: The reality star, 34, was condemned for her anti-vaxxer viewers on Tuesday, despite scientists saying people being vaccinated is the best hope for ending lockdown and beating Covid

'These people are absolute half-wits. They're quarter-wits. They are getting attention on social media. They are already giving their views to millions of impressionable people and they're not getting challenged.

'My point is these reality stars are stuffing their faces with plastic fillings, surgery and injections and so on and then banging on about vaccines.

'It's ridiculous. Do not listen to these imbeciles. It will cost lives.

It's got to stop. They are wielding a really unhealthy noise to this debate which will deter young people from taking this serious.

'I look at her face. She has put loads of stuff in those lips. She could probably afford to take a risk with a vaccine, which has been approved.'

Piers fumed: 'Here's a picture of Lauren Goodger. What do you think she's been shoving in her face? 'Where does that come from, Lauren? What have you been injecting into those lips?'

His co-host Susanna Reid added: 'Let's not give them a platform.'

Vaccinating the population is crucial to ending the coronavirus pandemic because inoculated people will not become ill or die from the virus, reducing the strain on the health service and allowing social distancing restrictions to be lifted.

It is also hoped that the vaccines will stop inoculated people from the transmitting the virus, but this as not been proven yet.

Both the Pfizer vaccine and the Oxford vaccine have been ruled safe by UK regulators after tens of thousands of people took part in clinical trials, more than a hundred thousand across both injections, without any ill effects.

It comes just a day after the Prime Minister Boris Johnson plunged the country into a third lockdown in a desperate attempt to control the new mutant coronavirus.

Following Lauren's comments, social media users slammed the reality star, who has been open about her use of filler and botox, for making the claims.
Johnny Depp's Hollywood Hills home was broken into and a burglary suspect later arrested over the weekend, according to a new report.

TMZ claims a woman who was possibly homeless, broke into the Oscar-nominated actor's mansion over the weekend, with the home's security system activated and police alerted.

The woman is said to have been spooked by the alarm system and fled the property before police arrived. It is unclear if anything was taken from the 57-year-old actor's home.

However, she was reportedly later found nearby with police connecting her to another recent burglary - and she was allegedly arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Turbulent time: Johnny Depp's Hollywood Hills home was broken into and a burglary suspect later arrested over the weekend, according to a new report (pictured July)

It is understood that Depp was not home at the time of the alleged break-in.

Depp purchased the 1920s-era eight-bedroom castle-like home in West Hollywood on a four-acre eucalyptus grove back in 1995.

Mailonline has contacted representatives for Johnny Depp and the Los Angeles Police Department for comment.

The police incident comes amid a turbulent time for the actor, after the High Court backed ex-wife Amber Heard's claims that Depp battered her during their marriage.

Crime: TMZ claims a woman who was possibly homeless, broke into the Oscar-nominated actor's mansion (pictured) over the weekend, with the home's security system activated and police alerted

In November, Judge Justice Nicol ruled that The Sun's report alleging Depp, 57, had been violent towards her were 'substantially true', and that the Pirates of the Caribbean star had put her in fear for her life as he binged on drink and drugs.

Depp has appealed the High Court's verdict and is also suing Heard in the US over a separate Washington Post article written two years ago, meaning the actress is unable to speak freely about her legal battle with Depp.

Speaking to Sky News about her new role in a series based on a Stephen King novel, Heard said it had made her to ask questions about being faced with 'unbelievable circumstances and incredible adversity, and everything being on the line.'

Heard's new show, The Stand, sees her playing Nadine Cross, one of the survivors of a flu outbreak that kills 99% of the population, prompting a 'power struggle of good and evil.'

Break-in The woman is said to have been spooked by the alarm system and fled the property before police arrived. It is unclear if anything was taken from the 57-year-old actor's home

Filming finished in March just before the Covid pandemic spread across the world.

The star, said: 'Nothing could have prepared me for 2020, let's face it. I don't think I'm alone in saying that. I don't think anything could have prepared me.'

In the latest legal hearing in Virginia between Heard and Depp this week, Fairfax County Judge Bruce D. White blocked Depp's attempt to have Heard's case against him thrown out of court amid a new law.

Heard was allowed to move forward in her $100 million counterclaims case against the actor after his attorney Adam Waldman last year dubbed her allegations of domestic violence 'fake' and a 'sexual violence hoax,' according to legal docs published on The Hollywood Reporter.

Exes: The police incident comes amid a turbulent time for the actor, after the High Court backed ex wife Amber Heard's claims that Depp battered her during their marriage (pictured 2015)

The Kentucky-born actor had tried to use a new anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuits against public participation) law passed in the state last year to have Heard's suit tossed.

Depp fell short in his claims of anti-SLAPP immunity, the judge said, noting the lack of public concern and that the Edward Scissorhands actor 'may have made these statements with actual or constructive knowledge or with reckless disregard for whether they are false.'

The judge added that Depp's comments and Waldman's 'hoax' remark 'imply that Ms. Heard lied and perjured herself when she appeared before a court in 2016 to obtain a temporary restraining order against Mr. Depp' and 'imply that she has lied about being a victim of domestic violence.

Legal battle continues: In the latest legal hearing in Virginia between Heard and Depp, Fairfax County Judge Bruce D. White blocked Depp's attempt to have Heard's case against him thrown out of court amid a new law, earlier this week; pictured in 2020

'In light of the #MeToo Movement and today's social climate, falsely claiming abuse would surely 'injure [Heard's] reputation in the common estimation of mankind,' the judge wrote in his ruling. 'Therefore, this Court finds that the statements contain the requisite "sting" for an actionable defamation claim.'

The judge concluded that Waldman's remarks do not fall under protected opinion, as 'whether Mr. Depp abused Ms. Heard is a fact that is capable of being proven true or false.'

In November, Depp was cut from Fantastic Beasts 3 by Warner Bros., as he played Gellert Grindelwald in the J.K. Rowling series.

Depp's case is slated to head to trial May 3, while Heard's suit is expected to go before the court later on in the year.
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CLARK LAKE, MI  Beth and Todd Snay are figuring out what to do next after a fire destroyed their Clark Lake house.

They were home with their son Jonathon Snay, who serves in the Air Force, just before 11 p.m., Dec. 30 in the 9000 block of Vining Street when their dog started barking. Todd Snay looked over to see what was happening, Beth Snay said.

My husband ... told me, I noticed there was a fireball coming from the top part of the (Christmas) tree, Beth Snay said. He started pulling me off the couch and yelling and screaming at our son who was upstairs.

Christmas tree fire destroys Clark Lake house

Firefighters spent about five hours putting the fire out. The roof and second floor collapsed onto the first floor, covering the fire, making it difficult for crews to access the flames. An excavation company was called in to help uncover the layers, Columbia Township Fire Department Chief Scott Cota said previously.

Beyond the familys two dogs, they couldnt get anything out of the house, including their cellphones, eldest daughter Jessica Kent said. She was at her own house when the fire started, but her family told her about the experience, including how the fire alarms didnt go off. Kent knew they were operational.

I know they work because we baked cookies the week before and they went off just from baking cookies, she said.

Their community, friends and family have stepped up to help cover their basic needs, Beth Snay said.

Were just overwhelmed at this moment, she said. Grateful to family and friends and neighbors that have helped dress us and everything else.  Theyve all been great.

Kent started a GoFundMe to help her parents because expenses keep popping up. Their insurance will cover part of the expenses but not everything. For example, both their cars were damaged and they need to pay the deductibles before the insurance will help out, Kent said.

Theyre doing OK under the circumstances, Kent said. Their whole life was uprooted so theyre just trying to get back what they had.

Words dont seem adequate when it comes to thanking you, but wrapped up in these words are love and gratitude beyond... Posted by Beth Snay on Thursday, January 7, 2021

Jonathon Snay had to return to his Texas base Jan. 3, Beth Snay said. A neighbor collected clothes for him, and they were able to get him a new phone before he left.

In addition to the GoFundMe, Clark Lakes Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty, 2231 Jefferson Road, started raising money for the family. They will also gather household donations later and store them at the church until the family has a new home, Beth Snay said.

Very few items survived the fire. Three of Beth Snays yearbooks were found inside a dresser  along with a few other small items  that had three unburned drawers, she said. Their extended family has started sending them old pictures to help replace the ones they lost

Beth and Todd Snay are living in an extended stay hotel while they find people to start the process of cleaning up and rebuilding.

Their whole life was in that house, Kent said. They have to start over from scratch.

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Samsung introduced a new affordable smartphone called Galaxy M02s. It will debut in India with a starting price of INR8,999 ($122) and will come with an octa-core CPU, a big battery, and three cameras on its back.

The Galaxy M02s is powered by the Snapdragon 450 chipset. The 3.5-year-old platform is built on the 14nm process and offers an octa-core Cortex-A55 CPU running at 1.8GHz. It is coupled with either 3GB RAM and 32GB storage in the base version or 4/64 GB in the more upscale model. There is a microSD slot for up to 1 TB more of storage.

The front panel of the phone is a 6.5 HD+ LCD with an Infinity-V notch for the 5 MP f/2.2 selfie shooter. The triple camera combo on the back brings a 13MP main unit and a couple of 2MP sensors for macro and depth.

While those numbers aren't particularly inspiring, the battery capacity is something to be jolly about - the 5,000mAh unit supports 15W fast charging through a USB-C port.

Samsung is selling the Galaxy M02s with a dual-SIM slot with dual 4G VoLTE support, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. Theres also a 3.5 mm audio jack and an FM radio. The interface is Samsung One, based on Android 10.

The phone will be sold at Amazon India and Samsungs own website in three colors - Red, Blue, Black. The launch date will be announced soon.

Source
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the events that unfolded in Washington, DC, on Wednesday were proof of the weakness of Western democracy and the influence of populism in Western countries, Tasnim reported.

What we saw in the US last night and today really showed that first how floppy and weak the Western democracy is, and how weak its foundations are, the Iranian president said on Thursday.

We saw how much influence populism has in these countries, despite all the progress in science and industry, Rouhani added.

We saw that a populist [Donald Trump] came to office and what damage he caused to his own country. He tainted his countrys reputation and credibility. He disrupted the US relations with the entire world, Rouhani said.

He pointed to the huge damages Trump caused to the West Asia, particularly to Palestine, Syria, and Yemen, and all regions in the world.

Well we see when a [mentally] unhealthy person comes and takes office, what problems he creates for his own country and the world, he said, according to the Iranian government's official website.

Rouhani expressed hope that the next rulers in the White House would return it to the position of wisdom, rule of law, and commitment that the great nation of America deserves.

Four people diedincluding one woman who was shotafter supporters of US President Donald Trump stormed into the Congress building to prevent it from confirming the election victory of US President-elect Joe Biden.
COLUMBIA  S.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Beatty again ordered a halt to in-person court hearings statewide, another significant hitch to the legal system as the state has failed to beat back a raging surge in coronavirus infections.

Beatty's edict, which takes effect Monday and covers all criminal and civil court matters, reverses his September decision that permitted judges to open up their local courtrooms. In taking that action, Beatty stressed the courts' duty to afford defendants their constitutional rights to a speedy resolution of their cases.

Now, Beatty is pointing to the latest spike in cases in large swaths of the state. More than 48,000 have been infected just in the past two weeks, with testing infection rates as high as 30 percent  five percent of tests or fewer returning positive results is a good sign the virus' spread is slowing, researchers say.

Health officials point to an uptick in gatherings around the holidays as a likely cause for the surge that may not relent for weeks.

That outlook requires more "unprecedented changes to ordinary court operations," Beatty wrote in his order, which was distributed to court officials Wednesday evening.

Beatty's order allows hearings covering emergency bond matters or protection orders in the state's criminal courts, with a similar allowance for emergencies in family court. Beatty again urged local judges to conduct hearings remotely, whenever possible.

Overall, the virus in South Carolina has infected more than 306,000. As of Wednesday, the contagion has killed 5,139 in the state.
(HealthDay)A widely used class of antibiotics has been linked to an increased risk of a potentially fatal blood vessel conditioneven in younger, healthy people.

In a study of millions of antibiotic prescriptions made in the United States, researchers found that one class was associated with a small increase in the risk of aortic aneurysm.

The drugscalled fluoroquinoloneshave been a mainstay of antibiotic therapy for decades. They include medications such as Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Levaquin (levofloxacin) and Factive (gemifloxacin).

Several previous studies have linked fluoroquinolones to a heightened risk of aortic aneurysma weakened area in the wall of the body's largest artery. If that weakened tissue ruptures, it can cause fatal bleeding.

Based on those earlier findings, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning in 2018, saying people at high risk of aortic aneurysm should avoid fluoroquinolones.

"High risk" included the elderly and people with high blood pressure or a history of blockages or aneurysms in any arteries.

The new study, published Jan. 6 in JAMA Surgery, suggests a much broader swath of the population might want to be cautious.

It found a link between fluoroquinolones and aortic aneurysm in all adults age 35 and upincluding those without high blood pressure, diabetes or elevated cholesterol.

"I'd personally like to see the FDA broaden its warning," said senior researcher Dr. Melina Kibbe, a vascular surgeon and professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"In my practice," Kibbe said, "I've become extremely thoughtful about which antibiotics I prescribe."

That said, the excess risk to any one fluoroquinolone user is small: In this study, the incidence was 7.5 cases of aortic aneurysm for every 10,000 prescriptions filled, versus 4.6 cases for every 10,000 prescriptions for other antibiotics.

"The absolute risk is quite low. This is a really rare event," said Dr. Chandra Gopalakrishnan, a researcher at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston who was not involved in the study.

In addition, the findings cannot prove that fluoroquinolones, per se, caused the aneurysms.

And some recent research has raised questions about the nature of the link. Gopalakrishnan was the lead author on one of those studies.

He said the new research was well done, but like all observational studies, it has limitations.

Observational studies can only show an association between two things, and not prove cause and effect. According to Gopalakrishnan, one question is whether "surveillance bias" can help explain the association between fluoroquinolones and aortic aneurysm.

That is, patients on fluoroquinolones may be more likely to have conditions where imaging is done, and an aneurysm is detected incidentally.

In their study, Gopalakrishnan and his colleagues found evidence that might be the case. When they restricted their analysis to patients who'd undergone imaging, the excess risk linked to fluoroquinolones faded.

In the current study, Kibbe's team tried to account for other explanations, including the conditions for which patients were prescribed antibiotics. But for about half of all prescriptions, the record contained no indication.

That makes it harder to rule out the possibility that the indications for the prescription are a factor, according to Gopalakrishnan.

"This is a really difficult question to address with observational studies," he said.

There is, however, biological plausibility to the fluoroquinolone-aneurysm link, Kibbe said. The drugs, she noted, have also been tied to tendon ruptures.

"We still need much more research on the mechanisms," Kibbe stressed. But, she said, one hypothesis is that the drugs may affect the integrity of collagena structural protein in the body's connective tissues.

For their study, Kibbe and her team mined a health insurance database, using information on nearly 47.6 million antibiotic prescriptions nationwide. Among more than 9 million fluoroquinolone prescriptions, there were 6,752 cases of aortic aneurysm over the next 90 days; 103 of them required surgical repair.

After researchers weighed other factorssuch as patients' age and chronic health conditionsfluoroquinolone users were 20% more likely to suffer an aortic aneurysm than people prescribed other antibiotics.

It's a small difference, Gopalakrishnan said, and it makes him "a bit cautious" in interpreting the result.

But Kibbe said doctors should be more careful about fluoroquinolone prescriptions, even for patients who are not high risk for an aneurysm.

If a fluoroquinolone is prescribed, her advice to patients is to ask whether another type of antibiotic would be comparable.

Explore further Certain antibiotics tied to deadly heart vessel tears: FDA

More information: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more information on Journal information: JAMA Surgery The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more information on fluoroquinolones and aortic aneurysm

Copyright  2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
A former Scranton police officer will be allowed off of house arrest while he awaits sentencing for threatening other city officers.

Lackawanna County Judge Michael J. Barrasse granted Thomas J. McDonalds petition for release from home confinement during a brief virtual hearing Wednesday.

In approving his release, the judge ordered McDonald to continue to undergo counseling and avoid drugs and alcohol.

McDonald, 47, who spent 17 years in the Scranton Police Department before he was fired in June, was arrested July 1 after investigators say he sent text messages to city police Sgt. Thomas Carroll threatening members of the Special Operations Group.

McDonald served as a sniper on the special unit, which is essentially a SWAT team.

He pleaded guilty Dec. 21 to four misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats, according to court records. The district attorneys office has agreed not to prosecute four other misdemeanor counts of harassment.

No sentencing date for McDonald has been set.

In asking Barrasse to grant the petition, McDonalds attorney, Paul Walker, said during Wednesdays hearing that the judge placed his client on house arrest for 30 days after his release from an in-patient treatment facility.

That has now stretched into more than 90 days, Walker said.

Deputy District Attorney Gene Riccardo indicated prosecutors did not object to the petition.

McDonalds firing followed an 11-month internal department investigation involving still undisclosed allegations against the officer.

A federal lawsuit filed in March accused McDonald of coercing sex acts from two female confidential informants in 2017 and 2018 while he worked as an investigator with the citys undercover drug unit.

No criminal charges have been filed against McDonald in connection with those allegations, but the former officer said in paperwork filed in the civil case in August that he expects to be charged.

The lawsuit is still pending in U.S. District Court.
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Poroshenko congratulates Biden on confirmation of his victory in Congress, thanks U.S. Republican administration

Fifth President of Ukraine, leader of the European Solidarity Party Petro Poroshenko congratulated U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the confirmation of his election at the Congress level.

"It seems that no one among the real friends of the United States had any doubts about this outcome. I always remember his words, even as Vice President of the United States that, if necessary, he is always open for Ukraine," Poroshenko said.

He wished success to the democratic administration of the White House "on the difficult path of countering the many challenges of our time, of which there are only more."

In addition, the politician thanked the U.S. Republican administration.

"I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the U.S. Republican administration, in cooperation with which we continued to build up our resilience. Ukraine sincerely values the strategic partnership and alliance of the United States of America based on strong bipartisan support for Ukraine," Poroshenko said.
Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Capitals of Empire Highlights: Istanbul, Bursa, Konya, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Hattusa, Amasya, Safranbolu

Looping through central Anatolia, this itinerary stars some of Turkey's most important historical cities.

Although most of it can easily be done using a combination of public bus, ferry and train, a hire car is handy for the Ankara-Safranbolu leg and cuts down travel time substantially.

Not counting time spent in Istanbul, this route takes between 8 and 10 days.

Begin in the grandest city of them all: Istanbul, capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. From here, jump on a ferry across the Marmara Sea to head to Bursa.

Bursa is an old Silk Route trading post and became the Ottoman Empire's first capital. Visit its intricately tiled mosques, the ornate tombs of the early sultans inside the Muradiye Complex, and the vast bazaar area to delve into this city's grandest era.

Take the bus southeast from here to Konya, 12th-century capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum and home of the whirling dervishes. Don't miss the Mevlana Museum and try to time your visit to catch the weekly whirling dervish ceremony.

From Konya, it's also an easy half-day trip to the archaeological site of Catalhoyuk, the world's largest Neolithic village ever discovered.

Heading north now, hop on the train to Ankara. If you start off early enough, you'll be able to stop-off in Polatl along the way, and from the train station there, take a taxi-tour to the Iron Age Phrygian capital of Gordion.

Ankara Castle

Once in Ankara, modern Turkey's capital, make sure to visit both Ataturk's mausoleum at the Antkabir, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which gives you a crash course in Anatolia's history from the Neolithic to Iron Age.

Traveling the next section is more straightforward and quick by car. It does work, though, using public transport if you have more time up your sleeve to wait for connections, and are comfortable hopping between a blend of both bus and local dolmus (minibus) routes.

Having seen the glorious treasures of the Hittite Empire in Ankara's museum, now head a couple of hours east to the ruins of their Bronze Age capital Hattusa. The area around Hattusa has plenty more historic sites to explore, and those with an interest in Turkish history may well want to stay a night.

From here push farther northeast to Amasya. The tiny riverside old town district here is full of preserved wooden Ottoman-era mansions, many of which are now atmospheric restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels. The high cliff behind is honeycombed with the tombs of the Pontic Kings, who made Amasya capital of the Kingdom of Pontus in the 3rd Century BC.

Amasya's chief tourist attraction is its heritage ambience, but do visit the Sultan Beyazt II Mosque for its astonishingly beautiful interior, and the Amasya Museum while in town.

Turning west, Safranbolu is the last stop on the itinerary and the only one that has never been a capital.

Safranbolu is so quaint, it looks like it fell out of a storybook. This old trade route town is famous for its old town replete with cobblestone alleyways crammed with finely restored timber and red-tile roofed Ottoman mansions. Once home to wealthy traders and merchants, today these grand houses now function as cafes, restaurants, and boutique hotels.

After soaking up the historic vibes here, you can either drive back to Ankara to drop off the hire car or take a direct bus back to Istanbul.

Add On: If you have around 20 days to explore Turkey, when you get back to Istanbul, head down the coast on the Aegean Adventure itinerary.

She has joined a host of reality stars with a 'business trip' to Dubai.

And Georgia Steel highlighted her incredible figure in a white balconette bra and matching briefs on Thursday as she relaxed on a yacht in the United Arab Emirates.

The former Love Island star, 22, protected her highlighted tresses with a Fendi headscarf and delivered a sultry pose from the boat deck.

Turn up the heat! Georgia Steel highlighted her incredible figure in a white balconette bra and matching briefs on Thursday, as she relaxed on a yacht in Dubai

She completed her swimwear look with delicate jewellery and enhanced her features with a slick of make-up.

Georgia has been eagerly documenting her 'work' getaway to Dubai, while the rest of the UK has been plunged into a third lockdown.

On Tuesday she struck her best gaze as she posed in lacy red lingerie.

As her voluminous locks fell around her features in light waves, Georgia showed off her tan and pouted for her photo.

Red it and weep! The reality star, 22, has been eagerly documenting her 'work' getaway to the UAE and on Tuesday she struck her best sultry gaze as she posed in lacy red lingerie

Prior to this, she was seen looking relaxed in orange bikini bottoms and a rolled-up white vest top as her friend took a candid snap of her at the beach.

The beauty removed her denim shorts and used them as a seat as she held onto the straw hat in the image.

Georgia penned: 'This is a very candid photo my friend took of me on the beach today.

'Capturing a natural moment just goes to show I'm the happiest I've been for a long time, mentally I feel like the past year and half has been so testing for my little head.

'My friends and family are my world and I'm so lucky to be surrounded by the most amazing souls. This energy is infectious and I'm lovin' it.'

Georgia became one of the latest flood of the reality stars to jet off to Dubai after she headed there last Monday.

She shared a series of snaps taken in Manchester Airport before setting off amid the city's Tier 3 status and guidelines - instructing against non-essential travel.

On Tuesday, George joined fellow Love Islander Francesca Allen, 25, on a yacht in Dubai, as they ignored social distancing rules to embrace.

In Dubai, social distancing and the wearing of face masks is mandatory when away from your home. This also applies to visitors staying in hotels when they are not in their room.

Beach babe: Prior to this, she was seen looking relaxed in orange bikini bottoms and a rolled-up white vest top as her friend took a candid snap of her at the beach

'I feel like the past year and half has been so testing for my little head': The star opened up about how she has found the last year and a half difficult

The pair stripped down to their bikini as they posed and pouted up a storm, amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Georgia and Francesca, 25, have joined fellow Love Islanders Joanna Chimonides and Hayley Hughes in the UAE, amid growing fury over reality stars 'bending rules'.

The city has been an ideal choice for many as visitors aren't currently required to quarantine upon their return to the UK.

Many stars have insisted their trips are for work as the government currently asks UK residents living in high-risk areas to avoid unnecessary travel.

Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - Alternet Systems (OTC Pink: ALYI) classically designed ReVolt EV motorcycle can contribute to a breakout year for the Company. Specifically, the ReVolt EV is being positioned to earn a substantial share of the African ride-share (boda-boda) motorcycle taxi market. Its sleek design, rugged build, and electric-powered engine may make the bike a perfect fit into a crowded African transportation market. Moreover, its size, adaptability to specific demands, and quick acceleration in tight quarters could position the ReVolt as a vehicle of choice.



The ReVolt, and its associated technologies, now represent the Company's primary business focus. Further, Uber, which has already registered 29,000 service providers targeting more than two million users, has helped set the stage for ALYI to fill a valuable and necessary niche.



ALYI thinks that 2021 will be the year to change from the development stage to a revenue-generating business. Early demand for the ReVolt suggests that could happen. The Company announced late last year that they have received pre-orders for 2000 of the ReVolt EV bikes. And, that represents only the Kenya market. The Company expects to sell many more.



Last week, Greenlight Stocks met with Alternet Systems CEO, Randell "Randy" Torno to get his take on how his innovative product portfolio can help change specific markets. Uber has undoubtedly brought new attention to these opportunities, and the company believes its ReVolt and its subsidiary opportunities can drive substantial revenues in the near term by following their lead.



The Greenlight interview can be viewed read in its entirety at the following link below:

Executive Spotlight: Alternet Systems ReVolt EV Motorcycle Nears Production; CEO Explains How It Could Impact His Company

To learn more and keep up with the latest updates at Alternet Systems, Inc., visit https://www.alternetsystems.com/. At the company website, you will find updates on its ReVolt EV motorbike, plans for its entry into the ride-share markets, and information about its product pipeline.

Disclaimer/Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that any of the companies mentioned herein will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the companies' contracts, the companies' liquidity position, the companies' ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur.

Alternet Systems, Inc. Contact:

Randell Torno

info@lithiumip.com

+1-800-713-0297

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71588

Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.
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DecisionDatabases added the latest report with a global perspective on the Copper-beryllium Alloys Market studied under different segments, including type, application, and regions. The report is treated with size, trends, growth, share, and forecast till 2025. Besides, the research report studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall growth at the global level. This report also offers a lucrative area of the industry at the regional and country level.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Copper-beryllium Alloys market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Copper-beryllium Alloys Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-30215

According to this study, over the next five years, the Copper-beryllium Alloys market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Copper-beryllium Alloys business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Copper-beryllium Alloys market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Copper-beryllium Alloys market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Materion

Lanfeng Non-ferrous Metal

NGK

NBM Metals

IBC Advanced Alloys

ULBA

FHBI

Belmont Metals

Jinfeng Metal

CNMNC

Yinke

Shenyang Kehang Metal

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-30215

This study considers the Copper-beryllium Alloys value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

High Strength

High Conductivity

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Telecommunication Equipment

Automotive

Computer

Aircraft & Aerospace

Other

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Copper-beryllium Alloys Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-30215

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Copper-beryllium Alloys consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Copper-beryllium Alloys market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Copper-beryllium Alloys manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Copper-beryllium Alloys with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Copper-beryllium Alloys submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

For more details:

DecisionDatabases.com

E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com

Phone: +91 90 28 057900

Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/

Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/copper-beryllium-alloys-market-size-growth-emerging-trends-future-investors-and-virtual-analysis-by-2025/
Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed on Thursday with his Cypriot counterpart President Nicos Anastasiades the means of boosting bilateral relations, particularly in the energy field, the Egyptian presidency said.

During the phone call from his Cypriot counterpart, the two presidents tackled their countries' consistent stances in the East Mediterranean region.

They also discussed the developments in a number of regional issues.

During the call, Anastasiades stated he was keen on coordinating and exchanging views with El-Sisi on various issues of mutual concern praising the strength of the bilateral relations between the two countries as well as the trilateral relations between the two countries and Greece.

From his side, Egyptian President El-Sisi also praised the constant development in the joint cooperation between the two countries.

Short link:




Amidst the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world with over 85 million confirmed cases and 1.84 million deaths in 215 countries and territories,

Vietnam has applied drastic responding measures with the spirit of fighting the pandemic is like fighting an enemy.

Testing for the virus in a laboratory

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has called on people in cities and provinces nationwide to strictly follow a 5K message (in Vietnamese) - Khau trang (facemask), Khu khuan (disinfection), Khoang cach (distance), Khong tu tap (no gathering), Khai bao y te (health declaration) - to help citizens get used to living safely with the COVID-19 pandemic in the new normal.

Recently, in a Government meeting on anti-COVID-19 vaccine, the PM has once again stressed that the country is in the period of preventing and combating the pandemic in an active and responsible manner, highlighting the need to implement the 5K message.

Experts attributed Vietnams success in controlling the pandemic to the countrys efforts to roll out a series of strong and effective measures against the pandemic.

Passengers wear masks on planes







However, they held that Vietnam will have to continue maintaining the measures for a long time which is enough to form a regular habit to live safely amidst the pandemic.

The 5K message is line a steel shield protecting us from COVID-19, said Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Truong Son.

Meanwhile, Associate Prof Dr Tran Dac Phu underlined that the implementation of the 5K message is significant as this is the best way to prevent the pandemic to affect ourselves and the community.

Most recently, on December 22, Patient 1,435 returning home from Britain and quarantined in the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh upon arrival was confirmed to be infected with the new virus strain.

Following the detection of the case, Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long has proposed to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc that inbound flights should be suspended or limited from countries and territories where new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are found.

The minister noted that 34 countries had announced the detection of new COVID-19 variants as of January 3.

On December 18, 2020, the World Health Organisation reported that a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus was found in the UK, which is said to be 70 percent more transmissible than the old one. It is spreading to other countries rapidly.

So far, more than 40 countries territories have restricted travel from/to the UK and other countries that have reported cases with the virus variant.

Germany and the Netherlands have been the first to close the border with the UK, while France has requested travellers to take quarantine and show proof that they have been tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.

Meanwhile, Spain and Turkey have banned immigrants from the UK until the end of January. The US and the rest of Europe have also reduced the number of flights to the UK.

Japan has announced the ban of all entries until the end of this month, while Indonesia has refused to receive travellers from the UK./.VNA
Emotions ran high at Brisbane Airport on Thursday morning after travellers touched down on the first quarantine-free flight from New Zealand since March last year.

The Air New Zealand flight NZ147 landed in Queensland at 8.30am on Thursday with passengers eager to reunite with family and friends after the coronavirus pandemic forced them to live apart for almost a year.

The non-quarantine flight is the first of three that will fly from Auckland to Brisbane each week.

Passengers arriving on Thursday needed to have signed a declaration saying they had been in New Zealand for 14 days prior to leaving.

Family members are seen hugging each other after the first batch of arrivals landed from New Zealand on the first quarantine-free flight since March last year

Passengers are seen arriving in Brisbane from Auckland on the first quarantine-free flight since the pandemic began

A little girl is seen wheeling her suitcase through the Brisbane airport on Thursday morning

However, Kiwis making their way back across the ditch will have to quarantine upon arrival for two weeks at their own expense.

New Zealand has had no cases of community transmission since November 18.

It was also announced on Thursday that Queensland recorded its first locally transmitted coronavirus case in 113 days after a hotel quarantine worker tested positive for the virus.

The female cleaner, who lives in Brisbane, tested positive for the virus on Wednesday night.

Residents who lives in Sunnybank Hills, Algester and Calamvale are being urged to get tested as soon as possible.

Brisbane Airport Corporation's Chief Executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said Thursday's arrival marked a huge milestone in resuming overseas travel.

'As the result of Queensland's outstanding management of Covid-19, I am very confident that these safe travel zone flights between Queensland and New Zealand will be a success and provide a blueprint for similar arrangements with other countries in the future,' he said.

Two friends are seen at Brisbane Airport on Thursday morning after coronavirus restrictions forced them apart for months

The Air New Zealand flight NZ147 touched down in Queensland at 8.30am on Thursday with passengers eager to reunite with family and friends

New Zealand hasn't had any cases of community transmission of the virus since November 18

'While only a one-way bubble, we nonetheless expect these flights will bring families back together and support economic activity between New Zealand and our state.'

Meanwhile, the border between New South Wales and Queensland has closed due to a recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the the Greater Sydney area.

NSW recorded no new local cases on Thursday and six cases in quarantine.

A family are all smiles after touching down in Brisbane on Thursday morning
Leaders around the world condemned the storming of the United States Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, expressing shock at the chaos unfolding in a country they once relied upon for global leadership.

But Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stopped short of criticising Mr Trump for inciting the violence, saying "it is not for me to offer commentary on world leaders".

Mr Morrison said the storming of US Congress was "disgraceful", "heartbreaking" and "terribly distressing, terribly concerning".

"I am pleased that the Senate has been able to recommence their proceedings, and we hope for a peaceful and stable transition of government to the new administration elected by the American people," Morrison said.
Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September

Armenian MFA strongly condemns Azerbaijan's blatant armed encroachment on Armenia's sovereign territory

UN still awaits strong evidence that Dubai ruler's daughter is alive

Opposition Bright Armenia Party urges Government to immediately address UN Security Council

Armen Sarkissian receives Russia Ambassador to Armenia

Armenia President, France Ambassador discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Overchuk: We hope unblocking of links between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a success

Armenia police officer commits suicide, criminal case launched

Armenia Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body has new deputy heads

Zarif, Aliyev discuss railway routes connecting Iran, Azerbaijan and Armenia

EU leaders agree to donate at least 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to poor countries


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.
[January 07, 2021] All Traffic Data, a Seaport Capital Portfolio Company, Acquires Traffic Research & Analysis

All Traffic Data Services, LLC ("ATD"), a traffic data collection and analysis firm, recently announced that it has acquired Traffic Research & Analysis, Inc. and Intellisite Traffic Systems, LLC (collectively "TRA"), a Phoenix-based provider of traffic data collection and analysis services for civil engineering firms, government transportation authorities, universities, and commercial customers in Arizona, California, and other western markets. The acquisition adds the ninth office to All Traffic Data's network of locations across the West, Central, and Southeast regions of the US. Partnering with TRA, a regional leader in the Southwest for 30+ years, deepens All Traffic Data's service capabilities in the Southwest and complements existing offices in Oregon and Washington to support full-service coverage of western markets, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Susan and Bob Medland, TRA's founders and operators, will join the ATD team to provide ongoing guidance and advisory support, effective immediately. Eric Boivin, CEO of ATD, said, "Our partnership with TRA aligns with our commitment to bring best-in-class service, broad data capabilities, and deep regional resources to our customers. Bob and Susan have built a strong data services platform with a trusted reputation and multiple products that complement ATD's offering. In particular, we are excited to expand Intellisite's retail intelligence and data offerings to our other service territories. This acquisition supports a atural expansion of our regional footprint, and we are excited to serve new customers across several Southwest markets."



Susan Medland, CEO and founder of TRA, said, "As one of the most-established data collection firms in the country, we remain committed to our founding principle of superior quality and service. Together with ATD, we look forward to bringing our clients greater resources and broader geographic reach within the Southwest and beyond. Our combined scope of service capabilities covers end-to-end data needs for infrastructure, transportation, and real estate asset management." The combined company's service offerings include tech-enabled traffic pattern surveys, average daily traffic counts, turning movement counts, origin / destination studies, safety studies and crash diagrams, Geographic Information Systems ("GIS") data collection and management, parking studies, non-intrusive radar data, and permanently installed occupancy data. The company also offers consulting services for transportation infrastructure maintenance, development, and safety.

About Traffic Research & Analysis Founded in 1988 in Phoenix, Arizona, Traffic Research & Analysis provides traffic data collection and analysis for engineering, government, education, and commercial customers. The Company provides traffic counts, parking turnover and inventory management, origin / destination and travel time studies, parking studies, radar data, and other custom data studies. About Intellisite Traffic Systems Founded in 2007, Intellisite Traffic Systems, LLC provides non-intrusive vehicle traffic tallying, and creates and delivers custom traffic activity reports to retail centers and special events. About All Traffic Data Founded in 2001 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, All Traffic Data provides traffic data collection and reporting, consulting services and transportation asset management to a multitude of civil engineering firms, state and local transportation authorities, commercial establishments and cities across the US. ATD has offices in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Nebraska, Colorado, California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. For additional information, visit www.alltrafficdata.net. About Seaport Capital Founded in 1997, Seaport Capital is a lower middle market buyout firm that invests in communication infrastructure and services, business and information services and media companies (the "Focus Sectors"). Seaport's senior investment team has over 100 years of combined experience investing in the Focus Sectors, and the team has worked collectively for over 15 years. Seaport typically invests $10 to $30 million of equity capital in companies generating EBITDA between $3 and $15 million, with the goal of maximizing the return on invested capital. Seaport's substantial industry expertise and investing experience enable it to develop successful strategies; its relationships and team help achieve them. Nearly all of Seaport's platform investments have been owned by founders or entrepreneurs seeking a collaborative institutional partner to provide the financial and operational resources to grow their businesses and execute on a successful strategic plan. For additional information, visit www.seaportcapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005240/en/

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Elizabeth Olsen has revealed that Doctor Strange And The Multitude Of Madness has suspended filming after the UK was plunged into a third lockdown.

The actress, 31, gave an update on the Marvel film's production to Jimmy Kimmel on Wednesday, while she remained inside in quarantine.

Detailing how the coronavirus crisis has impacted the film, she said: 'Since the hospitals are overwhelmed here, we can't go back to work until that calms down.

Delayed: Elizabeth Olsen revealed on Tuesday that Marvel flick Doctor Strange And The Multiverse Of Madness has suspended filming in the UK amid third lockdown

'So [I'm] just safely hanging out here, and really grateful I get to be working. Disney has kept me busy during quarantine.'

Elizabeth, who plays Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is set to star in the Doctor Strange sequel alongside lead star Benedict Cumberbatch.

While the film's premise remains firmly under wraps, Elizabeth's Disney+ show WandaVision is set to lead into the flick.

Suspended: Detailing how the coronavirus crisis has impacted the film, she said: 'Since the hospitals are overwhelmed here, we can't go back to work until that calms down'

Staying safe: The actress gave an update on the Marvel film's production to Jimmy Kimmel while she remained inside in quarantine.

It was announced last month that Rachel McAdams will reprise her role as Dr. Christine Palmer in the upcoming sequel.

Benedict Wong and Chiwetel Ejiofor will also return to their roles as, respectively, Strange's fellow sorcerer Wong and Stranges ally-turned-enemy Karl Mordo.

The film will be directed by Sam Raimi of Spider-Man fame following the departure of Scott Derrickson in January last year due to creative differences.

Scott addressed his departure in December, saying he made the difficult decision because he didn't want to be 'at the end of somebody else's movie' again.

Exciting: Elizabeth, who plays Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is set to star in the Doctor Strange sequel alongside lead star Benedict Cumberbatch.

On Twitter, he wrote: 'Ive made some hard creative choices this year. But I swore after making The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008) that I would never again find myself at the end of somebody elses movie, and Im sticking to that.'

However, Scott shared his full support to Sam in response to a fan's concerns about the film, as he wrote: 'Multiverse of Madness is in excellent hands with Sam Raimi.'

The film was originally meant to start shooting in May, shortly after the third Spider-Man film, featuring Tom Holland, wrapped up filming.

Change in direction: The film will be directed by Sam Raimi of Spider-Man fame following the departure of Scott Derrickson in January last year due to creative differences

Hindi Diwas for non Hindi speakers: Where is the need asks HDK

CCB summons to Kannada actress Radhika Kumaraswamy

India

pti-Madhuri Adnal

Bengaluru, Jan 7: Kannada actress Radhika Kumaraswamy has been issued summons by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) here for allegedly receiving Rs 75 lakh from a man who had been arrested for duping a realtor.

The actress, who had been asked to appear before an investigating officer, had told reporters on Wednesday that she had received Rs 15 lakh from the man Yuvaraj, who identified himself with a right wing party.

Days after big drug bust in Bengaluru, CCB seizes 100 grams of MDMA

Radhika said she received the money from Yuvaraj to make a period film. She, however, expressed ignorance about the remaining Rs 60 lakh deposited in her account. She had even said she would cooperate with the investigation if the CCB summoned her.

The CCB had arrested Yuvaraj in December following a complaint by a realtor who alleged that he was duped to the tune of Rs 10 crore with the promise of an election ticket. The raid on his residence led to the recovery of a cash of Rs 26 lakh and cheques for Rs 91 crore.
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Crowds of protesters breached doors and disrupted congressional proceedings Wednesday, but the U.S. Capitol building has faced worse.

British forces torched it in 1814.

Inside the Capitol in 1835, a man tried to shoot President Andrew Jackson, but the gun didnt go off and the president pummeled the attacker with his walking stick.

From a House balcony March 1, 1954, four people who favored statehood for Puerto Rico fired pistols in an attack that wounded five congressmen.

For a parallel to Wednesdays events, Justin Nordstrom, associate professor of history at Penn State Hazleton, thought of the Baltimore plot to kill Abraham Lincoln in 1861.

Then, as on Wednesday, the motive was overturning election results.

In both cases, a group of people feel like they can subvert democracy, Nordstrom said.

Lincoln was traveling by train from Illinois to Washington, D.C., for his inauguration on a well-publicized schedule.

Allan Pinkerton of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, arranged for Lincoln to pass earlier than scheduled through Baltimore after investigating a plot centered there to stop his inauguration. On the last night of the journey, which included one carriage ride to kill time between trains in Philadelphia and another to switch stations in Baltimore, Pinkerton traveled with Lincoln, Daniel Stashower writes in The Hour of Peril: The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln Before the Civil War.

For crowd size, Nordstrom compared Wednesdays protesters to the Bonus Army that asked Congress for $1,000 payments that they were promised after serving in World War I.

It was 1932, the worst of the Depression, and the marchers ranks grow ask they walked to the Capitol from Oregon. Congress ultimately didnt approve their payments, but violence only ensued after President Herbert Hoover sent in police and troops led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who rousted the veterans with tear gas and bayonets and set fire to their squatter camps.

A fire at the Capitol started two years into the War of 1812 when British troops torched a pile of desks and papers. One of their commanders, according to The Capitol: A Pictorial History by the U.S. Government Printing Office, incited his men by bounding into the chair of the House speaker and mockingly presenting the motion, Shall this harbor of Yankee democracy be burned?
A young woman who refused to accept an arranged marriage to her cousin and ran off with her lover has been murdered and her boyfriend was raped and killed after they were invited by her family to a New Year party to make peace.

The horrific killings took place in Bayramozu Village in the district of Kaman in the central Turkish city of Kirsehir where the young woman Vildan Ince, 24, was forced to marry her cousin in a religious ceremony after being put under immense pressure by her family.

However, the young woman, who did not want the marriage, ran away with her boyfriend Osman Celik, 25, almost two months ago.

The victims, Osman Celik and Vildan Ince, who were murdered in Kaman

Victim Osman Celik. The horrific killings took place in Bayramozu Village in the district of Kaman in the central Turkish city of Kirsehir

Her family searched for the pair but were unable to find them until they turned up for a New Year's Eve party in the village.

After learning that their daughter was in Kaman, the womans family invited the couple to their home claiming they wanted to make peace.

Instead, she was taken to the bathroom where she was butchered and her boyfriend was stripped and raped before being stabbed to death, according to local media.

Officers detained the Ince family for questioning. After the interrogation, the family members confessed to the murder and showed the police where they buried their bodies

The police said that after recovering the bodies, they arrested the womans father, brother, the cousin she had been forced to marry, and two other relatives linked to the murders

The victims were each placed in the bath in turn so that blood would not stain the floor.

After they were killed, the bodies were taken to a pit outside the village where they were covered with soil.

When Celik's family could not reach their son, they reported the situation to the police.

An investigation into the killings continues

Officers detained the Ince family for questioning. After the interrogation, the family members confessed to the murder and showed the police where they buried their bodies.

The police said that after recovering the bodies, they arrested the womans father, brother, the cousin she had been forced to marry, and two other relatives linked to the murders.

An investigation into the killings continues.
Oksana Voevodina shared a sweet image of her and her son on her Instagram

It comes as she and Sultan Muhammad V are locked in a divorce battle

The Sultan denies that the child, 18-month-old Leon, is his

The Russian beauty queen who married the former Malaysian King has defied orders of his powerful family to share pictures of her 18-month-old son on Instagram as a paternity battle rages on.

Oksana Voevodina, 28, shared a sweet image of her and her son on her Instagram account this week.

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It comes as Oksana and her former husband the Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan are at war after their ill-fated and short-lived marriage.

The couple married in 2018 before divorcing just a year later.

Oksana Voevodina, 28, shared a sweet image of her and her son on her Instagram account

Oksana and her former husband the Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan are at war after their ill-fated and short-lived marriage

The former spouses are locked in a bitter battle over a financial settlement and over the paternity of her 18-months-old son, Leon, with the Sultan, 50, who denies that the child is his.

This week, Oksana took to the image sharing platform to post a picture of her with her son to her 595,000 followers.

In the caption, she wrote: 'We all want our wishes to be fulfilled. By themselves or with someone's help.

'This year I decided to start differently and change the position of expectation to action.

Oksana Voevodina with her then husband, Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan. The couple were married in a low-key Islamic ceremony in Malaysia in June 2018

Oksana Voevodina and her son Leon. The Sultan denies the child is his but Oksana said she is ready to take a DNA test

Oksana Voevodina with her son

Oksana Voevodina with her son

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'So, my dears, the first thing I did was fulfill your wish-Leon appeared in the profile again.'

Oksana was reportedly put under pressure by the Royal family to stop showing images of him online.

Soon after the then monarch used Islamic law to divorce her and the couple are now in a bitter financial battle.

The palace claimed she refused twice to have a DNA test on the child, something she denies, stressing she is ready anytime.

She has told the former monarch that the baby is 'a copy of you' and is ready for a DNA test.

Her son was conceived on a romantic Australian royal holiday after their secret Islamic wedding in 2018, she said.

Oksana Voevodina, 27 with her former husband, ex-King of Malaysia Tengku Muhammad V Faris Petra

Oksana has told the former monarch that the baby is 'a copy of you' and is ready for a DNA test

Oksana Voevodina and her son Leon at three months old

Oksana Voevodina outside a mosque

The 27-year-old model is known to be consulting London lawyers over the row and is examining new ways to push her claim.

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The English-educated sultan quit the Malaysian throne one year ago after controversy over his secret wedding to the former Miss Moscow.

He has not publicly acknowledged the boy as his son nor met the child.

But a leaked draft divorce settlement offer from his lawyers made longterm financial provision for the boy - as long as he was raised a Muslim and never contacted the ex-king. She rejected the package.

She has accused the sultan of shutting out his son conceived in love during their short marriage before walking out on her.

Meanwhile she has restarted her modelling and marketing career, recently featuring in a video from five star hotel Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre.
Thousands of protesters descended on the U.S. Capitol Wednesday before a mob breached the building and reached the Senate floor, forcing lawmakers to be rushed from the building.

It was a scene that many in Connecticut watched play out in horror and confusion, including Gary MacNamara, Sacred Heart Universitys executive director of public safety and government affairs.

Im shocked that we are witnessing this in our country, said MacNamara, a former Fairfield chief of police. Ive been to the Capitol. These are sacred spaces. To watch people invade that building  its concerning.

Genevieve Reilly / Hearst Connecticut Media

Wednesdays ordinarily mundane procedure of Congress certifying Joe Bidens Electoral College victory was always going to be extraordinary, with Republican supporters of President Donald Trump vowing to protest results of an election that they have baselessly insisted was reversed by fraud. But even the unusual deliberations, which included the Republican vice president and Senate majority leader defying Trumps demands, were quickly overtaken.

In a raucous, out-of-control scene, protesters fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls.

Even though he lives near the White House, James Stockmal still watched the events at the U.S. Capitol unfold on his television set, like the rest of the world.

If youre watching on TV, it looks really crazy, said Stockmal, who is originally from Bridgeport, though he has lived in Washington since 1984.

Stockmal lives just off of 16th Street, a particularly dense part of the citys downtown. From his home just about a mile from the White House, he walked earlier in the day to Washingtons Black Lives Matter Plaza at 16th Street and K Street, which became a hub for racial justice protests during the summer months.

Thats when I saw a number of Trump supporters walking eastward, he said, watching the gaggle of Trump supporters retrace the same route that Black Lives Matter protesters had walked less than six months before.

Many on social media were critical of the fact that the police seemed to be far less aggressive with those who invaded the Capitol Wednesday than they were with Black Lives Matter protesters over the summer.

As a former police chief, MacNamara said he was reluctant to judge how Capitol police responded to the chaos that descended on Washington, D.C., but he does have questions. Why didnt they lock the building down immediately? he said. Why didnt they stop people from getting inside?

Genevieve Reilly / Hearst Connecticut Media

Others were also stunned by Wednesdays scene, including Alex Plitsas, chair of the Fairfield Republican Town Committee, a conservative columnist and former Pentagon official. Plitsas, who was actively tweeting about the situation in D.C., said hes been incensed by the situation.

Whats taken place has been disgusting, embarrassing and criminal, Plitsas said. Its been a violent assault on our democracy and democratic institutions, and it needs to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

Regarding a video released by the White House, in which Trump told people to leave the Capitol building and go home but continued to speak about baseless claims of election fraud, Plitsas said Trumps words are not particularly helpful.

He started talking about how the election is stolen at a moment when were looking for someone to stand up and condemn the violence, he said.

Plitsas, formerly a member of a U.S. Army special operations unit, said he and other members of the military voluntarily donned the uniform after the 9/11 terrorists attacks to take the fight to the enemy and defend citizens right to free speech and peaceful assemblies.

I certainly didnt do that to support whats nothing short of a violent, anarchist assault on our democracy and democratic institutions, he said. Occupying the U.S. Capitol by force is not peaceful protesting, and attempting to enforce your will on others using force has no place in a peaceful, democratic society.

Rosa Correa, a Bridgeport activist and Republican who voted for Biden, also spoke out against Wednesdays events.

The president incited this, Correa said. This sedition, thats what Im calling it, has me heartbroken.

Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media

Correa called on all Republicans to defend the legitimacy of Bidens win. All the Republicans I know of in this city and beyond have to make a commitment to the truth, she said. The truth is this election was won legitimately by President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, and stand by that. If they take that away, theyre taking away our citizenship, our rights; theyre destroying our democracy.

Fellow Republican Leonard Paoletta criticized Wednesdays disaster, but not Trump himself.

Paoletta served as Bridgeports mayor in the early 1980s  a rarity in this heavily democratic city. Paoletta called the scene in Washington D.C. disgraceful. But as a Trump supporter, he was hesitant to place any blame on the outgoing president.

I would say no, Paoletta said when asked if Trump bore some of the responsibility. But when it started, he should have been out there and insisted the standards of the Republicans and especially the Trump base is far from whats going on, they should pack it up, go home and leave it as is.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media

Paoletta also argued that Trump has the right to question Bidens win, particularly given how Democrats treated him over the last four years: Trying to undermine this president and make him an illegitmate president.

Everything Trump is doing (to challenge the election) is by law, he added. But for four years they were doing every possible thing they could do to undermine him. They never accepted him. Hes not accepting this (and) hes the bad guy? They did not accept it for four years.

On the other end of the spectrum, Arlene Carpenter, of Fairfield, is a longtime, politically active Democrat, who said she sat down to watch Wednesdays proceedings looking to be entertained by what she thought would be a contentious, but ultimately peaceful, certification process.

What we got is an insurrection, Carpenter said. Ive never seen anything like this, and Im a child of the 60s.

Even some local residents who are too young to vote were taken aback by what was happening.

As Joe Biden said, this is an attack on Democracy, said Rohit Gunda, 17, a senior at Trumbull High School. Im kind of speechless.

Gunda is a member of We the People, a constitutional competition team run as part of an Advanced Placement government class at Trumbull High. They have won the state competition 24 times since 1987.

Our generation is known to be a generation that fights for what we believe in, and I feel like our generation can stop the stuff that is happening, Gunda said. Were known to be a politically active generation, and that goes hand in hand with being informed, and I feel like that will make us good advocates in the future.

A fellow senior and We the People student echoed those sentiments.

I honestly cant wrap my mind around whats happening right now, said Amaya Mikolic, also 17. This just shows why its so important that I and my peers get involved. The general feeling among my friends is that were just disappointed. Weve learned to appreciate this nation, and its disappointing to see how some people act.

Staff writers Josh LaBella, Brian Lockhart, Donald Eng and Veronica Del Valle contributed to this report. Includes prior reporting by The Associated Press.
To the Editor:

Recently the United States Department of Education awarded a five-year, $30 million grant to Pennsylvania Brick and Mortar Charter Schools to increase their academic success. All the while, many Pennsylvania Public Schools are cutting programs in order to continue to pay for charter school costs, some even becoming financially distressed due to this burden.

Our local state legislators have failed by not providing a fair funding for charter schools while draining public schools and increasing the burden of further expenditures on the local taxpayers. Contrary to the general public belief, charter schools are not free. Schuylkill County Public Schools pay tuition per student ranging from $10,000 to almost $30,000 per student.

During the 2018-2019 school year, Schuylkill County Public Schools paid nearly $11million to charter schools that contributed to over $2 billion paid to charter schools during that year. While it is true some state money is allocated per student, state funding only provides for approximately half of the county schools budgets, with the remaining paid by their local taxpayers.

While most Schuylkill County Public Schools have struggled financially, in part to skyrocketing charter school costs, Commonwealth Charter Academy reported a $1,241,314 profit in 2018-19. Additionally, their accumulated profits as of June 30, 2018, were nearly $38 million. To add insult to injury, during that year they spent nearly $8 million of local taxpayer money on advertising, not education.

The financial rewards of these charter schools have increased dramatically during this pandemic with the average cyber charter school enrollment increasing by over 60%. Despite this fact, Commonwealth Charter Academy is scheduled to receive over $12.8 million in additional federal stimulus money allocated by our state legislators.

Public schools are the pillars of their local communities and are going bankrupt while politically driven charter schools have become very profitable big business. It is hard to fathom that as our local public schools begin looking at their budget cuts for next year, that our local state legislatures believe what they are doing is in the best interest of their constituents. The funding of these charter schools are not equitable and needs to be fixed this year.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Amos, CPA, business manager, North Schuylkill School District

Anthony Demalis,

business manager, Shenandoah Valley

School District

Jodie Dermo, business manager, Pine Grove Area School District

Brittany Doyle, business manager, Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29

Jennifer C. Laudeman, business manager, Minersville Area School District

Brian Manning,

business manager,

Shikellamy

School District
Louisville: Two more officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor have been fired  a detective believed to have fired the fatal shot and another who sought the search warrant that led to the deadly raid, authorities have announced.

The announcement on Wednesday (US time) came moments after city officials said the former Atlanta police chief would soon take over the Louisville Police Department after months of unrest over Taylor's death. Erika Shields served in Atlanta for 25 years, including more than three years as chief. Her tenure ended when she resigned in June after Atlanta officers fatally shot a black man named Rayshard Brooks in a restaurant parking lot.

Breonna Taylor Credit:AP

Detectives Myles Cosgrove, who shot Taylor, and Joshua Jaynes, who sought the warrant for the March 13 drug raid, were informed of their firings on Tuesday. Their dismissals follow that of officer Brett Hankison, who was fired in September after being indicted by a grand jury on charges of endangering Taylors neighbours by firing bullets that went through her home and into an adjacent apartment.

Taylor, a 26-year-old black emergency medical technician, was killed as officers attempted to serve a no-knock search warrant. None of the three white officers who fired into her home were charged by a grand jury in her death.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7) It may be too late for authorities to get swab samples from Christine Angelica Daceras body to establish potential evidence for rape, according to a forensic expert.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun told CNN Philippines on Thursday that sexual assault victims are normally advised to seek help and examination at the soonest possible time. It has been six days since the flight attendant was found dead in a hotel room in Makati City.

TIMELINE: The Christine Dacera Case

If youre going to re-examine the body to collect in hindsight materials like this, its late in the day, Fortun, who was not involved in the examination of Dacera's remains, said in an interview with The Source.

What can you still get? You have already washed (the body), so you might have lost already material there," she pointed out. "And theres a possibility of contamination. Everything that the body is exposed to, potentially, could be left on it. So swabbing-wise, to me, its late."

Fortun also stressed that there is a "critical time frame" for such examination, which is within 72 hours. If the alleged assault is beyond 72 hours, then they dont use that rape kit anymore, she noted.

Three respondents earlier detained in connection with Daceras case were released on Wednesday following the order of the Makati City Prosecutors Office, which noted that more evidence is needed to establish if the New Years incident was a rape-slay.

The tagged individuals have maintained innocence and denied the allegations earlier slapped against them.

An initial medico-legal report obtained by CNN Philippines listed "ruptured aortic aneurysm as Daceras cause of death.

A second autopsy was conducted before was Dacera's body was flown to General Santos City on Thursday, aiming to dispute initial findings that she died of natural causes. The family, however, decided to keep its results confidential for the meantime.

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Washington: A woman who was shot inside the US Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died.

That's according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

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In yet another move to promote the manufacture of pharmaceuticals in India, the government has issued revised guidelines to give preference to suppliers who use more locally-available input materials in public procurement medicines.

According to the latest guidelines issued by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the government would implement the revised Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India), Order 2017, which has introduced a concept of Class-I, II and non-local suppliers, based on which they will get preference in government purchases of goods and services.

A Class-I supplier will use local content equal to or more than 80 percent, Class-II suppliers will use 50-80 percent of local content, while a Non-Local supplier will use less than 50 percent. Class-I and Class-II suppliers will get higher priority.

The guidelines will be applicable to all central sector/centrally-sponsored schemes for procurement made by states and local bodies, if the scheme is partially or fully funded by the government of India. The public procurement of pharmaceuticals involve many types of medicines such as antibiotics, vitamins, pain, anti-diabetes, cardiac, among others meant for government hospitals.

The decision is expected to benefit various drug companies, ranging from the larger ones to smaller units.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

In case the procurement value exceeds Rs 10 crore, suppliers are required to provide a certificate from the statutory auditors or from a practising cost accountant or chartered accountant giving the percentage of local content. The others have to provide self-certification mentioning the percentage of local content used.

The DoP has formed a five-member committee headed by the chairman and managing director of Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals, and includes one representative each from the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and Joint Director (Pricing), DoP for verification of the certificates.

Local content means the amount of value added (sourced) in India to the total value of the item procured, excluding net domestic indirect taxes and the value of imported content in the item including all customs duties as a proportion of the total value in percent.

The order has put in a fee of Rs 2 lakhs to file a complaint in case of doubt on the claim of other parties.

Make in India

"It is the policy of the Government of India to encourage 'Make in India' and promote manufacturing and production of goods and services in India with a view to enhancing income and employment," the DoP order said.

India relies heavily on imports of active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates and excipients that are used in making drugs. The government, to encourage local manufacturing, has made 53 bulk drugs eligible for a production-linked incentive (PLI) worth Rs 6,940 crore, in a move aimed at reducing the country's dependence on Chinese raw materials in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The government expects the scheme to benefit up to 136 manufacturing units, generating incremental sales of Rs 46,400 crore and significant additional employment generation over the next eight years.

Mahesh Doshi, National President, of Indian Drug Manufacturers Association, welcomed the much-awaited decision. "It's a good move, and it encourages local production," he told Moneycontrol.
This much needed automated SOFA score technology can improve clinical performance by limiting the ethical burden on an already beleaguered practitioner team while eliminating clinician variability in these trying times

Artificial Medical Intelligence (AMI) today announced their ability to automatically generate an ongoing SOFA score in real-time from existing clinical documentation utilizing the audit module of the companys proprietary , EMscribe Artificial Intelligence -Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) platform.

The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score has been used clinically for years to help predict clinical outcomes for critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit setting. Using inpatient records comprising textual documentation from a hospitals EMR, (including consultations, progress notes, radiology, and lab results), the EMscribe framework provides an automatic, unbiased determination of any patients SOFA score prospectively, obviating the need for clinicians to have to selectively review the medical records and manually calculate the result.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic stretching medical facility critical care capacities beyond the breaking point, some have advocated the use case for the SOFA score to help identify those critically ill patients most likely to benefit from limited clinical resources. By automatically tabulating the results for all patients, using our EMscribe technology removes some of the ethical burden on the front-line clinician having to decide who should be analyzed and when. With EMscribe audit and abstraction capabilities functioning in the background, the determination of the SOFA score becomes as routine as measuring someones temperature or blood pressure.

No other Health Information Management tools have this automated capability. Along with any number of other user-determined abstraction capabilities, AMIs automated SOFA scoring joins their Robotic Computer Automated Coding in being 100% accurate and complete. For audit purposes, the SOFA score can be reviewed and verified at any time by the clinician pulling up a specific account through the AMI or any Graphical User Interface.

This much needed automated SOFA score technology can improve clinical performance by limiting the ethical burden on an already beleaguered practitioner team while eliminating clinician variability in these trying times, commented Andrew B. Covit, MD, CEO, Artificial Medical Intelligence Inc. There is now an automated tool that can at least aid the clinician in making these impossibly difficult decisions.

EMscribe software utilizes AMIs innovative Artificial Intelligence, specifically Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology to read inpatient and outpatient records for the abstraction of a wide range of user-determined clinical parameters. In addition, EMscribe has enjoyed a long-established ability to determine diagnostic, procedure and CPT codes from a clinical chart and presenting them for coder validation, verification and review. For over 18 years, EMscribe has been deployed successfully in many hospitals throughout the United States and the platform can be decoupled and bolted onto all major EMRs or other systems that require advanced CAC/NLP technology in furtherance of clinical excellence..

About AMI

Founded in 2002, Artificial Medical Intelligence (http://www.artificialmed.com) is a healthcare informatics software developer focusing on increasing efficiency within Health Information Management. Its patent pending core solution, EMscribe, provides suggested coding and abstractions using Natural Language Processing for both the inpatient and outpatient encounter. The innovative solution is very adaptable and can automate certain patient record types with no coder input needed. The technology can also automatically abstract numerous key elements including Present on Admission diagnoses, Hospital Acquired Condition, as well as a variety of other patient values, thus making it the most comprehensive hospital tested HIM-Coding solution available. AMIs solutions are targeted at hospital healthcare facilities, larger clinics and physician practices that are looking to automate process management and improve the processing of medical documents. The Powered by EMscribe technology is available to partners and is sold directly to hospitals nationwide. The company is headquartered in Marlboro, New Jersey.

For further information or to arrange for interviews, please contact:

Kerry Fagan

Administrative Director

kfagan@artificialmed.com
Detectives are appealing for information following a shooting incident in the Southway area of Derry tonight.

A man in his 30s was shot in the leg shortly before 7:30pm and he has since been taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries.

Detective Sergeant Burns said Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, we are treating this shooting incident as a paramilitary style assault.

"Those responsible for this barbaric act do not represent the interests of this community, nor do they contribute anything to it.

"They do it to try and exert influence, or gain control of those they claim to represent.

I am appealing for anyone with information to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1498 06/01/21, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/ makeareport/.

"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood condemned those behind tonight's shooting.

He tweeted: "Tonight's shooting & disturbances in Creggan are senseless acts designed to intimidate, threaten & terrorize our community. The people of Creggan & Derry do not want this mindless violence. These actions do not belong in Derry in 2021. Thoughts are with the man who has been shot."
A protester holds a Trump flag inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, disrupting Congress during a joint session to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Getty Images

The tech industry watched in horror as hordes of President Donald Trump's supporters breached multiple barriers, clashed with law enforcement officers, and stormed the Capitol building on Wednesday while Congress was meeting to certify the results of the 2020 general election.

"Today is another 9/11. This time it is white terrorists attacking our country," Villi Iltchev, a partner at Two Sigma Ventures, tweeted.

Last November, many venture capitalists hailing from the liberal bastion of Silicon Valley cheered on President-elect Joe Biden as he claimed victory. One, Roy Bahat, even moved temporarily to his wife's home state of Wisconsin during the election to help the Democrats get out the vote in that battleground state.

Many hoped to move on from the political drama of 2020 and have been eager for a return to normalcy after Biden takes office.

But investors were shocked and worried as protesters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday. They took to Twitter to express their fears, anger, and condemnation.

Rick Klau, who recently left GV, said he was "terrified" for the safety of elected officials and their staff, as well as law enforcement. "We have to assume that the traitors who've breached the Capitol are armed, and this is going to get much, much worse," Klau tweeted.

He and others called on the president to bring in the National Guard to temper the madness.

"absolutely batsh*t insane, even a year ago something this extreme would not have been possible," tweeted Mike Solana, a partner at Founders Fund. "we have completely normalized activist political violence. call in the national guard, disperse the mob, arrest the leaders."

In fact, the National Guard has been deployed. Additionally, the governor of Virginia said in a tweet that he is sending in state troopers.

Investors like Cowboy Ventures founder Aileen Lee did not mince words, referring to the Trump supporters who entered the Madison and Cannon buildings as "domestic terrorists."

"What's happening right now at the US capitol is terrifying," Lee tweeted. "Grateful for and praying for the safety of all those trying to save our democracy from these domestic terrorists."

"They're not stupid. They're traitors. And terrorists. Call them what they are," said Lux Capital partner Bilal Zuberi, in a reply to a tweet calling them "stupid" for carrying Confederate flags.

Billionaire startup investor Chris Sacca tied the unfolding spectacle back to the tech world, accusing social media executives like Twitter's Jack Dorsey and Facebook's Marc Zuckerberg for failing to clamp down on speech inciting political violence.

"You've got blood on your hands, @jack and Zuck. For four years you've rationalized this terror. Inciting violent treason is not a free speech exercise," he said. "If you work at those companies, it's on you too. Shut it down."

Other tech investors including Benedict Evans and Jason Calacanis also called on Dorsey to lock Trump's Twitter account.

"Given @realDonaldTrump is now inciting violence, and this Twitter account is the main tool, I think @jack and the @TwitterSafety team should consider a 72-hour lock on his account. Don't turn it off, just no more posting privileges," Calacanis, an angel investor, tweeted.

The crowds of protesters were mostly white, which some investors pointed out on Twitter, arguing that the rioters benefit from a double standard that privileges white people.

"If anyone is confused on what white privilege and racism looks like ... look no further than the white Trump supporters climbing on the capital right now," Barry Givens, a general partner at Collab Capital, tweeted.
Members of President Donald Trump's cabinet have been discussing use of the 25th Amendment to the constitution to declare him unfit for office after the president encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol and many of them ran wild inside the seat of legislative power.

It is a provision never used for the removal of a president against his will and faces extraordinary burdens to take effect.

Nevertheless, CBS News reported that Trump cabinet members had been discussing the idea.

Vice President Mike Pence, who presided over the count on Wednesday, would take office if Trump were removed

'I'm talking about actual members of the Cabinet,' said Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan.

The 25th Amendment, which also governs a president who voluntarily relinquishes power on a temporary basis, requires that the vice president and 'a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide' inform the Congress that the president is 'unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.'

Several Trump cabinet members serve on an 'acting' basis and have not been confirmed by the Senate, lowering the number from the 16 threshold. A post election purge took out the Defense secretary, and Attorney General Bill Barr left before Christmas after a clash with Trump.

In an extraordinary statement, Jay Timmons, head of the National Association of Manufacturers, called what happened 'mob rule' and termed it 'dangerous.'

'Vice President Pence, who was evacuated from the Capitol, should seriously consider working with the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to preserve democracy,' he said. Timmons is a former top aide to a member of the Senate leadership. He used to run the National Republican Senatorial Committee years ago.

The fresh talk of finding a way to remove Trump came after he egged on his supporters, who stormed the Capitol

House Judiciary Committee Democrats wrote Pence urging him to invoke the amendment. 'Even in his video announcement this afternoon, President Trump revealed that he is not mentally sound and is still unable to process and accept the results of the 2020 election,' they wrote.

'President Trump's willingness to incite violence and social unrest to overturn the election results by force clearly meet this standard,' they wrote. 'so too are his recent tweets, which Twitter has since deleted, saying the election was 'stolen' and that today's riots 'are the things and events that happen.'

'For the sake of our democracy, we emphatically urge you to invoke the 25th Amendment and begin the process of removing President Trump from power,' they concluded.

The 25th Amendment talk came after it was revealed that the acting Pentagon chief and chair of the joint chiefs of staff spoke with Vice President Mike Pence before activating National Guard to secure the Capitol.

Trump resisted efforts to deploy the Guard, the New York Times reported, and White House officials had to intervene to make it happen.

There was a long delay while U.S. Capitol Police sought to restore order  and some Democrats said it amounted to a coup attempt.

President Trump urged supporters to march to the Capitol, attacked Republicans who opposed his effort to overturn the election as 'weak,' pressured Pence not to accept certified votes sent by states, and issued bizarre statements after his supporters stormed the Capitol

Even if Pence and half the cabinet agrees, the 25th Amendment move requires a two-thirds majority of both chambers if the president objects. But it could still allow Pence as acting president while the situation gets sorted out, effectively running out the clock on Trump's tenure.

Asked about the idea in the Capitol, Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who denounced the attempt to overturn the vote, wasn't optimistic. 'I think we have to hold our breath for the next 20 days,' he said.

NBC News reported that Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is considering resigning. That would change the ratio of votes needed to invoke the 25th amendment.

There was sign of Trump support evaporating in the Senate as members of the 'dirty dozen' caucus who had announced they would join Trump's challenge to election certifications in states he lost began to flip Wednesday night after the violence and chaos.

But seeking to remove a president in his final days of office would be a quantum leap of confrontation from lawmakers who have gone along with Trump for nearly four years.

There was also fresh talk Wednesday evening of another avenue for removal: impeachment, this time by Democrats.

Trump was acquitted on two impeachment articles in December, but only Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) voted to convict on an article.

Three House 'squad' members called for Trump's impeachment on Wednesday  and a key Democratic leader didn't rule out the idea.

'Impeach,' wrote Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Twitter.

'When I say all options are on the table, I mean all options should be on the table,' Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY.), chair of the House Democratic Caucus told ABC News.

'Donald J. Trump should immediately be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate as soon as Congress reconvenes,' tweeted Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Minnesota. 'This is dangerous & unacceptable,' she added.

'When I say all options are on the table, I mean all options should be on the table,' Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY.), chair of the House Democratic Caucus told ABC News

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), a 'squad' member and favorite target of Trump's, Tweeted that she was drawing up impeachment articles. She did so as U.S. Capitol Police, awaiting more reinforcement from U.S. National Guard, were seeking to regain control over the U.S. Capitol building.

Trump had egged on his supporters to march to the Capitol, after promoting and addressing a rally where he called the election 'rigged,' once again touted baseless election fraud allegations, called Republicans 'weak,' and demanded Mike Pence not count votes certified for Democrat Joe Biden.

Even as lawmakers from both parties looked on in shock at Trump supporters trashing parts of the Capitol, Trump tweeted: 'These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.'

'Go home with love & in peace,' he wrote in a Tweet that would soon be taken down. 'Remember this day forever!'

'I am drawing up Articles of Impeachment. Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate,' tweeted Omar.

WHAT DOES THE 25TH AMENDMENT SAY? CAN TRUMP'S CABINET REALLY TOPPLE HIM? The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution deals with presidential authority in the event of death or removal from office, and was ratified in 1967, in the wake of John F Kennedy's assassination. What does the 25th Amendment say? It is in four sections, all dealing with the president leaving office during his or her elected term. The first section states that the vice president takes over the Oval Office if the president dies or resigns  or is removed  something which the original Constitution did not clearly state. Presidents of course can be removed by impeachment, a feature of the constitution from the start. They can also be removed through the 25th Amendment - of which more below. Section II states that if the vice president dies, or resigns  or is fired  both the House and Senate have to confirm a new vice president. Until 1967, presidents could change vice presidents mid-term on their own if they got the vice president to agree to resign - not something that actually happened, but which was possible in principle. Section III makes clear that a president can temporarily delegate his powers to the vice president, and later reclaim them when he - or she - is capable of serving. This is most often invoked if a president is under the influence of surgical anesthetic for a short period of time. Section IV is the amendment's most controversial part: it describes how the president can be removed from office if he is incapacitated and does not leave on his own. The vice president and 'a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide' must write to both the president pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, saying that 'the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.' The term principal officers of the executive departments would normally mean the cabinet secretaries. So at least eight of the president's 15 most senior Cabinet members together with the vice president must agree that a president should be removed before any plan can move forward. Notifying the House Speaker and the Senate president pro tempore is the act that immediately elevates the vice president to an 'acting president' role. The deposed president can contest the claim, giving the leaders of the bloodless coup four days to re-assert their claims to the House and Senate. Congress then has two days to convene  unless it is already in session  and another 21 days to vote on whether the president is incapable of serving. A two-thirds majority in both houses is required to make that determination. As soon as there is a vote with a two-thirds majority, the president loses his powers and is removed, and the vice president stops acting and is sworn in as president. But if 21 days of debate and votes ends without a two-thirds majority, the president gets back his powers. What could happen to trigger the 25th Amendment? Vice President Mike Pence and eight of the 15 'principal' Cabinet members would have to agree to notify Congress that President Donald Trump was incapable of running the country. That group is made up of the Secretary of State, Treasury Secretary, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Interior Secretary, Agriculture Secretary, Commerce Secretary, Labor Secretary, Health and Human Services Secretary, Transportation Secretary, Energy Secretary , Education Secretary, Veterans Affairs Secretary and Homeland Security Secretary. Their formal notification would go to the House Speaker and, in the senate, to the 'president pro tempore', the Senate's most senior member. As soon as the letter is sent, Pence would become 'acting president.' Alternatively, Congress could set up its own mechanism to decide if he is fit for office - maybe a commission, or a joint committee. Pence would still have to agree with its conclusion and then write formally to the Speaker and president pro tempore. Or another possibility is that the pool of 'principal officers' is considered to be bigger than the 15 and a majority of that group call Trump incapable. What if Trump does not agree? If Trump claims he is capable of holding office, he would write to the House Speaker and the president pro tempore of the Senate within four days, setting up three weeks of intense debate in both houses of Congress. Trump would be removed from office if both two-thirds majorities in both the House and Senate agreed with Pence and his cabal. If either of both chambers fell short of that mark, Trump would retain his powers and likely embark on a wholesale housecleaning, firing Pence and replacing disloyal Cabinet members. Are there any loopholes? The 25th Amendment allows Congress to appoint its own panel to evaluate the president instead of relying on the Cabinet  the men and women who work most closely with Trump  to decide on a course of action. It specifies that some 'other body as Congress may by law provide' could play that role, but Pence would still need to agree with any finding that the president is incapable of discharging his duties. That commission could hypothetically include anyone from presidential historians to psychiatrists, entrusted to assess the president's fitness for office. Another loophole is that it does not spell out that the Cabinet is needed to agree, but says that the 'principal officers' of the departments are needed. That term is undefined in the constitution. In some departments legislation appears to name not just the secretary but deputies and even undersecretaries as 'principal officers', so many more people could be called in to the assessment of Trump's fitness. But Trump's cabinet has a swathe of 'acting' cabinet officer - and it is unclear if they could therefore take part in removing him. Could Trump fire Pence if he rebelled? No. The vice president can resign or be impeached and removed - but he does not serve at the pleasure of the president. Is there any precedent for this? No. Only Section III, the voluntary surrender of presidential powers, has ever been used - and only very briefly. In December 1978, President Jimmy Carter thought about invoking Section III when he was contemplating a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush both voluntarily relinquished their powers while undergoing procedures under anesthetic. Section IV has also never been invoked, although there have been claims that Ronald Reagan's chief of staff Donald Regan told his successor, Howard Baker, in 1987 that he should be prepared to invoke it because Reagan was inattentive and inept. The PBS documentary 'American Experience' recounts how Baker and his team watched Reagan closely for signs of incapacity during their first meeting and decided he was in perfect command of himself. Advertisement

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) said she is drawing up impeachment articles

Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification

U.S. Capitol Police stand detain protesters outside of the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC

Jeffries served as an impeachment manager during Trump's Senate trial in January

President Donald Trump urged supporters to march to the Capitol, attacked Republicans who opposed his effort to overturn the election, and issued bizarre statements after his supporters stormed the Capitol

'We can't allow him to remain in office, it's a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath,' Omar added.

The idea of impeachment Trump for a second time  he was acquitted when he was tried early this year in the Senate following his infamous call to the President of Ukraine  was not being written off by Democratic leaders, some of whom were rushed to a secure location during the incursion.

Making it through an impeachment in a matter of days would be an extremely heavy lift.

The prior impeachment featured weeks of House hearings, followed by a House debate and a trial in the Senate, under rules governed by past precedents.

In the event that Trump were impeached, power would fall to Vice President Mike Pence  who announced Wednesday he would not bend to Trump's pressure not to accept votes in states where he is claiming fraud.

'Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us, and if he doesn't that will be a sad day for our country because you're sworn to uphold our Constitution,' Trump said shortly before his backers took the Capitol.

In the event he were impeached, Trump would be barred from serving if he tried to run again in 2024.

'Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Onondaga County GOP Chairwoman Benedicte Doran denounced Wednesdays violence at the U.S. Capitol and chided President Donald Trump, a Republican, for his role in sowing discord.

The leader of Central New Yorks Republican Party called the events in Washington disgusting, unacceptable and reprehensible.

We are a country that prides itself on the peaceful transfer of power, Doran said. The words and actions by President Trump have continued to inappropriately sow unfounded doubts in the election. The Republican Party is bigger than just one person.

Hundreds of protesters marched to the Capitol Wednesday afternoon, urged on by President Trump, who has continued to insist he won an election that he lost. The protesters stormed the Capitol as the House of Representatives and the Senate convened to certify the results of Novembers election.

Lawmakers, aides and others were evacuated as the protesters overwhelmed police, broke doors and windows and swarmed into offices and lawmakers chambers.

Doran added that the local Republican Party does not support violence or vandalism.

Let me be clear  as Chairwoman of the Onondaga County Republican Party I condemn and denounce the words and actions of those who have attacked our Capitol, she wrote. The Onondaga County Republican Party does not support, at any time, violence, vandalism or threatening the safety of our elected officials and vehemently rebukes what is taking place in D.C. right now.
CHICOPEE  Three people were arrested on drug and firearms charges after police raided an apartment and found heroin, marijuana and three guns.

Jasell Camacho and Chris Vega, both 24, of Chicopee, and Victor Perez-Rodriguez, 25, of Holyoke, were arrested and charged with trafficking in heroin, three counts of possession of a firearm without a license, three counts of possession of ammunition without a license, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, three counts of improper storage of a firearm, receiving stolen property under $1,200 and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, said Danusia Liszka, police public information officer.

Chicopee narcotics detectives with the assistance of the Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force received a warrant to search an apartment at 419 Montgomery St. On Wednesday they executed the warrant and uncovered three firearms, more than 40 grams of heroin, and more than $6,000 in cash, she said.

The arrest is unrelated to one that occurred on the same block on Tuesday, she said.

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President Joyner recognized by proclamation

On Dec. 18 Senator Travis Hutson, Representative Cyndi Stevenson and Representative Paul Renner presented a State of Florida Proclamation to Dr. Joyner on the occasion of his retirement. The St. Johns County Legislative Delegation recognized his contributions to the St. Johns County community.

Masks were only removed momentarily to allow for a photo to be taken.

Thank you Representative Cyndi Stevenson, Representative Paul Renner, and Senator Travis Hutson; I am honored to accept the State of Florida Proclamation from the St. Johns County Legislative Delegation recognizing my upcoming retirement. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the St. Johns County community, both as Flagler College President and St. Johns County Schools Superintendent. Susan and I cant wait to see where this next chapter of our lives takes us.

Each of Floridas 67 counties has a legislative delegation comprised of bipartisan members of the Florida Senate and the House of Representatives. Each delegation annually meets locally prior to the start of the annual legislative session to provide constituents opportunities to address the delegation, make community appropriation requests and discuss local bills.

Others recognized for their service included outgoing Sheriff David B. Shoar and retiring 7th Judicial Circuit Judge John Alexander.

Tagged As
Washington  After a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, President Donald Trump told them he knows their pain, but urged them to leave.

We had an election that was stolen from us, Trump said in a video posted to Twitter. It was a landslide election and everyone knows it, especially the other side, but you have to go home now, we have to have peace.

Trump posted the brief video several hours after the crowd forced its way into the Capitol and disrupted proceedings to certify Joe Bidens victory in the presidential race.

Trump repeated his baseless claims of a fraudulent, stolen election several times in the video, while at the same time telling his supporters to leave the Capitol.

READ MORE: Pro-Trump protesters breach U.S. Capitol; lawmakers evacuated, 1 person shot

Members of the House of Representatives and Senate had moved to their respective chambers to begin debating objections to certifying Bidens win earlier today. The pro-Trump crowd soon forced its way inside the Capitol after a rally at which Trump encouraged them to head to the building to protest todays session.

The crowd clashed with police, broke windows and doors and tore down security fencing. Some of the mob eventually entered the House and Senate chambers and brought the certification session to a halt.

We love you. Youre very special, Trump said in the Twitter video. Go home in peace.

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / Grid Metals Corp. (the "Company") (TSXV:GRDM) is pleased to provide shareholders with an update on corporate developments and activities. The Company announced on December 24, 2020 the closing ( subject only to the final regulatory approval of the transaction) of a non brokered financing which raised gross proceeds of $2.74 million

East Bull Lake Palladium Project - Drill Program

The Company is pleased to announce that it will be proceeding with a drill program at the East Bull Lake Palladium Property. The initial target will be the Parisien Lake area where the Company recently intersected a near surface zone of palladium-dominant mineralization featuring 119 metres averaging 1.13 g/t palladium equivalent (Pd Eq) grade including 48 metres averaging 1.85 g/t Pd Eq (see Company news release dated Dec. 3, 2020). Drilling is expected to commence in mid January and will consist of a minimum of 3,000 meters to be completed in the Parisien Lake and East Lobe target areas. More detailed information on the drilling plan will be provided near the commencement of the program.

Grids' East Bull Lake Palladium Property covers approximately 85% of the ~20 kilmotre x ~ 4 kilometre East Bull Lake Intrusion located 80 km west of Sudbury, Ontario. The complex hosts widespread magmatic sulfide mineralization dominated by palladium and copper and including significant quantities of platinum, gold and nickel. Rising demand for palladium use in autocatalysts and a lack of new global supply provides a solid fundamental backdrop to Grid's exploration initiative to outline a significant new deposit at East Bull Lake.

Bannockburn Nickel Property - Timmins

Demand for nickel projects is expected to increase in the coming years with greater adoption of electric vehicles. Grid owns a 100% interest ( subject to a 2% NSR ) in mining claims comprising the Bannockburn Nickel Property south of Timmins, Ontario. The property was acquired from Outokumpu Mining in 2003. The property hosts disseminated nickel mineralization within a large serpentinized ultramafic body. The geologic target is similar to Canada Nickel Company's Crawford Project. Bannockburn also hosts several known lenses of komatiite-hosted, nickel-bearing massive sulfides.

Grid has commissioned a NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Bannockburn Propery which is being completed by Caracle Creek Consulting. The report is expected to be completed in the next several weeks. The report will summarize the historical information on the project including a significant amount of geophysics and drilling completed by Outokumpu as well as the work completed from 2003 to 2005 by Grid Metals ( then called Mustang Minerals Corp.)

Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Company was held on January 6, 2021 after being delayed previously due to Covid 19. Robin Dunbar, Thomas Meredith and Edward Munden were re-elected directors of the Company. The resolutions contained in the Management Information Circular dated November 25, 2020 were approved by shareholders.

Dave Peck P. Geo is the Qualified Person for Grid Metals for purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical content of this press release.

About Grid Metals Corp.

Grid Metals Corp. is an exploration and development Company that has a diversified portfolio of projects in the nickel-copper-platinum group metal sectors. These commodities are vital to the emerging battery metals, energy storage and automotive sectors. Grid's projects are located in Canada and all are near infrastructure. The Company is focused on timely advancement of its property portfolio through prudent exploration and development activities. To find out more about Grid Metals Corp., please visit www.gridmetalscorp.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Grid Metals Corp.

Robin Dunbar - President, CEO & Director Telephone: 416-955-4773 Email: rd@gridmetalscorp.com

David Black - Investor Relations Email: info@gridmetalscorp.com

We seek safe harbour. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Securities Act (Ontario) (together, "forward-looking statements"). Such forward-looking statements may include the Company's plans for its properties, the overall economic potential of its properties, the availability of adequate financing and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward- looking statements to be materially different. Such factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties relating to potential political risk, uncertainty of production and capital costs estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, physical risks inherent in mining operations, metallurgical risk, currency fluctuations, fluctuations in the price of nickel, cobalt, copper and other metals, completion of economic evaluations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, the inability or failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis, and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the most recent financial period and Material Change Reports filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE: Grid Metals Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623373/Grid-Metals-Commencing-Drill-Program-at-East-Bull-Lake-Palladium-Property
Angry Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power. Follow along below for the latest news and analysis in our live blog.

Latest updates from today:

3:55 a.m. President Donald Trump now says there will be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory and after a day of violence when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Trump says in a statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

He adds: I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

Trumps account is currently locked by Twitter.

Trump has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.

-- Associated Press

3:41 a.m. Congress has formally validated Joe Bidens presidential election victory on a day that saw a time-honored ceremony become a nightmare of unprecedented political terror.

The House and Senate certified the Democrats electoral college win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police.

The rampage began shortly after President Donald Trump repeated his unfounded claims of election fraud to thousands of rallying demonstrators hed invited to Washington. Many then surged to the Capitol after he incited them to go there as lawmakers debated the electoral votes.

More than six hours after the violence erupted, lawmakers resumed their session.

Thirteen Republican senators and dozens of GOP representatives had planned to force debate and votes on perhaps six different states votes.

The assault on the Capitol made some Republicans squeamish about trying to overturn Bidens win, and challenges were lodged only against Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both efforts lost overwhelmingly.

Biden defeated Trump by 306-232 electoral votes and will be inaugurated Jan. 20.

-- Associated Press

2:25 a.m. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is defending his objection to the Electoral College results as the right thing to do.

The Texas senator condemned the violence that erupted as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an extraordinary attack over the election outcome.

Cruz led the first challenge to Joe Bidens defeat of President Donald Trump by objecting to Arizonas results. He sought to have Congress launch a commission to investigate the election. His effort was roundly defeated in the House and Senate.

Cruz said he was confident the country will have a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Biden is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20.

-- Associated Press

2 a.m. The House has joined the Senate in turning aside Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Lawmakers in the House voted 282-138 against the objection as the counting of Electoral College votes continued into the early hours of Thursday morning. The Senate shut down the same objection 92-7 just after midnight, and unlike the House, declined to debate before voting.

After a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

-- Associated Press

1:20 a.m. A small group of House lawmakers came close to physically fighting early Thursday morning as the congressional count of electoral votes stretched into the wee hours and a Pennsylvania Democrat charged that Republicans had been telling lies about his states votes.

Rep. Morgan Griffiths, R-Va., objected after Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said a breach of the Capitol by an angry mob earlier in the day was inspired by lies, the same lies you are hearing in this room tonight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shot down the objection, but a few minutes later Republicans and Democrats streamed to the middle aisle, with around a dozen lawmakers getting close to each other and arguing. But the group quickly broke up when Pelosi called for order on the floor.

President Donald Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in Pennsylvania and other states and Republicans have echoed those claims as they have challenged electoral votes.

-- Associated Press

11:40 a.m. The Senate has quickly knocked down Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral votes for President-elect Joe Biden.

Senators voted 92-7 after midnight Thursday morning to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he believed no other states votes would be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

-- Associated Press

11:15 p.m. Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have objected to the counting of Pennsylvanias electoral votes, triggering up to two hours of debate in the House and Senate.

The objections come 11 hours after the congressional count to confirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential victory began, and after lawmakers had to evacuate both chambers for several hours to escape a mob that had violently breached the Capitol.

Hawley said last week that he would object to Pennsylvanias electoral votes, saying Congress should investigate voter fraud. President Donald Trump has falsely said since his defeat that there was widespread fraud in the election.

Biden won Pennsylvania by just over 80,000 votes. Since the Nov. 3 election, Trump and his allies filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging Bidens win on various grounds, including that many or all of the states mail-in ballots were illegal.

The lawsuits failed as judge after judge found no violation of state law or constitutional rights, or no grounds to grant an immediate halt to certifying the election.

-- Associated Press

10:25 p.m. The U.S. House of Representatives joined the Senate in rejecting an attempt to overturn Joe Biden's win in Arizona with a vote of 303 to 121.

10:15 p.m. D.C. Police said four people died as Trump supporters occupied the U.S. Capitol, including the woman shot by police and three people in medical emergencies, the Associated Press reports.

10 p.m. Rev. Albert Mohler, the longtime president of the Southern Baptist Conventions flagship seminary in Louisville, Ky., spoke to the Chronicle's Robert Downen on Wednesday evening about the violence and chaos that broke out in the nations Capitol earlier in the day.

His decision late last year to support Trumps re-election set off a firestorm as the SBC, the second-nations largest faith group, continued to grapple with race issues and, before that, its longstanding relationship with conservative politicians.

Since then, Mohler has spoken out against Trump several times, namely as the outgoing president continued his false claims of widespread voter fraud.

Read more.

9:21 p.m. Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., the Associated Press reports.

They were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m., officials said.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

9:09 p.m. The U.S. Senate voted against the objection to Arizona's electoral vote, with 6 "yea" votes and 93 "nay."

9:04 p.m. A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter, the Associated Press reports.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, later deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!

8:58 p.m. Shortly before a group of President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, disrupting a congressional debate on the 2020 Electoral College results, Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawleys campaign sent a fundraising email promoting his planned objection to Pennsylvanias votes, the Kansas City Star reports.

Hawley, a first-term Republican and potential candidate for president in 2024, was the first senator to announce his plan to object to the electors of one of the states won by President-elect Joe Biden.

His move last week spurred more Republicans to join the effort, even though Biden won 51% of the popular vote and 306 electoral votes, above the required threshold of 270.

8:41 p.m. Several of President Donald Trump's top aides -- including national security adviser Robert O'Brien -- are considering resigning in the wake of his response to a pro-Trump mob breaching the US Capitol, multiple sources familiar with their thinking told CNN.

O'Brien, deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger and deputy chief of staff Chris Liddell are all considering resigning, according to the sources. Pottinger's resignation appears to be imminent, while others could sleep on it.

8:30 p.m. U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-UT, called on Congress to affirm the legitimacy of the presidential election.

"No congressional audit is ever going to convince these voters, particularly when the president continues to say this election was stolen," Romney said. "The best way we can show respect to the voters who support him is by telling them the truth."

8:20 p.m. CNN reports that a growing number of Republican leaders believe Donald Trump should be removed from office before January 20. Four of them called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked, and two others said the President should be impeached, the network reported.

8:14 p.m. Facebook will block posts from President Donald Trump's page for 24 hours because of two policy violations, the company announced.

8:12 p.m. Ryan Patrick, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, declared the violence the Capitol "despicable and illegal."

"Storming a government building is not a protest, its anarchy," he said in a statement. "Arrest them, charge them, and incarcerate them.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg also decried the "treasonous actions by domestic terrorists" at the Capitol.

She called the riots "sedition."

"We cant have a double standard in the way the law is applied; everyone who committed violence today should held accountable," she said.

7:48 p.m. Recently defeated Sen. Kelly Loeffler says she intended to object to the electoral votes when she arrived this morning, but "the events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider, and I cannot now in good conscience object to the certification of these electors," reports Daniel Dale of CNN.

"Too many Americans are frustrated (with) what they see as an unfair system," she said, per Dale. "Nevertheless, there is no excuse for the events that took place in these chambers today, and I pray that America never suffers such a dark day again."

7:46 p.m. At least 15 people were arrested today in D.C., including at least one person from Texas, according to NBC News.

Multiple people were charged with assault and four people were accused of possession of a gun and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

The people arrested were also from Colorado, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and North Carolina.

Now Playing: Video: Associated Press

7:39 p.m. Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation, the Associated Press reports.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

- Associated Press

7:14 p.m. Vice President Mike Pence and other lawmakers issued brief remarks Wednesday as they reconvened to count Electoral College votes.

"May God bless the lost, the injured and the heroes forged on this day," Pence said. "May God bless all those who serve here and those who protect this place. And may God bless the United States of America. Let's get back to work."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also spoke: "We will certify the winner of the 2020 presidential election. Criminal behavior will never dominate the United States Congress."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said: "This will be a stain on our country not so easily washed away, the final, terrible, indelible legacy of the 45th president of the United States, undoubtedly the worst."

6:57 p.m. Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is blaming President Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection at the Capitol, the New York Times reports.

Romney, the GOPs 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of Trumps, said the violent breach of the Capitol on Wednesday was due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months."

The Utah senator said those who continue to support Trumps dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy."

6:50 p.m. Ted Cruz and other Republicans -- including 10 other senators and a dozen congressman from Texas who supported Cruzs effort to cast doubt on the presidential election  are facing backlash for escalating the post-election strife that preceded Wednesdays eruption at the Capitol, Benjamin Wermund writes.

This is what youve gotten, guys, U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, yelled as the mayhem unfolded in the Senate chamber, the New York Times reported.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat, tweeted that Cruz should resign from the United States Senate immediately.

Texans should hold Sen. Ted Cruz accountable for this fiasco, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said.

6:34 p.m. U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia was yanked out of a Capitol bathroom by security and hurried into the House chamber just before it locked down as a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the building on Wednesday, Benjamin Wermund writes.

They literally pulled me out of the bathroom and shoved me to the floor and said, Were locking everyone in, you have to stay on the floor, the Houston Democrat said.

Garcia said police then told those in the House there was tear gas in the Capitol and to get out their gas masks. Read more.

6:22 p.m. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said via Twitter that the riot at the Capitol "appears to be a failure of planning & operational execution."

"We must examine what went wrong & seek lessons on how to prevent a recurrence of this unprecedented day. (Major Cities Chiefs Association) will work closely with our partners to this end."

6:11 p.m. Twitter has removed three of President Donald Trump's tweets "as a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C."

The tweeted contained "repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy," according to the company.

Additionally, Trump's account will be locked for 12 hours. If the tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked, the company said.

6:01 p.m. U.S. Rep Michael McCaul, who represents Texas Congressional District 10, which includes portions of west Harris County, spoke to the Houston Chronicle from inside his barricaded office in the Capitol.

He recounted his ordeal and lamented the attack upon both the Capitol building and American democracy.

Its disgraceful, McCaul said. One of our finest institutions, and really the building that represents our democracy, is under attack.

McCaul recalled the events leading up to the riot -- which he compared to the British invasion of 1812 -- and described the events. Before the turmoil began, the tension was high outside the Capitol, he recalled.

Id seen this group gathering in the morning, and I was very worried that something like this was going to happen because you have a lot of hostile people outside the Capitol," he said.

- Catherine Dominguez

5:37 p.m. Local legislative leaders were quiet on the events unfolding at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday as angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the capitol in a chaotic protest to stop the transfer of power from president-elect Joe Biden, forcing lawmakers to evacuate the building.

U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, made a single comment on Twitter around 3:30 p.m. after speaking with protesters at the National Mall and taking a stand against the violence.

They are protesting peacefully on the Natl Mall & supporting law enforcement while making their voices known, he tweeted. THATs how you do it in America. The violence must end.

- Catherine Dominguez

5:35 p.m. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said lawmakers will proceed with counting Electoral College votes when pro-Trump rioters leave the Capitol, according to a statement.

"We always knew this responsibility would take us into the night. The night may still be long but we are hopeful for a shorter agenda, but our purpose will be accomplished," she said.

5:33 p.m. Washington State Patrol said it is responding to "protestors who have entered the grounds of the Governors Mansion," according to NBC News.

"The Governor and his family are in a safe location," the agency said.

5:26 p.m. The sergeant-at-arms at the U.S. Capitol announced that the building has been secured around 4:40 p.m ., though it remained unclear when lawmakers would be able to return, the New York Times reported.

A 6 p.m. curfew is currently in place in Washington D.C.

5:24 p.m. As the unprecedented riots unfolded at the U.S. Capitol, the nation's television stations all tuned in to the mass chaos and violence. And millions of Americans working and learning at home during the pandemic pivoted their attention to the scene. Children included.

Parents "should strive to protect their children from viewing the chaos," the Baylor College of Medicine recommended in a news release sent out Wednesday afternoon, as elected officials took to Twitter to condemn the mob's actions.

And Dr. Laurel Williams, associate professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine, offered up specific tips here.

- Maggie Gordon

5:16 p.m. Former President George W. Bush issued a statement condemning the violence caused by pro-Trump rioters at the Capitol.

"Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our Nations government in disbelief and dismay ... This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic  not our democratic republic."

He continued: "I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement."

5:08 p.m. Of the ongoing riots at the U.S. Capitol, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said: "The travesty at the Capitol today was despicable violence against officials trying to do their duty. This is homegrown terrorism."

4:58 p.m. At least 13 people were arrested amid the siege of the US Capitol by Pro-Trump rioters, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee said Wednesday, according to CNN.

We were looking at just above, just above 13 arrests, I should add very important note here that none of the arrest that occurred, were of DC residents, all the individuals who were arrested. All were from out of, out of the area, he said.

4:54 p.m. The woman shot earlier Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol has died, officials told the Associated Press.

Further details about the shooting, which occurred during ongoing riots, have not been released.

4:47 p.m. The Texas GOP said it removed Sergeant at Arms Walter West over his Facebook post apparently endorsing the ongoing violence at the U.S. Capitol.

"The Republican Party of Texas in now way endorses Walter West's statement about the lawlessness occurring at the Capitol building," the party announced.

The statement went on to condemn the riots. "The Texas GOP has always been on the side of law and order and will remain so."

4:40 p.m. A photo taken by Reuters captured "an explosion caused by a police munition" where supporters of President Donald Trump rioted in front of the U.S. Capitol building.

4:27 p.m. Former Fort Bend County Sheriff and newly elected U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, said he was "trying to negotiate with protesters" while standing in the barricaded House floor at the U.S. Capitol, he said in a text to the Houston Chronicle.

He was pictured wearing a blue shirt, standing with Capitol police, while rioters peered into the chamber.

"What Im witnessing is a disgrace. Were better than this. Violence is NEVER the answer," he said in a tweet.

- Nicole Hensley

4:18 p.m. The Texas Department of Public Safety on Wednesday closed the state Capitol and surrounding grounds "out of an abundance of caution" after a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, the Texas Tribune reported.

The Capitol and Capitol Complex are closed to the public effective immediately, the agency said in a statement attributed to Freeman Martin, the agencys deputy director of homeland security operations.

4:13 p.m. Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher C. Miller said he has fully activated the D.C. National Guard to assist federal and local law enforcement "as they work to peacefully address the situation," he said.

"We are prepared to provide additional support as necessary and appropriate as requested by local authorities," he said. "Our people are sworn to defend the constitution and our democratic form of government and they will act accordingly."

4:05 p.m. U.S. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, issued a statement Wednesday saying he will not object to the electors submitted by the states in the presidential election.

I took an oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Article II of the Constitution expressly grants States the authority to establish the procedures for selecting their presidential electors  not Congress. Under the 12th Amendment, the constitutional role of Congress is to count the votes as cast by those State electors," he said.

If Congress chooses to ignore or second-guess the electoral votes cast by the States, it will set a dangerous precedent that could call into question the very institution of our democracy.



Therefore, I will not object to the certified slates of electors submitted by the States.

4 p.m. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also chimed on the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

"The situation at our nation's #CapitolBuilding is unacceptable and order must be restored," he said in a tweet. "We have no reports of disorder here in Harris County and we will continue monitoring the situational locally."

3:57 p.m.At least one explosive device was found near the U.S. Capitol amid the ongoing unrest.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

That's according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

- Associated Press

3:49 p.m. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, told Tony Plohetski of the Austin-American Statesman that he is still barricaded in his office.

He described a "coup-like" scene in which mob was "storming through the Capitol like they own it," Plohetski reported.

"We need to end this charade," he said of Trump's rhetoric about the election.

3:46 p.m. One woman is in critical condition after being shot on the Capitol grounds, CNN reported.

Details of the shooting are still unknown.

3:43 p.m. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner spoke on the riots at the U.S. Capitol.

"DC: where is the law and order with these protesters? And what about the US Constitution? It doesnt mean anything to these protesters? And Texans should whole (sic) Sen. Ted Cruz accountable for this fiasco."

Julian and Joaquin Castro also called for Cruz's resignation Wednesday.

3:35 p.m. Twitter prevented users from liking, replying or reposting a video of President Trump telling his of supporters in the Capitol that he loved them and to go home because he also included a bogus election fraud claim.

"This claim of election fraud is disputed, and this Tweet cant be replied to, Retweeted, or liked due to a risk of violence," Twitter officials wrote in a statement stamped underneath Trump's tweet.

3:33 p.m. U.S. Rep Ronny Jackson, a former physician to the president who represents Texas' 22nd Congressional District, said via Twitter that he was out "fighting for trump an for our election integrity" while a pro-Trump mob rioted at U.S. Capitol.

"American Patriots have your BACK Mr. President! We will FIGHT for YOU and we will fight for OUR country!!" he said.

3:22 p.m. In a Twitter announcement, President Trump told rioters to "go home" but re-iterated his unfounded claims about election fraud.

"We had an election that was taken from us," he said. "It was a landslide election .. but you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to respect law and order."

He added: "Go home. We love you. You're very special"

3:15 p.m. An explosive device was found at the headquarters of the Republican National Committee in Washington and the nearby headquarters of the Democratic National Committee was evacuated after the discovery of a suspicious package on Wednesday, three people briefed on the discoveries told the New York Times.

The device that was found at the R.N.C. was a pipe bomb that was successfully destroyed by a bomb squad, according to an official for the R.N.C.

The package at the D.N.C. has yet to be identified, according to a top Democrat briefed on the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly about it.

3:13 p.m. Texas Senator Ted Cruz denounced the ongoing riots at the U.S. Capitol.

"Violence is always unacceptable. Even when passions run high," he said in a tweet. "Anyone engaged in violenceespecially against law enforcementshould be fully prosecuted."

"God bless the Capitol Police and the honorable men & women of law enforcement who show great courage keeping all of us safe."

3:10 p.m. President-elect Joe Biden urged President Trump to "fulfill his oath and defend the constitution" by demanding an end on national television to "the siege" on the U.S. Capitol.

Biden, calling the people who broke into the Capitol a "small number of extremists," said the nation's democracy was under an unprecedented assault.

"The words of a president matter, no matter how good or bad that president is. At their best the words of a president can inspire. At their worst, they can incite," Biden said in a televised address at about 3 p.m. "It's not a protest, it's insurrection. The world's watching. Like so many other Americans, I am genuinely shocked and sad that our nation, so long a beacon of light and hope for democracy, has come to such a dark moment."

- Alejandro Serrano

3:07 p.m. Former Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls, elected last year to serve Texas 22nd Congressional District, announced that he stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Capital police barricading the entrance to the House Chamber in Washington D.C..

"I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Capitol police barricading entrance to our sacred House chamber, while trying to calm the situation talking to protestors," he said.

"What Im witnessing is a disgrace. Were better than this. Violence is NEVER the answer. Law and order!"
GILBERTSVILLE, Pa., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chlorine Institute (CI), an association dedicated to advancing safe, secure, environmentally compatible and sustainable production, distribution and use of chlorine chemicals, recently added Penflex Corporation to its member roster.

A global leader in the design and manufacture of flexible piping solutions, Penflex is the first manufacturer of heavy wall metallic chlorine hoses to be welcomed into the Institute.

"We are looking forward to highlighting the importance of wall thickness in corrosive chloride applications," said Penflex Sales Engineer Igor Smola. "Given the expected rates of corrosion associated with the Institute's mission chemicals, a thicker wall hose will last longer in service than a thinner wall hose. This is an important consideration when designing hoses for chlorine transfer."

Often used in loading and unloading barges, rail cars, tankers and filling cylinders, Penflex's chlorine hoses comply with the industry's highest safety standardsthe Institute's "Pamphlet 6: Piping Systems for Dry Chlorine."

"We are excited to have Penflex join the 185 members of the Chlorine Institute. By joining the Institute, Penflex has demonstrated its commitment to CI's mission of continuously improving safety performance in the chlor-alkali industry. We applaud that commitment and look forward to Penflex's engagement in progressing that objective," added CI President Frank Reiner.

Penflex looks forward to bringing a new voice to the conversation among the Institute's membership.

About Penflex

Penflex Corporation is a leading manufacturer of flexible metal hose and braid, and metal bellows and expansion joints, serving industrial sectors around the world. In addition to its signature product line, Penflex offers additional services such as failure analysis and specialized welder training. Based in Gilbertsville, PA, Penflex maintains stocking warehouses in Houston, Atlanta and Chicago and operates a second manufacturing facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to serve the Asia Pacific market.

Contact Info

Lexie Barker

Director of Marketing

105B Industrial Drive

Gilbertsville, PA 19525

Phone: (610) 662-9556

[email protected]

SOURCE Penflex Corporation
Satish Kaushiks Kaagaz is based on the bizarre true story of Lal Bihari who spent nearly two decades trying to re-record his existence in government records.

Language: Hindi

At any other time in Indias history, the title Kaagaz would have meant just paper, literally. Alternatively, in the context of this film, it would have specifically and only meant the document on which a corrupt UP village official declared a living human being called Lal Bihari dead in the 1970s, having accepted a bribe to do so from the mans uncle and cousins who then usurped their relatives land. In todays India though, where the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) have been widely criticised for their potential to disenfranchise rightful Indian citizens, kaagaz means a lot more, echoing writer Varun Grovers defiant poem, Hum kaagaz nahin dikhayenge (We will not show our papers), that became a rallying cry during 2019-20s pan-India anti-CAA-NRC protests.

Grovers words come to mind when Salman Khans voice bookends this film as he reads out a poem (written by Aseem) describing the omni-presence of paper in our lives  in the form of kites, flags, contracts, birth and death certificates, deeds to property, letters  and its role in defining who we are, Kuchh nahin hai magar hai sab kuchh bhi. Kya ajab cheez hai yeh kaagaz bhi. (It is nothing yet it is everything / how unique is paper.)

Writer-director Satish Kaushik is a supporter of the present PM, so it seems unlikely that he would have intended this reading of his film but, well, cinema, like kaagaz, is an ajab cheez that belongs as much to the receiver as to the creator once it is sent out into the world.





Kaagaz begins with an innocuous event. Lal Bihari (Tripathi) runs a troupe of musicians who play at weddings and other functions. Urged by his wife to expand his business, he applies for a bank loan, for which he must offer collateral. The land he inherited from his late father would be sufficient for this purpose, but when he seeks out the deed to the land, he discovers that his uncles family had illegally taken it over after getting him declared dead on paper. Kaushiks Kaagaz is based on the bizarre true story of Lal Bihari who spent nearly two decades trying to re-record his existence in government records, even assuming the name Lal Bihari Mritak (The Dead) in protest against the treatment being meted out to him. The film calls its protagonist Bharat Lal Mritak, evidently to guard against legal action by other players in this real-life drama that has been chronicled by both the Indian and international media . It leaves no room for doubt though about whose biopic it is when the closing text on screen offers a sketch of Lal Bihari Mritak and his "Mritak Sangh" (Organisation of the Dead), the closing shot shows lead actor Pankaj Tripathi with Lal Bihari, and the credits roll on an entire album of photographs of the latter.begins with an innocuous event. Lal Bihari (Tripathi) runs a troupe of musicians who play at weddings and other functions. Urged by his wife to expand his business, he applies for a bank loan, for which he must offer collateral. The land he inherited from his late father would be sufficient for this purpose, but when he seeks out the deed to the land, he discovers that his uncles family had illegally taken it over after getting him declared dead on paper.

Thence begins his activism to reverse this injustice, which leads to the formation of the Mritak Sangh when he learns that there are many like him in Uttar Pradesh and across India.

A government and a bureaucracy refusing, for almost 20 years, to officially recognise the being of an individual standing before them in flesh and blood  the situation is so absurd that it defies belief. Yet it did happen. And Kaushik relates the details with an apt blend of comedy and poignance, pulling back at just the right moment mid-way through the film when the narrative teeters on the precipice of becoming as farcical in tone as the reality it recounts.

Kaagaz effectively underlines the fact that the tragedy of Lal Bihari aka Bharat Lal Mritaks saga lies not just in his personal suffering but in the matter-of-factness with which he and other characters accept that corruption, bribe-taking and bribe-giving are an inextricable and inerasable part of life in India. (Note that scene in which Bharat Lal offers cash to a policeman.)

Not unexpectedly, Tripathi shines in the role of Bharat Lal, injecting his performance with an optimal mix of energy, despair, humour and pathos. Coming just months after his moving take on a supportive feminist father in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Kaagaz is another feather in his already feather-lined filmography.

Kaagazs heft comes from the fleshing out of two supporting characters: Bharat Lals wife Rukmani (played endearingly by M. Monal Gajjar) whose life is most affected by her husbands mission, and a reputedly honest politician (Mita Vashisht) whose reaction to Bharat Lals case is more enlightening than any other person involved.

That heft is considerably curtailed, however, by the scripts limited layering. Little insight is offered, for one, into the part played by caste, class and gender in Bharat Lals circumstances or his ability and freedom to fight his years-long battle. And a fleeting (poorly enacted) conversation between two women about how men marginalise women is jarring because it is designed to sound frivolous, not serious, and thus makes light of the reality of patriarchy in a film that is purportedly raising a voice for the voiceless.

This scene, brief and on the sidelines though it is, is particularly disappointing because Kaagazs focus on Rukmanis plight is crucial and unusual: a wife who is left taking care of the hearth and home while a husband  whether an activist or a sant  attains glory pursuing a higher cause is rarely offered empathy as she is here.

Kaushik himself as Bharat Lals lawyer, Brijendra Kala as a judge and Amar Upadhyay as a shady state legislator are among the actors who stand out in the supporting cast.

A couple of the bit-part players in Kaagaz are tacky though, and subtract from the films finesse, as do the grammatical errors in the closing text and the misspelt names in the closing credits. The narrative also lags somewhat towards the latter part of the second half, especially when it gets preachy in passing via a journalist who is otherwise realistically written and well-acted by Neha Chauhan (Love Sex Aur Dhokha, G Kutta Se). And while the poetry reading by a star of Khans stature elevates the significance of those lines and their impact in Kaagaz, there is just too much narration by Kaushiks character (with Tripathi piping up unexpectedly at one point in the background).

Still, Kaagaz is an enjoyable and important film, held together by its largely assured direction and by Tripathi, one of contemporary Bollywoods finest actors.

Kaagaz is currently streaming on Zee5. Watch the trailer here 

Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's global world, quality and effective campaigns can be managed from anywhere. After 35 years of success in New York and Los Angeles, J. Rosen Group has decided to return home to Albuquerque, N.M. JRG specializes in Advertising and Marketing for all size companies  from multi-national pharmaceutical companies to local healthcare and business endeavors.

"We pride ourselves on our analytics platform. By providing a fully transparent 24/7 experience all our clients know what is happening throughout the campaign and where the budget is being spent," says Jory Rosen, President of JRG. "This transparent view allows our clients to not only feel 100% secure, but also opens up detailed conversations about the best strategies going forward."

Starting at KOAT-TV/ABC in Albuquerque and working in television, advertising and marketing for his whole career of over 35 years, Jory felt it was time to come home. With the influx of production in New Mexico it made sense to come back to his roots, to continue his successful business in the industry.

"Albuquerque is where I grew up and first got my passion for television production and so much more. Being a successful producer is something I love to do and is just part of what makes JRG so unique," says Jory. "The total package of services we are able to provide, from development to production and successful implementation is rarely seen in the industry."

Jory is also a new incoming member of the Board, Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte, member of Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry. He is part of a New Mexico family tradition who for over 40 years have been involved in helping business, corporations and non-profit organizations find their strongest voices to grow and succeed.

Jory Rosen, President

[email protected]

www.jrosengroup.com

Media Contact:

Marcia Rosen

505.503.6894

[email protected]

SOURCE JRG

Related Links

http://www.jrosengroup.com


Greg Sukiennik has worked at all three Vermont News & Media newspapers and was their managing editor from 2017-19. He previously worked for ESPN.com, for the AP in Boston, and at The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass.
Michigans electoral votes cast for President-elect Joe Biden survived a challenge by U.S. House Republicans seeking to discredit the election results of Democratic-voting swing states.

Congress certified Bidens victory in the Electoral College early Thursday after being disrupted by supporters of President Donald Trump who stormed the U.S. Capitol and clashed with police. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, said 70 House members supported her challenge to Michigans electoral votes, the attempt failed without a debate or vote since no Senator joined her written challenge.

Taylor Greene, a newly-elected representative who has promoted the far-right QAnon conspiracy, claimed Michigans error rate exceeded Federal Election Commission guidelines. Greene appeared to cite a forensic audit of Antrim County voting machines, which contains false claims.

The report was created by Texas cybersecurity analyst Russell Ramsland Jr. on behalf of William Bailey, who sued Antrim County claiming his constitutional rights were violated after the passage of a local marijuana ordinance. Bailey claimed his ballot should have contained the ordinance proposal, though he lived outside the village where the proposal was up for consideration.

Baileys lawsuit captured the attention of Trump and other Republicans seeking to prove voter fraud after Baileys attorney was given access to audit Antrim Countys voting machines. Ramslands report was disputed by election officials and the Michigan Attorney General, who called the report critically flawed.

Ryan Macias, former acting director of the U.S. Election Assistance Commissions Voting System Testing, rebuked Ramslands audit, saying conclusions about error rates are based on a lack of understanding of the voting system.

Taylor Greene did not provide additional details about how she determined Michigans error rate. Ramslands report only focused on Antrim County, where a hand recount was conducted to verify the election result.

She also claimed Michigan voters who signed affidavits have not been heard in a court of law, but did not reference any specific lawsuit.

Affidavits in several failed lawsuits were tossed out in court since the November election. In one case, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Timothy Kenny ruled claims of voter fraud made in affidavits filed by Republican plaintiffs are not credible.

Congress certified 306 electoral votes for Biden, putting him ahead of Trumps 232 electoral votes. Arizona and Pennsylvania also faced objections, but Republicans lacked the necessary votes.

Biden will be inaugurated on Jan. 20.

In a radio interview with Michael Patrick Shiels Thursday, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, said he was prepared to defend Michigans election process if it came to a vote.

READ MORE ON MLIVE:

Democracy bent but didnt break, Dingell says after Congress certifies electoral vote

3 Michigan Republicans object to electoral votes in Arizona, Pennsylvania

Michigan representatives denounce attack on U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump mob

West Michigan Republicans describe siege of Capitol by pro-Trump domestic terrorists
The Priceville Police Department is set to talk Wednesday night about adding license plate readers to some subdivisions to help fight crime.

The company, Flock Safety, does real-time reading of license plates and sends the information to local law enforcement. Hartselle police just down the road installed cameras about 6 weeks ago and said they're seeing the results of them.

The company said they have installed these license plate readers in more than 1,000 cities across the United States and the idea is to catch criminals quickly who commit a crime and hopefully help stop crime from happening.

Flock Safety explained the program works by having a camera take a full color picture when a car passes by it. The picture captures the license plate number, as well as the color make and model of the car.

Garrett Langley, the founder and CEO of the company, said that information is submitted in 5-10 seconds of when it is captured to an FBI database to see if the car is associated with any crimes. He explained from there, it would be sent to the local agency's closest officer and hopefully help apprehend someone wanted by law enforcement.

Langley said to ease concerns of neighbors about the cameras, the company strives for transparency with the product.

"We only store the data for 30 days, so this is not creating some master database for 5 years of where you've gone. We have very transparent audits. So, if a city council person is uncomfortable or wants to question what is the police department doing, the chief has the ability to export every single search that occurred, what the reason was, which is a typically required case code, what officer performed the search," he said.

Langley said the cameras have helped law enforcement agencies over the past three years find missing children and solve a variety of crimes as serious as murder.

Hartselle Police Chief Justin Barley sent pictures of the license plate readers they installed in Hartselle. He said there are seven around town and are helping monitor areas around the clock. He also said they help his officers and investigators solve crimes.

Since they were installed, they've recovered stolen cars and license plates, he said. He said he thinks the more cameras installed around the area will help catch criminals quickly.

"A lot of our suspects that commit crimes here are from different areas and vice versa, so enables everyone to network and help out each other when it comes to solving crimes and identifying people of interest. So, it's very valuable. The more people that get it, the bigger the network gets, the more powerful of a resource that it becomes," Barley said.

Hartselle police said they went with the product because each camera cost them only $2,500 and included the monitoring services and warranties. He said they're a cost-effective option to help fight crime.
Topics: status of our cannabis cultivation project in Greece and the positive, post-election outlook for US Cannabis Stocks and the Global Cannabis Industry

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / Kaya Holdings, Inc., ("KAYS" or the "Company") (OTCQB:KAYSD), the first U.S. publicly traded company to vertically integrate cannabis retail, cultivation and processing, announced today that it has scheduled and commenced issuing reservation codes for an Online Shareholder Business Update, to be held on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

The call is expected to last approximately 30 minutes and will include live updates and Q and A on a number of key developments, with focus on our cannabis cultivation project in Greece, our recent equity restructuring and the positive, post-election outlook for US cannabis stocks and the global cannabis industry as a result of the recent US elections.

Participation is limited so please register now using the following link to reserve your place for the program:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DaKYagIKTaCnscoI6PtwYQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us via email at info@kayaholdings.com and we will assist you.

"We are holding this call as part of our renewed commitment to keep our shareholders well-informed with regard to our efforts and operations," stated KAYS CEO Craig Frank. "Events are proceeding at a rapid pace," continued Frank, "and often the small steps that propel our progress go unreported and underappreciated. Our update will allow investors to understand our progress more easily. We welcome all interested parties to participate."

For those not able to attend a link to access a video of the meeting will be emailed to shareholders and also posted on the OTC Markets page for KAYSD.

About Kaya Holdings, Inc. (www.kayaholdings.com)

Kaya Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: KAYS) is a touch-the-plant vertically integrated legal cannabis company operating a number of majority-owned subsidiaries that retail, cultivate, produce and distribute premium medical and recreational cannabis products, including flower, concentrates, oils and extracts, cannabis-infused foods and beverages, topicals and cannaceuticals. KAYS is a fully reporting, US-based publicly traded company, listed for trading on the OTCQB Tier of the over-the-counter market under the symbol OTCQB:KAYS.

Summary of Operations

KAYS corporate structure includes the following three majority-owned subsidiaries, each responding to various demands and opportunities in the cannabis industry:

Marijuana Holdings Americas, Inc. owns the Kaya Shack brand of licensed medical and recreational marijuana stores (www.kayashack.com) and the Kaya Farms brand of cannabis production and processing operations that operate in the United States.

Kaya Brands USA, Inc. owns a wide range of proprietary brands of cannabis extracts, oils, pre-rolls, topicals, food and beverages, cannaceuticals and related accessories.

Kaya Brands International, Inc., was founded to serve as the vehicle for the Company's non-U.S. operations including retail franchising in Canada and cultivation activities in Greece and Israel.

Marijuana Holdings Americas, Inc.- U.S. Cannabis Operations

Kaya Shack Retail Cannabis Stores

In 2014, KAYS became the first United States publicly-traded company to own and operate a Medical Marijuana Dispensary. KAYS presently operates two Kaya Shack OLCC licensed marijuana retail stores to service the legal medical and recreational marijuana market in Oregon and is in the process of relocating a third retail cannabis license to serve as a delivery hub for the Eugene and Southern Oregon Cannabis Market.

Kaya Farms

Eugene, Oregon Indoor Grow, Processing & Cannaceutical Facility: The Company owns a 12,000 square foot Kaya Farms indoor grow and manufacturing facility in Eugene, Oregon, which serves as the Company's center for cultivation trials, method experiments, genetic research and cannabis infused product development. The Company is presently conducting limited operations at this location under a Management Agreement with Sunstone Farms, the current licensee. Pending the successful acquisition and transfer of other existing OLCC Marijuana Production and Processing licenses, KAYS intends to build out the facility and ramp up to full production.

Lebanon, Oregon Farm & Greenhouse Facility: KAYS owns a 26-acre parcel in Lebanon, Linn County, Oregon which it intends to construct an 85,000-square-foot Kaya Farms greenhouse cultivation and production facility. To date KAYS has received Linn County Zoning approvals and upon issuance of OLCC Licensing it will begin construction. The farm is intended for immediate development and provides the Company with a potential additional capacity of more than 100,000 pounds annually, to be expanded once export from Oregon to other U.S. States and foreign countries where cannabis use is legal is permitted. Kaya Farms operates in accordance with a Grow Operations manual, as well as manuals for compliance, employment matters and safety.

Kaya Brands USA, Inc.- Brand and Product Development

The Company maintains a genetics library of over 30 strains of cannabis and owns a number of proprietary brands in traditional and innovative cannabis categories including Kaya Buddies pre-rolls, Really Happy Glass cannabis accessories, and Kaya Gear, company-related and cannabis-centric fashion. These brands are currently available at Kaya Shack stores.

The Company has made advances in the development of its Kumba Extracts, Syzygy Extracts, Pakalolo Juice Company Soothe Topicals, Tony Giggles Pleasure Foods (frozen infused Italian entrees), Uptown Shaman (cannaceuticals), and Kaya Yums (chocolates, gummies, power bars) brands. Pending approval of our production and processing license, KAYS intends to begin a multi-state rollout planned in 2020 to the extent permitted by U.S. legal infrastructure. These brands are intended for all Kaya Shack stores, both corporate-owned and franchised.

Kaya Brands International, Inc.- Foreign Cannabis Operations

After over six years of conducting "touch the plant" U.S. cannabis operations inside the strict regulatory confines of a public company, KAYS has formed a subsidiary, Kaya Brands International, Inc. ("KBI") to leverage its experience and expand into worldwide cannabis markets. KBI's current operations and initiatives include:

Kaya Kannabis- Kaya Farms Greece S.A. ("Kaya Farms Greece," a Greek Corporation) is a majority owned subsidiary of KBI. The Company is in the final stages of completing their due diligence and expects to exercise their option (pursuant to terms of a previously disclosed 8-K filing) for Kaya Farms Greece to acquire a 50% interest in Greekkannabis, PC, an Athens, Greece based cannabis company which has received its license for the construction of a facility encompassing approximately 500,000 square feet of buildings on 15 acres of land outside of Athens, Greece to grow, process and export medical grade cannabis from Greece to the European Union and elsewhere.

Kaya Farms Israel- Kaya Shalvah LTD ("Kaya Farms Israel," an Israeli Corporation) is a majority owned subsidiary of KBI. Kaya Farms Israel is in the process of applying to various Israeli Government Agencies for a license to grow, process and export medical grade cannabis from Israel. Upon submission of the initial application to the Israeli Cannabis Authority, Kaya Shalvah intends to submit a bid to acquire 100 Dunams (approximately 25 acres) of land in Israel that is part of Greenegev, an Israeli Government backed Cannabinoid Ecosystem in Yerucham, Israel that is envisioned to become the Silicon Valley of Medical Cannabis Production and Research.

These two facilities, as currently envisioned (and after obtaining successful financing, completing construction and obtaining final requisite licensing), are configured to produce approximately 600,000 pounds of GMP Certified, Premium Medical Grade, Cannabis annually for potential export to the European Union and elsewhere.

Canadian Franchising: KAYS has targeted Canada (the only G7 country that has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis production, sale and use on a national level) for its first international sale and operation of Kaya Shack cannabis store franchises, with a goal of 75-100 Kaya Shack Cannabis Retail locations throughout Canada through a multi-year structured rollout, subject to licensing and market conditions. KAYS has retained Toronto, Canada based law firm of Garfinkle Biderman, LLP to prepare the Franchise Disclosure Documents and related items for the sale of Kaya Shack cannabis store franchises in Canada. KAYS plans to ultimately expand its franchise operations to the U.S., as regulations and laws permit.

Important Disclosure

KAYS is planning execution of its stated business objectives in accordance with current understanding of state and local laws and federal enforcement policies and priorities as it relates to marijuana. Potential investors and shareholders are cautioned that KAYS and MJAI will obtain advice of counsel prior to actualizing any portion of their business plan (including but not limited to license applications for the cultivation, distribution or sale of marijuana products, engaging in said activities or acquiring existing cannabis production/sales operations). Advice of counsel with regard to specific activities of KAYS, federal, state or local legal action or changes in federal government policy and/or state and local laws may adversely affect business operations and shareholder value.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect" or similar statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, acceptance of the Company's current and future products and services in the marketplace, the ability of the Company to develop effective new products and receive regulatory approvals of such products, competitive factors, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks detailed in the Company's periodic report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.

For more information contact Investor Relations: info@kayaholdings.com or 561-210-7664

SOURCE: Kaya Holdings, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623501/International-Cannabis-Company-Kaya-Holdings-Inc-to-hold-Zoom-Update-on-January-14-2021

Make no mistake: The surreal scene at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday that temporarily shut down the Electoral College vote count and led to at least one death was directly brought on by Donald Trump. Hes responsible for every critically injured person, every terrorized police officer and every single broken window caused by the violent mob of his so-called supporters. The president of the United States incited this riot.

He did it over years, sowing doubt in every institution our country holds dear, including our national security agencies, which he undermined as part of some phony deep state conspiracy; our research facilities, whose critical recommendations on climate change and medical best practices he dismissed as overblown; and our news organizations, whose watchdog work he repeatedly challenged as fake because it exposed his faults.

He did it over months, spreading lies and fear about his political opponents on the campaign trail, falsely claiming Democrats on the whole  and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in particular  are socialists looking to implement universal abortion access, throw open the borders and storm into homes on the hunt for legally owned guns.

He did it over weeks, raising absolutely untrue claims of fraud over his election loss, again and again, and threatening others to back him in his fiction or face consequences.

He did it over days, calling on state officials to falsify their vote counts to reverse the legitimate results of an American presidential election.

And he did it over hours, delivering an appalling speech just south of the White House to the whipped up crowd Wednesday  the final shove they needed to unleash chaos on the capital.

All of us here today do not want to see our election victory stolen by emboldened radical Democrats, he goaded, lighting the fire. We will never give up. We will never concede. It will never happen. You dont concede when theres theft involved. Our country has had enough. We will not take it anymore.

Story continues

Moments after his speech, the rally goers moved to the Capitol steps, and when they finally breached the building around 2 p.m., Donald Trump made sure they had a target: Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, he tweeted as the rioting began, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!

Donald Trump put the vice presidents life in danger with his propaganda. He endangered every member of Congress in that building, every single staff worker, and each person on the security team. He endangered his supporters on the outside and the police trying to keep the peace among them.

And he did almost nothing to stop it, issuing in the immediate aftermath two pathetic tweets urging support for police and asking people to remain peaceful and a 1-minute video reiterating his lies about a stolen election. Go home, we love you, youre very special, he told the mob. I know how you feel, but go home, and go home in peace.

Youre very special?

What?

This man must go. Right now. Two more weeks of him is too much.

Before he endangers one more American life, Donald Trump must be removed from office. Whether thats through his Cabinet invoking the 25th amendment or an emergency House hearing to impeach him followed by a Senate vote, we dont much care  whichever is faster.

Hes made a mockery of our laws, our values and our standing in the world throughout his term, but Wednesday is the last straw. Our Capitol building was overtaken because of him. A woman was killed. The National Guards of D.C., Maryland and Virginia were activated.

We cannot wait until President-elect Joe Bidens Jan. 20th inauguration to get this volatile menace out of the White House. And simply cutting him out of decision making to the extent possible is not enough. Donald Trump will continue to wreak havoc until hes taken from power.

And once he is, every single member of his party  including the traitorous dozens who intended to reject the rightful Electoral College vote count Wednesday  must stand up and repudiate his phony claims about a rigged election and ensure he has no future as a cult leader out of office. Each of them bears responsibility for this mess and their part and furthering it. Its time to put an end to the madness.

___
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WASHINGTON DC : Where are they?" a Trump supporter demanded from within a crowd of dozens roaming the halls of the US Capitol, bearing Trump flags and pounding on doors.

Theylawmakers, staff members and more  were hiding under tables, hunkered in lockdowns, saying prayers and seeing the fruits of the countrys divisions up close and violent.

Guns were drawn. A woman was shot and killed by the police, and three others died in apparent medical emergencies. A Trump flag hung on the Capitol. The graceful Rotunda reeked of tear gas. Glass shattered.

On Wednesday afternoon, hallowed spaces of American democracy, one after another, yielded to the occupation of Congress. The pro-Trump mob took over the presiding officers chair in the Senate, the offices of the House speaker and the Senate dais, where one yelled, Trump won that election."

They mocked its leaders, posing for photos in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosione with his feet propped on a desk in her office, another sitting in the same seat Vice President Mike Pence had occupied only moments before during the proceedings to certify the Electoral College vote.

This began as a day of reckoning for President Donald Trumps futile attempt to cling to power as Congress took up the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens electoral victory. It quickly devolved into scenes of fear and agony that left a prime ritual of American democracy in tatters.

View Full Image A similar event last happened in 1814 during a war against the British. (Photo: AFP)

In the morning, Trump told a crowd at a rally on the Ellipse, just south of the White House, that he would go with them to the Capitol, but he didnt. Instead, he sent them off with incendiary rhetoric.

If you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore," he said. Let the weak ones get out," he went on. This is a time for strength."

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, told the crowd, Lets have trial by combat."

An attempted coup

What happened was nothing less than an attempted coup, said Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colorado. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Nebraska, a frequent Trump critic, said, Today, the United States Capitolthe worlds greatest symbol of self-governmentwas ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard."

Sasse went on: Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the presidents addiction to constantly stoking division."

Heavily armed officers brought in as reinforcements to the Capital eventually started using tear gas in a coordinated effort to get people moving toward the door, then combed the halls for stragglers, pushing the mob farther out onto the plaza and lawn, in clouds of tear gas, flash-bangs and percussion grenades.

Video footage also showed officers letting people calmly walk out the doors of the Capitol despite the rioting and vandalism. Only about a dozen arrests were made in the hours after authorities regained control.

Police said that they recovered two pipe bombs, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee and a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and a Molotov cocktail on the Capitol grounds.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump appeared to excuse the violent occupation of the US Capitol by his supporters. These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously and viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long," Trump wrote in a message that was later deleted by Twitter. He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!"

Twitter later locked his account for the first time as it demanded he remove the tweets and threatened permanent suspension".

Trumps response to the violence underscored his obsession with trying to overturn the results of the election. He spent much of Wednesday afternoon watching the insurrection on television from his private dining room off the Oval Office. But aside from sparing appeals for calm issued at the insistence of his staff, he was largely disengaged as the nations capital descended into unprecedented scenes of chaos as a mob of thousands tried to halt the peaceful transition of power.

Instead, a White House official said, most of Trumps attention was consumed by his ire at Vice President Mike Pence, who said he would not overturn the will of voters in the congressional electoral count. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter and spoke only on the condition of anonymity.

Mass resignations

The violence, coupled with the presidents tepid response, appeared to drive many Republicans to the breaking point after years of allegiance to Trump. In a sign of growing frustration, a number of White House aides were discussing a potential mass resignation, according to people familiar with the conversation, although some harboured concerns about what Trump might do in his final two weeks in office if they were not there to serve as guardrails when so few remain.

After four years with no shortage of fraught moments, Wednesdays events quickly emerged as the nadir of morale in the Trump White House, as aides looked on in horror at the chaos at the Capitol fomented by Trump.

Stephanie Grisham, the first ladys chief of staff and a former White House press secretary, submitted her resignation Wednesday, but declined to say what has prompted her move. White House social secretary Rickie Niceta and deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews also resigned. More departures were expected in the coming days, officials said. But other aides indicated they were staying to help smooth the transition to President-elect Biden's administration.

Trump has been single-mindedly focused on his electoral defeat since election day, aides said, at the expense of the other responsibilities of his office, including the fight against the raging coronavirus. Indeed, it was Pence, not Trump, who spoke with the acting defense secretary to discuss mobilizing the DC National Guard.

Trump only reluctantly issued the tweets and taped a video encouraging an end to the violence. The posts came at the insistence of staff and amid mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers urging him to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name, according to the official.

And even as authorities struggled to take control of Capitol Hill after protesters overwhelmed police, Trump continued to level baseless allegations of mass voter fraud and praised his loyalists as very special."

I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now," he said in a video posted more than 90 minutes after lawmakers were evacuated from the House and Senate chambers. We cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So, go home. We love you. Youre very special."

Before Trump released the video, Republican lawmakers and former administration officials had begged the president to intervene as the violence spiralled.

I called him. I think we need to make a statement, make sure that we can calm individuals down," House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of California told Fox News.

Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off". This is banana republic crap that were watching right now," said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying the Electoral College vote that Biden won.

Nerve-wracking moments

Early on, some inside the Capitol saw the trouble coming outside the windows. Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota surveyed the growing crowd on the grounds not long after Trump had addressed his supporters by the Ellipse, fuelling their grievances over an election that he and they say he won, against all evidence.

I looked out the windows and could see how outmanned the Capitol Police were," Phillips said. Under the very risers set up for Bidens inauguration, Trump supporters clashed with the police who blasted pepper spray in an attempt to hold them back.

It didnt work. Throngs of maskless MAGA-hatted demonstrators tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps. Some in the crowd were shouting traitors" as officers tried to keep them back. They broke into the building.

Announcements blared: Due to an external security threat," no one could enter or exit the Capitol complex, the recording said. A loud bang sounded as officials detonated a suspicious package to make sure it was not dangerous.

It was about 1.15 pm on Wednesday when New Hampshire Rep. Chris Pappas, a Democrat, said Capitol Police banged on his door and told us to drop everything and get out as quickly as we could."

It was breath-taking how quickly law enforcement got overwhelmed by these protesters," he said.

Shortly after 2 pm, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Vice President Mike Pence were evacuated from the Senate as protesters and police shouted outside the doors. Protesters are in the building," were the last words picked up by a microphone carrying a live feed of the Senate before it shut off.

Police evacuated the chamber at 2.30 pm, grabbing boxes of Electoral College certificates as they left. Representative Phillips yelled at Republicans, This is because of you!"

Rep. Scott Peters, D-California, told reporters he was in the House chamber when protesters began storming it. He said security officers urged lawmakers to put gas masks on and herded them into a corner of the massive room.

When we got over to the other side of the gallery, the Republican side, they made us all get down. You could see that they were fending off some sort of assault," he said. They had a piece of furniture up against the door, the door, the entry to the floor from the Rotunda, and they had guns pulled."

Shortly after being told to put on gas masks, most members were quickly escorted out of the chamber. But some members remained in the upper gallery seats, where they had been seated due to distancing requirements.

Along with a group of reporters who had been escorted from the press area and Capitol workers who act as ushers, the members ducked on the floor as police secured a door to the chamber down below with guns pointed. After making sure the hallways were clear, police swiftly escorted the members and others down a series of hallways and tunnels to a cafeteria in one of the House office buildings.

Describing the scene, Democratic Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut said, There was a point there where officers had their guns and weapons pointed at the door. They were obviously expecting a breach through the door. It was clear that they were pretty close to pulling the trigger so they asked us all to get down in the chamber."

As he walked out of the Capitol, Himes said he had lived in Latin America and always assumed it could never happen here".

Weve known for years that our democracy was in peril and this is hopefully the worst and final moment of it," Himes said. But with a president egging these people on, with the Republicans doing all they can to try to make people feel like their democracy has been taken away from them even though theyre the ones doing the taking, its really hard, really sad. I spent my entire political career reaching out to the other side. And its really hard to see this."

Democratic Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley was also in the balcony. Its not good to be around terrified colleagues, with guns drawn toward people who have a barricade people crying. Not what you want to see," he said.

This is how a coup is started," said Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-California. This is how democracy dies."

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CAIRO  Some of Egypt's former parliament members are returning to the political stage, braving fears from the difficulties they expect to face. But they have grand plans in mind.

Having acted as independents throughout their political careers, many of them are organizing themselves within the nation's opposition parties.

A strong opposition is a sign of a sound political system, former parliament member Haitham al-Hariri told Al-Monitor. I hope the government will not commit a mistake by showing intolerance to this opposition.

Hariri, from the northern coastal city of Alexandria, lost the latest parliamentary elections in October and November. Like other losing parliament members, especially outspoken critics of the government, he felt there was foul play.

He decided in December to join the Socialist Popular Alliance, the political party his father helped found in 2011.

Hariri expects to be promoted to a leading position within the party soon.

Other losing members of the House of Deputies (the lower chamber of parliament) are doing the same in what constitutes a phenomenon on Egypt's political stage.

Former parliament member Ahmed al-Tantawi, from the Nile Delta province of Kafr el-Sheikh, on Dec. 25 became head of the Dignity Party, the Nasserite political party of former presidential candidate Hamdeen Sabahi.

Other junior members of the same party were promoted to leading positions in what amounts to a renewal of blood in a party that appeared in 2011 with grand hopes, but then saw these hopes being dashed one after another because of stiff rivalry between the Islamists and the army.

Other former members of the parliament are joining the nation's political parties too, including  to name but a few  former parliament member Mohamed Fouad, who joined the liberal Egyptian Social Democratic Party back in September 2020.

These former parliament members are united in the bitterness they feel for losing the elections and around their goal to strengthen the secular opposition and provide Egyptians with an alternative to the two forces vying for Egypt's rule for many decades now: the army and the Islamists.

The presence of these former MPs within the political parties will give more energy to these parties, political sociology specialist Said Sadek told Al-Monitor.

In doing this, these young politicians are reviving hopes for the presence of a robust opposition on the Egyptian political stage and a livelier political life.

Egypt boasts over 100 political parties, most of them founded after the 2011 uprising that ended the rule of late autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

Nevertheless, the political parties have a feeble presence on the political stage, even a feebler one among ordinary people.

This, political party leaders say, is caused by the lack of necessary space for the parties to function and communicate with the public.

The political parties function under intense restrictions by security agencies as well as vilification by pro-government media, Farid Zahran, head of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party, told Al-Monitor.

Only 16 political parties were represented in the previous parliament.

Only 13 parties will be represented in the new parliament, which will convene later this month.

This new parliament will likely be controlled by a party loyal to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi; namely, the Nation's Future Party.

The party, which was founded in 2014 as a platform for the nation's youth, managed to win 55% of the seats of parliament, whereas other parties and independents won the remaining 45%.

This gives rise to fears from a repetition of political practices prevalent under Mubarak, whose National Democratic Party imposed full control over Egypt's political life.

We are witnessing a return of Mubarak's party, but in another form or name, Zahran said.

Giving credence to such fears has been a political condition in the past years, especially since Sisi came to power in mid-2014.

The army chief turned politician stepped into the political arena at a time of major polarization.

He led the army in backing popular protests against late Muslim Brotherhood President Mohammed Morsi in mid-2013. This ended in Morsi's ousting, which continues to raise controversy to this day.

Sisi then crushed the Brotherhood opposition and put thousands of its affiliates in jail.

In subsequent years, he fought Islamist militancy in Sinai and brought order back to the streets.

Sisi also initiated major economic reforms that rescued the economy but proved hard on the pockets of Egyptians. He brought Egypt back to the Arab, African and international stages.

However, he showed little tolerance for opposition and free speech. He expressed hopes several times for his country's political parties to become strong, but in essence, the political parties complained of shrinking freedoms.

This is why many people view the grouping of the former parliament members into political parties with hope.

But whether these former members can threaten Sisi's grip on power is uncertain, given the popularity of the Egyptian president and the very thin margin left for the political parties to communicate with the public, analysts said.

I believe the success of these former MPs hinges on whether the current political system will allow them to do this, Sadek said.

Nonetheless, other people eye some chances for success.

Egypt's disgruntled youth, especially those frustrated with the failure of the 2011 uprising to bring in the required democracy they dreamed of, continue to abstain from political participation.

Most of those who were at the forefront of the uprising are in jail now. Many others still watch and refuse to be part of a political life that fails to reward those who do not belong to either the military or the nation's Islamists.

Sisi tries to engage his country's youth politically through a series of youth conferences.

Army-affiliated academies also offer political and professional training to hundreds of youth to create a new generation of leaders inside state institutions.

Having received a new supply of energy through the former parliament members, the opposition parties can, meanwhile, draw in some of the nation's disgruntled youth, analysts said.

The political parties are more than capable of attracting youth to them, Tayseer Mattar, head of the liberal Will of the Generation Party and member of the Egyptian Senate, told Al-Monitor. They need, however, to formulate strong strategies for the training of these youth to prepare them for elections.

For his part, Tantawi said he would work to make his party express the aspirations of the 2011 revolution.

The Dignity Party, he said, would field many of its young members in the elections, including in the next municipal elections.

Making the ballot boxes an arbiter is not an easy matter, Tantawi told the independent online newspaper Mada Masr. However, we cannot accept for the foundations of despotism to be laid."

The date of the municipal elections has not been set yet. In November 2018, Sisi said the elections would be held in early 2019.

Hariri says he will lead his party into more presence on the political stage, including by planning for upcoming elections.

We are ready to participate in the municipal elections, Hariri said. However, I hope the authorities will not make these polls a copy of the latest parliamentary elections by allowing only the candidates they like to win.
Library Management

Community College Librarians Keep Digital Platform Running in California

A recent effort by a team of librarians has resulted in a three-year agreement to continue the shared library services platform. Community College League of California, a nonprofit that supports community colleges, has signed a three-year contract with ExLibris to continue making the company's online library services Alma and Primo available to 110 participating colleges in the state.

The system, dubbed the Library Services Platform (LSP) by the colleges, allows students to use a single search for physical library materials, library database subscriptions, digital books and open educational resources. They can access electronic resources, check their library records and renew books online.

Originally funded by a one-time grant from the California Community College Tech Center, LSP usage was scheduled to end on Dec. 31, 2020, when no replacement funding had been identified.

The League stepped in and worked with the Council of Chief Librarians to renegotiate the original contract. That was signed before the end of December, enabling the colleges to continue use of the service without a break. Calling the program "critical to our community college students," Lisa Mealoy, chief operating officer for the League, said that financial support also came from the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, which provided an additional $440,000 grant for that first year of usage.

The ongoing annual cost of the program is divided among the participating colleges, based on their full-time equivalent enrollments.

According to Amy Beadle, the League's Library Consortium Director, the library platform has turned out to be "one of the most successful statewide technology projects the state has seen  110 colleges joined and went live in 11 months." As Beadle noted, many of those libraries wouldn't have been able to continue functioning during COVID without the LSP program.

A newly-elected Kansas congressman has tested positive for Covid-19 just hours after taking part in the House vote in a bid to stop Joe Biden's election win.

Rep. Jake LaTurner, a Republican, released a statement saying he received the test result after he was in the Capitol on Wednesday on a day of mayhem as pro-Trump rioters stormed the building.

His spokesperson said in a tweet: 'Late Wednesday evening, Congressman Jake LaTurner received a positive test result for Covid-19.

Newly-elected Kansas congressman Jake LaTurner has tested positive for Covid-19 just hours after taking part in a House vote

'Congressman LaTurner took the test as part of Washington DC's travel guidelines that requires visitors be tested. He is not experiencing any symptoms at this time.

'Congressman LaTurner is following the advice of the House physician and CDC guidelines and, therefore, does not plan to return to the House floor for votes until he is cleared to do so.'

Earlier on Wednesday, LaTurner had voted on the Arizona objection to the electoral college.

The Republican released a statement saying he received the test result after he was in the Capitol on Wednesday

He had earlier indicated he would object to certify Joe Biden's election win, backing President Trump and his unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud.

He joined fellow Kansas Representatives Ron Estes and Tracey Mann in their bid to stop the President-Elect being sworn in.

They said in a joint statement: 'It is the duty of Congress to certify electors for the presidential election based on the laws passed by state legislators.

He had earlier indicated he would object to certify Joe Biden's election win, backing President Trump and his unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud

'With several states facing serious allegations of voter fraud and violations of their own state laws, the Kansas Republican delegation in the House will object to the certification of electors in multiple states on January 6.

'This action is not taken lightly and comes after extensive study and research.

'Kansans deserve to know that all legal, and only legal, votes were counted.

'We hope our actions begin to restore the confidence of tens of millions of our fellow Americans that feel their sacred right to vote is under attack.'

LaTurner did not return to the floor after the vote yesterday once he had received his positive test.
Let me be clear: Hitler got nothing right. This reprehensible rhetoric has no place in our politics, Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference. Illinois Republicans cannot allow this to stand and must condemn this vile, evil streak in their party. If Rep. Miller was the least bit interested in history, she would visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center to learn just how wrong Hitler really was.
The violence at the U.S. Capitol is the fault of President Donald Trump, former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge said Wednesday.

Supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol as Congress met to count the Electoral College votes Wednesday. The violence prompted the evacuation of Congress and Vice President Mike Pence. Rioters clashed with Capitol police, Capitol offices were evacuated, National Guard troops were deployed and Washingtons mayor implemented a curfew.

Ridge, who served as the nations first homeland security chief, said the president incited the violence. Trump has refused to accept President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the election and spoke to thousands at a rally outside the White House Wednesday.

I am sad and angry. This mob is abhorrent, Ridge said on Twitter. The blame lies squarely with the president. His many incitements are responsible.

I am sad and angry. This mob is abhorrent. The blame lies squarely with the president. His many incitements are responsible. @JoeBiden did what presidents do in trying to bring us together. All Americans should support his message of healing. And to the seditionists: Go home!  Gov. Tom Ridge (@GovRidge) January 6, 2021

Ridge has been critical of Trump and his criticisms of the integrity of the election. A lifelong Republican, Ridge nonetheless endorsed Biden in the election. And he praised Biden who condemned the violence and called for Americans to come together.

Biden did what presidents do in trying to bring us together. All Americans should support his message of healing, Ridge said on Twitter. And to the seditionists: Go home!

Ridge was recruited by President George W. Bush to oversee the nations homeland security shortly after the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Ridge was nearing the end of his second term as Pennsylvanias governor.

On Wednesday night, Bush issued a statement condemning what he termed the insurrection at the Capitol.

In his statement, Bush didnt name Trump or anyone else but blasted political leaders for their actions since the election.

This is how election results are disputed in a banana republicnot our democratic republic, Bush said in the statement. I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement.

One woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol and some members of the mob broke into lawmakers offices.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

More coverage

Top Pa. Senate Republican on Capitol mob: What is going on in DC should never happen

President Trumps supporters attempted a coup: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf on U.S. Capitol attack
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7)  The Department of Health and some health experts are not of the same opinion when it comes to the effectiveness of 'copper masks' in protecting people against COVID-19.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DOH said copper masks are "not medical grade." However, these can still prevent the spread of the coronavirus "mainly by acting as a physical barrier for droplets." N95 respirators and surgical masks are examples of medical-grade masks. They are used to protect the wearers from respiratory diseases such as COVID-19.

But a group of physicians and even a major hospital discourage the use of copper masks, saying these allow the unfiltered breath to escape since they have holes under the chin.

"Face masks should cover your face from the bridge of your nose to under the chin. Masks with vents or exhalation valves are not advised because they allow the unfiltered breath to escape," the Philippine College of Physicians said in a statement on Wednesday.

The issue on the use of copper masks was first brought to light after Makati Medical Center released an advisory against copper masks and other face coverings with holes. The hospital urged visitors to wear surgical masks upon entry.

"Makati Med's Infection Prevention & Control recommends the use of secure-fit face masks without valves, slits, or holes for the safety and wellness of its patients, guests, and healthcare workers while inside the hospital," it said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

Copper masks have been popular after celebrities started wearing them. They allegedly have antibacterial components, according to the CopperMask, the brand that sells them.
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(CNN)  The New York Stock Exchange will delist three Chinese telecommunications stocks to comply with an executive order from the Trump administration  its second about-face on the issue this week.

The exchange said Wednesday that it would end trading of shares in China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom on Jan. 11. The decision comes after President Donald Trump banned Americans late last year from investing in firms that the US government suspects are either owned or controlled by the Chinese military.

The NYSE has now abruptly changed its position on the issue twice, sowing confusion among investors and whipsawing the companies' stocks.

The exchange first announced last week that it would bar shares of China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom. But it reversed course on Monday, citing "further consultation with relevant regulatory authorities."

By Wednesday, the exchange had reverted to its original position, citing "new specific guidance" from the US Treasury Department that was delivered on Tuesday.

Confusion at the NYSE

The bizarre back-and-forth has left investors in the lurch. The three companies are also listed in Hong Kong, and shareholders sold holdings there on Monday before buying back in when the NYSE backtracked the first time.

Shares in New York fell on Wednesday following the latest announcement. China Telecom's stock dropped 3.7%, while China Mobile fell 2.7%. Shares in China Unicom were off 2.3%.

The action is poised to ramp up tensions between the world's two biggest economies shortly before President-elect Joe Biden enters the White House.

The Chinese government has criticized the United States for "wantonly suppressing foreign companies listed in the country" and previously said it would take "necessary measures" to safeguard the interests of Chinese firms.

On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order banning transactions with eight Chinese apps, including Ant Group's Alipay and Tencent's QQ Wallet and WeChat Pay. It's not clear it has teeth, however, given that it's due to take effect after Trump leaves office.

All three of the telecom companies have traded in New York for many years. China Mobile, the country's largest telecom company, has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1997. Rivals China Telecom and China Unicom, meanwhile, have been trading there since the early 2000s.

Trump's order on firms with alleged military connections, which kicks in next week, gives investors until November 2021 to divest from financial instruments with exposure to such companies.

It's part of a broader campaign the Trump administration has launched against China's technology sector. Washington has also struck at the country's artificial intelligence and semiconductor sectors in recent years.

 Laura He contributed reporting.

This story was first published on CNN.com "NYSE bans Chinese telecom stocks in second about-face of the week"
The presidents video Thursday  which was released upon his return to Twitter after his account was restored  was a complete reversal from the one he put out just 24 hours earlier in which he said to the violent mob: We love you. Youre very special. His refusal to condemn the violence sparked a firestorm of criticism and, in the new video, he at last denounced the demonstrators lawlessness and mayhem.
Madhya Pradesh forest department has allowed National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) to resume operation of its diamond mine at Majhgawan in Panna district of Bundelkhand region, said an official.

The operation was suspended as the environmental clearance for the mine came to an end on December 31, 2020, said the official.

An order dated January 4, 2021, sent to field director of Panna Tiger Reserve by principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF), wildlife, Alok Kumar said, The operation of diamond mine of National Mineral Development Corporation, spread in the area of 74 hectares in forest area of Gangau sanctuary of Panna, has continued for the past 50 years. The state government has extended the lease for the next 20 years and the matter of renewal of lease is pending before the State Wildlife Board and National Wildlife Board. In case of no new mining operation and no adverse impact on wildlife, the existing operation should be resumed till the clearance from the wildlife board.

Panna Tiger Reserve field director UK Sharma said, The order to resume the operation of the mine has been released for existing mining operation.
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J oe Biden has condemned the violent scenes at the US Capitol, as Donald Trump told his supporters who stormed the building in protest against the election result to go home.

The president-elect said US democracy was under unprecedented assault," adding: "its not a protest, its an insurrection".

Mr Biden demanded President Donald Trump immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence on Wednesday.

Mr Trump later made a recorded statement, telling the demonstrators to go home. However, in the clip he told his followers that the results of the election were fraudulent, and he feels their "pain".

US Capitol in lockdown as protesters storm building

President Trump told the mob: I know your pain, I know your hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us."

It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it, especially the other side.

But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order.

Mr Biden's condemnation came after protesters breached the US Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elect's victory in the November election.

He addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

Mr Biden had planned to deliver a speech focused on how to revive an economy and provide financial relief for small business owners reeling from the coronavirus pandemic from his native Delaware.

But shortly before he was to begin speaking, demonstrators broke into the capital, reaching as far as the House floor.

The building was locked down and police with guns drawn moved in as Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations.

National Guard troops were deployed and a citywide curfew called for shortly after dusk, as rioters continued to occupy the capital for hours.

"At this hour our democracy is under unprecedented assault unlike anything we've seen in modern times," Biden said.

He added that what unfolded was "an assault on the rule of law like few times we have ever seen it."

Mr Biden said the uprising bordered on sedition, adding, "The scenes of chaos at the capitol do not reflect a true America, do not represent who we are."

Pro-Trump supporters storm US Capitol 1 /43 Pro-Trump supporters storm US Capitol U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol AP Police officers use pepper spray on pro-Trump protesters during the clashes REUTERS U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol AP An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington REUTERS A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber Getty Images Smoke fills the walkway outside the Senate Chamber as supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by U.S. Capitol Police officers inside the Capitol AP A supporter of US President Donald Trump struggles with a riot policeman after the protester pushed a line of police outside the Capitol building AFP via Getty Images People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol AP Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by U.S. Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol AP Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier AP Supporters of President Donald Trump puts water in his eyes after U.S. Capitol Police deployed a chemical agent outside of the U.S. Capitol AP Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, AP Police keep a watch on demonstrators who tried to break through a police barrier AP Donald Trump President Donald Trump speaks at a rally AP With the Washington Monument in the background, people attend a rally in support of President Donald Trump near the White House AP Demonstrators break TV equipment outside the the U.S. Capitol AP Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, REUTERS Police confront supporters of President Donald Trump as they demonstrate on the second floor of the U.S. Capitol near the entrance to the Senate after breaching security defenses, in Washington REUTERS Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump clash with police officers in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington REUTERS Law enforcement officers push back against supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump attempting to enter U.S. Capitol during a protest against the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress REUTERS Protesters clash with Capitol police during a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress REUTERS Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol AP U.S. President-elect Joe Biden clasps his hands in prayer as he speaks about the violent protests in and around the U.S. Capitol in Washington REUTERS A supporter of President Donald Trump carries a Confederate battle flag on the second floor of the U.S. Capitol near the entrance to the Senate after breaching security defences in Washington, REUTERS Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump cover their faces to protect from tear gas during a clash with police officers in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington REUTERS Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they push barricades to storm the US Capitol AFP via Getty Images A supporter of US President Donald Trump wears a gas mask as he protests after storming the US Capitol AFP via Getty Images Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol AFP via Getty Images Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Vice President Mike Pence talk before a joint session of the House and Senate convenes to count the Electoral College votes cast in November's election, at the Capitol in Washington AP The House Chamber is empty after a hasty evacuation as protesters tried to break into the chamber at the U.S. Capitol AP Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington AP Damage is visible in the hallways in the early morning hours after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington AP Congress staffers barricade themselves after Trump supporters stormed inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC AFP via Getty Images Tear gas is released into a crowd of protesters during clashes with Capitol police at a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress, at the U.S. Capitol Building REUTERS Congress staffers hold up their hands while Capitol Police Swat teams check everyone in the room as they secure the floor of Trump suporters in Washington, DC AFP via Getty Images A supporter of US President Donald Trump wears a gas mask and holds a bust of him after he and hundreds of others stormed stormed the Capitol building AFP via Getty Images Congress staffers barricade themselves after Trump supporters stormed inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC AFP via Getty Images A pro-Trump protester carries the lectern of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi through the Roturnda of the U.S. Capitol Building after a pro-Trump mob stormed the building Getty Images Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest in the US Capitol Rotunda AFP via Getty Images A pro-Trump mob gathers inside the Senate chamber in the U.S. Capitol after groups stormed the building Getty Images Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol AP Members of the Oath Keepers are seen among supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol during a protest against the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress REUTERS Getty Images

"I call on this mob to pull back and allow democracy to go forward," Biden said. "At their best the words of a president can inspire, at their worst they can incite."

Biden also called on Mr Trump to "go on national television now" to "demand an end to this siege."

A joint session of Congress had convened to certified Mr Biden's election victory.

But as that was occurring, Mr Trump addressed thousands of demonstrators who had amassed outside the Capitol to cheer his baseless claims of voter fraud and to protest the results of a free and fair election simply because the candidate they support lost it.

Mr Trump's supporters moved on to besiege the Capitol  leading to unsettling scenes of chaos and violence unseen in Washington for decades.
Raipur:

A Naxalite was on Sunday gunned down in an exchange of fire with security personnel at a forest in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district, police said.



The skirmish took place this morning in the forest near Surakheda village, Bijapur Superintendent of Police K L Dhruv told PTI.



Based on specific inputs, a team of district force had launched a search operation in the forest at Bhairamgarh, around 450 kms away from the state capital, he said.



When the security men were cordoning off a forest patch near Surakheda, the Naxals started firing on them which led to a gun-battle. However, the ultras soon escaped into the dense forest, the SP said.

Read | Chhattisgarh: Naxalite killed in face-off with police



Later during a search, police recovered the body of a Maoist clad in uniform, he said.



They also recovered a muzzle loading gun, a country made 303 pistol, some detonators, a tiffin bomb and wires from the spot, he said.



The killed Naxal was identified as Ratan Ujji alias Hemla Ratan, a member of small action team of the ultras, Dhruv said.



As per preliminary information, Ratan served in various key positions in the outlawed CPI (Maoist), including as deputy commander of Mirtoor LOS (local organisation squad) and head of Matwadas Janatana Sarkar group, the SP said.

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Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power, forcing lawmakers to be rushed from the building and interrupting challenges to Joe Bidens Electoral College victory.

Biden's win confirmed; Trump promises 'orderly transition'

Congress returned later Wednesday to resume their proceedings after the Capitol was cleared by law enforcement. Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner early Thursday.

Chaos, violence, mockery as mob occupies Congress

Where are they? a Trump supporter demanded in a crowd of dozens roaming the halls of the Capitol, bearing Trump flags and pounding on doors.

They  lawmakers, staff members and more  were hiding under tables, hunkered in lockdowns, saying prayers and seeing the fruits of the countrys divisions up close and violent.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

A moment in America, unimaginable but perhaps inevitable

To see it unspool  to watch the jumbled images ricochet, live, across the world's endless screens  was, as an American, a struggle to believe your eyes. But there it was, in the capital city of the United States in early January 2021: a real-time breaking and entering the likes of which the republic has never seen.

Lawmakers vow to investigate police after Capitol breach

Lawmakers are vowing an investigation into how law enforcement handled Wednesdays violent breach at the Capitol, questioning whether a lack of preparedness allowed a mob to occupy and vandalize the building.

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol. D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee.

Woman fatally shot as pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol identified as Air Force veteran

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

The woman was 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt, a California native and Air Force veteran, her former husband told The Washington Post. Before her death in the Capitol, she had used her social media to express fervent support for President Donald Trump and echo many of the president's conspiracy theories and false claims of mass voter fraud.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Photos: Scenes of violence at U.S. Capitol

A look at the chaos that unfolded yesterday.

The U.S. Capitol has seen violence over 220 years, but not like this

In more than 220 years, the U.S. Capitol had seen nothing like it: a roiling mob, forcing its way past its majestic marble columns, disrupting the passage of power, desecrating the seat of the worlds greatest democracy.

But this was far from the first time the Capitol has been scarred by violence.

Pence defies Trump, affirms Biden's win

Vice President Mike Pence defied President Donald Trump early Thursday morning as he affirmed President-elect Joe Bidens November victory, putting an end to Trumps futile efforts to subvert American democracy and overturn the results of the election.

Schumer, Tonko call for Trump's removal from office after siege of Capitol

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer joined a growing chorus of Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, calling for the immediate removal of President Donald J. Trump from office after his supporters invaded the U.S. Capitol, encouraged by the president himself.

How this connects to the Capital Region

Stefanik objected to election certification after U.S. Capitol violence

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, objected to certifying the results of the 2020 election early Thursday morning after an unprecedented day where a mob broke into the U.S. Capitol, forcing lawmakers into lock-down.

Suspect in Albany Capitol assault allegedly stabbed victim five times

A Trump supporter attending a rally outside the Capitol in Albany on Wednesday was stabbed multiple times and underwent emergency surgery to repair an eviscerated bowel at Albany Medical Center Hospital.

New York Legislature begins session as violence erupts in Albany and in D.C.

The Legislature's return to Albany on Wednesday was overshadowed by a massive protest in Washington, D.C., in which supporters of President Donald J. Trump stormed the nation's Capitol, leading to a lockdown of Congress.

There was also violence at the state Capitol, where two people were stabbed during a melee in East Capitol Park involving pro-Trump protesters who were attacked by a small group of counter-protesters.

New York's Washington delegation responds to violence at the U.S. Capitol

Here is how our congressional delegation in Washington responded via Twitter.

Churchill: Watching a despicable attack on democracy

Wednesday's scene at the U.S. Capitol is the cost of cynicism.

Editorial: A U.S. coup attempt

Call the violence and mayhem at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday at the hands of supporters of President Donald Trump what it was: an attempted coup.
Update: Five people died from Wednesdays attack, including a Capitol police officer who died Thursday from injuries suffered after clashing with the mob.

ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbor elected officials offered a strong rebuke of President Donald Trump and his supporters following a chaotic day in the nations capital.

After Trump rallied his followers to object to the certification of the 2020 election results by Congress, resulting in rioting, violence, clashes with police, people breaking into the U.S. Capitol and several deaths, Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor took aim at the president and those who support him.

The president is a traitor, Taylor said in a statement. Republicans, elected and otherwise, who cleared the way for him over the decades with their dogwhistles and worse, who have supported him and accrued power in his wake, they are complicit. I applaud President-elect Bidens call for unity, but there cannot be reconciliation without truth.

The first step is sober contrition, a recognition and admission that the Republican Party, and the ideologies of nihilism and hate upon which it rests, have brought our imperfect nation to global disgrace, Taylor said.

Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor speaks outside the Federal Building, 200 E. Liberty St. in Ann Arbor during a rally in protest of arrests by federal agents in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, July 25, 2020.Jacob Hamilton/MLive.com

Members of Congress solemnly swear to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, when they take the oath of office, Taylor noted.

Fourteen days, he said, referring to the number of days before Bidens inauguration.

Its not too late to take action, to renounce this cancer, and to start the slow work of bringing our country together.

Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit, an Ann Arbor Democrat, was blunt in his assessment of what needs to happen next to Trump and his supporters.

Charge the domestic terrorists who engaged in sedition, Savit tweeted. Impeach and remove Donald Trump. Expel Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz from the Senate. The end.

Im sure nobody was waiting with bated breath for a statement from the Washtenaw Prosecutor on todays events, but here it is:



Charge the domestic terrorists who engaged in sedition.



Impeach and remove Donald Trump.



Expel Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz from the Senate.



The end.  Eli Savit (@EliNSavit) January 7, 2021

County Commissioner Jason Morgan, D-Ann Arbor, called the rioters who attacked and stormed the Capitol, causing lawmakers to flee and hide in fear, domestic terrorists.

This is disgusting and unacceptable, Morgan tweeted.

Domestic terrorists have attacked the United States Capitol. This is disgusting and unacceptable.  Jason Morgan (@JasonMorganA2) January 6, 2021

This violence at our Capitol is deplorable, state Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, tweeted.

People who incited this violence are deplorable. This is a sad moment for our nation when Confederate flags are paraded through the halls of our Capitol and the elected officials are evacuated for their safety.

This violence at our Capitol is deplorable.



People who incited this violence are deplorable.



This is a sad moment for our nation when Confederate flags are paraded through the halls of our Capitol and the elected officials are evacuated for their safety. https://t.co/6U0MYXKnmy  Jeff Irwin (@JeffMIrwin) January 6, 2021

Ann Arbor City Council Member Jen Eyer, D-4th Ward, took issue with how police handled the Capitol raid.

Of the many terrible things that happened today, the police response is the most disgusting of all, she tweeted.

Of the many terrible things that happened today, the police response is the most disgusting of all. https://t.co/As6voq73ac  Jen Eyer Irwin (@jeneyer) January 7, 2021

Council Member Julie Grand, D-3rd Ward, took issue with Trumps we love you video message to the rioters, which Twitter removed before locking the presidents account.

He just told terrorists that he loves them. Disgraceful. https://t.co/0Oa2nvtDmy  Julie Berson Grand (@votegrand) January 6, 2021

Council Member Travis Radina, D-3rd Ward, said Trump encouraged this chaos, lawlessness and unrest.

This is his doing and his legacy, Radina tweeted. History will recall @realDonaldTrump as nothing more than a loser who attempted a coup to stoke his ego, undermine American democracy and overthrow our republic. He will fail.

The president encouraged this chaos, lawlessness & unrest.



This is his doing and his legacy.



History will recall @realDonaldTrump as nothing more than a loser who attempted a coup to stoke his ego, undermine American democracy and overthrow our republic.



He will fail.  Travis Radina (@TravisRadina) January 6, 2021

MORE FROM MLIVE:

Trump needs to be impeached and removed immediately, Rashida Tlaib says

This needs to end. Now. Dingell says shes safe amid Washington chaos

Everyone who illegally stormed U.S. Capitol should be held accountable, U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg says

Michigan representatives denounce attack on U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump mob

Michigan congressman says Trump provoked insurrection of U.S. government
President Donald Trump's acting Homeland Security chief Chad Wolf publicly pleaded with the president to condemn the violence after his supporters rampaged the Capitol Wednesday.

'What transpired yesterday was tragic and sickening,' Wolf wrote in a statement Thursday.

He said he would remain in his post 'to ensure the Department's focus remains on the serious threats facing our country and an orderly transition to President-elect Biden's DHS team.'

Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf publicly pleaded with President Donald Trump to condemn yesterday's violent siege of Capitol Hill by the president's supporters

Wolf implored the president and other elected officials to 'strongly condemn the violence that took place yesterday' in a statement that he tweeted

Trump held a rally on the ellipse where he encouraged supporters to march on Capitol Hill, misleading them into believing Congress could overturn the presidential election

A number of other Trump officials are jumping ship, including Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

The White House on Thursday withdrew the nomination for Wolf to be named permanent head of the Department of Homeland Security.

At first the move looked like it could be retribution for Wolf's statement, but CNN later reported that his nomination had been pulled Wednesday because no further action in the Senate was expected.

President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20 and the Senate is out of session until January 19, so no future Trump nominees will be considered.

'While I have consistently condemned political violence on both sides of the aisle, specifically violence directed at law enforcement, we now see some supporters of the President using violence as a means to achieve political ends,' Wolf said Thursday.

'This is unacceptable. These violent actions are unconscionable, and I implore the President and all elected officials to strongly condemn the violence that took place yesterday,' Wolf continued.

'DHS takes the safety and security of all Americans very seriouslyit's at the core of our mission to defend our homeland. Any appearance of inciting violence by an elected official goes against who we are as Americans,' Wolf added.

Democratic leaders House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are both pressing Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to take power away from Trump after he incited his supporters to march on Capitol Hill.

Pence would need half of Trump's cabinet in order for the move to succeed.

However, Pelosi admitted at her press conference Thursday she didn't know what authority 'acting' cabinet members might have in 25th Amendment discussions.

Throughout Trump's presidency he's had a number of 'acting' officials in cabinet-level positions.
The ATS said Haq, who was arrested on Wednesday, was a Rohingya from Myanmar and was living on forged Indian documents in the east Uttar Pradesh district for the past 19 years.

Lucknow, Jan 7 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (UP ATS) arrested one Azizul Haq from Sant Kabir Nagar district on intelligence inputs from the Central and international agencies.

The ATS carried out simultaneous raids at Hyderabad, Mumbai and multiple locations across five districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Additional Director General (ADG), law and order, Prashant Kumar, said if other persons, like Haq, were found staying in the state on fake identities, they would be nabbed soon.

Inspector General of Police, ATS, G.K. Goswami, who led the operation, told reporters that raids were conducted on classified inputs that Rohingyas were residing on fake documents in the state.

"We are also probing the terror funding angle as a hefty amount has been transferred into Haq's bank accounts from different places," he said.

The officer said that two Indian passports, an Aadhaar card, three debit cards, a PAN card and a ration card of Myanmar were seized from his possession.

During the interrogation, Haq disclosed that he had reached the Indian border via Bangladesh in 2001.

"Haq had posed as an orphan to a Sant Kabir Nagar resident, Inayatullah, when they met in Mumbai. Later, Inayatullah brought Haq to his father Badre Alam in Sant Kabir Nagar. Alam got Haq's name registered for a ration card. On the basis of which, Haq was able to get his Aadhaar and passports made," the officer said.

It has also come to light that in 2017, Haq had also brought his mother Abida Khatoon, sister Fatima Khatoon, and his brother Zia-ul-Haq to India.

"Zia-ul-Haq is currently in Nashik, while his other relatives had visited India but then left for Myanmar," said the IG ATS.

Goswami also said that Haq had visited Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh in 2017.

"We will inquire more about his sources of wealth and reasons for staying in India," he said.

Sources said that Rs 15 lakh was transferred into the five bank accounts of Haq on different dates.

"Amounts ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 70,000 have been deposited into his account," said the sources.

The ATS will now question his brother Zia-ul-Haq, sources said.

--IANS

amita/dpb
New Delhi, Jan 7 : The JEE Advanced 2021 will be conducted in computer-based test mode on July 3 by IIT-Kharagpur in English and Hindi languages, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said on Thursday.

In the wake of the coronavirus epidemic, 75 per cent eligibility criterion for admissions to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will be waived this year, he added.

The criteria for admissions to any programme in the IITs includes performance in Class XII or equivalent board examinations, with physics, chemistry, mathematics, one language and any other subject other than the above four.

The CBSE examinations for Class X and XII will be held from May 4 to June 10 and the results announced by July 15. The Joint Entrance Examination Advanced will be taken up thereafter.

The JEE Advanced 2022 will be conducted by IIT-Bombay and JEE Advanced 2023 by IIT- Guwahati.

"The special eligibility criterion for JEE 2021 is for those eligible candidates who registered for JEE Advanced 2020 but could not sit in the exams," said Nishank.

These students will however have to register again for the 2021 exams and pay the required fees.

The students can use an app developed by the National Testing Agency to take mock tests for practice in the run-up to the JEE exams.

Earlier, the Minister had announced that JEE Mains would be held in February, March, April, and May every year. The JEE Main is slated to be held between February 23 and 26 this year.
Pankaj Tripathi entered the film industry with Run and Omkara in 2004 and has every time made his presence felt on the big screen. From Sacred Games to Stree, he has proved his versatility as well. With Kaagaz, people accepted him as the main lead proving the fact that the definition of a Bollywood hero is changing.

The film tells the story of one Bharat Lal, who has been marked as dead in the official government papers and is waging a war for reclaiming his identity. Kaagaz is my first solo hero project, and there's nothing more fulfilling for an actor than the after-feeling of being part of such a strong story, the actor told Mid-Day.





Kaagaz has been streaming online on Zee5 and people who have watched it have given us ample reasons why its a must-watch.

1. People are loving how the movie talks about the loopholes in the government system and are also appreciating the entire execution.

What a spectular movie #Kaagaz directed by @satishkaushik2 and tremendous acting by @TripathiiPankaj .

Hats off to you guyz.

Thanks for giving phenomenon Cinema.#Kaagaz #kaagazreview  Amit kumar sharma (@acaamitsharma) January 7, 2021

2. People are rooting for Pankaj Tripathis power-packed performance as he has outshined himself as Bharat Lal.

Just watched #Kaagaz & sad but true condition of so many part of India are revealed. Hats off to @TripathiiPankaj & @Gajjarmonal has done his part exceedingly well. Excellent direction by @satishkaushik2 . You will learn lot of new things. Its a bit on silent note at most parts. pic.twitter.com/KyFGIeBI8x  #Radhe (@RosyMariaOO7) January 7, 2021

3. People are also like how Satish Kaushik has directed the movie and people want directors to make such movies.

#Kaagaz @satishkaushik2 kya movie banayi hai sir sarakri system ki actual problem dikhayi aapne..@TripathiiPankaj tripathi ji apke liye koi bhi sabd kam hai jaan hai aap acting ki..@BeingSalmanKhan love to see u produce these movies of hindi cinema  Rajat Kumar Singh (@rajatsinghrab) January 7, 2021

4. People are also thanking Salman Khan for giving a chance to Pankaj as the lead actor and producing the movie.

#Kaagaz 

Best Family Entertainer Movie of this year.@TripathiiPankaj you're the best@satishkaushik2 you're just superb

Songs too

Full Paisa Vasool Dhamakedar Film

Thanks #SalmanKhan for producing this Blockbuster Film@SKFilmsOfficial @ZEE5Premium #Kaagazreview pic.twitter.com/Bg6sZmn8OU  Aayush Salman Trends  (@ibeingaayushh) January 6, 2021

5. People have also nominated Pankaj Tripathi for National Awards for his performance.

@TripathiiPankaj Bhai national award banta hai!!! What movie sir #Kaagaz luv u.  Prof AMIT PANDEY (@ProfAMITPANDEY1) January 7, 2021

Have you watched it yet? Let us know in the comments section below.
A former Philadelphia police officer will spend at least 14 years in prison for possession and distribution of sexual images of children.

James Strohm, 49, of Philadelphia, was a 20-year veteran of the citys police department before he was arrested on federal possession and distribution of child pornography charges, according to the Department of Justice.

Strohms sentence includes at least 14 years in prison, 20 years of supervised release and he was ordered to pay $79,000 in restitution along with $27,000 in special assessments.

The investigation into Strohm stemmed from a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children from a gaming and social networking application for an account fungirl12321.

The account contained thousands of images depicting child pornography, the DOJ said. A phone number and IP address connected to the account were associated with Strohm.

Investigators determined that Strohm was viewing, downloading and distributing child pornography at various times, including during hours when he was on duty as a police officer, the DOJ said.

Strohm pleaded guilty to the charges in July of 2019.

The defendant abused his position of power and trust by distributing images involving the sexual exploitation of children, some as young as infants, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Williams said. James Strohm not only committed these crimes from his home, but also, abhorrently, while on duty as a police officer. He will now spend years behind bars where he will be unable to exploit the suffering of children any longer.

Special Agent in Charge Michael Driscoll, of the FBIs Philadelphia Division, also emphasized the abuse of power Strohm displayed when viewing these materials while acting as an officer.

He violated his sworn oath and broke the law in a particularly disturbing way. Todays sentencing sends a message that, no matter who you are, if youre perpetuating the exploitation of children by seeking and trading this horrific content, the FBI will step in, put a stop to it, and see you brought to justice.

Read more on PennLive:
CINCINNATI, Ohio  A man receiving a shave at a barber shop on his birthday was shot and killed as he sat in the barbers chair, reports say.

Jahman Akins, 28, was arrested Wednesday for the deadly shooting of Kevin Suttles, 38, on Tuesday, Fox 19 reports. Akins is being held in the Hamilton County Jail on a $1 million bond on a murder charge, Local 12 reports.

According to WLWT Channel 5, Suttles was inside the barber shop receiving a shave Tuesday morning. Assistant Hamilton County prosecutor David Wood tells WLWT that Akins walked into the shop and executed Suttles in his chair.

Akins was arrested later Tuesday at a hospital after he also suffered a gunshot wound, reports say. Wood tells WLWT that Akins was shot by another person as he ran from the barber shop.

Witnesses reportedly identified Akins as the gunman who killed Suttles, but he denied being involved in the shooting, according to WLWT.

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Many mutual funds (MFs) were on a money-raising spree in 2020. And they did so by rolling out new schemes. According to ACE MF, 50 equity new fund offers (NFOs) were launched. With the S&P BSE Sensex rising 84 percent between March and December of 2020, fund houses have been keen to capitalize on the rally. And what better way to attract investors than a new and exciting theme we hadnt heard of before?

Small wonder then that of all these NFOs, 11 were thematic funds. Seven fund of funds were also rolled out, two of them are international schemes. And to keep costs low, 16 index funds and ETFs were launched as well.

The Securities and Exchange Board of Indias (SEBI) 2018 rule allows just one scheme in each category. So, fund houses have now taken to rolling out multiple ETFs and thematic funds. Will investors benefit or have fund houses gone back to gathering assets at any cost?

Investing in new areas

Some fund houses are focusing on offering new strategies to invest in sectors and companies through their thematic schemes. As markets mature, ETFs are being offered in themes that were earlier difficult or tricky to be mapped passively.

For instance, while most mutual funds have launched actively managed schemes around ESG, Mirae Asset ESG Sector Leaders Fund decided to choose the passive investing path. Edelweiss MSCI India Domestic & World Healthcare 45 Index Fund invests in both domestic and global healthcare stocks. Nippon India Passive Flexicap Fund decided to offer a multi-cap portfolio using passive products based on market wisdom.

Many NFOs unveiled in the last one year are designed by keeping in mind investors future needs, says Swarup Mohanty, CEO, Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India). Innovative products are being rolled out on the ETF side and fund houses are working on investment solutions catering to specific needs of investors using passively managed equity funds, he adds.

Since millennials find it convenient to transact through stock exchanges, fund houses see ETFs as an opportunity to bring in first-time and cost-conscious investors through ETFs. Many investors cannot decide whether to invest in large, mid or small-cap funds. If the fund manager does this through fund of funds, then investors might find that convenient, says Joydeep Sen, corporate trainer (debt markets). Fund of funds allocating money to low-cost exchange traded funds makes sense, given the overall low costs compared to actively managed funds, he adds.

Problem of plenty

As more fund houses join the NFO bandwagon in the name of differentiation, it could lead to a crowd of schemes. Sifting through them might be challenging for the lay investor. Too many mutual fund schemes will add to investors confusion, says G Pradeepkumar, CEO, Union Mutual Fund.

Consider the banking sector. If you wish to avoid fund managers risk and invest in a passive fund, do you choose, say, Nippon India ETF Bank BeES Or Kotak PSU Bank ETF? Or, should you choose private-sector banks and pick, say, the ICICI Prudential Private Banks ETF. And, there is a large list of actively managed banking and financial services funds, too.

Besides, in thematic and sector funds, you have to get both the entry and exit right. Many a time, themes are marketed using their recent performance.

Sector funds should only be launched with a clearly defined built-in mechanism for booking profits, says Pradeepkumar. Though many times investors are told when to enter a sector, rarely do fund houses advise investors to actually get out of that fund. This sours investors experience in sector funds and narrowly-defined theme funds, he adds.

Why thematic funds should not be your first choice

Its easy to get swayed by themes based on their recent performance. The reality is that Many themes are sub-sets of the stock universe of diversified equity funds. Average investors are better off with diversified equity funds, says Nitin Shanbhag, head-investment products, Motilal Oswal Private Wealth Management. For example, the star performer of CY2020  the healthcare segment  is present in almost all diversified portfolios. Investments of diversified equity funds in healthcare and software stocks have gone up considerably over the last one year.

Also, applying the ESG criteria may be a preferred way to invest. Many fund houses are incorporating the ESG way investing in companies. If sustainable investing is a way of ensuring higher-than-market returns, then dont you think a fund manager will be applying the ESG norms to a diversified equity fund which may not talk about ESG investing, asks a fund manager requesting anonymity.

Avoid thematic funds for your first, second or even your third investment vehicle. Consider them only if your portfolio needs any further diversification. If you do not find an existing alternative, you may consider a thematic fund.
Nearly 4.5million leaseholders in England will be tens of thousands of pounds better off as a result of laws to be unveiled today by the Housing Secretary.

Robert Jenrick said his attempt to make it cheaper and simpler for leaseholders to buy their properties is the biggest property law reform since Margaret Thatchers right-to-buy revolution in the 1980s.

Ground rents will be scrapped for millions with a new right to extend leases to 990 years. They will also be reduced to zero on all new retirement homes.

The Government said the changes could save households from thousands to tens of thousands of pounds.

Mr Jenrick will also pledge to boost moves to allow residents of flats to take charge of running their blocks, freeing them from sky-high maintenance charges by landlords accused of ripping off leaseholders.

Andrea and Roi Millward, pictured with their children Isaac and Fienna, could have to pay 12,000 for the freehold of their home after struggling to sell due to leasehold conditions

He wants to increase the number of commonhold agreements, a little-known form of ownership that allows residents of apartment blocks to maintain it themselves or employ a maintenance firm to do it.

It would mean that if the company fails to do the job properly, the residents could sack them.

FAMILY'S 12,000 COST OF FREEDOM Andrea Millward could have to pay 12,000 for the freehold of her home after trying to sell it for three years. The 39-year-old bought the three-bedroom house in Prescot, near Liverpool, for 153,000 with her husband Roi, 33, in 2011. They initially paid 295 a year in ground rent but they claimed they were not told this would double every ten years. And Mrs Millward says mortgage companies refused to lend to potential buyers due to the condition. The building firm finally changed the terms last year  but they have still not been able to sell. And five months ago their third child was born. Mrs Millward said it was a horrendous situation as they needed to sell and move into a bigger home. They decided to buy their freehold with other leaseholders but it will cost them between 8,000 and 12,000, depending on how many homeowners join. Advertisement

Leaseholders groups welcomed Mr Jenricks anti rip-off landlords charter and warned him not to let powerful landlords block it.

The announcement is intended to start the phasing out of leaseholds, the origins of which date back to William the Conqueror.

Mr Jenricks announcement comes after a Daily Mail campaign to end toxic leaseholds used by developers of new housing estates to force owners to pay soaring costs.

It has been claimed that 100,000 families cannot sell their homes because their contracts are so unfair.

Mr Jenrick said the Grenfell Tower disaster, in which 72 people died in an blaze in London in 2017, highlighted the need for reform.

Writing in todays Daily Mail, he says: The Grenfell Inquiry has laid bare some of the astonishingly brazen behaviour of developers and managing agents in cutting corners and putting residents at risk.

This is a corporate scandal. We are  and will continue  holding them accountable.

The Government is working at pace to develop further financial solutions to protect leaseholders from unaffordable costs.

The scandalous pitfalls of leasehold are being banished by this Government, and we are putting fairness back at the heart of the housing system.

There have been a series of botched attempts to reform leasehold laws in the last 50 years.

Some landlords have sold on freeholds to third parties who only allow homeowners to buy them out for exorbitant fees.

Some leaseholders have had to pay huge sums for permission just to add a conservatory to their house.

The Millwards initially paid 295 a year in ground rent for their home near Liverpool but they claimed they were not told this would double every ten years. The condition has meant some mortgage companies have refused to lend to potential buyers because of the condition

A Law Commission report said last year the medieval leasehold system was not working.

It was time to end high, escalating and onerous ground rents, excessive service charges and profiteering by developers, the report said.

The commonhold system had been used successfully by other countries, the Commission added.

Mr Jenrick will set up a Commonhold Council of experts to decide how such an agreement would work, such as if there are freehold and leasehold residents in the same apartment block.

When the new law is introduced, leaseholders will be able to work out the cost of their premium  the payment to the landlord for purchasing the freehold or extending the lease  via an online calculator.

At present it can cost tens of thousands of pounds to extend when a lease has less than 80 years to run.

Katie Kendrick, of the National Leasehold Campaign, warned against giving landlords too much say in the commonhold plans.

We cannot trust those who created this scandal to be part of the solution, she said.

This will put an end to the rip-off charges that soured the dream of home ownership

By Robert Jenrick MP, Housing Secretary

For many Daily Mail readers, owning a home of your own is hugely important. Its an aspiration every Conservative government has sought to realise for as many people as possible.

But, for those who have bought a property with a lease imposing crippling ground rents, additional fees, and onerous conditions, the dream of home ownership has been soured.

Thats why, today, the Government is announcing the biggest change to how we own homes for generations  an end to the unfair practices and legal loopholes which have dogged the leasehold market.

In all this we will be guided by the simple insight that most of us aspire to be homeowners, in the truest sense of the phrase  owners not leaseholders.

Instead of only being able to extend your lease for 50 or 90 years, both leasehold house and flat owners will now benefit from a standard lease extension of 990 years or ownership into the year 3000!

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick (pictured) says the changes will put an end to 'reprehensible behaviour' by developers that has ruined the dream of owning a house for millions of people

Importantly, these extensions will also be at zero ground rents, ending the reprehensible behaviour of developers sometimes doubling or even tripling these charges within just a few years.

Millions of eligible homeowners will be able to buy their freeholds at a lower price than what they currently pay landlords.

There will be a simple formula where the amount attributed to ground rents in the calculation will be capped.

Q&A: What is leasehold and what are the related problems? What is leasehold? When a property is sold as leasehold, the buyer owns only the house, not the land. The freeholder retains the lease, meaning the buyer has to pay ground rent, and has to ask for consent before making changes to the property. What are the problems? Leasehold owners mostly used to be flat dwellers who paid a small ground rent, sometimes as little as 1 a year. That changed when developers started to sell houses with leasehold contracts. Many set the ground rent at 200 to 400 each year, doubling every ten years. The freehold can also be sold to a third party, who can increase the costs to make a profit. Why dont they sell? Many find their homes are almost unsellable because some lenders wont grant mortgages against homes with excessive ground rent clauses. Prospective buyers may also be turned off by conveyancing solicitors. So what is the Government doing? Ministers want to make it easier for 4.5 million leaseholders in England to buy their freeholds. They say the changes will mean the cost of buying a freehold or extending a lease to 990 years will fall by a third. Some could save up to 9,000. There will be a cap on how much leaseholders will pay to extend their lease or buy the freehold. No ground rent will be payable once the freehold is purchased or lease extended. What about commonhold? The Government is establishing a Commonhold Council, a partnership of leasehold groups, industry and Government  to prepare for a wholesale switch to commonhold ownership. This allows residents in a building to own the freehold of their individual flat and appoint someone to manage shared areas. Advertisement

Were also scrapping the complex and opaque process for leaseholders looking to buy their freehold or extend their lease  abolishing prohibitive and arcane costs like marriage value and prescribing fair rates in a new, straightforward calculation which will cut the cost of extending a lease or buying the freehold and potentially saving leaseholders thousands of pounds.

Leaseholders will be able to log on to an online calculator  further simplifying this process and breaking down barriers for homeowners across England.

Weve already committed to ending ground rents in many new leases and, today, we are announcing this will be extended to include all new flats in the retirement sector as well. If any group deserve protection from rip-off practices it is surely the elderly.

Across leasehold, some practices have, quite literally, been indefensible. Ordinary family houses have been sold as leasehold for no reason bar eking out a bit more profit for developers.

Absurd charges have been levied for simple day-to-day things like putting up a satellite dish or building a conservatory.

The changes we are bringing about will make the leasehold system fairer, cheaper and simpler.

We will be legislating to bring these about, first fulfilling our commitment to abolish ground rents this year and then taking forward widespread reform.

Leasehold reform is a complex issue, as demonstrated by the fact that successive post-War governments have wrestled with it.

Harold Wilsons government enabled a limited right to extend a lease and/or acquire a freehold, while Margaret Thatcher gave the right to first refusal where landlords wished to sell.

John Major then oversaw the most radical reform, enabling leases to be extended for an additional 90 years and a clear right to buy the freehold, after a battle with vested interests.

And Tony Blair provided an alternative tenure to leasehold, Commonhold in 2002 (freehold ownership of flats with joint responsibility for the common parts), but poor legal drafting and even worse promotion meant it hasnt gained traction yet.

None succeeded in settling the issue or wholly countering the criticisms.

The Law Commission has recognised the advantages of Commonhold, and we now need a bold effort to make this tenure more widespread and work through the practicalities with great care.

Thats why Im establishing a Commonhold Council, a partnership of leasehold groups, industry and government to do just that.

The announcement we are making today is a giant stride forward in the long history of English property rights.

The scandalous pitfalls of leasehold are being banished by this government, and we are putting fairness back at the heart of the housing system.

And as we focus on fairness, we know The Grenfell Inquiry has laid bare some of the astonishingly brazen behaviour of developers and managing agents in cutting corners and putting residents at risk.

This is a corporate scandal. We are  and will continue  to hold them accountable.

The Government is working at pace to develop further financial solutions to protect leaseholders from unaffordable costs.

We will always put the interests of leaseholders first. This is a massive and immensely complex challenge.

We understand the importance of getting this right and fighting for homeowners so they can move on with their lives with renewed hope, in safety and security.
BENZIE AND LEELNAU COUNTY - The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is reporting three new cases of COVID-19 reported in Benzie County and seven new cases of COVID-19 reported in Leelanau County.

Today, Gov. Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced starting Jan. 11th, residents in Phase 1B are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. MDHHS announced changes to who is eligible for Phase 1B and now includes individuals 65 years and older and some frontline workers (school and childcare staff, frontline responders (County, state, and federal levels), and staff in jails, prisons, and shelters). Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has created an aging hotline to help assistant older adults inquiring about when/where for COVID-19 vaccine information, individuals can call 231-715-5557.

This will not change the departments COVID-19 Vaccine process, and teh department will contact individuals and release information when it has the vaccine available and ready to schedule the next phase. The vaccine clinics are appointment-only and are scheduled at specific times. They are not open to walk-ins due to the need to plan carefully for allocated vaccine doses and to maintain safety precautions such as social distancing.

The department asks that people do not call the health department requesting an appointment. There is an electronic form available at www.bldhd.org for those in 1B to allow to begin collecting information from those interested in receiving the vaccine. As soon as the department is ready to schedule Phase 1B appointments the department will share this information widely as they are excited to continue administering COVID-19 vaccines.

The department is asking residents to monitor its daily updates and website for news on our status with these phased vaccinations.

Our clinic appointments are currently scheduled with healthcare workers and we will expand as quickly as possible," said Lisa Peacock, health officer. "As we receive additional allocations of vaccine, we will continually open more clinic appointments. We are also working closely with our hospital and provider partners to ensure a smooth and efficient process. The COVID-19 vaccine process is rapidly changing, and we understand everyone is eager to get the vaccine. We are not currently scheduling Phase 1B but are collecting information through our website and have plans to start in the near future. Please be patient and we will update everyone regularly.

As the department's weekly vaccination clinics grow, it knows that community members may be interested in volunteering to support our clinics and other health department needs. If somebody feels they are able to help as a volunteer for any health department activities, register with the MI Volunteer registry and fill out the department's volunteer survey for potential volunteer opportunities in the communities.

As of 4 p.m. the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is reporting:

 Total COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie 707, Leelanau 672

 Active COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie 158, Leelanau 154

 Recovered COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Benzie 521, Leelanau 510

 Confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the following counties: Benzie  28, Leelanau 8

 Hospitalized: 98 total; 6 current

The State of Michigan has reported 508,736 cases and 12,918 deaths.
Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

There have been talks in the past about public schools administering State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness assessments online, and education officials are now looking to assist with the successful transition by 2022.

In a Texas Education Agency report released on Monday, a one-time investment of about $4 million to improve internet connectivity and an annual amount of $13.4 million more for extra bandwidth and staff training would help in getting all students  with the exception of those who may need paper tests  prepared for digital STAAR tests for the 2022-2023 school year.
A portion of the Capitol in Washington is overrun Wednesday. The author says that, surprisingly, the scary brush with anarchy that unfolded in the nation's capital has produced something that four years of a divisive presidency could not: consensus.
Kolkata, Jan 7 : "I am absolutely fine", said former India captain and current BCCI president Sourav Ganguly after getting discharged from the Woodlands Hospital here on Thursday morning.

Ganguly had suffered a mild cardiac arrest during a workout session in his Behala residence on January 2. He was then moved to the Woodlands Hospital that day itself where he underwent angioplasty. The 48-year-old had three blocked coronary arteries and a stent was inserted in one to remove the blockage.

"I thank the doctors at the hospital for the treatment. I am absolutely fine. Hopefully I will be ready to fly soon," Ganguly said after getting discharged.

He also thanked his childhood friend Joydeep for being there for him in the difficult phase of life.

"What you have done for me in the last five days is something I will remember for life...have known you for 40 years now and its gone beyond just family," Ganguly said in an Instagram post.

A nine-member medical team was formed at the hospital to look after the former India captain.

"Treating doctors will be keeping constant vigil on his health situation and taking appropriate measures from time to time at home," the hospital said in their Thursday morning bulletin.

During his stay at the hospital, the BCCI chief was visited by various political leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had also called upon Ganguly and inquired about his health.
Hazel Jones Adams, affectionately known as Aunt Hazel, 102, passed away on December 27, 2020, in Chattanooga.

Mrs. Adams was born on Feb. 23, 1918 in Kensington, Ga. to the late Ivory and Lillian Jones, Sr. She was educated in the Historical Pleasant Grove School in Kensington, Ga. and the Chattanooga Public School System.



Hazel was baptized at an early age at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Kensington, Ga. and was actively involved in church where she participated in the Baptist Training Union and Sunshine Band.

Her faith never wavered. Upon returning from Ohio, she joined Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church. She was a dedicated member attending all services of the church even until her health failed her. She was still driving to church until age 95. She was the oldest member of Union Hill, a member of the Someone to Care Ministry and faithfully attended Sunday School.

She moved to Ohio and in 1966 she returned to Chattanooga and was employed at the Orange Grove Center. She retired after 23 years of service.

After retirement, she volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Foster Grandparent Program and provided nurturing to area daycare children. She was the oldest participant and actively involved with the Avondale Center Senior Program where she enjoyed pottery, bingo, monthly lunch outings and other activities.

Aunt Hazel, as she is affectionately called by her many nieces and nephews, loved flowers and received the Avondale Neighborhood Beautification Award for her yard. She worked in her yard until age 102.

She was independent and lived alone until August 2020. She read the newspaper and kept her mind sharp by working crossword puzzles daily.

The oldest of nine children, she was one of seven sisters and was very close her entire life. Daily conversations with her sisters and brother started the day and ended her night right up to the age of 102.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and Ivory Jones, Sr.; and siblings, Lorena Burse, Forrest Wilson, Harling Jones, Sr. , Myrtle Horton.

She leaves to cherish her memories three sisters, Mamie Mathis, Roberta Dews, both of Chickamauga, Ga., and Mary Lizzy Clemons, Reminderville, Oh.; one brother, Ivory (Mildred) Jones, Jr., Lylerly, Ga.; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and other relatives; and many other relatives and friends.






The national gas sector, which has undergone dramatic change in recent years, not only withstood the onslaught of the 2020 crisis, but also laid the foundation for future development. What can Ukrainians expect from the year 2021?

The year 2020 will go down in history as one of the most difficult ones. For Ukraine, the year has become a test for the reform that the country has been carrying out since 2014.

Today, we can say with confidence that the national gas sector, which has undergone dramatic change in recent years, has not only withstood the onslaught of the coronavirus crisis, but has also laid a solid foundation for future long-term development.

The most important event of the past year for our country was the launch of a competitive gas market for the population on August 1. From that day on, the gas price for household consumers is not set by the government, as it was before, but is formed based on the balance of supply and demand.

In a market economy, everyone benefits from competition. Consumers get better and less expensive services and products. The economy, instead of having a single monopoly company appointed by the government, sees hundreds of enterprises competing in different market segments in different regions of and don't require billions of dollars in subsidies from the state budget.

Honest businesses also win. After all, having received equal access to the market, they also have the opportunity to make money for own development.

The only losers are corrupt officials and unscrupulous businessmen, for whom a free, competitive market is an obvious threat.

Therefore, its launch was constantly postponed, but when the market actually started working in August 2020, no projected disaster happened. Moreover, six months into its launch, it is difficult to imagine how it could have worked any other way.

Indeed, things went not without some difficulties. Due to the long lack of reforms in the Ukrainian energy market, a lot of problems have accumulated. The most acute of these is the multibillion-dollar debt of market players to each other.

According to National Joint Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine, at the end of December 2020, the total debt to the state company for the gas supplied amounted to more than UAH 75 billion.

The solution to this problem will become one of the main challenges of 2021. After all, more than half of this amount is owed by heat and power plants and thermal power plants who buy gas for the generation of thermal energy.

For these enterprises, the free market should start operating from May 1, 2021. If the debt hole is not patched, then the next heating season will be in jeopardy.

Price swings

The past year will also be remembered for the extreme surges in natural gas prices. While in the summer the gas price reached record lows due to a drop in consumption and a decrease in economic activity in the leading economies, caused by the coronavirus pandemic, in December prices almost doubled, which caused natural discontent among the population.

The gas market in Europe is seasonal. Prices fall after the end of the heating season, reaching minimum values in summer and starting to rise again with the arrival of cold.

At the same time, thanks to the launch of a free market, Ukrainians were able to save on these price swings.

So, for example, Gas Supply Company Naftogaz of Ukraine in August 2020 offered household consumers two tariff plans: an annual gas supply contract with a fixed price of UAH 4.73 per cubic meter, as well as a monthly one, where the price of gas changes monthly, and, which in August was UAH 3.24 per cubic meter, and by December had already jumped to UAH 6.3.

That is, a client of Naftogaz who consumes in large volumes, which also increase with the arrival of cold weather, could pay in December 2020, UAH 4.7 per cubic meter instead of UAH 6.3.

With the development of competition and amid more market experience acquired, more and more such offers will be coming from a larger number of companies, which will allow consumers to select the most advantageous offer. In addition, the procedure for changing a supplier has been simplified as much as possible, which allows citizens changing their gas supplying companies annually, and maybe even more often.

Before August 2020, household consumers did not have such opportunities.

At the same time, many residents of the country are unaware of these new opportunities, which is a real failure of the government's promotion policy, which should be substantially adjusted in the coming year.

It got to the point that in December, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and then President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Ukrainians to choose the state holding Naftogaz of Ukraine as their natural gas supplier because of the lower price it offered.

"Naftogaz will offer the lowest prices on the market. Also, it will fight to reduce the price, despite the market situation. We have COVID-19, and people need help," the head of state said.

At the same time, already in January 2020, the gas price for the households will increase by 11-20%. The growth is also expected to prevail during the first half of the year, due to increased demand in Europe amid the easing of restrictive measures and economic recovery. A periodic drop in air temperature during the remaining winter months can also spur the rise in prices.

In addition, since January 1, the Ukrainians will see the increase in gas distribution tariffs. Tariffs were increased for over 40 distributors. For some, the cost almost doubled.

Thus, the lowest tariff for gas distribution will be paid by the consumers of Kyivgaz (31 kopiykas per cubic meter) and the highest  by the customers of Gazovik (UAH 2.55 per cubic meter).

New horizons for own gas output

By achieving complete energy independence from imports, Ukraine could also significantly reduce the energy expenses of households and businesses.

Ukraine annually produces about 20 billion cubic meters of gas with a consumption of about 30 billion cubic meters.

For all three decades of independence, the country was faced with the task of increasing output and reducing gas consumption, since the gap has to be imported, which affects the price for end consumers, and also makes Ukraine dependent on exporters.

However, no tangible results have been achieved in this direction. 2020 was no exception, in which, according to the government concept for the development of the gas industry, approved back in 2016, production should have increased to 27 billion cubic meters, and consumption should have dropped to the same level.

At the end of last year, gas production in Ukraine remained at 20 billion cubic meters, and consumption  at 30 bcm. And this was despite the crisis and tens of billions of hryvnia worth of investments.

At the same time, it was last year that the foundation was laid, which should give an impetus to the development of gas production in the country for the next decade.

In early December, the Cabinet of Ministers allowed the state-owned company Naftogaz of Ukraine to obtain the right to develop the Yuzivska oil and gas bearing field located in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions  the largest shale gas field in the country, whose resources are estimated at 3 trillion cubic meters, while the baseline scenario of annual production stands at about 10 billion cubic meters.

In addition, in late November, the government also transferred to this state-owned energy holding the right to explore and produce oil and gas on the Ukrainian part of the Black Sea shelf, where gas resources are projected at 1-2 trillion cubic meters.

The implementation of these two projects will allow Ukraine to completely abandon gas imports.

However, to this end, it is necessary to resolve a number of problems that the country is yet to face.

For large-scale production at the Yuzivska field, Naftogaz needs to find a technological solution that will make commercial production of shale gas in Ukraine economically viable.

For the active development of the shelf, Ukraine must ensure security of its water area from possible Russian aggression.

Moreover, the implementation of these two projects will require, besides modern technologies, billions of dollars in investment.

Ukraine will have to attract international oil and gas corporations, which will look with apprehension at the unreformed judicial system and wait for the fight against corruption to intensify and guarantees for their investments.

These are the challenges that the country must address in the coming years.

Transit wars

Another important development of the past year was the decline in gas transit via Ukraine. Some 55.8 billion cubic meters was supplied from Russia to Europe via the Ukrainian gas transmission system, which is 38% down on year.

The largest volumes were delivered to the Slovak route  some 38.5 billion cubic meters, and 9.6 bcm  to Hungary.

3.8 billion cubic meters was supplied to Poland, 3 bcm  to Moldova, and 0.9 bcm  to Romania.

The key factor behind the decline in supplies was the launch of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline bypassing Ukraine, as well as a drop in gas demand in the European Union.

It is worth noting that the Russian Gazprom paid Ukraine for transmission services, based on the volume stipulated by the transit contract  at 65 billion cubic meters, despite the fact that the actual volumes of supplies were significantly lower.

This year, the contract provides for a significant reduction in transit through Ukraine  down to 40 billion cubic meters.

However, given the fact that Russia has difficulties in launching other bypass gas pipes, while the demand for gas may increase in Europe, Gazprom will have to pump volumes exceeding contracted ones through the Ukrainian GTS, which will cost the Russian monopoly a pretty penny.

Ukraine's gas storage facilities for European traders

A landmark event of the past year was also the record volumes of gas stored in Ukrainian storage facilities. With a capacity of over 30 billion cubic meters, more than 28 bcm was pumped in at the start of the heating season.

For the first time in many years, gas storage facilities were filled to more than 90%, while in the previous 10 years this figure fluctuated between 50% and 80%.

At the same time, for the first time a significant amount  about 10 billion, owned by foreign companies, was stored it in the "customs warehouse" mode.

This regime, which the operator of Ukrainian storage facilities Ukrtransgaz introduced back in 2017, allows traders to store gas in Ukrainian storage facilities for more than 1,000 days without paying taxes and customs duties. At the same time, companies pay the storage tariff in full.

In the end, it was a win-win for everyone. Ukraine, finally, was able to effectively manage its largest storage facilities on the continent, while foreign traders discovered a profitable business model: pumping gas into Ukrainian storage facilities while the price is low, and exporting to the EU at price peaks.

An important factor that played into the hands of Ukraine was a significant drop in gas demand across Europe in 2020. At the same time, the supply remained at the level of previous years, as if there was no crisis.

Traders, taken aback by such a turn of fate, didn't know what to do with billions of cubic meters of gas, which suddenly became useless until they focused on the Ukrainian underground storage facilities, in which they could store their gas until better times, for reasonable money.

Indeed, the country has offered foreign companies both an interesting product in the form of a "customs warehouse" regime and an attractive tariff, which is lower than in neighboring countries. However, without the reform carried out in the gas sector in recent years, it would have been impossible to achieve such results.

Thus, Ukraine was able to embrace the opportunities that the global coronavirus crisis offered.

This illustrative example demonstrates that, despite criticism coming from all sides, the country is on the right path.

These are market reforms that allow Ukraine not only to get through the global economic crises much easier than before, but also to achieve results in such difficult times, which previously seemed impossible.

Ihor Orel

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Explained: With US Capitol storming, can Donald Trump be removed before his term ends on January 20?

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Washington, Jan 07: Amid the US Capitol storming by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, several Congressional Democrats are on a move to remove him from office before President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in on January 20.

US: 4 dead after hundreds of Trump supporters storm US capitol, explosives seized | Oneindia News

The chaotic scenes here unfolded after Republican Trump, who has refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power, addressed thousands of protesters and repeated unfounded claims that the election was stolen from him.

Facebook, Twitter lock Donald Trump's account in confrontation over US Capitol breach posts

However, there are two ways to remove a president from office: Impeachment and the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution. In either scenario, Vice President Mike Pence would take over until Biden's inauguration.

Can Donald Trump be impeached?

Yes. However, a misconception about "impeachment" is that it refers to the removal of a president from office. In fact, impeachment refers only to the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress, bringing charges that a president engaged in a "high crime or misdemeanor" - similar to an indictment in a criminal case.

If a simple majority of the House's 435 members approves bringing charges, known as "articles of impeachment," the process moves to the Senate, the upper chamber, which holds a trial to determine the president's guilt.

Orderly, peaceful transfer of power must continue says PM Modi after US violence

Earlier, the former US president was impeached by the Democratic-led US House in December 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress stemming from his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Joe and Hunter Biden.

How long would it take for a president be impeached?

Frank Bowman, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Missouri, said Trump "arguably fomented sedition," or an attempted overthrowing of the US government.

Bowman also said that it could be done in a day, adding that the House and Senate have wide latitude to set impeachment rules as they see fit.

"They could decide to impeach him tomorrow by noon and walk it over the Capitol rotunda to the Senate and make a rule to start a trial tomorrow afternoon," Bowman said.

US Capitol violence: World leaders express disappointment over the chaos

What is the 25th Amendment?

The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967 and adopted in the wake of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, deals with presidential succession and disability.

Section 4, which has gotten the most attention during Trump's presidency, addresses situations where a president is unable to do the job but does not step down voluntarily.

For this to happen, Pence and the majority of Trump's Cabinet would need to declare Trump unable to perform the duties of the presidency and remove him.

SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Internationally renowned vaping brand, Vaporesso, is committed to giving back to the growing number of needy people around the world as part of its Vaporesso CARE program. Through this initiative, on Christmas Eve 2020, 17 participating vape shops around France helped to distribute relief supplies of food to their local communities. With more to come in the new year, these supplies are intended to help support needy people affected by the fallout of COVID-19.

As Vaporesso grows in size and influence as an international brand, its capacity to influence positive change around the world expands. This growing ability contrasted with the COVID-19 outbreak resulted in the company ramping up corporate social responsibility initiatives throughout 2020. Through a global network of international partners, Vaporesso has been donating time, money, and energy to giving.

In France, Vaporesso CARE specifically chose the Christmas holiday as a time to give back. With COVID-19 still raging throughout the country and much of the rest of the world, many people were unable to spend time with their loved ones during the festive season. This, coupled with financial pressures meant that many people were in desperate need of support. Understanding this, Vaporesso CARE connected with local vape shops to give away free supplies, helping needy people throughout the holiday season. The food supplies have also been donated to a number of charity organizations with the intention of giving to an even wider range of people with the whole event receiving praise from a number of local media outlets such as OUEST FRANCE, LE COURRIER INDEPENDANT and the municipality of Rives-en-Seine.

Regarding the distribution of relief supplies through French vape shops, Vaporesso Global Marketing Director, Niki Zhang, said "At Vaporesso, we take being a positive corporate citizen very seriously. Doing what we can to give back to the community is part of our global mission to make the world a better place."



The Vaporesso CARE program is dedicated to charity and positive action projects. Initially put together to help international partners cope with the pandemic, it has since grown to represent much more than the fight against COVID-19. Vaporesso CARE is now dedicated to supporting communities around the world through working together with local vape shops and institutions and is set to continue to grow into the future.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1395549/1.jpg


HAMPTON TWP, MI  Police are investigating a hit-and-run in Bay County that has left a man hospitalized.

The collision occurred at 5:42 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, near the intersection of Ridge Road and Pine Road in Hampton Township. A 22-year-old man had been walking west on the northside of Ridge Road when a westbound vehicle struck him from behind, police said.

The striking vehicle continued west on Ridge Road before turning north onto Pine Road, police said.

The pedestrian suffered severe injuries and was taken to Ascension St. Marys Hospital in Saginaw. The victim had only recently moved to Hampton Township, police added.

Witnesses described the striking vehicle as a possibly dark-colored SUV. It may have sustained damage to its front passenger side, police said.

Police said they are checking surveillance cameras of area businesses in hopes of getting footage of the incident.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to call the Hampton Township Public Safety Department at 989-892-0571.

Read more:

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The year has started on a sad note for the fashion industry as the legendary designer and fashion pioneer Satya Paul passed away at the of 79 on January 7. The designer had been recovering from a stroke suffered in December 2020.

At the time of his death, Paul was residing at Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore. It had been his home since 2015. After his initial days in the hospital (after the stroke), he was shifted to the centre where he longed to be. It is reported that he passed away in peace.

The designer was famous for his sarees which were mostly designed around indigenous prints, bold geometric patterns, and a riot of colours. His company is synonymous with bold and innovative designs. The three-decade-old company was run by his son for a while in the early 2000s.

He was very influenced by spirituality. His son, Puneet Nanda, posted a long message on Facebook about his father's search for peace earlier today. He began by telling people about the cause of death (stroke and subsequent health problems). He added that there is little sadness, but they are more occupied with rejoicing Paul's life than mourning his demise.

Nanda is also a volunteer at Isha and a follower of Sadhguru. The Isha Yoga Center was founded by Sadhguru. He posted a message on his Twitter account following the death wherein he called the late designer a shining example of living with unrelenting involvement and immeasurable passion.

#SatyaPaul, a shining example of what it means to live with immeasurable passion and unrelenting involvement. The distinct vision you brought to the Indian #fashion industry is a beautiful tribute to this. A privilege to have had you amongst us. Condolences & Blessings. -Sg pic.twitter.com/DNMZ0DXvOf  Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) January 7, 2021

The Satya Paul handle on Instagram posted artwork in tribute and posted, "He lived a life full of grace and left in the same spirit. We celebrate his passing as joyfully as we did his life."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Satya Paul (@satyapaulindia)

Noted filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar also expressed his condolences where he wished the best to the bereaved family.

Sad to hear demise of most influenced Fashion Designer @satyapaul sir. His immense contribution in the fashion industry will be always remembered, My heartfelt condolences to @puneetnanda and the family. #OmShanti   Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) January 7, 2021

MP Achyuta Samanta paid tribute to"India's iconic fashion designer". "#SatyaPaul's demise shall leave a void in Indian Fashion Industry. It's an end to an era. Condolences," read the post.

India's iconic fashion designer #SatyaPaul's demise shall leave a void in Indian Fashion Industry. It's an end to an era. Condolences. pic.twitter.com/CccN6ryxQo  Achyuta Samanta (@achyuta_samanta) January 7, 2021

Actress Kangana Raut extended her condolences on the social media platform.

Additionally, many admirers of the label expressed shock and sadness at the news on the microblogging website.
As men and women besieged the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Wednesday, a scene reminiscent of insurrection, a clutch of South Carolina officials pleaded for peace and demanded deescalation.

In separate messages, some of the state's top Republicans  Reps. Joe Wilson and Jeff Duncan, who together represent the greater Aiken County region; Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott; and Gov. Henry McMaster  urged the mob to stand down.

This protest, like all protests, should be peaceful, tweeted Wilson, whose district, the 2nd, includes all of Aiken County. I encourage todays protesters to follow Capitol Police guidelines.

Scott was far more forceful: The violence occurring at the United States Capitol right now is simply unacceptable, he tweeted, and I fully condemn it.

Graham described the assault as a national embarrassment and repugnant to democracy.

Those who made this attack on our government need to be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, the powerful Judiciary Committee chairman said.

It was unclear if anyone from Aiken County or the surrounding area traveled to Washington for the Save America Rally, which preceded the paroxysm and at which Rudy Giuliani  the presidents personal attorney  called for trial by combat.

Aiken County GOP Chairman Bob Brookshire on Wednesday afternoon said the hours of mayhem were regrettable and unhelpful to the cause.

To me, it looks like mainly Trump supporters; there could be a few bad actors in a crowd that big. But I dont think it was planned. I think it was spontaneous after the rally, Brookshire said in a brief interview. He continued: I dont like to see mobs take over something like that. I dont like that at all. But I havent seen anyone throw a rock or anyone throw a brick.

Aiken County Democratic Party Chairman Harold Crawford Jr. described the chaotic scenes  unfolding the same day Wilson and Duncan planned to contest the Nov. 3 presidential election results  as a travesty. Its acts of anarchy.

Words matter, Crawford said, alluding to President Donald Trump, who for weeks has aggressively questioned the legitimacy of the election. And also, who the words are coming from.

In a misinformation-laced video posted to Twitter, Trump ultimately asked for calm.

I know your pain. I know youre hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it, especially the other side, the outgoing president said. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace, we have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order.
Actress and TV Personality Joselyn Dumas has joined the many Ghanaian expressing their disgust in Ghanaian lawmakers fighting on national television.



Last night during the election for the new speaker of parliament and the inauguration of the eighth parliament, MP for TEMA East, Carlos Ahenkorah snatched ballot papers and it began a fight.



Videos of the disgraceful incident has gone viral with Carlos Ahenkorah trending number one on twitter.



It is at the back of this that Joselyn Dumas has reacted expressing her disappointment on how Ghanaian politicians have destroyed the respected image of the country.



Grown educated individuals with children, fighting! in one of the highest law-making space in our country. Ghana is highly revered for our respect for the seat of government, democratic system & impeccable composure in Parliament. I am soo disappointed! #7thTo8thParliament, she wrote.





Grown educated individuals with children, fighting! in one of the highest law-making space in our country.

Ghana  is highly revered for our respect for the seat of government, democratic system & impeccable composure in Parliament.

I am soo disappointed! #7thTo8thParliament



 JOSELYN DUMAS (@Joselyn_Dumas) January 7, 2021









Source: twitter/GC









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.

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United Way Names Davis as New COO

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - The United Way of Paducah-McCracken County announced Kelly Davis as their new Chief Operations Officer on Monday.Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Betsy Burkeen, said Davis will be in charge of improving overall operations, fundraising efforts, and efficiencies. She will also engage the community to build support for the mission of the United Way."I am extremely excited and humbled," Davis told West Kentucky Star.According to Davis, her first few days in the position have been a learning experience."Right now there's an overwhelming amount of information that I'm trying to wrap my mind around. I've worked in the Chamber as a non-profit but it's completely different than a service non-profit." Davis said, "It's been a really great week so far, but it's a lot of information."She previously worked as the Member Services Director for the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce. After joining the organization in 2015, she helped to establish and direct the Paducah Young Professionals, an organization with a mission to help connect, engage, and develop young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40.When asked if there was anything she wanted people to know about the United Way, Davis said the organization contributes to many different agencies throughout the community.She said, "When you give to the United Way, you are giving to multiple agencies throughout the community that do a variety of different things to assist our neighbors and friends. So it's not just one organization that you're helping, you're helping our entire community."Davis Graduated from Murray State University with a master's degree in journalism and an undergraduate degree in both Public Relation and Organizational Communications. She also serves as President-Elect for the Kiwanis Club of Paducah, committee chair for the American Cancer Society's Dancing with Our Stars event, and director of the Dancin' Divas, an adult dance troupe that benefits the mission of Norton Children's Hospital.

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Good Samaritan Hospital was picked to distribute the vaccine for Knox, Daviess, and Pike county health care workers. Around 2,000 workers received the vaccine. However, there are about 5,000 workers who are eligible.

With plenty of vaccines in the freezers, the health department is anxious to continue vaccinating the public. Last week the health department decided to give out the vaccine to some essential workers.

Dr. Alan Stewart says they are now setting up a clinic to give out the vaccine to the public. That clinic will be at Community Methodist Church. Stewart says they will continue to follow the state's mandates on distribution. He says he is anxious to get the vaccine out quickly.

Stewart says, "We are anxious to get the vaccine out. We need to get it out of the freezers. We need to get it into people. The more we can start vaccinating our community, we are going to see the number of cases, certainly, the number of deaths and the number of hospitalizations hopefully start going down."

The health department's clinic will open Monday, January 11.
The state was investigating how Mr. Hinch had contracted the virus. He had attended a handful of Republican events where most lawmakers were not wearing masks, but it was not clear how often he wore one. He did wear a mask at his swearing-in ceremony, which was held outdoors, but for part of the time the mask did not cover his nose.

A battle erupted in Concord, the capital, over who was to blame for his death. Gov. Chris Sununu lashed out at the Republican lawmakers who had ignored his order for all residents over the age of 5 to wear masks, saying they were making some ridiculous political point and acting like children.

Mr. Hinch, described by friends as unfailingly affable and optimistic, was starting his seventh term as a state representative. He had served as minority leader and majority leader but never as speaker.

Eager to get down to business, he wanted to reopen the statehouse and the legislative office building, which have largely been closed since March because of the pandemic.
With Eastern Punk style, new Ne Zha to hit cinema

By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-01-07 09:51

Chinas new animation movie Rebirth of Ne Zha is even more hotly anticipated following its pre-screening that took place in Shanghai on January 5.

The movie, which plans to hit the cinema during the Spring Festival starting from February 12, tells a story in a virtual world of Donghai City in modern China. The hero Li Yunxiang, who is the reincarnation of Ne Zha, is faced with an imminent battle with Ne Zhas foe Ye Cha.

In the movie, Li is a motorcycle enthusiast who lives in an urban area whose scenes are based on old Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s but also filled with industrial punk elements. In the fight scenes, metallic elements like steel armor, metal spines, iron arms, and mechanical masks are also eye-catching.

The movie is made by Light Chaser Animation, the same creator team of White Snake(2019). Different from the latters classic oriental style,Rebirth of Ne Zha is more futuristic from the setting to the visual effects.

Chinese style does not necessarily mean ancient China. Combining ancient Chinese mythology with modern elements and making innovation is also a kind of Chinese style we want to explore, said director Zhao Ji. As Zhao confides, it was a big challenge to mix motorcycle, punk, and traditional Chinese culture. Technically speaking, the film project was very difficult.Punk means complication. Rare animation films can mix such visual style and technique. I did not realize this until I did it myself.

After balancing Western aesthetics and Chinese elements, the film finally finds its unique style, which is called Eastern Punk by its arts director.



(Images from 1905.com)




Plans for the Canal Districts future involve Worcesters past.

Candlepin bowling will return to the city as developer Churchill James LLC plans to bring the sport back to the city that invented it, Thomas Keane, a partner with the company told MassLive.

Keane, along with partners Paul and Harry DiLeo last week purchased 89 Green St., the former Lucky Dog Music Hall. They also own 103 Green St. and 99 Green St. under contract, effectively controlling the block of the street from Gold Street to Plymouth Street.

Were excited to be a part of the growth, Keane said. I think theres a lot to come. [The Worcester Public Market], I think has been hugely successful. Its a great new building. Were just excited to rehab and build new down there. I hope a lot of people follow us.

Though plans arent completely finalized, Churchill James plans to reintroduce candlepin bowling to the city as well as a flatbread pizza restaurant. Keane also said the property will include housing as well.

Colonial Bowling Center on Mill Street closed in early 2020, leaving the city without candlepin bowling.

Candlepin bowling returns to New Englands second-largest city through Churchill James, which operates similar establishments in Boston and Maine. The Boston location has been closed due to the pandemic, but the alley in Maine remains open.

Worcesters resilient, Keane said. Its a great city. There werent many concerns about the pandemic. Its a long term project. [The pandemic] is a short term, hopefully were out of this in the spring or summer and we can get back to a new normal and continue the growth.

Keane said Churchill James hopes to finalize plans by the end of the year. Keane said the buildings arent in great shape and a lot of site work needs to be completed. With all the work ahead, Keane estimated a potential opening in late 2022.

That could change very, very quickly, Keane said.

The former Lucky Dog Music Hall will be transformed into a bowling alley and pizza restaurant with plans finalized this year and opening possible by the end of 2022.

Keane is originally from New Hampshire, but for his partners, Paul and Harry DiLeo, the project represents a bit of a homecoming. The brothers grew up in Millbury.

They were born and bred here, Keane said. Weve been in Worcester for a while now. They love the city.

The project represents only a fraction of the development within one of Worcesters most popular nightlife neighborhoods. Polar Park will open in April of 2021. Table Talk Pies is closing in on a deal with Boston Capital to sell its Kelley Square location. Boston Capital specializes in affordable housing.

While the ballpark remains on schedule, projects linked to Polar Park have been delayed. The hotel, which was originally scheduled to be a two-branch facility with 262 rooms will now operate under a single entity with 125 rooms, according to a Worcester Redevelopment Authority meeting last year.

Residential plans by the ballpark also include two housing buildings with about 350 units total.

We like whats going on. Theres a lot of businesses coming to Worcester, Keane said. The housing market has been great even in the pandemic and the ballpark is going to be a huge deal. Were super excited about it.

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DecisionDatabases added the latest report with a global perspective on the Concentrated Solar Power Systems Market studied under different segments, including type, application, and regions. The report is treated with size, trends, growth, share, and forecast till 2025. Besides, the research report studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall growth at the global level. This report also offers a lucrative area of the industry at the regional and country level.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Concentrated Solar Power Systems market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Concentrated Solar Power Systems Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-30226

According to this study, over the next five years, the Concentrated Solar Power Systems market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Concentrated Solar Power Systems business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Concentrated Solar Power Systems market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Concentrated Solar Power Systems market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Aalborg

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SENER

Soltigua

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Himin Solar

NEP Solar

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Sopogy

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This study considers the Concentrated Solar Power Systems value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Parabolic Trough

Parabolic Dish

Power Tower

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Residential

Commercial

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Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Concentrated Solar Power Systems consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Concentrated Solar Power Systems market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Concentrated Solar Power Systems manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Concentrated Solar Power Systems with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

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DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

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Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/global-concentrated-solar-power-systems-market-report-industry-trends-growth-business-challenges-analysis-2020-2025/
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - Canuc Resources Corporation (TSXV: CDA) (OTCQB: CNUCF) ("Canuc" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the receipt of data for the final report from a drone supported magnetic survey carried out over the Company's San Javier Ag-Au Project in Sonora State, Mexico. The survey was commissioned to search for magnetic high anomalies related to the strong magnetite matrixed breccias and veined stockworks that have been located within the property by recent geological mapping and rock sampling.

Magnetite zones at San Javier accompany elevated Ag and Au values, with recent sampling results ranging up to 2,859 g/t Ag and 14.4 g/t Au (See News Release dated Sept 9, 2020 and Oct 14, 2020). The Ag and Au association with magnetite is suggestive of Iron-Oxide-Copper-Gold (IOCG) style of mineralization, which has been previously recognized in the San Javier area. This type of deposit has the potential for very large, bulk mineable mineralization.

The Property scale survey has identified 3 large magnetic high features measuring 1,000 by 600 m, 800 by 600 m, and 600 by 600 m, respectively. Detailed processing of the data suggests that there are stronger magnetic features within the larger target areas which may represent areas of higher-grade mineralization. Canuc is now carrying out detailed ground magnetic surveys on these targets and is scheduled to begin drilling in the next few weeks.

Seymour M. Sears, B.A., B.Sc., P.Geo. is the Qualified Person for the Company, as defined by NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release.

About Canuc

Canuc is a junior resource company holding the San Javier Silver-Gold Project in Sonora State, Mexico. The Company generates cash flow from natural gas production at its MidTex Energy Project in Central West Texas, USA where Canuc has an interest in eight producing gas wells and has rights for further in field developments. Canuc also has exclusive rights, through a Partnership Agreement with Ioticiti Networks Inc., to sell Industrial IoT applications and infrastructure in the Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada and in the State of Texas, USA.

For further information please contact:

Canuc Resources Corporation.

(416) 525 - 6869

cberlet@canucresources.ca

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information. All information, other than information of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" and includes any information that addresses activities, events or developments that the Corporation believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Corporation's strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance.

When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and other indications of future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is based on current expectations and applies only as of the date on which they were made. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Corporation to fund the exploration expenditures required under the Agreement. Other factors such as uncertainties regarding government regulations could also affect the results. Other risks may be set out in the Corporation's annual financial statements, MD&A and other publicly filed documents.

The Corporation cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by law, the Corporation does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71531
Samuel Corum/Getty

Supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday forcing lawmakers to evacuate the building and interrupting challenges to President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory.

Biden responded to Wednesday's events at the Capitol, calling the violence an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.
The University of California, Riverside, is leading a new effort to stop and reverse a worldwide decline in honeybees, which threatens food security and prices.

Honeybees pollinate more than 80 agricultural crops, which account for about a third of what we eat. Several factors, including pesticide exposure and the spread of parasites and environmental changes, are to blame for the widespread collapse of bee colonies over the past decade.

To boost dwindling honeybee populations, the University of California's Office of the President has awarded $900,000 to a four-campus network of bee researchers and engineers.

"This will become one of the largest honeybee health networks in the country," said Boris Baer, a professor of entomology at UC Riverside and principal investigator of the project. "I'm very excited about so many different kinds of bee expertise joining forces through this project."

The network, which includes researchers from the Davis, San Diego and Merced campuses, is approaching the problem in three main ways.

The first is through breeding programs -- a particular focus of Baer's laboratory. "We seek to identify and breed bees that are better able to cope with environmental stress," he said.

A second goal of the new network is to develop medications and treatments for sick bees. Certain types of honeybees generate molecules that make them more tolerant of pesticides and parasites. New technology will enable the scientists to isolate those molecules and use them as a basis for drugs.

Finally, the group is looking to give beekeepers tools to better monitor bees' health. Small devices will be able to 'listen' and 'smell' inside hives to give beekeepers indications about the health of the hive.

"We know bee queens have a special pheromone they give off when they're hungry or dying, and these can be traced," Baer said. "We are essentially building 'electronic veterinarians.'"

Preventative devices like these are key to keeping bees alive, because once the colony collapses, it's too late to bring it back, Baer said.

The network's goals closely mirror those of UC Riverside's Center for Integrative Bee Research, or CIBER, which is also attempting to address the 'pollinator crisis.'

Both groups are working closely with local beekeepers and getting feedback on whether the tools being developed are working for them.

"Together, we'll develop innovative tools needed to effectively combat declining honeybee health, keep our food affordable, and safeguard the livelihood of those working with bees," Baer said.

Funding will also help provide research opportunities for undergraduates, including underrepresented students, with the goal of ensuring that students who enter research, academia, and industry reflects the diversity of the communities in which they learn and work.

###
The Dallas-based taco juggernaut Velvet Taco is coming soon to San Antonio in a big way, with the first location in a brand-new building near The Rim and a second in the renovated bones of the punk-rock icon Tacoland near the Pearl.

Velvet Taco CEO Clay Dover confirmed plans to open near The Rim on Feb. 22, followed on March 22 by the Pearl-area location on Grayson.

Known for globally inspired rogue tacos like spicy chicken tikka, Korean pork and crunchy falafel scattered among more traditional options, Velvet Taco hardly fits into the San Antonio mom-and-pop model, but thats just part of the adventure for Dover.

Im a Dallas guy, but Im a Texan, and I love San Antonio, he said, praising restaurants like Blanco Cafe and Garcias Mexican Food as well as local chefs like Johnny Hernandez and Andrew Weissman. Theres great diversity and an up-and-coming food culture, and San Antonio is one of the most culturally rich cities I know of.

Dover said Velvet Taco  with more than 20 locations scattered across Dallas, Austin, Houston, Fort Worth, Atlanta, Chicago and Charlotte  has been eager to land in San Antonio for a couple of years now, and already he sees potential to expand in the city.

On ExpressNews.com: Critics picks: The best 25 San Antonio restaurant dishes of 2020

With the Loop 1604 and Pearl-area locations, Dover said he sees a tale of two different sites, both of which fold into the Velvet Taco stable, which includes a renovated former gas station in Richardson. The Pearl-area site on the River Walk most recently housed Viva Tacoland, which closed in May 2019. Construction has added kitchen and dining spaces while preserving many of the original murals as well as the sprawling landmark oak tree out front.

Along with its global specialties, Velvet Tacos menu includes favorites like slow-roasted brisket, buffalo chicken and green chile pork along with novel approaches like Nashville hot tofu, fish and chips, shrimp and grits and a chicken-and-waffle taco with a thin, crepe-style waffle wrap. Sides include red curry coconut queso, Mexican street corn, maxed-out tater tots and barbacoa beef nachos.

Both San Antonio locations will feature frozen margaritas, beer and wine.

Velvet Taco, 5515 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 105; 101 W. Grayson St., velvettaco.com . Hours for both: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Both will offer dine-in, curbside pickup and delivery options.

msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking | Instagram: @fedmanwalking
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  More than 17 years ago, chaos took hold of City Hall when an armed gunman shot Brooklyn Councilman James Davis seven times in the torso, killing the former police officer.

Nearly two decades later, the events of Wednesdays U.S. Capitol takeover in Washington, D.C., by supporters of President Donald Trump sparked painful memories of the July 23, 2003 incident for Borough President James Oddo, who at the time was a councilman himself.

The feelings kind of have a life of their own,' Oddo said in an interview with the Advance/SILive.com regarding his memories of the shooting. They linger in the back of your mind. And when the conditions are right, like they were today, you realize that they sit rather shallowly below the surface.

The flurry of gunshots, the mental image of then-Councilman Michael E. McMahon taking cover behind the base of a Thomas Jefferson statue in the City Council chambers during the incident, and the panic of that day crept into Oddos mind as he saw images of maniacs taking over the Capitol on Wednesday.

Its a sound that will stay with you, said Oddo. That sound of that rapid gunfire, the sounds of the screams and the chaos.

The 31-year-old gunman in the City Hall incident, Othniel Askew, was shot five times in the chest and the arm by a police officer standing about 40 feet away on the floor of the chamber shortly after the shooting occurred at 2:08 p.m. He was killed.

The shootings took place inside the historic chamber minutes before a routine meeting of the full Council was to convene. Only about half of the Councils 51 members were in their seats.

Margarita Lopez, a councilwoman from Manhattan, gives fellow Councilmember James Oddo a comforting hug outside of City Hall after both had witnessed the shooting. (Staten Island Advance/Monika Graff)Staten Island Advance

I remember the sounds of people crying and people consoling each other, Oddo recalled. And thats when we first got word that someone was killed ... it was James Davis.

It was an awful day, Oddo said.

McMahon  now the boroughs district attorney  saw the event unfold in front of him, the Advance reported at the time.

What was so striking about it was that it was an execution-style type of shooting, McMahon said after the incident. He was shooting at one guy. There was no doubt about that.

Now-state Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island) was also a councilman at the time and said Wednesday that the July 23 gathering was the only stated meeting in five-and-a-half years that he missed, due to his role testifying on behalf of New York City in Washington that day.

We sat near each other, Lanza said of his time on the council alongside Davis  a close friend of his. Who knows? I always regret not being there, something could have been different.

Mid-Island Republican James Oddo, left, and South Shore Republican Andrew Lanza react as other City Council members speak of their late colleague, Brooklyn Democrat James Davis, in this file photo.(Staten Island Advance/Monika Graff) Staten Island Advance

After the Capitol was breached by Trumps supporters, McMahon said he found the situation utterly appalling in a post on Twitter. These are not protesters, these are terrorists, he said.

The disrespect being shown for the law enforcement officers putting themselves in harms way cannot stand, McMahon added. We all must respect the rule of law, and I pray for the safety of all innocent people inside and around the building.

In a raucous, out-of-control scene, protesters fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls. One woman was shot at the Capitol, according to a person familiar with the situation. The woman later died, the New York Times reported.

Recalling how people were shepherded down into the council chambers following the 2003 shooting, Oddo said he can only imagine what staffers of elected officials who havent done anything are going through at the Capitol on Wednesday.

Oddo said seeing chaos unfold in Washington Wednesday is tragic, its infuriating.

Im shaking right now, Oddo said, describing, the adrenaline rush, the flood of memories, the anger, the fear.

42 Photos: U.S. Capitol on lockdown as Trump supporters flood Washington, D.C.

COMPLICIT POLITICIANS

Musing at the series of events that led to Wednesdays unprecedented actions, Oddo was critical of those who helped fuel the fire that materialized in the form of storming the Capitol.

You know, it wont happen, and I would be naive to think for a moment  I wont hold my breath  but there are a lot of people in elected office who are complicit in what happened today, said Oddo. And they wont, but they should take time out and do a lot of self-reflection and think about how they contributed to it, because they absolutely did.

And I wont hold my breath about the electoral accountability that they should have coming, but I hope theyre judged in this life and the next because they sowed the seeds of this, he said. And shame on all of them.

A number of Republicans in both the House and Senate planned to object to the certification of the election the president has repeatedly said was fraudulent but without evidence of widespread fraud.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) was among the legislators planning to join that effort.

Malliotakis said she and her staff were safe inside the Capitol building thanks to the hardworking Capitol Police officers on duty today. I encourage those who are violently protesting to stand down immediately and abide by the law. This is not who we are.

(Associated Press materials contributed to this report.)

Watch: Trumps comments directly led to violence, says Priti Patel

Priti Patel has accused Donald Trump of directly provoking the violence in the US Capitol with his incendiary comments.

The home secretarys comments are in stark contrast to those from Boris Johnson and a host of other UK ministers on Wednesday night who condemned the violence but did not explicitly criticise the outgoing US president.

In chaotic scenes, Trump supporters breached barricades and staged an occupation of the building in Washington DC on Wednesday.

Protesters clashed with police, tear gas was dispersed and one woman later died after being shot inside the US Capitol. Three others died as a result of the violence from medical emergencies, US officials said.

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The prime minister labelled the scenes disgraceful on Wednesday night, but stepped back from mentioning Trump.

He tweeted: The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.

Speaking on the BBC on Thursday morning, Patels comments signified a shift in the governments approach to the violence.

Crowds gather outside the US Capitol for the 'Stop the Steal' rally in Washington. (Getty)

Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of president-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over Trump. (Getty)

She said: His comments directly led to the violence and so far he has failed to condemn that violence and that is completely wrong.

He basically has made a number of comments yesterday that helped to fuel that violence and he didnt do anything to de-escalate that whatsoever.

Watch: World leaders react to storming of US Capitol

Earlier the home secretary told Sky News: The violence should stop and he should absolutely condemn everything that has taken place.

Theres no question about that at all. Someone was shot, people have died, this is terrible. Terrible beyond words quite frankly and there is no justification for it.

Pressed to criticise the presidents involvement in flaring tensions, she added: He made a statement yesterday and it did very little to de-escalate the situation.

Words of provocation are completely wrong and quite frankly every aspect of the violence and the activities took place should be condemned.

Story continues

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Patels comments on Thursday morning followed condemnation from a host of British politicians from all parties who described the scenes in Washington as profoundly shocking and utterly horrifying.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who also failed to mention Trump directly, called them horrendous, tweeting: These are not protesters  this a direct attack on democracy and legislators carrying out the will of the American people.

But deputy leader Angela Rayner went further on Thursday morning, saying Trump was directly responsible for the violence on the streets.

Scotlands first minister Nicola Sturgeon said that the scenes from Washington were not that surprising.

Donald Trump's speech was deleted by Twitter due to the risk it may incite violence. (PA)

She told ITVs Good Morning Britain: In some senses Donald Trumps presidency has been moving towards this moment almost from the moment it started, but that doesnt make it any less shocking.

What we witnessed werent just scenes of horrible breaches of law and order, people taking over the seat of democracy, we actually witnessed the president of the United States inciting insurrection in his own country and I think for many people it will take some time to get our heads round that.

Thankfully theres only a matter of days of his presidency left. We heard Joe Biden last night remind us what a real leader, a real democratic leader, should sound like.

Trump supporters in the Capitol Rotunda. (AFP via Getty Images)

This has been a dark period in Americas history, theres no doubt about it, and I would imagine many people in that country and across the world are looking forward to it coming to an end but clearly there are deep-seeded divides there that the new administration has to tackle and try to heal.

Scotlands justice minister called on the home secretary to deny Trump entry to the UK once he leaves office.

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Humza Yousaf tweeted: Once he leaves office if Trump tries to come to UK the home secretary should give serious consideration to denying him entry, she has the power if an applicants presence is not conducive to the public good.

Trumps default is to stir up racial tension and yesterday he incited a violent mob.

Demonstrators forced their way inside after a rally was held near the White House where Trump encouraged them to march on Capitol Hill.

Supporters of Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber at the Capitol. (AP)

Supporters of President Donald Trump made their way to outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol. (AP)

Twitter and Facebook temporarily suspended Trump from posting after he published a video statement repeating falsehoods over the validity of the election and urged supporters to go home from the house of Congress as politicians met to confirm Bidens victory.

In the video, Trump told the protesters he loved them and that he felt their pain.

Watch: Trump supporters storm US Capitol as politicians evacuated
Life wasn't easy at all for actress Nora Fatehi when she came to India to try her luck in Bollywood. For the unversed, Nora belongs to Canada, and is well-known for her Bollywood songs like Dilbar Dilbar, O Saki Saki, Kamariya, Garmi, etc. Recently, Nora graced the chat show of Kareena Kapoor Khan What Women Want, and spoke about her nasty experience with a casting director during her initial days in the industry.

Nora said, "There was one casting director that I met in the first few months that I came to India. She almost made me feel like packing my bags and leaving. She said to me, 'There's too many people like you here. Our industry is sick and tired of people like you. We don't want you.' She was screaming at me. She was shouting, 'You are talentless, we don't want you.'"

Nora was appalled to see the cruel side of the industry and left the place with a heavy heart. "I just left and I cried so much. I didn't ask for it because that casting director called me, I didn't even know who she was. She called me to her house and she sat me down just to scream at me. I was new in the country, so I was like, 'Is this what everyone does here? Just call people to scream at them?'"

Without exposing the casting director, Nora said that whatever the former told her, it became key driving force for her to carve a niche for herself in the industry.

ALSO READ: Kareena Kapoor Khan Says Nora Fatehi Was Quite A Revelation For Her; 'I Was So Taken In By Her'

Cut to present, Nora Fatehi needs no introduction. With her killer dance moves, she has already won millions of hearts.

With respect to work, she was last seen in Remo D'Souza's Street Dancer 3D alongside Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor. She will next be seen in Bhuj: The Pride of India alongside Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay Dutt and Sharad Kelkar. The film is slated to release on Disney+ Hotstar.

ALSO READ: Four Bollywood Songs That Got Trolled Mercilessly, But People Secretly Enjoyed Playing Them On Loop

Protesters carrying American flags in Melbourne have pledged their allegiance to the US president by marching down the street chanting 'Donald Trump, four more years'.

Trump supporters breached security and stormed US congress in Washington DC on Wednesday afternoon American time to stop the transition of power to president-elect Joe Biden.

One female protester died after a gunshot to the chest in the Capitol building, thought is it not clear who opened fire.

In a bizarre display of American patriotism, furious Australians took to the streets of St Kilda on Wednesday to show their loyalty to the armed Republicans.

Pictured: Angry Australians in Melbourne protesting Joe Biden's presidential win over Donald Trump

A man sporting a red MAGA hat and megaphone proudly carried a sign that read: Never socialist #Trump 2020', emblazoned with the US flag

Impassioned Melburnians from a range of ethnic backgrounds took to the streets in a demonstration they claimed would stave off communism.

A Facebook live stream of the protest showed Australians born in China standing among the group, spurred on by their disdain for the Chinese Communist Party.

They claimed Joe Biden has a 'close relationship with the Chinese regime' and, along with speaker Nancy Pelosi and the New York Times, is a threat to the US democracy and Australia by extension.

Vietnamese nationals also joined the rally to protest against the ruling communist party, which has led the south-east Asian nation since 1975.

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday

Pictured: Australians pledging their support for Donald Trump at a rally in St Kilda

The protesters carried signs reading 'Stop Biden stealing the election' and 'no socialism, no communist, no Biden'

'Stop the steal!' one supported yelled, pointing to a conspiracy theory Mr Biden is 'stealing' the presidency and did not actually win the election.

A man sporting a red MAGA hat and megaphone proudly carried a sign that read: 'Never socialist #Trump 2020', emblazoned with the US flag.

He laughed as he told the cameraman it was important to support Australia 'and Trump' as he marched down road.

Other signs read 'Stop Biden stealing the election' and 'no socialism, no communist, no Biden'.

The cameraman claimed they could add Victorian premier Daniel Andrews' name to the signs 'and the message would be sound'.

Pictured: Australian protesters wave American flags as they march in Melbourne

Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress

Confused social media users took to the comments sections to question why Australians would protest an election in another country.

'Don't drink and Facebook kids. You'll end up squishy brained like these muppets,' one user joked.

'If you're pro protectionist and nationalist, why are you concerning your self with the affairs of other states?' another user asked.

'What is it about certain Australians that makes them adopt American political culture as though it were our own?' someone else wrote.

'This will never make sense to me. Are these the same people that dial 911 in an emergency?'

Pictured: Members of congress run for cover as protesters try to enter the House Chamber

But among the commenters were hundreds of supporters who congratulated the group on their demonstration.

'This is brilliant.....Good on you guys...TRUMP 2020,' one woman wrote with a series of US and Australian flag emojis.

'Go you good thing. Well done guys. The gatekeeper to democracy Trump,' another added.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted: 'Very distressing scenes at the US Congress.'

Pictured: The DC National Guard was deployed to the streets to help enforce a 6pm curfew

'We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition.'

Dozens of police were also reportedly injured in the violence and at least one suspected explosive device was found.

As protesters continued to occupy the Capitol hours after the violence unfolded, President-elect Joe Biden called for the 'mob to pull back' and said the uprising bordered on sedition.

A protester walks through Congress carrying Nancy Pelosi's lectern after storming the Capitol

A rioter holds a Trump flag inside the US Capitol after storming the building. He is standing in front of a painting depicting the Battle of Lake Erie - major US naval victory in the War of 1812

Trump - after remaining silent for much of the afternoon - told his 'very special' supporters inside the Capitol that he loves them and understands their pain but urged them 'to go home'.

As the protesters broke down police barricades and stormed into the Rotunda, Mike Pence, Nancy Pelosi and other congressional leaders were whisked to safety.

Lawmakers cowering inside the House Chamber were urged to put on gas masks as tear gas was fired in the Rotunda.

Officers at the front door of the chamber had their guns drawn as a protester tried to break down the door.

Eventually, the Capitol was cleared and a curfew was imposed banning people in Washington DC from the streets.

Acute angle closure glaucoma of the right eye (intraocular pressure was 42 in the right eye). Credit: James Heilman, MD/Wikipedia

Scientists at the University of Birmingham, UK, have shown that a novel low molecular weight dextran-sulphate, ILB could play a key role in treating open angle glaucoma (OAG), a neurodegenerative disease that affects over 70 million people worldwide and causes irreversible blindness.

OAG develops slowly over many years. Excessive matrix deposition (fibrosis) within the eye's main fluid drainage site can lead to increased intraocular pressure (IOP), resulting in damage to the optic nerve.1

The research, reported in npj Regenerative Medicine, has shown that that ILB can normalise matrix deposition inside the eye and lower IOP in a pre-clinical model used to mimic these aspects of human glaucoma, paving the way for new anti-fibrotic therapies to be developed for the disease.

OAG is a complex disease and it has proved difficult to develop effective therapeutics to target the biochemical pathways involved. Existing therapies mainly work by reducing fluid production in the eye, not the underlying causes, and even the newer therapies have shown limited success in the clinic.2

The Birmingham scientists focussed on an inflammatory pathway that is common to several diseases, and involves Transforming Growth Factor  (TGF), a signalling molecule that communicates between cells and orchestrates both inflammation and fibrosis. TGF's role in OAG is well known, with patients demonstrating higher levels in their aqueous humour and laboratory studies showing that artificially increasing TGF within the eye can lead to fibrosis3,4.

The scientists found that ILB has multimodal actions across many genes that resolve inflammatory and fibrotic cellular processes. When they progressed their work into a pre-clinical experimental model of glaucoma, they found that daily subcutaneous injections of ILB significantly (p<0.01) reduced extracellular matrix levels within the eye's main drainage site, normalised the eye's pressure and prevented degeneration of retinal neurons. The research was conducted by Dr. Lisa Hill, from the Institute of Clinical Sciences, and Dr. Hannah Botfield, from the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing. They commented: "We are truly excited by these results, which show a way forward for a glaucoma treatment that can reverse the fibrotic process that causes the disease."

Clinicians working in ophthalmology generally prefer local over systemically delivered therapeutics, as it is a safer route of administration that is more acceptable to patients.

Dr. Hill is leading a project to formulate a topical alternative that will avoid the need for injection. She is working closely on this with Mr Imran Masood, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and Professor Liam Grover, a biomaterials expert from the University's Healthcare Technologies Institute, to assess the use of a novel shear thinning fluid gel for the resolution of glaucoma.

The shear thinning fluid gel was developed for use as eye drops that are retained for an extended period of time following administration, and patents have been filed for its use both alone, and in combination with other therapeutics.5 Previous studies have shown the fluid gel reduces corneal scarring when applied topically, and it is an effective carrier molecule for other therapeutics.6

More information: Study paper: npj Regenerative Medicine, DOI: 10.1038/s41536-020-00110-2 Study paper: References: 1. Tektas, O. Y. & Lutjen-Drecoll, E. Structural changes of the trabecular meshwork in different kinds of glaucoma. Experimental Eye Research, 88(4), 769-75 (2009). 2. Friedman, S. L., Sheppard, D., Duffield, J. S. & Violette, S. Therapy for fibrotic diseases: Nearing the starting line. Science Translational Medicine 5(167), 167sr1-sr1 (2013). 3. Fuchshofer, R. & Tamm, E. R. The role of TGF-beta in the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma. Cell and Tissue Research, 347(1), 279-90 (2012). 4. Kim, K. S., Lee, B. H. & Kim, I. S. The measurement of fibronectin concentrations in human aqueous humor. Korean Journal of Ophthalmology, 6(1), 1-5 (1992). 5. Patent numbers: WO/2020/115510; WO/2020/115508; GB2008919.9 6. Hill et al. Sustained release of decorin to the surface of the eye enables scarless corneal regeneration. npj Regenerative Medicine. 3, 1-12 (2018).
By Ione Damasco

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

 Martin Luther King Jr.

The University of Dayton community typically celebrates the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with large gatherings  marches, a community breakfast, film screenings and discussions, worship and prayer, and in-person service opportunities. But the pandemic has forced us to rethink how we can continue to educate ourselves and engage in activism around antiracist civil rights work when we cannot physically be present in solidarity with one another.

The pandemic has also magnified where racial disparities persist in our country. The CDC has stated that inequities in the social determinants of health, such as poverty and healthcare access  are interrelated and influence a wide range of health and quality-of-life outcomes and risks for racial and ethnic minorities. People of color face an increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19. The work that King started during the civil rights movement to undo systemic inequities is more critical than ever.

Fortunately, the University Libraries provide access to numerous print and online resources that you can check out to learn more about Kings work, as well as the work of many others who continue to resist injustice and oppression in our society. We encourage you to explore these resources and then find ways virtually to create opportunities for dialogue in your community that can lead to transformative action. You can start small  pick one of Kings writings or speeches; set up a Google Hangout or a Zoom session with some friends; and share your reflections with one another and brainstorm ideas for ways you can turn inspiration into action.

All are invited to learn about ways to engage in activism, and University Libraries will offer a free, asynchronous program to discover more about Kings life and legacy and reflect on connecting his message to todays struggles for social justice.

program opportunity

Jan. 18  31: Lessons From Martin Luther King, Jr. for Today, an interactive, self-guided activity designed by Amanda Black, Zachary Lewis, Ryan O'Grady and Diane Osman, members of the University Libraries diversity and inclusion team. PATH-eligible for students.

Research guide

Works by Martin Luther King Jr.

Works by other authors:

 Ione Damasco is a professor in the University Libraries, where she is the director of information acquisition and organization. She is the subject selector for the womens and gender studies program, the race and ethnic studies program, and library science. She has published and presented nationally on a variety of topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion, including From Being to Doing: Anti-racism as Action at Work, a preconference keynote before the 2020 conference of the Academic Library Association of Ohio.
My dear, when people show you who they are, why dont you believe them? Why must you be shown 29 times before you can see who they really are? Why cant you get it the first time?

the late poet Maya Angelou, as related by her friend Oprah Winfrey.

When Donald Trump showed America who he really was the very first time, why didnt we believe him?

When a failed-real-estate-huckster-turned-reality-TV-star came down his escalator of fake gold at Trump Tower on June 16, 2015, and hung a campaign for the nations highest office around branding Mexican refugees as murderers and rapists that America needed to keep out with a massive wall, why didnt people believe he wasnt fit for office?

When Trump showed us who he really was 29 times every single day, threatening to ban Muslims from entering this country, or lying about matters as big as his subservience to Vladimir Putin and as small as the size of his inauguration crowd, why did so many otherwise smart people still think hed eventually grow into the job?

When the future 45th president of the United States egged on the most violent thugs at his Nuremberg-style campaign rallies, when he yelled get him the hell out of here as white supporters roughed up a Black man in Birmingham, when he promised to pay the legal fees of brownshirts who beat up anti-Trump demonstrators, and when he said Id like to punch him in the face to one rally insurrectionist, why are people still shocked when a riled-up mob takes Trump up on his own toxic words?

And why is it that TV pundits and talking heads  after watching four years of crying toddlers yanked from their mothers at the southern border, after Trump and consigliere Bill Barr raced to execute federal prisoners to show how tough they are, and after Trump and Barr had ordered troops to fire tear gas and rubber bullets on peaceful demonstrators in Lafayette Square for a presidential photo-op with an upside-down Bible  seemed so shocked this afternoon as we watched where this has all been headed from Day One: a coup to shut down American democracy?

Donald Trump did not become president today. Donald Trump was never going to become president on any of the 1,447 days since he lied on a Bible, mouthed the oath of his now-broken office, and spoke of an American carnage that has finally come home to roost on January 6, 2021, a date that will live in inflamed infamy.

I am writing this after 6 p.m. on this cursed day, arguably the worst for this nation since 9/11, unless you want to count that endless night of November 8, 2016, when 62 million American arsonists lit the fuse that has finally ignited. For the last five hours, Ive watched thousands of Trump-fried insurrectionists storm past overmatched Capitol Police and ransack the seat of American government, halting the long-awaited congressional ratification of Joe Bidens election as 46th president. One woman has been shot and killed. There are reports that cops have found homemade unexploded bombs near the Republican and Democratic National Committees.

Darkness is descending on Washington, and the worst may be yet to come.

Meanwhile, the indelible images of democracys infidels overrunning the Capitol will never be forgotten  but no one should be surprised. For days, the president of the United States had openly encouraged his supporters to flock into D.C. and to  despite the lack of any evidence of election fraud in Bidens victory  Stop the Steal. He was aided by weak minions like his lawyer Rudy Giuliani, that small man who was still searching for a balcony this morning when he urged the mob toward a trial by combat.

 READ MORE: Tale of two tapes traces Americas downfall | Will Bunch Newsletter

This morning, Trump himself addressed his insurrectionists, filled them with the lie that you never concede when theres theft, and urged them to march on the Capitol. Youll never take our country back with weakness, the flaccid strongman told them. What happened today was nothing less than a coup aimed at shutting down American democracy at a fraught moment  the peaceful transfer of power that has happened every four years since 1789, until interrupted on this awful day  and it was led by the Current Occupant of the Oval Office.

It didnt succeed, but it left us with unforgettable images of how far America has descended since Trump stepped on that elevator. The Capitol mob seized and trashed cameras and other equipment from the Associated Press  part of a media that the president has branded for his supporters as the enemies of the people  and threatened to set it, and the 1st Amendment, on fire. Several of the insurrectionists marched through the corridors of the Capitol waving Confederate flags, avatar of a movement that will never stop fighting for its Lost Causes, including the one named Donald John Trump.

This cold winters night is bringing so many questions. Why were the police, the National Guard, and the other phalanx of law-enforcement officers in Washington so unprepared for a day that was five years in the making? And how on earth will Joe Biden, a good man forged in a much simpler time, clean up this slimy mess that has graffitied the nations capital? But there is no bigger question than this: When Donald Trump told us he would trash everything that America has stood for, why didnt we believe him the first time?
But Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stopped short of criticising Mr Trump for inciting the violence, saying "it is not for me to offer commentary on world leaders". Mr Morrison said the storming of US Congress was "disgraceful", "heartbreaking" and "terribly distressing, terribly concerning". "I am pleased that the Senate has been able to recommence their proceedings, and we hope for a peaceful and stable transition of government to the new administration elected by the American people," he said. Demonstrators swarm the US Capitol building during a protest in Washington, D.C. Credit:Bloomberg The Australian stock market shrugged off the destabilising violence and was instead boosted by the Democrats win in the Georgia senate run-off, which removed congressional roadblocks from the incoming Biden administration. The S&P/ASX 200 index closed 1.6 per cent higher on Wednesday at 6712. Republicans in Congress described the assault on the US Capitol Building by Trump supporters as a "coup attempt" and "absolute banana republic crap".

One woman died after entering the Capitol and being shot by law enforcement during a stunning breach of the supposedly fortified complex. She was identified as 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt, a California native and Air Force veteran. Three other people died in medical emergencies, according to a statement by the Washington Metropolitan Police. Loading Members of the House of Representatives and Senate were evacuated from their chambers and Vice-President Mike Pence was escorted to a secure undisclosed location. Multiple US media outlets have reported that members of Trump's cabinet have discussed invoking the 25th amendment of the US constitution to remove Trump from office and appoint Pence to serve out the final two weeks of his term. Following the assault on the Capitol, several Republican senators abandoned their plans to challenge the election results in key swing states. But some, including Texas senator Ted Cruz and Missouri senator Josh Hawley, continued to demand a 10-day audit of the results and formally objected to the results in Arizona and Pennsylvania.

Georgia senator Kelly Loeffler, who on Wednesday (AEDT) lost her seat to Democrat Raphael Warnock in a run-off election, was among those who backed out of challenging the election results. The Capitol was overrun by the mob just as Democrat Jon Ossoff was declared the victor in the final Georgia Senate race, ensuring that Biden's party would regain control of both houses, removing Republican blocks to the new presidential agenda. Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by US Capitol Police officers. Credit:AP Republican senator Mitt Romney said: "What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States." Liz Cheney, one of the most senior Republicans in the House of Representatives, said: "There is no question that the President formed the mob, the President incited the mob, the President addressed the mob. He lit the flame."

Loading Republican senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trump's closest allies, suggested he had finally abandoned the President by saying: "Count me out. Enough is enough. I've tried to be helpful." Republican senator Richard Burr said: "The President bears responsibility for today's events by promoting the unfounded conspiracy theories that have led to this point." His colleague Tom Cotton said: "Its past time for the President to accept the results of the election, quit misleading the American people, and repudiate mob violence." Shortly before the rioters entered the Capitol, Trump addressed supporters outside the White House where he repeated his baseless claims of systemic election fraud and urged Pence to intervene to stop Biden from becoming president.

"We will never give up, we will never concede," he said. "You dont concede when theres theft involved." In a video message following the storming of the Capitol, Trump urged his supporters to "go home" and refrain from violence but continued to claim the election had been stolen from him. Trump initially refused requests to send in the National Guard to restore order, according to a New York Times report citing a person with knowledge of the events. It required intervention from White House counsel Pat Cipollone, among other officials, according to the source. About 1750 National Guard troops from the District of Columbia and Virginia were eventually deployed, a National Guard spokesman said. The President then prompted Twitter to block his account for 12 hours for tweeting: "These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long." Facebook also banned Trump from posting on its platforms for 24 hours for breaches of its terms. Order was restored to the Capitol complex after National Guard troops intervened, allowing the House and Senate to return to the business of certifying Biden's victory.

Loading President-elect Joe Biden, who will be inaugurated as the 46th US president on January 20, described the violence as an "unprecedented assault" on American democracy. "This is not dissent," he said in a speech. "It is disorder. It borders on sedition and it must end now." Democratic congressman Tim Ryan, who chairs the House committee that funds the Capitol Police, said heads would roll over the security breach. "I think its pretty clear that theres going to be a number of people who are going to be without employment very, very soon because this is an embarrassment," he said.

Investment promotion remains a priority for Romania, and particular importance will be attached to using European funds, Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare stated during a discussion held today with European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, the Finance Ministry said in a release.

"I agreed with Vice President Dombrovskis to have permanent dialogue in the future and I am hoping for an open and fruitful collaboration. Among others, we discussed our goal of promoting a strategy that should lead to a sustainable fiscal consolidation, without affecting Romania's capacity to adopt measures to support the economy in this difficult situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, so that by 2024 the budget deficit narrows below 3 percent of GDP. Investment promotion definitely stays a priority (public investments accounted for over 5 percent of GDP in 2020), with particular importance attached to the use of European funds. I also emphasized to Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis that we will closely monitor projects, particularly high value ones and especially where the execution is not going well," Nazare declared.

In his turn, EC Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis appreciated the openness for dialogue and continued communication at both technical and political level, offering support for the reform commitment made by the Romanian government.

According to the release, the European official also expressed his support for Romania's efforts to develop the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, emphasizing the importance of getting it in line with country-specific recommendations and the requirements of the green and digital transition.

The discussion between Romania's Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare and EC Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis is the first of a series of meetings scheduled with the European Commissioners.

"The open dialogue between Romania and the European Commission is all the more so important now as our country is subject to an excessive deficit procedure since the beginning of 2020, following the fiscal slippages recorded in the period 2017 - 2019," the cited release states.

According to the calendar, the European Commission is to reassess Romania's situation under the respective procedure in spring this year.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI  University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University officials issued statements Wednesday night condemning violence in the nations capital.

As Congress was finalizing the presidential election vote on Jan. 6, supporters of President Donald Trump rallied in Washington D.C. to protest his loss, culminating in a march on the Capitol where rioters broke into the building and clashed with police.

Michigan representatives denounce attack on U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump mob

The sight of a violent mob taking over the floor of the U.S. Senate brought tears to my eyes, UM President Mark Schlissel said in a statement.

What distinguishes our form of government is its inviolable respect for the will of the people, where we conduct elections with integrity, count every vote, commit together to uphold the U.S. Constitution and ensure that democracy always prevails, Schlissel said.

Todays violence represents an assault on our liberty and the fundamental values of American democracy. We condemn all those who participate in or instigate such an attack on our nation.

EMU President James Smith said he was shocked, saddened and horrified, adding that given the increasingly hateful and inflammatory rhetoric over the past four years of this administration, I am, unfortunately, not surprised.

These actions have incited some members of our peaceful nation to anarchy and bedlam, the likes of which we have never experienced before, Smith said.

To see the latest updates on violence at the U.S. Capitol, check here.

Alec Gallimore, dean of UMs College of Engineering, issued a statement Wednesday, encouraging people who are struggling to process the events to seek support within their personal circles or at the Engineering C.A.R.E. Center.

As a public institution, we must be firm in calling for a peaceful transition of power, Gallimore said in a statement. Watching this threat to the democratic process may take an additional toll on our mental health at what is already a burdensome time. I know I will be taking some time tonight to reflect on what this means for us as a society.

"Like many of you, I watched the violent acts unfolding in the Capitol today in dismay and horror. I join @DrMarkSchlissel in denouncing this affront to our constitutional process. As a public institution, we must be firm in calling for a peaceful transition of power."(1/3) pic.twitter.com/q71wqbpl0B  Michigan Engineering (@UMengineering) January 7, 2021

Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Dean Michael Barr also issued a statement, calling those inciting the violence at the Capitol anti-democratic thugs who violently attacked our Capitol.

Our democracy is strong, but it is under attack, and it requires all of us to stand up for it, Barr said.

I condemn the actions of the anti-democratic thugs who violently attacked our Capitol and the actions of the political leaders who incite and encourage them. Our democracy is strong, but it is under attack, and it requires all of us to stand up for it. (2/2)  Ford School (@fordschool) January 7, 2021

UMs School of Social Work tweeted Wednesday afternoon that it abhors the violence and violation of the law by those at the Capitol, and the chaos in the Capitol building right now is an attack on our democracy and has no place in our government.

We abhor the violence and violation of the law by protesters in the U.S. Capitol. We respect the constitution, Congress and the peaceful transition of power. The chaos in the Capitol building right now is an attack on our democracy and has no place in our government.  University of Michigan School of Social Work (@UMSocialWork) January 6, 2021

READ MORE:

Trump acknowledges defeat after Congress confirms electoral vote

Michigan Capitol temporarily shut down as state police investigate threat

Attack at U.S. Capitol threatens constitutional crisis, says Michigan state senator
Congress certified the election of President-elect Joseph R Biden Jr early Thursday, hours after loyalists urged on by President Trump stormed and occupied the Capitol, disrupting the final electoral count in a shocking display of violence that shook the core of American democracy. Trump, who spent months stoking the anger of his supporters with false claims that the election was stolen and who refused to condemn the violent protests on Wednesday, said early Thursday that there would be an orderly presidential transition this month. Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of ...
Thursday, January 7, 2021

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Remote learning stepped up as schools close

Schools and nurseries are closed from today except for vulnerable children and those of key workers as the Island enters a second lockdown.

The decision was announced by the Chief Minster on Tuesday after seven new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed on Island.

The Manx Government will re-establish a hub school system for children of essential workers and vulnerable children and reinstate a free school meal voucher scheme.

Following the first lockdown in 2020, the Government carried out a review of remote learning to establish clear expectations should further restrictions be required.

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: I know this is an unsettling time for children, parents and teachers and we will do everything we can to offer advice and practical support.

The review established a consistent set of standards that will help to build resilience and ensure the volume and quality of remote lessons is consistent. Heads will be organising remote learning for pupils and again, teachers will play an essential role, not just educating children, but helping maintain their wellbeing.

Teachers will be asked to facilitate online lessons and maintain contact with pupils in line with the strategic plan at their school.

Following an announcement by the English Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson that GCSE and A-level exams would be cancelled for this summer the Government has been in regular contact with head teachers regarding the evolving situation and has been asking the Cambridge International Assessment board who mark IGCSEs and I A Levels whether they too will be moving to teacher assessed grades.

The Minister, continued: I apologise that students and their families are again facing a degree of uncertainty around exams this summer. We will be working with schools and teachers to ensure that all our students get the grades they deserve and can progress with their future plans.

University College Isle of Man will also stop all face-to-face classes from Thursday, but all exams scheduled for this week will go ahead as planned.
Banks should do a better job of disclosing the use of ultra-cheap funding from the European Central Bank, according to the European Unions markets regulator.

Publishing the amount of the so-called TLTRO III loans and the related interest would help the public evaluate the significance of financial instruments for the financial position and performance of banks, the European Securities and Markets Authority said in a statement on Wednesday.

The ECB has made long-term loans a cornerstone of its response to the coronavirus pandemic, which seek to keep credit flowing to companies and households amid curbs on public life. Banks can obtain funding from the central bank at a rate of as low as minus 1% if they meet certain conditions, meaning theyre effectively being paid to lend.

Banks arent currently compelled to declare the lending they obtain from the ECB under the program, and some dont give details.

Lenders have chosen different ways to reflect the extraordinary terms in their accounts, ESMA said. Lenders should provide an adequate level of transparency regarding the accounting treatment of these transactions.

Given the overall volume of the TLTRO III operations, ESMA believes that this matter may have a material effect on the financial statements of banks and may be widespread across the EU, it said.

India will adopt the HCQ model to give other countries access to Covid vaccines being manufactured in the country in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis pledge to make the shield against coronavirus available to all humanity. Indias neighbours and closest friends would, however, be given the first priority after setting aside the vaccine needed for people in the country, people familiar with the matter said.

India had adopted the same format to make Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) available to friendly countries after studies indicated that the anti-malaria drug could be used as a prophylaxis. Besides sending HCQ supplies as assistance, India had commercially supplied half a billion HCQ tablets to 82 countries.

Indias commitment to supply 12 million doses of the vaccine to Nepal, which will be conveyed to Kathmandu when foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali lands in New Delhi next week, is part of this template.

Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla had indicated the broad contours of this approach to extend Indias vaccine umbrella to countries in south Asia when he travelled to Nepal late last year. The first priority will be for our closest neighbours, our friends, Shringla had said.

Indian diplomats said this format would be replicated elsewhere in the region but the terms of the arrangement could be different. There could be a certain quantity of the vaccine that is made available on a grant basis while the rest would be on a commercial basis.

Bangladesh, which had contracted for 30 million doses, has granted approval to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. The vaccines are expected to start landing in Dhaka from early February, according to reports from Dhaka.

The Sheikh Hasina government had logged out of clinical trials for Chinese vaccine Sinovac after the manufacturer Sinovac Biotech demanded that Dhaka co-fund the late-stage domestic trial of its potential vaccine. Bangladesh subsequently declined to opt for the Chinese vaccine beyond the 1.1 lakh doses that it was to get free according to the arrangement to allow the trials in the country.

The companys demand that Dhaka should pay for the trials was also contrary to President Xi Jinpings stated position articulated at the World Health Assembly when he had called the Chinese vaccine a global public good, an attempt to recast the narrative around coronavirus in its favour in face of criticism for Beijings initial handling of the infection first report from the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

Myanmar has, however, kept its options open and has announced a deal to source vaccines from the Serum Institute of India (SII).

The purchase contract for buying the first batch of the vaccines from India has already been signed. As soon as the authorities concerned in India have issued permission to use this vaccine, we have made arrangements for the import of these vaccines into Myanmar, announced, State Counsellor Daw AungSan Suu Kyi in her New Year address to the nation. Myanmar already has a pact in place to buy vaccines from China.

Myanmar has also asked the World Health Organisations COVAX programme and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation to secure vaccines for its poor. These, however, are expected to arrive by April.

Brazil, which had been facing complications around the Chinese vaccines, has also reached out to New Delhi for vaccine consignments of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine made by the Pune-based SII.

Pakistan, as expected, is relying heavily on the Chinese vaccines that are being supplied abroad, according to communist party-linked Global Times, to recoup the cost of giving free vaccinations to the Chinese people.

A Global Times article that attributed Indias plans to use the India-made vaccine for political brand-building and counter the international influence of Chinese vaccines, grudgingly acknowledged Indias expertise in the vaccine business.

Experts suggested that Indias vaccines are no less competitive than Chinese COVID-19 vaccines in both research and production capacity, considering that India has the worlds largest vaccine manufacturer and lower costs in labor and facilities, the Global Times report said.

CAGLIARI, JAN 7 - Italian police on Thursday smashed a Sardinia-based gang that allegedly carried out robberies of security vans and bank vaults across Italy. Police said the gang was composed of criminals from Desulo near Nuoro who allegedly acted with the help of mainland criminals linked to the Di Lauro clan of the Neapolitan Camorra mafia. The alleged gang robbed security vans on Sardinia, and in Tuscany, Lazio and other mainland regions, police said. The gang also trafficked in drugs and weapons and made and distributed counterfeit bank notes, police said. Police made 32 arrests in the provinces of Cagliari, Nuoro, Oristano, Sassari, Livorno, Grosseto, Rome, Caserta and Naples, plus Corsica, seizing weapons and drugs. Those arrested have been charged with criminal conspiracy to traffic in drugs, the international trafficking of war-grade illegal weapons and explosives, organising bank and security-van heists and distributing fake banknotes. Police said the gang traded drugs and explosives for weapons to use in their heists, supplied by Corsican criminals. The gang sold almost 100 kilogrammes of drugs in Corsica, police said. A Corsican, Jean Luis Cucchi, supplied the arms in exchange for the drugs, police said. Many of the gang had day jobs as sheep farmers, police said. (ANSA).
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released a new action agenda for a diverse genomics workforce. This ambitious set of goals, objectives, and implementation strategies details NHGRI's plans for enhancing the diversity of the genomics workforce by 2030.

"To reach its full potential, the field of genomics requires a workforce that better reflects the diversity of the U.S. population," NHGRI Director Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D., said. "Fostering an appropriately diverse genomics workforce of the future requires an immediate and substantial commitment of attention and resources. Our new action agenda aims to bring both short- and long-term changes that will make genomics a more-inclusive discipline."

Accompanying the release of this action agenda today is a commentary authored by Dr. Green and Vence Bonham, J.D., senior advisor to the NHGRI director on genomics and health disparities, in the latest issue of ASHG's American Journal of Human Genetics, which explains the strategic imperative to make the genomics workforce more diverse.

A critical first step in implementing the action agenda is a comprehensive survey announced today by the American Society of Human Genetics, in cooperation with the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the National Society of Genetic Counselors and others, to collect baseline data on the existing demographic landscape of the U.S. human genetics and genomics workforce. The survey will be launched in mid-to-late January.

The action agenda is a direct extension of the 2020 NHGRI Strategic Vision for the future of human genomics. The vision identifies priorities and opportunities for the next decade -- both within research and the research community-at-large -- to improve human health at The Forefront of Genomics.

A key priority that the strategic vision emphasizes is championing a diverse genomics workforce because "the promise of genomics cannot be fully achieved without attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce, which includes individuals from groups that are currently underrepresented in the genomics enterprise."

To develop an overarching plan for this priority area, NHGRI established an internal Genomic Workforce Diversity Working Group last year. Chaired by Bonham, the group worked in earnest to develop the new action agenda.

"We listened to as many voices as possible as we were building the action agenda," Bonham said. "We actively sought broad input by seeking public comments and interviewed research university leaders and early career genomics professionals. This outreach has led to a plan that will propel the genomics field to make a much-needed change to our workforce."

The action agenda highlights groups that have been identified by NIH as underrepresented in biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences. These groups include individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and disadvantaged backgrounds, persons with disabilities and women at the senior faculty level.

The plan describes four major goals:

Develop and support initiatives that provide early exposure and access to careers in genomics.

Develop and support training programs and networks that connect undergraduate and graduate education to careers in genomics.

Develop and support training, career development and research transition programs that lead to independent research and clinical careers in genomics.

Evaluate progress towards achieving greater diversity in the genomics workforce.

The new action agenda aims to build on NHGRI's history of funding diversity training programs, many of which have successfully helped to increase the number of underrepresented scientists who pursue genomics-related careers. The institute has also supported science education programs that provide genomics training to secondary school teachers, community college staff and tribal college and university faculty.

"With programs in place and new ones to start, the challenging but essential work begins now. Through sustained effort, dedication and creativity, we believe we can make the genomics workforce better reflect our diverse society," Dr. Green said.

###
The "project to oust the Syrian strongman, Bashar al-Assad" is a "big American-Zionist lie", says a former senior Iranian diplomat and a current advisor to the speaker of parliament.

In a tweet on Sunday, May 17, Hossein Amirabdollahian insisted that "Bashar al-Assad is the legal President of Syria and the great leader in the combat against takfiri terrorism in the Arab world."

The tweet is a response to recent widespread speculations that Tehran and Moscow have agreed on replacing Bashar al-Assad.

On April 17, the former Russian ambassador to Moscow and currently vice president of the Russian International Affairs Council, Aleksandr Aksenenok, published a bleak assessment of the situation in Syria, questioning the ability of the countrys leadership to resolve it.

"Damascus is not particularly interested in displaying a far-sighted and flexible approach," Aksenenok wrote, adding that "a sustainable settlement is impossible unless the fundamental socio-economic causes of the conflict and the mentality that triggered it are eliminated."

Meanwhile, the publication of an article lambasting the Syrian president for financial corruption in a paper owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and a poll indicating that Bashar al-Assads popularity in Syria had dropped to 32 percent, stimulated speculation on a coordinated Russian media campaign, publicly signaling Moscow' dissatisfaction with the Syrian strongman.

The speculation was also fueled by the fact that Syrias economy is currently devastated under the weight of providing basic, and essential services to its citizens. Having long been isolated from international markets by Western sanctions, war-torn Syria is also under a partial lockdown from a domestic coronavirus outbreak.

The Syrian pound has in the last few months tumbled to a rate 27 times less than its value before the civil war, with no outlook for reconstruction efforts.

"Theres little hope that Russia and Iran  Assads top allies, both facing sanctions and now the economic devastation of the coronavirus  can do much to help", LA Times reported on May 8.

Furthermore, analysts believe that Moscow is deeply dissatisfied with the performance of the allegedly richest Syrian tycoon, Bashar al-Assad's maternal cousin, Rami Makhlouf.

Fifty-year-old Makhlouf is widely known for advocating trade with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Arab world, sidelining Russian business interests in Syria.

Based on speculations, Moscow and Tehran had finally reached an agreement to oust Bashar al-Assad and destroy his cousin's (Makhlouf) financial empire in Syria.

Nevertheless, it appears that, by relenting to Moscow's demand to rein in Makhlouf's dominance on the Syrian economy, Assad hopes to remain in power and soon nominate himself for another term of presidency.

Moreover, it seems that Tehran has also decided to bow to Moscow's demands, including the elimination of Makhlouf's role in Syria.

"Rumors of an agreement between Iran and Russia for Assad's resignation are a big lie ... and Tehran strongly supports Syria's sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity," Hossein Amirabdollahian tweeted.

Meanwhile, Rami Makhlouf, Bashar al-Assad's cousin, and Syria's economic mogul announced on Sunday that Syrian authorities had set a deadline for his resignation as chairman of the mobile phone company Syriatel, but he would not resign.

According to Reuters, Mr. Makhlouf, one of the main supporters of Bashar al-Assad's government so far warned in the third video about his dispute with the Syrian authorities that the collapse of Syriatel would lead to an "economic catastrophe" for the country.

Syriatel is the largest mobile phone company in Syria, and Rami Makhlouf now maintains that the country's security forces have threatened to revoke the company's license if he does not resign.

Western officials say Rami Makhlouf, through his vast economic empire, played a major role in financing Assad's regime during the Syrian civil war.

Makhlouf's economic activities range from cellphones to television and real estate, construction, and oil trade.

He reportedly controls somewhere between 60 and 70 percent of Syrias economy.

The latest dispute between Makhlouf and al-Assad roots in an investigation by the Syrian state, maintaining that the Syriatel and its main competitor owe more than 200 billion Syrian pounds (approximately $390 million) of overdue taxes to the government. If paid, Makhlouf insists, it will lead to Syriatels collapse.
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a common gastrointestinal malignancy. Peritoneal metastasis occurs in a majority of patients with advanced stomach cancer and is considered as an aggressive disease with poor outcomes.

Patients with peritoneal metastasis are typically not eligible for curative surgery. Therefore, preoperative detection and diagnosis of peritoneal metastasis are critical to inform treatment decision-making and avoid unnecessary surgery.

A new study published in the JAMA Network Open on Jan. 5 shows that deep learning can help predicting the occult peritoneal metastasis in stomach cancer. It provides a novel and noninvasive approach for stomach cancer patients and may inform individualized surgical management of stomach cancer.

The study was conducted by Dr. XIE Yaoqin's group from the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. LI Ruijiang from Stanford University, Dr. LI Guoxin from Nanfang Hospital, and Dr. ZHOU Zhiwei from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center.

The researchers developed a deep learning model called Peritoneal Metastasis Network (PMetNet) to predict clinically occult peritoneal metastasis using preoperative computed tomography (CT) images in patients with stomach cancer.

Dr. JIANG Yuming from Stanford University, one co-first author of this study, explained that the proposed deep learning model may serve as a reliable noninvasive tool for the early identification of patients with clinically occult peritoneal metastasis.
Today is history.

The Democratic process has been disrupted and supporters of President Trump have stormed the capitol.

A few news links for further discussion . . . We'd actually like a few local perspectives on the implications of this hot mess AND HOW READERS THINK IT APPLIES LOCALLY.

One local view, here's an iconic shot of Missouri Senator Hawley today that's going around . . .

TO BE FAIR, this is before things got thick.

According to Mayor Q . . .

"Amazing how long it takes the National Guard to get to the National Capitol."

From Senator Blunt . . .

Sen. Blunt: "No justification" for Wednesday's events at U.S. Capitol

Update from KC's top ranking elected official . . .

From Rep. Cleaver "I am currently locked down in a safe and secure location. The country that I am seeing on television is unrecognizable to me. I will continue to pray for the safety of my colleagues and the Capitol Police Officers."

Accordingly . . . We're linking the mainstream view from a collection of news outlets.

Check-it . . .

WINTER STORM!!!

Pro-Trump protesters storm US Capitol as lawmakers gather to count electoral votes Supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the US Capitol, according to Capitol police officers, as lawmakers count the Electoral College votes certifying President-elect Joe Biden's win.

According To Fox News

Trump directs National Guard to Capitol Building President Trump has directed the National Guard, as well as "other federal protective services" to the Capitol Building during a breach and violent protests amid a joint session of Congress to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election.

LOCKDOWN FOR REALZ!!!

U.S. Capitol Locked Down Amid Escalating Far-Right Protests U.S. Capitol Police have locked down all buildings within the U.S. Capitol complex as far-right demonstrations clash with police in the area. "Due to an external security threat located on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building, no entry or exit is permitted at this time," the police said in a statement.

RUDY RAGE!!!

Rudy threatens 'trial by combat' in Congress and says Pence can reject Biden win RUDY Giuliani told thousands of fired-up Trump supporters he wants a "trial by combat" in Congress and doubled down on calls for Mike Pence to overturn Joe Biden's win. Giuliani made the comments during a "Stop The Steal" rally on Wednesday morning, as Americans await the results of the Georgia Senate race.

INSECURITY!!!

US Capitol breached as Trump supporters clash with police WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. Capitol locked down Wednesday after protesters breached barricades amid violent clashes between President Donald Trump's supporters and Capitol police. Both chambers of Congress abruptly recessed as they were debating the Electoral College vote that gave Joe Biden the presidency.

The Duece Reacts

Fox News Cuts Away From Don Jr. Speech After He Starts Screaming Profanities Fox News cut away from Donald Trump Jr. when his speech at a pro-Trump rally in Washington, D.C. turned profane. The adult son of President Donald Trump spoke ahead of his father on Wednesday, during a rally held to protest the 2020 election and Congressional certification of Joe Biden's victory.

Don. Jr. Redux

Don Jr begs for calm as Save America supporters storm Congress and police inside House chamber have guns drawn and aimed at the door Trump supporters started lining up before dawn near White House in Washington, DC, on Wednesday Crowds are there for the 'Save America' rally protesting planned certification of Joe Biden's election victory Donald Trump Jr, House Rep.

GUNS OUT!!!

Guns Drawn in House Chamber after Trump Rally Crowd Breaks through Capitol Security | National Review A pro-Trump crowd that descended on Washington, D.C., to protest the certification of the Electoral College has stormed Capitol Hill after being goaded by President Trump in a defiant speech, with multiple reports of an armed standoff at the door of the House chamber. Armed standoff on House floor.

Speaker Pelosi HQ Invaded

Demonstrators invade offices of lawmakers inside U.S. Capitol by: Nexstar Media Wire Posted: / Updated: WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - Demonstrators backing President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol, entering the offices of lawmakers including U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. An image taken by a Getty photographer showed a note left on the desk of the California Democrat that read, "WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN."

Day At The Office

Hill erupts into chaos after protesters storm Capitol "We have folks entering the rotunda," they said. Masks were being distributed to members and the press after tear gas was dispersed. Lawmakers and staff had already been on high alert as crowds of Trump allies descended upon the Capitol and local D.C. officials braced for violence.

Wheres The Prez?!?!

Trump claims he'll lead march to the Capitol, only to slip back to White House in motorcade As chaos ripped through Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon, President Trump quietly slipped into his motorcade to be whisked back to the White House, despite having told his supporters that he was going to walk with them to the Capitol Building.

Trump Statement

President Trump urges protesters to be peaceful after they clash with police, breach Capitol Amidst chaos and violence on Capitol Hill Wednesday in support of President Trump, both he and his son Donald Trump Jr. urged peace among protesters who had forced their way into the U.S. Capitol Building. "Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country.

Pence Promises Prosecution

Pence condemns Capitol violence, vows participants will be prosecuted Vice President Pence on Wednesday condemned protests inside the U.S. Capitol, which forced him to be evacuated from the Senate chamber earlier in the afternoon, and vowed those involved "will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." "The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now.

According To Elect Biden

Watch: Joe Biden to address riots at U.S. Capitol President-elect Joe Biden is set to deliver remarks about the riots at the U.S. Capitol against the counting of Electoral College votes.

Guard Called Out . . .

National Guard will head to the Capitol to tamp down pro-Trump insurrection The National Guard will respond at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday after pro-Trump rioters overran the building during the Electoral College vote count. Both Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office asked for the National Guard to tamp down the insurrection at the Capitol, two sources told NBC.

And It's Over.

U.S. Capitol building now secure: official WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Capitol building has been secured, a Capitol official said on Wednesday, hours after rioters stormed the seat of government and entered the lawmakers' chambers. House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving told House members the building was cleared after they spent several hours in lockdown following evacuation as pro-Trump demonstrators attacked the Capitol.

Developing . . .
Hyderabad, Jan 7 : Telugu star Varun Tej Konidela on Thursday shared the news with fans that that he has tested negative for Covid-19. He thanked everyone for their love and prayers.

Varun posted a note on Instagram that read: "Never thought a report saying 'Negative' would bring in so much joy to me. Yes I tested 'Covid Negative'. Thank you very much for all the love and prayers." Varun tested positive for coronavirus in December and was quarantined at home. He had shared a health update on Instagram. "Earlier today I tested positive for Covid-19 with mild symptoms. I am currently quarantined at home taking the necessary precautions. I'll be back soon. Thank you for all your love," he wrote.

The actor recently started preparing for his next film, "F3". The film is a sequel of the comedy "F2: Fun And Frustration", which was released last year.

"F3" also stars Tamannaah Bhatia, Venkatesh Daggubati and Mehreen Pirzadaa.
EMILY ST. LAWRENCE, Chariho girls lacrosse, senior: St. Lawrence tied a school record for goals in a game with nine in a win over Smithfield. St. Lawrence scored 17 goals for the week and has 32 for the season.

CARLY CONSTANTINE, Stonington softball, sophomore: Constantine singled home Shea OConnor with the winning run to hand Waterford, the states No. 2 ranked team at the time, its first loss of the season. For the week, Constantine was 5 for 15.

GREG GORMAN, Westerly baseball, junior: Gorman, a junior, hit a massive home run in a win against Barrington. The homer went over the fence in center field and landed in a nearby road. Gorman was 3 for 3 with four RBIs in the game. He is hitting .571 with 10 RBIs for the season.

BRADIN ANDERSON, Wheeler baseball, freshman: Anderson, a freshman, pitched a complete-game shutout to beat Grasso Tech. Anderson struck out three to earn the first win of his varsity career.

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Right after Tesla CEO Elon Musk overtook Amazon boss Jeff Bezos to become the world's wealthiest person, the outspoken and envelope-pushing Musk gave a rather wry reaction to the news.

How strange," Musk tweeted after reports of his new status were published, then added Well, back to work."

How strange  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 7, 2021

Well, back to work   Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 7, 2021

Including Thursday's gains in Tesla shares, Musk had a net worth of more than $188.5 billion, $1.5 billion more than Bezos, according to Bloombergs Billionaires Index.

A 4.8% rally in the electric carmakers share price Thursday boosted Elon Musk past Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a ranking of the worlds 500 wealthiest people.

The 49-year-old South Africa-born engineers net worth was $188.5 billion at 10:15 a.m. in New York, $1.5 billion more than Bezos, who has held the top spot since October 2017. As chief executive officer of Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, Musk is also a rival to Bezos, owner of Blue Origin LLC, in the private space race.

The milestone caps an extraordinary 12 months for Musk. Over the past year his net worth soared by more than $150 billion in possibly the fastest bout of wealth creation in history. Fueling his rise was an unprecedented rally in Teslas share price, which surged 743% last year on the back of consistent profits, inclusion in the S&P 500 Index and enthusiasm from Wall Street and retail investors alike.

Bezos would still hold a wide lead over Musk had it not been for his divorce, which saw him cede about a quarter of his Amazon stake to his ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott, and his philanthropy. He donated shares worth about $680 million in November.

The worlds 500 richest people added a record $1.8 trillion to their combined net worth last year, equivalent to a 31% increase. The gains were disproportionately at the top, where five individuals hold fortunes in excess of $100 billion and another 20 are worth at least $50 billion.

Less than a week into the new year the rankings have already been upended by extraordinary rallies. Chinas Zhong Shanshan has vaulted past Warren Buffett to claim the sixth slot after shares of his bottled-water company surged, adding $15.2 billion to his fortune.

With agency inputs

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COEUR D'ALENE, ID / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / Timberline Resources Corporation (OTCQB:TLRS)(TSXV:TBR) ("Timberline" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results for the final five holes of the 2020 reverse circulation (RC) drill program at its 100%-controlled Eureka Project in Nevada. The results include considerable near-surface oxide gold mineralization and two high-grade intercepts above 4.0 grams of gold per tonne (g/t). The primary objectives of the 12-hole, 2,438m (8,000 ft) RC drill program were to infill and expand the current mineral resource and test for deeper sulfide mineralization to the east in the graben structure (see Figure 1).

Drilling Highlights

Hole BHSE-187, a step-out hole drilled approximately 75m northeast of the existing resource, encountered 7.62m of 4.49 g/t, within an interval of 25.91m @ 2.18 g/t gold.

Hole BHSE-184 intercepted 18.29m @ 0.93 g/t gold from 3.0m below surface.

Hole BHSE-186 intercepted 6.10m of near-surface, high-grade gold (5.21 g/t) and 25.91m @ 0.77 g/t gold from 47.24m downhole, both intervals being oxidized material.

Three of these holes are within the resource and collared inside the historic Lookout Mountain Pit, while two of the holes are step-outs to the east and northeast. One of the step-outs, hole BHSE-183, was lost in bad ground before reaching target depth and has been twinned with core hole BHSE-188C (results pending).

Timberline previously announced positive results from infill RC drilling within the resource in a Company news release dated Dec. 1, 2020 found at https://timberlineresources.co/press-releases/. These newly reported mineralized intervals are consistent with results announced in that release and are consistent with or superior to expectations.

Timberline's President and CEO, Patrick Highsmith, commented, "The 2020 RC drilling continues to confirm and enhance the grade and thickness of the historical resource while also revealing extensions to the system. Once again, we are encountering significant thicknesses of near-surface oxide gold mineralization, quite rare in Nevada today. Drill hole BHSE-187 is particularly exciting because it represents a step-out from the resource and it expands upon the high-grade Water Well Discovery Zone we discovered down dip from the resource in 2015. Taken together, these near-surface oxide gold and deeper high-grade gold intercepts highlight the continued growth opportunity for Timberline at our flagship Eureka Project."

Figure 1 - Lookout Mountain Pit-area Historic High-Grade Drill Intercepts and 2020 Drilling



Geological and Drilling Details

All of these holes encountered mineralization hosted in the Dunderberg Shale, commonly near its basal contact with the Hamburg Dolomite, which is heavily disrupted by faulting and brecciation. These rocks are part of the Cambrian-aged section, which hosts mineralization both at the Lookout Mountain Deposit and at the historic Windfall Mine, several kilometers to the northeast within the Eureka Project. Timberline geologists noted extensive alteration in the RC cuttings, including intense decalcification with variable amounts of silicification.

The deeper sulfide mineralization reported in drill hole BHSE-187 occurs in downfaulted Dunderberg Shale that is carbonaceous and sulfidic, with orpiment (arsenic sulfide mineral). This higher-grade intercept is a significant step-out of approximately 75 meters to the northeast from the Lookout Mountain resource. It is correlative with the Water Well or Orpiment Discovery Zone, and extends that zone to the north from historical intercepts, which include: 4.6m at 4.73 g/t Au and 7.7m at 5.02 g/t Au (see Company news release dated April 20, 2015: "Timberline Completes Successful Eureka Drill Program").

Table 1 - Lookout Mountain Target Recent Drill Intercepts

(Using a cutoff of 0.3 g/t Au)

Hole Azimuth (degrees) Inclination (degrees) Total Depth (m) From*

(m) To

(m) Length**

(m) Au

(g/t) Oxide/

Sulfide BHSE-183 0 -90 274.39 hole lost before target depth oxide BHSE-184 0 -90 169.17 3.05 21.34 18.29 0.93 oxide 48.77 64.01 15.24 0.51 oxide BHSE-186 0 -90 117.35 4.57 10.67 6.10 5.21 oxide 47.24 73.15 25.91 0.77 oxide incl. 48.77 57.91 9.14 1.09 oxide BHSE-187 0 -90 338.33 266.70 292.61 25.91 2.18 sulfide incl. 266.70 274.32 7.62 4.49 sulfide BHSE-189 0 -90 320.00 Anomalous gold below cutoff * Drilling and sampling conducted in feet. Intervals are converted from feet to meters for reporting. ** Drill Thickness: True Thickness undetermined.

Assay results are pending for three core holes which are significant step-outs from the existing mineral resource area. See Figure 1 for the location of the 2020 RC and core holes relative to the existing resource and the Lookout Mountain open pit.

Corporate Update

Timberline is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Patrick Highsmith, its President and CEO, to the Board of Directors effective January 1, 2021.

In addition, the Company announces that it has submitted a Notification of Late Filing of Form 10-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended on September 30, 2020. The SEC has approved the extension of filing of the Company's annual report by two weeks.

Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance

Collection of reverse circulation percussion drill samples and diamond drill core was completed under the supervision of a Company representative. Personnel from Timberline or the drilling contractors transport the RC and core samples to Timberline's secure Eureka facility where samples are logged and prepared for transport to the lab. Senior geologists direct the cutting and sampling of the core and selection of representative samples for assay. Quality control is monitored by the insertion of numerous blind certified standard reference materials, field duplicates, and blanks into each sample shipment. Company representatives complete sample dispatch paperwork and deliver the samples to ALS USA Inc. (ALS) in Elko, Nevada for sample preparation. Drill samples are assayed by ALS in Reno, Nevada for gold by fire assay of a 30-gram charge with an AA or ICP-ES finish (ALS code Au-AA23). The overlimits for gold samples assaying above 10 g/t are determined by a 30-gram fire assay with gravimetric finish. In addition, highly mineralized samples (>0.2 g/t Au) are submitted for multi-element analysis (33 elements) by four-acid digestion and ICP-ES determination (code ME-ICP61).

According to Timberline instruction, samples assaying above 0.2 g/t gold are also tested for cyanide-soluble gold with the 30-gram Au-AA13 method. This form of analysis is a preliminary indication of the favorability of the sample for gold recovery by cyanide leach. Since the test is performed on a small aliquot of a pulverized sample, it is not a reliable indication of metallurgical recovery.

Steven Osterberg, Ph.D., P.G., Timberline's Vice President Exploration, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this release. Mr. Osterberg is not independent of the Company as he is an officer and a director.

About Timberline Resources

Timberline Resources Corporation is focused on delivering high-grade Carlin-Type gold discoveries at its district-scale Eureka Project in Nevada. The Eureka Property includes the historic Lookout Mountain and Windfall mines in a total property position of approximately 24 square miles (62 square kilometers). The Lookout Mountain Resource was reported in compliance with Canadian NI 43-101 in an Updated Technical Report on the Lookout Mountain Project by Mine Development Associates, Effective March 1, 2013, filed on SEDAR April 12, 2013.

Resource Category Tonnage (million short tons) Grade (oz/ton) Grade (grams/tonne) Contained Au (troy oz) Measured 3.04 0.035 1.2 106,000 Indicated 25.90 0.016 0.6 402,000 Inferred 11.71 0.012 0.41 141,000



The Company is also operator of the Paiute Joint Venture Project with Nevada Gold Mines in the Battle Mountain District. These properties all lie on the prolific Battle Mountain-Eureka gold trend. Timberline also controls the Seven Troughs Project in northern Nevada, which is one of the state's highest-grade former gold producers. Timberline controls over 43 square miles (111 square kilometers) of mineral rights in Nevada. Detailed maps and mineral resources estimates for the Eureka Project and NI 43-101 technical reports for its projects may be viewed at http://timberlineresources.co/.

Timberline is listed on the OTCQB where it trades under the symbol "TLRS" and on the TSX Venture Exchange where it trades under the symbol "TBR".

Forward-looking Statements: Statements contained herein that are not based upon current or historical fact are forward-looking in nature and 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. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations about its future operating results, performance and opportunities that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the advancement of projects, and exploration potential. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "upcoming," "plan," "target", "intend", "growth opportunity" and "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to Timberline Resources Corporation, its subsidiaries, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to risks involving forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in the Company's business and other factors, including risk factors discussed in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Patrick Highsmith

President and CEO

Tel: 208-664-4859

SOURCE: Timberline Resources Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623384/Timberline-Drills-More-Oxide-and-High-Grade-Gold-at-Eureka-Project-Nevada-Appoints-New-Director
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  After thousands of supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump violently stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., police took Rep. Nicole Malliotakis to a secure location, the congresswoman said.

My staff and I are safe and have been brought to a secure location by the Capitol Police, Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) wrote on Twitter.

She also demanded protesters to end the violence.

Everyone who is responsible for this violence and lawlessness must stop, she said. This is absolutely unacceptable and un-American.

My staff and I are safe and have been brought to a secure location by the Capitol Police. Everyone who is responsible for this violence and lawlessness must stop. This is absolutely unnacceptable and un-American.  Nicole Malliotakis (@NMalliotakis) January 6, 2021

Malliotakis was officially sworn in on Monday and Wednesdays vote was among her first duties in Washington after taking office.

She had expressed support for Republicans controversial challenge of Trumps electoral defeat, which was interrupted by the protests Wednesday.

I dont see a situation where I dont object to some of these states, she had said during a radio interview on Monday.

There are a handful of states, not including New York, in which there are witnesses, affidavits, and other evidence of significant voting irregularities, she said. Ive joined colleagues in writing to Speaker Pelosi requesting that these irregularities be investigated in a transparent manner.

Thousands of Trump supporters marched down to the U.S. Capitol and stormed the building after Trump led at a rally nearby. One man was even able to enter and sit in the Senate Chamber.

42 Photos: U.S. Capitol on lockdown as Trump supporters flood Washington, D.C.

Many protesters could be seen throwing objects at the police and causing damage to the Capitol building.

As violence started erupting, Trump attacked Vice President Mike Pence on Twitter for not having the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify.

It took Trump about two hours to ask his supporters to be peaceful.

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue, he wrote on Twitter.

A man entered the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosis office leaving a note saying we will not back down.

A supporter of US President Donald Trump leaves a note in the office of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as he protest inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images

A woman is reportedly in critical condition after being shot in the chest, according to multiple reports.

Many Americans watching in horror Wednesday as pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol noticed that in all the footage of clashes and violence in Washington, there were very few arrests. The U.S. Capitol Police, somehow unprepared to handle the mass of protesters, focused on managing the crowds and pushing rioters from the building. As of Wednesday night, reports indicated that D.C. police had arrested 13 people, and Capitol Police had not said if it made any additional arrests.

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But a wave of arrests will likely follow. There are hours of footage and countless dramatic photos revealing the faces of the often maskless rioters breaching the Capitol, seizing property, lounging in legislators offices, and parading through the halls. Theres likely also security and body camera footage. And it wont be too hard for prosecutors to identify those involved.

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There are a number of misdemeanor and felony charges that could be levied against the rioters. According to Channing Phillips, who served as acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia from 2015 to 2017, some of the local and federal charges prosecutors might consider include felony destruction of government property, weapons-related offenses, assault, and rioting. These could carry simply finesor years in prison. In some cases, it will be hard to tell what laws rioters might have broken beyond minor offenses, such as failing to leave the Capitol grounds when ordered by police.

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Those who breached the Capitol itself are likely to face more severe charges, as are those who assaulted police officers. Alex Little, a former assistant U.S. attorney, said he expects that prosecutors might hit several insurrectionists with unlawful entry and destruction of property misdemeanor charges as a placeholder to get folks into the system while they sort out if they should face more serious penalties.

When the authorities begin to piece together those who led the charge into the Capitol or most directly incited violence, they can turn to even more serious charges. According to Matt Jones, a former assistant U.S. attorney for D.C., its unlikely prosecutors would treat this case like a typical protest, which might result in charges like trespassing or disrupting congressional operations. What were seeing there is far different, he said. These are grave threats to our democratic institutions. Jones said that there are a number of serious federal criminal laws that would likely applyand a few others that are almost never invoked, such as those against seditious conspiracy.

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Seditious conspiracy applies when multiple people conspire to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States, or  oppose by force the authority thereof, or by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the authority thereof. The charge can come with 20 years in prison.

This was an effort, it appears, to undermine the lawful functioning of fundamental processes of our democracy, Jones said. Im sure the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia is going to be dusting off those law books and looking through the statutes that are sufficient to fit the seriousness of the crimes here.

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According to Carissa Byrne Hessick, a criminal law professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, prosecutors might also consider federal terrorism charges. And any other criminal charges committed during an act of terrorism would then come with a big bump-up in their sentencing. Because people were targeting the federal government, thats going to multiply the punishment well beyond if someone targeted a CVS or something or were stealing sneakers in a riot. As a result, she said, I think a lot of people went to D.C. not appreciating the sorts of crimes they could be charged with and the penalties they could be facing.  The target of the violence was the U.S. government itself. And so that changes things and brings a whole new category of laws into play.

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It is up to the attorney general and the U.S. attorney in D.C. to decide how these cases will be handled. I think any time you prosecute a case like this, its a historical event in a negative way, and the question will be how the Department of Justice will charge and what message that will send, Little said. So the prosecutors may decide to hit just a few people with very serious charges, or charge large numbers of people with minor crimes, or both.

Legal experts agree that any leaders identified will face many years in prison. (If anyone is found to be connected to the two reported pipe bombs, that will be its own serious crime.) Those on the scene when a woman was fatally shot could face increased penalties as well, even if a police officer fired the fatal shot. From a prosecutors perspective, the fact that someone died as a result of the chaos today will heighten the sense that there needs to be accountability for those who were responsible for fomenting the violence, Jones said.

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Ultimately, the prosecutors involved will have to think carefully about resources. It may be a challenge, Jones said. There are so many people involved and the prosecutors will have to make fine-grained distinctions between those engaged in lawful First Amendment activities and those who were pressing into the area of sedition and violent attempts to obstruct the lawful functioning of government. Still, after the J20 protest, during Trumps inauguration in 2017, and after Black Lives Matter protests, police went to great lengths to identify who did what. That will take work but can and will be done here, he said.

Theres still the possibility that Trump could preemptively pardon the rioters in his last days in office. But if that doesnt happen, D.C. prosecutors will be facing an unprecedented situation. What makes this different is it appears to have been motivated by an attempt to prevent the lawful transfer of power, Jones said. Its the violence and breadth of the criminality.
The unprecedented riots and violence that recently hit the Capitol building in Washington DC have surprised the world to another level. US President Donald Trump refuses to accept his defeat and ensure a peaceful and smooth transfer of power to Joe Biden.

As many as four people have died in the violence that ensued as Trump supporters barged into the capitol building.

#NOW: The White House ellipse. Trump supporters are crowding into Constitution Ave. for a rally where the president is supposed to speak later.



This is the March to Save America  one of at least four pro-Trump events planned around todays joint session of Congress. pic.twitter.com/HcrJKCZ6pQ  Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) January 6, 2021

In the latest video, wherein we can see supporters of Trump gathering outside the Capitol has gone viral in India as it shows someone holding an Indian flag amid Trump supporters.

However, it is not clear who the person is and what political agenda is set behind the act but the Indian flag at a protest concerning the US elections has caught the eye of many on Twitter.

Check out the video here-

Why is there an Indian flag there??? This is one fight we definitely dont need to participate in... pic.twitter.com/1dP2KtgHvf  Varun Gandhi (@varungandhi80) January 7, 2021

BJP Lok Sabha MP Varun Gandhi took to Twitter and posted a video contemplating why there was a presence of an Indian flag outside the Capitol building.

He wrote, "Why is there an Indian flag there??? This is one fight we definitely don't need to participate in.

Heres what people on the internet have to say about the video-

Haha Truuuuu!  Vasundhara Tankha Sharma (@VasundharaTankh) January 7, 2021

This is not an official contingent carrying the tricolour

It could be anyone. Even a Pakistani.  Nandini  (@NAN_DINI_) January 7, 2021

      Amar Dwivedi (@AmarDwi11085166) January 7, 2021

Absolutely .Whoever has done this must be questioned  Meenakshi (@MeenakshiLanger) January 7, 2021

Perfect  Hoshiar Singh (@Hoshiar05069144) January 7, 2021

Abki bar trump sarkar...se puchho.  Pranab Chakrabortty (@PranabC74013869) January 7, 2021

What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below!
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7)  Talks of amending the Constitution were revived in November in a meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and lawmakers on possible changes to the party-list system, Senate President Vicente Tito Sotto III said Thursday.

Sotto said he did not want to divulge information from the private meeting that the President called, but he had to clarify that Duterte never mentioned the possibility of term extension.

Ang malinaw na tinanong agad ng Presidente pag-upo, ay sinabi niya (Its clear that the President immediately said), I want this problem with the CPP-NPA solved The best way is that we remove the party-list system or change it in the Constitution so we can call for a constituent assembly and amend that, Sotto said in an online interview with reporters.

Duterte referred to the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, New Peoples Army which were tagged as terrorist groups by the Anti-Terrorism Council. Duterte insisted that some party-list lawmakers, particularly those from the minority Makabayan bloc are sympathizers or connected with communist rebels, Sotto said. The Makabayan bloc has denounced the red-tagging.

Sotto suggested amending the Party-List System Act instead, but Duterte replied this could be subject to challenges before the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, amendments to the Constitution could also cover some economic provisions, Sotto recalled the President as saying.

Revived charter change talks

Just a month after the President's meeting with lawmakers, Senators Francis Tolentino and Ronald dela Rosa filed a resolution seeking to convene Congress as a constituent assembly to introduce amendments to the Constitution. Talks will be limited to economic and party-list system provisions, Dela Rosa said.

In a constituent assembly, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate shall convene and decide on constitutional amendments themselves. This is different from a constitutional convention which requires nationwide elections to select delegates who will draft the amendments.

Efforts to revive charter change deliberations were revealed on Wednesday after AKO BICOL Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr., head of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, posted photos of some congressmen meeting with the caption gearing up for constitutional amendments.

It was House Speaker Lord Allan Velascos directive to tackle restrictive economic provisions, Garbin said. Velasco earlier filed a resolution to allow foreign ownership of lands, educational institutions, public utilities, and mass media firms. Garbin said deliberations will be held on January 13.

The panel last held a hearing in February 2020, as it later suspended any deliberations on charter change due to the rising cases of COVID-19. The House is now under new leadership following the controversial squabble between Velasco and then Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

Not a good time

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon called it a sin to be talking about charter change as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus crisis, which has pushed the economy into recession. He said he and other minority senators will oppose it.

Members of the Makabayan bloc believe any talks to amend the charter could be used to keep Duterte and his allies in power, considering that there are less than two years left in his term.

Sotto agreed that pushing for constitutional change may be ill-timed because of the pandemic, but said there would be no problem if talks will be confined to certain provisions, no other political agenda.

He said the House and Senate should vote separately on the constitutional amendments. The 24-member Senate wants to make its voice count in a separate voting, and not be irrelevant in a joint voting with nearly 300 House representatives, he added.

In a separate briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the President has no intention of staying in power beyond 2022 and that the COVID-19 pandemic remains his top priority.

Duterte previously pushed for constitutional change that would allow for a shift to federalism, one of his campaign promises in the 2016 elections, but later admitted Filipinos are not ready for a federal form of government. Still, Duterte will not intervene with the affairs of Congress, Malacanang said.

CNN Philippines' Joyce Ilas contributed to this report.
UPDATED 11.01.2021. Violent protesters targeted and attacked media workers during the assault on the United States Capitol in Washington DC. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its American affiliates deplore these barbaric attacks against journalists and stand in solidarity with journalists protecting citizens right to know.

Supporters of US President Donald Trump stand next to media equipment they destroyed during a protest on JAnuary 6, 2020 outside the Capitol in Washington, DC. Credits: Agnes BUN / AFP

A violent mob assaulted a media crew when they were reporting on the attack on the US Capitol during the certification of the Presidential vote perpetrated by supporters of outgoing president Donald Trump.

Assailants destroyed media equipment and made a noose out of camera cables and hung it from a tree while screaming get out of here and we are the news now.

A spokesman for The Associated Press confirmed that its equipment had been stolen and destroyed, adding that none of its staff members had been injured.

A CBS News journalist, reported that a protester had told him that law enforcement officers would not protect journalists and denounced the lack of protection. There were no police around us, we were on our own. We high-tailed it out of there. He described the mob as absolutely, ferociously angry at the media.

While journalists outside the Capitol were threatened and surrounded, media workers inside the Capitol were forced to shelter in secure locations for hours as violent protesters entered the building. One of them wrote murder the media in a door inside the Capitol.

More incidents against media workers were reported in Canada, where a CBC News photojournalist was assaulted at pro-Trump protest in Vancouver, according to media reports.

The NewsGuild, an IFJ affiliate, called on its members who were covering the unfolding events at the capital to please stay safe and be in communication with them and offered any kind of support or assistance if needed.

Newsguild president, Jon Schleuss, said: This is an absolute embarrassment for our country. My thoughts are with all the amazing journalists covering this moment. Stay safe, by God, you are our light. We are only free and informed people because of our free press.

National Writers Union president, Larry Goldbetter, said: "It is no coincidence that the racist storm troopers who attacked an election that 160 million people participated in, would also attack media workers, Elections and a free press are two of the foundations of a democratic society. Trump and his terrorist minions are violently opposed to both. What's worse is that they had free reign for the entire day, whereas protesters against racist police violence were arrested by the tens of thousands over the summer.

SAG-AFTRA said: "As a union and a democratic organization, we are appalled by this attack on the values we hold most sacred. The disgraceful scenes coming out of the nations capital have undermined Americas institutions and its standing in the world. Displays of the Confederate flag and other symbols of white supremacy and hate were meant to subjugate and terrorize people of color and those of certain faiths. This poison attacks the diverse membership of our union and the labor movement."

IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: We are appalled by the violent attacks against media workers who were just doing their job. This is the final result of a long process of demonisation and hate-speech narrative against the media in the United States by Donald Trump. We stand in solidarity with our American colleagues. You are not alone.
More than a year into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), several countries are beginning to roll out targeted vaccination efforts.

Under emergency regulatory body approval, countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have started administering vaccines to frontline workers and high-risk individuals. While the current vaccine candidates being used were designed to be multivalent and robust to emerging mutations, the potential for new strains to evade the immunizing response these vaccines are designed to elicit remains a significant risk factor in the current fight against the pandemic.

A researcher at Clemson University, USA, has recently explored how governments might effectively combat the pandemic through strategic vaccination as new variants and strains of the virus emerge. The study suggests that vaccine candidates should target the fast-spreading variant, even when the initial prevalence is much lower.

COVID-19 vaccines

To date, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that there are 235 vaccines developed against SARS-CoV-2. Of these, 63 are undergoing clinical evaluation or trials, while 172 are in pre-clinical development. A total of 15 vaccines are now in the last phase of human trials.

In the first week of December, following Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MRHA) approval, the United Kingdom has vaccinated over 130,000 people with the first dose of the Pfizer / BioNTech jab. In the first week of January, the second doses are to be given.

The UKs Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) endorsed the governments move to pursue coverage of a high proportion of the population amid the surge of a new strain, which appears to be more infectious and fast-spreading.

Meanwhile, the United States has authorized and recommended two vaccines to prevent COVID-19  Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and Modernas COVID-19 vaccine.

Fast-spreading variant

Starting September, a new strain of SARS-CoV-2, named VOC 202012/01, has recently exploded across southeast England, prompting the government to impose lockdown orders once again in the region.

The new variant is deemed to be fast-spreading and up to around 70% more infectious, since it is a version of the virus with 23 mutations, eight of which are in the spike proteins, which is the part that the virus uses to attach onto and enter human cells.

The novel mutations include the N501Y mutation that allows the virus to bind more tightly to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. It also has the D614G deletion that appears to make the virus more transmissible between people.

As of December 26, 2020, more than 3,000 cases of the new variant, which was confirmed by genomic sequencing, have been reported in the UK. The initial investigation by scientists confirmed that the new variant has increased transmissibility compared to previously spreading variants, but there is no observed increase in the severity of the disease.

Since December 2020, other countries have also reported cases of the new variant, including Denmark, Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, Iceland, Finland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, India, Israel, Jordan, Japan, Lebanon, South Korea, Switzerland, and Singapore.

Another fast-spreading variant has been reported in South Africa, known as the 501.V2 variant. It is now the dominant form of the virus and has increased transmissibility. However, similar to the UKs new variant, there is no evidence that the 501.V2 is tied to a higher severity of the infection.

The study

The study, published on the preprint journal medRxiv* server, shows that it is better for vaccines developed against SARS-CoV-2 to target the faster spreading strain, which could lead to surging cases in many countries.

Because the current vaccines developed were based on the previous strains of the virus, the study aimed to determine a solution for developing vaccines that can target the newest viral variant, or target the dominant but potentially less transmissible strain.

To arrive at the study findings, the investigator used a stochastic simulation to study how the choice of vaccine target affects outcomes of an outbreak of COVID-19 consisting of two different viral variants.

The study suggests that it is better to develop vaccines that target the variant that can spread more easily in populations. Even if the slower spreading variant is 100 to 1000-fold more prevalent at the onset of the vaccination period, targeting the faster-spreading strain is more effective.

However, the researcher also said that a mixed strategy, wherein 50 percent of the population receives a vaccine against one strain, and the other 50 percent receives a vaccine against the other strain, can perform well.

Overall, my model suggests that, except in very rare instances, monovalent COVID-19 vaccines should target the fastest-spreading strain of the virus, regardless of how prevalent that strain is at the outset of the vaccination period, and regardless of the degree of cross-protection offered by either vaccines or natural immunity, the researcher concluded.

As the pandemic evolves, new strains of COVID-19 will continue to emerge that are more transmissible than the current variants. These strains may evade immune responses from the current vaccines being rolled out. Though this cannot be prevented, but governments can make strategic decisions about vaccination strategies to reduce surges of cases and save many lives.

To date, there are over 87.19 million COVID-19 cases worldwide. The death toll has topped 1.88 million people.

*Important Notice

medRxiv 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.
Australians have expressed their disgust after Donald Trump supporters waved the national flag while storming the US Capitol in a bid to stop the transition of power to president-elect Joe Biden.

Right-wing Republican protesters clashed with police and security while breaking into congress in Washington DC on Wednesday afternoon local time.

One female protester died after a gunshot hit her chest in the Capitol building, allegedly fired by a Capitol Police officer.

Among the sea of confederate and American flags, a lone Australian flag was seen being waved by a protester outside the Capitol building.

Australians took to social media to slam the Trump supporter who proudly displayed our flag at the violent rally, which has drawn widespread criticism.

Among the sea of confederate and American flags, a lone Australian flag was seen being waved by a protester outside the Capitol building

Right-wing Republican protesters clashed with police and security while breaking into congress in Washington DC on Wednesday afternoon local time

Trump addressed his thousands of his supporters near the White House Wednesday at his 'Save America' rally and declared war on his own party, calling Republicans who opposed him 'weak'

'Ashamed to see our flag in this disgraceful protest,' one woman said.

'A Union Jack storming US congress? Does this guy know any history?' Another man added.

'An Australian flag at a Trump riot. I need to sit down for this one.'

'Why would anyone think that is out of place. We have our fair share of right-wing people right here,' said a third person.

The attack saw flag-waving Trump supporters break down barricades outside the iconic white-domed building and swarm its halls, sending sessions of the House and Senate into an emergency recess.

In extraordinary images, armed security personnel were seen barricading the chamber with weapons drawn, while lawmakers huddled inside wearing gas masks.

Trump ordered National Guard and federal forces to deploy to the Capitol after his supporters overran U.S. Capitol Police and gained illegal entry into the building on Wednesday.

The building had been overrun for more than an hour when White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany made the announcement on Twitter.

'At President @realDonaldTrump's direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services. We reiterate President Trump's call against violence and to remain peaceful,' she wrote.

A mob of his angry supporters had breached the building and even entered the House and Senate chambers.

The Senate was evacuated at 2.30pm.

There were more than 2,000 Capitol Police officers with special jurisdiction on Capitol Grounds. But they were overrun as protesters smashed through a window and penetrated the building.

The building had been overrun for more than an hour Wednesday afternoon local time

Trump - after remaining silent for much of the afternoon - posted a video telling his 'very special' supporters inside the Capitol that he loves them and understands their pain but urged them 'to go home'

An army of Donald Trump's supporters stormed Congress Wednesday after he told them to march on the Capitol  with Mike Pence, Nancy Pelosi and lawmakers rushed to safety as thousands threatened to break through police barricades

Capitol Police were seen absorbing violent lunges by Trump supporters on the first floor of the Capitol building.

Trump - after remaining silent for much of the afternoon - posted a video telling his 'very special' supporters inside the Capitol that he loves them and understands their pain but urged them 'to go home'.

He had initially encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol after a rally earlier in the afternoon before asking them only to remain peaceful when violence broke out.

But just before 8pm lawmakers who had been whisked to safety when the siege kicked off began arriving back at the Capitol to resume the Joint Session to certify the Electoral College count of the presidential election.

This article will be updated throughout the week with coronavirus case counts and other need-to-know information about the pandemic in San Antonio.

Shattering records: San Antonio officials reported 3,002 new cases Sunday  by far the most in one day.

The Texas Department of State Health Services announced Sunday that 234 vaccine providers across the state, including 28 vaccination hubs including San Antonio, will receive thousands of coronavirus vaccine doses this week, as local officials and providers have pleaded for additional doses to keep up with high demand.

January 9

COVID-19 updates: The 1,399 hospitalized coronavirus patients reported Saturday set the record for the most coronavirus hospitalizations in Bexar County for the seventh day in a row, accounting for 34.4 percent of total patients Saturday.

The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported one death and 1,301 new coronavirus cases Saturday  222 more than Friday  bringing the citys cumulative case count to 130,447.

January 8

COVID-19 updates: Metro Health reported 1,079 new coronavirus cases and five new deaths Friday.

The seven-day average of new cases is at 1,550 per day, only slightly lower than Wednesdays record of 1,568. Almost 1,400 COVID patients are being treated in San Antonio hospitals, including 388 in intensive care units and 216 patients on ventilators.

January 7

COVID-19 updates: For the third day in a row Thursday, San Antonio set new records for the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 and for the number of people newly admitted to city hospitals to be treated for the disease caused by the coronavirus. City and county officials for weeks have been warning that local hospitals will soon become overwhelmed if hospitalizations continue to increase at the current rate. Officials reported 1,170 new local cases Thursday and nine new deaths.

Contagious strain in Texas: The first case of the second strain of COVID-19 was confirmed in Harris County on Thursday, the first in the state of Texas.A man in his 30s tested positive for the B.1.1.7 variant of the strain, which originated in the United Kingdom. The variant is said to be more contagious than the original strain.

January 6

COVID-19 updates: A day after San Antonio reported a record number of COVID-19 cases, the city again surpassed another troubling milestone: the number of hospital beds filled with COVID-19 patients.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg also reported 2,097 cases, a grim sign that the virus rampant spread shows no sign of slowing. There have now been 126,867 cases reported in Bexar County since the start of the pandemic.

Its very dangerous out there with regard to the transmission of COVID-19, Nirenberg said.

January 5

COVID-19 updates: The number of COVID-19 patients in local hospitals grew to 1,318 Tuesday  surpassing the peak reached in mid-July amid the summer surge of the virus. At the time, hospitalizations peaked at 1,267 on July 13. The San Antonio region added a record 2,152 new cases of the virus  shattering a record set only two days previous on Sunday when 1,997 new cases were reported. Five more people have died of the virus, officials reported Tuesday.

COVID-19 delayed abortions in Texas: When Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a ban on elective surgeries that also included abortions affecting stats in the state. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that during the ban, the number of abortions in Texas declined 38 percent in April 2020  from 4,608 to 2,856  compared to the same time the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of Texas residents receiving care at out-of-state facilities reviewed in the study increased from 157 in February 2020 to 947 in April 2020. The study also examined second-trimester abortions and found a 61 percent jump after the order expired.

COVID-19 variant spread in U.S.: Experts say the COVID-19 variant that makes the illness more contagious has reached at least three states in the U.S. and they are unsure how far it has spread.

January 4

COVID-19 updates: The positivity rate, which measures the portion of tests that identify active infections, rose sharply Monday to 23.2 percent, up 4 percentage points since last week and nearly 9 points in the past two weeks. Officials reported 1,057 new cases on Monday, and the city has averaged 1,259 new cases a day in the past week.

Texas experiences troubling number of COVID-19 cases: For the second time in the new year, the number of Texans hospitalized with COVID-19 is higher than it has ever been. Texas reported 12,563 people in hospitals with the disease, 82 more than the previous high mark set on New Year's Day.

January 3

A new, grim record: Sundays 1,997 new cases shattered the previous record of 1,717, set Dec. 22, and helped raise San Antonios case total since March to 121,591. Officials also added 239 backlogged cases from more than two weeks ago.Texas has hit a new record high for COVID-19 hospitalizations as a surge in the disease caused by the coronavirus continued to strain state medical resources following holiday travel and gatherings.
American Church needs unity after 2020 election: Evangelical leaders say in NAE survey

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A National Association of Evangelicals' survey found that Christian leaders believe the American Church needs unity most after the 2020 election.

In November, the NAE's monthly survey asked Christian leaders of colleges, missions, publishers, churches and denominations the question: "What are the needs of the American church in a post-election season?"

Leaders provided many answers, but unity was the biggest necessity, the survey found. NAE President Walter Kim told The Christian Post that over 140 Christian leaders were contacted to take part in the survey.

Our country is in desperate need of unity. Without it, America will be unable to tackle the enormous challenges that so many people now face. I believe that there is no better means of creating that unity than to proclaim the Gospel in both word and deed, National Commander of The Salvation Army, Kenneth Hodder, told the NAE as part of its survey.

In the past two presidential elections, unity proved as popular among winners as it was unpopular among losers.

After seeing the 2020 election turn in his favor, President-elect Joe Biden called for unity. President Donald Trump said the 2020 election was rigged. When Trump won the presidency in 2016, he also called for unity. After losing the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton claimed the election was stolen from her.

Kim said that unity has become more important as the United States has become more divided. Christians should value and prioritize unity because Jesus begged God for it in His last prayer in Gethsemane, he added.

Clearly, we have encountered and are still encountering a tremendous amount of polarization," Kim told CP. "Its not simply a matter of the life that we share together as Americans, but its central to the heart of the Gospel. Jesus prayed for the unity of believers."

Unity means neither conflict avoidance within groups or expelling people who dont share a groups views, Kim stressed. Those approaches create false unity. Instead, unity should mean working to understand each other and discussing differences.

On issues like abortion, Christians should understand that situations are complex and that policy solutions often have many perspectives, said Kim. Some people want to stop abortion by outlawing it. Others want to eliminate poverty and despair so that women dont feel like abortion is their only option. Still, others want to change Americans' attitudes toward sexual morality so people dont continue to have sex out of wedlock. All of these perspectives have value, he said.

Its really a complicated issue when we think about abortion. There is the very specific issue of the murder of unborn children, but theres also the factors that lead up to those conditions, he said.

Even in cases where fellow Christians believe that women have a right to kill their unborn babies, people should still try to live in fellowship, Kim said. Christians are called to reach unbelievers who disagree with them, and they should display the same care for people within the Body of Christ.

It is possible to profoundly disagree on issues and yet somehow have a relationship, Kim said. [Imagine people saying,] 'Wow, there are Republicans and Democrats that are worshiping together, and theyre not ignoring their deep differences on policy issues or issues that relate to their own doctrine, but somehow theyre making it work?' That would be a great witness.

Excommunicating people from the Church because they support sin should be an action of last resort, Kim emphasized. Although church leaders in the New Testament expelled people from the Church in some cases, it shouldnt be the first option.

We are finding ourselves in a political and social environment where excommunicating those who disagree is a much earlier option than scripture would call us to. This notion in Corinthians of expel the wayward brother is a matter of absolute last resort, Kim explained.

Sin within Christians is the real enemy, not any outside threat or group, he said. By announcing this truth, the Gospel shows believers that they are in community with the entire world.
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Digital Design Engineer Santa Clara Valley (Cupertino) , California , United States Hardware Summary

Posted: Jan 5, 2021 Role Number: 200214306 Join our team at Apple developing custom mixed-signal integrated circuits for Apple's existing and future product lines. Our small team has already shipped hundreds of millions of chips into several Apple product lines, including new products launched this year. As a member of our mixed-signal ASIC team, you will be responsible for designing complex digital IP's for Apple power conversion and management IC's. You will work with the system architects, product teams, verification engineers, and analog designers, creating block level specifications and implementing the designs. You will own the creation of the blocks, and take them through the concept, implementation, and validation phases, and then into mass production. Learn and use state of the art digital and mixed-signal tools and development flows to implement your designs. Although the team is small, we supply silicon to most of Apple's industry leading hardware development teams. We have a close-knit, robust team in need of experience digital design engineers to lead the development of new IP's and mentor junior engineers entering the mixed signal ASIC development field. Join us in building Apple's next generation products. Do you want to be a part of building the "surprise and delight" in Apple's future products? Key Qualifications Ten or more years developing digital IP's for SoC's or mixed signal IC's

Experience mentoring or leading junior design or verification engineers

Proven track record shipping quality designs on schedule

Experience with synthesis and static timing tools

Expertise in Clock Domain Crossing design and verification techniques

Experience with power estimation tools and techniques

Familiarity with silicon development milestones and project resource management

Some familiarity in analog circuit design is helpful, but not required Description Deliver complex digital control blocks, meeting schedule, area, power, and performance targets Collaborate in developing precise design specifications for digital control blocks Implement FSM's and other control logic in System Verilog Collaborate with managers and program managers to track progress and gauge tapeout readiness Work with DV teams to create verification plans Work with silicon validation team in developing lab validation and qualification plans Work with test team in developing implementation plans for ATE test programs Education & Experience MSEE required


RTHK: Top Senate Democrat says Trump must be removed

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said on Thursday that President Donald Trump should be removed immediately from office after inciting the "insurrection" at the US Capitol.

"What happened at the US Capitol yesterday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president. This president should not hold office one day longer," Schumer said, two weeks before Trump is scheduled to hand over power to President-elect Joe Biden.

Schumer called for intervention by Vice President Mike Pence, who angered Trump on Wednesday by acknowledging he could not overturn their election defeat in a ceremonial congressional session raided by a pro-Trump mob.

The New York senator called on Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, in which the cabinet by a majority vote can remove a president for incapacity to serve.

"The quickest and most effective way - it can be done today - to remove this president from office would be for the vice president to immediately invoke the 25th Amendment," Schumer said.

"If the vice president and the cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had already told senators to go home until the eve of the inauguration.

But Schumer is in line to become majority leader after Democrats were projected to win two Senate runoffs on Tuesday in Georgia.

If the threats are carried out, Trump would become the first president to be impeached twice.

The House of Representatives already voted in December 2019 to impeach him for holding up congressionally authorised aid to Ukraine as he pushed for a far-fetched investigation into Biden.

But Trump remained in office after a vote to remove him failed in the Republican-controlled Senate. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-01-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7)  Authorities have arrested two men in a buy-bust operation in Maguindanao and confiscated from them some 250 grams of shabu worth 1 million, the military's Western Mindanao Command said Thursday.

WestMinCom said in a statement that the illegal substance was conficated during a joint operation on Wednesday led by the military, police, and regional drug enforcement agents at the public market of Barangay Dalican in Datu Odin Sinsuat town.

The two arrested suspects were identified by the authorities as Sabir Tahir Omar, a.k.a. Bertos Taher Omar, and Enar Lumawan Bulilo, a.k.a. Jabbar.

Bought from the said personalities during the buy-bust operation... were five heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing more or less 250 grams white crystalline substance believed to be shabu placed inside a green backpack, said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the WestMinCom.

Aside from shabu, 600,000 in cash was also confiscated from the suspects, the statement said.

Omar and Bulilo were brought to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency's regional office for proper disposition and filing of cases.
COVID-19 patients are filling hospital beds across Massachusetts, stretching the limits of the hospital system, Health and Human Services Services Marylou Sudders said Thursday.

The rise in hospitalizations prompted state health officials to escalate Massachusetts to Tier 4 status, meaning hospitals in each region will meet daily to coordinate patient treatment in light of the tighter hospital capacity across the state.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health also eased certain nurse staffing ratio requirements. Hospitals with less than 20% of vacant ICU beds may request a temporary exemption to the nurse-to-patient ratios in the ICU.

Our hospital capacity limits are being stretched to their limit, Sudders said during a news conference at the Massachusetts State House.

About 65% of hospital beds statewide were filled around Thanksgiving. Now theyre 84% occupied, Gov. Charlie Baker said Thursday. About 75% of ICU beds are filled now, compared to 50% around Thanksgiving. The state re-launched a field hospital at Worcesters DCU Center in November. Another one in Lowell went up in December.

I would say that the Christmas bump is upon us, Baker said on the increase of COVID-19 cases after the holidays.

But the full impact of the holidays isnt clear. Baker noted the Thanksgiving holiday typically stretches two or three days, but people celebrate Christmas, Hannukah and other holidays through New Years Day. Seven days into 2021, Baker said it was too soon to draw bigger conclusions about a post-holiday spike in cases.

Hospitals that ask for an exemption on staffing capacity must attest that they have suspended all elective surgeries, according to Bakers office. That includes those nonessential invasive procedures in an outpatient facility affiliated with the hospital system.

Hospitals will have to take every reasonable step to expand capacity before requesting the temporary exemption, according to the governors office. If a hospitals bed capacity increases, or if the hospital resumes elective surgeries, that hospitals exemption expires.

As COVID-19 admissions continue to rise, hospitals are doing everything in their power to create additional capacity and keep up with care demand, said Steve Walsh, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association. The measures announced by the Baker administration today will help ensure that they can maintain a fully flexible workforce, maintain beds for the sickest patients and keep services open that are crucial to long-term health.

Related content:

DALLAS, Jan. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran Texas trial lawyer Tim Newsom has joined the Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, where he will be a key contributor to the firm's personal injury and business litigation team.

Mr. Newsom has nearly 30 years of experience handling a range of high-stakes litigation. His track record includes catastrophic personal injury lawsuits related to trucking and other transportation accidents, defective products, industrial accidents and dangerous worksites. His business litigation experience includes claims involving contract disputes, the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA), and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), among many others. Mr. Newsom's work on behalf of clients has resulted in record verdicts and significant settlements on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants.

Outside the courtroom, Mr. Newsom is involved in leadership roles in community and legal professional organizations and is a frequent speaker and writer on legal issues and the civil justice system. He serves on the executive committee for TEX-ABOTA, the regional organization of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and is past president of the Amarillo Area Bar Association.

Mr. Newsom is joining the Branson team after years at Young & Newsom, P.C., in Amarillo. He has earned repeat Texas Super Lawyers recognition since 2005. In addition, he is among a select group of Texas lawyers who have earned board certification in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson represents clients in cases involving complex product liability, catastrophic injury, commercial air crashes, professional negligence, and business torts. To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.flbranson.com.

Media Contact :

Robert Tharp

800-559-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE Law Offices of Frank L. Branson

Related Links

https://www.flbranson.com


[January 06, 2021] SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS BSX, SPLK INVESTORS of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuits

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors of pending deadlines in the following securities class action lawsuits: Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX)

Class Period: 4/24/2019 - 11/16/2020

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: February 2, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-boston-scientific-corporation-securities-litigation-4 Splunk Inc. (SPLK)

Class Period: 10/21/2020 - 12/2/2020

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: February 2, 2021







To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-splunk-inc-securities-litigation If you purchased shares of the above companies and would like to discuss your legal rights and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact us toll-free (844) 367-9658 or visit the case links above.

If you wish to serve as a Lead Plaintiff in the class action, you must petition the Court on or before the Lead Plaintiff Motion deadline. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com



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Covid cases in England tripled in a month in December and a staggering 311,372 people tested positive for the virus in the last week of 2020.

NHS Test & Trace figures published today showed the infection rate was three times higher than the weekly total at the end of November, when 97,340 people tested positive.

The number of people testing positive in the week after Christmas surged by 24 per cent from the week before.

And this was despite the number of people being tested dropping by almost a third. The proportion of people testing positive rose from 9 to 17 per cent  one in six. There were 1.8million people tested in the week up to December 30, down 740,000 from 2.6m the week before and 2m the week before that.

Tests surged to sky-high levels in the run-up to Christmas as people in many parts of England were allowed to visit family for a day, peaking at a record 509,000 swab tests in a single day on December 23.

Cases were significantly lower in that week, however  at 251,674  before surging to more than 300,000 among people who took their tests between Christmas Eve and December 30.

The total number of positives in the final week of the year was the highest of any week since Test & Trace started in May.

Public testing was not done during the first wave and many people with the virus don't get tested, so it's impossible to know whether it is the most infections there have ever been in a week.

It comes after Britain yesterday breached 1,000 daily coronavirus deaths for the first time since April and declared another record-high number of cases with 62,322 more positive tests.

Department of Health data showed the grim figure of 1,041 laboratory-confirmed deaths  only the 10th time the UK has topped the grisly milestone  was the UK's highest daily count since April 21.

Statistics also showed it was the third day in a row that Britain had posted a record-high number of cases.

The total number of positives in the final week of 2020 (311,372) was the highest of any week since Test & Trace started in May and three times as many as in the last week of November

Positive tests results soared to a quarter more than the week before even though 740,000 fewer people got tested, meaning the proportion of positives rose from 9 to 17 per cent

A huge spike in the number of people getting tested for coronavirus means that only around a third now get turned around within their time targets.

This means people getting their results within 24-hours if they get tested at a drive-in or local test site, or 48 hours for smaller testing operations and postal swabs.

Although test turnaround time improved on the week before at the end of December, there were still only 32 per cent of results returned within 24 hours from the biggest test sites.

Local test centres, the walk-in centres that make up the bulk of public testing and accounted for 420,000 out of the 1.8m in that week, saw 33 per cent of results given within 24 hours. This was up from just 12 per cent the week earlier.

The Test & Trace statistics come after mass testing, which studies random members of the population rather than only people with symptoms, shows England's outbreak exploded in December.

In a impromptu release on Tuesday, the Office for National Statistics revealed there are an estimated 1.1million people infected with the virus in England.

This was almost double its estimate of 645,800 people on December 18.

The staggering rise has been driven, officials say, by the new super-infectious variant of the virus that emerged in Kent, London and the South-East.

The equivalent of 2.06 per cent of the population, or one in 50 people - had coronavirus between December 27 and January 2, according to the ONS.

And this rose to one in 30 people in London - more than 290,000 people and around three per cent of the population.

Dr Michael Head, a global health expert at the University of Southampton, described the figures as 'frighteningly high'.

Professor Chris Whitty and the chief medical officers for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland warned that the figures will lead to a huge increase in coronavirus hospitalisations in the coming weeks that threatens to overwhelm the NHS.

Accordingly, they upgraded the coronavirus threat level to five - the maximum - and a national lockdown will now last into mid-February or March.

Professor Whitty said earlier this week: 'If we also highlight the huge numbers of confirmed daily cases, the fact that there's more people in hospital now with Covid-19 than at any state of the pandemic, and that almost any graph you look at is on a steep upward trajectory, then the UK is clearly not in a good place right now.'

He added that although the UK passing 100,000 Covid-19 deaths in the 'relatively near future' is 'inevitable', the roll-out of the vaccines allows for some optimism.

'There is an optimistic future, with the roll-out of the vaccine programme,' he said.

'The issue is that before we get to the point when we can all relax a little bit, there will be some grim times ahead.'

London has the highest rate of infection with its one in 30, while the rate in the South East, East and North West is more like one in 45.

For the East Midlands it is one in 50, the ONS said, for North East England one in 60, for West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber one in 65, and in the South West it is one in 135.
CCC Continues Ministering Beyond Church Walls

While the COVID-19 pandemic has severely limited in-person worship, Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC) continues to positively touch the lives of its members and the South L.A. community. In addition to its online Sunday and weekday services and prayer line, CCC maintains several outreach efforts to help greater Los Angeles.

Pastor Frederick K. Price, Jr., outlined the wide range of CCCs ministries in a recent update. The church activities include the campus being a test site for COVID-19 where more than 388,319 people have been tested since March 23; providing food to more than 1,800 families in conjunction with Love Has No Limits, partnering with Mercy Network Churches to donate groceries to 142 families with children and assisting 200 CCC families during the recent holidays; and contributing gifts to children through the Terry Mize Orphanage.

Price also said that CCC collaborated with American Red Cross to host a series of blood drives, which resulted in the collection of 550 units of blood.

ADVERTISEMENT

Each unit has the potential of saving up to three lives. CCC has ministered physical life to as many as 1,650 people, noted Price, who shared that the next blood drive will be held on Sunday. January 24. To participate, visit redcrossblood.org.

Both members and supporters can keep up with CCC activities and Ever Increasing Faith Ministries (EIFM) through a variety on online platforms. Price wrote in a recent email message, Almost every message that was ever taught at CCC and EIF, is now available on the On Demand platform and we continue to upload new and exciting messages.

Currently, we are adding exclusive teaching that can only be viewed on EIFM On Demand. It is now available on your mobile devices and your Smart Televisions. EIFM On Demand can now be found in the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, ROKU and more. Now you have Ever Increasing Faith Ministries in your pocket or purse, wherever you go.

To learn more, visit faithdome.org.
A group of 220 Cuban health care professionals arrived in Panama on Thursday to help fight the coronavirus pandemic despite objections from the United States, Panama's health ministry said.

The Cuban medics will "reinforce the health system in this fight against covid-19," the ministry said on Twitter.

Panama announced o0n December 15 it would hire doctors from Cuba, the US, Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia to tackle the pandemic despite a law restricting medical practice to locals.

Panama is the worst affected country in Central America with more than 220,000 Covid-19 cases and over 3,600 deaths among its 4.2 million population.

But the announcement had met resistance from Michael Kozak, Washington's acting assistant secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs.

"Governments that hire Cuban medical workers must ensure their fair and humane treatment -- in stark contrast to the Castro regime, which traffics in, and exploits, the workers' bravery for its own gains," Kozak tweeted on December 21.

"Make contracts transparent and pay workers directly."

The US is Panama's main political and economic ally.

Cuba's practice of hiring out its world-renowned health care workers has been branded "white coat diplomacy" by Havana's detractors, including Washington, which has accused Cuba of "forced labor" and using the medics as a propaganda tool.

"Our White Coat Heroes have arrived in Panama," Cuba's embassy in Panama said on Twitter alongside a video of people wearing white coats and carrying a Cuban flag.

Since reopening its economy in September and October, Panama has witnessed a spike in coronavirus cases that has left its hospitals saturated and their staff exhausted.

The government has imposed a total lockdown over Christmas and the New Year to try to slow the virus's spread.

Panama is due to receive 450,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine during the first quarter of 2021.

Panama President Laurentino Cortizo had announced plans to hire Cuban doctors in August but backed down following criticism from Washington and from within the country.

However, the government was forced into a change of heart as it was unable to hire enough health care professionals to tackle the virus crisis.
Today

Some clouds. Low 52F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 52F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph.

Tomorrow

A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 77F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph, becoming WNW and increasing to 15 to 25 mph.
At least five civilians died and another five people were wounded in attacks in Afghanistan's Helmand province on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital, authorities said on Thursday.

Provincial authorities also said casualties included women and children.

Officials were investigating to determine whether Wednesday's assault was an airstrike or some other type of attack.No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

The attack happened on the day an Afghan negotiating team was in Qatar's capital of Doha to resume talks aimed at finding an end to decades of relentless conflict even as violence has spiked across the country.

(IMAGE CREDITS:AP)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
At this time yesterday, it was already shaping up to be a busy news day: Two Georgia Democrats were poised to flip the Senate with imminent runoff wins. Congress was getting ready to confirm the results of the Electoral College amid objections by several Republican members. Coronavirus deaths in the US were rocketing to a new all-time high. Then, around midday, a violent mob of Trump supporters, egged on by the President himself, breached the US Capitol, sending politicians into hiding and sparking hours of chaos, violence and insurrection on what is sure to go down as one of the darkest days in American political history.

Here's the latest on the situation, plus everything else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.

(You can also get "5 Things You Need to Know Today" delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.)

CAPITOL RIOT

What happened: Washington was already planning for pro-Trump groups to protest yesterday's Electoral College count. But in the early afternoon, some protesters began tussling with police. About 90 minutes later, they were inside the Capitol, and Capitol police say they were overwhelmed by the crowd. Others inside the building, including Congressional staff, legislators and Vice President Mike Pence, were evacuated or told to seek shelter. Images show rioters with Confederate flags and Trump paraphernalia ransacking offices and parading about the Senate floor. One woman died after being shot on Capitol grounds, and three other people died following medical emergencies during the riot. The Capitol was finally cleared at 5:40 p.m. ET, and all in all, 52 people were arrested. Elsewhere across the nation, smaller but similar scenes unfolded, including in front of Georgia's capitol building and the governor's mansion in Washington state.

The President's response: It took President Trump hours to respond to the domestic terrorism. In tweets and a video message, the President offered only lukewarm admonition and repeated some of the baseless claims that motivated the protests in the first place. "We love you," he said to rioters in the video. "You're very special." The video and some of his tweets were taken down by Twitter and Facebook in what the companies said was an attempt to prevent more violence. Both platforms temporarily locked Trump's accounts.

Electoral College affirmation: After abandoning the proceedings as rioters forced their way inside the Capitol, House and Senate members reconvened last night and, just a few hours ago, finally affirmed Joe Biden's Electoral College win. Several GOP senators who'd planned to object changed their minds because of the day's events. The process was understandably tense. Two House members nearly came to blows during a debate over Pennsylvania's election results, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, a staunch supporter of Trump, vigorously defended certifying the electoral votes. Earlier in the day, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Vice President Mike Pence had voiced their belief in the legitimacy of Biden's victory and rejected Trump's claims of voter fraud.

Political response: In addition to expressing obvious horror and anger, a growing number of Republican leaders and Cabinet officials have told CNN they believe Trump should be removed from office before Biden's January 20 inauguration, even if it means invoking the 25th Amendment or disqualifying him from ever holding office again. Several White House staffers have resigned, including Trump's deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger and Stephanie Grisham, chief of staff to first lady Melania Trump, and more are reportedly considering resignation. Former military officials who served under Trump, including his first defense secretary, James Mattis, strongly condemned Trump's actions and the actions of others they say have interfered with a peaceful transfer of power. Even industry leaders have weighed in. The National Association of Manufacturers, one of the most influential business groups in the US, called on Pence to consider working to remove Trump from office. All four living former US Presidents decried the Capitol breach.

World response: US allies and adversaries looked on in shock and revulsion at yesterday's events. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the "disgraceful scenes in US Congress." German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas compared the violence to the Nazis burning the Reichstag parliament building in 1933, saying, "The enemies of democracy will rejoice at these inconceivable images." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called Trump a "sick person" who had disgraced his country. Top diplomats and leaders in Iceland, France, Austria, Poland, Ecuador, Colombia and Scotland, among others, reminded the US of its role as a global model of democracy. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been notably silent so far.

What happens next: The US Secret Service is significantly ramping up coverage and bringing more agents to the White House in the wake of the scenes of domestic terror. Trump, meanwhile, issued a statement pledging an "orderly" transition on January 20 -- but not without baselessly reiterating that he still thinks the election was stolen from him. The President's ongoing refusal to accept reality has led to concern, both within the White House and beyond, over what Trump may do -- and how his supporters, rivals and, indeed, the world will respond -- in his final two weeks in office.

OTHER TOP NEWS

 The US reported new single-day records for coronavirus deaths and hospitalizations yesterday, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that the total national Covid-19 death toll could exceed 430,000 by month's end. At least 52 cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in the UK have now been found in the US.

 President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Judge Merrick Garland as his attorney general, people familiar with the matter tell CNN.

 Democrat Jon Ossoff defeated incumbent Georgia Sen. David Perdue, solidifying a 50-50 Senate split, with Kamala Harris as the Democratic tiebreaker after she's sworn in as vice president, CNN projects.

 The Louisville Metro Police Department fired two detectives connected with the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in March. According to termination papers, one was fired for using deadly force during the encounter, and the other was fired for failing to complete a search warrant operations document and failing to verify details that justified the search warrant.

TODAY'S WEATHER

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AND FINALLY

Through the years

The US Capitol building has stood for generations as an icon of American democracy. Watch how it has weathered change from one era to the next. (Click here to view.)
A Massachusetts borrower who fell behind on his loan payments after falling victim to a mortgage scam claimed his servicer failed to fully respond to his notice of errors and requests for information on why his loan modification was denied.

The servicer argued the case should be dismissed because the requested information was overly broad and unduly burdensome.

Read on to see why a magistrate judge has recommended the case move forward.

London, Jan 7 : UK Home Secretary Priti Patel on Thursday held US President Donald Trump responsible for the "awful" scenes and violence at the Capitol Hill as his supporters stormed the Congress on Wednesday when a joint session was underway to certify the electoral college votes affirming the victory of President-elect Joe Biden.

"He basically has made a number of comments yesterday that helped fuel that violence and he didn't actually do anything to de-escalate that whatsoever... what we've seen is completely unacceptable. His comments directly led to the violence, and so far he has failed to condemn that violence and that is completely wrong," she told the BBC.

Patel, the first Indian-origin woman to hold the post, said that the scenes were "awful beyond words".

At least four people, including a woman, were killed as protesters went on rampage in the US Congress building, soon after Trump, addressing a rally of his die-hard supporters, urged them to march to the Capitol to register their protests and oppose the electoral "fraud" in the presidential elections.

The US "needs to move on" and have the transition of power from Trump to Biden, Patel added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had condemned the "disgraceful scenes" and called for a "peaceful and orderly transfer of power".
Congress has certified Democrat Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 presidential election, a solemn end to one of the darkest days in modern US history.

But it was not the ratification of the president-elects 306-232 electoral college victory that Americans will remember in the coming years.

It will instead be the chaos, violence  and ultimately bloodshed  in the halls of the US Congress that will make 6 January 2021 a date that "will live in infamy, as Senator Chuck Schumer put it, echoing President Roosevelts response to Pearl Harbor.

Directly encouraged by Trump himself, his supporters breached and occupied the US Capitol for more than four hours on Wednesday, interrupting the election certification proceedings and forcing lawmakers and Vice President Mike Pence into an emergency evacuation and lockdown.

In scenes that felt like something out of a movie or video game cut scene, throngs of pro-Trump rioters descended on an overwhelmed US Capitol Police force around 2pm, shattered windows, and stormed through the halls and both chambers of Congress.

A woman was shot and killed and several USCP officers were injured amid mayhem that ended with at least four dead.

For minutes-long stretches, rioters filed unchecked through corridors toting Trump 2020 flags, Dont Tread on Me flags, and other banners linked to the alt-right movement that is the violent bedrock of Mr Trumps most ardent support in this country. Some carried the Confederate flag into the halls of the Senate.

They stole podiums from the House and Senate floor and romped through the upper-level galleries of the House chamber where congressional family members and guests of honour sit for the presidents annual State of the Union address. They pilfered congressional leaders mail as souvenirs of their rampage.

A bearded rioter in a black and red ski cap ascended the dais at the head of the Senate chamber, climbed into the presiding officers chair, and exclaimed: Trump won that election!

Hours later, from that same burgundy leather chair, Mr Pence gaveled the Senate back into session to resume the Electoral College vote count, lamenting the dark day in the nations capital.

Another rioter wrote a menacing note with a red Sharpie in all-capitals on a manila folder on the speakers desk: We will not back down.

Law enforcement officers eventually deployed tear gas to disperse the rioters. The National Guard, agents from the FBI and US Secret Service, and scores of local police units from DC and several surrounding cities in Virginia and Maryland arrived in the late afternoon with anti-riot gear to turn back the thousands of Trump supporters and clear the Capitol building and grounds.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a 6pm curfew for the city, to mixed results.

Standoffs between rioters and the National Guard continued outside the Capitol well past the curfew, although law enforcement officers were able to re-establish and secure the perimeter.

At 8pm, Mr Pence banged the Senate gavel to signal the resumption of the election certification process.

To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today: you did not win. Violence never wins. Freedom wins, the vice president said.

This is still the peoples house, Mr Pence continued, and as we reconvene in this chamber, the world will again witness the resilience and strength of our democracy.

Senate Republicans back down

It quickly became apparent on Wednesday night that many of the 13 Republican senators who had initially planned to object to Mr Bidens electoral victory were backing down.

Among those changing their mind were Senators James Lankford of Oklahoma, who is up for re-election in 2022, and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia, who was defeated by Democrat Raphael Warnock in a Tuesday night special election runoff.

Wednesdays insurrection marked a sad day for our country, Mr Lankford said in a joint statement with Montana Republican Senator Steve Daines, another senator who had entered Wednesday planning to vote against Mr Bidens victory but backed down after the riots.

We now need the entire Congress to come together and vote to certify the election results, the senators said in a joint statement.

Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, one of the chief architects in the Senate of the plan to challenge Mr Bidens victory, dropped his objection to the electoral counts in Nevada, Georgia and Wisconsin, although he did force both chambers to take a vote on the results in Pennsylvania.

On the House side, Alabama Republican Congressman Mo Brooks refused to back down from his disproven claims that Mr Biden somehow stole the 2020 election from Mr Trump.

In a speech on the House floor shortly before 10 pm, Mr Brooks made the categorically false and unsupported claim that as many as 1m illegal aliens had cast votes for Mr Biden in exchange for promised amnesty.

A second impeachment?

Calls surged on Capitol Hill for Mr Trump to be removed from office over his involvement in the riots, whether that be through impeachment proceedings and a conviction by the Senate, or a last-minute invocation of the US Constitutions 25th Amendment.

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who has clashed with Mr Trump, has begun drawing up articles of impeachment. A growing list of other Democrats across the partys ideological spectrum have indicated they would support such a move.

Trump is directly responsible for this insurrection and violence. He needs to be removed from office immediately, said Congressman Seth Moulton, a Democratic moderate from Massachusetts.

If Mr Pence and the presidents cabinet dont invoke the 25th Amendment to replace Mr Trump, Congress must immediately impeach and remove the president for the safety of our nation, Mr Moulton said.

Democratic senators scourged their Republican counterparts for spending the last nine weeks encouraging Mr Trumps election conspiracies, allowing an increasingly delusional and power-hungry president to set the stage for the rebellion that swept through Congress on Wednesday.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pinned blame for Wednesdays disgrace on Mr Trump.

Todays events did not happen spontaneously, the New York Democrat said.

The president who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on, the president who hardly ever discourages violence  and more often encourages it this president bears a great deal of the blame, he said.

Mr Schumer, who will be taking the Senate gavel within weeks after a double-win in Georgia runoff elections delivered Democrats a Congressional majority through 2022, gave an account of the emotional toll exacted on lawmakers and staffers on Wednesday and lamented, in particular, the death of the woman.

And he vowed that the thugs and goons who roamed the legislature would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

A defiant president

At his Save America March on the Ellipse just south of the White House early on Wednesday afternoon, the president encouraged thousands of supporters to march on the Capitol, telling them to be strong.

We will never give up, Mr Trump said to roars of applause. We will never concede. It doesnt happen. You dont concede when theres theft involved. Our country has had enough. We will not take it anymore, and thats what this is all about.

He remained defiant throughout the day. Reports emerged that he was borderline enthusiastic about the chaos at the Capitol; senior aides either quit or leaked to reporters they were considering stepping down.

Mr Trump resisted sending in the National Guard to protect his own vice president  not to mention the thousands of other lawmakers, political staffers and public employees in peril.

He also did not outright condemn the rioters he himself had encouraged to gather at the Capitol. In a video posted to Twitter, since deleted by the social media platform, Mr Trump told the rioters he loves them, although he urged them to go home.

You have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order, he said.

But he simultaneously appeared to see the riots as some sort of poetic justice against his own vice president and Congress for fulfilling their constitutional duty to ratify the results of Mr Bidens victory.

These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long, he wrote in a post that was also quickly purged from Twitter.

A White House exodus?

Several of the presidents top advisers on national security are threatening to resign over the presidents actions, Bloomberg and others reported.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is also considering jumping ship in the administrations final days.

First Lady Melania Trumps chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham, has already quit, as has White House deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews. (Ms Grisham once was Mr Trumps top spokesperson.)

Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the third-highest ranking House Republican, placed the blame for Wednesdays mayhem squarely on the outgoing presidents shoulders.

We just had a violent mob assault the US Capitol. No question the president formed the mob, the president incited the mob, the president addressed the mob. He lit the flame, Ms Cheney said.

The president had called her out by name at the rally, to boos from some of those who later busted out windows of the legislative hall and stormed the chambers.

An enraged Senator Mitt Romney went a step further, saying that Republicans who supported efforts to throw out the electoral college results are equally complicit in Wednesdays violence.

What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States. Those who choose to continue to support his dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as being complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy. They will be remembered for their role in this shameful episode in American history. That will be their legacy, the Utah Republican said.
[January 07, 2021] Black-Woman Owned Online Shoe Boutique Celebrates First Anniversary With All Items on Sale

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shannon Ashmore-McMath founded Low Heel No Heel in 2019. Low Heel No Heel is a Black Woman-owned online shoe boutique that specializes in offering women's shoes that are affordable, comfortable, and under 4 inches tall. The company offers free shipping on all orders over $50 and no monthly subscriptions and just celebrated their first full year in business. To honor their first year in business, the entire site is on sale! "The goal was to provide women with stylish footwear options that can be worn for all occasions," says Shannon who is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She continues, "We just completed our first full year in business. Like many other small businesses, we were also affected by the pandemic; however, we are grateful to still be in business due to the unwavering support of our customers and remain optimistic regarding our future. We are hoping to inspire other women and minority entrepreneurs to do the same as well." To view their selection, please visit LowHeelNoHee.com



Follow the brand on social media: Facebook and Instagram Follow the Owner, Shannon on Instagram

For press inquiries, contact Low Heel No Heel at: CustomerService@LowHeelNoHeel.com Related Files Original.png 39274464_10160598228350398_8618259196942483456_n (2).jpg Related Images photo-of-low-heel-no-heel-owner.jpg

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Kellyanne Conway's teenage daughter has hit out at her again in a viral TikTok video as she slammed the former Trump aide's 'army' for their attack on the Capitol.

Claudia, 16, directly addressed her mother in the clip posted Wednesday and also took aim at Mitch McConnell in the wake of the violent mob storming Congress in a day of mayhem which saw four people killed.

In the video, which has already been viewed more than a million times, Claudia gloats 'your party lost' and repeatedly asks Kellyanne 'how do you feel?'.

Kellyanne Conway's teenage daughter has hit out at her again in a viral TikTok video as she slammed the former Trump aide's 'army'

She said: 'Hey mom, it's Claudia. If you're watching this, I don't know where you are, you might be downstairs, upstairs, wherever, I haven't seen you in a little bit.

'How do you feel about your army becoming rioters, because I remember when I was going to protest in the summer you weren't too happy with it, so how do you feel? I'm just wondering.

'Also how do you feel that your party lost yesterday because I know you went to Georgia a few days ago to help campaign. How do you feel?'

She added: 'Have you talked to your friend Mitch, the Senate majority, I mean minority leader. How does he feel?

Claudia, 16, directly addressed her mother in the clip posted Wednesday and also took aim at Mitch McConnell in the wake of the violent mob storming Congress

Claudia has repeatedly criticized her mother online for her conservative views and support of President Trump

'Anyway mom if you see this come to my room, let's talk, let's talk it out. Let's have a nice discussion.'

Kellyanne had campaigned for Republican candidate Kelly Loeffler in Georgia, who lost this week's run-off to Democrat Raphael Warnock.

Claudia has repeatedly criticized her mother online for her conservative views and support of President Trump.

Her father George meanwhile has been an ardent critic of Trump, causing a rift in the Conway household.

Claudia's parents, Kellyanne and George, have previously tried to prevent the media from contacting her as she became more and more of a viral star

He was also a co-founder of the Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump Republican group which sought to stop him getting reelected.

Kellyanne left the White House in August after months of public family feuds in which Claudia even threatened to seek legal emancipation.

She said in a series of tweets that her mother's job had 'ruined her life' after she previously called Trump 'a f**king idiot' and asked Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to 'adopt her'.

Claudia wrote: 'I'm officially pushing for emancipation. Buckle up because this is probably going to be public one way or another, unfortunately. Welcome to my life.

Claudia says her mom working for Trump (pictured with Kellyanne in 2016) has ruined her life

'My mothers job ruined my life to begin with. Heartbreaking that she continues to go down that path after years of watching her children suffer. selfish. its all about money and fame, ladies and gentlemen.

'As for my dad, politically, we agree on absolutely nothing. We just both happen to have common sense when it comes to our current president. Stop "stanning" him.'

The teen added: 'I have been using social media as an outlet to express my passions, individuality, and to shed light on some hardships. I have been vulnerable for a reason. thank you for supporting me.'
NEW DELHI: The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi on Thursday ordered the re-opening of medical colleges under the UT Govt with immediate effect following a reduction in the number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital and assessment of the current situation.

The medical colleges will be reopened by observing social distancing & SOPs, the order issued by the Delhi government said.

"Final year students will be eligible to appear in the final year annual exams on successful training, on the passing of which they will be eligible to join as interns. Thereafter, the process will be initiated for permitting second-year MBBS/BDS students to rejoin college,'' the Delhi Government said.

"In the first instance, the first year MBBS/BDS batch will be called in a staggered manner and teaching and practical will be completed within one and a half to two months from the date of re-opening of college. Subsequently, final year students will be allowed to join college,'' the order stated.

On Wednesday, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said that the government is planning to reopen schools only after the COVID-19 vaccine is available for the public after all the frontline workers are vaccinated.

The state government is presently brainstorming on how early they can reopen schools keeping the board examination under consideration, Manish Sisodia said.

In December, Delhis Deputy CM and Education Minister Manish Sisodia reportedly told IE that there were no plans to reopen the schools as yet. Even if we start vaccinating people by February, we will be able to vaccinate a sizeable chunk only by July. There is no possibility of reopening schools before that. We also have to look at how examinations will be conducted without putting teachers and students at risk.
President-elect Joe Biden formally named Merrick Garland, a federal judge who never got a hearing on his nomination to the US Supreme Court, to be attorney general as he builds his law enforcement team.

The nomination of Garland, currently chief judge of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, will particularly resonate with Democrats who remember that Senate Republicans prevented him from ascending to the high court in 2016.

Biden also named Lisa Monaco to be deputy attorney general and Vanita Gupta as associate attorney general. Monaco spent almost two decades at the Justice Department and was homeland security adviser in the Obama administration. Gupta headed the departments Civil Rights Division under President Barack Obama.

Biden praised the nominees as among the most accomplished legal minds in our country.

They will restore the independence of the Department so it serves the interests of the people not a presidency, rebuild public trust in the rule of law, and work tirelessly to ensure a more fair and equitable justice system, he said.

Biden will introduce the nominees at an event later Thursday.

Garland, 68, is a veteran of the legal community and Justice Department.

He first served in the department as a special assistant in President Jimmy Carters administration before going into private practice. He returned to the department for a brief stint in 1989 as an assistant US attorney.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Ohio remains a sea of red for coronavirus concerns with 84 of the states 88 counties placed on Level 3 red alert Thursday in the first update of the states advisory system for 2021.

This widespread concern has largely been the case for the last few weeks, including no change from a week ago, with the same 84 counties red and the same four counties a step lower at Level 2 orange - Gallia, Hocking, Monroe and Vinton, all in Southeast Ohio.

In contrast, in early October just 10 counties were on red alert, none in the Greater Cleveland/Akron area. This changed as cases spiked, deaths shot up and hospital beds filled across Ohio during late fall.

The statewide COVID-19 patient count went from 700 on the first day of October to more than 5,000 for several days the first part of December. Though cases and hospitalizations have dipped some since then, they remain at levels far in excess of where they were at most of the summer and early fall.

And on Thursday, Ohio reported 10,251 new cases, the highest single-day increase since Dec. 17. (Two dates when more cases were reported were the days after Christmas and New Years, but those reports included two days. There were no holiday reports.)

Red alert designation, according to the states advisory system, means there is a public emergency for increased exposure and spread and that people should exercise a high degree of caution.

Here's has Ohio's coronavirus alert map changed through the last several months.Ohio Department of Health

Vaccinations began in late December, but to date the state reports just over 200,000 of Ohios 9.1 million adults have received the first of two required doses.

The weekly alert map, first introduced in July, offered a glimpse during the early months of where the spread was the worst in Ohio, but as the spread spiked this fall, it has become largely uniform.

The highest level of concern is Level 4 purple, which comes with the warning to only leave home for supplies and services. However, no Ohio county has been on purple alert since Richland County on Dec. 17.

Ohio counties with the 20 highest rates of new coronavirus cases.Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health tracks seven measures to determine alert levels. The indicators include the number of new cases per capita, increases in visits to doctors and emergency rooms, hospital capacity levels and how many cases are originating outside congregate living facilities such as nursing homes.

Though still red because of a high number of new cases, Cuyahoga County met the warning criteria this week for just two of the seven areas being tracked.

Cuyahoga rate of 624.3 new cases per 100,000 people over the last two weeks, excluding incarcerated individuals, well above the threshold of of concern of 50 cases per 100,000. The other area flagged for Cuyahoga County is that more than half of the cases in recent weeks have occurred outside of congregte living facilities.

Cuyahoga County's coronavirus report card for this week.Ohio Department of Health

The advisory system

Heres a closer look at the advisory system DeWine introduced in early July.

* 1. New cases - Alert triggered when there are 50 new cases per cases 100,000 residents over the last two weeks.

* 2. Increase in new cases - Alert triggered by an increase in cases for five straight days at any point over the last three weeks. This is based on the date of onset of symptoms, not when the cases are reported.

* 3. Non-congregate living cases - Alert triggered when at least 50% of the new cases in one of the last three weeks have occurred in outside congregate living spaces such as nursing homes and prisons.

* 4. Emergency rooms - Alert triggered when there is an increase in visits for COVID-like symptoms or a diagnosis for five straight days at any point in the last three weeks.

* 5. Doctor visits - Alert triggered when there is an increase in out-patient visits resulting in confirmed cases or suspected diagnosis for COVID-19 for five straight days at any point in the last three weeks.

* 6. Hospitalizations - Alert triggered when there is an increase in new COVID-19 patients for five straight days at any point over the last three weeks. This is based on the county or residence, not the location of the hospital.

* 7. Intensive Care Unit occupancy - Alert triggered when ICU occupancy in a region exceeds 80% of total ICU beds and at least 20% of the beds are being used for coronavirus patients for at least three days in the last week.

Read related coverage

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Mapping Ohios coronavirus cases, updates, trends: hospitalizations down, but December sets record for deaths
After years of treating President Donald Trumps inflammatory rhetoric with a light touch, Facebook and Instagram are silencing his social media accounts for the rest of his presidency. The move, which many called long overdue following Wednesdays deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, is also a reminder of the enormous power that social-media platforms can wield when they choose.

Facebook and Instagram said Thursday they will bar Trump from posting at least until the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

A 12-hour lockdown of Trumps account ended Thursday and the president used his restored account to post a video in which he acknowledged for the first time that his presidency will end soon.

It remains unclear how the platforms will handle Trump once he leaves office and is no longer shielded from enforcement of most rules by his status as a world leader. And some critics saw the moves as cynical efforts by the companies to position themselves for a post-Trump future.

They no longer have to fear Donald Trump, said Rashad Robinson of Color of Change, a group that has pushed tech companies to do more to rein in hate speech. He said Facebooks action was in the best interest of Facebook and a way to curry favor with the incoming Democratic president and Congress.

In announcing the unprecedented move, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said the risk of allowing Trump to use the platform is too great following the presidents incitement of a mob on Wednesday. Zuckerberg said Trumps account will be locked for at least the next two weeks and possibly indefinitely.

The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden, Zuckerberg wrote.

Trump has repeatedly harnessed the power of social media to spread falsehoods about election integrity and the results of the presidential race. Platforms like Facebook have occasionally labeled or even removed some of his posts, but the overall response has failed to satisfy a growing number of critics who say the platforms have enabled the spread of dangerous misinformation.

In light of Wednesdays riot, however, Zuckerberg said a more aggressive approach is needed because of the use of our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government.

Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, will also block Trumps ability to post on its platform. YouTube, owned by Google, announced more general changes that will penalize accounts spreading misinformation about voter fraud in the 2020 election, with repeat offenders facing permanent removal. Snapchat on Wednesday locked Trumps account indefinitely.

Twitch, the live-streaming site owned by Amazon and used by Trumps campaign to stream speeches, disabled Trumps account until he leaves office, saying it didnt want to be used to incite further violence. Companies outside the social media world also scrambled to take stock of how theyd been used by those who swarmed the Capitol. E-commerce company Shopify shut down two online Trump memorabilia stores for promoting people or organizations that threaten or condone violence to further a cause.

White House spokesman Judd Deere said in an email that its incredibly ironic, yet not surprising, that when the President spoke to the country at a critical time Big Tech chose to censor and block him from doing so.

It was Twitter where Trump was likely to feel the effects most. The company locked his accounts for 12 hours after he repeatedly posted false accusations about the integrity of the election. Trump more than a decade ago embraced the platforms immediacy and scale to rally loyalists, castigate enemies and spread false rumors.

In his video posted on his restored account Thursday, Trump condemned the violence at the Capitol, reversing the stance he took in a video posed Wednesday.

A company spokesman said Twitter could take further action as it kept track of activity on the ground and statements made off Twitter.

The platforms continued to face criticism from users who blamed them, in part, for creating an online environment that led to Wednesdays violence.

Today is the result of allowing people with hate in their hearts to use platforms that should be used to bring people together, singer and actress Selena Gomez wrote on Twitter to her 64 million followers. You have all failed the American people today, and I hope youre going to fix things moving forward.

Sen. Mark Warner, the incoming chair of the Senate intelligence committee, on Thursday called Facebook, Twitter and Google collaborators in Trumps assault on U.S. democracy. And their 11th-hour conversion now to suddenly take down Trumps Facebook or Twitter feed is way too little too late, the Virginia Democrat said during an Aspen Digital online forum.

The platforms actions followed years in which they hemmed and hawed over the dangerous misinformation and violent rhetoric Trump and his supporters have spread, contributing to Wednesdays violence.

On Wednesday, the companies focused on a video Trump posted more than two hours after protesters entered the Capitol, interrupting lawmakers meeting in an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory. Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence.

While Trump told supporters that you have to go home now, he also repeated false claims about voter fraud affecting the election. He then added: We cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Twitter, Facebook and YouTube all said they removed the video Wednesday, citing its misinformation or dangerous rhetoric.

In a statement Thursday morning, Trump said there would be an orderly transition on January 20th and acknowledged defeat in the election for the first time. His aides posted the statement on Twitter because the presidents account remained suspended.

Monica Stephens, a professor at the University of Buffalo who studies social media, said it made sense for Facebook and Twitter to try lighter forms of curbing misinformation in the months leading up to the election. Theyre getting flak from both sides of the political aisle, she said.

Trumps ardent supporters have flocked to Parler, Gab and other free speech social media sites that cater to conservative voices. Some were used by the people who stormed the Capitol. If mainstream platforms drive discussion about violence and social protest to more marginal sites, Stephens said, it is still going to happen; it is just going to happen where it isnt as read.

Now that platforms have imposed stiff restrictions on Trump, companies like Facebook and Twitter may find it harder to ward off calls to ban other political figures who incite violence, said Shannon McGregor, an assistant professor of journalism and media at the University of North Carolina. Because they resisted and resisted but now theyve done it, it is hard to walk that back, she said.

AP writers Mae Anderson, Tali Arbel, Barbara Ortutay, Frank Bajak and Joseph Pisani contributed to this report.
A letter written by UISDs board president on Wednesday hoped to clarify concerns made regarding the outgoing selection of a new superintendent months before the current one retires.

Ramiro Veliz III said that there is currently no pushing of a potential candidate to replace longtime leader Roberto J. Santos, and that the board agrees with UISD constituents regarding a thorough search being executed to find the next superintendent.

UISD staff members with the proper qualifications are encouraged to apply for the position, but Veliz states that there may be qualified candidates outside of Laredo. Santos, who was with the district 38 years including as superintendent since 2005, officially retires on June 30.

The UISD Board of Trustees previously tabled the appointment of an interim superintendent during a December special call meeting until after Santos retirement. Board members agreed buying out Santos  who is not asking for that to be done  would only be a waste of money. And board member Rick Rodriguez told LMT at the time that they originally were searching to find an interim superintendent so that they could work with Santos during his final days to make the transition smoother, not aware that there needed to be a vacancy to appoint an interim staffer.

For many of us, hiring a superintendent is new territory, Veliz wrote. Therefore, we made sure to consider all options during the transition period between Mr. Santos and the next superintendent.

To be clear, at no time since Mr. Santos announcement have there been any efforts by any board member to push or force any potential candidates in to the superintendency.

UISD constituents also pleaded for the board to create an advisory committee to assist in the selection process during the meeting. Employee Agustin Ballesteros said during his public comment that he believes the advisory board along with a collaboration between the board of trustees and the community would reach favorable outcomes similar to the 2013 UISD bond decision.

According to Veliz, a committee will be formed with each board member choosing individuals to provide input. This will be compounded by the involvement of the Texas State Teachers Association, Texas Classroom Teachers Association and the Association of Texas Professional Educators, where each will have a representative in the committee.

UISD community members will also have a chance to speak their piece as there will be an online survey on the UISD website.

As President of the Board, I sincerely assure all members of the public that this process will be as transparent as is legally allowable, Veliz wrote. And that the next superintendent of United Independent School District will have rightfully earned the opportunity to guide our exceptional district via that individuals background in educational leadership and qualifications.

We are fully aware of the immense responsibility placed in us by our constituents to make the right choice for United ISD, and we will not let you down.

cocampo@lmtonline.com
(Photo source: Guangming Picture)

Recently, the "Tibet Policy and Support Act of 2020" was signed by US President Donald Trump, allegedly aiming to "strengthen US support for the Tibetan's struggle for human rights, religious freedom, and true autonomy." However, American politicians like James McGovern and Marco Rubio did not actually care about the human rights and religious freedom of the Tibetan people. Their purpose was to continue to play the "Tibet card" against China, in an attempt to carry out sabotage and strategic containment, and even to disintegrate China through long-term manipulation of the so-called "Tibet card".

For a long time, the United States has always regarded itself highly as a "beacon of human civilization" on issues such as "human rights" and "religious freedom". The United States was the first country in the world to propose and hold high the banner of "human rights diplomacy." The United States, which won the Cold War, has taken "promotion of democracy" as one of the three pillars of its foreign policy. Today, the Trump administrations obsession with issues such as "human rights" and "religious freedom" is no less than that of previous US administrations.

However, the United States itself has serious human rights and religious freedom problems. The US media revealed that US federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have set up 8 secret surveillance centers in Texas alone. A report from the US Audit Office in June 2019 showed that the FBIs Facial Recognition Office can arbitrarily search a database containing more than 641 million photos without legal permission. Regarding religious freedom, a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, an American polling agency, in March 2019, showed that the vast majority of American respondents believed that there was religious discrimination in the United States, especially discrimination against Muslims. How can a country that has its own bad record on human rights issues, and a government that ignores or pretends to be deaf and dumb on its own human rights problems, care about the "human rights situation" of other countries?

The main reason is that the United States interferes in the internal affairs of other countries and safeguards its own interests by playing the "human rights " and "religious freedom " cards. As for whether the "human rights" and "religious freedom" of a certain country requires US intervention, and the method and intensity of interference, it depends not on the country's true human rights and religious freedom conditions, but on the interests of the United States. This is also the fundamental reason why the United States "humanitarian intervention" after the Cold War often brought huge disasters to the subject countries and their people.

On the so-called "Tibet issue," the United States has been trying to interfere in China's internal affairs under the pretext of "human rights" and "religious freedom". The reason why the Dalai group has been able to sustain and remain active in the international community since 1959 is that it has received all-round support from the United States. Dalai's "prestige", such as winning the Nobel Peace Prize, would have been impossible without the support and packaging by the United States. Economically, taking the US "Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020" as an example, the various types of "aid to Tibet" in the Act has reached approximately 19 million US dollars. This is the main source of income for the Dalai group. Politically, the United States has recently significantly increased its political support for the Dalai group and the "Central Tibetan Administration". For example, it invited Losang Sungen, the leader of the "Central Tibetan Administration", to visit US government agencies and called Tibet a "military occupied zone" in the report of the US Department of State. These practices have greatly encouraged the Dalai group's arrogance to split from the motherland.

However, it is doomed to fail to play the "Tibet card" against China and attempt to contain China with Tibet.

First of all, the Tibetan people dont agree. People of all ethnic groups in Tibet became their own masters only after peaceful liberation and democratic reforms. Now they enjoy not only steadily improving living standards brought by economic and social development, but also the protection of human rights and religious freedom that was unthinkable before the democratic reforms. Therefore, they will definitely not allow the United States to play the "Tibet card" and disrupt Tibetan areas. Take the so-called "religious freedom" issue clamored by the United States as an example. According to statistics, in Tibet there are 1,787 religious venues, more than 46,000 resident monks and nuns and 358 living Buddhas. There are 4 mosques with more than 12,000 Muslims living and a Catholic church with more than 700 believers in Tibet. It can be said that all legal religious activities are protected in Tibet.

Secondly, the Chinese people do not agree. Today's China is no longer the China of 1840, and the Chinese government today is not the late Qing government. Today's Chinese people will never allow any country to interfere in China's internal affairs under any pretext. The wrangling between China and the United States on economy and trade, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other issues in recent years has shown that China will never swallow the bitter fruit of harming its own interests, and it will definitely take reasonable, beneficial and measured countermeasures against the provocative actions of the United States.

In the end, the people of the world do not agree. The United States regards itself as a "world judge" and wantonly interferes in the internal affairs of other countries under the banner of "human rights" and "religious freedom." It not only publishes the so-called "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices" and "International Religious Freedom Reports" every year, but also frequently bullies the developing countries that are disobedient to its orders by discrediting, diplomatic isolations, economic sanctions, military blockades and even armed invasions, which makes it the biggest external threat to human rights and religious freedom in the world. This is also an important reason why most countries in the world have expressed their support for China on issues such as Xinjiang and Hong Kong despite the coercion and temptation by the United States on multilateral international occasions such as the UN Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly. Therefore, the United States' attempt to contain China with Tibet is destined to be opposed by most countries and peoples in the world.

The trend of the world is irresistible. Taking "human rights" and "religious freedom" as a weapon, wantonly trampling on the basic principles of international law and international relations, and interfering in other countries' internal affairs are not only against the trend of the world, but also against the will of the peoples of the world, and they are doomed to fail. The plot to play the "Tibet card" against China and use Tibet issues to contain China will never succeed.

Contributed by Jia Chunyang, associate fellow, Institute of American Studies, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations

Translated by Pan Meng

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
Pennsylvania elementary school students in communities with substantial spread of COVID-19 should return to a hybrid model of remote and in-person instruction in late January, according to new state rules.

Thursdays new guidelines are a major reversal for the Pennsylvania Department of Education and state health department, which had urged school districts to pivot to all online learning in the face of skyrocketing cases and issued safety guidelines in late November that tied automatic building closures with case levels.

The state recommends that public schools in counties with substantial COVID-19 transmission resume the second semester with in-person instruction for elementary students and targeted student populations, like students with disabilities and English language learners. Secondary students should remain fully remote in areas with high community spread, the guidelines state.

Students benefit from being physically in their classroom, Acting Secretary of Education Noe Ortega said during a virtual media briefing Thursday. Research has taught us that this is especially true for our youngest learners.

All 67 Pennsylvania have had substantial virus spread  defined as 100 new cases per 100,000 people over seven days  since the week ending Dec. 11, according to the state health departments weekly community transmission risk assessment.

The guidelines are heavily dependent on local conditions and are not a mandate, Ortega said. Schools must still follow other coronavirus mitigation measures, like six feet of social distancing, masking and good hand hygiene.

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said that evolving research shows that children younger than 10 to 14 years of age have lower susceptibility to the virus. Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows little evidence of in-school spread, rather students who do contract COVID-19 get it through extracurricular or after-school activities, she said.

Eighty-one percent of Pennsylvanias 52,917 cases amongst 5 to 18 year olds were diagnosed from October until December, Levine said. The public has a big role to play because the number of cases among schoolchildren very much depends on the level of community transmission.

While it is impossible to eliminate the risk of disease transmission entirely within a school setting where community spread is present, recent studies have shown that when mitigation efforts, such as universal masking, physical distancing, and hand hygiene are followed, it may be safer for younger children, particularly elementary grade students, to return to in-person instruction, Levine said.

Until now, the county designations based on viral spread aligned to three recommended instructional models: fully in-person, blended/hybrid and fully remote. Starting Jan. 25, the state is providing a second recommendation for elementary schools in substantial-spread counties: In addition to remote learning, now there is an option for blended/hybrid learning for elementary students.

Just before Thanksgiving, the state required school districts to commit to new safety measures, which triggered automatic building closures when schools saw a certain number of new coronavirus cases over a week if their county was seeing substantial virus spread.

Each district had to sign an attestation form affirming if they provide in-person instruction theyre implementing universal masking and following state guidance on handling of confirmed cases.

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A mob of Pro-Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021. They delayed Congress from holding a joint session to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-08 06:21:08|Editor: huaxia

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KHARTOUM, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Sudan on Thursday said it is concerned with Ethiopia's announcement of intention to carry on with the second phase of filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

"The announcement by the Ethiopian Minister of Irrigation and Energy on his country's intention to proceed with the GERD filling for the second year of 13.5 billion cubic meters of water in coming July, without prior notification and without signing a deal or exchanging of information with the Al-Rusaires Dam, constitutes a direct threat to Al-Rusaires Dam and to the lives of those who live on the banks of the Nile," said Yasir Abbas, Sudan's Irrigation and Water Resources Minister.

The Sudanese minister made the remarks in a letter to South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation Minister, whose country is the current chair of the African Union (AU).

Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia have been negotiating under the AU patronage over technical and legal issues related to the filling and operation of the GERD.

Ethiopia, which started building the GERD in 2011, expects to produce more than 6,000 megawatts of electricity from the project, while Egypt and Sudan, downstream Nile Basin countries that rely on the river for its fresh water, are concerned that the dam might affect their water resources. Enditem
India promised appropriate action" after a US Trade Representative ( USTR ) investigation report said New Delhis 2% tax on the digital economy is unreasonable or discriminatory", potentially attracting withdrawal of US trade concessions or duties on Indian exports. The tax, called equalization levy, came into force in April 2020.

The office of the USTR said in a statement on Thursday that its investigation has led it to conclude that the tax was discriminatory because it exempts Indian companies and targets non-Indian firms. This hits US firms which dominate the technology industry. The USTR pointed out that of the 119 companies that it identified as likely liable under the digital services tax, 86, or 72%, were American.

The USTR has determined that Indias Digital Services Tax (DST) is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts US commerce and thus is actionable under Section 301 (of its Trade Act)," said the probe report. This section authorizes the US government to withdraw trade benefits, impose duties and import curbs or deny federal permits to supply services in some sectors. Also, it can engage with a foreign government to phase out the policy covered under the probe and offer compensatory trade benefits.

With effect from last April, India expanded the scope of its equalization levy that was first brought into force in 2016 targeting offshore firms hosting advertisements aimed at Indian consumers, to cover other e-commerce supplies by non-resident players. It covers all sorts of digital e-commerce transactions in India as well as those transactions which use Indian data if the offshore digital economy firms revenue from India is 2 crore or more.

The idea is to tax payments made to offshore entities which do not have a physical presence here and therefore the income tax department cannot subject such income earned from India to tax.

The USTR pointed out that this levy covers revenue generated from a broad range of digital services offered in India, including digital platform services, digital content sales, digital sales of a companys own goods, data-related services, software-as-a-service and several other categories of digital services. This has huge implications for US firms. USTR estimates that the aggregate tax bill for US companies could exceed $30 million per year," the report said.

India took note of the probes conclusion and said it will take appropriate action. The government of India will examine the determination/decision notified by the US in this regard, and would take appropriate action keeping in view the overall interest of the nation," a commerce ministry official said on condition of anonymity.

The official clarified that there was no retroactive element or extra-territorial application involved in the levy which applies only on the revenue generated from India.It is a recognition of the principle that in a digital world, a seller can engage in business transactions without any physical presence, and governments have a legitimate right to tax such transactions," the official said. Indian officials have described the equalization levy as a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory tax aimed at all offshore digital economy firms accessing the local market and have denied it targets US companies.

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Attacks on members of the Kapu community have increased since Jagan Mohan Reddy came to power, TD leader Balisetti Hariprasad said.

Vijayawada: TD state executive secretary and district Kapu leader Balisetti Hariprasad alleged that the chief minister has betrayed the Kapu community. Kapus are in trouble because of the lifting of reservations and the effecting of a cut in their socio-economic benefits.

Attacks on members of the Kapu community have increased since Jagan Mohan Reddy came to power, he said in Kadapa.

He said there were personal attacks on 40 Kapu leaders during the 18-month rule of Jagan, and these had led to destruction as also seizure of property and dismissal of staff on false charges. Recently, former Sarpanch Puransetti Ankulu was murdered in Dachepalli mandal of Guntur district.

Former minister Nimmakayala Chinna Rajappa was falsely accused under the SC ST Atrocities Act, he said, and added that the YCP leaders tried to attack MLA Nimmala Ramanayudu, who questioned the government on its false assurances. YCP leaders were allegedly behind the killing of TDP leaders Datti Venkatrao from Balijapeta mandal in Vizianagaram district and Ootukuri Veerababu in East Godavari district.

He noted that the CM had announced he will provide financial assistance of Rs 75,000 in five years at the rate of Rs 15,000 per annum to deserving Kapu women under the YSR Kapu Nestam. However, the YCP government, which claimed that there were over a crore of Kapu community members in the state, has cheated them by restricting the scheme to those earning below Rs 2.35 lakh a year.

On the other hand, the former TD government had given due importance to the Kapu community. He requested Kapu leaders in the YSR Congress to demand roll-out of more welfare schemes for the Kapus, he said.

The meeting was attended by district Balija welfare association president Gopi Shetty Nagraj, association district secretaries Miriyala Narasimhulu, Mulikinati Ramanjaneyulu, Chennamsetti Ramachandraya and others.
- Adds to Merck's lipid manufacturing expertise, providing an integrated offering across mRNA value chain

- AmpTec's differentiated polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technology has shown to have advantages over other technologies for mRNA manufacturing

- Diagnostics business focused on producing customized long RNAs and DNAs for in vitro diagnostics, complements existing Merck portfolio

DARMSTADT, Germany, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced the acquisition of AmpTec, a leading Hamburg, Germany-based, mRNA contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). The deal strengthens Merck's capabilities to develop and manufacture mRNA for its customers for use in vaccines, treatments and diagnostics applicable in Covid-19 and many other diseases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"The success of mRNA-based vaccines for Covid-19 lays the path to accelerate the development of these therapeutics for many other diseases," said Stefan Oschmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck. "By combining AmpTec's PCR-based mRNA technology with Merck's extensive expertise in lipids manufacturing, we are able to provide a truly differentiated and integrated offering across the mRNA value chain, which will significantly decrease supply chain complexity and enhance speed-to-market. This transaction is another important step to support the constant growth of our Life Science business through tailored, small-scale acquisitions with high impact."

"Last year, AmpTec celebrated its fifteenth anniversary, and this acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for our company," said Guido Krupp and Peter Scheinert, managing directors and founders of AmpTec. "AmpTec's more than 40 employees are thrilled to join Merck and are confident that our PCR-based technology and combined expertise will allow us to offer customers innovative technologies, products and services to help advance life-enhancing therapeutics."

Lipids, which are part of the SAFC portfolio in Merck's Life Science business sector, constitute one of the critical components for the formulation of mRNA therapeutics including Covid-19 vaccines. Merck, with more than 20 years' experience in this space, is collaborating with more than 50 vaccine manufacturers - some of which use mRNA for their products - to support their efforts in the development and production of Covid-19 vaccines, treatments and services.

PCR technology is another important component of mRNA manufacturing. AmpTec uses a differentiated PCR-based technology for mRNA manufacturing, which has shown to have advantages over other manufacturing technologies, including:

Advantages in homogeneity, purity, activity and flexibility.

Higher quality and improved performance.

Flexible capping options to reach specific performance requirements.

In addition to specializing in mRNA technology, AmpTec has a diagnostics business that focuses on producing customized long RNAs and DNAs for in vitro diagnostics. It will complement Merck's diagnostics business , which specializes in providing critical raw materials, components and services for in vitro diagnostics manufacturers. Merck's molecular materials portfolio includes custom and predesigned DNA oligos and probes for a variety of applications such as PCR, next generation sequencing and microarray production.

Merck is continuing to invest in mRNA as a modality and will scale up this technology both at AmpTec's existing site in Hamburg and at Merck's global headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany.

All Merck news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 58,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices - the company is everywhere. In 2019, Merck generated sales of 16.2 billion in 66 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck's technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science and EMD Performance Materials.

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Christians who were working as household helpers were forcefully converted to Islam by their Muslim employers, a report says.

Families of two Christian women who were sent to work as household helpers to Muslim employers complained that their relatives were forcefully converted to Islam, Morning Star News, via the International Christian Concern, reported. According to the statement that the family released, they recently discovered that their two Christian relatives were converted by their Muslim employers in Lahore, Pakistan for unknown reasons.

Nasreen Bibi, the aunt of Maham Manzoor and sister, Anum Manzoor went to the media to report that her two nieces were forced by their employers to denounce their Christian faith and embrace Islam. The family did not have any idea when the forced conversion took place.

"Both Anum and Maham have been forcibly converted," Nasreen said in a statement, as per ICC.

In an interview, Nasreen shared the story of how they discovered her two nieces' forced Islam conversion. She recalled that two years ago, Maham and Anum were sent to work as house cleaners in Lahore to provide for their families' financial needs.

During those two years, the family did not hear of any forced religious conversion on the two ladies. However, on Dec. 8 as Nasreen attempted to pick Maham up from her employer's place to go for Christmas shopping, the aunt was surprised by the employer's response. Maham's Muslim employer said Nasreen cannot see her niece because she had converted to Islam.

Anum's employer who happened to be a relative of Maham's employer later gave Nasreen a call. The Muslim employer told the aunt of the two Christian helpers to tell the family to forget about the two ladies as they are now Muslims.

The Muslim employer also warned Nasreen to stop trying to get in contact with the two helpers. They were threatened if they will try to communicate with either Anum and Maham.

On Dec, 15, Nasreen filed a formal complaint and brought the two employers to court seeking Maham and Anum's custody. However, her hope to find help from the court failed because the employers' were granted the two girls' custody.

"The police and court have unfortunately acted as facilitators of this crime," said Nasreen.

Maham and Anum's case is not new to the country as reports about forced conversion and forced marriages surfaced on the internet and media for several times. A survey showed that 1,000 Christian and Hindu women are forcefully converted to Islam every year.

The Movement for Solidarity and Peace Pakistan conducted the research and discovered that the forced conversions were executed in various ways. Some of the women were abducted while others were forced to marry a Muslim husband.

Alarmingly, the majority of the victims were proven to be minors. Sexual assault cases are often covered up with religious factors to put the assailants at a place of advantage.

Many Christian girls in Pakistan suffer from forced conversions. The story of Maira Shahbaz, a 14-year old girl recently surfaced on the internet as a Christian group sought her asylum after fleeing from her Muslim husband who allegedly abducted her and forced her to convert to Islam and into marriage. Mohamad Nakash, an already married man was aided by his mother in forcing the victim to do what they commanded, according to Christianity Daily.
A view of the Mekong river bordering Thailand and Laos is seen from the Thai side in Nong Khai, Thailand, in October 2019. Photo by Reuters.

Water levels along the Mekong River are likely to drop by about 1.2 meters between January 5 and 24 due to power grid maintenance in China.

The outflow from the Jinghong hydropower dam in Chinas Yunnan province is dropping, leading to dwindling water levels in the Mekong in Thailand, Lao PDR and Cambodia, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) said in a press release on Wednesday.

Its secretariat (MRCS) received a notification from Chinas Ministry of Water Resources on January 5, saying the "maintenance of transmission lines of the power grid" will result in water outflow reduction to 1,000 cubic meters per second from January 5 to 24.

The flow would be gradually restored to normal on January 25, it said. But the ministry did not specify the river level before the reduction or the volume to be restored on January 25.

Jinghong is one of 11 hydropower operational dams that China has on the Mekong.

Based on the MRCs data at Jinghong until January 4, the outflow level started decreasing from 1,410 cu.m on December 31 to 768 cu.m on January 1, representing an almost 50 percent drop.

It rose slightly to 786 cu.m from January 1 to 4.

"As a result, water levels along the Mekong River are likely to drop by about 1.20 meters," the press release said.

In Chiang Saen, the first monitoring station on the Mekong River in Thailand some 300 km downstream from Jinghong, the water level dropped by around two meters between January 2 and 4.

The stretch from Vientiane to Paksane in Laos and Nongkhai in Thailand will experience a drop of 0.220.35 meters between January 7 and 11.

In the rivers mainstream between Thailands Nakhon Phanom to Laoss Pakse, the level will fall by 0.03-0.15 meters between January 8 and 11.

In Cambodia, the water levels at Stung Treng, Kratie, Kompong Cham, Phnom Penh, Koh Khel, and Neak Luong had not fallen as of January 5, and are not expected to decline significantly either.

The impact appears to be so weak in the Cambodia stretches that it could not reach further downstream in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, MRC said.

Dr Lam Hung Son, head of the MRC Regional Flood and Drought Management Center, said navigation in the river could be affected, especially close to Jinghong more than the other places.

Some livelihood activities such as riverweed harvesting and fishing could also be affected, and the center would continue to monitor the situation closely, he added.

Under an agreement between China and the MRC, China pledged to notify the MRC and its member countries of "any abnormal rise or fall in water level or discharge, and other information on factors that might lead to sudden flooding."

Downstream countries have witnessed record low levels along the waterway in 2019 and 2020, which have severely harmed livelihoods and raised questions over how mainstream Mekong dams in China and Laos affect the flow of water.

With lack of water an increasing concern, the MRC has been seeking year-round data to help analyze what could be causing the low flow.

Around 60 million people depend on the Mekong for fishing and farming in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
The drill will be held at three-session sites of 736 districts across 33 states and Union Territories, the health ministry said in a statement. The Union health minister will visit Tamil Nadu on Friday to review preparedness and oversee the dry run

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday held a virtual meeting with state health ministers and other officials to review preparedness for the second countrywide vaccination mock drill scheduled for today ( Friday, 8 January) and sought their keen oversight and personal indulgence to lead the exercise.

The drill will be held at three-session sites of 736 districts across 33 states and union territories, the health ministry said. Vardhan will visit Tamil Nadu on Friday to review preparedness and oversee the dry run.

In a letter dated 5 January, the Centre has informed states and union territories that they are likely to receive the first supply of COVID-19 vaccine shortly and asked them to remain prepared to accept these consignments, reported news agency PTI.

India's coronavirus caseload rose to 1,03,95,278 on Thursday with 20,346 new infections being reported in24 hours, while the number of recoveries surpassed one crore. As per the Union health ministry's morning update, the COVID-19 toll increased to 1,50,336 as 222 people succumbed to the disease in a span of 24 hours.

A total 19,587 patients have recuperated and been discharged in a span of 24 hours, taking the total recoveries to 10,016,859."The recovered cases are 44 times the number of active cases," the ministry.

There are 2,28,083 active coronavirus cases in the country, which account for 2.19 percent of the total caseload, the data showed.

Later in the day, the health ministry, observing that four states, Kerala, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal account for 59 percent of the total active cases in the country, asked them to take steps to curb the recent spike in cases, especially in view of the new virus strain first reported from UK.

Vardhan asks health ministers to counter vaccine disinformation

In Thursday's meeting through video conference to review preparedness for the dry run, Vardhan sought keen oversight and personal indulgence of health ministers, principal secretaries and additional chief secretaries of states and union territories to lead the dry run, said a health ministry statement.

The Union health minister also requested the health ministers to be vigilant against rumours and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, the statement said. He rubbished rumours on social media regarding the vaccine side-effects and said, "These miscreants might derail the whole exercise, set the clock back by years" and urged the state health authorities to work with multiple stakeholders and youth to spread the right information and dispel rumours and mistruths being spread about the COVID-19 .

The health minister spoke about the digital platform, CoWIN, repurposed from the e-VIN platform that will provide real time information of vaccine stocks, their storage temperature and individualised tracking of beneficiaries of the COVID-19 vaccine.

This platform will assist the program managers across all levels through automated session allocation for pre-registered beneficiaries, their verification and for generating a digital certificate upon successful completion of the vaccine schedule. More than 78 lakh beneficiaries have been already registered on the platform, he stated.

The minister reassured all state health ministers that the country's cold chain infrastructure has been sufficiently upgraded to ensure last mile delivery and that adequate supplies of syringes and other logistics have also been provided for.

According to a Hindustan Times report, Vardhan said Two COVID-19 vaccines Covishield and Covaxin are on the verge of being available in the country. Our efforts are to ensure seamless last-mile delivery of the vaccine, said Vardhan.

India's two vaccines - #Covishield and #Covaxin - are in a position to be available in the country. It is our endeavor that we deliver these vaccines in a time bound manner to the entire country, so that these vaccines can be applied to the priority groups being put in the first phase. @PMOIndia #vaccination pic.twitter.com/qieGlr5jv8 - Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) January 7, 2021

He referred to India's several successful immunisation drives with respect to Polio, Rubella and Measles and said that the rich experience of the country from the UIP and the anti-polio campaign are being used to strengthen the processes of COVID-19 vaccination, as per the statement.

He also reminded his state counterparts to ensure that the National Immunisation Day (NID) scheduled on 17 January is also given due importance and requested the health ministers to ensure that non-COVID essential services are not adversely impacted.

"The earlier national mock drill of 2nd Jan 2021 helped to iron out any glitches in the final execution and further refinement of the operational procedures. The feedback from most of the states and UTs was satisfactory conduct of the dry run," the statement said.

'Dry run at 263 facilities in Karnataka'

The health ministers shared their feedback and experience from the past dry run exercises and the preparedness for Friday's exercise.

After the meeting, Vardhan tweeted: "Putting all hands on deck! Held a resourceful VC with Health Ministers of States and UTs to review preparedness for the nationwide dry run of administering COVID-19 vaccine to be conducted tomorrow. Exhaustive efforts are being made to ensure smooth rollout of COVID-19 vaccine."

A presentation was put forth detailing the meticulously planned end-to-end operations for carrying out the vaccination drive. We are fully prepared with an expansive number of people trained & a robust supply chain infra in place.@PMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/S5KEbGd8EQ  Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) January 7, 2021

Speaking to reporters after attending the VC, Karnataka health minister K Sudhakar said the COVID-19 vaccination dry run will be conducted at a total of 263 different health facilities across the state. "The dry run will be held in 24 district hospitals, 20 medical colleges, 43 taluk hospitals, 31 community health centres, 87 primary health centres, 30 urban primary health centres and 28 private facilities in the state," he elaborated.

During the interaction, Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel requested the Centre to allow an offline system of sharing information for remote places in the state where internet connectivity is an issue, said the state government in a release.

"There are issues of Internet connectivity in remote as well as hilly areas of the state. In such a situation, the administration faces difficulty in sharing information about the vaccine with the beneficiaries. Thus, I request you to consider allowing an offline system for such areas," Patel was quoted as saying in the release.

Maharashtra public health minister Rajesh Tope said the Centre has agreed to bear the cost of coronavirus vaccination in the first phase, but added that the Union health minister did not say anything specific about later phases.

Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain tweeted that he had requested Vardhan to extend the ban on UK flights till 31 January as the European country is "bearing all time high surge in cases and deaths."

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal too urged the Centre to extend the ban on flights between India and the UK till the end of January.

With great difficulty, people have brought COVID situation in control. UKs COVID situation is v serious. Now, why lift ban and expose our people to risk? https://t.co/ql8WIXHFFa  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 7, 2021

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had said on Saturday flights from India to the UK will resume from 6 January, while services from that country to here would resume from 8 January.

Puri had tweeted, "30 flights will operate every week. 15 each by Indian & UK carriers. This schedule is valid till 23 Jan 2021. Further frequency will be determined after review".

Harsh Vardhan to visit TN tomorrow

In another statement on Thursday, the health ministry said Vardhan will be visiting Tamil Nadu on Friday to "personally review the preparedness and oversee the dry run operations at the scheduled sites".

Vardhan will visit the session sites at Government General Hospital, Chennai, followed by the one at Government Omandurar Hospital. In the afternoon he will visit the private vaccination centre in Apollo Hospital, Chennai after a brief visit to the General Medical Store Depot (GMSD) in Periamedu. This is one of the four national vaccine storage facilities, the other three at Mumbai, Kolkata and Karnal.

Thereafter, Vardhan will visit the vaccination centre at Chengalpattu. He will be visiting the Hindustan Bio-Tech Ltd. campus at Chengalpattu after concluding his supervision at these sites.

Centre asks states to prepare to receive first supply of vaccines

In a communique, Dr Pradeep Halder, advisor, Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) in the health ministry, has said, "All the states and UTs are likely to receive the first supply of COVID-19 vaccine shortly.In this regard, you are requested to ensure the advance preparation and readiness for the acceptance of forthcoming supply of the vaccine."

The letter states that the vaccine will be supplied to the identified consignee points of 19 states and UTs  Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal by the supplier. The vaccine for remaining 18 states and UTs  Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Daman and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttarakhand will be received from their respective government medical store depots.

The further distribution of vaccine to the districts will be done as per the registered beneficiaries, for which a separate communication will be done shortly, the letter stated.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) said it is fully geared to deploy its resources to facilitate transportation of COVID-19 vaccine across the country from Maharashtra's Pune. Consignments of 'Covishield' vaccine, manufactured at city-based Serum Institute of India (SII), are scheduled to be dispatched to various locations in the country from the Pune airport.

The country's drugs regulator on Sunday approved Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.

The health ministry on Tuesday said it is prepared for COVID-19 vaccine roll-out within ten days of the vaccines getting approved for restricted emergency use on January 3, but a final decision on the launch date would be taken by the government.

Bharat Biotech completes enrolment for Phase 3 trial

In another development, Suchitra Ella, joint managing director, Bharat Biotech International Ltd said the company has completed enrollment of 25,800 volunteers for the Phase-3 trials of its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin.

The Phase III human clinical trials of Covaxin began mid-November, targeted to be done in 26,000 volunteers across India.

'Laxity may squander results'

Also on Thursday, the health ministry said Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written to health secretaries of West Bengal, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Chhattisgarh to draw their attention "to the low and declining testing rates in the states, stating that any laxity at this crucial junction may squander the results of our collective actions in containing the transmission", according to a health ministry statement.

Aggressive implementation of the "test-track-treat" strategy adopted by the country has been strongly advised now more than ever by the health secretary. The health authorities in the states have also been advised to proactively promote wearing of masks and other COVID-19 -appropriate behaviours, while the vaccination drive is about to begin.

"It is important to ensure that there is no complacency in the collective efforts in containment and management of COVID-19 ," the health secretary said. The states have been assured of all necessary support of the health ministry required to manage the pandemic.

The total COVID-19 cases in Kerala are 7,90,882 which form 7.61 percent of the total cases. The active cases stand at 65,252, accounting for 28.61 percent of the total national figure.

Total number of recovered cases is 7,22,421, accounting for a recovery rate of 91.34, while the total deaths in the state are 3,209 with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.41 percent, the statement said.

"The daily average cases in Kerala in the last 7 days are 5,023 whereas daily average deaths in the last 7 days are 23. The tests per million (TPM) of Kerala stand at 1,96,432 and positivity rate is 11.28 percent," the statement stated.

The health secretary has expressed concern over the dip in the overall tests in the past two weeks in the state combined with an increase in the positivity rate and a high-level Central team has been deployed to the state.

The weekly positivity rate has been consistently above 11 percent for the past two weeks, while the case positivity rate for the country is less than 2.5 percent for the same period, the statement stated.

Total cases in Maharashtra stand at 19,54,553, accounting for 18.80 percent of the national figure.

The active cases in the state are 51,969 (amounting for 22.79 percent of national figure). The state has reported a total of 49,825 fatalities, with a CFR of 2.55 percent. The daily average cases in Maharashtra in the last 7 days are 3,707 and daily average deaths in the last 7 days are 51, the statement said.

The TPM is 1,02,870 while the state positivity rate is pegged at 15.43 percent, it said.

Chhattisgarh has registered 2,85,586 cases (with percentage share in total being 2.75 percent) and 2,73,030 total number of recoveries with a recovery rate of 95.60 percent. The active cases as on date are 9,109 (3.99 percent share in the national pie). The numbers of fatalities in the state is 3,447 and the case fatality rate is 1.21 percent. TPM is 1,16,744 with a positivity rate of 8.31 percent.

West Bengal is reporting 5,57,252 cases (5.36 percent of the total cases in the country). A total5,38,521 persons have recovered taking the recovery rate to 96.64 percent. It has 8,868 active cases, accounting for 3.89 percent of the national figure. There have been 9,863 total deaths in the state with a case fatality rate of 1.77 percent. The daily average cases in West Bengal in the last 7 days are 908 and daily average deaths are 25. The number of TPM is 71,762 and the positivity rate is 7.80 percent, the ministry said.

The West Bengal administration, however, has said that the COVID situation is, in fact, improving in the state.

"The fatality rate and the number of new cases have come down drastically. The daily number of infections is below 1,000 and every day there is a decline in the number of deaths due to the disease. Though, we are very cautious. All precautionary measures are in place," health secretary NK Nigam told PTI.

The other three states  all Opposition ruled  are yet to react or respond on the Centre's letter.

Andhra Pradesh issues fresh guidelines

The Andhra Pradesh government issued some fresh guidelines for surveillance, containment, control and proper treatment of COVID-19 patients and directed the district Collectors to be vigilant and personally monitor the day-to-day status of cases.

State Principal Secretary, Health, Anil Kumar Singhal directed the district Collectors to conduct a meeting once again with all Nodal Officers of COVID hospitals and reiterate directives issued by the Supreme Court and to strictly adhere to them in providing proper treatment to COVID-19 patients in both government and private hospitals.

He asked the collectors to constitute inspection teams under the supervision of Joint Collector to conduct Fire Audit in all private and government COVID hospitals. Hospital authorities were required to necessarily obtain a no-objection certificate from the Fire Department.

"District Collectors are directed to ensure strict compliance of the orders and invoking penal clauses as and when required in larger public interest. The Superintendents of Police and Commissioners of Police will be responsible for compliance of all SOPs and COVID Orders issued," Singhal said in an order.

The Principal Secretary emphasised on the need for crowd control and asked the Collectors to entrust the responsibility to police and revenue machinery. "Wherever preventing crowding is not possible, restrictions shall be put in place to ensure the mandated maintenance of six-feet physical distance," Singhal said.

With inputs from PTI


Ukraine will receive two new Mark VI patrol boats from the United States, according to the Army Inform agency of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine, citing Pentagon data.

According to the Pentagon's official website, the construction of the first batch of ships will be finished by December 2022.

The boats will be constructed by SAFE Boats International LLC (Bremerton, Washington). The construction will cost nearly $20 million.

The customer from the United States is the Command of Naval Systems, and the funding is carried out under the program to strengthen the defense of Ukraine, according to Army Inform.

The United States approved the 2021 defense budget, where $250 million was provided for Ukraine in military support.

In the summer of 2020, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that the United States had approved the sale of up to 16 Mark VI patrol boats and related equipment to Ukraine. Six boats are already being prepared for Ukraine as part of the U.S. security assistance. The rest of Ukraine will be able to purchase from the United States at the expense of the defense budget.

The Ukrainian government has requested the purchase of up to 16 Mark VI patrol boats; some 32 MSI Seahawk A2 guns; 20 electro-optical infrared radars (FLIR) (16 installed and four spare parts); some 16 Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) with a five-kilometer speaker system; some 16 identification systems "friend or foe" (IFF); some 40 MK44 cannons (32 installed and eight spare parts); communication equipment; auxiliary equipment; spare and repair parts; tools and test equipment; technical data and documentation; personnel training and equipment for personnel training; engineering, technical and logistics services and contractor of the U.S. government; and other related elements of logistics support. Estimated total cost is $600 million.

In addition, Ukraine signed a contract with the Ocean French company for the construction of border patrol boats for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which will strengthen the system of maritime security and border protection of the state.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ImaginAb Inc., a leading global provider of immuno-oncology imaging agents, today announced it has signed a new multi-year, non-exclusive license with Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) to supply 89Zr CD8 Immuno-PET agent, which can be used to image CD8 T cells in cancer patients.

Quantitative imaging of CD8 T cells enables quicker identification of drug efficacy, therefore potentially reducing the length of clinical trials, reducing costs and helping new therapies to advance to market faster, which ultimately will improve treatment and care of cancer patients.

Under the terms of the agreement, ImaginAb will supply clinical doses of 89Zr CD8 Immuno-PET agent to Pfizer for use in select oncology clinical trials. In addition, ImaginAb will provide technical, clinical, and regulatory support to Pfizer. ImaginAb will receive license fees and payments for manufacturing and other support. No other terms were disclosed.

This agreement expands upon the relationship between the companies following the pre-competitive alliance between ImaginAb, Pfizer and other global pharmaceutical companies which focused on the development of 89Zr CD8 ImmunoPET technology. The alliance, announced on October 14, 2019, has assisted in advancing the 89Zr CD8 Immuno-PET technology.

Commenting on the announcement, Ian Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of ImaginAb said: "Pfizer continues to be a great partner and supporter of our efforts to develop this innovative PET imaging technology, and we are delighted to expand our relationship further.

Wilson continued "Imaginab is actively investing in the clinical and global supply chain development of 89Zr CD8 Immuno-PET agent to provide simple turnkey access to this novel technology. Our goal is to enable the widespread use and adoption of 89Zr CD8 Immuno-PET technology, which will help our partners to predict therapeutic efficacy and treatment outcomes in cancer patients more precisely and earlier in a clinical trial. Working with leading pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, will help us achieve our goal."

"CD8 T cells play such a pivotal role in immunotherapy of many cancers and our 89Zr CD8 Immuno-PET is one of the most widely used imaging technology used by pharmaceutical and biotech companies to track CD8 T cells in patients."

For further information please contact:

ImaginAb

Ian Wilson

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1 310 645 1211

About ImaginAb

ImaginAb Inc. is biotechnology company focused on developing radiopharmaceutical imaging and therapy agents. ImaginAb engineers antibody fragments called minibodies that maintain the exquisite specificity of full-length antibodies while remaining biologically inert in the body. Used with widely available PET scan technology, these novel minibodies illuminate high-value molecular targets, providing physicians with a whole-body picture of immune activity. ImaginAb is advancing a pipeline of minibodies against oncology and immunology targets including the 89Zr CD8 ImmunoPET targeting CD8 T cells. ImaginAb's products have the potential to improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. The Company is backed by top tier venture capital firms and strategic corporate firms including, Adage Capital, The Cycad Group, Norgine ventures Jim Pallotta of the Raptor Group, The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and Merck (MSD) Pharma.

For more information about ImaginAb's pipeline and technology, visit www.imaginab.com.

About CD8 ImmunoPET

The 89Zr CD8 Immuno-PET agent ([89Zr]-Df-IAB22M2C) is a [89Zr]-labeled minibody that binds the CD8 receptor on human T cells and is used for quantitative, non-invasive PET imaging of CD8 T cells in patients. CD8 T cells are the main effector cells involved in the immune response against tumor cells induced by immunotherapies and they also play a key role in multiple autoimmune diseases. As such, quantitative imaging of CD8 T cells can be used to diagnose the immune status of a patient, to measure the efficacy of immunotherapies and predict patient outcomes.

SOURCE ImaginAb, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.imaginab.com


Genomic testing has confirmed a casual cleaner at a Brisbane hotel quarantine site was infected with a more contagious strain of COVID-19 originating from the United Kingdom, as authorities rush to trace her movements across the city.

Visits to hospitals, aged care, disability and correctional facilities across the city have been restricted after the cleaner, a woman in her 20s who worked a shift at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane's CBD while unknowingly infectious, became the first locally acquired case of COVID-19 in 113 days.

The woman is believed to have been infected at the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Credit:Matt Dennien

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has also called for a boost to federal hotel quarantine help in the wake of the case, with one person describing strict protocols among staff at the hotel  where genomic testing had detected the UK strain among four guests who had been previously diagnosed.

Addressing the media on Thursday morning, where she also announced a child in hotel quarantine had also been confirmed with the virus overnight, Ms Palaszczuk flagged the issue of federal assistance ahead of Friday's national cabinet meeting.

Joe Biden, Americas president-elect, has denounced the chaos and violence that overwhelmed the US Capitol, saying the nations democracy was under threat in a manner not equalled in recent times.

In an address delivered from Wilmington, Delaware, that stood in sharp contrast to the aggression and anger displayed just a few hours earlier when Donald Trump spoke to supporters, Mr Biden said the rioters represented an insurrection.

At this hour, our democracy's under unprecedented assault. Unlike anything we've seen in modern times. An assault on the citadel of liberty, the Capitol itself, he said.

Let me be very clear. The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect a true America. Do not represent who we are. What we're seeing are a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent. It's disorder. It's chaos. It borders on sedition. And it must end now.

He also called on Mr Trump to deliver a televised national address calling for an end to the violence.

Mr Biden, 78, who is to be inaugurated on January, spoke after scenes in the nations capital that many could scarcely believe were taking place. While armed militia had stormed into the state capitol in Lansing, Michigan, again encouraged by Mr Trump, the location of the incident and the numbers involved were far graver.

 Moment pro-Trump rioters storm US Capitol captured on TV broadcast

As Mr Biden spoke at around 4pm on the US east coast, split screen televisions showed riot police still trying to force protesters from the legislative chamber. Photographs showed a person sitting in Nancy Pelosis office, while others showed armed guards in a standoff with a protester in the House chamber. One woman was fatally shot, while many were said to be injured.

The incident came as a joint session of Congress gathered to certify the electoral college votes cast by the 50 individual states, usually something of a formality. This year, encouraged by Mr Trumps baseless claims of electoral fraud, 150 Republicans, among them Ted Cruz were seeking to vote against certification.

Among those to denounce the scenes was senator Mitt Romney, a former presidential candidate, who was lone among senate Republicans to support efforts to impeach the president.

We gather today due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning, he said. What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States.

He added: Those who choose to continue to support his dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as being complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy. They will be remembered for their role in this shameful episode in American history. That will be their legacy.

Mr Biden has always sought to see the best in his country, a trait that has led some detractors to accuse him of being blind to the realities. Others say it is such optimism that helped him secure both the Democratic nomination and then defeat Mr Trump.

The work of the moment and the work of the next four years must be the restoration of democracy  of decency, honour, respect, the rule of law. Just plain, simple decency, Mr Biden said, adding that he was shocked and saddened that the country had come to such a dark moment.

Through war and strife, America's endured much. And we will endure here and we will prevail again and we'll prevail now. Today's reminder, a painful one, that democracy is fragile and to preserve it requires people of good will.

Later on Wednesday, with riot police standing guard outside the Capitol, House speaker Nancy Pelosi informed vice president, whose job is to preside over the joint session, that politicians wanted to return that evening and continue the task of certifying Mr Biden victory.

We always knew this responsibility would take us into the night, Ms. Pelosi wrote in a letter to colleagues.

We also knew that we would be a part of history in a positive way today, despite ill-founded objections to the electoral college vote. We now will be part of history, as such a shameful picture of our country was put out to the world, instigated at the highest level.
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[Follow our live news coverage on the protests at the Capitol and across the country.]

WASHINGTON  A ceremonial session of Congress to formally declare President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s victory devolved in an instant into a scene of violence and mayhem on Wednesday when a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, halting the counting of electoral votes.

Journalists from The New York Times witnessed the events. Here is how the chaos unfolded.

The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Today is the Christian holiday of Epiphany, celebrated on Jan. 6 for centuries.

Its even older than celebrations of Christmas.

But what is Epiphany?

For many churches around the world, it celebrates the arrival of the magi bringing gifts to the baby Jesus, and is sometimes referred to as the Feast of the Three Kings.

In some traditions, its a celebration of the baptism of Jesus.

For Catholic and Protestant churches, Epiphany marks the end of the 12-day Christmas season, which in the Christian liturgical calendar begins on Dec. 25 and concludes at Epiphany.

In Elizabethan England, Jan. 5 was celebrated as Twelfth Night or the Eve of Epiphany, with bonfires of seasonal evergreens. Thats the origin of the title of William Shakespeares play, Twelfth Night.

It was, in one sense, the time to take down your Christmas tree and seasonal evergreen wreaths and burn them.

Not many people still celebrate Christmas with 12 days of gift-giving from Dec. 25 to Jan. 5, as in the famous Christmas carol. But in some Christian churches, the liturgical celebration of the Christmas season concludes on Epiphany.

While Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist and other Western churches celebrate the coming of the Magi to adore Jesus, the Eastern Orthodox church commemorates the Baptism of Jesus on Epiphany.

Icons representing the Baptism of Jesus are on display in Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox churches.

Epiphany was one of the earliest Christian feast days. In the early church, Christmas and Epiphany were the same day. The birth of Jesus and the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River were considered two epiphanies, or events in which God revealed himself. In Bethlehem, celebrations of the birth of Jesus extend to the end of January. Around the world, Christmas is celebrated as late as Jan. 27 in the Coptic Church of Egypt. Churches usually celebrate Epiphany on Jan. 6 or the Sunday between Jan. 2 and Jan 8, with scripture readings such the Gospel of Matthew, chapter two, the only gospel which mentions the magi. It does not specify how many wise men visited the baby Jesus, but Christian tradition later developed that there were three, because they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

This Renaissance painting, "Adoration of the Magi," by Bonifacio de Pitati, who died in 1553 A.D., is from the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice, Italy.

.

Milano Fashion Week Mens is back for the Fall Winter 2021.22 season with more brands scheduled than in the pre-pandemic days. However, in the final calendar released today by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana only four fashion houses have confirmed organizing a runway show. Dolce & Gabbana with a show set for their Metropol venue Viale Piave location, Fendi, Etro at the Via Tortona 54 space and KWaw.

Scheduled to starts on Saturday 15th of January lasting through Tuesday 19th of January, Milano Fashion Week Mens is ready to showcase work of 40 fashion houses. Ten of these brands are showcasing as part of Milan Fashion Week for the first time listing Solid Homme, Dima Leu (winner of Whos Next 2020), Vaderetro, Dalpaos, Dhruv Kapoor, Tokyo James, Lagos Space Programme, Bloke and Nick Fouquet- Federico Curradi as well as KWay a brand taking part with a runway show.

Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana is once again streaming the digital content on their web page following the scheduled time slots.

Fashion films have turned into a true cornerstones of the fashion industry in 2020 with brands finding innovative ways to present their runway collections with runways turned short films. This brings an important new aspect to the meaning of live-stream of Fashion Week events on a global scale. Milano Moda Uomo has also announced a simultaneous worldwide coverage across all time-zones by Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana partners such as Kommersant Publishing House in Russia, Tencent Video in continental China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) and The Asahi Shimbun in Japan.

This edition of the Fashion Week marks the start of a long-term partnership between Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana and Fashion Film Festival Milano. The 7th edition of the Festival will in fact be covered on CNMIs digital platform from 13 to 19 January 2021. The selection for this years Festival numbers over 200 fashion films out of the over 1,000 competing entries from 60 countries, adds Carlo Capasa in his letter sent out today to the press members of the Camera Moda.

The five day schedule comes with a visible absence of Milanse powerhouse Giorgio Armani who has decided to present its menswear collection alongside the womenswear line. Kicking off the Fall Winter 2021.22 Milano Fashion Week Mens is Ermenegildo Zegna with an already announced live stream.

Another exciting moment of the coming schedule is Prada, who is set to present its first menswear collection since designer Raf Simons joined the helm alongside Miuccia Prada. The city of Milano and its fashion industry as part of one of the worst hit Covid19 hit areas has suffered immensely since the start of the pandemic. Almost a year later the city is again suffering from severe covid19 restrictions and to this day it is little known if the scheduled runway shows are to have audience members present. Mid-December fashion house Bottega Veneta has presented its Spring Summer 2021 runway shows weeks after the schedule marking the ending of the SS21 season. The Bottega show filmed long before the actual presentation was presented in a very socially distanced salon like runway setting. Whether the scheduled runway shows in Milan next weekend will follow the same route it remains to be seen. Etro and Dolce & Gabbana were in the summer of 2020 the first brands to stick with the traditional runway format, holding the mens runway show in open space venues. The following womenswear season followed both of the brands with the addition of Fendi hosting closed venue runway shows with limited audience attendance.

The official fashion week promo shot at Stazione Centrale in Milan features looks for Milans brand on the rise Magliano and its work of photographer Stefano Guindani.

Continue reading to see the final schedule for Milano Mens Fashion Week 2021.22 runway season:

Friday 15 Jan

15:00 ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA

16:00 LAGOS SPACE PROGRAMME

17:00 NICK FOUQUET  FEDERICO CURRADI

Saturday 16 Jan

10:00 FEDERICO CINA

10:30 ELEVENTY

11:00 DAVID CATALAN

11:30 SPYDER

12:00 CHURCHS

13:00 CHILDREN OF THE DISCORDANCE

14:00 FENDI  VIA SOLARI, 35  runway

15:00 MIGUEL VIEIRA

15:30 DOLCE & GABBANA  VIALE PIAVE, 24  runway

16:30 KITON

17:00 SERDAR

18:00 ICEBERG

Sunday 17 Jan

10:00 MTL STUDIO

10:30 DHRUV KAPOOR

11:00 APN73

11:30 TOKYO JAMES

12:00 ETRO  VIA TORTONA, 54  runway

13:00 MSGM

14:00 PRADA

15:00 TODS

15:30 HAN KJBENHAVN

16:00 BLOKE

17:00 SUNNEI

18:00 KWAY  VIA DELLAPRICA, 12  runway

Monday 18 Jan

10:00 PAURA DI DANILO PAURA

11:00 KB HONG

12:00 GALL

13:00 SOLID HOMME

14:00 VADERETRO

15:00 WOOLRICH

16:00 DALPAOS

17:00 NUMERO 00

Tuesday 19 Jan

10:00 A-COLD-WALL*

11:00 MAGLIANO

11:30 JIEDA

12:00 LES HOMMES

13:00 DIMA LEU
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Esta manana, la ministra Pilar Mazzetti superviso los ambientes del Cenares del Minsa, donde se almacenaran y distribuiran las vacunas contra la #COVID19 que llegaran proximamente al pais. pic.twitter.com/A6vSRkJDNs
With its Financial Action Task Force (FATF) review around the corner, Pakistan on Thursday acknowledged the presence of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief  Maulana Masood Azhar on its territory and sought an arrest warrant against him, top officials in the government said.

Based on a disclosure made by Pakistani authorities, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) judge at Pakistans Gujranwala  Natasha Naseem Supra issued an arrest warrant for Masood Azhar on charges of terror financing and directed that he be produced in court on Friday, they said.

This, Indian officials added, is clearly linked to FATF taking up Pakistans case in meetings this month and February. JeM was among the groups specifically named by FATF for terror financing in its reports in the past two years. India has already provided evidence on JeM and Azhars role in last years Pulwama attack, in which 40 personnel of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed, an incident that brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war.

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Pakistans Punjab province moved the court seeking an arrest warrant for Azhar on the charges of raising funds. The CTD had arrested six JeM terrorists - Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad Amir, Allah Ditta, Muhammad Iftikhar, Muhammad Ajmal and Muhammad Bilal Makki, under pressure after the Pulwama attack.

Officials said Azhars arrest has been sought in the same case.

The move is to duck the FATF black listing by showing that it is taking action against United Nations listed terrorists. The FATF is taking up Pakistans case in meetings scheduled this month and in February. JeM was among the groups specifically named by FATF for terror financing in its reports in past two years, said an official.

Pakistan was placed on the grey-list by the financial watchdog in June 2018 and had asked it to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019. The deadline was extended due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Azhars last location was said to be at a safe-house in Bahawalpur.

The CTD had said in a statement last year that it had raided the JeMs safe house and arrested its members who were collecting funds for JeM. The suspects were collecting funds to finance activities of JeM. The chargesheet against them has been submitted to the Anti-Terrorism Court Gujranwala and they are being interrogated, the CTD had said.

The UN had, in May 2019, designated Azhar a global terrorist after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist the Pakistan-based JeM chief, a decade after New Delhi approached the world body for the first time on the issue.
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An anonymous letter threatening to kill Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik was sent to his residence Naveen Niwas on Thursday in Bhubaneswar, throwing security agencies in the state in a tizzy.

The letter, a copy of which is available with HT, said contract killers armed with AK-47 and semi-automatic pistols are out to kill the CM.

These contract killers are professional criminals and can attack you any time. So please be aware that these contract killers are continuously following you. The mastermind lives in Nagpur... The weapons which will be used to kill you have been brought to Odisha, read the handwritten letter in English.

The sender also gave out a list of 17 cars with registration numbers of Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Punjab, Odisha, Delhi, Haryana and Maharashtra in which the criminals are following Patnaik.

The home department sent the letter to the DGP as well as the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner for further action. The chief minister enjoys Z plus security.

Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Sudhansu Sarangi denied seeing such a letter. Sometimes mad people write such things. I am not aware of such a letter, he said.

In September 2018, a murder accused serving sentence in Bilaspur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh had sent a letter to Patnaik demanding extortion money of Rs 50 crore and threatened him with dire consequences if he failed to pay the amount.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 23:34:27|Editor: huaxia

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When it comes to ecological protection, "we cannot afford to be penny wise and pound foolish, or catch one and lose another," President Xi Jinping said. "We should also not live beyond our means or be more interested in the here and now while ignoring our long-term interests."



KUNMING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- As the rising sun over the rippling Erhai Lake suffused the clouds with splendid hues, tourists walked along the lakeshore to find the perfect spot to capture the view, with the twittering of black-headed gulls embellishing the pleasant aura.

The picturesque scenery is now a common sight at the once heavily polluted lake in southwest China's Yunnan Province thanks to its improving environment that has attracted more wintering birds in recent years.

Located in the province's Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Erhai Lake sits at some 2,000 meters above sea level and stretches more than 250 sq km. A major tourist draw, the ear-shaped freshwater lake has attracted tens of millions of tourists every year since local tourism began flourishing in the 1990s.

However, the booming tourism, coupled with rapid urbanization, took its toll on the lake, causing water quality degradation and toxic blue-green algae blooms.

People stroll by the Erhai Lake in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Dec. 9, 2015. (Xinhua/Lin Yiguang)

President Xi Jinping visited the lake during an inspection tour of Yunnan in January 2015, stressing ecological protection of the lake and calling on residents and the local government to protect the lake's natural beauty forever.

During his visit, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized the priority of ecological and environmental protection.

When it comes to ecological protection, "we cannot afford to be penny wise and pound foolish, or catch one and lose another," he said. "We should also not live beyond our means or be more interested in the here and now while ignoring our long-term interests."

In response to Xi's call, the local government launched a series of ecological projects in 2016 to prevent and control pollution and restore the environment of Erhai Lake.

Villagers remove water weed in Gusheng Village in Dali, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Sept. 14, 2020. (Photo by Chen Xinbo/Xinhua)

More than 2,400 lakeside guesthouses and restaurants were asked to suspend business so that sewage treatment facilities could be upgraded to prevent the discharging of untreated wastewater into the lake. Algae treatment facilities were established around the lake and a waste disposal factory was built to turn animal wastes into organic fertilizers.

The cultivation of garlic, which entails the use of large amounts of chemical fertilizers, was banned in the lake basin.

An Nan, who owns a lakeside guesthouse, had halted his homestay business for more than a year to make way for the conservation projects.

"We owe our business success to Erhai Lake. As long as it is well protected, we don't have to worry about our livelihoods," An said. "What's the point of having suites with a lake view if the lake itself is dirty and stinky like before?"

Official data showed that more than 20 billion yuan (about 3.1 billion U.S. dollars) has been poured into lake restoration projects in the past five years.

Tourists view the scenery of Erhai Lake in Gusheng Village in Dali, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Sept. 14, 2020. (Photo by Chen Xinbo/Xinhua)

The arduous efforts have paid off. In 2019 and 2020, the surface water quality of Erhai Lake remained between Class II and Class III, indicating good water quality, according to the Yunnan provincial department of ecology and environment.

"A cleaner Erhai Lake is bringing more tourists to Dali, which is a boon for my business," An said.

Chen Jian, Party secretary of Dali, said the prefecture has been following a path of green development.

"With the improving water quality of Erhai Lake, we have more time to adjust our industrial structure and further promote green development," he said. "The protection of the lake is bringing more economic benefits."

"Mountains and rivers green are mountains of silver and gold," Xi has reiterated on several occasions. The dialectical words, known as the "two mountains" concept in Chinese, are a key component of Xi's thought on ecological progress.

President Xi Jinping visits an ecological wetland of Dianchi Lake in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

During another inspection tour of Yunnan in January 2020 when he visited Dianchi Lake, a plateau lake in the provincial capital Kunming, Xi stressed abandoning the old way of achieving economic development at the cost of the environment.

After learning about the conservation efforts at Dianchi Lake as well as the improvement in its water quality during that visit, Xi urged continuous efforts to restore the ecology of the lake.

President Xi Jinping visits an ecological wetland of Dianchi Lake in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

The largest freshwater lake on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Dianchi Lake used to be one of the most polluted lakes in China, with its water quality graded Class V for a long time in the 1990s, the worst level in the country's water quality grading system.

Years of restoration efforts by the government and the public, including pollution control, water replenishment and wetland restoration, are helping the lake regain its lost luster.

Its surface water quality improved to Class IV in 2018, the best in 30 years, and has remained at the level over the past two years, according to the Dianchi Lake administration bureau.

A staff member feeds black-headed gulls by the bank of Dianchi Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Feb. 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)

The water quality of 17 rivers, making up nearly half of the waterways entering Dianchi Lake, reached Class III level or even better in 2020, compared with just five rivers in 2015, statistics from the Kunming municipal ecology and environment bureau showed.

Fu Wen, head of the Dianchi Lake administration bureau, said they will follow Xi's instructions to step up pollution control, ecological restoration and intelligent management of the lake to further improve its water quality. 
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 07.01.2021 - The day after the recent incidents in Washington D.C., Livia Leu, State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), expressed Switzerland's concern about the violence and especially the deaths to the Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy. The peaceful transition of power is a central element of a democracy. Switzerland trusts in the strength of American institutions.

The conversation between State Secretary Livia Leu and the Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Bern took place in an open and transparent manner, reflecting Switzerland's long-standing friendly relations with the US. Ms Leu emphasised that the Federal Council looked forward to further deepening the excellent relations between the two countries with the future administration in Washington.

Even though the news about the use of violence and especially the deaths have caused great concern in Switzerland, the country trusts in the strength of the democratic institutions in the USA and is convinced that they will defend their constitution and the rule of law, said Ms Leu.

Free and fair elections are an essential element of democratic political systems based on the rule of law. A smooth transition of office is crucial. The FDFA has taken note of President Trump's statement in this regard and hopes that the transition of office on 20 January2021 will be constitutional and peaceful.

Address for enquiries

FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West Wing

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland

Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53

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




TEL AVIV - Starting at midnight today until January 21, Israel will begin a total lockdown until January 21. All non-essential productive and commercial activities will be closed as of tonight, along with schools (except in some specific cases), recreational sites and places of worship.



It will also not be possible to move over 1 km away from home, except to get vaccinated, and only 50% of public transport will be working. Also it will be forbidden for more than five people to gather indoors and for more than 10 outdoors (with few exceptions).



Only those who have bought a ticket before the start of the lockdown will be allowed to leave the country.



A reported 7,820 cases were registered over the last 24 hours with 127,140 tests and a declining positivity rate of 6.2%. A reported 1,600,000 people have been vaccinated with the first dose as of yesterday.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
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WASHINGTON, D.C.  A disturbing day of violence in the nations Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump has some members of his cabinet discussing the use of the 25th Amendment to remove him from office, according to multiple reports.

ABC News reports that multiple sources said there have been discussions about using the 25th Amendment among Trump cabinet members. However, they say its unclear how extensive the conversations have been and whether Vice President Mike Pence would agree to the action.

CNN reports that four cabinet members have suggested having Trump removed, while at least two Republican legislators want to impeach the president. Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota announced she is drawing up articles of impeachment.

We cant allow him to remain in office, its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath, Omar said in a tweet.

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat from Niles, Ohio, says Trump should lose his job.

I think he needs to be removed from office, because we cant trust him over the course of the next couple of weeks not to continue to try to undermine our democracy in a very violent and significant way, Ryan told reporters as police cleared demonstrators from the U.S. Capitol. Somebody died today. Members of Congress were on the floor in the House of Representatives, with gas masks on. ... That is unacceptable.

According to CNN, a former senior official with the Trump administration says that even though Trump has less than two weeks remaining in office, he must be removed.

I think this has been a huge shock to the system, the former official tells CNN. How do you keep him in place for two weeks after this?

Axios and Margaret Brennan of CBS News also is reporting that Trump Cabinet members are discussing using the 25th Amendment.

CNBC reports that Jay Timmons, the head of the National Association of Manufacturers, a group representing 14,000 companies in the U.S., is calling for serious consideration of Trumps removal through the amendment.

The 25th Amendment was ratified in 1967 after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. It allows for replacing the president in the event of death, removal, resignation or incapacitation.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 07:51:49|Editor: huaxia

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Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather near the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 6, 2020. U.S. President-elect Joe Biden condemned what he called "insurrection" at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, after some supporters of the Republican incumbent, Donald Trump, broke into the building, forcing electoral vote counting to halt. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Joe Biden condemned what he called "insurrection" at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, after some supporters of the Republican incumbent, Donald Trump, broke into the building, forcing electoral vote counting to halt.

"This is not protest, it's insurrection," Biden said in Wilmington, Delaware. "This is not dissent. It's disorder. It's chaos. It borders on sedition."

The Democrat went on saying that he's calling on Trump to "go on national television now to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege."

Trump has refused to acknowledge defeat in the 2020 presidential race with Biden and has been pushing claims of a "fraudulent" election, which have been dismissed by U.S. courts at different levels due to a profound lack of evidence.

In a video clip posted on Twitter in the wake of the chaotic situation, Trump urged his supporters to "go home" after demonstrations.

"You have to go home now. We have to have peace," the president said. "We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order. We don't want anybody hurt."

The U.S. Congress convened in a joint session earlier in the day to certify Biden's victory, but both the House and the Senate, which were separately debating an objection to the counting of Arizona's electoral votes, had to recess and evacuate after protesters breached the Capitol.

Confrontations between law enforcement officers and protesters have caused injuries from both sides. A woman who was shot on the Capitol grounds has died, according to police.

The Sergeant-at-Arms announced Wednesday evening that the U.S. Capitol building is secure, as a citywide curfew for the District of Columbia has taken effect and will continue until Thursday morning. Meanwhile, riot police are pushing protesters away from the Capitol Hill.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the congressional top Democrat, said in a letter to lawmakers that Congress will resume the counting of electoral votes Wednesday night once the Capitol is cleared for use. Enditem

Moscow (Algeria), 20 December 2020 (SPS) - Former Algerian diplomat and UN envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, put forward the key role of the United Nations in the settlement of conflicts in the world, stressing the need for the appointment of UN envoys to Western Sahara.



In an interview with Russia Today, Brahimi said he deeply regretted the failure, to date, of the negotiations between the two parties to the conflict (Morocco and Polisario Front), highlighting the constant calls for a return to UN-sponsored negotiations for a mutually agreed settlement.



"I think that if Morocco had negotiated in good faith with the Polisario Front in the same way as it did with the United States for two years on Western Sahara, it would have been better for the both sides of the conflict.



He added that "the UN Secretary-General was too late in appointing an envoy for the region."



"The Security Council is not in a position to assume its responsibility for the security and peace in the world, resulting in the failure of its members to agree on a Western Sahara envoy. This is very unfortunate". (SPS)



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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said lawmakers will resume counting electoral votes Wednesday once the US Capitol is given an all clear, after the certification process was halted when Donald Trump supporters stormed the building.

"We have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use," Pelosi said in a letter to colleagues, after reports that the building was secured by police and demonstrators were removed.

The senior lawmaker blasted the storming of the Capitol as a "shameful assault" on American democracy that was "anointed at the highest level of government, but said "it cannot, however, deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden."

Short link:


KABUL/BEIJING (Reuters) - China is unaware of the deportation of Chinese nationals from Afghanistan on spying charges, a foreign ministry spokeswoman said, days after the head of Afghanistan's top intelligence agency spoke about their detention.

The chief of Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security (NDS) told parliament on Monday that he could confirm the arrest of people from a "Chinese network" but said he could not provide details due to the sensitivity of the case.

India's Hindustan Times newspaper said at least 10 Chinese nationals linked to Beijing's spy agency had been detained in December in Kabul and later pardoned and deported.

Three high-ranking sources in Afghanistan told Reuters that 13 Chinese nationals, working as construction workers, carpenters and even running a clinic and bakery, were deported.

"I'm unaware of what you mentioned," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a media briefing in Beijing on Wednesday when asked about the Hindustan Times report.

"But I want to tell you that China and Afghanistan's relations have always been very friendly, and our cooperation is very friendly in every field and is proceeding normally."

China has looked to increase its influence and connectivity in the region through financing development projects under its Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing has expressed interest in extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to neighbouring Afghanistan.

Chinese investment would be critical for Kabul as Western funding falls and becomes increasingly conditions-based.

On Monday, Afghan NDS chief Ahmad Zia Saraj told parliament: Regarding the Chinese network, I can confirm for you that, yes, they have been arrested; however, I can't go into the details because of the sensitivity of the case.

The high-ranking Afghan sources, at senior posts in the government, told Reuters that documents and materials the arrested Chinese nationals possessed showed they were working with an "unknown" Pakistani man believed to be a go-between Taliban insurgents, fighting the U.S.-backed government in Kabul, and Islamabad.

Story continues

A spokesman for the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, rejected any connection.

"It is nothing but mere propaganda," Mujahid told Reuters in a message.

Pakistan's foreign office and the Afghan Presidential Palace did not respond to requests for comment.

The high-ranking officials added that a special envoy of the Chinese government flew to Kabul and demanded the release of the detained people - and Afghan officials, including President Ashraf Ghani, asked for a formal apology.

The envoy, the officials said, told the Afghan officials that his government was unaware of the activities of the 13 men and women, and would investigate, following which the 13 flew back to China towards the end of last year.

(Reporting Hamid Shahlizi in Istanbul, Abdul Qadir Sediqi in Kabul and Gabriel Crossley in Beijing; Additional reporting and writing by Gibran Peshimam in Islamabad; Editing by Nick Macfie)
This article appears in the January 8, 2021 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

[Print version of this article]

PARDON SNOWDEN & ASSANGE

EXONERATE LAROUCHE

STOP THE FRAUD: EXONERATE LAROUCHE!

The following statement is being run as an ad by The LaRouche Organization in the Washington Times to greet the Congress and all who will have come into Washington, D.C. for the historic January 6 session of Congress.

The time has come for President Donald Trump to kick over the strategic chessboard. At this late hour, nothing short of overturning the entire game-plan of the British financial oligarchy will be sufficient to win the war.

This is the only effective way to stop the monumental fraud of the 2020 U.S. Presidential election and the destruction of the Presidency itself. Taking the matter up to the Supreme Court, and mass peaceful protests by the American population, are all justified and useful, but will not be sufficient.

To win the war, the entire game-plan of the British financial oligarchy must be overturned.

That game-plan has included the removal of President Trump from the White House from the moment he assumed office four years ago, for the purpose of imposing a Green Global Reset of the economy which means wiping out the formerly industrial economies of the world (including the United States), and the genocidal depopulation of the underdeveloped sector through war, famine and pandemicsall for the purpose of maintaining Wall Street and the City of Londons bankrupt financial system, with its $2 quadrillion speculative bubble. Biden is their man for that job.

What immediate actions can President Trump take to overturn the strategic chessboard?

1) President Trump can defy the vicious, lying anti-Russia and anti-China campaign, and call up Russian President Vladimir Putin and say: Look, we have a pandemic; we have a famine; we have an extremely dangerous strategic confrontation; and we have an unresolved financial crisis. Lets hold the UN Security Council permanent members (P5) summit meeting you proposed in January 2020, and do it immediately.

As Lyndon LaRouche repeatedly argued, such a combination of U.S. President Trump, Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping is powerful enough to sweep the bankrupt London-Wall Street financial system into oblivion, and move quickly to solve these crises. The entire world, which is watching events unfold in the U.S. with alarm, would rally behind such an endeavor.

2) President Trump can immediately move to exonerate the American statesman Lyndon LaRouche, and pardon Julian Assange and Edward Snowden as well.

Why LaRouche? Because Lyndon LaRouche (1922 2019) was for five decades the most controversial figure in American politics, feared by the British Empire like none other. LaRouche became a world-class threat to the power of the British Empire through his U.S. Presidential campaigns.

The LaRouche case involves a broader range of deliberate and systematic misconduct and abuse of power over a longer period of time in an effort to destroy a political movement and leader, than any other federal prosecution in my time or to my knowledge.

LaRouche led the fight against the genocidal looting policies of the Anglo-American financial establishment, and was responsible for the successful organizing of the Reagan-era Strategic Defense Initiative in 198283. They fabricated criminal charges against him in the late 1980s and sent him to federal prison for five years  for crimes he never committed.

Trump was slammed by the same apparatus that railroaded the innocent LaRouche into prison. In fact, Robert Mueller himself was one of the leading figures in the prosecution and railroad of LaRouche over 30 years ago, as was the Boston banker William Weld. On Sept. 1, 1995, in historic remarks to the Martin Luther King Tribunal, LaRouche issued a stern warning that echoes down through the decades:

Until we remove, from our system of government, the rotten, permanent bureaucracy which acts like contract assassins, using the authority of the justice system to perpetrate assassination, this country is not free, nor anyone in it.
Will it stop those schools from reopening on Monday? No? Then its not worth a thing, Taylor said. Ill be there, because its my job to be there, but this is nothing but professional time wasting. This is what they try to do. They let us talk, but they dont give us any real ability to have any say about what theyre doing in the schools.
Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, in the East Room at the White House in Washington on July 7, 2020. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Pence Chief of Staff Blocked From Entering White House Grounds: Report

Vice President Mike Pences chief of staff Marc Short has claimed that he was denied entry back on White House grounds on Wednesday night amid rising tensions between President Donald Trump and Pence, according to reports.

Short reportedly told Real Clear Politics that he is not allowed back into the White House because the president is blaming him for his advice to Pence.

The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment by The Epoch Times, nor did Pences office.

The vice president had earlier said that he lacked the authority to reject disputed electoral votes under the U.S. Constitution, prompting Trump to say that Pence didnt have the courage to do what was right.

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify, Trump wrote on Twitter Wednesday. USA demands the truth!

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a visit to Rock Springs Church to campaign for GOP Senate candidates in Milner, Ga., on Jan. 4, 2021. (Megan Varner/Getty Images)

Shortly before the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress to certify the Electoral College votes, Pence issued a statement saying that it was my considered judgement that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not.

Given the controversy surrounding this years election, some approach this years quadrennial tradition with great expectation, others with dismissive disdain, Pence wrote. Some believe that as vice president, I should be able to accept or reject electoral votes unilaterally. Others believe that electoral votes should never be challenged in a joint session of Congress.

After a careful study of our Constitution, our laws, and our history, I believe neither view is correct, Pence said.

In the days leading up to the joint session, the president had been urging Pence to discard electoral votes from battleground states where the integrity of the election is being questioned.

If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election, Trump said an hour before the count in Congress was to begin. All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify, and we become president and you are the happiest people.

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

The joint session was forced to suspend following acts of violence on Capitol grounds that took place during demonstrations over election integrity. Swarms of protesters, many dressed in pro-Trump apparel, stormed the Capitol building at around 2:15 p.m, shattering building windows to enter.

It is unclear who instigated the breach of the building.

Washington, D.C. police confirmed during a press briefing in the early hours of Thursday morning that four people had died on the grounds, including a female gunshot wound victim, who has since been identified by family members as as Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran from California and Trump supporter.

The causes of death for the other three individuals remain unclear. Robert J. Contee, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, told reporters that more information will be released when the individuals are seen by a medical examiner, but noted that there was some type of medical emergency for each of them.

GQ Pan contributed to this report.


Dear Amy: I recently helped one of my neighbors to leave her emotionally abusive/narcissist husband.

He still lives nearby and sometimes joins a social-distancing happy hour on the block.

The others dont know about his horrible mistreatment of his wife.

My secret desire is to out him as an abuser.

I want to enjoy the social hour, but hate being around him, so whats the best way to handle this?

 Hate Keeping This Secret

Dear Hate: I believe that the best way to react to this person is to show up and claim your own space in the social sphere  and completely ignore him.

Actual diagnosed narcissism seems to be quite rare, but narcissistic traits are more common and recognizable.

A true narcissist will want to provoke a response from you, and then will blame and bully you into being on the defensive  and you wont even realize it while its happening. The encounter will only start to make sense to you later, when you deconstruct the dynamic.

By confronting him or reacting emotionally if he confronts you, you will have made his day. He might walk back to his house after a confrontation, believing hed just had a triumphant experience.

Youve already done your job, which was to help a friend. Your privilege now is to continue to behave with integrity, and simply not play this game by the rules he knows, but by the rules you set. You may think to yourself: I despise you. Im onto you. But you dont run me. Therefore, I have decided that you are of absolutely no consequence.

The decision to out this person to others who know him should be made by his former wife. If you did this too soon in her process, you might unwittingly invite him back into her circle, giving him an excuse or a rationale for contacting and trying to manipulate her, because you  her friend  had been mean, unfair, or had embarrassed him in front of others.

Amy Dickinson, author of the 'Ask Amy' column.TNS

Dear Amy: My husband and I have been married for 22 years. We are getting a divorce.

My husband was not a constant provider. I was the main provider for the entire marriage. Because we didnt have children, he justified that for his lack of income.

I am retired now. We live separately. I have left him.

He has asked for $500 a month for spousal support, as he had to find a job, and that is not conducive to the life he was used to.

I am going to relocate to Florida because I have an illness, and a warmer climate will help. Not knowing my living expenses, should I have to support him and not live the life Im use to?

 Baffled in New York

Dear Baffled: This is a question you must take to an attorney. You should look for one who is skilled in collaborative law or mediation, in order to arrive at a fair settlement.

My understanding is that the court would take financial information from both of you, will take into account other factors, such as his job prospects and earning capacity, as well as yours. The idea behind spousal support is that the main breadwinner throughout the marriage should provide for the other party to attain or maintain a semblance of the standard of living they had during the marriage. Your joint assets and the length of the marriage would all be factors in deciding the amount of spousal support.

A lawyer would lead you through this process, but a negotiated agreement of $500/month for a specified period of time might ultimately be the less-expensive route for you to take.

Dear Amy: Upset Friends reported that they disapproved of their married friends choice to engage in a relationship with a woman not his wife, when his wife was suffering from dementia.

Thank you so much for urging these Upset Friends not to judge this man unless they had walked in his shoes!

 Been There

Dear Been There: I highly recommend my friend journalist Barry Petersons memoir: Jans Story: Love Lost to the Long Goodbye of Alzheimers, (2010, Behler Publishing).

Witnessing the devastation of dementia and the multiple ethical and relationship choices brought up by this disease challenged and changed my own opinion.

Jan Petersons early-onset Alzheimers eventually took her entire identity. After years of caregiving, her husband Barry eventually developed a relationship with another woman, who joined him in his loving caregiving for his wife. They called themselves, a family of three.

(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.)

2020 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Read more advice:

Ask Amy: Separated soulmates are eager to connect

Dear Annie: Looking to hop off the hamster wheel

Dear Abby: Children cut off stepmother with dads power of attorney
Opacity in decision-making, attempts to gloss over mistakes or polarise the populace on any count will punch holes in the trust narrative

The controversy, however, is more about the drug regulators emergency approval to the second coronavirus vaccine, the indigenously produced Covaxin, before critical efficacy data of the third phase of clinical trials are out.

India has a good story to tell when it comes to vaccines -- it produces more than 60 per cent of all vaccines sold across the globe. Why then has Indias final approval of two Covid-19 vaccines kicked up such a storm, with many respected health experts and scientists calling it a hasty decision?

Unless you have been living under the rock the past few days, you probably know the answer. In brief, last weekend, Indias drugs regulator gave the green signal for the emergency use of two coronavirus vaccines. One, called Covishield, is developed by AstraZeneca-Oxford University and is being made in India by Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine producer by the number of doses produced.

The controversy, however, is more about the drug regulators emergency approval to the second coronavirus vaccine, the indigenously produced Covaxin, before critical efficacy data of the third phase of clinical trials are out. Covaxin is being made by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Virology. Bharat Biotech is a well-known vaccine maker and has a track record of clinical trials in 20 countries.

But Covaxin has completed only two of the three required phases of clinical trials. The vaccine is safe. The critical Phase 3 trial, meant to test efficacy, started last November. The company expects to release the efficacy data by March.

What further complicates the situation is the drug regulator saying that Covaxin would be administered in clinical trial mode. This has led to questions about whether those being vaccinated with Covaxin in the immediate future will, in effect, be taking part in a clinical trial.

Why could Indias regulatory authorities not wait for a few more weeks for all the three phases of the clinical trial to be over and approved an indigenous vaccine of proven efficacy?

Till date, there is no convincing answer. Perplexingly, over the past few days, we have also been witnessing bizarre incidents such as the Drugs Controller-General of India not taking any questions from journalists at a press conference, and the two companies which have got the green signal engaging in a temporary slanging match about the merits of their respective vaccines.

All this plays havoc with public trust in oversight mechanisms when there are signs of vaccine hesitancy in the country.

How do we restore trust?

Transparency breeds trust, and trust is very important during a health crisis like a pandemic, says virologist Shahid Jameel, director of the Trivedi School of Biosciences at Ashoka University. Science does not work on beliefs. Science works on data, and we still dont have data on the efficacy of one of the approved vaccines. Science does not say it has answers to everything but there should be clear communication about what is not known, and this has to be communicated openly and transparently.

A common man who does not understand the difference between the different vaccines needs to be told what exactly is known and what is not known, Dr Jameel adds. Otherwise, there is a risk of vaccine hesitancy spreading. Leena Menghaney, South Asia head of the access campaign at humanitarian organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres, also points out that transparency is a key component to building trust. And it is important to adopt it as a public health strategy.

Ms Menghaney cites the example of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), that has set a minimum level of transparency for itself. In many areas, the agency has decided to go beyond what the law requires. During the pandemic, EMA is implementing exceptional measures to maximise the transparency of its regulatory activities on treatments and vaccines for Covid-19 that are approved or are under evaluation. This includes making public the detailed minutes of various committee meetings. In 2019, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on improving the transparency of markets for medicines, vaccines and other health products in an effort to expand access. The resolution urges member states to enhance public sharing of information on actual prices paid by governments and other buyers for health products, and greater transparency on pharmaceutical patents, clinical trial results and other determinants of pricing along the value chain from laboratory to patient. A trust deficit can arise due to multiple reasons, acting independently and together.

There is a lesson from Indias victory in the battle against polio. Then too, there was a trust deficit in some quarters, though due to different reasons. While researching a report on a sudden spurt of polio cases in parts of Uttar Pradesh in 2006, I saw firsthand how lack of trust could derail a public health intervention. Official explanations attributed the spike to rumours and fear among the Muslim minority. But a visit to Moradabad, one of the worst affected districts in UP, offered nuanced insights into the reality of traditionally disadvantaged communities that have little contact with the healthcare system. Rumour mongers were exploiting grievances accumulated over years. This was among the most daunting challenges in the global battle against polio.

In a narrow bylane flanked by open sewers in Karula, in the outskirts of Moradabad, I met Muslim families who were convinced that a geopolitical conspiracy lurked behind the persistent attempts to give polio drops to their children. Many people told me they wanted to know why the government was so eager to protect their children against polio when it paid no heed to other ailments that struck them. There were rumours about the polio drop making male children impotent.

Frustration and rage at a dysfunctional healthcare system had morphed into irrational fear and distrust of outsiders, including health workers and field operatives of international agencies. Muslim clerics in some local mosques in Uttar Pradesh had reportedly opposed the polio vaccine.

Distrust was dispelled through concerted trust-building efforts by civil society, universities like Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Milia Islamia, health officials and international agencies like Unicef, as Dr Jameel points out. Many respected Imams worked hard to build trust among communities resisting the vaccine.

Trust and transparency during a crisis mean that not only should the political and administrative leadership be decisive, it must also convincingly explain to all groups that whatever is being done is being done in their interest.

Opacity in decision-making, attempts to gloss over mistakes or polarise the populace on any count will punch holes in the trust narrative. We must not let that happen in 2021.
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What just happened? Nvidias $40 billion acquisition of Arm was always going to come under scrutiny from regulators, given its size and effects on the industry. Now, the UKs competition watchdog has launched an investigation into the takeover, which is set to become the second-largest tech deal in history.

In September, Arm owner Softbank confirmed it had reached an agreement with Nvidia to sell off Arm Limited for $40 billion.

Softbank paid $31 billion for Arm in 2016. Four years later, with the Japanese conglomerate offloading assets to help lessen the impact of the Coronavirus-related economic downturn, it began looking for buyers interested in Arm. Nvidia stepped up, agreeing to purchase the company's lucrative IP assets and business.

Largest tech deals in history:

Company Acquisition Price Year Dell EMC $64 billion 2015 Avago Technologies Broadcom $37 billion 2015 IBM Red Hat $34 billion 2018 Softbank ARM Holdings $31.4 billion 2016 Microsoft LinkedIn $26.2 billion 2016

The acquisition has drawn the Competition and Markets Authoritys (CMA) attention. It has requested interested third parties submit their views on the deal before a formal investigation is launched later this year.

The CMA says it will work with other competition authorities worldwide to consider the impact of the deal. The agency said its primary concern is to ensure the takeover doesnt result in consumers facing inferior or lower-quality products.

The chip technology industry is worth billions and critical to many of the products that we use most in our everyday lives, said CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli in a statement.

If the investigation reveals that the deal breaks UK competition rules, the CMA can block it.

Last August, before Nvidia had made a formal bid, Arm co-founder Hermann Hauser warned that such a move would be a disaster. If it becomes part of Nvidia, most of the licensees are competitors of Nvidia, and will of course then look for an alternative to Arm, he said at the time, adding that the companys decisions would no longer be made in Cambridge, UK, but at Nvidias California headquarters.

Hauser believes Nvidia's takeover would likely cost some of Arms 3,000 UK employees their jobs while creating a monopolistic behemoth on the same scale as Facebook and Google.
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ABC/Stewart CookChaos erupted Wednesday when pro-Trump protestors breached the U.S. Capitol Building as lawmakers were counting Electoral College votes. The breach resulted in lawmakers being evacuated and ordered to shelter in place.

The violence that resulted in at least four deaths. A law enforcement official confirmed to ABC News that a woman was shot at the U.S. Capitol and later died. Three others died of unknown medical reasons.

In addition, protestors were photographed breaking into lawmakers' offices, storming the Senate dais, ransacking desks in the Senate Chamber and stealing memorabilia.

Celebrities were quick to express their dismay over Wednesday's scene. While some took to social media to urge for peace and unity, others slammed the protestors.

Here are some celebrity reactions:

50 Cent: i dont have to say anything else.

Tatyana Ali: I am crying tears of rage as I watch how these people, who stormed the capital, r being treated w such care. These individuals will be free to leave after their siege. They have more rights than anyone else & just proved it. What more can they possibly have the gaul to ask for?

Cardi B: And yall better NOT BE OUTSIDE!!These are wild thugs out here ! Stay home.This aint our business.Stay at home safe but dangerous!

Anita Baker: 25th amendment. he has lost/abandoned his ability to Govern ... watching TV

Tamar Braxton: Let me tell yall something Im from DMV and there aint NO WAY those thugs pushed their way on the grounds or INSIDE the capital !! someone/people 100 percent LET them through. Im calling BS!!..#CapitolBuilding

Karamo Brown: Shame on the news referring to these Domestic Terrorist as Trump Supporters as if they are peaceful people supporting a president. These are terrorist w/ visible guns! Imagine if they were Middle Eastern or Black... they would not be called supporters & they wouldnt be alive.

Yvette Nicole Brown: He incited this riot and now wont allow the National Guard to quell it. Realize what is happening in our nation right now.

Ava DuVernay: I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now... We love you. Youre very special. - Trump to his terrorists

DJ Scratch: Im watching 7 Officers inside the Capital watching protesters walk in & not even address them, nothing. If this was BLM they wouldve been bullets flying.

Estelle: Ok lemme get on w my day these f****** are looking for negative notoriety amongst other things and i only wanna spread Love round these parts. Lets get on w that ...

Kevin Hart: 2 completely different Americas that we are living in. If these people were black they would have all been shot dead. This shit is past the word sad....at this point its pure disrespect to all people of color. Why cant we see this situation handled the same way that we have seen our people handled repeatedly....when the armed officers are supposed to use force they dont....S*** is fucking SAD!!!!!

Rachel Lindsay: This is the type of America half the country votes for.

Marian Hill: so youre telling me now one can just casually stroll through the Capitol ? Damn ok



Mindy Kaling: There may be jaw-dropping, unlawful, Un-American acts being perpetrated in our capitol today, but what will last, when the dust of today has settled, is the work of this true patriot.

Ice T: Well 2021Amerikkka is definitely starting off with a bang.. Wow

Questlove: you're gonna hear alot [sic] of "this is not the GOP party I signed up for" comments. make NO mistake---this has ALWAYS been the scenario. the plan was to not be as transparent in the execution.

Issa Rae: Truly disgusted.

Shonda Rhimes: Not supporters. Not rioters. The word is terrorists.

Octavia Spencer: If the election is invalid, then these newly elected people should technically not be in office. How can they reject the top of the ticket, but support their Own wins?

Dwayne Wade: Black people get pulled over and dont make it out alive. We cant sleep in our own beds without being killed. We cant jog without being killed. We cant walk down the street with our hoodies up without being killed but they can do this???

Dionne Warwick: The state of our country deserves our undivided attention. Pay attention and listen closely. I love you all. We will chat tomorrow.

Susan Kelechi Watson: Eric was selling loose cigarettes. Phillando reaching for his identification. Trayon was walking through a neighborhood with skittles. George allegedly had a counterfeit $20. Anarchy in the capitol and law enforcement spent the first hour with their hands in their pockets. Ok.

Stevie Wonder: I am heartbroken and astounded that this narcissistic and dangerous president would put lives in danger and encourage violent sedition against our government. That man is no longer able to serve as President because he can't accept defeat. Can we afford 2 more weeks? I say NO!

St. Vincent: What a damn disgrace.

By Megan Stone

Copyright  2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Poet Choi Yearn-hong / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



By Kwak Yeon-soo



Choi Yearn-hong, a poet who was committed to promoting Yun Dong-ju, one of the most respected Korean poets in modern history, in the United States, has died of a chronic disease in Baltimore. He was 79.



His death was confirmed by Choi Hyuk, his younger brother and former ambassador to Geneva, Thursday.



A memorial service for Choi will be held remotely via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.



Choi, a native of Yeongdong, North Chungcheong Province, made his literary debut in 1963, while studying at Yonsei University in Seoul. He then moved to the U.S. where he earned master's and doctorate degrees in political science and public administration at Indiana University.



Choi taught at several U.S. colleges, including the University of Wisconsin, Old Dominion University and the University of the District of Columbia, and he also taught at the University of Seoul before retiring in 2006.



He also worked in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as Assistant for Environmental Quality from 1981 to 1983.



During his lifetime, Choi devoted himself to celebrating Yun, also known as a patriotic poet who was most prolific during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule of the peninsula and whose works evoked nostalgia for times of peace as well as independence.



Choi translated and published Yun's major poems, including "Star-counting Night," "Self-Portrait," "Easily Written Poem" and "Prelude," into English. He was the founder of both the Korean Poets and Writers Group and the Korean-American Poets' Group in Washington, D.C.



A prolific writer himself, Choi won the Yun Dong-ju Literature Award in 2009 and was the recipient of Yun Dong-ju Poetry Award in 2016 for his poetry book, "Incan Woman." In 1994, he became the first poet from Korea to be invited to read at the Library of Congress.



Choi published several English poetry books including "Autumn Vocabularies" (1990) and "Moon of New York" (2008). He also wrote Korean poetry books such as "White Cotton-tailed Deer" (2015).



He was one of the longest-serving columnists at The Korea Times, sharing his insights on cultural and social issues.


After violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol today, a tactical team with ATF gathers in the Rotunda to provide security for the continuation of the joint session of the House and Senate to count the Electoral College votes cast in Novembers election, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The insurrection at the US Capitol was both stunning and predictable, the result of a Republican Party that has repeatedly enabled Donald Trumps destructive behaviour.

When he was a presidential candidate in 2016, Republican officials ignored his call to supporters to knock the crap out of protesters.

Less than a year after he took office, party leaders argued he was taken out of context when he said there were very fine people on both sides of a deadly white supremacist rally.

Last summer, most party leaders looked the other way when he had hundreds of peaceful protesters forcibly removed from a demonstration near the White House so he could pose with a Bible in front of a church.

But the violent siege on Capitol Hill offers a new, and perhaps final, moment of reckoning for the Republican party. The usual excuses for Mr Trump  he is not a typical politician and is uninterested in Washingtons niceties  fell short against images of mobs occupying some of American democracys most sacred spaces.

The party, which has been defined over the past four years by its loyalty to Mr Trump, began recalibrating in the aftermath of Wednesdays chaos.

One of his closest allies in Congress, senator Lindsey Graham, said enough is enough.

There's no question the president formed the mob. The president incited the mob. He lit the flame Republican representative Liz Cheney

Representative Nancy Mace said Mr Trumps accomplishments in office were wiped out today.

Stephanie Grisham, the first ladys chief of staff and a former White House press secretary, submitted her resignation, but declined to say what has prompted her move.

Deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger, White House social secretary Rickie Niceta and deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews also resigned, according to officials.

For the party to move forward, it will need to grapple with the reality that Mr Trump lost to Joe Biden by more than seven million votes and a 306-232 margin in the electoral college.

Former Republican president George W Bush described the violent mob as a sickening and heartbreaking sight.

He declined to call out Mr Trump or his allies, but the implication was clear when Mr Bush said the siege was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

Expand Close George W Bush (Stephen Wilson/PA) PA / Facebook

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Representative Liz Cheney, a senior House Republican and the daughter of Mr Bushs vice president, was much more direct in an interview on Fox News.

Theres no question the president formed the mob. The president incited the mob, she said. He lit the flame.

While their criticism was searing, Mr Bush and Ms Cheney had already been among a small group of Republican officials willing to condemn Mr Trumps most outrageous behaviour at times. The overwhelming majority of the party has been far more reserved, eager to keep Mr Trumps fiery base on their side.

His grip on his party appeared weakened when members of Congress returned to the Capitol on Wednesday night, having spent several hours hiding in secure locations after being evacuated.

Before they left, a handful of Republican senators and more than 100 Republican House members were set to oppose the vote to certify Mr Bidens presidential victory.

Expand Close Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz (Andrew Harnik/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz (Andrew Harnik/AP)

It was led by senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, each with his own 2024 presidential ambitions, over the objection of Senate majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who warned that that US democracy would enter a death spiral if Congress rejected state election results.

When they resumed debate, however, much of the energy behind the extraordinary push had fizzled out. Several Republicans dropped their objections. Mr Hawley and Mr Cruz did not, but they offered scaled-back arguments.

Mr Hawley condemned the days violence but also called for an investigation into irregularities and fraud. Earlier in the day, his home town newspaper, the Kansas City Star, released an editorial charging that he has blood on his hands for enabling Mr Trumps false claims.

Others Republicans were clearly more concerned about the days violence and the events that preceded them.

Republican elected officials still supporting Trump need to be tried alongside of him for treason Anthony Scaramucci

Dear MAGA (Make America Great Again)  I am one of you, former White House aide Alyssa Farah tweeted. But I need you to hear me: the Election was NOT stolen. We lost.

Jefferson Thomas, who led Mr Trumps campaign in Colorado, expressed regret about joining his team in the first place, calling Wednesdays events an embarrassment to our country.

This isnt what I ever imagined when I signed up to #MAGA. Had I known then that this is how it would end, I never wouldve joined, he wrote on Twitter.

Mr Trumps former secretary of defence, James Mattis, who denounced the president as a threat to the constitution last year, described the violent assault on the Capitol as an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule fomented by Mr Trump.

His use of the presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice, Mr Mattis said.

Anthony Scaramucci, a former Trump aide, offered his harshest words for Mr Trumps Republican enablers, tweeting: Republican elected officials still supporting Trump need to be tried alongside of him for treason.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  It was a day like no other that any of us have seen.

How often have we said that over the last year?

As members of Congress attempted to formally certify the Electoral College vote that will inevitably give the White House to Joe Biden, supporters of President Donald Trump breached security and stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

The area went into lockdown. Lawmakers, including Vice President Mike Pence, were removed to secure locations.

The world came to a standstill as pictures and video emerged showing the Trump protestors roaming the stately halls of Congress, sitting in the U.S. Senate chamber and in House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office.

It was frankly a shock to see the U.S. Capitol as the backdrop for the mayhem.

And the day took a darker turn when we learned that a woman had died after being shot in the Capitol. When we heard that law enforcement officers had been injured. When we were told that suspected explosive devices were found on the grounds of the Capitol and at the headquarters of the Republican National Committee. When another suspicious device was found at the Democratic National Committee.

Who brings a bomb to a peaceful protest?

Even though Washington D.C. and the U.S. Capitol area have seen untold protests throughout American history, some of them violent, I cant remember ever seeing protestors actually storm the Capitol itself.

Where was the security? The United States Capitol Police knew that Congress would be the target of pro-Trump protests today, and yet they were still overwhelmed.

The Capitol Police report to Congress itself, not to the White House or Washington civilian officials. Itll be up to them to figure out what went wrong and to ensure that it doesnt happen again. Like on Inauguration Day.

What we saw on Wednesday was far from the armed insurrection or violent coup that many are calling it. What kind of anarchist makes it all the way to the U.S. Senate chamber and doesnt even overturn a desk? How is it sedition to get to the very top seats of power in this country and all you do is take a selfie?

And as far as violent protest goes, we saw worse when rioting, looting and the burning of entire city blocks occurred during some of last summers George Floyd protests.

But it was lawlessness, and on what is supposed to be hallowed American ground. As Pence said, it should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

And it was a disruption of a proceeding that ensures the peaceful transfer of power in this country. The trappings and institutions of our democratic society are supposed to matter to those who, like Trump supporters, consider themselves patriots.

Trump has protested the election results. He launched lawsuits. He appealed to the Supreme Court.

He has been slapped down at every turn.

Its no fun to be declared the loser, but it frankly wouldnt be the first hinky presidential election this country has ever seen. Well endure. American history is bigger than one candidates electoral loss.

Trump must concede, even if he feels he got screwed. He must respect the American electoral process and leave the White House. He can go in the dead of night and skip Bidens inaugural if he wants.

He should tell his followers that its over and that they can try again in 2024.

Because it is over. No challenges or protests are going to stop that. Trump needs to stop encouraging his followers to believe that any other outcome is possible.

Sadly, we all know how this is going to play out in the coming days, weeks and months.

Democrats will continue to tar the Trump supporters as terrorists and rioters, traitors to the very American ideals they purport to trumpet.

Trump supporters will keep firing back that the Dems and the media sang a different tune about violence during the Floyd demonstrations. Whats good for thee is good for me.

Throw in the fragmenting weve seen because of the coronavirus pandemic and its hard to believe that Americans will ever see eye-to-eye about anything ever again. Were stuck in our own positions and the concrete is hardening every minute.

And thats the most depressing thing of all.
Madison County health officials expect to be vaccinating people who are 75 years or older in the county in the next week or two. That's according to Crestwood Medical Center's CEO, Pam Hudson.

Dr. Pam Hudson says Madison County is still in phase 1A, meaning vaccines are given out to health care workers. On Tuesday, she explained who is next in line to get the vaccine in phase 1B.

"Citizens who are 75 years of age or over. The reason for that is that is the group that has the most devastating illness and the highest death rate," said Hudson.

Hudson said even if someone over the age of 75 has gotten coronavirus already, the current recommendation is that they should still get the vaccine. She also said the current recommendation for someone like that is to wait 90 days before getting the vaccine.

Hudson also talked about other people who would be eligible to get the vaccine during phase 1B.

"Within that, you'll see what we have been referring to in our community as essential or frontline workers, city workers, infrastructure. Folks who are meeting lots of people because it's their job. People who work in grocery stores and pharmacies and things like that," said Hudson.

As for the registration process, Hudson said she didn't have any specifics just yet but to be on the lookout for that information.

Officials say the county is still in phase 1A because of scheduling and the high number of medical workers in the county who wanted to get the shot.

"If you've got a unit that's staffed with 20 nurses, for example, you don't want to send them all down to get vaccinated on the same day. So, we are phasing those so that we, if there are side effects, and somebody has to be out of work, we're not taking out 50% of the staff for that unit," said Hudson.

Hudson said both hospital systems in Madison County have distributed pretty much every dose of what they received for the first coronavirus vaccine distribution. She also said they are working to get the vaccine to dentists and pharmacists in the county.

Huntsville Hospital reports more than 8,000 vaccines have been given out to its employees. Hudson says around 1,000 Crestwood Medical Center employees were vaccinated already.

"We've vaccinated about 35 to 40 percent of our workforce and that's with some reluctance to get the vaccine simply because of the holidays. Didn't want to get the vaccine before Christmas, didn't want to get the vaccine right before the New Year's weekend," said Hudson.

Hudson also said Crestwood Medical Center received more doses of the vaccine Wednesday and will administer it to more of their health care employees as soon as possible.

Just this week in cities across the country, we have seen reports of ambulance crews being told not to transport patients because there are not enough beds and supplies at hospitals.

Even though Huntsville and the surrounding areas have much less of a population, we wanted to know if that was a concern here in North Alabama. Health officials say right now, there are enough supplies, especially PPE and ventilators, in Madison County.

"Our biggest shortages are not in the PPE and they're not in other supplies, and right now, they're not in ventilators. This issue is ICU capable beds and all the hospitals are repurposing rooms to allow for the care of very sick patients," said Hudson.

Hudson said county hospitals are operating at an all time high of COVID-19 patients. She also said the most precious resource right now is staff.

Because of the resources going to COVID-19 patients who need care, Hudson said there is a backlog in the emergency rooms.

"ERs are typically a place where high level care is rendered and so those patients who need ICU beds end up getting held in the emergency room longer than what any of us would like because our ICU beds are full," said Hudson.

Hudson also said another reason for the backlog in the emergency rooms is because coronavirus patients in the ICU stay in the hospital for a long period of time.
Almost 1.9 million people around the world have thus far perished in the coronavirus pandemic. Since the beginning of December, a seven-day average of some 600,000 new cases has been registered worldwide each day, with little evidence of the current winter surge abating.

The United States is the global epicenter of the pandemic. It reported a single-day record of 3,738 deaths on Tuesday, with another 233,513 new cases pushing hospital admissions for COVID-19 to a new one-day high of 131,215. The case fatality rate hovers around 1.6 percent. But with infections at the present rate, the death toll will inevitably be even more ghastly.

Nurses and physicians on a COVID-19 unit in Texas [Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr.]

In Los Angeles County, ambulance workers have been issued a memo by the county Emergency Medical Services Agency stating that effective immediately, due to the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on EMS and 911 receiving hospitals, adult patients in blunt traumatic and non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest shall not be transported [if] return of spontaneous circulation is not achieved in the field.

In short, if after 20 minutes of attempts to resuscitate a patient, the patient does not breathe spontaneously, he or she will not be transported to a hospital.

LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis told CNN: Hospitals are declaring internal disasters and having to open church gyms to serve as hospital units. Our health care workers are physically and mentally exhausted and sick.

The health crisis in the nation is projected to grow even more catastrophic. There have been 365,859 deaths in the US since the first death was reported in February of last year. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, the death toll will hit around 502,600 by February 4. The IHME expects that another 135,000 people will die in the next four weeks, an average of 4,800 deaths a day.

Despite these dire statistics, state and local governments across the country are forcing teachers back to the classroom and falsely promising a safe environment for students and educators.

Governments around the world refuse to enact the broad-based public health measuresincluding the shutdown of all schools and non-essential businesses, with full income protection for workers and small businessesthat are required to contain the pandemic and save lives. In the face of the resulting explosion of infections and deaths, some countries are moving to stretch out the administration of COVID-19 vaccines, in short supply and poorly organized, by delaying the second dose of the two-dose regimen. Their position is that partially vaccinating more people more quickly will save more lives than offering fewer people the complete regimen.

Both in the UK and the US, public health officials and scientists have claimed that Pfizer-BioNTechs mRNA vaccine offers a remarkable efficacy, above 90 percent after the 12th day following inoculation, with just a single dose.

The second dose of AstraZenecas vaccine, which was rolled out this week in the UK, will be administered 12 weeks after the first. The Wall Street Journal wrote, An AstraZeneca spokesman said the UK regulators dosing advice was supported by strong evidence, including the elimination of COVID-19 hospitalizations by one dose. The vaccine was about 70 percent effective at three weeks after the first dose and stretching the time of the second dose, the regulator said.

The evidence for these assertions remains to be presented.

According to a comment published in the Lancet on the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines efficacy, the two-dose regimen given three to four weeks apart showed a 70.4 percent efficacy 14 days after the second dose. The half-dose followed by the full-dose regimen had shown 90 percent efficacy, which is being further evaluated in trials. The two standard doses given three to four weeks apart provided only 62 percent efficacy against COVID-19 infection.

Why suddenly a single standard dose of the vaccine should generate such a high efficacy rate remains unexplained.

Pfizer has gone on record saying that its vaccine has not been evaluated for delays in giving the second dose. The quoted 95 percent efficacy develops only 12 days after the second dose is provided. There are no data to demonstrate that protection after the first dose is sustained after 21 days, the company stated. A New England Journal of Medicine study published last week found only 50 percent efficacy after one dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

At the World Health Organization January 5 press briefing in Geneva, Dr. Alejandro Cravioto of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) explained that only under exceptional circumstances should the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine be given weeks after the scheduled second dose.

Dr. Joachim Homback, SAGE executive secretary, clarified these remarks, stating that these recommendations were based on limited clinical data on a delay in the second dose of around six weeks. Patients in the Pfizer phase three clinical trials were given the dose in the range between 19 and 42 days, though a majority received it within 19 to 28 days. Scientists have emphatically stated that evidence supporting a delay in the second dose of these vaccines beyond the six-week recommendation is lacking.

With regard to the Moderna vaccine, which will most likely receive emergency use authorization by the EU very soon, Moncef Slauoi, chief adviser to the US Operation Warp Speed vaccine program, stated this week that federal officials were considering halving the doses to overcome production and distribution bottlenecks. However, a Moderna company spokeswoman told the Wall Street Journal that its vaccine trial and emergency use authorization were linked to two shots of its vaccine one month apart it couldnt comment on regulatory discussions involving other dosing options.

In the case of Modernas vaccine, the author of another New England Journal of Medicine study, published on December 30, Lindsey R. Baden, MD, of Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, reported that a secondary analysis demonstrated a 95.2 percent efficacy 14 days after the first shot of the vaccine. However, this was not the protocol for the trial and remains speculative, requiring additional studies to confirm such a one-dose regimen.

Shortcuts are often reactionary knee-jerk reactions, and scientists are no less immune to them than politicians and heads of state. In the present instance, they are a response to the ever-growing social crisis emerging from the refusal of governments, all of which are controlled by capitalist elites, to take the measures needed to protect and care for the population at large. Attempts to depart from the science behind the vaccine trials will only instill further distrust in the public and create new and unforeseen crises.

What we have, four and a half years after the referendum, is a last-minute stitch-up that scraped through at the eleventh hour. Is this the right footing for the future relationship with our most important partner? The deal undoubtedly has a myriad of hidden concessions that will take time to come out of the woodwork. It is clear that it has missed crucial areas of trade and will cause a massive amount of new red tape  ironic that lessening bureaucracy was one of the promises given by the Leave campaign.

As the deal was delivered so late on, the impact on agriculture has not been fully assessed, but we have concerns about maintaining standards. The UK government has the right to deviate from EU standards (animal welfare, environmental, use of hormones and chemicals, food hygiene etc) even if UK nations dont, but if we do the EU has the right to impose tariffs. And under the Internal Market bill Scotland could not ban or discriminate sales of the inferior product.

Ms White concluded, MSPs have backed the Scottish Governments Legislative Consent Memorandum, which means that the UK Governments Brexit trade deal does not have the consent of the Scottish Parliament. SCF supports this. Scottish Government says it will now do everything it can to mitigate the damage that will be caused by the deal. We wait to see what this means with regards to support to rural development, agriculture and to trade of agricultural produce.
Regarding Texans react to chaos in the nations Capitol, (Jan. 6): Todays events have exposed the Donald Trump wing of the GOP as simply seditionists with no respect for law or the Constitution, and our own junior Sen. Ted Cruz has given them full-throated encouragement and support. He has brought shame on this state and the office that he holds. We missed our chance to remove this pretender last time he ran  I hope everyone remembers his actions when he runs again.

Keith Rogers, Spring

Thanks to our own junior senator, we now have an exemplary example of treason.

John Turnquist, Houston

The city and the country are counting on the Houston Chronicle to condemn the madness in the Capitol in the strongest possible way  front page like Pearl Harbor or 9/11. We are under attack by a highly aggressive, minority sector of society.

Three African American men peacefully standing on a street corner on Dowling Street would bring down more repression than these thousands of subversives who have invaded the floor and offices of the House and the Senate.

How, though, do we, as a democratic people, reconcile the level of violence brought down on legal protestors peacefully demonstrating per the Constitution when the occupant of the White House decided that he wanted to walk to St. Johns Church for his own egomaniacal purposes and how this overwhelmingly white mob has been treated?

One of many necessary responses would be the most powerful chorus possible of newspaper editors and publishers in a full-throated and continuing condemnation of this attack on the people of the United States.

You probably know what to do. Please do it!

And along the way, please highlight the lying treachery of the junior senator from Texas.

Art Sadin, Houston

We have been attacked, not from without  but from within. God help us.

Peg Sauter, Houston

Today we saw a terrorist invasion of our U.S. Capitol by a fascist inspired crowd. Donald Trump instigated and fomented this. His actions are nothing short of treason. But he is not the only one. Senator Ted Cruz is an accomplice. His baseless game of objecting to the electoral count. which is nothing more than a charade to get the backing of Trump supporters in 2024, is guilty of promoting Trumps baseless accusations and the crowd response is no surprise. Cruz is guilty of sedition. Guilty of insurrection. Guilty of violating the Constitution. Shameful. Shameful. Anyone interested in a recall election?

Frank Mott, Houston

Once again Congress is sitting on their hands. It seems that there is not a single member of Congress with an ounce of courage. They all have oaths of office to fulfill. Their lives are not more valuable then the rule of law. Their lives are not more valuable than the Constitution. The only reason they failed to continue the vote to confirm President Biden is cowardice. Any questions as to voter fraud will be answered by the courts. There is no question that Biden is the next president of these United States. If Congress continues to abet President Trump in his effort to overthrow the government of the United States, they are as guilty as this president is for all the violence and damage that is to come.

C A LaFleur, Houston

In the name of all things we hold sacred in the country, Sen. Ted Cruz should let democracy unfold and stop objecting to the peaceful transfer of power. His behavior has been an embarrassment to me, as a Texan, for sure. But in light of the horrifying violence in Washington, D.C. today, how can he stand up and continue these objections? Its despicable. Sen. Cruz, I implore you to do the right thing. Losing an election doesnt allow President Trump to break our country. Shame on you for supporting him. Show us now you know the difference between right and wrong.

Amy Melton, Houston
By Jun Ji-hye















The Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel is presenting an "Afternoon Tea Set Holiday Edition" for this winter instead of its former unlimited strawberry dessert buffet, "All About Strawberries," which was the hotel's signature dessert promotion.







The set is available in the hotel's Lobby Lounge Bar on weekend and holidays until March 28.







Assorted desserts including various tarts, fromage mousse, madeleine and hermoso with strawberry are served, along with other small plate dishes to delight the taste buds.







These include salmon sushi; king crab and scallop tartare with caviar; mini beef tenderloin with mashed potato; and lobster thermidor.







Also, a special welcome drink  a blend of strawberry puree and milk-based syrup  and a choice of coffee or tea are offered.















The Margaux Grill, the flagship grill dining destination at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, is presenting a selection of six unique boutique wines, produced at wineries in Slovenia, Greece and South Africa.







Highlights include Slovenian Kabaj Amfora by legendary orange wine producer Kabaj.







Kabaj wines are made from grapes handpicked from vines with an average age of 40 years, then fermented for 12 months in Georgian clay amphorae, matured in large French oak barrels for 12 more months, and then matured for another year after bottling.







Upon pouring, each glass yields aromas of sweet honey and fresh fruit, followed by a spicy bouquet of orange zest and apple.







Kabaj Amfora is produced in quantities of 8,000 bottles per year.







Samos Nectar 2012, which hails from Greece, is one of the oldest wines produced by UWC Samos. It is matured for six years to yield an orange pumpkin color, complemented by aromas of dried apricot, caramel, cinnamon and toasted nuts.







Also from Greece are red and white Plagios wines by Biblia Chora, matured for 16 months in French oak barrels to produce rich woody aromas and powerful notes of dominant dark chocolate and vanilla, accompanied by fir tree and juniper.







Finally, South Africa brings Bergsig Icarus 2014, and Charisma 2018, a creation born through master winemaker Nico Grobler's travel experiences over the world.







The six boutique wines are available to pair with dishes at The Margaux Grill until Jan. 31.















Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas has released its New Year's package, dubbed "New Year Happy Family Time," featuring a wagyu beef set for four people.







The package will be available until Feb. 14, the Lunar New Year holiday, presenting the freshly prepared "Family Beef Gift Set," which is one of the popular holiday gifts sold at Grand Deli located on the hotel's first floor.







A favorite among guests, the beef gift set contains four servings of beef, including two servings of the finest Australian wagyu ribeye and wagyu striploin, and are arranged and prepared by the hotel's butcher chef to be packed into single portions.







Guests can thus relish the taste of beef without any extra prep work immediately after returning home.







The beef is also packaged in an elegant box, making it a wonderful present for families and friends.







The package also includes breakfast for two at Grand Kitchen, which is equipped with 11 private rooms to allow guests to enjoy a delectable breakfast, along with the signature I-Bear gift that is specially made to commemorate the hotel's re-opening.







"We hope that our customers will not only create special memories during their stay at the hotel, but also cherish their time with their families when they return home," an official from Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas said.


Alphabet and Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai described "lawlessness and violence" at the US Capitol on Wednesday over the US presidential election as the "antithesis of democracy."

"Holding free and safe elections and resolving our differences peacefully are foundational to the functioning of democracy. The United States has a long and proud history of doing this," Pichai wrote to the company after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the government building that houses Congress.

"The lawlessness and violence occurring on Capitol Hill today is the antithesis of democracy and we strongly condemn it," he said.

Also read: Trump supporters storm US Capitol, National Guard deployed

Also read: Guns and teargas in U.S. Capitol as Trump supporters attempt to overturn his loss
John Monaghan, an 85-year-old man from Hunterstown Ardee, has become the first person in a Louth nursing home to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Johns vaccine was the first Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be administered by vaccinators at St Josephs Hospital, Ardee, Co Louth.

John said today, I feel very privileged to be the first person in St Josephs Hospital to receive the vaccine. Like everyone else, I have been waiting for the vaccine. Its a great relief that the vaccine is eventually here and it provides hope for us all, especially the vulnerable, that we will be safe from Covid-19 and that our lives will return to normal.

John was given a HSE vaccine information leaflet, along with more detailed manufacturers patient information leaflet, before getting the vaccine. Afterwards, each person vaccinated was given a vaccine record card, showing the name and batch of the vaccine they have received. They will each return for their second dose, to be fully protected, in three weeks.

Sarah McBride, Chief Officer of Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation said: This is a day of hope for a better future. It is a good day for the residents and staff of St Josephs Hospital and we are delighted that we can start rolling out the vaccine for our community. I would particularly like to thank all of the healthcare workers in Midlands Louth Meath who worked tirelessly to make this day possible.

"I would also like to thank healthcare staff who have worked so hard at the frontline over the past year to protect our community from Covid-19 and support those who were affected by the virus. While today does offer us hope for a better future, it is important that we continue to adhere with all of necessary guidelines to keep safe while the vaccine is being rolled out over the coming weeks and months. It is important to remember that by wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distancing and practising good hand hygiene, youre supporting frontline workers to maintain essential health services for the people of Midlands Louth Meath.

Only COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorised by the European Medicines Agency, having met stringent safety and effectiveness standards, will be used in Ireland, the HSE has said.
The mob of violent Trump supporters storming the Capitol on Wednesday was nothing short of a national disgrace. Their hijacking of Congress was no protest, but rather a criminal act against American voters, values and institutions. That many carried the American flag as they sought to upend a defining aspect of our democracy  certifying the election of a president  gave this whole absurd, dangerous takeover a blasphemous sheen.

Soon-to-be-former President Donald Trump owns the most responsibility for egging on devotees with his fabrications of a stolen election. But it would be incomplete to ignore the supporting roles that some Republicans  Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley and others  have played in creating this crisis of country. They have, without evidence, promoted claims of voter fraud even as multiple judges  some appointed by Trump -- have thrown out the flimsy lawsuits in multiple states that Trump and his allies have pursued.

Peddling lies and encouraging mistrust to people already seething over their candidates loss makes for a dangerously combustible mix. After Trump supporters broke windows and forced their way into the Capitol, senators, representatives, staff and media raced for cover. In the chaos, as the mob raced through the building and tangled with law enforcement officers, one woman was fatally shot.

It would be tragic enough if Wednesdays insurrection stemmed only from statements and actions by the president and elected officials from other states. But to our deep disappointment, Oregon elected leaders have been among those fanning the flames, including Rep. Cliff Bentz, the newly-sworn in representative for Oregons 2nd Congressional District.

Bentzs predecessor, Greg Walden, has already said he has not seen any evidence of widespread election fraud, despite Trumps claims and acknowledged the coming Biden Administration. But Bentz, unfortunately, failed to voice such confidence in the election, instead signing a letter with other Republicans that called for an investigation into supposed voting irregularities.

We do not believe that Bentz, who has long demonstrated his ability to analyze and distill the most complex policy decisions, could possibly be swayed by the fact-free claims that Trump has made of a rigged election. We do recognize, however, that many in his pro-Trump district are hurting over the loss. After his split vote on whether to object to the Arizona and Pennsylvania results, we hope to see him publicly affirm the validity of the election and focus on how best to work with his colleagues for his rural districts needs.

Twelve Republican state legislators also questioned the legitimacy of the presidential results, urging Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to join a meritless Texas lawsuit challenging the Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia and Wisconsin results. In a letter, they complained about the states expansion of mail-in balloting  a particularly bizarre position coming from legislators who themselves were elected in Oregons vote-by-mail system.

Sen. Kim Thatcher, the Republican candidate for Oregon secretary of state last year, was among them  confirmation that voters made the right choice in rejecting her for the post, which oversees the states elections. She was joined by Sen. Chuck Thomsen of Hood River, Sen. Dennis Linthicum of Klamath Falls, Sen. Alan Olsen of Canby, Rep. Bill Post of Keizer, Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson of Prineville, Rep. Greg Barreto of Cove, Rep. David Brock Smith of Port Orford, Rep. Gary Leif of Roseburg, Rep. Mike Nearman of Independence, Rep. E. Werner Reschke of Klamath Falls and Rep.-elect Bobby Levy of Echo. Their support for canceling out the votes of millions of Americans with whom they disagree should not be forgotten.

That lawsuit, like the many other Hail Marys lobbed by Trump, got nowhere as the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider the case. The facts as examined by dozens of judges, former U.S. Attorney General William Barr and Republican and Democratic elections officials all come down to this: The election was not rigged. Biden won.

It could be that some of these legislators are simply catering to their constituents who are angry about Trumps loss. But if so, they are ultimately hurting themselves and the people they represent. It is never wise to promote false information that undermines peoples faith in our fundamental democratic processes and our institutions.

Our government derives its legitimacy and authority from the trust, faith and support of its people. The events of Wednesday show how destructive losing that can be.

This editorial was updated to reflect Rep. Bentzs split vote on whether to object to results from Arizona and Pennsylvania.

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A furious dispute erupted last night when it emerged care homes may again have to take in hospital patients to help the NHS cope with the coronavirus crisis.

Campaigners warn this may lead to a repeat of the disaster last spring when infectious patients were sent to care homes and tens of thousands of deaths resulted.

Charities and care leaders say they have a horrible sense of deja-vu and it would be a grave mistake. But NHS bosses say they are running out of beds due to soaring virus admissions and desperately need to offload patients to the care sector.

We are now reaching the point where hospital beds are full, community beds are full, and community at-home services are also full, said Chris Hopson, head of NHS Providers. What trust leaders are now trying to do is [use] spare capacity in the care and nursing home sector.

NHS bosses say they are running out of beds due to soaring virus admissions and desperately need to offload patients to the care sector (Pictured: Staff in an intensive care ward in St George's Hospital in London)

They are in the middle of conversations with their care and nursing home colleagues to see if they can access that capacity.

Mr Hopson said care homes were better placed to accept patients than Nightingale hospitals because they had more staff. He called on the Government to create financial incentives for care homes to take NHS patients.

He added: There is, of course, no question of using this capacity for patients who could introduce Covid-19 infection risk into care homes or for patients requiring complex or specialist hospital care.

Campaign groups are furious that the NHS is willing to repeat its mistake. Over 25,000 people were admitted to care homes from mid-March to mid-April as hospitals scrambled to clear beds for Covid patients.

As many as 16,000 were not tested, so the virus was seeded into care homes where it could rip through elderly and vulnerable residents. There were more than 400 Covid-19 care homes deaths per day at the peak.

Care leaders say the move would be even riskier now thanks to the new, more infectious, strain.

Fiona Carragher of the Alzheimers Society said: Theres a horrible sense of deja-vu  the Government must ensure everyone receives a negative covid test before being discharged, something Alzheimers Society called for from the start.

Charities and care leaders say the move would be a 'grave mistake' and would be even riskier now due to more infectious strain. (Pictured: Ellen Prosser, known as Nell, who is 100 years old, receives the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine at the Sunrise Care Home in Sidcup, Britain on Jan 7)

Diane Mayhew of campaign group Rights for Residents said: It is awful that hospitals are full to capacity but this is not the answer. There could be a repeat of the disaster in the spring. As relatives we are unable to get into care homes to see our loved ones in order to protect them  so it beggars belief that patients are being allowed in again.

But Caroline Abrahams of Age UK said: If a care home has space and is confident that it can look after a discharged patient safely and get the medical back-up  then theres no reason why it shouldnt take them.

A Department of Health spokesman said: No care home should be forced to admit an existing or new resident if they do not feel they can provide the appropriate care.

We are putting in place designated care home or NHS community settings that can provide covid-positive residents with the care and support they need while protecting other vulnerable residents.
Hours after supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol Building, supporters of his broke through the gate in front of the Washington governor's mansion, according to reports from journalists in Olympia.

At about 3 p.m., Wednesday, roughly 200 Trump supporters gathered outside of the governor's mansion chanting "USA" as some jumped the fence, Associated Press reporter Rachel La Corte tweeted. The group had broke off from a protest that started earlier in the day at the state's legislative building. Protesters had been leading prayers, a singing of the national anthem, and speakers spouted baseless claims of voter fraud and disdain for the media.

The protesters in front of the state's capitol building chanted "recount" as Trump supporters in Washington D.C. stormed the House chamber, forcing members of Congress to evacuate.

WSP reported Gov. Jay Inslee and his family were in a safe location as Trump supporters made it through the fence and began wandering the grounds. The Washington State Patrol arrived on the scene and issued a dispersal order. Thirty minutes after they made it through the fence, everyone was sent back to the other side as Thurston County Sheriff deputies joined WSP in blocking access to the mansion.

Inslee tweeted condemnation of Trump supporters who occupied the capitol building. He said Trump fueled the events in D.C. by repeating "discredited lies" about the election.

Wednesday's events unfolded as members of the U.S. Congress were confirming President-elect Joe Biden's win in the 2020 election. Several senators and representatives were objecting to the results, a gesture that was destined to fail. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) was set to join those objecting to the results at the start of the day. After the capitol was evacuated during the breach, Rodgers flipped, issuing a statement that said she would no longer object.

What happened today and continues to unfold in the nations capital is disgraceful and un-American, she said. We must have a peaceful transfer of power, she said. What we have seen today is unlawful and unacceptable. I have decided I will vote to uphold the Electoral College results.

After the mob stormed the building, one woman was fatally shot, law enforcement confirmed to multiple outlets.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated.

RELATED:
A cleaner at one of Queensland's quarantine hotels has tested positive to COVID-19  the first case of local transmission in the state for almost four months.

Residents in the Brisbane suburbs of Sunnybank Hills, Algester and Calamvale have been urged to come forward for testing if they develop symptoms after the Hotel Grand Chancellor worker tested positive.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk reveals a cleaner has tested positive. Credit:Jono Searle/Getty

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the plea in an update on Thursday morning as she praised the Hotel Grand Chancellor cleaner for doing everything right.

However, we need to ensure there is no community spread, she said.
MILFORD, Mass., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Registered nurses at Milford Regional Medical Center (MRMC), who are joining the Massachusetts Nurses Association, are calling on hospital executives to immediately improve COVID-19 preparedness and halt the use of forced overtime as nurses struggle to stay healthy and provide safe, high-quality patient care during the second surge.

The nurses' concerns follow a significant spike in admissions for patients with COVID-19, and as a significant number of nurses have been exposed to the virus, with 170 staff positive with COVID-19 as of January 5, which is not surprising given the administration's failure to provide the appropriate personal protective equipment and safe staffing practices. The staff positive cases increased 24% in just two weeks, up from 137 on December 23, and up 226% the month prior, from 42 on November 23 to 137 on December 23.

While nurses and patients are placed in jeopardy, hospital executives have continued their efforts to silence nurses, most recently financing an anti-union campaign, utilizing resources that could be allocated to safer patient care, to a high-priced union busting consulting firm. Last month nearly 70 percent of the nurses filed for an election to form a union to provide them with a legally protected voice to advocate for better working conditions. Last week, the hospital canceled a meeting with the nurses, where nurses were prepared to raise specific remedies to the current crisis.

Rather than developing and implementing an emergency staffing plan in collaboration with nurses and other frontline staff, MRMC executives have been mandating nurses work overtime  a practice banned by law in Massachusetts.

"Instead of listening to nurses and collaborating with us to make conditions safer for patients, staff, and the community, hospital executives are putting everyone at risk by not responding to employee outbreaks and forcing nurses to work mandatory overtime," said Sara Burton, a nurse on the Meehan Pavillion 1 (MP1) unit for twelve years. "The hospital should be investing in frontline caregivers and ensuring adequate staffing to get us through this pandemic, not requiring nurses to attend meetings with union-busting consultants who are paid enormous sums to try to silence our voices."

"The hospital's lack of planning and being reactive to every situation that comes forward is putting a huge strain on nurses and our ability to provide safe, quality care," said Nicole Fournier, ED nurse at MRMC. "Our emergency department has been chaos this week. We have admitted patients in our hallways eating meals with no masks on. I was asked and refused to pull out a negative COVID patient with severe complications into the hallway to make way for a COVID positive patient. That positive patient was then put in front of our nurse's station vomiting without a mask on. Hallways are just jam packed and COVID is no longer being efficiently contained. There has been no word to us from the hospital of any plan in place to decompress the ED when this happens. It's extremely frustrating."

"I've watched many of my coworkers get mandated multiple times," said Christina Buxton, a nurse on the fifth floor at MRMC. "They are being pushed to work past the point of exhaustion, even to the point where they have to take a nap on the way home in order to make it home safely to their children. One of our nurses had to call out on her other job because she was mandated at Milford Hospital. There is nothing okay about doing that to your staff."

MRMC executives have also been requiring that nurses re-use N95 masks multiple times by placing them in brown paper bags at the end of their shift. This non-scientific practice, seen more widely in Massachusetts hospitals during the spring COVID-19 surge, should be completely gone now that hospital and state officials have said PPE has been stockpiled for the second surge. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, reuse of personal protective equipment was NEVER recommended or considered as a safe practice. In fact, one-time utilization was the ONLY agreed upon, evidence-based standard. Read more about the MNA's position on this topic here.

State Representative Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, and State Representative Brian Murray, D-Milford, jointly issued the following statement:

"During the current surge in COVID-19 cases, as frontline caregivers once again put their health at risk to care for patients, we are hopeful that the administration of Milford Regional Medical Center will be focusing its efforts and resources to work together with our nurses, on a collective basis, for the sharing of ideas and thoughts on how to better serve and advocate for their patients and the community, with quality and safety as primary considerations."

MRMC Using Union-Busting Firm

MRMC executives are using anti-union consulting firm The Crossroads Group, which has been known to be paid rates of at least $400 per hour. The hospital is bringing nurses into virtual meetings with the anti-union consultants, who share misleading or non-factual information about unions and union organizing.

Miko Penn, who is a consultant with The Crossroads Group for MRMC, was named in a National Labor Relations Board case in which an administrative law judge and the NLRB found the employer "committed multiple and serious violations of the National Labor Relations Act." The NLRB ordered the employer to promise its employees that it would not threaten them for engaging in union activity. Penn's anti-union activity has been well-documented by media.

Mandatory Overtime Law and Safety Risks

Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law a ban on mandatory overtime for Massachusetts nurses in August 2012. The law prohibits mandatory overtime, which is defined as "any hours worked by a nurse in a hospital setting to deliver patient care beyond the predetermined and regularly scheduled number of hours that the hospital and nurse have agreed that the employee shall work, provided that in no case shall such predetermined and regularly scheduled number of hours exceed 12 hours in any given 24 hour period." The law also explicitly states, "Mandatory overtime shall not be used as a practice for providing appropriate staffing for the level of patient care required."

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine  part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine  published a report outlining improvements to nurse working conditions. "Keeping Patients Safe: Transforming the Work Environment of Nurses" called for a ban on nurses working more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period and said:

"In the event that nurses are required to work excessive hours because of an emergency, this information should be immediately disclosed to the public so that elective admissions can be postponed and other admissions diverted to different units or facilities. Similarly, in any instance where a nursing shortage prevents [a health care organization] from securing sufficient nurses to prevent work hours in excess of 12 hours in any 24-hour period and more than 60 hours in any seven day period, this information also should be disclosed to the public, so that elective admissions can be referred to other facilities or delayed until staffing is remedied."

"Nurse Working Conditions and Patient Safety Outcomes," a review of outcomes data for more than 15,000 patients in 51 U.S. hospital ICUs published in the journal Medicare Care, showed that overtime for nurses was associated with an increase risk in catheter-related urinary tract infections and skin ulcers.

"The Working Hours of Hospital Staff Nurses and Patient Safety," published in Health Affairs, demonstrated that nurses working mandatory overtime are three times more likely to make a medical error.

COVID-19 Issues Inform Milford Nurses' Decision to Join MNA

MRMC nurses filed notice with the National Labor Relations Board on Monday, December 21 seeking an election to join the Massachusetts Nurses Association as they exercise their strong, united voice to improve conditions for their patients, co-workers, and community during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Read more about their election filing here. The NLRB is in the process of scheduling the election.

There are approximately 525 registered nurses at MRMC who would be represented by the MNA following an election overseen by the NLRB. The nurses filed their petition with the NLRB after months of organizing together in 2019 and 2020. Nurses' concerns about patient safety, support for nurses and a lack of responsiveness from MRMC management was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 issues MRMC nurses have asked hospital management to address include:

Lack of access to PPE throughout the hospital, especially N95 masks that should be provided to all caregivers provided direct patient care due to asymptomatic spread.

The hospital should implement more routine testing for staff to catch outbreaks of COVID-19 before they spread.

There should be a COVID-19 triage area in the emergency department. There is a potential space for one, which would reduce the risk of spread among patients and staff mingling in the ED, but it has not been utilized.

Whenever possible, COVID and non-COVID patients should not be mixed in the same area, and nurses should not have mixed assignments of COVID and non-COVID patients. As of early December, there were still surgical oncology patients on the same unit as COVID patients and guards from MCI Norfolk.

MRMC management's failure to appropriately staff the hospital has led to inappropriate floating of nurses. Nurses have been floated from "clean" areas such as maternity and OR/PACU to COVID areas and then back again in the same shift.

There is a lack of detailed, timely information from MRMC management to staff on the front line who need it to make better decisions.

The hospital should better support nurses with hazard pay or another form of increased pay or benefit and should not require nurses to use their own time off if they need to quarantine.

MassNurses.org  Facebook.com/MassNurses  Twitter.com/MassNurses  Instagram.com/MassNurses

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association

Related Links

http://www.massnurses.org



As a nurse manager for one of Chicago's busiest safety-net hospitals, Raquel Prendkowski has witnessed covid-19's devastating toll on many of the city's most vulnerable residents  including people who lack health insurance because of their immigration status. Some come in so sick they go right to intensive care. Some don't survive.

"We're in a bad dream all the time," she said during a recent day treating coronavirus patients at Mount Sinai Hospital, which was founded in the early 20th century to care for the city's poorest immigrants. "I can't wait to wake up from this."

Prendkowski believes some of the death and suffering could have been avoided if more of these people had regular treatment for the types of chronic conditions  asthma, diabetes, heart disease  that can worsen covid. She now sees a new reason for hope.

Amid a deadly virus outbreak that has disproportionately stricken Latino communities, Illinois recently became the first state to provide public health insurance to all low-income noncitizen seniors, even if they're in the country illegally. Advocates for immigrants expect it will inspire other states to do the same, building on efforts to cover undocumented children and young adults. Currently, Democratic legislators in California are pushing to expand coverage to all low-income undocumented immigrants there.

"The fact that were going to do this during the pandemic really shows our commitment to expansion and broadening health care access. It's an amazing first step in the door," said Graciela Guzman, campaign director for Healthy Illinois, a group that advocates for universal coverage.

Undocumented immigrants without health insurance often skip care. That was the case for Victoria Hernandez, 68, a house cleaner who lives in West Chicago, a suburb. The Mexico City native said she had avoided going to the doctor because she didn't have coverage. Eventually, she found a charity program to help her get treatment, including for her prediabetes. She said she intends to enroll in the new state plan.

"I'm very thankful for the new program," she said through a translator who works for the DuPage Health Coalition, a nonprofit that coordinates charity care for the uninsured in DuPage County, the state's second-most populous. "I know it will help a lot of people like me."

Healthy Illinois pushed state lawmakers to offer health benefits to all low-income immigrants. But the legislature opted instead for a smaller program that covers people 65 and older who are undocumented or have been legal permanent residents, also known as green card holders, for less than five years. (These groups don't typically qualify for government health insurance.) Participants must have an income at or below the federal poverty level, which is $12,670 for an individual or $17,240 for a couple. It covers services like hospital and doctor visits, prescription drugs, and dental and vision care (though not stays in nursing facilities), at no cost to the patient.

The new policy continues a trend of expanding government health coverage to undocumented immigrants.

Illinois was the first state to cover children's care  a handful of states and the District of Columbia have since followed suit  and organ transplants for unauthorized immigrants. In 2019, California became the first to offer public coverage to adults in the country illegally when it opened eligibility for its Medi-Cal program to all low-income residents under age 26.

Under federal law, undocumented people are generally not eligible for Medicare, nonemergency Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act's health insurance marketplace. The states that do cover this population get around that by using only state funds.

An estimated 3,986 undocumented seniors live in Illinois, according to a study by Rush University Medical Center and the Chicago demographer group Rob Paral & Associates  but that number is expected to grow to 55,144 by 2030. The report also found that 16% of Illinois immigrants 55 or older live in poverty, compared with 11% of the native-born population.

Given the outgoing Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, some advocates worry that people will be afraid to enroll in the insurance because it could affect their ability to obtain residency or citizenship. Andrea Kovach, senior attorney for health care justice at the Shriver Center on Poverty Law in Chicago, said she and others are working to assure immigrants they don't need to worry. Because the new program is state-funded, federal guidance suggests it is not subject to the "public charge" rule designed to keep out immigrants who might end up on public assistance.

"Illinois has a legacy of being a very welcoming state and protecting immigrants' privacy," Kovach said.

The Illinois policy is initially expected to cover 4,200 to 4,600 immigrant seniors, at an approximate cost of $46 million to $50 million a year, according to John Hoffman, a spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Most of them would likely be undocumented.

Some Republicans criticized the coverage expansion, saying it was reckless at a time when Illinois' finances are being shredded by the pandemic. The Illinois Republican Party deemed it "free healthcare for illegal immigrants."

But proponents contend that many unauthorized immigrants pay taxes without being eligible for programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and that spending on preventive care saves money in the long run by cutting down on more expensive treatment for emergencies.

State Rep. Delia Ramirez, a Chicago Democrat who helped shepherd the legislation, advocated for a more expansive plan. She was inspired by her uncle, a 64-year-old immigrant who has asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure but no insurance. He has been working in the country for four decades.

She wanted the policy to apply to people 55 and older, since the vast majority of those who are undocumented are not seniors (she noted that a lot of older immigrants  2.7 million, according to government estimates  obtained legal status under the 1986 federal amnesty law).

The real impact of this plan will likely be felt in years to come. At Esperanza Health Centers, one of Chicago's largest providers of health care to immigrants, 31% of patients 65 and older lack coverage, compared with 47% of those 60 to 64, according to Jeffrey McInnes, who oversees patient access there.

Ramirez said her uncle called her after seeing news of the legislation on Spanish-language TV.

"And I said to him, 'Tio, not yet. But when you turn 65, youll finally have health care, if we still cant help you legalize,'" Ramirez recalled, choking up during a recent phone interview.

"So it is a reminder to me that, one, it was a major victory for us and it has meant life or a second chance at life for many people," she said. "But it is also a reminder to me that we still have a long way to go in making health care truly a human right in the state and, furthermore, the nation."
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On Wednesday, Donald Trump gave a speech near the White House in which he denounced the impending congressional tabulation of Electoral College votes and told his supporters to march to the Capitol to demonstrate against the purported theft of his presidency. Then the crowd took over: first by doing what he had asked, then by pushing past police into the building, breaking windows, climbing walls, and forcing lawmakers to suspend proceedings so that they could take protective shelter. The vice president was escorted out of sight by the Secret Service as the president attacked him on Twitter for failing to demand that the election be reheld. Amid circumstances that are still unclear, an unarmed woman believed to be a Trump supporter was shot and killed by a police officer near the House of Representatives chamber.

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More than two hours after this violent disruption of the democratic process had begun, the president finally released a short video in which he halfheartedly instructed the mob occupying the Capitol in his name to leavebut also reiterated his conspiratorial claims about election theft and said that he loved and understood the behavior of his supporters. According to the New York Times Maggie Haberman, the National Guard was mobilized over Trumps objections after the intervention of White House officials; CNNs Kaitlan Collins reports the president was borderline enthusiastic about the attack on Congress to a degree that disturbed even his own staff.*

What should be done about this kind of behavior? Twitter and Facebook responded with the extraordinary step of freezing the presidents accounts and taking down the video he posted. Some peripheral administration figuresthe first ladys spokeswoman, the White House social secretary, a deputy press secretaryannounced that they are resigning. More consequentially, the national security adviser and deputy national security adviser are reportedly considering doing so as well. There are vague reports that some Republicans are discussing the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment, under which an unfit president can be removed from power, or supporting a second impeachment vote.

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The assumption underneath all of this, seemingly confirmed by a leaked Wednesday email in which Jared Kushners father told a friend that Trumps actions are beyond our control, is that the president has gotten untethered; there is no longer anyone at all to mediate, even in a craven or enabling way, between his impulses and those of his most delusional, violent supporters. And with his social media accounts shut down, we lack even the usual level of awful access to the pattern of his thoughts. The man who is nothing but performance has been cut off from the audience that gives him shape and meaning.

What is the president doing? Is there a president right now, really? The safety line has gone slack in the cave, and we are all waiting to see what kind of thing will come back out.
A tourist has been killed and four more remain trapped under huge icicles after shards of a 131ft frozen waterfall collapsed at a Russian beauty spot.

Rescuers rushed to the remote Vilyuchinsky waterfall on the country's Pacific coast on Thursday after a group of seven and their guide were engulfed in ice.

Eyewitnesses pulled a 'gravely' wounded child from the scene, also known as Tsar icicle, among three other injured people who were saved - including a man and woman.

But four were reported stranded under the crashed ice in an accident today (Thurs) - Orthodox Christmas Day in Russia.

Rescuers rushed to the remote Vilyuchinsky waterfall on the country's Pacific coast on Thursday after a group of seven and their guide were engulfed in ice (pictured: the waterfall before, left, and after it collapsed, right)

In winter it often freezes, resembling a giant icicle and is a magnet for tourists to one of Russia's most beautiful regions, known as the Land of Fire and Ice, nine time zones east of capital city Moscow

An emergency Mi-8 helicopter was dispatched to the tourist site with rescuers, medics and investigators.

'One person died, another was pulled out and taken downhill from the waterfall, and four people were left under the ice', reported the press service of the regional Ministry of Emergencies.

The two adults and child pulled from the ice fall were flown to hospital.

The waterfall is on the northwestern slope of the Vilyuchinsky volcano, is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the scenic peninsula.

The temperature was minus 11C when the tragedy occurred.

The 131 ft waterfall is formed from the outflow from thawing glaciers.

In winter it often freezes, resembling a giant icicle and is a magnet for tourists to one of Russia's most beautiful regions, known as the Land of Fire and Ice, nine time zones east of capital city Moscow.
Combined, we are the next generation of technology enabled life science services.

Genesis Research LLC (GR), a Value Demonstration Company providing Real World Evidence (RWE) and Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) services to the health and life sciences industries, announced today that it has acquired Evid Science Inc (Evid AI), a leading artificial intelligence (AI) technology platform in the life sciences industry.

Headquartered in Hoboken, NJ USA, GR provides end-to-end strategy, evidence generation, and communication services powered by its deep expertise in Real World Evidence (RWE). GR client solutions incorporate data strategy, comprehensive RWE partnerships, data science and analytics, economic modeling, biostatistics, digital platforms, and scientific communications. Through its patented technology, Evid AI provides AI-powered scientific literature search tools for life science companies. Together, GR and Evid AI will provide revolutionary, trusted, and practical RWE-based value demonstration to their clients.

As the healthcare industry continues to embrace AI technology to expedite research and drug development, we are thrilled to join together with Evid Science to provide cutting edge, technology-enabled services to our clients. Evid Science is a leader in AI and machine learning in our industry  rooted in scientific rigor, quality, and most importantly transparency. said Frank A. Corvino, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Genesis Research. With Evid Science, GR will now have a unique combination of Artificial Intelligence + Human Intelligence to extract insights from the literature with greater speed, quality and comprehensiveness than ever before. For our sponsors this means shorter timelines, lower budgets and enhanced quality assurance.

"We are excited to join the Genesis Research family. As an innovation-driven leader in RWE solutions, Genesis is the ideal place to continue the evolution of Evid's AI technology. By layering Genesis' service excellence onto Evid's AI, we will provide faster, deeper and more accurate results and outcomes to our customers. Combined, we are the next generation of technology enabled life science services," said Matthew Michelson, Founder & President of Evid Science.

Genesis Research is a well-respected, trusted functional service provider that has been serving life sciences companies across multiple therapeutic areas including Oncology, Central Nervous System (CNS), Immunology, and Inflammation. GRs quality research and novel client engagement model allow life sciences companies to better understand and articulate their products value. GRs work facilitates increased access to treatment, optimal clinical management strategies, and improvements in quality-of-life for patients, and decreased burden on healthcare systems.

Steve Arikian, Chairman and Co-Founder of Genesis Research, added, GR has always focused on innovation, and the combination with a company as exceptional as Evid AI will ensure we continue to be a leading innovator in the industry for years to come.

About Genesis Research:

Genesis Research is a Value Demonstration Company that serves as a Functional Service Provider to the Life Sciences industry, delivering Real World Evidence services to satisfy regulatory, payer, and commercial requirements throughout the product lifecycle. As a leader in evidence development and communication, Genesis Research also supports clients with unique services such as rapid response analytics, outcomes simulation, and payer data collaboration. For more information about Genesis Research, please visit http://www.GenesisRG.com.

About Evid AI:

Evid AI, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, provides cutting edge AI and machine learning technology for scientific literature searches across the life science industry. The Evid AI team brings a new level of technological expertise to ensure scientific rigor and efficiencies across HEOR, RWE, Market Access, Medical Affairs, R&D, and product launch. For more information about Evid AI, please visit https://evidscience.com.
Jan. 6 is the customary start of the Mardi Gras season in New Orleans, but in 2021, thanks to the raging coronavirus contagion, theres nothing customary about it. Nonetheless, celebrants marked it Wednesday with events that combined compromise and creativity.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell led a miniature marching parade through a warehouse at Mardi Gras World, surrounded by Carnival krewe dignitaries and members of the press. Addressing the audience, the mayor wryly pointed out that in past years, she mostly took a hands-off approach to the age-old traditions of Carnival, being careful not to mess things up.

This year the fear of another superspreader event, such as Carnival 2020 is suspected of having been, compelled her to take drastic steps, including forbidding parades and other crowd-drawing spectacles.

The mayor called attention to New Orleans' culture bearers, who have suffered and died from the rampaging virus. The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club had been especially hard hit, she noted.

Carnival begins on Epiphany, or Kings Day, the biblical moment when the wise men found their way to the Christ child. That discovery, Cantrell said, reminded her of promising current events.

For me, that is the vaccine coming our way, she said. The COVID-19 vaccination will get us back to celebrating the way we know we love to do.

Representatives of the Rex and Zulu organizations unveiled COVID-era Carnival symbols likely to become collectors items. Rex President James Reiss III presented the organizations annual poster, which in 2021 features a riderless horse that seems elegantly to symbolize the toll that the virus has taken on the city. Zulu President Elroy James presented the clubs more upbeat but equally acute offering, a masked Zulu member rendered as a bobble head figurine. James said the club also planned to publish a booklet dedicated to members who have died in the past months.

Reiss said that despite the pandemic's disruption, the members of Rex still planned to donate $1 million to local public and charter schools. With tongue in cheek, he also said the mayors goal to create a greener Carnival will be met in 2021. There will be a lot less plastic in the catch basins this year, he said.

Cantrell reiterated her pledge that, though the citys fleet of float parades would not be permitted to roll this year, Carnival has not been canceled. Instead, it would just have to be a little different.

It was certainly different in Behrman Memorial Park in Algiers, where the Krewe of Joan of Arc celebrated the Jan. 6 birthday of the 15th-century teenaged warrior. Ordinarily, the krewe produces a walking parade in the French Quarter, but this year the leadership created a series of stationary scenes, or tableaux, past which cars could creep in social-distanced safety.

Krewe co-captain Antoinette de Alteriis said the event, which lasted from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. proved to be popular. All 500 tickets were snapped up in advance.

The Joan of Arc parade is always a blend of earnest medieval reenactment and tongue-in-cheek anachronistic satire. As usual, bagpipes wailed, not far from a New Orleans-type brass band, a confetti cannon blasted away at a plywood castle wall, knights swung swords, priests called for condemnation and poor Joan was burned  or illuminated with scarlet light, anyway  at the stake. The abundant Spanish moss hanging from the oaks lent the Joan of Arc parade 2021 a certain Southern Gothic flavor.

Earlier in the day, more than 100 fans of the late Big Chief Allison Tootie Montana gathered at his statue in Louis Armstrong Park to mark the start of Carnival in the Mardi Gras Indian community. Ordinarily, the participants would be busy at this time of year laboriously sewing new suits and practicing age-old chants. But this year many tribes have decided to stay on the sidelines.

Big Chief Darryl Montana chose the moment to come out of retirement after three years, to reemphasize the importance of the Black masking tradition. Wearing a wide-brimmed, canary-colored, feathered hat, the head of the Yellow Pocahontas tribe led the gathering in the singing of Indian Red and other chants. As tambourines rattled, dancing broke out among attendees.

Celebrating its 40th year, the Phunny Phorty Phellows club embarked on its annual Champagne-fueled ride on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, an event that marks the start of the Mardi Gras season Uptown. But it was a pared-down version of the usual rolling party. Instead of 75 costumed riders, social distancing required that only 25 members of the group climb aboard the streetcar. And the crowd of well-wishers that usually sees the car off at the Willow Street streetcar barn was kept outside this year and asked to spread out along the route.

Nonetheless, pedestrians along the tracks were doubtless happy to hear the strains of the Storyville Stompers brass band, as the Phellows rumbled past.
To the editor:

Donald Trump has Republicans wrapped so far around his little pinky that theyre willing to lie, to cheat the American people, and betray the very Constitution of the country to which theyve pledged a solemn oath. Its now clear that John Moolenaar is one of Trumps enablers. Though Moolenaar has shown support for Trumps lies before, he stepped fully out of the closet by signing the recent amicus brief in support of the Texas Attorney Generals suit to subvert the election and cancel my vote and yours.

What could motivate a U.S. Congressman to publicly support a conspiracy theory with so little evidence, shot down by more than 50 lawsuits, and clearly in violation of the spirit of our Constitution? (The actual evidence found included stories of an elderly man who submitted his recently deceased wifes legal absentee ballot, and two voters in Pennsylvania who each illegally cast two ballots for Trump. This is real voter fraud, but its still very rare. Other made-up voter fraud stories circulated by Rudy Giuliani were immediately shown to be nonsense and werent used in his court filings.)

Why would a national politician with a secure position risk his reputation for this? Who is John Moolenaar anyway? Perhaps its time for us all to re-examine who weve been sending to Washington for so many years. Is he really committed to fair elections? It doesnt appear so. He voted against the Securing Americas Federal Elections (SAFE) Act, which would have prohibited publicizing false election locations and times in order to fool voters; made it illegal for foreigners and foreign governments to pay politicians or otherwise participate in our elections; and required electronic campaign ads to clearly state who paid for them. He voted for House Resolution 1155, which reaffirms a commitment to the orderly and peaceful transfer of powerhowever, he made an obvious and abrupt about-face against that commitment by actively trying to overturn the election. Actions speak louder than words, and its clear that John Moolenaar only wants to preserve free and fair election results if they turn out in his favor.

TIM WAGNER

Midland
"We are thrilled to award each of the Builder of Africa's Future winners catalytic funding in recognition of their impactful work, and we ask [others] to join us investing in, supporting, and celebrating these changemakers in building Africas future. CD Glin, USADF President and CEO

In its fourth year of celebrating innovation and impact in early-stage African enterprise, the African Diaspora Network (ADN), in partnership with the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) and the Miller Center for Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University, proudly announces the ten recipients of the 2021 Builders of Africas Future (BAF) award which will be presented at a special event on January 27, 2021 at 8:00AM PST.

The Builders of Africas Future awardees were carefully selected from across the continent in partnership with nominating partners: Stanford SEED, MIT, Segal Family Foundation, and Siemens Stiftung, to name a few. Each of these entrepreneurs also fit the following criteria: possession of a tangible physical or digital product, demonstrable traction in product usage, addressing challenges unique to the African socio-economic climate, and must have been in operation for a minimum of 6 months.

According to Almaz Negash, Founder and Executive Director of the African Diaspora Network, Every year, we select Africas most promising entrepreneurs to join us in Silicon Valley to connect them to potential investors, mentors, and partners. We see increased opportunity for the Builders of Africas Future to accelerate their ventures through partnerships with Diasporans and Friends of Africa to address Africas unique needs through technology. Each of our 2021 BAF awardees are early-stage startup founders with proven track records. This year we are excited to add a new cohort, which has shown incredible resilience, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021 Builders of Africas Future awardees will each receive $5,000 courtesy of USADF, entrepreneurship training from the Miller Center for Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University, and an opportunity to pitch to investors during a virtual event at the January 27, 2021 convening of the African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS21). The awardees will also gain access to the African Diaspora Networks global community and join the exclusive BAF cohort.

USADF is committed to investing in African grassroots enterprises and social entrepreneurs making a difference in underserved communities, said USADF President and CEO C.D. Glin. We are thrilled to award each of the BAF winners catalytic funding in recognition of their impactful work, and we ask the U.S.-based and global investor community, foundations, philanthropists, and impact investors to join us investing in, supporting, and celebrating these changemakers in building Africas future.

So far, the Builders of Africas Future program has recognized over 31 entrepreneurs and enterprises from across the continent, providing funding, partnership and mentoring opportunities, and a platform to boost brand visibility and investment potential in Silicon Valley.

Learn more about the 2021 recipients of the Builders of Africas Future award here, and register to attend the event here.

###

About African Diaspora Network:

African Diaspora Network (ADN) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization. Our mission to harness and engage the intellectual, financial, philanthropic and entrepreneurial capacity of Africans and friends of Africa in support of economic and social development across Africa. Since 2010, the African Diaspora Network has energized collaboration among Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, philanthropists and African Diasporans to uplift its local community towards the benefit of Africa. ADN is dedicated to providing virtual and physical forums to accelerate access to resources that foster partnership, knowledge sharing, and advance investment opportunities.

About the United States African Development Foundation (USADF):

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is an independent U.S. Government agency established by Congress to support African-owned community and social enterprises which improve lives and livelihoods in underserved communities. Utilizing a community-led development approach, USADF invests directly to provide seed capital and local project management assistance to early-stage enterprises addressing local challenges such as food insecurity, insufficient energy access, and unemployment, with a focus on women and youth entrepreneurship. To learn more, please visit: https://www.usadf.gov/



WASHINGTON - An impassioned speech from Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., nearly caused an early-morning fistfight to break out between two other House lawmakers during the debate over Pennsylvania's electoral vote.

Lamb said that the GOP objectors to Biden's win didn't need to "strip this Congress of its dignity" any more after pro-Trump rioters attacked the Capitol on Wednesday.

"We know that that attack today, it didn't materialize out of nowhere, it was inspired by lies - the same lies that you're hearing in this room tonight," Lamb said. "The members who are repeating those lies should be ashamed of themselves, their constituents should be ashamed of them."

Rep. H. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., took exception to Lamb's words. Moments later, Griffith raised a point of order and attempted to have the congressman's words struck from the record.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., refused, citing Griffith's request as "not timely."

"The truth hurts," Lamb said to his detractors. "It hurts them. It hurts this country. It hurts all of us."

Then, as Lamb continued to talk, a scrum broke out between Reps. Andy Harris, R-Md., and Colin Allred, D-Tex., who yelled at each other from across the House floor to sit down.

"Sit down!" one of them yelled. The other replied, "No, you sit down!"

The two then met in the aisle, which caused about a dozen lawmakers to clear their benches to intervene, reported CNN's Kristin Wilson.

Pelosi banged her gavel, demanding "there'll be order in the House."

No punches were thrown. Rep. Al Lawson, D-Fla., was also involved.

Once cooler heads prevailed, Rep. Roger Williams, R-Tex., defended his colleagues against Lamb's sentiment that GOP objectors should be ashamed of their actions.

"I'm not ashamed and neither are my colleagues," Williams said. "We're actually proud of what we're doing over here."

Tensions were boiling following an angry mob that breached the Capitol on Wednesday, touting false claims that the presidential election was stolen as Congress officially counted electoral votes.

Critics lambasted President Donald Trump's response to the event and blamed him for igniting flames that led to Wednesday's chaos at the Capitol.

In the president's statement to the rioters, he continued spouting false claims about the so-called rigged nature of his defeat as he told rioters to "go home in peace."

"Go home. We love you," he told the revelers. "You're very special."

Members of Congress were able to return to their chambers to continue the process that would formally elect Joe Biden the next president.

James E. Clyburn, D-S.C., Majority Whip in the U.S. House of Representatives, said Wednesday night that the mob wouldn't deter the process of counting electoral votes.

"This authoritarian menace will not succeed in his attempts to overthrow our democratically elected government," he said.
Mumbai:

Actor-politician Paresh Rawal says he has no regrets about his tweet on Arundhati Roy as the author has been badmouthing the Army, which will never hit back at her.

The BJP MP had received a lot of flak on social media for saying the army should "tie" Roy to an army jeep instead of a "stone pelter", a reference to an incident in Kashmir where a protester was used as a shield by security personnel against stone pelting.

Many termed the tweet as "offensive" and one that "incited violence".

The 67-year-old actor's tweet came after the Pakistani media reported remarks by Roy criticising the Indian Army's action in Kashmir. The report later turned out to be untrue.

But Rawal said he isn't sorry even if the report on Roy is "fake news". He went on to say that even if she was "tied" to an Army jeep, no stone pelter would attack her as she supported their ideology.

"I expected this kind of reaction from liberal minded people. I just want to know when Arundhati Roy was talking about army people, why no one said anything?

"If she is right, then even I am right. If she regrets making the comments, then I also regret. Agreed that this is fake news, but what about the comments that she made on 2002 Godhra riots? If you have freedom of expression then even I have it," Rawal told PTI.

He said one can openly criticise politicians including Prime Minister Narendra Modi but why target the Army.

"If you have the guts then talk about Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal Chief Minister). Four people will come and beat you up (muh tod denge). You talk about those people (army) who don't hit back at you for your remarks.

"These people (referring to Roy) go and talk at international seminars and forums where they get funding, get awards... you get respect so you talk nonsense," he said. The national award-winning actor said he fails to understand why Roy is playing the "woman card" following his comments of tying her to the jeep.

"When we talk about it (referring to his tweet of tying her to the jeep), then you say 'I am woman'. Are you not a woman when you make such comments... . I am not at all apologetic about it (comment) as it pertains to my country, my Army," he adds.

The actor rather insisted his remark on Roy was a message of peace. "Even if hypothetically Arundhati was tied, no one would have pelted stones as she is their well-wisher, she endorses the ideology.

ALSO READ: Paresh Rawal's controversial tweet on author Arundhati Roy missing?



I have rather passed on a message of peace(maine toh shanti ka kabutar choda hai). Who will beat her up?So there is no violence," he adds. Roy, an award-winning writer, has been a trenchant critic of the BJP and the Army's action in insurgency-hit areas. Rawal alleged that critics like Roy chose to remain silent when at least 2,500 soldiers suffered severe injuries in stone pelting incidents.

"Why don't you talk about human rights then. Don't they(soldiers) have a family? The death of a soldier is tangible.you can see that but your views and expression are intangible.All you say is Hindus have committed atrocities all over the country including in Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland and have occupied everything."

"My son, who is studying in America, is asking me 'is it all occupied?' Imagine what implication it has for young minds. They doubt you. It demoralises the Army... I am happy a debate has started and I would have regretted if violence would have started. My aim was not that.

It wouldn't have happened also," he added. After the controversy over his tweet, Rawal had said there was pressure on him to delete it or his twitter account will be blocked. When asked what upsets him as a politician, he said it"is unaccountability and lack of humanity while dealing with a situation".

He will next be seen in movie "Guest in London" alongside Tanvi Azmi, Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Kharbanda. Set to release on June 16, the film is directed by Ashwni Dhir.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 03:19:41|Editor: huaxia

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SANAA, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths on Wednesday met with Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, Yemen's state Saba news agency reported.

They discussed a UN-brokered plan to push forward peace in Yemen, Saba said.

Griffiths would fly to Yemen's southern port city of Aden in the coming days for meetings with Hadi's government, it added.

The UN envoy recently proposed an agreement between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels to enable resumption of political talks to end civil war.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized control of several northern provinces and forced the internationally-recognized government of Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.

The six-year-old war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 4 million and pushed Yemen to the brink of starvation. Enditem

Washington: President Donald Trump's role in inciting violence at the Capitol and his refusal to acknowledge his election defeat is prompting some lawmakers to urge his removal from office through the 25th Amendment.

The amendment allows for the Vice-President and a majority of the Cabinet to declare a president unfit for office. The Vice-President then becomes acting president. The section of the amendment specifically addressing this procedure has never been invoked.

On Friday AEDT, a day after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, the Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer of New York, called for Trumps immediate removal. What happened at the US Capitol yesterday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the President. This President should not hold office one day longer, Schumer said.

In remarks posted on Twitter, Illinois Republican Adam Kinzinger called on the Cabinet to invoke the amendment.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines Life)  You could probably build an entire nation on K-pop. The Youtube channel of Big Hit, the record label of global K-pop sensation BTS, has 50 million subscribers, which is double the total population of Australia. Anyone who has ever been sucked into the vortex of K-pop would know that the experience is rarely ever solitary. Fandom is an integral part of it, and K-pop fandoms do what so many of us have failed to accomplish in the past few years: Organize. 90,000 BTS fans somehow planned and pulled off a surprise for the group during their 2019 concert at the London Wembley Stadium. Just last year, K-pop Twitter allegedly foiled a Trump rally by spamming their hashtags with K-pop video clips. Locally, the Philippine chapter of BTS fans (known as ARMY) raised 2 million for victims of Typhoon Ulysses.

I recently joined a private Facebook group called Titas of BTS out of curiosity. They call it a safe space for titas, defined as anyone born before 1992, the year BTS' oldest hyung (which means older brother in Korean) (Kim) Seokjin was born. The groups membership is around 2000-plus. It is by no means a random forum  its a whole community run by what seems to be organizational professionals, complete with a vision-mission, a digital handbook, posting guidelines, and even tita etiquette. The group grows daily and I doubt many of them even know each other offline, but in that group they are all friends and they all call each other tita.

All this is a little bit weird because I have feverishly and vehemently resisted the tita label even though I actually am one, thanks to my sisters children. But tita isnt just a designation from your nieces, its a whole lifestyle and stereotype and I (unfortunately) tick off most of the boxes. I enjoy scented candles and orthopedic footwear. I also have gastroesophageal reflux disease, known better by those above the age of 28 as GERD. I have an air fryer and have not shut up about it. I could never afford any of these things when I was on an allowance, but once I started working 9 to 5, not only could I purchase these things, but my own barometer for happiness started to change. These arent by any means profound things. In fact, theyre small and a little vapid, but in a world as unpredictable as ours, what matters more to me is that these happinesses are instant and assured.

Chief among these small and certain happinesses is K-pop, which I got into around 2017 when I was 26, which was then already a little older than the average teenage K-pop fan. But unlike the average teenage K-pop fan, I dont have parental restrictions when it comes to how I express my fandom through purchases. I can charge my yearly fan club membership fee to a credit card under my own name. All of this was made possible by my income, which means it is entirely and unequivocally my fault.

For the most part, my love for K-pop is blissfully trivial. I get a kick out of a great performance and great looks. Im constantly entertained by regular releases and I rarely ever need convincing when it comes to buying merchandise. But the same year I got into K-pop was also my one-year anniversary at my second job in a small design studio. Meaning it had also been one year since I left my first job, my then-dream job of working in the public sector, which I said goodbye to in 2016.

This isnt my favorite story. When I graduated in 2013, the air was different. A lot of us had the gall to think we could change the country and change it instantly, within one administration. I wanted to be a part of it so badly. My idols then were a crop of intelligent young-ish people who chose public sector work over the comfort and security of the private sector. In my mind, they were heroes, and once I started working in government, they became peers. I wore my job with an inflated sense of pride because I was so confident that we were doing the right thing. That I was part of something bigger than myself.

I didnt even have that big of a role, but it was everything to me. I started as a researcher in the Presidential Communications office of the Aquino administration, the youngest person in the office and a low-level position to be sure, but my business card was embossed with the presidential seal. I could tell all my friends: I worked for Malacanang. On my first day, walking through the Palace gates in my crisp white blouse, I thought it was the start of the rest of my life.

"I couldnt give 100% of myself because I was always holding on to this idea that I had to save myself for public service."

But in the run-up to the 2016 election year, I grew threadbare. Public service had its highs but they were outnumbered by the lows. I learned the limits of my idealism when I had to navigate the soul-sucking reality of salary grades and submitting to rank. I had opinions, but I was told to temper them for unity and practicality. You need to learn how to be a follower, I was told in one meeting. When I was finally promoted to a writer position where I could directly publish content for the official government portal, I had grown afraid of my own voice, but I couldnt really have one even if I wanted to. The final blow to all my youthful dreaming was when I finally, sadly accepted that the change I was looking for wasnt likely to happen, and it most certainly wasnt coming from our office. Youre still so young, said my boss. You have so much left to learn. I handed in my resignation letter early January 2016. I felt like a quitter.

It is an understatement to say that 2016 was a bad year. The Trump and Duterte presidency marked the start of a terrifying era whose effects reverberate to this day, and tragedy was a regular occurence. That year, 625 children died in the Syrian civil war. 49 people lost their lives in a mass-shooting at a nightclub in Orlando. The Black Lives Matter movement hit critical global mass. The late dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried in the cemetery of our heroes, and we learned that the word nanlaban became shorthand for summary execution.

The grand demonstration at Luneta as protest against Ferdinand Marcos' burial in Libingan ng mga Bayani. Photo by GELOY CONCEPCION

The original plan was to move laterally into another executive office, one that was more in touch with people on the ground, one that wasnt co-terminus with the sitting president. But as the months went by, my dread only multiplied. When I told a mentor I no longer wanted to work in government for this president, he chastised me by saying I had the wrong mindset. We will always need career workers in government, regardless of who the sitting president is.

2017 felt like the year that I disobeyed everyones advice. I didnt show up to my interview at the Social Welfare Department and instead began work at a start-up design studio run by people my age. Suddenly, all my blouses and pencil skirts were out of place in the 72-square meter condominium unit, which was more home than office. We shared desks, cooked our meals, and we only wore shoes whenever clients came calling. Instead of presidential speeches and executive orders, I was working on brand guidelines for Spanish restaurants and a bottle label for small batch artisanal craft gin.

And though I loved the work, there were days when Id be overwhelmed by disappointment. Against the backdrop of the worsening national situation, I was learning about x-height and slab serifs. My creativity gave me guilt, like I wasnt ever doing enough. And as a result, I wasnt always happy and my work was often mediocre. I couldnt give 100% of myself because I was always holding on to this idea that I had to save myself for public service. I never realized how long I had been stuck in this self-defeating silo until someone broadcast the music video of TWICEs TT on the office T.V.

It was bubblegum-candy-cavity sweet and upbeat to a fault. Even when they pulled their hands to their faces to imitate a crying face (just like TT), the nine girls of TWICE were still smiling. I didnt realize how unhappy I was until then, and that through K-pop I was allowed to be happy. In K-pop, joy  pure joy  was just a comeback away.

The thing about K-pop is that the content is endless. In 2020, there was an average of 30 K-pop releases (whether single, album, or music video) per month, which meant that there was at least one group releasing something every day. These are called comebacks, a term that simply means an artist is coming back with new music and not necessarily a long hiatus. And a comeback is never just releasing the audio on Spotify. There is always a music video, dance practice videos, and comeback stages. Not to mention, idols might tweet once a day, post on Instagram, or even release videos of what they did over the weekend. The breadth and the immediacy of the content makes K-pop feel almost intimate, like I know too much about them.

Related: Our best K-pop songs of 2020

And so, the soundtrack to those years after government was set to Red Velvets Bad Boy, the first dance I ever memorized, and Like OOH-AHH, which often played in the neighborhood Samgyupsalamat where we went to after a long day of work. Looking back from 2020, they were blissful years. Through K-pop, I took myself less seriously. It gave me equilibrium, a path to tread. I fell into my favorite groups discography, religiously followed their releases, memorized their zodiacs, their favorite food, and the names of their pets. K-pop occupied so much of my heart and soul, I had no room for anxiety. It was an escape from reality, which meant it was an escape from myself.

***

But K-pop isnt without its own prisons. The amount and frequency of content generated by K-pop necessitates the existence of massive, complex, and profit-generating infrastructure. This is known as the record labels and idols cannot exist without them. To become an idol often involves training as early as 13 years old. Young hopefuls leave home to live with other trainees, bootcamp style, in the hopes of one day debuting as a full-fledged K-pop group. This often takes years, and during this time they live under the full sponsorship of a record label. Everything from food, living expenses, training, and even allowances are all paid for by the label.

In return, labels are given most of the creative control of the product. They dictate what idols must show and what fans can see. One of which is the show of aegyo, the display of cuteness and affection meant to elicit romantic excitement, which isnt much different from what we know as kilig. This explicit fan service adds to K-pops charms, and is probably the reason why Filipinos resonate with K-content so much. Its TWICEs Sana enunciating Cheese Gimbap, EXOs DO singing from a fabricated pink T.V. set, or Monsta Xs Joohoney talking in a baby voice. Its consciously pabebe and indulgently nakakakilig. A friend of mine said Joohoney could cure cancer with his aegyo.

These things are often gratifying and harmless on the surface, but aegyo has an inherent age limit. It seems more natural for 16-year-old girls to wear babydoll dresses and animal ears, but things change once idols are 25 and above. Aging can be a handicap in K-pop, and it disadvantages women more than it does men.

When idol groups start out, members can be anywhere between 16 to 21 years old. The average length of a contract with a record label is around seven years. For male idols, this conveniently coincides with the maximum allowable age before mandatory military service, which used to be 28 (just recently, a new law was passed to allow artists who "excel in popular culture and art to defer enlistment for another two years).

Girl groups on the other hand get no such reprieve. The seven-year contract has also been referred to as the seven-year curse, where groups either lose a member to non-renewal or they disband completely. Female idols might try to launch their own solo careers or get into acting, but it is rare to see a complete girl group still performing in their 30s.

Female idols often receive harsher criticism than their male counterparts for the same behavior. People demand that female K-pop idols are kind, submissive and mature, says communication scholar Kim Sujeong in an SCMP article. Then they get irked when idols do not fit the norm. All this is just part of a larger culture of misogyny in South Korea. While there have been significant improvements in the past 50 years, South Korea still has the widest gender pay gap among developed countries, where women took home 32.1% less than men in 2019. The average among OECD countries is 13%.

One cant help but compare the treatment doled out to Park Bom, age 36, of 2NE1 and G-Dragon, age 32, of Big Bang. Both are part of second generation idol groups and the subjects of drug-related scandals. But while Park Bom struggles with her solo career and the constant criticism of her looks every time she makes a public appearance, G-Dragon was greeted by a crowd of 3,000 fans the day he returned from the military and was even featured on a 2020 cover of Vogue Korea. It was one of their best selling issues to date.

***

These days, Ive been listening to a lot of Japanese city pop, the funky, dreamy sound of an optimistic Tokyo during the economic boom of the '80s. One artist who has been on my heavy rotation is Yukika, a Japan-born model and voice actor who brought city pop to Seoul when she debuted as an idol in 2019.

Most K-pop groups are assigned concepts even before they debut, and Yukikas label decided that her concept was New Retro Girl. This concept determined everything: her fashion, the things she would say, and the kind of music she would make. But Yukika infused her own experiences, upending expectations of the K-pop genre. Apart from debuting as a solo artist when she was 26  almost 10 years older than the average debut age for female idols  her album Soul Lady is a departure from the heavy electronic dance tracks de rigueur to K-pop.

Yukikas sound is soft and nostalgic. Theres synths, xylophones, a groovy bass, and a triumphant brass section. She wears vintage dresses, berets, and block heels. The music video of Neon is shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio, like an 80s camcorder. All her songs are about love and longing, the sound of a lost year compressed into a 12-track album. It sounds like seeing a city for the first time, from the window seat of an airplane. It sounds like possibility. Its the soundtrack of leaving something behind and discovering, instead, something new and exciting.

When asked in an interview how she was adjusting to life in Korea, Yukika said that Seoul didnt feel foreign at all. I have found that Seoul is chic and energetic like Tokyo and has the warm atmosphere that I felt in Shizuoka where I was born," she says. As if she had been living there all her life.

I dont know if Ill ever return to government work. I often give vague answers to friends who ask: Maybe, someday, eventually. Not because I dont want to, but because I only wish to open myself to the unknown and unprecedented. After all, none of the old rules applied in 2020 and I dont think any of them will in the years to come. I often joked that I escaped government work when I went private, but in truth, leaving government was really just the death of my own ego. I used it like a crutch, to give myself meaning, and when it didnt live up to my expectations I felt betrayed. And when I finally was brave enough to step outside of it, I didnt know who I was. What was happening was grief and I never knew it, and K-pop was a way to name my grief and finally, eventually, walk away from it.

In the meantime, Im learning what it takes to be content and to manage my acid reflux. The amount of pleasure I get from perfectly air fried chicken is totally outsized, and I light scented candles at night just to relax. Ive also got my Titas of BTS group, where people post pictures of their merchandise or stories of how BTS has connected them to their nieces and daughters, just to share. Everyone is kind and everyone is happy.

Its almost too rosy, the way the group exists in this world, in this country, and on Facebook of all places. A tita might ask jokingly, Is this even allowed? referring to a picture of a sweaty Kim Namjoon. And everyone replies in purple hearts, laughing emojis, and words of encouragement. In the Titas of BTS group, were allowed to enjoy things. Were allowed to escape, albeit virtually.
[January 07, 2021] MetLife Declares First Quarter 2021 Common Stock Dividend

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) today announced that its board of directors has declared a first quarter 2021 common stock dividend of $0.46 per share. The dividend will be payable on March 15, 2021, to shareholders of record as of Feb. 5, 2021. About MetLife MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("MetLife"), is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and hold leading positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.



Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements in this news release, using words such as "will," are based on assumptions and expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, including the "Risk Factors" MetLife, Inc. describes in its U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. MetLife's future results could differ, and it has no obligation to correct or update any of these statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005780/en/

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Society for Science (the Society) today announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021, the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. The 300 scholars and their schools will be awarded $2,000 each.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars were selected from 1,760 applications received from 611 high schools across 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and 10 countries. Scholars were chosen based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists, and hail from 198 American and international high schools in 37 states, Puerto Rico, Chinese Taipei, and Singapore.

The full list of scholars can be viewed here: https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2021-scholars/

The Regeneron Science Talent Search provides students with a national stage to present original research and celebrates the hard work and discoveries of young scientists who are bringing a fresh perspective to significant global challenges. This year, research projects cover topics from bioinformatics to public health and energy efficiency.

"The remarkable drive, creativity and intellectual curiosity that each one of these scholars possesses represents a hopeful outlook for our future and our collective wellbeing," said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science, Publisher of Science News and 1985 Science Talent Search alum. "At a time when many students' educational experiences are being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am incredibly humbled to see gifted young scientists and engineers eager to contribute fresh insights to solving the world's most intractable problems."

"An exceptional group of student leaders and innovators comprise this year's Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars, with an array of projects that demonstrate the power of science," said Hala Mirza, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Citizenship at Regeneron. "We are honored to celebrate the next generation of young scientists and inventors who can elevate the STEM community and our broader society through their high-quality research and novel discoveries. These are the inspiring problem solvers who will help address the current and future challenges facing our world."

On January 21, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. From March 10-17 all 40 finalists will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron.

About the Regeneron Science Talent Search

The Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science since 1942, is the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Each year, nearly 2,000 student entrants submit original research in critically important scientific fields of study and are judged by leading experts in their fields. Unique among high school competitions in the U.S. and around the world, the Regeneron Science Talent Search focuses on identifying, inspiring and engaging the nation's most promising young scientists who are creating the ideas that could solve society's most urgent challenges.

In 2017, Regeneron became only the third sponsor of the Science Talent Search as a way to help reward and celebrate the best and brightest young minds and encourage them to pursue careers in STEM as a way to positively impact the world. Through its 10-year, $100 million commitment, Regeneron nearly doubled the overall award distribution to $3.1 million annually, increasing the top award to $250,000 and doubling the awards for the top 300 scholars and their schools to $2,000 each to inspire more young people to engage in science.

Program alumni include recipients of the world's most coveted science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes, 11 National Medals of Science, six Breakthrough Prizes, 21 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and two Fields Medals.

Learn more at https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/ and https://medium.com/regeneron-science-talent-search .

About Society for Science

Society for Science is dedicated to the achievement of young scientists in independent research and to public engagement in science. Established in 1921, the Society is a nonprofit whose vision is to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Through its world-class competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the Broadcom MASTERS, and its award-winning magazine, Science News and Science News for Students, Society for Science is committed to inform, educate, and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).

Media Contact:

Gayle Kansagor

Society for Science

703-489-1131

[email protected]

SOURCE Society for Science

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Albany, N.Y.  The storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump is failed coup attempt, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today.

Cuomo issued a statement hours after a crowd of the presidents supporters forced its way into the Capitol and disrupted proceedings to certify Joe Bidens win in the presidential race.

The cornerstone of our democracy is the peaceful transfer of power, Cuomo said in the statement. We must call this what it actually is: a failed attempt at a coup. This is the final chapter of an incompetent, cruel, and divisive administration that has trampled on the Constitution and the rule of law at every turn, and we wont let President Trump, the members of Congress who enable him, or the lawless mob that stormed our nations Capitol steal our democracy.

The election results are clear and the will of the American people will be carried out.

READ MORE: Pro-Trump protesters breach U.S. Capitol; lawmakers evacuated, 1 person shot

Members of the House of Representatives and Senate had moved to their respective chambers to begin debating objections to certifying Bidens win earlier today. The pro-Trump crowd soon forced its way inside the Capitol after a rally at which Trump encouraged them to head to the building to protest todays session.

The crowd clashed with police, broke windows and doors and tore down security fencing. Some of the mob eventually entered the House and Senate chambers and brought the certification session to a halt.

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598
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E. coli food poisoning is one of the worst food poisonings, causing bloody diarrhea and kidney damage. But all the carnage might be just an unintended side effect, researchers from UConn Health report in the 27 November issue of Science Immunology. Their findings might lead to more effective treatments for this potentially deadly disease.

Escherichia coli are a diverse group of bacteria that often live in animal guts. Many types of E. coli never make us sick; other varieties can cause traveler's diarrhea. But swallowing even a few cells of the type of E. coli that makes Shiga toxin can make us very, very ill. Shiga toxin damages blood vessels in the intestines, causing bloody diarrhea. If Shiga toxin gets into the bloodstream, it can cause kidney failure.

This is especially common in children; about 15% of kids with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections get kidney disease, and some can suffer long term kidney damage." Sivapriya Vanaja, Health Immunologist, University of Connecticut

A group of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli called enterohemorrhagic E. coli, or EHEC, are especially common in the United States. When you hear that a batch of romaine lettuce is being recalled because of a dangerous outbreak of food poisoning, it's almost certainly due to EHEC.

EHEC normally live in cattle without making them sick. It used to be relatively common to have EHEC outbreaks coming from unhygienically prepared ground meat, but stringent regulations on slaughterhouses have made this less common. Now it's more likely for EHEC to appear on vegetables grown in fields adjacent to cattle or manure runoff.

But no matter where it comes from, once EHEC bacteria get inside a human, the infection is hard to treat. Antibiotics tend to make it worse--when the bacteria feel themselves dying, they make more Shiga toxin. And EHEC are very good at inhibiting the part of the immune system that normally responds early to this kind of infection, allowing them to grow unchecked in the human gut.

In a study led by Morena Havira, a postdoctoral fellow in Vanaja's lab, the team wanted to know how EHEC suppresses the immune system. The body normally responds to early stages of E. coli infections by activating an enzyme that kicks off an alarm inside cells. The cell bursts open to release a cloud of warning molecules that call other parts of the immune system to come and fight the bacteria.

But EHEC squashes that early response. To figure out how it does that, Vanaja and her colleagues decided to see which individual gene in EHEC was responsible. They took many different varieties of EHEC from a bacterial mutant library, and infected immune cells with them.

The team found that cells infected with EHEC that was missing the gene for Shiga toxin mustered a higher immune response compared to normal EHEC.

"It was surprising. Shiga toxin is very well-studied for its toxic activity; it wasn't known that it had another function," Dr. Vanaja says. So Shiga toxin's stealthy suppression of the immune system may have a link to all the bloody drama that ensues. Spurred on by this exciting observation, they conducted a series of detailed molecular studies, which revealed that Shiga toxin blocks a protein from bursting open the infected cell and alerting the body of infection.

Now that Vanaja and her colleagues know the specific molecular step Shiga toxin interferes with inside the immune cells, they are trying to figure out how, exactly, it blocks it. Once they know that, they may be able to find medicines that prevent toxin from interfering with immune responses.

Washington: Hundreds of supporters of US President Donald Trump stormed into the US Capitol building on Wednesday just as the US lawmakers were going to certify Democratic President-elect Joe Biden's victory in US Presidential Elections 2020.

Both the Houses of the Congress were forced to halt the session proceedings that would have certified Biden`s victory in the November 3 election. Security inside the Congress had to draw guns to deter the protesters as the members of the US Congress were evacuated.

While it has been confirmed that one person who was a part of the mob that stormed into the US Capitol had been shot and killed, a spokeswoman for the Washington police department said.

Though, it was unclear who shot the woman, but a witness told Reuters that the shooting occurred after law enforcement authorities urged people to "get back."

It has been reported that protesters broke windows and police was seen deploying teargas shells inside the building.

After situation at the Capitol Hill areas grew tense and violent, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered a citywide curfew of 6 pm local time (2300 GMT).

Meanwhile, President-elect Joe Biden denounced the event saying this was not a protest but an "insurrection" and urged that President Trump should ask his supporters to end the 'seige', Biden said in a LIVE address to the media.

"I call on President Trump to go on national television now to... demand an end to this siege," Biden said. "To storm the Capitol, to smash windows, to occupy offices, the floor of the United States Senate... threatening the safety of duly elected officials? It's not a protest, it's insurrection."

The unprecedented scenes at the US Capitol has drwan international condemnation wiith several world leaders denouncing the event. UK PM Boris Johnson called the whole event as 'disgraceful' while NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that the situation in US was "shocking".
Hungarian teacher union PSZ has called for teachers to be added to the governments Covid-19 vaccination plan.

PSZ said in a statement that it was shocked to see that the official vaccination plan fails to make it clear which category of vaccine recipients teachers fall into.



The union also criticised Prime Minister Viktor Orbans apparent announcement that if Hungary were to suddenly have access to millions of vaccines, the shots would be administered at the regular electoral polling stations.



Many of these, PSZ noted, are in schools, which not even parents are allowed to enter right now.



PSZ said it believes teachers should fall within the same category in the vaccination plan as people over the age of 60 who are considered vulnerable to Covid-19.



According to the website of the National Public Health Centre, people within this group will be eligible to receive the vaccine after health-care workers and social sector workers.



The union said the vaccination plan contradicts past remarks by the chief medical officer, who had said those working on the frontlines, such as health-care workers, would be the first to be vaccinated, followed by those most vulnerable to the virus and public service employees, like teachers.



PSZ also cited United Nations childrens agency UNICEF as saying that those working in the education sector should also receive priority in the Covid-19 vaccination campaigns.



The union demanded that teachers be placed in a priority category within the vaccination plan and for vaccination points not to be set up in schools.



Meanwhile, the Democratic Trade Union of Teachers (PDSZ) has called on the government to arrange the swift vaccination of teachers against Covid-19 and to introduce an online work schedule in the education sector.



In a letter addressed to the prime minister, the human resources minister, the innovation and technology minister and the state secretary for public education, PDSZ has demanded that teachers be among the first to be inoculated against Covid-19 with a vaccine approved by the European Union.



The union argued that both Education International and UNESCO have said teachers should be a high-priority group when it comes to Covid vaccinations in order to safeguard the right to education.





MTI Photo: Janos Vajda

Henry Golding has said he was drawn to the lead role in Monsoon by feeling neither British or Asian enough to fit into either society.

The British-Malaysian actor, 33, said he shared a sense of displacement with the character of Kit, a young British man who struggles with his cultural identity as he travels to his birth country of Vietnam for the first time in 30 years.

Kit was six when he and his family escaped Saigon as refugees following the Vietnam War and he is no longer familiar with the country or able to speak his native language.

In #MonsoonFilm, a British Vietnamese man travels to Vietnam to make sense of his family history. Join actors @henrygolding and @ParkerSawyers, director Hong Khaou and producer Tracy O'Riordan for tonight's FREE Q&A at 6PM!  BAFTA (@BAFTA) January 7, 2021

The film, written and directed by Hong Khaou, follows Kit as he meets Lewis, played by Parker Sawyers, a love interest from the US whose father fought in the Vietnam War.

Speaking during an online Q&A hosted by Bafta, Golding addressed his reasons for accepting the role.

He said: I think the sense of displacement. It really reflected a lot of my personal journey from growing up and being born in Malaysia to a British father and a Malaysian mother, moving back to the UK, not ever feeling British enough, never feeling Asian enough.

And so whenever I was in both those parts of the world, it was like, Who am I? This search for identity, and I think thats something that Kit goes through.

He has a premise of going back to Vietnam to find a resting place for his parents ashes and tries to get a better grasp of sort of his history and his being.

And I think as we all would, he arrives with a bit of bravado and trying to convince himself, I am Vietnamese. Im going to come to this city and now its going to feel like Im coming home.

But often it isnt the case. When he cant speak the language, when youve never been in the culture like the Vietnamese culture and growing up in the UK, its such a crescendo of noise and smell and cultural differences.

He added: That was what really drew me to the role is his struggle for his inner identity. He has a lot of turmoil. He has a lot of family issues which he was never able to talk through with his parents.

Golding said having identifiers in the character, such as his internal struggles, made him feel he could give truth to the part.

The Crazy Rich Asians star is expecting his first child with his wife, Taiwanese fitness influencer Liv Lo, who he married in 2016.

She announced the news on Instagram in November last year, writing: Such immense joy this little one has brought us already. Now we get to share it with you.

Download the Belfast Telegraph App Get quick and easy access to the latest Northern Ireland news, sport, business and opinion with the Belfast Telegraph App.

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Jamshedpur:

Union minister Jayant Sinha on Saturday said that a grand Ram temple will certainly be built at Ayodhya.

If it is a land of Lord Ram, Ill say the temple will certainly be built there. We will certainly build a grand temple in Ayodhya, the minister of state for civil aviation told a function organised by the local BJP workers in Jamshedpur.

As far as promotion and preservation of our culture, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has recently visited Ayodhya. When Adityanathji visited Ayodhya, a Ram Temple will certainly be built there, he said.

If it is a land of Lord Ram and our culture, then I will proudly, boldly and open heartedly say Jai Sri Ram, the minister said.

Sinha also hailed the efforts of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get Yoga the international recognition.

Referring to the demonetisation, Sinha described it as a historic, bold and revolutionary step and listed out several achievements of the Modi government.

Also read: Ram Temple exists in Ayodhya; needs a grand look: UP minister Srikant Sharma

Also read: Ram temple's construction is very important for existence of Hindus: Subramanian Swamy



For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Salim Mehajer's ex-girlfriend has taken aim at her former lover after he allegedly tried to call her from prison to have her restraining order dropped.

Melissa 'Missy' Tysoe took to Instagram on Wednesday night to post a brutal 'revenge' selfie posing in front of a mirror clad only in red lingerie.

'I have no need for revenge. I am no longer yours, and that is punishment enough,' the caption read.

Hours later, Ms Tysoe removed the caption and replaced it with a single red rose emoji.

The restraining order relates to a series of alleged incidents currently under police investigation, including an alleged assault in October that ended with the 31-year-old seeking medical attention.

'I have no need for revenge. I am no longer yours, and that is punishment enough,' the caption read

Salim Mehajer (left) has been charged with breaching an apprehended violence order after allegedly making calls from prison to his ex-girlfriend of three years, Missy Tysoe

Daily Mail Australia understands prosecutors will allege Mehajer breached the order by attempting to call Ms Tysoe from Silverwater jail to ask her to drop the AVO.

Under the terms of the restraining order currently in force, Mehajer is banned from contacting Ms Tysoe whatsoever except via lawyer and from possessing any firearms or prohibited weapons.

The former Auburn deputy mayor was also hit with standard AVO conditions barring him from assaulting, threatening, stalking, harassing or intimidating Ms Tysoe or recklessly destroying her property.

Since the end of their three-year relationship, which began in December 2017, the blond bombshell deleted all traces of the disgraced western Sydney property developer from her social media.

After an Instagram hiatus, the finance executive posted cryptic messages alluding to the messy break-up

Ms Tysoe claimed to police that Mehajer had assaulted and threatened her. Police are investigating her claims

After an Instagram hiatus, the finance executive posted cryptic messages alluding to the messy break-up.

On December 23 she wrote: 'What matters most is how you walk through the fire.'

Mehajer appeared before Parramatta Local Court via audio-visual link from a cell at the Metropolitan Remand Centre on New Year's Eve.

He pleaded not guilty to a single charge of contravening an AVO restriction.

The couple have been in a relationship since January 2017 however Ms Tysoe has deleted all traces of Mehajer from Instagram and an AVO has been taken out on her behalf

Mehajer was remanded in custody at Sydney's MRRC in Silverwater (above) after he was found to have breached his bail conditions on separate perverting the course of justice charges

Magistrate Paul Lyon ordered prosecutors to contact Corrective Services NSW to verify Mehajer's phone records.

In court documents, police alleged Mehajer breached the AVO over an 18 hour period between 9pm on December 27 and 3pm the next day.

A source with knowledge of the investigation claimed Mehajer may have tried to call Ms Tysoe twice.

Mehajer first caught Sydney's attention in 2015 with his 'big wedding' to longtime sweetheart Aysha.

Daily Mail Australia understands the AVO breach charge relates to Mehajer making at least two calls from the prison. Magistrate Paul Lyon ordered prosecutors contact Corrective Services NSW to verify phone records

Mehajer with his hairdresser ex-wife Aysha during a court appearance five years' ago

The nuptials controversially blocked off suburban streets with drummers, featured flash cars and helicopters taking off from a suburban sporting oval.

But the marriage didn't stand the test of time, with video later leaking of Mehajer screaming obscenities at his estranged wife.

Mehajer spent Christmas in jail after his bail was revoked by the District Court over separate charges of perverting the course of justice.

His alleged AVO breach is due to return to court on January 7 and the AVO itself later this month. He's expected to apply for bail on January 18.
Beijing:

As the presence of pulsars in our Milky Way galaxy continues to remain a mystery, China has come forward to unleash the secret by a space telescope, which it plans to launch soon, scientists have said.

Those who are still guessing what exactly a pulsar is, it is actually a rotating neutron star which is highly magnetised. The pulsar spews two beams of electromagnetic radiation. This radiation can only be observed when the beam of emission points towards our planet Earth.



Till date, scientists have discovered as many as 2,000 pulsars among the 100 million that are thought to be present in the Milky Way.



We are still not clear about the interior of pulsars, said Zhang Shuangnan, lead scientist of the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT).



Current physical laws cannot describe well the substances in the state of a pulsar, since no lab on Earth can create a density as high as a pulsar. So we have to conduct more observations of pulsars, said Zhang, director of the Key Laboratory of Particle Astrophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.



The first ever pulsar was discovered in 1967 and it was so strange that it was mistaken for signals from aliens, Xinhua reported.



When the core of a large star collapses, a neutron star is born and it is considered as the most accurate astronomical clock in the universe.



According to scientists, they can make use of the pulsars as lighthouses to help navigation in future interplanetary or interstellar travel.



Long-time monitoring of pulsars could help unravel the mystery of their energy sources, Lu Fangjun, chief designer of the payload of HXMT, said.

ALSO READ | Gravitational waves: Neutron stars continuously emit ripples, claim Indian scientists

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Over the past nine months, we've witnessed the largest disruption of the U.S. education systems in history. As parents review report cards and face another semester of learning amid a global crisis, Jennifer Darling-Aduana, assistant professor of learning technologies at Georgia State's College of Education & Human Development, is looking at what we've learned about virtual instruction and what is possible for the future.

For students and teachers, COVID-19 has worsened inequality and uncovered new challenges. Last fall, a majority of kindergarten through 12th grade parents reported being concerned about their student falling behind. Close to 60 percent of parents with lower incomes say their children are facing digital obstacles to complete their classwork, such as having to do assignments on a cell phone or having no access to a home computer or reliable Internet service.

Darling-Aduana recently co-authored a new book, "Equity and Quality in Digital Learning: Realizing the Promise in K-12 Education," that chronicles how two school districts in Milwaukee and Dallas attempted to enact equity-focused digital learning over a decade. Each chapter provides tools and actionable insights at a different level of implementation: the policy level, school level, classroom level and student level. Here she shares her thoughts on the pandemic's effects on students and what changes are needed to help them succeed.

The pandemic has upended so many people's lives, particularly parents, students and educators. What are some of their biggest challenges right now?

The pandemic has exacerbated existing inequities. Challenges such as economic security, safe, high-quality childcare and access to healthcare are even more salient in families' lives than they were a year ago.

Educators are facing these same challenges. Many are also taking on additional emotional labor and extending their working hours to reach out to families and accommodate student needs.

The pivot to virtual instruction raised a lot of questions about equity and access. Have we begun to address these issues yet?

There has been an outpouring of support from school districts, foundations and private companies to address the digital divide in terms of access to devices and the Internet. Disparities persist along socioeconomic, racial/ethnic and geographic lines, but progress has been made.

An equally important and less reported on concern is differential access to quality, culturally relevant pedagogy. As was true prior to COVID-19, the educational opportunities provided to students are systematically different based on family resources where they attend school. Students from non-dominant cultural groups are systematically less likely to see their individual, community and cultural identities acknowledged, valued or integrated in their day-to-day academic experience. Some states, districts and individual teachers are starting to address these concerns, but the work is only just beginning and must extend well past the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the past nine months, education has been disrupted for millions of students across the U.S. What do you think some of the long-term impacts of this will be?

Perhaps the best-documented concern is the potential for learning loss, particularly among students who belong to marginalized groups. Policymakers and educators are already trying to develop interventions to address this concern. While there is the potential for this to have long-term implications, with sufficient funding and support this is a challenge educators and researchers have experience mitigating.

What is less clear is what sort of longer-term socio-emotional impacts might emerge. Students have experienced an extended period of insecurity, anxiety and stress. Many have experienced economic insecurity, the illness and death of family members and other traumas. We need to be prepared not just as educators but as a society to support children as they process these experiences.

Across society, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote technology. Will this transition to digital classes continue even after a return to in-person school?

The crisis-driven shift to online learning meant that much of the infrastructure- and expertise-related roadblocks to larger-scale online learning have been addressed, at least in part. Because there are many potential benefits to online learning depending on the context, I think it's likely that some students and schools will continue to integrate various types of technology-facilitated and/or virtual learning at higher rates than prior to the pandemic. At a student and family level, there has also been increased interest in fully virtual schools and homeschooling. I expect that at least some of these families will chose to continue in these alternative formats.

What are some of the most creative or groundbreaking digital teaching strategies you've seen?

I'd like to believe that it's not a particularly groundbreaking teaching strategy, but the virtual programs I've seen benefit students the most over that past year are those that treat students as whole people. Always, but particularly during a national crisis, students need opportunities to connect to others, feel like they are a part of a community. The more stressful the external factors are, the more important it is to provide opportunities for students to bring their whole self and experiences into the classroom and take time to develop trust and respect with each child as an individual.

This doesn't mean sugar-coating what is going on in the world and in children's lives. It means acknowledging, engaging with and working to mitigate what they're experiencing to help them grow as learners and more broadly as individuals. Developing a community of learners is a prerequisite to academic engagement under normal conditions, but it becomes even more critical when there are increased internal and external barriers to accessing and participating in education.

Has anything been gained from the transition to remote learning? Can online education compete with face-to-face instruction?

I'd like to suggest rephrasing the question, because online learning is simply a new medium for instructional delivery. The full spectrum of high- to low-quality instructional techniques implemented in traditional, face-to-face classrooms across the country can be implemented in some form or another (with similar rates of success) virtually. The prerequisites for quality educationwhether it be online or face-to-faceare more similar than they are different. If you want to know whether crisis schooling (regardless of whether it's online or face-to-face) can ever compare with non-crisis schooling, then of course not. That speaks more to the pandemic and the state of this country than it provides any true test of the promise or limitations of online learning.

I also want to acknowledge that there is an increasingly wide body of academic research demonstrating that the education system in the U.S. has systematically failed many students, even before the pandemic, creating an educational opportunity gap. Therefore, the goal cannot be simply to recreate the same flawed educational systems online but rather to reimagine education to better serve all students and communities. I believe that digital tools and virtual platforms can be helpful toward achieving that vision, but it's the underlying curriculum and instruction and not the tools selected that will make or break the educational system.

Explore further Remote learning here to stay despite challenges, survey finds
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There were some happy tears Wednesday at a Lehigh Valley senior living facility after some residents and staff received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Lehigh Valley Health Network vaccinated 20 people -- 12 residents and eight staffers -- at Saucon Valley Manor in Hellertown, part of the health networks effort to vaccinate the high risk and most vulnerable people in the first tier of the COVID-19 vaccination protocol.

Nimita Kapoor-Atiyeh, who manages the Bethlehem, Whitehall and Saucon Valley Manors, said they were notified a few hours before that the vaccine would be available.

It was like a Christmas blessing, she said Thursday.

Staff rushed to get approvals from doctors and residents families. They will receive a second dose between 26 to 32 days later.

Were just so happy, said Kapoor-Atiyeh, who received the vaccine. There was a lot of crying yesterday. I just felt yesterday, for the first time, Wow, theres hope. Our residents are going to be able to get with their families, hug their families.

William Maas, an 81-year-old retired mailman, was the first person at Saucon Valley to receive the vaccine.

Maas gave a thumbs up and said, Its very important to get the vaccine, for me, according to a news release from LVHN.

Anna Szoke, 89, has lived at Saucon Valley since 2014 and also received the vaccine.

I decided to take the chance. If its going to help, it will help, and if it doesnt, it doesnt, she said. Im pretty sure its going to help.

Szoke has been having window visits with her family during the pandemic, but is looking forward to being able to get out of the building so we can do stuff.

She spoke to her daughter about the vaccine, and her daughter said she wont get it.

I said, You do what you want, Ill do what I want, Szoke said. I feel its going to help.

Saucon Valley staff are now working to get pre-approvals in place for residents, so the next time the vaccine is available they will have a list of recipients ready.

Kapoor-Atiyeh said shes heard of people being nervous about getting the vaccine and there is challenge in convincing people to get it.

How could you not want to get it? she asked. Were not going to get out of this unless we work together.

The Atiyehs chose Saucon Valley as their first location to receive the vaccine because of its close proximity to Interstate 78 for transportation, and it is their biggest campus.

LVHN is administering the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. The network has vaccinated its high-risk, frontline workers, and others in the health network who want the vaccine, said Brian Nester, the health networks president and CEO.

As we continue that process in keeping with the CDC and state guidelines, we also are beginning to care for others who are most vulnerable in our community outside of our hospitals, those in long-term care facilities who are considered among the highest risk, he said in a news release.

LVHN staff is working as quickly as possible to get vaccine into the arms of as many people as possible to hopefully get control over the pandemic, Nester added.

Nester urged the public to be patient and stand-by in preparation for public vaccinations, as soon as more supplies become available.

As the state moves closer to opening COVID-19 vaccinations to the public, Attorney General Josh Shapiro warned of testing and vaccine scams.

As the COVID-19 vaccine is administered to Pennsylvanians, we believe scammers will begin working overtime to take advantage of consumers and attempt to steal your personal information and your money, Shapiro stated.

Shapiro warned that any call claiming a person can cut in line to get the vaccine by paying out of pocket is a scam and should be reported to the attorney generals office.

Things to look out for include:

A call from someone claiming to be from an insurance company. Hang up and call the number on the back of your medical insurance or prescription card to confirm whether the call is legitimate.

Scammers will claim the costs are covered by insurance, but they need additional information to process the shipment.

Be cautious if youre being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately.

Always be wary of any unsolicited offers that require you to provide your insurance or doctors information.

Anyone who believes they may have been scammed should file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General at attorneygeneral.gov.

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Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com.
These new roles have been designed to reinforce the elements of the Frazier & Deeter brand that we consider the foundation of our culture  People, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Accessibility and Quality.

Frazier & Deeter, a Top 50 accounting and advisory firm with offices in the US and the UK, announced today several changes to its senior leadership team. The firm has added new roles of Chief Strategy Officer and National Service Line Leader, while also separating the CFO and COO roles.

Frazier & Deeter has grown dramatically over the past ten years, adding many new services while also vastly expanding our geographic footprint, noted Managing Partner Seth McDaniel. With 60+ partners serving clients around the world, we recognized the need to add roles that will help support innovation and client service as we continue to grow at a rapid pace.

John Hightower has been named Chief Strategy Officer. His responsibilities include driving the strategic planning process, translating strategy across the firm, implementing strategic growth initiatives and driving organizational excellence and change.

Hightower will remain the CEO of Arch + Tower, an FD Company, which became part of the FD brand portfolio in late 2019. Arch + Tower is a boutique, organizational strategy consulting firm focused on helping organizations win by understanding the needs of their customers, unlocking the full potential of their employees, and removing operational barriers.

Frazier & Deeter has a tremendous reputation for building relationships with clients through excellent service, said Hightower. Our focus moving ahead is to maintain our service standards while providing our clients with the best experience to become the employer of choice in our industry.

Jeremy Jones has been named the National Service Line Leader, providing additional leadership to the Tax, Assurance, Transaction Advisory and Process, Risk & Governance teams. As National Service Line Leader Jones will be responsible for executing the firms strategy across departments, ensuring excellence in relationship management and client service, driving operational efficiencies and nurturing innovation across all service lines. Jones was previously the national leader for the firms Assurance practice.

I am excited to bring focus on nurturing innovation and thought leadership while sustaining exceptional quality, noted Jones. As our firm continues to expand services, we understand the need to support a balance of innovation and performance quality.

These new roles have been designed to reinforce the elements of the Frazier & Deeter brand that we consider the foundation of our culture  People, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Accessibility and Quality, noted McDaniel. Those are the core values that helped us build a brand known for innovation and client service, and investing in these roles will help us deliver on our brand promise of Investing In Relationships to Make a Difference.

With Jones moving into a new role, Sean Lager has been named the national leader for Assurance services. Lager is an Audit Partner with the firm who has been instrumental in the growth of the technology, accounting advisory and international service lines.

Shawn Fowler has been named the Chief Financial Officer. He is a Partner that started his public accounting career with Frazier & Deeter in 1988 after graduating from Georgia Tech.

I am honored and humbled to serve the firm in this role while continuing to serve our outstanding clients, noted Shawn.

Jeremy Sperring will continue to serve as the firms Chief Operating Officer and the leader of the Tax practice. Sabrina Serafin will continue to serve as the firms national leader for Process, Risk & Governance.

About Frazier & Deeter

Frazier & Deeter is an award-winning accounting and advisory firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The firm provides a wide range of tax, audit, accounting and advisory services to serve the emerging needs of clients as they evolve. Frazier & Deeter and its FD family of brands have nine offices across the United States and one in the United Kingdom. The firm has been recognized repeatedly as a Best of the Best Accounting firm, a Best Firm to Work For in the U.S. and a Best Firm for Women in Leadership. Frazier & Deeters brand promise is Investing in Relationships to Make a Difference
Photo: The Canadian Press Vice-President Mike Pence confirms Electoral College votes at the Capitol, Thursday.

UPDATE: 7:45 a.m.

Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner early Thursday after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in a stunning attempt to overturn Americas presidential election, undercut the nations democracy and keep Trump in the White House.

Lawmakers were resolved to complete the Electoral College tally in a display to the country, and the world, of the nations enduring commitment to uphold the will of the voters and the peaceful transfer of power. They pushed through the night with tensions high and the nations capital on alert.

Before dawn Thursday, lawmakers finished their work, confirming Biden won the election.

Vice-President Mike Pence, presiding over the joint session, announced the tally, 306-232.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the failed insurrection underscored lawmakers duty to finish the count. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress would show the world what America is made of" with the outcome.

Despite Trumps repeated claims of voter fraud, election officials and his own former attorney general have said there were no problems on a scale that would change the outcome. All the states have certified their results as fair and accurate, by Republican and Democratic officials alike.

Punctuating their resolve, both the House and Senate soundly rejected an objection to election results from Arizona, which had been raised by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., and another from Pennsylvania brought by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa. Still, most House Republicans supported the objections. Other objections to results from Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin fizzled.

The Pentagon said about 1,100 District of Columbia National Guard members were being mobilized to help support law enforcement at the Capitol. Dozens of people were arrested.

ORIGINAL: 6:50 a.m.

Vice-President Mike Pence defied President Donald Trump early Thursday as he affirmed President-elect Joe Bidens November victory, putting an end to Trumps futile efforts to subvert American democracy and overturn the results of the election.

In a move that infuriated Trump and left his own political future far less certain, Pence on Wednesday acknowledged that he did not have the power to unilaterally throw out electoral college votes as Trump and some of his attorneys had wrongly insisted.

Pence, as the session came to an end, said the count shall be deemed a sufficient declaration" of Biden's victory, but offered no words of congratulations to the incoming administration. It capped an extraordinary day of chaos, violence and division after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, sending lawmakers into hiding and delaying the proceeding.

Under normal circumstances, the vote-tallying procedure would be a mere formality  the final step in the complicated technical process of electing a new administration. But after losing court case after court case and with no further options at hand, Trump and his allies had zeroed in on January 6 as their last ditch chance to try to influence the outcome.

They spent days in a futile bid trying to convince Pence that the vice-president had the power to reject electors from battleground states that voted for Biden, even though the Constitution makes clear the vice-presidents role in the joint session is largely ceremonial, much like a master of ceremonies.

Pence acknowledged that reality in a lengthy statement Wednesday laying out his conclusion that a vice-president cannot claim unilateral authority to reject states' electoral votes.

It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not, Pence wrote in a letter to members of Congress that was released shortly before he gaveled in the joint session of Congress. Not long after, the angry mob swarmed the Capitol, overwhelmed police and halted the proceeding that had been underway.

Pence's move was an expected outcome, but one that carved a dramatic fissure between Trump and Pence, his once most loyal lieutenant. In a dramatic split screen, Pence released the statement just after he arrived at the Capitol to tally the votes and as the president was telling thousands of supporters gathered near the White House that Pence could overturn them if he wanted.

If Mike Pence does the right thing we win the election, Trump wrongly told supporters, who later marched through Washington and stormed the Capitol. He repeatedly returned to Pence throughout his speech, voicing frustration as he tried to pressure the vice-president to fall in line.

Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us. And if he doesnt, its a sad day for our country," he said.

Trump, who has spent the last two months refusing to acknowledge his defeat, later tweeted his disapproval.

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify," he wrote. USA demands the truth!
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Danny Jin is the Eagle's Statehouse reporter. A graduate of Williams College, he previously interned at the Eagle and The Christian Science Monitor. Danny can be reached at djin@berkshireeagle.com or on Twitter at @djinreports.

Joe Biden called for the restoration of 'just simple decency' as a mob incited by his predecessor stormed the US Capitol and delayed Congress from certifying the results of November's election

Leaders around the world condemned the storming of the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, calling it a shocking development in one of the world's largest democracies.

Britain

British prime minister Boris Johnson on Twitter condemned the "disgraceful scenes in US Congress," adding, "The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power".

British foreign secretary Dominic Raab also tweeted: "The US rightly takes great pride in its democracy, and there can be no justification for these violent attempts to frustrate the lawful and proper transition of power."

Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.  Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 6, 2021

United States:

President-elect Joe Biden called Wednesday for the restoration of "just simple decency" as a mob incited by his predecessor stormed the US Capitol and delayed Congress from certifying the results of November's presidential election.

"To storm the Capitol, to smash windows, to occupy offices, and to threaten the safety of duly elected officials is not protest. It is insurrection. The world is watching  and like so many other Americans, I am shocked and saddened that our nation, so long a beacon of light, hope and democracy, has come to such a dark moment."

All four living former presidents  Barack Obama, George W Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter  condemned the rioters.

"History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation. But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise," Obama said of the chaos that engulfed the nation's capital on Wednesday.

Former president George W Bush released a public statement Wednesday to strongly condemn the siege of the US Capitol and urged the supporters of Trump to stand down, writing that "our country is more important than the politics of the moment."

"Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our Nations government in disbelief and dismay. It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic  not our democratic republic. I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement. The violent assault on the Capitol  and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress  was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes," said Bush.

Clinton, a Democrat, echoed that message later Wednesday, calling the scene "an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country."

"The assault was fueled by more than four years of poison politics spreading deliberate misinformation, sowing distrust in our system, and pitting Americans against one another. The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost," Clinton charged.

Carter, also a Democrat, said he and former first lady Rosalynn Carter were "troubled" by the day's events.

"This is a national tragedy and is not who we are as a nation," he said.

European Union

The EU's foreign policy chief condemned an "assault on US democracy".

"In the eyes of the world, American democracy tonight appears under siege," Josep Borrell tweeted.

Calling the action an "assault on US democracy, its institutions and the rule of law", he added: "This is not America. The election results of 3 November must be fully respected."

Germany

Other allies were similarly appalled at what they described as an attack on American democracy, though some said they believed US democratic institutions would withstand the turmoil. Some leaders singled out Trump for harsh criticism.

"Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling on democracy," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas wrote on Twitter.

Die Feinde der Demokratie werden sich uber diese unfassbaren Bilder aus #WashingtonDC freuen. Aus aufruhrerischen Worten werden gewaltsame Taten - auf den Stufen des Reichstages, und jetzt im #Capitol. Die Verachtung demokratischer Institutionen hat verheerende Auswirkungen. (1)  Heiko Maas  (@HeikoMaas) January 6, 2021

"The enemies of democracy will be happy to see these incredible pictures from DC," said Mass comparing the scene to the storming of the Reichstag  the 1933 event that paved the way for Hitler's rise in Germany.

Canada

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, who has clashed with Trump in the past, said he was "deeply disturbed and saddened" by Wednesday's attacks. Trudeau declared that "violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people" while affirming his faith that US democracy would be upheld.

Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour. Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld - and it will be.  Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 6, 2021

France

French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian condemned "a serious attack on democracy".

"The violence against American institutions are a serious attack on democracy," Le Drian tweeted. "The will and the votes of the American people must be respected."

Australia

Australian prime minister Scott Morrison condemned the "very distressing scenes" in the US.

"We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition," he tweeted.

Very distressing scenes at the US Congress. We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition.  Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 6, 2021

New Zealand

Jacinda Ardern tweeted: "Democracy - the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob."

The prime minister added her country's thoughts were with everyone "devastated" by today's events, adding: "what is happening is wrong."

India

"Democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he expressed shock at the storming of the US Capitol in Washington by supporters of President Donald Trump.

"Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue," Modi said.

Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021

NATO

"Shocking scenes in Washington, DC," NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg tweeted. "The outcome of this democratic election must be respected."

The Netherlands

Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte issued a direct appeal to Trump to "recognize Joe Biden as the next president today."

Horrible images from Washington D.C. Dear @realDonaldTrump, recognise @JoeBiden as the next president today.  Mark Rutte (@MinPres) January 6, 2021

Spain

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said: "I have trust in the strength of US democracy. The new presidency of Joe Biden will overcome this tense stage, uniting the American people."

Ireland

Irish premier Micheal Martin, who has invited the Irish-American Biden to visit his ancestral homeland early in his presidency, tweeted his condemnation.

"The Irish people have a deep connection with the United States of America, built up over many generations. I know that many, like me, will be watching the scenes unfolding in Washington, DC with great concern and dismay," Martin said.

Greece

"Extremely troubled by the violence and horrible events taking place in Washington DC American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis," Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a tweet.

Turkey

Turkey, a NATO ally that has sometimes been at odds with Washington, expressed concern over the images of angry Trump supporters trying to thwart the certification of Biden as the new president.

"We are following with concern the internal developments happening in the US," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.

"We call on all parties in the US to maintain restrain and prudence. We believe the US will overcome this internal political crisis in a mature manner."

With inputs from agencies

Also read: US Capitol violence: Facebook, Twitter block Donald Trump from posting over policy breach, appearing to exhort Washington rioters
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 63F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 63F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
WASHINGTON  Chaos erupted in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday as President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the halls of Congress to disrupt a largely symbolic proceeding to formalize President-elect Joe Biden's victory, bringing unprecedented uncertainty to the nation's bedrock commitment to a peaceful transfer of power.

"Violence and anarchy are unacceptable. We are a nation of laws. This needs to end now," tweeted Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., one of many lawmakers to call for calm.

The constitutionally required count of Electoral College votes, typically a brief ceremonial event, came to an abrupt halt as lawmakers were swiftly escorted away and people waving Trump flags were seen knocking down police barriers around the Capitol and walking through halls normally reserved for lawmakers and tourists.

A woman was shot and taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

"This is by all appearances a riot. This is literally an assault on the United States Capitol," said Michel Paradis, a historian, legal expert and an adjunct professor at Columbia University Law School. "This is beyond a protest."

More: Biden calls Capitol riot insurrection, urges Trump to end siege

More: Trump declines to commit to peaceful transfer of power

More: GOP lawmakers miscast Congress' role in counting electoral votes

Violence flared as Republican leaders engaged in a stunning and historic series of political maneuvers, with Trump demanding Vice President Mike Pence use his perch in the Senate to overturn the election  an outcome Pence had no authority to pursue. Pence responded with a public letter defying Trump, noting that his role in the process was limited under the Constitution to overseeing the counting of ballots.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., meanwhile, took to the floor shortly before the debate over the votes was suspended to warn of a "death spiral" for democracy.

Story continues

The political drama itself was historic, even before the storming of the Capitol. Urged on by Trump, more than a dozen Republican senators and perhaps more than 100 House members had said they would seek to challenge the results based on the presidents evidence-free allegations of voter fraud.

Despite the chaos, the outcome of the vote count in Congress was never in doubt. Biden's Electoral College win has been certified by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. There are more than enough votes in both the House and Senate to formally accept that outcome.

After the riots broke out, Trump's critics slammed his handling of the situation.

"Weve had presidents dealing with violence and insurrection. Weve never had a president inciting violence and insurrection," said Jack Pitney, a professor of government at Claremont McKenna College. "To see something like this, its worse than I imagined."

Members of congress run for cover as protesters try to enter the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC.

Biden: 'It borders on sedition'

President-elect Joe Biden, speaking in Delaware on Wednesday, urged Trump to address the nation and demand that his supporters end the violence.

"What were seeing is a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent, its disorder, its chaos. It borders on sedition. And it must end, now, Biden said. I call on this mob to pull back now and allow the work of democracy to go forward.

While objections to the electoral vote process have occurred in the past, the rioting and scenes of confrontation with police inside the Capitol were a striking display of the rage that has been building among Trump supporters after weeks in which he has repeated bitter and baseless claims of voter fraud.

The turmoil began shortly after Trump held a rally on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue in which he continued to assert that the Nov. 3 election had been stolen from him and his supporters. The president said that he would "never concede," cited conspiracy theories about the election and then encouraged supporters to march on the Capitol, roughly 2 miles away.

Soon after, protesters were seen knocking down barriers, clashing with police and roaming the halls. In a remarkable display, some entered the Senate chamber and one climbed up the dais where the chamber's business usually takes place and shouted that Trump had won the election. Dozens of others wandered through the halls, demanding to speak with lawmakers. "Where are they!" they shouted.

Reporters, staff, and lawmakers were evacuated from the Capitol and their nearby office buildings at various points throughout the day. The National Guard in Washington was mobilized to support local law enforcement, a Pentagon spokesman said.

Trump repeats false claims

The nations capital has seen plenty of protests, but historians struggled to find close historical precedents. Some mentioned the anti-Vietnam protests in the 1960s or the 1932 "Bonus Army" demonstrations by World War I veterans who demanded benefits.

Waiting until the unrest was well underway, Trump later used a post on Twitter to urge people to "remain peaceful" and avoid violence. Pence urged supporters to leave and said that the "violence and destruction" in the Capitol "Must Stop Now.

Trump later posted a video calling for his supporters to "go home."

"I know your hurt," Trump said in the taped message.

Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol as tear gas fills the corridor on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.

Trump has for weeks argued that the counting of the state-certified electoral votes, required by the Constitution, was something more than it was, claiming it offered an avenue for him to overturn the outcome of the election. In fact, the job before lawmakers is far more mundane: Count the votes submitted by the states. No other roles are outlined. There can be no witnesses or sworn testimony to present evidence.

Pence defies Trump

Pence, who was taken to an undisclosed, secure location during the outbreak of violence, released a letter Wednesday pushing back on the argument that the vice president should do something to allow Trump to remain in power. In his letter, Pence said he didn't believe the framers intended for the vice president to have "unilateral authority to decide which electoral votes should be counted."

Republicans were set challenge the outcome in at least three states  Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania. While those challenges were expected to prompt debate, they would have required majority votes in both chambers to be sustained. The Democratic majority in the House  and widespread, bipartisan skepticism of Trump's claims in the Senate meant that the procedural effort amounted to little more than political theater.

Contributing: Joey Garrison, Nicholas Wu, Kevin Johnson, David Jackson, Courtney Subramanian, Christal Hayes, Bart Jansen

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DC riots: Violent protests erupt after Trump call to overturn election
Now that 2020 has come and gone, let us take a look at the amazing musical releases that came out that year. Genius Kore released their "Year-End Genius Korea Chart" and selected their top EPs (extended plays) for the year. Keep on reading to see what they chose.

This ranking was compiled by Genius Korea community moderators. All of the extended plays on this ranking were released in 2020. The data that is used to compile the rankings include the total page views of the respective albums on the platform, as well as the concurrent page views via lyrics searches on Genius.

RELATED: BLACKPINK, BTS, and More: Genius Korea Selects The Best Albums of 2020

The top EP selected by Genius Korea is DAY6's "The Book of Us: Demon," released on May 11, 2020, with the title track "Zombie." All the members were involved in the songwriting and producing process of the album, with Young K and Wonpil writing the lyrics for their title track and Jae helping in music production.



TIME Magazine had named "The Book of Us: Demon" as one of the top ten albums that defined K-pop's monumental year in 2020, noting its impactful lyrics and the ability to make listeners feel less alone in their own pain. The South China Morning Post also included it in their top 15 K-pop groups albums of the year, saying it was a soundtrack for life. Music outlet NME ranked it at #19 on "The 25 Best Asian Albums of 2020," saying that it was DAY6's most cathartic and therapeutic released yet.

RELATED: BTS, BLACKPINK, and More: Genius Korea Selects Their Top Artists of 2020

The second EP on their list is "I trust" by (G)I-DLE, released on April 6, 2020, and includes the title track "Oh my god." The EP debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart, making it the girl group's most successful release since their debut. They sold 112,075 copies in one week, making them the fourth girl group to sell over 100,000 copies within the first week of their release. They also have the highest record for a K-pop girl group to top the iTunes Albums charts.



Kim Do Heon, a writer for IZM, praised the album, saying it avoided the trap of self-reproduction or boredom. Specifically, he applauded leader Soyeon's ability to design the song in a way where each member's individuality and their unique color is shown.

Kushal Dev of KultScene praised the song for delivering its deepest, darkest convictions in a track that still maintains the traditional structure of K-pop. "I trust" was also included in Seo Jeong Min Gap's list of "If You Don't Listen, You Will Regret It" list.

RELATED: BLACKPINK, (G)I-DLE, and More Included in Genius Korea's Top Girl Groups of 2020

From 3-10, Genius Korea's top EPs of 2020 are:

3. WONHO - "Love Synonym #1: Right for Me"

4. TWICE - "MORE & MORE"

5. ATEEZ - "Zero: Fever Part.1"

6. LOONA - "[12:00]"

7. Hwa Sa - "Maria"

8. Red Velvet - IRENE & SEULGI - "Monster"

9. ITZY - "It'z Me"

10. GOT7 - "DYE"

Did your favorite 2020-released extended play make it to the list? Tell us in the comments!

RELATED: BTS, NCT, and More: Genius Korea Selects the Top Boy Groups of 2020

For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this.

Written by Alexa Lewis

Midland Health began administering second doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday after distributing initial doses to 2,316 employees and other front-line workers in the last few weeks.

The vaccine is 95 percent effective at protecting recipients from getting sick from the coronavirus after two doses have been administered, according to hospital officials.

We are thrilled about it, said Val Sparks, Midland Memorial Hospitals infection preventionist.

She said 881 Midland Health employees have received an initial dose of the vaccine and the other 1,435 doses were given to hospital workers who are not employees, such as independent practitioners and others on the front lines. That includes health-care providers, funeral directors, county jail employees and city EMS workers. Midland County Judge Terry Johnson also said Thursday that he has received the vaccine.

Theyve administered 400 second doses as of Thursday morning, according to MMH CEO and President Russell Meyers. Sparks said they will continue vaccinating all who received an initial dose over the next 10 days. She said theyve also distributed 65 initial doses of the Moderna vaccine.

The 2,316 doses were from the shipment Midland Health received on Dec. 17. They were shipped enough vials for 1,950 doses but found each vial had an extra dose, Sparks said. She said all the doses in that shipment were administered before the end of 2020.

Its unknown when the next shipments will arrive, though Sparks said once they do, Midland Health will continue administering the vaccine to front-line workers as well as those who qualify for Phase 1B, which is open to individuals 65 and older or with chronic health conditions.

The states COVID-19 vaccine dashboard, which is supposed to show how many vaccine doses have been shipped and how many have been administered in each county, is lagging, according to hospital officials. The dashboard shows about 1,000 vaccine doses have been administered in Midland County, less than half what Midland Health alone reports administering.

You may have heard reports from people with state health services suggesting that hospitals have vaccines sitting on shelves and arent moving rapidly enough to get it administered, Meyers said. I think by and large thats probably not true. Its not true here.

Sparks said part of the delay in the states reporting is from the state giving Midland Health an incorrect vendor I.D. number to use for their reporting.

We started entering data into one code and the state called us and said, thats the wrong code for you, stop, she said. That was over the holidays. We kept going, OK, tell us what to use and they would not answer us because they were closed for the holidays.

They werent given the correct code from the state until Dec. 30, Sparks said. She said she believes thats been a common problem throughout Texas because other hospitals have complained about the same issue.

Sparks said she did know of any employees who called out of work after receiving the vaccine. The most common reaction reported from the vaccine is a sore arm, she said.

Meyers said Thursday he had received a second dose of the vaccine two days earlier and felt mildly ill the following day, though it soon passed.

In my case, I had some chills and I felt a little bit fatigued, he said. I took a couple Tylenol and it went away. Weve been told to expect that  thats an indication that the vaccine is working. That your bodys reacting to it and getting a little bit of the symptoms of what the illness might be like because your body is reacting and building antibodies.
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There is palpable fear among workers and residents of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, as two more professors including a law lecturer and incumbent attorney-general of Oyo State, Oyelowo Oyewo, have been confirmed positive of the deadly coronavirus disease.

This is coming on the heels of the countrys new record high figure of confirmed cases as announced on Wednesday evening by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The centre had announced a total of 1,664 new cases which ranks as the countrys highest daily figure so far since the index case was first recorded on February 27, 2020.

But while Mr Oyewo neither picked his call nor replied to a text message sent to him on the matter, the chief press secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Taiwo Adisa, simply said; I dont comment on what I dont know.

Meanwhile, a top management official at the university, who does not want to be named due to the confidentiality of the matter, confirmed that both Mr Oyewo and a professor of African History at the universitys department of history and strategic studies, faculty of arts, Rufus Akinyele, are down with the disease.

PREMIUM TIMES, however, learnt that while Mr Akinyele has been discharged from an isolation centre at the infectious disease hospital (IDH), Yaba, Lagos, and recuperating at his official quarters on the campus, Mr Oyewo is on self-isolation at an undisclosed location.

Contact tracing

The university in partnership with relevant authorities has also commenced the tracing of some contacts following the death of the institutions former dean of the faculty of education, Duro Ajeyalemi, on Wednesday.

This newspaper exclusively learnt that Mr Ajeyalemi had on December 31 reported at the universitys medical centre before he was referred to the universitys teaching hospital in Idi-Araba.

The universitys vice-chancellor, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, who confirmed the contact tracing process to our reporter on the phone, however, allayed the fear of the residents.

Mr Ogundipe said the doctors and other officials that attended to Mr Ajeyalemi at the medical centre had been asked to self-isolate while they also go for proper testing.

We are making efforts to ensure that those to be tested for the disease are able to get tested on time. There is no need for panic, the situation is well under control but we advise everyone to follow the Covid-19 guidelines and protocols adequately, Mr Ogundipe, a professor, said on the phone.

Further findings by our reporter revealed that an unidentified daughter of one of the lecturers on the campus was also on Wednesday transferred to LUTH with the medical centres ambulance.

But the vice-chancellor said he could not confirm the report, saying he was yet to be briefed on any development relating to that.

Panic on campus

Many academic and non-academic workers who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES on condition of anonymity said they are afraid of moving around on the campus for fear of interacting with possible carriers of the virus.

The vice-chancellor also confirmed that he had to work from a hideout on the campus on Wednesday to avoid contacts with many visitors who might want to sympathise with him and the university on the death of two retired professors  Oye Ibidapo-Obe and Duro Ajeyalemi.

The two dons had died within the same week having contracted the disease. Though it is unclear whether they both attended the same event, the rumour circulating the campus was that both Ibidapo-Obe and Ajeyalemi, among other lecturers of Ijesha origin had recently attended a social event in Ikoyi.

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Mr Oyewo was also recently hosted at a reception in his honour over his attainment of the status of a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

A lecturer in the universitys faculty of social sciences told our reporter on the phone that he would not risk any interaction with anyone, and so I have opted for virtual channels to interact with anyone.

The universitys deputy vice-chancellor in charge of development services, Folasade Ogunsola, had on Wednesday advised Nigerians to avoid partying at this critical time.

The professor of medical microbiology said the best precaution is for people to use masks appropriately and sanitise their hands regularly if they dont have access to running water and soap.
The market closed in the red after erasing all its gains in late trade, continuing the downtrend for the second consecutive session on January 7. Technology and FMCG stocks pulled the market lower, but was supported by metals, and select banking and financials.

The BSE Sensex declined 80.74 points to 48,093.32, while the Nifty50 fell 8.90 points to 14,137.40 and formed a bearish candle on the daily charts as closing was lower than opening levels.

"A negative candle was formed after opening at the new highs (14,256) and this candle is placed beside the similar negative candle of Wednesday. Technically, this pattern could indicate a range movement with a weak bias. We observe the emergence of intraday profit booking at the new highs," Nagaraj Shetti, Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities told Moneycontrol.

"The short term trend of Nifty has turned out to be choppy and this range-bound movement is expected to continue for the next session. Immediate resistance is placed at 14,300 and short term support for the Nifty is at 14,000 levels. A sustainable move above 14,300 could open further upside momentum in the market," he said.

The overall market breadth continued to be positive as about 1,198 shares advanced against 737 declining shares on the NSE. The broader market indices like Nifty Midcap 100 index and Smallcap 100 index have outperformed the benchmark index and closed higher by 1.45 percent and 1.37 percent respectively. This is a positive indication, Shetti feels.

We have collated 15 data points to help you spot profitable trades:

Note: The open interest (OI) and volume data of stocks given in this story are the aggregates of three- month data and not of the current month only.

Key support and resistance levels on the Nifty

According to pivot charts, the key support levels for the Nifty are placed at 14,088.2, followed by 14,039.1. If the index moves up, the key resistance levels to watch out for are 14,221.3 and 14,305.3.

Nifty Bank

The Nifty Bank outperformed the benchmark Nifty50 for the third consecutive session, rising 158.10 points to 31,956. The important pivot level, which will act as crucial support for the index, is placed at 31,852.53, followed by 31,749.07. On the upside, key resistance levels are placed at 32,118.43 and 32,280.87.

Call option data

Maximum Call open interest of 19.25 lakh contracts was seen at 14,000 strike, which will act as a crucial level in the January series.

This is followed by 14,500 strike, which holds 17.17 lakh contracts, and 15,000 strike, which has accumulated 13.60 lakh contracts.

Call writing was seen at 14,200 strike, which added 2.62 lakh contracts, followed by 14,500 strike which added 1.66 lakh contracts and 14,400 strike which added 1.14 lakh contracts.

Call unwinding was seen at 14,100 strike, which shed 74,100 contracts, followed by 14,000 strike which shed 67,425 contracts.

Put option data

Maximum Put open interest of 23.46 lakh contracts was seen at 13,500 strike, which will act as crucial support level in the January series.

This is followed by 14,000 strike, which holds 21.29 lakh contracts, and 13,600 strike, which has accumulated 15.06 lakh contracts.

Put writing was seen at 14,200 strike, which added 3.44 lakh contracts, followed by 13,900 strike, which added 1.8 lakh contracts and 13,400 strike which added 1.74 lakh contracts.

Put unwinding was seen at 13,600 strike, which shed 60,750 contracts, followed by 14,000 strike, which shed 8,325 contracts.

Stocks with a high delivery percentage

A high delivery percentage suggests that investors are showing interest in these stocks.

53 stocks saw long build-up

Based on the open interest future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which a long build-up was seen.

17 stocks saw long unwinding

Based on the open interest future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which long unwinding was seen.

38 stocks saw short build-up

An increase in open interest, along with a decrease in price, mostly indicates a build-up of short positions. Based on the open interest future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which a short build-up was seen.

33 stocks witnessed short-covering

A decrease in open interest, along with an increase in price, mostly indicates a short-covering. Based on the open interest future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which short-covering was seen.

Bulk deals

(For more bulk deals, click here)

Analysts/Board Meetings

Balrampur Chini Mills: Company officials will interact with Capital World on January 8.

Tata Elxsi: Investors' Conference call on Q3 FY21 results of the company will be held on January 13 during which the Leadership team will discuss the financial performance of the company.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance: The company to declare its December quarter results on January 19.

Stocks in the news

Tata Consultancy Services: The company will declare its December quarter earnings on January 8.

Bharat Rasayan: The company to consider the proposal of buyback of equity shares on January 12.

Sanghvi Brands: Rajesh Srinivas Bail resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the company.

AGC Networks: CRISIL assigned long-term credit rating for the company's bank loan facilities at BBB- and the outlook is stable.

Fund flow

FII and DII data

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) net bought shares worth Rs 382.3 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) net sold shares worth Rs 989.5 crore in the Indian equity market on January 7, as per provisional data available on the NSE.

Stocks under F&O ban on NSE

One stock - SAIL - is under the F&O ban for January 8. Securities in the ban period under the F&O segment include companies in which the security has crossed 95 percent of the market-wide position limit.
In what experts called a novel study examining one connection between school openings and coronavirus, Tulane University researchers determined that in-person learning did not contribute to the number of people in surrounding communities who were hospitalized due to the virus.

In a paper published Tuesday, researchers with Tulane's National Center for Research on Education Access and Choice said they provided the first "broad-scale evidence" on how school openings relate to the number of people becoming seriously ill by looking at weekly school reopening and COVID-19 hospitalization data for nearly every U.S. county and parish.

"It appears that, when hospitalizations rates are low, it is safe to reopen schools in-person," said Douglas Harris, the study's lead researcher. "This is important given the side effects of closure for students, such as limiting access to essential services, social isolation and learning loss."

The study found no evidence that in-person learning increased COVID hospitalizations when counties already had low hospitalization rates. Harris and colleagues said that was true for the 75% of counties that had low rates during the summer prior to reopening schools, defined as being those that had no more than 36-44 total new COVID hospitalizations per 100,000 people each week.

Neither the levels nor the trends changed when schools open in this group, even as far as six weeks after schools reopened, researchers said.

In an interview, Harris said that as of two weeks ago -- the latest time period for which he had U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data -- New Orleans was below that range, while neighboring Jefferson Parish was above it.

However, he urged that researchers were "not making strong recommendations" about when policyholders should open schools, in part because they recognize that there are other considerations at stake.

"It's not even clear what being prudent means right now," Harris said, adding that policymakers have to consider community health as well as the effects of not opening school, which can impact safety in other ways.

The study noted that since it began spreading in the U.S. last January, COVID-19 has led to 1.7 million deaths worldwide and more than 300,000 in the United States, and that rising infections had precipitated economic, social, and health side effects including bankruptcies, unemployment, and food insecurity.

On the other hand, school closures were "likely to compound the social and economic crisis," with remote learning forcing parents to leave the workforce and hindering careers, especially among women, the study said. Children were also more likely to suffer learning losses, emotional problems and even physical abuse with schools shut down, researchers said.

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"Youre balancing these two almost contradictory pressures," Harris said.

The study also came with a critical caveat, which is that results were inconclusive for counties that already had high hospitalization rates. Researchers said it was possible that when there was more of the virus to be spread, school safety measures could have less impact.

Because of this inconsistency, study co-author Engy Ziedan, a health care economist at Tulane, said policymakers should be cautious "given the spike in hospitalizations in recent months."

"It may not be safe to reopen schools where the virus is already widespread," Ziedan said.

In recent weeks, teachers and other community members around New Orleans opposed to reopening schools in-person following the winter break cited a U.S. Centers for Disease Control chart that also cautions against reopening schools in areas where COVID-19 infections are widespread, although the national government agency uses different data.

The CDC chart said that said communities with a COVID-19 test positivity rate higher than 10% had the highest risk of coronavirus transmission in schools.

This week, the Orleans Parish school district announced it would go to online-only until at least Jan. 21.

In a news release, Tulane researchers also noted that how schools reopen remains important -- including the use of masking and social distancing -- as does "keeping teachers and school staff in high-risk categories out of school."

Despite the caveats, researchers said the study was crucial to understanding just how in-person learning affects communities because it didn't rely on those positivity rates used by the CDC -- a marker also used by many school districts, including NOLA Public Schools, but one that Tulane says has too many variables to be reliable.

"Our focus on hospitalizations is important because it gets us much closer to the outcomes of greatest importance -- actual sickness," Harris said in the research paper. "In addition, the validity and reliability of this measure is not likely to be affected by whether schools reopen...hospitals are not likely to change their rate of illness reporting because schools reopen."

Susan Hassig, a Tulane epidemiologist, added that COVID-19 testing is "too infrequent and unsystematic to be informative about the effects of school re-openings on the virus's spread."
As the world watched in horror the violence in the US's Capitol Hill, where four people were killed, security experts in the US questioned the police over its failure to stop the incident that led to the deaths of at least four persons.

The US Capitol Police force was caught unprepared by a mob of pro-Trump extremists in a failure to protect the seat of American democracy.

Rioters, many waving Trump flags, breached the barricades set up by an under-staffed police force and swarmed the Capitol. They disrupted the certification of President-Elect Joe Bidens election.

In Pics | Pro-Trump Extremists Invade US Capitol in a Bid to Overturn Election

While office buildings in the Capitol Hill had to be evacuated with the area sent under lockdown, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a 15-day public emergency in light of the violence.

US security experts, as shocked by the incident as the rest of the world, said the breach was a massive failure on the part of the police.

Former chief of Seattle police Carmen Best, who is also an NBC news contributor, was quoted by the news channel as saying, I was wondering, where were the cops? If they don't get there soon, what else could transpire? It felt like a very long time, and I'm sure millions of people were also watching and thinking the same thing.

The same question was on other peoples minds as well.

Former defence secretary Leon Panetta was quoted by The Hill as saying, What the hell was law enforcement on Capitol Hill thinking by not having secured the Capitol today?

ALSO READ | How the Chaos Unfolded as Pro-Trump Mob Stormed the US Capitol

Panetta said, Everybody knew that there would be a disturbance, everybody knew that there would be people who were interested in doing nothing but creating havoc in the Capitol, and very frankly it was the responsibility of the law enforcement and the Capitol Hill Police to secure the Capitol.

Experts wondered why given the volatile political situation  with Trump constantly dismissing Joe Bidens win in the US Presidential election  the police was not prepared for something like this.

Former commissioner for the Boston police department told USA Today, There has to be political will to put resources in place to stop what clearly should've been seen.  This is the result of a lack of political will to control an attempted insurrection What happened here is a colossal failure, and I believe it's a colossal political failure, not on the part of the police They were outnumbered and overrun."

ALSO READ | Can Trump be Removed From Office Before His Term Ends On January 20? All Possibilities Explained

Reports suggest that 52 arrests have been made so far in the incident and the number is likely to grow. Reuters reported that questions were being asked on why Capitol police let many of the rioters exit the building without arrests.

As the police were visibly outnumbered in todays incident, many also pointed out the double standards among the police forces.

The New York Times quoted Attica Scott, a state representative in Kentucky, as saying, You can be arrested for walking while Black, but you can be white and riot and basically get away with it. Scott was arrested in Louisville on felony charges that were later dropped.
God gave us memories so we could have roses in December

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-06 22:34:45|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on Sept. 16, 2020 shows the night view of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The epidemic-induced lockdowns loomed over China's economy in the first half of 2020, but with quick emergency response and government-aided stimulus package, the country's economy roared back.

Massive tax cuts and increased government spending have helped the economy recover faster. The market is also closely watching over the country's fiscal policy in 2021: Would the country withdraw its financial support straight away? And how strong would its economic recovery be?

The country's annual key meeting on economic work has boosted market confidence. China would keep its macroeconomic policies consistent next year by not making any "sudden turns" as the foundation of its economic recovery is "not yet solid." That means the government will stick to its proactive fiscal policy in 2021.

OPTIMIZED FISCAL SPENDING

The World Bank (WB) pointed out in its latest report on China's economy that the country's gross domestic product is expected to grow 2 percent in 2020 and further rebound to 7.9 percent in 2021.

The bank has attributed the "faster than expected" recovery of economic activities to China's effective epidemic-control strategy, strong policy support and resilient exports.

According to China's tax authorities, tax and fee cuts in the first 11 months of 2020 totaled 2.37 trillion yuan (about 363.22 billion U.S. dollars), out of which 1.64 trillion yuan was saved under the preferential tax and fee measures unveiled in 2020 to bolster economic development and COVID-19 containment.

Besides, buoyant fiscal spending was seen in social welfare, health care and education sectors.

In the first 11 months of 2020, the country's fiscal expenditure grew by 0.7 percent from a year earlier to over 20.78 trillion yuan, with positive year-on-year growth seen in social security and employment, education, as well as hygiene and health sectors.

Considering the sound economic recovery, analysts expect that the focus of fiscal spending would shift from epidemic prevention to infrastructure construction.

China could use its fiscal space to hedge against downside risks to growth, said the WB, "but the focus should shift from traditional infrastructure to more social spending and green investment."

In keeping with one of the primary tasks listed in the annual economic meeting, China will adopt a fiscal policy that offers stronger financial guarantees to major national strategies as well as promote science and technology innovations, with more investment expected in the digital economy and new infrastructure sectors.

Zhang Yiqun, a scholar in financing and taxation, believes that more financial support will go to fields such as new infrastructure, 5G and chips.

At a recently-held national fiscal work conference, Finance Minister Liu Kun stressed giving priority to improving investment structures, encouraging consumer spending, and facilitating a new-type of people-centered urbanization.

Efforts will be made to guarantee the people's well-being, improve policy support for agriculture, rural areas and farmers, as well as for rural vitalization, Liu said.

The country will also spend more on pollution control to support green development, he added.

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AMID RISK PREVENTION

In 2020, China raised its deficit-to-GDP ratio from 2.8 percent in 2019 to above 3.6 percent, moving away from its longstanding practice of a ceiling of 3 percent.

In the first 11 months of last year, bonds issued by local governments jumped 44.76 percent year on year to 6.26 trillion yuan, according to the finance ministry.

The total outstanding debt of the local governments stood within the official limit at 25.56 trillion yuan by the end of November last year, data by the ministry showed.

Impacted by COVID-19 and downward pressure of the economy, local governments have seen a decline in revenue and faced greater pressure on defusing hidden debt risks, said Ji Fuxing, a professor with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

In 2021, the proactive fiscal policy will be "more sustainable" in terms of expenditure scale and policy strength to leave more policy space in addressing future risks and challenges, Liu said in his latest interview with Xinhua.

He said that the country should rationally set the target of fiscal deficit ratio and the scale of government special bonds, as well as keep the macro government leverage ratio at a stable level to leave policy space in combating future risks and challenges.

Currently, the debt risks of local governments are generally controllable. However, hidden government debts and default risks are increasing in certain regions, Liu said.

He said that the government would pay "close attention" and stay on "high alert" for the debt problems.

Though China will adopt a proactive fiscal policy, the country may not issue special treasury bonds for epidemic control again in 2021, said Bian Quanshui, chief analyst with Sinolink Securities.

The deficit-to-GDP ratio is expected to be less than 3 percent this year, and the scale of special bonds for local governments would shrink to around 3 trillion yuan, Bian said.

China should withdraw some of the temporary aid packages safely and cautiously to achieve a balance between sustainable growth and risk-prevention in the long-term, said Han Wenxiu, an official of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs. 


Care homes say it would be a 'grave mistake' to use their empty beds as overflow for packed hospitals as the number of people being admitted with Covid-19 surges.

The NHS is making plans to commandeer spare care beds across the country to help release pressure on hospitals as their wards fill up with coronavirus patients.

More than 30,000 people are currently in hospital with Covid across the UK and the number is expected to soar after more than 300,000 people tested positive in the last week of December.

But the Government is blocking the move to send patients to care homes because it doesn't want to pay and fears patients could spread Covid to the homes' extremely vulnerable residents, the Health Service Journal reports.

The National Care Forum warned that care homes are facing their own 'phenomenal' pressures and cannot cope with NHS patients too. It argued calls to protect the NHS must not ignore the 'massive potential impact' on care homes.

The caution is a worrying throwback to the first wave when hospitals were permitted to discharge patients into care homes without testing them for Covid.

These patients, bosses warned, seeded deadly coronavirus outbreaks in the homes which contributed to the sector's devastating death toll of 19,157 in 2020.

Care homes could be told to accept hospital patients as wards fill up with Covid-19 patients but the Government is reportedly reluctant to foot the bill (Pictured: Joyce Birrell, a 104-year-old resident at a care home in Hertfordshire, gets her coronavirus vaccine)

The Department of Health in October wrote to care homes asking them to try and make space to accept non-resident patients being discharged from hospitals.

It wanted to set up 500 of these designated areas, sectioned off from the main home and staffed by different workers, in case hospitals became overloaded in a second wave of coronavirus.

Ministers wanted to make sure every local authority in England had at least one of these overflow units at its disposal.

But now that hospitals face fast-rising patient admissions and coronavirus runs rampant around the UK again, the Government is reportedly reluctant to put the plans into action.

The Health Service Journal reported that the Treasury is holding back on the idea because it doesn't want to foot the bill  most care homes are run by private firms.

One council boss told the specialist health news site: 'The ask is an additional financial burden on providers and someone needs to pick up the tab.

'The obvious department to do so is the Treasury and that is where the barrier is.'

And another 'well-placed source' added: 'There is the sense that, because the Governments fingers got so burnt in March and April, it is running scared to have a discussion about what role they should play now, or even to be seen to have a discussion.'

As well as the financial difficulty of commandeering the private homes, companies that run them are also reluctant to run the risk of bringing Covid back in.

Care homes have spent months this year making homes Covid-safe, banning visitors or strictly limiting where they can go, regularly testing staff and residents and bringing in extra PPE.

Vic Rayner, chief executive of the National Care Forum, which represents not-for-profit care homes, said today: 'It would be a grave mistake to discharge large numbers of Covid-19 positive people to care and nursing homes, particularly with the new variant of the vaccine being so virulent.

LONDON HOSPITALS COULD BE 'OVERWHELMED' WITH COVID-19 IN TWO WEEKS London's hospitals could be overwhelmed by Covid-19 in less than two weeks even in a 'best' case scenario, an NHS briefing has reportedly warned. Medical director at NHS London, Vin Diwakar, provided the worrying analysis to medical directors of the capital's hospital trusts over a Zoom call yesterday. Even if coronavirus patient numbers grow at the lowest likely rate and capacity is increased - including opening the Nightingale - the NHS would still be short 2,000 general, acute and ICU beds by January 19, the HSJ reports. Three scenarios are laid out for both general beds and intensive care - 'best', 'average' and 'worse'. These account for the impact of four per cent daily growth, five per cent growth and six per cent growth respectively. Growth for G&A beds on January 5 was 3.5 per cent, with the rate at 4.8 per cent for ICU beds, the report claimed. Mr Diwakar found the 'best' case forecast would mean the number of Covid patients in G&A beds rising to 9,500 by January 19, with non-Covid patients remaining the same at 7,460 - a number which remains constant throughout all the scenarios. After small demand control measures, the total demand is predicted to be at 17,100. Possible ways of increasing capacity includes the NHS securing an additional 400 beds, with the independent sector finding 50. In addition to this, 1,000 'step down beds', some supplied by the Nightingale hospital's opening, and 150 made available by specialist trusts, would give a total capacity of 15,600 - still 1,500 short of the forecast demand. Advertisement

'Hospital patients must not be discharged to care homes without a cleared test result and there must not be pressure for care homes to take patients who are Covid-19 positive if they are not either established as a designated scheme, or have suitable arrangements in place.

'The crisis and pressure in the hospital sector is mirrored in the care and nursing home sector where we are already seeing testing and widespread community transmission causing rapid and unpredictable staffing shortfalls, adding phenomenal pressure to an exhausted and stretched workforce.

'Calls to protect the NHS must not ignore the massive potential impact on those living and working within care.'

The boss of healthcare union NHS Providers, Chris Hopson, confirmed this morning that hospitals are looking around for extra capacity.

Many are seeing wards fill up at pace and the UK's chief medical officers have warned there is a 'material risk' of the NHS being overwhelmed within weeks.

The national lockdown should bring down infection rates but hospital admissions will continue to soar as people who caught the virus over Christmas get sick.

Mr Hopson said on BBC Radio 4 today: 'They [hospitals] know there is some spare capacity in the care and nursing sector.

'They're in the middle of conversations with care and nursing home colleagues to see if they can access that capacity.

'It's literally leaving no stone unturned to maximise every single piece of capacity that we've got, in those areas under pressure.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said today: 'No care home should be forced to admit an existing or new resident if they do not feel they can provide the appropriate care.

'The NHS and social care systems are working closely together to ensure that patients are discharged as quickly and safely as possible. All patients will be tested on discharge from hospital and must have their result prior to admission to a care home.

'We have put in place designated care home or NHS community settings that can provide Covid-positive residents with the care and support they need, while protecting other vulnerable residents from the risk of infection.

'This is in addition to 3billion to maintain independent sector support and Nightingale hospital surge capacity over winter, while supporting safe discharge from hospitals.'

If care homes are turned into overflow wards for hospitals it is likely only non-Covid patients would be sent to them, following uproar over a Government policy in the first wave which saw people recovering from coronavirus sent into care homes where they were feared to have triggered killer outbreaks.

Mr Hopson explained that a big issue with the Nightingale hospitals, which were set up to provide overflow beds, is that they have to be staffed by the NHS.

But the NHS is already short of qualified medics, in some cases struggling to staff even hospitals' own wards, let alone lend workers to others.

There are already more than 95,000 frontline medics off sick in England, with around half of those isolating because of coronavirus.

Mr Hopson added: 'It's better if we can access any spare capacity in the nursing home sector because it's got staff there.

'We all recognise that if we're going to do that then we really need to help care and nursing homes.

'So, for example, if we're going to discharge patients who need consistent access to high quality therapy we're going to need to ensure that our community services can provide that support.

'We also know if we're going to discharge patients that are perhaps slightly more higher levels of acuity than normal we're going to have to provide extra nursing support.

'The issue is we're now at a point where unless we can access this capacity, we're not going to be able to treat the patients that we need to treat in the NHS.'

NHS England did not respond to a request for comment.
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG) today announced the acquisition of Fredericton, New Brunswick-based Cain Insurance Services Ltd. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1986, Cain Insurance Services is a retail property/casualty broker offering commercial and personal insurance to clients throughout the region. Cain has broad expertise, with particular strengths in serving clients in the public sector, manufacturing, agriculture, realty and construction, and builds on Gallagher's existing presence across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Dan Cain, Luke Cain and their associates will continue to operate from their current location under the direction of Michael Thornhill, B.A., FCIP, CRM, Area President of Gallagher's Atlantic Canada retail property/casualty brokerage operations.

"Cain's broad capabilities and excellent client relationships in the New Brunswick market will complement and enhance Gallagher's growing presence across Atlantic Canada," said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman President and CEO. "We are very pleased to welcome Dan, Luke and their team to our growing global company."

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The company has operations in 49 countries and offers client-service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

Investors: Ray Iardella Media: Linda J. Collins VP  Investor Relations VP  Corporate Communications 630-285-3661/ [email protected] 630-285-4009/ [email protected]

SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Related Links

http://www.ajg.com


Phuket officials defend school closures, closing businesses would be too damaging

PHUKET: Phukets leading officials have defended the decision to order all schools in Phuket to close but not enforce any closures of any other businesses, saying there was sufficient risk among children returning from trips to high-risk areas with their families to endanger all students but that shutting down businesses would have a too damaging impact on the islands economy.

COVID-19Coronavirushealtheconomics

By The Phuket News

Thursday 7 January 2021, 10:43AM

Officials have defended closing all schools in Phuket, while keeping all businesses open. Image: Phuketanticovid19 (under the Ministry of Interior)

The explanation was given during a press conference led by Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew broadcast live yesterday (Jan 6).

Phuket Provincial health Office (PPHO) Chief Dr Thanit Sermkaew pointed out that Phuket currently has zero confirmed cases of people infected with COVID-19, after a father and his two sons were discharged from hospital earlier this week.

A total of 196 people believed to have had high-risk exposure to the three patients were checked, with none found to be infected, he added.

This is good news for Phuket. The three have already recovered and left the hospital. They have returned home already and no longer have any symptoms, and no additional cases were found, he said.

In other provinces throughout the country, there are still many people infected, both Myanmar and Thai people. [These infections] which may be associated with gambling houses and our Myanmar brothers and sisters in the country, Dr Thanit said.

The Ministry of Public Health is now accelerating proactive checks to search for more infected people in the country and [the current campaign] is expected to be completed by no later than the end of January, he added.

Previously, Phuket was the highest-ranking province in terms of having the most infections. We are using that experience and coordinating with the relevant departments to cooperate intensely this time, Dr Thanit said.

SCHOOLS OUT

Governor Narong pointed out that as Phuket was doing so well at preventing any outbreak, many people had asked why officials had ordered all schools on the island to close.

Phuket Vice Governor Pichet Panapong explained, From yesterdays meeting [Jan 5], it was revealed that during the new year, parents and students from various schools in Phuket went on trips to celebrate the new year. Many of these might have traveled to high-risk areas in the 28 provinces now under tight controls and returned to Phuket, and the children returning to attend school. We cannot know whether any of these people returned infected.

After hearing complaints from parents and owners of the schools on this matter, we needed to announce the school closure to prevent the occurrence of problems. Parents have agreed that if there are no new infections within the 14 days, the schools can re-open, he said.

Vice Governor Pichet noted that some parents had objected to the schools refusing to allow their children to go to school, but he also noted, Concerns have also now been raised that parents will take their children on another trip [out of the province] during the 14 days. Therefore we ask everyone right now to stay at home. It is the best way.

Fellow Vice Governor Vikrom Jakthee added, From assessing the situation, Phuket is clear of infections, so there is no need to lock down and no provincial entrances are closed, but there are intense checks at all three entrances and exits of Phuket.

BUSINESS AS USUAL

V/Gov Vikrom also explained, Establishments similar to service locations are not closed. We command that all places in Phuket to follow the control order.

Our preliminary checks have found many places that violate the control measures, and we have already caught three places, which the court fined two venues B40,000 each and one venue B30,000. It has also been emphasised that officers are checking every night.

The question is, why are service establishments not closed? The answer is that if they were ordered to close, the number of unemployed would increase by thousands. This would affect the provinces overall economy worse.

Governor Narong added, If establishments were closed, it would affect the economy. Everyone would lose their jobs. So for now any closures will be on a case-by-case basis, and only ordered for those who do not follow the provincial regulations.

CANCELLED FLIGHTS

Governor Narong also raised the issue of flights being cancelled over the new year, amid reports saying that a person in Phuket had been found infected.

Phuket International Airport General Manager Thanee Chuangchoo confirmed yesterday that the number of flights cancelled was due to a lack of passengers wanting to come to Phuket.

Yet, Phuket health chief Dr Thanit explained, During the new year there was news that someone in Phuket was infected and that tourists had cancelled the flights they had booked, leading to half the flights to Phuket being cancelled.

A person with a temperature over 38 degrees was identified, but no infection was detected, Dr Thanit said.

It was a mistake while checking at Thalang Hospital, he added.

Governor Narong also highlighted that Phuket does not have the resources to conduct full-scale widespread testing for COVID-19, while V/Gov Vikrom explained that provincial officers were testing only sample candidates from potential risk groups.

It would be costly if all potential candidates were swab tested, and there probably wont be enough [budget to do so], V/Gov Vikrom said.

Hence officers were to ensure that proactive checks continue with random sample testing to be done, he added.
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Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 63F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 63F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
[January 07, 2021] MedExpert Solves COVID-19 Compliance Law Challenges

MedExpert offers a unique solution for employers to keep employees safe while complying with new laws relating to COVID-19 exposure. The program is free to companies with fewer than 10 employees. On January 1 new California laws went into effect to keep employees safe from COVID-19 worksite exposure. Every California employer is required to track COVID-19 cases and provide exhaustive notice in the event of a COVID-19 exposure in the workplace. "Many of our clients lack the infrastructure to reliably coordinate what is required to be compliant," states Maryann Mason, SVP Medical Informatics (News - Alert) . "The consequences for non-compliance are serious and the confusion is massive." "MedExpert has a solution to keep employees safe while protecting employers and providing a simple way to stay in business without getting crushed under new regulatory burdens," Mason said. The new law requires employers to provide written notices to employees and subcontractors within one day of exposure. Employers must also track exposure events andprovide reporting measures to Cal/OSHA and other agencies in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.



AB 685 and Cal/OSHA's new regulations accelerate the timeline for issuing serious citations, resulting in large fines and business closures. Usually Cal/OSHA citations provide employers 15 days to contest a citation. AB 685 removes the notice period for COVID-19 related hazards which means businesses can get shut down immediately. MedExpert has decades of experience managing medical and health information. It launched COVID-19 compliance solutions to ease the burden on employers.

"MedExpert has provided medical management and other programs to our members since 2007," says Rick Silva, Administrator, UFCW & Employers Benefit Trust. "In December, we implemented MedExpert's COVID-19 Compliance solution. The new California law will be in effect until January 1, 2023, and we anticipate working with MedExpert during this time through the evolution of vaccine passports, testing, notifications, daily screenings and tracing," Silva said. MedExpert offers the AB 685 compliance solution free to employers with 10 or fewer employees. "Small businesses have been disproportionately hit by the pandemic and MedExpert can help," Mason said. To register and learn more about MedExpert's Compliance programs, go to www.medexpert.com/covid-19. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005794/en/

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BENGALURU : The Income Tax Department is conducting a survey at Instakart (a group company of Flipkart) and food ordering and delivery company Swiggy in Bengaluru in connection with an alleged bogus input tax credit (ITC) connected to an external vendor, sources informed on Thursday.

According to sources, the survey was conducted on the input provided by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) who is currently running a nationwide drive against GST evaders to minimise the misuse of the system. DGGI has found GST invasion and referred the case to income tax to check the income tax evasion.

Also Read | The faces behind the farmer revolt

A Flipkart spokesperson confirmed the survey being conducted by the I-T department and said that the company is ensuring full compliance.

"The officials from the Income Tax Department have contacted us. We are providing them with all the required information and are extending our full co-operation. We believe we are in full compliance with all applicable tax and legal requirements," the Flipkart spokesperson said.

"Flipkart employs more than two lakh people. It helps bring three lakh Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and over six lakh, artisans/weavers, to market using technology," he added.

Swiggy also issued a statement in which it said: "As a law-abiding company, we are in full compliance with the tax and legal mandates. The survey by the IT officials is currently underway and our team is extending full cooperation in the matter."

Last week in an interview to ANI, Finance Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey had said that to minimise the misuse of the system, the government has kept a check on those persons who were claiming excess Input Tax Credit (ITC).

"We have centralised the data from different agencies and analysing it through artificial intelligence. We got to know that there are a number of people who are showing income of a few lakhs in their income tax returns but in GST they are showing turnovers in crores," Pandey had said.

"We are also getting information that some unscrupulous persons are importing items worth crores of rupees but they are not reflected in their GST or income tax returns. Now, we are acting on these tax evaders on specific data-based information with a targeted approach," he added.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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She's been sunning herself for Dubai for weeks on end.

And Love Island star Ellie Brown was proudly flaunting her incredible curves in a skimpy metallic bikini as she posed on her yacht for a sultry Instagram snap on Thursday.

The reality star, 22, slipped into the ombre two-piece as she posed up a storm on her yacht while most of England is plunged into its third lockdown.

Amazing: Love Island star Ellie Brown, 22, flaunted her incredible curves in a skimpy metallic bikini as she posed on her yacht for a sultry Instagram snap on Thursday

Ellie opted for the plunging bikini with a pink and purple ombre print as she relaxed on her yacht in the sunshine.

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The star finished her holiday look with gold earrings as she posed for the sexy snap.

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In her snap the stunning Dubai skyline could be seen in the distance as Ellie continued to enjoy her never-ending break in the city.

Making waves: The erstwhile star made sure to drive the point home that she's not locked away like the rest of the UK, as she slipped into a couple of daring ensembles over the weekend

The erstwhile star made sure to drive the point home that she's not locked away like the rest of the UK, as she slipped into a couple of daring ensembles over the weekend.

The first, she modeled on a boat.

Posing on the deck, she wore a very busty black swimsuit, barely containing her chest, a lilac wrap added around her waist.

Ellie wore her blonde locks loosely around her features and added a slick of mascara to her lashes and a dash of pink to her pout.

She completed the look with large gold hoop earrings.

She was seen in another snap, crawling around in a lacy white camisole and a tie-dye miniskirt, her locks swept back from her features this time.

Adding a diamond necklace to the look, she showed off her tanned limbs in the snap as she gazed sultrily down the camera lens.

While its all boats and crawling for Ellie, reality stars have been slammed for jetting off to the tropics while the rest of their native UK wallows in tired misery back home.

Perilous: She was seen in another snap, crawling around in a lacy white camisole and a tie-dye miniskirt, her locks swept back from her features this time

Another one-time star Kady McDermott was forced to hit back at trolls on Friday after she was criticised for her 'business trip' to the Maldives.

The former Love Island contestant took to Instagram to share a sunset photo of herself in a bikini, gazing out at the infinity pool and soaking up the evening heat.

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'My favourite time of the day!' she captioned it, tagging @hardrockhotelmaldives and @trendingtravel.co.uk into the post.

Hitting back: Kady McDermott was forced to hit back at trolls on Friday after she was criticised for her 'business trip' to the Maldives

But one follower - who allegedly has been contacting her via direct message as well - was quick to slam Kady, 25, for being abroad while the majority of the UK are forbidden to travel and stuck in Tier 3 and 4 lockdowns.

'Breaking the rules again - don't see this as a business trip!' he remarked.

Unable to let it slide, Kady bit back: 'Oh so because you dont see it as a business trip it means it isnt? Oh ok lol.

'But if you mush know as you keep sending me DMS too I am here with @trendingtravel.co.uk and had a valid letter for travel from the CEO. Not everyones work is based in an office, David!' [sic]

Business or pleasure? The former Love Island contestant took to Instagram to share a sunset photo of herself in a bikini, gazing out at the infinity pool and soaking up the evening heat

Work or play? One follower - who allegedly has been contacting her via direct message as well - was quick to slam Kady, 25, for being abroad while the majority of the UK are forbidden to travel and stuck in Tier 3 and 4 lockdowns [above is her reply]

She went on: 'I understand some people may not see this as work but advertising fashion brands, companies, hotels etc is how I pay my bills.

'I dont question anyone on how they pay theirs so dont question mine. Happy new year!' [sic]

Others agreed with the original critic's comment, with one remarking 'God how easy is that flying somewhere nice and getting pictured' and another posting 'Got her fella with her so cant be that much of a business trip'.

Kady is away with her boyfriend, former TOWIE star Myles Barnett, 26, after they rekindled their romance following an on-off relationship.

She went on: 'I understand some people may not see this as work but advertising fashion brands, companies, hotels etc is how I pay my bills. I dont question anyone on how they pay theirs so dont question mine. Happy new year!'

Kady was also forced to hit back at another follower on Friday, who bizarrely posted: 'Congratulations on the pregnancy!'

Kady was also forced to hit back at another follower on Friday, who bizarrely posted: 'Congratulations on the pregnancy!'

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To which Kady snapped back: 'Only thing in my belly right now is a pina colada and pad Thai!'

The snap saw Kady in a skimpy two piece, her long raven tresses falling loosely over one shoulder and covering her face and her torso.

It comes after a flurry of reality stars have been slammed over the past few weeks for jetting off to the lives of the Maldives, St Barts and Dubai.

Plus one: Kady is away with her boyfriend, former TOWIE star Myles Barnett, 26, after they rekindled their romance following an on-off relationship

While some jetted out prior to the UK's travel ban, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson enforced another lockdown on the nation, others have jetted off since then, under the 'for work purposes' loophole.

Despite the coronavirus crisis worsening, stars of TOWIE, Love Island and Geordie Shore appear to be soaking up the sun around the globe in their droves.

Most have flocked to Dubai, as the United Arab Emirates has played host to a number of stars over the past year, despite the consistent rules throughout advising against international travel, save for work or education.

Hot spot: Dubai has been the primary hot spot for reality star 'business trips', rule-bending and hard-partying throughout the pandemic

Amid yacht trips and wild nights out, a host of stars, including TOWIE's Amber Turner, Dan Edgar, Yazmin Oukhellou and James Lock, have all maintained their trips have been for business purposes with many confirming their work plans on social media or to publications through their representatives.

On December 20, London and surrounding areas were plunged into Tier 4, which saw travel abroad for leisure 'not permitted', with exceptions only allowed for reasons such as work, education and childcare, however Vogue Williams and her husband Spencer Matthews were spotted on a family holiday to St. Barts on Monday.

Government guidelines for international travel currently state: 'Following identification of a new variant of the virus, international travel from your area may be increasingly restricted because of domestic regulations...

Living it up: Amid yacht trips and wild nights out, a host of stars have maintained their trips have been for business purposes with many confirming their work plans on social media or to publications through their representatives [Love Island's Kaz Crossley and Ellie Brown, pictured]

Idyllic: The stars have also sauntered to the Caribbean while Brits languish at home

'Different rules apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For example, those in tier 4 areas in England will not be permitted to travel abroad apart from limited exceptions, such as work purposes. Follow all the rules that apply to you.'

The general travel advice on the Gov.uk site reads: 'We continue to advise against all non-essential international travel to some countries and territories. You should check the country page for your destination....

'We are monitoring the international situation very closely and keeping this advice under constant review so that it reflects our latest assessment of risks to British people. We take a range of factors into account.

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'For coronavirus, this includes the incidence rate and the resilience of healthcare provision in each country.'

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NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bureau Veritas today announced the appointment of Lou DeLoreto, effective immediately. DeLoreto is responsible for driving the safety and sustainability efforts of Bureau Veritas for 7,000 employees, in 130 locations across North America.

As part of Bureau Veritas' commitment to shaping a world of trust, DeLoreto will play a critical role to support the safety and sustainability efforts of Bureau Veritas in North America, with responsibilities of shaping internal policies, organizational goals and objectives to assure Bureau Veritas meets the highest safety standards, social responsibility practices, and environmental policies.

"For us at Bureau Veritas, safety is paramount and the top priority for our company as we serve our clients, and communities. As a global authority in safety and sustainability, our clients rely on our high safety standards and the accuracy and integrity of our inspection, testing, and certification services," said Natalia Shuman, EVP and CEO, Bureau Veritas, North America. "We look forward to having Lou join our team, and step into the Vice President, Safety and Sustainability role to support our unparalleled commitment to ensure a culture of safety and sustainability at every level of our organization."

"I am excited about my new role as the safety and sustainability leader and look forward to supporting Bureau Veritas' mission of shaping a world of trust," said Lou DeLoreto, Vice President, Safety & Sustainability, Bureau Veritas, North America. "At Bureau Veritas, we take ownership and stand by our work for what we deliverand safety and sustainability are two core values that I'm honored to lead, , and take responsibility for progressing the futurefrom the inside out."

With 24 years of safety leadership experience, DeLoreto is an expert in high risk operations, construction, field service, supply chain and production environments. Prior to his role with Bureau Veritas as Vice President, Safety & Sustainability, DeLoreto served as head of global health and safety for Schindler, a Swiss multinational company which produces escalators, moving walkways, and elevators worldwide as well as a variety of executive leadership roles within United/Raytheon Technologies.

DeLoreto holds a B.A. in risk management, loss management and business management from Keene State New Hampshire College, and attended the University of Virginia Darden School of Business Leadership.

Safety and Sustainability at Bureau Veritas

Safety and sustainability are core values at Bureau Veritas and together support the company's mission to shape a world of trust. These values are grounded in a set of beliefs, principles and guidelines for Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) at Bureau Veritas. Bureau Veritas is committed to actions that will continuously improve and promote employee health, safety and environmental protection.

About Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas is a world leader in laboratory testing, inspection and certification services. Created in 1828, the Group has more than 75,000 employees located in more than 1,500 offices and laboratories around the globe. Bureau Veritas helps its clients improve their performance by offering services and innovative solutions, in order to ensure that their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility. Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the Next 20 index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI. For more information, visit https://group.bureauveritas.com.

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The US capital on Wednesday was a city on edge, bracing for possible violence and unrest, with downtown businesses boarding up their storefronts and windows

Washington: After 1,448 days of trench warfare with friends and foes alike, 1,448 days of Twitter blasts and busted norms and shock-jock governing, 1,448 days of dominating the national conversation and rewriting reality to suit his needs, President Donald Trump arrived on Wednesday at a moment of reckoning. All that was left was the shouting.

Barring an unforeseen surprise, Congress was poised to ratify Trumps election defeat with bipartisan majorities despite a furious effort to persuade Republicans to block the count. At the same time, Democrats appeared on the cusp of winning the second of two runoff elections in Georgia to seize control of the Senate and complete their takeover of the executive and legislative branches.

The wreckage of the Trump presidency and its collateral damage on the Republican Party were on display at one end of Pennsylvania Avenue while his denialism was on display on the other. As lawmakers headed to the Capitol to receive electoral votes sealing President-elect Joe Bidens victory, Trump was left to rage futilely before supporters gathered on a cold, gusty day on the Ellipse just south of the White House he will have to vacate in 14 days.

We will never give up, he declared at the Save America rally, his last-gasp effort to justify his failing bid to overturn the democratic election with false claims of fraud that have been debunked by elections, judges and even his own attorney-general. We will never concede. It doesnt happen. You dont concede when theres theft involved. Our country has had enough. We will not take it anymore, and thats what this is all about.

The convulsions of the day in Washington presaged the coming conclusion to four turbulent years that upended convention and challenged the institutions of a capital built up over more than two centuries. Democrats and Republicans alike never quite knew how to handle a reality television show star who defied expectation, tradition, rules and truth. Some fought him, others sought to manage him, and many in his own party bowed down to him  until now, as the toll became clear. But they never fully accepted him.

As the crowd on the Ellipse chanted, Fight for Trump! Fight for Trump! the president lashed out at members of his own party for not doing more to help him cling to power over the will of the people. There are so many weak Republicans, he growled and then vowed to take revenge against those he deemed insufficiently loyal. You primary them, he said.

He singled out Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia, a Republican who has angered him by not intervening in the election, calling him one of the dumbest governors in the United States. And he went after William Barr, the attorney-general who would not validate his election complaints. All of a sudden, Bill Barr changed, he groused.

Other speakers, including his sons Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, excoriated Republican lawmakers for not standing up for the president. The people who did nothing to stop the steal  this gathering should send a message to them, Donald Trump Jr said. This isnt their Republican Party anymore. This is Donald Trumps Republican Party.

To many Republicans, that was the problem. Even as Trumps presidency was slipping away from him, Republicans increasingly turned on him, stewing over the lost Georgia races they blamed on his erratic behaviour since the 3 November election and the votes he was forcing lawmakers to take for or against the results of a democratic election.

Gabriel Sterling, a senior Georgia election official and long-time Republican who has vigorously refuted the presidents false claims of wrongdoing in his states elections, said Trump was 100 percent, four-square responsible for the partys apparent losses there in Tuesdays Senate runoff elections. Former Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona, one of the presidents sharpest Republican critics, went on CNN to say the election results were a kind of fitting coda, I think, to the end of the Trump administration.

The headlines on some conservative media websites were unforgiving:

Trump and His Enablers Stole the Georgia Elections From Republicans, declared one column in The Washington Examiner.

Blame Everything, but Especially Trump, said another in National Review.

DEMS TAKE CONTROL! SWEEP GEORGIA. NEW DAWN OF LIBERALISM. THANKS, DONALD, read a banner headline on The Drudge Report, which broke with Trump in recent months.

As for Democrats, they were jubilant over the declared victory of the Reverend Raphael Warnock and the possible victory of Jon Ossoff in Georgia, which if finalized would result in a 50-50 Senate with Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris tiebreaking vote giving Democrats a majority. It feels like a brand-new day, exulted Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, who was poised to become the majority leader.

Trump was hardly ready to concede that and was still pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to do what even the presidents long-time lawyer Jay Sekulow said the vice president did not have the power to do: Reject the electors of swing states Republicans lost. I hope Mike is going to do the right thing, Trump said. I hope so. I hope so because if Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election.

Just minutes later, Pence released a letter saying he did not have the power to do what the president wanted him to do. It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not, Pence wrote.

It was a city on edge, bracing for possible violence and unrest, with downtown businesses boarding up their storefronts and windows. Trump supporters planned to march to the Capitol to protest his defeat as hundreds of police officers and National Guard troops kept watch. At one point, the president about to lose his office even seemed to suggest he would join them in the trek to Capitol Hill, but instead he kept speaking, even as Congress convened at 1 pm to cement his defeat.

Trump faced the end of his reign much as he began it: Without the support of most Americans even as he has presented himself as a self-proclaimed billionaire champion of everyday people. He won through the Electoral College in 2016 with three million fewer votes in the popular tally than his opponent and lost by seven million in November. He did not earn the approval of a majority of Americans in major surveys for a single day of his tenure, unlike any of his predecessors in the history of polling.

As he confronted the finale of his one-term presidency, Trump comforted himself in the company of rallygoers, always his favourite venue for affirmation. He rattled off one debunked conspiracy theory after another to explain away his loss. As the hour for the counting in Congress approached, he kept talking almost as if the talking would change the outcome somehow.

Lets go back eight weeks, he said at one point, seeking metaphorically to return to before the loss that will define him at least in part in the history books. But it was too late. None of the yelling would change anything. The show was drawing to a close.

Peter Baker c.2021 The New York Times Company
MCM will serve as both triage unit and bridge center in emergency medical situations

DAEJEON, South Korea, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A KAIST team has developed a low-cost and ready-for-rapid-production negative pressure room called a Mobile Clinic Module (MCM).

The MCM expects to quickly meet the high demand for negative pressure beds in the nation and eventually many other countries where the third wave of COVID-19 is raging. The module is now ready to be rolled out after a three-week test at the Korea Cancer Center Hospital. For more at https://youtu.be/TMEthF7lRHI.

Professor Tek-Jin Nam, who developed the MCM, cites 'expandability' as its key feature. Eventually, it will serve as both a triage unit and bridge center in emergency medical situations.

"This is a very efficient and versatile unit. It takes approximately two hours to build the basic MCM unit, which comprises four negative pressure bed rooms, nurse's station, locker room, and treatment room. We believe this will significantly contribute to relieving the drastic need for negative pressure beds and provide a place for monitoring patients with moderate symptoms," said Professor Nam.

It will also help manage less-severe patients who need to be monitored daily in quarantined rooms or serve as a bridge station where on-site medical staff can provide treatment and daily monitoring before hospitalization. These wards can be efficiently deployed either inside or outside existing hospitals.

The research team specially designed the negative pressure frame to ensure safety level A, utilizing a multi-function panel wall roofed with an air tent. The multi-function panels can hold medical appliances such as ventilators, oxygen and bio-signal monitors. Positive air pressure devices supply fresh air from outside the tent. An air pump and controller maintain air beam pressure while filtering exhausted air. An internal air information monitoring system efficiently controls room air pressure and purifies the air.

While a conventional negative pressure bed is reported to cost approximately 3.5 billion KRW (50 billion won for a ward), this module is estimated to cost 0.75 billion won each (10 billion won for a ward), cutting the costs by approximately 80%. The MCM is designed to be easily transported and maintained. This module requires only one-fourth of the volume of existing wards and approximately 40% of their weight. The unit can be transported in a 40-foot container truck.

Media Contact

Younghye Cho

kaistpr@kaist.ac.kr

younghyecho@kaist.ac.kr

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1395178/photo1.jpg
Stray Cat With Rotten Teeth and Frostbite That Knocked on Womans Door Gets a Second Chance

When a tattered stray cat pawed at a screen door in desperation one freezing winters day, it turned out to be the beginning of a brand-new life.

It was Valentines Day when Jaelle, a foster volunteer with Un Chat a la Fois/One cat at a time kitten rescue in Quebec, Canada, heard meowing coming from her backyard. An orange tabby was standing ankle-deep in snow, with a paw stretched at her screen door as though begging to be let inside.

Jaelle sent Un Chat a la Foiss founder, Marie Simard, a photo of the cat, hoping for advice while knowing that Simards rescue specializes in orphaned kittens. His face said everything that needed to be said, Simard told The Dodo.

The photo tugged at Simards heartstrings. He stayed in front of her door for a while  he didnt try to get away, she recalled. I told her to take him to our partner clinic so he could be evaluated.

At the vet, it was discovered that the cat was actually in desperate need of help. On top of suffering from diabetes, frostbite, and rotten teeth, the feline was covered in fleas, ticks, and bite wounds. He also tested positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Simard then named the cat Aslan after the lion from C. S. Lewiss The Chronicles of Narnia series.

Due to the cat having compromised immunity, Simard ventured that Aslan wouldnt have made it through another winter.

We tried to find the owner but there was no microchip, Simard explained to Love Meow. He was around 6 to 7 years old, not neutered, and no one was looking for him. Most likely he was abandoned by previous owners a long time ago.

However, despite all his ordeals, Aslan turned out to be a big softie, purring and poking his paws between his cage bars at the veterinary clinic to beg affection from passersby. He also turned out to be a fighter. After several days of in-patient treatment, including having his matted fur shaved away, Aslans health improved.

He was placed in foster care with Jaelle and her other rescue cat, Cleo. Hes a very affectionate cat, Simard reported. He likes to sleep close to his foster mom.

Before long, Aslan was deemed ready to find his forever home. But in the meantime, he had become so close to both Cleo and Jaelle that the decision seemed made: Aslan was already home.

He would just sleep next to [Cleo], groom her, and she would groom him, Simard explained. It made sense to have them stay together, two rescue cats who had a tough life.

Cleo also gave Aslan company after the feline underwent dental and eye surgery.

Almost one year after turning up on a snowy doorstep, begging for help, Aslan is enjoying his senior years surrounded by love and luxury. He loves people, and other cats, and is always asking for hugs, said Simard. Its clear that this beautiful cat has had a family before.

This story was last updated in January 2021.

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By Joseph S. Nye, Jr.





CAMBRIDGE  American foreign policy tends to oscillate between inward and outward orientations. President George W. Bush was an interventionist; his successor, Barack Obama, less so. And Donald Trump was mostly non-interventionist. What should we expect from Joe Biden?



In 1821, John Quincy Adams famously stated that the United States "does not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own."



But America also has a long interventionist tradition. Even a self-proclaimed realist like Teddy Roosevelt argued that in extreme cases of abuse of human rights, intervention "may be justifiable and proper." John F. Kennedy called for Americans to ask not only what they could do for their country, but for the world.



Since the Cold War's end, the U.S. has been involved in seven wars and military interventions, none directly related to great power competition. George W. Bush's 2006 National Security Strategy proclaimed a goal of freedom embodied in a global community of democracies.



Moreover, liberal and humanitarian intervention is not a new or uniquely American temptation. Victorian Britain had debates about using force to end slavery, Belgium's atrocities in the Congo, and Ottoman repression of Balkan minorities long before Woodrow Wilson entered World War I with his aim to make the world safe for democracy. So, Biden's problem is not unprecedented.



What actions should the U.S. take that cross borders? Since 1945, the United Nations Charter has limited the legitimate use of force to self-defense or actions authorized by the Security Council (where the U.S. and four other permanent members have a veto). Realists argue that intervention can be justified if it prevents disruption of the balance of power upon which order depends. Liberals and cosmopolitans argue that intervention can be justified to counter a prior intervention, prevent genocide, and for humanitarian reasons.



In practice, these principles are often combined in odd ways. In Vietnam, Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson argued that the U.S. military was countering North Vietnamese intervention in South Vietnam. But the Vietnamese saw themselves as one nation that had been artificially divided on the basis of realist Cold War balance-of-power considerations. Today, the U.S. has good relations with Vietnam.



In the first Gulf War, President George H.W. Bush used force to expel Iraq's forces from Kuwait to preserve the regional balance of power, but he did so using the liberal mechanism of a U.N. collective security resolution.



He considered himself a realist and refused to intervene to stop the shelling of civilians in Sarajevo, but after devastating images of starving Somalis on U.S. television in December 1992, he deployed troops for a humanitarian intervention in Mogadishu.



The policy failed spectacularly, with the death of 18 U.S. soldiers under Bush's successor, Bill Clinton, in October 1993  an experience that inhibited U.S. efforts to stop the Rwandan genocide six months later.



Because foreign policy is usually a lower priority than domestic issues, the American public tends toward a basic realism. Elite opinion is often more interventionist than that of the mass public, leading some critics to argue that the elite is more liberal than the public.



Nonetheless, polls also show public support for international organizations, multilateral action, human rights, and for humanitarian assistance. As I show in "Do Morals Matter? Presidents and Foreign Policy from FDR to Trump," no one mental map fits all circumstances. There is little reason to expect the public to have a single consistent view.



For example, in the second Gulf War, American motives for intervention were mixed. International relations specialists have debated whether the 2003 invasion of Iraq was a realist or a liberal intervention.



Some key figures in George W. Bush's administration such as Richard Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld were realists concerned about Saddam Hussein's possession of weapons of mass destruction and the local balance of power; but "neo-conservatives" in the administration (who were often ex-liberals) stressed the promotion of democracy and the need to maintain American hegemony.



Outside the administration, some liberals supported the war because of Saddam's abominable human rights record, but opposed Bush for failing to obtain the institutional support of the U.N., as his father had in the first Gulf War.



Broadly defined, intervention refers to actions that influence the domestic affairs of another sovereign state, and they can range from broadcasts, economic aid, and support for opposition parties to blockades, cyberattacks, drone strikes, and military invasion. From a moral point of view, the degree of coercion involved is important in terms of restricting local choice and rights.



Moreover, from a practical point of view, military intervention is a risky instrument. It looks simple to use, but it rarely is. Unintended consequences abound, implying the need for prudent leadership.



Obama used force in Libya, but not in Syria. Both Trump and Hillary Clinton said in 2016 that the U.S. had a responsibility to prevent mass casualties in Syria, but neither advocated military intervention. And there was remarkably little discussion of foreign policy in the 2020 election.



Some liberals argued that the promotion of democracy is America's duty, but there is an enormous difference between democracy promotion by coercive and non-coercive means. Voice of America broadcasts and the National Endowment for Democracy cross international borders in a very different manner than the 82nd Airborne Division does.



In terms of consequences, the means are often as important as the ends. Where will Biden land on the spectrum of interventions intended to promote security, democracy, and human rights? We may find an encouraging clue in his history of good judgment and contextual intelligence. But we must also bear in mind that sometimes surprises occur, and events take control.





Joseph S. Nye, Jr. is a former dean at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and the author of "Do Morals Matter? Presidents and Foreign Policy from FDR to Trump." His article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org).


San Francisco police have arrested an 18-year-old city resident in the slaying of Jace Young, a 6-year-old boy who was gunned down in the Bayview neighborhood while watching Fourth of July fireworks.

James Harbor was arrested Wednesday afternoon, after officers from San Francisco police homicide, special investigations and tactical units served search and arrest warrants at the 100 block of Font Boulevard in San Franciscos Parkmerced, police said Wednesday.

Jaces family said the arrest is the first step to justice for the young bright star and computer whiz whom they described as intelligent and empathetic beyond his years.

An arrest is good, but this is just the beginning, Jaces dad, Jason Young, said Wednesday evening. We still need to find out what happened on the Fourth of July for it to even mean anything, but the charges and making them stick are whats more important  just to get justice for this little boy.

Jaces killing shocked a community long plagued with gun violence and bloodshed and spurred urgent calls for justice from city leaders including Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Shamann Walton.

Social justice activists said the shooting was a wake-up call for San Francisco, arguing for more gun control and more services and funding directed toward San Franciscos Black youths.

In August, San Francisco police announced a $100,000 reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of Jaces killer.

At 10:44 p.m. on July 4, San Francisco police were dispatched to a call of a shooting near the 1200 block of Ingalls Street, where they found Jace and a 39-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. The man was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police at the time said that they did not believe Jace or the man were the intended targets and that they were both innocent bystanders hit by gunfire.

Booking charges for Harbor were not immediately available.

District Attorney Chesa Boudin said he was proud of the work of his homicide team in partnership with San Francisco police homicide inspectors.

Tonights arrest is a first critical step in bringing justice to the Young family and is an example of what we can achieve when we work together, he said.

Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy
People in the greater Tokyo area expressed anxiety Thursday about how their lives and businesses will be impacted by the declaration of another state of emergency in Tokyo and neighboring areas amid record numbers of COVID-19 cases.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's decision to declare a monthlong state of emergency to Feb. 7 was met with skepticism from some residents, who questioned the effect it will have on curbing infections.

"We have started to understand what kind of disease it is, so I feel like we are not facing the same sense of urgency that we had in spring last year," said Kunio Iyonaga, a 48-year-old commuter from Yokohama, at Tokyo's busy Shimbashi Station.

"But I still want (the government) to show us what we can do exactly to prevent infections," said Iyonaga, who has been working from home four days a week due to the spread of the virus.

The emergency declaration was set to come a day after the number of new infections in a day in Japan exceeded 6,000 for the first time, increasing concerns over strain on the medical system.
Andris Nelsons will return to Symphony Hall this week to lead the orchestra in a series of Beethoven-inspired recordings.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-08 00:11:44|Editor: huaxia

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MOGADISHU, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said Thursday it has ended four-day induction training for 160 newly deployed police officers to help enhance their peacekeeping role in the country.

The AU mission said the police officers from Uganda who will be in Somalia for a year were inducted to help build the necessary capacity to maintain law and order and observe rule of law.

Augustine Kailie, AMISOM police commissioner said in a statement issued in Mogadishu that the training for the Uganda Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingent 9 will also enable the officers to deliver on the AMISOM mandate to train, mentor, monitor and advise the Somali Police Force with the aim of transforming it into a credible and effective organization adhering to strict international standards.

Kailie urged the newly deployed officers to serve diligently and discharge their duties in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the mission.

He reminded the officers that they are in Somalia for a peacekeeping mission and urged them to maintain cordial relations with the host communities.

According to AMISOM, 2021 is a crucial year for Somalia due to elections and the deployment of these officers will boost the number of police officers at both federal and regional levels.

Zambia, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Sierra Leone are the six police contributing countries (PCCs) to the African Union Mission in Somalia.

AMISOM Police presently has deployed four Formed Police Units (FPUs) in Somalia from Uganda, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana.

The FPUs play a crucial role in ensuring improved security in the liberated areas through joint patrols with the Somali Police Force (SPF), assisting in public order management and provision of VIP escorts as well as providing protection to AU Individual Police Officers (IPO) to co-locate with the SPF in as many police stations as possible. Enditem
Etihad Aviation Training (EAT) has signed a contract with Israir Airlines to offer Full-Flight Simulator pilot training for Israir Airlines Airbus A320 pilots.

As part of the agreement, Israir will dry lease EATs Full-Flight Simulators at the training facility located in Abu Dhabi. The training will be conducted by Israir instructors at the Etihad training facility.

Captain Paolo La Cava, Managing Director Etihad Aviation Training, said: Following Etihads announcement to commence services to Tel Aviv, EAT is delighted to further commercial opportunities with Israel by providing comprehensive aviation training services to Israir Airlines.

EAT offers a wide range of training products and services, including airline training, type rating, cabin crew safety training, instructor training and cadet programmes, and aircraft maintenance training, making it one of the largest training facilities in the Middle East.

Continuing our commitment to providing highly skilled pilots by offering state-of-the-art training facilities, EAT is looking forward to working with Israir Airlines and is anticipating further collaboration with the airline to cement this landmark agreement, added Captain La Cava.

Uri Sirkis, Chief Executive Officer, Israir Airlines, said: Close to the signing of the Abraham Accords peace agreement, I met Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group and Managing Director & Vice President of Etihad Aviation Training, Captain Paolo La Cava at Etihad Headquarters. The short visit revealed to me a rare opportunity to use the EAT simulator facility, just a three-hour flight away from Israel."

Beyond the economic and professional benefits, I believe that the more meeting points we find between the countries, the stronger the tourism movement will be. This is the true peace".

EAT offers comprehensive pilot training and has partnered with over 40 airlines. At Zayed Campus in Abu Dhabi, EAT offers pilots complete flight training devices including Airbus and Boeing Full-Flight Simulators, Airbus and Boeing Fixed Training Devices and Flight Navigation Procedures Training. - TradeArabia News Service
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company

ATLANTA - Record-breaking turnout among Black voters powered a pair of Democrats to Senate victories in Georgia, reshaping the balance of power in Washington as President-elect Joe Biden takes office.

More than 4.5 million Georgians voted in the January runoff elections, shattering previous records and rivaling the turnout in November, when the state elected a Democrat for president for the first time since 1992.

This extraordinary level of enthusiasm reflected the high-stakes nature of the contest, which determined control of the Senate and Biden's ability to pursue an ambitious Democratic agenda.

But voters say the victories of Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock also highlight the important role Black Georgians play in Democratic politics, and the growing sway they'll have on the party in the future.

"I am full of joy and gratitude for all the Black voters in Georgia, because they are the reason we have this victory," said Wanda Mosley, senior state coordinator for Black Voters Matter.

Mosley and others credited the win to a years-long effort to register and engage Black voters who infrequently, or have never, cast a ballot.

Over the past two months, Black Voters Matter distributed hundreds of thousands of door hangers with voting instructions and information about three issues that resonate with Black Georgians: coronavirus relief, systemic racism and voting rights.

On the last day of early voting, the group hosted a "Collard Green Caucus," serving a traditional Southern New Year's meal of collard greens and black-eyed peas near polling places to encourage early voting.

Another group, the Clayton County Black Women's Roundtable, a nonpartisan civic engagement group focused on Black communities, distributed food baskets for the holidays to try to make more personal appeals to voters.

"A lot of people are told that Black people don't vote," said Farin Robinson, 31, a recent law school graduate in Douglasville, Ga. "Black people do vote, and we turn out in big numbers."

In fact, the share of Black Georgians in the January runoff was on par with the November election, when they played an important role in flipping the presidential vote to Biden. State data suggest that Ossoff won a greater share of Black voters from outside the liberal Atlanta metro area than he did in the November election, which can be partially credited for his narrow victory.

Activists say that the runoff victories highlight the importance of continuing to engage voters year-round, including for local elections for school boards and police departments. The key is to be a constant presence in local communities so that they gain voters' trust and help them stay civically engaged, Mosley said.

"We are not parachuting into the 'big elections.' There's no such thing as an off-year," Mosley said. "Our model of investing in communities and organizations and leaders at the grass-roots level is why we have gained this level of respect and trust."

Racial issues also were at the forefront of the campaigns of Raphael Warnock and Ossoff, which helped engage voters. The campaigns emphasized the disproportionate toll that the coronavirus has had on Black communities and businesses and the systemic injustices that have led to the deaths of unarmed Black men such as Ahmaud Arbery, 25, who was shot and killed while jogging in early 2020 in Glynn County, Ga.

Warnock's ability to connect with Black voters likely also played a role. On the eve of the election, Warnock spoke to a crowd of supporters at a drive-in rally in Riverdale, a city south of Atlanta where more than 85% of residents are Black, and greeted them: "Welcome to the new Georgia, welcome to the blue Georgia."

Warnock quoted Fannie Lou Hamer, the legendary civil rights leader who ran for Congress in 1964, challenging the racist White establishment and declaring she was "sick and tired of being sick and tired."

"I'm sick and tired of having to say what we all ought to already know," Warnock told the crowd. "So, I want you to take that frustration, take that righteous indignation, take it all the way to the polling booth."

Drew Andrews said Warnock was one of the reasons he cast his ballot early and encouraged family, friends and neighbors to do the same.

Andrews said that Warnock's sermons at Ebenezer Baptist Church resonated with him, and other voters he has spoken with - especially those directly affected by the coronavirus pandemic and those who marched in the summer's protests for racial justice - felt the same.

"More people are starting to understand" long-standing racial and economic inequalities, Andrews said. "This election does feel different."

Michael McDonald, a political science professor at the University of Florida who has closely tracked turnout, said Warnock's candidacy contributed to the surge in the Black vote.

"The fact that Warnock was on the ballot gave extra incentive for African Americans to show up and vote and support him. And Ossoff undoubtedly benefited from some of that," he said.

Autumn Thompson, 21-year-old resident of Mableton, Ga., still remembers learning about the U.S. presidents in the third grade, and noticing that every single one of them was a white man. One year later, that changed with Barack Obama's election.

Now, after casting her first-ever vote for president in the fall, Thompson returned to the polls a second time to help elect her home state's first-ever Black senator.

"Now we feel like things that seemed impossible are possible," she said. "Warnock becoming the first Black senator from Georgia seemed impossible. A state that was really influential in Jim Crow back in the day now has a Black senator. It's an amazing thing to see and gives me hope for the future."

The day after Georgians elected Warnock to the Senate, a group of his supporters visited the Ebenezer Baptist Church to mark the stunning electoral victory of its pastor.

At the church, where Martin Luther King Jr. was once pastor, voters said they wanted to celebrate the first African American Democratic senator from a former Confederate state, who grew up in the Savannah, Ga., housing projects.

"He brings a different mind-set to the table," said Terri Sims, 36, who visited the church with her family. "He's been talking to the people on the streets. He's been talking to the middle class, the lower class, he's seen it with his own eyes, he's tasted it, he's smelled it, he's lived it."

But activists say there is more work to be done. Nse Ufot, chief executive of the voter-mobilization group New Georgia Project, noted that while Georgia Democrats were celebrating their victory, a mob of protesters had swarmed the U.S. Capitol to challenge the election results.

"This big divide between the rhetoric of American democracy and the reality of how we experience it, we have work to do," Ufot said. "This is not about the battle, it's about the war."

- - -

The Washington Post's Vanessa Williams and Scott Clement contributed to this report.
The first flight from Brisbane to Melbourne to arrive after the 6pm lockdown took effect in Greater Brisbane landed earlier tonight.

As with earlier flights from Brisbane today, passengers were not greeted by authorised officers to inform them of a request to test and isolate until Monday.

Qantas passengers Jen and Dan, with children Pippa and Tilda, arrive in Melbourne from Queensland on Friday. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

One passenger, Jess, told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald she was going to organise to be tested as soon as possible and go straight home.

"I know about it because I've been looking at [the Department of Health and Human Safety] all day online but there was no announcement on the plane or anything," she said.

Four more flights are scheduled to land in Melbourne from Brisbane tonight at 9.10pm, 9.15pm, 9.40pm and 11.15pm.

Earlier, one Victorian family - made up of mum Jen, dad Dan and daughters Pippa and Tilda - said they were lucky they happened to be on a flight home from Queensland on Friday night, hours after Greater Brisbane had been declared a national hot spot.

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The family, who did not wish to use their surname, had been holidaying in north Queensland near Mackay and only passed through Brisbane airport to transfer to a flight to Melbourne.

They said they were in the dark about whether they were required to be tested and isolate or not.

"We were on the ground [in Brisbane] for like 40 minutes," said Dan."We literally walked from one gate to another," said Jen.

The couple said they were both "very surprised" not to have been met by health authorities in Melbourne.

"We were just told to check our restrictions and it was our responsibility [to stay up to date]," said Jen.
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(Image via Twitter)

ABOVE: Even Bush can't believe how much worse Trump is than Bush. BELOW: And even Romney is done with this shit.:

(Image via Twitter)

POLITICO: After the Capitol was (allegedly) secured, senators are aiming to certify Biden via the electoral college procedure in a late-night vote: These thugs are not running us off.

TWITTER: Richard Bigo Barnett, 60, of Gravette, Arkansas, should be going to prison for a long time:

Heres Mr. Barnett, who goes by Bigo, telling the story in his own words pic.twitter.com/oSyKiCDXgy  Matthew Rosenberg (@AllMattNYT) January 6, 2021

DAILY KOS: Trump, in a video and in tweets, told the insurrectionists he loves them, calling them very special.

SAINT ALBANS MESSENGER: Republican governor of Vermont calls for Trump to be removed from office for inciting insurrection:

The fact is the results of this election have been validated by Republican governors, conservative judges and non-partisan election officials across the country. There is no doubt that the Presidents delusion, fabrication, self-interest and ego have led us  step by step  to this very low, and very dangerous, moment in American history. The fabric of our democracy and the principles of our republic are under attack by the President.Enough is enough. President Trump should resign or be removed from office by his Cabinet, or by the Congress.

TWITTER: A sobering reminder that the Confederate flag was never paraded through the Capitol during the Civil War, when the Confederates were 100 miles away:

Take this in: Never once, in the years 1860-1865, was this flag ever paraded in the halls of the American capitol. pic.twitter.com/NFFVM0aSY0  Sam Wineburg (@samwineburg) January 6, 2021

THE HILL: Incoming Rep. Cori Bush (D-Missouri) introduces legislation to sanction and/or remove all the House members who challenged the election results.

THE AP: The insurrectionist shot inside the U.S. Capitol building has died.

Losing the U.S. Capitol during a key electoral procedure to a modestly-sized crowd from a publicly-announced event is not a "failure." It was a decision. They were ordered to not do what they normally would've done. We need a full accounting of every single official involved. https://t.co/YiuqCicEJ0  Max Kennerly (@MaxKennerly) January 6, 2021

TWITTER: This fucking bitch went on camera to whine about being maced, then openly admitted she was participating in insurrection. It's a revolution!
She rung in the New Year in the Bahamas with pals.

And Stassie Karanikolaou continued to share snaps from her envy-inducing getaway on Wednesday.

The Instagram model, 23, put on a racy display as she hit the beach in a mismatched thong bikini.

Sizzling: Kylie Jenner's BFF Stassie Karanikolaou put on a racy display on Instagram on Wednesday as she flaunted her cleavage in mismatched bikini on the beach in the Bahamas

Stassie flashed plenty of cleavage in the the crossover hot pink top which was adorned with a green and blue pattern.

Click here to resize this module

The leopard print thong meanwhile accentuated the model's peachy derrriere.

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Stassie appeared in her element as she posed up a storm for the camera and captioned the shot: 'Day dreaming'.

Island time: Earlier the week, the Instagram model flashed her curves as she rang in the new year on an island in The Bahamas

The LA is currently in lockdown and despite an international travel ban, many stars have flouted the rules.

Like many islands, The Bahamas only allows travelers to visit if they can show proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival.

Stassie was joined by good pal, model Sydney Carlson, and Jenner's former assistant, Victoria Villarroel, on the journey as they got away on a girl's trip.

The pair have been littering their Instagram with snaps from their enviable vacation and their bronzed bikini bodies.

Stassie has been friends with Kylie since school and helped her following her the reality star's very public fallout with Jordyn Woods, Kylie's former best friend.

The stunning brunette has garnered quite the following on social media as she boasts nearly 10M followers and has her own YouTube channel.

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Additionally she is a brand ambassador for Fashion Nova and Rihanna's Savage X Fenty.

New Delhi, Jan 7 : Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written to Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, urging them to take steps to curb the spike in coronavirus cases.

These states are reporting an upsurge in the number of daily new cases in the recent days, and comprise 59 per cent of the total active cases in the country. About 28.61 per cent cases are in Kerala, followed by 22.79 per cent in Maharashtra, 3.99 per cent in Chhattisgarh and 3.89 per cent in West Bengal.

These states have been advised to maintain strict vigil and to take steps to keep a check on the rising cases, especially in view of the new coronavirus strain observed in certain countries, which has also been reported in a few states in India.

The Health Secretary has drawn the attention of the states to their low and declining testing rates, stating that any laxity at this crucial junction may squander the results of collective actions in containing the transmission.

They have been advised to analyze the surge at the district and sub-district levels to understand the reasons for this rise and plan adequate measures proactively to curb the same.

Aggressively implementation of the 'Test-Track-Treat" strategy adopted by the country has been strongly advised now more than ever by the Union Health Secretary.

The health authorities in the states have also been advised to proactively promote wearing of mask and other Covid appropriate behaviors even while the vaccination drive is about to begin.

It is important to ensure that there is no complacency in the collective efforts in containment and management of Covid-19, the Health Secretary has strongly reiterated.

The states have been assured of all necessary support of the Health Ministry required to manage the pandemic.

In view of the above, a high-level central team led by Dr S.K. Singh, Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has been rushed by the Central government to Kerala. The team will review the public health interventions in management of Covid-19 by the state government and support the state health authorities in these measures.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Alexandria, Va., USA -- The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted dental education and training. The study "COVID-19 and Dental and Dental Hygiene Students' Career Plans," published in the JDR Clinical & Translational Research (JDR CTR), examined the short-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental hygiene and dental students' career intentions.

An anonymous online survey was emailed to dental and dental hygiene students enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, USA. The survey consisted of 81 questions that covered a wide range of topics including demographics, anticipated educational debt, career plans post-graduation, readiness to enter clinical practice or residency and student wellness. The authors found that students at all levels of training have become concerned about the limited employment opportunities, long-term stability of the dental profession and on the interruptions to clinical education and licensure examinations consequent to the pandemic.

More than 10% of all student study respondents felt anxious about the future of dentistry, with approximately 40% of those in their final year choosing to change their career post-graduation plans. Students who reported an intent to change their career plans had significantly higher perceived stress and anxiety scores and lower resilience scores than students who reported no change to their career plans. Compared to white students, more black, indigenous and people of color reported that they had changed their career plans.

Lead author Dina Garcia of Virginia Commonwealth University concluded, "A comprehensive effort inclusive of adeptly designed clinical and curriculum experiences paired with wellness interventions and support tailored to students is needed."

"The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the career plans of dental and dental hygiene students may negatively affect the future dental workforce," said JDR CTR Editor-in-Chief Jocelyne S. Feine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. "We lack understanding of both the short-term and long-term effects of prolonged and unanticipated public health crises on the dental workforce. More studies are needed to provide this information so that these issues can be appropriately addressed."

###

View a PDF of this press release.

About the JDR Clinical and Translational Research

The JDR Clinical & Translational Research is a quarterly publication. This peer-reviewed journal is dedicated to publishing original dental, oral and craniofacial research at the interface between discovery science and clinical application with the translation of research into healthcare delivery systems at the individual patient, clinical practice and community levels. The JDR CTR has been accepted for inclusion in MEDLINE.

International Association for Dental Research
In traditional Indigenous societies, there was no homelessness.

Opinion

In traditional Indigenous societies, there was no homelessness.

No one was left out of the feast, a place to sleep, or turned away from the lodge, unless they chose to be alone.

Even in our creation stories, when humans were placed on Earth, a loving and accepting Creation accepted, nurtured, and adopted them.

In fact, its a law in virtually every single Indigenous culture that everything  and everyone  has a rightful and respected place.

You can still see this principle in ceremony, in which all directions are acknowledged, room is made for those who disagree or think differently, and an acknowledgement is made of an "opposite" spirit whose only job is to break societal conventions, act inappropriately, and explore the opposite side of everything (sometimes called a "trickster").

Homelessness is an invention of Europeans, who brought private ownership, capital accumulation, and the idea that housing is not a human right but something you must "earn."

These were foreign concepts to people who viewed sharing as a law.

Later, European principles drove the insatiable hunger for land and resources that created Canada via the theft of Indigenous land and assimilative legacies of the Indian Act and residential schools.

Not coincidentally, this violence is precisely why so many Indigenous people are homeless today.

Indigenous cultural principles of inclusivity, community, and equality have always been threats to the principles Canada holds most dear.

So, it should come as no surprise that the cure for homelessness can be found in Indigenous cultures.

In the 2018 Street Health Survey by End Homelessness Winnipeg, for example, researchers concluded the solution to homelessness in Winnipeg is to "support inclusiveness and apply an Indigenous cultural lens throughout the work."

Makes sense, for the mere fact that 70 per cent of Winnipegs homeless are Indigenous.

So, if more Indigenous cultural content, programming, and initiatives are the solution, why does Siloam Mission  arguably Winnipegs most well-funded, supported, and expansive charitable organization that deals with homelessness  need to be convinced?

This is the question nearly a dozen current and former employees expressed in a letter to the Siloam Mission board of directors in November, pointing a finger at CEO Jim Bell for creating "a hostile and divisive working environment" and a "reluctance, refusal, and often outright denial" of "culturally appropriate programming."

In the letter, staff point out that Bell limited and denied Indigenous practices such as smudging, drumming, and the inclusion of Indigenous speakers in Siloam programming.

They also accused Bell of failing to establish an Indigenous advisory council, which was promised in a report to the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord in 2018, and failing to hire Indigenous staff after the missions Indigenous spiritual care worker resigned last summer.

This has resulted, the employees claim, in a "dismantling" of Indigenous initiatives at Siloam, which fails to serve the majority of its clients and fulfil grants obtained under the promise Siloam would provide Indigenous-specific programming.

A major problem is in Bells interpretation of Indigenous culture. In a private email to the board obtained by the Free Press, former Siloam Indigenous spiritual care worker Delvina Kejick wrote that Bells "evangelical Christian(ity) and his misinterpretation of traditional ways were a huge roadblock to true reconciliation ever occurring."

Now, a social media movement has started: "Not My Siloam" is calling for the organization to incorporate changes immediately and "better support Indigenous people experiencing homelessness."

I spoke to two members, former Siloam employees, on Wednesday.

One told me: "Everything Indigenous is brick-walled at Siloam. They check boxes when it comes to funding applications but then never do the work."

The other told me: "There is deep discrimination and fragility when it comes to servicing Indigenous peoples and people are fired and removed when they challenge or ask questions. Colonialism is alive and well."

I reached out to Bell and Siloam for a comment and was directed to the FAQ section on its website.

On it, Siloam states a "new spiritual care co-ordinator is starting later this month" and "Our Indigenous education committee is consulting with both knowledge keepers and Christian elders to make sure we can accommodate people who practise either traditional or Christian Indigenous practices."

This committee "has no Indigenous representation" but will "listen to Indigenous voices."

The FAQ also promises a forthcoming, to-be-published "cultural competency evaluation" for Siloam.

In case its not obvious by now, its clear that Indigenous principles of inclusivity, community, and equality dont appear to be at Winnipegs pre-eminent and front-line Indigenous service organization.

I wont even comment about the issue of exploitation with Christian conversion missions of vulnerable people.

At Siloam Mission, Indigenous peoples are welcome as clients, but not leaders.

A fixed place, in the corner, while others make decisions for them.

I wonder where Ive heard this before.

niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca
President for the first time acknowledged his defeat in the Nov. 3 election and announced there would be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count early Thursday certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trump's acknowledgement came after a day of chaos and destruction on Capitol Hill when his supporters stormed the Capitol, forced members into hiding and halted the formal congressional tally for more than six hours.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th, Trump said in a statement posted to Twitter by his social media director. Trump's personal Twitter account had been locked by the social media company for posting messages that appeared to justify the assault on the seat of the nations democracy.

Trump added, While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!

Trump on Wednesday had encouraged his supporters to march on the Capitol to protest lawmakers actions, and later appeared to excuse the violent occupation of the Capitol by the mob, which forced its way inside, clashed with police and ransacked offices.

ALSO READ: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office damaged during Capitol attack

Authorities said four people died during the violence. One woman was shot by an officer outside the House chamber, and three died in medical emergencies during the occupation of the building, Washington, D.C., police said.

These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long, Trump wrote in a message that was later deleted by Twitter. He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

In an earlier video he had praised the protesters as special people and said he understood their pain. Twitter later locked his account for the first time as it demanded he remove the tweets and threatened permanent suspension.

Trumps response to the violence underscored his monthslong obsession with trying to overturn the results of the election. He has spent the final days of his presidency angrily stewing and lashing out at Republicans for perceived disloyalty while refusing to acknowledge his loss or concede.

Trump spent much of Wednesday afternoon watching the insurrection on television from his private dining room off the Oval Office. But aside from sparing appeals for calm issued at the insistence of his staff, he was largely disengaged as the nations capital descended into unprecedented scenes of chaos as a mob of thousands tried to halt the peaceful transition of power.

Instead, a White House official said, most of Trumps attention was consumed by his ire at Vice President Mike Pence, who had announced he would not overturn the will of voters in the congressional electoral count. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter and spoke only on the condition of anonymity.

The violence, coupled with the presidents tepid response, alarmed many in the White House and appeared to push many Republicans to the breaking point after years of allegiance to Trump. After four years with no shortage of fraught moments, Wednesdays events quickly emerged as the nadir of morale in the Trump White House, as aides looked on in horror at the chaos at the Capitol fomented by Trump.

In a sign of growing frustration, a number of White House aides were discussing a potential mass resignation, according to people familiar with the conversation, although some harbored concerns about what Trump might do in his final two weeks in office if they were not there to serve as guardrails when so few remain.

Stephanie Grisham, the first ladys chief of staff and a former White House press secretary, submitted her resignation Wednesday, but declined to say what has prompted her move. Deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger, White House social secretary Rickie Niceta and deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews also resigned, according to officials. More departures were expected in the coming days, officials said. But other aides indicated they were staying to help smooth the transition to Bidens administration.

Trumps begrudging statement acknowledging defeat came after even longtime allies floated whether members of his Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment and remove him from office. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told ABC late Wednesday that responsible members of the Cabinet should be thinking about fulfilling their oath of office, adding that Trump had violated his oath and betrayed the American people."

Trump has been single-mindedly focused on his electoral defeat since Election Day, aides said, at the expense of the other responsibilities of his office, including the fight against the raging coronavirus. Indeed, it was Pence, not Trump, who spoke with the acting defense secretary to discuss mobilizing the D.C National Guard on Wednesday afternoon.

Trump only reluctantly issued the tweets and taped a video encouraging an end to the violence. The posts came at the insistence of staff and amid mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers urging him to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name, according to the official.

And even as authorities struggled to take control of Capitol Hill after protesters overwhelmed police, Trump continued to level baseless allegations of mass voter fraud and praised his loyalists as very special.

I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now, he said in a video posted more than 90 minutes after lawmakers were evacuated from the House and Senate chambers. We cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

In a sign of the extraordinary events that had unfolded over the previous 24 hours, Trump's statement acknowledging that he would leave office on Jan. 20 could not be posted on the presidents Twitter or Facebook feeds because both accounts have been suspended by the companies. Instead, it was released via the Twitter account of Trumps social media director, Dan Scavino, who frequently tweets on his behalf.

Hours earlier, Trump had appeared at a massive rally near the White House, where he continued to urge supporters to fight the election results and encouraged them to march to the Capitol in remarks that were peppered with incendiary language and rife with violent undertones. At one point, he even suggested he might join them  a prospect that was discussed by the White House but eventually abandoned.

Were going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue ... and were going to the Capitol ... were going to try and give our Republicans ... the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country, he said.

Earlier in the rally, his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, had advocated what he had called trial by combat.

Trumps tweets and video also drew the attention of the social media giants he has frequently maligned. The video was removed by Facebook, because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence, said the sites head of integrity, Guy Rosen. Twitter took a more punitive approach, locking Trumps account and warning, Future violations of the Twitter Rules, including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies, will result in permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account.

Before Trump released the video, Republican lawmakers and former administration officials had begged the president to intervene as the violence spiraled.

I called him. I think we need to make a statement, make sure that we can calm individuals down, House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of California told Fox News.

A Senate ally, Republican Marco Rubio of Florida, appealed directly to the president in a tweet: Mr. President @realDonaldTrump the men & women of law enforcement are under assault. It is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.

ALSO READ: US lawmakers to investigate police after Capitol breach by pro-Trump mob

This is banana republic crap that were watching right now, said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying the Electoral College vote that Biden won.

Former White House staff also issued pleas.

Condemn this now, @realDonaldTrump  you are the only one they will listen to, tweeted former White House communications director Alyssa Farah.

Added his former chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney: The best thing @realDonaldTrump could do right now is to address the nation from the Oval Office and condemn the riots. A peaceful transition of power is essential to the country and needs to take place on 1/20.

Pence, who was ushered out of the Senate chamber to a secure location as protesters breached the building, also called for protesters to disperse.

The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now, he tweeted. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building.
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Sylvan Learning, a leading provider of supplemental and enrichment education for students in grades K-12 with more than 750 points of presence worldwide, is now expanding its footprint to Sussex County, Delaware with the signing of career educator Jason Blanshine. This new signing brings the leading supplemental and enrichment education franchise statewide count to two, with an opportunity to add four more locations.

Prior to buying into the Sylvan Learning franchise, Blanshine worked as a special education teacher and as a paraprofessional in lower Delaware. Feeling dissatisfied with the politics and paperwork associated with classroom instruction and unable to focus on helping the students who needed him most, Blanshine knew he needed a change of pace. Thats when Sylvan fell on his radar. After some encouragement from his wife and thorough research into the franchise, Blanshine felt a connection to Sylvan Learnings commitment to supplemental learning and knew it was something he wanted to bring to parents and students in his community  even during a pandemic.

I watched closely how Sylvan handled the situation with the launch of virtual learning support, and it gave me a lot of confidence that theyve been doing everything they can do, Blanshine said. From the beginning, its been clear that Sylvan wants to support its brand, its students and its franchisees. I hope I can turn my Sylvan Learning center into a business thats well-known in the community. When parents see their children need some extra help or enrichment programs, I want Sylvan to be top of mind.

For more than 40 years, Sylvan Learning has been focused on building academic confidence, igniting intellectual curiosity and inspiring a love for learning  all of which make a big impact in school and in life. Since its founding in 1979, Sylvan Learning has become the leading supplemental and enrichment education franchise in North America thanks to its mission-driven philosophy, educational technology, community-oriented approach and strong franchisee support infrastructure.

Because of its ongoing investment in technology solutions and breadth of content and delivery options provided in-center, in-home and online, Sylvan has been uniquely positioned to respond to parents needs in these challenging times. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sylvan Learning has worked hard to support parents. First, in March, Sylvan Learning introduced a virtual tutoring option as school districts transitioned to remote learning. The brand also rolled out a mobile app in some markets, including Delaware, that allows parents to book virtual lessons with Sylvan-approved tutors. The company is also continuing to utilize its proprietary software, SylvanSync, which provides teachers and students with adaptive practice sessions. As the school year approached, the brand announced the launch of School Support, a program that provides a variety of services to help children stay on track and parents manage the complexities of this current school year.

As a result of its flexible and innovative offering, the industry-leading learning franchise is continuing to grow. Those who are interested in franchising with Sylvan Learning have the option to provide services completely virtually or offer in-person support to students during their regular virtual school days. By offering a much-needed service during COVID-19, Sylvan Learning franchisees have the opportunity to help families across America during this difficult time.

Jason will be able to make a difference in their community by bringing Sylvan Learning to the families of Sussex County, said CEO John McAuliffe. The Sylvan Learning system is stronger, more nimble and more united than ever. We have ramped up our already-strong training for instruction, local marketing and technology for our franchise owners and expanded our reach for families and students. There is more demand for our services than ever, and we are excited to continue partnering with qualified franchisees to bring Sylvan Learning to new areas across the country.

To learn more about Sylvan franchise opportunities, visit http://www.sylvanfranchise.com.

ABOUT SYLVAN LEARNING LLC

With more than 40 years of experience and more than 750 points of presence throughout North America, Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K-12. Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvans proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync technology on the iPad for an engaging learning experience. Sylvan also leads the way with Sylvan EDGE  STEM and accelerated courses  and Sylvan Prep  college and test prep courses. Sylvan supports families through every stage of the academic journey. For more information, visit http://www.SylvanLearning.com or SylvanLearning.com/blog.


With hospitals in Los Angeles County swamped with Covid-19 patients, a memo that went out to the countys ambulance crews last week caused public alarm and prompted explanations from medics on social media about their care practices.

In the memo, a slightly updated version of which was released on Monday, the county Emergency Medical Services Agency instructed the crews not to transport most adult patients whose hearts had stopped beating to a hospital if resuscitation in the field was unsuccessful or if the patients met established criteria for declaring death.

The measure was needed due to the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on E.M.S. and 9-1-1 receiving hospitals, Dr. Marianne Gausche-Hill, the agencys medical director, wrote in the directive.

What the memo actually reflected, though, was an effort to spare overburdened emergency rooms from having to spend time and resources on patients who were already beyond their help. And rather than a dire last resort, it was actually a relatively small change from the countys previous policy, which already discouraged emergency personnel from taking most patients whose heartbeats could not be restored where they were found to the hospital.
As a proven leader who brings decades of operational parking experience to our company, Brian has the intrinsic ability to improve the service experience for guests and expand client profitability for our partners.

Propark Mobility announced today that Brian Cannon has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Operations.

Propark is excited to welcome Brian Cannon to our parking family, said John Schmid, Proparks Chief Executive Officer. As a proven leader who brings decades of operational parking experience to our company, Brian has the intrinsic ability to improve the service experience for guests and expand client profitability for our partners.

Brian brings more than 32 years of hospitality parking management experience to Propark. Previously holding senior business development and senior operation positions, he most recently served at a national parking management company as Executive Vice President of Hospitality.

Brian is a dynamic leader, whose high level of emotional intelligence helps him to connect on a deeper level with people  from our clients and employees to guests and stakeholders," explained John Reimers, Proparks Chief Operating Officer. In a business that can often times be rigid, Brians affable approach to people helps him to build award-winning teams and form meaningful client relationships, resulting in heightened, consistent service delivery for our patrons.

As Senior Vice President, Operations, Brian will be responsible for overseeing Proparks portfolio in existing markets, such as Florida, Washington, D.C., Boston, and other regions along the East Coast. Brian will help to enhance the Propark Mobility brand by developing unique programs to meet client needs and providing our customers with the highest quality service experiences in the industry.

About Propark Mobility

Propark Mobility is one of the countrys largest privately-owned parking companies, providing full-service parking and mobility services for over 500 hospitality, healthcare, commercial and off-airport locations, in over 75 cities across the United States. For more information, please visit http://www.propark.com.
STOCKHOLM, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

EQT and Verdane to merge FocusVision and Confirmit to create a leader in the Market Research, Customer and Employee Experience industries

The combined company will provide a one-stop-shop of complementary software solutions and offer greater benefits to existing and new customers

EQT and Verdane are committed to invest in the combined company to support accelerated growth in North America and Europe

EQT and Verdane are pleased to announce the merger of their respective portfolio companies FocusVision, majority owned by EQT Mid Market US, and Confirmit. The combined company will be led by Confirmit CEO Kyle Ferguson and supported by members of both the FocusVision and Confirmit management teams.

FocusVision offers a comprehensive suite of experience insights software solutions, including advanced survey, online interview and focus groups, and online qualitative research community solutions to get brands close enough to their customers to have a full understanding of Customer Truth - how they think, feel, and act.



Confirmit offers market research, customer experience and employee engagement software solutions to turn insight into stories that fuel action. Confirmit delivers the flexibility and power that customers need to understand and manage experiences, emotions, and behaviors so they are always one step ahead.



The merger will harness the scale and scope of two complementary organizations and enable the combined business to provide better solutions to its customers on a global basis. Together, EQT and Verdane will support investments in best-of-breed technology solutions, ranging from data collection to reporting and action capabilities, and accelerate innovation initiatives. Moreover, the two companies will combine their digital infrastructure and technology capabilities, which will increase efficiencies and deliver new opportunities to the benefit of both existing and new customers.

Kyle Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer, Confirmit, said: "At Confirmit, we imagine a future where every action is initiated by the right decision at the right time. No data silos. No unknowns. Just accurate, visual insights, in real time, helping to make businesses smarter. This merger will make that a reality. We will create a world class organization that brings real value to our clients and colleagues alike."

Chris Nagy, Chief Executive Officer, FocusVision, said: "The merger of Confirmit and FocusVision is a perfect fit and heralds an exciting, new dynamic for the global insights industry. We are complementary on every level and together we will be a great company, focused on excellence in everything we do."

Hajo Krosche, Managing Director and Investment Advisor at EQT Partners, said: "The merger of FocusVision and Confirmit will create a leading Research Technology player with a significantly stronger suite of solutions in Europe and North America. The merger creates a scalable platform to invest further into growth and technology to further improve the value add to our customers. We are excited about the opportunities this merger presents."



Pal Malmros, Partner at Verdane, said: "This acquisition will be transformative for FocusVision and Confirmit and an exciting step toward delivering an even more comprehensive end-to-end technology solution. We are excited to support the management team in this merger as we believe this combination will allow the combined company to deliver even greater value to its customers."

The transaction is conditioned on receipt of regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.

EQT press contact

European media; [email protected], +46 8 506 55 334

US media: Stephanie Greengarten, +1 646 687 6810



Verdane press contact

Pal Malmros, Partner, [email protected], +46 70 268 65 16

About EQT

EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with more than EUR 75 billion in raised capital and over EUR 46 billion in assets under management across 16 active funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America with total sales of more than EUR 27 billion and approximately 159,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com

Follow EQT on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram

About Verdane

Verdane is a specialist growth equity investment firm that partners with ambitious Northern European tech-enabled businesses to help them reach the next stage of international growth. Verdane pioneered portfolio acquisitions in Northern Europe in 2003 and announced a complementary fund strategy entirely dedicated to direct investments in 2018. Verdane's eight funds have made over 120 investments into category leaders in digital consumer, energy & resource efficiency and software businesses. Based out of Berlin, Copenhagen, Helsinki, London, Oslo and Stockholm, the Verdane team is dedicated to being the preferred growth partner to tech-enabled businesses in Northern Europe.



More info: www.verdane.com

About FocusVision

Established in 1990, FocusVision offers the most comprehensive suite of experience insights software solutions - including advanced survey, online interview and focus groups, and online qualitative research community solutions to get brands close enough to their customers to have a full understanding of Customer Truth -- how they think, feel, and act. Trusted by 18 of the Top-20 Fortune 100 companies, and all of the Top-10 Healthcare and CPG companies, FocusVision was honored for its Outstanding Innovation in Customer Experience Management with MarTech Breakthrough Awards in 2018 and 2019.

More info: www.FocusVision.com

About Confirmit

Confirmit's solutions are built by insights professionals, for insights professionals. Market Research, customer experience and employee engagement consultants around the world rely on our solutions to turn insight into stories that fuel action. The heart of our business is the people behind our technology, and we work as a partner to deliver the flexibility and power you need to understand and manage experiences, emotions, and behaviours so you are always one step ahead.

More info: www.confirmit.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/eqt/r/eqt-and-verdane-announce-intention-to-merge-focusvision-and-confirmit,c3265031

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Brisbanites will be forced to wear a mask and allowewhen the state enters a hard three-day lockdown on Friday evening.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the draconian restrictions for Greater Brisbane's 2.5million residents - which will come into effect from 6pm on Friday - after a Brisbane quarantine hotel cleaner contracted UK strain of the virus.

Queensland reported nine new COVID-19 cases on Friday - although all were in hotel quarantine.

The lockdown will apply to council areas of Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton, and Redlands.

Residents will be required to stay at home until 6pm on Monday and only go out for work if they can't do so at home, for essential shopping or to provide healthcare for a vulnerable person in their local neighbourhood.

Those living within the specified council areas will have to wear a mask when out in public, although children under the age of 12 are exempt.

Queenslanders in other parts of the state who have been in Greater Brisbane since January 2 have been told they should stay at home for the next three days.

Funerals will also be limited to 20 people for the next three days, while only 10 can gather for a wedding.

Only two guests are allowed to enter Brisbane homes at any one time.

Brisbane residents will have to wear a mask when out in public as part of a strict three-day lockdown imposed by the Queensland government. People arrive to get COVID-19 tested at the Parklands Christian College in Logan in Brisbane.

WHAT BRISBANE RESIDENTS CAN AND CAN'T DO DURING THE THREE-DAY LOCKDOWN Residents can only go outside for one of four essential reasons - for work if they can't do so from home, to do essential shopping or to provide healthcare for a vulnerable person in their local neighbourhood. Only two guests are allowed inside the home. Masks must be worn when out in public although children under the age of 12 are exempt. Funerals are limited to only 20 people and weddings to 10 people. Queenslanders in other parts of the state should stay at home for the next three days if they have been in Greater Brisbane since January 2 Brisbane residents will have to wear a mask when out in public as part of a strict three-day lockdown imposed by the Queensland government. People arrive to get COVID-19 tested at the Parklands Christian College in Logan in Brisbane. Advertisement

There are 2.5 million people living in greater Brisbane with lockdown applying to the council areas of Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton, and Redlands

'Think of it as a long weekend at home. We need to do this. I've accepted the strong advice from Dr Young,' Ms Palaszczuk said.

'If we do not do this now, it could end up being a 30-day lockdown.'

The restrictions come after the state reported on Thursday a Brisbane quarantine hotel cleaner had been diagnosed with the UK variant of Covid-19.

Aged care homes across greater Brisbane were sent into lockdown with visitors barred from visiting facilities in the Metro North, Metro South and West Morton heath regions.

Residents will be required to stay at home until 6pm on Monday and only go out for work, to do essential shopping or to provide healthcare for a vulnerable person. Pictured are police checks at the Coolangatta border on the Gold Coast on July 10

Only 10 people can gather for a wedding in Brisbane over the next three days (stock image)

Hospitals, prisons and disability accommodation in the same areas are also banned from accepting visitors.

'The Chief Health Officer has ordered these immediate steps to protect vulnerable members of the community,' Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk tweeted on Thursday night.

The state is on high alert for cases of community transmission after the cleaner tested positive on Thursday.

The news comes after the state reported on Thursday a Brisbane quarantine hotel cleaner been diagnosed with the UK variant, sending aged care homes across greater Brisbane into lockdowns (pictured, a testing centre in Murrarrie, Brisbane)

The mutated strain plaguing the UK is believed to be up to 70 per cent more infectious than the original.

It is causing a sharp rise in cases in England and prompted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to order a national lockdown until at least mid-February.

Britain reported more than 60,000 new confirmed cases in 24 hours for the second day in a row on Wednesday.

The hotel cleaner's infection ends almost four months of zero locally acquired cases in Queensland.

A terrifying map shows the Brisbane locations which have been exposed to the UK's mutant variant of the virus since January 2, including a busy train line, a Coles and a Woolworths

'Queensland has done a great job containing this virus in our community for 113 days. Sadly, today we do have a locally acquired case,' Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said on Thursday morning.

The positive case, a woman in her 20s, was infectious from January 2 before testing positive after showing symptoms on Wednesday.

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus is urged to get tested immediately.

Contact tracers are tracking the movements of the cleaner, who worked at the hotel Grand Chancellor on January 2.

The infected cleaner, a woman in her 20s who lives in Algester, had been working at the Hotel Grand Chancellor at Spring Hill (pictured), with her most recent shift on January 2

'This cleaner did everything right,' Ms Palaszczuk said earlier on Thursday.

'She developed the symptoms Wednesday and was tested yesterday.

'We need to ensure that there is no community spread. Once again, please, if you're sick, get tested.'

The woman from Algester travelled on the public rail network to and from Brisbane's inner city and southside.

Health authorities say she visited several locations while potentially infectious.

The woman travelled on a train from Altandi station to Roma Street station at 7am on January 2, then returned on the 4pm service the same day.

She also visited Woolworths at the Calamvale Central Shopping Centre from 11am to 12pm on Sunday 3 January.

The cleaner visited the Calamvale North Woolworths (pictured) between 11am and noon on January 3 while infected

She was also at Coles in Sunnybank Hills for 30 minutes from 7.30am on Tuesday 5 January.

She was also a newsagent at Sunnybank Hills Shopping Town from 8am to 8.15am on the same day.

'It's important that people if they have any symptoms at all come forward and get tested,' Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said.

Residents of Algester, Sunnybank Hills and Calamvale who have symptoms of the infection are especially urged to get tested as soon as possible.

The UK variant of Covid entered Queensland via a returned traveller at Brisbane Airport and has been identified in quarantine throughout the nation. This is the first time it has leaked from hotel quarantine

The Sunshine State now has 20 active COVID-19 cases and the new positive case comes from 15,000 tests over the previous 24-hour period.

Ms Palaszczuk has also announced travellers coming from Greater Sydney will not be allowed into Queensland until at least the end of January.

'I know this is very disappointing for people during this time, but we are concerned still about Greater Sydney. We have a watching brief as well on Victoria,' she said.

'We'll be having a national cabinet meeting tomorrow. I'll get further updates there.'

The border closure will be reviewed at the end of the month.
State Sen. Julian Cyr, right, has previously been outspoken about the lack of testing opportunities on the Cape.
The number of New Jersey locations where the coronavirus vaccine is available to those eligible in the first stage of inoculations has grown to more than 100 facilities as police and fire professionals are now eligible to receive those shots for the first time on Thursday.

Some sites, however, have not yet received deliveries of the vaccine and are not yet taking appointments. Supplies may also fluctuate daily as the federal government sends more vaccines to states.

In addition to the 109 locations listed, the state is opening six vaccine mega-sites, including two at Rockaway Townsquare Mall and Rowan College of South Jersey set to open on Friday.

Vaccines are currently limited to healthcare workers, longterm care residents, others in congregant living settings and, as of Thursday, police and firefighters, who fall into group 1B. Other members of groups 1B, which include those over 75 and teachers, have not yet been given the go-ahead to receive their shots.

New Jersey is aiming to have 70% of its adult population  about 4.7 million people  vaccinated in the next six months. Vaccinations should begin for the general public by April or May, officials have said.

Over 137,000 doses of the vaccine have already been administered in New Jersey, out of 500,000 doses received by the state. That number is likely underreported, officials said on Wednesday.

More than 450,000 people have registered for a vaccine through the states online portal as of Wednesday afternoon, despite a launch on Tuesday due to high demand.

To meet the high demand for vaccines, the state is calling for qualified individuals to volunteer to help administer shots.

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Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-04 00:59:06|Editor: huaxia

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BANGUI, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Coalition of Patriots for Change, a new alliance of major armed groups in Central African Republic (CAR), attacked Sunday the southeastern city of Bangassou, according to local sources.

The attack began at 5 a.m. local time. The rebels are mainly from the Union for Peace in the CAR (UPC) of Ali Ndarassa and the Popular Front for the Renaissance of the CAR (FPRC) of Nourredine Adam, according to local sources.

Peacekeepers of the UN mission (MINUSCA) as well as the soldiers of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) have withdrawn to the local MINUSCA base. The population fled into the bush, some of them crossed the Mbomou river seeking shelter in neighboring Congo-Kinshasa, local residents told Xinhua.

It is currently difficult to establish a balance sheet. MINUSCA said in its twitter account that the peacekeepers "are successfully protecting the population and robust patrols are being conducted in town".

This attack came a day before the proclamation of the provisional results of the presidential and legislative elections. The rebels demand cancellation and rerun of the elections. Enditem
New year means CES, which means new TVs. LG already announced itll launch a line of QNED 4K and 8K screens with mini LED backlighting, and now Samsung revealed its Neo QLED TVs will feature its own Quantum Mini LEDs.

TCL has already used the tech in its LCD sets to great effect, and its good to see it rolling out in more displays. We dont quite expect it to overtake OLED as the display champ, but as usual, Samsung will keep pressing. Perhaps more interestingly, Samsung also revealed its new SolarCell remote will be powered by ambient light (or USB) instead of disposable batteries and the TVs can use an optional camera attachment to run home workout software. We should hear more about all of this stuff over the next week or so.

 Richard Lawler

The Facebook ban is for 24 hours.

Twitter has temporarily suspended Donald Trump from the social network after the President tweeted his support for a violent mob that descended on the nations Capitol as Congress met to certify the results of the November election, yesterday. Trumps account will be locked for 12 hours, and Twitter said hell have to remove three tweets it had previously labeled for inciting violence. The company added that future rule-breaking will result in permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account.

Facebook also restricted the Presidents ability to post for 24 hours, citing two unspecified policy violations. The President posted a video to both Twitter and Facebook that called the election results fraudulent and praised his supporters as very special people. Facebook removed the video, with the companys VP of Integrity Guy Rosen saying they had done so because Facebook believed it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence.

Continue reading.

Livestreams and the Best of CES Awards are all coming over the next week.

The first ever virtual edition of CES doesnt officially start until next week, but companies are already making announcements at a rapid pace. The remote coverage has already begun!

Were once again in charge of the official Best of CES Awards this year, and submissions are open. Well announce the winners before the end of the 2021 virtual festivities, on Wednesday, January 13th, at 4:30PM ET.

Were also replacing our usual stage show with a fully virtual experience. Each day of CES, well offer a collection of press conference reactions, interviews and more, live from our virtual venue. Youll be able to watch everything on Engadget.com, starting Monday, January 11th, at 7:30AM ET.

Follow all of the latest news from CES 2021 right here!

Continue reading.

Though you probably won't, if you can afford them.

After debuting on Samsung's enormous, expensive "The Wall" set, MicroLED TVs are finally ready for CES 2021 (yes weve started), with the previously announced 110-inch model aimed at consumers. Expect to see 88-inch and 99-inch versions later this year, too.

With these sets, youll be able to pick one up from the store and install it in your home, without any help from custom installers. That's in stark contrast to The Wall, which requires professional setup and potentially days of work to connect its modular MicroLED panels. Theres no pricing yet, as is CES launch tradition, but expect them, at this size and with this technology, to be pretty pricey, but cheaper than The Wall.

Continue reading.

But you'll still need to take a bag to the trash.

We dont cover many stick vacuums  we stick to the automated robotic ones that love to eat your cables  but LGs new-for-CES vacuum borrows the auto-empty feature of some high-end robot vacuums. The ThinQ A9 Kompressor+ will deposit all your detritus into an attached bag when you holster it to charge. Youll still have to take a bag to the trash, but shh progress! The existing A9 Kompressor sells for $799, so expect the new model to be around that or higher.

Continue reading.

And you can play with it online.

OpenAI has already mastered playing Dota 2 and the art of writing fake news. Now, DALL-E (a portmanteau of Wall-E and Dali) is an AI app that can create an image of nearly any description. Cat-shaped sushi, anyone?

It can create images based on a description of its attributes, like a pentagonal green clock, but can also draw and combine multiple objects and provide different points of view, including cutaways and object interiors.

Unlike past text-to-image programs, it even infers details that arent mentioned in the description but would be required for a realistic image. For instance, with the description a painting of a fox sitting in a field during winter, the app would apply a shadow to the image.

Continue reading.

But wait, theres more...

LG refreshes its light Gram laptop lineup with Intel Evo certification

Looking Glass says it can turn any photo into a hologram

Netflix won't work on Nintendo's Wii U and 3DS after June 30th

Amazon pledges $2 billion toward affordable housing in three hub cities

Earin's A-3 true wireless earbuds have an open design with no ear tips

Google fixes a Pixel 5 bug that played system sounds at max volume

Trump administration bans Alipay and WeChat Pay
Why Meyersdale nursing care workers are protesting

According to its website, the skilled nursing facility has the lone Veterans Administration contract in Somerset County.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 64F. Winds light and variable.
WASHINGTON  Standing in a Senate Chamber that had been swarmed by a mob incited by President Donald Trump just hours earlier, Vice President Mike Pence certified the results of the 2020 Electoral College vote, confirming President-elect Joe Biden's win.

The statement from Pence came at 3:41 a.m. ET, capping off a historic joint Congressional session that was interrupted for several hours when a mob broke through Capitol defenses and sent the building into lockdown. Four deaths and more than 50 arrests were linked to the insurrection, including a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police.

"The announcement of the state of the vote by the president of the Senate shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of the persons elected president and vice president of the United States," Pence said.

Pence certified what has been known for weeks: that Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris won the 2020 presidential election with 306 Electoral College votes, beating out the 232 votes for Trump and Pence.

What happened in D.C. yesterday? How a Trump mob stormed the Capitol forcing Washington into lockdown

Live updates: Pence affirms Biden as winner, formalizing electoral count after day of riots at Capitol; Trump acknowledges loss

Vice President Mike Pence listens after reading the final certification of Electoral College votes cast in November's presidential election during a joint session of Congress after working through the night, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. Violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol Wednesday, disrupting the process.

Trump had pushed Congress to object to the certification of the results and wrongly claimed Pence had the power to block the process and overturn the election.

Pence, in a rare break from Trump, said he could not alter the outcome of the Congressional vote.

The vice president confirmed the transition of power will come on Jan. 20, 2021, the day of Biden's inauguration.

Trump, who had previously refused to concede the election, committed to an "orderly" transition of power just moments after Pence certified the Electoral College results on the Senate floor.

Trump issued the statement through a White House staffer Dan Scavino's Twitter account after the president's personal Twitter and Facebook accounts were locked hours earlier.

Story continues

Staffers drop out: A slew of White House and Trump administration resignations follow Capitol breach

Some lawmakers in the House and Senate objected to the Electoral College results, but they lacked enough support to have an impact on the outcome.

Follow Jay Cannon of USA TODAY on Twitter: @JayTCannon

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch Pence certify Biden, Harris election results after Capitol riot
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[January 07, 2021] Arch MI's Winter HaMMR Finds Home Sales Are Being Strengthened by Better Affordability Than 20 Years Ago

The record-setting housing market is drawing strength from high levels of affordability, according to the Winter edition of The Housing and Mortgage Market Review (HaMMR), released today by Arch Mortgage Insurance Company (Arch MI), a leading provider of mortgage insurance. HaMMR also names the nation's Five Most Affordable Cities with strong job growth and focuses on likely moves by Washington, D.C., policymakers following the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. While affordability remains high nationally, there are several regions of the country where housing costs are higher and this HaMMR delves into the impact of a slower pace of construction in those more expensive areas. "Home prices have been rising steadily, but historically low mortgage rates are contributing to increased affordability for median-income homebuyers in large parts of the country," said Rob Hardie, Senior Vice President and head of Data Analytics, Arch Capital Services LLC. "Another factor is that many potential homebuyers are working at home and are increasingly focused on larger properties in suburbs, exurbs and rural areas where affordability is higher. We also look at how the ability to more easily increase housing stock in a given area impacts affordability." Commentary resources: The Housing and Mortgage Market Review is posted at archmi.com/hammr. The Winter 2021 issue focuses on affordability and its impact on the rate of home building across the nation. It also details trends in the nation's Five Most Affordable Cities with growing job markets.

is posted at archmi.com/hammr. The Winter 2021 issue focuses on affordability and its impact on the rate of home building across the nation. It also details trends in the nation's Five Most Affordable Cities with growing job markets. Policy expert Kirk Willison, Arch MI's VP of Government and Industry Relations, examines likely housing policy developments as Biden pursues his housing campaign goals. About Arch Mortgage Insurance Company Arch Capital Group Ltd.'s U.S. mortgage insurance operation, Arch MI, is a leading provider of private insurance covering mortgage credit risk. Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, Arch MI's misson is to protect lenders against credit risk, while extending the possibility of responsible homeownership to qualified borrowers. Arch MI's flagship mortgage insurer, Arch Mortgage Insurance Company, is licensed to write mortgage insurance in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit archmi.com.



Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. This release or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of Arch Capital Group Ltd. and its subsidiaries may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in or incorporated by reference in this release are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe" or "continue" or their negative or variations or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements involve our current assessment of risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. A non-exclusive list of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements includes the following: adverse general economic and market conditions; increased competition; pricing and policy term trends; fluctuations in the actions of rating agencies and the Company's ability to maintain and improve its ratings; investment performance; the loss of key personnel; the adequacy of the Company's loss reserves, severity and/or frequency of losses, greater than expected loss ratios and adverse development on claim and/or claim expense liabilities; greater frequency or severity of unpredictable natural and man-made catastrophic events, including pandemics such as COVID-19; the impact of acts of terrorism and acts of war; changes in regulations and/or tax laws in the United States or elsewhere; the Company's ability to successfully integrate, establish and maintain operating procedures as well as consummate acquisitions and integrate the businesses the Company has acquired or may acquire into the existing operations; changes in accounting principles or policies; material differences between actual and expected assessments for guaranty funds and mandatory pooling arrangements; availability and cost to the Company of reinsurance to manage the Company's gross and net exposures; the failure of others to meet their obligations to the Company; changes in the method for determining the London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and the potential replacement of LIBOR and other factors identified in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (" SEC (News - Alert) "). The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements that are included herein or elsewhere. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Tag: arch-mortgage

Source (News - Alert) : Arch Mortgage Insurance Company ARCH MORTGAGE INSURANCE COMPANY | 230 NORTH ELM STREET GREENSBORO NC 27401 | ARCHMI.COM MCUS-B1338I-0121  2021 Arch Mortgage Insurance Company. All Rights Reserved. Arch MI is a marketing term for Arch Mortgage Insurance Company and United Guaranty Residential Insurance Company. The Housing and Mortgage Market Review is a registered mark of Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc. or its affiliates. HaMMR is a service mark of Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc. or its affiliates. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005542/en/

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The Defence Headquarters of the Nigerian military said the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole has eliminated several Boko Haram terrorists in an air attack on the Wamdeo-Chul axis in the Southern part of Borno.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, John Enenche, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja said the air strike also destroyed two gun trucks belonging to the terrorists.

Mr Enenche said the feat was achieved on Tuesday, when the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter gunships was deployed to provide close air support to ground troops as they repelled terrorists.

He said the terrorists attempted to breach the two locations when the troops repelled them.

According to him, upon sighting the NAF helicopter gunships, the terrorists, mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles, attempted to beat a hasty retreat whilst firing at the attack aircraft.

However, they were hit by the helicopters barrage of rocket and cannon fire, which resulted in the immobilization of two of the gun trucks, one of which was seen engulfed in flames.

Several of the terrorists were also neutralized in the attack, while a few others were mopped-up as the helicopters continued to strafe the fleeing insurgents.

(NAN)
At least six Michigan residents were among the President Donald Trump supporters arrested during demonstrations that led to riots and the unprecedented storming of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday.

The suspects, whom MLive is not naming until arraignment is confirmed, include: a 64-year-old man charged with unlawful entry and a curfew violation; a 29-year-old man charged with curfew violation; a 25-year-old man charged with carrying a firearm without a license, possession of large-capacity ammunition magazine feeding device and possession of unregistered ammunition; two 44-year-old men are charged with curfew violations and another 36-year-old Michigan resident is also charged with a curfew violation.

The Michigan residents were among 70 arrested by Washington D.C. Metropolitan and U.S. Capitol police inside or near the federal building, according to a report released by the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.

Following a Trump rally and protests at or near the Capitol and White House, demonstrators, some armed, pushed through police barricades, broke windows, assaulted police and breached the Capitol while the Legislature held a session for the purpose of certifying the election of Joe Biden.

The legislative chambers were evacuated and a 6 p.m. curfew instituted when Trump supporters broke into the building, delaying the certification until the politicians reconvened into the early hours of Thursday.

Trump supporters contend the election of Biden is illegitimate due to election fraud, however no proof has been put forward to support such claims.

The upheaval resulted in injuries to an unknown number of officers, the fatal police shooting of Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old protester from California and the discovery of two suspected explosive devices by the FBI.

Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee III said three other people, one woman and two men, also died yesterday in the area of the protests, but their deaths appear to be unrelated to violence or rioting.

The FBI is now requesting photos, videos and tips to help identify suspects involved in Wednesdays unrest.

MLive has requested police reports for the Michigan residents arrested near or in the Capitol Wednesday and is awaiting a response.

READ MORE:

FBI seeks tips to identify suspects in storming of Capitol

Michigan Trump supporter at protest in D.C. horrified by violence at Capitol

Angry mobs cannot silence will of the people, Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee says

Congressman Upton says attack on Capitol will stain Trumps legacy
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 01:35:55|Editor: huaxia

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Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R, Front) and Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Marie Tumba Nzeza (L, Front) attend a signing ceremony in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Jan. 6, 2021. China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Wednesday signed here a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua)

KINSHASA, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Wednesday signed here a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his DRC counterpart Marie Tumba Nzeza signed the MoU between the two governments after their talks earlier in Kinshasa.

Wang said the BRI is an important international cooperation initiative and is committed to promoting economic complementarity among countries, synergizing development strategies, forming joint development efforts, and realizing common development and prosperity.

At present, China has signed BRI cooperation documents with 44 African countries, Wang said, adding that China welcomes the DRC as its 45th partner in Africa in BRI cooperation.

Wang said the signing of the MoU by the two sides will send a positive signal to the world that China and DRC are committed to common development and prosperity.

It will also drive economic cooperation between the two countries, create a stronger momentum for mutually beneficial cooperation, and open up broader prospects for bilateral relations. Enditem

By Ritah Kemigisa

The ministry of health will tomorrow, start distributing mosquito nets in Kampala and Wakiso districts to avert a likely upsurge of malaria cases.

Addressing the media today, the ministry permanent secretary Dr Diana Atwine said there is need to protect residents in the two districts since most of the non immune people travelled upcountry for Christmas.

She says as estimated, three million nets covering 1.2 million households will be given nets during the distribution exercise that kicks of tomorrow until January, 13th 2021.

President Museveni is expected to launch the distribution exercise of these Mosquito on Sunday, January 10th at a venue to be communicated.

The ministry has so far distributed over 20 million mosquito nets in 122 districts across the country.

Nine districts including; Jinja, Kyegegwa, Buyenda and Iganga among others will receive the nets next month.
From The Tablet

This article suggests the term coup for one specific event that happened this week.

Adam Smith, elected Democratic Representative and chair of the House Armed Services Committee, who called Donald Trump a narcissistic psychopath, told CNN that as Tuesday's riot unfolded, the Mayor of Washington DC talked directly to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of Defense with the Vice President's approval, who was in contact with the Pentagon, the FBI and the Justice Department and who consulted leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives, including himself. Without reference to the President, they agreed to release the Washington DC National Guard to secure the Capitol and the capital city from rioters. That they did. But Mike Pence, as Vice President, has no authority whatever over the United States armed forces. He is not the Commander in Chief nor deputy Commander in Chief, a role that does not exist. He had in effect usurped the Presidency and assumed its powers under the Constitution. That is surely a coup. And the riot itself was in effect an insurrection. ...

So [in the last couple days] in the United States saw: (a) the election of two Democratic senators from Georgia, thereby handing control of the Senate to the same party of government that will, from January 20, control the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives; (b) the due process of confirming Joe Biden as the next President, who will be Chief Executive and Commander in Chief for four more years, (c) an egregious act of treason by a serving President and (d) a coup d'etat that took place in the United States for the first, and let us earnestly hope, the last time.

What an epiphany! What a day!
A total of 131 people including 85 Indian nationals were detained for illegally crossing the India-Bangladesh international border into Tripura in 2020, a top Border Security Force (BSF) official said Thursday.

The rest 46 were Bangladeshi nationals.

BSF inspector general Sushanta Nath said that some of those arrested were involved in smuggling contraband items while some infiltrators had strayed across the border.

In 2019, the BSF detained 236 people for illegally crossing the international border. Of them, 117 were Indians, 65 were Bangladeshi nationals, 53 were Rohingyas and one was a Nigerian.

We are maintaining tight security as we are aware of the attempt of the militants to revive. We are working closely with the state police and security agencies to prevent border crimes and militancy. 

Out of Tripuras 856-km long international boundary with Bangladesh, 67 km are yet to be fenced.

Nath said that 95% of the border areas have been fenced.

In November last year, the BSF and Border Guards of Bangladesh (BGB) discussed trans border crimes and preventive measures and the construction of a single row fence along the Indo-Bangla border during a two-day border coordination conference.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 10:59PM

Source: Nintendo Enthusiast

If you still use your Nintendo Wii U or 3DS to watch Netflix videos, your days are numbered. The streaming service will discontinue support for the two consoles on June 30, 2021. Netflix already pulled the app from the eShop, so you can't even download it (unless it's already associated with your account). If you have it on your console, it will still be usable until the end of June. Now, we're wondering when Netflix and Nintendo will work on the version of the app for the Nintendo Switch.

Source: Engadget

The conservative headlines on the mob storming the Capitol were a head-twisting panorama of the opposing philosophies expressed in right-wing media, and reflective of the divisions in the Republican Party.

FoxNews.com posted not one but two editorials last night denouncing the mayhem, including a short piece by Karl Rove that placed a good part of the blame on Donald Trump for bringing the mob together. Both the Washington Examiner and National Review, two influential and prominent conservative websites that have been increasingly critical of Trump, came out swinging. Most notably, the Examiner called for his impeachment and removal from office.

But several voices on the far right took a different view. Consider this headline from Infowars, posted last night: Unarmed woman carrying Trump flag executed in U.S. Capitol building. Big League Politics called Vice President Mike Pence a traitor for praising the police, especially after they shot a patriotic woman dead. American Thinker theorized that leftist provocateurs led the way into the Capitol.

And others just ignored the events. Newsmaxs usually robust opinion pages contained not one piece about the Capitol riots. The top story on its homepage the morning of January 7 had this bland headline: Trump vows orderly transition after greatest 1st term in history. The opinion pages of the Washington Times seemed stuck in time, with a lead editorial about the elections in Georgia.

Its worth mentioning a piece of conservative satire from the outlet Babylon Bee, which invents news stories to make points in the manner of The Onion. It carried the headline: Trump walks away from Republican party without even looking back at the explosion. The piece made up a quote from Steve Bannon and Nancy Pelosi both saying: Ive never seen anything so beautiful.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Howard Polskin is the president and chief curator of TheRighting, a website that aggregates stories from right-wing media outlets on a daily basis to inform mainstream and liberal audiences. The site, which was launched in 2017, also tracks and analyzes traffic to conservative websites on a monthly basis.
She has developed a passion for open water swimming - a pastime with proven benefits to both physical and mental health - since giving up drinking in 2013.

And Susannah Constantine looked delighted to be back in the water again on Thursday as she braved the freezing cold temperatures for another bout of wild swimming.

The former TV stylist, 58, slipped into a simple black swimsuit for her dip, teaming it with a matching swimming hat, and black swim boots and gloves.

Taking a dip: Susannah Constantine looked delighted to be back in the water again on Thursday as she braved the freezing cold temperatures for another bout of wild swimming

As a pal filmed her, Susannah was seen tiptoeing down the beach and towards the water as she prepared for her chilly swim session.

She then waded into the sea and shuddered as the water, with a temperature of minus one, lapped over her.

As she dived in, she let out a squeal before acclimatising herself to the cool temperature, before turning to her pal and saying: 'OK, come in.'

Captioning her video, Susannah penned: 'And now for my next trick... -1', alongside cold and swimming emojis.

Looking good: The former TV stylist, 58, slipped into a simple black swimsuit for her dip, teaming it with a matching swimming hat, and black swim boots and gloves

Susannah's last documented wild swim in December saw her play her voluptuous physique for laughs by claiming her 't*ts are bigger than her head'.

She admitted her swimsuit drew attention to her prominent chest as she took on her latest outdoor challenge - a freezing country pond in West Sussex.

Accompanied by scantily clad close friend and fellow wild swimming enthusiast Ali McGougan, she told Instagram followers: 'Ali's been in, in her knickers and bra.

'I'm beautifully attired in my swimsuit with my big udders, and it's two degrees today. I'm surprised it's not frozen.'

Raring to go: As a pal filmed her, Susannah was seen tiptoeing down the beach and towards the water as she prepared for her chilly swim session

Nice one: She then waded into the sea and shuddered as the water, with a temperature of minus one, lapped over her

Come on in! As she dived in, she let out a squeal before acclimatising herself to the cool temperature, before turning to her pal and saying: 'OK, come in'

Lowering herself into the uninviting water, she audibly lost her breath while adjusting to its ice cold temperature.

Captioning the clip with a playful reference to her chest, she wrote: 'No words... grunts say it all. #wildsusannah #countryliving #susannahconstantine #t*tsbiggerthanhead'

Susannah recently revealed that she is a recovering alcoholic, explaining it was liberating to finally admit to having a drinking problem.

The author, whose mother was also an alcoholic, said she has been in recovery for seven years.

Banter: Susannah's last documented wild swim in December saw her play her voluptuous physique for laughs by claiming her 't*ts are bigger than her head'

She made the admission during an interview with podcast My Mate Bought A Toaster, hosted by comedian Tom Price, on which celebrities talk about their Amazon orders.

Susannah was discussing the book Living With The Passive Aggressive Man: Coping With The Hidden Aggression  From The Bedroom To The Boardroom by Scott Wetzler.

The mother-of-three said: 'I'm going to say this and I'm going to say this on your podcast and it's not something I've spoken about before, really. It's important. I'm in recovery.

'I'm an alcoholic and I've been in recovery for nearly seven years now and at that time, as an addict, often what you would do was put all my own defects and find someone else to attach them to, so I thought my husband was passive aggressive, but actually I was the one that was passive aggressive and I've realised that over time and in recovery.

'I was the awful passive aggressive and my poor husband was the one who had to live with it.'

Funny: The TV personality admitted her swimsuit drew attention to her prominent chest as she took on her latest outdoor challenge - a freezing country pond in West Sussex
One of Budapests major business publications, the Budapest Business Journal has a more-than 25-year history.

Over the years, the publisher has produced several associated publications that look into more specific areas.



One such is Fine Restaurants, which takes readers who appreciate high-quality food, its creative presentation, and the personalities of the hospitality sector, into the world of Hungarian restaurants. Fine Restaurants presents both the food and its creators.



Every year, our editors prepare a subjective list for foreign business people living in or visiting Hungary. With much creativity and sensitivity, the top 100 restaurants are selected from among key figures of Hungarian hospitality and new emerging stars; 2020 was no different. COVID-19 continues to create a difficult period for hospitality to this day.



Nevertheless, some new stars have been established in Hungarian gastronomy.



Once again, 18 eateries have been awarded with an exclusive Fine Restaurants diploma and a message of appreciation.



Downtowns Essencia Restaurant is one of our new players, part of the ongoing story of owners Tiago and Eva Sabarigo. The restaurant combines the flavors of Portuguese and Hungarian dishes that recall childhood memories and match them with top modern gastronomy.



Arany Kaviar (Golden Caviar) is an old friend among our winners and has a history of 30 years. Led by owners Attila Molnar and Szasa Nyiri, it represents unbroken success in satisfying patrons who are hungry for gastronomy in the world of tradition and caviar specialties.



As one of the landmark establishments of Hungarian gastronomy, Costes Downtown, which was able to earn its first Michelin star before it was even one year old, could hardly not be awarded. Karoly Gerendai opened this restaurant in the spring of 2015 and received the much-coveted in March 2016.



Not far from Costes Downtown, Textura in Sas utca is the dream of Tamas Horvath, Zoltan Kalocsai and third owner and executive chef Akos Sarkozi. It is a place that creates a home to playfulness, excellent ingredients and everyday experimentation.



Another great figure of Hungarian Fine Dining is Stand25, run by Szabina Szullo and Tamas Szell. Bringing the character of a bistro to the Buda side of the city, this is an ambassador of Hungarian cuisine where the patron wont feel stressed, but can enjoy a top-class dinner.



We have strived for variety among our laureates; you wont, for example, have to travel all the way to Italy if you crave traditional Italian food from among our winners. Faustos was opened in 1994. The creation of Fausto Di Vora is a trademark of sophistication and elegance, which is a sure choice for a business dinner.



As we are already in Italy, we have to mention another of our near perpetual winners, Trattoria Pomo DOro, the restaurant of Gianni Annoni. Originality is very important to his team, and they put great emphasis on it. In addition to traditional Italian dishes, the chef also prepares many from his own recipe collection.



The pizza master bakes crispy thin dough pizzas in a wood-fired oven, thus highlighting the traditional flavors of pizzas.



And in the spirit of tradition, let us also present Salt Budapest, where Hungarian roots and tastes are the focus: the meat comes from the family farm and herbs and wild plants are carefully selected by the chef by hand from across the country.



The main profile of Babel Budapest is also the traditions of Hungarian cuisine and more especially the impact on it of Transylvania. The sophistication of the food and culinary art and creativity from the heart make up the real Babel experience.



The choice of our laureates was also influenced by the atmosphere of the restaurant and, of course, the treatment of guests. Hot Stone Steakhouse is also a great choice for a gathering of friends where guests can finish cooking their favorite Steak themselves.



The specialty of the place is the lava stone, which is heated to 400C on a ceramic plate, allowing you to sear the high-quality steak of our own choice.



To our delight, there are more and more specialist restaurants in the city. You can find Asian fusion at TOKIO Budapest. From the hands of chef Roland Toth and authentic Thai chefs come dishes that offer such culinary pleasure that guests are sure to return.



Our next award winner is the Kollazs Brasserie & Bar. The restaurant is located in the Four Seasons Hotel Budapest Gresham Palace, within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Danube embankments. Simultaneously traditional and modern, timeless and fresh, elegant and relaxed.



A restaurant that offers restrained, relaxed elegance on the Danube, DNB Budapest is the pride of the Marriott Budapest Hotel. It is a place that is equally great for a business lunch or for brunch with friends.



St. Andrea Restaurant Budapest, with its unusual gastronomic experience, could not be missed. It is located in one of the most wonderful buildings in Budapest, the downtown Eiffel Palace. It is a restaurant where you dont just sit down for a well-prepared dinner. St. Andrea offers an experience and a wonderful memory for its guests.



Let us return to Buda to celebrate a childs birthday, organize a family party or even a corporate Christmas party in Haris Park, where you can find one of the pearls of Buda: Bobo Restaurant.



The name aptly leads us to a playful, yet aristocratic gastronomic destination. Bobo has modernized elements of Dual Monarchy cuisine and classic Hungarian and Austrian flavors, to bring them in line with 21st century requirements.



Year after year, the top restaurants of the country are presented in Fine Restaurants, which also include outstanding eateries in the countryside. Take a journey to the southern city of Szeged, where Tiszavirag Cafe delivers an excellent brunch experience, or just invites you in for a delicious coffee and cake on your morning walk.



A little further afield you can find the Vegallomas Bistorant restaurant in Miskolc. Here they create bistro dishes that are rich in excellent flavors, adapting to the changing seasons, without omitting local ingredients.



In Hungary, the art of confectionery is reaching ever higher levels. Hauer Confectionery and Cafe is close to the center of Budapest. Hauer, which has been around for more than 120 years, provides a culinary experience in Hungarian confectionery culture. Carefully prepared creams, cakes, cookies and many other special delicacies will satisfy your sweet tooth.



Our heartfelt congratulations go to all our winners.





Photo courtesy of Costes Downtown Restaurant


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Social media networks Facebook and Twitter on Wednesday locked U.S. President Donald Trump's accounts on their platforms after his supports clashed with police in the Capitol Hill.



Four people, including a woman, died from medical emergencies during the clash at the Capitol after Trump supports overtook the US Capitol building, trying to disrupt the Congressional proceedings relating to electoral college votes.



DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced an extension to public emergency to 15 days.



Following the riots, Facebook removed a video Trump posted to his supporters who participated in the riot, and then blocked his account for 24 hours from posting on its platform. Trump also faces a 24-hour block on Instagram, owned by Facebook.



Facebook tweeted, 'We've assessed two policy violations against President Trump's Page which will result in a 24-hour feature block, meaning he will lose the ability to post on the platform during that time.'



Further, citing the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., Twitter said it has required the removal of three tweets by Trump that were posted earlier in the day for repeated and severe violations of Civic Integrity policy.



Twitter said, 'This means that the account of @realDonaldTrump will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets. If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked.'



Twitter also warned that future violations of the Twitter Rules, including Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies, will result in permanent suspension of Trump's account.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

FACEBOOK-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
She recently hit back at trolls after she was criticised for her 'business trip' to the Maldives.

And Kady McDermott put the drama behind her as she took to Instagram on Thursday to share a new snap from her idyllic getaway with boyfriend Myles Barnett.

The former Love Island star, 25, looked sensational as she displayed her peachy posterior in a tiny blue thong bikini.

Peachy! Kady McDermott put the drama behind her as she took to Instagram on Thursday to share a new snap from her idyllic getaway with boyfriend Myles Barnett

Kady knew how to work her best angles as she posed with a snorkel on and pair of flippers in her hand after a dip in the crystal clear ocean.

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The reality star left her wet brunette locks loose and she appeared to go makeup-free, displaying her sun-kissed complexion.

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Kady captioned the photo with: 'Train your mind to see the good in every situation,' followed by a blue heart emoji.

Yet it looks as though the reality star has since jetted off to Dubai as she shared updates of herself at the FIVE Jumeirah Village Dubai hotel to her Instagram Story.

Luxury: The former Love Island star, 25, recently hit back at trolls after she was criticised for her 'business trip' to the Maldives

Another trip? Yet it looks as though the reality star has since jetted off to Dubai as she shared updates of herself at the FIVE Jumeirah Village Dubai hotel to her Instagram Story

Lavish: Kady couldn't resist showing off her lavish accommodation

It comes after the former Love Island star enjoyed herself as she took a swim in the sea on Tuesday with her boyfriend Myles.

Kady stunned in a tie-dye orange and blue bikini, showcasing her sensational toned curves.

She held her boyfriend's hand as she looked back at the camera, which was half-underwater, over her shoulder.

The brunette beauty left her hair down, hanging loose down her back, as she opted for no make-up.

Romantic holiday: It comes after the former Love Island star enjoyed herself as she took a swim in the sea on Tuesday with her boyfriend Myles

Kady captioned the post: 'Adventures with you,' followed by a blue heart emoji.

The reality star shared a sunset photo of herself in a bikini, gazing out at the infinity pool and soaking up the evening heat on Friday.

'My favourite time of the day!' she captioned it, tagging @hardrockhotelmaldives and @trendingtravel.co.uk in the post.

But one follower - who allegedly has been contacting her via direct message as well - was quick to slam Kady for being abroad while the majority of the UK were forbidden to travel and stuck in Tier 3 and Tier 4 before the third lockdown on Monday.

Idyllic: The reality star shared a sunset photo of herself in a bikini, gazing out at the infinity pool and soaking up the evening heat on Friday

He remarked: 'Breaking the rules again - don't see this as a business trip!'

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Kady bit back: 'Oh so because you dont see it as a business trip it means it isnt? Oh ok lol.

'But if you mush know as you keep sending me DMS too I am here with @trendingtravel.co.uk and had a valid letter for travel from the CEO. Not everyones work is based in an office, David!' [sic]

She went on: 'I understand some people may not see this as work but advertising fashion brands, companies, hotels etc is how I pay my bills.

'I dont question anyone on how they pay theirs so dont question mine. Happy new year!' [sic]

Others agreed with the original critic's comment, with one remarking 'God how easy is that flying somewhere nice and getting pictured' and another posting 'Got her fella with her so cant be that much of a business trip'.

Kady is away with her boyfriend, former TOWIE star Myles, 26, after they rekindled their romance following an on-off relationship.
OTTAWA - It has been 66 years since Canada and Iran established diplomatic ties. Those had frayed and been mended many times before the crash of a Ukraine International Airlines flight near Tehran killed all 176 on board, including at least 55 Canadian citizens and more than 100 people with ties to Canada.

In this Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 photo, rescue workers search the scene where a Ukrainian plane crashed in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital Tehran, Iran. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Ebrahim Noroozi

OTTAWA - It has been 66 years since Canada and Iran established diplomatic ties. Those had frayed and been mended many times before the crash of a Ukraine International Airlines flight near Tehran killed all 176 on board, including at least 55 Canadian citizens and more than 100 people with ties to Canada.

Here is a brief timeline of events in the relationship between Iran and Canada:

1955: Formal diplomatic relations established.

1956: The first Iranian mission opens in Ottawa.

1959: Canada dispatches its first head-of-mission to Tehran.

1979: During the Islamic Revolution, Canadian ambassador Ken Taylor helps shelter six staff of the U.S. Embassy over 79 days. Taylor, with help from the CIA, plans to have the six leave Iran using a cover story that they were in Iran to film a movie.

1980: The six Americans leave Iran using fake Canadian passports. Taylor leaves the country as well and the Canadian Embassy closes.

1988: Canada sends a large team of military observers as part of a United Nations mission to oversee a ceasefire between Iran and neighbouring Iraq following a war between those two nations. The Canadian Embassy reopens.

1990: Canada names an ambassador to Iran, the first since the embassy reopened two years earlier.

2012: Canada closes its embassy in Iran and expels Iranian diplomats in Canada. It severs diplomatic ties over Iran's being found to not be in compliance with a UN Security Council resolution about its nuclear program. Italy assumes the role of Canada's voice in Iran.

The Harper Conservatives list Iran as a state supporter of terrorism and list the Revolutionary Guard and the Quds Force, led by Maj.-Gen. Qassem Soleimani, as terrorist entities.

2015: Canada is the lead sponsor of a UN resolution condemning human-rights violations in Iran.

2016: The Trudeau Liberals announce their willingness to re-engage directly with Iran and possibly restore diplomatic ties.

2020

Jan. 3: An American drone strike kills Soleimani.

Jan. 8: Iran launches retaliatory missile strikes on two American military bases in Iraq. One is near the city of Irbil and hosts Canadian special-forces troops, along with a Canadian helicopter unit and dozens of support personnel.

Air Canada reroutes flights out of the United Arab Emirates to avoid flying over Iraq.

Just after 6 a.m. in Tehran, Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 takes off from the Tehran airport. Approximately two minutes after take-off, Iran fires the first of two missiles at the plane. The plane crashes about five minutes after take-off, killing all 167 passengers and nine crew.

Jan. 9: Trudeau and cabinet ministers are briefed on domestic and allied intelligence that the plane was brought down by Iranian surface-to-air missiles, and Trudeau reports the news to Canadians in a news conference.

Iran publicly acknowledges the reports are accurate and says the missiles were fired by accident.

Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne speaks with Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Sarif, raises Canada's concerns about the crash and says Canada needs to be given access to Iran to participate in the investigation and aid citizens.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Board in Iran invites the Transportation Safety Board of Canada to attend the accident site in Iran.

Jan. 11: Trudeau speaks to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

Jan. 17: Champagne meets Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif in Oman to discuss the crash and the need for a transparent investigation and what Iran's obligations are to the families of the dead.

Feb. 3: Transport Minister Marc Garneau speaks to Iran's minister of roads and urban development, urging him to turn over the plane's flight recorders. It's a message Garneau and Champagne repeatedly give to Iranian authorities in the coming months but it is more than six months until the flight recorders are downloaded for analysis.

March 31: Trudeau appoints former cabinet minister Ralph Goodale as Special Advisor to the Government of Canada's response to Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 crash.

June 23: The Transportation Safety Board says it has been invited by Iran's Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to be present when the flight recorders are downloaded in France the third week of July.

July 20: The flight data recorders are downloaded.

Aug. 23: Iran's investigation board issues a report on its analysis of the data recorders. Champagne and Garneau both issue a statement criticizing Iran for not providing full accounting of what happened in the moments leading up to the missiles being fired, which Iran has claimed was done by accident. Canada says it still needs to be told why the missiles were launched and why the airspace was left open to commercial aircraft.

Oct. 2: Champagne forms a forensic team, as recommended by Goodale, to collect, organize and analyze all available evidence and intelligence about the crash.

(Sources: Global Affairs Canada, The Canadian Press)

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2021.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Hollywood star James Marsden feels being virtuous might not always be the sexiest option and can get boring at times, but he likes to celebrate the good through his roles and the stories.

That is what he is trying to do in his latest show "The Stand", which is based on Stephen King's bestselling novel of the same name. He plays the role of ordinary guy Stu Redman, who gets caught in an apocalyptic pandemic.

"We love our anti heroes right now. I think 'Batman Begins' began the whole thing. All of a sudden Superman is not that interesting and Batman is the hero, but not without a dark side," Marsden said while talking about his decision to play the good guy in the age of anti-heroes.

"I know being a good person and being virtuous is not always the sexiest or flashiest thing. And sometimes it can even be boring to watch. But I also think that in the face of real, humbling uncertainty, and this sort of apocalyptic crisis that's happening, people want to lean on humans that have strong opinions on what is right," he added.

The Hollywood star continued: "And a sort of dedication to restoring stability and using virtues like kindness and decency... All of those attributes that may again, be kind of like milk, toasty, boring, but I like to celebrate those characters." "We need more people like that in the world, or we need to bring that out in more people in the world. Because I do think that exists. He (Stu) is a reluctant hero. I don't think he chooses to be the leader here. I think he's just a guy who is simply trying to do the right thing and who has got a strong moral code.

"So, I like the boring good guys, who remain optimistic. I never want to get cynical in my life. We all have our dark sides, and we all have our dragons that we wrestle with. But I like to celebrate the people who choose to do the right thing when no one's looking. And I think Stu embodies that," added Marsden, who is known for roles in films like "The Notebook", "X-Men", "Superman Returns", "Enchanted", "27 Dresses" and "Death at a Funeral".

Also starring Whoopi Goldberg, Alexander Skarsgard and Amber Heard, "The Stand" offers a peek into Stephen King's apocalyptic vision of a world decimated by plague and embroiled in a struggle between good and evil. The show streams in India on Voot Select.

(Sugandha Rawal can be contacted at sugandha.r@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
PARIS: France will keep its restaurants, cinemas and ski resorts closed while it cranks up its COVID-19 vaccination rollout because the coronavirus is still spreading too fast and hospitals remain under severe pressure, Prime Minister Jean Castex said.

Castex said that restaurants would remain shuttered until at least mid February and ski resorts might not open before the February holidays. A nightly curfew would be extended until at least Jan. 20 and further national restrictions could not be ruled out, he added.

It is out of the question that we lower our guard," Castex told a news conference on Thursday.

One in every two intensive care beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients and non-essential procedures are still being postponed to ease the burden on hospitals.

The coronavirus has claimed more than 66,500 lives in France, the seventh highest death toll in the world.

President Emmanuel Macron and his government have come under fire for the slow pace of the vaccine rollout which medical experts say is tangled in red tape and has left France lagging behind European neighbours such as Britain and Germany.

Vaccination has become the number one priority for the government," Castex said. We are convinced that its the broadest, fastest vaccination campaign that will allow us to emerge from the crisis. But let us not confuse haste and speed."

Health Minister Olivier Veran defended bureaucratic safeguards but said procedures would be simplified and that shots would be delivered into arms faster.

Frances medical regulator had approved extending the period between the two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech shot to six weeks from three, he said, allowing more citizens to get a first shot in the near term.

France still expected to deliver 1 million shots by the end of the month, Veran affirmed. So far some 45,000 only have been administered.

WE DONT SEE THE END"

France has pre-ordered 200 million doses of different COVID-19 vaccines, more than enough to cover its entire 67-million strong population. Surveys show six in every 10 citizens intend to refuse the vaccine.

Veran said France was closely tracking cases of the new British and South African variants of the virus.

Nineteen cases of the British variant have been identified in France including two particularly worrying clusters in the greater Paris region and Brittany.

France will continue to limit entry to France from Britain to French citizens and returning residents in possession of a negative COVID-19 test.

With more vaccines expected to be approved by regulators by late March, France could hope to emerge from the crisis by the summer, Castex said.

His remarks will be scant consolation for the countrys restaurateurs whose kitchens have been empty and chairs stacked on tables for more than two months.

We dont see the end," Alain Fontaine, manager of the Le Mesturet restaurant, said earlier in the day. He urged compatriots to get inoculated.

They must understand that if they want to see restaurants, cafes, bistrots, cinemas, theatres reopen, they have to get vaccinated."

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
(Photo : Zero Bounce)

It is every entrepreneur's dream to turn contacts in the mailing list as sources of returns of investment. Well, this dream could come true with these top 5 email validation services in 2019! These software programs guarantee cost and time efficiency as it has the right features to sort fake and temporary email addresses from real ones. In this way, one's efforts and investment in sending marketing campaigns will successfully reach a customer's mailbox. Also, these programs are effective in a way that it can accommodate bulks of emails without missing a single one of them. What's more! Some of these software provides a free trial version so customers can check if the email validation service fits his/her needs.

Xverify Intelligent Email Verification is a trusted solution for online marketers to improve email deliverability by eliminating hard bounces, reducing complaints, protecting accounts against fraud, and thus, increasing deliverability.

With its data intelligence, it instantly filters fake accounts from safe ones. It offers more control and more accessibility with its verification immediately available with its web form. More control is also possible just by plugging in Javascript or by tapping into the provided API. Aside from increased deliverability and performance, batch uploading as well as cleaning up a large data set is also manageable with its great drag and drop uploader and easy access to an FTP.

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Email Verification

Don't waste time on sending to fake users or worrying about high-risk email accounts. Xverify's Email Verification service is known for its highest accuracy rates and can verify both major consumer email providers such as Yahoo, Gmail, AOL, and Hotmail, as well as business domains. To verify, marketers can simply integrate Xverify's API into the web form or upload a list to its easy-to-use, self-service platform.

The Email Verification service offers the following advantages: eliminating your hard bounce rate by detecting invalid email addresses; reducing your complaint rate with complainer detection and minimizing your risk of fraud by identifying temporary and high-risk accounts.

Phone Verification

Know which numbers are dialable or disconnected with Xverify's Phone Verification service. Phone Verification uses database lookups from telecom companies within the United States and Canada and provides an 80 percent accuracy rate in results. The service also identifies whether a phone number is a cell phone or a landline and can find out the number's corresponding city and state.

Postal Address Verification

Bad data due to errors in addresses can cost extra time and money. Postal Address Verificationcatches spelling mistakes, incorrect street extensions, missing apartment numbers or invalid zip codes, among other errors, so you can be confident that customers supply an accurate address.

Xverifys instant Postal Address Verification tool quickly detects an invalid address and returns a big red error message on the form to alert users of their mistake. It checks any address in the United States or Canada, reducing the number of partial addresses and return to sender notifications from nonexistent addresses. Postal Address Verification also autocorrects minor misspellings.

Verifying postal addresses is easy with Xverify's user-friendly dashboard that lets users upload their own file for automatic validation and verification.

Bulk Email Verifier

Validating email lists is simple with Xverify's Bulk Email Verifier. The drag-and-drop tool allows users to quickly upload their list from their desktop; cloud-based storage systems including Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive; or from leading email service providers (ESPs). Uploading large quantities of data and verifying emails is fast and simple, thanks to quick turnaround times and accurate email verification.

Plus, there's no need to wait for your list to finish. Users are notified via email once the file is complete. The service will also automatically correct minor misspellings in email domains and point out catch-all email addresses.

Sending massive emails is common among companies, especially those that are regularly reaching out to clients and prospect leads through newsletters and email marketing campaigns. If you do this manually, it will take a lot of time and effort before sending the email to all target contacts. Thankfully, there are email validation services to ease the stress of sending emails and verifying addresses. QuickEmailVerification is among the top email validation services that can be a great tool in growing your business.

What does it offer?

QuickEmailVerification is known for offering bulk email verification, real-time email verification API, and other services. It also provides flexible pricing plans, and the credits never expire. Besides, the company is GDPR and CCPA compliant.

Pricing

It offers flexible plans to any users, including One Time (Pay as you go) and Daily (Pay monthly). To test-drive the service before you buy, sign up for free (no card required) and get free 100 email credits. In case of One Time plans, credits never expire. In either plan, there are huge savings when you buy more credits. You can start with as little as $4 for 500 credits.

Security

Users deserve assurance that every tool they use is secure and safe. This tool boasts strong encryption to protect users' data. The enterprise-grade security allows users to add email validation to your workflow without worry. Email lists are accepted and returned through secure connections.

Integrations

This service boasts the flexibility of its integrations as it goes well with any email marketing platform. With that, users can run campaigns that bring business, not bounces. It has integrations with almost all of the leading Email Service Providers (ESPs), including VerticalResponse, MailChimp, AWeber, Emma, GetResponse, Campaign Monitor, Constant Contact, and more.

Bulk Email Verification

You can utilize this platform to process huge email lists, accurately verifying around 100,000 emails for about an hour. This list cleaning feature will help you get rid of low quality emails thus improving your email list for a bigger ROI and better engagement. You will no longer worry about hard bounces that could negatively affect your email marketing campaign.

Email verification API

Using advanced metrics, this real-time email verification tool can get detailed reports which can help you arrive at data-based decisions. You can get an insight on the quality of emails if the address is safe to send, valid, invalid, unknown, disposable, and others. The QuickEmailVerification API can detect bad and fraudulent emails at entry level.

Real-time verification API

How does it work? It allows users to verify email addresses as they are typed in the signup form. Its REST API instantly checks if the address is valid and helps customers correct email typos. It also prevents disposable, invalid, or shared addresses from getting into your list and lowering your mailing list quality.

Bulk verification API

This feature verifies email lists and generates leads for your business. This helps users improve the data and avoid getting blacklisted. Sending emails to unverified recipients will not only result in hard bounces, but this will affect the entire campaign and your sender reputation.

Free Tools: Daily Free Credits

It gives users 100 free email verification credits daily for trial. They can run sample lists, integrate API, and explore the services for free. Other free tools also include SPF analyzer, DKIM analyzer, DMARC analyzer, SPF and DMARC wizard, DNS lookup, and IP and CIDR converter. No credit card is required. Users can sign up and use the free credits without worrying about getting charged for the service.

QuickEmailVerification email verification service is competitively priced, providing premium services relatively cheaper than its competitors. The service also works at a really fast pace having a shorter turnaround time for email verification. The speed of QuickEmailVerification is a plus in its own way. But what really makes this service stand out is how tightly knitted its security is both for the company itself (without reports of failure) and for its clients.

As mentioned, the ultimate benefit of QuickEmailVerification is its security as it has strong encryption for data protection, ensuring its clients with every step of the way. The company's track record attests for itself. One thing to take away is the use of strong encryption of its clients' data. The privacy of a businesses' data is the businesses' alone.

Of course, it would be nice to test it for a trial run to see the company's validity. The company offers 100 credits per day for a free trial. It features a free email checker on its website for people to verify if a particular email address is valid or not.

Filtering toxic emails is something that QuickEmailVerification specializes in, and even with the free feature, it is already helpful. Users can clean the entire list in one go by using REST API of the bulk cleaning feature. Meanwhile, real-time email verification can help authenticate one email at a time before entering the mailing list through sign-ups or contact forms.

As mentioned earlier, QuickEmailVerification maintains its good reputation. This only means the company can also help entrepreneurs establish a good reputation by ensuring better ROI for email campaigns. It is one of the reliable email validation services because it removes invalid and risky emails.

Email List Verify offers full-featured email verification at a reasonable price. This service aims to let users save money on email marketing and eventually increase the return of investment. It also protects the domain's reputation score by getting rid of spam traps and hard bounces.

Verifying and identifying bad emails is the primary concern of Email List Verify. To achieve this, the service conducts domain and SMTP validation and activates its spam trap checker. Its disposable emails cleaner also gets rid of short-lived emails.

It also has a syntax error validator, a hard bounce checker, and an email duplicator remover that detect inaccurate, invalid- and duplicate emails. The MTA validator also runs advanced checks to validate MX records in the email messages.

It guarantees that all uploaded email addresses are protected and encrypted using the 256-bit SSL protocol and can only be accessed by a user with the proper login credentials.

Email List Verify offers packing options that suit the customer's needs. It charges $4 per 1,000 emails and $3,290 for 10 million verified emails. It promises a one time payment option that includes the application's API and has no monthly payments. The number of credits included in the package never expires with its "Pay As You Go" option, allowing users to use the number of emails until it reaches its limit.

The number of emails in one's mailing list could dictate the return of investment later on in one's business. However, starting businesses with very few contacts may not have this valuable data. Gemail.io is a great tool to get anyone's email in seconds. It uses big data and machine learning algorithms to find email addresses of any potential customers from any company. Looking for prospects has been made easier as finding emails is made simple and efficient in a short period of time.

This app provides free tests that are free of charge to its customers so that the latter can evaluate the service well before committing to any product subscription. Its basic plan costs $49 per month with inclusive benefits of giving 300 credits to its customers with CSV, API access and support. The Standard plan costs $99 per month, which gives 1,000 credits customers; the Premium plan with $149 monthly fee for 2,000 credits; and the Ultra plan with $399 with 10, 000 credits per month.

GetEmail.io is developed by Gabriel Cian and Nicolas Bahout, both co-founders of Captain Leads. A serial entrepreneur, Cian, a graduate of Ecole Polytechnique and Telecom ParisTech has his expertise on online marketing particularly in creating three profitable B2B online marketplaces. Aside from being considered one of the 10 best experts of the world, Bahout also created his own start-up in big data and artificial intelligence.

Mail Gun helps in the diligent sending of bulk emails to customers so that the business can maintain a positive reputation toward them. It is perfect for developers with its powerful APIs that allow sending, receiving, and tracking email effortlessly. It is also suitable for customers in providing them email consulting services- as well as technical support to email marketing campaigns to boost deliverability. It has a White Label Email service that protects one's email delivery rate and protects users from spam and phishing emails.

Products

Email API

Sending transactional or bulk emails is made effortless with Mailgun's SMTP relay and flexible HTTP API. Email integration can easily be done in one's app, more so because its API documentation is equipped with popular languages like Python, Ruby, Java, C#, PHP, and more. Knowing whether emails have reached the recipient's inbox can also be done with the app's advanced email analytics and detailed. logs.

Email Validation Service

Validating email addresses save a lot of time and money. With Mailgun's email validation API, one can guarantee that emails in the list are verified, validated using real-world data + RFC spec.

Rapid Fire Throughput

This service gives the benefit of sending a burst of emails at specific times and receiving massive volumes of messages from the list without skipping any of them in a 24/7, real-time basis. This is made possible with Mailgun's efficient messaging infrastructure with intelligent queue management that dynamically manages messages in the shortest span of time.

Deliverability Service

Emails sent have increased chances of landing the right inbox with Mailgun's regular consultations with its experts that can render customized deliverability strategy and proactive monitoring of one's email performance.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

"We want to thank Sagar for all of his contributions to Instacart over the last five years. During his time at the company, Sagar helped us navigate some of our biggest business milestones while significantly strengthening our financial profile. From building up our financial rigor to helping us successfully scale our business during a year of unprecedented growth, I'm proud of how Sagar and our talented teams effectively managed triple-digit surges in customer order volume, doubled the size of our shopper community and expanded our marketplace to welcome hundreds of new retailers," said Mehta.

"As we look ahead, Nick's finance experience, operational discipline, and deep understanding of complex marketplaces like ours will be instrumental to Instacart. He's regarded as one of the most respected and accomplished technology and internet investment bankers, and he's played a pivotal role advising some of the world's most prolific companies, founders and management teams as they've scaled from being private companies to global leaders. For years, Nick has served as a trusted advisor to Instacart, supporting our business as we've grown to become the North American leader in online grocery. We're excited to now welcome him as our new CFO, where he'll help steer Instacart's next chapter of growth and strengthen our position as an essential service for consumers, shoppers and partners," Mehta continued.

Before joining Instacart, Giovanni spent more than 20 years at Goldman Sachs where he advised clients on hundreds of financing, strategic and investing transactions, including some of the largest financial transactions and public offerings of the last two decades for companies such as Airbnb, DoorDash, Square, Twitter, Snap, Dropbox, Yelp, Zynga, eBay, Meituan and Baidu, as well as direct listings for Spotify and Slack. He also worked on several high-profile M&A deals at Goldman Sachs that helped reshape industries, including Slack's sale to Salesforce, Credit Karma's sale to Intuit, Spotify's acquisition of podcast properties, Skype's sale to Microsoft and Zillow's purchase of Trulia.

Giovanni joined Goldman Sachs in 1998 and most recently served as Head of the Global Technology, Media and Telecom Group. He was also a member of Goldman Sachs' Investment Banking Division Executive Committee and its Investment Banking Division Growth Investing Committee. During his tenure at Goldman Sachs, Giovanni held a number of roles with the company across its offices in New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and San Francisco.

"Our family has relied on Instacart for years and I'm thrilled to join the team during such a unique time for the company. Instacart is helping to bring the grocery industry online for consumers, retailers, advertisers and shoppers," said Giovanni. "It's been particularly impressive to watch Instacart successfully scale its operations and technology over the last year during a period of unprecedented growth. Apoorva and the talented management team have built a lasting business in a massive market that's poised for continued online growth. I look forward to partnering with them as we focus on delivering long-term value for our customers, shoppers and partners."

Instacart today partners with more than 500 national, regional and local retailers, including unique brand names, to offer delivery and pickup services from nearly 40,000 stores across more than 5,500 cities in North America. Instacart is available to 85% of U.S. households and 70% of Canadian households.

About Instacart

Instacart is the leading online grocery platform in North America. Instacart shoppers offer same-day delivery and pickup services to bring fresh groceries and everyday essentials to busy people and families across the U.S. and Canada. Instacart has partnered with more than 500 beloved national, regional and local retailers, including unique brand names, to deliver from nearly 40,000 stores across more than 5,500 cities in North America. Instacart's delivery service is available to 85% of U.S. households and 70% of Canadian households. The company's cutting-edge enterprise technology also powers the ecommerce platforms of some of the world's biggest retail players, supporting their white-label websites, applications and delivery solutions. Instacart offers an Instacart Express membership that includes reduced service fees and unlimited free delivery on orders over $35. For more information, visit www.instacart.com . For anyone interested in becoming an Instacart shopper, visit https://shoppers.instacart.com/ .

SOURCE Instacart

Related Links

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The verdict is in from the Bureau of Meteorology: 2020 was the fifth-warmest year on record for Queensland, based on the state's average temperatures throughout last year.

It was also among the top 10 warmest years on record in terms of the average maximum and minimum temperatures recorded during last year, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Queensland's average 2020 temperature was 24.6 degrees, average minimum was 18.1 and average maximum was 31.2. Credit:Glenn Campbell

Queensland's average 2020 temperature finished up as 24.6 degrees, while the average minimum was 18.1 and the average maximum was 31.2.

During the course of last year, Queensland's south-east received below-average rainfall, according to the Bureau's annual climate statement, but the start of 2021 has not followed the same pattern.
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Summary:

100s of Pro-Trump protesters clashed with police after the president's speech

A number of protesters breached security at The Capitol and are inside the building

The Capitol has been evacuated

VP Pence has been escorted from the Chamber to a secure location

1000s are peacefully protesting outside'

President Trump urges protesters (via Tweet) to "Stay peaceful"

Washington DC Mayor orders 6 pm citywide curfew

DoD refuses to call DC official for National Guard deployment

Federal Protective Service, Secret Service Deploying To Capitol

President Trump Orders National Guard To Capitol To Restore Order

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan Sends State Troopers To Capitol To Restore Order

FBI Has Been Deployed To The Capitol

President Trump Calls On Supporters To "Go Home"

FBI SWAT Team Enters Capitol Building

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Update (1733ET): Trump supporters unleash hell on camera equipment owned by major media outlets - this reminds us of the printer scene from the movie "Office Space."

Trump supporters destroy property of media members near the US Capitol @shomaristone



pic.twitter.com/WCkaRqlzmk  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 6, 2021

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Update (1722ET): Capitol buildings in Georgia, Texas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Wisconsin, Colorado, and California have been shut down, or have implemented increased security measures this evening following the events that unfolded in Washington, D.C., today.

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Update (1647ET): DC Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks at a press conference Wednesday evening about the events that unfolded this afternoon on the Capitol building. She says a citywide curfew will start at 1800 ET and continue through 0600 ET Thursday.

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Update (1631ET): As evening falls, NBC's Leigh Ann Caldwell reports the FBI SWAT team has entered the Capitol building.

FBI SWAT team in Capitol complex pic.twitter.com/SCLDTlQ0g0  Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) January 6, 2021

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Update (1620ET): In a prerecorded video published on Twitter, President Trump calls on his supporters to leave the Capitol building.

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Update (1610ET): President-elect Joe Biden delivers a statement on today's chaos at the Capitol.

Biden calls on Trump's supporters to end their assault on the Capitol: "This is not dissent... it borders on sedition. And it must end now."

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Update (1602ET): Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has tweeted that he is "sending troopers to assist the Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Capitol Police."

Hogan also said: "All Americans should be outraged by this attack on our nations Capitol. This is a heinous and violent assault on the heart of our democracy. I will not stand for this, and neither should any American."

* * *

Update (1542ET): President Trump has ordered the National Guard to Capitol grounds to restore order.

*WHITE HOUSE SAYS TRUMP ORDERS NATIONAL GUARD TO CAPITOL



*PENCE CALLS FOR 'VIOLENCE,' 'DESTRUCTION' AT CAPITOL TO END  zerohedge (@zerohedge) January 6, 2021

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Update (1533ET): Several media outlets are reporting one person was shot on Capitol grounds about 30 minutes ago.

AP is reporting one person was shot; CNN is reporting a woman was shot in the chest on Capitol grounds.

Apparent gunshot victim being rushed out of the Capitol building.

GRAPHIC FOOTAGE: Apparent gunshot victim being rushed to ambulance at US Capitol pic.twitter.com/5KUqr3KFsm  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 6, 2021

We are awaiting more information.

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Update (1520ET): Within the past hour, President Trump has tweeted again, this time urging "everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful."

Trump continued: "No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021

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Update (1512ET): More views of protesters on the Senate floor.

BREAKING: Protesters are on the Senate floor now: pic.twitter.com/k4Q0ln8pZs  Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) January 6, 2021

Additional views from inside the Capitol.

Just wow!

Trump supporter stealing a podium?

Man walking with large Confederate flag in Capitol building.

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Update (1508ET): Here's a stunning view of protesters using a window washing platform to get to higher floors of the Capitol.

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Update (1455ET): "Officers have drawn their firearms inside the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives after supporters egged on by the president breached the Capitol," tweeted Reuters' Brad Heath.

Video from the chamber. pic.twitter.com/UKF7MScHKN  Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) January 6, 2021

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Update (1444ET): DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has ordered a citywide curfew starting at 1800 ET following the chaos at the Capitol. Also, reporters are saying tear gas has been deployed while President Trump urges supporters to remain peaceful.

"Lawmakers have been told to get ready to put on gas masks and have retrieved gas masks from under the seats. There is banging on the door to the chamber," Bloomberg's Emma Kinery tweeted.

Tear gas has been dispersed in the Capitol rotunda per @HouseInSession and @elwasson who are there. Lawmakers have been told to get ready to put on gas masks and have retrieved gas masks from under the seats. There is banging on the door to the chamber.  Emma Kinery (@EmmaKinery) January 6, 2021

Moments ago, President Trump urged protesters to "support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement."

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021

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Update (1434ET): Trump supporters have breached the Capitol building. The mob is now inside the building. Security at the Capitol building has failed.

BREAKING: Clashes reported inside the U.S. Capitol building pic.twitter.com/2twyZAD6wJ  BNO News (@BNONews) January 6, 2021

When Black people loot toilet paper from a Wal Mart, the authorities will start spraying everyone with rubber bullets and running them over with military tanks.



A bunch of suspected white supremacists are storming the US Capitol building right now, & cops are using pepper spray pic.twitter.com/Rcy5yVw5Wt  Tariq Nasheed  (@tariqnasheed) January 6, 2021

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Following President Trump's address to supporters at a rally in Washington on Wednesday afternoon, a group of demonstrators marched to the US Capitol and reportedly breached several layers of security barricades around the building.

Just before 1300 ET, a group of Trump supporters "toppled the barricades, storming through them to the grassy fields leading to the Capitol," according to WaPo.

Inside the Capitol, Congress is meeting to certify the electoral college votes for President-elect Joe Biden

Amid the unfolding chaos, staff in the Cannon House Office building to evacuate, according to a notice obtained by Bloomberg. Madison office building staff have also been told to evacuate.

Multiple buildings on Capitol Hill are being evacuated as Trump supporters clash with police



pic.twitter.com/0e05G5z644  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 6, 2021

Demonstrators are becoming increasingly violent towards police.

HAPPENING NOW: Crowd grows increasingly violent at the US Capitol



pic.twitter.com/abjFxcUgVy  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 6, 2021

Trump supporters are attempting to break police lines at the Capitol.

Trump supporters are trying to break past police lines at the Capitol building.pic.twitter.com/kzLo2vWyfq  Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) January 6, 2021

"Whoa: Trump supporters going at it with the police on the steps of the Capitol as Congress counts the Electoral College ballots inside," HuffPost's Philip Lewis tweeted.

Whoa: Trump supporters going at it with the police on the steps of the Capitol as Congress counts the Electoral College ballots inside pic.twitter.com/LiQhaa5KkQ  philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 6, 2021

Representative Haley Stevens tweeted that she is "sheltering in place in my office." She said the building next to her is being "evacuated."

Stevens wrote: "I can't believe I have to write this."

Im sheltering in place in my office. The building next door has been evacuated. I cant believe I have to write this.  Rep. Haley Stevens (@RepHaleyStevens) January 6, 2021

Here are more views outside of the Capitol. The Daily Dot's Zachary Petrizzo said police are now firing tear gas into the crowd.

Capitol Police are now firing tear gas into the crowd. pic.twitter.com/T0ToS93oyn  Zachary Petrizzo (@ZTPetrizzo) January 6, 2021

Apparently, the crowd outside the Capitol is increasing in size.

More photos of whats going on outside from the Capitol: pic.twitter.com/56mW2OEk2p  Daniella Diaz (@DaniellaMicaela) January 6, 2021

CNN's Kaitlan Collins has just tweeted the "US Capitol is now on lockdown."

The US Capitol is now on lockdown.  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 6, 2021

Protesters are now at the steps of the Capitol.

Protesters have breached police lines and are now on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.#US pic.twitter.com/9ru0qq5yxa  RAVEEN (@raveenaujmaya) January 6, 2021

Protesters have made it to the doors of the Capitol.

The view from inside the Capitol, where Trump supporters are trying to breach the doors. pic.twitter.com/YiEbuJ3FX6  The Recount (@therecount) January 6, 2021

Protesters have made it inside the Capitol building.

Protesters have breached the Capitol. Theyre outside the Senate chamber pic.twitter.com/I021tKliUD  Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 6, 2021

*This story is developing
A nation that has survived the Civil War, the assassinations of presidents, a history of racist lynch mobs, the bombing of federal courthouses, the 9/11 attacks, and the morally bankrupt and disastrous one-term presidency of Donald Trump is a nation with no more innocence to lose.

But on Wednesday, as we watched a mob of Trump supporters overpower Capitol Hill police, storm the Capitol, indulge in violence and vandalism, and temporarily stop the certification of Electoral College votes for president, we were reminded of our capacity to be shocked and outraged by something wed never before seen  American citizens assaulting the cradle of democracy, inspired by the baseless claims of a president who lost a fair election.

These were American citizens waving scores of American flags, but they werent patriots pledging allegiance to the United States of America and the democratic values the flag represents. They had become domestic terrorists, pledging allegiance to Trump, whose allegiance is to only his own insatiable self-interest.

This was not a nonviolent protest nor an act of civil disobedience to dramatize an injustice for which theyd be willing to go to jail. This was not respectful dissent worthy of American political tradition. The rioters assaulted police officers, broke windows, paraded on the House floor, standing at the Senate dais, shouting, Trump won that election!

They marauded through the offices of House members, sent elected officials scurrying for their lives while stopping them from doing the work they were elected to do.

What we witnessed is the inevitable nadir of the presidency of a man who, beginning in the 2016 campaign, encouraged violence in his speeches and texts. Pick your metaphor  striking matches, pouring kerosene on fire, lighting a train of powder  it all applies to Trumps penchant for inflammatory language and his refusal to ever meaningfully condemn any act of violence committed by any group that supported him. To those who stormed the Capitol, he said, We love you.

Wednesdays insurrection may have been the lowest, most shameful moment for an American president. But what about those who have looked the other way, kept quiet and enabled him as he acted on his delusional and authoritarian impulses?

Little wonder what happened Wednesday was as predictable as a Trump lie. Trump, never committing to a peaceful transfer of power, has for two months lied about having the election stolen from him.

The insurrectionists were in Washington, D.C., because Trump invited them to come fight for his attempt to stage a coup. And theyve been encouraged by more than 100 House Republicans and a dozen Senate Republicans, led by Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who said they would not certify the election results in a stunning abandonment of democracy.

Cruz must also be held accountable for his ignoble and divisive brand of politics. He will forever own his supporting role in this moment.

After the assault on the Capitol, Cruz took to Twitter denouncing the violence, telling rioters to stop.

Cruz had four years to tell Trump to stop his violent rhetoric. He didnt. Cruz had two months to tell Trump to stop trying to steal an election. He didnt. Cruz could have refuted baseless claims of voter fraud. He didnt. He could have shown conscience. He didnt.

Instead, the junior senator from Texas fanned the flames and played with fire in a cynical attempt to court the kind of Trump supporters who have assaulted the Peoples House, trampled our democracy and cheered him on as he advocated Trumps lies.

Trump watched the assault on the Capitol on television before taping a video telling his supporters to go home, all while continuing to lie about winning the election.

So much sound and fury, but for nothing. Joe Biden will be the next president. He won the election. But the violence of today will haunt. It is the most shameful ending to a shameful presidency.
Who is getting the vaccine now?

Alabama is currently vaccinating frontline health care workers and nursing home residents. These are the people designated 1a.

After January 18, people 75 and older and emergency first responders can get a vaccine. Appointments can be scheduled by calling ADPH at 1-855-566-5333. More information on vaccination locations can be found here. Alabama is in the process of launching an online vaccine scheduling portal.

On Tuesday, the CDC recommended people aged 65 and older be vaccinated as soon as possible. The state is generally following the CDC recommendations.

Who is next?

In coming months, the state will begin offering vaccines to people in 1 b and 1c. The 1b group includes persons age 75 years and older; frontline essential workers; persons working or living in group settings, such as homeless shelters, group homes, prisons, or jails; first responders, including firefighters and law enforcement.

The 1c group encompasses people with certain pre-existing medical conditions, and additional essential workers.

Counties and local providers have discretion about how to allocate vaccine supply. Some counties have offered limited supplies of vaccines to other groups from the second tier, called 1b. This includes first responders, teachers and people over 75.

High risk conditions include cancer; chronic kidney disease; COPD; heart conditions; immunocompromised state; solid organ transplant; obesity; sickle cell disease; smoking; type 2 diabetes; and pregnancy. Essential workers in this third wave include employees in the following areas: transportation; waste and wastewater; food service; construction; banks; information technology; energy; legal; media; public safety; and public health.

Learn more about the order of priority groups here.

When will everyone else get it?

State health officials expect the vaccine to be available to the general public by this summer.

What about children?

The vaccines have not yet been approved for use in children, but trials are under way.

How will I know when it is my turn?

Alabama health officials will make broad announcements when its time for new groups of people to receive the vaccine statewide, but smaller amounts of vaccine are being made available through county health departments, as supplies allow.

For example, Etowah County began offering the vaccine to residents over 75 and some teachers and school employees the first week of January, and many hospitals or county health departments have already offered vaccine to police, first responders and other emergency personnel who werent explicitly included in Phase 1a of the vaccine plan.

Where do you get the vaccine?

In Alabama, vaccines are now available in 16 large hospitals, 27 smaller medical centers and three independent pharmacies spread across the state. Each county health department in Alabama also received a small shipment of vaccines.

More providers are signing up to be able to distribute the vaccine, including private doctors offices and chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. In the coming weeks and months, you will likely be able to make an appointment and receive the vaccine at many chain pharmacies, urgent care clinics or your primary care doctors office.

How can I check on Alabamas progress?

Alabamas public health department is tracking the vaccine rollout on this site:

As of Jan. 2, Alabama has been allocated 226,250 doses of COVID vaccines, and reports that it has received nearly 160,000 of those.

Will local pharmacies give out vaccines?

Alabama is one of several states relying on a federal program to vaccinate residents and staff of long-term care facilities like nursing homes. CVS and other major pharmacies are sending out teams to those facilities with vaccines for the residents and staff, so the residents dont have to travel. That began in Alabama on Dec. 28.

In the coming weeks and months, you will likely be able to make an appointment and receive the vaccine at many chain pharmacies, urgent care clinics or your primary care doctors office.

Which vaccines are we getting?

Alabama has received two different vaccines so far, one developed by Pfizer and one developed by Moderna. The Pfizer vaccine requires ultra-cold storage and is mostly being given at large hospitals. Moderna does not and that vaccine is being given at smaller facilities.

Do I have to get two doses?

Yes. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses to be effective, the Pfizer dose 21 days after the first shot, Moderna 28 days after the first shot.

There is very limited data on how effective the vaccines are if a person does not receive the second dose.

Other vaccines in development only require one dose, but those have not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use.

How long does it take to work?

The CDC says it takes about a week or two after the second dose to reach maximum benefit of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Because the vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the virus, it takes some time for your body to build up your immunity.

When will teachers get the vaccine?

In Alabama, teachers are included in Phase 1b of the state vaccination plan. Currently Alabama is in Phase 1a. Some locations are already offering the vaccine to limited populations included in Phase 1b, as supplies allow.

No one knows when the state as a whole will move to Phase 1b, but multiple sources told AL.com they expect that to happen in January.

Is it safe?

The approved COVID vaccines have been proven safe through clinical safety trials involving tens of thousands of participants. There are some potential side effects, including rare allergic reactions.

The CDC recommends monitoring people who receive the vaccine for 15-30 minutes to ensure there is no allergic reaction and is implementing a new V-safe program to monitor people who receive the vaccine long-term to watch for side effects.

Does it work?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines both showed more than 95 percent efficacy after two doses. A very small number of patients who received the vaccine in trials did still contract COVID.

Do I still need to wear a mask after I get the vaccine?

Yes. We still dont know whether it is possible to spread COVID-19 after vaccination or how long immunity will last.

How did Alabama decide whos first?

The state is following the CDCs plan which balances protecting the most vulnerable Americans with keeping society in operation. Alabama is giving discretion to hospitals and local officials to move between the CDCs recommended phases as needed.

Will my employer require me to get a vaccine?

That depends. The state is not requiring any employees to get vaccinated, neither are Alabamas hospitals. Private employers have the right to require employees to get a vaccine.

Will I be required to carry a vaccination passport in Alabama?

No. State health officials say there are no plans to require vaccination passports.
US Trade Representative (USTR) has found India's 2% equalisation levy on revenue generated from a broad range of digital services offered in India unreasonably contravening international tax principles. But the Indian government's stance on the issue is that it is the sovereign right of the parliament to tax certain transactions if origin of those transactions are from within India.

In a recent interaction, revenue secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey had told BusinessToday.In that India is not taxing any transaction outside India, but if any transaction has happened within India, by whatever name you may call those transactions, they can be taxed by Indian parliament.

"This is a matter of general principle and it is followed by every country. Every country has a sovereign right to tax its own people and also the transaction that is happening within its boundaries," reiterated the revenue secretary. The government is yet to issue a formal response to the latest investigation report by the USTR.

The USTR finds India's equalisation levy to be discriminatory in nature, especially against the US digital companies, contravening international tax principles and restrictive to US commerce.

The investigation by the USTR found that the India's digital services tax targets digital services, but not similar services provided non-digitally. "Because US companies are global leaders in the digital services sector, US companies face an inordinate share of tax burden. Indeed, of the 119 companies that USTR has identified as likely liable under the Digital Services Tax, 86 (72%) are US companies," says the investigation report.

It also points out that India has breached the tax principles on three counts. First, it creates uncertainty for companies regarding key aspects of the DST, including the scope of taxable services and the universe of firms liable to pay the tax. "India has published no official guidance to resolve these ambiguities. This amounts to a failure to provide tax certainty, which contravenes a core principle of international taxation," says the report.

It further says that the new levy taxes companies with no permanent establishment in India, contravening the international tax principle that companies should not be subject to a country's corporate tax regime absent a territorial connection to that country.

Amit Maheshwari, Tax Partner, AKM Global, a consulting firm says, "The US had earlier also showed strong opposition to the OECD digital tax proposal and French Digital services tax. Therefore, such reaction towards India's DST was expected. US has alleged that well established International tax principles such as certainty, reasonableness, extra territorial reach, application of tax on income had been seemingly contravened. India has rushed this tax without much discussion and several issues in terms of coverage and compliance remain open. Inspite of the opposition from the US, many European Union countries and others have already implemented their own version of the DST in line with BEPS Action Plan 1."

He further added that instead of opposing these policies unilaterally, the US should make an effort to arrive at an inclusive framework in the interest of fair and equitable distribution of earnings to all the market trading partners and jurisdictions.

Besides, it also points out the fact that equalisation levy taxes companies' revenue rather than their income. This, the investigation found, to be inconsistent with the international tax principle that income-not revenue-is the appropriate basis for corporate taxation.

The Indian government had earlier responded to the USTR probe against equalisation levy on e-commerce supply and services by saying that the tax was neither discriminatory nor extra-territorial. The Indian government has also said that levy is prospective in nature and not retrospective.

The government in its response has expressed regret at the initiation of probe. In its response, the government had said that India reassures the United States that the equalisation levy is entirely consistent with India's commitments under the WTO and international taxation agreements. It said that far from targeting any US company or companies, the purpose of the equalisation levy is to ensure greater competitiveness, fairness, reasonableness and exercise the ability of governments to tax businesses that have a close nexus with the Indian market through their digital operations.

Also read: US says India's digital tax discriminates against American companies

Also read: USTR condemns India, Italy, Turkey on digital taxes; holds off on tariffs
A major fire has broken out at a block of flats in West London, with 40 firefighters and six fire engines in attendance.

The blaze broke out this afternoon at the eight-storey Verulam House in Hammersmith, south-west London.

It was extinguished by 2.16pm with no injuries, the London Fire Brigade said.

The blaze broke out this afternoon at the eight-storey Verulam House in Hammersmith, south-west London

The London Fire Brigade said: 'Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters have been called to a fire at a flat on Hammersmith Grove in Hammersmith.

'Part of a flat on the fifth floor of an eight-storey block is alight. The Brigade's 999 Control Officers have taken 17 calls to the blaze.

'The Brigade was called at 13.21. Fire crews from Chiswick, Fulham, North Kensington and Lambeth fire stations are at the scene.'
ANKARA: Turkey and France are working on a roadmap to normalise ties and talks are going well, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday, adding Ankara was ready to improve ties with its NATO ally if Paris showed the same willingness.

Turkey has repeatedly traded barbs with France over policies in Syria, Libya, the eastern Mediterranean and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as over the publication of cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in France. Paris has led a push for EU sanctions on Turkey.

Speaking alongside his Portuguese counterpart Augusto Santos Silva in Lisbon, Cavusoglu said the current tensions between the NATO allies stemmed from Paris categorically" opposing Turkey since Turkeys 2019 offensive into northeast Syria against the Syrian Kurdish YPG.

Turkey is not categorically against France, but France has been against Turkey categorically since Operation Peace Spring," Cavusoglu said. Ankara views the YPG as a terrorist organisation linked to Kurdish militants on its own soil.

In the end, we had a very constructive phone conversation with my French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian and we agreed that we should work on a roadmap to normalise relations," he said.

We have been working on an action plan, or roadmap, to normalise relations and it has been going well If France is sincere, Turkey is ready to normalise ties with France as well."

Last month, the EU prepared punitive measures over Turkeys dispute with members Greece and Cyprus over rights to offshore resources in the eastern Mediterranean, but decided to postpone the measures until March despite an earlier push by France to sanction Ankara.

After months of tensions, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed their differences in a phone call in September, agreeing to improve ties. But, the two presidents later traded accusations over a host of issues as tensions flared again.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

The first alphabet was found on artefacts unearthed from the Sinai Peninsula

Isreali Egyptologist Orly Goldwasser believes this was not the product of elites

She thinks the Canaanites borrowed from hieroglyphs to create their own letters

For example, the shape of their first letter came from the hieroglyph for an ox

In their language, this would have been pronounced 'aleph'  becoming 'a'

Similarly, 'b' came from the glyph for a house, which they pronounced as 'bet'

This 'Sinaitic' alphabet would evolve into the writing system that we use today

The alphabet was invented by illiterate Canaanite miners in ancient Egypt who turned elaborate hieroglyphs into basic letters 4,000 years ago, a study claimed.

In 2006, Egyptologist Orly Goldwasser argued that symbols on artefacts from a temple in the Sinai are prototypes of the letters that we use to read and write today.

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While it had long been assumed that the first alphabet was the product of the highly educated elite, Professor Goldwasser believes the exact opposite was true.

Inspired by the hieroglyphs they saw around them, the immigrant labourers forged letters for their own Semitic language based on the Egyptian glyphs' shapes.

The miner's 'Sinaitic' script would go on to develop into Ancient South Arabian and Phoenician script, from which the Greek and Latin alphabets are derived.

The alphabet was invented by illiterate Canaanite miners in ancient Egypt who turned elaborate hieroglyphs into basic letters 4,000 years ago, a study claimed. Pictured, a Sandstone sphinx from Serabit el-Khadim, with the 'Sinaitic' script etched on its side. The text reads: 'Beloved of Ba'alat', which is a reference to a Canaanite goddess

In 2006, Egyptologist Orly Goldwasser argued that symbols (pictured) on artefacts unearthed from a temple in the Sinai in 1905 are prototypes of the letters that we use to write today

The carvings of the earliest alphabet were unearthed by the Egyptologists Flinders and Hilda Petrie, a married British couple, in the year 1905.

The duo excavated a site on the Serabit el-Khadim plateau, in the south-west Sinai Peninsula, which sported a turquoise mine, mining camp and a temple to Hathor.

As a major goddess, Hathor played various roles in the Ancient Egyptian religion  most notably being a sky deity, the 'mistress of love' and an escort of souls entering the afterlife  but was also associated with both the colour and mineral turquoise.

The mining efforts  blessed by offerings to Hathor  would have provided the Egyptians with a supply of the precious stone, which they saw as symbolising rebirth and, consequently, was used to colour the walls of many a grand tomb.

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Immigrant miners from the neighbouring land of Canaan were among the workers whose names and jobs were inscribed, in hieroglyphics, on giant upright slabs that lined the path that led to the temple.

Alongside hieroglyphs, however, the Petries found the other, unknown, symbols  which resembled the Egyptian icons and were carved into the faces of the turquoise mine, as well as on the walls of buildings and small statues.

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One in particular  a reddish sandstone sphynx  was among the artefacts that they brought back with them to London. It currently resides in the British Museum.

Ten years later, the British Egyptologist and linguist Alan Gardiner succeeded in deciphering the script on the side of the sphynx, translating it to mean 'Beloved of Ba'alat', a reference to a Canaanite goddess.

The carvings of the earliest alphabet were unearthed by the Egyptologists Flinders and Hilda Petrie, a married British couple, in the year 1905. The duo excavated a site on the Serabit el-Khadim plateau which sported a turquoise mine and a temple to Hathor, pictured

As a major goddess, Hathor played various roles in the Ancient Egyptian religion  most notably being a sky deity, the 'mistress of love' and an escort of souls entering the afterlife  but was also associated with both the colour and mineral turquoise. Pictured: a statue of Hathor from the Luxor Temple

As a major goddess, Hathor played various roles in the Ancient Egyptian religion  most notably being a sky deity and an escort of souls entering the afterlife  but was also associated with the colour and mineral turquoise. Pictured: hieroglyphs on a stone stelae from Hathor's temple at Serabit el-Khadim

Immigrant miners from the neighbouring land of Canaan were among the workers whose names and jobs were inscribed, in hieroglyphics, on giant upright slabs that lined the path that led to the temple of Hathor at the Serabit el-Khadim site, which is depicted in the above painting by a member of a Prussian expedition from the mid-19th century

The little sphynx beating the early letter is 'worth all the gold in Egypt,' Professor Goldwasser told Smithsonian Magazine.

'Every word we read and write started with him and his friends,' she added.

According to Goldwasser, the Canaanite miners were likely inspired to create their own written script after seeing the glyphs that their counterparts used to dedicate their gifts to Hathor  offerings given in hope of plentiful yields from the mine.

'The mines were dark and very narrow. Its an unpleasant situation. You have to pray a lot to get out in good shape from this situation,' she told The World.

'You are in a place with thousands of beautiful hieroglyphs. And you want so much to write your gods [names] and write your name.'

Unable to properly read the hieroglyphs  or speak Coptic, the corresponding language spoken by the ancient Egyptians  they borrowed elements to write down their own language in a novel way.

Detailed the process that she thinks the Canaanites used to get from glyph to letter, Professor Goldwasser said: 'Call the picture by name, pick up only the first sound and discard the picture from your mind.' In this way, for example, the hieroglyph representing an ox  an animal whose name the miners would have pronounced as 'aleph'  became the loose basis for the shape of the letter 'a', but now divorced from its original connection to the ox. In the same fashion, the glyph for house  'bet'  became 'b', and so on. Pictured, a table illustrating the evolution of the alphabet from the hieroglyphs that inspired it to more recent scripts

Detailed the process that she thinks the Canaanites used to get from glyph to letter, Professor Goldwasser said: 'Call the picture by name, pick up only the first sound and discard the picture from your mind.'

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In this way, for example, the hieroglyph representing an ox  an animal whose name the miners would have pronounced as 'aleph'  became the loose basis for the shape of the letter 'a', but now divorced from its original connection to the ox.

In the same fashion, the glyph for house  'bet'  became 'b', and so on, with some letters borrowing from the hieroglyphs and others from objects from life. These first two letters provided the root of the name of the writing system  the 'alphabet'.

According to the former president of the French Society of Egyptology, Pierre Tallet, the theory that the alphabet has its origins in illiterate miners, rather than the educated elite, makes perfect sense.

'It is clear that whoever wrote these inscriptions in the Sinai did not know hieroglyphs,' he told Smithsonian Magazine.

'The words they are writing are in a Semitic language, so they must have been Canaanites  who we know were there from the Egyptians own written record here in the temple.'

The 'proto-Sinaitic' script would go on to develop into Ancient South Arabian and Phoenician script, from which the Greek and Latin alphabets are derived. Pictured: Flinders Petrie, who first unearthed the early alphabet with his wife Hilda in 1905

The 'proto-Sinaitic' script would go on to develop into Ancient South Arabian and Phoenician script, from which the Greek and Latin alphabets are derived. Pictured: Orly Goldwasser, who first proposed that the script was invented by illiterate miners

Other scholars, however, have expressed doubt  such as, for example, . Hebrew scholar Christopher Rollston of the George Washington University, in the US.

'It would be improbable that illiterate miners were capable of, or responsible for, the invention of the alphabet,' he told Smithsonian Magazine  adding that he felt that the script's writers must have known hieroglyphics.

However, Professor Goldwasser cautions, 'we must be careful not to be blinded by the genius of the invention of the alphabet, and, therefore, that such a breakthrough could be born only in the circles of highly educated scribes.

'These supposed scribes are presumed to be Canaanites, yet masters of all variations of Egyptian scriptshieroglyphs and hieratic,' she continued.

'My thesis differs sharply from those of former scholars, in suggesting that the inventors of the alphabet could not read Egyptianneither hieroglyphs nor hieratic.'

'I believe that the inventors related to the image alone, to the pictorial part of the Egyptian hieroglyph. They saw hieroglyphs as little pictures of items in their world.

'They chose those pictures that were relevant to their lives and made a completely new use of them, a use that disregarded entirely their function in the "mother script" the original Egyptian hieroglyphic system.'

'If someone comes and says, "Orly, its incorrect, they were real scribes"  I will accept it, but I will be sad,' Professor Goldwasser told The World.

'I like so much my miners, and the idea that they were not an elite society, they were not the privileged one of their times, and still they were able to emerge from all that with a fantastic innovation that changed the world until today.'

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The full findings of Professor Goldwasser's study were published in the journal Egypt and the Levant.
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French President Emmanuel Macron held a telephone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to highlight Frances plans to help Armenia with humanitarian aid, said Macrons office on Thursday.



Macron also reiterated his determination to find a political solution for the region, which was hit last year by military clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, which ended on November 9 with a Russian-brokered truce and big territorial gains for Azerbaijan.

The conversation took place against the backdrop of the arrival of the fifth consignment of humanitarian aid from France to Armenia. Macron promised to continue helping Yerevan, including promoting the economic development of Armenia.



The current Paris actions indicate that the Elysee Palace adopted a new tactic of returning to the South Caucasus after the political and diplomatic failure of the West during the Second Karabakh War - the tactic of increasing influence on Armenia. There is no longer a place for France in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, both because it refused the role of a neutral mediator, and because the conflict has already been settled without its participation. However, it still wants to be present in the region.

In this regard, Armenia is becoming the site of a new conflict between Russian and Western interests. We must not forget that France is an active member of NATO, and through the influence of Paris in Yerevan, the influence of the Alliance is simultaneously increasing, while Russia's position as a key ally is weakening. Sending humanitarian aid to Armenia is one of the tools for pulling the destroyed republic towards the West, while promising to invest in the economy destroyed by the occupation policy is another one.



However, it's not only about the desire of Paris to please the Armenian diaspora in France and get its votes in the next elections, but also about the anti-Turkish and anti-Russian policy of the Elysee Palace. Therefore, Macron is not so much trying to help the collapsed Armenia (he could have invested in the republic a year or two ago), but rather by using Armenian ultranationalists to complicate the stabilization of peace in the South Caucasus and thereby create problems for Russia and Turkey.



In this regard, one should expect that France's influence on Armenia will be rather destructive, its agents will try to prevent the Armenian citizens from finding a way to reconciliation with the peoples of Azerbaijan and Turkey. Such a policy of Paris in the South Caucasus is unprofitable for Armenia itself, since it preserves and increases the conflict risks in the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.



A real benefit for Armenia will be a 100% rejection of revanchism, nationalism and the desire to conflict with its neighbors. Only full-fledged peace, stability and economic cooperation between the countries and the South Caucasus are in line with their national interests.



The main goal of NATO is a geopolitical victory over Russia, bringing pro-western politicians to power and seizing Russian resources. This goal has not been canceled, and everything that creates problems for Russia, including the strengthening of the negative French influence in Armenia, works to achieve this goal.
A 65-year-old South Jersey man was sentenced Wednesday to five years in state prison for fatally shooting a neighbors dog, a 9-year-old Pomeranian-poodle mix named Toby.

William Stroemel, of Maple Shade, had pleaded guilty in April to charges of weapon possession and animal cruelty. His sentence was part of a negotiated agreement.

But defense attorney Michael Mormando on Wednesday asked Burlington County Superior Court Judge Gerard Breland to reconsider the agreement and to sentence Stroemel to a probationary sentence instead based on new information.

Breland declined to give a reduced sentence, saying he needed to deter Stroemel and others from taking any similar actions in the firing of a weapon at an animal. As part of his plea, Stroemel is also prohibited from having contact with the dogs owner and must pay $500 in restitution for his veterinary care.

Toby was shot in the head after running from his home on Sept. 17, 2019. His owner, Robert Cook, was in his garage when he heard the dogs cries and raced down the street to find Toby lying near the curb. The dog was euthanized the next day.

The investigation revealed that Stroemel, a heavy-equipment operator known as Wild Willie, shot the dog with an air rifle as it was passing his home in the street, the Prosecutors Office has said.

Mormando told the judge that Stroemel was not the monster that was sort of painted in the media and he and his client contended that the dogs owner allegedly used the animal as bait. Stroemel said Cook regularly let his dog run away from his home as an excuse to entice boys to him. His attorney said there have been allegations that Cook has exposed himself to people in the neighborhood.

Stroemel told the judge during the hearing: I cant believe what I did. Something inside of me snapped that day. I was concerned about the safety of the kids in the neighborhood.

Cook faces a pending charge of fourth-degree lewdness for allegedly having exposed himself to a woman in his neighborhood while standing in his driveway while partly naked and masturbating while looking toward her house in an area easily observed by children, according to the Burlington County Prosecutors Office and the criminal complaint against Cook, obtained Thursday.

Assistant Prosecutor Melissa OMara stressed during the hearing that Cook and his family are the victims in the case, and that Stroemel is going to state prison for his crime.

Mr. Stroemel is not here because of things that Mr. Cook did or did not do, she said. Mr. Stroemel is here because he possessed a weapon he could not have, he used that weapon unlawfully in broad daylight and shot a dog in the middle of the street in Maple Shade, killing that dog, and then took that weapon and gave it to somebody else to hide.

Cook, 74, was not in the courtroom for the hearing. His family has said that the dog helped Cook, a Vietnam War veteran, with post-traumatic stress disorder.

His granddaughter, Marissa Cook, 22, said by phone after the hearing that her grandfather did not expose himself to kids in the neighborhood. My pop-pop is a good man, she said.

She said he has been diagnosed with dementia, now lives in Florida, and doesnt have a phone.

Correction: A previous version of this story imprecisely described what Stroemel said about allegations against Cook. It was Stroemels attorney who said allegations were made that Cook exposed himself to people in the neighborhood. The story has also now been updated to include the actual charge filed against Cook.
With Russian approval, President Assad has been allowed to run in Syrias next election, but he could be made to make changes to the constitution writes Annahar.

In mid-November, Bashar al-Assad began putting together the team to organize his election campaign and add a few tweaks here and there for the candidate whose victory has already been declared, despite that those loyal to him are suffering from terrible living conditions. However, Assad had been waiting on Moscows approval and was worried, back in September, that the Russian delegation that visited him was not enthusiastic about addressing the elections issue, rather asking him to wait.

Therefore, during a press conference with the delegation where tensions were high, the late Minister of Foreign Affairs, Walid al-Muallem, was keen to confirm that the elections will be held on time and separately from the work that is being done by the Constitutional Committee in Geneva.

Moscow was not opposed to the re-nomination of Assad, but rather its priority was concerning the conditions that he should meet, the most important of which was its economic project that included 19 agreements that were discussed in 2019 in Sochi and are related to Russian investments in the electricity, oil and gas, industry, and the construction sectors.

In early October, Assad signed most of the agreements in Moscow, where a debt schedule was agreed on  estimated at about 3 billion dollars  and ownership was transferred for projects and real estate he had previously acquired for the regime on the Syrian coast. After that, Moscow ordered the regime to host the refugee conference, in order to inform regional and international bodies that Russia now has leverage concerning the refugee issue, knowing that the real obstacle blocking their return is the regimes existence and its practices.

After a long discussion, during the visit of the new Foreign Minister, Faisal Mikdad, Moscow agreed to nominate Assad, and approved the presidential elections, to be held in late May-early June. Russia did, however, set conditions, including enabling others (nominated by Moscow) to participate in the race and for Assad or his government to take measures including dropping the two conditions for nomination (having resided in Syria for the past 10 years, and the approval of 35 members of the Peoples Council), with a plan to engineer results so that Assad wins by about 65 percent, which would allow Moscow to promote him as a legitimate president.

Among the conditions are also the issuance of pardons and the release of detainees, the issue where the Russians could not make progress, as they discovered that most of the detainees were no longer present. The regime devised a solution by finally doubling the detention campaigns, at the rate of hundreds a day, then releasing the detainees to buttress the electoral campaign. In the same context, sources close to the regime say that intensive operations have been carried out to set aside dollars and fuel, with the aim of re-pumping them in the market and create a relative living standards breakthrough, in conjunction with the announcement of the election date in February.

Assad is betting on staying in power, and he is not wrong to think that, especially since outside powers never expressed wanting his departure, which was reflected in operations that affected the Syrian geography, some of which derived their legitimacy from Russia and Iran and resulted in destroying the biggest cities and sending half of the Syrian people into homelessness. Other operations derived their legitimacy from the Russian subcontinent (Turkey and Israel), or from fighting terrorism as justified internationally and by the Americans. Various legalities have been clashing overtly and implicitly, all while keeping Assad legitimate by making people believe that his signature is necessary for constitutional reforms, under the pretext that he will sign on a reduction of his powers and control his regimes tendency for brutality, or even recognize the existence of the Syrian people as individuals who have legitimate rights and are not just the subordinates of one sect.

The upcoming presidential elections will be the first since the issuance of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 in 2015, which, had it been implemented within the specified timeframe, would have changed all scenarios. However, the regime was able to dilute the implementation with the complicit planning of the Iranians, and it was able to void the decision of its content through a collusive tactic with the Russians, inserting the missions of the UN envoys Staffan De Mistura and Geir Pedersen into the mix, until Resolution 2254 was reduced to the Constitutional Committee that the Russians control and ignore daily as they work at creating the political solution they have always wanted within the confines of the Assad regime.

Assads survival could only mean one thing: Syria and the Syrians are denied any form of hope. The country is devastated and bankrupt, and its president has no justification for continuing, except that he exhausted his alternatives long ago, and the ghost of the Islamic alternative enabled him to silence those calling for his departure. What helps him today is that the US is using him as a means to drown Russia in Syria, while Russia is using it to compete with the US by pushing it towards a peace with Israel. A normalization of relations could be possible for Assad, but perhaps after the elections.

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.
Indian Air Force helicopters, NDRF teams, forest, police and local volunteers are continuing their effort to douse the fire raging in the scenic Dzukou range in Nagaland's Kohima district for over a week now.

The Dzukou Valley, which is located 30 km from Kohima, is also a sanctuary for the endangered Blyth's tragopan - Nagaland's state bird - and other species of birds, animals and flowers.

N Biren Singh/ Twitter

The fire that broke out last Tuesday along the ranges in Nagaland has since spread to Manipur.

Made an aeriel survey of the latest forest fire situation at Dzukou valley today. Seeing the tremendous joint efforts by all concerned to tackle the situation, I am hopeful that the fire will soon be doused. pic.twitter.com/FkrP5O7nOq  Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) January 5, 2021

IAF, NDRF and Nagaland government, however, are hopeful of controlling the inferno soon even though it had devastated a considerable part of the pristine area, comprising small hillocks and picturesque greenery.

Wildfire still raging on

The Nagaland government has requested the Union Home Ministry to send additional teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to join the ongoing fight to control wildfire in Dzukou Valley.

N Biren Singh/ Twitter

IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh told IANS that following a requisition by the Nagaland government, the Eastern Air Command in Shillong since had since Friday deployed four Mi-17V5 helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets to check the wildfire.

Battle to douse flames continues

Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority OSD Johnny Ruangmei told IANS that the Indian Army, IAF, paramilitary forces, state authorities, along with hundreds of volunteers and locals, continued their battle against the wildfire in the Dzukou Valley.

"The wildfire has been doused in most areas but gusty winds have taken the blaze to newer areas. We expect to tame the blaze fully in the next two days," said Ruangmei, who is supervising the operation round-the-clock.

N Biren Singh/ Twitter

"We are intensifying the operations as more than 130 personnel from police, forest, NDRF, SDRF and SAYO volunteers are now stationed in the base camp for Thursday's early morning operations," said Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kohima, Rajkumar M.



They are camping near the fire site so that they can do operation early Thursday, he said, adding another 90 personnel will be joining them on Thursday and around 250 strong contingent are expected to intensify the operation.

Fire fighting equipment, ration, and camping materials were flown to Dzukou heliport by IAF choppers on Wednesday for the personnel camping in the base camp, he said.

An Assistant Sub-Inspector of the NDRF deployed to tackle the fire was found dead in his tent on Tuesday in northern Manipur's Senapati district bordering Nagaland.

Google Maps

Forest officials of Nagaland and Manipur said that they are yet to assess how much vegetation, flora and fauna have been destroyed due to the wildfire since December 29.

The destruction of God-given beauty and resources of the Dzukou valley is sad. I hope we will all strive to support the efforts of preserving and promoting the rich biodiversity of the valley and learn to live in harmony with nature. pic.twitter.com/d8GAT73fvC  Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) January 5, 2021

According to the officials, the inferno has destroyed much of the forest, seasonal flowers, flora and fauna and harmed the rich biodiversity of the valley, which is also a famous trekking site.

According to Kohima district Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Ali Shihab, eight helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets, including four from the IAF and two from the Army, continued their operations to control the wildfire.
The government's decision to conduct the CBSE 2021 board examination for Classes 10 and 12 between May 4 and June 10 has sent colleges across the country into a tizzy. They fear a delay in the exams will lead to a crunched academic session for the second time in a row.

If CBSE board exams are completed by June then the final results will be declared by the end of July. Taking a cue, other states may also delay the Class X, XII board exam pushing the results cycle to August. When do we begin the admission process? asked the principal of a college under Delhi University.

In 2020, the academic session in colleges began in an online mode on November 1 amid the Coronavirus outbreak. While India is currently in an unlock phase after the COVID-19 lockdown, colleges have kept their physical campuses shut to prevent the virus spread.

India has 993 universities and 39,931 colleges affiliated to these universities. There are 37.3 million students studying across these institutes.

Between 16,500 (Nagaland) to 2.6 million (Uttar Pradesh) appear for Class XII board exams every year. The CBSE has close to 1.5 million students taking the Class XII board examination each year. ISC has close to 87,000 students appearing for Class XII board exams every year.

Delay in exams would mean that colleges would have to delay admissions and students would lose out on up to three months of classes delaying the entire cycle again.

What do colleges want?

Moneycontrol spoke to a dozen colleges across the country and the consensus was that the delay will lead to impact the academic calendars of 2021 and 2022 and students will either be expected to complete one semesters portions on their own or be ready for a delayed exam cycle.

If we start the 2021 academic year by November 1 then the first-year students will be able to complete the two to three semesters of that year by September/October 2022. Then there will be a break and the next session will only begin by mid-November. This progressive delay will affect students, said the vice-chancellor of a Kolkata-based university.

Colleges also fear that students job prospects may get affected due to an inordinate delay in completing their programmes. Internships in companies are conducted in May each year and final placements are conducted in February/March ahead of the new financial year followed by companies.

Mumbai-based education consultant Puneet Oberoi told Moneycontrol that study-abroad programmes will not make special exceptions for Indian students whose exams have been delayed.

Say a student from India wants to study in Australia after Class XII. He/she will find it tough to apply because admissions are usually completed there by the first week of July every year. The student will lose out a year due to this, he added.

In 2020, special exemptions were given to submit final exam mark sheets till December but that was one-off flexibility given due to COVID-19.

Could there be changes in board exam dates?

The board exam dates were delayed from February/March to May/June in view of the COVID-19 outbreak and risks of infection among the several million students who will be writing the Class X, XII exams in 2021.

The education ministry's view is that by May the COVID-19 situation would have improved considering the vaccine has been approved and roll-out is likely from January 14 onwards.

State governments like West Bengal are delaying the board exams in view of the upcoming Assembly Elections in the region, apart from the COVID-19 fears.

If exams are preponed, they could clash with vaccination efforts across states or with elections. The new UK COVID-19 virus strain also is an added risk for students writing exams in closed spaces.

While colleges want board exam dates to be preponed, state governments and board authorities are unlikely to consider these demands.

Sources told Moneycontrol that the CBSE exam dates have been finalised after a series of discussions with the government, health authorities and schools (including teachers). So there will be no changes in the schedule unless there is any further health emergency during that period.

College will have to tweak their academic structure to have a hybrid online-offline model to ensure that the academic calendar doesnt get stretched further. Preponing exams is not feasible, said an official.

For students giving their board exams in 2021, it will be a tough year as far their undergraduate college education is concerned.
Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa announced on Thursday that Spain will receive 600,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine developed by US pharmaceutical company Moderna, which was granted conditional marketing authorization by the European Commission on Wednesday.

The forecast we have based on the information from the company is that we will begin to receive the first doses of this vaccine in seven to 10 days time, said Illa at a public event in Catalonia. The shipments will be spaced out over a six-week period.

According to Illa, the vaccine will be stored at the Health Ministrys central storage center and from there be distributed to the regions. We have already informed the coordination teams of the regions, said Illa. The health minister explained that the Moderna vaccine requires two shots, meaning that the 600,000 doses will immunize 300,000 people.

Health workers at Sant Pau hospital in Barcelona are vaccinated against the coronavirus. MASSIMILIANO MINOCRI / EL PAIS

The Moderna vaccine is the second coronavirus vaccine to be approved by the European Medicines Agency and authorized by the European Commission, after the vaccine developed by US pharmaceutical Pfizer and German laboratory BioNTech was given the green light at the end of 2020. It is very positive news, said Illa, who added that the arrival of a second vaccine will not change Spains vaccination plan.

Following agreements between the European Union and six pharmaceutical companies (AstraZeneca, Sanofi-GSK, Janssen, BioNTech-Pfizer, CureVac and Moderna), Spain is slated to receive 140 million doses of coronavirus vaccines. Because most of these are double-dose, it will be enough for 80 million people, almost twice the population of Spain. The excess doses are meant as a reserve, to encourage production, and to help developing countries.

With respect to the immunization drive, which has been slow to roll out in some regions, Illa was positive: We are reaching a steady pace. Now we are going to receive new doses of the Pfizer vaccine, we are going to administer the Moderna vaccine and there are others that are being reviewed by the European Medicines Agency, so we believe that by summer we will be able to achieve the very significant figure of 70% of the population vaccinated.

With respect to the uneven speed of the vaccine rollout, Illa did not make any comment, arguing the government is not going to rank the regions. Asturias has administered 100% of the vaccines it received in the first shipment, and is now at 54% following a second delivery this week. But in Madrid the figure is currently 5.4% and in Cantabria it is 5.1%. The health minister said he believed regional authorities were administering the vaccine as quickly as possible and following the criteria of safety and efficiency. This is a long-distance race, not a sprint, and the object is to carry out a long-distance race that is going to last for months, said Illa.

Concerns about delayed rollout

Vaccinating on public holidays and on the weekends is considered one of the main reasons why some regions have been able to roll out the vaccine faster than others. Despite this, on Wednesday, which was a public holiday for Kings Day, seven regions decided not to administer the vaccine: Galicia, Basque Country, Aragon, Extremadura, La Rioja, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

Catalonia  which has been criticized for its slow process  was one of the regions that proceeded with the vaccination drive on Wednesday, administering more than 10,000 doses in 24 hours. In other words, the region administered the same number of vaccines on Wednesday as it had in the past week. In Madrid, which has promised to speed up the rollout, only the residents of one senior home were vaccinated.

Indeed the delays in Madrid prompted Madrids Satse Nursing Union on Thursday to complain about the lack of planning in the region. According to the union, not even 5% of the population in the priority groups have been vaccinated.

Nurses who have not been trained are doing the job, nursing staff numbers continue to be low and for this reason, it is nearly impossible to meet the vaccination plans announced by the regional government, the union said in a statement.

With reporting by Emilio de Benito.

English version by Melissa Kitson.




As the new Law on Enterprises comes with comprehensive adjustments to the issuance of shares, preferential rights for existing shareholders, and simplifies participation of foreign players in the market,

experts predict a much more dynamic business environment in the years to come.

The Law on Enterprises moves the country and businesses a step closer to achieving higher global standards, photo Le Toan

The new Law on Enterprises 2020 has come into effect on January 1, with positive changes expected to help protect the rights and interests of investors as well as create a basis to attract foreign investment flows and support businesses in Vietnam.

Le Van Luong, deputy head of the Analysis and Investment Advisory Department at Bao Viet Securities Company, commented that compared to the old version of the law, the new one has removed the provision that shareholders must hold their shares for at least six consecutive months to use several rights.

The change allows shareholders to immediately exercise their legitimate rights, avoiding a situation where the management board of a company can take advantage of the 6-month timeframe and possibly harm the interests of shareholders.

In its Article 115, the Law on Enterprises 2020 also grants additional rights to groups of shareholders owning more than 5 per cent of the common shares, previously only granted to those who own more than 10 per cent of the shares.

This, Luong said, will increase the ability of shareholders to supervise the companys operations and help businesses increase their efficiency and transparency.

Luong noted several points of Article 128, which stipulate that only strategic and professional investors can participate in purchasing bonds issued in separate issuances.

The new law is expected to help the Vietnamese stock market solve problems with the participation of foreign investors and economic organisations, thereby helping the country reach the status of an emerging market soon, Luong explained.

To solve issues related to accessing foreign investment capital for stocks that have run out due to conditional business lines, the Law on Enterprises now contains provisions on non-voting depository receipts, which help foreign investors buy more shares in Vietnamese companies without raising their power.

Holistic adjustments

When the new law had been published, Luong found that Article 195.3 prohibits subsidiaries of the same parent company, which is 65 per cent owned by the state, from jointly purchasing shares from another company. This will create difficulties in investing in those subsidiaries shares and requires them to stay well informed to avoid violating this regulation, Luong said.

The Investment and Trade Working Group of the Vietnam Business Forum 2020 (VBF) found that the new law retains the requirement that charter capital in cash must be contributed within 90 days of business establishment. However, for in-kind and asset contributions, the 90-day timeframe may not include the time required for transportation, import, and other administrative proceedings.

In addition, investors will have rights and obligations corresponding to the committed capital contribution from the date of establishment to the last day of the statutory capital contribution period.

If an investor does not contribute the committed capital, he/she will only have the rights corresponding to the contributed amount or will automatically cease to be a member of the company.

The working group of the VBF proposed the government to provide additional guidance on the deadlines for in-kind contributions. For example, the decree guiding the implementation of the new Law on Enterprises may require that in-kind contributions are made within a reasonable time, as agreed by investors after notifying the licensing authority.

Furthermore, the new law stipulates that the existing shareholders of a joint-stock company (JSC) will have a pre-emptive right to newly issued shares in the form of a private placement, except in the case of a merger. This means that it will be necessary to agree to relinquish the pre-buying privilege of all existing shareholders to issue new shares privately.

In that case, it seems that the above waiver consent may have to be included in the application for the increase of charter capital as a private offering, which would become a burden for JSCs wishing to add capital and new investors through private placements.

Besides this, there would be no difference between the issuance of shares to existing shareholders and a private placement if the pre-emptive rights were granted to existing shareholders in both cases.

We recommend clarifying that a JSC can make an individual offering upon approval by the general meeting of shareholders instead of having to ask for the approval of each shareholder, the VBFs working group suggested.

Enabling environment

The Law on Enterprises may not include major changes in administrative procedures like the previous laws from 1999, 2005, and 2014, but the new law moves further in the direction of improving the legal framework, helping Vietnamese corporate governance conform with the high global standards.

Dau Anh Tuan, director of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industrys Department of Legislation, said that the new law includes positive changes. The regulations continue to simplify market entry procedures, especially by creating a foundation for these to be interconnected between different groups.

According to Tuan, the most important change of the Law on Enterprises aims to enhance the quality of corporate governance in Vietnam.

While previous laws focused on removing barriers to market entry, the new one focuses on strengthening corporate governance, with many changes such as increasing minority shareholder rights.

While in the past, 10 per cent of ownership was required for a minority shareholder to request corporate governance documents, now this ratio was dropped to 5 per cent. That means shareholders with less capital will have more power, which Tuan thinks is a positive change, contributing to the quality of Vietnamese corporate governance and protecting shareholders with less capital who then may put more money into the company.

As the new laws on enterprises and investment have come into effect, it is very important to note that the guiding documents and decrees for these two laws have not been passed yet, he emphasised, as he pointed out that such decrees are critical in the implementation process. Nevertheless, he expected that both laws will foster a more favourable business environment.

The Law on Enterprises continues to liberate doing business in Vietnam as stipulated in the 2013 Constitution, following the spirit that citizens can invest and do business in all legal professions. VIR

Hai Anh

VN encounters increasing trade defence lawsuits as exports expand Vietnam is facing an increasing risk of trade defence lawsuits as exports expand after the country's active international integration and participation in free trade agreements (FTAs).
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 21:33:12|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The following are the updates on the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

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BERLIN -- Germany reported more than 1,000 COVID-19 deaths within 24 hours for the second consecutive day, bringing the death toll in the country to 37,607, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) announced on Thursday.

Thursday's RKI data showed that 1,070 people succumbed to the disease in Germany within one day, compared to Wednesday's figure of 1,019 COVID-19 deaths. The highest daily death toll was 1,129 recorded on Dec. 30.

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KAMPALA -- Uganda's ministry of health on Thursday said it is still waiting for the price of the COVID-19 vaccines as negotiations between the COVID-19 Global Vaccine Access Facility and the manufacturers continue.

The ministry in a statement issued here said the country, like other 90 low and medium income countries, will access the vaccines through the COVAX facility, which is negotiating on their behalf.

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JERUSALEM -- Active coronavirus cases among Israeli soldiers reached 1,004 on Thursday, according to data released by the Israel Defense Forces.

This is the highest morbidity figure in the Israeli army since Oct. 15, 2020, when there were 1,101 active cases of coronavirus among soldiers.

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TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga promised on Thursday that the Tokyo Olympic Games would be held this summer although Tokyo area has entered a second state of emergency.

Suga, who became Prime Minister last September, told a press conference, "I am determined to hold a safe and secure games," adding that he is optimistic that enthusiasm among the Japanese public will grow once vaccinations begin, the Kyodo news agency reported.

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JAKARTA -- Indonesia on Thursday recorded another new-high of the daily number of COVID-19 infections.

The confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country rose by 9,321 in the past 24 hours to 797,723, with the death toll adding by 224 to 23,520, the Health Ministry said.

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HONG KONG -- Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection (CHP) reported 33 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, taking its total tally to 9,107.

The new cases included 29 local infections and four imported ones. Of the local cases, five of them had an unknown origin. There were also over 30 cases tested positive preliminarily, according to a CHP press briefing.

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NEW DELHI -- India's COVID-19 tally rose to 10,395,278 on Thursday as 20,346 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours, said the latest data from the health ministry.

According to the data, the death toll mounted to 150,336 as 222 COVID-19 patients died since Wednesday morning. Enditem
Thanks to China's "toilet revolution", Fan Zengjiu, a villager in the country's Sichuan province, has seen significant improvements on the toilet as well as the living conditions of his family.

"My old toilet was dirty and shabby. It had neither a roof nor a door," said Zeng, who comes from Pingwu township, Jianyang, southwest China's Sichuan, calling it such a pain having to use the toilet in winter, especially in windy days.

Nowadays, however, the toilet of Fans family not only has a door, but is neatly tiled, nothing like the dirty and messy one it used to be. The whole living environment has been upgraded, Fan said happily.

Fan's toilet is an epitome of numerous toilets renovated because of the countrys "toilet revolution" project implemented during its 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020).

Over the past five years, China has significantly improved the conditions of toilets in tourist destinations and rural areas, both public and family ones.

The central government of China has allocated a huge amount of funds for the "toilet revolution" every year. In 2020 alone, it arranged 7.4 billion yuan ($1.15 billion) to promote the transformation of toilets in villages.

From 2018 to 2020, south China's Guangdong province allocated over 32.9 billion yuan to push forward with projects launched for the construction of beautiful and livable countryside, including the "toilet revolution" project.

Since 2017, Changle district, Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian province, has newly built or upgraded 391 public toilets in urban and rural areas, among which 53 were built or upgraded in 2020.

We didnt have to pay a penny for the upgrading. Manufacturers of toilet fittings have even adjusted their products according to the needs of different families," recalled Liu Yusuo, a villager from Yangqu county, Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi province, adding that his fellow villagers were all very pleased with the toilet transformation.

Lahai village, Xingjie township, Xichou county, southwest China's Yunnan province, has explored a new path for the construction and management of public toilets.

The village took some money from its collective income to renovate over 10 public toilets and improve their sanitary conditions, according to Liu Chaoren, Party branch secretary of the village.

Each of the villagers has been asked to donate 0.1 yuan every day. Part of the donations is used for the daily cleaning, maintenance, and management of public facilities including public toilets, Liu added.

In this way, villagers have been more involved in the affair concerning the interests of every one of them. In addition, by paying to hire poor residents in the village to clean public toilets, villagers have not only solved the problem of poor sanitation, but increased the income of the poor.

Various regions in China are also formulating toilet management mechanisms with characteristics.

Dezhou city in east China's Shandong province has included the daily management and maintenance of public toilets into the assessment of rural living environments improvement. Each public toilet in the city is cleaned by a full-time cleaner, whose salary varies with the assessment results.

Nantong, east China's Jiangsu province, has comprehensively introduced a management model where government officials have been designated as chiefs of public toilets. These toilet chiefs are responsible for coordinating, supervising and inspecting the management of rural public toilets under their jurisdiction.

Statistics from the countrys Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs show that more than 60 percent of rural areas in China had built toilets with sound sanitary conditions by the end of 2019.

As of the end of 2020, over 45 percent of agricultural and pastoral areas in southwest China's Tibet autonomous region had built toilets with sound sanitary conditions. The percentages of such toilets in rural areas of China's Henan province and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region reached 85 percent and 59.29 percent, respectively. In Shandong, 10.75 million rural households had got renovated sanitary toilets by 2020.

China's strong will and determination in promoting the "toilet revolution" are worth admiring, said Brian Arbogast, director of the water, sanitation and hygiene program under the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

After the "toilet revolution" was launched, the Chinese government, enterprises, and society have comprehensively mobilized the Chinese people, and generally improved the construction, management, and services of toilets.

All Americans should be disgusted and shocked after seeing the Trump-inspired mob violently invade the heart of American democracy and send our elected officials fleeing for their lives. In trying  though failing  to derail Congress from its sacred constitutional duty affirming President-elect Joe Bidens victory, these rioters showed us who they really are.

When I first heard the news, I prayed for the safety of the staff and elected officials in the Capitol, especially those preparing to push back against groundless objections to Pennsylvanias votes. Though many were traumatized and shaken, they came back and did their job.

My first question when seeing this: How did these rioters get on the Capitol complex so easily? Texts streamed in from my friends making the same point.

 READ MORE: Imagine what would have happened if the rioters who stormed the Capitol had been Black | Jenice Armstrong

The Capitol Polices planning for, and response to, the siege was shocking and will likely draw more scrutiny. Why didnt they see this coming? The Save America or Stop the Steal rally was no secret. It had been planned for weeks and breathlessly promoted by Donald Trump and his base on social media. Because the whole point of the gathering was to stop lawmakers counting of the electoral votes, police should have set up a secure perimeter far from the Capitol to repel the rabble of malcontents who would try entering the building by force.

The root of this casual response is far from negligence; its that police and political leaders routinely underplay the danger posed by far-right white (mostly male) extremists, though they are the gravest terrorist threat to our country.

With this mentality, the police were unprepared for the size and ferocity of the mob and had no apparent elevated security precautions in place, beyond barricades more suited for welcoming a grade-school class trip. They were quickly overrun at the Capitol by Trumps rioters. There were also reports of officers allowing the mob in, or taking selfies with them. Other officers stood by helpless and understandably afraid as rioters scaled walls, broke glass, roamed offices, and vandalized the inner sanctum of our government. Though some police responded more aggressively inside the Capitol, for the most part the maskless rioters feared neither the police nor any consequences. In the end, most were permitted to walk out of the building without significant arrests after putting in a hard days work trying to destroy our government.

This restrained police reaction was in marked contrast to the strong-arm tactics we often see in protests by and for Black people, including the largely peaceful Black Lives Matter protests this summer in Philadelphia and elsewhere. Police in riot gear met BLM marchers  progressives, many women, and Black and brown people  with tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, fists, and batons, while rounding them up and seeking aggressive prosecution.

 READ MORE: America hit rock bottom on January 6, 2021. Will there be an epiphany? | Will Bunch

Black people see and feel this difference. As a friend told me, Our people have been massacred  killed, shot, beaten, hosed  for a lot less. If BLM protesters descended on the Capitol to challenge members of Congress, there would have been an overwhelming police presence, including snipers and SWAT teams, behind steel-reinforced barricades, ready with chemical irritants for anyone who defied them. Nobody would have made it to the steps of the Capitol, let alone inside. At least not alive.

Recall that on June 1, 2020, less than two miles away in Lafayette Park, law enforcement agents, at the presidents direction, deployed tear gas to violently clear out peaceful protesters for a photo-op. This racial double standard  the very reason people marched this summer  has helped fuel the anger, hopelessness, and cynicism many Americans feel about the criminal justice system.

Make no mistake, this insurrection will leave an indelible stain on our country. People more eloquent than I will reflect on other lessons, including how our democracy is both stronger and more fragile than we ever imagined and how the rioters were egged on by our leaders. But, as a former federal prosecutor and someone committed to reform, I cant overlook the two systems of justice at play. This racism goes beyond the police, who are often used by elected officials and the public to let us off the hook for the collective racism in our society and the criminal justice system.

 READ MORE: My father gave me The Talk after the MOVE bombing. Now, I have to do it for my kids. | Perspective

There is a lot to be done immediately. First, every U.S. attorney, including our own, should vow to prosecute any vigilante from their jurisdiction who invaded the Capitol. Second, we need to talk to our kids. As I wrote for The Inquirer this summer, we all must have The Talk with our children addressing not just police brutality, but also general unequal treatment.

This insurrection gives an opportunity to bring those conversations into focus. Even my children could see that these rioters were treated with kid gloves, and I suspect they know why. Third, President-elect Biden and his Department of Justice must start on day one with a focus on reconciliation and reform to restore the broken trust between law enforcement and people of color.

Bidens DOJ should make real the words etched on another hallowed D.C. building, which escaped the insurrectionists wrath: Equal justice under law.

I pray for their success. You should, too.

Sozi Pedro Tulante is a partner at Dechert LLP in Philadelphia and adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law. He is a former assistant U.S. attorney and was the city solicitor of Philadelphia from 2016 to 2018.
To ease the water woes of Kharghar to Panvel in Navi Mumbai, which falls under the jurisdiction of City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco), the government agency has taken several measures for the same as the fast developing regions have long been suffering from severe water shortages. The measures include plans to reserve water by making payment to concerned agency, speeding up various works and appointing consultant to advice on improving water supply in the Cidco nodes.

Cidco vice-chairman and managing director Sanjay Mukherjee said, The board of Cidco Ltd has approved a proposal to pay 119.18 crore to Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation (KIDC). This will enable us to reserve water to the tune of 120 million litres per day (MLD).

Mukherjee said that a micro-tunnelling work project to allow drawing additional water from Hetwane dam is also approaching completion.

Water from Hetwane dam often pass through slopes, due to which the water supply is of low pressure. In a bid to deal with the issue, Cidco started the work of constructing underground aqueduct for Hetwane dam last year. The excavation work of the tunnel beneath Hamrapur hill for the pipeline, connecting Hetwane dam to the city, at the depth of 20-25 metre is near completion. This project is to be completed till February-end. Thus, Cidco will receive an additional quota of 30 MLD water from Hetwane dam, an official said.

Presently, water from Hetawane dam is supplied to Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) region along with some nodes and nearby villages under the jurisdiction of Cidco. Till now, Cidco had reserved 150 MLD water from Hetwane dam.

Besides, the state government has handed over Kondhane dam of Karjat taluka with 250 MLD to Cidco. However, the planning of this dam project is under process.

The population of Panvel and Uran taluka, developed by Cidco as south Navi Mumbai, has reached 20 lakh. By considering the increasing population in the city, the water demand of the city is likely to increase to 1,275 MLD by the year 2050. Hence, Cidco is looking to get additional 120 MLD water from Hetawne dam.

Mukherjee added, Cidco will appoint an expert agency for proper planning of water supply for Cidco colonies coming under PCMC jurisdiction, Ulwe, Dronagiri and various upcoming projects of Cidco. This agency will conduct a thorough study of the entire water supply system and water resources and accordingly guide Cidco for water supply management.
This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices.
Nearly 20,000 second doses of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech were given to people in England before guidelines were changed to prioritise giving out first doses, the National Health Service said on Thursday.

The figures showed that 19,981 second vaccinations were given between the Dec. 29 and Jan. 3, out of 1.1 million total administered in England. Across the whole of the United Kingdom, 1.3 million doses have been deployed.

The day after second vaccinations began, health officials said they would prioritise giving as many people as possible a first shot of a Covid-19 vaccine to offer some protection over the rollout of booster shots.

That means second shots will now be given up to 12 weeks after people receive their first shots, prompting criticism from some scientists, and frustration from people who have seen appointments cancelled.

While AstraZenecas shot was tested with different intervals between doses, Pfizer has said there is no data to demonstrate the efficacy of its first dose after 21 days.

On Tuesday, Englands Chief Medical Officer said that the balance of risk supported the move, adding protection from a single dose would likely be more than 50% even if it did pose a small risk of an escape mutant of the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes that by giving at least some protection to more than 13 million people in priority groups over the next six weeks, it will be possible to consider easing strict lockdown measures from mid-February.
A former New York Police Department sergeant was charged Thursday with lying to cheat a fund set up to help victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks

Sally Spinosa awaited an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court after her arrest on charges of submitting false claims, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The last charge carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence.

The 55-year-old Freehold, New Jersey, resident falsely claimed to have worked hundreds of hours from September 2001 and June 2002 in the recovery effort after the attacks, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York.

Spinosa served as an NYPD officer from July 1986 until July 2019. Federal authorities said she was a sergeant assigned to the police department's investigations unit on Staten Island in September 2001 when she claimed long hours working at the Fresh Kills Landfill there.

Sally Spinosa, 55, falsely claimed to have worked hundreds of hours from September 2001 and June 2002 in the recovery effort after the 9/11 attack

The 55-year-old Freehold, New Jersey, resident awaited an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court after her arrest on charges of submitting false claims, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The last charge carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence.

She falsely claimed to have worked two hours a day for 62 straight days from Sept. 20, 2001, to November 20, 2001, at the landfill even though she was pregnant and doing limited work away from offices or was on parental leave, authorities said.

According to complaint documents, Spinosa had been placed on limited duty on August 24, 2001, until around December 25, 2001. Spinosa gave birth in Feb. 2002, but was on leave from December 26, 2001, to around April 22, 2002.

Prosecutors said Spinosa submitted an affidavit purportedly signed by one of her supervisors to support her application for reimbursement from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), but the supervisor never signed the document.

The fund created by Congress provided money for victims of the attacks including those who suffered physical harm during debris removal or recovery efforts.

Spinosa's VCF claim was denied in 2014 but she reapplied in 2017 and in 2018 with the same fraudulent information, the release states. In 2017, the World Trade Center Health Program granted her benefits and has since paid for medical visits and prescription drugs for Spinosa.

She falsely claimed to have worked two hours a day for 62 straight days from Sept. 20, 2001, to November 20, 2001, at the landfill even though she was pregnant and doing limited work away from offices or was on parental leave, authorities said

Anthony DiFiore, an attorney representing Spinosa, declined comment.

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a release that Spinosa 'exploited her position by brazenly - and falsely - claiming to have worked hundreds of hours in the recovery effort.'

'After the September 11 attacks on New York City, the brave men and women of the NYPD risked their lives and safety to rebuild the City. As alleged, former NYPD sergeant Sally Spinosa exploited her position by brazenly  and falsely  claiming to have worked hundreds of hours in the recovery effort,' acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in the release.

'When law enforcement officers break the laws they are sworn to uphold, they do a disservice to their fellow officers, to the departments that employ them, and to the public they serve. My Office will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to uncover and prosecute such conduct.'

The sentiment was shared by NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea, who added: 'There is no place in the NYPD for criminal behavior. I commend Deputy Commissioner Joseph Reznick and Internal Affairs officers for their thorough investigation, in partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District, and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.'
In a relief to deputy chairman of the Legislative Council and Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe, the Bombay high court (HC) dismissed a petition by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC Gopichand Padalakar from Sangli, wherein he challenged her appointment.

Padalkar had sought setting aside of Gorhes appointment, claiming that the election on September 8, 2020, was illegal and arbitrary, and had sought re-election. The court, however, held that ex facie there was no gross illegality or unconstitutionality in the action of choosing Gorhe as deputy chairman as she enjoyed the support of a majority of the members.

The division bench of justice Nitin Jamdar and justice Milind Jadhav, while hearing Padalkars petition, was informed by senior counsel Milind Sathe and advocate Prahlad Paranjpe that on September 4, 2020, the Legislative Council had issued a general notice announcing that it would be in session on September 7 and 8, and would fill up the position of deputy chairman which was vacant since April 2020. The notice also stipulated that only those who tested negative for Covid-19 would be permitted to attend the session.

Padalkar submitted that as he had tested positive for the coronavirus, he could not participate in electing the deputy chairman. He argued that as the provision for issuance of the September 4 notice was not followed, it made the notice illegal and the election process unconstitutional.

However, advocate-general Ashutosh Kumbhakoni, representing the state, opposed the plea and submitted that the validity of any proceeding in the Council could not be disputed on the grounds of any irregularity of procedure. He further argued that the petitioner was unable to participate in the election process due to peculiar circumstances and not by any action of the respondents. Kumbhakoni concluded that no interference of the HC was warranted, and hence, the petition should be dismissed.

After hearing the submissions, the bench noted, There is no merit in this challenge. Even to consider the challenge on this count, prejudice flowing from the same should be ex facie apparent. The petitioner is calling upon the court to undertake an inquiry into the propriety of the procedure adopted by the Legislative Council, which is impermissible in view of the Constitution of India. The court then dismissed the petition.
DUP MP Ian Paisley doesn't believe that President Trumps speech before the siege on the US Capitol provoked the rioters to break the law.

In the build up to the Presidential election in November, Mr Paisley described himself and Mr Trump as good friends, while he posed in a photograph with fellow DUP MPs holding a flag supporting his re-election.

Since losing the election to Joe Biden, Trump has accused opponents of trying to steal the result, while divisions in American society continued to deepen.

Those divisions finally reached breaking point on Wednesday as armed Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building. A woman was shot dead by police and three others died of medical emergencies, police confirmed.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next US Capitol riots: Trump supporters storm Washington [photos] Close Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) AP *** BESTPIX *** WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A Washington DC police officer walks through the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol earlier, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A protester sits in the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters have entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty Images Vice President Mike Pence walks off the House floor as a joint session of the House and Senate convenes to confirm the Electoral College votes cast in November's election, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (Erin Schaff/The New York Times via AP, Pool) AP Demonstrators try to open a door of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A protester screams "Freedom" inside the Senate chamber after the U.S. Capitol was breached by a mob during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building during demonstrations in the nation's capital. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A pro-Trump mob enters the Roturnda of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty Images A demonstrator talks to police over a barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) AP A woman is helped up by police during a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.(AP Photo/John Minchillo)(AP Photo/John Minchillo) AP WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Protesters enter the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters have entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A pro-Trump protester carries the lectern of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi through the Roturnda of the U.S. Capitol Building after a pro-Trump mob stormed the building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty Images A police officer has eyes flushed with water after a confrontation with demonstrators, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.(AP Photo/John Minchillo) AP Supporters of President Donald Trump puts water in his eyes after U.S. Capitol Police deployed a chemical agent outside of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) AP A demonstrator talks to police over a barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) AP Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) AP Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) AP President-elect Joe Biden speaks at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del., Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol "an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the people's business." (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) AP Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) AP Lawmakers prepare to evacuate the the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) AP WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Members of the National Guard and the Washington D.C. police stand guard to keep demonstrators away from the U.S. Capitol on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol earlier, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A member of a pro-Trump mob shatters a window with his fist from inside the Capitol Building after breaking into it on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A group of pro-Trump protesters climb the walls of the Capitol Building after storming the West lawn on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A pro-Trump mob storms the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images) Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A crowd of Trump supporters gather outside as seen from inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress will hold a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. The joint session was disrupted as the Trump supporters breached the Capitol building. (Photo by Cheriss May/Getty Images) Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Before the riot took place, thousands of Trump supporters gathered in Washington DC ahead of the Joint Session of Congress to confirm President-elect Bidens victory.

Mr Trump repeated his claims that the election was stolen and encouraged the crowd to march the two miles from the White House to the Capitol.

Expand Close Support: DUP MPs Ian Paisley (left), Sammy Wilson (second left) and Paul Girvan (right) fly the flag for Donald Trump / Facebook

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Whatsapp Support: DUP MPs Ian Paisley (left), Sammy Wilson (second left) and Paul Girvan (right) fly the flag for Donald Trump

North Antrim MP Mr Paisley said it was abhorrent to see any sort of violence interfere with the political process and recognised that both President Trump and President-elect Biden told those involved to go home.

Describing the scenes as startling, he added that it was absolutely tragic that people died.

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Mr Paisley argued, however, that no one can say that Mr Trump provoked protesters to break the law. He said that well go down and well protest peacefully, stated Mr Paisley.

Im looking at his comments that were put up in what seemed to be a live commentary, that they would go down and applaud those members of Congress and the House that they agree with.

He went on to say theres some they dont agree with but he didnt say to do anything.

Someones always going to look for someone to blame here but I think at the end of the day anyone who follows American politics knows it is a very, very deeply divided society.

Mr Paisley stated that Northern Ireland has also witnessed political protests spilling into politics and recalled the brawl in Stormont surrounding the re-election of David Trimble as First Minister in 2001.

There has been hand-to-hand fighting in various council chambers in Northern Ireland so we know something of it but nothing as dramatic I suppose as Capitol Hill  the bastion of the Free World  having this sort of a siege onto it, he said.

Download the Belfast Telegraph App Get quick and easy access to the latest Northern Ireland news, sport, business and opinion with the Belfast Telegraph App.

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Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank took to Twitter few days ago to announce that CBSE Class 10, 12 board exams 2021 would begin from May 4 and end by June 10 and since then lakhs of students across the country eagerly waiting for the CBSE Class 10, 12 board exams 2021 date sheet.

Recently, a date sheet of the CBSE Exams 2021 got viral on the social media which was fake. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) posted a message on Twitter stressing that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has not released the Board Exams time sheet yet.

It is however expected that CBSE would release Class 10, 12 board examinations 2021 date sheet in forthcoming days. Union Education minister Pokhriyal had announced that the date sheet will be released as soon as possible. Meanwhile, education experts are of the view that CBSE could announce the Class 10, 12 Board Exams by mid-January.

Where to check CBSE Date Sheet 2021?

Once released, students can check the date sheet on CBSEs official website cbse.nic.in.

How to Download CBSE Exam Date Sheet 2021:

Step 1: Visit the official website cbse.nic.in.

Step 2: On the homepage, locate the Recent Announcements section

Step 3: Students must note that after the datasheets are released, they will be able to access them under the recent announcements section

Step 4: You can take a download of CBSE datasheet or a printout, depending on your convenience.

For his part, the CBSE has made it clear that CBSE Class 10, 12 Board Exams 2021 will be conducted in written mode and not online.

Pokhriyal also announced that the practical exams would be held from March 1 in school premises.

Police in Nashville are hunting for a second suspect in the fatal shooting of a COVID nurse on Interstate 440 last month.

An arrest warrant has been issued charging James Edward Cowan, 28, with criminal homicide in the purportedly random killing of Caitlyn Kaufman, Metro Nashville Police said in a statement on Wednesday.

Kaufman, 26, was shot dead on December 3 as she drove to work at St. Thomas West Hospital. No motive has been given in the shooting.

Nashville police are looking for James Edward Cowan, 28 (left) after identifying him as a second suspect in the December 3 killing of nurse Caitlyn Kaufman (right)

On December 11, police arrested Devaunte Lewis Hill, 21, in connection with Kaufman's seemingly random killing

Devaunte Lewis Hill, 21, was arrested on December 11 on a criminal homicide charge in connection with Kaufmans death.

A police investigation found that Cowan and Hill know each other and a cell phone analysis puts both men in the area when Kaufman was shot at 6pm, authorities said.

On Thursday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation added Cowan to its most wanted list. He is described as 5-foot-10 and weighing 170lbs.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to Cowan's arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call police.

Police previously said they do not believe Hill knew Kaufman prior to the shooting.

Kaufman's grey Mazda CX5 SUV, pictured, was struck by gunfire on Interstate 440 west

The first break in the case came when a concerned citizen contacted the authorities and identified Hill as a suspect in the killing. The caller also provided information that led detectives to the purported murder weapon, a 9mm handgun.

Kaufman, 26, was on her way to work at a hospital when she was shot and died within moments

Ballistics experts analysed the gun and found that it was a '100 per cent match' to the shell casings that were recovered on Interstate 440 after Kaufman's death.

Investigators used Hill's cellphone data to place him in the vicinity of the crime scene, according to police.

Detective Christopher Dickerson previously said six shots were fired at Kaufman's grey Mazda CX5 SUV on Interstate 440 west on the evening of December 3 and she was killed within 15 seconds of being struck by a bullet that entered her left shoulder.

He added: 'Caitlyn didn't have time to get to her cellphone to call 911.'

Kaufman had been due to start her shift at 7pm on December 3 and was believed to have been on time, leading Nashville Police to estimate the time of the attack to between 6pm and 6.30pm.

After being shot, Kaufman managed to pull her SUV over on the right shoulder of the road against the guard rail between the Hillsboro Pike and West End Avenue exits.

Hill was arrested by police acting on a tip from a concerned citizen who identified him as a suspect in Kaufman's death

A Metro Parks officer stopped around 8.25pm to investigate why her vehicle was parked on the right shoulder of Interstate 440, believing it was a single-car crash.

Colleagues at Ascension Saint Thomas paid tribute to Caitlyn as a 'courageous healthcare hero' during the pandemic and 'a dedicated and much-loved member of our [Medical Intensive Care Unit] MICU team...who was graciously called to serve our patients with compassion and kindness.'
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L&T gained 2.05% to Rs 1340.55 after the company's subsidiary L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering won a 'large' offshore contract from ONGC for their new living quarter and revamp at NQ Complex.

The contract involves engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning of a new living quarter platform, 'NQL Platform' of 120 men capacity, bridge (with intermediate support) to existing 'NQO Complex' and major revamping / replacement of existing process systems / facilities at 'NQ Complex' in ONGC's Mumbai High Asset on the West Coast of India.

The above contract was awarded through international competitive bidding on a Lump Sum Turnkey (LSTK) basis. As per L&T's classification, the value of the contract lies between Rs 2,500 and Rs 5,000 crore.

L&T is an Indian multinational engaged in engineering, procurement and construction projects, manufacturing, defence and services with over $21 billion in revenue.

On a consolidated basis, the company's net profit surged 118.43% to Rs 5,520.27 crore on 12.15% decline in net sales to Rs 31,034.74 crore in Q2 September 2020 over Q2 September 2019.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The World Health Organization has issued a reprimand to China for delaying the entry of travel experts to the country in hopes to prove the origin of the virus. The rebuke was a rare public criticism from the international organization.

This was a response to Chinese officials' move to deny entry to WHO-appointed experts to enter the country. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said some of them embarked on travel, according to a Bloomberg report.

Chinese officials and the expert team composing of 10 members have been in discussion and planning for months.

"I am very disappointed with this news given that two members had already begun their journeys and others were not able to travel at the last minute," Tedros was quoted on a report.

The WHO Director-General added that they are eager to get the mission underway as soon as possible.

Tedros added that the members of the international scientific team started leaving them home countries over the previous 24 hours as part of an arrangement between WHO and China. However, Chinese officials had still not finalized the necessary permissions needed for the entry.

Related story: Growing Evidence Shows COVID-19 Leaked From Wuhan Lab, Contrary to China's Claims

Chinese officials barring entry

WHO describes the mission as priority, which China obstructed, as reported by The Guardian.

This was reportedly part of the efforts and attempts to reshape the narrative of where the disease originates, despite global scientific studies that COVID-19 first jumped from animals into humans in China.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying addressed the issue in a news briefing in Beijing, saying that the problem for the team's entry was not just about the matter of visas.

She said that there had been a misunderstanding between the two parties and the two sides were still in discussions over the timing and arrangements.

Hua said that they need to carry out the necessary procedures and relevant plans to ensure that the work of the global experts group in China is successful.

The spokeswoman said that both sides are currently still in negotiations on this.

Hua assured that they are still supporting the international cooperating and advancing internal preparations, adding that they are still in communication with the WHO, according to a BBC report.

COVID-19 origins still shrouded in questions

The first clue where the COVID-19 origin was the market in China. Out of a sample of 41 early confirmed cases, 70 percent were stall owners, employees, or regular customers of the Huanan market, which was popular for selling not only seafoods, but also live animals.

However, the first confirmed case had no obvious connection.

On Jan. 1 last year, the market was closed by the Chinese authorities and was comprehensively cleaned and disinfected, according to another The Guardian report.

Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official claimed that there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the Wuhan Institute of Virology is possibly the most credible source for the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a World is One News report.

U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger said that China's claims of the virus coming from the Wuhan market originally are false.

Pottinger added that COVID-19 may have accidently leaked from the lab.

Related story: Experts Suggest Novel Coronavirus Originated From Lab in Wuhan
Low- and middle-income countries have been heavily impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which is caused by the infective agent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

A new US-based study by researchers at Dartmouth College, the Development Data Lab, IDFC Institute, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Chicago shows that the infection fatality rate (IFR) could be twice as high for men compared to women and increases much less at older ages compared to high-income countries.

Indias COVID-19 outbreak

The coronavirus pandemic reached India in January 2020, when the country reported its first case. The first few cases were residents who returned from Wuhan, China, the place where the virus is thought to have emerged. However, in May 2020, the country reported a surge in COVID-19 cases. Many of these were tourists who can back after trips to Italy, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and Iran, among others.

From there, localized transmission has occurred, with thousands of new cases being reported. To date, the infection toll has reached a staggering 10.39 million confirmed cases and over 150,000 deaths.

Infection fatality rate

Measuring the infection fatality rate for SARS-CoV-2 has been one of the priorities of scientists since the pandemic began. Reliable estimates of the IFR are important for policy decisions and vaccine allocation plans.

This will determine in a given country who are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 and dying from the complications of the illness. Worldwide, scientists have tagged older adults and those with underlying health conditions as the ones with the highest risk of COVID-19 death.

Estimating infection fatality rates need an accurate measurement of the number of infections and deaths in the population due to COVID-19. This can be measured by getting the number of positive tests.

However, most of these studies focused on high-income countries. There is limited data about IFRs in low-and middle-income countries such as India. Also, in these countries where testing is not widespread, the number of infections and deaths may be underreported. This can affect IFR computation and estimates.

The study

The new study, published on the pre-print medRxiv* server, shows that the IFR in India is about twice as high for men than women, is heterogeneous across contexts, and increases much less at older ages compared with studies in high-income countries.

To arrive at the study findings, the researchers utilized three data sources from India that are uniquely well-suited to calculate age-specific IFRs. They used population-representative seroprevalence surveys in Mumbai and Karnataka. The researchers calculated the IFR by matching results from the surveys.

Further, the team used a survey of COVID-19 prevalence among short-term outmigrants returning home to the Bihar state. These are mostly working-age men. The team aimed to measure age-specific IFRs in all three locations and compare them to international estimates.

The study findings showed that IFRs were lower than those measures in higher-income countries, especially at the ages where most deaths occur. For both men and women, there is a variation in IFRs across the three locations in the country.

Also, the study revealed a weaker increase in IFR over age than seen in other nations. It is known that the pattern of death or mortality in low- and middle-income countries tilts younger than would be predicted from age distribution. This could be tied to a flatter age profile in mortality.

Further, migrants to Bihar have a higher IFR because they were among the most socioeconomically distressed people in the country.

What the researchers noted was there could be underreporting of deaths in the country, which could have affected the IFRs calculated in the study. They suggest better epidemiological surveillance and accounting of SARS-CoV-2 improve the ability to understand the fatality risk of SARS-CoV-2 in lower-income settings.

*Important Notice

medRxiv 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.

By sequencing the germline genomes of twins and comparing them to those of close relatives, scientists at deCODE genetics found mutations that are present in just one of the monozygotic twins and traced them back to the first days after conception.

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the article, Differences between germline genomes of monozygotic twins, published in Nature Genetics today scientists at deCODE genetics searched for mutations that were present in only one of monozygotic twins.

In the study of human genetics the genomes of monozygotic twins are often assumed to be identical, and differences between them have been pinned on the environment rather than genetics. This assumption has been used throughout the centuries to disentangle the contribution of genetics and environment to disease and other phenotypes.

The scientists found two groups of twin pairs, one where twins share mutations and another where the developmental mutations are only present in one of them at high frequency.

"Mutations can be formed when cells divide and the daughter cells may carry a mutation that marks the descendants of the mutated cell within an individual. Mutations that are present in only one of the twins allow us therefore to backtrack to the cell divisions that lead to the development of the twins." says Hakon Jonsson scientist at deCODE Genetics and author on the paper.

Remarkably this backtracking of the mutations that differ between twins suggests that the mutations are formed in the first days of embryonic development when the embryo consists of several cells.

"These two groups of monozygotic twins give insight into development of the embryo only few divisions after conception when the embryo consists of several cells," says Kari Stefansson CEO of deCODE genetics. "These are exciting times that allows us to use mutations to shed light on the development of humans at these first stages of development."

Hakon Jonsson and colleagues sequenced the genomes of 387 pairs of identical twins and their parents, spouses and children to track mutation divergence. The authors found that twins differ by 5.2 early developmental mutations, on average. In approximately 15% of twin pairs, one twin carries a high number of these mutations that the other twin does not have.

Physical or behavioral differences between identical twins are usually attributed to environmental factors, according to the assumption that genetic differences between the pair are minimal. However, autism and other developmental disorders-which one twin in a pair might have-are linked to genetic mutations. The authors conclude that the role of genetic factors in shaping such phenotypic differences has been underestimated.

Thora Kristin Asgeirsdottir, PR and Communications deCODE genetics, 00354 -570 1909, 00354 -894 1909, thoraa@decode.is

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1395021/deCODE_twins.jpg
Some of Britain's scruffiest hounds undergo astonishing transformations in brand new BBC series Pooch Perfect, which premiered tonight.

The first episode of the show, hosted by Sheridan Smith, saw four hopefuls from across the country compete for the title of the nation's top dog groomer.

The contestants did their best to impress judges Colin Taylor and Verity Hardcastle in two challenges, one based on their technical ability and the other to demonstrate their creative flare.

Their handiwork was revealed in front of the dogs' grateful owners as they proudly paraded their freshly groomed pooches down the 'dogwalk' - with two contestants going through to the next round.

The first episode of Pooch Perfect on BBC One saw four hopefuls from across the country compete for the title of the nation's top dog groomer. Pictured, Bichon Frise Midge before her makeover

Kelly, from Somerset, was paired with Bichon Frise Midge for the second dog grooming challenge. Pictured: Midge after her makeover

Pictured, Shih Tzu Magic was groomed by Kara, from Cambridgeshire, who won the challenge with this neat groom

Competing in the heat was Kelly, from Somerset, who has been grooming for 18 years; Thomas, from County Tyrone; Abbie, 26, from Leicestershire, and Kara, 26, from Cambridgeshire, who runs her own salon.

In the first heat of the show, the four contestants were given long-haired Shih Tzus to groom for their 'breed makeover' challenge.

They were tasked with creating a pet trim with 'balance and symmetry', and making sure their dogs didn't look 'out of balance'.

The judges advised sculpting the face, going for an 'intelligent' look rather than a startled expression.

Abbie was paired with Fiz for her technical challenge and was keen to give her unruly coat a close trim

Despite Fiz's glamorous transformation, her makeover wasn't as popular with the judges, commenting that the canine needed a shorter trim on the jacket

Bourbon the Shih Tzu was paired with Thomas , however his feedback wasn't great either with judges noticing were markings on his coat

Kelly's dog was Princess and she received good feedback from the judges about the 'static' haircut she gave the dog, with a 'beautiful round shape'. However Verity felt his hair needed to be shorter around the eyes.

Abbie's dog was Fiz, but her first makeover wasn't as popular with the judges, who commented that the canine needed a shorter trim on the jacket and longer hair under the chin to create a rounder face.

Bourbon the Shih Tzu was paired with Thomas, however his feedback wasn't great either, with judges advising that the animal's leg hair was flaring out too widely and there were markings on his coat.

The winner of the challenge was mother-of-one Kara, who gave her Shih Tzu Magic a neat and sculpted makeover.

Thomas, from County Tyrone, was paired with Cavapoo Red who was looking scruffy before the second dog walk challenge

Cavapoo Red looked much neater following the challenge and Thomas received good feedback from judges Colin Taylor and Verity Hardcastle

Their second 'dog walk challenge' was all about creativity and saw them give four curly-coated canines a cute teddy bear trim to parade on the runway in front of their owners.

Their aim was to achieve 'big bright eyes and a button nose' and create a smooth and trim even all the way round, as well as giving the dog the illusion of 'floating feet'.

Abbie was paired with Cockapoo Milo, Kelly with Bichon Frise Midge, Thomas with Cavapoo Red and Kara with Poochon Teddy.

After their makeovers the groomers paraded the animals in front of their owners, who were over the moon with the results.

For Kara's second challenge she was paired with Poochon Teddy whose unruly hair was in need of a trim before the challenge

Teddy looked wonderful after his transformation, with his delighted owners saying their pet finally lived up to his name

Abbie was paired with Cockapoo Milo for the dog walk challenge and left the dog looking sharp after his haircut

Milo's owners said the dog looked 'amazing and so cute' with his new look, while Teddy's were pleased he was finally living up to his name with his adorable transformation.

Red's owners were also pleased with his new teddy bear look, while Midge's owners couldn't wait for the opportunity to show the 'gorgeous' transformation off.

As the judges compared the end results, they felt Abbie had improved while Thomas and Kara had clearly taken on their feedback, with Kelly still a top contender.

Eventually it was revealed that Kelly was top dog of the groomers, and would be going into the quarter final of the show alongside Kara.

Viewers loved the show, hailing it a breath of fresh air during an otherwise difficult week, and calling the dogs 'ridiculously cute'

Viewers loved the show, hailing it a breath of fresh air during an otherwise difficult week, and calling the dogs 'ridiculously cute'.

One wrote: 'If youve had a tough day and your mind is boggled, may I suggest watching Pooch Perfect on BBC! I dont know who came up with this idea but I am super thankful! Its bake off but for dog groomers. Its easy viewing with the benefit of dogs! #PoochPerfect.'

Another said: 'Pooch Perfect is EXACTLY what we need in our lives right now! Best thing I've seen on TV for ages.'

'2021 already knocking 2020 out the park with Pooch Perfect,' wrote a third.

Earlier today it emerged the show had been criticised by the RSPCA and British Veterinary Association for 'sending a worrying message' after some of the dogs appeared with dyed coats in a trailer.

A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Throughout the filming of Pooch Perfect, the care and wellbeing of the dogs was of the upmost importance.

'On set we had an RSPCA approved Animal Welfare Consultant, a Grooming Consultant, and a Vet, to ensure that we put every precaution in place to keep the dogs safe and well.

'Every owner was asked if they were happy for their dogs to have some temporary colour put on them. When colour was used it was kept to a minimum, it washed out almost immediately and was only used in the minority of challenges to demonstrate specific areas of skill and creativity.

'All the products used were animal safe and temporary and they were used by professional groomers who have great experience of handling and managing dogs.'

The BBC also shared lots of detail about the show on their website, explaining that they spoke with several experts during filming and the dogs were always 'cared for'.
A store at Chadstone shopping centre that was visited by Victoria's first mystery coronavirus case in more than two months is yet to be contacted by the Health Department 24 hours after it was listed as a potential acquisition site.

A spokesman for Superdry said contact tracers had not spoken to anyone at either the Chadstone store or the clothing chain's headquarters and that the brand had discovered it was listed by seeing its name on the department's website and in the news on Wednesday morning.

"We are still waiting for the business contact tracing team to get in touch from the DHHS, but we have communicated to all staff who were present on Boxing Day ... to go and get tested [and] stay quarantined until they receive a negative test result," he said.

A man in his 30s from Vermont South went to the sales at Chadstone on December 26 and the Test match at the MCG the next day and later tested positive to COVID-19.
100 Years ago

Albany is a mans town  a 100 per cent masculine Burg. There are no lounge lizards, no whiskered vampirinos here.

This has been proved by an investigation made to-day by a reporter for the Times-Union, who visited all of the beautifying parlors and the make-up shops. Other cities may stand for this sort of thing, and some of them do, but this grand old Dutch burg wont have it.

The men of Albany are too busy to bother about their makeup. That is, they dont neglect themselves or anything like that, but as for letting themselves to be strapped in a chair while their eyebrows are plucked out or having their hair marcelled; nix, nix! In barber shops? Oh, yes, some of the fastidious ones do go the limit on the massage stuff and insist on a jab or two of the curious aromatic hair tonics. But thats the limit. Cosmetics and perfume, so far as Albany men are concerned, are taboo.

Paul Duerr, beauty culture expert, of 111-116 State Street, allowed that in his opinion there is not one man in Albany who seeks artificial beauty.

Times Union, Jan. 7, 1920

50 Years ago

Senate GOP leader seeks casinos

Las Vegas-style gambling casinos could be in the offing for New York State if Senate Majority Leader Earl W. Brydges had his way in the 1971 legislature. A longtime foe of gambling as a revenue-producing source, Brydges said the state had now gone too far down the road to turn back and may as well get into an area of gambling where there was the most money. He told a news conference he was sponoring a casino proposal which would offer roulette, cards, dice, one-armed bandits and other games similar to ones in Las Vegas, Bahamas and Bermuda.

Times Union, Jan. 7, 1971
Donald Trump's most fervent followers are beginning to claim that the mob that overran the Capitol on Wednesday were not MAGA supporters, but instead were Antifa 'masquerading' as the president's backers.

Matt Gaetz, a Republican congressman for Florida known for his devotion to the president, told the House he did not believe they were Trump supporters who stormed the building.

He declared there was 'some pretty compelling evidence from a facial recognition company showing that some of the people who breached the Capitol today were not Trump supporters, but were masquerading as Trump supporters, and in fact were members of the violent terrorist group Antifa.'

Matt Gaetz, the Florida congressman, said Antifa stormed Congress 'masquerading' as MAGA

A MAGA-hatted mob stormed the Capitol on Wednesday and smashed up Congress

Trump supporters are claiming that two people in the crowd were known Antifa supporters

Gaetz added: 'Now we should seek to build America up, not tear her down and destroy her.

'I was just glad that for at least one day I did not hear my Democrat colleagues calling to defund the police.'

Gaetz appeared to be referring to a report in The Washington Times, in which an unnamed retired military officer told the paper that the firm XRVision used its software to do facial recognition of protesters.

The military officer told the paper that XRVision had identified two of those inside the Senate as Philadelphia Antifa supporters.

XRVision, founded in Singapore in 2015 and based in New York City, is yet to respond to DailyMail.com's request for confirmation of the identification.

Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham then quoted The Washington Times's report on her show.

Laura Ingraham on her Fox News show quoted The Washington Times' report

Laura Ingraham: Not All Trump Supporters pic.twitter.com/utSRjKPx2m  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 7, 2021

The mostly maskless crowd flooded the halls of the Capitol with little resistance from police

A protester struggles with a riot police officer outside the Capitol building after the 6pm curfew went into effect

She said the behavior was incompatible with Trump supporters.

'Actions we saw today do not represent this movement,' she told her viewers. 'The Washington Times is reporting today that at least two Antifa were spotted in the crowd.'

Sarah Palin spoke to Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum on Wednesday evening, and joined in the chorus.

'We don't know who all were the instigators in these horrible things that happened today, I think a lot of it is the Antifa folks,' she claimed, citing 'pictures' sent to her.

On Newsmax, anchor Greg Kelly said that 'Trump supporters don't do these things'.

'We've heard about outside agitators all summer long with the Black Lives Matter protests that all the looting was done by, you know, foreign sources from some far away place,' he declared.

'Look, these don't look like Trump supporters. Trump supporters don't do these things.'

Other Trump supporters quickly embraced the idea.

Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO, tweeted a series of clips which he said showed Antifa.

'This was filmed next to the capital by a family member! Antifa is responsible for the attacks... they already have been found out by facial recognition!'

It was unclear why he thought the MAGA-hatted crowd was comprised of secret Leftist agitators.

He retweeted a picture of rioters in Congress, captioned: 'Dear Sheeple, this is A.N.T.I.F.A.'

Sidney Powell, the lawyer who was briefly part of Trump's 'elite strike-force' of Rudy Giuliani-led election challengers, before being forced out and filing suits on her own, also embraced the idea.

She tweeted an internet image from November which encouraged Antifa supporters encouraging others to disguise themselves in MAGA hats.

'#AntifaCapitalAssault happened today,' she said.

With his loyal No. 2 no longer so loyal in his eyes and with Congress poised to spend the day brushing aside the protests he had nurtured about the Electoral College outcome, Mr. Trump urged his supporters to take another step.

We want to be so respectful of everybody, Mr. Trump said, before describing his political opponents as bad people. And we are going to have to fight much harder. And Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us, and if he doesnt, that will be a sad day for our country. Because youre sworn to uphold our Constitution.

Calling the outcome of the election this egregious assault on our democracy, he said his supporters should walk down to the Capitol.

We are going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, he continued, and we are probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them  because you will never take back our country with weakness.

Mr. Trump did not in fact accompany the supporters he pressed to fight for him; he returned to the White House and berated aides about how the scene had appeared, before attacking Mr. Pence on Twitter for his stand.
WASHINGTON  As rioters seeking to install President Trump in a second term contrary to Novembers election results breached the Capitol building, Californias lawmakers were spread throughout the complex.

They were told to draw the curtains and stay away from the windows. They were urged to remove the lapel pins that identify them as members of Congress. They could hear unidentified explosions and the din of a mob outside.

Im sickened. This is not our country, said Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, who was in his office, frantically trying to find out what was going on as constant sirens blared outside.

When the pro-Trump mob broke through police lines and breached the Capitol, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, and GOP leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, were quickly escorted off the House floor to safety. Democratic Reps. Eric Swalwell of Dublin, Scott Peters of San Diego, Jimmy Gomez of Los Angeles and Pete Aguilar of Redlands (San Bernardino County) were all in the House chamber, and were soon evacuated with other lawmakers, staffers and media workers.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, had to flee his office and found shelter elsewhere in the Capitol with a handful of colleagues. Huffman hunkered down alone in a sprawling office building.

The chaotic and tense scene unfolded quickly but lasted hours. Lawmakers got news from their phones and TV as they waited, unsure when they could resume the business that brought the rioters out in force: the certification of Trumps election loss and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Kent Nishimura / TNS

The day started uneventfully, with a few protesters near the Capitol but most rallying near the White House. The House and Senate began a joint session to certify results and then broke into their respective chambers to debate an objection to a state Biden carried, Arizona. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Pelosi had ordered each party to have no more than 11 members present on the floor, though Republicans were flouting the rules.

We were cautioned that there was going to be disruptions, so they asked us to come onto campus early so we wouldnt be detained or prevented from getting onto the Hill to cast our vote, Thompson said in an interview.

I came in this morning at 9 and had a Zoom meeting and was making phone calls and doing work in my office, Thompson said. And then they came through and evacuated my office building because they found some sort of explosive device. It was not immediately clear whether that device was real or a fake.

Thompson was soon allowed to return, but then Capitol Police went around telling everyone to evacuate again  this time because pro-Trump rioters had breached the office building.

As the offices were cleared, the House and Senate at first continued their proceedings. But, suddenly, it became clear that rioters had also entered the Capitol building. Leaders were escorted off the floor, and remaining lawmakers were told to hunker down and get gas masks. Capitol Police drew their weapons for an armed standoff at the doors to the House chamber.

They said, Get a mask, be ready,  Peters told reporters in the Capitol. Then (they) started to get us to snake around the back of the gallery, under the rails and stuff, so we did that for a while. And when they stopped us ... they made us all get down, you could see that they were fending off some sort of assault, it looked like. They had a piece of furniture up against the door, the door, the entry to the floor from the Rotunda, and they had guns pulled.

Peters said officers told lawmakers to remove their pins that identify them as members of Congress.

Then, lawmakers were evacuated. Gomez told reporters on the Hill that it was frightening to be stuck in the gallery above the House floor with reporters, not knowing where to go.

Swalwell said his evacuation from the House floor was orderly, with lawmakers lined up and escorted to a safe location. But he said it was clear that something surreal was occurring, as he saw officials carrying ceremonial artifacts from the House floor to protect them from the rioters.

As we were leaving, no one was a Democrat or a Republican  we were all trying to help each other get out and get to a safer place, Swalwell said. I was an intern when September 11 happened. It reminded me a little bit about just the atmosphere here at the time. But most jarring is just thinking of a sacred place being compromised. Thats the most unsettling fact.

Aguilar said he was trying to stay calm as confusion spread.

He told reporters that he was thinking, Follow directions of the professionals. Keep your head on a swivel and just try and be safe. So I sent messages to my family and just doing what every member was doing, which was just trying to prepare for what was ahead. So just following the guidance.

He said lawmakers went down to the basement and went through the Capitols tunnel system, but werent sure where to go.

A handful of us went to the cafeteria, which was locked down and they let us in, Aguilar said. But then someone else came back and said they were mistaken. It was a bad game of telephone. ... Capitol Police have done a good job in protecting us here, although I think we have a lot of questions about the last four hours and whats been done to protect the Capitol complex.

Huffman, the San Rafael Democrat, was having his staff work from home, so he was alone when the events unfolded. Capitol Police told him draw curtains, stay away from windows and await further instructions.

I can hear these crowds outside, just continually, the din and the roar of this mob, with periodic explosions of some kind, Huffman said in an interview from his safe location. We get reports about pipe bombs, we get reports about tear gas, so I dont exactly know what that is. Just constant sirens. My phone is just going haywire with people trying to reach me, and Im trying to gather information from these cable news feeds and Twitter and all these different sources, colleagues, were texting with each other. So its crazy.

Thompson said that at his holding location, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, a member of House Democratic leadership, came in with a Republican colleague to say that when the building was cleared, proceedings would resume. That wouldnt happen for more than six hours.

I think its a very sad day, said Thompson, a veteran of the Vietnam War. Its an embarrassing day for the United States of America.

Both he and Huffman blamed their Republican colleagues and Trump for fanning the flames. Trump encouraged his supporters to march on the Capitol, and for hours declined to tell them to leave. When he did, he repeated the lie that the election had been stolen from him.

This is something really foreign and vile, and I think the whole world is probably watching in horror at what is being attempted here, Huffman said. I think it will fail and I think well get through this, but Im really worried that a lot more people are going to get hurt.

Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan
NEW HAVEN  As residents across the state grapple with the aftermath of a mob storming the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, faith leaders reacted.

The Rev. Boise Kimber said the thugs ..., the racism that took over the Capitol Wednesday, contrasted the lack of police presence to the armed response to Black Lives Matter protests last summer.

Kimber, senior pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven and president of the Greater New Haven Clergy Association, spoke during an online news conference, saying there are two Americas and that white privilege and racism were on display in Washington.

When Black Lives Matter were in Washington, D.C., protesting, you saw armored tanks, you saw the National Guard, you saw police officers all over D.C., and that was not one incident, Kimber said. Yesterday, there were no police officers that were able to control this mob. There was no National Guard there.

He said Black Americans were filled with the highs and the lows Wednesday. First, was the election of the first Black senator from Georgia and the Democrats gaining control of both houses of Congress. We were all excited, happy about that, he said. But the final scene that happened yesterday was a nightmare of the Trump presidency. Unfortunately, the low was the storming of the Capitol by Trump loyalists, which resulted in mayhem, destruction, injuries  and even deaths.

Kimber said: We live in two Americas. We live in a Black America and we live in a white America. We saw yesterday white privilege in America.

Kimber said that once President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated Jan. 20, I think weve got a great opportunity with the control of both House and Senate to make some real changes in government.

It is going to take a lot of healing from what we have gone through the last four years, Kimber said. The racial divide has divided us even more. There has to be new policies and new laws.

Further, the Connecticut Faith Leaders Collaborative held a Zoom meeting at 1 p.m. during which clergy offered statements and prayers. It was a call for state and national action and unity, according to the Collaborative.

We must seize this moment to recalibrate Americas Moral Compass. The day celebrated by many as the Epiphany serves as a destined pivot point for the awakening of the spiritual conscience of the land of hope and freedom, the Faith Leaders Collaborative said in a statement. For too long good men and women have remained silent as partisan politics and self-serving politicians have created divisions in the United States. Today we must raise our voices and shatter the silence of complicity with the chorus of unity.

The Connecticut Faith Leaders Collaborative said in a statement, Yesterday we wept for America as we saw violence unfold in our Nations Capital. For the 1st time in 208 years and only the 2nd time in U.S. history the worlds strongest symbol of civil government and the consistent home of peaceful transition of power came under direct physical assault and blood was shed in the hallowed halls of Congress. This atrocity is the fruition of activities and actions that, if unabated, will certainly unravel the very fabric of the American Experiment.
(Newser)  There are preliminary discussions underway among some members of President Trump's Cabinet to invoke the 25th amendment, sources tell CNN. The amendment authorizes the vice president to step in and serve as president should the president become "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office," and Axios reports it's just one of a number of options currently under discussion by "current and former White House and GOP Hill aides, and Republican lobbyists and political consultantsall of whom have either embraced him or quietly tolerated him until now." That includes senior State Department officials, sources say. Other options include censure or impeachment. One of the administration officials who spoke to the Washington Post about talks among aides of removing Trump from office described him as "beyond the pale," another went with "monster."

story continues below

TMZ, citing the White House correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks, claims lawmakers met at a secret DC location Wednesday to discuss the use of the 25th amendment. The Hill reports Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee have formally asked Pence to invoke it, and CNBC reports a large US trade group has done the same. In addition to Pence, either a majority of Trump's cabinet or two-thirds of both houses of Congress would need to be on board, and Axios notes it's not at all clear there's enough support to proceed with that optionor enough time for another impeachment trial. As for Trump, those who spoke to the Post say he spent Wednesday night "cocooned" at the White House, speaking only to those most loyal to him, and so angry with Pence he "couldn't see straight." Pence, for his part, is similarly unhappy with Trump's criticism of him, sources tell CNN. (Read more President Trump stories.)
Law enforcement officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

4 Dead on Capitol Grounds, Woman Who Was Shot Identified as Air Force Veteran Ashley Babbitt

Four people have been confirmed dead on Capitol grounds late Jan. 6, among whom was a woman who died after being shot inside the Capitol building, according to DC police.

Family members have identified the woman as Ashli Babbitt (also Ashley Babbitt), an Air Force vet from California and Trump supporter. Video footage captured the moment she was struck in the chest and fell to the floor.

Babbitts husband told KUSI-TV that she did four tours of duty during her 14 years of service, and lived near San Diego.

Her mother-in-law meanwhile told Fox 5 DC that she owned a business in San Diego with her husband, and that she was puzzled by Babbitts behavior.

I really dont know why she decided to do this, her mother-in-law told the news outlet, noting that Babbitts husband did not come to nations capital.

The day before she was shot, Babbitt wrote on Twitter: Nothing will stop us. they can try and try and try but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours.dark to light.

It is not yet clear who was behind the shooting, however, law enforcement sources told the New York Post that she was shot by Capitol Police.

The Washington D.C. Police Department didnt immediately respond to a request for comment by The Epoch Times.

Robert J. Contee, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, said during a press briefing in the early hours of Jan. 7 morning that a woman was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead, without naming or identifying the victim.

Contee also noted confirmed that three other victims died near Capitol grounds in addition to the woman who was shot. He said that the causes of death cannot be determined until the individuals are seen by a medical examiner.

We believe that there was some type of medical emergency for each of them, again, thats very preliminary, once we know we can relay that information, Contee told reporters.

The department said that it will investigate the shooting.

A few hours before the fatal shooting, Babbitt had retweeted a MUST BE DONE LIST before Congress meets today. She had also earlier retweeted television footage of Trump supporters gathering in the capital ahead of Wednesdays planned protests.

Protesters, many dressed in pro-Trump apparel, stormed the Capitol building at around 2:15 p.m after breaking windows to get inside. Video footage shows some protesters tussling with police, others showed participants carrying American and Trump flags walking through the hall connecting the two chambers of the Capitol.

It is unclear who instigated the breach of the building.

At least 14 Metropolitan Police Department officers were injured during the clash. Two officers are in hospital, one with serious injuries after being assaulted by a crowd, and another suffered significant facial injuries after they were struck by projectile.

The breach interrupted debates in both Chambers over objections to the electoral votes from the presidential election. By 6 p.m., officials declared the Capitol building had been secured, Congress resumed shortly later.

Vice President Mike Pence, who is presiding over the session, condemned the violence upon resuming.

We condemn the violence that took place here in the strongest possible terms. We grieve the loss of life in these hallowed halls to those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today: you did not win. Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the peoples house, he said.

GOP lawmakers also condemned the violence, with many describing the actions as un-American.


By Damali Mukhaye

The former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi has revealed that he has rejoined President Museveni and he is soon returning to the mainstream party, the National Resistance Movement (for an active role in the party affairs.

Mbabazi made this revelation when he was meeting about 138 NRM councilors from all the five divisions of Kampala including; Kampala central, Nakawa, Kawempe, Rubaga and Makidgye) on Tuesday in Kampala.

Mbabazi who was representing Museveni told councilors that he has never left the NRM party despite the disagreements he had with Museveni that made him stand as an independent candidate in the 2016 general election.

He said that he is one of the founding members of NRM party and there is no way he would abandon a man he has been with for over 50 years further adding those saying that he left the party do not know what they are talking about.

Mbabazi says he has his own issues which he will openly talk about when the right time comes.

President Museveni sacked Mbabazi as Prime minister on September 18th, 2014 after a long silent power struggle between them.
WASHINGTON: The chaos in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday unfolded after President Donald Trump spent weeks whipping up his supporters with false allegations of fraud in the Nov. 3 election, culminating in a call to march to the building that represents U.S. democracy.

Trump, who has refused to concede his loss to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden, had urged his supporters multiple times to come to Washington for a rally on Wednesday, the day the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate were scheduled to certify the results of the Electoral College.

Also Read | The faces behind the farmer revolt

"Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 Election," Trump, a Republican, tweeted on Dec. 20. "Big protest in DC on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!"

They turned out in the thousands and heard the president urge them to march on the Capitol building to express their anger at the voting process and to pressure their elected officials to reject the results.

"We're going to walk down to the Capitol and we're going to cheer on our brave senators and Congressmen and women," Trump told the crowd, speaking with the White House as a backdrop.

Appearing at what could be his last rally as the sitting president, Trump exhorted his supporters "to fight."

"We will never give up, we will never concede," Trump said, delighting the crowd by calling Democratic victories the product of what he called "explosions of bullshit."

"Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!" people chanted in reply.

Trump has sought for weeks to thwart a peaceful transfer of power, aided by groups like "Stop the Steal," which promoted https://stopthesteal.us the day's protest and peddled false claims about voter fraud on Facebook and other social media.

Wednesday's events were the culmination of those efforts. About 50 minutes into the speech, some of his supporters, waving Trump flags, began heading toward Capitol Hill, where unprecedented mayhem ensued.

Protesters fought through police barricades, stormed the building and entered lawmakers' chambers. The certification process was stopped and Vice President Mike Pence and members of Congress were evacuated.One civilian was shot dead, Washington police said. As night fell, a Capitol official said the building had been cleared, but outside some way from the grounds, scores of protesters remained, including members of militia and far-right groups.

'I KNOW YOU'RE HURT'

Monitoring the scenes of violence on cable news television from the Oval Office, Trump tweeted about an hour after the Capitol was put on lockdown that the protesters should "remain peaceful."

As criticism mounted that he had incited a riot, he was urged to say more by a Trump stalwart, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, and some of the advisers who remain in the White House for his dwindling days in office.

Biden had come out forcefully on live television and said the violence was "not a protest, it's insurrection." He called on Trump to demand "an end to this siege."

Eventually, Trump posted a recorded video on Twitter.

"I know you're hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election," Trump said, repeating familiar falsehoods. "But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order."

He posted another message that called the mob "great patriots" who were reacting to an election victory "viciously stripped away." Twitter later hid three tweets and locked Trump's account.

Trump's failure to rein in his supporters stood in sharp contrast to his attitude last summer when he threatened arrests and the use of force to break up protests against racial inequality.

During the Black Lives Matter protests, Trump discussed using the military in response, and an area near the White House was forcibly cleared for him to stage a photo-op in front of a church, holding a Bible.

Democrats and some Republicans blamed Trump for inciting the violence on Wednesday.

"Todays violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump," Jim Mattis, a former defense secretary under Trump, said in a statement.

Weeks have passed since the states completed certifying that Biden won by 306 votes in the Electoral College to Trump's 232, and Trump's extraordinary challenges to the result have failed in courts across the country.

Yet Trump's rally speech on Wednesday was filled with grievances and voter fraud allegations that have not been backed up with evidence.

He singled out several Republican lawmakers for criticism, including Senator Mitt Romney and Representative Liz Cheney, while hailing as heroes those who have sided with him to stop the electoral votes from being certified.

Several times he also urged Pence to intervene. But while Trump was still speaking, Pence released a lengthy statement saying he would carry out his constitutional duty to certify the vote.

"It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not," Pence wrote.

About an hour later he was being escorted from the House chamber as a mob tried to break in.





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Founded in 1984 by Harry Soderstrom, Unibloc Pump has built a strong reputation for innovation within critical sanitary process manufacturing applications, including the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, bakery and confection, meat and poultry, brewery, and transportation industries. Unibloc Pump is nationally renowned for providing precision-engineered products and solutions with uncompromising commitment to customer service. Through the leadership of Harry Soderstrom, Unibloc Pump has witnessed significant growth over the years at both its headquarters in the metro-Atlanta area as well as its second facility located in Beckum, Germany.

Unibloc Pump is launching a new and exciting chapter with May River Capital...this partnership enables us to accelerate growth and better serve customers.

"Unibloc Pump is launching a new and exciting chapter with May River Capital," said Soderstrom. "May River's approach to building business through collaboration is exactly what I was seeking as I looked ahead to the opportunities awaiting our company. We are pleased we've found a partner who values the engineering, skills, craftsmanship and most importantly, the culture we've nurtured here. This partnership will enable us to accelerate our growth initiatives and better serve our customers' needs," Soderstrom said.

Soderstrom will continue with Unibloc Pump as Chief Growth Officer, where he will utilize his expertise in driving growth for the company through finding new markets, customers, products, and business partners.

Joining the leadership team with Soderstrom will be Chris Stevens, Chief Executive Officer, who will provide commercial leadership with strengths in business-to-business marketing, channel management, and sales.

"Harry's years of industry expertise and leadership paired with Unibloc's talented and hard-working employees have made the company the great success it is today," Stevens said. "We are committed to building upon Harry's rich legacy and investing in the resources to support the company's continued growth," added Stevens.

The timing of the news follows Unibloc Pump's expansion in mid-December 2020. The company recently moved its U.S. operations into a state-of-the-art facility located in Kennesaw, Georgia, which is three times larger than its prior facility located in Marietta, Georgia. The new 41,000 square-foot facility supports Soderstrom's and Stevens' aligned vision for growth through ongoing investment in employees and the company.

"We have more than tripled our plant footprint to dramatically increase capacity to better serve our customers and expand to new markets," said Soderstrom. "The new facility will also help Unibloc Pump maintain its competitive edge in the industry by attracting top talent in the region," he added.

Also serving in new leadership roles are Patrick Painter, Chief Financial Officer, and Brian Comiskey, Chief Operating and Technical Officer.

Paul Hastings LLP served as legal counsel to May River Capital, while Jones Day served as legal counsel to Unibloc Pump and its shareholders.

ABOUT UNIBLOC PUMP

Since 1984, Unibloc Pump has provided manufacturers in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, bakery and confection, meat and poultry, brewery, and transportation industries with precision-engineered sanitary pumps, strainers, valves, bubble traps and other accessory products to tackle the toughest sanitary jobs. Unibloc is the premier designer of simple, easy-to-clean in place (CIP) pumps or clean out of place (COP) pumps that help customers fight downtime, achieve a lower cost of operation and meet deadlines with confidence. For more information, visit www.UniblocPump.com.

ABOUT MAY RIVER CAPITAL

May River Capital is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on investing in lower middle-market, industrial growth companies. May River Capital invests in high-quality industrial growth businesses, including precision manufacturing, engineered products and instrumentation, specialized industrial services, and value-added industrial distribution services. For more information, please visit www.mayrivercapital.com.

SOURCE May River Capital

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Wednesday began as a day of reckoning for President Donald Trumps futile attempt to cling to power as Congress took up the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

The day devolved into scenes of fear and agony that left a prime ritual of American democracy in tatters.

Heres what Oregonians need to know Thursday morning.

ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTE

Demonstrations were scheduled in Oregon and throughout the nation Wednesday as lawmakers convened to confirm the Electoral College vote.

The process is typically routine. But it was primed to be anything but normal this year, as Trumps Republican allies in the House and Senate planned to object to the election results.

Trump, who had long suggested he would not accept the results of an election that ended in his ouster, also held a rally outside the White House on Wednesday. During the rally, the president urged supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol and fight.

CAPITOL OCCUPATION

Violent Trump supporters later breached the U.S. Capitol and forced lawmakers into hiding in a stunning attempt to overturn the election, undercut the nations democracy and keep Biden from replacing Trump.

In a raucous, out-of-control scene, the mob fought past police and entered the building, shouting and waving Trump, Confederate and American flags as they marched through the halls.

Guns were drawn. A woman was shot and killed by police, and three others died in apparent medical emergencies. A Trump flag hung on the Capitol. The Rotunda reeked of tear gas. Glass shattered.

Officials eventually declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end the nearly four-hour violent occupation using tear gas and stun grenades. A stream of occupiers was seen peacefully exiting the building as a guard held the door open.

OREGON DELEGATION REACTION

All seven members of Oregons congressional delegation, like all other senators and representatives, were declared safe.

But they expressed shock and disbelief at the scene that forced Congress and the vice president to flee.

The Capitol cops were woefully unprepared, Rep. Peter DeFazio told The Oregonian/OregonLive from his office in a building near the Capitol. He said he holds Trump responsible for the attack on the Capitol by his supporters.

This is their attempt to invalidate the election, he said. Were looking at an attempted coup being egged on by a minority of the Republican Party and Donald Trump.

Newly elected Rep. Cliff Bentz, the sole Republican member of Oregons congressional delegation, disputed the language his congressional colleagues used to describe the insurrection and declined to hold the president accountable.

I would not describe today as a coup. I would call it a protest gone really wrong, really bad, Bentz told The Oregonian/OregonLive. As far as judging the president, I dont see how thats very productive right now.

PROTEST AT OREGON CAPITOL

Several hundred pro-Trump demonstrators also convened at the Oregon Capitol in Salem, where speakers addressed topics including Trumps false claim that the election had been stolen from him. Some people also decried Gov. Kate Browns COVID-19 regulations and burned an effigy of her.

Counter-demonstrators arrived a few hours after the rally began, and clashes ensued before police appeared and declared an unlawful assembly.

Two people were arrested.

The demonstration came as hundreds of people gathered in state capitals nationwide to oppose Bidens win, waving signs saying, Stop the steal, and, Four more years.

PORTLAND DEMONSTRATIONS

Police ordered late-night demonstrators to leave downtown Portland, hours after the roving crowd had gathered to denounce the storming of the U.S. Capitol.

The dispersal orders came after some people in the group smashed the windows of at least three downtown businesses, according to police and multiple news outlets.

No arrests were announced in the demonstration, which was declared an unlawful assembly.

About two dozen people also gathered Wednesday afternoon outside Portland City Hall, chanting Impeach Donald Trump. The event remained peaceful.

TRUMP ACKNOWLEDGES DEFEAT

Congress late Wednesday night gathered again and eventually concluded the electoral vote count certifying Bidens victory, and Trump said there would be an orderly transition of the presidency.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th, Trump said in a statement posted to Twitter by aides.

His personal account was locked by the social media company for posting messages that appeared to justify the assault on the seat of the nations democracy. Facebook also banned Trump for at least the rest of his presidency.

Trump added, While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!

The statement marked the first time the president acknowledged defeat in the Nov. 3 election.

THURSDAY SCENE AT U.S. CAPITOL

There was a heavy police presence at the Capitol on Thursday morning, including officers from D.C., Maryland and Virginia and the D.C. National Guard. But the streets were quiet.

 The Oregonian/OregonLive and Associated Press
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On Sept. 25, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Camp Pendleton as part of a 12,000-mile military inspection trip and dedicated the new base, which was to be the Marine Corps largest West Coast training facility.

Retired 1st Sgt. John Farritor, 98, remembers that day and the day a few weeks earlier when he first marched onto the base north of Oceanside.

Farritor, of Vista, is among area Marines who are celebrating the bases 75th anniversary with tours and get-togethers, but he is perhaps the only one coming back on base who was there when the base opened.

1st. Sgt. John Farritor in his apartment. (U-T file photo) (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune/Zuma Press)

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Farritor was one of several thousand Marines who marched to Camp Pendleton over four days starting Sept. 1, 1942, from Camp Elliott, which is now part of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. We were the first Marines on the base, Farritor said. We walked in, but there was no gate  they hadnt put it up yet. The first troops to occupy the new base were the 9th Marine Regiment with the 1st Battalion, 12th Marines. Farritor was in the 12th.

Col. Lemuel Shepherd led the troops on the more than 50-mile trek. The colonel put the word out that the only Marines who could ride were truck drivers. This didnt bother the infantry; they always walked, but it did shake up the artillerymen because they liked to ride..., Farritor wrote in his 230-page book, Through it All: Stories From the Top, which traces his 30 years in the Marine Corps, from the battlefields of Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima to Korea and beyond.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt arrives at Camp Pendleton for the dedication of the base on Sept. 25, 1942. (Courtesy of Camp Pendleton Archives.)

Farritor was among the assembled formation of Marines who watched President Roosevelt and Maj. Gen. Joseph H. Pendletons widow, Mary Fay Pendleton, raise the flag and officially dedicate the base with Maj. Gen. Joseph Fegan, the installations first commanding general and other dignitaries.

The base was named in honor of Pendleton, who had long supported opening a West Coast training base.

The day began with orders to get ready. 1st Sgt. Lopez walked into the squad bay and barked, All hands get in the uniform of the day, and stand by for inspection, Farritor wrote in his memoir. After inspection, Marines were told that the President was arriving in an hour.

We lined the road near the flagpole. The Presidents car passed within three feet of me, Farritor said.

As Farritor recalled, Roosevelt handed the flag to Mrs. Pendleton, who then gave it to Gunnery Sgt. Carl Ostrom. The flag was raised and the base was formally placed in commission.

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Brief history of the base

When expansion of armed forces was authorized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in May 1941, additional facilities were needed to train amphibious forces, which led to building Camp Pendleton in roughly five months. The base was established to train Marines for battle in World War II.

The base was one of several Marine training facilities across the country, including at Quantico in Virginia, Camp Lejeune in South Carolina and Parris Island in South Carolina.

The federal government paid a little over $4.2 million for more than 125,000 acres of land in northern San Diego, known as part of Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores. The land had been used as a cattle ranch going back to the early 1800s, and was home to notables such as Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of Alta California. The cattle brand later became the bases logo. Some of the early adobe buildings, such as the two-century old Santa Margarita Ranch House and chapel are national historic sites.

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By October 1944, Camp Pendleton was named a permanent installation and became the home of the 1st Marine Division in 1947 when the Division returned from the Pacific.

Restired Marine 1st Sgt. John farritor with Quilt of Valor presented earlier this year. (courtesy Sherrie Canales)

1st Sgt. John Farritor in 1941. (Courtesy Camp Pendleton Archives)

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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

German pharmaceutical firms Bayer and CureVac said Thursday that they have joined forces in the development and supply of CureVac's COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

Under the agreement, CureVac will be able to tap Bayer's expertise and established infrastructure, a joint statement said.

CureVac began the final Phase III trials of its vaccine candidate in mid-December, involving more then 35,000 volunteers in Europe and Latin America.

The companies expect the deal to facilitate the supply of hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccine around the world, once approvals are granted, the firms said.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The agreement "will help us make our vaccine candidate even more rapidly available to as many people as possible," CureVac chief executive Franz-Werner Haas said.

The deal echoes that of fellow German vaccine developer BioNTech with US giant Pfizer, whose jab became the first to be approved in the European Union.

CureVac's vaccine uses similar mRNA technology to Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccine, which was approved by the European Medicines Agency on Wednesday.

Speaking to AFP last month, CureVac's boss said that while the company's vaccine development was "a bit behind" its peers, its jab would be easier to store as it remains stable for at least three months at normal fridge temperature.

The Pfizer-BioNTech jab needs to be kept at minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit), requiring super-cold freezers, and Moderna's requires minus 20 degrees Celsius.

CureVac hopes to market the vaccine this year. The EU has already ordered 405 million doses.

The German government in June took a 23-percent stake in the company for 300 million euros ($369 million). It also provided a 252 million euros grant for coronavirus research.

CureVac made international headlines in March when rumours surfaced that US President Donald Trump wanted exclusive US access to its coronavirus vaccine, a claim both sides denied.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
Sports lie at the margins of our culture, different from how it is elsewhere in the world, and from how it used to be. This is one of the reasons why criminality among youth proceeds unchecked. There is no youth labour market, and the school system ruthlessly triages youth.

China has said it is still negotiating with the World Health Organisation over the dates and itinerary for a visit by international experts looking into the origins of Covid-19.

It comes after the head of the agency criticised Beijing for not finalising permissions for the mission.

China's position on the hunt for the origins of the pandemic 'has always been open and responsible', said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.

She said that China is in close co-operation with the WHO. However, the dates and itinerary need to be finalised, she said.

China's position on the hunt for the origins of the pandemic 'has always been open and responsible', said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying (pictured)

'The origins problem is very complex. To ensure that the work of the global experts group in China is successful and to carry out the necessary procedures and relevant concrete plans, currently both sides are still in negotiations on this,' Ms Hua told a regular press briefing.

'I understand that it's not just a visa problem and the actual date and itinerary. Both sides are still in close communication.'

China's disease experts are currently busy with multiple small-scale clusters and outbreaks reported in the past couple of weeks, she added.

'Our experts are wholeheartedly in the stressful battle to control the epidemic,' she said.

An international team of experts had been due to visit the central city of Wuhan in January, where the pandemic first appeared a year ago.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday that members of the international scientific team began departing from their home countries over the last 24 hours as part of an arrangement between the WHO and the Chinese government.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday that members of the international scientific team began departing from their home countries over the last 24 hours as part of an arrangement between the WHO and the Chinese government

'Today, we learned that Chinese officials have not yet finalised the necessary permissions for the team's arrival in China,' Dr Tedros said during a news conference in Geneva.

'I'm very disappointed with this news, given that two members had already begun their journeys and others were not able to travel at the last minute, but had been in contact with senior Chinese officials,' he said.

The Chinese government has been strictly controlling all research at home into the origins of the virus, an Associated Press investigation found, and state-owned media have played up reports that suggest the virus could have originated elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the coronavirus continued to spread. Illinois health officials on Wednesday announced 7,569 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 139 additional fatalities. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state will make coronavirus vaccines available to all residents 65 and older when it enters the next phase of its immunization plan, but Chicago will stick to federal guidelines, making it available to residents 75 and older.
TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Japan will on Friday release November numbers for household spending, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Spending is tipped to fall 1.3 percent on month and 1.5 percent on year after climbing 2.1 percent on month and 1.9 percent in October. Japan also will see preliminary November numbers for its coincident index; in October, the index score was 89.4. South Korea will provide November figures for current account; in October, the current account surplus was $11.66 billion. Taiwan will release December figures for imports, exports and trade balance. Imports are tipped to rise 4.1 percent on year after gaining 10.0 percent in November. Exports are called higher by an annual 9.2 percent after rising 12.0 percent in the previous month. The trade surplus is pegged at $4.6 billion, down from $5.27 billion a month earlier. 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.
ABUJA, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Tuesday that his ongoing visit has demonstrated the unbreakable friendship between China and its African brothers and China's firm support for the development and revitalization of African countries.

He made the remarks during a joint press conference with Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama when responding to a question on why the Chinese foreign minister visits Africa despite the risk of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his answer, Wang said that China has a good diplomatic tradition that the foreign ministers should visit Africa first at the beginning of each year.

China hopes that this action practically shows the high importance it attaches to Africa, he said.

Noting that this tradition has been held for the past three decades, Wang said that it should not be interrupted by the pandemic this year and China won't flinch.

African countries, he added, are also looking forward to the arrival of Chinese friends.

The Chinese side is willing to overcome the difficulties brought about by the pandemic so as to persist in making the visit to Africa the first visit of the year, and work with Africa to tide over the current difficulties, promote cooperation and seek a common future, Wang said.

The Chinese foreign minister said that his visit to African countries --Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Tanzania and Seychelles --aims to convey four messages regarding China and Africa's joint effort to build a closer community with a shared future.

Firstly, China firmly supports Africa in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Wang said.

In the face of the unexpected coronavirus outbreak, China will not forget Africa's strong support for its fight against virus, Wang said, adding that China has also provided anti-epidemic materials to 53 African countries and the African Union to alleviate their urgent needs.

In particular, the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 held in June 2020 provided important strategic guidance for the two sides to work together to prevail over the pandemic, he noted.

China, he added, is willing to implement the results of the summit, continue to provide medical material assistance to African countries in need, dispatch medical expert teams, carry out diagnosis and treatment experience exchanges, promote cooperation between counterpart hospitals, and construct the project of the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters, and improve Africa's public health emergency response capabilities.

Meanwhile, China is committed to realizing the availability and affordability of vaccines in Africa and helping African people overcome the pandemic at an early date, he said.

Secondly, China firmly supports Africa in accelerating economic recovery, Wang said.

China is willing to establish a "fast-track" arrangement for people-to-people exchanges with African countries in need, promote the resumption of major cooperation projects in Africa in an orderly manner, accelerate Belt and Road cooperation, and help Africa stabilize the economy, safeguard employment, and improve people's livelihood, he said.

China welcomes the official launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area and is willing to support the process of African integration, he said, adding that the Chinese side will encourage Chinese enterprises to increase investment in Africa, and support Africa's efforts to bolster industrialization and realize independent and sustainable development at an early date.

Thirdly, China firmly supports the upgrading of China-Africa cooperation for higher quality, Wang said.

Noting that the overall implementation rate of the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit in 2018 has exceeded 70 percent amid the impact of the epidemic, he said the eight major initiatives proposed at the summit have achieved a remarkable success, with the initiatives covering industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, health care and people-to-people exchanges warmly welcomed by the Africa side in particular.

According to Wang, the two sides have plans to hold a new forum meeting this year.

Wang said he will discuss with African colleagues how to ensure the goals of the Beijing Summit are achieved as scheduled, work with the African side to get the new forum meeting well prepared, and promote China-Africa cooperation in the post-pandemic period towards higher quality so as to bring more benefits to people's livelihood.

Fourthly, China firmly supports Africa in enhancing its international influence, he said.

The world is facing major changes unseen in a century, and China and Africa are natural partners, Wang said, adding that as the international situation enters a period of turbulence and transformation, China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Africa on major international and regional issues in a timely fashion, hold high the banner of multilateralism, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, oppose external interference, defend fairness and justice, and push for a more just and reasonable international order.

WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Richard Neal could hear the mob outside his office door, shouting Chairman and Ways and Means.

You could hear them pounding, Neal said hours later, calling from an undisclosed location following a incident in which supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building Wednesday.

I thought they were coming through the door of my office, the Springfield Democrat said. They broke through the doors of the Capitol.

Neal said he could smell the tear gas. He was told to not wear the pin identifying him as a congressman.

Neal aide William Tranghese said the outside windows of Neals office, H208, were broken.

The U.S. Capitol Police officer assigned to Neals office, just off the House Floor, drew a weapon. The officer had already asked Neal and his staff to write down their names and hometowns. The officer carefully folded the paper and put it in her pocket.

In case, Neal said without going into any detail, things got really out of hand.

Neal had been working in his office Wednesday before the scheduled vote to accept the Electoral College results, whats usually a rote bit of business on the way to the inauguration of a new president.

My staff came in and said the crowd seems to be getting much more unruly, he said of the moments before he was barricaded in his office.

Even hours later, Neal sounded incredulous.

I dont understand for the life of me why they were allowed to mount the steps of the Capitol, and it took place in a matter of minutes, he said. These people climbed the Capitol, climbed the walls, hung on barriers. They invaded the citadel of our democracy.

The President incited an insurrection in the U.S. Capitol today. The 25th amendment should be invoked, and he should be removed from office. What we witnessed in Washington today was an assault on the citadel of democracy.  Rep. Richard Neal (@RepRichardNeal) January 7, 2021

And he blames Trump. Neal tweeted Wednesday evening he supports invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

The president is responsible for ginning these people up, Neal said. He encouraged something close to an armed insurrection against Congress today.

He said Trump whipped up the crowd because hes still upset about losing the election to Joe Biden.

America is not a third-world county and we dont embrace these sorts of tactics, Neal said.

He referenced both Vice President Mike Pence and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells condemnations of Trumps efforts to avoid his loss.

Enough is enough with this guy, Neal said.

It is critical, Neal said, that both chambers get together and complete the job of counting electoral votes, affirming Bidens win.

We are determined to do it, he said.

Neal said Al Gore and Richard Nixon both presided over the process as vice presidents following close elections.

Institutions mean something, Neal said. We need to get past this climate that we are in, that has been building for decades.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called for the goons, thugs and domestic terrorists who stormed the Capitol to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. He reminded those listening that todays events did not occur spontaneously.

This mob was in good part President Trumps doing, incited by his words and his lies, Schumer said.

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(Newser)  The owner of the Relais Chateau hotel in Frances Burgundy region has plenty of reason to whine: The five-star hotels cellar has been raided twice in the last couple of days, the Guardian reports, with thieves making off with total of nearly $700,000 worth of fine wines. The latest heist, which occurred early Tuesday, led to a car chase during which the thieves began throwing bottles of stolen wine at pursuing police. The bottles missed, authorities say, and no one was hurt. After the getaway van crashed into a barrier some 20 miles north of Lyon, the Burgundy burglars reportedly fled on foot. An investigation is underway, and police are searching for at least three suspects.

story continues below

In the Tuesday burglary, an alarm alerted the hotel owner to the theft in progress. He hopped in his vehicle and pursued the thieves while calling police for backup. Just 24 hours before, thieves broke into the same cellar undetected. Police are investigating whether the incidents are related. Booze theft is not uncommon in France: Last month, authorities in Bordeaux arrested 25 people they say were part of a ring stealing and selling fine wines and whiskies, per Wine Spectator. In that case, known as Operation Magnum, police recovered 900 bottles of wine worth $6 million, Food & Wine reports, in what they called the seizure of the century. (Read more crime stories.)
West Monroe, a national business and technology consulting firm, today announced that it has established a High-Tech & Software practice to meet demand from a growing and transforming industry. The practice works with key segments of the sector  including enterprise software companies, hardware manufacturers, IT-enabled services, and private equity software investors and their portfolio companies  to implement strategies that maximize enterprise value.

Will Wu, senior director and leader of the firms San Francisco office, will lead the practice. Two other directors with significant industry experience, Neil Jain and Dhaval Moogimane, will become part of the practice leadership team.

While we have served organizations in this industry for years, we are formalizing the practice because our multidisciplinary approach to delivering client solutions calls for specific industry expertise. Having an established industry team allows us to better deploy our expertise in strategic ways, Wu said. This has become an increasingly important market for us as is our fastest-growing client base. The sector has demonstrated resiliency during the pandemic as companies look to collaboration tools, cloud platforms, and digital technologies to conduct business. In turn, we see growing demand from high-tech and software companies, as well as financial and strategic investors, for solutions that can drive differentiation and value creation.

The practices key offerings blend industry, technology, and functional expertise to solve issues facing high-tech and software companies, including:



Optimizing the balance of growth and profitability

Migrating to new growth areas, such as subscription and SaaS services

Creating differentiated customer and digital experiences that drive growth while limiting costs

Accelerating the pace of product innovation

Securing products from evolving cyber risks

Gartner projects the market for enterprise software will increase more than 7% in 2021, higher than other IT spending segments, and is attracting investment, particularly from the private equity sector. In West Monroes December 2020 signature research report, High Tech M&A Defies the Odds, private equity and corporate buyers said they expect deal activity in the high tech and software sector to remain strong: 70% plan to acquire as many as two software/high-tech companies over the next 24 months, and 27% intend to make three or four acquisitions.

Establishing this national practice at West Monroe allows us to not only better serve clients in the industry through a multidisciplinary approach, but make deliberate investments in talent, assets, and offerings that are relevant to high-tech and software firms, said Doug Armstrong, West Monroes chief operating officer. This also represents another step in a series of proactive measures that West Monroe has taken to position our firm for success in the post-pandemic economy.

West Monroes recent acquisitions added significant expertise to the high-tech & software industry. The firm has acquired three consulting organizations with significant concentrations of work in the high-tech and software industry, including Waterstone Management Group, Pace Harmon, and Two Six Capital. These acquisitions, combined with growing service demand, are driving expansion of West Monroes San Francisco office, positioning it to serve the regions abundance of high-tech and software companies.

West Monroe expects significant hiring in 2021 to increase the practices depth and presence, as the practice is expected to contribute 38% growth to the firm in 2021.

About West Monroe

West Monroe is a national consulting firm that was born in technology but built for businesspartnering with companies in transformative industries to deliver real, measurable results. Technology is who we are, it is not something we bolted on overnight, and we believe it is one of the greatest enablers of business value. Thats why we work in diverse, multidisciplinary teams that blend industry expertise with deep operational and technology capabilities to create quantifiable, financial value for our clients. Our 1,300 employees based in eight offices across the United States also own 100% of our business, so when you partner with us you know we are committedbecause your success is our success. Our undeniably different approach breeds undeniable results. Visit WMP.com to learn more.
(Natural News) Todays storming of the Capitol Building has already been confirmed as a false flag operation run by Antifa / BLM troops and pre-coordinated with Capitol Police as a way to discredit Trump supporters in the media.

We now know that the people who led the storming of the building are the very same people who have previously been photographed as active individuals at BLM rallies, matching their tattoos, facial hair and even worn equipment.

In addition, Antifa / BLM operators were transported to the event for the sole purpose of carrying out provocateur / false flag operations. According to a former FBI agent on the ground at the US Capitol, at least one bus load of Antifa goons infiltrated the Trump rally as part of a false flag operation, reports The Gateway Pundit.

https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec/status/1346941059905978369

Now, we have learned that the treasonous Congress, led by traitors Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell were secretly plotting all along to complete their act of betrayal against America under the cloak of night.

They have issued a press release found at this link, from the office of the Speaker of the House (Pelosi):

https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/1621-0

It begins, Dear Colleague to All Members on Continuation of the Joint Session of Congress and then claims the attack on the Capitol Buliding was a shameful assault on our democracy, blaming it fully on President Trump.

Then the letter explains how treasonous members of Congress plan to vote to accept the fraudulent Biden slate of electors later tonight, after Capitol Police had cleared out the protesters with tear gas and by shooting at least one unarmed protester in the neck. From the letter:

To that end, in consultation with Leader Hoyer and Whip Clyburn and after calls to the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the Vice President, we have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use. Leader Hoyer will be sending out more guidance later today.

We always knew this responsibility would take us into the night. The night may still be long but we are hopeful for a shorter agenda, but our purpose will be accomplished.

They planned this all along

First, they use BLM and Antifa operatives to storm the Capitol Building with the help of police, who coordinated the entire thing. Watch the following videos that show the Capitol Police openly ushering protesters into the build. They actually invited them in!

You can then see from this video that they were allowed to stream right in, without any police attempting to stop them:

Once the storming was complete, the Capitol Police deployed tear gas to remove all the protesters, while Trump was forced to tell everybody to go home.

With the Capitol Building now cleared out, they call the joint session of Congress back into existence, with no one around to observe what they are doing, and they commit their final act of treason against America by accepting the Biden slate of electors to install CCP puppet Joe Biden as president.

Note that this is exactly how they rigged the elections in the first place: By removing all GOP observers, blocking windows and acting like they had paused the counting when, in reality, they re-convened the rigged counting in the middle of the night and kept feeding fraudulent votes into Dominion machines until they had produced enough votes to win.

This is how Democrats and the deep state operate: Its 100% staged, always carried out in the dark of night, always based on deception, false narratives and a complicit media thats happy to lie to the American public.

Your country is being stolen from you tonight. They are doing it while they think the nation is asleep. And by the time you wake up  just like on November 4th  you will discover that youve lost your country to a group of pedophile criminal thugs who desire power above all else.

Pray for God to intervene, or this nation is finished at the hands of filthy, treasonous betrayers like Mike Pence and Mitch McConnell.
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way


The House has joined the Senate in turning aside Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Lawmakers in the House voted 282-138 against the objection as the counting of Electoral College votes continued into the early hours of Thursday morning. The Senate shut down the same objection 92-7 just after midnight, and unlike the House, declined to debate before voting.

After a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

Short link:



TSB finished second from bottom and Santander rounded off the bottom three

Tesco Bank had the poorest rating, Which? and security experts 6point6 found

About 207.8m lost to bank transfer scams in first half of last year, show figures

Online security flaws at major banks are leaving customers exposed to fraud, an investigation has found.

Tesco Bank, TSB and Santander had the worst gaps in online safety, according to consumer group Which?

About 207.8million was lost to bank transfer scams in the first six months of last year, industry figures reveal.

Tesco Bank received the poorest rating, Which? researchers and security experts 6point6 found.

Tesco Bank, TSB and Santander had the worst gaps in online safety, according to consumer group Which?, with Tesco Bank receiving the poorest rating (file photo of office in Edinburgh)

Among the issues, it failed to block testers from logging on to its website from two computer networks at the same time and did not log them out when they switched to another site.

TSB finished second from bottom. Which? said it had found issues with the login process, which did not meet regulations introduced in March. Santander rounded off the bottom three.

Starling Bank came out top. Which? said there was nothing concerning with its new online banking site. Barclays, HSBC and First Direct tied for second spot with room for improvement.

Harry Rose, Which? magazine editor, said: The serious failings we exposed reinforce the need for banks to up their game on scam protections.

TSB finished (file photo of branch in Hounslow, Middlesex) second from bottom. Which? said it had found issues with the login process, which did not meet regulations introduced in March

Santander rounded off the bottom three. A spokesman for the bank said: 'The Which? review only focuses on the customer-facing elements of security' (file photo)

A Tesco Bank spokesman said it took the security of its customers very seriously and added: Many of the security measures we use on customers behalf are not visible to external parties, and these measures invalidate a number of the findings of this survey.

A TSB spokesman said providing customers with safe and secure banking as a priority, adding: We are the only bank that offers a guarantee to refund all innocent victims of fraud - including those who lose money to online scams.

A Santander spokesman said: The Which? review only focuses on the customer-facing elements of security and it is important to understand that there are many other back end measures that we employ to ensure we keep our customers safe.

On Thursday, the National Audiovisual Council (CNA) approved a request addressed to the Strategic Communication Group (GCS) to subtitle TV spots of public interest related to the information campaign on vaccination against COVID-19 in Romania in the languages of national minorities, according to AGERPRES.

"We will send a request to the Strategic Communication Group asking them to somehow subtitle these messages in the languages of national minorities, plus the sign language," said CNA President Monica Gubernat.

The proposal was made by CNA members Orsolya-Eva Boros, who advocated for Hungarian subtitles, and Cristina Pocora, who said that Romani and Russian subtitles were necessary.

"These messages should reach them too. I have seen how difficult it is to persuade people to get vaccinated," said Orsolya-Eva Boros.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines Life)  A few months into lockdown, Gabby* began to run out of things to do. After reaching the bottom of her feeds and timelines, the deprivation of social interaction had finally caught up with her. She imagined her 20s would feel more exhilarating. So she did what most of us in our 20s who are single, frustrated, and bored would do  she went on dating apps. 24 and living with her family, Gabby slowly relinquished her five-year hiatus from romance and relationships as she began virtually (and casually) dating a tech firm project manager who lived five minutes away from her.

After a month and a half of getting to know each other, she finally decided to weigh the risks and carefully orchestrated a date. Since going out for necessities and essentials was the only activity permitted outside, she transformed her grocery trip into a date. Highly engineered, a first date spent six-feet apart was both everything she had expected and nothing like she had wanted.

There was visible hesitation on both sides before their first kiss. Different parts of her skin grazed his, and for Gabby, it felt extremely surreal  a feeling not solely caused by butterflies. While they were conscious to carry out a mandatory health background check that has become a new unspoken rule of online dating  where they work, who they lived with, and what they were doing in the past two weeks  they still had a lingering fear for the worst. In between kissing, she anxiously pulled back, Are you sure you dont have the coronavirus?

Dating has definitely changed for many individuals in their 20s to 30s this year. Now more than ever, many of them rely on dating apps to socialize with potential partners  which raises the question, are their social behaviors within the app any different now?

According to Bumble, more than one in four chats on Bumble turn into a meaningful relationship. With a 16% increase in messages sent recorded in May 2020 in contrast to March 2020, Bumble identifies over 100,000 users worldwide mentioning COVID- or coronavirus-related words in their bios and over 150,000 mention being quarantined.

In a brief exchange with Associate Director of PR and Comms for Bumble APAC Lucille McCart, she explained how they adjusted to the new romantic normal early in the pandemic. The popular dating app enhanced their user experience by introducing new virtual dating tools: Questions Game (where you ask a match a question and answers are only revealed when both have responded), audio notes, and expansion of distance filters. All of these updates are aimed at enhancing user experience at a time when the desire to find meaningful connections is stronger than ever, she says.

Bumble reveals that lockdowns all over the world have given rise to a new trend of slow dating. 38% of its users admit that it had made them want something of a more serious capacity. Head of insights at Bumble Jemma Ahmed explains that the driving force behind this new movement in online dating is the shift in priorities propelled by people getting to know themselves more. While no one can deny the increased risk of dating that emerged out of the pandemic, she also accounts the abundance of time as a cause for these changed behaviors. Its given people time to think and figure out what they want, who they are, and what is important to them, she remarks.

The pandemic crippled us with unrelenting waves of anxiety, where we feel like our lives have been flipped upside down. The thought of going through it alone is equal parts terrifying and overwhelming. As a result, we are starting to see that our community is focusing more than ever on really seeking something long-term  a partnership, a meaningful connection, and someone to weather the storm with, Jemma shares.

The new standard of touch

Theres a certain feeling of warmth that comes with being touched. It can be both exciting and disarming. With the pandemic forcing us to second guess our yearning for physical contact, being touched now leaves us riddled with worry and anxiety. The uncertainty can often feel almost inescapable, which leaves us to wonder, will we ever experience the sensation of touch the same way again without fear?

Its the slight forms of touch I miss  the hand-holding, the accidental brushing of arms, feeling a hand slide down your back, Paula*, a 26-year-old marketing strategist, says.

For many of us, thats now unsafe. A study carried out by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami shows that the pandemic left us starved for touch and oxytocin. This triggers a cascade of physical and emotional consequences, such as increased levels of stress and anxiety, compromised immune system, and sleep disturbances. Much like other things in life we enjoy, it took the painful process of losing the autonomy of touch to realize how much we depended on it.

Katalin Gothard, a neuroscientist at the University of Arizona, accounts for touch as the first emotionally meaningful sense we experience when we are born and the last before we die. She said in an interview with The Guardian, The newborn understands touch much better than he understands sight or sound. The elderly lose their vision, their hearing, their balance. But they dont lose touch, Gothard says.

In Tinders Year In Swipe report, masks were identified as a dating essential and the measurement for compatibility among most matches. When more countries began to close their borders last April, Tinder was quick to expand dating horizons by making their premium feature Tinder Passport available for free for users all over the world. The usually paid feature of the app enabled users to swipe right in any and every continent they please  resulting in a 7x increase in matches from 2019 averages. Social distancing and lockdown restrictions turned young adults into creative digital daters. Swiping right on Tinder became a convenient way to socialize which led to a 39% increase in swipe volume for users 25 and below.

It used to be a matter of: do I have the time? Now with all the time in the world, it became a matter of, do I trust this person?

On a Saturday afternoon, Paula finds herself virtually face-to-face with a French man she had been exchanging messages with for around two weeks. A pandemic breakup propelled her into seeking out dates beyond her own time zone. The pandemic-themed how-are-yous are followed by an interesting exchange of personal questions in an attempt to get to know each other better. Apart from the lags and minor technical difficulties, she describes it as a comforting encounter that opened up a realm of possibilities she is now privy to. An amassed fortune of international matches through Tinder Passport proved that the world is truly her oyster. After that, I became more interested in him. [Video call] is the closest form of intimacy I can afford, she says.

Reimagining romantic prospects

When we think about the exhilarating tension before holding someones hand for the first time versus the preliminary flirting with shaky and pixelated versions of themselves, its worlds apart. Psychologist Erik Erikson describes the cusp of adulthood as a decisive period where were confronted with the choice between intimacy or isolation. The conflict at this stage sharply focuses on the possibility, Will I spend the rest of my life being loved or being alone?

Somewhere in between those two ends of the spectrum is Dave*, a 27-year-old development worker, in search of a (safe) and casual hook-up. With his frequent use of Bumble even before the lockdown, Dave is no stranger to the impending doom of quick-fire relationships that never move beyond the online sphere. The conditional relationships he formed out of his matches hinged on a promise of a future that will take place when all this is over.

It wasnt until he swiped right on Helen*, a medical student who shared his eccentric sense of humor, that he began to consider the alternative. With the dating landscape reshaped by the pandemic, Dave finds himself wanting something more than what he had initially hoped for. Physical detachment was a big thing for the development of our relationship. It made us rely on just talking or being on video calls, which are things I wouldnt have been able to do if I [werent] working from home. Dave says, four months after asking Helen to be his girlfriend.

From happiness to self-discovery

Carla*, a 25-year-old interior designer, credits the lockdown for a new-found embrace of her sexuality. I had trouble publicly expressing myself through physical touch in the past, she reveals. In her prior relationships with both men and women, she describes her sexuality as something half-lived. I always felt I had to be secretive in [my past relationships].

The happiness and security she had only found in her new relationship with a female engineer granted her the confidence, assurance, and peace to share the part of herself she had always kept hidden with the people that mattered to her, without a hint of hesitation. With their daily on-site work life on hold, Carla invited her girlfriend to live with her for a month to narrow the distance between them. Forced to spend more time at home, she also formed a deepened relationship with her family that represented a safe space. And because I could finally be myself at home, I felt I could be completely myself outside of it, Carla says.

Bumble identifies over 100,000 users worldwide mentioning COVID- or coronavirus-related words in their bios and over 150,000 mention being quarantined.

She looks back on all her previously failed attempts at online dating, It used to be a matter of: do I have the time? Now with all the time in the world, it became a matter of, do I trust this person?

Behind every disaster awaits a new way of life. This new model of relationships we didnt see coming fragmented the notion that we could quite easily pursue each and every shot at romance from our match list.

A filter now exists within a new layer to relationships, sex and relationships therapist Rica Cruz posits. When the getting-to-know stage is relegated to a place that exists purely online, it leads to stronger relationships and the chances of an unwanted heartbreak are lowered. We now approach others with caution as we consider a new string of factors before taking the first leap  their history of going out, their living situation with family, and the likelihood of them lying about it.

People know each other better, Rica lists as a benefit of this new relationship framework. Our response to this difference brought back the essence of a conversation being not what you say but rather how you listen. Being more open, people talk to each other more, which is what we need especially at this time for catharsis  for us to know were not alone, she reflects.

The truth of companionship

The calculated manner of which weve come to evaluate our relationships also drove us to revisit existing ones and see them in a new light. For Jake* and Joyce*, their four-year friendship took precedence in their lockdown life and paved the way for a love they had always been hesitant to chase after. Before the pandemic, I second-guessed myself a lot which made me fear she didnt feel the same, Jake expounds on holding back all this time. At age 23 and 24 respectively, they gravitated towards each other as they faced their individual struggles with mental health.

We made sure to be there for the other and make each other smile at least once a day, Jake adds. [The lockdown], as bad as it is, made us both realize things we took for granted. Relying on each other this way progressed into a relationship they couldnt be happier with. If its already going well even just through chat, then it can only probably get better when we can see each other again in person, Joyce concludes.

I asked him a series of difficult questions that was pivotal to the decision of living together  financial goals, how he confronts fights, and inquiries that led to secrets he wasnt particularly proud of.

When you have a pandemic or a disaster, it intensifies everything, Esther Perel explains. In the Daily Social Distancing Show with Trevor Noah, the psychotherapist refers to the collective experience of COVID-19 as a relationship accelerator. The prolonged sense of uncertainty and looming sense of mortality catapulted the universal truth that life is short into a stark focus, causing us to push away the superfluous and embrace reappraised essentials and priorities. This heightened sense of decision-making made us question if we are happy  or if we are, are we happy enough? To some, their answers actualized in a degree of seriousness that felt like it grew overnight.

Co-habitation is a swipe away

Some would consider Karen*, a 29-year-old doctor, one of the lucky ones. Intrigued by her brother who had found the woman who would later become his fiancee in less than 24 hours of online dating in the pandemic, she shadowed his trail of unheard luck by finding love on her second day on Bumble. With the nature of her work, Karen couldnt afford to be careless, so she performed a thorough questioning and background check before she decided it was safe to go on a first date. She equates the first hug to almost like an intimacy that was building up had manifested itself physically.

Two months later, they moved in together. We got to know each other at a level that most couples would take around six months to get to, she attributes as the reason. With the dates being limited to the confines of her home, Karens parents were able to discover what her prospective partner was like at the same pace and manner she did.

Dating in an unusual time warned her not to waste time with anyone who had less than serious intentions. She knew what she wanted and that she couldnt be reckless with her ruling. I asked him a series of difficult questions that was pivotal to the decision of living together  financial goals, how he confronts fights, and inquiries that led to secrets he wasnt particularly proud of, she says.

The choice to cohabitate unlocked the door to quality time and physical intimacy, which they otherwise couldnt imagine having this early on in their relationship had it developed in an alternative universe. She admits they remain in this honeymoon phase-like bubble that the lockdown has permitted. What if we go back to pre-COVID times? How will that affect my relationship? Its a worry that crosses her mind often.

***

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals interviewed .
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Some Anambra residents, who thronged the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) office in the state on Thursday, have expressed frustration over their inability to be registered and obtain their National Identity Number(NIN).

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who visited the NIMC office in Amawbia, near Awka, reports that the gate into the office was locked as the applicants loitered around.

Some of the applicants said they arrived at the office as early as 5:30 a.m. with the aim of being attended to early, before going to their workplaces.

Njideka Anumudu, a nursing mother, said she had been visiting the office since last December without being registered.

Mrs Anumudu said she was there on Wednesday and left very late in the evening after she was given a form to photocopy and fill.

The applicant said she was there to submit the form and be registered, but had spent over four hours there as the gate remained locked and no official was talking to anybody.

The information we got is that they are on strike, she said.

Jideofor Chukwujekwu said he came from Onitsha after his previous attempts to register at NIMC offices in some local government areas failed, describing the exercise as unnecessary burden on Nigerians.

Mr Chukwujekwu said NIMC should have adequate machines and manpower to be able to register all Nigerians before the deadline.

He expressed fears that millions of Nigerians might not be registered before the deadline at the rate the process was currently going.

It is frustrating and I am getting tired. If they want to freeze our phone lines for not having identification number, let them do so.

READ ALSO: Nigeria govt announces NIN enrollment centres nationwide

How can we be registered when the people in charge are not working?

They say they dont have power supply, they dont have machines, yet they want to conclude registration this month,  he said.

Another applicant who pleaded anonymity claimed that due process was not being followed.

An official of the commission who gave his name as Austin refused to give details of what the challenges were, but simply said we are not working.

Nigerians have been visiting NIMC offices nationwide to register for their NIN against the directive of the FG that any telephone subscriber whose NIN is not linked to his or her phone number will have the phone number blocked.

Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort is like a fish heading to the Gulf of Thailand

Opened in August last year, Pullman Phu Quoc is the leading Pullman brand resort located on the southwest coast of the Pearl Island, only about a 10-minute drive from Phu Quoc International Airport.

Inspired by the bustling fishing villages of Phu Quoc, Salvador Perez Arroyo, a Spanish architect, has designed the resort after a fish swimming in the sea. The hub area is the head, the swimming pool is the body of the fish, while the buildings on the sides are the fins and the main building the tail.

From another angle, the buildings by the sea bring to mind waves that lay over the pristine beaches of the Pearl Island  a destination high on the bucket lists of many global tourists. In addition, the sea breeze also has a strong symbolic presence throughout the resort, from the spiral staircase in the lobby to the ceiling lights in the guest rooms.

The key highlight that brings this impressive design to life is the green spaces with a multitude of tropical plants. Green trees cover 80 per cent of the more than 6 hectares of the resort and 170 metres of private beach.

To welcome visitors, since September 2020, Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort has launched the first and only Premium Sunday Late Breakfast on the island on the third Sunday of every month. From VND1.5 million ($65), diners will enjoy a truly sophisticated mid-day meal with an extensive menu of up to 100 dishes.

In addition, the resort also offers a special accommodation package for couples planning to explore Phu Quoc from now until the end of June 2021. From VND12.5 million ($545), guests will have two comfortable nights with special offers, including the Superior room for two people and free room upgrade, welcome fruit platter and chocolate in the room, one room breakfast with wine, decorating the bed and bath with flowers, a romantic dinner menu with Bruno Paillard sparkling wine, a 90-minute luxury couple treatment, souvenirs from Pullman, free airport pick-up, early check-in from 11 am, and late check-out until 3 pm depending on room availability.
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Online consultation held for Covid-19 patients repatriated from the US

Vietnamese doctors have held a consultation to seek treatment regimens for two Covid-19 patients who have returned home from the US.



The consultation this morning, January 7, was the first in 2021, and it attracted senior experts from many big hospitals in Vietnam. It was chaired by Professor Nguyen Gia Binh, Head of the Consultation Group for Severe Covid-19 Patients under the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control's subcommittee.



The first case is a 61-year-old woman or Patient 1464 who is being treated at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi. Her condition has worsened so she has to use a ventilator.





The online consultation seek treatment regimens for two Covid-19 patients



The woman from the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau returned to Vietnam on December 21 and quarantined in Hanoi. On December 26, she faced health problems such as tiredness, loss of appetite, and shakes. She then tested positive for Covid-19.



She has a medical history of hypothyroidism and had the right thyroid removed.



At the consultation, doctors said that she had some symptoms similar to the Covid-19-infected British pilot, or Patient 91, who was treated in Vietnam. So the use of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and dialysis method was proposed for her.



The second case is a 74-year-old man, or Patient 1405, who is now staying at Quang Nam General Hospital. He has many underlying diseases such as Hepatitis B, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart failure. Currently, he is also facing pleural effusion.



According to doctors, the man needs to be closely monitored.

It is not a coincidence that 25 international artists of the Biennale took a stand supporting the political protesters even before it opened

We condemn and call for the immediate stop to the use of violence against the protesters and express our support for their struggle for democracy.

 Letter, signed by 25 artists of the Bangkok Art Biennale

We always talk of art following life, but at the Bangkok Art Biennale 2020 (BAB 20), it looks like life is following art.

One is referring to the long political demonstrations in Bangkok, asking for reforms in the leadership of the country. These have become an occurrence parallel to the three-month mega art event. In fact, one of the chief venues of the Biennale is located in one of the main protest sites.

Political protesters converge outside BACC, one of the key venues of the Biennale.

It was not a coincidence that 25 international artists of the Biennale took a vocal stand supporting the political protesters, and issued a letter in October, even before the BAB opened.

In spite of the political protests in the city, not to forget the Covid pandemic, many of the international artists chose to attend the Biennale, even though they had to go through a long, two- week quarantine-period, first.

The official Letter of the BAB Artists mentioned: As participating artists of the Bangkok Art Biennale 2020, we are deeply concerned about the events that have unravelled in Bangkok over the past days, in response to the ongoing protests calling for democratic change.

Many of these events have taken place in the Pathumwan intersection where the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), a key venue of the Biennale, is located and makes this response all the more urgent and necessary. As artists, we must not only maintain art as a space for reflection and debate on the issues of the day but also be able to speak directly to the situations that have literally arrived at our doorstep!

Indeed, there was a day when the protesters literally arrived at the doorstep of BAB, when they congregated on the front grounds of the BACC.

No doubt they encountered some striking BAB exhibits there, including a large poster of one of the biggest artist-activists for human rights, Yoko Ono.

The 25 artists of the Biennale also protested against the use of force by the police on the peaceful protesters.

We condemn and call for the immediate stop to the use of violence against the protesters and express our support for their struggle for democracy. We further urge the Biennale and the BACC to join us in taking a stand against such violence, and affirming the right to peaceful protests.

Dr Apinan Poshyananda, artistic director of the Biennale, stated that being a foundation, BAB remained neutral. But he was aware that art practices are a form of protest, as they are all conscious of the freedom of expression.

Thats why he found a link between the protests outside, and the Biennales exhibits inside, especially in connection with the Theme of the Biennale, Escape Routes.

United States-educated, multi disciplinary Thai artist Michael Shaowanasai, stated that art was an alternative reality of escape for many of them. His Biennale exhibits included portraits of a monk, go-go girl, gay man, as he attempted to portray an equal society. He stated that the protesters on the streets were also asking for a more equal society, which was why he felt so real when he was with them.

Noted Thai artist Lampun Kansanoh is one of the few whose art works at the Biennale actually portray the protests, including a caricature of the Thai PM. As she said, I dont think my paintings can change or reform politics, but at least they reflect the angle of one person who disagrees with what the government is doing!

Internationally renowned Thai filmmaker Penek Rattanruangs video film 2 Soldiers was a tongue-in-cheek look at two soldiers, who escape the noisy protests to take a break in a peaceful forest.

Sarah Naqvi's film on woman power.

It is not a coincidence that many of the top artists at the Biennale are strong activists  Ai Weiwei of China, Marina Abramovic of Serbia, Yoko Ono of Japan.

Among the talented, young names, is independent and articulate Indian artist Sarah Naqvi. In our existing times of growing authoritarian and sectarian politics, showing solidarity requires sharing and learning from each others struggles. Art needs to be a safe space where protests are mobilized, and resistance thrives she stated.

The Biennale Artists Letter agreed: As artists, we thrive in a society that supports our ability to speak out and speak to the times in which we live. Such a society is one that calls for progressive change, not with a crackdown, but a commitment to building understanding, dialogue and collectivity.

Dr Apinan admitted that Dialogues are of vital importance today: Its time for everyone to do some soul-searching. Government bodies have to be more open-minded. Art infrastructure needs to undergo changes.

When one sees the political protesters on the streets of Bangkok also asking for changes to the system, one sees that life is indeed reflecting art.

To quote the Biennale Artists Letter again: We affirm the space of art as an essential constituent of the democratic public sphere which, in times of social upheaval, must also seek to provide refuge for those escaping violence.

In fact, when the protesters gathered at the BACC, it was an Escape Route for the public, who felt safer inside the art centre than in the streets outside!

So, while it was the global pandemic that was the most challenging factor, at the start of the international art extravaganza, it now seems that its the local protests in the country that have added a new dimension to the three-month Bangkok Art Biennale, which is taking place at a historic time in the country indeed.
Two Runaway Dogs Trapped Neck-Deep in Septic Tank Rescued in the Nick of Time

After two American bulldogs escaped their owners yard and ended up neck-deep in dirty water in a neighbors septic tank, luckily, an animal services employee came to the rescue and lifted the dogs to safety in the nick of time.

Brenda and Biancas plight was relieved when someone noticed them stuck in a septic tank on Nov. 10, 2020, and called Miami-Dade Animal Services.

Welfare Officer Yureisy Hernandez arrived and was shocked to find two filthy pups, barely within reach and neck-deep in water.

In cell phone footage later shared with CBS Miami, Hernandez says, This is a septic tank. The dogs are underwater in the septic tank.

Using a nearby ladder, Hernandez created a scaffold from which to lift the two dogs out of the water and onto dry land.

Admitting that she was not used to dealing with septic tanks, Hernandez said that she would have jumped in to retrieve the dogs if the ladder hadnt been there.

Brenda and Bianca were taken to the animal services center, where they received a clean bill of health.

[O]ur veterinary staff checked them to make sure they were not injured. The bonded pair got baths, food, and water, as well as a safe and warm place to rest and recover from their ordeal, Animal Services posted on Facebook.

As neither dog was microchipped or wearing a collar, the shelter nicknamed the bulldogs Peaches and Cream. They shared Hernandezs footage online, hoping that someone would recognize them.

Meanwhile, the owner of the bulldogs, Vanessa Cruz, of Miami-Dade County, Florida, began a desperate hunt for her missing canines on social media.

Miraculously, Cruzs brother in California saw the footage, recognized Brenda and Bianca, and joined the dots. His sister rushed to collect her missing pups.

Animal Services shared footage of the joyful reunion on Facebook.

During the emotional reunion, Cruz praised Hernandez for going above and beyond to save her dogs.

With a little luck, Brenda and Biancas accidental tumble into the septic tank was a one-off adventure.

Eventually, the mischievous bulldogs headed home, but not before Cruz had both the dogs collared and microchipped to prevent future mishaps.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired Newsletter here: https://www.theepochtimes.com/newsletter
PHOENIX, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Linked Equipment is now providing modular container buildings to the homeless space. Partnering with Otto Construction and Sprung Structures, Linked Equipment is providing customized ISBU container buildings to compliment the Sprung Structures and contractor provided facilities.

MUCH NEEDED HOUSING

Linked Equipment Restrooms. Rugged outside, cozy inside. Linked Equipment Restrooms for Homeless Shelter

A homeless shelter provides people with a temporary place to stay, personal storage, bathrooms, and showers. The wrap around services is also vital to help the homeless stabilize their lives and transition into more permanent housing. However, just having a place to sleep does not do much to get people back into society. Some have mental or physical problems that make it difficult to feel safe and secure enough to start a job or maintain sobriety. Wrap around services help with this by providing things like dining, laundry, counseling, kennels for pets, personal storage, and other services needed to improve the overall circumstances of people who are experiencing homelessness.

Sacramento was in a position where they required approximately 1,000 beds in 2019 to support their homeless population. The first location to go up was the Meadowview Navigation Center to provide, shelter and assistance to women who are experiencing homelessness. You can read more about the Meadowview opening in this article titled "New Homeless Shelter and Service Center for Women Opens in Meadowview, October 1, 2020."

A TEAM EFFORT

Partnering with Otto Construction (the primary contractor), and Sprung Structures; Linked Equipment provided ISBU container buildings for this homeless center project. The new Meadowview Homeless Shelter features two Sprung Structures (one for the dormitory and the second for the dining hall) as well as Linked Equipment bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.

In support of the Meadowview Navigation Center, Linked Equipment, Sprung and Otto Construction worked together to complete the Sacramento Meadowview Navigation Center. The Meadowview shelter assists women who are experiencing homelessness providing a 120-bed women's dormitory complete with wraparound services. Operating 24 hours a day, the center was designed to serve in excess of 100 clients.

ISBU CONTAINERS: THE PERFECT BUILDING BLOCKS FOR MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Recycled shipping containers are a cheaper alternative and faster way to provide much-needed housing to homeless families, veterans, and others who may be experiencing hard times.

Using different sized containers, Linked Equipment can join them together like Legos to create building solutions that are customized, turnkey, scalable, and mobile. Comfortable on the inside and rugged on the outside. They can be placed on a permanent foundation or on a pad to move to different locations as needed. Linked Equipment can fulfill unique requirements of any operation with fully portable containers customized to size, quantity, layout, electrical demands, plumbing, storage, extraction laboratories, and more. For additional information about our CRF efforts visit: https://linkedequipment.com/community-response/

About Linked Equipment

Linked Equipment designs and manufactures dynamic intermodular steel building units (modules) for commercial and private use. Linked Equipment has over a decade's experience in manufacturing homes, restrooms, showers, commercial kitchens, offices, vaults, industrial storage, grow, and extraction labs using steel containers as the building blocks for our modular designs.

www.linkedequipment.com

Phoenix, Arizona

Founded: 2009

Privately Owned

Employees: 20

Industry: Modular Building

Products: ISBU Container Buildings

To learn more about Linked Equipment and the services they provide, visit their website: Linked Equipment , or call: (602) 806-2777

Notes for the editor: For more information, at Linked Equipment please get in touch with Bobby Olander at Linked Equipment's headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. He can be reached at (480) 324-6394, or by mail at 3454 E Illini St, Phoenix, AZ 85040. Please direct all email enquiries to [email protected].

SOURCE Linked Equipment LLC

Related Links

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You look at the probability of things, said the resident of Smith Crossing, an elder care center in Orland Park. You know this (virus) could kill you so you try to do the things to prevent yourself from getting the disease.


remaining of

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Boeing Co will pay over $2.5 billion to resolve the investigation into two deadly 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people, the U.S. Justice Department announced Thursday.

The settlement includes the establishment of a $500 million crash-victim beneficiaries fund to compensate the heirs, relatives, and legal beneficiaries of the passengers killed in the 2018 and 2019 crashes.

The fund will be equal to $1.4million for the family of each of the 346 people killed.

The Justice Department said the settlement also includes a compensation payment of $1.77 billion to airlines that were unable to use their Max jets while they were grounded after the crashes and a criminal monetary penalty of $243.6 million.

However, the company will not be forced to plead guilty to criminal charges for misleading regulators about the safety of its 737 Max aircraft, which suffered the two deadly crashes shortly after entering airline service.

Investigators with the U.S. National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) look over debris at the crash site of Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 on March 12, 2019 in Bishoftu, Ethiopia

A relative of a passanger of Lion Air flight JT-610 cries shortly after a meeting with authorities and Lion Air management in Jakarta, Indonesia, in November 2018

Pictured from left: Diana Sotomayor, Hayley Freedman and Deveney Williams hold a sign depicting those who died in the crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight 302, during the US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee subcommittee hearing, 'Status of the Boeing 737 MAX - Stakeholder Perspectives', on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC in July 2019

Despite the settlement, families of victims in the Ethiopian Airlines crash are moving forward with civil litigation against the planemaker in Chicago, plaintiffs' lawyers said on Thursday.

Lawyers said that the DoJ announcement only strengthens the families' lawsuits against the planemaker.

Prosecutors described Boeing's failings in withering terms, accusing the company of putting 'profit over candor' and of engaging in a 'half-truths' and a 'cover up.'

The Seattle-based company began working on the Max in 2011 as answer to a new, more fuel-efficient model from European rival Airbus.

Boeing will pay $2.5 billion to settle a criminal charge related to its troubled 737 Max jetliner. The Justice Department announced the settlement Thursday nearly two years after the second of two crashes that killed 346 people in all. Pictured, a Boeing 737 MAX jet

The DOJ charged Boeing with concealing information about the aircraft's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), an anti-stall system that was a prime factor in crashes of Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines flights, before it was approved to fly.

Boeing, through two MAX pilots, concealed key information about MCAS to the Federal Aviation Administration, DOJ said.

This omission meant the FAA did not mention MCAS in its final report certifying the MAX, so there was no reference to the system in manuals and pilot training materials.

The system could point a plane's nose down if sensors indicated the plane might be in danger of an aerodynamic stall - that it might fall from the sky - yet the omission from manuals meant many pilots weren't aware of it.

The first airlines began flying the 737 Max in mid-2017.

On October 29, 2018, a Max operated by Indonesia's Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea.

After the Lion Air crash in October 2018, FAA 'learned for the first time' key details about the MCAS 'that Boeing concealed from FAA,' DOJ said.

And two pilots at Boeing 'continued misleading others - including at Boeing and the FAA - about their prior knowledge of the change to MCAS,' they added.

However, the FAA let the Max keep flying, and on March 10, 2019, another Max operated by Ethiopian Airlines crashed nearly straight down into a field.

In all, 346 people were killed.

On both flights, MCAS was activated by a faulty reading from a single sensor.

The system repeatedly pushed the planes' noses down, and pilots were unable to regain control.

The crashes led to the MAX's grounding for 20 months in March 2019 that was only lifted in November after Boeing made significant safety upgrades.

Boeing was charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States after the actions of its employees were revealed.

Pictured, grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are seen parked in an aerial photo at Boeing Field in Seattle. Boeing changed MCAS so that it always uses two sensors, along with other changes to make the automated system less powerful and easier for pilots to override

The largest U.S. airplane manufacturer faces a three-year deferred prosecution agreement after which the charge will be dismissed if the company complies with the agreement.

'The tragic crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 exposed fraudulent and deceptive conduct by employees of one of the world's leading commercial airplane manufacturers,' said Acting Assistant Attorney General David P. Burns.

'Boeing's employees chose the path of profit over candor by concealing material information from the FAA concerning the operation of its 737 Max airplane and engaging in an effort to cover up their deception.'

'The misleading statements, half-truths, and omissions communicated by Boeing employees to the FAA impeded the government's ability to ensure the safety of the flying public,' added Erin Nealy Cox, the U.S. Attorney in Dallas.

Boeing CEO David Calhoun, pictured, said in a statement on Thursday that the agreement 'appropriately acknowledges how we fell short of our values and expectations'

Both Boeing and FAA have come under intense scrutiny for not grounding the plane after the first calamity and for what critics called the lax oversight when the plane was rolled out.

The DOJ said the size of the penalty reflected Boeing's conduct, including the company's initial reluctance to cooperate in the probe.

The fine of $243 million represents the amount of money Boeing saved by not implementing full-flight simulator training for the 737 MAX, the agreement stated.

Boeing's cooperation 'was delayed and only began after the first six months of the Fraud Section's investigation, during which time Boeing's response frustrated the Fraud Section's investigation,' the DOJ said.

Boeing admitted in court documents that two of its 737 MAX Flight Technical Pilots deceived the Federal Aviation Administration about MCAS.

Boeing Chief Executive David Calhoun said in a statement the agreement 'appropriately acknowledges how we fell short of our values and expectations.'

The airline payment fund will include prior payments already made by Boeing to airlines who could not use the aircraft after the crashes.

After the planes were grounded worldwide, Boeing changed MCAS so that it always uses two sensors, along with other changes to make the automated system less powerful and easier for pilots to override.

The FAA ordered other changes, including the rerouting of some wiring to avoid potential dangerous short-circuiting.

In November, the FAA approved Boeing's changes, and several carriers including American Airlines have resumed using the planes.

Because of the crashes, the U.S. Congress in December passed legislation reforming how the FAA certifies new airplanes.

Boeing's stock dropped further as the settlement announcement was made Thursday

Boeing's stock has struggled to recover from the grounding due to the pandemic

The Justice Department said it was not requiring an independent compliance monitor at Boeing because 'the misconduct was neither pervasive across the organization, nor undertaken by a large number of employees, nor facilitated by senior management.'

Boeing's board in late 2019 removed its prior chief executive and has created a permanent aerospace safety committee.

Boeing has adopted new policies and procedures and conducted training to clarify expectations and requirements governing communications between its flight technical pilots and regulatory authorities.

The planemaker said it expects to incur additional charges of $743.6 million in the fourth quarter as part of the settlement.
In January 2018, the entire computer industry was put on alert by two new processor vulnerabilities dubbed Meltdown and Spectre that defeated the fundamental OS security boundaries separating kernel and user space memory. The flaws stemmed from a performance feature of modern CPUs known as speculative execution and mitigating them required one of the biggest patch coordination efforts in history, involving CPU makers, device manufacturers and operating system vendors.

Meltdown and Spectre were certainly not the first vulnerabilities to result from a hardware design decision, but their widespread impact sparked the interest of the security research community into such flaws. Since then, many researchers, both from academia and the private sector, have been studying the low-level operation of CPUs and other hardware components and have been uncovering more and more issues.

Some hardware vulnerabilities are impossible to mitigate completely without releasing a new generation of components, while others can be fixed in firmware, the low-level programming present in hardware chips. In either case, patching is not straightforward, so such flaws can continue to impact real world devices for a very long time.

Here is a list of hardware-related vulnerabilities, discovered both before and after Meltdown, that you should be aware of:

CPU side-channel attacks

Spectre variant 1 - CVE-2017-5753

Also known as bounds check bypass, CVE-2017-5753 allows attackers to exploit the branch prediction feature of modern CPUs to extract information from the memory of other processes by using the CPU cache as a side channel. It allows one process to extract sensitive information from the memory of another process but could also bypass the user/kernel memory privilege boundary. The vulnerability affects Intel, IBM and a limited number of ARM CPUs.

Spectre variant 2 - CVE-2017-5715

Spectre variant 2 has the same impact as variant 1 but uses a different exploitation technique called branch target injection. Mitigating this variant of Spectre efficiently requires updates to the affected CPU microcode, which can be applied either through BIOS/UEFI updates or by the operating system at every reboot.

Meltdown variant 3 - CVE-2017-5754

Also known as Rogue Data Cache Load (RDCL) or variant 3 of the CPU speculative execution flaws, Meltdown is a vulnerability that leverages the out-of-order execution capabilities of modern Intel CPUs. It allows a user process to read protected kernel memory across security boundaries. The fix only requires operating system updates and involves enforcing stricter isolation of the kernel memory, which typically contains sensitive secrets, through mechanisms such as Linux's kernel page-table isolation (KPTI).

Meltdown-GP - CVE-2018-3640

A variant of Meltdown, or variant 3a, it uses speculative reads of system registers to achieve side-channel leaks of information. Because of this, it is also know Rogue System Register Read (RSRE). Mitigation requires microcode updates.

Meltdown-NM - CVE-2018-3665

A speculative execution flaw related to Meltdown that's also known as LazyFP and can be used to leak the state of the floating-point unit (FPU) -- a specialized math coprocessor present in Intels modern CPUs that's used to accelerate mathematical operations on floating point numbers. The FPU state can contain sensitive information from cryptographic operations. This vulnerability can be mitigated by enforcing "eager" instead of "lazy" FPU context switching at the operating system level.

Spectre-NG - CVE-2018-3639

Also known as Spectre variant 4, or Speculative Store Bypass (SSB), this is a Spectre variant that allows performing memory reads before prior memory write addresses are known and can be used to leak cross-process information. Mitigation requires both microcode and OS updates.

Spectre-PHT - CVE-2018-3693

Also known as Spectre 1.1, is a variant of Spectre that leverages speculative stores to create speculative buffer overflows. It allowed bypassing some of the previous software-based mitigations for Spectre and requires OS updates.

Meltdown-RW

Also known as Spectre 1.2, is a variant that leverages speculative stores to overwrite read-only data and code pointers. This variant can be used to breach software sandboxes and is related Spectre 1.1. Mitigation required OS updates.

Foreshadow-OS - CVE-2018-3620

Also known as L1 Terminal Fault, Foreshadow is a speculative execution attack against Intel CPUs that allows extracting information from the processor's L1 data cache. This is particularly sensitive in the context of virtual machines which split the same physical CPU into multiple virtual CPUs, because those virtual CPUs use the same L1 cache. This variant allows attackers to extract information from the OS or SMM (system management mode), an alternate mode of CPU operation that is separate from the operating system and is designed to be used by BIOS/UEFI or low-level OEM code.

Foreshadow-VMM - CVE-2018-3646

A variant of Foreshadow that affects virtual machines and allows a guest operating system running inside a VM to potentially read sensitive memory from other guest VMs or the hypervisor itself.

Foreshadow-SGX - CVE-2018-3615

A variant of Foreshadow that allows attackers to read the memory of Intel Software Guard Extensions (SGX) enclaves. SGX is a trusted execution environment provided by some Intel CPUs that allows developers to store data and execute code securely, even if the operating system itself has been compromised.

Meltdown-PK and Meltdown-BND

Meltdown-PK (Protection Key Bypass) and Meltdown-BND (Bounds Check Bypass) are two variants of Meltdown presented in November 2018 by a team of academic researchers as part of a larger evaluation of transient execution attacks. Meltdown-PK affects Intel CPUs while Meltdown-BND affects both Intel and AMD.

Spectre-PHT-CA-OP, Spectre-PHT-CA-IP and Spectre-PHT-SA-OP

These are variants of Spectre that leverage the CPU's Pattern History Table (PHT). They were disclosed at the same time as Meltdown-PK and Meltdown-BND by the same team.

Spectre-BTB-SA-IP and Spectre-BTB-SA-OP

These are variants of the Spectre attack that leverage the Branch Target Buffer (BTB). They were disclosed in November 2018 by the same team who found Meltdown-PK and Meltdown-BND. The team concluded at the time that "most defenses, including deployed ones, cannot fully mitigate all attack variants."

Fallout - CVE-2018-12126

Fallout, also known as microarchitectural store buffer data sampling (MSBDS), is a vulnerability whose effects are similar to Meltdown in that it can be used to leak sensitive secrets from protected memory regions across security boundaries. It is part of a new class of side-channel attacks against CPUs that Intel calls Microarchitectural Data Sampling (MDS). The flaw affects both operating systems and hypervisors and mitigation requires CPU microcode updates.

RIDL - CVE-2018-12127 and CVE-2018-12130

Another two variants of MDS attacks known as microarchitectural load port data sampling (MLPDS) and microarchitectural fill buffer data sampling (MFBDS). Like Fallout, mitigation requires CPU microcode updates.

Zombieload - CVE-2019-11091

A fourth variant of MDS attacks known as microarchitectural data sampling uncacheable memory (MDSUM). Like Fallout and RIDL, it can be used to leak sensitive kernel or hypervisor memory.

Starbleed

Starbleed is a design flaw in the bitstream encryption process of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) made by Xilinx. Unlike CPUs, which come with a predetermined set of general purpose instructions that are fit for most computing tasks, FPGAs are integrated circuits whose logic is completely programmable by the customer. They're usually configured to perform one specific task better and more efficiently than general purpose CPUs and are widely used for mission- or safety-critical applications in sectors such as aerospace, finance and the military.

The configuration files loaded by customers onto FPGAs are called bitstreams and FPGA manufacturers like Xilinx, which controls around 50% of the FPGA market, have added encryption and bitstream validation mechanisms to allow customers to protect their intellectual property and other secrets their deployed FPGAs might contain. A team of researchers from the Horst Goertz Institute for IT Security at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany have found a design flaw in the bitstream security mechanism of Xilinx 7-Series and Virtex-6 FPGAs that can allow an attacker to decrypt bitstreams and even modify them.

"By our attack, we can circumvent the bitstream encryption and decrypt an assumedly secure bitstream on all Xilinx 7-Series devices completely and on the Virtex-6 devices partially," the researchers wrote in their paper, which will be presented at the 29th USENIX Security Symposium. "Additionally, we are also able to manipulate the bitstream by adjusting the HMAC. Out attack setting in general is the same one as commonly encountered in mainstream practice: The adversary only needs access to the configuration interface of a fielded FPGA. In this setting, the secret decryption key has already been loaded into the FPGA -- e.g., after device manufacturing, the key is stored in internal battery-backed RAM (BBRAM) or eFUSEs. As will be shown later, the adversary uses the FPGA with the stored key as an oracle to decrypt the bitstream."

To pull off the Starbleed attack, hackers need access to a hardware configuration interface on the FPGA which normally means they would need physical access to the device. However, some FPGAs are programmed and reprogrammed through separate microcontrollers, which can be connected to a network, in which case such an attack could be executed remotely.

The design flaw cannot be patched because it exists in the silicon, so it will be corrected in future generations of Xilinx FPGAs. The company has been notified of the vulnerability before the paper was published and has sent an advisory to customers.

PLATYPUS

PLATYPUS is a side-channel attack that abuses the running average power limit (RAPL) interface that's used to measure power consumption in CPU cores and is present in all Intel CPUs developed since 2011 (Sandy Bridge). It is the first differential power analysis attack that can be executed remotely and used to leak secrets such as encryption keys from the Linux kernel memory and Intel SGX secure enclaves.

The attack was announced in November 2020 and was devised by a team of researchers from the Graz University of Technology, the University of Birmingham in UK and CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security. The Linux kernel developers patched the vulnerabilities, which are tracked as CVE-2020-8694 and CVE-2020-8695, by preventing unprivileged applications from accessing the RAPL energy consumption data.

However, this does not address the privileged attack vector against Intel SGX, a trusted execution environment (TEE) built into the CPU that's supposed to keep sensitive cryptographic data secure even in the case of a complete OS compromise. To address this, users have to deploy CPU microcode updates released by Intel.

While the researchers tested and confirmed their attack on Intel CPUs, they warned that CPUs from other chip makers including AMD, Nvidia and ARM also have on-board energy meters that are accessible and could be vulnerable to a variation of this attack.

DRAM memory Rowhammer attacks

Rowhammer

Rowhammer is a physical effect with security implications that occurs inside SDRAM chips when the same physical row of memory cells is read for a large number of times in rapid succession -- an action dubbed hammering. This can cause electric charges from cells in the hammered row to leak into adjacent rows, modifying the value of the cells in those rows. This is known as bit flipping and possible because of the increased cell density of modern SDRAM chips, particularly DDR3 and DDR4.

While the Rowhammer effect has been known or documented for a long time, members of Google's Project Zero team were the first to prove it can have security implications in March 2015 when they revealed two privilege escalation exploits based on it.

Rowhammer.js

Rowhammer.js was an implementation of the Rowhammer attack via JavaScript, proving that this flaw can be exploited remotely through the browser, simply by visiting a malicious web page. Browser vendors have added mitigations against this exploit.

Drammer - CVE-2016-6728

Drammer is a Rowhammer-type exploit demonstrated in 2016 against Android devices. Until then the memory chips in mobile devices were thought to be unaffected.

Flip Feng Shui

An implementation of the Rowhammer attack against virtual machines, where a malicious guest VM can flip bits in the physical memory affecting a different virtual machine in a controlled manner. The researchers demonstrated this by breaking the OpenSSH public key authentication in the target VM.

ECCploit

ECCploit is an attack that demonstrates that Rowhammer-type attacks can work even against SDRAM chips that have error-correcting code (ECC) capabilities. This type of memory, which is typically used in servers, was thought to be immune to Rowhammer.

Throwhammer

Dynamite Factories in the Sunset District

by Angus Macfarlane



Farms in Berkeley? Probably an urban legend. Dynamite factories in the Sunset? A historical fact. And not just one, but two.

Dynamite is nothing more than nitroglycerin, an explosive and unstable element, with an additive making it safe to handle and transport. Before the discovery of the stabilizing agent, a plague of explosions resulted in a worldwide ban on transportation of nitro. Even with the addition of the stabilizing agent, the manufacture of the raw explosive had to be carried out far away from populated areas.

San Franciscos first dynamite factory (called powder works because other explosives, including gun powder for cartridge shells and blasting caps to ignite the dynamite, were also manufactured there) was the Giant Powder Works on San Jose Road (todays San Jose Avenue) between St. Marys College and the Industrial School (now the sites of St. Marys Park and Balboa Park/City College).

That part of San Francisco was sparsely populated in the late 1860s, but not sparsely enough. On the night of November 26, 1869, the inevitable occurred; an explosion destroyed the works, killed two workers, and severely injured eight others. The nearest neighbors were 200 yards away, but debris was hurled 400 yards.

Seeking more open space and fewer neighbors, the Giant Powder Works relocated.

In the 1870s the land today occupied by the Sunset District was an uninhabited, uninviting expanse of sand, wind, and fogan ideal place for dynamite factories.

The Giant Powder Works relocated to the Treat Tract, approximately twenty-five acres off todays 19th Avenue between Kirkham and Moraga Streets and 19th and 23rd Avenues. Also setting up shop in the wide-open spaces was the California Powder Works, which found a home on a 120-acre parcel of land in todays Inner Sunset called the Byfield Tract. Maps dont exist showing the exact location of the California works, but the area around 2nd Avenue and Irving Street is the most likely site.

With the exception of a couple of civic outpoststhe Alms House and the pumping plant at Laguna Hondathere were no backyards near the explosives works. Another asset was the Central Macadamized Toll Road that meandered southwesterly along the path of least resistance through what would someday be called the Sunset District to Lake Merced. Also called the Powder House Road, it was a wide, smooth thoroughfare that provided a means of bringing the raw materials to the powder works and transporting the finished products to the waterfront for shipment to the interior of the state.

The California Powder Works announced its presence in the Inner Sunset on the foggy morning of July 9, 1870, with an explosion that was heard  mile away. The blast occurred in the building where blasting caps were prepared, killing one worker, seriously injuring two, and completely destroying the structure.

Two incident-free years passed within the perimeter of the works, but outside the fence the city was encroaching. Golden Gate Park was taking shape two hundred yards to the south and Laguna Honda School was built on 7th Avenue between I (Irving) and J (Judah) streets. Families were moving in and, oddly, many saloons were opening their doors near the dynamite factory.

On June 21, 1872, at 6:15 p.m., a strong shock, followed by a thunderous clap, rattled the windows of every house in the city. Startled residents, believing that it was an earthquake, ran into the streets. A witness near the California Powder Works reported seeing a huge column of white smoke shoot hundreds of feet into the sky seconds before he was knocked down and rendered senseless for several minutes.

Word reached police headquarters an hour later. When rescuers reached ground zero two hours after the incident, they found a crater in the sand 12 feet deep and 50 feet in diameter where the glycerin house had been. Between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds of glycerin had exploded, destroying all six buildings on the site. One newspaper described the site as a wastea deserted wood yard with only the chips left.

The fences along the Powder House Road, a nearby saloon, and an outlying house all suffered less-extensive damage.

It was feared that such a huge explosion could only mean massive casualties, but fortunately all the workers had left for the day an hour before the explosion. Nobody had been on the grounds.

The powder works was rebuilt, and six months later, on December 21, 1872, what the San Francisco Chronicle termed the semi-annual explosion occurred at 2:40 p.m.

The unintentional detonation of 300 pounds of nitroglycerin was heard miles away. A 190-by-60-foot building completely vanished, pieces of lumber from it launched up to a mile away. Witnesses on the Point Lobos Road, two miles away, saw the roof of the shed sail more than 200 feet into the air.

Two workers were instantly killed, with one body found 600 feet from the site. Adjacent buildings were also destroyed, and many workers were injured by flying debris and chemicals.

Laguna Honda School, about  mile from the blast site, had just opened that fall with 38 students. It suffered broken windows and cracked plaster, but fortunately school was out for the Christmas holiday. At the next meeting of the school board after the explosion, the hazards of having a powder works near the school were argued, but ultimately nothing was done.

The final explosion at the California Powder Works occurred on June 8, 1877, just before noon as the temperature reached 91 degrees on the hottest day of the year. As the workers left for their lunch break and were 50 yards from the nitroglycerin house, they were knocked to the ground by an explosion. They got up and ran 100 yards before there was a second blast. Witnesses reported seeing an immense lurid flame of the grandest description shoot into the air followed by a bright cloud of dense yellow smoke.

The 50-by-16-foot building in which 500 pounds of nitroglycerin was to be made into dynamite no longer existed. The hillock on which the building stood had been transformed into a hollow. Warped and twisted scraps of the iron tanks were found 200 yards away.

The foremans house, 150 yards away, had the doors, windows, and the side facing the blast torn off. The explosion played earthquake with everything movable in the house.

A shed containing 100 large glass containers of nitric and sulfuric acid was set on fire. The foreman quickly smothered the fire with the handiest fire retardant available: sand.

Residents at the Alms House,  mile away, were shaken to the very marrow of their bones, and every house in the vicinity lost windows.

William Whites White House Saloon, 300 yards from the powder works near Golden Gate Park, was completely wrecked, but the family survived the flying furniture with only slight injuries. Charles Kuhirts Park Saloon, next to the White House, was also damaged, and all the Kuhirts were injured by flying glass. The Oak Leaf Saloon at 7th Avenue and H Street (now Lincoln Way) was a complete wreck.

Michael Burkes house,  mile away, had all the windows shattered. In John Connollys two-story house, the wallpaper was torn from the walls.

Herman Gertsheim, a butcher, was driving in his wagon with four pigs and two sheep when the blast threw him off the wagon and astride the fence, his pigs and sheep on the far hillside. As his frightened horse ran away, the shaken man made a beeline for the nearest operational emporium of libations.

Farther to the west, the Giant Powder Works had enjoyed a much safer record in the nine years since it had moved from its San Jose Road facility after the explosion of 1869. In 1879, 15 buildings covered about 25 acres of fenced land off the Powder House Road near todays 19th Avenue.

But at 2:00 p.m. on January 15, 1879, the whole city was startled by the sound of an explosion accompanied by clouds of writhing smoke rising in heavy folds above the hills to the west.

The packing house, a 30-by-60-foot building standing approximately at 22nd Avenue between todays Kirkham and Lawton Streets, had exploded. In the building had been 6,000 pounds of powder and five workers. Not a vestige of the building, contents, or workers remained. Nine other buildings were destroyed.

The shock of the explosion was felt from the Cliff House to the waterfront. Glass was broken as far away as 16th Street on the eastern side of Twin Peaks. A schoolhouse on McAllister Street, more than 2 miles away, was rocked as if by an earthquake and students were tossed from their desks.

Immediately (ten years after the first explosion) indignant editorials were written:

The works should not be allowed near the city nor any settled neighborhood unless at some point near the ocean shore where it is improbable that a settlement will gather about. The location, now occupied, so near Golden Gate Park is entirely unsuited for so hazardous a manufacture.

After four incidents at the California Powder Works killed three workers and involved more than 3,000 pounds of explosives, and two incidents at the separate sites of the Giant Powder Works claimed seven lives and set off more than 6,000 pounds of explosives, the dynamite producers agreed that San Francisco was no longer a suitable place to manufacture their product.

Within a year they had relocated to the East Bay. Giant Powder Works moved to Berkeley and the California Powder Works chose a site a bit north of Berkeley where the city of Hercules became the factorys company town.

The next explosions were on April 17, 1880, when ten tons of Giant Powder blew up in Berkeley, killing 24, and on January 12, 1882, when 1,500 pounds of explosives killed one and injured two at the Hercules site.

The East Bay powder works continued to blow up into the mid 1950s.

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Michelle Obama has blasted Capitol Police for their response to MAGA protesters who rampaged through Congress just months after cops' heavy handed response to peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters.

In a statement posted to her social media accounts, the former First Lady also tore into Donald Trump as 'infantile and unpatriotic' after he incited his supporters to ransack the US Capitol - and blamed social media for 'enabling this monstrous behavior'.

In her statement, Obama wrote that the reaction from law enforcement would have been much different if the Capitol rioters were African Americans, arguing that it was a far cry from law enforcement's crackdown on Black Lives Matter protesters this past summer

Obama wrote: 'Like all of you, I watched as a gang - organized, violent, and mad they'd lost an election - laid siege to the United States Capitol.

'They set up gallows. They proudly waved the traitorous flag of the Confederacy through the halls. They desecrated the center of American government.

'And once authorities finally gained control of the situation, these rioters and gang members were led out of the building not in handcuffs, but free to carry on with their days.

'The day was a fulfillment of the wishes of an infantile and unpatriotic president who can't handle the truth of his own failures.'

Scroll down to read her statement in full

Former First Lady Michelle Obama (left) demanded that social media companies ban President Trump (right) permanently following his mob's ransacking of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, on Wednesday

(Scroll down to read the statement in full) In a statement posted to her social media accounts, Obama also slammed the lenient police response to the mob, arguing that it was a far cry from law enforcement's crackdown on Black Lives Matter protesters this past summer

A mob of the president's supporters stormed the US Capitol building on Wednesday after attending a 'Save America' speech by Trump. One woman was shot and killed by police while three others died of medical emergencies during the rioting

She continued: 'This summer's Black Lives Matter protests were an overwhelmingly peaceful movementour nation's largest demonstrations ever, bringing together people of every race and class and encouraging millions to re-examine their own assumptions and behavior.

'Yet in city after city, day after day, we saw peaceful protestors met with brute force,' her statement said, referencing the Black Lives Matter demonstrations that erupted in the wake of the May 25 police-involved death of George Floyd.

She added: 'We saw cracked skulls and mass arrests, law enforcement pepper spraying its way through a peaceful demonstration for a presidential photo op.'

Obama was referring to the June 2 incident in which federal officers and riot police deployed tear gas to clear demonstrators out of the Lafayette Park area so that Trump could pose with a Bible near the St. John's Church.

She continued: 'And for those who call others unpatriotic for simply taking a knee in silent protest, for those who wonder why we need to be reminded that Black Lives Matter at all, yesterday made it painfully clear that certain Americans are, in fact, allowed to denigrate the flag and symbols of our nation. They've just got to look the right way.'

She added: 'Seeing the gulf between the responses to yesterday's riot and this summer's peaceful protests and the larger movement for racial justice is so painful. It hurts.

'And I cannot think about moving on or turning the page until we reckon with the reality of what we saw yesterday. True progress will be possible only once we acknowledge that this disconnect exists and take steps to repair it.'

President Trump walked across from White House to St. John's Church to hold up a bible for a photo op

Police fired tear gas into protesters in front of St. John's church to clear them out for the president's photo-op

U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr confers with U.S. Secret Service and other officials in the center of Lafayette Park shortly before riot police cleared the park and the surrounding area across from the White House for President Donald Trump to be able to walk to a photo opportunity in front of St. John's Episcopal Church, during a rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, U.S. June 1, 2020

Capitol Police have been criticized for failing to plan for Wednesday's violence even though supporters of the president had planned to descend on Washington, DC, for weeks while Congress met to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

Videos shared on social media showed police apparently opening fences for the mob and taking selfies with them, prompting suspicions that some of them sympathized with the invasion.

The scenes of carnage sparked outrage in Washington over the fact that the Capitol Police force, which has 1,879 officers and a budget of 380million, was unable to carry out its most basic function. It seemingly had no excuse for being so unprepared, as Trump supporters had telegraphed their intentions on social media and online forums, with posts on website Reddit stating: Storm the Capitol.

It was in stark contrast to the sights in June, when hundreds of armored cops with riot shields were seen covering the steps to the Capitol amid Black Lives Matter protests.

On Wednesday, Trump encouraged his supporters to march toward the Capitol building during a 'Save America' rally near the White House.

A large number of MAGA supporters then stormed the barricades and breached the Capitol campus, overwhelming the outmanned Capitol Police force and sending lawmakers to secret, secure locations.

One woman was shot and killed by police as she was trying to force her way into the House Chamber while three others died of medical emergencies.

Several of the Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol took photographs as they sat at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk and also took artifacts.

Obama also slammed the Republican Party, conservative media and Big Tech sites that had enabled the president.

She blasted: 'The day was a fulfillment of the wishes of an infantile and unpatriotic president who can't handle the truth of his own failures. And the wreckage lays at the feet of a party and media apparatus that gleefully cheered him on, knowing full well the possibility of consequences like these.'

She also urged social media companies to permanently ban the president from their sites, after Facebook and Twitter both temporarily suspended his accounts.

She added: 'Now is the time for Silicon Valley companies to stop enabling this monstrous behavior - and go even further than they have already by permanently banning this man from their platforms and putting in place policies to prevent their technology from being used by the nations leaders to fuel insurrection.

Obama's statement was posted hours after Facebook announced it would lock President Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts at least until Inauguration Day on January 20th.

Twitter suspended Trump's account for 12 hours on Wednesday and for the first time deleted his tweets after he praised the mob who stormed Congress and said he 'loved' them.

His Twitter account is set to come back online on Thursday.

Trump's social media blackout Multiple social media companies have announced that Trump's accounts have been suspended following the violence at the Capitol: Facebook - Account access suspended until at least January 20th Instagram - Owned by Facebook. Account access suspended until at least January 20th Twitter - Trump's access to @realdonaldtrump account for 12 hours on Wednesday and deleted three incendiary tweets. YouTube - Video posted by Trump after the violence removed. Site-wide ban on videos which promote election fraud conspiracies Snapchat - Trump's account disabled 'indefinitely' Twitch - Trump's account disabled 'indefinitely' Advertisement

Michelle concluded by encouraging Americans to come together and heal in the aftermath of the attack.

'The work of putting America back together, of truly repairing what is broken, isnt the work of any individual politician or political party. Its up to each of us to do our part. To reach out. To listen.

'And to hold tight to the truth and values that have always led this country forward. It will be an uncomfortable, sometimes painful process. But if we enter into it with an honest and unwavering love of our country, then maybe we can finally start to heal.'

The former first lady's statement was released a day after her husband, former President Barack Obama, weighed in on the unprecedented breach of Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

The 44th president said that the chaos was not surprising based on the rhetoric surrounding the election.

'History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation,' Obama wrote in a statement Wednesday.

He added: 'But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.'

The former president remained largely silent on the scene taking place in Washington D.C. on January 6  the same day Congress moved to certify the election for Joe Biden, who served as Obama's vice president for eight years.

He weighed in, finally, around 8:00 p.m., as the massive scene at the Capitol dissipated and Congress continued their joint session to accept the Electoral College results six hours behind schedule.

'Here's my statement on today's violence at the Capitol,' Obama wrote in a tweet with an image of his statement attached.

'Their [Republicans'] fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of resentment,' Obama wrote. 'Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up in a violent crescendo.'

Obama said he feels optimistic that members of the GOP are turning against the president, claiming: 'We need more leaders like these.'

Michelle Obama's statement on Trump and Capitol riots in full I woke up yesterday elated by the news of Reverend Raphael Warnock's election victory. He'll be Georgia's first Black senator, and I was heartened by the idea that the senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Churchthe home parish of Dr. King and a spiritual and organizational hub during the Civil Rights Movementwould be representing his state in the United States Senate. In just a few hours, though, my heart had fallen harder and faster than I can remember. Like all of you, I watched as a gangorganized, violent, and mad they'd lost an electionlaid siege to the United States Capitol. They set up gallows. They proudly waved the traitorous flag of the Confederacy through the halls. They desecrated the center of American government. And once authorities finally gained control of the situation, these rioters and gang members were led out of the building not in handcuffs, but free to carry on with their days. The day was a fulfillment of the wishes of an infantile and unpatriotic president who can't handle the truth of his own failures. And the wreckage lays at the feet of a party and media apparatus that gleefully cheered him on, knowing full well the possibility of consequences like these. It all left me with so many questionsquestions about the future, questions about security, extremism, propaganda, and more. But there's one question I just can't shake: What if these rioters had been like the folks who go to Ebenezer Baptist Church every Sunday? What would have been different? I think we all know the answer. This summer's Black Lives Matter protests were an overwhelmingly peaceful movementour nation's largest demonstrations ever, bringing together people of every race and class and encouraging millions to re-examine their own assumptions and behavior. And yet, in city after city, day after day, we saw peaceful protestors met with brute force. We saw cracked skulls and mass arrests, law enforcement pepper spraying its way through a peaceful demonstration for a presidential photo op. And for those who call others unpatriotic for simply taking a knee in silent protest, for those who wonder why we need to be reminded that Black Lives Matter at all, yesterday made it painfully clear that certain Americans are, in fact, allowed to denigrate the flag and symbols of our nation. They've just got to look the right way. What do all those folks have to say now? Seeing the gulf between the responses to yesterday's riot and this summer's peaceful protests and the larger movement for racial justice is so painful. It hurts. And I cannot think about moving on or turning the page until we reckon with the reality of what we saw yesterday. True progress will be possible only once we acknowledge that this disconnect exists and take steps to repair it. And that also means coming to grips with the reality that millions voted for a man so obviously willing to burn our democracy down for his own ego. I hurt for our country. And I wish I had all the solutions to make things better. I wish I had the confidence that people who know better will act like it for more than a news cycle or two. All I know is that now is a time for true patriotism. Now is the time for those who voted for this president to see the reality of what they've supportedand publicly and forcefully rebuke him and the actions of that mob. Now is the time for Silicon Valley companies to stop enabling this monstrous behaviorand go even further than they have already by permanently banning this man from their platforms and putting in place policies to prevent their technology from being used by the nation's leaders to fuel insurrection. And if we have any hope of improving this nation, now is the time for swift and serious consequences for the failure of leadership that led to yesterday's shame. Thankfully, even in the darkness, there are glimmers of hope. Its something I imagine Reverend Warnock has preached about beforeand Im still heartened beyond belief that hes headed to Washington. Im glad his fellow Georgian, Jon Ossoff, is too, and that together theyll help give control of Congress back to the only party thats shown that it can put our democracy above its own short-term political fortunes. I pray that every American, especially those who disagree with them, will give our new Congress, President-Elect Biden, and Vice-President-Elect Harris the chance to lead us in a better direction. But make no mistake: The work of putting America back together, of truly repairing what is broken, isnt the work of any individual politician or political party. Its up to each of us to do our part. To reach out. To listen. And to hold tight to the truth and values that have always led this country forward. It will be an uncomfortable, sometimes painful process. But if we enter into it with an honest and unwavering love of our country, then maybe we can finally start to heal. Advertisement

President Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts will remain locked until at least January 20th amid fears that he will incite more violence.

In an extraordinary blog post, Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg accused Trump of using the platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government.

The decision was announced by Zuckerberg on Thursday, and will likely put pressure on Twitter after Trumps favorite social media platform suspended him for 12 hours on Wednesday evening.

Zuckerberg said the president used his Facebook page 'to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building' and that allowing him to freely post in the final 13 days of his term would pose too great a risk.

Facebook on Thursday locked President Trump's account at least until after Inauguration Day. In September 2019, Trump posted a photo of him shaking hands with Zuckerberg during a meeting in the Oval Office. 'Nice meeting with Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook in the Oval Office today,' the president wrote at the time

The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden, Zuckerberg wrote.

In the 13 days left in his presidency, Trump will not be able to communicate to his more than 35.2 million followers on Facebook.

The president will also be blocked from his 24.6 million followers on Instagram, a Facebook-owned property.

His decision to use his platform to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building has rightly disturbed people in the US and around the world, the statement by Zuckerberg read.

In an extraordinary post, Zuckerberg accused Trump of using Facebook to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government

We removed these statements yesterday because we judged that their effect - and likely their intent - would be to provoke further violence.

Following the certification of the election results by Congress, the priority for the whole country must now be to ensure that the remaining 13 days and the days after inauguration pass peacefully and in accordance with established democratic norms.

Over the last several years, we have allowed President Trump to use our platform consistent with our own rules, at times removing content or labeling his posts when they violate our policies.

We did this because we believe that the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech.

But the current context is now fundamentally different, involving use of our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government.

Zuckerberg concluded: We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great.
For the 20th straight day, there were virtually no vacant intensive care beds available across much of California as hospitals scrambled to treat wave after wave of new COVID-19 patients.

This surge has been relentless, said Dr. Ahmad Kamal, Santa Clara Countys COVID-19 director, during a Wednesday press briefing. It is straining our health care system to a breaking point.

Intensive care bed availability in the Bay Area rose fractionally on Wednesday to 7.4%, but the overall picture across the state looked grim. Capacity remained at 0% in Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley, the two hardest-hit regions.

A record 21,922 people were hospitalized with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in California as of Wednesday, according to data compiled by The Chronicle. Nearly 4,700 of those patients were in intensive care units.

There were 503 new COVID-19 deaths reported  well above the two-week daily average of just under 300 deaths a day.

The total number of confirmed cases in California grew by 43,907, pushing the state over 2.5 million confirmed infections since the start of the pandemic.

Health officials urged residents to stay home, mask up and avoid frivolous 911 calls due to the unprecedented strain on hospitals and emergency medical systems.

The E.R. is full, said Dr. Jeffrey Chien, the director of the emergency department at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose. Folks are waiting for beds  were getting really creative with places to seat patients.

The dire warning came after some hospitals in Santa Clara County reported waits of up to seven hours to put patients in beds.

Before Thanksgiving, the county was averaging about five cases per 100,000 people. Now, its 50 per 100,000, according to Dr. Kamal, the countys COVID-19 director.

This is 10 times worse than weve had before, he said. As awful as it is, it can get worse.

Hospital outbreak

The news briefing came as a report emerged that nearly 10% of the emergency room staff at a Gilroy hospital have tested positive for the coronavirus, the second outbreak to hit South Bay hospitals in recent weeks.

Eight out of around 80 emergency department staff at St. Louise Regional Hospital contracted the coronavirus in the past week, Joy Alexiou, public information officer for the Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System, said Wednesday.

Infected staff members are quarantining and none required hospitalization.

Mario Tama / Getty Images

Santa Clara County Counsel James Williams said he expects the state will extend the regional stay-at-home order for the Bay Area, which is set to expire on Friday.

The order was already extended in the Southern California and San Joaquin Valley regions.

We have every indication it will be extended here in the Bay Area as well because the hospital situation has not improved since it was issued, Williams said.

Terrible milestone

The picture in the Southern California region was even more dire, with public health data showing that more than 1,000 residents in Los Angeles County have died of COVID-19 over the past week.

L.A. County reached the terrible milestone of more than 11,000 deaths due to COVID-19, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said in a statement Wednesday. As a community, we must commit to stopping the spread of COVID-19 in its tracks so that we can save as many lives as possible.

Los Angeles County health officials have directed ambulance crews not to transport patients with little chance of survival to hospitals and to conserve the use of oxygen.

California has assigned more than 1,420 additional medical personnel around the state in an effort to lessen the strain on hospitals facing surging new cases and hospitalizations.

The program is being managed by the states Office of Emergency Services and includes members of the National Guard, emergency responders and over 800 contractors.

Vaccine delays

The staggering number of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths come as vaccines continue to trickle out. Less than one-third of the available vaccine doses have been administered in California so far, according to state data.

As of Tuesday, 459,564 doses out of the 1,762,900 allocated to California had been administered, covering roughly 1.5% of the states entire population of adults.

Mario Tama / Getty Images

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said at a press briefing Wednesday that states should not let priority recommendations get in the way of distributing vaccines. He said states like California should open up vaccinations to older adults and vulnerable groups.

By all means, you want to be opening up to people 70 and over, or 65 and over, Azar said.

Pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens said Wednesday that they expect to complete the first round of vaccinations at skilled nursing facilities by Jan. 25.

In a statement, CVS Health CEO Larry J. Merlo said the company is in discussions with several states to make a limited number of doses available in the coming weeks at its CVS Pharmacy locations in advance of the broader rollout.

Variant spreads

Concern continued to grow around a highly contagious variant of the coronavirus that has been discovered in California.

Twenty-four new cases of a mutated SARS-CoV-2 strain, known as B117 and first identified in the United Kingdom in December, were discovered in San Diego County on Tuesday.

Out of the 24 newly confirmed patients, four are children under 10. The infected are believed to have no travel history and to have come from 19 different households, county officials said.

The fact that these cases have been identified in multiple parts of the region shows that this strain of the virus could be rapidly spreading, said Wilma Wooten, San Diego Countys public health officer.

Gov. Gavin Newsom canceled his daily COVID-19 update Wednesday in response to the events transpiring at the U.S. Capitol, where protesters overran the building during congressional presidential confirmation proceedings.

Earlier in the day, Newsom called for $600 stimulus payments to low-income Californians. With less than a month to go before California property owners could resume evicting tenants who have not paid their rent, he also said that he would support extending the states partial eviction moratorium.

Aidin Vaziri is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avaziri@sfchronicle.com
Representatives from Masterise Homes (from L: Tran Quoc Hoai, Nguyen Huong Lien, Jason Turnbull) and representatives from Marriott International (from L: Justin Malcolm, Scott Hodgetts, Ha Quoc Minh) and guests from US Consulate General (C: Alexander Tatsis, Economic Section Chief) and AmCham Vietnam (C: Mary Tarnowka, former Consular General for the USA in Vietnam and Executive Director AmCham Vietnam) at the signing ceremony. Photo by Masterise Homes.

The joint effort of both entities  each with impressive experience and expansive expertise in property development and hospitality management  is expected to introduce the new ultra-luxurious Branded Residences to Vietnam. The partnership also underscores Masterise Homes position as Vietnams leading real estate player, reflecting its six-year transformation to become a reputable world-class property developer.

The agreement will allow Masterise Homes to extend its development expertise into Vietnam's fast-growing luxury real estate market, leveraging Marriott Internationals global brands like Marriott, JW Marriott and especially The Ritz-Carlton.

"Masterise Homes is building renowned properties in Vietnam, and has solidified its position as an industry leader given our focus on the real estate ecosystem with premier international standards. Collaboration with Marriott International is another feather in our cap and, given their global standing, further highlights our capabilities to deliver the best living experiences with world-class standards to our residents," said Jason Turnbull, deputy managing director cum CFO, Masterise Homes.

"Vietnams growth throughout the years has been very impressive," remarked Rajeev Menon - president - Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. "We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Materise Homes to realize their vision of building premium communities in Vietnam, and are excited about growing our branded residence footprint in the region."

Marriott International is one of the world's leading hoteliers. Since its first hotel opened in 1957, the company now encompasses a portfolio of over 7,500 properties spanning 132 countries and territories. While premium brands like Marriott offer sophisticated spaces and experiences for upscale customers, luxury brands like JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton provide exceptional bespoke services and amenities that define a new era.

"Our development will be associated with some of the most renowned brands in Marriott Internationals portfolio, including Marriott, JW Marriott and The Ritz Carlton  the first residences of these brands in Vietnam.

"Their design, development, management and operation standards would follow the same requirements of any branded residence carrying the same brand around the globe, offering global citizens a privilege to experience world-class ultra-luxury living similar to a 5-star JW Marriott branded residence in London or a Ritz Carlton in New York," Turnbull added.

The projects currently in their planning stage are located in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and will take the lead in introducing the Urban Branded Residences concept to Vietnam. The Branded Residences experience, as seen in many developed real estate markets, offers tremendous opportunities in Vietnam amidst rising demand for alternative residential products offering the next level of luxury living.

Grand Marina Saigon - the first highly anticipated project is situated at a one-of-a-kind location in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Its site is the last remaining large plot of developable land on the northern bank of the river within District 1, with a unique waterfront and historical background. The development is a large-scale, mixed-use complex with residential, office and commercial features. It is expected to be Marriott International's largest branded residence project in the world, and the companys first foray into Vietnams vibrant branded residential market segment.

The development will also position Masterise Homes as one of the largest real estate players in Ho Chi Minh City, supporting Marriott Internationals global portfolio of properties. The complex, envisioned to be ultra-luxe, is set to be a highly exclusive and dynamic community and economic hub at the city's heart, attracting Vietnams tastemakers as well as international high-net-worth individuals.
Larry King, a former CNN talk show host, has been admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 for over a week.

The 87-year-old is undertaking treatment at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Larry King Tests Positive For COVID-19

Veteran talk show host King has been moved out of the intensive care unit (ICU) at the hospital and is currently breathing on his own, stated a spokesperson.

According to David Theall, a spokesman for Ora Media, a production company formed by King, King was transferred to the ICU on New Year's Eve and was previously receiving oxygen.

He is not out of the woods yet as he remains hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

According to King's family, "Larry continues to improve. He and his sons thank everyone for the outpouring of support and can't wait to get him home," reported Yahoo.

The statement added, "They also thank the medical workers and staff at Cedars-Sinai and hospitals elsewhere who are providing care to so many people under extraordinary circumstance."

As he receives treatment, the broadcaster is currently in isolation and not able to have visitors.

King's career has spanned over six decades.

The host has Type 2 diabetes and has been diagnosed with angina, lung cancer, and heart attacks in the previous years, reported Sky News.

King is what experts would call one of the most susceptible to the novel coronavirus due to his medical issues.

King is reportedly the go-to guy for interviews with notable newsmakers, and the man remains to host the show "Larry King Now."

He had experienced cardiac problems back in 1987, had lung cancer in 2017, and had a stroke and angioplasty in 2019.

Also Read: New York Nurse First in US to Be Fully Vaccinated After Being Administered Final Shot

Hospital protocols have prohibited King's family members from visiting him in the hospital.

According to a source close to the family, "Larry has fought so many health issues in the last few years and he is fighting this one hard too, he's a champ," reported The Guardian.

The broadcasting legend was among the United States' most prominent interviewers of celebrities, presidents, and other newsmakers in a half-century career that involved 25 years of an evening show on CNN. The iconic host is one of the most recognizable names on American television, known for his trademark rolled-up shirtsleeves, suspenders, multi-colored ties, and large glasses.

His roster of interviewees has gone from all US presidents since 1974 to world leaders Vladimir Putin and Yasser Arafat, and celebrities Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand.

King's three sons are not allowed to visit him.

King's medical issues prompted him to start the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, a non-profit organization seeking to help those without health insurance to afford medical care.

In 2020, he lost two of his children. According to King in a statement, his son Andy King died of a heart attack at 65 in August, and his daughter Chaia King died from lung cancer at 51 in July.

The broadcaster shared a video phone call with his three sons.

He is best known as the host of "Larry King Live," an interview show that ran in primetime on CNN between 1985 and 2010.

Related Article: 33 Countries Report Cases of New COVID-19 Variant From UK

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Kingspan Insulation, a global leader in insulation and building envelope solutions, has announced the launch of its innovative pre-clad ductwork system, KDuct, mainly aimed at catering to the external ductwork applications.



Ideal for external and outdoor applications, plantrooms, risers, congested spaces and lightweight specifications, the KDuct is a revolutionary product made of thermoset fibre-free pre-insulated duct board with a heavy-duty outer jacket.



The new product line would provide ultra-strength and rigidness, cost-savings over traditional exterior ductwork, extra-low air leakage which does not allow conditioned air to escape and highcompressive strength among several other benefits, said a top official.



"KDuct Ductwork system would help our customers to save extra cost and time due to its lightweight and single fix properties," stated Sarmad Fakhri, Managing Director of Kingspan Insulation.



"Unlike the traditional approach to ductwork construction, which requires sections to be lagged with insulation once installed, Kingspan KDuct panels are preinsulated with a high-performance insulation core. This single-fix and lightweight design reduces installation time and transfers the cost benefits to the building owners," he noted.



Kingspan KDuct Pre-Clad Duct System offers high performance, rigid, closed-cell insulation core, manufactured with a blowing agent with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and low Global Warming Potential (GWP). At the same time, the panels are faced on both sides with an embossed aluminium foil, he added.



A part of Kingspan Group, the company is a global leader in insulation and building envelope solutions aimed at improving building performance, construction methods.



Kingspan Group, which started as a small Irish family business in the 1960s, now operates in over 70 countries, with more than 100 manufacturing facilities and employing 13,000+ people globally.-TradeArabia News Service
For years, PewDiePie has been subject to controversies. This time, the Swedish YouTube star is reportedly trying to dodge his taxes by migrating his UK company, PewDie UK Limited, to Nicosia, Cyprus.

As initially reported by Input Magazine, PewDiePie has been the sole director of his company since April 2019. Pewds, whose real name is Felix Kjellberg, appointed two additional Cyprus-based directors Andreas Menelaou and Kseniia Milevska. The two provided "a correspondence address in Nicosia, Cyprus, to Companies House, the UK's register of companies," the reports reveal.

Why Cyprus? "The island of Cyprus has been transformed into an international financial center as a result of its excellent geographical location, tax incentives, and high standard of living," the company's website explains.

Read also: What Happened to Jack Ma? Chinese Tech Mogul Suspected Missing.

Pewds Dodge Tax Obligation?

Many experts suggested this move as a way for Pewds to dodge his tax obligation legally, as Cyprus has a lower rate of corporation tax than the UK, a country where Pewds is based now. Pewds settled with his now-wife, Marzia, to Brighton in 2013.

From a tax perspective, the UK's broad general rule is that companies are automatically subject to the tax, which stands at 19%. Meanwhile, in Cyprus, corporation tax is "only" 12,5%.

"If the decisions, the overall management, and strategic decisions are conducted outside the UK, you can migrate that company outside the UK for tax purposes, and therefore the UK lets go of it and corporation tax," Nimesh Shah, CEO of Blick Rothenberg, a London-based accounting, tax, and advisory practice, told the Magazine.

Pewds is not the first and definitely wouldn't be the last high profile person to practice such an act. Many would try to keep it as quiet as possible as, even though it's legal, it can damage their reputation if it's twisted in a negative light.

Money in the Bank

According to Forbes, PewDiePie earned a whopping $15 million. He was crowned as the second highest-earning gamer in the world after fellow YouTube and Twitch star Michael' Ninja' Blevins, who led the pack with $17 million annually.

However, PewDiePie's numbers are still far from Ryan Kaji, the world's current highest-paid YouTuber, who amassed over $22 million and $26 million from his videos and product advertisement respectively in 2018 and 2019.

In 2015, the Swedish tax authorities hit the YouTuber with a 9,000 fine after he mistakenly excluded profits from his production company in his 2013 tax return. Pewds also once told his viewers that he intended to relocate to Japan with Marzia but is still looking to see how taxes and visas work in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Taxes suck," says Jordi van den Bussche, a popular YouTuber known as Kwebbelkop. "If you're young, you're flourishing, making an insane amount of money and think you're on top of the world, and then the taxman says: 'That's going to be 40 percent or 30 percent or 20 percent,' that can be a pretty heavy hit if you don't know anything about it."

Related article: 'Cyberpunk 2077': Player Shows Viral New Mod Showing Exploding NPCs.

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A staff nurse at Portlaoise's busy Emergency Department (ED/A&E) is the first person to be vaccinated for Covid-19 in Laois.

Aidel Aurel Casabar received the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise on Thursday, January 7. She was vaccinated by her colleague Mary Gilligan, Clinical Placement Co-ordinator.

Staff vaccinations started the same day when the first batch of 200 doses arrived at the Laois hospital. Pans are in place to deliver the first dose of the vaccine to all staff. The HSE says peer vaccination team of up 20 nurses will vaccinate staff Monday to Saturday ensuring that all personnel are protected in a planned and timely way.

Mr. Michael Knowles is General Manager, Midland Regional Hospital which is busy with Covid-19 patients.

Covid-19 has been extremely challenging for our staff and continued service delivery. The beginning of our vaccination programme is very encouraging and marks a dawning of a new year for us all. Staff are being offered the Pfizer BioNTech Covid19 vaccine and we would hope to be in a position to vaccinate all staff in the coming weeks, dependent on the vaccine availability. We would ask our staff and community to work with us to flatten the current surge in covid cases. It is really within our hands. Please stay at home and protect yourself and others, he said.

Ms. Sandra McCarthy, Director of Nursing, appealed for the public's support.

We truly find hope today as we begin this vaccination campaign. Staff have worked so hard to care for their patients throughout this pandemic and are very tired. Covid-19 has been unrelenting but the end is in sight. We need everyone to play their part, stay at home and stay safe, she said. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The Management Team at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise at the launch of the Covid-19 vaccination programme at the Hospital. Dr John Connaughton, Clinical Director, Ms Sandra Mc Carthy, Director of Nursing, Kathleen Ward, Operations Manager, Michael Knowles, General Manager, Fiona Moore, ADON Nurse Practice Development Department, Mary Gilligan, Clinical Placement Co-ordinator, Caitriona Gowing, Chief II Pharmacist and Aidel Aurel Casabar, Staff Nurse A&E. MORE BELOW TWEETS

Have my COVID Vaccine stay safe mind face mask, hand hygiene and social distance pic.twitter.com/5Ct4UicPjd  Dr Tariq (@drtariq_ie) January 7, 2021

Well done to colleagues assisting and providing vaccinations to our frontline staff at MRHPortlaoise. Historic and unique time in the health service providing hope.#StayHome #SaveLives @soomeraghsandra @DMHospitalGroup  Maureen Revilles (@RevillesMaureen) January 7, 2021

Portlaoise is part of the Dublin Midland Hospital Group which includes hospitals in Tullamore, Naas, and in Dublin - Tallaght, St James's, the Coombe and St Lukes.

Mr. Trevor OCallaghan CEO Dublin Midlands Hospital Group spoke of the importance of the vaccination programme to hospitals.

The Dublin Midlands Hospital Group is very pleased to see the continued roll out of this vaccine in our Hospitals following the first vaccine in St James Hospital. We have been extensively planning with Hospitals and their vaccination teams to coordinate the supply of the available vaccine and ensure all frontline staff within the Hospital Group can be vaccinated in a timely way. Earlier this week, the vaccination programme was successfully launched in Tallaght University Hospital, the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital and Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. Today the vaccine programme will launch in Naas General Hospital the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network. The Group is also working with Community Health Organisation partners to include prioritised community health frontline workers as part of the vaccination roll out.

Ms. Eileen Whelan, Chief Director of Nursing at Dublin Midlands Hospital Group said

Vaccinations work, and vaccination is key to ensuring patient and staff safety during the Covid 19 pandemic. Our vaccination teams have a wealth of experience across all our hospitals to commence the roll out of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. We would like to acknowledge all the work that has been undertaken so far and we will continue to build on our capacity to fully complete this programme ensuring our staff are fully protected.

The Chief Executive of the HSE Paul Reid said on Thursday that, so far, more than 15,000 people have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

The HSE says that worldwide, vaccines save at least 2-3 million lives each year  and protect many more from crippling and lifelong illnesses.

"Only COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorised by the European Medicines Agency, having met stringent safety and effectiveness standards, will be used in Ireland. All COVID-19 vaccines will be carefully monitored over time and updated safety data and information will be published and shared by the HSE, on our website and in our printed information materials," said a statement issued by the DMHG.

The HSE says everyone can find factual, up-to-date information, based on scientific evidence on:

www.hse.ie/covid19vaccine

www.gov.ie/covid19vaccine

www.hpra.ie

www.who.int
Karlie Kloss has publicly shamed Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner for refusing to accept Donald Trump's loss, while Tiffany is facing a backlash for being tone deaf after she wished Eric happy birthday in the middle of the siege on the US Capitol.

The supermodel, who is pregnant with her first child, tweeted Wednesday night that she has 'tried' to tell her sister- and brother-in-law that refusing to accept the results of 'a legitimate democratic election' and 'inciting violence' is 'anti-American'.

Kloss had slammed the mob of Donald Trump supporters who violently broke into the Capitol in a siege where one woman was shot dead in a Twitter post Wednesday night.

'Accepting the results of a legitimate democratic election is patriotic. Refusing to do so and inciting violence is anti-American,' she tweeted around 9 p.m.

Her post sparked an instant rebuke from one social media user who fired back that she should: 'Tell your sister in law and brother law.'

Kloss responded by telling them: 'I've tried.'

Kloss is married to Josh Kushner, brother of Jared - Ivanka's husband and Trump's senior adviser - and son of Charles - the real estate tycoon who the president pardoned last week.

Supermodel Karlie Kloss tweeted Wednesday night that she has 'tried' to tell her brother- and sister-in-law that refusing to accept the results of 'a legitimate democratic election' and 'inciting violence' is 'anti-American. Pictured in a recent Instagram

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have been publicly shamed by sister-in-law Karlie Kloss as she hit out at them for refusing to accept Donald Trump's loss

A social media user fired back at the supermodel: 'Tell your sister in law and brother law.' Kloss responded: 'I've tried'

The supermodel's comments came after Ivanka described the violent mob as 'American Patriots' before quickly deleting the tweet following a backlash.

Earlier Wednesday, Ivanka addressed the attack on the US Capitol by calling the mob 'American Patriots'.

'American Patriots - any security breach or disrespect to our law enforcement is unacceptable. The violence must stop immediately. Please be peaceful,' she wrote as her father's supporters stormed the Capitol.

She later deleted the tweet when outraged followers asked if she believed the attackers were 'patriots'.

'Clarifying, @IvankaTrump, you're saying these people are 'patriots' ??' asked a CNN reporter.

Ivanka replied: 'Peaceful protest is patriotic. Violence is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.'

Kloss and Josh have reportedly had something of a fraught relationship with Ivanka and Jared in recent years due to their political differences.

While Jared and Ivanka are some of Trump's closest advisers, Kloss and Josh have been vocal about their support for the Democrats.

Kloss and Josh have reportedly had something of a fraught relationship with Ivanka and Jared in recent years due to their political differences

While Jared and Ivanka are some of Trump's closest advisers, Kloss and Josh have been vocal about their support for the Democrats

Back in October, Kloss wore a Joe Biden mask as she posed for a photo with her 2020 mail-in ballot.

Meanwhile the president's other daughter Tiffany also came under fire for an ill-timed tweet as she send a birthday message to Eric Trump while the seat of government was plunged into lockdown.

'Happy Birthday @erictrump I love you and I'm so grateful to always have you by my side!' the president's daughter tweeted Wednesday, just minutes before the 6 p.m. Washington DC curfew went into effect.

She also posted photos of herself with her brother, who turned 37, including one of the pair posing in front of the Washington Monument which was today the scene of unrest.

Social media users were quick to hit out at the president's daughter, telling her to 'read the room'.

'Clearly haven't spoken to your family or seen the news,' one person tweeted.

Another simply told her to 'read the room' while someone else hit out saying: 'Kind of a tone deaf and ill timed message isn't it?'

Ivanka Trump resisted telling her father's supporters to leave the Capitol, and called the violent protesters 'American patriots' before deleting her tweet and writing 'Violence is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms'

Tiffany's timing was perhaps all the more bizarre as she fired off the birthday message in between two tweets calling for peace.

'Peace above all,' she wrote around 4:30 p.m.

'We have to have peace' she then added at around 8 p.m.

Trump's other children all fell uncharacteristically silent Wednesday evening as the unrest at the US Capitol rumbled on, despite the 6 p.m. curfew.

The president had finally told his mob of supporters to 'go home' in an address to the nation posted on Twitter around 5 p.m. - hours after several lawmakers urged him to tell his fans to stand down.

In the address, however, he continued to peddle the unfounded claims of widespread election fraud and told the violent mob he 'love[d]' them.

'There's never been a time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it away from all of us - from me, from you, from our country. This was a fraudulent election, but we can't play into the hands of these people,' he said.

Tiffany Trump was also slammed for her response to Wednesday's riot as she was accused of being 'tone deaf' over her birthday message to brother Eric

She also posted photos of herself with her brother, who turned 37, including one of the pair posing in front of the Washington Monument which was today the scene of unrest

Social media users were quick to hit out at the president's daughter, telling her to 'read the room'

'We have to have peace. So, go home. We love you. You're very special. You've seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace,' Trump said.

Meanwhile, birthday boy Eric also tweeted about his celebrations.

'Never thought I would have 150,000 people sing me happy birthday on the National Mall in Washington D.C!' he wrote alongside a photo of him at Wednesday's rally.

When things turned violent, he then tweeted calling for 'law and order'.

'We are the party of Law & Order - prosecute anyone who crosses that line to the fullest extent of the law,' he wrote.

His brother Donald Trump Jr. urged his father's fans to 'be peaceful' - hours after he appeared to threaten Republican lawmakers at the rally.

Tiffany's timing was perhaps all the more bizarre as she fired off the birthday message in between two tweets calling for peace

'This is wrong and not who we are. Be peaceful and use your 1st Amendment rights, but don't start acting like the other side. We have a country to save and this doesn't help anyone,' he tweeted in the afternoon.

This came after Trump Jr. had warned GOP lawmakers that the Trump family would continue to fight the results of the election.

'These guys better fight for Trump. Because if they're not, guess what? I'm going to be in your backyard in a couple of months!' he told the crowd.

He also thanked the 'red-blooded, patriotic Americans' in the crowd 'for standing up to the bulls**' and an expletive-filled rant riling up the crowd.

MAGA supporters stormed inside the Capitol and violently clashed with police in a bid to stop Joe Biden's victory being certified, causing lawmakers to take cover and flee to an undisclosed location for safety while the building went into lockdown.

Birthday boy Eric tweeted about his celebrations before calling for 'law and order'

His brother Donald Trump Jr. urged his father's fans to 'be peaceful' - hours after he appeared to threaten Republican lawmakers at the rally

One female Trump supporter, identified as US Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit of San Diego, died after being shot in the chest.

It was not immediately clear who shot the woman and an investigation is ongoing.

Dozens of police were also reportedly injured and at least one pipe bomb was found on the grounds.

Several Trump supporters posed for photos at the Senate dais moments after Vice President Mike Pence delivered his rebuke to Donald Trump there while others broke into Nancy Pelosi's office, with one man later boasting about looting an envelope from the House Speaker's desk.

President-elect Joe Biden addressed the nation in a speech telling the 'mob to pull back' and urging Trump to tell his fans to stop the violence and leave the Capitol building.

This came just hours after he held a rally where he had encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol in protest at the certification of Biden's win and where his personal attorney and the man who spearheaded his failed election legal battle - Rudy Giuliani - told supporters to pursue a 'trial by combat'.

Supporters of Donald Trump are seen inside the US Capitol after rioters breached security and entered the Capitol

Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday

The National Guard was deployed to help police enforce a 6pm curfew in Washington DC to stem the violence and the building was briefly secured.

Another lockdown was issued in the evening due to an 'internal security threat' after an officer was reportedly found unconscious.

At around 8pm lawmakers flanked by armed guards began arriving back at the Capitol to resume the Joint Session to certify the Electoral College count of the presidential election.

Vice President Mike Pence condemned the violent siege as he reopened the Senate telling the perpetrators 'violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the people's house.'
Kerry Katona has revealed that she's still got Covid-19, three weeks after first testing positive for the virus.

The former Atomic Kitten, 40, took to Instagram on Thursday to update her fans on how she was feeling, telling them that she's 'sick of being sick'.

Clearly frustrated, Kerry shared two foul-mouthed captions alongside her posts telling the virus to get 'out of my life' and saying 'I want a divorce!!!!'.

Frustrated: Kerry Katona has revealed that she's still got Covid-19, three weeks after first testing positive for the virus

Kerry penned: 'COVID please f**k off now!!!!!! Not only Im I sick of being sick Im sick of the lack of motivation I have and its bloody making feel extremely depressed!

'My get up has definitely got up and gone... probably gone to Dubai with the rest of the other f*****s! F**K OFFFFFF!!! Sorry for swearing.'

She then followed up the post with a snap of her positive result and further detailed how she's been struggling with the virus.

The frustrated star wrote: 'F**k off covid!! Im sick of being sick. Im sick of you f*****g with my mental health Im sick of being so bloody tired all time!

Positive: The star, 40, first revealed she and fiance Ryan Mahoney had tested positive on December 18, saying she's 'never felt so poorly' in all her life (pictured in December)

'Im sick of this cough and this mass feeling in my chest! Im just sick of you!!!! I want a divorce!!!!

'Wait what sorry wrong drama just so use to saying that over the years! I want you out of my life NOW F**K OFF but Ryans test is negative! Just me!!! Bloody great!!!'

Kerry first revealed she and fiance Ryan Mahoney had tested positive on December 18, saying she's 'never felt so poorly' in all her life.

The news of their positive results came just five days after their date night at Proud Cabaret.

Update: Kerry shared the confirmation that she's still positive for coronavirus to Instagram

While last week Kerry had to share a screenshot to 'prove' her positive Covid-19 result after she was targeted by trolls who claimed she was 'paid' to 'pretend' she has the virus.

Taking to Instagram, the mother-of-five posted a picture of her message from the NHS confirming that her 'coronavirus test result is positive'.

Kerry said that 'couldn't believe' she was having to prove her result as she hit back at the 'f**king stupid' trolls.

Kerry penned: 'I can't believe I'm actually having to do this just prove I had Covid!!!! The people who are saying that Celebs are being paid are f**king stupid idiots!!!!

Had enough: She ranted in the caption, saying she's 'sick' of having no motivation and is starting to feel 'extremely depressed'

'I'm sick of being sick': Kerry added that her fiance Ryan Mahoney is no longer positive

'These people are clearly not b****y right in the head! I honestly can't understand their thinking behind it! Very silly indeed....'

Kerry also issued a health update as she continued: 'But I'm on the mend thank god just have this cough! I wouldn't of wished it on anyone! Ive honestly never felt so poorly but happy to be through it now. Stay safe people xxx.'

The beauty had previously said she was 'on the mend' as she shared a makeup-free selfie to Instagram.

Insisting she 'wouldn't wish the disease on anyone', the reality TV star also admitted she was 'absolutely gutted' about not being able to spend Christmas with her mother Sue during her battle.

Hitting back! It comes after Kerry shared a screenshot to 'prove' her positive Covid-19 result after she was targeted by trolls who claimed she was 'paid' to 'pretend' she has the virus (pictured last Monday)

'I can't believe I'm actually having to do this!': Taking to Instagram, the mother-of-five posted a picture of her message from the NHS confirming that her 'coronavirus test result is positive'

Anger: Kerry penned: 'I can't believe I'm actually having to do this just prove I had Covid!!!! The people who are saying that Celebs are being paid are f**king stupid idiots!!!!'

The musician wrote in an accompanying caption: 'I know I don't look it.. but this is the best I've felt! I honestly wouldn't wish it on anyone.'

Mother-of-five Kerry added that she will be enjoying the festive season with four of her five children.

The TV star added: 'Absolutely gutted I can't have my mum here for Xmas.. but have 4 out of the 5 kids who are all really excited! Want to send you all love, happiness, positivity, light, joy and blessings.' (sic).

The fitness blogger raises children Molly, 18, and Lilly-Sue, 17, with ex-husband Brian McFadden, while she shares Heidi, 13, and Max, 12, with second spouse Mark and had Dylan-Jorge, six, with her former partner George Kay, who passed away in 2019.

Woes: The reality TV star also recently admitted she was 'absolutely gutted' about not being able to spend Christmas with her mother Sue during her battle (pictured together in 2018)

Kerry's eldest child lives in Ireland, and the songwriter hasn't clarified whether any of her kids have caught the virus.

Taking to her Stories, Kerry said: 'Never felt so poorly. Ryan and are holed up in the bedroom. My poor children. I honestly don't know what to do.

'For those who don't think Covid is real, think again!!!'

The businesswoman had previously shared a very poorly looking picture of herself, writing: 'Still waiting on our Covid results. Really praying we all just have flu', before posting another which said: 'tested positive.' (sic)

Happier times: Kerry revealed she had tested positive for Covid earlier this month alongside her fiance Ryan Mahoney just five days after their date night at Proud Cabaret (pictured with her partner, 31, in December)

Bad result: The media personality wrote she had in fact tested positive after hoping she simply had a bad flu

The blonde captioned her note with: 'Never felt so poorly in all my life!! Those who think this isn't real, think again!! Absolutely heartbroken! Sending love and light to all those effected.'

In September, Kerry revealed her brood would skip the start of school because they have to quarantine following their family getaway to Spain.

In the romance department, the I'm A Celebrity star got engaged to nutrition expert, Ryan, 31, following a two-year romance.
Most Hungarians associate January 6 with a quite new custom  taking down the Christmas tree decorated on December 24 (Twelfth Night tradition). However, the customs of this day root much deeper.

January 6 not only ends the Christmastide on this, the Twelfth Day of Christmas, but it also marks the beginning of the carnival season (farsang).



Up till the 4th century, the Christian church celebrated the birth of Christ on this day, and in connection to this, January 6 also commemorates the visit of the three wise men in Bethlehem at the crib of the Christchild (Three Kings Day).



In Hungarian folk tradition, young boys would dress up as the kings, wearing decorated pointy hats, and holding up a star would go from house to house, enacting a Three Kings play (haromkiralyok).

Since the baptism of Jesus was also remembered on this day (Theophany), holy water was consecrated on January 6, starting from medieval times. The Hungarian name of this day recalls this tradition  Vizkereszt refers to baptizing the water.



The holy water was believed to have miraculous power to heal, to keep the evil away, and also to bless the bride and the groom on their wedding day.

Blessing of the homes (hazszenteles) was also customary on January 6. The priest would go to each house and sprinkle the doorways with holy water, then would write with chalk G + M + B and the current year above the door. (The letters stand for the initials of the Magi, Gaspar, Menyhert, Boldizsar or C + M + B: Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar).



This blessing was said to protect the house from witches and lightning strikes.

And finally, a non-Christian tradition linked to January 6 was predicting the weather.



According to a saying connected to this day, "If water glints in the rut on Epiphany, short the winter will be" (ha Vizkeresztkor megcsillan a viz a kerekvagasban, nem lesz hosszu a tel). On the other hand, if it was cold on January 6, they hoped for an early spring.

Source: puszta.com



Republished with permission
American democracy is "limping on both feet" after the storming of the US Capitol by Donald Trump supporters, a senior Russian lawmaker said Thursday.

Konstantin Kosachyov, the chair of the Russian upper house's foreign affairs committee, said the stunning events in the US capital showed that Washington had no right to lecture other countries on democracy.

"The losing side has more than enough grounds to accuse the winner of falsifications -- it is clear that American democracy is limping on both feet," Kosachyov said in a post on Facebook.

"The celebration of democracy has ended. It has, unfortunately, hit rock bottom, and I say this without a hint of gloating.

"America no longer charts the course and so has lost all right to set it. And, even more so, to impose it on others."

Moscow has long bristled at US criticism of the state of Russian democracy under President Vladimir Putin, accusing Washington of hypocrisy and condescension.

Russian commentators have gleefully pointed to Trump's refusal to recognise the results of November's election, and growing divisions in the United States, as evidence of the country's decline.

The Kremlin has been accused of fostering those divisions with a campaign of interference and disinformation, including alleged attempts to disrupt the 2016 election in Trump's favour that prompted an FBI investigation.

Short link:


Google Assistant is one of the most capable virtual assistants in the digital world. It can manage your smart home devices, it can fetch you a cab, it can also help you shop. Now, Google has rolled out a new feature on Google Assistant that will help you...well...do nothing!

Google has collaborated with Cadbury to roll out a feature called Do Nothing mode. You can activate this mode by saying, Ok Google, eat a 5 Star. Once activated, Google Assistant will neither do any work nor let you work too hard.

Google says that while Google Assistant helps you become more PRODUCTIVE, with the 5 Star Do Nothing Mode it gives you more PERSPECTIVE. It will act like a chilled-out friend who is always by your side, motivating you to take.

Now the facts, while the Do Nothing mode will not get any work done -- be it setting an alarm or turning off the lights in your room or setting a reminder -- but it will help you relax and in turn have a conversation with Google Assistant that is full of sass and quirky responses.

Heres a quick glance at how this feature works:

This new feature is available on smartwatches, smart TVs and tablets running on Android 6.0 and above, Google Home, Android Phones running on Android 5.0 and above, iOS devices running on iOS 10 and above, Google Assistant-powered headphones and smart displays.

Now, theres a catch. Not everyone can use this feature. Android Police reports that the Do-Nothing mode is available only in India. So, if you are using a Google Assistant-powered device elsewhere, you might have to wait a little to get access to this feature.
New Delhi:

Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday addressed a press conference in Chennai where he said that he was brushed off by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley months ago, when he had warned him that the Centre is heading towards 'setting Kashmir on fire'.

"Around six, seven months ago, Mr. Arun Jaitley came to see me and I told him that they are mishandling Kashmir and they are going to set Kashmir on fire. And Jaitley brushed me aside and said that Kashmir is peaceful," Rahul Gandhi told media.

Asserting his point Rahul gandhi said that the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are 'mishandling' Kashmir.

NDA Government is creating a problem for the country by their incompetence and trying to utilize Kashmir as a political asset, said Rahul Gandhi.

#WATCH: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addresses a press conference in Chennai. https://t.co/etgCj682YD  ANI (@ANI_news) June 4, 2017

"Kashmir is India's strength and they are making it India's weakness," he added.

ALSO READ | Amarinder Singh meets Rahul Gandhi to discuss expansion of cabinet, tainted minister

Rahul Gandhi's assertion on Kashmir issue comes a day after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that a solution for the Kashmir unrest will be chalked out at any cost, adding that all the impediments coming in between the better future of Kashmir will be removed.



For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Wednesday said the U.S. side should stop its groundless suppression of Chinese applications and restrictions on the normal use of Chinese products and services in the United States.

"We will firmly support enterprises to safeguard their rights and interests in accordance with the law, and reserve the right to take necessary measures," an MOC spokesperson said in an online response to a press request for comments on the U.S. executive order that bans transactions involving eight Chinese APPs.

The U.S. move has deviated from the principle of fair competition, violates international economic and trade rules, and undermines normal market order, the spokesperson said, adding that it also harms the interests of consumers, including U.S. users, and will weaken the confidence of global investors in the U.S. business environment.

The spokesperson said the eight apps affected by the U.S. executive order are widely welcomed by the market and consumers, and have facilitated contactless payment, people's communication, and work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. restrictions on the apps will not help prevention and control of the disease, nor economic recovery, the spokesperson added.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday also condemned the U.S. ban on the pretext of protecting U.S. citizens' privacy and data security.

"This is another example of the U.S. side stretching the concept of national security and abusing state power to groundlessly suppress foreign companies," spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a daily news briefing.
A 22-year-old man from Russell has been charged with setting fire to a historic home in the rural Manitoba community.

A 22-year-old man from Russell has been charged with setting fire to a historic home in the rural Manitoba community.

Mounties responded to reports of a house fire on Pelly Avenue in Russell at 11 p.m. Tuesday.

HANDOUT / RCMP Fire damaged a historical home on Pelly Avenue in Russell.

The building  known as the Red House  is the town's oldest home. It was built in 1888 by William J. Barrett-Lennard, a homesteader who served as reeve in the area in the late 19th century.

When RCMP officers arrived on scene, the house was engulfed in flames, and the fire department was battling the blaze.

At 12:55 p.m., 911 dispatchers advised the RCMP they had received a call from a 22-year-old man who said he had set the fire, police said.

Officers arrested a man a short time later. He was found in possession of "a container believed to be gasoline," police said.

Liam Flett, 22, has been charged with arson, mischief and break and entering to commit a crime. He has been remanded into custody. The RCMP continues to investigate.




We're a family of seven living in Georgia where Andrew's working as a professor at GSU. You can read more about us here
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / GlobeX Data Ltd. (OTCQB:SWISF) (CSE:SWIS) ("GlobeX" or the "Company"), the leader in Swiss hosted secure data management and secure communications, is pleased to report that its CEO, Alain Ghiai, joined Steve Darling from Proactive with news that the company's Private Placement is oversubscribed and is expected to bring in over a million dollars to the treasury.

Ghiai tells Proactive the funds will be used for the marketing of GlobeX Data's Sekur email and messaging security platform in North America, Latin America and South Asia.

The Interview article and video can be viewed by click this link: GlobeX Data CEO Interview

Or viewed directly on youtube here: Video link of Interview

GlobeX's Data privacy solutions are all hosted in Switzerland, protecting users' data from any outside data intrusion requests. In Switzerland, the right to privacy is guaranteed in article 13 of the Swiss Federal Constitution. The Federal Act on Data Protection ("FADP") of 19 June 1992 (in force since 1993) has set up a strict protection of privacy by prohibiting virtually any processing of personal data which is not expressly authorized by the data subjects. The protection is subject to the authority of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner.

Under Swiss federal law, it is a crime to publish information based on leaked "secret official discussions." In 2010 the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland found that IP addresses are personal information and that under Swiss privacy laws they may not be used to track Internet usage without the knowledge of the individuals involved.

About GlobeX Data Ltd.

GlobeX Data Ltd. is a Cybersecurity and Internet privacy provider of Swiss hosted solutions for secure data management and secure communications. The Company distributes a suite of secure cloud-based storage, disaster recovery, document management, encrypted e-mails, and secure communication tools. GlobeX Data Ltd. sells its products through its approved wholesalers and distributors, and telecommunications companies worldwide. GlobeX Data Ltd. serves consumers, businesses and governments worldwide.

On behalf of Management

GLOBEX DATA LTD.

Alain Ghiai

President and Chief Executive Officer

+1.416.644.8690

corporate@globexdatagroup.com

For more information please contact GlobeX Data at corporate@globexdatagroup.com or visit us at https://globexdatagroup.com.

For more information on Sekur visit us at: https://www.sekur.com.

For more information on SekurSafe visit us at: https://www.sekursafe.com.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guaranteeing future performance. GlobeX 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 GlobeX's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the future of the Company's business; the success of marketing and sales efforts of the Company; the projections prepared in house and projections delivered by channel partners; the Company's ability to complete the necessary software updates; increases in sales as a result of investments software development technology; consumer interest in the Products; future sales plans and strategies; reliance on large channel partners and expectations of renewals to ongoing agreements with these partners; anticipated events and trends; the economy and other future conditions; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in GlobeX's prospectus dated May 8, 2019 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available on www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, GlobeX undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

SOURCE: GlobeX Data Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623502/GlobeX-Data-CEO-Interviewed-on-Proactive-About-Its-Oversubscribed-Private-Placement-and-the-Sekurcom-Launch-in-North-America-Latin-America-and-South-Asia
A one-shot Covid jab that has the potential to significantly boost Britain's sluggish vaccination scheme may be approved in the UK by next month, it was claimed today.

Scientists and Government sources believe the vaccine, made by the Belgian arm of pharmaceutical giant Johnson and Johnson, could be given emergency authorisation within weeks.

The jab uses similar technology to the Oxford University vaccine, making it just as easy to transport and store, but requires just a single injection to protect against Covid.

However, it won't be clear how effective the vaccine is until its trial results are made public and submitted to the UK's medical regulator, which is expected to happen by early February.

Sir John Bell, regius professor at Oxford University and an adviser to the UK's Vaccine Taskforce, told The Telegraph he believes the vaccine will 'work well' and become available in time for the mid-February target.

Britain has already struck a deal for 30million doses of the vaccine, with the option of ordering 22million more. It is hoped supplies could arrive in time to help the Government fulfill its ambitious promise of vaccinating 13million Brits by mid-February.

If approved, it would be the third vaccine in the UK's arsenal, after the Pfizer and Oxford jabs.

So far the UK's vaccination scheme has been plagued by supply and staffing shortages, logistical problems and bureaucratic barriers that have strangled its scale-up. It has meant that only 1.3million Brits across the UK have had the jab since it launched a month ago.

A one-shot Covid jab that has the potential to significantly boost Britain's sluggish vaccination scheme may be approved in the UK by next month, it was claimed today

Scientists and Government sources believe the vaccine, made by US pharmaceutical giant Johnson and Johnson, could be given emergency authorisation within weeks

Sir John added: 'My prediction is that it'll work well, although we need to wait for the trial results.

'I think they will have supplies available for the UK in a time frame that would allow it just to catch the mid-February target of getting the numbers up.

'I think it may well have a material impact on what we can do in the UK to get more people vaccinated.'

HOW DOES THE J&J VACCINE WORK? Johnson and Johnson's vaccine is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus). The team have modified the adenovirus so it can enter cells but cant replicate inside them or cause illness. Researchers have already used this technology to produce vaccines against a number of pathogens including flu, Zika and Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers). After the J&J vaccine is injected into a persons arm, the adenoviruses enter human cells and travel to their nuclei, the chamber where the cells DNA is stored. The vaccine are programmed to carry the genetic code of the coronavirus's 'spike protein', which Sars-CoV-2 uses to invade the body. Iit uses this genetic code to trick the body into mounting an immune response, priming the immune system to attack coronavirus if the real virus infects the body. Advertisement

Developed by Janssen, the Belgian-based arm of Johnson and Johnson, the vaccine uses a harmless adenovirus to deliver genetic material that tricks the human body into producing proteins known as antigens that are normally found on the coronavirus's surface, helping the immune system develop an arsenal against infection.

Like the Oxford jab, which also uses adenoviral vectors, it can be stored and transported in normal fridges.

However the key difference is that the J&J jab is designed to be effective as a single dose, whereas Oxford and Pfizer's is given in two shots over more than three weeks.

If trials show it is effective at blocking Covid, it will become the first approved jab to work in a single injection and could rapidly speed up mass immunisation plans.

Trials of the vaccine have wrapped up and researchers are now combing through the final data and should file it for approval from UK, US and EU regulators in the coming weeks.

Johnson and Johnson has said it is ready to ship doses from its factories in Europe as soon as it gets the seal of approval.

The US firm launched a separate trial of the jab in November to see if it was even better and lasts longer when administered in two doses. That trial is involving 30,000 volunteers around the world, including 6,000 Brits.

Professor Saul Faust, director of the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility and the chief investigator leading the trial, told The Telegraph: 'We are really hopeful of good results from the single dose trial.

He added: 'We need all the vaccines, and it might well be that one dose will be approved by the regulators for emergency use. But we don't know yet. And we won't know until the trials are done.'

It comes after it emerged the EU will get doses of a third vaccine, made by Moderna, before the UK.

Europe's drug regulator yesterday approved the Moderna and will get supplies from next week thanks to a deal it struck in summer last year.

But Britain will miss out on early access to the vaccine because it officially left the EU last week and did not place its own order early enough to get an exclusive supply.

UK regulators didn't rush to approve the vaccine when phase three trials finished at the end of last year because it couldn't get any delivered until the spring.

They will now have to do their own assessment of the jab because the automatic carry-over for licences granted by the EU ended with Brexit.

Moderna's jab, which appears to be just as good as Pfizer/BioNTech's and works in the same way, is already being used on members of the public in the US.

The US got first dibs on supplies of the jab in exchange for funding its research and development, and other countries were offered deliveries early in 2021.

Experts on the European Medicines Agency gave the vaccine their seal of approval today and the European Commission finalised a deal for 180million doses.

Europe pencilled in a deal in August and deliveries of the first batches will begin next week, Moderna confirmed today. The company 'continues to be in discussion' with the UK.

Scientists in the UK said not ordering Moderna's vaccine earlier was not an error because it would have been a gamble to order another vaccine the same as Pfizer's, both of which use the same technology that had never been tried before Covid-19.

But as Britain is now scrambling to vaccinate millions of people every week and fears being hamstrung by supply shortages, an extra jab could have been a blessing.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the riots and the storming of the Capitol in Washington.

"We strongly condemn the unprecedented violence against the U.S. Congress. We are inspired by the resilience of this world's oldest and greatest democratic institution that within mere hours after this horrific attack, held a historic session that affirmed the will of the American people," Zelensky wrote on Twitter.

Business owners need to be prepared for the possibility that they may not reopen until the end of March, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has warned.

It came as the Government announced tough new restrictions aimed at stemming the massive surge in Covid-19 cases. Taoiseach Micheal Martin urged people to face the coming weeks with steely determination and resolve in a bid to suppress the virus. He said personal decisions people make will directly affect how many more people get sick and how many more people die.

Mr Martin, meanwhile, said people should forget about take-away pints and publicans should not be selling them as they can lead to gatherings that spread the virus.

Read More

Garda checkpoints will be returning today as part of additional policing measures due to Level 5 lockdown.

Static checkpoint under Operation Fanacht will recommence from 7am on national roads  not motorways  with random local mobile checkpoints designed to support the stay home message.

The Courts Service announced no new Central or Criminal Court trials would begin this month. Some longer trials involving larger numbers of defendants and witnesses had been due to begin at Croke Park but these will not start until February at the earliest.

Announcing the new restrictions, Mr Martin said: We are in a battle against the deadly and ever changing virus.

The lockdown were introducing today is designed to reflect that stark and simple reality. Unless youre involved in absolutely essential work you have no reason to be away from your home.

Mr Varadkar said there is hope in the form of Covid-19 vaccines but the vulnerable must be protected until they can be inoculated.

January is the month in which we all stay in, he said.

Mr Varadkar set out a timeline that would see nursing home residents, healthcare staff, very elderly people and those with chronic illness vaccinated by the end of March.

The hospitality sector has been closed since Christmas Eve and the Enterprise Minister was asked if pubs and restaurants may need to stay closed until then.

Mr Varadkar said the timeline he described is with use of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines and it could be stepped up more if the Astrazeneca one becomes available. But he added: if I was running a business now I would be thinking that its a probability that Ill be closed until the end of March.

He added: In case I put the heart across people we will review the situation on January 30 and make decisions on restrictions then.

The situation is deteriorating. It is very bad. It is going to get worse in our hospitals and ICUs. Were not going to be out of the woods by the end of January.

Supports like the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and weekly payments for businesses which are closed will continue until at least March 31 in case things go on that long. He added: I think anybody in the business community needs to be prepared for that possibility. Up to 500,000 people may end up on the PUP.

Mr Varadkar said the Government is engaging with banks to ensure they provide additional payment breaks to mortgage holders and people with loans who cant meet the payments as a result of the crisis and the response so far has been positive.

Both Mr Martin and Education Minister Norma Foley spoke of how its still the Governments intention to hold the traditional Leaving Cert exams this summer and said the public health advice is that schools are a safe environment.

Leaving Cert students will be able to attend their schools for three days a week under the Governments plan. Mr Martin said the move would mean there would be around 61,000 people travelling to and from schools rather than more than 1m students and teachers if they were left fully open.

Asked about the possibility of a rebate scheme for parents paying fees for creches whose services they cant use, Mr Martin said Children Minister Roderic OGorman is examining the matter.

A Department of Children statement said Mr OGorman is asking that providers pause payment of fees or return fees paid in advance for parents who are not essential workers and therefore cannot access services.

The resumption of the ECCE pre-school programme has been postponed until February 1 with other services open for the children of essential workers only. A household of an essential worker, without an existing childcare arrangement, can form a bubble with another household so their child can be looked after.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said the ban on travel from Britain, which has been at the centre of an outbreak of a highly transmissible new strain of the virus, will be lifted on Saturday. Passengers coming from the UK by air or sea will be required to produce a negative PCR test result they got within 72 hours of travel. Failure to do so could result in a 2,500 fine or up to six months in prison.

Mr Ryan said requirement for the test will be extended to other red list countries in the coming weeks. Mr Martin said early data suggests 41pc of people who travelled from the UK in December and tested positive for the virus had the new variant.

Read More

Irish Independent

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Live video above: Congress reconvenes

A violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday and forced lawmakers into hiding, in a stunning attempt to overturn Americas presidential election, undercut the nations democracy and keep President-elect Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House.

One woman was confirmed to have been shot and killed. The National Guard and state and federal police were called in for control, and rare evening curfews were declared in Washington and nearby Virginia suburbs.

The protesters were egged on for weeks by Trump, who since the November presidential election had launched a barrage of false attacks on the integrity of the results. While rallying his supporters outside the White House Wednesday morning, he urged them to march to the Capitol. But later  hours after they fought police and breached the building  he told them in a now-deleted video that although they were "very special people and he backed their cause, they should go home in peace.

Other than a few tweets and that minute-long video, Trump was largely disengaged from the occupation of a main seat of the nations government. It was Vice President Mike Pence, not Trump, who spoke with senior defense leaders about calling up the National Guard.

President-elect Biden, two weeks away from being inaugurated, had declared in Wilmington, Delaware: "I call on President Trump to go on national television now to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege,

Biden said that democracy was "under unprecedented assault," a sentiment echoed by many in Congress, including some Republicans.







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

Follow along below for updates on the situation:

10 p.m.

Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m. curfew.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump has falsely said there was widespread fraud in the election to explain his defeat and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trump's, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

9:15 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.



Watch Pelosi's comments:

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

9:10 pm.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending 1,000 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials. It comes after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday: For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.s aid.

The presidents supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Trump convinced them that he was cheated out of a victory by rampant, widespread voter fraud, a false claim.

Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trump's false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

8:45 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Congress will not be deterred in confirming the results of the presidential election hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Republican leader reopened the Senate late Wednesday vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College for President-elect Joe Biden. It was interrupted earlier in the way when rioters breached the security perimeter and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. One person was fatally shot.

McConnell says demonstrators tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed.

Watch McConnell's statement:

McConnell plans to keep the Senate in session Wednesday to finish confirming the results.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true. He reiterated the claim in a video filmed as his demonstrators were storming the Capitol.

8:35 p.m.



Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.



Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Watch Schumer's remarks:

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation.

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

Obama says it should not have come as a surprise, and that for two months a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth.

He says their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

Pence condemns insurrection: 'Violence never wins'

7:50 p.m.



Congress is resuming its joint session after a dramatic and unprecedented day saw a mob of violent protesters storm the U.S. Capitol building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is set to reopen the proceeding in the Senate at 8 p.m.

7:20 p.m.

A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!"

State House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw said Evans will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.

He said he has not spoken to Evans yet about his involvement.

The delegate from Wayne County said in a statement later on Facebook that he was heading back to West Virginia and was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history.

7:15 p.m.



Vice President Mike Pence has returned to the Senate, according to his press secretary.

"He never left the Capitol," Press Secretary Devin O'Malley said in a tweet Wednesday evening. "@VP was in regular contact w/ House & Senate leadership, Cap Police, DOJ, & DoD to facilitate efforts to secure the Capitol & reconvene Congress."

They plan to resume congressional debates Wednesday evening, according to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others.

"And now we will finish the Peoples business," O'Malley said.

7:10 p.m.



Twitter has locked President Donald Trump's social media account in an unprecedented move, while Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have all removed the president's content.



Twitter further said it was requiring Trump to remove tweets and locking the president's account "for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets.

If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked."

The company said Trump's account also could be suspended permanently if future violations of its rules, "including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies," occur.







6:45 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that Congress would resume the certification of the Electoral College votes on Wednesday after rioters incited by President Donald Trump breached the Capitol and halted the process of declaring President-elect Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 election.

Pelosi said that following calls with the Pentagon, Justice Department and Vice President Mike Pence, the count would resume at the Capitol once it was cleared for use.

Lawmakers in both parties made clear they were determined to finish the count following the chaos at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday when the House and Senate debates on an objection to Arizona's election results were halted by the rioters surrounding the chambers.



6:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump has appeared to justify the violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

In a tweet Wednesday night, Trump said, These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

Trump has faced mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers to do more to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name.





6:20 p.m.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen says the violent pro-Trump protest at the U.S. Capitol was an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of democracy.

Rosen said Wednesday that the Justice Department has been working with U.S. Capitol Police and other federal law enforcement agencies to secure the Capitol. He says hundreds of federal agents from Justice Department agencies were sent to assist.

He called it an unacceptable situation and said federal prosecutors intend to enforce the laws of our land.

Dozens of President Donald Trumps supporters breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police declared the Capitol to be secure about four hours later.





6:10 p.m.



The Associated Press reports a woman who was shot as protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday has died from her injuries, according to a law enforcement source. The woman was shot by a law enforcement officer, but it was unclear which agency the officer belonged to. The woman's identity is unknown at this time.



The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

6 p.m.



Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

The occupation interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations around the Capitol complex and Washington, D.C. after thousands of Trump supporters breached the building and skirmished with police officers.

Lawmakers have signaled that they would resume the constitutionally mandated count as soon as it was safe to do so.





5:45 p.m.

Police are using tear gas and percussion grenades to begin clearing pro-Trump protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington.

Police donned gas masks as they moved in Wednesday evening with force to clear protesters from the Capitol grounds shortly before a curfew took hold. In the moments before, there were violent clashes between the police and protesters, who tore railing for the inauguration scaffolding and threw it at the officers.

Police used tear gas and percussion grenades to break up the crowd, which began dispersing.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police said at least one person was shot inside the Capitol; their condition was not immediately known.

The districts police chief said at least 13 people were arrested, and five firearms had been recovered during the pro-Trump protests on Wednesday.





5:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Ben Sasse is directly blaming President Donald Trump for the storming of the Capitol by huge, angry crowds of pro-Trump protesters.

The Nebraska lawmaker and frequent critic of Trump said Wednesday evening that the Capitol was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard  tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution.

Sasse says in a written statement, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The protesters broke into the building as Congress was beginning the formal process of certifying the electoral votes that gave Democratic President-elect Joe Biden a victory over Trump in November. Vice President Mike Pence has the ceremonial role of overseeing that certification and resisted Trump efforts to pressure him to overturn the election results.

Trump has continued to fallaciously claim that the voting was marred by fraud and that he actually won. Earlier Wednesday Trump addressed a huge crowd of protesters outside the White House and urged them to gather at the Capitol.





5:25 p.m.

The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.





5:15 p.m.

Pro-Trump demonstrators have massed outside statehouses across the country, forcing evacuations in at least two states. In St. Paul, Minnesota, cheers rang out from demonstrators in reaction to the news that supporters of President Donald Trump had stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Hundreds of mostly unmasked people people gathered outside capitols on Wednesday with Trump flags and Stop the Steal signs. In Georgia and Oklahoma, some demonstrators carried guns.

New Mexico state police evacuated staff from a statehouse building that includes the governors and secretary of states offices as a precaution shortly after hundreds of flag-waving supporters arrived in a vehicle caravan and on horseback. A spokesperson for the governor's office says there was no indication of threats at the statehouse.

The staff of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was sent home as several hundred pro-Trump demonstrators rallied outside the Capitol, though the demonstration remained relatively calm. A brief scuffle between pro-Trump demonstrators, who included members of the Proud Boys, and counterprotesters broke out in Columbus, Ohio, but there was no immediate threat to the Capitol.





5:05 p.m.

The police chief of Washington, D.C., says pro-Trump protesters deployed chemical irritants on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.

Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. One civilian was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behavior of the Trump supporters was shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful. She says, There will be law and order and this behavior will not be tolerated.

Metropolitan police have been sent to the Capitol, and authorities were coming in from Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey to help out. The National Guard was also deployed, as were Homeland Security investigators and Secret Service.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.



4:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump, in a video message, is urging supporters to go home but is also keeping up false attacks about the presidential election.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

Trump opened his video, saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said, we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. The statement came as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

Video: Biden calls on protesters to pull back

4:35 p.m.

At least one explosive device has been found near the U.S. Capitol amid a violent occupation of the building by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

Thousands of supporters of the president occupied the Capitol complex as lawmakers were beginning to tally the electoral votes that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Vice President Mike Pence has called on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than Trump, who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

4:10 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden's condemnation came after violent protesters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elects victory in the November election.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.



4:05 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Pence, long a loyal aide to the president, defied Trump earlier Wednesday, tell him he didnt have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. Trump had publicly called on Pence to overturn the will of the voters, but Pences constitutional role in the process was only ceremonial.

Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Trump later issued a restrained call for peace but did not ask his supporters to disperse.

4 p.m.

The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

Video: Senate GOP leader says challenging Biden win threatens republic

A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the citys armory. The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.

The officials said the D.C. request for National Guard was not rejected earlier in the day. Instead, according to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military in a law enforcement role at the Capitol. As a result, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Hoffman said the law enforcement response to the violence will be led by the Justice Department.



3:55 p.m.

The top Democrats in Congress are demanding that President Donald Trump order his supporters to leave the Capitol following a chaotic protest aimed at blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a joint statement on Wednesday after violent protesters stormed the Capitol. They said, We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately.

Video: Senators told to clear chamber as Sen. Lankford speaking

Trump earlier encouraged his supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he did not call for them to disperse. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he repeated his false claims that President-elect Joe Biden had won the election through voter fraud.

He urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:50 p.m.

The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trumps supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

She added, We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.

Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.

3:40 p.m.

Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on President Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters angry about his election loss.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he spoke with the president earlier Wednesday and told him to make a statement to make sure that we can calm individuals down.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that it is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey told The Associated Press that while he sympathizes with the protesters position, they shouldnt get violent, and it would be nice if Trump called on them to protest in a peaceful way in an appropriate spot, where you belong, where you should be.

Many Republicans had backed Trumps false claims of widespread voter spread to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.

This is Banana Republic crap that were watching right now, said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College vote.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has denounced the violence taking place at the U.S. Capitol in a tweet Wednesday afternoon.



"It Must Stop Now," Pence said. "Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building."

Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky also spoke out against the violence taking place at the U.S. Capitol.

"Violence and mob rule is wrong and un-American, and it will not bring about election reform," Paul said on Twitter. "Todays mayhem sets back any intelligent debate for a generation. Just stop it."

3:35 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from supporters of President Donald Trump who are protesting Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

3:30 p.m.

One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.

Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

3:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is encouraging supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he is not calling for them to disperse.

As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, No violence! adding: Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.

But Trump did not ask supporters to vacate the area as the unrest continued.

Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol  at one point even suggesting he would join them. He is upset that he lost the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and has falsely claimed voter fraud to explain it away.

He also urged his supporters to get rid of the weak Congress people  presumably through primary challenges  saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:10 p.m.

Pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump to condemn supporters who are violently clashing with law enforcement on Capitol Hill.

Among those urging Trump to act: his former communications director, Alyssa Farah, who tweeted that Trump should Condemn this now.

She says, you are the only one they will listen to. For our country!

Dozens of people have breached security perimeters at the Capitol, forcing the lockdown of the building and halting the vote to certify Joe Bidens presidential victory.

Trump has so far offered a single tweet asking his supporters to Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

His former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted: The Presidents tweet is not enough. He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home.

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, also addressed Trump supporters in a tweet, calling them the patriots challenging the fraudulent election and telling them that POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY.

3 p.m.

Protesters backing President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

Trump urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers have backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Protesters are now inside the Senate chamber. One got up on the dais and yelled Trump won that election.

Several dozen are roaming through the halls, yelling, Where are they?

Some were also in the visitors galleries.

2:50 p.m.



Protesters have breached Senate chambers, according to reports, while House members have been asked to "lie down on the floor and put on our gas masks," Rep. Dan Kildee posted to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.

"Chamber security and Capitol Police have their guns drawn as protesters bang on the front door of the chamber," Rep. Kildee said on Twitter. "This is not a protest. This is an attack on America."

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani, Trump's attorney, asked for those protesting to do so peacefully on Twitter.

"POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY," Giuliani said in part.

2:30 p.m.

Shortly after 1 p.m. hundreds of pro-Trump protesters pushed through barriers set up along the perimeter of the Capitol, where they tussled with officers in full riot gear, some calling the officers "traitors" for doing their jobs.

About 90 minutes later, police said demonstrators got into the building and the doors to the House and Senate were being locked.

Video from inside the Capitol showed Trump supporters marching through Statuary Hall. The U.S. Capitol Police is asking for additional law enforcement for assistance, including federal authorities, per a source familiar.

The protesters have breached exterior security barriers, and video footage shows protesters gathering and some clashing with police near the Capitol building. CNN's team on the ground saw a number of protesters trying to go up the side of the Capitol building. Several loud flash bangs have been heard.

Protesters could be seen pushing against metal fences and police using the fences to push protesters back, while other officers reached over the top to club people trying to cross their lines.

Flash bangs could be heard near the steps of the Capitol as smoke filled the air. In some instances officers could be seen deploying pepper spray. Tear gas has been deployed, but it's not clear whether by protesters or police, and people wiped tears from their eyes while coughing.

Trump supporters chanted "USA" and waved American and "Don't Tread on Me" flags toward the front of the crowd after things had calmed some.

House and Senate debates about Electoral College objections have been placed on recess.

The U.S. Capitol has been placed on lockdown.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has issued a citywide curfew that will go into effect beginning at 6 p.m. ET Wednesday and going into 6 a.m. ET Thursday.

11:30 a.m.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers have mobilized across Washington as thousands of supporters who refuse to accept President Donald Trump's election loss have flocked to the nation's capital to protest when Congress gathers Wednesday afternoon to put the final stamp on President-elect Joe Biden's victory.



By 10 a.m., Thousands of protesters gathered around the Washington Monument as the Elton John song "Tiny Dancer" played from loud speakers. The song was interrupted by an announcement telling people to leave behind backpacks, chairs and flagpoles so people could get through a security checkpoint. Hundreds of people carried flags. Some were American, some were Trump 2020 flags, among others.

As part of their preparations, police posted signs around the district warning of the illegality of gun possession during protests as Trump tweeted his support for the protesters, saying, "Our Country has had enough, they won't take it anymore!" and "We Hear you (and love you) from the Oval Office."

The Department of Homeland Security, which has staffed a "Virtual Situation Room" to help communication between different agencies, is "not currently tracking any active threats," spokesman Alexei Woltornist said.



Trump traveled a short distance from the White House to the rally Wednesday morning. About 20 aides were outside awaiting Trump's departure, audibly shouting "Save our country" as he boarded his SUV. Trump gave a fist bump and appeared to blow a kiss.

Trump addressed a large, tightly packed and largely maskless crowd of supporters on the Ellipse. His remarks got off to an inauspicious start as Trump's microphone appeared to be turned off as he began speaking.

"We can't hear you!" members of the audience were heard shouting on the video feed, though he appeared unaware and kept speaking.

Moments later, audio was restored, and Trump was railing against the media.

Trump's speech included calls for his vice president to step outside his constitutional bounds and overturn the results of the election.

"Hope Mike is going to do the right thing," Trump said at a rally on the Ellipse. "If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election."

Pence released a letter he wrote to congress Wednesday just after noon, saying he wouldn't object to Biden's victory.

A large glass barrier shielded Trump from the crowd, similar to when he spoke in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the Fourth of July 2019.

Ahead of Trump's speech, Rudy Giuliani was addressing the rally on the Ellipse, baselessly repeating claims that voting machines were "crooked," and continuing to insist that Pence can do something today to change the election's outcome, which he does not have power to do. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud.

"Let's have trial by combat!" Giuliani told the enthusiastic crowd.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the District is "absolutely prepared" for protests and announced that that at least ten people were arrested overnight related to the protests. At least one person was arrested for carrying an unlicensed gun and six people were charged with assault, including one for assaulting a police officer.

"We had several arrests related to that activity, but not a single one of them was a D.C. resident," she said.

Authorities  a mix that includes local police, National Guard and federal uniformed officers  had already arrested several people ahead of demonstrations including the leader of the Proud Boys, a far-right group that Trump directly addressed during an autumn debate to "stand back and stand by."

The Proud Boys' leader, Henry Tarrio, who goes by Enrique Tarrio, was released from police custody Tuesday on charges related to a protest last month and ordered by a local judge to stay out of DC as he awaits trial, including during this week's protests.

The Hearst TV National Desk contributed to this report.
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First Christian arrested under anti-conversion law in India's Uttar Pradesh while providing aid to poor

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A Korean Christian and three citizens of India have been imprisoned in Uttar Pradesh state for providing food and other aid to the poor amid escalating persecution in the majority Hindu country. Accused of fraudulent conversion attempts, the four individuals are the first to be imprisoned under the states newly-enacted anti-conversion laws.

Morning Star News reports that on Dec. 19, 50-year-old Mi Kyung Lee of Seoul, South Korea, and the three others were charged under the Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Ordinance in Greater Nodia, located in the Gautam Buddh Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh.

Raj Kumar Masih, an organizer overseeing the distribution of aid, told the outlet that he has organized relief aid to thousands of people since obtaining permission from the Additional District Magistrate on March 23, 2020. Aid was distributed in various areas, including at his church site.

We have proofs of our distribution and names and phone numbers of our beneficiaries, who can testify that we have not asked any of them to change their faith or religion, he said. All beneficiaries were distributed ration kits, but none were promised any kind of money.

However, according to the police complaint, a local woman claimed she was approached by the individuals arrested, who invited her to visit the local church to receive free rations offered during the pandemic. She told police the four began visiting her regularly and promised her money if she converted to Christianity.

As a result, local police arrested Mi Kyung Lee, a Korean Christian, Umesh Kumar, and two women helping with the distribution of aid named Seema and Sandhya. According to Morning Star News, Kumar and Sandhya are not Christians.

The four appeared in court on Dec. 20 and were remanded to jail, charged with violating Uttar Pradeshs new anti-conversion law and blasphemy by outraging the religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.

Masih believes the false accusation and arrests are part of a well-planned conspiracy by local Hindu nationalists, noting that "nobody even bothered to ask the arrested their side of the story.

What is shocking is that the driver, Umesh Kumar, and Sandhya are not even Christians. The local media have falsely reported them all to be Christians, he said.

Though the case marks the first time Christians have been convicted of forced conversions and jailed in India, anti-conversion laws are widely abused in states where they are enacted.

Persecution watchdog International Concern notes that Hindu nationalists often abuse these laws by falsely accusing Christians of forcefully converting individuals to Christianity to justify harassment and assault. Local police often overlook violence perpetrated against Christians due to the false accusation of forced conversions.

The group previously warned that the anti-conversion law enacted in Uttar Pradesh would incite more religiously motivated violence." Nearly 200 million people live in Uttar Pradesh, with only an estimated 350,000 identifying as Christian.

In April, over 30 Christians in southern Indias Tamil Nadu state were arrested on false charges of forcible conversion while providing food and other aid to the poor. However, police released the Christians with a warning that they should not be seen again attempting to convert people in the area.

A recent Persecution Trends survey from Release International predicted that in India, intolerance toward Christians and other religious minorities will continue to grow during 2021, largely due to growing Hindu nationalism.

RI noted that incidents targeting Indian Christians have risen steeply since 2014, when Narendra Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power.

It cited statistics revealing Christians suffered 225 incidents of religiously motivated violence during the first 10 months of 2020, compared to 218 incidents in the same period in 2019. Many of these attacks were by vigilante mobs.

The country is ranked at No. 10 on Christian support organization Open Doors 2020 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.
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Community interest trumps an individuals right to choose a life partner and the foremost duty of a secular state is to protect citizens from unlawful conversions, the Uttar Pradesh government told the Allahabad high court on Thursday, defending a contentious new anti-conversion law that critics allege violates constitutional rights.

In an affidavit responding to a clutch of public interest litigations (PILs) challenging the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance 2020, the state government said community and social interest are on a much higher pedestal than the right of two people to enter into wedlock.

When there is fear psychosis spread in the community at large and the community itself is endangered and succumbs to the pressure resulting in forceful conversionit becomes necessary that the interest of the community as a whole requires protection and no microanalysis of individual interest can be looked into, the affidavit, which HT has seen, read. Community interest will always prevail over the individual interest.

The affidavit was submitted before a bench led by chief justice Govind Mathur.

The UP ordinance was enacted on November 24 and prescribes a jail term up to 10 years and fine up to 25,000 for conversion under marriage, fraud, coercion or enticement. The law came into force days after chief minister Yogi Adityanath promised to fight against love jihad, a term used by some Hindu groups to describe relationships between Muslim men and Hindu women.

Several activists and legal experts have argued that the law could be used to target Muslims and infringed on the fundamental rights to equality, freedom of religion, and life and personal liberty.

But the 35-page affidavit contended that the law sought to protect the dignity and interest of a woman while she exercised her right of persona liberty and chose a life partner. It also said that the people were feeling safe after the legislation came into force. Once two adults agree to enter into a wedlock but if there is a fear psychosis in the community, then it is about the community interest rather than community thinking.This community interest is on a much higher pedestal than agreement of two individuals to enter into a wedlock, the document read. Community interest is synonymous to social interest which is equivalent to public interest.

The states additional advocate general Manish Goyal requested the case be adjourned indefinitely since the Supreme Court also issued notices on similar petitions on Wednesday. This plea was opposed by petitioners lawyers Devesh Saxena and Shashwat Anand.

The bench proceeded to turn down the state governments request, observing pendency of the matter before the apex court cannot be the sole reason for the high court to keep its hands off the case. The bench fixed the matter for a hearing on January 15.

The state government also pointed out that the words love jihad were nowhere used in the ordinance and claimed the law was equally applicable to all forms of forced conversion, not just to interfaith marriages.

Thinking of family or community is not the foundation but the interest of the community and interest to keep the family safe, and as a consequence, the entire social fabric in a balanced position is the objective, for which the consent of two adult individuals has to be regulated. In this regard, there being no existing law in the state of UP, the present legislation seeks to cure the mischief...In fact, people have reposed faith and are feeling safe after coming into force of the present legislation, stated the affidavit.

The document also detailed four instances to illustrate what constituted forced conversion in the governments view.

A Hindu, Sikh or Muslim boy studying in a convent school, and a Christian family living as a tenant alongside non-Christian families constituted situations that didnt amount to a forced conversion.But if Scheduled Caste person converts after being lured by a group of missionaries, or a Hindu woman marries a Muslim man, that could be an example of forced conversion, according to the government. In the latter case, the document said that after marriage, the woman will find herself under pressure to give up her faith even if she didnt wish to; and stop worshipping idols and accept Islam so that she could have a valid marriage under the personal law and enjoy the right of inheritance in her husbands properties.

This will amount to forceful conversion.The position remains the same if a Hindu boy wants to marry a Muslim girl. The Hindu boy will have to accept Islam.Here again, there is exercise of freedom of choice but loss of dignity, and the conversion is not exercised as a choice but on account of compulsion due to personal law intervening, maintained the affidavit.

According to the government, the ordinance intended to address this conflict of interest by safeguarding the inter-fundamental rights of individuals. The law did not aim at putting any fetters on the right of a woman to marry as per her choice but subjected it to certain machinery provision which are regulatory in character, it added.

Justifying the urgency behind the ordinance instead of passing a bill in the state assembly, the government maintained that a rise in cases of forced conversions led to some heinous crimes and a public outcry. It also pointed out that similar statutes existed in eight other states, and countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The government further urged the high court to leave it to the executive to decide the questions relating to validity of a marriage, as provided under the ordinance, and not decide such issues in judicial proceedings. It cited a judgment by the United States Supreme Court to buttress this argument.

On the question of the law placing the onus on the accused to prove his innocence as against the common principle of presumption of innocence till proven guilty, the affidavit said the burden of proof had rightly been placed on the accused since they will only have special knowledge of facts in these cases and that reverse onus is justified in cases of social evil.

The state government also criticised the November 11 judgment by another bench of the high court, which held that the right to choose a partner, irrespective of religion, was intrinsic to  the right to life and personal liberty. That judgment was passed in a case related to an interfaith marriage between a Hindu woman and a Muslim man.The affidavit submitted that the HC judgment was not a good law.
The anti-CAA and protesters in are now planning to form a political party that will raise their issues.

The proposed political party will be named Rashtriya Justice Party and efforts are on to bring protesters from every district on one platform.

This campaign is being spearheaded by former Bahujan Samaj Party MP, Iliyas Azmi, and steps have been initiated to get the new party registered at the Election Commission with a request for 'tarazu' (scales) as the election symbol.

According to Azmi, the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and ( Register of Citizens) protests last year had gained mass support and those who participated in it, did not work on basis of their political affiliations.

"Our purpose is to ensure justice for the weaker and downtrodden sections of society, especially Dalits and Muslims. Several former legislators are also keen to join the new party. Several people who were a part of the protests, are now keen to contest elections," he said.

These include Rajiv Yadav of Rihai Manch, Shahnawaz Alam of Congress and Sumaiya Rana who recently joined Samajwadi Party.

Azmi further said most of the political parties were concerned about vote bank politics but his new party would focus on issues.

--IANS

amita/pgh

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Photo: (Photo : Unsplash/Gabrielle Audu)

A girl donates all her birthday money to a homeless man after he returned grandma's missing wallet. She decided to pay back the selfless man who did not take advantage of the situation even though he had been homeless for five years.

Evelyn Topper had likely dropped her wallet when she was in a San Rafael, California, local coffee shop she patronizes with her granddaughter, Mikayla Gounard. However, she did not realize it went missing until when they reached home.

Upset because all her cards were gone

The grandma was upset because, besides her debit and credit cards, her medical cards were gone too. Topper got a call the next day, which put her at ease. Behind the coffee shop, Sean Curry found her wallet in a dumpster.

Thankfully, all the contents of the wallet were intact except for the cash. Although he was homeless for five years, Curry did not take advantage of the situation. Instead, he had gone out of his way to return the wallet to its owner.

See also: Husband and Wife Create Toys to Donate Them to Local Kids

The homeless man reached out to make plans on how to return Topper's wallet. The grandma described Curry's action as "mitzvah," which meant in Jewish tradition that a person with a good heart did a good deed because it is the right thing to do.

A person with a good heart

For Curry, what he did was not out of the ordinary. During an interview with "NBC," he said that that was how his parents brought him up and that he has a good heart. Usually, people who practice mitzvah do not expect anything in return, but the girl thought otherwise.

Instead of gifts for her birthday, Mikayla Gounard asked for donations for Sean Currey, the homeless man who found and returned her grandmothers lost wallet. Posted by Touch Of Hope on Saturday, January 2, 2021

Since she was celebrating her 12th birthday, Gounard had planned to have a "drive-by" party following social distancing. The girl asked that the money to buy her presents be donated to a charity in her name.

See also: 74-Year-Old Florida Man Helps 114 Families Pay Utility Bills

Gives back to the homeless man

Gounard had not thought of a charity to give her donations to. After she has learned about the good deed of the homeless man, she decided to give back. She placed Curry's photo alongside a collection basket with balloons and party favors on the day of her party.

She had raised several hundred dollars at the end of her processional. The next day, Gounard and her mom met up with Curry to give him what she had raised. What Gounard did had made the homeless man feel humbled.

See also: Army Veteran's Stepdaughter Donates Part of Her Liver to Stepdad

Curry was at a loss for words because he felt blessed by the heartwarming gesture that the little girl showed him. The 12-year-old girl chose to help a person in need because she felt it was the right thing to do.
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JESI, JAN 7 - A 55-year-old rail worker was killed by a railway bogie at Jesi in Marche on Thursday. The man, from Afragola near Naples, was hit by the rail-mounted digger while he was working near platform 4 at the town's station. He was employed by Centro Meridionale Costruzioni (CMC), a company from Casoria near Naples which is carrying out restyling work and taking down architectural barriers for rail company RFI. At Jesi Station, they are lowering the platforms and installing a lift, among other things. Police said the digger was being driven by a fellow worker who did not see the victim because he was too high up in his cabin. The victim was bending over the rail tracks. An autopsy has been ordered. (ANSA).
12 opposition parties extend support to farmers protest call on May 26; urge Centre to hold talks with farmers

Admin gears up as Hisar farmers get set to protest today

Punjab MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu hoists black flag at his residence in support of protesting farmers

Tractor march flagged off against farm laws by farmers

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 07: Amid tight security, thousands of farmers on Thursday started their tractor-march from protest sites -- Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders -- against the three agriculture laws.

Bharati Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) chief Joginder Singh Ugrahan said that farmers participated in the march with over 3,500 tractors and trolleys.

According to the protesting farm unions, this is just "rehearsal" for their proposed January 26 tractor parade that will be move into the national capital from different parts of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Farmers' protest: Several roads remain closed in national capital

Farmers started the tractor march around 11 am and moved towards Kundli Manesar Palwal Expressway amid heavy deployment of Delhi Police and Haryana Police personnel.

The tractor march, led by senior BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, moved towards Palwal.

"In the coming days, we will intensify our agitation against the three farm laws. Around 2,500 tractors from Haryana have participated in today's march.

"We want to warn that if the government doesn't not accept our demands, farmers' protest will get intensified further," Abhimanyu Kohar, a senior member of Samkyukt Kisan Morcha, told PTI.

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

The tractor march started from four different points -- Singhu to Tikri Border, Tikri to Kundli, Ghazipur to Palwal and Rewasan to Palwal.

Farmer protests: No improvement in situation observes SC

Braving severe cold and sporadic rains, thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and some other parts of the country have been camping at several Delhi border points for over 40 days, demanding repeal of farm laws, a legal guarantee on minimum support price for their crops and other two issues.

The seventh round of talks between protesting unions and three central ministers ended inconclusively on Monday as farmer groups stuck to their demand for the repeal of three laws, while the government listed out various benefits of the new acts for the growth of the country's agriculture sector.
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.
When the siege of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump is remembered years from now, a few images will probably endure over others: rioters scaling the exterior walls of the building; Keep America Great flags cloaked in tear gas smoke on the spot where Trump was inaugurated four years ago; security officers aiming their guns out a barricaded door of the House chambers while a mob encroached.

But while the country relied mostly on the reporters and photojournalists on the scene to tell the story of the historic and disturbing attempt to overthrow the verified results of a free and fair election, lawmakers were also there to share their own stories. From those who were inside the locked-down chambers of Congress, barricaded in their offices or evacuated into undisclosed locations, heres how some members of New Yorks congressional delegation experienced the siege.

Rep. Grace Meng

I was watching the marches on MSNBC, that scene with all the statues in a circular room. They probably didnt know that I was in there. I was scared they would try to open every single door  scared to call anyone and talk out loud myself, Meng told The City. The Queens lawmaker tweeted photos of her DIY barricade in a separate room in the Capitol.

After 5 hours Ive been rescued from my hiding place. Now i can show you my DIY barricade and gas masks. Protestors were right outside the door chanting USA USA it was scary but i am ok! Thanks all for your prayers. pic.twitter.com/OX3rfM35zH  Grace Meng (@Grace4NY) January 6, 2021

Rep. Tom Suozzi

Shots are being fired inside the Capitol chambers. Most people have evacuated. I feel surprisingly calm, Suozzi said in a cell phone video he shot inside the House chamber. Suozzi ducks below rows of seats as police officers yell, Everybody down!

Shots fired in the Capitol: something I never thought I would witness. The madness is over. The healing must now begin. pic.twitter.com/QE1GPdGF9G  Tom Suozzi (@RepTomSuozzi) January 7, 2021

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney

The Hudson Valley lawmaker tweeted from inside the House chamber, as lawmakers received word that tear gas was being used and were instructed to grab gas masks under their seats. Maloney tweeted photos of what looked like staff preparing to barricade the doors.

Scenes of madness today on the House floor. We must reject and rise above the lies and madness that incites this violence. God bless, America. Stand up for it. pic.twitter.com/pyduEvJASV  Sean Patrick Maloney (@RepSeanMaloney) January 7, 2021

Rep. Paul Tonko

As the crowd forced its way inside, the doors to our House chamber were locked and my colleagues and I were asked to hide under chairs to prevent being struck by stray bullets  When we were able to evacuate the House gallery, we did so by jumping over rows of chairs while wearing gas masks as officers barricaded the doors with guns drawn, the Capital Region lawmaker tweeted Wednesday night.

As the crowd forced its way inside, the doors to our House chamber were locked and my colleagues and I were asked to hide under chairs to prevent being struck by stray bullets.



2/  Paul Tonko(@RepPaulTonko) January 7, 2021

Rep. Nydia Velazquez

I saw the crowd of people going through the barricades  I saw people running, coming near the lawn of the Capitol. And so I immediately came back to my office, because at that moment we were getting notifications from the police to shelter, Velazquez told The City.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney

We were told to go to our offices and lock the door  Its a historic day for all the wrong reasons  They scaled into the Capitol, smashing windows, took over the chambers, Maloney told Vox podcast Today, Explained in an interview from inside her office at the Rayburn Building.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ala. (WTVA) - A crash involving two vehicles killed a woman from Town Creek.

Shiloe Wiegers, 42, died when her 2018 Honda Civic failed to yield to a 2019 Ford F250.

The crash happened at the intersection on Franklin County 75 and Franklin County 724 around 7:45 a.m.

State troopers are still investigating the crash.
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At least two explosive devices were reportedly found Wednesday in Washington, DC, according to U.S. media reports.

The discovery comes as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol building in a violent attempt to derail the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

The New York Times reports that one bomb was found at the Beltway headquarters of the Republican National Committee. It cited sources.

The report also said a suspicious package was being investigated at Democratic National Committee headquarters, though that package was not immediately determined to be an explosive.

The report said a suspicious package was being investigated at Democratic National Committee headquarters, though that package was not immediately determined to be an explosive.

NBC News additionally reported that at least one other device was found on the grounds of the US Capitol, the report added.

Go home, Trump to supporters

President Trump has told his supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol to go home and that he knows their pain but that they must go home in peace.

The clip has reportedly been flagged by Twitter and comments blocked.

I know how you feel, but go home and go home in peace. I know youre in pain. I know youre hurt, Trump said in a one minute video address released on his Twitter account.

We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it, especially the other side. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order. We dont want anybody hurt, he said.

Moments after Trump posted the message, Twitter labeled it with a warning that This claim of election fraud is disputed, and this Tweet cant be replied to, retweeted, or liked due to a risk of violence.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how a mob supporting Mr Trump descended on the Capitol soon after Congress convened a joint session to certify the Electoral College votes.

Biden won 306 electoral votes to Trumps 232.
Businesses yesterday called for tougher lockdown measures, with some going as far as proposing a long curfew spanning from 6 p.m to 6 a.m.

The curfew now starts at 9 p.m. and goes till 5 a.m. Businesses also called on the Government to free up the importation of Covid-19 vaccines to allow private sector participation and to allow people to travel overseas to get vaccinated.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 64F. Winds light and variable.
Biden Nominations Broaden Black Womens Leadership Roles: 1st Black Woman to Chair Council of Economic Advisers, 2nd in 40 Years to Head HUD

The selection of California Senator Kamala Harris to join and then win the nations Vice-Presidency gave unprecedented hope to Black women across the nation. Not only had a woman broken a glass ceiling in professional development; she was also Black and a graduate of Howard University, one of the nations premier Historically Black Institutions.

In recent days, however, two more significant nominations by President-Elect Joe Biden signal that the presence of Black women in the new administration is expanding in other ground-breaking roles. If confirmed by the Senate, Cecilia Rouse, a renowned economist will become the first Black woman to chair the nations Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) and Ohios Rep. Marcia Fudge, a former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus will become the second Black woman in 40 years to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Never before in the nations history have three Black women served in these three key posts. Moreover, as Black America seeks more fairness, inclusion, and equity with a new White House, these appointees are well-respected and ably qualified to serve in their respective roles.

Nominated on November 30 to serve as CEAs Chair, Cecilia Rouse is the current Dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), and a former CEA member during the Obama Administration. Earlier. she additionally served as a Special Assistant to President Bill Clinton, serving in his National Economic Council.

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As the Ivy League schools Katzman-Ernst Professor in Economics and Education and public affairs, she is also the founding director of the Princeton Education Research Section, a member of the National Academy of Education, the Brookings Institution, and a member of the editorial board of the American Economic Journal, focusing on economic policy.

Rouse joined Princeton in 1992, after earning her undergraduate and Ph.D. degrees in economics from Harvard University, and has led SPIA since 2012.

Princetons President offered his best wishes for her new role.

Ceci Rouse is a distinguished economist and an outstanding dean for the School, noted Christopher L. Eisgruber, Princeton Universitys President. For more than eight years she has led the School of Public and International Affairs with integrity and a steadfast commitment to scholarly excellence, diversity, and the free exchange of ideas. The School is stronger and better because of her contributions.

I am proud that she has once again been called to serve our country, this time in one of its most important leadership roles, added Eisgruber.

In a recent Twitter post, Ms. Rouse wrote, This job is about advising the President on how to rebuild and revive our economy. The planning for a fairer economy, grounded in facts and evidence, begins now.

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Similarly, on December 11, President-Elect Biden nominated Ohios Rep. Marcia Fudge to lead HUD. Also subject to Senate confirmation, Rep. Fudge will lead housing efforts to make bold investments in homeownership and access to affordable housing for low-income consumers, many of whom are Black, Brown and Native Families, according to the Biden-Harris transition. This effort will also mirror the over-arching Biden-Harris pledge to create [a]n economy where Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), and Native American workers and families are finally welcomed as full participants.

On her December 11 remarks, Rep. Fudge reflected on the responsibilities she would assume as HUD Secretary.

[O]ur task at the Department of Housing and Urban Development will be to stand up for the dignity of all Americans and deliver the promise of our nation to all those left out in the cold We will fight for housing in every community that is affordable, decent, and safe. We will help more Americans the secure dream of home ownership, to close the gaps of inequity, build wealth and pass it onto their childrenBut perhaps most importantly of all, we will help people believe once again, that their government cares about them no matter who they are. That we understand their problems.

Elected to Congress in 2008, Rep. Fudge has represented Ohios 11th District that includes 32 cities, suburbs and towns in Ohios Cuyahoga and Summit Counties, including Cleveland, Akron, and Euclid. She is also a past Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Prior to her election to Congress, she served in the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office, and broke racial and gender barriers as the mayor of Warrensville Heights. As its mayor, she focused on revitalizing both a sagging retail base and new residential construction.

A lawyer by training, Congresswoman Fudge is a graduate of Cleveland State Universitys Cleveland-Marshall School of Law, and earlier earned her bachelors degree in business from The Ohio State University. She is a Past National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a member of its Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter.

Numerous housing stakeholders also expressed support for the Fudge nomination including top industry leaders like the Mortgage Bankers Association, and the National Association of Home Builders. This corporate support is matched by that of lawmakers, consumer and affordable housing advocates as well.

An unflagging advocate for civil rights, Fudge brings decades of experience as a public servant and a strong commitment to ensuring equitable access to credit, education, healthy food, clean environments and other resources, which go hand-in-hand with access to housing, noted Lisa Rice, President and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance.

Having served as mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, Fudge will bring a unique understanding of how HUD programs are implemented on the ground locally, Rice said. We are further encouraged by the incoming administrations indication that its Day One priorities for HUD will include reinstating the 2015 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing and 2013 Disparate Impact rules.

Sharing that same concern on the Trump-era HUD rollbacks and the future of the Fair Housing Act is Nikitra Bailey, Executive Vice President with the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL).

The 2015 AFFH rule was a step toward fulfilling that laws mandate of breaking down segregation and the inequity it created. In quashing the rule, the Trump administration has taken our nation backwards, denying people the freedom to choose where they live and exacerbating the issues that we struggle with as our nation reckons with racial injustice today, said Bailey. The administration should reverse this action and take the necessary steps to ensure that all people, including Black Americans, can fairly participate in the American Dream.

Following the 1968 enactment of the Fair Housing Act, Black Americas rate of homeownership grew consistently until 2007 and the disproportionate foreclosures borne by Black and Brown consumers. By 2019, only 40.6% of Blacks were homeowners, a record low. Even in 2020 and a Black homeownership rate of 44%, Black America lags behind other races and ethnicities. By comparison, White homeownership stands at 73.7%, according to the Census Bureau.

These low rates of homeownership are a significant part of why racial wealth gaps continue to grow. For the average person, a home is the largest, single investment of a lifetime, bringing not only stability for families but the opportunity to build wealth through equity and inter-generational transfers of wealth.

CRLs federal policy agenda for President-Elect Bidens first 100 days in office addresses both legislative and administrative remedies for housing. A new HUD Secretary could enact several of these items including but not limited to full enforcement of fair housing and lending laws, requiring financial institutions to fulfill their Community Reinvestment Act mission that targets low-and-moderate income consumers, and creating a home ownership program that provides down payment assistance grants for those now underserved in the housing market  low-income, Black, Latino and other communities of color.

As Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, Californias Rep. Maxine Waters explained the current housing challenges in specific dollars and cents.

According to recent reports, $70 billion in back rent will be due by the end of the year and 20 million renters could face eviction by January 2021, while 2.8 million homeowners are in forbearance and 3.8 million are estimated to be in some stage of delinquency, Waters said. It is clear that in order to meet the scale and scope of this crisis, swift action must be taken.

The last four years consisted of a Trump Administration intent on doing everything in its power to diminish, rather than promote, fair access to housing; rescind, rather than strengthen, bedrock rules that prevent discrimination in housing; and ignore, rather than address, the housing and homelessness crisis our country faces amid an unprecedented global pandemic, concluded Rep. Waters.

Charlene Crowell is a Senior Fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at [email protected].
SC to lawyer: Where did you learn voting is fundamental right, denies plea against EVMs

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked a lawyer from where has he learnt that voting is a fundamental right, as it declined to entertain his plea seeking a direction to the poll panel to stop using EVMs in elections.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S. A. Bobde got irked when the lawyer insisted during the hearing that the right to vote was a fundamental right and the Election Commission decision to use EVMs in elections infringes on this right. "From where you get this that voting right is a fundamental right," the Chief Justice queried the lawyer and asked him to withdraw the PIL.

As the lawyer persisted with his argument, the Chief Justice pulled him up, "We like to learn, since when voting has become fundamental right. Do u have a copy of Constitution."

The bench asked the lawyer to first move the High Court in the matter. The plea was filed by advocate C. R. Jaya Sukin claiming that many developed countries -- the US, Japan, Germany -- do not conduct voting through EVMs as doubts have been raised about their accuracy. As per an estimate, 31 countries used or studied the EVMs, only 4 used it nationwide, 11 used EVMs in some parts or small elections, added the plea.

The bench also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian in its order said "After some arguments, the petitioner prays for withdrawal of this petition with liberty to approach the appropriate High Court. Prayer is allowed. Accordingly, the writ petition is dismissed as withdrawn with the liberty aforesaid."

The plea had argued that EVMs can be hacked and is a threat that has been shown not only in India, but in many other countries which is why a number of them have banned the voting machines.

"Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), like all other machines, are prone to errors and malfunctioning. No machine ever made anywhere in the world is infallible", added the plea.

The plea added that fake display units could be installed in the electronic voting machines which would show manipulated numbers and fake votes could be generated from the back end.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
Red Hat to Acquire Kubernetes-Native Security Leader StackRox

Red Hat (News - Alert) , Inc., the world's leading provider of open source solutions, today announced its intent to acquire StackRox, a leader and innovator in container and Kubernetes-native security. By bringing StackRox's powerful Kubernetes-native security capabilities to Red Hat OpenShift, the industry's leading enterprise Kubernetes platform, Red Hat will further its vision to deliver a single, holistic platform that enables users to build, deploy and securely run nearly any application across the entirety of the hybrid cloud.

Kubernetes, one of the fastest growing open source projects, is the foundation of cloud-native applications, which are core to the digital transformation that is occurring across industries. As container and Kubernetes adoption in production environments grows, challenges remain. According to Gartner (News - Alert) , "Container usage for production deployments in enterprises is still constrained by concerns regarding security, monitoring, data management and networking."1

To help mitigate these concerns, organizations need solutions that lay a secure foundation for modern workloads.

Container security is Linux security. Red Hat has long been a leader in security for enterprise open source solutions, beginning with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and continually evolving to set new standards to secure cloud-native environments. Building on this foundation, OpenShift takes a layered approach to securing containers, integrating security throughout the container lifecycle, from building, to deploying to running containers in mission critical environments.

With this acquisition, Red Hat will further expand its security leadership, adding StackRox's complementary capabilities to strengthen integrated security across its open hybrid cloud portfolio with greater simplicity and consistency. With StackRox, Red Hat will focus on transforming how cloud-native workloads are secured by expanding and refining Kubernetes' native controls, as well as shifting security left into the container build and CI/CD phase, to provide a cohesive solution for enhanced security up and down the entire IT stack and throughout the lifecycle.

Founded in 2014, StackRox was created with a goal of reinventing enterprise security and has evolved over the past two years to focus on Kubernetes security. Unlike first generation container security platforms, which were often container-centric offerings, StackRox differentiates with a Kubernetes-native security platform. With this, organizations can more easily control and enforce policies, using the same declarative approach as Kubernetes to scale their applications while still maintaining the necessary security.

The StackRox software provides visibility across all Kubernetes clusters, by directly deploying components for enforcement and deep data collection into the Kubernetes cluster infrastructure, reducing the time and effort needed to implement security, and streamlining security analysis, investigation and remediation. The StackRox policy engine includes hundreds of built-in controls to enforce security best practices, industry standards such as CIS Benchmarks and NIST, and configuration management of both containers and Kubernetes, and runtime security.

In addition to Red Hat OpenShift, StackRox will continue to support multiple Kubernetes platforms, including Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), Microsoft (News - Alert) Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), and Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE).

StackRox also helps to simplify DevSecOps and enable cloud-native environments to be more intrinsically secure, by integrating directly into application pipelines and customers' existing registry, image scanning and CI/CD tools. In October 2020, StackRox launched KubeLinter, an open source project that analyzes Kubernetes YAML files and Helm charts for correct configurations, with a focus on enabling production readiness and security earlier in the development process.

Consistent with Red Hat's open source heritage, Red Hat plans to open source StackRox's technology post acquisiion. Red Hat will continue to support the KubeLinter community as well as new communities as Red Hat works to open source StackRox's offerings.







The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

Supporting Quotes

Paul Cormier, president and CEO, Red Hat

"Securing Kubernetes workloads and infrastructure cannot be done in a piecemeal manner; security must be an integrated part of every deployment, not an afterthought. Red Hat adds StackRox's Kubernetes-native capabilities to OpenShift's layered security approach, furthering our mission to bring product-ready open innovation to every organization across the open hybrid cloud across IT footprints."

Kamal Shah, CEO, StackRox

"We're thrilled to join forces with Red Hat, coupling the industry's first Kubernetes-native security platform with the leading Kubernetes platform for hybrid cloud, multicloud, and edge deployments. This is a tremendous validation of our innovative approach to container and Kubernetes security. Red Hat is an ideal partner to accelerate our vision of enabling organizations to securely build, deploy and run their cloud-native applications anywhere."

Additional Resources

Connect with Red Hat

About Red Hat, Inc.

Red Hat is the world's leading provider of enterprise open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to deliver reliable and high-performing Linux, hybrid cloud, container, and Kubernetes technologies. Red Hat helps customers integrate new and existing IT applications, develop cloud-native applications, standardize on our industry-leading operating system, and automate, secure, and manage complex environments. Award-winning support, training, and consulting services make Red Hat a trusted adviser to the Fortune 500. As a strategic partner to cloud providers, system integrators, application vendors, customers, and open source communities, Red Hat can help organizations prepare for the digital future.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company or its parent International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM (News - Alert) ) may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Red Hat, the Red Hat logo and OpenShift are trademarks or registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries.

1 Gartner, Best Practices for Running Containers and Kubernetes in Production, 4 August 2020

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005823/en/
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / Core One Labs Inc. (CSE:COOL)(OTC PINK:CLABF)(Frankfurt:LD62) (WKN: A2P8K3) (the "Company" or "Core One") is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Robert E.W. Hancock as Executive Chairman of the Company, effective January 6, 2021.

Dr. Hancock is an internationally renowned academic in Microbiology and Immunology - having bestowed upon him the title of UBC Killam Professor of Microbiology and Immunology - is the Director of the University of British Columbia's R.E.W Hancock Laboratory at the Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, as well as a former Associate Faculty Member of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge, UK - one of the top 3 Genome campuses worldwide.

Receiving his PhD from the University of Adelaide, in 1975, Dr. Hancock has become one of the World's most highly cited International Scientific Indexing (ISI) research authors, with more than 108,000 citations, and has published more than 780 papers and reviews in his fields of expertise. Dr. Hancock is the holder of the important position of the Canadian Research Chair in Health and Genomics, as appointed by the Government of Canada, and is also a recipient of the Order of Canada, in addition to numerous other major health research awards.

Dr. Hancock is a co-founder of several companies, both private and public, including Micrologix, Inimex, ABT Innovations, and Sepset Biotherapeutics, and is the CEO of Vocan Biotechnologies Inc. ("Vocan"), a biotechnology company that Core One acquired on December 31, 2020.

Vocan is focused on advancing the knowledge of natural-based medicines for the treatment of mental health illnesses, including addictions, and has identified a patentable method of producing psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychotropic mushrooms. With the acquisition of Vocan, the Company is in the process of preparing to produce pharmaceutical grade psilocybin for use by researchers engaging in clinical trials, as well as for the recreational and micro-dosing markets.

Dr. Hancock's role as CEO for Vocan Biotechnologies, positions him as the best fit to lead the Company as Executive Chairman, and provide direction to the Company on its path to becoming a leader in the area of psychedelics as alternative medicines.

"I am honored to be joining Core One labs as the Chair of their Board. The Company's innovative business strategy and strong leadership team will position it to grow into one of the largest and most influential companies addressing the health and social benefits of safe psychedelic compounds.", stated Dr. Hancock.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Hancock to the Company as Executive Chairman. I look forward to working with him closely as his nearly 40 years of leadership in microbiology research will be vital to guiding our strategic initiatives in the alternative medicine market. His cutting edge research, and focus on producing low cost biosynthesized psilocybin at a large scale is a driving force behind Core One's position as a leader in the space" stated Joel Shacker CEO of the Company.

Dr. Hancock's appointment to the Company's Board of Directors fills the vacancy created by Casey Fenwick, who has resigned as a director of the Company effective immediately to focus on other ventures. The board of directors of the Company thanks Mr. Fenwick for his service to the Company.

About Core One Labs Inc.

Core One Labs Inc. is a research and technology company focused in life sciences and on bringing psychedelic medicines to market through novel delivery systems and psychedelic assisted psychotherapy. The Company has developed a patent pending thin film oral strip (the "technology") which dissolves instantly when placed in the mouth and delivers organic molecules in precise quantities to the bloodstream, maintaining excellent bioavailability. With this technology, the Company intends to further develop its IP technology to focus on delivering psychedelic molecules with an initial focus on psilocybin. Core One also holds an interest in walk-in medical clinics which maintain a database of over 200,000 patients combined. Through research and development in these clinics, including the integration of its intellectual property related to psychedelic treatments and novel drug therapies, the Company intends to work towards regulatory approval for research that advances psychedelic-derived treatments for mental health disorders.

Core One Labs Inc.

Joel Shacker

Chief Executive Officer

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

info@core1labs.com

1-866-347-5058

Cautionary Disclaimer Statement:

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

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 the Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. In addition, marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Although Congress has prohibited the US Justice Department from spending federal funds to interfere with the implementation of state medical marijuana laws, this prohibition must be renewed each year to remain in effect. 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. In addition, psilocybin is currently a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) and it is a criminal offence to possess substances under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) without a prescription. Health Canada has not approved psilocybin as a drug for any indication. Core One Labs Inc. does not have any direct or indirect involvement with illegal selling, production, or distribution of psychedelic substances in jurisdictions in which it operates. While Core One Labs Inc. believes psychedelic substances can be used to treat certain medical conditions, it does not advocate for the legalization of psychedelics substances for recreational use. Core One Labs Inc. does not deal with psychedelic substances, except within laboratory and clinical trial settings conducted within approved regulatory frameworks.

SOURCE: Core One Labs Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623389/Leading-Microbiologist-Dr-Robert-EW-Hancock-Appointed-as-Executive-Chairman-of-Core-One-Labs
More news links on today's historic and deadly hot mess and/or insurrection with a local focus . . . And as the voting continues.

Across State Line & The Aisle

Kansas, Missouri representatives react after protesters breach US Capitol Representatives from Kansas and Missouri are reacting on social media after President Trump's supporters breached the U.S. Capitol building Wednesday. The Associated Press reported that according to a source, a woman who was shot inside the Capitol has died. The shooting came as dozens of protesters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S.

Kansas Condemnation

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall: Events at U.S. Capitol 'unreasonable' and 'unacceptable' KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) condemned Wednesday's events at the U.S. Capitol after supporters of President Trump breached the U.S. Capitol. Marshall, who announced over the weekend that he would object to the Electoral College's results, said he condemns the violence at the highest level.

Objections Repeated

Sens. Hawley, Marshall double down on opposition to Electoral College vote KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley and Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall both held steadfast in their opposition to the certification of the Electoral College results after President Donald Trump supporters stormed the nation's capitol on Wednesday. Hawley said, once the Senate reconvened after an hours-long recess, that Congress is the "appropriate" place for concerns about the integrity of U.S.

Kansas Counterpoint

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall states the U.S. must have a peaceful transition of power, previously says he will object certifying Biden's victory by: Balin Schneider Posted: / Updated: WASHINGTON (KSNT) - Newly sworn-in Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall shared his thoughts in front of the U.S. Senate on Wednesday evening following protests at the U.S. Capitol. During his remarks, Sen.

MISSOURI SENATOR HAWLEY SHARES CASH REQUEST!!!

Sen. Hawley's campaign sends fundraising text at height of Capitol siege ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) -- Some News 4 viewers said they've received a fundraising text message from Senator Josh Hawley's campaign right at the thick of Wednesday's siege of the U.S. Capitol. We have confirmed that an organization campaigning on Hawley's behalf sent a fundraising text message at 2:31 pm central time, saying, in part, "Hi, I'm Josh Hawley.

Lockdown Show Down

Kansas and Missouri Congressional Delegations Condemn Pro-Trump Extremists Members of Kansas and Missouri's Congressional delegations tweeted that they were safe after pro-Trump extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday afternoon. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Missouri, and Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, said that they were sheltering in place. For two months, President Trump has falsely claimed that the election was stolen from him.

Kangaroo Consideration

UMKC professor calls storming of US Capitol unprecedented The protests that turned violent at the U.S. Capitol mark a new point in American history. It's been 200 years since something like Wednesday's violence occurred there."I think like most Americans I am appalled and disheartened by the actions," said Dr. Beth Vonnahme, a political science professor at UMKC.Vonnahme teaches political science and is the associate dean in the college of arts and science."So the last time I think the U.S.

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(Newser)  Hong Kong police arrested 53 former lawmakers and democracy proponents, including an American human rights lawyer, on Wednesday for allegedly violating the new national security law by participating in unofficial election primaries for the territory's legislature last year. The mass arrests were the largest move against Hong Kong's democracy movement since the law was imposed by Beijing last June to quell dissent in the semi-autonomous territory, the AP reports. A video on former lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting's Facebook page showed police arriving at his home and telling him he was "suspected of violating the national security law, subverting state power." Police told those recording the video to stop or risk arrest.

story continues below

The legislative election that would have followed the unofficial primaries was postponed by a year by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who cited the public health risks during the coronavirus pandemic. Mass resignations and disqualifications of pro-democracy lawmakers have left the legislature largely a pro-Beijing body. All of the pro-democracy candidates in the unofficial primaries were arrested, apart from a few who'd fled the territory. American human rights lawyer John Clancey was also among those taken into custody. Clancey was the treasurer of political group Power for Democracy, which was involved in the unofficial primaries. "We need to work for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong," Clancey said as he was being led away by police.

(Read more Hong Kong stories.)
[January 07, 2021]

FinAlyzer has been selected by SWELECT to Modernize Financial Reporting Operations

BANGALORE, India, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SWELECT has selected FinAlyzer for their financial consolidation and reporting requirements. FinAlyzer would enable SWELECT to automate and streamline the financial reporting operations within their organization. SWELECT Energy Systems is a leading Solar Power Systems Company with a strong presence in the global energy market for over 35 years



The business goal for SWELECT was to build transparent and efficient business performance monitoring and reporting capabilities. SWELECT wanted a unified platform that addresses both internal stakeholder as well as regulatory reporting requirements (Indian IFRS reporting - IndAS).

"We are truly honoured by the opportunity to solve the key problems being faced in the financial reporting operaions and to digitize the complex close and consolidation requirements of SWELECT", said Karthik Ganeshan, Co-Founder and Director of FinAlyzer software.







About FinAlyzer

FinAlyzer is a unified digital platform for financial consolidation, close, analytics, regulatory and management reporting. FinAlyzer is a key catalyst driving digital transformation for the CFOs office across industry segments. It automates the entire process of financial report preparation by seamlessly interfacing with any underlying ERP.

It delivers integrated group reporting, legal & management consolidation, segment-wise profitability reporting, and management dashboarding. FinAlyzer effortlessly converts financial and operational data to actionable insights with decision analytics, KPI's, insights, predictive forecasting, and benchmarks.

About SWELECT

SWELECT's core strength lies in technical expertise which is strongly backed with state-of-art manufacturing facilities for Solar PV Modules, Solar PCUs, Servo Stabilizers, Structural and Electrical Balance of Systems (BOS). SWELECT is recognized as a 'Tier-1 Solar PV Module Manufacturer' by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), the highly recognized global industry standard in classifying solar Photo Voltaic module manufacturers. SWELECT has also received certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for Solar PV Modules including the high-efficiency PERC modules.
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Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 63F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 63F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
NORTHWOOD, Iowa  A second trial is set for a Lake Mills man facing multiple drug charges.

Michael Lee Groe, 27, has pleaded not guilty in Worth County District Court to possession of methamphetamine-3rd offense. Authorities say meth was found in Groes vehicle during a December 2, 2019, traffic stop. His trial in that case is set to start on April 28.

Groe has also entered not guilty pleas to possession with intent to deliver meth, possession with intent to deliver alprazolam, two counts of possession of marijuana-3rd or subsequent offense, possession of meth, and failure to us a drug tax stamp.

He was arrested August 13, 2019, in Forest City after law enforcement said Groe was found in possession of 9.1 grams of methamphetamine, 40 pills of alprazolam, and a grinder with marijuana residue in it. Groe was arrested again on October 21, 2019, in Leland and reportedly had meth and marijuana oil in his possession. A trial on those charges is scheduled to begin on February 42.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.  The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has approved two drilling projects in Colorado for a second time after considering a court-ordered greenhouse gas assessment of their environmental effects.

The two upper North Fork Valley drilling projects will total up to 226 wells and result in up to 15.66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over a 30-year period, the Daily Sentinel reported Thursday.

That figure amounts to a very small percentage (approximately 0.2%) of expected emissions from all oil and gas sources in Colorado for the same 30-year period, Stephanie Connolly, manager of the land agencys Colorado Southwest District, said in her findings.

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................................................................

The plans involve the companies SG Interests and Gunnison Energy.

In 2019, a judge ruled that the Trump administration did not adequately examine the indirect environmental impact of burning oil and gas and its effect on the local deer and elk populations.

In a separate case involving drilling in western Colorado, the Bureau of Land Management agreed to do additional environmental analysis of oil and gas leases issued on more than 70 square miles (180 square kilometers) of land before any drilling can proceed.

The agreement, reached while settling a lawsuit from conservation groups, applies to 53 leases in Mesa and Garfield counties that were offered in 2016 and 2017, the Sentinel reported. The lawsuit challenged the land agencys failure to conduct site-specific environmental reviews in approving the leases.

It alleged the agency relied on regional resource management plans rather than conducting more comprehensive environmental reviews of the potential effects of drilling before offering the leases. The groups say the plans could threaten water and air quality in the region.

Peter Hart, staff attorney for the nonprofit Wilderness Workshop, said in a statement that were happy today that the bureau will not approve more development on these leases until the real impacts are considered and disclosed to the public.

The Bureau of Land Management said in a statement that its supplemental analysis will augment prior analyses with updated scientific information.

Plaintiffs in the U.S. District Court lawsuit included the Wilderness Workshop, the Center for Biological Diversity, Living Rivers and Colorado Riverkeeper, and the Sierra Club.

___

This story has been updated to correct the amount of carbon dioxide emissions expected from the two upper North Fork Valley drilling projects.
The shocking attempted coup fomented by President Donald Trump and his MAGA supporters is outrageous, un-American and terrifying  but it is not surprising.

Trump has spent the two months since the November election riling up his base with outrageous accusations of voter fraud and electoral malfeasance, all completely without any basis.

As Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell noted in his speech before the Senate was stormed by Trump supporters, courts all across the country  many with judges who are Trump appointees  have thoroughly and completely rejected any claim of voter fraud.

Unfortunately, it is not just Trump who bears responsibility for the failed coup but also many U.S. members of Congress, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who objected to certification of the electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania.

On the Senate floor, Cruz failed to offer any evidence of voter fraud but only brought up claims that millions of people believe the election was flawed. What he failed to mention is that they believe that only after weeks of deceit from Trump and people like himself.

Cruz invoked history in his Senate speech, arguing that he desired Congress to establish a commission to study the outcome of the election as was done in 1876. However, this step is unnecessary, as McConnell noted there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud that would tip the election to Trump. Cruzs attempt to subvert the certification of the electoral votes is so extreme that he could not get the support of the majority of Republican senators.

Cruz has built his political career using the activist wing of the Republican Party to attack the establishment wing. He used this strategy to win his Senate seat in 2012. He did this again during the 2013 government shutdown. He attempted to do so in 2016, only to be outflanked by Donald Trump. And he has done the same thing now. This time, however, Cruzs proclivity for playing with fire has turned into an inferno, subverting the peaceful transition of power for the first time in American history.

Cruz also bears responsibility for what happened in the Capitol Wednesday, and therefore he is no longer fit to serve in the U.S. Senate and represent the people of Texas.

If Cruz does not resign, then the U.S. Senate should expel him. According to Article 1, Section 5, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution, each house of Congress may determine how to punish members of their chamber and two-thirds of the members of the chamber can expel a member. Cruz has tried to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power to the Biden administration and should no longer be able to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Daniel Braaten is an associate professor of political science at Texas Lutheran University. Twitter: @UnbridledEnthus
Tammy Hembrow's activewear range is known for its daring designs.

But the Saski Collection founder is taking a new direction with her latest fashion business: a range for children.

The entrepreneur, 26, announced on Thursday she was launching a range of shorts for kids, in mauve, bright pink and beige.

Switching it up: Saski Collection founder Tammy Hembrow is taking a new direction with her latest fashion business: a range for children

The mother of two also hinted that her womenswear items already on sale will soon have matching children's outfits.

This isn't the first time she's dipped her toes into kids' fashion, as she created a unisex, mini tracksuit line last year.

However, it seems her upcoming range could include a wider range of items.

Coming soon: The entrepreneur, 26, announced on Thursday she was launching a range of shorts for kids, in mauve, bright pink and beige

Expanding the line: Her decision to branch out into childrenswear is no doubt inspired by her own experience as a mother. Pictured with her son, Wolf, and daughter, Saskia

Her decision to branch out into childrenswear is no doubt inspired by her own experience as a mother to two children.

She shares son Wolf, five, and daughter Saskia, four, with her ex Reece Hawkins, and has often matched her kids' outfits with her activewear looks.

Last year, she spoke to Daily Mail Australia about juggling her various businesses with motherhood and keeping fit.

'I'll either have a photo shoot or meetings, or I'll just have a day off with my kids. I'm always super busy, but I'll fit in the gym somewhere usually. I just work around whatever I have going on,' she explained.

'I'm always super busy': Last year, Tammy spoke to Daily Mail Australia about juggling her various businesses with motherhood and keeping fit

New love: Tammy debuted her new relationship with surf lifesaver Matt Poole in September during a trip to the Whitsundays

Tammy and Reece announced their split in 2018. He moved on with American model London Goheen a few months later.

He and London confirmed last month they'd secretly married. They are expecting their first child together, a son, in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Tammy debuted her new relationship with surf lifesaver Matt Poole in September during a trip to the Whitsundays.
(Photo : Screenshot From Apple Official Website) Limited Edition Chinese New Year Apple AirPods Pro But US Buyers Might Have a Hard Time Getting it: Here's Why

Apple has never been one to shy away from festivities and it isn't really uncommon for them to throw in a certain product to celebrate a holiday. Now, the company is celebrating Chinese New Year by launching a particular limited edition pair of its AirPods Pro that are made available in a number of Asian countries.

Limited Edition Chinese New Year AirPods Pro

According to 9to5mac, this particular limited edition Chinese New Year AirPods Pro will only be available in mainland China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia. This means that for those in the United States interested in getting this limited edition Chinese New Year edition, this could prove quite difficult.

This particular Chinese New Year will be welcoming the year of the Ox and even Apple has created a brand new adorable emoji character in order to celebrate this. On these particular countries' homepages, Apple, itself, has also added its brand new custom logo in order to commemorate the whole occasion.

Chinese New Year AirPods Pro price

These particular limited edition Chinese New Year Apple AirPods Pro are said to cost just the same amount as the normal pair of AirPods Pro. This is a relief since most limited edition products usually come with an increase in price. Over in mainland China, this particular product will be sold at RMB 1,999 or over $300 USD while being sold for HK 1,999 in Hong Kong which is cheaper at over $250 USD.

The brand new unique emoji has been applied to the AirPods Pro case which depicts the ever so classic cow emoji along with a little cow emoji that is popping out of its own head with stars that are floating around. This particular box for the AirPods Pro even includes the very same unique emoji in a red version.

Read Also: Apple iPhone 13 Could Come with ToF Sensor and a 'Smaller' Notch, Rumors Say

AirPods Pro 2021 how to buy

Aside from just a special box as well as quite a cool emoji that is imprinted on the case, these limited edition AirPods Pro are still functionally the same with other existing ones. Nonetheless, these are still sure to be quite popular. After all, any one of the limited edition Apple products usually are.

For those in these countries, they can easily be purchased through the official Apple website. However, there is still a 2 unit order limit for every purchase. These then ship immediately. They are also said to be available for in-store pickup over in Singapore, Hong Kong, and even Taiwan. Buying these limited edition Chinese New Year AirPods Pro in the United States could require buyers to buy via these countries and have them shipped to the US.

An article by AppleInsider also notes that Apple regularly caters to its whole Chinese consumer base along with special product offerings as well as typically celebrated regional holidays along with sales. A good example of this is last year, the company actually created a Shot on iPhone film in order to mark the previous Lunar New Year.

Related Article: [Leaks] Apple iPad 2021 Specs: A13 Bionic chip, 10.5" Retina display, 4GB RAM, and More

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Urian Buenconsejo

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
With the death of Nagi Reddy in 2017, his children including Akhila Priya were reportedly clueless about the properties he had amassed and who had the title deeds and legal papers.  Twitter

MAHBUBNAGAR: With the arrest of former minister, Bhuma Akhila Priya, for the alleged kidnap of Praveen Rao and his brothers, and her husband Bhargava Ram still at large, the spotlight has once again fallen on the old links between Praveen Rao and the Bhuma family.

A close family member of Bhuma family said that Krishna Rao, father of Praveen Rao, used to work for the three-time Member of Parliament Bhuma Nagi Reddy, who was known for strong-arm tactics. He said Krishna Rao, who died in 2008, used to scout for lands stuck in dispute in and around Hyderabad for settlement.

Nagi Reddy with his army of supporters used to sort out the disputes for a consideration, either in cash or in kind. Between 1999 and 2004, when Nagi Reddy was an MP, there was a land acquisition spree and many land parcels near Hitec City, Miyapur, and other areas came under their control, the family member said.

The Hafeezpet land parcel of 50 acres is peanuts. There is much more to be unearthed, he said. Akhila Priya was arrested for alleged kidnap pertaining to Hafeezpet land.

With the death of Nagi Reddy in 2017, his children including Akhila Priya were reportedly clueless about the properties he had amassed and who had the title deeds and legal papers, the family member said.

A.V. Subba Reddy, a relative of Nagi Reddy, was also his most trusted aide and reportedly knew about most of the contracts and business deals. But Akhila Priya could not get down to the nitty-gritty of properties and others turned their back, he said.

Nagi Reddy, though belonging to Allagadda in Kurnool, entered Mahbubnagar and had business partnerships with people fronted by Krishna Rao. He used to run cinema theatres and liquor business, he said. Praveen Raos brothers continued the cinema business. Raos family and Subba Reddy continued to work together even after the death of Nagi Reddy.

A minister belonging to the undivided Mahbubnagar district and an MP were allegedly supporting Raos family as they were assured of a share in the lands, the family member said.

Minister Srinivas Goud reacted to the issue on Wednesday and said that Rayalaseema goondaism will not run in Telangana state. He said that on coming to know of the kidnap of Praveen Rao, he had spoken to the local DCP and quickly resolved the kidnap drama.

TRS MP Maloth Kavitha was the first person who alerted the Bowenpally police about the kidnap, the family member said.

A leader in Kurnool said a detailed investigation was required into find out Krishnas motive for joining hands with Nagi Reddy and the assets they had acquired.
They've just enjoyed a quiet stay in The Hamptons over the New Year in their stunning architecturally designed holiday home.

But it was back to reality for Hugh Jackman, 52, and Deborra-Lee Furness, 65, on Thursday as they headed home to New York following their mini break.

The couple, who have been married for more than two decades, braved the chill in the city to take their adorable pet dogs for a walk.

Back to reality! They've just enjoyed a quiet stay in The Hamptons over the New Year in their stunning architecturally designed holiday home. But it was back to reality for Hugh Jackman , 52, and Deborra-Lee Furness, 65, on Thursday as they headed home to New York following their mini break

Hugh kept warm in a thick black jacket and tracksuit pants, which he teamed with a beanie and beige moccasins.

Deborra-Lee was covered up head-to-toe in a black puffer jacket and knee-length leggings with white Nike trainers.

The couple, who share two adopted children together, both wore face masks to keep safe during the outing.

Rugging up! The couple were covered up from head-to-toe in winter clothing

Rather adorably, their dogs Dali and Allegra were dressed in little jumpers and harnesses to keep them warm.

Hugh and Deborra-Lee are based in New York City with their family, but also own a stunning home in East Hampton, where they rung in the New Year.

The couple recently spent years doing up their lavish holiday home.

In December 2018, Deborra-Lee detailed the design process and working with architects in an interview with Vogue Living.

'I'm a bit of a perfectionist and a commitment-phobe, which is not a great combination,' she said.

'All the interiors are neutral tones and I think the architects were pushing me towards doing the main house black, but it will be white  the Jungian, the yin and the yang.'

Adorable! Rather adorably, their dogs Dali and Allegra were dressed in little jumpers and harnesses to keep them warm

Lucky ducks! Hugh and Deborra-Lee are based in New York City with their family, but also own a stunning home in East Hampton, where they rung in the New Year. The couple recently spent years doing up their lavish holiday home

He's brave! During their trip to The Hamptons over the New Year, Hugh delighted fans when he stripped off in the freezing cold to do the 'polar bear plunge' in the ocean

During their trip to The Hamptons over the New Year, Hugh delighted fans when he stripped off in the freezing cold to do the 'polar bear plunge' in the ocean.

The sex symbol could be heard whooping from the cold as more and more of his body was submerged in the frigid water.

As he bobbed up and down in the water, he cheerfully wished a happy New Year to his nearly 30 million Instagram followers.
Agence France-Presse

Geopolitical tensions in play before the Covid-19 pandemic coloured the international health response, dramatically deepening the crisis, a renowned political scientist and global health expert told AFP. Over a year after the novel coronavirus first surfaced in China, more than 1.8 million people have died and nearly 86 million have been infected with the virus worldwide. It did not have to be this bad, said Ilona Kickbusch, the founding director and chair of the Global Health Centre in Geneva.

Without the trade wars and other tensions raging in 2019, "January 2020 would not have played out the way it did," she said in an interview.

"Geopolitics ... put the world in this situation."

Previous global health crises have occurred during times of great geopolitical tension, said Kickbusch, but countries have in recent decades generally managed to rise above their differences to cooperate to combat deadly diseases.

The world managed to come together to eradicate smallpox at the height of the Cold War, she pointed out.

Even when SARS, another coronavirus, surfaced in China and caused havoc between 2002 and 2003, the global reaction was one of cooperation and a push for more transparency, she said.

Back then, Beijing acknowledged it had made mistakes, reorganised its health ministry and created the China Centres for Disease Control. Other countries gave it the benefit of the doubt and called for more cooperation.

"SARS actually led to China (understanding) that they needed to be much more integrated into the (global) system," Kickbusch said. "It was a period of opening."

Closing of the mind

That stands in stark contrast to the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, she said: "There is a closing of the mind, quite clearly, on all sides."

Before the crisis, geopolitical tensions had bled into the global health response, she said, pointing to how the US-China trade war had morphed into a "geopolitical blame game".

As a result, she said, "China clamped down totally (and) the US did what it did," and in the end "the whole world has suffered".

One of the casualties of the confrontational pandemic response could be much-needed clarity around the animal source of Covid-19.

The origins remain bitterly contested, amid recriminations and conjecture from the international community, and obfuscation from Beijing determined to keep control of its virus narrative.

A team of international experts is finally expected to head to China this week to investigate, but observers fear the trail may have gone cold more than a year after the virus surfaced.

"I think it will be incredibly difficult to be able to find the origin of the virus, because so much time has passed," Kickbusch said.

While the origin may remain a mystery, she nevertheless hoped the mission would help uncover how fateful decisions were taken and shine a light on the importance of decoupling global health from geopolitics.

"We need to spend 2021 on trying to get global health back on track," she said.

Otherwise, she warned, "we will have serious, serious problems".
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump for the first time acknowledged his defeat in the Nov. 3 election and announced there would be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count early Thursday certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trumps acknowledgment came after a day of chaos and destruction on Capitol Hill as a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol building and unleashed unprecedented scenes of mayhem as it tried to halt the peaceful transition of power. Members of Congress were forced into hiding, offices were ransacked, and the formal congressional tally halted for more than six hours.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th, Trump said in a statement posted to Twitter by his social media director. His own account had been locked by the company for posting messages that appeared to justify the assault on the seat of the nations democracy.

Trump added, While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!

The statement was the first time Trump formally acknowledged his loss after spending the last two months refusing to concede and lobbing baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud, even though his own Justice Department, federal courts and state governments have said repeatedly the vote was carried out freely and fairly.

Our Views: The cowards of the Congress, right up to Steve Scalise, fuel a fiasco in Capitol History may be kinder to Donald Trump as president of the United States than we can today imagine but thats a long way away. Today, nothing i

Trump's refusal to accept reality and his incendiary rhetoric reached a breaking point Wednesday when his supporters violently occupied the Capitol in one of the most jarring scenes ever to unfold in a seat of American political power. Authorities said four people died during the violence, including one woman who was shot by an officer outside the House chamber.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to march on the Capitol to protest lawmakers actions, and later appeared to excuse the violent occupation by the mob, which forced its way inside and clashed with police.

These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long, Trump wrote in a message that was later deleted by Twitter. He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

+17 Photos: Trump supporters storm chambers at US Capitol Supporters of President Donald Trump protested the electoral college proceedings at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington

Trumps response to the violence underscored his monthslong obsession with trying to overturn the results of the election. He has spent the final days of his presidency angrily stewing and lashing out at Republicans for perceived disloyalty while refusing to acknowledge his loss or concede.

Trumps statement could not be posted on his Twitter or Facebook feeds because both accounts had been blocked from posting.

Trump spent much of Wednesday afternoon watching the insurrection on television from his private dining room off the Oval Office. But aside from sparing appeals for calm issued at the insistence of his staff, he was largely disengaged. Instead, a White House official said, most of Trumps attention was consumed by his ire at Vice President Mike Pence, who defied Trump's demands by acknowledging he did not have the power to unliterally choose the next president. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter and spoke only on the condition of anonymity.

Trump only reluctantly issued the tweets and taped a video encouraging an end to the violence. The posts came at the insistence of staff and amid mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers urging him to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name, according to the official.

And even as authorities struggled to take control of Capitol Hill after protesters overwhelmed police, Trump continued to level baseless allegations of mass voter fraud and praised his loyalists as very special.

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I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now, he said in a video posted more than 90 minutes after lawmakers were evacuated from the House and Senate chambers. We cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

National Guard from 6 states heading to D.C. after deadly riot at Capitol The goal is to have Guard members help secure the U.S. Capitol through the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

The violence, coupled with the presidents tepid response, alarmed many in the White House and appeared to push Republicans allies to the breaking point after years of allegiance to Trump. After four years with no shortage of fraught moments, Wednesdays events quickly emerged as the nadir of morale in the Trump White House, as aides looked on in horror at the chaos at the Capitol Trump had fomented.

A number of White House aides were discussing a potential mass resignation, according to people familiar with the conversation. And others quickly departed.

Stephanie Grisham, the first ladys chief of staff and a former White House press secretary, submitted her resignation Wednesday. Deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger, White House social secretary Rickie Niceta and deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews also resigned, according to officials. More departures were expected in the coming days, officials said.

Other aides indicated they planned to stay to help smooth the transition to the Biden administration. And some harbored concerns about what Trump might do in his final two weeks in office if they were not there to serve as guardrails when so few remain.

Trumps begrudging statement acknowledging defeat came after even longtime allies floated whether members of his Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment and remove him from office. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told ABC late Wednesday that responsible members of the Cabinet should be thinking about fulfilling their oath of office, adding that Trump had violated his oath and betrayed the American people."

Conversations about removal took place among administration aides and Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill, according to people involved in the deliberations, but there did not appear to be serious discussion to do so by his Cabinet, of whom a majority would have to vote to sideline him.

Trump has been single-mindedly focused on his electoral defeat since Election Day, aides said, at the expense of the other responsibilities of his office, including the fight against the raging coronavirus. Indeed, it was Pence, not Trump, who spoke with the acting defense secretary to discuss mobilizing the D.C National Guard on Wednesday afternoon.

Hours earlier, Trump had appeared at a massive rally near the White House, where he continued to urge supporters to fight the election results and encouraged them to march to the Capitol in remarks that were peppered with incendiary language and rife with violent undertones. At one point, he even suggested he might join them  a prospect that was discussed by the White House but eventually abandoned.

Were going to the Capitol, he said. Were going to try and give our Republicans ... the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country.

Earlier in the rally, his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, had advocated what he had called trial by combat.

As the violence raged, Republican lawmakers and former administration officials had begged Trump to tell his supporters to stand down.

By ZEKE MILLER and JILL COLVIN, Associated Press


As part of our company strategy to adapt to the changing needs of our customer and growth of our online business, we are looking thoughtfully at our real estate to support the best path forward, spokeswoman Justine Jordan said in an email. We remain committed to making appropriate and timely decisions on stores that dont fit our vision for the future of Gap Inc. We are confident these closures will help strengthen the health of our company moving forward.

Fury Appoints VP, Investor Relations; Announces Participation in Upcoming BMO Global Metals&Mining Conference

Posted by Publisher Internet

Fury Gold Mines Limited (TSX: FURY, NYSE American: FURY) (?Fury? or the ?Company?  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/fury-gold-mines-ltd/ ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Salisha Ilyas to the newly formed role of Vice President, Investor Relations, effective immediately. Ms. Ilyas was formerly the founder and principal consultant at Target IR & Communications, a full-service investor relations (?IR?) firm focused on providing IR advisory and communications support to junior mining companies.

Ms. Ilyas has over 10 years of experience in the mining industry, working for Canadian and internationally based mining companies, such as Petra Diamonds, Desert Lion Energy, Aura Minerals and Champion Iron Mines. She also previously served as director of professional development at the Canadian Investor Relations Institute, where she researched and identified IR best practices and oversaw the planning and execution of the organization?s annual conference. Ms. Ilyas began her IR career in the pharmaceutical industry holding roles at Biovail Corporation and Patheon Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Schulich School of Business (York University).

?It is my pleasure to introduce and welcome Salisha. Her experience and acumen will be a great compliment to the Fury team,? commented Mike Timmins, President and CEO of Fury Gold Mines Limited. ?Salisha?s main focus will be to broaden our market outreach and to execute our ongoing investor programs, which support the Company\-\-s aggressive growth strategies. With an enhanced communications platform, we will improve connections to existing and new shareholder groups, ensure easy and open communications with neighbouring communities and provide the market with greater ease of access to management.?

Upcoming Investment Conference

The Company is also pleased to announce that Mike Timmins, President and CEO, will be participating in the BMO Capital Markets Global Metals & Mining Conference to be held virtually from March 1st to March 5th, 2021. The conference presentation will be posted to the Fury website at www.furygoldmines.com.

The BMO Capital Markets Global Metals & Mining Conference connects mining companies with institutional funds, private equity groups, family offices and sector analysts. For more information on this conference visit https://capitalmarkets.bmo.com/en/industries/global-metals-mining/ .

About Fury

Fury Gold Mines is a Canadian-focused exploration and development company strategically positioned in three prolific mining regions: James Bay, Quebec; the Golden Triangle, British Columbia; and the Kitikmeot region, Nunavut. The Company is committed to aggressively growing its 3.5Moz gold platform of scalable, high-quality mining assets, offering investors low-risk development growth and potential new discoveries. For more information on Fury Gold Mines, visit www.furygoldmines.com.

Forward Looking Information and Additional Cautionary Language

This release contains ?forward-looking information? within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information in this release reflects management?s current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events. Specific forward-looking information contained in this release, includes, but is not limited to: the Company?s investor relation activities, market outreach, and growth strategies; the BMO Capital Markets Global Metals & Mining Conference; and our development, exploration and growth plans for the Company?s material properties.

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 information reflects the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date such statements are made and are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable at the time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Such assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect, include: general economic and industry growth rates; the Company?s budget, including expected costs and the assumptions regarding market conditions; the Company?s ability to raise additional capital to proceed with its exploration, development and operations plans; the Company?s ability to obtain or renew the licenses and permits necessary for its current and future operations; and the Company?s assumptions around the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements were reasonable at the time such statements were made, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different (either positively or negatively) from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including risks relating, but not limited, to: the COVID-19 pandemic; the future price of minerals, including gold and other metals; and the success of the Company?s exploration and development activities. Readers should refer to the risks discussed in the Company?s Annual Information Form and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2019 and subsequent continuous disclosure filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators available at www.sedar.com and the Company?s registration statement on Form 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date made. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release represent the Company?s expectations as of the date of this press release or the date indicated. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities law
 Flash

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his counterpart of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Marie Tumba Nzeza on Wednesday during his official visit to the country.

Wang said that mutual understanding, mutual support and mutual trust are the basis for the healthy and stable development of China-DRC relations.

China's friendly policy towards the DRC maintains continuity and stability and is not affected by changes in their respective domestic situations. China never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries and respects the choices made by the DRC people, he said.

"We hope that the DRC will maintain political stability and realize national unity and national rejuvenation. China-DRC relations have withstood the test of time and will certainly be further consolidated and strengthened," said Wang.

China firmly supports the DRC in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and supports the DRC's reasonable demands in the international community, he said.

"I believe the DRC will continue to give China understanding and support on issues involving China's core interests," he said.

Wang said that last year, the China-DRC trade grew against the trend, reflecting the high degree of complementarity and great potential for development between the two countries' economies. China is willing to further promote mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries according to the needs of the DRC side, he said.

Gradually deepening the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of health, agriculture, education, digital and other fields will help the DRC to transform its resource advantages into development advantages, promote the industrialization process, benefit ordinary people, and improve the country's independent development capability, said Wang.

Wang hoped that the DRC would provide a good business environment and sound security for Chinese enterprises in the country.

The two countries reached a consensus on jointly building the "Belt and Road", which will drive more Chinese enterprises to invest in the DRC, he said.

Wang said that China congratulates the DRC for its forthcoming rotating chair of the African Union (AU) and supports the DRC in performing its duties to coordinate African countries to maintain unity, develop their economies and move towards prosperity.

Both China and Africa stand for multilateralism, oppose unilateralism, uphold fairness, justice, oppose power bullying, and work for democratization in international relations and a multi-polar world, said Wang.

Wang hoped that the DRC will give full play to the role of the rotating chair of the AU, push for fruitful results of the new session of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), open up a brighter future for China-Africa cooperation and build an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future.

The friendship between China and the DRC has a long history. The relationship between the two countries is based on mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit, said Nzeza.

The DRC thanked China for its important help in maintaining peace and realizing development in the country. The DRC firmly supports China in safeguarding national unity and territorial integrity, she said.

The DRC hopes to further deepen its strategic partnership with China and continuously strengthen cooperation between the two countries in medical care, agriculture, clean energy, education, power infrastructure, digital industry, humanities and other fields, she said.

The DRC welcomes China to further increase its investment in the country. The DRC is just about to assume the rotating chair of the AU and is willing to actively promote Africa's integration and promote Africa to play a greater role in international and regional issues, she said.

The DRC is willing to actively participate in the preparations for the new FOCAC meeting and contribute to its success, said Nzeza.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. Following the talks, the two sides jointly met the press.
Islamabad: In a significant development, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan on Thursday (January 7) issued an arrest warrant against banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on the charges of terror financing, sources said.

This comes ahead of meetings of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in January and February, which will consider Pakistan`s `greylist` status."An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan on Thursday (January 7) issued an arrest warrant for banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on the charges of terror financing," sources told ANI.

Pakistan, who has long denied Azhar`s presence in the country, seems to have acknowledged that the JeM chief is in its territory. "In a significant development, under pressure from FATF, Pakistan has acknowledged Masood Azhar`s presence on its territory," the sources added.

Azhar-led JeM is responsible for carrying out many attacks in India. Its terrorists attacked the Parliament building and Jammu and Kashmir State Legislative Assembly complex in 2001, killing nine and eight people respectively. Pathankot terror attack in 2016 and Pulwama attack in February 2019 were also carried out by the JeM.In 2019, the United Nations added Azhar to the United Nations 1267 ISIL and al-Qaeda Sanctions List.

Since the day of his designation by the United Nations as a "global terrorist" in May, Pakistan is reportedly keeping the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed underground, preventing him from giving speeches in mosques or releasing audiotapes.In September, the Indian government had also listed Azhar under the new anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 1967.

In October, the FATF decided that Pakistan will continue to be on its greylist and asked it to continue to work on implementing an action plan to address its strategic deficiencies including demonstrating that its law enforcement agencies are identifying and investigating the widest range of terrorist financing activity and demonstrating that prosecutions result in effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions.

Pakistan is on the FATF`s grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February 2020 to complete the 27 action points by June in the same year. The FATF extended the June deadline to September due to the spread of coronavirus that disrupted the FATF plenary meetings. Pakistan is facing the difficult task of clearing its name from the FATF grey list. As things stand, Islamabad is finding it difficult to shield terror perpetrators and implement the FATF action plan at the same time.
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Former San Francisco mayoral candidate Ellen Lee Zhou attended yesterdays pro-Trump rally in Washington D.C. outside the Capitol, as first reported by Han Li of the World Journal.

Zhou reportedly told Li that some of the California Trump supporters drove five days from San Francisco to D.C. to attend the event.

Zhou tweeted often during the event, taking video of the march, which she uploaded to Twitter. She is part of a group called the "Chinese American Alliance" and was wearing a T-shirt to show her support for the organization.

In one video she appears to say, We came to San Francisco for freedom. We came to California for freedom. We came to D.C. fight for freedom.

The self-described conservative ran for mayor in 2019, losing the race to Mayor London Breed. During her campaign, Zhou ran into controversy for paying to erect a billboard that depicted a racist scene involving Breed. City and state officials denounced the billboard at the time, including Assemblyman David Chiu.

Were here to deliver one message: Behind us is a vile and reprehensible political ad that is invoking racist, misogynistic and sexist perspectives, he told the San Francisco Chronicle at the time.

Zhou received 24,667 votes, which was 13.92% of the vote.

SFGATE reached out to Ellen Lee Zhou for comment but did not hear back as of publication.
"Congress must closely and thoroughly examine the allegations of voter fraud and take appropriate steps to restore trust in the election process," Lamborn said in a statement declaring he will object to certifying electoral votes cast by Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada and Michigan  all states won by Biden.
June-July 2021 Stena Bulk and decarbonisation - how BHP makes decarbonisation work financially - update on worldwide piracy - managing security risks of ECDIS - tanker inert gas systems
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After effectively addressing the internal movement of goods, attention is required as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is getting set for working out the details of the new international trade policy. As India is coping up with several issues at the international trade front, the main message that is emerging from the ongoing debates is that India should aim at a new narrative on trade.

This shift in paradigm calls for a renewed focus on local production, standards and their connect with external trade, whether it is with ASEAN, Africa, the European Union and the United States of America.

India-Africa

India needs to enhance the level and composition of trade with Africa and encourage investors to revive the linkages in trade and investment. It needs to bring people-to-people cooperation even closer, effectively integrating with Africas industrial ecosystem involving handholding and seed capital in local R&D.

A composite economic engagement with African countries would be more meaningful. As long as the partners in Africa are convinced that local developmental gains are higher by engaging in a multi-prolonged economic strategy, they would believe in scaling up their economic engagement with India. The proposed African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is moving ahead with its new plans; as on January 1 trading under the AfCFTA will start in Africa. This would be a major boost for MSMEs of the region.

Neighbourhood First

The other vital component of Indias trade ties is to benefit from the Neighbourhood First policy, and capitalising on Act East and Indo-Pacific. For instance, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a vibrant grouping for sub-regional cooperation with very strong niche sectors such as connectivity, blue economy, mountain economy, fintech, MSMEs including agriculture and food processing. This grouping is important for Indias regional influences and the proposed free trade agreement with the BIMSTEC countries should be concluded at the earliest.

The BIMSTEC summit is due in next few weeks, to be hosted by Sri Lanka. Likewise, the Free Open Indo-Pacific should be anchored by Indias strategic advantages in the Indian Ocean Rim Association. The Indian Ocean constituting a vital geographical entity of the Indo-Pacific strategy should be properly leveraged by India.

Enhancing Supply Capacities

The US has emerged as Indias largest bilateral trading partner at this juncture. The EU is Indias largest regional trading partner, accounting for 11.1 percent of total Indian trade in 2019, on par with the US and ahead of China (10.7 percent).

Europe would be looking forward to countries such as India with ample supply capacities in final products in select product categories such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals. Also in a range of high-tech intermediate products, especially in aviation and automobiles. Therefore, India may have to enhance its supply capacities to meet this demand and widen the manufacturing base that has promising prospects in light of de-coupling in manufacturing hubs globally. Indias exports in services still remain sub-optimum towards European markets, and is a potential area of improvement.

Indian foreign policy is already geared up at creating stable political ties with countries and regions to facilitate low-cost and stable supply of resources and inputs (including energy) that are procured externally. This would have to be accelerated as we explore alternative supply possibilities for stability, and of course cost effectiveness.

The challenge, of course, is heightened protectionism and de-globalisation. Opportunities may be counted in terms of growing recognition of Indias economic capacities in stabilising global supply chains across sectors in agriculture, manufacturing and services.

Away From China

On this issue related to India and China, here are some striking findings by RIS research. China is not the most competitive exporter to India, as commonly perceived in various quarters. Out of the 4,044 items imported from China, 3,326 products were found to be such where China was not the most competitive supplier to India in 2018. There are 327 imported products which were found to be critical for India to import from China.

India can find other alternative suppliers for over 90 percent of its total products which it currently imports from China, and thus reduce the over-dependence on a single-supplier which perhaps weakens our bargaining power with China.

Of the $66.6 billion-worth critically-sensitive products that India imports from China, more than $10 billion can be source from other supplier nations. In the first year, alternative suppliers can absorb over 16 percent of Indias critically-sensitive imports from China. In the subsequent years the switching can take place more intensively.

This way forward for Indias international trade is clear; enhancing our production standards for robust connect with the external sector. At the domestic level, India would have to work on three important constraints. First, reduce the cost of electricity for our exporters; second, reduce the logistics costs and for both of them at least one project of SEZ would be needed for demonstrative success. The third would be to address the anxieties on imports.

Local jobs and global competitiveness is the only way forward. Focus on export promotion and export orientation in domestic industrial production are necessary building blocks for effecting a paradigm shift in our economic structure.
Korea Development Bank Chairman Lee Dong-gull, left, and Kakao Enterprise CEO Baek Sang-yeop / Korea Times file



By Park Jae-hyuk



Kakao Enterprise has come to the fore as another Kakao subsidiary that will likely go public in the near future, after the artificial intelligence (AI)-based service provider attracted large-scale investment from Korea Development Bank (KDB), according to industry officials, Thursday.



KDB said Wednesday it decided to acquire 1.36 million newly issued Kakao Enterprise shares for 100 billion won ($91 million). The state-run lender, which became the tech firm's second-largest shareholder with an 8.8 percent stake, estimated the company's valuation at 1.15 trillion won. Before the investment, Kakao Enterprise's valuation was estimated at 81.4 billion won.



"Considering the necessity of aggressive financial assistance for startups with high growth potential, we will not hesitate making large-scale investments in innovative companies," KDB Chairman Lee Dong-gull said.



Kakao Enterprise CEO Baek Sang-yeop said, "We will become the company that can lead the digital transformation utilizing our innovative DNA and IT technologies."



Following the investment, industry officials were viewing Kakao Enterprise as one of the candidates to go public within the next few years.



Kakao Enterprise was actually not on the minds of stock market insiders, despite its parent company's efforts to list its subsidiaries on the Seoul bourse.



Kakao successfully listed Kakao Games on the tech-heavy Kosdaq market last September, attracting the record subscription deposits. KakaoPay, Kakao Bank and Kakao Page, all of which have finished hiring their initial public offering (IPO) underwriters, are set to go public within a year.



Those mentioned as companies that would launch IPOs following the three were Kakao Mobility and Kakao Commerce. In particular, Kakao Mobility is expected to go public by 2022 because the ride-hailing service provider had agreed to seek an IPO within four years, when it sought investment in 2017 from a consortium comprised of TPG Capital, Korea Investment Partners and Orix.



Kakao Enterprise's listing is expected to take place after Kakao's other five subsidiaries complete their IPOs. Given the five's valuation is estimated at least 2 trillion won, Kakao Enterprise needs to increase its valuation further by improving its earnings and attracting additional investment.



The company plans to spend the money it received from KDB for improving its core businesses and developing technologies for new businesses. It plans to launch a new business service platform and an AI data service structure sometime this year.


A woman was shot fatally inside the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. She has been identified as Ashli Babbitt, verified to Fox News by a good friend.

In connection with media studies, Babbitt was a 14-year veteran who completed 4 Air Force tours and lived in San Diego. Babbitt's husband wasn't with her in D.C. According to records, the couple owned a company together accordingly.

US Capitol Riot: Leads to a Fatal and Untimely Death of San Diego Woman

The Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department told Fox News that early reports said the woman was shot in the chest and transported from the building shortly before 3 p.m. Who fired the shot or what contributed to the shooting was not clear.

The victim was a strong supporter of President Trump, said her husband in WTTG-TV. "I really don't know why she decided to do this," Babbitt's mother-in-law expresses to the local Fox affiliate in D.C.

As the media and lawmakers returned to resume a joint session of Congress hours earlier, the authorities were in riot gear protecting the US Capitol when a crowd breached security and stormed the house, resulting in the fatal shooting.

The shooting occurred as tens of thousands of demonstrators smashed barricades and stormed the U.S. Capitol building as legislators assembled to vote to certify U.S. President-elect Joe Biden.

On Wednesday, both chambers of Congress unexpectedly recessed as they discussed the Electoral College vote that gave the presidency to Joe Biden.

Within the US Capitol, an announcement was made as lawmakers were meeting and expected to vote to affirm Joe Biden's victory. No one may enter or leave the Capitol complex because of an "external security threat", the recording said.

At the bottom of the Capitol stairs, protesters ripped down metal barricades and were confronted by riot gear officers.

When they invaded the US Capitol and threatened police officers, Trump encouraged his followers to "remain peaceful!" in a tweet.

Trump wrote, "I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful," and added. "No violence! " as his starting message. "Remember, that WE are the Party of Law & Order - respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!" End of the tweet.

Throughout the US Capitol, FBI agents, Department of Homeland Security, also from Secret Service, and the Capitol Police were deployed to stop any more disturbances that marred the scheduled electoral vote analysis on Wednesday.

Because of the incident, a police memorandum was sent to lawmakers that read: "Due to police activity, all the personnel are advised to relocate from the Cannon House Office Building to the Rayburn and Longworth House Office Buildings through the underground tunnels. Do not evacuate outside the buildings. All personnel should shelter in place in the Rayburn and Longworth House Office buildings." as indicated on the statement.

The U.S. Capitol complex was locked down because of the incident. An announcement played that said anyone there should "move away from windows and doors" and that "no one can leave or enter." At the same time, people were still permitted to move inside the building.

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New UK COVID-19 Mutation Detected in Colorado, Severity of Contagiousness not Determined

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-06 05:25:22|Editor: huaxia

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A pedestrian wearing a face mask walks on a street in Frankfurt, Germany, Jan. 6, 2021. German federal and state governments agreed on Tuesday to extend the measures against COVID-19 until the end of January, as well as to impose even stricter contact restrictions. (Xinhua/Lu Yang)

BERLIN, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- German federal and state governments agreed on Tuesday to extend the measures against COVID-19 until the end of January, as well as to impose even stricter contact restrictions.

For districts where more than 200 people per 100,000 inhabitants have been newly infected within seven days, the federal states will limit citizens' movement in a radius of 15 kilometers around their residence, unless there is a valid reason, according to the agreement.

In addition, the agreement requires people to limit their social life and stay at home to the greatest extent. Contact at private meetings will be restricted to just one other person not living in the same household. Previously, the size of private gatherings was limited to no more than two households of five people.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany has already closed all nonessential shops and services. Schools are largely closed and students are taught through distance learning. Employers are encouraged to allow employees to work from home. These measures were originally planned to last until Jan. 10.

At a press conference after the consultation meeting, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the COVID-19 variant which emerged recently presents a "new special situation." It spreads rapidly and could lead to more infections, for which extra care must be taken, she said.

According to the agreement, the three months ahead will still require considerable patience and discipline on everyone's part in Germany, because winter months favor the virus spread and the vaccination will only have a dampening effect when a larger part of the younger population has also been vaccinated.

Germany launched its vaccination campaign at the end of last month, with priority given to people aged over 80, people in elderly and care facilities, and frontline health care workers.

Also on Tuesday, Germany's disease control agency Robert Koch Institute reported 11,897 new infections in a 24-hour span, raising the country's total confirmed cases to 1,787,410. The number of coronavirus-linked fatalities rose by 944 in 24 hours to 35,518.

Due to previous public holidays, there may have been delays in testing and reporting, said Robert Koch.

As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in Germany and some other countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines.

Meanwhile, 232 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 60 of them in clinical trials -- in countries including Germany, China, Russia, Britain and the United States, according to information released by the World Health Organization on Dec. 29. Enditem
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  Health Secretary-designate Tracie Collins urged New Mexicans to remain patient Wednesday and wait their turn for a COVID-19 vaccine, following sporadic reports of people sharing technical codes that allowed them to jump the line and book an appointment for the shot.

As soon as this week, Collins said, the Department of Health will announce whos next in line to receive one of the COVID-19 vaccines. She suggested the priority will be adults 75 and older.

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Collins also said the state is tightening its screening procedures to ensure only those eligible for a vaccine  largely health care workers and people at long-term care facilities, at this point  can get the shot.

Its time  once again  to think about what is the greater good here, she said Wednesday, urging people to wait their turn.

Her comments came as New Mexico reported 47 more coronavirus deaths Wednesday  the states second-highest daily total of the pandemic. The statewide death toll now stands at 2,641.

In the meantime, Collins said, the best thing people can do is register on the states website  cvvaccine.nmhealth.org  to be notified when their vaccine doses are available. A call center will be established this week, she said, to help people without internet access.

Collins said she had received sporadic reports of people jumping the line by sharing the codes necessary to book an appointment to get a shot. The state is making a technical fix, she said, to keep it from happening again.

She estimated Wednesday that 62,000 to 68,500 vaccines have been administered in New Mexico, out of 106,525 doses delivered to the state.

Collins said she was providing an estimated number because some of the states vaccine providers are still working out how to properly report the doses  a process that should be smoothed out soon, she said.

Even under the lower numbers officially reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Mexico ranks among the top dozen states in vaccines administered per capita.

Were really doing well as a state, Collins said.

The Department of Health, she said, is working a data dashboard that will provide regular reports on vaccine numbers.

As a practicing physician, Collins received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine last month. She said she didnt experience any adverse reactions and isnt aware of anyone else who has in New Mexico.

The states daily report on COVID-19 trends was less positive. New Mexico reported 47 more virus-related deaths, just one below the record of 48, set Dec. 17.

Fifteen of the victims were from Bernalillo County, the states most populous county and home to Albuquerque.

Those whose deaths were announced Wednesday were predominantly older adults. Thirty of the 47 were in their 70s or older. The youngest was a man in his 30s.

New Mexico has averaged 29 coronavirus deaths a day over the past week. The rate peaked in mid-December, at 36 fatalities a day.

New infections are also going up. New Mexicos seven-day rolling average for new COVID-19 cases climbed to 1,258 Wednesday, an increase of 17% since Friday.

The share of tests that come back positive also climbed  to 14% in the states most recent seven-day report, up from 12% at one point last week.

The state reported 712 virus hospitalizations, roughly in line with recent days.
New Delhi: Amid tight security, thousands of farmers on Thursday started their tractor-march from protest sites Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders against the three agriculture laws.

Bharati Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) chief Joginder Singh Ugrahan said that farmers participated in the march with over 3,500 tractors and trolleys.

Farmers' protest

According to the protesting farm unions, this is just "rehearsal" for their proposed January 26 tractor parade that will be move into the national capital from different parts of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Farmers started the tractor march around 11 am and moved towards Kundli Manesar Palwal Expressway amid heavy deployment of Delhi Police and Haryana Police personnel.

The tractor march, led by senior BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, moved towards Palwal.

Farmers' protest

"In the coming days, we will intensify our agitation against the three farm laws. Around 2,500 tractors from Haryana have participated in today's march.

The tractor march started from four different points -- Singhu to Tikri Border, Tikri to Kundli, Ghazipur to Palwal and Rewasan to Palwal.

She reunited with boyfriend James Lock last year.

And Yazmin Oukhellou looked happier than ever as she posed for a snap with her beau, 34, as they lapped up the sunshine in Dubai on Thursday.

The TOWIE star, 26, showcased her toned figure in a tiny black bikini, while James displayed his rippling six-pack in black board shorts.

Smitten: TOWIE's Yazmin Oukhellou showed off her toned bikini body as she shared a loved-up snap with boyfriend James Lock in Dubai on Thursday

The couple beamed at one another in the photo, with Yazmin captioning the shot: 'Thankful and grateful'.

Yazmin flaunted her surgically-enhanced cleavage and toned abs in the halterneck top while the high-rise thong bottoms highlighted her tanned legs.

She teamed the look with a black robe and Dior sliders.

Sizzling display: Yazmin flaunted her surgically-enhanced cleavage and toned abs in the halterneck top while the high-rise thong bottoms highlighted her tanned legs

Styling her brunette hair in soft waves, Yaz accentuated her bronzed tan with a full face of make-up.

The reality star's Dubai holiday comes amid an increasing amount of fury over many influencers and reality stars 'bending rules' to jet abroad, which has only been heightened after Boris Johnson announced the nation would be entering lockdown 3.0.

Yazmin had previously faced criticism from fans when she had jetted out to the city with boyfriend James for 'business purposes'.

Wow factor: Yazmin flaunted her surgically-enhanced cleavage and toned abs in the halterneck top while the high-rise thong bottoms highlighted her tanned legs

Taking time out: The star panned down to show off her stomach after she managed to squeeze in a spot of sunbathing during her busy 'work' trip

She later hit back at the backlash, explaining that she is launching a new business in Dubai in the future.

'Just so you know, me and James have come to Dubai because I am launching something very exciting here in the New Year.

'I've had to come now to get everything set up and we will be keeping you posted,' she said in a video shared to her Instagram story.

'So we are here for work purposes, for business. Obviously we'll make the most of it while we're here as well. But we are here for business purposes.'

Under the latest national lockdown rules, which is now in effect, holidays are banned as international travel is only permitted for a strict number of reasons such as for work.

UK residents currently abroad do not need to return home immediately. However, they should check with your airline or travel operator on arrangements for returning.

Within the UK, domestic holidays are also banned as you must stay at home at all times except for a limited number of 'reasonable excuses' such as shopping for essentials or work.

The Government has said if you need to travel you should stay local  meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live  and look to reduce the number of journeys you make overall.
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Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

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Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
More exasperated viewers have lodged official complaints about Channel 4's 'deepfake' version of the Queen's Christmas Day speech.

The number of complaints to Ofcom continues to rise two weeks on from the controversial broadcast and has now reached 347.

Viewers were left reeling from the four-minute clip, which saw 48-year-old actress Debra Stephenson appear as Her Majesty using CGI technology.

Her fake Queen made jibes about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quitting the royal family as well as a thinly-veiled reference to allegations dogging Prince Andrew involving his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

The broadcaster used digital trickery to make an actress look like the Queen was practising dance moves for social media site TikTok

Hundreds of complaints poured in to the television regulator while others branded it 'woke rubbish' on social media.

One, called Trish, said: 'I would rather go to the kitchen and hold my hands down on the hot plate for 10 minutes than watch this 'woke' rubbish.

'Not many things in this country remain sacrosanct, but Her Majesty most certainly still does and always will!'

John Taylor added: 'It's both disrespectful of our gracious Queen and disgusting.

'The makers of this rubbish and Channel 4 should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.'

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage was among those outraged by the broadcast, tweeting: 'How dare they'.

The artificial rendering of the Queen (pictured), devised by special effects creatives at Framestore, was directed by William Bartlett, while actress Miss Stephenson, 48, read a script by James Kettle

The end of the message shows the artificially created images flickering before disappearing to reveal the green screen (pictured) used to manufacture images of Buckingham Palace and show it was in fact Miss Stephenson portraying the Queen

But Channel 4 said the video 'a powerful reminder that we can no longer trust our own eyes'.

The broadcast aired at 3pm on December 25, when the real Queen's pre-recorded annual message was showed on the BBC.

Channel 4's alternative Christmas message has previously been delivered by the likes of whistle-blower Edward Snowden, actor Danny Dyer, and The Simpsons.

The artificial rendering of the Queen, devised by special effects creatives at Framestore, was directed by William Bartlett, while actress Ms Stephenson a script by James Kettle.

The end of the message shows the artificially created images flickering before disappearing to reveal the green screen used to manufacture images of Buckingham Palace and show it was in fact Miss Stephenson portraying the Queen.

During the controversial four-minute broadcast, a spoof Elizabeth II, said: 'One thing that has sustained many of us is our families, which is why I was so saddened by the departure of Harry and Meghan.

'There are few things more hurtful than someone telling you they prefer the company of Canadians. But at least I still have my beloved Andrew close by, it seems unlikely he'll be heading to North America anytime soon.'

Actress Ms Stephenson said: 'I have an intense fascination with deepfake technology. For years I have studied people to impersonate them for TV, but now I can truly become them.

'As an actress it is thrilling but it is also terrifying if you consider how this could be used in other contexts.'

Deepfake technology, also known as synthetic media, are photos, videos or audio files that have been manipulated using AI to show or say something that isn't real.

They have become increasingly prevalent over recent years and can be used to create convincing but completely manufactured video content of high-profile figures.
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Stephen Donnelly has said it is unlike anything we have ever dealt with.

The Health Minister was describing the new, more contagious strain of coronavirus which is on the march and may be accounting for one in four cases of infection here.

It has gatecrashed the pandemic at a time when the world hoped the worst was over, and we learned yesterday that look-back checks show it has been here since November. How dangerous is this strain and how can people protect themselves?

Mapping the new strain

We have to thank the UK for discovering it. Last March the Covid-19 Genomics UK consortium was launched with the sole mandate to map DNA sequences of the virus  which essentially means keeping track of changes.

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Most of these changes are regarded as insignificant but the scientists discovered last month the new strain was spreading rapidly in Kent.

It had 17 mutations, which is regarded as large, and set alarm bells going. The possibility was raised that it could be linked to why the region was still having a rise in cases despite lockdown.

The new strain was believed to be much easier to catch and was 50-70pc more transmissible than the previously circulating form of the virus. It became mixed up in political mud-slinging amid claims that it was being used as an excuse to introduce tougher restrictions in the UK.

In the meantime it had spreading to other countries, including Ireland.

Dominant strain

Scientists say that because the strain is more infectious it will become the dominant version of the virus here. That is very bad news.

The reason it is spreading fast is because of its ability to latch on to our human cells and gain entry. It has been described as stickier.

The mutations in the strain allow it bind more into the entry point for the coronavirus and infect a wide range of our cells. It may also be possible for it to avoid our ability to fight off infection.

Severe illness

There is no evidence that it causes more severe illness. However, because it is easier to get there is a greater chance that more vulnerable people, who are susceptible to the infection and in greater danger of falling seriously ill, will fall victim.

Prevalence in Ireland

A small number of samples were investigated by the National Virus Reference Laboratory recently and it was found to be present in around 10pc.

That has now jumped to nearly 25pc but it could be higher.

Christmas socialising was the main trigger for a rapid acceleration in the virus but the speed of increase must also be linked to the new strain.

It is likely to have been circulating in pubs, restaurants and homes during the festivities.

The Government has now decided to beef up surveillance of changes in the virus here and to get more real-time data. The prevalence of the virus has been found to be around 40pc in people who were tested here after coming from the UK.

Cancelling Christmas

The Government announced a ban on all flights arriving into Ireland from Britain from midnight on December 20. It brought forward tougher measures from December 30.

In retrospect questions could be asked if that action came too late and if there were a case for acting earlier even if the full evidence was lacking around the new strain. However, it must also be acknowledged many people would have met up anyway over Christmas.

Keeping the new strain at bay

The same advice applies in trying to avoid catching the new strain: keep a distance from people, meet up with as few people as possible, wear a mask, wash your hands and follow the lockdown restrictions.

If you are meeting with people indoors then open windows to try to create a cross breeze. Anyone with possible symptoms of the virus needs to self-isolate and seek a test.

The main advice is not to put any others at risk as it is so infectious.

Impact on vaccine

There is no evidence of any impact on the effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine.

But questions are now around another separate South African strain which is also believed to be even more infectious. It may be circulating already.

The race now is to vaccinate as many vulnerable people as fast as possible to protect them from getting sick if they get new UK strain. That will take months and the new strain will have got an even stronger foothold.

If the lockdown is lifted and the virus is driven down the more infectious strain is likely to be still around even if it is at a lower rate. It will a force to be reckoned with for some time.
Panasonic AI-driven cameras empower an expanding vision of new uses

Imagine a world where video cameras are not just watching and reporting for security, but have an even wider positive impact on our lives. Imagine that cameras control street and building lights, as people come and go, that traffic jams are predicted and vehicles are automatically rerouted, and more tills are opened, just before a queue starts to form. Cameras with AI capabilities Cameras in stores can show us how we might look in the latest outfit as we browse. Thats the vision from Panasonic about current and future uses for their cameras that provide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at the edge. Panasonic feels that these types of intelligent camera applications are also the basis for automation and introduction of Industry 4.0, in which processes are automated, monitored and controlled by AI-driven systems. 4K network security cameras The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications Panasonics 4K network security cameras have built-in AI capabilities suitable for this next generation of intelligent applications in business and society. The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications. The AI engine is directly embedded into the camera, thus reducing costs and Panasonics image quality ensures the accuracy of the analytics outcome. FacePRO facial recognition technology Panasonic began advancing AI technology on the server side with FacePRO, the in-house facial recognition application, which uses AI deep learning capabilities. Moving ahead, they transitioned their knowledge of AI from the server side to the edge, introducing i-PRO security cameras with built-in AI capabilities last summer, alongside their own in-house analytics. Moreover, in line with the Panasonic approach to focus more on collaboration with specialist AI software developers, a partnership with Italian software company, A.I. Tech followed in September, with a range of intelligent applications, partially based on deep learning. Additional collaborations are already in place with more than 10 other developers, across the European Union, working on more future applications. i-PRO AI-capable security cameras Open systems are an important part of Panasonics current approach. The companys i-PRO AI-capable cameras are an open platform and designed for third-party application development, therefore, applications can be built or tailored to the needs of an individual customer. Panasonic use to be a company that developed everything in-house, including all the analytics and applications. However, now we have turned around our strategy by making our i-PRO security cameras open to integrate applications and analytics from third-party companies, says Gerard Figols, Head of Security Solutions at Panasonic Business Europe. Flexible and adapting to specific customer needs This new approach allows the company to be more flexible and adaptable to customers needs. At the same time, we can be quicker and much more tailored to the market trend, said Gerard Figols. He adds, For example, in the retail space, enabling retailers to enhance the customer experience, in smart cities for traffic monitoring and smart parking, and by event organisers and transport hubs to monitor and ensure safety. Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems Edge-based analytics Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems. On one hand, there are monetary benefits - a cost reduction results from the decreased amount of more powerful hardware required on the server side to process the data, on top of reduction in the infrastructure costs, as not all the full video stream needs to be sent for analysis, we can work solely with the metadata. On the other hand, there are also advantages of flexibility, as well as reliability. Each camera can have its own individual analytic setup and in case of any issue on the communication or server side, the camera can keep running the analysis at the edge, thereby making sure the CCTV system is still fully operational. Most importantly, systems can keep the same high level of accuracy. Explosion of AI camera applications We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications" We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications, said Gerard Figols, adding However, it doesnt mean the hardware is not important anymore, as I believe its more important than ever. Working with poor picture quality or if the hardware is not reliable, and works 24/7, software cannot run or deliver the outcome it has been designed for. As hardware specialists, Figols believes that Panasonic seeks to focus on what they do best - Building long-lasting, open network cameras, which are capable of capturing the highest quality images that are required for the latest AI applications, while software developers can concentrate on bringing specialist applications to the market. Same as for smartphones, AI applications will proliferate based on market demand and succeed or fail, based on the value that they deliver. Facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line technologies Panasonic has been in the forefront in developing essential AI applications for CCTV, such as facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line. However, with the market developing so rapidly and the potential applications of AI-driven camera systems being so varied and widespread, Panasonic quickly realised that the future of their network cameras was going to be in open systems, which allow specialist developers and their customers to use their sector expertise to develop their own applications for specific vertical market applications, while using i-PRO hardware. Metadata for detection and recognition Regarding privacy, consider that the use of AI in cameras is about generating metadata for the detection and recognition of patterns, rather than identifying individual identities. However, there are legitimate privacy concerns, but I firmly believe that attitudes will change quickly when people see the incredible benefits that this technology can deliver, said Gerard Figols, adding I hope that we will be able to redefine our view of cameras and AI, not just as insurance, but as life advancing and enhancing. i-PRO AI Privacy Guard One of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard Seeking to understand and appreciate privacy concerns, one of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard that generates data without capturing individual identities, following European privacy regulations that are among the strictest in the world. Gerard Fogils said, The combination of artificial intelligence and the latest generation open camera technology will change the worlds perceptions from Big Brother to Big Benefits. New applications will emerge as the existing generation of cameras is updated to the new open and intelligent next generation devices, and the existing role of the security camera will also continue. Future scope of AI and cameras He adds, Not just relying on the security cameras for evidence when things have gone wrong, end users will increasingly be able to use AI and the cameras with much higher accuracy to prevent false alarms and in a proactive way to prevent incidents." Gerard Figols concludes, That could be monitoring and alerting when health and safety guidelines are being breached or spotting and flagging patterns of suspicious behaviour before incidents occur.
Attention to the safety and concerns of school nutrition employees is vital for continuation of school nutrition programs during the pandemic and future emergency situations, according to the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Philadelphia, January 7, 2021 - A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, published by Elsevier, explores real-time personal and employee safety experiences and perspectives of school nutrition professionals ranging from frontline staff to state leadership across the United States during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic.

A survey with both closed- and open-ended items was developed to explore the experiences of school nutrition staff, managers, directors, and state agency personnel. Descriptive statistics from the responses of 47 states were calculated, and a thematic analysis of an open-ended item was conducted.

"When we analyzed the survey's open-ended results, we found three themes in the responses. The most prominent theme, that 94 percent of our respondents reported, was that they had significant concern for risk of transmission or risk of exposure to the coronavirus while they were at work as they interacted with people in the community and their coworkers," said lead investigator Emily Vaterlaus Patten, PhD, RDN, CD, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.

Another theme that emerged was concern with the processes including the administrative interactions, logistics, and protocols for serving emergency meals. For some, there was a feeling of distrust or lack of support from authority. School districts and state health departments were described as disconnected from the situation, apathetic, or uncaring. "I don't trust that a school nurse understands and/or even cares about whether or not we are safe. They are working from home and have no clue what we are up against," wrote a nutrition program director from Texas.

Personal concerns were also a common theme in the research results. Respondents described feelings of exhaustion, fear, and stress. Personal concerns were often rooted in the perspective that working through the pandemic was a high risk, low-reward situation. Others were concerned for themselves, their families, peers, or employees because of the risk factors associated with severe illness.

"This was and continues to be a challenging time for school nutrition professionals and this research highlights that they have demonstrated resilience through the whole process. USDA Waivers have helped improve conditions, and nutrition programs have innovated their distribution methods. I think we are celebrating the enormous number of meals that have been served during this time and the people that made it happen. They're veritable heroes. They've worked and self-sacrificed to mitigate food insecurity in their communities during this difficult time," Dr. Vaterlaus Patten said.

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- New financing will allow the mattress and home goods group to further strengthen performance marketing capabilities and aid expansion plans

- UK operation - which includes direct to consumer mattress brands Nectar and DreamCloud - achieved profitability in the UK in 2020, benefitting from 354% growth YoY

- Company committed to delivering a premium customer experience, including sustainability focus through UK manufacturing operations

LONDON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Resident, a platform of digitally native brands in the mattress and home goods market, today announced it has received an investment of 95.7 million to fuel global growth. Led by Ion Crossover Partners and Nexus Capital Management with participation from Baron Capital Group, the funds will be used to execute Resident's growth plan, expand its brick-and-mortar retail footprint in the US and strengthen its supply chain and infrastructure to deliver a better customer experience.

The funding round follows a year of strong performance, including significant success for its UK operation which has achieved profitability in 2020, with YoY revenue growth of 354%. Resident launched in the UK in 2018 with its direct-to-consumer mattress Nectar and quickly introduced the luxury DreamCloud brand.

The UK growth is driven in part by a range of customer-focused initiatives across the Nectar and DreamCloud brands - 365-night trial, solely UK manufacturing operations - plus continued steps in environmental sustainability. Both are climate neutral and Nectar and DreamCloud recently became the first ever carbon neutral mattresses endorsed by Good Housekeeping Institute.

"We drove Resident to profitability through a combination of data-driven performance marketing coupled with product and operational excellence. Our key to success is our ability to find in-market customers and offer them exceptional products at great value," said Eric Hutchinson, Resident Co-Founder. "The quality and stature of our newest investors shows a true vote of confidence in our business model and continued success."

"COVID has generated tremendous momentum for ecommerce companies worldwide," added Hutchinson, "and our focus on data-driven performance marketing allowed us to react to UK market trends faster than others. The increased demand also forced us to drive efficiencies across every area of the business, which will create benefits for years to come."

Since its inception in late 2016, Resident has operated primarily with a remote workforce, making it a principle to hire the best talent regardless of location. That approach made it very easy for the company to scale its team with domain experts and had the unexpected benefit of keeping daily operations business-as-usual in spite of the pandemic disrupting the typical office environment.

Additionally, throughout the company's growth, it enacted a multi-brand strategy that offered options to service the total available market vs. courting one market segment. This led to the growth of Nectar, the company's premiere gel-memory foam mattress brand, as well as DreamCloud, Resident's luxury hybrid mattress brand. Awara, the company's natural and organic mattress line, is also available in the US.

"The dedication of our team has been critical to our success, and their tireless work to develop and market our products helped establish Resident as the largest direct-to-consumer mattress company in the country," said Ran Reske, Resident Co-Founder. "This capital infusion is a testament to our accomplishments, market positioning and momentum in a competitive and visible category."

"We've been following Resident's success for a while and are excited to join their journey," said Jonathan Kolodny of ION Crossover Partners. "We are confident that the exceptional team and the marketing platform they've built will allow the company to continue on its unprecedented growth trajectory."

As part of the deal, representatives of Ion Crossover Partners and Nexus Capital Management will join Resident's board.

Moelis & Company LLC acted as exclusive placement agent for Resident in connection with the transaction and a legal team led by Idan Netser was counsel to Resident.

ABOUT RESIDENT:
Ghanaians are calling on the President-Elect of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo to consider allowing Dr Bernard Okoe Boye and Dr Aboagye Dacosta to play a crucial role in the countrys healthcare sector.



According to some Ghanaians, these two experts have shown over the past few years that they have what it takes to contribute immensely to Ghanas healthcare based on their expertise, excellent work ethics, and the pivotal roles they played in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.



Dr Bernard Okoe Boye who is a Medical doctor and practitioner at the Lekma Government Hospital before his appointment as the Deputy Minister for Health showed commitment in contributing to improving the health of the people in and beyond his constituency by organizing regular health screening for them and helping to improve the infrastructure of health facilities in his area. He also provided the needed support to the Health Ministry in terms of effective media engagement and technical know-how to help fight the pandemic.



Dr Da Coasta Aboagye who is the Director of Health Promotion at the Ghana Health Service (GHS) since his assumption of office has also worked relentlessly to ensure that Ghanaians adopt healthy lifestyles, drumming home the message of the much neglected preventive health practices. Also, he actively engaged the media and general public, providing constant health education both on and off-camera, allaying the fears of Ghanaians at a time when little was known about the coronavirus. He has been instrumental in the daily activities of government, serving on several technical committees in the COVID-19 fight. With a wealth of experience and skill in the National Health Insurance scheme, healthcare finance, public health and health promotion, Dr Dacosta Aboagye will with no doubt be one of the best fit for the presidents health agenda in Ghana.



On various platforms, these two knowledgeable young gentlemen gave Ghanaians insights into the dynamics of the pandemic and were observed to have the needed requirements and experience that will help the next government of President Akufo-Addo to address the health sector challenges.



According to some Ghanaians, Since the NPPs 2020 election Manifesto on health provides a shift from the usual curative health services towards preventive and promotive health, the president-elect can harness the expertise of Dr Okoye Boye and Dr Aboaye Dacostas at the Ministry of Health and National Health Insurance to support this vision.



In the last few weeks, Kingdom Fm has been monitoring the various media house discussions on president Akuffo Addos next ministerial appointments and sighted various comments from Ghanaians on various platforms pleading with the President-elect to consider bringing on board the expertise of Dr Okoe Boye and Dr DaCosta Aboagye when it comes to health sector appointments. A couple of these comments are attached to this story.



There is no doubt that these two gentlemen have won the hearts and minds of Ghanaians in their respective roles in helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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French officials vowed to speed up their vaccination campaign on Thursday, but warned that restrictions and curfews would remain in place in order to halt a rise in infections and hospitalizations.

2021 will be the year of hope, Jean Castex, the prime minister, said at a news conference, citing the vaccine, which has been administered to about 45,000 people in France so far.

But he added: It is out of the question that we drop our guard in the coming weeks.

Mr. Castex said that the number of new daily infections was still high  hovering around 20,000  and pressure on hospitals was still acute, with nearly 25,000 Covid-19 patients hospitalized around the country.
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WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement regarding the continuation of the Joint Session of Congress:

We just witnessed a dark day in our countrys history. This was an attack on our democracy and our national security.


Well before the mob was cleared from the United States Capitol, the tear gas had lifted into the sky, and Congress finally, fitfully acknowledged that Joseph Biden would be the next president, the media had found its insurrection narrative. Donald Trump was primarilyrightlyto blame, as hed encouraged seditious violence in a speech just hours before his supporters stormed the halls of Congress. His enablers in elected office had legitimized his baseless attacks on the integrity of the vote. And his supplicants in the right-wing pressespecially Fox Newshad, along with the tentacled conspiracies of QAnon, been super-spreaders of hate and nonsense. Those righty fringe outlets and fox figuresthey are responsible, CNNs Chris Cuomo wrote on Twitter. Clearly, there was plenty of blame to go around.

But an honest media accounting of what precipitated the riot in Washington requires a look back much further than the last week or month and wading through the whole history of Trump coverage, beginning with the moment he descended the escalator of Trump Tower in June 2015. And it means looking beyond QAnon, which didnt then exist; Newsmax, which had yet to catch on; and even Fox News, which hadnt yet become the most-watched network on television. At some point, even the media people who didnt elevate Trumps rigged-election nonsense are going to have to grapple with their own complicity in the Trump story.

Recall the glib dismissal of Trump in newspapers and on cable shows. Remember the rallies at which the arrival of Trumps airplane was carried live on multiple channels, with the gleeful excitement of the Beatles landing at JFK. Consider, too, how journalists equated his lies with the questions surrounding Hillary Clintons email servers. People want to see Donald Trump. You want to watch him, Don Lemon told CNN viewers the day after Trump announced his candidacy. At least theres someone interesting in the race. In 2016, Trump got so much free media airtimemore than two billion dollars, according to an accounting in the New York Timesthat he could run a national presidential campaign with a fraction of the ad budget of his competitors. From the start, amplifying Trump has not merely been a Fox News problem.

By the time the 2020 election rolled around, Americas media had centered Trump with a singular obsession. Trumps Twitter account became a disinformation drip mainlined by newsrooms across the country; cable networks broke in with chyrons quoting even his most nonsensical claims. Outlets aired his rallies, unedited, as he spouted racist vitriol. Newspapers sent reporters to hear from Trumps fans, who had internalized his distorted picture of the world, and repeated it back. Fact checking operations proved futile in addressing the greater crisis at hand: Trumps dismantling of truth itself. Drawing attention to everything he said, in a manner disproportionate to the news value of Trumps comments, did, at least, keep people interested: over the past four years, TV news viewership has soared; ditto for subscriptions to the Times and the Washington Post.

This November, when Trump lost the electiondecisivelymajor outlets changed their tone, working harder to contextualize his misinformation and demonstrating a willingness to cut away from his lies. Two days after the election, NBC, CBS, and ABC all cut Trump off mid-sentence as he went on TV to argue, without proof and before the ballots had all been counted, that he had won. USA Today pulled the plug on its livestream of his comments.

In the coming days, well likely hear a lot from the political press about the president and his gutter echo chamber, which helped produce the first assault on the Capitol since 1814; watch clips from Fox anchors aping right-wing conspiracies; and hear condemnation of Twitter and Facebook for their refusal, until it was too late, to take away the presidents discordant megaphone. All of these represent reasonable responses to a uniquely mendacious and dangerous leader. But all have come far too late, and amount to far too little.

Sign up for CJR 's daily email

The reporters and the outlets now seeking to draw themselves as somehow removed from this moment, as truth-tellers against those in the media and Silicon Valley that are actually Trumps enablers, need to look hard at their own role in creating the climate that led to the storming of the Capitol. Now is probably not the week for that reckoning, but it must come. Scapegoating and finger-pointing can only last so long.

ICYMI: Right-wing media divided on Capitol chaos

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Parents have been posing as key workers in an effort to get their children into classes in lockdown - as the Children's Commissioner for England warned of 'clear disparities' in remote learning.

A Liverpool school today said it had received a 'large number of complaints' about mothers and fathers making the attempts for their kids.

Leaders at Our Lady's Bishop Eton School revealed the alleged issue in a letter which said it received many of the complaints after an online lesson allowed parents at home to see which children were attending class in person.

And MailOnline have learned professions including wine traders have been claiming key worker status to get the classes for their family.

But it came as the Children's Commissioner for England said there were huge differences in remote learning opportunities being offered by schools.

Anne Longfield said it was 'not acceptable' that some children were unable to learn during lockdown and called for those learning remotely to have daily contact with their teachers.

Many pupils have to sit at home and access learning and lessons through a laptop or device

Young students at Milton Keynes Preparatory School take part in online lessons this week

The problem in Liverpool saw the school letter say it had been 'overwhelmed' with requests for key worker spaces for the latest national lockdown.

Responding to the complaints, the school said: 'On the application form the school asked parents for as much information as it was able to and has consulted with the local authority with regards to some of the applications.

'We can do no more; particularly when parents making such allegations will not provide the school with the information necessary to investigate them further.'

The school said that a 'persistent thread' in the complaints made it 'with regards to families who have a parent at home who is able to provide care, eg: working from home, not employed or on maternity leave.'

It added: 'Again, we would ask that if there is a parent at home, children are kept safe at home and out of the transmission chain.'

Elsewhere MailOnline has been told class sizes of keyworkers' children have grown since the last lockdown, with the definition of the exempt category being bent to fit demand.

Meanwhile a gap between offerings from UK schools has been exposed.

There is a huge disparity in what lessons are available for children learning at home

Full list of key workers to tackle the coronavirus pandemic Health and social care This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK's health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributors of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment. Gavin Williamson said yesterday any NHS worker - from medical to office staff and cleaners - will all be needed at work during the crisis. Education and childcare This includes nursery and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who must remain active. Teachers and teaching assistants are certain to required as are nursery workers so children of other key workers can be cared for. Key public services This includes those essential to the running of the justice system. This is expected to include judges, barristers and staff who keep the courts running including clerks and security. If jury-led trials continue jurors may be entitled to the same status during their duties. Religious staff are listed, which includes vicars or equivalent in other religions. Charities who are vital to supporting communities are also listed. The public sector, especially the NHS and social services, are supported by charities who care for people in the community. These workers are likely to be included. Those responsible for the management of the deceased, such as undertakers are listed. Journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting are also key workers because of their work informing the public. Local and national government This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response or delivering essential public services such as the payment of benefits, including in government agencies and arms length bodies. This is a vague description but this is expected to include council workers such as refuse collectors, planners, environmental health and trading standards staff and workers in frontline roles in departments such as housing and benefits. Food and other necessary goods This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods. This means that farmers and other food producers will be given support. People working for supermarkets, either in stores, in delivery or lorry drivers taking products to stores are likely to be key workers. Pharmacists and those delivering pharmaceuticals are also expected to be given key worker status. Public safety and national security This includes police and support staff, vital to running the police service such as 999 call handlers or those in offices processing criminals or dealing with the Crown Prosecution Service, whose workers could also be classed as key workers. National Crime Agency staff are also listed and workers crucial to national security such as MI5 and MI6 staff are not listed, but will be included. Ministry of Defence civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel are listed. There is no more detail, other than saying all workers 'critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic'. This could cover thousands of MoD roles. Fire and rescue service employees, including support staff. Mountain rescue staff and other similar roles will likely be included Those considered crucial to maintaining border security at ports and airports are included, as are prison and probation staff. Transport This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass. Train, Tube and bus drivers will be asked to work to help key workers get to their jobs. The Department for Transport (DfT) said today it had agreed with rail operators across the country to scale back timetables from Monday as people change their travel habits to help stop coronavirus spreading. Core services will continue to run to help people attend medical appointments and allow emergency services and NHS staff get to work. Utilities, communication and financial services This includes staff needed for essential financial services provision (including but not limited to workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure), the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage), information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the COVID-19 response, as well as key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services), postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors. SOURCE: Gov.uk website Advertisement

Some schools have said they will not do any live sessions at all for younger children - citing safeguarding issues and staffing constraints.

In contrast, others live-stream what is happening in the classroom with the children of keyworkers, including some interaction for youngsters at home.

Others have a structured timetable and live lessons as well as pre-recorded video clips in between.

A number of schools are reporting a higher turnout of eligible pupils on site - including children of critical workers and those classed as vulnerable - than in the March lockdown, prompting concerns about their ability to balance remote education with in-person teaching.

It came as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson set out his expectations for schools during the latest lockdown.

He said parents can contact Ofsted if they are unhappy with the offer and have previously raised concerns with their headteacher.

Ms Longfield said: 'Every child has the right to a good education and it is not acceptable that some children are unable to learn, through no fault of their own, because of a lack of technology, or because their home circumstances prevent them being able to work effectively.

'There are also clearly disparities between what schools are offering children in terms of remote lessons.

'I want the Government to commit to ensuring that all children have access to technical equipment and broadband to support remote learning, alongside an urgent review of guidance for schools to ensure make sure that children receive a broad and balanced curriculum, whether at home or at school.

'As a minimum, those children learning remotely should have daily contact with teachers.

'We know the negative impact the last long lockdown had on the wellbeing of many children and I want to see a speeding-up of the process of introducing mental health support and counselling in every school.'

Mr Williamson told the House of Commons on Wednesday that the schools watchdog will enforce legal requirements for state schools in England to provide high-quality remote education during the lockdown.

He said schools are expected to provide between three and five hours of teaching a day - and if parents feel their child is not receiving enough learning they should complain to the school first and then ultimately to Ofsted.

The Department for Education said it expects schools to have a digital platform, such as G-Suite or Microsoft Education, and to provide at least some of their remote teaching via video lessons - this can be done by school-led videos or using other providers like Oak National Academy.

Mr Williamson confirmed that children who do not have access to technology are seen as vulnerable and can attend school in person during the national lockdown.

One thread on the Mumsnet website showed that parents are concerned about the disparities in learning.

'I'm concerned about DD falling behind compared to the keyworker children in her class who are being taught by the teacher,' one parent wrote.

Another said: 'There seems to be big disparities in what the offers are.'

One parent said they felt 'so disheartened' with the offer from their school, writing: 'I have a Year 6 who's had a maths worksheet and two bite-size clips to watch today.

'It's the same provision as the last lockdown.

'I'm so disappointed; I thought it would be better this time round.

'Then I read on here about other primary age children having live lessons and a more structured timetable and it makes me so disheartened.'

Another said: 'My Year 5 son is getting three 30-45 minute live lessons per day (his teacher working from home, with his children at home) plus the accompanying work, plus reading.'

And one parent said: 'Unfortunately we are just getting worksheets and links to bite-size.'

MailOnline reported on Tuesday how experts have warned of serious problems developing as England enters its third national lockdown, with one declaring 'The pandemic has created a mental health ticking time bomb'.

Draconian measures designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus variant will heavily impact many during the gruelling winter months.

Depression, anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are expected as the restrictions create a sense of terrible Deja Vu.

The blow comes especially hard due to the proximity of New Year, where many had believed the start of 2021 would signal more optimistic fortunes.

Michael Gove said the curbs on freedom would last for months, triggering more gloom among the public.

And children - after being told schools would be safe - face difficult home-learning after the U-turn by Boris Johnson and his government.

During his coronavirus news briefing today, the Prime Minister said approximately 12billion had been spent on NHS mental health care, with around another 19-20million contributed towards mental health charities.

Emma Thomas, Chief Executive at YoungMinds told MailOnline: 'The pandemic is deepening the crisis in young people's mental health and there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the impact could be significant and long-term.

'Young people tell us that they've struggled to cope with the changes and loss of coping mechanisms brought on by the pandemic, with many experiencing social isolation, anxiety, and fears around their future.

'Many lost access to mental health support during the first lockdown, while others chose not to look for help at a time when the NHS was under so much pressure. With the pandemic continuing through the winter and another lockdown confirmed, it's likely that more young people may struggle to cope.'
A study led by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health researchers examines attitudes toward long-acting injectable (LAI) HIV therapies, among women with a history of injection--including medical purposes and substance use. The findings appear in the journal AIDS Patient Care and STDs.

Currently, most HIV therapies for treatment and prevention (pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP) necessitate daily pills, which pose barriers to adherence. Recently, however, LAI for HIV has emerged as an alternative with the potential to boost adherence, although little research has been done on how people with a history of injection feel about these new forms of injectable HIV therapy. There 258,000 women in the United States living with HIV.

The study involved interviews with 89 women across six different sites in the United States. Overall, participants highlighted how LAIs may improve adherence by freeing women of treatment fatigue and reminders associated with daily pill-taking, thus eliminating potential stigma, and facilitating confidentiality. Most women with a history of periodic injectable medication (such as birth control) would prefer LAI, but those with other frequent injections (such as for diabetes) who expressed a desire to limit the number and frequency of injections and clinic visits might not. Women with a history of injection drug use expressed mixed sentiments: some feared LAI might trigger a recurrence while others felt that familiarity with needles would predispose people who use injection drugs towards LAI.

The authors write that LAI HIV therapies would ideally coincide with existing LAI treatments (e.g., birth control) to minimize inconvenience and the need for multiple clinic visits, an approach currently used in some clinics that co-locate care for HIV and substance use.

"Future research needs to address injection-related concerns, and develop patient-centered approaches to help providers work with their patients to best identify which women could most benefit from LAI use," says first author Morgan Philbin, PhD, assistant professor of sociomedical sciences at Columbia Mailman School. "As LAI ART for HIV treatment and prevention is scaled-up, systems must be created for women and providers to collaborate in order to best identify which women might need additional support for LAI use and which might be better candidates for daily pills."

The researchers conducted in-depth interviews at six sites (New York, NY; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA; Atlanta, GA; Chapel Hill, NC; Washington, D.C.) as part of the Women's Interagency HIV Study, including women living with HIV and women at risk for HIV.

###

A complete list of authors, their affiliations, and funding sources is available online, as part of the published article. Co-author Adaora A. Adimora-has received funding from Viiv, Merck, and Gilead, including a grant from Gilead. Co-author Anandi N. Sheth declares that Gilead has given research grants to her institution, but none are related to her current work.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-08 01:48:20|Editor: huaxia

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Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi (R) meets with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Gaborone, Botswana, Jan. 7, 2021. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)

GABORONE, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday on bilateral ties.

Wang said that since taking office, President Masisi has cherished the friendly tradition between the two countries, firmly adhered to the one-China principle, timely restored mutual trust between the two countries and pushed bilateral relations on the track of sound development. China appreciates these efforts.

In foreign relations, China adheres to the principle that all countries, big or small, are equal, Wang said. China never interferes in other countries' internal affairs, and stands ready to be a long-term and reliable cooperative partner of Botswana.

"We are willing to join in Botswana to further implement the important consensus between the two heads of state, achievements of Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19," said Wang.

China is also willing to join in Botswana to strengthen the party-to-party and people-to-people exchanges, deepen post-COVID-19 bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Both sides shall take the opportunity of signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to promote transformation and upgrading of bilateral cooperation, and help to accelerate Botswana's process of industrialization and digitalization in order to benefit the welfare of more people.

Wang said that Africa has achieved political independence through a hard struggle, but it still needs to make continued efforts to truly achieve economic independence.

China is ready to deepen cooperation with African countries including Botswana within the framework of the FOCAC, ensure the success of the new session of FOCAC, upgrade China-Africa cooperation, help African countries turn their resource advantages into development advantages and accelerate their capacity for independent development, Wang said.

The two sides should also strengthen coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs, firmly support multilateralism, oppose unilateral power bullying, promote democracy in international relations and safeguard the common interests of developing countries, Wang said.

President Masisi said that Botswana attaches great importance to the Botswana-China relations. Botswana takes the one-China principle as the foundation of the development of bilateral relations and remains firm in this regard.

Masisi thanked the Chinese side for its tremendous assistance to the Botswana government and people in achieving development and fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Botswana admires China's development achievements and is full of expectations for the future of Botswana-China relations.

Botswana is willing to be a reliable partner of mutual benefit with China, Masisi said. China is welcome to increase investment in Botswana, strengthen cooperation in industrial parks, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation and other fields, and help Botswana contribute "patents of Botswana" to the world.

Botswana is ready to strengthen party-to-party exchanges with China, expand cooperation under the framework of the FOCAC and work with China to overcome the "middle-income trap" and achieve high-quality development, Masisi said.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with Botswana's Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Lemogang Kwape. The two foreign ministers signed the MoU on jointly advancing the BRI between the two governments and other cooperation documents. Enditem
The Supreme Court is seen in Washington on Nov. 5, 2020. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

Overview of Election Challenges in Courts Across the US

UPDATE: Congress on Jan. 7 certified Joe Biden as president-elect. This article is no longer updated.

Overview of Key Lawsuits and Recounts

ACTIVE CASES/PENDING SUPREME COURT PETITIONS

Donald J. Trump for President v. Kathy Boockvar (U.S. Supreme Court: 20-845)

The Trump campaign filed the suit on Dec. 21 challenging three Pennsylvania Supreme Court rulings that illegally changed the mail-in ballot laws immediately before and after the 2020 presidential election, the legal team said. The team argued that those court decisions were issued in violation of Article II of the Constitution and the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Bush v. Gore, that settled a recount dispute from Florida in 2000. The lawsuit seeks all appropriate remedies, which includes the vacating of electors that were committed to Joe Biden and allowing the Pennsylvania Legislature to call up their own electors.

One of the cases* sought meaningful access for Republican observers to view the counting of ballots. The majority panel in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the states election code does not set a minimum distance poll observers need to stand in order to watch ballot counts and meet the laws requirements. The two other cases are a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision (pdf) issued before the election on Oct. 23 and another ruling (pdf) decided on Nov. 23 that consolidates six cases. The campaign consolidated the three rulings.

Dec. 21: The Trump campaign files petition for a writ of certiorari to appeal three decisions. A motion for expedited consideration was also filed. The case was docketed on Dec. 23.

Dec. 30: Boockvar files a response opposing the request to expeditiously review case (pdf).

Dec. 31: The Trump campaign files a reply to Boockvars response (pdf).



Republican Party of Pennsylvania v. Boockvar et al (U.S. Supreme Court: 20-542)

Pennsylvania Republicans are asking the nations top court to review a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that requires election officials to accept absentee ballots received up to three days after Nov. 3. Republicans are arguing that the courts extension violates the Constitution as the decision to extend the deadline belongs to lawmakers, not the courts. The Supreme Court had previously rejected two requests by Republicans in this case: one to hold the state Supreme Court decision and the other to expedite consideration of a petition to review the merits of the case. Nevertheless, some members of the court have indicated an interest in taking up the case. A petition for a writ of certiorari is currently being considered.

Nov. 4: The Trump campaign files a motion to join the Supreme Court challenge.

Nov. 6: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito issues a temporary order in the Supreme Court case requiring Pennsylvania to segregate ballots that arrived after Election Day.

Nov. 9: Multiple Republican-led states file friend-of-the-court briefs in support of the lawsuit asking the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that extended the deadline for mail-in ballots in the state.

The case has been distributed for consideration during Jan. 8 conference, however, this does not mean the justices would immediately act on the case.



Kelly et al v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Commonwealth: 620 MD 2020; State Supreme Court: 68 MAP 2020; U.S. Supreme Court: 20A98 & 20-810)

A Republican lawmaker and several GOP congressional candidates filed a lawsuit against Pennsylvania seeking to either block the certification of election results or to exclude mail ballots from the count. Alternatively, the lawsuit asks the court to order the Pennsylvania General Assembly to choose the states electors.

Nov 21: Plaintiffs file a petition for review in an appellate state court (pdf).

Nov. 25: A Pennsylvania judge orders state officials to not certify the results of the 2020 election until her court holds a hearing on an election contest on Nov. 27. Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and other officials appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court.

Nov. 25: The hearing on Nov. 27 has been delayed due to the appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Nov. 27: Plaintiffs urge the state Supreme Court to keep in place a preliminary injunction blocking the certification of the 2020 election.

Nov. 28: Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in a per curiam decision to overturn the temporary block on the certification of the election results. The court also dismissed the case, saying that the group of Republicans had filed their challenge too late.

Dec. 1: Plaintiffs said they would request a review by the U.S. Supreme Court. Court website shows the case was docketed on Dec. 3. Plaintiffs filed an emergency request asking Supreme Court to block the state from taking further action to certify the states results (pdf).

Dec. 2: Plaintiffs ask Pennsylvania Supreme Court to hold their ruling that allowed officials to complete the certification of election results while they appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court (pdf).

Dec. 3: Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected the request to hold their ruling while plaintiffs appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court (pdf).

Dec. 3: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito ordered defendants to respond to the emergency request by 9 a.m. on Dec. 8.

Dec. 8: U.S. Supreme Court denies the application for injunctive relief (pdf). An attorney for the plaintiffs said that he will file a separate petition for a writ of certiorari with a request to expedite the case in the coming days.

Dec. 11: Plaintiffs file a petition for a writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court, urging it to take up the case (pdf). The filings were docketed on Dec. 15.

INACTIVE CASES

*In Re: Canvassing Observation (Commonwealth Court: 1094 CD 20; Supreme Court: 425 EAL 2020/30 EAP 2020)  This case is currently appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court along with two other rulings. Please refer to the above.

The Trump campaign filed an appeal of a lower state court decision in Pennsylvania, asking the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania to halt vote counting until Republican observers are granted adequate access

Nov. 4: Lower state court decision appealed (pdf).

Nov. 5: A Pennsylvania appellate court rules in favor of the Trump campaign (pdf), prompting election officials to appeal.

Nov. 9: The state Supreme Court says that it would hear the election officials appeal (pdf).

Nov. 11: Election official files brief at the state Supreme Court (pdf).

Nov: 13: Trump campaign files brief at the state Supreme Court (pdf). Pennsylvania Democratic Party, who intervened in the case, files brief in the same court (pdf).

Nov. 17: Pennsylvania Supreme Court rules 5-2 to reverse appellate courts decision. The majority panel rules the states election code does not set a minimum distance poll observers need to stand in order to watch ballot counts and meet the laws requirements.

Dec. 20: The Trump campaign announced that it had appealed this case along with two other related-cases to the U.S. Supreme Court (pdf). The two other cases are a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision issued before the election on Oct. 23 (pdf) and another ruling decided on Nov. 23 that consolidates six cases (pdf). The campaign consolidated the three rulings.



Donald J. Trump For President, Inc. v. Boockvar (District Court: 4:20-cv-02078; Appeals Court: 20-3371)

The Trump campaign filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania seeking an injunction that blocks the Keystone State from certifying the results of the 2020 General Election, alleging that state election officials had mismanaged the election process and that the counting process was shrouded in secrecy.

Nov. 9: Lawsuit filed.

Nov. 12: Officials in the election battleground state of Pennsylvania and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) ask a federal judge to dismiss the Trump campaigns lawsuit.

Nov. 17: Court hears oral arguments in the case over a motion to dismiss.

Nov. 18: Judge orders parties to file new briefs and motions to defend and clarify their positions and arguments in the case.

Nov. 21: A federal judge dismisses the Trump campaign lawsuit.

Nov. 23: U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals grants an expedited review of the case after the Trump campaign appeals case.

Nov. 27: Third Circuit rejects the Trump campaigns request to allow it to amend their complaint and for injunctive relief (pdf). Trump campaign lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Jenna Ellis indicated that they were going to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.



Metcalfe v. Wolf (636 MD 2020)

A group of Republicans filed a lawsuit on Dec. 7 asking the court to prevent Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and other state officials from certifying the 2020 election results. The lawsuit also seeks to prohibit state officials from casting votes for President in the Electoral College based upon election results that cannot be certified as accurate. It claims that the 2020 election was fraught with numerous violations of Pennsylvanias Election Code perpetrated by predominantly Democratic county election officials and various irregularities related to the handling of absentee and mail-in ballots.

Dec. 7: Lawsuit filed (pdf).

Dec. 9: Judge dismisses case.



In Re: Canvass of absentee and mail-in ballots (Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Case Nos. 201100874-201100878; Pa. Supreme Court: 89-93 EM 2020  then consolidated under 31-35 EAP 2020 )  This case is currently appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court along with two other rulings. Please refer to the above.

The Trump campaign filed five separate petitions for a review of the Philadelphia County Board of Elections decision to count votes that appear to have errors or irregularities because voters did not print their name or their address in the space provided on the outer envelope. The case challenges over 8,300 ballots cast in the county.

Nov. 13: The Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County denies all five petitions, prompting the Trump campaign to request an appeal to the appellate court.

Nov. 17: The Philadelphia County Board of Election asks the Pennslyvania Supreme Court to take up the case instead, arguing that the case is important and threatens to impact the boards ability to meet reporting and certification deadlines (pdf).

Nov. 18: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court agrees to take up the case (pdf).

Nov. 23: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court affirmed the lower court decision to count the ballots (pdf).

Dec. 20: The Trump campaign announced that it had appealed this case along with two other related-cases to the U.S. Supreme Court (pdf).



Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. et al v. Boockvar (602 M.D. 2020)

The Trump campaign sued to compel Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Kathy Boockvar and 67 counties to follow an earlier deadline for voters to provide missing proof of identification if not provided on their initial ballot. Boockvar issued election guidance that extended the Nov. 9 deadline by three days, the lawsuit (pdf) states.

Nov. 4: Lawsuit filed.

Nov. 5: A Pennsylvania judge orders all counties to segregate ballots received between Nov. 10 and Nov. 12 for which missing identification was received from ballots verified on or before Nov. 9. Those segregated ballots cannot be counted until approved by the court.

Nov. 12: The judge orders the state to not count the segregated ballots, ruling that Boockvar lacked statutory authority to issue the guidance to change the deadline.



Donald J. Trump for President v. Montgomery County Board of Elections (Trial court: 18680; Commonwealth Court: 1171 CD 2020)

The Trump campaign sued the Montgomery County Board of Elections to stop counting mail-in ballots that do not comply with the election requirements. The campaign alleges that election officials were counting ballots in which the outer declaration envelope was not completely filled in with voters signature, address, and date. The campaign identified about 600 ballots, at the time of the filing, that did not meet such requirements.

Nov. 5: Petition for review filed (pdf).

Nov. 13: Petition denied by the court (pdf). The Montgomery County Board of Elections was ordered to count the 592 ballots.

Nov. 16: The Trump campaign appeals case to the states Commonwealth Court (pdf).

Nov. 19: The Trump campaign withdraws appeal (pdf). The court closes the case.



Donald J. Trump for President v. Philadelphia Countys Board of Elections (20-cv-05533)

The Trump campaign sued Philadelphia Countys Board of Elections to seek an emergency injunction to stop ballot counting in Philadelphia.

Nov. 5: A federal judge denies the emergency request from the Trump campaign.

ACTIVE CASES/PENDING SUPREME COURT PETITIONS

Feehan v. Wisconsin Elections Commission (District Court: 2:20-cv-01771; Appeal Court: 20-3396; U.S. Supreme Court: 20-859)

Lawyer Sidney Powell filed a lawsuit on Dec. 1 seeking to de-certify and invalidate improper votes in Wisconsin over allegations of election fraud. She is representing a Republican presidential elector. One of the plaintiffs Derrick Van Orden was removed from the complaint after filing.

Dec 1: Lawsuit filed (pdf). Powell also filed an emergency motion for injunctive relief (pdf).

Dec. 6: Judge rejects Democratic Services Corporation/Democratic National Committees request to join lawsuit.

Dec. 9: Judge dismisses case (pdf). Powell said her team will seek an emergency review in the case.

Dec. 10: Powells team files notice of appeal.

Dec. 12: Powells team files a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dec. 29: U.S. Supreme Court dockets case.

Dec. 30: Powells team ask court to consolidate all four related-cases filed by the lawyer on behalf of Republican electors.



Trump v. Biden (Trial: 2020CV007092; Wisconsin Supreme Court: 2020AP2038; U.S. Supreme Court: 20-882)

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence file an appeal to contest the Wisconsin recount in Milwaukee and Dane County.

Dec. 3: Lawsuit filed (pdf).

Dec. 11: Judge tosses out the case. The attorney representing the Trump campaign signaled that he intends to appeal the decision.

Dec. 11: The Wisconsin Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal.

Dec. 14: The Wisconsin Supreme Court rejects lawsuit saying one of the campaigns arguments lacked merit, while the other three were raised way too late (pdf).

Dec. 29: Trump files a petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for expedited consideration at the U.S. Supreme Court (pdf). Docketed on Jan. 4.



Trump v. The Wisconsin Elections Commission (District: 2:20-cv-01785; Appeal: 20-3414; U.S. Supreme Court: 20-883)

President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against election officials and leaders in Wisconsin on Dec. 2, alleging unlawful and unconstitutional acts. The president is asking the court to declare a number of alleged constitutional violations by defendants and send the matter to the Wisconsin Legislature for appropriate relief pursuant to the Constitution.

Dec. 2: Lawsuit filed.

Dec. 10: Court holds hearing.

Dec. 12: Federal judge dismisses the case.

Dec. 12: Trump files notice of appeal.

Dec. 24: Federal appeals court from the 7th Circuit upheld federal judge ruling.

Dec. 31: Trump appeals case to the U.S. Supreme Court (pdf) and filed a motion for expedited consideration. The case was docked on Jan. 4.

INACTIVE CASES

Wisconsin Voters Alliance v. WI Elections Commission (2020AP001930)

A Wisconsin non-profit and more than two dozen voters filed a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Elections Commission asking the state Supreme Court to block the certification of election results because of alleged irregularities. The lawsuit claims that it found that more than 10,000 Republican ballots werent counted; more than 10,000 GOP voters who had their ballots requested and filled in by another person; and around 100,000 illegal ballots that were counted anyway. The suit details a series of alleged illegal actions taken by Wisconsin officials that led to significant numbers of improper votes being counted, such as not enforcing state laws that require voters to present photo identification when requesting an absentee, or mail-in, ballot.

Nov. 24: Plaintiffs file an emergency petition for original action at the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The election commission is ordered to file a response by Nov. 27.

Dec. 4: The petition for leave to commence an original action is denied.



Trump v. Evers (2020AP001971  OA)



President Donald Trumps campaign filed a lawsuit on Dec. 1 in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, alleging there is clear evidence of illegal activity that altered the outcome of the presidential election. The allegedly unlawful actions affected at least 221,000 ballots, according to campaign officials.

Dec. 1: Lawsuit filed (pdf).

Dec. 3: The Wisconsin Supreme Court denied the request to hear the case, saying that according to state law the challenge to election results should first be heard by the state circuit court (pdf).



Langenhorst v. Pecore (1:20-cv-01701)

A third-party lawsuit filed in Wisconsin is seeking to exclude election results in three of the states counties, alleging that sufficient evidence that illegal votes were counted. The lawsuit, filed by three voters, asks the court to invalidate and block the certification of the election results.

Nov. 13: Lawsuit filed.

Nov. 16: Plaintiffs voluntarily request to dismiss the lawsuit and the judge terminated the case.



Recount:

Nov. 4: The Trump campaign says it will request a recount in Wisconsin.

Nov. 7: Justin Clark, Trumps deputy campaign manager, announces that his team would initiate the recount.

Nov. 18: The Trump campaign says it will file for a partial recount in Wisconsin that targets several counties, spending $3 million to cover the estimated cost.

Nov. 20: The Wisconsin partial recount begins. It is expected to be completed on Dec. 1.

Nov. 30: Wisconsin partial recount completed.

ACTIVE CASES/PENDING SUPREME COURT PETITIONS

Trump v. Kemp (1:20-cv-05310)

President Donald Trump files a federal lawsuit against Gov. Brian Kemp and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger seeking to de-certify 2020 election results in Georgia over allegations that thousands of ballots were illegally cast and counted. Trumps legal team claimed in the lawsuit that through Georgia election officials actions unqualified individuals were able to register and vote during the 2020 general election, including convicted felons still serving their sentence, underage individuals, unregistered aor late-registered individuals, people who had registered to vote in other states, people who had moved across county lines, dead people, people who had registered using a P.O. Box, church, or courthouse instead of their residence. They claim that the violation had resulted in more than 11,779 illegal votes being cast and counted.

Dec. 31: Lawsuit filed. Motion for an expedited declaration and injunction filed.

Jan. 5: Federal judge rejects motion.



Pearson v. Kemp (District: 1:20-cv-04809; Appeals: 20-14480; U.S. Supreme Court: 20-816)

Lawyer Sidney Powell is representing a group of Republican plaintiffs seeking to invalidate the election results in Georgia over allegations of massive fraud in particular ballot stuffing and voter manipulation through the use of the Dominion voting system. The suit alleges, citing expert analysis, that at least 96,600 votes were illegally counted during the Georgia 2020 general election. Powell filed the suit on behalf of plaintiffs including Republican Party nominees for the electoral college, the chairman of the Cobb County Republican Party Jason Shepherd, and the Assistant Secretary of the Georgia Republican Party, Brian Jay Van Gundy.

Nov. 25: Lawsuit filed (pdf).

Nov. 27: Plaintiffs file a motion for injunctive relief (pdf)

Dec. 1: Judge postpones a scheduled Dec. 4 hearing (pdf)

Dec. 2: Federal appeals court grants plaintiffs request to expedite the appeal, after Powell sought an emergency appeal from the Eleventh Circuit. Powell was seeking a statewide order after a district judge temporarily blocked election officials from wiping or altering Dominion Voting Systems machines in only three counties.

Dec. 4: Eleventh Circuit dismisses Powells appeal, ruling that they do not have jurisdiction to hear the case (pdf). The judges allowed the case to proceed in the district court.

Dec. 7: Federal judge dismisses case, ruling that the plaintiffs have no legal standing to sue. Powell filed a notice of appeal.

Dec. 11: Powells team files an emergency petition to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dec. 15: Supreme Court dockets case.

Dec. 30: Powells team ask court to consolidate all four related-cases filed by the lawyer on behalf of Republican electors.



Wood v. Raffensperger (District: 1:20-cv-04651; Appeals: 20-14418; U.S. Supreme Court: 20-799)

Lin Wood, an attorney with Trumps reelection campaign sued Georgias Secretary of State and election officials in a bid to stop the certification of election results, claiming that election rules unconstitutionally changed by state officials could have invalidated absentee ballots cast in the 2020 election.

Nov. 13: Lawsuit filed.

Nov. 16: Amended complaint filed (pdf).

Nov. 19: Federal judge denies a request to block the certification of the states election results. The judge ruled that Wood lacked legal standing as an individual voter to challenge Georgias election procedures. Wood hinted that he will file an appeal in the 11th Circuit.

Nov. 24: Woods lawyers file an emergency appeal to the 11th Circuit court.

Nov. 25: Appeals court grants Woods motion for expedited review of the case.

Dec. 5: 11th Circuit upholds Nov. 19 ruling by a federal judge. Wood indicated on Dec. 6 that he plans to file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dec. 11: The Supreme Court dockets Lin Woods appeal. The appeal was filed on Dec. 8.



Favorito v. Cooney (State Court: 2020CV343938)

A group of Georgian voters are demanding a forensic inspection of mail-in ballots in the county from the Nov. 3 presidential election. After Garland Favorito, a tabulation observer, noticed abnormalities to the election results he reported it to state officials and made an open record request for the interim upload results. other petitioners in the case are also alleging a range of election irregularities during the counting and auditing of ballots.

Dec. 23: Petition filed in the Superior Court of Fulton County (pdf).

Hearing granted for Monday, Jan. 4 at 11 a.m.



Trump v. Raffensperger (2020CV343255; Georgia Supreme Court: S21M0561)

President Donald Trumps reelection campaign filed an election contest in Georgia on Dec. 4 alleging that several Georgia election officials committed repeated violations of the election code which constituted an abandonment of the legislatures duly enacted framework for conducting the election and for choosing presidential electors, contrary to Georgia law and the United States Constitution. The campaign is asking the court to declare that ineligible voters cast votes during the Nov. 3 election, void the results of the election, and order a new presidential election in the state, among other remedies.

Dec. 4: Election contest filed (pdf).

Dec. 11: Trump asks Georgias Supreme Court to review the case.

Dec. 12: Georgia Supreme Court rejected the request for an emergency petition.

Dec. 30: Case reassigned to a lower court judge, who sets hearing and trial for the case for Jan. 8.

INACTIVE CASES

Boland v. Raffensperger (2020CV343018)

Registered elector Paul Boland filed a lawsuit against Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger seeking to decertify the states 2020 election results until an investigation is completed into claims that ballots were cast by non-residents and that signature-verification practices were lax. The lawsuit claims that 20,312 ballots were cast by people who are no longer residents of Georgia and that suspiciously low ballot rejection rates suggest signature-verification procedures were not enforced with their usual rigor, resulting in dilution of Bolands vote, casting doubt on the integrity of the Election and providing grounds to contest the Georgia vote.

Nov. 30: Lawsuit filed (pdf).

Dec. 8: Judge dismisses case (pdf).



John Wood v. Raffensperger (2020CV342959)

The Amistad Project of the Thomas More Society filed a lawsuit on behalf of John Wood, president of the Georgia Voters Alliance, asking the court to nullify the states election results due to significant allegations of voting irregularities. The lawsuit alleges that over 150,000 illegal votes were counted, while over 40,000 legal votes were not counted. Illegal votes were ones where voters voted where they did not reside, were out-of-state residents voting in Georgia, or double votes occurred. Meanwhile, some 20,000 absentee ballots were requested which were not asked for by the person identified in Georgias database

Nov. 25: The Amistad Project announces lawsuit (pdf).

Dec. 8: Judge dismisses the petition and closes case.



In Re: Enforcement of Election Laws and Securing Ballots Cast or Received After 7:00 P.M. on November 3, 2020

The Trump campaign and the Georgia Republican Party filed a lawsuit in Georgia alleging that absentee ballots were improperly counted after the states deadline.

Nov. 4: Lawsuit filed.

Nov. 5: A judge in Georgia dismisses the lawsuit.



Recount updates:

Nov. 6: Georgias secretary of state announces that the state will have a recount.

Nov. 11: Georgias secretary of state announces the state would conduct a manual hand recount.

Nov. 13: The largest hand recount of ballots in U.S. history begins in Georgia. The secretary of states office has instructed county election officials to complete the audit by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 18. The deadline for the state to certify the results is Nov. 20. The Trump campaign is challenging the recount process because it does not include signature matching.

Nov. 19: Georgia finishes its statewide risk-limiting hand count audit of the 2020 election results and upheld and reaffirmed the original outcome produced by the machine tally of votes cast. The Trump campaign is disputing the results, arguing that the hand recount did not include a signature matching process and so simply recounted all of its illegal ballots.

Nov. 21: The Trump campaign requests a new recount citing a lack of signature matching and other vital safeguards during the risk-limiting audit.

Nov. 24: Poll workers across Georgia begin a machine recount of roughly 5 million votes cast in 2020 presidential election.

Dec. 4: All 159 counties have reported their results, according to the state.

Dec. 7: Georgia secretary of states office certified the recount result and called the state for Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

ACTIVE CASES/PENDING SUPREME COURT PETITION

Bowyer v. Ducey (Trial court: 2:20-cv-02321-DJH; Appeals Court: ; U.S. Supreme Court: 20-858)

Lawyer Sidney Powell filed a federal lawsuit on Dec. 2 seeking to de-certify and invalidate improper votes in Arizona over election fraud, and to order officials to preserve equipment and voting data for inspection. The suit alleges that over 412,000 votes were cast illegally in the state. Most of the plaintiffs are Republican presidential electors in the state and members of the Republican party in the state.

Dec. 2: Lawsuit filed (pdf). Powell also filed a motion for a temporary restraining order (pdf).

Dec 5: Judge schedules hearing for Tuesday, Dec. 8 to hear arguments on the motion to dismiss filed by defendants. Powell asks the court to expand the hearing time from one hour to three hours in order to allow witnesses to present evidence.

Dec. 6: Judge rejects request for a three-hour hearing to hear witnesses and limits hearing to motion to dismiss.

Dec. 9: Judge dismisses case (pdf). A co-counsel on the case told The Epoch Times that they intend to appeal the case.

Dec. 10: Powells team files notice of appeal.

Dec. 11: Powells team files an emergency petition to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dec. 29: U.S. Supreme Court dockets Powells emergency petition.

Dec. 30: Powells team ask court to consolidate all four related-cases filed by the lawyer on behalf of Republican electors.



Ward v. Jackson, et al. (State Court: CV2020-015285; State Supreme Court: CV20-0343-AP/EL; U.S. Supreme Court: 20-809)

Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Kelli Ward filed a petition on Nov. 24 for early inspection of mail-in ballot envelopes and signatures, ahead of an anticipated elections contest against 11 Arizona Democrat presidential electors. Wards challenge alleges that some suburbs in Maricopa County had an unusually high number of duplicated ballots. It also claims that there were insufficient safeguards to verify mail-in ballots.

Nov. 24: Petition filed.

Dec. 2: Plaintiff files motion to compel or motion for continued inspection (pdf).

Dec. 4: After two days of hearings, an Arizona judge denies relief for the plaintiff (pdf), ruling that the evidence did not show fraud or misconduct. The judge also found that there was a low error rate and that it would not impact the outcome of the election. Ward has indicated that she would appeal the case to the state Supreme Court.

Dec. 7: Arizona Supreme Court granted a request to expeditiously review the ruling.

Dec. 8: Arizona Supreme Court denies Wards request for relief and upholds trial judges decision.

Dec. 11: Ward announces the Arizona Republican Party will appeal its case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dec. 15: U.S. Supreme Court dockets Kelli Wards petition for a writ of certiorari (pdf) and motion for expedited consideration filed on Dec. 11 (pdf).

INACTIVE CASES

Stevenson v. Ducey (CV2020-096490)

Members of the Arizona Election Integrity Association filed an election contest on Dec. 4 seeking to de-certify the Nov. 3 election results in the state. The lawsuit alleged that private funds were distributed to election officials across the countryand in Arizonawhich were used to dictate how officials managed the election. It also claims that Arizonas absentee ballot error rate exceed the narrow margins of error. The suit claims that over 240,000 ballots in the state that were counted were unlawful or illegal and that over 130,000 legal ballots were not counted.

Dec. 4: Election contest filed (pdf).

Dec. 7: Petitioners voluntarily dismiss case (pdf).



Aguilera v. Fontes et al (CV2020-014562)

Two Arizona residents filed a lawsuit against state officials, seeking relief for a violation of their right to vote when election officials allegedly failed to follow the correct election procedures. Laurie Aguilera had claimed she was denied the right to vote because she was not given a new ballot after her vote was rejected by the tabulation machine. Meanwhile, Dovocan Drobina claims that his vote was not properly counted by the machines.

Nov. 12: Lawsuit filed.

Nov. 20: A state judge dismisses the challenge.



Arizona Republican Party v Fontes et al (CV2020-014553)

The Republican Party of Arizona filed a lawsuit (pdf) against Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes and other state officials, seeking a hand count of votes by precinct, as opposed to by voting centers. Under the Secretary of States manual, election officials must perform a limited precinct hand count audit after every general election. For the 2020 election, Maricopa County set up vote centers across the county rather than assign voters to polling places in their precincts, as had been the traditional practice in prior elections. The difference in sampling vote centers compared to precincts is that there are significantly fewer vote centers. The states Republicans, hence, are asking for the sampling of precincts rather than vote centers for the hand count audit.

Nov. 13: Lawsuit filed.

Nov. 18: Oral arguments scheduled.

Nov. 19: A state judge dismisses the lawsuit (pdf).



Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. et al vs Hobbs et al (CV2020-014248)

The Trump campaign and the RNC filed a lawsuit over rejected votes in Maricopa County. The lawsuit alleges in-person votes were disregarded as a result of improper guidance provided by poll workers.

Nov. 7: Lawsuit filed.

Nov. 13: The Trump campaign drops its lawsuit, telling the court tabulation of votes statewide has rendered unnecessary a judicial ruling as to the presidential electors (pdf).

Nov. 16: Court dismisses the case.



Aguilera v. Fontes et al (CV2020-014083)

The Trump campaign and RNC asked an Arizona judge to let them join a lawsuit that alleges vote tabulation equipment in metro Phoenix was unable to record a voters ballot because she completed it with a county-issued Sharpie pen

Nov. 4: Lawsuit filed.

Nov. 5: The Trump campaign and RNC ask an Arizona judge to let them join the lawsuit.

Nov. 7: Attorneys who challenged the use of the markers tell the court theyre dismissing their legal challenge.

ACTIVE CASES/PENDING SUPREME COURT PETITIONS

None pending

INACTIVE CASES

Law v. Whitmer (20 OC 00163 1B)

The United States Electoral College candidates in Nevada who pledged to President Donald Trump filed an election contest on Nov. 17, alleging irregularities, improprieties, and fraud in the states 2020 presidential election. The contest, filed in the First Judicial District Court in Carson City, seeks to have Trump declared as the winner in Nevada, or to have the election annulled. The plaintiffs allege that the election machines used throughout the state are unreliable, that observers were denied access to the ballot duplication process, and that alleged vote-buying occurred through some Native American outreach programs.

Nov. 17: Election contest filed (pdf).

Nov. 23: Defendants file motion to dismiss (pdf).

Dec. 4: State judge in Carson City dismisses election contest, ruling that the plaintiffs did not sufficiently prove that illegal votes were cast and counted and that legal votes were not counted (pdf). A spokesperson for the lawyer representing plaintiffs said they intend to appeal the ruling to Nevada Supreme Court.

Dec. 8: Nevada Supreme Court affirms state judges order to dismiss election contest (pdf).



Stokke v. Cegavske (2:20-cv-02046)

A third-party in Nevada filed a lawsuit that had several of its allegations promoted by the Trump campaign. The lawsuit seeks to change the signature verification procedures used for processing ballots. The plaintiffs include the congressional campaigns of two Nevada Republicans and a voter.

Nov. 5: Lawsuit filed.

Nov. 6: A federal judge denies a request for a preliminary injunction or a temporary restraining order to block the use of the signature verification machine. No other actions have been taken in the case since.

Nov. 24: Lawyers for the plaintiffs filed a voluntary dismissal of the case.



Kraus v. Cegavske (20-oc-001421B)

The Trump campaign and the Nevada Republican Party sued election officials in the Las Vegas area, seeking to halt the ballot counting process immediately until Trump campaign volunteers are allowed to closely observe the process. The lawsuit was filed against Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, a Republican, and Joseph Gloria, registrar of voters for Clark County, Nevadas most populous county, which includes the city of Las Vegas.

Oct. 23: Lawsuit filed (pdf).

Oct. 29: A state judge rejects a lawsuit seeking expanded access to poll watchers, prompting the Trump campaign to appeal that decision to the state Supreme Court.

Nov. 10: The Trump campaign moves to dismiss their appeal after reaching a settlement with state officials to allow for more observers.

ACTIVE CASES/PENDING SUPREME COURT PETITIONS

King v. Whitmer (District Court: 2:20-cv-13134; U.S. Supreme Court: 20-815)

Lawyer Sidney Powell filed a lawsuit in a Michigan federal court on behalf of a group of Republicans alleging that massive election fraud and violations to the state election code in the Nov. 3 election. It claims that the fraud took place through a troubling, insidious, and egregious ploy  of ballot stuffing, which gave Democratic nominee Joe Biden a lead in the state. The fraud allegedly was rendered invisible through the help of using election software and hardware from Dominion Voting Systems, the lawsuit claims. Plaintiffs in the civil action are six registered Michigan voters and nominees of the Republican Party to the electoral college.

Nov. 25: Lawsuit filed in a federal court (pdf). The plaintiffs also filed a temporary restraining order.

Dec. 7: Federal judge dismisses lawsuit, characterizing the allegations as conjecture and speculation. (pdf)

Dec. 8: Lawyers file notice of appeal to ask the circuit court to review the decision.

Dec. 11: Powells team files a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dec. 13: Powells team sends a letter to Supreme Court asking for permission to file new evidence under seal.

Dec. 15: U.S. Supreme Court dockets case.

Dec. 28: State respondents file response opposing petition (pdf).

Dec. 30: Powells team ask court to consolidate all four related-cases filed by the lawyer on behalf of Republican electors.

INACTIVE CASES

Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. v. Benson (Trial court: 20-000225MZ; Michigan Court of Appeals: 355378; Michigan Supreme Court: 162320)

The Trump campaign filed a lawsuit in Michigan to halt vote counting until Republican observers are granted adequate access.

Nov. 4: Lawsuit filed.

N0v. 5: Michigan judge denies request by the Trump campaign (pdf).

Nov. 6: The Trump campaign files a motion asking the states court of appeals to review the case. The Michigan Court of Appeals subsequently sends a letter to the campaign on Nov. 9 asking for missing documents.

Nov. 18: The City of Detroit filed a request to join the lawsuit.

Dec. 4: Michigan Court of Appeals denies request to review the case (pdf).

Dec. 7: Trump campaign files request to state Supreme Court to review lower courts Nov. 5 decision.

Dec. 11: Michigan Supreme Court declines to hear the case.



Johnson v. Benson (162286)

The Amistad Project announced a lawsuit against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson asking the state Supreme Court to invalidate the states election results, arguing that state and local officials engaged in unlawful conduct in how they handled the election. The suit claims that Bensons COVID-19 measures by sending unsolicited absentee ballot applications to every household in the state violated election laws and the intent of the Michigan legislature. The Amistad Project is representing a poll challenger and a voter in this suit.

Nov. 27: Lawsuit announced. Court says the documents will be docketed as filed on Nov. 30 due to court rules. The plaintiffs are also asking the court to consider their claims urgently.

Dec. 9: State judge denies relief to the plaintiff.



Cheryl A Costantino v City of Detroit (20-014780-AW)

The Great Lakes Justice Center filed a lawsuit (pdf) in Wayne County Circuit Court alleging voter fraud in ballot-counting procedures. The suit alleges county election officials allowed various fraudulent processing of votes, including telling poll workers to backdate ballots and not verify signatures on absentee ballots. Several witnesses have filed sworn affidavits attesting to alleged election fraud. The plaintiffs, two poll challengers, are seeking a temporary restraining order on ballot counting. The judge in the case heard arguments on Nov. 11 over a motion asking the court to block the certification of election results, to order an audit, and for a protective order.

Nov. 9: Lawsuit filed

Nov. 11: Judge hears arguments over a motion asking the court to block the certification of election results, to order an audit, and for a protective order.

Nov. 13: Judge denies the requests submitted in the plaintiffs motion. The plaintiffs sought an order for an audit of the election and a delay to the certification of the results.

Nov. 16: The plaintiffs appeal the judges order issued on Nov. 13. The Michigan State Court of Appeals denied the appeal.

Nov. 17: The plaintiffs appeal the Michigan State Court of Appeals decision at the Michigan Supreme Court.

Nov. 23: Michigan Supreme Court ruled 61 to deny the plaintiffs request for the court to review the lower courts decision (pdf) on injunctive relief. In a concurring opinion, Justice Brian Zahra, joined by another justice, said Michigans certification of the results had rendered the request to block the certification moot, however, he ordered the trial court to expeditiously consider the other issues in the case related to allegations of voter fraud.

Nov. 25: Plaintiffs lawyers file a motion seeking an audit of Nov. 3 election results under the Michigan Constitution.

Dec. 4: Plaintiffs lawyers ask a state judge to order an immediate audit of election results during a hearing on Dec. 3. The judge indicated it would issue an opinion by noon on Dec. 8.

Dec. 8: State judge denied the request for an audit of election results, ruling that the request was premature. The judge said that if the secretary of state does not conduct an audit then the plaintiffs could file a mandamus petition with the Michigan Court of Claims, recognizing their constitutional right to an audit.



Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. v. Benson (1:20-cv-01083)  U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan Southern Division

The Trump campaign sued Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and other officials in a federal court, alleging pervasive election irregularities and violations in Wayne County. The lawsuit is also seeking to determine the accuracy of tabulating equipment or software used in the state due to reports of malfunctioning software.

Nov. 11: Lawsuit filed.

Nov. 17: Democratic National Committee and Michigan Democratic Party, both of whom asked to intervene in the case, ask the court to dismiss the case (pdf).

Nov. 19: The Trump campaign announces it was withdrawing the lawsuit after two Republicans on an election board in Wayne County rescinded their votes to certify the countys 2020 election results. The campaigns lawyer files a notice of voluntary dismissal (pdf).

New Mexico

ACTIVE CASES/PENDING SUPREME COURT PETITIONS

Donald J. Trump for President, Inc v. Toulouse Oliver (1:20-cv-01289)

The Trump campaigns lawsuit alleges New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver violated state election laws by allowing voters to return their absentee ballots in drop boxes placed outside polling locations instead of handing their ballot to a presiding election judge. It is seeking to delay the certification of New Mexicos election results, or alternatively ask the court to order the New Mexico legislature to appoint the electors. The campaign is also seeking the court to segregate the ballots turned in at drop-boxes, investigate each location to determine whether statutory procedures were followed, and if they were not to exclude them from the vote count.

Dec. 14: Lawsuit filed (pdf).

Multi-State

INACTIVE CASES

Texas v. Pennsylvania (22O155)

The state of Texas on Dec. 8 filed an election lawsuit against Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, and Wisconsin, alleging that the states unconstitutionally changed election laws, treated voters unequally, and triggered significant voting irregularities by relaxing ballot-integrity measures. The lawsuit seeks a declaration by the court that the four battleground states conducted the 2020 election in violation of the Constitution. The state is also asking the top court to prohibit the counting of the Electoral College votes cast by the four states. For the defendant states that have already appointed electors, the lawsuit asks the court to direct the state legislatures to appoint new electors in line with the Constitution.

Dec. 7: Lawsuit (pdf) and motion (pdf) for preliminary injunction filed.

Dec. 8: U.S. Supreme Court orders defendant states to respond by Dec. 10.

Dec 9: President Donald Trump asks Supreme Court for permission to join lawsuit.

Dec. 9: Multiple states file an amicus brief urging the top court to take up the case.

Dec. 10: Six states and a group of state legislators and voters ask Supreme Court to join lawsuit.

Dec. 10: All four defendant states file responses to Texass motion. States and territories with Democrat AGs and officials file amicus briefs urging justices to reject the lawsuit.

Dec. 11: Supreme Court denies Texass motion to bring a suit against the four states. The top court ruled that Texas did not have the legal right to bring the case because it had not shown a valid interest to intervene in how other states handle their elections.

Beijing: One of China's top scientists has defended the country's delays in raising a global alarm in the early days of the coronavirus outbreak, saying officials were initially unsure whether the pathogen was infectious among humans because close contacts of the first patients didn't appear to fall sick.

In the first days of 2020, after the mysterious pneumonia cluster emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, Chinese experts quarantined 700 close contacts of the first patients  including 400 medical workers that tended to them  but none showed signs of illness.

The Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market has been linked to the initial outbreak of COVID-19, but Chinese authorities suggest it is not the true source of the virus. Credit:Getty Images

This led experts to hold off on concluding the coronavirus was transmissible among humans, said Liang Wannian, a senior official at the National Health Commission who oversaw China's virus response until September.

"At the beginning of January, none of the two dozen cases  and later increased to four dozens  fit those criteria," said Liang in an interview with Bloomberg in Beijing. "Our call at the time was that there was no clear evidence for human-to-human transmission."

I beg your forgiveness, but this is something I do at the start of new two-year legislative sessions.

Its akin to home maintenance. Like cleaning out heat ducts, having the chimney swept or getting a termite inspection.

Not pleasant. Repetitious. Unlikely to make a visible difference. But good for the long-term value of what you own.

And while it doesnt feel like it, you own the legislature. Its yours. Everything it does is with your money. That includes just being there, to the tune of $700 million-plus every two years.

And perhaps youve noticed your full time legislature is back from a holiday break (which started in November).

Yep, rested, ready and rarin to go. Or, as Republican House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff put it, Time to get Pennsylvania rockin and rollin.

Well, eventually. The new session starts with its usual grueling schedule. Between now and mid-March? Nine voting days in the House, six in the Senate.

Speaking of the Senate, it began with a bang, eh? Made national news on its swearing-in day by dissolving into shouting partisan chaos.

GOP leaders wouldnt seat decade-long Allegheny County incumbent Democrat Jim Brewster, whose narrow reelection was certified by the state. Then they tossed presiding officer Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman from the podium.

Want a banana with your republic?

Thankfully, lawmakers exhausting schedule and political theater comes when theres not much need for actual public service. I mean other than for all the businesses and industries, families and individuals ravaged by coronavirus.

Or revisiting needed stuff ignored last year, like targeted aid for restaurants, extending eviction protections or approving paid sick leave during a pandemic.

But help for hundreds of thousands of citizens could have to wait while our elected leaders attend to politics: re-legislating mail-in voting to perpetuate the notion Joe Biden didnt win the state; applying their gerrymandering skills to judicial elections; and setting about re-gerrymandering their own and congressional district lines.

Hey, the peoples business is a busy one.

Anyway, welcome to a new circus season of the deliberative body I like to say is the reason Pennsylvanias slogan should be Land of Low Expectations.

Ah, but what if these leaders resolved to improve their service, or even just their image?

That image, by the way, isnt the best.

In 12 of the last 15 Franklin & Marshall College polls, Pennsylvania voters said the states most important problem (except for COVID-19 in last years polling) is government, politicians.

Who better fits that definition than members of our legislature?

I often get reader suggestions for the legislature. These range from making lawmakers salaries no more than the states median household income (about $63,000) to reducing the number of lawmakers.

Legislative base pay is $88,610. But dozens in leadership get from $101,000 to $138,000. And, with 253 lawmakers, we have the largest full-time legislature in America, despite being the fifth most populous state.

But such changes have no shot. Our legislature loves its pay, perks, pensions and overall size. A large, amorphous body is a great place to hide from accountability. Think of Congress.

Yet the pandemic underscores the importance and fragility of trust in government. The legislature could and should resolve to help restore such trust.

Start small. Everybody wear masks. Even if you dont believe in it, many of your constituents do, as does science. Be a model for something other than bickering.

Abstain from annual automatic pay raises at least until the states economy and unemployment numbers return to pre-pandemic status.

(The latest automatic raise was declined, so theres precedent here.)

Stop locking popular measures in committees. Allow floor votes on needed reforms such as merit selection of state judges and a citizens redistricting commission.

Resolve to allow the public a yes/no vote on term limits.

Join the majority of states and raise the minimum wage. Then cut the corporate net income tax, one of the nations highest.

Do something to show the public you can be more than its most important problem.

Or go on as you are: putting politics over people, and fighting over who gets the big boy chair.

John Baer may reach at baer.columnist@gmail.com.
Theres a fine line ... many of them crossed it, he said of the Trump supporters at the Capitol. Many of them did not cross it, though. I mean, it was not all (thousands of) people that were at that march that stormed the Capitol building. So lets call it for what it was. It was a small section of idiots who obviously descended on the Capitol and decided that that was a great course of action.

WASHINGTON - A handful of Senate Republicans who had vowed to protest President-elect Joe Biden's electoral college win abruptly reversed their objections after a mob of President Donald Trump's supporters violently stormed the Capitol - even as other rogue senators signaled they would continue to contest the election results after Wednesday's deadly siege.

Sens. Steve Daines, R-Mont., James Lankford, R-Okla., and Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who all endorsed objections to the tallying of electors in key disputed states, said they would stand down and support the affirmation of the election results. Loeffler, who lost her bid to retain her appointed seat Tuesday night, said she could no longer "in good conscience" do so after the hours-long melee that sent senators rushing to safety.

"We now need the entire Congress to come together and vote to certify the election results. We must stand together as Americans," Daines and Lankford said in a joint statement. "We must defend our Constitution and the rule of law."

But one key senator - Missouri Republican Josh Hawley, the first senator to announce he would protest the electoral college results - refused to relent. Hawley still plans to object to confirming the electoral votes from Pennsylvania during joint session, according to his spokeswoman Kelli Ford, a move that, if matched by a member of the House, could kick Congress into another round of debate and voting on whether to accept the state's results.

The decision puts Hawley in the distinct minority of GOP senators who, before the events of Wednesday afternoon, had committed to object to the results, but following the siege, indicated they would vote to certify the results.

Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., explained the siege "did change things drastically" and that he wanted to "get this ugly day behind us." Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., a close ally of the president, also told reporters that "in light of events, there's a bit of a different attitude" about continuing the objection to the election results. Both supported efforts to dispute the results.

In brief floor remarks Wednesday night, Hawley noted that he would speak about the Pennsylvania electors during the debate over Arizona's results, "in lieu of speaking about it later."

"I actually think it's very vital what we do, the opportunity to be heard, to register objections is very vital," Hawley said, defending his stance. His spokeswoman said later that Hawley would not speak during the debate over Pennsylvania, in the interest of accelerating the proceedings toward a final vote. .

Republican leaders and lawmakers spent Wednesday afternoon trying to press Trump loyalists like Hawley to abandon their objections to President-elect Joe Biden's win, as they huddled in an undisclosed location waiting for law enforcement officials to clear bands of pro-Trump rioters from the Capitol, according to multiple people familiar with the effort.

After law enforcement officials cleared the Capitol, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., told reporters he believed objectors would "condense" their remaining objections into a single complaint, extending the debate by another 30 or 40 minutes only, before relenting.

"I don't think there's going to be another objection," Paul said. "I think it's over."

But Paul's predictions proved to be premature, as the debate promised to stretch for several more hours into the night.

When the House and Senate chambers went into lockdown, both chambers were midway through debating Arizona's election results. Congress resumed working shortly after 8 p.m., after Vice President Mike Pence, in a rare speech from the Senate dais, reopened the chamber by telling lawmakers: "Let's get back to work."

He and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., voiced sentiments of resilience, warning that Congress would not be cowed by "thugs, mobs, or threats," as McConnell classified the protesters, nor be deterred from certifying Biden as the winner of the 2020 election.

McConnell had been telling members to return Wednesday night to resume proceedings as a projection of strength after rioters drove lawmakers to evacuate the Capitol, according to two senior Republicans familiar with the message the leader has been sending.

Houe Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., offered a similar sentiment to House members.

"I have faced violent hatred before. I was not deterred then, and I will not be deterred now. Tonight, Congress will continue the business of certifying the electoral college votes," he tweeted.

But leading Democrats also had harsh words for the people who stormed the Capitol - and the president they believe incited them to it.

"Those who performed these reprehensible acts cannot be called protesters. No, these were rioters and insurrectionists, goons and thugs, domestic terrorists," Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said, adding that their incursion "was in good part President Trump's doing, incited by his words, his lies."

"This violence is in good part his responsibility, his everlasting shame," Schumer added.

The protest of the electoral college results, which began as an organized exercise in the Capitol earlier this afternoon, quickly devolved into chaos as a pro-Trump mob stormed barricades, pushing their way past armed Capitol police and into the congressional office buildings and the Capitol itself, sending both the House and the Senate into lockdown. Lawmakers were evacuated soon after, as protesters occupied the chambers themselves.

As they were pushed out of the Capitol, several Republicans publicly called on President Trump to intervene with his supporters and urge them to stand down.

"Call it off, Mr. President. We need you to call this off," Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Pa., said in a CNN interview, appealing to Trump to tweet to his supporters that "it's over. Please go home."

Even House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who committed to support the electoral college protest earlier Wednesday, called on Trump to "calm" his supporters and bring their "un-American" protest to an end.

Earlier on Wednesday, McConnell accused Republicans backing the electoral college objections of hypocrisy, shaming them for questioning Biden's win after spending four years accusing Democrats of never having accepted Trump's presidency, and urging them not to "escalate what we repudiate."

"We cannot simply declare ourselves a national board of elections on steroids . . . it would damage our republic forever," McConnell said. "We cannot keep drifting apart in to two separate tribes with a separate set of facts and separate reality, with nothing in common except our hostility toward each other."

Trump responded to their appeals with a video in which he urged calm, but continued to rail against the election results as illegitimate. Multiple social media companies responded to the posting of the video by suspending his accounts for several hours.
OSWEGO, N.Y.  An effort by Democrat Anthony Brindisi to count ballots from voters who were purged from state voter rolls was met with tough questions from State Supreme Court Judge Scott DelConte today.

DelConte will rule on about 2,500 challenged ballots case in New Yorks 22nd Congressional District, the only undecided race in the House of Representatives. Brindisi, of Utica, currently trails Tenney, a Republican from New Hartford, by 29 votes of 311,695 cast for the two candidates.

Brindisi is fighting for every vote in a race this close, and DelConte on Wednesday seemed skeptical of an argument that his attorneys have offered regarding at least 80 purged voters from Oneida County he hopes to add to the count.

An apparent error by one of Tenneys attorneys earlier in the hearing almost opened the door for Brindisi to get the purged votes he wants, which could have been a big blow to Tenneys attempt to take the seat in Congress. The seat is temporarily vacant pending the court case, more than two months after Election Day.

Despite Tenneys attorneys error and his skepticism of Brindisis effort to count purged voters, the judge has not yet ruled. The judge has said he is waiting until he has reviewed each of the ballots before making big rulings affecting multiple ballots. About 300 votes have yet to be reviewed.

Voters are listed in the state database as active if they vote regularly, inactive if elections boards have reason to think a voter has moved from an address, and purged if they are not eligible to vote. A voter is listed as purged in New Yorks voter database for several reasons: He or she died, is a felon or is mentally incompetent.

And, relevant to this case, a voter is also listed as purged if these three things happen: They move from the county where they were registered, are sent a removal notice from the state elections board and do not vote in two election cycles.

There are about 80 of these ballots from purged voters among the 444 contested ballots from Oneida County that DelConte began reviewing today, and there are more of these ballots in the seven other counties that make up the 22nd District. So this issue is significant for Brindisis hopes of clawing back votes to add to his tally.

Brindisis attorneys are arguing that a 2019 change to election law should mean that voters who are listed as purged should be allowed to have their ballots count. The law allowed registered voters to move to a new county without re-registering to vote in that county, as long as elections commissioners could verify they were registered in the state voter database.

The issue came up with a purged voter who lived in Liverpool then moved to Oneida County and tried to vote after sitting out at least two elections. When he was told he was purged, he voted with an affidavit ballot, which was later tossed out.

Alexander Tischenko, Brindisis attorney, said the new law should enable the voter to have his affidavit vote counted.

The purpose of the statewide transfer law is to facilitate exactly these kinds of voters. The reason that you have been purged is not because youve died, or have a felony, Tischenko said. Its because your local board thinks you dont live where you used to be registered.

DelConte, however, pressed Tischenko on the idea that simply moving to a new county and voting in that county should be enough to move a voters status from purged to active without further effort by the voter.

Youre making an argument that somehow, somewhere, moving across county lines activates the ... transfer law and converts the purged status into the eligible voter status? DelConte asked him.

Tischenko responded that the law enabling voters to move to new counties without re-registering does not make a distinction between purged and inactive voters. And he said that local boards of elections have all the information in the database they would need to match an affidavit ballot with the persons registration.

DelConte asked Tenneys attorney, Paul DerOhannesian, to weigh in. He argued that county boards cannot simply take an affidavit ballot from a purged voter and then count it. There is a required step before that, where the county board determines if the information on the affidavit is correct, like the voters age, citizenship status and other qualifications to vote.

The judge also got the opinion of Kimberly Galvin, a Republican representative of the State Board of Elections, who cited what she said is a state law that says a voters purged status does not change when he or she moves to another county.

DelConte ultimately moved on from the question without offering a further opinion or ruling on the matter.

An apparent mistake

Before DelConte pressed Tischenko on his attempt to revive the purged voters, Tenneys attorney made an error that would have opened the door to count those exact votes.

In arguing for a separate ballot to count, Joseph Burns, Tenneys lead attorney, said the judge has the authority to order county boards of elections to consider counting votes from purged voters. That was the exact argument Brindisis team had been making, which Tenneys team opposed in hearings and in legal briefs.

The judge asked him several times whether he agreed that the judge has authority to count purged ballots. Each time, Burns answered yes.

Burns answers visibly surprised the judge, who sat up from his chair and announced he would need to take a recess to craft a ruling, considering that both sides seemed to agree on the question.

About 15 minutes later, he returned to the courtroom and prepared to make an announcement. Before he could, Burns interrupted and asked to withdraw the statements hed just made. Burns explained the mistake by saying hed been looking at the wrong ballot when he made that statement.

Tischenko, Brindisis attorney, objected to the withdrawal, saying the judges questions were clear.

The judge ordered both parties into his chambers, which, in the context of a virtual hearing, meant they had a private video chat. About 20 minutes later, they emerged and the judge allowed Burns to withdraw the statement. He later ordered it to be struck from the transcript.

Contact reporter Patrick Lohmann at PLohmann@Syracuse.com or (315)766-6670.

MORE ON THE NY-22 ELECTION

Court case to decide winner in NY-22 House race to take at least another week

Brindisi, Tenney argue, vote by vote, in epic nail-biter. How perfect does a voter have to be?

Tenney keeps lead in undecided NY-22 election as ballots go to judge

All eyes turned to court battle over NY 22nd election. Then it took a week off. Why?

Tenneys friends question integrity of House election, raise money for recount
South Jacksonville trustees are scheduled to meet in regular session by 7 p.m. today in Village Hall, 301 Dewey Drive.

The meeting will follow a session by the village electoral board to consider an objection to a candidate petition.

The world watched with dismay as a surreal scene at the U.S. Capitol, like little else seen in its history, unfolded on Wednesday. Protestors 
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - ALX Resources Corp. (TSXV: AL) (FSE: 6LLN) (OTC: ALXEF) ("ALX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has initiated an exploration review on its 100%-owned Cannon Copper Project ("Cannon Copper", or the "Project") located in Kamichisitit Township within the Sault Ste. Marie Mining District of Ontario, Canada. Cannon Copper hosts the historic Cannon Copper Mine and Mill (also known as the Crownbridge Copper Mine), which saw limited copper processing in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

ALX maintained 100% ownership since 2015 of thirteen claim units at Cannon Copper totaling 289 hectares (714 acres) following the amalgamation of Alpha Exploration Inc. and Lakeland Resources Ltd. In October 2020 and again in January 2021, the Company staked an additional 59 units and expanded the size of the Project to 72 cell units totaling 1,600 hectares (3,954 acres).

Highlights of the Cannon Copper Project

Cannon Copper is located approximately 33 kilometres (20 miles) northwest of Elliott Lake in an exploration district known for high-grade copper occurrences both on surface and in drill holes, but the area remains underexplored for base metals in the modern era.

The Project is accessible by way of paved highways connecting to secondary roads and trails, and lies within 200 metres of an active powerline.

The past-producing Cannon (Crownbridge) Copper Mine and Mill operated intermittently as a regional copper processing facility from 1966 until 1972. Production statistics for the Cannon Copper property are unknown. The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Northern Development of Ontario currently lists a historical mineral resource for the Cannon Copper Mine of 415,000 tonnes grading 1.8% copper over a width of 6.5 feet (1.98 metres) ( Note: This historical resource is not compliant with the standards of National Instrument 43-101 - see "National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure" later in this news release for additional cautionary language ). 1

). Copper mineralization was traced historically along a strike length of approximately 2.68 kilometres (1.6 miles) within quartz veins and conglomerates, in a series of mineralized zones at depths ranging from near-surface to approximately 300 metres (984 feet). 2

A single deep hole (hole CR-15) drilled by Crownbridge Copper Mines Limited in 1963, intersected chalcopyrite mineralization within argillitic rocks beginning at a depth of 580.34 metres (1,904 feet), located well below the quartz vein-hosted copper mineralization forming the identified mineralized zones. Historical operators recommended follow-up to hole CR-15 to test for new sedimentary-hosted copper resources, but no follow-up deep drilling was carried out.3

1 Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6366, Report of Activities 2019.

2 Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Assessment File #41J11SE0023.

3Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Assessment File #41J11SE0031.

ALX is conducting a review of geophysical data available in the public domain to apply new modelling techniques to existing data, and plans to carry out a helicopter-borne airborne electromagnetic survey in 2021. New geophysical targets that could be related to the historical mineral occurrences at Cannon Copper would be followed up in the summer of 2021 by prospecting, the use of leading-edge geochemical and ground geophysical surveys, and future diamond drilling, if warranted.

To view maps of Cannon Copper click here

About Cannon Copper

The Cannon Copper property is underlain by the Gowganda Formation which is part of the Proterozoic Huronian Supergroup metasedimentary rocks of the Southern Province. Mineralization consists of chalcopyrite and pyrite, both disseminated and massive, in structurally-controlled quartz veins and in the quartz breccia zone alongside the quartz veins, with minor disseminated bornite. Minor gold values have been reported in some zones. Alteration of the host Gowganda Formation consists of chlorite, chlorite/silica, hematite and hematite/silica alteration.

Exploration is recorded from 1956 by Great Lakes Copper and later by Andover Mining & Exploration Ltd. ("Andover") from 1958 to 1960. Andover drilled 75 holes for a total of approximately 9,185 metres (30,133 feet), which outlined the mineralized zones on the property to an approximate depth of less than 150 metres (500 feet). In 1963, Crownbridge Copper Mines Limited acquired the property and drilled an additional 11,910 metres (39,077 feet) in both shallow and deep holes, testing for mineralization to a depth of over 580 metres (1,900 feet). In 1968, Cannon Mines Ltd. ("Cannon") acquired the property, sank a 245-metre (800-foot) decline and began processing material in a newly-erected mill. For unknown reasons, Cannon ceased all operations in 1972. Other companies in the early 1970s made attempts to restart operations but no further development or mineral production is recorded after 1975. A predecessor of ALX acquired the Cannon Copper property in 2012.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Sierd Eriks, P.Geo., President and Chief Geologist of ALX, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101. The historical mineral resource estimate quoted in this news release uses categories that are not compliant with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and cannot be compared to NI 43-101 categories, and is not a current estimate as prescribed by NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned that a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the estimate as a current resource and ALX is not treating the estimate as a current resource estimate.

Geochemical results and geological descriptions quoted in this news release were taken directly from assessment work filings published by the Government of Ontario. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by past operators and have not been verified nor confirmed by its Qualified Person, but create a scientific basis for ongoing work in the Cannon Copper area. Management further cautions that past results or discoveries on adjacent or nearby mineral properties are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on ALX's mineral properties.

About ALX

ALX is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and its common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "AL", on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "6LLN" and in the United States OTC market under the symbol "ALXEF".

ALX's mandate is to provide shareholders with multiple opportunities for discovery by exploring a portfolio of prospective mineral properties, which include gold, nickel-copper-cobalt and uranium projects. The Company uses the latest exploration technologies and holds interests in over 200,000 hectares of prospective lands in Saskatchewan, a stable Canadian jurisdiction that hosts the highest-grade uranium mines in the world, a producing gold mine, and production from base metals mines, both current and historical.

ALX owns 100% interests in the Firebird Nickel Project (now under option to Rio Tinto Exploration Canada, who can earn up to an 80% interest), Flying Vee Nickel/Gold and Sceptre Gold projects in northern Saskatchewan, the Vixen Gold Project, the Electra Nickel Project and the Cannon Copper Project located in historic mining districts of Ontario, Canada, and the Draco VMS Project in Norway. ALX holds interests in a number of uranium exploration properties in northern Saskatchewan, including a 20% interest in the Hook-Carter Uranium Project, with Denison Mines Corp. (80% interest) operating exploration since 2016.

For more information about the Company, please visit the ALX corporate website at www.alxresources.com or contact Roger Leschuk, Manager, Corporate Communications at: PH: 604.629.0293 or Toll-Free: 866.629.8368, or by email: rleschuk@alxresources.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of ALX Resources Corp.

"Warren Stanyer"

Warren Stanyer, CEO and Chairman

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward looking statements in this news release include: the Cannon Copper Project ("Cannon Copper") is prospective for copper and gold mineralization; the Company's plans to undertake exploration activities at Cannon Copper, and expend funds on Cannon Copper. It is important to note that the Company's actual business outcomes and exploration results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include that ALX may not be able to fully finance exploration at Cannon Copper, including drilling; our initial findings at Cannon Copper may prove to be unworthy of further expenditure; commodity prices may not support exploration expenditures at Cannon Copper; and economic, competitive, governmental, societal, public health, environmental and technological factors may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and share price. Even if we explore and develop Cannon Copper, and even if copper or other metals or minerals are discovered in quantity, the project may not be commercially viable. Additional risk factors are discussed in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020, which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Except as required by law, we will not update these forward looking statement risk factors.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71545
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The Union government will put all details of consultations on the Central Vista redevelopment project in the public domain, minister of housing and urban affairs Hardeep Singh Puri said in an interview to Anisha Dutta. The minister spoke about the Supreme Courts approval for the project and the concerns raised over the alleged lack of public hearings on the project and its environmental impact. Edited excerpts:

Now that the Supreme Court judgment is out, will the recommendation made by the judges to go to the Heritage Conservation Committee for its approval be followed through?

That would have been done by now. The heritage committee is headed by our additional secretary; the process would have been finished by now.

Isnt there supposed to be a public hearing?

Whatever it is, it will be done very quickly.

The thing to note about the Supreme Court judgment, it is a 600-page judgment. It has upheld our position on everything. One suggestion they have made is the requirement of installing smog towers into the design of the buildings for environmental consideration. We are happy to do that. That is why I welcomed it and said we will comply with it and observe the highest standards in the construction and environmental protection.

What about the points raised by the dissenting judge?

Insofar as the dissenting judgment also, they have upheld everything, they have said go ahead with it but they said the public consultation should have been more comprehensive. We will now put in public domain all the consultations we have had on the project. You and I may not be aware of what consultations have been done. For instance, in Parliament, we have consulted the speakers of the House; there has been a process going on from the 1985 estimates committee in 2012 the speakers officer on special duty (OSD) had written to the urban development secretary asking for a new Parliament building. It has been an ongoing process. I have consulted members of Parliament, the speaker has taken meetings and so on. Maybe it has not been on the public domain, but we will put all that up on the public domain. And certainly going forward from now, we are very happy to make the public consultation process more comprehensive, plus in another few days time we will have a website which will have all the information on these projects; the new Parliament and the Central Vista avenue, the government buildings and all the other aspects of it and there people can interact even more freely.

One recommendation of the verdict was also to allow four weeks time to people to submit objections and suggestions on the project to the heritage committee, which will then have a public consultation.

That we will go through...consultation is one thing but if somebody doesnt agree with you, he or she doesnt have a veto power on it. The majority opinion doesnt uphold that. We are happy to consult and we have consulted. We will give more time, but the government is the executive which has the ability and the responsibility to take a decision...And I have said right from the beginning that we will comply with every rule in the book. We will make sure every procedure is followed. If there has been some laxity anywhere we will correct it, no issues.

Can you go ahead with the construction without the Heritage Committees nod?

I dont know what the sequence is but we will follow all the protocols.

What is the next move after this? The SC has given its nod only for the new Parliament building, what about the common secretariat buildings and the other phases of the project?

Lets be very clear, we have just got the nod on the new Parliament and we have opened the tender on the Central Vista area. We are going step by step.

Will the razing of the government buildings begin after this?

We are not going to raze anything till the new ones are ready, this is not going to be a hop, step and jump move. There is not going to be two moves. I will move from this office only when the next office is ready.

So what will be the arrangement till then?

We will stay in our existing buildings till the new buildings are ready. Some people will need to be moved. For instance some are being moved to Janpath Hotel etc temporarily but they are the ones currently housed at IGNCA {Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts}. We are in touch with all the government departments but that sequencing is being done in consultation with them.

Now, going forward will you hold a public hearing for all the remaining parts of the project?

We will have a hearing but the idea is to go ahead. Many things will be done simultaneously also but we will go through all this, yes.

One criticism was also the fact that public hearing process was bypassed and the proposal was directly sent to the EAC.

No public hearing process was bypassed. There may have been compressed processes or in some cases there may be a disagreement, if you can invite comments online etc, all that we will look at very carefully and we will get the project done.

Can you elaborate on the compressed processes?

What has happened is alright, going forward we will give notice before every segment is done and this time we will put all the information on public domain. IF we are consulting architects or town planners etc it would happen in closed rooms...what people are not understanding is it is not one big townhall meeting where 5000 people are collected. There are simultaneous processed going on we will put all that in public domain to show that even in the past consultations have been held. I have held meetings at Prasar Bharti Bhawan, we had called editors of newspapers, Ive called few journalists, Ive called MPs etc. We have held meetings where MPs have been invited, we have had meetings with town planners and architects. Mr Bimal Patel has met people individually. So to say that public consultations have not been held is an opinion that may be coming on the account that people are not aware about it. We must be able to document it with audios and videos. We will put all of that up.

Will Smog Towers be enough to curb pollution levels of the proposed construction that the project entails?

Let me tell you that we were planning it in any case because of the environment concerns etc...the hearings in the Supreme Court which were over many days and our people were there, we heard the argument and we were very confident. But at the end of the day if some additional ideas come we welcome them. They have recommended integrating Smog Towers in the design of the building and we will do that, whether or not that is enough is something that we will determine as we go along. If additional measures are required we will make them also.

There were concerns raised over transplantation of trees as well.

In any case we were on board for that. There is concern but we ourselves are doing. Whether it is transplanting of trees or even relocating statues, we are taking all the precautions.

There was some political backlash on relocation of the statues are these going to be shifted to the new building, what is the plan?

Each of them have their own dynamism...these are processes on which we are taking abundant caution.

What about the icon statue of Mahatma Gandhi? Will that be moved as well?

All that is being done. As you go along we have had individual discussion on each of these with MPs. It is not for me as the Minister for Housing and Urban affairs to make those announcements. Even the decision to construct the new Parliament came from the honble speaker, I am merely executing agency. There will be announcements made as we go along.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : As the country gears up for the mass vaccination drive in a few days, Delhi will witness the third dry mock-drill on January 8 at various hospitals in the city for smooth implementation of coronavirus vaccination process.

Nationwide, the dry-run will be held at various session sites of 736 districts across 33 states and union territories, including the national capital, tomorrow. Its objective is to simulate the actual vaccine administration event. The Centre had recently said that vaccines drive will be rolled out by January 13.

In Delhi, the dry-run will be conducted at various sites, including the All India Insititute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Safdarjung hospital, National Heart Insititute, Batra Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Mool Chand Kharaiti Hsopital, Hakeem Abdul Hameed Hospital, ESI hospital, Alshifa Multispecialty Hospital, Bansal Hospital.

It will also be conducted at IBS hospital, Jeevan Hospital and Nursing Home, MHMC, Escorts Hospital, VIMHANS, Holy Family Hospital, RG Stone Urology and Laparoscopy Hospital, Ramakrishna SBV Madanpur Khadar, MCW Gautampuri, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, among others.

This will be the third dry-run. On Wednesday, a dry-run for the coronavirus vaccination roll-out was held eight sites, including Hindu Rao Hospital and Kasturba hospital.

Prior to that, a dry-run was conducted at three sites - government-run Guru Teg Bahadur hospital Shahdara, a primary health centre in Daryaganj, and the private Venkateshwara Hospital in Dwarka on January 2.

According to the Health Ministry, the objective of the mock drill on Covid-19 vaccination is to simulate the actual vaccine administration event.

The entire planning of the vaccination drive including beneficiary registration, microplanning and vaccination at the planned session site, will be tested under the leadership of District Collector and District Magistrate.

The dry-run will also familiarise the state, district, block and hospital level officers on all aspects of COVID-19 roll out.

This activity will help administrators in strengthening the linkages between planning, implementation and reporting mechanisms, identification of any residual challenges prior to the actual implementation and to provide confidence to the programme managers.

Two vaccines - Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin have been approved for restricted emergency use. It will be first offered to one crore healthcare workers and two crore frontline workers for free.
PFAS investigation in Pellston completes second round of samples

Officials discovered polyfluoroalkyls in Pellston residential water sources in late 2019. The airport is believed to be the source of the substances.
Rudd Resources lands Cummins' bid to implement its diversity, equity & inclusion strategy. In addition to helping the company communicate its commitment to equitable and inclusive business practices, Rudd will support the rollout of C.A.R.E. (Cummins Advocating for Racial Equity), which focuses on police reform, broader criminal justice reform, social justice and economic empowerment. It was clear that with Rudds innovation and breadth of experience in this area, together we can make a real impact for our employees and communities, said Cummins vice president of marketing and communications Carole Castro. Rudd, which specializes in public affairs for philanthropic, equity and community development initiatives, also works with the Chicago Community Trust, the League of American Orchestras and St. Barnard Hospital.

Mower works with Iroquois Healthcare Association in New York state to help it attract candidates to entry-level jobs in healthcare through a multimedia campaign called The Caring Gene. The campaign spanned websites, TV, radio, outdoor, digital, video and social. Mowers IHA team reached out to current caregivers to find out why they choose to do what they do and then challenged job seekers to consider if caring is in their DNA. An online Caring Gene quiz helped candidates identify if theyre a good fit, then pointed them to job openings and tips on how to start a career in the industry. To date, the campaign has netted more than 900,000 website visits, 80,000 job searches and 31,000 click-throughs to provider job sites.

5W Public Relations wins Vetster, a pet wellness platform that virtually connects pet owners to a marketplace of licensed veterinary professionals for video, chat and phone appointments. 5W will be responsible for Vetster's media relations strategy, working to build consumer knowledge surrounding the brand's offerings. Vetster joins the list of clients that the agencys Pet PR division has signed up in 2020, including CBD Dog Health, which offers a range of CBD oil-infused products for pets.
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Congress confirmed President-elect Joe Bidens victory early Thursday, overwhelmingly repudiating a drive by President Donald Trump to overturn his defeat after it culminated in a mob of loyalists storming and occupying the Capitol in a shocking display of violence that shook the core of American democracy.

There was no parallel in modern American history, as insurgents acting with the presidents encouragement vandalized Speaker Nancy Pelosis office, smashing windows, looting art and briefly taking control of the Senate chamber, where they took turns posing for photographs with fists up on the dais where Vice President Mike Pence had just been presiding. Outside the building, they erected a gallows, punctured the tires of a police SUV and left a note on its windshield saying, PELOSI IS SATAN.

ALSO READ | How the Chaos Unfolded as Pro-Trump Mob Stormed US Capitol Leading to 4 Deaths

The attack by rebels carrying pro-Trump paraphernalia stopped the electoral counting for several hours and sent lawmakers and Pence fleeing. But by the time the Senate reconvened in a reclaimed Capitol, one of the nations most polarizing moments had yielded an unexpected moment of solidarity that briefly eclipsed partisan division. Republicans and Democrats locked arms to denounce the violence and express their determination to carry out what they called a constitutionally sacrosanct function, refusing by resounding bipartisan majorities to deliver Trump the election reversal he demanded.

Pence, breaking with the president he has loyally served, made Bidens victory official just after 3:40 a.m. in Washington, declaring that Biden had received 306 electoral votes to Trumps 232 and would be inaugurated the 46th president on Jan. 20.

To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win, Pence said earlier. Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the peoples house. Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and the majority leader, said the failed insurrection had only clarified Congress purpose. They tried to disrupt our democracy, he said. They failed.

Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi resume presiding over a Joint session of Congress to certify the Electoral College results. (Image: Reuters)

In a statement just before 4 am Thursday (local time), the president finally conceded, saying, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

ALSO READ | After US Capitol Hill Violence, Democrat Voices Calling For Trumps Impeachment Grow Louder

Still, the process opened bitter wounds within the Republican Party that are unlikely to quickly heal. While some Republicans who had planned to join the effort to overturn Bidens victory agreed to drop their challenges after the Capitol siege, Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri pressed forward, keeping both chambers in session well past midnight.

An objection to Arizonas results lodged by Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama just before the violence broke out in the Capitol failed overwhelmingly in the Senate, 6-93. The House turned it back on a vote of 121-303, but more than half of that chambers Republicans supported the effort to overturn the election results.

A challenge to Pennsylvanias results backed by Hawley ended in lopsided defeats, as well. Skipping debate altogether, senators voted to reject it 7-92. The House moved more slowly but eventually voted 138-282 to do the same.

The upheaval unfolded on a day when Democrats secured a stunning pair of victories in runoff elections in Georgia, winning effective control of the Senate and the complete levers of power in Washington. And it arrived as Congress met for what would normally have been a perfunctory and ceremonial session to declare Bidens election.

From the start, Trumps allies, acting at his behest, had been determined to use the session to formally contest the outcome. Driving a painful wedge among Republicans, they trumpeted his false claims of voting fraud and initially gave voice inside the Capitol to those who ultimately forced their way in, stopping the process in its tracks.

Lawmakers and Pence mostly took shelter together near the Capitol, amid violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, but small groups reported being stranded for a time in offices and hideaways throughout the building.

Capitol Police, reinforced by the FBI and National Guard in tactical gear, successfully retook the Capitol complex just before 6 p.m., after more than three hours of mayhem. Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington had declared a citywide curfew from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, and a public emergency lasting until after Bidens inauguration.

ALSO READ | Trump Summoned Supporters to 'Wild' Protest, and Told Them to Fight. They Did

The siege was the climax of a weekslong campaign by Trump, filled with baseless claims of fraud and outright lies, to try to overturn a democratically decided election that he lost. He fought the result in court with dozens of spurious lawsuits that he lost. He outright pressured Republican leaders in key battleground states to reverse the will of the voters. And he fought, at last, to turn the congressional counting into the site of his final stand.

We gather due to a selfish mans injured pride, and the outrage of supporters who he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and the 2012 presidential nominee, said after the chamber reconvened. What happened here today was an insurrection incited by the president of the United States.

Police hold back supporters of US President Donald Trump as they gather outside the US Capitol's Rotunda on January 6, 2021. (Image: AFP)

Far from discouraging confrontation, Trump had encouraged his supporters earlier Wednesday to confront Republican lawmakers going against him to side with the Constitution.

We will never concede, he told a group of thousands gathered near the White House, inveighing against members of his own party preparing to finalize his loss as weak Republicans, pathetic Republicans whose leadership had gone down the tubes. He then repeatedly told them to march to the Capitol, where the vote tallying was about to get underway. The violence began a little more than two hours later.

In a speech just before the violence broke out, McConnell, the most powerful Republican on Capitol Hill, forcefully rebuked Trump and members of his own party, warning that the drive to overturn a legitimate election risked sending democracy into a death spiral.

The voters, the courts and the states have all spoken, said McConnell, the majority leader. If we overrule them all, it would damage our republic forever.

Yet even as he spoke, it was becoming clear that the vicious cycle had already been unleashed. Within an hour, McConnell was in the grip of his Capitol Police detail and being rushed out of his chamber with other senators as members of his own party chanted curses to his name.

Biden, in his own remarks, demanded that Trump intervene to tamp down an unprecedented assault on democracy. He called for a televised address by Trump to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege.

This is not dissent. Its disorder. Its chaos. It borders on sedition, and it must end now, Biden said. I call on this mob to pull back and allow the work of democracy to go forward.

Trump initially stayed quiet as the mob rampaged through the Capitol. When he did make himself heard, it was to call for support for law enforcement in a tweet that concluded, Stay peaceful! But not long after, he released a brief video repeating his disproved claim that the election was stolen and speaking in sympathetic and affectionate terms to members of the mob. Later, he absolved the mobsters of their gross assault, effectively arguing that their actions had been warranted.

ALSO READ | The Indian Tricolour Waving in Viral US Capitol Violence Video Has Left Desi Internet Curious

These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long, Trump wrote Wednesday evening in a tweet, which Twitter later removed. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

The president had also intensely pressured Pence, who as vice president oversees the counting, to go rogue and unilaterally throw out the votes of key battleground states Trump lost. Shortly before the session began, Pence denied him in a bold statement after four years of loyal alliance.

I do not believe that the founders of our country intended to invest the vice president with unilateral authority to decide which electoral votes should be counted during the joint session of Congress, and no vice president in American history has ever asserted such authority, he wrote.

Trump supporters breach the US Capitol (Image: Reuters)

Once the counting got underway, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona quickly lodged the first such objection to Gosars home state, sending senators and House members to their respective chambers for up to two hours of debate on Trumps baseless fraud claims.

About 2:15 p.m., as the House and Senate separately debated the objection, security rushed Pence out of the Senate chamber, and the Capitol building was placed on lockdown after the demonstrators surged past barricades and law enforcement toward the legislative chambers.

We now have individuals that have breached the Capitol building, an officer told the House.

In a scene of unrest common in other countries but seldom witnessed in the history of the U.S. capital, hundreds of people in the mob barreled past fence barricades outside the Capitol and clashed with officers. Shouting demonstrators mobbed the second-floor lobby just outside the Senate chamber, as law enforcement officials placed themselves in front of the chamber doors.

For a time, senators and members of the House were locked inside their respective chambers. Just outside the locked doors, Trumps supporters violently tussled with police. A woman inside the building was shot and later died, the District of Columbia police said. Three others died of medical emergencies, authorities said. Multiple officers were injured.

As the mob closed in, senators were rushed into the well of the Senate and down into the basement, where they left the building via an underground tunnel.

When the violence broke out, it was Pence, sheltering in the Capitol, not Trump who approved the deployment of the D.C. National Guard, according to Defense Department officials. Trump initially rebuffed and resisted requests to mobilize forces, according to a person with knowledge of the events. It required intervention from Pat Cipollone, the White House counsel, among other officials, the person said.

At the White House, officials  including two from the East Wing and a top press aide  began submitting their resignations, with more expected to follow in the coming days. I dont recognize our country today, and the members of Congress who have supported this anarchy do not deserve to represent their fellow Americans, said Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va.
Bengaluru, Jan 7 : Karnataka will conduct a Covid-19 vaccination dry run at 263 different places on Friday. This is part of the national programme to train and equip healthcare professionals to carry out the immunisation process whenever the vaccine is rolled out, Health Minister K. Sudhakar said on Thursday.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday chaired a meeting via video conference with the health ministers of states and union territories, a day before the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination dry run.

After attending the meeting, Sudhakar said: "Vaccination should be a public movement with public participation. A detailed discussion was carried out with the central government regarding the preparation and distribution of Covid vaccine." He added that earlier the dry run was planned at three locations in each district of the state, but now it will be conducted at seven locations in each district.

"This dry run will be held at 24 district hospitals, 20 medical colleges, 43 taluk hospitals, 31 community health centres, 87 primary health centres, 30 urban primary healthcare facilities and 28 private health centres across the state," Sudhakar said.

The Minister informed that the Centre has supplied 24 lakh syringes and Karnataka has 10 walk-in coolers, four walk-in freezers, 3,201 Ice Line Refrigerators (ILRs) 3,039 deep freezers, 3,312 cold boxes, 46,591 vaccine carriers and 2,25,749 ice packs.

He added that the Union government has also provided 64 large ILRs with a capacity of 225 litres each.

"Two more walk-in coolers and one walk-in freezer will be received from the central government," Sudhakar said.

He added that at present over 6.30 lakh healthcare workers serving in both the government and private sectors have registered for the vaccination and the window for the registration is still open.

"Union government will be providing one crore vaccines each to all states. Police, health workers, defence personnel and corona warriors will be administered the vaccine on priority basis," the Minister said.
The economy of the Central Asian countries is expected to recover to 3 percent in 2021 due to a modest rise in commodity prices and investments within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China, said the World Bank in a report on Wednesday.

The economic recovery "will be supported by foreign direct investment as the subregion deepens its integration with the Belt and Road Initiative," the World Bank said in its latest Global Economic Prospects.

In particular, the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of Uzbekistan, the region's most populous country, will reach 4.3 percent in 2021 and 4.5 percent in 2022, it said.

According to the bank, Uzbekistan registered a 0.6-percent GDP growth in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the bank pointed out the setbacks for Central Asia's economic development in the future.

"The immediate outlook for economic growth in the region is clouded by uncertainty over the recent surge in COVID-19, which has contributed to social unrest in some countries, as well as the risk of escalating geopolitical tensions," it said.
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
One of the primary objectives of the C Spire Foundation is to support community efforts to improve educational opportunities in Mississippi, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. "In all our efforts, our goal is to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve and help students achieve their dreams of success through STEM-related educational initiatives," said Foundation Executive Director Beth C. Pickering.

"... Our goal is to ... help students achieve their dreams of success through STEM-related educational initiatives."

The commitment comes as the Mississippi State Legislature reconvened this week and is expected to consider legislation in the 2021 session to give elementary, middle and high school students equal access to computer science curriculum in the classroom.

A grassroots effort to win legislative passage last year was cut short by the COVID-19 virus outbreak after a successful House of Representatives vote on a computer science bill in mid-March. The resulting global health pandemic closed most of Mississippi's 884 public and charter K-12 schools and left many of the state's 442,627 students with no option but virtual distance learning from home.

However, state lawmakers provided a boost to the grassroots effort last July with two new laws that set aside $200 million to help 151 school districts purchase more than 325,000 computer devices and other tools that enable students to continue learning from home after widespread school closures caused by the public health crisis.

"Now more than ever, we need to be equipping all of our children to master the digital tools of the 21st century and providing them with educational opportunities to hone their knowledge and skills on the building blocks of meaningful and relevant learning that will form the foundation of our state's economic future," said C Spire President and CEO Hu Meena.

Meena believes exposing all students to computer science in public schools will enhance education and job opportunities so they can pursue their hopes and dreams for success in life. "Lawmakers, students, teachers, parents and business leaders really understand and embrace the importance of this moment for our children and our state's future," he added.

"C Spire looks forward to working with Gov. Tate Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Speaker Philip Gunn, as well as the entire Mississippi House and Senate, in providing equal access to computer science education for all children in our state," Meena said.

Workers with a background in computer science are in high demand and short supply in Mississippi. Employers currently have over 1,475 unfilled jobs due to the serious shortage of trained, qualified IT and computing workers. The average starting salary is almost double the statewide average. In 2019, only 327 students took the AP computer science exam according to code.org, a STEM education advocacy group.

"Getting computer science in all Mississippi classrooms represents a tremendous opportunity to give our young people exposure to the fundamentals necessary for their future success in the workforce," said C Spire CTO Carla Lewis, noting that computer science teaches critical thinking, computational and problem solving skills that benefit all students and future employers.

C Spire has worked closely with lawmakers to refine the legislation that would help make computer science available in all schools fully by the 2024-2025 academic year. Many districts and schools have made progress and will not need to make changes while others will need to boost teacher training and update courses to the latest curriculum.

"We're committed to helping all of our schools overcome any barriers that might stand in the way of offering computer science in classrooms," Lewis said, adding that C Spire is offering to help identify solutions for more teacher training and distance learning. Today, only 48 percent of the state's high schools teach computer science.

C Spire has been heavily involved in efforts to promote computer science education in Mississippi since 2015 with coding challenges, coding academies, pilot accelerated degree programs and other efforts designed to inspire and encourage students to consider pursuing academic degrees or professional careers in science, technology, engineering and math-related fields.

The grassroots computer science education effort is designed to move communities forward with a focus on workforce development, broadband access and technology innovation. To learn more about the need for computer science education in K-12 classrooms or to get involved in the effort, text FUTURE to 50457 or go to www.ourMSfuture.com.

About C Spire Foundation

The C Spire Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, charitable organization.

About C Spire

C Spire is a privately-owned telecommunications and technology company driven to deliver the best experiences in wireless, fiber internet, and business IT solutions such as internet, VoIP, cloud and managed services. Read more news releases and announcements at cspire.com/news. For more information, visit cspire.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

SOURCE C Spire

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Haryana is holding a dry run, a simulation of the actual execution of the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out, on Thursday. This is being done to ensure efficient planning and management of the immunisation process which is expected to begin in a few days.

In Gurugram, where vaccination dry run will be held at six session sites, regional emergencies director of World Health Organisation, Dr Rodrico Ofrin, is likely to visit two sites - at Bhangrola and Wazirabad.

Bhangrola is a rural area, with the dry run being held at a primary health centre. Wazirabad, on the other hand, is an urban area, where the drive will be held at a government primary school.

The drive will start from 11 am at all locations simultaneously, and is likely to continue till 1 pm.

Since the mock drill will be conducted across 22 districts on Thursday, Haryana has been exempted by the Union health ministry from the massive nationwide mock drill to be held on January 8 across all states and union territories.

Each district across the country has been asked to identify three types of session sites, similar to the previous dry run conducted on January 2, including a public health facility (district hospital/medical college), private health facility and rural or urban outreach sites, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday.

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan will hold a meeting with the health ministers of states and union territories on Thursday to guide them on conducting the dry run.

The entire planning of the vaccination drive including beneficiary registration, microplanning and vaccination at the planned session site will be tested under the leadership of District Collector or District Magistrate during the dry run.

The dry run will also familiarize the state, district, block and hospital level officers on all aspects of the Covid vaccine roll out.

: The Congress has set up a 12-member panel to oversee the election campaign management and coordination ahead of assembly elections in four states and a Union Territory, an official statement from the party said.

Four states -- Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal  along with Puducherry are scheduled to go to polls before May this year.

The party has appointed Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and senior party leaders Mukul Wanki and Shakeel Ahmad Khan as the senior observers for Assam. In Kerala, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, former Goa chief minister Luizinho Faleiro and former Karnataka deputy chief minister G Parameshwara will take charge, according to the statement.

Former Karnataka CM Veerappa Moily, along with Pallam Raju and Nitin Raut will oversee the poll preparedness in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the statement said. In West Bengal, BK Hariprasad, Alamgir Alam and Vijay Inder Singla have been appointed, it added.

The leaders will coordinate with the general secretaries to oversee preparations for the elections. They are all senior leaders who will monitor election management, party general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said.

The party statement said Congress president Sonia Gandhi has appointed the leaders as senior observers for overseeing the election campaign management and coordination in states where assembly elections are going to be held in 2021. Their appointment is with immediate effect. They will discharge their duties in close coordination with AICC general secretaries and in-charges in the respective states, the party said. The party faces an uphill task after it suffered a drubbing in the Bihar assembly elections in November, where it only won 19 seats of the 70 seats it contested.

The result of the Bihar polls has prompted the party to take other measures, including an outreach programme to win back women voters.



With Agency inputs.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Dec. 8, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Schumer Says He Plans on Firing Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Over Capitol Breach

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he plans on firing Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Stenger after Democrats assume control of the Senate this month.

If Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Stenger hasnt vacated the position by then, I will fire him as soon as Democrats have a majority in the Senate, Schumer, who is set to become the Senate majority leader, told several news outlets on Thursday.

Stengers office has not yet responded to a request for comment.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also said Thursday that House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving will resign from his position.

Meanwhile, she called on Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund to resign, saying, Mr. Sund  he hasnt even called us since this happened.

The House and Senate sergeant-at-arms are responsible for security in their respective chambers and related office buildings.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said that the ultimate blame for yesterday lies with the unhinged criminals who broke down doors, trampled our nations flag, fought with law enforcement, and tried to disrupt our democracy, and with those who incited them.

But this fact does not and will not preclude our addressing the shocking failures in the Capitols security posture and protocols, he added. Initial bipartisan discussions have already begun among committees of oversight and Congressional Leadership, the majority leader remarked.

House Appropriations Committee Chair Rose DeLauro (D-Conn.) and House Legislative Branch Appropriations subcommittee Chair Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) said an investigation is now underway.

Sund defended the police response, saying the department had a robust plan ahead of the demonstrations.

The USCP had a robust plan established to address anticipated First Amendment activities, Sund said in a statement Thursday. But make no mistakethese mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior. The actions of the USCP officers were heroic given the situation they faced, and I continue to have tremendous respect in the professionalism and dedication of the women and men of the United States Capitol Police.

Sund added that police are investigating an officer-involved shooting inside the Capitol, identifying the woman as Ashli Babbitt.

Babbitt, 35, loved her country and was an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, her husband, Aaron Babbitt, said in interviews with local media.

Videos of the shooting recorded by people at the scene show a woman draped in a Trump flag climbing through a broken window beside a door with smashed glass windows in a chaotic confrontation.

She loved her country and she was doing what she thought was right to support her country, joining up with like-minded people that also love their president and their country, he told Fox 5. She was voicing her opinion and she got killed for it.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Algiers, 7 January 2021 (SPS) - Algeria expects from the United States to be "impartial," as required by the current challenges, in order to advance the causes of peace on the regional and international levels, Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum said in an audience he granted Thursday, in Algiers, to the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker.



During the audience, "Boukadoum stressed the nature of the role expected of the United States to advance the causes of peace at the regional and international levels, that is the impartiality demanded by the current challenges," the ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a release.



The minister's statement was made during an exchange of views on "regional and international issues of common interest, including Western Sahara, Mali, Libya, the situation in the Sahel region and the Middle East."



On the international level, the year 2020 was marked by outgoing US President Donald Trump's actions to convince Arab countries to normalize ties with the Zionist entity.



On December 10, Trump said that he had officially recognized Moroccos alleged sovereignty over Western Sahara, in exchange for the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel.



The decision has been widely criticized at the international level, but also in the United States, and even within the party of the outgoing president. (SPS)



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Three military camps are being adapted so that they can be used as isolation centres for Covid-19 patients.

They are the Coolmoney camp in the Glen of Imaal and Kilbride, both in Co Wicklow, and Kilworth camp in Co Cork.

The Wicklow camps were used last year to quarantine members of the Defence Forces before deployment to overseas peace missions, while troops also had the option of using those centres for isolation after deployment if they could not go home.

The Defence Forces have also been involved in establishing step-down medical facilities at Citywest in Dublin and the University of Limerick. However, there has been no request from the HSE for the conversion of military facilities into field hospitals.

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A military hospital, St Bricins, in Dublin, is also available for conversion and there is contingency planning to provide support for, and manning of, national body storage facilities in temporary morgues. The Defence Forces are also working in close cooperation with the HSE to provide surge capacity in terms of swab testing and contact-tracing capabilities.

As part of Operation Fortitude, which was set up last March, the Defence Forces are providing support across four specific streams, known as the four Ts: testing, tracing, transport and tentage.

Personnel have been supplying advice based on their experiences in dealing with the Ebola disease in Africa and working with the EU mission Sophia, in rescuing migrants being sent across the Mediterranean from Libya by human smuggling networks.

During the first wave of the virus, the Defence Forces provided personnel for testing, administrative and marshalling duties at the Aviva centre in Dublin, with 44,064 tests carried out to date.

Additional frontline support was given over Christmas and this is set to continue.

Senior management have committed up to 56 military first responders daily to community health organisations, creating a capacity for up to 4,000 additional swab tests a day. An extra 60 military personnel were trained by the HSE over the Christmas weekend to complement personnel from the Defence Forces bands and bring the total surge-support figure to 100 for the third wave.

The LE Eithne has been available as a logistics support base at Cork port, while other naval ships have been ready to back up shore-side test centres at Dublin and Galway ports.

Figures compiled by the military up to December 18 show their personnel carried out 53,259 Covid-related duties, involving 9,442 vehicles, 197 naval vessels, 10 aircraft and 1,391 members of the Reserve Defence Force.

Members of the Ordnance Corps were also involved with Aquila Bioscience in the development of AntiBioAgent decontamination wipes (ABDs).

Read More

Irish Independent
Shiloh Smiles, a cadet from The Citadel in Charleston practices her offensive cybersecurity skills to compromise modern wireless networks and web applications during the Cyber Red Zone Capture the Flag.
Two robbers snatched a mans Tata Tiago with his wife still inside the vehicle near Sukhmani School in Dera Bassi on Thursday.

After driving around in the car for 5km, the accused, who were not wearing masks, dropped the woman, Ritu, on the national highway after taking a U-turn from the Ambala toll plaza and sped away in the car.

Investigating officer (IO) Satvir Singh said Ritu, along with her husband, Rajeev Chand, were at the school around 1pm to pay their childrens school fee.

While Rajeev went inside the school, Ritu stayed back in the car, with the keys still in the ignition.

Suddenly, a man sat on the drivers seat, and another sat behind Ritu and covered her mouth to stop her from raising the alarm.

They drove off towards the national highway and dropped her near the Ambala toll plaza after taking a U-turn, before fleeing towards Dera Bassi, the woman told the police.

The IO said the couple lived in Dhandrala village, Dera Bassi, and Chand had a private job.

We have initiated a probe after registering a case against the unidentified accused. We are checking the CCTV footage of the toll plaza and are hopeful of arresting the robbers soon, said Satinder Singh, station house officer, Dera Bassi.
Ant Group Subjected to CCPs Financial Regulation

Ant Group, a subsidiary of Chinas e-commerce giant Alibaba, has recently been repeatedly summoned to a meeting with the four major financial regulators of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The central bank of the CCP has also come forward to accuse Ant Group of arbitrage violations and asked the group to rectify them. The central bank said that Ant Group is now setting up a financial holding company and is subject to official financial supervision.



The surge in Tesla's share price means the company is worth more than General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Fiat Chrysler and Volkswagen combined.

Electric carmaker Tesla closed trading on Wednesday with a market value topping $700 billion for the first time.

The latest surge means the company is worth more than General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Fiat Chrysler and Volkswagen combined.

Tesla's share price ended with a gain of 2.8 percent to $755.98 for a total value of whopping $717 billion. That came after the stock saw a more than 700 percent ascendance in 2020a gain some analysts viewed as inflated.

The auto industry disruptor led by Elon Musk wowed Wall Street yet again over the weekend, reporting annual car deliveries of 499,550, just shy of its 2020 target of half a million, but well above analyst estimates.

The disclosure capped a year that saw Tesla report a series of profitable quarters and join the S&P 500, establishing the company as one of the world's most valuable businesses and elevating Musk to the second-wealthiest person behind Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.

While industry analysts do not expect another massive surge in value this year, they remain optimistic about the company's sales prospects, even if the cars remain out of reach for many buyers.

The optimism comes as construction continues on new Tesla factories in Texas and Germany, which will join existing plants in California and Shanghai that are ramping up production.

Musk has expressed determination to cut the price for Tesla's electric cars, which currently start at $37,990 in the US market.

The Tesla chief is developing battery design, material and production innovations that combine to cut the cost per kilowatt hour by 56 percent.

That should enable Tesla to field a $25,000 model in "three years-ish," Musk said in September, adding, "it is absolutely critical that we make cars that people can actually afford."

And US sales could be helped by President-elect Joe Biden's commitment to green technology to combat climate change.

Explore further Tesla appears to have plenty of momentum after meteoric 2020

 2021 AFP
INDIANAPOLIS  Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued the following statement on Wednesday after groups of protestors stormed the US Capitol complex, disrupting the electoral vote count.

Its both saddening and sickening to watch a mob devolve into thinking their rules would ever replace the rule of law. I unequivocally condemn the violence at the U.S. Capitol that we are now witnessing. Passion, patriotism and love for our nation should always and only be expressed in constructive ways that seek to honor the ideals on which our nation was founded. Any means of violence runs counter to who we are and is never acceptable.
Lucknow:

Adityanath tells officials "We are people who sit on the floor," Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has told officials while directing them not to make special arrangements when he tours the state.

"Honouring the people of the state is in fact the honou rof the chief minister," Adityanath told officials on Friday.

"No special arrangements should be made for me during visits, inspections and other programmes... we are people whosit on the floor," the chief minister said.

The directive comes amid reports that a window AC, sofa and a carpet were given to martyred BSF head constable Prem Sagar's family in Deoria when the chief minister had called on them.

The family said they were taken aback when authorities removed the air conditioner, sofa and carpet soon after the chief minister left their place. "Officials took away the carpet, sofa and AC soon afterAdityanath left our residence," Dayasagar, the martyr's brother, was quoted as saying.

There was, however, no official word on it. There were also reports that the Kushinagar administration provided soap and shampoo to members of the Scheduled Caste Mushahar community ahead of a visit by Adityanath. They were reportedly asked to meet the chief minister after a proper bath.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.


Lawyers for former zookeeper Joe Exotic are calling for the subject of an explosive Netflix documentary series to be pardoned so he can attend the funeral of his father, who died of Covid-19.

The Tiger King star, whose full name is Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, is serving a 22-year prison sentence for animal abuse as well as for his part in a plot to murder big cats rights activist Carole Baskin. He was arrested in 2018.
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COLUMBUS, OhioAttorney General Dave Yost is recovering at home from a mild case of coronavirus he contracted over the holidays, according to a spokesman.

The Columbus Republican is the first Ohio statewide official to become sick from COVID-19, which has infected more than 742,000 Ohioans as of Wednesday, killing nearly 9,400.

Yost hasnt been in contact with any staff since he contracted the disease, as he got it during the holiday break, according to Steve Irwin, a spokesman for his office.

He is feeling well and on the other side of things, Irwin stated.

Gov. Mike DeWine initially tested positive for the virus last summer, though a second, more sensitive test showed the first test was wrong. More than a dozen state lawmakers have also come down with the disease  including, most recently, Senate President Matt Huffman, a Lima Republican.

Yosts diagnosis was first reported by the Columbus Dispatch.

Read more Ohio politics and government stories:

Angered by attempted coup at the Capitol, Rep. Tim Ryan wants to probe Capitol Police force and remove President Trump from office

Ohios coronavirus nursing home deaths top 5,000 with 203 added this week

Gov. Mike DeWine, who in the fall assured that Trump would peacefully yield power, condemns violence at Capitol

Ohio members of Congress whisked to secure location as Trump supporters storm U.S. Capitol
He fell in love. He then decided to marry. He fell in love with two women. He then married both women. On the same day, at the same ceremony in front of friends, well wishers and with some music to go with the celebrations.

The marriage ceremony, which took place on January 5, was attended by about 500 people. The wedding video and invitation card of Chandu Mauryas marriage function has gone viral on social media.

It all started three years ago, when 24-year-old Chandu Maurya, a marginal farmer and labourer of a remote village of Maoist-affected Bastar district, went to install electricity poles in Tokapal area. There the man met 21-year-old tribal girl Sundari Kashyap and both fell in love. They then kept in touch over phone calls and planned to marry.

A year later, 20-year-old Haseena Baghel reached Chandus village Tikralohnga to attend a relatives marriage. Chandu fell in love again.

When Haseena expressed her love, Chandu confessed that he was already in a relationship but Haseena insisted that they keep in touch over the phone.

Both Haseena and Sundari came to know about each other and agreed to have a relationship with me. We were in touch over the phone but one day Haseena landed at my home to live with me. When Sundari came to know that Haseena is here, she also came to me. And since then, we started living in the same house like a family, Chandu, who lives with his parents and two siblings, told Hindustan Times.

A few months later, the villagers and the family member started questioning the live-in relationship of Chandu with the two women and it was then that he decided to marry both of them.

Fed-up with the questions, I decided to marry both of them because they both loved me. I cant betray them. They agreed they both will live with me forever, said Chandu.

The family members of Haseena came to attend the marriage ceremony but Sundaris family skipped the function, said Chandu.

Sudari, however, has expressed hope that her parents will come around.

They (parents) are not happy with me today but things will change. Both Haseena and me are very happy with Chandu and his family and will live with him forever, said Sundari.
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 6)  Experts heaved a sigh of relief following the announcement that the more contagious coronavirus variant has not been detected in the Philippines, warning it could result in a 15-fold increase in infections in just a month if it becomes the dominant variant in the country.

Dr. John Wong, founder of the health research institution Epimetrics, who is now part of the technical working group studying the recent mutations, explained on Wednesday just how contagious the variant discovered in the United Kingdom is.

"Normally, at our current Ro of 1.1, 20,000 cases at the beginning of the month will be about 32,000 cases by the end of the month," Wong said in an online forum along with other experts led by Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

READ: Vergeire heads team of doctors assigned to study new COVID-19 variants

Ro or the reproduction rate refers to the number of people a COVID-19 case can infect.

"But if the variant takes over, the 20,000 cases can become almost 300,000 cases by the end of the month. This is what we want to avoid," Wong stressed.

He added that given this surge in infections, deaths could reach 684 instead of just 74 without the new variant.

Although there's no evidence the mutated coronavirus can cause a more severe illness or higher risk of death, the sheer number of COVID-19 cases would overwhelm the healthcare system, reducing its capacity to treat patients, experts said.

"This can become very serious, very dangerous if the variant (from the UK) becomes the dominant strain," Wong said. "But we should also remember that it's within our power to control this through our own behavior."

What must be done?

Currently, the dominant variant in the country is still the D614G, which caused the surge in COVID-19 cases in August, according to the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Marissa Alejandria, head of the PSMID, said viruses naturally mutate, but the mode of transmission remains the same.

The coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with the infected. Thus, the wearing of face mask and face shield, along with proper cough and hand hygiene, would reduce the transmission rate, Wong said.

Crowded places must be avoided and enclosed spaces should be well-ventilated. Those who experience respiratory symptoms should seek early consultation.

READ: Don't let your guard down, experts say amid threat of new COVID-19 variants

The Philippines has imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals from at least 21 countries and territories to prevent the entry of the new variant. Vergeire said the Departments of Health and Foreign Affairs have recommended travel restrictions on six more countries.

The other variant discovered in South Africa, also believed to be more contagious, has not been detected in the Philippines as well. Both variants were not found following the whole genome sequencing conducted on 305 samples from coronavirus patients admitted in hospitals in November and December, and inbound travelers who tested positive for COVID-19 upon arriving at the airport.

This genomic surveillance will continue to be practiced throughout the year, according to Philippine Genome Center Executive Director Cynthia Saloma, to monitor the presence of any new variant.

The FBI is seeking information that will assist it in identifying individuals who were actively instigating violence in Washington, D.C. on January 6, a day that scarred Americas reputation as the global standard for democracy. It is accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting and violence in the US Capitol and surrounding area, according to the FBI website.

Heres a tip for the Feds. Theres a fella who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. who should be hauled in for questioning. He was last seen inciting a group of his cultists to march to the Capitol before slithering off to the White House to watch how the violence played out on TV.

Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of Americans blame Donald Trump for the rioting, according to a Morning Consult/Politico poll. That includes 41 percent of Republicans and 85 percent of Democrats.

The instigator-in-chief, though, must have been over the moon about the TV ratings for his insurrection show. Thats all that matters to the narcissistic president. The guy who swore an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution trampled all over it.

He needs to be held accountable.

I hope Mike is going to do the right thing, ranted Trump before the mob of domestic terrorists. Many Americans hope that VP Pence will do the right thing, which is invoking the 25th Amendment to get Trump tossed from office.

Almost half (49 percent) of Americans support using the 25th Amendment to rid the nation of Trump, reported the Morning Consult/Politico survey. Thirty-seven percent oppose the 25th Amendment, while 13 percent are in the dont know/no opinion category.

Pence, whom Trump has already thrown under the bus, would need the support of half the Cabinet to approve activating the 25th Amendment. Trump undoubtedly would fight the effort, which would then require a two-thirds vote in Congress to remove him from office.

In the aftermath of the sacking of the Capitol, more than 100 Democratic Congressmen have called for invoking the 25th Amendment and there have been internal White House discussions about the matter, according to NBC News.

Let's get rolling.

Profiles in courage, cowardice. Former president George W. Bush minced no words in calling the January 6 Washington riot a sickening and heartbreaking sight and something that occurs when election results are disputed in a banana republic, not our democratic republic.

The rioters took their cue from the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and were undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

Bushs criticism is aimed at Trump and political opportunists like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, one of the leaders of the Sedition Caucus.

Loathsome Ted issued his own own statement January 7, attacking the despicable act of terrorism and shocking assault on our democratic system. Cruz claims he was fighting for those who expressed their deep concerns regarding election integrity.

Thats so rich. Ted has been trafficking in lies that the presidential election was rigged, which has undermined faith in the election, in the hopes of scoring political points with the presidents base of supporters.

You can forget about getting that support, Rafael Edward. The Trumpers remember how you shamelessly groveled before their leader after he directed insults at your dad and wife during the presidential campaign.

They also will recall that Tough Talking Ted ran for the hills as the Trump cultists trashed Capitol Hill. Didn't you want to meet your future constituents?

Calling all pest control pros The insufferable Newt Gingrich praised Pence for doing his job, which is accepting the results of the presidential election. He did what he believed was right and he did so under enormous pressure," tweeted the Newtster. Whether you agreed with his actions his courage deserves credit."

What was Newt thinking? Does the former Speaker of the House agree with our deranged president that Pence could throw out the vote for Biden? Imagine the chaos if a future VP did not agree with the outcome of a vote.

Gingrich certainly isn't a fan of the president-elect. He wrote an op-ed piece in the Washington Times on Dec. 21 called Why I will not accept Joe Biden as president.

That little gem noted that the author has no interest in pretending that the current result is legitimate or honorable. Who cares?

The Georgia politico fashions himself as a wise man or deep thinker of the GOP. The Washington Times commentary exposed Gingrich as nothing more than a political hack.

One of the big pluses of the Biden administration: there will be fewer media opportunities for Gingrich.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is shocked about the violence in Washington, which is why hes blocking Trump's access to the platform until Joe Biden takes office. Zuck shouldn't be shocked.

Trump has used Facebook as his megaphone to spread lies, misinformation, distortions, disinformation and political attacks from Day 1 in office. Russia also used the platform to boost Trumps presidential campaign.

Zuckerberg said Facebook provided Trump access because it believes the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech.

However, in light of Trumps attempted coup, Zuckerberg frets that our unhinged president may use Facebook to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government."

Facebook's move to dump Trump is expected to score some brownie points from the Biden administration, which has promised to curb the power of the big platforms.

Smart PR manuever, Mark.
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If readers of the world had only one thing to be grateful for in 2020, it was the ample amount of time they got to spend at home with their #TBR! It was the same year that we had looked in the eyes with so much hope and excitement, but got nothing but isolation and a pandemic in return. The pandemic changed the way we perceived our lives and we can no longer go back to our old selves. During this time of self-introspection and multiple rounds of cleaning our book collection, we found our hands at a few classic books authored by women on social issues, and must we say, their fictional reality reads are still as relevant as they were back in time.

Lounging on bed and couches, in their pyjamas, they got to curl up with books in their hands, letting the sun rise and set for months on end, we re-read them and urge you to do the same. Scroll below to know the titles.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which was published in 1969, is based on her life. She had a difficult childhood and her challeges with racism, literacy and other issues are portrayed in the book in heart-wrenching style.

Next Story : 5 Female Politicians We Totally Crush On

Image: ShutterstockCredit: TOIMaya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil-rights activist. Angelou was always known for her autobiography as it talked out subjects of rape, racism, identity and literacy. Her notable work bestowed several awards on her and she received more than 50 honorary degrees. Her bookCredit: TOISuzanna Arundhati Roy is an author, a political activist, human rights campaigner and environmentalist. Roy is best known for her novel The God of Small Things, which won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction in 1997 and became the best-selling book by a Indian author. It is a story about the childhood experiences of brotherly twins whose lives are destroyed by the "Love Laws" that lay down "who should be loved, and how and how much.Credit: TOIZadie Adeline Smith FRSL is an English novelist, essayist, tenured professor in the creative writing faculty of New York and short-story writer. Smiths debut novel, White Teeth, immediately became a best-seller and won several awards. It concentrates on the later lives of two wartime friends: The Bangladeshi Samad Iqbal and The Englishman Archie Jones and their families in London.Credit: TOIMargaret Atwood is a Canadian poet, novelist, literary critic, an essayist, teacher and environmental activist. She is known for her book The Handmaids Tale, which was published in 1985. It is set in a near-future New England, in a strongly patriarchal and totalitarian state, known as Gilead, that has defeated the United States government. Atwood books have put forward an alarm towards the injustices faced by a woman.Credit: TOITaslima Nasrin is a Bangladeshi writer, physician, feminist, secular humanist and human rights activist. She is known for writing on women's issues, and criticism of religion, which led to her forced exile from her native country, Bangladesh. Some of her books are also prohibited in the country. Lajja, French Lover and Revenge, all of which centres around women oppression. Her book My Girlhood is one of the most recent books by the author. It was published in March 2020, and is set against the backdrop of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.Also Read: Add These Women Authors To Your Bookshelf This Year
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Low fares airline Ryanair Holdings PLC (RYA.L, RYAAY) said it cut traffic forecast for the year ended 31 March 2021 to below 30 million passengers from below 35 million passengers, citing the new COVID-19 lock-downs and travel restrictions in the Ireland and UK. It will significantly cut flight schedules from January 21 until travel restrictions in the U.K. and Ireland are removed. However, the airline does not expect the flight cuts and further traffic reductions will materially affect its net loss for the year to 31 March 2021 since many of those flights would have been loss making. The airline said it now expects the newly announced COVID-19 lockdowns in Ireland, the UK, and a small number of other EU countries this week, will materially reduce its flight schedules and traffic forecast through January, February and March. The airline now expects its January traffic to fall to under 1.25 million passengers, and that new Covid restrictions could also reduce February and March traffic to as little as 500,000 passengers each month. The airline said the new cutbacks will reduce traffic forecasts for the year ended March 31 to between 26 million and 30 million passengers compared to the prior estimation of below 35 million passengers. Ryanair calls on the Irish and UK Governments to accelerate the slow pace of vaccine rollouts. The airline alleged that vaccination rate in Ireland is 10 times slower than that of Denmark. 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.
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Kroger officials announced Tuesday they would partner with Houston ISD to inoculate school nurses with COVID-19 vaccines.

Local pharmacists with the grocery store chain will administer doses of the Moderna vaccine through a dedicated vaccination district located at a school district facility, according to a press release, although officials did not say exactly where the clinic would be set up. Both HISD and Kroger officials expect to distribute the vaccine to hundreds of school nurses through the partnership.

Our schools are the heart of our community, and we will continue to advocate for healthcare providers, teachers and frontline workers to have priority access to the COVID-19 vaccine, said Marla Fielder, Director of Pharmacy for Kroger Houston. We are committed to creating safe and healthy communities by partnering with local school districts to immunize these individuals who put their lives at risk on a daily basis to educate our children.

School nurses were included in Phase 1A of Texas vaccine distribution plan, which included healthcare workers and some emergency responders. The state now is moving toward Phase 1B of distribution, which includes people older than 65 and those over the age of 16 who have underlying health conditions.

Some education leaders, elected officials and teachers groups have called on Texas Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel to prioritize teachers as essential workers in order to move them closer to the front of the line for vaccines. Cypress-Fairbanks ISDs school board and Fort Bend County Judge KP George sent letters to the Panel to try to give teachers more priority.

Cy-Fair ISD Board President Bob Covey said in December that the well-being and health of students and teachers are at stake.

When kids go home, we dont know what theyve been around, he said Monday. We just need to protect our teachers, our support staff, our school administrators  we need to make sure theyre as healthy as they can possibly be for our kids.

shelby.webb@chron.com
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Billy Chemirmir has now been indicted on 18 different murder charges

A serial killer who allegedly committed heinous murders across North Texas is facing a new charge after a grand jury indictment.

Billy Chemirmir was indicted on December 29 in the death of Glenna Day, 87, who lived at the Tradition-Prestonwood Senior Living Community in Dallas until her death on October 15, 2016.

The indictment was not revealed publicly until this week.

This is the 18th murder Chemirmir has been charged in connection with, according to Fox 4.

Police claim Chemirmir went on a killing spree in Dallas County and Collin County by posing either as a maintenance or health care worker to reach his victims, who have mostly been elderly.

Chemirmir is scheduled to go to trial for one of the alleged killings in April, as long as the coronavirus pandemic doesn't postpone the trial.

NBC 5 reports Chemirmir would smother his victims and rob them of their jewelry before escaping.

He would later allegedly sell or pawn the jewelry he stole from his victims.

Glenna Day is the newest victim linked to Chemirmir's alleged killing spree

Day isn't the first victim who was staying at the Tradition-Prestonwood Senior Living Community, with eight other deaths connected to Chemirmir there. Three of the victims killed in the same three-month stretch lived on the same floor.

'You would think after the third death, there would be some flags,' said Cheryl Kerr, Glenna Day's daughter. 'The fourth death? How about the fifth death? The sixth one?'

The families of Day, Juanita Purdy, and Leah Corken have filed a lawsuit against The Tradition-Prestonwood.

'Those rulings stood for more than 27 months,' the Tradition-Prestonwood said in regards to the lawsuit back in 2019 about the medical examiner's determination the three victims died of natural causes. 'The Tradition-Prestonwood has cooperated with all the authorities and will continue to do so.'

Chemirmir was previously indicted on murder charges in the deaths of (L to R) Joyce Abramowitz, 82; Margaret White, 86, and Doris Wasserman, 90

Chemirmir was not connected with the deaths until an attack at Preston Place in Plano resulted in the survival of a victim in March 2018.

Leah Corken, 83 (left), and Juanita Purdy, 82 (right), were allegedly smothered to death by Chemirmir within weeks of each other in the summer of 2016

Chemirmir was initially charged in 2018 with the murder of 81-year-old Lu Thi Harris (left). In 2019, Chemirmir was indicted on six more murder charges, including the murder of Doris Gleason (right), 92, on October 29, 2016

Chemirmir was previously charged with the murder of Phyllis Payne (left), 91, on May 14, 2016, and Norma French (right), 85, who was killed October 8, 2016

His alleged victims have ranged in age from 75 to 94 years old. Chemirmir is being held on bail at $11.6 million at the Dallas County Jail.

Chemirmir is also in the country illegally and the Kenya immigrant has an Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The death penalty is being sought in at least one of the cases, though Chemirmir maintains his innocence.

Medical examiner records obtained by The Dallas Morning News suggests the total count of Chemirmir's victims could be as many as 24 people.
IKOULA a key player in the European market for dedicated servers, outsourcing, and the Cloud Computing integrates a new professional dedicated server combining power, reliability, security, and competitive price. Equipped with the latest generation AMD EPYC processors, the Power XL Pro server is designed to meet the present and future challenges of businesses. Namely, high-performance computing, hyper-virtualization, or massive data processing.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005051/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

The Power XL Pro, joining the Power range from IKOULA, ranks among the best machines combining performance and innovation.

Based on an AMD EPYC architecture acclaimed by professionals, this server integrates in addition to its AMD EPYC 7282 processor (16C 32T @ 2.8 GHz), 128 GB of RAM as well as two 960 GB NVMe disks. These specificities make the Power XL Pro a high-end and versatile machine that will adapt to all types of projects.

With a monthly price of 159.99 (excluding tax) without commitment or setup costs, the Power XL Pro benefits from all the guarantees from IKOULA, including technical support available 24/7, and also tested certified components for the duration of the service. An outsourcing service is also offered, in order to take charge of the management and maintenance of infrastructures, and thus freeing companies from technical constraints.

For more information on this new product, visit: ikoula.com

About IKOULA

A pioneer of the French Cloud since 1998, IKOULA has its own Datacenters in France, as well as two subsidiaries, in Spain and the Netherlands. Because people are part of its DNA, IKOULA maintains a close relationship with its customers, and provides them with teams of experts available 24/7, to advise and support them in their activities. Moreover, IKOULA's teams are multilingual, in order to respond to the internationalization issues of all of its customers, located in more than 100 countries on 4 continents.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005051/en/

Contacts:

PRESS CONTACTS:

IKOULA:

Lucas FOURRE +33 1 84 01 02 59

lfourre@ikoula.com

Laurane VASSOR ARCARO +33 01 84 01 02 69

lvassorarcaro@ikoula.com
Indian market which rallied by about 15 percent in 2020 can climb fresh highs in 2021 but the basic question which many investors would have in their mind is what should they do now?

Alok Jain, founder of Weekend Investing in D-Street Talk podcast with Moneycontrol explained how he is helping his clients to glide through the volatility in the markets.

These are unprecedented times and we can see markets going up or could crash 25% in a week nobody can predict that. We are recommending the momentum investing strategy which helps investors answer 4 basic questions while doing investment, he said.

The 4 basic questions are  what to buy, when to buy, how much to buy, and when to sell. If investors are clear about these 4 answers while doing their investment  they would probably have a stress free investment.

In momentum investing we identify stocks that have positive momentum and we allocate capital on an automated basis. Sectors which start to move up will be included in the portfolio automatically and as exit criteria get satisfied they will get dropped off also, explained Jain.

(Tune in to the podcast for more)

: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
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The United States has broken yet another grim COVID-19 record with nearly 3,900 dead in a single day - as Arizona becomes the latest 'hot spot of the world' with multiple hospitals operating at more than 120 percent of licensed bed capacity and new daily cases doubling since the state's summer peak.

At least 3,865 Americans - or 2.7 every minute - died on Wednesday, marking the deadliest day of the pandemic so far. The death toll in the US has now surpassed 361,000.

Cases and hospitalizations also continue to surge with a record 132,476 patients being treated for the virus, which is an increase of 1,200 from the previous day, and a near record of 253,145 new infections reported.

Arizona has this week become what health officials are calling the latest 'hot spot of the world' because of soaring case loads.

The state is now the worst affected in the US for cases per capita with an average of 121 cases per 100,000 residents in the last seven days, according to the latest CDC data. It is a grim milestone the state hasn't seen since experiencing a surge at the beginning of the summer.

It comes as the super contagious UK strain of the virus is now spreading in the US with dozens of cases detected across the country.

Pennsylvania and Texas became the latest states to confirm a case of the mutant strain on Thursday.

There are now a total of 62 cases in the US: One in each Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia and New York, two in Colorado, 22 in Florida and 32 in California where there is a cluster in San Diego.

A patient lies on a stretcher in a hallway with other patients in the overloaded Emergency Room at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley, California

Hard-hit Arizona was recording around 3,800 new cases a day during its summer peak back in June and July. Now, cases are skyrocketing to 8,000.

The state's health officials on Wednesday reported more than 7,200 daily cases and a triple-digit number of new virus-related deaths for the second day in a row.

Hospitals across the state are also strained by a record number of patients.

In Arizona, hospitals are now forced to send emergency patients elsewhere and elective surgeries are halted with more than 4,600 coronavirus patients are currently hospitalized.

Out of the 1,800 ICU beds available across the state, there were only 136 beds available as of Wednesday.

The state also has the worst coronavirus diagnosis rate in the country, with one out of every 119 people in the state testing positive in the past week, health officials said.

The South is seeing a dramatic rise in new COVID-19 patients with all but four Sun Belt states reporting record hospitalizations in the last week.

According to the COVID Tracking Project, 15 states recorded their highest week of COVID hospitalizations this week, all of them in the South or West.

Louisiana, D.C., Kentucky and Florida were the only parts of the South not to have record hospitalizations this week.

California and Arizona were the two western states that reached record hospitalizations this week, both of which are continuing to see strain on their healthcare system with no change in site.

Deaths per capita are currently the worst in Kansas where an average of 1.7 deaths per 100,000 residents have been recorded, the CDC data shows.

Rhode Island and Wyoming follows with 1.5 deaths and then Arizona with 1.3 deaths.

According to the COVID Tracking Project, 15 states recorded their highest week of COVID hospitalizations this week, all of them in the south or west. California and Arizona were the two states in the west that reached record hospitalizations

ARIZONA: Banner Health in Phoenix has set up morgue trucks to cope with the recent surge of COVID cases across the state

Despite the intensifying surge in Arizona, the state's health experts are concerned that there is still no widespread public vigilance such as mask wearing and social distancing that could help combat the spread.

Dr Joshua LaBaer, director of the Biodesign Institute research center at Arizona State University, called the state 'the hot spot of the world right now'. He believes at least 1 in 10 people actually has the virus.

'That means if you're at the supermarket, there are people around you who have it but they may not know it yet,' LaBaer said. 'It's not a time where I would recommend people spend time indoors with people who are not their immediate family.'

The state also 'without a doubt' will see more deaths than usual for the winter months, LaBaer said. Aside from COVID-19-related deaths, people with other illnesses who hesitate to go to the hospital are at risk.

Virus case numbers have been trending upward since Gov. Doug Ducey allowed Arizona bars, nightclubs and restaurants to fully reopen in September.

Ducey has frequently resisted calls to take strong measures and has declined to institute a statewide mask mandate.

Will Humble, head of the Arizona Public Health Association, said travel and people gathering for the holidays, starting with Thanksgiving was 'gasoline that went onto the fire'.

'We have a governor and health director who don't care. Their goal in my opinion is to vaccinate their way out of this,' Humble said. 'Eventually it will work. There's just going to be a lot of dead people in the meantime.'

More than 119,000 people in Arizona have received the vaccine, state health officials said Wednesday. That is is less than 2 percent of the state's population.

CASES PER CAPITA: Arizona is now the worst affected in the US for cases per capita with an average of 121 cases per 100,000 residents in the last seven days, according to the latest CDC data

Dr. Marjorie Bessel, chief clinical officer of Banner Health, the state's largest hospital chain, said the uncontrollable spread of the virus could be lessened if the government enforced mask requirements, barred indoor dining and cancelled large gatherings.

'We are not doing a good job with this virus,' Bessel said of the state. 'At this time during the surge of the pandemic, we need additional mitigation. We need enforcement of those mitigation activities, and we need everybody to do their own part.'

Dr Michael White, chief clinical officer of Arizona's Valleywise Health said the Phoenix-based health care system has no intensive care beds available. Some patients waiting for beds were being treated on gurneys in the emergency department.

'I've never seen anything like this in all the years I've been part of health care,' White said.

C.J. Karamargin, the governor's spokesman, said the current number of cases and deaths are 'heartbreaking' but it's a phenomenon happening in other states even with strict stay-at-home orders.

'Faced with strict mitigation measures in place and states that have few or minimal mitigation measures in place all are experiencing the same thing,' Karamargin said.

'The mitigation measures the state of Arizona put into place early on - they remain in place. We urge every Arizonan to follow them.'

Meanwhile in hard-hit California, hospitals struggling with a skyrocketing coronavirus surge are trying to prepare for the possibility that they may have to ration care for lack of staff and beds - and hoping they don't have to make that choice.

The state avoided surging cases for months, but now the virus is raging out of control there and across the nation in the wake of Thanksgiving holiday gatherings that authorities say vastly spread infections.

Only Arizona tops California in cases per resident.

Clinicians care for a COVID-19 patient at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley, California

The super contagious UK strain of the virus is now spreading in the US with dozens of cases detected across the country. Pennsylvania and Texas became the latest states to confirm a case of the mutant strain on Thursday. There are now a total of 62 cases in the US: One in each Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia and New York, two in Colorado, 22 in Florida and 32 in California where there is a cluster in San Diego

The state this week ordered hospitals in the hardest-hit areas to delay many elective surgeries in order to free up space.

Los Angeles County, the nation's most populous with 10 million residents, is one of nearly two dozen in Southern California and the agricultural Central Valley that have essentially run out of intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 patients.

Health officials warned Wednesday that hospitalizations will continue for at least the next three weeks as people who ignored social distancing rules to gather for Christmas and New Year's Eve fall ill.

Hospitals statewide with room have been told to accept patients from others that have exhausted their ICU beds but in fact most of the state is reporting struggling to provide ICU beds, with non-COVID-19 patients spilling into corridors, tents and cafeterias.

To the north, officials in Santa Clara County, with about 2 million residents, say 100 infected people a day are winding up in hospitals.

California reported its second-highest number of daily coronavirus deaths Wednesday with 459 lives lost, bringing the death toll to 2,504 in the last week as more than a quarter-million new weekly cases portended a continued overwhelming crush.

Vaccinations being administered at what Gov. Gavin Newsom has said is too slow a pace will take weeks or months to slow the spread.

About 12% of people who test positive for COVID-19 eventually are likely to need hospital care, authorities have estimated.

CALIFORNIA: Motorists wait in long lines to take a coronavirus test in a parking lot at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles as cases surge
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Joe's raging this morning is exactly how I feel.



Joe Scarborough to Capitol Police on @Morning_Joe :

"Why are you known as badasses around the Capitol...but then Trump supporters come in and you open the FUCKING DOORS for them." pic.twitter.com/jnuES5qKao  Hollerella (@hollerella) January 7, 2021



Edited at 2021-01-07 05:55 pm (UTC) Thanks for this post OP!Joe's raging this morning is exactly how I feel.

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Joe didn't hold back this morning.

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Wow. I cannot believe Im liking the words coming from Joe Scarboroughs mouth. Maybe he understands why progressives want to defund the police now hmmmm.

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I gotta admit I was shocked to hear him say fuck on tv.

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oh wow lol I guess it was live so they couldn't bleep it?

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It's rare I agree with Joe Scarborough but this is the same level of anger I feel as well.

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wow i read the caption and still gasped when he said "fucking doors"

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He was YELLING and I am LIVING for it.

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well damn. he isn't wrong though.

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Joe Scarborough is an idiot but it did feel nice to hear someone on the news unload on the police.

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Good. This needed more attention. Yesterday was beyond shameful on so many counts.

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He used to be a Republican congressman over 20 years ago, he's walked those same halls that those terrorists destroyed. Still, I never realized he could get this angry.

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there arent enough people walking back their pro-police statements for me

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This may be thr most accurate thing he has ever said.





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The whole thing proves that really, all it takes for terrorists from foreign countries/organizations is to be white. Al-Qaida just needs to send its palest members to the Capitol with ugly MAGA outfits. It's that easy! America is a fucking joke.

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Joe is expressing how many of us really feel, I think.

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i'm glad even the douchers are mad about it. finally

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Scarborough still have friends who work in the Capitol building and his NBC colleagues work there everyday. That building was full of reporters as well.



Pelosi has just called for the resignation of the Chief of the Capitol Poice. She says he hasn't bothered to call her office to report on wtf happened with his force yesterday (who welcomed the rioters into the building).



I still can't get over how TRE45ON refused to send in the National Guard until hours after they were requested by Pelosi and McConnell.

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Mood

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damn!! Go off Joe!







lmfao I-damn!! Go off Joe!lmfao

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Thank god, I was wondering if we were gunna get a post.



Nancy Pelosi is having a briefing in 5 min! Here's a YT link for the NBC stream for my fellows who don't have cable





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Hope she also calls for the 25th or another impeachment vote

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did I miss it or has she not gone on yet? my stream says stand by for live video...

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It's time for Mike Pence to do one good thing in his life.

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Twitter is saying that sources close to Pence said that he's furious at tr*mp. Fingers crossed!

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lol omg it would give me so much life if he would actually stand up to Trump.

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This is exactly what he's aiming for. People saying "oh he's finally standing up to him!" are missing the fact that he's only doing it to save his own ass.

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he has 2024 aspirations so i'm sure he's gonna take this opportunity to do the right thing once ever and everyone will take it as evidence that he has a moral compass and selectively forget the rest of his behavior throughout his political career

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is he even capable of that?

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I think he's simply too scared of dump's base.

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its blowing my mind how many people are comparing it to the blm protests. like i literally cant understand how theyre connecting those dots.

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Right? Like BLM protest are legitimate cries against police brutality and the death of innocent black people and these terrorists were destroying the capitol and threatening the lives of public officials over a man who wouldnt spit on them if they were on fire. Its wild how much theyve made a fake billionaire apart of their identity.

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The only valid comparison is in the differences between how each group was treated by the cops. But I see no similarities.

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That's the only comparison we were making. Could not believe when I was watching the footage that they were able to storm the equivalent of parliament when they brought in tanks and people in riot gear for the blm protests! Shouldn't have been surprised in retrospect but as a non American I just assumed they brought in the big guns for all protests. Obviously not, bloody hell

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The mental gymnastics these people have to do to justify this shit is exhausting to even think about. I just can't.

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Anyone comparing this blatant act of treason and terrorism is an idiot. And a racist.

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It doesn't. Racists will never not cry about "double standard".

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racists have an unparalleled ability to conjure false equivalencies

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Right? This is not a protest. This was an act of domestic terrorism

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So theyre adjourned but can come back for the 25th? Do you think they will? I dont? Wont it just be like the last time?

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They can come back whenever. Pelosi just has to reconvene the House and Mitch has to reconvene the Senate.

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Get her jade!

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I don't really have faith that enough of Trump's cabinet has the spine to invoke the 25th amendment, but I'm ok with giving them the chance because that's the quickest way to remove Trump from office.



But if they don't find that moral courage, then yes, time to start impeachment!

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i dont have faith either and we dont have the luxury of waiting for them to grow their spines. the house needs to come back immediately and start impeachment proceedings.

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they need to begin the impeachment process immediately. even if he's eventually removed by the cabinet. i don't want any of these idiots waiting for someone else to take the initiative.

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granted, idk much about the 25th amendment but if Pence is in charge couldn't he just pardon Trump?

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I dont think anyone is gonna pardon him. And if they did, it wouldnt matter, hes got New York State and potentially Georgia investigating, and Iran and Iraq issued arrest warrants for him.

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oooo he wouldn't do well in Iran

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Iran and Iraq issued arrest warrants for him.

Wait, wait, back up, when did this happen? Why?

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If Pence breaks from Trump to the point that he invokes the 25th, I don't think he'd be issuing a pardon in that direction. Pence would end his political career hated by both sides if he did that. Where could he go from there?

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In other news, this was great:



So I filmed this video today. I shot it in a D.C. neighbourhood as Trump-supporters were leaving downtown after the protests and riots today. Apparently it went viral after I posted in on my Instagram @westhrin So here it is, Twitter! #guyonporch #womanincar pic.twitter.com/bmMUS48Blz  Veronica Westhrin (@NRKveronica) January 7, 2021 Invoking the 25th Amendment needs to happen but probably won't.In other news, this was great:

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this guy cracked me up

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The full video makes me sad. I want to give the woman in the car a hug :(

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lol this isnt too far from my neighborhood. i love DC. i hate that people view this city as nothing but the plutocrats and that we have to deal with idiots like the proud boys coming here and fucking shit up

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i teared up with her

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THESE FUCKING CRAVKERS



Quote of the year

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Did you see JGos interview this morning distancing herself from Trump after all the bullshit she has pulled?! Esa cabrona! 

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lol the white guy screaming 'these fucking crackers'

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ok off topic, but daddy looking hot. He looks like he a bit fit and the rage here is turning me on

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lol he said "crackers"! Ima need this on a shirt wit his face on it!

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"FUCKING TREASONOUS PIECES OF SHIT"



we stan 

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What was the name of that dem candidate billionaire? Tom Steyer? Lol strong energy

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Love them! DC needs representation.

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this is very Mediterranean, I approve



I hope that woman in the car is OK <3

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Mans said "they let these fucking crackers" 

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Dude was funny but I started tearing up with the woman. I'm glad people aren't letting the hypocrisy die

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"fucking crackers" brought tears to her eyes, bless them

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Damn after everything, it's this woman in her car that is bringing me to tears 

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lost it at "these fucking crackers" 

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The reason I dont speak to my in laws after attempts to have constructive dialogue. When you suggest to me that the KKK has a right to March, hunny, you are not welcome in my life. EVER. Voted for him...twice. You said it @billyeichner https://t.co/GlGGqyorWm  Lesley-Ann Brandt (@LesleyAnnBrandt) January 7, 2021

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he's not wrong though. all republicans are complicit in this nonsense and you can't separate yourself from this.

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For real. Anyone who still associates with anyone excusing yesterday's events - what are you doing? Unforgivable.

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I've had a really hard time grappling with this because my parents are so hardcore republican and they've done some awful shit to me but I still try to love them even though it hurts me and I don't even know why I try. I am just at the end of my fucking rope. It feels hopeless.

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what i keep coming back to is that trump actively tried to get mike pence killed and yet pence is still too pathetic to do anything. its gonna be a long time until im capable of processing this moment in history

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Seriously my brain is still buzzing with everything happening right now. He wanted his VP killed for not doing what he demanded, its insane.

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I was just reading about that this morning. I cannot wrap my head around it. Im just so glad that everyone inside is safe. I dont like Pence but what the fuck?

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Almost murdered by his boss and his reaction is to unfollow him on Twitter. Sounds like America!

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He refilled him tho!

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Pence is so so incredibly lucky that they didn't get in while he was there.





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i don't know what to think about pence (in this case ONLY, i know he's a snivelling rat otherwise). i assume he's worried that some maga psycho will succeed if he says something worse. i think he'll just let congress or whoever 25th and/or impeach him

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Trump is a bully/cult leader/gang leader/mobster. He bullies and psychology abuses everyone in his sphere. I think Pence is codependent and won't turn on him. He needs to though.

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makes me wonder how many people Trump has gotten killed as a businessman/adulterer, let alone president

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what specifically are you referring to?

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Ted Cruz (R-Texas, ringleader, up for reelection in 2024): 127A Russell Senate Office Building (202) 224-5922



Josh Hawley (R-Missouri, ringleader, up for reelection in 2024): 212 Russell Senate Office Building (202) 224-6154



Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennesse, up for reelection in 2024): 357 Dirksen Senate Office Building (202) 224-3344



Mike Braun (R-Indiana, up for reelection in 2024): 374 Russell Senate Office Building (202) 224-4814



Steve Daines (R-Montana, up for reelection in 2026): 320 Hart Senate Office Building (202) 224-2651



Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin, up for reelection in 2022): 328 Hart Senate Office Building (202) 224-5323



John Kennedy (R-Louisiana, up for reelection in 2022): 416 Russell Senate Building (202) 224-4623



James Lankford (R-Oklahoma, up for reelection in 2022): 316 Hart Senate Office Building (202) 224-5754



Bill Hagerty (R-Tennesse, elected 2020): Russell Senate Office Building Suite SR-B11 (202) 224-4944



Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming, elected 2020): Dirksen Senate Office Building Suite SD-G12 (202) 224-3424



Roger Marshall (R-Kansas, elected 2020): Russell Senate Office Building Suite B33 (202) 224-4774



Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama, elected 2020): B40A Dirksen Senate Office Building (202) 224-4124



Kelly Loeffler (R-Georgia, lost yesterday to Raphael Warnock): 131 Russell Senate Office Bldg (202) 224-3643



Edited at 2021-01-07 05:58 pm (UTC)

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both of my senators



how utterly unsurprising

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I support leaving more messages to Ted Cruz telling him he's a little bitch tbh.

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same. i asked him how tf he can look his ugly smug mug in the face in the mornings, knowing he has that blood on his hands now?

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Everyone I know in Wisconsin is DESPERATE to get rid of Ron Johnson.

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Leaving a voicemail telling Ted Cruz to suck a dick and resign was pretty cathartic.

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I might just be mad enough to get over my phone anxiety to call each of these people and tell them they're treasonous pieces of shit

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^Rick Scott and Marco Rubio R-Florida

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Ted Cruz is a fucking piece of shit and makes me so ashamed to be a Texan

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i would wish trump dead but thats too easy. I want him to have slow painful suffering for the rest of his life, like if someone pushed him down a flight stairs and have him break every single bone in his body and never fully recover

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Well thats a twist Well thats a twist

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I mean are we surprised. Britney's from a small town in Louisiana.

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Sad story, but my very elderly friend was sent to a psychiatric facility for the elderly in Kentwood (where Britney is from) after he attempted to take his own life. When his friend/caretaker came to visit they would only allow them in the front area, would not let him see where they were keeping him, didn't tell him what medication they were giving him. The whole situation made me so mad.

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IDK how this is s reflection on Britney. They had their Vegas marriage in 2003 and it was obviously a mistake she was ashamed of.

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omg

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edit. oh damn look at the second slide.



https://www.instagram.com/p/CJwJw5tHwHR/



Edited at 2021-01-07 06:27 pm (UTC) wtf is this real?edit. oh damn look at the second slide.

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This needs to be it's own post.

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Ffs, Britney does not need to be dragged into this mess. Has she not suffered enough from the paparazzi and media at large? How many years has it been since they've broken up. smh

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Damn, leave Britney outta this

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WASHINGTON  The American carnage that Donald Trump vowed to end at the dawn of his presidency was revived in terrifying, treacherous form at its sunset Wednesday, as Trump made a fiery last stand and incited his supporters to storm and sack the U.S. Capitol as part of an attempted coup.

The extraordinary anarchy that interrupted the tallying of electoral college votes in a joint session of Congress brought America's democracy to the brink.

After Trump rallied thousands of people outside the White House by demanding the results be overturned and declaring his duly elected successor "an illegitimate president," pro-Trump rioters breached police barricades, scaled walls and smashed windows to enter the Capitol.

The marauders freely roamed the building's stately halls, some carrying Confederate flags. They occupied the Senate and House chambers and rummaged through desks. They vandalized the offices of congressional leaders. They assaulted police and other public servants. They trampled on the gleaming white platform constructed for President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. One tried to replace the U.S. flag flying above the balcony with a Trump campaign flag.

 READ MORE: Pa. Congresswoman Susan Wild describes the attack on the Capitol: I started hearing shots and breaking glass

Lawmakers and staffers hid in locked bunkers. Vice President Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., were spirited away by security to undisclosed locations. For hours through the afternoon, police struggled  and failed  to contain and disperse the mob. One rioter was shot under unclear circumstances during the melee and later died.

The pandemonium would seem to be a natural culmination of what Trump and compliant Republicans have wrought on the nation they swore an oath to protect.

Since his first presidential campaign, Trump has instigated his supporters to express their political views through physical demonstration and violence, and he has declined time and again to repudiate the actions of white supremacists, neo-Nazis and other extremists.

Prompted in a presidential debate last fall to condemn white supremacists and right-wing militia, Trump instead gave extremists an open invitation to act. "Proud Boys, stand back and stand by," Trump said Oct. 2.

During his four years in office, Trump has been enabled and abetted by his Cabinet and staff, his family members and a battery of Republican elected officials  including the scores of House and Senate members who had indulged the president by vowing to object to Wednesday's scheduled certification of Biden's victory.

 READ MORE: An extraordinary event: See images of pro-Trump mob storming U.S. Capitol

With Wednesday's occupation underway, Trump's eldest daughter, Ivanka, tweeted that the rioters were "American Patriots" and urged them to be "peaceful."

Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani  who hours earlier had suggested onstage at the rally outside the White House that the election be decided by a "trial by combat"  tweeted to the occupiers, "you are on the right side of the law and history."

And the president himself fomented the uprising by encouraging attendees of his morning rally to march to the Capitol "to try and give [lawmakers] the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country." Trump told his crowd that he planned to walk with them, though he headed straight to the White House after his speech and did not leave the secure compound for the remainder of the day.

Trump, fuming about Pence's decision to perform his constitutional duty to certify the election result rather than go rogue at the president's demand, then ignored the urgent pleas of advisers and allies to forcefully call an end to the violence and chaos.

Only as darkness began to fall in Washington, more than three hours after rioters stormed the Capitol, did Trump release a video instructing his supporters to "go home."

"We have to have peace. We have to have law and order," he said.

But a few beats later, the president praised the lawbreakers. "We love you," he said. "You're very special."

Biden characterized the day's events unsparingly, calling them "insurrection" and "an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: The doing of the people's business."

"This is not dissent," Biden said. "It is disorder. It is chaos. It borders on sedition. And it must end. Now."

 READ MORE: Tear gas, smashed glass, and shots fired as the U.S. Capitol is attacked by a group of lawless thugs

Former president Barack Obama said Wednesday's insurrection was to be expected, considering how Trump and his allies have responded to the president's election loss.

"For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth  that this was not a particularly close election and that President-Elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20," Obama said in a statement. "Their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo."

The National Association of Manufacturers, one of the nation's premier business groups that has long been friendly to Republicans, called on Pence and the Cabinet to consider invoking the 25th Amendment to force Trump from office.

The only other living Republican past president, George W. Bush, issued a statement that was stunning in its language considering how long he had resisted criticizing Trump for his transgressions.

"Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our Nation's government in disbelief and dismay," Bush wrote. "It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic  not our democratic republic. I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement."

History will remember Jan. 6, 2021, as a day without precedent in America's 243-year experiment with democracy. Some past presidential election outcomes have been contested; in 1860, the dispute led to the Civil War. And the Capitol has been occupied before; it was attacked and set ablaze by British forces in 1814.

But never before has democracy been so strained, the seat of representative government so imperiled and a president so at fault  so much so that Twitter, adhering to its rules for civic integrity and violent threats, removed three of Trump's messages and locked his account for 12 hours.

"It's terrifying," said historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, who has studied and written about Abraham Lincoln, among other presidents. "There's been nothing like this  Democracy is absolutely at stake right now and it's up to the people."

 READ MORE: Insurrection at the U.S. Capitol  as it happened

She added, "Lincoln said, 'Public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail. Against it, nothing can succeed.' What he meant was that when there's a settled feeling that something goes against the ideals of the country or something is wrong, and sometimes it can be an event, it's up to the leaders to help shape that sentiment. And this is one of the biggest events that all of us have ever experienced in our lives."

David Blight, a Civil War historian at Yale University, said the only possible parallel to the insurrection that unfolded in Washington on Wednesday is secession.

"That's a radical act that ended up in civil war and an attempt to destroy the American republic," Blight said. "There have been zillions of protests in Washington, D.C., some of them turned violent  about war, about civil rights, about all kinds of things  but no one's ever breached the Capitol and taken it over. This was mobs of people acting against the state trying to disrupt the functioning of the state and being prompted by the sitting executive."

Leaders around the globe watched, aghast, not knowing who was in charge of the world's greatest democracy or whether order would be restored. Presidents and ministers in Ukraine, Estonia, Denmark and a host of other countries weighed in with alarming concern about the fragility of government in the United States.

"Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has been Trump's closest friend among western allies, wrote on Twitter. "The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power."

In the aftermath of World War II, the United States helped build an alliance of Western democracies. On Wednesday, the leader of that alliance, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, felt compelled to guide the United States on how to repair its own democracy.

"Shocking scenes in Washington, D.C.," Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter. "The outcome of this democratic election must be respected."

Barry McCaffrey, a retired four-star Army general, said, "This is an overt coup attempt against the Constitution and to take over the government of the United States. This wasn't a momentary, impulsive crowd. This was deliberately structured by Trump, almost all out in the open."

Mabel Wilson, an architecture professor at Columbia University who has studied the history of the Capitol and other civic buildings, said the images she saw Wednesday not only represented a subversion of democracy, but a painful reminder of the racial injustice that had so animated Americans last year.

"How do they storm the Capitol and they're not stopped and Black people can't sleep in their beds like Breonna Taylor and not be murdered?" Wilson said. "White people could freely waltz in with arms onto federal property. And I watched them file out as if they're just tourists wandering out."

 READ MORE: World leaders appalled by insurrection at Capitol

The day began with tensions running high and Republicans deeply divided. Protesters surrounded Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, outside the Russell Senate Office Building just after 11 a.m. Young said that though he had hoped Trump would win a second term as president, he would not be joining the 14 of his Republican colleagues, led by Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri, who planned to object to certifying Biden's victory.

"I think it's a hijack effort," Young said. Objecting, he explained, would violate the Constitution. "I took an oath under God," he said.

As Young walked away, protesters shook their heads and spat at the ground. "Coward!" one yelled at the senator. "We'll remember this," another said. "You're going to be primaried out."

At the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, meanwhile, Trump addressed his rally crowd at the Ellipse, with the White House as his grand backdrop. He began with a lie, declaring there were hundreds of thousands of people there; attendance was far smaller.

Then another: They rigged an election, they rigged it like theyve never rigged an election before  We won it by a landslide. This was not a close election.

In fact, Biden won with 306 electoral college votes to Trump's 232. Biden also won the popular vote by 7 million votes, or a 4.5% margin.

As he concocted his fantasy about the election, ticking through one baseless or debunked claim of fraud after another, Trump vowed, "We will never concede."

 READ MORE: Pro-Trump insurrection at Capitol an attempted coup, says former D.C. and Philly police chief Charles H. Ramsey

Inside the Capitol, lawmakers began the ceremonial process of certifying the electoral college results. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., delivered an impassioned plea to the rebels in his GOP conference who were determined to stay in Trump's good graces by objecting. McConnell called this certification vote the most important he would take in his 36 years as a senator.

"If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side, our democracy would enter a death spiral," McConnell warned. "We'd never seen a whole nation accept an election again. Every four years would be a scramble for power at any cost."

Minutes later, however, the rioters breached the barricade. Soon, Pence, who had been presiding as president of the Senate, was whisked away. Doors to the chamber were locked. Senators went into hiding.

Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, the lone Republican who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial last year, said his colleagues such as Cruz and Hawley who were complicit in Trump's effort to overturn the election would be remembered for their role in "this shameful episode in American history."

We gather today due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning, Romney said in a statement. What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States.
MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Lior Rauchberger, CEO of leading Australian genomics company, myDNA, announced a merger with the U.S., Houston-based consumer DNA test company, FamilyTreeDNA, and its parent company, Gene by Gene. Dr. Rauchberger will step into the role of CEO of the merged companies, effective immediately. Gene by Gene co-founders Bennett Greenspan and Max Blankfeld will join the Board of Directors.

FamilyTreeDNA, launched in 2000, has the distinction of being the first company in the U.S to offer direct-to-consumer DNA testing for genealogical research. myDNA, founded in 2007 by Associate Professor, Les Sheffield, started with a mission to improve countless lives by revolutionizing the field of pharmacogenomics, making truly personalized medicine a reality, before expanding into nutrigenomics to deliver actionable, personalized nutrition, fitness and skincare recommendations.

The innovative merger of myDNA and Gene by Gene is built on several shared beliefs about the tremendous potential of genetic information to dramatically improve our understanding, not only of who we are and where we come from, but by providing a scientific foundation for actionable, personalized insights, and how they can guide us in how best to care for ourselves and maintain optimal health and wellness both physically and mentally. The two businesses come together as one of the leading global experts of genealogy, pharmacogenomic and nutrigenomic services.

At myDNA, consumer privacy is paramount. myDNA believes the importance of the consumer's ability to trust in the privacy of their genetic information, and retain control over it, cannot be overstated. Along the same line, Gene by Gene and FamilyTreeDNA will continue acting in the field of Genetic Genealogy, their original business, keeping intact their privacy rules and all terms of service.

According to myDNA CEO, Dr. Lior Rauchberger, an M.D. who practiced medicine for nine years before becoming a leading expert in personalized medicine and the intersection of medicine and technology. "It's thanks to pioneering brands like Gene by Gene and FamilyTreeDNA that consumers see the value in safely and securely exchanging genetic information for personalized services. The Personalized Wellness revolution is only just beginning and we're eager to be able to offer FamilyTreeDNA and myDNA members a box seat to a wider range of services thanks to the merging of these fantastic businesses."

About myDNA - www.mydna.life

myDNA is an Australian personalized genomics company that decodes the information in our genes to help us understand the power of our DNA and what to do with that knowledge. myDNA's tests are simple cheek-swabs that can be ordered online and carried out in the safety of your own home. Their vision is to be the world's most trusted provider of personalized, actionable, genetic information.

About Gene by Gene - www.genebygene.com | www.familytreedna.com

Founded in 2000, Gene by Gene, Ltd. provides reliable genetic testing services to a wide range of consumers and institutional customers through its four divisions focusing on ancestry, health, research, and paternity. Genetic genealogy testing services are provided by FamilyTreeDNA - a division of Gene by Gene and the pioneers of the direct-to-consumer genetic genealogy industry. Gene by Gene is CAP/CLIA registered and, through its clinical health division, offers health, wellness, and regulated diagnostic testing services. The privately held company, along with its state-of-the-art Genomics Research Center, is headquartered in Houston, TX.

SOURCE myDNA; Gene By Gene; FamilyTreeDNA

Related Links

http://www.familytreedna.com


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The Member of Parliament(MP) for the Juaboso Constituency on the ticket of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has described the State of the Nation Address delivered by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as empty.



According to the Juaboso MP, the speech of President Akufo-Addo lacks substance and it is full of lies, making it disappointing to listen with the attention it should deserve.



Sometimes one is disappointed because the elders and leaders who are supposed to tell us the truth for us to replicate same and work hard, it gets to a point you ask yourself if it is worth it. If a President of Ghana is saying that Ghana is a net exporter of food, wont you be surprised? Then you ask yourself, is politics all about lies; that in Ghana, we export food abroad?, he marvelled.



He noted that the President cannot be telling Ghanaians the truth about the state of the nation as in recent times, some people were given the permit to import maize from another country.



Common maize which can be planted at the backyard of every house in the country, we give some people the permit to import some into the country, but the President came to Parliament to tell us that due to Planting for Food and Jobs, there is an abundance of food to the extent that we export some, he wondered.



He said that it has become a normal ritual for the President to do every year as some people have to sit somewhere and write a speech for him to read to Ghanaians without reflecting on the realities on the ground.



 . . I was fed up of the Presidents lies and so I was just quiet, looking at the President. The constitution allows the President to come to Parliament to read his speech but to me, it was totally an empty speech, he asserted.



He held the view that President Akufo-Addos address of the nation should have talked about the activities of the government in the year 2020 but to him, the President rather chose to include activities of 2019.



If the President was to speak the truth and raise issues for all of us to debate about, it would have helped the nation, he mentioned.



He spoke in an interview on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
TriggerPhoto/iStockBy KATHERINE FAULDERS and EMILY SHAPIRO, ABC News



(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump has only 14 days left in office, but some lawmakers want his presidency over sooner, calling for his impeachment in the wake of Wednesday's violence on Capitol Hill that left at least one woman dead.



Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., announced that she's drawing up articles of impeachment, tweeting: "We cant allow him to remain in office, its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath."

I am drawing up Articles of Impeachment.



Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate.



We cant allow him to remain in office, its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath.  Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 6, 2021

Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., called for Trump's removal through the 25th Amendment, which was ratified in 1967 in the wake of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963 and lays out the procedures for replacing the president in the event of death, removal, resignation or incapacitation.



"Trump is directly responsible for this insurrection and violence. He needs to be removed from office immediately. It is the Constitutional responsibility of Vice President Pence and the cabinet to exercise the power granted them by the 25th amendment," Moulton tweeted. "Or Congress must immediately impeach and remove the President for the safety of our nation."

Trump is directly responsible for this insurrection and violence. He needs to be removed from office immediately. It is the Constitutional responsibility of Vice President Pence and the cabinet to exercise the power granted them by the 25th amendment.  Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) January 6, 2021

Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., agreed.

The 25th Amendment allows for the removal of a President. It's time to remove the President.  Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) January 6, 2021

Other lawmakers also called for Trump's removal from office.

This is outrageous, and the president caused it. We should impeach and convict him tomorrow.  David Cicilline (@davidcicilline) January 6, 2021

Trump encouraged and incited the violence we are seeing at the Capitol today as Congress was in the process of carrying out a fundamental aspect of our peaceful transfer of power.



He deserves to be impeached tomorrow and should be barred from ever holding federal office again.  Mark Takano (@RepMarkTakano) January 6, 2021

Donald J. Trump should immediately be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate as soon as Congress reconvenes.



This is dangerous & unacceptable.  Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) January 6, 2021

The President has been encouraging these domestic terrorists since before the election.



He could have stopped them at any moment, but instead he whipped them into a frenzy and sicced them on the Capitol.



The Cabinet must remove him today or the House must impeach.  Rep. Jennifer Wexton (@RepWexton) January 6, 2021

In a tweet Wednesday evening, Trump falsely claimed: "These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long."



"Go home with love & in peace," the president wrote. "Remember this day forever!"



That tweet has since been removed.



Earlier in the afternoon, Trump, in a video posted to Twitter, falsely said, "We had an election that was stolen from us," baselessly calling it a "fraudulent election."



"I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace," Trump said, adding: "We love you. You're very special."



Twitter responded by saying that it's blocking Trump's video from being replied to, retweeted or liked "due to a risk of violence."



Trump's video has since been removed by Facebook.



"We prohibit incitement and calls for violence on our platform," a Facebook spokesperson said. "We are actively reviewing and removing any content that breaks these rules.



YouTube also deleted the video.



"We removed a video posted this afternoon to Donald Trumps channel that violated our policies regarding content that alleges widespread fraud or errors changed the outcome of the 2020 U.S. Election," Farshad Shadloo, the company's head of policy communications, said in a statement.



Twitter has locked the president's account for 12 hours.



"As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy," Twitter said at about 7 p.m. ET. "This means that the account of @realDonaldTrump will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets. If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked."



ABC News' Libby Cathey contributed to this report.



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
As a part of the COMMUNITY (COVID-19 Immunity) study, researchers from Sweden reveal long-lasting IgG neutralizing antibody response against spike glycoprotein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the vast majority of convalescent individuals  even after asymptomatic or mild infection. Their results are currently available on medRxiv* preprint server.

The expeditious spread of SARS-CoV-2, a causative agent of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is facilitated by a considerable portion of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic viral transmission. This is why it is crucial to fully understand the functionality and durability of the immune response against this virus.

It is known that antibodies targeting different virus-encoded proteins are key players in conveying protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Among the prime targets are spike glycoprotein, which facilitates viral access to the host cell, as well as the highly abundant and conserved nucleocapsid protein.

Nonetheless, the duration, kinetics, and efficacy of circulating SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are less familiar, mostly because we are dealing with a new virus. There are actually conflicting studies that show either a rapid decline in circulating IgG antibodies within a few weeks after COVID-19 or their detection up to six months following symptom onset.

Hence, understanding the long-term humoral response (which includes virus neutralization capacity) in asymptomatic to mild SARS-CoV-2 infections is pivotal in estimating the immune response on a population basis, possible risk of reinfection, as well as vaccine responses.

This is why a research group from Sweden, led by Dr. Sebastian Havervall from the Department of Clinical Sciences at Karolinska Institute in Danderyd Hospital (Stockholm), decided to appraise the duration and efficacy of circulating antibodies four months after infection in a large cohort of patients (primarily healthcare workers).

Four-month follow-up levels of anti-Spike IgG are associated to COVID-19 symptoms A) Four-month follow-up levels of anti-spike IgG did not differ between HCW and convalescent COVID-19 patients, but were B) significantly increased in HCW with selfreported fever, dyspnea, cough, abdominal symptoms, malaise, anosmia, or ageusia prior to study inclusion. Orange lines depict the median. P-values are shown with brackets. Sx; symptoms. AU: Arbitrary Units.

A long-term immunity study

This longitudinal cohort study included a total of 1972 healthcare workers, with 386 of them exhibiting antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein antigen at study inclusion. It was conducted as a part of the COMMUNITY (COVID-19 Immunity) study, which is an ongoing investigating of long-term immunity after COVID-19 in Stockholm, Sweden.

Venous blood samples were taken at study inclusion and after four months of follow-up. Furthermore, IgG reactivity was measured towards spike glycoprotein trimers entailing the prefusion-stabilized spike ectodomain and the C-terminal domain of the nucleocapsid protein.

Microneutralization assay was utilized, and cells were inspected by optical microscopy after four days. In cases when less than 50% of the cell layer showed signs of the cytopathogenic effect (i.e., structural changes of the host cell due to viral invasion), the well was regarded as neutralizing.

Seroconversion was associated with prior COVID-19 symptoms Seroconversion to anti-spike IgG (purple) and anti-nucleocapsid IgG (orange) prior to study inclusion (circles) and during the follow-up period (triangles) was associated with self-reported anosmia, ageusia, fever, muscle or joint pain, presence of any symptoms, malaise, cough, headache, abdominal symptoms, dyspnea, or runny nose. CI: Confidence Interval.

Highly persistent neutralizing antibodies

In short, this study has shown that the vast majority of healthcare workers (98% of them) remained seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG at least four months after the infection, regardless of having mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Moreover, antibody levels were no different from 59 convalescent patients suffering from severe to critical COVID-19.

The researchers have also corroborated earlier findings of strong concordance between SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG levels and virus neutralization capacity  supporting, in turn, an enduring immunity after COVID-19 even in asymptomatic individuals or those with mild symptoms.

Conversely, anti-nucleocapsid IgG levels declined to an undetectable range in 32% of the study participants with mild infection (or without symptoms), emphasizing the importance of diligent antigen selection for any test or survey.

Implications of the findings

"Taken together, our findings imply a strong and long-lasting humoral immune response against SARS-CoV-2, even after asymptomatic or mild infection", conclude the authors of this medRxiv paper.

Furthermore, demonstrated differences in antibody kinetics in dependence on the antigen is basically an argument against the use of the nucleocapsid protein as a possible target antigen in population-wide SARS-CoV-2 serological surveys and analyses.

Everything said, these findings are indeed highly relevant for understanding correlates of long-term humoral immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is necessary for public health planning, the evaluation of potential reinfection risk, as well as for long-term vaccine response appraisal.

*Important Notice

medRxiv 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.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has crippled global healthcare systems and triggered an economic crisis in many countries. The pandemic is not showing signs of a slowdown even in 2021 with a new and more infectious variant of the virus wreaking havoc in the UK and many other parts of the world.

The mortality rates of COVID-19 vary across the globe and range from 0.5% to 13%, according to Johns Hopkins University estimates. COVID-19 has a variable clinical presentation with the majority of patients experiencing very mild disease, many asymptomatic, and a few patients experiencing severe, life-threatening disease requiring hospitalization and intensive care. The most powerful determinant of COVID-19 disease severity is age, with individuals over 70 years more likely to develop severe COVID-19. Host factors contributing to severe disease may include variations in the immune response owing to immunological history and genetic determinants.

The patients immune system status is a significant factor in COVID-19 infection survival. More and more studies are focusing on immunological determinants of severe disease in order to develop better biomarkers for therapeutic purposes. The mechanism of the insurgence of immunity is at the center of the development of both drugs and vaccines to treat or prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Diagram of the in-silico model components and accepted input. The model embodies functions to calculate the clonal affinity to precomputed viral peptides of the selected pathogen (defined by its primary sequence) with respect to a specific HLA set. The population-dynamics of the elicited lymphocytes clones, resulting from the infection by the SARS-CoV-2, provides a varying degree of efficiency of the immune response which, as it turns out, correlates with the parameters defining both the immunological competence (IC) of the virtual host and the virus definition.

Simulating the SARS-CoV-2 immune response to analyze impact of viral load and age on disease severity

A team of researchers from Italy, India, and the United Kingdom recently simulated the SARS-CoV-2 immune response and analyzed the impact of the viral load, ACE2 receptor affinity, and age during the course of the disease in an artificially infected population. The study has been published on the preprint server bioRxiv*.

This study addresses fundamental aspects of infection management in terms of describing the insurgence and the span of immunity in COVID-19. The in silico model developed by the researchers focuses on this aspect at both the individual and population levels.

The team used a stochastic agent-based immune simulation platform to build a virtual cohort of infected individuals with age-dependent, varying degrees of immune response. They used a parameter setting to reproduce known inter-patient variability and general epidemiological statistics.

Antibody titers post day 25 of infection is a prognostic factor for determining COVID-19 outcome

The researchers made several clinical observations in silico and identified critical factors in the statistical evolution of COVID-19 infection. They found evidence for the significance of the humoral response over the cytotoxic response and also observed that the measurement of antibody titers post day 25 of infection is a prognostic factor for ascertaining the clinical outcome of the infection.

The teams modeling framework uses SARS-CoV-2 infection to illustrate the actionable effectiveness of simulating the immune response at both individual and population levels. The model developed by the team can explain and interpret observed infection patterns and makes verifiable temporal predictions.

The results of a large number of simulations that we call virtual or in-silico cohort, demonstrates that the great variability observed in the real pandemic can be the mere result of such diversity in both viral and human characteristics.

Findings highlight the significance of model predictions

According to the authors, this study proposes quantitatively that the high variability observed in clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in real life can be due to the subtle differences in viral load and immune competence of the population.

To summarize, this work shows the power of model predictions, identifies the clinical endpoints ideal for computational modeling of the immune response to COVID-19, and defines the resolution and amount of data needed to empower such models for translational medicine purposes. The researchers also demonstrate how computational modeling of immune response offers key insights to discuss hypotheses and develop new experiments.

Despite the extraordinary complexity of the immune system dynamics, the progress of simulation platforms suggests that a more intense interaction between clinicians and researchers in the computational model could bring these models to the desired quality for deployment in the medical field.

*Important Notice

bioRxiv 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.


San Francisco is a city of secrets. Some are buried, but some still form part of our daily landscape. The curiosities that Bay Area folk drive, cycle and walk by every day. Many are the last remaining artifacts of monumental events in the city, like the golden fire hydrant near Dolores Park that saved the Mission in 1906, or the Gold Rush-era tombstones still visible under the waves at Aquatic Park.

Others are modern day oddities, like an abandoned Muni station that flickers by as you stare out the window, and whats up with that van on a stick on the 101?

We're starting a new series today dedicated to digging into the stories behind the weirdest things our readers see every day, and we're calling it Obscure SF.

The first is an ominous sign that watches over a block right in the middle of the city that I've been curious about every time I've walked under its gaze. A message that has loomed ominously over passing San Franciscans going about their days in Chinatown for over 160 years.

Old St. Mary's Church, on the northeast corner of Grant and California, used to be the tallest building in California. At 90 feet, it's now not even the tallest building on the block but the sign under the clock is lofty in its warning:

"Son, Observe the Time and Fly from Evil."

It's no coincidence that the Bible verse, taken from the Old Testament's Ecclesiastes 4:23, looks over what was once Dupont Street.

In 1854 that block, like much of the young city, was a hive of carnality and crime. Several brothels, opium dens and dance halls lined Dupont Street in the 1850s when the place of worship was built. The block was also the frequent site of roving battles between rival Chinese gangs, known as the Tong Wars. The street had such a sordid reputation that after the 1906 earthquake it was cleaned up and renamed Grant Avenue, in an early example of S.F. neighborhood rebranding.

Andrew Chamings

In the 1850s tens of thousands of young men arrived in San Francisco from around the world seeking gold and often female companionship. At one point over 100 brothels operated in the area, largely in the nine-block region around Pacific Avenue, infamously known as the Barbary Coast.

The Old St. Mary's Cathedral warning served as guidance to those young men on the street frequenting the brothels, in hope that they may see it, reflect on their evenings's plans, turn on their heels and spend some time instead in the city's first Catholic cathedral, rather than the arms of one of thousands of prostitutes working in the city at the time.

As an unnamed "old lady" told a San Francisco Examiner writer visiting the church in 1918: "At one time this was a very wicked part of our city."

The Examiner portrayed the church as, "standing upon the borders of vice, a soul oasis, a harbor of peace and consolation upon the shores of a great city's wickedness and temptation, what prayers and tears must have been breathed and shed within its sacred walls."

Or as a San Franciscan Archbishop said in 1855, the church "can scarcely be approached from any direction without a shudder at the sinfulness and filth of its surroundings."

The message, in gold lettering on black painted sandstone, is positioned squarely under the clock. Beyond the plea for some moral clarity, the direction to "observe the time" may act as a form of godly curfew: Look son, it's nearly midnight, take your drunk ass home or come in and sleep on a pew.

The sign and tower is impressive and rather foreboding today, but it must have seemed even more grandiose in the 1850s when it was the tallest tower in the state.

While the church withstood the earthquake in 1906, it succumbed to the fire the following day. The flames ravaged its interior at a temperature so searing it melted the church bells and marble altar.

But the tower and red brick walls survived, and the building was soon renovated. The cathedral was rebuilt again in 1960s after another fire, the work again faithfully reconstructing the original architecture and the warning sign again took its place watching over Chinatown.

Quick pop culture aside: The sign and church feature in a bonkers San Francisco movie that no one has seen  1979's "Time After Time." It would take an hour to try to describe the convoluted plot, but basically Malcolm McDowell, playing science fiction writer H.G. Wells, travels forward in time from Victorian London to 1970s San Francisco to hunt down Jack the Ripper. Jack does take a glance at the biblical warning, but decides not to flee from evil and instead murders some sex workers on Broadway.

I watched the movie so you don't have to, but here's the trailer featuring some great '70s San Francisco shots and some special effects that make Pong look like The Matrix.

Have you passed by any weird remnants of the past in the Bay Area you want to know more about? Or any modern day oddities that just don't make sense? Please send any ideas for future Obscure SF stories to andrew.chamings@sfgate.com


A new year brings the promise of a fresh start, and never has the world hoped more to wipe the slate clean. The year 2020 proved to be once-in-a-century historical disruption which has upended people's lives all across the globe. It is not surprising that with the arrival of 2021, people are hoping for a return to normality, optimism and some good news. This applies on a political level too, with COVID-19 having unleashed political shockwaves including tensions from the United States towards China and the rise of "blame game" politics from the Trump administration which sought to scapegoat Beijing, and subsequently used this to push a policy of confrontation.



However, 2021 brings new hope not only because it is a new year, but also because the Trump administration is in its final weeks. Related to this, what does China do from here? How does China plan to interact with the Biden administration? And what will China's priorities be this year? The answers may be found in a speech made on New Year's Day by the country's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where he pledged the country would "continue to build a new type of international relations" and "strengthen international cooperation."

What do these remarks mean and what are their significance? In 2021, China will continue to utilize diplomacy, multilateralism and international cooperation to overcome global challenges, and uphold its goals of economic coordination, engagement and integration with other countries. Contrary to media hysteria, it will also seek to downplay confrontation with the U.S. and stabilize relations with the incoming administration. Although this does not mean it will relent on matters of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, rhetoric of a "new cold war" is deeply overblown.

In raising the prospect of a "new cold war" and dividing countries along geopolitical and economic lines, the Trump administration has advocated a nostalgia for 20th century thinking. However, Beijing has never bought in this kind of zealous, simplistic rhetoric. Rather than engage in confrontation with the U.S., as some journalists like to try and spin it, China has continued to promote the continuation of the multilateral international order and the idea that diplomacy is not a "zero-sum" game as it has been framed by Trump. China understands that growth, success and prosperity stem from interdependence and cooperation, or as Wang Yi styles it, "A community of shared future for mankind."

China is setting out to continue this form of engagement. In 2020, Beijing concluded two huge economic agreements: the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the European Union-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). These represent two of the largest multilateral deals ever concluded, and show what countries can achieve when they work together instead of engaging in geopolitical confrontation. They are the perfect answer to those who seek to divide and carve up the global economy and force others to take sides.

Therefore, Wang Yi stated that China will continue to emphasize diplomacy in 2021 and promote economic engagement with other countries, be it through the promotion of free trade mechanisms or programs such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

However, the only way out of the COVID-19 crisis is through cooperation, as opposed to an "every country for itself" mentality as the United States has followed. China will accelerate efforts to promote vaccine cooperation, offer aid and assistance to other countries, as well as work with multilateral institutions such as the World Health Organization. The idea that humanity is the top priority is being emphasized, in contrast to selfish political point scoring and attributing blame to cover up for one's own failures.

As such, China is likely to try and re-engage with the new administration in 2021. Although President Donald Trump is pushing hard to solidify his legacy, Beijing is likely to be optimistic that there can be room to stabilize the relationship despite the two countries' differences, and the incoming president must surely understand that many of the incumbent's decisions and policies have been counterproductive, destructive and detrimental to U.S. interests. China seems set to pursue goodwill and room to negotiate with the United States, and will look to avoid escalating tensions or confrontation.

On the whole, 2021 is going to be a year of diplomacy. There is much that needs to be done in order to bring a world which has been derailed by an unprecedented disaster back on track, but the only way forward from here in China's view is diplomacy, multilateralism and cooperation. The divisive and unpredictable politics which plagued the previous year have not and will not eradicate the virus nor will it help the economy recover. Because of this, China will continue to emphasize stability, dialogue and engagement over the coming 12 months.

Tom Fowdy is a British political and international relations analyst and a graduate of Durham and Oxford universities. He writes on topics pertaining to China, the DPRK, Britain and the U.S. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/TomFowdy.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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The Chinese economy is back in action after nearly a year of covid19 disruptions. Schools, theaters and businesses are open without restriction. China is still blocking efforts by international health agencies (like WHO) to study the emergence of covid19 in China, as well as concealing the actual damage the virus did. Like other East Asian nations, China kept its infection rate low. That had little to do with being a communist police state because democracies like Taiwan, Singapore, Japan and South Korea produced verified results that showed how a disciplined response can keep covid19 infections and deaths and very low levels. China claims it suffered fewer deaths per capita and much less economic disruption than Western nations. The lower economic disruption is obvious. The death rate is less so because the government is not cooperating.

While exact Chinese covid19 infections and deaths data cannot be verified, the low losses in Taiwan and South Korea can be. China, claiming three deaths per million, admits it was not as effective as Taiwan (0.3 deaths per million) but did better than South Korea (20 deaths per million) Japan (29) or Singapore (6). The world average is 240 deaths per million and Western nations average a thousand dead per million. Reports from China indicate that Chinese covid19 deaths were much higher than reported. Even with that most Chinese were confident enough to go back to work and to large public gatherings like mass transit or movie theaters. To maintain this covid19 advantage China still sharply restricts Chinese from travelling outside the country and quickly quarantines any areas where more covid19 appears. The lower infection and death rates are the result of populations accustomed to acting in a unified and precise manner when confronting an emergency. Its a cultural thing, which is one reason why for the last few thousand years East Asia contained most of the world population.

China claims that its GDP growth will be at least ten percent in 2021. Even many Chinese doubt that, although owners of large corporations who speak out get shut up quickly. This happened recently when Jack Ma, worth $50 billion because he founded Alibaba (the Chinese Amazon and much more) criticized the accuracy of Chinese economic data. Ma is undergoing re-education and, if that does not work, he could be accused of criminal activities, imprisoned for a long period and have his assets seized by the state. That does not change the fact that falsified economic data has long been a problem and even the government admits that this must be fixed. But that is the job of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) leaders, not successful entrepreneurs like Jack Ma. The communist catchphrase all power to the state is still taken seriously in China.

The CCP is having less success getting foreign nations to cooperate. As a result, more nations are banning Chinese Internet-based products like communications apps. The U.S. and India recently banned widely used Chinses apps like TikTok, WeChat and finance related apps like AliPay. India and a growing number of Western nations are doing likewise. The reason is that Internet security analysts are discovering more and more evidence that these Chinese apps, usually at the order of their government, are used for espionage and worse. Chinese telecommunications companies, including suppliers of 5G cellphone equipment, are being banned in many countries.

Iran

Iran is accepting a Chinese offer of massive economic investment, some of it more profitable for China than Iran. Overall, the Chinese connection is a major plus for Iran because China also helps protect Iran diplomatically and in the UN. For that, the Chinese expect to be compensated and the Iranians are willing to pay. As a result, China will be more aggressive in helping Iran skirt the trade sanctions reimposed by the Americans in 2018. At the same time China expects to establish a major economic presence in the Middle East, starting with Iran. China takes the long view and sees Iran as reviving its historical role of a regional economic and military superpower. China understands that this will require the current Iranian religious dictatorship to go. China never comes out and says this, but in China it is understood and in Iran it is seen as the price to pay for much-needed economic and diplomatic aid.

Korea

South Korea has done better with economic recovery this year than the north. Earlier in the year, when covid19 first hit, it was believed that South Korean GDP would shrink less than two percent in 2020 and there would be robust normal growth in 2021. By mid-2020 it the GDP decline appeared worse. But the rest of 2020 has seen GDP growth and the total GDP loss for 2020 will be about one percent. There will be enough GDP growth in 2021 to cover the 2020 damage. For about half of 2020 the South Korean economy was in recession and a 16.6 percent drop in exports during the second quarter was disturbing because exports are crucial to economic growth and export customers were not increasing orders. China recovered faster than expected and the U.S. is finishing the year with strong GDP growth. These are the major trade partners for South Korea.

North Korean economic problems are much worse and continue to multiply with covid19 adding to the sanctions related problems. North Korea is going through its worst economic crises since the famine years of the 1990s. North Korea closed its Chinese border early in the year and it largely remains closed. North Korea has little cash, even though China now allows sanctioned coal and weapons exports to openly leave North Korea. It is not enough. Overall Chinese trade with North Korea is down at least 80 percent for the year. That means less food and other essential items were imported. Because the government insists there are no problems, offers of aid from South Korea and the United States are turned down. China is desperate to avoid an economic collapse in North Korea because that will mean far more illegal migrants from there when the weather turns warmer. There is also the growing risk of unpredictable behavior by the North Korean leadership. South Korea is sealed off from the north by the DMZ while the 1,400-kilometer Chinese border remain porous despite increased efforts to increase security. China is connected to North Korea and cannot change that.

North Korean GDP is expected to shrink by over ten percent in 2020. What little cash available is going to food imports and not much of that is coming in. There is growing hunger in North Korea and this is visible. Chatter, video and photos still get out of the country and documents the growing lack of food. Foreign analysts estimate that at least 40 percent of North Koreans are going hungry. The government is trying to provide large scale deaths from starvation and so far, has succeeded. Periodic crackdowns are described as eliminating the illegal behavior. The illicit enterprises always return.

Japan

China has long noted, respected and sometimes feared the fighting abilities of the Japanese. That attitude became rather malignant because of damage the Japanese military did to China in the first half of the 20th century. Chinese still fear and loathe Japanese because of these depredations. In the early 21st century these attitudes towards Japan enable China to realistically assess current Japanese military capabilities. China sees Japan as a major obstacle to Chinese domination of East Asia. The Japanese Navy is the second largest in East Asia, second only to China. Its combat ships are all of modern design with well trained and experienced crews. This force includes 30 destroyers, six equipped with the Aegis air defense system that can also intercept ballistic missiles. Two more Aegis destroyer are on the way. There are also four helicopter destroyers that look like small aircraft carriers, which is what they actually are. The post-World War II Japanese constitution prohibits Japan from having aircraft carriers but the helicopter destroyers are being modified to use the vertical takeoff F-35B stealth fighter.

Japan is making a big investment in these aircraft both for operating from land bases and from seagoing ones. Since 2017 Japan has had operational two 27,000 ton destroyers (DDH type ships) that look exactly like an aircraft carrier. These Izumo class ships can carry up to 28 helicopters or up to ten vertical takeoff aircraft (F-35B). The carriers are armed only with two 20mm Phalanx anti-missile cannon plus a launcher with sixteen ESSM missiles for anti-missile defense. The DDH have powerful engines capable of destroyer-like speeds of over fifty-four kilometers an hour. There are also more medical facilities than one would expect for a ship of this size. Izumo does have considerable cargo capacity, which is intended for moving disaster relief supplies quickly to where they are needed. Some of these cargo spaces can be converted to berthing spaces for troops, disaster relief personnel, or people rescued from disasters, as well as additional weapons and equipment needed to support F-35B fighter-bombers. Izumos can carry and operate at least ten of the vertical take-off F-35B stealth fighters once modifications were made to the flight deck to handle the extremely high temperatures the F-35B generates when taking off or landing vertically, like a helicopter. When the first DDH entered service in 2015 Japan made no mention of buying F-35Bs or modifying the LPH flight decks to handle the F-35B. The Izumos already have an elevator (to the hanger deck under the flight deck) powerful enough to carry an F-35B fighter.

Japan also has a submarine force of very quiet and lethal diesel-electric boats, most with AIP (air-independent propulsion) that allows submerged operations lasting several weeks. This submarine force is being expanded to 22 boats.

There are 16 smaller (frigate and corvette) surface warships plus 30 minesweepers, three landing ships and lots of support ships. The current frigates are six 2,600-ton ships delivered in the 1990s. In the 1980s, when these frigates were designed 11 were planned. With the end of the Cold War in 1991 the number was cut to six.

The South Korean Navy is developing into something similar to Japan and these two nations, plus the American Pacific Fleet are currently more than China can handle and that situation will not change for a while.

January 4, 2021: The Chinese military was publicly criticized by CCP leaders for not training effectively and tolerating low levels of readiness. This is an ancient Chinese tradition along with corruption in the military. For centuries Chinese government have been trying to eliminate these problems but have not made a lot of progress. To help with these anticorruption efforts, the CCP has imposed a system of parallel political officers working with unit commanders as low as company (a hundred or so troops) level. These replace chaplains that are so common in non-communist forces. The political officers are there to assure loyalty (to the CCP) and monitor effectiveness. These effectiveness reports are considered top secret and extremely valuable because they provide the most accurate measure of how loyal and effective the military is. While state-controlled mass media boasts of all the new weapons, equipment and capabilities Chinese troops have, the political officer reports are much less encouraging.

December 27, 2020: China launched another secret military satellite. The launcher was a LM 4C, which can put four tons into low orbit, which is what this secret flight accomplished. The secret satellite is believed to be another radar satellite, which China uses to detect American warships at sea and track them for attack by ballistic missiles with maneuverable radar homing warheads.

December 26, 2020: The Chinese Navy began sea trials for another of its new Type 75 amphibious assault ships. This comes four months after the first Type 75 began sea trials and will soon enter service. That will make two Type 75s. These are LHD (Landing ships with helicopters and a dock in the rear for launching smaller landing craft. Type 75s carry 30 helicopters and 900 troops, at about 40,000 tons they are similar to the eight 41,000-ton American Wasp class, which entered service between 1989 and 2009. One Wasp was recently destroyed during a shipyard fire. China is building at least eight Type 75s and all are expected to enter service between 2021 and 2025. These ships follow eight 25,000-ton Type 71 LPDs that entered service between 2007 and 2021. These were the first large amphibious assault ships China built. These are similar to the eleven (so far) American San Antonio class LPDs that entered service between 2006 and 2017. LPDs do not have a full carrier deck but carry landing craft for about 600 troops and four helicopters. So far China has shown it can build amphibious assault ships more quickly, at less cost and with fewer problems than the Americans. China plans to use its new amphibious assault ships in the South China Sea and anywhere else they may require some amphibious warfare capability.

December 25, 2020: China is angry at Afghanistan, which earlier this month arrested ten Chinese citizens and accused of being MSS (Ministry of State Security) seeking to establish links with Islamic terror groups in Afghanistan. China denied that and demanded an apology and repatriation of the ten Chinese. The Afghans refused and have been making public their evidence.

December 24, 2020: The government revealed that 17,989 officials, most of them lower and local level, were punished for violating frugality rules or poor performance. None of these acts were illegal, but they did reflect poorly on the CCP which is more important to the government than eliminating corruption at the top.

The anti-corruption effort continues to get a lot of media attention in China. That includes publishing statistics. Corruption investigations have been increasing every year but who gets investigated is still a corrupted process. The number of investigations continues to grow. There were 172,000 in 2013, 330,000 in 2015, and 527,000 in 2017. So far is appears there will be over 600,000 for 2018 and continued increasing at a slower, and less publicized, rate. While the number of investigations continues to grow the pattern of who is prosecuted and who is punished has not changed. About 90 percent of those investigated for corruption go on trial and only about five percent were punished. Only about 12 percent of those punished were tigers (senior officials) while the rest were flies (those with no power or clout to avoid prosecution). The government says (quietly, to foreign observers who know what is really going on) that it is really trying to discourage corruption, not create a lot of enemies in its own senior bureaucracy. There is a need to get maximum popular goodwill from each corruption prosecution. This means equally, or more urgent areas of corruption, like banking and finance, get less attention. It is obvious from the public records of prosecutions that a tiny percentage of those convicted account for most of the economic damage. That means fewer than a thousand corrupt Tigers were responsible for most of the several billion dollars known to be stolen. More difficult to calculate is the other damage done by the corrupt tigers. That includes allowing state owned banks to make lots of uncollectable loans, often to state owned companies that are not profitable and never will be while state owned.

Some tigers accused of corruption use bribes and intimidation to avoid punishment, although few are able to keep their jobs. The government prefers to make deals that avoid a trial or prison if the accused can provide evidence of other senior people who are guilty and not known to prosecutors. Those punished most severely are the ones responsible for something that got a lot of people killed. This often results in execution, especially if the offender is a civilian (usually a senior business executive). Another pattern noticed by foreigners (working from public records) is that tigers accused of corruption tend to be disproportionately people who had not supported leader-for-life Xi Jinping before he became head of the government and then permanent leader. Those who did support Xi Jinping for a long time and are caught up in a corruption investigation still tend to get punished, but in the form of quietly retiring and often allowed to keep much, if not all, of the wealth they stole. One area where this friends of Xi Jinping angle does not work so well is the military. The senior officers accused of corruption had fewer opportunities to support (or not) Xi Jinping, who came up through the civilian and Communist Party bureaucracy. Corruption in the military is an ancient tradition and theres a lot more opportunities to steal now. Xi Jinping has made it his personal goal to break that tradition, or at least greatly erode the extent of corruption in the military and that means a lot of the accused tigers tend to be generals and admirals. For the senior leaders corruption in the military is important mainly because the current Chinese military pledges allegiance to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party), not China.

This is no accident because the government is concentrating on corruption prosecutions in areas that most Chinese are angry about and that impacts them the most. This means medical care, pollution, and anything that resonates with most Chinese is under constant scrutiny. What that means is that the government is using opinion surveys (another essential of economic freedom) to determine what areas should get the most attention from anti-corruption efforts. For example, air and other forms of pollution are a big problem and most Chinese encounter it regularly. The pollution is believed to cause over a million premature deaths a year and the censors have been unable to keep Chinese from knowing this, or discussing it. Senior officials can buy expensive air filtration systems for their homes and offices, but they and their families could not completely escape the dirty air. Going after any corruption that is related to pollution is a higher priority and right after that comes medical care (where corruption is currently rampant).

December 22, 2020: China is having a growing problem with suppressing details about its misbehavior during the first few months after covcid19 appeared in Wuhan in September. China is also trying to dismiss the evidence of its pressuring WHO (the World Health Organization) to cooperate in the deception. It isnt working. China did not decide until the end of 2019 to suppress details of how the virus first appeared in Wuhan and the first government response was to ignore the warnings from doctors and medical researchers. But those Chinese were already calling on colleagues worldwide to assist. China could not eliminate all that evidence and has adopted a policy of deny, deny, deny.

December 20, 2020: Satellite photos reveal that China is building a large drydock at its newly expanded Yulin naval base in the south (Hainan Island). The Yulin base has been there since 1955 but after 2000 China decided to expand it and by 2006 satellite photos showed new tunnels into coastal mountains that submarines could be sheltered in. Yulin was recently revealed to be the main base for Chinas aircraft carriers as well as SSBNs (ballistic missile carrying subs). These days Yulin is the main base for operations in the South China Sea, which it is adjacent to. The new drydock is able to handle Chinese carriers. Without that the carriers would have to go back to northern China to find a drydock large enough for them.

December 11, 2020: Japan is providing assistance to upgrade the Indonesian coast guard. This will help Indonesia to deal with aggressive Chinese illegal fishing off the Indonesian coast. The first item of Japanese aid is the delivery of a used fisheries patrol ship, the Hakurei Maru. This is a 731-ton coast guard vessel was built in 1993 and for over two decades patrolled distant Japanese fishing grounds.

December 7, 2020: The Philippines is building a naval air base in the north (Central Luzon) to provide easier surveillance of the offshore Benham Rise, which Chinese ships have been investigating. Back in 2018 the government changed its policy on allowing foreign research vessels to study the Benham Rise, 250 kilometers off the east coast of the Philippines. In 2012 the UN agreed that the resource rich Benham Rise was indeed part of the Philippines coastal waters and the name was then changed to the Philippines Rise. This offshore entity is basically an underwater volcano that did not turn into an island. It is a large (250 kilometers square) plateau that is in an area where most of the water is 5,000 meters deep. But the rise is mostly 3,000 meters high and a peak rises out of that plateau and reaches to within 50 meters of the surface. The rise is a rich fishing area but also may have underwater oil and gas deposits. China has never made a claim on the Benham/Philippines Rise but that could change if the payoff were large enough. China had asked permission to send a research ship to study the area and at first the Philippines agreed. But the public reaction was hostile to that, given the Chinese aggression off the west coast in the South China Sea. Because of that reaction the Philippines withdrew that permission and banned any foreign research vessels from studying the Philippines Rise unless they received specific permission. Foreign fishing vessels are banned from the Philippines Rise as well.

The Philippines is also angry about how dealing with the post-covid19 economic recovery is that it is being exploited by China, who offers large investments in return for less official criticism about Chinese asserting their ownership of the South China Sea. Otherwise, China has, like other threats to the Philippines, been less active this year because of covid19.

December 6, 2020: India has gone public with its support for Burmese army leaders complaining about foreign support the tribal rebels are receiving. The Burmese generals wont come right out and name China but the Indians will.

For several months now India has been accusing China of tolerating an Indian tribal rebel group ( Ulfa-I) basing themselves in Yunnan province. While China has tolerated some Burmese Wa State rebel activities in China (Guangxi province), those are mostly of a commercial nature. Burmese rebels buy a lot of weapons and other stuff in China and ship (or smuggle) it into Burma. Guangxi does not border India, Yunnan does and China has claims on large portions of India that border Yunnan.

In northern Burma it is no secret that China has done little to curb Chinese weapons dealers from selling all manner of military small arms to tribal rebels and getting it across the border into Burma. That cannot be done without the acquiescence of the Chinese government. In this way the Chinese are sending a message to the Burmese generals, who the Chinese see as equally responsible for the violence in the north, sometimes right on the Chinese border. Both the rebels and the army are often using Chinese weapons and ammo against each other. There are not a lot of casualties and most of them are from army convoys being ambushed or the army firing into pro-rebel villages to drive the civilians, and any rebels, out and into the bush. The army does not have enough troops to occupy all the territory they push tribal rebels, and civilians, out of. Often the rebels, if not the civilians (at least not right away) come back and resume attacking convoys and patrols.

Burma has long obtained most of its weapons from China. That was because until 2011 Burma had been a military dictatorship for over 40 years and few nations would sell to them. This made Burma one of Chinas top three export customers. Pakistan was the largest, getting 55 percent of weapons exports while Burma got about seven percent. Because of all that international pressure to end the dictatorship, Burma could not afford the most modern weapons or be picky about what they bought. The Burmese Air Force is a good example. Except for a few dozen modern fighters (Mig-29s and Su-30s) from Russia and six JF-17s from China, the rest of the air force consisted of much older aircraft. The navy does a little better because Burma has local shipyards that can build warships, at least those up to about 3,000 tons (frigates). Three frigates have been built and two imported from China by 2012. Three corvettes 1,100-ton corvettes were also built locally. For the locally built ships, weapons and electronics must be imported. Burma has also built a lot of smaller (500 tons or less) patrol ships, some armed with missiles. Three ships of this type were bought from China in the 1990s to give Burmese ship builders models for locally built versions. This includes twenty 250-ton armed patrol ships to replace older ones purchased from China and many smaller patrol boats built in Burma during the 1990s. The navy also has one sub, a 1988 vintage Kilo class Russian boat purchased from India after refurbishment.

The army has few expensive systems. Even the tank force is mostly Chinese made tanks that China stopped using in the 1980s and the only users left are nations that cannot afford to buy a lot of modern replacements. What is important to the army is lots of loyal infantry armed with Chinese small arms and other infantry weapons and equipment.

December 2, 2020: South Korea is spending $49 billion on defense during 2021. Thats a 5.2 percent increase over 2020. In 2019 South Korea spent $43 billion on its military. That was nearly as much as Japan, which has a much larger economy. The 2018 South Korea budget had the largest increase (6.9 percent) in the defense budget since 2009. Although North Korea openly complains about how unfair and unfriendly these increases are, they are a direct result of the increasing threat from North Korea. The annual South Korean defense budget is more than a third larger than the annual GDP of North Korea, which spends about a third of GDP on defense compared to less than three percent in South Korea.

November 28, 2020: A U.S. Navy destroyer used a SM-3 Block IIA anti-missile missile to intercept an air-launched ICBM type target over the Pacific. This new version of the SM-3 anti-missile missile was developed jointly by the U.S. and Japan. For nearly a decade the U.S. Aegis developer has been working with Japanese firms to develop technology for Aegis to detect and intercept IRBM and then ICBM warheads. What makes ICBM warheads more difficult to intercept is that these warheads are released from the last stage of the missile higher up before plunging earthwards towards their targets. The higher up a ballistic missile travels the faster its warhead goes on the way down. The Japanese believed it was possible to adjust the Aegis software to detect these faster warheads and using an improved SM-3 final stage that could detect and intercept that faster incoming target. The November test proved that all this worked.

November 26, 2020: In the south (Burmese border) there is a dispute over where China can build their new smuggler control border fence next to Burmas Shan State. The fence is apparently going to eventually cover the entire Burmese border. The Chinese began erecting the fence on the border without informing Burma and when the Burmese troops noted the activity and reported it there was an interesting reaction. The local Burmese commander border guards sent a letter to the Chinese commander of the area where the fence was going. The letter pointed out that the 1961 Burma-China treaty that defined where the border was and who could do what near it. The treaty specified that neither side could build anything within ten meters (32 feet) of the actual border. The Chinese halted work on the fence while Chinese diplomatic officials were consulted. There have been similar incidents like this over the past few years. China tends to regard treaties as suggestions, not rules.

South Africa: SA records 844 COVID-19 deaths as cases surge

South Africa has logged over 800 daily Coronavirus deaths for the first time since the outbreak, while new cases also hit a record high on Wednesday.

A total of 844 people lost their lives to COVID-19, pushing the death toll 31 368.

According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the Eastern Cape reported 452 deaths due to the respiratory disease.

However, Mkhize said the staggering number of deaths in the province was due to data reconciliation dating between May and November 2020.

This includes analysis of community cases where post-mortem swabs were taken for COVID testing and analysis of clinical records where the diagnosis was unconfirmed at the time of demise. The National Department of Health is engaging the province to investigate the details of the reporting backlog, the Minister explained.

Meanwhile, 149 fatalities were reported in the Western Cape, 96 in Gauteng, 65 in KwaZulu-Natal, 46 in the North West, 12 in the Free State, 11 in Limpopo, eight in Mpumalanga and five in the Northern Cape.

In addition, Mkhize described the latest number of daily infections as a grim milestone as the figure of new cases breached the 20 000 mark.

According to Mkhize, 21 832 cases have been identified since the last reporting cycle, which brings the total cumulative COVID-19 cases to 1 149 591.

The country currently has 188 984 active cases, with KwaZulu-Natal leading with 76 993 people who are currently infected, followed by the Western Cape with 41 356 and Gauteng 35 727.

Limpopo has 7 592 active cases, North West 6 958, Free State 6 565, Eastern Cape 5 610, Mpumalanga 5 441 and Northern Cape 2 742.

To date, 929 239 people have recovered from COVID-19, which translates to a recovery rate of 80.8%.

The information is based on the 6 898 207 test, 70 060 of which were performed since the last report.

According to the World Health Organisation, there have been 85 091 012 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 1 861 005 global deaths.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-01-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.

Representation: Larger listed companies will have to have at least one woman on their management boards (Stock image)

Germany's cabinet yesterday approved federal legislation to force larger listed companies to have at least one woman on their management boards, following years of debate over the issue.

Of the largest roughly 100 listed companies in Germany, women accounted for only 11.5pc of board seats. The German legislation also sets out stricter gender equality rules for government-controlled companies, where boards with more than two members will have to have at least one woman on them.

In Ireland, women held 21pc of directorships in market-listed companies at the start of last year, up from 8pc in 2013, following pressure from corporate governance experts, regulators and lobby groups like Women on Boards and The 30pc Club.

Gillian Harford, country executive at The 30pc Club Ireland, said the organisation is more supportive of targets than legal quotas.

Targets are seen to be more successful, [they offer] real accountability for progress, Ms Harford said.

There is also a danger that quotas, especially with very low quotas, will become a tick box exercise and that firms will adopt a one and done mentality, she said.

There are also no signs that they do anything to improve the talent pipeline and quotas at board level dont always translate to better representation at C-Suite level, she said.

Women make up one third of executive boards in Europe's biggest companies but occupy only a small minority of leadership roles, according to a study published last year, with Norway ranking top for gender diversity, followed by France.

Additional reporting Reuters

Online Editors
T o anyone who has been sceptical about the veracity of the term white privilege, I hope you were watching the scenes in the US last night. The stark contrast between law enforcements reaction to the mob that descended on Capitol Hill and their response to Black Lives Matter protesters was a sobering tale of two Americas.

On June 1, when BLM demonstrators gathered a block away from the White House, making no attempt to enter the building, the reaction was extreme. The mostly black crowd was charged by the Washington police, backed up by more than 5,000 national guard troops and other federal agencies. Peaceful protesters were tear-gassed, with batons and horses used to clear a block so that President Trump could stage a photo op outside a church. A national guard commander later conceded there had been excessive use of force.

Yesterdays storming of the Capitol was a shameless attempt to overturn the results of a valid election. The crowd was almost all white, many were white supremacists, and some were armed. Yet the protesters seemed to encounter surprisingly little resistance as the thin Capitol police collapsed in their path.

Tragically there have been four reported fatalities, the details of which are still emerging, and images of Capitol police pointing their guns and running around the building have been shared on social media. Yet the disparity in the use of force is black and white.

Staggering photos have emerged of rioters inside the building. Some are sitting in Vice President Mike Pences chair in the Senate Chamber, one man had his feet up on House Speaker Nancy Pelosis desk. Another smiled and waved at the cameras while he stole a podium from the seat of US democracy. Lets be clear: for a protestor to make it here is the epitome of white privilege.

Last year Breonna Taylor was shot and killed in her home. Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back while he tried to get into his car. George Floyd died under the knee of a police officer for allegedly writing a bad cheque.
JTA )  Jon Ossoff, a Jewish 33-year-old former executive of a documentary company, has likely done what seemed nearly impossible just a few years ago: won a Senate seat election as a Democrat in formerly deep-red Georgia. And along with his fellow Democratic Senate winner, Rev. Raphael Warnock, the pair has flipped control of the U.S. Senate.

While networks have not yet called the race, he leads in the polls and Georgias top elections official said he does not anticipate any changes

Ossoffs young age and relatively short resume  in politics, at least  have left him a somewhat unknown figure. Heres what you need to get acquainted with the new Jewish member of Congress.

His path to politics was unusual. Ossoff demonstrated political interests early on, famously gaining an internship with Georgia Sen. John Lewis after writing the civil rights leader a fan letter as a teenager. He also worked as a speechwriter after college. But then he took a detour to work in documentary film before mounting a congressional bid in a 2017 special election. While he fell just short in that race, it elevated his name nationally and in his home state, positioning him to run for Senate. He has never held any elected office before.

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Hes the youngest senator elected since 1973. That was Joe Biden, elected in Delaware at just over 30 years old. At 33, Ossoff is also the only senator too young to become president.

Hell join a robust Jewish Senate delegation. Eight other Senate Democrats identify as Jewish, including New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, who goes from minority leader to majority leader with Ossoff and Warnocks elections. (Michael Bennet of Colorado does not identify as Jewish, but his mother is a Holocaust survivor and he says his family history informs his values.) Its far from the largest Jewish Senate delegation in history, though: 13 Jews were among the senators sworn in in 2007.

Hes motivated by his Jewish background. Ossoff wrote a letter addressed to his states Jewish community last month and published it in the Atlanta Jewish Times. In it, he wrote that his Jewish upbringing instilled in me a conviction to fight for the marginalized, the persecuted and the dispossessed. He has delved into that territory more deeply in other venues, including in a 2017 interview with Moment magazine, where he said, I think that Jews share a story that compels us to approach the world with empathy.

Yes, he had a bar mitzvah. I was bar mitzvahed at the Temple, which is a Reform synagogue, he told JTA in 2017, during his first Senate run. My Jewish upbringing imbued me with certain values, a commitment to justice and peace.

He supports Israel and opposes BDS. In a position paper from July, Ossoff wrote that he is committed to Israels security as a homeland for the Jewish people. (He personally has family there, he told the Atlanta Jewish Times.) To that end, he vigorously opposes the boycott Israel movement, supports continuing the U.S. robust military aid to Israel and wants to see a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He also supports diplomacy with Iran, through a nuclear deal and otherwise, to curb its nuclear arsenal.

Hes got an immigration story. Ossoffs fathers parents fled pogroms in Eastern Europe, while his mother moved to the United States from Australia at 23. (Because she is not Jewish, he formally converted before his bar mitzvah.) American Jews all share that immigrant story, he told JTA in 2017, and that perspective hardens my resolve to fight for an open and optimistic vision of our country where if you work hard you can get ahead, where we welcome those who come here to build the country.

Hes married to a Jewish doctor. Alisha Kramer is an obstetrician working in Atlanta. She was working an overnight shift Tuesday night, Ossoff said, so she wasnt with him as promising returns came in.

Hes got a favorite Jewish food. Im always in the mood for matzah ball soup. Even if its 100 degrees outside, he told Moment in 2017.

He can sing. Ossoff was in an a capella group in college at Georgetown University, a fact that one attack ad tried to spin against him. Here are the videos.

Hes a millennial sex symbol. Some of Ossoffs backers like him because of his political views and potential to shift American politics. Others are into all that and more. The internet thirst for Ossoff is strong, Vogue reported this week, noting that the politician resembles popular Jewish actor Timothee Chalamet. Among the evidence cited: a November piece in Alma titled, We need hot Jews like Jon Ossoff in the Senate.

Hes not afraid to stand up when he sees bigotry. Over the summer, Perdues campaign ran an ad that digitally lengthened Ossoffs nose. (Perdue said the change was unintended and took down the ad.) Ossoff brought the incident during a debate with Perdue in October, accusing him of lengthening my nose in attack ads to remind everybody that Im Jewish. And last week he used a brief Fox News interview to say repeatedly that Kelly Loeffler campaigned with a klansman, a reference to her appearances with a white supremacist that she later disavowed.

Hes (almost) the first Jew elected to the Senate from a southern state. Even some states with relatively few Jews have had Jewish senators, including Vermont and Hawaii right now. But Southern states have not been among the dozens of states to elect Jewish senators in the contemporary era, with the exception of Florida, which sent Richard Stone, a Miami-area Democratic politician, to the Senate in 1975. (Judah Benjamin represented Louisiana in the Senate in the 1850s, but that was before he became the highest-ranking Jew in the Confederacy. Benjamin Jonas, a former Confederate leader, represented Louisiana during Reconstruction.)

Hes worked to center Black voters. Ossoff has acknowledged throughout his rise in Georgia politics that he is indebted to Black voters and the history of progressive Black activism in the state. He often mentions the influence of civil rights leaders John Lewis and Martin Luther King, Jr., describing himself and Warnock as the young Jewish son of an immigrant mentored by John Lewis and a Black pastor who holds Dr (Martin Luther) Kings pulpit at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Lewis was an early supporter of Ossoff in his run for a House seat in 2017.

In a video speech declaring victory on Wednesday morning, Ossoff said he and Warnock would seek to follow in the footsteps of leaders who have departed us in this last year, like Congressman John Lewis and C.T. Vivian, referencing another civil rights leader.
EUGENE, Ore. -- Area politicians are reacting to today's chaos at the US Capitol when Trump supporters stormed the building as lawmakers counted the electoral votes from the 2020 presidential election.

One woman is dead and multiple officers were injured, according to CNN's report. The building has been cleared.

Below are statements from several Oregon politicians.

SEN. RON WYDEN:

What's happening today in our nations Capitol is a direct assault on democracy, a riot by insurrectionists that caps off four years of Donald Trump fanning the flames of fanaticism. Every Republican lawmaker who supported his efforts to overturn a legitimate election shares responsibility for the violence at the heart of our democracy.

"All Americans must be able to elect House and Senate members safe in the knowledge that their views will be represented in civil debate here in Congress without mob rule ever squelching that discussion.

"As a steadfast defender of the First Amendment, I will always support peaceful protest even if I disagree with the views that are expressed. This is far from peaceful protest. But I thank the Capitol Police for their courage protecting all elected officials from criminals bent on destroying democracy. And I very much look forward to resuming the urgent work for our country, as soon as possible.

SEN. JEFF MERKLEY:

Americans have witnessed many foreign strongmen ignore elections to cling to power. I never thought we would see this kind of attempted coup in our most hallowed temple of democracy, but thats exactly whats happened today. The American people have rejected Donald Trumps failed leadership, but he and his loyalists were trying to find any means by which to keep him in power. That is unacceptable in our republic.

There is no evidence of any systemic fraud in any of the six states Republicans planned to challenge. All such claims were examined not only by respective state authorities, but by the courts. But the failure of Republican leaders to stand up and speak the truth and dismiss the false claims and conspiracy theories promoted by President Trump fueled todays attempted insurrection. When a president attempts to deceive the public and inspire an anti-democratic revolt, its the responsibility of all to stand up, set the record straight, and protect and defend our constitutional republic.

We now have a tremendous amount to do to restore our institutions so deeply damaged over the last four years. We have pressing challenges in our nation, and we need to have everyone engaged in addressing them. The point of serving in a republic is to produce solutions and remedies to the issues people face, not to hold power for powers sake.

I look forward to serving in the Senate while Joe Biden and Kamala Harris lead our nation. We must immediately address the economic and health care issues raised by the pandemic. We need to invest in the foundations for families to thrive, which means health care, housing, education and good paying jobs. We need to restore our democracy and take on voter suppression, gerrymandering, and dark money, the real issues corrupting our election system. And we need to take on the biggest issue facing our planet: climate chaos.

We have much work to do, and we need to get to that work right away. I hope that a few hours from now, the Senate will be able to return to the floor of the Senate to complete its debate on whether to accept the electoral votes from Arizona, and then to join with the House to complete the counting of electoral votes from across the nation. That is our responsibility under the Constitution. Lets get it done tonight, and then lets go to work on these important issues facing our democracy.

REP. PETER DEFAZIO:

What happened today at the U.S. Capitol, in no uncertain terms, was an attempted coup by insurrectionists who were encouraged by Donald Trumps violent, destructive, and treasonous rhetoric and behavior.

For 245 years, the peaceful transfer of power following a free and fair election, as dictated by our Constitution, has been a bedrock of our representative democracy. Todays events were an assault on that foundation, and on the will of the American people, spurred on by a sitting president intent on sowing chaos and the destruction of our democracy for his own personal gain.

There has been zero evidence of widespread fraud in the November elections. This accusation is an outright lie which has been promoted by President Trump and has been overwhelmingly rejected and disproven by state and local election officials across the country, the federal courts, the Supreme Court, as well as President Trumps own Justice Department and election security officials.

I strongly believe President Trump should be impeached and legally removed from office for his seditious actions and violation of his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitutionthe very same oath that I and every other Member of Congress have taken.

What has happened at the Capitol is unprecedented and dangerous, but I will stand firm and perform my constitutional duty to ensure our representative democracy will survive. Congress will certify the Electoral College votes tonight and ensure that President-elect Joe Biden is peacefully inaugurated. The will of the American people will prevail, as our Constitution intended.

I call on all Members of Congress, the President, and Vice President to stop promoting the lie that the election was fraudulent, denounce the destructive behavior by the insurrectionists, and honor their oath of office by upholding the will of the people and supporting the peaceful transfer of power.

I am looking forward to working with the incoming Biden administration and am hopeful that we can get back to fighting the COVID-19 crisis, creating jobs, and providing real relief for Americas working families.

LANE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CHAIR JOE BERNEY AND MAYORS OF EUGENE, SPRINGFIELD, COTTAGE GROVE AND OAKRIDGE:

"There are certain principles and rights that we, as Americans, have established. Those include the right to peacefully assemble and our right to dissent  both of which are critical to our democracy. We cannot mistake what is happening today in Washington, D.C. for lawful or peaceful assembly.

"The actions that occurred at the U.S. Capitol today are an assault on our Republic and our Constitution; it goes far beyond the partisan politics that have so divided our nation in recent years.

"We denounce these actions.

"We can and must do better. Please join us in committing to working together to ensure our communities continue to participate in civil democracy where we come together to improve our communities for everyone."

OREGON REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN BILL CURRIER:

Today was a day to follow the Constitution and address the very legitimate concerns of tens of millions of Americans with the fairness of the 2020 Presidential election. The electoral college certification challenges and peaceful protests should have reminded us that we live under the rule of law, not the rule of the news media or big tech companies, and absolutely not under the rule of violent mobs. Instead, violence derailed that process, and the perpetrators, whoever they are and no matter what they think they represent, must be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We condemn all the violent acts today, and in the strongest possible terms.

Antifa-like political violence should never happen in this country, no matter the political cause or grievance, said Currier. We join President Trump in calling for the violence to cease and for protesters to disperse. We urge everyone to cooperate with law enforcement and help restore law and order.

We believe that the Presidential election fraud was real and pervasive, said Currier. It is the fault of those committing violence that Congress and the American people didnt get to hear and debate this today. Peaceful electoral college certification challenges must proceed. Civilized debate and a thorough, relentless, and serious examination of the facts are needed now more than ever to restore voter confidence in our election process and our institutions.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has slammed down its gavel, smashing a bid to reinstate the lucrative retirement package of a former top Rite Aid Corp. executive convicted in an $18 million accounting scandal.

The justices ended that attempt by refusing to hear an appeal by Karen Brown, the wife of former Rite Aid chief counsel and vice president Franklin Brown.

Karen Brown had asked the high court to overturn a ruling issued in July in which a state Superior Court panel found she had missed a legal deadline for filing suit against the Cumberland County-based drug store giant.

In fact, Superior Court Judge Maria McLaughlin calculated that Karen Brown had waited 11 years too long before filing her complaint. Her conclusion echoed the finding of a Lackawanna County judge who dismissed Browns initial suit.

Franklin Brown, who retired from Rite Aid in 2000, was convicted in the corporate scandal case in 2003 and sentenced to federal prison. The Susquehanna Township man served 71 months behind bars before being paroled at age 83 in August 2011.

Franklin Brown was the only Rite Aid exec who went to trial in the case. Others, including former chairman Martin Grass, pleaded guilty.

In her court case, Karen Brown challenged Rite Aids decision to rescind her husbands retirement benefits in 2000, right after he and the others were charged by the feds with deliberately inflating reports on the companys earnings for 1999.

McLaughlin found that, by law, Karen Brown had until 2006 to file her suit to comply with the four-year statute of limitations that started ticking from the date her husbands benefits were terminated. She didnt file her case until 2017.

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A Limerick TD has called for the Defence Forces to assist gardai in the town of Rathkeale following a number of alleged incidents in the town over the recent festive holidays.

The call, made by Independent TD Richard ODonoghue, came as gardai began an investigation into a bare-knuckle fight which occurred in the town last Monday.

Videos showing a vicious fight in the town centre were widely shared online and shows two men engaged in a fight.

Gardai said last week that they had enough resources to deal with a surge of more than 1,000 visitors to the town over Christmas, but Mr O'Donoghue said they are under immense pressure as they are covering a wider district.

He said the issue stems from an influx of people arriving in the town and causing traffic congestion and anti-social behaviour.

The Council every year spends two or three meetings discussing what policing issues are we going to have in place in Rathkeale come Christmas - thats not right, we shouldnt have to have a situation where we have to have meetings with the gardai to discuss one town, because of the influx of people coming in who are destroying a beautiful town.

We don't need extra garda resources for Kilmallock or Adare. Its only for one town and this has to stop.

Mr O'Donoghue said the Defence Forces should be brought in to help.

Bring in the army to help, yes the army arent able to make arrests, but they can be there as a presence. We need to make sure that when that minority come home for Christmas that they behave," he said.

The army could help with garda checkpoints, they could be on the street to see this for themselves, gather information for the gardai, find out where the anti-social behaviour is... we have fights on the streets in the middle of the day.

Mr ODonoghue said he was not referring to local families, that have been there for generations, that have integrated in the community, and have supported businesses in the community but people who come from other areas.

A garda spokesman said: Gardai responded to reports of an assault in Rathkeale town square on Monday, January 4, 2021. One male, aged in his forties, was conveyed to Limerick Hospital for treatment for his injuries and has since been released and returned home.

They added: One male has been arrested and charged in relation and is due to appear before Newcastle West District Court on January 8, 2021.

A number of house parties and flouting of mask wearing and social distancing alleged to have taken place in Rathkeale over Christmas are also under investigation after videos were shared online.

On December 28, Gardai confirmed they were preparing files for the DPP following incidents encountered by Gardai in Rathkeale across the Christmas period involving gatherings by large groups at private establishments and on public thoroughfares in the town.

When asked about garda resources in Rathkeale, a spokesman replied: A local Garda Operation commenced on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, and remains in place in the Rathkeale area. Sufficient Garda resources are currently in place for the area.

When asked about crime in the town over the festive period, another garda spokesman replied: The number of burglaries, assaults, and public order incidents in recent weeks are down when compared to other years.
Cullmans Chatty Freeman got a close-up view of the events in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, but not too close.

We were near the back of the march, she told The Cullman Times Wednesday afternoon. We didnt get close [to the Capitol] at all.

Freeman arrived in the nations capitol on Monday night to attend President Donald Trumps rally and other events surrounding it. On Wednesday morning, Trump addressed his supporters. Freeman was among the thousands gathered to hear him.

He did not incite a riot, said Freeman. Those yahoos took that upon themselves.

Freeman, who previously attended a Trump rally in Huntsville, characterized the out-going presidents speech as fantastic, and noted, There were people as far as the eye could see.

She said weapons were banned from the event, and everything was peaceful.

After Trumps speech, Freeman and her husband made their way to the Lincoln Memorial as a crowd began breaching Capitol security. All that was happening about the time we turned and went to the Lincoln Memorial, she said.

Freeman said she is unsure if the individuals who stormed the Capitol were with Antifa (Its got Antifa written all over it, she said) or Republicans upset with the election. If they were Trump supporters, she said, I understand why theyre doing it. You just want whats fair and just.

Even as the building was being stormed, Trump supporters in the media were calling into question who was responsible. On One America News Network, anchor Dan Ball said the violence was nothing like civil rights demonstrations last summer, and suggested without evidence that Antifa demonstrators may have disguised themselves as Trump supporters for the siege on the Capitol.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

___

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The Education Minister says he has no intention of stepping in to stop transfer tests for Primary 7 pupils next month despite calls for the exam to be abandoned.

It comes after Peter Weir announced that A-level, GCSE and AS-level exams will not be taking place this year.

It remains the intention of one of two private examining companies, the AQE, to hold a single rescheduled test on February 27 following the cancellation of exams which had been due to take place this month.

There has been mounting criticism of the AQE decision.

But despite calls for Mr Weir to intervene, the minister said he "will not be the one stopping academic selection".

And he rounded on critics of AQE, accusing those who are against academic selection of using the Covid crisis to further their ambitions to see the transfer test scrapped for good.

"Let's not beat about the bush, that is clearly the case," the DUP minister claimed.

Strabane Academy became the first AQE school to abandon this year's transfer test, saying it will instead rely on its own contingency plans.

UUP education spokesman Robbie Butler said: "There are no winners, only losers, and none more so than the young people who are so tragically and unfairly caught up in the utter confusion".

In an open letter to the minister, he suggested a hybrid solution.

Where available, primary schools would collate and provide each AQE candidate with their average score from their best two mock transfer papers, and annual standardised progress reports for pupils would determine the likely academic ability of young people.

Justin McCamphill of the NASUWT union said that while the decision over GCSE and A-levels was welcome, Mr Weir must now act to cancel the transfer test.

"The minister cannot simply wash his hands of the issue on the basis that the tests are 'run by a private organisation'," he said.

"All schools using the test are publicly funded and very much lie within the remit of the minister."

Some GCSE exams were due to take place next week and more were scheduled for next month, May and June.

They will not take place, but it is not clear what the alternative arrangements are for awarding grades.

Speaking in the Assembly yesterday, Mr Weir said his department had been "preparing for all eventualities" but no time frame had yet been agreed.

SDLP education spokesman Daniel McCrossan said it was now essential there was not a repeat of the A-level chaos of last summer.

"The only way to ensure fair and accurate grades for our young people is using teacher-based assessment," the MLA said.

Sinn Fein education spokeswoman Karen Mullan said the move to cancel this year's GCSE, AS and A-level exams was right.

"We now need to see the minister bringing forward credible alternative arrangements which avoid the debacle of last year," she said.

"It also needs to be coordinated across these islands to ensure a level playing field.

"The next logical step is to make sure transfer tests do not go ahead, so that children are not put through this unnecessary anxiety."

The Education Minister does not have responsibility for BTec exams, which fall under the remit of the Department for the Economy.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds said "further flexibilities" would be put in place for January's assessments and exams.

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The unlicensed driver who allegedly lost control of his car and killed two young boys in the NSW Central West on Tuesday was spared any penalty for a previous unlicensed driving offence in 2018.

Jacob Donn, 25, was refused bail during a brief court appearance in Dubbo on Thursday. He is facing 14 charges following the crash that killed Sheldon and Shane Shorey, aged 6 and 7, in the town of Wellington on Tuesday.

Jacob Donn was refused bail in court on Thursday. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The crash, which allegedly occurred as the man was doing burnouts and doughnuts on the quiet suburban street, also injured the boys' mother, Shayleen Frail, and two other children.

Ms Frail was airlifted to Westmead Hospital on Wednesday where she remains in a stable condition. A 9-year-old child has been discharged from a local hospital and a 10-year-old is still at the Children's Hospital at Westmead with serious leg injuries.
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Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.
Deputy Prime Minister Dan Barna said Wednesday night that what is happening now in the United States shows that "nothing of what democracy means is definitely won", according to AGERPRES.

"What is happening now in the United States shows us that nothing, absolutely nothing that means democracy is definitively won. At any moment things can run back. What is happening now in the United States shows us that every day and every moment of democracy in a country must be permanently and continuously defended and guarded by involvement and participation. The fact that we now see in America of all dreams images similar to the memories of 30 years ago in our Romania is the most eloquent proof that every generation must fight for its piece of freedom and democracy," Barna wrote on Facebook.

He expressed his solidarity with the American people, as well as his conviction that the United States would succeed in overcoming this moment.

"I have no doubt that America will get over this moment as Romania went through the similar traumas of the '90s. History has this bad habit of repeating itself in one place or another. Solidarity and support for the American people," Dan Barna said.

Thousands of supporters of US President Donald Trump rallied in front of the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday and tore down several security barriers, leading to clashes with police and chaotic scenes in front of the US Congress, where Congressmen met to officially validate Democrat Joe Biden's election victory.

In UP villagers get cocktail vaccine dose: Covishield first, Covaxin next

ICMR to study effectiveness of Covishield, Covaxin in preventing progression of COVID into severe form

Stop COVID vaccine misinformation campaigns: Harsh Vardhan to states

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

New Delhi, Jan 07: Union health minister Harsh Vardhan held a meeting with health ministers of states and Union territories a day before the nationwide Covid-19 vaccine dry run.

Vardhan asked the state authorities to be prepared and stop misinformation campaign.

The minister said that the Centre has provided all the relevant information about Covid-19 and the vaccines which are expected to be launched in a few days, and this should be used to stop any misinformation campaign on social media or elsewhere.

Transport of COVID-19 vaccine set to begin: Pune to be central hub

"Covid-19 vaccines 'Covishield' and 'Covaxin' are on the verge of being available in the country. Our efforts are to ensure seamless last mile delivery of the vaccine," added Vardhan.

"The feedback from dry run of Covid-19 vaccine in four states was reviewed in today's meeting. We have made improvements based on the feedback. Tomorrow dry run will be done in 33 states and union territories," the health minister said.

He also said that vaccinators are being trained and guidelines on vaccination plan has been distributed.

"We follow a set of protocol for such exercises, like a person has to be kept under observation for half an hour, in case a need arises, he/she will be attended to. So, I ask all the state authorities to be ready for tomorrow's dry run," said Vardhan.

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

The second round of dry run will take place on January 8 across all districts of the country, except in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. While Uttar Pradesh has already conducted the dry run in all districts on January 5, Haryana has organised it today.

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Story first published: Thursday, January 7, 2021, 15:54 [IST]

Home-grown mobile device maker International on Thursday unveiled the world's first customisable smartphone that will allow customers to choose the components -- camera, memory, storage capacity and colour -- on their own from the company's website.

The customisable smartphone series, branded as MyZ, has been developed indigenously at Lava's facility and will be available for purchase from January 11, International, president and business head, Sunil Raina said while announcing the launch.

"The world's first customisable phone from will enable customers to choose from up to 66 combinations of camera, RAM, ROM and colour. This will give them freedom of choice based on what they think suits their usage. They can customise and upgrade their smartphone at any time based on their need," Raina said.

The company has been making devices for brands like Nokia, based on their requirement.

"Customers can also come to upgrade their mobile phones at any time of their device life. They can choose any of the components of their choice -- front camera, rear camera, RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory) and colour on pre-purchase and upgrade from lower configuration to higher configuration. The entire program has been done by talents in India," Raina said.

He said that the company is looking at acquiring 5 per cent market share this year with a new product portfolio.

As part of the new product portfolio, Lava unveiled the first phone designed by its engineers in India, Z1, which comes with 2GB RAM and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection with a military grade certification priced at Rs 5,499 a unit.

The company expanded its portfolio of smartphones in high-end also with military grade certification Z2, Z4 and Z6 built on Mediatek octa-core processor with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, 5,000 mAH battery in the price range of Rs 6,999 to Rs 9,999.

MyZ along with Z2, Z4 and Z6 will be available for purchase from January 11 across online and offline channels.

Lava is one of the 16 companies that qualified for the production linked incentive scheme of the government. The company is eligible for incentives on mobile phones priced under Rs 15,000 a unit under the domestic company category of the scheme.

"I don't think any other company is providing Corning Gorilla Glass protection in the price segment that we are doing. I haven't heard of any other mobile phone company giving 6GB RAM and 64 GB ROM combination under Rs 10,000 price segment like we are giving in Z6.

"This year we are looking at getting 5 per cent market share in the smartphone segment and grow from there. We will meet PLI targets for current fiscal," Raina said.

Lava claims to have manufacturing capacity of 4 crore feature phones and 2.6 crore smartphones per annum.

The company also announced foray into wearable segment with BeFIT smartband for Rs 2,699 a unit that can measure body temperature, oxygen level, heart rate etc.

Lava's phone upgrade service Zup, smartphone Z1 and BeFIT smartband will be available for purchase from January 26.
The eight dialysis machines were accompanied by other items Mankah Ndefru

Eight brand new haemodialysis machines have been received at the Bamenda Regional Hospital days after kidney patients protested the breakdown of all eight haemodialysis machines in the regions lone Haemodialysis Centre.

Dr. Kingsley Che Soh, North West Regional Delegate of Public Health, and Dr. Nsame Denis, Director of the Bamenda Regional Hospital received the dialysis machines and assorted accessories Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

The items that will henceforth serve the dialysis needs of the 55 kidney patients being catered for at the Bamenda Haemodialysis Center include eight new dialysis machines, eight beds, a good consignment of concentrated acids, and 800 10-liter containers of saline water.

On January 3, the Director of the Bamenda Regional Hospital in a Radio Announcement to the public and dialysis patients said, Due to unforeseen acute breakdown of the machines in the Dialysis Center, the Haemodialysis Center has been temporarily closed and patients transferred to other General and Regional Hospitals of the country pending a lasting solution to the machines of the Center. 

On the same day, the North West Regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr. Kingsley Che Soh issued a contrary press statement in which he announced, The population of the North West Region is hereby informed that contrary to the Radio Announcement issued by the Director of the Regional Hospital, this morning, the Haemodialysis Center of the Regional Hospital has not been closed. 

The Delegate went on to state that, the haemodialysis machines which are over eight years old are rather progressively being replaced by HE the Minister for Public Health, and the new machines shall go operational in the days ahead.

On the patients, the Delegate said, While some patients have voluntarily moved to seek care in some other Haemodialysis Centers in the country during this short period, we are calling on others to exercise a bit of patience, as they shall be informed as soon as the new machines are installed.  He said in a press statement.

On January 4, 2021, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, Cameroon's Minister of Public Health took to Twitter to support his regional delegate.

His words: The Bamenda Haemodialysis Center is not closed at all. It will receive 08 new generators [dialysis machines] tomorrow morning and tests will be carried out immediately for a better service. It should be recalled that the instructions of the Head of State on the renovation of these centers are clear. 

One of the eight new dialysis machines (c) Ndi Tsembom

The kits however arrived over 36 hours later than the minister had previewed, a delay which forced kidney patients to stage a protest on Tuesday. The Regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr. Che Soh has called on patients who had gone to seek treatment elsewhere to return to Bamenda and continue.

"For those who went out of the region, they should come back. The installation of the equipment will be done immediately. So they should come back and continue their sessions at the same rate," said Dr. Che Soh.

Dialysis patients are expected to have two days a week at the center. They are also expected to spend four hours per session. Their routine sessions were ruined by the breakdown of the dialysis machines.

"I want to thank the Director for being our whistle-blower. These materials will go a long way to assist us to get our regular dialysis. We also want to thank the Minister of health for his prompt response," said Prince Francis Mbinglo, a retired Divisional Officer who is the leader of the 55 patients being attended to at the Bamenda Haemodialysis Center.

The patients are expected to pay FCFA 5,000 per session. Dr. Che Soh estimates that the reagents received Wednesday will last for nine months.
One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021
Even Mike Pence refused to do his bidding. Trump, listening to the advice of allies like Rudy Giuliani, was convinced that the vice president had the absolute right to throw out the election results. (If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election.) Pence thought otherwise. Not totally clear whether his opinion was really based on constitutional law or a vision of four years more of White House meetings with his current boss.

Some of the Republicans, of course, were raring to get on the Trump bandwagon. We have to take a moment here to mention Senator Ted Cruzs contribution in demanding an official audit of the election before anything else could happen.

Cruz reminded his colleagues that was exactly what happened after the controversial election of 1876, adding that recent polling shows that 39 percent of Americans believe the election was rigged. This is a reasonable rationale if you want to base major decisions about a presidential election on recent polling and the fate of Rutherford B. Hayes.

Trump is apparently incapable of doing anything but claiming he won. Over and over again. Big difference between losing and  having it stolen, he told a crowd in Georgia this week. We win every state, and theyre gonna have this guy be president?

The Georgia elections were a kind of prelude to Wednesdays disaster. Trump was in theory there to help two Republican candidates in their big Senate campaigns. But he was absolutely useless except when it came to tooting his own horn.

Ive had two elections. I won both of them. Its amazing, he told one crowd, before launching into an attack on Georgias incompetent governor and crazy secretary of state, both of whom happen to be Republicans.

And the Republicans lost in Georgia, making Democrats the Senate majority. Its not clear that Trump could have helped the cause if hed been a slightly more selfless campaigner. But his I-was-robbed message was certainly not the one youd send to encourage voters to go to the polls.
Metropolitan Bishop of Vani and Baghdati Anton (Bulukhia) tested positive for Covid-19, Georgian media reports.

The Bishop assessed his state of health as good.

I was in the Patriarchate when I just had a runny nose. But I didnt visit the Patriarch, so as not to put him in an awkward situation, and went to get tested, the Rustavi 2 TV channel quotes the Metropolitan as saying.

All those in contact with him went to self-isolation, including the secretary-assistant of the Patriarch, Shoren Tetruashvili. She also made test for Covid-19, but there is no result yet.
President Donald Trump continued to turn over the spotlight on Vice President Mike Pence, pinning his expectations on his role in certifying the results of the 2020 presidential elections to derail the Electoral College vote.

Trump on Pence: If VP 'Comes Through,' He Will 'Win the Presidency'

According to President Trump on Twitter, "If Vice President @Mike_Pence comes through for us, we will win the Presidency. Many States want to decertify the mistake they made in certifying incorrect & even fraudulent numbers in a process NOT approved by their State Legislatures (which it must be). Mike can send it back!"

During a Georgia election campaign rally designated for Georgia senate runoffs, Trump stated he hoped the vice president would "come through for us," without expounding on the exact details he wants his deputy to carry out.

Also according to Trump, he hopes that the vice president "comes through for us," calling him a great person. If Pence does not deliver, he would be unfavorable to Trump, reported Hindustan Times.

Trump has recently expressed the belief that Pence could overturn the election results when he presides over a joint session of Congress on Wednesday wherein he is slated to hear the Electoral College results read out and then confirm Joe Biden as the president-elect.

The president thinks that the vice president would have the power during this session to trash the results in many battleground states, where Trump has affirmed there was prevalent voter fraud.

Pence reportedly faces perhaps his greatest political challenge on Wednesday as he will be forced to decide between his long-standing loyalty to the Constitution and a president demanding him to take action.

Also Read: Second Stimulus Check: Here Are Those Who Would Not Qualify

On Tuesday, Trump remarked he and Pence are in total agreement that Pence has the power to act.

According to the incumbent president, the election was "corrupt in contested states, and in particular it was not in accordance with the Constitution in that they made large scale changes to election rules and regulations as dictated by local judges and politicians, not by state legislators. This means that it was illegal," reported Fox News.

"Tellers" from the Senate and House will record the electoral votes of all states. At the end of the tally, seated on the House of Representatives' platform, Pence serves the role of announcing who is the winner of the majority of votes for both president and vice president.

VP Pence reportedly has informed Trump he lacked the power to challenge President-elect Joe Biden's electoral victory. Pence conveyed the message to him during a weekly lunch with Trump. However, the president claimed the vice president was in "total agreement" with him.

Pence has been a steadfast loyal Vice President to the sitting president.

Pence was reportedly publicly seen with Trump in the White House shortly before the latter departed for Georgia. Trump called the VP a "wonderful" and "smart" man.

The Senate and the House will engage in a debate for two hours over the objections, if any, raised by the lawmakers regarding the election results. This will be followed by a vote.

Related Article: $2,000 Stimulus Checks' Fate Rests on Georgia Runoffs

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If the government is serious, and if farmers welfare is its priority, then it should keep the laws in abeyance, sit with them and draft new ones that address their concerns. (Photo:PTI)

The seventh round of talks between the government and farmers protesting against the three new laws regulating agriculture in India on Monday produced no immediate result other than fixing the date for a new round. However, two things have emerged after the talks ended in stalemate: the government has offered to sit with the farmers unions and discuss the laws clause by clause; two; Prime Minister Narendra Modi is understood to have directed officials in the agriculture ministry to look for an amicable solution to the issue.

Given Mr Modis initiative and the offer to discuss the laws threadbare, it looks like an open approach to the issue could solve it so that the lakhs of farmers could call off their agitation they are holding now braving the gripping cold and pouring rains on the outskirts of the capital city. It could allow them to drop the plan to take out a tractor rally on the Republic Day and spare the nation from having to watch the spectre of more of its annadatas dying on the streets and adding to the present toll of 50.

The catch, however, lies in the openness of the government. In our country, laws, especially those that have an implication for large sections of people, are passed after an elaborate process, which includes discussions in Parliament, parliamentary committees and even outside. This process, though painstakingly slow, ensures that the safeguards necessary to protect the interests of the stakeholders are not overlooked or omitted. But the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, especially its second edition, does not seem to believe in such democratic niceties. Laws that sought to alter the basic idea of India such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 and the virtual annulment of Article 370 of the Constitution were pushed through houses of Parliament after a single days discussion each.

As for the farm laws, the government has done too little to take the stakeholders into confidence. The government which is now willing to discuss the laws clause by clause had not bothered to persuade its own partners, resulting in the exit of the Shiromani Akali Dal, one of the oldest allies of the BJP, from the Cabinet and the NDA. The bill was not sent to the house committee either. Worse, there was no proper voting on the bill in the Upper House of the Parliament. The protesters have little reason to trust the government.

The NDA government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have spared no occasion to champion the farmers cause. Mr Modi has long promised to double the income of farmers by 2022; Niti Aayog brought out an action plan in 2017 proposing to achieve it; and the first budget of the new government finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman presented in 2019 talked of promoting zero-based farming as a means to achieve the target. But the farmers saw little action on the ground. If the government is serious, and if farmers welfare is its priority, then it should keep the laws in abeyance, sit with them and draft new ones that address their concerns.
A bicyclist is dead in Porter after being struck by a train Wednesday morning. The locomotive reportedly traveled a dozen miles after fatally striking the person.

Harris County authorities prompted Montgomery County officials about a train at Aldine Bender and Old Humble roads having stalled after striking a man and bicycle in Porter. Montgomery County Sheriffs deputies and state troopers found the body and the bike along rail tracks between Royal Purple Lane and Ford Road, according to the Montgomery County Police Reporter.

On Thursday, the sheriffs office identified the victim as Robert Matlock, 52.

In this incident, I dont believe the conductor knew there an individual was on the tracks. I believe he was just aware there was a bicycle when he struck it, said Sheriffs Det. Michael Burnett in an interview with media.

Burnett told media it could not be determined if this was an accident or suicide.

Detectives were at the body recovery scene as of 11 a.m. Wednesay on the tracks at FM 1314 and Loop 494, while Harris County deputies were at the site of the train 12 miles south. The crew shut down the train after its computer system detected a fault, finding blood on the train, according to the Police Reporter.

At 8:28 a.m., the sheriffs office reported on Twitter a train-pedestrian fatality at 23806 Loop 494. Sheriffs spokesman Lt. Scott Spencer said no new information was available when reached around 1:30 p.m. by cell phone text.

More Information See More Collapse

The locomotive was a Union Pacific Railroad train, according to Sgt Erik Burse, spokesman at the Texas Department of Public Safety. Burse said the incident did not occur at a crossing intersection, adding Union Pacific authorities were also on the scene.

Union Pacific spokeswoman Elizabeth Graham said there will be no blood tests done on the trains conductor as it is not standard to do so following fatal incidents.



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North Carolina's syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is increasing.

North Carolina's trajectory of cases is increasing.

North Carolina's trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is increasing.

North Carolina's trajectory of hospitalizations is increasing.

Testing is widely available across the state.

There have been more than 600,000 downloads of the exposure notification app, SlowCOVIDNC.

North Carolina's personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.

Contact: Ford Porter

Ford Porter govpress@nc.gov

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen shared an update today on North Carolina's efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support the vaccination effort currently underway.Governor Cooper extended North Carolina's Modified Stay At Home Order that requires people to be at home from 10 pm5 am to last through at least Friday, January 29. Secretary Cohen also issued a Secretarial Directive with stark warnings for North Carolinians to avoid indoor spaces without masks and gatherings between households. Read here for more details on the Secretarial Directive Governor Cooper said.said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.Dr. Cohen provided an update on North Carolina's data and trends.In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread in testing, tracing and prevention.Dr. Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina's COVID-19 County Alert System map . There are now 84 counties designated as red (critical community spread) and 12 counties that are yellow (substantial community spread). Read the update to see where each county stands and how the system was designed.Governor Cooper and Dr. Cohen also highlighted North Carolina's efforts to support the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Governor Cooper has mobilized approximately 50 North Carolina National Guard personnel to support NCDHHS and North Carolina Emergency Management. The Guard will assist with administering the vaccine and logistics support for local entities.Governor Cooper said.NCDHHS is onboarding more health care providers to administer the vaccine and sharing detailed guidance with providers to help them get the vaccine out more quickly. NCDHHS has also notified vaccine providers that future allocations will be based on how quickly they are able to get their supply out to eligible recipients. If an entity is not using their vaccine supply quickly enough or keeping the state database updated on their progress that will impact how much they are allocated going forward.As the state moves into Phase 1b, local hospitals and other vaccine providers can now begin administering vaccines to those over age 75. Individuals should call their local health department or hospital to see if they have started to schedule vaccine appointments. A comprehensive list of local health department contact numbers can be found HERE Finally, NCDHHS and the state of North Carolina continue to work with communities around the state who may be hesitant to accept the vaccine when it is their turn. Governor Cooper and Dr. Cohen underscored that this vaccine was authorized after independent health experts reviewed the data from tens of thousands of trial participants.Read Executive Order No. 188 View the slides from today's briefing.
GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Rises as UK Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout Intensifies

The Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate rose by 0.7% today, with the pairing currently fluctuating around AU$1.75.

Sterling rose today following news that UK pharmacies and GP surgeries are beginning to offer the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.

The UK Government is committed to its herculean effort to vaccinate the nations vulnerable.

Matt Hancock, the UK Health Secretary, commented:

The rate limiting step is the supply of vaccine, and were working with the companies, both Pfizer and of course AstraZeneca, to increase the supply.

The manufacturers are doing a brilliant job, and theyre delivering to the schedule thats agreed, but that schedule is the amount of vaccine that we have... we expect to see that amount of vaccine being delivered going up.

In UK economic news, today saw the release of the final UK Construction PMI for December show a rebound in the sector at the end of 2020.

As a result, GBP investors are now more optimistic about the nations economic recovery in the months ahead.

Tim Moore, Economics Director at IHS Markit, said:

December data illustrated a positive end to the year for the UK construction sector, mostly fuelled by a sharp rebound in house building. Overall output growth has slowed in comparison to the catch-up phase last summer, but now it is encouraging to see the recovery driven by new projects and stronger underlying demand.

Australian Dollar (AUD) Falls on Disappointing Australian Trade Data

The Australian Dollar (AUD) struggled today because of disappointing trade data for November.

Australias exports fell from 4.4% to 3% in November, while the Trade Balance report fell below forecasts to 5,022 million.

As a result, AUD investors are becoming more pessimistic about Australias economic recovery going into 2021.

Meanwhile, Australias coal shipments to China remain locked in a standstill as Australia-China trade tensions continue to cause a roadblock for the nations economic recovery.

Jo Clarke, a correspondent for Argus, commented:

No shipments bound for China last month implies that Beijings ban on Australian coal imports is not a quota issue but is political, which means that Australian coal mining firms may have to wait much longer than they had hoped for access to the Chinese market.

However, we could see the Australian Dollar head higher this week now that the US Democrats have secured the Senate.

As a result, US stimulus hopes will continue to ramp up demand for riskier assets such as the Aussie.

GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Forecast: Could Sterling Fall on Fears of Extended UK Lockdown?

The Australian Dollar (AUD) could head higher this week once US political tensions ease off and the likelihood of a more robust stimulus package emerges.

Meanwhile, the Pound (GBP) will be driven by the UKs coronavirus developments.

If the UK vaccination programme continues to increase in speed, we would see Sterling rise on renewed hopes as a large portion of the British population are vaccinated against the coronavirus.

However, any signs that the UK national lockdown could exceed beyond mid-February would be GBP-negative.
How's this for a press double-standard?

Lourdes Navarro of NPR has announced on Twitter that company guidance states that Trump-supporters are to be called "pro-Trump extremists," tweeting:

NPR guidance: we won't be calling the people who stormed the Capitol 'protestors'  they are 'pro-Trump extremists' and what they are doing is 'insurrection'.

This is funny stuff, given that thousands showed up; some didn't know they were storming anything; and huge numbers were the usual peaceful, clean-up-the-trash Republican protesters. NPR, in any case, hasn't actually interviewed them.

And what exactly is "extremist" about opposing election fraud? Locals do it all the time in other countries where third-world hellhole standards prevail. Does anyone call Venezuela's antielection fraud protesters "extremists"? The word used there is "avalancha." Oh, and don't think the Chavista thugs running Caracas didn't notice this "extremist" label and use it to attempt to make political hay. And speaking of Latin America, here, Jake Tapper got schooled.

More to the hypocritical point, we don't recall the press using the term "Black Lives Matter extremist" or even an Antifa "extremist" despite months of rioting and looting. BLM may attract all kinds of protesters, but it's unmistakable that its self-described Marxist-trained leadership and the many people associated with them who burn things down are mobs and extremists. And Antifa? The people who took over vast swathes of Seattle and Portland? They are by definition extremists.

Same with the press's use of the word "mobs." A small, apparently misguided, and quite possibly stupid group stormed the nation's Capitol, in a pointless, empty gesture that sure as heck wasn't going to stop what was going on in Congress to ratify Joe Biden as president, and the use of the word "mobs" was rampant.

The Hill tweeted: JUST IN: State capitals across the country under siege by pro-Trump mobs http://hill.cm/C8M1dfi

The New York Times tweeted: The storming of Capitol Hill was organized on social media. Trump supporters posted unprecedented scenes of mobs freely strolling through the halls of Congress and uploading celebratory photographs of themselves, encouraging others to join them.

And its banner headline: Trump Incites Mobs

Reuters tweeted similar and then they got a little more temperate here, saying "pro-Trump protestors."

Even National Geographic got in on the act, tweeting manipulated-light images with this: surreal scenes were on display in Washington as mobs breached the Capitol Building and interrupted the vote to certify the 2020 presidential election

Others headlines like these here.

The Daily Beast liked the term "pro-Trump rioters" a word unknown to them when describing Antifa and BLM and all its "peaceful protestors."

The bottom line is this: anyone opposing election fraud is now an extremist and part of a mob. No protests, no calling for redress  anyone protesting will be defined by its least worthy members, the people with bad judgment to storm the Capitol, some of whom may have been Antifa provocateurs.

It's a bid to paint protests for Trump, in sentiments shared by 74 million voters, as nothing but the doing of mobs and extremists.

Image credit: Twitter screen shot.


There is, I suppose, a measure of comfort in constancy, in things and people that always stay the same no matter how the surrounding world changes. So its sort of nice to know that it takes more than a little siege of the U.S. Capitol to move Tucker Carlson off of his fatuous pseudo-populist horsecrap. On Wednesday night, hours after violent MAGA idiots stormed Capitol Hill in flights of rage over an election that right-wing media types have for months falsely told them was stolen, the Fox News host maintained equanimity as he warned his viewers about the dangers posed to America by  the radical left.

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Carlson began his nightly program by referring darkly to the self-interested demagogues [who] assure us the violence is justified, or necessary, as they have been assuring us, lying to us for the past six months. For those of you not versed in Tucker-speak, the host was clearly referring to those left-wing figures whom he has deemed the prime movers behind the police-brutality protests in many American cities last year. Carlson and other right-wing shit-stirrers spent months falsely characterizing these protests and claiming that Americas cities were besieged by violent anarchists. On Wednesday, Carlson had an actual siege to condemn, and yet the host couldnt seem to muster the same outrage that he directed at D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser this spring for having the gall to rename a section of 16th Street NW Black Lives Matter Plaza.

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A woman was shot and killed in the Capitol this afternoon, and Carlson took some time to mention the incident, and to Just Ask Some Questions about what had brought her to the rally in the first place. We dont know anything about her but she did not look particularly radical, he said. She bore no resemblance to the angry children we have seen again and again wrecking our cities: pasty, entitled nihilists dressed in black setting fire, spray-painting slogans on statues. She didnt look like that. Instead, he implied, she perhaps looked like Carlsons own viewers: the sorts of Main Street MAGA dogmatists who might tune into Tucker Carlson Tonight after a day when right-wing insurrectionists stormed the halls of Congress, in order to be reassured that someone else is still the problem.

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I encourage you all to watch this Tucker Carlson monologue about what happened in DC tonight. pic.twitter.com/6sGHLOFcrA  Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) January 7, 2021

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Carlson, whose show and network are themselves vectors for right-wing radicalization, surely knows that the real radicals in America today look nothing like the cartoonish beatniks of his malignant fever dreams. He has nevertheless made much over the past year of the specter of antifa, the amorphous group whose loosely knit members have, as far as I know, never stormed and trashed the U.S. Capitol, or plotted to kidnap the governor of Michigan, or run down a pedestrian with their car at a Unite the Right rally. He has ascribed fantastical powers and devilish agendas to these alleged anarchists alleged enablers in the Democratic Party and the media. He has spoken of the threats that a Biden administration would pose to all liberty-loving Americans; of the suppressive, communistic intentions of Bidens purported puppetmasters. He has created and amplified these inane conspiratorial fictions in order to give the uncritical thinkers in his audience something to stand against, and has positioned Donald Trump as the cure to this entirely imaginary disease.

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Predictably, Carlson did the exact same thing Wednesday night. Millions of Americans sincerely believe the last election was fake, he said, conveniently omitting his own networks role in not just disseminating this stupid, obvious lie, but in helping to create the conditions, over the past 20 years, for millions of Americans to believe such a stupid and obvious lie. Rather than trying to change their mind, to convince them and reassure them that the system is real, that the democracy worksas you would do if you cared about the country or the people who live hereour new leaders will try to silence them, Carlson continued. What happened todayplease note the studied vagueness with which he described the literal siege of the U.S. Capitol as what happened today, and then please contrast it with the fury he directed at Maynard G. Krebs not two minutes earlierwill be used by the people taking power to justify stripping you of the rights you were born with as an American.

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I am not a big fan of the counterfactual game. But, man, is there any doubt in anyones mind that if the people who stormed the Capitol had been wearing black hoodies and face masks instead of MAGA hats and American-flag bandannas, then Carlson would be chartering the plane to Guantanamo Bay for them at this very moment? All summer, Carlson and his peers kept their viewers hot and bothered about how nonexistent waves of violence allegedly perpetrated by the left portended the end of American democracy. On Wednesday, a group of violent right-wing radicals, hepped up on toxic memes and cable-news nonsense, invaded Congress to prevent it from certifying Bidens victory in the 2020 presidential election. Instead of condemning this act in the same rageful, contemptuous, unequivocal terms he used all summer against wispy message-board fantasias, Carlson urged his viewers to see the siege for what it really is: a teaching moment for pompous leftists. If you dont bother to pause and learn a single thing from it, from your citizens storming your Capitol building, then youre a fool, said Carlson. Finally, something on which Tucker and I can both agree!
(Newser)  After rioters stormed the Capitol Wednesday, President Trump tweeted a video repeating his claim the election was stolen, but urging his supporters to "go home in peace." "You're very special, we love you," he said. But with a 6pm citywide curfew in Washington DC looming, hundreds failed to heed his call. The Washington Post reports that when a man with a megaphone told the crowd "Hey, everyone, Donald Trump says he wants everyone to go home," they responded with boos. Some of the hundreds gathered on the Capitol steps banged on the doors, shouting "Arrest the traitors!" Police fired tear gas and percussion grenades as they moved in to disperse protesters, the AP reports. Some crowd members threw railings from the inauguration scaffolding at officers.

story continues below

At 5:50pm, there were cheers inside a secure location for House members when the announcement "The Capitol is secure" was broadcast. The Pentagon says the entire DC National Guard has been mobilized to assist federal and local law enforcement as they "peacefully address the situation," the New York Times reports. "We are prepared to provide additional support as necessary and appropriate as requested by local authorities," Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller said. "Our people are sworn to defend the Constitution and our democratic form of government, and they will act accordingly." An FBI spokesman says the agency mobilized officers to assist the Capitol Police. (Read more Washington DC stories.)
Indonesia will start mass Covid-19 vaccination on January 13 and President Joko Wododo will be the first person to get the vaccine shot, said Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin on Tuesday.

Anadolu news agency quoted Sadikin as saying that the vaccine campaign will start on January 13 and all Cabinet members and high-ranking officials will receive the jab after the president.

Also Read | Indias hunt for the new Vision 2020

He further said that three groups will be prioritised in the campaign -- central and local government officials, members of health professionals' associations and religious leaders.

The campaign will be divided into two phases, considering there could be side effects such as soreness and fever, Anadolu reported.

The government plans to vaccinate 181.5 million of its population within 15 months to achieve herd immunity.

Anadolu news agency further reported that though three million doses of China's Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine have reached the country, the process will only start after a go-ahead for emergency use authorisation (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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John Cremin, from Knocknagree, County Cork, a 95-year-old father and grandfather resident at Killarney Community Hospital, was the first community hospital resident to receive the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Kerry from Nurse Alan Horgan on Thursday morning. Photo: Don MacMonagle

A 95-year-old man and a 93-year-old nursing home resident have spoken of their delight at being among the first to be vaccinated today as the vaccine was rolled out in facilities across the country.

John Cremin (95) received the jab at Killarney Community Hospital as the HSE rolled-out the vaccination campaign for care facilities across the country.

Mr Cremin is originally from Knocknagree, just across the border in Cork, and is a father of four and grandfather of six.

He has been a resident at Killarney Community Hospital since 2013 - and said he is now dreaming of being able to receive visitors again in the near future thanks to the vaccine.

We havent been able to have visitors for a while now," he said.

"Im not a bit worried about getting the vaccine - it is good that its here. Im very glad to be getting my vaccine today, its not something that happens every week.

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Mr Cremin received the jab alongside frontline healthcare workers as the HSE works to help protect the most vulnerable in society.

Killarney Community Hospital Director of Nursing Maire Flynn was the first staff member to be vaccinated.

I am delighted that we are receiving the vaccine, and so happy for our residents and our staff," she said.

"We are so grateful to everyone who has made this happen, and so happy to be a part of this. Our residents are very excited, and are thrilled to be getting something that gives us all new hope for 2021."

"The important thing about these vaccinations is that they will help us to keep our residents safe.

Assistant Director of Nursing Elaine Sheehan was part of the team of vaccinators delivering the first vaccines.

Weve a busy few days ahead but itll all be worth it. It is just great to be at this point where we can begin to see some light at the end of the tunnel. People realised that we cant continue to live like this. For staff, this is not just about ourselves, this is about protecting our residents, she said.

Elaine added that staff and residents received literature about the vaccine over the last few days.

Anyone with any questions has been able to talk to myself and the other peer vaccinators. Were constantly communicating with people, supporting and reassuring them.

Vaccinations will continue at Killarney Community Hospital until Saturday as vaccinators work to offer the vaccine to approximately 200 staff and more than 90 residents.

Expand Close Beryl Gaye (93) gets the Covid Vaccine from HSE Vaccinator and Clinical Nurse Manager Mary Farrell Photo by Steve Humphreys / Facebook

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Whatsapp Beryl Gaye (93) gets the Covid Vaccine from HSE Vaccinator and Clinical Nurse Manager Mary Farrell Photo by Steve Humphreys

Meanwhile, Beryl Gaye was also one of the first nursing home residents in the country to get the Covid-19 vaccine today, and the 93-year-old said she didnt feel a thing.

Sitting in a chair in the Bethany House nursing home in Tyrrellspass, Co Westmeath while HSE vaccinator Mary Farrell prepared the syringe, Beryl confessed she is not fond of needles.

But her desire to be safe was stronger than her fears, and when she was told that her jab was finished Beryl looked up in surprise.

Are you done? I felt nothing, she said with a smile.

Today marked the commencement of the rollout of the Covid19 vaccine to multiple nursing homes around the country.

Some nursing homes have been badly hit by the virus with devastating consequences.

Thankfully the Bethany House facility and its 57 residents have been Covid-free, and Beryl, from Mullingar, was looking on the bright side.

Sitting down with a cup of sugary tea after her fifteen minute post-vaccine observation period, she told how she had feared getting Covid when the pandemic began last March.

I was terrified of it. I wouldnt like to get it. Please God I didnt get it and I hope I dont, she said.

When I heard there was a vaccine I thought it was great. It was wonderful because you know then you could be safe, she added.

I dont like needles. I dont like them at all. I turn my head away from them, but Ive never been sick, Ive always been healthy, Beryl explained.

I felt alright getting it this morning. I never felt a thing. It was over and I didnt know it was over. I never felt it going in, she said.

Bethany House MD David Corboy praised the staff for doing a mammoth task to keep Covid out of the home.

Weve had no cases, which is a credit to everyone on the team, he said.

As the HSE team arrived at dawn, he said it is a really special day theyve been hoping for for the last ten months.

Its been 313 days since the 1st of March, but whos counting. Its emotional, its surreal, and its a relief. Its like the cavalry has arrived, Mr Corboy explained.

Im also conscious of our colleagues in other nursing homes around the country who are on the opposite end of the scale today. We are elated today, but they are dealing with outbreaks. And I hope they see the ray of hope that is coming to them, he added.

With the current numbers nationally it is dark, but the finish line is on the horizon, said Mr Corboy.

Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) today welcomed the beginning of vaccinations.

Today marks a very significant milestone for a sector that has endured the worst impact of Covid19. The virus lives with us more than ever before but today marks a very significant and important step for our nursing homes in overcoming a pandemic that they have been living with on a constant basis the past nine months, said NHI CEO Tadhg Daly.

We continue to engage with the HSE with a view to expediting rollout of the vaccine to nursing homes across the country in as quick a manner as feasible. The necessity for speedy rollout is exacerbated by the huge growth in numbers within our communities, with this leading to an increase in cases in our nursing homes, he added.

Every day of the week presents opportunity for nursing home residents and staff to be vaccinated. Every day counts and every element of support must be utilised. We require a commitment nursing homes will also be encompassed within the seven-day-a week rollout of the vaccine, said Mr Daly.

His views were echoed by Professor Dermot Power, NHI Gerontology expert.

This represents a pivotal moment in time for nursing home care. It truly is life-changing and life-saving, with the vaccine protecting residents in our nursing homes from this most virulent and, for some, deadly virus, he said.

NHI are urging every nursing home resident and staff member to ensure they avail of the vaccine in order to protect themselves and colleagues from a virus that has detrimentally transformed our lives the past nine months, he added.

In accordance with the priority guidelines, residents aged over 65 in long-term care are among the first to receive the vaccine.

"We expect to vaccinate more than 3,500 staff and residents next week alone, and this programme will accelerate in the following weeks," a HSE spokesperson said.

"While a provisional schedule of vaccination dates is in place, this schedule is subject to constant change. However, we can confirm that we aim to have made both doses of the vaccination available to all the staff and residents of such facilities by the end of February."

Online Editors

An uprising of maximum security prisoners Wednesday night at the Monroe County Correctional Facility was eventually resolved, but the jail remains on lockdown, according to a Thursday morning news release.

Inmates about 8:10 p.m. refused to lock in to their cells and displayed hostility towards the staff, the county corrections officials said in the release. Supervisors brought in a pepper ball launcher but the inmates still refused orders as prison personnel moved to a secure sally port to safely keep an eye on things, the county department of corrections said.

Inmates barricaded the units doors and began to make weapons out of broken broom handles, according to the release.

The Facility Corrections Emergency Response Team was activated, along with Monroe County Sheriffs Office deputies, a Monroe County District Attorneys Office detective and a Stroud Area Regional police K9, officials said.

Warden Garry A. Haidle and deputy wardens went to the Hamilton Township facility, a conversation was begun from the sally port area and inmates locked into their cells, the department of corrections said.

No one was hurt and no weapons beyond the broomsticks were recovered, the department reported.

I believe the proper protocols that were followed and initiated by all staff involved resulted in this incident ending in a controlled and peaceful outcome, Haidle said in the news release. The prison board has been made aware of these events while the operation was being addressed.

The jail administration and the Monroe County District Attorneys Office (are) continuing the investigation of this incident and proper action will be taken.

I thank everyone that was involved controlling this incident; it was a team effort that made this disturbance end peacefully.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription.

Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com.
People who ran away from home as teenagers have shared the reasons why they left home - and revealed what happened afterwards.

Social media users from around the world took to anonymous confessions app Whisper to share their stories, and they range from the harrowing to the bizarre.

One woman who ran away as a girl told how she spent two months living at her school before returning home. Another said she left aged 13 and is now 22 and a mother of eight.

In one post, a woman revealed she ran away because her parents wanted her to marry against her wishes.

Young mother: After leaving home aged 13, this woman started a family. She is now expecting her ninth child. She was one of the teenage runaways who shared their stories on Whisper

Something to prove: This woman from Pennsylvania ran away aged 12 and fell pregnant

Hiding close to home: This American runaway spent two months living at her school

Haunted: This poster confessed they fell into 'bad people' after running away

Runaway bride: This young woman, from Dhaka, in Bangladesh, didn't want to get married

Making a break: This person revealed they travelled across the country as a teenager

Taking the plunge: This person from Virginia wanted to improve their situation

Starting over: This woman revealed running away as a teenager was the right thing to do

Mystery: This person fled after an accident in an unknown location seven years ago

Fresh start: This person left the family for a new home 3,000 miles away
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

DecisionDatabases added the latest report with a global perspective on the Chemical Studs Market studied under different segments, including type, application, and regions. The report is treated with size, trends, growth, share, and forecast till 2025. Besides, the research report studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall growth at the global level. This report also offers a lucrative area of the industry at the regional and country level.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Chemical Studs market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Chemical Studs Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-30216

According to this study, over the next five years, the Chemical Studs market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Chemical Studs business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Chemical Studs market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Chemical Studs market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

MKT FASTENING LLC

Fischer

Powers Fasteners

Sika

Hilti

HALFEN

Henkel

Simpson Strong Tie

ITW

FIXDEX Fastening

Chemfix Products Ltd

XuPu Fasteners

RAWLPLUG

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-30216

This study considers the Chemical Studs value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Injectable Adhensive Anchors

Capsule Adhensive Anchors

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Architecture

Highway

Bridge

Others

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Chemical Studs Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-30216

Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Chemical Studs consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Chemical Studs market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Chemical Studs manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Chemical Studs with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Chemical Studs submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision-makers, and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

For more details:

DecisionDatabases.com

E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com

Phone: +91 90 28 057900

Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/

Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/chemical-studs-market-2020-analysis-by-latest-trends-growth-opportunities-with-potential-impact-of-covid-19/
[January 07, 2021] Bank of America Announces Redemption of Senior Notes

Bank of America Corporation announced today that it will redeem on January 23, 2021 all $500,000,000 principal amount outstanding of its Floating Rate Senior Notes, due January 2022 (CUSIP No. 06051GGX1) (the "Floating Rate Notes"), and all $1,500,000,000 principal amount outstanding of its 2.738% Fixed/Floating Rate Senior Notes, due January 2022 (CUSIP No. 06051GGY9) (the "Fixed/Floating Rate Notes" and, together with the Floating Rate Notes, the "Senior Notes"). The redemption price for each series of the Senior Notes will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of such series, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date of January 23, 2021. Since January 23, 2021 is not a business day, the redemption price for each series of the Senior Notes will be paid on the next succeeding business day, January 25, 2021. Interest on each series of the Senior Notes will cease to accrue on the redemption date. Payment of the redemption price for the Senior Notes will be made through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. is the trustee and paying agent for the Senior Notes. Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 66 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,300 retail financial centers, including approximately 2,900 lending centers, 2,500 financial centers ith a Consumer Investment Financial Solutions Advisor and 2,300 business centers; approximately 17,000 ATMs; and award-winning digital banking with approximately 39 million active users, including approximately 31 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.



Forward-looking statements

Certain information contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of future results or performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions difficult to predict or beyond our control. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider the uncertainties and risks discussed under Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, under Part II, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020, and in any of our subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statement was made. For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom. Click here to register for news email alerts.

www.bankofamerica.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005596/en/

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Heavy metal band, Metallica, has released a limited-edition whiskey called the S&M2 Blackened Batch 106 (not, unfortunately, Off to Never-Neverland) that was, quite literally, shaped by the music they make.

Vulture reports that this latest batch of the bands Blackened American Whiskey continues to leverage the development process of using the vibrations from Metallicas music to disrupt whiskey inside the barrel[kicking] up the wood-flavor characteristics of the whiskey.

Forbes explains that Blackened is the result of Sweet Amber Distilling Company, a collaborative venture between Metallica and Dave Pickerell, the late legendary American distiller who is widely considered the founding father of craft distilling.

Together, both parties were able to create the blend of North American straight bourbons and rye whiskeys, using low hertz vibrations from Metallicas music to aid in what is known as the sonic maturation process.

Blackened is a testament to the creative process, to the hard work and determination required to make something from nothing, states the whiskeys official website. Its a monument to the ones who charge into the fray and come out the other side stronger, together.

If you were wondering which songs each batch of Blackened whiskey listens to, worry notthe brands website has a whole page listing out eachs playlist. And yes, theyre currently available to listen to on Spotify or Apple Music.

The S&M2 Blackened Batch 106 specifically got to listen to Metallicas newest album, S&M2, a recording of the 2019 live performance between the band and the San Francisco Symphony.

To learn more about all batches of Blackened American Whiskey, head over to the brands website for further information and updates.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook have condemned the violence in the US Capitol.

Today marks a sad and shameful chapter in our nations history. Those responsible for this insurrection should be held to account, and we must complete the transition to President-elect Bidens administration. Its especially when they a re challenged that our ideals matter most, said Tim Cook in a tweet.

Pichai in an email to Google employees said that the company strongly condemned the lawlessness and violence.

Holding free and safe elections and resolving our differences peacefully are foundational to the functioning of democracy. The lawlessness and violence occurring on Capitol Hill today is the antithesis of democracy and we strongly condemn it, he said in the note.

Pichai also said that the Google leadership was checking in on its employees in D.C. He also promised to take extra precautionary steps that may affect its offices or buildings.

Today marks a sad and shameful chapter in our nations history. Those responsible for this insurrection should be held to account, and we must complete the transition to President-elect Bidens administration. Its especially when they are challenged that our ideals matter most.  Tim Cook (@tim_cook) January 7, 2021

The responses from tech stalwarts come after protestors supporting US President Donald Trump stormed the US Capital on Wednesday.

Earlier, Twitter and Facebook suspended Trump's account from posting to their platforms following the violent protests. Twitter locked Trumps account for 12 hours. It also warned that future violations could lead to a permanent suspension of Trumps account.

Facebook later said it had barred Trumps account from posting anything for 24 hours.

This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trump's video. We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence, Guy Rosen, Facebooks vice president of integrity, said on Twitter.
Soldiers of the Indian Army rescued a pregnant woman stuck in snowbound Kupwara in Kashmir and safely took her for about two kilometres in knee-deep snow till the hospital, the Indian Army said on Thursday. Image Source: IANS News

Soldiers of the Indian Army rescued a pregnant woman stuck in snowbound Kupwara in Kashmir and safely took her for about two kilometres in knee-deep snow till the hospital, the Indian Army said on Thursday. Image Source: IANS News

Soldiers of the Indian Army rescued a pregnant woman stuck in snowbound Kupwara in Kashmir and safely took her for about two kilometres in knee-deep snow till the hospital, the Indian Army said on Thursday. Image Source: IANS News

Kupwara, Jan 7 : Soldiers of the Indian Army rescued a pregnant woman stuck in snowbound Kupwara in Kashmir and safely took her for about two kilometres in knee-deep snow till the hospital, the Indian Army said on Thursday.

Late on Tuesday, the Company Operating Base at Karalpura in Kupwara received a distress call from Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh saying that informed that his wife Shabnam Begum is undergoing labour pain and needs to be evacuated to the hospital immediately.

Also, due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather, neither community health service vehicle nor civil transport was available and the same was possible only after snow was cleared from the road.

Understanding the gravity of the situation and the plight of the family, the army troops at Karalpura along with battlefield nursing assistant and medical comforts, reached the spot on time.

The troops escorted the woman and the family for about 2 km in knee deep snow till the road head, from where she was taken to Karalpura hospital. On reaching the hospital the woman was immediately attended to by the medical staff which was coordinated beforehand by the Army with the civil administration.

"The family and the civil administration thanked the unit for its humanitarian efforts and recognised the Army as the true friend of Awam at the time of distress. The father came to the Company Operating Base to distribute sweets to all troops after being blessed with a boy," the force said.

The force so far has evacuated more than two dozen pregnant women from the snow-bound areas in Kashmir.
After the Bataan Peninsula was overrun by Japanese forces in April 1942, Crowleys unit made its way to the town of Mariveles to surrender. But in a bid to avoid being captured, he and a number of soldiers hid in the breakwater near shore until nightfall, when they swam three miles to Corregidor Island in Manila Bay. There Crowley fought alongside the 4th Marines, but he became a prisoner of war when U.S. forces surrendered in May.

From POW to sergeant

As a prisoner of war, Crowley was subject to forced labor by his Japanese captors. He was sent from the Philippines to Japan aboard a hell ship, where approximately 300 men were held in the dark, made to lie in their own waste, with little food or water for 11 days. In Japan, Crowley was forced to work in some of the countrys most dangerous copper mines.

It takes a very special person to continue to persevere through the most haunting of circumstances; it takes certain depth of character to put yourself in harms way for your fellow warriors and for your country, Slavonic said before also awarding Crowley with the POW Medal.

There was yet another recognition awaiting Crowley as the ceremony continued.

When the Army began digging into Dans history and service, they uncovered that Dan was promoted to the rank of sergeant, said Slavonic.

Crowley was made a sergeant in 1945, but he had been given an honorable discharge before the order reached him.

I have to say that to be able to do this today is a rare and humbling opportunity for me as the undersecretary of the Navy. To be able to recognize Dan for his many sacrifices and accomplishments, Slavonic said. He truly represents the members of the greatest generation who did so much and asked so little from their country.
Coronavirus vaccination scams are emerging as a significant fraud threat to consumers, according to NatWest (Lauren Hurley/PA)

Coronavirus vaccination scams are emerging as a significant fraud threat to consumers, according to a major bank.

NatWest said it has seen an increase in customers reporting vaccination scams to it this week, as it highlighted various frauds for people to be alert to.

Bogus tax refunds and purchase scams are also among current scams, the bank said.

Some fraudsters have been offering pets that do not exist for sale, as well as hot tubs and camper vans.

NatWest said phone calls, emails or texts about Covid jabs are sent in an attempt to steal personal and financial details.

Messages contain links to a fake NHS website with an application form to register for the vaccine asking for various personal and bank details, which are then used by criminals.

a i Fraudsters will try every trick in the book to get you to part with your hard earned cash. Donat make life easy for criminals. pic.twitter.com/zt5DIf5kEi  Action Fraud (@actionfrauduk) January 6, 2021

Jason Costain, head of fraud at NatWest, said: During last years lockdown criminals took advantage of more people working remotely and online. It therefore makes sense to take some simple steps to make yourself and your family more fraud-proof.

Here are some scams that NatWest is warning people to watch out for:

1. Postal delivery scams

With more shopping taking place online, criminals have been using fake delivery company emails to collect personal information, which they may then use to commit further fraud.

2. Purchase scams

Criminals will offer goods for sale that are in high demand.

NatWests customers have reported scams involving pets that do not exist, games consoles, mobile phones and hot tub scams and camper vans.

NatWest said that if someone sees a good deal advertised on auction websites or on social media, they should be careful.

It suggests following the payment advice on the website and not paying directly into someones bank account until they have taken delivery of the goods.

3. Coronavirus vaccination scams

A phone call, email or text message is sent in an attempt to steal personal and financial details.

The message contains a link to a fake NHS website with an application form to register for the vaccine asking for various personal and bank details to confirm your address. This information is then used by criminals to target the persons bank account.

4. Fake coronavirus tax refunds

Criminals are bombarding inboxes with fake emails, texts and calls claiming entitlement to a support grant or tax rebate due to coronavirus.

The aim is to encourage people to hand over personal details such as their name, date of birth, address and sometimes even payment card details, which they then use to steal money. Emails can be reported to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Once criminals have someones details, they will often call them, pretending to be from their banks fraud team, trying to persuade them to move your money to a safe account or give away card reader codes.

5. Offers to make quick money

Criminals try to lure people into becoming money mules through get-rich-quick job offers.

If someone offers you money to use your bank account, refuse and alert the police, NatWest said.

It added that the personal consequences of allowing criminals to pay money through an account can be life-changing.

NatWest has more information about scam avoidance on its website at https://personal.natwest.com/personal/fraud-and-security/fraud-guide.html

Scams should be reported to Action Fraud  https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

PA Media
Warning: Spoilers ahead.

Showtimes favorite murderer is coming to Worcester - that is, the actor who plays him.

Boston.com reported the television networks reboot of Dexter - the award-winning, eight-season series about the serial killer-hunting serial killer - will be filming in several locations in Massachusetts in the coming months.

The limited series, which will run for 10 episodes and premiere in October, is expected to begin filming in late January and continue until July, a source familiar with the production told Boston.com.

The revival of the acclaimed crime drama mystery will mainly be shot in communities west of Interstate 495, among them Gardner, Lancaster, Sterling and Worcester, according to the news outlet.

Joshua Cormier, Gardners film liaison and purchasing director, confirmed for Boston.com the Central Massachusetts city has been in talks for nearly three months about the production. Filming is scheduled to begin in various locations in the community in early 2021. He did provide any further details, the news outlet reported.

Massachusetts has proven to be quite the hub for film and television in 2020 and already in 2021.

The Netflix movie Dont Look Up has been filming in Boston this winter and stars several big-name actors, including Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and Meryl Streep.

Both Malden and Worcester hosted filming last year for the HBO pilot centered on the life of renowned chef and TV personality Julia Child. Production companies from Bon Appetite and Lionsgate were expecting to begin shooting in March, though the coronavirus pandemic threw a wrench in those plans and stalled filming for months.

Worcester has become a hotbed for film shooting locations in recent years, with the Lifetime movie Christmas on Ice, the Liam Neeson bank robbery movie Honest Thief and the Stephen King-inspire TV series Castle Rock all filming in the city. The films American Hustle and Night and Day were also shot in the community.

The Dexter reboot will bring together Golden Globe winner and Six Feet Under star Michael C. Hall and showrunner Clyde Phillips. The spinoff will be a continuation of the original 2006-2013 series that featured Hall as Dexter Morgan, the Miami forensics expert that spends his days working to solve crimes and his nights committing murder.

The show ended with what many fans believed to be a lackluster ending: Dexter faking his own death and going into exile as a lumberjack in the Pacific Northwest.

Lets be real: people found the way that show left things pretty unsatisfying, and theres always been a hope that a story would emerge that would be worth telling, Hall said in an interview with the Daily Beast. I include myself in the group of people that wondered, What the hell happened to that guy? So Im excited to step back into it.

Limited information is known about the upcoming show, though actor Clancy Brown, who starred in The Shawshank Redemption, is expected to be a series regular and play the villain opposite to Dexter.

Related Content:

The Navy announced today that seven companies have been awarded initial contracts under a broader $990 million multiple award construction contract (MACC) over the next five years as part of the agreement between the United States and Japan to relocate nearly 5,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam.

Two of the seven companies are Guam-based. Core Tech-HDCC-Kajima LLC is the only local Guam company out of the five awardees.

The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded the $990 million multiple award construction contract (MACC).

The work to be performed includes, but is not limited to, work on administrative facilities, barracks/dormitories, dining facilities, ranges, educational facilities, training facilities, roads, streets, site utilities/infrastructure, and other base development facilities.

The Government of Japan is funding the nearly billion-dollar worth of projects.

We are especially pleased to be awarding this MACC for the (Government of Japan)-funded construction projects on Guam, said NAVFAC Pacific Guam Program Management Office Director Will Boudra. With multiple contractors and a capacity of $990 million in new contract awards over the next five years, this MACC adds robust capacity to our acquisition toolbox in support of the DPRI construction program.

Hensel Phelps-Shimizu Joint Venture of Honolulu, Hawaii is the first of seven companies being awarded the initial task order at $53.9 million for the construction of a base administration building on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz in Guam. Work for this task order will be performed in Guam and is expected to be completed by May 2023.

These contract awards are another pivotal step as we continue to build MCBCB, said MCBCB Commanding Officer Col. Bradley Magrath. The J-011 base administration project will be the new command headquarters for Camp Blaz and we are very excited about this project and our progress with the establishment of Camp Blaz. We would like to thank our team members and partners as we continue to ensure a responsible construction process through extensive joint efforts.

In addition to Hensel Phelps-Shimizu Joint Venture, the following six companies are each being awarded a MACC contract:

 Aptim Construction JV, LLC of Alexandria, Virginia;

 Black Construction  Tutor Perini JV of Harmon, Guam;

 Caddell-Nan a Joint Venture of Montgomery, Alabama;

 Core Tech-HDCC-Kajima, LLC of Tamuning, Guam;

 CWI-Weitz JV of McLean, Virginia; and

 Gilbane SMCC ECC LLC of Concord, California.

Over the five-year life of this MACC, significant funding will flow into the Guam business economy, said Boudra. The active participation of the Guam engineering and architectural design firms, construction companies and suppliers is critical to the success of the build-up in advance of the arrival of U.S. Marine Corps operational units on Guam.
After seven rounds of talks over three agriculture laws passed by Parliament in September 2020, farmers union leaders and Union ministers will sit for the eighth consultation on Friday. Both the sides have made two things clear: the laws wont be repealed and farmers wont reconsider their demand for a complete withdrawal of the laws. While farmers are intensifying their protest braving the cold and rain of Delhi, the Centre is hopeful that a conclusion will be reached soon. Punjab BJP leaders met Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday and said the farmers are being stubborn. Govt is ready to listen but farmers are being stubborn. Law & order in Punjab is ruined. Sit-in protests are being done outside houses of our workers. The language being used & the kind of hooliganism in Punjab - we talked about it, Harjit Singh Grewal said.

The government is ready to fulfil all the demands of farmers. But farmers are now saying that the laws be repealed. Why are they saying that? I think farmer unions dont want a solution. I think their plan is something else, he said.

Supreme Court hearing

The Supreme Court on January 11 will hear a batch of pleas challenging the farm laws and also pleas which raised issues related to the ongoing protests. The Supreme Court bench on Wednesday was informed by the Centre that healthy discussions were going on between the government and farmers. Attorney General K K Venugopal said there is a good chance that parties may come to a conclusion in the near future. We understand the situation and encourage the consultation, the bench said.

On Thursday, the apex court was hearing a plea seeking various reliefs including that of CBI probe into the Tablighi Jamaat congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz etc. During the hearing, it asked the Centre whether farmers protesting against the farm laws are protected against the spread of Covid-19.

Protests to intensify

On January 7, the protesters took out tractor march from four different points  Singhu to Tikri border, Tikri to Kundlim Ghazipur to Palwal and Rewasan to Palwal. Terming the tractor march as a trailer of what will happen on January 26, Republic Day, protesters on Friday said when their leaders decide to enter the capital, protesters will enter Delhi. Thursdays tractor march was only at the border points.

What happened at earlier meetings

Several thousands of farmers started their Dilli Chalo march on November 26. Consultation with the Centre, however, began in September soon after the bills were passed. Farmers leaders walked out of the first meeting as no minister was present. In the consequent meetings, Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar, railways and food minister Piyush Goyal, minister of state for commerce and industry Som Prakash are generally present. They explain to the union leaders the benefits of the laws. There was agreement between the two parties on stubble burning and electricity, but on MSP and on the issue of withdrawing the laws completely, there has been no headway yet.
A Tesla vehicle / Korea Times file



By Kim Bo-eun



Attention is growing over a local policy incentivizing car manufacturers to produce more eco-friendly vehicles, as Tesla is known to be lobbying the government in an attempt to benefit from the program.



The policy requires local carmakers to increase the portion of eco-friendly vehicles they produce. The program fines companies that fail to meet the required percentage of green cars, but rewards those that do by providing incentives.



The U.S. tech company claims the policy is unfair because it only applies to car manufacturers that sold at least 4,500 vehicles here as of 2009. Tesla does not fall under this category.



The company is known to have stated the policy goes against the national (equitable) treatment principle under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). The principle requires governments to treat local and foreign businesses equally, given products of the foreign business have entered the local market.



While details of the policy have yet to be laid out, companies that fill the yearly requirement of eco-friendly vehicle production are expected to be able to trade excess credits in the market with other firms. If Tesla becomes subject to the program, it is expected to reap considerable profits from trading excess credit.



The government states it did not intend to give unequal treatment to foreign businesses, as the German carmaker Mercedes-Benz does has become subject to the policy.



"The purpose of the policy is to encourage conventional carmakers to make the switch to green vehicles, and therefore including a company that only produces electric cars wouldn't be aligned with the aim of the policy," an environment ministry official said by telephone. "If an EV company were to become subject to the policy, however, the policy would need to be complemented accordingly."



The official said the government is aiming to lay out the specifics of the policy by the end of the year.



Carmakers will be assessed on eco-friendly vehicle production based on figures for 2022, and fines will be imposed starting 2023. The government is aiming for the financial contributions from fines to be used to set up infrastructure for eco-friendly cars.



Local carmakers have been making efforts to increase EV production to capture demand as the global market for EVs is set to grow by 20 percent each year through 2030.



Meanwhile, there are concerns that a conflict with the U.S.'s greatest EV company may grow into a trade feud between the two countries. Tesla, which entered the Korean market in 2017, saw its sales spike to 11,826 vehicles in 2020, from 2,439 in 2019.



Tesla Korea was unavailable for comment on the issue.


Today, Indonesian firebrand cleric Abu Bakar Bashir will walk free from prison. The 82-year-old, who earned infamy in Australia for his role in the 2002 Bali bombings, has served as a bellwether for the Indonesian extremist community: never far from centre frame of its terrifying successes or its abject failures. His release from prison could provide a window into what is next for Indonesia's floundering terrorist networks.

Bashir has been an ever-present feature of Indonesia's extremist movement at every key juncture in its rise to international notoriety. In 1993, he helped set up the first regional terrorist network, Jemaah Islamiyah and forge ties with Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda, which attracted funding for the 2002 Bali attacks. His 2014 pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State brought a large chunk of local extremists into the group's fold.

But time in prison has curbed his ability to shape the extremist community. Indonesian prisons' management of convicted terrorists, while still patchy, has vastly improved over the past decade. During previous prison stints, Bashir was able to publish books promoting his extremist views, address his supporters via mobile phone and hold court with dozens of fawning visitors. But in recent years, authorities have effectively isolated Bashir and other high-profile extremists from everyone on the outside except their close family.

After his release Bashir will also find that the terrorist networks he nurtured are shadows of their former selves. Police counterterrorism unit, Special Detachment 88, largely snuffed out the ability of Islamic State, or IS, supporters to mount mass-casualty terrorist attacks (as in Europe), let alone an insurgency (as in the Middle East or West Africa). The tiny band of militants in Poso, Central Sulawesi doesn't count  it has never been a threat to the Indonesian state.
I write to you with great sadness regarding the shocking insurrection at the U.S. Capitol yesterday and the brazen attempt to undermine our democracy. There is simply no place for this kind of lawless behavior, and for those who incite it, in the United States of America and I condemn it, personally, in the strongest way possible.

I ask you to join me in prayer for national unity and an end to such violence. I pray as well for the safety of the elected officials and staff members of both parties who were terrorized by this lawlessness, and the law enforcement officers who protected them. I pray our leaders continue to find the courage and determination to do the work we all need them to do  to come together to find common ground and work together for the benefit of all Americans in these perilous times.

While we look to our elected officials for leadership, as a Catholic, Marianist university, we must also be mindful of the expectations that have long been set for our own campus community. We must continue to be open to dialogue and hearing other points of view, but at the same time, we must not tolerate unlawful, disrespectful, or violent behavior. We must build up our community and our country by looking forward  together.

In order for our nation to begin healing, communities like the University of Dayton must model respectful dialogue and the honest pursuit of common ground rooted in the common good. As an educational institution pro deo et patria, we have a responsibility to demonstrate these skills and values so essential to democracy. It is also imperative that we educate todays and tomorrows students to be civically minded leaders who will advocate for and rebuild our democracy.

I call on all of the leaders of our campus community  faculty, staff, administrators, and especially students  to bring their very best to all of our interactions as we seek to make meaning about recent events and come together to chart our path forward.

May God bless our University community and may God bless the United States of America.

Eric F. Spina

President
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Some of the most consistent customers at Staten Island eateries are the police officers sworn to protect the neighborhood.

That relationship hasnt been lost on a New York City police advocacy group, which is raising money for an initiative called We Protect and They Serve, said Blue Lives Matter founder Joe Imperatrice.

The effort seeks to raise money to purchase food from restaurants to feed to officers.

They need us now more than ever, Imperatrice said of restaurants struggling for survival during pandemic restrictions. We owe it to them to help them get past this devastating time in American history.

The public can donate to the project here.

Following various stages of shutdown protocols since March, at least three Staten Island restaurants recently had to close down outdoor-dining services, one of their last sources of revenue, due to State Liquor Authority (SLA) enforcement of outdoor dining guidelines.

The five boroughs were the only region of the state not allowed indoor dining despite upticks in all its regions.

COMMERCIAL BURGLARIES

Police cars are stationed outside Bruno's Bakery and Restaurant on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, as officers respond to a burglary at the eatery. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

In addition to the loss in business, there has been an uptick in criminal acts carried out at commercial establishments through the summer and fall months. In November, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce President Linda Baran said it was really unfortunate that crime was another thing [businesses] have to contend with.

Imperatrice, who is an NYPD officer himself, said the relationship between officers and the restaurants that keep them fed while on duty is personal one.

...those small business owners become [officers] friends, and more times than not, family, he said.

In return, he said, those same entrepreneurs know theyll have the full support of those officers if a crime is committed at their business.
Alabama health officials urged patience Wednesday amid a slow rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations, saying the state plans to soon expand who is eligible to get the shots.

The state is in the first phase of its vaccination plan, which prioritizes health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities, about 377,000 all together. The state has only received 226,000 vaccines so far, however.

The next group to receive the vaccines are people over 75 and those considered at advance risk. No timeline has been established given that the state doesnt yet have enough vaccines for the first group, but State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said officials expect to expand distribution soon.

The vaccine is coming, Harris said. Even though the number of shots in arms is not as great as we would like, we believe most of the reasons for that have been worked out and are behind us. We are going to start adding additional groups of people very soon and will announce that very soon.

Alabama, along with Mississippi, Georgia, Michigan, Kansas and Arizona, ranks at the bottom for the rate of vaccinations so far, according to numbers compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nationwide, the rollout has been slow as states have been left to take care of their own distribution.

As of Sunday, Alabama had distributed about 42,000 of its 226,000 shots, or 821 doses per 100,000 residents. Most states have reached more than 1,000 per 100,000 residents, but few have topped 2,000.

Some health workers who have been eligible for the vaccine have not taken it. Jefferson County State Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson said anecdotal evidence suggests that almost 100% of eligible physicians have taken the vaccine in the first round but as many as half of other health care workers have not yet done so, either by choice or because of logistical issues.

Harris said one of the reasons for the slow vaccine distribution is that the state only has 15 sites that can provide the extremely cold storage required for the Pfizer vaccine.

Jefferson County has started a hotline to let people know who is eligible for the vaccine and that lets them sign up for text alerts about increased availability, Wilson said.

We do need people to be patient, he said. Its going to take a while to work through this. Some people are going to struggle with not understanding why it is not their turn, because a lot of them have a very good reason to get vaccinated, theres no doubt.

Harris said in December that the state expects to get to the 75 and older group this month and will not sit on vaccines. In the meantime, state health officials have cautioned people to continue precautions to prevent infection with the coronavirus, as it will likely be spring or summer before the vaccine is available to those who arent at increased risk.

We just hope people will understand that there is just not going to be enough to go around for several more months, Harris said.

At least one county, Calhoun County, has been allowed to start vaccinations of people over age 75 who live in that county. Harris said individual counties that have available vaccine have the flexibility to decide to expand their coverage if supplies allow.

WBRC reported about 900 people in the county got the shots Tuesday. The Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency said it had to cut the line off Wednesday morning because of the number of people waiting.

I was just thanking God that Im able to get this today and get it as soon as I could, Joyce Nix told the television station.
A complex international scheme to outmaneuver US sanctions against Iran has yielded the US government $7 million in Iranian funds that will now be used toward Americans affected by international state sponsors of terrorism, the US Justice Department announced on Tuesday.

In coordination with the FBI, IRS, domestic offices and multiple foreign partners from the United Arab Emirates, South Korea and the country of Georgia, the US Department of Justice announced that the funds are just a piece of a much larger puzzle that includes up to a billion dollars worth of Iranian assets. The collection comes as tensions continue to escalate between Washington and Tehran in the final days of US President Donald Trumps administration.

The funds subject to todays stipulation had been destined to benefit criminal actors who engaged in an elaborate scheme to violate US sanctions against Iran, one of the worlds leading state sponsors of terrorism, said Acting Assistant Attorney General David Burns of the Justice Departments Criminal Division in a statement.

The global conspiracy began in 2011 and included three Iranian nationals and one alleged US citizen, according to the US Justice Department. The scheme defrauded South Korean banks by submitting false documents showing companies doing legitimate business with Korean companies. The plan succeeded, according to the department, and allowed the conspirators to transfer approximately $1 billion worth of Iranian-owned funds out of South Korea and into the worlds financial markets. The scheme ran until 2014.

The alleged American conspirator, Kenneth Zong, was indicted in December 2016 in Alaska. Zong remains in South Korea, where he recently completed a sentence for violating Korean law as part of the same operation.

In a portion of the investigation, the US Attorneys Office filed a forfeiture complaint to seize money held in a wealth fund in the United Arab Emirates. These funds were part of a down payment made by the conspirators in purchasing a Sheraton Hotel in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 2011 and 2012, the Justice Department claimed. The $7 million announced Tuesday is the US share of that forfeiture investigation.

That money will now be allocated to the US Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, established by Congress in 2015 to provide compensation to individuals who were injured in acts of international state-sponsored terrorism. This includes victims of the 1979 US Embassy hostage situation in Iran.

The conspirators' scheme took place immediately before the signing of the Iran nuclear deal. While much analysis has covered Washingtons economic war against the regime since withdrawing from the deal in 2018, US sanctions were in place well before the deal and continued throughout its term.

The period of US sanctions after 2010 was unique, according to former US Treasury official Kate Bauer, because it was the start of the idea that foreign financial institutions risked losing access to the US financial system if they continued transactions with designated Iranian actors.

You had previously had foreign banks and foreign companies complying with US primary sanctions because they did business in the US or because they adopted the [Office of Foreign Assets Control] list and implemented it, but now you really had this penalty, this risk of losing access to the US financial system.

US sanctions against Iran that remained in place after the nuclear deal focused on direct trade with the regime, Irans support for regional armed factions, human rights abuses, and efforts to acquire missiles and advanced conventional weapons technology. But even while the nuclear deal allowed Iran access to billions of dollars of blocked funds, the money was still very difficult to move, and some of these stashes of money remained untouched throughout the deal.

One of those financial pods was housed in South Korea, and that has dragged Seoul into the middle of the US-Iran economic war after Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized a South Korean-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday and arrested its crew.

While Iran initially said the seizure was over environmental violations, the move fueled speculation that it was a tactical decision to force the South Korean government to unblock billions in Iranian oil sales held over US banking restrictions against business with Tehran. On Tuesday, local media in South Korea reported that Seoul had indeed frozen over $7 billion in Iranian funds.
Britain must not sign a Brexit deal for the City which leaves the industry as an EU rule-taker, the Bank of Englands governor warned yesterday.

Andrew Bailey, whose first year at the Bank has been marred by the pandemic and Brexit jitters, said the UK could not simply pay any price to reach a financial services agreement with the continent.

Though the UKs 130billion financial sector is one of the biggest parts of the economy, contributing around 7 per cent of output per year, City firms were largely left out of the EU trade deal signed by the Prime Minister last month.

Andrew Bailey (pictured), whose first year at the Bank has been marred by the pandemic and Brexit jitters, said the UK could not simply pay any price to reach a financial services agreement with the continent

The Treasury plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with the EU by the spring detailing how their relationship over financial services will continue.

One option is so-called equivalence, where the UK and the EU agree to grant each other access to their markets if they deem their rules are closely enough aligned.

But while the UKs financial sector has granted the EU equivalence in 17 areas, Europe has so far refused to reciprocate.

Mr Bailey warned the Government that it should be careful what it offers in return for access to the EU markets.

Though the UKs 130billion financial sector is one of the biggest parts of the economy, contributing around 7 per cent of output per year, City firms were largely left out of the EU trade deal signed by the Prime Minister (pictured) last month

He told the Treasury committee yesterday: I strongly recommend that we dont become a rule-taker. If the price of that is no equivalence, then I am afraid that will follow. If the price of this is too high then we cant just go for it whatever.

The EU has been reluctant to sign an agreement on equivalence with Britain, claiming it needs more information on the countrys intentions to part ways with European rules.

Mr Bailey said this approach was problematic, and the bloc couldnt expect Britain either to never change its rules or to simply accept whatever laws the bloc imposed.

But he added: I think its important that we do have open markets, and I fail to see why people would want to close themselves off.
A 'pre-cursor' to the highly infectious mutant Covid strain which has devastated the UK, escaped Victoria's hotel quarantine system back in June, according to a leading Australian scientist.

But Professor Damian Purcell, head of the molecular virology laboratory at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne, said the public were not told about it because it might have 'spooked' people.

Genomic testing suggests 37 people in the coronavirus-hit state were infected with the strain before Victoria's lengthy second lockdown helped to bring the variant under control.

A 'pre-cursor' to the highly infectious mutant Covid strain which has devastated the UK, escaped Victoria's hotel quarantine system back in June

Professor Damian Purcell, head of the molecular virology laboratory at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne, said the public were not told about it because it might have 'spooked' people

The world has been on edge since the mutant strain of coronavirus originating in the UK was found to be about 70 per cent more contagious than the initial SARS-CoV-2 variant.

Known as B.1.1.7, the strain has resulted in a massive wave of infections and sent the UK into a national lockdown for a third time.

South Africa has also seen a similar but separate strain known as 501.V2.

Professor Purcell said the variant which secretly leaked out of Victoria's hotel quarantine, known as N501Y, has many similarities with the mutant UK and South African strains.

'Probably the precursor to the British variant was the one we had here in Melbourne,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'Some of the viruses that came out of hotel quarantine in Victoria had some of these key mutations.'

Security guards (left) were not told to wear masks at all times while manning Melbourne's quarantine hotels, an inquiry into Victoria's hotel quarantine program found

The government advice, which was presented to the inquiry, only told guards to wear masks if a 1.5m distance was 'not feasible'. Pictured: Passengers are quarantined in Melbourne

He said the truth was not released until now because 'we did not want to spook people that we had a real problem with mutants here'.

What makes the variant more contagious is that it binds more tightly to human cells.

While it has not been confirmed whether the vaccines which are in the midst of being rolled out across the globe will be effective on the mutant variants, Professor Purcell said he is confident 'the vaccines have got this covered'.

But he warned that more variants are likely to continue to develop and spread: 'We expect to see them. They are going to keep coming,' Professor Purcell said.

The information had not been released until now, he said, because 'we did not want to spook people that we had a real problem with mutants here'.

'We expect to see them. They are going to keep coming,' Professor Purcell said.

The UK variant of Covid entered Queensland via a returned traveller at Brisbane Airport and has been identified in quarantine throughout the nation. This is the first time it has leaked from hotel quarantine

It comes as Australia's worst fears were realised on Thursday night when Queensland confirmed a mutant strain of Covid which plunged the UK into a third lockdown has escaped hotel quarantine and is in the community.

A woman in her 20s who works as a cleaner at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane's Spring Hill tested positive to the highly-contagious strain of the virus late on Wednesday.

Health officials have since determined she spent at least four days in the community while infected, visiting Brisbane's busiest train stations during peak hour and two grocery stores in her local community.

There are concerns the mutated virus, which is believed to be up to 70 times more contagious than previous strains, could have already spread among close contacts.

Queensland Health authorities maintained on Thursday that the employee did all the right things by seeking testing when she did - but fear the hyper virulent strain may have passed to others with ease.

There are mounting concerns that the super strain will prompt other state leaders to slam their borders shut to Queensland - particularly after the Sunshine State has been so quick to close to other states in the past.

States including Western Australia, which has banned people from NSW completely, have been trigger-happy when it comes to border closures after even the smallest outbreak - with the mutant outbreak likely to illicit a similar response from Premier Mark McGowan.

A terrifying map shows the Brisbane locations which have been exposed to the UK's mutant variant of the virus since January 2, including a busy train line, a Coles and a Woolworths

Drive-through clinics have been set up throughout Queensland and people are urged to get tested if they develop symptoms (pictured, a testing centre in Murrarrie, Brisbane)

Sydneysiders are not able to enter Queensland until at least the end of January after a cluster on the Northern Beaches spread through the city, with a new outbreak since popping up in the western suburbs.

Explained: UK's mutant Covid strain The highly infectious mutant strain of Covid now has 27 variations after it was first identified in Kent County, England, on September 21. It now represents more than 50% of new cases diagnosed between October and Dec, making it the most common strain of Covid in England presently. The deadly strain is believed to be more contagious and affects children worse than the original, prompting the government to plunge England back into its third nationwide lockdown. The new variant is between 50 per cent and 74 per cent more contagious than the last, but is not necessarily any more deadly. Advertisement

Victoria has also shut its border to all of NSW, fearing another wave of the deadly virus - after its second left 820 people dead and millions suffering three months of strict lockdown.

Victorians have already been placed on high alert after recording 27 cases in recent weeks, believed to have been brought across the border from NSW by a visitor.

A terrifying map shows the locations which have been exposed to the UK's mutant variant of the virus since January 2.

The woman, who lives in Algester in Brisbane's south, last worked on January 2 before developing symptoms and seeking a Covid test on Wednesday night.

Prior to that, she caught a train to work from Altandi Station to Roma Street Station at 7am on Saturday, January 2, one of the busiest stations in Brisbane's CBD.

Later that afternoon, she boarded a 4pm train from Central Station back to Altandi Station. Contact tracers will use pre-paid travel cards to track potential contacts who may have been at one of the stations at the same time.

The next day, she visited the Calamvale North Woolworths between 11am and noon, and then two days later on January 5 visited Coles in Sunnybank Hills from 7.30am to 8am.

From 8am to 8.15am, she also visited the Nextra newsagent also in the Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown on the same day.

The infected cleaner, a woman in her 20s who lives in Algester, had been working at the Hotel Grand Chancellor at Spring Hill (pictured), with her most recent shift on January 2

The cleaner visited the Calamvale North Woolworths (pictured) between 11am and noon on January 3 while infected

It is not clear if any more locations will be identified in the coming days.

Health officials are urgently trying to trace the cleaner's contacts - prompting emergency restrictions for aged care homes and hospitals.

They are also urgently trying to establish whether she had a second job anywhere else.

The Hotel Grand Chancellor, where she was working at the time, has processed four Covid-positive cases recently, including one with the mutant UK strain.

The cleaner's diagnosis marks the first time in 113 days that a person in Queensland contracted the illness locally. All other infections have occurred in the hotel quarantine system.

Queensland was one of Australia's only states to have not experienced any breaches in the quarantine program prior to the cleaner's case, despite accepting a total of 60,000 returned travellers since the program was introduced on March 20, 2020 when international borders were slammed shut.

From 8am to 8.15am on January 5th, she also visited the Nextra newsagent also in the Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown (pictured)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-08 03:39:37|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced her resignation on Thursday in protest over chaos and violence that overran Capitol Hill a day earlier.

In a letter to her colleagues at the Department of Transportation, Chao said her resignation will take effect on Monday.

"Yesterday, our country experienced a traumatic and entirely avoidable event as supporters of the President stormed the Capitol building following a rally he addressed," she wrote. "As I'm sure is the case with many of you, it has deeply troubled me in a way that I simply cannot set aside."

Chao, 67, has served as transportation secretary of the United States since 2017.

She is the first member of outgoing President Donald Trump's cabinet to resign in the wake of Wednesday's incidents.

Chao was previously labor secretary under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. Her husband is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican.

Protesters in support of Trump's futile efforts to reject the 2020 presidential election results breached the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, when Congress met to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory.

Chaos and violence forced an hours-long lockdown on the Capitol grounds, which also left four people dead, with multiple injuries and dozens of arrests. Trump has been roundly criticized for inciting the unrest with unproven claims that the election was fraudulent. Enditem
The Gauhati High Court on Thursday rejected the bail petition of Assamese activist Akhil Gogoi in the case pertaining to his alleged role in violent protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Act lodged by the NIA.

A division bench of the High Court comprising Justices Kalyan Rai Surana and Ajit Bathakur rejected the bail petition of Krishak Mukti Sangram Parishad (KMSS) and Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi.

Gogoi is lodged in Guwahati Central jail since his arrest in December 2019 for his alleged role in anti-CAA riots that rocked various parts of the country last year. He was arrested on December 12, 2019, as a preventive measure as protests against the CAA raged and violence broke out several places in Assam. Gogoi's case was later handed over to the National Investigation Agency.

READ | Assam Organisations Pay Homage To 5 Anti-CAA Protestors Killed Last Year

The NIA filed a charge sheet against the activist on June 29, 2020, for allegedly conspiring with proscribed Maoist outfit - the CPI (M) group - to carry out alleged terrorist activities. The agency alleged that the conspiracy hatched by Gogoi in connivance with others included disrupting essential supplies, services and causing damage and destruction to public and private property. It also claimed that the activities were aimed at striking terror in a section of people of India.

According to the NIA, Akhil Gogoi and others accused have used the passage of CAA as an opportunity to further the Maoist agenda and to promote enmity between different groups and disrupt the harmony of the State.

READ | Youth Congress Stages Demonstration In Guwahati; Srinivas BV & Other Top Leaders Detained

Gogoi was a leader of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Parishad - a peasant group in Assam. The All Assam Students Union and the KMSS had spearheaded protests against the CAA in the state, which subsequently slowed down due to the class 10 board examinations and Covid-19 brought it to a halt. Fresh agitation against the CAA was launched by various organisations in Assam on December 2020, demanding the repeal of the legislation. The objective of the CAA is to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities - Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

READ | Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): One Year Since Contentious Law Was Passed By Parliament

READ | Jay Panda Hints At 'prominent Faces' Joining BJP In Next 3 Months As Assam Heads To Polls
SEATTLE, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines announced today two new routes from its key hubs in Southern California that will begin flying this spring. The airline will launch daily, nonstop service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Austin on March 18, with an increase to three daily departures on May 20. Daily, nonstop service between San Diego and New York JFK starts on April 4.

"Southern California is an integral part of Alaska's network and continues to offer valuable opportunities for selective expansion," said Brett Catlin, Alaska Airlines vice president of network and alliances. "These two new routes enhance our guest proposition in Southern California while providing valuable connectivity to our global partners as we join oneworld on March 31."

New Routes

Start Date City Pair Frequency Aircraft March 18, 2021 Los Angeles  Austin Daily E175 May 20, 2021 Los Angeles  Austin 3x Daily E175 April 4, 2021 San Diego  New York JFK Daily 737

In 2020, Alaska added 12 new routes from LAX. With the new flight to Austin, the airline will fly to more than 40 nonstop destinations from LAX this spring. Alaska already has nonstop flights to the Texas capital city from five other West Coast cities: Seattle; Portland, Oregon; San Francisco; San Jose, California; and San Diego.

The new nonstop service between San Diego and New York JFK is part of Alaska's growth to the Northeast from its West Coast hubs. This spring, the airline will also have nonstop service between San Diego and both Newark and Boston.

Alaska has implemented more than 100 measures to enhance the safety of its employees and guests, part of the airline's Next-Level Care, with enhanced cleanings, mandatory masks for everyone, touch-free technology, and sophisticated air filtration systems. Onboard HEPA filters remove 99.9% of particulate contaminants and viruses from the air, which means there's a full exchange of air every two to three minutes.

Tickets for all flights are now available for purchase at alaskaair.com.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and its regional partners serve more than 115 destinations across the United States and North America. The airline provides essential air service for our guests along with moving crucial cargo shipments, while emphasizing Next-Level Care. Alaska is known for low fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. Guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 800 destinations worldwide with Alaska and its Global Partners. On March 31, 2021, Alaska will officially become a member of the oneworld global alliance. Learn more about Alaska at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).

SOURCE Alaska Airlines

Related Links

http://www.alaskaair.com


DALLAS, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its commitment to implement meaningful, measurable diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, The Richards Group has formally engaged diversity consultant Dr. Lauren Tucker and her team at Do What Matters to help the agency navigate its refounding.

With eyes focused firmly on the future, CEO Glenn Dady is tapping strengths-based insights to drive growth, position the firm to better care for current employees, and attract diverse talent and new business. Along with a newly expanded and diversified creative council and the establishment of a formal leadership council with younger and more diverse advisors, the partnership with Do What Matters is one of many steps in The Richards Group's plan for the future.

With 30 years of experience in diversity and inclusion management, Tucker has earned a respected reputation across the marketing industry for going beyond the standard programs to provide solution-based, proactive approaches proven to enhance culture, improve operations and help companies get back to the business of growth. Do What Matters' Rob Jackson will also be joining the mission, bringing over 30 years of experience in the business on both the agency and client sides.

"I've invested over four decades helping build one of America's great agencies. This is a necessary step in rebuilding our future  for our community, for the clients we serve and, most importantly, for our employees, present and future," said Dady. "The objectivity, knowledge and experience that Lauren and her team bring are the shot in the arm that's going to move us forward with precision and purpose."

Working closely with Dady, Tucker and her team will audit practices, cultural norms and internal perceptions; advise on The Richards Group's organizational structure; and provide strategic counsel to the 44-year-old independent advertising agency. Her team's action areas will include culture, agency operations and community interest.

"We are honored and excited to be chosen as a partner to employ our approach to inclusion management to help rebuild the future and the fortunes of The Richards Group," said Tucker, CEO of Do What Matters. "Intent is not enough. Our goal is to guide the agency past intent by working with the agency's leaders to design and build actionable inclusion solutions that focus on the nurturing of talent while increasing diversity, achieving equity and driving quality growth via more effective business-building ideas for clients."

The alliance with Do What Matters will also help drive and build on the agency's newly articulated DEI goals and commitment to operational changes:

Execute a formal commitment to specific representation across all disciplines and leadership

Audit current policies to ensure that they are equitable to all employees

Conduct inclusion management training

Review all current work to ensure cultural relevancy

Commit to tracking progress

For more information on Lauren Tucker and Do What Matters, visit LetsDoWhatMatters.com.

About Do What Matters

Do What Matters is a strategic management consultancy designed to help marketing services agencies turn diversity into actions that drive growth. The company is focused on moving organizations from intention and transactional remedies to actual impact with transformational strategies for change. Led by founder and CEO Lauren Tucker, Do What Matters features consultants with 60-plus collective years of agency operations and change management expertise to bring solution-focused inclusion program designs to directly improve growth areas. For more information, visit LetsDoWhatMatters.com.

SOURCE The Richards Group
Hearing chants in Russian in the crowd of Donald Trump supporters drove many to suggest a certain Russian role in sparking violent action during protests.

A few individuals in the video that has gone viral on Thursday are seen trying to break into the Capitol, smashing windows and glass doors, while someone in the background at one moment is heard cheering them up in Russian.

"Smeleie," a male voice yells twice, which in the English equivalent would be something like "Come on!", "Do it!" or "Don't be scared."

"Davai bystreie," the voice also yells, which stands for "Do it faster," Segodnia reports.

On social networks, users are actively discussing a possible Russian trace in D.C. unrest on Wednesday that attempted to disrupt a Congress affirmation of Joe Biden's election win.

Read alsoU.S. Congress affirms Joe Biden's Electoral College winHearing chants in Russian in the crowd of Donald Trump supporters drove many to suggest a certain Russian role in sparking violent action during protests.

It was a Ukrainian journalist Andriy Tsaplienko who posted the video clip on his Telegram channel, drawing public attention to the incident.

D.C. protests on January 6

On January 6, in Washington, an unhinged crowd of Donald Trump supporters burst into the Capitol building at a time when a Congress meeting was held to affirm Biden's election victory.

After several hours of unrest, law enforcers cleared the building and the Congress resumed its work.

Four people were reportedly killed in the clashes.

Later, both houses of the U.S. Congress affirmed Joe Biden's win.

Reporting by UNIAN
GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- The Grants Pass City Council is tackling one of the citys biggest issues  homelessness. Council members say this problem cant be solved without community reinforcement.

City council members say this needs to be a community-led effort, so theyre asking for local religious organizations and service providers to offer up their space for homeless people.

Ward 2 Representative Valerie Lovelace says the city can provide zoning, but they need a nonprofit to manage a shelter and provide other resources.

The Gospel Rescue Mission in Grants Pass currently serves this purpose, but Lovelace says the city needs more options available.

Anybody who wants that help, I think deserves to have the opportunity to get out, find a different way to live, and I think that's really important to people in our community," Lovelace said. "Like all people say, we want them to have the opportunity to better themselves, and if that opportunity is not provided, then it needs to be."

Rogue Retreat will use the old Grants Pass clinic as its temporary shelter. Lovelace says the building can fit up to 50 people, including families and couples.

It also comes with essentials, including a kitchen and showers. More importantly, the building has space for counselors and caseworkers to assist people.

Lovelace says they're leaning on Rogue Retreat's expertise to help them move forward.

So, why not work with an organization that has kind of worked through some of those things and kind of has that part of the system down?" Lovelace said. "I think that's why we're looking at Rogue Retreat as a means by which to get that core sort of assistance.

The temporary warming shelter will go through a 90-day trial period. Lovelace says she hopes the location will be up by this summer and operating through the end of the year.
ALBANY  The Legislature's return to Albany on Wednesday was overshadowed by a massive protest in Washington, D.C., in which supporters of President Donald J. Trump stormed the nation's Capitol, leading to a lockdown of Congress.

There was also violence at the state Capitol, where two people were stabbed during a melee in East Capitol Park involving pro-Trump protesters who were attacked by a small group of counter-protesters.

Alexander Contompasis, 37, was arrested for felony assault and two people were transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital with stab wounds, according to State Police, who were reviewing video footage in an attempt to piece together what unfolded.

A person briefed on the investigation said the victims were part of a group of several dozen Trump supporters who had gathered outside the Capitol on Wednesday morning. A small group of counter-protesters showed up and the two sides began arguing. Several members of the smaller group were armed with weapons, including the man charged in the stabbing, and two other men who were allegedly carrying expandable batons, according to law enforcement sources.

One of the people transported to Albany Medical Center suffered severe injuries from the stabbing and underwent surgery. The second person was stabbed in the leg and had injuries that officials described as not serious.

The violence in Albany took place as Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo was giving a coronavirus briefing just inside the Capitol. It also occurred as Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul was swearing in members of the state Senate.

Welcome to the 2021 legislative session, which means one thing: 2020 is over," Hochul said, eliciting applause.

Andrew Harnik/AP

The protest in Washington took place as Congress was certifying the Electoral College vote to confirm the election of President-elect Joe Biden. Video of the protest showed some protesters smashing windows and climbing through them to gain access to the Capitol as police hurried to usher lawmakers and aides out of the House and Senate chambers.

The condemnation of the violence in Washington, D.C., from both sides of the aisle, was swift from lawmakers at all levels of government. No lawmakers offered comments on the violence that took place outside the Capitol in Albany.

"We must call this what it actually is: a failed attempt at a coup," Cuomo said of the violence in Washington, in a statement issued Wednesday evening. "This is the final chapter of an incompetent, cruel, and divisive administration that has trampled on the Constitution and the rule of law at every turn, and we won't let President Trump, the members of Congress who enable him, or the lawless mob that stormed our nation's Capitol steal our democracy."

New York Attorney General Letitia James characterized the protest as "a sad but unsuccessful attempt to destroy our democratic republic."

She referred to the protest as a "coup attempt" initiated by Trump. "If blood is shed, it will be on his hands," she said.

State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who on Wednesday was re-elected majority leader of the Democratic conference and temporary Senate president the first Democrat to hold the position for successive legislative sessions in about 90 years  criticized Trump for beginning his presidency "talking about 'American carnage' ... (and) that is how he is ending his time in office. ... As President, Donald Trump has been a failure and the American people, our image, and our values have paid the price."

State Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt echoed the sentiments of many other Republican lawmakers in Congress and elsewhere on Wednesday afternoon when he tweeted: "As a veteran, I've proudly fought for American's right to protest peacefully. There is nothing peaceful about the chaos in Washington today. This is not who we are."

But there was still political blame  much of it directed at Trump and his supporters in Congress  underpinning responses from lawmakers.

"We now know what an attempted coup against the United States looks like," tweeted state Sen. Brian Kavanagh, D-Manhattan.

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, R-Pulaski, called the protest in Washington "nothing short of tragic. ... Protests have always been part of political discourse, but the events at the Capitol have crossed every line imaginable."

Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie characterized the protest at the nation's Capitol as "deplorable," a term used in 2016 by Hillary Clinton to describe many Trump supporters.

"This is domestic terrorism and it is an attempt to overthrow the elected will of the American people," Heastie said in a statement. "President Trump needs to call on his supporters to end this assault on our democracy. And he must  he absolutely must  concede that Joe Biden is the president-elect of the United States. This needs to end now."

Late Wednesday afternoon, Trump issued a video statement on Twitter urging the protesters to "go home, and go home in peace."

State Sen. Neil D. Breslin, a Bethlehem Democrat, said that when he walked to his car at the Capitol after the Senate's session ended for the day he "looked around more than I ever did."

"Im in the United States, the state Capitol of Albany and Im doing that  its something that I never ever felt before in my life," Breslin said. "Im so embarrassed, because were so (critical of) foreign countries whenever they have any kind of insurrection  but now they are laughing, pointing the finger and saying what goes around comes around."

Assemblyman John McDonald, D-Cohoes, said he was "sick and disgusted by the violence" in Washington, and called it "truly our darkest day in American history as Congress attempted to fulfill its constitutional responsibility."

Before the protest in Washington spiraled out of control, and around the time the stabbing occurred outside Albany's Capitol, Stewart-Cousins spoke in the Senate Chamber about how it would normally "be buzzing with activity, the hallways filled with smiling faces."

"This year, as you know, is different," she said.

Chris Bragg contributed reporting for this story.
The entire U.S. is currently reeling from the chaotic run up from the Nov. 3 Presidential elections to the Jan. 6 certification in Congress.

Those who are in support of President Donald Trump continue to hope that the elections will be overturned since there are tons of evidence pointing to it being stolen. Those who are against President Trump, on the other hand, are hard at work denying the existence of such evidence, and are hard at work bullying the President's supporters on the internet and on the streets.

That said, although Congress has already certified Joe Biden as the next President, there are so many questions that need to be answered before the issue can be finally laid to rest. As some have said, if there's no cheating at all and the Democrat candidate actually won with integrity, why wouldn't they allow the opposing campaign to audit the ballots?

Without looking at the massive evidence of voter fraud, there are still many reasons why people can question Joe Biden's "win." Here are some of them:

Objections being rejected

Not one but many Republicans expressed intentions objected to the electoral results in various states like Arizona and Pennslvania. Senators and Representatives like Senator Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, Congressmen Paul Gosar, Ron Johnson, Andy Biggs, and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert objected to the electoral college certification, for example.

These objections, despite being backed by factual, logical assertions and evidence, were rejected. Why wouldn't Congress even try to look at the evidence presented?

Courts rejecting hearings and lawsuits

Earlier, various people tried to get different offices to hear out what they have to present as evidence of voter fraud.

Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Jenna Ellis went around presenting hundreds of witnesses who have signed sworn affidavits alleging voter fraud happened. Those who watched the hearings will find that there is substantial evidence of election cheating.

Texas also filed a lawsuit against other states due to voting irregularities. The Lone Star State was joined by more than 20 other states in its lawsuit filed at the Supreme Court. The highest Court in the country, however, shot down the lawsuit.

Giuliani hit the Supreme Court's cowardice, particularly that of Chief Justice John Roberts who made the choice not to hear the case due to fears of violence. Why would there be violence over hearings on voter fraud anyway?

Patriots harassed

There's also the fact that Americans who openly said they will challenge the election results were harassed or attacked for their stand.

Earlier, Sen. Josh Hawley reported that Antifa thugs went to his house in Washington D.C. to threaten him and prevent him from objecting to the electors' votes. The said thugs pounded their door, vandalized the place, and threatened his wife and newborn daughter who were there at the time.

Inventor Jovan Pulitzer, who got attention for his team's ability to review millions of ballots in a short span of time, also reported that one of his team members' home "took 5 shots through the windows in a drive by."

These two patriots only wanted voter fraud exposed and fraudulent votes challenged. Why the attack on them if Biden won fair and square?

They avoided the evidence

All of these are summed up what prominent California minister Mario Murillo beautifully said in his blog about what happened in the recent elections:

"The evidence of election fraud was never investigated. Not only today, but at no time since the beginning. Nobody was ever allowed to present the case. Every ruling down from every court has been the same: rejecting the case before the evidence was even presented, much less investigated."
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Panasonic AI-driven cameras empower an expanding vision of new uses

Imagine a world where video cameras are not just watching and reporting for security, but have an even wider positive impact on our lives. Imagine that cameras control street and building lights, as people come and go, that traffic jams are predicted and vehicles are automatically rerouted, and more tills are opened, just before a queue starts to form. Cameras with AI capabilities Cameras in stores can show us how we might look in the latest outfit as we browse. Thats the vision from Panasonic about current and future uses for their cameras that provide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at the edge. Panasonic feels that these types of intelligent camera applications are also the basis for automation and introduction of Industry 4.0, in which processes are automated, monitored and controlled by AI-driven systems. 4K network security cameras The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications Panasonics 4K network security cameras have built-in AI capabilities suitable for this next generation of intelligent applications in business and society. The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications. The AI engine is directly embedded into the camera, thus reducing costs and Panasonics image quality ensures the accuracy of the analytics outcome. FacePRO facial recognition technology Panasonic began advancing AI technology on the server side with FacePRO, the in-house facial recognition application, which uses AI deep learning capabilities. Moving ahead, they transitioned their knowledge of AI from the server side to the edge, introducing i-PRO security cameras with built-in AI capabilities last summer, alongside their own in-house analytics. Moreover, in line with the Panasonic approach to focus more on collaboration with specialist AI software developers, a partnership with Italian software company, A.I. Tech followed in September, with a range of intelligent applications, partially based on deep learning. Additional collaborations are already in place with more than 10 other developers, across the European Union, working on more future applications. i-PRO AI-capable security cameras Open systems are an important part of Panasonics current approach. The companys i-PRO AI-capable cameras are an open platform and designed for third-party application development, therefore, applications can be built or tailored to the needs of an individual customer. Panasonic use to be a company that developed everything in-house, including all the analytics and applications. However, now we have turned around our strategy by making our i-PRO security cameras open to integrate applications and analytics from third-party companies, says Gerard Figols, Head of Security Solutions at Panasonic Business Europe. Flexible and adapting to specific customer needs This new approach allows the company to be more flexible and adaptable to customers needs. At the same time, we can be quicker and much more tailored to the market trend, said Gerard Figols. He adds, For example, in the retail space, enabling retailers to enhance the customer experience, in smart cities for traffic monitoring and smart parking, and by event organisers and transport hubs to monitor and ensure safety. Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems Edge-based analytics Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems. On one hand, there are monetary benefits - a cost reduction results from the decreased amount of more powerful hardware required on the server side to process the data, on top of reduction in the infrastructure costs, as not all the full video stream needs to be sent for analysis, we can work solely with the metadata. On the other hand, there are also advantages of flexibility, as well as reliability. Each camera can have its own individual analytic setup and in case of any issue on the communication or server side, the camera can keep running the analysis at the edge, thereby making sure the CCTV system is still fully operational. Most importantly, systems can keep the same high level of accuracy. Explosion of AI camera applications We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications" We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications, said Gerard Figols, adding However, it doesnt mean the hardware is not important anymore, as I believe its more important than ever. Working with poor picture quality or if the hardware is not reliable, and works 24/7, software cannot run or deliver the outcome it has been designed for. As hardware specialists, Figols believes that Panasonic seeks to focus on what they do best - Building long-lasting, open network cameras, which are capable of capturing the highest quality images that are required for the latest AI applications, while software developers can concentrate on bringing specialist applications to the market. Same as for smartphones, AI applications will proliferate based on market demand and succeed or fail, based on the value that they deliver. Facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line technologies Panasonic has been in the forefront in developing essential AI applications for CCTV, such as facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line. However, with the market developing so rapidly and the potential applications of AI-driven camera systems being so varied and widespread, Panasonic quickly realised that the future of their network cameras was going to be in open systems, which allow specialist developers and their customers to use their sector expertise to develop their own applications for specific vertical market applications, while using i-PRO hardware. Metadata for detection and recognition Regarding privacy, consider that the use of AI in cameras is about generating metadata for the detection and recognition of patterns, rather than identifying individual identities. However, there are legitimate privacy concerns, but I firmly believe that attitudes will change quickly when people see the incredible benefits that this technology can deliver, said Gerard Figols, adding I hope that we will be able to redefine our view of cameras and AI, not just as insurance, but as life advancing and enhancing. i-PRO AI Privacy Guard One of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard Seeking to understand and appreciate privacy concerns, one of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard that generates data without capturing individual identities, following European privacy regulations that are among the strictest in the world. Gerard Fogils said, The combination of artificial intelligence and the latest generation open camera technology will change the worlds perceptions from Big Brother to Big Benefits. New applications will emerge as the existing generation of cameras is updated to the new open and intelligent next generation devices, and the existing role of the security camera will also continue. Future scope of AI and cameras He adds, Not just relying on the security cameras for evidence when things have gone wrong, end users will increasingly be able to use AI and the cameras with much higher accuracy to prevent false alarms and in a proactive way to prevent incidents." Gerard Figols concludes, That could be monitoring and alerting when health and safety guidelines are being breached or spotting and flagging patterns of suspicious behaviour before incidents occur.

Honeytrap: Minister slams Nath 26 May 2021 | 11:58 PM Bhopal, May 26 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra fired another sarcasm-laced salvo at the Congress by stating on Wednesday that Mr Kamal Nath  who adorns a responsible position such as Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly  ought to hand over the honeytrap case-related pen drive to the Special Investigation Team inquiring into the matter. see more..

HP: Major glitches in online booking for Vaccination 26 May 2021 | 11:25 PM Shimla, May 26(UNI) Lakhs of youth in the state are toiling hard to register them for having vaccinations as the COWIN portal is having glitches while booking for the Vaccination. see more..

Kamal Naths condolences 26 May 2021 | 11:23 PM Bhopal, May 26 (UNI) Madhya Pradeshs erstwhile chief minister Kamal Nath expressed grief on Wednesday over the demise of Congress leader Surendra Singh who hailed from Dewas District.

I pray for peace to the departed soul and fortitude to the family for bearing this sorrow, the senior politician conveyed via social media. see more..

HP records 44 deaths, 1365 cases of COVID-19 26 May 2021 | 11:18 PM Shimla, May 26 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh recorded 44 deaths and 1365 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, a health bulletin said here on Wednesday. see more..
In the United States, Black, Latino and low-income communities have historically lacked nearby access to pharmacy services. To provide the first record of these "pharmacy deserts" in Los Angeles County, a University of California, Irvine study identified communities where the nearest pharmacy was at least one mile away.

Unlike previous studies, this one describes pharmacy deserts in terms of social determinants of health - such as owning a vehicle, crime rates and poverty - to determine which communities have the greatest need for pharmacy access. Published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, it is the first study to look at pharmacy deserts in the state of California.

"My goal is to bring these concepts together at the intersection of pharmacy practice, public health and social justice to reduce health disparities," said Cheryl Wisseh, a health sciences assistant clinical professor of clinical pharmacy practice at UCI and the study's first author.

The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles.

They found that some Los Angeles County areas lacking pharmacy access are characterized by denser populations, larger numbers of Latino and Black residents, less vehicle and home ownership, higher crime rates, and greater poverty.

"These social determinants of health compound the negative effects of pharmacy shortage through competing needs," Wisseh said. "For example, some residents living below the poverty line may choose to forgo picking up their medications so that they can pay for food, rent and other necessities."

A pharmacy shortage likely equates to fewer clinical pharmacy services, such as health screenings, vaccines and medication management, Wisseh added.

Since pharmacies are a large distributor of vaccines across the U.S., the COVID-19 pandemic makes access to pharmacists even more pressing.

As the COVID-19 vaccines start rolling out, pharmacists will be key to the rapid and equitable distribution and administration of doses, just as they have been with COVID-19 testing." Jan D. Hirsch, Founding Dean, UCI's School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences

Wisseh added that the communities within pharmacy deserts are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

"The same forces of structural inequity and systemic racism that contribute to the formation of Los Angeles pharmacy deserts contribute to the disproportionate test positivity, incidence and mortality rates of COVID-19 in racial and ethnic minorities," she said.

"Residents in Los Angeles County pharmacy deserts might benefit greatly from equitable, innovative, community-based interventions that increase access to medications, pharmacy services and pharmacists," the researchers wrote in the study. For instance, the county could add pharmacists to local clinics and other primary care settings to provide clinical services. In her own clinical practice, Wisseh works with county-led programs in South Los Angeles to improve pharmacy access for patients.

Wisseh plans to conduct a similar study on a larger scale - perhaps across California - to examine how pharmacy deserts contribute to whether minority communities take medications as prescribed and investigate disparities in available medications within pharmacies.


Taoiseach Micheal Martin has voiced his concern and dismay at events in Washington DC, where pro-Trump protestors stormed the Capitol building.

Mr Martin tweeted: The Irish people have a deep connection with the United States of America, built up over many generations.

The Irish people have a deep connection with the United States of America, built up over many generations. I know that many, like me, will be watching the scenes unfolding in Washington DC with great concern and dismay.    MicheAl Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 6, 2021

I know that many, like me, will be watching the scenes unfolding in Washington DC with great concern and dismay.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney called the protests an attempt to overturn a free and fair election.

Shocking & deeply sad scenes in Washington DC - we must call this out for what it is: a deliberate assault on Democracy by a sitting President & his supporters, attempting to overturn a free & fair election! The world is watching!

We hope for restoration of calm. pic.twitter.com/1OdQYEB35K  Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) January 6, 2021

He tweeted: Shocking & deeply sad scenes in Washington DC  we must call this out for what it is: a deliberate assault on Democracy by a sitting President & his supporters, attempting to overturn a free & fair election!

The world is watching! We hope for restoration of calm.

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New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda will launch a campaign "ek mutho chaal" (a handful of rice) in Bardhaman district in West Bengal on Saturday (January 9), sources informed.

The state is due for its Assembly elections by the middle of this year. JP Nadda will visit the residence of farmers and will take "anna daan" from them. After this, he will do a roadshow in the district. Sources further said the BJP plans to directly connect with the farmers of West Bengal through the "anna daan" programme.

The BJP leaders and workers will visit all the villages of West Bengal and will hold this programme. During the visit, JP Nadda will hold a "Krishak Suraksha Gram Sabha" at Katwa in Bardhaman. Farmers will take part in this programme where Nadda will speak with the farmers and will also inform about the initiative taken by the Union government in the last six years for the welfare of farmers, sources added.Sources further said in his two-day visit, Nadda will hold many public programmes as well as meet the party leaders to review the West Bengal poll preparation.

On January 30, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit West Bengal and apart from other programmes, he will address the Matua community in North 24 Parganas.West Bengal is going for election this year. The BJP is holding a number of Jan Jagaran (public awareness) programmes nationwide to reach out to farmers to weaken the narrative set by farmers` protest on the Delhi borders.
Uncertainty in the coronavirus pandemic and US politics have limited movement in the British Pound to US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate in recent sessions. Todays UK data was too mixed to help the Pound recover, as gloomy uncertainty persists and some investors continued to hold onto safe havens like the US Dollar. Upcoming US data could boost US Dollar demand if it impresses investors.

After opening this week at the level of 1.3676, GBP/USD briefly touched on a high of 1.3697. This was the best level for GBP/USD in two and a half years, since mid-2018.

However, GBP/USD has since spent most of the ween trending lower, as coronavirus pandemic uncertainty weighs on the Pound. At the time of writing, GBP/USD trends in the region of 1.3577.

GBP/USD has avoided falling to last weeks levels, as market sentiment is solid enough to limit demand for the safe haven US Dollar.

At the beginning of the week, the Pound was sold in reaction to Britain being placed under its third nationwide lockdown. As coronavirus infections continue to surge in Britain, there are concerns that this lockdown could last until March.

Since then, markets have been digesting Britains coronavirus situation. The latest UK data has done little to help improve Britains outlook.

Todays UK construction PMI data fell short of expectations. The PMI was expected to print at 55, but instead slipped slightly to 54.6.

While the figure still showed growth, analysts remained anxious about Britains gloomy outlook overall. According to Analysts at Goldman Sachs:

Our estimates suggest that the hit from the latest restrictions will be notably smaller than in April (as factories remain open and activity has become less sensitive to restrictions) but somewhat larger than in November (as schools are closed). The uncertainty around near-term activity is large, with risks skewed towards a larger Q1 contraction in light of the unpredictability of the new virus strain. But we maintain our view that UK activity will pick up strongly from the spring, as services activity is very depressed relative to pre-covid levels, the UK remains well-placed to benefit from the vaccine (despite a slow start to the roll-out) and fiscal policy stays supportive in 2021.

US Dollar (USD) Steady as Some Holding Onto Safe Havens amid US Chaos

The US Dollar is a currency often correlated with market safe haven demand. It is appealing in times of global uncertainty.

As a result, it has advanced this week as markets become anxious about the coronavirus pandemic continuing to hurt major economies in the coming months.

Anxiety about the coronavirus persists, and last nights US political chaos gave a slight extra boost to safe haven demand as well.

The halls of US Congress were breached and invaded by white supremacist rioters, causing concerns about a possible attempted coup. The mob was invited and encouraged by US President Donald Trump, as he continues to cite unfounded allegations of election fraud.

However, the situation was eventually calmed. This has meant that investors have been hesitant to keep buying the safe haven US Dollar.

Other factors are keeping markets optimistic as well. News that the US Democratic Party had taken control of the Senate after runoff elections earlier this week boosted market hopes for fiscal stimulus policy.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs said:

With control of the Senate by a narrow margin, Democrats are likely to pass further fiscal stimulus in the first quarter that we expect to total about $750bn, including $300bn in stimulus checks. However, discouraging news on the virus frontincluding the slow pace of vaccination and the emergence of more infectious virus strainssuggests that the spending boost from stimulus will be more lagged than usual.

GBP/USD Exchange Rate Forecast: Safe Haven Demand Could Limit Recovery

The Pound to US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate may be unlikely to fall much further on Pound weakness, unless there are new downside shocks in Britains coronavirus situation.

Indeed, GBP/USD could recover instead as markets calm on Britains situation and US political uncertainty.

If coronavirus and political optimism improves the overall market outlook, the safe haven US Dollar could slide again and GBP/USD could trend closer to its best levels again.

However, if US political uncertainty persists, or coronavirus situations worsen again, safe haven demand could persist. This could keep the US Dollar buoyed and limit GBP/USD gains.

Investors will be watching upcoming US data as well. US non-manufacturing PMI data is due this afternoon and key Non-Farm Payroll results are due tomorrow.

Stronger than expected US data could make it harder for the Pound to US Dollar exchange rate to advance to around its best levels again.
Despite the start of vaccinations, death from COVID-19 still haunts the Russian Orthodox clergy. Orthodox Church leaders are disappointed by the failure of many to respect health guidelines during Christmas services. Putin visited the church on Lipno Island, a place of great value in the country's Christian history.

Moscow (AsiaNews)  Today Russia celebrates the solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, 25 December in to the old Julian calendar.

In the middle of the second wave of COVID-19 and despite the vaccination campaign that began at the end of December, the Russian Orthodox Church continues to be beset by numerous deaths among its clergy.

On 5 December, Father Oleg Burlakov (pictured), a very active priest in the Diocese of Shakhtinsk, in the south of the country, died of the virus at the age of 59. Fr Oleg had become a priest at the age of 50 in 2011.

In 2020, the number of dead Orthodox priests and bishops tripled compared to a year before. Patriarch Kirill (Gundyayev) ordered all churches to celebrate Christmas liturgies only in the presence of a few faithful and upon invitation.

Which is what he did for the solemn night celebration at Moscows Cathedral of Christ Saviour, broadcast on the Russia 1 TV channel.

The patriarch has been in strict isolation since early October at his residence on the outskirts of Moscow, which he left only once on 31 December for the end-of-year service at Moscow cathedral.

In his Christmas message to the clergy and the faithful, Kirill said: Today, when the peoples of the earth are distressed by the difficult trial of the new disease, when men's hearts are troubled by fear and worries for the future, it is for us particularly important to strengthen community and personal prayer.

He stressed that no problem can destroy mans spirit, if he holds on the living faith and entrusts himself to God in everything, adding that no people has not been influenced by the birth of the Lord, as the visit by the Magi shows.

The Orthodox liturgy highlights the Nativity (the feast of Theophany, that is, the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, which takes place from 6 to 19 January).

In a television interview, the patriarch's top aide Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) said that he was disappointed by the fact that not all parishes observe the health and hygiene recommendations given by the patriarch and approved by the Holy Synod back in March.

He noted that during many of the services he attended, communion was dispensed without sanitising the spoon used with each communicant, as required.

Unfortunately, he explained, this is the reality of our Church, after all we are not in the army, where orders are given and everyone is obliged to carry them out.

Hilarion urged priests not to rely only on their own judgment and personal opinions, but to listen to their ecclesiastical superiors.

President Vladimir Putin came out of confinement to participate in the night Christmas liturgy in a provincial church on the island of Lipno, on Lake Ilmen (Novgorod region).

Entering the sacred place, the president lit a candle and kissed the icon of the festivity, contravening hygiene and health regulations. However, he respected guidelines by taking the communion with a sanitised spoon.

This is Putins second visit to this church, which is dedicated to St Nicholas. The first time took place in 2016 when he was accompanied by then Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

Lake Ilmen represents the beginnings of Russian Christian history, even before Kiev, in the early 10th century as the so-called Ilmenskaya Rus' of the Great North.

The church was built after the Mongol invasion in 1292 with frescoes from the 13th century. It was one of the main architectural models of the Novgorod school, playing a key role in the Christian revival of Russia after the Tatar yoke.

Destroyed by the Nazis in World War II, it was rebuilt by the Soviets in 1956 for its symbolic and patriotic value.

According to a Russian legend, one of those nannies () tell children, a fourth Magi from the Ilmen area travelled to Bethlehem; his Russian-Scandinavian name was Oleg.

However, he was late because he got lost in the taiga, and robbers stole the gift he intended to bring to the Child Jesus.

According to local lore, King Oleg is still wondering Russias endless forests, trying to find that gift, Russias soul, to give to the Saviour. (V.R.)
Former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin speaks while campaigning for U.S. Senate candidate Judge Roy Moore at the Historic Union Station Train Shed in Montgomery, Alabama, on Sept 21, 2017. (Reuters/Tami Chappell)

Sarah Palin: Stop Labeling Protestors Trump Supporters

Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska and vice presidential nominee, has called on the media to stop labeling protesters in Capitol Hill Trump supporters or Republicans.

Media: quit labeling DC protestors Conservatives, Republicans, Tea Partiers, Trump Supporters, etc LOOK IN TO WHO THESE PEOPLE ARE whod choose an apparent leaderless insane swarm to create a perception of condoned violence. KNOCK IT OFF, Palin wrote on Twitter, attaching a photo showing a group of people who smashed windows to breach the Capitol Building.

Some of those people wore red hats and held Trump flags. It is unclear at this point whether all of them are Trump supporters or not.

Media: quit labeling DC protestors Conservatives, Republicans, Tea Partiers, Trump Supporters, etc LOOK IN TO WHO THESE PEOPLE ARE whod choose an apparent leaderless insane swarm to create a perception of condoned violence. KNOCK IT OFF. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/yodPLOsraR  Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) January 6, 2021

And to any insincere, fake DC patriots used as PLANTSyou will be found out. Palin continued.

The group of protestors breached the Capital Building on Wednesday afternoon, where the joint session of Congress to county Electoral College votes was taking place. Police moved to escorted Representatives and Senators out of the chamber amid the breach as the session was adjourned. Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a citywide curfew from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. on Thursday.

CNN, NBC NEWS, Washington Post, and many other news outlets call the crowds in the Capitol Building a pro-Trump mob or Trump supporters.

Attorney Lin Wood, expressed doubt on Twitter and Parler, and indicated that those mobs might be Antifa members.

Palin called the general election a rigged election during a rally in Georgia last month, urging voters to vote for two Republican senators; David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, in the Senate runoff races on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers are condemning the violence and calling for peace.

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you! Trump wrote on Twitter. He later released a video clip, saying, We have to have peace. So go home, which has since been deleted by Twitter.

Thank you to Capitol Police for protecting the Peoples House. Protesters have a Constitutionally-protected right to be heard, but I urge them to remain peaceful, House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said on Twitter.

America is so much better than what were seeing today, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said on the social media platform.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement that, at Trumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
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The Republican bid to overturn President-elect Joe Biden's victory ended early Thursday morning after the Senate voted 92-7 to dismiss a challenge to Pennsylvania's Electoral College vote.

The vote ended a nearly 12-hour saga that saw supporters of President Donald Trump mobbing the U.S. Capitol, in a violent incident that left four dead.

Senators had returned to their chamber to debate an objection sponsored by Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley after midnight.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who told GOP senators not to engage in this effort to begin with, skipped two hours of permitted debate and went straight for a vote.

Hawley was joined by his co-accomplice, Sen. Ted Cruz, as well as Florida Sen. Rick Scott, Mississippi Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and newly minted Sens. Cynthia Lummis, Roger Marshall, and Tommy Tuberville.

The rest of the Senate voted the Pennsylvania challenge down.

Both houses have to vote in favor of a challenge for it to succeed.

The Democrat-controlled House is due to vote shortly on the Pennsylvania challenge, but the effort will fail there too.

Before Hawley threw the lawmakers back to their respective houses, Biden was on the precipice of the 270 Electoral College he needed: 244-157.

Republicans in the House and Senate had also challenged the votes in Arizona - which prompted two hours of debate, interrupted by the MAGA riot - and that objection was overwhelmingly overruled.

House Republicans also tried to challenge the results in Georgia, Michigan and Nevada, but didnt have Senate support.

Vice President Mike Pence reopened the Senate by condemning Wednesday's chaotic siege of Capitol Hill 'in the strongest possible terms' - but did not lay the blame on Trump for inciting the MAGA mob.

The Republican bid to overturn President-elect Joe Biden's victory ended early Thursday morning after the Senate voted 92-7 to dismiss a challenge to Pennsylvania's Electoral College vote

Vice President Mike Pence reopened the Senate condemning Wednesday's violent siege of Capitol Hill 'in the strongest possible terms' - but did not lay the blame on President Donald Trump for inciting the MAGA mob

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday

Protesters broke windows to gain access to the Capitol as lawmakers were whisked to safety on Wednesday afternoon

The protests escalated into violence as Trump supporters clashed with police on the grounds of the Capitol

'To those who wreaked havoc in our capitol today, you did not win,' Pence said. 'Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the people's house.'

The vice president, who is chairing the special Senate session, called it a 'dark day in the history of the United States Capitol.'

'But thanks to the swift efforts of the U.S. Capitol Police, federal, state and local law enforcement, the violence was quelled. The Capitol is secured and the people's work continues,' Pence said.

But astonishingly  and to the disgust of Republicans including Mitt Romney and every Democrat  some Republicans continued their doomed bid to overturn the election result.

The most senior was House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who claimed that persisting was proof that Congress was not cowed by violence. And Josh Hawley, the Missouri senator who gave a clenched fist salute to the mob before it stormed the Capitol, also refused to back down even as other senators who had planned to object abandoned the campaign.

'Americans go to bed tonight their lasting memory should not be a congress overrun by rioters. It must be a resolute Congress, conducting healthy debate,' McCarthy said.

'We may not disagree on a lot in America but tonight, we must show the world that we will respectfully, but thoroughly carry out the most basic duties of democracy, we will continue with the task that we have been sent here to do. We will follow the Constitution and the law and the process for hearing valid concerns about election integrity. We'll do it with respect.'

Sen. Josh Hawley, who was the first senator who pledged to back a House GOP effort to object to certain states' Electoral College vote counts, refused to abandon the effort entirely

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy claimed that persisting was proof that Congress was not cowed by violence

Sen Ted Cruz looks on as the certification proceedings continue despite objections by him and other Republicans

Sen. Hawley, who was the first senator who pledged to back a House GOP effort to object to certain states' Electoral College vote counts, refused to abandon the effort entirely.

The Missouri Republican argued that the Senate floor was the appropriate place to address any election fraud concerns - as opposed to a violent riot.

'Violence is not how you achieve change,' Hawley said. 'And that's why I submit to my colleagues that what we're doing here tonight is actually very important. Because of those who have concerns about the integrity of our elections ... this is the appropriate means, this is the lawful place, where those objections and concerns should be heard.'

Directly after Hawley spoke, Sen. Mitt Romney applauded those senators, like Loeffler and Lankford, who had abandoned Hawley and the 'dirty dozen's' effort

He said he hoped the Senate could address concerns 'peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets.'

Hawley then indicated that he might not file objections after the debate over Arizona was complete, bringing up the issues he had with Pennsylvania during his brief floor speech.

'And so Mr. President let me just say now, that briefly, in lieu of speaking about it later, a word about Pennsylvania - this is a state that I have been focused on, objected to,' Hawley said.

He then went on to complain that the state set-up 'universal mail-in balloting.'

'And did it irregardless of what the Pennsylvania Constitution says,' Hawley said, using the improper word for regardless.

The senator then objected to how the Pennsylvania Supreme Court made its decision, holding up the law that allowed for enhanced mail-in voting during the coronavirus pandemic.

Directly after Hawley spoke, Sen. Mitt Romney applauded those senators, like Loeffler and Lankford, who had abandoned Hawley and the 'dirty dozen's' effort.

'The best way we can show respect to the voters who are upset is by telling them the truth,' Romney implored.

And the truth, he said, was 'President-Elect Biden won the election. President Trump lost.'

'I've had that experience myself, it's no fun,' Romney said, a reference to losing the 2012 presidential election to Democratic President Barack Obama.

As he concluded, Romney was given a standing ovation by some senators  but not by Hawley, who was sitting directly in front of him.

McConnell, who earlier chastised members of his own party who planned to file objections to the Electoral College vote count, proclaimed, 'The United States Senate will not be intimidated.' Pence's condemnation was followed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, with Schumer - a New York Democrat - placing the blame squarely on Trump

Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on January 6

As 2 am neared, Rep Conor Lamb, a Pennsylvania Democrat who represents the Pittsburgh area, unloaded on the Republicans who objected to the vote from his state.

Lamb first read from the speech he had planned to give pre-riot, including that Allegheny County's vote-counting operation had '31 video cameras!' he said, raising his voice.

'These objections don't deserve an ounce of respect. Not an ounce,' he then said.

'A woman died out there tonight and you're making these objections,' Lamb went on. 'Let's be clear about what happened in this chamber today: invaders came in for the first time since the War of 1812.'

Lamb nodded over in the direction of a group of his Republican colleagues.

'We know that that attack today, it didn't materialize out of nowhere. It was inspired by lies, the same lies you're hearing in this room tonight, and the members who are repeating those lies should be ashamed of themselves,' Lamb said. 'Their constituents should be ashamed of them.'

Rep. Morgan Griffith shouted to have Lamb's comments struck from the record.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gaveled his request down, later explaining that he wasn't quick enough, saying it needed to happen 'exactly when the words are spoken.'

Nearby, a scuffle among lawmakers nearly broke out involving Rep. Andy Harris, a Maryland Republican, and Rep. Colin Allred, a Texas Democrat, according to Capitol Hill reporters.

Allred is a former professional football player.

As 2 am neared, Rep Conor Lamb (pictured), a Pennsylvania Democrat who represents the Pittsburgh area, unloaded on the Republicans who objected to the vote from his state

Speaker Nancy Pelosi reopened the House of Representatives Wednesday night with a vow to stay as long as it takes to certify the election and Joe Biden's victory.

'Congress has returned to the Capitol,' she said seven hours after the chamber was closed because rioters were trying to breach its doors. 'We always knew that this responsibility would take us into the night, and will stay as long as it takes. Our purpose will be accomplished. We must and we will show to the country.'

'We know that we're in difficult times, but little could we have imagined the assault, that was made on our democracy,' she said in reference to the pro-Trump insurgents who tried to stop the Joint Session.

She said it was the duty of lawmakers to show the world 'the peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next.'

Shortly before all House members were evacuated around 2.30pm, Capitol Police approached Pelosi, who was presiding over the chamber from the speaker's rostrum, telling her she had to leave.

Pelosi didn't make a fuss and turned over her duties to House Rules Chairman Jim McGovern.

He told reporters on Capitol Hill that she whispered 'thank you' and handed him the gavel as she was led away.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., presides over the House Chamber after they reconvened

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy will stand by President Trump and continue his party's objections to the certification of states won by Joe Biden in the electoral college.

Some Republican senators backed down from the original plan to object after pro-Trump insurgents rushed the Capitol.

But McCarthy said it was lawmakers' duty to conduct 'healthy debate' and to hear 'valid concerns about election integrity.'

WHO'S STILL IN TRUMP'S CAMP? Josh Hawley Kevin McCarthy Ted Cruz Matt Gaetz Louie Gohmert Paul Gosar Jim Jordan Ronny Jackson Tommy Tuberville Marjorie Taylor Greene Advertisement

'When Americans go to bed tonight their lasting memory should not be a Congress overrun by rioters. It must be a resolute Congress, conducting healthy debate. We may not disagree on a lot in America but tonight, we must show the world that we will respectfully, but thoroughly carry out the most basic duties of democracy, we will continue with the task that we have been sent here to do. We will follow the Constitution and the law and the process for hearing valid concerns about election integrity. We'll do it with respect,' he said on the House floor after the chamber reopened.

But he also condemned the rioters.

'We saw the worst of America this afternoon,' he said.

McCarthy also warned lawmakers to think twice about what they post on social media. Posts by Republicans, including President Trump, falsely stating the election was rigged and fraudulent were believed to have contributed to inciting the mob that ran sacked the Capitol.

'We also should think for a moment about what do we put on social media,' he said. 'Just because you have a personal opinion different than mine, you have a right to say it, but nobody has a right to become a mob. And we all should stand united to condemning them all together.'

Pence's condemnation was followed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, with Schumer - a New York Democrat - placing the blame squarely on Trump.

'Today's events would certainly not have happened without him,' Schumer said.

McConnell, who earlier chastised members of his own party who planned to file objections to the Electoral College vote count, proclaimed, 'The United States Senate will not be intimidated.'

'Will not be kept out of its chamber by thugs, mobs or threats. We will not bend for lawlessness or intimidation,' the Kentucky Republican said.

He said senators would discharge their Constitutional duty - to certify the results of the presidential race.

'And we're going to do it tonight,' McConnell said.

The Kentucky Republican proclaimed, 'Criminal behavior will never dominate the United States Congress.'

Schumer followed, admitting that he didn't quite have the words to describe what happened Wednesday on Capitol Hill.

'I have never lived through, or even imagined the experience like the one we have just witnessed in this Capitol,' he said. 'This temple to democracy was desecrated, its windows smashed, our offices vandalized.'

A protester sits in the Senate Chamber. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump

Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC

Lawmakers cower in fear as protesters try to break down the doors of the House Chamber on Wednesday

He spoke of the woman who was shot during the riots, who has since died of her injuries.

'We mourn her and feel for her friends and family,' Schumer said.

'This will be a stain on our country not so easily washed away,' he added.

And the soon-to-be majority leader, after Democrats were successful in both Georgia Senate run-off races, pointed a finger at Trump, calling the day's events the 'final terrible indelible legacy of the 45th president of the United States.'

'Undoubtedly our worst,' Schumer argued.

'Today's events did not happen spontaneously, the president who promoted conspiracy theories, who motivated these thugs, a president who exhorted them to come to our United States capitol, egged them on, who hardly ever discourages violence. This president deals a great deal of the blame,' Schumer said.

He said that those responsible for overtaking the capitol could not be called 'protesters.'

'These were rioters and insurrectionist goons and thugs, domestic terrorists,' Schumer said. 'They do not represent America

Senate Majority Leader spoke immediately after Pence to declare that the chamber would not be intimidated by 'thugs.'

McConnell found himself denouncing Trump's bid to overturn the election for the second time in a day, after earlier delivering a strong speech blasting the effort by members of his own caucus seeking to throw out electors in states that went for Joe Biden.

Wednesday night, after Trump supporters breached hallways that McConnell has walked for decades on 'unhinged' invaders  without mentioning that it was President Trump who encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol.

Nevertheless, he eviscerated the Trump backers who ran wild inside the chamber.

'The United States Senate will not be intimidated. We will not be kept out of this chamber by thugs, mobs or threats. We will not bow to lawlessness or intimidation,' vowed McConnell.

'We are back at our post. We will discharge our duty under the Constitution and for our nation.

And we're going to do it tonight,' said McConnell.

The Kentucky Republican proclaimed, 'Criminal behavior will never dominate the United States Congress.' Schumer followed, admitting that he didn't quite have the words to describe what happened Wednesday on Capitol Hill

Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of the president's top allies in the Senate, threw water on the objectors' efforts recalling how in 1876 three southern states - South Carolina, Louisiana and Florida - sent two slates of electors to Congress, in a bid to end Reconstruction after the Civil War

His words were both strengthened and undercut by his close association with Trump's tenure: McConnell's wife Elaine Chao serves as Trump's Transportation secretary. McConnell spent weeks without denouncing Trump's unsubstantiated claims the election was rigged. And it was in partnership with Trump that he achieved his life's goal of stacking the judiciary with conservative jurists.

He spoke with contempt towards the mob who invaded the Capitol, saying the country had 'faced down much greater threats than the unhinged crowd we saw today.'

Among Republicans bailing on the plan to contest the results was Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, known as an institutionalist before he signed onto the effort by Sen. Ted Cruz

'We've never been deterred before and we'll be not deterred today. They tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed,' he intoned.

He called it a 'failed insurrection' and said it 'only underscores how crucial the task before us is for our republic.'

'Now we're going to finish exactly what we started,' said McConnell. 'We'll complete the process in the right way: by the book.'

He said the Senate would follow its precedents and laws and Constitution 'to the letter.'

'And we will certify the winner of the 2020 presidential election,' he said forcefully. 'Criminal behavior will never dominate the United States Congress. This institution is resilient. Our democratic republic is strong. The American people deserve nothing less,' he said.

Among Republicans bailing on the plan to contest the results was Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, known as an institutionalist before he signed onto the effort by Sen. Ted Cruz.

'Why in god's name would someone think attacking law enforcement occupying United States Capitol is the best way to show that you're right? Why would you do that?' he asked.

'Rioters and thugs don't run the capitol we're the United States of America. We disagree on a lot of things and we have a lot of spirited debate in this room. But we talk it out and we honor each other.

Lankford had been on the Senate floor defending the opposition to votes in states Biden won when officials evacuated the chamber and locked down the Capitol.

'I was literally interrupted mid-sentence speaking here. Because we're all aware of what was happening right outside this room,' he said, praising law enforcement who protected the Capitol.

Georgia Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler, who lost her race in the early hours Wednesday to Democratic Rev. Raphael Warnock, announced that she would no longer be filing objections to Electoral College votes

He quickly bowed to the new reality.

'Obviously the commission that we've asked for is not going to happen at this point and I understand that and we're headed towards tonight towards the certification of Joe Biden to be the president of the United States,' he said. Cruz and his compatriots wanted a special commission to investigate electoral fraud claims tossed out of courts over a ten-day period.

'And we will work together in this body to be able to send peaceful example in the days ahead,' he concluded.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of the president's top allies in the Senate, threw water on the objectors' efforts recalling how in 1876 three southern states - South Carolina, Louisiana and Florida - sent two slates of electors to Congress, in a bid to end Reconstruction after the Civil War.

'It led to Jim Crow,' Graham said. 'If you're looking for historical guidance, this is not the one to pick.'

The South Carolina Republican also said that a forming a commission to look into fraud wouldn't change minds.

'Having a commission chosen by Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell and John Roberts is not going to get you to where you want to go, it ain't going to work,' Graham said. 'It's not going to do any good, it's going to delay and it gives credibility to a dark chapter of our history.'

Graham maintained Trump was a 'consequential president.'

'But today ... all I can say is count me out, enough is enough, I've tried to be helpful.'

Graham praised Pence, telling him: 'what they're asking you to do, you won't do, because you can't.'

Trump has pressured Pence to choose between Electoral College votes and 'alternate' slates of electors, which the vice president doesn't have the power to do.

Graham also mentioned how he had traveled the world with Biden, when they served together in the Senate.

'I prayed he would lose,' Graham said. 'He's the legitimate president of the United States.'

Georgia Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler, who lost her race in the early hours Wednesday to Democratic Rev. Raphael Warnock, announced that she would no longer be filing objections to Electoral College votes.

'When I arrived in Washington this morning, I fully intended to object to the certification of the electoral votes,' she said. 'However, the events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider and I cannot now, in good conscience, object.'

Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican, also announced that he no longer supported senators filing objections.

The newly minted Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, who had joined Sen. Ted Cruz's 'dirty dozen,' seemed to still back the effort in his debut floor speech.

'We must restore faith and confidence in one of our republic's most hallowed and patriotic duties: voting,' Marshall said.

Marshall said he backed the creation of an electoral commission to give states to constructive suggestions' going forward, due to the 'jarring irregularities' he claimed took place in the 2020 race.

It's unclear if Marshall would back additional challenges in states going forward, as the Senate's discussion was only focused on Electoral College votes in Arizona.

A woman was shot in the chest on Wednesday afternoon after chaotic scenes broke out when dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters at the Capitol. She died at a hospital hours later, law enforcement sources said

Police spray tear gas at a protester who picked up a police barricade in an effort to get closer to the Capitol

Members of congress run for cover as protesters try to enter the House Chamber

A protester walks through Congress carrying Nancy Pelosi's lectern after storming the Capitol

Republican Congressman Thomas Reed announced he is against the GOP objections to the certification, earning a round of applause from Democrats.

Reed walked to the Democratic side of the House to speak about his opposition, citing the day's violence in the Capitol as the reason.

'We settle our differences through elections,' he said, denouncing the 'mob rule' that took place earlier in the afternoon.

'What we see tonight in this body shall be what we do in America. And that is to transfer power in a peaceful way,' he said as Democrats gave him a standing ovation.

Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz, a top Trump ally on Capitol Hill, pushed a conspiracy theory that some of the mob that raided the Capitol were members of Antifa, who are opposed to fascism and other forms of extreme right-wing ideology. President Trump has tried to label Antifa as a terrorist group but they a political philosophy. There is no evidence they were involved in Wednesday's insurrection.

Gaetz cited the conservative newspaper The Washington Times when he spoke on the House floor to defend Republican objections to the electoral college votes in some states won by Biden.

'The Washington Times has just reported, some pretty compelling evidence from a facial recognition company, showing that some of the people who breached the Capitol today, were not Trump supporters, they were masquerading as Trump supporters, and in fact, we're members of the violet terrorist group Antifa,' he said as Democrats loudly booed him.

Gaetz, a frequent guest at Trump's Florida residence Mar-a-Lago, also defended the president, who was criticized by many, including members of the Republican Party, for his lackluster response to the riots.

'Another important point for the country is that this morning President Trump explicitly called for demonstrations and protests to be peaceful,' Gaetz said.

Trump, in tweets, did say the protesters should be peaceful but he didn't call for them to stand down and leave the Capitol.

Democrats booed Gaetz as he spoke, which he acknowledged: 'You can moan and groan but he was far more explicit about his calls for peace than some of the BLM and left wing writers were this summer, when we saw violence sweep across this nation.'

Gaetz also got in a dig at liberal Democrats, who have called to defund the police.

'I'm sure glad that at least for one day, I didn't hear my Democratic colleagues calling to defund the police,' he said as his Republican colleagues cheered.

Members of Congress are pictured rushing to evacuate the House Chamber as protesters attempted to enter

National Guard members line up on the Capitol grounds as protesters continue occupying the area after curfew

The mostly maskless crowd flooded the halls of the Capitol with little resistance from Capitol Police

The DC National Guard was deployed to the streets to help enforce a 6pm curfew

Trump - after remaining silent for much of the afternoon - posted a video telling his 'very special' supporters inside the Capitol that he loves them and understands their pain but urged them 'to go home'.

He had initially encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol after a rally earlier in the afternoon before asking them only to remain peaceful when violence broke out.

The Capitol was briefly secured before being placed on lockdown again at around 6.45pm due to an 'internal security threat' after an officer was reportedly found unconscious. Anyone inside a building at the Capitol complex was instructed to take cover in an office with doors locked.

But just before 8pm lawmakers who had been whisked to safety when the siege kicked off began arriving back at the Capitol to resume the Joint Session to certify the Electoral College count of the presidential election.

The lawmakers were seen flanked by armed guards as they made their way into the Capitol. A spokesperson for Vice President Mike Pence, who is residing over the Joint Session, said he was already in the building because he'd never left.

As the protesters broke down police barricades and stormed into the Capitol, lawmakers cowering inside the House Chamber were told to put on gas masks as tear gas was fired in the Rotunda. Officers at the front door of the chamber had their guns drawn at a protester trying to break down the door.

The Capitol was placed on lockdown again at around 6.45pm due to an 'internal security threat' after an officers was reportedly found unconscious. Anyone inside a building at the Capitol complex was instructed to take cover in an office with doors locked

For those fleeing, it was a race against time: Protesters were getting in as quickly as members of Congress could get out.

One protester occupied the Senate dais and yelled: 'Trump won that election'. Some protesters even occupied Pelosi's office, sitting mockingly at a desk.

The chaotic scenes unfolded soon after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters and urged them to march to the Capitol. The protesters organized via far-right social media sites, including Gab and Parler, telling each other the best routes to avoid police on their way to the Capitol.

After protesters started clashing with law enforcement, Trump tweeted to his supporters to 'stay peaceful'.

'Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!' the president wrote.

As the violence escalated, Trump tweeted: 'I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order - respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!'

He did not initially tell the protesters to leave.

Biden on Wednesday evening called for the restoration of 'simple decency' after the mob delayed Congress from certifying the results of November's election.

'At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault unlike anything we've seen in modern times,' Biden said. He called it 'an assault on the rule of law like few times we have ever seen it.'

'I call on this mob to pull back and allow democracy to go forward.

In an address that took less than 10 minutes and was televised against a split screen of the still-occupied Capitol building, Biden attempted to project calm and to say that a deeply divided country can still come together - while also expressing outrage.

He stopped short of accusing Trump of treason but said the events 'bordered on sedition'.

'At their best, the words of a president can inspire,' Biden added. 'At their worst they can incite.'

Minutes after Biden's address, Trump posted his own video telling his mob of supporters that he 'loves' them, but to 'go home'. In the same breath he also continued to peddle his baseless claims that the 'election was stolen'.

'There's never been a time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it away from all of us - from me, from you, from our country. This was a fraudulent election, but we can't play into the hands of these people,' he said.

'We have to have peace. So, go home. We love you. You're very special. You've seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace.'

The video was later removed by Facebook, Twitter and YouTube because it violated their policies.

The president then posted another tweet reiterating his false claim that the election was stolen and encouraging supporters to 'remember this day'. The tweet was perceived by some as an attempt to rile up the Capitol crowds.

'These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long,' he tweeted. 'Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!'

Twitter removed the tweet for violating its rules.

Mob smashes through police barriers and wall of tear gas to stop Biden's victory being certified: How Trump protesters turned Congress into a battlefield

Capitol Police used tear gas as hundreds of people were seen climbing the marble steps outside the building. They banged on the locked doors of the Capitol and smashed the glass in the doors.

Demonstrators fought with police and then forced their way into the building.

Asked how so many people were able to get in, officials said they were focusing their attention on keeping lawmakers inside safe.

'We love you. You are special.' Trump finally addresses Capitol mob HE unleashed and says 'Go home now. We have to have peace' Donald Trump told his mob of supporters that he 'loves' them, but to 'go home' after they rampaged past police barriers to storm the U.S. Capitol. But despite calling for his supporters to stand down, he continued to peddle the baseless claims that the 'election was stolen' in a video posted to Twitter Wednesday afternoon. 'There's never been a time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it away from all of us - from me, from you, from our country. This was a fraudulent election, but we can't play into the hands of these people. 'We have to have peace. So, go home. We love you. You're very special. You've seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace,' Trump said. It came hours after Trump stirred them into a frenzy at his 'Stop the Steal' rally, telling them to march on the U.S. Capitol. The president still has not conceded the election and earlier Wednesday addressed a crowd at the ellipse spouting conspiracy theories that he still had a path to win - if Vice President Mike Pence did his bidding, as well as if GOP lawmakers revolted. Pence did no such thing. The chaotic scenes unfolded soon after Trump addressed thousands of protesters and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol. After protesters started clashing with law enforcement following the Capitol breach, Trump tweeted to his supporters to 'stay peaceful' Advertisement

One video posted on TikTok appeared to show a group of about four officers standing by as protesters pushed past a barricade near the Capitol building.

The officers did not appear to try to block the stampede, instead walking with it toward the building.

One protester jumped up on the dais, where the president of the Senate presides, and yelled: 'Trump won that election.'

Several dozen protesters roamed the halls of the Capitol, yelling: 'Where are they?'

Tear gas was being used by Capitol Police as protesters filled both the House and Senate side of the Capitol.

Another protester in the Senate yelled: 'Where's Pence, show yourself!'

The chaos caused the Capitol to go on lockdown and disrupted the certification of the electoral college vote that would cement Biden's victory.

Mayor Bowser declared a 6pm curfew for the city and said multiple law enforcement agencies would be patrolling the streets. Just before the curfew went into effect she was asked multiple by times by CNN if curfew violators would be arrested, but she refused to give a clear answer.

Bowser said 'many' arrests had already been made but did not have a specific number.

As footage started coming out of Capitol Hill being breached by angry Trump supporters, Donald Trump Jr tried to quell the outburst with a tweet  that was critical of Democrats and liberals.

'This is wrong and not who we are. Be peaceful and use your 1st Amendment rights, but don't start acting like the other side,' Trump Jr. wrote. 'We have a country to save and this doesn't help anyone.'

Meanwhile, the president continued to direct his rage at Pence, who earlier announced he would not single-handedly overturn the election results from his position of the chair.

'Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!' the president tweeted.

The extraordinary breech was a departure from security mishaps of the past. Protesters have routinely disrupted televised hearings while in progress and even events inside the House chamber. But trained Capitol Police are usually able to arrest disruptors and remove them immediately. Often formal charges are never filed.

But in Wednesday's storming of the building, dozens of people made it by armed police officers and entered the building without going through any security set up to keep out those with weapons or dangerous items.

There were occasions after September 11th when the building was placed on lockdown and people were ordered to leave, but this usually happened when suspicious packages were discovered.

When the building is open, as it was before the pandemic, members of the general public are not allowed to walk unescorted on the second floor where lawmakers enter and exit the legislative chambers.

The protesters were aided by scaffolding constructed for the upcoming inauguration.

In another tense piece of video from inside, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) tweeted video of protesters repeatedly rushing Capitol Police officers in the crypt, in the ground floor part of the building under the rotunda.

'I like many people voted for President Trump in the 2020 election and hoped for a different result,' McCaul wrote. 'But violence and destruction is not the way to express your grievances. This is disgraceful and has to end.'

Trump supporters stand in the Capitol before storming the House Chamber on Wednesday afternoon

Leigh Ann Luck dressed up as Statue of Liberty shouts as supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather

A wall of Trump supporters are seen outside the Capitol before crowds breached barriers and stormed inside

Several windows inside the Capitol were shattered during Wednesday's chaos at the Capitol

Police deploy a stream of tear gas a protesters occupying the Capitol grounds on Wednesday

A woman is pushed into an ambulance near the Capitol on Wednesday evening

Trump's mob causes chaos nationwide: MAGA fans take to the streets in California, Oregon, New Mexico and Kansas and surround Georgia's Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's office

As the US Capitol was stormed, Trump supporters staged smaller rallies outside statehouses in several cities, including Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix and Salt Lake City.

Protesters swarmed into the Kansas statehouse in Topeka and gathered inside the first floor of the Capitol Rotunda, though the rally remained orderly, television station KSNT reported.

There were no immediate reports of violence, despite the flurry of demonstrations by pro-Trump demonstrators echoing his baseless claims that he was robbed of a re-election victory due to voter fraud.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said on Twitter that he had instructed city agencies to close municipal offices early in Colorado's state capital 'out of an abundance of caution' after about 700 demonstrators gathered at the statehouse downtown.

'My hope is that this situation will be resolved quickly. Pray for our nation,' he tweeted.

A major courthouse complex and two other government buildings in Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, were also ordered closed due to protests near the statehouse.

Among those whose daily routines were altered were aides to Georgia's secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, the Republican election official pressured by Trump in a weekend telephone call to 'find' enough additional votes for the president to overturn the November victory of President-elect Joe Biden, due to take office in two weeks.

Raffensperger's spokesman, Walter Jones, said staff left their offices after lunch out of an abundance of caution because of protests. He said Raffensperger was not in the office at the time.

In Salt Lake City, Dana Jones, director of the state Capitol Preservation Board, said she had asked building staff to work from home on Wednesday afternoon on the advice of the Utah Highway Patrol and public safety commissioner, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

The precaution was taken, the newspaper said, in response to a crowd of about 250 pro-Trump demonstrators who posted signs on the Capitol building that read: 'Stop the steal!' and 'Trump won!'

A Utah state police spokesman said security had been beefed up at the Capitol, though he said protesters there were 'very peaceful,' the Tribune reported. It said one of its photographers was pepper-sprayed by individuals upset that he was documenting their protest.

Several hundred Trump supporters also staged a 'Stop the Steal' rally at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix, cheering and jeering while exhibiting a guillotine.

MISSOURI: Armed men stand on the steps at the State Capitol after a rally in support of President Donald Trump

ATLANTA: The crowd consisted of around 25 people, some of whom were carrying assault rifles

LA: Christian Angelo Hill, 19, a Black Lives Matter supporter, reacts after being sprayed with an unknown substance during a rally held by U.S. President Donald Trump supporters

OREGON: Protesters hold a rally in support of U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem

TEXAS: Jack Finger, of San Antonio, protests the election with supporters of President Donald Trump Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Austin

ATLANTA: Georgia Capitol Police escorted Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger (above) and his staff out of the building shortly before 3pm

'I won't betray my oath': Pence publicly defies Trump's demand to block Biden's confirmation

Trump told thousands of supporters just outside the White House that he wanted Pence to 'come through' for us and demanded that he reject electoral votes out of hand over that the president claims is 'fraud.'

He threatened Pence saying 'I'm not hearing good stories' and telling him to have 'courage' to strike down swing states' votes  a move which would defy the constitution.

But minutes before arriving on Capitol Hill to preside over the joint session of Congress to certify the election's outcome, Pence bluntly told lawmakers that he would refuse to obey Trump's orders.

Pence sent a letter to the 535 senators and representatives on Capitol Hill ahead of his presiding over the Joint Session that will certify Joe Biden's victory.

In it, he outlined his belief in his role in the proceedings, which he notes is 'ceremonial' and adds that it doesn't include the authority to 'determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not.'

Trump has tried to put the blame on Pence for his expected loss on Wednesday but the president also lacks support among the majority of senators in his own party, which dooms his efforts for a congressional overthrow of the results.

Pence acknowledged Trump's allegations the election was rigged, of which there has been no proof and no court has upheld, in a likely peace offering to the president.

'I share the concerns of millions of Americans about the integrity of this election,' he wrote.

Images emerged shortly before of hundreds of protesters descending on the steps of the Capitol after rallying near the White House for President Donald Trump

A Capitol Police officer urged lawmakers to leave the building after top leaders were escorted out

Pence acknowledged Trump's allegations the election was rigged, which there has been no proof and no court has upheld, in a likely peace offering to the president

Members of the far-right group Proud Boys make 'OK' hand gestures indicating 'white power' during the chaos

Leigh Ann Luck dressed up as Statue of Liberty shouts as supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump protest

Tear gas was being used by Capitol Police as protesters filled both the House and Senate side of the Capitol

Capitol Police spray tear gas at Trump supporters as they try to break through a police barrier

In a letter Wednesday, Pence said, 'It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution contains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not'

But he noted as vice president he does not have the power from the constitution to decide which electoral votes are counted and which are not.

'As a student of history who loves the constitution and reveres its Framers, I do not believe that the Founds of our country intended to invest the vice president with unilateral authority to decide which electoral votes should be counted during the Joint Session of Congress and no Vice President in American history has ever asserted such authority,' Pence noted.

He added vice presidents in the past have conducted 'the proceedings in an orderly manner even where the count resulted in the defeat of their party or their own candidacy'.

'It is my considered judgement that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not,' he said.

He concluded his letter with a prayer to God: 'When the Joint Session of Congress convenes today, I will do my duty to see to it that we open the certificates of electors of the several states, we hear objections raised by Senators and Representatives, and we count the votes of the Electoral College for President and Vice President in a manner consistent with our Constitution, laws and history. So Help Me God.'

Pelosi reminded lawmakers that only 11 members from each party were allowed on the House floor at a time due to social distancing. She called out Republicans for having too many lawmakers on the floor

'The law says voter registration ends on October 5. Democrats said we don't care what the law says they went to a court got an Obama appointed judge to extend in 18 days,' Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, a top Trump ally on Capitol Hill, complained of Arizona

Speaker Nancy Pelosi presided over the debate. She sanitized the gavel before she used it. Pence had used it when he presided over the Joint Session

REPUBLICANS OBJECT TO ARIZONA'S VOTES

When the certification process got underway shortly after 1pm Wednesday, lawmakers got through Alabama and Alaska, two states that went for Trump, before the first objection was filed for Arizona.

Rep. Paul Gosar, an Arizona Republican, objected to his state's Electoral College votes going to Biden and Harris. He confirmed that his objection had been signed on to by a US senator.

Democrats in the chamber audibly groaned while droves of Republicans in the chamber stood up and clapped.

The move forced Pence to order the houses out of Joint Session. The senators in the House chamber started moving back toward their side of the US Capitol.

On the House side, during their debate on the Arizona objection, Republican lawmakers used their time to complain about the treatment of the president, particularly the impeachment process and special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.

They did not offer any proof of voter fraud but complained that voter laws were changed ahead of the November contest, which is not illegal.

'The law says voter registration ends on October 5. Democrats said we don't care what the law says they went to a court got an Obama appointed judge to extend in 18 days,' Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, a top Trump ally on Capitol Hill, complained of Arizona.

Many states had their voter registration deadlines extended because of the coronavirus pandemic  the extension applied to voters of both parties. Other states extended the time period allowing mail-in voting, again because of the pandemic and it applied to all voters.

Democrats argued the election was legally conducted.

'Under some of the most trying circumstances in our history, our fellow citizens conducted a free and fair election vindicating our founders belief once again that we were capable of self government, and a peaceful transition of power,' Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff said.

Speaker Pelosi presided over the debate. She sanitized the gavel before she used it. Pence had used it when he presided over the Joint Session.

Pelosi also reminded lawmakers that only 11 members from each party were allowed on the House floor at a time due to social distancing. She called out Republicans for having too many lawmakers on the floor.

MITCH MCCONNELL SLAMS ELECTION 'CONSPIRACY THEORIES'

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell shamed Trump and his own Republican colleagues for mounting challenges to the Electoral College vote count, saying their doing so could lead to a 'death spiral' of American democracy  and pointing out there's no real evidence of widespread voter fraud.

'We're debating a step that has never been taken in American history, whether Congress should overrule the voters and overturn a presidential election,' he said on the Senate floor, after Rep Gosar and a batch of GOP senators, including Sen Ted Cruz, objected to Arizona's Electoral College vote count.

McConnell ridiculed Trump's claims of widespread voter fraud in a five-minute speech, which will be one of his last as majority leader, and which he said was about the most important vote of his career.

'The assertions range from specific, local allegations to Constitutional arguments to sweeping conspiracy theories,' McConnell said.

He reminded senators that he was supportive of Trump using the country's legal system, which handed the president and his team loss after loss. And pointed out that these cases were heard by some of the 'all-star judges whom the president himself nominated' - including on the U.S. Supreme Court.

McConnell said that every election is plagued by some instances of vote irregularity. 'And of course that's unacceptable,' he said.

McConnell ridiculed President Donald Trump's claims of widespread voter fraud in a five-minute speech which will be one of his last as majority leader  and which he said was about the most important vote of his career

The top Senate Republican also said he supported 'strong state-led voting reforms,' adding that he didn't wan tto see 'last year's bizarre pandemic procedures' - like mail-in ballots that gave Democrats an edge - 'become the new norm.'

'But my colleagues nothing before us proves illegality anywhere near the massive scale, the massive scale that would have tipped the entire election,' McConnell argued. 'Nor can public doubt alone justify a radical break, when the doubt itself was incited without any evidence.'

He pointed out that the Constitution gives Congress a 'limited role.'

'We simply can't declare ourselves a national board of elections on steroids,' McConnell said.

Twisting the knife into Trump, McConnell also pointed out that the race between Biden and Trump 'was not unusually close.'

'The Electoral College margin was almost identical to what it was in 2016,' McConnell pointed out.

'If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side our democracy would enter a death spiral,' McConnell warned. 'We'd never see a whole nation accept an election again.'

'Every four years there would be a scramble for power at any cost,' he added.

TRUMP'S STOP THE STEAL RALLY

This came after Trump excoriated 'weak' Republicans and demanded fealty from Pence to a rally crowd near the White House on Wednesday, where he demanded Pence and Congress overturn the election results that lead to his defeat.

In an extraordinary speech, Trump once again called his election 'rigged' just minutes before a joint meeting of Congress was to begin counting the certified electoral votes that have him losing to Joe Biden.

Trump referred to votes that came in after 10pm election night  which consisted of in-person and mail-in ballots and denied him the lead he said he and his pollsters anticipated  as 'these explosions of bullsh*t.'

Members of the crowd immediately chanted 'Bullshi*t!' in response.

'Our election was over at 10 in the evening,' Trump said.

Trump mocked his party's 2012 Republican presidential nominee, now-Sen. Mitt Romney, for conceded his own race back then.

'We will never concede. It doesn't happen,' he said  although losing candidates have conceded for generations. 'There's never been anything like this. It's a pure theft.'

Trump's comments amounted to a declaration of war on elements of his party, after his lawyer Rudy Giuliani demanded 'trial by combat' against opponents of his claims of election fraud.

Trump spoke to a crowd of several thousand  but referred to them as consisting of 'hundreds of thousands' of supporters fathered on a lawn south of the White House that doesn't hold that many.

He said his election was 'stolen by the fake news media. That's what they've done and that's what they're doing.'

Trump addressed his thousands of his supporters near the White House Wednesday at his 'Save America' rally and declared war on his own party, calling Republicans who opposed him 'weak'

Hours after a humiliating defeat in one Georgia Senate race and the prospect of losing another, Team Trump showed no sign of conceding

A stand was being erected at the base of the US Capitol as a pro-Trump supporter holds a flag, hours before Congress meets to certify the electoral college vote for Biden

A crowd of Trump supporters started gathering outside of the White House for a rally on Wednesday

He urged his supporters to march down to the Congress, which was to commence the count at 1 pm.

'We're going to walk down to the Capitol and we're going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women,' he said, speaking from behind a pane of bullet-proof material.

He turned up the heat on Pence, a potential 2024 contender who will preside over the count. His role is set in the Constitution and the Electoral Count Act, and is largely ceremonial.

'Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us, and if he doesn't that will be a sad day for our country because you're sworn to uphold our Constitution,' he said.

Trump acknowledged that he has tried to pressure Pence into rejecting votes from states he lost, quoting from a conversation he has denied happened.

'All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to re-certify and we become president and you are the happiest people,' he told his fans, who cheered 'Stop the Steal!' at times.

'I said Mike, that doesn't take courage. What takes courage is to do nothing. That takes courage. And then we're stuck with a president who lost the election by a lot and we have to live with that,' he said of Biden.
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LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)  The man who sold an AR-15-style rifle used in a 2019 mass shooting that killed seven people in Odessa was sentenced Thursday to two years in federal prison, prosecutors said.

Marcus Anthony Braziel, 45, of Lubbock pleaded guilty in October to unlicensed firearms dealing and concealing the proceeds from weapons sales from the IRS.


New Delhi, Jan 7 : The much-anticipated inoculation programme against Covid-19 in the country is expected to begin by January 12, government sources told IANS.

"In all likelihood, the Covid immunisation drive is expected to start early next week. Considering the preparations, the roll-out may start on January 11 or latest by January 12," a senior government official inducted in the vaccine distribution programme said.

The sources also informed that the government has started preparing the freight carrying the vaccine vials for transportation to different hubs located across the country. The agencies involved in the vaccine roll-out programme will start dispatching the vaccine vials from Thursday onwards, they added.

"The dispatch is expected to start late on Thursday evening or early in the day on Friday," the officials said.

As per the information received, the vaccines from their manufacturing units will be transported to the central hub in Pune. From there, they will be moved to regional hubs situated at different locations across the country.

IANS was told that Karnal in Haryana and Delhi will serve as regional hubs for the storage and roll-out of the vaccines in the northern part of the country. Chennai and Hyderabad will serve as regional hubs for the distribution of vaccines in southern India. For the eastern part, Kolkata is designated as the distribution point, while the distribution in the western region of the country will be covered by the central hub only.

However, no official announcement has been made by the government yet apart from the official statement that the immunisation drive will start within 10 days from the date of approval of the vaccines. The vaccines -- Covaxin by Bharat Biotech and Covishield by Serum Institute of India -- were approved for emergency use authorisation on January 3.

Meanwhile, Suneela Garg, public health expert and professor of excellence at the Maulana Azad Medical College, who is also a key member of the task force handling vaccination in Delhi, said that the government should start the immunisation drive by January 12 as the preliminaries have been finalised.

"All the arrangements for the roll-out have been made and the scheduled dry run would confirm the preparations. The vaccine doses are ready to be dispatched. After the dry run, there would be no reason to delay the roll-out. The government should start immunisation by January 12," she added.

The second nationwide dry run for Covid vaccine is set to be conducted across 33 states and Union Territories on Friday. The mock drill will be conducted in all the districts of the country, except for Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, since the former has already conducted dry run on January 5 while the latter conducted it on Thursday.

The first dummy drive was held on January 2 where only five districts had taken place.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan met the health ministers of states and Union Territories on Thursday and guided them on conducting the dry run.

The government has trained around 1.7 lakh vaccinators and 3 lakh vaccination team members for the process to be followed at the vaccination centres during the inoculation drive, which would include beneficiary verification, vaccination, cold chain and logistics management, bio-medical waste management, Adverse Effect Following Immunisation (AEFI) management and reporting on the Co-WIN software.
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Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701)

Today

Showers with the chance of some thunder this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers with the chance of some thunder this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%.
Congress is resuming its joint session after a dramatic and unprecedented day saw a mob of violent protesters storm the U.S. Capitol building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reopened the proceeding in the Senate at 8 p.m. The Senate originally suspended its deliberations after chanting protesters gained entry to the Capitol, prompting police to lock down the building. Thousands of pro-Trump protesters rallied in the nation's capital, answering appeals by Trump himself, who addressed supporters gathered outside the White House.

Earlier in the day, McConnell urged fellow Republicans to abandon their effort to overrule President-elect Joe Biden's election triumph, directly rebuking defeated President Donald Trump and asserting that the GOP drive threatened the country's democratic foundations.

The voters, the courts and the states have all spoken, said McConnell, R-Ky., as the Senate debated a challenge by a handful of GOP lawmakers to the 11 electoral votes that Arizona cast for Biden. They've all spoken. If we overrule them, it would damage our republic forever.

The showdown came on one of the most convulsive days in the country's recent political history.



Follow along below for updates:

2:00 a.m.

A small group of House lawmakers came close to physically fighting early Thursday morning as the congressional count of electoral votes stretched into the wee hours and a Pennsylvania Democrat charged that Republicans had been telling lies about his states votes.

Rep. Morgan Griffiths, R-Va., objected after Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said a breach of the Capitol by an angry mob earlier in the day was inspired by lies, the same lies you are hearing in this room tonight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shot down the objection, but a few minutes later Republicans and Democrats streamed to the middle aisle, with around a dozen lawmakers getting close to each other and arguing. But the group quickly broke up when Pelosi called for order on the floor.

President Donald Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in Pennsylvania and other states and Republicans have echoed those claims as they have challenged electoral votes.

12:45 a.m.

The Senate has quickly knocked down Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral votes for President-elect Joe Biden.



Senators voted 92-7 after midnight Thursday morning to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he believed no other states votes would be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

12:15 a.m.

Members of Congress objected to validating the electoral votes of Pennsylvania, even though several other states with objections failed to draw a senator's support, preventing them from gaining traction.

Both the House and Senate are going to their chambers to debate the measure.

12:10 a.m.

Objections to counting electoral votes for the states of Georgia and Michigan have been withdrawn.

The developments happened after violence struck the Capitol, causing Congress to reverse on its course.

The measures needed both a member of the House and the Senate to sign off on them before they could be debated.

The lack of a senator to join in the measure failed to occur for electoral votes for Nevada, too.

The unsuccessful objections drew applause from members of Congress.

11:11 p.m.

The House has voted overwhelmingly to reject an objection to President-elect Joe Bidens win in Arizona, joining the Senate in upholding the results of the election there.



The objection failed 303-121 on Wednesday night, with only Republicans voting in support.

Now that Arizona is out of the way, Congress will reconvene as the joint session and make its way through the rest of the states that have objections.



10:12 p.m.

The Senate has overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.



The objection to the results in Arizona  spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz  was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

The Republicans raised the objection based on false claims pushed by President Donald Trump and others of issues with the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials.

10:10 p.m.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says a commission to examine the 2020 election is not a proper next step and affirmed that Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, called it a uniquely bad idea to delay this election, referencing the commission idea proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Graham says, Count me out. Enough is enough.

Graham said that if youre a conservative, the idea that Vice President Mike Pence could reverse the results of the election, as President Donald Trump had urged him to do, was the most offensive concept in the world.



9:45 p.m.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trump's, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

9:39 p.m.

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, reflected back on the 2004 election, saying he again had the same sentiment  that Congress must not thwart the will of the American people.

He questioned what the basis would be for challenging the 2020 result then also noted he voted for President Donald Trump.

Portman said not one state found widespread fraud that would overturn the result of the election.



9:20 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

9 p.m.



Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trump's false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

8:50 p.m.



U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of Georgia, is withdrawing her objection to the Electoral College following the violent events that transpired in the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. Loeffler, who was projected to lose her Senate seat to Raphael Warnock, had previously campaigned on her position of objecting the election results.

"When I arrived in Washington this morning, I fully intended to object to the certification of the electoral votes," Loeffler said. "However, the events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider and I cannot now, in good conscience, object."



8:35 p.m.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.

Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.



8:25 p.m.



U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, says the Senate will set a peaceful example and move toward the certification of the election result, showing Joe Biden will become the next president. Lankford was among the group of senators who vowed to reject the Electoral College tallies unless Congress launched a commission to audit the election results.



8 p.m.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.



Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.
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Many stories are now coming out as the Covid-19 vaccine reaches people. Here are some sting-in-the-arm stories to start the New Year of battling the virus.

What It's Like and Everything You Need To Know

New Year's Eve was when Eric Mack, 41, who had a low risk of getting infected, got his first COVID-19 vaccine dose at Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, New Mexico. He felt a definite bodily impulse to curl up, doze off, and used up the last hours of a historic and dreadful year sleepily sitting on his couch, feeling thankful for the technology and determined scientists and researchers.

He usually melts around needles, but the vaccine shot brought the least pain and worry from the mean end of a syringe. Circulating now in his bloodstream was the vaccine in record time developed using brand new technologies. Before, vaccines need several years to reach the public, months after the pandemic started. The Pfizer vaccine was only approved on Dec. 11, and a week later, the Moderna vaccine.

On his first day, there was a little soreness around the injection area, but he experienced and reported no side effects in the next four days. On the morning of day five, he had a headache, and a wave of nausea kept him in bed, but he takes it more like dehydration from the previous evening hike.

The only two currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use in the US, from Pfizer and Moderna, use synthetic messenger RNA, or mRNA. It is a carrier of SARS-CoV-2 virus genetic code molecule that stimulates the building up of immune systems defenses against the virus without the actual danger of being exposed to it.

He remembers his chance to move in front of the vaccine line came as disbelief. He registered to get the shot on the New Mexico Department of Health website on Dec. 29. It looked like he would have to wait some months before his turn to get a jab. The following day, he got a group message from the local search and rescue group leader he was volunteering for. It turned out that his group's trained and mission-ready fellows were qualified to be given the serum right away together with first responders.

After the shot, he was told to download the CDC smartphone app and followed the instructions to track and report any or lacking side effects over the next coming days.

Kristen, a nursing researcher, completed her required two dosages as a participant. Her second shot was smoother and faster, though she was disheartened that there was another nasopharyngeal swab test. She received the injection, and her arm quickly became painful at the shot, much more than the first time. By the end of the day, she felt light-headed, chilled, seasick, and had a splitting headache, so she went to bed early. Around midnight, she woke up more heated at 99.4 F (37.4 C) and chilled, nauseous, dizzy, and barely able to lift her arm from muscle pain at the injection site. She tossed and turned and slept little for the rest of the night.

When she woke up at 5:30 am, she felt Burning at 104.9 F (40.5 C), the highest fever she can ever remember having, which scared her. So, when the research office opened, by then, her rage came down to 102.0 F (38.9 C), she called to report her reaction to the injection. The research nurse told her "A lot of people have reactions after the second injection. Keep monitoring your symptoms and call us if anything changes." For the rest of the day, her fever drifted around 99.5 F (37.5 C), but the next morning, all my symptoms were gone except a sore, swollen bump at the injection site.

The bottom line is during the first and second shots; both of them felt fine and the side effects are manageable.

READ MORE:

New UK COVID-19 Mutation Detected in Colorado, Severity of Contagiousness not Determined

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[Follow our live news coverage on the protests at the Capitol and across the country.]

Several Trump administration officials have announced that they are resigning after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, temporarily disrupting Congress as it was certifying Joseph R. Biden Jr.s Electoral College victory.

The officials included those in prominent positions in the White House, and staff members who have been working in the Trump administration since the beginning of the presidents term, in 2017. Some of the resignations came hours after President Trump openly encouraged his supporters to go to the Capitol to protest what he has falsely claimed was a stolen election. The moves are being made with less than two weeks remaining in Mr. Trumps term.

Here is a list of the administration officials who have resigned.

Education secretary

Betsy DeVos

Ms. DeVos, the education secretary, submitted a letter of resignation to President Trump on Thursday, saying she would step down on Friday.

In the letter, Ms. DeVos called the mob that disrupted Congress as it was certifying the election results on Wednesday unconscionable for our country.
Hi Neighbor,

I wonder what my neighbors are thinking today. The 123,300 Staten Islanders who cast their votes to keep Donald J. Trump in the White House another four years.

The neighbors who proudly, and now definitely, wave Trump flags. Who chanted Four More Years at a South Shore rally in the midst of a raging pandemic a few months ago. The ones who believed Trump when day-after-day he spewed that the 2020 election was stolen  without offering a shred of proof.

And now, he says, the Georgia Senate races were rigged, too.

The disgusting fiasco at the United States Capitol yesterday, and the rally that preceded it, tells you everything you need to know about Donald J. Trump.

The man has no morals. He says he loves America and what it stands for. Donald J. Trump loves only a warped version of his America. The America that is in total lockstep with him and his delusional beliefs. Not the America that has offered a place for the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

Not the America of the 80 million people -- 90,997 right here on Staten Island -- who placed their trust in Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Step out of line with Donald J. Trump and youre the enemy.

Instead of ordering his blind followers to back off the Capitol Building, Trump tweeted this as his mob was climbing through its broken windows and rifling through congressional offices while his newest enemy  Pence  was hustled to safe quarters:

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth! Trump tweeted.

Imagine, just imagine, if the mindless, wild mob found Pence.

42 Photos: U.S. Capitol on lockdown as Trump supporters flood Washington, D.C.

Make no mistake. Donald J. Trump is responsible for what happened yesterday. He is responsible for unleashing the ugly underbelly of America. Its mob mentality.

He laid the groundwork even as he campaigned for the presidency five years ago, with his hate-filled speech and mockery of anyone who challenged him.

He knew exactly what he was doing.

But since Election Day, Donald J. Trump has been desperately out of control, humiliating himself and the office with which he was entrusted by the American People four years ago. It culminated yesterday with an hour-long rant in his usual rambling style that often makes little sense.

We will not let them silence your voices. We will never give up. We will never concede, he told thousands already primed for a fight at a Save America Rally outside the White House, just before Senate and House members met to certify Joe Bidens presidency.

We fight like hell. And if you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore, he thundered. Were going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue -- I love Pennsylvania Avenue -- and were going to the Capitol and were going to try and give Republicans the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country. So lets walk down Pennsylvania Avenue.

And so they did. Without him.

A woman was shot dead. Explosives were found on the grounds. Elected representatives, Democrats and Republicans, hid behind desks and chairs. They huddled and prayed.

The global symbol of freedom, the Capitol Building of the United States of America, was under siege. A coup attempt by armed citizens of our very own country.

Donald J. Trump has unleashed an America where some Americans now fear a civil war.

Yesterday was the first real step in that direction.

Because Donald J. Trump is not going away. Eric Trump is not going away. Donald Jr. is not going away. Neither is Ivanka.

They might walk out of the White House Jan. 20 but be assured, they have their sights set on 2024. They will do all in their power to get back in power, along the way doing anything they can to undermine the presidency of Joe Biden, keeping their base in frenzy.

This is a country of laws. Laws that Donald J. Trump maintains he upholds. This is a country where the Constitution of the United States is sacred.

Donald J. Trump has spent four years trampling it.

Brian
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While several lawmakers withdrew plans to challenge electoral votes cast for Joe Biden after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, Rep. Yvette Herrell, R-N.M., was undeterred.

During her first speech on the House floor early Thursday, just after midnight, Herrell lodged her objection to the electoral vote from several states.

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And while some constituents are praising the Republican freshman lawmaker for keeping her word and fighting for President Donald Trump, one of her colleagues accused her and others challenging electoral votes of fueling the chaos that unfolded in the Capitol building.

Today, we witnessed the deadly consequences of President Trumps lies and the furthering of those lies by congressional Republicans who objected to the count, Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., said in a statement. The erosion of American democracy must be stopped and never allowed to happen again.

Herrells speech focused on the state of Pennsylvania, where Democratic Gov. Tom Wolfs administration and that states Supreme Court changed some election rules to assist voters during the pandemic without the legislatures approval. Objections to those changes have already been dismissed by courts after judges determined there was no evidence they affected the outcome or led to fraud, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The Constitution gives state legislators, not state executives or judges, the sole authority to determine how their state selects presidential electors, Herrell said in her speech. Nobody disputes that, in Pennsylvania, as well as in other states, rules and regulations were changed by executive fiat or judicial edict.

Specifically, Herrell said the state changed vote-by-mail deadlines and identity verification rules.

This objection is about Pennsylvania, but it affects every state. As a state representative of New Mexico, Pennsylvanias unconstitutional actions disenfranchised my constituents and the constituents of my colleagues, she said. It is my duty to give my constituents a voice. Signing these objections raises their concerns to the fullest extent of my office.

In an article Herrell wrote on the website Medium this week, she acknowledged that her objection wouldnt change the outcome of the election.

My hope is that elevating this debate to the highest and final level the Constitution provides for will result in a continued discussion of our electoral process, she wrote. Action must be taken to restore Americans faith in the fairness of our elections and the legitimacy of our institutions.

Despite the objections of Herrell and other lawmakers, Congress completed its official count of the electoral vote and certified Bidens victory.

Americas democracy has prevailed, Lujan said. Despite the efforts of insurrectionists who sought to destroy our democracy and attack our republic, Congress fulfilled its constitutional duty to count the Electoral College votes and defend the will of the American people.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 6, 2021) - Danavation Technologies Corp. (formerly Wolf's Den Capital Corp.) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that effective today, the Company has changed its name (the "Name Change") to Danavation Technologies Corp. in accordance with the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). The Board of Directors approved the name change on January 4, 2021 in accordance with the articles of the Company.

The Company also announces that it has consolidated its common shares (the "Common Shares") on the basis of thirty (30) pre-consolidation Common Shares for one (1) post-consolidation Common Share (the "Consolidation"). The Consolidation will reduce the number of outstanding Common Shares from 181,251,726 to approximately 6,041,725. No fractional Common Shares will be issued pursuant to the Consolidation. Any fractional interest in Common Shares that would have otherwise been issued will be rounded to the nearest whole number of Common Shares, with fractions equal to or greater than 0.5 rounded up and fractions less than 0.5 rounded down. The change in the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares that will result from the Consolidation will not materially affect any shareholder's percentage ownership in the Company.

Computershare Investor Services Inc. has been retained to mail letters of transmittal to shareholders providing instructions on exchanging pre-Consolidation share certificates for updated share certificates which reflect the corporate changes.

The Name Change and the Consolidation were effected in connection with the proposed business combination transaction (the "Transaction") of the Company pursuant to the terms and conditions of a share exchange agreement dated March 30, 2020, as amended (the "Share Exchange Agreement"), between the Company, Danavation Technologies Inc. ("Danavation") and the shareholders of Danavation (the "Danavation Shareholders"). The Transaction will constitute a "Reverse Takeover" of the Company by Danavation and the Danavation Shareholders.

In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that the Common Shares have been conditionally approved for listing (the "Listing") on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") under the symbol "DVN". The Listing remains subject to satisfaction of all conditions precedent set out in the Share Exchange Agreement as well as the receipt of final approval by the CSE and fulfilment of all of the requirements of the CSE in order to obtain such approval, including, among other things, submission and acceptance of all documents requested by the CSE in its conditional acceptance letter and payment of all outstanding fees to the CSE.

The Company will provide further details of the Transaction and the Listing in a subsequent news release.

About Danavation Technologies Corp.

The Company does not currently have any commercial operations. The Company has been carrying out a review of its strategic alternatives and potential investments diversified industries, which review has led to the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement.

For further information please contact:

Richard Buzbuzian, President and CEO

Danavation Technologies Corp.

700, 595 Burrard Street

Vancouver, BC V7X 1S8

Phone: (647) 501-3290

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the conditions to converting the Subscription Receipts, use of proceeds of the Offering, the completion of the share exchange transaction and other matters. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. As a result, there can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. The forward-looking statements in this press release include the information related to the Company's intentions regarding the completion of the share exchange transaction, the timing for listing of the Company's securities on the Canadian Securities Exchange, and other matters. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to continue operations if the transaction is not completed, the Company's ability to raise further capital, the Company's ability to obtain regulatory and exchange approvals, and the Company's ability to complete the transaction. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.



NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES



To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71546
At a Christmas party in 2019, Mahda Jahromi found himself chatting with Ardalan Hamidi, one of his wifes colleagues. Two weeks later, he heard the news that the man and his family were among the 176 people killed when a civilian Boeing 737 was shot down near Tehran.

He and all of his family went away in a second, says Jahromi, a lecturer at SFUs School of Sustainable Energy Engineering. I still get choked up when I think about how similar each one of the victims were to people like myself and my family. A lot of them were young, educated immigrants with families and so many hopes and dreams; lives to live.

On Jan. 8, 2020, Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 crashed after it was hit by a pair of missiles fired by Irans Revolutionary Guard. Of the 176 people on that flight, 63 were Canadian and many had direct ties to Canadian universities  students, alumni or faculty who had travelled to Iran to visit their families and loved ones during the holiday break. The tragedy is a reminder to us of how Canadian universities benefit from the contributions of those who come to Canada from around the world.

The weeks leading to and following the tragedy were a stressful and traumatic time for many Iranian-Canadians. After the word of the crash was out, many families scrambled to get news and find out who was on the plane. It was a sad and very trying time for many. Despite individual ceremonies at the time, a group of academics wanted a collective memorial that included members and leaders of B.C. educational institutes, government officials and community members.

We wanted to acknowledge our lost colleagues, our students, our neighbours and friends, and share our sorrow with their families, says Jahromi.

Their efforts in gathering support snowballed with the help of some prominent Iranian-Canadians like the Eshghi brothers, executives of the Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation. In a meeting with the foundation, the Eshghi brothers agreed to generously donate to UBC, SFU and other universities for the creation of scholarships in the name of the victims.

Of the $30,000 gift to SFU, $20,000 is planned to support the scholarship and $10,000 will match additional donations.

We supported these memorial scholarships so that the 176 innocent lives lost in this tragedy on January 8 last year will not be forgotten, says Hamid Eshghi, president of the Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation. We hope the SFU memorial scholarship will live on for many years so the recipients can carry on in the footsteps of and, in memory of, those lost.

In addition to the SFU scholarship, the Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation has supported other Flight 752 memorial funds including the UBC Iranian Memorial fund and the Parya Trillium Scholarship fund in Toronto.

We encourage other Canadians and members of the Iranian community to support the SFU Flight 752 Memorial Scholarship or one of the many others to help celebrate and honour the many brilliant lives lost.

The scholarship was originally set to be announced at the planned memorial in 2020, which was scheduled a week before Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Expected guests included B.C. Premier John Horgan, the presidents of four B.C. post-secondary institutions, academics from across the province, Persian, Ukrainian and Afghan community representatives, choir and music ensembles and more importantly family members of the Flight 752 victims.

However, due to the emergence of COVID-19, the event was cancelled last minute for the safety of the community. The announcement of the scholarship was postponed to mark the one-year anniversary of the tragedy.

I want to thank the Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation for its leadership and support for the Flight 752 Memorial Scholarship, says Joy Johnson, SFU president. SFU and universities across Canada continue to grieve the loss of our colleagues and community members. This scholarship is a fitting tribute to those lost as it enables talented students to realize their dreams of a university education and build a brighter future for us all.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed concern over the events in the United States as Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol Building to disrupt the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

Concerning scenes in Washington, D.C. Im confident American democracy will overcome this challenge. The rule of law and democratic procedures need to be restored as soon as possible. This is important not only for the U.S., but for Ukraine and the entire democratic world as well, Kuleba posted on Twitter.

Peaceful demonstrations of Donald Trump supporters began in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. Eventually, they turned into clashes with the police. Aggressive protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol Building where a formal procedure for certifying of President-elect Joe Biden's victory was to take place.

As Reuters reports, police said four people died during the chaos - one from gunshot wounds and three from medical emergencies - and 52 people were arrested. Some besieged the House of Representatives chamber while lawmakers were inside, banging on its doors and forcing suspension of the certification debate. Hours later, both houses of Congress resumed their work on certifying Bidens Electoral College win, with debate stretching into the early hours of Thursday.

Finally, the Congress formally certified President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College victory. Vice President Mike Pence read out the tally of the 538 votes from the 50 states and the District of Columbia, cementing Mr. Bidens win with 306 electoral votes to President Trumps 232. President Trump issued a statement early Thursday committing to an orderly transition of power to President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20.

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WOOD RIVER  Mayor Cheryl Maguire said Thursday she has revoked the liquor license of The Stallion Bar at 53 W. Ferguson Ave.

The action comes after a police serving a warrant on Dec. 23 uncovered what building inspectors called uninhabitable conditions and two people were charged with drug-related felonies.
"Minari," an Academy Award-winning film will be screened at Tango Theaters, Micronesia Mall on the evening of May 28 as part of a cultural eve Read more
The U.S. has responded to new digital service taxes adopted by India, Italy and Turkey discriminate against U.S. companies. The U.S. Trade Representatives office (USTR) stated that the new taxes are inconsistent with international tax principles. The move by the countries involved may be in store for potential retaliatory U.S. tariffs.

USTR has concluded that the digital taxes imposed by France, India, Italy and Turkey discriminate against big U.S. tech firms, such Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon.com

The USTR furth noted that the Indian, Italian and Turkish taxes were "unreasonable" because they are "inconsistent with principles of international taxation, including due to its application to revenue rather than income, extraterritorial application, and failure to provide tax certainty."

The probes are among several still open USTR Section 301 investigations that could lead to tariffs before President Donald Trump leaves office or early in the administration of President-elect Joe Biden. Among these is a more advanced probe into Frances digital services tax.

USTR had set a Jan. 6 deadline for implementing 25% tariffs on French cosmetics, handbags and other imports valued at around $1.3 billion annually in retaliation against the French digital taxes. For more, read the full Reuters report. You could also read the press release by The U.S. Trade Representative's office here.

Back in 2019 Patently Apple posted a report titled "France to Pass a new tax today Punishing Google, Apple, Facebook & Amazon, President Trump orders an Investigation." The tax has been in the making for some time now and with President Trump being on his way out of office, it appears that the group felt it was the perfect time to initiate the tax.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 22:02:32|Editor: huaxia

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COPENHAGEN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Dr. Hans Kluge once again called for "regional policy coherence and solidarity" as the vaccine rollout against COVID-19 gathered pace across parts of the continent, during his first press conference of 2021 on Thursday.

"This moment represents a tipping point in the course of the pandemic -- where science, politics, technology, and values must form a united front, in order to push back this persistent and elusive virus."

Especially concerning to the WHO official was the new coronavirus variant called B117, currently confirmed to be in 22 countries.

"It spreads across all age groups, and children do not appear to be at higher risk. But, with increased transmissibility and similar disease severity, the variant does, however, raise alarm as without increased control to slow its spread, there will be an increased impact on already stressed and pressurized health facilities," said Kluge.

He noted that "it was also the WHO assessment that the variant would over time, replace other circulating lineages of the virus in the region as already "seen in the United Kingdom, and increasingly in Denmark."

To mitigate the burden of the new variant and future variants, the WHO official called upon governments in the region to work together and investigate unusually rapid transmissions, increase the sequencing testing and share data.

"Solidarity in science is crucial at this time," said Kluge.

The WHO Regional Director balanced a picture of the devastating impact of COVID-19 in 2020 on the WHO European Region which accounted for 26 million COVID-19 positive cases, and over 580,000 related deaths with the specter of a more devastating "second wave" as the region begins a new year.

"As we enter 2021, over 230 million people in the European region are living in countries under full national lockdown with more countries set to announce lockdown measures in the coming week," said Kluge.

He noted that transmission across the region has sustained at very high rates of infection.

"As of 6 January, among all countries and territories in Europe, almost half have a seven-day incidence of over 150 new cases per 100,000 population. Over one quarter of all European member states and territories are seeing very high incidences and strained health systems."

Kluge also addressed the inequality in vaccine rollout across Europe which has seen some southern European countries unable to provide a reputable vaccine or any vaccine at all to their people.

As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in some countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines.

Meanwhile, 235 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 63 of them in clinical trials -- in countries including Germany, China, Russia, Britain and the United States, according to information released by the World Health Organization on Jan. 6. Enditem
CCSO patrol car View Photo

Avery, CA  A residential alarm brought a deputy to an Avery home to investigate where he found a man who claimed he owned the house.

When the Calaveras County Sheriffs Deputy first arrived at the home in the 4000 block of Moran Road around 1:15 p.m. on New Years Day, he heard noises and a voice coming from inside the residence. As he went to enter the home, he discovered that the back door of the home had been pried open.

Once inside, the deputy found 57-years-old Richard Darrell Ammons Jr. from Sacramento, in the kitchen area. The deputy confronted Ammons, who claimed that he actually owned the property, according to sheriffs officials.

Further investigation revealed that Ammons was in fact not the owner of the residence. Sheriffs officials say he also was unable to give any legal reason as to why he was in the home

Ammons was arrested without incident for burglary and is being held with a $50,000 bail.


In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what's on the radar of our editors for the morning of Jan. 7 ...

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference at Rideau Cottage during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ottawa on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what's on the radar of our editors for the morning of Jan. 7 ...

What we are watching in Canada ...

OTTAWA  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will convene a virtual First Ministers meeting today, with speeding up COVID-19 vaccinations high on the agenda.

Earlier this week, Trudeau voiced frustration over the pace of getting Canadians inoculated against the novel coronavirus.

As of Tuesday, Canada had received nearly 425,000 doses of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines  but fewer than 150,000 Canadians had received shots by then.

In his first news conference of the year on Tuesday, Trudeau said he shared the frustrations of Canadians who think the vaccinations should be going faster.

Some provinces acknowledge there have been bumps in the road administering the vaccines, particularly with trying to get the delicate Pfizer product to remote areas.

But premiers, including Ontario's Doug Ford, have said the real concern in the days and weeks ahead will be over Ottawa's ability to get vaccines to the provinces quickly enough.

Also this ...

OTTAWA  Canada's special adviser on the Iranian military's downing of a passenger jet one year ago is rejecting Tehran's offer to pay $150,000 to each of the families of those killed in the tragedy.

Ralph Goodale, the former Liberal public safety minister, says Iran doesnt have the right to unilaterally offer compensation to victims' families.

Goodale told The Canadian Press the final amount will be subject to negotiations between Iran and Canada and the four other countries whose citizens were killed on the plane.

Goodale was appointed last March to lead Canada's response to the Jan. 8, 2020, shooting-down of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 by Iran's Revolutionary Guard that killed all 176 people on board.

They included 55 Canadian citizens, 30 permanent residents and 53 more travellers bound for Canada as well as citizens of Britain, Afghanistan, Sweden and Ukraine.

Goodale, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other government members are expected to meet virtually today with the victims' families and loved ones.

What we are watching in the U.S. ...

WASHINGTON  Congress has formally validated Joe Biden's American presidential election victory on a day that saw a time-honoured ceremony become a nightmare of unprecedented political terror.

The House and Senate certified the Democrats electoral college win early this morning after a violent throng of pro-Donald Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol.

A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol police.

The rampage began shortly after President Trump repeated his unfounded claims of election fraud to thousands of rallying demonstrators hed invited to Washington. Many then surged to the Capitol after he incited them to go there as lawmakers debated the electoral votes.

American lawmakers are now vowing an investigation into how law enforcement handled Wednesdays violent breach, questioning whether a lack of preparedness allowed a mob to occupy and vandalize the building.

U.S. Capitol Police, who are charged with protecting Congress, turned to other law enforcement for help with the mob.

But more than six hours after the violence erupted, lawmakers resumed their session.

Thirteen Republican senators and dozens of GOP representatives had planned to force debate and votes on perhaps six different states votes.

The assault on the Capitol made some Republicans squeamish about trying to overturn Bidens win, and challenges were lodged only against Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both efforts lost overwhelmingly.

Trump now says there "will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

He says in a statement tweeted this morning by his social media director Dan Scavino, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

He adds: I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it' only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again."

What we are watching in the rest of the world ...

Tear gas and bullets in the U.S. Capitol building. Outrage and condemnation from leaders across the world.

What is happening is wrong, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement Thursday.

Democracy  the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully  should never be undone by a mob.

The chaotic scenes from the storming of the building at the centre of American democracy by angry supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump are normally associated with countries where popular uprisings topple a hated dictator. The Arab Spring, for instance, or the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia.

But this time it was an attempt by American citizens to stop a peaceful transition to power after a democratic election in a country that many around the world have looked at as a model for democratic governance.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was saddened by the events at the U.S. Capitol, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

In such circumstances, it is important that political leaders impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence, as well as to respect democratic processes and the rule of law.

Several countries, both allies and antagonists of America, issued travel warnings to their citizens. Australians were urged to avoid U.S. protests following what Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described as rather disturbing scenes in the United States.

Disgraceful scenes in US Congress," tweeted Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, a staunch U.S. ally for generations.

"The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau roundly condemned the chaos on social media platforms.

"Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people," he tweeted. "Democracy in the U.S. must be upheld  and it will be."

Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., also felt compelled to issue a statement, calling for cooler heads to prevail and noting that Canadian Embassy staff were all safely accounted for.

On this day in 2002 ...

Ottawa said Canadian troops would be heading into a combat mission under U.S. control in southern Afghanistan.

In health news ...

Experts say a fear of needles could be one of the factors that might cause people to avoid getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Anna Taddio, a professor at the University of Toronto's Leslie Dan faculty of pharmacy, says a fear of needles is one more barrier to a person being comfortable with getting vaccinated.

Just as the safety of the vaccine is being addressed, she says fear of needles should be, too.

Dr. Katie Birnie, an assistant professor in pain medicine at the University of Calgary, says it is important to distinguish between needle fear and phobia.

Some people have a fear of needles but tolerate them, she says, but up to 10 per cent of the population has a such a phobia that it's a mental health issue.

Taddio says there are different ways to address the fear of pain, including the use of a numbing cream and calming language before the procedure, but the phobia requires help from a mental-health expert.

ICYMI ...

EDMONTON  Premier Jason Kenney's office confirms he is working out of a penthouse known infamously as the "Sky Palace," calling it the best and safest solution due to renovations at the legislature.

Christine Myatt, the premiers spokeswoman, says the temporary move to the Federal Building was announced in August, existing furniture was used and there were no extraordinary costs.

But NDP Opposition critic Sarah Hoffman calls it a disturbing doubling down on entitlement, given that Kenney is now directing from the luxury retreat the fallout of foreign holidays by his United Conservative legislature members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The scandal over the suite dubbed the "Sky Palace" broke in 2014, as then premier Alison Redford resigned due to travel expenses and trips.

It was discovered that the government was lavishly redecorating the top floor of the government-owned building for Redford, featuring bedrooms, bathrooms, a dining room, lounge, fireplace, powder room, butler's pantry, walk-in closet and room-by-room temperature controls.

Redfords short-lived Progressive Conservative political successors and former NDP premier Rachel Notley never used the penthouse as premier, calling it a symbol of entitlement and excess and a politically toxic zone.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2021
Washington: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have temporarily suspended US President Donald Trumps accounts on their platforms, accusing him of breaking their content regulations, after violence broke out at the US Capitol early this morning. While Twitter blocked Trumps account for 12 hours, Facebook and Instagram have suspended the accounts for 24 hours. Twitter also removed three tweets made by Trump.

We've assessed two policy violations against President Trump's page which will result in a 24-hour feature block, meaning he will lose the ability to post on the platform during that time," Facebook said in a statement. The company also removed certain posts made by the US President during the Capitol Hill violence last night. Instagram head Adam Mosseri also confirmed via Twitter that Trumps account has been blocked on the photo sharing platform too.

Also Read | Meet the faces behind the faceless farm protest at Delhis doorstep

We removed from Facebook and Instagram the recent video of President Trump speaking about the protests and his subsequent post about the election results. We made the decision that on balance these posts contribute to, rather than diminish, the risk of ongoing violence," Facebook said in its statement.

The social media giant has also changed its label, which appears on posts that may be fake, to read, Joe Biden has been elected President with results that were certified by all 50 states. The US has laws, procedures, and established institutions to ensure the peaceful transfer of power after an election."

Social media platforms have usually been slow to take action against politicians accounts, let alone against a US President. That said, the US Presidents Twitter and Facebook accounts have often been scrutinized by experts, and accused of inciting violence. While Twitter had proactively started labeling posts by Trump before the US elections last year, Facebook faced heat from users, employees and critics when it refused to take down certain contentious posts by Trump.

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The Government of Ireland Act 1920 received the royal assent from King George V a century ago last month. This most consequential of acts resulted in the partition of Ireland.

The genesis of the Government of Ireland Act 1920 came in 1919. Home Rule had been on the statute book since 1914 and could no longer be postponed. It was scheduled to come into operation automatically when hostilities were formally concluded with the signature of the last of the peace treaties after World War I. To prevent this, the British prime minister, David Lloyd George, set up a committee chaired by cabinet member Walter Long to draft the Government of Ireland Bill.

The make-up of Longs committee was unionist in outlook. There was no nationalist representation whatsoever, nor was the advice of any nationalists sought. Leading Ulster unionist James Craig and his associates were the only Irishmen

consulted.

Longs committee proposed to create two distinct legislatures for Ulster and the southern provinces, linked by a common council, comprising representatives from both. This was the first time a British government proposed a separate parliament for Ulster.

Before the end of the war, the exclusion of Ulster, or at least some of Ulster, was the only option being considered in terms of special treatment for the province. Ulster unionists desired for direct rule to remain from Westminster.

The common council proposed in the Government of Ireland Bill was a Council of Ireland to be composed of 20 members from each parliament, which the British stated could lead to the peaceful evolution of a single parliament for all Ireland.

Initially, there were many objections from Ulster unionists. The main problem was with the area to be included in the Ulster parliament. Ulster unionists sought the six counties of Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone, and not the nine counties of Ulster proposed by Longs committee, as this was the maximum area they felt they could dominate without being outbred by Catholics.

This decision of the Ulster Unionist Council was deeply unpopular among the 70,000 Protestants of counties Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan who were sacrificed to the southern administration.

Belfast unionist MP Thomas Moles explained that the three counties had to be abandoned in order to save the six counties: In a sinking ship, with life-boats sufficient for only two-thirds of the ships company, were all to condemn themselves to death because all could not be saved?

Even though the Ulster Unionist Council endorsed the Government of Ireland Bill reluctantly, many Ulster unionists eventually concluded that the scheme proposed in the Government of Ireland Act would cause the least diminution of their Britishness. Some, such as James Craigs brother Charles, began to see the great benefits Ulster unionists would garner from having their own parliament: The Bill practically gives us everything that we fought for, everything we armed ourselves for.

It has often been cited that the Government of Ireland Bill was allowed to pass relatively unchallenged due to the vacuum in nationalist representation at Westminster. With Sinn Fein abstaining, there were just seven Irish nationalist MPs remaining in Westminster (six from Ireland, and TP OConnor from Liverpool) after the 1918 general election, instead of 80. It could be argued that even 80 nationalist MPs would have made little difference considering the make-up of the House of Commons after the election. The Conservative Party, Lloyd Georges Coalition Liberal Party and Irish unionists won over 500 seats, an overwhelming majority. It is doubtful that Sinn Feins presence would have made a difference.

What little voice the seven nationalist MPs had was further diminished by the Catholic Churchs belief that they should not participate in the committee stages nor suggest amendments to the Government of Ireland Bill.

The Catholic Church was virulently opposed to partition and believed that participating in the framing of the Partition Bill would be seen as a sign of its acceptance.

The Bishop of Derry, Charles McHugh, claimed Catholic Ulster would never submit to become hewers of wood and drawers of water for Sir Edward Carson.

The leading nationalist MP left in Westminster, Joseph Devlin, condemned the bill as conceived in Bedlam, ridiculous and fantastic. He voted against it but did not contribute to its final shape.

With Sinn Feins policy on partition almost non-existent, it chose to ignore the Government of Ireland Bill. As the Bill was making its way through parliament, the British government was waging a war with Sinn Fein and its military wing, the IRA. Sinn Fein leaders stuck steadfastly and naively to the view that Ulster would readily come into an all-Ireland parliament once Britain was removed from the island.

That the Government of Ireland Act came into law as Britain was at open war with Sinn Fein, supported by a considerable majority on the island, shows the total air of unreality that surrounded the Act.

In granting the royal assent to the Government of Ireland Act 1920, King George V expressed the hope that it, the fruit of more than 30 years of ceaseless controversy, will finally bring about unity and friendship between all the peoples of my kingdom.

This was a wildly optimistic reading of the environment in Ireland in 1920 and of the likely fallout from its impending partition.

Cormac Moore is author of Birth of the Border: The Impact of Partition in Ireland
Nineteen years have passed since Daniel Pearl, a gregarious Wall Street Journal reporter, was beheaded on videotape in Pakistan. Thats enough time for his then unborn baby to grow up and be admitted to college; enough time for Angelina Jolie to play his widow in a movie; enough time for that movie  and the era of the war on terror that it depicted  to fade from public memory.

But I cant forget. Daniel Pearl and I were both trying to interview the same reclusive spiritual leader in Pakistan when he was kidnapped and killed. Dont worry, a spokesman for the spiritual leader assured me. If anyone gets an interview, it will be you. But Mr. Pearl, a more seasoned journalist who served as The Journals South Asia bureau chief at the time, found someone who promised to arrange the coveted interview. He jumped into a taxi and disappeared.

Weeks later, Mr. Pearls beheading shocked the world. That was the moment I realized that this thing we do called journalism contained dangers I hadnt contemplated before. It was a fitting lesson for the era of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which opened the countrys eyes to how easily it could become a victim. And so it was upsetting to read recently that a Pakistani court ordered the release of Omar Sheikh, the British-born militant who orchestrated the kidnapping of Mr. Pearl. Mr. Sheikh had been sentenced to death in 2002, but the execution never happened. Last year, a Pakistani court downgraded his conviction to a simple abduction  punishable by seven years in prison, which he had already served.

The court rulings open old wounds and illuminate a central question at the heart of the war on terror that remains unresolved: Are there some crimes so terrible that we must never let the perpetrators walk free, even if a judge orders it? The United States opened the prison for suspected terrorists on Guantanamo Bay on the premise that the worst of the worst were too dangerous to release, regardless of the outcome of a trial. Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks  who confessed to beheading Mr. Pearl  has yet to go on trial, more than 14 years after his arrival at Guantanamo Bay. Americans seem to have made a problematic peace with the contradictions of believing in the rule of law and indefinite detention at the same time.
On 06 January 2021

Indo Rama Synthetics (India) announced the resignation of Susheel Kumar Mehrotra, Chief Financial Officer of the Company on 06 January 2021. He will continue in his current position as Chief Financial Officer and Key Managerial Personnel till 13 January 2021.

Umesh Kumar Agrawal , Key Managerial Personnel of the Company, who was appointed as Chief Commercial and Financial Officer on 15 April 2019, will look after the function of Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


Highlights

Complementary, Scalable Oil Production Businesses Strengthen Combined Position in Argentina

Access to funding for upcoming Vaca Muerta oil production development in Coiron Amargo Sur Este

Expert management with international experience and deep local ties

Operational Efficiencies to Generate Cost Synergies

Transaction Closing expected early Q2 2021

CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / Crown Point Energy Inc. ("Crown Point") (TSXV:CWV), a Calgary-based oil and gas company with Argentine upstream conventional oil and gas assets, and Centaurus Energy Inc. ("Centaurus") (TSXV: CTA and OTCQB: CTARF), an independent, Canadian company focused on Argentine upstream oil and gas conventional and unconventional operations, are pleased to announce that they have entered into a non-binding term sheet (the "Term Sheet") in which they propose to combine their businesses (the "Proposed Transaction") and create an operationally diversified, financially strong, Argentina-focused oil and gas, exploration and production company (the "Combined Company"). It is currently intended that the Proposed Transaction be a 60/40 combination in favour of Crown Point, subject to adjustment following due diligence.

The Combined Company would possess multiple conventional oil-producing assets, a marquee, in-production Vaca Muerta shale oil asset (Coiron Amargo Sur Este) and high-quality exploratory assets. The Proposed Transaction would bring together deeply connected and experienced industry, leadership and financial professionals inside Argentina and in North America with access to debt funding for upcoming development of Coiron Amargo Sur Este. The Combined Company would also benefit from operational efficiencies that are expected to lead to cost synergies.

In connection with the Proposed Transaction, the leadership of the Combined Company would seek a local, Argentina-listing of the Combined Company's common shares.

The signing of the Term Sheet has been unanimously approved by Crown Point's and Centaurus' board of directors.

The Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including the satisfactory completion of due diligence by both parties, the negotiation of a mutually satisfactory arrangement agreement, and the receipt of shareholder, TSX Venture Exchange and court approval. If the Proposed Transaction proceeds, it would be expected to close early in the second quarter of 2021. Further details regarding the Proposed Transaction will be provided if and when the conditions contained in the Term Sheet are satisfied and a definitive arrangement agreement is executed by the parties.

The parties have agreed that the Combined Company would have a combined management team and Board of Directors, which would include: two co-CEOs, one of whom would be David Tawil, the current interim CEO of Centaurus, and the other would be appointed by Crown Point; a CFO and COO who would be appointed by Crown Point; a seven member Board of Directors, four of whom would be appointed by Crown Point and three of whom would be appointed by Centaurus; a Chairman of the Board who would be appointed by Crown Point; and a Vice-Chairman of the Board, who would be appointed by Centaurus.

Crown Point's CEO, Brian Moss, commented: "The Proposed Transaction would create an organization with the operational, managerial and financial capacity to be an important player in the Argentina upstream sector. The Coiron Amargo Sur Este is a world class unconventional asset that has the potential to provide the Combined Company's shareholders with profitable, stable growth for many years."

Centaurus' CEO, David Tawil, commented: "We are excited at the prospect of joining with Crown Point, an exemplary operation with preeminent cornerstone investors, to create an outstanding Argentina oil & gas exploration and production company."

Euro-Latin Capital is acting as the financial advisor to Centaurus. TingleMerrett LLP and MBP Partners are acting as legal counsel to Centaurus. Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP is acting as legal counsel to Crown Point.

For Crown Point inquiries please contact:

Brian Moss

President & CEO

Ph: (403) 232-1150

Crown Point Energy Inc.

bmoss@crownpointenergy.com

Marisa Tormakh

Vice-President, Finance & CFO

Ph: (403) 232-1150

Crown Point Energy Inc.

mtormakh@crownpointenergy.com

For Centaurus inquiries please contact:

David D. Tawil

Interim CEO

Ph: (646) 479-9387

Centaurus Energy Inc.

davidtawil@ctaurus.com

About Crown Point

Crown Point Energy Inc. is an international oil and gas exploration and development company headquartered in Calgary, Canada, incorporated in Canada, trading on the TSX Venture Exchange and with operations in Argentina. Crown Point has a strategy that focuses on establishing a portfolio of producing properties, plus production enhancement and exploration opportunities to provide a basis for future growth.

About Centaurus

Centaurus Energy Inc. (formerly Madalena Energy Inc.) is an independent, Canadian company focused on Argentine upstream oil and gas with operations in four provinces of Argentina where it is focused on the delineation of unconventional resources in the Vaca Muerta shale, Lower Agrio shale and Loma Montosa oil plays. Centaurus is implementing horizontal drilling and completions technology to develop both its conventional and resource plays.

Advisories

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this press release contains forward-looking information. This information is based on Crown Point's and Centaurus' reasonable assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to them and are made as of the date of this press release. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors. Information regarding the parties' expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which they operate is forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not facts but instead represent Crown Point's and Centaurus' expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. This press release contains forward-looking information concerning, among other things, the following: the possibility of Crown Point and Centaurus entering into a business combination, the intention that the Proposed Transaction be a 60/40 combination in favour of Crown Point, the potential benefits to be derived therefrom (including operational efficiencies that will lead to cost synergies), the composition of the Combined Company's board of directors and management team, and the timing of closing; the ability of the Combined Company to access funding for upcoming development; the attributes of the Combined Company and its assets, including that the Combined Company will be operationally diverse and financially strong; and the intention to list the Combined Company's common shares in Argentina. Many factors could cause the parties' actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the possibility that the Proposed Transaction does not proceed at all or that closing thereof is delayed, whether because one or both of the parties is not satisfied with the results of its due diligence, the parties are unable to negotiate a definitive arrangement agreement, the parties are unable to satisfy one or more of the conditions to closing contemplated by the Term Sheet, the parties are unable to obtain one or more of the approvals required to complete the Proposed Transaction, or otherwise; the possibility that the currently contemplated economics of the Proposed Transaction of a 60/40 combination in favour of Crown Point changes, whether as a result of due diligence adjustments or other reasons; and the possibility that the Combined Company is unable to raise the capital required to fund its ongoing operations. With respect to forward-looking information contained in this document, the parties have made assumptions regarding, among other things: their ability to satisfy the conditions to closing the Proposed Transaction set out in the Term Sheet; the satisfactory completion of the parties' due diligence; the ability of the Combined Company to raise the capital required to fund the obligations of the Combined Company; and the ability of the parties to obtain the receipt of applicable third-party approvals. Readers are urged to consider the uncertainties, risks and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. We have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law.

This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities described in this press release have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended) absent registration or an exemption from registration. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

SOURCE: Centaurus Energy Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623503/Crown-Point-Energy-and-Centaurus-Energy-Enter-into-Term-Sheet-and-Propose-to-Merge-in-a-Stock-Based-Business-Combination-to-Create-an-Operationally-Diversified-Financially-Strong-Argentina-Focused-Oil-and-Gas-Production-Company
While New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik continues to draw national attention - the formal objections she made to electors' votes cast in the 2020 election being one of many standout moments - Stefanik has been a person noted in the Times Unions pages since the newspaper interviewed her as a 14-year-old fan of former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D'Amato in 1998.

Here is a look back at some notable mentions  and how much things have changed since then:

October 1998: I support the Republican view

Stefanik first appears in the Times Unions archives for a story then Capitol bureau reporter James M. Odato wrote in October 1998 about DAmato appearing at the Albany International Airport in his campaign against then-Congressman Charles E. Schumer. The irony in this is now Senator Schumer is poised to become Senate Majority leader after Tuesdays Georgia run-off elections put two more Democrats in the Senate chamber.

In her plaid skirt and blue blazer bearing the Albany Academy for Girls insignia, ninth-grader Elise Stefanik seemed as happy as a Yankee fan Thursday after getting her copy of Power, Pasta & Politics signed by the author, Sen. Alfonse D'Amato. "I support the Republican view, especially his,'' said the 14-year-old from Feura Bush, flashing a braces-filled smile.

Saying she was excused from school by administrators aware of her volunteer work with the Republican State Committee, Stefanik sounded like a D'Amato ad: "He supports education, breast cancer research and he supports all of New York state, not just downstate.''

Eliza Mineaux/Times Union

January 2014: A professional politician

Stefanik appears in a few other stories as a teenager for her accomplishments as a student at the Albany Academy for Girls. But the first time she appears in a news story about her adult political ambitions was in January 2014, after Plattsburgh Congressman Bill Owens, a Democrat, abruptly said he would not seek reelection to the 21st Congressional District.

At least three Republicans had already said they would challenge him -- with Elise Stefanik, a former aide in the George W. Bush administration from Essex County, so far amassing the endorsements of the GOP committees in Saratoga, Warren, Fulton and Hamilton counties, according to the statewide GOP.

The other two announced Republicans are Michael Ring, a radio broadcast engineer from Jefferson County, and Joseph Gilbert, a tea party activist and the director of emergency services in St. Lawrence County.

In a statement, Stefanik thanked Owens for his service.

"We are in a great position to win this seat back and bring new ideas and new leadership to the 21st Congressional District," she said. Within hours, at least one well-known national political prognosticator, the Cook Political Report, had changed its rating of the race from leaning Democratic to "tossup."

Subscribe to The Eagle, a Times Union podcast The Eagle takes a look inside the newsroom of the oldest and largest newspaper in New York's Capital Region. Each week, we'll explore the paper's top stories in-depth, and talk to the award-winning journalists who report them. Listen to the latest episode below, and be sure to subscribe in your podcast apps.

June 2014: GOP Primary in the North Country

In June 2014, Stefanik ended up in a GOP primary for North Countrys 21st Congressional District. After past internships and jobs for Washington, D.C. politicians, Stefanik said she was working for her familys Albany County-based lumber company  and that she was living in her familys vacation home in Essex County, allowing her to lay claim to being a 21st District resident. She has since bought a house in Saratoga County. Also of note  she was endorsed for the seat by Mitt Romney, who now disavows any support for President Donald Trump, who Stefanik has continued to back.

The race between two-time district candidate Matt Doheny of Watertown and Republican political worker Elise Stefanik of Willsboro, Essex County, has heated up in the last several weeks, as Karl Rove-backed political action committee American Crossroads has released scathing television ads about Doheny.

Stefanik, 29, secured the support of most of the GOP committees in the district, as well as an endorsement from former presidential candidate Mitt Romney. However, the conservative parties of Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties swung their support toward Doheny.

Doheny, 43, who ran against Owens in 2010 and 2012, is a former lawyer who now owns a business investment firm, North Country Capital LLC.

Doheny has called out Stefanik on TV ads for continuing to tout her positive campaign. But Stefanik, whose team has placed sole responsibility for the attack ads on American Crossroads, has taken issue herself with negativity in Doheny's mailers.

Connor Radnovich

November 2014: Step up to the national stage

After Stefaniks win in November 2014, making her the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, Times Union columnist Chris Churchill took a closer look at Albanys hometown political success story.

The country is going to see a lot of Stefanik. Her party, which does poorly with young and female voters, will need to showcase her.

The trick for Stefanik, though, will be to avoid becoming too closely associated with the unpopular old dudes who lead the party in Congress. Her constituents will want her to be an independent advocate for a district that struggles with economic problems.

"She's got a tremendous opportunity to break out of the mold and be a new kind of voice," Watertown Mayor Jeff Graham said. "She can't become one of the members of the Fox News echo chamber."

March 2016: Paladino target over Trump

As then billionaire businessman Donald Trump was campaigning to win the White House, New Yorks own unpredictable Republican politician, Carl Paladino, was eviscerating Stefanik for not immediately supporting Trumps candidacy, as noted in a March 2016 Chris Churchill column. As we now know, Stefanik has become one of the presidents most staunch supporters.

What doesn't make sense, at least for anyone with a more rational perspective, is the full-out assault Paladino has launched against U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, the North Country Republican, for her refusal to endorse Trump.

"She drinks the Kool-Aid," Paladino wrote in an email to his supporters Wednesday. "Clearly she's a fraud."

Ah, there's that refreshing Paladino-Trump style. They tell it like it is, right?

"She never told the people she was a RINO (Republican in Name Only) Washington elitist establishment sellout," Paladino continued, adding that

"80 percent of her constituents want Trump and she gives me the bull that she is too focused on her district to consider endorsing in the presidential primary. She needs to learn what treachery means."

AP

August 2020: Stumping for Trump's reelection

A couple of months before securing her reelection in the 21st Congressional District, Stefanik spoke at the Republican National Convention, highlighting her role as a handpicked member of Trump's so-called impeachment defense team during the 2019 House impeachment proceedings. Hearst Washington bureau reporter Emilie Munson covered her speech in August 2020.

Stefanik said, "Since his first day in office, President Trump has fought tirelessly to deliver results for all Americans, despite the Democrats' baseless and illegal impeachment sham and the media's endless obsession with it," she said in a short speech Wednesday night. "I was proud to lead the effort standing up for the Constitution, President Trump and most importantly the American people."

Accusing Democrats of using impeachment to try to overturn the results of the 2016 election, Stefanik told viewers: "This attack was not just on the president, it was an attack on you -- your voice and your vote."
The guests have been revealed for this week's Late Late Show on RTE, the first of 2021.

On the first Late Late Show of 2021 this Friday night, Vicky Phelan will be telling viewers about her upcoming trip to the US for an experimental new treatment, and why she is preparing to risk spending six precious months away from her family in her fight to stay alive. Women's health campaigner Vicky will be discussing why she hopes this treatment will give her the time she desperately needs, how the last nine months have helped her re-evaluate life, and why our frontline workers need our support now more than ever.

Ryan will be joined by Paul Reid, the CEO of the Health Service Executive, for an up to the minute assessment of how our health system is coping under the impact of this latest surge in the Coronavirus pandemic and what the coming days and weeks will hold for anyone needing to access healthcare in Ireland.

Dr Colm Henry, the Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE and NPHET member, will join Ryan live in studio to oversee the inoculation of six of Ireland's healthcare workers, against COVID-19 with the approved vaccine. Dr Henry will explain how it works and when you can expect to receive your dose of the vaccine in the coming months.

Wexford Hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald is back on our screens with Ireland's Fittest Family and preparing for upcoming show Davy's Toughest Team, and he joins Ryan to discuss how the past year has changed his perspective on hurling and family. He'll also be discussing why recent events have led him to take a stand against online bullying.

Donie O'Sullivan, the CNN journalist from Kerry who was reporting live from Washington this week as chaos broke out across the US capital will also be chatting to Ryan.

There will be music from Lucia Evans who will give a very special performance alongside the Discovery Gospel Choir.

All of this, plus more, on The Late Late Show on RTE One Friday, January 8 at 9.35pm.
WASHINGTON - A sober, shaken Senate returned to its hallowed chamber Wednesday night to slap away a frivolous election challenge, but its secondary purpose seemed to be to rise from the wreckage of a shocking day in which they were forced to flee the Capitol by a mob of supporters of President Donald Trump.

In this image from video, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., speaks as the Senate reconvenes after protesters stormed into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (Senate Television via AP)

WASHINGTON - A sober, shaken Senate returned to its hallowed chamber Wednesday night to slap away a frivolous election challenge, but its secondary purpose seemed to be to rise from the wreckage of a shocking day in which they were forced to flee the Capitol by a mob of supporters of President Donald Trump.

The riot in the Capitol prompted more than half of those who had signed on to the protest to instead vote "no." Catering to Trump's supporters seemed less important than defending democracy.

Tennessee's GOP senators abandoned the effort, as did Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who lost her runoff election Tuesday, helping to deliver control of the Senate to Democrats. Wisconsin's GOP Sen. Ron Johnson dropped out, as did James Lankford, R-Okla., a promising younger Republican who raised eyebrows when initially supporting the effort.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, front, followed by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., walk from the House Chamber following a Senate procession carrying boxes holding Electoral College votes to the House Chamber for a joint session to confirm the Electoral College votes, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

The 93-6 tally upholding President-elect Joe Biden's win in Arizona was preceded by an unusually serious debate in which party labels were shed and constitutional prerogatives embraced.

"We will not be kept out of this chamber by thugs, mobs, or threats. We will not bow to lawlessness or intimidation," said Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. "We are back at our posts. We will discharge our duty under the Constitution for our nation. And we are going to do it tonight."

As senators debated, Trump took it on the chin from longtime critics like Mitt Romney, R-Utah. But many Republicans who spent years tiptoeing around Trump's often-scandalous behaviour seemed to finally have had enough.

"We witnessed today the damage that can result when men in power and responsibility refuse to acknowledge the truth," said Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa. "We saw bloodshed because the demagogue chose to spread falsehoods and sow distrust of his own fellow Americans."

The debate was forced by Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who argued that it was the only way to speak up for millions of Americans who believe Trump's false claims that the election was stolen from him. But their reputations as presidential wannabes hung over the debate.

"I ask my colleagues, do we weigh our own political fortunes more heavily than we weigh the strength of our republic, the strength of our democracy, and the cause of freedom?" said Romney, whose desk is directly behind Hawley. "Whats the weight of personal acclaim compared to the weight of conscience?"

More than 90 senators populated the chamber for the debate  guarded by dozens of heavily armed police  and the typically verbose crowd had to keep their remarks to just five minutes.

Trump ally Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also abandoned the president, appearing to cite his role in encouraging the mob.

"Trump and I, we had a hell of a journey. I hate it being this way," Graham said. "From my point of view, hes been a consequential president. But today ... all I can say is count me out. Enough is enough."

Romney, the party's 2012 nominee, reminded his colleagues that he knows how unpleasant it is to lose a presidential election, drawing hearty laughter. But he earned an enthusiastic, spontaneous round of applause with a simple observation: "The best way we could show respect for the voters who are upset is by telling them the truth."

Nearly 15 hours after lawmakers first gathered in joint session, they accepted the final state tally -- Wyomings three electoral votes for Trump -- and certified Bidens victory.

A cleaner at one of Queensland's quarantine hotels has tested positive to COVID-19  the first case of local transmission in the state for almost four months.

Residents in the Brisbane suburbs of Sunnybank Hills, Algester and Calamvale have been urged to come forward for testing if they develop symptoms after the Hotel Grand Chancellor worker tested positive.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk reveals a cleaner has tested positive. Credit:Jono Searle/Getty

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the plea in an update on Thursday morning as she praised the Hotel Grand Chancellor cleaner for doing everything right.

However, we need to ensure there is no community spread, she said.
While scenes of mobs smashing into the U.S. Capitol cycled across cellphone and TV screens everywhere Wednesday, the usual high-profile spots where conservative protesters cluster in Lafayette and Walnut Creek were silent.

None of the usual Trump signs appeared on the Highway 24 overpass in Lafayette. At the busy downtown corner in front of the tony Neiman Marcus store in Walnut Creek, the only people who showed up had shopping bags.

The unrest back East was clearly on everyones minds. And although not everyone supported the violent protest, plenty of right-leaning folks sympathized with the political defiance in Washington, D.C. They just werent pouring into the streets of the East Bay with signs.

Phil Santoro, 67, of Walnut Creek stayed home glued to Fox News as protesters swarmed the Capitol in the early afternoon and said he didnt really see a problem with what hed seen.

People are upset over whats happening and theyre expressing themselves, said Santoro, a longtime Republican who voted twice for Trump. Its never appropriate to destroy personal property or harm anyone, but thats not what Im seeing.

I heard one commentator say this is the most horrible thing hed seen and I thought, Really? Hey, look at what weve seen for the last six months. Where was the DNC (Democratic National Committee) when there were all the riots and destruction by Antifa, when there were whole blocks of Seattle taken over? I would say that was worse.

Santoro said he wasnt convinced there was enough fraud in the presidential election to overturn its results, but he said he supported the idea promulgated by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz to form a commission to look into it. As for whether he thought the Capitol takeover constituted an attempted coup, he said, Not to me it doesnt.

This country is so divided and polarized, he said sadly. You have to learn how to disagree with one another, but we are so far from compromise now. That should change.

We are very, very polarized, and whats going on back there is no surprise, John Michael, 49, of Discovery Bay, said as he shopped in downtown Walnut Creek. Look, no one went to prison for what happened with the riots over the summer, so these guys are doing what theyre doing and they probably feel they can get away with it.

Michael said he voted for Trump and expects Republicans to oppose everything President-elect Biden does, much as he feels the Democrats opposed everything Trump wanted to do. So he doesnt expect tensions to dissipate soon.

Give it a week, and youll see some protests here on this corner, he said, watching the traffic streaming by. People are angry.

Standing nearby, Jeff Colline, 20, and his 21-year-old friend Mark Anderson waited in line to enter a jewelry store.

Everyone is just shocked right now, said Colline, who lives in Walnut Creek and voted for Biden. This is something weve never seen before.

I think its early yet, as to whether there will be protests around here, so well see what happens. Hopefully Trump will try to calm things down, he said.

Anderson, who is from Concord, said he voted for Trump and would like to see an investigation of the November election for irregularities. But he agreed with his friend that violence was not a good way to protest.

All of this isnt helping Trump, he said.

Bill Fleck, a 67-year-old chaplain from Pleasanton, saw it as more dire than that. He was mildly surprised not to see any demonstrations as he strolled downtown.

America is now in a crisis unlike any it has seen since the Civil War, said Fleck, who voted for Trump. There is such a polarization that the middle has evaporated. We are two Americas, and its out of hand.

Usually, the Highway 24 overpass at El Curtola Boulevard in Lafayette is the most visible spot in the Bay Area for Republican displays, sometimes festooned with flags and waving demonstrators.

The only thing resembling a gathering Wednesday afternoon was a few blocks away in the parking lot of Acalanes High School in Lafayette, where three friends stood around a pickup truck looking stunned.

Really?, one said, eyes wide as one pal told him rioters had taken over the Capitol.

It makes the rest of us look bad, said the friend, Julian Hernandez, a 19-year-old Republican from Concord. In times like this when we are so divided, we dont need this.

Protesting is OK, but rioting? Destroying property? None of that is OK.

Kevin Fagan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kfagan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KevinChron
WASHINGTON (AP)  Here is the latest on Congress tally of the Electoral College vote won by Joe Biden (all times local):

3:55 a.m.

President Donald Trump now says there will be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory and after a day of violence when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Trump says in a statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

He adds: I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

Trumps account is currently locked by Twitter.

Trump has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.

3:41 a.m.

Congress has formally validated Joe Bidens presidential election victory on a day that saw a time-honored ceremony become a nightmare of unprecedented political terror.

The House and Senate certified the Democrats electoral college win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police.

The rampage began shortly after President Donald Trump repeated his unfounded claims of election fraud to thousands of rallying demonstrators hed invited to Washington. Many then surged to the Capitol after he incited them to go there as lawmakers debated the electoral votes.

More than six hours after the violence erupted, lawmakers resumed their session.

Thirteen Republican senators and dozens of GOP representatives had planned to force debate and votes on perhaps six different states votes.

The assault on the Capitol made some Republicans squeamish about trying to overturn Bidens win, and challenges were lodged only against Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both efforts lost overwhelmingly.

Biden defeated Trump by 306-232 electoral votes and will be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3:25 a.m.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is defending his objection to the Electoral College results as the right thing to do.

The Texas senator condemned the violence that erupted as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an extraordinary attack over the election outcome.

Cruz led the first challenge to Joe Bidens defeat of President Donald Trump by objecting to Arizonas results. He sought to have Congress launch a commission to investigate the election. His effort was roundly defeated in the House and Senate.

Cruz said he was confident the country will have a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Biden is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3 a.m.

The House has joined the Senate in turning aside Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Lawmakers in the House voted 282-138 against the objection as the counting of Electoral College votes continued into the early hours of Thursday morning. The Senate shut down the same objection 92-7 just after midnight, and unlike the House, declined to debate before voting.

After a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

2:20 a.m.

A small group of House lawmakers came close to physically fighting early Thursday morning as the congressional count of electoral votes stretched into the wee hours and a Pennsylvania Democrat charged that Republicans had been telling lies about his states votes.

Rep. Morgan Griffiths, R-Va., objected after Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said a breach of the Capitol by an angry mob earlier in the day was inspired by lies, the same lies you are hearing in this room tonight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shot down the objection, but a few minutes later Republicans and Democrats streamed to the middle aisle, with around a dozen lawmakers getting close to each other and arguing. But the group quickly broke up when Pelosi called for order on the floor.

President Donald Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in Pennsylvania and other states and Republicans have echoed those claims as they have challenged electoral votes.

12:55 a.m.

The Senate has quickly killed Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Senators voted 92-7 after midnight to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, its the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he believes no other states votes will be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

12:15 a.m. Thursday

Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have objected to the counting of Pennsylvanias electoral votes, triggering up to two hours of debate in the House and Senate.

The objections come 11 hours after the congressional count to confirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential victory began, and after lawmakers had to evacuate both chambers for several hours to escape a mob that had violently breached the Capitol.

Hawley said last week that he would object to Pennsylvanias electoral votes, saying Congress should investigate voter fraud. President Donald Trump has falsely said since his defeat that there was widespread fraud in the election.

Biden won Pennsylvania by just over 80,000 votes. Since the Nov. 3 election, Trump and his allies filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging Bidens win on various grounds, including that many or all of the states mail-in ballots were illegal.

The lawsuits failed as judge after judge found no violation of state law or constitutional rights, or no grounds to grant an immediate halt to certifying the election.

11:20 p.m. Wednesday

The House has voted overwhelmingly to reject an objection to President-elect Joe Bidens win in Arizona, joining the Senate in upholding the results of the election there.

The objection failed 303-121 on Wednesday night, with only Republicans voting in support.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Now that Arizona is out of the way, Congress will reconvene as the joint session and make its way through the rest of the states that have objections.

11:10 p.m.

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in medical emergencies.

Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee. Police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

10:15 p.m.

The Senate has overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.

The objection to the results in Arizona -- spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz -- was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

The Republicans raised the objection based on false claims pushed by President Donald Trump and others of issues with the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials.

10:10 p.m.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says a commission to examine the 2020 election is not a proper next step and affirmed that Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, called it a uniquely bad idea to delay this election, referencing the commission idea proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Graham says, Count me out. Enough is enough.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Graham said that if youre a conservative, the idea that Vice President Mike Pence could reverse the results of the election, as President Donald Trump had urged him to do, was the most offensive concept in the world.

10 p.m.

Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

9:55 p.m.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he is going forward with his objection to the Electoral College results in Pennsylvania despite the violent breach at the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

The Missouri senator said he did not support violence but said the Senate should go forward with a legal process that includes his objections.

Hawley says his objections should be debated peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets. He says he hoped lawmakers would not brush his concerns aside because of the violence earlier Wednesday, including the death of a protester inside the Capitol.

Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

9:45 p.m.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump has falsely said there was widespread fraud in the election to explain his defeat and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trumps, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

9:15 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

9:10 p.m.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending 1,000 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials. It comes after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday: For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.s aid.

The presidents supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Trump convinced them that he was cheated out of a victory by rampant, widespread voter fraud, a false claim.

8:55 p.m.

Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

8:45 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Congress will not be deterred in confirming the results of the presidential election hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Republican leader reopened the Senate late Wednesday vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College for President-elect Joe Biden. It was interrupted earlier in the way when rioters breached the security perimeter and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. One person was fatally shot.

McConnell says demonstrators tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed.

McConnell plans to keep the Senate in session Wednesday to finish confirming the results.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true. He reiterated the claim in a video filmed as his demonstrators were storming the Capitol.

8:35 p.m.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.

Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

8:20 p.m.

Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation.

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

Obama says it should not have come as a surprise, and that for two months a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth.

He says their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

8:10 p.m.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

8:05 p.m.

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in protest over President Donald Trumps Syria policies, blamed the president for the violence at the U.S. Capitol.

In a sharp rebuke Wednesday, Mattis said the violence was fomented by Trump, who has used the presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens.

His written statement concluded, Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country.

Mattis, a retired four-star Marine general who stepped down as Pentagon chief in December 2018, had an embattled relationship with Trump, but largely remained publicly quiet and avoided direct criticism. Since he left the job, however, he has been more openly derisive of Trump, including a public condemnation of the presidents heavy-handed use of military force to quell protests near the White House last June.

7:55 p.m.

Stephanie Grisham, chief of staff and press secretary for first lady Melania Trump, has resigned following violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Grisham says in a statement Wednesday that it was an honor to serve the country in the White House and be part of he first ladys mission to help children.

Grisham was one of Trumps longest serving aides, having joined the campaign in 2015. She served as the White House press secretary and never held a press briefing.

Wednesdays violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by the presidents supporters sparked renewed conversations inside the White House about mass resignations by mid-level aides who are responsible for operations of the office of the president.

Two people familiar with the conversations said the aides were torn between fears of what more would happen if they left and a desire to register their disgust with their boss. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.

7:45 p.m.

The Republican National Committee says it strongly condemns the violence at the Capitol, adding that the violent scenes do not represent acts of patriotism, but an attack on our country and its founding principles.

The RNC is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican political platform. Its statement condemning the violence came hours after Republican President Donald Trump baselessly complained that the election was stripped away from great patriots. He went on to tell them to go home with love & in peace.

The groups communications director, Michael Ahrens, says, What happened today was domestic terrorism.

He says to see the U.S. flag used in the name of unfounded conspiracy theories is a disgrace to the nation, and every decent American should be disgusted by it.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens victory over him, citing false claims of voter fraud. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people.

7:40 p.m.

Former President Bill Clinton says the attack on the U.S. Capitol was fueled over four years of poison politics and lit by President Donald Trump.

Clinton said in a statement Wednesday night that the riot at the Capitol resulted from a combination of deliberate disinformation that created distrust in the system and pit Americans against one another.

He wrote, The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost.

His wife, Hillary Clinton, lost a bitter election to Trump in 2016 and conceded to him immediately. Trump has refused to accept his defeat by Democrat Joe Biden in November and is trying to cast him as an illegitimate president.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

7:20 p.m.

A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, later deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!

State House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw said Evans will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.

He said he has not spoken to Evans yet about his involvement.

The delegate from Wayne County said in a statement later on Facebook that he was heading back to West Virginia and was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history.

6:55 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will resume the Electoral College proceedings once the Capitol is cleared of pro-Donald Trump protesters and safe for use.

Pelosi said she made the decision Wednesday in consultation with the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the vice president, who will preside.

She noted the day would always be part of history, but now it would be as such a shameful picture of our country was put out into the world.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

6:45 p.m.

Dozens of pro-Trump protesters remain on the streets of the nations capital in defiance of the curfew imposed after rioters stormed the Capitol.

The mostly maskless crowd was forcibly removed from the Capitol on Wednesday after breaking into the building and halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were pushed out of the immediate area and moved down the hill, where they taunted law enforcement and moved barricades.

Police said anyone found on the streets after the 6 p.m. curfew would be arrested. Officers in full riot gear with shields lined the streets near the U.S. Capitol.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said their debate on affirming Bidens victory would continue after the Capitol was secured.

6:40 p.m.

The head of the nations largest union of flight attendants says people who took part in the violent protest at the Capitol must be banned from flying.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said in a statement Wednesday that some of the people who traveled in our planes (Tuesday) participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today.

She says, Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area. Acts against our democracy, our government and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.

Nelson and the union endorsed President-elect Joe Biden over President Donald Trump before the November election.

Trump supporters on a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Washington heckled Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, the lone Republican senator to vote to oust Trump after he was impeached. On an American Airlines flight from Dallas, a large contingent of Trump supporters got in an angry yelling match with other passengers after one of the presidents supporters projected Trump 2020 on the cabin ceiling and walls.

6:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is blaming President Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection at the Capitol.

Romney, the GOPs 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of Trumps, said the violent breach of the Capitol on Wednesday was due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months.

The Utah senator said those who continue to support Trumps dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy.

Romney ridiculed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans who want an audit of the election results: Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the president will continue to claim the election was stolen.

The simple truth, Romney said, is that President-elect (Joe) Biden won this election. President Trump lost.

6:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump has appeared to justify the violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

In a tweet Wednesday night, Trump said, These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

Trump has faced mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers to do more to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name.

6:20 p.m.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen says the violent pro-Trump protest at the U.S. Capitol was an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of democracy.

Rosen said Wednesday that the Justice Department has been working with U.S. Capitol Police and other federal law enforcement agencies to secure the Capitol. He says hundreds of federal agents from Justice Department agencies were sent to assist.

He called it an unacceptable situation and said federal prosecutors intend to enforce the laws of our land.

Dozens of President Donald Trumps supporters breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police declared the Capitol to be secure about four hours later.

6:10 p.m.

Former President George W. Bush says he and his wife, Laura, are sickened and heartbroken over the mayhem in Washington and have watched in disbelief and dismay as events unfolded.

Bush said the assault on the Capitol on Wednesday and the disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens victory was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

The Republican said in a statement that he is appalled by what he described as reckless behavior by some political leaders since the election and the lack of respect for U.S. institutions, traditions and law enforcement.

Bush addressed those who are disappointed by the election result, saying, Our country is more important than the politics of the moment.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting. They fought with officers both inside the building and outside.

6:10 p.m.

A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died.

Thats according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

5:50 p.m.

Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

The occupation interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations around the Capitol complex and Washington, D.C. after thousands of Trump supporters breached the building and skirmished with police officers.

Lawmakers have signaled that they would resume the constitutionally mandated count as soon as it was safe to do so.

5:40 p.m.

Police are using tear gas and percussion grenades to begin clearing pro-Trump protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington.

Police donned gas masks as they moved in Wednesday evening with force to clear protesters from the Capitol grounds shortly before a curfew took hold. In the moments before, there were violent clashes between the police and protesters, who tore railing for the inauguration scaffolding and threw it at the officers.

Police used tear gas and percussion grenades to break up the crowd, which began dispersing.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police said at least one person was shot inside the Capitol; their condition was not immediately known.

The districts police chief said at least 13 people were arrested, and five firearms had been recovered during the pro-Trump protests on Wednesday.

5:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Ben Sasse is directly blaming President Donald Trump for the storming of the Capitol by huge, angry crowds of pro-Trump protesters.

The Nebraska lawmaker and frequent critic of Trump said Wednesday evening that the Capitol was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard  tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution.

Sasse says in a written statement, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The protesters broke into the building as Congress was beginning the formal process of certifying the electoral votes that gave Democratic President-elect Joe Biden a victory over Trump in November. Vice President Mike Pence has the ceremonial role of overseeing that certification and resisted Trump efforts to pressure him to overturn the election results.

Trump has continued to fallaciously claim that the voting was marred by fraud and that he actually won. Earlier Wednesday Trump addressed a huge crowd of protesters outside the White House and urged them to gather at the Capitol.

5:25 p.m.

The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.

5:05 p.m.

Pro-Trump demonstrators have massed outside statehouses across the country, forcing evacuations in at least two states. In St. Paul, Minnesota, cheers rang out from demonstrators in reaction to the news that supporters of President Donald Trump had stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Hundreds of mostly unmasked people people gathered outside capitols on Wednesday with Trump flags and Stop the Steal signs. In Georgia and Oklahoma, some demonstrators carried guns.

New Mexico state police evacuated staff from a statehouse building that includes the governors and secretary of states offices as a precaution shortly after hundreds of flag-waving supporters arrived in a vehicle caravan and on horseback. A spokesperson for the governors office says there was no indication of threats at the statehouse.

The staff of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was sent home as several hundred pro-Trump demonstrators rallied outside the Capitol, though the demonstration remained relatively calm. A brief scuffle between pro-Trump demonstrators, who included members of the Proud Boys, and counterprotesters broke out in Columbus, Ohio, but there was no immediate threat to the Capitol.

5 p.m.

The police chief of Washington, D.C., says pro-Trump protesters deployed chemical irritants on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.

Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. One civilian was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behavior of the Trump supporters was shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful. She says, There will be law and order and this behavior will not be tolerated.

Metropolitan police have been sent to the Capitol, and authorities were coming in from Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey to help out. The National Guard was also deployed, as were Homeland Security investigators and Secret Service.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

4:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump, in a video message, is urging supporters to go home but is also keeping up false attacks about the presidential election.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trump opened his video, saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said, we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. The statement came as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:37 p.m.

Two influential business groups are calling for the attack on the nations Capitol to end and for a peaceful transition of power.

Business Roundtable, which represents some of the most powerful companies in America including Walmart, Apple, Starbucks and General Electric, called on President Donald Trump and other officials to bring the protests to an end.

The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, the Roundtable said in a statement Wednesday. The country deserves better.

Separately, the CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Donohue, which represents large and small companies, urged officials to clear the Capitol and for Congress to approve the results of the presidential election won by Joe Biden.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength. The Capitol went into lockdown after its security perimeters were breached and protesters entered the building.

4:35 p.m.

At least one explosive device has been found near the U.S. Capitol amid a violent occupation of the building by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

Thats according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Thousands of supporters of the president occupied the Capitol complex as lawmakers were beginning to tally the electoral votes that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Vice President Mike Pence has called on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than Trump, who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

4:10 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden also demanded President Donald Trump to immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence that he described as an unprecedented assault as pro-Trump protestors violently occupy U.S. Capitol.

Bidens condemnation came after violent protesters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elects victory in the November election.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:05 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than President Donald Trump who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Pence, long a loyal aide to the president, defied Trump earlier Wednesday, tell him he didnt have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. Trump had publicly called on Pence to overturn the will of the voters, but Pences constitutional role in the process was only ceremonial.

Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Trump later issued a restrained call for peace but did not ask his supporters to disperse.

4 p.m.

The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the citys armory. The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.

The officials said the D.C. request for National Guard was not rejected earlier in the day. Instead, according to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military in a law enforcement role at the Capitol. As a result, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Hoffman said the law enforcement response to the violence will be led by the Justice Department.

3:55 p.m.

The top Democrats in Congress are demanding that President Donald Trump order his supporters to leave the Capitol following a chaotic protest aimed at blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a joint statement on Wednesday after violent protesters stormed the Capitol. They said, We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately.

Trump earlier encouraged his supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he did not call for them to disperse. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he repeated his false claims that President-elect Joe Biden had won the election through voter fraud.

He urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:50 p.m.

The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trumps supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

She added, We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.

Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.

3:40 p.m.

Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on President Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters angry about his election loss.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he spoke with the president earlier Wednesday and told him to make a statement to make sure that we can calm individuals down.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that it is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey told The Associated Press that while he sympathizes with the protesters position, they shouldnt get violent, and it would be nice if Trump called on them to protest in a peaceful way in an appropriate spot, where you belong, where you should be.

Many Republicans had backed Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.

This is Banana Republic crap that were watching right now, said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College vote.

3:37 p.m.

Supporters of President Donald Trump got into a angry shouting match with other passengers on a Washington-bound American Airlines plane after they projected a Trump 2020 logo on the cabin ceiling and walls.

The Trump supporters said a passenger threatened to kill them, and there was yelling back and forth. A flight attendant intervened, telling one passenger in the aisle to sit down.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night after Americans flight 1291 from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport landed at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., and was taxiing to the gate.

The scene was posted on Twitter by Maranie Staab, a Portland, Oregon-based independent journalist who says on her website that she focuses on human rights and social-justice issues.

Our team is reviewing this incident, said American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing. We applaud our outstanding crewmembers for their professionalism in de-escalating a tense onboard situation and getting our customers to their destination safely.

American said law enforcement was not called, and that passengers deplaned and dispersed without further incident.

3:35 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from supporters of President Donald Trump who are protesting Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

3:30 p.m.

One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.

Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

3:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is encouraging supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he is not calling for them to disperse.

As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, No violence! adding: Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.

But Trump did not ask supporters to vacate the area as the unrest continued.

Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol  at one point even suggesting he would join them. He is upset that he lost the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and has falsely claimed voter fraud to explain it away.

He also urged his supporters to get rid of the weak Congress people  presumably through primary challenges  saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:15 p.m.

A Defense Department official says Washington, D.C., has requested an additional 200 National Guard members as supporters of President Donald Trump violently clash with law enforcement at the Capitol.

That request is currently under review at the Pentagon to determine how the Guard can respond to support law enforcement.

According to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military at the Capitol. Instead, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Officials said the request for more National Guard has not been rejected.

Trump had urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

3:10 p.m.

Pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump to condemn supporters who are violently clashing with law enforcement on Capitol Hill.

Among those urging Trump to act: his former communications director, Alyssa Farah, who tweeted that Trump should Condemn this now.

She says, you are the only one they will listen to. For our country!

Dozens of people have breached security perimeters at the Capitol, forcing the lockdown of the building and halting the vote to certify Joe Bidens presidential victory.

Trump has so far offered a single tweet asking his supporters to Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

His former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted: The Presidents tweet is not enough. He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home.

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, also addressed Trump supporters in a tweet, calling them the patriots challenging the fraudulent election and telling them that POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY.

3 p.m.

Protesters backing President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

Trump urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers have backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Protesters are now inside the Senate chamber. One got up on the dais and yelled Trump won that election.

Several dozen are roaming through the halls, yelling, Where are they?

Some were also in the visitors galleries.

2:50 p.m.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid skirmishes by supporters of President Donald Trump

Pro-Trump protestors breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, violently clashing with law enforcement as lawmakers were gathered inside to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Novembers presidential election.

Law enforcement instructed lawmakers to retrieve masks from under their seats amid the clashes. The Capitol building was placed on lockdown, as Trump supporters marched through evacuated public spaces in the building.

After egging on protests, Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

2:47 p.m.

After egging on protests, President Donald Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement, Trump tweeted, as tear gas was deployed in the locked-down Capitol. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Trump at a rally earlier Wednesday encouraged his supporters to head to the Capitol.

Were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them, Trump said.

2:45 p.m.

Lawmakers are being evacuated from the U.S. Capitol after protesters breached security and entered the building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other senators were led out, escorted by staff and police on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the House were also being evacuated. Both chambers had been debating the certification of Joe Bidens victory in the Electoral College.

The skirmishes came shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

Protesters could be seen marching through the Capitols stately Statuary Hall shouting and waving Trump banners and American flags.

Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

2:40 p.m.

The mayor of Washington, D.C., has ordered a curfew in the nations capital beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday after protestors seeking to overturn the election results stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the order as protestors supporting President Donald Trump breached the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting to formally count the electors that will make Joe Biden president on Jan. 20.

The order extends through 6 a.m. Thursday.

The skirmishes came shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:30 p.m.

Protesting supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol.

There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and the debate over the electoral count was suspended.

A representative from the Capitol police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told lawmakers to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.

House Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern of Massachusetts told the crowd that the House expected to go back into session soon. Meanwhile, members milled around the floor and looked at their phones.

Reporters and others outside the chamber were told to go their seats inside and not leave.

The skirmishes came just shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

The Senate has recessed its debate over an objection to the results of the Electoral College after protesters forced police to lock down the building.

Reporters were told to stay in the Senates press gallery as the doors were locked.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz says American democracy is in crisis with polls showing that large numbers of voters believe the election that just occurred was rigged.

Cruz, a Republican, objected to the certification of election results in Arizona, saying the Senate has a responsibility to acknowledge the profound threat posed by widespread disbelief in the legitimacy of the election.

He called for the creation of a commission to conduct a 10-day emergency audit to investigate any irregularities, citing a similar commission created after the 1876 presidential election.

Cruz urged lawmakers not to take the easy path, but instead act together and create a credible and fair tribunal. Consider the claims, consider the facts, consider the evidence and make a conclusive determination whether and to what extent this election complied with the Constitution.'

1:55 p.m.

The U.S. Capitol Police are evacuating some congressional office buildings due to police activity as thousands gather outside the Capitol to protest the electoral vote.

Police told congressional staff members they should evacuate the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress. It wasnt immediately clear what specifically sparked the evacuation.

A police spokeswoman did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

Thousands of people have descended on the U.S. Capitol as Congress is expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens 2020 presidential win. Videos posted online showed protesters fighting with U.S. Capitol Police officers as police fired pepper spray to keep them back.
Joe Biden blasted President Donald Trump on Thursday for 'inciting a mob to attack the Capitol' and said if it was Black Lives Matter protesters who had done such a thing, they 'would have been treated very, very differently.'

Biden, during the announcement of his attorney general nominee, used his opening remarks to hold President Trump accountable for insurgents who stormed Capitol Hill, breached the Senate chamber, and caused a path of destruction in their wake.

Trump had egged on the mob through social media posts where he falsely claimed he lost the election and at a rally earlier Wednesday when he encouraged his supporters to march on Capitol Hill.

Biden laid out the case against Trump, saying 'the past four years we have had a president who's made his contempt for our democracy, our constitution, the rule of law clear in every he has done.'

The president elect noted Trump has spent his presidency attacking the press and intelligence agencies, used the language of 'autocrats and dictators,' and tear gassing peaceful protesters in 'pursuit of a photo opportunity in the service of his re-election' - a reference to Trump's walk across Lafayette Square in June to have his photo taken with the bible in front of St. John's church.

Joe Biden blasted President Trump for 'inciting a mob to attack the Capitol'

Joe Biden laid out the case against President Trump, saying 'the past four years we have had a president who's made his contempt for our democracy, our constitution, the rule of law clear in every he has done'

He went on to point out more than 60 judges - including some appointed by Trump - ruled against the president's election challenges and that the Supreme Court also struck down an attempt to overthrow the results.

He praised the judicial branch for its actions under pressure from the president.

'Take a look at the pressure it was just subjected to by a sitting president of the United States of America,' Biden said. 'At every level the judiciary rose to the moment during this election. Did its job. Acted with complete fairness and impartiality with honor and integrity. When history looks back on this moment we have just passed through I believe it will say our democracy survived in no small part because of the men and women that represent an independent judiciary in this nation.'

He went on to say all of Trump's actions led to 'a culmination of attack on the institutions of democracy, this time the congress itself. Inciting a mob to attack the capitol, to threaten elected representatives of the people of this nation and even the vice president to stop the congress from ratifying the will of the American people and just completed free and fair election.'

President-elect Joe Biden called the attack on the Capitol 'one of the darkest days in the history of our nation'

Joe Biden said the insurgents who stormed the building were 'domestic terorrists'

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris spoke about the treatment of the largely white protesters in the Capitol, compared with the strong arming police did with Black Lives Matter protesters

Biden's justice department team will be led by Federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland, who is his nominee for attorney general

Biden also argued Black Lives Matter protesters would have been treated differently if they had been the ones to invade the Capitol.

'No one can tell me that if it had been a group of black lives matter protesting yesterday, they wouldn't have been treated very, very differently,' he said.

'We all know that is true. And it is unacceptable. Totally unacceptable!,' he added.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris also spoke about the treatment of the largely white protesters, compared with the strong arming police did with Black Lives Matter protesters.

'We witnessed two systems of justice, when we saw one that let extremists storm the United States Capitol and another that released tear gas on peaceful protesters last summer,' Harris said.

Biden summed up Wednesday's events in the Capitol - where at least four people died - as 'one of the darkest days in the history of our nation.'

He said the pro-Trump mob weren't protesters but 'domestic terrorists.

'It was not protest. It was chaos. They weren't protesters. Don't dare call them protesters. They were a riotous mob, insurrectionists. Domestic terrorists. It is that basic. It is that simple,' he noted.

Biden then vowed his Justice Department would be independent and not subject to any political pressure.

'I want to be clear to those who lead this department, who you will serve: you won't work for me. You are not the president or the vice president's lawyer. Your loyalty is not to me. It's to the law, the constitution, the people of this nation, to guarantee justice,' he said.

At the event, Biden introduced his Justice Department team, to be led by federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland as attorney general.

Garland is a federal appeals court judge who, in 2016, was snubbed by the Republican Senate for a seat on the Supreme Court, which was left vacant after the death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia.

He is expected to be confirmed by the Senate, which will be controlled by Democrats when Biden takes office.

'More than anything, we need to restore the honor, the integrity, the independence of the Department of Justice thats been so badly damaged,' Biden said of his choices.

Garland promised to restore an equal commitment to law, pointing to Wednesday's riot at the Capitol as an example.

'As everyone who watched yesterday's events in Washington now understands, if they did not understand before, the rule of law is not just some lawyers' turn of phrase, it is the very foundation of our democracy,' Garland said.

Biden also announced Obama administration homeland security adviser Lisa Monaco (left) would serve as deputy attorney general, former Justice Department civil rights chief Vanita Gupta (center) as associate attorney general, and Kristen Clarke (right) will be an assistant attorney general for civil rights

Biden also announced Obama administration homeland security adviser Lisa Monaco would serve as deputy attorney general and former Justice Department civil rights chief Vanita Gupta as associate attorney general, the No. 3 person at the Justice Department.

He also named an assistant attorney general for civil rights, Kristen Clarke, the president of advocacy group Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
DUBLIN, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Pharmaceutical Contract Development & Manufacturing Market (2020-2025) by Service, End User, Geography, Competitive Analysis and the Impact of Covid-19 with Ansoff Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Pharmaceutical Contract Development & Manufacturing Market is estimated to be USD 100 Bn in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 142.2 Bn by 2025 growing at a CAGR of 7.3%.



One of the reasons for the increase in the pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing industry is the growth of developing biotech. Most of the companies are continuously involved in the development of complex drug compounds to address a specific disease.



Most of the companies lack the infrastructure required for formulation, clinical, and regulatory agency submission. A partnership with a pharmaceutical contract manufacturer can provide another viable option. By working cooperatively, a biotech company, a donor company, and a pharmaceutical contract manufacturer can move a product into the global markets.



The increasing level of mergers and acquisition activities are resulting in the consolidation of the contract service providers. The growth of the Pharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Market is driven by the increasing demand for generics across the globe. The increasing investment in pharmaceutical R&D by the companies pushes the growth of the market upwards.



The pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing market are hindered by the inadequate capacity utilization of manufacturing facilities by the companies. The poor-capacity utilization of the manufacturing unit is caused due to the inefficiency of different sub-processes involved in the production process, which further results in low production. The low production is responsible for decreased revenue, thus affecting the overall pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing market.



Dynamic changes witnessed in this sector, coupled with severe pressure over the profit margins, are anticipated to restrain growth. Stringent and complex Government regulatory requirements are also attributive to slow progress.



Scope of the Report



Based on the Service, API manufacturing services dominated the market as a result of the rising demand for High Potency Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (HPAPI). Market players are engaged in the development of large scale manufacturing facilities on the pilot as well as commercial scale. Parenteral manufacturing services are also expected to grow significantly due to the increasing need for high levels of expertise, increasing number of sterile formulations, and growing drug development activity.



Based on end-users, the Big Pharma end-user segment is accounted for the largest share of the market. The growth of big pharma is attributed to the emergence of new medicines and therapy forms, pricing pressure, pipeline challenges, and increasing opportunities in the emerging markets.



Based on Region, North America is anticipated to have a large market share and is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific is also expected to grow at a surplus rate due to the rise in the number of companies outsourcing projects in this region's developing economies. Heavy investments by Asian CMOs are expected for exponential progress.



Market Dynamics



Drivers

Growing Demand for Generics

Increasing Investments in Pharmaceutical R&D

Investments in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies by CDMOs

Restraints

The increasing lead time and logistics costs

Strict Governmental Regulations Needed for the Approval of drugs

Opportunities

Increasing Demand for Biological therapies

Growing Focus on Specialty Medicines

Growth in the Nuclear Medicine Sector

Increasing Demand for Cell and Gene therapies

Challenges

Managing Costs and Astutely Investing in Technology

Company Profiles

Some of the companies covered in this report are Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Catalent, Inc., Lonza Group Ltd, Recipharm AB, Vetter Pharma International GmbH, Famar Health Care Services, Abbvie Inc., Aenova Group, Consort Medical Plc, and others.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Report Description



2. Research Methodology



3. Executive Summary



4. Market Overview

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Market Dynamics

4.2.1 Drivers

4.2.2 Restraints

4.2.3 Opportunities

4.2.4 Challenges

4.3 Trends



5. Market Analysis

5.1 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

5.2 Impact of COVID-19

5.3 Ansoff Matrix Analysis



6. Global Pharmaceutical Contract Development & Manufacturing Market, By Service

6.1 Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Services

6.1.1 Pharmaceutical API Manufacturing Services

6.1.2 Pharmaceutical FDF Manufacturing Services

6.1.3 Parenteral Manufacturing Services

6.1.4 Tablet Manufacturing Services

6.1.5 Capsule Manufacturing Services

6.1.6 Oral Liquid Manufacturing Services

6.1.7 Other Formulations

6.2 Drug Development Services

6.3 Biologics Manufacturing Services

6.3.1 Biologics API Manufacturing Services

6.3.2 Biologics FDF Manufacturing Services



7. Global Pharmaceutical Contract Development & Manufacturing Market, By End User

7.1 Big Pharma

7.2 Small & Mid-Size Pharma

7.3 Generic Pharmaceutical Companies

7.4 Other End Users



8. Pharmacy Automation Systems Market, By Geography



9. Competitive Landscape

9.1 Competitive Quadrant

9.2 Market Share Analysis

9.3 Competitive Scenario

9.3.1 Mergers & Acquisitions

9.3.2 Agreements, Collaborations, & Partnerships

9.3.3 New Product Launches & Enhancements

9.3.4 Investments & Fundings



10. Company Profiles

10.1 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

10.2 Catalent, Inc.

10.3 Lonza Group Ltd

10.4 Recipharm AB

10.5 Veter Pharma International GmbH

10.6 Famar Healthcare Services

10.7 Abbvie Inc.

10.8 Aenova Group

10.9 Almac Group

10.10 Siegfried Holding AG

10.11 Evonik Industries AG

10.12 Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH

10.13 Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd.

10.14 Patheon Inc.

10.15 Pfizer CentreSource

10.16 CMIC Holdings Co. Ltd

10.17 Syneos Health Inc.

10.18 LSK Global Pharma Service Co Ltd.

10.19 PAREXEL International Corporation

10.20 PRA Health Sciences Inc.

10.21 Samsung Bioepis Co. Ltd.

10.22 Sagimet Biosciences (3V Biosciences Inc.)

10.23 WuXi AppTec Inc

10.24 Quanticate Ltd.

10.25 SGS SA (SGS Life Sciences)



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/t4q53

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.



Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

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Disgraced chef Pete Evans has given his former MKR co-star Colin Fassnidge the tick of approval after he replaced him on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

Pete, 47, publicly supported the Irishman when he entered the jungle on Wednesday.

Colin shared a picture of himself in his khaki gear on Instagram, and Pete left a supportive message in the comments section.

In his corner: Disgraced chef Pete Evans (pictured) has given his former MKR co-star Colin Fassnidge the tick of approval after he replaced him on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

He left two love-heart emojis and a flame emoji underneath Colin's post.

Colin wrote in his caption: 'Well, that time I went to Ireland... well, I lied! After the year we had, why not do it! Strap in because I know what's coming!'

The executive chef of 4Fourteen told The Daily Telegraph on Thursday that Pete had 'wished him well' prior to filming the show.

Replacement: Colin shared a picture of himself in his khaki gear on Instagram, and Pete left a supportive message in the comments section

Supportive: He left two love-heart emojis and a flame emoji underneath Colin's post

'I have known Pete for 10 years, we are friends, we used to live near each other,' he told the newspaper.

'We don't have to agree with each other's views, that is what a friendship with someone is. But as a person, I think he is a nice guy.'

Colin was approached by Channel 10 to appear on I'm a Celebrity after Pete - who was originally slated for the role - was sacked for sharing a cartoon on social media which depicted an image of the neo-Nazi Black Sun symbol.

Former colleagues: Colin (left) was approached by Channel 10 to appear on I'm a Celebrity after Pete (right) - who was originally slated for the role - was sacked for sharing a cartoon on social media which depicted an image of the neo-Nazi Black Sun symbol. Pictured on MKR

Before this, he'd sparked outrage throughout 2020 by sharing conspiracy theories about the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines.

Despite Pete's extreme views, Colin insisted the pair were friends and said he did not have to agree with somebody to be friends with them.

On Wednesday's episode, Colin entered the camp in a strange clown challenge, which proved to be difficult for Abbie Chatfield and Toni Pearen, who had to free him from being handcuffed to a clown car.

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! continues Thursday at 7:30pm on Channel 10
MIAMI, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RussKap Holdings CEO Ed Russo announced today that they have entered into an agreement with PEMCO, (Power Equipment and Materials Co. LTS) a leader in power equipment and supplies in Saudi Arabia.

"We have looked for an exemplary partner in Saudi Arabia for our leading atmospheric water generation technology. After considering various companies, we determined that PEMCO is uniquely suited to help our industry grow.

RussKap Holdings, LLC

We currently have our atmospheric water generator units in Saudi Arabia for several months, with their executives very pleased with the quality and healthy taste of the water produced out of the air." Ed Russo

PEMCO president Hasan Khashoggi stated, "We have been looking to enter this market with this new technology of producing clean, safe, and healthy water and finally met a company that can match the high standards and quality that we were seeking."

By creating water on site, the need for plastic bottles is minimized, helping to reduce plastic waste in Saudi areas.

RussKap's patented technology uses the United States Environmental Protection Agency's recommended ozone (03) treatment system to ensure a sterile environment. RussKap recently received the largest purchase ever of atmospheric water machines by the United States Department of Defense.

RussKap president Yehuda Kaploun stated, "This relationship doesn't happen overnight and we are pleased to have found the company and the people that we believe works best to bring our high quality 'Made in the USA' machines to the Saudi market. The PEMCO team has been testing and tasting our product for months, and only after they were satisfied with the quality and our production did we move forward. Having a touch-less dispenser, which prevents the spread of Covid-19, and can replace public water fountains in schools and hospitals, is an added plus."

PEMCO executive said there are many companies in the atmospheric water generator field, but only one company which consistently uses the high standards we were looking for. We look forward to working closely with Mr. Russo and Mr. Kaploun to make these units the number one brand in the Saudi region and the entire Gulf region. Having a leading company from the United States working with PEMCO, the leading Saudi energy supply company is truly a great match.

"One crucial benefit for our region," said PEMCO's CEO Hamad Al Qusaibi "is the use of atmospheric water generation for crop irrigation. In addition, RussKap's solar powered units reduce the need and therefore the effects of desalination by-products. This is a significant advantage for the people of Saudi Arabia and to the environment as a whole. Providing great tasting water from the air on demand is so vital for the growth of the region. No longer do farmers need to fear droughts and runoff pollution that has devastated agricultural areas around the world."

About RussKap:

RussKap Holdings Water Division includes three different standard units:

The HS MAXIM - Up to 200 gallons per day for industrial and institutional use

The HS QUENCH - Up to 100 gallons per day for domestic and institutional use

The Hydration Station Quench - Up to 10 gallons per day for home and office use

Larger systems are available on demand.

All units can be modified to be solar powered.

Adir Alexander, Media Contact

[email protected]

704.610.7171

SOURCE RussKap Holdings, LLC
A loud explosion was heard in the Yemeni city of Aden on Thursday evening, residents and a security source told Reuters.

The explosion took place just outside a central prison in the southern port city, they added.

The security source said the explosion happened in an empty area and damaged a wall.

There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries.

Pictures posted on social media showed a plume of smoke that appeared to rise from an area outside the prison.

After Yemen government officials, backed by Saudi Arabia, arrived in Aden on Dec. 30 at least 22 people were killed in attacks.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

Short link:


New Delhi, Jan 7 : The Supreme Court on Thursday sought response from the Centre and the Election Commission on a plea seeking directions to debar defectors, disqualified as members of any legislature under the Constitution's Tenth Schedule, for a period of six years and ban them from holding any public office up to six years.

The petition filed by Congress' Madhya Pradesh leader Jaya Thakur, through advocate Varinder Kumar Sharma, sought implementation of the recommendation of the National Law Commission to review the working of the Constitution about the amendment of "Tenth Schedule of the Constitution".

The plea contended the Tenth Schedule should be amended specifically to provide that all persons defecting - whether individually or in groups - from the party or the alliance of parties, on whose ticket they had been elected, must resign from their parliamentary or assembly seats and must contest fresh elections.

"The defectors should also be debarred to hold any public office of a minister or any other remunerative political post for at least the duration of the remaining term of the existing legislature or until, the next fresh elections whichever is earlier. The vote cast by a defector to topple a government should be treated as invalid," said the plea.

The petitioner has argued that the power to decide disqualification on ground of defection should vest in the Election Commission, instead of the Speaker of the House concerned.

The plea contended that a legislator is deemed to have defected if he either voluntarily gives up the membership of his party or disobeys the directives of the party leadership on a vote. "This implies that a legislator defying (abstaining or voting against) the party whip on any issue can lose his membership of the House. The law applies to both Parliament and state Assembly," said the plea.

The petitioner also cited the several incidents - Manipur, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh -- where ruling party MLAs resign from the House leading to the fall of the government. Later, they are awarded with ministerial posts by the new government and also given tickets to re-contest for by-elections, which renders Tenth Schedule provisions redundant.

"This is a new type of corruption, which is defeating the object of the 10th Schedule. The object of 10th Schedule was to curb the evil of political defections motivated by lure of office or other similar consideration which endanger the foundations of our democracy," it said.

The plea urged the top court to issue directions to the poll panels to debar the defectors for a period of six years, from the date of their resignation from the Assembly or Parliament seat.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices A.S Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian on Thursday issued notice, returnable in four weeks, in the matter.
Alabama Republican Party Chairwoman Terry Lathan, who is attending the winter meeting of the Republican National Committee today on Amelia Island near Jacksonville, Fla., said she has been following events at the U.S. Capitol today by social media and condemned breaches of capitol security by Trump supporters.

Im not in D.C., Im in Florida at the RNC meetings, but I cant even believe what Im seeing, Lathan said. This cannot stand. This sort of thinking and actions cannot stand.

Protests and peaceful assembly are acceptable, but some people went beyond that, she said.

The electoral college process must go on, Lathan said. Its mind-numbing. We are not a part of this.

The entire crowd should not be judged by the worst actions of some, she said.

I dont think you can judge everybody there by the ones breaking the law, Lathan said.

People are angry and upset.

Thats no excuse, she said.

Id like to think Americans did not come across the country to act like this, Lathan said.

There are prices to be paid for that.

Mob rule is not acceptable, she said.

We should all say yes to encouraging peaceful protest, speaking with your representatives, Lathan said. Any breaking the law cannot stand. The actions of some of these people - these individuals must be held accountable, if theyre breaking the law, causing violence. Each one is personally responsible for their own behavior. Theyre welcome to their opinion. It should not be law-breaking.

The RNC winter meeting started today and continues through Friday. Ronna McDaniel, the National Republican Committee chair, is expected to be re-elected, Lathan said. Shes done a phenomenal job, Lathan said.

The RNC meeting this week had a list of invited speakers that included Vice President Mike Pence, Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, Florida senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. President Trump was invited but it was not clear if he planned to attend.

We do expect high-profile speakers, Lathan said. Were going to go on without disruption as we should.

With the election of two Democratic senators in Georgia on Jan. 5 set to shift control of the U.S. senate to Democratic control, Lathan called it very disappointing results.

She said Democratic Party control of the White House, the House of Representatives and the Senate is not good for the country.

Whats about to happen the camels going to get a peek under the tent, Lathan said. I dont think Americas going to like what it sees, how far left the Democratic Party is. Were not a left-progressive country.

Many people from Alabama attended the morning rally to hear President Trump speak. That was a beautiful American sight, Lathan said.

I was expecting a solid day from patriots around the nation, including from Alabama, who were there to have their voices heard. Im afraid that process has been hijacked by people who are out of line and should pay the price for it.

Lathan said she saw images of people who got into the U.S. Capitol, such as a man who sat at Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosis desk and left her a note.

A lot of good people went there to do something good, Lathan said. Others have turned it upside down.

Lathan said she still supported planned objections to accepting electoral vote totals from some states that Trump lost.

The most important thing is that theyre not trying to overturn the election because we dont like the outcome, Lathan said. Its a simple question. Did these states break their election laws? If the answer is yes, then those votes cannot count. This is not hard.

Alabamas Republican Congressional delegates  except for Sen. Richard Shelby  were planning to object to the certification of the election of President-elect Joe Biden.

If Pennsylvania let people vote three days after their deadline, those votes cannot count, Lathan said.

Thats what theyre asking.

She said she believed the country, though politically divided, is stable.

In the end, Americas still the strongest and best, Lathan said. We will get through this one way or another.

Alabama Democratic Party response

Alabama Democratic Party Chair Chris England issued a statement responding to the events in Washington.

Today, during a joint session of Congress to fulfill the legal obligation to count the votes of the Electoral College, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol building, England said. This mob was encouraged by President Donald Trump, Rep. Mo Brooks, and others at a rally before they breached the doors of the Capitol. They disrupted the peaceful transfer of power, broke the law, and must be prosecuted for their sedition.

The American people voted loud and clear that Donald Trump did not deserve a second term as President of the United States, and the disorder of this lame duck period shows clearly why. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take office on Jan. 20, 2021 because the Constitution says they will. At that point, this sorry period of American history will be over, but our healing will just begin.

Citizens should note who defended the Constitution and who did not. Politicians who would throw away Americas founding ideals do not deserve to hold officeever. They should be rejected, and should never be part of public life again for their opposition to our shared values. Mob rule, conspiracy theory mongering, and encouragement of this siege of the Capitol are the natural consequence of years of flirtation by Republican politicians with the fringe elements of their party. As the prophet says, they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.
Kevin Hart has said he believes that more Capitol Hill rioters would have been shot if they were Black.

The comedian and actor was one of many celebrities who commented on the incident that saw Donald Trump supporters attempt to stop Joe Bidens presidency from being certified.

The siege, which interrupted the Electoral College Certification process, saw government officials quickly evacuated from the Senate Chambers and resulted in a total of four deaths. Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, was killed by a plain-clothed police officer.

Many criticised the polices response to the rioters and noted the lack of initial force compared with that inflicted upon those participating in peaceful Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.

If these people were Black they would have all been shot dead, Hart wrote shortly after.

This s**t is past the word sad....at this point its pure disrespect to all people of colour. Why cant we see this situation handled the same way that we have seen our people handled repeatedly.

He added: When the armed officers are supposed to use force they dont... s**t is f***ing SAD!!!!!

As the incident took place, Trump posted a video asking those involved to go home. However, he then called them very special and said we love you", while also repeating his false claim that he won the election.

This prompted Twitter and Facebook to temporarily block him from posting any further messages. Celebrities are now vociferously calling on the social media sites to ban him permanently.



"We are pleased by this coverage decision from Highmark as it provides needed member access to this proven therapy option" said Peter Sommerness, CEO of Respicardia. "With published clinical data demonstrating sustained safety and efficacy treating CSA through 36 months, we are encouraged by these updated coverage policies that now include the rem ede System."

Highmark is among the top 10 largest health insurers in the United States and the fourth-largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated company. With the addition of the Highmark coverage policy, the remede System is now included in commercial insurance coverage policies that represent nearly 28 million covered lives and is also available at VA facilities across the United States.

About Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and the remede System

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is a serious breathing disorder that disrupts the normal breathing pattern during sleep and negatively affects quality of life and overall cardiovascular health. CSA results from the brain's inability to send appropriate signals to the respiratory muscles to stimulate breathing.

The remede System, which received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in October 2017, is a breakthrough implantable system that treats the harmful effects of CSA by restoring a more normal breathing pattern during sleep.

About Respicardia

Respicardia is a leader in innovative technologies that address the unmet needs in respiratory and cardiovascular disease with safe and effective therapies. Founded in 2006 and headquartered near Minneapolis, Minn., Respicardia is dedicated to improving patient outcomes, quality of life and overall cardiovascular health via novel transvenous neurostimulation therapies. Learn more at www.respicardia.com.

Important Safety Information

The remede System is indicated for moderate to severe Central Sleep Apnea in adult patients.

Your doctor will need to evaluate your condition to determine if the remede System is right for you. You will not be able to have an MRI or diathermy (special heat therapies) if you have the remede System implanted. The remede System may be used if you have another stimulation device such as a heart pacemaker or defibrillator; special testing will be needed to ensure the devices are not interacting.

As with any surgically implanted device, there are risks related to the surgical procedure itself which may include, but are not limited to, pain, swelling, and infection.

Once the therapy is turned on, some patients may experience discomfort from stimulation and/or from the presence of the device. The majority of these events are resolved either on their own or by adjusting the therapy settings. The remede System may not work for everyone. There are additional risks associated with removing your system. If you and your doctor decide to remove the system, another surgery will be required.

Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of the remede System. Rx only. For further information, please visit www.respicardia.com, call +1-952-540-4470 or email [email protected].

Costanzo M, et al. Transvenous neurostimulation for central sleep apnea: a randomised controlled trial. The Lancet. 2016; 388: 97482. Fox H, et al. remede System Pivotal Trial Study Group, Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Central Sleep Apnea Outcomes of Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Central Sleep Apnea, Sleep. doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsz158. Costanzo M.R., Ponikowski P., Oldenburg O., et al. Transvenous Phrenic Nerve Stimulation In Patients With Central Sleep Apnea: 5-Year Safety And Efficacy Results. Poster presented at: Annual Scientific Meeting of the Heart Failure Society of America; October 3, 2020 ; Virtual. Javaheri S., et al. Effects Of Transvenous Phrenic Nerve Stimulation On Central Sleep Apnea And Sleep Architecture: The 5 Year Analysis [abstract]. CHEST. 2020. FDA PMA P160039 https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/recently-approved-devices/remeder-system-p160039

SOURCE Respicardia

Related Links

http://www.respicardia.com


When actress Sienna Miller split up from her fiance, publishing boss Lucas Zwirner, four months ago, she returned from New York to London to be comforted by her older sister, Savannah.

Now I hear Sienna hopes to make the move more permanent after spending Christmas and New Year with her sister and family in the Cotswolds.

When actress Sienna Miller (pictured) split up from her fiance, publishing boss Lucas Zwirner, four months ago, she returned from New York to London to be comforted by her older sister, Savannah

With the pandemic and the political climate in the U.S., being near to family has never felt so important, says a source close to the 39-year-old mother of one, who moved to the U.S. in 2016.

Shes been talking to friends about moving back for good.

I now know why I didnt become BBC Chairman, says Kelvin MacKenzie, the former Sun editor who applied unsuccessfully for the role.

Unlike Richard Sharp I hadnt given 400,000 to the Tories. Sharp is a former Goldmans banker where he was [Chancellor, Rishi] Sunaks boss and big in the arts world.

'He is worth 500 million. Perhaps he might buy the BBC personally and save us 157.50?

Stunning figures boost Caras career

Shes Britains highest paid supermodel and her earnings are as eye-popping as her colourful private life with new accounts revealing Cara Delevingne has amassed a nest egg of 30.3 million.

And her company Cara & Co, which deals with her modelling and acting activities, report a turnover at 15.7m, and a pre-tax profit at 12.3m for the year ended December 2019.

Shes Britains highest paid supermodel and her earnings are as eye-popping as her colourful private life with new accounts revealing Cara Delevingne (pictured) has amassed a nest egg of 30.3 million

Cara, 28, is certainly making waves across the pond as her accounts report for the first time the existence of two U.S. subsidiary companies  New York-based Cara & Co (U.S.) inc and Los Angeles-based Hot Mess Industries LLC.

Cara is also a director of her familys property empire called Harvey White Properties Ltd, along with sisters Poppy and Chloe, and their father Charles.

Keith Richards is mourning the loss of his favourite English-style pub, Marcs Place, in Connecticut where he has a home.

The Rolling Stones guitarist, 77, has been living with his daughter, Alexandra, 34, who says: Were heartbroken that one of our favourite family restaurants has closed due to the pandemic. Adding that it was our go-to spot.

Royals rarely enter the political fray but the demo in Capitol Hill spurred Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, who moved his family to the U.S. in 2017, to speak out.

Im not normally political here, Prince Charless godson declares on social media.

But events in Washington DC are what the 25th Amendment was designed for [it allows the vice president to take over]. The President has disgraced the highest office and the democracy it stands for.

Some might say Noels girl is posh

Noel Gallaghers model daughter Anais claims her posh accent is a turn-off.

The 20-year-old, whose mother is Noels ex, Meg Mathews, says: People know my family, what they sound like, how they dress.

'It disappoints people when they hear me, because they have a perception that Im going to be so Mancunian, then I come along and sound so posh.

Anais Gallagher, 20, (pictured), whose mother is Noels ex, Meg Mathews, says: People know my family, what they sound like, how they dress'

I want to be my own person. No matter how much success I have, Im never going to have as much success as my dad. I will always be Noel Gallaghers daughter.

Posh daughter, surely.

Sacked Eton beak coins it in with online tutoring

Will Knowland was ignominiously sacked from Eton College, but it does not seem to have harmed his earning potential.

I have discovered the English teacher offers lessons via online tutoring website First Tutors, where he charges 80 an hour  or 90 for exam tuition.

The father-of-fives nine-year position at Britains top public school ended after he refused to remove a lecture challenging gender roles from YouTube, that led to a storm over free speech.

With the headmaster threatening to refer me to the Teaching Regulation Agency, potentially banning me from the classroom for life, at least I can be grateful to Covid for boosting demand for my online tutoring, says Knowland.

Virtual pupils are keen. Will has been fantastic, says one. His lessons are exciting and fun, while challenging at the same time.

Is there anything he cant teach? Please note I am unable to tutor students seeking admission to Eton College.
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Thousands of Trump supporters, acting at his direction after a rally outside the White House, stormed the Capitol building Wednesday afternoon, putting a halt to the congressional session at which Trumps defeat in the 2020 presidential election was being certified.

This is a coordinated, planned fascist insurrection. Trump supporters passed through police barricades outside the Capitol and entered the building without serious resistance. The passivity of the police in the face of an effort to seize Congress should be compared to the massive assault by police and national guard forces on anti-police violence protesters last June.

The response of President-elect Joseph Biden and the Democratic Party as a whole has been politically spineless. Rather than calling for Trumps immediate removal from office and his arrest, as well as the detention of all the Republican senators and congressmen who have abetted his political conspiracy, Biden called upon Trump to step up and go on national television.

No one who is serious about stopping a coup detat urges its chief conspirator to address a nationwide audience of hundreds of millions.

This response is worse than pathetic. It is criminally irresponsible. In the midst of a fascist effort to suppress the certification of the election results, Biden leaves the outcome in the hands of the chief conspirator.

It should also be noted that hours have passed without any leading Democrat making a public statement appealing to the public to stop the fascist insurrectionists.

Trump has been preparing for this fascist coup through his continual attacks on the legitimacy of the November 3 election, which he lost by 7 million votes to Biden, and by a margin of 306-232 in the Electoral College. He mobilized support among Republicans in Congress for an effort to block the certification of Bidens victory at a joint session today, and then directly encouraged the attack on the Capitol in his appearance in front of the crowd Wednesday.

In remarks that amount to direct incitement of violence, Trump said that the political crisis in Washington was no longer simply a matter of [alleged] election fraud, but of national security, and different rules apply. He was echoing the statement of his attorney Rudy Giuliani, who told the same crowd that the political conflict would be settled in a trial by combat.

The assault has accomplished its immediate aim, which is to halt the certification of the presidential election. The joint session of Congress called for that purpose was going through the roll of states alphabetically and stopped at Arizona when Republican congressmen and senators objected to certification of that states 11 electoral votes for Biden.

The events in Washington have totally vindicated the repeated warnings that have been made by the Socialist Equality Party and the World Socialist Web Site. It has been obvious for months that Trump and his co-conspirators would resort to violence to nullify the election if it went against Trump.

Following the first election debate last September, the WSWS stated :

Political reality has burst through the countless layers of deceitful propaganda of the corporate-financial oligarchy and exposed the undeniable fact that the White House is the political nerve center of a far-advanced conspiracy to establish a presidential dictatorship and suppress constitutionally guaranteed democratic rights.

In a statement posted Wednesday morning, the WSWS warned :

The United States Congress is meeting today to formally count the Electoral College votes in the 2020 presidential election. Under normal conditions, this process is a formality. Todays vote, however, takes place under conditions of an active and ongoing effort by President Donald Trump to stage a coup detat, nullify the results of the election and establish a presidential dictatorship.

Now that these warnings have been confirmed, it is imperative for all working people and youth to draw the appropriate political conclusions.

The defense of democratic rights is possible only through the political mobilization of the working class. The conspiracies of the fascist thugs must be countered by the creation of rank-and-file committees in factories, workplaces and neighborhoods to organize strike action and other forms of popular resistance to the efforts to set up a right-wing dictatorship.
BLOOD ON TRUMPS HANDS

That is the banner headline on the homepage of Great Britains Daily Mail newspaper. The page features a gif showing red-hatted, camouflage-wearing men inside Congress throwing themselves at police officers. It also includes a graphic photo of a woman bleeding to death after she was shot in the Capitol.

One of the Mails rivals, The Mirror, put a photo of President Donald Trump front and center on its website, showing him looking like a modern-day Mussolini with a leather-gloved fist raised.

A protester supporting U.S. President Donald Trump jumps from the public gallery to the floor of the Senate chamber at the U.S. Capitol Building. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Getty Images

Germanys Bild newspaper leads with a photo of men smashing through a door at the U.S. Capitol, with the headline Putsch-versuch. Translation: Coup attempt.

News organizations around the globe on Wednesday presented the U.S. as a child throwing a terrifying temper tantrum in their reports on the violent U.S. Capitol assault by supporters of President Donald Trump.

The mayhem is unlike any in living memory, states the typically staid British magazine The Economist.

Newspapers around the world have zeroed in on what's happening in Washington, D.C. (Bild online)

On the Mails website, unnerving headlines cascade down the front page, each one focusing on whats happening across the Atlantic from its stomping grounds in London:

Female Trump supporter DIES after being shot inside Capitol when Presidents mob stormed AND looted Congress to stop Biden victory confirmation.

National Guard is deployed, 6pm DC curfew is declared and Donald tells rabble We love you.

Its an insurrection: [President-elect] Joe Biden blames Trump for Congress attack and stoking flames of hate and chaos.

Police stand outside the Capitol after a day of rioting protesters in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)AP

The Express, another London tabloid, offers: Trump Washington riots ERUPT: One dead as protesters storm -- Theyve taken over the Capitol!

Paris Liberation, a left-wing daily founded following mass protests in France 50 years ago, exclaims in French: In Washington, pro-Trump supporters ready to fight to the end.

On the flip side of the world, the English-language Japan Times points out that a Day of Violence and Chaos at U.S. Capitol Leaves America Reeling.

Another headline on the publications front page zeroes in on whos likely to benefit if the U.S. longstanding role as leader of the free world and a beacon of democracy continues to erode:

As world says good riddance to 2020, China hails its new status.

-- Douglas Perry

dperry@oregonian.com

@douglasmperry
WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Thursday joined Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., in calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Trump from office.

"By inciting sedition as he did yesterday he must be removed for office. While there's only 13 days left any day could be a horror show for America," Pelosi told reporters on Capitol Hill.

Trump "invited an armed insurrection against the United States of America," Pelosi said Thursday, a day after a pro-Trump mob incited by the president stormed the Capitol, vandalizing the building and forcing lawmakers to be evacuated.

Pelosi left open the possibility of impeaching Trump a second time.

Under the 25th Amendment, the president can be removed from office by the vice president plus a majority of the Cabinet, or by the vice president and a body established by Congress, if they determine that he "is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office."

It would be an extraordinary step before the end of Trump's term on Jan. 20.

Meanwhile, Pelosi called on Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund to step down over criticism of his staff's handling of the insurrection, and she said House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving had submitted his resignation.

Pelosi praised the actions of individual Capitol Police officers, but she said there was a failure of leaders who had not contacted her after the attack on the Capitol.

"Many of our Capitol Police just acted so bravely and with such concern for the staff, for the members, for the Capitol, for the Capitol of the United States, many of them, and they deserve our gratitude," Pelosi said Thursday. "But there was a failure of leadership at the top of the Capitol Police. And I think Mr. Sund, he hasn't even called us since this had, you know, [occurred], so I had made him aware that I would be saying that we're calling for his resignation now."

Sund has been the chief of the Capitol Police since 2019. Irving has been the House Sergeant of Arms since 2012.

Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called on Senate Sergeant of Arms Michael Stenger to resign.

Pelosi said there also needs to be a full review of the security failures at the executive branch level, such as the FBI's intelligence, and how long it took the Pentagon to mobilize the National Guard.
MADRID, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to his extensive experience in the commercial field and the digital marketing sector, Pedro Munoz will lead Vidoomy's commercial strategy and European sales teams from its headquarters in Madrid, strengthening the company's position in and outside its borders.

Vidoomy, digital platform specialized in video advertising, offers to its clients access to premium audiences in digital media that the company manages. In this way, it makes it easier for advertisers and prestigious brands campaigns to impact their target audience at the right time and in the right place.

Vidoomy offers advertisers premium audiences that allow them to increase digital advertising investment efficiency of branding and awareness campaigns, through its own technology with specialized algorithms, machine learning, 3rd Party Data and its alliances with premium publishers.

Through audiences over 2,500 premium media globally, Vidoomy delivers the best results in terms of KPIs, ROI and ROAS to advertisers and enables digital publishers to increase the monetization of their digital media.

Vidoomy's current international presence include USA, Latam, Europe and the African continent market, with local teams that maintain a clients network and commercial operations with global focus. Its activity is focused on the main media agencies such as Publicis, IPG Mediabrands, GroupM, Havas Media Group, Dentsu Aegis, Omnicom Media Group (OMG) and their media buying agencies, as well as independent ones. These companies and the advertisers in each of the countries in which Vidoomy operates will be the main focus for the European sales teams attention that Pedro Munoz will strategically manage from Madrid.

Pedro Munoz's main responsibility will be to strengthen Vidoomy's position in the European digital market and multiply Vidomy's sales force, creating a strategic network of commercial agreements with the main companies that make up the digital advertising ecosystem and the programmatic. His experience over 18 years in the commercial field in leading companies in the sector such as Outbrain, Ligatus and / or Hi Media, leading opening projects and sales teams creation will undoubtedly strengthen Vidoomy's commercial operations outside its borders.

"It is a pleasure to join Vidoomy's amazing team to continue the spectacular growth that this company has experienced over the last 3 years. It is a great challenge to represent this successful product in the whole Europe continent," says Pedro Munoz about his challenge.

"With a professional such as Pedro Munoz, as sales leader in the European territory and adding a technology in continuous adaptation and development such as that offered by Vidoomy, we will be able to further increase our network of Advertisers satisfied by the results and KPIs offered after the advertising campaigns served through our technology. This strategy will ensure the success of Vidoomy, fulfilling the company's projections in an unstoppable market that increases its investment in digital advertising year after year and that in 2021 has the best expectations of historical growth," says Antonio Simarro-VP Global Sales at Vidoomy.

Vidoomy's purpose of always providing the highest quality service to its customers is what places innovation and improvement of its technology at the epicenter of its strategy. The constant growth of its commercial teams is the definitive bet to consolidate itself as a reference digital platform for its clients and bring its video advertising solutions to all corners of the globe.

SOURCE Vidoomy

Washington DC Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the US Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in "medical emergencies".

New York : Four people died as supporters of United States President Donald Trump violently occupied the US Capitol.

The protesters dispersed following the enforcement of curfew in the national capital.

Mayor Bowser announced the curfew to prevent the situation from escalating.

Officials said the Capitol was secured, putting an end to nearly four-hour violent occupation by Trump supporters.

Heavily armed police personnel were deployed to disperse the crowd.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

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Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
RELATED: Trumps conduct selfish and self-centered, long-time ally Chris Christie says

Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday called the violence that erupted in Washington D.C. after pro-President Donald Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol an act of domestic terrorism.

The governor, referring to the rioters as an unhinged mob, also said federal authorities should identify as many of the people as they can who broke into the Capitol and that they should be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

This was not a protest. It was an act of domestic terrorism spurred on by the president and his minions, Murphy said at a public event. It was a result of four years of gaslighting and concerted efforts from within to weaken our democracy.

The presidents refusal to accept the reality that he lost an election created this, Murphy said. His years of lies and willful misinformation created this. His belief that that laws dont apply to him created this. His spewing of unfounded conspiracy theories created this.

The governor also announced 500 members of the New Jersey National Guard will deploy to Washington D.C. On Wednesday, 74 New Jersey State Troopers were sent there to assist local authorities and they were guarding the Capitol early Thursday, Murphy said.

Violent pro-Trump rioters broke through police barricades at the Capitol Wednesday, forcing an evacuation and lockdown.

The riot happened hours after Trump spoke to supporters who gathered in Washington to protest his loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the November presidential election. The U.S. House and Senate were holding a joint session Wednesday to formally confirm Bidens win.

Trump told the crowd: We will never give up. We will never concede. It doesnt happen. You dont concede when theres theft.

He then called on his supporters to march to the Capitol to cheer on some Republican lawmakers who planned to contest the results.

16 Violence outside the U.S. Capitol as Trump supporters storm chambers

As the insurrection unfolded, Murphy called on Trump to immediately condemn the attempted coup.

We are witnessing one of the darkest days in American history, Murphy said on social media Wednesday. The president must immediately condemn the attempted coup at the U.S. Capitol and deploy the National Guard to keep members of Congress safe and allow a peaceful transition of power.

Hours after protestors broke into the building, Trump released a video asking them to go home in peace, while also telling them we love you and continuing to falsely claim his loss in the presidential election was fraudulent.

I know your pain, I know youre hurt, Trump said in the video, which Twitter has since removed. We had an election that was stolen from us.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com.
There has been a mixed reaction to the announcement that schools will remain closed for the rest of the month at least, while Leaving Certificate students can attend three days per week.

A Cork Leaving Cert student has said that the decision was the right call from a Covid-19 containment point of view. However, Bishopstown Community School student, Cormac OMahony, told The Echo that academically its difficult to get real classwork done at home.

Even with the masks and the disinfecting at the end of every class, its still better than not being in school and learning from home.

Its a lot harder to learn in a room on your laptop where you have three or four classes a day as opposed to nine, it just doesnt feel as much like school as actually going in does so its hard to focus on the actual learning aspect of stuff, he said.

However, principals, teachers and their representatives have questioned the logic of the plans.

Richard Terry, a history and maths teacher at St Colmans College in Fermoy, questioned whether all Leaving Cert students would come into school, leaving teachers with two groups of students to cater for, those who attend school three days per week and those who may not feel safe going into a school environment.

Richard Terry, a history and maths teacher at St Colmans College in Fermoy, questioned whether all Leaving Cert students would come into school, leaving teachers with two groups of students to cater for, those who attend school three days per week and those who may not feel safe going into a school environment.

He also questioned whether his 23 Leaving Cert maths students would remain in one classroom or would be split into two, and if so, questioned where the required additional teaching staff would come from.

Putting 23 students and a teacher into a room, just because the rest of the school is empty doesnt make that room any safer. I know keeping the rest of the school home minimises contact overall and helps reduce the R-number overall nationally but thats at the cost of putting a very specific cohort at risk.

If the classes are to be split, where are the teachers going to come from? he questioned. He said taking teachers from the current body of staff would be a repeat of last year where focus remained on Leaving Cert students and other students teaching time was forgotten about.

Mr Terry also raised the issue that students, having been told they would return to school after the Christmas break, did not take home all of their school books and material required for online learning.

The department should have had a bit more cop on back in December and said theres a possibility we wont reopen so prepare for that eventuality.

Colaiste Eamann Ris school principal Aaron Wolfe is also unsure how this new format will work in the coming weeks.

A lot of pressure will fall on the principals to come up with new timetables in a very short period of time. It will be tough to get the students in and do five days of subjects over three days. Logistically it is going to be very challenging, he said.

Mr Wolfe is perplexed as to how safe it is for teachers and students to continue meeting up on a daily basis given the huge rise in Covid-19 cases nationwide.

Colaiste Eamann Ris school principal Aaron Wolfe is also unsure how this new format will work in the coming weeks.

By calling in sixth-year teachers there will still be an awful amount of teachers in the school. I dont understand what the point is. Either we are in lockdown or we are not.

This proposal will result in getting teachers and students out and about. The big risk is that 18-year-olds transmit the virus. They are the riskiest group to bring in, he said.

Stephen Lynch, assistant principal in Douglas Community School, is also surprised at the decision to bring Leaving Cert students in for three days a week.

If it is safe to have them in for three days, why not have them in for five days? Where is the duty of care for the staff?

gr. Teachers are nervous as the risk is much higher in school.

Mr Lynch queried why the Department of Education didnt have more alternative plans in case of a developing crisis with regards to the pandemic.

What is most frustrating is why the department didnt have a plan B, C or even a plan D back in August. There was no backup plan in place. We are still working off the same guidelines that were issued back in August when the daily numbers were very low. We are rushing into rash decisions, he said.

ASTI president Ann Piggott said generally teachers are concerned with the Governments decision.

I am a bit perplexed as to why they have decided to open over the next few weeks for three days rather than waiting for a little longer and then perhaps opening for the full five days.

A lot of teachers dont seem too happy with the announcement. Bringing them in for three days each over the next few weeks doesnt make much sense.
PORTLAND - Faced with opposition from the teachers union and concerns about the rate of COVID-19 infections in town, the Board of Education rejected a recommendation from Superintendent of Schools Charles E. Britton to return to in-school learning next week.

Meeting virtually, the board voted 5-2 against Brittons recommendation, which was made during the boards first regular meeting of the New Year.

Britton had recommended that students in kindergarten through sixth grade return to school on Monday.

Middle and high school students would have returned part-time to school and remain at home learning part-time virtually for an additional two weeks under a hybrid plan.

They would have returned to school on a full-time basis on Jan. 18, under Brittons proposal, which was worked out with member of his re-opening committee.

Britton said the school had developed a cadre of 20 substitute teachers, which he said was key to any in-person re-opening.

He also said the state Department of Public Health had determined that in-school learning is preferable.

But in a public comment section that followed Brittons recommendation, teachers union President Sue McDougall said her membership believed returning next week would create an undue risk for students and staff.

The level of infections in town are still too high, McDougall said, adding, It would be a mistake to return in either a full or hybrid model.

We would prefer to wait until Jan. 18, before returning to the classroom, she said.

Board member Timothy Lavoy praised Brittons proposal, calling it a fine recommendation.

However, several other members, including Chairwoman Sharon Peters, expressed concern about the level of infections in Portland in particular and Middlesex County in general.

In his presentation, Britton had noted, Those numbers are still not great.

Middlesex County currently has an infection rate of 51.5 cases per 100,000, which is the second-highest rate in the state, he said.

As of Dec. 28, Portlands two-week infection rate was 43.8 per 100,000, above the average for the other communities in the Chatham Health District, he said.

Board members said they were anxious to review the latest report from the CHD regarding infections.

Britton said the report was expected to be released late Wednesday.

Board members said there still is no firm schedule for when teachers, school staff and other front-line workers will begin receiving coronavirus vaccines.

Britton said he was relying on advice from experts in the both the CDC and state Department of Public Health, adding he was not prepared to second-guess them.

I dont understand what the rush is,

Board member Christopher Darby urged his colleagues to delay a full re-opening for two weeks so we really know... the virus (is) under control.

Darby added that he was troubled by the optics of the discussion.

Were here in the safety of our homes sending our teachers back to work, he said.

Lavoy, however, said, Our constituency is much larger than just our teachers.

Board members acknowledged that parents face daycare costs and having their children at home and not in the classroom.

The board agreed to meet again at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7.
Lauryn Hill burst out into the popular music landscape -- first as a member of the hip hop trio Fugees in the mid 1990s, and then again as a solo artist in the latter part of the decade.

Her debut studio album  The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill  would go on to garner acclaim from both fans and critics alike and sell 12 million copies following it's release in August 1998.

Unexpectedly, fans never got another solo studio album from Hill, and in a new email interview she explained why.

'The wild thing is no one from my label has ever called me and asked how can we help you make another album, ever. Ever. Did I say ever? Ever!' she confessed during Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums podcast on Amazon Music.

Revelation: Lauryn Hill revealed why she never made a follow-up studio album to her wildly successful debut -- 1998's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill -- in an email interview on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums podcast on Amazon Music

The New Jersey native, now 45, went on to disclose a wide array of pitfalls and strains following the release of The Miseducation and all the massive fame that followed.

Dissatisfied with the music industry and the toll that began to mount on herself and her family, Hill withdrew from public life about a year after the record dropped.

'With the Miseducation, there was no precedent. I was, for the most part, free to explore, experiment and express,' the Killing Me Softly star shared.

'After the Miseducation there were scores of tentacled obstructionists, politics, repressing agendas, unrealistic expectations, and saboteurs everywhere. People had included me in their own narratives of their successes as it pertained to my album, and if this contradicted my experience, I was considered an enemy.'

She added, 'Artist suppression is definitely a thing. I won't go too much into it here, but where there should have been overwhelming support, there wasn't any.'

The cost of success: The New jersey native talked about an array of pitfalls and strains that followed after the massive success of The Miseducation; the album has sold 12 million copies

Taking a stand: Feeling dissatisfied with the music industry and the toll on herself and her family, Hill withdrew from public life about a year after The Miseducation dropped

With that lack of support and subsequent stresses, Hill decided she didn't want to subject herself or loved ones to another record, and all that came with that two decades ago.

'The warp speed I had to move at in order to defy the norm put me and my family under hyper-accelerated, hyper-tense, and unfortunately an underappreciated pace,' Hill explained.

'I sacrificed the quality of my life to help people experience something that should have been unreachable before then. When I saw people struggle to appreciate what that took, I had to pull back and make sure I and my family were safe and good. I'm still doing that.'

The Miseducation is a neo soul and R&B album with songs that include elements of reggae and hip hop soul. It topped the US Billboard 200 for four weeks and the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums for six weeks.

Thrust into the spotlight! Hill burst out into the popular music landscape as a member of the successful hip hop trio Fugees in the mid 1990s

The first single released from the album -- Lost Ones -- hit number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The follow-up -- Doo Wop (That Thing) -- debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Three other songs from the album also charted: Ex-Factor, Everything Is Everything and To Zion.

Looking back, nearly 23-years later, Hill takes pride in the love and passion that was put into The Miseducation.

'I think my intention was simply to make something that made my foremothers and forefathers in music and social and political struggle know that someone received what they'd sacrificed to give us, and to let my peers know that we could walk in that truth, proudly and confidently,' she humbly stated.

The eight-time Grammy winner did come back into pubic life briefly when she taped an MTV Unplugged special, which featured her only singing and playing an acoustic guitar. It was turned into the album -- MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 --- and was released in May 2002. It debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum in the US on June 2002.


More than a week after a shipment of COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Winnipeg earmarked for remote and vulnerable Indigenous communities, Manitobans remain in the dark about how the thousands of doses will be distributed.

More than a week after a shipment of COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Winnipeg earmarked for remote and vulnerable Indigenous communities, Manitobans remain in the dark about how the thousands of doses will be distributed.

The Pallister government said Wednesday it's ready to fly the Moderna brand vaccine doses north, based on Indigenous priorities.

Meanwhile, First Nations leaders have not given any public indication of where the vaccine is headed, much less how eligible residents will book appointments, where they will go to receive doses or who will administer it.

Plans were still being finalized Wednesday night, and the first batches could be flown out Thursday morning, said Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas

He couldnt say which communities are first in line, however the first doses will be given to doctors and nurses working in remote communities, followed by elders and those at highest risk of contracting the novel coronavirus.

Asked why vaccine distribution hadnt yet begun in Manitobas 63 First Nations communities, Dumas said AMC needed to gather data and consult with residents.

Twenty-six of the communities are fly-in, with no road access, few facilities and limited connectivity, so a lot of logistics had to be ironed out, he said.

"We're not a paternalistic organization; our communities actually participated in meaningful ways. There was some data collection that needed to be taken. Our communities are well-versed on... who their vulnerable populations are, who their front-line workers are," he said.

Manitoba received 7,300 Moderna doses Dec. 30; the province's vaccine roll-out task force allocated 5,300 for First Nations, based on their leaders' priorities. In the meantime, Saskatchewan and all three territories have administered the easier-to-transport Moderna doses.

More vaccine shipments for Manitoba First Nations are expected toward the end of March. (Charlie Riedel, / The Associated Press files)

Over the past week, numerous Manitoba chiefs and First Nations leaders have refused multiple interview requests about their roll-out plans. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee released a statement Wednesday, saying details are expected later this week.

Federal and provincial sources say the various regional chiefs and governance bodies have been at occasional loggerheads over which groups to prioritize, before finally submitting a plan late Tuesday.

Premier Brian Pallister said Wednesday it was better to craft the distribution plan in lockstep with First Nations, instead of a unilateral approach that would go against reconciliation.

During a live broadcast news conference, Pallister said he hadn't yet read the First Nations plan, but it took longer to develop because officials had to consider complex logistical issues.

Premier Brian Pallister says the goal of reconciliation played a role in the perceived delay. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

"It's a different thing, you know, Pukatawagan's not P.E.I.; Thompson isn't Toronto. Rolling out a vaccine in Manitoba has more challenges, and our First Nation leaders have risen to the challenge of coming up with a game plan that we believe can work," Pallister said.

Hours later, Dumas said the hope is the doses will be on their way Thursday.

"A lot of these different organizations that normally don't collaborate are collaborating now in order to expedite how we roll out the vaccine," Dumas said. "All these little things take a little bit of time but if we do our due diligence, we'll have far greater success."

Planning started months before First Nations representatives joined the provinces vaccination task force, Dumas said.

"We weren't sitting on our hands. I acknowledge that the premier appreciates that we were actively participating within their system as of two weeks ago, but we've been working on this right from March. We've been proactive the whole way."

Both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech brand vaccines arrived in Canada earlier than Ottawa had told provinces to prepare for. Still, Manitoba didn't include First Nations health leaders as part of its task force until Dec. 18.

"A lot of these different organizations that normally don't collaborate are collaborating now in order to expedite how we roll out the vaccine.  Grand Chief Arlen Dumas

The province hasn't heeded federal calls to include the Manitoba Metis Federation in its talks; Pallister said Wednesday there was Metis input on its vaccine plans.

More vaccine shipments for Manitoba First Nations are expected toward the end of March.

Pallister said the goal of reconciliation played a role in the perceived delay.

"Some have said, 'Well, you should have just sent the vaccines out right away.' This wouldn't have been respectful and it wouldn't have been the right approach," the premier said Wednesday.

He said the government would have been criticized if it didn't allow Indigenous leaders to prioritize the vaccine roll-out for their communities.

On Wednesday, Saskatchewan unveiled details on which of its remote regions would be receiving Moderna doses; that province has come under fire from First Nations and Metis leaders about a lack of consultation.

Pallister said Manitoba has the highest Indigenous population of any province and planning is important.

"Reconciliation strategies don't matter as much in some parts of the country, perhaps, as they do to me and as they do to our Indigenous people in Manitoba. So delaying a vaccine in the name of a process might seem like an unnecessary thing to do in another part of the country, but it is a necessary thing to do, I think, in the province of Manitoba, so that we get it right."

"Some have said, 'Well, you should have just sent the vaccines out right away.' This wouldn't have been respectful and it wouldn't have been the right approach."  Premier Brian Pallister

Last month, Pallister expressed concern about the federal government's plan to prioritize Indigenous communities, making comments Manitoba's two regional chiefs interpreted as racist.

On Wednesday, Dumas said he wanted to acknowledge the premiers efforts to secure more vaccines for First Nations, which he said Pallister did "once he was attuned to the fact that in order to have a successful remedy and solution brought forward (we required) meaningful First Nations participation."

Ottawa again rejected calls from the AMC and MMF to have the federal Liberals negotiate directly with Manitoba's Indigenous leaders.

Late Wednesday night, First Nations leaders released the eligibility criteria for those who'll be first to receive the vaccine, starting Jan. 7. In a statement, AMC said an additional 5,300 doses of the vaccine are now expected to be delivered to First Nations communities by Feb. 23. There's still no word on which communities will be first to receive it.

The following First Nations priority groups have been identified by the taskforce:

 Essential health care workers providing services in remote and isolated communities who cannot access the provincial vaccination supersites

 Residents and staff of personal care homes and elder care facilities

 People over the age of 60 living in remote and isolated communities

 People over the age of 70 living in non-remote communities

All First Nation people over the age of 60 living in First Nation communities will be offered the vaccine in Stage Two.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Dylan Robertson

Parliamentary bureau chief In Ottawa, Dylan enjoys snooping through freedom-of-information requests and asking politicians: "What about Manitoba?" Read full biography


The MCM expects to quickly meet the high demand for negative pressure beds in the nation and eventually many other countries where the third wave of COVID-19 is raging. The module is now ready to be rolled out after a three-week test period at the Korea Cancer Center Hospital. For more at https://youtu.be/TMEthF7lRHI.

Professor Tek-Jin Nam's team swung into action, rapidly working together with researchers, engineers with expertise in mechanical design, and a team of clinical doctors to complete the MCM as one of KAIST's New Deal R&D initiatives launched in last July.

Professor Nam cites 'expandability' as the key feature of the MCM. Eventually, it will serve as both a triage unit and bridge center in emergency medical situations.

"The module is a very efficient and versatile unit building system. It takes approximately two hours to build the basic MCM unit, which comprises four negative pressure bed rooms, nurse's station, locker room, and treatment room. We believe this will significantly contribute to relieving the drastic need for negative pressure beds and provide a place for monitoring patients with moderate symptoms," said Professor Nam.

"It will also be helpful for managing less-severe patients who need to be monitored daily in quarantined rooms or as bridge stations where on-site medical staff can provide treatment and daily monitoring before hospitalization. These wards can be efficiently deployed either inside or outside existing hospitals."

The research team specially designed the negative pressure frame to ensure safety level A for the negative pressure room, which is made of a multi-function panel wall and roofed with an air tent. The multi-function panels can hold medical appliances such as ventilators, oxygen, and bio-signal monitors.

Positive air pressure devices supply fresh air from outside the tent. An air pump and controller maintain air beam pressure, while filtering exhausted air. An internal air information monitoring system efficiently controls room air pressure and purifies the air.

While a conventional negative pressure bed is reported to cost approximately 3.5 billion KRW (50 billion won for a ward), this module is estimated to cost 0.75 billion won each (10 billion won for a ward), cutting the costs by approximately 80%.

The MCM is designed to be easily transported and relocated due to its volume, weight, and maintainability. This module requires only one-fourth of the volume of existing wards and takes up approximately 40% of their weight. The unit can be transported in a 40-foot container truck.

We believe this will significantly contribute to relieving the drastic need for negative pressure beds and provide a place for monitoring patients with moderate symptoms. We look forward to the MCM upgrading epidemic management resources around the world."

Professor Nam's team is also developing antiviral solutions and devices such as protective gear, sterilizers, and test kits under the KAIST New Deal R&D Initiative that was launched to promptly and proactively respond to the epidemic. More than 45 faculty members and researchers at KAIST are collaborating with industry and clinical hospitals to develop the antiviral technology that will improve preventive measures, diagnoses, and treatment. (END)

About KAIST



KAIST is the first and top science and technology university in Korea. KAIST was established in 1971 by the Korean government to educate scientists and engineers committed to the industrialization and economic growth of Korea.



Since then, KAIST and its 64,739 graduates have been the gateway to advanced science and technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. KAIST has emerged as one of the most innovative universities with more than 10,000 students enrolled in five colleges and seven schools including 1,039 international students from 90 countries.



On the precipice of its semi-centennial anniversary in 2021, KAIST continues to strive to make the world better through the pursuit in education, research, entrepreneurship, and globalization.



Media Contact

Younghye Cho

[email protected]

[email protected]

SOURCE KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

Where does the accountability lie? First and foremost, with the president of the United States. For the past two months, he has raged against the outcome of the election, falsely claiming that Democrats rigged the vote in state after state to deny him a second term. He has encouraged dark conspiracy theories that inflame suspicious minds. He has used his office in attempts to cow state election officials to reverse the results. He has pushed Republicans in Congress to do whatever possible to keep him in the White House.
The National Green Tribunal has halted further activity across 436 acres of forest land in one of the prime areas of Bhubaneswar having hotels, government and corporate offices citing lack of forest diversion clearance.

In view of the acknowledged encroachment of forest land and, diversion of forest land having been undertaken without obtaining the mandatory clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, we are of the firm view that no further activity shall be taken up without first complying with the requirements of law, ordered the NGT bench of justice SP Wangdi and expert member Saibal Dasgupta referring to the 436 acres of land marked as Forest Category (Jungle II) in government records.

The NGT bench further said that if the state government allows violation of the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, then the Ministry of Forest MoEF&CC can take appropriate action under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003 against those responsible for permitting such violations. It also directed the state government, the Divisional Forest Officer and the MoEF&CC before the next hearing on February 19.

The January 5 order was uploaded on the NGTs website on Thursday.

The NGT order came in response to a petition filed by Bhubaneswar-based activist Subash Mohapatra in 2019 challenging the inaction of the state government in checking the illegal and unauthorized use of 568 acres of revenue forest land (Jungle II Kisam) in Khata No 1427 of Jaydev Vihar Mouza in Bhubaneswar for non-forestry purpose. Mohapatra in his petition to the NGT had said that 44 institutions had set up hotels, corporate offices, a school and hospitals without applying for diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.

Hotels like Mayfair, Trident, Swosti Plaza, Sandys Towers and Suryansh and offices like Tech Mahindra, Nalco, Employees Insurance Corporation and Loyola School have come up on these lands over the last three decades. A CAG report in 2012 had first flagged the alleged violation of the FC Act by some of these entities.

Under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, forest areas can be diverted by the environment ministry for non-forestry purposes. In lieu of the land, money is collected by the government which is then used by the authorities for afforestation.

After Mohapatra filed his petition, the NGT in May 2019 had formed a committee comprising district collector and Divisional Forest Officer of Khurda to ascertain the veracity of his allegations and to take action in accordance with law if any of the alleged violations were found to be correct.

The committee in its report had informed the NGT that huge tracts of forest land were diverted for non-forest activities by various institutions without obtaining necessary clearances under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. It also said that the state government had asked 44 central and state Government, central and state undertakings and private institutions situated on the forest land to file proposals for diversion of forest land for non-forestry use and to obtain necessary clearances from the MoEF&CC. However, out of 44 institutions, clearance has been accorded by the MoEF&CC to only three institutions between 2014 and 2019.
The Uttar Pradesh government told the Allahabad high court on Thursday that it dropped charges of forced conversion against a 32-year-old Muslim man, who was among the first people booked under the states controversial anti-conversion law, after police found no proof of allegations.

Police lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against Nadeem Ahmad and his brother Salman under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance 2020 on November 29 on a complaint by Muzaffarnagar resident Akshay Kumar Tyagi, who alleged that Nadeem lured his wife to convert her to Islam and also threatened her.

The high court restrained the state police from taking coercive action against Nadeem on December 18, and tagged his plea to petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the ordinance, colloquially known as the love jihad law in reference to a term used by right wingers to describe relationships between Muslim men and Hindu women.

The state government affidavit said the police investigation did not produce any evidence that Nadeem had any illicit relation with the woman or that he was trying to convert her religion.

The investigating officer has recorded the statement of victim, who in her statement informed that she is only known to Nadeem, but having no relation, the affidavit, a copy of which is with HT, read. But the police found evidence from call records that Nadeem threatened Kumar, the 13-page document added.

The HC bench comprising chief justice Govind Mathur and justice SS Shamshery, fixed January 15 as the next date of hearing in the case. Nadeem was the first petitioner to approach the high court to challenge a police complaint under the new law.

Muzaffarnagar police also confirmed that charges of forced conversion were found false. No evidence of forced conversion was found, therefore, Section 3/5 of the new law (UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance 2020 )has been dropped in the case, said K P Singh, the station house officer of Mansoorpur police station.

Section 3 of the ordinance prohibits a person from converting the religion of another person by marriage. Section 5 outlaws conversion by any allurement or presents.

Circle officer, Khatauli, Ashish Pratap Singh said the case against Nadeem and Salman now was under sections 504 (insult intended to provoke breach of peace) and section 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and both were bailable.

The police charge sheet dated December 31 alleged that Nadeem called the woman and threatened to kill her.

But in court, Nadeem had denied all allegations and said he was a poor labourer who had been falsely implicated in the case by the complainant Kumar to avoid payment of some dues.

Senior advocate SFA Naqvi, representing Nadeem, also argued that the ordinance violated constitutional rights, and criminal proceeding initiated under the provisions of the law should be quashed.
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A sub-inspector (SI) posted in Faridkot, along with his wife, son and two accomplices, has been booked for duping a Jagraon man of 6.1 lakh.

According to the police, the SI had borrowed money from the son of the complainant, but the complainant alleged that the accused extorted money to settle the marital dispute of his son and daughter-in-law.

The accused have identified as SI Sukhdarshan Singh, his wife Raninder Kaur alias Renu, son Abhishek Singh Brar, and two accomplices Sukhjunt Singh and Dilbagh Singh of Jaiton in Faridkot.

The FIR has been registered following the statement of Amarjit Singh of Galib Kalan village in Jagraon.

In his complaint, Amarjit Singh, who is a farmer, stated that his son Gurinder Singh had a marital dispute with his wife, who was living at her parents house in Faridkot.

We had come in contact with SI Sukhdarshan Singh, his wife and son, who also knew the in-laws of my son, Amarjit said, alleging that the accused demanded Rs 6.1 lakh from him on the pretext of settling the matter amicably, but to no avail.

He further claimed that the SI and his family in collusion with his sons in-laws duped them.

SI Kulwinder Singh, who is investigating the case, said the police found out that the accused had borrowed money from the complainant, but did not return it on time.

The FIR in the case has been registered under sections 420 and 406 of the IPC.

A hunt is on to nab the accused, he added.

Amarjit Singh also mentioned that he had filed the first complaint on October 3, 2019, but the police did not take any action.

He said he later filed another complaint with the senior superintendent of police (SSP) (Ludhiana Rural) on February 25, 2020. The SSP had then ordered a probe and marked an inquiry to superintendent of police (SP, headquarters). After investigation, the FIR was finally registered on Wednesday.

Sarpanch, panchayat secretary booked for embezzlement

The sarpanch and panchayat secretary of Rajoana Kalan village have been booked for embezzling panchayat funds, police said on Thursday.

The accused have been identified as sarpanch Nirmal Singh, who is associated with the Congress, and panchayat secretary Gurmeet Singh.

The FIR has been registered following the statement of block development and panchayat officer (BDPO) Heera Singh.

The BDPO said they had received a complaint from two residents of Rajoana Kalan  Gurjit Singh and Gurbakhsh Singh  about the embezzlement in panchayat funds.

When the department initiated an investigation, it was found that the accused had not deposited the money earned through auction of village pond in the account.

Apart from it, the sarpanch and panchayat secretary had also withdrawn Rs 25,000 from the account of panchayat.

Sudhar SHO Jasvir Singh said the department had asked the accused to deposit the record for examination, but they failed to do so.

He added that a case under sections 420, 406 and 409 of the IPC has been registered against the accused. A hunt is on for their arrest, he added.

When contacted, sarpanch Nirmal Singh refuted the allegation.

He termed the case politically motivated.
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Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, P.A. continues to strategically expand its Government Law & Policy Practice with the addition of Samantha Ferrin as a director in the firms Tallahassee office. Ferrin, who has worked in Florida politics and government for more than a decade, most recently served as the Interim Secretary and Chief of Staff for the Florida Lottery.

At Greenberg Traurig, Ferrin will assist clients with businesses in a variety of industries as they adapt to Floridas ever-changing political environment and help to bridge gaps that may occur between their businesses and the government. She will concentrate her practice in the areas of gaming, procurement, and telecommunications.

Working at the intersection of business, government and the law, Greenberg Traurigs Tallahassee office is home to a multidisciplinary legal team with deep Florida roots. The Government Law & Policy Practice has been steadily expanding its presence in recent years, consistently ranking in the Top 5 in lobbying revenues statewide.

We are thrilled to welcome Samantha to our Tallahassee office. Her demonstrated leadership at the state level in Florida will no doubt complement our existing Government Law & Policy team, said David C. Ashburn, managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurigs Tallahassee office. In addition, Samanthas deep understanding of the lottery industry has great synergy with our firms Gaming Practice and will enhance our ability to serve clients.

Throughout her career, Ferrin has held various roles within Florida politics and government relations. For the past three years, she has worked for the Florida Lottery, serving as Interim Secretary, Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff. She previously served as Deputy Director of Legislative and External Affairs for the Department of Management Services. Her career also includes experience working in the offices of the Florida House Majority Leader and Majority Whip, as well as the Attorney General of Florida.

It is a true pleasure to join Greenberg Traurigs highly respected Government Law & Policy team. I look forward to serving the firm and its clients by utilizing the full breadth of my experience and knowledge of Florida government to help clients achieve their business goals, Ferrin said. I believe that the firms strong history in the state, and globally, coupled with my experience, will lead to many long-term partnerships.

As Chief of Staff for the Florida Lottery, Ferrin was responsible for leading the Florida Lottery and functioning as the chief operating officer. She provided strategic oversight and leadership to more than 418 employees and 13,000 retailer locations. She served as the principal advisor to the executive team and advised the Secretary and the Executive Office of the Governor on issues critical to the continued success and growth of the Florida Lottery.

Ferrins significant accomplishments at the Florida Lottery include:



Oversaw the successful conversion of the lotterys gaming system. including the development of all new software and installation of over 130,000 pieces of equipment at more than 13,000 retailers across the state.

Led response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing health and safety for employees, customers, retailers, and vendors.

Achieved a new sales goal for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year of over $7.5 billion.

As the lead lobbyist at the Department of Management Services (DMS), Ferrin was the primary contact between the agency and the Legislature, Governors Office, and the private sector. Given the agencys responsibilities for the business and workforce operations of the state, she developed skills in the states procurement process, assisted in large telecommunications efforts that included FirstNet, E911 and SLERS, and supported various policies related to the state group health insurance plan.

Samantha brings unique insight and practical government experience not only to our Florida Government Law & Policy Practice, but to our national platform as well, said Hayden R. Dempsey, chair of Greenberg Traurigs Florida Government Law & Policy Practice. Having served in various capacities in both the executive and legislative branches of government, she understands how to successfully navigate them for clients that interface often with state officials. Her significant experience will be an asset to both our firm and our clients.

Ferrin is active in the community and currently serves as Vice President of Development for the Junior League of Tallahassee. She also serves as Chair of the Junior Leagues of Florida State Public Affairs Committee, the advocacy arm of the Junior Leagues of Florida that acts on state and national issues affecting the lives of women, children, and families.

Ferrin received her bachelors degree from Florida State University.

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT), has approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certified. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 23:48:11|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese caretaker Foreign Minister Charbel Wehbe on Thursday urged the safe return of the Syrian refugees to their homeland, saying their presence in Lebanon is weighing heavily on the country's economy, the National News Agency reported.

"The presence of Syrian refugees is affecting Lebanon's economy and the stability of its society," Wehbe said during his online meeting with a delegation of the French Senate.

The meeting discussed ways to help Lebanon through its deteriorating economic situation. Enditem
Defendant Vu Huy Hoang arrives at the court on July 7 morning before the trial is postponed (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  The first-instance trial for ex-Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang and nine accomplices, slated for on July 7, was postponed due to the absence of three defendants and many people with related interests and obligations.

The jury at the Hanoi Peoples Court asked relevant agencies to ensure all defendants and related people will be present once the trial is re-opened.Hoang, born in 1953, and Phan Chi Dung, born in 1957 and the former Director of the Light Industry Department at the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), faced a charge of violating regulations on the management and use of State assets, causing losses and wastefulness.The eight other defendants, who are former HCM City officials, including Nguyen Huu Tin, born in 1957 and the former Vice Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, were accused of violating regulations on land management.Tin and two others who are former officials of HCM City were absence from the trial on July 7.According to the indictment from the Supreme Peoples Procuracy, the Saigon Beer - Alcohol - Beverage JSC (Sabeco), which is under the MoITs management, was given 6,080 sq.m of land in Ben Nghe ward of HCM Citys District 1 for non-agricultural production and business purposes.However, Hoang, former Deputy Minister Ho Thi Kim Thoa, and Dung directed subordinates at the ministry and Sabeco to carry out procedures for using land use rights and Sabeco's money as capital contributions to set up Sabeco Pearl, a joint venture between the firm and a number of private enterprises, to implement a project building a hotel, a trade and convention centre, and office space for lease on the land.After Sabeco completed legal procedures for the joint ventures investment and proposed the HCM City Peoples Committee approve the addition of officetel and housing functions to this project, the MoIT ordered the company to transfer all of Sabeco's stake in this project to the private enterprises in the joint venture.As a result, the right to manage and use the land, which is a State asset and worth over 3.816 trillion VND, was illegally transferred to private firms, causing a particularly big loss of over 2.713 trillion VND (118 million USD) to the State, according to the indictment.Another of the accused, Ho Thi Kim Thoa, has fled, and the investigation police agency has put her on the wanted list.
Late Wednesday evening, the Congress announced a list of secretaries and general secretaries for Rajasthan. It found a balance between Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot supporters with some neutrals thrown in. But this is just part of the problem solved. The real thorny and more difficult issue to be sorted out is that of whether Pilot will get what he wants and will Gehlot make way for him?

Near Delhi, at the Singhu border, the media department head of Congress and Haryana leader Randeep Surjewala was seen mixing with the protesting farmers, even serving hem food. He released an emotive postcard video series which depicted his concern and support for the farmers. Interestingly, the Hoodas the people who can actually offer the formidable alternative to the BJP in the state, are not seen as much.

The party is also not showcasing their presence at the protest spots. Underlying this is the rivalry which no one wants to talk about but everyone is aware that could tip the scales in favour of the BJP in the next state polls even as Khattars unpopularity rises.

In the midst of all this is the wait for Rahul Gandhi, who is on a brief vacation, according to the party. The preparations for the presidential polls are underway, but its still not clear whether Gandhi is ready to take charge as president again. Not that it matters, say some party insiders, as practically all decisions are taken by him and the go-to person usually for any crisis is now the brother-sister duo.

ALSO READ | Congress of Today is Not Ready to be the Common Denominator, the Masses Must Force Open Its Doors

These two states are mentioned for a reason. One is waiting to be won and the other is waiting for the personality clash between Gehlot and Pilot to be sorted out. But underlying these two is the age-old problem of the Congress: lack of clarity on what decision to take. This is where the Congress usually loses out because of its own faultlines driven by personality clashes.

Lets talk about Rajasthan first. Ajay Maken was made the general secretary in charge of the state after Pilot told the Gandhis that his predecessor Avinash Pandey was biased and did not have the required stature. Maken, who is close to the Gandhis, was roped in and he has held several meetings since then. While his biggest challenge is to see whether the leadership tussle can be sorted out, he has tried to bring some peace by announcing Pradesh in charges by balancing both the camps.

But this truce may not last long. Its a known fact now that Gandhis had reassured Pilot that his time would come. The question his supporters are asking is when? The Cabinet reshuffle has yet to take place to accommodate Pilots men, which would add to his muscle in the state considering that he no longer holds any post.

Gehlot is not keen to let go of the CM chair and has even scotched any talk of him shifted to Delhi, where someone experienced and mature is needed after Ahmed Patels demise. There is also a view in the Congress that there should be a cooling off period before Pilot is given what he wants.

You cannot rebel and get what you demand immediately. This would set a wrong precedence. But sources close to Pilot say he is getting impatient and is unlikely to remain silent for long. Rahul Gandhi would have to sort this out immediately. If he takes charge as president, some say Pilot should be his aide. But Pilot is not too keen to shift to Delhi and leave Rajasthan to Gehlot.

ALSO READ | From Constant Revamp to Reluctant Hope: How Congress' Survival Mantra Has Faded

There is also the question of what Rahul Gandhi wants. When he had quit as party chief after the 2019 poll debacle, he was angry because he felt the so-called old guard did not value his thoughts. He has pitched for a generational change, especially after the Group of 23 rebelled last year. If he has to keep his word for this change, then Pilots takeover is inevitable. But Gehlot is no pushover. He has the muscle, he has the support and he has the MLAs. Gandhis job gets tougher.

The situation in Haryana is stranger. Bhupinder Hooda was one of the signatories to the letter of dissent to Sonia Gandhi, asking for sweeping changes in the party. His son Deepender, however, has remained close to Rahul Gandhi.

Its a known fact that in Haryana the Hoodas matter and they are the ones who can put up a fight to the BJP. In the last polls, it was touch and go. Congress and Hooda was very confident that they could form the government with help from Dushyant Chautala. There were backroom talks taking place, and a confident Hooda even met his supporters, offering them sweets.

But then Chautala went with Khattar. Hoodas, in private, blamed the slow pace of the party. He told some people that he kept waiting for some nod or support from the Gandhis, but it was too late in coming. In fact, the frosty relations between Bhupinder Hooda and Rahul Gandhi was blamed by his supporters. Some say he was upset by the fact that Rahul Gandhi never called him to congratulate for the good performance of the in the elections.

Since then, things have gotten worse with the letter being signed by the elder Hooda. And now with Randeep Surjewala grabbing the limelight, Hoodas are even more upset. Randeep readily contested the by-election from Jind, which was seen as a political disaster. He also lost his traditional constituency of Kaithal.

But he won the heart of Rahul Gandhi for saying yes boss. Randeeps stock has since risen within the party. Apart from his proximity to the Gandhis, he was made in charge of the important state of Karnataka. He was also sent to Bihar during the assembly election.

But Congress poor performance there has led to many throwing darts at him. When the so-called rebels recently met Sonia Gandhi, they asked why those who were sent as in charge of elections not be held accountable when they failed to deliver? Rahul Gandhi was also present in this meeting.

ALSO READ | A Nervous Gandhi Family Strikes Reconciliatory Note With Dissenting Leaders. Three Reasons Why

Though elections in Haryana are still some time away, if unchecked, the rivalry between the two leaders could cost the party electorally. At the meeting with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi reassured the seniors present that he valued them and that he understood their value as they had worked with his father.

But the elders are looking for more for now. They want their space, and in Haryana Hoodas wont accept that Randeep will be projected as an alternative to them. In fact, in the last state polls, Bhupinder Hooda had thrown a tantrum and insisted that he should have a free hand in deciding the tickets and should be projected as the main face of the party in the state. The Congress leadership had to buckle under his pressure.

These two challenges offer a glimpse into what Rahul Gandhi will face if and when he takes charge of the party. The reality is that Congress has not been able to build a second rung of leadership. The attempts made by Rahul Gandhi in the past by way of youth Congress elections have failed. He cannot let go of the elders till a new group is ready to take charge. And thats his biggest dilemma, which is why many think Rahul Gandhis reluctance to take charge remains.
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This was crazy to watch. What's even crazier to me is that it was so easy for it to happen. I have known this exact thing was going to happen, on this exact day, at almost that exact time for almost 2 months now. How were they not prepared for this. Anyone that has even remotely kept up with the situation knew this was going to happen. And what, they dispatch like 30 bicycle police officers to deal with it? It takes almost THREE HOURS to get reinforcements to the area? Are you kidding me?

As much as I'd like to blame the rioters for busting through the Capital Building (which I most definitely do), this was an epic failure on local law enforcement and anyone else involved with protecting that building. And I've been seeing people say the officers just "happily let them in". I disagree with that notion. There were like 10 officers there holding the line against thousands of people that could roll them over any second. The building had been cleared at that point. It makes sense that they would have gotten the word to just let them through to keep those few officers safe and not get steamrolled. I assume the call was to let them pass and they'd clean it up when reinforcements arrive, which is sort of what happened.... I guess. They just let most of them leave. I can't believe that.. Just let them peacefully walk right out the door.

On a related note.

Fox News: "Lets gaslight millions of people for 4 years!"

Fox News on Jan. 6th 2021: "Can you believe this is happening!?"
The Supreme Court Thursday sought responses from Rajasthan Assembly Speaker and others on two separate pleas against the merger of all six BSP MLAs into the ruling Congress legislature party in the state.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and BJP MLA Madan Dilawar have filed separate appeals against an order of the Rajasthan High Court which asked the Speaker to decide within three months a disqualification petition against all the six BSP MLAs merging with the ruling Congress party.

A bench of Justices S Abdul Nazeer and K M Joseph, in the proceedings conducted through video conferencing, also issued notices to the Assembly secretary and all the six MlAs who defected and merged with the Congress.

The merger was a boost to Ashok Gehlot-led state government as the tally of the Congress increased to over 100 in the House of 200 MLAs. On August 24, the high court had asked the Speaker to decide within three months the disqualification petition filed by Dilawar.

Allowing the plea partially, the high court had set aside the July 22 order of the Speaker rejecting the disqualification petition filed by him in March last year.

It had dismissed a writ petition filed by the BSP in the matter, while giving the party liberty to file a disqualification petition with the Speaker.

Dilawar had filed the petition in the high court challenging the merger of six BSP MLAs - Sandeep Yadav, Wajib Ali, Deepchand Kheria, Lakhan Meena, Jogendra Awana and Rajendra Gudha - with the Congress and demanded a stay on the execution of the order passed by the Speaker.

The top court had on the same day disposed of as infructuous Dilawars plea seeking stay on the Rajasthan Speakers decision allowing the MLAs to merge with the Congress after the high court had passed its order on the same issue.

The MLAs had contested and won the 2018 assembly elections on BSP tickets but later defected to the Congress party in September 2019.

The MLAs had submitted an application for the merger on September 16, 2019 and the Speaker issued an order on September 18, 2019.
A devastated father has recalled the final conversation with his son before he tragically drowned on New Year's Eve.

Keen surfer Luddy Reynolds, 20, slipped and fell while crossing the Mary River, near Gympie, north of Brisbane.

A frantic search effort followed before police divers discovered Reynolds' body 12 hours after his disappearance about 100m from the scene.

His heartbroken dad Chris Reynolds is still struggling to comprehend the loss of his boy who had an infectious smile and was loved by many.

Keen surfer Luddy Reynolds (pictured, right, with his father centre) tragically drowned on New Year's Eve near Gympie in Brisbane's north

He was described by his father Chris Reynolds as a 'true gentleman' and he felt 'lost without him'

'He was my baby boy,' he told the Sunshine Coast Daily. 'No matter how big our children are they are and will always be small in our arms.

'I will never hold my boy again. I can't tell him how much I love him.'

Mr Reynolds, 51, went on to state he 'vividly recalled' two police officers from Coolum knocking on the front door of his house to pass on the grim news his son was missing, presumed dead.

At the scene, the body of his son was located, with the photographer spending some precious final moments with the popular surfer and larrikin.

'I got to spend some time with (Luddy), which was beautiful for the police to allow me to do that,' Mr Reynolds said.

'As I lay there with him my heart broken, all those years and all of the love we had shared had been pulled from us.'

Luddy and his younger brother Justin moved to Australia from Papua New Guinea 14 years ago after their biological father had passed away.

The siblings were entrusted in Mr Reynolds' care, and didn't hesitate to call their new life carer 'dad.'

Luddy Reynolds (pictured above) had two main passions in life - surfing and his family

His adopted father Chris Reynolds (pictured above) was able to farewell his son in his own private way after police divers retrieved his body

Hours before his passing, Luddy had phoned his father asking if he could move back to Coolum this year so he could re-explore his passions in life.

'He got off the phone with hope for a new exciting year,' Mr Reynolds said. 'It was exactly what I've been wanting to hear for quite some time.'

Luddy will be farewelled on January 14 at Noosaville's Gregson and Weight chapel.

Three business groups are calling for the attack on the nations Capitol to end and for a peaceful transition of power, with one telling President Donald Trumps Cabinet to consider ousting him.

National Association of Manufacturers CEO Jay Timmons said in a statement Wednesday that Vice President Mike Pence should consider working with the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to preserve democracy.

The 25th Amendment says the vice president and a majority of principal officers of executive departments or of such other body as Congress may provide a declaration to Congress that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. At that point, the vice president would assume the powers of acting president.

Timmons says, The outgoing president incited violence in an attempt to retain power, and any elected leader defending him is violating their oath to the Constitution and rejecting democracy in favor of anarchy. Trump will be replaced by Democratic President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20.

Business Roundtable, which represents some of the most powerful companies in America including Walmart, Apple, Starbucks and General Electric, called on Trump and other officials to bring the protests to an end. Also, The CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which represents large and small companies, urged officials to clear the Capitol and for Congress to approve the results of the presidential election won by Biden.
Tessy Antony de Nassau, 34, who lives in London, shared engagement last week

Ex royal is set to marry her hunky Swiss businessman partner Frank Floessel

He has shared first public statement, saying he is 'overjoyed' with engagement

Revealed he proposed after they 'mastered the extraordinary last year together'

Tessy first shared snaps of her boyfriend online earlier this year in lockdown

Have known each other for years, with Tessy writing about his work in 2018

Former royal was married to Prince Louis of Luxembourg but split in 2017

Former princess Tessy of Luxembourg's fiance has revealed he is 'overjoyed' in his first public statement about their engagement.

The ex royal, 34, announced the news of her engagement to financier and CEO Frank Floessel on Instagram on New Year's Eve, penning: 'Yes to 2021 and many more years together.'

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However Frank has now shared his own joy over the big news, telling RTL Today: 'After having mastered the extraordinary and difficult last year together, I took my chance to take the next step in our relationship and I am overjoyed that Tessy said yes.'

Tessy has spent much of the year in lockdown with her two sons Prince Gabriel of Nassau, 14, and Prince Noah of Nassau, 12, whom she shares with ex-husband Prince Louis of Luxembourg, 34, who she divorced last year.

Former princess Tessy of Luxembourg's fiance Frank Floessel has revealed he is 'overjoyed' in his first public statement about their engagement

Entrepreneur Frank got his master's degree in ETH Zurich and Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is currently CEO and president of CBA Finance.

His LinkedIn page details how he built his second company over 16 years from 3 to 600 employees.

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The entrepreneur also appears to be an active outdoors-man, and a keen backcountry skier.

The former royal appears to have known Frank for several years, having written about his work on her blog in September 2018.

The ex-royal announced her engagement to her hunky Swiss businessman boyfriend Frank online last week

The businessman said he had proposed after he and Tessy 'mastered a difficult and extraordinary year together'

He has also acted as a trustee for the organisation Professors Without Borders, which Tessy co-founded in 2016.

The organisation shared a snap of the duo, alongside another trustee Piers Hedley, on their Facebook page in October 2019.

Tessy had previously sparked speculation that she had started a new relationship after sharing snaps with Frank on her Instagram page during lockdown.

The businessman was also pictured on a family hike with the proud mother and her two boys, with Tessy captioning the photos 'Family is all that matters' with two love heart emojis.

Tessy became a princess in 2006 when she married Prince Louis, with the couple sharing two sons and going on to divorce in April last year

The entrepreneur and businessman is currently working as CEO and president of CBA Finance, and according to his Linkedin page splits his time between Zurich and London

Earlier this year, she told Hello magazine that it 'took a long time' after her divorce, when she was stripped of her royal titles, explaining: 'After every relationship it takes a while to heal when the heart has been broken. It has been really, really wonderful for me to realise that I am able to trust and love again. It's nice to see that life goes on.'

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Tessy went on to reveal how she how she is 'very happy' that her ex-husband Prince Louis maintains a close bond with their sons, despite the fact they can't see each other during quarantine.

She said her son's 'love and trust' with their father had 'become stronger' because of the separation during the pandemic.

Tessy has previously told how her family 'suffered greatly' when she became a princess in 2006 after marrying Prince Louis, whom she met in 2004.

Speaking on Sky News special report The Meghan Effect, Tessy explained: 'My little cousin needed to change schools twice. My twin brother was incredibly bullied at work  he still is today.

Frank was first pictured on a family hike with the proud mother and her two boys on April 4, with Tessy captioning the photos 'Family is all that matters' with two love heart emojis

'My sister, my parents suffered, my oldest brother doesn't talk to me anymore because of that, because it was too much for him to handle.

'That was when I married in, and when I got divorced, oh my gosh the same.'

Born a commoner, Tessy joined the Luxembourg Army in 2002 at the age of 18, rising to the rank of corporal. Two years later, when she was one of a handful of female UN peacekeepers in Kosovo, she met Prince Louis, who was visiting the army.

His family only became aware of their love affair when Tessy fell pregnant and gave birth aged 19, and unmarried, in September 2005, providing Grand Duke Henri with his first grandson.

Born a commoner, Tessy joined the Luxembourg Army in 2002 at the age of 18, rising to the rank of corporal. Two years later, when she was one of a handful of female UN peacekeepers in Kosovo, she met Prince Louis, who was visiting the army

It infuriated the royal family, and Prince Louis renounced any claim to the title of Grand Duke due to the constitutional crisis they had created by having a child out of wedlock.

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When Tessy married Prince Louis in September 2006, six months after giving birth, in a modest country church wedding, the Grand Duke stripped her of any claim to his title.

The couple's fairytale marriage broke down in 2016, and they were granted a decree nisi in February last year.

The couple's fairytale marriage broke down in 2016, and they were granted a decree nisi in February last year

Tessy, who in 2017 was named Woman of the Decade by the Women Economic Forum for her work in women's empowerment, now lives in London with Gabriel and Noah, while Louis lives in Paris - though she appears to be in isolation somewhere more rural.

The philanthropist is the co-founder of social enterprise Professors Without Borders which aims to improve access to higher education across the globe.

She also works as a consultant, public speaker and is a UN Association patron.
A n NHS chief has said her hospital is running at double capacity after an anti-lockdown scientist claimed that it was not unusually busy.

Jac Totterdell, chief executive of St Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Tooting, revealed she has had to expand the number of intensive care beds for the critically sick from 60 to 120, the vast majority of which are for Covid-19 patients.

The rest are for those recovering from other serious trauma such as heart attacks or road traffic accidents.

Nurses who would usually be assigned to one patient are now having to deal with up to four casualties at one time at the under pressure hospital.

Ms Totterdale responded to the claim St Georges was not busy, tweeting: "We have 115 critical care beds now opposed to the normal 66. So we are doubled capacity.

Half of those 115 beds have COVID +ve patients, the rest are trauma, medical, cancer patients.

Shame on this individual for propagating untruths.

She was responding to Michael Yardley, a well-known lockdown sceptic, who also claimed to work for Pfizer the company that created the first vaccine.

He shared a crude table claiming to show the number of Covid patients in intensive care at the hospital along with the caption: An anonymous person shared this from St Georges. Apparently, it shows theyre not unusually busy."

Michael Yeadon, had argued in an October 16 blog post that the coronavirus pandemic is "effectively over" in the UK, and that "there is absolutely no need for vaccines to extinguish the pandemic."

Yeadon hasnt worked for Pfizer in nine years, according to the Associated Press and his LinkedIn profile. He was formerly the chief scientific officer of allergy and respiratory research, his profile says.

Ms Totterdale dismissed Twitter users believing Yeadons data as sad.

One Twitter user posted official Government data on deaths that are publicly available that differed from the print out.

She said: Er, you do know that this data is published daily on the government website? You don't have to rely on people passing you grubby bits of paper...

Also please note that your grubby piece of paper reveals that 28% of people with this very survivable disease never made it home.

A nurse wearing PPE works on a patient in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) in St George's Hospital in Tooting / PA

Staff in the hospital themselves say they are shattered.

We make it look like business as usual but its very much not, says Dr Mark Haden, an emergency department consultant.

People are stepping up, working as they always have.

Its very stressful for staff and that is starting to show.

Tori Cooper, head of nursing on the emergency department, adds: Theres only so much you can come in and see an unprecedented number of healthy people die before that affects you.

Matron Lindsey Izard said staff were exhausted and the hospital was running out of beds / PA

Matron Lindsey Izard said staff were so exhausted that she feared a large number would quit once the pandemic was over.

Its not just about Covid, she said.

If you go up a ladder this weekend and fall off it, theres a chance you wont get an ICU bed.

People are still getting run over, theyre still self-harming, theyre still beating each other up.

She said: I really do think a lot of people have thought, This is the writing on the wall for me as a nurse, Im not sure I want to do this again.

The accusations came as Londons hospitals are on the verge of being overwhelmed by Covid-19 as health bosses scramble to find more beds to deal with a surge in coronavirus cases across the country.

A stark warning from NHS England showed the numbers of people becoming seriously unwell with Covid could see the capitals hospitals facing a shortfall of anything between 1,932 and 5,422 beds by January 19.

The chief executive of NHS Providers Chris Hopson said the situation was escalating really quickly and that hospital bosses were leaving no stone unturned to ensure every single piece of capacity is used.
A list that is fun, easier and less costly, and that can be done by anyone is a backyard bird list. Since Ive lived in my Lake County home for several decades, 154 bird species have been documented in or flying over my yard. The most common are the non-native house sparrow and the omnipresent American goldfinch. Among the rarest was the federally endangered whooping crane flying with sandhill cranes over the house. You never know what you will see right in your own neighborhood.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Washington, Jan 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jan, 2021 ) :Police ordered the evacuation of several office buildings for the US Congress Wednesday as supporters of President Donald Trump broke down security barrricades on the steps of the Capitol.

Capitol Police sent orders for Congressional staff to leave the Cannon building and other large offices after Trump called on his followers to protest the certification of Joe Biden's election victory inside the legislature.

"Just evacuated my office in Cannon due to a nearby threat. Now we're seeing protesters assaulting Capitol Police," said Representative Nancy Mace in a tweet.

"This is wrong. This is not who we are. I'm heartbroken for our nation today," she wrote.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 23:54:53|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Seven suspected terrorists have been arrested from the Sargodha district of eastern Punjab province, Pakistani police quoted by local media said on Thursday evening.

Local media quoted sources from the Punjab province police department as saying that the Counter Terrorism Department of police raided a militant hideout in Sargodha and arrested the suspected terrorists who belong to a banned organization.

The reports added that an intense fire exchange took place between suspected terrorists and the raiding police personnel before the suspects surrendered.

An intelligence agency of Pakistan army reportedly provided a tip-off besides helping police to conduct the successful operation.

Police told media that the suspects were planning the assassination of some important figures as well as triggering sectarian conflict in the country.

Police personnel also recovered explosives, hand grenades and arms from the suspects, the reports added.

The arrest is made at the time when security agencies have declared a high alert in all major cities of the country after intelligence agencies issued threat alert of possible terrorist attacks at government institutions and officials. Enditem
External Article

6 January 2021

In 2018, social scientist Roger Tyers pledged to stop flying for work and leisure. Soon afterwards, he won a research fellowship that included fieldwork in China. So he decided to take the train from Southampton to Shanghai, a journey of almost two weeks.

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"I used to fly a lot," says Tyers, now at the University of Nottingham, UK. His perspective changed when he read a 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warning that unprecedented societal changes would be needed if humanity wanted to achieve the aims of the Paris climate agreement and keep global warming to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels. "That really brought home to me the urgency of climate change and how we need to make big changes in our behaviour," he says, "including flying less."

Tyers's trip took him seven weeks, including fieldwork and train travel there and back. He calculates that it generated just 10% of the emissions that the equivalent flights would, which pleases him, even though his train tickets came close to three times the price of the equivalent flights. "I don't expect everybody to be taking the train to China to do fieldwork," he says. "But I think that as academics we can do a little bit better."

Tyers is one of many climate scientists who are advocating for less air travel and following their own advice. Today, as the coronavirus continues to ravage much of the world, Tyers's concerns have receded  at least temporarily  because nearly all conferences and meetings have pivoted to virtual models. Researchers throughout the world have learnt to embrace technology-based solutions for connecting.

But the carbon-footprint issue will remain in the long term. Once the pandemic is brought to heel, scientists will again grapple with how to reconcile the need to fly to meetings and fieldwork sites with their desire to limit  if not eliminate  air travel. A study in October showed that climate scientists tend to fly more often for work compared with their peers (L. Whitmarsh et al. Glob. Environ. Change 65, 102184; 2020), because of their remote fieldwork locations and their travel to international conferences, including those addressing climate-change mitigation.
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AMG

Apparently, the Model Y will only roll out in new markets once the vehicle is being manufactured there, instead of being exported from Teslas Freemont facility across the world.The Americanmaker currently has manufacturing facilities for the Model Y in California and Texas for the U.S. market, Berlin for Europe and Shanghai for China, but deliveries havent yet started almst two years after the model was unveiled.This rather long gestation period might have been just enough for Mercedes-Benz to heavily advance the development of its first-ever compact electric, the EQB, despite the international health crisis.Heavily based on the-powered Mercedes-Benz GLB , even more than how the EQC is based on the GLC-Class, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQB should prove to be a more than worthy rival to the upcoming Model Y.Encompassing all the official and unofficial details we know about the model so far, we decided to give you a speculative preview of the EQB, accompanied by two virtual renderings that are not only anchored in reality but almost identical to how the production vehicle will look.As you can see from both the renderings and previous spy photos of various pre-production prototypes, the upcoming EQB will essentially look like a GLB with restyles front- and rear-ends, both sides sporting the Mercedes-EQ family traits that were first introduced by the EQC.We're talking about a non-functional engine grille with an integrated light bar, specific Mercedes-EQ headlights with blue accents, while the rear might also get a light bar that connects the existing GLB taillights in the same way that it does on the EQC.The interior should also be revamped, with the optional 7-seat configuration obviously being a huge selling point in this segment.Sure, the Model Y will also offer up to seven seats, but its sloping roofline might not favor taller passengers as much as the brick-like Mercedes and its more cavernous interior, especially for such a compact vehicle.Unlike the Tesla model, the upcoming Mercedes EV will not put most of its money on neck-snapping acceleration figures but on various interior gadgets and most of all, comfort. Not to say that it will be a slow car, with at least three power outputs to be available eventually, but its trump cards will be dealt differently than its not-so-direct rival.It is expected that the top of the range model will feature an 80-lithium-battery developed and built in-house, which should offer the blocky crossover a range of around 500 kilometers (311 miles) in thecycle.That said, we shouldnt see a battery with less than 50 kWh in the least expensive, entry-level model, which may or may not arrive further down the line, especially since the EQB will also be partnered by the smaller EQA, which is an electric version of the GLA.Both dual-motor and single-motor versions should comprise the lineup, with the most powerful version having a combined output of a little over 300 horsepower, with one motor powering each axle.Noversion is expected, with the MEA (Modular Electric Architecture) cars being the only ones that might receive Affalterbach magic touch in the foreseeable future.Will the Mercedes-Benz EQB and EQA be enough to steal a huge chunk of Teslas foothold in the somewhat affordable electric crossover market? We will find out in less than a year, with both electric Benzes going on sale in 2021, and their starting prices revolving around the $40,000 to $50,000 mark.
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Many business owners struggle to navigate the complex financial environment in which their businesses operate. They need assistance with financial literacy, financial planning and effective money management.

They dont have massive resources and the wasted effort in approaching the wrong funders or submitting incorrect information when applying for finance can be spent on more productive activities.

In a world where companies are closing and salaries are disappearing, we are once again looking to innovation and technological solutions to re-invent financing solutions.

VodaLend from Vodacom Financial Services offers businesses an ecosystem of convenient digital finance solutions. Specifically designed to be flexible, affordable and accessible to more people than ever before. All applications are digital which means we can deliver quickly, effectively and adapt according to your needs.

Quintin Van Vuuren, Executive Head of VodaLend at Vodacom Financial Services believes that SMEs operating today, require easy online funding applications, faster turn-around times on application approvals and the ability for the business owner to access the cash they need quickly and with minimal effort.

Unlocking economic opportunities that will drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable employment, particularly for small businesses in South Africa, is a commitment that Vodacom Financial Services is passionate about.

This commitment has seen VodaLend play an integral role in implementing customised funding solutions to support South African small businesses.

Van Vuuren explained, Small businesses feel the impact of rapid economic movements more severely than larger corporate institutions. SMEs dont have large cash reserves, or teams of accountants managing their budgets and cash flows. SMEs cant afford to waste resources, money and time when applying for business finance. That is why weve focused on providing businesses with an effortless end to end digital experience when applying for finance.

VodaLend | Business Funding

VodaLend | Business Funding is a disruptive SME business funding solution, where applicants can apply online, furnish basic business details, and receive a response within hours.

The 10-minute online application process doesnt require complex annual financial statements or stacks of paperwork. Best of all, most applicants receive a decision within minutes. Successful applicants could have the cash in their bank accounts within 24 hours of applying.

Van Vuuren concluded, I believe that as an innovative financial services provider we have a responsibility to provide assistance based on the companys individual application. Thats why in certain cases, we adapt our application scoring criteria and rates to meet the individual attributes of the business. Our minimum requirements for funding are much less intensive than those of more traditional funders.

So, if youre a South African small business thats been operating for at least one year, with an annual revenue of R500,000 this digital business funding solution could be perfect for you.

Click here to put the four-step application process to the test.
The experimental vaccine developed by Chinas Sinovac Biotech Ltd. was 78% effective against Covid-19 in late-stage trials in Brazil, the most definitive result so far on the shots efficacy after previous data sparked confusion and doubt.

The protection rate, confirmed by Sao Paulo state officials, was derived from Sinovacs most advanced final-stage trials in Brazil involving about 13,000 participants. The rate is shy of the roughly 95% effectiveness seen in mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc.

The vaccine was 78% effective in preventing mild cases of Covid-19 and 100% effective against severe and moderate infections, said Dimas Covas, director of the Butantan Institute that partnered with Sinovac to produce the shot locally. The institute plans to request emergency use authorization from Brazils regulator Friday, he said. The regulator, known as Anvisa, has about 10 days to analyze such requests.

Missing details

The trial saw about 220 participants infected -- 160 in the placebo group and almost 60 among those who received the vaccine, Covas said. Officials declined to provide a more detailed breakdown of the study, including information about age groups and side effects of the shot, and didnt specify when the full documentation will be published.

Like some other vaccines, CoronaVac is given in two shots, 14 days apart. Butantan is considering spacing them out by as much as 28 days to get more people their first inoculations quickly, Covas said.

Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria is attempting to expedite vaccinations as Brazil sees a resurgence of the virus and the central government delays presenting concrete vaccination dates. Almost 11 million doses of Sinovacs vaccine, called CoronaVac, have already been shipped to the country.

Doria, a political rival of President Jair Bolsonaro, plans to obtain swift approval and begin vaccinating the state of some 45 million people on Jan. 25. Pressure from other governors led the health ministry to include the shot, which has been publicly shunned by Bolsonaro, to the countrys vaccination plans.

Conflicting and incomplete information from Sinovacs trials last month created confusion over exactly how effective its shot is in protecting people. Researchers in Brazil delayed releasing complete data on CoronaVac in late December, saying only that it was found to be more than 50% effective. Sao Paulo state Health Secretary Jean Gorinchteyn later said the vaccine didnt reach 90% efficacy. Further confusing matters, Turkey said its trial showed an estimated efficacy rate of 91.25%, though that was based on only 29 cases.

Shore up confidence

The release of more definitive data on the vaccines efficacy was delayed because the Beijing-based vaccine developer needed to reconcile results from different trials using varying protocols, according to a person familiar with the matter.

While Sinovacs disclosure now provides a clear picture of its vaccines effectiveness and should shore up confidence in countries where it has inked supply deals like Indonesia and Brazil, the Chinese developers lack of timely and clear disclosures have contributed to a lack of trust.

More Than 15.9 Million Shots Given: Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker

China has already administered more than 4.5 million doses under emergency use authorization, and aims to inoculate 50 million people against the virus by early February, ahead of the annual Lunar New Year holiday.

Both Sinovac and state-owned developer China National Biotec Group Co., whose shot last week became the countrys first to be approved for general public, have seen conflicting data disclosed on their vaccines. CNBG said its vaccine is effective in preventing Covid-19 in 79.3% of people, less than the 86% reported earlier from its trials in the United Arab Emirates.

600 Million Doses

Sinovac can make more than 600 million doses a year at its production facilities in China. The company has orders from countries involved in vaccine trials, including Brazil, Turkey and Indonesia, and will also supply Singapore and Hong Kong in addition to the Chinese mainland.Sinovac and CNBGs vaccines use an inactivated version of the coronavirus to stimulate the bodys immune response. They can be stored at refrigerator temperature (2 to 8 degrees Celsius), making them potentially better choices for distribution and use in the developing world than mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that require deep freezing.

(Updates with study details from third paragraph)

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Ottawa, Jan 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jan, 2021 ) :Canada will let lapse on Wednesday a ban on flights from Britain imposed last month after the discovery of a new fast-spreading strain of the coronavirus, Transport Minister Marc Garneau said.

"The ban on UK flights, which was going until midnight tonight will lapse. It will no longer be applicable," Garneau told a news conference.

In its place, Canada has announced that all incoming travellers will be required to test negative for the Covid-19 illness within three days of boarding a flight before being allowed into the country.

Upon arrival travellers will still have to quarantine for 14 days.

Since Canada halted flights from Britain on December 20 over the new variant, 11 cases have been confirmed in the country.

The new strain of the virus, whose discovery set off alarm bells worldwide, appears to spread more easily than other types but experts say there is no evidence it is more lethal or resistant to vaccines.
WASHINGTON - Congressional Democrats and some Republicans on Wednesday accused President Donald Trump of inciting a coup after an angry mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, interrupted the proceedings to cement President-elect Joe Biden's victory and triggered an evacuation of lawmakers.

Throngs of pro-Trump rioters busted through security barricades, breaking windows, climbing on rafters, ripping down U.S. flags and roaming the Senate chamber. Lawmakers were told to grab gas masks as police deployed tear gas inside the Rotunda, the ornate area under the dome that connects the House and the Senate.

A trio of Trump's most vocal GOP critics in Congress over his efforts to undermine the election results assailed the president.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, released a blistering critique of Trump, saying the day's events were the result of a "selfish man's injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning. What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States."

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., who called it a "coup attempt," tweeted directly to Trump: "You are not protecting the country. Where is the DC guard? You are done and your legacy will be a disaster."

And Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., said the Capitol "was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard - tweeting against his vice president for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution."

"Lies have consequence," Sasse added. "This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the president's addiction to constantly stoking division."

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., also blamed Trump's rhetoric, saying, "our president should have given a much more clear tone. Leaders create calmness and direction; they don't inspire people to get angry and do the things that they're doing."

He called on the president to "stand up and be a better leader on this, because he has not been in my view. . . . He needs to respect the peaceful transition of power."

Former congressman Will Hurd, R-Tex., who retired last year over his frustrations with Trump's takeover of the party, called the storming of the Capitol an act of "domestic terrorism."

"This should be treated as a coup led by a president that will not be peacefully removed from power," Hurd tweeted.

Democrats, tweeting from safe spaces within the Capitol, reacted passionately to the chaos around them.

"This is thuggery at its best," tweeted Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y. "And the flames are being stoked by the person currently in our #WhiteHouse. Donald Trump is responsible for this. #TrumpThugs."

"On August 24, 1814, the British stormed our Capitol and set fire to it," tweeted Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. "Now the Capitol has again been breached and sieged. Donald Trump incited this. He is responsible for this. And he is silent as this tragic moment continues."

Trump eventually released a one-minute taped statement telling his supporters to "go home now." Still, he continued his baseless claim that the presidential election was "fraudulent."

"I know your pain, I know your hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it - especially the other side," he said, reiterating the same false allegations that have incensed his supporters. "But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order, we have to respect our great people in law and order. We don't want anybody hurt."

Many saw Trump's statement as falling short of his responsibility as president to quell the unrest. Some Democratic lawmakers suggested they wanted immediate action taken against the president and certain Republican lawmakers for any role they played in inciting Wednesday's violence.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., said she would ready documentation to impeach the president. "I am drawing up Articles of Impeachment," she tweeted. "Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate. We can't allow him to remain in office, it's a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath."

"This is outrageous, and the president caused it," Rep. David N. Cicilline, D-R.I., said on Twitter. "We should impeach and convict him tomorrow."

Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., said she will call for the "expulsion of the Republican members of Congress who incited this domestic terror attack on the Capitol."

In a statement, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., the first senator to announce that he would object to certifying Biden's electoral college victory, said the "violence must end."

Those "who attacked police and broke the law must be prosecuted, and Congress must get back to work and finish its job," he added.

Meanwhile, Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Tex., said Hawley and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex. - who also led the effort to contest Biden's win in several states - should "immediately resign."

At least some Republicans reconsidered their support for opposing the electoral college results after the attack on the Capitol. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., said she would now vote to uphold them and called on the president to "condemn and put an end to this madness."
Terri Irwin shared a hopeful message after rioters stormed the US Capitol building in Washington DC on Wednesday.

In a post on Twitter on Thursday, the 56-year-old American-Australian naturalist admitted she was heartbroken by what she'd seen in the media.

But she said she was confident 'good will triumph over evil', and urged everyone in the US to 'stay strong'.

Speaking out: Terri Irwin [pictured] shared a hopeful message after rioters stormed the US Capitol building in Washington DC on Wednesday

'While my heart breaks for America, I believe good will triumph over evil. It has to. Shine your light, and stay strong. Love will prevail,' she tweeted.

She also shared a lengthy letter addressed to everyone who's 'had a rough week' or 'seems to be under constant storm clouds'.

'Better things are coming your way, so please hang in there. You can do it,' ended the heartfelt post.

Heartbroken: In a post on Twitter on Thursday, the 56-year-old American-Australian naturalist admitted she was heartbroken by what she'd seen in the media

Terrifying: On Wednesday, pro-Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol and clashed with police in shocking scenes, which left four people dead

Out in force: The riots took place as the US Congress convened to certify Joe Biden's victory in the November US Presidential election

Terri was born and raised in Oregon, before coming to Australia in 1991 to visit wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

A chance encounter led to her meeting Steve Irwin, and they were married in Oregon the following year, before settling in Australia.

Steve tragically died in September 2006, but Terri stayed behind in Australia to continue running Australia Zoo in Queensland.

Love at first sight: A chance encounter during a trip led to her meeting Steve Irwin, and they were married in Oregon the following year, before settling in Australia

On Wednesday, pro-Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol and clashed with police in shocking scenes, which left four people dead.

The riots took place as the US Congress convened to certify Joe Biden's victory in the November US Presidential election.

Addressing his supporters, Trump falsely claimed he had won the election, and urged people to protest the results at the Capitol.
Johnny Depp must not be having a good year so far. Just a week into 2021, and he must be already dealing with so much. While still dealing with the Amber Heard case, his Hollywood Hills home was reportedly broken into.

Johnny Depp 2021: House Broken Into?

According to TMZ, Johnny Depp's Hollywood Hills home was almost burglarized by a woman over the weekend. The burglary suspect was ultimately arrested but it remains unclear if anything was stolen from the actor's home.

TMZ reported that the female arrested was most likely homeless. However, her entrance to the actor's home triggered the security system and alerted the police. Spooked, the woman fled the scene before the police arrived. She was still caught because she was reportedly later found nearby. The police connected her to another recent burglary - and as a result, was arrested based on suspicion that she could be the one who tried to enter Johnny Depp home.

Daily Mail UK has called representatives for Johnny Depp and the Los Angeles Police Department for comment to no avail.

Johnny Depp Still Dealing with Amber Heard Trial

The timing is just unfortunate because this scary crime comes amid a turbulent time for Johnny Depp. The actor is struggling to win the case against Amber Heard, now that the High Court has backed ex-wife Amber Heard's claims that Depp battered her during their marriage.

Johnny Depp was reportedly shocked by the result, and so was his whole legal team. "All of this was overlooked. The judgment is so flawed that it would be ridiculous for Mr. Depp not to appeal this decision," the legal team said.

"In the meantime, we hope that in contrast to this case, the ongoing libel proceedings in America are equitable, with both parties providing full disclosure rather than one side strategically cherry-picking what evidence can and cannot be relied upon," the lawyers added.

'Pirates of Caribbean' Star Loses Whole Career?

At the same time, the actor is losing many prospective Hollywood projects because of this case. As reported by the Insider, sources have reportedly said that the actor may never work in Hollywood ever again after losing the "wife beater" libel suit.

Even though Amber Heard seems to have won, hers is a bittersweet victory. There are still so many who want to see her lose projects as much as Johnny Depp has.

"Nothing could have prepared me for 2020, let's face it", the actress told Sky News. "I don't think I'm alone in saying that. I don't think anything could have prepared me." She was referring to both the case with Johnny Depp and the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ MORE: The Office' Reunion Show: Reboot is Likelier After Show Left Netflix?

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles

The Chinese present in the US capital urged to take precautions. Four Trump supporters died in clashes with police. The support of many countries for the US authorities. China speaks of "double standards", recalling Washingtons support for a raid on the Hong Kong parliament by pro-democracy protesters.

Beijing (AsiaNews) - Chinese citizens in Washington are being urged to take precautions following yesterdays attack on Congress by hundreds of supporters of President Trump. The alert was issued today by the Chinese embassy in the US capital, which in addition to warning of possible violence also cautions against possible coronavirus contagion. The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry has also issued an alert for its citizens, offering assistance where needed.

Instigated by Trump during a rally, a group of his supporters raided Capitol Hill to block Democratic candidate Joe Biden's certification of victory in the November presidential elections. According to the latest reports, ensuing clashes with security forces resulted in four deaths and several injuries among the mob.

Western governments have expressed their firm condemnation of events that targeted the headquarters of the US Congress and Senate. India and Taiwan also said they were shocked by the incident, although the two countries enjoyed good relations with the Trump administration.

Instead, Chinese authorities and media are fanning the flames of violence. The Global Times today ran an editorial in which it attacks what it terms a "decadent" US democracy. The nationalist tabloid claims yesterday's events show that Western governments have "double standards" when faced with popular protests.

The Chinese establishment publication is referring to the raid in 2019 by a group of demonstrators on Hong Kongs Parliament (the LegCo chamber). The speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, called it a "beautiful sight to behold", calling the protesters "freedom fighters". According to some Chinese netizens, US democracy has received a just "retribution" for its meddling in China's internal affairs.

However, observers point out that the condemnation of the assault on the US Congress was to defend democracy, threatened by those who want to subvert the popular vote. In Hong Kong, anti-Beijing demonstrators want to defend what little constitutional freedom they have left. In an unprecedented event, also yesterday, the police of the former British colony arrested 53 activists and Democrats with "the Orwellian" charge of working to obtain a majority in the legislative elections.
The most persistent problem facing K-12 schools across the country is the teacher shortage crisis, specifically a lack of high-quality, certified teachers. Elevate K-12 is solving that problem. The live-stream instruction brand provides a groundbreaking tech service that utilizes the brands proprietary live-stream instruction technology to allow teachers to instruct classrooms in zip codes across the country.

Elevate K-12 is like the Peloton for K-12 schools, explained Shaily Baranwal, Founder and CEO of Elevate K-12. Its not the bike that made Peloton so successful, its the network of talented trainers who are now accessible to anyone and everyone, even if your closest spin class is two towns over. Were bringing that same accessibility to teachers and K-12 classrooms across the country.

For Americas 58 million K-12 students, a shortage of quality teachers within a schools zip code is a critical barrier. This problem has long impacted rural areas and small towns but is slowly creeping into other neighborhoods as well. School districts in these areas often struggle to find certified teachers for all content areas to fill every classroom, let alone the types of passionate, engaging teachers who can make classes fun and effective for students. Elevate K-12 eliminates that barrier by bringing the countrys most qualified teachers to stream to K-12 classrooms in schools in every zip code through the brands unique Elevate Live Technology, which was built specifically to engage and empower K-12 students. And now, with 27% of teachers considering quitting because of COVID-19, according to a new report referenced by CNBC, Elevate K-12s solution is only expected to expand to connect qualified teachers with students in need of quality education.

What Elevate K-12 is not is a method of force-fitting classes onto Zoom and asking students to adjust, Baranwal said. Rather, weve built incredible tech designed specifically to allow teachers to conduct incredible lessons from anywhere in the world.

Elevate Live transforms traditional classrooms into cutting-edge live-stream instruction classrooms, providing teachers with all the tools they need to conduct vibrant and impactful lessons and engage directly and personally with students.

This isnt about putting just any teacher in front of students, Baranwal said. Its about elevating the kind of classes and instruction available to students. We work with the most talented teachers and provide them with a proprietary curriculum and lesson plans built for live teaching and that is integrated with our live classrooms so that the teachers dont have to build their lessons or content. This is far more exciting and effective than what is being taught in many classrooms.

Elevate K-12s live classrooms take the interaction of face-to-face teaching and convert it into a live streaming experience, meaning students arent just taking notes from a pre-recorded video  they can fully engage with teachers in real time for a full classroom experience. And because Elevate Live Technology is designed to work in existing classrooms, students still interact with each other in a classroom setting.

Now, thanks to Elevate K-12, no school or classroom in America will have to settle for a long-term substitute or less-than-qualified teacher simply because they dont have a great teacher that lives in their zip code.

The company started with offering live math classes and now offers 46 different live classes, equipping every school to provide live classes in any subject, including but not limited to:



Spanish, French, German and American Sign Language

Math

ELA

Science

U.S. Government/Civics

Social Studies

World History

U.S. Geography

Cybersecurity

Geometry

Algebra

Physics

Chemistry

Economics

For the over 200 schools that have already partnered with Elevate K-12, the results have been profound.

Elevate K-12 has proven to be a trustworthy partner in our quest to provide high-quality instruction to every student in our district, Said Keith Burton, Chief Academic Officer at Caddo Parish School Board in Shreveport, Louisiana. Students cannot, especially in a pandemic, have extended periods without effective teaching. Its our job as district leaders to find solutions to the problems that have created inequity across schools, and Elevate K-12 has been a significant part of the solution for us. All students, regardless of location, socio-economics, or ability, must have access to teachers delivering quality content  thats the only way for them to reach real success.

About Elevate K-12

Elevate K-12s high-quality live-stream instruction brings the worlds best teachers to the schools that need them most. Through a suite of cutting-edge technology platforms, Elevate K-12 allows more than 200 teachers to conduct engaging, impactful classes in any classroom from anywhere in the world. By making high-quality teachers more accessible to more schools and students, Elevate K-12 is solving the teacher-shortage crisis, eliminating the need for long-term substitutes and providing a better education for students, wherever they are. Elevate K-12 currently operates in 11 states in more than 200 schools and is rapidly expanding to new markets across the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.elevatek12.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 6, 2021 / Victory Nickel Inc. (the "Company") (CSE:NI) ( www.victorynickel.ca) today announced the resignation of Peter R. Jones as a Director of the Company, effective immediately. The Board of Directors thanks Mr. Jones for his service to Victory Nickel and wishes him well in the future.

About Victory Nickel

Victory Nickel Inc. is a Canadian company with four sulphide nickel deposits containing significant NI 43-101-compliant nickel resources and a significant frac sand resource at its Minago project. Through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Victory Silica Ltd., Victory Nickel at its 7P frac sand processing facility in Seven Persons Alberta has established itself in the frac sand business.

Contact:

Victory Nickel Inc.

Sean Stokes

Email: admin@victorynickel.ca

www.victorynickel.ca

Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains certain forward-looking information. All information, other than information regarding historic fact that addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future is forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this news release, including information related to the completion and outcome of any debt restructuring activities reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or modify such forward-looking information, either because of new information, future events or for any other reason. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

SOURCE: Victory Nickel Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623378/Victory-Nickel-Announces-Resignation-of-Director
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reached the agreement during their phone talks on January 6.

Both sides spoke highly of the close cooperation between the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry and US Department of State over the past years, contributing to promoting the bilateral comprehensive partnership in a practical manner in various areas. They welcomed the flexible organisation of joint celebrations for the 25th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the occasion, the two sides discussed the US Trade Representatives ongoing investigation on Vietnams monetary policy and wood materials under Section 301 of the USs Trade Act 1974.

Minh affirmed that the Vietnamese ministries and agencies will continue actively working with the US partners to deal with issues of US and Vietnams concern, thereby maintaining a stable trade towards a harmonious, sustainable and mutually beneficial trade balance.

Pompeo, for his part, affirmed that the US attaches importance to and pledges to maintain a stable relationship with Vietnam. The US supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam with an increasingly important role in the region, he said.
The Brexit transition period ended as of 11pm GMT on 31 December 2020 and the UK has officially left the European Union.

Even with a deal agreed at the eleventh hour, the UKs relationship with the EU completely changed from that date onwards.

The country went from being a member state to a third country. But what does that mean, and how does it affect British travellers? Heres everything you need to know.

What is a third country?

The EU defines a third country as: A country that is not a member of the European Union as well as a country or territory whose citizens do not enjoy the European Union right to free movement.

Why is the UK a third country now?

When the Brexit transition period ended and UK officially left the EU, as a non-member without freedom of movement, the country joins the rest of the world in its less privileged status. Third country is just a technical term that illustrates the fact that were no longer in the gang.

Does that mean Britons need a visa to visit the EU?

No  if youre a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. However, unlike previously when you could stay for an unlimited time, you can now only stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A visit to any of the countries on the list will add to the cumulative total.

If you need to stay for longer, whether its to work, study, or for business travel, youll need to apply for a visa or permit.

Those who overstay the 90 days can be fined, deported and even banned from re-entering.

Different rules apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania  if you visit these countries, the time spent there does not count towards the 90-day limit as they are not in the Schengen (freedom of movement) area. Each of these countries also allows British travellers to stay visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day period.

How does third country status affect travellers during the pandemic?

In the short-term, it has meant that Britons have been banned from entering a number of EU countries (unless they live there or have an urgent reason related to family or work commitments). This is because, during the coronavirus pandemic, leisure travellers from most third country destinations have been blocked from visiting the EU, barring a select number of nations deemed safe because of their low Covid case rates.

Now that the UK is officially a third country  and a very high-risk one at that, given the prevalence of the new variant of the virus that is 50-70 per cent more transmissible  many EU countries are choosing to ban entry of British tourists.

For example, the Netherlands has blocked British travellers following the end of the Brexit transition period. Dutch border police have turned away 10 British nationals since 1 January, after the UK officially left the European Union, reported broadcaster NOS.

New coronavirus rules dictate that passengers arriving from non-EU countries will be permitted entry into the Netherlands only for essential reasons, not for leisure travel.

They all had a negative PCR test, a border police spokesperson said of the 10 Britons, but had forgotten the basic rule  that they need to have an urgent reason to come, such as work or serious family issues.

How does third country status affect travellers in the long-term?

Longer-term, being a third country means Britons lose certain privileges when travelling to the EU. Travellers can no longer use the EU/EEA passport lanes when queuing; must have at least six months left on their passport, which must be less than 10 years old on the day of travel; and can no longer use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the replacement offering, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein where it was previously valid. Travellers are advised by the government to get comprehensive travel insurance instead.

One of the biggest differences will be at border control  previously, agents could do no more than check your passport to ensure it was you. Now, they may ask to see a return or onward ticket and for you to prove you have enough money for your stay; and if you cant provide such evidence, they are within their rights to refuse you entry to the country.

 Brexit Briefing: The end of the transition period

As a third country, Britons can also no longer use the existing pet passport scheme and will need an animal health certificate (AHC) to transport their pets to EU countries. Owners are advised to allow at least one month to arrange this and relevant vaccinations.

The guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway has also ended. Travellers should check with their phone operator to find out about any roaming charges they might get from 1 January 2021.

Some UK nationals driving to the EU may need extra documents, including an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in certain countries. This applies to those who only have a paper licence, or one issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

If youre taking your own vehicle, you will also need a green card and a GB sticker, according to the government.


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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - Minaurum Gold Inc. (TSXV: MGG) (OTCQX: MMRGF) ("Minaurum") is pleased to announce that Minaurum and its wholly-owned subsidiary Minera Minaurum Gold, S.A. de C.V ("MGG"), along with Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (NYSE: FSM) ("Fortuna") and Fortuna's wholly-owned subsidiary Compania Minera Cuzcatlan S.A. de C.V. ("CMC"), have entered into an option agreement, pursuant to which CMC can earn up to an 80% interest in MGG's Taviche silver project in Oaxaca, Mexico ("Taviche").

Under the terms of the option agreement, CMC can initially earn a 60% interest (the "Initial Interest") in the project by making cash payments totaling US$450,000 and incurring US$4M in work expenditures over three years. Upon earning the Initial Interest, Fortuna can then earn an additional 20% interest for a total 80% interest in the project by funding Minaurum 's acquisition by way of option exercise of the remaining 20% interest. Upon CMC acquiring the Initial Interest, the parties will form a joint venture, pursuant to which Minaurum will retain a 20% interest which shall be carried until a positive construction decision is made, which is supported by a mineral resource calculation in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and a Preliminary Economic Assessment.

"We are excited to be partnering with Fortuna at the Taviche Silver project," stated Darrell Rader, President and CEO of Minaurum."This agreement allows us to retain an interest in Taviche's advancement while still maintaining control over our core assets. We look forward to updating the market as Fortuna unlocks the potential upside of the Taviche project."

Under the terms of the option agreement, CMC will act as the operator of the project however all budgets, activities and programs during the option period will be managed by a technical committee consisting of two representatives of Fortuna and one representative of Minaurum. If a positive construction decision is not made within seven years of the date of the option agreement, Minaurum will have the option, exercisable for a period of 60-days, to purchase CMC's interest in the project in exchange for a cash payment equal to Fortuna's work expenditures to date.

Option Schedule to Earn a 60% interest in the Taviche Silver Project

(all amounts in USD$ unless otherwise stated)

MILESTONE CASH WORK EXPENDITURES Upon Signing $75,000

1st Anniversary $100,000

2nd Anniversary $125,000

3rd Anniversary $150,000

Total: $450,000 $4,000,000

The Taviche Project

The Taviche project hosts a historic silver district. Past exploration by Gold79 Mines Ltd. (formerly Aura Resources Inc.) returned high-grade drill results from the Higo Blanco prospect including 34.2 m of 262 g/t Ag, including 12.1 m of 519 g/t Ag. In addition, several intervals of gold mineralization were intersected including 8.35 m of 2.05 g/t gold (HBET-24). (Please see Aura Resources Inc. news releases dated January 18, 2010 and June 16, 2010).

For more information on the Taviche Silver Project: www.minaurum.com/projects/taviche/

For more information on Fortuna Silver Mines Inc: www.fortunasilver.com

Minaurum Gold Inc. (TSXV: MGG) (OTCQX: MMRGF) (FSE: 78M) is a Mexico-focused explorer concentrating on the high-grade Alamos Silver Project in southern Sonora. With a property portfolio encompassing multiple additional district-scale projects, Minaurum is managed by one of the strongest technical and finance teams operating in Mexico. Minaurum's goal is to continue its founders' legacy of creating shareholder value by making district-scale mineral discoveries and executing accretive mining transactions. For more information, please visit our website at www.minaurum.com and our YouTube Minaurum Video Channel.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Darrell A. Rader"

Darrell A. Rader

President and CEO

For more information, please contact:

Sunny Pannu - Investor Relations and Corporate Development Manager

(778) 330 0994 or via email at pannu@minaurum.com

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

2300 - 1177 West Hastings Street

Vancouver, BC V6E 2K3

Telephone 778 330-0994

www.minaurum.com

info@minaurum.com

Stephen R. Maynard, Vice President of Exploration of Minaurum and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 has approved the disclosure in this News Release. Historical data reported in this news release has not been verified.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof.

In making the forward-looking information in this release, Minaurum has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on Minaurum's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Minaurum. Although Minaurum considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking information in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Minaurum does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71540
Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol (J. Scott Applewhite/AP/PA)

A woman who was shot inside the US Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died, according to police.

The woman has not yet been named but is believed to be a civilian.

It comes as Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi announced lawmakers would return to continue a vote count on the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's electoral win over President Donald Trump would continue on Wednesday night.

She said after consulting with other Democratic leaders, and "calls to the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the Vice President, we have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use".

It's after the building was put on lockdown on Wednesday as crowds protesting President-elect Joe Biden's victory broke through security barricades.

Congress went into abrupt recess as hundreds of Pro-Trump protestors breached security on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.

There have also been multiple injuries to law enforcement officers and the entire of the National Guard of Washington DC and others from Virginia have been deployed to Capitol Hill to dissolve the ensuing standoff.

Expand Close (Andrew Harnik/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Officials have now declared the US Capitol complex "secure" after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying "the Capitol is secure" rang out on Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House.

In a tweet after his supporters stormed the Capitol Building, President Donald Trump said: Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Later he tweeted: "I am asking for everyone at the US Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"

In Northern Ireland, deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill condemned the scenes.

The scenes unfolding at Capitol Buildings in Washington will not stop democracy.



My thoughts are with the many friends of Ireland who work in Capitol Buildings.



Those involved in these shameful attacks will not succeed.



Hope and unity will triumph over fear and division.  Michelle OaNeill (@moneillsf) January 6, 2021

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney described the scenes as "shocking" in a strongly-worded tweet.

Shocking & deeply sad scenes in Washington DC - we must call this out for what it is: a deliberate assault on Democracy by a sitting President & his supporters, attempting to overturn a free & fair election! The world is watching!

We hope for restoration of calm. pic.twitter.com/1OdQYEB35K  Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) January 6, 2021

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson also condemned the incident. "Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress," he said.

"The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power."

It's after Vice President Mike Pence was ushered out of the Senate as hundreds of protestors breached the secure perimeter and with loud bangs and flash bang grenades were seen exploding as the crowds filtered into the Capitol Building.

Images of an armed standoff emerged as security officials barricaded the door of the House floor and had weapons drawn and pointed towards the door as protestors stormed the building.

The Washington DC police chief said at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far over the protests.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack "a riot" and Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6pm curfew.

An announcement was played inside the Capitol Building as politicians were meeting and expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens victory.

Due to an external security threat, no-one could enter or exit the Capitol complex, the recording said.

Many House representatives were evacuated with one House member Gerry Connolly telling CNN that all representatives were given gas masks upon their evacuation.

Members of Congress that could not be evacuated were told to shelter in place.

The New York Times reported that a pipe bomb was found and safely detonated at Republican National Committee headquarters in downtown DC this afternoon. The headquarters of Democratic National Committee were evacuated as a precaution.

In a public address, President-elect Joe Biden said: At this hour, our democracy is under unprecendented assault, unlike anything we have seen in modern times. This is an assault on the citadel of liberty. The Capitol itself. An assault on the people's representatives and the Capitol's security that is sworn to protect them."

Mr Biden said the "scenes of chaos" at the Capitol "do not reflect the true America and do not represent who we are."

The Present-elect branded the scenes as extremism and said, "this is not dissent, this is disorder."

"It's chaos, it borders on sedition and it must end now. The words of a President matter, no matter who that President is," Mr Biden said.

Belfast Telegraph
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Two years ago, Nivedita Narayanaswamy and Vishal Thiruvedula relocated to New York after five years in London, where they had moved so Mr. Thiruvedula could attend graduate school. They found a one-bedroom rental in Manhattan, on West 34th Street, near Penn Station.

They knew they wouldnt stay long. We were there mainly because I had to get to work, said Ms. Narayanaswamy, 32, who commuted to her job at a pharmaceutical company in New Jersey by train. Mr. Thiruvedula, 36, works for a tech start-up based in the financial district.

The area was convenient, she said, but it wasnt a very neighborhood-y place, just people getting in and out of the city.

After a year, the couple started to look for a bigger place to buy. They were hoping to find a relatively new condominium with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a yard, or at least some outdoor space, figuring they would eventually have children and get a dog.

[Did you recently buy or rent a home in the New York metro area? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com]

They also have relatives who visit from India. A one-bedroom is more restrictive, because you have guests sleeping in your living room, Ms. Narayanaswamy said.

Their budget dictated the neighborhoods they considered. The couple, who married about seven years ago, were ready to spend $800,000 to $950,000, with reasonable monthly common charges and taxes. They focused on two promising areas that seemed affordable  Harlem and Bushwick/Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn  looking for places that had subway lines nearby.

These days, buyers are casting a much broader net geographically, said their agent, Jimmy Johnson of Compass, who was referred by a friend. The couple, he said, wanted a neighborhood feel in an area where they felt their investment would be on the upswing and had appreciation potential.

Among their options:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday condemned as "disgraceful" violence at the US Capitol building by supporters of his staunch ally President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu made the comments in Jerusalem alongside Trump's Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, who called the storming of the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters "unacceptable".

The Israeli premier said the "rampage at the Capitol yesterday was a disgraceful act and it must be vigorously condemned".

"I have no doubt that... American democracy will prevail. It always has," added Netanyahu, who has repeatedly called Trump Israel's best-ever friend in the White House.

Mnuchin, speaking after Netanyahu, made a rare call from a member of Trump's cabinet for the result of November's presidential election result to be respected.

"Now is the time for our nation to come together as one and to respect the democratic process in the US," he said.

Mnuchin came to Jerusalem following a trip to Khartoum, where Sudanese authorities on Wednesday inked the so-called Abraham Accords, a series of Trump-brokered normalisation agreements between Israel and Arab states.

Sudan was the third country to sign the accords, following the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Morocco has also agreed to re-establish ties with the Jewish state that were severed during the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising.

Mnuchin said he would leave Israel later Thursday and head to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait.

"We will be discussing both the activities of the Abraham Accords, economic issues and the strategic issues as it relates with Iran."

Netanyahu applauded the Trump administration for ditching a 2015 deal Iran signed with major powers that imposed limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for an easing of international sanctions.

The Israel premier has urged the incoming US administration not to restore the 2015 deal, signed when President-elect Joe Biden was vice president under Barack Obama.

Story continues

- 'Moment of trial' -

Mnuchin spoke as the US Congress was certifying Biden as the next US president, dealing a hammer blow to the deeply controversial effort by Trump and his loyalists to overturn the election result.

The certification came hours after a mob breached the US Capitol and sent lawmakers scrambling for safety. They were able to return hours later, shaken but determined to complete the task.

Egged on in an extraordinary rally across town by an aggrieved Trump, a flag-waving mob had broken down barricades outside the Capitol and swarmed inside, rampaging through offices and onto the usually solemn legislative floors.

Israeli Defence Minister and alternate prime minister Benny Gantz said he "was saddened by last night's violence".

"I know that the democratic foundations of America and the resilience of its people are stronger than any one moment of trial."

scw/bs/kir
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been denied bail and continues to be held on remand in Belmarsh maximum-security prison.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser handed down the decision Wednesday in Westminster Magistrates Court, after ruling on Monday against Assanges extradition to the United States on mental health grounds. Assange will remain in custody until the prosecutions appeal of that ruling is heard.

Westminster Magistrates Court

WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson announced afterwards that Assanges legal team would be taking the bail decision to the High Court.

Baraitsers refusal to grant bail confirms that her decision not to extradite was motivated by political considerations and not any genuine concern for Assanges health. Assange will be kept in conditions which have had a grave impact on his mental health, during a massive escalation of the UKs COVID-19 epidemic.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday, Nick Vamos, former head of special crime and head of extradition at the Crown Prosecution Service, indicated that the appeal process would likely take two to three months.

In her decision, Baraitser accepted the prosecutions insistence that Assanges flight into the Ecuadorian embassy in 2012after a UK court had granted him bail in connection with Swedens trumped-up sexual assault investigation and extradition requestwas proof of his willingness to abscond in the future. This is an absurd and vindictive position.

Assange claimed his right to asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy to avoid onward extradition to the US, in the context of a vicious assault on WikiLeaks by the Obama administration and a global manhunt of its founder. Not only did he serve a near maximum sentence for these actions in May-September 2019, but they are now being used as a reason to deny bail in precisely the vengeful extradition proceedings which he sought to avoid in 2012--which Baraitser herself has judged to be oppressive!

Moreover, as Assanges lawyer Edward Fitzgerald QC explained in his submission, the situations are dramatically different. Assange now has a court ruling in his favour. He is, regardless, prepared to submit to stringent bail conditions amounting to effective house arrest with a GPS tagconditions which have allowed terror suspects to receive bail. His experience of claiming asylum in an embassy has proved it unpleasant, in Fitzgeralds words, and led to him being effectively confined for some seven years before having his asylum revoked. That is not something that he is ever likely to repeat.

Assange also now has a family, a partner and two children, in the UK. Besides being a reason for Assange not to abscond, Fitzgerald argued, his family provides significant human rights grounds for his release on bail. On account of COVID-19 restrictions in the prison, Assange hasnt seen his family in person since March 2020. He has never been able to live with them, having spent 15 months held on remand pending his extradition hearing.

Assanges family, Fitzgerald noted, is highly relevant to the question of his mental and physical wellbeing. The grant of bail, he said, would allow actual physical contact with his family, that would alleviate mental distress.

Baraitser had acknowledged the benefit of his familys support to Assange in her ruling on extradition, which described him as a depressed and sometimes despairing man, who is genuinely fearful about his future.

Bail would also considerably reduce the risk of Assanges exposure to COVID-19. Fitzgerald pointed to the severe outbreak of the virus suffered by Belmarsh Prison recently and said there had been 59 positive cases prior to Christmas. He added, on any view, the position [the state of the UKs epidemic] is worse now and, on any view, he would be safer isolating with his family than if he was in Belmarsh.

Baraitser dismissed these concerns, declaring this prison is managing prisoners health during this pandemic in an appropriate and responsible manner. She chose to accept the prosecutions assurances, based on an email from Belmarsh received the previous night, that just three prisoners in Belmarsh are currently infecteddespite serious confusion on that point due to the wording of the email. Fitzgerald commented, Were not clear whether that means three people have tested positive in the last day.

Assanges lawyer made the wider point in favour of granting bail that Throughout the lengthy hearing, the [extradition] request remained the basis of detention, and the basis on which he was refused bail. Now, you have given a considered ruling and you have ordered the discharge of Julian Assange

The natural and logical consequence of that ruling would be that he regains his liberty, at least conditionally. Really every canon of English law over the centuries is that once theres been a ruling that someones entitled to discharge that that would be a reason for them at least to obtain conditional liberty.

Kristinn Hrafnsson, WikiLeaks editor-in-chief

Speaking outside the court, WikiLeaks editor Kristinn Hrafnsson denounced Baraitsers decision: Its obviously a great disappointment to get this decision now from Judge Baraitser not to release Julian Assange on bail. We think its unjust and unfair and illogical when you consider her ruling two days ago about Julians health, which of course is caused in large part because he is being held in Belmarsh Prison.

To send him back there doesnt make any sense Its inhumane, its illogical. This denial of bail will most likely be appealed to the High Court within hours or a few days and we will expect this to be overturned, because frankly as I say, it doesnt make any sense from any point of view.

Rebecca Vincent of Reporters Without Borders said the organisation condemns this decision taken today which we view as unnecessarily cruel. This court cannot undo the past ten years of hell that Julian Assange has had to endure, but they could have made it right going forward. We fully believe that Julian was targeted for his contributions to journalism. The past ten years he has suffered only because of publishing information in the public interest. He shouldnt have to spend another moment unjustly deprived of his liberty.

We reiterate our concerns about his mental health and his physical health as long as he has to stay in Belmarsh Prison. If anything happens to him in this period of custody it is the legal and moral responsibility of the UK government.

Stella Moris

Assanges partner, Stella Moris, described the outcome as a huge disappointment. Julian should not be in Belmarsh Prison in the first place.

Baraitsers rejection of bail is a warning that the persecution of Assange is far from over. She declared as much in her decision Wednesday, stating, As far as Mr Assange is concerned, this case has not yet been won.

The prosecution described her ruling against extradition as one which hangs on a single thread, made solely on the basis of Assanges mental health and risk of suicide and accepting the US lawyers anti-democratic arguments on every other legal point.

Vamos noted in his interview with the Sydney Morning Herald that the appeal would be an opportunity for the American government to secure a reversal of the decision not to extradite by making promises that Assange would be well-treated in the US. For example, it could agree not to detain him in a particular prison or under certain conditions or to beef up his health care or suicide monitoring.

Clair Dobbin for the US indicated during Wednesdays hearing that these plans were already underway: consideration is also being given to providing undertakings [on mental health care] that meet specific parts of the judgement.

London metropolitan police make arrests

Several pro-Assange protestors were arrested outside the courthouse on COVID-19 charges, including a 92-year-old man. The police came mob-handed with roughly 50 officers and police vans, in what was clearly an attempt to intimidate future demonstrations of support.

Live-streamed footage from RT shows police assaulting journalists, pushing them out of the way, and physically obstructing and manhandling cameramen, even when they identified themselves as journalists. Independent reporter Gordon Dimmack, who was present, tweeted, Police have told independent media they have to leave or be arrested.

STORY LINK Pound Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) Exchange Rate Steady as UK Construction PMIs Shows Promising End to 2020

GBP/CAD Exchange Rate Rangebound as UK GPs and Pharmacies to Rollout Covid-19 Vaccine

Canadian Dollar (CAD) Steady as Oil Prices Steadily Rise

GBP/CAD Outlook: Could Rising Canadian Unemployment Weaken the Loonie on Friday?

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The Pound to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate held steady today, with the pairing currently trading around CA$1.72.Sterling benefited from news that UK GPs surgeries and pharmacies would be allowed to rollout out the new Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.As a result, GBP investors are becoming more hopeful that the UK could vaccinate large swathes of the vulnerable and at-risk population by mid-February.Nevertheless, rising Covid-19 cases throughout England are dampening confidence in Sterling.In UK economic data, today saw the release of Decembers UK Construction PMI, which reassured markets at 54.6.Tim Moore, Economics Director at IHS Markit, commented:December data illustrated a positive end to the year for the UK construction sector, mostly fuelled by a sharp rebound in house building. Overall output growth has slowed in comparison to the catch-up phase last summer, but now it is encouraging to see the recovery driven by new projects and stronger underlying demand.The Canadian Dollar (CAD) firmed today following this weeks news that Saudi Aribia will cut oil production in the next few months, buoying WTI prices beyond the key $50 per barrel.As a result, demand for the commodity-linked Loonie has increased, bolstering the CAD/GBP exchange rate.Bjornar Tonhaugen, the head of oil markets at Rystad Energy, however, warned:Saudi Arabias offer to compensate and voluntarily cut production did not take an official form. It was an offer that was probably meant to be blurry and subject to changes when it comes to the actual cuts when the time comes.In Canadian economic news, today saw the release of the latest Canadian exports figure for November, which confirmed consensus at $46.76 billion.Benjamin Reitzes, Canadian Rates & Macro Strategist at BMO Capital Markets Economics, said:While the trade deficit narrowed, it remains notably wider than pre-pandemic levels.Today saw the latest Canadian Ivey PMI figure for December fall below forecasts to 46.7.This was the first contraction in Canadas economic activity since May.As a result, CAD investors are becoming increasingly concerned about the strength of the nations economy going into 2021.Canadian Dollar (CAD) traders will be closely monitoring tomorrows release of the latest Canadian Unemployment Rate figure for December.If this confirms consensus and rises, then we could see the CAD/GBP exchange rate begin to fall.Tomorrow will also see the release of the latest Canadian New Change in Employment data for December.Again, if this shows a bleak outlook for the Canadian economy going forward, we could see the Loonie suffer.The GBP/CAD exchange rate could head higher this week, however, if the UK Governments mass vaccination programme appears to be on target for mid-February.

International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements.

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Improvised Explosive Device diffused in Kumba Facebook

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was diffused by security forces in the city of Kumba, at a newspaper kiosk located at the Buea-Road neighborhood.

Locals discovered the suspicious device attached to an electric meter Thursday, January 7, 2021, near the Kumba Press Center. Those who found the object informed Defense and Security Forces.

Wilson Elong Njume Njikang, Commissioner of the Kumba Central Police Station in charge of public security led a police squad to the scene.

Ascertaining that the suspicious object was an Improvised Explosive Device, military specialists were called in from the 6th military battalion.

"The soldiers diffused the Improvised Explosive Device without causing any damage to life or property, a local familiar with the story told Cameroon-Info.Net.

The incident created fear in locals around the area where the explosive had been found.

Ali Anogu, the subdivisional officer for Kumba I subdivision, and Chamberlain Ntou'ou Ndong, the senior divisional officer of Meme Division have hailed the local population for collaborating with defense and security forces in maintaining security in the city.

Authorities say armed separatists in the area must have placed the Improvised Explosive Device.

Thursday's discovery brings to two the number of improvised explosive devices diffused by security officers in Kumba. The first one was cleared last year at a filling station a few meters away from the Kumba Central Police Station.

This discovery comes a day after an improvised explosive device reportedly planted by separatist fighters in Momo, North West Region detonated, killing five persons, including four soldiers and the Momo Divisional Delegate for Communication, Mrs. Liwusi Rebecca Jeme.

Cameroons state forces have been battling to dislodge armed separatists who pitched their tents in the North West and South West Regions since Anglophone protests transformed into an armed conflict in 2017.

Corporate demands by Common Law Lawyers and Anglophone Teachers led to protests in November 2016. The street demonstrations later morphed into ongoing running gun battles between state forces and armed separatist fighters in the predominantly English-speaking regions, leading to untold destruction of human lives, their habitats, and livelihoods.

Tit-for-tat killings, kidnappings, arsons, maiming, and outright terror have become part of daily lives in some parts of the English-speaking regions.

Former President on Wednesday (local time) called "insurrection" at the Capitol a "sickening, heartbreaking sight" and said this is how election results are disputed in a banana republic, not our democratic republic.

"Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our nation's government in disbelief and dismay. It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic, not our democratic republic," the former President said in a statement.

"President said that the Insurrection could do grave damage to our Nation and reputation. In the United States of America, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law," Presidential Center wrote in a tweet.

Bush, not mentioning anyone's name, lambasted "some political leaders" for their behaviour since the election, saying "I am appalled by the reckless behaviour of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement."

"The violent assault on the Capitol - and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress - was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes," Bush said in a statement.

The former President further stated that the insurrection could do grave damage to our nation and reputation. In the United States of America (USA), it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law.

Bush addressed those who are disappointed in the results of the election saying that Our country is more important than the of the moment. Let the officials elected by the people fulfill their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety. May God continue to bless the United States of America, he added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks!

Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics.

The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc.

The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics.

The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates.

Access to college recruiters and advisors  its harder to line up higher education.

Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7) The Justice Department on Thursday said the case of the controversial death of flight attendant Christine Angelica Dacera is not closed or dismissed.

We are not dismissing the case, just to be clear about it, we are just converting this into a regular preliminary investigation, DOJ Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said in an interview with CNN Philippines The Source. Nagu-umpisa pa lang kami. We are just starting.

The three respondents earlier arrested in connection with the case of Dacera, who was found dead in a hotel room on New Years Day, were released Wednesday following an order from the Makati City prosecutors office. The directive noted that more evidence is needed to establish if the incident was a rape-slay.

TIMELINE: The Christine Dacera Case

Malcontento also believes the rape with homicide complaints earlier lodged against the respondents were premature.

If it is sufficient, we could have dismissed it outright or decided to file the case, he noted. So insofar as our prosecutors are concerned, by way of procedures, its incomplete, premature.

We cannot file homicide, murder, rape, or rape with homicide with the existing evidence presented so far by the PNP and their witnesses," he added.

According to Malcontento, the police have so far submitted with their complaint Daceras death certificate and medico-legal report. The prosecutor general added authorities are waiting for additional evidence, including possible toxicology and DNA results.

He assured the 23-year-olds family that the investigation, set on January 13, will be swift, and that justice will be delivered.

In the same manner, the 11 respondents, we will afford them all their rights under the law, and we will give them all the chances for them to defend their rights and their stories on this matter, Malcontento said.

RELATED: Suspect in Dacera case speaks up: Im not hiding

Meanwhile, the Makabayan bloc is pushing for a House probe on the Philippine National Polices supposed mishandling of Daceras case.

The unverified and inaccurate information and the premature conclusions of the PNP over Daceras death do not help in resolving the case, read House Resolution 1458. Rather, it resulted to trial by publicity, confusion most especially among Daceras family and friends, and undue stress and anxiety to various parties dragged into the case.

The resolution also seeks the recommendation of measures for concerned agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and "ensure the fair and competent resolution of the case.
A pair arrested Saturday on out-of-county warrants in Porter is being investigated by east Montgomery County authorities on suspicion of fraudulent ID making.

Social security cards and credit card numbers were found in a truck where a man and woman were traveling in before their arrests, according to Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constables spokesman Lt. Jim Slack.

Kaci Leane Andrus, 37, of Colmesneil, was taken into custody on a state jail felony warrant out of Angelina County charging her with burglary of a building, according to jail records and Precinct 4.

Andrus was charged after her arrest with unauthorized use of a vehicle and possession of controlled substance, both state jail felonies. She is being held on a combined $10,000 bond at the Montgomery County Jail, jail records show.

Taylor Dane Simon, 30, of Crosby, was taken into custody on a warrant for a possession of controlled substance charge out of Harris County and a Class B misdemeanor warrant for a traffic structure damage charge out of Brazoria County, according to jail records and Precinct 4.

Simon was being held at the county jail on a combined $11,503 bond. He is no longer there, jail records show. It is unclear if Simon bonded out or was transferred to a jail outside Montgomery County.

The social security cards and credit card numbers were found in files, folders and notes that also contained names and addresses, said Slack. An altered title for a motor vehicle, copies of IDs and a credit card skimmer were also found, Slack added.

Around 5 a.m., a Precinct 4 deputy on patrol saw a truck deemed suspicious parked in front of a home under construction. Because multiple thefts of construction materials had taken place there, the deputy stopped the truck on a traffic violation while it drove off. Andrus and Simon were aboard, according to Precinct 4.

The vehicle Andrus and Simon were in was found to be stolen out of Harris County. Both Andrus and Simon had warrants. The search of the truck yielded a glass pipe containing methamphetamine, according to Precinct 4.

Slack explained the investigation into fraudulent ID making will likely last several weeks.

I do feel that there will be some charges coming, he said of the case.

Slack pointed out fraudulent ID-making efforts are shaped by different motivations. He said some fraudulent IDs are used to open lines of credit, cell phone accounts or checking accounts. Satellite TV or internet accounts are also temporarily opened through fraudulent IDs, he added.

In some instances, Slack said, perps will rent moving trucks or trailers with fraudulent information to steal property. Tax return fraud is a major motivator this time of year, he mentioned.

Still, it is rare that we come across fraudulent ID making, Slack said.

Only a couple of weeks ago, though, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office initiated an investigation on a woman arrested on drug possession charges. Authorities stated they learned she made multiple fake state IDs and was in possession of fraudulent-making equipment.

jose.gonzalez@chron.com

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Tributes have been paid following the death of Maureen Grant, known affectionately as the First Lady of the Olympia Theatre, who has passed away at the age of 95.

Mrs Grants death was announced by the theatre on Twitter this evening as they remembered the legendary staff member.

The post read: It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of the Olympias longest standing, legendary staff member, Maureen Grant on Wednesday 6th January, 2021. Condolences to the Grant family at this time. Sending all our love. From all at the Olympia Theatre.

Mrs Grant had been a fixture at the popular Dublin venue and started working at the Olympia in 1949. The three week position she was offered turned into seven decades of service.

Legendary Dublin band Aslan was among the first to offer their condolences on the sad news.

The band wrote: So saddened to hear of the passing of the Queen of the Olympia Theatre, Maureen Grant. We have no doubt we will all continue to feel your presence in the Olympia. Our thoughts are with your many friends and family. Christy, Billy, Joe, Alan, Rod & all in Aslan past & present.

Such was the esteem Mrs Grant was held in that a bar in the Olympia Theatre was simply named Maureens Bar in tribute to her. Photos of Maureen with stars such as Bono, Laurel and Hardy, Snoop Dogg and REM adorn the walls of the bar.

Magician Keith Barry also tweeted his condolences following the news.

So sad to hear of the passing of Maureen Grant of Maureens bar in the @olympiatheatre. I have many fond memories of laughs and stories with the lady of the Olympia herself. RIP. Youll be sorely missed by all, he wrote.

Actor Rory Cowan said it was a shame that Mrs Grant would not get the huge farewell that she deserved due to Covid restrictions.

He wrote: Maureen Grant worked for 70 years in Olympia Ttheatre. Maureen was fabulous. I adored her. Unfortunately she wont get the massive funeral she deserves and all those who want to pay their respects cant go to it. But she was well thought of and very well liked.

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Chinese Regime Uses Noodle Dish to Promote Its Agenda Overseas: Leaked Documents

Luosifen is a famous noodle soup dish flavored with river snails, originating from Chinas Guangxi region. In recent years, it has gained international popularity through Chinese restaurants and instant noodle products sold in immigrant communities around the world.

A series of leaked government documents obtained by The Epoch Times reveal that the Chinese regime has been using the dish to advance its agenda: make sure Chinese immigrants in the United States and Canada toe the line; and promote the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a plan to build infrastructure projects in parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe.

In documents from the government of Liuzhou citywhere the dish was first inventedauthorities outlined the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) plan to use luosifen as a tool to push forward its United Front strategy in the United States and Canada. The Partys United Front Work Department is charged with overseeing the Partys foreign influence operations and coordinates and supports thousands of overseas organizations to spread propaganda, influence local elites, and suppress dissident groups.

The Liuzhou government suggested sending a delegation to the United States and Canada to promote the noodle dish.

A 2018 internal government report stated: We must broadly unite overseas Chinese by promoting Liuzhous famous luosifen as an excellent business card to reach out to the United States and Canada; and use it to strengthen the bond with both old and new overseas Chinese and Chinese associations in those countries, to fully utilize their natural advantages in promoting and implementing BRI.

The BRI, also known as One Belt, One Road, has been criticized by Western officials for placing developing countries under massive debt. Beijing has also used BRI projects as a form of economic pressure, with some governments adopting pro-Beijing policies after signing onto the scheme.

The Liuzhou government analyzed several large cities in the United States and Canada, and suggested different strategies on how to reach local communities and promote the CCPs United Front work through setting up luosifen restaurants.

For example, the document analyzed the demographics of Canadas capital, Ottawa. It stated: The promotion of luosifen will also relieve the overseas Chinese peoples homesickness here, sending them love from the motherland and Liuzhou at the same time, which will enable our overseas United Front work to be more diverse and rich in content.

Leaked internal report from the Liuzhou government on promoting the luosifen noodle dish in major U.S. and Canadian cities. (Provided to The Epoch Times)

Another document, titled Main Achievements in Liuzhous Foreign Affairs Work During the 13th Five-Year Plan, was issued by the Liuzhou Foreign Affairs Office in 2020. It showed the extent of the Liuzhou governments outreach efforts in promoting luosifen across the globe last year.

According to the document, Liuzhou has set up a total of 224 distributors and 753 outlets for selling luosifen, spanning 127 countries, achieving full coverage of countries along the BRI corridors and all the ASEAN sister cities of Liuzhou. ASEAN is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

It also stated that total exports of packaged luosifen instant noodles manufactured in Liuzhou during the first half of 2020 were valued at 7.5 million yuan (about $1.15 million).

State-run media Guangming Daily reported on Nov. 4, 2020 that netizens ranked luosifen as the top cultural item to represent Chinese culture.

A third document, issued by the Foreign Affairs Office within Liuzhous CCP Committee on Aug. 17, 2020, revealed that promoting luosifen was ordered by central and local government agencies. The document called for the support and cooperation of local government offices for filming and producing the eighth episode, second season of the reality show Kung Fu Apprentice in Liuzhou. That episode focused on Liuzhous luosifen industry.

The report also revealed that Kung Fu Apprentice is a project jointly invested by Chinese video platform Mango TV and Discovery China, the Discovery Channels China division. The shows production is supervised by the State Council Information Office, and supported by the Partys Propaganda Department.

Leaked government document, detailing instructions on shooting an episode of Chinese television show, Kung Fu Apprentice, that features the noodle dish. (Provided by The Epoch Times)

CCP authorities stated that luosifen-making was an emerging strategic industry.

Another leaked document showed that local officials were sent on special trips to promote the dish to foreign governments and associations. The report was about a Chinese officials visit to the United States and Canada in May and June 2018, and showed that Liuzhou had sent the delegation. The group consisted of six people and was headed by Xiang Jun, then-head of Liuzhous United Front Work Department.

Based on their itinerary, the delegation spent eight days in both countries. For two days, the group promoted Liuzhou and its famous noodle dish to the San Fernando Valley International Trade Association in Los Angeles and San Franciscos municipal government.

U.S.-based current affairs commentator Li Linyi said that luosifen has now become a method for the CCP to boost Chinas economy.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has previously sounded the alarm on the CCPs United Front campaigns.

In a speech given at the Wisconsin state capitol in September last year, he called the United Front CCPs official overseas propaganda tool. Its one of the CCPs three Magic Weapons, in the words of Chairman Mao [Zedong], along with armed struggle and party-building.

Recently, the U.S. government also imposed visa restrictions on United Front Department officials who have engaged in malign foreign influence activities to co-opt and coerce those who oppose Beijings policies, including denying them entry into the country.

Gu Qinger contributed to this report.

Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Mainly clear. Low 51F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Mainly clear. Low 51F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
A woman shot Wednesday inside the U.S. Capitol, which was stormed by supporters of President Donald Trump, has died, according to several media reports.

Metropolitan Police Chief Robert J. Contee III confirmed earlier Wednesday that a person was shot inside the U.S. Capitol Wednesday afternoon. Further details were not available.

The Washington Post, The Associated Press and MSNBC reported that the woman shot has died.

D.C. police say the woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol earlier today has died. No other details were provided.  Peter Hermann (@phscoop) January 6, 2021

BREAKING: Woman who was shot inside the US Capitol building has died, several law enforcement officials say. - @PeteWilliamsNBC pic.twitter.com/VXw2HkGtTf  MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 6, 2021

The Metropolitan Police Department has said it is taking the lead on the shooting investigation, according to the AP. More information about the circumstances of the shooting have not yet been released.

The president recently urged his supporters to head to the capitol to challenge President-elect Joe Bidens win. His supporters rallied as Bidens victory was certified by a joint session of Congress. The area erupted in chaos.

As supporters made their way into the Capitol, the building went into lockdown. Videos from the scene showed the supporters fighting with police, and both officers and supporters spraying pepper spray.

Biden in an address to the nation called on the president to step up.

The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect the true America, Biden said Wednesday. This is not dissent, its disorder. Its chaos. It borders on sedition and it must end now.

Trump, while sympathizing with supporters, urged them to go home in peace in a video filmed outside the White House.

Hours after the chaos began, the Capitol has been secured.

Elementary school students in Pennsylvania should return to in-person learning as soon as possible, leaders from the state departments of health and education said Thursday.

Knowing the benefits of in-person instruction and the relatively low risk of young children becoming seriously ill with COVID-19, the state updated its recommendations for school districts.

The new guidelines will prompt discussions at districts that have remained virtual, including Carbondale, Scranton and Valley View.

Along with elementary-aged children, schools should also provide in-person instruction for students in special education or English learner programs. That in-person learning could include hybrid models, meaning students would learn both in school and remotely each week to allow for social distancing.

Before the school year started, the state had recommended that all schools within counties with substantial transmission offer remote learning only. As of Jan. 1, all 67 counties were in the substantial level.

Some districts remained fully open, while many districts opted for hybrid models. In Lackawanna County, students in the Carbondale Area, Scranton and Valley View school districts have learned virtually since March.

Beginning for the second semester, which usually starts in late January, the state hopes more districts will offer in-person instruction for younger students or the targeted groups. The recommendations do not change for older students. Fully remote learning remains recommended for middle and high schools in the substantial level counties.

We know that educators and families recognize that students benefit from being physically in their classroom. Research has also taught us this is especially true for our youngest learners, acting education Secretary Noe Ortega said.

Schools must continue to adhere to safety guidelines, including keeping students at least six feet apart and wearing masks. The recommendation of in-person learning is not a mandate, and the ultimate decision is left to local school boards.

Superintendents said they will prepare plans and present them to school boards. Scranton Superintendent Melissa McTiernan said she had an administrative meeting scheduled for Thursday afternoon to discuss a return for elementary students.

Valley View Superintendent Michael Boccella, Ed.D., said he will present options to his board on Monday. Carbondale Area School Board President Gary Smedley said directors will discuss the new recommendations, but he prefer employees have the chance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before resuming in-person instruction.

Other Lackawanna County districts are currently open in a hybrid model or plan to return to hybrid by the end of January. All area schools also offer a fully virtual option for families  an option that would not change with the new state recommendations.
By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Digital services taxes adopted by India, Italy and Turkey discriminate against U.S. companies and are inconsistent with international tax principles, the U.S. Trade Representative's office said on Wednesday, paving the way for potential retaliatory tariffs. USTR, releasing the findings of its "Section 301" investigations into the digital taxes, said it was not taking specific actions at this time, but "will continue to evaluate all available options." The probes are among several still open USTR Section 301 ...
has welcomed the resumption of the second round of the Afghan peace talks in Qatar between representatives of the Kabul government and the Taliban, which commenced after a three-week break.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that the two teams have made significant progress by finalising the rules and procedures last month and have now reconvened to negotiate on substantive issues, reports Xinhua news agency.

"We are hopeful that the two sides will prioritize working out a roadmap for reduction in violence and ceasefire in the negotiations," the statement said.

The Ministry further said the year 2020 witnessed substantial progress towards peace in Afghanistan, with a number of positive developments including conclusion of the US- peace agreement and the start of intra-Afghan negotiations.

"We remain hopeful that the year 2021 will witness the dawn of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan," it added.

The statement said hopes that the two negotiating teams would continue to engage with open-mind and will observe patience, prudence and perseverance to seize this historic opportunity for peace.

"We call upon both sides to remain constructively engaged and show flexibility in the negotiations for reaching an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement which would lead to lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan," it added.

The second round of the talks, which began on Wednesday, will focus on a ceasefire and reduction in violence in

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An MH-60 helicopter from the Coast Guard Air Station in Kodiak, Alaska, prepares to hoist a person from Coast Guard icebreaker Polar Star in the Arctic, December 21, 2020. US Coast Guard/PO1 Cynthia Oldham

Coast Guard icebreaker Polar Star is on the first wintertime Arctic deployment by a Coast Guard cutter since 1982, reflecting the service's ongoing effort to build capability and expand its presence in the region.

"We're going to head out there and just continue to present an overt presence and let the possible bad actors know that the Coast Guard is on scene," the ship's commanding officer told Insider.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Coast Guard icebreaker Polar Star left Seattle on December 7 for the first wintertime trip to the Arctic by a Coast Guard cutter since 1982.

On Christmas, it reached a point just above 72 degrees latitude, the farthest north a Coast Guard ship has sailed in winter.

Getting there was no easy task, the ship's commanding officer told Insider on Tuesday.

"The North Pacific and the Gulf of Alaska, [and] the Bering Sea in the winter are absolutely treacherous," said Capt. William Woitrya.

Polar Star in heavy seas in the Gulf of Alaska, December 10, 2020. US Coast Guard/PO1 Cynthia Oldham

There were 15-foot seas in the Gulf of Alaska, and even though Polar Star can handle 40- to 50-foot seas, "anything more than about 10 feet and the crew is basically incapacitated with seasickness because of how much the ship is rolling and rocking and bouncing," Woitrya said. "So that was just a heck of a start."

Polar Star typically sails to Antarctica in January to cut a channel through miles of ice for resupply ships heading to the McMurdo Sound research station. That trip was cancelled this year due to COVID-19.

Coast Guard icebreaker Healy, the US's only other icebreaker, suffered an engine failure as it sailed to the Arctic in August. The 44-year-old Polar Star, which has its own history of breakdowns, was then tapped for the trip.

Polar Star, a heavy icebreaker, can break ice up to 21 feet thick, but operating in the Arctic at this time of year "is challenging, even for us," Woitrya said.

Polar Star in the Chukchi Sea in the Arctic at noon local time on December 20, 2020. US Coast Guard/PO1 Cynthia Oldham

"In the summer, the ice is a little bit softer ... and the ship moves through it and there's like a shushing sound, like walking through tall grass, where it rubs down the side of the ship," Woitrya said. "This year [it] was hard and crunchy. It sounded like a perpetual car crash, just twisting metal screeching and shattering going, all just dragging down the whole of the ship, absolutely terrifying."

Story continues

January is summer in Antarctica, which means warmer temperatures and "perpetual daylight," but Arctic winter means almost "perpetual darkness," Woitrya said. Around 72 degrees North, there was "about an hour of ... like pre-dawn [light] every day."

Temperatures were in the -20s and windchill reached -50 degrees, but the wind not only strips away heat; it moves the ice. Antarctic ice is thicker but relatively static, Woitrya said. "In the Arctic, you can go a few miles ... and look behind you, and there's nothing that even resembles a channel or any evidence that you were there."

'The Coast Guard is on scene'

Polar Star in the Chukchi Sea, December 20, 2020. US Coast Guard/PO1 Cynthia Oldham

The US military is increasingly focused on the Arctic, which a changing climate is expected to make more accessible for military and commercial activity.

The Coast Guard released an Arctic strategy in 2019, which noted that "the renewal of global strategic competition has coincided with dramatic changes in the physical environment of the Arctic."

The Navy released its own Arctic strategy on Tuesday, as the Polar Star sat in Alaska's Dutch Harbor on a resupply stop.

This trip is an opportunity to train and develop proficiency "so that we are ready to operate in the Arctic year round, not just now, but next year and in the decades to come," Woitrya said.

Early in the trip, the ship spent several days patrolling the maritime boundary south of Bering Strait - "an overt presence, monitoring the Russian fishing fleet" and "making sure there was no illegal fishing going on in US waters," Woitrya said. US leaders have called illegal fishing a worldwide challenge.

Russia is seen as a long-term competitor, and there are signs of tension in the region, but the Coast Guard has an "excellent relationship" with Russia's border guard, Woitrya said, echoing other service officials.

Woityra speaks to his crew while underway in the Bering Sea, December 14, 2020. US Coast Guard/PO1 Cynthia Oldham

"But both of our agencies really suffer from a lack of resources and an ability to be in all of the places that we need to be all of the time that we need to be there," Woitrya added, calling this deployment "an opportunity to put another piece on the chess board."

In addition to patrols, the months-long mission will include further technology testing and scientific research on an environment that has been "under-sampled" because of the difficulty of operating there, Woitrya said.

"We've got some [remotely operated vehicles] on board. We're deploying some buoys and taking water samples for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, so that they can better understand the physical properties of the ocean up here at this time of year."

The curvature of the earth at the Poles affects navigation and communications systems, a particular challenge for the military. Despite some "degradation," Polar Star maintained its primary internet downlink up to 72 degrees North, which Woitrya called "a great relief."

The service is working to bolster that communications capability, Woitrya added. "In fact, we were testing a new satellite constellation that [the Defense Department] has in service on this mission, but, again, once we went north of the Arctic circle, the satellite was only over the horizon for a couple hours a day, so it really limited our ability to take advantage of that."

Polar Star in the Arctic Ocean, December 21, 2020. US Coast Guard/PO1 Cynthia Oldham

The Coast Guard plans to build three more icebreakers in the coming decade, with work on the first starting this year. This deployment will help prepare crews who will operate in the high latitudes. The ships themselves will be designed to facilitate those operations.

The new icebreaker "is going to have a climate-controlled bay with an overhead door that's going to keep the small boats out of the weather and the environmental conditions, and that's going to be a huge upgrade and an operational multiplier that's going to make us more effective in these really cold environments," Woitrya said.

The Coast Guard has long been present in the waters around Alaska, but like the Navy, which is more active in the North American Arctic and the European Arctic, the Coast Guard wants to make both its presence and capability known in a region where more ships from more countries will be spending time.

Polar Star's deployment will reflect that, Woitrya told Insider.

"We're going to head out there and just continue to present an overt presence and let the possible bad actors know that the Coast Guard is on scene," Woitrya said. "We're also really representing the United States and defending our sovereign interests and our resources throughout the region."

Read the original article on Business Insider

Schools have once again been closed to most children across the UK as part of tougher measures to control Covid-19.

Many parents will be running out of ideas for how to keep their home-schooling routines fun and inventive.

The good news is that Netflix has plenty of content, from history shows to aquatic movies, to keep children educated and entertained.

Heres a list of the 10 best educational shows on Netflix now

Under 7s

Octonauts

Octonauts (Netflix)

The Octonauts are a team of eight animal adventurers with a fleet of aquatic vehicles. They live in an undersea Octopod and explore real marine animals in their natural environments. They originally featured in a childrens TV series for CBBC, based on the books by Vicki Wong and Michael C Murphy, and now Netflix has two Octonaut films about the Great Barrier Reef and the caves of Sac Actun.

Ask the Storybots

How do I catch a cold? Why do I have to brush my teeth? What is a vertebrate? The Emmy-award winning show  now on its third season  features multi-coloured, computer-dwelling creatures who love to learn and answer questions through fun songs and field trips. The theme tune in itself is encouraging: Storybots helping kids get super smart. Hearing my children scream with laughter while learning fun facts is the best I could have hoped for.

Emilys Lab

Emilys Lab (Netflix)

Luckily I havent had to do the at-home experiments with my kids yet, such as making a tornado in a bottle, but they are just as happy to watch the childrens presenter Emily Calandrelli  who is heavily pregnant in the whole of the first season  and her little scientists have a go on TV. The science lessons include building balloon-powered cars inspired by Newtons third law of motion and how to make colourful explosions with chemical reactions.

The Magic School Bus Rides Again

This follow-up to the animated Nineties TV series The Magic School Bus stars comedian Kate McKinnon, who is perhaps best known for impersonating Hillary Clinton and Ellen DeGeneres on Saturday Night Live. In this show, she voices a much less controversial figure: Fiona, the sister of the original Miss Frizzle, who takes her class on wild scientific adventures.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!

Dr. Seusss fantastic feline is back in this science literacy show. Voiced by Martin Short, the programme includes lessons about why birds migrate, how whales communicate by singing and the lives of tree-dwelling animals.

Over 7s

The Who Was? Show

This sketch comedy and history programme covers Shakespeare, Albert Einstein, Marie Antionette, Frida Kahlo and many more. It centres on a group of teenagers learning about the past through jokes, silly songs and satire.

Kevin Hart's Guide to Black History

Kevin Hart (Netflix)

In a twist for the comedians brand, his one-hour Netflix special chronicles the lives of unsung Black heroes through a series of re-enactments, from arctic explorer Matthew Henson to performer-turned-Allied-spy Josephine Baker. His words in the show are inspiring: Black history is more than slavery and oppression. Goodness, you have the innovation, the brilliance, the creativity these were the things that we use to challenge the oppression.

The InBESTigators

This Australian mockumentary follows four sparky kids who form their own detective agency and vlog about their adventures. The children are all very different to one another but each bring unique talents to the team. Its a good example of skills such as observation and analysis with displays of kindness and teamwork.

Lego House: Home of the Brick

A 130,000-square-foot house in Billund, Denmark, is the subject of this documentary. What makes it kid-friendly is that the building is inspired by the iconic toy in its title, not to mention the fact that its filled with 25 million Lego bricks, waterfalls, animals and plants.

Our Planet

Our Planet (Netflix)

David Attenborough narrated this eight-part documentary series from the creators of Planet Earth, filmed in 50 countries across the world. Its a great way to show youngsters the fragility of the Earths species and eco-systems, and is delivered in a voice they will recognise and trust.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 6, 2021 - 21:10 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

Japan's daily coronavirus infections totaled 6,004 cases, topping 6,000 for the first time since the start of the outbreak last year, a Kyodo News tally based on official data showed Wednesday.

The latest results, up by more than 1,000 from the previous record of 4,916 logged Tuesday, came a day before Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is set to declare another state of emergency in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures.

As the rapid spread of infections shows no signs of abating across the country, Tokyo and a number of prefectures including Osaka reported record cases Wednesday.

The capital's daily infections totaled 1,591, jumping more than 250 from the previous high of 1,337 set on Thursday last week, with a record-high 113 COVID-19 patients in serious condition, raising concerns about the strain on the medical system there.

Tokyo and neighboring Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures, all of which are to be covered by the planned state of emergency, accounted for around half of the nationwide total, with Saitama and Chiba confirming a record 394 and 311 cases, respectively.

As Aichi also confirmed a record 364 cases, Gov. Hideaki Omura told a press conference he may ask the state to put the central Japan prefecture under the emergency declaration, "if this trend continues for a few days."

Osaka saw 560 infections, surpassing the previous record of 490 logged in November, and Fukuoka confirmed a record 316 daily cases.

Government sources said the envisioned state of emergency will likely be in place until Feb. 7 with residents being encouraged to stay home and restaurants and other establishments serving food asked to close by 8 p.m.

Some health experts have warned it will take longer for the third wave of infections to come under control, stressing the need of taking stricter steps.

Toshio Nakagawa, president of the Japan Medical Association, said in a separate press conference the government should look into the possibility of expanding coverage of the planned declaration to nationwide, depending on the level of further spread of the virus.

Nakagawa also called for all lawmakers to "completely" refrain from dining out at night regardless of the number of attendees.

Suga drew criticism for attending a group dinner with more than four people last month even though he himself had called for the public to avoid such events.

Hiroshi Nishiura, a professor at Kyoto University specializing in mathematical modeling for infectious diseases, on Wednesday told a meeting of health experts advising the government it will take two months or so for the daily number of new infections in Tokyo to fall below 100.

Shigeru Omi, head of a government subcommittee on the pandemic, said Tuesday it would be an "extremely difficult feat" to improve the situation to a state where the state of emergency could be lifted in less than one month.

Suga has seen support ratings plummet amid public dissatisfaction with his COVID-19 response and hopes implementing restrictions "in a limited and focused manner" under the state of emergency will help stem the outbreak while avoiding massive damage to the economy.

Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in charge of the government's COVID-19 response, is set to report to parliament on Thursday.

The prime minister met with Nishimura, health minister Norihisa Tamura and Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato at his office Wednesday and told them to speed up preparations for the state of emergency.

The government previously declared an emergency in Tokyo and six other prefectures in early April last year to fight the first wave of infections, later expanding it nationwide before lifting it in late May.

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Coronavirus: Japan PM to decide on state of emergency declaration Jan. 7

Japan to lose trillions of yen in consumption with virus emergency

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The scenes are nearly unbelievable: An armed mob storming the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the counting of the electoral votes. The rioters claimed to be patriots, some of them even waving the Revolutionary War flag "Don't Tread on Me." So what would our nation's founders have thought about this conduct?

The answer is pretty clear - they would have denounced it as treason. Article III of the Constitution limits the crime to "levying war against the United States" or "adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort." Adhering to enemies addresses aid to foreign nations or groups with whom the United States is in a state of open war. By contrast, "levying war" primarily addresses internal concerns. The Constitution's drafters understood the term "levying war" to include any armed insurrection to obstruct a law of the United States. When tax protesters in western Pennsylvania attempted to resist the collection of federal excise taxes during the Whiskey Rebellion, President George Washington formed an army to fight them; his administration later indicted a number of the rebels for treason. A few years later, when men in eastern Pennsylvania used force to prevent the collection of a federal property tax, the John Adams administration prosecuted the leaders for treason. Supreme Court justices presiding over these trials all agreed that treason had been committed. In 1842, Justice Joseph Story summarized the law, concluding that it was treason "by force to prevent the execution of any one or more general and public laws of the government, or to resist the exercise of any legitimate authority of the government in its sovereign capacity."

An armed attack on the Capitol to obstruct the counting of the electoral votes easily qualifies as treason under the framers' original understanding of the Treason Clause. Indeed, the case is even stronger than it was in the Whiskey Rebellion and Fries's Rebellion cases, none of which involved a direct attack on the national capital.

But in a perverse irony, the MAGA mob may be protected from a treason prosecution because of an 1851 case arising out of the Fugitive Slave Act. The Millard Fillmore administration prosecuted men in Pennsylvania who fought the return of enslaved people to captivity (and in the process killed Edward Gorsuch, a distant relative of current Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch). Presiding over the trial, which was held in the second floor of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Supreme Court Justice Robert Grier held that resistance to one particular law was not enough - treason by levying war requires a design to overthrow the government itself.

And that's where things get tricky. Grier's decision has never been formally accepted (or repudiated) by the Supreme Court, but it seems likely that a federal court would follow it. Did the MAGA mob attempt to the overthrow the government of the United States, or did they just seek to obstruct one particular law (the Electoral Count Act)? A prosecutor could certainly argue that it was an attempt on the government itself: The Electoral Count Act is not just any law. It's about the peaceful transfer of power. And an attempt to thwart the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's lawful accession to power through force looks very much like an attempt to overthrow the government itself. I have repeatedly written about the importance of not tossing the term "treason" around lightly. But of all the events of the last four years, this comes the closest to the framers' understanding of the crime.

On the other hand, if treason charges ever went to trial, lawyers for the defendants would push Grier's opinion for all it's worth, insisting that there was no intent to overthrow the United States government as such; they were simply protesting what they viewed, however benightedly, as a stolen election. The Constitution as it was interpreted in 1851, not the original Constitution of 1787, might then come in to save them.

But there are ample other criminal charges that can more easily be brought. Seditious conspiracy is an obvious fit. This statute prohibits, among other things, "two or more people" from conspiring to "by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the authority thereof." Seditious conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; it was most notably used recently to prosecute the 1993 World Trade Center bombers. The MAGA mob's actions on Wednesday fit this statute to a T. And other criminal statutes, ranging from simple trespass to firearms offenses, will also come into play. Washington D.C. police had arrested at least 52 people by Wednesday evening, mostly for allegedly carrying illegal weapons or violating the city's emergency curfew.

No matter what charges are forthcoming later, one thing should be crystal clear: No person storming the Capitol to overthrow an election has any business claiming to be an heir to our country's founders. George Washington, who laid the foundation of the Capitol building, would have viewed the attack as treason, even if modern law might not necessarily agree.

- - -

Larson is a Martin Luther King, Jr. professor of law at the UC Davis School of Law and the author of the books "On Treason: A Citizen's Guide to the Law" and "The Trials of Allegiance: Treason, Juries, and the American Revolution."
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(Bloomberg) -- A decade ago, after hackers were caught infiltrating natural gas pipeline operations and an al-Qaeda video emerged calling for an electronic jihad on U.S. infrastructure, then-Senator Joseph Lieberman tried to sound the alarm.The system is blinking red, Lieberman warned his Senate colleagues during debate on the threat in 2012. Privately owned and operated cyber infrastructure can well be, and probably some day will be, the target of an enemy attack.Led by the Connecticut independent and one-time vice presidential candidate, lawmakers sought to require energy companies to strengthen computer security. But the effort withered under fierce lobbying by oil companies and other corporate interests that succeeded in killing the legislation. That left in place a system of voluntary guidelines that failed to stop last months ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline Co., which paralyzed a major artery for fuel along the East Coast.Its really a lost opportunity, said Lieberman, now senior counsel at Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP. The attack on the Colonial Pipeline might not have happened if we passed the legislation.Now, in response to the attack, the Department of Homeland Security is preparing to jettison the voluntary approach and impose cybersecurity requirements on pipelines, according to a person familiar with the plans who asked not to be identified before a formal announcement.That would be a defeat for oil companies and pipeline operators that for more than a decade have successfully fought off federal standards to thwart cyberattacks from legislation or regulatory agencies. Unlike power plants, U.S. pipelines are not required to follow any federal cybersecurity mandates, even though Homeland Security was given the authority to impose them when it was created in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.The Transportation Security Administration, the DHS agency in charge of protecting the nations pipelines, will issue a directive this week requiring pipeline companies to report cyber incidents, according to the person familiar with the plans. Additional requirements for safeguarding facilities and responding to attacks are set to be advanced in coming weeks, the Washington Post reported.The Biden administration is taking further action to better secure our nations critical infrastructure, DHS said in a statement on Tuesday. We will release additional details in the days ahead.Until now, the TSA had resisted using its authority to mandate cyberprotection measures.My belief was we could get quicker and better security through working with the industry instead of regulating them because regulations set minimum security standards and industry in many cases was doing more than that, said Jack Fox, who served as the agencys manager of pipeline security before retiring in 2016.Liebermans bill would have imposed cybersecurity performance requirements on privately owned critical infrastructure -- and slap fines on companies that fell short. The rules would have been applied to more than pipelines: sectors where a hostile take-down of computer systems could lead to mass casualties, the collapse of financial markets or the disruption of energy and water supplies, were to be included.Even a watered-down version of the bill failed to overcome a Republican-led filibuster.Pipeline CompaniesFor Lieberman, the failure still stings.We would sort of ask ourselves who is driving this aggressive opposition and the answer we were getting was the energy companies and the pipeline companies, he said.Every major U.S. oil company -- including Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp. and ConocoPhillips -- lobbied on the legislation, alongside some refiners and at least one pipeline operator. Colonial didnt lobby on the measure in 2012, according to disclosure forms it filed with Congress. However, groups it belonged to did, including the American Petroleum Institute, the Association of Oil Pipe Lines and the Chamber of Commerce -- a political titan that reported spending $103.9 million influencing government policies in 2012.The Chamber opposed the legislation at the time, calling it an overly broad, heavy-handed approach to regulation that threatened to create an adversarial relationship between the government and private industry instead of fostering collaboration against cyberattacks. The group backed an alternative approach focused on greater sharing of threat information, a stance it continues to endorse today.We support a public-private collaboration that strengthens our cybersecurity in all sectors, including pipelines, to benefit all Americans, said Matthew Eggers, vice president of cybersecurity policy for the Chamber.Cybersecurity experts and government officials have cautioned for years about the consequences of a pipeline hack, including in 2019 when the Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued a report warning a cyberattack could disrupt a pipeline for days to weeks.Nevertheless, there was widespread business opposition to the Lieberman bill, with almost every affected industry, from financial services to communications, getting involved to warn the proposed cybersecurity mandates would insert the heavy hand of government into corporate affairs.But proponents warned that mandates were essential to ensure there were sufficient safeguards amid a barrage of ever-more sophisticated attacks on private companies running power plants, dams and other critical infrastructure.al-Qaeda VideoWeeks after the bills introduction, the Department of Homeland Security warned hackers had spent months trying to infiltrate computer systems for a number of natural gas pipeline operators. ABC News reported the FBI had obtained an al-Qaeda video calling for electronic jihad against U.S. critical infrastructure. And computer security firm McAfee Corp. warned of coordinated, ongoing cyberattacks on global energy companies in 2011.The hacking episodes foreshadowed how alluring fuel delivery systems are to cyber-criminals, like the Russia-linked group that used DarkSide ransomware to hold Colonials computer systems hostage around May 7. The company was forced to shut down its roughly 5,500-mile-long (8,851-kilometers-long) pipeline system, which provides about 45% of the fuel used on the East Coast, spurring outages at filling stations and the payment of a $5 million ransom before service resumed five days later.Its not clear whether mandates would have thwarted the attack, and investigations are still underway. Colonial has pledged to review any proposal that takes lessons learned from this event that strengthens or hardens our infrastructure.Oil and pipeline trade groups steadfastly insist now is not the time for prescriptive federal mandates.Any discussion of regulation is premature until we have a full understanding of the details surrounding the Colonial attack, said Suzanne Lemieux, APIs manager of operations security and emergency response. But we are committed to continuing our robust coordination with all levels of government.The trade association added in a statement it was generally aligned with the Chamber on the issue in 2012 and cautioned against a prescriptive one-size-fits all regulatory approach that it said would be counterproductive.John Stoody, a spokesman for the Association of Oil Pipe Lines, whose members include Colonial Pipeline, said We want TSA to get right anything they plan to do.For example, an overly broad reporting requirement could overwhelm TSA with hundreds of thousands of cyberattack reports every day that would not do anyone any good, he said.PartnershipChevron said in an emailed statement that federal regulation should take a risk-based approach that gives companies flexibility to defend against threats. And Exxon noted that the rapid evolution of cyber threats means any formal and prescriptive cybersecurity requirements for the industry are often outdated upon completion.The Transportation Security Administration has long taken a similar approach. A branch manager in the agencys office of surface operations last year boasted it involves very few regulations and a cooperative approach to industry adoption of security measure, according to a presentation archived on the agencys website.The TSA opted not to regulate the pipeline sector because it felt a partnership with industry was more efficient, said Fox, the retired TSA manager of pipeline security.A regulation takes months or years to change, Fox said in a phone interview. With this partnership we could make a phone call and say we need you to do such and such and it would be reacted to the next day.Republican FilibusterFox said he didnt think the Lieberman bill would have prevented the Colonial cyberattack.You can regulate whatever you like, Fox said. We have regulations on speed limits and gun control and all kinds of things so if you regulate something it does not means its not going to happen.Ultimately in 2012, Lieberman and Collins watered down their bill in a desperate bid to win over Republicans to get it passed. They dropped mandates and fines in favor of a measure that would create only optional requirements.But even the pared-back bill wasnt enough. Continued concerns about liability and privacy haunted the legislation, and the Chamber opposed the new version too. It was twice defeated by a Republican-led filibuster, ultimately falling nine votes shy of the 60 needed to cut off debate in November 2012.Amy Myers Jaffe, a Tufts University professor and author of Energys Digital Future, said the Colonial cyberattack may be the pipeline industrys Macondo moment.Thats a reference to the Gulf of Mexico oil well that blew out in 2010, killing 11 workers and unleashing the worst oil spill in U.S. history.An overly cozy relationship between federal regulators and oil companies was blamed for contributing to the disaster, Jaffe said. Its shocking to me to think that an industry that likes to brag about its safety records would ever have lobbied against having government-run standards that are mandatory for cyber-security in vital energy infrastructure.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
Invesco Perpetual Select Trust plc

LEI: 549300JZQ39WJPD7U596

Result of General Meeting

The resolution put to shareholders at a General Meeting of Invesco Perpetual Select Trust plc held on 7 January 2021 was passed on a poll.

The results of the poll are as follows:

Votes For: 14,646,029 (99.7%)

Votes Against: 42,900 (0.3%)

No Votes were withheld

Total Voting Rights were 110,587,184.

.

The full text of the resolution passed was as follows:

Special Resolution:

THAT:

the Company be generally and subject as hereinafter appears unconditionally authorised in accordance with section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 as amended from time to time prior to the date of passing this resolution ('2006 Act') to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of the 2006 Act) of its issued Shares in each of the following Share classes: Balanced Risk Allocation; UK Equity; and Global Equity Income.

PROVIDED ALWAYS THAT

(i) the maximum number of Shares hereby authorised to be purchased shall be 14.99% of each of the Balanced Risk Allocation, UK Equity and Global Equity Income classes of the Company's Share capital at 7 January 2021, being the date of the General Meeting convened for the purpose of seeking this authority (being 669,978 Balanced Risk Allocation Shares, 4,086,531 UK Equity Shares and 3,838,492 Global Equity Income Shares);

(ii) the minimum price which may be paid for a Share shall be 1p;

(iii) the maximum price which may be paid for a Share in each Share class must not be more than the higher of: (a) 5% above the average of the mid-market values of the Shares for the five business days before the purchase is made; and (b) the higher of the price of the last independent trade in the Shares and the highest then current independent bid for the Shares on the London Stock Exchange;

(iv) any purchase of Shares will be made in the market for cash at prices below the prevailing net asset value per Share (as determined by the Directors);

(v) the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company or, if earlier, on the expiry of 15 months from the passing of this resolution unless the authority is renewed at any other general meeting prior to such time; and

(vi) the Company may make a contract to purchase Shares under the authority hereby conferred prior to the expiry of such authority which will be executed wholly or partly after the expiration of such authority and may make a purchase of Shares pursuant to any such contract.

Company Secretary Invesco Asset Management Limited Contact: Paul Griggs 02037531000

7 January 2021
Congress confirmed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' win in the general election early Thursday, counting electoral votes in their favor despite GOP objections and in defiance of a mob of President Trump's supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The 270-vote threshold was crossed when lawmakers from both chambers certified the election results from Vermont without objection in a joint session. That came soon after the Senate and House separately swept aside an effort by some Republicans to block Bidens 20 electoral votes from Pennsylvania, the state where he was born.

Vermont's three electoral votes for Biden were quickly accepted by Congress, putting him over the top with 271. After the remaining states' results were certified, Vice President Mike Pence announced about 3:45 a.m. ET Thursday that Biden had won 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232.

Confirmation of Biden and Harris win by Congress is the final procedural step before the inauguration Jan. 20. It came hours after pro-Trump extremists, encouraged by the president in their unfounded belief of a fraudulent election, overran security barriers and rushed into the Capitol in scenes that shocked both the nation and the world.

Lawmakers were hustled to secure locations while law enforcement officers fought to secure the building.

The joint session was reconvened Wednesday evening, with several GOP lawmakers who had earlier pledged to object to some states results saying they would no longer do so.

"The events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider, and I cannot now, in good conscience, object," said Sen. Kelly Loeffler, a Georgia Republican who lost the race to keep her seat in a runoff election Tuesday.

The vote-certifying session of Congress is ordinarily a swift and pro forma affair. In 2017, Trump's electoral college win over Hillary Clinton was confirmed in 35 minutes in a session jointly presided over by Biden, who was vice president at the time, and then-Speaker of the House Paul D. Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican.

Story continues

The objections raised by some Republicans in Wednesday's overnight joint session were destined for failure because of the Democratic majority in the House and insufficient support in the Senate. But they allowed Trump loyalists such as GOP senators Josh Hawley of Missouri and Ted Cruz of Texas to air the groundless allegations of electoral malfeasance that the president has promoted since his November loss.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) warned that blocking a presidential candidate's victory simply because the losing side disliked the result would send American democracy into a "death spiral."

McConnell  who is set to relinquish his position as majority leader because of the election to the Senate of two Democrats from Georgia this week  also condemned the mob of Trump backers who drove him and his colleagues off the Senate and House floors.

"They tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed," he said. "They failed."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
New Delhi: If you're not paying for it, you become the product. This simply conveys a message that if you are getting a service free then you yourself are a product, and the same has been proved again by a recent WhatsApp notification, which was received by millions of Indian users. The in-app notification from WhatsApp is part of its upcoming global roll-out for over 2 billion users.

WhatsApp`s new Terms of Service and privacy policy, which will come into effect on February 8, has asked users to either accept the changes in its Terms of Service and privacy policy or their accounts will be deleted. The message suggests the key changes in how WhatsApp will collect and process users` information going forward, and the partnership with Facebook, its parent company, as part of a larger unification drive between the family of apps.

The policy updates read, "WhatsApp must receive or collect some information to operate, provide, improve, understand, customise, support, and market our Services, including when you install, access, or use our Services."

"Businesses you interact with using our Services may provide us with information about their interactions with you. We require each of these businesses to act in accordance with applicable law when providing any information to us," it further adds.

During its launch in the year 2009, WhatsApp has now brought new terms and lured us to provide its services free stating that it will not share your messages or data with anyone. Now, when every third person in the world uses WhatsApp, and this mammoth data is likely to be used to extend Facebook's business.

You use WhatsApp to keep in touch with your family, friends, and your office. As many as 40 crore people in India use this social messaging app in their personal and professional lives. Not only this, even court summons are being sent to this app, as it has become an important part of our life. Many of you might have pressed the button to Agree without reading the latest WhatsApp notification. You should now understand what kind of data WhatsApp will share with Facebook.

After getting your permission, your mobile phone numbers and all contacts in your address book will now be with WhatsApp, which will also know your status message. Further, it will have information about your bank balance with the help of WhatsApp Payment Service. Wherever you spend your money, the app will gather each and every piece of information.

In the coming day, companies will use WhatsApp for payment, and then it will have key pieces of information related to your finance. Your location can be detected through your mobile phone. Thus, WhatsApp will have all information about your home, office address, and your relatives and friends.

Which market you like to visit or which restaurant you want to visit, and which mobile phone do you use. WhatsApp will have all pieces of information and will be kept on its server for a long time. Your message will not be read directly, but who do you talk to, or whom did you send messages and in which WhatsApp group you are the most active will be known to it.

With all these pieces of information, your profile will be created, and WhatsApp keeps a tab on you. You must be wondering how will WhatsApp get the benefit from this profile? This data will be transferred to Facebook from WhatsApp. Facebook has already built large data centers to keep information related to millions of people. These data will be shared with other companies.

This simply conveys the fact that WhatsApp is not a free messaging service. Not only this, but the claims of other apps to guarantee you free service is also false. The truth is in lieu of free service from these apps, you give your valuable data to these companies for free.
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Democrats last night demanded answers as to how rioters were able to storm the US Capitol so easily  amid claims that Donald Trump refused to send in the National Guard.

Videos shared on social media showed police apparently opening fences for the mob and taking selfies with them, prompting suspicions that some of them sympathised with the invasion.

Observers questioned whether other protesters would have been treated so leniently  pointing out the contrast with last summers reaction to Black Lives Matter gatherings in Washington DC.

Amid the chaos, Mr Trump initially rebuffed and resisted a request to mobilise the National Guard, the New York Times reported.

This meant Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials had to step into the breach to raise troops.

The scenes of carnage sparked outrage in Washington over the fact that the Capitol Police force, which has 1,879 officers and a budget of 380million, was unable to carry out its most basic function. It seemingly had no excuse for being so unprepared, as Trump supporters had telegraphed their intentions on social media and online forums, with posts on website Reddit stating: Storm the Capitol.

Another post online said they would break into Congress and drag these politicians out onto the streets.

Representative Tim Ryan, the House appropriator, said that there were strategic mistakes from the beginning by law enforcement. He said: I think its pretty clear that theres going to be a number of people who are going to be without employment very, very soon because this is an embarrassment  both on behalf of the mob and the President, and the insurrection and the attempted coup, but also the lack of professional planning and dealing with what we knew was going to occur.

Amid the chaos, Donald Trump (pictured on Wednesday) initially rebuffed and resisted a request to mobilise the National Guard, the New York Times reported. This meant Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials had to step into the breach to raise troops

And Representative Maxine Waters tweeted: I had an hour-long conversation with the Chief of Police four days ago. He assured me the terrorists would not be allowed on the plaza and Capitol secured. What the hell? Videos shared online showed police completely outnumbered by rioters who streamed past them.

After Twitter ban, hes now barred from Facebook The Presidents Facebook and Instagram accounts have been suspended indefinitely. Social media boss Mark Zuckerberg said the shocking events spurred his decision. Mr Zuckerberg accused Mr Trump of using our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government. He added: We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our services are simply too great. It came after Twitter, Mr Trumps social media platform of choice, suspended his account for 12 hours. However, White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino tweeted on his behalf: Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20. Advertisement

One Capitol Police officer  his badge clearly visible  posed for a selfie with a rioter who smiled broadly as he took the image. Another held a womans hand to steady her as she walked down the Capitol steps.

Mr Ryan said: I have no idea why that would be permissible. Thats unacceptable Well be looking at all of that. Meanwhile, Kim Dine, who was chief of the Capitol Police from 2012 to 2016, said: Its like watching a real-life horror movie.

I mean, we train and plan and budget every day, basically, to have this not happen. How it happened, I cant figure that out.

Security experts said that the police had completely underestimated the size of the crowd and their intentions. Many of the officers who were guarding the Capitol were not even dressed in riot gear and were wearing street clothes.

The treatment was a stark contrast to the thousands of officers deployed to Washington last June for a protest over the death of George Floyd.

A photograph from the Lincoln Memorial shows armed law enforcement agents standing 6ft apart for what was an overwhelmingly peaceful protest. The New York Times reported that Mr Trumps refusal to send in the National Guard sparked outrage among even his closest allies.

He was reportedly so angry at Mr Pence for refusing to stop the certification of the election results that he would not act. The eventual authorisation of the troops was said to have been undertaken by Mr Pence and Pat Cipollone, the White House counsel.

The Army activated 1,100 troops of the DC National Guard while Virginias governor dispatched members of the Virginia Guard along with 200 Virginia State Troopers. Later into the evening Capitol Police and federal law enforcement agencies mounted a massive show of force to secure the Capitol building. Washington mayor Muriel Bowser declared a 6pm curfew and a state of emergency in the city for the next 15 days until the inauguration.

Officers arrested 68 people, including seven for illegal weapon possession and 61 for curfew violations and unlawful entry.
US Marshals in Virginia have arrested a man accused of fatally shooting a 7-year-old girl who was riding in a car with her family after a day of Christmas shopping in Atlanta.

Kennedy Maxie was hit by a stray bullet on December 21 near the popular Phipps Plaza mall in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood.

She died the day after Christmas, prompting Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to admit that she does not have the answers to the violence problem in her city.

Daquan Reed, 24, was apprehended on Wednesday in Hampton, Virginia, more than 500 miles away from the crime scene, by the US Marshals Service, Atlanta police announced.

Daquan Reed, 24 (left), was apprehended in Hampton, Virginia, on Wednesday and arrested in connection with the December 21 fatal shooting of Kennedy Maxie, 7 (right), in Atlanta

The shooting happened at Atlanta's Phipps Plaza, where there was an alleged argument in the parking lot. Kennedy and her family were not involved in the incident leading up to the shooting

'Thanks to our Investigators, the Fugitive Team, the U.S. Marshals Office, & everyone that made this arrest possible. We look forward to seeing justice take its course,' police said in a tweet.

Reed, a Virginia native, faces charges of felony murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and reckless conduct.

Investigators said the shooting stemmed from a fight between Reed and other men in a mall parking lot.

When the argument ended, Reed left in a car, 'and in a senseless act of rage, discharged a firearm out that window,' Atlanta homicide detective Lt. Pete Malecki previously told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

At least three shots were fired, and one entered the Lexus Kennedy was riding in and struck her in the back of the head, Malecki said.

Reed faces charges of felony murder for allegedly firing the stray bullet that struck Kennedy in the back of the head, killing her

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has come under scrutiny over the rising crime rate in the city.

Last year marked the deadliest year the city has had in more than two decades. There were more than 150 homicides in the city in 2020.

In response to criticism following Kennedy's killing, she said: 'If there are solutions that we have not explored and enacted, I welcome the suggestions, as I am always open to making the city that I am raising my children in a safer place for us all.'

She described Kennedy's death as a 'senseless murder.'

She added: 'While the Atlanta Police Department has significant leads in the apprehension of those responsible, it does not erase the pain felt when a beautiful, vibrant, and loving child is tragically taken from her family,' the mayor said.

Reed is awaiting extradition back to Atlanta. His attorney, Steve Washington, asked the public to reserve judgment and allow the case, which he described as a 'total tragedy,' to play out in court.

'We dont have any facts or any evidence,' he told WAVY.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has come under fire following Kennedy's death and said she was 'open to suggestions' on how to curb the wave of violence in her city

Reed's criminal history in Virginia includes a conviction for a charge of accessory after the fact in connection with a shooting at the MacArthur Center Mall in Norfolk last year that left two people wounded, reported Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Reed was sentenced to 12 months in prison for that previous shooting, nine of which were suspended.

The 24-year-old also has been in trouble with the law in Atlanta, where he was convicted on a forgery charge in 2018.
Shopify has removed online stores affiliated with President Donald Trump from its e-commerce platform after hundreds of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Canadian company said on Thursday the recent events determined that Trump's actions violated its policy, which prohibits promotion or support of organizations, platforms or people that threaten or condone violence to further a cause.

Trump, who has refused to concede his loss to Democrat President-elect Joe Biden, urged his supporters to come to Washington for a 'wild' rally on Wednesday and whipped the crowd into a frenzy while exhorting them to march on Congress.

Attempts to access TrumpStore.com and shop.donaldjtrump.com, which sold 'Make America Great Again' hats and similar items, were unsuccessful on Thursday, as the websites displayed error messages.

Shopify has removed online stores affiliated with President Donald Trump (above) from its e-commerce platform after hundreds of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol

The Canadian company said on Thursday the recent events determined that Trump's actions violated its policy, after the president's mob attacked the Capitol

Although full-year figures are not available, the Trump campaign said it sold $4 million in merchandise in March and April alone.

Shopify's move comes as social media platforms Twitter, Facebook and Snap temporarily locked the Trump's accounts on Wednesday.

Facebooksaid it would block Trump's accounts for at least the next two weeks until the presidential transition is completed and perhaps indefinitely, the most significant sanction of the president by any major social media company.

The decision by Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg comes after Facebook announced on Wednesday it would lock for 24 hours Trump's page, which has 35 million followers.

Tech giants have been scrambling to crack down on the president's baseless claims about the U.S. presidential election after hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in unrest that resulted in four deaths.

Trump's campaign store sold MAGA hats and similar items before it was taken offline

Shopify's move comes as social media platforms Twitter, Facebook and Snap temporarily locked the Trump's accounts on Wednesday

'We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great,' Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

He said the block would also apply to Facebook-owned Instagram.

Zuckerberg called the unrest 'an insurrection' in an internal all-hands staff meeting on Thursday, according to audio of the call heard by Reuters.

Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the meeting.

Twitter and Snap Inc also temporarily locked Trump's accounts on Wednesday. Twitter said its freeze of @realDonaldTrump, which has more than 88 million followers, would last until 12 hours after Trump removes three tweets.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.
Update: Twitter announced Friday that it had permanently suspended President Trumps account after a close review of his tweets and how they have been interpreted. The company said the account will be suspended indefinitely due to the risk of further incitement of violence.

Twitter took the unprecedented step Wednesday of yanking three of President Trumps tweets and temporarily locking his account, after he gave a speech and inflamed a mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol in a bid to install him in a second term.

As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy, Twitters safety-enforcement team said in a tweet.

Twitter made the tweets unavailable. The company said if Trump removed them, the account would be locked for 12 hours, and if he didnt, the account would remain locked.

One of the tweets called Vice President Mike Pence a coward for not helping Trump illegally reverse his election loss. Another praised the Capitol rioters.

And a third was a video message in which Trump falsely claimed that the presidential election was fraudulent before telling rioters to go home.

Twitter had followed Facebooks lead in removing a similar video. This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trumps video, tweeted Guy Rosen, Facebooks vice president of integrity. We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence.

But the presidents Twitter account was not deleted, a step Twitter takes in some cases, and some on the social media service were asking why.

Evan Vucci / Associated Press

The issue is not new. Twitter has a policy against tweets that incite violence that it does not apply to all users. But it flared again during the extraordinary events Wednesday after Trump addressed a rally on the National Mall aimed at protesting the presidential election results shortly before Congress convened to certify President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Twitter specifically exempts the leaders of countries from its anti-violence policy. Company leaders have argued that the World Leaders Policy allows people to see what important political figures say, and that censoring them would take away from political discourse.

In his speech Wednesday, Trump increased his pressure on Pence to illegally throw the election to him, and lambasted the electoral process, both political parties and the media. We will never concede, Trump declared.

He tweeted a video of his appearance at the Save America March. In his speech, he complained about Twitters policies: Every time I put out a tweet, even if its totally correct ... I get a flag. Twitter sometimes flags politicians tweets that contain falsehoods, a step short of removing the tweet or suspending the account.

Shortly after the congressional session convened, a mob broke into the Capitol, halting the electoral process. Pence was escorted from the Senate chamber, and the building was locked down. Trump then tweeted that Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done.

Twitter first marked the tweet with a label: This claim of election fraud is disputed, and this Tweet cant be replied to, Retweeted, or liked due to a risk of violence. It subsequently made the tweet unavailable, with a message saying, This tweet is no longer available because it violated the Twitter Rules.

Trump also issued the tweet praising the Capitol rioters and the video message, both of which Twitter subsequently made unavailable.

But angry Twitter users called on the company to suspend Trumps account entirely for encouraging violence and protests in the Capitol.

You are a private company, not a government entity, one Twitter user wrote. Someone calling for violence, hate, and sedition is outside the rules of your non-government-owned platform. SHUT HIM DOWN.

Twitters choice to keep Trumps account active has been a long-contested issue of the internet  despite hundreds of instances where the president has tweeted fraudulent or misleading claims about the election, his political opponents, COVID-19 and so forth.

But the companys World Leaders Policy, published in October 2019, regulates tweets by political figures differently from its normal safety policies: If a Tweet from a world leader does violate the Twitter Rules but there is a clear public interest value to keeping the Tweet on the service, we may place it behind a notice that provides context about the violation and allows people to click through should they wish to see the content, the policy states.

Twitter said that no matter who is tweeting, actions that could lead to enforcement included promotion of terrorism and clear and direct threats of violence against an individual.

Twitter added, In other cases involving a world leader, we will err on the side of leaving the content up if there is a clear public interest in doing so.

Annie Vainshtein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avainshtein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @annievain
It goes without saying that Irrfan was one of the finest actors of Hindi cinema who made his global presence with his acting. Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan died at Mumbai's Kokilaben Hospital on April 29, 2020, while battling a rare form of cancer. He was 54. On his birth anniversary, we take you through some of his rare pictures... <br /><br />Check out this rare portfolio shoot of actor Irrfan. (Image: Instagram)


The former UK Ambassador to the US has said that Wednesday's violent riot at the Capitol has given "enormous comfort to regimes" across the globe, "which don't like to be lectured by democracies about human rights".

Christopher Meyer, who served as the most senior British diplomat in the US between 1997 and 2003, also added that President Donald Trump deliberately encouraged the events with his speech.

(IMAGE CREDITS:Twitter/@SirSocks)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Yesterday, during Indias trade policy review at the World Trade Organization, China expressed deep concern over the recent FDI policy changes, as it felt that the changes made in the policy by the government curbed takeovers and acquisitions of Indian companies.

With power transmission projects being of a strategic nature, in April, India had tightened clearances amid growing concern that power infrastructure could be targeted by forces looking to cripple its economy. The changes in the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy by mandating government clearance for all FDI inflows from neighboring countries, in order to target Chinese investment in India.

Yesterday, during Indias trade policy review at the World Trade Organization, China expressed deep concern over the recent FDI policy changes, as it felt that the changes made in the policy by the government curbed takeovers and acquisitions of Indian companies. The US stated that since Indias last policy review in 2015, simple average tariff increased from 13.5% to 17.6%.

The US and the European Union identified trade barriers, especially recent increase in import duties as key concerns. In the review, which will happen over three days, the US asked the Indian government to reconsider its agricultural support program, following the farmers protests in Delhi as it affects the domestic and global market.

Also read: Chemical weapons landing in the hands of terrorists: India at UN Security Council

Commerce secretary, Anup Wadhawan replied to the concern stated about the farmers protests by saying that food security had always been a challenge and the pandemic reinstated the need to focus on Indias public stockholding programs. India has recently been criticized by other countries for the new agricultural farm laws and the MSP provided to the farmers.

The EU representatives expressed their concern over the increased trend of new barriers to trade which have been intensifying due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Few policies in India like GST, import restrictions on IT and telecom products were changes that were welcomed by some countries.

India also said that it was committed to making sure that its citizens would be inoculated effectively and the countrys vaccine production and delivery capabilities would be fully explored during these trying times.

Also read: Long kept secret: ISRO scientist Tapan Mishra claims of being poisoned with deadly arsenic
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An Ohio congressman charged with funding the Capitol Police vowed Wednesday to launch an investigation into how hundreds of President Trump supporters were able to storm U.S. Capitol buildings and run riot.

Rep. Tim Ryan said that he believed there were some 'strategic mistakes from the very beginning' after videos emerged on social media that appeared to show officers taking aside barriers for demonstrators and even taking selfies with them.

He promised that Capitol Police would face imminent firings for the 'embarrassment' that was their response to the 'attempted coup'.

'I think it's pretty clear that there's going to be a number of people who are going to be without employment very, very soon,' Ryan said, 'because this is an embarrassment  both on behalf of the mob and the president, and the insurrection and the attempted coup, but also the lack of professional planning and dealing with what we knew was going to occur.'

'You can bet your a** that we're going to get to the bottom of it,' the Ohio Democrat added.

The lack of police presence as thousands of Trump loyalists descended on D.C. on Wednesday has been questioned - as has the response from law enforcement, who has been accused of using more heavy-handed tactics with Black Lives Matter protesters over the summer.

At least 52 people were arrested Wednesday after hundreds violently broke their way into the Capitol and four people died, causing D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to enforce a curfew from 6pm.

In comparison, there were 289 arrests made by the Metropolitan Police Department for curfew violations, riot-related burglary, and other riot-related events on June 1 alone.

On this day, the U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops had used tear gas on peaceful protesters to clear the way for a Trump photo-op outside of St John's Church sparking fury.

Posing for pics: Police in the Capitol are seen agreeing to take selfie pictures with members of the MAGA mob who stormed the center of US democracy

Videos emerged on social media on Wednesday that appeared to show officers taking aside barriers for demonstrators and even taking selfies with them ahead of the raid

Trump supporters face off with police at the Capitol Building following the 'Stop The Steal' rally. The lack of police presence following the rally has been questioned

TODAY: A police officer detains a pro-Trump protester as mobs storm the U.S. Capitol. There were at least 13 arrests of people who stormed the Capitol and 30 more for curfew violations

JUNE 1: In comparison, there were 289 arrests made by the Metropolitan Police Department for curfew violations, riot-related burglary, and other riot-related events on June 1 alone. On this day, the U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops had used tear gas on peaceful protesters to clear the way for a Trump photo-op outside of St John's Church sparking fury, pictured

A Trump supporter who stormed the Capitol is helped down the steps by an officer

'If black people were storming the Capitol, they would have been treated so much differently than they were today,' Ryan said.

'I don't think there's any question that communities of color would have been handled much, much differently.'

Mayor Bowser on Wednesday night deployed the MPD to assist Capitol Police to secure Capitol buildings, which is federal ground, after it was requested assistance.

It was also revealed that Vice President Mike Pence, and not Trump, had ordered to fully activate the D.C. National Guard to help in clearing the area as the president was accused of inciting the violence and calling on his followers to descend on the Capitol.

And New York Governor Andrew Cuomo also stepped in to deploy 1,000 members of the New York National Guard to D.C. 'to aid and facilitate the peaceful transition of presidential power'.

It came as a former D.C. police chief fumed that all those who broke into the building should be 'face down in handcuffs right now' as footage emerged of them walking freely from the building with a police escort.

Rep. Tim Ryan said that he believed there were some 'strategic mistakes from the very beginning' of the response to the 'coup'

Charles Ramsey, who led the Metropolitan Police Department from 1998 to 2007, told CNN that officers had to 'regain control' and 'take action' to secure the area after supporters stormed the building and violently clashed with police in a bid to stop Joe Biden's victory being certified.

The raid was the first time the Capitol has been breached since the British burned the building in August 1814, according to the U.S. Capitol Historical Society.

'There's no way they should have gotten into that building in my opinion, but we'll look into that later that's kind of like the hogwash after the event,' Ramsey said to CNN on Wednesday evening.

'Right now, they've got to retake the capitol and they're going to have to do it using force.

'Anybody inside that building as far as I'm concerned ought to be face down in handcuffs right now,' he added.

'That's what they ought to be doing. I don't know what they're doing in there, but they need to be locking them up without question.'

Ramsey, who also served as Philly's top cop from 2008 to 2016  the longest tenure for a Philly police commander in three decades, claimed that it was vital that the MPD brought the situation back under control and did not allow the group to hunker down before inauguration day.

'First they've got to regain control and right now they don't have control. They're going to have to take action,' he said.

Charles Ramsey, who led the Metropolitan Police Department, told CNN that officers had to 'regain control' and 'take action' to secure the area after supporters stormed the building

In a shocking video shared to TikTok, a group of Trump protesters are seen swarming through barriers after a short conversation with officers who then pull the gate aside. The group is then allowed to join with another group of demonstrators as officers walk away

'There's chatter on the internet now about occupy DC so I don't know whether this is part of it or not but they're going to have to be on high alert. They're not going to be able to let these people establish camps or anything like that, but their next challenge will be on January 20 on inauguration day but in the meantime these next couple of days are going to be pretty dicey.'

He added that hoped Biden counter protesters would not emerge on Wednesday night so that the rest of the demonstrations could continue more peacefully.

'I mean these is a mess, so they'd better establish control as soon as possible,' Ramsey continued.

'Let me tell you it's not going to be pretty, they're going to have to use physical force to get these folks moving and out of there but they've got to take back the Capitol there's no two ways about it.'

Earlier in the show, Ramsey had said that the swarm on the Capitol was 'unprecedented' as he called out President Donald Trump for encouraging his followers to descend on D.C. earlier in the day.

Glad to see the arrests are going well. pic.twitter.com/qZfaVG2pmL  Tim Downie (@TimDownie1) January 6, 2021

Footage from inside Capitol buildings as the protesters first broke through appear to show the cops stationed inside were unprepared with a sole officer facing down a large group of men, trying to keep them back before being forced to run in retreat

The National Guard was only called in after an order from VP Mike Pence, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has now deployed the D.C. police to assist the Capitol

A protestor gestures as members of the DC National Guard are deployed outside of the US Capitol

DC National Guard are seen at the US Capitol, Washington DC. A 6pm curfew has been rolled out in the city

'What I'd want the president to do is shut the hell up and get out of the way. He's like a cancer,' he said.

'This is as close to a coup attempt as this country has ever seen.'

When he served in Philadelphia, Ramsey was known for his tough-on-crime stance and he oversaw a 37 percent decline in the murder rate.

He was tapped by former President Barack Obama to co-chair his Task Force on 21st Century Policing in 2014.

His harsh comments about his former force came as more video footage emerged from Wednesday's breach and appeared to show officers taking a more lenient approach with the Trump protesters.

Some social media users shared images of the difference in the presence in law enforcement on Wednesday when compared to the Black Lives Matter protests during the summer months when tear gas was used on protesters.

One video which claimed to be from Wednesday showed a clip from a livestream in which a group, some wearing Make America Great Again hats, stood inside an unidentified building and took a selfie with a police officer.

Comments underneath the videos said, 'Get Pelosi' and 'Never Concede' appearing to come from other Trump supporters encouraging the raid on the Capitol.

Police take security measures near White House during a protest over the death of George Floyd on June 1 when there were almost 300 arrests made

Violent protesters, loyal to President Donald Trump, storm the Capitol, on Wednesday

Another video that was captured on CNN showed police in riot gears escorting a group down some steps with one holding the hand of a woman in a Trump hat as she made her way down.

The group was being escorted out of the Capitol only after several hours of them roaming around the building's chambers, hanging off the balconies, posing for pictures inside and coming away with some souvenirs.

Capitol police had detained some protesters outside of the House Chamber, but many were simply escorted away.

And in a third shocking video shared to TikTok, a group of Trump protesters are seen swarming through barriers after a short conversation with officers who then pull the gate aside.

The group is then allowed to join with another group of demonstrators as officers walk away.

'And they just breached the Capitol again,' a man commentates over the footage.

Members of congress run for cover as protesters try to enter the House Chamber

The maskless crowd flooded the halls of the Capitol with little resistance from Capitol Police

An explosion is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday

Footage from inside Capitol buildings as the protesters first broke through appear to show the cops stationed inside were unprepared with a sole officer facing down a large group of men, trying to keep them back before being forced to run in retreat.

He repeatedly tells them to 'back up' as he runs back and tries to keep them from entering further before other officers arrive.

On Wednesday night, the National Guard was deployed to help stem the violence and police are enforcing a 6pm curfew in DC.

Hundreds of protesters remained on the Capitol grounds after the curfew went into effect.

Authorities eventually regained control as night fell.

Heavily armed officers brought in as reinforcements started using tear gas in a coordinated effort to get people moving toward the door, then combed the halls for stragglers, pushing the mob farther out onto the plaza and lawn, in clouds of tear gas, flash-bangs and percussion grenades.

Video footage also showed officers letting people calmly walk out the doors of the Capitol despite the rioting and vandalism.

Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress

Paramedics work to resuscitate a patient near the Capitol after it was stormed by Trump supporters on Wednesday

Police try to hold back protesters pushing into a doorway at the Capitol on Wednesday

Only about a dozen arrests were made in the hours after authorities regained control.

They said a woman was shot in the chest inside the building during the chaos, was taken to a hospital and died. Three other deaths were announced later in the day but no details were revealed.

Early on, some inside the Capitol saw the trouble coming outside the windows. Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota surveyed the growing crowd on the grounds not long after Trump had addressed his supporters by the Ellipse, fueling their grievances over an election that he and they say he won, against all evidence.

'I looked out the windows and could see how outmanned the Capitol Police were,' Phillips said.

Under the very risers set up for Biden's inauguration, Trump supporters clashed with police who blasted pepper spray in an attempt to hold them back.

It didn't work. Throngs of maskless MAGA-hatted demonstrators tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps. Some in the crowd were shouting 'traitors' as officers tried to keep them back.

Yet Congressman Ryan has questioned why it was so easy for them to gain access as more video footage emerges.

'I have no idea why that would be permissible,' he said. 'That's unacceptable.  We'll be looking at all of that.'
President Donald Trump said that there would be an "orderly transition" of power after Congress affirmed Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election. Trump released the statement shortly after Vice President Mike Pence announced Biden as the winner around 3:40 a.m. Thursday.

"Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," the president said.

According to a New York Post report, Trump's statement was posted to Twitter by his communication advisor Dan Scavino as the social media firm locked his account for posting messages that allegedly appeared to incite riots in Washington, D.C.

The president added that "while this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it's only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!"

The Senate and House certified Biden's electoral college win, with the former vice president defeating Trump by 306-232 electoral votes. Biden will be sworn in on Jan. 20.

Congress Certifies Biden as President

Congress has rejected the challenges on Biden electoral votes. According to Bloomberg, Arizona's objections to Biden's votes were rejected resoundingly in both chambers of Congress.

The House concluded its debate around 8:30 p.m. Arizona time on Wednesday, followed by 50 minutes of voting leading to a 121-303 vote rejecting Biden's electoral votes, AZ Central reported.

On the upper chamber of Congress, the Senate also had an overwhelming vote against voiding Biden electoral votes in Arizona, reported the Wall Street Journal. Objections were dropped on a 93-6 vote on late Wednesday.

Related Story: 4 People Die in Chaotic Capitol Riot, Including a Woman Fatally Shot by Police

This move from several Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate was expected, despite early predictions that their plans would ultimately fail.

Congress Rejects Move to Overturn Biden Electoral Votes in Pennsylvania



The Pennsylvania challenge to Biden electoral votes was also defeated in the Senate on a 92 against 7. USA Today reported that the motion was "quickly nixed" in the Senate "with no debate over the substance."

Pence immediately moved to the roll call where Republican Sens. Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Cynthia Lummis, Roger Marshall, Tommy Tuberville, and Rick Scott agreed with the objection.

The House also joined the Senate in turning aside Republican objections to Pennsylvania's electoral vote for Biden. House lawmakers voted 282-138 against the objection early Thursday morning, as reported by Boston Globe.

Other Objections to Biden Electoral Votes Dropped After Riot

Proceedings on the vote certification were suspended after a mob of pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol. Other objections on the electoral votes were also registered in Georgia, Michigan, and Nevada, but the shocking disruption led most GOP senators to drop the effort.

Objections on election results have to come from at least one member of the House and the Senate, noted Bloomberg.

Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia said: "Following the events of today it appears that some senators have withdrawn their objection."

One of these dropped objections was Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler's, who was set to leave the Senate after losing the state's runoff election on Tuesday.

Read also: Jon Ossoff Projected to Win in Georgia Runoff Election

Loeffler said when she arrived at the Capitol that morning, she had full intentions of having her objections known. However, the "events that transpired have forced me to reconsider," she said.

"I cannot now in good conscience object to the certification of these electors," she added.

Usually, counting the electoral votes was just a formality when it came to U.S. elections. However, this year's polls became a contentious battle after Trump refused to concede his defeat in the November elections as he claimed that the election was "rigged" against him.

About an hour before the chaotic riot, he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol to pressure Pence and other Republican lawmakers to reject Biden's victory.

Pence, who was presiding over the session, refused Trump's calls to subvert the process. He called it a "dark day" in Washington as he put the Senate back into the session that night.

Israel reportedly hit Syria with airstrikes for the second week in a row late Wednesday night.

The suspected Israeli missiles hit targets in southern Syria. Syrian air defense shot down some of the missiles, which Israel launched from the Golan Heights, the state-run SANA news outlet reported.

The pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israel struck Syrian government forces, the Lebanese group Hezbollah and Iranian positions west of the city of Suwayda. Three people died and a radar system and weapons depots were destroyed. One of the dead was from a Syrian military radar division, according to the observatory. The London-based organization also said Syrian air defense intercepted some of the missiles.

Israel is suspected of carrying out several airstrikes on Syria in recent weeks. On Dec. 30, Israel struck Syrian military positions west of the capital, Damascus. That followed other airstrikes in late November.

Israel does not comment on its military actions abroad, but Syria accuses Israel of being behind such operations. Israel views the presence of Iran and Hezbollah in neighboring Syria as a threat. Israeli leaders have hinted at their involvement in such airstrikes in the past.
The attorney for one of the Connecticut residents arrested Wednesday during the Washington protests called it "a little extreme" for his client to now be banned from the District of Columbia.

Groton residents Victoria Bergeson and Maurcio Mendez, both 40, were among the dozens of people arrested Wednesday and early Thursday in the aftermath of a mob storming the Capitol building in protest of Joe Biden being formally approved as the next president.

According to an arrest log, Bergeson and Mendez were arrested around 7:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 100 block of First Street Northwest, which is less than five minutes from the Capitol building.

Police issued three warnings for Bergeson and five other women on First Street Northwest to disperse and go inside, according to the affidavit from her arrest. They did not obey the warnings and were arrested, according to the court document.

An affidavit for Mendezs arrest said he was also arrested at the same location and time with eight other men.

Bergeson and Mendez are listed as living at the same address in Groton, according to court filings.

Police said Bergeson and Mendez were each charged with curfew violation and unlawful entry. It was not immediately known what role they played in the protest. They each pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignments on Thursday, according to online court records.

Bergeson was banned from the District of Columbia, despite the objection from her lawyer, Samuel Bogash, who asked she only be barred from the Capitol itself, court records show.

Bogash said many people would not realize the area where Bergeson was arrested is part of the Capitol grounds.

To a first-time person, or somebody walking around, I wouldnt know its on the Capitol grounds, Bogash told Hearst Connecticut Media after his clients arraignment.

He also said it was unclear if his client and the other people she were arrested with were able to hear the police announcements to disperse.

Bogash said he did not know why his client was in Washington, but said he knew "she was there with one particular person.

Bogash said he is not representing that individual.

Bogash said he did not know much about his client, but thought she was employed as a nurse.

Bergeson and Mendez were each released on promises to appear in court with their next hearings scheduled for June 10.

The attorney listed for Mendez did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The Connecticut residents were arrested hours after a mob stormed the Capitol, sending elected officials under desks to seek cover as police tried to barricade the building. A protester was shot and killed inside, while three other people died from medical emergencies during the protest, police said. The Washington mayor, in an effort to curb the days violence, issued a 6 p.m. curfew.

A total of 69 people  including one juvenile  were arrested Wednesday and early Thursday, according to Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.

While Bergeson and Mendez were the only Connecticut residents included in the arrest records, some of those charged did not have a home state listed.

Some of those charged were from as far as Colorado, Arizona, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Illinois, the arrest records showed.

Additional information regarding the circumstances that led to the arrests has not been released.

In a statement Thursday, FBI Director Christopher Wray said the violence and destruction of property at the Capitol on Wednesday showed a blatant and appalling disregard for our institutions of government and the orderly administration of the democratic process.

As weve said consistently, we do not tolerate violent agitators and extremists who use the guise of First Amendment-protected activity to incite violence and wreak havoc, Wray said. Such behavior betrays the values of our democracy. Make no mistake: With our partners, we will hold accountable those who participated in (Wednesdays) siege of the Capitol.

A long list of persons of interest involved in storming the Capitol were posted by the FBI on Thursday.

Our agents and analysts have been hard at work through the night gathering evidence, sharing intelligence, and working with federal prosecutors to bring charges, Wray said.

He urged members of the public to share tips, information and videos of illegal activity on the FBI website.

We are determined to find those responsible and ensure justice is served, Wray said.
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In August of 2017, hundreds of armed white supremacists descended on Charlottesville, Virginia, calling themselves protesters. They were ostensibly there to showcase their deep solidarity with confederate statuary, but in fact they were experimenting with a new kind of political normal. For more than 24 hours, they marched, sometimes by torchlight chanting Nazi slogans, and attacked unarmed locals. Eventually, one of them killed Heather Heyer, and injured 19 others who, like Heyer, were there to counterprotest.

Local police in Charlottesville had ample warning that the mob intended to bring weapons and intended to terrorize and threaten Black and Jewish residents with violence. In online chats available to police, the protesters proudly touted that the object of the rally was terror, pure and simple. They planned what to wear and how to kill people with cars, and how to claim it was all unplanned. And still, law enforcement found themselves outgunned, outmanned, and wholly unprepared once the violence started. Street fights erupted between white nationalists and counterdemonstrators in full view of officers who stood by and watched.

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An exhaustive after-the-fact 207 page study conducted by former U.S. Attorney Tim Heaphy in the months that followed revealed that law enforcement officials in Charlottesville had no coherent plan or program going into Aug. 12. Heaphy concluded that supervisors devised a poorly conceived plan that under-equipped and misaligned hundreds of officers. His reportwhich required about 150 interviews and a review of photos, video, and more than half a million documentsrevealed a lack of coordination between state and city police and a passive response by city officials to the chaos. As the report concluded: People were injured in violent confrontations that could have been but were not prevented by police.  Some of the individuals who committed those violent acts escaped detection due to police inability or unwillingness to pursue them. In one instance, a Charlottesville officer who stepped into a fight simply left a barricade up in his wake, as if a barricade could do the work of an officer. In another, a school resource officer tasked with doing police work was withdrawn for her safety as violence escalated, and simply went unreplaced. The report is worth a read, though it seems nobody bothered to take it too seriously.

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On Wednesday afternoon, violent protesters descended on the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the vote count that would ratify the 2020 election. Republicans planned to challenge these results because, despite an absence of evidence of fraud, they had committed themselves to the principle that Democrats could not have won absent fraud. So the protesters showed up. Capitol Police had ample access to this mobs plans online. There had been plenty of careful media reporting on the weekslong plot to bring violent protesters to D.C. Indeed the president had been fomenting it. But again, it appears that nobody did a thing to prepare. Once again, the police seemed wholly unready for the prospect of a violent attack by violent white supremacists, despite the fact that the white supremacists hardly kept their plans secret. Initially it looked as though Capitol Polices primary response was to put a temporary barricade around the Capitol building, even though we know how that all went in Charlottesville.

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Shortly after 1 p.m., the rioters pushed over the barricades, stormed the building, and battered their way into the chambers in which the entire body was debating the final certification of the 2020 election. Members were rushed to safe locations, others ducked under their chairs, some donned gas masks. According to reports, some members and staffers had to figure this out on their own.

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Footage revealed that the police found themselves massively outmanned. Many stood down, some stood by, one image captured Capitol Police taking selfies with members of the mob. For good measure, and in another haunting echo of Charlottesville, a Confederate flag was hoisted in the building. For hours we watched as an abject failure of planning, imagination, preparedness, and action played out. Rioters had the run of the place as terrified bystanders ducked for cover. The images of Jan. 6, 2021, trigger shattering memories, not just of Charlottesville, but of a long history of violent white mobs performing the theater of American lawlessness, as law enforcement officers stand around baffled, yet again wondering what happened.

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When Heaphy set out to report on the police failures of Charlottesville in 2017, his work was impeded by participants efforts to hide texts and witnesses refusals to tell the complete story. You can be sure that will play out in the months ahead, as we attempt to understand how rioters stormed the seat of government, in broad daylight, as the entire body was assembled inside doing the work of democracy. We will learn, one supposes, that Mistakes Were Made. And it will become manifestly clear, yet again, that while peaceful racial justice protesters in Portland, Oregon, or Lafayette Square are readily met with tear gas, guns, rubber bullets, unmarked vehicles, and officers without identifying insignia, an act of full blown insurrection by white supremacists in the halls of the Capitol itself will be recast as a huge surprise for which nobody could have been properly prepared.

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The fact that violent white men are allowed to run amok in America with impunity is possibly the least surprising political principle of our time. But by all means, let us continue to act shocked by it, and let us perpetually fail to prepare for their violence, even as they broadcast it to anyone listening for weeks in advance.

There is one other abiding lesson from what happened in Charlottesville in 2017. It is that the absence of consequences acts as a license, always, to push ever further along the continuum of allowable violence. Indeed, the Heaphy report concluded that the failure of the University of Virginia to plan for or respond to a violent torchlight march the night before the rally led to worse excesses the very next day. As Heaphy wrote back in 2017, The insufficient police response on Friday night emboldened people who intended to engage in similar acts of violence on Saturday.

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When Donald Trump characterized what happened in Charlottesville in 2017 as very fine people on both sides, it was abundantly clear what he was signaling to the mob that incited the violence that tragic weekend. The failure of his Justice Department to treat that event as a serious and coordinated hate crime made precisely the same point, loudly and clearly. Armed white men are above the law, always, and Trumps invitation to push ever furthermade explicitly to the Proud Boys this autumn and again in his speech Wednesdaywas always intended to signal that laws are not meant for white nationalists. At some point perhaps we will learn why it was a source close to the White House that reported the protesters planned to spend Wednesday night in the Capitol. But that will be a reckoning for another day.

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It is perhaps understandable that before Charlottesville actually happened, there was no plan, no coordination, no recognition of the danger Trump was inciting. But for there to have been no plan, no coordination, no recognition of the danger Trump was inciting on the day Congress met in D.C. to certify the election is incomprehensible. Not one thing that happened in D.C. couldnt have been foreseen, and forestalled.

Charlottesville didnt presage this failure. It caused it. And the purpose of Wednesdays march was not to take over government, not really. The purpose was to make precisely the point Nazis made three years ago in Virginia: that for white extremists, the streets belong to them, the Capitol belongs to them, and Nancy Pelosis office belongs to them, too. That they retain power even when they lose the majority. The fact that they were met by stunned Capitol Police who had no idea how to stop them was very precisely their point. And just as most of the organizers and participants in Charlottesvilles Nazi march swanned off with impunity and some fun selfies in 2017, so too the D.C. insurrectionists have no reason to fear that they will pay for their actions today. They were met with the very opposite of force. The police appear to have opened the gates for them. Why wouldnt they believe the Capitol was theirs for the taking? It was. The gates are eternally open for an angry white man.

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I wont bore you with the request to imagine what would have transpired today if a mob of Black men shattered doors to enter the House (conspiracy and treason charges, for starters). No, I believe you are capable of imagining that scene for yourself. I will just note again that accountability matters, that if there are no mass arrests, no trials, and no life-altering consequences for Wednesdays events, the next time will be worse. And while it seems law enforcement is incapable even of imagining that which has already happened, and how it might happen again, the rest of us are here sitting horrified, imagining not simply what has been allowed to happen but also what will happen the next time, and the one that follows that.
For weeks, President Trump and his supporters had been proclaiming Jan. 6, 2021, as a day of reckoning. A day to gather in Washington to save America and stop the steal of the election he had decisively lost, but which he still maintained  often through a toxic brew of conspiracy theories  that he had won by a landslide.

And when that day came, the president rallied thousands of his supporters with an incendiary speech. Then a large mob of those supporters, many waving Trump flags and wearing Trump regalia, violently stormed the Capitol to take over the halls of government and send elected officials into hiding, fearing for their safety.

But if the chaos in the Capitol shocked the country, one of the most disturbing aspects of this most disturbing day was that it could be seen coming. The president himself had all but circled it on the nations calendar.

Big protest in D.C. on January 6th, Mr. Trump tweeted on Dec. 19, just one of several of his tweets promoting the day. Be there, will be wild!
Rudy Giuliani, acting as President Trumps attorney, reportedly left a voicemail meant to be sent to Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville in an attempt to get the senator to stall Congress from certifying the Electoral College results but instead left the message on another senators phone, according to a report published Wednesday night.

Giuliani, the former New York City mayor who represented the president in his failed legal challenges to the election results in several states Trump lost, left a voicemail meant for Tuberville around 6 p.m., urging the senator to object to the Electoral College results in 10 states, the Dispatch reported. Giuliani advised Tuberville to act, according to the publication, to bide time for Giuliani to come up with proof of election fraud.

So if you could object to every state and, along with a congressman, get a hearing for every state, I know we would delay you a lot, but it would give us the opportunity to get the legislators who are very, very close to pulling their vote, particularly after what McConnell did today, Giuliani said in the voicemail obtained by the Dispatch.

However, Giuliani did not dial Tuberville, as he had thought. The message was left with another senator, who passed along the voicemail to the Dispatch.

A pro-Trump mob breaks into the U.S. Capitol on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty Images

And it appears that Tuberville did not get the message. As the joint session of Congress resumed Wednesday night after an attack on the Capitol, no senators objected to several states that Trump wanted to contest. Subsequently, the objections failed and the electoral votes were awarded to President-elect Joe Biden.

More:

Trump acknowledges defeat after Congress confirms electoral vote

Rep. Scott Perry, Missouri senator object to Pa. electoral votes, triggering debate
Kylie Moore-Gilbert has reunited with two fellow prisoners who she spent time with behind bars in a hellhole Iranian jail.

The Australian-British academic was freed on November 25 after spending more than two years in prison accused of being a spy.

The 31-year-old shared a photo on Wednesday with Perth bloggers Jolie King and Mark Firkin who were imprisoned with her for three months.

'Sinister undercover meeting of evil ''Mossad agents'' plotting world domination (please note - no drones were harmed in the taking of this picture!)' she wrote along with a selfie of the trio.

The 31-year-old (right) shared a photo on Wednesday with Perth bloggers Jolie King (middle) and Mark Firkin (left) who were imprisoned with her for three months

British-Australian academic Dr. Kylie Moore-Gilbert disembarks an Australian Government jet in Canberra on November 27, 2020

Ms King and Mr Firkin had spent three years in Evin Prison in northern Iran before they were released in October 2019.

Dr Moore-Gilbert, an Islamic studies lecturer, was arrested at Tehran Airport in September 2018 by the intelligence arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as she attempted to leave the country.

She was subsequently convicted on a string of espionage offences, and sentenced to ten years jail.

The charges reportedly stemmed from the Iranian authorities' belief that she was a spy for Israel because of her relationship with an Israeli citizen.

Nick Warner, the head of Australia's intelligence service, successfully negotiated a prison swap for Dr Moore-Gilbert's freedom.

He is understood to have spent months convincing people in meetings and even at social functions to get the Thai prisoners released - who the Iranian government called 'businessmen'.

Australia's ambassador to Thailand, Allan McKinnon, also lobbied with Thai officials to release three Iranian terrorists as an exchange for the Melbourne University lecturer.

Dr Moore-Gilbert pictured with her husband Ruslan Hodorov (right)

Dr Moore-Gilbert (middle) was successfully released following a prison swap, sources confirmed

Prime Minister Scott Morrison refused to confirm whether the men - Saeed Moradi, Mohammed Khazaei and Masoud Sedaghat Zadeh - were part of a swap for Dr Moore-Gilbert.

He said that commenting on the circumstances of Dr Moore-Gilbert's release could endanger 'other Australians who may find themselves in this situation'.

Despite her harrowing ordeal, Dr Moore-Gilbert refuses to blame Iran's people for her wrongful imprisonment.

'It is with bittersweet feelings that I depart your country, despite the injustices which I have been subjected to,' she said.

'I came to Iran as a friend and with friendly intentions, and depart Iran with those sentiments not only still intact, but strengthened.'
LATEST 2:21 p.m. President Donald Trump did not authorize the mobilization of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., reporters from the Washington Post and the New York Times both confirmed. Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller, in a statement, said that he and Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with Vice President Mike Pence, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other federal officials to activate the National Guard.

Jan. 6 1:32 p.m. Politico reporter Lara Seligman clarified what led to the delay of the National Guard: Seligman reported the initial request filed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser required that National Guard forces would not collide with civilians to avoid politicizing the military."

Since the situation has grown more dire, she said in a Wednesday tweet, the Pentagon has since decided to activate all members of the D.C. National Guard.

Jan. 6 1:10 p.m. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan requested Wednesday afternoon that Maryland National Guard and state police troops be sent over to aid federal and local forces in Washington D.C. All Americans should be outraged by this attack on our nations Capitol, he said in a tweet. This is a heinous and violent assault on the heart of our democracy.

---

Amid an escalating pro-Trump demonstration that has so far resulted in one person being shot and injured and a mob breaking into congressional chambers, one question lingered: What's taking the National Guard so long?

A report by Washington Post journalist Aaron Davis early Wednesday afternoon said the Department of Defense, currently helmed by acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller, denied a request by Washington officials to deploy the National Guard to the U.S. Capitol.

That was shortly overturned: White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that at President [Donald Trumps] direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services."

The federal troops will work with troops from neighboring Virginia sent at the approval of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.

But why did D.C.s leading official have to defer to the president? Unlike in most states and territories, the District of Columbia's top official  in this case, Mayor Muriel Bowser  does not have control over the districts National Guard. That distinction goes to the president.

This came to a head, most notably, last June, when National Guard troops tear-gassed anti-police brutality protesters in order to let Trump take a photo-op in front of St. Johns Church. Many anti-Trump critics pointed out that tear gas wasnt deployed for Wednesdays pro-Trump protest until later in the day.

CNN reported Monday that Bowser solicited the assistance of D.C. National Guard troops to support local authorities. In the letter requesting support, however, she stated that no personnel shall be armed during this mission.

Politico reporter Lara Seligman clarified what led to the delay of the National Guard via Twitter on Wednesday: The initial request filed by Bowser on Monday required that National Guard forces would not be in contact with civilians to avoid politicizing the military." Since the situation has grown more dire, Seligman said, the Pentagon has since decided to activate all members of the D.C. National Guard.
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The first cases of a highly contagious variant of the coronavirus have been detected in Connecticut, according to Gov. Ned Lamont, who said those who test positive now have a good chance of having the new strain.

But the governor stopped short of announcing new restrictions on travel or business, while reinforcing the importance of masks and social distancing.

I sure hope not, Lamont said, when asked if he would consider new restrictions. I see whats going on in Europe, we watch that pretty carefully ... but right now, were following hospital capacity. I think were in pretty good shape, so I dont anticipate any changes, but well see if that changes.

The state recorded 3,304 new COVID cases Thursday, and surpassed a total of 200,000 reported cases since the start of the pandemic. The daily positivity rate dipped to 6.28 percent after a high number of new tests  52,633  were reported on Thursday.

There were also 52 fewer people hospitalized with the disease with the statewide total now at 1,087, but there were 57 more COVID-related deaths reported on Thursday.

As of this week, 164 of Connecticut's 169 municipalities are now considered red zones, based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents over 14 days. Canaan, Colebrook, Kent, Union and Warren are the only communities outside of the red zone.

The two known Connecticut cases of the new variant of the virus, officially known as B.1.1.7, involve people from New Haven County, according to the state Department of Public Health.

The two people are between the ages of 15 and 25 and have recently traveled outside of the state  one to Ireland and the other to New York, the governors office said.

Both developed symptoms within days of their return. The two cases are unrelated, based on genetic sequencing of the virus, the governors office said.

As we said last week, given the speed of this new strand of the virus and its identification in several states throughout our country, we presumed it was already in our state and this information (Thursday) morning confirms that fact, Lamont said in a statement.

He urged people to continue following precautions to halt the spread of the virus, including social distancing and wearing masks.

Both people with the new strain were interviewed by contact tracers after they tested positive and their close contacts were notified, the governors office said.

They are in the process of being re-interviewed by public health officials in light of the identification of the UK variant as the cause of their illnesses, the governors office said.

One of the people who tested positive is no longer in self-isolation, while the other person is still quarantining at home, the governors office said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been notified about the two Connecticut cases, the governors office said.

Health officials believe the strain is more infectious based on how quickly it became prevalent in England.

Since November, state health departments and other agencies have sent samples of the virus to the CDC for sequencing needed to spot different strains of the virus.

The UK variant is widely assumed to be more highly transmissible than other strains of the virus, said Deidre Gifford, acting commissioner of the state Department of Public Health. She said not everyone who tests positive will know if they have the strain, and echoed Lamont in calling for people to continue following precautions against the virus.

Scientists believe the two vaccines in use in the United States will still be effective against the B.1.1.7 strain.

The virus would likely need to accumulate multiple mutations in the spike protein to evade immunity induced by vaccines or by natural infection, the CDC said.

As of Thursday, 99,929 people have received their first dose of the vaccine in Connecticut, while 1,805 have also received their second and final dose.

Lamont highlighted those numbers as a success, noting that Connecticut was sixth in the nation in terms of percentage vaccinated. He said Connecticut leads the way when compared to states with a population greater than 2 million people.

Were doing pretty well on that front, the governor said.

By Friday, he said, the state will have completed all of its first-dose clinics at nursing homes.

The state has also begun vaccinating those in assisted living facilities, Gifford said, and plans to vaccinate others in long-term care facilities, including residential care homes and low-income senior housing.

Gifford said those who are eligible to receive the vaccine should do so.

A subcommittee on the governors vaccine advisory group this week expanded the list of people who will be eligible to get the vaccine in the next wave. The list, based on guidelines from the CDC, now includes residents of congregate settings, such as prison inmates, as well as staff.

Lamont said a timeline for people in the next phase of distribution, called 1B, will be released next week. The rollout will likely begin with those over the age of 75 not living in nursing homes, he said.

The rollout aims to vaccinate some 800,000 people, according to Lamont.

But questions still remain about exactly who else will be included in the next wave. Members of the vaccine advisory groups allocations subcommittee could not come to a consensus this week on how to ensure the next phase will include those who are disproportionately affected by the disease, such as communities of color.

Gifford said the group plans to meet again next week and may expand the list slightly to address that concern.

That comes as the governors office has also raised concern about some health care workers not willing to take the vaccine.

You know hesitancy is real  but we see it especially in communities of color, said Dr. Reginald Eadie, CEO at Trinity Health of New England and co-chair of the vaccine advisory group.

During Lamonts press conference, the governor shared a clip of Verna Redwood, a certified nursing assistant, who said she got vaccinated because she watched a lot of my patients die and because her grand-daughter was diagnosed with diabetes.

I really would like people to step up  my coworkers, my union members  and take the vaccine, she said.
RTHK: Boeing to pay US$2.5bn fine over 737 Max

US prosecutors hit Boeing with a US$2.5 billion fine to settle charges the company defrauded regulators over the 737 Max, the Justice Department announced on Thursday..

Boeing reached a deferred prosecution agreement related to the company's pronouncements to regulators about the Max, which only recently was cleared to resume service following a 20-month grounding after two deadly crashes.

Prosecutors described Boeing's failings in withering terms, accusing the company of putting "profit over candour" and of engaging in "half-truths" and a "cover up." (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-01-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Protesters supporting President Donald Trump violently clashed with law enforcement Wednesday, before storming the U.S. Capitol building  plunging the area into chaos in an effort to disrupt congressional certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Thousands of people gathered in Washington D.C. in an effort to challenge the certification to the election that the president has repeatedly said was fraudulent, but without evidence of widespread fraud.

Photographs of hectic scenes within the Capitol capture the unprecedented riot that caused members of Congress to be forced to shelter in place and Vice President Mike Pence to be evacuated from the area.

Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election electoral vote certification. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images

A man is seen bleeding outside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital during a joint session Congress to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)Getty Images

Protesters gather outside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital during a joint session Congress to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)Getty Images

A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber on January 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters have entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Getty Images

A protester yells inside the Senate Chamber on January 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building during mass demonstrations in the nation's capital. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Getty Images

A supporter of President Donald Trump leaves a note in the office of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as he protest inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images

A protester holds a Trump flag inside the U..S Capitol Building near the Senate Chamber on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Getty Images

Protesters interact with Capitol Police inside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, D.C. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Getty Images

Protesters gather outside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital during a joint session Congress to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)Getty Images

Supporters of President Donald Trump protest in the US Capitol's Rotunda on January 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election electoral vote certification. (Photo by Saul LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images

Supporters of President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol's Rotunda on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images

Police officers in riot gear walks towards the U.S. Capitol as protesters enter the building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)Getty Images

Supporters of President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol as tear gas fills the corridor on January 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election electoral vote certification. (Photo by Saul LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images

A U.S. Capitol police officer wears a gas mask as supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Saul LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are making headlines this week for their rumored divorce.

The KKW Beauty mogul isn't just a reality star, a mother, or an entrepreneur - one of the titles she also deserves is "supportive wife."

Kanye West has never shut his mouth up for anything, but his wife has always been out there to defend him no matter how wrong, weird, and outrageous his opinion may be.

Kim Kardashian even remained by her husband's side throughout his numerous feuds with so many people.

Prior to their marriage, the 40-year-old revealed that the one thing she loved most about the award-winning rapper was the reported reason he always had her back, and she does for him too.

The "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star told Van Jones in a 2018 episode of "The Messy Truth," "He was always that strength for me. So I'll always love and appreciate him for always standing up for me."

But throughout their marriage, the "support" was only reportedly one-way.

Kim Kardashian didn't consider filing for a divorce when Kanye West publicly announced that they initially wanted to abort their first kid, nor his failed presidential run.

Even E! News believes that the real unexpected reason for their marriage's breaking point was reportedly down to Kanye failure to be there for his wife.

The Times Kanye West Was Selfish

During the pandemic, everybody was on strict lockdown, even the A-list celebrities. But instead of helping Kim Kardashian with their kids, the "Jesus Walks" rapper was holed up in his $14 ranch in Wyoming.

A source previously told E! News, "He is focused solely on creating right now and is very extreme about it."

Meanwhile, the reality star had no time to breathe because she multi-tasked between being a mother to four children - North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm - but she also studied to be a lawyer, be on top of her business, shoots a reality show, promotes brands and many more.

The SKIMS creator has reportedly found their Los Angeles home "chaotic and crazy" because she had all the kids with her with no help from her husband.

The Times Kim Kardashian Has to Mind Her Own Thing

Since the March lockdown, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have only been spotted a few times, including Kim's luxurious birthday trip in October.

Despite reports saying they went on different vacations with the kids, Kim and Kanye reportedly "have very different lifestyles, and that's been made very clear."

An insider also explained to NBC News that the couple's problems are just "regular relationship issues," since no other man nor woman.

This may also be why the pair hasn't given up yet on finding a solution that would not crumble their relationship.

Though their divorce continues to be a rumor, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are "in therapy working on their marriage" and already discussed the possibility of divorce.

READ MORE: Kylie Jenner Scandal: Kylie Skin Slammed For Profiting Off COVID-19

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
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Whoopi Goldberg quickly shut down Meghan McCain in a segment on The View Wednesday interviewing Senator-elect Rev. Raphael Warnock of Georgia.

In the segment, McCain asked the Democrat, fresh off his victory over Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler in Tuesday's election, about potential changes in the offing with the Democrats grabbing the majority in the U.S. Senate.

'I watched the race closely, just like everyone else, and you talked a lot about unity on the campaign trail, and the need to unify the country, and unify Georgians,' McCain said, 'but progressives across the country are celebrating the election could mean adding two states, eliminating the filibuster and packing the Supreme Court with more members.

The latest: Whoopi Goldberg quickly shut down Meghan McCain in a segment on The View Wednesday interviewing Senator-elect Rev. Raphael Warnock of Georgia

McCain said cited how Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin 'has joined the Republicans to reject those ideas,' asking Warnock where he would vote on such issues.

'Chuck Schumer tweeted this morning, "Buckle Up," so you can understand how its hard for Republicans like me to believe in the spirit of unity,' McCain said. 'I want to know, will you do the same thing as Joe Manchin and agree not to follow up on all those things?'

Warnock said he was 'not focused' on the issues McCain asked about, saying he was looking at helping 'ordinary' Georgia residents persevere through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

McCain responded, 'Senator, I do believe that average America care about packing the courts and I just want to know if you agree, and join Joe Manchin, and agree that you are not for that.'

Response: Warnock said he was 'not focused' on the issues McCain asked about, saying he was looking at helping 'ordinary' Georgia residents persevere through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Return: McCain recently made her way back on the ABC chat show after maternity leave

No more: Goldberg said she was 'actually going to end this interview,' shutting down McCain's efforts to continue her line of questioning

Warnock replied, 'My job is to take the concerns that are being raised by my constituent, and what Im telling you is that theyre asking about their health care.

'Theyre asking about whether they can earn a livable wage for working hard every day, and theyre wondering when in the world theyre gonna get relief after waiting for it for months.'

At that point, Goldberg said she was 'actually going to end this interview,' shutting down McCain's efforts to continue her line of questioning.

Goldberg said, 'I am actually going to end this interview ... we are going to say thanks to the Senator-elect Rev. Raphael Warnock and we will be right back'

Priorities: Warnock said he was 'not focused' on the issues McCain asked about, saying he was looking at helping 'ordinary' Georgia residents persevere through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

The Democrat appeared on the show fresh off his victory over Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler in Tuesday's election

Goldberg said, 'I am actually going to end this interview ... we are going to say thanks to the Senator-elect Rev. Raphael Warnock and we will be right back.'

Sources with ABC News told Fox News that the segment was cut short due to technical difficulties and time constraints.

Warnock's appearance came after he and Senator-elect Jon Ossoff defeated their Republican opponents Sen. Loeffler and Sen. David Perdue to give the Democratic party control of the U.S. Senate.
Copper prices trade flat at Rs 618.60 per kg on January 7 as participants increased their long positions as seen by the open interest. The base metal traded in the green in the evening session after a gap-up open.

Copper prices were getting support from declining inventories at LME and SHFE accredited warehouses and supply concerns from Peru. The three-week-long blockades by locals prevented Perus Las Bambas mine export of 189,000 tonnes of copper concentrates. The mine accounts for 2 percent of the global copper supply.

The US dollar trades higher at 89.91, or up 0.46 percent after recouping early losses in the evening session.

Neha Qureshi, Technical Research Analyst at Reliance Securities, said, LME Copper is trading on a flat note after hitting a 52-week high $8,169.75 levels where it will continue its sideways to marginal upside momentum up to $8,090-$8,140 levels with support placed at $8,030-$7,980 levels.

MCX Copper January holds a resistance near its all-time high Rs 625.35 levels where it is trading on a flat note and could trade in a range of Rs 616-623 levels, she said. Qureshi advises her clients to buy Copper January at Rs 616-616.50 with a stop loss of Rs 614 and a target of Rs 620.

MCX iCOMDEX Base Metal Index was up 16.71 points, or 0.12 percent, at 13,958.24 at 16:34.

In the futures market, copper for January delivery touched an intraday high of Rs 622.20 and a low of Rs 617.85 per kg on the MCX. So far in the current series, the base metal has touched a low of Rs 548 and a high of Rs 625.35.

Copper delivery for January gained Rs 0.65, or 0.11 percent, to Rs 618.60 per kg at 16:35 hours with a business turnover of 4,715 lots. The same for the February contract was higher at Rs 0.80, or 0.13 percent to Rs 619.05 per kg with a turnover of 281 lots.

The value of January and Februarys contracts traded so far is Rs 999.05 crore and Rs 32.55 crore, respectively.

At 1109 (GMT), the red metal price gained 0.28 percent quoting at $8,052 per tonne in London.

For all commodities-related news, click here

: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Police in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday responded with drawn guns and tear gas on Wednesday as swarms of protesters stormed in and sought to force Congress to undo President Donald Trump's election loss shortly after some of Trump's fellow Republicans launched a last-ditch effort to throw out the results.

Police evacuated the House of Representatives and the Senate after pro-Trump protesters marched through the halls of Congress, forcing both chambers to suspend deliberations as they were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the Nov. 3 election.

One protester occupied the Senate dais and yelled, "Trump won that election."

Video showed police deploying tear gas inside the building.

The chaotic scenes unfolded after Trump, due to leave office on Jan. 20, addressed thousands of protesters, repeating false claims that the election was stolen from him due to widespread election fraud and irregularities. Lawmakers had been debating a last-ditch effort by pro-Trump lawmakers to challenge the results, an effort that was unlikely to succeed.

Vice President Mike Pence, who had presided over the joint session of Congress, had already been escorted from the Senate.

Capitol Police told lawmakers in the House chamber to take gas masks from beneath their seats and prepare to put them on. Officers at the front door of the House chamber had their guns drawn as someone attempted to enter the chamber.

Officers ordered people in the chamber to drop to the floor for their safety.

Election officials of both parties and independent observers have said there was no significant fraud in the Nov. 3 contest, which Biden won by more than 7 million votes in the national popular vote.

Weeks have passed since the states completed certifying that Biden, a Democrat, won the election by 306 Electoral College votes to Trump's 232. Trump's extraordinary challenges to Biden's victory have been rejected by courts across the country.

Trump had pressed Pence to throw out election results in states the president narrowly lost, though Pence has no authority to do so.

The certification in Congress, normally a formality, was expected to stretch for several hours as some Republican lawmakers mounted an effort to reject some state tallies, starting with Arizona.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell denounced the effort, saying, "If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side, our democracy would enter a death spiral." McConnell helped give Trump some of the biggest accomplishments of his presidency, including deep tax cuts and confirmation of conservative judicial nominees.

The voters, courts and states "have all spoken," McConnell said on the Senate floor. "If we overrule them, it would damage our republic forever," he added.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called the challenges "an attempted coup" and said, "The Congress does not determine the outcome of an election. The people do."

Outside the Capitol, members of militia groups and far-right groups, some in body armor, mingled with the crowds. Protesters chanting pro-Trump slogans overturned barricades and clashed with police.

On Twitter, Trump called on protesters to stay peaceful.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowers ordered a citywide curfew starting at 6 p.m. (2300 GMT).

Pence rebuffed Trump's demand that the vice president unilaterally reject state electoral votes on the same day Trump's fellow Republicans were poised to lose their majority in the Senate.

"We will never give up," Trump earlier told thousands of cheering supporters on a grassy expanse near the White House called the Ellipse. "We will never concede. It doesn't happen. You don't concede when there's theft involved."

Trump in his speech applied fresh pressure on Pence to try to reverse the election results. In a statement, Pence said he shares the concerns about the "integrity" of the election but that is not correct that he should be able to accept or reject electoral votes unilaterally.

The U.S. Constitution does not give Pence the power to unilaterally overturn the results of the election, but he is under pressure to do so from Trump.
Geographical and chronological information concerning the ancient individuals. (A) Geographical map showing the locations of the individuals sequenced in this study (orange, blue, and red). Genomes published elsewhere are shown as black (see table S2 for information about all published individuals used in comparative analysis). (B) Timeline showing the ages of the ancient individuals as calibrated years before the present. Credit: Science Advances (2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc4587

An international team of researchers has conducted a genomic study of 40 human remains recovered from parts of upper east Asia in what is now mostly Siberia. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes their study and what it demonstrated about population shifts and migration in the region.

Modern upper east Asia includes parts of Russia and Mongolia, and because of its cold weather, is very sparsely populated. Prior research has shown that despite the frigid temperatures, people have been living in upper east Asia for thousands of years. In this new effort, the researchers conducted an extensive genomic study of the remains of 40 people who have been excavated across the region over many years. The remains ranged from 16,900 to 550 years old (from the stone age through the medieval period) and were mostly from the Trans-Baikal Yakutia, Cis-Baikal, Amur Oblast and Krasnoyarsk Krai regions. The work involved sequencing the genomes of all 40 of the people under study and then using the data to learn more about them.

In studying the genes of the people that lived in the region over time (and creating statistical models), the researchers were able to spot changes in population in different areas and to follow groups as they moved around. In so doing, they found that the Belkachi people, originally from Yakutia, were the ancestors of people who later lived in the Saqqaq Arctic. They also found that the oldest person studied was a 17,000-year-old female from a dig site in Khaiyrgas Cave who represented the first known human inhabitants of the region after the last great Ice Age.

The researchers also found evidence of the bacterium that causes plague in two of the people and that the ages of those individuals coincided with a drop in genetic diversity in the region, which suggested a drop in population. And when they compared the genes of those under study with genetic data obtained through other studies, they found that people from the Lake Baikal area, and also from some areas farther east, interbred with people both inside and outside of Siberia from the latter parts of the stone age right up to medieval times.

Explore further Ancient DNA is revealing the genetic landscape of people who first settled East Asia

More information: Gulsah Merve Klnc et al. Human population dynamics and Yersinia pestis in ancient northeast Asia, Science Advances (2021). Gulsah Merve Klnc et al. Human population dynamics and Yersinia pestis in ancient northeast Asia,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc4587 Press release Journal information: Science Advances

 2021 Science X Network

Africa: Dissecting the Continents Model for Managing a Viral Pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak has globally left its mark. Theres been different results and reactions to the virus throughout the world. Africa has an environment already painted to have a fragile healthcare system. However, its been recorded to have the least quantity of cases and deaths when the virus began to spread in March. Africa is now beginning to prepare for the second wave of the viral transmission.

Kenya has seen a 45 percent increase in coronavirus cases, and 8 percent increase in Egypt in recent statistics. Last Thursday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised a call to action as Africas transmission is rising all over the continent. 1.3 billion people inhabit the region, but there is stabilization during the global health crisis.

Before the rise in cases, different countries in Africa were easing restrictions. Kenya was beginning to open up bars in late September, while schools partially opened in October.

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However, with cases beginning to rise, African leadership is currently looking at their benchmarks with higher scrutiny.

Data collected from John Hopkins University reported that Africa has had about 1.5-million cases. These numbers are less than Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In terms of fatal cases, reports show Africa had an approximate total of 37,000 deaths. At the time of the report, there were 580,000 fatal cases in the Americas, and over 200,000 deaths in Asia and Europe.

The first case was reported in Egypt, and African governments had an immediate response. In some countries, they went into action before a single case was diagnosed. Based on Africas example, the formula to have less impact consists of fast action, public adherence, and overall demographic and infrastructure of the nation.

In the beginning, Africa prepared to test for the virus in two regions: South Africa and Senegal. Two months passed, and 44 countries prepared to test, analyze, and isolate coronavirus breakouts. The first COVID-19 case came from Egypt in Mid-February, and African governments had an immediate response.

Some areas in Africa went into action before a single case was counted. Lesotho, a country found in South Africa known for its scenic views, shut down their schools as early as March 18. They didnt receive their first case until their restrictions were lifted in May. In a population of over two-million, Lesotho has only seen 1,700 cases and 40 deaths.

The nations formula life preservation is conveyed in public surveys by Partnership for Evidence-Based Response to COVID-19 (PERC); 85 percent of the people who responded, confirmed they wore masks, and complied with other safety measures. African community health systems were already fast-acting, due to their ongoing battle of HIV/AIDS and the present Ebola outbreak. Local medical programs accommodated safety protocols geared for COVID-19.

These tactical restrictions came at the expense of the African dollar; over 2.2 million jobs were lost in the first half of the year. The United Nations Economic Commission foresees a hefty decline in economic growth. This response could lead to around 27-million people pushed to extreme levels of poverty.

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More parts of Africa have been forced to reopen their economic system, even as the number of coronavirus cases rise above the previous count during the initial shutdown. The PERC survey revealed mixed feelings about the significance of the economy opening among African residents.

There have been reports of increased cases in Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa. Kenya seems to be experiencing a second wave in full swing. Roughly 1,500 new cases were counted in November. This report surpasses the first wave of coronavirus cases. During the first breakout, they had fewer than 1,000 reported incidents of COVID-19.

South Africa has the highest case-count; reaching over 800,000 cases. The least quantity of cases found in Africa includes Western Sahara, Seychelles, Eritrea, Mauritius, and Comoros. Most African countries have suspended public flights and applied travel bans, and countries like Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Djibouti, Morocco, and Botswana are closing their borders.

In new levels of innovation, the Africa CDC has implied the use of a web-based tool to better manage public health emergency workforce deployments. Africa is working proactively to cut the escalation of the coronavirus. The Africa CDC,alongside International Health Regulations (IHR), worked collaboratively on a project formulated by the Public Health England (PHE). They created a web-based tool, AVoHC Net.

The Africa CDC website states, AVoHC Net is to facilitate rapid deployment and better administration of a standby workforce for public health emergencies across Africa. The system is looking to match the speed of the virus.

In preparation for the second wave of COVID-19, leadership in Western Cape Province pushed a resurgence warning this week. South Africas local case count has now surpassed the national case reports. In response to the increase, Africa is considering the implementation of new restrictions that include additional law enforcement to apply more pressure on set health orders, alcohol store inspections, and restrictions on movement between popular hot spots around the nation.

COVID-19 continues to mold the world into a new form and present an advanced era of precaution. Diverse nations have had their way of managing the virus, but there is evidence in the procedures laid out by Africa that have proven most effective in saving lives. However, their method has come at the cost of their economy; the lives they have saved are priceless.

Part of the African model during a global pandemic has been to remain vigilant, and to react fast to new information that comes in. Africa has proven with fast reaction from leadership, and cooperation of public adherence, millions of lives can be saved. The unity of a nation works as a shield against a deadly virus that continues to strike throughout the world.
If you grew up in San Antonio then you've probably seen Paul Venema on KSAT12  especially in a courtroom. But as with all TV legends, viewers will end up saying goodbye.



Venema will retire in the spring after 47 years with the San Antonio TV station.

He served as an anchor in 1969 and anchored the evening newscasts for many years. However, Venema was famously known for his courtroom reporting. His sense of curiosity quickly got him involved with the legal system and led him to report on some of the biggest trials in Texas including the slaying of "quad mom" Sheila Bellush.
FORT WORTH, Texas  AAdvantage members will enjoy more rewards when American Airlines and Alaska Airlines implement reciprocal benefits as part of the West Coast International Alliance.

Select elite members will be able to upgrade on both airlines domestic and international networks next year.

Starting in the spring, elite members will receive priority check-in, security and boarding, as well as reciprocal bag allowances and select elites receive access to both airlines lounges when traveling internationally.

Select elite members will also receive complimentary access to extra legroom seats and additional preferred seating options at time of booking and same day flight changes.

FORT WORTH, Texas  AAdvantage members will enjoy more rewards when American Airlines and Alaska Airlines implement reciprocal benefits as part of the West Coast International Alliance.

We look forward to offering our loyal members more ways to earn miles and realize the benefits of our West Coast International Alliance with Alaska Airlines, said Americans Chief Revenue Officer Vasu Raja. Were working tirelessly to bring our customers the value they deserve with access to the best of both networks, and a seamless travel experience throughout the customer journey.

Reciprocal Benefits Begin in March

The next phase of the relationship between American and Alaska will enhance the elite member experience when flying on either carrier, from priority check-in to lounge access. Elite customers will also be able to relax in flight with access to preferred seating and extra legroom with options to book Main Cabin Extra seats on American or Premium Class on Alaska.

While members can currently earn and burn miles on both networks, American and Alaska are working together to offer enhanced mileage accrual  an opportunity to earn even more miles  next year, with more details to come. The partnership will also provide members additional flexibility when traveling with baggage allowance and same day flight changes.

More to Come in 2021

Following the initial reciprocal benefits, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members will be eligible for free domestic upgrades on Alaska and MVP Gold 75K will be eligible for free domestic upgrades when traveling on American.

Our upcoming membership in oneworld makes these added benefits with American even more rewarding for our guests, said Andrew Harrison, Alaskas Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. We look forward to welcoming Americans elite members with our award-winning service and growing network of destinations.

In February, American and Alaska announced a West Coast International Alliance designed to bring more international routes to Seattle and create more choice for West Coast travelers flying internationally. American intends to launch new service from Seattle (SEA) to London (LHR), Bengaluru (BLR) and Shanghai (PVG) beginning next year.

When the long-haul international flights launch, MVP Gold 75K members will also have the opportunity to access long-haul upgrades when traveling on American. Additional details on reciprocal upgrades will be revealed at a later date.
A judge in Baghdad has issued a warrant for the arrest of US President Donald Trump over the assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, along with eight other people in the Iraqi capital last year.

The charge, filed in a criminal court as part of an investigation into the assassination, accuses Trump of premeditated murder, but it is unlikely to be enforced. Trump leaves office in just under two weeks and has no public plans for a trip to Iraq before then.

Premeditated murder carries a mandatory death sentence under Iraqs penal code.

The warrant was issued after the judge received statements from family members of Muhandis, the de-facto leader of Iraqs pro-Iran Hashid Shaabi groups and a close associate of Soleimani.

Soleimani, who commanded Irans elite Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, played a lead role in exploiting conflicts in the region to expanding Tehrans influence via local militias, particularly in Syria and Iraq.

Trump reportedly ordered Soleimani assassinated after an American military contractor was killed by a rocket strike on Kirkuks K1 military base. The United States blamed that rocket barrage, as well as many prior and since, on Iran-linked militias.

The Iranian generals killing brought the United States and Iran to the brink of war and launched a diplomatic crisis between Washington and Baghdad.

Iran retaliated for the assassination by launching ballistic missiles at two military bases housing US troops in Iraq. That attack caused concussive injuries to more than 100 American personnel.

The UNs special rapporteur for extrajudicial and arbitrary executions, Agnes Callamard, dubbed Soleimanis assassination unlawful last year. Callamard reported that the strike violated the UN charter and that the United States had failed to provide evidence that Iran was planning an imminent attack  a claim US officials put forth in the wake of the killing.

Though rocket strikes on US positions in Iraq have continued, the anniversary of Soleimanis killing passed without major incident earlier this week despite continuing vows of revenge from Iranian leaders and Tehran-backed proxies in the region. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Baghdad on Jan. 3 to commemorate Soleimani and call for revenge.

Irans government has again requested Interpol issue a red notice for the arrest of Trump and 47 other US officials on allegations of murder and terrorism in connection with last years drone strike.
SAN FRANCISCO  Facebook on Thursday said it will block President Trump on its platforms at least until the end of his term on Jan. 20, as much of the mainstream online world moved forcefully to limit the president after years of inaction.

But Twitter, which had locked Mr. Trumps account on Wednesday for posts that violated its rules, lifted the suspension, allowing the president to tweet. Late on Thursday, Mr. Trump marked his return to social media by posting a two minute 41 second video on Twitter in which he said he would support a peaceful transition of power.

Facebook and Twitter said they made their contrasting decisions for different reasons. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebooks chief executive, said in a post that the social network decided to cut off Mr. Trump because a rampage by pro-Trump supporters in the nations capital a day earlier, which was urged on by the president, showed he wanted to undermine the transition to President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.

We believe the risks of allowing the president to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great, Mr. Zuckerberg wrote. As a result, he said, Facebook and its photo-sharing site Instagram would extend blocks, first put in place on Wednesday, on Mr. Trumps ability to post until the peaceful transition of power is complete.
The attorney for one of the Connecticut residents arrested Wednesday during the Washington protests called it "a little extreme" for his client to now be banned from the District of Columbia.

Groton residents Victoria Bergeson and Maurcio Mendez, both 40, were among the dozens of people arrested Wednesday and early Thursday in the aftermath of a mob storming the Capitol building in protest of Joe Biden being formally approved as the next president.

According to an arrest log, Bergeson and Mendez were arrested around 7:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 100 block of First Street Northwest, which is less than five minutes from the Capitol building.

Police issued three warnings for Bergeson and five other women on First Street Northwest to disperse and go inside, according to the affidavit from her arrest. They did not obey the warnings and were arrested, according to the court document.

An affidavit for Mendezs arrest said he was also arrested at the same location and time with eight other men.

Bergeson and Mendez are listed as living at the same address in Groton, according to court filings.

Police said Bergeson and Mendez were each charged with curfew violation and unlawful entry. It was not immediately known what role they played in the protest. They each pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignments on Thursday, according to online court records.

Bergeson was banned from the District of Columbia, despite the objection from her lawyer, Samuel Bogash, who asked she only be barred from the Capitol itself, court records show.

Bogash said many people would not realize the area where Bergeson was arrested is part of the Capitol grounds.

To a first-time person, or somebody walking around, I wouldnt know its on the Capitol grounds, Bogash told Hearst Connecticut Media after his clients arraignment.

He also said it was unclear if his client and the other people she were arrested with were able to hear the police announcements to disperse.

Bogash said he did not know why his client was in Washington, but said he knew "she was there with one particular person.

Bogash said he is not representing that individual.

Bogash said he did not know much about his client, but thought she was employed as a nurse.

Bergeson and Mendez were each released on promises to appear in court with their next hearings scheduled for June 10.

The attorney listed for Mendez did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The Connecticut residents were arrested hours after a mob stormed the Capitol, sending elected officials under desks to seek cover as police tried to barricade the building. A protester was shot and killed inside, while three other people died from medical emergencies during the protest, police said. The Washington mayor, in an effort to curb the days violence, issued a 6 p.m. curfew.

A total of 69 people  including one juvenile  were arrested Wednesday and early Thursday, according to Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.

While Bergeson and Mendez were the only Connecticut residents included in the arrest records, some of those charged did not have a home state listed.

Some of those charged were from as far as Colorado, Arizona, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Illinois, the arrest records showed.

Additional information regarding the circumstances that led to the arrests has not been released.

In a statement Thursday, FBI Director Christopher Wray said the violence and destruction of property at the Capitol on Wednesday showed a blatant and appalling disregard for our institutions of government and the orderly administration of the democratic process.

As weve said consistently, we do not tolerate violent agitators and extremists who use the guise of First Amendment-protected activity to incite violence and wreak havoc, Wray said. Such behavior betrays the values of our democracy. Make no mistake: With our partners, we will hold accountable those who participated in (Wednesdays) siege of the Capitol.

A long list of persons of interest involved in storming the Capitol were posted by the FBI on Thursday.

Our agents and analysts have been hard at work through the night gathering evidence, sharing intelligence, and working with federal prosecutors to bring charges, Wray said.

He urged members of the public to share tips, information and videos of illegal activity on the FBI website.

We are determined to find those responsible and ensure justice is served, Wray said.
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Kohima/Imphal, Jan 7 : The authorities in Nagaland on Thursday expressed confidence that the 10-day long wildfire in the famed Dzukou Valley on Nagaland-Manipur border would be fully doused within the next 24 hours even as the IAF, NDRF and other agencies continued their battle to tame the inferno.

Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority OSD Johnny Ruangmei said that the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), paramilitary forces, state authorities, along with hundreds of volunteers and locals have been able to largely control the wildfire in the Dzukou Valley.

"The wildfire has been doused in most areas but gusty winds have taken the blaze to newer areas. We expect to fully control the blaze in the next 24 hours. The combined forces would study the exact ground situation on Friday and accordingly operations and the necessary steps would be taken," Ruangmei, who is supervising the operation, told IANS over phone from Kohima.

IAF sources said that four Mi-17V5 helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets sprayed water to check the wildfire on Thursday.

"Following the Nagaland government's requisitions, we had started our uninterrupted operations since last Friday (January 1)," IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh told IANS.

An Assistant Sub-Inspector of the NDRF deployed to tackle the fire was found dead in his tent on Tuesday in northern Manipur's Senapati district bordering Nagaland.

Forest officials of Nagaland and Manipur said that they are yet to assess how much vegetation, flora and fauna have been destroyed due to the wildfire since December 29.

According to the officials, the inferno has destroyed much of the forest, seasonal flowers, flora and fauna and harmed the rich biodiversity of the valley, which is also a famous trekking site.

One of the 10 most beautiful places in the mountainous northeast India, the Dzukou valley, 30 km from Kohima, is also a sanctuary for the endangered Blyth's tragopan - Nagaland's state bird - and other species of birds and animals.

The iconic valley, situated at an altitude of 2,452 metres above the sea level, is a popular tourist spot and also famous for its seasonal flowers and biodiversity.

Often caught in a boundary dispute between Manipur and Nagaland, it has been prone to wildfires.

Members of the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), which runs an adventure-based conservation programme, tackled such fires in many instances earlier. In 2006, the wildfire affected a 20-km stretch in the southern part of the valley.
Six takes on the GCC summit: Everyone wins  except Iran

1. Back to normal

It started with a hug. At the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in the historic Saudi desert town of Al-Ula on Jan. 5, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with a warm embrace, ending a 3-year spat that shut down trade and travel between Qatar and its neighbors and undercut US and Gulf efforts to keep a united front against Iran.

"Noble intentions" reaffirmed. The hug may have been more significant than the actual document that emanated from the summit. The Al-Ula Declaration and the GCC Final Communique are silent on the rift itself. No mention is made of the 13 demands on Qatar presented by the blockading countries of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain in June 2017, which included demands for Qatar to cut ties with Iran, the Muslim Brotherhood and terrorist groups, and to shut down Al Jazeera. Instead, the "noble intentions" of the GCC toward all sorts of cooperation and integration are reaffirmed.

"Back to Normal." "The Al-Ula declaration has achieved a settlement of all issues outstanding in a way that is entirely satisfactory to all nations involved, said Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, adding that "all the outstanding [issues], whether its the returning of diplomatic relations, flights, etc., all of that will now go back to normal.

The deal among the parties to end the rift, details of which were not yet available, reportedly also includes promises to respect sovereignty and noninterference and includes Qatar withdrawing lawsuits and all parties ending media attacks on each other.

2. Kuwait, US close the deal

Gulf reconciliation is testament to the diplomacy and good offices of:

Kuwait: The late Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, who died in September 2020 worked tirelessly to promote reconciliation over the past three years. That effort was continued by his successor, Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah and Foreign Minister Ahmad Nasser Al-Sabah, who announced the end of the embargo the day before the summit.

The summit was named after the late Emir Sheikh Sabah and the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman, who died in January 2020, and who also worked to end Gulf divisions.

 and the White House. Jared Kushner, White House senior adviser and son-in-law of President Donald Trump, worked the back-channel diplomacy until day before the GCC summit in order to close the deal.

3. Qatars return makes the GCC whole again

Sheikh Tamim led Qatar through a 3 year embargo, repaired what seemed like a tear in ties with the United States in the early weeks of the crisis (when Trump seemed to take the side of Saudi Arabia and the UAE), forged a positive working relationship with Trump and deepened ties with the United States, all the while backing a diplomatic solution. Doha also strengthened its security ties with Turkey, which sent troops to Qatar in the summer of 2017, and stayed out of the normalization discussions with Israel by respecting the decisions of those countries that did normalize, while enhancing Dohas longstanding role as a broker and mediator with both Israel and the Palestinians, especially in Gaza, as Qatar Ambassador to the United States Meshal Al-Thani told Al-Monitor last month.

Crown Prince Mohammed was in the spotlight as host of the Al-Ula summit heralding a breakthrough in Gulf diplomacy that was well received by the outgoing Trump and incoming Biden administrations and capitals around the world. The summit spoke to Saudi influence in the region. MBS made it clear the decision to bury the hatchet was the kingdoms, and that his primary reason for doing so was unity against the "threats" from Iran.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash told CNN he is "very optimistic" about an end to the rift with Qatar. Sure, tensions remain between Qatar and other members of the GCC on a range of issues; reconciliation was started, not finished, at the summit. But the bottom line is that the UAE, Bahrain and Oman will all benefit from enhanced political, economic and security coordination in dealing with Iran, Yemen, COVID-19 and numerous other challenges facing the Gulf and the region, in addition to the removal of a fractious issue in US-Gulf diplomacy.

4. Turkey accelerates reset

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has cultivated close ties with Qatar, one of his few, if only, close Arab partners. Ankara and Doha and have both had scratchy relations with Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Like Qatar, Turkey is viewed as sympatico with the Muslim Brotherhood branches throughout the region. Turkey is also on the opposite side of Egypt and the UAE in the Libyan civil war.

Erdogan, however, has already started to reset his ties with Cairo, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi  and even Israel. Ahmed Gomaa writes that Erdogan has already drafted a "road map" for resumed ties with Egypt, although Fehim Tastekin notes that Egypt and Turkey remain far apart over policy in Libya. Pinar Tremblay wrote here last month of a thaw in Turkey-Saudi ties, and Amberin Zaman and Rina Bassist have covered Erdogans outreach to Israel. Erdogans rethink in his regional policies, especially Israel, may be motivated in part to plan for the incoming Biden administration.

5. Irans mixed messages

Iran came out on the short end of the GCC deal. Division among the GCC benefits Iran; unity, especially in coordination with Washington, is a setback. Iran, "with perfect timing, worthy of a virtuoso scriptwriter," Ben Caspit writes, increased its enrichment of uranium to 20%, bomb-grade level, one more violation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, on Jan. 4, two days before the GCC summit.

On Jan. 5, Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted "congratulations to Qatar for the success of its brave resistance to pressure & extortion," adding, "Iran is neither an enemy nor threat. Enough scapegoating  especially with your reckless patron on his way out." Zarif also said it's "Time to take [up] our offer for a strong region #HOPE."

Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman slammed the GGC final communique, however, saying, "By hijacking the GCC and its meetings and imposing its destructive viewpoints, the Saudi regime is promoting hate and violence in the region," while also calling for dialogue and regional cooperation.

6. Our take: Timing is everything

The Trump administration, working with Kuwait and US partners in the region, deserves credit for facilitating the diplomacy that made the GCC whole again. The incoming Biden administration is better placed to deter, confront and engage Iran because of it; there is now one less thing to do, one more thing to build upon. If Riyadh is anxious about dealing with the President-elect Joe Biden, as some are speculating, it is interesting that MBS closed the GCC deal before, rather than after, Biden takes office. Or perhaps MBS considered that Saudi Arabia is better placed for dealing with the United States (as well as Iran and the region) back at the head of a united GCC. Biden has said he will work closely with regional partners and allies on Iran. The only one on the outside looking in is Iran, and thats as intended, and to Bidens advantage, as he weighs a return to the Iran nuclear deal.
A care home resident beat a 93-year-old woman to death with a walking stick, the Old Bailey heard today.

Alexander Rawson, 62, is accused of murdering fellow resident Eileen Dean at the Fieldside care home in Catford, southeast London, this week.

The elderly woman was battered so hard in her room that prosecutors told the court the stick's broken handle was found 'embedded' in her neck.

Alexander Rawson, 62, is accused of murdering fellow resident 93-year-old Eileen Dean (pictured) at the Fieldside care home in Catford, southeast London, earlier this week

The elderly woman was battered so hard in her room that prosecutors told the court the stick's broken handle was found 'embedded' in her neck. Pictured: Forensic on scene at care home

Ms Dean was rushed to hospital by paramedics in the early hours of Monday but was later pronounced dead.

Police are yet to ascertain the motive behind the alleged killing as there was no CCTV footage of the attack.

Paul Jarvis, prosecuting, said: 'Around about 12.30am on 4 January this year, Mr Rawson called the police from the care home where he was living.

'It was very quickly ascertained that a lady called Mrs Dene, who was 93 at the time, living in the room next door or opposite was on her bed covered in blood having sustained serious injuries to her head.

'There was the broken handle of a walking stick embedded on the base of her neck.'

Rawson appeared on video-link from HMP Thameside today to confirm his name and age.

Police are yet to ascertain the motive behind the alleged killing as there was no CCTV footage

He was remanded into custody by Judge Anthony Leonard QC until March 25 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Rawson, of Canadian Avenue, Catford, faces a single count of murder.

With Congress having spoken, Biden is officially the incoming 46th president of the United States. This means that Trump has two weeks left in office. One would think that would be sufficient for the left, but the one thing the left has always proven is that, just as it is vicious when it loses, it's also vicious when it wins. That's why leftists are still trying to impeach Trump or get him booted out under the 25th Amendment.

On the impeachment front, Ilhan Omar (D-Somalia) has drafted up yet another set of impeachment articles against Trump. In a tweet that you can visit if you like, but that I will not reproduce here, she wrote:

I am drawing up Articles of Impeachment. Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate. We can't allow him to remain in office, it's a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath.

Ilhan Omar felt no obligation to fulfill her oath by investigating claims of election fraud, to prove that Biden won fair and square, which would have placated angry Trump-supporters, or to reveal that, in fact, there was serious election fraud that deprived Trump of his rightful victory.

Nor does Omar explain how Trump's reiterating that the election was stolen constitutes an impeachable offense. That angry supporters, tired of being insulted, ridiculed, and ignored acted out does not impugn Trump.

But reasons never matter. Omar lives to see Trump impeached (again). Forty years from now, Trump will have passed on to his Maker, and Omar will be a doddering old congresswoman, but she'll still be trying to impeach him.

Meanwhile, other Democrats are still trying to get Trump knocked out under the 25th Amendment on the ground that he's incompetent. According to them, Trump "egged on" his supporters.

Again, Trump said nothing more than what he's said since November 4: the election was stolen from him by blatant fraud. And again, his supporters are angry because the establishment, rather than providing an open and honest investigation has said, "Shut up. You're stupid."

In other words, if anyone led to this uprising, it's not Trump; it's the establishment. It's the media, the political class, the NeverTrumps, the RINOS, and all the others who refuse to acknowledge that a republic cannot survive if people do not trust the political system. They are the ones who are fanning the flames higher and higher.

Today, I got a text from someone who was once my dearest friend, accusing me, personally, of being responsible for events in the Capitol. She's a waste of my time, so I told her to leave me alone.

However, I've watched her on Facebook for the last year. She enthusiastically supported every Black Lives Matter march. She excused Antifa and the riots. She was incensed that Jacob Blake, having attacked police with a knife, ended up in a hospital. She wept for George Floyd, an ex-felon who died from a drug overdose while the police restrained him in a manner perfectly consistent with their training.

She, a white-collar worker who was grateful to give up her commute and work at her kitchen table, was gung-ho for closing restaurants, gyms, hairstylists, and every other small business. What did it matter to her? She ordered her supplies from Amazon and let her gray hair show.

She squashed the working class and the independent businesses and cheered on a year of violence, fire, riots, looting, and other destruction. And then, after the election, she used Facebook to ridicule and insult those who looked at the numbers and thought, "Something's wrong here."

And now she, and her ilk, have the temerity to blame me and to blame Trump when people who have been destroyed, discounted, disparaged, and ignored for the past year finally speak up? I don't think so.

I'm not condoning violence. We do not live in the simple, low-infrastructure world of 1776, a world in which most people were able to subsist on their own land with some hunting on the side, or through their close community connections.

Today, we live in a nation of 330,000,000 people who are entirely dependent on a vast, complicated, computer-run infrastructure. Any revolution now leaves our country looking like Syria in two weeks. To all the hotheads, think this through. It cannot end well.

We've got to figure out how to make this work. Having said that, where we are today is not Trump's fault, and it's not mine. Leftists drove the country to this point, and now they're squeezing the last drops of power out of what they've done.

Image: What the left did in Kenosha; caption by Andrea Widburg. YouTube screen grab.
In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker Wednesday night blasted President Donald Trumps breaking of political norms as the Senate rejected Republican efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

The vote was 93-6. The House was to vote later Wednesday. A majority of both chambers must back a challenge for it to be successful.

Booker spoke as the Congress reconvened after the Capitol was shut down when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the building. After the building was cleared, Congress continued to hear challenges to the electoral votes in some battleground states as some congressional Republicans sought to overturn Joe Bidens 306-232 victory over Trump.

The first challenge concerned Arizona, which went Democratic last fall for the first time since 1996.

The New Jersey Democrat addressed claims by some of his GOP colleagues that the complaints about election fraud were unprecedented and needed to be investigated.

What really was unprecedented, Booker said in a Senate floor speech was when the president before the election said, If I lose this election, then the election was rigged.

Its unprecedented that hes fanning the flames of conspiracy to create a smokescreen in this nation to cover what hes trying to do, which is to undermine our democratic principles.

What bothered Booker even more was that those efforts were being aided and abetted by good Americans who are falling pray, who are choosing Trump over truth, who are surrendering to the passion of lies as opposed to standing up and speaking truth to power.

Later during the debate, U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., cited Booker when it was his turn to speak.

We have for hundreds of years had a peaceful transfer of power, Van Hollen said. We all know whats different this time. We had a president who, as the senator from New Jersey said, even before a vote was cast, said that if he didnt win the election, it was going to be a fraud, and every day since then has perpetuated that lie.

Booker said that before Wednesday, the Capitol had been under siege just one other time in American history, during the War of 1812.

The parallel between the two is they were both waving flags to a sole sovereign, to an individual, surrendering democratic principle to the cultic personality, Booker said. One was a monarch in England and the other, with all the flags I saw all over the Capitol, including in the hallways and in this room, to a single person named Donald Trump.

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Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com.


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One of the most bizarre conspiracy theories to come out of TikTok is that Helen Keller never existed.

The outlandish conspiracy theory has been earning momentum among Gen Z for some time, with teens insisting that the author and activist  who was blind and deaf and lived from 1880 to 1968  'didn't exist' or was at the very least a 'fraud.'

Now the troubling knowledge that so many young people doubt Keller's existence and accomplishments have reached the ears of adults, who are horrified by the trend.

Say what? One of the most bizarre conspiracy theories to come out of TikTok is that Helen Keller never existed

Outlandish: The conspiracy theory has been earning momentum among Gen Z, with teens insisting that the author and activist 'didn't exist' or was at the very least a 'fraud'

Activist: Keller was was blind and deaf and lived from 1880 to 1968 and is known for overcoming her disabilities and advocating for the disabled as a community

According to Newsweek, the first evidence of the conspiracy theory on TikTok was a now-deleted video by user @alleyesonharshita, who used the hashtag #helenkellerwasntreal and racked up over 600,000 views.

Posted in May 2020, the video questioned what Keller accomplished, saying: 'It's time for the lies to end.'

It's not the only one. That same month, Medium published an essay titled 'The Generation that Doesnt Believe Helen Keller Existed,' which cited similar content using the hashtag #HelenKellerisoverparty.

The writer said that Keller has become an 'urban legend,' writing: 'Generation Z literally does not believe Helen Keller existed. And frankly, Im having a hard time accepting that she did myself.'

Meanwhile, TikTok user @krunk19 has earned two million views for his own video casting aspersions on Keller.

'We've gotta talk about this whole Helen Keller thing, 'cause I've had enough,' he says. 'I've heard it my whole life. She's deaf, she's blind, she's amazing. No, guess what  she lied.

Naysayer: Several TikTok videos have furthered the claim that Keller was a fraud, including one by @krunk19

Misinformation: Though @krunk19 labels his page as a satire account, he hits on several points that teens are using to argue that Keller was a fraud

'She's a liar. Her and that monster Anne Sullivan pulled the wool over our eyes, and nobody's thought to question it,' he says in the video

'She's a liar. Her and that monster Anne Sullivan pulled the wool over our eyes, and nobody's thought to question it.'

While @krunk19 says in his bio that his account is 'purely satire,' the viral success of the video has spread the conspiracy theory  and not everyone is laughing.

On January 5, screenwriter Daniel Kunka shared a viral Twitter thread that insists that Gen Z's mistrust of Keller's story is not a joke.

Guys, something insane happened to me today,' he wrote. 'I am on a text chain with my teenage nieces and nephews along with my mom (their grandma) and today my mom asked them if they knew who Helen Keller was...

'And their response was that Helen Keller was a fraud who didn't exist.

'At first I thought they were trolling grandma, which is admittedly fun. But after awhile it was clear they weren't joking.

Mind-blowing: On January 5, screenwriter Daniel Kunka shared a viral Twitter thread that insists that Gen Z's mistrust of Keller's story is not a joke

'"How could someone be deaf and blind and learn how to write books?" My nephew admits she probably existed but was probably only one or the other.

'I still thought I was getting trolled so I asked if I was getting trolled and they were adamant  Helen Keller was a fraud.

'This is like a real thing. "Well how do you know she's real if you weren't there to see her?"

He replied: 'Cause I've seen THE MIRACLE WORKER. Do you think Abraham Lincoln is real even though we didn't see him?'

'Then they sent me an eye-rolling emoji,' he said. 'They all believe Abe was real and did the things he did. They don't believe Helen could have been blind and deaf and did everything that she did,' he wrote.

'Cause the things he did were actually realistic,' they told him.

'They are sticking to their guns. They believe people around her "pumped her up" and wrote the book for her. The do not believe in Helen Keller. And apparently 15 million others on TikTok feel the same way.

No way! Commenters were shocked and horrified, with several saying the conspiracy theory is abelist because it expresses disbelief of what disabled people can do

'And we wonder what the cost of four years of "fake news" and "conspiracy theories" is... We're all just one TikTok away from being erased from an entire generation,' he wrote.

Twitter users are horrified by the revelation, with several calling it extremely abelist.

'Its important to point out the role ableism plays in this: this is not remotely shocking to me as a disabled person because we constantly hear things like disabled people cant do X or disabled people are lying about their conditions,' wrote one.

'As a disabled person, Im zero percent surprised at this. Its massively ableist, but our society as a whole is. Tell your nieces and nephews that disabled people can do a hell of a lot of bada** things,' wrote another.

'Tell them they are being ablest as hell and shame them for it. Keller wasn't perfect but she was real,' tweeted a third.

'Im sorry, but news reels from the 1920s with an elderly Keller and Sullivan are on YouTube. These kids are gullible and not terribly bright (ironically, least of all in street smarts) if they believe this conspiracy theory. Per usual, the gullible fancy themselves to be truthers,' another wrote.

Origins: Keller was born healthy in Alabama in 1880, but lost her sight and hearing at 19 months old after an illness, likely scarlet fever

Accomplishment: At age six, she started working with Anne Sullivan, who taught Keller how to spell out words on her palm to better communicate, as well as how to read

Special skill: Keller could also lip read by putting her fingers on people's lips

She accomplished quite a lot as an adult, writing articles and books including 'The Story of My Life' and 'Helen Kellers Journal'

Political: She was also a disabilities advocate, an activist who helped co-found the ACLU, and a member of the Socialist Party

Keller, whose existence and accomplishments are well documented, was born healthy in Alabama in 1880, but lost her sight and hearing at 19 months old after an illness, likely scarlet fever.

In the years after, she came up with her own hand signals to communicate with her parents, but would grow frustrated and sometimes threw tantrums.

At age six, she started working with Anne Sullivan, a then-20-year-old teacher from the Perkins Institution for the Blind in Boston. Sullivan taught Keller how to spell out words on her palm to better communicate, as well as how to read by feeling raised words in cardboard before turning to Braille.

Later, she learned to speak from Sarah Fuller of the Horace Mann School for the Deaf, as well as how to lip-read with her fingers on the other person's mouth.

As a young woman, she graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College.

She accomplished quite a lot as an adult, writing articles and books including 'The Story of My Life' and 'Helen Kellers Journal.'

She was also a disabilities advocate and an activist who helped co-found the ACLU. She was a member of the Socialist Party and the Industrial Workers of the World, and in 1964, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Johnson.

She died in Connecticut in 1968.

French producers of foie gras called Thursday for a mass preventive cull of ducks to try to halt the spread of a severe strain of bird flu that is ripping through poultry farms in the southwest of the country.

The highly pathogenic H5N8 virus was first detected in a bird in a pet shop on the Mediterranean island of Corsica in November before spreading to duck farms on the mainland in December.

Several European countries have reported cases of infection, five years after a major outbreak prompted the slaughter of millions of ducks in France.

"The virus is stronger than us. New clusters are constantly emerging," the head of France's CIFOQ federation of foie gras producers, Marie-Pierre Pe, told AFP.

The number of outbreaks had now risen to 124, the Ministry of Agriculture said on Thursday, adding that around 350,000 ducks had been slaughtered since December 24.

Earlier this week the government's chief veterinary officer, Loic Evain, said over 200,000 ducks had already been slaughtered and that a further 400,000 birds were set to be culled, out of around 35 million reared each year.

He described the virus, which is not harmful to humans, as "very, very contagious".

Officials in Belgium said Thursday they had culled three contaminated poultry flocks -- one in Menin, in the west of the country, another in Dinant in the south and a third in Dixmude in western Flanders.

Belgium's federal food safety agency AFSCA, which has ordered poultry owners to lock up their animals to avoid contamination, said that 20 cases of the virus had been found in wild birds.

Herve Dupouy, a French producer who heads the local poultry section of the FNSEA farmers federation in the Landes department, a bastion of the foie gras industry, said "the situation is out of control."

He called on the state to cull all poultry flocks in the area and impose a two-month production freeze.

"There's no other solution," he said.

Story continues

So far the authorities have been culling all ducks and geese within a three-kilometre radius of an infected flock. Free-range chickens and turkeys within that range have also been slaughtered.

CIFOQ said Thursday that government officials had shared plans to expand the culls over a wider area.

The bird flu clusters have been detected on poultry farms and in pet shops in the Landes department and the neighbouring Gers and Pyrenees-Atlantique departments.

- Chinese market in jeopardy -

The head of France's chamber of agriculture, Sebastien Windsor, called Wednesday for "radical measures" to try to restore confidence in export markets such as China which announced this week it was suspending French poultry imports over the virus.

Producers of foie gras, a pate made from the livers of force-fed ducks or geese, fear a repeat of the devastation wrought by two previous waves of bird flu in the winters of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017.

Over 25 million ducks were culled in the first outbreak, followed by 4.5 million the following year, causing a steep decline in foie gras production.

Besides France and Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Britain and Ireland have also reported bird flu outbreaks since the winter began.

Dutch authorities culled some 190,000 chickens in November over the discovery of the virus at two farms.

myl-dc-cb/adp/har
I have two words for the Republican Party establishment: Not Happy Birthday. Its along the lines of Trump You, using a few different letters earlier in the alphabet.

Most Trump supporters, like myself, have been optimistic that just like in the movies, good will win out over evil, middle earth will live in peace with men, elves, and dwarves coexisting for the common good, rather than being enslaved like orcs. I believed a divinely inspired nation would not fall to the dark side. But alas real life isnt mirroring the big screen, at least not today.

Im frustrated for many reasons including Georgias senate seats predictably going to the Democrats, both new senators corrupt and incompetent, although the Republican options were not much better. The Georgia election was stolen in the same manner as the presidential election two months ago.

Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, as the saying goes. The Republican Party poo-pooed electoral fraud and made no effort to investigate or at least make a stink about it, with the exception of only a handful of GOP members of Congress.

YouTube screen grab

Others like Mitt Romney castigated Trump for complaining about a stolen election. Its ironic that Romney most likely lost in 2012 due to the same cheating that occurred in 2020. In 59 Philadelphia precincts, not a single vote was cast for Romney. Anyone want to bet that election was stolen from Romney just as it was for Trump with bogus ballots and rigged vote counting? Yet Trump fought back and Romney, like a sap, grinned and walked away. What a gentleman. What a loser.

The Georgia senate race followed the pattern of two months ago, with a Republican governor and secretary of state defending the corruption and preventing any investigation or accountability, and as expected, with the same election results. Several precincts stopped counting votes for the night and by the next day Fox News declared the two Democrats the winners. At least they waited until most of the votes were counted, unlike on Nov. 3 when they called Arizona for Biden after only a few votes were cast.

Vice-President Pence took a page from the U.S. Supreme Court and voted 'present.' Is he a deep state plant, or a traitor, as attorney Lin Wood asserts? Is Wood off his rocker or is he one of the few in Washington, D.C. brave enough to say the emperor is wearing no clothes? He is an accomplished defamation lawyer who understands better than anyone the consequences of such accusations.

What playbook did Pence follow, that of the White House or the deep state? The jury is still out on Pence. Perhaps the greatest show on earth is still playing out.

Where are state level Republicans, governors and legislatures, those charged with certifying electors? They too voted 'present,' preferring to look the other way toward their future lobbying gigs while saying to hell with the Constitution and free and fair elections.

So called conservative pundits are acting anything but. One recent example is Erick Erickson, once conservative enough to guest host the Rush Limbaugh show, wants the police to shoot Trump supporters as well as impeach and convict Trump. Given the new Congress and contingent of NeverTrumpers, they might pull this off in the next two weeks.

Another phony conservative, Bill Kristol, wants the protesters cleared followed by Trumps impeachment and conviction. Why doesnt he just lead a brigade of Antifa to storm the White House with pitchforks and a guillotine?

Funny how the media had no problem with BLM and Antifa riots all summer, yet a few hours of supposed Trump supporters engaged in what CNN previously described as a peaceful protest has the media now in a lather. How do they even know who the Capitol rioters even were? Antifa can carry a flag and wear a MAGA hat, as facial recognition noted.

Trump asks, Wheres Hunter? but I ask, Wheres the GOP? The party of eunuchs is terrified to oppose anything. They were silent over Spygate and a summer of riots destroying American cities. They offered no pushback over punishing lockdowns and business closures. Through their silence, they endorse electoral fraud and their political suicide.

The Republican Party, through their inaction, has made themselves permanently irrelevant. No Republican will ever get near the White House. Democrats will keep enough Republicans around as pets, useful idiots, below any threshold needed to stop a constitutional amendment or any other legislation.

If elections can be stolen this easily, twice in two months, Republicans are destined for a long walk in the wilderness. Electoral fraud will be institutionalized, the type of cheating Jimmy Carter and UN observers would be screaming about if it happened in any backwater third-world country.

Then its on to the legislation. Green New Deal, Medicare-for-All, open borders, amnesty, taxes on everything, abolishment of the Electoral College and the elimination of several inconvenient amendments in the Bill of Rights, fundamentally transforming America, Obama style, into Cuba or Venezuela. Dont think this will happen? Ask a former Clinton spokesman who is pushing exactly this.

Republicans, through their passivity or in some cases encouragement, brought one party rule to an already divided country, miserable after a year of COVID diktats. They deserve their future irrelevancy.

Lastly, I cannot leave President Trump out of my rant. I have been a Trump supporter from the beginning, writing my first pro-Trump article in early July 2015, just weeks after the famous escalator ride at Trump Tower.

Trump has been the most powerful person in the world for the past four years, the chief executive of America, with its vast investigative and intelligence capabilities. He told us repeatedly we have it all and we caught them all, yet there has been no reckoning or punishment for anything. Trump had the power to act, and if he didnt, then thats on him.

Where are the declassifications? Where are the spygate indictments? Where is the DNI report on electoral fraud? Wheres the promised storm? Wheres the kraken?

Who will act if Trump doesnt pull this out? The myriad scandals will be buried faster than the sexual assault allegations against Biden. Despite promises of a biblical storm and pain for the corrupt, there has been nothing. If Trump leaves office and these promises havent materialized, thats on him.

Which is why I still hold out hope. It is out of character for Trump to lose in this fashion, especially since he has telegraphed everything since before he was elected in 2016. He knows a weaponized Biden government will destroy him and his family.

I still hold out hope, despite such hope being slim and getting slimmer by the day. But where is Trumps party? Without Trump, Hillary Clinton would be preparing for her second term with Democrats running the show in Congress. Yet the GOP is out to lunch, or else running from Trump as if he has cooties.

They can go the way of the Whigs. Perhaps a new Patriot Party relegates the GOP to a footnote in the history books. But they brought this on and fought tooth and nail to keep Trump from Making America Great Again, far harder than they fought Obama against any of his dreams or schemes. So to the GOP I say, Trump You!

Brian C. Joondeph, M.D., is a physician and freelance writer. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Parler, and QuodVerum.
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LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / CLS Holdings USA, Inc. (OTCQB:CLSH)(CSE:CLSH) ("CLS" or the "Company'), a diversified cannabis company operating as Cannabis Life Sciences, today announced the development of a new range of offerings from its branded products division, City Trees. New products include five new blends of cannabis distillate, each available in five product formats. These products are expected to become available in February 2021, and are preceded by the release of two new live resin concentrate products in January.

The release of these five new distillate blends, developed over the course of the previous quarter, is the result of significant research and development involving analysis of state-wide market trends and collection of focus group data. The new blends include a variety of custom creations and adaptations of well known cannabis strains, and will be released as Mango Haze, GMO, Cherry Cola, Gasolina, and LV Confidential. Each blend will be available on wholesale menus beginning in February in full and half gram vape cartridges, disposable vape pens, and full and half gram distillate refill syringes. The addition of these strains to City Trees' menus brings its total vape category offerings to 14 unique distillate blends.

Preceding the release of these new blends are two new live resin concentrate products, with two products in the concentrate category and one live resin vape cartridge. These products are the latest in City Trees' rotating seasonal concentrate menu, which is focused on providing fresh live resin products of the highest quality in limited batches.

About CLS Holdings USA, Inc.

CLS Holdings USA, Inc. (CLSH) is a diversified cannabis company that acts as an integrated cannabis producer and retailer through its Oasis Cannabis subsidiaries in Nevada and plans to expand to other states. CLS stands for "Cannabis Life Sciences," in recognition of the Company's patented proprietary method of extracting various cannabinoids from the marijuana plant and converting them into products with a higher level of quality and consistency. The Company's business model includes licensing operations, processing operations, processing facilities, sale of products, brand creation and consulting services. https://www.clsholdingsinc.com/

Twitter: @CLSHoldingsUSA

Founded in 2017, City Trees is a Nevada-based cannabis cultivation, production and distribution company. Offering a wide variety of products with consistent results, City Trees products are available in numerous dispensaries throughout the state of Nevada. https://citytrees.com

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and 'forward-looking statements' as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, the 'forward-looking statements'). These statements relate to, among other things, the impact of the COVID-19 virus on our business, the results of our initiatives to retain our employees and strengthen our relationships with our customers and community during the pandemic, the effect of our initiatives to expand market share and achieve growth during and following the pandemic, results of operations and financial performance, anticipated future events, and the effectiveness of our business practices during the pandemic. The continued spread of COVID-19 could have, and in some cases already has had, an adverse impact on our business, operations and financial results, including through disruptions in our cultivation and processing activities, supply chains and sales channels, and retail dispensary operations as well as a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession. Due to the speed with which the COVID-19 situation is developing and the uncertainty of its magnitude, outcome and duration, it is not possible to estimate its impact on our business, operations or financial results; however, the impact could be material. In some cases, you can identify forward looking statements by terminology such as 'may,' 'might,' 'will,' 'should,' 'intends,' 'expects,' 'plans,' 'goals,' 'projects,' 'anticipates,' 'believes,' 'estimates,' 'predicts,' 'potential,' or 'continue' or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. These cautionary statements should be considered together with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue in the future. Except as required by applicable law, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to reflect actual results, later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. See CLS Holdings USA filings with the SEC and on its SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com for additional details.

Contact Information:

Corporate:

Chairman and CEO

Jeff Binder

President and COO

Andrew Glashow

888-438-9132

Investor Relations:

investors@clsholdingsinc.com

SOURCE: CLS Holdings USA, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623413/CLS-Holdings-USA-Inc-Branded-Division-Preps-for-New-Product-Rollouts-in-February
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Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi spoke with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry yesterday over the phone. The call came at the request of the latter, who also spoke on the phone yesterday with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki.

Both calls were made ahead of an international meeting scheduled for next week in Cairo, with the goal of reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. According to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Shoukry, Ashkenazi and al-Maliki spoke in advance of a meeting with France, Germany, Jordan and Egypt to discuss new ways to advance the peace process. The statement also said, Coordination is taking place at the level of the two foreign ministers as well with the Palestinian side within the framework of the necessary preparation for the Quartet meeting. Ashkenazi and al-Malki will be each invited for a separate meeting with the four.

The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Jordan and Egypt last met in a July 7 video conference in response to efforts by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance annexation of parts of the West Bank. The statement issued after the meeting condemned his actions. Such a step would have serious consequences for the security and stability of the region, and would constitute a major obstacle to efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and just peace, it read.

The ministers underlined their firm commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, stating, We discussed how to re-start a fruitful engagement between the Israeli and the Palestinian side, and offer our support in facilitating a path to negotiations.

Diplomatic sources said at the time that the ministers had discussed holding an international conference to relaunch the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, but were waiting for the American administration to complete its own moves on the issue first.

The initiative came up to the table publicly in September 2020, in a speech delivered by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the UN General Assembly. In his address, Abbas asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to convene an international meeting on the Palestinian issue early next year, stating, "The conference should have full authority to launch a genuine peace process based on international law."

Abbas' mid-December visit to Qatar was reportedly aimed at ensuring Qatari support for the Palestinian Authority in anticipation of such a conference.

Israel has kept mum on all these statements. It did not react officially to the July meeting, nor to Abbas's call in September. Ashkenazi has not commented publicly on his phone call with his Egyptian counterpart yesterday. According to the Israeli press, Ashkenazi was invited to the four-part meeting in Cairo next week, but will not attend because of the nationwide closure in Israel that starts tonight at midnight.
As supporters of President Trump breached the nations Capitol on Wednesday, hundreds of other Trump supporters across the country gathered at state capitols, in some cases prompting evacuations and law enforcement mobilizations.

In Washington State, a crowd of Trump supporters, some of them armed, breached the fence surrounding the governors residence and approached the building before state troopers mobilized to keep them away. Noting that protesters have had grievances about his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Jay Inslee said in a video statement that political leaders would not be swayed by the protests.

Those acts of intimidation will not succeed, said Mr. Inslee, a Democrat. No arrests were made.

In Georgia, law enforcement officers escorted Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger out of the State Capitol on Wednesday afternoon as a few dozen Trump supporters outside the building rallied to protest the recent election results.

Chris Hill, the leader of a right-wing militia, said he called some of his troops to the statehouse to protest, repeating the presidents false claim that the election was rigged. Mr. Hill said he believed the nation was headed toward a civil war.
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The new report by Expert Market Research titled, 'Global Corn Market Size, Share, Price, Trends, Report and Forecast 2020-2025 , gives an in-depth analysis of the global corn market, assessing the market based on its segments like applications and major regions. The report tracks the latest trends in the industry and studies their impact on the overall market. It also assesses the market dynamics, covering the key demand and price indicators, along with analyzing the market based on the SWOT and Porter's Five Forces models.

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Market Overview (2015-2025)

Historical Market Size (2019): 1118 million metric tons

Forecast CAGR (2020-2025): 5.3%

Forecast Market Size (2025): 1524 million metric tons

The rising application of con in end-use industries is driving the global corn market. The rising production of corn starch is aiding the growth of the market. Industries, especially the corn starch industry, are growing rapidly. The application of corn starch includes food ingredients, papers, ethanol, and sweeteners. It is also used in animal feed production. The increasing demand in the markets for all these products is supporting the corn market. The growing demand for animal feed and ethanol has led to the increased crop production; thus, further propelling the market forward. Because of the content of starch, corn is used to make biofuels and can easily be converted to ethanol. With the rising demand for biofuels and governmental policies encouraging the adoption of biofuels, the corn market is expected to witness a healthy growth in the coming years.

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Industry Definition and Major Segments

Corn is a seed of yellow or white maize mainly used as an animal feed and for human consumption. The domesticated plant is native to the Americas and is one of the most distributed food crops in the world, particularly Mexico.

Based on application, the market can be segmented into:

Feed and Residual

Food, Seed, Industrial

By regions, the market is segmented into:

North America

Europe

Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Market Trends

The rapidly growing demand in the USA and China is primarily driven by the growing use of corn in the end-use industries. The USA is an important market for confectionery that promotes corn growth, as corn starch is used in sorbitol and sweetener productions. Sorbitol, an end-use product, has been increasingly demanded and also supports the growth of the corn industry. Sorbitol is widely used by the health-conscious population because of its low-calorie content. In personal care products as well as pharmaceuticals, sorbitol has wide applications. Quick availability and low production cost of the crop are also the driving force of the corn market. The governments favourable policies, together with the growing FDI flows, have helped boost the corn market growth, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. The leading emerging markets for the commodity in the Asia Pacific are India and China.

Key Market Players

The major players in the market are Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM), Cargill Inc., Ingredion Inc. (NYSE: INGR), Tate & Lyle Plc (LON: TATE), Roquette Freres, and Tereos SA. The report covers the market shares, capacities, plant turnarounds, expansions, investments, and mergers and acquisitions, among other latest developments of these market players.

Note 1: As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread across the world, our analysts are constantly tracking the impact of this rapidly evolving situation on the markets and the consumer purchase behaviours. Thus, our latest estimates and analysis about the current market trends and forecast will exhaustively reflect the effects of this emerging pandemic.

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Mung Beans Market: https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/mung-beans-market

India Agrochemicals Market: https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/india-agrochemicals-market

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There is no direct threat at present to Leinster House but a meeting of the Oireachtas Business Committee heard that there is no room for complacency.

Dail and Senate security is to be urgently reviewed as a result of the storming of the US Capitol.

TDs and senators have discussed the need to tighten security around the Dail and Seanad amid fears that groups could target them in a similar fashion to what played out in Washington overnight.

Rioters forced their way past metal security barricades at Capitol Hill, broke windows and scaled walls to fight their way into the Capitol.

Police said four people died during the chaos - one from gunshot wounds and three from medical emergencies - and 52 people were arrested.

The Security Committee at Leinster House is to report as soon as possible on measure that might be taken to strengthen the protections against assault by a mob or individual.

Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail told the Irish Independent the decision was arrived at after looking at what happened on Capitol Hill and the ease of access that was witnesses to Houses of Parliament that many of us would have thought impregnable.

Read More

Armed military policemen are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the connected Government Buildings and Leinster House complex.

Besides Glock side-arms, they also have an arsenal of submachine guns, anti-riot equipment and a variety of grenades.

There is no direct threat at present to Leinster House but a meeting of the Oireachtas Business Committee heard that there is no room for complacency.

The need for a security review was raised by the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Mark Daly, at the Dails Business Committee today, Thursday January 7.

Were not anticipating anything happening, but a security review would be appropriate, one source said. Members of the Security Committee include the Superintendent of the Oireachtas and members of the Gardai and Defence Forces.

Ministers are partly housed in Leinster House, while also having offices in Government Buildings. There are security plans in place for any breaches at both locations, including escape routes and protocols.

Both Senators and TDs spoke in favour of a comprehensive review of security on Kildare Street and Merrion Street, with some making the point that the coarsening of public discourse seen in recent years, largely on social media, means that disorder can be both more easily fomented and organised.

There were some nights of siege of Government Buildings at the time of the financial crisis and bailout of the banks  with the Garda public order unit deployed outside the complex itself and helping to secure a perimeter cordon on occasion.

The Houses of Parliament at Westminster beefed up its security after protesters abseiled into the chamber and even threw purple paint powder from a visitors gallery.

Doors and gates to both Leinster House and Government Buildings can be automatically sealed off, both remotely and across the campus  a measure brought in after a man with a Samurai sword charged up the plinth in the wake of financial crisis of more than a decade ago. He was overpowered by ushers and Gardai.

There was an incident with an anti-abortion protester verablly abusing TDs, including Fianna Fails Timmy Dooley, in recent years after gaining access as a visitor.

Vetting and background checks are now carried out on visitors approved by their local TDs as part of the security process. All ordinary visits and public tours have meanwhile been paused for months as a result of the Covid pandemic.

Sources suggested that any additional security recommendations that would be approved by the business committee on foot of the urgent review could be put in place virtually instantaneously from a staffing point of view, although some technological proposals could take longer to instal.

Recent improvements in security include the installation of airport-style scanners to guard against concealed guns, weapons or explosives, and the use of pop-up anti-vehicle barriers.

There have also been turnstiles erected where there were none before in order to discourage anyone from rushing the entrances or exits, while staff in those perimeter points are protected by bulletproof and blast-proof glass.



There have been violent scenes and stand-offs with gardai during a small number of protests in the recent past.

There have also been incidents where politicians and staff have been trapped inside the Kildare Street complex due to crowds outside.

It is normal protocol for a crash barrier to be erected just a few metres back from the main gate in advance of protests  but some politicians have expressed concerns that these could be easily breached.

A source told Independent.ie: The crash barriers wouldnt hold a penny candle back.

It is expected Leinster House authorities, garda and the Defence Forces will be involved in the review.

One source noted that there is concern about the potential for groups opposed to vaccinations to stage protests in the coming months in defiance of Covid-19 restrictions.

Previously Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said security at the Dail is far less stringent than other national parliaments.

Security was beefed up at Leinster House in 2017 following a number of terror incidents at the parliament in Westminster.

Visitors are now required to walk through a metal detector and pass their bags through an x-ray.

In 2014, a teenager used his great-grandfathers sword from the 1916 Rising to stage a one man rebellion at Leinster House.

He was later sentenced to 200 hours community service.

Read More

Irish Independent
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In early 2019, Tom Wolf posted a thank-you on Twitter to the cop who had arrested him the previous spring, when he was homeless and strung out in a doorway with 103 tiny bindles of heroin and cocaine in a plastic baggie at his feet.

"You saved my life," wrote Wolf, who had finally gotten clean after that bust and 90 days in jail, ending six months of sleeping on scraps of cardboard on the sidewalk.

Today, he joins a growing chorus of people, including the mayor, calling for the city to crack down on an increasingly deadly drug trade. But there is little agreement on how that should be done. Those who demand more arrests and stiffer penalties for dealers face powerful opposition in a city with little appetite for locking people up for drugs, especially as the Black Lives Matter and Defund the Police movements push to drastically limit the power of law enforcement to deal with social problems.

Drug overdoses killed 621 people in the first 11 months of 2020, up from 441 in all of 2019 and 259 in 2018. San Francisco is on track to lose an average of nearly two people a day to drugs in 2020, compared with the 178 who had died by Dec. 20 of the coronavirus.

As in other parts of the country, most of the overdoses have been linked to fentanyl, the powerful synthetic opioid that laid waste to the eastern United States starting in 2013 but didn't arrive in the Bay Area until about five years later. Just as the city's drug scene was awash with the lethal new product  which is 50 times stronger than heroin and sells on the street for around $20 for a baggie weighing less than half a gram  the coronavirus pandemic hit, absorbing the attention and resources of health officials and isolating drug users, making them more likely to overdose.

The pandemic is contributing to rising overdose deaths nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reported last month that a record 81,000 Americans died of an overdose in the 12 months ending in May.

"This is moving very quickly in a horrific direction, and the solutions aren't matching it," said Supervisor Matt Haney, who represents the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods, where nearly 40% of the deaths have occurred. Haney, who has hammered City Hall for what he sees as its indifference to a life-or-death crisis, is calling for a more coordinated response.

"It should be a harm reduction response, it should be a treatment response  and yes, there needs to be a law enforcement aspect of it too," he said.

Tensions within the city's leadership came to a head in September, when Mayor London Breed supported an effort by City Attorney Dennis Herrera to clean up the Tenderloin by legally blocking 28 known drug dealers from entering the neighborhood.

But District Attorney Chesa Boudin, a progressive elected in 2019 on a platform of police accountability and racial justice, sided with activists opposing the move. He called it a recycled, punishment-focused approach that would accomplish nothing.

People have died on the Tenderloin's needle-strewn sidewalks and alone in hotel rooms where they were housed by the city to protect them from covid-19. Older Black men living alone in residential hotels are dying at particularly high rates; Blacks make up around 5% of the citys population but account for a quarter of the 2020 overdoses. Last February, a man was found hunched over, ice-cold, in the front pew at St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church.

The only reason drug deaths aren't in the thousands, say health officials, is the outreach that has become the mainstay of the city's drug policy. From January to October, 2,975 deaths were prevented by naloxone, an overdose reversal drug that's usually sprayed up the nose, according to the DOPE Project, a city-funded program that trains outreach workers, drug users, the users' family members and others.

"If we didn't have Narcan," said program manager Kristen Marshall, referring to the common naloxone brand name, "there would be no room at our morgue."

The city is also hoping that this year state lawmakers will approve safe consumption sites, where people can do drugs in a supervised setting. Other initiatives, like a 24-hour meth sobering center and an overhaul of the city's behavioral health system, have been put on hold because of pandemic-strained resources.

Efforts like the DOPE Project, the country's largest distributor of naloxone, reflect a seismic shift over the past few years in the way cities confront drug abuse. As more people have come to see addiction as a disease rather than a crime, there is little appetite for locking up low-level dealers, let alone drug users  policies left over from the "war on drugs" that began in 1971 under President Richard Nixon and disproportionately punished Black Americans.

In practice, San Francisco police don't arrest people for taking drugs, certainly not in the Tenderloin. On a sunny afternoon in early December, a red-haired young woman in a beret crouched on a Hyde Street sidewalk with her eyes closed, clutching a piece of foil and a straw. A few blocks away, a man sat on the curb injecting a needle into a thigh covered with scabs and scars, while two uniformed police officers sat in a squad car across the street.

Last spring, after the pandemic prompted a citywide shutdown, police stopped arresting dealers to avoid contacts that might spread the coronavirus. Within weeks, the sidewalks of the Tenderloin were lined with transients in tents. The streets became such a narcotics free-for-all that many of the working-class and immigrant families living there felt afraid to leave their homes, according to a federal lawsuit filed by business owners and residents. It accuses City Hall of treating less wealthy ZIP codes as "containment zones" for the city's ills.

The suit was settled a few weeks later after officials moved most of the tents to designated "safe sleeping sites." But for many, the deterioration of the Tenderloin, juxtaposed with the gleaming headquarters of companies like Twitter and Uber just blocks away, symbolizes San Francisco's starkest contradictions.

Mayor Breed, who lost her younger sister to a drug overdose in 2006, has called for a crackdown on drug dealing.

The Federal Initiative for the Tenderloin was one such effort, announced in 2019. It aims to "reclaim a neighborhood that is being smothered by lawlessness," U.S. Attorney David Anderson said at a recent virtual news conference held to announce a major operation in which the feds arrested seven people and seized 10 pounds of fentanyl.

Law enforcement agencies have blamed the continued availability of cheap, potent drugs on lax prosecutions. Boudin, however, said his office files charges in 80% of felony drug cases, but most involve low-level dealers whom cartels can easily replace in a matter of hours.

He pointed to a 2019 federal sting that culminated in the arrest of 32 dealers  mostly Hondurans who were later deported  after a two-year undercover operation involving 15 agencies.

"You go walk through the Tenderloin today and tell me if it made a difference," said Boudin.

His position reflects a growing "progressive prosecutor" movement that questions whether decades-old policies that focus on putting people behind bars are effective or just. In May, the killing of George Floyd by the Minneapolis police energized a nationwide police reform campaign. Cities around the country, including San Francisco, have promised to redirect millions of dollars from law enforcement to social programs.

"If our city leadership says in one breath that they want to defund the police and are for racial and economic justice and in the next talk about arresting drug dealers, they're hypocrites and they're wrong," said Marshall, the leader of the DOPE Project.

But Wolf, 50, believes a concerted crackdown on dealers would send a message to the drug networks that San Francisco is no longer an open-air illegal drug market.

Like hundreds of thousands of other Americans who've succumbed to opiate misuse, he began with a prescription for the painkiller oxycodone, in his case following foot surgery in 2015. When the pills ran out, he made his way from his tidy home in Daly City, just south of San Francisco, to the Tenderloin, where dealers in hoodies and backpacks loiter three or four deep on some blocks.

When he could no longer afford pills, Wolf switched to heroin, which he learned how to inject on YouTube. He soon lost his job as a caseworker for the city and his wife threw him out, so he became homeless, holding large quantities of drugs for Central American dealers, who sometimes showed him photos of the lavish houses they were having built for their families back home.

Looking back, he wishes it hadn't taken six arrests and three months behind bars before someone finally pushed him toward treatment.

"In San Francisco, it seems like we've moved away from trying to urge people into treatment and instead are just trying to keep people alive," he said. "And that's not really working out that great."

This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attends a ruling party congress in Pyongyang, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. AP



North Korea leader Kim Jong Un vowed to strengthen the country's military defenses in a speech at a major ruling party meeting that provides insights into his priorities amid growing economic challenges and a U.S. presidential transition.



Kim made clear his ''will to reliably protect the security of the country and people and the peaceful environment of the socialist construction by placing the state defense capabilities on a much higher level, and put forth goals for realizing it,'' the Korean Central News Agency said.



The state media report Thursday on Kim's speech to the Workers' Party congress the previous day didn't elaborate. North Korea has previously underscored its need for nuclear weapons and missiles as a deterrent and a pre-emptive strike capability to cope with what it describes as American hostility.



Cheong Seong-Chang, a fellow at the Wilson Center's Asia Program, said Kim's speech likely contained ''sensitive contents'' that can provoke the United States and South Korea.



Kim halted his country's nuclear and long-range missile tests before engaging in high-stakes summitry with President Donald Trump in 2018. But with his advancing arsenal on the negotiating table, their diplomacy fell apart due to wrangling over the weapons and U.S.-led sanctions on North Korea.



Kim since then has openly pledged to expand his nuclear capability that he says already put the American mainland within its striking range. However, he has not resumed high-profile weapons tests, which some analysts say could completely derail diplomacy with the United States and further diminish prospects for winning sanctions relief.



South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers in late November that Kim was worried about President-elect Joe Biden's expected new approach on North Korea. Biden has called Kim a ''thug'' and criticized his summit diplomacy with Trump.



This year's congress _ the first in five years _ comes as Kim faces what appears to be the toughest moment since taking power in late 2011, due to what he calls ''multiple crises'' caused by an economy battered by pandemic-related border closings, a series of natural disasters and the sanctions.



On the first day of the congress Tuesday, Kim admitted his previous economic development plans failed, saying that ''almost all sectors fell a long way short of the set objectives.'' He said the congress would work out a new five-year development plan.



Kim on Wednesday presented goals for developing the North's transport, construction, commerce and other industries and proposed ways to expand production in agriculture, light industry and fishing to improve public livelihoods, KCNA said.



State media didn't provide much details on Kim's economic review. Cheong said North Korea likely didn't want foreign experts to learn its poor economic performance too easily. (AP)


Congress confirmed President-elect Joe Bidens victory early Thursday, overwhelmingly repudiating a drive by President Donald Trump to overturn his defeat after it culminated in a mob of loyalists storming and occupying the Capitol in a shocking display of violence that shook the core of American democracy.

There was no parallel in modern American history, as insurgents acting with the presidents encouragement vandalized Speaker Nancy Pelosis office, smashing windows, looting art and briefly taking control of the Senate chamber, where they took turns posing for photographs with fists up on the dais where Vice President Mike Pence had just been presiding. Outside the building, they erected a gallows, punctured the tires of a police SUV and left a note on its windshield saying, PELOSI IS SATAN.

ALSO READ | How the Chaos Unfolded as Pro-Trump Mob Stormed US Capitol Leading to 4 Deaths

The attack by rebels carrying pro-Trump paraphernalia stopped the electoral counting for several hours and sent lawmakers and Pence fleeing. But by the time the Senate reconvened in a reclaimed Capitol, one of the nations most polarizing moments had yielded an unexpected moment of solidarity that briefly eclipsed partisan division. Republicans and Democrats locked arms to denounce the violence and express their determination to carry out what they called a constitutionally sacrosanct function, refusing by resounding bipartisan majorities to deliver Trump the election reversal he demanded.

Pence, breaking with the president he has loyally served, made Bidens victory official just after 3:40 a.m. in Washington, declaring that Biden had received 306 electoral votes to Trumps 232 and would be inaugurated the 46th president on Jan. 20.

To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win, Pence said earlier. Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the peoples house. Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and the majority leader, said the failed insurrection had only clarified Congress purpose. They tried to disrupt our democracy, he said. They failed.

Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi resume presiding over a Joint session of Congress to certify the Electoral College results. (Image: Reuters)

In a statement just before 4 am Thursday (local time), the president finally conceded, saying, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

ALSO READ | After US Capitol Hill Violence, Democrat Voices Calling For Trumps Impeachment Grow Louder

Still, the process opened bitter wounds within the Republican Party that are unlikely to quickly heal. While some Republicans who had planned to join the effort to overturn Bidens victory agreed to drop their challenges after the Capitol siege, Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri pressed forward, keeping both chambers in session well past midnight.

An objection to Arizonas results lodged by Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama just before the violence broke out in the Capitol failed overwhelmingly in the Senate, 6-93. The House turned it back on a vote of 121-303, but more than half of that chambers Republicans supported the effort to overturn the election results.

A challenge to Pennsylvanias results backed by Hawley ended in lopsided defeats, as well. Skipping debate altogether, senators voted to reject it 7-92. The House moved more slowly but eventually voted 138-282 to do the same.

The upheaval unfolded on a day when Democrats secured a stunning pair of victories in runoff elections in Georgia, winning effective control of the Senate and the complete levers of power in Washington. And it arrived as Congress met for what would normally have been a perfunctory and ceremonial session to declare Bidens election.

From the start, Trumps allies, acting at his behest, had been determined to use the session to formally contest the outcome. Driving a painful wedge among Republicans, they trumpeted his false claims of voting fraud and initially gave voice inside the Capitol to those who ultimately forced their way in, stopping the process in its tracks.

Lawmakers and Pence mostly took shelter together near the Capitol, amid violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, but small groups reported being stranded for a time in offices and hideaways throughout the building.

Capitol Police, reinforced by the FBI and National Guard in tactical gear, successfully retook the Capitol complex just before 6 p.m., after more than three hours of mayhem. Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington had declared a citywide curfew from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, and a public emergency lasting until after Bidens inauguration.

ALSO READ | Trump Summoned Supporters to 'Wild' Protest, and Told Them to Fight. They Did

The siege was the climax of a weekslong campaign by Trump, filled with baseless claims of fraud and outright lies, to try to overturn a democratically decided election that he lost. He fought the result in court with dozens of spurious lawsuits that he lost. He outright pressured Republican leaders in key battleground states to reverse the will of the voters. And he fought, at last, to turn the congressional counting into the site of his final stand.

We gather due to a selfish mans injured pride, and the outrage of supporters who he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and the 2012 presidential nominee, said after the chamber reconvened. What happened here today was an insurrection incited by the president of the United States.

Police hold back supporters of US President Donald Trump as they gather outside the US Capitol's Rotunda on January 6, 2021. (Image: AFP)

Far from discouraging confrontation, Trump had encouraged his supporters earlier Wednesday to confront Republican lawmakers going against him to side with the Constitution.

We will never concede, he told a group of thousands gathered near the White House, inveighing against members of his own party preparing to finalize his loss as weak Republicans, pathetic Republicans whose leadership had gone down the tubes. He then repeatedly told them to march to the Capitol, where the vote tallying was about to get underway. The violence began a little more than two hours later.

In a speech just before the violence broke out, McConnell, the most powerful Republican on Capitol Hill, forcefully rebuked Trump and members of his own party, warning that the drive to overturn a legitimate election risked sending democracy into a death spiral.

The voters, the courts and the states have all spoken, said McConnell, the majority leader. If we overrule them all, it would damage our republic forever.

Yet even as he spoke, it was becoming clear that the vicious cycle had already been unleashed. Within an hour, McConnell was in the grip of his Capitol Police detail and being rushed out of his chamber with other senators as members of his own party chanted curses to his name.

Biden, in his own remarks, demanded that Trump intervene to tamp down an unprecedented assault on democracy. He called for a televised address by Trump to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege.

This is not dissent. Its disorder. Its chaos. It borders on sedition, and it must end now, Biden said. I call on this mob to pull back and allow the work of democracy to go forward.

Trump initially stayed quiet as the mob rampaged through the Capitol. When he did make himself heard, it was to call for support for law enforcement in a tweet that concluded, Stay peaceful! But not long after, he released a brief video repeating his disproved claim that the election was stolen and speaking in sympathetic and affectionate terms to members of the mob. Later, he absolved the mobsters of their gross assault, effectively arguing that their actions had been warranted.

ALSO READ | The Indian Tricolour Waving in Viral US Capitol Violence Video Has Left Desi Internet Curious

These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long, Trump wrote Wednesday evening in a tweet, which Twitter later removed. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

The president had also intensely pressured Pence, who as vice president oversees the counting, to go rogue and unilaterally throw out the votes of key battleground states Trump lost. Shortly before the session began, Pence denied him in a bold statement after four years of loyal alliance.

I do not believe that the founders of our country intended to invest the vice president with unilateral authority to decide which electoral votes should be counted during the joint session of Congress, and no vice president in American history has ever asserted such authority, he wrote.

Trump supporters breach the US Capitol (Image: Reuters)

Once the counting got underway, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona quickly lodged the first such objection to Gosars home state, sending senators and House members to their respective chambers for up to two hours of debate on Trumps baseless fraud claims.

About 2:15 p.m., as the House and Senate separately debated the objection, security rushed Pence out of the Senate chamber, and the Capitol building was placed on lockdown after the demonstrators surged past barricades and law enforcement toward the legislative chambers.

We now have individuals that have breached the Capitol building, an officer told the House.

In a scene of unrest common in other countries but seldom witnessed in the history of the U.S. capital, hundreds of people in the mob barreled past fence barricades outside the Capitol and clashed with officers. Shouting demonstrators mobbed the second-floor lobby just outside the Senate chamber, as law enforcement officials placed themselves in front of the chamber doors.

For a time, senators and members of the House were locked inside their respective chambers. Just outside the locked doors, Trumps supporters violently tussled with police. A woman inside the building was shot and later died, the District of Columbia police said. Three others died of medical emergencies, authorities said. Multiple officers were injured.

As the mob closed in, senators were rushed into the well of the Senate and down into the basement, where they left the building via an underground tunnel.

When the violence broke out, it was Pence, sheltering in the Capitol, not Trump who approved the deployment of the D.C. National Guard, according to Defense Department officials. Trump initially rebuffed and resisted requests to mobilize forces, according to a person with knowledge of the events. It required intervention from Pat Cipollone, the White House counsel, among other officials, the person said.

At the White House, officials  including two from the East Wing and a top press aide  began submitting their resignations, with more expected to follow in the coming days. I dont recognize our country today, and the members of Congress who have supported this anarchy do not deserve to represent their fellow Americans, said Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va.
A little more than a year ago, artist and lifelong Jersey City resident Pat Olsen did a diorama in response to a Project Greenville call for art submissions. That diorama featured, opposite a narrow green strip with golden high-rises on top of it, Olsens depiction of a barren landscape.

A take on South Greenville, skeletons lay outside a graveyard of things Olsen noted were lost to the area (bus lines, a supermarket, and a bank).

There was also a very small space fenced around a dead tree from which a buzzard overlooked the area. That area was Olsens artistic depiction of Martyniak-Enright Park, which sits at the intersection of Pamrapo Avenue and Old Bergen Road.

An article in the Nov. 14, 1949 edition of The Jersey Journal featured a write-up of the parks dedication ceremony.

Coming after the administration of Mayor Frank Hague Eggers (the nephew of notoriously corrupt Mayor Frank Hague and supposedly his proxy), the political speakers on hand referenced the new era the park was supposed to represent.

Then-Deputy Mayor William Flanagan (standing in for Mayor John V. Kenny who was at an undisclosed hide-away in Virginia) asserted this park is dedicated to peace.

(Flanagan) said the park would mean little if the people lose interest in their government, the Journal reporter wrote.

What it offered then at .21 acres, was benches, a drinking fountain, sand-covered play-space, and a cement wading pool  is gone.

Over the years everything disappeared, Olsen said by phone last week.

Olsen believes the wading pool went because of fears about contracting polio, which killed 2,720 the same year Martyniak-Enright Park was dedicated.

While Olsen expressed a sense of dismay with that past diorama, shes generally an optimist about a city shes never given up on and was heartened to know the citys planned renovations for parks included Martyniak-Enright Park. Olsen was even contacted, along with other local residents, about her input.

And then, COVID-19 hit.

The U.S. and the world at large is still dealing with that pandemic, and the planned renovations that were a long time coming in Olsens opinion have understandably been affected.

The Fulop Administration has committed to investing over $7 million in grant funding as part of the largest widespread parks improvement initiative the city has seen in decades, including a complete overhaul of Martyniak-Enright Park with new landscaping, benches, and other passive improvements to revitalize the area, said city spokesperson Kim Wallace-Scalcione in a statement last week.

The city is exploring installing a new playground and dog run at the park, and has kept Mrs. Olsen and other inquiring residents apprised as preliminary assessments revealed some issues on the property that need to be addressed before construction can begin. Under the mayors directive, the Open Space Trust Fund Committee has been working side-by-side with the community at every single park to meet the needs of each individual neighborhood, and while the pandemic has devastated our region, shifting priorities to COVID management and response, the city has continued to move forward with various initiatives, including park improvements, that are important to our residents and Jersey Citys overall health and economic well-being.

Patrick Shalhoub, author of the Jersey City book in Arcadia Publishings Images of America series and librarian at New Jersey City Universitys Frank J. Guarini Library, wrote in a statement that these parks provide much needed green space and recreation for city residents.

They also serve as memorials to Jersey Citys veterans and the history of our city and country. Restoration projects in small-sized parks foster a stronger sense of neighborhood identity and encourage residents to get to know each other and work together on a common goal.

Of the veterans small parks memorialize, some joined up willingly. Others were drafted and most were certainly terrified of the prospect of the enormous sacrifices more or less demanded of them. Locally, Olsen knows of many Enrights who fought in WWII as well as an Olsen -- her late father-in-law.

According to the Journal article on the Martyniak-Enrights parks dedication ceremony, Pvt. John J. Enright died at 29 on July 1, 1944 in WWIIs Italian Campaign, and Sgt. Milton Martyniak, whom its noted joined the army 10 months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, was killed when a tank he was riding in overturned in North Africa on July 30, 1943.

The draft in its most widespread and obvious form has since ended, with former-President Richard Nixon helping that process for the Vietnam War, partially because of his belief that affluent youth would stop protesting it if it didnt affect them.

When it comes to parks, upkeep is one thing. What else may be vital thats missing in a small park that has gone decades without that?

Olsen sees the park as a potential crossroads in which amenities like a playground are vital to it being a positive communal space.

The disappearance of amenities at Martyniak-Enright Park coincided with the citys failing inner-city infrastructure, with some of its wealthier residents taking their capital to exclusive suburbs.

On the Boulevard-adjacent side of nearby Columbia Park (more formally known as Greenville Memorial), a sign reads This is your park. Clean up after yourself. Littering may seem a relatively small incivility, but it being commonplace partially reflects an infrastructural tone. Its one set by decades of enough property owners or overseers not caring about their residents quality of life; or encouraging them to clean up after themselves.

Can green space renew minds that have leaned into the shape of a longtime system indifferent to their well-being?

For Olsen, shes just been heartened to recently see upkeep at the park, which in her mind is always on the cusp of being in a renewed state. Shes also been buoyed by seeing city residents stepping up to collect things for those in need in the pandemic. Maybe it takes something horrible, Olsen said, to see the ways people can look out for each other.
As chaos and violence erupted in the nations Capitol Wednesday afternoon, the nations leading disease expert livestreamed with the pastor of a Houston-area church.

Dr. Anthony Faucis decision to speak to members of the Luke Church, a predominantly Black congregation in the Humble area, came as faith leaders continue to push for congregants to receive vaccines for COVID-19.

But not all have been enthusiastic about doing so, with many citing the historic mistreatment, abuse or exploitation of African Americans under the guise of medical treatment.

We need to acknowledge the concern and hesitation, Fauci said in a roughly 20-minute interview with the churchs pastor. ...The slight and mistreatment of the African American community historically is real in history, and we have to recognize that it occurred and emphasize that.

Timothy Sloan, pastor of the Luke Church, said the interview came together on a whim: Hed sent an email to Faucis office a few weeks prior, and was surprised that Fauci agreed to sit down with him.

Like other Black pastors, Sloan noted the role of things such as the Tuskegee Study as reasons why many Black people are apprehensive of getting vaccinated. In that 40-year experiment that started in 1932, Black men in Alabama with syphilis were given placebos instead of treatment or experimented on in other ways without their consent.

We are all filtering this through the lens of our historical mistrust, he said. And for many of us who werent around at the time, weve heard the oral stories that have been passed down. So there is a level of distrust.

Faith leaders have in recent weeks taken a proactive stance on vaccinations, believing that the trust they generally enjoy among the public will be valuable in combating the pandemic.

Last month, United Methodist leaders in Texas released a similar video urging congregants to get vaccinated.

Skepticism about getting vaccinated is of deep concern to me, the Rev. Scott Jones, bishop of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, said at the time. And every leader with any credibility in any part of our community needs to use his or her voice and platform to encourage everyone to get vaccinated.

A November survey by Pew Research showed half of white evangelicals and 59 percent of Black Protestants said they definitely or probably would not get a vaccine. Roughly one-third of Catholics and white nonevangelicals said the same.

robert.downen@chron.com
Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

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Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

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Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

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How federal troops are used in domestic law enforcement is governed by a pair of laws -- the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 and the Insurrection Act of 1807. Those dictate circumstances in which federal troops can be deployed on American soil, including natural disaster, terrorist attack, epidemic or domestic violence.

When it comes to curbing civil unrest, the military has been called out on multiple occasions -- and it wasnt just the National Guard, either. Here are a few examples.

1863: The New York City Draft Riots

The Civil War was the first time in American history that the United States had to forcibly enlist its citizens to fight a war. Unsurprisingly, people who have no interest in fighting with rifles and bayonets aren't keen on being forced to do it. To make matters worse, wealthy Americans could avoid the draft by paying $300, the equivalent of almost $7,000 in 2020 dollars.

The New York Draft Riots are still the largest civil disturbance in American history. In order to put them down (and maybe save half of Manhattan), the governor had to call not only the New York militia, he had to call in U.S. Marines.

The NYC Draft Riots. (National Archives and Records Administration)

The violence got so bad, President Lincoln also sent battle-hardened veterans -- who just finished fighting at Gettysburg -- to New York to restore and maintain order.

1932: Disbanding the "Bonus Army"

Though not as destructive or deadly as the NYC Draft Riots, the 1932 Bonus Army attack was notable for the use of federal military troops to clear out a bunch of veterans looking for help from the government -- help that was promised to them anyway.

In the years following the 1929 stock market crash, the situation for struggling World War I veterans quickly went from bad to worse. Congress promised them a cash payment of up to $1 for every day they were in active service, to a maximum of $500. That's a cool $9,300 in 2020 dollars, more than enough to survive the Great Depression.

For most vets, that money was to be paid over the span of years, but with the Depression in full swing, everyone needed cash right then. The veterans formed an activist group called the "Bonus Army" to go to Washington and advocate for the pay, setting up camp on Capitol Hill.

President Herbert Hoover's attorney general ordered the police to remove them, which did not go as planned. Hoover soon got wind of the incident and ordered General Douglas MacArthur and tanks from the 3rd Cavalry Regiment to do the job. The Army shot tear gas and marched on the Bonus Army with fixed bayonets. As the vets retreated from Capitol Hill, the U.S. Army burned their encampment.

(Kinderwood Archive)

1967: Detroit's 12th Street Riot

The second largest riot since the 1863 Draft Riot in New York happened in Detroit in 1967 -- and was a harbinger for the tumultuous years to come in the United States.

In that year, almost 160 race riots broke out across the United States, earning the nickname the "Long, Hot Summer of 1967." None of the uprisings were more destructive than in Detroit, where what started as a police raid on an illegal after-hours bar turned into one of the country's most violent and destructive riots ever.

For five days, the citizens of Detroit ran wild through the streets. It was one so rampant that then-Governor George Romney (yes, Mitt Romney's dad) chose to call in the Michigan National Guard. When even that didn't work, President Lyndon Johnson called in the 82d and 101st Airborne.

In the wake of the riot, 43 were dead and more than 2,000 buildings were destroyed.

1967: Newark Riots

This is another significant disturbance of the 1967 "Long, Hot Summer," particularly due to the level of destruction the riots caused the city of Newark -- a level from which the city has never fully recovered.

As middle-class white Americans left urban areas after WWII, Black Americans still faced widespread racism and discrimination in those cities. Finding a decent job and a place to live became more and more difficult, even though those opportunities existed.

The frustration of Black Newark boiled over as the city descended into poverty. City politicians and police mostly remained white. The frustration came to a head when a Black cab driver was beaten unconscious and dragged to a police station by white officers for passing a double-parked police vehicle. There, he was charged with assaulting the police officers. Rumors spread that he was killed in police custody. He wasn't -- but he was badly beaten.

What began as a protest against police brutality soon turned into widespread rioting and looting. Even after the National Guard was deployed, the violence continued, causing $10 million dollars in damages ($77.6 million today) and killing 26 with hundreds injured. Almost 40 of the injured were from the New Jersey National Guard.

1968: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Murdered

On Apr. 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was shot and killed outside of his Memphis, Tennessee motel room. As word of the killing spread in cities across the United States, riots began to break out. Cities like Baltimore, Chicago, Nashville, New York, Raleigh, North Carolina and Washington erupted in violence.

Photograph shows the ruins of a store in Washington, D.C., that was destroyed during the riots that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Warren K. Leffler/Library of Congress)

Everywhere, it seemed thousands of buildings were destroyed, hundreds of people were killed and thousands more arrested. In response, mayors throughout the country called in their respective national guardsmen to restore order in the streets. Restoring the rule of law in the nation's capital required more than 13,600 armed soldiers, the largest military occupation of a city since the Civil War.

1992: Los Angeles Riots

People responding to police brutality with protest again sparked a riot in 1992. Four LAPD officers were acquitted of using excessive force in the beating of motorist Rodney King after being stopped in traffic. When the verdict was announced, Los Angeles exploded in a riot that covered 32 square miles.

The aftermath of the Los Angeles riots. (Mick Taylor)

In the end, it would take every Los Angeles law enforcement officer, 10,000 California National Guard troops and hundreds of United States Marines to restore order and begin putting Los Angeles back together again.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook.

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People planning on driving to Mexico from the U.S. can now find out exactly how much vehicle insurance will cost them with a quote in just under a minute by Mexican Insurance Store.

PERRIS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / Each year, millions of vehicles travel south of the border for business and pleasure alike. However, all vehicles must have insurance while traveling south; fortunately, that's made easy by numerous insurance policies offered by top companies like California-based Mexican Insurance Store. Speaking of which, Mexican Insurance Store also provides quotes for Mexican car insurance in just under a minute, so that vehicle owners know what it will cost them before buying this otherwise mandatory insurance policy.

Most typical U.S. auto insurance policies don't cover you south of the border, i.e., Mexico. That's why if one happens to be headed south for a few days or even months, one will need additional coverage for his family wagon, R.V., sedan, or even a two-wheeler. While many insurance companies offer add-on coverage for neighboring countries like the U.S. and Canada, the rates vary.

As someone who needs to buy Mexican car insurance, it is essential to get a quote for the vehicle before moving forward with the policy. However, many insurance companies make it harder than it should be. Fortunately, Mexican Insurance Store has taken a step in the right direction with their 1-minute insurance quote.

Readers can get a 1-minute insurance quote from Mexican Insurance Store or learn more about the company's insurance policies by visiting the official website: https://mexicaninsurancestore.com

"We have worked hard, making sure that getting Mexican insurance is easy for everyone who wants to travel south of the border. Not only is getting a quote from us quick and easy but so is buying the policy. Just enter your vehicle details, pay with a credit card, and print out the policy; the entire process takes under 20 minutes." Said a representative for Mexican Insurance Store.

He added, "Our rates are some of the best in the industry. We offer excellent customer service; buyers also get free roadside assistance with the purchase of every policy. That's our way of making sure that clients enjoy a trouble-free trip, and our A+ BBB rating is testament to that fact."

Many people end up at the border, buying a more expensive insurance policy that offers less coverage. Many of those insurance providers are unrated and may not have a traveler's back at the first sign of trouble. That's why it is strongly advised that everyone traveling south of the border buy a policy stateside before traveling to Mexico.

About Mexican Insurance Store

Mexican Insurance Store has been operating since 1979, with thousands of customers and a combined 80 years of experience in personal, commercial, and re-insurance. The company promises to save travelers time and money by providing top-quality, affordable insurance policies 7-days a week.

Media Contact:

Company: Mexican Insurance Store

Name: Matt Smith

Phone: 888-800-9988 | 951-657-4220

Address: 3819 St Austell Way, Perris, CA 92571. USA

Email: mexicaninsurancestore@symphonicsco.com

Website: https://mexicaninsurancestore.com

SOURCE: Mexican Insurance Store

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623469/Mexican-Insurance-Store-Introduces-1-Minute-Quote-For-All-Vehicles-Starting-Immediately
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid lockdowns and stay at home orders, consumers rediscovered the emotional benefits of baking and cooking this year, according to the Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted Study released today. As everyday activities were restricted, people turned to their kitchens as a place to find comfort and enjoyment. The trend of Americans baking once again brought about a surge of interest in the brand name of kitchen appliances.

In the third consecutive year, Bosch ranked highest in trust among kitchen appliance brands according to Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted  Kitchen Appliance Study. Consumers chose Bosch as the most trusted brand in the appliance categories of refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves. The annual study examines trust among residential customers actively shopping for a specific kitchen appliance. More than 30,000 consumers throughout the United States participated in the study in which they reported how much they trust different brands within each category measured.

Bosch has won this distinction three years in a row in the annual Lifestory Research study. Brands that earn and retain the trust for multiple years are the brands that people seek out when shopping for a new product.

America's Most Trusted Dishwasher Brand

In the Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted study, consumers rate their level of trust among the most recognized brands in the category. Study participants responses identified several brands that were widely known and recognized among people who indicated that they were actively considering a new dishwasher for their home. Trust was measured with the Lifestory Research Net Trust Quotient Score which measures the trust people hold of brands in multiple different product categories. Scores are standardized across more than 500 brands and product segments included in the study, and then rank ordered within each product segment.

As the 2021 Lifestory Research America's Most Trusted Dishwasher brand, Bosch produced a Net Trust Quotient Score of 117.1. Brands in the study included Bosch, Whirlpool, Maytag, Samsung, LG, KitchenAid, GE, Kenmore, Frigidaire, and Amana. The 2021 ranking is based on opinions of 8,023 people surveyed between January and December in the United States who indicated they were actively shopping for a dishwasher.

See trust scores, ratings and ranking from the 2021 America's Most Trusted Dishwasher study here.

America's Most Trusted Microwave Brand

The Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted Microwave brand is Bosch. As the 2021 Lifestory Research America's Most Trusted Microwave brand Bosch received the 5 Star Trust Rating with a Net Trust Quotient Score of 114.4 among people actively shopping for a new microwave. The microwave brands in the study included Bosch, KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Samsung, LG, Maytag, Whirlpool, GE, Panasonic, Frigidaire, Amana, Oster, Sharp, Westinghouse, and Magic Chef. The 2021 ranking of microwave brands is based on the opinions of 13,378 people surveyed between January and December in the United States who indicated they were actively shopping for a new microwave. To be considered, brands needed to receive enough survey responses to achieve a 95% confidence level with no more than a 3% margin of error.

See trust scores, ratings and ranking from the 2021 America's Most Trusted Microwave study here.

America's Most Trusted Refrigerator Brand

The Lifestory Research 2021 America's Most Trusted Refrigerator brand is Bosch. Bosch received the highest Net Trust Quotient score (110.9) and earned the #1 ranking of most trusted refrigerator appliance brands in the 2021 Lifestory Research America's Most Trusted Refrigerator Study. The refrigerator brands included in the study were Bosch, Samsung, Whirlpool, LG, Maytag, KitchenAid, GE, Kenmore, Frigidaire, and Amana. The 2021 ranking is based on 8,511 people surveyed between January and December in the United States who indicated they were actively shopping for a new refrigerator.

See trust scores, ratings and ranking from the 2021 America's Most Trusted Refrigerator study here.

About the America's Most Trusted Study

America's Most Trusted is a consumer-based research program based on thousands of people's opinions actively shopping for products. To identify America's Most Trusted, Lifestory Research conducts an ongoing annual survey in which people anonymously assess the trust they have in brands they encounter during their active search for specific products. Lifestory Research surveys people using well established social science research practices that seek to adhere to the highest quality standards of consumer insight. America's Most Trusted is a registered trademark of Lifestory Corporation. No advertising or promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of Lifestory Research. Learn more. #mostrustedbrands

About Lifestory Research

Leaders, companies, and brands know that great ideas are only useful if they move people toward action. Lifestory Research is an independent, science-driven consumer insights and strategy consulting firm that ignites relationships between companies and their audiences. We are passionate about customers, employees, brands, and the science of influence. We use quantitative and qualitative research to create customer insights, drive innovation, deliver brand strategy, and move people forward.

For more information, please visit www.lifestoryresearch.com

SOURCE Lifestory Research

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I began my love affair with adventure through the pages of books. I visited the South Pacific Islands for the first time with Somerset Maughan, fell in love with Florence, Italy in A Room with a View, and became a tourist in Africa with Evelyn Waugh. I even ran with the bulls in Pamplona with Ernest Hemingway and flew on the first solo womans flight from England to America with pioneering bush pilot Beryl Markham. As for India, well, Ive spent decades enraptured by stories of a place I havent yet been.

I still love to explore the world through armchair adventures to expand my horizons, disrupt my comfort zone, and stretch the boundaries of my cultural understanding. And its a good thing too, since we travelers have months to wait before vaccines give us the confidence to move freely about the globe again.

What better time than now to satisfy our wanderlust than between the pages of a well-thumbed favorite or newly minted book. Its also one of the best ways to explore our inner landscape at the same time that we are exploring the world around us.

In 2015, I had the opportunity to take a real-life adventure on Nepals famed Annapurna Circuit and later write about it. The circuit travels 130 miles in a horseshoe shape around the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalayas, the tallest and most rugged mountains in the world. Who wouldnt want to walk in the shadow of the worlds highest mountains, climbing past waterfalls and rice terraces, peeking inside the regions oldest Buddhist monastery, and sharing the path with yak herders and Sherpas?

When I said I yes to a high-attitude trek in Nepal, the call of adventure was ringing loudly in my ears. I was in the best shape of my life after walking 500 miles across Spain on El Camino de Santiago and was smitten with long-distance walking, an intimate way to experience the world.

But as I learned more about the journey ahead, my amygdala flew into action; thats the crazy little part of the brain that sniffs out fear and has been keeping us alive for thousands of years. During the process of getting my mind and body ready for my trek in the Himalayas, I realized that the risks I was about to take far surpassed anything I faced while walking from town to town across rural Spain.

In fact, the more diligent I became with my research, the more I learned about unpredictable weather, trekkers dying of exposure on the high pass at 18,000 feet, and a fragile part of the world made even more fragile as a result of a devastating earthquake that hit Nepal earlier that year. But I went anyway.

I write about how this journey tested my mettle and exposed my limitations in my new book, One Woman in the Himalayas. This is a story about how to find the courage to continue even when things dont go like you planned.

If you pay attention to the subtitle of the book, Not every idea is a good idea but you dont know until you try, you might think that my trek to Nepal was a bad move, even a regrettable one.

But if you take enough adventures, you are bound to face a sliding scale of success. As I look back at my decades of travel, the stories I remember most fondly are the ones that didnt go as planned. I think about how adversity shapes us and hardens the ground in front of us, preparing us for our next step.

There is a certain triumph in misadventure. If youre afraid of making mistakes, youll never go anywhere. Youll never have your breath taken away by the sight of Annapurna II, at more than 26,000 feet, rising across the valley right in front of you, her grandeur lording over the peaks around her and the big river that wed been following for days, tossed like a girls opalescent hair ribbon, on the dusty valley floor.

I may have put myself to a test that I wasnt quite ready for. But heres the thing, if you wait until you think youre ready, you may never act. I remember the Buddhist monk in Kathmandu who blessed the prayer flags I planned to hang at 18,000 feet on the high pass. The monk chanted, sprinkled holy water and threw a few rice grains on the flags. I wondered if he also threw a few detours into my journey to test my resolve. If so, he certainly succeeded.

We want everything to go as planned and then we get thrown a curve ball we didnt see coming. So, we take a swing and remind ourselves that its okay to be afraid. Like Winston Churchill said, Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

Take a walk with me and Ill tell you all about it.

Tracy Pawelski, crisis communications expert, adventure traveler and author, invites to you to experience her adventures and misadventures on Nepals famed Annapurna Circuit from the comfort of your favorite armchair by picking up a copy of One Woman in the Himalayas.
MONTMORENCY COUNTY, MI - Two Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers found a fresh bobcat carcass in a mans freezer while investigating an illegal trapping complaint recently.

The incident occurred in Northern Michigans Montmorency County a few days before bobcat trapping season started. Conservation Officer Sidney Collins responded to a complaint of a bobcat that was caught in a foothold trap, according to a DNR report.

Once Collins got to the area where the trap was located, she saw the bobcat was gone, but noticed blood and fur in the empty traps catch circle. She was able to identify the trapper. The next day, Collins and Conservation Officer Paul Fox went to the mans cabin. The man initially denied catching a bobcat in his trap, but then changed his tune.

Upon further questioning, the subject stated he caught a bobcat, but released it, according to the DNR report. The COs asked if they could check the subjects freezer to confirm no bobcat was taken. The subject agreed, then stated that the COs should just write him the ticket.

The DNR officers opened the mans freezer to find a fresh bobcat carcass with the trappers kill-tag on it. The bobcats body was seized as evidence. The DNR is seeking charges against the trapper through the county prosecutors office for taking a bobcat out of season.

Taking a bobcat out of season could mean up to 90 days in jail or up to a $1,000 fine for those convicted of the crime, according to penalties listed on a state court website. There is also the possibility of up to a $500 reimbursement fine per animal. Loss of a hunting license is also an option, and is done at the discretion of the court.

To see details about bobcat hunting and trapping seasons in Michigan, check the DNRs website.
The North Korean leader spoke at a rare Workers' Party congress. His silence on the countrys nuclear arsenal is seen as a wait-and-see approach towards Joe Biden. He admits guilt for the catastrophic state of the economy. Cities are running out of food.

Seoul (AsiaNews)  North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed yesterday to boost the country's military capabilities to protect its people, state news agency KCNA reported today.

The announcement was made on the second day of a rare congress of the Workers' Party, which has ruled North Korea since the end of the Second World War.

Kim did not mention nuclear weapons or war deterrent in his speech. Analysts see this as a way to avoid raising tensions with the US before US President-elect Joe Biden takes office.

North Korea is isolated internationally (except for China and a lesser extent Russia), and has been under international sanctions for years over its nuclear and rocket programmes.

Despite three summits and the apparent bonhomie with Donald Trump, nuclear talks with Washington have stalled for some time.

The country is in a very difficult situation. The coronavirus pandemic and a series of summer typhoons have weakened an economy already ravaged by sanctions.

At the opening of the congress, the first in five years, Kim admitted that the latest five-year plan was a failure.

He announced a new strategy to get the country out of its current state. This includes plans to innovate sectors such as construction, transport and communications, and promote a new approach in foreign political and economic relations.

According to several observers, Kim's admission of guilt is a sign that the regime is concerned about the countrys socio-economic situation. Pyongyang is aware of the serious food supply problem affecting the population (and the Armed Forces).

As North Korean cities begin to run out of supplies, vehicles are seen sneaking out at night to go into the countryside in search of food, reports the Daily NK, a Seoul-based online newspaper linked to South Koreas Unification Ministry,

What is more, North Korean authorities are often turning a blind eye to these activities even if they break the curfew.
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Few have been as explicit as Rudy Giuliani, the presidents personal lawyer, who earlier Wednesday suggested, Lets have trial by combat! But even as extremists boiled up around the Capitol, lapping against the security barriers, Republicans in the House and the Senate were chipping away at democracy from the inside.

Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, invoked the 1877 commission that resolved the disputed presidential election of 1876 as a model for what he described as addressing reasonable doubts about the 2020 election. There is no factual basis for such doubts about the 2020 vote, but Mr. Cruz's choice of analogy is historically resonant. In the 1876 election, white Democrats used widespread political violence to prevent Black people from voting and then demanded the end of Reconstruction as the price of the survival of a compromised Republic  ushering in an era of racial terror and cementing the exclusion of Southern Blacks from participatory democracy.

The modern Republican Party, in its systematic efforts to suppress voting, and its refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of elections that it loses, is similarly seeking to maintain its political power on the basis of disenfranchisement. Wednesdays insurrection is evidence of an alarming willingness to pursue that goal with violence.

It is clear that some Republican leaders are starting to fear the consequences of enabling Mr. Trump. Before the attack started, Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, decried efforts by his fellow Republicans to overturn the results of the election. But his eloquence was the very definition of a gesture both too little and too late. They who sow the wind, reap the whirlwind.

Other politicians have had firmer convictions. Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney tweeted, What happened at the U.S. Capitol today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States."

The Constitution requires Congress to count and announce the results of a presidential election on Jan. 6 of the following year. While the mob was able to put that process on hold, it did not stop it entirely, and it will not prevent Mr. Bidens inauguration in two weeks.

But the attack is a reminder of the fragility of self-government.

Jan. 6, 2021, will go down as a dark day. The question is whether, even as Mr. Trumps time in office ends, America is at the beginning of a descent into an even darker and more divided epoch or the end of one. The danger is real, but the answer is not foreordained. Republican politicians have the power, and the responsibility, to chart a different course by ending their rhetorical assaults on American democracy and rising in defense of the nation they swore oaths to serve.
New Traffic Laws Go Into Effect Across California

Several new traffic laws have gone into effect in California, including those involving safe space for Caltrans or emergency vehicles and rescuing children from hot cars.

Assembly Bill 2285, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law in September, establishes potential fines for motorists who do not slow down and, whenever possible, change lanes when encountering a Caltrans vehicle, tow truck or any emergency vehicle with lights flashing on a highway.

Previously, penalties were only imposed when violators failed to take precautions and make safe space for fire and law enforcement vehicles. The new law clarifies that Caltrans equipment and tow trucks conducting operations on a highway be given the same courtesy.

However, AB 2285 does not specify that motorists must move over if there might be conflicts with other drivers, or if conditions dont allow for it. But they must slow down. Otherwise, CHP officers could write them a $50 ticket.

Also starting with the New Year, AB 2717, signed into law by the governor at the end of September, amends existing law concerning leaving children under the age of 6 unattended in vehicles.

Prior to Jan. 1, state law mandated criminal penalties, including potential felony charges, for leaving children unsupervised.

It also exempted good Samaritans from civil and criminal liability if they forcibly enter a vehicle to rescue a stranded animal expiring from extreme heat or cold. However, there havent been exemptions for breaking into a vehicle to save a child.

AB 2717 changed that, specifically exempting a good Samaritan who rescues an endangered child from a locked vehicle from civil and criminal liability, if the property damage or trespass occurs while the person is rescuing a child 6 years of age or younger, according to the legislation.

A third new law, AB 47, which was signed into law in 2019 and doesnt take effect until July 1, allows the California Department of Motor Vehicles to add a penalty point to a motorists driving record if he or she receives two tickets in a 36-month span for talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free device.

Texting while driving also applies under the statute.

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WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Barry P. Goldberg is a top-rated personal injury attorney and is considered a foremost authority on California Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist law and arbitration procedure, with an office in Woodland Hills. Mr. Goldberg was recognized as a Super Lawyer for the 10th time and the distinction in the California Top 100 list.

Personal Injury Lawyer Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer Woodland Hills, CA

Barry P. Goldberg's feature Article "Mastering Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Arbitrations" was published in the November 2020 issue of Advocate magazine and was immediately recognized as the essential source for California personal injury attorneys on this topic. The Article tackles the timely issues of initiating arbitration, conducting discovery, obtaining an enforceable award, and recovering allowable costs in UM/UIM arbitrations.

Advocate is the largest magazine in the United States for plaintiffs' trial attorneys. Advocate is owned by the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) and published for the benefit of plaintiffs' trial attorneys in Southern California. Advocate is a peer-reviewed legal publication, written and edited by leading plaintiffs' attorneys. 10,000+ copies are mailed monthly to plaintiffs' attorneys throughout all of Southern California, from Los Angeles and Orange counties to San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Kern counties.

The Article is an update and extension of Mr. Goldberg's Article "The Strange Case of the UM/UIM Arbitration" published in 2011. Since that date, Mr. Goldberg has received regular inquiries from both new and experienced trial lawyers regarding difficult UM and UIM circumstances that regularly arise because the original UM Law and the relevant case fail to address issues encountered by personal injury practitioners. The plaintiff's bar has been requesting an update and extension of the original Article and "Mastering Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Arbitrations" is the direct result.

Barry P. Goldberg has been labeled "The UM Guru" by his fellow personal injury lawyers and comments like this are typical:

"Although I have been representing plaintiffs for over 30 years, I found your November 2020 Advocate Magazine article (Mastering . . . Arbitrations") to be an excellent summary, and learned a few things I did not know. Well done!" Kevin Meenan Owner - Lead Trial Lawyer - Law Firm Administrator at The Meenan Lariviere Law Firm.

Recently, Mr. Goldberg has made himself available for consulting and co-counsel on high value Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist cases.

Media Contact:

Barry Goldberg

818-222-6994

[email protected]

SOURCE Barry P. Goldberg

Related Links

https://www.barrypgoldberg.com


The water authorities have upgraded their emergency flood control response level for the Yangtze River basin after a continuous rise in water levels. In Wuhan, the water level rose to 24.78 meters (81 feet) on Tuesday, 4.01 meters higher than the same period in previous years, and not far from the warning level of 27.3 meters

May 26, 2021 05:16 PM
Snoop Dogg made an in-ring cameo during Wednesdays edition of AEW Dynamite: New Year's Smash.

Snoop Dogg, 49, jumped off the top rope and pinned the wrestler Serpentico in an unofficial match that took place at the culmination of a segment in which the rapper came out with wrestler Cody Rhodes in his match against Matt Sydal.

Snoop showed off his high-flying talents after Rhodes beat Sydal, helping him fend off rivals Serpentico and Luther, before jumping off the top rope with a splash on Serpentico, with Rhodes taking over referring duties and counting to three.

High-flyer: Snoop Dogg, 49, made an in-ring cameo during Wednesdays edition of AEW Dynamite: New Year's Smash

In the segment, Snoop wore a jacket with the cover of his 1993 album Doggystyle, grey jeans with white Converse sneakers.

Snoop earlier appeared in a segment on the show in which he played off his hit Gin And Juice in a segment with the tag team Private Party, Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen.

The Long Beach, California native, who was indicted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016 for his part work with the wrestling organization.

Past outings included appearances at WrestleMania XXIV in Orlando in 2008, and hosting Raw the following year.

Focused: The music veteran took his time as he lined up his body for the move

Snoop fashion: In the segment, Snoop wore a jacket with the cover of his 1993 album Doggystyle, grey jeans with white Converse sneakers

The rapper jumped off the top rope and pinned the wrestler Serpentico in an unofficial match that took place at the culmination of a segment

He's first cousins with WWE wrestling star Sasha Banks, whose real name is Mercedes Kaestner-Varnado, who tweeted at him a series of emojis with the caption, 'fam! Were gonna have to work on this' after the AEW segment.

The Young, Wild and Free rapper appeared as part of a cross promotion with Rhodes for their TV venture, The Go-Big Show.

The Go-Big Show debuts Thursday on TBS at 9/8c.

The rapper has had plenty of experience with pro wrestling, having taken part in multiple WWE events

The Young, Wild and Free rapper appeared as part of a cross promotion with Rhodes for their TV venture, The Go-Big Show
Lucknow, Jan 7 : The anti-CAA and NRC protesters in Uttar Pradesh are now planning to form a political party that will raise their issues.

The proposed political party will be named Rashtriya Justice Party and efforts are on to bring protesters from every district on one platform.

This campaign is being spearheaded by former Bahujan Samaj Party MP, Iliyas Azmi, and steps have been initiated to get the new party registered at the Election Commission with a request for 'tarazu' (scales) as the election symbol.

According to Azmi, the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and NRC (National Register of Citizens) protests last year had gained mass support and those who participated in it, did not work on basis of their political affiliations.

"Our purpose is to ensure justice for the weaker and downtrodden sections of society, especially Dalits and Muslims. Several former legislators are also keen to join the new party. Several people who were a part of the protests, are now keen to contest elections," he said.

These include Rajiv Yadav of Rihai Manch, Shahnawaz Alam of Congress and Sumaiya Rana who recently joined Samajwadi Party.

Azmi further said most of the political parties were concerned about vote bank politics but his new party would focus on issues.

[Editor's note: This article is the first in a six-part series about the remote Alaskan town, Arctic Village near the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, where six students from Sierra Nevada College visited last fall. Read part II.]

Rachael Blum is a final semester senior at Sierra Nevada College, majoring in Sustainability with a minor in Outdoor Leadership.

Last fall I was fortunate enough to adventure to Alaska with six students from Sierra Nevada College to engage in an incredibly unique cultural immersion and sustainability course in one of the most remote place in the world, Arctic Village. I come from a small towns and understand small town mentality, but this was different. The local natives were friendly and accommodating, eager to sweep the six wide-eyed students away on four-wheelers the second the small bush plane landed.

Students from Sierra Nevada College visit the remote town of Arctic Village. Photo credit: Sierra Nevada College

We found ourselves in Arctic Village after receiving an invitation from respected Gwichin Tribal elder Sarah James to take a course that would share the traditional ways of the Gwichin Tribe, as well as speak to the importance of protecting the nearby Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), a place that has been called the last great wilderness by numerous scholars and environmental advocates. During our time in Arctic Village, we had the opportunity to participate in many local activities including eating traditional meals (caribou, fry bread, ground squirrel), hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. We had many discussions with tribal members about the Gwichin culture as well as the treat to drill for oil in ANWR's coastal plain, known as 1002 area.

The desire to drill for oil on the pristine coastal borders of ANWR will put the future of the Porcupine Caribou herd at risk. The proposed 1002 Coastal Shore drilling site is where the Caribou go to calve. Referred to as The Sacred Place Where Life Begins by the Gwichon Steering Committee can be transferred and interpreted in many ways. Not only is it where the Caribou calve begin their epic migration throughout Alaska, but it is where the Gwichin peoples culture begins and continues to flourish.

Located approximately 300 miles south of the ANWR coastline lays humble Arctic Village, home to one of the Gwichin tribes. Gwichin, for those unfamiliar, directly translates to The Caribou People. After the calving process, the caribou make their way south through and near Arctic Village where the natives culture lives on and is supported by the caribou meat. Hunting is a major way of life for the Gwichin people. It supplies food, clothing, community and culture.

Before colonization, these people were a nomadic bunchmoving with the caribou. After this was no longer possible due to colonization, they settled in an area that is currently threatened by global warming, seen in permafrost and river changes, and the possibility of drilling up north. The caribou are one of the few sacred things left in the culture, without them, Gwichin culture and Arctic Village will cease to exist.

It is not unusual to see multiple firearms strapped on the men of the village, even the four-wheelers are equipped with gun racks. The hunters of Arctic Village are always ready for a caribou, moose or bear to wander into their area. Hunting is a way of life in the village. It feeds their small population and unifies the people. One man said, We never refuse meat to someone in need. It always comes back to you. They take care of each other with meat, they celebrate the meat, they exist off the meat.

We were asked to go north to learn about the proposed 1002 drilling site and its threat to Gwichin culture so that it may be passed on to the lower 48. To learn more visit the Gwichin Steering Committee website.

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Congress leader Sonia Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi-led government of bringing instability in the nation citing the ongoing farmers agitation and the rise in fuel prices. She lashed out at the BJP government alleging that petrol and diesel prices are the highest in 73 years because the Centre is trying to make profits ignoring the hardships faced by the citizens.

Sonia Gandhi alleged that the government recovered Rs 19,00,000 crore from the countrys citizens by increasing excise duty and denied extending the benefits of the global reduction of oil prices across the globe. Oil prices across the globe hit record lows last year due to the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdowns it brought across several countries and major cities.

Sonia Gandhi called the government insensitive and alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party is busy profiting from the pandemic instead of extending a helping hand to the masses. I demand from the government that the rates of excise duty on petrol and diesel be made similar to that during the UPA regime and provide immediate relief to the affected people, she said in her statement, released by the Congress.

Petrol prices on Thursday rose by 23 paise per litre to Rs 84.20 in the Capital, which is among the all-time highest prices recorded. Diesel prices rose by 26 paise to Rs 74.38 in New Delhi.

Gandhi also said the nation is facing a crisis and appears to be standing at crossroads for the first time since independence. The country is standing at the crossroads today for the first time in the history of independent India. On one hand, the countrys annadata is standing on the borders of Delhi for the last 44 days in support of their legitimate demands, while the countrys autocratic, insensitive and ruthless BJP government is busy breaking the back of the poor, farmers and middle class, the statement said.

Sonia Gandhi in her statement demanded that the prime minister repeal the newly introduced farm laws. I once again appeal to the government to repeal the three farm laws immediately and fulfil all the demands of farmers, Gandhi said.

The government is scheduled to meet the farmers unions on January 8. The farmers have been protesting at Delhis borders for the last 44 days demanding the repeal of the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance, and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. The farmers groups believe that these three laws will affect the procurement under the Minimum Support Price system and allow private and multinational companies to make profits off farmers as it will encourage corporate farming.

(with inputs from PTI)

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South-east Queensland copped a drenching overnight as several severe storm cells rolled through the region, with 100 millimetres of rain recorded in two hours south-west of Brisbane.

Meteorologist Livio Regano said the region was "divided" by a "wall of rain", with Brisbane City receiving less than five millimetres, but areas further west - such as Ipswich - were "hammered".

"There was a wall of rain that was almost stationary and it almost divided the city from east to west, it hammered Ipswich [the Scenic Rim and Toowoomba] but the rest to the east got nothing," he said.

"Today [Thursday] will be different, a south-easterly change will move through with a strong wind warning and it will more be a case of showers, as opposed to thunderstorms like yesterday, and it will also be a lot cooler, the humidity will stay, but it will be a lot more comfortable."

Even though people like White are eager to work, the economy hasnt yet returned to full capacity, with many states reimposing lockdown measures to control new COVID-19 cases. The number of available jobs in October stood at 6.65 million, but more than 11 million workers were without a job during the month, according to the latest Labor Department data.
Pacific Shore Stones is pleased to bring our latest concept, Elements Room by Pacific Shore Stones, to San Antonio.

In response to the growing demand for an elevated shopping experience for your new countertop, Pacific Shore Stones is pleased to bring their latest concept, Elements Room by Pacific Shore Stones, to San Antonio. Providing the same great value while striving to provide a superb customer experience, Elements Room offers a curated selection of the best in natural stone, quartz, porcelain, and other premium surfaces.

Located less than a half-mile away from the current Pacific Shore Stones location where they served San Antonio and greater South Texas for over 12 years, you can now find Elements Room on Arion Pkwy. Now an indoor showroom, Elements Room is elevating the stone selection process in San Antonio to provide an array of products including, but not limited to marble, granite, quartzite, porcelain, and premier quartz brands such as Caesarstone, Cambria, Compac, and their line called Pacshore Quartz.

This new showroom emerged from the desire to fuse creativity with service to offer an innovative showroom experience. "At Elements Room, we believe that the selection experience is important for helping people make great choices. We often display book match surfaces so that the veining and other features come to life," said Marco A. Pereira, Elements Room owner. The goal at Elements Room is to inspire and reveal the best of natural stone and other surface options while making the selection process easier on the consumer.

Updates on the transition process and grand opening details will be posted on the Elements Room San Antonio social media channels: instagram.com/ElementsRoomSanAntonio and facebook.com/ElementsRoomSA. Design inspiration can be found at pinterest.com/pacshore on an Elements Room board. In the meantime, they are open for business while planning the grand opening.

About Elements Room

Elements Room presents a stunning selection of natural stone and other surface materials in a unique setting created with the customer in mind. The boutique showroom displays inspirational applications and specializes in surface specification needs. The warehouse boasts an array of top-quality surface materials to inspire consumers.

Along with quartz, semi-precious, and porcelain, Elements Room carries stones from select quarries in places such as Brazil, Italy, Turkey, and India. Unusual and sought-after examples of granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, and onyx are on display. The well-lit, inviting showroom provides fresh ideas and creative surface applications. Conveniently located off 281 in one of San Antonios design districts on Arion Pkwy in San Antonio.




Step 1:

Seek advice from your doctor for admission or home isolation. Based on the symptoms, if you are advised to seek home isolation then prepare a separate room with possibly separate bathroom facilities to ensure that your family members are not infected.

Step 2:

If you opt for home isolation, the hospital would be responsible to inform the local authorities. If you live in a society or apartment complex, do inform the nearby ward office or inform the PMC ward office. Each ward office has been provided with a war room for sanitisation of the premises.

Step 3:

Once the patients contact details are provided to the administration, PMCs contact tracing team would call the person and family members will also be tested. PMC has prescribed home isolation for a minimum period of 17 days, even for asymptomatic patients.

Step 4:

For those who have returned to the city from the UK or the Middle East before December 22, they must produce a negative RT-PCR report and submit it to the PMC and stay in home isolation. If positive then report to the civic body and get admitted at Naidu hospital.

Step 5:

For any passengers who came to the city from the Middle East from now onward will be directly taken to a hotel and tested for Covid-19. If the result is positive then the sample would be sent for genome sequencing to check if it is new (UK) strain. Contact PMC: 020-25506800/01/02/03.

Once we get the contact details of the patients we get in touch with them and conduct contact tracing. We do provide separate waste collection options for the patients family but this is not for any indifference but strictly for medical reasons. Family members of the patient and those living nearby the patients house must provide mental and moral support to the family. We are fighting the virus not the patient, says Dr Vaishali Jadhav, assistant health officer.

Helpline:To find a bed in government or private hospital 020- 2550 2110
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7)  District engineers allegedly involved in corruption in public works projects have been relieved of their duties in compliance with President Rodrigo Dutertes order, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar disclosed Thursday.

In late December, Duterte revealed the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commissions list of purportedly corrupt former and incumbent lawmakers as well as DPWH district engineers, despite admitting that there is "no hard evidence" against them. He then ordered the relief of the accused district engineers.

Merong mga na-relieve na sa trabaho. Labing 14 na na-relieve, Villar told a briefing.

[Translation: 14 district engineers have been relieved.]

Duterte said the following lawmakers are being probed by the PACC: Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez Sato, Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas, Misamis Occidental Rep. Henry Oaminal, Isabela Rep. Alyssa Sheena Tan, Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza, Quezon Rep. Angelina "Helen" Tan, ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Eric Yap, Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, and former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, Jr.

Accusations against them include demanding kickbacks, bid rigging, and implementing anomalous road projects.

The lawmakers denied the allegations, saying they are ready to face investigations to prove their innocence.

The President said identifying the lawmakers as being linked to corrupt activities did not automatically mean they are guilty of wrongdoing. But Duterte noted that people had the right to know about the information he received from the PACC.

Critics have said that Duterte revealed the list of supposedly corrupt lawmakers to draw the publics attention away from the controversy over members of the military, including Duterte's security detail, being given shots of still unlicensed vaccine. His spokesman Harry Roque refuted this allegation.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Transportation and Telecommunications Minister and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Chairman Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed paid an inspection visit to Bahrain International Airport to follow up on the progress of construction at the new Passenger Terminal. The second phase, which is proceeding on schedule, is taking place in the eastern part of the airport. The site has been cordoned off to maintain the highest levels of safety and security.

The Minister, BAC officials and representatives of the projects main contractor, Arabtec TAV, were briefed on the latest developments, including demolition works and the removal of all internal equipment and installations, floors, ceilings, non-bearing partition walls, mechanical and electrical systems, and air conditioning systems.

The Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining the current pace of work, completing the second phase on time, and ensuring that the construction does not affect airport operations. He reiterated that 2021 will be a major turning point for the airport, praising the ongoing efforts of Team Bahrain, which started work on this important national development project four years ago.

He noted that the $1.1 billion Airport Modernisation Programme (AMP) is the largest investment in Bahrains aviation sector for more than 20 years and will usher in a new era for air transport in the Kingdom. In addition to the new Passenger Terminal and related projects such as the Central Utilities Complex, Multi-storey Cark Park, Staff Parking Area, Super Gate and Fire Station, the AMP includes several infrastructure development projects that will contribute to the realisation of Bahrains Economic Vision 2030, laying the foundation for a more sustainable and diversified economy.

The transference of operations to the new terminal will signal a major shift in the Kingdoms aviation sector. This will be complemented with Fuel Farm Complex operations, including three aviation fuel tanks. The coming months will also see the inauguration of the new private aviation terminal, which will cater to businessmen and private aircraft owners. The private aviation terminal will be a major contributor to trade and will support the growth of the tourism and travel sector for decades to come.

Four times larger than the existing facility, the new Passenger Terminal is equipped with the latest technologies and supported by high-quality infrastructure. It will increase the airports capacity to 14 million passengers per year, delivering a comfortable and hassle-free airport experience.
NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The following event roundup from Virtual Press Office is a list of featured exhibitors for CES 2021, the most influential tech event in the world, which takes place digitally from January 11-14.

CES 2021 exhibitor media kits, press releases and photos are available on the Official Exhibitor Media Center, managed by Virtual Press Office/Cision PR Newswire: https://ces.vporoom.com

CES 2021 media kits on Virtual Press Office

Aetrex

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/Aetrex

Aetrex Worldwide is widely recognized as the global leader in foot scanning technology and orthotics. Aetrex develops state-of-the-art foot scanning devices designed to accurately measure feet and determine foot type and pressure points. Albert 2, the latest foot scanner from Aetrex Technology, combines all the features a retailer could possibly need in one compact device. Albert 2 offers a simple, quick scanning process that enables retailers to access unmatched data and add-on sales opportunities, while giving the customer a safe, socially distanced, unique in-store experience. Since 2002, Aetrex has placed over 10,000 scanners worldwide and performed over 40 million scans.

Alango - Wear & Hear

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/WearAndHear

Alango - Wear & Hear offers a unique line of hearables with our proprietary audio technology to keep ears young and as a by-product, help keep the mind sharp. 15% of the general population experience some level of hearing loss but because degradation is gradual, many don't recognize the decline until it becomes serious. By then many experience increased isolation, depression, and even a decline in overall physical and mental health, including dementia. Our hearing enhancement solutions are stylish, self-fit, multi-functional, and affordable, making it easy to address mild-to-moderate hearing loss before it develops into a much more critical problem.

Ambient Weather

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/AmbientWeather

Ambient Weather has been a market leader in weather stations, environmental monitoring instruments and intuitive web-based dashboards for viewing and sharing weather data for over two decades. Our personal weather dashboard at AmbientWeather.net is the most versatile and intuitive in the industry.

BenjiLock By Hampton

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/BenjiLockByHampton

Hampton Products is a trusted leader and innovator in security hardware products and solutions that are easy to install and use. The company has sold more than 1.5 billion door locks, padlocks, door hardware and security lights since 1990 under the Brink's, Hampton, Mountain Security, Wright Products, Universal Hardware and other security brand names, and is actively developing the next generation of connected home products. Visit BuyHampton.com for more information.

bHaptics

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/bHaptics

For more information, visit bhaptics.com

Bodyfriend

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/Bodyfriend

Bodyfriend, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is an award-winning global healthcare and wellness company with more than 1,300 employees, 1,200 patents and 127 stores (2018), with many more distribution channels being implemented. In less than 10 years, the company has become the number one massage chair brand in South Korea and a leading brand globally, with global partnerships including Lamborghini and Marvel, among others. Bodyfriend also manufactures a variety of health and wellness products, including a line of GLED facial beauty masks and line of water purifiers. Bodyfriend was the recipient of the CES 2019, 2020 and 2021 Innovation Awards.

Brondell

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/Brondell

Brondell is a modern health and personal care brand committed to bringing true innovation and new technologies to consumers to create healthy environments and enhance the spaces and routines people engage with every day.

Brondell's extensive, award-winning product line is focused on wellness, and purifying the air we breathe, filtering the water we drink and taking care of the body we keep. Healthy by design, Brondell sources the most innovative and technologically advanced air purifiers, water filters and bidets and accessories from around the world and customizes them for the North American market.

DozzyCozy Technology Co., Ltd.

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/DozzyCozy

DozzyCozy understands all your sleep disorders and problems.



The founder has created a series of intelligence with the spirit of "humanized design combined with modern technology" bedding product. Designing ideas come from the experience of sleep. Improper sleeping posture would result in the neck and shoulder problems, which will affect the human body health and lead to serious health warning and health issues. DozzyCozy utilizes technology with "global patented smart pillow" to improve the sleeping problems. Our mission; a well-designed pillow could completely releases the pressure of the day and brings you a refreshing day with full of vitality.

epicnpoc

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/epicnpoc

A thriving French startup comprised of experts in the design and engineering of the user experience.

Ergomotion

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/Ergomotion

Ergomotion, headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, is the largest manufacturer of adjustable bases worldwide. The company's products are created to provide a holistic wellness solution infused with smart technology to enrich sleep, health, and the overall quality of life. Ergomotion's adjustable bases are designed to accommodate the industry's leading mattresses and to seamlessly integrate with existing bed frames. The products have been sold in more than 30 countries to over 170 major brands. Ergomotion is part of the Keeson Technology Corp. family based in Jiaxing City, China. To learn more about Ergomotion visit ergomotion.com.

Future Seating

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/X-Chair

Parent company to the X-Chair Office Chair and Mavix Gaming Chair companies, Future Seating was founded in 2016 with the launch of X-Chair. Future Seating focuses on providing consumers with Ergonomic, high Quality, thoughtfully Designed, seating products.

Incorporating innovative ergonomic features like X-HMT Heat & Massage Technology, Dynamic Variable Lumbar (DVL) support, Sci-Float infinite recline and REVOLVE Extended Recline, Future Seating seeks to constantly challenge and redefine what it means to consumers to sit comfortably. All Future Seating products aim to enable high performance and productivity.

iMediSync

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/iMediSync

iMediSync is an AI-driven early detection therapeutic platform for optimal brain health. Early detection is the key for proper treatment; however, few indicators of neurological disorders have been discovered. With advanced EEG (brainwaves) analytics, our AI-driven cloud-based platform overcomes the challenge. Come and join us together!

Industrial Technology Research Institute

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/ITRI

Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is one of the world's leading technology R&D organizations aiming to innovate a better future for society. The Institute focuses on innovation development in Smart Living, Quality Health, and Sustainable Environment, and strives to strengthen Intelligentization Enabling Technology to support diversified applications. ITRI is also dedicated to incubating startups and spinoffs, including well-known names such as UMC and TSMC. In addition to its headquarters in Taiwan, ITRI has branch offices in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. For more information, please visit: itri.org/eng.

InnoPhase

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/InnoPhase

InnoPhase is a fabless wireless semiconductor platform company specializing in extreme low power wireless IoT solutions. It developed the award-winning, Talaria TWO multi-protocol chipset with the world's lowest power Wi-Fi radio using a unique, programmable digital polar radio architecture. Its technology enables an entirely new category of high volume, battery-powered consumer, commercial, industrial and medical applications that are simply not possible using today's wireless semiconductor technology. Customers are using it to create a wide range of innovative wireless products and solutions for the rapidly growing battery-based IoT market.

InnoPhase is headquartered in San Diego, California. To learn more visit innophaseinc.com.

Innoviz Technologies

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/InnovizTechnologies

For more information, visit innoviz.tech

InWith Corporation

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/InWithCorp

For more information, visit inwithcorp.com

Italian Trade Agency

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/ItalianTradeAgency

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is the Governmental Agency that supports Italian companies' business development abroad and promotes foreign investment to Italy.

ITA is exhibiting at the first-ever, all-digital Consumer Electronic Show 2021 with a delegation of 53 Italian Startups.

With a network of 79 offices in 65 countries, ITA serves as a gateway for enterprises interested in establishing, developing, and expanding business relationships with Italian partners, sourcing Italian products, and pursuing investment opportunities.

More specifically, the agency educates, trains, consults with, publicizes, and otherwise assists small and medium-sized businesses in spreading the Made In Italy brand worldwide. Foreign companies interested in Italian products and services or looking to partner with Italian companies can access a find-your-Italian partner directory, a database with profiles of more than a thousand firms, searchable by sector or product. ITA offers high-level tutoring services to guide foreign investors strategically through the investment life cycle.

ITA has been supporting innovative startups since 2012 when the Italian Government assigned the Agency the task of promoting the participation of startups in specialized international initiatives. Subsequently, with other regulatory interventions, these benefits were also extended to innovative SMEs.

The main goal is to facilitate opportunities to meet and engage with local and international partners, investors, and potential customers through meetings, pitches, and roundtables discussions.

Kono Corporation Ltd.

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/KonoCorporation

For more information, visit konocorp.com

LeddarTech

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/LeddarTech

LeddarTech is a leader in environmental sensing platforms for autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems. LeddarTech has evolved to become a comprehensive end-to-end environmental sensing company by enabling customers to solve critical sensing and perception challenges across the entire value chain of the automotive and mobility market segments. With its LeddarVision sensor-fusion and perception platform and its cost-effective, scalable, and versatile LiDAR development solution for automotive-grade solid-state LiDARs based on the LeddarEngine, LeddarTech enables Tier 1-2 automotive system integrators to develop full-stack sensing solutions from Level 1-5. This platform is actively deployed in autonomous shuttles, trucks, buses, delivery vehicles, smart city/factory, and robotaxi applications. The company is responsible for several innovations in cutting-edge automotive and mobility remote-sensing applications, with over 95 patented technologies (granted or pending) enhancing ADAS and autonomous driving capabilities.

Additional information about LeddarTech can be found at LeddarTech.com, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Leman Micro Devices

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/leman-micro

Leman Micro Devices is the leader in the development of medically-accurate smartphone and mobile device technology for personal healthcare. Its unique V-Sensor and e-Checkup-app were developed for integration into smartphones, mobile devices and wearables, enabling users to monitor their own vital signs, including blood pressure, blood oxygen level, pulse rate, temperature and respiration rate, with the same medical accuracy as doctors and clinicians, completely cuff-less and calibration-free. Founded in 2010, LMD is based in Lausanne, Switzerland, in the heart of the "Health Valley".

Lightcircle of Norway

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/Lightcircle

For more information, visit lightcircle.io

Lioness

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/Lioness

Founded by ex-GoogleX and Amazon technologists and developed from more than four years of research and development with sex researchers and doctors, Lioness brings patented technology previously only ever seen in research labs into a sleek, easy-to-use vibrator with an intuitive mobile app. Although Lioness may look like a basic sex toy, it's the first and only vibrator to improve orgasms through biofeedback and data.

Their newest launch, Lioness Generation 2, is based on years of working with Lioness customers, analyzing data on 30,000+ orgasms, conducting dozens of user studies, and incorporating the latest machine-learning developments. It will be available to all Lioness users in mid-2020 and is backward compatible for people who already have a Lioness.

In November 2019, Co-founder and VP of Engineering Anna Lee was selected as Forbes 30 Under 30 for 2020 and Lioness won the Women's Health Innovation Spotlight Powered by Johnson & Johnson. Most recently, Lioness Vibrator Generation 2 was selected from hundreds of applicants as one of the top 10 finalists for Last Gadget Standing, one of the longest-running events produced by Living in Digital Times (LIDT) in partnership with CTA.

Lioness is also the first vibrator company to have public ads at bus stops across San Francisco. With thousands of Lioness Vibrators sold, we are revolutionizing the way we approach sexual pleasure.

LiveArea

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/LiveArea

LiveArea is an award-winning global customer experience and commerce agency. We bring the full potential of digital business to life, helping brands create meaningful and lasting customer connections. Fusing creativity, strategy, and technology, our services include NXT Intelligence TM, product innovation, connected commerce, service design, performance marketing, and orchestrated services. We bring together commerce technology, building and launching innovative products and services powered by data-driven insights to elevate customer relationships  online and in-store. We deliver B2B, B2C, and D2C solutions in health and beauty, fashion and apparel, luxury, consumer packaged goods, retail stores, healthcare, and automotive. Learn more at LiveaAreaCX.com

Medic-lead ltd

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/Medic-lead

Medic-lead ltd is UK based company since 2016. A team of experienced doctors, engineers, we have developed the world's first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled wash basin with Internet of Things (IoT) ability. This implements 100% WHO hand wash technique for every user, every time for real time infection prevention in hospitals, hotels, work and public places in smart cities.

The AI- enabled console could be retro-fitted on any wash basin. It uses 60% less water per hand wash episode and the hand wash cartridges use 60% less plastic in packaging.

MIJ Co., Ltd.

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/MIJ

CARE4EAR is an application, it is built for mobile devices intent to help patients with tinnitus sound. Apps can be used for health care, especially for managing chronic tinnitus conditions. Moreover, it is developed, to routine tinnitus care practice. This includes hearing sound / tinnitus test, provide customized care and complete data record of test and result.

AI Tinnitus Counselor" function to maximize tinnitus effect. This app is designed to provide care guide, which care tinnitus by listening to music, guide the entire management process through animation and voice guidance. It also classifies tinnitus by type through different functions of AI care and suggest optimal care. Although there is no cure for tinnitus, while some cases are minor, some require more specific practice to overcome possible long-term care duration (4hrs. per/day, 6 months or more). One must learn to manage tinnitus so, CARE4EAR encourage users to monitor their care process through push alarms.

The big advantage of the new tinnitus care app is that you can use it anywhere, anytime. It is also cost-effective and convenient alternative to face-to-face customized consultation service through AI counselor.

Miscato Limited

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/Miscato

Aromeo Sense is a modern wellness device that transforms your bedroom atmosphere into any mood using a synergy of aroma, light, and music therapy. The aromatherapy works through a diffuser body that provides waterless diffusion of 3 natural fragrance pods made from botanical and non-toxic ingredients. Its colored light therapy is from a 40-LED light ring around the diffuser. The device works with Aromeo App, which provides curated music therapy playlists and allows users to customize their multi-sensory settings. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Aromeo Sense features 3 preset modules: Sleep, Relax, and Focus.

Moley Services UK Ltd

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/Moley

The Moley robotic kitchen is the world's first fully automated kitchen system, developed by Moley Services UK Ltd. Each customer installation is bespoke, but in general it will include state-of-the-art robotic arms, highly dexterous hands and a full set of IoT smart kitchen appliances, cookware and utensils that have been developed for both for robot and human use.

The robot kitchen is supported by a digital library of thousands of recipes that can be selected and cooked at the flick of a switch.

The platform architecture will be further developed to integrate into restaurants, fast food and commercial kitchens.

Morari Medical

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/MorariMedical

Morari Medical is a pioneering sexual health company, using cutting edge technology to champion male sexual confidence, control, and satisfaction. The Morari team is leveraging its 75 years of collective experience in urology and sexual health to develop a wearable based treatment for premature ejaculation, the most prevalent male sexual dysfunction, estimated to affect 30 percent of men. Morari is developing wearable technology that uses neuromodulation to support sexual satisfaction for men who desire climax control. Morari envisions a world where all beings can create the climactic experience they desire and enjoy their sexuality freely with confidence, curiosity, and control.

NuraLogix Corporation

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/NuraLogix

Preventative health. At your fingertips.

Anura is an AI-based app that allows contactless health tracking; using only a smartphone, find out your results in just 30 seconds! Anura is the world's first app for contactless blood pressure measurement, without the need for a cuff or another wearable. Anura also measures other health indexes, including heart rate, stress levels, and potential health risks with 95-99% accuracy (based on research and clinical studies).

Available in English, Chinese, Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Brazilian Portuguese (Japanese to be released later this winter), download Anura today from your app store.

Pivot-Solar Breeze

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/Solar-Breeze

On a hot day, pool owners are often discouraged from jumping right in if dust and debris loom the surface. Hand-skimming a pool, especially a large one, can be a chore. Ariel by Solar-Breeze is a new robot that eliminates the need to hand-skim a pool by combining the force of solar-power with intelligent technology to collect debris from the surface. After placing the Ariel unit in the pool and turning her on, she effortlessly maneuvers to remove up to 95% of dirt, leaves, pollen, dust, hair, oil and more before the debris decays and sinks to the bottom.

Rise Gardens

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/RiseGardens

Rise Gardens designs state-of-the-art indoor hydroponic produce gardens that make it easy for anyone to grow their own food. The system makes a complicated process productive and fun for gardeners constrained by busy schedules, short growing seasons or access to land in urban settings. The modular, smart IoT platform allows for expansion and enables growing of a wide variety of greens and vegetables. Founded in 2019 and based in Chicago, Rise Gardens encourages better nutrition and healthy outcomes by helping people grow their own food year-round and by partnering with schools to build nutrition education into the classroom.

Scan Shop

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/ScanShop

Scan Shop is a 3D model maker that specializes in ecommerce. Using patented scan technology from Scanblue, the US based Scan Shop provides the highest quality product catalog digitization services to manufacturers and ecommerce owners.

Seoul Digital Foundation

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/SeoulDigitalFoundation

In 2016, the Seoul Metropolitan Government created the Seoul Digital Foundation to serve as a nexus for exciting city-wide digital innovations in Korea's most prominent economic, social, and cultural hub: Seoul!, In this role, the Seoul Digital Foundation seeks to create a next-generation digital infrastructure for Seoul where safety, transportation, environmental, and other urban issues can be immediately addressed with state-of-the-art digital technologies.

Sequans Communications

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/Sequans

Sequans Communications S.A. is a leading developer and provider of 5G and 4G chips and modules for massive, broadband, and critical IoT. For 5G/4G massive IoT applications, Sequans provides a comprehensive product portfolio based on its flagship Monarch LTE-M/NB-IoT and Calliope Cat 1 chip platforms, featuring industry-leading low power consumption, a large set of integrated functionalities, and global deployment capability. For 5G/4G broadband and critical IoT applications, Sequans offers a product portfolio based on its Cassiopeia Cat 4/Cat 6 4G and high-end Taurus 5G chip platforms, optimized for low-cost residential, enterprise, and industrial applications.

TMTLAB Inc.

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/TMTLAB

TMT LAB Inc. is a Toronto-based private equity backed firm and it is the creator of Spot Direct, a patented SaaS platform that enables monetization of video broadcasters, MVPDs and IP video distributors operational infrastructure. For more information visit tmtlab.com.

tonies

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/tonies

tonies is the original, screenless audio entertainment system for children ages 3+ years. We wanted to create a way for kids to experience storytelling in a digital age that stimulates their imagination in ways that a screen cannot. We made the Toniebox for kids (and parents) who want to feel good about their entertainment at home and to bring back imagination in its purest form. Our robust and growing library includes classic fairy tales, music and popular licensed content from Disney/Pixar, Penguin Random House and Universal, with even more fictional and educational content on the way for 2021.

Typewise AG

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/Typewise

Typewise is a Swiss deep tech company, on a mission to make daily lives easier by decoding human thoughts. Their first product offering is a smartphone keyboard created to remove the frustration from typing and change the way users input information into their devices. Typewise combines intelligent autocorrection and text predictions with a multi-language capability, and a dynamic hexagonal keyboard designed for two-thumb typing; the app saves time, increases accuracy, and boosts productivity. Employing 100% private algorithms capable of running offline, Typewise has been designed to always ensure user privacy  the antithesis of most keyboard apps on the market.

Voice Life Inc

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/VoiceLife

Voice Life Inc., based upon a terahertz-based scalable network designed for far field wireless charging, is creating the next advancement in the capability to charge, maintain use and availability of smartphones and other electric-based products and devices.

Voice Life's Technological Foundation

The Company combines blockchain technology with our Far Field Wireless Power Charging System which facilitates a far-field wireless power transfer (transferring power through a combination of radio-frequency waves and terahertz waves) creating the ability for continuous power.

Wavemaker Creative / Crew in a Box

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/WavemakerCreative

Crew in a Box is the world's first professional quality, plug-and-play remote video production solution, and winner of the 2020 IABM BaM Create Award, voted the best technological innovation of 2020 in broadcast & media creation. On-camera talent simply opens the box and plugs it in, automatically connecting the system to a remote team of filmmakers who control every aspect of the shoot, including the integrated 6k cinema camera, LED light, microphones, and teleprompter/Interrotron.

Yoon Ergonomics

Press Kit: ces.vporoom.com/threeddesk

For more information, visit threeddesk.com

The above media kits will continue to be updated throughout the show. Please check back during CES 2021 for the latest news.

Virtual Press Office (http://www.vporoom.com/) is a Cision PR Newswire company. Follow us on Twitter @VPOEventZone or subscribe to our RSS feed for more trade show news. If you have questions about Virtual Press Office services, or if you would like to offer feedback on this exhibitor profile roundup, please email [email protected].

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They spoke by phone late on Wednesday one day after a transport plane chartered by the French government delivered more humanitarian aid to Armenian victims of the conflict. The aid included medical supplies and clothing collected by the French-Armenian Aznavour Foundation.

The President of the Republic expressed his determination to strive for a balanced political process in order to find a lasting political solution after the ceasefire agreement of November 9, Macrons office said in a statement on the phone call issued on Thursday.

In this context, the President of the Republic pledged to support the ongoing efforts to allow the release of all prisoners and to support the economic development of Armenia, it added.

For his part, Pashinian was reported to thank Macron for the attention and support shown by him during this difficult time for the Armenian people.

An Armenian government statement said the two leaders also discussed French-Armenian economic ties. It gave no other details.

France co-chairs the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe together with Russia and the United States. The three world powers tried hard to halt the war in and around Karabakh that broke out on September 27. The hostilities stopped only after Moscow brokered a fresh Armenian-Azerbaijani truce agreement on November 9.

Macron and his foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, have repeatedly discussed the agreements implementation with their Russian counterparts, Vladimir Putin and Sergei Lavrov.

The French president criticized Azerbaijan and accused Turkey of recruiting jihadist fighters from Syria for the Azerbaijani army shortly after the outbreak of the war. Le Drian reiterated last month French calls for the departure of the Syrian mercenaries from the conflict zone.

Turkey has denied sending members of Turkish-backed Syrian rebel groups to fight in Karabakh on Azerbaijans side. Azerbaijan also denies the presence of such mercenaries in the Azerbaijani army ranks. Both Ankara and Baku accuse Paris of pro-Armenian bias.

France is home to an influential Armenian community. The latter was instrumental in the recent passage by both houses of the French parliament of resolutions calling on Macrons government to recognize Karabakh as an independent republic. The government ruled out such recognition, saying that it would be counterproductive for France and the Karabakh negotiating process.
Company approaching final stages of its planned acquisition of Colorado-based cannabis manufacturing and distribution company

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - SLANG Worldwide Inc. (CNSX: SLNG) (OTCQB: SLGWF) ("SLANG" or the "Company"), a leading global cannabis consumer packaged goods (CPG) company with a diversified portfolio of popular brands, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger (the "Merger Agreement") with respect to its previously announced proposed acquisition (the "Acquisition") of Allied Concessions Group Inc. ("ACG"), a manufacturing and distribution business based in Colorado. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, SLANG will issue up to an aggregate of 66,120,730 common shares in the capital of the Company, provided that SLANG may elect that up to 60% of such shares may be issued as restricted voting shares in the capital of the Company, as determined by SLANG in its sole discretion and subject to further adjustment in accordance with the Merger Agreement (the "Shares").

ACG is an Infused Product Manufacturer (MIP) that produces O.pen, Bakked and Pressies branded cannabis products in Colorado. ACG is comprised of two different manufacturing and distribution facilities that extract both hydrocarbon and CO 2 oil for all SLANG branded products in Colorado. The Acquisition is the latest development in the Company's strategy to consolidate its supply chain in Colorado, which is one of its core markets with an estimated cannabis market size of $1.7 B1 in 2019. This planned expansion follows SLANG's recent acquisitions of licensed cannabis cultivator Pleasant Valley Ranch, LLC and licensed manufacturer and distributor, Peoria Partners LLC in Colorado.

Chris Driessen, CEO of SLANG, said, "We are thrilled that our long awaited acquisition of Allied Concessions Group is approaching its conclusion. Once we have final approval to close, which we expect this quarter, we will control our own destiny from seed to wholesale of the entire portfolio of SLANG brands in our largest market. This acquisition will allow us to continue to consolidate and streamline our operations in Colorado while increasing our revenue. With greater control over production and distribution planning, we expect to improve our gross profit per unit sold and strengthen our leadership position in the state."

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, an aggregate of 3,306,037 Shares will be placed in escrow upon closing of the Acquisition to satisfy indemnification claims and working capital adjustments. In addition, all Shares will be subject to a contractual lock-up pursuant to which 1/8 of the Shares shall be released from such lock-up on the last day of each calendar quarter following closing of the Acquisition.

Completion of the Acquisition remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent in the Merger Agreement, including the receipt of the approval of the Colorado Department of Revenue's Marijuana Enforcement Division. Closing of the Acquisition is expected to occur in Q1 2021.

To be added to SLANG's email distribution list, please email investors@slangww.com with "SLNG" in the subject.

About SLANG Worldwide Inc.

SLANG Worldwide Inc. is a global leader in the cannabis CPG sector with a diversified portfolio of popular brands distributed across the United States. The Company specializes in acquiring and developing market-proven regional brands as well as launching innovative new brands to seize global market opportunities. For more information, please visit www.slangww.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such 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. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the completion of the Acquisition and SLANG's prospects in Colorado.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management of SLANG at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to regulatory risks, risks related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, changes in laws, resolutions and guidelines, market risks, concentration risks, operating history, competition, the risks associated with international and foreign operations and the other risks identified under the headings "Risk Factors" in SLANG's final long form prospectus dated January 17, 2019 and "Risks and Uncertainties" in the management discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2019 and six months ended June 30, 2020, each as filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. SLANG is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

Third Party Information

This press release includes market and industry data that has been obtained from third party sources, including industry publications. The Company believes that the industry data is accurate and that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of this data. Third party sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of included information. Although the data is believed to be reliable, the Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this press release or ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon by such sources.

Media and Investor inquiries

investors@slangww.com

KCSA Strategic Communications

Phil Carlson / Elizabeth Barker

SLNG@kcsa.com

1 Source: BDSA

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71566
U.S. President Donald Trump listens as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft speaks during a luncheon with the U.N. Security Council permanent representatives in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, on Dec. 5, 2019. Craft will be visiting Taiwan.(Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

US Ambassador to UN Will Visit Taiwan: Pompeo

The United States ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft will visit Taiwan, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a Jan. 6 statement.

He did not specify the date of the visit.

Taiwan shows what a free China could achieve, Pompeo concluded.

Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Craft will be the first incumbent U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to visit Taiwan and the trip signifies further improvement of the Taiwan-U.S. relationship.

Bilateral ties between Washington and Taipei have warmed considerably under the Trump administration. Last year, two senior U.S. officials visited Taiwan, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Under Secretary of State Keith Krach.

Craft has previously voiced support for Taiwan to be included in the United Nations system.

Taiwan lost its seat at the United Nations to China after the world body passed U.N. Resolution 2758 in 1971. Eight years later, in January 1979, the United States ended its diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijingwhich considers the island a part of its territory, despite its self-ruled status with its own democratically-elected government, military, currency, and constitution.

Beijing has also opposed governments or international organizations from forming ties with the island that might suggest that Taiwan is a de-facto nation-state.

A spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry, Hua Chunying, criticized Pompeos statement during a daily press briefing on Thursday.

She threatened that the Chinese regime would take retaliatory measures in response.

Washington currently has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but has maintained a robust relationship with Taipei based on the Taiwan Relations Act, which authorizes the United States to provide the island with military equipment for its self-defense.

Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.
The email from FAA chief of staff Angela Stubblefield said "all our non-career staff members here at FAA" that had been appointed by Trump were resigning. Her email added that "given the gravity of yesterday's events, are understandable. Like all of us, they are outraged by the brazen and violent attack on one of the sacred institutions of American democracy." The riots also claimed the job of Michael Stenger, the Senate sergeant-at-arms. He resigned effective immediately, after Senate majority Leader Mitch McConnell requested he quit. Democrat Chuck Schumer, the incoming Senate majority leader, had earlier vowed to fire Stender later this month. Paul Irving, the longtime Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives, also resigned. Trumps pledge on Thursday about an orderly transition to President-elect Joe Biden on January 20 was partly intended to head off further resignations, but the second official told Reuters: Its not going to stop it.

Deputy National Security Adviser Matt Pottinger, seen addressing London-based think tank Policy Exchangelast year, resigned on the day of the riots. Credit:Policy Exchange/You Tube With under two weeks left of Trumps presidency, many aides were already heading for the door but the sudden departures underscored the revulsion among some Trump staffers over what was widely seen as his encouragement of mobs of supporters who stormed the Capitol in an attempt to prevent formal certification of Bidens November 3 election victory. Congress eventually did so very early on Thursday morning. The shocking images at the Capitol filled television screens in the United States and around the world, a deep stain on Trumps presidency and legacy as his tenure nears its end. Among those who were spurred to quit on Thursday was Mick Mulvaney, a former White House chief of staff who resigned his post as a special envoy to Northern Ireland.

Mick Mulvaney resigned as special envoy to Northern Ireland. Credit:Bloomberg I wouldnt be surprised to see more of my friends resign over the course of the next 24 to 48 hours, he said on CNBC. John Costello, deputy assistant secretary at the Commerce Department, announced his departure in a blistering tweet, writing "yesterday's events were an unprecedented attack on the very core of our democracy - incited by a sitting president." Further departures are especially likely at the National Security Council, one of the officials said. It coordinates US foreign policy among federal agencies and maintains close contacts with foreign governments, so the loss of key staffers could raise questions about national security amid a presidential transition. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video

The assault on the Capitol drew condemnation from US friends and foes alike, with many blaming Trump for inciting his supporters and not doing enough to rein them in. Pottingers boss, national security adviser Robert OBrien, has no plans to quit, the first official said. But a person familiar with the matter said OBrien had considered quitting. A strong national security team remains in place at the State Department, the Department of Defence, Treasury, the intelligence community and the National Security Council", the official said. Trumps team has been coordinating with the Biden transition team for several weeks. The White House had no immediate comment.

Confirming Pottingers departure, OBrien said on Twitter: His work led to a great awakening in our country and around the world to the danger posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Stephanie Grisham resigned her position as Melania Trump's chief-of-staff Credit:AP An administration official described Trump as increasingly isolated and said that national security officials who are loyal to their oath to the constitution will be standing watch until Inauguration Day and will then turn over power to the duly elected new president. There has been no indication of any planned resignation by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a close Trump ally. But he distanced himself from Trump by condemning as criminals the mob that overran the Capitol. Former US diplomats said it was unlikely there would be major departures at the State Department, where staffers have long endured Trumps accusations that they are part of a deep state seeking to frustrate his policies.

It would be very strange for people to self-immolate just when they see a ship on the horizon, said a former State Department official on condition of anonymity. First lady Melania Trumps chief of staff Stephanie Grisham also resigned after the riots. Grisham did not say whether her resignation was in reaction to the violence, but a source familiar with her decision said it was the last straw. The White House social secretary, Rickie Niceta, also stepped down, as did a deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews, two sources told Reuters. Loading
The U.S. Congress on Thursday certified enough Electoral College votes for Democrat Joe Biden to hand him the victory in the Nov. 3 presidential race over Republican President Donald Trump.

Vice President Mike Pence, who presided over the vote count, formally announced the results of Bidens 306-232 win over Trump in the Electoral College.

With Congress approving Vermonts votes, Biden now has at least the 270 Electoral College votes that are the minimum for claiming the presidency. Congress review of the states Electoral College votes, which was interrupted on Wednesday by Trump supporters storming the Capitol Building, was nearing an end.

The confirmation came nearly 12 hours after hundreds of pro-Trump demonstrators stormed the Capitol while lawmakers were counting the electoral votes inside. Four people, including a woman who was shot by police, died during the chaos.

The normally procedural session of Congress was disrupted on Wednesday when supporters of President Trump stormed the Capitol building. The session resumed and continued through the night after the building was cleared.

SOURCE: REUTERS
An independent probe into BBC journalist Martin Bashir's Princess Diana interview faces a 'delay of months' after a separate legal complaint was lodged with police.

Pressure is mounting on the Metropolitan Police to launch its own criminal investigation into background of the bombshell 1995 Panorama interview.

It is alleged Mr Bashir created a string of lies - including ordering a graphic artist to create fake bank statements - to trick the Princess into the world exclusive.

Lord Dyson, a former Master of the Rolls and Head of the Court of Appeal, is leading an independent investigation into the circumstances around the interview.

But the Met Police could now launch a separate criminal investigation after a complaint by Earl Spencer's former security chief Alan Waller over the alleged faking of his bank statements.

The force, which confirmed it had received a complaint, said no police investigation has yet been launched.

But there are now concerns that any police probe could spark a delay in the independent inquiry, the Mirror reports.

It is alleged Mr Bashir created a string of lies - including ordering a graphic artist to create fake bank statements - to trick the Princess into the world exclusive (pictured: A still from the 1995 interview)

Lord Dyson, a former Master of the Rolls and Head of the Court of Appeal, is leading an independent investigation into the circumstances around the interview

But the Met Police (pictured: Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick) could now launch a separate criminal investigation after a complaint by Earl Spencer's former security chief Alan Waller over the alleged faking of his bank statements

The concerns come because of a potential risk of the results of an independent inquiry prejudicing any police probe and subsequent trial.

Lord Dyson, a former Master of the Rolls and Head of the Court of Appeal, is understood to have told colleagues he intends to 'press on' with his independent investigation, according to the paper.

It comes as Mr Waller's lawyer is said to have written to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick to request an investigation into 'very serious concerns' over an alleged conspiracy to 'create an instrument of fraud'.

Anton van Dellen accused Mr Bashir, who is now the BBC's religious affairs editor, of 'dishonest conduct' and claimed the BBC 'benefited' while knowing the reporter's actions were 'unlawful', according to reports in the Telegraph.

Mr Waller, 57, a former British Army paratrooper and an ex-US Marine, previously said he was considering making a complaint to police.

The statements forged for Mr Bashir wrongly showed Mr Waller had been taking payments from the press in return for information about Diana.

Mr Waller said in November that the faked bank statements had a 'devastating effect' on him. He described how he contemplated suicide while working outside the UK.

Mr van Dellen's letter, which the Telegraph said it had seen, was said to say: 'In 1995, two BBC employees or agents engaged in a conspiracy to create an instrument of fraud, namely a purported copy of Mr Alan Waller's bank statements.

'Mr Martin Bashir agreed with a graphic artist, Matt Wiessler, to create a bank statement purporting to belong to Mr Alan Waller.

Earl Spencer's former security chief Alan Waller (pictured) has complained to police over the faking of his bank statements which were used by Martin Bashir to gain an interview with Princess Diana

Mr van Dellen said the faked bank statements, which were allegedly commissioned by Mr Bashir (pictured) had caused 'significant reputational and financial loss' to his client

'The fraudulent bank statement was then used to persuade Charles Spencer of Mr Bashir's purported credentials and Mr Bashir subsequently gained an inteview with the late Princess Diana to conduct the most significant interview to date for the BBC.'

Mr van Dellen reportedly said the faked bank statements had caused 'significant reputational and financial loss' to his client.

The letter added that the BBC 'wrongfully benefited' from Mr Bashir's actions and claimed the corporation knew it was engaged in 'unlawful activity'.

A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'We can confirm that correspondence has been received alleging unlawful activity.

'Any information received will be assessed accordingly. At this time, there is no police investigation.'

Graphic designer Mr Wiessler previously said he mocked up the statements in the belief they were faithful reproductions of genuine documents.

His explosive revelations triggered the scandal involving Mr Bashir.

The BBC has appointed retired judge and former master of the rolls, Lord Dyson, to lead an inquiry into what steps the BBC and Mr Bashir took to land the interview with Diana.

Earl Spencer has alleged Mr Bashir showed him the fake financial documents and told untrue stories about the royal family to gain access to his sister.

The documents also falsely suggested that Diana's then private secretary - Patrick Jephson - and another royal household member were being paid by the security services to spy on the Princess.

Earl Spencer has alleged Mr Bashir showed him the fake financial documents and told untrue stories about the royal family to gain access to his sister

The claims fuelled her fears about her safety and privacy.

Former BBC director-general Lord Hall in 1996 led an internal BBC investigation into the circumstances surrounding the interview, which led news bulletins around the world and sent shockwaves through the royal family.

The BBC previously said in a statement that Mr Bashir had admitted commissioning the bank statements.

It is understood the journalist was found to have 'done wrong' at the end of the process. It is not known if he faced any sanction.

The BBC said Mr Bashir is seriously ill with Covid-19-related complications and was not in a position to respond to Earl Spencer's allegations.

He was however pictured near his home at the end of last year carrying a takeaway meal.

A spokeswoman for the corporation previously said: 'A lot has been written and broadcast about the Princess of Wales's interview in recent weeks. It is important that we have a view of what happened based on the evidence of everyone involved. Clearly that has not yet been able to happen.

'But to be absolutely clear, the BBC is determined to get to the truth of what happened. That's why we have appointed Lord Dyson to lead a fully independent investigation.

'It is vital that everyone with information shares that with Lord Dyson, so that he can investigate thoroughly and draw his conclusions having heard all the evidence.

Last month, it emerged the BBC's inquiry is scrutinising a handwritten letter from Diana which apparently showered Mr Bashir with praise.

The note went missing for more than 20 years after a Panorama staff member took it home as a souvenir. It was however handed in in November.

The BBC is now using the letter to suggest Diana never saw the faked financial documents commissioned by Mr Bashir.

The letter on Kensington Palace stationery also purports to heap praise on the BBC's shamed religion editor.

The contents of the letter has not been made public, but was examined by the previous 1996 internal investigation.

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She often keeps her more than 320,000 Instagram followers entertained with a slew of sizzling snapshots showing her in an array of skimpy ensembles.

And Bianca Gascoigne stayed true to form on Wednesday night, when she took to the platform to share a photo of herself donning a deeply plunging black playsuit.

The 34-year-old reality TV star proudly displayed her ample bosom and enviably toned legs as she posed for the mirror selfie, taken at Kent's Cave Hotel.

\catching the eye: Bianca Gascoigne took to Instagram to share a photo of herself donning a deeply plunging black playsuit on Wednesday night

Lengthening her legs with a pair of strappy heels, the blonde beauty wore her flaxen locks in voluminous curls, which fell past her shoulders.

Highlighting her good looks with a rich palette of makeup, the TV personality put on a glamorous display as she posed up a storm in an expansive luxury bathroom.

Bianca's display comes after she revealed how she discovered a dangerous leak in one of her implants when she went to see a doctor about getting a breast reduction.

The star, who has had two boob jobs and a Brazilian butt lift, told how she sought to get her 34E breasts reduced and discovered one of her implants had ruptured.

Health scare: Bianca recently revealed how she discovered a dangerous leak in one of her implants when she went to see a doctor about getting a breast reduction

Speaking to The Sun, the media personality said she could have been left in unbearable pain had the leak continued unnoticed.

She said: 'It's scary. When they told me, I was freaked out. Thank God they found out and dealt with it while I was under anaesthetic, otherwise I would have majorly panicked.

'I'm just relieved it's out and it confirmed to me that this decision to go smaller was the right one for me.'

Bianca has battled body dysmorphia since she was 13 and dreads the idea of having children with boyfriend Kris Boyson because of how it would change her figure.

The former Celebrity Big Brother star said the thought of gaining weight during pregnancy 'panics' her and she fears she would be 'the size of a house'.

Surgery: The reality TV star, 34, who has had two boob jobs and a Brazilian butt lift, told how she sought to get her 34E breasts reduced and discovered one of her implants had ruptured

The couple, who have been dating for nine months, have already spoken about marriage and children.

Bianca said: 'I want children in the future, I hope I can get over this mental illness. But Im just so worried about how gaining weight like that will affect my body dysmorphia. The thought of having no control over my weight really scares me.'

The star added she now wants to warn young girls about the dangers of going under the knife, saying it is not a quick fix.

However, she also knows it's hard for her to give this advice as not a day goes by where she doesn't worry about her own weight.

Bianca had her first breast augmentation at 18 and then another at 21 after she won Celebrity Love Island with Calum Best.

Scary: Bianca said, 'It's scary. When they told me, I was freaked out. Thank God they found out and dealt with it while I was under anaesthetic, otherwise I would have majorly panicked'

She decided to go for a reduction so she could be more 'classy', as well as a desire to become more 'natural'.

Bianca, who is the adopted daughter of Paul Gascoigne, told how her mother Sheryl supported her when she went under the knife for the first time but has since despaired over all her other surgeries.

The star worries about the influence social media has on young people's perception of their appearance and, if she does have children, would not want them to have surgery.

No longer as impulsive as she was in her younger years, Bianca said she is done with cosmetic surgery for now but may have a face lift when she's older.

Believing she is now going in a good direction, Bianca hopes to emulate her mother Sheryl who she calls a 'proper lady.'
BISHKEK -- A lawyer for the wealthy family of former deputy chief of Kyrgyzstan's Customs Service, Raimbek Matraimov, who has been implicated in a high-profile case involving the illegal funneling of hundreds of millions of dollars abroad, has been made a judge.

Acting Kyrgyz President Talant Mamytov said on January 6 that lawyer Leila Baidaeva was appointed to the post at Bishkek's Sverdlov district court.

Baidaeva was one of the lawyers for Matraimov's extended family and their Ismail Matraimov Public Foundation. She assisted them in filing a libel lawsuit in late 2019 against RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, locally known as Azattyk, its correspondent Ali Toktakunov, and the news site Kloop, following an alleged corruption scandal exposed by the media outlets.

The investigative report showed that a 37-year-old Uyghur businessman from China's northwestern region of Xinjiang, Aierken Saimaiti, secretly provided reporters with documents demonstrating how hundreds of millions of dollars were moved out of Kyrgyzstan, much of it via a business network led by Khabibula Abdukadyr, a secretive Chinese-born Uyghur with a Kazakh passport.

Saimaiti, who was shot dead in Istanbul on November 10, 2020, alleged that Matraimov, while serving as Kyrgyz customs' deputy chief, was instrumental in providing cover for the Abdukadyr networks cargo empire in the region.

After the joint investigative report was made public in November 2019, several protests were held in Bishkek, where thousands demanded the authorities thoroughly investigate the allegations.

Matraimov and his brother, Iskender Matraimov, have denied all accusations of wrongdoing by the former customs official.

On October 20, 2020, following anti-government protests over disputed parliamentary elections that ousted the cabinet and forced President Sooronbai Jeenbekov to resign, Matraimov was detained and placed under house arrest.

The State Committee for National Security (UKMK) said at the time that Matraimov had agreed to pay about 2 billion soms ($24.7 million) in damages to the state, and that 80 million soms ($1 million) had already been transferred to its account.

On December 9, 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions against Matraimov for his alleged role in the vast corruption and money-laundering scheme.
NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinderhook Industries, LLC ("Kinderhook") announced today an investment of $105 million in AbsoluteCARE ("AbsoluteCARE" or the "Company"). AbsoluteCARE represents Kinderhook's 16th healthcare services platform since inception. Additional terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Kinderhook Industries

Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, AbsoluteCARE is a leading value-based integrated healthcare provider, focused on providing comprehensive and preventative care to the most vulnerable populations. AbsoluteCARE operates a patient-centered ambulatory intensive caring unit delivery model that becomes the primary care provider for the most complex and highest utilizing patients. AbsoluteCARE currently operates out of five facilities: Atlanta, Georgia, Baltimore, Maryland (2), Prince George's County, Maryland and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since 2000, the Company has treated tens of thousands of high-acuity, chronically ill patients by leveraging innovative population health management tools with a unique "wrap-around" care model. AbsoluteCARE recognizes that comprehensive primary care is just one piece of working with complex populations and lives up to its mission that care goes beyond medicine. Integrated primary care & care management for the most complex populations must include assessments of, and treatment for, past trauma, addiction, food insecurity, and housing instability.

"This partnership will enable AbsoluteCARE to provide even more interventions that address social determinants of health for the most vulnerable populations across the nation," said Gregory Foti M.D., Chief of Innovative Operations at AbsoluteCARE. "The Company aims to identify, engage, and transform members through a holistic suite of services which is dedicated to improving outcomes by offering quality care, social and behavioral counseling and extensive patient outreach."

Alan Cohn, Chief Executive Officer of AbsoluteCARE, stated, "We are excited to partner with Kinderhook to expand the work we do to ensure those who need it get the best care possible. AbsoluteCARE has a proven track record of being able to lower costs for our insurance partners by improving the lives of our members. We are excited to be able to deliver that care to more people."

"AbsoluteCARE's model significantly improves quality and outcomes, while also reducing costs. We are thrilled to be able to leverage Kinderhook's expertise and relationships to help accelerate our growth and reach," said Josh Cohn, Chief Development Officer at AbsoluteCARE.

"AbsoluteCARE represents a unique opportunity to invest in a growing and innovative primary care provider that is among the first movers in value-based care in the Medicaid and Medicare market," said Chris Michalik, Managing Director at Kinderhook and former Chairman of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. "AbsoluteCARE is the most advanced patient care provider I have seen that focuses on high acuity Medicaid and Medicare members. The Company's integrated and all-hands-on-deck approach to patient care is proven to both bend the healthcare cost curve and help its members live healthier and happier lives. An AbsoluteCARE center should be in every major city in America."

"The Company's model integrates a number of powerful healthcare themes including the need to address the social determinants of health as well as the importance of primary care in driving outcomes," said Michael Zoch, Managing Director at Kinderhook. "We are excited to partner with AbsoluteCARE to expand this proven care model to serve patient populations throughout the U.S."

Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel and Bass, Berry & Sims PLC served as regulatory counsel to Kinderhook. Cain Brothers served as financial adviser and Quarles & Brady LLP served as legal counsel to AbsoluteCARE.

About Kinderhook Industries



Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that manages over $3.3 billion of committed capital. We have made in excess of 250 investments and follow-on acquisitions since inception. Kinderhook's investment philosophy is predicated on matching unique, growth-oriented investment opportunities with exceptional financial expertise and our proprietary network of operating partners. Our focus is on middle market businesses with defensible niche market positioning in the healthcare services, environmental / business services and automotive / light manufacturing sectors. We have a track record of successfully and consistently building industry leaders.

For more information, please visit: www.kinderhook.com

About AbsoluteCARE

Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, AbsoluteCARE is a leading integrated healthcare provider, focused on providing comprehensive and preventative care to the most vulnerable and highest utilizing patients. AbsoluteCARE has a holistic approach to healthcare and believes that its value proposition lies in its ability to provide treatment for the whole person rather than one disease to provide the best healthcare outcomes. The Company has five facilities located in: Atlanta, Baltimore (2), Prince George's County, and Philadelphia.

For more information please visit: www.absolutecare.com

Media Contact:

Lauren Cutruzzula

[email protected]

410-504-6971

SOURCE AbsoluteCARE
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore.  Klamath County's two school districts are scrambling on Thursday after learning that their plan to expand in-person learning may leave them exposed to legal risk.

The Klamath County Schoold District Board of Directors announced that it will hold a joint emergency meeting with the board from Klamath Falls City Schools to address whether they should proceed with plans to bring students back into classrooms on January 11.

The concern springs from a bill passed on December 23 in the Oregon legislature that shields schools from COVID-19 liability. But, according to KCSD, a memo from the Oregon School Boards Association recently revealed that those protections only apply if districts follow all state guidance  including the coronavirus metrics that kept schools from holding in-person classes to begin with.

RELATED: Schools in Klamath County prepare for return to in-person learning

Governor Kate Brown on December 23 announced that those metrics were no longer mandatory but "advisory," allowing districts the freedom to decide whether to expand in-person learning. But Brown's change of heart has no bearing on the liability protections passed in the legislature.

We decided to reopen in good faith and to do whats best for our community, following public health recommendations, said KCSD Superintendent Glen Szymoniak. However we just found out if we do that, it may put us at extreme legal risk. Because of this risk factor, the boards are being asked to take action on this decision.

According to KCSD, the district had some limited liability protection when school started back up in the fall with K-3 students in classrooms and rural students on hybrid models.

"At that time, the district did not have COVID-19 liability coverage, but since it was following specific state metrics and guidance that allowed some legal protection," the District said in statement.

A joint Zoom meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, with input from Jessica Dale, assistant director of Klamath County Public Health, and Jim Green, executive director of the Oregon School Boards Association. Public input is being accepted in writing, and can be emailed to blands@kcsd.k12.or.us by 4 p.m. on Thursday.

The agenda for the meeting is posted here, and the meeting can be viewed on Zoom here.
The Government has been forced into a U-turn on plans to allow Leaving Cert students return to school next week.

Leaving Cert Students will now study remotely along with all other pupils until January 31. The issue will then be reviewed.

Plans to reopen special schools next week are also to be cancelled.

The move comes after the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland instructed members not to attend classes next week.

Read More

The ASTI had instructed its members not to cooperate with government plans to reopen schools for in-person teaching for Leaving Cert students next Monday,

The union says it will only engage in remote teaching from next Monday and has said the decision is based on concerns around health and safety.

This follows an emergency meeting of the ASTI today to discuss plans to reopen schools on Monday with Leaving cert students expected to be in classes for three days every week.

Speaking after the meeting, ASTI President Ann Piggott said: The ASTI has repeatedly sought sufficient assurances that schools are safe for students and teachers at this time, in the context of the new variant of Covid-19 circulating in the community and the alarmingly high numbers.

We engaged with the Department of Education and with public health officials today. Unfortunately, the assurances we sought have not been forthcoming.

The Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) said it didnt want to have to oppose the partial reopening of special schools and classes "but we must be able to work together to respond appropriately to the public health challenges we face.".

The union said "consultation and engagement were "everything".

It added that its members "will seek to support their students from Monday with passion and determination.

Education Minister Norma Foley confirmed schools would be closed for all classes from Monday.

It is with regret that I announce that, despite the confirmation by Public Health that schools remain safe, that children in special schools and special classes and Leaving Certificate students will not be extended in-person learning, said Minister Foley.

My Department has engaged with the unions and public health officials with a view to maintaining on site learning for this vulnerable group of students.

It remains my strong belief that this period of time is crucial for the mental wellbeing of all children with special needs.

I also felt it was the right thing to extend in-class teaching to our Leaving Certificate students who are approaching a crucial time in their exam year.

Unfortunately I am left with no alternative but to pause the limited reopening on Monday to allow further engagement with all education stakeholders.

The plan to allow Leaving Cert students attend school three days a week had been met with widespread opposition from teachers, parents, pupils and special needs assistants.

Secondary school principals pleaded with the Government to reverse its decision on the partial reopening of schools as they have grave concerns over the safety of staff and students.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan advised the Government that the full reopening of schools would constitute a very significant additional risk as the country battles with an unprecedented level of Covid-19 transmission in the community.

In a letter to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, dated January 5, Dr Holohan noted that data received by the National Public Health Emergency Team shows schools are a safe environment.

However, given the current epidemiological situation, significant levels of mobility and linked activity generated by the reopening of schools would pose too risky, he said.

Read More

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DecisionDatabases added the latest report with a global perspective on the Power Tailgate Systems Market studied under different segments, including type, application, and regions. The report is treated with size, trends, growth, share, and forecast till 2025. Besides, the research report studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall growth at the global level. This report also offers a lucrative area of the industry at the regional and country level.

The final report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Power Tailgate Systems market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

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According to this study, over the next five years, the Power Tailgate Systems market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Power Tailgate Systems business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Power Tailgate Systems market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Power Tailgate Systems market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Huf Hulsbeck & Furst

Airplex

Tomo

Ningbo Twirl Motor

Brose

Bosch

STABILUS

Johnson Electric

Multimatic

STRATTEC

Power-Packer

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-30270

This study considers the Power Tailgate Systems value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Hydraulic Stay

Gas Stay

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Passenger Car

Commercial Vehicle

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, challenges, and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

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Research Objectives

To study and analyze the global Power Tailgate Systems consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, type and application, history data from 2015 to 2019, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of the Power Tailgate Systems market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Power Tailgate Systems manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the next few years.

To analyze the Power Tailgate Systems with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Power Tailgate Systems submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

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A local councillor who reported the head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission to police for driving more than 200 miles from Hertfordshire to her holiday home in rural Wales today blasted her 'bare-faced arrogance'.

Rebecca Hilsenrath broke lockdown rules by travelling from her main 1.2million home in Elstree near Watford to a cottage in the small village of Llanegryn in North Wales, prompting county councillor Louise Hughes to report her to the police.

The independent politician first became aware of her presence after a 'flurry of phone calls' from concerned villagers who had spotted Mrs Hilsenrath walking with her husband, Michael, the week before Christmas.

The CEO, who was told to leave by police, later apologised and claimed she had not known she was breaking the rules, but was today accused of 'disgraceful, Dominic Cummings-esque' behaviour by a furious Mrs Hughes.

Rebecca Hilsenrath broke lockdown rules by driving from Hertfordshire to Llanegryn, Gwynedd for the festive break

She told MailOnline: 'I don't want the woman to lose her job but she thought she could get away with it and got caught. One old lady was very upset because she had been self-isolating.

'Her apology is quite insulting. Is it the wealthy think the rules don't apply to them? It's Dominic Cummings-esque.

'She's a CEO, in a position of high authority, any other time they would be more than welcome here. It's nothing to do with being anti-English. We are in the middle of a global pandemic.

'I would like to go to Aberystwyth to do shopping, an hour away, but I'm abiding by the rules. It's the same old thing of 'do as I say not as I do'.'

Officers spoke to Mrs Hilsenrath twice after an outcry by locals who found out she was in the village after arriving from Hertfordshire. Following the second visit she agreed to leave

After the second visit the CEO and her husband, Michael, who is deputy president of the Anglo-Jewish Association, agreed to leave within the day and make it back to their main home for Christmas.

Officers spoke to the lawyer twice after an outcry by locals who found out she was in the village. Pictured: Her twitter cover photo of a cottage made out of the local stone

Mrs Hilsenrath apologised yesterday and claimed she did not know she had broken the rules in Wales.

In a statement seen by the Times, Mrs Hilsenrath said: 'I would like to apologise to the local community, where we feel deeply embedded, if I have caused anyone concern or worry at this difficult time.

'I travelled to our home in Wales before lockdown in the belief it was allowed under the rules at that time.

'We did not realise that lockdown necessitated or even permitted our departure and after a short and helpful conversation with the local police we agreed at once to leave on Christmas Day and did so without the need for further reminders.'

Mrs Hilsenrath's main 1.2million home in Elstree near Watford

Explaining her decision to report Mrs Hilsenrath to police, Mrs Hughes said: 'I'm not a petty, vindictive person. I don't want the woman to lose her job but to play fair.

'The thing that really gets locals' backs up is we have all been trying to do the right thing. We are in a low Covid area. It's like they just snub local people. The bare-faced arrogance astonishes me.

'Mr and Mrs Hilsenrath are very nice people but she shouldn't have been here.'

Community councillor Michael Ellis said: 'She should have known better and so should all the others doing it. But you never stop it.

'They are all selfish, everyone who flouts the rules.'

Another villager, Alwyn Lloyd Roberts, said: 'They should have known the rules. We are also so far from a main hospital, they are probably worse off being ill here.'

Mrs Hilsenrath is believed to have made the trip to Wales on December 18 just after Health Secretary Matt Hancock plunged Hertfordshire into Tier 3.

From December 19 the government in Wales also said anyone who did not live full time there should leave immediately.
Oregon recreational-cannabis sales surged in 2020, peaking during a difficult summer of protests and lockdowns.

The result was a record year of business for the states marijuana purveyors, based on data from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, which oversees marijuana sales. Total marijuana sales in Oregon jumped from $795 million in 2019 to more than $1 billion -- $1,110,520,723 -- for the year that just ended.

Oregonians suddenly began buying a lot more recreational cannabis last March, the month that Gov. Kate Brown instituted a stay-at-home order and other restrictions in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the state. Sales numbers for marijuana spiked about 20% in March. They kept climbing in the months that followed.

People are going for more quantity over quality, Peak Extracts CEO Katie Stem told The Oregonian/OregonLive last fall.

In May, Oregon marijuana sales topped $100 million in a single month for the first time ever. Sales then surpassed $100 million in each of the three months that followed as well, with a high of more than $106 million in July.

In 2014, Oregon voters approved Measure 91, which legalized the recreational use of marijuana. Regulated sales began the following year.

State tax revenue from marijuana sales in 2020 likely will exceed $150 million. Much of that will go toward substance-abuse screening and programs to address addiction. A new law, Measure 110, directs the state to use a significant portion of marijuana tax revenue on those programs. The law decriminalizes possession of small amounts of street drugs.

While marijuana sales peaked over the summer last year, the fall and early winter months indicate pot buying may have found a new, elevated norm in Oregon. Recreational-marijuana sales in December 2019 were just under $69 million, for example. In December 2020, the monthly total was nearly $96 million -- about a 40% year-over-year increase.

Not surprisingly, Multnomah County, the states most populous, rang up the most sales by far for the year -- more than $30 million in July alone. Washington, Lane and Malheur counties followed.

-- Douglas Perry

dperry@oregonian.com

@douglasmperry

Christine McGuinness slammed reality stars jetting off to Dubai during the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday.

A collection of celebrities have travelled to United Arab Emirates over the festive season amid growing fury over people 'bending rules'.

And Christine, 32, hit back at those travelling to Dubai on Thursday in a candid Instagram video to her 511K followers.

Making a dig? Christine McGuinness appeared to make a sly dig at reality stars jetting off to Dubai during the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday

The Real Housewives Of Cheshire star is currently spending the third lockdown in her new mansion with husband Paddy McGuinness and their three children - twins Leo and Penelope, seven, and Felicity, five.

Giving an update on her day, Christine said: 'It's absolutely freezing here in Cheshire, it's -2, luckily I'm not going anywhere.

'Loads of you keep asking where I get my hair done - come on, I am not one of those p***ing off to Dubai during lockdown, so I'm certainly not going to go to the hairdresser am I?'

Before the third lockdown, a collection of reality stars jetted off to Dubai over the festive season while the UK remained in partial Tier 4 lockdown.

Staying home: The Real Housewives Of Cheshire star is currently spending the third lockdown in her new mansion with husband Paddy McGuinness and their three children - twins Leo and Penelope, seven, and Felicity, five

Anger: And Christine, 32, hit back at those travelling to Dubai on Thursday in a candid Instagram video to her 511K followers

The city has been an ideal choice for many as visitors aren't currently required to quarantine upon their return to the UK.

Many stars have insisted their trips are for 'work' as the government currently asks UK residents living in high-risk areas to avoid unnecessary travel.

It comes after Christine revealed that her three autistic children have become 'more physical' with her and each other as she detailed how they have changed during lockdown.

The model, 32, shares twins Penelope and Leo, seven, and Felicity, four, with comedian husband Paddy McGuinness, 47.

Her babies: It comes after Christine revealed that her three autistic children have become 'more physical' with her and each other as she detailed how they have changed during lockdown

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Christine shared a reassuring text she sent to a fellow SEN (special educational needs) mum, detailing how she 'barely recognises' her children at times, before positively adding that the difficult time 'will pass.'

Christine has always been open about her children's highs and lows in living with autism, often sharing her experiences and giving advice and support to parents in the same boat.

And Christine once again gave an honest insight into raising children who are on the spectrum as she detailed how lockdown was going for her family, adding that other SEN families are 'not alone'.

Sharing a sympathetic text she sent to one mum, she said: 'I totally understand, all three of mine have got more physical with me and each other recently it's awful.

'I barely recognise them sometimes and I just paint a smile on like everything is fine. Thinking of you lots, stay strong. This time will pass.'

Alongside the image she shared a lengthy caption in which she further detailed her kids' changes, while also sharing a message of support to everyone affected by the pandemic.

She penned: 'Day 1 : Lockdown 3. This may or may not help anyone but this is "real life" I just want to let my SEN families know you are not alone, I hear you, I understand.

'For me personally I feel good, I am very head strong and I love to stay positive but I cant deny what these lockdowns are doing to my children. my children are not the same little people they were this time last year.'

Message: Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Christine shared a reassuring text she sent to a fellow SEN (special educational needs) mum, detailing how she 'barely recognises' her children at times, before positively adding that the difficult time 'will pass'

She went on: 'The pandemic is affecting everyone differently, whether its your business, your mental health, a loss of life.. Covid is hitting everyone hard in different ways its heartbreaking. I pray every day, I hope it passes soon.

'Thinking of you all, sending love and light to each and every one of you 

(This is a message I sent to one of my SEN mummy friends this morning) In it together.' [sic]

Choosing her battles: Christine shared an insight into her family Christmas last month, explaining what her three autistic children eat for their festive lunch

Her post garnered many positive message from fans, with many SEN parents sharing their own experiences of raising their children in lockdown.

It comes after Christine shared an insight into her family Christmas last month, explaining what her three autistic children eat for their festive lunch.

Foregoing turkey with all the trimmings, they opted for kid-friendly fish fingers and chips.

Alt Christmas: Foregoing turkey with all the trimmings, the kids opted for kid-friendly fish fingers and chips

Christine posted a snap of their meal on Instagram, captioning it: 'Autism doesn't stop for Christmas day! They like what they like and I want my children to eat so I choose my battles and I don't want one today!

'For anyone who may not understand this, food aversion can be quite common for those with autism. This isn't lazy parenting or fussy children, this is sensory issues due to their condition that limits what our children eat. I am delighted they are very slowly exploring new textures.

'I'm just happy they eat because there have been times they totally refuse.It may be basic and it's still all beige but they're happy and their tummies are full.

'For anyone with autistic children this Christmas... I hope you had a calm day, I feel your exhaustion and I hear your sigh of relief that the Christmas period is almost over.' [sic]

Family time: 'Autism doesn't stop for Christmas day! They like what they like and I want my children to eat so I choose my battles and I don't want one today!'
EU citizens will be banned from using ID cards to enter UK from October: The Telegraph

British interior minister Priti Patel is using Brexit to change the rules so that EU ID cards can no longer be used as travel documents
A new type of South African COVID variant has been detected in South Africa, which has significant adaptions to attack human cells. More telling is the ability to bypass the immune systems on several levels that should be studied.

Vaccines would generally affect the initial strains of Sars-Cov-2. A mutation is part of viral evolution, but the 501.V2 has adaption geared to bypass human cells.

One characteristic of the South African strain are some changes that may amp up its survival against antibody medicines, even acquired antibodies might not be enough. From last year many strains were detected, but the report by Livescience points to this particular strain.

The 501.V2 strain is under investigation regarding how extensive is its resistance to most COVID-19 Vaccines. Many of the virus changes are the spiked protein that has adaptation to increase chances of infecting cells faster. It is the spike that initiates the transfer of viral genetic material to take over cells.

Most of the vaccines allowed will attack spike proteins that are vital to starting infections. It becomes a problem if the 501.V2 can compromise the efficacy of vaccines made before it. Even people can generate antibodies; there is no guarantee with the South African Strain.

Last January 4, a new study about bioRxiv indicates it might be the situation with South African COVID variant . Peers have not verified the study, discovered the changes in the spike protein, which is shifty depending on the specific antibodies in a person.

Also read: New UK COVID-19 Mutation Detected in Colorado, Severity of Contagiousness not Determined

Shutting down antibodies and vaccines is not to make it powerful but to make the COVID variant more survivable in the right host. The 501.V2 defeated some antibodies, but some antibodies were able to negate the mutant virus.

Scientists state that variation depends on the way mutations can latch onto the antibody binding and how it negates the antibody. Antibodies are supposed to stop the contagion from taking over human cells. The mutation on the spike protein called E484 will be a factor in a vaccine's efficacy. Changes in the spike protein at E484 is yet to be observed.

According to authors in a tweet, one observation with the South African strain at the spike protein part varies depending on the condition of the host cells. What should be pointed out is that some can ace the virus, but some will get infected. It is new territory, and scientists need more time to determine this variant.

The researchers reached their assumptions by pinpointing the "receptor binding domain" (RBD) located at the protein spike. It is the hook that latches on the cell membrane. Antibodies vary; none are the same that destroys the coronavirus in a study. Adaptations in the receptor-binding domain can survive antibody attacks.

Different types of mutation are the hook protein will affect how successful it can survive and bypass antibodies in some experiments with the mutant RBD that exposed several samples from COVid-19 survivors. But most of the work is still under study, and the 502.V2 is not yet well known.

The SARS-CoV-2 immunity is not yet final as the South African COVID Variant poses an unknown threat to antibody immunity and vaccine efficacy.

Related article: According to Dr. Scott Gottlieb, South African COVID-19 Variant May Render Antibody Drugs Useless

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A hot potato: Developers fearing an adpocalypse brought on by Apple's new privacy rules and features are already looking for ways to continue tracking iPhone users that opt-out of data collection. Some have said they are even willing to risk being kicked off the platform by bending or outright breaking Apple's rules.

In June of last year, Apple announced that new privacy features were coming in iOS 14. The new protocols would give users the choice to allow or deny data collection on a per-app basis. Apple delayed implementing the new feature to "early 2021" after backlash from advertisers, Facebook, and Google.

Now with the gatekeeping feature set to go live in the coming weeks, app makers are reportedly looking for ways to get around it. Ars Technica spoke with developers who said they would use "invasive tracking techniques," such as "device fingerprinting," to continue tracking users who have denied their app permission.

"100 percent, everyone will try doing fingerprints, whether Apple enforces their rules or not," said one mobile game designer speaking anonymously.

If Apple does enforce the rules, such actions could get the developer kicked off the platform. Even though iOS 14 will block apps from using an iPhone's IDFA, there is nothing in the software, preventing programmers from figuring out other ways to track user data. Even the Electronic Frontier Foundation does not believe iOS 14's new features will eliminate tracking.

"There is still going to be tracking," said EFF's Director of Consumer Privacy Engineering Andres Arrieta. "We will still see apps trying to do nefarious things. No matter what you do, you will have those bad actors."

However, we are not just talking about fly-by-night "bad actors." Some "large" game developers are very concerned about the impact of giving users the choice to turn off ad tracking.

"This is a huge, huge change. It's the biggest risk that we have [as a company]... it could really affect us negatively," a leading mobile games developer told Ars Technica.

Facebook warned developers on its Audience Network platform that the new feature could cut ad revenues by 50 percent, calling that a "conservative estimate." Others have predicted advertisers could lose as much as two-thirds. However, nobody knows what kind of impact the privacy feature will have on advertisers. This uncertainty is leading many developers to consider breaking the rules or looking for loopholes. Even Google has shown some concern over Apple's new privacy crackdown.

As we reported earlier this week, the search giant has not updated any of its iOS apps since before Apple's App Store privacy "nutrition" labels took effect on December 8. Only new apps or updates to existing ones are required to fill out the data collection labels, so Google seems to be postponing sharing its collection practices for as long as possible.

Perhaps even Google's engineers are exploring workarounds for tracking users without access to a device's IDFA, but that is just speculatory. Google has not agreed to comment on the matter.
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Unexpectedly, today President Trump signed an order banning eight Chinese apps in the US on the premise that they are a threat to national security and might capture sensitive information from the user's device. And that user could be a US federal employee too.

The apps in question are Tencent QQ, CamScanner, SHAREit, VMate, Alipay, QQ Wallet, WeChat Pay and WPS Office. They will no longer be made available on the US Google Play store after 45 days.

The US government fears that these companies have ties with the Chinese government and could be extracting sensitive data. Pretty much the same accusations the Trump administration has against TikTok and Huawei.

Keep in mind, however, that the executive order will take effect after Trump has stepped down from the presidential position so we might see a swift turn of events once Joe Biden takes his place. But we wouldn't count on seeing how Biden isn't very determined to end the trade war with China. At least for now.

Via
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Rep. Nicole Malliotakis joined a group of Republicans in objecting to President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College victory early Thursday morning, despite dozens of rejected legal cases, major Republican concessions, and a day of violence in the nations capital.

Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) joined more than 100 of her fellow Republicans in the House of Representatives who voted in favor of objection to Arizona and Pennsylvanias electoral votes.

The first-term congresswoman was unavailable for an interview with the Advance/SILive.com on Thursday, but during a morning appearance on Fox News she said she has serious concerns about what has occurred in those states.

The states rights do not supersede law and the Constitution and there are a number of irregularities, she said. There are a number of changes made that many people believe led to fraud. There are witnesses. There is evidence.

GOP Rep. Nicole Malliotakis: Violence at Capitol is not who we are as Americans https://t.co/ZcxVbItTtE  Nicole Malliotakis (@NMalliotakis) January 7, 2021

Malliotakis has previously taken issue with orders from state officials who are not state legislators that allowed for broader access to absentee ballots due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Arizona and Pennsylvania were the only two states that had objections to their electoral tally brought to a vote, but multiple states made changes to their absentee ballots in a variety of ways.

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a number of Executive Orders ahead of the primary and general elections related to absentee voting, and signed legislation that broadly expanded access to those ballots.

Unlike her popular-vote election, the presidential election is decided by the Electoral College, which cast its ballots for former Vice President Joe Biden on Dec. 14. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), who opposed the objections, congratulated Biden on his victory that day.

While a number of people have said they witnessed irregularities during the popular vote process, nothing has been presented that would amount to widespread fraud resulting in President Donald Trumps reelection.

Former Attorney General William Barr, who Trump appointed, said there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud before leaving office. In the legal system, courts up to the U.S. Supreme Court have rejected more than 60 lawsuits brought by Trumps legal team, led by former city Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

During her campaign for Congress, Malliotakis repeatedly appeared with Americas Mayor as he offered his endorsement to the former assemblywoman. Giuliani called for trial by combat to decide an American presidential election ahead of Wednesdays violence that included the storming of the U.S. Capitol building during the certification process.

On Wednesday, President Trump also called for his supporters to go to the Capitol to encourage Republicans to reject the Electoral Colleges decision.

Were going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue  I love Pennsylvania Avenue  and were going to the Capitol, he said. Were going to try and give our Republicans, the weak ones because the strong ones dont need any help. Were going to try and give them the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country.

The violence that followed led to the deaths of at least four people, more than a dozen injuries to multiple law enforcement officers, and significant damage to the U.S. Capitol.

Malliotakis has spoken out against the violent storming of the U.S. Capitol that led to the evacuation of her and her colleagues. However, she has not said whether she believes Biden won the election, not responding to several requests to answer the question from the Advance/SILive.com.

During her appearance on Fox News on Thursday, when specifically asked by host Steve Doocy whether she felt the election was stolen from President Trump, Malliotakis didnt answer.

I believe that it doesnt matter whether it was 10 votes, 10,000 votes, or enough to overturn the election. I think what occurred in these states needs to be investigated, she replied.

The objection votes to the electoral certification are not tied to any investigations.

Despite the efforts of the objectors, Congress confirmed the Electoral Colleges decision, and Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president on Jan. 20.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly implied Gov. Cuomo issued an Executive Order to grant universal access to absentee voting. That change was made through legislation. He did issue orders that made changes to the process, including the adoption of clarified envelopes.

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September

Armenian MFA strongly condemns Azerbaijan's blatant armed encroachment on Armenia's sovereign territory

UN still awaits strong evidence that Dubai ruler's daughter is alive

Opposition Bright Armenia Party urges Government to immediately address UN Security Council

Armen Sarkissian receives Russia Ambassador to Armenia

Armenia President, France Ambassador discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Overchuk: We hope unblocking of links between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a success

Armenia police officer commits suicide, criminal case launched

Armenia Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body has new deputy heads

Zarif, Aliyev discuss railway routes connecting Iran, Azerbaijan and Armenia

EU leaders agree to donate at least 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to poor countries
The President HE Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo has congratulated the new Speaker-elect of the 8th Parliament, Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin on his elevation.



According to him he is happy and is ready to work with him on chattering a new path.



Speaking at his swearing-in as President of the country, he explained that this is the first time a Speaker of Parliament has been elected from another party.



I must, at the outset, express my warm congratulations to my good friend and colleague of many years in this House, the Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on his assumption of office as the Speaker of the Eighth Parliament of the 4th Republic.



Eulogizing the new Speaker of Parliament, he noted that nearly three decades of devoted service to Parliament by him has culminated in this moment, which has seen his elevation to the third great office of the state of our nation.



"Together, you and I will be chartering new territory in the governance and politics of the 4th Republic, for this is the first time in the life of this Republic that a President from one party will be obliged, by the exigencies of the moment and the will of the people, to work, in all sincerity and co-operation, with a Speaker of Parliament from another party," he added.



I am confident that both of us will be guided in our relationship by the supreme interest of our people in ensuring good governance in the ordering of the affairs of state.



He has also assured him of his wholehearted determination to work with him to advance the peace, progress, and prosperity of the Ghanaian people.



"Once again, many congratulations to you and the re-elected and new Members of Parliament," he said.

Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Wealthy Sydneysiders are spending up to $6 million on lawyers to wring out favourable property settlements in their divorce proceedings and litigation funders are moving into family law, paying the fees upfront in exchange for a percentage of the settlement.

The Sydney registry of the Family Court of Australia is renowned among family court judges for its acrimonious culture, where wealthy parties try to burn through their adversary's budget by pressing every conceivable point, a practice that is encouraged by some members of the legal profession.

Family law litigants are forking out millions for legal representation at the top end of town. Credit:Tanya Lake

One Sydney woman who split up from her husband - a magnate of his profession and worth around $200 million - said she had pawned her jewellery, sold paintings off the walls of her house and borrowed money from her parents to afford her $6 million in legal fees over four years.

She and her ex-husband both retained some of the best known and highest charging family lawyers in Sydney. Her husband's solicitor made 48 applications to the court.
Observers around the world were stunned to see a violent mob storm the U.S. Capitol building in a desperate, violent bid to overturn a legitimate presidential election and secure a second term for outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump.

But commentators from the far right of the political spectrum in Eastern Europe and the Balkans were in many cases encouraged by what they saw. Many took time away from marking the Orthodox Christmas holiday on January 7 to signal their solidarity with the U.S. rioters, many of whom waved flags of the racist Confederate States of America.

Andreas Umland, who has written extensively on political extremism around the world, wrote on Facebook that Trump was not as ideologically driven as many rightist figures around the globe.

"Terms like 'fascist' do not sound quite right for him, as they assume a minimal degree of ideological information which Trump simply lacks," Umland wrote. "Still, he is beloved by the far right -- not only in the United States but across the world."

Anton Shekhovtsov, a lecturer at the University of Vienna who specializes in neo-Nazism and other extremist movements in Russia and elsewhere, agrees, saying that Trump fit in among "contemporary right-wing populisms in Europe" that are "based on a combination of nativism, authoritarianism, and populism."

"Not only do they operate within the framework of democracy," he wrote in an essay on the Eurozine website, "they also claim that they are better democrats -- an antiestablishment idea resonating with many a disaffected voter."

'Fighters For Democratic Values'

A wide range of far-right figures across Eastern Europe and the Balkans found support for their views in the unfolding violence they were seeing in the United States.

Serhiy Korotkikh, a leader of Ukraine's Azov movement, which has been labeled a "nationalist hate group" by the U.S. State Department, welcomed the U.S. unrest in openly racist terms.

"The Whites, finally, have decided to act and are taking over the Capitol building," he wrote on Telegram. "This is good, although this time it might not lead to anything. But I think that this gives us a chance. The Whites are still here, and we know what to do."

Also in Ukraine, Andriy Portnov, a former lawmaker and deputy chief of staff for pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, who was driven from office by a popular uprising in 2014, wrote on Telegram that the "uprising" in Washington "was the disgrace and shame of a banana republic."

"Any further glorification of our local coup looks even more ridiculous and even more marginal [than before]," he wrote.

In Belarus, which has been the scene of protests since a disputed presidential election in August handed a sixth term to strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka, a pro-Lukashenka Telegram channel attempted to depict a double standard in describing the Belarusian protests and the Washington rioting.

"Let's call things by their real names. It wasn't an uprising but a 'peaceful protest protected by the Second Amendment to the constitution,'" the channel wrote, citing the provision in the U.S. Constitution that protects the right to bear arms. "It wasn't an insurgent mob but 'fighters for democratic values.' It wasn't a pogrom in the Capitol, but 'an educational excursion with interactive elements.'"

The thrust of the channel's many posts on the topic was that Belarus is better off under the iron hand with which the authoritarian Lukashenka has ruled the country since 1994 than it would be following the lead of Western liberal democracies.

The pro-Serbian and pro-Russian head of Montenegro's Movement for Changes, parliament deputy Nebojsa Medojevic -- a Trump enthusiast and flamboyant advocate of various deep-state-type global conspiracy theories who has described COVID-19 as a plot by "global Satanists" -- took to Twitter to describe Trump as "the first U.S. president since Kennedy to oppose the deep state and the rulers from the shadows."

"They had to organize a huge election theft and destroy democracy in order to stop him," Medojevic wrote, endorsing widely debunked claims of fraud in the November U.S. presidential election.

'Serbia Here To Watch'

The Washington events found perhaps their strongest resonance with rightist and nationalist figures in Serbia.

Nikola Sandulovic, the head of the small nationalist Republican Party, posted on Twitter a photograph of a Trump supporter disrespecting a statue of former U.S. President Gerald Ford in the rotunda of the Capitol with the words: "THE SMELL OF FREEDOM, JUSTICE, AND TRUTH."

He also posted an extract of a document from former Trump campaign lawyer Sidney Powell, claiming that it contained evidence of U.S. interference in Serbian elections through the election-services company Dominion. Powell's assertions about Dominion's alleged involvement in election fraud have been discredited.

The Serbian nationalist Twitter feed Slobodni Boem (Free Bohemian) wrote: "It doesn't matter if America falls now or in 100 years or in 500 years. Serbia will be here to watch."

Likewise, the nationalist Srbski Info Shtab (Serbian Information Headquarters) Twitter feed endorsed the Washington violence and said it demonstrated that "the global directors" must change things in America immediately "by establishing a dictatorship."

"But it also means there is resistance," the post continued. "A resistance movement."

Serbian nationalist Dejan Beric, who fought alongside Russian mercenaries in eastern Ukraine, posted a video on YouTube urging U.S. law enforcement not to use violence against "peaceful protesters" or infringe their right "to express their discontent to the government."

He goes on to say sarcastically that he refuses to recognize U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and calls for sanctions against anyone who does.

RFE/RL's Ukrainian, Balkan, Russian, and Belarus services contributed to this report
Several employees of the three municipalities  north, east and south  of Delhi went on an indefinite strike from Thursday against non-payment of their pending salaries and pensions. The strike has been called under the aegis of the Confederation of MCD Employees Union  an umbrella body of civic employees unions.

The agitated employees also staged a protest at the Civil Lines zonal office of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation and demanded the release of their pending salaries.

Also Read: Delhi: Minor glitches reported during second vaccination dry run at 66 sites

AP Khan, convenor, Confedration of MCD Employees Union, said that employees in different departments of the north civic body have not been paid salaries for the last four or five months, while the salaries of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) employees have been pending for the last three months. In South Delhi Municipal Corporation, employees pensions are not being cleared.

Employees have been working without salary for four or five months and now they are unable to take care of their families. We have raised the issue with the authorities several times but to no avail. We are compelled to go on strike until our demands are met. We want all our pending salaries and pensions to be cleared and a permanent solution to this problem, Khan said.

Employees who are participating in the strike include teachers, engineers, staff of the horticulture department, clerical staff, Domestic Breeding Checkers (DBC) workers, and fourth-class employees such as beldars and labourers.
Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda will visit West Bengal on Saturday to launch the partys Ek Muthi Chawal campaign to dispel the oppositions allegations that the ruling party at the Centre is anti-farmers, a functionary familiar with the matter said.

Nadda will also lead the partys door-to-door canvassing ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections scheduled to take place before May this year.

According to the party functionary speaking on condition of anonymity, the BJP president will launch the campaign in Burdwan district after which party workers will visit farming households across 48,000 villages to collect rice.

It is a month-long drive to collect rice, which will then be used for a community meal for farmers, and the poor, the functionary quoted above said.

Nadda has been leading the election strategy in West Bengal after the partys performance in Bihar, where it won 74 seats of the 110 it contested in the 243-member house and formed the government with JD(U), which contested on 115 seats and won 43.

The BJP is pulling out all the stops to dispel concerns about the three farm laws even as farmers have massed Delhis borders since last November to protest against the laws.

The party has instructed its functionaries to conduct door-to-door campaigns, write letters and hold meetings locally across the states to dismiss the allegations that the new laws will benefit corporates.

What the party president will initiate will be taken further by the functionaries at all booth levels. The party has already underlined how farmers in the state have been deprived of the benefits of the Kisan Samman Nidhi that offers six thousand a year to farmers through direct bank transfer, said the functionary quoted above.

Nadda had last visited the state on December 10 when his convoy was stoned at Diamond Harbour in South 24-Parganas district. Several BJP leaders were injured in the attack.

Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP locked horns over the incident that took place in the Lok Sabha constituency of Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
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Washington  Anthony Brindisi says President Donald Trump bears responsibility for inciting an angry mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol today as members of Congress were about to certify the results of the presidential election.

His words to rioters to show strength and march to the Capitol were disgusting, Brindisi said, referring to Trumps speech earlier in the day in which the president told supporters he would never concede his election loss.

This was a violent insurrection and attack on our democracy by domestic terrorists who are hell bent on preventing the peaceful transition of power in our nation, Brindisi told syracuse.com in an interview Wednesday night.

Brindisi, D-Utica, was not at the Capitol because he had to step down from his House seat Saturday. The seat will be left vacant until the 22nd Congressional District election is decided.

I feel a little sad not being there because I want to be able to take part in democracy and witness the peaceful transition of power, Brindisi said.

He said Trump needs to publicly accept the results of his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden and stop the angry rhetoric that incited his supporters to violence. One woman was shot and killed at the Capitol during the riot.

He has to stop giving his supporters this false sense of hope that the election results can be overturned, Brindisi said of Trump. Fifty states have certified this election, there have been over 60 court challenges, and there has been no evidence of widespread fraud that would overturn the results.

Brindisi said the storming of the Capitol is an embarrassment for the United States, which has always led the world by example with a peaceful transition of power in the presidency.

Were supposed to be the greatest democracy in the world and today we looked like some banana republic, Brindisi said.

But he said he has faith that the nation will move forward with a peaceful transition when Biden is sworn into office Jan. 20.

In two weeks, we are going to swear in a new president, Brindisi said. I think its important for all of us to speak with one voice and stand up against mob rule.

Claudia Tenney, a Republican challenging Brindisi in the undecided election, declined an interview request. A spokesman referred a reporter to a statement in which Tenney condemned the violence and property destruction at the Capitol.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
A top virologist and pathologist in Canada told government officials that the coronavirus pandemic is, the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on an unsuspecting public, and that, paper masks and fabric masks are simply virtue signaling.

I might know a little bit about all this, he clarifies, as Dr. Roger Hodkinson points out his position as CEO of Western Medical Assessments, a Canadian biotechnology company which manufactures Covid tests.

Positive test results do not, underlined in neon, mean a clinical infection, he adds, which echoes the experience of Tesla CEO Elon Musk who recently made headlines after receiving two positive and two negative tests in one day.

Something extremely bogus is going on. Was tested for covid four times today. Two tests came back negative, two came back positive. Same machine, same test, same nurse. Rapid antigen test from BD.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 13, 2020

Hodkinson believes that all asymptomatic Covid testing should stop because it is driving public hysteria around the virus which has led to life-ruining lock downs and other draconian restrictions on citizens.

When it comes to masks, Hodkinson says they are, utterly useless. There is no evidence base for their effectiveness whatsoever Social distancing is [also] useless, he posits, because Covid is spread by aerosols which travel 30 meters or so before landing.

Science is often conflicting in regard to the effectiveness of mask wearing. Some studies find that they work very well, others that they dont, and some even suggest that the virus is evolving to evade mask wearing altogether.

Theyre not even worn effectively most of the time. Its utterly ridiculous. Seeing these unfortunate, uneducated people  Im not saying that in a pejorative sense  seeing these people walking around like lemmings obeying without any knowledge base to put the mask on their face.  Dr. Roger Hodkinson

There is utterly unfounded public hysteria driven by the media and politicians, says the doctor, amid a second push for wider lock downs, mandatory masks, enforced social distancing, and curfews.

[Hodkinson] received his general medical degrees from Cambridge University in the UK (M.A., M.B., B. Chir.) where he was a scholar at Corpus Christi College, explains MedMalDoctors, a medical-oriented law firm run by Dr. Hodkinson.

Following a residency at the University of British Columbia he became a Royal College certified general pathologist (FRCPC) and also a Fellow of the College of American Pathologists (FCAP). He is in good Standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, and has been recognized by the Court of Queens Bench in Alberta as an expert in pathology.

In order to halt the pandemic, Hodkinson believes that older and more vulnerable people need to be protected while noting that for people under the age of 65 in Alberta, Canada, only one in three hundred thousand have died. Locking down entire economies is outrageous in his view, for what has been tantamount to just another bad flu for those younger demographics.

Its politics playing medicine, and thats a very dangerous game, he concludes.Im absolutely outraged that this has reached this level. It should all stop tomorrow.

You can listen to Dr. Hodkinsons testimony on BitChute.

This article (Leading Virologist Says Coronavirus Pandemic is The Greatest Hoax Ever Perpetrated on an Unsuspecting Public) as originally created and published by Waking Times and is published here under a Creative Commons license with attribution to Phillip Schneider and WakingTimes.com. It may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this copyright statement.
MICHIGAN  Several Michigan leaders have come out to condemn Wednesdays invasion of the United States Capitol building by Trump supporters during Congress session to certify the 2020 election results.

Despite a pro-Trump mob overrunning the Capitol and delaying the certification vote, members of both chambers voted to certify the results, further confirming that Joe Biden will be the next president.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former Gov. Rick Snyder came together on Wednesday calling for national unity, with Whitmer saying that what happened in the Capitol was appalling and that the United States is a nation of laws, not mobs.

Now is the time to put this election behind us once and for all, Whitmer said. We must unify as one nation to defeat our real enemy, which is the pandemic that has taken far too many of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. As Americans, there is no problem we cant solve, and no challenge we cant meet. Lets all stay safe. Lets take care of each other. And lets move forward together, as one United States of America.

While we come from different backgrounds and political parties, Gov. Whitmer and I share a deep love for our county, Snyder said. We must always remember that we are American people first and we are not one anothers enemy. Thats why I join with Gov. Whitmer in calling on people of goodwill across America to pray for peace, calm, and healing.

Newly elected Congresswoman Lisa McClain called Wednesday and atrocious day for democracy.

What started out as members of Congress following a sacred and Constitutional tradition quickly was overcome by violent protestors, McClain said. I wholeheartedly condemn the violence and vandalism at the Capitol and all who participated in such evil behavior. These vile acts are a slap in the face to peace-loving Americans.

McClain said she also hopes that Americans will never again allow such darkness to rear its ugly head. She extended her thanks to thanks to law enforcement officers.

During the vote to certify the election, McClain voted to object to the Electoral College votes in Arizona and Pennsylvania, along with other Michigan representatives Tim Walberg and Jack Bergman.

State Rep. Phil Green, a Republican from Millington, said that his heart is grieved by the events that happened and he will always support the right to peaceably assemble.

The disrespect to our country taking place at our nations Capitol is unacceptable, as is our nations trend toward violence over the past year, Green said. My thoughts and prayers are with all affected by todays shameful events.

State Sen. Dan Lauwers, a Republican from Brockway Township, said that he does not think violence will help the situation in any way.

Charles Henry, the Huron County Democratic Party chairman, said that reasonable Americans from all political parties should be sickened by what happened, but not surprised.

False information has been advanced and gone unchecked for the last 10 weeks and longer, Henry said. Its way past time for reasonable to come together as the country tries to heal, so our republic can survive.

Casey Armitage, the social and media chair for the Huron County Republican Party, said that party Chairman Doug Henne is well aware of the events in Washington and not prepared to make a statement about it at this time.

President Donald Trump has since promised an orderly transition of power will take place on Jan. 20.
The could certify just 12 Electoral College votes on Wednesday before pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol, interrupting a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were set to certify President-elect Joe Biden's win.

The process of certifying the electoral votes works alphabetically, with lawmakers starting with Alabama and then working through the states in alphabetical order.

Congress had certified just two states Alabama's nine Electoral College votes and Alaska's three before the riots broke out. All 12 of those votes went to incumbent President

There are 538 electoral votes in total, one for each congressperson and senator plus three for Washington, DC.

The election certification is usually a routine and ceremonial function that is the final step after the Electoral College officially elected Biden on December 14, but the certification was contested by a few Republican members of Congress.

In the November 3 presidential election, Biden, a Democrat won 306 Electoral College votes while Trump, a Republican, mustered only 232 votes.

Lawmakers were in the process of discussing Arizona's 11 Electoral College votes when the riots broke out. Several Republican lawmakers had objected to the votes, which were for Biden, prompting both the House and Senate to retire to their chambers to debate the objection.

After the riots broke out, Congress went into recess. It is not clear when they could reconvene to continue the certification process.

There are no clear answers yet on when the joint session will resume to certify President-elect Biden's win, CNN reported.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Moments after a woman inside the United States Capitol was shot and killed, Trump supporter Valerie Muldez of New Braunfels, Texas, raced away from the Capitol to catch a bus with her two children and husband. They tear-gassed our kids, she said. I still have it in my throat, coughed her 11-year-old, Elisha.

Perhaps Muldez had second thoughts about bringing her brood along for todays melee. No, she insisted, I have to teach the next generation how to stand up for righteousness and I want them to see these are wonderful patriots, she said, gesturing to the amoeba swarming and trashing the Capitol nearby.

As with so much of the Trump era, what happened here today was shocking but not surprising. It was the inexorable conclusion of Trumpism. It was the sequel to Novembers million MAGA march, at which many of the presidents supporters promised to return and raise hell unless the election results were reversed.

Something had to be done, said Marilyn Bittner, who works as a house flipper in Maine. Theyre not listening to us in the courts or in the legislature, so its reached a point where people are going to break in, she said.

On the muddy lawn, a contractor from Philly named Dave told me this is just the beginning. People are pissed off. Why wasnt it an act of domestic terrorism to break into the U.S. Capitol? This is our house, he said. We own it. They dont own it. Inside the building, Trump loyalists ran wild through the halls, posing for pictures in Nancy Pelosis office and scrawling MURDER THE MEDIA on the walls while he tweet-egged them on.

The building belongs to us, said Dave Hall, an unemployed Middlebury, Vermont, man who was waving a QAnon flag in front of the marble steps. He said his favorite news sources were The Epoch Times and One America News Network. Like everyone I spoke to, he had nothing but disdain for the vice-president.

This pretty much solidifies what we already knew about Pence, said Hall. Hes not aligned with freedom, hes not aligned with Trump.

In various interviews, Vice-President Pence was described as very disappointing, a traitor, and not a Christian. One man bleated into a bullhorn that Pence was the devil.

Groups of women posed for pictures with their friends in front of the besieged dome, a perverse sort of tourism. Get one of me! said one person, hanging from the scaffolding of the bleachers meant to hold Joe Bidens inauguration guests in two weeks. This is what Trump wanted, said another, not unreasonably.

YMCA and Macho Man and Elton John could be heard over the roar of the mob as the acrid tang of tear gas whipped on the Washington winds.

Bizarrely, I bumped into Darinna Thompson, a 49-year-old homemaker whom I happened to interview in a parking lot in Pennsylvania two weeks before the election. You took it from Trump! she accused me. What about the fact that Trump-appointed judges and his own attorney general said there was no grand election conspiracy? Bill Barr is a fat, bloated, loaded swamp creature, she said with a shrug. How was her field trip inside the Capitol? A little peppery, she allowed. But you should go in there, its beautiful. I thanked them for their hospitality  most of them are on our side, the Capitol Police.

In fact, there was only one person who told me he was troubled by the anarchy underfoot. The break-in was not going to solve a thing, and then to see the police get treated the way they were treated, its ridiculous, said David Ellis, a 60-year-old New Hampshire man who admitted that he works as  you guessed it  a police chief. Still, as with Muldez, the anarchy didnt make Ellis second-guess his decision to attend today.

Theres a lot of Trump supporters that are awesome people, he said. Like me.
The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday launched a counter-attack on Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu for allegedly politicising the vandalism of Hindu temples by raising the issue of chief minister YSR Jagan Mohan Reddys faith.

State minister for tourism and culture Muthamsetty Srinivasa Rao told reporters in Visakhapatnam that Naidu was creating communal hatred by linking Jagan Reddys Christianity to the recent attacks on temples.

The TDP president is repeatedly raising the issue of the chief ministers Christian faith so as to gain political mileage. He is acting like a typical movie villain, the minister said.

Minister Kodali Venkateshwara Rao accused Naidu of launching a venomous campaign by alleging that the chief minister was not acting on vandalism in temples because he was a Christian.

Jagan doesnt discriminate between Hindus and Christians in the implementation of welfare schemes. He launched the house sites distribution programme on December 25 which coincided with Vaikuntha Ekadasi as well as Christmas, he said.

Meanwhile, state director general of police Gautam Sawang has threatened to file a criminal case against the TDP president for attributing communal motives to him. I am consulting my lawyers before proceeding with criminal action against Naidu, the DGP said in Tirupati.

I never expected that Chandrababu Naidu, who had served as a chief minister for a long period, would talk so irresponsibly, he said.

The DGP went on to suspect a largescale conspiracy behind the series of attacks on temples in the recent past. The sequence of events clearly shows that some vested interests are trying to create law and order problems in the state, he said.

A day ago, Naidu had said at a party meeting that the attack on Ramatirtham temple in Vizianagaram on the night of December 28 was due to inaction of the Jagan government.

The chief minister, the home minister (M Sucharita), the DGP and even the district SP are all Christians. They should have taken prompt steps to clear doubts among Hindu devotees. But they displayed total negligence, Naidu said.

TDP official spokesman NB Sudhakar Reddy expressed surprise over the DGPs statement that he would file a criminal case against Naidu for raising his voice against destruction of temples. He said it was unwarranted on the part of Sawang to threaten the TDP president who had served as the chief minister for 14 years.

The DGP should stop acting like a YSRC worker and do his duty as per the law. Why didnt he take any action when the chief minister and YSRC leaders repeatedly raised Naidus caste with regard to Amaravati issue? he asked.

India has just one DNA and it is Hindu: RSS leader

Ram temple in Ayodhya to be symbol of India's self-respect and pride: RSS

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Gandhinagar, Jan 07: The upcoming Ram temple in Ayodhya will be a symbol of India's self-respect and pride and its ground-breaking ceremony was a turning point in India's history, the RSS said on Thursday as it decided to launch a mega outreach programme to mobilise funds for the project.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, through its affiliates, will connect with 10 crore families across five lakh villages seeking monetary contribution for the temple's construction, a top RSS leader said.

After the end of a three-day ''chintan shivir'' (brainstorming camp) held at Uvarsad village here, the RSS also decided to focus on three areas: achieving ''samajik samrasta'' (social equality) by overcoming difference caused by caste, language and birth in the Hindu society, promoting Hindu family values and protecting the environment.

A security upgrade for RSS, BJP leaders in Punjab is much needed: Here is why

Top RSS leaders like Mohan Bhagwat and Bhaiyyaji Joshi, BJP president J P Nadda and heads of around 34 organisations working under the Sangh Parivar umbrella took part in the three-day meeting which started on January 5.

The ground-breaking ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya was a turning point in the history of the country.

BJP MLC R Shankar hopeful of being made minister, claims expansion likely in 2 to 3 days

"The temple will be a symbol of self-respect and pride of the country, said RSS Sah Sarkaryawahak (Joint General Secretary) President) Krishna Gopal, briefing about the meet.

The ground-breaking ceremony of the Shri Ram Temple held on August 5 last year has led to enthusiasm in the country as well as world.

"Temple construction issues were discussed in detail in the meeting, he said.

The VHP has planned an outreach campaign and it was decided (in the meet) that members of all organisations of the RSS will reach out to five lakh villages and over 10 crore families to connect them with the construction of the Ram Temple by way of monetary contribution, he said.

It is the will of people to contribute, but we expect at least Rs 10 from a person and Rs 100 from a family and those who are rich can give donations as per their wish, he said.

The RSS leader said in the meeting it was decided to focus on three activities in the near future.

Our workers have been asked to spread the message of social equality (''samajik samrasta''). Everybody is one, everybody is the same.

"Our festivals are for everybody, our customs are for everyone, religious teachers are for everyone. We have to overcome differences of caste, language and birth, he said, indicating the RSS wants to bring unity in the Hindu society.

The second activity will be to promote family values inspired by Hindu culture.

It has come to our notice that families are breaking up. We want to inculcate family values that have been promoted by Hindu culture, Gopal said.

The third activity that the RSS plans to take up on large scale is environmental protection, he said.

The RSS believes that degrading environment can cause catastrophic problems in the future one of them being scarcity of water, he said.

In reply to a question about the ongoing agitation by farmers outside Delhi against the Centre''s new agri-marketing laws, Gopal said, "farmers and the government should find out a solution through talks."

The RSS meeting also discussed the situation that has arisen in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic and lauded the efforts of health professionals, frontline workers and people who have fought it bravely, he said.

Around 150 top leaders of the Sangh Parivar participated in the meeting and discussed works of 34 RSS- affiliated organisations, he said.

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Story first published: Thursday, January 7, 2021, 17:39 [IST]
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How Was Capitol Breach Possible? 'I Can't Figure That Out'

'We train and plan and budget every day, basically, to have this not happen'

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 17:50:06|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on Jan. 5, 2021 shows a gantry crane lifting a container in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Photo by Guo Nailun/Xinhua)

HOHHOT, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The import and export volume of the Manzhouli comprehensive bonded zone in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region exceeded 1.1 billion yuan (about 170.5 million U.S. dollars) in 2020, according to local authorities.

The foreign trade volume was double that of the previous year, said the zone's management committee.

The zone has launched three road freight routes linking China with Poland, Italy and Russia's Moscow. It has also exported more than 400 kinds of cargo worth nearly 500 million yuan, including precision machinery and household appliances.

Covering 1.44 square km, the zone lies in the border city of Manzhouli. As the first comprehensive bonded zone in Inner Mongolia, it offers a series of favorable policies covering tax, foreign exchange management and other fields. 


"The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol and our democratic institutions that is occurring right now in Washington is deplorable. In the United States of America, we pride ourselves on a peaceful transition of power," he said. "This is domestic terrorism and it is an attempt to overthrow the elected will of the American people."

Republican elected officials in the state were also condemning what took place.

The situation unfolding in Washington D.C. is nothing short of tragic. What weve witnessed today has no place in our country and should be condemned by anyone who considers themself a true American," said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay. "Protests have always been part of political discourse, but the events at the Capitol have crossed every line imaginable. As a nation, we are better than this - and we need to show it immediately.

State Sen. Rob Ortt, the GOP leader for that chamber, took to Twitter to post this message: "As a veteran, Ive proudly fought for Americans right to protest peacefully. There is nothing peaceful about the chaos in Washington today. This is NOT who we are."

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Bitcoin is once again on many investors minds after it hit an all-time high of over R500,000 on Tuesday 5 January.

To see how we got here, it is instructional to have a look at when Bitcoin was launched and how it started to gain traction in recent years.

Bitcoin was launched in January 2009 after its founder, Satoshi Nakamoto, created the Bitcoin network and mined the starting block of the chain.

In the early days, it was the playground of technology enthusiasts and failed to gain widespread adoption.

In 2010, programmer Laszlo Hanyecz famously bought two Papa Johns pizzas for 10,000 Bitcoin, which showed how worthless the digital currency was a decade ago.

In 2011, Bitcoin started to gain traction on the black market, such as Silk Road, because it made it possible to buy and sell products anonymously.

While all transactions are recorded and publicly visible, they are traced to an electronic address rather than a person. This suits the black market perfectly.

Over the next few years, Bitcoin started to attract the attention of more people and its price increased from $0.30 per bitcoin in January 2011 to $770 in January 2014.

The price of Bitcoin hovered around the $300 to $400 level in 2014 and 2015 before rapidly increasing to nearly $1,000 at the end of 2016.

2017 was the year in which Bitcoin grabbed the attention of the world, which saw its price increase to just under $20,000 in December 2017.

The Bitcoin craze of 2017 was compared with the Tulipmania, when the price of tulips reached unprecedented highs during the seventeenth century.

Just like the tulip prices which plummeted after Tulipmania, Bitcoin prices dropped to close to $3,000 the next year.

There is, however, a difference between Tulipmania and the Bitcoin craze. Bitcoin prices bounced back.

Bitcoin enjoyed a resurgence in early 2019, with prices increasing to around $14,000 in June, but declined again and started 2020 on $7,200.

Last year was a standout year for Bitcoin with prices peaking at over $29,000 in December 2020.

The Bitcoin rally continued in 2021 and Bitcoin hit an all-time high of over $35,000 this week.

From R2 to R514,000 in ten years

In January 2011, one Bitcoin cost $0.30. At the time the rand traded at R6.63 to the US dollar, which means a Bitcoin cost R1.99 at the time.

Fast forward ten years and the price per Bitcoin has increased to R514,000.

This raises the question of what we can expect from the cryptocurrency over the next year. Is it too late to make some money, or is there still scope for growth?

Fundstrat managing partner Tom Lee said in a CNBC interview that Bitcoin can show an even stronger performance in 2021 than what it did in 2020.

Lee said the conditions remain in place for a continued rally in Bitcoin over the next six to 12 months, which could push the price over $100,000.

JPMorgan Chase, in turn, predicted a long-term Bitcoin price target of over $146,000 if it succeeds in disrupting gold as a value store.

Bitcoin bulls Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are even more optimistic, saying the cryptocurrency will replace gold and reach a market cap of around $9 trillion.

We think Bitcoin could price one day at $500,000. We think it will be the best performing asset of this decade, they said.

Others believe Bitcoin is in a bubble or even worthless.

Economist David Rosenberg recently told Bloomberg that Bitcoin is currently a classic, follow-the-herd, extremely crowded trade. Its in a massive bubble.

The Berkshire Hathaway CEO and chairman, Warren Buffett said cryptocurrencies basically have no value and they dont produce anything.

He added that he does not own any cryptocurrency like Bitcoin and never will.

Bitcoin price chart

The chart below, courtesy of Coindesk, shows the Bitcoin price over the last six years.

Now read: The dark side of Bitcoin in South Africa
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- An article published in Experimental Biology and Medicine (Volume 246, Issue 1, January, 2021, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1535370220961764) describes a new target for the development therapies and vaccines for malaria. The study from the West African Centre for Cell Biology of infectious Pathogens at the University of Ghana in Accra (Ghana) reports that peptide antibodies against a new merozoite protein (PF3D7_1459400) block parasite entry into red blood cells.

Malaria is a major global health problem with 2.5 billion people at risk of the disease and death. Global elimination of malaria requires an effective vaccine. Despite the huge public health burden of the disease, limited numbers of vaccine candidates are currently under development, and the most advanced candidates display modest efficacy. The development of an effective malaria vaccine has been slow due to limited understanding of the parasite's biology, including proteins involved in parasite entry into red blood cells. Identification and characterization of new parasite proteins involved in red blood cell invasion will provide novel targets for host immunity and prioritize candidates for vaccine development.

In this study, a team led by Dr. Gordon Awandare used protein structure algorithms to identify hotspots within the target parasite protein. Antibodies generated against peptides encoding these hotspots were specific and blocked parasite invasion of human red blood cells. In addition, plasma samples from malaria-exposed individuals in Ghana recognized the peptides, confirming their immunogenic nature. Dr. Emmanuel Amlabu, the lead author of the study, said "To identify new blood-stage proteins as potential vaccine candidates, a systematic screening procedure was implemented, and this work fills the gap in knowledge for one of the uncharacterized proteins in the parasite". Dr. Awandare added that "A major challenge in the development of peptide-based vaccines is insufficient knowledge on the selection criteria for immunogenic peptides. We have mitigated that limitation by using protein informatics tools to define less-variable and immunogenic regions within the protein which turned out to be resourceful".

Dr. Steven R. Goodman, Editor-in-Chief of Experimental Biology & Medicine, said "Dr. Awandare and colleagues have provided relevant information regarding a newly characterized parasite protein and have established that peptide antibodies against the protein block infection of red blood cells by parasites. Thus, their study is a vertical leap in the area of peptide-based infection-blocking vaccine development for malaria".

Experimental Biology and Medicine is a global journal dedicated to the publication of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research in the biomedical sciences. The journal was first established in 1903. Experimental Biology and Medicine is the journal of the Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine. To learn about the benefits of society membership visit www.sebm.org. If you are interested in publishing in the journal, please visit http://ebm.sagepub.com.

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by Woody LaBounty

July 2005

In 2002, an old-timer bought me a beer in Fahey's bar and we got to talking about the older businesses along Taraval street. I asked how long he lived in the Parkside and he gave me a canny sideways squint.

"You grew up out here," he nodded, "otherwise you'd have called it the 'Sunset'. People forget that this is the Parkside."

The Parkside as a neighborhood started in July 1905 when a syndicate led by William Crocker announced they had quietly bought land from the estate of Adolph Sutro and others to create a new million-dollar development. The "park" of Parkside was not Golden Gate Park, but rather the stand of trees and plants around Laguna Puerca (now called Pine Lake, and often called "Mud Lake" by old-timers). The area's remoteness at the time is obvious in this quote from a San Francisco Chronicle article announcing the purchase:

"To most persons the land acquired by the Parkside Realty Company is a terra incognita. It is popularly supposed to consist in part or in whole of sand dunes, whereas as a matter of fact, it is composed of pasturage and wood..." 1

This was some optimistic marketing. Except for the eucalyptus and bunch grass, most of Parkside was sand dunes.

The first homes in the development were built in clumps of four, near today's Stern Grove: cute shingled cottages for "workingmen" that mostly survive today. 2 The first residents felt like pioneers in the wilderness:

"those who had taken up homes in this beautiful section were compelled to walk to their places of abode from the street cars in utter darkness for there were no street lights to guide them, and scarcely any mark by which one street could be distinguished from another."

H. H. Dobbin, Sr., 1910. 3

Like other neighborhoods south of Golden Gate Park and west of Twin Peaks, the Parkside is generally lumped into the Sunset District. But where "Sunset Heights," "Parkway Terrace," and "Oceanside" have almost completely faded away, the Parkside name still gets used, and many residents hasten to point out their autonomy from the Sunset.

The early residents of the Parksidetraditionally bounded by 15th Avenue on the east, 33rd Avenue on the west, Ortega on the north and Sloat Boulevard on the southcertainly had to fend for themselves. The Parkside of one hundred years ago was a land without streetlights or sidewalks, with more rabbits than human residents. It was a long walk in the dark across sand dunes to the streetcar line on Lincoln Way. Parksiders learned to band together and speak loudly to get changes.

In the first half-century of Parkside, residents formed the Parkside District Improvement Club and lobbied successfully for new streetcar and sewer lines, fire stations, parks, libraries, and schools. They held festivals, dinners, costume balls, and children's fairs to celebrate their community, and built one of San Francisco's strongest and most admired neighborhoods out of what was formerly an expanse of dune and scrub.

Fahey's bar turned into the "Dragon Lounge" on April 1, 2004, (some old-timers may have thought it was an April Fool's joke). The demographics of the population and the character of the neighborhood businesses keep changing but the priorities of Parkside residentsattractive homes, excellent schools, good public transportation and great parkshaven't changed in a century.

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The insurrection at the U.S. Capitol was both stunning and predictable, the result of a Republican Party that has repeatedly enabled President Donald Trump's destructive behaviour.

Trump supporters gesture to U.S. Capitol Police in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

The insurrection at the U.S. Capitol was both stunning and predictable, the result of a Republican Party that has repeatedly enabled President Donald Trump's destructive behaviour.

When Trump was a presidential candidate in 2016, Republican officials ignored his call to supporters to knock the crap out of protesters. Less than a year after he took office, GOP leaders argued he was taken out of context when he said there were very fine people on both sides of a deadly white supremacist rally.

Last summer, most party leaders looked the other way when Trump had hundreds of peaceful protesters forcibly removed from a demonstration near the White House so he could pose with a Bible in front of a church.

But the violent siege on Capitol Hill offers a new, and perhaps final, moment of reckoning for the GOP. The party's usual excuses for Trump  he's not a typical politician and is uninterested in hewing to Washington's niceties  fell short against images of mobs occupying some of American democracy's most sacred spaces.

The party, which has been defined over the past four years by its loyalty to Trump, began recalibrating in the aftermath of Wednesdays chaos.

One of Trump's closest allies in Congress, GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said enough is enough.

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said Trumps accomplishments in office were wiped out today.

Trump's former acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, now a special envoy to Northern Ireland, joined a growing number of administration officials who are resigning. I cant do it. I cant stay, Mulvaney told CNBC on Thursday. "Those who choose to stay, and I have talked with some of them, are choosing to stay because theyre worried the president might put someone worse in.

Stephanie Grisham, the first lady Melania Trump's chief of staff and a former White House press secretary, submitted her resignation. Deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger, White House social secretary Rickie Niceta and deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews also resigned, according to officials.

For the party to move forward, it will need to deal with the reality that Trump lost to President-elect Joe Biden by more than 7 million votes and a 306-232 margin in the Electoral College, a result Congress certified early Thursday when it finished accepting all the electoral votes.

Trump acknowledged his term was coming to a close, but not that he had actually lost.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," he said in a statement minutes after Congress certified the vote. "I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!

Former Republican President George W. Bush described the violent mob as a sickening and heartbreaking sight." He declined to call out Trump or his allies, but the implication was clear when Bush said the siege was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, a top House Republican and the daughter of Bush's vice-president, was much more direct in an interview on Fox News.

There's no question the president formed the mob. The president incited the mob," Cheney said. He lit the flame.

Bush and Cheney were already among a smaller group of Republican officials willing to condemn Trump's most outrageous behaviour at times. The overwhelming majority of the GOP has been far more reserved, eager to keep Trump's fiery base on their side.

Still, Trump's grip on his party appeared somewhat weakened when members of Congress returned to the Capitol on Wednesday night, having spent several hours hiding in secure locations after being evacuated. Before they left, a handful of Republican senators and more than 100 Republican House members were set to oppose the vote to certify Biden's victory.

It was a move led by Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri, each with his own 2024 presidential ambitions, over the objection of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who warned that that U.S. democracy would enter a death spiral if Congress rejected state election results.

When they resumed debate, however, much of the energy behind the extraordinary push had fizzled. Several Republicans dropped their objections altogether. Hawley and Cruz did not, but they offered scaled-back arguments.

Hawley condemned the day's violence but also called for an investigation into irregularities and fraud. Earlier in the day, his hometown newspaper, The Kansas City Star, released an editorial charging that Hawley has blood on his hands" for enabling Trump's false claims.

Other Republicans were clearly more concerned about the day's violence and the events that preceded them.

Dear MAGA- I am one of you, former White House aide Alyssa Farah tweeted. But I need you to hear me: the Election was NOT stolen. We lost.

Jefferson Thomas, who led Trumps campaign in Colorado, expressed some regret about joining Trumps team in the first place, calling Wednesdays events an embarrassment to our country.

This isnt what I ever imagined when I signed up to #MAGA. Had I known then that this is how it would end, I never wouldve joined, he wrote on Twitter.

While there were obvious cracks in Trump's grip on the Republican Party, his fiercest detractors came from a familiar pool of frequent critics.

Trump's former secretary of defence, Jim Mattis, who denounced the president as a threat to the Constitution last year, described the violent assault on the Capitol as an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule" and "was fomented by Mr. Trump.

His use of the presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice, Mattis said.

Anthony Scaramucci, who served briefly as Trumps White House communications director in 2017, often has harsh words for Trump. But he offered his harshest on Wednesday for Trumps Republican enablers.

Republican elected officials still supporting Trump need to be tried alongside of him for treason, he tweeted.

Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report.
Neil Sheehan, a US reporter who wrote an award-winning book about the Vietnam War, has died aged 84.

Sheehan died on Thursday morning of complications from Parkinsons disease, his daughter, Catherine Sheehan Bruno said.

His account of the Vietnam War, A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann And America In Vietnam, took him 15 years to write. The 1988 book won the Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction.

Sheehan served as a war correspondent for United Press International and then the New York Times in the early days of US involvement in the Vietnam War in the 1960s.

It was there that he developed a fascination with what he would call our first war in vain where people were dying for nothing.

As a national writer for the Times based in Washington, Sheehan was the first to obtain the Pentagon Papers, a massive history of US involvement in Vietnam ordered up by the Defence Department.

Expand Close Neil Sheehan worked for the New York Times (John Lent/AP) / Facebook

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Daniel Ellsberg, a former consultant to the Defence Department who had previously leaked Vietnam-related documents to Sheehan, had copied the papers and made arrangements to get them to Sheehan.

The Times reports, which began in June 1971, exposed widespread government deception about US prospects for victory. Soon, The Washington Post also began publishing stories about the Pentagon Papers.

The Pentagon Papers looked in excruciating detail at the decisions and strategies of the war.

And they told how involvement was built up steadily by political leaders and top military brass who were overconfident about US prospects and deceptive about the accomplishments against the North Vietnamese.

Soon after the initial stories were published, the Nixon administration got an injunction arguing national security was at stake, and publication was stopped.

The action started a heated debate about the First Amendment that quickly moved up to the Supreme Court.

On June 30 1971, the court ruled 6-3 in favour of allowing publication, and the Times and The Washington Post resumed publishing their stories.

The Times won the Pulitzer Prize for public service in 1972 for its Pentagon Papers coverage, and the papers editors praised Sheehan for his central role.

We are all particularly proud of Neil Sheehan for the tenacity, knowledge and professional ability that contributed so pivotally to the whole project, said AM Rosenthal, then the managing editor of the Times, after the Pulitzer was announced.

After the publication of the Pentagon Papers stories, Sheehan became increasingly interested in trying to capture the essence of the complex and contradictory war, so he set out to write a book.

I tried to tell the story of what happened in Vietnam, and why it happened, he said in a 1988 interview that aired on C-SPAN. The desire I had is that this book will help people come to grips with this war.  Vietnam will be a war in vain only if we dont draw wisdom from it.

Sheehan thought his book about the war could be best told through his account of an officer he had met in Vietnam.

John Paul Vann was a charismatic lieutenant colonel in the Army who served as a senior adviser to South Vietnamese troops in the early 1960s, retired from the Army in frustration, then came back to Vietnam and rejoined the conflict as a civilian helping direct operations in a variety of roles.

Vann was convinced the US could have won the war if it had made better decisions. To Sheehan, Vann personified the US pride, the confident attitude and the fierce will to win the war  qualities that clouded the judgment of some on whether the war was winnable.

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They decided not to reopen the Chicago location after it closed in the spring due to the coronavirus. Too many of the people who used to commute to jobs in Chicago and buy lunch downtown still are working from home and their business has dried up, she said.
ROME, JAN 7 - Premier Giuseppe Conte said Thursday the Italian government was looking forward to working with United States President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris after their election win was certified by Congress. Conte tweeted, in English: "The US Congress has certified Joe Biden's electoral victory. We are looking forward to working together with President @JoeBiden and Vice President @KamalaHarris to promote a global agenda aimed at growth, sustainability and inclusion." Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio also said the government was looking forward to working with Biden. He tweeted, also in English: Congrats to President-elect @JoeBiden following the US Congress certification of election results. We look forward to working with the new Administration and we stand together in support of democracy. US can count on Italy as a solid ally and strategic partner. (ANSA).
WASHINGTON  Most of the Capitol was empty when the day began. The sound of footsteps echoed off the tiled floor as lawmakers, reporters, and staffers shuffled in for a day that already promised to be contentious and historic.

But what began as a furious congressional debate over the integrity of the 2020 election in Pennsylvania and other battleground states ended with lawmakers huddled on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, tear gas wafting through the soaring Rotunda, and attackers  American attackers  smashed their way through House and Senate chamber doors.

Security staff barricaded themselves inside the House chamber, aiming pistols through the shattered windowpanes in the doors, as the mob pressed from outside, attempting to overturn a democratic election.

Frightened lawmakers, donning protective masks, shuffled alongside armed guards as they evacuated down hallways, while Trump supporters paraded just steps away with Confederate battle flags. Someone stood a noose outside the Capitol building.

Those halls and that building  a towering symbol of government by the people  have hosted more than two centuries of divisive debates.

But nothing like what unfolded Wednesday.

Never in a million years did I imagine that the Capitol of the United States would be taken over by a group of lawless thugs, said Rep. Brendan Boyle (D., Pa.).

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D., Pa.) described the chaos in two words: An atrocity.

Wednesdays proceedings began predictably at 1 p.m., but in a way that showed how even the most basic elements of American life have become divided.

A sparse collection of Democrats gathered on their side of the House, while a far larger group of House and Senate Republicans crowded together on their side, defying Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who implored them to limit the number of people on the floor amid the pandemic.

Shortly into what would normally be a routine exercise  Congress counting the Electoral College votes from each state and ensuring a peaceful transfer of power  Rep. Paul Gosar (R., Ariz.) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) objected to accepting Arizonas lawfully certified electors. Several dozen Republicans on the House floor gave them a standing ovation.

Rep. Madeleine Dean (D., Pa.) had arrived hours early to the joint session, preparing to push back against Republican efforts. As she edited her speech, her staff suggested she might include a reference to the unruly mobs growing outside.

 READ MORE: Trump supporters in Washington rejoice over an attack on the U.S. Capitol: Today, its biblical.

All day, a crowd of growing Trump supporters had swarmed on the grounds nearby while, in speeches, the presidents supporters pumped them up with lies about a stolen election and Trump urged them to march on the Capitol.

And as debate unfolded in the House, lawmakers and reporters increasingly turned their eyes from what was playing out before them and cast them down toward their phones, scrolling through increasingly fraught reports of Trump-fueled rioters threatening to breach the building and the overwhelmed police losing their battle to hold them at bay.

Worse quickly followed.

Less than an hour into the proceedings, security rushed House leadership off the floor. The tension that had pervaded the room erupted.

This is because of you! Rep. Dean Phillips (D., Minn.) bellowed toward the GOP.

 READ MORE: Fact-checking Trumps false claims about Pennsylvanias election before his supporters attacked the Capitol

Within minutes, a police commander announced the building had been breached by infiltrators and made it as far as the Capitol Rotunda, a short walk to the House chamber.

Security officers began shooting tear gas outside, as those inside the House chamber instructed lawmakers to get down behind their chairs and to don the escape hoods meant to protect them from chemical irritants.

Suddenly, the doors began to rock with what Rep. Matt Cartwright (D., Pa.) described as loud banging.

It started to feel surreal at that point, he said. Some of the police officers had clubs and other weapons that looked like tire irons, he said, adding: They were ready to subdue people charging into the chamber.

House members were informed moments later that shots had been fired and a hurried evacuation began. Cartwright filed out with dozens of people trying to orderly make their way down a narrow staircase to the Capitols subbasement and eventually the tunnels that stretch beneath it  now one of the only secure exits from the chamber.

Move! Move! police started shouting as the line began to back up.

Dean, with her emergency hood over her head and a disconcerted stare in her eyes, shuffled down marbled halls with the evacuees, clutching her purse in front of her chest.

People were shouting over each other, so its really hard to understand what people were saying, said U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (D., Pa.).

Wild, among the last in the line to evacuate, called her son and asked him to get his sister on the phone.

I wasnt anxious to let them know that I was in a dangerous situation, but I wasnt sure what was going to happen next, and felt the need to talk to them, she said. Later, she learned they had heard shots and breaking glass in the background.

Suddenly, before she and a group of about 20 others could get to the doors to evacuate, security ordered them back.

Loud pops followed. Some lawmakers said they heard gunshots. Rioters broke the glass to the main doors into the House chamber. And Capitol Police, with pistols drawn, quickly turned bureaus into barricades in an attempt to keep the insurrection outside.

Hiding between chairs that normally host spectators who come to watch the countrys debates unfold, Wild gripped one hand to her chest. Holding the other was Rep. Jason Crow (D., Colo.), squatting beside her and doing his best to comfort her. She worried that the police were very much outnumbered.

I dont know how much time elapsed, she said. I completely lost sense of time.

Eventually, Capitol Police waved to lawmakers and reporters that it was safe to move out. Escorted by guards bearing handguns and rifles, they passed rioters shoved against glass doors or forced to the ground by armed Capital Security  their instinct to stop and marvel at the unprecedented scene cut short by officers shouting at them to quickly move down the stairs as attackers still roamed the building.

With chaos unfolding inside, many lawmakers who hadnt yet made it to the Capitol before the security breach watched in stunned disbelief from outside as alarming scenes continued to play out in the building and Trump  a prolific Tweeter  said nothing about the mounting chaos for hours.

Insurrectionists stormed House office buildings and the Senate chamber, too. One sat in the Senate presidents chair. Another propped his feet onto Pelosis desk.

Boyle, who had been in his office across the street, hunkered down with his staff as guards ordered them to turn off the lights and hide under their desks. He spent the next several hours narrating what he was witnessing on live TV in a succession of interviews.

By 4 p.m., most of the House members had been evacuated and were sheltering in their offices in other buildings or at an undisclosed location, where some knelt in prayer as staff handed out water and bags of Goldfish.

They all waited. Hours passed. Shock and recrimination set in.

Rep. Norma Torres (D., Calif.), born in Guatemala, said it reminded her of Central America in the 1970s.

Wild described being crowded into a room with 300 other people  many of whom are refusing to wear masks and hurling accusations at Democrats.

Im very, very worried for how we will move forward after this, she said. How we will ever feel safe?

Phillips, the Minnesotan who had shouted at Republicans, said that outburst reflected his feelings.

This has been brewing for four years. And the collective dereliction of duty manifests itself in that moment for me, said Phillips. I hope this moment is seared into not just everybodys memory here but our country, and we take heed of the risks of turning our heads, closing our ears, and most importantly turning off our minds.

Rep. Tom Malinkowski (D., N.J.), a former national security adviser in the Bill Clinton administration, said, Ive seen this happen in countries all around the world.

Words matter, and I think one of our failings in this moment is that we assume that people dont mean what they say, he said. Its important that we learn this lesson: People mean what they say. They are telling us exactly who and what they are. And we have a president who has incited and encouraged an armed attack on the Capitol of the United States.

Republicans, many of whom were quicker than Trump to condemn the violence, were not so quick to assign blame for what had happened.

Rep. Mike Kelly one of eight Pennsylvania Republicans who had planned to object to the states electors, said, We look more like a banana republic right now than the United States of America. But he rejected any suggestion that Republicans or Trump had fomented the fiasco and blamed the media instead, telling a reporter: We know what caused this and whats kept it boiling.

Jeff Van Drew, the South Jersey congressman who left the Democratic Party in 2019 to throw his support behind Trump, called the scene obviously unacceptable. Ultimately, he said, the attack will hurt the presidents legacy.

But Van Drew stopped short of criticizing the president outright.

Hes his own worst enemy at times, Van Drew said.

When Trump eventually did address the mob scene in a video released online, he peppered his calls for them to go home with compliments.

We love you, he said. Youre very special. I know how you feel.

Boyle, still in his office, was irate.

Its people like Trump who are the cause of this, and other, quiet Republican elected officials who have quietly gone along with it every step of the way, even though they know its wrong, he said.

As darkness fell, the mob was eventually ousted, the Capitol secured, and congressional leaders resumed the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory just before 9 p.m., pledging to press forward even if it took all night. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies including the FBI, some in tactical gear and carrying automatic weapons, stood outside.

Aside from the debates, the Capitol was quiet.

Staff writers Maddie Hanna, Andrew Seidman, Allison Steele, Vinny Vella, and Chris Brennan contributed to this article.
Update: On Saturday, the man was arrested in Arizona and has been charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

---

A well-known QAnon promoter has learned first-hand what it feels like to be accused of being someone you are not.

Because of his flashy costume, the so-called Q Shaman has become a photogenic fixture of QAnon rallies  and he found himself an even bigger platform on Jan. 6 when images of him breaking into the U.S. Capitol were seen all over the world. Shirtless, face painted and sporting a furry hat, he is unmistakable.

Except, it appears, to the conspiracy theory ecosystem he is part of.

The Q Shaman is an Arizona man named Jake Angeli, who has been vocally and publicly in favor of President Donald Trump and a slew of far-right conspiracy theories for years. He's also, as his name indicates, a big QAnon believer. QAnon adherents believe a secret military operation is currently in play to take down the satanic, occasionally cannibalistic, group of pedophiles who make up the global elite. Although QAnon welcomes and incorporates almost any old-school conspiracy theory you can think of  anti-Semitic tropes, JFK conspiracy, anti-vax pseudoscience, etc.  its unifier is Trump, who believers insist is integral to taking down the deep state.

Angeli has sported his distinctive look in Arizona since at least 2019, when he hit the media's radar for appearing at pro-Trump and QAnon rallies. From the Arizona Republic:

"Angeli, in a 2020 interview with The Arizona Republic, said that he wears the fur bonnet, paints his face and walks around shirtless with ragged pants as a way to attract attention. Then, he said, he is able to speak to people about his beliefs about QAnon and other truths he says remain hidden."

Win McNamee/TNS

Despite his well-documented history as a Trump supporter, on Wednesday night the right-wing media ecosystem turned on him. Lin Wood, the lawyer behind several failed suits to overrun the presidential election, tweeted a photo of Angeli and others who broke into the Capitol with the caption, "Indisputable photographic evidence that antifa violently broke into Congress today." The tweet is no longer available as Wood's Twitter account was banned.

The talking point was also picked up by Pastor Mark Burns, another big name on the pro-Trump social media circuit. "This is NOT a Trump supporter...This is a staged #Antifa attack," he tweeted with a photo of Angeli posing on the Senate dais.

Angeli himself responded to the Wood tweet, trying to clarify that he is, in fact, pro-Trump.

"Mr. Wood. I am not antifa or blm," he wrote. "I'm a Qanon & digital soldier. My name is Jake & I marched with the police & fought against BLM & ANTIFA in PHX. Look up OAN's coverage of July 4ths rally in PHX capital. I was standing against the BLM mob out numbered but unphased. Look it up..."

Conspiracy theories about antifa, which is an ideology that opposes fascism not an organized group, have quickly gone mainstream on the right. By Wednesday evening, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., was already on the floor of Congress repeating it.

"Some of the people who breached the Capitol today were not Trump supporters," he said. "They were masquerading as Trump supporters and in fact, were members of the violent terrorist group antifa."

There is no evidence "antifa" infiltrators were part of the mob that broke into the Capitol. Accusing left-aligned groups of terrorism is a well-trod path for conspiracy theorists, who point to fictional "false flags" meant to discredit conservatives. The deflection is proactive as well as reactive; InfoWars host Alex Jones regularly warns his listeners that staged terrorist attacks are constantly on the horizon, planned by their enemies to pin on "patriots."

The unsubstantiated antifa claim was amplified last night by Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham, and on Thursday morning, Rep. Mo Brooks, an Alabama Republican, was tweeting it, too.

"Please, dont be like #FakeNewsMedia, dont rush to judgment on assault on Capitol. Wait for investigation," he wrote. "All may not be (and likely is not) what appears. Evidence growing that fascist ANTIFA orchestrated Capitol attack with clever mob control tactics."

In fact, there are thousands of videos and photos, many taken by the Trump supporters themselves, showing proud Trump fans wandering the building. Other well-known far-right personalities, like infamous alt-right troll Baked Alaska, were actually livestreamed from inside Senate offices.
Theres always plenty of drama when it comes to MTVs The Challenge. Now, season 36 is here with Double Agents, and Tori Deal is out for the big money. She entered the show engaged to Jordan Wiseley, but at the end of 2020, the two called it quits on their relationship.

Now, Challenge fans think Deal is dating fellow competitor Fessy Shafaat. And Aneesa Ferreira just called Deal out for the rumors as well. Heres what happened.

The Challenge fans saw photos of Tori Deal and Fessy Shafaat together on vacation

Tori is playing her own game so, where does Fessy fit into that?



Find out TOMORROW on The Challenge: Double Agents at 8/7c on @mtv. #TheChallenge36 pic.twitter.com/FK7d8wUsda  challengemtv (@ChallengeMTV) January 5, 2021

RELATED: The Challenge: Fans Found Evidence Tori Deal is Dating Fessy Shafaat After Jordan Wiseley Breakup

Wiseley and Deal seemed like the perfect match, and theres no doubt they were totally in love. But they both announced their breakup on Instagram in November 2020. While the exes claimed their split was amicable, rumors have been flying that this may have not been the case. And fans have found evidence to suggest Deal was vacationing with Shafaat in Turks and Caicos.

Reddit fans pointed out the romance after photos surfaced.

She may have moved on mentally and emotionally a long time before her and Jordan actually broke up, one Reddit user suggested. She might have started crushing on Fessy at the Challenge house. [She] and Jordan might have even broken up a while before they posted about it on Instagram. We dont know.

Yeah I think its ironic she chose to move on with the last guy to beat Jordan in an elimination, wonder if the attraction started there, another wrote. But yeah, theyre both keeping it under the radar which is their right, but cats outta the bag, guys.

Aneesa Ferreira called Deal out for taking a trip with Shafaat

Tori Deal on Are You the One? | John Lamparski/WireImage

While Shafaat and Deal havent confirmed or denied any rumors that they may be dating, Ferreira seems willing to call Deal out. Ferreira and Deal both host The Official Challenge Podcast, and during one episode, Ferreira calls Deal out for traveling to Turks and Caicos.

Ive been trying to lay low, Deal told Ferreira on the podcast when Ferreira asked her what shes up to.

You mean, laying low in Turks? Ferreira noted.

Youre gonna call me out right now? Deal laughed. I thought we were friends. I thought this was a safe space.

Ferreira then noted that Deal originally invited her to Turks and Caicos, but things changed  and Deal clearly invited someone else instead.

I will say this  we have some very loyal, loving, and aware fans  some of you should be detectives, Ferreira added. I dont know how you find the things that you find.

Deal claims she never cheated on ex-fiance Jordan Wiseley

Deals possible relationship with Shafaat is causing cheating rumors to swirl. Its no secret Deals cheated on boyfriends in the past, so its causing some fans to wonder what really went down to end her relationship with Wiseley.

It seems Deals had enough of the cheating rumors, though. She took to Instagram Stories to dispel the gossip.

Uhmmm  I see how this is all being edited  but just because Fessy admits hes attracted to me doesnt mean I cheated  I never cheated on Jordan, Deal wrote on her Stories, according to E! News. So everyone needs to chill out.

I just want you all to know that Im mentally strong enough to handle all of this bullsh*t, she added. After four years of reality TV, you grow some thick a** skin. I know my truth and who I am.

Well have to wait and see what happens with the potential romance between Deal and Shafaat.

Check out Showbiz Cheat Sheet on Facebook!

By Anna North

Bloomsbury. 261 pp. $26

- - -

It still surprises me that some of my favorite novels are westerns. It no longer surprises me that they're written by women. The territory once dominated by Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour has long since been opened up by Paulette Jiles, Mary Doria Russell, Molly Gloss and other women who have cut fresh trails in this old genre.

The latest foray comes from Anna North, a reporter for Vox. Her new novel, "Outlawed," stirs up the western with a provocative blend of alt-history and feminist consciousness. The result is a thrilling tale eerily familiar but utterly transformed.

The story opens in late 19th-century America, though not quite the Old West we know. In this version of our past, the Great Flu of the 1830s killed 90 percent of the U.S. population, snuffing out the Industrial Revolution and the federal government. A decimated nation was in no mood for Civil War; the few Black survivors of the plague escaped slavery on their own. And now, some 60 years later, the people remaining in the Dakotas have built a patriarchal Christian society centered on fertility.

That may sound like "The Handmaid's Tale" with saddles instead of bonnets, but North is working entirely in her own realm. The society she imagines has developed divergent theological myths and rites, like the annual "Mothering Monday," a raucous holiday when men and women cross-dress and get wild.

What's most unsettling, though, is how similar so much remains to the position women long endured in America's actual history. In "Outlawed," marriages are celebrated for their fecundity, and mothers of lots of children enjoy considerable social power. But with medical science stuck in its earliest stages, wives bear the full blame for infertility. Although popular opinion is in flux between biology and magic, miscarriages are widely believed to be the work of witches. And as in old Salem, that fear brings down hellish punishments on women who are difficult, smart or barren.

The narrator of "Outlawed" is Ada, the plucky daughter of a divorced mother who works as a local midwife. Ada is guileless and candid with a natural storytelling manner that's immediately engaging. At 17, she feels lucky to be married to a handsome young man who adores her. But as the months wear on and she doesn't get pregnant, her situation grows more tenuous - then downright dangerous. When tragedy strikes her town, Ada decides to light out for the territory before grieving families start building gallows and looking for a scapegoat.

(BEGIN ITAL)And we're off!(END ITAL)

Even on the run, Ada devotes herself to dispelling the religious explanations of infertility and learning the forbidden secrets of gynecological medicine. She's particularly skeptical of the conflation of misogyny, racism and quackery that is quickly becoming vogue across the country. Though she has only erratic access to scientific literature - and what exists is infected with speculation and superstition - she's fearless and determined. "So I began my criminal career," she confesses, "with a leaky pen instead of a pistol and books instead of silver for my reward."

There's nothing formulaic or dogmatic about North's approach, but she has cleverly repurposed the worn elements of 19th-century mythology to explore the position of childless women. The shame and sorrow these young women suffer in the 1890s is not so different from what women trying to get pregnant - or end a pregnancy - endure in our own supposedly enlightened era.

Ada has heard tales of criminal men shooting their way across the Badlands, but the real outlaws in this society are women who are unwilling or unable to be mothers. Knowing this, Ada keeps running - pursued by a sheriff who will never give up. She finally falls in with the Hole in the Wall Gang, a kind of sapphic iteration of the Jesse James gang. "These VERY DANGEROUS CRIMINALS," a wanted poster warns, "are known to harbor among them WITCHES and people of MIXED BREED, and to engage in UNNATURAL BEHAVIOR and DRESS." They're led by a magnetic figure called the Kid, who rejects male and female pronouns. "I saw a handsome, dark-skinned person dressed in a top hat and tails like the mayor of Fairchild wore on festival days," Ada says at their first meeting. "Flowing around this person's shoulders and down onto the ground below was a cape made entirely of flowers, yellow and orange and blue and purple, so large and complex that it must have taken many days and many hands to stitch it all together."

The Kid is a fascinating figure, alternately gentle and messianic, consumed with the dream of a society in which people can love whomever they want, identify however they feel and raise children or not. But perpetuating that vision even among the disciples is exhausting, especially as the Kid is trying to survive crippling bouts of depression.

With her budding medical skills, Ada is welcomed into this bank-robbing, feminist commune, which allows North to explore the nonconformist, queer and gender-fluid lives of brave and hunted people on the outskirts of society. "I did not understand how any of them had become what they appeared to be now: strong, high-spirited, masters of their various crafts," she says. "It made my heart lift to think of it - perhaps I would not be green forever."

Indeed, she catches on quick, and soon she's riding guns-ablazing into harrowing, often deadly escapades. In North's galloping prose, it's a fantastically cinematic adventure that turns the sexual politics of the Old West inside out. But if this is a legendary story, it's a legend with its own idiosyncratic and highly satisfying ending. I won't say anything more - except that these women, as you might expect, don't ride off into the sunset. They get down to work.
MORRISTOWN, NJ  Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty spoke against the rioters storming the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to halt the Electoral College certification of Joe Biden as the next president.

Dougherty's daily video updates have mainly focused on local coronavirus news lately. But the mayor also said he felt "embarrassed" by the attacks on the Capitol.

"Its disgusting," he said. "And you know what? It doesnt matter. Weve heard a million times that were all going to go through this process, and there will be challenges. But in the end, President-Elect Joe Biden will be the president of the United States."

Pro-President Trump protesters surged into the Capitol, prompting an evacuation of members of Congress. One woman was fatally shot, and three other deaths were reported Wednesday in the area around the Capitol Grounds. DC's police chief said one woman and two men appeared to have suffered from separate medical emergencies which resulted in their deaths.

Read more: Trump Mob Breaches Capitol; 1 Killed; 30 Arrested Past Curfew

Dougherty also announced nine new coronavirus cases Wednesday in Morristown, bringing the town to 1,359 cases since the pandemic began.

Watch the full video address below:

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Thanks for reading. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to josh.bakan@patch.com.

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This article originally appeared on the Morristown Patch
Pennsylvania schools are encouraged to return elementary school students to in-person instruction wherever possible, state officials said Thursday.

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine and Department of Education Acting Secretary Noe Ortega held a news conference to discuss COVID-19 and updates to recommendations for schools on classroom instruction.

In the summer and fall, Gov. Tom Wolfs administration had offered guidance for schools to decide on in-person or remote instruction based on certain benchmarks for community spread and the number of positive cases in school buildings. Starting Jan. 25, the Wolf administrations guidance changes, with a focus on returning elementary school students to in-person instruction.

School officials can decide if they want to shift elementary students to the classroom. Schools arent being required to move solely to in-person instruction for elementary schools but it is recommended if conditions allow, Ortega said.

Even in counties with a substantial spread of COVID-19, the states new guidance advises schools to at least move to a blended model of instruction for elementary schools, with a mix of in-person courses and remote learning. Currently, all 67 counties in Pennsylvania are considered to have substantial spread of the coronavirus, according to the Wolf administration.

The state is not changing its recommendations for middle school or high school. For counties with substantial spread, middle schools and high schools should continue to be limited to remote instruction, under the states guidelines. Still, schools are free to make their own decisions.

Levine said if mitigation procedures such as masks and social distancing are being followed, it is better for elementary students to return to in-person instruction. Levine said those under 18 are at lower risk for severe complications from COVID-19.

The research on offering in-person instruction during COVID-19 continues to emerge, Levine said in a statement.

While it is impossible to eliminate the risk of disease transmission entirely within a school setting where community spread is present, recent studies have shown that when mitigation efforts, such as universal masking, physical distancing, and hand hygiene are followed, it may be safer for younger children, particularly elementary grade students, to return to in-person instruction, she said.

The guidance also calls for encouraging in-person instruction as much as possible for other targeted groups, including students with disabilities.

Many schools throughout Pennsylvania continue to use a mix of in-person and remote instruction and some schools have continued with online classes following the spike in cases that began in November.

When asked about changing guidance for middle schools and high schools, Ortega said the primary guidance is focused on getting elementary school students as much as possible.

Ortega said schools offering face-to-face instruction must do what they can to offer sufficient social distancing.

Levine said the success of community efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 will have a direct correlation to the number of infections reported in schools.

The number of new infections has dropped in the past few weeks. Still, the number of deaths has spiked since December and there are about 5,500 COVID-19 patients being treated in hospitals. Levine said this week hospitals are managing the caseload but some health officials continue to be worried about another spike in cases due to holiday travel and gatherings.

On Thursday, the state reported its first case of a troublesome new variant of COVID-19 that has been found in England. The case was reported in Dauphin County. Levine said she expects to see more cases of the variant in Pennsylvania and state officials will monitor it. She said the COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against the new strain.

More than 693,000 cases have been reported and more than 17,000 deaths have been tied to COVID-19, according to the health department.

Most of those who are infected recover after dealing with relatively mild symptoms but health care experts say the coronavirus poses a risk to everyone, particularly seniors and those with health complications.

Each week, the state government offers updates on the level of COVID-19 transmission in all of Pennsylvania counties. There are three levels: low, moderate and substantial. The Wolf administrations guidance on the model of instruction - in-person, remote or a mix - are based on those levels of transmission.

Every county in Pennsylvania has seen a substantial level of spread of COVID-19 for the past four weeks.

More from PennLive

In unexpected development, some Pa. health care workers declining COVID-19 vaccine

It will take months until COVID-19 vaccine available for everyone in Pa., Levine says
Children's rights activists hold a protest near Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Thursday, urging the government to investigate the role of Holt Children's Services in the death of a 16-month-old adoptee. Yonhap



Children's rights activists on Thursday urged the health ministry to look into the role, if any, of a major adoption agency in the death of a 16-month-old adoptee.



At a press conference near Cheong Wa Dae, the activists, including those who advocated for the rights of adoptees and single-parent households, urged the ministry to check whether there were any lapses in the agency's work to protect the child.



They also demanded Holt Children's Services, the country's biggest adoption agency, reveal the detailed circumstances of the adoption of the dead girl, named Jung-in, and the parents' motives in adopting her.



"The government should find out whether Holt had detected signs of abuse even before it was informed of the abuse ... and how the agency responded to each of the three abuse reports," it said.



Jung-in was adopted in February and died in October of severe abdominal injuries and internal bleeding that were caused by "strong external force applied on her back." Her adoptive mother insisted the baby sustained the injuries because she accidentally dropped her.



An investigative report aired over the weekend has become a catalyst for a renewed focus on her case and how no one proactively intervened to prevent the tragedy despite a series of glaring warning signs.



Amid mounting criticism and pressure, the agency issued an apology in a statement the previous day. But it denied that it was careless and neglectful in dealing with Jung-in's case. It also argued that there was no fault in the adoption process.



In 2014, the health ministry conducted a probe into the agency and concluded that it failed to sufficiently check on the well-being of adopted children in some cases.



On Wednesday, Commissioner General Kim Chang-yong, the country's police chief, apologized for "failing to protect the life of a young abused victim." The head of the Seoul Yangcheon Police Office, which has jurisdiction over the case, was removed from his post to take responsibility for the mismanagement. (Yonhap)


NEW YORK (AP)  The riotous mob that laid siege to the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday was the product of the destructive forces that President Donald Trump has been stirring for years, culminating in the disruption of a democratic ritual that would formally end his unconstitutional bid to stay in power.

The scene that unfolded  pushing through police barricades, breaking windows, then occupying seats of power  was one that Americans are accustomed to watching in distant lands with authoritarian regimes.

But the violence, which included gunshots fired in the Capitol, one death, and an armed occupation of the Senate floor, was born from the man who swore an oath to protect the very democratic traditions that rioters tried to undo in his name.

The rioters chose to storm the Capitol, a building symbolic as a citadel of democracy, and stirred echoes of the the angst and blood of the Civil War era. Only this time it was instigated by a duly elected president unwilling to honor the foundational creed of a peaceful transfer of power.

This is an attempted coup detat incited by the President of the United States, said presidential historian Michael Beschloss. We are in an unprecedented moment when a president who is willing to conspire with mobs to bring down his own government. This is totally against the idea of democracy for which the nation has stood for over two centuries.

The certification of the Electoral College votes that formalizes President-elect Joe Biden's victory, a Constitutionally-enshrined ceremony typically designed to show American democracy's strength, was disrupted within hours of Trumps incendiary demand for action in a speech to his supporters, as he implored them to fight to stop the steal of the election and march on the Capitol.

After this, were going to walk down  and Ill be there with you  were going to walk down, were going to walk down to the Capitol, Trump said, and were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them.

Story continues

As his presidency enters its final days, Trump's speech was a valedictory that seethed with anger, and roused those who took it as a call to insurrection. Rioters overran and overmatched Capitol security forces, breaking windows, stealing mementos and mocking the institution with photos showing them in seats of power.

One in the mob seized House Speaker Nancy Pelosis dais, another her office. A sea of red Make America Great Again hats stormed through Statuary Hall, a part of the Capitol familiar to tourists. One man carried a Confederate flag under the same rotunda where Abraham Lincoln  and, just last year, the congressman and civil rights hero John Lewis  had lain in state. A noose was photographed not far from the Capitols west front.

And the inauguration stand where Biden will put his hand on a Bible in two weeks was used by U.S. Capitol Police to fire pepper spray into the violent crowd.

Few escaped Trump's rage  not even his most loyal lieutenant, Vice President Mike Pence, who had, for once, said he could not honor the presidents wishes that he overturn the electoral vote count because there was no legal authority for him to do so.

At his rally on the Ellipse, Trump said he would be very disappointed in his vice president, who a short time later had to be whisked to safety by the Secret Service when the Capitols barriers were breached.

But the groundwork for the violence was laid far before the rally, which also included a call from the presidents personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, for a trial by combat to settle accusations of election fraud.

Trump, who has long shied away from committing to a peaceful transfer of power, spent the better part of 2020 declaring that the election was rigged while making baseless accusations of widespread voter fraud that numerous federal courts and his former attorney general said did not exist.

The president was enabled by dozens of his fellow Republicans, who said they were willing to object to the count, a maneuver they knew would delay but not change the outcome.

Even when it became clear he had lost the election, Trump refused to acknowledge reality, insisting repeatedly that he had won in a landslide. He lost to Biden by 7 million votes.

But his supporters were more than willing to accept his effort to subvert the verdict of voters.

Just weeks ago, he tweeted: Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild! And even after the siege began, and members of his own party  including some trapped in the Capitol and hiding for their lives  begged him to forcibly condemn the act of domestic terrorism, Trump refused.

He spent most of the afternoon in his private dining room off the Oval Office, watching the violence in Washington on a large mounted television, though most of his attention was fixated on Pences disloyalty.

He reluctantly taped a video in which he called for peace and told the rioters to go home, but he bracketed his request with further false claims of election fraud and told the insurrectionists: We love you. Youre very special.

In a tweet, rather than directly criticizing the mob, he offered an apologia for them. These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. And he encouraged them to remember the day as though it would someday be seen as a celebration rather than a riot.

The post was later removed by Twitter.

His words were a remarkable contrast to the man who defeated him and one who came before him.

At their best, the words of a president can inspire. At their worst, they can incite, said Biden in an address to the nation from Delaware. The work of the moment and the work of the next four years must be the restoration of democracy and the recovery of respect for the rule of law, and the renewal of a politics thats about solving problems  not stoking the flames of hate and chaos. He implored Trump to step up. Trump did not.

George W. Bush, the most recent Republican president, declared that the Insurrection could do grave damage to our nation and reputation.

The violent assault on the Capitol  and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress  was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes, Bush said.

Trump has long been slow to condemn violent extremism, refusing to denounce white supremacists, cheering armed protesters at the Michigan state capitol last spring and telling the far right Proud Boys to Stand back and stand by.

The U.S. Capitol was breached in 1814, when the British attacked it and set it on fire during the War of 1812, according to the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. And the moment of internal strife, one fueled by the president, can only be reminiscent of the Civil War, according to presidential historian Julian Zelizer.

This is an attack on the government, said Zelizer, who teaches at Princeton University The president has been stoking divisions and he called for this protest, he called for this chaos. We have never been here before.

____

Lemire has covered the White House and politics for The Associated Press since 2013.
In a scene of unrest seldom witnessed in the history of the US capital, hundreds of people in the mob barrelled past fence barricades outside the Capitol and clashed with officers

Lawmakers will resume counting Electoral College votes Wednesday, hours after a mob of Donald Trump loyalists stormed the Capitol, Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said as she vowed that the attack would not deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden.

In a letter to colleagues, Pelosi said she had reached that decision after consulting with her leadership team and a series of calls with the Pentagon, the Department of Justice and Vice-President Mike Pence. She made no mention of the president.

We always knew this responsibility would take us into the night, Pelosi wrote. We also knew that we would be a part of history in a positive way today, despite ill-founded objections to the Electoral College vote. We now will be part of history, as such a shameful picture of our country was put out to the world, instigated at the highest level.

Violence overtook the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, when a mob of people loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the building, halting Congress counting of the electoral votes to confirm Bidens victory as police evacuated lawmakers from the building in a scene of violence, chaos and disruption that shook the core of American democracy.

The sergeant-at-arms, the top security official at the Capitol, announced that the building had been secured around 5.40 pm.

The unrest prompted Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington to declare a citywide curfew from 6 pm on Wednesday to 6 am on Thursday. The army is activating the entire District of Columbia National Guard  1,100 troops  in response to a request from the mayor, an Army official said Wednesday.

The chaos began at around 2.15 pm, as the House and Senate debated a move by a faction of Republicans to overturn the election results, security rushed Pence out of the Senate chamber and the Capitol building was placed on lockdown after angry pro-Trump demonstrators surged past barricades and law enforcement toward the legislative chambers.

For a time, senators and members of the House were locked inside their respective chambers. Images posted on social media showed scenes of supporters violently tussling with the police as at least one person took to the dais of the Senate to declare his support for Trump.

A woman, who seemed to be part of the group that stormed the Capitol could be seen in a video posted on social media being shot inside the building. She was in critical condition with a wound to the neck, The Associated Press reported.

This is what youve gotten, guys, Senator Mitt Romney, R-Utah, yelled as the mayhem unfolded in the Senate chamber, apparently addressing his colleagues who were leading the charge to press Trumps false claims of a stolen election.

This is what the president has caused today, this insurrection, Romney furiously said later.

Biden responded to the violence Wednesday, saying, I call on [Trump] to go on national television now to fulfil his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege.

In a brief video posted to his Twitter account shortly after 4 pm, Trump repeated his baseless claim that the election was stolen and spoke in sympathetic and affectionate terms to members of the mob, advising them to go home, adding, We love you.

The posting came hours after Trump appeared at a rally in which he exhorted his supporters to go to the Capitol to register their discontent. Earlier in the afternoon, Trump tweeted statements intended to tamp down on the violence.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement, he posted. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

As the clashes intensified, he tweeted: I am asking for everyone at the US Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.

The extraordinary day in Washington laid bare deep divisions both between the two parties and within Republican ranks, when the ceremonial counting of electoral votes that unfolds every four years in Congress turned into an explosive spectacle, with Trump stoking the unrest.

Democratic lawmakers said the Capitol Police had instructed them to take cover on the floor and prepare to use gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda.

On the other side of the Capitol, Representative Steve Cohen, D-Tennessee, yelled out to Republicans on the House floor: Call Trump, tell him to call off his revolutionary guards.

In a scene of unrest common in other countries but seldom witnessed in the history of the US capital, hundreds of people in the mob barrelled past fence barricades outside the Capitol and clashed with officers. Shouting demonstrators mobbed the second floor lobby just outside the Senate chamber, as law enforcement officials placed themselves in front of the chamber doors.

Multiple lawmakers reported that the Capitol Police had instructed them to take cover on the House floor and prepare to use gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda of the Capitol. Shortly afterward, the police escorted senators and members of House from the building to others nearby, as the mob swarmed the hallways just steps from where lawmakers were meeting, carrying pro-Trump paraphernalia.

Representative Nancy Mace, a freshman Republican from South Carolina, described seeing people assaulting Capitol Police. In a Twitter post, Mace shared a video of the chaos and wrote, This is wrong. This is not who we are. Im heartbroken for our nation today.

Other Republican lawmakers, locked inside the Capitol, used Twitter to urge the mob to be peaceful.

This is a coup attempt, said Representative Adam Kinzinger, R-Illinois.

And later Wednesday evening, former President George W Bush was also among the high-profile Republicans who sharply condemned what he called mayhem and a violent assault on the Capitol.

This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic  not our democratic republic, he said in a statement. I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions and our law enforcement.

Insurrection could do grave damage to our nation and reputation, he added. In the United States of America, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law.

In the early afternoon, the police fired what appeared to be flash-bang grenades. Rather than disperse, the demonstrators cheered and shouted, push forward, push forward. One person shouted, thats our house, meaning the Capitol. Other people repeatedly shouted, You swore an oath.

As officers and members of the mob clashed outside, lawmakers had been debating an objection to the certification of Arizona electors, ensconced in their respective chambers. Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, the majority leader, warned of a death spiral for democracy, while Representative Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, listed a litany of accusations of election fraud with little evidence.

I dont recognize our country today, and the members of Congress who have supported this anarchy do not deserve to represent their fellow Americans, said Representative Elaine Luria, D-Virginia.

Kevin McCarthy, the top Republican in the House urged the people to be peaceful.

Nicholas Fandos, Emily Cochrane, Eileen Sullivan, Glenn Thrush, Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Jonathan Martin c.2021 The New York Times Company
Is the United States Congress breach horrifically witnessed globally by millions an act of sedition that leads to President Donald J. Trumps front door?

Sedition is a serious felony punishable by fines and up to 20 years in prison, and it refers to the act of inciting revolt or violence against a lawful authority with the objective of destroying or overthrowing it. The following provides an overview of this particular crime against the government, with historical references.

Seditious Conspiracy and Federal Law: The Basics

The federal law against seditious conspiracy can be found in Title 18 of the U.S. Code (which includes treason, rebellion, and similar offenses), specifically 18 U.S.C.  2384. According to the statutory definition of sedition, it is a crime for two or more people within the jurisdiction of the United States:

To conspire to overthrow or destroy by force the government of the United States or to level war against them;

To oppose by force the authority of the United States government; to prevent, hinder, or delay by force the execution of any law of the United States; or

To take, seize, or possess by force any property of the United States contrary to its authority.

Free Speech, Sedition, and Treason

To get a conviction for seditious conspiracy, the government must prove that the defendant conspired to use force. Merely advocating for the use of force is not the same thing and, in most cases, is protected as free speech under the First Amendment. Actively planning such an action (distributing guns, working out the logistics of an attack, actively opposing lawful authority, etc.) could be considered a seditious conspiracy. --FindLaw

The President of the United States for the past 8-weeks spewed caustic rhetoric of how his reelection bid has been stolen away from him and his loyal supporters. Mincing no words and filing an avalanche of lawsuits that were rejected all the way to state supreme courts and the United States Supreme Court by several states, the president held a planned January 6 rally yesterday. This rally tactfully planned to coincide as the House of Representatives and Senate debated state-certified Electoral College results.

Feeling the final death throes of the election slip away from him and having his army of angry supporters primed by his Save America Rally, President Trump sent thousands of his right-wing president conspiracy believers to the steps of Congress and beyond. Our country has had enough, Trump said. We will not take it anymore, and thats what this is all about. To use a favorite term that all of you people really came up with, we will stop the steal. President Trumps newly defined enemy of the people. The United States Congress was now targeted by an angry, hateful mob intended to save Trumps presidency.

Several Republicans were arguing in the Congress to reject the Electoral College votes and join President Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the November election results.

President Donald Trump supporters who breached the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday could face charges of sedition, legal experts say.

The nations center of power became a scene of chaos Wednesday as rioters made their way past barricades, broke in through windows and sent representatives into hiding during a session of debate over election certification.

President-elect Joe Biden said in a televised address Wednesday that the lawlessness is not dissent, its disorder, its chaos. It borders on sedition. And it must end, now.

The crowds actions were inexcusable, and they were crimes, Matthew Schneider, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Theres a difference, a big difference, between peaceful protests and expressing your freedoms, said Schneider, who was appointed to his post by Trump.

This is not it. The violent protesters are committing crimes, and they have to stop right now, and this is not what our Constitution protects.

Charges:

Depending on what investigators find and individual circumstances, charges could range from everything from low-level curfew charges to trespassing to the misdemeanor of the destruction of government property less than $1,000, depending on the windows cost and anything else, he said.

There could be a felony charge of destruction of government property over $1,000, depending on what was damaged, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison

Charges of civil disorder, interfering with law enforcement, or inciting a riot could all be possible, up to seditious conspiracy  a federal charge punishable by up to 20 years in prison, he said.

That latter charge seemed most relevant to two professors of Western Michigan Universitys Cooley Law School.

It reads:

If two or more persons in any State or Territory, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, conspire to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States, or to levy war against them, or to oppose by force the authority thereof, or by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the authority thereof, they shall each be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.

For at least some of these protesters, particularly the ones that broke into the Capitol, I think theres an extremely strong case that they used force to delay, to hinder, the execution of our laws governing the election and how electoral votes are counted, he said. It seems fairly clear to me, based on what were seeing, that folks are almost textbook violating this seditious conspiracy statute by using force to interfere with lawful government activity.

The idea of sedition has changed, he said, pointing to President John Adamss version against his political opponents. The courts have narrowed it in the present day.

He also raised concern for a different federal charge of rebellion or insurrection, which could carry a sentence of 10 years in prison, and Trumps words at the rally earlier in the day.

Remember its got to be against the authority of the United States, he said, using the language of the law. So a really interesting question to pose to my law students later on this week is whether or not the presidents speech  was inciting them to violence against the authority of the government of the United States.

Depending on that answer, given the presidents role, another impeachment would perhaps be more appropriate than a charge, he said.

US Capitol lockdown: Pro-Trump rioters storm Congress, clash with police
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine wished Ukrainians merry Christmas.

"The magic of Christmas is special. To hug a loved one and children, to stay with friends. Christmas gives us the most valuable thing - love and bright hope," the President posted on Telegram.

"Let the holidays be filled with joy and love, and may Christmas bring peace, calmness and mutual understanding to every home. I wish all of us good health, well-being, strength and inspiration for new accomplishments," the press service of Ukraines Parliament quotes Razumkov as saying.

According to him, the festival celebrating the birth of Jesus is a wonderful occasion to gather in a family circle, to remember all the brightest moments together and to support each other.

"Miracles do happen on this day. So dream, set ambitious goals, and they will surely come true," the Speaker said.

Ukrainians celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar on January 7 as most Orthodox and Eastern Rite Christians.

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Pennsylvania business leaders joined national business leaders and some Wall Street CEOs in blaming President Trump for the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

The Capitol attack effectively ended the Trump presidency, said Susan Jacobson, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. This attack is bad for democracy, the country, and making progress together.

The National Association of Manufacturers on Wednesday said Vice President Mike Pence should consider invoking the 25th Amendment, under which he and a majority of Trumps cabinet members could begin a process to remove Trump from office. NAMs board includes leaders of GE, ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, Philadelphia-based FMC, Exton-based Saint-Gobain North America and other big industrial concerns.

The Business Roundtable, a Washington organization composed of the top executives of many of the nations largest companies, also issued a statement critical of the mob action.

The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, it read. The country deserves better. Locally the group includds Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, Vanguard Group CEO Mortimer Tim Buckley, Johnson & Johnson boss Alex Gorsky, and Edward L. Breen of DuPont Co., along with other national figures such as Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Tim Cook of Apple and Mary Barra of General Motors.

The group also calls on the president and all relevant officials to put an end to the chaos and to facilitate the peaceful transition of power.

In Pennsylvania, Gene Barr, president and chief executive of the 10,000-member Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the states biggest business group, spoke out vigorously in an interview.

What happened was unacceptable, it was violent, it was an assault on democracy, Barr said Thursday.

He also said he had been appalled to see Confederate flags waved inside the Capitol, which they never reached in the Civil War.

As for Trump, Barr said, I did not see the appropriate tone out of this president, given the violence and the assaults that occurred yesterday  in the U.S. Capitol.

Business people are facing facts, Barr added: Joe Biden will be the president. Kamala Harris will be the vice president.

When anyone asks if the election was stolen, I say, The Democrats would have to be really bad thieves, given the success Republicans had taking two statewide offices from them, and keeping the state House and Senate, and not losing any congressional races.

What of the apparent split between the presidents most fervent supporters and business Republicans? The president is more of a populist, than a Republican, the Chamber leader said, agreeing that Trumps support for cheap money, record deficits, strict immigration curbs, import taxes (tariffs), and cash handouts were not in line with the traditional business agenda, though business welcomed Trumps tax cuts and conservative judges.

Wall Street executives, including former Trump allies, have also been critical of his failure to acknowledge what is obvious to them: he is beaten.

The insurrection that followed the presidents remarks [Wednesday] is appalling and an affront to the democratic values we hold dear as Americans, said Steve Schwarzman, one of Trumps top donors and an Abington native who heads Blackstone, one of the largest private-equity managers and a major money manager for Pennsylvanias state pension funds. The outcome of the election is very clear and there must be a peaceful transition of power.

We are better than this. Our elected leaders have a responsibility to call for an end to the violence, accept the results, and support the peaceful transition of power, said Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan, the largest U.S. bank, which has more than 10,000 employees in the Philadelphia region.

Larry Fink, chief executive of BlackRock, the largest U.S. private money manager, with local operations in Wilmington and Princeton, called the Capitol attack an assault on our nation, our democracy, and the will of the American people.

Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman, who owns large stakes in Starbucks, Chipotle, Lowes, Fannie Mae, and other familiar companies, called on Trump to step down before Bidens inauguration Jan. 20

Donald Trump, it is time for you to resign and apologize to all Americans, Ackman wrote in a social-media post. While once a Trump booster, Ackman has grown more critical of the president in recent months.

In a message to employees, Comcast chief executive and chairman Brian L. Roberts said he watched with deep sadness and alarm yesterday as chaos and lawlessness unfolded at the United States Capitol.

Democratic values must be upheld, he added, and I hope that we can move forward together as a nation to build a better future.

Vanguard Group, issued a similar statement. As a company, we condemn these acts of violence and any threat to our democratic process, the company said, without mentioning the President. Like all other Americans, we stood in shock and horror watching the inconceivable events at our nations capital. We are deeply troubled by the unlawful and violent actions of those who sought to interrupt the democratic process.

Comcast, the cable TV giant that is among Philadelphias top employers, owns NBCUniversal, Cable Communications, Dreamworks Animation, Comcast Spectacor, and Sky Group in Europe, among other entities. President Donald Trump has routinely denounced the firm and the coverage of him by its news channels. Vanguard, based in Malvern in Chester County, manages $6 trillion in assets and is the worlds largest provider of mutual funds.

Unlike some others in the business world, the Comcast and Vanguard bosses did not identify Trump in the statements or explicitly criticize him.

Few of the Fortune 500 leaders so publicly challenged the President earlier in his term. In 2017, however, after Trump failed to criticize white supremacists who rallied in Charlottesville, Va., Merck chief executive Kenneth Frazier resigned from the Presidents American Manufacturing Council.

Americas leaders must honor our fundamental values by clearly rejecting expressions of hatred, bigotry and group supremacy, which run counter to the American ideal that all people are created equal, Frazier said at the time.
WASHINGTON - Congressional Democrats and some Republicans on Wednesday accused President Donald Trump of inciting a coup after an angry mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, interrupted the proceedings to cement President-elect Joe Biden's victory and triggered an evacuation of lawmakers.

Throngs of pro-Trump rioters busted through security barricades, breaking windows, climbing on rafters, ripping down U.S. flags and roaming the Senate chamber. Lawmakers were told to grab gas masks as police deployed tear gas inside the Rotunda, the ornate area under the dome that connects the House and the Senate.

A trio of Trump's most vocal GOP critics in Congress over his efforts to undermine the election results assailed the president.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, released a blistering critique of Trump, saying the day's events were the result of a "selfish man's injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning. What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States."

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., who called it a "coup attempt," tweeted directly to Trump: "You are not protecting the country. Where is the DC guard? You are done and your legacy will be a disaster."

And Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., said the Capitol "was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard - tweeting against his vice president for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution."

"Lies have consequence," Sasse added. "This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the president's addiction to constantly stoking division."

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., also blamed Trump's rhetoric, saying, "our president should have given a much more clear tone. Leaders create calmness and direction; they don't inspire people to get angry and do the things that they're doing."

He called on the president to "stand up and be a better leader on this, because he has not been in my view. . . . He needs to respect the peaceful transition of power."

Former congressman Will Hurd, R-Tex., who retired last year over his frustrations with Trump's takeover of the party, called the storming of the Capitol an act of "domestic terrorism."

"This should be treated as a coup led by a president that will not be peacefully removed from power," Hurd tweeted.

Democrats, tweeting from safe spaces within the Capitol, reacted passionately to the chaos around them.

"This is thuggery at its best," tweeted Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y. "And the flames are being stoked by the person currently in our #WhiteHouse. Donald Trump is responsible for this. #TrumpThugs."

"On August 24, 1814, the British stormed our Capitol and set fire to it," tweeted Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. "Now the Capitol has again been breached and sieged. Donald Trump incited this. He is responsible for this. And he is silent as this tragic moment continues."

Trump eventually released a one-minute taped statement telling his supporters to "go home now." Still, he continued his baseless claim that the presidential election was "fraudulent."

"I know your pain, I know your hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it - especially the other side," he said, reiterating the same false allegations that have incensed his supporters. "But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order, we have to respect our great people in law and order. We don't want anybody hurt."

Many saw Trump's statement as falling short of his responsibility as president to quell the unrest. Some Democratic lawmakers suggested they wanted immediate action taken against the president and certain Republican lawmakers for any role they played in inciting Wednesday's violence.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., said she would ready documentation to impeach the president. "I am drawing up Articles of Impeachment," she tweeted. "Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate. We can't allow him to remain in office, it's a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath."

"This is outrageous, and the president caused it," Rep. David N. Cicilline, D-R.I., said on Twitter. "We should impeach and convict him tomorrow."

Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., said she will call for the "expulsion of the Republican members of Congress who incited this domestic terror attack on the Capitol."

In a statement, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., the first senator to announce that he would object to certifying Biden's electoral college victory, said the "violence must end."

Those "who attacked police and broke the law must be prosecuted, and Congress must get back to work and finish its job," he added.

Meanwhile, Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Tex., said Hawley and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex. - who also led the effort to contest Biden's win in several states - should "immediately resign."

At least some Republicans reconsidered their support for opposing the electoral college results after the attack on the Capitol. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., said she would now vote to uphold them and called on the president to "condemn and put an end to this madness."
Andrew Harnik/Associated Press

U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-Missouri) is introducing a resolution calling for the removal of Republican members of Congress who allegedly incited the violence in the Capitol Wednesday.

"I believe the Republican members of Congress who have incited this domestic terror attack through their attempts to overturn the election must face consequences," Bush tweeted.
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Wednesday was a historic day that not only saw the deciding of the Senate due to two Georgia runoffs but also a chaotic protest in the nation's capital. And these events will have ramifications for the entire country, including locally in Webb County.

Webb County Democratic Party Chair Sylvia Bruni and Republican Party Chair Tyler Kraus discussed the matter with Laredo Morning Times Wednesday. Both shared their contrasting views as to what the Democratic Senate wins mean for each party and how they viewed the out-of-control situation in Washington D.C.

I am immensely proud of the State of Georgia and its citizens who have worked for years to overcome the many attempts to disenfranchise its voters, Bruni said. Todays Georgia victory is a victory for all of us, finally a break in the stranglehold that the Senate majority has maintained on its governing body.

The Republican Chair, however, believes that this is not a positive result for anyone, as it means that the new president will have complete power over not only the executive branch but the legislative and judicial as well as Democrats now control a majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate, respectively. The Senate is comprised now of 50 representatives for both parties, but the new Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris will serve as the tiebreaking vote.

President Donald Trump had the same power for two years when he took over before Democrats won back control of the House.

Its unfortunate that the Republican party lost both of those seats in Georgia, as it is a tough loss for the Republican party nationally, Kraus said. "It's a step in the wrong direction for the country ... but it is what it is, and we have to continue moving forward in the country, and we have to hope that there is enough Democrats in the House and the Senate that are more moderate and oppose a lot of the radical agendas of Kamala Harris and the likes of her."

Kraus says he hopes that skeptics of the new incoming president are wrong, and he focuses on uniting the country. He said the first days of the Joe Biden presidency will be essential to see what kind of president he is and whether he focuses on things that all the people want or just what the left wing of the Democratic party wants, stating that extremists want to persuade him to go further left.

Bruni notes that the Georgia election is nothing but good news to the party, and that she salutes the efforts of the campaign organizers in the state to helping secure the election victories for the Democrats.

As a fellow Democrat, I salute Georgia voters and their two new Democratic senators, she said.

After the result in the Senate, armed protesters marched in Washington D.C. and overwhelmed police as they broke into the Capitol building as Congress was convening to certify President-elect Biden's victory in the 2020 general election. And each party leader condemned the action, although they shared different blame over what led to it occurring in the first place.

Bruni pointed to Trump as ultimately the one to blame for the incident occurring.

"Weve had a man in the White House who has spent four years sowing anger and distrust for our countrys political system, for the rule of law, for the peoples voice, Bruni said. And (hes grown) more and more desperate as the time comes for him to face whats waiting for him outside the protection of his office.

"What is happening today is his doing, his and his alone.

Meanwhile, Kraus pointed the finger at these radicals in Washington D.C. who are not really Republicans.

"I think that as far as the violent protests go, No. l, they were grotesque, and I think that it was a slap in the face to our democracy and our constitutional democracy," Kraus said. "It was a disgrace to see people storming into the Capitol building and inciting violence, breaking glass and vandalizing property.

"What the political leanings of these people are, I don't know. I know that they said that a lot of them were waving Trump flags, but I really hope that these people don't call themselves Republicans, as they are not really Republicans as far as any of us are concerned. They are just radicals, and they should be charged criminally for what they did. And that is our view as the Webb County Republican Party."

Kraus stated that he received some criticism locally as he and the local party condemned the protests.

However, Kraus is not ready to blame Trump for the incident and believes the president has a good chance of winning back his position in four years. He said that the local Republican party, like others around the nation, will try their best to get him back.

"I think he really has a good chance of running for president again in 2024," Kraus said. "I think he really has a large base, and I can attest to that from even my own county of Webb County. ... If not, he is still going to have a really big impact in politics and policies to come, as his voice is heard, and a lot of people tune into the president and hear what he has to say. I think he really has still a lot of pull politically in our country."

jorge.vela@lmtonline.com

In late 2020 a Russian nuclear submarine had a bear problem. A brown bear and her cub swam up to the sub, which was docked at the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula naval base on the Pacific coast. Fearing the bears might stay awhile, the sub commander called for a bear hunter who arrived with a shotgun that could kill the bear and not harm the hull as a high-velocity rifle bullet would. First the cub was shot and fell off the sub. The mother, who looked ill and emaciated, did not follow and was shot dead as well.

What was interesting about this incident was that it was not unusual. There are over 10,000 brown bears in Kamchatka and not many people outside the naval base. Hunters are called out to kill bears who wander into or near the base or any other settlement and during 2020 at least fifty of them were killed. The bears are largely vegetarian but will kill and consume humans if they feel threatened, or very hungry.

The Russians are not the only ones with bear problems. In early 2003, in an area of polar ice between Alaska and the North Pole, the U.S. nuclear submarine Connecticut (SSN 22) surfaced. Subs in the arctic have long ago learned to look out for polar bears, especially if some of the crew are allowed out on the ice. In this case, a large 360 kg (700-800 pound) polar bear was seen approaching the sub. For about 40 minutes, the bear loitered around the subs rear rudder. It took a bite out of the rudder and, finding it inedible, stayed around the area of broken ice around the rudder for a while, apparently thinking a seal (bears' favorite food) might use it as an air hole. The bear finally left when he heard the noise of an approaching helicopter.

Whenever there is combat in bear country, there is the risk of bears getting involved. Such an incident occurred in late 2009, in Indian Kashmir, when an Islamic terrorist leader, and one of his followers was killed by a black bear. Two other terrorists were wounded, but were able to flee to a nearby village. Although the terrorists were armed with assault rifles, the bear attacked quickly, and at night, and the men were unable to use their weapons in the restricted confines of the cave that seemed like a good spot to hide and sleep. Apparently, the bear was going to use the cave to hibernate in, and was upset to find that the terrorists were trying to move in. The four terrorists thought the cave was abandoned, and were not particularly careful at making sure.

The Asiatic Black Bear is related to the American black bear, but is larger, as in up to 180 kg (400 pounds) for an older male, and is much more aggressive towards humans. The Asiatic bear has a more powerful jaw, and bigger claws. The smaller American black bear usually flees humans, although they have been known to attack and kill small children. In the Americas, and parts of Eurasia, the larger (half a ton) brown bear, especially the American Grizzly, is the most dangerous bear for humans. American brown bears are more aggressive towards humans than the Eurasian cousins. It is the black bear you have to be wary of in Eurasia.

All black bears can climb trees, which makes it more difficult for fleeing humans. If travelling in woods that contain bears, the safest thing to do is take along someone you can outrun. The European black bears are vegetarians, unless very hungry, in which case they will eat meat, and are big pests to farmers located near forests where black bears prefer to live. The black bear, of several types, is native all of Eurasia, from Europe to Japan.

The black bear population in Kashmir has become more of a problem over the previous twenty years because the Indian police disarmed the rural Moslem population. Police are now called in to kill bears that become a nuisance. In the past, the rural folk would often hunt the Black Bears, because some of their body parts are very valuable to folk medicine practitioners, especially in China. Those parts could be worth $2,000 or more. The pelts are very warm, and Kashmir gets very cold in the Winter. It is believed that other Islamic terrorists have come to grief after encounters with black bears in the large forested areas that make up so much of Kashmir. But in these other cases, there were no survivors, and the bodies were never found. Several small groups of Islamic terrorists have simply disappeared in the hills, and the local black bears are the top quadruped predators in these areas.
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Security will be ramped up for Joe Biden's inauguration in 13 days, with an inside location on standby after an unruly mob of insurgents climbed the stands and breached the Capitol building.

Republican Senator Roy Blunt, who chairs the congressional committee in charge of the inaugural ceremonies, said there would be a greater security presence on January 20th with Biden takes the oath of office.

He told reporters on Capitol Hill that 'there'll be much more depth' and 'deeper in terms of outside support' when it comes to security concerns.

And Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, who also sits on the committee, said there would have to be a 'major, major' review of the security situation with 'changes made.'

'There's going to have to be major, major reviews of what happened and changes made,' she told CBS 'This Morning.'

Workers installed a massive, anti-climbing wire fencing in front of the Capitol on Thursday morning as the campus recovered from the previous day's mob scene that left four people dead, the building trashed, furniture broken and items stolen.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser extended the city's 6 p.m. curfew through Inauguration Day.

And the D.C. National Guard will be placed on a 30-day mobilization, ensuring they are on hand for the Jan. 20 inauguration, NBC News reported.

A new perimeter, anti-climbing fence is placed around the Capitol Thursday after insurgents swarmed the building the day before

Plastic sheeting covering the inauguration stands being constructed on the West Front of the Capitol was torn in the wake of the mob

Lawmakers planning for increased security on Inauguration Day, when Joe Biden takes the oath of office

On Wednesday, the pro-Trump mob climbed to the dais where Biden will take the oath

Workers cleaned up trash around the Capitol building on Thursday morning

Senators Roy Blunt (left) and Amy Klobuchar (right), who are on the congressional committee in charge of the inauguration, said there will be an increased security presence

Biden, himself, said he was not worried about his swearing-in day.

'I am not concerned about my safety, security or the inauguration,' he told reporters on Wednesday in Wilmington, Delaware.

The pro-Trump insurgents swarmed over the stands being built on the West Front of the Capitol for the upcoming ceremony.

They climbed to the dais where Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take the oath of office. They waved flags from stand built for TV cameras to record the swearing-in.

And they sat in the same stands nearly every member of Congress, three former presidents, and members of the Supreme Court will sit.

Little damage was caused to the construction area however, with only some of the sheets of plastic covering the stands being ripped.

Blunt said there is an inside location prepared in case the swearing-in needs to be moved inside.

Originally planned in case there was bad weather, it may now be used in case another angry mob returns.

'There's a weather plan, I think the health plan everybody feels is better outside. So, up till now that has driven,' the senior senator from Missouri said.

He pointed out the number of attendees, which had already been limited because of the coronavirus pandemic, would have to be cut even more.

'If we had to move inside we're talking about a few 100 people at most,' he said.

He said his preferred inside location would be Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitors Center, a large open-spaced lobby where more people could attend and still adhere to some form of social distancing.

Typically used to line up tourists preparing to visit the building, the hall is also used for special congressional ceremonies.

Biden condemned the rioting on Wednesday in a nationally televised address.

'At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault,' the president-elect said.

'It's chaos, it borders on sedition and it must end now. I call this mob to pull back and allow this work of democracy to go forward,' he said.

Inaugurations feature most members of the government. President Donald Trump has not said if he will attend Biden's swearing-in but former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are expected.

Most members of Congress attend as do the Supreme Court justices and other political figures like Hillary Clinton.

'I'm always very concerned about the target potential of having this particular group, which you know usually includes most members of Congress, the Supreme Court every former president that could get here,' Blunt said of his worries for the day.

Joe Biden has said he is not worried about security on Inauguration Day

Workers clean up the inauguration stands on the day after the mob climbed them

The stands are being built on the West Front of the Capitol for the January 20th ceremony

Insurgents climbed the Capitol walls Wednesday and breached the building

A pro-Trump mob stormed the inauguration stands in front of the Capitol

The mob climbed onto the stand built for TV cameras to record Biden's inauguration

Inaugurations are classified national security events, which involves a closed air space and massive police and military presence.

Biden already had been planning a scaled back event because of the pandemic and his team has encouraged supporters to stay home. The National Mall is typically packed with supporters to witness their candidate become president.

Workers have disbanded stands built around the White House for the inauguration parade, which will now be a virtual event.

Instead, Joe and Jill Biden, along side Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff, will participate in a socially distanced Pass in Review on the Capitol's West side. Those are military traditions where Biden will review the readiness of military troops.

Biden will also receive a traditional presidential escort with representatives from every branch of the military from 15th Street in Washington to the White House.

That, the Presidential Inaugural Committee says, will be socially distanced too, while 'providing the American people and world with historic images of the President-elect proceeding to the White House without attracting large crowds'.

Additionally, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have canceled the traditional luncheon held on Inauguration Day for the new president, sparing Biden a crowded sit down on Capitol Hill after he takes the oath of office.
Native ironworkers with a cloth image of the Hiawatha wampum belt, which has been used to represent the sovereignty of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

By Melanie Lefkowitz. Reprinted with permission from the Cornell Chronicle

For six generations, Mohawk ironworkers have "walked the steel."

Indigenous people began ironworking in the 19th century, when they were hired to build railroad bridges in Canada. They helped craft the New York City skyline, working on projects including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the World Trade Center.

That long tradition was in evidence on the North Campus Residential Expansion project, where a crew of mostly Indigenous ironworkers flew from their crane a cloth image of the Hiawatha wampum belt, which has been used to represent the sovereignty of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

On Dec. 2, the ironworkers presented the flag to representatives from the undergraduate organization Native American and Indigenous Students at Cornell (NAISAC). The transfer acknowledged that they were creating buildings to house future generations of Native students at Cornell, that these buildings were constructed by Indigenous people and that all of it sits on Gayogoho:no'/Cayuga traditional territory.

"When we fly our flag on a job like this, we're showing pride that Native Americans are here building this building," said Brad Deere, foreman of a crew of ironworkers who are 90% indigenous, including Mohawk, Onondaga and Cree. "I wanted to present to the students this flag that has been flying over their campus the whole job, and they were very happy and proud to see it.

"This is Cayuga land, and for the Native American students and faculty, this is their home, so they can keep it here and it can stay with them here," said Deere, who is Mohawk.

Colin Benedict '21, a member of NAISAC, said he was excited when Deere reached out to the organization  not only because of the opportunity to receive and eventually display the flag, but because both of his own grandfathers were Mohawk ironworkers.

"It's important to recognize the impact that Mohawk and other Haudenosaunee ironworkers have had across the U.S. and in Canada," said Benedict, a student in the ILR School. "I drove by the worksite every time I went to campus to get tested, and it was comforting to see the Six Nations flag."

Flying the Hiawatha belt recognizes that the project was taking place in the Haudenosaunee homeland, and that the Haudenosaunee nations are sovereign governments separate from New York state and the United States, said Kurt Jordan, associate professor of anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

"The transfer of the flag to the students is a way to demonstrate to the Cornell community that the ironworkers were there, and it will be preserved in a way so that future Cornell students will know that this occurred," said Jordan, who is also director of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program, housed in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

"The gesture was intergenerational, given that the Mohawk workers are working adults, and they are making a transfer to current students and those who are yet to come, even those who are unborn," he said. "So, I think this contained quite a bit of cultural resonance."
The Government is considering banning the sale of alcohol after a certain time of day, the Tanaiste has said.

Leo Varadkar also said the Government is working on new public health regulations to strengthen the law around drinking alcohol in public streets to give Gardai more powers of enforcement.

His comments come after publicans were warned by the Taoiseach Micheal Martin to forget about takeaway pints as the Government introduced a raft of new public health restrictions on Wednesday.

A ban on the sale of takeaway alcohol was not among the measures.

Mr Varadkar said the banning of takeaway pints was not straight-forward because it could result in a ban on takeaway alcohol for restaurants and off-licences.

Read More

When it comes to selling takeaway alcohol, thats not illegal  anybody whos getting their takeaway  you can get your bottle of beer or bottle of wine with that, nobody wants to ban that, Mr Varadkar told Newstalks The Pat Kenny Show.

A lot of people are going to be relying on takeaways for the next couple of weeks.

But it seems that the publicans kind of get around this by serving a pint and putting a lid on it  and thats not on.

Mr Varadkar said the Government was going to further enforce the existing ban of people drinking outdoors in public streets.

The Fine Gael leader added that the Government was looking at other measures around the sale of alcohol.

People say takeaway points are a problem; ban them. You cant actually just do that. Youd have to ban all takeaway alcohol and that would create problems for restaurants and takeaways who really need that business now and also off-licences too, the Tanaiste said.

So what we could potentially do is ban the sale of all alcohol after a certain point of time in the day.

It is that type of thing that were looking at.

Cabinet signed off on new public health restrictions on Wednesday as a record 7,836 new cases were confirmed.

Schools are to close, most construction work will cease and new protocols on international travel were announced as part of the Governments new measures.

Click and collect will be stopped for non-essential shops and owners of businesses such as pubs and restaurants have been warned that they may be closed until the end of March.

No change to guidelines despite what @MichealMartinTD says. All publicans must adhere to guidelines/laws but off sales are permitted https://t.co/CBKrOcPVhO  VFI (@VFIpubs) January 6, 2021

Read More

Despite the Taoiseachs appeal on Wednesday, the Vintners Federation of Ireland said all publicans must adhere to public health guidelines and laws but that takeaway sales of alcohol were still permitted.

The organisation, which represents 4,000 publicans, tweeted: No change to guidelines despite what @MichealMartinTD says. All publicans must adhere to guidelines/laws but off sales are permitted.

Download the Sunday World app Now download the free app for all the latest Sunday World News, Crime, Irish Showbiz and Sport. Available on Apple and Android devices

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Panasonic AI-driven cameras empower an expanding vision of new uses

Imagine a world where video cameras are not just watching and reporting for security, but have an even wider positive impact on our lives. Imagine that cameras control street and building lights, as people come and go, that traffic jams are predicted and vehicles are automatically rerouted, and more tills are opened, just before a queue starts to form. Cameras with AI capabilities Cameras in stores can show us how we might look in the latest outfit as we browse. Thats the vision from Panasonic about current and future uses for their cameras that provide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at the edge. Panasonic feels that these types of intelligent camera applications are also the basis for automation and introduction of Industry 4.0, in which processes are automated, monitored and controlled by AI-driven systems. 4K network security cameras The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications Panasonics 4K network security cameras have built-in AI capabilities suitable for this next generation of intelligent applications in business and society. The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications. The AI engine is directly embedded into the camera, thus reducing costs and Panasonics image quality ensures the accuracy of the analytics outcome. FacePRO facial recognition technology Panasonic began advancing AI technology on the server side with FacePRO, the in-house facial recognition application, which uses AI deep learning capabilities. Moving ahead, they transitioned their knowledge of AI from the server side to the edge, introducing i-PRO security cameras with built-in AI capabilities last summer, alongside their own in-house analytics. Moreover, in line with the Panasonic approach to focus more on collaboration with specialist AI software developers, a partnership with Italian software company, A.I. Tech followed in September, with a range of intelligent applications, partially based on deep learning. Additional collaborations are already in place with more than 10 other developers, across the European Union, working on more future applications. i-PRO AI-capable security cameras Open systems are an important part of Panasonics current approach. The companys i-PRO AI-capable cameras are an open platform and designed for third-party application development, therefore, applications can be built or tailored to the needs of an individual customer. Panasonic use to be a company that developed everything in-house, including all the analytics and applications. However, now we have turned around our strategy by making our i-PRO security cameras open to integrate applications and analytics from third-party companies, says Gerard Figols, Head of Security Solutions at Panasonic Business Europe. Flexible and adapting to specific customer needs This new approach allows the company to be more flexible and adaptable to customers needs. At the same time, we can be quicker and much more tailored to the market trend, said Gerard Figols. He adds, For example, in the retail space, enabling retailers to enhance the customer experience, in smart cities for traffic monitoring and smart parking, and by event organisers and transport hubs to monitor and ensure safety. Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems Edge-based analytics Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems. On one hand, there are monetary benefits - a cost reduction results from the decreased amount of more powerful hardware required on the server side to process the data, on top of reduction in the infrastructure costs, as not all the full video stream needs to be sent for analysis, we can work solely with the metadata. On the other hand, there are also advantages of flexibility, as well as reliability. Each camera can have its own individual analytic setup and in case of any issue on the communication or server side, the camera can keep running the analysis at the edge, thereby making sure the CCTV system is still fully operational. Most importantly, systems can keep the same high level of accuracy. Explosion of AI camera applications We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications" We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications, said Gerard Figols, adding However, it doesnt mean the hardware is not important anymore, as I believe its more important than ever. Working with poor picture quality or if the hardware is not reliable, and works 24/7, software cannot run or deliver the outcome it has been designed for. As hardware specialists, Figols believes that Panasonic seeks to focus on what they do best - Building long-lasting, open network cameras, which are capable of capturing the highest quality images that are required for the latest AI applications, while software developers can concentrate on bringing specialist applications to the market. Same as for smartphones, AI applications will proliferate based on market demand and succeed or fail, based on the value that they deliver. Facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line technologies Panasonic has been in the forefront in developing essential AI applications for CCTV, such as facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line. However, with the market developing so rapidly and the potential applications of AI-driven camera systems being so varied and widespread, Panasonic quickly realised that the future of their network cameras was going to be in open systems, which allow specialist developers and their customers to use their sector expertise to develop their own applications for specific vertical market applications, while using i-PRO hardware. Metadata for detection and recognition Regarding privacy, consider that the use of AI in cameras is about generating metadata for the detection and recognition of patterns, rather than identifying individual identities. However, there are legitimate privacy concerns, but I firmly believe that attitudes will change quickly when people see the incredible benefits that this technology can deliver, said Gerard Figols, adding I hope that we will be able to redefine our view of cameras and AI, not just as insurance, but as life advancing and enhancing. i-PRO AI Privacy Guard One of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard Seeking to understand and appreciate privacy concerns, one of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard that generates data without capturing individual identities, following European privacy regulations that are among the strictest in the world. Gerard Fogils said, The combination of artificial intelligence and the latest generation open camera technology will change the worlds perceptions from Big Brother to Big Benefits. New applications will emerge as the existing generation of cameras is updated to the new open and intelligent next generation devices, and the existing role of the security camera will also continue. Future scope of AI and cameras He adds, Not just relying on the security cameras for evidence when things have gone wrong, end users will increasingly be able to use AI and the cameras with much higher accuracy to prevent false alarms and in a proactive way to prevent incidents." Gerard Figols concludes, That could be monitoring and alerting when health and safety guidelines are being breached or spotting and flagging patterns of suspicious behaviour before incidents occur.
Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.
The Dallas-based taco juggernaut Velvet Taco is coming soon to San Antonio in a big way, with the first location in a brand-new building near The Rim and a second in the renovated bones of the punk-rock icon Tacoland near the Pearl.

Velvet Taco CEO Clay Dover confirmed plans to open near The Rim on Feb. 22, followed on March 22 by the Pearl-area location on Grayson.

Known for globally inspired rogue tacos like spicy chicken tikka, Korean pork and crunchy falafel scattered among more traditional options, Velvet Taco hardly fits into the San Antonio mom-and-pop model, but thats just part of the adventure for Dover.

Im a Dallas guy, but Im a Texan, and I love San Antonio, he said, praising restaurants like Blanco Cafe and Garcias Mexican Food as well as local chefs like Johnny Hernandez and Andrew Weissman. Theres great diversity and an up-and-coming food culture, and San Antonio is one of the most culturally rich cities I know of.

Dover said Velvet Taco  with more than 20 locations scattered across Dallas, Austin, Houston, Fort Worth, Atlanta, Chicago and Charlotte  has been eager to land in San Antonio for a couple of years now, and already he sees potential to expand in the city.

On ExpressNews.com: Critics picks: The best 25 San Antonio restaurant dishes of 2020

With the Loop 1604 and Pearl-area locations, Dover said he sees a tale of two different sites, both of which fold into the Velvet Taco stable, which includes a renovated former gas station in Richardson. The Pearl-area site on the River Walk most recently housed Viva Tacoland, which closed in May 2019. Construction has added kitchen and dining spaces while preserving many of the original murals as well as the sprawling landmark oak tree out front.

Along with its global specialties, Velvet Tacos menu includes favorites like slow-roasted brisket, buffalo chicken and green chile pork along with novel approaches like Nashville hot tofu, fish and chips, shrimp and grits and a chicken-and-waffle taco with a thin, crepe-style waffle wrap. Sides include red curry coconut queso, Mexican street corn, maxed-out tater tots and barbacoa beef nachos.

Both San Antonio locations will feature frozen margaritas, beer and wine.

Velvet Taco, 5515 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 105; 101 W. Grayson St., velvettaco.com . Hours for both: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Both will offer dine-in, curbside pickup and delivery options.

msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking | Instagram: @fedmanwalking
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According to the IMARC Group, Mobile commerce, or m-commerce, includes mobile banking, in-app purchases, virtual retail apps, and digital wallets. It utilizes wireless handheld devices for conducting commercial transactions online. M-commerce is facilitated by the availability of point-of-sale (POS) terminals that authorizes, initiates, and confirms the exchange of money using nearfield communications or the internet. The proliferation of wireless handheld devices has augmented the m-commerce market. Furthermore, the rising adoption of m-commerce solutions has enabled consumers to make mobile-based payments through digital wallets and online payment gateways.



Explore full report with table of contents: https://www.imarcgroup.com/mobile-commerce-market

Moreover, the growing awareness towards several benefits of m-commerce, including contactless payments, elimination of card swiping and manual entry, minimal human errors, smoother checkout experience, etc., has augmented the market growth. The market is further bolstered by the rapid integration of several safety features, such as biometrics authentication, facial recognition, etc., in mobile and wearable devices, thereby providing secured mobile payments. Furthermore, several service providers and mobile operators are offering advanced payment solutions, thereby driving the m-commerce market. The emergence of e-commerce platforms, along with the rising adoption of digital transaction across offline sales channels, has further propelled the market growth. Additionally, the high prevalence of the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend and expanding global broadband connectivity will continue to bolster the mobile commerce market.

Request for a free sample copy of this report: https://www.imarcgroup.com/mobile-commerce-market/requestsample

Breakup by Transaction Type:

M-Retailing

M-Ticketing

M-Billing

Others

Breakup by Payment Mode:

Near Field Communication (NFC)

Premium SMS

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

Others

Breakup by Type of User:

Smart Device Users

Feature Phone Users

Breakup by Region:

North America United States Canada

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Indonesia Others

Europe Germany France United Kingdom Italy Spain Russia Others

Latin America Brazil Mexico Others

Middle East and Africa

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined with some of the key players being Amazon.com Inc, Apple Inc., ASOS, eBay, Ericsson Inc., Gemalto, Google, IBM, Mastercard Inc., Mopay, Netflix, PayPal, SAP, Visa, etc.

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https://www.imarcgroup.com/polyvinyl-alcohol-technical-material-market-report

https://www.imarcgroup.com/digestive-health-products-market

https://www.imarcgroup.com/transformerless-ups-market

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As of Thursday morning, some 8,997 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease were recorded in Ukraine, some 11,316 people recovered, some 148 patients died, Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said.

"Some 8,997 new cases of COVID-19 disease were recorded in Ukraine as of January 7, 2021. In particular, 227 children and 385 medical workers fell ill. Some 2,567 people were hospitalized, 148 people died and 11,316 people recovered over the past day," Stepanov wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday morning.

A day earlier, on January 6, some 6,911 cases of COVID-19 were reported; the minister informed about 5,334 new cases on January 5; some 4,158 cases were reported on January 4; there were 4,576 new infections in Ukraine on January 3, some 5,038 cases were reported on January 2 and some 9,432 new cases were recorded on January 1.

The number of infected people since the beginning of the pandemic on Thursday morning was 1.099 million people, some 19,505 people died from COVID-19 and some 773,214 people recovered. Over the past day, the largest number of confirmed cases was registered in the city of Kyiv (731), Odesa (694), Kharkiv (599), Donetsk (572) and Zaporizhia (509) regions.

Now in Ukraine, according to the website of the Monitoring System for the Spread of the Coronavirus Epidemic of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), some 306,774 people are sick with COVID-19, which are 2,467 people less than the day before.

The number of suspected cases of COVID-19 disease over the past day amounted to 9,341, the NSDC said.
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Digital Editor
Winning Entry to Receive $25,000 Grant

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lyfebulb, a patient-empowerment platform that connects patients with industry to support user-driven innovation, unveils the launch of their 2021 Innovation Challenge: Thriving with Transplantation. The goal of this initiative is to source innovative solutions to improve outcomes and experiences for all those affected by organ transplantation.

The Innovation Challenge, sponsored by CSL Behring, will take place virtually in May 2021 and is open to patient entrepreneurs  those who have been affected by chronic disease as either a patient or support partner for a loved one and started a company to develop solutions to an unmet need identified in their disease journey.

"We are thrilled to kick-off the new year with the announcement of an initiative that sparked Lyfebulb's founding in 2014." said Dr. Karin Hehenberger, CEO and Founder of Lyfebulb and transplant recipient. "Having personally experienced the complications of living with chronic disease, Lyfebulb was founded upon the core principles that patients need patients and patients can be innovators. We are honored to be working with our partner, CSL Behring, to amplify that messaging and further inspire innovation to help people not just survive, but thrive."

Submissions may span devices, diagnostics, consumer products, products for healthcare professionals, and healthcare IT to directly treat or manage transplants, as well as support overall physical and mental well-being. Selected finalists will receive an invitation to pitch their company's solutions to an expert panel of judges comprised of healthcare industry, medical and patient leaders. One winner will be awarded a $25,000 monetary grant. Competing finalists may be considered for possible partnerships or investments beyond the challenge. To apply or learn more, please visit: https://lyfebulb.com/innovation-challenges/challenges/lyfebulb-csl-innovation-challenge

"Innovation is a core value at CSL Behring," said Kevin Kovaleski, Vice President, Global Commercial Development, Transplant, CSL Behring. "Supporting ventures like this Innovation Challenge is fundamental to understanding the challenges that transplant recipients are really experiencing in day-to-day life, and ultimately, improving outcomes for patients."

The Innovation Challenge is one component of a larger partnership between Lyfebulb and CSL Behring to generate new solutions to better serve members within the transplant community.

About Lyfebulb

Lyfebulb is a chronic disease-focused, patient empowerment platform that connects patients and industry to support user-driven innovation. Grounded with its strong foundation in diabetes, the company has expanded disease states covered into cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, mental health, substance use disorder, migraine, transplantation, psoriasis, chronic cough, and chronic kidney disease. See Lyfebulb.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Karin Hehenberger LinkedIn, and Lyfebulb LinkedIn.

About CSL Behring

CSL Behring is a global biotherapeutics leader driven by its promise to save lives. Focused on serving patients' needs by using the latest technologies, we develop and deliver innovative therapies that are used to treat coagulation disorders, primary immune deficiencies, hereditary angioedema, respiratory disease, and neurological disorders. The company's products are also used in cardiac surgery, burn treatment and to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn.

CSL Behring operates one of the world's largest plasma collection networks, CSL Plasma. The parent company, CSL Limited (ASX:CSL;USOTC:CSLLY), headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, employs more than 27,000 people, and delivers its life-saving therapies to people in more than 100 countries. For inspiring stories about the promise of biotechnology, visit Vita CSLBehring.com/vita and follow us on Twitter.com/CSLBehring

For more information:

Lyfebulb Contact:

Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD

CEO & Founder, Lyfebulb

Phone: + 1 917-575-0210

Email: [email protected]

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 00:01:04|Editor: huaxia

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People tour the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the United States, Nov. 25, 2020. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has refuted claims made by the U.S. State Department in a tweet about the so-called "Clean Network," describing them as absurd and hypocritical.

Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks on Wednesday in response to the tweet posted the day before which said the "Clean Network" now includes 180 telecommunications companies and dozens of leading high-tech companies, and "the tide is turning against Huawei and other surveillance tools of the Chinese Communist Party."

"Although the United States continues to attack Huawei, no country or company has provided any evidence to prove that Huawei's products pose a threat to them," Hua told a daily news briefing.

The U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) has long forced some operators, such as AT&T, to provide them with data, Hua said, adding that more than a decade ago, the NSA had used fake base stations named Dirtbox in wiretapping projects such as the Boundless Informant, so as to secretly steal data from mobile phones. As French newspaper Le Monde reported, thanks to Dirtbox, data from 62.5 million phones was collected by the United States in France.

Leaked documents of PRISM revealed that the United States sees apps as "data mines" and has used APPs to mine intelligence data for years. Under pressure, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Skype, Google Maps and even Angry Birds were forced to cooperate with the NSA.

As revealed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the NSA and intelligence agencies of other Five Eyes countries initiated Project Irritant Horn, which hijacks the Play Store to implant spyware on target smartphones or exploit loopholes. With this program, the Five Eyes managed to steal massive amounts of data.

The Washington Post exposed that the NSA, along with the Government Communications Headquarters of Britain, launched a surveillance program called Muscular to frequently break into the cloud servers of Google and Yahoo. They even went so far as to intercept data and direct it to the agencies' own database. This was how hundreds of millions of personal information records were collected.

Snowden exposed a program codenamed Staterooms, under which the United States installed surveillance equipment in around 100 embassies and consulates abroad for the purpose of spying, Hua said.

She quoted an article titled the Filthy Hypocrisy of America's "Clean" China-Free Internet, published on a U.S. website, as saying that "the State Department has a new vision for a 'clean' internet, by which it means a China-free internet."

"Faced with these publicly reported facts, doesn't the U.S. State Department want to give any explanation?" Hua asked. 
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP)  Iowa's governor and four aides helped make a marketing video for a Utah company that was awarded no-bid contracts for work on the coronavirus pandemic, a move that has raised allegations of favoritism and improper use of public resources.

Domo Inc.'s video featured interviews with Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, state epidemiologist Caitlin Pedati and chief operations officer Paul Trombino portraying their COVID-19 management as a success for Iowa and the software vendor.

The appearances go against long-standing guidance to avoid any hint of preferential treatment in relationships with contractors. The video put a positive spin on their response to the virus, which has caused more cases and deaths per capita in Iowa than most other states.

Domo's website removed the video and other Iowa-based marketing materials on Thursday, hours after The Associated Press reported on them.

State Hygienic Laboratory director Michael Pentella said through a University of Iowa spokesman that he was asked to participate in the video by the governors office and was not told how the material would be used. Pentellas appearance  in which he calls Domo "a great planning tool  may contradict a university policy limiting product endorsements.

Domo, which helped launch the governor's signature COVID-19 testing program, featured the video and other materials in a case study for prospective customers. It asked, What if data could stop a viral hot spot?

One lawyer experienced in state government said the video  which includes shots inside the Capitol and other state buildings  was shameful on several grounds if not illegal.

To cut a commercial for a private company is way beyond established norms, said attorney Gary Dickey, who was general counsel under Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack.

He said it smacks of cronyism for the governor to endorse any specific product or company, especially a vendor picked through a non-competitive process.

Story continues

Reynolds spokesman Pat Garrett said Domo wanted a testimonial on the success of Test Iowa and the governor and others agreed to participate. He said Reynolds was proud of the public-private partnership's delivery of testing supplies, data analytics and contact tracing.

Unlike federal law, Iowa statutes do not ban government employees from using their positions and titles to promote for-profit companies.

Iowa law does bar the use of state property for any private purpose and for personal gain, to the detriment of the state." Another law, signed by Reynolds, bans state officials from using taxpayer dollars for self-promotion.

Garrett claimed no state resources were used to make the video, which also featured Department of Transportation Director Scott Marler.

State Auditor Rob Sand said Thursday it was shocking Pentella had been asked to use his time to promote a private entity without full transparency. Referring to the governor's office role in the video, he said the legality of this action certainly deserves additional scrutiny.

Iowa's procurement manual says employees must adhere to ethics standards from the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, which call for fairness and consistency in the treatment of all vendors and outlaw anything that enhances, or appears to enhance, self-interest.

The six-minute video has been online for over two months  as Domos performance has faced some criticism.

Local health officials told The Gazette that Domo's new contact tracing software was hard to use and that its November launch hindered their response during a surge in cases. Iowa has yet to release Domo's dashboard to track vaccinations, weeks after the first shots were given.

In April, Reynolds administration awarded an emergency $26 million contract to Domo and two other Utah companies to launch Test Iowa. The deal included 540,000 test kits supplied by Nomi Health, an online health assessment developed by Qualtrics and software and data from Domo.

In July, Trombino signed a revised agreement with Domo that will pay $3.6 million for Iowa's use of software to manage COVID-19 data, the contact tracing app, and the vaccine dashboard.

By population, Iowa is 5th in the number of confirmed cases and 47th in testing, according to data tracked by Johns Hopkins University. Garrett said Iowa's rate of testing is much higher when comparing overall tests, not individuals tested.

The governor in April revealed that the Utah companies were selected after she pursued a tip from actor Ashton Kutcher, an Iowa native who is friends with Qualtrics' founder.

Domos video paints the partnerships origin as well-planned and its outcomes as highly successful.

Trombino says he started discussing the pandemic last January and his talks with Utah officials were the key ingredient for us to make that decision. He says Domo's software integrates data from different sources faster than I ever thought possible.

Reynolds claims the data allowed her to allocate testing resources to virus hot spots while lifting most restrictions on gatherings and businesses. She said it gave me the confidence that I needed to open up our economy and get individuals' lives and livelihoods back on track."

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UMM AL-FAHM, Israel: As Israel leads the world in the rate of coronavirus vaccination, some of its Arab citizens and Palestinians in annexed East Jerusalem are regarding the shot with suspicion.

In what officials see as a result of misinformation about possible side effects or supposed malicious properties, turnout for vaccines has been low among Arabs, who make up 21% of Israels population, and Jerusalem Palestinians.

I will not be vaccinated because I dont know what is in there. No one explained it to me," said Marouf Alyino of East Jerusalem. Everyone is looking at Facebook and social media, where we hear about someone dying (after getting vaccinated)."

Israel launched its vaccination drive on Dec. 19 with supplies from Pfizer Incs. The Health Ministry said on Thursday that 17.5% of the population - and 70% of citizens aged 60 or older - had received their first shots.

Expanding on previous estimates by Israeli officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said supply agreements with Pfizer meant that all Israelis over the age of 16 would be able to be vaccinated by the end of March, or perhaps even earlier.

Israeli officials have said they hoped Israel could emerge from the pandemic as early as February if the vaccination programme maintains its speed.

The lag in some Arab communities has prompted citizens from the Jewish majority to go to clinics there in search of shorter queues. On occasion, leftover vaccines have been given to walk-ins who are not within the high-risk cohort getting priority.

One vaccination centre, in the northern town of Umm al-Fahm, reported rising attendance by Arab recipients as the vaccination campaign spreads with little news of mishaps.

Farida Mahajneh, the centres director, said turnout was meagre" when it began operating in late December.

But today the turnout is increasing day after day among the Arab residents," she said. People should know that everyone should be vaccinated, and it is safe."

(Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Giles Elgood and Cynthia Osterman)

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Bloomfield Township, said a violent protest aimed at preventing the certification of the Electoral College vote represents one of the darkest chapters in our nations history.

Stevens, in a statement issued to MLive, said a mob of pro-Trump protesters who breached the U.S. Capitol were " emboldened by the president. The congresswoman is safely sheltering until Capitol Police and the National Guard secure the building.

It was nothing short of an attack on our democracy, and it was a result of failed leadership, Stevens said. So many lives were out in danger today because of the presidents words, stoking hatred and violence. This must be a wake-up call. We must find a way to overcome this and unite.

Trump addressed a crowd of demonstrators, urging them to peacefully march to the Capitol and protest his electoral loss. Trump released a video on Twitter shortly after 4 p.m. asking his supporters to go home.

We have to have peace, Trump said. So go home. We love you. Youre very special. Youve seen what happens, you see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel, but go home and go home in peace.

Stevens issued several updates on her Twitter page Wednesday. She was not in the House or Senate chambers when rioters breached the Capitol building, causing her colleagues to duck for cover while Capitol Police drew weapons and dispensed gas.

There is mounting concern in An Garda Siochana by the massive increase in gardai who are unable to work because their movements are restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Irish Independent can reveal hundreds of gardai across the country have been forced to self-isolate because they have been in contact with people who contracted Covid-19. A number of officers have contracted the deadly virus.

Senior sources revealed that more than 70 gardai in the Co Louth division are currently self-isolating, with a similar figure in the Limerick division unable to work, while in Cork West the figure stands at more than 50.

Around 40 officers are being forced to restrict their movements in counties Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim, with eight positive Covid tests for gardai in these three counties.

Sources said there are around 150 gardai in Dublin unable to work due to the escalating health situation and it is understood the figure in Co Meath is around 45.

In the capital, detectives from Kevin Street and Pearse Street stations had to cover areas policed by Donnybrook and Irishtown stations over the New Years period because many detectives in these stations had to self-isolate.

In the DMR West policing division of the capital, 90 gardai are currently unable to work and it is understood 30 of these officers have tested positive.

Read More

In the north central division in Dublin, a small outbreak of Covid was caused after an arrested prisoner passed on the virus to gardai.

There are more than 60 gardai in the Laois, Offaly, Kildare division currently out of work as garda management struggle to cope with the effects of the health crisis, with significant issues also being reported in counties Wexford and Wicklow.

In the Longford/Roscommon division there are at least 22 cases, in which two gardai have tested positive.

In Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, there are 27 officers out of work because of Covid concerns.

A garda Covid-19 forum meeting is due to take place remotely tomorrow afternoon, when representatives of all garda ranks will meet remotely with garda management to discuss the escalating crisis.

Senior sources say garda management has put in place a special policing plan and stated that there has been no impact on frontline policing and any available garda will now be put on outdoor duty.

The source said Garda HQ is constantly monitoring the situation and that there is no need to panic.

We are stretched but this situation can and will be dealt with, the source said.

Frank Thornton, the president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), has called for gardai to be placed among the high-priority groups for Covid-19 vaccination.

Mr Thornton said: The GRA is receiving numerous reports of gardai who have contracted the virus or are self-isolating in the past week, which shows that the danger of infection for gardai as frontline workers in the battle against Covid-19 must be recognised by policymakers.

Gardai have been to the fore in the national effort to suppress the virus from the onset of the outbreak and the level of infections and self-isolation is sky-rocketing.

This shows the increased danger of exposure faced by our members and their families. It also points to the risk of resources being stretched at a time when the need for gardai to police the pandemic has increased.

With plans to vaccinate up to 135,000 people by the end of February, and a month-long lag in full efficacy, it is imperative that frontline gardai are given the protection of the vaccine as soon as possible.

Early vaccination will reduce the numbers of gardai forced to isolate and ensure they remain available to protect communities around the country. It will also fulfil the employer duty of care to our members as working people.

Most gardai cannot work from home and if one person is identified as a close contact, it is not known whether they are positive and are therefore a risk to other members of their unit, because they cannot get tested.

Another source highlighted the additional risks of carrying out roadside testing during the pandemic, using the example of testing for suspected drug driving, in which a saliva swab is taken from a motorist.

While PPE is supplied, there is still a great risk of infection involved when swabbing someone.

Gardai are also present when a doctor is called to a station to take a blood or urine sample.

One said: We are not working in a clinical environment and are not trained doctors or nurses, but we are put at risk.

This is a high-risk job and many gardai feel abandoned by the powers that be. They are exposed to infection by their dealings with the public and then they cannot get tested if they are a close contact. It is just not good enough.

One source outlined how in one station, in a major town in the west of Ireland, there are 12 gardai infected and others are suspected. There is a possibility the station may have to close for a while.

Some of those infected were in a pub before Christmas, where a total of 32 people are said to have been infected.

Another garda in another part of the country said they were not happy that a sergeant in the station seemed to be deciding who was a close contact and who was not.

One garda, based in the division where more than 50 are on Covid-related leave, said: This has a multiplier effect on garda colleagues, their family members and the community as a whole.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has also called for a review of priority vaccinations for blue-light workers, including members of An Garda Siochana.

General Secretary, Antoinette Cunningham, said: The decision-makers must reconsider the vaccination priority list in light of the new strain and contamination risks to members of An Garda Siochana, who are a critical group for managing the pandemic response.

It is not clear when gardai will be vaccinated in the current Government vaccination programme.

AGSI say members are continuing to explain, engage, and encourage before moving to enforce any of the existing regulations. To date, there has been a high level of public compliance, the organisation said.

Referring specifically to the new variant of coronavirus, Ms Cunningham says AGSI are seeing a greater number of members being affected, either because of contracting Covid-19 or because of the need to self-isolate as a close contact of a confirmed case.

Theres a significant risk in policing the pandemic right now more than ever before and we are calling on those responsible for the vaccination programme to revisit the placement of gardai on the priority list.

Members changed rosters to allow for a 20pc increase in man power to police regulations relating to Covid-19 and they have been working 12-hour shifts since last March and they will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, she said.

But, AGSI are increasingly concerned about the welfare of our members with this new variant of the virus and its important to highlight that the enforcement of regulations cannot be done without a frontline police force.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
There is something inexplicably comforting about witnessing horrible things from a safe distance. We love our nightmares. We need our ghost stories, our dark places, our stunning realization that Charlton Heston has been on Earth the whole time, because that ruined monument behind him is the Statue of Liberty! Its visceral  the scary stuff really scares us  but its safe, too. This isnt really real, we tell ourselves. We still control this. We are still in charge.

That makes the awful events of Wednesday afternoon so disturbing, so terrifying. We watched on our computers and our phones and our TV screens, one more set of images to consume, one more scary show to binge watch. This is the way we experience tragedy these days, whether its the killing of an innocent Black man or the agony of hospital patients on ventilators dying of this terrible virus, or a small group of small-minded people turning last summers noble and necessary protests into an occasion for senseless acts of violence: relatively few of us are present. We are eyewitnesses from a safe distance, at our desks or on our couches, sheltered and secure.

That distance dampens the moments power: everything seems less reality than reality show. Wednesday afternoon, the remove was erased. Wednesday afternoon, a democratically elected president responded to his verified and incontrovertible defeat by inciting hundreds of his followers to storm the United States Capitol. One carried a Confederate flag. Another wore a sweatshirt, bearing a slogan that mocked the victims of the Holocaust. They smashed windows and trashed offices and terrorized members of Congress, all the while posting selfies and tweeting self-congratulations for their efforts.

There are a handful of places that count as universally sacred in our pluralistic, increasingly secularized, wonderfully diverse nation. The Lincoln Memorial. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The September 11 Memorial. Regardless of our politics or our faith, we recognize these places as sanctified by sacrifice, set apart from partisanship.

The Capitol is another one of those places, not so much for what goes on there  the wheeling and dealing, venial and frequently mendacious occupants of that place have done their own share of desecration  but for what it represents. Ive not set foot in the Capitol in 40 years, but every time I see its image, I remember the thrill of walking its halls. I feel a small shiver of appreciation for the beautiful, flawed system it represents and deep gratitude for those men and women who work so tirelessly to make this a more perfect union by chipping away at the prejudice and the bigotry and the selfishness that clings like barnacles to the ship of state. Symbols matter. Respect for the tokens of what Lincoln called the better angels of our nature is essential to our democracy.

On Wednesday afternoon, we watched a grinning bearded man walk through Statuary Hall with the speaker of the houses lectern slung over his shoulder like a war souvenir. We saw a lumpen youth slouching in the vice presidents seat in the Senate Chamber. Another man, taking his turn in the chair, raised his arm, whether in a gesture of triumph or a Nazi salute, its hard to tell. A Capitol Hill cop got chased up a set of stone stairs leading into the building, while another cop posed for selfies with the rioters. Guys in camo pants and MAGA caps rifled through congressional desks, upending filing cabinets scrawling vague threats in red ink on the strewn papers.

Through the day, my sense of shock and betrayal, of stomach turning outrage is exactly what I felt 20 years ago, as my wife and I stood in front of our television set, and watched the second plane explode into the World Trade Center. This terror attack, this invasion, was an affront to all we hold sacred. It is a crime against the soul of our nation. Capitol Hill has seen its share of violent acts, but nothing like this has happened since 1814, when British troops attacked Washington, ransacked federal offices and set fire to the Capitol. That was a reprehensible act of war. Wednesday was an act of domestic terrorism.

We cannot be passive about what we watched on Wednesday. This wasnt a scary movie. This was a terrorist attack on our system of government. That means it was an attack on all of us.

We must act. We must speak out. We must stand for freedom and for justice. We must, whatever our histories, whatever our politics, join together and defend our national institutions against the bigotry, the ignorance and the lies that threaten them.

It is time for us all to be Americans.

McMurray is a Houston businessman.
With Democrats now poised to control both the executive and legislative branches of government, President-elect Joe Biden may be able to pass policies that will reshape the workplace by raising the minimum wage, encouraging diversity and restoring protections eliminated by his predecessor, President Donald Trump.

Biden's pledge to "Build Back Better'' includes removing barriers to union membership, helping parents access affordable child care and ensuring that families can take time off with pay when they need to care for an ill relative.

When he is inaugurated on Jan. 20, Biden will take office in a troubled time for the nation's workforce. The coronavirus pandemic is still battering the economy even though the nation as of November had recovered 56% of the 22.2 million jobs that were wiped out. With the virus surging, some states are again imposing or considering business restrictions.

Here is what we might see unfold in the workplace over Biden's first term:

Minimum wage

The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 since 2009. Biden wants to increase it to $15 an hour and expanding the pool of workers who can earn it.

Biden has promised to prohibit employers from paying a lower minimum wage to employees who earn tips. Domestic and farmworkers would be able to earn the elevated pay. And once wages get to $15, increases would be linked to median wage growth, Oxford Economics says.

COVID-19 and the courts: COVID-19 sparks more than 1,000 workplace-related lawsuits in 2020 as employees complain about safety, wages

Do I have to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Fact check: Yes, employers can require that workers receive the COVID-19 vaccine

The pay increase could lead to higher prices, a lower number of people being hired, and increased reliance on labor alternatives like automation, Oxford says. Businesses might pare other benefits as well to cut costs. But a boost in wages would also help many lower-income Americans.

Story continues

"Businesses would pass on part of their increased labor costs to consumers, reducing consumption and sales,'' it said in a report. "In addition, businesses would hire fewer workers ... All these factors would weigh on employment and income, but there would be offsetting effects as roughly 30 million, mostly lower-income households, would benefit from higher minimum wages.''

Democratic nominee Joe Biden speaks during the final presidential at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Diversity training

Biden will likely undo an executive order from Trump restricting government contractors and federal agencies from providing diversity training.

U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman blocked that order in December, granting a preliminary nationwide injunction after a lawsuit by LGBTQ rights groups in California who claimed the order violated their First Amendment rights.

Initiatives aimed at increased inclusion came into focus after the death of George Floyd, a Black man, under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer in May, and the deaths of other African Americans at the hands of law enforcement.

But amid a national reckoning on race that prompted corporate America to root out bias, Trump called diversity training "divisive.'' His executive order said the measure aimed "to combat offensive and anti-American race and sex stereotyping and scapegoating.''

The Trump administration also challenged efforts by some corporations to bring more African Americans and other people of color into executive roles.

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, which oversees federal contractors for the Labor Department, recently questioned whether plans by Microsoft and Wells Fargo to double the ranks of Black managers and executives over the next five years violate federal laws barring discrimination based on race. Both corporations say they believe their plans are legal.

Biden has pledged to enhance racial equity, from lending to homeownership, and he says he will encourage diversity in top roles at federal agencies.

Paid leave

The U.S. is the only developed nation without paid maternity leave. But that could change with Biden in the nation's highest office. He is proposing up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave.

Child care

Many Americans don't work a five-day, 9-to-5 schedule, which makes it even harder to find someone they trust to watch their children.

To address that challenge, Biden says he will offer bonus payments to child care services that are open off hours.

Businesses will also be encouraged to build more child care facilities. Employers would get a federal tax credit equal to half of the first $1 million they spend on building a facility.

Unions

Union membership has dipped dramatically in recent decades, and Biden says he intends to shore up the ability of American workers to organize.

He would prohibit state laws that prevent unions from collecting dues from all the workers that they represent. He also pledges to form a Cabinet-level team that will come up with a framework to boost union membership and increase protections for workers who strike or initiate boycotts.

Biden will also push laws that punish companies and individual executives who block employee efforts to form a union. And he will steer federal contracts away from employers who don't promise to refrain from hindering union activity.

Biden has said he will ensure agricultural and domestic workers are covered by the same federal safeguards that protect most other workers. He would establish a wage and standards board specifically to help domestic workers secure equitable treatment.

And Biden says he will also aggressively go after companies that purposely misclassify their workers as independent contractors to avoid paying taxes and other benefits. New legislation would call for those businesses to pay significant penalties for such actions.

Contributing: Jessica Guynn

Follow Charisse Jones on Twitter @charissejones

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia Senate wins: With Dem control, how will Biden affect workplace?
Japan International Cooperation Agency has extended a cumulative total of 464,267 million Japanese yen (approximately Rs 33,000 crore) in official development assistance for the Western Dedicated Corridor project up to now, the agency said on Thursday.

The remarks by Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative, India, came at an event at which Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the 306-km New Rewari-New Madar section of the Western Dedicated Corridor (WDFC) to the nation.

Suzuki Satoshi, Ambassador of Japan to India, attended the ceremony and flagged off this project together with other dignitaries, a statement issued by said.

Japan has been providing funds and expertise for the dedicated railway system having route length of approximately 1,500 km, which has been constructed, under the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor project, along the Industrial Corridor between Dadri-Delhi and Mumbai.

"Western Dedicated Freight Corridor project is an important venture of 'Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) initiative'," Satoshi said.

This project is an epitome of Japan-India collaboration for comprehensive infrastructure development, he said, adding that it creates India's largest industrial belt zone by linking industrial parks and harbours of six states between Delhi and Mumbai in order to promote trade, foreign export and direct investment.

Speaking on this occasion, Matsumoto said, " is committed towards the development of infrastructure in India. Western Dedicated Freight Corridor project is one of the most important JICA supported projects, covering the areas between Dadri in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai where significant commercial and industrial development is seen."



"By meeting the higher growth rate expected by seamless freight transportation in these areas and optimizing distributing networks, the Project will make a far-reaching contribution towards India's economic development," he said.

JICA has extended a cumulative total of 464,267 million Japanese yen in ODA loans (approximately INR 33,000 crore) for Western Dedicated Freight Corridor project up to now, he said.

JICA is further exploring the possibility of continuing its assistance for this project so as to support this project and help India's efforts on modernization of freight transportation, Matsumoto said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-06 22:46:34|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua speaks at a gathering to honor model rural migrant workers as well as groups that have excelled in work related to rural migrant workers in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua on Wednesday called for advancing work related to rural migrant workers toward greater achievements at China's new development stage.

In 2020, despite impact of COVID-19, work related to rural migrant workers made important contributions to increasing farmers' income and winning the battle against poverty, said Hu at a gathering held in Beijing to honor model rural migrant workers as well as groups that have excelled in work related to rural migrant workers.

Hu urged more efforts to support rural migrant workers to find jobs and start businesses, and enhance vocational training for them. Enditem
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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - Discovery Harbour Resources Corp. (TSXV: DHR) (OTC Pink: DCHRF) (FSE: 4GW) (the "Company" or "Discovery Harbour") is updating the status of its Caldera drill permit under its Exploration Plan of Operations (the "Plan") from the United States Forest Service ("USFS"). The Company has been in regular contact with the USFS which, the Company understands, has not identified any issues or concerns. However, the process remains under review due to the required input from various parties. Because of anticipated spring drilling restrictions attached with the final drill permit approval and the length of time for the drill permit approval process, the Company believes that it will not be able to initiate the planned drill program until summer of this year.

Mark Fields, the Company's President and CEO, states "The delay in receiving the drill permit has been very disappointing for the Company. However, we continue to work with the USFS so that we can initiate the drill program upon receipt of the drill permit. The Company's news release on August 31, 2020 provides a detailed description of the 10 selected drill targets (A through J on the diagram below) from no less than 33 identified drill targets within five of the eight distinct gold mineralized areas at Caldera. The targeting includes two or more prospective structures (drill sites A to E and F to J). We remain fully funded to undertake the planed drill program."





TEN DRILL SITES SUBMITTED FOR PERMITTING (Figure 1)

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/1559/71521_b95d5e424434a96d_001full.jpg

Discovery Harbour also notes that Metalla Royalty and Streaming Ltd. (www.metallaroyalty.com), has purchased a 1% net smelter royalty from an original underlying vendor of the Caldera property (see Metalla's news release dated December 14, 2020).

Mark Fields, the Company's President and CEO, noted "We welcome Metalla as a new underlying royalty holder on Caldera, which we believe is an additional measure of confidence in the discovery potential of the Company's planned Caldera drill program."

Mark Fields, P.Geo., is the Qualified Person for Discovery Harbour as defined in NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release.

For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.discoveryharbour.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DISCOVERY HARBOUR RESOURCES CORP.

"Mark Fields"

Mark Fields, P.Geo., B.Comm.(Hon.)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Discovery Harbour Resources Corp.

Tel: (604) 681-3170

Fax: (604) 681-3552

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of Discovery Harbour, such as statements that Discovery Harbour intends to pursue the Caldera Project. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and Discovery Harbour's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) exploration results, (iii) permitting requirements or (iii) the financial position of the Company. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, Discovery Harbour does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71521

WASHINGTON - The top federal prosecutor in Washington D.C. said Thursday that President Donald Trump was not off limits in his investigation of the events surrounding Wednesday's riot at the U.S. Capitol, saying "all actors" would be examined to determine if they broke the law.

Asked if federal agents and prosecutors will look at the incendiary statements made by speakers at Trump's rally shortly before a mob of his supporters breached security at the Capitol and wreaked havoc inside, acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said: "Yes, we are looking at all actors here, not only the people that went into the building, but . . . were there others that maybe assisted or facilitated or played some ancillary role in this. We will look at every actor and all criminal charges."

Asked specifically if that included Trump, who had urged the crowd to "fight like hell," before the rioting began, Sherwin replied, "We are looking at all actors here, and anyone that had a role, if the evidence fits the element of a crime, they're going to be charged."

Not long after the prosecutor made those remarks, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany gave a brief statement, saying: "What we saw yesterday was a group of violent rioters undermining the legitimate First Amendment rights of the many thousands who came to peacefully have their voices heard in our nation's capital. Those who violently besieged our capitol are the opposite of everything this administration stands for."

The far-reaching federal investigation could spell fresh legal jeopardy for the president's personal lawyer, Rudolph Giuliani, who also spoke to the crowd, declaring at one point, "let's have trial by combat," and declaring he was willing to stake his reputation, and that of the president, on being able to someday find criminality in the 2020 vote count.

On Thursday morning, Giuliani tweeted that the previous day's violence "was shameful. It was as criminal as the rioting and looting this summer which was not condemned strongly enough by the Left. This violence is condemned in the strongest terms. Our movement values respect for law and order and for the police."

Two of the president's sons also spoke at the event, though their remarks were less incendiary, threatening to primary Republicans who did not support Trump's effort to change electoral college tallies.

"Have some backbone. Show some fight. Learn from Donald Trump," Eric Trump told the crowd. "And we need to march on the Capitol today. And we need to stand up for this country. And we need to stand up for what's right."

Sherwin, the prosecutor, said that the first priority of investigators are the individuals who personally engaged in destructive or violent acts at the Capitol, or what he called "the closest alligators to the boat."

He also noted there were potential national security risks in Wednesday's chaos, with video showing papers strewn around lawmakers' offices, and some accounts of people taking things from the building.

"This is probably going to take several days to flesh out what was stolen, what wasn't," he said. "Items were stolen from senators' offices, documents were stolen, and we have to identify what was done, and it could have potential national security equities."

Sherwin spoke to reporters by phone Thursday to emphasize that the Justice Department and FBI are rapidly pursuing cases against those who engaged in violence or other lawbreaking, saying that dozens of people would be charged by the end of the day, and investigators are continuing to piece together evidence to bring additional cases.

The vast majority of those who broke into the Capitol building were allowed to politely leave once the chaos ended. One online video even showed an officer holding the door for a stream of angry individuals, including one who triumphantly shouted: "We stopped the vote!"

Now, investigators face a more complex task of piecing together digital evidence to identify and charge those who engaged in violence. That could take weeks or in some cases months, meaning that the bulk of that prosecutorial work may be left to the Biden administration.

Sherwin said investigators' work was made more difficult by the fact that Capitol Police let so many of the people who broke into the building simply walk out.

"It appears they were not apprehended or zip-tied by the police," said Sherwin, and agents will now have to gather cellphone records and video footage to "identify people, charge them, and execute their arrest."

FBI agents have already received thousands of tips after asking for the public's help in identifying people in the photos and videos of the mob storming the Capitol building.

Officials said they have a broad list of possible crimes to consider, from seditious conspiracy to damaging federal property to simple unlawful entry.

But there are other, more serious potential charges in play, too. Pipe bombs were discovered outside the Republican National Committee headquarters and the Democratic National Committee headquarters. Officials have yet to charge anyone with leaving those homemade bombs there, but such actions may lead to terrorism charges.

"The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that those responsible for this attack on our Government and the rule of law face the full consequences of their actions under the law," Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said in a statement Thursday.

While prosecutors vowed to file the toughest charges possible, they also signaled that they plan to file cases on lesser crimes like unlawful entry, which may be easier to prove, given the voluminous social media postings of the rioters.

D.C. Metro police released dozens of photographs Thursday seeking to identify and possibly charge with unlawful entry some of those who stormed into Congress, including a heavily tattooed shirtless man draped in animal fur and wearing Viking horns.

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Thursday said the FBI has deployed its "full investigative resources" and will "hold accountable those who participated in yesterday's siege of the Capitol."

The political fallout from the rioting continued Thursday, as Republicans faced a deep, angry rift within their party over the pro-Trump riot.

Former Attorney General William Barr - who before his Dec. 23 resignation had been one of Trump's most loyal and effective cabinet secretaries - issued a statement condemning the president.

"Orchestrating a mob to pressure Congress is inexcusable," Barr said in the statement, released through his former spokeswoman. "The President's conduct yesterday was a betrayal of his office and supporters."

Donald Trump finally conceded defeat to Democratic president-elect Joe Biden hours after the violence in the US Capitol Hill that left four people dead and a nation aghast.

While several Democrats and political experts had called for impeaching Trump again, the voices only grew louder in the aftermath of the violence on Wednesday. From Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Occasio-Cortez to Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Democrats banded together to call for Trumps impeachment to ensure he can never run for office again.

Democratic Representative Omar said on Twitter that she was drawing up articles of impeachment against Trump. She said, Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate. We cant allow him to remain in office, its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath.

Also read: US Congress Certifies Joe Biden Win, Trump Concedes Defeat Hours After Harrowing Capitol Hill Assault

Meanwhile Cortez, who had called for Trump's impeachment in light of his call with the Georgia Secretary of State, took to Twitter to just say Impeach.

Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker said in a statement, I dont make a statement like this lightly: Two weeks is too long for Donald Trump to remain in office, where he can continue to incite more untold violence.

Others said that Trump was unfit to serve in office for a second time. US Congresswoman Lori Trahan said, Donald Trump is directly responsible for the attack on the Capitol. Hes unfit to serve a second more as President or ever hold office again. He should resign immediately. If not, his cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment. If they are too cowardly, Congress must impeach him.

Calling Trump directly responsible for the incident on Wednesday, Congressman Seth Moulton said, He needs to be removed from office immediately. It is the Constitutional responsibility of Vice President Pence and the cabinet to exercise the power granted them by the 25th amendment.

Also read: US Capitol Hill Breached: Bombing, Assassination Attempt and Other Past Instances of Violence

Reuters pointed out that it was a misconception that impeachment refers to the removal of a president from office. The news agency said that, in fact, impeachment refers only to the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress, bringing charges that a president engaged in a high crime or misdemeanor  similar to an indictment in a criminal case.

Even though Trump has only two weeks in office, people pointed out that keeping him in office for even this period could put the country in danger.

The New York Times columnist Brett Stephens said in an opinion piece, To allow Trump to serve out his term, however brief it may be, puts the nations safety at risk, leaves our reputation as a democracy in tatters and evades the inescapable truth that the assault on Congress was an act of violent sedition aided and abetted by a lawless, immoral and terrifying president.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 21:41:26|Editor: huaxia

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NEW DELHI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chief Minister of Indian capital Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal Thursday urged the federal government to extend ban on British flights in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Centre (federal government) has decided to lift the ban and start UK flights. In view of extremely serious COVID-19 situation in UK, I would urge central government to extend the ban till 31 Jan," Kejriwal wrote on social media networking platform - twitter.

"With great difficulty, people have brought COVID-19 situation in control. UKs COVID-19 situation is very serious. Now, why lift ban and expose our people to risk?"

Indian government partially lifted the ban and resumed India to Britain flights from Wednesday. According to civil aviation ministry, the flights from Britain to India will begin arriving from Friday.

The temporary flight ban was imposed in wake of the new strain of COVID-19 found in Britain. Authorities had ordered surveillance of all passengers who travelled from or transited through Britain in the last four weeks prior to the flight ban.

So far 73 cases of mutant COVID-19 strain have been detected in India.

The positive samples are being tested at 10 Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) Labs across India.

According to officials, all these persons have been kept in single room isolation in designated health care facilities by respective local governments.

"Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine. Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others," the health ministry said. "Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on." Enditem
Prashanth Neel's Salaar is undoubtedly one of the highly awaited films of the year. The movie buffs can't get enough of Prabhas' inclusion in the project and are eagerly waiting to see him in action. The film's big announcement was made on December 2, 2020, with an intriguing poster featuring the Rebel Star.

Prashanth had then tweeted, "An Action Saga #SALAAR. THE MOST VIOLENT MEN.. CALLED ONE MAN..THE MOST VIOLENT!!! For the love of cinema, breaking the fence of languages, presenting to you an Indian Film. Dearest welcome to Darling #Prabhas sir. @hombalefilms @Vkiragandur."

Well now, with many speculating the antagonist of the film, the latest report suggests that the makers do not wish to compromise with the cast of the film, and are therefore hoping to bring John Abraham on board. If reports are to be believed, the team has approached him with the script and is waiting for a green signal from the Bollywood actor.

As the actor is gearing up for a back to back release of films in 2021 including Mumbai Saga, Attack, Satyamev Jayate 2, Sardar and Grandson, and Pathan, his inclusion in Salaar is unlikely. However, we will have to wait and watch to see what unfolds in the days to come.

Coming back to Salaar, the film is backed by renowned producer Vijay Kiragandur under his home production banner Hombale films. On the other hand, Disha Patani is said to be a part of the film too, however, there is no official confirmation regarding the same.

On a related note, both Prashanth Neel and Prabhas are busy with their respective projects. Prashanth Neel will be completing his highly anticipated film with Yash titled KGF: Chapter 2. Prabhas on the other hand, is a part of the big banner films including Adipurush, Radhe Shyam and #Prabhas21.

Also Read: Radhe Shyam Teaser: Makers Of Prabhas-Starrer To Announce The Update Soon!

Also Read: Salaar: Prabhas To Romance Disha Patani In Prashanth Neel's Next?

A drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Gadsden ended after three hours as the supply vaccine ran out.

Gadsden/Etowah County EMA said those who were not already in the parking lot would have to wait until the next vaccination clinic, which will be announced later.

The clinic was focused on first responders (EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement), frontline healthcare providers and support workers among others, according to the Alabama Department of Public Healths allocation plan. Etowah County, unlike most counties in Alabama, also extended the initial round to include residents over 75 and others in the second wave of vaccines.

The line for the clinic extended in two different directions - up George Wallace Drive towards Interstate 759, and over the Memorial Bridge at Broad Street.

Wendy Miller, a clinical director, said she got in the drive thru line on George Wallace Drive at 6:57 a.m., slightly less than a mile from The Venue, the community site where the vaccine was being given. She arrived within sight of the venue about three hours later, just after the vaccine supply ran out.

Got to the entrance at 10 and they turned us away saying they were out of vaccine, she said.

On Monday, when EMA officials announced the clinic, they said they only had a limited number of vaccines. Officials said each county health department in Alabama received 500 doses of the Moderna vaccine. Etowah and Calhoun countites chose to include more people in their initial round. Most Alabama counties are still offering vaccines only to people in the first wave, such as frontline medical workers and residents and employees of nursing homes.

It would be wonderful if Etowah County Department of Public Health had an unlimited amount of vaccines to distribute but sadly, they do not, the original announcement stated. One of our area hospitals still has not have their requested allotment of vaccines for their healthcare employees so, the vaccine rollout is slow for all. We ask that all please be patient with the efforts of your local hospitals, agencies and departments to try and distribute the VERY limited amount of vaccines that are provided to your local health department.
Facebook, Twitter Lock Trump Out of His Account for the First Time

Social platforms remove video of Trump calling on protesters to leave the Capitol in peace

Twitter, followed by Facebook later in the day, disabled the account of President Donald Trump after deleting recent posts made by the president, including a video of him calling on protesters who had gathered on Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington to go home in peace.

As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy, a Twitter announcement reads.

This means that the account of @realDonaldTrump will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets. If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked, the announcement continues. Future violations of the Twitter Rules, including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies, will result in permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account.

Facebook and the Facebook-owned Instagram later followed suit in temporarily locking Trump out of his accounts.

Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube have all removed a video of the president calling on protesters to go home. You have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order, we have to respect our great people in law and order, Trump said in the deleted video.

Facebook was first to remove the video, which was up for just a few hours on late Wednesday afternoon.

A Facebook spokesperson said in a statement to news outlets, The violent protests in the Capitol today are a disgrace. We prohibit incitement and calls for violence on our platform. We are actively reviewing and removing any content that breaks these rules.

Guy Rosen, Facebooks vice president of integrity, said in a statement, This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trumps video. We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence.

Trump had not called for violence in his speech.

Prior to the removal of the video, Facebook applied a label to the presidents video that linked to its Voting information center, which shows Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden as the winner of the November 2020 election. The Facebook label at the time read: The US has laws, procedures, and established institutions to ensure the integrity of our elections. Get Accurate Election Info.

The Epoch Times has yet to call the race.

Twitter removed the same video from its platform within an hour later of Facebooks video removal, replacing the post with the message, This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules, and linked to the platforms enforcement options page.

Twitter also removed a message from the president posted at 6:01 p.m. ET that read, These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

I know your pain, I know youre hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election and everyone knows it, especially the other side, the president said in the now-removed video.

We dont want anybody hurt. Its a very tough period of time. Theres never been a time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it away from all of usfrom me, from you, from our country, he added.

This was a fraudulent election but we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home, we love you, youre very special. Youve seen what happens, youve seen the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home, and go home in peace.

The U.S. House and Senate temporarily halted the joint session of Congress on Wednesday after protesters breached the Capitol building, which interrupted concurrent debates in the two chambers over an objection to the counting of a slate of presidential electors from Arizona for Biden. The session has since resumed.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
Orange County Politicians Pushing for $2.6 Billion in Small Business, Nonprofit, Aid

IRVINE, Cali.Local politicians are among those lobbying for the distribution of $2.6 billion in grants to pandemic-affected small businesses and nonprofit organizations through the Keep California Working Act.

The bill would establish the Keep California Working Grant Program and see the state earmark 10 percent of its projected surplus to Californias Office of the Small Business Advocate.

During a Jan. 6 press conference, Sen. Andreas Borgeas (RFresno) said the funds would be divided into up to six tiers, and provide between $10,000 and $75,000 grants to businesses and nonprofits.

The bill was introduced by Laguna Beach Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, alongside senators Borgeas and Anna Caballero (D-Coalinga). It unveiled new coalition support and legislative details of the act and was co-authored by 24 other state senators and assembly members, including Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel).

The bill includes an emergency clause that would make it effective immediately upon approval.

Qualifying businesses must have 100 employees or less.

Many small businesses are hanging on by the skin of their teeth, said Alejandro Chavez of the Salinas United Business Association, which represents more than 700 small businesses. It is currently working with businesses to help find ways to bring down their costs when profits are low.

Chavez referenced a Salinas nightclub that once made between $72,000 and $108,000 in monthly profit every month. Its no longer turning a profit, and Chavez said the owners have just enough money to pay one part-time employee, rent, and supplies.

Lucy Dunn of the Orange County Business Council said she is thrilled to see so many businesses qualify for this bill.

[Small businesses have] disproportionately been impacted financially by COVID. And those businessesso many of them have already shuttered their doors, Dunn said. The little mom-and-pop karate studios. The little music education after school programstheyre gone. And yet, these are our entrepreneurs, these are our innovators. These are the businesses upon which bigger businesses grow and develop.

Bates, who co-authored the bill, said in a statement: The Legislature must do more to help save local jobs and small businesses.

We must help struggling workers and businesses in a way that is fiscally responsible. The Keep California Working Act does both and would be another essential lifeline for our economy.

The bills proposal is still in the works, and Borgeas said its supporters will begin meeting with stakeholders and legislative leaders on Jan. 11.
US Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund is resigning amid criticism over an apparent lack of preparedness to deal with Wednesday's violent mob on Capitol Hill.

Sund's resignation is effective January 16, according to a Capitol Police official.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday called for the resignation of the Sund and said the House Sergeant at Arms has told her he is submitting his resignation as well. Michael Stenger, the Senate Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, has resigned as well, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer had said he would fire Stenger when he became majority leader later this month.

Earlier Thursday, Capitol Police leadership provided first details about the deadly incident that left lawmakers and staff fearful for their lives.

In a statement released Thursday morning, Sund detailed the violent actions of the rioters saying that Capitol Police and other law enforcement officers were 'actively attacked' with metal pipes and other weapons.

'They were determined to enter into the Capitol Building by causing great damage,' Sund said.

The Capitol Police fired on an adult female as 'protesters were forcing their way toward the House Chamber where Members of Congress were sheltering in place.' The woman was later pronounced dead after being transported to a nearby hospital. The officer involved has been put on administrative leave pending a joint investigation with Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

Sund also said Capitol Police responded to reports of pipe bombs and a suspicious vehicle on the southeast corner of the Capitol, adding that the Capitol police 'determined that both devices were, in fact, hazardous and could cause great harm to public safety.'

The FBI is investigating the incident further.

The Capitol Police revealed for the first time that 13 people have been arrested for 'unlawful entry' of the capitol complex, in addition to the owner of the suspicious vehicle. The police said that additional charges may be filed pending further investigation.

LIVE UPDATES: Congress certifies Biden win after violent Capitol riot

More than 50 Capitol Police and metropolitan police were injured during Wednesday's attack, and several have been hospitalized with 'serious injuries,' according to Sund.

'The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol was unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C.,' Sund said. 'Maintaining public safety in an open environment -- specifically for First Amendment activities -- has long been a challenge.'

Lawmakers say they are perplexed at the lack of preparedness among law enforcement given that it had been known for weeks that President Donald Trump was promoting a rally he said was aimed at preventing the certification of Joe Biden's win.

Rep. Mike Quigley, an Illinois Democrat who was locked in the House chamber during an armed standoff between Capitol Police and a rioter, praised the officers who were in the building that put their lives on the line to protect the lawmakers. But Quigley made clear that they were outnumbered and law enforcement was under prepared.

'The Capitol Police I was around did an amazing job under difficult circumstances,' Quigley told CNN. 'My concern wasn't with how valiant the Capitol Police were. It was that an hour before the debate started, I looked at the throngs of people surrounding different sections of the Capitol -- and said, we don't have enough security.'

Quigley added: 'I'm no expert in security, but you can tell we were out-manned in an hour before the debate,' referring to Congress' proceedings to certify Biden's win.

Others who were in the House chamber with Quigley described the harrowing scene as well. After a rioter broke a window of the door to enter into the chamber, several Capitol Police drew their guns and warned the individual to back away. A desk and chairs had been propped up to block the entry of the rioter, but the lawmakers had no way of knowing if the person was armed or had explosive devices that could turn the scene deadly.

'It was the closest I got to thinking there's a possibility that I could die,' said Rep. Raul Ruiz, a Democrat of California. 'All we heard was the moving and the intensity. At any moment, someone could have rushed in the door with a semi-automatic.'

Immediately when there was a security breach, the top leaders, including Pelosi, were evacuated. Then the House lawmakers who were on the lower level were evacuated. But there were 11 Democrats who were sitting on the upper level of the chamber.

'It was one of those situations when you're in that situation, what would your prayer be?' Ruiz said. 'And I prayed. It was one of those moments, where I said, 'If you're going to take me home, take me home.''

This story has been updated with additional developments Thursday.
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Federal prosecutors have announced President Trump could potentially face charges over his role in inciting the violent siege of the US Capitol after he urged his supporters to 'march' on Congress to protest the results of the presidential election.

Acting US attorney for DC Michael Sherwin on Thursday said 'all options are on the table' for charging members of the pro-Trump mob, who could now face up to 10 years in prison under the president's own executive order to protect federal property.

'We are looking at all actors here. Not only the people who went into the building,' Sherwin said during a press conference on the mayhem.

When asked if the president could be included in the probe, he replied: 'We're looking at all actors here, and anyone that had a role and the evidence fits the elements of a crime, they're going to be charged.'

Trump, who has spent weeks falsely attacking the integrity of the election, had earlier urged his supporters to 'fight like hell' and protest Congress' formal approval of Joe Biden's win in yet another failed attempt to stay in power.

As a sitting president, he cannot be charged with any crimes until he officially leaves office on January 20 when Biden is inaugurated, however authorities can still open a case and conduct an investigation.

Wednesday's violent protesters had been egged on by President Trump, who has spent weeks falsely attacking the integrity of the election and had urged his supporters to protest Congress's formal approval of Biden's victory

WANTED: Federal and local authorities are trying to track down at least 36 suspects - in addition to the 68 already arrested - who stormed the US Capitol building, defaced property, fired tear gas and trashed officers on Wednesday in chaotic scenes

Police on Thursday released photos of members of the violent Trump mob wanted on federal charges after storming the US Capitol building

Dozens of Trump loyalists were photographed breaking windows, entering both the Senate and House chambers and going into the offices of lawmakers at the Capitol Wednesday

The FBI is now working with various law enforcement agencies to identify perpetrators and charge people with federal crimes

Supporters of President Donald Trump breech the U.S. Capitol as election results are to be certified in Washington DC on January 6, 2021 after breezing past cops

Trump's Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence President Donald Trump signed the executive order on June 26, 2020 amid nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality. The law came after protesters targeted and vandalized a number of confederate statues and federal monuments. Section 2 of the policy states: It is the policy of the United States to prosecute to the fullest extent permitted under Federal law, and as appropriate, any person or any entity that destroys, damages, vandalizes, or desecrates a monument, memorial, or statue within the United States or otherwise vandalizes government property. The desire of the Congress to protect Federal property is clearly reflected in section 1361 of title 18, United States Code, which authorizes a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment for the willful injury of Federal property. More recently, under the Veterans Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2003, section 1369 of title 18, United States Code, the Congress punished with the same penalties the destruction of Federal and in some cases State-maintained monuments that honor military veterans. Other criminal statutes, such as the Travel Act, section 1952 of title 18, United States Code, permit prosecutions of arson damaging monuments, memorials, and statues on State grounds in some cases. Civil statutes like the Public System Resource Protection Act, section 100722 of title 54, United States Code, also hold those who destroy certain Federal property accountable for their offenses. The Federal Government will not tolerate violations of these and other laws. Advertisement

Police say they are now in the process of tracking down at least 36 suspects - in addition to the 81 already arrested - who scaled the Senate and House Chambers, vandalized statues, fired tear gas and defaced property on Wednesday in chaotic scenes.

The suspects, who are part of a group of white supremacists, Holocaust deniers and conspiracy theorists, are wanted on a slew of charges including inciting a riot and weapons charges - and the Department of Justice has promised to bring them all before the courts.

Experts say some could face the rarely used seditious conspiracy charge - which former attorney general William Barr's Justice Department threatened to use against those who caused violence at BLM protests last summer.

Sherwin said 55 cases have been charged so far, but warned it is 'just the beginning.'

Fifteen federal cases were expected to be filed on Thursday for crimes including unauthorized access and theft of property, and investigators are combing through reams of evidence to bring additional charges.

He said 40 other cases have already been charged in a District of Columbia superior court.

Photos of the suspects were revealed at a press conference on Thursday as a growing number of politicians, including President-elect Joe Biden and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, have blamed Trump for the violent uprising that left four people dead.

More than 50 Capitol and DC police were also injured in the riot, including several who were hospitalized.

Some of the assailants have already been identified through social media - such as the horned QAnon 'Shaman' Jake Angeli and a MAGA fan whose marketing company fired him when they spotted his work lanyard around his neck - but the rest are wanted by law enforcement, and a huge manhunt has been launched across DC and the country.

The first few defendants charged in the chaos appeared in DC Superior Court on Thursday, CNN reported.

Jared Amos, 38, of Florida, pleaded not guilty to unlawful entry to Capitol grounds and violating Mayor Bowser's 6pm curfew.

David Ross, 33, of Massachusetts, also pleaded guilty to the same charges. Both men have been ordered to stay away from DC area unless they are attending court hearings.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said federal authorities have teamed up with various law enforcement agencies to gather evidence, identify additional perpetrators and charge those people with federal crimes.

'The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that those responsible for this attack on our Government and the rule of law face the full consequences of their actions under the law,' Rosen said in a statement.

In an ironic twist, Rosen said the violent protesters will face 'full consequences of their actions under the law,' which could include up to 10 years in prison for 'injury of federal property,' under President Trump's executive order to protect American monuments, memorials, and statues during unrest.

The order, which came amid nationwide demonstrations following the death of George Floyd, states offenders would be prosecuted for vandalizing government property which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Trump at the time vowed to give 'long prison terms for these lawless acts against our Great Country'.

In a video message that has now been deleted by Twitter, Trump told supporters he 'loves' them before finally telling them to go home, hours after they stormed the US Capitol

Several politicians have been blamed Trump for inciting the violent mob during the Capitol Hill protest that left four people dead

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday said President Donald Trump had incited 'sedition' against the United States as she and Sen. Chuck Schumer demanded the president's removal from office

The extraordinary breach has raised questions from lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum as to how law enforcement could allow a mob to occupy and vandalize the federal building.

Several members of Congress have since called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked so he is removed from office in the next two weeks while House Democrats have drawn up articles of impeachment.

Sen. Charles Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, reached out directly to Vice President Mike Pence Thursday to try to push him to act immediately to remove President Trump from office, only to be rebuffed.

'Speaker Pelosi and I tried to call the vice president this morning to tell him to do this,' Schumer told reporters in New York Thursday. 'They kept us on hold for 25 minutes and then said the Vice President wouldn't come on the phone.'

'So we are making this call public because he should do it and do it right away,' Schumer said, explaining why both he and Pelosi are calling on Pence and the Trump cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to declare Trump unfit and install Pence as president in an acting capacity.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser on Thursday characterized the incident as 'textbook terrorism' and joined in the criticism of the police response.

'Obviously it was a failure or you would not have had people enter the Capitol by breaking windows and terrorizing the members of Congress who were doing a very sacred requirement of their jobs,' she said.

Crews were seen erecting 'nonscalable' black fences around the perimeter grounds just after 10.30am this morning, which officials called a ;precautionary measure' ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration following the violence that erupted less than 24 hours earlier.

Former FBI Deputy Assistant Director Danny Coulson told Fox News on Thursday it was clear the wild incident was 'instigator-generated'.

'It didn't just happen. There were people there that came to do it and generated it and caused this horrible mayhem,' he said.

Coulson said it is likely the remaining suspects will be tracked down and charged soon, now that the FBI and Secret Service can identify them using their 'good facial recognition ability' on the photos.

Ashli Babbitt, 35, (left and right) has been identified as the woman who was shot and killed inside the US Capitol when Donald Trump's supporters stormed the building and violently clashed with police. Babbit, from San Diego, was a 14-year veteran of the US Air Force and staunch Trump supporter

Kevin Greeson, 55, of Athens, Alabama, was among the four who died in Wednesday's riots. Social media posts reveal Greeson was a fervent supporter of the president

Greeson was said to have died after suffering a 'medical emergency' related to the breach, however police refused to specify details surrounding his death

Rosanne Boyland (left) 34, of Kennesaw, Georgia, was also among those who died in the chaos after suffering a 'medical emergency'

It comes as DC Police Chief Robert Contee released numerous images of the persons of interests in hopes the public could help identify them and lead to their arrests.

THE FOUR VICTIMS OF THE CAPITOL HILL PROTESTS Ashli Babbit, 35, San Diego, California - (gunshot wound)

Rosanne Boyland, 34, Kennesaw, Georgia (unspecified medical emergency)

Kevin Greeson, 55, Athens, Alabama - (unspecified medical emergency)

Benjamin Phillips, 50, Ringtown, Pennsylvania - (unspecified medical emergency) Advertisement

'These images depict individuals engaged in various acts of violence or property destruction,' Contee said in a news conference on Thursday.

Two men and two women died in the violent siege in Washington DC on Wednesday, including 35-year-old US Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit, who was shot dead by police after she tried to clamber through a barricaded entrance.

Another three victims died after suffering 'medical emergencies' related to the breach.

They have been identified as Benjamin Phillips, 50, of Ringtown, Pennsylvania, Kevin Greason, 55, of Athens, Alabama, and Rosanne Boyland, 34, of Kennesaw, Georgia, DC Police Chief Robert Contee confirmed.

Further information regarding the nature of their deaths was not released.

Phillips was reported to be the founder of a pro-Trump social media site called Trumparoo and had coordinated transportation for several dozen people from Pennsylvania to Washington.

His profile on the site said he was organizing a bus from the Bloomsburg area to go to the rally and expressed anger at Democratic officials and moderate Republicans.

Members of his group said they last saw Phillips around 10.30am Wednesday, and that he did not show up to meet them for a 6pm departure, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. They learned from police that he had died and had a somber ride back to Pennsylvania.

A total of 68 people were arrested between Wednesday afternoon and early Thursday. That number is expected to climb as authorities search for more suspects

Trump rioters scale the walls of the US Capitol Building after storming past police

Shortly before 2pm, the rioters descended on Capitol Hill while lawmakers were inside certifying the vote. Over the next two hours, the violence escalated. Some broke into politicians' offices, tauntingly sat at their desks and left threatening notes. One of the protesters was shot dead by cops (bottom right)

US Capitol Police arrested 13 people for unlawful entry charges in Wednesday's riots.

Another 68 people were arrested by DC Police between Wednesday afternoon and early Thursday morning, with more expected to be charged as authorities continue to identify and search suspects, police said.

Of those arrests, five were related to unlawful firearm possession and two were for other prohibited weapons including metal knuckles and blackjack-like weapons.

The majority of arrests were related to curfew violations and unlawful entry, with 48 arrests made on US Capitol grounds. Only one of the suspected arrested is from the DC area, Contee said.

A 27-year-old Maryland woman, identified as Jessica Reinke, was arrested and charged with defacing public property and assaulting a police officer, according to police arrest records.

And only one person was arrested on felony charges overnight. The suspect, identified as Joshua Pruitt, 39, of DC, is charged with felony rioting, as well as unlawful entry and curfew violation.

Pruitt is reported to have ties to The Proud Boys, a white supremacist group that has been present at Trump rallies across the country in the past.

Trump supporters were seen trying to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington

A flag that reads 'Treason' is visible on the ground in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington

Christopher Alberts, from Maryland, was among the crowd of Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol building, an event which he called 'the beginning of a revolution.'

'The people that were here today are going to come back even more, and we're not coming back peacefully, and we're not coming back unarmed,' he told The Dispatch. 'America's long overdue for revolution.'

The 33-year-old was later arrested and charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possessing a firearm on Capitol Grounds, among other charges.

A pipe bomb was left outside the RNC on Wednesday

Alberts had told the publication that he was attacked by police officers as he tried to enter the federal building.

'The second I got to the tops of the steps they f**king baton my leg. They freaking rubber-bulleted by arm,' he said.

A list of arrests released by the police department Thursday did not include several suspects identified as participants on social media, including 'QAnon Shaman' Jake Angeli or Richard 'Bigo' Barnett, who broke into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk and took a piece of her mail.

Dozens of those involved in the violent siege, labeled as 'great patriots' by the president are yet to be identified and the FBI is now asking for the helping in finding them, tweeting they are 'accepting tips & digital media depicting rioting & violence in the U.S. Capitol Building & surrounding area on January 6, 2021.'

'If you have witnessed unlawful violent actions, we urge you to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant,' they added. Police later released images of 'persons of interest' they want to identify.

Most of those already arrested have been accused of curfew violations. Others face charges of carrying a pistol without a license.

The former Deputy Director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe, has said the bureau must make 'identifying, arresting, and prosecuting every single person that you possibly can that entered that Capitol building yesterday' a top priority.

But some of those who took part have already been identified online as members of far right groups, white nationalists, Neo-Nazis and supporters of conspiracy theory QAnon. They are from states all over the country including Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Oregon.

Chief Steven Sund, in his first public comment on the mayhem from Wednesday, said in a statement that rioters 'actively attacked' Capitol police and other law enforcement officers with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants and 'took up other weapons against our officers.'

He described the scene as 'unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C.,'' said Sund, a former city police officer.

'Make no mistake: these mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior. The actions of the USCP officers were heroic given the situation they faced.'

Lawmakers from both parties have pledged to investigate law enforcement's actions and questioned whether a lack of preparedness allowed a mob to occupy and vandalize the building.

Mayor Muriel Bowser joined in the criticism of the police response. 'Obviously it was a failure or you would not have had people enter the Capitol by breaking windows and terrorizing the members of Congress who were doing a very sacred requirement of their jobs.''

A large crowd of Trump supporters had rallied near the White House on Wednesday morning, and the president told them that he would go with them to the Capitol. He didn't. Instead he sent them off with incendiary rhetoric.

'If you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore,' he said. 'Let the weak ones get out,' he went on. 'This is a time for strength.'

Capitol Police, who are charged with protecting Congress, turned to other law enforcement for help with the mob that overwhelmed the complex and sent lawmakers into hiding. Both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the complex before it was cleared Wednesday evening.


Recent American history is replete with iconic historical images, photos which need little or no explanation but convey a strong emotional message. LBJ -- Lyndon Baines Johnson -- taking the oath of office on Air Force One; Bobby Kennedy lying on the floor after he was shot, arms spread while a worker hovers over him; men standing on a balcony pointing in the distance after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot; the cratered Alfred P. Murrah federal building after the Oklahoma City bombing; a plane flying into the Twin Towers; a young girl kneeling over a body on a college campus, fire hoses being used on African American protesters. And now, domestic terrorists scaling the walls of our nations Capitol ... another tragic event in the history of our country.

Robert Evans,

Hinckley
Given the state of Illinois government  all but insolvent, rife with corruption, struggling against a resurgent pandemic and indifferent to issues of equity  there are times when it would almost feel like a relief if the legislature did not meet. But doing the peoples business is its job, and Illinois has a lot of business that needs to be done.
The president says he condemns "the unprecedented violence" against the U.S. Congress.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a statement has condemned violence that unfolded outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

"We strongly condemn the unprecedented violence against the US Congress. We are inspired by the resilience of this worlds oldest & greatest democratic institution that within mere hours of this horrific attack held a historic session that affirmed the will of the American people," Zelensky wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

We strongly condemn the unprecedented violence against the US Congress. We are inspired by the resilience of this worlds oldest & greatest democratic institution that within mere hours of this horrific attack held a historic session that affirmed the will of the American people    (@ZelenskyyUa) January 7, 2021

D.C. unrest: Background

On Wednesday afternoon, President Donald Trump supporters breached the Capitol building of the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C., where the meeting was held to officially affirm Joe Biden's election win.

Read alsoFour people die in Washington D.C. amid pro-Trump protestsThe meeting was interrupted after a number of protesters broke through cordons and rushed into the building. It was resumed only a few hours later.

By the morning of January 7, Congress affirmed Biden's victory.

Trump assured he was up for an orderly transition of power on January 20.

More than 50 people were detained amid protests. National Guard troops were sent in to clear the Capitol. In Washington, a public emergency was prolonged until the day after the inauguration.

Reporting by UNIAN

St. Lukes University Health Network had an excess of a COVID-19 vaccine that we did not want to go to waste so it reached out this week to the Allentown Police Department, a spokesman said.

Police -- and firefighters -- are not in the first tier of people scheduled to get vaccinated. They are in the 1B tier, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which did not return a phone message for comment for this report.

EMTs and paramedics from Suburban EMS have been getting a vaccine since Dec. 23 and the companys van drivers are getting it this week, according to Executive Director Jeff Young.

But cops and firefighters, who respond to many of the same things as emergency medical personnel, had to wait due to an assumption that there was only so much vaccine to go around at first.

Then an opportunity arose in recent days.

We were invited by St. Lukes Sacred Heart to get some of our duty personnel vaccinated yesterday morning, Allentown police Chief Glenn Granitz told lehighvalleylive.com on Wednesday.

In a news release, St, Lukes Sacred Heart President Frank Ford said the hospital is proud to support the police officers who are serving our community so valiantly during these challenging times. We are all in this together, and by working together well beat this pandemic.

Granitz was thankful for the offer, and the overall effort will continue when the state moves to Tier 1B, he said.

Our goal is to get all our officers vaccinated who request them as soon as they are made available, Granitz said.

During this confusing vaccine rollout, sometimes it helps to have a relationship.

Slate Belt Regional police have been working with Wind Gap Pharmacy on rapid testing for the coronavirus, Chief Jonathon Hoadley said. Cutting the test result time from four to seven days to 10 minutes can benefit a relatively small police department.

He learned the pharmacy had clearance from the Department of Health to vaccinate Tier 1 first responders and had the Moderna vaccine, Hoadley said in a phone conversation.

It was agreed that pharmacy personnel would come to the station to vaccine officers, he added.

About half of the officers are willing to get the shots, Hoadley said, adding there are concerns about possible side effects and worries about how fast they were developed and approved as safe and effective. So the rollout will be voluntary.

So far, no one in the 20-person department has gotten COVID-19, although a number of officers were exposed to it and had to quarantine until they got a negative test, Hoadley said.

Knock on wood, we havent had one officer test positive yet, he said Wednesday.

Police personnel wear their masks and have changed some of their investigative tactics -- such as doing some things on the phone that previously required an in-person visit, Hoadley said.

Its just fingers crossed and hope for the best, he said.

Even at Suburban EMS, theres no requirement to get the shots.

But from a person who has had (COVID-19), I recommend getting vaccinated, Young said.

In a survey taken before a vaccine was available, 62% of Suburban EMS employees said they would get it, Young said.

Many police departments are gearing up for when they are certified to get the shots.

Were working on setting up dates and times, Easton police Chief Carl Scalzo said. We havent started yet, but we hope to soon.

Its a waiting game at the Palmer Township Municipal Fire Department, Deputy Chief Jim Alercia said.

Not yet, he said. Im being told police and fire is up next.

Bethlehem is a rarity in the Lehigh Valley in that it has a heath bureau that can administer the inoculations.

We have not received them yet, city police Capt. Keane Knappenberger said. The health bureau is directing the effort based on the tier designations.

But what about actually rolling up a sleeve and getting a jab?

Hoadley said perhaps 10 on his staff will and 10 wont.

Which 10 is he in: yes or no?

His wife is an emergency room nurse, so he was quick to answer.

Yes, he said with a chuckle.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription.

Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com.
Popular American comedian, Kevin Hart had joined host of Americans in condemning the protest at US Capitol. A violent protest had erupted at...





Popular American comedian, Kevin Hart had joined host of Americans in condemning the protest at US Capitol.

A violent protest had erupted at US Capitol after Trump addressed his followers vowing never to concede.

During the protest, a woman was shot dead.

Reacting, Kevin Hart on his Instagram page, displaying a picture of protesters climbing walls of US Capitol, described the incident as sad and disrespectful to all people of colour.

According to the comedian, the incident would have been handled differently if they were blacks.

His post read: Two completely different Americas that we are living in. If these people were black they would have all been shot dead.

This shit is past the word sad at this point it is pure disrespect to all people of color. Why cant we see this situation handled the same way that we have seen our people handled repeatedly.

When the armed officers are supposed to use force they dont. This is f*cking SAD!!
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has decided to set up a three-member committee of party members to get to the bottom of the gang rape and murder of the 50-year old women of Badaun district.

SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said the committee headed by former party MP Dharmendra Yadav would visit the spot on January 7 and probe the incident. The committee would also meet the family of the victim and console them.

The woman was gang-raped and killed allegedly by a priest and his two accomplices on Sunday when she had gone to a temple. Police said that apart from injuries in her private parts, the victims legs and ribcage bones were found fractured.

While the priest is on the run, his two accomplices were arrested on Tuesday night after post-mortem confirmed rape, police had said on Wednesday.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has written to state director general of police (DGP) Hitesh C Awasthy, seeking his intervention in the case.

NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma said that a member of the commission will go to the spot to investigate the matter.

We have taken cognizance of the matter. We have written a letter to DGP. One NCW member is going to the spot to investigate the matter to meet the family and the police and take stock of the situation. NCW will be following this case closely and we will make sure that justice will be delivered, she said.

Also Read: Yogi Adityanath govt paying for misdeeds of previous government: Patel

The Congress party has sought a judicial probe by a sitting high court judge into the incident.It also demanded that the victims family be given a compensation of Rs 50 lakh.

Party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra hit out at the Yogi Adityanath government over the gang-rape and murder, alleging that there was something wrong in the intentions of the Uttar Pradesh administration on the issue of womens security.
Wayfair today said it has raised its minimum wage to $15 an hour for employees in the United States.

The online shopping site said the increase took effect on Jan. 3 for all full-time, part-time and seasonal employees. Wayfair said more than 40% of its employees received the pay raise.

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.

Throughout the challenges of the past year, we rolled out numerous initiatives to support our team including pay premiums, bonuses and a family dinner program. Now, as we enter 2021, we are continuing to build upon our steadfast commitment to our team and their families by increasing minimum pay for all hourly employees, said Niraj Shah, CEO, co-founder and co-chairman, Wayfair, in a news release.

Wayfair said that during the COVID-19 pandemic it also has continued a pay premium for its frontline team, a variety of bonuses, emergency paid time off, and childcare support for all employees.

Wayfair said its Dinner To Go program provided every frontline employee with two free, family-sized meals per week from local, family-owned restaurants throughout the most difficult months of the pandemic.

READ MORE
The last year has brought to light something many of us  particularly Black Americans like myself  already knew: the criminal justice system in America is broken. Much of the focus since the death of George Floyd has rightly been on how police interact with Black civilians and other people of color.

Here in Philadelphia, though, its time we expand the conversation about criminal justice to include the very entity we rely upon to dole out justice  our court system.

A 2019 report that assessed the culture of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, which encompasses the city, documented a culture of nepotism, mistrust and racial tension within Philadelphias courts. While the courts governing board itself commissioned the report, it was a full calendar year before it was released to the public.

 READ MORE: City Council criticizes Philly courts for inaction on systemic racism

The report documented a number of concerning facets of our court systems internal culture, not limited to but including bias against judges who are women of color as well as tension among white judges and staff, including several who believed racism was not a real factor in todays society. City Council began hearings on the matter last month, and they included comments from two Black female judges who described the experiences of discrimination they have felt on the bench.

Thats an important start to this dialogue.

But voters this year have the power in their hands to help move the conversation into action. In the primary election on May 18, Philadelphians will have an opportunity to elect judges to the First Judicial District  including the Court of Common Pleas as well as the Municipal Court.

As a society, were sometimes numb to blatant institutional racism because it is often an unfortunate reality in government, business, and other industries. However, we are a country that proudly pledges justice for all.

As an attorney, I cant help but wonder: If there is so much documented discrimination and bias among court employees, what do defendants experience?

Documented problems of unfairness within the court go beyond racial discrimination. The 2019 report on Pennsylvanias First Judicial District details a court system rife with nepotism  including hiring, promotions, and salary decisions  as well as conflicts of interest. A court-appointed eviction lawyer who is married to a judge has even presided over evictions, as WHYY reported.

 READ MORE: Philadelphia's eviction process blindsides renters | Editorial

Perhaps the most disappointing finding from the report regarding nepotism was the note that some in positions of power were deeply aware of its presence and are either unwilling to change it or do not believe they have the capacity to challenge it.

Our system of choosing judges by partisan political election is often lambasted by reform-minded legislators and activists, and someday that system might change.

In the meantime, this system can be an asset  and an opportunity to elect judges who will work hard to change the culture of the court system from the inside.

Its clear that there is an issue with the culture of our courts, and its not far-fetched to believe that trickles down to how defendants are treated.

This culture wont change overnight, but voters can send a message to court leadership that the status quo is unacceptable by rejecting candidates for judgeship who wont commit to working toward a transparent and fair court system that celebrates diverse judges and staff and refuses giving in to an old boys network.

Gregory Yorgey-Girdy is an attorney and co-chair of the Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club. He was a lead organizer in last summers Philly Queer March for Black Lives and lives in South Philadelphia with his husband and their three children.
Mexico City, Jan 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jan, 2021 ) :Mexico on Wednesday reported 1,165 coronavirus deaths and more than 13,000 additional cases, setting grim new records in one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic.

The nation's Covid-19 death toll, the fourth highest in the world, now stands at 129,987, the health ministry said in its daily update.

The official total number of cases has risen by 13,345, to nearly 1.48 million, in a country of 128 million people.

The authorities acknowledge that the real figure is probably much higher due to limited testing.

Mexico began a mass immunization program on December 24 using the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, and on Monday also authorized the shot developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford.

Mexico City and surrounding areas last month suspended all non-essential activities, warning that hospitals were in danger of being overwhelmed by a spike in the number of cases.

Cresco Labs (CSE:CL) (OTCQX:CRLBF) ("Cresco" or "the Company"), one of the largest vertically integrated, multistate cannabis operators in the United States, announced today its participation in the following conferences:

23 rd Annual Needham Growth Conference January 12 th , 2021 Management will participate in virtual one-on-one meetings. CEO and Co-Founder Charlie Bachtell will participate in a fireside chat.

January 12 , 2021 Management will participate in virtual one-on-one meetings. CEO and Co-Founder Charlie Bachtell will participate in a fireside chat. ATB Capital Markets 9th Annual Institutional Investor Conference January 14th, 2021 Management will participate in virtual one-on-one meetings, and Charlie Bachtell will participate on a panel.

About Cresco Labs

Cresco Labs is one of the largest vertically integrated, multistate cannabis operators in the United States, with a mission to normalize and professionalize the cannabis industry. Employing a consumer-packaged goods ("CPG") approach, Cresco Labs is the largest wholesaler of branded cannabis products in the U.S. Its brands are designed to meet the needs of all consumer segments and comprised of some of the most recognized and trusted brands including Cresco, Remedi, High Supply, Cresco Reserve, Good News, Wonder Wellness, FloraCal Farms and Mindy's Chef Led Artisanal Edibles created by James Beard Award-winning chef Mindy Segal. Sunnyside, Cresco Labs' national dispensary brand, is a wellness-focused retailer created to build trust, education and convenience for both existing and new cannabis consumers. Recognizing that the cannabis industry is poised to become one of the leading job creators in the country, Cresco Labs operates the industry's largest Social Equity and Educational Development initiative, SEED, which was established to ensure that all members of society have the skills, knowledge and opportunity to work and own businesses in the cannabis industry. Learn more about Cresco Labs at CrescoLabs.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, 'may,' 'will,' 'should,' 'could,' 'would,' 'expects,' 'plans,' 'anticipates,' 'believes,' 'estimates,' 'projects,' 'predicts,' 'potential' or 'continue' or the negative of those forms or other comparable terms. The Company's forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to those risks discussed under "Risk Factors" in the company's Annual Information Form dated April 28, 2020, and other documents filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Because of these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. No assurances are given as to the future trading price or trading volumes of Cresco's shares, nor as to the Company's financial performance in future financial periods. The Company does not intend to update any of these factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the Company's forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, any future event or otherwise. Except as otherwise indicated, this press release speaks as of the date hereof. The distribution of this press release does not imply that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company after the date hereof or create any duty or commitment to update or supplement any information provided in this press release or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005195/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Jason Erkes, Cresco Labs

Chief Communications Officer

press@crescolabs.com

Investors:

Jake Graves

Senior Analyst, Investor Relations

investors@crescolabs.com

For general Cresco Labs inquiries:

312-929-0993

info@crescolabs.com
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By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Australia's financial watchdog is reviewing its calculation that transfers worth US$1.8 billion had been sent to the country from the Vatican since 2014, after Vatican and Australian Church calls for clarification.

A senior Vatican official and an Australian bishop told Reuters last week they had no knowledge of the transfers and would be seeking clarification.

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) cited the amount in response to a parliamentary question by Australian Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells. AUSTRAC said about 47,000 separate transfers were involved.

After the Vatican said it was "stunned" by the figures, the Australian financial watchdog said on Thursday:

"AUSTRAC is currently undertaking a detailed review of the figures and is working with the Holy See and Vatican City State Financial Intelligence Unit on this matter."

A source familiar with recent exchanges said AUSTRAC had contacted the Vatican's financial watchdog and was looking into "the integrity of the data" it used to calculate its figures.

AUSTRAC said in response to Fierravanti-Wells' question that the transfers ranged from yearly totals of A$71.6 million (US$55.2 million) in 2014 to A$581.3 million in 2017.

"That amount of money and that number of transfers did not leave the Vatican City," a senior Vatican official with knowledge of the city-state's finances told Reuters last week.

Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane said the Australian Church was not aware of any such transfers, that the money did not go to a diocese or Church entity in the country, and that the bishops would be seeking clarification from the Vatican and AUSTRAC.

Fierravanti-Wells had asked what funds had been transferred to Australia "from the Vatican or any of its entities, or individuals associated with the Vatican or Vatican entities" since 2014.

Story continues

The Vatican has more than 100 legal entities, including hospitals and other bodies, in Italy and elsewhere.

An outside financial expert with experience in direct dealing with Vatican finances said the question posed by the senator was so broad that only a comprehensive review could shed light on where the money came from and where it wound up.

The expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that it was surprising red flags had not come up before for such large yearly amounts and that much depended on the methodology used to track the transfers.

(Reporting by Phil Pullella; Additional reporting by Sonali Paul in Melbourne; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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WASHINGTON (AP)  Here is the latest on Congress tally of the Electoral College vote won by Joe Biden (all times local):

3:55 a.m.

President Donald Trump now says there will be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory and after a day of violence when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Trump says in a statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino, Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

He adds: I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

Trumps account is currently locked by Twitter.

Trump has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.

3:41 a.m.

Congress has formally validated Joe Bidens presidential election victory on a day that saw a time-honored ceremony become a nightmare of unprecedented political terror.

The House and Senate certified the Democrats electoral college win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police.

The rampage began shortly after President Donald Trump repeated his unfounded claims of election fraud to thousands of rallying demonstrators hed invited to Washington. Many then surged to the Capitol after he incited them to go there as lawmakers debated the electoral votes.

More than six hours after the violence erupted, lawmakers resumed their session.

Thirteen Republican senators and dozens of GOP representatives had planned to force debate and votes on perhaps six different states votes.

The assault on the Capitol made some Republicans squeamish about trying to overturn Bidens win, and challenges were lodged only against Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both efforts lost overwhelmingly.

Biden defeated Trump by 306-232 electoral votes and will be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3:25 a.m.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is defending his objection to the Electoral College results as the right thing to do.

The Texas senator condemned the violence that erupted as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an extraordinary attack over the election outcome.

Cruz led the first challenge to Joe Bidens defeat of President Donald Trump by objecting to Arizonas results. He sought to have Congress launch a commission to investigate the election. His effort was roundly defeated in the House and Senate.

Cruz said he was confident the country will have a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Biden is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20.

3 a.m.

The House has joined the Senate in turning aside Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Lawmakers in the House voted 282-138 against the objection as the counting of Electoral College votes continued into the early hours of Thursday morning. The Senate shut down the same objection 92-7 just after midnight, and unlike the House, declined to debate before voting.

After a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, it was the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

2:20 a.m.

A small group of House lawmakers came close to physically fighting early Thursday morning as the congressional count of electoral votes stretched into the wee hours and a Pennsylvania Democrat charged that Republicans had been telling lies about his states votes.

Rep. Morgan Griffiths, R-Va., objected after Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said a breach of the Capitol by an angry mob earlier in the day was inspired by lies, the same lies you are hearing in this room tonight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shot down the objection, but a few minutes later Republicans and Democrats streamed to the middle aisle, with around a dozen lawmakers getting close to each other and arguing. But the group quickly broke up when Pelosi called for order on the floor.

President Donald Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in Pennsylvania and other states and Republicans have echoed those claims as they have challenged electoral votes.

12:55 a.m.

The Senate has quickly killed Republican objections to Pennsylvanias electoral vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Senators voted 92-7 after midnight to derail the GOP attempt to overturn Pennsylvanias support for the Democrat.

In a long day dominated by pro-Trump rioters deadly storming of the Capitol, its the second state for which a group of Republicans tried and failed to reverse the will of voters. Some GOP lawmakers have backed President Donald Trumps bogus claims that the election was fraudulent.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he believes no other states votes will be challenged. That means Congress formal certification of Bidens victory could finish quickly once the House votes on the Pennsylvania challenge.

The Senate rejected the effort to cancel Pennsylvanias votes without any debate.

Those objecting to Pennsylvanias votes included 80 House Republicans and Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential contender.

12:15 a.m. Thursday

Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have objected to the counting of Pennsylvanias electoral votes, triggering up to two hours of debate in the House and Senate.

The objections come 11 hours after the congressional count to confirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential victory began, and after lawmakers had to evacuate both chambers for several hours to escape a mob that had violently breached the Capitol.

Hawley said last week that he would object to Pennsylvanias electoral votes, saying Congress should investigate voter fraud. President Donald Trump has falsely said since his defeat that there was widespread fraud in the election.

Biden won Pennsylvania by just over 80,000 votes. Since the Nov. 3 election, Trump and his allies filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging Bidens win on various grounds, including that many or all of the states mail-in ballots were illegal.

The lawsuits failed as judge after judge found no violation of state law or constitutional rights, or no grounds to grant an immediate halt to certifying the election.

11:20 p.m. Wednesday

The House has voted overwhelmingly to reject an objection to President-elect Joe Bidens win in Arizona, joining the Senate in upholding the results of the election there.

The objection failed 303-121 on Wednesday night, with only Republicans voting in support.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Now that Arizona is out of the way, Congress will reconvene as the joint session and make its way through the rest of the states that have objections.

11:10 p.m.

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in medical emergencies.

Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee. Police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

10:15 p.m.

The Senate has overwhelmingly turned aside a challenge to President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, guaranteeing the result will stand.

The objection to the results in Arizona -- spearheaded by Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz -- was rejected 93-6 on Wednesday night. All votes in favor came from Republicans, but after violent protesters mobbed the Capitol earlier Wednesday a number of GOP senators who had planned to support the objection reversed course.

The Republicans raised the objection based on false claims pushed by President Donald Trump and others of issues with the vote in Arizona, which were repeatedly dismissed in Arizonas courts and by the states election officials.

10:10 p.m.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says a commission to examine the 2020 election is not a proper next step and affirmed that Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, called it a uniquely bad idea to delay this election, referencing the commission idea proposed by his fellow South Carolina Republican, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Graham says, Count me out. Enough is enough.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters of Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a lockdown of the lawmakers and staff inside. Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

Graham said that if youre a conservative, the idea that Vice President Mike Pence could reverse the results of the election, as President Donald Trump had urged him to do, was the most offensive concept in the world.

10 p.m.

Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

9:55 p.m.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he is going forward with his objection to the Electoral College results in Pennsylvania despite the violent breach at the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

The Missouri senator said he did not support violence but said the Senate should go forward with a legal process that includes his objections.

Hawley says his objections should be debated peacefully, without violence, without attacks, without bullets. He says he hoped lawmakers would not brush his concerns aside because of the violence earlier Wednesday, including the death of a protester inside the Capitol.

Trump has claimed widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, though election officials have said there wasnt any.

9:45 p.m.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump has falsely said there was widespread fraud in the election to explain his defeat and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trumps, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

9:15 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

9:10 p.m.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending 1,000 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials. It comes after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday: For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.s aid.

The presidents supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Trump convinced them that he was cheated out of a victory by rampant, widespread voter fraud, a false claim.

8:55 p.m.

Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

8:45 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Congress will not be deterred in confirming the results of the presidential election hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Republican leader reopened the Senate late Wednesday vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College for President-elect Joe Biden. It was interrupted earlier in the way when rioters breached the security perimeter and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. One person was fatally shot.

McConnell says demonstrators tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed.

McConnell plans to keep the Senate in session Wednesday to finish confirming the results.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true. He reiterated the claim in a video filmed as his demonstrators were storming the Capitol.

8:35 p.m.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.

Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

8:20 p.m.

Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation.

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

Obama says it should not have come as a surprise, and that for two months a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth.

He says their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

8:10 p.m.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

8:05 p.m.

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in protest over President Donald Trumps Syria policies, blamed the president for the violence at the U.S. Capitol.

In a sharp rebuke Wednesday, Mattis said the violence was fomented by Trump, who has used the presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens.

His written statement concluded, Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country.

Mattis, a retired four-star Marine general who stepped down as Pentagon chief in December 2018, had an embattled relationship with Trump, but largely remained publicly quiet and avoided direct criticism. Since he left the job, however, he has been more openly derisive of Trump, including a public condemnation of the presidents heavy-handed use of military force to quell protests near the White House last June.

7:55 p.m.

Stephanie Grisham, chief of staff and press secretary for first lady Melania Trump, has resigned following violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Grisham says in a statement Wednesday that it was an honor to serve the country in the White House and be part of he first ladys mission to help children.

Grisham was one of Trumps longest serving aides, having joined the campaign in 2015. She served as the White House press secretary and never held a press briefing.

Wednesdays violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by the presidents supporters sparked renewed conversations inside the White House about mass resignations by mid-level aides who are responsible for operations of the office of the president.

Two people familiar with the conversations said the aides were torn between fears of what more would happen if they left and a desire to register their disgust with their boss. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.

7:45 p.m.

The Republican National Committee says it strongly condemns the violence at the Capitol, adding that the violent scenes do not represent acts of patriotism, but an attack on our country and its founding principles.

The RNC is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican political platform. Its statement condemning the violence came hours after Republican President Donald Trump baselessly complained that the election was stripped away from great patriots. He went on to tell them to go home with love & in peace.

The groups communications director, Michael Ahrens, says, What happened today was domestic terrorism.

He says to see the U.S. flag used in the name of unfounded conspiracy theories is a disgrace to the nation, and every decent American should be disgusted by it.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens victory over him, citing false claims of voter fraud. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people.

7:40 p.m.

Former President Bill Clinton says the attack on the U.S. Capitol was fueled over four years of poison politics and lit by President Donald Trump.

Clinton said in a statement Wednesday night that the riot at the Capitol resulted from a combination of deliberate disinformation that created distrust in the system and pit Americans against one another.

He wrote, The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost.

His wife, Hillary Clinton, lost a bitter election to Trump in 2016 and conceded to him immediately. Trump has refused to accept his defeat by Democrat Joe Biden in November and is trying to cast him as an illegitimate president.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

7:20 p.m.

A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, later deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!

State House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw said Evans will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.

He said he has not spoken to Evans yet about his involvement.

The delegate from Wayne County said in a statement later on Facebook that he was heading back to West Virginia and was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history.

6:55 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will resume the Electoral College proceedings once the Capitol is cleared of pro-Donald Trump protesters and safe for use.

Pelosi said she made the decision Wednesday in consultation with the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the vice president, who will preside.

She noted the day would always be part of history, but now it would be as such a shameful picture of our country was put out into the world.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

6:45 p.m.

Dozens of pro-Trump protesters remain on the streets of the nations capital in defiance of the curfew imposed after rioters stormed the Capitol.

The mostly maskless crowd was forcibly removed from the Capitol on Wednesday after breaking into the building and halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were pushed out of the immediate area and moved down the hill, where they taunted law enforcement and moved barricades.

Police said anyone found on the streets after the 6 p.m. curfew would be arrested. Officers in full riot gear with shields lined the streets near the U.S. Capitol.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said their debate on affirming Bidens victory would continue after the Capitol was secured.

6:40 p.m.

The head of the nations largest union of flight attendants says people who took part in the violent protest at the Capitol must be banned from flying.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said in a statement Wednesday that some of the people who traveled in our planes (Tuesday) participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today.

She says, Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the DC area. Acts against our democracy, our government and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.

Nelson and the union endorsed President-elect Joe Biden over President Donald Trump before the November election.

Trump supporters on a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Washington heckled Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, the lone Republican senator to vote to oust Trump after he was impeached. On an American Airlines flight from Dallas, a large contingent of Trump supporters got in an angry yelling match with other passengers after one of the presidents supporters projected Trump 2020 on the cabin ceiling and walls.

6:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is blaming President Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection at the Capitol.

Romney, the GOPs 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of Trumps, said the violent breach of the Capitol on Wednesday was due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of his supporters whom he has deliberately misinformed for the past two months.

The Utah senator said those who continue to support Trumps dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy.

Romney ridiculed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans who want an audit of the election results: Please! No Congressional led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the president will continue to claim the election was stolen.

The simple truth, Romney said, is that President-elect (Joe) Biden won this election. President Trump lost.

6:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump has appeared to justify the violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

In a tweet Wednesday night, Trump said, These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

Trump has faced mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers to do more to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name.

6:20 p.m.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen says the violent pro-Trump protest at the U.S. Capitol was an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of democracy.

Rosen said Wednesday that the Justice Department has been working with U.S. Capitol Police and other federal law enforcement agencies to secure the Capitol. He says hundreds of federal agents from Justice Department agencies were sent to assist.

He called it an unacceptable situation and said federal prosecutors intend to enforce the laws of our land.

Dozens of President Donald Trumps supporters breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police declared the Capitol to be secure about four hours later.

6:10 p.m.

Former President George W. Bush says he and his wife, Laura, are sickened and heartbroken over the mayhem in Washington and have watched in disbelief and dismay as events unfolded.

Bush said the assault on the Capitol on Wednesday and the disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens victory was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

The Republican said in a statement that he is appalled by what he described as reckless behavior by some political leaders since the election and the lack of respect for U.S. institutions, traditions and law enforcement.

Bush addressed those who are disappointed by the election result, saying, Our country is more important than the politics of the moment.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting. They fought with officers both inside the building and outside.

6:10 p.m.

A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died.

Thats according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Hours later, police had declared the Capitol was secured.

5:50 p.m.

Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

The occupation interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations around the Capitol complex and Washington, D.C. after thousands of Trump supporters breached the building and skirmished with police officers.

Lawmakers have signaled that they would resume the constitutionally mandated count as soon as it was safe to do so.

5:40 p.m.

Police are using tear gas and percussion grenades to begin clearing pro-Trump protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington.

Police donned gas masks as they moved in Wednesday evening with force to clear protesters from the Capitol grounds shortly before a curfew took hold. In the moments before, there were violent clashes between the police and protesters, who tore railing for the inauguration scaffolding and threw it at the officers.

Police used tear gas and percussion grenades to break up the crowd, which began dispersing.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police said at least one person was shot inside the Capitol; their condition was not immediately known.

The districts police chief said at least 13 people were arrested, and five firearms had been recovered during the pro-Trump protests on Wednesday.

5:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Ben Sasse is directly blaming President Donald Trump for the storming of the Capitol by huge, angry crowds of pro-Trump protesters.

The Nebraska lawmaker and frequent critic of Trump said Wednesday evening that the Capitol was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard  tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution.

Sasse says in a written statement, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The protesters broke into the building as Congress was beginning the formal process of certifying the electoral votes that gave Democratic President-elect Joe Biden a victory over Trump in November. Vice President Mike Pence has the ceremonial role of overseeing that certification and resisted Trump efforts to pressure him to overturn the election results.

Trump has continued to fallaciously claim that the voting was marred by fraud and that he actually won. Earlier Wednesday Trump addressed a huge crowd of protesters outside the White House and urged them to gather at the Capitol.

5:25 p.m.

The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.

5:05 p.m.

Pro-Trump demonstrators have massed outside statehouses across the country, forcing evacuations in at least two states. In St. Paul, Minnesota, cheers rang out from demonstrators in reaction to the news that supporters of President Donald Trump had stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Hundreds of mostly unmasked people people gathered outside capitols on Wednesday with Trump flags and Stop the Steal signs. In Georgia and Oklahoma, some demonstrators carried guns.

New Mexico state police evacuated staff from a statehouse building that includes the governors and secretary of states offices as a precaution shortly after hundreds of flag-waving supporters arrived in a vehicle caravan and on horseback. A spokesperson for the governors office says there was no indication of threats at the statehouse.

The staff of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was sent home as several hundred pro-Trump demonstrators rallied outside the Capitol, though the demonstration remained relatively calm. A brief scuffle between pro-Trump demonstrators, who included members of the Proud Boys, and counterprotesters broke out in Columbus, Ohio, but there was no immediate threat to the Capitol.

5 p.m.

The police chief of Washington, D.C., says pro-Trump protesters deployed chemical irritants on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.

Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. One civilian was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behavior of the Trump supporters was shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful. She says, There will be law and order and this behavior will not be tolerated.

Metropolitan police have been sent to the Capitol, and authorities were coming in from Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey to help out. The National Guard was also deployed, as were Homeland Security investigators and Secret Service.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

4:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump, in a video message, is urging supporters to go home but is also keeping up false attacks about the presidential election.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trump opened his video, saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said, we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. The statement came as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:37 p.m.

Two influential business groups are calling for the attack on the nations Capitol to end and for a peaceful transition of power.

Business Roundtable, which represents some of the most powerful companies in America including Walmart, Apple, Starbucks and General Electric, called on President Donald Trump and other officials to bring the protests to an end.

The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, the Roundtable said in a statement Wednesday. The country deserves better.

Separately, the CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Donohue, which represents large and small companies, urged officials to clear the Capitol and for Congress to approve the results of the presidential election won by Joe Biden.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength. The Capitol went into lockdown after its security perimeters were breached and protesters entered the building.

4:35 p.m.

At least one explosive device has been found near the U.S. Capitol amid a violent occupation of the building by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

Thats according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Thousands of supporters of the president occupied the Capitol complex as lawmakers were beginning to tally the electoral votes that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Vice President Mike Pence has called on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than Trump, who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

4:10 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden also demanded President Donald Trump to immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence that he described as an unprecedented assault as pro-Trump protestors violently occupy U.S. Capitol.

Bidens condemnation came after violent protesters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elects victory in the November election.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

4:05 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than President Donald Trump who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Pence, long a loyal aide to the president, defied Trump earlier Wednesday, tell him he didnt have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. Trump had publicly called on Pence to overturn the will of the voters, but Pences constitutional role in the process was only ceremonial.

Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Trump later issued a restrained call for peace but did not ask his supporters to disperse.

4 p.m.

The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the citys armory. The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.

The officials said the D.C. request for National Guard was not rejected earlier in the day. Instead, according to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military in a law enforcement role at the Capitol. As a result, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Hoffman said the law enforcement response to the violence will be led by the Justice Department.

3:55 p.m.

The top Democrats in Congress are demanding that President Donald Trump order his supporters to leave the Capitol following a chaotic protest aimed at blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a joint statement on Wednesday after violent protesters stormed the Capitol. They said, We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately.

Trump earlier encouraged his supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he did not call for them to disperse. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he repeated his false claims that President-elect Joe Biden had won the election through voter fraud.

He urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:50 p.m.

The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trumps supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

She added, We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.

Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.

3:40 p.m.

Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on President Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters angry about his election loss.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he spoke with the president earlier Wednesday and told him to make a statement to make sure that we can calm individuals down.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that it is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey told The Associated Press that while he sympathizes with the protesters position, they shouldnt get violent, and it would be nice if Trump called on them to protest in a peaceful way in an appropriate spot, where you belong, where you should be.

Many Republicans had backed Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.

This is Banana Republic crap that were watching right now, said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College vote.

3:37 p.m.

Supporters of President Donald Trump got into a angry shouting match with other passengers on a Washington-bound American Airlines plane after they projected a Trump 2020 logo on the cabin ceiling and walls.

The Trump supporters said a passenger threatened to kill them, and there was yelling back and forth. A flight attendant intervened, telling one passenger in the aisle to sit down.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night after Americans flight 1291 from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport landed at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., and was taxiing to the gate.

The scene was posted on Twitter by Maranie Staab, a Portland, Oregon-based independent journalist who says on her website that she focuses on human rights and social-justice issues.

Our team is reviewing this incident, said American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing. We applaud our outstanding crewmembers for their professionalism in de-escalating a tense onboard situation and getting our customers to their destination safely.

American said law enforcement was not called, and that passengers deplaned and dispersed without further incident.

3:35 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from supporters of President Donald Trump who are protesting Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

 By AP writer Michael Balsamo

3:30 p.m.

One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.

Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

3:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is encouraging supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he is not calling for them to disperse.

As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, No violence! adding: Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.

But Trump did not ask supporters to vacate the area as the unrest continued.

Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol  at one point even suggesting he would join them. He is upset that he lost the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and has falsely claimed voter fraud to explain it away.

He also urged his supporters to get rid of the weak Congress people  presumably through primary challenges  saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:15 p.m.

A Defense Department official says Washington, D.C., has requested an additional 200 National Guard members as supporters of President Donald Trump violently clash with law enforcement at the Capitol.

That request is currently under review at the Pentagon to determine how the Guard can respond to support law enforcement.

According to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military at the Capitol. Instead, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Officials said the request for more National Guard has not been rejected.

Trump had urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

3:10 p.m.

Pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump to condemn supporters who are violently clashing with law enforcement on Capitol Hill.

Among those urging Trump to act: his former communications director, Alyssa Farah, who tweeted that Trump should Condemn this now.

She says, you are the only one they will listen to. For our country!

Dozens of people have breached security perimeters at the Capitol, forcing the lockdown of the building and halting the vote to certify Joe Bidens presidential victory.

Trump has so far offered a single tweet asking his supporters to Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

His former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted: The Presidents tweet is not enough. He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home.

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, also addressed Trump supporters in a tweet, calling them the patriots challenging the fraudulent election and telling them that POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY.

3 p.m.

Protesters backing President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

Trump urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers have backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Protesters are now inside the Senate chamber. One got up on the dais and yelled Trump won that election.

Several dozen are roaming through the halls, yelling, Where are they?

Some were also in the visitors galleries.

2:50 p.m.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid skirmishes by supporters of President Donald Trump

Pro-Trump protestors breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, violently clashing with law enforcement as lawmakers were gathered inside to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory in Novembers presidential election.

Law enforcement instructed lawmakers to retrieve masks from under their seats amid the clashes. The Capitol building was placed on lockdown, as Trump supporters marched through evacuated public spaces in the building.

After egging on protests, Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

2:47 p.m.

After egging on protests, President Donald Trump tweeted to his supporters to stay peaceful as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement, Trump tweeted, as tear gas was deployed in the locked-down Capitol. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Trump at a rally earlier Wednesday encouraged his supporters to head to the Capitol.

Were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them, Trump said.

2:45 p.m.

Lawmakers are being evacuated from the U.S. Capitol after protesters breached security and entered the building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other senators were led out, escorted by staff and police on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the House were also being evacuated. Both chambers had been debating the certification of Joe Bidens victory in the Electoral College.

The skirmishes came shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

Protesters could be seen marching through the Capitols stately Statuary Hall shouting and waving Trump banners and American flags.

Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

2:40 p.m.

The mayor of Washington, D.C., has ordered a curfew in the nations capital beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday after protestors seeking to overturn the election results stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the order as protestors supporting President Donald Trump breached the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting to formally count the electors that will make Joe Biden president on Jan. 20.

The order extends through 6 a.m. Thursday.

The skirmishes came shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:30 p.m.

Protesting supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol.

There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and the debate over the electoral count was suspended.

A representative from the Capitol police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told lawmakers to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.

House Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern of Massachusetts told the crowd that the House expected to go back into session soon. Meanwhile, members milled around the floor and looked at their phones.

Reporters and others outside the chamber were told to go their seats inside and not leave.

The skirmishes came just shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

The Senate has recessed its debate over an objection to the results of the Electoral College after protesters forced police to lock down the building.

Reporters were told to stay in the Senates press gallery as the doors were locked.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitols steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Donald Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud.

2:20 p.m.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz says American democracy is in crisis with polls showing that large numbers of voters believe the election that just occurred was rigged.

Cruz, a Republican, objected to the certification of election results in Arizona, saying the Senate has a responsibility to acknowledge the profound threat posed by widespread disbelief in the legitimacy of the election.

He called for the creation of a commission to conduct a 10-day emergency audit to investigate any irregularities, citing a similar commission created after the 1876 presidential election.

Cruz urged lawmakers not to take the easy path, but instead act together and create a credible and fair tribunal. Consider the claims, consider the facts, consider the evidence and make a conclusive determination whether and to what extent this election complied with the Constitution.'

1:55 p.m.

The U.S. Capitol Police are evacuating some congressional office buildings due to police activity as thousands gather outside the Capitol to protest the electoral vote.

Police told congressional staff members they should evacuate the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress. It wasnt immediately clear what specifically sparked the evacuation.

A police spokeswoman did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

Thousands of people have descended on the U.S. Capitol as Congress is expected to vote to affirm Joe Bidens 2020 presidential win. Videos posted online showed protesters fighting with U.S. Capitol Police officers as police fired pepper spray to keep them back.
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One of Bollywood's most glamorous actresses Bipasha Basu turns a year older today (January 7, 2020). While her fans are showering her with love and birthday wishes on social media, Bipasha's actor-hubby Karan Singh Grover made the day extra special for her by penning a romantic note for her.

The Hate Story 3 actor took to his Instagram page to share a special post for Bipasha in which he called her 'goddess' and thanked her for making him the luckiest guy in the multiverse.

Karan Singh Grover began his post by writing, "Even though being a goddess truly means that you are eternal and infinite in every way....there are two aspects of you that supersede all else...your beauty and your undying, undeniable, unmatched power to love limitlessly and unconditionally. You my goddess are the epitome of all that is unconditional love. This day was, is and always will be the most precious day of every year."

He further added, "Wish you a very very very happy birthday my babygirl! @bipashabasu

Thank you for being born and lighting up the lives of all you have touched. Thank you for making me the luckiest guy in the whole wide multiverse!"

Earlier, on New Year, Karan who is currently in Bulgaria shooting for a web series, had penned a sweet note for his ladylove that read, "You are higher than any celebration, higher than any event, higher than this moment or any other in motion. Your love and presence is higher than time itself.

Nothing begins or ends without you. Everything stands still. Be it Mother Nature or Father Time. I love you in every way. Wish you a Happy new day."

An overwhelmed Bipasha had replied back by saying, "Stop making me cry. I miss you my monkey."

Well, we must say Karan Singh Grover and Bipasha Basu's monkey love is all things adorable. With respect to work, the couple had last worked together in the web series Dangerous.

ALSO READ: Bipasha Basu Birthday Special: Here's How Bollywood's Original Fitness Diva Remained Fit During The Lockdown

ALSO READ: Bipasha Basu Recalls Her Journey Of Being Called 'Dusky' Beauty: My Skin Colour Didn't Define Me
Jobless Australians have been offered thousands of dollars to fill fruit picking jobs following the exodus of foreign backpackers due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Victorian government has launched a scheme offering Australian job seekers $6,000 in relocation expenses if they are willing to take up short-term positions in the state's agricultural sector.

When combined with pay from their employer, pickers could earn $12,000 for just six weeks of work.

Australia's seasonal workforce has been decimated by the ban on international travel - with a recent Ernst and Young report warning the horticulture industry faces a shortage of 26,000 workers over the summer.

But industry leaders say no experience is needed for basic roles like picking, packing, thinning and pruning.

The Victorian government has launched a relocation scheme offering Australian job seekers $6,000 if they are willing to take up short-term positions in the state's agricultural sector Pictured: Workers pack punnets of strawberries at the Ashbern strawberry farm on the Sunshine Coast

International workers can apply for up to $2,000 as part of the Government Relocation Assistance program.

The latest award rates for the horticultural industry mean workers earn a fixed minimum age of $24.80 an hour - and even more if they are paid by the amount of fruit they pick.

If paid by the bin workers can earn as much as $200 a day, which would work out at $6,000 over the course of six weeks.

Industry experts fear large swathes of crops could go to waste if they cannot get enough workers to fill fruit picking positions.

'Our usual workers that are essential in ensuring our seasonal fruit crops are available in supermarkets and markets are gone,' Fruit Growers Victoria services manager Michael Crisera told news.com.au.

'The Victorian fruit industry is at risk and the repercussions of not having enough workers will not only impact the farmers themselves but the consumer.'

Australia's seasonal workforce has been decimated by the ban on international travel. Pictured is a backpacker working in the Australian fruit picking industry

'The consequences will be significant wastage, lack of income for the growers and rising prices for customers.'

Last month, a plane load of 162 fruit pickers from Tonga touched down in Tasmania to pick berries.

Citizens of Tonga can get nine month working visas in Australia despite international borders being closed in March to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Farms across the country have been scrambling to fill seasonal jobs to harvest and pack produce for supermarkets.

Workers can earn as much as $200 a day in the horticultural industry if paid by the amount of crop they pick

The federal government also recently offered Australian locals up to $6,000 in cash if they relocate to regional areas for farm work.

The cash back is provided on money spent to take on the work - such as plane tickets, accommodation, work clothes, meals, and car hire.

More information on the government's relocation assistance for short-term agricultural work can be found on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has said the Government is considering introducing a ban on the sale of alcohol after a certain time in the day ((Julien Behal Photography/PA Wire)

The Government is considering banning the sale of alcohol after a certain time of day, the Tanaiste has said.

Leo Varadkar also said the Government is working on new public health regulations to strengthen the law around drinking alcohol in public streets to give Gardai more powers of enforcement.

His comments come after publicans were warned by the Taoiseach Micheal Martin to forget about takeaway pints as the Government introduced a raft of new public health restrictions on Wednesday.

A ban on the sale of takeaway alcohol was not among the measures.

Mr Varadkar said the banning of takeaway pints was not straight-forward because it could result in a ban on takeaway alcohol for restaurants and off-licences.

When it comes to selling takeaway alcohol, thats not illegal  anybody whos getting their takeaway  you can get your bottle of beer or bottle of wine with that, nobody wants to ban that, Mr Varadkar told Newstalks The Pat Kenny Show.

A lot of people are going to be relying on takeaways for the next couple of weeks.

But it seems that the publicans kind of get around this by serving a pint and putting a lid on it  and thats not on.

Mr Varadkar said the Government was going to further enforce the existing ban of people drinking outdoors in public streets.

The Fine Gael leader added that the Government was looking at other measures around the sale of alcohol.

People say takeaway points are a problem; ban them. You cant actually just do that. Youd have to ban all takeaway alcohol and that would create problems for restaurants and takeaways who really need that business now and also off-licences too, the Tanaiste said.

So what we could potentially do is ban the sale of all alcohol after a certain point of time in the day.

It is that type of thing that were looking at.

Cabinet signed off on new public health restrictions on Wednesday as a record 7,836 new cases were confirmed.

Schools are to close, most construction work will cease and new protocols on international travel were announced as part of the Governments new measures.

Click and collect will be stopped for non-essential shops and owners of businesses such as pubs and restaurants have been warned that they may be closed until the end of March.

No change to guidelines despite what @MichealMartinTD says. All publicans must adhere to guidelines/laws but off sales are permitted https://t.co/CBKrOcPVhO  VFI (@VFIpubs) January 6, 2021

Despite the Taoiseachs appeal on Wednesday, the Vintners Federation of Ireland said all publicans must adhere to public health guidelines and laws but that takeaway sales of alcohol were still permitted.

The organisation, which represents 4,000 publicans, tweeted: No change to guidelines despite what @MichealMartinTD says. All publicans must adhere to guidelines/laws but off sales are permitted.

PA Media
Full-service carrier on Thursday said it will commence non-stop special flight services between New Delhi and Frankfurt in Germany, under the air bubble agreement, starting February 18.

The services to the German city will be operated twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays, with Vistara's brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, the Delhi-based airline said in a release.

Frankfurt is Vistara's second destination in Europe after London, in the UK, the airline said.

It added that subject to the existing regulations around transit traffic, passengers can also travel through Frankfurt to the rest of and the European Union.

"As a key gateway to and an ever-thriving metropolis that is a global hub of finance, commerce and trade, Frankfurt is another significant addition to our route network that also strengthens our presence in Europe," said Chief Executive Officer Leslie Thng.

India and enjoy strong ties, the impressions of which are visible in many areas including business, he said. Besides, Germany also being home to hundreds of thousands of Indians and people of Indian origin.

said it will accept all eligible customers meeting visa or entry requirements in both the countries, as specified by the respective government bodies, the airline added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 7 : A team of health officials from the government of India will visit Kerala on Friday in the wake of an increase in coronavirus cases in the southern state.

The team will study the situation in Kottayam and Alappuzha districts on Friday and Saturday respectively.

The team will also hold a detailed discussion on its inferences with Health Minister KK Shailaja on Monday next.

The state had written to the central government to seek 5 lakh doses of corona vaccine for its healthcare workers and cited increasing number of cases in Kerala.

BJP state President K Surendran had also written to Prime minister Narendra Modi to urge him to depute a team of health officials to study the corona surge.

The Health Ministry had also sent a communique to the Kerala Health Department to take immediate steps to contain the spike in corona cases.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Paramedics and ambulances at the Mater Hospital in Dublin as the head of the Health Service Executive Paul Reid said the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 has surpassed the 1,000 mark (Brian Lawless/PA)

Irelands health chief has said reaching the sad milestone of more than 1,000 patients in hospital with Covid-19 must be a call to arms to the public to support the health system.

Paul Reid said there was nothing positive to say about the scenario the country found itself in and the decisions that the Government had made this week  but they were the right decisions.

Thursday saw 1,022 people being treated in hospital with coronavirus including 95 in ICU.

There were 6,521 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland and 10 additional deaths linked to the disease.

The figure comes a day after the Government unveiled strict new lockdown measures amid escalating hospital admissions and a record number of cases.

We've reached a sad milestone that nobody wanted to happen.We've now 1,022 patients very sick in hospital with #COVID19 & 88 in ICU. It concerns me relaying this. But I do know we will get through a tough time ahead, with your help. At the other side, it will be better. @HSELive  Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) January 7, 2021

Mr Reid said the country is dealing with an extraordinary national crisis.

In the last 24 hours weve recached a milestone that has to be a call to arms to the public, to everybody, to support the health service in the coming weeks and months.

We now have 1,022 people being treated in hospital with Covid and this far exceeds the previous peak in the first phase of 881 in hospital. And as of mid morning there are now 95 people in ICU.

Throughout the country, health service staff are fighting to save peoples lives or indeed protect some very ill people and in some cases we may not always succeed.

He added: There is nothing we can say positive about the scenario we are in right now. The decision weve already made this week around stopping non-urgent care has impacts.the decisions of government on restrictions have impacts on the health system, on society and on mental health but we do know thats what we have to do today.

Its very hard to find an upside of all the decisions were making this week. But they are the right decisions.

Irelands coronavirus reproduction number is now between 2.4 and 3, the highest level seen throughout the pandemic.

Nphets Dr Philip Nolan said: At no point in the pandemic, other than at the very beginning, were we seeing reproduction numbers above 1.4 or 1.6.

This week we have to report the reproduction number as being somewhere between 2.4 and 3.

The reproduction number refers to the number of people the disease is passed on to by a positive case.

Dr Nolan said he was concerned that the highly transmissible UK variant of the virus is in part responsible for the high reproduction number.

However, there was cautious optimism from Nphet that the number of cases is now beginning to plateau at around 6,000, and could soon decrease due to the new restrictions.

Cabinet signed off on new measures on Wednesday as a record 7,836 new cases were confirmed, and chief medical officer Tony Holohan also warned of an incoming spike in deaths.

Schools are to close, most construction work will cease and new protocols on international travel were announced as part of the Governments new measures.

Owners of businesses such as pubs and restaurants have been warned they may be closed until the end of March.

At the HSEs weekly briefing, Mr Reid also said good progress has been made in the talks with private hospitals to provide extra capacity during the Covid-19 crisis and they were all very anxious to close out that agreement.

He said: We are finalising an agreement with the private hospitals.

Were currently in detailed discussions ongoing with all of the hospital groups and we do expect all of the hospital groups to sign up, and indeed to sign up urgently.

He added: We have made some good progress over the last couple of days with Blackrock, the Hermitage, Galway, Charter Medical in Mullingar and we expect five more hospital groups to sign up later today, Mr Reid said.

I do urge all of them to sign up, put on their green jersey at a time of national need.

Not to do so would be incomprehensible.

At present, he said, there are 400 general beds available in the system.

Over the past seven days, he said more than 171,000 Covid-19 lab tests had been completed, almost 170,000 swabs had been taken in the community and 95,000 contact tracing calls had been made.

He said the figures demonstrated the volume and scale of the virus in the community.

Earlier, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said the Governments latest measures are to reinforce the stay at home message as the UK variant of the virus is in Ireland at a significant level and across all parts of the country.

Mr Donnelly warned that the variant makes it difficult to model when the virus will peak.

The approach is stay at home and reduce contacts to as minimal as possible and in time that will lead to a reduction in hospital cases, he told RTE Morning Ireland.

The plan is not to run out of ICU beds, thats why we moved to Level 5 before Christmas. We have a base active of 285 critical care beds and can go up to 350 on surge capacity.

We are putting arrangements in with private hospitals, they have about 50 critical care beds.

He said the surge capacity coupled with private hospital intensive care beds is sufficient for what is needed.

PA Media

Relatives of those killed in the Birmingham pub bombings are fighting Covid fines given to them at a memorial event.

Julie Hambleton, whose 18-year-old sister Maxine was killed in the IRA attack, and five others are refusing to pay the 200 fixed penalty notices issued by West Midlands Police.

Their lawyers had asked for the fines to be annulled given the sensitivities and the fact that they were attending a carefully planned event, but the force has refused, meaning the six could now end up in court.

Julie Hambleton and five others are refusing to pay 200 fines issued by West Midlands police after attending a memorial for those killed in the Birmingham pub bombings by the IRA in 1974

Twenty-one people were killed and another 220 injured when devices exploded within minutes of each other in two city centre pubs. Pictured: Firemen at work following the bomb attacks

Twenty-one people were killed and another 220 injured when devices exploded within minutes of each other in two city centre pubs on November 21, 1974.

The Birmingham Six were found guilty of the murders a year later but the convictions were eventually overturned after one of Britains worst miscarriages of justice.

In November last year, families and campaigners organised an event to mark the 46th anniversary of the attacks and highlight the Justice for the 21 campaign. England was in the second national lockdown at the time.

Beforehand, Miss Hambleton, who has led the families long fight for justice, worked with a team from WMP to ensure traffic disruption was at a minimum and that the event complied with Covid regulations.

On the day, hundreds of supporters in cars and vans and on motorbikes took part in a cavalcade which threaded its way through Birmingham, ending up outside the West Midlands Police HQ at Lloyd House.

There, several people from the convoy started to gather. Miss Hambleton said she went over to the group  who were all wearing masks  to thank them for their support and ask them to disperse.

On the day of the memorial event, hundreds of supporters turned up and took part in a large cavalcade through the city and several people gathered. Miss Hambleton says she asked people to disperse but police issued fines which they say were 'proportionate and necessary'

Subsequently, West Midlands Police issued six penalty notices.

Miss Hambleton said: My summons talks about without having a reasonable excuse, implying I have done something wrong by remembering my sister who was blown up in the biggest unsolved mass murder in criminal history.

In a letter confirming the intended prosecution, temporary assistant chief constable Chris Todd said he was satisfied the action was proportionate and necessary in these circumstances.

The matter would be pursued through standard criminal justice proceedings.
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") reminds investors of the upcoming January 12, 2021 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Alibaba Group Holding Limited ("Alibaba" or the "Company") (NYSE: BABA) securities between July 20, 2020 and November 3, 2020, inclusive (the "Class Period").

If you suffered a loss on your Alibaba investments or would like to inquire about potentially pursuing claims to recover your loss under the federal securities laws, you can submit your contact information at https://www.glancylaw.com/cases/alibaba-group-holding-limited/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at [email protected] to learn more about your rights.

Alibaba is an online and mobile commerce company. Alibaba owns a 33% equity interest in Ant Small and Micro Financial Services Group Co., Ltd. ("Ant Group"), a financial technology company that is best known for operates Alipay, one of the largest mobile and online payments platforms.

On July 20, 2020, Ant Group announced that it had begun the process of a concurrent initial public offering ("IPO") on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges.

On October 26, 2020, Ant Group priced its IPO and was set to raise $34.5 billion, making it the largest public offering in history.

On November 2, 2020, Financial Times reported that Chinese regulators had met with Ant Group's controller Jack Ma, executive chairman Eric Jing, Chief Executive Officer Simon Hu. The article stated that, though regulators did not provide details, "the Chinese word used to describe the interview  yuetan  generally indicates a dressing down by authorities." The article also included a statement from Ant Group that it will "implement the meeting opinions in depth."

On November 3, 2020, the IPO was suspended because Ant Group "may not meet listing qualifications or disclosure requirements due to material matters" related to the meeting with regulators the previous day and "the recent changes in the Fintech regulatory environment."

On this news, the Company's share price fell $25.27, or 8%, to close at $285.57 per share on November 3, 2020, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that Ant Group did not meet listing qualifications or disclosure requirements for certain material matters; (2) that certain impending changes in the Fintech regulatory environment would impact Ant Group's business; (3) that, as a result of the foregoing, Ant Group's IPO was reasonably likely to be suspended; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

If you purchased or otherwise acquired Alibaba securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than January 12, 2021 to request appointment as lead plaintiff in this putative class action lawsuit. To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

SOURCE Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP

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A day after the district administration gave a nod, various archaeological sites in Pune saw visitors for the first time in nine months.

Pataleshwar caves, Aga Khan Palace and Shaniwarwada are among the many sites which operate under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the city.

These sites reopened on Wednesday almost after a shutdown of nine months due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, museums in the city did not open on Wednesday.

Shaniwarwada, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, was prepared to receive visitors by putting safety protocols in the place.

Yesterday, we sanitised the Shaniwarwada premises. The sanitiser stands are kept at the entrance, said Ishwar Kawade, the officer in charge of Shaniwarwada from ASI.

On the first day of reopening, the enthusiasm of the visitors was visible.

Devidas Sapat, a resident of Rajgurunagar paid a visit to Shaniwarwada on Wednesday.

I had come to Pune for the post office exam. I got to know that Shaniwarwada has opened. So I came here. Its good to be back here. I used to come here before, Sapat said.

Geetanjali Singh, a resident of Bhusavala was delighted to be inside the Shaniwarwada premises for the first time.

I have come to Pune for the first time. I always wanted to visit Shaniwarwada. I was very curious about this site. As it has reopened now, I am glad to explore its characteristics, Singh said.

According to the ASI official, the daily footfall at Shaniwarwada used to be around 2,500-3,000 and it used to go beyond 5,000 on holidays.

Since the site has opened this morning, we have seen a good response from people. The number of visitors may shoot up tomorrow. We had a digital payment option today. We may start a ticket counter from tomorrow, said Kawade.

There were visitors at the Pataleshwar caves as well.

Tejal Purapatil, a resident of Pune visited the caves on the first day of reopening.

I have come here almost after a year. This place is peaceful and full of greenery, she said.

Another famous destination in the city is Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum but the museum did not open on Wednesday.

We still are waiting for the opening order copy. We are focusing on the physical cleaning of the entire premise. Also, the cleaning of artefacts and the museums collection is going on. It will take some time. The museum has been closed from March 17. Some technical things (like lights and all) have to be looked after. Some efforts have to be taken to bring the museum to its normal status, said Sudhanva Hari Ranade, director of the museum.
Queensland cleaner has deadly mutant strain of Covid wreaking havoc on UK

Health authorities are desperately trying to trace the woman's recent contacts

She was out in the community for four days while infected before getting results

Cleaner is believed to have been infected around January 2 but tested negative

After developing symptoms, she was tested again and found to have the strain

Emergency restrictions are now placed on aged care homes and hospitals

A cleaner at a Queensland quarantine hotel has been diagnosed with the deadly mutant strain of coronavirus wreaking havoc on the UK.

The worrying infection confirms experts worst fears that a breach in the hotel quarantine system would eventually see the mutation leak into the community.

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Health officials are urgently trying to trace the cleaner's contacts, after she went out in the community for four days while infected - prompting emergency restrictions for aged care homes and hospitals.

The infected cleaner, a woman in her 20s who lives in Algester, in Brisbane's south, had been working at the Hotel Grand Chancellor at Spring Hill.

She last worked on January 2 and recently tested negative, before developing symptoms and seeking another Covid test on Wednesday night.

Her diagnoses marks the first time in 113 days that a person in Queensland contracted the illness locally - with all others occuring in travellers in hotel quarantine.

The concerning infection comes just hours ahead of an emergency National Cabinet meeting to discuss restrictions on the UK, fearing such an exposure.

The infected cleaner, a woman in her 20s who lives in Algester, had been working at the Hotel Grand Chancellor at Spring Hill (pictured), with her most recent shift on January 2

Drive-through clinics have been set up throughout Queensland and people are urged to get tested

Australian authorities have been at loggerheads in recent days discussing the mutant strain of the virus and the devastating impact it could have on the community if it were to escape quarantine.

Prior to Thursday, two returned travellers in Sydney, three in Perth, four in Victoria and one in South Australia had been diagnosed with the super strain, but it hadn't escaped quarantine.

Scientists fear the new mutated UK strain is between 50 per cent and 74 per cent more infectious than the original virus.

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The strain has spiralled out of control in the UK, where infections reached a record 62,000 new daily cases on Wednesday, just hours after the nation's prime minister Boris Johnson said he had 'no choice' but to impose a brutal third national lockdown.

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Passengers travelling from the UK and other COVID-19 hotspots are soon expected to face mandatory pre-flight coronavirus tests before they even step on the plane.

Health chiefs will also consider a travel ban for UK and South Africa but it is unlikely to get the green light amid fears thousands of Australians stranded overseas and desperate to return home will unable to do so.

The infected cleaner, a woman in her 20s who lives in Algester, in Brisbane's south, had been working at the Hotel Grand Chancellor at Spring Hill

Queensland's Chief Health Officer imposed swift restrictions on Thursday night, effective immediately.

Dr Jeannette Young said visitors will be restricted to aged care, hospitals, disability services and corrections facilities.

This applies to those in Metro North, Metro South and West Moreton Hospital and Health Service regions.

'We're taking a very cautious approach with this case, now that we know for sure this person has the UK variant of the virus,' she said.

'Evidence shows that this variant is 70 percent more infectious than other strains.

'This is why I'm taking this firm action swiftly, to protect our most vulnerable facilities.'

A deserted Regent Street in London yesterday as millions more worked from home again and schools all shut for seven weeks - as the mutant strain grips the nation's capital

Experts are concerned Australian children could fall victim to the highly infectious virus if it does seep into the community.

Children were largely considered safe from the virus because of extremely low rates of serious illness, but the new strain appears more dangerous to young people.

Jeremy Nicholson, from Murdoch University's Australian National Phenome Centre, told The Australian the new mutations are more likely to enter children's lungs than in the past.

'The easier it is to get in, the more infectious it is and therefore the fewer virus particles in the air needed. This variant finds it easier to get into children than previous versions,' he explained.

Passengers are tested for Covid-19 at Melbourne Airport on December 20, amid fears the UK's mutant strain could escape hotel quarantine

'With the new variant they get much worse respiratory symptoms because the virus can get into the lung more easily.'

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The quarantine system was brought into place on March 20 when Australia shut its borders, with only Australian citizens, permanent residents or those with special exemptions allowed in.

New South Wales narrowly avoided catastrophe four times in the past month due to Covid breaches in the hotel quarantine system for returned travellers.

All current outbreaks in the state, which threaten to derail Australia's envy-inducing handling of the pandemic, are linked to various bungles in the important isolation system.

A member of the Australian Defence Force speaks to a Victorian Police officer outside of a hotel quarantine facility. There are fears the mutant Covid strain could leak from quarantine


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As the rioters on Capitol Hill continue to overwhelm authorities, this photo will be one for the history books.

The images from today's riots will be burned into the brains of Americans for years to come. Party flags flying on Capitol Hill from rioters supporting outgoing President Donald Trump as they storm the building and halt proceedings that would certify Joe Biden as the president-elect.
Greg Sukiennik has worked at all three Vermont News & Media newspapers and was their managing editor from 2017-19. He previously worked for ESPN.com, for the AP in Boston, and at The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass.
Members of the Defence Forces assisted at the drive-in Covid-19 testing centre at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo: Stephen Collins

Three military camps are being adapted so that they can be used as isolation centres for Covid-19 patients.

They are the Coolmoney camp in the Glen of Imaal and Kilbride, both in Co Wicklow, and Kilworth camp in Co Cork.

The Wicklow camps were used last year to quarantine members of the Defence Forces before deployment to overseas peace missions.

The Defence Forces have been involved in establishing step-down medical facilities at Citywest in Dublin and the University of Limerick.

However, there has been no request from the HSE for the conversion of military facilities into field hospitals.

A military hospital, St Bricin's in Dublin, is also available for conversion and there is contingency planning to provide support for, and manning of, national body storage facilities in temporary morgues.

The Defence Forces are also working in close cooperation with the HSE to provide surge capacity in terms of swab testing and contact-tracing capabilities.

As part of Operation Fortitude, which was set up last March, the Defence Forces are providing support across four specific streams, known as the four Ts: testing, tracing, transport and tentage.

Ebola

Personnel have been supplying advice based on their experiences with the Ebola disease in Africa and working with the EU's Operation Sophia.

During the first wave of the virus, the Defence Forces provided personnel for testing, administrative and marshalling duties at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with 44,064 tests carried out to date.

Additional frontline support was given over Christmas and this is set to continue.

Senior management have committed up to 56 military first responders to community health organisations, creating a capacity for up to 4,000 additional swab tests a day.

An extra 60 military personnel were trained by the HSE over the Christmas weekend to complement personnel from the Defence Forces and bring the total surge-support figure to 100.

The LE Eithne has been available as a logistics support base at Cork port, while other naval ships have been ready to back up shore-side test centres at Dublin and Galway ports.

Members of the Ordnance Corps were also involved with Aquila Bioscience in the development of AntiBioAgent decontamination wipes.

Herald
Federal investigators are looking at everyone involved in the unrest at the US Capitol on Wednesday, including the role President Donald Trump played in inciting the crowd, the acting US attorney in Washington, DC, said Thursday.

Asked directly by a reporter on a press call if investigators were looking at the role Trump played at the rally, acting US Attorney Michael Sherwin said, 'We're looking at all actors here and anyone that had a role and, if the evidence fits the elements of the crime, they're going to be charged.'

Law enforcement officials in Washington are moving swiftly to bring criminal charges against rioters in Wednesday's storming of the US Capitol, even as the Capitol Police faces serious questions about how the building was allowed to be breached in the first place.

Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund will resign as a result of Wednesday's riot, effective January 16.

Federal prosecutors have charged 15 criminal cases stemming from the unrest, Sherwin said, including one man arrested with a military semi-automatic rifle and 11 Molotov cocktails 'that were ready to go.'

'Make no mistake about this. It was a very dangerous situation. We are aggressively trying to address these cases as soon as possible,' Sherwin added.

Most of the cases relate to unauthorized entry to the Capitol and the Capitol grounds. He said they were also charging cases involving firearms and theft of property.

'There was a large amount of pilfering at the Capitol. Materials were stolen from several offices,' Sherwin said.

FBI digital experts spent the night ingesting surveillance video from the Capitol buildings and the area around the complex and are using software to match images and faces with social media posts showing some of the mayhem. In some cases, people involved in storming the Capitol made social media postings ahead of the rally making clear what their plans were, which federal prosecutors can use to help bring charges.

As for the President, he has been asking aides and lawyers, including White House counsel Pat Cipollone, about his self-pardon power, multiple sources told CNN, including the possible legal and political consequences.

Some of those conversations have happened in recent weeks, one of the sources says. It is unclear if it has come up since Wednesday's riots or after his recent controversial call with the Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

Defendants appear in court

The first defendants arrested during the Capitol riots appeared in DC Superior Court and DC District Court, a federal venue, on Thursday, and prosecutors were asking for the judge to block defendants from being in the city, noting they were not residents.

At least 23 people, predominantly out-of-towners, were arraigned Thursday in DC Superior Court and were released on their own recognizance to go back home, ordered not to return to the capital until further notice.

Judge Juliet McKenna ordered Michael Jared Amos, 38 of Florida, to stay out of the District of Columbia until further notice, only allowing him in the capital for court-related appearances. Amos was charged on Wednesday with unlawful entry into the US Capitol building and violating the 6 p.m. curfew set by the mayor. Amos is accused of disobeying the commands of Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police officers, and that he ignored the citywide curfew. He has pleaded not guilty.

Another defendant, David Ross, 33, of Massachusetts, pleaded not guilty to unlawful entry and violating the 6 p.m. curfew. He also was ordered by the judge to stay away from Washington.

Four men became the first to appear in federal court on Thursday for their actions a day earlier.

In Mark Jefferson Leffingwell's charging papers, a Capitol Police officer described trying to form a barrier to the crowd before Leffingwell punched him 'repeatedly with a closed fist.'

According to the complaint for another defendant, Christopher Michael Alberts -- for carrying weaponry on Capitol grounds -- he was wearing a bulletproof vest and a backpack, and apprehended while carrying a handgun, gas mask, pocketknife, first aid kit, military meal-ready-to-eat and 25 rounds of ammunition.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said in a statement Thursday that 'we will continue to methodically assess evidence, charge crimes and make arrests in the coming days and weeks to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law.'

Rosen and other federal officials are coordinating the response but are also facing questions about why law enforcement appeared unprepared for the onslaught that in many ways had already been telegraphed by Trump and his supporters on social media.

Wednesday's riots at the Capitol have sparked palpable anger among lawmakers and a host of questions about how the building was so overrun. Lawmakers are vowing to investigate the response and calling for firings, perplexed at the lack of preparedness among law enforcement given that it had been known for weeks that Trump was promoting a rally that he said was aimed at preventing the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's win.

Congress seeks firings over security failure

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also said the House Sergeant at Arms, Paul Irving, would be submitting his resignation.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement he planned to fire the Senate Sergeant at Arms, Michael Stenger, when Democrats take the majority after January 20. Stenger, who is in charge of security in the Senate, was appointed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and it was expected that Schumer would eventually replace him. But Schumer is making clear Stenger either needs to resign or be fired in the wake of the events that transpired.

McConnell said in a statement that the riots 'represented a massive failure of institutions, protocols, and planning that are supposed to protect the first branch of our federal government.'

The House Appropriations and Administration committees, which both have oversight of the Capitol Police, say they intend to investigate the riots, and multiple congressional aides said 'heads should roll' at the Capitol over the security failures.

'This was an unspeakable tragedy and travesty and an enormous security failure,' Rep. Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat, told CNN's Anderson Cooper Wednesday. 'Massive security failure. I think an awful lot of people should lose their jobs over this, over what has happened.'

More than 18 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and the National Guard assisted in the response Wednesday, Capitol Police said, and more than 50 Capitol and Metropolitan police officers were injured.

Sund said Thursday that Capitol Police was reviewing the incident and planning that went into it, but largely defended the response. Sund said that Capitol Police and other law enforcement officers were 'actively attacked' with metal pipes and other weapons, and that the rioters were 'determined to enter into the Capitol Building by causing great damage.'

'The USCP had a robust plan established to address anticipated First Amendment activities. But make no mistake -- these mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior,' Sund said. 'The actions of the USCP officers were heroic given the situation they faced.'

The rioters breached the Capitol building and the Senate chamber, ransacked the offices of Pelosi and other Capitol offices, and a laptop was stolen from the office of Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley. One woman was shot by a US Capitol Police officer and later died.

In a video posted to his Twitter page, Merkley said rioters who ransacked his office 'smashed the door virtually off its hinges.' The door was unlocked, the Oregon Democrat said.

Merkley said rioters 'tore things off the walls,' including art from a renowned artist, and stole a laptop that was sitting on a table. He also showed a cigarette butt that was stamped out and a Trump 2020 flag that was left behind.

'This office is trashed. You can see the debris is all over the floor,' Merkley said.

Response from DC police

Washington's Metropolitan Police Department has made 80 arrests related to unrest this week in downtown Washington, including 68 arrests Wednesday night,, according to a mayor's spokeswoman. Most of the arrests were made for curfew violations after DC Mayor Muriel Bowser imposed a 6 p.m. curfew in the city. Other charges included weapons charges and unlawful entry.

Bowser said at a news conference Thursday it would take time to figure out what happened, but 'obviously it was a failure.' She made clear, however, that the DC police department's responsibility was only to assist federal partners when requested.

'We cannot decide for the Capitol, the members of Congress, that we are going to be their police department. But we stand ready to assist them at any case,' she said.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told reporters there had been 'discussions' ahead of Wednesday's events with the Capitol Police, but they did not request DC National Guard assistance. He said there would be 6,200 forces from the DC National Guard and from neighboring states to support Metropolitan and Capitol Police, and security measures would be in place for at least the next 30 days.

DC Attorney General Karl Racine on Thursday said that federal law enforcement officials let down DC in handling the rioters Wednesday but notes that it is not in his jurisdiction to prosecute the majority of offenses committed.

'D.C. Law enforcement officers, frankly, they did their jobs. And they went out and afterward, they helped the capitol police restored order and arrested folks pursuant to the curfew order that Mayor Bowser invoked. Our federal partners let us down,' Racine said in an interview Thursday morning on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe.'

Part of the response Thursday includes repairing and building new harder-to-breach fencing around the Capitol west-facing grounds to protect the area to be used for Inauguration ceremonies in two weeks. Trump supporters could be seen Wednesday swarming over the stage where Biden will take the oath of office.

On Wednesday, CNN reported that a law enforcement source confirmed that pipe bombs were found at the headquarters for the Democratic National Committee, Republican National Committee and grounds of the United States Capitol. The source said all the devices were safely detonated by the police. A source told CNN there could be charges related to that as well.

This story has been updated with additional developments.
What further proof is needed that the sitting president is a traitor to American values and ideals? President Donald Trumps direct calls for a march on the Capitol have led to a mob of domestic terrorists invading the sacred halls of our democracy, destroying public property and threatening the lives and safety of our elected representatives. 

Wednesdays storming of the Capitol was nothing less than an illegal, seditious attempt at a coup designed to overthrow the legitimately expressed will of American voters, and it must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We should remember that this violence was directly enabled by Republican officeholders like U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio. Shame on them for the embarrassment and sorrow theyve brought upon our country.

George Bohan,

Akron
PARIS (dpa-AFX) - LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE. (LVMHF.PK, LVMUY.PK) announced that it has completed the acquisition of Tiffany & Co. (TIF). In conjunction with the closing of the transaction, LVMH said that Anthony Ledru, previously Executive Vice President, Global Commercial Activities at Louis Vuitton and formerly Senior Vice President of North America at Tiffany, becomes Chief Executive Officer of Tiffany, effective immediately. Alexandre Arnault, previously Chief Executive Officer of high-quality luggage company RIMOWA, becomes Executive Vice President, Product and Communications of Tiffany, effective immediately. Michael Burke, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Louis Vuitton, will become Chairman of Tiffany Board of Directors. Alessandro Bogliolo, the current Chief Executive Officer of Tiffany, has agreed to remain with the company to facilitate the transition through January 22, 2021, after which time he will depart the company. Reed Krakoff, Chief Artistic Director, and Daniella Vitale, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of Tiffany, will depart Tiffany after a short transition of responsibilities. In late December, LVMH announced that stockholders of Tiffany voted overwhelmingly to approve the modified merger agreement. In late October, Tiffany agreed to accept a lower price of its acquisition by LVMH, ending a legal dispute between them. The new takeover price was $131.50 per share compared to the original takeover price of $135 per share. They had agreed to settle their pending litigation in the Delaware Chancery Court. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The State Bank of India (SBI) has informed the Delhi High Court that it has classified three bank accounts of Anil Ambani's Reliance Group - Reliance Communication, Reliance Telecom and Reliance Infratel - as fraud. The development can land Anil Ambani in serious trouble as now the bank can seek a banking fraud investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The High Court has asked the state-run lender to maintain status quo on the accounts of Anil Ambani's firms.

A bank account is declared fraud after it turns into a non-profitable asset (NPA). The SBI informed the court that during audit, misappropriation, diversion and siphoning of funds came to light, after which they have classified the accounts as fraud.

As per the rule, once the bank has declared any account as fraud, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has to be informed in seven days. A complaint also has to be filed before the CBI within 30 days of informing the RBI about the action if the amount is exceeds Rs 1 crore.

Sources said the total amount that the three firms of Anil Ambani owe to the banks is over Rs 49,000 crore, out of which Reliance Infratel has debt of Rs 12,000 crore and Reliance Telecom owns Rs 24,000 crore.
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Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is set to declare a state of emergency Thursday for Tokyo and adjacent areas, trying to stem Covid-19 infections that hit a daily record in the capital.

The declaration will cover the capital and the surrounding prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba, and is likely to be imposed from Friday until Feb. 7, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said. It will be revoked when infections fall below levels laid out by the government, he added.

Suga is set to hold a news conference at 6 p.m. to discuss the matter. Tokyo found more than 2,000 cases of coronavirus Thursday, a record, broadcaster NHK reported, citing an unidentified official.

Japans emergency doesnt imply the kind of lockdowns seen in some parts of Europe, and the government is seeking far less stringent measures than under its previous emergency last year, which triggered the worst economic contraction on record.

Residents will be asked to avoid going out only after 8 p.m. and bars and restaurants will be instructed to close at that time. Authorities cant enforce compliance for now, though Suga is seeking to amend the law to add penalties for businesses that dont abide by government measures, and formalize incentives for those that do.

Bloomberg Economics Yuki Masujima sees the emergency declaration shaving up to 0.7% off the economy for each month it lasts. Tokyo and neighboring areas account for about one-third of the countrys gross domestic product.

Ballooning infections have been a blow for Suga, who had sought to restore growth despite the pandemic, including by offering domestic travel incentives to bolster the tourism industry. His public support has slumped, with polls showing most voters favor tougher pandemic measures.

This increases the possibility of an economic contraction, economist Yoshimasa Maruyama at SMBC Nikko Securities said of the emergency. Suga wanted to wait until after the New Years holiday to make the declaration and that has put him behind the curve to limit the spread of the virus.

Even before Suga first hinted he would declare an emergency, the economic recovery was forecast to slow in the first three months of 2021, with companies scaling back investment and households opting to save more.

The restrictions on activities are likely to hamper the effectiveness of the economic stimulus package Suga put together last month, which is to be funded by an extra budget. The package is no longer suitable in the current environment, Nomura Research Institute economist Takahide Kiuchi said in a research note.The government should change the content of the third extra budget and change the course of economic policy in order to strengthen support for companies and individuals, Kiuchi said.

The emergency declaration decision will be formally announced after a day of consultations with advisers and reports to parliamentary committees. An advisory panel on the pandemic on Thursday approved the emergency proposal, Nishimura said.

It will be the second in Japan after a declaration that began in April, but is not expected to cause as much pain as the first, when the virus slammed the brakes on the economy and sent it into its worst downturn.

Sugas signature Go To travel campaign, which had already been suspended through Jan. 11, is unlikely to be revived while the state of emergency is in place. The government will press for a return to remote work, aiming to cut the number of commuters in the region by 70%, Nishimura said. Schools, however, will not be asked to close and university entrance exams will go ahead as scheduled.

Japan has had by far the lowest infections of any Group of Seven nation, recording fewer cases in the past year than the US has seen in recent days.

A cleaner at one of Queensland's quarantine hotels has tested positive to COVID-19  the first case of local transmission in the state for almost four months.

Residents in the Brisbane suburbs of Sunnybank Hills, Algester and Calamvale have been urged to come forward for testing if they develop symptoms after the Hotel Grand Chancellor worker tested positive.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk reveals a cleaner has tested positive. Credit:Jono Searle/Getty

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the plea in an update on Thursday morning as she praised the Hotel Grand Chancellor cleaner for doing everything right.

However, we need to ensure there is no community spread, she said.
Investigations editor

Larry Parnass, investigations editor, joined The Eagle in 2016 from the Daily Hampshire Gazette, where he was editor in chief. His freelance work has appeared in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant and CommonWealth Magazine.
Donald Trumps final attempt to cling to power was a failed coup, and the US Capitol, a symbol of democracy throughout the planet, was turned into a cauldron of knuckle-dragging misfits and rioters.

This is not an ironic twist to the American story. It is a tragic realization of what this malevolent man-child had promised all along, in thought, word, and tweet: This was the professional liar who encouraged violence against peaceful protesters, who called opponents traitors, who belittled dissenters, who galvanized white supremacists, and who has spent five long years trying to divide the nation.

Too many of us ignored the warnings, which is our great failure.

And while we turned Trump out of office, we continued to tolerate the sycophants who helped agitate this insurrection, who until yesterday ignored the dangers of attacking representative democracy by throwing out an election result  echoing his message, inciting anger and violence, and emboldening Trump at a time when he should be clearing out his desk after getting routed by 8 million votes in a country that is clearly sick of his version of winning.

His screed in Georgia Monday was a harbinger: He used the rhetoric of a despot, saying that those who opposed the Republican candidates for the Senate hate our country and they despise Georgia values. I think a lot of you despise them, as you know theres nothing the radical Democrats will not do to get power that they so desperately crave. Even the outright stealing of elections, like theyre trying to do with us. Were not going to let it happen.

Then, after his usual warnings that well all have to live without religion, guns, safe borders, police departments, and bank accounts, he concluded ominously: We will not bend, we will not break, we will not yield. We will never give in, we will never give up, we will never back down. We will never, ever surrender.

The Democrats won both runoff elections anyway: Georgia added two people who want to fix the COVID crisis  Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock  and subtracted two people who used the crisis to boost their own stock portfolios.

Most of us would have heeded the political message from that. Instead, Trumps admirers laid siege to the American seat of power in the middle of a joint session of Congress as it performed a sacred ritual  the certification of the electoral college  leading to an explosion of violence, gunfire, and tear gas. A woman died by gunshot.

Then, to no ones surprise, Trump released a tape that fanned grievances and mixed messages: He told his mob to go home, but also that we love you because they are special and referred to bad and evil opponents and continued to lie about a fraudulent election.

Stand down, but stand by.

We are supposed to be engaged in a peaceful transfer of power, a glide path toward civil government handover that has worked for centuries.

The Capitol coup has changed all that, an astonishing reminder that some people will always have fond memories of the leadership that has exacerbated the worst public health calamity and economic meltdown in a century.

What do they do now, particularly the demagogues who warned that the country would descend into anarchy under President Joe Biden two weeks hence? Most of them will run for cover and run for reelection.

But we need to remember them and mark this as their legacy  Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, and the others who will live in infamy  because they helped foment this humiliating chapter of American history. As for the author of this chapter, we no longer want to type his name.

Radical GOP members on House floor (which is now locked down) just cheered the Capitol police, as the mob they incited and invited attacks police outside the building.  Tom Malinowski (@Malinowski) January 6, 2021

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Launch of the January 2021 Once A Day Milking webinar

Teagasc will address the practice of once a day (OAD) milking with a webinar on Thursday 14th January starting at 10.00am. While currently practised on an estimated 200 Irish dairy farms, interest in OAD milking continues to grow.

Its seen as a viable option in situations where labour is in short supply, where the farm layout results in long walks to and from the parlour or where reducing the number of daily milkings is attractive from a lifestyle perspective.

Speaking at the launch of the OAD webinar, Brian Hilliard, Teagasc said, This is the fourth time weve organised the Conference which will be delivered this year online, as a webinar. The big challenges farmers face when considering the option of OAD milking are the risk of increased somatic cell count and reduced milk yield. This, however, is counterbalanced by improved cow fertility and farmer lifestyle. Three speakers will address this years webinar:

Emer Kennedy, Teagasc Moorepark will review the performance of the first two years of the Moorepark OAD milking experiment. She will present the latest research about the impact of OAD on milk production and the steps that can be taken to manage this effect.

Farming on the Laois/Kilkenny border, dairy farmer MJ Delaney will discuss the impact on farm performance and lifestyle following the changeover to OAD with his 110-strong Friesian herd. I changed to once a day milking in 2013, MJ said. One of the main reasons was farm fragmentation. Its gone very well for me since then, he concluded.

Nick Sneddon works with Fonterra, New Zealands largest milk processor. Nick will review the milk production and reproductive performance of New Zealand dairy herds that are being milked either once or twice a day. Cow type, particularly udder conformation and capacity are of particular relevance to OAD herds. Dr Sneddon will share the results of his research into the importance of conformation when breeding cows suitable for once a day milking.

For further information and to register for the webinar on 14th January visit www.teagasc.ie/oadcon21
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Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, has resigned his position from the airline.

The resignation of Mr Sanusi from Aero was made public Wednesday.

The former MD stepped down after the expiration of his tenure at the airline, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

Mr Sanusi was appointed the MD of Aero in February 2017.

Although his tenure elapsed in June, it was extended till December 2020.

The former MD officially left the organization on December 29, 2020.

Aero is Nigerias oldest surviving domestic airline.

In February 2016, AMCON took over the management of the airline after it dissolved the board of the company.

The corporation thereafter appointed a manager to run the affairs of the company in interim capacity.

AMCON said at the time that the decision to take over the management of the company was in furtherance of its responsibility of acquiring eligible bank assets and putting them to economic use in a profitable manner.

AMCON is both the majority shareholder and creditor of Aero Contractors.
Massachusetts State Police officials are not aware of any local threats to public safety as the agency continues to monitor for any potential protest activity here or nationally.

The agency has been monitoring activity locally and nationally since insurrectionists on Wednesday afternoon stormed the U.S. Capitol building after rallying in support of President Donald Trump.

On Wednesday night, following the chaos in Washington D.C., there was a march of about 50 demonstrators from Nubian Square in Roxbury to the Massachusetts State House. At the State House, participants rallied in front of the building. They dispersed by 8:30 p.m., and there were no incidents or arrests, officials said.

We continue to monitor potential protest activity nationally and locally, and will be prepared for any contingencies that could threaten public safety in Massachusetts. As always, our objective is to ensure that potential protestors in our areas of jurisdiction, regardless of the opinions they express, may demonstrate freely -- provided they do so peacefully and with respect for the rights, safety, and property of other persons and the surrounding community, state police spokesman Dave Procopio said in a statement Thursday.

As of Thursday afternoon, state police are not aware of any threats to public safety in Massachusetts, the statement said.

Trump recently had encouraged his supporters to head to D.C. over false claims that the presidential election was stolen. The insurrection happened as President-elect Joe Bidens Electoral College victory was being certified by a joint session of Congress.

The building went into lockdown. Windows were smashed and supporters of the president fought with police.

The riot led to four deaths. More than 52 people were arrested and several officers were wounded, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

There have been calls to remove Trump from office from Sen. Chuck Schumer, almost every member of the Massachusetts congressional delegation and from local leaders, like Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

Related Content:
Microsoft plans to produce a one-app-for-all Outlook that runs within the browser as a replacement for the various Windows, Mac, iOS and Android editions of the company's premier email application, according to reports.

Code named "Monarch" and part of an already-announced project dubbed "One Outlook," the web-based app would replace the desktop and mobile versions on all platforms, from desktop to laptop to tablet to phone. WindowsCentral, one of the first to report on Monarch, also said that the app will be based on the current Outlook web app at outlook.com and outlook.office365.com.

According to WindowsCentral and others, the Outlook web app may reach a preview milestone by the end of this year. However, it will not replace the Mail and Calendar applications baked into Windows 10 until 2022, with the substitution for Win32 Outlook even further out than that.

Been here, done that

The idea of one app able to run on multiple platforms  "write once, run anywhere" was one once-popular description, that one pitched as an edge for Java  has a long history in software development in general, and in Microsoft's specifically.

Microsoft has taken more than one stab at this, the latest  before the current one  when it launched Windows 8 in 2012. Largely driven by a desire to meld mobile and desktop, the concept was branded a whole series of names, from "Metro" and "Modern" to "Windows Store" and "Universal." Apps were to run on both Windows-powered smartphones (then a foundational pillar of Redmond's overall strategy) and Windows 8 devices like PCs and tablets. And when Windows 10 loomed, Microsoft started calling them simply "Windows" apps.

It was confusing as all get out. And ultimately, all failed to reach the one-for-all app universe goal.

Thus a good question should be: What will make this attempt any different? Earlier goes at Windows universal apps have foundered because the results have been sub-standard compared to a native application (in other words, one written specifically for the OS). Although Microsoft will reportedly build in native OS support for some aspects of email  offline storage and the operating system's own notification system, for instance  such promises have been made before ... and fallen flat.

What's in it for Microsoft?

While the "write once, run many" model  another label for the idea, and ideal, of cross-platform  is a laudable goal in theory, one that could result in enormous gains in development productivity, perhaps also in application reliability and stability, in practice there are also mundane reasons why this makes sense to Microsoft.

By Computerworld's reckoning, the most important is that the "Monarch" Outlook will be based on web technologies and thus either run in a browser or be, for all intents and purposes, a browser on the inside with an outside wrapper masking that fact.

Microsoft has a browser fight on its hands after abandoning its own technologies for Google's Chromium to power Edge. By 2020's end, Edge accounted for about 11% of global browser activity, an increase of 57% over the previous 11 months. (Edge went Chromium in January 2020.) During that stretch, Edge, well, edged past Mozilla's Firefox to take second place behind  a long way behind  Chrome. Edge remains Chrome's only legitimate threat.

Microsoft will use whatever tools it possesses to push Edge as the browser best suited for businesses, particularly the larger enterprise customers which fuel its bottom line. That includes wiring Edge into business-critical email.

(Google has been criticized for building Gmail so that it runs best in Chrome, but it's likely that the pairing helped the latter supersede Microsoft's by-then creaky Internet Explorer (IE) and until this year, keep Edge on, well, the edge of dissolution.)

If Microsoft succeeds in making a new cross-platform Outlook out of Edge, it can boast of the browser's prowess to the crowd that matters, businesses small and large. Better yet would be an app that runs inside a browser, any browser, but which provides the best performance when run in Edge, not Chrome.
SALISBURY, Md., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Former candidate for Congress, Mia Mason, who lost her election bid against incumbent Andrew Harris in Maryland's first congressional district has responded to Andy Harris's radical and dangerous behavior over the last weeks. Harris has been adamant in pushing conspiracy theories and lies around the integrity of the Presidential election. Last night, after rioters and anarchists breached the Capitol Building, halting the formal process of counting electoral votes, Harris continued his claims, even shouting from the house floor and nearly fighting a fellow house representative.

Mason, who has been paying close attention to the congressman's behavior, began with "Andy Harris's behavior is a disgusting display of a politician who will do anything to try and agitate the new base of the Republican party. He has desecrated the office he holds and embarrassed the entire district to which he serves. He has done as much as anyone, including the President, to incite this riot and even when he saw what destruction his words helped to cause, he doubled down on pushing baseless conspiracy theories."

Mason continued, "Make no mistake, Andy Harris does not believe what he is saying. He is taking advantage of people who continue to put him in office. He first turned his back on the district by not taking the Pandemic seriously. Because of his actions and the influence he holds over his constituents, the positivity rate in Wicomico County is nearly 15%. Now he has had direct impact in starting at best a riot and at worst an attempted coup. Andy Harris should be removed from office immediately."

Mia Mason is a 20-year veteran of the Army, Navy and National Guard lost a tough race against Andy Harris, a 10 year conservative incumbent and member of the House Freedom Caucus.

Media Contact:

Dennis Parker

[email protected]

SOURCE Friends of Mia Mason

Related Links

https://www.miadmason.us


Jayden Hayes (pictured), 24, carried out the random knife attacks in November and has admitted two charges of attempted murder

A drug-crazed thug who stabbed two elderly women launched his first attack just 82 minutes after magistrates bailed him in a knife case.

Jayden Hayes, 24, carried out the random knife attacks in November after he developed an obsession with blades through watching videos on YouTube, searching terms such as 'stabbings in the UK' and 'man stabbed 18 times in 25 seconds on train'.

Just days afterwards he attacked a 61-year-old woman returning home from a fish and chips shop. Three weeks later he slit the throat of another victim, 71, as she walked down an alleyway. Both women survived but have been scarred for life.

Police who caught up with Hayes after a major manhunt discovered he had been in custody for waving a knife at a policeman but was then freed on bail by a magistrates court 82 minutes before the first stabbing took place.

Today at Manchester Crown Court, Hayes, from Sholver near Oldham, Greater Manchester, faced jail after he admitted two charges of attempted murder.

The father-of-one had been treated for mental health issues triggered by him smoking up to eight cannabis spliffs a day.

After splitting up with the mother of his child, Hayes' drug use became worse and he started carrying knives.

The first stabbing occurred on November 1 last year after Hayes had appeared before JPs in Manchester accused of using a blade to threaten a police officer, having earlier spent the evening watching YouTube videos about real life knife murders and near fatal attacks.

Prosecutors had asked for him to remanded him in custody citing other matters including criminal damage and assault against friends and family but JPs freed him on bail at 5pm when he gave a false address claiming it was a 'stable home' and wrongly said he had schizophrenia.

At 6.22pm Hayes was riding his mother's Calle Valour mountain bike in Oldham when he spotted care worker Joy Clarke walking home with a fish and chip supper and a four pack of her beer for her husband Nigel.

Robert Hall, prosecuting, said: 'By complete bad fortune, Ms Clarke's walk home resulted in her being seen by Hayes as he looked for a victim. He rode past her and selected her and was seen to stop his bicycle and cycle back towards her.

'He looked both ways to see if there were any witnesses, then dismounted and ran after Joy Clarke.

'She was in complete ignorance of what was going on behind her as she turned down a small ginnel [alley]. Without warning, Hayes, from behind, hit her to the right side of her head above her ear with such force that the blow knocked off her glasses and knocked out her dentures.

CCTV of Hayes on his mother's mountain bike while looking for victims. After splitting up with the mother of his child, Hayes' drug use became worse and he started carrying knives

'He then put all his weight onto her back and she fell forwards onto a blue wheelie bin which stopped her from falling to the ground.

'She tried to get her hands up to defend herself but he was holding them down with one arm, probably his left, whilst repeatedly hitting her to the face and chest with the other arm. She did not realise it but he was using a knife in his right hand to stab her.

'She tried to get him off her back and swung round so that she could see his face. As she swung round and forced her head up, the male seemed to release his grip on her arms. As she got her hands up, she felt pain in her neck and touched it and saw all the blood.

'She screamed out, "let go of me" and he slowly walked away, throwing the knife onto waste ground as he left. He never said anything throughout attack and no demands for property were made. As she went to her gate, he watched her as if, 'he did not have a care in the world' then cycled away.'

Ms Clarke spent three days in hospital for slash wounds to her cheek, lip and around her ear plus injuries to her chest and face and forearms.

But as police hunted her attacker, Hayes struck again at 5.55pm on November 19, targeting 71-year old Desma Shirley as she walked along an alleyway to her local shop in the Derker area of Oldham.

The scene of the attack on a 61-year-old woman in Oldham. Police discovered Hayes had been freed on bail by a magistrates court 82 minutes before the first stabbing took place

Mr Hall added: 'As she walked down the ginnel [alley], she saw a male walking towards her dressed in dark clothing with his hood up over his face and his hands in his pockets. They passed one another without incident but Hayes reached the end of the ginnel [alley], looked both ways to check there were no witnesses and then turned back.

'Ms Shirley heard running footsteps behind her and glanced over her shoulder expecting to see someone run past. However, Hayes, without warning, grabbed her from behind using his left arm and hand across the front of her chest. She could not do anything to stop him as the attack was that quick.

'Using his right hand, he then drew a knife blade across the front of her neck. The blade cut the left side of her neck to about the centre line but, by good fortune, her coat and scarf blocked him getting access with the blade to the right side of her neck and it cut into the right side of the collar of her coat. She screamed and Hayes ran off.

'He did not say anything during the attack and there was no attempt by him to steal anything from her - his intention was simply to slit her throat. She ran after him to try to apprehend him or get a better look at him but she quickly lost sight of him.'

Ms Shirley fled to her daughter's home nearby and was treated for a 5cm wound to the left side of her neck. Police fearing the knifeman would strike again and this time kill detained Hayes after officers issued CCTV of the suspect riding his bike on the night of Ms Clark's stabbing and he was recognised by friends.

He was initially detained under the Mental health Act but was discharged after psychiatrists concluded he was fit and well when not smoking cannabis. He claimed to have little recollection of either attack.

In a statement Ms Clarke told the hearing she had to change her hair colour for fear of Hayes attacking her again and she is now too afraid to go out on her own at night.

She added: 'I have daily a reminder of the attack due to my scars and I regularly have nightmares. I don't know why he has done this but I hope gets the help he needs to change his ways.'

The sentencing hearing continues.
Graham Norton has lashed out at the annual publishing of BBC stars' high salaries, branding the practice both 'pointless' and 'rubbish'.

The broadcaster, 57, who recently quit BBC Radio 2 after 10 years to head to Virgin Radio, has admitted that he looks forward to no longer having his earnings published for public consumption  a factor that contributed in his decision to leave.

In an interview with The Sun, Graham  who most recently placed third after Gary Lineker and Zoe Ball with a 729,999 pay packet  criticised the fact that the list doesn't comprehensively cover the earnings of employees.

Slammed: Graham Norton has lashed out at the annual publishing of BBC stars' high salaries, branding the practice both 'pointless' and 'rubbish'. Pictured in October

He told the publication: 'The high earners list, which I didnt like being on, hey, now Im not. So to that extent it made me go, but that was a bonus of leaving, it wasnt the biggest driving force.

'The list is rubbish. It doesnt mean anything. It doesnt tell you what people are earning because of how people are paid, which is why so many radio people are on that list.

'It is pointless, but if they werent publishing it, there wouldnt be that many women on it. When they first published it, they were properly embarrassed there were so few women on it. I think that list will become more diverse over the next few years.'

Back in September, the BBC came under fire after it published accounts showing that staff pay had soared 3.5 per cent to 1.5billion  while the Corporation pushes ahead with its plans to strip a million over-75s of their free TV licences.

Earnings: The broadcaster, who recently quit BBC Radio 2 after 10 years to head to Virgin Radio, has admitted that he looks forward to no longer having his earnings published

Published accounts showed that Zoe Ball is now the BBC's highest earner after pocketing a 1million pay rise  knocking Gary Lineker off the top spot.

The Match of the Day star, 60, is understood to have signed a new five-year contract  and a nearly 25 per cent pay cut from 1.75million down to 1.35million.

Radio 2 presenter Ball, 50, is now earning 1.36million despite losing nearly a million listeners after the corporation pledged to tackle the gender pay gap.

They have been trying to level up the pay of male and female stars to repair damage to the corporations reputation and reduce discord among staff.

Equality issues led to the BBC handing out a settlement to former China editor Carrie Gracie in 2018 and then last year losing an equal pay tribunal case to Samira Ahmed.

Critics blasted its decision to reward its staff with a total 3.5 per cent salary increase even after it announced plans to slim down its operations following the pandemic.

In July, the BBC announced a huge shake-up of regional TV news and local radio in England which will lead to 450 job cuts.

Elsewhere in his interview with The Sun, Graham revealed that Chris Evans, 54, influenced his decision to make the leap to Virgin after he playfully suggested that the Irishman move networks, leading to serious meetings and offers.

Leaving gifts: On his final day at Radio 2 last month, Graham had shared a glimpse of the gifts he received on his Instagram, which included a cake with his face on and a Lego model

During his final Saturday morning slot on Radio 2 last month, Graham bid a fond farewell to his listeners after a decade presenting on the station.

He said: 'Its just a gig, it is just a job, but it has also been a privilege to be part of your mornings.

'Im getting emotional now. Someone told me Id get emotional and I said "no I wont, I really wont Ill just think of the six flights of stairs I climb up, tears gone now".'

He went on to add: 'It has been a privilege to be part of your Saturday mornings because its lovely just sharing your lives and hearing your messages, and thats been the greatest joy of being on Radio 2, it really has.'

New guard: Last month, Graham announced he would be joining Virgin Radio UK for a new flagship show after revealing his decision to depart BBC Radio 2

After playing his favourite song of Reach by S Club 7, he signed off by saying: 'Biggest thanks go to you for tuning in and taking part in the show. Ill miss you. Until the next time, stay safe and well.'

Graham is now set to join Virgin Radio UK this weekend, and will present a new show on Saturdays and Sundays with them.

In November, Graham shared a statement about his departure and said he was 'surprised' to be joining Virgin Radio as he was 'content' where he was, but didn't want to miss out on hosting weekend shows.

Graham said: 'I am excited and a little surprised to be joining Virgin Radio UK in 2021. I was very content where I was but the opportunity to host shows across the weekend seemed too good to miss out on.

Golden opportunity: In a statement, Graham said he was 'surprised' to be joining the network as he was 'content' where he was, but didn't want to miss out on hosting weekend shows

'Plus the energy and enthusiasm at Virgin Radio are infectious and I can't wait to get started! Did I mention the studios are very close to my house?'

Virgin Radio UK content director Mike Cass added: 'Graham Norton is one of very few truly unique talents in broadcasting. I'm delighted to be welcoming him to the Virgin Radio family in the new year.

'He'll be bringing double the wit, double the banter and double the love across Saturday and Sunday.'

It was announced in November that Strictly Coming Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman will be taking over his BBC Radio 2 slot.

Influencer: He has since credited Chris Evans with influencing his move to Virgin Radio UK

The star, 48, confirmed on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show that she would be taking over the position from February, which will see her host it between 10am and 1pm.

Taking to Instagram to gush about the news, Claudia said she was 'gobsmacked' to have got the role and felt she had big shoes to fill.

Claudia said in a statement: 'I'm not often speechless but the chance to be with the wonderful Radio 2 listeners every Saturday has left me, quite frankly, gobsmacked.

'I hope my voice comes back in time for the first show as I can no longer simply rely on a fake tan and a fringe. Theres nobody Id rather be with at the weekend, its a privilege and an honour.'

Sharing another post detailing how she felt about the news, Claudia said she was 'thrilled' and 'terrified', as she joked 'enormous shoes to fill. Send socks.'
Creative youngsters in the tristate area are invited to put pen to paper (or finger to key) and compete in the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museums (LMMM) eighth annual Young Writers Competition.

For this years competition the LMMM is asking middle school students in grades six through eight to write a story based on the theme A Scientist Visits the Mansion, that explores a fictional event that takes place at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion between 1868 and 1938.

Iliana Begetis, education program director at the LMMM, said their executive director Susan Kilgore selected the prompt to coordinate with the museums upcoming science exhibition.

The museums new exhibition on 19th century medicine will open in April 2021 and be a source of inspiration for our young writers as they research and create their own historical science fiction, she said.

The guidelines for the short stories state that the cast of characters must include a doctor or scientist who became famous or infamous during the mid-to-late 19th century and members of the Lockwood or Mathews families. Young writers will learn about the families history, read biographies of the doctors and scientists, and explore the rooms in the Mansion where the event described could have taken place, using the Museums website as a reference. Students will create a short story that will include at least one doctor or scientist weaved into this narrative, and can introduce fictional friends visiting the Mansion as well. Short stories submitted cannot be of a violent nature.

When asked if what she thinks the young writers will be surprised by anything during their research Begetis said anticipates that participants will be surprised to learn that many of the scientific breakthroughs of the 19th century are still important in todays medicine, and some were even implemented in the Mansions design and construction.

She also said that she imagines certain figures will crop up in more than one submission.

As we currently navigate this era of firsts, we anticipate that the doctors or scientists that will be popular for students to highlight are: Rebecca Lee Crumpler, an American physician and author who was the first African-American woman to become a doctor of medicine in the U.S.; Carlos J. Finlay, a Spanish and Cuban epidemiologist who researched how an infectious disease spreads and discovered that yellow fever is transmitted through mosquitoes; and Alexander Fleming, a Scottish physician and microbiologist who studied bacteria and discovered the antibiotic penicillin.

She added that she hopes the contest gives participants a better understanding of the museum and science.

We hope that students will gain a more profound understanding and appreciation for science and a deeper knowledge of the mansion, which was built and designed during a surge of scientific and technological innovation in the Victorian era, Begetis said.

The LMMM will accept submissions for their contest between Feb. 1 and June 4. The competition winners will be notified by mid-September and the contest will conclude with an awards ceremony scheduled for Nov. 21.

For more information about the competition, visit lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.

tinamarie.craven@hearstmediact.com
Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.
The Wenchi High Court presided by Justice Fredrick Arnold Nawurah has quashed a restraining order filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against the inauguration of Mr Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Techiman South Constituency.



The Party filed the injunction praying the court to restrain the inauguration of the MP-elect and challenged the validity and outcome of the parliamentary election results in the Constituency.



The petitioners accused the EC of manipulating collation of results in favour of the MP-elect, and believed their candidate Mr Christopher Baasongti Bayere, won the parliamentary seat in the just ended General Election.



But, at the courts sitting on Tuesday, Justice Nawurah indicated that the petitioners had no case, saying the document presented by the NDC was inconsistent and had no substance.



Later, Mr Kwabena Asare, counsel for the MP-elect told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) his client was not served with any court notice.



A post-election violence erupted in the Techiman Township, left two dead while four others perceived to be supporters of the NDC sustained gunshot wounds.



The incident happened around 1530 hours at the Techiman Bonokyempem hall on Tuesday December 7, when Mr Sampson Ofori Gyamfi, the Techiman Municipal Electoral officer, declared the Mr Korsah winner of the parliamentary elections.



According to the EC, Mr Korsah secured 49,682 votes to beat his keen contender, Mr Beyere, who had 49,205 votes.



The total votes cast for the parliamentary elections were 99,828, total valid votes 98,887, and there were 941 rejected ballots.



Not satisfied with the EC results and declaration some aggrieved supporters of the NDC attempted to forcibly break into the Bonokyempem hall where the collation of results was being held, but security operatives did not allow them to do so.



The situation led to a heightened misunderstanding between the security operatives and the NDC supporters, and in the cause of the melee, the security personnel fired gunshots to disperse the crowd.



Two people were reported to have died from the incident.

Source: GNA









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Animal rights activists are raising their concerns as a minke whale was found trapped in a fishing net for more than two weeks!

Minke Whale trapped for two weeks

Near the coast of Taiji, a Japanese town known for its annual dolphin cull, a minke whale said to have reached at least four to five meters was found under the bindings of a large commercial sized fishing net. Local media sources reported that many attempts were made to rescue the animal. Still, its size, along with the strong tidal currents, is what makes attempts to set it free particularly difficult.

Despite the attempts, Japanese animal rights activists raise their concern towards the animal. They claim that the minke whale should be set free on the soonest possible opportunity because they fear that the local fisherfolks might slaughter the animal once the media attention dissipates.

Japanese animal activist Ren Yabuki, campaign director of the Life Investigation Agency, who has been filming the whale using his drone every day since it was trapped on Christmas eve, claimed that the local fishing authority only made one actual attempt to release the animal. He claimed that it might imply that the locals were not worried whether or not the minke whale would be released.

"It is difficult to guide the whale out of the nets, and they don't want to remove the nets as that would disrupt fishing and allow a large number of fish to escape, so my feeling is that they are going to kill it," said Yabuki.

He claimed that the fisherfolks would be able to sell the mink whale's meat after taking a DNA sample out of it.

The whale has been showing signs of distress, and if the locals did not kill it first, it would eventually die by itself due to extreme hunger. Yabuki claimed that allowing the whale to starve to death would be the worst possible end to its life. That's if local divers have not yet speared it first.

Some considered Yabuki's allegation that the locals will go out of their way to slaughter the trapped animal as an overreaction. However, this is not the case. Chances are, the locals would actually do it because the town has been known to hold an annual dolphin hunt.

Related article: China Implements 10-Year Fishing Ban to Save the Yangtze Finless Porpoise

Taiji Dolphin Drive Hunt

The annual dolphin drive hunt is an event in Taiji where a select group of divers would dive into the ocean and drive the dolphins and other cetaceans (including the minke whale) to a small bay area where they are either captured for trade or killed for their meats. Taiji is the only town in Japan where large scale drive hunting is still practiced.

This is completely legal in Japan under a government implemented quota. The Japanese government allows the town to hunt over 2,000 cetaceans to be slaughtered. Reports have stated that approximately 22,000 cetaceans are killed by the dive hunting event every year.

Despite criticisms from various animal rights groups, residents actively participate in this event as it provides income for the locals.

Also Read: [VIRAL VIDEO] Baby Shark Producer Releases New Song Promoting Single-use Plastic

For more news and information about animals , don't forget to follow Nature World News
SAN DIEGO (AP)  The woman who was fatally shot when a mob supporting President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol was identified by authorities Thursday as Ashli Babbitt, whose family described her as an Air Force veteran and avid supporter of Trump and his efforts to stay in office.

A U.S. Capitol Police officer on Wednesday shot Babbitt, who later died at a hospital. The shooting occurred as thousands of rioters forced their way into the House chamber, where members of Congress were hiding, according to Steven A. Sund, chief of the Capitol Police.

He said rioters actively attacked Capitol police and other law enforcement officers with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants and took up other weapons against our officers. The scene was unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C., Sund said in a statement.

Ashli Babbitt's husband, Aaron Babbitt, told KSWB-TV, a Fox affiliate in San Diego, that he and his wife, 35, live in San Diego and that she was in Washington on Wednesday to support Trump. Aaron Babbitt sent his wife a message about 30 minutes before the shooting and never heard back.

She loved her country and she was doing what she thought was right to support her country, joining up with like-minded people that also love their president and their country, he told the news station.

A Twitter account under Babbitt's name identifies her as a veteran, Libertarian and supporter of the Second Amendment. She frequently retweeted comments by the president and his supporters about Wednesdays gathering and their discredited claims of election fraud. Her last comment, posted Friday, read, Jan 6, 2021 with American flag and thumbs-up emojis.

The Twitter account also included news of a recall effort against California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, including an endorsement by Kevin Faulconer, a former San Diego mayor.

Ashli Elizabeth McEntee is chief executive officer of Fowlers Pool Service & Supply Inc. in Spring Valley, California, near San Diego, according to California secretary of state business records. The companys chief financial officer is Aaron Raymond Babbitt, her husband.

Babbitts ex-husband, Timothy McEntee, called her a wonderful woman with a big heart and a strong mind in an email to The San Diego Union-Tribune. McEntee said he and Babbitt were married from April 2005 to May 2019.

A Facebook account with Babbitts name says she married Aaron Babbitt on June 25, 2019, and identifies her employer as Fowlers Pool Service.

The Air Force said Thursday that Ashli Elizabeth McEntee was on active duty from 2004 to 2008, most recently at Dyes Air Force Base near Abilene, Texas. She was also member of the Air Force Reserve from 2008 to 2010 and the Air National Guard from 2010 to 2016.

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Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed.
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United States President Donald Trump conceded election defeat on January 7 and promised orderly transition on January 20, when President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn-in as the 46th US President.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th, Trump said in a statement issued by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino.

I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again! Trump added.

Biden, 78, and California Senator Kamala Harris, 56, are scheduled to be sworn in as the President and Vice President of the country on January 20. The inauguration is expected to be a low-key affair amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

So far, Trump had refused to acknowledge Biden as the president-elect and was trying to legally challenge the November 2020 presidential election result. Biden and Harris had won a record number of popular votes, more than 80 millions and secured as many as 306 Electoral College votes.

Trump's statement came minutes after the US Congress certified Biden securing the requisite Electoral College votes. While todays exercise was supposed to be a mere formality as Biden had secured more than 270 Electoral College votes  required to clinch the presidency  the session was keenly watched because of Trumps refusal to acknowledge the November 2020 election result and blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Also read | Analysis: Donald Trump's rage ignites mob assault on democracy

Todays Congress session was marred by pro-Trump rioters storming the US Capitol building which forced the joint session of the Congress to be adjourned for a brief period. The violence inside the Capitol building led to the death of four people. Over 50 individuals were subsequently arrested.

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the entire Capitol complex were placed under a lockdown. Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers were evacuated to safe locations.

Leaders from around the world condemned the storming of the US Capitol building, expressing shock at the chaos unfolding in a country they once relied upon for global leadership.
A State Department adviser on Iran who expressed anger on Twitter over the storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump and said Trump "needs to go," was fired on Thursday, a U.S. official familiar with the matter said.

Gabriel Noronha, a special adviser to the Iran Action group, which handles the State Department's Iran policy and reports directly to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, accused Trump in a tweet late on Wednesday of inciting the angry mob and said he was no longer fit for office, in a rare public criticism of the president by an administration official.

"President Trump fomented an insurrectionist mob that attacked the Capitol today. He continues to take every opportunity to obstruct the peaceful transfer of power. These actions threaten our democracy and our Republic. Trump is entirely unfit to remain in office, and needs to go," Noronha said on Twitter.

"All government officials swear to uphold and defend the constitution. That is where our loyalties must lie - not to any man or political party. @JoeBiden has won the election for President and we must all work together to rebuild our economy and defend our nation."

Noronha was informed by the White House on Thursday that he was being let go, the official said.

Noronha was not immediately available for comment. The State Department and the White House declined to comment.

The chaos in the Capitol on Wednesday unfolded after Trump, who has refused to concede his loss to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden, spent weeks whipping up supporters with false allegations of fraud in the Nov. 3 election.

He had urged his supporters multiple times to come to Washington for a rally on Wednesday, the day the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate met to certify the results of the Electoral College.

Congress formally certified Biden's election victory early on Thursday, hours after lawmakers were forced out of their legislative chambers by hundreds of rioters who overwhelmed police and invaded the building.

The chaos prompted the top two Democrats in Congress to call for Trump's removal from office with 13 days left in his presidency.

Short link:


Ten years on from the 2011 Queensland floods, Brisbane residents have been warned another disaster of the same scale could hit any year, or even year upon year.

As Australia faces a La Nina season with expected heavy rain and the remnants of cyclone Imogen delivers a bucketing in parts of Queensland, Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city needed to be fully prepared for future floods.

The New Farm Riverwalk floats down the Brisbane River during the 2011 floods. Credit:Michelle Smith

"Next week marks the 10th anniversary of the 2011 flood. It is a week that none of us who were around at the time will forget," Cr Schrinner said on Thursday.

In 2011 flash flooding devastated Toowoomba and then Ipswich and Brisbane were inundated as the Brisbane River and the Wivenhoe Dam rose rapidly amid torrential rain.
The Covid-19 pandemic is impacting people's mental health. But what helps and hinders people in getting through a lockdown? A new study led by researchers at the University of Basel addressed this question using data from 78 countries across the world. The results hint at the pivots and hinges on which the individual's psyche rests in the pandemic.

At the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, little was known about the impact of population-wide governmental lockdowns. What was known was taken from restricted quarantines of small groups of people.

On the one hand, such drastic changes to daily routines can be detrimental to mental health. On the other hand, because the entire population was more or less equally affected during the lockdown, it remained unclear whether this impact would occur." Andrew Gloster, Professor, University of Basel

Professor Andrew Gloster is the co-leader of the study now published in PLOS One.

To address this question, Gloster and his international colleagues conducted an online survey in 18 languages. Almost 10,000 people from 78 countries participated, giving information about their mental health and overall situation during the Covid-19 lockdown.

One in ten respondents reported low levels of mental health - including negative affect, stress, depressive behaviors and a pessimistic view of society. Another 50% had only moderate mental health, which has previously been found to be a risk factor for further complications. These figures are consistent with other studies addressing the impact of the pandemic on mental health.

Lowest levels of well-being in Hong Kong and Italy

Overall, the responses in the different surveyed countries were largely similar. However, although no country emerged as either consistently better or worse across all outcomes, there were some differences. Hong Kong and Turkey reported more stress than other countries; the USA reported more depressive symptoms; and well-being was lowest in Hong Kong and Italy. Participants in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, on the other hand, reported significantly fewer negative emotions (negative affect) than the average level across all countries.

These differences are likely due to a combination of chance, nation-specific responses to the pandemic, cultural differences and factors such as political unrest. Beyond that, they may in part be explained by factors the researchers found to be connected to outcomes. Loss of financial income compared to pre-lockdown levels and not having access to basic supplies were consistently associated with worse outcomes. Factors that consistently improved outcomes were having social support, higher education levels, and being able to respond and adapt flexibly to the situation.

"Public health initiatives should target people without social support and those whose finances worsen as a result of the lockdown. Based on these results, interventions that promote psychological flexibility like acceptance and commitment therapy hold promise when it comes to mitigating the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns," says Gloster. Given the continued fluid development of the pandemic and its economic consequences, attention to people's mental health remains important.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) 41st Summit in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia Jan. 5, 2021. (Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via Reuters)

US Welcomes Breakthrough to Ease Rift Between Gulf Countries and Qatar

The United States has welcomed the pledge made on Tuesday by Gulf Arab leaders to restore cooperation with Qatar in military, economic, health, counter-corruption, and cultural initiatives following Saudi Arabias decision to end a 3 1/2-year embargo of the tiny energy-rich country.

Saudi Arabia and its three Arab allies agreed to restore full ties with Qatar at a summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the Saudi Kingdom on Tuesday, the Saudi foreign minister said.

Saudi Arabias foreign minister Faisal Bin Farhan al-Saud promised to end a boycott of Qatar in 2017 with the aim of strengthening an Arab alliance against Iran.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrainmember states of the GCCand Egypt severed their ties with Qatar, including closing transport routes in 2017, over allegations that Qatar supported Iranian-backed terrorism. Qatar denied the claims.

Farhan al-Saud told a news conference after the gathering of Gulf Arab states, also attended by Egypt, that there was political will and good faith to guarantee implementation of the agreement to restore diplomatic and other ties, including the resumption of flights.

Today  is a complete erasing of all disagreements and a full restoration of diplomatic ties.  It will hopefully be a strong pillar for the future and stability of the region, al-Saud said.

In response to the Saudi foreign ministers statement at the Gulf Summit, Qatars counterpart tweeted that the two countries have closed the page on disagreement.

Saudi journalists watch a screen showing the meeting of the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) taking place in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, on Jan. 5, 2021. (Amr Nabil/AP Photo)

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif congratulated Qatar for the success of its brave resistance to pressure & extortion.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the agreement a breakthrough which marks a positive step toward restoring Gulf and Arab unity.

We have long stressed that a truly united Gulf will bring added prosperity through the free flow of goods and services and more security to its people, Pompeo said in a statement.

We hope the Gulf countries will continue to reconcile their differences. Restoring full diplomatic relations is imperative for all parties in the region to unite against common threats. We are stronger when we stand together, Pompeo continued.

The negotiations follow mediation efforts by the United States and Kuwait as both Saudi Arabia and Qatar share military ties to the United States and tension with Iran.

The Trump administration has for over a year been pressing for a resolution, particularly reopening airspace to Qatar, to bolster efforts to contain Iran. But a deal had proven elusive despite U.S. and Kuwaiti mediation efforts.

Qatar plays an invaluable role in helping stabilize Gaza, as well as regional efforts to de-escalate tensions both in Syria and in Lebanon. To keep our focus on this work, and to close the door to increased Iranian meddling, its past time to find a solution to the Gulf rift, Pompeo said in September at the third annual strategic dialog between the United States and Qatar.

White House senior adviser Jared Kushner and other officials made a renewed push with the support of Prince Mohammed, the source said, handing Trump another diplomatic win after normalization deals between Israel and several Arab states.

Potential Consequences

Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani (R) meets with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of the peace signing ceremony between the United States and the Taliban in the Qatari capital Doha on February 29, 2020. (Giuseppe Cacace / AFP)

Jon Alterman, a senior vice president and a director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington told CSIS that the agreement is more of a truce than a peace treaty.

Qatars neighbors will reopen their airspace and resume travel and trade, and we can presume there will be some moderation in Qatars regional behavior, Alterman said, but Qatar still feels that its neighbors want to trample on its sovereignty, and the neighbors feel that Qatar remains a reckless actor in regional affairs. Confidence building will take years and will have setbacks.

However, the majority of Qataris (61 percent) agree that their intra-Arab rift should end through compromise on both sides, asserted Austin Corona, a FIKRA Forum researcher, and David Pollock, a fellow at The Washington Institute.

Iran enjoys little support among Qataris, Corona and Pollock said explaining that 63 percent of them perceived the expiration of the UN arms embargo on Iran as somewhat negative and 72 percent viewed overall relations with Iran as not important.

Karim Mezran, a director and resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council said that The end of the so-called Gulf rift would constitute a major regional step forward. It will force the various states to adopt a foreign policy that is more attuned to the sensitivities of the other members and thus moderate eventual excesses.

Sina Azodi, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of South Florida and a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council said that this rapprochement will come as bad news for Iran, which increasingly sees itself isolated and under pressure. Just recently, both the UAE and Bahrain normalized relations with its adversary, Israel. A united GCC will not be to Irans benefit.

President-elect Joe Biden has said he will take a harder line with Saudi Arabia over its human rights record and the Yemen war, according to Reuters.

Amjad Ahmad, a director and resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council said that the driving force for ending the feud may be political aimed to appease Biden if he becomes the president.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Yazmin Oukhellou secretly had a Brazilian bum lift and liposuction in November with a Turkish surgeon  despite promoting 'fitness' by owning a wellness retreat.

The TOWIE star, 26, underwent the surgery last year and has recently been flaunting her newly enhanced body while holidaying in Dubai with boyfriend James Lock, 34.

Yazmin had a bum lift, despite fronting The Wellness Retreat Marrakech that encourages leading a 'healthy lifestyle.'

Curvaceous: Yazmin Oukhellou secretly had a Brazilian bum lift and liposuction in November with a Turkish surgeon  despite promoting 'fitness' by owning a wellness retreat

Cosmetic surgeon Dr Kerim Unal shared a video of Yazmin in a bikini, captioning the post: 'High Definition Lipo and BBL [Brazilian bum lift] for my lovely patient showing off her results 3 weeks post surgery.'

The video of Yazmin was uploaded to the surgeon's profile on December 18, 2020 and the reality star commented three love heart emojis.

Dr Kerium, who is based in Turkey, also used a number of hash tags on the post, including 'butt lifting, liposuction, tummy tuck, nose job and new nose,' hinting that Yazmin may have had more work done to her face.

One social media user commented 'How much is this?' with the surgeon replying '3,000 UK pounds.'

Results: The TOWIE star, 26, underwent the surgery last year and has recently been flaunting her newly enhanced body while holidaying in Dubai with boyfriend James Lock, 34

Confident: Yazmin posed in a mirror wearing an animal print bikini last month as she admired the results of her recent surgery

Yazmin, who joined the cast of TOWIE in 2015, has previously spoken to her fans about going under the knife by having two boob jobs and a nose job.

The surgery on her nose was said to have taken place to rectify a bump following an injury from childhood.

She's also confessed to having fillers and Botox done over the years but in 2018 Yazmin decided to have her lip enhancements removed, opting for a more 'natural look.'

Defending her surgery, she previously said: 'If you want to get surgery, have been thinking about it for a long time and like me I had no other option then people should feel comfortable to and feel they won't be judged.

'This is the reason I have decided to be so open about it and not lie like others have.

'It's my body and my choice and people need to stop judging other people's choices, shaming bodies and appearances and just get on doing you.'

'Three weeks post surgery': Yazmin shared an image last month saying she was 'feeling Dubai ready' thanks to 'Comfort Zone Surgery,' 'Serene Cosmetic' and Dr Kerim Unal

'Buttock lift': Dr Kerim Unal shared a video of Yazmin in a bikini, captioning the post: 'High Definition Lipo and BBL for my lovely patient showing off her results 3 weeks post surgery'

Thankful: The video of Yazmin was uploaded to the surgeon's profile on December 18, 2020 and the reality star commented three love heart emojis

A Brazilian bum lift (BBL) is where fat from areas of the body where it's not wanted is injected into the buttocks.

It has been described as the 'deadliest form of plastic surgery' and has caused death in one in 3,000 cases, a statistic reported in 2018.

According to Yazmin's surgeon, she had the procedures in late November but the influencer is yet to detail the reasons why she went under the knife with her fans.

Yazmin, who rekindled her on-off romance with James last year, owns a wellness retreat in Marrakech.

The website states that Yazmin founded the business to 'share her passion for leading a healthy and active lifestyle with others' while the brand promotes yoga, healthy eating and a positive mind set.

Yazmin and James flew out to Dubai after London and Essex were plunged into Tier 4 and travel restrictions were put in place by the government.

Throwback: Yazmin and James, who rekindled their romance last year, are currently holidaying in Dubai despite flying there after Essex was plunged into Tier 4 (pictured in September 2020)

Last month, Bianca Gascoigne, 34, discussed the risks of having a Brazilian butt lift, warning it can be 'dangerous' and surgery is 'not a quick fix.'

She also reflected on the impact social media can have on younger generations and constantly seeing 'perfection' online can have a negative affect.

Bianca said last month: 'It's just crazy how powerful social media is.

'It's not healthy for people to be looking at other people's best bits rather than reality. I worry, if I am able to have children, what sort of world they're coming into.'

Law enforcement authorities in California on Thursday arrested a woman who had been caught on video tackling a Black teenager in the lobby of a boutique hotel in SoHo after falsely accusing him of stealing her cellphone, officials said.

The arrest of the woman, Miya Ponsetto, by sheriffs deputies in Ventura County, Calif., was confirmed by the New York Police Department. It came after more than a week of mounting pressure on the department to make an arrest in the case and with New York officers taking the unusual step of traveling to California to interview her.

It was not clear what charges Ms. Ponsetto, 22, faced in connection with the hotel incident, which happened on Dec. 26. Prosecutors have declined to discuss the case, noting earlier on Thursday that charges had not been filed.

The episode at the hotel was yet another instance of Black people being confronted with baseless accusations while going about their daily lives. It has drawn comparisons to an incident in May when a white woman called 911 to falsely claim that a Black bird-watcher in Central Park was threatening her life.


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Music has been a part of Benicio Guitierrezs life since he was a child.

For the past eight years, like clockwork, Gutierrez has practiced daily to enhance his skills on trumpet.

Its a practice that continues today for the 17-year-old St. Pius X High School senior.

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Gutierrez was recently selected to be part of the National Association for Music Educations 2020 All-National Honor Ensemble. The virtual event concluded Jan. 9.

Its a big deal and Im very proud of the accomplishment, Gutierrez said.

The All-National Honor Ensembles consisted of a concert band, symphony orchestra, mixed choir, jazz ensemble, guitar ensemble and modern band.

Students were chosen through an audition process.

The concert band and symphony orchestra each comprised 120 instrumentalists, the jazz ensemble 13 instrumentalists, the mixed choir 241 vocalists, the guitar ensemble 45 instrumentalists and the modern band 13 performers.

Students rehearsed a challenging repertoire in preparation for performing under the direction of six of the most prominent conductors in the United States: Frances Fonza (mixed choir); Nobuyoshi Yasuda (symphony orchestra); Rodney Dorsey (concert band); Todd Stoll with Terell Stafford (jazz ensemble); Chuck Hulihan (guitar ensemble); and Tony Sauza (modern band).

Gutierrez was the sole New Mexican featured in the symphony orchestra.

He is also the lead trumpeter for the St. Pius X High School band.

Trumpet is my main instrument, though I have played French horn, but Im not as good at it, he said. What I really like about trumpet is the versatility of it. I can play jazz and then switch to classical.

While music is a big part of his life, Gutierrez is looking forward to continuing his education in college.

He is an Eagle Scout with Silver Palm recognition whose eagle project benefitted the San Juan Diego Friary, and its outreach mission to the poor and homeless.

Gutierrez is interested in studying physics, astronomy, computer sciences or engineering after high school.

I finished my application process and now am waiting to hear back, he says. Science has always interested me and music can be its own science.

In addition to Guterrez, eight more New Mexico students participated in the program: Guitarists Rio Manzanares, Ashley Melendres, Jasper Miller and Danny Ross were in the guitar ensemble; Hanna Beason, Hallie Dickerson and Morgan von Hentschel were selected for mixed choir; and Griffin Light was chosen for concert band.
Allobee Logo

Allobee, a Durham, N.C.-based managed marketplace for small businesses and startups, secured $500K in funding.

The round was led by Stargazer Ventures and a network of angel investors.

The company intends to use the funds for customer acquisition, brand awareness, as well as hiring of a full time engineer, Niki Gitinabard, once bound for Silicon Valley, now bringing her PhD in Computer Science and Machine Learning from N.C. State University to Allobee.

Founded by Brooke Markevicius, Allobee is a solution for women and small companies in need of business support services like bookkeeping and tech assistance, or upleveling visibility with podcast editing, website development, graphic design, or social media. The companys algorithm connects business owners nationwide to a vetted, underutilized workforce of experienced, professional women who have left the traditional 9 to 5, and provides a workflow to the logistics of hiring, paying, and managing projects to completion.

FinSMEs

07/01/2020
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The latest round of intra-Palestinian reconciliation efforts appears to be the most serious one yet, as discussions about elections are to take place as soon as possible. Jibril Rajoub, Fatahs secretary-general and the lead PLO official behind the latest surge of activity, delivered a letter to President Mahmoud Abbas on Jan. 2 from Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and then was able to return a positive written response from Abbas.

Fatah sources in Ramallah told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the key issue holding up reconciliation was whether the general elections would be held simultaneously or consecutively. Abbas and the PLO had opted for local legislative elections to be followed by presidential elections. Hamas, the sources said, has finally agreed to the consecutive option. As a result, legislative elections would be followed by the setting up of a national unity government that would get a vote of confidence; presidential elections then would take place.

Annes Sweidan, the head of foreign relations in the PLO, told Al-Monitor that all parties are serious about ending the split and holding elections as soon as possible. Before elections, however, we need to have goodwill between the parties, a stoppage of incitement and in order to move forward we need to avoid getting into small details that could derail the process.

A statement by the Palestinian president published on the official Palestinian Wafa News agency Jan. 2 said Abbas welcomed the agreement of Hamas regarding ending the division, building partnership, and achieving national unity through democratic elections, with full proportional representation  legislative and presidential elections, and the [Palestinian] National Council.

Hamas has agreed to the reconciliation issues, including the holding of elections, after four countries said they would try to help guarantee the success of the elections.

Gaza-based journalist Omar Bseiso told Al-Monitor that the reconciliation and the move to elections is both a duty and a source of hope for a national democratic solution. There is seriousness in the effort to close this despicable issue, which has put the Palestinian peoples future in jeopardy, he said.

Bseiso said he believes the exchange of letters will put a brakes on those on both sides who are not interested in reconciliation and will allow for an agreement on a joint program under the auspices of the PLO after it is reformed and liberated from the monopoly of one-sided decision-makers.

Abbas invited Hanna Nassir, chairman of the Central Elections Commission, to discuss the procedures that should be followed to issue the election decrees, Wafa said.

The positive moves toward reconciliation followed a roller coaster that saw a number of positive steps, including the joint press conference between Rajoub and Hamas leader Salah al-Aruri in July, which was followed up in September by the meeting of secretary-generals of all Palestinian factions and then the talks in Cairo under Egyptian auspices. The final step, however, abruptly ended when news of the Palestinian leaderships decision to renew security coordination with the Israeli army broke out.

Abbas thanked Egypt, which sponsors the intra-Palestinian reconciliation talks, as well as Qatar, Turkey, Russia and Jordan, for their goodwill efforts in reaching the agreement, according to Wafa news agency.

Speaking during Fatahs 56th anniversary, Rajoub told Al-Awdah TV on Jan. 1 that contacts have taken place with Egypt, Qatar and Turkey.

We told them to keep us out of their internal problems and agendas. For the first time, Egypt says Fatah is not responsible for the continuation of the reconciliation. We have taken a number of steps to overcome the obstacles. Israel has been the head of the external factors that have wished for the reconciliation not to take place, Rajoub said.

Nabil Shaath, a senior adviser to Abbas, told Arab News that Egypt has been playing a positive role in bringing the sides together. Egypt has a national interest in Palestinian unity, which will be helpful in ensuring security.

Hani al-Masri, a Ramallah-based analyst and head of the Masarat think tank, told Arab News that many obstacles have yet to be overcome. This is a positive move, but many difficulties remain.

The recent reconciliation between the Gulf countries and Turkey's decision to send its ambassador back to Tel Aviv and the role that Egypt has played appears to have had a strong influence on Hamas and allowed it to overcome its initial hesitation and agree to the PLOs terms despite the return of security coordination.

A presidential decree announcing the date of elections is due to come out soon. More than any other issue, this could be the clearest signal that the current reconciliation effort is on track. If the decree is delayed, that will reflect a serious problem for the unity efforts as well as for the prospect of a push for Palestinian independence during the upcoming Biden administration.
Map of estimated probability of population movement within and between European countries in early February 2020, built using smartphone data. Further details are available in Ruktanonchai et al: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/369/6510/1465. Credit: WorldPop

With the advent of winter and the emergence of a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, cases of COVID-19 have been rising sharply in many countries and governments are scrambling to keep up. As vaccines slowly roll out around the continent, governments are introducing lockdowns, curfews and border closures to try to keep cases under control.

Since the pandemic began, governments have struggled to strike an effective balance between restoring economic activity and preventing large outbreaks of COVID-19.

For affected countries, the difference between the widespread community transmission that we are seeing now, and more localized outbreaks such as those we saw in summer, will depend on both controlling local transmission and preventing cases being imported to places with lower rates of COVID-19.

This becomes especially important when different countries reduce mobility to different degrees in response to the pandemic.

Not all "lockdowns" are the same and, as European countries move in and out of periods with increased restrictions, travel from nearby areas can threaten to quickly reverse any progress in reducing COVID-19 cases. The virus does not respect national borders.

Instead, our research shows that coordinating restrictions across countries is a much more effective way of controlling the spread of coronavirus.

Tracking outbreaks with real-time data

For strongly connected areas, such as the countries of Europe or the states of the US, preventing outbreaks means working out where new cases are most likely to come from, and whether border restrictions and social distancing measures can be coordinated with neighbors.

Knowing this is difficult, particularly in a rapidly changing situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Community response to the pandemic and continuing control efforts mean travel patterns can change dramatically based on perceived risk and local interventions, and these must be accounted for when quantifying potential outbreak risk and the lifting of restrictions.

With increasing numbers of us carrying smartphones, anonymised and aggregated location history data from them mean that scientists can begin to address such issues in near real-time. We can use this information to predict where outbreaks are likely to spread next, how much people have reduced their travel, and where super-spreading events may occur.

Paired with simulations of COVID-19 transmission, our research group used this information from the first wave to simulate hypothetical COVID-19 control scenarios. In Europe, these simulations unveiled a patchy network of potential disease spread, with some countries and regions spreading cases much more quickly than others.

If an outbreak started in large, highly connected countries such as Germany or France, our simulations predicted that cases would rapidly rise in all countries across Europe.

However, if it began in a less-connected region, such as parts of Norway or Iceland, transmission to the rest of the continent takes months longervaluable time that can be used to prepare for the coming wave, including surveillance for new variants, expanding testing and contact-tracing measures.

Crucially, these complex patterns of regional interconnectedness also provide opportunities for COVID-19 control. If groups of countries coordinate and collectively get cases to very low levels at the same time, lifting restrictions is much less likely to lead to new, widespread outbreaks.

On the other hand, if community transmission persists in a small group of countries, cases can spread to others as soon as restrictions are lifted, quickly causing a resurgence of disease.

This is all the more pressing given reports that a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, first detected in the UK, is more transmissible than its predecessors.

Preventing future waves

While our research was focused on Europe, the results can inform decision making across scales and across geographies. When interconnected communities experience a rise in COVID-19 cases, interventions should ideally be coordinated in both implementation and relaxation, whether at the regional, state or national level.

Doing this will prevent persistent pockets of transmission that could lead to resurgence elsewhere, whether these areas are cities, provinces or countries.

Keeping this coordination in mind will be essential to stopping the ongoing waves we are seeing around the world, and preventing future ones before they start.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The only other siege of the U.S. Capitol was by the British in 1814, when they torched the White House, the Capitol, and other federal buildings.

Wednesdays assault, over 200 years later, was more insidious since it came from within. Thousands of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in his name. Incited by an earlier rally, when Trump declared he would never concede, some breached the Capitol Building, disrupting Congress constitutional duty of certifying the Electoral College results. The stunning scene was one of the darkest days for our republics democracy, when the so-called president incited violence toward the country and government that he is entrusted to lead. Then again, the country and the government are not truly his; they are just props in his deluded and lie-fueled reality show.

Except in the actual reality, we witnessed an effort to overthrow democracy. The actual reality is that we witnessed an attempted, and bloody, coup.

 READ MORE: Mob storms Capitol in attempted insurrection; Biden says U.S. democracy is under assault

Early Wednesday afternoon, the House and the Senate were in their respective chambers, debating objections by some senators and representatives to the Electoral College results.

Rioters broke into the building, shattering glass and breaking windows, with some making their way to the Senate floor. In the entrance to the House chamber, rioters and Capitol Police had an armed showdown. Others made their way to the office of Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and left her a note reading, We will not back down.

At least one woman died after she was shot by law enforcement. One police officer was transferred to the hospital. Despite the bloody incident within the Capitol Building, it was hard not to compare the patience of the Capitol Police with the predominantly white crowd with the aggressive response of law enforcement to Black Lives Matter in D.C.  or in Philadelphia.

 READ MORE: Pro-Trump insurrection at Capitol an attempted coup, says former D.C. and Philly police chief Charles H. Ramsey

The images of the unprecedented attack on the United States Capitol are shocking, but not truly surprising. Since before the election, Trump and his enablers in Congress and in elected offices throughout the nation, including in Pennsylvania, have pushed lies and conspiracies about the validity of the election. That set the stage for the violent insurrection that unfolded in the nations capital Wednesday.

Despite absolutely no proof of voter fraud or any widespread issues with the election in Pennsylvania, eight of the nine members of the Pennsylvania Republican delegation to Congress planned to object to the Electoral College votes from the commonwealth.

Their names are Dan Meuser, Scott Perry, Lloyd Smucker, Fred Keller, John Joyce, Guy Reschenthaler, Glenn Thompson, and Mike Kelly. This insurrection is Trumps legacy, but also theirs  among the many other enablers within the party.

 READ MORE: Call the violence Trump created sedition: After his lies inspire mob to attack Capitol, he must step down | Trudy Rubin

A few of these Pennsylvania Republicans have condemned the violence. That is far too little, too late. The insurrection is the logical conclusion of their political theater, an objection to a free and fair election that they knew would not change the outcome. In their hope of a nice tweet from Trump, or a spot on Fox News or Newsmax, theyve poured the fuel that gave a mob the excuse to storm the Capitol.

Any blood that was spilled today is also on their hands. If they still object to the Pennsylvania results when the certification eventually continues, their action will be a tacit approval to the siege.

The Pennsylvania state Senate Republicans who on Tuesday refused to swear in a Democratic colleague are as complicit. These stunts erode democracy.

 READ MORE: In Pennsylvania state Senate fiasco, Republicans show how fast democracy can be eroded | Editorial

Four years into his presidency, there was no reason to expect Trump would rise to the occasion. And he didnt. Following a statement by President-elect Joe Biden, imploring Trump to step up, Trump told supporters in a taped statement, Its time to go home. He also repeated the lie that the election was stolen and he won in a landslide  the excuse for this coup attempt.

In less than two weeks, Donald Trump wont be president anymore. That is a fact. What we hope is that the ugly vision of seeing democracy physically breached will be a wake-up call to understanding how close we were, on Jan. 6, 2021, to actually losing it.
Venu Rajamony and Saroj Thapa have been married for 35 years. But their love story is one that overcame cultural and geographical barriers.

Venu is from Kochi, Kerala while Saroj hails from Darjeeling, West Bengal. Two different cultures, not to mentions states far apart. But fate had other plans.



As per a report in The New Indian Express, the two of them crossed paths at JNU. Venu joined as a student of International Relations in the early 1980s while Saroj was doing her Master's in history. They met at one of the Free Thinkers meetings and soon realised they had common interests.



In the midst of the political turmoil in JNU, these two fell in love. But then again the distance grew. Venu went back to study law in Kochi and after her MPhil, Saroj went back to Darjeeling.



Their relationship crossed cultures, languages, states and regions. The couple knew it had a fight on its hands when it came to the families.

EPS

It was very difficult to communicate. Telephones were not yet popular and letters would take weeks, so the fastest way was the telegram which was expensive, said Saroj.

The decision to get married was made by telegram. Saroj, who was Guywahati then, came to Kochi via Kolkata.

Married on 1986

On January 5, 1986, they got married at a temple in Tripunithura. The parents were unaware and only some of Venu's friends came.

By then, I was working as a reporter with The New Indian Express (then The Indian Express). We moved into an apartment in Kaloor arranged by a friend. Although our stay in the city lasted only eight months, we were fortunate enough to have received help from many quarters. A number of friends would come to visit us in the mornings and our house became a base, said Venu.

iStock

Venu did well in the IFS and then even went as the ambassador to Netherlands. Meanwhile, Saroj found her passion in helping children with special needs. They traveled to many countries and now are back in Kochi since Venue has retired.

They celebrated their 35th anniversary by visiting the place where they got married. A love story to remember indeed.


Vaccination against Covid-19 works and is central to patient and hospital staff safety during the pandemic, according to the director of nursing for hospitals in Laois, Offaly, Kildare and three big Dublin hospitals has endorsed

Ms Eileen Whelan, Chief Director of Nursing at Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, endorsed vaccination as the hospital vaccination this week at hospitals in Portlaoise, Tullamore and Naas.

Vaccinations work, and vaccination is key to ensuring patient and staff safety during the Covid 19 pandemic. Our vaccination teams have a wealth of experience across all our hospitals to commence the roll-out of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. We would like to acknowledge all the work that has been undertaken so far and we will continue to build on our capacity to fully complete this programme ensuring our staff are fully protected, she said.

The Dublin Midland Hospital Group also includes St James's, Tallaght, the Coombe and St Luke's hospital in Dublin.

Vaccination began in Tullamore on Wednesday and is due to start in Portlaoise and Naas on Thursday and Friday. It has already commenced at the two big Dublin hospitals.

The HSE says worldwide, vaccines save at least 2-3 million lives each year  and protect many more from crippling and lifelong illnesses. It says only COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorised by the European Medicines Agency, having met stringent safety and effectiveness standards, will be used in Ireland.

The HSE says all COVID-19 vaccines will be carefully monitored over time and updated safety data and information will be published and shared by the HSE, on its website and in our printed information materials.

Everyone can find up-to-date information, based on scientific evidence on:

www.hse.ie/covid19vaccine

www.gov.ie/covid19vaccine

www.hpra.ie

www.who.int

www.ema.europa.eu/en
The US Capitol is currently in lockdown after protesters breached barricades amid violent clashes between President Donald Trumps supporters and Washington DC police.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud at a rally near the White House on Wednesday ahead of Congress vote.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the US Capitol to help quell the violence.

A spokesperson told the Associated Press that officers from the Federal Protective Service and US Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene.

US President-elect Joe Biden addressed the nation saying the scenes do not reflect "the true America".

Acknowledging that the eyes of the world were now on Washington DC, Mr Biden called on US President Donald Trump to "step up" and appear on TV immediately to call on his supporters to stand down.

Police keep a watch on demonstrators who tried to break through a police barrier. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

World leaders have been responding as the events unfold in Washington.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that he was watching the events unfold with "great concern and dismay".

"The Irish people have a deep connection with the United States of America, built up over many generations.

"I know that many, like me, will be watching the scenes unfolding in Washington DC with great concern and dismay."

The Irish people have a deep connection with the United States of America, built up over many generations. I know that many, like me, will be watching the scenes unfolding in Washington DC with great concern and dismay.    Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 6, 2021

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney said the scenes in the US are shocking and deeply sad.

We must call this out for what it is: a deliberate assault on democracy by a sitting President and his supporters, attempting to overturn a free and fair election.

"The world is watching," he concluded.

Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called the scenes shocking.

"Shocking scenes in Washington DC. The outcome of this democratic election must be respected," Mr Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter.

Vice president of the EU Commission, Josep Borrell Fontelles said American democracy is under siege.

Mr Fontelles commended US President-elect Joe Biden and said: "The strength of US democracy will prevail over extremist individuals".

In the eyes of the world, American democracy tonight appears under siege.



This is an unseen assault on US democracy, its institutions and the rule of law.



This is not America. The election results of 3 November must be fully respected.  Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) January 6, 2021

Carl Bildt, co-chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations, said it was a "dark dark day" for the United States.

"My thoughts are with all friends over there who are witnessing their democracy being attacked, looted and disrupted.

And my sincere hope is that the evil man who bears the responsibility ultimately will suffer the consequences.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris called the actions of those who stormed the Capitol an attack on democracy.

"It is not a 'protest', it is a mob attempting to undermine democracy and endanger lives.

"We think of our friends and family in the United States."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a peaceful transfer of power is "vital".

"Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power," he tweeted this evening.

Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.  Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 6, 2021

British politicians from all parties have condemned the profoundly shocking scenes of President Donald Trump supporters storming the US Capitol in Washington DC.

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer wrote: Horrendous scenes from the US. These are not protesters  this a direct attack on democracy and legislators carrying out the will of the American people.

Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted that the scenes from the Capitol were utterly horrifying.

She added: Solidarity with those in (the United States) on the side of democracy and the peaceful and constitutional transfer of power. Shame on those who have incited this attack on democracy.
The Supreme Court on Thursday cited a gathering at Tablighi Jamaats headquarters in Delhi in March that was blamed for a jump in Covid-19 infections and asked the Centre what guidelines were in place to prevent a similar situation at the farmer protest sites. It issued a notice seeking the Centres reply within two weeks.

This same problem is going to arise during the farmer protest. We do not know if farmers are being protected from Covid. What guidelines have you issued for prevention of such things, a three-judge bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Have you learnt from your experience in handling this [Jamaat] event? Have you found out how it happened?

Mehta, who appeared for the Centre, told the bench that the investigation into the Jamaat gathering was still on. He added Covid-19 guidelines with regard to large gatherings were in place and sought two weeks to file a reply.

Also Read: Farmers protest: Tractor rally today likely to disrupt traffic on Delhi outskirts

Farmers have been protesting at Delhis borders against the three farm laws enacted in September to liberalize the sector. They say the reforms will leave them at the mercy of big corporations.

The bench was hearing public interest litigation by Jammu-based lawyer Supriya Pandita for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the Jamaat gathering. The petition underlined the need for guidelines to prevent such events from creating harm to public health at the time of the pandemic.

Panditas lawyer, OP Parihar, cited the Jamaat gathering and added the groups chief Maulana Saad has not been arrested yet.

The bench said it is not interested in one person. We are interested in ensuring Covid guidelines are prepared and implemented.

A Delhi court last month acquitted 36 foreign nationals accused of violating Covid-19 protocol by attending the Jamaat event, saying the prosecution had failed to prove that the charges against them. In August, the Bombay high court struck down cases against 29 foreigners and five Indians facing similar charges. A political government tries to find a scapegoat when there is pandemic or calamity, and the circumstances show that there is probability that these foreigners were chosen to make them scapegoats, the court had said. The material of the present matter shows that the propaganda against the so-called religious activity was unwarranted.

The Jamaat hit the headlines in March when authorities blamed the gathering at its headquarters in New Delhis Nizamuddin area for the jump in Covid-19 infections. The headquarters was sealed and thousands of attendees, including foreigners from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the US, were quarantined. Police initially filed a case against Saad for violating a ban on big gatherings. He was later booked for culpable homicide, which carries a maximum punishment of 10-year imprisonment.

The Jamaat, which has followers in over 80 countries, maintained many visitors at its headquarters were stranded after the government declared a lockdown to check the pandemic spread. The Centre blacklisted around 1,500 foreign Tablighi members for violating their visa norms and multiple cases were registered against them across the country.
Poultry farming. (PC- PTI)

Egg and poultry consumption has slowed in some parts of the country but there is no sign of panic yet as aviation influenza, or the bird flu, has left hundreds of thousands of birds in Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh dead, posing a challenge to India's Rs 1.75 lakh crore industry.

Consumers are showing some signs of nervousness going by the sales trend over the last two days. We feel consumption has slowed by 10-15 percent, a poultry retail supplier, who didn't wish to be identified, said in Chennai.

The bird flu was first reported in Rajasthan over the last weekend but it has been reported to be severe in Kerala, where more than lakh birds, including ducks and chicken, were culled in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts on January 6.

Kerala has declared the outbreak a state disaster and deployed rapid response teams for culling and surveillance. Madhya Pradesh has banned poultry from other states, while Himachal Pradesh has barred the sale and export of poultry products in four subdivisions of Dehra, Fatehpur, Jawali, and Indora.

Haryana and Gujarat have also reported cases of bird flu, caused by the influenza virus that affects only birds. The disease is caused by migratory birds and humans can be affected if they come in contact with infected poultry or surfaces.

No human has been reported affected by the outbreak yet in India.

Also read: Bird flu: 12 epicentres identified in four states

The Indian poultry sector plays a key role in the economy with the market for its products valued at Rs 1.75 lakh crore. Its compounded annual growth has been projected at 16.2 percent between 2019 and 2024.

Industry officials in Namakkal, the hub of Indias poultry sector where 3.08 crore eggs are produced a day, said the outbreak has not had an impact.

There has been no impact, including in Kerala, due to the bird flu. Our eggs and poultry meat continue to be sent to that state, said Tamil Nadu Egg Poultry Farmers Marketing Society (PFMS) president Vangili Subramanian.

At least 80 lakh eggs and 10-15 lakh kg of poultry meat is sent to Kerala daily from Tamil Nadu, through Nagercoil, Theni and Pollachi regions.

Signs of nervousness are evident from the price being reduced to Rs 4.85 per egg on January 7 from Rs 5.10 on January 6 at Namakkal, which sets the benchmark. Prices were ruling at Rs 5.10 since January 2.

Egg prices in Mumbai have dropped to Rs 5.45 from Rs 5.65 since the last two days, while in Delhi they have slipped to Rs 5.55 per egg from Rs 6.00 on January 2 and Rs 5.65 on January 4.

Similar trends are being witnessed across the country in places such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ludhiana, Bhopal and Lucknow but prices in Kolkata are firm at Rs 5.71 since January 3.

Egg prices are being lowered to ensure that stocks do not get built up. The current trend is a bit concerning after a good six-month period we witnessed, said R Sridhar, a poultry dealer in Tamil Nadus Tiruppur district.

Poultry meat prices have dropped by Rs 10 at farmgate. Prices are ruling below Rs 80 depending on where the farmgate is, said the Chennai retail supplier.

For example, prices of live bird in Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu that borders Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are ruling at Rs 72 a kg, while they are a tad higher in places such as Palladam in Tamil Nadus Tiruppur district.

In retail, chicken in Kerala was quoting at Rs 114 a kg on January 6 against Rs 119 during Christmas.

We have lowered the prices since we are witnessing some resistance from consumers after the rates topped Rs 5, said a National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) official.

Egg and poultry prices go up and down every week. If you look up at data, you can see prices going up twice a week and down similarly, said Tamil Nadu Poultry Farmers Association (TNPFA) president K Singaraj.

Singaraj and Subramanian said that poultry products were being consumed without any problem in South India. Our products continue to go to Kerala. Only Kerala poultry products cannot come into Tamil Nadu, the PFMS president said.

We are taking all precautions to ensure the safety of consumers from the health angle. All vehicles are being sanitised and sprayed with disinfectants, said the TNPFA president.

The Chennai retail supplier said small poultry producers would feel the impact even if there was a marginal drop in prices. Currently, a truckload of about 2,200 poultry birds fetches Rs 3.5 lakh against Rs four lakh earlier this week, he said. Each bird weighs 2-2.1 kg.

The fall may not affect large poultry players, who produce over one lakh birds a week, but small producers, who produce about 10,000 birds a week, could come under pressure.

The cost of producing a bird for a small producer is Rs 80 a kg, while for large players it could be at least Rs 10 less, he said.

However, the industry is not unduly worried over the long-term prospects. Such outbreaks and market shocks have happened often in the last 10-15 years. When the news of the outbreak appears in the media, consumers react negatively. But things improvd later on, said Tiruppur dealer Sridhar.

The poultry sector is also confident that it has drawn some important lessons from last year when there was a sudden slump in consumption on rumours that linked chicken to the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Then, the price of an egg dropped to Rs 2, while chicken rates slumped to Rs 27-29 a kg. Since then, the poultry sector has come a long way.
Henry Clay was Mr. Whig. He, more than anyone, helped found the Whig party and he was its standard bearer in the 1832 presidential election. Andrew Jackson, the incumbent, crushed him.

In 1840, the Whigs were poised to elect their first president, thanks to the unpopularity of Jacksons Democrat successor, Martin Van Buren. Henry Clay was desperate to be the Whig nominee and expected he would be. However, meeting in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the Whigs nominated William Henry Harrison, a war hero, instead.

In those days, candidates did not attend nominating conventions. It was considered bad form. So Clay stayed in Washington to await the results. He did so at a hotel bar.

When the bad news came, Clay was devastated. Drinking excessively, the normally good-natured Senator railed profanely at the men, especially Daniel Webster, he held responsible for betraying him. Onlookers were shocked and offended. That man can never be my political idol again, one of them said.

The Whigs needed a running mate for Harrison. Given their rejection of Clay, they wanted to nominate one of his allies. When several turned down the second spot, they wanted at least to select someone who had publicly displayed deep disappointment in the defeat of Mr. Whig.

They selected John Tyler. Tyler was more of an anti-Jacksonian than a true Whig. However, he had shed tears in Harrisburg. That, coupled with the balance he provided the ticket as a states rights anti-Bank man, was good enough. But one delegate described Tylers selection as both a fraud and a treachery.

Harrison died after only a month in office. Tyler succeeded him. As president, he clashed bitterly with Clay and other hardcore Whigs. Tyler ended up trying to steer some sort of third way course  neither Whig nor Democrat.

Today, we find President Trump in the Henry Clay role, raging about losing out on the presidency (though Clays public rage was an aberration, while Trumps is anything but). As in 1840, leading members of the party want to show they share the disappointment. Some are prepared to go further than others in displaying it.

Some displayed it through a futile and constitutionally dubious attempt to have Congress overturn the results of the Electoral College. I dont question the sincerity of any particular member of Congress who did so. In Harrisburg, 180 years ago, some of those who wept for Clay were were genuinely moved to tears. I dont assume that all of this weeks weepers were doing a John Tyler. However, I think its likely that some were.

The Whigs did not nominate a weeper for president in 1844. They nominated Henry Clay, the man for whom the tears had been shed.

Its possible that, similarly, the Republicans will nominate Donald Trump in 2024. Its also possible that by then, Trump will have lost his hold on the party. In that case, the party might well turn to someone who this week resisted the extreme measure of trying to overturn the work of the electoral college.

A 23-year-old student in Kolkata was travelling on a bus when she found a man clicking pictures of her against her consent. According to a report by TOI, the incident happened on January 1 around 3 PM.

Image For Representation/Twitter

The woman claims that the 42-year-old stalker was taking her photographs on his mobile. When she confronted him, he said that he was clicking a few selfies and that she is making a fuss out of nothing.

When she saw the man continue to do the same, she got up and asked him for his phone so she could delete the pictures.

Also Read: Actress Malvi Malhotra Who Was Stabbed By Her Stalker Shares Horrifying Details Of The Incident

Caught in the act, the man pushed her and tried to escape. The woman shouted and blocked his way while dialling the police emergency number.

PTI

Despite being browbeaten, the woman did not think twice before challenging the man even as she sought police help, said a senior divisional officer.

Also Read: Pet Dog Saves Woman From Sexual Assault After Shirtless Stalker Enters House

The bus halted at a crossing and a nearby police van took notice of the commotion that was happening inside the vehicle. The cops intervened, nabbed the stalker and seized his phone. The device has now been sent for forensic examination.

Image For Representation/PTI

Last year a woman found herself in an uncomfortable situation after a man flashed his privates to her in the Yellow Line of Delhi Metro.

The Metro commuter took to Twitter to share her horrendous experience. She wrote, "This man(right, grey jacket+backpack) flashed his p***s at me inside #Delhi Metro around 6 PM while I was returning from work today. Feel shaken, numb and angry. Didn't even remember I had taken this pic till I spoke to a friend hours later," and tagged DMRC and Delhi Police in the thread.

After the post went viral, the man was arrested. The accused had recharged his Contact less Smart Cards (CSC) online with his mobile phone number which was later traced helping the police track him down.

The Delhi Metro Rail Police (DMRP) had taken the accused into custody from Gurugram, Haryana.

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Lucknow, Jan 7 : A 39-year-old former block president of Mau district was shot dead and two people, including one of his associates, were injured in a shooting incident in the Vibhuti Khand area in Gomti Nagar here.

The incident happened on Wednesday night.

A food delivery boy passing by, at the attack site, was also injured in the firing by three gunmen on a bike.

Political and personal rivalry is said to be the motive behind the crime.

The deceased has been identified as Ajit Singh. The assailants opened fire at him when he and his associate Mohar Singh alighted from their bulletproof SUV for dinner at a roadside eatery.

Mohar Singh and the food delivery boy, Akash, have been admitted to a hospital, and are out of danger. The police team has recovered 9 mm and .32 bore cartridges from the crime scene.

Ajit Singh, a close associate of mafia don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, had several criminal cases registered against him.

He was externed from Mau district last week, according to the police.

Lucknow Police Commissioner D.K. Thakur said, "About 18 cases have been registered against Ajit Singh, including five murder cases. The persons who fired bullets at him were known to him and possibly, the purpose was to take revenge. About 25 rounds of firing took place." Ajit Singh a.k.a Ajit Langda was a former block pramukh of Mohammadabad Gohna in Mau district.

Police sources said Ajit was a witness in the trial of former MLA Sarvesh Singh Sippu's murder in Azamgarh, the hearing of which is going to commence soon.

Police said Ajit's wife, Ranu Singh, was Gram Pradhan in Mau from 2010-2015.

Press Release

7 January 2021

Alexandria, VA - The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world's largest business travel association, has expanded its local presence in Canada with a number of new appointments to the GBTA Canada Advisory Board as we head into 2021.

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The GBTA advisory boards are run by member volunteers, selected for their expertise and industry knowledge. The role of the advisory boards is to help shape and guide the strategy of GBTA Canada, working closely with the GBTA leadership team.

The three new allied members and three new direct members will each commence their two-year term on the GBTA Canada advisory board from January 2021.

Allied seats are filled by:

Chuck Crowder, Vice President Sales & Distribution, WestJet Airlines

Vito Curalli, Executive Director of International Sales and Industry Relations, Hilton

Patrick Doyle, Vice President & General Manager, Canada, American Express Global Business Travel

Direct member seats are filled by:

Brooke Davis, Global Travel & Events Manager, lululemon

Jon Heppenstall, Manager Sourcing Operations, Corporate Services, Hydro One

Bertie Fernandes, Corporate Travel Manager, Ledcor Group of Companies

"I am delighted to welcome our new advisory board members and look forward to working with such an experienced and knowledgeable group to address the specific needs of our region. GBTA volunteers are essential to the success of our association, ensuring that we have representation from both the supplier and buyer member to tackle Canadian issues, delivering education and support for our membership." said Nancy Tudorache, Regional Vice President - Canada, GBTA.
Kathmandu, Jan 6 (UNI) Justice Hari Krishna Karki has recused himself from any further role in the Constitutional Bench, which is hearing a bunch of petitions against Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli administrations move to dissolve the Parliament.

"Justice Karki has decided not to be part of the Constitutional Bench that is hearing the writs against dissolution of the House of Representatives," The Kathmandu Post quoted Kishor Poudel, Communication Expert at the Supreme Court, as saying.

The Bench is being led by Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana, also comprising Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha, Anil Kumar Sinha and Tej Bahadur KC.

Justice Karki was appointed Attorney General in October 2015 after Mr Oli was elected prime minister for the first time following the promulgation of the constitution.

Subsequently, in 2016, Justice Karki was promoted as the country's Apex Court justice during Mr Oli's tenure as PM.

The lawyers had shown their displeasure over the inclusion of Justice Karki in the Bench, saying he had worked as the PM's counsel, so he should not have been a part of the Bench.

The hearing, which scheduled for Wednesday, was posted for next hearing on January 13.

The Country's President Bidya Devi Bhandari on December 20 had dissolved the Parliament on the recommendations of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's government. The decision came in the wake of the deepening crisis within the ruling Nepal Communist Party.

UNI GK SB 1643
FP Trending

Dell is introducing three new monitors through the Dell 24 Video Conferencing Monitor (C2422HE), Dell 27 Video Conferencing Monitor (C2722DE) and Dell 34 Curved Video Conferencing Monitor (C3422WE) created especially for video conferencing. According to a statement by Sean Chen, VP, Commercial Displays, Marketing, one can now instantly join meetings with a one-touch dedicated Microsoft Teams button. The devices also have a pop-up 5 MP IR camera, dual 5W integrated speakers and noise-canceling microphone that allow users to collaborate with video and audio clarity.

Users will also get more secured and convenient login experience with facial recognition sign-in with Windows Hello and hands-free commands with the help of Microsoft Cortana.

Dell has also introduced the Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved WUHD Monitor, which is the world's first 40-inch ultrawide curved WUHD resolution monitor. According to the statement by the company, the monitor offers wide colour coverage and colour performance while helping to optimise eye comfort with ComfortView Plus. Users can charge their PC with up to 90W power charging thanks to Thunderbolt 3 and enable fast data transfer with super speed USB 10Gbps3 and ethernet connection with RJ45.

The other monitors released by the company are the Dell 65 / 55 4K Interactive Touch Monitors. The devices have 20-point InGlass Touch that enables multiple users to simultaneously write or draw in real-time with virtually zero lag.

Dell has also introduced the Dell Premier Rechargeable Wireless Mouse (MS7421W), a rechargeable mouse with a battery life that lasts up to six months on a full charge. The company has also introduced a Dell Premier Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse combo as well as a Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter.

While the Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved WUHD Monitor and Dell UltraSharp 38 Curved USB-C Hub Monitor will be available from 18 January, the Dell 24/ 27/ 34 Curved Video Conferencing Monitors will be available from 16 February. The Dell 65 and 55 4K Interactive Touch Monitor, Dell UltraSharp 24 and 27 USB-C Hub Monitors Dell UltraSharp 24 and 27 Monitors will be available from 30 March.

Apart from these, the Dell Premier Wireless Rechargeable Mouse and the Dell Premier Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse will be available in India from 18 March and the Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter will be available from 28 January.




By Andrew Hammond





A common frustration among commuters across the world is lengthy waits only to find that two trains or buses then arrive at once. This is a predicament that the EU can relate to in the last week of December, with a brace of key trade and investment deals finally agreed, after years of very difficult negotiations.



It is the politics, rather than the economics, of the two agreements that is the more fascinating. The Christmas Eve U.K.-EU trade deal was, of course, widely anticipated and ultimately secured once U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson decided that it was too risky  even for his "high-wire" style of politics  not to agree a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU-27 in the midst of a once-in-a-century pandemic.



Much more of a surprise was the timing of the agreement, subject to ratification by the European Parliament, Dec. 30, of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) which will see European and Chinese firms get better access to each market.



That deal, discussed since 2014, suddenly developed new momentum around Christmas, despite the wider chill in bilateral relations, post-pandemic which saw the EU only a few weeks ago urge a joint initiative with the United States to "address the strategic challenge from China's growing international assertiveness."



Late December is a peculiar point in the diplomatic calendar for such an unscheduled breakthrough, with no negotiating deadline to force the issue as there was with Brexit. Much of the sudden urgency to move CAI forward reflects Beijing's desire to get it "over-the-line" before Joe Biden's inauguration as U.S. president.



China's calculus here is at least two fold. Firstly, it is acutely aware that the incoming Biden team has concerns about CAI. One of the president-elect's worries is that of some Chinese companies may now gain a stronger foothold in Europe by using Uighur Muslim forced labor for their products.



The EU is conscious of these U.S. concerns too and Poland suggested delaying action on CAI until after consulting the Biden team in late January. However, most EU states chose instead to take advantage of the political "window of opportunity" that has, unexpectedly, opened up with Beijing.



A second reason for Chinese proactivity on CAI is that Europe is becoming an increasingly important foreign policy theatre for Beijing. The rising power generally enjoys growing influence across much of the continent from Eastern and Central Europe, where it regularly holds "17+1" summits, to key Western European states like Italy which last year became the first G7 country to endorse the Belt and Road Initiative.



The EU-China breakthrough raises the question, going forward, of whether there might now be a significant warming in ties in 2021 after the chilliness of recent months. While CAI will do much to improve the atmospherics in diplomacy between Brussels and Beijing, it is significantly less likely to promote a fundamental (positive) reset in relations in the coming months for at least three reasons.



Firstly, there are multiple issues clouding the bilateral agenda, in the short term at least. These include the opaque way that Beijing is perceived by Europe to have handled the coronavirus outbreak; the new Chinese security law in Hong Kong; Uighur human rights; and growing pressure on European leaders not to allow Huawei technology in their 5G networks.



Secondly, the Biden team will now double down with the EU-27 to try to agree a more aligned transatlantic approach toward China. On Dec. 22, for instance, incoming U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan tweeted that "the Biden-Harris administration would welcome early consultations with our European partners on our common concerns about China's economic practices."



Thirdly, some Brussels policymakers remain concerned, despite CAI, about whether China's external interventions in Europe represent a "divide and rule" strategy to undermine the continent's collective interests. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell even asserted last year that Beijing is a "systemic rival that seeks to promote an alternative model of governance" to that of Europe.



Rather than seeing a fundamental reset in relations, CAI is most likely to see the EU continue a constructive engagement approach with China. And this will potentially be much more aligned with the United States under Biden's presidency than has been the case under Donald Trump.



This EU strategy will see differences, diplomatically, called out, while emphasizing areas of perceived common interest, from tackling climate change to promoting an open financial and multilateral trading order. Brussels asserts that CAI will help move toward that latter goal of an increasingly transparent economic system.



So, despite post-pandemic tensions, both Brussels and Beijing recognize that they still have much to potentially gain from their partnership. The EU sees CAI as part of this long-term approach, and the decision to push forward with it largely reflects China's calculus that the window for sealing the deal may not remain open indefinitely, especially given the impending Biden presidency which may do much to rejuvenate the Atlantic alliance post-Trump.



Andrew Hammond (andrewkorea@outlook.com) is an associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics.


World leaders and governments on Wednesday expressed shock and outrage at the storming of the US Capitol in Washington by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Britain

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Twitter condemned the "disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power".

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab added in his own tweet: "The US rightly takes great pride in its democracy, and there can be no justification for these violent attempts to frustrate the lawful and proper transition of power."

European Union

The EU's foreign policy chief condemned an "assault on US democracy".

"In the eyes of the world, American democracy tonight appears under siege," Josep Borrell tweeted.

Calling the action an "assault on US democracy, its institutions and the rule of law", he added: "This is not America. The election results of 3 November must be fully respected."

France

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian condemned "a serious attack on democracy".

"The violence against American institutions are a serious attack on democracy. I condemn it," Le Drian tweeted. "The will and the votes of the American people must be respected."

Germany

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called on Trump supporters to "stop trampling on democracy".

"Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of American voters and stop trampling on democracy," Maas tweeted.

"The enemies of democracy will be pleased to see these incredible images from Washington DC," he added. "Inflammatory words turn into violent actions."

German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, who is also the vice chancellor, likewise condemned the "disturbing images" from Washington.

Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that the scenes at the US Capitol were an "attack on democracy."

"Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour," he said.

Australia

Australian PM Scott Morrison condemned the "very distressing scenes" in the US.

"We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition," he tweeted.

New Zealand

Jacinda Ardern tweeted: "Democracy - the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob."

The PM added her country's thoughts were with everyone "devastated" by today's events, adding: "what is happening is wrong."

NATO

"Shocking scenes in Washington, DC," NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg tweeted. "The outcome of this democratic election must be respected."

The Netherlands

"Horrible images from Washington D.C. Dear @realDonaldTrump, recognise @JoeBiden as the next president today," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Twitter.

The plain-speaking Rutte once during a visit to the White House in 2018 interrupted Trump with a loud "no" when Trump made an assertion about EU-US trade.

Ireland

Irish premier Micheal Martin, who has invited the Irish-American Biden to visit his ancestral homeland early in his presidency, tweeted his condemnation.

"The Irish people have a deep connection with the United States of America, built up over many generations. I know that many, like me, will be watching the scenes unfolding in Washington DC with great concern and dismay," Martin said.

Greece

"Extremely troubled by the violence and horrible events taking place in Washington D.C. American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a tweet.

Turkey

"We are following with concern the internal developments happening in the US," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.

"We call on all parties in the US to maintain restrain and prudence. We believe the US will overcome this internal political crisis in a mature manner."

Austria

"This is an unacceptable assault on democracy. A peaceful and orderly transfer of power must be ensured," said Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Twitter.

Czech Republic

Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek said in a tweet: "The looting and violence at the US Senate are not a good example for countries where democracy is fighting hard for a place in the sun. Given the emotions sparked by the US presidential election, we could expect today's session to be far from ordinary. Where were the police and the Senate bodyguards...?"

Denmark

"Extremism, violence, polarization and violence is never the way forward. Terrible pictures from Washington. May democracy be brought back to working again," Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Facebook

Spain

Spanish president Pedro Sanchez tweeted he was following events in Washington with "concern".

"I trust in the strength of America's democracy. The new Presidency of @JoeBiden will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people."

Slovenia

Slovenia's right-wing Prime Minister Janez Jansa, who backed Trump and who has yet to congratulate Biden on his victory, tweeted: "All should be very troubled by the violence taking place in Washington D.C."

"We hope American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis. Democracy presupposes peaceful protest, but violence and death threats from Left or Right are ALWAYS wrong."

Fiji

The prime minister of Fiji Frank Bainimarama -- who lead a coup in 2006 and was accused of assaulting an opposition lawmaker in 2019 -- added his condemnation.

"The violent scenes we saw in Washington today are an affront to democracies around the globe. True and genuine democracy is a precious treasure that no nation should ever take for granted," he tweeted.
I first met Mori Masahiro in the spring of 1986, when interviewing scientists for my book Inside the Robot Kingdom: Japan, Mechatronics, and the Coming Robotopia. Moris focus was on robots and Buddhism, which seemed a novel combination to me at the time.

In researching robots Mori had found that he had to understand not only the human bodys individual parts and their functions but their relationship to the entire human body and the universe in which it exists. And this had brought him to Buddhism, which teaches that the Buddha-nature is in all things (not just sentient beings) and is where, according to his interpretation, parts of whole systems are simultaneously independent and connectedthat a universe and the source of all truth can exist in the single petal of a flower. Only a few years earlier, a book of his essays had been translated and published in English with the provocative title of The Buddha in the Robot: A Robot Engineers Thoughts on Science and Religion.

Mori, a ninety-two-year-old with a razor-sharp mind at the time of this writing, is a long-time student of Buddhismespecially the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, which delights in shaking rigid human minds with riddles and paradoxes, thus allowing new truths to emerge and lead us to enlightenment. In a more immediate sense, Moris main goal in using Buddhism has been to stimulate creative thinking, to get people to think outside of the box. It is, he might say, a type of applied Buddhism.

Always smiling, in the course of our 1986 interview, he pulled out an ordinary permanent-ink magic marker and lit it with a lighter, whereupon he announced with delight, See? Its not a marker, its really a lamp! It was only one of many intellectual tricks he played with ordinary objects in his office to try to get me to perceive things differently. More provocatively, he stated that to learn the Buddhist way is to perceive oneself as a robot and that, conversely, to learn the robot is to learn Buddhism. Paraphrasing the thirteenth-century Soto Zen master Dogen, he noted, To learn the Buddhist way is to learn about oneself. To learn about oneself is to forget oneself. To forget oneself is to perceive oneself as all things. To realize this is to cast off the body and mind of self and others.

As Mori writes in The Buddha in the Robot, ignorance is seen in Buddhist philosophy as the fundamental cause of all evil.1 Comparing humans to machines, he notes that humans are so complicated compared to other animals that not all their parts are synchronized properly. Therefore, he writes, using two Sanskrit terms directly transliterated (not translated) in Xuanzangs version of the Heart Sutra,

If all human beings were running on all thousand wheels, the possibilities for the future would be infinite. The wisdom that we would have then would be what is spoken of in Buddhism as prajna. We would have that unsurpassed enlightenment known as anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.2

The year after I met him, Mori assumed the chairmanship of the Robotics Society of Japan and wrote to the members, emphasizing what are arguably the most important four Chinese characters in the entire Heart Sutra:

In Eastern philosophy we often use the famous phrase form is indeed emptiness; emptiness is indeed form. Yet form is created from emptiness.... A robot has form ... but it is also infinite. The robots shape, the work it does, and the ways in which the robot is applied are all infinite, just as life itself is infinite. Our Eastern philosophy is hinting to us that if we refine our insights and creativity, we can create limitless robots that are both interesting and useful. In other words, robot research and production can become a far greater source of spiritual enjoyment.3

Around the same time that I interviewed Mori, I also visited a think tank that he had founded in 1970. It was designed to promote creative thinking and came to be called the Jizai Institute. It was only then, Mori says, that he became intensely interested in Buddhism andwhile himself not a priesteventually became a much sought-after lecturer and writer on the subject.

The Heart Sutra became my deep, deep connection to Buddhism. It may seem silly, but when gargling in the morning, when affixing my chop to documents, when driving the car and about to totally lose it, I would start chanting kanjizai bosatsu gyojin hannyaharamita. If the phone rang when I was chanting the sutra at home, my first-grade daughter would pick it up and say, Papas doing that gyate gyate [mantra] stuff right now so call back later, okay?4

Buddhism aside, Mori may be most famous today for a concept he introduced in 1970. In a provocative essay titled Bukimi no tani, or The Uncanny Valley, he questioned the wisdom of making robots too lifelike and illustrated his theory with a rising graph that has a sharp valley-like dip in the middle before rising again. Going up what might be called the affinity curve, as machines become more identifiably lifelike we feel closer to them, but just before a robot becomes a near-perfect replica of man, at the stage of wax dolls or android machines, the level of familiarity plunges and changes to a sense of the uncanny. Mori is cautioning future roboticists to avoid having their designs fall into this Uncanny Valley because humans will always feel closer to a robot slightly different from man and a little more robot-like.5

The Heart Sutra Robot

Thirty-three years after meeting Professor Mori, I went to see a Heart Sutra robot at the four-hundred-year-old Kodai-ji temple complex in Kyoto, part of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Mori had no connection to the robot itself, but in several surprising ways it seemed to illustrate his theories. At the temple, Avalokitesvaraknown as Kannon, the Goddess of Compassion, in Japan and the narrator in the Heart Sutrawas displayed in an intimate-sized hall on the sprawling temple grounds. As a pamphlet said,

Avalokitesvara is the Bodhisattva of compassion and salvation, and can change into a variety of shapes for those seeking help. Today, in a world of technological development and increased psychological and material well-being, Avalokitesvara has been revealed on the grounds of Kyotos Kodai-ji temple as the Android Kannon MINDAR, for the many people who are still suffering.

.The Kodai-ji MINDAR robot [was designed] to be a modern Bodhisattva statue that can be worshiped. And that is where Professor Moris Uncanny Valley comes into play.

Photo  Frederik L. Schodt 2019

When I visited Kodai-ji, I found that the MINDAR robots head and hands were indeed android in appearance, covered with a highly realistic skin and looking entirely human. Yet in a seeming concession to Moris theory of the Uncanny Valley, the robots arms and chest were skeletal, with servo motors and wires all exposed. The lower torso was only represented abstractly, as the robot is stationary and does not move about the hall; it only moves its head, face, hands, and upper torso to a limited extent. The head was hairless and the facethe most detailed aspect of the robothad eyes that blinked and moved and seemed uncannily real. But the aura the robot exuded was gender fluid. As the woman who presented the show noted, after cautioning everyone in the room to turn off their cell phones, this gender neutral look was appropriate, as the robot was supposed to approximate Avalokitesvara, a Bodhisattva who can appear as male or female (or even an animal or something inanimate) depending on the viewer and who can travel through time and space.

After a short introduction, the show started. The robots hands moved about in the air, but in a simplified way, in the sense that the fingers were not articulated; when the robot put his/her hands together, as if in prayer, they looked most realistic. The tone of speech was pleasant, and natural, with only a slight machine quality to it. Japanese speech is normally highly gender-specific, but this voice seemed gender-neutral, perhaps because, while the robot head itself looked vaguely feminine, it spoke matter-of-factly, like a Japanese male. Facial expressions and movements closely corresponded to the language used.

The show lasted about twenty-five minutes. As the robot spoke, images were projected on the wall behind, showing both abstract, cosmic scenes, as well as realistic scenes from nature, calligraphic images of the Xuanzang Heart Sutra itself, and even scenes of a virtual audience. Instead of merely reciting the Heart Sutra, the robot focused on an explanation of its enigmatic ku or emptiness concept. In response, members of the virtual human audience projected on the wallwho struggled to understand the seeming contradictions of emptinessposed probing questions. The robot, in the role of a celestial Bodhisattvain this case a Kannon or god/dess of mercygave explanations. No fancy AI or facial recognition technologies were employed to react with the real audience in the room. The robot was giving a repeatable, programmable sermon on the Heart Sutra and, for any non-Japanese in the audience, projection mapping provided English and Chinese translations on the wall.

There were clearly technological and artistic challenges in creating the robot and its installation (which reportedly cost the temple nearly a million dollars). Not the least of these was finessing the Uncanny Valley curve, made extra-complicated because, while quasi-human in form, as an amorphous deity and object of worship this robot was not supposed to look too human in the first place.

Writing the robots sermon may have been even more difficult than designing the robot. At the temple I met one of a team of three scenario writers who worked on it, a Rinzai sect priest named Honda Doryu. He later told me that they particularly struggled with two things. The first was the sutras always-difficult but key concept of emptiness. They had originally intended to focus on that in a faithful, easy-to-understand format, but this did not work because of its complexity and the fact that the compressed sutra itself does not expressly detail the benefits that a true understanding of emptiness can create in believers. They therefore had the android focus on how an understanding of the sutra can bring about compassion.

The second issue was how to justify using an android robot for the sermon, since sermons are normally given by human priests. The solution was to have a dialog with the virtual audience, led by the robot, that encouraged the real audience to think about what it means to be human and about the difference between robots and humansto think about what humans have that robots dont. One solution, Honda says, was to concentrate on what is in Japanese called bonno (, from the Sanskrit klesa), the mental defilements such as greed, hatred, delusion, and other destructive states of mind that cause suffering, for which we humans seem to have an infinite capacity. As he put it, By understanding the concept of emptiness we can empathize with others emotions and grow closer to them. We can wish for their happiness, and as a result we ourselves can become happy.6

US Nuclear Arsenal Needs Replacement, Not Update: STRATCOM Chief

Adm. Charles Richard, the Chief of the United States Strategic Command (STRATCOM), said on Tuesday that a planned modernization program for the U.S. nuclear arsenal would compel a re-examination of the nuclear strategy.

The Admirals comments were made after reports said a Biden administration may cut a $1.2 trillion nuclear-modernization plan.

Basically, its going to drive you to have to reexamine your strategy, Richard said in a virtual discussion. If theres a change in the capabilities that the commander of STRATCOM has available, Im obligated to go back and then report what I can and cant do relative to the tasks that I have been given.

Adm. Richard believes that the Minuteman III should be replaced instead of updated, referring to the intercontinental ballistic missiles land-based leg of the Nuclear Triad

Let me be very clear: you can not life-extend Minuteman III, right? It is getting past the point where it is cost-effective to life-extend Minuteman III. Were getting to the point where you cant do it at all, he said, according to Defense One.

The program, involving 400 missiles, began in the 70s and has been continuously enhanced.

That thing is so old that in some cases, the drawings dont exist anymore. Or where we have drawings, theyre like six generations behind the industry standard. Theres not only not anybody working that can understand them, theyre not alive anymore, said Richards.

An inert Minuteman 3 missile is seen in a training launch tube at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., on June 25, 2014. (Charlie Riedel/AP Photo)

Richards said that the United States never before had to consider two nuclear-capable adversaries and insisted that the ICBMs need to stay put in the U.S. nuclear arsenal: This nation has never before had to face the prospect of two, peer, nuclear-capable adversaries who have to be deterred differently and actions to deter one have an impact on the other. This is way more complicated than it used to be.

He also mentioned that there is a necessity for an update to protect against cyber hacking.

One of the biggest pieces is in its cyber resilience We will replace a 60-year-old, basically a circuit switch system with a modern cyber defendable up-to-current standards command and control system. Just to pace the cyber threat alone, [Ground Based Strategic Deterrent] is a necessary step forward, said the Admiral.

The 2020 Department of Defense military report (pdf) states that Chinas nuclear warhead stockpile could double in a decade from the current estimated number in the low 200s.

At the start of this year, Chinese leader Xi Jinping told the regimes military to focus on Preparing for war.

According to state media Xinhua, he told the Peoples Liberation Army: Focus on preparing for war, deepen the transformation of military training, build a new type of military training system, and comprehensively improve the level of combat training and ability to win.

In recent years, the CCPs relationship with Taiwan and India has become more tense.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping (L) speaks after reviewing the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet in the South China Sea on April 12, 2018. (Li Gang/Xinhua via AP)
Update: Twitter announced Friday that it had permanently suspended President Trumps account after a close review of his tweets and how they have been interpreted. The company said the account will be suspended indefinitely due to the risk of further incitement of violence.

Twitter took the unprecedented step Wednesday of yanking three of President Trumps tweets and temporarily locking his account, after he gave a speech and inflamed a mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol in a bid to install him in a second term.

As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy, Twitters safety-enforcement team said in a tweet.

Twitter made the tweets unavailable. The company said if Trump removed them, the account would be locked for 12 hours, and if he didnt, the account would remain locked.

One of the tweets called Vice President Mike Pence a coward for not helping Trump illegally reverse his election loss. Another praised the Capitol rioters.

And a third was a video message in which Trump falsely claimed that the presidential election was fraudulent before telling rioters to go home.

Twitter had followed Facebooks lead in removing a similar video. This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trumps video, tweeted Guy Rosen, Facebooks vice president of integrity. We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence.

But the presidents Twitter account was not deleted, a step Twitter takes in some cases, and some on the social media service were asking why.

Evan Vucci / Associated Press

The issue is not new. Twitter has a policy against tweets that incite violence that it does not apply to all users. But it flared again during the extraordinary events Wednesday after Trump addressed a rally on the National Mall aimed at protesting the presidential election results shortly before Congress convened to certify President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Twitter specifically exempts the leaders of countries from its anti-violence policy. Company leaders have argued that the World Leaders Policy allows people to see what important political figures say, and that censoring them would take away from political discourse.

In his speech Wednesday, Trump increased his pressure on Pence to illegally throw the election to him, and lambasted the electoral process, both political parties and the media. We will never concede, Trump declared.

He tweeted a video of his appearance at the Save America March. In his speech, he complained about Twitters policies: Every time I put out a tweet, even if its totally correct ... I get a flag. Twitter sometimes flags politicians tweets that contain falsehoods, a step short of removing the tweet or suspending the account.

Shortly after the congressional session convened, a mob broke into the Capitol, halting the electoral process. Pence was escorted from the Senate chamber, and the building was locked down. Trump then tweeted that Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done.

Twitter first marked the tweet with a label: This claim of election fraud is disputed, and this Tweet cant be replied to, Retweeted, or liked due to a risk of violence. It subsequently made the tweet unavailable, with a message saying, This tweet is no longer available because it violated the Twitter Rules.

Trump also issued the tweet praising the Capitol rioters and the video message, both of which Twitter subsequently made unavailable.

But angry Twitter users called on the company to suspend Trumps account entirely for encouraging violence and protests in the Capitol.

You are a private company, not a government entity, one Twitter user wrote. Someone calling for violence, hate, and sedition is outside the rules of your non-government-owned platform. SHUT HIM DOWN.

Twitters choice to keep Trumps account active has been a long-contested issue of the internet  despite hundreds of instances where the president has tweeted fraudulent or misleading claims about the election, his political opponents, COVID-19 and so forth.

But the companys World Leaders Policy, published in October 2019, regulates tweets by political figures differently from its normal safety policies: If a Tweet from a world leader does violate the Twitter Rules but there is a clear public interest value to keeping the Tweet on the service, we may place it behind a notice that provides context about the violation and allows people to click through should they wish to see the content, the policy states.

Twitter said that no matter who is tweeting, actions that could lead to enforcement included promotion of terrorism and clear and direct threats of violence against an individual.

Twitter added, In other cases involving a world leader, we will err on the side of leaving the content up if there is a clear public interest in doing so.

Annie Vainshtein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avainshtein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @annievain
No more, its over," Meretz chair Nitzan Horowitz declared, naming activist Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi from Nazareth to the fourth place on the partys candidate list and former Knesset member Esawi Frej to the fifth. "Meretz is implementing change: Two leading Arab society candidates in the top five slots.

His motion was approved Jan. 4 in an online session by 80% of the members of the partys top decision-making body, making Meretz Israels only Zionist party with Arab representation at the top. The move was nothing short of amazing, given that just months ago, the party sidelined Frej, its only Arab Knesset member at the time, moving him to 11th place, an unrealistic spot on the combined Labor-Meretz-Gesher slate that ran in the March 2020 elections.

A new wind is undoubtedly blowing from the political center left toward the countrys 21% Arab minority ahead of the March 23 elections. It provides a stark contrast to the prevailing climate of the three previous elections of the past two years, which saw all Jewish parties and candidates distance themselves from Arab voters in a bid to curry favor with Jewish voters and thus oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. That tactic backfired, galvanizing an unprecedented Arab turnout in the March 2020 elections.

The outcome has prompted the center-left as well as Netanyahu himself to change course and reach out to Arab voters. Netanyahu, in a strategic about-face, has been stumping for votes in Arab towns in recent weeks and is even said to be considering the appointment of Nail Zoabi, a Muslim Arab from the northern village of Nein, to a top slot on his partys Knesset list. Zoabi is politically affiliated with the political right, the Likud in particular, and his recent resignation from his job as a school principal could point to a planned Knesset run.

Ultimately, Netanyahu plotted to delegitimize the Arab vote and is now its leading suitor, indirectly paving the way for parties on the center-left to resume their wooing of Arab voters. In a conversation with Al-Monitor, Horowitz explained the change. Meretz is proud to present the most ideological and committed group of candidates in Israeli politics ahead of the coming elections, and of course a true Jewish-Arab partnership. In the next Knesset, Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi and Esawi Frej will not only represent Meretz in Arab society but throughout the country.

And how does Zoabi herself see it? I am totally proud that the Meretz party has accepted me into its ranks. I promise that just as I fought throughout my public life for true partnership, I will continue to work for social justice, equality and decency, and civic solidarity as a Knesset member representing Meretz, she told Al-Monitor.

As an Arab Palestinian woman and a citizen of the state, I want to take part in building and shaping its image. My struggle against discrimination, racism and incitement has led to my focus on a true partnership, because it is only through true partnership and civic solidarity that I will be able, as an Arab woman, to advance the status of Arab women, to improve the quality of local government, to achieve distributive justice, to advance access to health care and to deal with housing, welfare and education, she said. True partnership and civic solidarity not only in terms of social-economic issues, but also as a compass in constantly striving for a just, fair and sustainable solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Meretz is not the only party on the center-left wooing the Arab vote. The centrist Yesh Atid chaired by Yair Lapid is also joining the contest for this constituency after not fielding an Arab candidate in years. This week, Knesset member Gadeer Kamal Mreeh, who crossed over to Yesh Atid from the government coalitions Hosen LeYsrael, announced her resignation from the legislature, a move that could prompt Lapid to seriously consider replacing her with an Arab candidate on the partys list.

Knesset member Ram Ben-Barak, Yesh Atids campaign manager for the Arab public, told Al-Monitor, There is talk of including an Arab candidate on our list, and it will happen. We are examining this issue in depth. In my view, the entire Israeli public must be represented in the party, certainly when it comes to 20% of the states population.

The grim polling that give the Joint List only 10 or 11 seats in the next Knesset, compared to 15 in the previous elections, is undoubtedly a catalyst for the Jewish parties courting of the Arab vote. However, the question remains whether the Arab public will forget its treatment by the Jewish parties in previous elections.

Not everyone is moved by the winds of change. In an interview with Al-Monitor, Rabea Bader from the Galilee Druze town of Hurfeish and editor at the 103fm radio station, addressed the apparent shift by the center-left. Why should Arab society believe you now? When you were needed, you closed ranks with the mainstream in order to pick up a few more votes and abandoned us as though we were lepers. You should have embraced the Arabs when others incited against them, when they were boycotted. Love has no value if it is not for better or worse, and you shook them off when times were bad, so dont expect their love when times are good.
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A 41-year-old man killed in a house fire in Rhode Island early Wednesday died trying to save his uncle, fire officials say.

Fire crews responded to the West Warwick home just after 3 a.m., Fire Chief Jeffrey Varone said.

The victim could have escaped the building on his own, but went to wake up his uncle first, the chief said.

The uncle was able to get out a window, unfortunately the individual who originally found the fire succumbed, the chief told WPRI-TV at the scene.

It was a heroic act for him to go and save his uncle rather than to just save himself and get out, Varone said later.

The uncle was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Two firefighters and two police officers were also hurt and were treated for smoke inhalation and burns.

No names were released.

The fire was ruled an accident caused by clothes left too close to a gas heater, according to state Fire Marshal Tim McLaughlin. The home apparently did not have smoke detectors, he said.
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., released a statement Thursday calling for the removal of President Donald Trump from office.

Yesterday, domestic terrorists, inspired, encouraged and emboldened by President Donald Trump, attacked the U.S. Capitol Building in furtherance of an attempted coup.

"While shocking, yesterdays events were entirely foreseeable. They were the direct result of President Trumps lies about the integrity of our most recent election, and his frequent incitements to violence. For weeks, the President has lied about his decisive defeat, promoting wild conspiracy theories about unsubstantiated fraud and encouraging this insurrection. But he didnt do it alone. President Trump was aided and abetted every step of the way by a multitude of Republicans in both the House and Senate who, after four years of enabling his authoritarian tendencies, yesterday sought to invalidate the will of the very people they serve. These members of Congress, along with President Trump, are responsible for this direct assault on our democracy and on our Nations Capitol Building. Their collective actions and words put lives at risk, and struck at the heart of our most fundamental democratic principles.

"President Trump is a threat to our domestic and national security. It is self-evident that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. I call on Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and begin the process of removing the powers of the presidency from Donald Trump. This is the quickest way to protect our domestic and national security.

Several others in Congress have suggested that Trump be prosecuted for a crime or even removed under the Constitution's 25th Amendment, which seemed unlikely two weeks from when his term expires.

I think Donald Trump probably should be brought up on treason for something like this, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., told reporters. This is how a coup is started. And this is how democracy dies.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., who has at times clashed with Trump, issued a statement saying: Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The Palaszczuk government ground to a halt $92 million in IT projects as part of a penny-pinching program to hunt for savings amid the coronavirus pandemic.

But the savings may be short-lived, with IT projects to be restarted on a case-by-case basis.

Treasurer Cameron Dick announced a freeze on new, non-essential IT projects in July 2020. Credit:Attila Csaszar

Treasurer Cameron Dick announced a six-month freeze on new, non-essential IT projects in July last year, as part of a plan to save $3 billion over four years.

That six-month freeze is due to expire on Saturday.
For the first time in 35 years, no oil flowed from Saudi Arabia to the United States last week, according to EIA data, in a show that the United Statesat least for nowisnt as reliant on oil from the Middle East like it used to be.

In October, according to the EIA, the United States imported 8.544 million barrels. In June, that figure was more than 36 million, although that figure was a bit of an anomaly as Saudi Arabia threatened to flood the U.S. market with crude oil.

In much of the early 2000s, the United States imported more than 45 million barrels of Saudi crude oil on a monthly basis.

Source: EIA

On a weekly basis, that figure has now fallen to zero.

Source: EIA

And the U.S. imports of crude oil are not just falling from Saudi Arabia. Through October, the United States imported significantly less crude oil from the Persian Gulf region.

In the early 2000s, the United States was importing more than 3 million barrels of crude oil per day from the Persian Gulf region. In October 2020, the United States imported less than a half a million barrels per dayand that figure isnt an anomaly, its a clear trend. The United States is relying less and less on foreign oil, and particularly less and less on oil from the Persian Gulf.

Source: EIA

The data comes just as Saudi Arabia announced a voluntary million-barrel-per-day cut to its oil production as the OPEC+ group sat down to the negotiating table to hatch a plan to react to the oil market and the lack of demand.

It also comes on the same day that Saudi Arabia announced a crude oil price increase for the United States for February by $0Mor.20 per barrel.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Olduvai (now Oldupai) Gorge, known as the Cradle of Humankind, is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tanzania. New interdisciplinary field work has led to the discovery of the oldest archaeological site in Oldupai Gorge, which shows that early human used a wide diversity of habitats amidst environmental changes across a 200,000 year-long period. Credit: Michael Petraglia

Olduvai (now Oldupai) Gorge, known as the Cradle of Humankind, is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tanzania, made famous by Louis and Mary Leakey. New interdisciplinary field work has led to the discovery of the oldest archaeological site in Oldupai Gorge as reported in Nature Communications, which shows that early human used a wide diversity of habitats amidst environmental changes across a 200,000 year-long period.

Located in the heart of eastern Africa, the Rift System is a prime region for human origins research, boasting extraordinary records of extinct human species and environmental records spanning several million years. For more than a century, archaeologists and human palaeontologists have been exploring the East African Rift outcrops and unearthing hominin fossils in surveys and excavations. However, understanding of the environmental contexts in which these hominins lived has remained elusive due to a dearth of ecological studies in direct association with the cultural remains.

In the new study, published in Nature Communications, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for for the Science of Human History teamed up with lead partners from the University of Calgary, Canada, and the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to excavate the site of "Ewass Oldupa' (meaning on 'the way to the Gorge' in the local Maa language, as the site straddles the path that links the canyon's rim with its bottom). The excavations uncovered the oldest Oldowan stone tools ever found at Oldupai Gorge, dating to ~2 million years ago. Excavations in long sequences of stratified sediments and dated volcanic horizons indicated hominin presence at Ewass Oldupai from 2.0 to 1.8 million years ago.

The excavations uncovered the oldest Oldowan stone tools ever found at Oldupai Gorge, dating to ~2 million years ago. Excavations in long sequences of stratified sediments and dated volcanic horizons indicated hominin presence at Ewass Oldupai from 2.0 to 1.8 million years ago. Credit: Michael Petraglia

Fossils of mammals (wild cattle and pigs, hippos, panthers, lions, hyena, primates), reptiles and birds, together with a range of multidisciplinary scientific studies, revealed habitat changes over 200,000 years in riverine and lake systems, including fern meadows, woodland mosaics, naturally burned landscapes, lakeside palm groves and dry steppe habitats. The uncovered evidence shows periodic but recurrent land use across a subset of environments, punctuated with times when there is an absence of hominin activity.

Dr. Pastory Bushozi of Dar es Salaam University, Tanzania, notes, "the occupation of varied and unstable environments, including after volcanic activity, is one of the earliest examples of adaptation to major ecological transformations."

Hominin occupation of fluctuating and disturbed environments is unique for this early time period and shows complex behavioral adaptations among early human groups. In the face of changing habitats, early humans did not substantially alter their toolkits, but instead their technology remained stable over time. Indicative of their versatility, typical Oldowan stone tools, consisting of pebble and cobble cores and sharp-edged flakes and polyhedral cobbles, continued to be used even as habitats changed. The implication is that by 2 million years ago, early humans had the behavioral capacity to continually and consistently exploit a multitude of habitats, using reliable stone toolkits, to likely process plants and butcher animals over the long term.

Excavation at Ewass Oldupa uncovered the oldest Oldowan stone tools ever found at Oldupai Gorge, dating to ~2 million years ago and fossils of mammals, reptiles and birds. Credit: Michael Petralia

Though no hominin fossils have yet been recovered from Ewass Oldupa, hominin fossils of Homo habilis were found just 350 meters away, in deposits dating to 1.82 million years ago. While it is difficult to know if Homo habilis was present at Ewass Oldupa, Professor Julio Mercader of the University of Calgary asserts that "these early humans were surely ranging widely over the landscape and along shores of the ancient lake." Mercader further notes that this does not discount the possibility that other hominin species, such as the australopithecines, were also using and making stone tools at Ewass Oldupa, as we know that the genus Paranthropus was present in Oldupai Gorge at this time.

Explore further Stone tools date early humans in North Africa to 2.4 million years ago

More information: Julio Mercader et al. Earliest Olduvai hominins exploited unstable environments ~ 2 million years ago, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Julio Mercader et al. Earliest Olduvai hominins exploited unstable environments ~ 2 million years ago,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20176-2

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Spain's regions stepped up virus restrictions this week but the government remained adamant it would not impose a lockdown despite an expected post-Christmas surge in infections, a minister said Thursday.

Outgoing Health Minister Salvador Illa said the situation was causing "a great deal of concern", warning there were "complicated weeks ahead and people must remain on high alert".

But although countries across Europe are living through a second or even third lockdown, Spain was not even considering such a measure, he said.

"It's not in our sights, nor is it a measure we are contemplating," said Illa, who is stepping down to run for the top post in Catalonia in regional elections next month.

Illa insisted that the scope of restrictions available under a state of emergency which is in place until May was enough.

Memories of the harsh months-long lockdown imposed last March remain fresh in Spain where no one was allowed out for walks or exercise for six weeks until the government began slowly easing the rules, first for children.

But with the number of cases rising, several regionswhich are responsible for managing healthcarehave brought forward a nightly curfew or ordered the closure of certain businesses since the start of the year.

Inter-regional travel curbs

Castille and Leon, one of the worst-hit regions, even wants to reimpose its own brief lockdown, but the government has turned down the request.

With Spain counting more than 51,000 deaths and close to two million infections, most regions have banned movement across their borders without a valid reason.

And in Catalonia, new rules took effect on Thursday under which residents cannot leave their town or city without a valid reason.

The wealthy northeastern region has also closed shopping centres and gyms, bars and restaurants can serve only breakfast or lunch, and only essential shops can open at the weekend.

Schools there will not reopen until January 11 in order to delay for as long as possible the return to classrooms after Christmas.

The Madrid region enforces a six-hour curfew from midnight and closes off areas with a very high infection rate, while on the party island of Ibiza, the curfew now starts at 10 pm and bars and restaurants can serve only on terraces.

Only the southwestern Extremadura region, which has the highest incidence in the country, has shuttered bars, restaurants and all non-essential shops for several weeks.

Vaccination campaign under way

Spain began its vaccination campaign using the Pfizer-BioNTech jab on December 27 and has since immunised nearly 140,000 people, the latest figures show.

It will receive its first doses of the newly approved Moderna vaccine "within seven to 10 days" and is hoping to have received 600,000 doses within the next six weeks.

Authorities aim to have vaccinated around 70 percent of the population of 47 million by summer.

Although the number of confirmed cases is expected to pass the two million mark on Thursday, the actual number is much higher, with a seroprevalence study released in December showing around 10 percent of the populationor 4.7 million peoplehave been infected with the virus.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
A Dublin-based company has settled legal action around patent infringement on touchscreen devices with tech giants including Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, LG and Sony.

Neodron had taken legal action against 10 large consumer tech companies alleging patent infringement on touchscreen devices such as smartphones, tablets, watches and laptops. The legal action, which focused on touch and gesture technology, had been logged with the International Trade Commission in the US, as well as in Germany and China.

Read More

We had accomplished an incredible string of favorable rulings and other success in the infringement actions, said Aoife Butler, general counsel of Atlantic IP Services, Neodrons management company. This settlement further vindicates the strength and fundamental nature of the Neodron patent portfolio.

Neodron buys up technology patents and then sues giants that it believes is infringing those patents. Its patents concentrate on capacitive touch sensor and controller functionality for smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, smart appliances and automotive displays.

Ms Butler rejected criticism that Neodrons business model replicates that of a patent troll.

The lifeblood of any economy is innovation, she said. And there can be no innovation without a strong, robust patent system, which spurs innovation by protecting the rights of patent holders, including the monetisation of intellectual property.

"This outcome is an example of the patent system working. And the settlement confirms there is a cohesive and, indeed, complementary relationship between innovation and industry when patent rights are enforced and licensed the right way.

Neodron was established in Dublin in 2018.

The settlement brings an end to various high profile legal actions concerning allegations of patent infringement against those companies, based on their importation and sale of smartphones, tablets and laptops having certain advanced capacitive touchscreens, a company statement affirmed.

Last year, an associated Dublin firm, Solas LED, won a court judgement in Germany against tech giants LG and Sony for infringing patented Oled screen technology.

Solas argued that the tech giants were using a control circuit for light emitting diodes as invented at Stuttgart university that it had acquired, in its televisions and displays.

The firm was also represented by Atlantic IP Services.

Online Editors
The idea of synthetic data is nothing new. It can be traced back to the 1930s as used in audio and voice synthesis. However, it is gaining prominence as it is utilized in big data analysis and artificial intelligence training in light of growing bias and privacy issues.

A 2018 Gartner study projected that 85 percent of algorithms will be erroneous because of bias. On the other hand, big data appears to have become a big business for lawyers, but it is becoming a serious concern for consumers or ordinary people.

To address these data issues, AI companies are turning to manufactured or synthetic data. These generate artificial data in various forms, from numerical to visual, backed by established randomization and anonymization techniques to simulate real world information.

The following are some of the most notable companies that are taking advantage of synthetic data to advance the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Ai.Reverie

Founded in 2016, synthetic data and AI company AI.Reverie offers a suite of APIs designed to help organizations across industries in training their machine learning algorithms to improve their AI apps. The company specializes in computer vision. It specifically addresses three of the biggest hurdles that have limited this technology for decades: the lack of data diversity, limited data access, and the long and costly process of data labeling. AI.Reveries manufactured data are said to deliver 10x diversity and 100% annotation accuracy.

AI.Reverie was named a Gartner Cool Vendor for 2020 in AI Core Technologies, a distinction which the company considers as an affirmation of their innovative technology. In 2019, AI.Reverie forged a strategic partnership and investment deal with In-Q-Tel, a nonprofit organization that supports US intelligence and defense agencies, to advance computer vision technologies to make them useful in mission-critical applications.

Mostly.Ai

Claiming to be the worlds most accurate synthetic data platform, Mostly.ai seeks to unlock big data assets while maintaining the privacy of consumers (who are the source of such big data). This mission is in line with the most prominent reason why synthetic data is being used in research. The company focuses on helping organizations avoid the adverse implications of violating privacy rights for using data collected from consumers.

Based in Austria, Mostly.ai takes advantage of state-of-the-art generative deep neural networks that come with integrated privacy mechanisms that make it impossible to associate data with specific identities. The companys GPU-powered technology enables organizations to simulate convincingly realistic and scalable scenarios using completely anonymous customer data. Aside from AI training, Mostly.ai also offers its synthetic data to enable rapid PoC evaluation and support data-driven product development.

OneView

Another company that its mission is to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning is OneView from Tel Aviv, Israel. Founded in 2019, it has already attracted considerable attention for its synthetic data generation technology. OneView specializes in synthetic data for remote sensing imagery analytics, in particular virtually generated satellite, aerial, and drone imagery to be used in AI algorithm training. The company has been working with defense and intelligence agencies as well as commercial companies and has earned praise from Kobi Katz of RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems, Ltd.

OneView answers real pain points in the GEOINT industry. AI algorithms used for geospatial analytics (the interpretation of remote sensing images) rely on real images for their training. This raises three main challenges: First, real images are expensive. Second, the annotation of the images is done manually and is error-prone. Last, sometimes you simply cant find the coverage that youre looking for since it was not captured. OneViews generation platform overcome all three challenges. First, The generation process is swift and cost-effective Second, the datasets are created automatically and come out of the system fully-annotated and ready for training. Third, virtually all possible scenarios are covered  any objects can be placed any environment and the datasets can be adapted to any available sensor.

Datagen

Offering a solution to the data bottleneck in computer vision development, Datagen offers scalable and customizable high-variance training data synthesized with real-world benchmarks. The company helps advanced the learning process of AI algorithms used in robotics, smart cars, smart stores, augmented reality, virtual reality, Internet of Things, smart factories, drones, security systems, and various other applications.

Datagen specializes in what it calls as human-focused data, which it dubs as the next generation of synthetic data. This technology harnesses the capabilities of Latent Space Variation Generation Algorithms (GANs), super rendering algorithms, and reinforcement learning humanoid algorithms to produce data sets that depict the real world with photo-realistic and high-variance details. These data sets can be delivered with bespoke 2D and 3D annotations.

Cognata

Cognata is a synthetic data company that specializes in self-driving vehicles. The company provides complete product lifecycle simulation for autonomous vehicle makers and Advanced Driving Support System (ADAS) developers. It delivers autonomous vehicle (AV) training using automatically generated 3D environments, hyper-realistic AI-powered traffic factors. It also provides an AV validation platform wherein scenarios can be compiled to generate millions of AV edge cases. Additionally, it enables sophisticated AV analysis with its configurable rules and visualization tools.

Cognata emphasizes realism, scalability, and ease of integration in its data sets. The company has developed a system to realistically emulate the activity of the sensors and movements of an AV as it moves around the city. As featured in an MIT Review report, researchers at Cognata identified the problem of unpredictability in autonomous vehicles when they encounter unusual scenarios. Cognata developed a solution that leverages synthetic data to address this defect.

Lifting Limits, Accelerating Operation, Lowering Costs

So how do these companies help advance AI development with synthetic data? It all boils down to three vital benefits: limitlessness, faster data generation, and significantly lower cost.

First, synthetic data is unlimited as opposed to the inherent restrictiveness of using actual data. Using actual real-world data is ideal, but it is often unviable or extremely difficult to do. Synthetic data offers an excellent alternative without compromising accuracy. With the right technologies and algorithms, synthetic data can be produced to match real-world objects and realities with virtually zero variance while being scalable to match varying needs.

On the other hand, it is considerably faster to produce and use synthetic data. One of the biggest problems of using actual data is the tedious and time-consuming task of labeling or annotation. Human involvement is required to label data before it is fed to an AI system. With synthetic data, annotation is automatic. All the necessary labels are added as the data is produced, and they are as accurate as they can be since they are created as the data is manufactured.

Lastly, because synthetic data is much easier and faster to produce, its cost is markedly lower. Also, it can be customized and scaled up or down depending on specific needs.

All the startups listed above produce synthetic data sets that create the benefits of unlimited data sets, faster time to market, and low data cost. They may have different approaches, but they are similar in making efficient use of manufactured data to accelerate AI training and expedite the completion of projects that use AI or machine learning.

Image: Pixabay
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Radon may not be on anyones health radar, but its still a major risk for some people, according the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Experts said the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantines have made testing homes for radon especially crucial.

January is National Radon Action Month, and the state is urging residents to test their homes for the gas, which is the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths.

According to a news release, health officials estimate that radon is responsible for more than 21,100 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Testing homes for radon is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, health authorities said, as people are spending more time at home  particularly in the lower floors of their houses, where radon levels can be higher.

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas formed from the natural decay of uranium and is found in rock, soil,and water. While radon in outdoor air poses a relatively low risk to human health, it can enter homes from the surrounding soil and become a health hazard inside buildings.

Many people are unaware of the harmful health risk of radon in their homes, because it is not a gas you can see, smell or taste, said Acting Connecticut DPH Commissioner Dr. Deidre S. Gifford in a news release. The only way to detect this silent killer is through testing, and that is why the DPH Radon Program works together with local health departments across the state to make sure residents are well informed about these risks.

The DPH Radon Program recommends that the lowest occupied levels of all Connecticut homes be tested for radon in the winter months.

The health department reports that 33 local health department/district partners were provided 2,075 free test kits for distribution in their local communities to support radon awareness. Those interested in learning whether they are eligible for one of the free kits can visit the DPH Radon Program website at ct.gov/radon to view a map of these local health partners and contact them directly.

Test kits can also be purchased from hardware stores or the American Lung Association, by calling 1-800-LUNGUSA or visiting lung.org.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that homes with radon levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L be fixed. Homeowners should consider fixing homes with radon levels between 2pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.

Smokers exposed to radon have a much higher risk for developing lung cancer.

To learn more about radon and to obtain a list of radon mitigation contractors, visit ct.gov/radon.
The building is all clear after MSP conducted its bomb sweep, according to state police and facility managers.

LANSING, MI - The Michigan Capitol was temporarily shut down due to state police investigating a threat, according to a Thursday alert sent out to House representatives and staff.

The message, sent out before 8 a.m. on Jan. 7, says: Due to a threat early this morning...the Capitol is temporarily closed to all members and staff. Michigan State Police are investigating. You will be notified when the building is re-opened.

The bomb threat came from a man at 6:40 a.m. into the Capitol Facilities Control Office, according to a statement from the Michigan State Police. Additional personnel and resources were sent to the building out of an abundance of caution, police said.

The building reopened after the sweep was completed by 9 a.m., police said.

This threat remains under investigation, and additional information will not be released, according to the statement. Every effort will be made to identify the person who made this threat and prosecute them to the fullest extent the law will allow.

The Michigan House and Senate are not in session until next week. Staff and members with security access are allowed in the building, according to Matt White, assistant director of facility operations in the Capitol. It is still closed to the public due to COVID-19 precautions, he told MLive.

The closure follows Wednesdays attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump aiming to overturn the Electoral College win by President-elect Joe Biden.

Thousands of the Presidents supporters converged at the nations Capitol on Jan. 6, overwhelming Capitol police and forcing a building-wide lockdown amid reports of vandalism and an explosive device found nearby. Four people died during the storming of the Capitol, according to the Associated Press.

Read more: Attack at U.S. Capitol threatens constitutional crisis, says Michigan state senator

Congress eventually resumed their session later Wednesday and officially certified Bidens victory by early Thursday. Trump conceded defeat for the first time, promising there would be an orderly transition on January 20th.

To see the latest updates on violence at the U.S. Capitol, check here.



When Air Force One swoops into town, everyone stops and stares. Across the world, in friendly and not-so-friendly nations, the majesty of America is unmistakable.

The White House projection of power is unique. It brings its own motorcade and fuel. Its own security. Its own helicopters for local transport.

But above all it brings something that cannot be captured in a photo of the mighty plane or the support staff or even the President.

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It brings that inner glow of confidence and vigour that comes not from cold steel, but from an idea: that it is a beacon of democracy and good governance, and recognised as such across the world.

The opening phrase of the preamble to the American Constitution is 'We the people'.

When Air Force One swoops into town, everyone stops and stares. Across the world, in friendly and not-so-friendly nations, the majesty of America is unmistakable

And for all its massive faults  the wars that should not have been fought, the alliances with dictators, the miscalculations and often sheer ignorance over foreign policy  America has upheld the idea that when the government acts, it does so in the name of its people, with all the democratic restraints and balances that involves.

It is a notion that highlights the difference between power, which is open to abuse, and authority, which confers legitimacy on its actions.

The former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright called the U.S. the world's 'indispensable nation'. She meant that when someone had to take a lead in world affairs, it was always America because of its unique mixture of power and authority.

There is no doubt that after this week's seismic shock of the scenes on Capitol Hill, America is just as powerful as it was last week.

But does it still have authority  not least in the minds of Xi Jinping of China or Vladimir Putin of Russia, of the leaders of North Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world where there is little or no freedom?

The White House projection of power is unique. It brings its own motorcade and fuel. Its own security. Its own helicopters for local transport

They will all now be watching and chuckling. So much for all those lectures about how democracy was superior because it was stronger and more resilient and mature.

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Heck, there is even a chain of American clothes stores called Banana Republic, as a kind of running joke aimed at wretched foreigners who live in nations that are not, in Albright's term, 'indispensable'.

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Overnight, that joke has fallen flat. Around the world, democratic leaders are horrified. Alongside all the condemnation of what happened and the statements of support for U.S. democracy, one intervention stands out  saying out loud what others are thinking behind the scenes.

Poland's former foreign minister, Oxford-educated Radek Sikorski, tweeted: 'The U.S. Cabinet should immediately, under the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, declare @realDonaldTrump insane and terminate his presidency.' And some senior Democrats agree with him.

So much for all those lectures about how democracy was superior because it was stronger and more resilient and mature

It's probably too late for that to happen. But we can see what Mr Sikorski was thinking.

At least if they got rid of Trump over the next few days, America would have a positive story to tell: we flirted with disaster and then the system saved us.

Assuming that Trump stays in the White House until January 20, and leaves as he seems to be promising to do, the picture is less clear.

America will have a powerful figure in the wings who will be telling the world, loud and clear on any platform he can find, that the election was stolen, that the U.S. is a failed state.

One of the big plus points of democracy  the routinely peaceful and universally acknowledged transfer of power after an election  will be undermined for years to come.

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Never mind the gloating autocrats such as Putin and Xi. Can the U.S. remain a beacon for people around the world who want to be free and to choose their own leaders?

Assuming that Trump stays in the White House until January 20, and leaves as he seems to be promising to do, the picture is less clear

The risk is that brave souls living in and fighting against dictatorships simply give up, their determination undermined by the flames they see enveloping the 'Shining City on the Hill', as Ronald Reagan used to describe America in relation to the rest of the world.

So here are two big questions. How does this incoming White House, how do all Americans, convince the world they still have authority? And how do they deal with Donald Trump now?

I have long believed that the best outcome for Trump would be an understanding that if he behaved relatively well, he could avoid prosecution and jail. When they chanted 'lock her up' about Hillary Clinton at Trump rallies, it felt un-American. They don't lock up their former leaders.

Now, I am not so sure. They may have to. If not lock him up then at least throw the book at him. For abuse of power in office, for alleged tax fraud, for the whole works.

The problem is that Joe Biden and his deputy, Kamala Harris, need to be able to look the world in the face and say: 'We are dealing with this.'

They have to lance the Trump boil and suggest with some credibility that American democracy has won the day  that they held a free and fair election in conditions of huge stress and power has been transferred.

But this is about politics as well as process. Many Americans Republicans as well as Democrats  will insist that the country cannot let Trump, or a member of his family, have a real chance of running again in four years' time. That door needs to be shut, they will say.

On the other hand, the risk of creating a martyr out of Trump is real. And around the world the act of prosecuting a politician, even one as outlandish as Trump, is a desperately poor look. It positively screams out 'banana republic'.

Joe Biden will have to strike a fine balance.

America still has so much in its favour  the country's freedom and openness remain a huge feature of its international appeal and a source of strength, particularly when compared with China and Russia.

But for many around the world now, only concrete actions  leading the fight against the pandemic, supporting democracy, building genuine global friendships  will do, whether or not Trump and his mob are screaming about injustice from the sidelines.

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Is America still 'indispensable'? We are about to find out.


Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 7 : Kerala health minister KK Shailaja has said that preparations for the second dry run for Covid vaccination in the state are almost complete. The dry run will be conducted at 46 centres in the state according to the Central government guidelines.

The dry run will be conducted at medical colleges, district hospitals, private hospitals and urban/ rural health centres, the minister said.

It will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 25 health workers will participate at each centre with strict adherence to Covid vaccination protocols, Shailaja said. She added that this follows the first dry run conducted at 6 centres in four districts on January 4.

The minister said the state is fully prepared to carry out Covid vaccination. Shailaja said that 3,51,457 people have registered for Covid vaccination and added that all the applications received by the health department have been registered.

This includes 1,67,084 health workers from the government sector and 1,84,373 health staff from the private sector. In addition to this 400 health workers under the "Vayomitram project" of the social justice department have also registered with the health department for vaccination, the minister said. The registration of 1344 workers of the "108" ambulance service is being carried out.

The minister informed that in the first phase, health workers in both the government and private sectors, medical students, ICDS Anganwadi workers will be given the vaccine.

Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, have we become a nation of wimps?

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Medical workers are taking swab samples from residents in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China, on Jan. 6, 2021. (STR/CNS/AFP via Getty Images)

Chinese City of 11 Million Issues Travel Ban as CCP Virus Outbreak Worsens

The largest metropolis in northern Chinas Hebei Province barred its 11 million residents from leaving city confines on Jan. 7 in an effort to curb the spread of the CCP virus which causes COVID-19.

Locals in a nearby city said in interviews with The Epoch Times that they were under lockdown, though authorities did not publicly announce the decision.

Hebei is the province that surrounds Chinas capital of Beijing. Many migrant workers in Beijing come from Hebei. Beijings food and other critical supplies are also mostly sourced from the province.

Shijiazhuang is the capital of Hebei.

Medical workers are taking swab samples from residents in Shijiazhuang, in northern Chinas Hebei Province on Jan. 6, 2021. (STR/CNS/AFP via Getty Images)

On Thursday evening, the citys vice mayor Meng Xianghong announced that all residents and vehicles will not be permitted to leave the city. Residents and vehicles of Gaocheng districtdesignated by authorities as a high-risk region for virus spread and home to 790,100were further restricted and not allowed to leave the borders of their home district.

The day prior, the city government had announced that a full lockdown would begin on Thursday, but still allowed people to leave by plane, train, and private cars if they presented a negative nucleic acid test result that was issued within the past 72 hours.

The Hebei Health Commission announced that 120 people were infected with the CCP virus on Wednesday.

Chinese authorities have announced few domestic infections since late March 2020, despite local citizens reporting severe outbreaks in different cities and regions throughout the past year. The majority of new infections publicized in recent days came from Hebei Province.

In turn, most of the reported Hebei cases came from Shijiazhuang.

Some residents told The Epoch Times that they were locked down at home since Jan. 2.

This disease is spreading very quickly, said Lin Guo (pseudonym), a villager in Xiaoguozhuang of Gaocheng district. Many of my fellow villagers felt sick and were diagnosed at hospitals, he told the Chinese-language Epoch Times in a phone interview.

Medical workers are taking swab samples from residents in Shijiazhuang, in northern Chinas Hebei Province on Jan. 6, 2021. (STR/CNS/AFP via Getty Images)

On Jan. 7, residents in different counties and cities within Xingtai municipalitywhich has 8.01 million residentssaid that their towns were also locked down, though authorities didnt announce the policy.

All stores and shops in our city havent been allowed to open since Jan. 5, and goods delivery has stopped, said Ms. Li, a business owner in Nangong, a small city administered by the Xingtai government.

In a video that a resident of Wei county shared with The Epoch Times, police officers told car drivers that Xingtai was locked down and all vehicles may not leave the city.

The northeastern cities of Shenyang, Dalian, and Heihe, also with surges in COVID-19 cases, remained under lockdown, while Xinjiang in northwestern China reported a new domestic infection. Last November, the region had a local outbreak whereby residents suspected local authorities were covering up infection data.
COVID-19 is killing thousands of people a day in the U.S., but from the vantage point of six or eight months ago, some would say the hard part is over. Thanks to microbiologists working in record time , the U.S. has approved vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that are 90 percent effective, and millions of doses await distribution. Unfortunately, the federal government isnt entirely prepared for that , and time is of the essence as the death toll climbs and states work with health officials to set up their own distribution networks before doses expire.Fresh off a months-long effort to facilitate COVID-19 testing, the health testing platform Ixlayer is rolling out a new software tool for the last mile of distribution to help state and local agencies, and health-care providers, get those doses into arms.Founded in 2017, Ixlayer has spent much of the past four years helping large health-care providers and pharmaceutical companies launch diagnostic tests or patient monitoring programs. CEO and co-founder Pouria Sanae said that experience prepared Ixlayer to branch into the public sector for COVID-19 testing, and to date, the company has supported more than 450 COVID testing programs nationwide.The companys new software tool is aimed at both public and private customers over three phases of distribution, starting with state governments and health departments coordinating with hospitals to vaccinate health-care workers. Sanae said the last mile starts wherever the vaccine arrives at a vaccination center and ends with patient follow-ups: from pre-vaccination procedures like electronic consent and health screening, through clinical staff scanning, administering and reporting doses, to post-vaccination monitoring.Sanae said all their clients need is their own clinical staff to do the vaccination, although Ixlayer has partners who can help with that too.Because were in phase one right now, these larger customers, these government organizations, need to order the vaccine themselves, to whatever state theyre in. We dont do that, he said. But we foresee even being able to help them with that in phase two and phase three.Sanae said the software includes three portals, one each for clinical staff, for patients to fill out a questionnaire and report adverse effects, and for administration to track which of their staff have been vaccinated. Ixlayer can set up these portals within 48 hours, and the entire program within a week.

Its far from the only vaccine management tool on the market, as other companies including Accenture , Qualtrics and Simplus have announced them in recent months. But Sanae said his company has relationships, subject-matter expertise and past experience with electronic medical records (EMR) systems that made Ixlayers software ready to go.We have a good knowledge of the EMRs that are out there, and we know where the EMRs are lacking, both for the testing and now for the vaccination. Often EMR or (electronic health records) platforms do not have patient-facing experience  adverse effects reporting, electronic consent, those things are sort of outside their limitation, especially connecting into what we call a patient (customer relationship management system), he said. So based on feedback we got from the industry, and this is something that is changing on a daily basis, we modified our patient CRM to match vaccination requirements.Sanae has been dismayed by the federal governments disorganization with vaccine distribution preparations so far, but he said the same thing happened with COVID testing at first, when people couldnt even get swabs, but that got better over time.I really think we will hit those target numbers  a million vaccinations per day  if we solve this last mile situation, and the same thing happened with COVID (testing), he said.

Press Trust of India

Surveillance of untreated wastewater can warn officials about an impending spike or decrease in COVID-19 cases up to two weeks in advance, according to a study conducted by scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Gandhinagar. The researchers, including those from Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), explored the association between the SARS-CoV-2 genetic load in wastewater and the number of Covid-19 cases at the district level in Gandhinagar, to establish if wastewater surveillance can be an effective tool to warn about the disease early.

"This is the first ever proof based on weekly surveillance in India that unravels this early warning capability of wastewater surveillance for COVID-19," Professor Manish Kumar from the Department of Earth Sciences, IIT-GN, who led the study, told PTI.

"The results are very encouraging, and we are planning to share them with the authorities," said Kumar, adding that it is the need of the hour that officials should take up wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) as a policy intervention for COVID-19 mitigation plan.

Professor Prosun Bhattacharya, from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden agreed that wastewater surveillance should be made a part of Covid-19 management not only in India but even globally to have a stringent control of the prevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 infections.

"This study led by IITGN team strongly suggests that WBE surveillance must be made a mandatory step in a national health surveillance programme, especially as an integrated part of COVID-19 pandemic monitoring," Bhattacharya told PTI.

"This will help the water authorities to identify the hotspots in a city to provide up to 2 weeks of time lead for improvising smart and demand driven interventions for Covid-19 management," he added.

Bhattacharya noted that waste water surveillance from the domestic flights would also be a critical step to follow in order to track the mobility of the population who are the potential careers of SARS-CoV-2 for eventual disease spreading.

Kumar also claimed that WBE can help monitor the efficacy of vaccines against Covid-19 after they are rolled out.

"Wastewater surveillance can be in place for monitoring the condition of wastewater coming out from key buildings like the Parliament or Secretariat or south block in Delhi to compare the situation in the pre and post anti-Covid-19 vaccine era," he explained.

Conducted in collaboration with the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), the study has been posted on the preprint repository medRxiv, and is under review in the journal Environmental Research.

The research builds on a study conducted by the team in May last year in Ahmedabad, wherein the team demonstrated the first-ever successful detection in India of the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater.

The latest study analysed SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the 43 samples from four wastewater treatment plants during August 7 to September 30 period, last year.

Influent or untreated part of wastewater was collected from each plant, twice in a week at first, followed by weekly collection for two months.

A total of 43 influent wastewater samples were thus collected in the period from the four plants.

Three target genes of SARS-CoV-2 were considered and presence of two or all genes in a specific sample was considered as positive' for Covid-19.

The researchers said a total of 40 samples out of 43 were found to be positive i.e. having at least two genes of SARS-CoV-2.

They then did a time-based comparison of official, documented cases of Covid-19 with the percentage change in genome concentration in the samples.

Professor Ryo Honda, associate professor at Kanazawa University, who is leading a task force on wastewater surveillance in Japan, said the study has important implications for WBE of Covid-19 in India.

"In Japan we also explicitly found the WBE potential to predict the COVID-19 cases where SARS-CoV-2 was detected even when the number of reported cases was less than 1 per 1,00,000 people," Honda told PTI.

"Wastewater surveillance for the athletes' village has been proposed as one of the key elements for COVID-19 risk management during the upcoming Tokyo Olympic 2021," Masaaki Kitajima, from Hokkaido University, added.

Experts say WBE is a promising approach to understand the status of disease outbreak in a certain catchment by monitoring viral load in wastewater.

"We detected SARS-CoV-2 genes in the wastewater first and patients were then back-traced before the symptoms appeared," Aaron Bivins, from the University of Notre Dame, a key member to create Global Collaboration on WBE of Covid-19, said.

The US federal government has worded a contract for monitoring of wastewater coming from one third of the US population," he said.

Studies have reported that the novel coronavirus is present in the faeces of infected individuals. Genetic material (RNA) from the virus has been found in sewage entering treatment plants.

Because treatment plants collect wastewater across large regions, measuring the level of RNA in untreated wastewater may provide a valuable insight into the percentage of people infected within a region, the researchers said.

Using RT-PCR tests, researchers can detect the novel coronavirus with high sensitivity, Kumar added.
WASHINGTON  Both Rep. Lisa McClain and Sen. Gary Peters, who represent the Upper Thumb, said they were safe Wednesday afternoon after a mob led by supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in protest of the election results.

Both spoke out on Twitter, condemning the protests.

"I am safe, sheltering in a secure location and will continue to follow the guidance of the Capitol Police," Peters tweeted amid the chaos. "Todays attacks on the Capitol are dangerous, unacceptable and an attack on our democracy  and must stop."

Earlier in the day, Peters tweeted that protesting the results was "dangerous."

"These efforts to challenge the election results  certified by EVERY state & the Electoral College  are dangerous, destructive and irresponsible," Peters tweeted. "These challenges will fail but can still do tremendous damage."

"Democracy is not guaranteed," he continued. "We must fight to protect it along with the integrity of our elections. We must stand up against efforts that seek to disenfranchise voters in Michigan & across the country and ensure we do not weaken our standing around the world."

McClain, who was expected to vote against certifying the results Wednesday, tweeted that the Capitol police will work to keep all Americans safe.

"Attacks on these patriots are never justified," McClain tweeted. "I will continue to listen to law enforcement that are protecting those in the Capitol and thank all who have reached out with concerns."

She then called for the attacks to cease.

"To be clear, patriots is another word for law enforcement  those who risk their safety for the greater good," she tweeted. "These attacks on our nations Capitol must stop. This is beneath America."
South Carolina's Washington, D.C., lawmakers immediately reported being safe after thousands of pro-Donald Trump protesters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday upending the procedural vote to certify the Electoral College results for President-elect Joe Biden.

As soon as the Palmetto State's delegation was accounted for and out of harm's way, several took to Twitter to decry the violence and vandalism.

From secure positions around the complex, the nine members lambasted the takeover, with some asking Trump to take control and issue a strong statement for the occupying crowd to disperse.

"This will accomplish nothing," U.S. Rep. Tom Rice, R-Myrtle Beach, said during the seizure. "Where is the President!? He must ask people to disperse and restore calm now."

Trump later issued a message telling the crowd to go home.

Charleston's new Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, who is less than a week into the beginning of her term, was among the many lawmakers evacuated Wednesday afternoon as lawmakers began the process of certifying the results.

Mace and her staff were taken from the Cannon Office Building after Capitol police located a suspicious package half a block from them. She told The Post and Courier she's appalled at the chaos.

"This isn't who we are," Mace said. "We're better than this. Two wrongs don't make a right. Just because we've seen the fringe left riot doesn't mean we have to."

Others took to Twitter to get their message out while their movements were restricted.

Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Scott reported: "The violence occurring at the United States Capitol right now is simply unacceptable, and I fully condemn it. Team Scott is safe. God bless the U.S. Capitol Police and U.S. Secret Service for protecting us."

Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham called the violent occupation "a national embarrassment."

"Those who made this attack on our government need to be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," he tweeted. "Their actions are repugnant to democracy."

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol's steps and were met by officers in riot gear, The Associated Press reported, disrupting the certification of the Electoral College vote that is destined to confirm Biden as president.

Some tried to push past the officers who held riot shields. Police could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back. Some in the crowd were shouting "traitors" as officers formed a defensive line.

Lawmakers were meeting in Washington to affirm Biden's victory, but some GOP politicians planned to object. As the mob broke through doors, the process was then cut short due to an "external security threat" and no one could enter or exit the Capitol complex.

Both chambers abruptly went into recess.

A photograph showed one protester sitting in a chair at the Senate's main desk, his armed raised in a pumped fist.

Over the course of several minutes, early on in the event, the offices of South Carolina lawmakers chimed in with all-safe announcements as many were taken away to undisclosed locations.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncans spokeswoman Addie Patterson reported: "All safe."

Duncan also tweeted: "Please protest peacefully and obey all police demands!"

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilsons spokeswoman McLaurine Pinover confirmed: The Congressman and staff are safe and the Congressman still intends to speak on the House floor later today. Staff is also very limited due to the pandemic.

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn of Columbia, the House majority whip and the only Democrat in the nine-member S.C. delegation, is safe and secure, his spokeswoman said.

The occupation, by Trump supporters who had just heard the president speak from the Ellipse in front of the White House, interrupted the Electoral College certification minutes into the debate and before any South Carolina lawmakers were able to speak.

Mace and Scott are the only two members of South Carolina's delegation who have said they'll support the Electoral College's results. Graham and Rice said they would listen to the debate and then make their decision.

The four remaining Republicans in South Carolinas delegation  Duncan of Laurens, Ralph Norman of Rock Hill, William Timmons of Greenville and Wilson of Springdale  joined dozens of House members in planning to object, citing unfounded claims of fraud or changes to election procedures in several key states.

Some of the politicians from the Palmetto State decried the protests. Timmons told The Post and Courier that he and his staff were barricaded in his office. He was disappointed in what was happening.

"We can accomplish our objectives without resorting to violence," Timmons tweeted. "If you have friends or family here in Washington, please encourage them to back away from the complex and resume their peaceful demonstrations at a safe distance. We are better than this."

Mace said the rhetoric and protests related to Wednesday's vote were damaging to the American spirit.

"This vote today is not about the Electoral College, it's about our Republic," Mace said. "We've got to find a solution but tearing apart our Constitution and our Capitol isn't the answer."

Reporter Jamie Lovegrove and Politics Editor Schuyler Kropf contributed to this report.
Ireland has secured commitments for the delivery of 470,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines before the end of March and hopes to secure significant quantities of doses of vaccines not yet approved, the health minister said on Thursday.

Ireland, which has a population of 4.9 million, has confirmed orders for 360,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine and for 110,000 doses of the rival Moderna vaccine, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told RTE radio.

It is my hope that we will also have significant quantities of AstraZeneca and possibly Johnson & Johnson as well during the first quarter of the year, he said.

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To celebrate the Chinese New Year, Apple has launched a special edition AirPods Pro in China featuring an Ox icon. 2021 is being celebrated as the Year of the Ox in China.

Priced at RMB 1,999, this special edition AirPods Pro is similar to the regular AirPods Pro barring the Ox icon on the charging case and the retail packaging. The regular AirPods Pro is also priced at RMB 1,999 in China. Apple will be making a limited number of these Ox-themed AirPods Pro available for sale. It has manufactured a total of 25,400 units, out of which 13,920 units will be sold online and the remaining 11,480 units will be sold in retail stores. Customers will be eligible to buy 2 units of the limited edition AirPods Pro.

Apple has also published a special gift guide on its Chinese website for the Chinese New Year where it is recommending customers to buy the iPhone 12, the special edition AirPods, iPads, MagSafe accessories, and more.

The Chinese New Year will begin on February 12, 2021. Apple products are in high demand during the Chinese New Year and Apple is trying to further bank in on the trend with this limited edition AirPods Pro.

You can buy the AirPods Pro Year of the Ox limited edition in China from here.
It was an interesting day in the world of technology today. On one hand, Facebook blocked US President Donald Trump on its platform. On the other hand, Samsung launched the Galaxy M02s smartphone in India. In addition to that Google Assistant got the Do Nothing mode.

So, here's what happened in tech today:

Elon Musk overtakes Jeff Bezos as worlds richest man

Tesla CEO Elon Musk became the world's richest man surpassing Amazon founder Jeff Bezos who has held the position since 2017.

Facebook blocks Donald Trump temporarily

Facebook today announced that it would block Donald Trump indefinitely or till after the transition is complete and Joe Biden comes to power in the US as president.

Google Assistant gets Do Nothing mode

Google has rolled out a feature called Do Nothing mode. You can activate this mode by saying, Ok Google, eat a 5 Star. Once activated, Google Assistant will neither do any work nor let you work too hard.

Flipkart offers support for Marathi

Flipkart on Thursday announced the rollout of Marathi language support on its platform. With the latest addition, Flipkart is now available six languages, which includes English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi.

Samsung Galaxy M02s launched in India

Samsung today launched a new budget smartphone in India. The Galaxy M02s starts at 8,999 for the base model with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. You can check all the details here.
Experts are warning that up to 200mm of rain could fall in parts of Malaga province delivering almost a fifth of the total annual rainfall in just three days.

Storm Filomena arrived in the south of Spain on Wednesday afternoon, although not with the expected intensity.

The original amber alert for Malaga, Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce has now been downgraded to yellow by Spains national weather agency, Aemet, but experts say it is still necessary to exercise extreme caution.

The director of the Malaga Meteorological Centre, Jose Maria Sanchez-Laulhe, explained that the collision of two air masses is responsible for the forecast downpours. There is a very cold one over the Peninsula and a hot and humid front that will enter through the Gulf of Cadiz.

"This is going to cause abundant rains, which in Malaga city could reach 100mm and in parts of the west of the province up to 200mm," he said.

If these amounts are confirmed, it would mean that between Wednesday and Friday Malaga would receive almost a fifth of its total annual rainfall.
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A male model who attacked his girlfriend in a Tube station after police were repeatedly called to their home during the first Covid-19 lockdown has been spared jail.

Danny Hewitt, 23, assaulted Molly Galwin-Russell in the underpass at Royal Oak station in west London on May 3 last year.

Police had been called to the couple's Kilburn flat three times in April over harassment claims and an allegation of criminal damage, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

'There is a history of domestic reports in this case between the complainant and the defendant, said Robert Simpson, prosecuting.

'There were three call-outs from arguments in April 2020, including harassment and criminal damage to the mother's property.

'They've been intermittently staying together in isolation.'

Danny Hewitt, 23, assaulted Molly Galwin-Russell in the underpass at Royal Oak station in west London on May 3 last year. Pictured: Hewitt

Police were called to the station underpass by a railway worker, who was challenged by Hewitt and told not to get involved after he found Ms Galwin-Russell on the ground.

She was later found with a cut to her head and mentioned she had hurt her leg.

Ms Galwin-Russell refused to give evidence against Hewitt, but he was convicted of assault by beating last month.

Hewitt, who denied the charges, was sentenced to an 18-month community order, 250 hours of unpaid work and a 25 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Police had been called to the couple's Kilburn flat three times in April over harassment claims and an allegation of criminal damage, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. Pictured: Hewitt

He was also ordered to pay 775 court costs and a 95 victim surcharge.

Detective Constable Mahmudha Ali, from the Met's Central West Command Unit, said: 'This case highlights how third party reporting has ensured a violent domestic perpetrator can be convicted without evidence being given by the victim.

'I would like to thank the two witnesses in this case for firstly calling the police and preventing further harm coming to the victim and secondly for providing evidence, as without it this case may never have made it to court and justice served.

'I would urge anyone who may be at risk of becoming a victim, or has concerns about a colleague, friend or loved one - please call us we are here for you.'
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LANZHOU, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Ye Changlian, a businessperson from northwest China, has been planting allium mongolicum, an Asian species of wild onion, for more than a decade. With Chinese researchers' support, this desert plant not only benefits local ecology but also helps boost the economy.

Ye lives in Minqin County of Gansu Province. Known as "sand town," the county is an artificial oasis located between Badain Jaran and Tengger, two large deserts in China covering 85,000 square km in total. In the past, it was difficult for local people to earn a living there due to the harsh environment.

Things have changed since a research team from the Gansu Desert Control Research Institute came to visit. Based in Minqin for more than 60 years, the team has found ways for local people to reclaim land from the desert.

Yan Zizhu, a researcher at the institute, has long paid attention to the wild onion, which is widely distributed in arid desert areas in northern China. Because of its edible value and sand-fixing function, Yan believes that cultivating the onion can help the county develop more water-efficient industries, and therefore adjust the industrial structure and restore the ecosystem.

Yan's team has been focusing on studying the onion in Minqin since 1999. Through a series of complex experiments, they found how to artificially plant allium mongolicum and raise its productivity.

Guided by the planting technology of Yan's team, Ye has become a leading grower in the county. In 2019, the sales revenue of allium mongolicum he planted was over 20 million yuan (about 3 million U.S. dollars), helping hundreds of local people increase their income.

"The technical support from experts has helped us realize our dreams of making more money and living a better life," Ye said.

Minqin has suffered sandstorms for decades. Fortunately, with innovative planting technologies, Chinese researchers are helping areas such as Minqin to restore their ecosystems, explore new ways of combating desertification and at the same time increase the income of local villagers.

Ma Quanlin, deputy director of the institute, said that after years of research, the team has found a group of desert plants suitable for Minqin's climate. They have a higher survival rate and can be grown on a large scale, according to Ma.

Wild Agriophyllum squarrosum, also called wild sand rice, is another sand-fixing plant and natural food. In 2016, the institute began to study the characteristics of wild sand rice.

"The sand rice will sometimes be dormant in the soil. So it is very important to stimulate the germination of the seed," said Wei Linyuan, a senior specialist from the team.

Despite failures caused by frost and other factors initially, Wei and her colleagues finally developed a system of planting technology that can stimulate the germination of the seed, make it grow faster and improve its productivity.

They have also tried to make cakes, bread and noodles by using sand rice.

"We hope the local government will support the promotion of the plant cultivation and the extension of the food-processing chain in Minqin," Wei said.

"China has successfully achieved ecological and economic balance by using science and technology to control desertification for areas like Minqin, and such experience is useful in helping other countries fight desertification," Ma said.
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President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday outlined a four-point agenda that Kenya will advance as the country settles into its non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The President listed leveraging the knowledge and buy-in of stakeholders closest to crises and supporting the Security Council as well as associated UN bodies to strengthen the capacity of state institutions during post-conflict reconstruction as two of the measures that Kenya will support.

The Peace-building Commission will play an invaluable role, which Kenya will support closely over the next two years, President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State spoke Wednesday evening during a virtual meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the challenges of maintaining peace and security in fragile contexts.

President Kenyatta said Kenya will also back measures aimed at strengthening the role of Africa and the Global South in the multilateral system as well as ensuring that the COVID-19 pandemic does not become a major driver of insecurity.

If fragile countries do not get prompt access to the vaccine, their economic problems will likely turn into political and security challenges.

Affordable and quick access to the COVID-19 vaccine should, therefore, be regarded as a valuable investment in peace, President Kenyatta said.

Congratulating President Kais Saied of Tunisia for assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of January 2021, President Kenyatta noted that Tunisia played a pivotal role in the adoption of Resolution 2532 by which the UNSC recognized the devastating impact of COVID-19 especially in countries in conflict or post-conflict situations.

President Kenyattas participation at the meeting follows Kenyas assumption of its position at the UNSC as a non-permanent member for two years on Monday evening.

He noted that peace will only be maintained if countries faced with conflict are facilitated to be strong enough to win control of their territory and provide public services.

The multilateral system, as embodied in the UN, will therefore need to help fragile states attain such capacities.

The political processes that build peace and binding resolutions by this council should include measurable state strengthening elements, President Kenyatta said.

He emphasized that the road to revitalising multilateralism to effectively deliver global peace and security must run through a united Africa and an active and engaged Global South.

Noting that the Security Council spends the bulk of its agenda on conflicts in Africa, President Kenyatta said this is testament to the fragility of many countries and regions on the continent.

If we are to be true to the founding charter of the UN, it follows, therefore, that we should invest more in building more effective approaches or revitalizing existing mechanisms, that maintain peace and anchor stability in Africa, President Kenyatta said.

He commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for becoming the plus one of the Africa three, saying the move allows the hundreds of millions in Africa, the Caribbean and other parts of the world to believe that their voice in the Security Council matters.

That belief will lead to greater faith in the United Nations and its decisions. It is for this reason that I have tasked our Mission to the UN to be a strong voice for a united Africa, for the Global South and the General Assembly, President Kenyatta said.

Speaking during the meeting, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf highlighted the root causes of global conflicts and called for a concerted effort to address them.

Other speakers included President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger and Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines who emphasized the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach in addressing fragility and instability in the world.

-PSCU
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is calling on President Donald Trumps Cabinet to remove him from office following Wednesdays violent assault on the Capitol by the presidents supporters.

In a statement Thursday, Schumer said the attack on the Capitol was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president. He added, This president should not hold office one day longer.

Schumer said Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment and immediately remove Trump from office.

If the vice president and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president, Schumer said.

Violent pro-Trump rioters broke through police barricades at the Capitol Wednesday, forcing an evacuation and lockdown.

Its with a heavy heart I am calling for the sake of our Democracy that the 25th Amendment be invoked. My statement: pic.twitter.com/yVyQrYcjuD  Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) January 7, 2021

Early Thursday, President Donald Trump said there would be an orderly transition on January 20th after Congress concluded the electoral vote count early this morning certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory hours after he appeared to excuse the violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

Trump acknowledged defeat in the Nov. 3 election for the first time, after a day of chaos and destruction on Capitol Hill perpetrated in his name by supporters that halted business in Congress for more than six hours.

The riot happened hours after Trump spoke to supporters who gathered in Washington to protest his loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the November presidential election. The U.S. House and Senate were holding a joint session Wednesday to formally confirm Bidens win.

Trump told the crowd: We will never give up. We will never concede. It doesnt happen. You dont concede when theres theft.

He then called on his supporters to march to the Capitol to cheer on some Republican lawmakers who planned to contest the results.
(Newser)  US Representative Ilhan Omar said Wednesday that she is drawing up articles of impeachment against President Trump, the Guardian reports. "Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate," the Minnesota Democrat tweeted. "We can't allow him to remain in office, its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath." Her statement comes after Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol as Congress met to count Electoral College votes. Trump later urged his supporters to "Go home in peace," but he continues to maintain, without evidence, that the presidential election was stolen from him.

story continues below

Other Democrats also called for Trump's removal, the Hill reports, with some calling for the 25th Amendment to be invoked, effectively declaring Trump unable to perform the job of president. Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts tweeted that Trump should be impeached. "This is dangerous & unacceptable," she said. Rhode Island Rep. David Cicilline said: "This is outrageous, and the president caused it. We should impeach and convict him tomorrow. California Rep Ted Lieu tweeted to Pence: "You need to start the 25th Amendment. @realDonaldTrump is detached from reality." Trump was impeached in late 2019, NPR recalls, based on accusations of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. At that time, the Senate, under Republican control, voted to acquit him. (Read more Ilhan Omar stories.)
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A senior Ethiopian general said in a video clip posted on social media this week that Eritrean troops had entered the country uninvited while his soldiers were battling a rebellious force in the northern region of Tigray.

The video, whose authenticity Reuters could not independently verify, shows Major General Belay Seyoum addressing a meeting in the Tigrayan capital Mekelle in late December.

"An army that we don't want has entered. Are we the one that invited them? No," he said. "They just entered by themselves, and this has to be made clear."

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's spokeswoman, the head of Ethiopia's emergency taskforce on Tigray and a military spokesman did not respond to questions about the footage. Neither did Eritrea's information minister, Yemane Meskel.

Belay's comments could alarm Western allies concerned that such an incursion might aggravate a conflict in Tigray that has already killed thousands.

Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a peace pact ending two decades of hostilities in 2018 and now regard the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) as a mutual foe.

Both nations have denied any involvement by Eritrean troops inside Tigray, but the U.S. State Department said last month it believed reports of their presence were credible.

A clip of Belay talking about other issues at a meeting in Mekelle was posted on a Facebook page run by the administration of Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on Dec. 25. The backdrop and position of eight microphones in that clip of Belay matched the video of the general circulating on social media this week.

"My conscience doesn't allow me to ask the Eritrean army to help us," Belay said in the new clip. "We should solve our internal problems by ourselves."

'WORKING TO MAKE THEM LEAVE'

The TPLF, the former ruling party in Tigray, has accused Eritrea of deploying troops in support of Abiy's military campaign in the region. It has fired rockets into Eritrea at least four times since the conflict erupted on Nov. 4.

The conflicting accounts are difficult to verify as most communications to Tigray went down on Nov. 4. Some phone lines have been restored in recent weeks, but the government still tightly controls access to the region.

In another video posted on social media this week, Ataklti Haileselassie, the new government-appointed mayor of Mekelle, appears to discuss Eritrean troops entering Tigray.

"They entered because the military command that was most capable of protecting the area was attacked from behind," Ataklti said in the video broadcast by state-run Tigray TV. "The government is working to make them leave this area quickly."

Ataklti confirmed to Reuters that he was speaking in the video but declined to say whether the troops he referred to were Eritrean. He said General Belay had already addressed that question.

Mulu Nega, interim head of Tigray appointed by the federal government, declined to comment.

Ethiopia is Africa's second most populous nation and a diplomatic heavyweight that hosts the African Union. Eritrea has never held elections, has no independent media and forces its citizens into indefinite government service.

The war in Tigray is believed to have killed thousands of people and sent more than 56,000 fleeing to Sudan. Abiy declared victory at the end of November but the TPLF vowed to fight on.

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India has now approved the vaccines developed by Astra-Zeneca and Bharat Biotech. Several more will likely be available later in 2021. Deploying these vaccines effectively will be crucial. India and other developing countries have to keep their specific circumstances in mind while formulating vaccine strategies.

India will not need to vaccinate 1.35 billion people, but just beyond the point where the reproductive rate is under control even without suppression. If India had, for example, 60% of people already infected and we knew who they were, we would have to vaccinate at most 40% or ~560 million persons. This requires approximately 1.1 billion doses, given that most vaccines need a booster dose. Actual targets will be higher if India cannot identify who already has natural immunity. The choice of vaccines will be constrained by cost, cold-chain availability and so on. There are five key issues that vaccine strategies must consider.

The first is allocation. Most nations will vaccinate healthcare workers first. They treat those who are infected with Covid-19 and vaccinate the remaining population. After that, it seems logical to prioritise the elderly, who have a higher infection fatality rate. However, premature death costs a young person more years of life than an old person. The balancing of risk and harm may have convinced Indonesia to buck the global consensus and vaccinate working age persons first. It is worth considering in India. Even if the elderly are prioritised, that will not exhaust the vaccine supply: 80% of Indias population is below 50.

Allocation among the working age population should consider two factors. First, the additional protective benefit from vaccination is much lower if one has immunity from a prior infection. Thus, areas with a large susceptible population and a higher reproductive rate obtain greater benefits from vaccination. Indeed, with severely limited doses of vaccine available, it may be prudent to screen people for Covid-19 antibodies and prioritise vaccination of those without antibodies.

There may also be greater benefits to fully vaccinating one area fully than to giving a small number of doses to multiple areas. Adequate vaccination in an area will permit relaxation of suppression in that area; spreading vaccination across areas may not result in release of any of those areas. Areas that are closest to herd immunity even without suppression require the least number of doses to return to normal economic activity and have higher returns from vaccination. Areas that suffered the greatest economically will have the greatest benefit from relaxing suppression after vaccination. These twin considerations should guide prioritisation.

The second issue is distribution. Moving vaccines from companies to warehouses will be relatively easy but moving it from warehouses to distributors to end-users will be tricky, given the difficulties with cold chains and storage facilities. Digitally monitoring storage and transportation facilities will be critical. Second, 600 million or so vaccine recipients need to be identified, and then re-identified three-four weeks later for a second dose. As Nandan Nilekani has suggested, we may need to build a bespoke, vaccine-agnostic digital platform to enable this. Third, administering 30-40 million immunisations a year is a different kettle of fish from vaccinating 600 million people in a year. Sourcing the trained human resources necessary to deliver intramuscular shots, without diverting from existing priorities, will not be easy. Perhaps medical students, phlebotomists, paramedics and pharmacists can be rapidly and reliably trained to administer vaccines.

The third issue is financing. The choice here is whether to finance vaccinations publicly or privately. In the United States, United Kingdom and Europe, vaccines are likely to be entirely free and administered publicly. However, India will need a hybrid strategy, where the majority of the population is vaccinated for free publicly, while allowing private markets for approved vaccines. Cost alone will necessitate this. The cheapest vaccine India is considering  Covaxin  will cost over $1.1 billion at $1 per dose. Other vaccines will cost from three times as much (Astra) to 30 times as much (Moderna). Given the tight fiscal situation, the government will be well-advised to have as much private sector involvement as possible.

The fourth issue is communication. Its vitally important for the government to have a well thought out communications strategy to fortify public confidence and reduce vaccine reticence in the population. A good strategy will avoid mixed and contradictory messaging, be simple to comprehend, be science-led, involve regular communication, utilise respected community leaders to widen reach, and clamp down on the spread of misinformation.

And the final issue is certification. Resumption of normalcy will require standardisation on certification of immunity, whether by vaccination or prior infection. Every country will need an internal set of protocols regarding proof of vaccination, but also standards that are interoperable with norms elsewhere. In other words, proof of vaccination in India or Tanzania must be acceptable to a Singapore Airlines or Qantas. This will also require multilateral bodies to play an active role in creating frameworks, around which digital platforms can be created.

India is embarking on a monumental mission, not just in terms of vaccinating its own population, but also vaccinating a large part of the world thanks to its position as the worlds leading vaccine producer. Addressing these five issues will augment the effort to efficiently get vaccines to hundreds of millions in the shortest period of time.

Reuben Abraham is CEO, IDFC Institute in Mumbai, and Dr Anup Malani is professor , University of Chicago Medical School

The views expressed are personal
An Air National Guard lieutenant colonel who serves as a Republican in Congress is calling for President Donald Trump to be removed from office after his supporters stormed into the U.S. Capitol, disrupting a vote to affirm Joe Biden as the next commander in chief.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois said top U.S. leaders must ensure that "we have a sane captain of the ship."

He is the sole Republican joining more than 60 Democratic lawmakers who are now calling for Trump's removal.

Read Next: Former SecDefs Call for Trump to 'Speak Out' or 'Step Down'

"All indications are that the president has become unmoored -- not just from his duty, or even his oath, but from reality itself," Kinzinger said in a video message released Thursday morning. "It is for this reason that I call for the vice president and members of the Cabinet to ensure the next few weeks are safe for the American people."

The 25th Amendment says the vice president shall immediately assume powers and duties of acting president should the president be "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." Two groups can determine that the 25th Amendment should be invoked: the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet, or the vice president and a group established by Congress.

Kinzinger, a pilot in the Air National Guard who has been an outspoken critic of other Republican lawmakers seeking to overturn some states' electoral results, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Thursday that Trump "should not hold office one day longer," calling Wednesday's events an insurrection against the U.S. that was ignited by the president.

"The quickest and most effective way -- it can be done today -- to remove this president from office would be for the Vice President to immediately invoke the 25th Amendment," Schumer said in a statement. "If the Vice President and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president."

Members of Trump's Cabinet met Wednesday night to discuss invoking the 25th Amendment ahead of Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration, CBS News, Axios and CNN have reported.

Several lawmakers who sit on congressional committees that oversee the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs are among those calling for Trump's removal. They include Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and combat veteran and former presidential candidate Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts.

"Trump is directly responsible for this insurrection and violence. He needs to be removed from office immediately," Moulton, a veteran Marine Corps officer who served four tours in Iraq, wrote Wednesday on Twitter. "It is the Constitutional responsibility of Vice President Pence and the cabinet to exercise the power granted them by the 25th amendment."

Others included California Democrat Rep. Jackie Speier, who chairs the House Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, and Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee Rep. Mark Takano, another California Democrat.

"Trump's behavior is proof that he is unfit to serve and a threat to our democracy. I'm calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office," Takano tweeted.

Several members of the Senate committees that oversee the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs have also called for action.

Sens. Patty Murray of Washington and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, who sit on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, support invocation of the 25th Amendment in Trump's last two weeks of office. Hirono is also a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Sens. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also support the move. Warren has called for removing Trump from office via the Constitution since at least 2018.

Outside of Congress, the National Association of Manufacturers, which represents 14,000 companies across the country in every industrial sector, also wants to see Trump removed from office. The 25th Amendment should be invoked "to preserve democracy," wrote Jay Timmons, the group's president and CEO.

"The outgoing president incited violence in an attempt to retain power, and any elected leader defending him is violating their oath to the Constitution and rejecting democracy in favor of anarchy," the National Association of Manufacturers' statement reads. "Anyone indulging conspiracy theories to raise campaign dollars is complicit."

-- Oriana Pawlyk and Richard Sisk contributed to this report.

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.

Related: National Guard Weighs Action Against Deployed Lawmaker Who Criticized Governor

COVID-19 infections continue to spike across Canada at a record pace of more than 7,000 new cases per day. Health Canada reported that as of January 5, 618,000 Canadians had contracted the virus since last March. There have been 16,230 deaths. Over 4,000 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized.

Sheila Yakovishin (Photo credit Unifor)

Field hospitals have been opened in Ontario and Alberta to cope with a rapidly collapsing hospital infrastructure. In London, Ontario a refrigerated truck has been pressed into service to take the overflow of corpses from a local morgue.

Within the past week alone, five health care workers have died from the virus, two in Alberta, two in Ontario, and one in Quebec.

Although there is no overall centralized tracking system breaking down particular industry sector deaths, at least 31 health care workers have died from COVID-19 in Canada. Fifteen of these deaths were in Ontario.

As of late July, health care workers had accounted for about 20 percent of all COVID-19 cases in Canada. Especially hard hit have been workers at long-term care facilities and retirement homes, which have been the epicentre of the pandemic in Canada. More than 12,000 residents of nursing homes and seniors residences have perished thus far.

Sheila Yakovishin, who worked at Berkshire Care Centre in Windsor, Ontario, succumbed to the virus on December 31. Yakovishin was 60 years old and had worked at the facility for almost 32 years.

Erica Hooker, executive director of Berkshire Care Centre, described Yakovishin as a dedicated and well-loved member of the community. Despite having other health issues, Sheila always persevered and put the care of others before her own. She had a giant heart, and it showed each and every day in the care and support that she provided to residents and to her colleagues, she commented.

The COVID-19 outbreak was declared at Berkshire Care Centre on December 11. At least 82 patients at the facility have tested positive for the virus, as well as 38 staff, according to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. At least 7 residents have died of the virus since the beginning of the current outbreak. Across the Windsor-Essex region, there are 20 long-term care and retirement homes facing pandemic outbreaks, with hundreds of active cases among residents and staff. Prior to the Christmas holiday break, three local schools declared outbreaks along with several greenhouse operations.

Sheila Yakovishin was a member of Unifor. On behalf of our union, I express the deepest condolences to Sheilas family and all those who knew and loved her. As the New Year begins, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage unchecked in Ontarios for-profit long-term care homes, said Unifor President Jerry Dias in a statement. It must be stopped, we must protect health care workers from this disease.

Dias has no shame. He and his union have backed the reckless return-to-work drive for non-essential workers implemented by the corporate elite, the Conservative provincial government of Premier Doug Ford and federal Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Dias is a major booster of the progressive federal Liberal government and has complimented Ford and his Tories for rowing in the same direction as Trudeau, corporate Canada and the trade unions, even as the pandemic response of both levels of government has led to an utter catastrophe for working people.

Canadas health care and seniors care systems, which have been deliberately underfunded by all governments whatever their political stripe for decades, are buckling under the strain. Officials in Ottawa and Toronto have admitted that contact tracing has largely collapsed, which has resulted in a further acceleration of transmission. Labs are overstretched, resulting in long delays in obtaining test results. Outrageously, health care workers still struggle to find adequate protective equipment more than ten months after the virus made its first appearance in Canada.

The shambolic state of the health care system in the face of a second pandemic wave that all serious experts warned was inevitable is the responsibility of the entire political establishment.

Fords boast that his government would erect an iron ring around long-term care facilities has proven to be a cruel hoax. On Monday, the Ontario government reported that there were active COVID-19 outbreaks in 219, or more than a third, of the provinces long-term care homes.

Large numbers of staff infections put seniors residences and care homes under tremendous pressure, forcing them to seek help from outside agency workers, a Toronto-area care worker told the World Socialist Web Site. These workers are often put in a terrible position: under-trained, under-prepared, poorly paid and forced by the nature of their work (and lack of full-time employment at a liveable wage) to go from facility to facility, endangering themselves, their families, and the people they care for.

Yakovishins New Years Eve death follow the December 28th demise of 61-year-old Jose Marie Corral, a health care aide at Calgarys Bethany Riverview continuing care home. The particulars of a second Alberta health care worker who lost their life in recent days have not yet been released. On January 2, Oscar Anibal Rodriguez, an orderly at the CHSLD Sainte-Antoine long-term care residence in Quebec City, died. Rodriguez was in his late fifties. The outbreak at the Quebec residence is graded by the provincial government as critical with over one hundred infections and 12 deaths during the current outbreak.

Vaccinations had already begun at the Sainte-Antoine facility, but Rodriguez had not yet received his initial inoculation. Less than one percent of the Canadian population has received a vaccination to date as a result of an ongoing fiasco in the distribution of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines across the country.

The latest health care worker death was confirmed yesterday, when it was announced that Maureen Ambersley, a registered practical nurse in Mississauga, had succumbed to the disease. Ambersley, who worked as a nurse for 16 years, died Tuesday aged 57. She leaves behind her two children aged 26 and 28.

Both workers at long-term care facilities and family members of residents have been protesting at hard-hit facilities across the country. On January 2, protestors gathered at a 254-bed Tendercare facility in the Toronto borough of Scarborough to demand better care and protections.

During the second wave of the pandemic, 64 of the homes residents have already died from the virus. Over Christmas, 77 staff members were off sick with the infection. Another 60 residents are currently infected.

Workers in Ontarios home care residences continue to receive substandard pay, work grueling schedules, and struggle to receive adequate personal protective equipment. At the same time, residents of the care facilities receive dwindling service and attention.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 14:34:29|Editor: huaxia

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KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least six Afghan army soldiers and eight militants were killed after clashes broke out in the country's northern province of Kunduz during Wednesday night, an army source said Thursday. Enditem
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(TNS)  Amid signs that the state's coronavirus vaccination roll-out is sputtering, county leaders across New York on Tuesday urged Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to allow them to activate their mass-vaccination plans that have been in preparation for years but were recently set aside in favor of a regional approach run by hospitals.The unrest came a day after Cuomo criticized the pace at which many of the regional hospitals have vaccinated the first round of recipients; he threatened to impose hefty fines and revoke their vaccination privileges if the situation doesn't improve."If a hospital is not competent and can't do this, we'll use another hospital," Cuomo said. "It's literally a matter of life and death."Some counties have received small batches of vaccines in order to administer doses to front-line health workers and first responders, while other counties are still waiting. Officials say there is also growing frustration among the general population, which has not been given a clear picture of when they will be vaccinated. "The reason we were doing regional hubs, based on the state's argument, was that we didn't want 63 separate plans," said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. "Instead, what we have is no plan."During a news conference Monday, Cuomo used a slide in his presentation to highlight the hospitals that have distributed the highest and lowest number of doses. It included a photograph of Westchester County Executive George Latimer that noted Westchester Medical Center, and two other hospitals, had distributed only about 30 percent of the vaccines provided to them."As if George Latimer runs Westchester Medical Center," Molinaro said. "The shame is unnecessary."The New York State Association of Counties conducted a news conference Tuesday afternoon during which multiple county leaders said that if the counties were more engaged with the vaccination planning  including receiving more detailed data and holding leadership position in the regional hubs  the vaccinations could be delivered quickly and more efficiently."We're wasting resources by duplicating efforts," Chemung County Executive Chris Moss said. "We've got to have better coordination and communication efforts if we're going to make it work."The tumult is occurring after Cuomo announced in a second Monday briefing that a highly contagious variant strain of COVID-19 was detected in a Saratoga County man  an indication that the dangerous strain that first surfaced in the United Kingdom has arrived in New York and may be triggering the recent surge in cases.State and local officials agree the arrival of that variant strain, which is more contagious but not more lethal, makes it extremely critical to speed up the pace of vaccinations.Cornell University issued a statement on behalf of one of its professors Tuesday criticizing the state's vaccination roll-out as too slow to be effective.Cynthia Leifer, an associate professor of immunology at Cornell University, said the state should not be disqualifying vaccination sites but expanding the number of dispensing locations."It is great news that New York is rolling out the COVID vaccine, but we need to move much faster," Leifer said. "The FDA approved Pfizer's emergency use authorization request on Dec. 11, and New York received the first shipment on Dec. 14. Since then, roughly 274,000 New Yorkers have received the vaccine. That is about 13,047 per day. The bad news is that at this rate, it will take nearly four years to immunize nearly 19 million New Yorkers."Cuomo is right that we need to make sure the vaccines are being given as quickly as possible and that sites are not allowed to stockpile," Leifer continued. "However, I agree with those who are critical of Cuomo's plan for rigid rules and disqualifying sites, especially hospitals, from getting future distributions."The governor's office on Tuesday afternoon did not acknowledge any faults with its vaccination strategy. The administration contends that the local mass-vaccination plans that have been developed over the course of years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks are not the right approach and that the state needs to control distribution."Like we said, the virus doesn't respect county lines and we needed to coordinate all the county plans with the state response to avoid 63 different counties going 63 different direction with no one talking to each other," said Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi. "As we move through vaccinating the front-line health care workers and nursing home staff and residents in our first tranche of New Yorkers, we have 46 counties ready to join our efforts in the next two weeks."Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin said another important aspect of vaccinating people  assuring them that the vaccines are safe  was hampered last year when Cuomo repeatedly questioned the safety and efficacy of the vaccines that were being fast-tracked by the administration of President Donald J. Trump."I think that played a role here in some people's reluctance, but we do think that's going to dissipate," McLaughlin said.McLaughlin, a former state assemblyman and frequent Cuomo critic, echoed Molinaro in saying that counties have for decades been tasked in New York with developing health programs on a local level that protect people from diseases, including administering vaccinations."The chaos, confusion and delay created by the governor hurts counties to be able to carry out this mission, and endangers lives," McLaughlin said.Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell's small county  with a population of roughly 100,000, according to the 201o Census  has just nine public health nurses but also a largely volunteer reserve medical corps, which most counties have as an element of their mass-vaccination plans. Odell said they are set to administer about 600 vaccines on Wednesday at a senior center. But she said the state needs to listen more to the county leaders."County government is the closest government to the people, and I'd like to send that message back up to New York state when they're making decisions that affect us," Odell said.Molinaro likened the governor's plan to "building the plane while it's flying.""When it came to vaccine distribution, we had a perfectly healthy plane on the runway ready to take off," he said.Molinaro said some of the caregiver facilities that are supposed to be administering vaccinations under the regional hub plan also have still not received authorization to do so."Our message today is there is an existing infrastructure, we need to flip the switch, we need to use it ... and stop the counterproductive efforts," he said.
OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images

Texas lawmakers, Houston-area officials and people across the country on Wednesday responded to the scene at the U.S. Capitol where armed, pro-Trump rioters swarmed the building in a violent protest of election results.

The chaos that ensued resulted in a lockdown at the Capitol, a 6 p.m. curfew for Washington, one death and 13 arrests.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York  soon to become majority leader after Democrats swept a pair of runoff races in Georgia  says President Donald Trump must not hold office one day longer.

Schumer said in a tweet that the attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob on Wednesday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by President Trump.

What happened at the U.S. Capitol yesterday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by President Trump.



This president must not hold office one day longer.  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 7, 2021

The quickest and most effective way  it can be done today  to remove this president from office would be for the Vice President to immediately invoke the 25th amendment, Schumer added. If the Vice President and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress must reconvene to impeach President Trump.

Schumer joins nearly every member of the Massachusetts congressional delegation in calling for Trumps ouster.

Donald J. Trump should immediately be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate as soon as Congress reconvenes, Rep. Ayanna Pressley said Wednesday. This is dangerous and unacceptable.

Schumers insistence on Trumps removal follows the first breach of the U.S. Capitol in two centuries. Trump, who encouraged followers to descend on Washington, D.C. in protest over false claims that the presidential election was stolen, has been accused by lawmakers of both parties of inciting an unprecedented riot.

The march and breach of the Capitol followed the presidents complaints that Vice President Mike Pence refused to try to overturn Joe Bidens Electoral College win, which was eventually sealed by Congress after the National Guard and Capitol Police secured the building. Before the chaos, which included shoving matches with police, trespassing and vandalizing federal property, Pence on Wednesday afternoon informed lawmakers he would follow his constitutional duty by announcing the final count of certified electoral results during a joint session of Congress.

Several outlets, including ABC News, CNN, the Washington Post and the New York Times have reported that discussions are ongoing between Cabinet members and other officials regarding removing the president from office.

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New Delhi, Jan 8 : Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who is on a visit to Delhi, met Union Home Minister on Thursday. During the meeting Sawant informed Shah about various development projects being run by the Goa government in the state. The Home Minister also assured him of all possible help from the Centre for the betterment of the state.

Goa is one of the states where the Bharatiya Janata Party has registered a resounding victory in the recently concluded Panchayat polls despite a countrywide farmers' agitation.

The Home Minister also congratulated Sawant over party's win in the panchayat polls. The Chief Minister also discussed the upcoming Municipal Corporation polls with Shah.

During the meeting, Shah suggested Sawant to work for strengthening the party in the state and deliver a maximum benefits of the government's schemes to the people.

Shah and Sawant also discussed the mining issue in the state which is presently banned in most of the places despite having a great scope of employment.

The Chief Minister had also discussed the issue with Coal and Minister Prahlad Joshi during his last visit. The state government is expecting a big relief in the matter of mining from the Centre.
Uttar Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel has been visiting districts in the state and presiding over meetings to take stock of implementation of various development projects. Patel, even though she does not hold any Janata Darbars like many of her predecessors, is often called a proactive governor. Umesh Raghuvanshi spoke to her about her role and the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh.

Q. Do you hold Janata Darbar?

A. We dont need to hold a Janata Darbar. If anyone comes to the Raj Bhawan with any problem, we convey the same to the minister of the respective department. There should be no direct intervention from the Raj Bhawan.

Q. Are you working as a proactive governor?

A. I am doing my duty as a governor. I dont like the governor spending time within the four walls of Raj Bhawan. This is why I go on tours, meet farmers, teachers and others and visit schools. I convey the problems that are brought to my notice.

Q. What about the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh?

A. There has been a considerable improvement in the situation on the law and order front and there is a need for even further improvement. I understand many incidents of crime take place because of the complicity of some officers. There are officers who remain alert, and if officers are not hand in gloves with the criminals, they can bring about lots of change. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath is very alert about such incidents. The houses/buildings (of Mafia/criminals) constructed illegally have been demolished recently.

Q. You have worked as chief minister of Gujarat. How do you find Uttar Pradesh?

A. There is a difference in work culture. A desired level of activeness on the part of officers is missing. The officers should be a bit more active. There should be expeditious disposal of files. The officers should feel that files shouldnt remain pending with them for more than two to three days. But this keeps on happening since they dont decide issues in three days. I feel bureaucracy is a bit lax in UP vis-a-vis Gujarat. UPs officers need to expedite decision making.

Q. What about implementing the e-office?

A. UP is a big state. They (administration) are implementing e-governance. This should show results. Work may take time, but there will be results.

Q. Your take on ordinances to make laws like the one enacted to check love jihad

A. Yes, the state legislature has not been able to meet due to Covid-19. Under such circumstances the governor gives nod to the ordinances in public interest.

Q. What about your visits to Varanasi?

A. I am associated with a project on anganwadis in Varanasi. This may be a model project. The anganwadis are being repaired and painted; toys and tricycles are being distributed there. I am involved as I have been asked to. Now, people are coming forward to contribute. In Lucknow, 26 engineering colleges have come forward. Each of them is going to help five anganwadis.

Also Read: UP panchayat polls: BJP begins 10-day rural connect to find new, young faces

Q. What changes have you brought about in Raj Bhawan?

A. I have done many new things in Raj Bhawan. The women from families of Raj Bhawan employees are being given training in chikankari. We carried out a large plantation drive. We have set up two chandan vatikas. We have also set up a lotus pond and a zoo. Children are visiting Raj Bhawan. We are saving 25% on power bills. We also took out old crockery and sent them to Kasturba Gandhi Vidyalaya. We have cleared old files that have been unnecessarily stored for years.

Q. What challenges do you face in the education sector?

A. Yes, we do have a lot of challenges in reforming the education sector. Often small issues cause problems to students and their parents. I have tried to set the things right in this sector. People want jobs and the recruitment process should not have any flaws as this adversely affects the image of universities. We have asked for recording of all the interviews. We can revisit recordings to know about the candidates performance and the marks given. The governments in the past did not pay any attention to the issue of recruitment. A large number of cases are pending in courts and the government cannot make related appointments.

Q. Why?

A. This government is paying for the misdeeds of the previous government. The state government had to recruit 67,000 teachers. The Allahabad high court recently gave nod for recruitment of 32,000 teachers. The cases with regard to remaining posts will go on. How will academic work be carried out if we dont get teachers?

Q. How about the impact of Covid-19?

A. Yes, academic classes did not take place due to Covid-19. Those from rural backgrounds are facing problems. A way forward is being worked out. Now work on starting the classes has begun. An improvement has been noticed in the number of students attending the classes.

Q. What about political vice chancellors?

A. I have stopped political appointments. There is no political interference in appointments. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath and his ministers dont interfere with appointments and this has been left to me. This is done with the help of a search committee.

Union minister on Thursday said state-run National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) will invest around Rs 30,000 crore for its ambitious expansion and diversification projects in the next six to seven years, which will help achieve the Centre's goal of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Addressing the 41st foundation day function of the Navaratna PSU here, the coal and mines minister said the growth plans of the company are in line with the country's objective to become self-sufficient in production of the metal.

" has made ambitious business growth plans for which the company will be investing around Rs 30,000 crore in the next six to seven years (by 2027-28)," the minister said.

He said Rs 22,000 crore will be spent on the expansion of the company's aluminium smelter unit and construction of a 1400-MW feeder captive power plant (CPP) in Angul.

Over Rs 7,000 crore will be used for the fifth stream refinery, development of Pottangi bauxite mine and Utkal D & E coal blocks.

Joshi said the Centre is keen to utilise natural resources optimally for the welfare and development of Odisha and extending full support to the mineral-rich state so that the production of strategic raw materials continues without any interruption.

"To expedite mineral production in the state, we have approved the proposals to allot two iron ore blocks to Odisha Mineral Corporation and one mine to Odisha Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd on the request of the state," he said.

Relaxation in norms for auction of mineral blocks is being considered to expedite the procedure, he said.

The Centre will amend rules to ensure that production of minerals will become seamless and non-serious entities are barred from participating in the process.

Notably, an auction regime was introduced by the Ministry of Mines for allotment of mineral blocks in India through an amendment made in the MMDR Act in 2015.

As per the procedures made through this amendment, leases for 46 mineral blocks were getting expired in March 2020, the majority of them were situated in Odisha.

To keep the mineral productions uninterrupted, the central government brought the Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, in January last year that broadly mandated the state governments to take action for auction of the blocks so that the new leaseholders could be decided before the existing contracts get expired.

Joshi said NALCO, in association with the Odisha government, is also setting up a world-class aluminium park in Angul to encourage the development of downstream and ancillary industries in the state.

This will enhance employment in the area and give a boost to local entrepreneurship, he said.

The announcement of the expansion plans of came three days after Union Petroleum and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote to Joshi to expedite the process of capacity expansion for its aluminium smelter.

Pradhan urged him to take necessary steps for increasing NALCO's smelter plant capacity to 1 mtpa from existing 0.46 mtpa.

The PSU major is undertaking a brownfield expansion project for its aluminium smelter plant.

The company contributes to 32 per cent of bauxite production, 33 per cent of alumina and 12 per cent of aluminium in India, official sources said.
By Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

The siege on the U.S Capitol by rioting supporters of President Donald Trump has renewed talk of an extreme remedy: declaring that the president is unfit to do his job and removing him from office under the 25th Amendment.

Under the amendment, which addresses the issue of presidential disability as well as succession, the vice president and a majority of the presidents Cabinet may declare the president unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office by notifying the leaders of the House and Senate. At that point, the vice president assumes the duties of the president.

But its not that simple: Trump would have to go along, a scenario that seems implausible, to say the least.

President Donald Trump speaks to his followers Wednesday in Washington during a rally protesting the electoral college certification of Joe Biden as president. (Evan Vucci, Associated Press)

It is not the first time detractors have sought Trumps ouster through invocation of the amendment. Early in his term, Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California introduced a resolution urging Trump to seek a medical and psychiatric evaluation to determine his fitness for office, with an eye on the law governing presidential succession.

The proposal went nowhere.

Many Democrats took up the cause again Wednesday after a pro-Trump mob, egged on by the president, briefly invaded the Capitol and disrupted certification of Joe Bidens November election.

An unlikely ally, the National Association of Manufacturers, echoed the call for Trumps ouster less than two weeks before his term ends, urging Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment as a way to preserve democracy.

This is not law and order. This is chaos. It is mob rule. It is dangerous. This is sedition and should be treated as such, the associations president, Jay Timmons, said in a statement.

If the vice president and Cabinet declared the president incapacitated, he could reclaim his powers by writing to legislative leaders and declaring his ability to do the job. If the vice president and Cabinet members object, the matter then gets kicked over to Congress, which has 21 days to act. It would require a two-thirds vote in both chambers to strip the president of his powers, once and for all.

Trumps term is set to expire at noon Jan. 20.

The Constitution makes it clear the vice president is next in line to the president. But there was some question about how exactly that worked.

In 1955, after a heart attack and other maladies, President Dwight Eisenhower worried about the transfer of power if he were temporarily incapacitated, especially given hair-trigger relations with the Soviet Union. He worked out an informal arrangement with his vice president, Richard Nixon, in case he needed to temporarily cede power

After the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963, Congress passed the 25th Amendment in July 1965. It was ratified in February 1967.

The amendment also lays out how to replace a vice president. The first use of the amendment occurred in 1973 when President Nixon chose Rep. Gerald R. Ford of Michigan to fill the vacancy after Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned in October 1973. Ford, in turn, became president when Nixon quit in August 1974. Ford then chose former New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller as his vice president.

In 1987, aides to President Ronald Reagan weighed the possibility of invoking the amendment when concerns grew about his listless and detached behavior in his second term. The prospect was soon dismissed, however, when chief of staff Howard Baker deemed Reagan fit to serve.

Separately, on three occasions Reagan and President George W. Bush voluntarily transferred power to their vice presidents when they had surgery under general anesthesia. Each reclaimed the powers of the presidency with little notice or disruption to government operations.

56 Trump supporters storm U.S. Capitol

In another move to hold Trump to account, Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota said Wednesday she was drawing up new articles of presidential impeachment.

We cant allow him to remain in office, she wrote on Twitter, its a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath.

Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House of Representatives in December 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, stemming from efforts to pressure the head of Ukraine to dig up dirt on Biden ahead of the 2020 campaign. The president was acquitted a month later by the GOP-run Senate.

More:

Rudy Giuliani voicemail asks senator to stall Congress, but he dialed wrong: reports

Sen. Toomey refutes Trumps Pa. election allegations after Capitol attack

West Virginia delegate records himself storming U.S. Capitol
NEW DELHI : The government has cleared eight hydropower projects of 144 MW on the Indus river and its tributaries in Ladakh , the highest so far, sources in the Jal Shakti Ministry said on Thursday.

At present, there are several small projects, with a collective capacity of 113 MW on Indus in Ladakh, and the new projects will have much more capacity than those constructed so far, a senior official added.

Also Read | The faces behind the farmer revolt

The official said the new projects have been cleared by the Central Water Commission as well as the Indus Commissioner after a separate Union Territory of Ladakh was announced last year. These projects will come up in Kargil and Leh districts of Ladakh.

Because of its topography, it is not feasible to construct big hydropower projects in the Ladakh region.

Durbuk Shyok (19 MW), Shankoo (18.5 MW), Nimu Chilling (24 MW), Rongdo (12 MW), Ratan Nag (10.5 MW) hydropower projects have been cleared for Leh, while Mangdum Sangra (19 MW), Kargil Hunderman (25 MW) and Tamasha (12 MW) have been cleared for Kargil, the official added.

Many of the existing projects as small as 1 MW of capacity.

The construction of the new projects will begin after other mandatory clearances are obtained, the official said. "The designs of these projects have been certified as compliant with the Indus Waters Treaty by the Central Water Commission. The information on the design of these projects is being provided to Pakistan as per the provisions of the treaty," the official said.

"The development of projects on the Indus river has been slow, especially in the Ladakh region. Only two major projects have been constructed so far --- Chutak project of 44 MW on Suru, a tributary of the Indus, and Nimoo Bazgo of 45 MW on the Indus," the official said.

Under the Indus Waters Treaty between New Delhi and Islamabad, the usage of water of Indus and its five tributaries flowing from India to Pakistan have been divided.

The treaty specifies that waters of three eastern rivers namely Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, have been reserved for India while that of western rivers, namely Indus, Chenab and Jhelum, are for Pakistan.

However, India claims it has unrestricted rights to develop hydroelectric power projects on the western rivers within the specified parameters of design. Of the total 168 million acre-feet, India's share of water from Ravi, Beas and Sutlej is 33 mcf, which is nearly 20%.

India uses nearly 93-94% of its share under the Indus Water Treaty. The rest of the water remains unutilised and goes to Pakistan. The efforts to tap that water through a number of projects like Ujh Multipurpose project, Shahpurkandi Dam project and the second Ravi Beas Link are being made, the official added.

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Sailajanath said that KMC had shown the government site as a private site and had removed the statue.  DC Image

KAKINADA: Pradesh Congress Committee president Sake Sailajanath demanded that the Kakinada Municipal Corporation (KMC) re-install the statue of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at Balaji Cheruvu centre here.

Party activists, led by Sailajanath and former Union minister M.M. Pallam Raju staged a dharna at Balajicheruvu centre. Sailajanath said that KMC had shown the government site as a private site and had removed the statue. He said that the ruling party should re-install the statue at the same place by purchasing the private site. He said that if necessary, the Congress party would give some part of the amount to the Corporation. He warned the government of organising satyagrahas till the statue was back in its place.

He said that during the YSRC rule, there was no safety to the people in particular middle class sections. He demanded the government to order probe into the attacks on temples.

Pallam Raju said that the ruling party is threatening and creating flutters in a peaceful city like Kakinada. He said that removing statues of national leaders was a heinous crime. He said that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy should respond immediately and have the statue re-installed at the same place.

Speaking about Divis Pharma Unit in Thondangi mandal, Pallam Raju said that when he was a Union minister, he had discussed with the then chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy about establishing industries in the proposed special corridor, compensation, employment to locals, pollution problems and other issues. He said that the governments were not clearing doubts, but politicising the issues. He demanded the government should lift cases against Divis victims and agitators.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 21:17:47|Editor: huaxia

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NANJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Precision oncology firm Genetron Health has formed a strategic partnership with a pharmaceutical company in east China's Jiangsu Province to jointly promote early screening for liver cancer in China.

According to the agreement signed on Wednesday with Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (CTTQ) in the provincial capital Nanjing, the companies will work together to promote the use of HCCscreen, a Genetron Health blood-based early screening testing product, in Chinese hospitals.

The product targets individuals at high risk of liver cancer, including carriers of the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

"We expect this strategic partnership to bring us closer to our goal of lowering liver cancer-related death rates in China," said Wang Sizhen, co-founder and CEO of Genetron Health.

Based in Beijing, Genetron Health is a precision oncology company providing genomic profiling solutions in areas including early cancer screening, diagnosis and monitoring, as well as biopharmaceutical services.

CTTQ is a multinational pharmaceutical company with integrated research and development, manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution capabilities. It is based in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province.

Liver cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Market data released by consulting and research firm Frost and Sullivan in 2019 showed that among the 120 million people at high risk of liver cancer in China, around 74 million were HBV carriers. Enditem
New Delhi, Jan 7 : A special NIA court here on Thursday sentenced a terror accused to seven years rigorous imprisonment with a Rs 73,000 fine in connection with the ISIS Kannur module case, officials said.

An NIA spokesperson said that the Special NIA court sent Shahjahan Velluva Kandy to seven years jail in connection with a 2017 ISIS Kannur module case for the offences punishable under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The spokesperson said that Shajahan, who is a resident of Kerala's Kannur, is a member of proscribed international terrorist organisation ISIS and had associated himself with the terror outfit with the intention to further its activities.

"In October 2016, Shahjahan, along with his family, had gone to Turkey via Malaysia with an intention to go to Syria to fight on behalf of ISIS. However, while crossing Turkey-Syria border, he, along with his family, were apprehended by the Turkish authorities and deported back to India on February 1, 2017." The official also said that in his desperation to serve the cause of ISIS, Shahjahan procured an Indian passport again on the basis of forged documents and in April 2017, he travelled to Turkey via Thailand but was apprehended again while attempting to cross to Syria.

"Thereafter, he was again deported to India on July 1, 2017 and was arrested," the official said.

The NIA had filed charge sheet on December 23, 2017 against Shajahan and Mohammad Mustafa.

The case was initially registered by Delhi Police's Special Cell.

Shajahan was arrested on July 1, 2017 at IGI Airport in New Delhi on deportation by the Turkish authorities while Mustafa was arrested from Chennai on July 12, 2017.

The NIA took over the case in September 2017.
A court has struck out the case against a father-of-two who was accused of fraud over a 60,000 road accident injury claim.

Constantin Iosca (40) had been charged after a failed High Court claim he made over a 2016 accident in which he said an untraceable car knocked him off his bicycle.

He had been facing trial, but Judge Flann Brennan struck the fraud case out today after Dublin District Court heard a book of evidence was not ready.

Mr Iosca, with an address at Scholar's Walk, Lusk, Co Dublin, had sued the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) but his claim was withdrawn in January this year and the matter was referred to the gardai and he was subsequently charged.

Today, his case came before Judge Brennan for the service of a book of evidence, which is required before an accused can be sent forward for trial to the circuit court. A state solicitor said the book was not ready.

She said statements were awaited from MIBI and this had been delayed because of the pandemic. CCTV evidence was also awaited by the state, she said, asking the judge to adjourn the case in the circumstances.

Defence barrister Vanessa Frawley said the case had been marked peremptory against the state - meaning it could be struck out if the book of evidence was not ready.

Judge Brennan said the book was to have been ready today and struck the charges out.

Mr Iosca had been charged with deception in his injury claim and making a false statement in the subsequent court affidavit.

The first count alleged that he dishonestly by deception induced the MIBI to investigate a personal injury claim that is believed to be a fraudulent or exaggerated reported insurance claim with the intention of making gain for himself or another.

That offence was alleged to have happened at the MIBIs offices at Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1 on July 7, 2016 and the charge was under Section 6 of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

He was further charged with making a statement in an affidavit which was false or misleading in any material respect, and which he knew was false or misleading.

This offence, contrary to the Civil Liability and Courts Act, was alleged to have happened in Drogheda, Co Louth on August 6 last year.

Previously, Garda Aisling McLaren of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau said the accused made no reply to either charge after caution.

The Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial on indictment.

Online Editors
A health worker in personal protective equipment (PPE) checks the temperature of passengers amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), at a railway station in Mumbai.

The number of infections due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) globally reached 87,150,958 after after the outbreak continues to spread acorss the countries. The number of people succumbing to the disease was at 1,881,926.

Click here for complete Covid-19 coverage

Meanwhile, top US health officials encouraged states to start vaccinating people more widely, acknowledging that the immunization rollout has been slower than anticipated. Moderna Inc.s vaccine won European Union approval.

In India, the country maintained downward trend in the Covid-19 fatalities as it reported reported less than 300 deaths for the past 13 consecutive days.

Follow all the highlights here:
Sutton Foster was spotted wearing sky-high heels as she moved furniture with her costars Debi Mazar and Nico Tortorella, while shooting Younger on Tuesday.

Despite the 45-year-old actress initially putting on a very stylish display in her black and white strappy stilettos, she ultimately changed into more sensible footwear.

After cameras filmed her and Mazar struggling to lug something massive down a street in Brooklyn, she slipped into a cozy pair of tan boots with sheepskin lining on both sides.

Stylish as always: Sutton Foster was spotted moving furniture in a pair sky-high heels with her costars Debi Mazar and Nico Tortorella, while shooting season seven of Younger on Tuesday

For the scene, the two-time Tony winner wore a trendy grey and plaid coat with a black crocodile-embossed leather crossbody bag and red long sleeve shirt.

Additionally, she appeared to wearing a black and white houndstooth skirt, which hovered just a few inches below her knees.

Her highlighted light brown hair was styled in loose curls and she appeared in high spirits with a beaming grin on her face, while keeping both hands in her pockets.

Sky-high heels: While the 45-year-old actress initially put on a very stylish display in her black and white strappy stilettos, she ultimately changed into more sensible footwear

New shoes: After cameras filmed her and Mazar struggling to lug something massive down a street in Brooklyn, she slipped into a cozy pair of UGG boots with sheepskin lining on both sides

Filming: For the scene, the two-time Tony winner wore a trendy grey and plaid coat with a black crocodile-embossed leather crossbody bag and red long sleeve shirt

Mazar, who plays an artist named Maggie Amato, wore a chic all-black ensemble, gold hoop earrings and her dark brown hair in a sleek high ponytail.

Her glamorous makeup included a bold red lipstick, which coordinated with her black and red patterned gloves.

Later, Tortorella joined the duo for a chat as he looked over Mazar's shoulder at her phone, while rocking a black leather motorcycle jacket.

While it was unclear what the group was moving, they stood outside a storefront with the words 'Maggie Amato Mythologies in Movement' on the window.

Dynamic duo: Mazar wore a chic all-black ensemble, gold hoop earrings and her dark brown hair in a sleek high ponytail

Foster stars as Liza Miller a 40-year-old divorcee, who lands an career in a publishing company by lying about her age to get an entry-level job, on TV Land's hit romantic series.

Younger was created by Beverly Hills, 90210 head Darren Star and first premiered on TV Land in 2015; the show was based on the 2005 book of the same name, written by Pamela Redmond Satran.

Also starring in the show are Peter Hermann, Hilary Duff, Miriam Shor, among other cast members.

Younger: Foster stars as Liza Miller a 40-year-old divorcee, who lands an career in a publishing company by lying about her age to get an entry-level job, on TV Land's hit romantic series

The show is currently filming its seventh season, which makes it the longest-running original series in TV Land's history as a network.

The series has received mostly positive reviews since its inception, with many critics pointing towards its depiction of generational differences and for Sutton's portrayal of Miller.

In May, it was reported that a spinoff centered on Hilary Duff's character was in development; a network for the project has not been determined, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Washington  A violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday and forced lawmakers into hiding, in a stunning attempt to overturn Americas presidential election, undercut the nations democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House.

The nations elected representatives scrambled to crouch under desks and don gas marks, while police futilely tried to barricade the building, one of the most jarring scenes ever to unfold in a seat of American political power. A woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol, and Washingtons mayor instituted an evening curfew in an attempt to contain the violence.

The rioters were egged on by Trump, who has spent weeks falsely attacking the integrity of the election and had urged his supporters to descend on Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens victory. Some Republican lawmakers were in the midst of raising objections to the results on his behalf when the proceedings were abruptly halted by the mob.

Together, the protests and the GOP election objections amounted to an almost unthinkable challenge to American democracy and exposed the depths of the divisions that have coursed through the country during Trumps four years in office. Though the efforts to block Biden from being sworn in on Jan. 20 were sure to fail, the support Trump has received for his efforts to overturn the election results have badly strained the nations democratic guardrails.

Congress reconvened in the evening, senators decrying the protests that defaced the Capitol and vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College vote for Bidens election, even if it took all night.

Vice President Mike Pence, reopening the Senate, directly addressed the demonstrators: You did not win.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the failed insurrection underscored lawmakers duty to confirm the vote. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress would show the world what America is made of by finishing the count.

The president gave his supporters a boost into action Wednesday morning at a rally outside the White House, where he urged them to march to the Capitol. He spent much of the afternoon in his private dining room off the Oval Office watching scenes of the violence on television. At the urging of his staff, he reluctantly issued a pair of tweets and a taped video telling his supporters it was time to go home in peace  yet he still said he backed their cause.

Hours later, Twitter for the first time time locked Trumps account, demanded that he remove tweets excusing violence and threatened permanent suspension.

A somber President-elect Biden, two weeks away from being inaugurated, said American democracy was under unprecedented assault, " a sentiment echoed by many in Congress, including some Republicans. Former President George W. Bush said he watched the events in disbelief and dismay.

The domed Capitol building has for centuries been the scene of protests and occasional violence. But Wednesdays events were particularly astounding both because they unfolded at least initially with the implicit blessing of the president and because of the underlying goal of overturning the results of a free and fair presidential election.

Tensions were already running high when lawmakers gathered early Wednesday afternoon for the constitutionally mandated counting of the Electoral College results, in which Biden defeated Trump, 306-232. Despite pleas from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, more than 150 GOP lawmakers planned to support objections to some of the results, though lacking evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Trump spent the lead-up to the proceedings publicly hectoring Pence, who had a largely ceremonial role, to aid the effort to throw out the results. He tweeted: Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!

But Pence, in a statement shortly before presiding, defied Trump, saying he could not claim unilateral authority to reject the electoral votes that make Biden president.

In the aftermath, several Republicans announced they would drop their objections to the election, including Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who lost her bid for reelection Tuesday. She called the siege of the Capitol abhorrent.

Shortly after the first GOP objections, protesters fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls. Lawmakers were told to duck under their seats for cover and put on gas masks after tear gas was used in the Capitol Rotunda. Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., told reporters he was in the House chamber when rioters began storming it. Security officers made us all get down, you could see that they were fending off some sort of assault. He said they had a piece of furniture up against the door, the entry to the House floor from the Rotunda. And they had guns pulled, Peters said.

And they just told us to take our pins off, he added, referring to lapel pins members wear so Capitol Police can quickly identify them. Then the lawmakers were evacuated.

Staff members grabbed the boxes of Electoral College votes as the evacuation took place. Otherwise, said Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., the ballots likely would have been destroyed by the protesters.

The woman who was killed was part of a crowd that was breaking down the doors to a barricaded room where armed officers stood on the other side, police said. She was struck in the chest and sent to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Officials believe she was struck by law enforcement but were investigating.

Trump supporters posting on internet forums popular with far-right fringe elements celebrated the chaos. Messages posted on one turned from profane frustration over the content of Trumps speech to glee when supporters stormed the building. At least one leading figure was livestreaming video from inside the Capitol during the siege.

The mobs storming of Congress prompted outrage, mostly from Democrats but from Republicans as well, as lawmakers accused Trump of fomenting the violence with his relentless falsehoods about election fraud. Several suggested that Trump be prosecuted for a crime, which seemed unlikely two weeks from when his term expires.

I think Donald Trump probably should be brought up on treason for something like this, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., told reporters. This is how a coup is started. And this is how democracy dies.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., whos at times clashed with Trump, issued a statement saying, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

Despite Trumps repeated claims of voter fraud, election officials and his own former attorney general have said there were no problems on a scale that would change the outcome. All the states have certified their results as fair and accurate, by Republican and Democratic officials alike.

The Pentagon said about 1,100 District of Columbia National Guard members were being mobilized to help support law enforcement at the Capitol. More than a dozen people were arrested.

As darkness fell, law enforcement officers worked their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible. Police in full riot gear moved down the steps, clashing with demonstrators.

BREAKING: Trump supporters clash with police, attempting to gain access to the U.S. Capitol building, as the Congress debate an objection to Arizona's Electoral College votes. pic.twitter.com/E3TAcJpaPM  NBC News (@NBCNews) January 6, 2021

Live on NBC: Protesters have breached the barrier around the U.S. Capitol and approached the center steps. pic.twitter.com/tLij5qmRiJ  Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) January 6, 2021

Breaking: Tensions continue to rise between Capitol police and protesters during the March to Save America rally. https://t.co/xyWkcOVn58  PM Breaking News (@PMBreakingNews) January 6, 2021

Whoa: Trump supporters going at it with the police on the steps of the Capitol as Congress counts the Electoral College ballots inside pic.twitter.com/LiQhaa5KkQ  philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 6, 2021

Capitol is more or less on lockdown after protesters breached the temp fencing that had been put in place for the day pic.twitter.com/CIkmlgVi3o  Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) January 6, 2021

Following Donald Trumps incitement of insurrection on Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment. Other Democratic lawmakersand, to a lesser extent, Republicanshave echoed Schumers demand, arguing that Trump must be removed from office immediately. Some politiciansmost notably Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Hakeem Jeffrieshave taken a more traditional route, demanding Trumps swift impeachment.

There is at least one major benefit to the 25th Amendment thats not provided by impeachment: It would immediately sideline the president, transferring his full authority to Pence. But there are a number of drawbacks that make the amendment a potentially dangerous weapon to wield against an unhinged president. To better understand its advantages and risks, I spoke with Michigan State University College of Law professor Brian C. Kalt, who wrote the book on the amendment. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

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Mark Joseph Stern: What, exactly, does Section 4 of the 25th Amendment do?

Brian C. Kalt: Section 4 is for when the president cant or wont say that hes unable to discharge the duties of his office. The vice president and a majority of the Cabinet invoke the amendment, declaring the president unable. They send that declaration to the speaker of the House and president pro tempore of the Senate. As soon as they transmit it, the vice president becomes acting president and the president is sidelined.

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Does that mean the president is out of office?

No, hes not. Its a provisional temporary transfer of power. The whole point of the amendment was to provide a mechanism for the president to take power back.

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If the president says no inability exists, he does not take power back immediately. He starts a four-day waiting period. The vice president and the Cabinet have four days to reassert that the president is unable. During those four days, the vice president remains in charge. If they dont say the president is still unable within four days, the president takes power back. If they do still think hes unable, that sends the question to Congress. If Congress isnt in session, they have two days to reconvene, but theres a 21-day limit on how long they can debate. If, after 21 days, they havent voted to keep the president out, then he takes power back. During those 21 days, if both the House and Senate vote, by two-thirds, that the president is unable, then the vice president remains as acting president. If, at any time during those 21 days, one chamber votes and doesnt get two-thirds, then the president takes power immediately.

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Theres less than 21 days left in Trumps term. Could Congress just run out the clock?

If Congress wanted to run out the clock, that would require not voting. Maybe they could run out the clock. But if either the House or Senate votes and they dont get two-thirds, Trump takes power back immediately. If they do vote to keep him out, Trump is still president and the vice president is still acting president. People talk about the 25th Amendment as removing the president from office, but it never does that.

What can the president do while hes sidelined?

The real president is stripped of powers. The vice president has full executive powers. But the president is still president, which makes it awkward: What do you do with him? What if he is up and around and contesting it? Section 4 really is meant for situations when the president is in a coma or otherwise unable to contest the action. When youre in that situation, it works easily and quickly. If the president is unconscious, the 25th Amendment makes it easy to transfer power. If hes not, the 25th Amendment makes it hard to transfer power.

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Which Cabinet members get to vote on presidential disability?

When Congress was writing the 25th Amendment, it identified the heads of executive departments. Only they can vote.

Do acting secretaries get to vote? Trump has three of them right now.

The legislative history goes both ways. You have the House committee saying acting secretaries definitely counttheyre in charge of the department, they have all the powers of the secretary, so they get to do it. On the Senate side, Sen. Birch Bayh said the opposite. I come down on the side of saying they should be able to participate, but its not clear.

Is there anything to prevent Trump from firing a secretary who is poised to invoke the 25th Amendment against him?

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No. And thats another reason why I think the amendment is not really designed for the situation where the president can contest it. It doesnt work well.

But Congress can substitute the Cabinet for a body of its creation to gauge the presidents inability, right?

Yes. If Congress decides that the Cabinet isnt the best body to fulfill this role, they can legislate a replacement. You still need the vice president to sign onto Congress other body. Rep. Jamie Raskin has been introducing a bill to do this to get doctors involved. It hasnt gotten very far. Until and unless they get a veto-proof consensus, its not really relevant.

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So how does the Cabinetor, in theory, another body established by Congressdecide what counts as an inability under the 25th Amendment?

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The Constitution doesnt nail down the standard; it provides who the decision-maker is, that gives us the standard. You could say inability means hes really bad at being president. But youre going to need to convince not just the vice president and Cabinet, as well as two-thirds of the House and two-thirds of the Senate. Thats a really high bar. If the issue is the president is doing bad things, it would be easier to impeach and remove him because then you wouldnt need two-thirds in the House; it can impeach by a simple majority. You wouldnt need the vice president or the Cabinet either. The 25th Amendment bar is so high that it is not really well suited for use in those situations where the president is able enough to contest the action.

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What is the 25th Amendment well suited for, then?

If the president is unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate. Or if the president is unhinged in some way and in imminent danger of doing something irreparable, like nuking a country because he has gone off the deep end. The only way to stop that from happening in the moment is to use Section 4 of the 25th Amendment. That might be a situation in which that instant effect is a risk worth taking.

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Can you envision a scenario in which invoking the 25th Amendment against a president who is deranged but not unconscious would be better than commencing an impeachment?

I think there are situations in which its important enough to get the presidents powers stripped, because impeachment doesnt have that instant effect. You might need to get those powers stripped pending impeachment. The 25th Amendment uses a broad term, unable, which can accommodate that if the situation warrants it. There are situations in which the imminence of the threat creates a plausible argument that the president is not just doing bad things but is actually off his rocker. That might make it potentially OK, if still problematic.

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Does the situation warrant it today?

I dont think its appropriate to use right now. There were points on Wednesday when I could see why someone would say that. If things had continued spiraling, we wouldnt have been able to wait for impeachment. A deranged, unhinged president arguably does meet the 25th Amendment standard.

But you still favor impeachment to deal with a president like Trump.

The 25th Amendment is designed not to work. It isnt a way to get rid of the president. It really is supposed to be about when hes incapacitated, not doing bad things. Impeachment is for bad things. Now, Im not in the Cabinet. I dont know whats going on behind closed doors in there. I would just say the bar is really high. And when people latch onto something in the moment that could solve their problemwithout thinking about what this tool is actually for and what happens when you lower the barI think thats dangerous, too. There has to be a really clear, present, and significant danger. The bar is high.
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WASHINGTON  The violent siege of the Capitol by President Donald Trumps supporters forced painful new questions across government  about his fitness to remain in office for two more weeks, the ability of the police to secure the complex and the future of the Republican Party in a post-Trump era.

The tragedy deepened late Thursday as a Capitol police officer injured in the melee died, the fifth death related to the riot.

The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement that Officer Brian D. Sicknick died from injuries sustained responding to the riot on Wednesday at the Capitol.

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Sicknick was injured while physically engaging with protesters, the statement said. He returned to his division office and collapsed. He was taken to a local hospital where he died on Thursday.

The rampage that shocked the world and left the country on edge forced the resignations of three top Capitol security officials over the failure to stop the breach. It led lawmakers to demand a review of operations and an FBI briefing over what they called a terrorist attack. And it is prompting a broader reckoning over Trumps tenure in office and what comes next for a torn nation.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said any remaining day with the president in power could be a horror show for America. Likewise, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the attack on the Capitol was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president, and Trump must not stay in office one day longer.

Pelosi and Schumer called for invoking the 25th Amendment to the Constitution to force Trump from office before President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20. Schumer said he and Pelosi tried to call Vice President Mike Pence early Thursday to discuss that option but were unable to connect with him.

At least one Republican lawmaker joined the effort. The procedure allows for the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare the president unfit for office. The vice president then becomes acting president.

Pelosi said if the presidents Cabinet does not swiftly act, the House may proceed to impeach Trump.

Meanwhile, other Republicans who echoed Trumps false claims of a fraudulent election, including rising stars and some party leaders, faced angry, unsettled peers  but also those cheering them on.

With tensions high, the Capitol shuttered and lawmakers not scheduled to return until the inauguration, an uneasy feeling of stalemate settled over a main seat of national power as Trump remained holed up at the White House.

The social media giant Facebook banned the president from its platform and Instagram for the duration of Trumps final days in office, if not indefinitely, citing his intent to stoke unrest. Twitter had silenced him the day before.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said the shocking events of the last 24 hours make it clear Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power.

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, under pressure from Schumer, Pelosi and other congressional leaders, was forced to resign. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell asked for and received the resignation of the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, Michael Stenger, effective immediately. Paul Irving, the longtime Sergeant at Arms of the House, also resigned.

Sund had defended his departments response to the storming of the Capitol, saying officers had acted valiantly when faced with thousands of individuals involved in violent riotous actions.

In his first public comment on the mayhem, Sund said in a statement earlier Thursday that rioters attacked Capitol police and other law enforcement officers with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants and took up other weapons against our officers.

It was unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C., said Sund, a former city police officer.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called the police response a failure.

Lawmakers from both parties pledged to investigate and questioned whether a lack of preparedness allowed a mob to occupy and vandalize the building. The Pentagon and Justice Department had been rebuffed when they offered assistance.

Black lawmakers, in particular, noted the way the mostly white Trump supporters were treated.

Protesters were urged by Trump during a rally near the White House earlier Wednesday to head to Capitol Hill, where lawmakers were scheduled to confirm Bidens presidential victory. The mob swiftly broke through police barriers, smashed windows and paraded through the halls, sending lawmakers into hiding.

The protesters ransacked the place, taking over the House area and Senate chamber and waving Trump, American and Confederate flags. Outside, they scaled the walls and balconies.

Newly elected Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., said if we, as Black people did the same things that happened  the reaction would have been different, we would have been laid out on the ground.

One protester, a white woman, was shot to death by Capitol Police, and there were dozens of arrests. Three other people died after medical emergencies related to the breach.

Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., a former police chief, said it was painfully obvious that Capitol police were not prepared.

Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, who is the chairman of a subcommittee that oversees the Capitol police budget, announced the new review and suggested there would be leadership changes on the force.

This is an embarrassment, he said.

After the chaos, lawmakers resolved to return from shelter to show the country, and the world, of the nations enduring commitment to uphold the will of the voters by finishing the Electoral College tally. Congress confirmed Biden as the election winner, 306-232, before dawn Thursday.

Trump, who had repeatedly refused to concede the election, did so in a late Thursday video from the White House vowing a seamless transition of power.

Several lawmakers suggested that Trump be prosecuted for a crime, impeached for a second time or even removed under the Constitutions 25th Amendment, which seemed unlikely before his term expires. The House impeached Trump in 2019 and the Senate acquitted him in 2020.

While Democrats led the charge to invoke the 25th Amendment, similar conversations among Republicans within the administration had made their way to Capitol Hill.

Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois publicly called on Trumps Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove the president from office.

The president caused this, Kinzinger said in a video posted to Twitter. The president is unwell.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., did not join that effort but said Trumps actions were the problem leading to the Capitol violence.

Biden aide Andrew Bates said that the president-elect is focused on the transition and will leave it to Vice President Pence, the Cabinet and the Congress to act as they see fit.

The Republicans who led the effort to challenge the Electoral College tally for Biden exposed the extent of the party divisions after four years of Trumps presidency.

Those two GOP senators, Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri, faced angry peers in the Senate.

Cruz defended his objection to the election results as the right thing to do as he tried unsuccessfully to have Congress launch an investigation.

In the House, Republican leaders Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California and Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana joined in the failed effort to overturn Bidens win by objecting to the Electoral College results.

Despite Trumps repeated claims of voter fraud, election officials and his own former attorney general have said there were no problems on a scale that would change the outcome. All the states have certified their results as fair and accurate, by Republican and Democratic officials alike.

___

Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Zeke Miller, Alan Fram, Padmananda Rama and Michael Balsamo in Washington contributed to this report.
Freshman Illinois Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois drew swift criticism from fellow Republicans Wednesday for quoting Adolf Hitler in a speech a day earlier outside the U.S. Capitol.

Miller, elected in November to replace Republican John Shimkus, spoke Tuesday during an event by conservative group 'Moms for America,' as demonstrations in support of President Donald Trump began in Washington D.C.

Miller - speaking a day before violent Trump supporters stormed the Capitol - read from prepared remarks, urging the need to appeal to young people in politics.

'This is the battle,' she said according to video posted by WCIA-TV. 'Hitler was right on one thing. He said, Whoever has the youth has the future.''

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New Illinois representative Mary Miller is in hot water for comments she made on Tuesday

While speaking during a Moms for America rally, Miller said Hitler 'was right on one thing'

The comment is often attributed to Hitler, who organized youth groups to introduce children to Nazi ideologies.

Hitler, in fact made a slightly different comment in 1935, saying 'He alone who owns the youth gains the future.'

The remark clearly wasn't off the cuff, with Miller emphasizing the dictator's name and reading from a prepared speech.

Illinois Republicans including U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger and state GOP Chairman Tim Schneider condemned the comments.

Her comments referenced remarks made by the dictator about the importance of the youth

Miller was reading from prepared remarks when she made her reference to Hitler

'That language is wrong and disgusting. We urge Congresswoman Miller to apologize,' Schneider said in a statement.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat who is Jewish, called the remarks 'unfathomable'.

'Let me be clear: Hitler got nothing right,' he told reporters Wednesday. 'This reprehensible rhetoric has no place in our politics.'

The head of the World Jewish Congress, an international organization, blasted Miller's comment as 'simply outrageous.'

One attendee of the rally was in shock when hearing Miller reference Hitler casually

State Representative Jonathan Carroll was one of many to quickly condemn Miller

Mark Maxwell, who captured the video, also was quick to condemn the Congresswoman

'One might expect this from white supremacists or neo-Nazis, but hearing the words 'Hitler was right' from the mouth of a member of the United States Congress is beyond acceptable behavior by any standards,' Ronald Lauder, the group's president said in a statement.

'If Rep. Miller has any respect left for the role of a U.S. Congressperson or any shred of dignity in her, she will do whats right and resign,' the Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus said in a statement.

The United States Holocaust Museum also released a statement: 'The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum unequivocally condemns any leader trying to advance a position by claiming Adolf Hitler was 'right.' Adolf Hitlers Germany plunged Europe into the most destructive event in human history, World War II and the Holocaust resulting in the genocide of six million European Jews.'

Miller, elected to public office for the first time, runs a farm with her husband, Republican state Rep. Chris Miller.

Her congressional district covers a wide swath of southern and eastern Illinois along the border with Indiana.

'Moms for America' is a conservative nonprofit group founded in 2004 with a mission 'to raise a new generation of patriots, and heal our nation from the inside out,' according to their website.

Miller was sworn into Congress just this Sunday (seen above) and made her controversial remarks on just her third day in office

Messages left Wednesday for spokeswomen for Miller and 'Moms for America' weren't returned.

Miller has not posted on her Twitter page since she was sworn into Congress on Sunday.

Her pinned tweet, however, features an endorsement from Donald Trump, which reads, 'Mary Miller (@Miller_Congress) will be a terrific Congresswoman for Illinois! She is Strong on the Border, Life, Low Taxes, and she will always protect and defend your Second Amendment. Mary has my Complete and Total Endorsement! #IL15'

Miller responded, 'Thank you so much President Trump (@realDonaldTrump) for your endorsement! I'm looking forward to working with you in Washington to defend the Second Amendment, secure our borders, and protect life, while also bringing back high-paying jobs and continuing to make America great!'
MOTORISTS making essential journeys this Thursday morning are being urged to exercise caution following overnight snowfall in many areas.

A Status Yellow snow/ice warning for Limerick remains in place until 11am with Met Eireann stating that temperatures are unlikely to rise above 4 degrees today.

There are no reports of any serious incidents so far but motorists are being advised to be careful - particularly if travelling on secondary and local roads.

With Freezing Road Conditions and snowfall in parts of the country there are many Hazardous road conditions across the country today. If you have to make an essential journey please allow extra time for travel, ensure your car is in working order & slow down #bewinterteady pic.twitter.com/xLSolxMNPS January 7, 2021

Send your snow photographs to news@limerickleader.ie
Donald Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a violent attempt to stop Congress from certifying Joe Bidens victory in the presidential election. They beat back the small number of law enforcement officers guarding the Capitol, broke windows, invaded legislators offices, and stormed the Senate chamber.

Minutes before the siege, several Republican lawmakers were in the process of objecting to electors from states Trump lost but insists he wona gesture of loyalty to the president and a show of willingness to subvert democracy to maintain the favor of Trumps followers. Then, in the middle of the proceedings, the Senate was forced to evacuate.

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Some of the Republicans who challenged Bidens victory in the joint session of Congress, or have done so in the press, issued statements of displeasure at the scenes of violence, seemingly agreeing with the ends but not the means. Some GOP officials have remained silent. Many Republicans tweeted concern for the law enforcement officers the Trump-supporting insurrectionists assaulted as they forced their way into the Capitol. None has admitted to any regrets.

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Subscribe to the Slatest newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time.

Heres Sen. Ted Cruz, soon after objecting to the counting of Arizonas electoral votes, tweeting that violence is wrong:

Violence is always unacceptable. Even when passions run high.



Anyone engaged in violenceespecially against law enforcementshould be fully prosecuted.



God bless the Capitol Police and the honorable men & women of law enforcement who show great courage keeping all of us safe.  Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 6, 2021

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Those storming the Capitol need to stop NOW.



The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but violencefrom Left or Right is ALWAYS wrong.



And those engaged in violence are hurting the cause they say they support.  Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 6, 2021

Heres Rep. Paul Gosar, who had also just finished registering an objection to certifying Bidens win, asking the people enacting a siege on the U.S. Capitol to avoid getting carried away, blaming the assault on antifa, and suggesting that the Arizona secretary of state, who certified the states election results, is to blame for the invasion:

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Ok. I said lets do an audit. Lets not get carried away here. I dont want anyone hurt. We are protesting the violation of our laws. We are builders not destroyers. BLM burns and loots. We build. If anyone on the ground reads this and is beyond the line come back. pic.twitter.com/cSu6CLKbby  Paul Gosar (@DrPaulGosar) January 6, 2021

This has all the hallmarks of Antifa provocation. https://t.co/HJLN3Ijn4K  Paul Gosar (@DrPaulGosar) January 6, 2021

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Is @katiehobbs satisfied with her obstructionism now? For weeks the people have demanded transparency. Instead they got lies and cover up. https://t.co/6JcsjdULxl  Paul Gosar (@DrPaulGosar) January 6, 2021

On Fox News, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said of the attack, I could not be sadder or more disappointed with the way our country looks at this very moment. He also tweeted:

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What is unfolding is unacceptable and un-American. It has got to stop.  Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) January 6, 2021

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, one of the Republicans who had promised to object to the certification of Bidens win, scolded the rioters (protestors, she called them) for going too far:

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To the protestors that have breached the Capitol building: you are disrupting the democratic process. You should be ashamed of yourself. This is violence. This is a crime. It must stop.  Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) January 6, 2021

In the mildest possible terms, Sen. Mike Braun, who also promised to object to the seating of electors and had spoken to protesters earlier in the day, said the attempted coup was wrong:

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What were seeing at the Capitol is wrong, hurts the cause of election integrity, and needs to stop immediately. Rioting and violence are never acceptable.  Senator Mike Braun (@SenatorBraun) January 6, 2021

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Sen. Steve Daines issued an evergreen tweet about nothing in particular:

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I condemn any kind of violence and intimidation. This is unacceptable.  Steve Daines (@SteveDaines) January 6, 2021

After asking rioters to peacefully disperse, Sen. Ron Johnson focused on the positive:

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The Capitol Police have acted with incredible professionalism. I sincerely thank them for their service and condemn all lawless activity.  Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) January 6, 2021

Sen. John Kennedy tweeted that he will not be intimidated by a mob that wants the same thing he does:

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The Capitol Police have done an extraordinary job keeping us safe. Im thankful for their heroism.



I condemn this violent assault on the democratic process & will not be intimidated by a mob that confuses chaos & destruction with strength & wisdom. I'll continue to work for LA.  John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) January 6, 2021

Sen. James Lankford accused rioters of destroying the Capitol:

Peaceful demonstration is an American value - violent destruction is not. Attacking police and destroying the Capitol is never a pursuit of truth and freedom. Never  Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) January 6, 2021

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One of the most vocal proponents of the efforts to stop Biden from taking office, Sen. Josh Hawley, who raised a fist in support of protesters earlier on Wednesday, urged the prosecution of those who attacked police and broke the law:

Statement from Senator Josh Hawley:



Thank you to the brave law enforcement officials who have put their lives on the line. The violence must end, those who attacked police and broke the law must be prosecuted, and Congress must get back to work and finish its job  Senator Hawley Press Office (@SenHawleyPress) January 6, 2021

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On ABC, Chris Christie said he was trying to get Trump on the phone to ask him to call off the siege. The president caused this protest to occur. Hes the only one who can make it stop, he said. The president has to come out and tell his supporters to leave the Capitol grounds and to allow the Congress to do their business peacefully, and anything short of that is an abrogation of his responsibility.  Its not good enough to say, Follow the law, be peaceful. 

Former Trump White House chief of staff Reince Priebus condemned the rioters in some of the harshest terms among his peer group:

Many of these folks are nothing but domestic terrorists. And many are criminals and trouble makers all acting in a manner opposite of patriotism. These violent people have no respect for democracy. Pure insanity and disgusting.  Reince Priebus (@Reince) January 6, 2021

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Sen. Mitt Romney, one of Trumps staunchest Republican critics, put it most bluntly of anyone:

As Senators were hustled into the Capitol basement by uniformed police officers, Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah, summoned a reporter.



This is what the president has caused today, this insurrection, Romney said.https://t.co/itdCh1MsQG  The New York Times (@nytimes) January 6, 2021

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Finally, the Republican governor of Vermont, Phil Scott, called for Trumps impeachment and removal from office:

The fabric of our democracy and the principles of our republic are under attack by the President.



Enough is enough.



President Trump should resign or be removed from office by his Cabinet, or by the Congress. 6/6  Governor Phil Scott (@GovPhilScott) January 6, 2021
WASHINGTON  As rioters seeking to install President Trump in a second term contrary to Novembers election results breached the Capitol building, Californias lawmakers were spread throughout the complex.

They were told to draw the curtains and stay away from the windows. They were urged to remove the lapel pins that identify them as members of Congress. They could hear unidentified explosions and the din of a mob outside.

Im sickened. This is not our country, said Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, who was in his office, frantically trying to find out what was going on as constant sirens blared outside.

When the pro-Trump mob broke through police lines and breached the Capitol, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, and GOP leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, were quickly escorted off the House floor to safety. Democratic Reps. Eric Swalwell of Dublin, Scott Peters of San Diego, Jimmy Gomez of Los Angeles and Pete Aguilar of Redlands (San Bernardino County) were all in the House chamber, and were soon evacuated with other lawmakers, staffers and media workers.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, had to flee his office and found shelter elsewhere in the Capitol with a handful of colleagues. Huffman hunkered down alone in a sprawling office building.

The chaotic and tense scene unfolded quickly but lasted hours. Lawmakers got news from their phones and TV as they waited, unsure when they could resume the business that brought the rioters out in force: the certification of Trumps election loss and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Kent Nishimura / TNS

The day started uneventfully, with a few protesters near the Capitol but most rallying near the White House. The House and Senate began a joint session to certify results and then broke into their respective chambers to debate an objection to a state Biden carried, Arizona. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Pelosi had ordered each party to have no more than 11 members present on the floor, though Republicans were flouting the rules.

We were cautioned that there was going to be disruptions, so they asked us to come onto campus early so we wouldnt be detained or prevented from getting onto the Hill to cast our vote, Thompson said in an interview.

I came in this morning at 9 and had a Zoom meeting and was making phone calls and doing work in my office, Thompson said. And then they came through and evacuated my office building because they found some sort of explosive device. It was not immediately clear whether that device was real or a fake.

Thompson was soon allowed to return, but then Capitol Police went around telling everyone to evacuate again  this time because pro-Trump rioters had breached the office building.

As the offices were cleared, the House and Senate at first continued their proceedings. But, suddenly, it became clear that rioters had also entered the Capitol building. Leaders were escorted off the floor, and remaining lawmakers were told to hunker down and get gas masks. Capitol Police drew their weapons for an armed standoff at the doors to the House chamber.

They said, Get a mask, be ready,  Peters told reporters in the Capitol. Then (they) started to get us to snake around the back of the gallery, under the rails and stuff, so we did that for a while. And when they stopped us ... they made us all get down, you could see that they were fending off some sort of assault, it looked like. They had a piece of furniture up against the door, the door, the entry to the floor from the Rotunda, and they had guns pulled.

Peters said officers told lawmakers to remove their pins that identify them as members of Congress.

Then, lawmakers were evacuated. Gomez told reporters on the Hill that it was frightening to be stuck in the gallery above the House floor with reporters, not knowing where to go.

Swalwell said his evacuation from the House floor was orderly, with lawmakers lined up and escorted to a safe location. But he said it was clear that something surreal was occurring, as he saw officials carrying ceremonial artifacts from the House floor to protect them from the rioters.

As we were leaving, no one was a Democrat or a Republican  we were all trying to help each other get out and get to a safer place, Swalwell said. I was an intern when September 11 happened. It reminded me a little bit about just the atmosphere here at the time. But most jarring is just thinking of a sacred place being compromised. Thats the most unsettling fact.

Aguilar said he was trying to stay calm as confusion spread.

He told reporters that he was thinking, Follow directions of the professionals. Keep your head on a swivel and just try and be safe. So I sent messages to my family and just doing what every member was doing, which was just trying to prepare for what was ahead. So just following the guidance.

He said lawmakers went down to the basement and went through the Capitols tunnel system, but werent sure where to go.

A handful of us went to the cafeteria, which was locked down and they let us in, Aguilar said. But then someone else came back and said they were mistaken. It was a bad game of telephone. ... Capitol Police have done a good job in protecting us here, although I think we have a lot of questions about the last four hours and whats been done to protect the Capitol complex.

Huffman, the San Rafael Democrat, was having his staff work from home, so he was alone when the events unfolded. Capitol Police told him draw curtains, stay away from windows and await further instructions.

I can hear these crowds outside, just continually, the din and the roar of this mob, with periodic explosions of some kind, Huffman said in an interview from his safe location. We get reports about pipe bombs, we get reports about tear gas, so I dont exactly know what that is. Just constant sirens. My phone is just going haywire with people trying to reach me, and Im trying to gather information from these cable news feeds and Twitter and all these different sources, colleagues, were texting with each other. So its crazy.

Thompson said that at his holding location, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, a member of House Democratic leadership, came in with a Republican colleague to say that when the building was cleared, proceedings would resume. That wouldnt happen for more than six hours.

I think its a very sad day, said Thompson, a veteran of the Vietnam War. Its an embarrassing day for the United States of America.

Both he and Huffman blamed their Republican colleagues and Trump for fanning the flames. Trump encouraged his supporters to march on the Capitol, and for hours declined to tell them to leave. When he did, he repeated the lie that the election had been stolen from him.

This is something really foreign and vile, and I think the whole world is probably watching in horror at what is being attempted here, Huffman said. I think it will fail and I think well get through this, but Im really worried that a lot more people are going to get hurt.

Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan
Saudi Arabias Ministry of Finance (MOF), represented by the National Debt Management Center (NDMC) has executed the signing of a long-term financing agreement worth $3 billion with Korean Trade Insurance Corporation (K-Sure).



The agreement was signed by the Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan from the Saudi side, and by the Chairman of K-Sure Lee In-ho from the South Korean side, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).



Al-Jadaan explained that the signing of the agreement comes within the framework of cooperation witnessed between two G20 members, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Republic of South Korea.



Fahad A Al-Saif, CEO (NDMC), stated that the financing provided amounts to $3 billion and attracted very strong interest from international banks across geographies. The transaction has been closed with 10 international banks.



The financing provided will be used for strategic government projects in line with the Kingdoms Vision 2030 program. This cooperation is expected to lead to the arrangement of meetings between service providers from South Korea and the owners of major future projects with the aim of securing financing on these projects.



Al-Saif also said that this agreement is the second of its type, following the earlier signing of an Euler Hermes financing agreement in July 2020.
HEGINS  A man and woman escaped injury when fire destroyed their home in this Hegins Township community early Wednesday morning.

Firefighters were called to 715 E. Main St. around 12:55 a.m. and found heavy fire coming from the first-floor front of the home.

Hegins Valley Fire and Rescue Chief Chad Richards said the first-floor front of the single home was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.

Although crews aggressively worked to contain the fire, flames spread to the upper floors and through the roof as firefighters worked to cut holes to allow heat and smoke to escape.

We had a heavy fire load when we pulled in, the chief said.

Firefighters from Hegins and surrounding communities worked for more than an hour to contain the fire, Richards said.

He said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation and that no injuries were reported.

Assisting at the scene were members of the Pottsville Fire Department Rapid Intervention Team, RIT, as well as Hegins Area EMS.

Fire police from Hegins and surrounding areas shut down a portion of Main Street, Route 25, while firefighters battled the blaze.

Patty Daley, disaster captain with the American Red Cross Tri County Chapter, said the organization provided food, clothing and shelter to the couple displaced by the fire.

The American Red Cross identified the victims as Andy Adley and his wife, Jamie.

A little over 12 hours after the structure fire, around 1:40 p.m., firefighters were called to 1144 E. Main St., a short distance away, for a report of an electrical fire inside.

Richards said a problem with a water heater caused the smell of burning wires.

He said very minimal damage was reported and crews quickly cleared the scene.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - Hornby Bay Mineral Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: HBE) (OTCQX: HBEXF) ("HBE" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its press release of December 3, 2020, the Company has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering of gross proceeds of up to $3,244,500 through this issuance of 64,890,005 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.05 per Subscription Receipt (the "Offering"). Due to investor demand, the Offering was upsized from the previously announced offering size of 50,000,000 Subscription Receipts for gross proceeds of $2,500,000 to 64,890,005 Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds of $3,244,500.

The gross proceeds of the Offering (the "Escrowed Proceeds") are being held in escrow on behalf of the subscribers of the Subscription Receipts by TSX Trust Company (the "Escrow Agent"), pursuant to the terms of a subscription receipt agreement (the "Subscription Receipt Agreement") dated January 6, 2021 between the Company and the Escrow Agent. Each Subscription Receipt will be automatically converted, without payment of any additional consideration and without further action on the part of the holder thereof, for one unit (a "Unit") of the Company upon satisfaction or waiver of the escrow release conditions ("Escrow Release Conditions") set out below and in the Subscription Receipt Agreement and prior to a Termination Event (as defined below), subject to adjustment in certain events. The Units to be issued upon conversion of the Subscription Receipts will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Unit Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable by the holder thereof for one common share of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") for a period of thirty-six months after the closing date of the Offering (the "Closing Date") at an exercise price of $0.06 per Warrant Share, subject to adjustments in certain events.

The Escrow Release Conditions are as follows:

The receipt of all required corporate, shareholder and regulatory approvals in connection with the Offering and the proposed transaction between the Company, Frank Guillemette, Jonathan Girard and Jean-Francois Girard (collectively, the " Vendors ") pursuant to which the Company will purchase from the Vendors all of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of 9396-1217 Quebec Inc. (" Holdco "), whose sole asset is 100% of the common shares in the capital of 9220-5392 Quebec Inc. (the " Proposed Transaction "), including, without limitation, the conditional approval of the TSXV for the listing of the Unit Shares and Warrant Shares and any relevant listing documents having been accepted for filing with the TSXV;





") pursuant to which the Company will purchase from the Vendors all of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of 9396-1217 Quebec Inc. (" "), whose sole asset is 100% of the common shares in the capital of 9220-5392 Quebec Inc. (the " "), including, without limitation, the conditional approval of the TSXV for the listing of the Unit Shares and Warrant Shares and any relevant listing documents having been accepted for filing with the TSXV; The completion or the satisfaction of all conditions precedent to the Proposed Transaction, substantially in accordance with the definitive agreements relating to the Proposed Transaction; and





The Company having delivered a notice to the Escrow Agent, confirming that the conditions set forth in (a) and (b) above have been met or waived.

In the event that: (i) the Escrow Agent does not receive the release notice contemplated by the Subscription Receipt Agreement prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on that date which is 120 days after the Offering Closing Date (the "Escrow Release Deadline"); or (ii) prior to the Escrow Release Deadline, the Company announces to the public that it does not intend to proceed with the Proposed Transaction and/or satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions (each, a "Termination Event"), the Escrowed Proceeds (plus any interest accrued thereon) will be returned to the holders of the Subscription Receipts on a pro rata basis and the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled without any further action on the part of the holders. To the extent that the Escrowed Funds are not sufficient to refund the aggregate Issue Price paid to the holders of the Subscription Receipts, the Company will be responsible and liable to contribute such amounts as are necessary to satisfy any shortfall.

The securities issued in connection with the Offering (including the Subscription Receipts and any Unit Shares, Warrants, and Warrant Shares) will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the Closing Date, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The securities that will be issued in connection with the Offering will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

In addition, further to its press release of December 3, 2020, the Company wishes to provide an update on the Proposed Transaction. The Company is currently working to advance the Proposed Transaction. A geological report has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects with respect to the Philibert property (the "Philibert Property") located in Quebec's Chibougamau mining camp, which is the sole asset of Holdco, and the geological report has been filed with the TSXV. Information regarding the geological report and the Proposed Transaction will be disclosed in a filing statement being prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction. In addition, the Company has made the determination that in connection with the Proposed Transaction it will apply for a waiver of sponsorship requirements pursuant to the policies of the TSXV.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Fred Leigh

For further information, please contact:

Fred Leigh, President & CEO of Hornby Bay Mineral Exploration Ltd.

Phone: 416-861-5933

Email: info@hornbybay.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

Completion of the Proposed Transaction, the issue price of the securities in connection with the Offering, the terms of the units (and securities being offered) and the closing of the Offering is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and, if applicable, disinterested shareholder approval. The transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the contemplated transaction or the Offering will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the contemplated transactions may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Further details of the transaction contemplated by the Definitive Agreement will be included in subsequent news releases and disclosure documents to be filed by the Company.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71538

Photo: The Canadian Press

Health Canada says it's delaying the implementation of long-awaited changes to Canada's drug-pricing regime by another six months.

A spokesman for the department says the amendments to patented medicine regulations, which were set to take effect Jan. 1, will now come into force on July 1.

Geoffroy Legault-Thivierge says the postponement is intended to give pharmaceutical manufacturers more time to adjust to new reporting requirements while dealing with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The overhaul is set to recalibrate how the arm's-length Patented Medicine Prices Review Board calculates fair prices for patented medicines.

Drug manufacturers and patient advocates have balked at the plan, citing concerns that the regulations could stifle scientific innovation and reduce access to therapies for rare diseases.

Legault-Thivierge says federal and Quebec courts have upheld most of the amendments, but struck down key provisions that would require manufacturers to disclose third-party rebates, including deals with provincial drug programs.

He says the federal ruling is under appeal, and Ottawa is reviewing the Quebec decision while it determines its next steps.
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The Colombian Communications Regulatory Commission (CRC) demanded operators to pen interconnection agreements with new entrant Partners Telecoms Colombia, ahead of the debutants launch of its WOM brand in Colombia.

TeleGeographys CommsUpdate reported, according to local news outlet Portafolio.com, the regulator made this ruling on December 28, with a CRC spokesperson stating: The decisions contained in the issued resolutions will be the basis for Partners Telecom Colombia to materialise access, use and interconnection relationships with Comcel and Tigo-Une, for which the parties must comply with the defined schedule.

In December 2019 Partners acquired frequencies in the 700MHz and 2,500MHz band in Colombias spectrum auction in December 2019, where the company also retracted a bid after accidentally offering to pay ten times more than the going rate for a licence.

Partners is backed by London-based investment company Novator Partners which pledged in November to invest over $1 billion into infrastructure projects over the next five year, after launching the WOM brand in the country.

The company began groundwork for WOM Colombias launch by acquiring a majority stake in Avantel for an undisclosed fee. The WOM brand was also launched in Chile, Novator was reportedly in the running to acquire Telefonicas unit in Chile.
Strikes conducted overnight by Israel in Syria left three fighters from Iran-backed groups dead, a war monitor reported Thursday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based organisation with an extensive network on the ground, was not immediately able to provide the casualties' nationalities.

Syrian state media had reported an "Israeli aggression" overnight against targets in the south of the country, adding that its anti-air defence system had intercepted most missiles.

Israel routinely carries out raids in Syria, mostly against targets affiliated with Iran in what it says is a bid to prevent its archfoe from securing further foothold along its borders.

Iran has members of its own military as well as fighters from a variety of nationalities fighting with militias it supports deployed across Syria.

Last month, Israel said it had hit about 50 targets in the neighbouring country in 2020.

The Israeli occupation army has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces as well as government troops.

The Israel rarely acknowledges individual strikes, but has done so when responding to what it describes as aggression inside Israeli territory.

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A Philadelphia woman stabbed the father of her two children to death while the pair were visiting family in Harrisburg for the holidays, police said in court documents.

Nafisah N. McNeill, 26, is charged with homicide and admitted to stabbing 28-year-old Leon White-Jones on Christmas over a cell phone, according to an affidavit for a search warrant filed Dec. 29 by Harrisburg police.

The affidavit said McNeill told police she, White-Jones and their children were in Harrisburg to see her sister when an argument erupted between the couple around 11:50 p.m. on the 2400 block of North Fourth Street.

McNeill said White-Jones was angry she borrowed his car without asking to drive her uncle home, according to the affidavit. When she returned, White-Jones followed her inside a North Fourth Street home and took her phone, the affidavit said.

McNeill reportedly told police she picked up a knife when White-Jones refused to give her the phone back. She also said she got a bottle and hit White-Joness car with it as the argument escalated, the affidavit said.

McNeill started swinging the knife and stabbed White-Jones in the chest, according to the court documents.

White-Jones told McNeill you stabbed me and stumbled back inside, where police soon found him, according to the affidavit. He was rushed to Harrisburg Hospital and died of his injuries.

After the stabbing, McNeill dropped the knife and walked toward Seneca Street, the affidavit said. She told police she left the scene because she was scared of what just happened, according to the documents.

She also said she wasnt scared of White-Jones while they were arguing  she was just mad he took her cell phone.

McNeill was denied bail and as of Thursday remains at Dauphin County Prison, according to court records. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 20 in front of Magisterial District Judge Barbara Pianka.

READ MORE: Serial bank robber arrested in Dauphin County heist had sued Penn State, Catholic church and Tyler Perry

HARARE City Council yesterday said it was overwhelmed by the soaring number of COVID-19 cases, which has turned it into the epicentre of the pandemic.



Acting mayor Stewart Mutizwa said the citys health delivery system was overwhelmed as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spiral out of control.

As I speak, our great city has become the countrys coronavirus epicentre as figures continue to spiral beyond our control and that of an already overwhelmed health delivery system, Mutizwa said.

We had hoped that maybe a new year would bring in better expectations against the coronavirus and many of us had relaxed and were no longer practising any preventative measures.

Harare has been recording over 700 cases daily in the past weeks, with many people appealing for oxygen and ventilators on social media as both private and public health facilities are failing to cope with the surge.

The country went on a more strict lockdown starting on Tuesday as Information secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana warned at the weekend that Zimbabwe would soon be overwhelmed by the virus.

The country as of yesterday had recorded 17 194 cases and 418 deaths, with Tuesday alone recording 34 fatalities and 1 365 new infections. Of the Tuesday infections, 777 were from Harare which also recorded 10 deaths.

Mutizwa said residents should act responsibly in times like these to curb the spread of the deadly disease.

Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) secretary-general Norman Matara said Harares public hospitals had only 30 ICU beds.

The problem is, very few institutions are admitting COVID-19 patients because bed capacity is very low in public hospitals, Matara told Al Jazeera news agency.

This means that patients requiring these services will die at home. The few private facilities admitting patients are charging an arm and a leg, he said, adding that there was need to increase the bed capacity of public hospitals to cope with rising demand.

When the Health minister (Vice-President) Constantino Chiwenga, made his announcement, I think he dwelt too much on the preventive side of things and did not focus on the curative side, the vaccine logistics, how they are going to provide PPE (personal protective eqipment) for frontline workers. A lockdown will slow down the infections after 30 days, but that is not the solution, Matara said.

In a statement, ZADHR said the growing figures of health personnel being infected with COVID-19 in the course of their duties was worrying.

Our conservative estimates point towards 1 000 health workers being infected with COVID-19, the doctors said while threatening court action to force the government to avail PPE.

The acting Harare mayor also warned vendors and other informal traders against defying lockdown regulations saying: The city would want to warn vendors and other small-to-medium enterprises that have defied the government directive and continue to operate that the long arm of the law will catch up with them and they should stop forthwith all their operations.

Transport operators continue plying certain routes in the city, mainly those that do not pass through the central business district. These routes include Dzivarasekwa-Machipisa, Westgate-Warren Park, Machipisa-Chitungwiza and other local routes. I would like to urge transport operators to stop and consider the health of fellow residents ahead of monetary gains.

Our frontline staff is already overwhelmed and let us not overburden them purposely. Let us put the little resources to good use by using them on deserving patients. We do not want to see unlicensed commuter omnibus operators on our roads, evading law enforcement agents yet spreading diseases, the acting mayor said.

He added: We want people indoors for the good of society not for selfish reasons. In the same vein, let me urge residents to stay indoors and help the nation to fight this disease. Together we can beat this.

Mutizwa said council was taking the lockdown as an opportunity to clean the city centre that had seen dirt piling in recent months.

Meanwhile, government yesterday said it had availed $7 billion to motivate and employ more health workers.

Addressing journalists in Harare last night, Health deputy minister John Mangwiro said the money would also be used to procure test kits, PPE, sundries and sanitisers, as well as improve health infrastructure.

Government has cumulatively availed S7 billion to motivate and employ more health workers, procure test kits, PPE sundries and sanitisers and improve infrastructure, Mangwiro said.

The government is rolling out rapid antigen testing for symptomatic patients and this will go a long way in decongesting our emergency rooms and improving the triaging process.

Government has procured 156 000 kits for testing and these are being distributed throughout the country.

Mangwiro said the number of COVID-19 deaths from community transmission was worrying, hence the need for people to respect the lockdown currently in place to control the spread of the virus. Newsday
What happens when political parties reject elections and delegitimize democracy? American history tells us clearly: violence and bloodshed. Wednesdays riot at the Capitol may seem unprecedented, but it was utterly predictable. On Sunday, I tweeted this thread on how attempts to steal American elections almost inevitably lead to violence, and I drafted much of this essay on Monday. While Wednesdays violence was foreseeable, the question now is what Congress should do about the national leaders who enabled and inflamed this crisis.

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Even after Wednesdays literal assault on democracy, a significant number of Republicans continue to spread baseless conspiracy theories. Indeed, these members cited the spread of those theories in order to justify their decision to object to Wednesdays Electoral College count, the precipitating event for all of this madness. As a pro-Trump mob was marching to the Capitol right on cue, Sen. Ted Cruz led the objections, swooning that 39 percent of Americans say the election was rigged.  You might disagree, but it is a profound danger to our democracy. Yes, Ted Cruz spreading these baseless concerns, and then citing those concerns, is indeed a profound danger to our democracy.

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American history is instructive in this regard. Specifically, the 1850s Bleeding Kansas episode when pro-slavery election fraud produced voting disputes and then a cycle of murders has a lot to teach. Bleeding Kansas, of course, was a major escalation toward the Civil War. Its also worth noting that Wednesday was the first time in history that the Confederate battle flag was paraded in the halls of the U.S. Capitol. Sens. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz, and Wednesdays other challengers should be known as the Bleeding Kansas Republicans and they are morally responsible now that their actions have been followed by violence and the raising of the Confederate flag inside the Capitol. Not even Gen. Robert E. Lee and his army could pull that off, but as a historical irony, it was the Republican Partys secessionists who did.

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For his part, staunch Trump supporter Sen. Tom Cotton on Tuesday implicitly confessed what the Electoral College count fight is really about: Republicans worry that they can no longer win a majority fairly. Cotton explained that he would be voting to accept the 2020 electors in order to protect the Electoral College and its apparent current bias toward Republicans: If Congress becomes a new battleground for determining the results of the Electoral College, a future Democratic majority could deny the presidency to a Republican president-elect who didnt receive a majority of the popular vote. His even more reactionary colleagues, though, are taking this same fear to an extreme: rejecting the legitimacy of elections altogether by spreading lies and distrust.

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Again, weve seen this chapter before, and it did not go well. Pro-slavery forces in America lied, cheated, stole, and then seceded when they realized they could no longer win key state and national elections fairly. But before that, the problem was too much compromise and accommodation. Congress revised and then repealed the Missouri Compromise with the Compromise of 1850 and then the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, leaving the question of establishing new states as slave or free to the territories residents under the slogan popular sovereignty. The events over the next six years made a mockery of this term. Unlike today, there was indeed widespread organized voter fraud, and it destroyed the legitimacy of elections.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act opened what would become Kansas, Nebraska, the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Montana to local votes on slavery vs. freedom, starting with Kansas. Pro-slavery Missourians moved west, either permanently or temporarily, into Kansas just to vote to promote the westward expansion of slavery. Many of these Missourians became known as Border Ruffians as they engaged in intimidation tactics. Violence and murder preceded these slave vs. free local elections, mostly from the pro-slavery side. Pro-slavery forces ultimately used fraud to win elections. In Kansas, the pro-slavery candidates claimed victory following these fraudulent votes, formed a legislature, and drafted a pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution in preparation for statehood.

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In 1855, Congress investigated and found massive vote fraud. One estimate is that pro-slavery forces added 5,000 illegal votes to swing the 1854 elections. For example, one district had 161 voters: 30 were legal residents, and 131 were not. Congress investigation indicated that the so-called Pawnee/Lecompton legislature was a fraud and invalid. In 1855, anti-slavery forces seated their own government at Topeka and drafted their own free-state Topeka Constitution. But the pro-slavery president, New Hampshire Democrat Franklin Pierce, sided with the pro-slavery Kansas government.

The violence escalated in 1856, with pro-slavery mobs raiding Lawrence, Kansas, to shut down an anti-slavery paper, killing one. In revenge, John Brown organized his own militia, killing five in the Pottawatomie massacre, then leading two more armed battles that summer. Brown would later organize an ill-fated armed revolt in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, on the eve of the Civil War. By the time the massacres ended in 1859, 56 people had died in Bleeding Kansas, as it was named at the time.

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Bleeding Kansas was a turning point in the rise of the Republican Party, an ironic twist as the parties have reversed roles on democracy and anti-democracy. When it became clear that the United States couldnt resolve half slave/half free in Western expansion via local elections, the Republican Party campaigned on prohibiting any further expansion of slavery, while also proposing an initial 13th Amendment that would have protected slavery in any current slave state. Pro-slavery Southerners already knew they could not win territorial elections fairly and turned to violence. When Abraham Lincoln won the 1860 election, they then realized they could no longer win presidential elections, so they seceded and turned to war.

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Like today, national racist politicians like Pierce ignored election rules and the clear facts/evidence and the principle of democracy to brutally pick the side that they preferred as a matter of partisanship and naked power. And the result was increasing violence and murder.

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When party leaders cheat, and then fraudulently allege cheating by the other side, when they convince their supporters that their government and their democracy are illegitimate, the inevitable result is crime, violence, and domestic terrorism.

In the months following a free and fair election, Hawley, Cruz, and their Bleeding Kansas colleagues and their supporters are following the path of authoritarianism and violence by delegitimizing American democracy with zero evidence of fraud.

During the Trump era, we have already witnessed white supremacist murderers in Charlottesville, Pittsburgh, El Paso, Wisconsin, and elsewhere. We already witnessed a deranged Trump supporter mailing pipe bombs to George Soros and the political leaders of the Democratic Party. On Christmas, a man believing right-wing-adjacent conspiracy theories detonated a massive truck bomb in Nashville, Tennessee.

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No one can prove that acts of domestic terror were caused (or will be caused) by these bad-faith attacks on democracy and fair elections. But there is an important phrase for such conduct: stochastic terrorism, the public demonization of a person or group resulting in the incitement of a violent act, which is statistically probable but whose specifics cannot be predicted. Trump has engaged in such demonization before, and he has in the past weeks demonized specific public officials for not helping him with his likely criminal election fraud conspiracy. Now Trumps reactionary supporters in Congress are helping him demonize half the country. The violence is spreading. On Wednesday, Trump supporters in Washington state also attempted to storm the governors mansion. The violence will not abate without action.

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Congress can take immediate steps to answer these attacks and incitement: Step One, impeach, remove, and disqualify Trump, so that he cannot run again and more importantly, he can be out of the chain of command before he can do more damage as Jan. 20 approaches. Sen. Susan Collins pathetically asserted that the House had already taught Trump a lesson with its 2019 impeachment vote. Its too late for such fictions, but actual removal could mitigate the damage from the failed lesson and send a message to his supporters. Disqualification means Trump cannot run again, a crucial step toward ending the Trump era. Step Two, as Rep. Cori Bush has suggested, rely on Article I, S 5, cl 2 of the Constitution, which states: Each House may determine the Rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member. If the incoming and outgoing Senate Majority Leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell meant anything they said about protecting democracy on Wednesday, they can punish Hawley and Cruz, along with their fellow democracy delegitimizers by stripping them from all committees and suspending them from the Senate for an appropriate cooling down period. If this timeout doesnt take, these members can be expelled. Some members of the House should face the same consequences. The best response to anti-democratic extralegal attacks on the Constitution is to rely on the tools explicitly granted by the Framers for disciplining dangerous demagogues.

History tells us that such attacks on elections foreseeably lead to domestic terror. Blood may be on the hands of these political leaders for the anti-democratic violence that foreseeably follows such brazen attacks on democratic legitimacy. Unlike the 1850s Congress that failed its tests, todays Congress can take direct action to preserve and protect our democracy.
NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Voxy EnGen, a Public Benefit Corporation delivering personalized language learning technology to empower immigrants and refugees, today announced a $6.75 million Series A investment, backed by Rethink Education, The Social Entrepreneurs' Fund, the University System of Maryland Momentum Fund, Juvo Ventures, and The American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact. Rooted in insights gleaned from millions of language learners over the course of ten years, Voxy EnGen deploys an AI-driven learning platform to address the urgent language needs of New Americans for whom English can be a powerful lever for economic mobility.

"This is about the alignment of innovation with social impact. It is about translating proven technology into language learning solutions that can unlock the potential of New Americans whose talents are often overlooked, but who can play a significant role in powering a more equitable and inclusive economic recovery" said Dr. Katharine Nielson, Founder and Chief Education Officer of Voxy EnGen. "This isn't work that any single sector or organization can do alone. We are on a mission to collaborate with employers, schools, colleges, workforce development organizations, and community groups to connect with and serve the 96% of Americans who simply don't have access to English language instruction."

Research estimates that by 2030, 97% of net workforce growth will be immigrants and their children, underscoring the economic urgency of supporting New Americans and their families. And as the new Biden administration reexamines foreign talent visa regulations, international student policy, and new workforce inclusion measures, even more organizations are expected to rise to the challenge of ensuring immigrants and refugees have a seat at the table.

"There is a lot of talent on the sidelines whom we need to get into the workforce, including bilingual speakers who could be of value in providing care and other roles," said Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health whose mission is to address the nation's shortage in allied health workers. "Voxy EnGen's provision of language training tailored to industry needs can impact many lives by giving an onramp to opportunity and employability."

Incubated at Voxy Inc., Voxy EnGen currently works with dozens of partners in the U.S., including Futuro Health, Queens Public Library, and the University of Maryland College Park. It is the only English language learning platform that has been proven to meet the needs of diverse adult learners who have different proficiency levels, native languages, experiences, and career goals. A study by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) demonstrated that learners who used the platform significantly improved their English language proficiency when compared with peers who were given access to traditional language lab software such as Rosetta Stone.

For more information, please visit www.voxyengen.com .

About Voxy EnGen

Voxy EnGen is a Public Benefit Corporation that helps immigrants and refugees achieve self-sufficiency, economic mobility, civic participation, and a better quality of life through virtual English language education. Prior to launching in 2020, the award-winning language learning platform was built and refined for ten years and informed by data of over four million learners. Available on desktop, tablet and mobile, EnGen offers customized learning pathways that adapt to language level, real-world interests, and career goals.

SOURCE Voxy EnGen

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http://www.voxyengen.com


TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI)-- In the last four months, soybeans have taken the agricultural industry by storm.

"It's like holy cow! You wake up every morning, you grab your phone, and you look at the overnight markets, and wow, they're up again," said Brad Burbrink, partner of BE-N-AG Family Farm in Terre Haute.

Burbrink grows both corn and soybeans. Since harvest season, both crop prices have seen a spike. The cost of soybeans has surged by nearly five dollars! What was once $9.46 is now $13.61 per bushel. That price increase comes from the historically low stock we currently have.

Michael Langemeier, the Associate Director for the Center for Commercial Agriculture at Purdue University, explained that there was no way for farmers to predict such a surge.

"We did not anticipate export demand growing by 30%, and again, that's largely China." "They had some real problems with a major disease over in China, and they had to liquidate a lot of their sow herd, and they are trying to rebuild their hog inventory," said Langemeier.

Although this is excellent news for crop farmers, like Burbrink, they might not see all of the benefits.

"Unfortunately, we sold a lot of our grains either during harvest with the rise of the market before last growing season, but with saying that, we are able to, with with the grain we do have left, get the opportunity to sell at these levels that we were not at all expecting," said Burbrink.

There are various ways farmers can market their crops. Some farmers who decided to wait to sell their crops can take full advantage of the price hike now.

Agricultural experts predict these higher prices will stay around until at least the end of June.
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.
LAST Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his team made their usual weekly briefing on the status of the coronavirus in Trinidad and Tobago.

Given the rise in cases, the addition of a state of emergency was added to the existing public health measures, setting a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to ban transactions with eight more Chinese apps in the country. The move is aimed at reducing the threat posed by Chinese apps to American consumers as such apps have a large user base and access to sensitive user data.

By collecting sensitive user data, these apps allow China to track the location of federal employees and build their profiles for spying purposes. The executive order states that the United States must take aggressive action against Chinese developers to protect the countrys national security.

As per the executive order, the following apps from Chinese developers will be banned within 45 days:

Alipay

CamScanner

QQ Wallet

ShareIt

Tencent QQ

Vmate

WPS Office

WeChat Pay

By accessing personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, Chinese connected software applications can access and capture vast swaths of information from users, including sensitive personally identifiable information and private information, the executive order states.

The executive order instructs the Commerce Department to define the type of transactions that will be banned for these apps.

Notably, CamScanner and a few other popular Chinese apps were banned by the Indian government last year. Chinas Ministry of Commerce issued a statement against the executive order saying it goes against fair competition and harm Chinese apps and companies.

President Trump had previously passed an executive order to ban TikTok and WeChat in the US. However, the order was blocked by the court citing the violation of freedom of speech.

Since the executive order will come into effect 45 days from now, it is possible that President-elect Joe Biden will reverse it on the first day of his office. This is, however, unclear as of now, with Bidens team refusing to comment on the matter.

[Via Reuters
Hong Kong police arrested 53 former lawmakers and democracy proponents Wednesday for allegedly violating the new national security law by participating in unofficial election primaries for the territory's legislature last year.

FILE - In this July 12, 2020, file photo, people queue up to vote in Hong Kong in an unofficial primary for pro-democracy candidates ahead of legislative elections in September. About 50 Hong Kong pro-democracy figures were arrested by police on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 under a national security law, following their involvement in an unofficial primary election last year held to increase their chances of controlling the legislature, according to local media reports. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu, File)

Hong Kong police arrested 53 former lawmakers and democracy proponents Wednesday for allegedly violating the new national security law by participating in unofficial election primaries for the territory's legislature last year.

The mass arrests were the largest move against Hong Kongs democracy movement since the law was imposed by Beijing last June to quell dissent in the semi-autonomous territory.

"The operation today targets the active elements who are suspected to be involved in the crime of overthrowing, or interfering (in) ... the Hong Kong governments legal execution of duties," Hong Kongs security minister, John Lee, said at a news conference.

He said those arrested were suspected of trying to paralyze the government by attempting to gain a majority in the legislature to create a situation in which the chief executive had to resign and the government would stop functioning.

A video on former lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting's Facebook page showed police arriving at his home and telling him he was "suspected of violating the national security law, subverting state power." Police told those recording the video to stop or risk arrest.

The legislative election that would have followed the unofficial primaries was postponed by a year by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who cited the public health risks during the coronavirus pandemic. Mass resignations and disqualifications of pro-democracy lawmakers have left the legislature largely a pro-Beijing body.

FILE - In this July 15, 2020, file photo, pro-democracy activists who were elected from unofficial pro-democracy primaries, including Joshua Wong, left, attend a press conference in Hong Kong. About 50 Hong Kong pro-democracy figures were arrested by police on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 under a national security law, following their involvement in an unofficial primary election last year held to increase their chances of controlling the legislature, according to local media reports. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)

Lee said the police would not target those who voted in the unofficial primaries, which were held in July and attracted more than 600,000 voters even though pro-Beijing lawmakers and politicians had warned the event could breach the security law.

All of the pro-democracy candidates in the unofficial primaries were arrested, apart from a few who had fled the territory, according to reports by the South China Morning Post, online platform Now News and political groups.

At least seven members of Hong Kongs Democratic Party  the citys largest opposition party  were arrested, including former party chairman Wu Chi-wai. Former lawmakers Lam, Helena Wong and James To were also arrested, according to a post on the partys Facebook page.

Benny Tai, a key figure in Hong Kong's 2014 Occupy Central protests and a former law professor, was also arrested, reports said. Tai was one of the main organizers of the primaries.

The home of Joshua Wong, a prominent pro-democracy activist who is serving a 13 1/2-month prison sentence for organizing and participating in an unauthorized protest last year, was also raided, according to a tweet posted from Wong's account.

American human rights lawyer John Clancey was also among those taken into custody. Clancey was the treasurer of political group Power for Democracy, which was involved in the unofficial primaries.

"We need to work for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong," Clancey said as he was being led away by police, in a video posted by local online news outlet Citizen News.

FILE - In this July 11, 2020, file photo, a woman walks past banners of pro-democracy candidates outside a subway station in Hong Kong, in an unofficial primary for pro-democracy candidates ahead of legislative elections. About 50 Hong Kong pro-democracy figures were arrested by police on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 under a national security law, following their involvement in an unofficial primary election last year held to increase their chances of controlling the legislature, according to local media reports. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu, File)

Police also went to the offices of Stand News and Apple Daily, two prominent pro-democracy news outlets, with a court order to hand over documents to assist in an investigation related to the national security law, according to the two media outlets. Another online news outlet, In-Media, received a similar court order. No arrests were made.

Lee pointed to a "10 steps to mutual destruction" plan that included taking control of the legislature, mobilizing protests to paralyze society and calling for international sanctions.

That plan was previously outlined by former law professor Tai. He predicted that between 2020 and 2022, there would be 10 steps to mutual destruction, including the pro-democracy bloc winning a majority in the legislature, intensifying protests, the forced resignation of Lam due to the budget bill being rejected twice, and international sanctions on the Chinese Communist Party.

"The plot is to create such mutual destruction that if successful ... will result in serious damage to society as a whole," said Lee. "That is why police action today is necessary."

Senior Supt. Steve Li of the national security unit said the operation involved 1,000 officers. The 45 men and eight women arrested are aged between 23 and 79, according to a police statement.

All were in police custody except for one man who was granted bail so he could self quarantine, according to the statement. He is expected to report to the police later this month.

Six were arrested for subverting state power by organizing the unofficial primaries, while the rest were arrested for allegedly participating in the event, Li said. He said more arrests could be made and investigations were ongoing.

FILE - In this Saturday, July 11, 2020, file photo, former law professor Benny Tai, a key figure in Hong Kong's 2014 Occupy Central protests and also was one of the main organizers of the primaries stands in front of a vintage double-deck bus used as a polling center for an unofficial "primary" for pro-democracy candidates ahead of legislative elections in Hong Kong. About 50 Hong Kong pro-democracy figures were arrested by police on Wednesday under a national security law, following their involvement in an unofficial primary election last year held to increase their chances of controlling the legislature, according to local media reports. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu, File)

Alan Leong, chairman of the pro-democracy Civic Party in Hong Kong, said at a news conference Wednesday that plans to exercise voting rights to veto the budget and eventually oblige the chief executive to step down are rights enshrined in the Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini-constitution.

The arrests were an "affront to the constitutionally protected rights to vote" in Hong Kong, Leong said.

Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Beijing supports Hong Kong police in their carrying out of "their duties in accordance with the law."

"The rights and freedom Hong Kong people enjoyed have not been affected in any way," Hua said at a daily news briefing. "What was affected was that some external forces and individual people in Hong Kong colluded with each other in an attempt to undermine the stability and security of China."

In recent months, Hong Kong has jailed several pro-democracy activists, including Wong and Agnes Chow, for their involvement in anti-government protests, and others have been charged under the national security law, including media tycoon and outspoken pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai.

The security law criminalizes acts of subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign powers to intervene in the citys affairs. Serious offenders could face up a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

Lam had said at the time of the unofficial primaries last year that if their aim was resisting every policy initiative by the Hong Kong government, the election may fall under subverting state power, an offence under the national security law.

Beijing had also called the primaries illegal and a "serious provocation" of Hong Kongs electoral system.

Following the handover of Hong Kong to China by the British in 1997, the city has operated on a "one country, two systems" framework that affords it freedoms not found on the mainland. In recent years, Beijing has asserted more control over the city, drawing criticism that it was breaking its promise of Hong Kong maintaining separate civil rights and political systems for 50 years from the handover.

The sweeping arrests drew condemnation from Anthony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State nominee for the upcoming Biden administration, who said on Twitter that it was an "assault on those bravely advocating for universal rights."

"The Biden-Harris administration will stand with the people of Hong Kong and against Beijings crackdown on democracy," Blinken wrote in his tweet.

In Germany, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Adebahr said the arrests "confirm our fears  that the national security law would lead to an erosion of the freedoms, rights and rule of law guaranteed to Hong Kongers in the Basic Law."

The arrests send the "signal that political pluralism is no longer tolerated in Hong Kong," EU spokesman Peter Stano told a press conference. The security law is being used "to crush dissent and stifle the exercise of human rights and political freedoms."

Human Rights Watch senior China researcher Maya Wang said the national security law is a blanket law that allows the government to arrest people for exercising their rights.

"Hong Kong is looking more like mainland China but where one ends and the other begins is hard to discern," she said.

-

AP Writer Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
BOSTON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Genuity Science, a U.S.-headquartered data, analytics and insights organization, today announces an agreement with one of the world's leading medical research institutions, Emory University. The collaboration will focus on partnering with Emory on the development of the Genuity Science population clinicogenomic database with an initial focus on neurodegenerative disease, to enable research with pharma and biotech partners. The research is designed to enable drug target and biomarker discovery and validation for drug research and development, as well as patient stratification for clinical trial optimization, as a part of Genuity Science's prioritized disease research.

Ranked 7th in the US for research funding, from the National Institutes of Health, and in the top 15 Neurology Departments by the US News and World Report, Emory's Department of Neurology has one of the most advanced translational neuroscience research programs in the US.

Allan Levey, MD, PhD, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Emory University and Director of Emory's Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, commented, "More than five million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's and another million people in the US alone are impacted by Parkinson's. We know there are dozens of genes contributing to risk of these conditions. I believe there's huge scope to improve drug discovery, development and clinical trials stemming from the insights Genuity hope to derive from this research. Our collaboration with Genuity provides us with a potential opportunity to greatly accelerate our academic research efforts for the benefit of our patient population by including whole genome sequence data to our cohort."

Jeff Gulcher MD, PhD, and Chief Scientific Officer of Genuity Science said, "Emory is one of the leading research and medical centers for neurodegenerative diseases and will be an important collaborator in our efforts to better understand the underlying genetics of neurological disease. Emory fits perfectly within our strategy of combining detailed clinical and longitudinal data from large-scale, powered cohorts of many thousands of patients with whole genome sequence and other omic data to provide discoveries beyond the usual suspects of disease genes. We can be an important partner in helping Emory pursue its mission to find more effective neurological treatment options for patients in the US and across the world living with these conditions."

About Genuity Science

Genuity Science is a data, analytics and insights organization headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, with offices in Dublin, Ireland and Reykjavik, Iceland. Genuity Science partners with global biopharma and life sciences companies to offer deep end-to-end drug target and biomarker discovery programs aimed at catalyzing precision health and improving the quality of life for patients around the world. Genuity's programs include population-scale, disease-specific data sourcing with detailed longitudinal clinical information, high-quality sequencing, a uniquely scalable genomic and clinical database architecture and tools for analyzing large datasets, and advanced artificial intelligence (AI). The company operates an advanced CAP-accredited laboratory in Dublin, Ireland, and is deeply committed to responsible and compliant data stewardship across its global offices. For more information, see www.genuitysci.com.

About Emory University

Emory University School of Medicine is a leading institution with the highest standards in education, biomedical research and patient care, with a commitment to recruiting and developing a diverse group of students and innovative leaders. Emory School of Medicine has more than 3,100 full- and part-time faculty, 582 medical students, 522 allied health students, 1,322 residents and fellows in 107 accredited programs, and 92 MD/PhD students in one of 50 NIH-sponsored Medical Scientist Training Programs. Emory University received $831 million in external research funding in fiscal year 2019. The medical school is best known for its research and treatment in infectious disease, neurosciences, heart disease, cancer, transplantation, orthopedics, pediatrics, renal disease, ophthalmology and geriatrics.

SOURCE Genuity Science

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Big decisions for big problems says Cancun mayor regarding the citys garbage collection

Cancun, Q.R.  Cancun mayor Mara Lezama says that big decisions must be made for big problems, referring to the ongoing issue with the citys garbage collection. In a videoed social media release, Lezama explained that for decades, the people of Cancun have faced the deficient collection of garbage due to the existence of debts, work stoppages, dismissals of workers and non-compliance of the company in charge of the service.

She said that in view of the emergency she faced, city council made the urgent decision to change companies and solve the root of the problem adding, we must banish old practices and acts of corruption.

During her broadcast, Lezama also said that she and her family have been the subject of threats as a result of her decision to bring order to the garbage collection service by changing companies.

They thought that because I was a woman, they were going to intimidate me, she underlined in her message.

Mara Lezama, Cancun mayor says big decisions need to be made for big problems

Lezama said that for decades, the municipality has suffered from garbage collection problems that had not been addressed.

Historically, there was poor garbage collection. The common landscape was to see accumulations of waste in the streets, which became a source of infection, she said acknowledging that municipal governments have always faced the breaching of contracts, leonine agreements with the concessionaire company that, in addition, did not comply with the payment of its obligations with its workers who, for the same reason, carried out work stoppages and constantly faced dismissals.

All this happened while the inhabitants of the city lived exposed to contamination and accumulations of garbage, she said. That is why our challenge and commitment was to clean Cancun, do it in a forceful way, retaking control, command and reinstate the service, she added.

In short, do what had never been done, which was to solve the problem at its roots, she emphasized.

I received personal threats against me, against my family. They thought that because I was a woman they would intimidate me, but I, like everyone else, love this city and am committed to it, she stressed.

She said that the ongoing failure of the concessionaire Inteligencia Mexico caused an environmental emergency, so on December 17, Cancun city council declared the suspension of that company and hired another that had the capacity to fully comply with the task.

Why do we temporarily contract another company? Because every day 1,400 tons of garbage is generated which must be collected with at least 60 trucks that must travel 112 routes, she explained. We want a clean city, and for this, we must banish old practices, she stressed.

In the meantime, the citys current garbage collection company Red Ambiental says they will file a criminal complaint against Inteligencia Mexico after the company used scores of trucks to block the landfill roadway Wednesday.

Scores of Inteligencia Mexico trucks were used to block landfill access

On Wednesday morning, approximately 40 Inteligencia Mexico garbage trucks, along with workers, blocked the road that leads to Cancuns landfill site. The vehicles were lined up, ensuring no passage.

Red Ambiental said they are preparing a criminal complaint against whomever is responsible for the Wednesday blockade that was carried out by more than 40 operators of the Inteligencia Mexico concessionaire.

Jorge Guzman, director of institutional relations at Red Ambiental said they found out about the landfill road blockade at around five in the morning. Guzman said to avoid potential issues, staff were told to avoid the area.

While garbage was collected in Cancun Wednesday, Red Ambiental was left without a place to deposit the collected waste.

The Chinese have been eager to get out in front, aware of the gap and the hoarding and pre-purchase of so many billions of doses by the Western governments that is leaving so many countries high and dry, said J. Stephen Morrison, director of the global health policy center at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

It will become a tool in their diplomatic alliances, and it will give them some measure of prestige and standing with countries that choose to make use of them, he added.

Unlike players from the United States, Chinese vaccine makers had to think globally almost from the start. The companies had to go abroad to test the efficacy of their vaccines because the outbreak had been largely stamped out in China.

In recent months, Chinese companies have signed agreements with at least 15 countries and regions, providing early access to doses. Their vaccines have been rolled out in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain after being approved for emergency use.

Many of their early customers were the governments that cooperated on the late-stage, Phase 3 trials. Brazil has roughly 10.8 million doses of the vaccine on hand and intends to start producing it locally, and Indonesia and Turkey have both received shipments of Sinovac vaccines. Sinovac has said it is able to produce 600 million doses this year.

These deals could help vaccine makers shake off the industrys tarnished reputation after a series of quality and corruption scandals. For decades, Chinese vaccine makers focused only on serving their domestic market. Only five Chinese vaccines have been preapproved for export by the World Health Organization  one of them is a hepatitis A shot made by Sinovac.

The results in Brazil are closely watched by regulators in other countries that are conducting trials for the Sinovac vaccine because it had the biggest number of volunteers, at 12,476. Turkey announced on Dec. 24 that the vaccine had an efficacy rate of 91.25 percent, but it was based on preliminary results from a small clinical trial. The scientists who ran the trial discussed the results at a news conference, but they did not provide the data online in written form.
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WASHINGTON - The top federal prosecutor in Washington D.C. said Thursday that President Donald Trump was not off limits in his investigation of the events surrounding Wednesday's riot at the U.S. Capitol, saying "all actors" would be examined to determine if they broke the law.

Asked if federal agents and prosecutors will look at the incendiary statements made by speakers at Trump's rally shortly before a mob of his supporters breached security at the Capitol and wreaked havoc inside, acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said: "Yes, we are looking at all actors here, not only the people that went into the building, but . . . were there others that maybe assisted or facilitated or played some ancillary role in this. We will look at every actor and all criminal charges."

Asked specifically if that included Trump, who had urged the crowd to "fight like hell," before the rioting began, Sherwin replied, "We are looking at all actors here, and anyone that had a role, if the evidence fits the element of a crime, they're going to be charged."

Not long after the prosecutor made those remarks, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany gave a brief statement, saying: "What we saw yesterday was a group of violent rioters undermining the legitimate First Amendment rights of the many thousands who came to peacefully have their voices heard in our nation's capital. Those who violently besieged our capitol are the opposite of everything this administration stands for."

The far-reaching federal investigation could spell fresh legal jeopardy for the president's personal lawyer, Rudolph Giuliani, who also spoke to the crowd, declaring at one point, "let's have trial by combat," and declaring he was willing to stake his reputation, and that of the president, on being able to someday find criminality in the 2020 vote count.

On Thursday morning, Giuliani tweeted that the previous day's violence "was shameful. It was as criminal as the rioting and looting this summer which was not condemned strongly enough by the Left. This violence is condemned in the strongest terms. Our movement values respect for law and order and for the police."

Two of the president's sons also spoke at the event, though their remarks were less incendiary, threatening to primary Republicans who did not support Trump's effort to change electoral college tallies.

"Have some backbone. Show some fight. Learn from Donald Trump," Eric Trump told the crowd. "And we need to march on the Capitol today. And we need to stand up for this country. And we need to stand up for what's right."

Sherwin, the prosecutor, said that the first priority of investigators are the individuals who personally engaged in destructive or violent acts at the Capitol, or what he called "the closest alligators to the boat."

He also noted there were potential national security risks in Wednesday's chaos, with video showing papers strewn around lawmakers' offices, and some accounts of people taking things from the building.

"This is probably going to take several days to flesh out what was stolen, what wasn't," he said. "Items were stolen from senators' offices, documents were stolen, and we have to identify what was done, and it could have potential national security equities."

Sherwin spoke to reporters by phone Thursday to emphasize that the Justice Department and FBI are rapidly pursuing cases against those who engaged in violence or other lawbreaking, saying that dozens of people would be charged by the end of the day, and investigators are continuing to piece together evidence to bring additional cases.

The vast majority of those who broke into the Capitol building were allowed to politely leave once the chaos ended. One online video even showed an officer holding the door for a stream of angry individuals, including one who triumphantly shouted: "We stopped the vote!"

Now, investigators face a more complex task of piecing together digital evidence to identify and charge those who engaged in violence. That could take weeks or in some cases months, meaning that the bulk of that prosecutorial work may be left to the Biden administration.

Sherwin said investigators' work was made more difficult by the fact that Capitol Police let so many of the people who broke into the building simply walk out.

"It appears they were not apprehended or zip-tied by the police," said Sherwin, and agents will now have to gather cellphone records and video footage to "identify people, charge them, and execute their arrest."

FBI agents have already received thousands of tips after asking for the public's help in identifying people in the photos and videos of the mob storming the Capitol building.

Officials said they have a broad list of possible crimes to consider, from seditious conspiracy to damaging federal property to simple unlawful entry.

But there are other, more serious potential charges in play, too. Pipe bombs were discovered outside the Republican National Committee headquarters and the Democratic National Committee headquarters. Officials have yet to charge anyone with leaving those homemade bombs there, but such actions may lead to terrorism charges.

"The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that those responsible for this attack on our Government and the rule of law face the full consequences of their actions under the law," Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said in a statement Thursday.

While prosecutors vowed to file the toughest charges possible, they also signaled that they plan to file cases on lesser crimes like unlawful entry, which may be easier to prove, given the voluminous social media postings of the rioters.

D.C. Metro police released dozens of photographs Thursday seeking to identify and possibly charge with unlawful entry some of those who stormed into Congress, including a heavily tattooed shirtless man draped in animal fur and wearing Viking horns.

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Thursday said the FBI has deployed its "full investigative resources" and will "hold accountable those who participated in yesterday's siege of the Capitol."

The political fallout from the rioting continued Thursday, as Republicans faced a deep, angry rift within their party over the pro-Trump riot.

Former Attorney General William Barr - who before his Dec. 23 resignation had been one of Trump's most loyal and effective cabinet secretaries - issued a statement condemning the president.

"Orchestrating a mob to pressure Congress is inexcusable," Barr said in the statement, released through his former spokeswoman. "The President's conduct yesterday was a betrayal of his office and supporters."
US President-elect on Thursday nominated Indian-American Vanita Gupta to be the associate attorney general and roped in Judge Merrick Garland for the position of attorney general.

He also announced the nominations of Lisa Monaco as deputy attorney general and Kristen Clarke for assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division.

"Our first-rate nominees to lead the Justice Department are eminently qualified, embody character and judgment that is beyond reproach, and have devoted their careers to serving the American people with honor and integrity, Biden said.

"They will restore the independence of the Department so it serves the interests of the people not a presidency, rebuild public trust in the rule of law, and work tirelessly to ensure a more fair and equitable justice system, he said.

Gupta, 46, is currently serving as President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. If confirmed by the US Senate, Gupta would be the highest ranking Indian-American in the Department of Justice.

They are among the most accomplished legal minds in our country who also reflect the best of America's full range of talents and background, Biden said.

I am honored they accepted this call to serve at such a critical time in our nation's history, he said.

A former acting assistant attorney general and one of the best-known and most respected civil rights attorneys in America, Gupta would be the first woman of colour to serve in this role.

She has spent her career fighting successfully for greater equity in our justice system and advancing the rights and dignity of every American, Biden's transition said.

Gupta served as acting assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division the chief civil rights prosecutor for the United States. She is a successful consensus builder on tough issues, with years of experience on managing complex settlements and advocacy experience.

Judge Garland is an independent jurist on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. A consensus-building voice, Garland has worked under Democratic and Republican administrations.

He led investigations into some of the most high-profile cases and crises in modern history and coordinated the government's response to the Oklahoma City bombing.

Judge Garland's nomination underscores the President-elect's commitment to restore integrity and the rule of law, boost morale of the dedicated career professionals at DOJ, and build a more equitable justice system that serves all Americans, the transition said.

Monaco, a veteran prosecutor and dedicated public servant, served in the Department of Justice for fifteen years, as assistant attorney general for National Security, a senior official in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and as a career prosecutor.

She has been a trailblazer for women in national security. She was the first woman confirmed as assistant attorney general for National Security and was one of the most senior women on former president Barack Obama's national security team.

Clarke, a veteran of the Department of Justice, has extensive civil rights experience, starting her career in civil rights as a career attorney in the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice where she handled cases of police misconduct, hate crimes, human trafficking, voting rights, and redistricting cases.

Fidelity to the rule of law forms the bedrock of America's democracy. And in the face of both the damage that has been done to our Justice Department and our country's long-overdue reckoning on racial injustice, these are the right leaders to meet this moment, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said.

These Justice Department veterans will not only help make sure justice is applied equally across our country, they will also restore integrity and independence to the Justice Department, helping rebuild the American people's trust in the institution, she said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kathmandu, January 7

Before the Covid-19 crisis hit the country, the government of Nepal was much excited about its ambitious Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign that had targeted welcoming two million foreign tourists in a year.

However, the pandemic shattered the governments dream and it had to call off the campaign as early as in March. As the year ended now, Nepal has got frustrating data about tourist arrivals in the country.

The Department of Immigration says 230,085 foreigners came to Nepal for tourism in 2020. This is the lowest for the past 34 years. in 1986, only 223,331 foreign tourists had visited the country.

The recent low figure was in 2015 in the wake of the devastating earthquake. However, that year also, Nepal had welcomed over 538,000 tourists.

The previous year (2019) has recorded the highest number of tourists visiting Nepal so far: 1 million and 197,191.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam gestures during a news conference at the Capitol in Richmond on April 8, 2020. (Steve Helber/AP Photo)

Virginia Governor Imposes Curfew in Several Cities, Issues State of Emergency

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a curfew in some areas and imposed a state of emergency in Virginia.

The curfew applies to Alexandria and Arlington with limited exceptions, the governor said.

He wrote: At the request of @AlexandriaVAGov and @ArlingtonVA, I am declaring a 6PM to 6AM curfew in these jurisdictions, with limited exceptions. I am also issuing a State of Emergency in Virginia, so we can continue to respond.

The move comes as protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol building, forcing a lockdown. Photos showed that the protesters entered the Senate and House chambers. Earlier, both the House and Senate stopped debating on the electoral results after lawmakers objected.

The Capitol breach was condemned by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, as well as top White House officials.

President Donald Trump, again asserting that there was election fraud, called on the protesters to go home now in a video posted on social media.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also imposed a curfew at the Capitol from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday.

In a statement, Arlington County said that it is illegal for any person to be present in any street, park, or other public place, unless an exception applies. Exceptions include persons traveling to and from home, work, or places of worship; government, emergency services, and hospital personnel; members of the news media; and persons seeking emergency services, the county said.

Police later cleared protesters off the Capitol steps, according to video, and were working to clear them from the building.

Vice President Mike Pence, who had presided over the joint session of Congress, had already been escorted from the Senate.

Reuters contributed to this report.

[January 07, 2021] IESA Technovation Awards 2019-20 lifts the spirits-up for innovation in the ESDM industry

BANGALORE, India, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sarabhai Award : Sh. Ajay Sawhney , Secretary, MeitY Govt of India

: Sh. , Secretary, of Techno-Visionary, Industry Award: Nivruti Rai, Country Head, Intel India and vice president, Data Platforms Group (DPG) at Intel Corporation

Nivruti Rai, Country Head, Intel India and vice president, Data Platforms Group (DPG) at Intel Corporation Techno-Visionary, Academia Award: Prof. Ramgopal Rao , Director, IIT Delhi India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), the premier industry body for the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) industry in the country, has today announced its flagship Technovation Award winners for 2019-2020. Instituted in 2008, the "IESA Technovation Awards" are one of the most recognized awards in the ESDM ecosystem. Each year IESA Technovation awards recognize and honor some of the most innovative and impactful individuals and organizations for their contributions made to India's ESDM industry. In the leadership awards category, the Techno-Visionary industry award winner is Nivruti Rai, Country Head, Intel India and vice president, Data Platforms Group (DPG) at Intel Corporation; Prof. Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi is awarded the Techno-Visionary, Academia award; Professor (Emeritus) A. Paulraj, Arogyaswami Paulraj, Stanford University is awarded the Techno-Visionary, Global award; Aruna Sundararajan, Former Secretary, Government of India is awarded the Techno-Visionary, Public Service award and the apex award of Technovation, Sarabhai Award has been awarded to Sh. Ajay Sawhney, Secretary Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology Government of India. In the Startup category, Pathshodh & InnAccel in healtrhcare; Hack Labs in Automation; Acceleron Labs in Compute; EVQPoint in Automotive; Devic Earth in Environment; AlphaIC & InCore in Fabless and SINE is chosen as the best incubator in the ecosystem. In the MSME category, iWave for Services; Skanray for Electronics Products; Saankhya for Semiconductor Products and Sahasra for Manufacturing. In the Enterprise category, eInfochips for Services; BEL & Genus Power for Electronics Products; AMD for Semiconductor Products; Wistron for Manufacturing. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Satya Gupta, Chairman, IESA and CEO, Seedeyas Innovations said, "At IESA we believe in supporting innovation and the Technovation Awards are a token for recognizing the talent and hard-work of individuals and companies. We are proud to appreciate such determination and to acknowledge these efforts. This year we have good innovation coming to the forefront in various categories especially in healthcare & automation. This surely speaks about our ecosystem, encouraging policies and we applaud the efforts, support the industry and feel this is just the beginning." Accepting the Sarabhai Award, Sh. Ajay Sawhney, Secretary, MeitY Govt of India said, "It is truly an honor to receive Sarabhai Award at IESA's Technovation Awards. I am thankful to IESA for this recognition. This is the recognition to the Ministry, IT, for the industry that has rallied around the schemes for which we have received amazing response. The next few years look promising and we are just about to come out with a request, an expression of interest for the semiconductor fab and we are ready for the fabless design. We are back in the market soon for more projects for manufacturing of components. Let us make this India's decade in Electronics." List of winners in various categories of Technovation Awards 2020







Start-Up Awards Type Category Winner Start-Ups Health Care Pathshodh InnAccel Start-Ups Automation Hack Labs

Start-Ups Compute/General Acceleron Labs

Start-Ups Automotive EVQPoint

Start-Ups Environment Devic Earth

Start-Ups Fabless AlphaIC InCore Incubators Incubators SINE



MSME Awards Type Category Winner MSME Services iWave

MSME Electronics Products Skanray

MSME Semiconductor Products Saankhya

MSME Manufacturing Sahasra



Enterprise Awards Type Category Winner Enterprise Services eInfochips

Enterprise Electronics Products BEL Genus Power Enterprise Semiconductor Products AMD

Enterprise Manufacturing Wistron



Leadership Awards Techno-Visionary Industry Nivruti Rai, Country Head, Intel India and vice president in the Data Platforms Group (DPG) at Intel Corporation Techno-Visionary Academia Prof. Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi Techno-Visionary Global Professor (Emeritus) A. Paulraj, Arogyaswami Paulraj, Stanford University Techno-Visionary Public Service Aruna Sundararajan, Former Secretary, Government of India Technovation Sarabhai Award Sh. Ajay Sawhney, Secretary Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology Government of India

About Technovation Awards: The ESDM ecosystem is growing significantly in the areas of Semiconductor & Fabless Products, Electronics Products and Manufacturing and Design Services. The Technovation industry awards this year have recognised the contributions in in these areas from large enterprises, MSME companies and start-ups. Start-ups are already playing a big role in creating Self-Reliance in Electronics by developing products using domestic innovations and addressing both local and global challenges. This year "Technovation Awards" have recognised and honoured the best start-ups in 6 different verticals namely Healthcare, Automation, Environment, Automotive and Computing. Considering the significance of Fabless products and IP companies, it was a decision to have a separate award category for the best fabless start-up in each category. In the individual awards category, IESA Techno-Visionary awards recognize the leaders who have made a long-term impact on the ESDM eco-system. The Techno-Visionary awards are given to leading Techno-Visionaries in 4 categories- Academia, Industry, Public Service & Global, categories. The final and Apex ESDM award IESA Technovation Sarabhai Award, is given to a visionary leader for making seminal contributions and long-term impact for the ESDM Industry. About India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA): India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) is the premier industry body committed to the development of a vibrant Indian Semiconductor and Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) ecosystem representing both domestic and multinational enterprises. IESA has been actively involved in evangelizing the dream of establishing 'Brand India' that is recognized worldwide as a go-to destination for Intelligent Electronics. The vision of IESA is to Make India the global hub for design-led manufacturing in Intelligent Electronics through continued partnership with the Industry, Government and Academia in the Country and Global markets. IESA is working towards promoting Make-in-India & Designed in India products for the global markets, through publishing credible data, networking events and nurturing alliances. IESA works closely with the Government as a knowledge partner on the sector, both at the centre and state level. For more details, visit www.iesaonline.org Media Contact :

Sandeep Aurora, VP, IESA,

sandeep.aurora@iesaonline.org,

+91 9810119897

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She jetted over to the United Arab Emirates in December for some winter sun.

And Ella Rae Wise highlighted her stunning tan and slender physique in a white one-piece on Thursday at Cove Beach in Dubai.

The TOWIE star, 20, completed the look with a sparkling green shirt and metallic wedges as she struck a pose for the camera.

Turn heads: Ella Rae Wise highlighted her stunning tan and slender physique in a white one-piece on Thursday at Cove Beach in Dubai

She added a designer touch with a Louis Vuitton clutch bag.

Ella tucked her blonde tresses back in a chic ponytail and wore full coverage make-up.

The reality star has been documenting her luxurious vocation while the UK has been plunged into it's third lockdown.

Despite the coronavirus crisis worsening, stars of TOWIE, Love Island and Geordie Shore appear to be soaking up the sun around the globe in their droves.

Too glam to give a damn: The TOWIE star, 20, completed the look with a sparkling green shirt and metallic wedges as she struck a pose for the camera

Most have flocked to Dubai, as the UAE has played host to a number of stars over the past year, despite the consistent rules throughout the UK, advising against international travel.

In Dubai, social distancing and the wearing of face masks is mandatory when away from your home. This also applies to visitors staying in hotels when they are not in their room.

The city has been an ideal choice for many as visitors aren't currently required to quarantine upon their return to the UK.

Many stars have insisted their trips are for work as the government currently asks UK residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

British citizens are being told to stay at home after Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed that one in 50 people across the country currently have coronavirus.

Individuals are being told they should only visit the shops for necessities and should work from home when possible.

Responsibility for the extremist mob that overran Congress belongs to every Republican officeholder who supported Donald Trumps attempt to invalidate the results of a fair election  a list that includes a dismaying number of Republicans from California, where nearly two-thirds of voters opposed him.

It wasnt just House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, one of Trumps most reliable allies for the last four years, who was complicit. He signed onto a lawsuit that sought to overturn results in four states that Trump lost to President-elect Joe Biden  but so did Reps. Doug LaMalfa of Butte County, Ken Calvert of Riverside County and Tom McClintock of Sacramento County, back-benchers who have little to fear in their GOP-safe districts.

GOP Rep. Mike Garcia of the San Fernando Valley stayed away from that lawsuit  then said he would back the far-right challenges in Congress to Bidens election. That was the event that led to the disgraceful scene that played out before the nation Wednesday, when a mob that included white supremacists carrying Confederate battle flags humiliated the United States by disrupting one of the most sacred rites of American democracy: the peaceful transfer of power.

Were in the midst of a crisis of democracy, Terry Moe, a senior fellow at Stanfords Hoover Institution and author of the book Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy, said this week. The Republican Party has become an anti-democracy party.

Republicans have been silent or actively enabled Trump, Moe said, because they fear Trumps Twitter-transmitted wrath will inspire his supporters to turn on them. Thats why many didnt push back on his lies since the election until right-wing terrorists threatened lawmakers Wednesday.

Then they asked the terrorists to peacefully exit.

The actions we are seeing by those charging the Capitol today should not be condoned or encouraged, Garcia tweeted. I urge these people to peacefully exit so that Congress may continue to execute our constitutional duties and our staff and Capitol Police may safely go home to their families.

The problem: Garcia helped create the environment that led to Wednesdays insurrection when he said, I believe there is enough evidence of compromised processes and breakdowns in election integrity by certain state legislatures that do in fact warrant a closer examination.

Remember: Some of those legislatures are controlled by Republicans. The Trump campaign and its allies filed some 60 legal challenges to the election in six states. Judges, including judges appointed by Trump, rejected them.

Garcia was joined by LaMalfa, who said he would object to certifying the results until there was an emergency 10-day audit of them.

Only two of Californias 11 House Republicans, McClintock and Rep. Young Kim of Orange County, dared to oppose Trumps position before Wednesday. Most California Republicans  and the California Republican Party  dodged commenting about it. Until Wednesday, when they condemned the days violence.

Republicans stayed quiet until after Trump told his followers to go to the Capitol where lawmakers were certifying the results of the election he lost.

You'll never take back our country with weakness, Trump said. You have to show strength and you have to be strong.

A few California Republicans egged on the mob from afar. State Sen. Shannon Grove of Bakersfield, leader of the chambers Republicans, retweeted a photo from pro-Trump attorney Lin Wood  who has called for jailing Vice President Mike Pence for treason  asserting without evidence that Antifa protesters were behind Wednesdays violence.

Patriots dont act like this!! This was Antifa, Grove wrote.

She later deleted it. An aide told The Chronicle that it was an unintentional thought.

McCarthy, Californias most powerful Republican, never questioned Trump for repeatedly lying that the election was stolen. And he didnt stop House Republicans from enabling Trumps lies on Wednesday.

I think its right that we have the debate, McCarthy told the Hill, a Washington news outlet, on Sunday. I mean, you see now that senators are going to object, the House is going to object  how else do we have a way to change the election problems?

McCarthy is a regular on Fox News, the conservative echo chamber that convinced millions of Americans that Trumps election fantasies were fact. But after the mob breached the Capitol on Wednesday, McCarthy popped up on CBS News to say that he was very clear with the president when I called him. This has to stop.

This is not who we are. This is not who his supporters are, McCarthy said. This is more than politics. This is the foundation of this nation. This is the democracy that we are supposed to be the torch for the rest of the world.

Nobody should encourage it and nobody should be a part of it, McCarthy said.

But those were the presidents supporters. And McCarthy did encourage it. Not actively, but by being complicit.

A short time after McCarthy was on CBS, Trump posted a minute-long video encouraging the mob to go home. But mostly, he repeated the lies he has told since Nov. 3.

Twitter pulled down the video because it violated its civic integrity policy and temporarily locked Trumps account. The company didnt enable the presidents lies.

Unlike many California Republicans.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
Blacks More Likely to Be Searched During Stops, Data Shows

Black and Hispanic Los Angeles residents are more likely to be searched or subjected to force if stopped by police or sheriffs deputies, a statistic true statewide, according to a data-rich report released today by the California Department of Justice.

The report contains the first full-year analysis of stop data for the state, though it is the fourth annual report on racial and identity profiling by the California Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board.

Researchers analyzed nearly 4 million vehicle and pedestrian stops made in 2019 by the states 15 largest law enforcement agencies.

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Eighty-five percent of the stops were reported as traffic violations, with 12% made because of suspected criminal activity.

Black people had the highest proportion of stops on suspicion, at 21%, while those perceived as Middle Eastern or South Asian were almost always stopped for traffic violations rather than as suspected criminals.

Blacks were 1.45 times more likely to have force used against them and were searched at 2.5 times the rate of white people stopped by police. Hispanic individuals stopped were 1.18 times more likely than whites to be subject to the use of force and 1.48 times more likely to be searched.

The numbers reported for the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department were slightly lower for Blacks and slightly higher for Hispanics. The highest disparities statewide were seen in stops made by the California Highway Patrol and Oakland Police Department, where Black drivers or suspects were 1.86 times and 1.92 more times likely to be subjected to force, respectively.

While officers stopped more than twice as many white people as compared to Black people, there were more Blacks who ended up being searched, detained on the curb or in a patrol car, handcuffed, or removed from vehicles.

Individuals perceived as Black, Hispanic and Native American had higher search rates despite the searches of white individuals more often uncovered something illegal.

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2020 has shown us that the work of the Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board is more critical than ever before, said Sahar Durali, board co-chair and associate director of litigation and policy at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles.

This years RIPA report contains detailed data analysis of police stops and searches across racial and identity groups, as well as comprehensive best practices for law enforcement agencies to root out racial and identity profiling in their practices, policies, and culture and be accountable to their communities.

Duralis co-chair said the data would be used by agencies to evaluate practices.

We know that successful policing outcomes are founded in strong community partnerships, we hope the information in this report will result in positive outcomes in our communities, said Pleasanton Police Department Chief David Swing, board co-chair and past president of the California Police Chiefs Association.

I am ever grateful for the peace officers throughout our state who serve their communities with honor, working diligently each and every day to improve the quality of life for those they serve.

Agencies reporting that they analyze stop data include the Los Angeles, Long Beach and San Diego police departments and sheriffs departments in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and San Bernardino counties.

The report concludes that disparities are due to both explicit bias, pointing to recent examples of racist social media postings by law enforcement officers, and officers implicit bias.

Attorney General Xavier Becerra said the statistics will aid reforms.

The more data we have about policing in our state, the more targeted and precise we can be in our reform and interventions, Becerra said.

In addition to law enforcement practices, the RIPA board urged policymakers to prioritize housing, education, health care and broader criminal justice reforms to reduce the disparities in policing.

The information collected is based on officers perceptions about race or ethnicity, gender, age, disability status, English fluency and LGBT identity. It uses multiple methods to determine if bias exists.

The data includes information on on-campus stops of kindergarten through 12th grade public school students.

A fact sheet can be found at oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/ripa/ripa-quick-facts-2021-01.pdf? and the full report is available at oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/ripa/ripa- board-report-2021.pdf?
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Airlines and two unions representing flight attendants are concerned about in-flight security as the pro-Trump rioters who stormed the US Capitol Wednesday leave the Washington DC area.

American Airlines and United Airlines have both increased staffing at the DC-area airports where they operate. American is also suspending alcohol service on its flights to and from the region.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) International, which represents nearly 50,000 flight attendants at 17 airlines, said the rioters should not be allowed on flights home.

'Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol (Wednesday) create further concern about their departure from the DC area,' AFA president Sara Nelson said in a statement. 'Acts against our democracy, our government, and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight.'

The union that represents American Airlines flight crew, Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), also issued a statement about in-flight incidents.

'We are incredibly concerned about recent politically motivated incidents on board passenger aircraft,' read the release from the APFA president Julie Hedrick. 'Regardless of one's political beliefs, the cabin of a commercial aircraft must, out of necessity, be a calm environment for the safety of everyone onboard.'

The statements come after several altercations on flights to DC ahead of the gathering of the president's most fervent supporters.

One video shared on Twitter showed Trump supporters yelling and arguing with other passengers aboard an American Airlines flight. In addition, Washington Post photographer Jabin Botsford posted video to Twitter of two passengers being removed from a flight to DC, and other videos showed pro-Trump supporters heckling Sen. Mitt Romney in the airport and on a flight.

'The mob mentality behavior that took place on several flights to the D.C. area (Tuesday) was unacceptable and threatened the safety and security of every single person onboard. It will not happen again,' Nelson said.

President Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to the capital to protest the certification of President-Elect Joe Biden's election win. Once there, a large group of supporters attacked Capitol Police officers and violently forced their way into the Capitol building on Wednesday, leaving four people dead.

Altercations aboard flights earlier this week

APFA spokesman Paul Hartshorn, Jr. told CNN Travel that the union had suspected there might be a rise in unruly passenger behavior this week, but not on 'such a threatening and violent level.'

On flights into and out of Washington, several flight attendants on several different airlines have been 'forced to confront more than one passenger on board who's verbally and or physically abusive to the crew, and to the passengers,' said Hartshorn. 'That's not something we should be dealing with.'

Hartshorn said some air crew who are members of APFA had expressed concern about flying DC routes over the upcoming days. In some cases, they've subsequently been moved onto different trips.

'It's an incredibly scary and dangerous situation,' he said. 'And it's a huge problem these past few days, and we anticipate it being a problem through the weekend, as these people fly home from the Washington area.'

But banning travelers who'd been involved in the violence would be 'a Herculean task,' he said.

'If the airline is aware of someone that has been abusive on the ground, involved in rioting, and destruction of property and dangerous behavior, that if the airline was aware of it, they absolutely should not be allowed to fly home from Washington on our airline. I believe, again, that that's very difficult to monitor.'

Nelson, the AFA president, called on airlines and government agencies to step in for security.

'Airlines, in coordination with TSA, DHS, FAA, DOT and law enforcement must take all steps to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew by keeping all problems on the ground,' she added.

American Airlines stops alcohol services on DC flights

American Airlines says it is taking several new 'precautionary' measures, including no longer serving alcohol on flights to and from Washington.

American Airlines and United said their crew members with overnight layovers in the DC area will not stay in downtown hotels. Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines declined to specify any operational changes.

In an internal memo to Delta employees on Thursday, obtained by CNN, Delta CEO Ed Bastian called out the 'shocking violence at the US Capitol,' and said protest must not 'cross the line into violence and insurrection.'

'Respect and civility to others on our planes, at our airports, in our workplaces, and in our society -- even if we have differences of opinion -- has always been a requirement for our people and our customers,' Bastian wrote.

The four major airlines also said they have been in touch with law enforcement authorities and the Transportation Security Administration.
[January 07, 2021] Requests for Proposal launched for purchase of clean electricity in Alberta

EDMONTON, AB, Jan. 7, 2021 /CNW/ - Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is taking concrete steps to meet the Government of Canada's commitment in the Greening Government Strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings, vehicle fleets and other operations. The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced the Government of Canada has launched Requests for Proposal to buy new clean electricity in the province of Alberta to power federal operations there. As well, Canada will purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) from new clean energy generation in Canada. This will enable Canada to attribute its energy consumption as clean in regions where new clean renewable sources are not yet available. The Government of Canada is excited about this opportunity to stimulate net new Canadian clean electricity generation through the procurement of RECs. Together, these contracts will help to ensure Canada is reducing its greenhouse gas footprint by approximately 133 kilotonnes or 56% of total real property emissions in Alberta. Additionally, the contracts will displace approximately 41 kilotonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from electricity use in the rest of Canada. Through these open, fair and transparent competitive procurement processes, PSPC will be a key purchaser of clean electricity and will support the growth of new clean electricity and renewable power infrastructure. The Government of Canada's Clean Electricity Initiative plans to use 100% clean electricity by 2022, where available, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate growth in clean renewable power infrastructure. PSPC has applied the goals of the Government of Canada's Clean Electricity Initiative to its specific requirement for net new clean electricity generation to power federal operations in Alberta. These procurements will support economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses by encouraging participation in the move towards clean energy. Each Request for Proposal incorporates mandatory requirements for Indigenous participation through equity holdings or set-asides under the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business. Quotes "The Government of Canada is pleased to announce the launch of Requests for Proposal to buy new clean electricity in the province of Alberta. Today's announcement is another important and significant step forward in support of the Greening Government Strategy." The Honourable Anita Anand

Minister of Public Services and Procurement Quick facts The Goverment of Canada's combined electricity consumption includes approximately 532,000 megawatt hours annually from greenhouse gas emitting sources of electricity. Federal buildings in Alberta consume 31% of that total, and an additional 23% is consumed in other regions of Canada where local clean electricity initiatives will not be available in the near term.

combined electricity consumption includes approximately 532,000 megawatt hours annually from greenhouse gas emitting sources of electricity. Federal buildings in consume 31% of that total, and an additional 23% is consumed in other regions of where local clean electricity initiatives will not be available in the near term. Both the Alberta Solar Electricity and the national REC requirements will stimulate the development of new clean electricity infrastructure in Canada .



National Renewable Energy Certificates RECs are tradeable commodities that are generated by renewable electricity entities. Entities generate one REC for every megawatt hour of renewable electricity created. Generators can then sell RECs separately from the electricity they are associated with.

As a result of the purchase of RECs under the 2022 Clean Electricity Initiative, 22 federal departments and agencies will be able to attribute their energy consumption from green sources in parts of the country where local clean electricity initiatives will not be available in the near term. Alberta Clean Electricity

The approach for the procurement of clean electricity in Alberta involves entering into one or more Power Purchase Agreements with clean electricity generators. These Power Purchase Agreements will secure renewable electricity by using funds that the Government of Canada already spends on utility bills. Power Purchase Agreements will directly result in added clean electricity generating capacity in Alberta .

involves entering into one or more Power Purchase Agreements with clean electricity generators. These Power Purchase Agreements will secure renewable electricity by using funds that the Government of already spends on utility bills. Power Purchase Agreements will directly result in added clean electricity generating capacity in . As a result of the purchase of net new renewable electricity in Alberta under the 2022 Clean Electricity Initiative, the 11 federal participants holding assets in Alberta will be able to attribute their energy consumption from green sources in Alberta . Related products Requests for Proposals:

Alberta New Solar Electricity Generation (EW038-210082/B)

Alberta New Solar Electricity Generation - PSAB Set-Aside (EW038-211946/A)

National Renewable Energy Certificates (EP959-211948/A)

Renewable Energy Certificate - PSAB (EP959-211993/A)

Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business Associated links Government of Canada Greening Government Strategy

Government of Canada bill to legislate net-zero emissions by 2050

Government of Canada takes action to fight climate change and grow economy Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Facebook SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada

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Chemists have developed a nanomaterial that they can trigger to shape shift -- from flat sheets to tubes and back to sheets again -- in a controllable fashion. The Journal of the American Chemical Society published a description of the nanomaterial, which was developed at Emory University and holds potential for a range of biomedical applications, from controlled-release drug delivery to tissue engineering.

The nanomaterial, which in sheet form is 10,000 times thinner than the width of a human hair, is made of synthetic collagen. Naturally occurring collagen is the most abundant protein in humans, making the new material intrinsically biocompatible.

"No one has previously made collagen with the shape-shifting properties of our nanomaterial," says Vincent Conticello, senior author of the finding and Emory professor of biomolecular chemistry. "We can convert it from sheets to tubes and back simply by varying the pH, or acid concentration, in its environment."

The Emory Office of Technology Transfer has applied for a provisional patent for the nanomaterial.

First authors of the finding are Andrea Merg, a former post-doctoral fellow in the Conticello lab who is now at the University of California Merced, and Gavin Touponse, who did the work as an Emory undergraduate and is now in medical school at Stanford. The work was a collaboration between Emory and scientists from the Argonne National Laboratory, the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, Switzerland, and the Center for Cellular Imaging and NanoAnalytics at the University of Basel.

Collagen is the main structural protein in the body's connective tissue, such as cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments and skin. It is also abundant in blood vessels, the gut, muscles and in other parts of the body.

Collagen taken from other mammals, such as pigs, is sometimes used for wound healing and other medical applications in humans. Conticello's lab is one of only about a few dozen around the world focused on developing synthetic collagen suitable for applications in biomedicine and other complex technologies. Such synthetic "designer" biomaterials can be controlled in ways that natural collagen cannot.

"As far back as 30 years ago, it became possible to control the sequence of collagen," Conticello says. "The field has really picked up steam, however, during the past 15 years due to advances in crystallography and electron microscopy, which allows us to better analyze structures at the nano-scale."

The development of the new shape-shifting nanomaterial at Emory was "a fortuitous accident," Conticello says. "There was an element of luck to it and an element of design."

The collagen protein is composed of a triple helix of fibers that wrap around one another like a three-stranded rope. The strands are not flexible, they're stiff like pencils, and they pack together tightly in a crystalline array.

The Conticello lab has been working with collagen sheets that it developed for a decade. "A sheet is one large, two-dimensional crystal, but because of the way the peptides pack it's like a whole bunch of pencils bundled together," Conticello explains. "Half the pencils in the bundle have their leads pointing up and the other half have their eraser-end pointing up."

Conticello wanted to try to refine the collagen sheets so that each side would be limited to one functionality. To take the pencil analogy further, one surface of the sheet would be all lead points and the other surface would be all erasers. The ultimate goal was to develop collagen sheets that could be integrated with a medical device by making one surface compatible with the device and the other surface compatible with functional proteins in the body.

When the researchers engineered these separate types of surfaces into single collagen sheets, however, they were surprised to learn that it caused the sheets to curl up like scrolls. They then found that the shape-shifting transition was reversible -- they could control whether a sheet was flat or scrolled simply by changing the pH of the solution it was in. They also demonstrated that they could tune the sheets to shape shift at particular pH levels in a way that could be controlled at the molecular level through design.

"It's particularly interesting that the condition around which the transition occurs is a physiological condition," Conticello says. "That opens the potential to find a way to load a therapeutic into a collagen tube under controlled, laboratory conditions. The collagen tube could then be tuned to unfurl and release the drug molecules it contains after it enters the pH environment of a human cell."

Emory scientists who contributed to measuring and characterizing the new nanomaterial and co-authored the paper include chemistry professors Brian Dyer and Khalid Salaita; chemistry graduate students Alisina Bazrafshan and Helen Siaw; and Arthur McCanna from the Robert P. Apkarian Integrated Electron Microscopy Core.

###

Co-authors from the Paul Scherrer Institute helped characterize the three-dimensional structure of the crystalline assemblies and further analyze the nanomaterial. They include Jan Pieter Abrahams, Thorsten Blum and Eric van Genderen. Xiaobing Zuo from the Argonne National Laboratory also contributed as a co-author of the project.

The work was supported by funds from the National Science Foundation, the Swiss National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

30 Rock had the advantage of being observed from the inside  Fey and Carlock are both Saturday Night Live vets  and both that series and Kimmy Schmidt are love letters to everything great and awful about New York City. Los Angeles, though it has been satirized for years and years, with distaste from without and tenderness from within, is a harder place to get a hold of, especially for those who bring their imported notions about what constitutes a city to a place that has long eluded a civic identity. Carlock and Fey have some experience of the town, obviously, and do recognize its fundamental ephemerality  a chyron in a news report throws scare quotes around community and center  but one doesnt quite feel the quality of deep, brutalized affection that animates their earlier shows. Rather, we get references to or jokes about Kendall Jenner, traffic on La Brea, Scientology, Angelyne, For Your Consideration billboards, Van Nuys Airport, El Segundo, eating in the car, Spanish words, pot dispensaries (Bremer is cutting a ribbon on L.A.s 10,000th), Los Angeles Kings mascot Bailey the lion and Alf Jr. High School, which is named after Alf from the show ALF  so much history in this city. Its carpetbagger humor.
During the meeting on Wednesday, they discussed a UN-brokered plan to push forward peace in Yemen, Xinhua news agency quoted the state media report as saying.

Sanaa, Jan 7 (IANS) UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths met with President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, state media reported here.

Griffiths would fly to Yemen's southern port city of Aden in the coming days for meetings with Hadi's government, it added.

The UN envoy recently proposed an agreement between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels to enable resumption of political talks to end civil war.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized control of several northern provinces and forced the internationally-recognized government of Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.

The six-year-old war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 4 million and pushed Yemen to the brink of starvation.

--IANS

ksk/
Image: Reuters

The United States Congress on January 7 certified Joe Bidens election as the 46th President of the US after counting of Electoral College votes.

Minutes after the US Congress' certification, President Donald Trump said there will be orderly transition on January 20.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th, Trump said in a statement issued by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino.

I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again! Trump added.

While todays certification exercise was supposed to be a mere formality as Biden had secured more than 270 Electoral College votes  required to clinch the presidency  the session was keenly watched because of incumbent President Trumps refusal to acknowledge the November 2020 election result and blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Under the American political system, the president is not directly elected by the people but by the Electoral College  a constitutional group of 538 members. This group is formed every four years to elect the president and the vice-president.

Each state legislature determines the manner in which they want to choose their electors. Other than Maine and Nebraska, states require electors to pledge all votes for that state's winning candidate (by popular vote). For example, under this winner takes all method, a candidate who secures the popular vote in California wins all of the state's 55 electoral votes. A candidate needs at least 270 such electoral votes to win the election.

In 2000 and 2016, the candidates with the popular vote nationally (Al Gore and Hillary Clinton, respectively), did not become the president.

Todays session was marred by pro-Trump rioters storming the US Capitol building which forced the joint session of the Congress to be adjourned for a brief period. The violence inside the Capitol building led to the death of four people. Over 50 individuals were subsequently arrested.

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the entire Capitol complex were placed under a lockdown. Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers were evacuated to safe locations.

Leaders from around the world condemned the storming of the US Capitol building, expressing shock at the chaos unfolding in a country they once relied upon for global leadership.

Also read: Joe Biden blasts Donald Trump for whining and complaining about election results

Biden, 78, and California Senator Kamala Harris, 56, are scheduled to be sworn in as the President and Vice President of the country on January 20. The inauguration is expected to be a low-key affair amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th January, 2021) The Westminster London District Magistrates' Court on Wednesday refused to release WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on bail arguing that he had previously violated bail conditions, and the whistleblower's defense team is set to appeal the court's decision.

UK district judge Vanessa Baraitser ruled on Monday not to extradite Assange to the United States, citing health reasons and the risk of suicide in the US prison system, but did not release him from the Belmarsh high-security prison where he is detained. The US Department of Justice has already said that Washington would continue to seek the extradition of the WikiLeaks founder.

Baraitser, in particular, said on Wednesday that there are "substantial grounds for believing that if Mr. Assange is released today he would fail to surrender to court and face the appeal proceedings."

DEFENSE TEAM TO APPEAL BAIL DENIAL

The legal team of Assange expressed the intention to appeal Wednesday's decision to deny bail.

"This denial of bail will most likely be appealed, in the High Court, within hours or a few days and we will expect it to be overturned," WikiLeaks Editor-in-Chief Kristinn Hrafnsson told reporters outside the Westminster Magistrates Court.

Hrafnsson said that he believes the ruling was "unjust, unfair and illogical" arguing that Judge Vanessa Baraitser's previous ruling to deny extradition was made on grounds of mental health issues caused, in large part, by detention in the Belmarsh prison.

International human rights organizations have strongly condemned the court decision on denying the bail.

A representative of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said outside the court on Wednesday that the refusal to release Assange on bail was an "unnecessary, cruel decision," as the whistleblower's health was at risk and he should not remain behind bars for another moment.

Amnesty International said that the court's decision to deny Assange's request for bail has rendered his continued detention arbitrary.

"Today's decision to refuse Julian Assange's bail application renders his ongoing detention 'arbitrary', and compounds the fact that he has endured punishing conditions in high security detention at Belmarsh prison for more than a year. Rather than finally going home with his loved ones and sleeping in his own bed for the first time in almost ten years, Julian Assange will be driven back to his solitary cell in a high security prison," Amnesty International's Europe Director Nils Muiznieks said.

UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment Nils Melzer said in a statement on Tuesday that Assange must be immediately released and be compensated for the abuses he has suffered.

In 2010, WikiLeaks released what is believed to be the largest leak of classified information in history, consisting of US diplomatic cables and documents exposing the atrocities committed by US troops during military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The United States accused Assange of obtaining the documents by conspiring with former US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to hack a government computer.

Assange was arrested in London in April 2019 and sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for jumping his bail back in 2012, when he took refuge inside the Ecuadorian embassy in the UK capital to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faced sexual assault charges and possible extradition to the United States. People who visited him in jail described the conditions as extremely strict to the point of being harmful for his physical and psychological health.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Monday he would grant Assange political asylum if the United Kingdom freed him from jail.
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Every day we rely on senses of sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch without giving it much thought. Birds also rely on these senses to survive. Here are some of the ways birds experience the world through some of these senses.

The sense of sight is as important to birds as it is to humans. Most birds have excellent vision. Eagles see about five times more detail than humans, and up to 16 times more color. Birds can process images more than twice as fast as humans. This is important for birds of prey like hawks and falcons when tracking their prey at high rates of speed. Birds that have large eyes, like owls, have better low-light vision which enables them to hunt in the dark. Some birds even hunt their prey under water.

The thick-billed murre is one species that will dive up to an astonishing six hundred feet below the surface of the ocean to find food. They are able to locate their prey in total darkness. Researchers are still not sure how the murre does this or what other senses they may be using to locate its prey.

Bird ears are small holes on the sides of their heads. They are not noticeable because they are usually covered by feathers. Bird brains process sound more than twice as fast as humans. Some owls, like the barn owl, can catch prey in total darkness locating their prey by sound as far as 30-feet away.

New research has discovered that all birds can smell. Most smell as well as humans, and some have an extraordinary sense of smell. Many birds sense of smell can distinguish males from females, or help them find plants that have insects on them. Turkey vultures have a keen sense of smell that allows them to hunt for food like carrion. Pigeons use a variety of senses, including smell, to assist in their remarkable navigational abilities. European starlings and other songbirds use smell to line their nests with pungent items like cigarette butts to help repel pests.

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Birds also have taste buds located in their bills. They experience four of the main tastes that we do. Anyone who feeds the birds has probably noticed birds knocking some seeds out of the way until they find the one they want. This may be based on taste and calorie content of the seed.

Birds are remarkable creatures and researchers continue to learn more fun facts about how they survive in the world.

Mary Schmauss is the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Albuquerque. A lifelong birder and author of For the Birds: A Month-by-Month Guide to Attracting Birds to Your Backyard.
U.S. Capitol Police ordered a lockdown Wednesday across the Capitol Complex, citing an external security threat, as thousands of Trump supporters stormed the building to protest Congress' certification of Joe Biden's presidential victory.

The Senate entered into recess as it was proceeding to certify the electoral college votes for Biden, and Vice President Mike Pence reportedly was ushered out of the building by the Secret Service via underground tunnels.

Video footage circulating on social media and American media showed Trump supporters breaching police lines outside of Congress and wandering through the Capitol building. TV news reports said tear gas was deployed as some protesters tried to break down the doors of the House chamber.

The election certification is usually a routine and ceremonial function that is the final step after the Electoral College officially elected Biden on Dec. 14, but the certification was contested by a few GOP members of Congress. As large crowds gathered at the Capitol building and clashed with police, President Donald Trump tweeted for them to "support Capitol police and law enforcement" and "stay peaceful."

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser put into place an overnight curfew for the city, starting at 6 p.m. local time. A short time earlier, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused Wednesday to overturn the election results, saying he would "vote to respect the American people's decision."


Dr Neha Shah from Ghatkopar, Mumbai has become the fourth contestant to win Rs 1 crore in Kaun Banega Crorepati 12. The 45-year-old doctor is a die-hard fan of host Amitabh Bachchan and had been trying to make it to the hot seat for the last 20 years.

Dr Neha played a brilliant game and won Rs 1 crore with the help of ask the expert lifeline. She then attempted the 16th question but was unable to crack it.

The Rs 7 Crore question that stumped Dr Neha Shah is as follows: The historic Indo-Pak talks of 1972 between Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were held at which place in Shimla? It came with the following options: A) Viceregal Lodge B) Gorton Castle C) Barnes Court D) Cecil Hotel. The correct answer is C) Barnes Court.

Speaking about her big win on the show, Dr Neha told Indian Express, It has still not sunk in. In that moment, I couldnt think of anything. For me, it wasnt about the money but gradually moving a level up with every question. On the contrary, towards the end, I was sad that my run would end, and I wont get to talk to Mr Bachchan.

She then went on to gush about Big B and added, He has such a different and amazing aura. You just cant take your eyes off him. Right now, while speaking to you, I am envisaging him (laughs). He is so graceful and kind on the sets. As a host, he made us all so comfortable and tried to boost our confidence. It was just unreal seeing him in person and getting to interact with him. It will always be the most memorable moment of my life.

ALSO READ: KBC 12: Can You Answer The Question That Made Dr Neha Shah The Fourth Crorepati This Season?

ALSO READ: KBC 12 Finds Its Fourth Crorepati In Dr Neha Shah Who Will Also Be Seen Flirting With Amitabh Bachchan

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday sought keen oversight and personal indulgence of health ministers, principal secretaries and additional chief secretaries of states and union territories to lead the second nationwide mock drill on the COVID-19 vaccination scheduled to be held on January 8. The drill will be held at three session sites of 736 districts across 33 states and union territories, the health ministry said in a statement.

Vardhan interacted with the health ministers and principal secretaries and additional chief secretaries through video conference to review the preparedness for the mock drill. "The objective of the mock drill on COVID-19 vaccination is to simulate the actual vaccine administration event," the ministry said.

The entire planning of the vaccination drive, including beneficiary registration, microplanning and vaccination at the planned session site, will be tested under the leadership of district collector or district magistrate. The dry run will also familiarise the state, district, block and hospital level officers on all aspects of COVID-19 roll-out.

"This activity will help administrators in strengthening the linkages between planning, implementation and reporting mechanisms, identification of any residual challenges prior to the actual implementation and to provide confidence to the programme managers at all levels to carry out a smooth implementation of the vaccination drive," the ministry said. Seeking their personal indulgence, leadership and keen oversight for tomorrow's national dry run, Vardhan requested the health ministers to be vigilant against rumours and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, the statement said.

He rubbished rumours on social media regarding the vaccine side-effects and said, "These miscreants might derail the whole exercise, set the clock back by years." He urged the state health authorities to work with the multiple stakeholders and the youth to spread the right information and dispel rumours and mistruths being spread about the COVID-19. As the country prepares for the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, Vardhan will be visiting Tamil Nadu Friday.

"During his visit, Dr. Harsh Vardhan will personally review the preparedness and oversee the dry run operations at the scheduled site," the ministry said. He will visit the sessions site at Government General Hospital, Chennai followed by the one at Government Omandurar Hospital. In the afternoon he will visit the private vaccination centre in Apollo Hospital, Chennai after a brief visit to the General Medical Store Depot (GMSD) in Periamedu. This is one of the four national vaccine storage facilities, the other three at Mumbai, Kolkata and Karnal.

Thereafter,Vardhan will visit the vaccination centre at Chengalpattu. He will be visiting the Hindustan Bio-Tech Ltd. campus at Chengalpattu after concluding his supervision at these sites. Restating his appreciation and unwavering support to the tireless work of the frontline workers who are working on the ground, he also mentioned how Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dynamic, and unwavering leadership has ensured that India not only the highest recovery rate in the world but also a beacon of hope for other countries who are dependent on India's export of N95 masks, PPE kits for their own containment efforts, the statement said.

Vardhan appreciated the tireless efforts being made by the multiple stakeholders including the central and state government officials and the medical community who have worked proactively in the last few months to compose and disseminate detailed guidelines on the upcoming vaccination drive, train the vaccine administrators. He also expressed gratitude to the scientific community who have worked tirelessly to bring the country two vaccines which have recently received the emergency use authorisation few days ago. The health minister highlighted the unique digital platform, Co-WIN, repurposed from the e-VIN platform that will provide real time information of vaccine stocks, their storage temperature and individualised tracking of beneficiaries of the COVID-19 vaccine.

This platform will assist the program managers across all levels through automated session allocation for pre-registered beneficiaries, their verification and for generating a digital certificate upon successful completion of the vaccine schedule. More than 78 lakh beneficiaries have been already registered on the platform, he stated. The minister reassured all state health ministers that the country's cold chain infrastructure has been sufficiently upgraded to ensure last mile delivery and that adequate supplies of syringes and other logistics have also been provided for: He referred to India's several successful immunization drives with respect to Polio, Rubella and Measles and also narrated his personal experience from the early nineties of having galvanised efforts of millions of Indians which eventually led to the eradication of Polio from the country.

The rich experience of the country from the UIP and the anti-polio campaign are being used to strengthen the processes of COVID19 vaccination," he was quoted as saying in the statement. Following this, he reminded his state counterparts to also ensure that the National Immunisation Day (NID) scheduled on January 17 is also given due importance.

He further requested the health ministers to ensure that non-COVID essential services are not adversely impacted. "It is with the collaborative efforts of the States/UTs and multiple partners that India and 11 other countries of the South East Asia region of WHO have been declared polio free. It should be our endeavour to sustain India's Polio-free status," he stated.

"The earlier national mock drill of 2nd Jan 2021 helped to iron out any glitches in the final execution and further refinement of the operational procedures. The feedback from most of the states and UTs was satisfactory conduct of the dry run," the statement said. The health ministers shared their feedback and experience from the past dry run exercises and the preparedness for Friday's exercise.
One of the stunning images from the pro-Donald Trump rioters invading the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday shows Capitol police pointing guns at a door as protesters tried to bust into the House chambers.

In the middle of that photo  in a blue shirt and a Texas flag mask  is U.S. Rep and former Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls, R-Texas. Nehls said he was trying to negotiate with the mob as the Capitol police attempted to keep them at bay.
All 38 districts of Bihar will have a dry run on January 8 for smooth roll-out of the coronavirus vaccination programme. It will be conducted at three types of sites in every district including medical college/ district hospital, private facility, urban/rural outreach centre under the overall leadership of district magistrates with close supervision by the state health officials.

Earlier, a limited dry run in identified districts of the country was held on January 2 to assess the preparedness, including testing of the CoWIN IT system. Three session sites each in the district headquarters of Patna, Bettiah and Jamui were selected for the dry run then.

Handling the CoWIN portal has so far been the biggest challenge for Bihars health personnel who are to be engaged in the vaccination drive. They feel the application is heavily technologically driven and even a small error in handling the programme could hold up the drive.

As per an internal assessment done by the state health department, many auxiliary nursing midwives (ANMs), engaged in the vaccination programme, are not technologically savvy and have not handled android devices like smartphones or tablets, which are likely to host the CoWIN application, which is integrated with the vaccination drive.

Vaccinators are required to verify each beneficiarys identity, approve the vaccination before completing the vaccination process using the CoWIN mobile app, which is updated on a real-time basis.

A series of training sessions have been held in Bihar for vaccinators since December end.

We completed Wednesday, a two-day hands-on training programme for our district immunization officers and district monitoring and evaluation officers, who are the key resource persons in the IT process. They will now train the people under them. Prior to this training, we also had online sessions for our vaccinators, said Manoj Kumar, executive director State Health Society and also the nodal officer for the vaccination programme in Bihar.

We do not expect any shortage of personnel for the Covid-19 vaccination programme. We have 14,000 vaccinators engaged in our routine immunization programme. Besides, we have also identified another 45,000 potential vaccinators, who are doctors, nurses, medicos, nursing students and paramedics in public and private health facilities, he said.

Also Read: Amid vaccine dry runs, states say connectivity biggest hurdle

He added that the January 8 exercise, to be conducted at three sites in all the 38 districts of the state, will help in better assessment of any shortcoming.

He added that Bihar does not have any storage constraint with the capacity to store 51 lakh vials at the state level vaccine store in Patna and at regional vaccine stores.

The average storage capacity of walk-in coolers is 15 lakh vials and the average capacity of walk-in freezers is 5 lakh vials. Vaccines are supplied to 10 regional vaccine stores in the state through refrigerated vans and cold boxes. For field-level vaccination, it has around 2,000 ice-lined refrigerators.

Bihar has enrolled around 10 lakh beneficiaries for the first two phases of vaccination for healthcare and frontline workers from among the priority group of 1.5 crore to 2 crore people which also includes those above 50 years of age and people with co-morbidity.
Online banker Simple, one of Portlands most prominent tech businesses for the past decade, is shutting down as part of its parent banks own sale process.

Simple notified employees of the pending closure Wednesday and told customers Thursday, calling it a strategic decision. Simple told clients it will transfer their accounts to BBVA but set no timetable for the change.

In November, BBVA announced it would sell its U.S. business to PNC Financial Services Group for $11.6 billion.

Were focused on the things that make the most sense for the companys future whether on a standalone basis or a potentially combined basis with PNC, BBVA said in a written statement Thursday. BBVA is also shutting down two other financial technology services it owns, Azlo and Open Platform.

Founded in 2009, Simple sought to position itself as a contrast to the greedy financial institutions that triggered the Great Recession. It organized around a straightforward principle: We dont suck.

Simple moved from Brooklyn to Portland two years later amid a renaissance in Oregon technology entrepreneurship. It was instantly among the citys most prominent tech businesses, promising a consumer-friendly, technologically savvy, no-fee approach to mobile online banking.

Former Google and Wells Fargo executive Peggy Mangot, now a partner with PayPal Ventures in San Francisco, wrote Thursday on Twitter that Simple changed the industry with its innovations.

Simple, Mangot wrote, showed us all what an elegant, transparent & intuitive consumer banking experience should look like.

The Portland company sold in 2014 to Spanish banker BBVA for $117 million and never found its footing under the new ownership. The company struggled to compete as larger banks adopted many of the convenient online banking features Simple helped pioneer.

The Portland company faltered as it tried to resolve a central tension over whether it was foremost a bank or a tech company. Simple laid off 10% of its staff in 2017 and replaced nearly its entire executive team. Nine months later, founding CEO Josh Reich quit.

I suspect PNC is prioritizing their existing online banking tech, Reich tweeted Thursday. Im saddened for the closure but happy for the journey and the lasting change that Simple has had on the global banking world. Customer experience matters. Great teams matter.

Simple has been among Portlands largest tech employers. Its current staff numbers 220, according to BBVA, 80% of them in the Northwest.

BBVA didnt announce details of Simples dissolution or the fate of its Southeast Portland office, at the east end of the Hawthorne Bridge.

There continue to be many details to address as part of the entitys wind down, BBVA said in Thursdays statement. As we work through regulatory approval and integration plans, our longer-term staffing needs will become more clear.

Simple embodied both the aspirations and disappointments of the Portland tech community in the years after the Great Recession. Capitalizing on mobile technology, social networking and cloud computing, Simple was among a new generation of hopeful Oregon startups that ended the Silicon Forests historic dependence on hardware manufacturing.

Others from that generation included Jive Software, Urban Airship (now Airship), Elemental Technologies, Puppet, Jama Software, Janrain and Act-On Software. They collectively attracted hundreds of millions of dollars in venture capital and hired thousands of people.

All endured their own share of setbacks, though, and none grew into a really large company. Some still operate  Puppet says it hopes to go public this year  while others sold to larger tech businesses that retained or expanded their Portland sites.

No big new tech company has emerged in Oregon since the 1990s, though, and the old ones are steadily vanishing. The $8 billion sale of Wilsonville-based Flir Systems, announced Monday, leaves just two publicly traded technology companies in Oregon.

Simples dedicated customer service and a commitment to helping its clients save money, rather than spend it, differentiated it from larger, more establish banks and earned it a devoted following among customers.

Online, there was an outpouring of disappointment from some of those clients on Thursday, and from financial technology leaders.

Watershed moment. The original challenger bank demonstrated the art of the possible. @simple showed us all what an elegant, transparent & intuitive consumer banking experience should look like. Changed the industry. Thank you @simple https://t.co/pxYN067LpM  Peggy Mangot  (@peggymangot) January 7, 2021

Well, this is a massive bummer... the best online bank ever is shutting down. I've been with @simple since 2012 and never looked back. Thanks, @i2pi for your contribution to building a better bank!



Anyone have recommendations on where to move my ?https://t.co/uImFD9mRMR  Aaron Alberico (@AaronAlberico) January 7, 2021

Im devastated that @simple is being closed. Its been my favorite bank for many years now because it did everything I wanted with smart banking and nothing more... Im going to have to find an alternative that I dont hate  danielsdesk #SaveTheTick (@danielsdesk) January 7, 2021

Goddammit. RIP @simple, best bank / software Ive ever used  Adam Luikart (@adamesque) January 7, 2021

-- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699
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.
I see Knock as the future of home buying," said Kristy Burchell. Tweet this

"Buying a new home when you have one to sell is fraught with stress and uncertainty," said Knock Co-Founder & CEO Sean Black. "At Knock, we take the friction out of the process. With the Home Swap, homeowners get the financing to make a strong non-contingent offer on their dream home and repair their old house. By buying before selling, consumers have the convenience of being able to move on their timeline and then list a fully prepped home on the open market for the maximum price."

Kristy Burchell and her husband, Stan, recently used the Knock Home Swap to purchase their new home in Arlington, Texas. The Burchell's were looking to move closer to Dallas, but knew that they could not live through repairs and showings with working and schooling their children from home. Kristy investigated several alternative home sale solutions, including iBuyers, but found them to be expensive.

"The Home Swap provided the most economical choice. We got the convenience of being able to move without having to live through a traditional home sale and still sell our house on the open market. We were also able to make a non-contingent offer on our new home, which was a huge advantage with the market being so competitive," she said. "I see Knock as the future of home buying."

In Jacksonville, Knock is partnering with Keller Williams Atlantic Partners to enable homeowners to "swap" their current house for their dream home.

"Given the high amount of multiple offer situations we are currently seeing, it is hard for many buyers to be competitive while also trying to sell their home at the same time," said Margaret Sherrill, Owner/Operating Partner of Keller Williams Atlantic Partners. "The Home Swap program is a huge advantage for customers in these situations. We are excited to partner with Knock and look forward to offering this program in Jacksonville."

The Knock Home Swap provides a fully integrated and competitively priced mortgage, an interest-free bridge loan to cover the down payment on the new home, as well as mortgage payments and up to $25,000 for home prep and repairs on the old house.

With the Home Swap, consumers immediately take ownership and begin earning equity in their new home. As part of its Home Prep Concierge, Knock provides access to its approved contractor network and manages the payment of all bills upon client-approved completion of work. Additionally, Knock provides a backup offer on the old house in the unlikely event that it doesn't sell within six months. Ninety percent of Knock homes sell in 90 days or less.

The Knock Home Swap is available in Atlanta; Austin, Texas; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas-Fort Worth; Denver; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Houston; Jacksonville, Fla.; Miami; Orlando, Fla.; Phoenix; Raleigh, N.C.; San Antonio; Tampa and West Palm Beach, Fla., through 70 brokerage firms with more than 43,000 agents. Knock plans to expand to at least 21 markets by mid-2021.

About Knock

Knock is on a mission to empower people to move freely. The Knock Home Swap makes it easy for consumers to buy their new home before selling their old one, skipping the hassles of living through repairs and showings, paying only one mortgage at a time, and having home prep covered upfront so their old house sells for the highest possible price. Knock currently offers the Home Swap in 15 markets in six states and plans to expand to at least 21 markets by mid-2021.

Launched in 2015 by founding team members of Trulia.com, Knock has raised more than $600 million in debt and equity from top tier investors, including RRE Ventures, Foundry Group, Redpoint, Greycroft, Corazon Capital, Correlation Ventures, Great Oaks Venture Capital and FJ Labs.

About Keller Williams Atlantic Partners

Founded in 2006, Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners is among the top real estate groups in Northeast Florida. With over 650 agents and 9 office locations, KWAP will close over $2 billion in sales volume in 2020. KWAP covers the east coast of Florida from Amelia Island to New Smyrna Beach and has rapidly grown over the years to be one of the largest and most respected real estate operations in Northeast Florida.

Media contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Knock

Related Links

www.knock.com


Patna, Jan 7 : Bagging a government job in Bihar can sometimes land you in trouble as a 20-year-old youth realised when he was kidnapped for marriage on Thursday.

Subham Kumar (20) had been recently selected for the Indian Army. On Thursday morning, at around 6 am, Kumar was jogging near a railway crossing at his village Gangasarai in Bihar's Lakhisarai district.

Dhirendra Kumar Pandey, the SHO of Barharia Police station said: "Five persons carrying firearms intercepted Subham at the railway crossing in a Maruti Alto and kidnapped him on gun point." The accused took him to a temple in the adjoining Jamui district and forcibly asked him to marry a girl.

The incident triggered widespread outrage in the area. Kumar's family and neighbours blocked the Patna-Lakhisarai national highway and demanded a safe rescue for the victim.

"Following the kidnapping, we managed to rescue Subham within four hours. The kidnappers leave Kumar at his uncle's house after the marriage," Pandey said.

"We have registered an FIR under relevant IPC section of kidnapping and criminal conspiracy in Barharia police station and raids are on the nab the accused," he added.

Kidnapping for marriage, popularly known as Pakadwa Vivah, or Jabariya Vivah, is common in many districts of Bihar such as Lakhisarai, Jamui, Munger, Patna, Begusarai, Nalanda, Khagaria, Bhagalpur and Banka.

Gangs specialising in kidnapping grooms for marriage are sometimes even hired by the bride's side. The marriage on gun-point is accompanied by videography and photography and the footage put out on social media as proof of the wedding.
[January 07, 2021] 5G Americas Board Re-elects AT&T's Igal Elbaz as Chairman

BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wireless cellular industry trade association, 5G Americas, today announced Igal Elbaz, Senior Vice President, Wireless and Access Technology of AT&T has been re-elected to serve as Chairman of the 5G Americas Board of Governors for 2021. Barbara Baffer, Vice President of Government and Industry Relations for Ericsson, has been elected to the role of Treasurer.

In his first year at the helm, Igal provided significant dynamic leadership for 5G Americas through the shocking global challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Chris Pearson, President of 5G Americas. As we steer through the storm, his and Barbaras vast technology, regulatory and industry experience will help 5G Americas continue to progress mobile communications throughout North, Central and South America. Said Elbaz, I continue to be honored to serve as the Chairman of the 5G Americas Board of Governors. Our industry has taken on an increasingly central role in the lives of people throughout the Americas and the world, as patterns of work, education and mobility have greatly shifted since COVID-19 emerged. 5G Ameicas has an important industry leadership role to play and remains committed to turning technologies into real solutions in a continuous cycle of innovation.



Barbara Baffer has been with Ericsson for 30 years working in a number of different roles and is currently the Vice President of Government & Industry Relations, where she is focused on Ericssons regulatory and legislative advocacy efforts as well as leading the government and industry relations team and activities in Washington DC. In addition to 5G Americas, she holds leadership positions in numerous tech-related industry associations. Baffer commented, Having been part of the 5G Americas industry leading efforts for many years, I am pleased to continue in helping leaders understand how wireless technologies are essential in keeping people, data, and things stay connected. We enter a time of change throughout the industry and 5G Americas will play an important leadership role in the wireless industry as 5G reaches its full potential.

About 5G Americas: The Voice of 5G and LTE for the Americas 5G Americas is an industry trade organization composed of leading telecommunications service providers and manufacturers. The organizations mission is to facilitate and advocate for the advancement and transformation of LTE, 5G and beyond throughout the Americas. 5G Americas is invested in developing a connected wireless community while leading 5G development for all the Americas. 5G Americas is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. More information is available at 5G Americas website and Twitter . 5G Americas Board of Governors Members include AT&T, Cable & Wireless, Ciena, Cisco, CommScope, Crown Castle, Ericsson, Intel, Mavenir, Nokia, Qualcomm Incorporated, Samsung, Shaw Communications Inc., T-Mobile US, Inc., Telefonica, VMware and WOM. Contact:

5G Americas

Viet Nguyen

+1 206 218 6393

Viet.Nguyen@5GAmericas.org



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A gangland murderer has had a luxury apartment that was funded by a McMafia millionaire who boasted of his connection with Meghan Markle seized by police.

Mohammed Nisar Khan - known as 'Meggy' - is serving a life sentence for hunting down and deliberately running over father-of-three Amriz Iqbal as he crossed a road in 2018.

Mr Iqbal suffered an unsurvivable injury when his head struck a tree after being flung into the air following the smash in Bradford Moor, West Yorkshire.

Khan mowed down Mr Iqbal in a silver Kia Sedona with right-hand man Tony Grant in the passenger seat and up to four other armed men in the back of the vehicle.

Now, officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) have taken a luxury apartment from him after they claimed was the head of an organised crime group.

Mohammed Nisar Khan (pictured) - known as 'Meggy' - is serving a life sentence for hunting down and deliberately running over father-of-three Amriz Iqbal as he crossed a road in 2018

The High Court granted an Unexplained Wealth Order to recover the apartment on an exclusive development in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

The NCA claimed Khan was the head of a gang involved in drug supply, firearms offences and violence across West Yorkshire.

It comes after a previous High Court order last February, in which the NCA recovered Khan's Porsche Cayenne which bore the registration 'MEG5S'.

Investigators argued that despite the apartment and the car being registered to companies seemingly unconnected to Khan, he used both for a number of years prior to their recovery.

Khan was living at the apartment with his wife and children at the time of his arrest for murder.

It was also argued that despite the measures taken by Khan to hide ownership, they were both obtained through crime.

The funds used to buy apartment were provided by businessman Mansoor Hussain (seen with Meghan Markle), who was the centre of the UK's first successful Unexplained Wealth Order case

Hussain was the director of a set production company which ran shows for Beyonce (pictured), Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, the Spice Girls and Take That

The funds used to buy apartment were provided by businessman Mansoor Hussain, who was the centre of the UK's first successful Unexplained Wealth Order case.

Hussain, 40, previously had to hand over 45 properties, including million-pound mansions and apartment blocks in London, Cheshire and Leeds, along with 583,950 in cash and four parcels of land.

Among the properties he was forced to hand over were a 1.75million seven-bedroom property in Leeds which was his main home, and an apartment block in the West Yorkshire city which had a total value of 4.5million.

The businessman, who proudly posed with celebrities including Meghan Markle and Beyonce, also had a flat on a road in Knightsbridge worth 850,000 as well as a tiny 250,000 studio in the area.

An unexplained wealth order is an investigative tool used by the authorities to compel people to explain their finances.

It comes after a previous High Court order last February, in which the NCA recovered Khan's Porsche Cayenne which bore the registration 'MEG5S'. Pictured: The Porsche

The NCA claimed Khan was the head of a gang involved in drug supply, firearms offences and violence across West Yorkshire

Andy Lewis, head of asset denial in the National Crime Agency, said: 'The use of civil powers allowed us to recover the assets of convicted murderer Meggy Khan, who we believe was head of an organised crime group responsible for drug crime and violent offences across West Yorkshire.

'Taking away the proceeds of crime is a vital tactic in the fight against organised crime, as it weakens a criminal's ability to fund further illegal activity, as well as preventing them from living a luxury lifestyle.'

Sarah Pritchard, NCA Director of the national economic crime centre, said: 'Recovering illicit wealth is key to disrupting serious and organised criminality and reducing its harmful impact in communities.

'We are determined to stop criminals profiting from their crime - this case shows that we will use all tools at our disposal to take action to recover illicit wealth.'

Khan took significant steps to hide his ownership of the Porsche by registering it in the name of a company formerly owned by his nephew, investigators said.

He has a long criminal history and has been linked to a number of high profile court cases in the Leeds and Bradford area.

Between 1993 and 2011 he was convicted of offences including robbery, possession of firearms, perverting the course of justice, theft, handling stolen goods, and assault.

Detective Chief Superintendent Pat Twiggs, of West Yorkshire Police, said: 'Through Programme Precision we are working closely with the National Crime Agency and other partners to tackle the threat of serious and organised crime.

'This order is a reflection of how, by working in partnership, we can make a significant impact in the communities of West Yorkshire and beyond.

'Mohammed Nisar 'Meggy' Khan was sentenced in 2019 to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years, but that didn't mean our work against him came to an end.

'As this order shows we and our partners will stop at nothing to ensure people who are involved in serious criminality in West Yorkshire are held accountable for their actions.'
Manuel Balce Ceneta, STF / Associated Press

Lamar University President Ken Evans is calling for a peaceful transition of power as police finish securing the U.S. Capitol Wednesday night, hours after it was breached by violent protesters attempting to halt the certification of the electoral college.

The constitution provides for a peaceful transfer of power while also assuring our system of governance provides equal justice and a voice for all, Evans said in a statement to The Enterprise. These fundamental principles are no more critical than at this juncture in our nations history.
INDIANA, Ind. (WLFI) - Every ten years the Indiana State Legislature redraws the district lines for local and federal elected officials.

Leaders at the statehouse will face that task once again during this legislative session.

This will be an extremely busy year for our elected leaders here at the Indiana Statehouse. They have to pass a new budget, they have the COVID-19 pandemic to respond to, on top of redrawing all of Indiana's districts. This may be the item they address this year with the most long term consequence, because those district lines won't be looked at again until 2031.

"This is something that affects every level of government and it happens after the census," said Andrew Downs, Associate Professor of Political Science at Purdue Fort Wayne.

Indiana is one of 34 states where the state legislature has primary control over redrawing district lines. The new districts will be based on 2020's census data. The statehouse deals with re-apportionment. This decides how many of the 435 Congressional Representative seats are allotted to Indiana, which we currently have nine. Downs expects that number to stay the same.

Like in a lot of areas of politics, many people only think of this in terms of what is happening on the national level, but redistricting also hits a lot closer to home.

"We should remember that the state House, the state Senate, your city council, county council, town council all get redrawn," said Downs.

He said during the last redistricting in 2011, the General Assembly made a more concerted effort to make the Congressional districts more compact. They also started looking for more public input. Click here to see maps of the Indiana state Senate and House maps. Photo of maps provided by Andrew Downs.

"That broader input can mean them actually coming to your community," he said. "We'll see what happens because of the pandemic. But I anticipate there will be opportunities for people around the state to have input into what should be happening with district boundaries."

Republican Senator Jon Ford from District 38 chairs the Senate Elections Committee. His group, along with the House Elections and Apportionment Committee, are in charge of getting that feedback and coming up with maps.

It will be debated and voted on by the House and Senate like any regular bill. And with a Republican super majority at the Indiana Statehouse, some may have concern for gerrymandering. This is when boundaries of an elected constituency are manipulated to favor one party or class. Downs said it is illegal to redraw district lines based on race, but in Indiana it is legal to redraw them based on political parties.

"We are going to be having a fair and open process the best that we can," said Sen. Ford. "People should email us or their local legislators if they have questions."

Sen. Ford said they are still trying to work out the logistics of getting public feedback, whether it be via virtual or in-person settings. But he did want to remind people that all committee meetings are public and open for testimony.

Downs said there had been talk in the past about putting the redrawing process into independent hands. Democrat State Representative Sheila Klinker of District 27 agrees.

"It would be great to have a bipartisan commission that brings outside folks in that really look at our districts very carefully and have the League of Women Voters involved," she said.

District 27 was created in the 1981 redistricting year. Klinker won that seat in the 1982 election and has held it ever since. This will be her fourth time going through a redistricting process. Parts of her original district are no longer in her current district, and she now represents parts of Tippecanoe County she hadn't previously. She said she is happy no matter who she represents from her home community.

"It's a win-win for me," she said. "I'm happy to represent whatever district I happen to be in"

She has seen an evenly split state legislature redraw lines and times when Democrats had the majority. Klinker said Democrats and Republicans at the statehouse will continue to work together.

"Because we all know each other personally, we will work together for the state of Indiana," she said.

Given the amount of important issues facing the legislature this year Klinker said she has the sense that redistricting will be a low priority item when compared to topics like health care and education. Even so, the results of the redistricting bill will determine Indiana's path for the next decade.

The General Assembly won't even get the census data needed for redistricting until February or March. However, Sen. Ford said he is confident they will get the redistricting bill passed before the session ends on April 29th. But given the circumstances of this year, Klinker said there is a chance there will be an extended special session to give our legislators more time to address the many issues facing them this year.

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Sometime next summer, there's a decent chance a heat wave will bake the American West, and California's power grid will again be stretched to its limits.

As the sun sets, solar panels will start generating less electricity even as temperatures remain high. Power plants that burn natural gas will fire up as quickly as possible, in a race to keep air conditioners blowing and avert the need for rolling blackouts.

But the fossil fuel won't be alone in riding to the rescue.

As power supplies tighten, lithium-ion batteriessome connected to sprawling solar farms in the desert and others tucked away in household garageswill dispense electricity produced during the afternoon sunlight. A small but growing number of household batteries will be part of coordinated networks, discharging in unison as dictated by the needs of the grid.

Meanwhile, millions of people will cut back on electricity use in their homes, in some cases because state officials asked nicely and in others because they're getting paid to conserve. Many will have agreed in advance to have their air conditioners automatically turned down a few degrees, or their refrigerators briefly powered down.

As California works to build a future without fossil fuels, electricity generation isn't just getting cleanerit's getting smaller and nimbler. Big power plants and far-flung transmission lines are increasingly being joined by programmable thermostats, solar-charged batteries and even electric cars as key tools for balancing supply and demand.

These technologies currently play a small role. But supporters say they can help California avoid a repeat of the rolling blackouts that afflicted a few hundred thousand homes and businesses when a regional heat wave struck last Augustthe type of extreme weather that's becoming disturbingly common as the world heats up because of the burning of fossil fuels.

Nobody knows what kind of weather next summer will bring, and several thousand megawatts of new power capacity already are scheduled to come online in the coming months, mostly large batteries.

But state officials are scrambling to find additional energy resources that can be added to the gridand six months isn't enough time to build the type of centralized infrastructure historically favored by utilities and regulators.

The tight timeline is an opportunity for companies that install batteries paired with rooftop solar panels or that aggregate energy savings across networks of homes and businesses. They say they can move quickly to increase energy supply or ease demandespecially with supportive policies from Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration.

"This is an emergency," said Lynn Jurich, chief executive of San Francisco-based Sunrun Inc., a solar and battery installer. "How we regulate our energy markets and how we incorporate innovationwe need to go a lot faster."

Newsom has used similar language, referring to 2020's record-breaking wildfires as a "climate damn emergency" and pledging in September to "fast-track" the state's climate change efforts. He later ordered regulators to ban the sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035 and called on the Legislature to ban the drilling technique known as fracking.

But Newsom hasn't taken the kinds of near-term actions that clean energy advocates say would reduce climate pollution and create badly needed jobs while helping keep the lights on next summer.

Even after the governor's promise of more aggressive climate action, getting his attention has been a challenge, said Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar and Storage Assn., an industry trade group.

"It's pretty frustrating for us," she said. "I keep cutting the administration slack because they keep getting hit with one crisis after another. But at the same time, we're squarely in the middle of [offering solutions to] these crises."

Newsom's office declined to comment for this story, directing questions to the California Public Utilities Commission.

Officials at the commission and the California Independent System Operator say they're optimistic about so-called virtual power plants that string together hundreds or thousands of batteries, as well as "flexible demand" programs that pay people to use less electricity. And they don't want to be caught flat-footed during the next heat wave. They blamed last summer's rotating outages not only on rising temperatures caused by climate change but also on their own poor planning.

At the same time, they're cautious by nature, and wary that even well-intentioned changes to the century-old power grid could backfire if not implemented carefully.

Ed Randolph, who leads the utilities commission's energy division, acknowledged that more household batteries would help the grid by reducing demand after sundown. But he said it's not yet clear if virtual power plants are as reliable as the gas turbines that currently do the bulk of the work after dark.

And as for flexible demand programs, also known as "demand response," Randolph said the energy savings they provided during last summer's grid emergencies weren't as significant as officials originally thought.

"In the long run, the promise of demand response intuitively makes sense and is something we should pursue," he said. "In the short run, there's still a lot of learning to be done. And as we're looking to reliability for next summer, it's not the place where we can sit here and say, 'Let's experiment.'"

Some energy providers have already moved beyond the experiment phase.

Southern California Edison, an investor-owned utility that provides electricity to 15 million people, recently contracted with Sunrun for a five-megawatt virtual power plant, to be sourced from thousands of batteries installed at customer homes.

That's a drop in the bucket of the state's roughly 80,000 megawatts of power capacity. But the virtual plant will count toward Edison's all-important "resource adequacy" requirement, meaning the utility thinks Sunrun can be trusted in a pinch to keep reliable electricity flowing. And if transmission lines are taken out by a wildfireor intentionally shut off to limit the risk of ignitionsSunrun customers will still have a backup energy source.

"You're giving the utility and system operator so much more flexibility than if you've concentrated all those megawatts in one place in the desert," said Jill Anderson, Edison's senior vice president of customer service.

To the north, East Bay Community Energy was one of three government-run energy providers to sign similar contracts with Sunrun last year.

Nick Chaset, East Bay's chief executive, said the price for a five-megawatt virtual power plant operated by Sunrun was "not so far out" from what he'd expect to pay for large-scale solar and energy storage. And unlike with a centralized power plant, spreading the megawatts across thousands of homes and businesses means "there's not a single point of failure," Chaset said.

"Even if 5% of the systems at any given time are having an operational issue, you still have the other 95%," he said.

With the right government policies, installers say, they could get batteries into a lot more homes by next summer.

The California Solar and Storage Assn. released a report in November calling for state officials to simplify the process of applying for clean energy subsidies, maintain the popular "net metering" compensation program and allow households with batteries to export electricity to the grid during emergencies, which currently isn't allowed.

Speeding up local government approval processes is another priority for the solar and storage association. The group has asked Newsom to sign a proposed executive order that would prod city and county officials to adopt virtual inspections and require electric utilities to move more quickly to get installations up and running.

Those steps wouldn't just help the power grid, they would boost employment and reduce emissions, Del Chiaro said.

"Whether it's COVID and jobs and economic recovery, or climate change and blackouts and rising energy billspick your crisis," she said. "I'm not saying we're the only solution. But we are a shovel-ready industry that's here to grow."

Companies offering "flexible demand" say they've got a shovel-ready solution too.

One of the biggest players is Oakland-based OhmConnect, which pays households to use less electricity when the grid is stressed and sells the aggregated savings into energy markets. Last month, the start-up announced a $100-million investment from Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, which was spun out of Google parent company Alphabet Inc.

The bulk of the money will finance Resi-Station, which at 550 megawatts would be the world's largest virtual power plant.

Basically, OhmConnect plans to do a lot more of what it's already doing. The company already has 150,000 active customers in California, some of whom give OhmConnect control over their smart devices and some of whom manually reduce energy use when prompted. The company warns customers when it's going to power down their devices and gives them a chance to opt out.

"It is common for customers to make $50 to $100 over the course of the year. But we've had customers who made more than $100 in a single day," Chief Executive Cisco DeVries said.

The influx of funding will help OhmConnect sign up new customers in California and outfit them with smart thermostats, as well as smart plugs that can be used to temporarily power down appliances such as refrigerators (which can go without electricity for up to four hours without their contents spoiling). The company is also exploring ways to promote the installation of electric heat pumps, which can heat water during times of day when solar power is abundant and electricity is cheap and store it for later use.

Another major flexible demand start-up is San Francisco-based Leap, which aggregates energy savings from commercial and industrial businesses as well as homes. In November, the company announced a deal to provide the energy-savings equivalent of 12.5 megawatts of reliable power to Redwood Coast Energy Authority and Valley Clean Energy, starting next summer.

Part of the attraction for the government-run electricity providers was Leap's ability to move quickly.

"For the quick turnaround of summer of 2021, it was extremely competitive pricing. There were very little options at all, and those had to be things that were somewhat in the pipeline," said Matthew Marshall, Redwood Coast's executive director. "This wasn't a case of us saying, 'We think this is cool, so let's subsidize it above what the market is showing.' It stands up on its own."

The energy research firm Wood Mackenzie reported that California's power grid operator called on flexible demand providers an unprecedented 70 times during the week of Aug. 14, which began with two nights of rolling blackouts.

The firm projects huge growth in flexible-demand technologies, including electric vehicle chargers. WoodMac analyst Isaac Maze-Rothstein noted that when California's grid was stressed in August, Tesla sent alerts to its drivers asking them to limit charging.

"I wonder how far off they could be from telling people if you just press this button, we're going to delay charging for you, and they could have that aggregation participate in a market in the not-so-distant future," Maze-Rothstein said.

Like solar and storage installers, flexible demand companies say they could move faster with regulatory fixes. But officials at the Public Utilities Commission and the Independent System Operator are hesitant.

For one thing, it's challenging to estimate how much energy a home or business would have used if not for a company like OhmConnect. And what if lots of people say they'll use less electricity, but then when a heat wave arrives they decide they need a few extra degrees of cooling, after all?

"We'll need to work with all of these companies to understand ... what they think they need to do better, and if there are regulatory or market hurdles that keep them from doing better," said Randolph, the utilities commission energy chief.

Some people will never feel comfortable handing over control of their air conditioner to a third party, even if there's money in it.

But there's little question about the potentialespecially after the Golden State's biggest energy savings last summer came from millions of homes and businesses that responded to desperate pleas to conserve, even though they weren't paid. If even a fraction of those conscientious Californians sign up for paid programs, the grid benefits could be substantial.

"During the August heat wave, there were transmission lines that failed. There were natural plants that went offline or reduced operations because it was too hot," OhmConnect's DeVries said. "In some ways we are already more reliable, because we never fail. We may show up with a little less or a little more here or there. But we're going to show up."

With time running short before next summer, state officials are hurrying to shore up power supplies. Newsom asked them to take climate change into account, writing in an August letter that California "must do more and faster to prevent future outages as we continue to work to transform energy generation."

Public Utilities Commission President Marybel Batjer issued a memo last month saying the agency will consider a wide range of options, including regulatory changes sought by battery installers and flexible demand companies.

But in a ruling the following week calling for utilities to line up new power supplies, Batjer focused her instructions on efficiency upgrades at traditional power plants. That could result in gas-fired generators adding several hundred megawatts of new capacity.

Officials are also determined to prevent energy companies from permanently retiring aging gas plants, at least for now.

The utilities commission voted in September to extend the shutdown deadline for four gas plants along the Southern California coast, which otherwise would have been required to close this year.

And last month the Independent System Operator's board of governors voted to issue a "reliability must-run" contract for the 250-megawatt Midway-Sunset gas plant in Kern County, whose owner had announced plans to shutter the facility by year's end. Now the plant is being required to remain open in 2021.

Neil Millar, a vice president at the grid operator, described the must-run contract as "truly a last resort."

Explore further California could see more rolling outages amid heat wave

2021 Los Angeles Times.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve.
In his loan application, Smith stated that his company had 61 employees and an average monthly payroll of $108,000. In fact, Smith had no employees and no payroll expenses as the business had no ongoing operations, the indictment stated.
LAST Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his team made their usual weekly briefing on the status of the coronavirus in Trinidad and Tobago.

Given the rise in cases, the addition of a state of emergency was added to the existing public health measures, setting a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.

By Feng Songjiang

The 2020 National Space Policy recently released by the White House at the one-year anniversary of the establishment of US Space Force outlines America's space development plan and specific measures for its implementation. The document and the recent Schriever Wargame 2020 (SW 20) both exaggerate the so-called "space threat" and try to form a "space NATO" with American allies, fully revealing Washington's ambition to maintain its hegemony by securing supremacy in the outer space.

The US braces for space warfighting targeting China and Russia. The latest SW 20 led by the newly formed US Space Force for the first time claimed to highlight space threats from Russia and China, which reflected America's Cold War mentality and hegemonistic concept.

The US National Security Strategy labels China and Russia as revisionist powers and challengers of the global order dominated by the US and its allies. The US National Defense Strategy also deems the long-term strategic competition with China and Russia as the top priority of US Department of Defense. At present, the National Space Policy continues to uphold the "America first" policy and advocate expanding military presence in space targeting Russia and China.

It can be seen that cementing and enhancing its competitive edges in the space domain has become an important direction of America's strategic adjustment.

The US forms cliques to extend deterrence. Apart from members of the Five Eyes alliance, Germany, France, and Japan also participated in SW 20. What's worth more attention is that for the first time in over 50 years, the US shared highly classified information with its allies directly, breaking the convention that such sharing is only available with special permission. Such a move indicated the Pentagon's concept of strengthening the alliance for high-end wars.

In recent years, the US has shifted its strategic focus to great power competition, especially for the high-end adversaries. The US National Space Strategy proposes to drive US leadership in space through close partnership with the private sector and allies. The newly released National Space Policy mentions allies and their interests multiple times with a noticeable tinge of cajoling.

As space becomes an all-round warfighting domain, our unique advantage is the ability to seamlessly integrate multi-domain capabilities from multiple allies and partners, said Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, US Space Force.

The US attaches great importance to exercises, which leads to American military development. That the SW 20 was held on schedule despite the raging COVID-19 pandemic indicates America's urgent need to cope with a new environment featured by intensified space confrontation, reduced combat efficiency, and restricted military operations, and to reinforce the judgment of threats.

Participants in the exercise made recommendations for gaining and maintaining an operational and strategic advantage through coordinated and integrated strategic messaging, used the Battlefield Information Exploitation and Collection System, and virtually verified the recommendations to support the production of a roadmap on enhancing joint space capabilities.

Moreover, both the "Global Sentinel" exercise aimed at improving the joint space status perception of the US and its allies and the "Space Flag" exercise that explores theories, concepts, and technologies of space combat are also key areas of US military investment. The series of exercises play a vital role in leading space conceptualization, command and control enhancement, capability building, and joint operation fortification of the US military.

It's foreseeable that the US will continue to hype up the so-called space threat. By hosting the SW 20 and other exercises, it will speed up the formation of a "space NATO" and try to dominate the formulation of international space rules in the attempt to pave the way for its "space domination". The international community should be highly alert to that.

(The author is from the Research Center for Space Security at the People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force (PLASSF) Space Engineering University.)
The Saudi UAE Housing Council, an initiative of the Saudi UAE Coordination Council, virtually held its key meeting to review and follow up on the implementation of strategic projects related to the sector of housing.

The third meeting of the Council saw the Saudi side being chaired by Deputy Minister of Housing Engineer Abdullah Al Bidair while Engineer Jameela Al Findi, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme led her countrys delegation to the meeting.

The meeting discussed the progress on joint projects, as well as a number of initiatives aligned with the vision of the governments in the two countries, including the Zayed Residential Enclaves, Sharakat Programme and the Innovative and Sustainable Housing, also known as Zayed 2071.
Danny Healy-Rae has no time for the trolls who remorselessly attack him online. Nor does he read antagonistic posts  but he has launched an attack on other politicians for pandering to social media.

I am too busy working for the people of Kerry but if theyre so great and have better things to say let them stand for election and see how they get on, he said.

Mr Healy-Rae said he didnt understand why he would be a hate-figure to anyone because of his views as he was not brought up to hate.

I have my opinions and my supporters. They support my opinions, along with my work, because I get thousands of votes, he said. And I am too busy working for those people to bother what people in Dublin are saying about me. I dont follow it at all.

Im absolutely baffled when I see TDs getting into trouble on Twitter or whatever it is. Im not going to be on it, telling people I have just gone to the toilet or that Im going to Kenmare.

I cant understand people who send out every little thing or who say things like that. I have things in my head that I wouldnt send out. We all have things in our heads that we wouldnt be putting out there.

Expand Close Danny Healy-Rae at the beef farmers protest on Merrion Square. Pic Steve Humphreys 26th November 2019 / Facebook

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Those people who do cant be working very hard for the people who elected them, because I certainly havent the time to do it.

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Mr Healy-Rae (66) said he is not anti-science as he is often portrayed but has genuine conviction that claims of climate change have been overblown.

Im not against science at all, but I would have my own views, he said.

People have said to me who know about it that a lot of the ice melting is not from the atmosphere at all, but because it is being warmed from below.

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There was a cardinal came up the (River) Roughty to Ardtully in 1690 and you couldnt do that now because the river is so low.

They built embankments against the river breaking its banks centuries ago and they are still there to see.

And despite the floods weve had in recent years they havent come anywhere near those old banks that you can still see.

He said one of the subjects he was very interested in while in school was history.

When you talk about climate change you must also talk about history, and history shows there has been a lot of change and different things over the centuries, he said.

We heard it in national school, and big changes can happen, and for decades, as part of the overall.

I wont say some scientists are dishonest. I am sure they are honest. But they are getting wrong results because of whatever they put in.

"And unfortunately it has led to the Government telling us all to buy very expensive electric cars that are no good for anyone in rural Ireland.

"They are not economic and they are not as good as fuel cars, ones that use the ordinary fuel.

Mr Healy-Rae said most TDs follow the fashion in all of this".

He added: If they think for themselves at all, they wont speak against their leaders because they are afraid of demotion or not getting a promotion.

They are not saying what is in their hearts  so you have the likes of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Greens all going into government and they are very different.

He also did not see a very bright future for the current administration. I dont think this Government will last as long as the commentators say. It may not be 2021 when it all falls apart, but there is a lot of unhappiness in Fianna Fail at their leader already.

I see a lot of unrest there. And Micheal Martin also seems to me to be very anti-rural, saying people should live in villages and towns instead of building houses in their own place.

There was a senior civil servant who described rural Ireland as a cost to the State. It is not that at all. Dublin is a cost to rural Ireland because of the gangland and the crime, which there isnt in rural Ireland at all.

I dont like Fridays, adds Mr Healy-Rae, the Dails arguably most colourful Independent, as he insists he ignores criticism and mockery of his style and beliefs on social media.

He said finds Fridays his least productive day of the week because girls in offices say it is Friday and they are looking forward to the weekend and I suppose getting to see their families.

Im not, I want to keep going, but sometimes Im blocked.

Sunday is the same as Monday to me, if theres work there to be done for the people who elected me then it is still going to be there if I dont do it on any day.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee yesterday revealed she has tested positive for Covid-19.

Ms McEntee, who is pregnant with her first child, confirmed the news on Twitter.

She posted: I was recently tested and have received a positive result for #Covid19.

In line with our HSE guidance I am isolating. I am continuing to carry out my duties by working remotely including attending Cabinet.

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The information the HSE has shows that pregnant women or their babies are not at a higher risk if we get Covid-19.

At the same time I urge everyone to follow public health advice and stay at home. If you think youre developing symptoms no matter how small, act as though you have Covid.

We all know the seriousness of the situation. We must protect our health system and our most vulnerable.

The minister announced last month she is pregnant and is due her baby in May.

She is the second Government minister to test positive for the virus.

Last month Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue confirmed he had contracted coronavirus. He was due to end his 14-day isolation period this week.

It comes as the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 has surpassed the peak of the first wave, the head of the Health Service Executive (HSE) said.

The previous highest number of patients with the virus in hospital was 881 on April 15.

Paul Reid, HSE chief executive, tweeted: With 921 people in hospital, weve now exceeded the peak level of the 1st wave (881). 75 in ICU. Healthy people are getting very sick.

Everyone gets how serious this is now. Lets all do whats needed, turn this around, save lives whilst the vaccine arrives. We have to.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney on Wednesday urged people to protect the health system.

I know its not easy for so many, but we must act together to protect people and our health system.

Read More

Irish Independent
State media tabloid Global Times tweeted side-by-side photo comparisons of Hong Kong protesters occupying the city's Legislative Council Complex in July 2019 with the Washington riots

Beijing: China's internet erupted in mirth at America's troubled democracy after supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the US Capitol, comparing the chaos to the Hong Kong anti-government protests of 2019.

On Thursday morning, state media tabloid Global Times tweeted side-by-side photo comparisons of Hong Kong protesters occupying the city's Legislative Council Complex in July 2019 with Wednesday's Washington riots.

The latter saw hardcore Trump fans invade the US Capitol to protest the election defeat, taking selfies, scuffling with security and ransacking parts of the building.

.@SpeakerPelosi once referred to the Hong Kong riots as "a beautiful sight to behold"  it remains yet to be seen whether she will say the same about the recent developments in Capitol Hill. pic.twitter.com/91iXDzYpcO  Global Times (@globaltimesnews) January 7, 2021

China's Communist Youth League also described the unrest as a "beautiful sight" on the Twitter-like Weibo platform.

The hashtag "Trump supporters storm US Capitol" pinballed across Weibo on Thursday, racking up 230 million views, as users compared the global support for Hong Kong's protesters with the outpouring of condemnation for the pro-Trump mob.

"At present, all European countries' leaders have shown double standards and condemned it (Washington rioting)," read one Weibo comment which gained over 5,000 likes.

"I don't know what kind of double-standard reports will be carried by Hong Kong or Taiwan media this time."

"What happened in the Hong Kong Legislative Council last year is being repeated in the US Capitol," wrote another user in a comment with over 4,500 likes.

While the tactics were similar, there are stark differences in the causes and motivations of the two legislature stormings.

Hong Kong protesters broke into their legislature to demand full democracy and halt an unpopular bill that was being pushed through by the city's unelected leadership.

The semi-autonomous Chinese city is not a democracy, the cause of years of popular protests.

China has since responded with a crackdown, imposing a harsh security law on the restless city, arresting scores of critics and smothering dissent.

In contrast, those storming the US Capitol were trying to overturn the results of what has been declared a free and fair presidential election.

US President-elect Joe Biden said the US rioters were undermining democracy by trying to overturn Trump's defeat in November's election.
For two new district judges taking the bench this week, life has taken them full circle.

Judge Jacqueline Jackie Herr Valdes, presiding judge of the 386th Juvenile District Court, practically grew up at the courthouse. The daughter of Senior District Judge Maria Teresa Tessa Herr, Valdes was about 5 the first time she visited her mother, then a prosecutor for Bexar County, at work. When her mother became a jurist in 2002, she continued swinging by the courthouse to visti her mother in her court.

Valdes, 40, was sworn in Friday by her mother in an outdoor investiture ceremony at Herrs home. The swearing-in was officiated by Valdes five children and streamed live on Facebook. Afterward, Herr presented her daughter with Valdes late fathers Bible.

It was a very special day. Im happy and delighted, said Herr, now a visiting judge who sits by appointment.

Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer

Herr said she always pushed her daughter to do whatever she wanted to do.

She said Valdes love of children will serve her well as a juvenile district on the juvenile bench.

It just seemed like a natural path. Im very proud. I knew she could do it, said Herr. She continually amazes me.

Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer

Judge Nicole Garza, 50, presiding judge of the 37th Civil District Court, asked a longtime mentor, Judge Peter Sakai, to administer the oath in her new courtroom Friday. A former teacher, Garza was an intern for Sakai in the 1990s after she changed her career path to study law.

Sakai, presiding judge of the 225th District Court/Childrens Court, said he has sworn in several judges, but this was the first time he has done so for a former intern.

Jacqueline Valdes

I am honored and humbled to have administered the oath, he said. I have full confidence and know she will be a great judge.

Each first-time judge must attend what they call judge school, which both completed this week.

Valdes, from San Antonio, spent 10 years as a juvenile prosecutor for the Bexar County District Attorneys Office. She ousted incumbent Judge Arcelia Trevino in the Democratic primary and defeated Republican Daphne Previti Austin, a former juvenile district judge, in the November election.

A mother of five, Valdes is passionate about working with young people and looks forward to working with them from the other side of the bench.

I feel like I can talk to them in a different way, get to them, she said, This is the perfect place to do it.

Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer

She decided to run for the juvenile bench after Trevino, a controversial first-time state district judge, came under fire for repeated absences and inattention in the court.

Valdes had prosecuted cases before Trevino but was moved to intake at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center when she decided to run for office. Shortly before the primary, Trevino ousted two prosecutors from her courtroom, apparently because she thought they supported Valdes.

Garza, originally from Laredo, was an attorney in private practice. She defeated incumbent Judge Michael Mery in the March Democratic primary. In November, she beat Republican Joseph P. Appelt, a lawyer in private practice who also has served as an alternate municipal court judge in Devine.

A daughter and sister of educators, Garza spent three years teaching pre-kindergarteners and third- and sixth-graders.

I had a calling for justice at an early age, watching out for people, she said. I have a deep obligation to help people. What can I do now, what can I do today. Its exciting, and Im ready to help.

She added that working in family court would be a natural fit.

The mother of two teens, Garza is active in the community, many times funding activities for children.

Garza also sings in a band called Loitering at the PET (Paul Elizondo Tower), a group comprised of Bexar County employees who work in the justice center.

As she hits the ground running with Zoom hearings and getting familiar with her docket, she is ready for the new challenge.

I am looking forward to things to come.

ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
Representative image

Bharat Biotech might price its COVID-19 vaccine candidate Covaxin lower than Covishield, the jab from Serum Institute of India (SII).

The Hyderabad-based company is expected to sign a final contract with the government soon, the Business Standard reported. Deciding the cost is taking time since the government is trying to negotiate the best possible price.

"Bharat Biotech is likely to price its vaccine very competitively and lower than its competitor. Historically, too, the firm has quoted competitive prices to supply in India," a source told the paper.

Follow our LIVE blog for updates on the COVID-19 pandemic

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the story.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

Bharat Biotech has not yet responded when contacted by the publication.

SII plans to price the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine at Rs 200 per dose for the Indian government, and Rs 1,000 for the private market.

Bharat Biotech Managing Director Krishna Ella has earlier said pricing of Covaxin would depend on volumes.

Also read: Here's how SII's Covishield and Bharat Biotechs Covaxin stack up against each other

On January 3, the two vaccines were approved for restricted emergency by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

Bharat Biotech has not yet provided efficacy data of Covaxin, which is still in the third phase of clinical trials.

"Right now the vaccine has been allowed a roll out in clinical trial mode, which means that receivers will have to give consent before getting a jab and they would be followed up regularly. The prices would thus be low," a source told the paper.

Both vaccines against the coronavirus are two dose regimens and can be stored at 28 degrees Centigrade (refrigerator temperature).

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on January 2 said the vaccine will be given free of cost to the "most prioritised beneficiaries", which includes 1 crore healthcare and 2 crore frontline workers.
Kourtney Kardashian put her cleavage on display as she posed up a storm for her Insta Stories this Wednesday.

The 41-year-old bombshell was busily promoting her lifestyle brand Poosh as she flaunted her assets in a half-open jacket.

She was plugging a 'SHOP DROP' in which 'we will be doing one drop each month adding new brands and products to the shop.

Using what she's got: Kourtney Kardashian put her cleavage on display as she posed up a storm for her Insta Stories this Wednesday

Kourtney uploaded the Insta Stories image this Wednesday just one day after she cryptically posted a sizzling album to her main page.

The album consisted of three stills of Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette sharing a kiss in character in Tony Scott's 1993 movie True Romance.

Kourtney's post about True Romance, which is about a star-crossed affair between a prostitute and a music mega-fan, comes amid a swirl of reports that her sister Kim Kardashian is on the verge of divorcing Kanye West.

The couple, who married in 2014, had a tumultuous 2020 that included the rap star's failed run for the United States presidency.

When you got it: Kourtney recently posed up a storm for Instagram in her walk-in closet whilst modeling a bit of lacy corsetry by Olivier Theyskens

During one campaign rally he tearfully revealed that Kim considered aborting their firstborn daughter North - a disclosure that left Kim 'furious,' per a People source.

Kanye also embarked on a series of Twitter tirades, accusing Kim of having tried to get him committed and insinuating that she was unfaithful.

Kim made a statement referring to her husband's bipolar disorder and pointing out 'that the family is powerless unless the member is a minor.'

Eventually the couple traveled to the Caribbean with their four children - North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, two, and Psalm, one - in what was widely reported as a make-or-break trip to save the marriage.

Movie lover: Kourtney uploaded the Insta Stories image this Wednesday just one day after she cryptically posted a sizzling album to her main page

Smoldering: The album consisted of three stills of Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette sharing a kiss in character in Tony Scott's 1993 movie True Romance

Throwback: Written by Quentin Tarantino, True Romance is about a star-crossed affair between a prostitute and a music mega-fan

Although the couple put up a unified front on social media following the Caribbean summit a source has now told Page Six that 'they are done.'

The insider alleged Kim has enlisted the services of Laura Wasser, the lawyer who also represented Angelina Jolie when she first left Brad Pitt in 2016.

Kourtney has remained quiet on social media about the latest 'Kimye' speculation, as she did last year during his infamous Twitter rants.

Rumors in the water supply: Kourtney's new posts come amid a swirl of reports that her sister Kim Kardashian is on the verge of divorcing Kanye West

She herself has three children - Mason, 11, Penelope, eight, and Reign, six - with her sizzling ex-fiance Scott Disick whom she last split from in 2015.

Kourtney and Scott have both dated since the end of their on-off romance and have retained a friendly co-parenting relationship with one another.

Scott has been candid about his own personal struggles, confessing: 'It's no secret that over the years I've suffered from drinking problems.'
Four people, including a woman fatally shot by a police officer, died in the violent Capitol riot between President Donald Trump's supporters and law enforcement on Wednesday.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Robert Contee have confirmed with CBS affiliate WUSA 9 that someone was injured during the Capitol riot. But at the time, they did not release that it was the woman fatally shot and eventually mentioned in several reports.

Reports of three more deaths related to the Capitol riot soon followed, taking two men and another woman's lives.

The first reported woman, who was fatally shot inside the building, was rushed to the hospital and remained unidentified until her death later in the evening, said a report from ABC News.

Woman Fatally Shot by Capitol Police

Sources from law enforcement told New York Post that someone from Capitol Police shot the woman.

The woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at a local hospital, said police department spokesman Dustin Sternbeck.

Related Story: Trump Calls on National Guard to Quell Riot in DC, Secure US Capitol

Authorities have yet to release her identification, and no information has been released regarding who shot her, said a report from the New York Times. However, Contee earlier described her as a "civilian."

In the meantime, officers were leading the investigation of events leading to her death. It is not yet clear what exactly led to the woman's fatal shooting and death. But a photo from CBS News' Zak Hudak showed that law enforcement had drawn their guns when rioters broke into the building. Sternbeck offered no other details.

Meanwhile, the three others died after suffering "separate medical emergencies" near the Capitol grounds, reported The Hill. Reports regarding their deaths remain limited.

DC Mayor Denounces Capitol Riot

Bowser was deeply upset by the news and said the behavior displayed by the mob was "shameful unpatriotic and above all it is unlawful."

During her news conference on Wednesday afternoon, she called for the people who engaged and continue to engage in these activities to be held accountable.

Law enforcement personnel, including the US Park Police, DC Police, and National Guard, worked to move pro-Trump rioters and others gathered in front of the US Capitol building to create a safety perimeter.

A lockdown was placed in the Capitol around 2:30 p.m., causing evacuations of two campus buildings, the Library of Congress James Madison Memorial Building and the Cannon House Office Building.

The lockdown has since been lifted, US Park Police officials said. In light of the violent events, Bowser ordered a 12-hour curfew in the city beginning at 6 p.m. that day.

I have issued Mayors Order 2021-003, extending the public emergency declared earlier today for a total of 15 days, until and unless provided for by further Mayoral Order.  Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 7, 2021

Bowser also extended her declaration of public emergency for the next 15 days, said another report from The Hill. It is expected to end on Tuesday, January 21, at 3 p.m., the day after President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

Social media was teeming with images of the protesters in the middle of scuffles with the police.

Read also: Jon Ossoff Projected to Win in Georgia Runoff Election

Officials said the campus rooms had been check for devices, and the Senate resumed session later that evening. During the session, Vice President Mike Pence and Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell also condemned the Capitol riot.

"We will not be kept out of this chamber by mobs or thugs or threats," McConnell said, adding that the Senate will not be pushed back by "lawlessness or intimidation."
2 Websites Selling Trump Merchandise Are Shut Down This briefing has ended. Follow our latest coverage of markets, business and the economy.

Shopify closes two e-commerce sites tied to Trump, including campaign store. The crowd that gathered at President Trumps rally, before members stormed Congress, was filled with Trump merchandise. At least two online stores associated with the president were shut down on Thursday. Credit... Kenny Holston for The New York Times Shopify, the company that powers e-commerce sites for more than one million merchants, said on Thursday that it had closed two online stores tied to President Trump, including those run by the Trump Organization and the Trump campaign. A company representative said that the sites violated a policy that prohibits the support of organizations or people that threaten or condone violence to further a cause. Users who navigated to sites like TrumpStore.com and shop.donaldjtrump.com were met with messages that the sites were unavailable. Cached versions of the sites show that they had sold merchandise like $45 pairs of Trump-branded champagne flutes, $30 Make America Great Again hats and a $24 poster of a cartoon of Mr. Trump punching into the air. Shopify, which said that it does not tolerate actions that incite violence, still appeared to be powering other sites selling Trump merchandise as of Thursday afternoon. For example, the sites OfficialTrump2020store.com and Trump-Hats.com were among several that were still active, highlighting how difficult it can be for technology companies to begin policing websites. Shopify declined to comment on the additional sites. Based on recent events, we have determined that the actions by President Donald J. Trump violate our Acceptable Use Policy, which prohibits promotion or support of organizations, platforms or people that threaten or condone violence to further a cause, the Shopify representative said earlier on Thursday. As a result, we have terminated stores affiliated with President Trump. Shopifys technology makes it simple for individuals to make retail websites with as little as an email address and a credit card. At the outset of the pandemic last year, the company closed thousands of sites that claimed to be selling virus-fighting products.

Stocks climb to record as Wall Street keeps its focus on Democrats spending plans. Stocks rose to another record on Thursday, a day after chaos erupted in Washington when a pro-Trump mob overran the Capitol building, as investors focused instead on chances for increased federal spending by a Biden administration and a Congress under unified Democratic control. The S&P 500 climbed by 1.5 percent, adding to a string of records since President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. won the presidential election. The S&P is up nearly 13 percent since that Nov. 3 vote, but only now, after Democrats won two Senate seats in runoff elections in Georgia on Tuesday, do investors feel they have a complete view of the implications of the political season. Across stock, bond and commodities markets, they are betting that Democratic control will soon translate into another major round of Federal stimulus spending, raising the chances of a much stronger economic recovery over the coming months  a view that helped traders look past violence in Washington and to the impact of a government unified under Democratic leadership, analysts said. The political cycle of 2020 has ended. Weve finished the senatorial elections. Weve finished the House elections. Weve finished the presidential elections, said Randy Watts, chief investment officer for ONeil Global Advisors, a financial advisory firm. So I think the market is happy, as many investors are, to finally get that behind them and be able to focus on policy and economics and corporate profits. Investors are also banking on the rollout of coronavirus vaccines to eventually energize business activity that has been dormant during the pandemic, and, as they have for months, also looked past fresh evidence of the economic catastrophe unfolding. On Thursday, the Labor Department reported that 922,000 workers filed new state claims for unemployment benefits last week, while another 161,000 new claims were filed under a federal program. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose above 1.07 percent. While that is remarkably low by long-term historical standards, it is the highest level for yields since March, when the arrival of the coronavirus sent global markets into a tailspin. Its a reflection that theres going to be more stimulus. Theres going to be bigger supply, and theres a bigger risk of inflation, said James Bianco, president of Bianco Research, a financial market research firm based in Chicago. Economists at Goldman Sachs said they expected Democrats to pass $750 billion in fiscal stimulus in the first quarter of the year. The U.S. investment bank also raised its forecast for economic growth this year to 6.4 percent from 5.9 percent. Matt Phillips and

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Simon & Schuster drops Senator Hawleys book. Image Senator Josh Hawley on Wednesday. His book, The Tyranny of Big Tech, was scheduled for release in June. Credit... Drew Angerer/Getty Images Simon & Schuster said on Thursday that it would cancel the publication of an upcoming book by Senator Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican and Trump ally who challenged the results of the presidential election and was accused of helping incite the mob that stormed the Capitol on Wednesday. His book, The Tyranny of Big Tech, was scheduled to be published in June. We did not come to this decision lightly, Simon & Schuster said in a statement. As a publisher it will always be our mission to amplify a variety of voices and viewpoints. At the same time we take seriously our larger public responsibility as citizens, and cannot support Senator Hawley after his role in what became a dangerous threat. The senators office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The subject of Mr. Hawleys book, which was already available for preorder on Amazon and other retailers, is not about the election or Mr. Trump, but about technology corporations like Google, Facebook and Amazon. Its cancellation was remarkably swift and raised questions about how publishers will approach future books by conservatives who have supported Mr. Trumps efforts to invalidate the election. Rebukes on Twitter aimed at Simon & Schuster for their plans to publish the book came from several writers and at least one Simon & Schuster author. But the conservative publisher Regnery, which released a book in the fall by Senator Ted Cruz, another leader of the push to overturn the election results, did not appear to be facing similar pressure. Tom Spence, Regnerys president and publisher, said the company did not have any further deals with Mr. Cruz at the moment but would work with him again. Mr. Spence also said that if Simon & Schuster canceled Mr. Hawleys book deal, We would be interested. Elizabeth A. Harris and

American Airlines bans alcohol on flights to and from Washington after Capitol riot. American Airlines planes at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in November. Credit... Michael Reynolds/EPA, via Shutterstock American Airlines said on Thursday that it had banned alcohol on flights to and from Washington at least through Thursday night and was taking other precautions to keep its employees and passengers safe after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol on Wednesday. The company said it had increased staffing at the areas three main airports. United Airlines said it has also stepped up airport staffing and had moved crews out of hotels in downtown Washington earlier in the week. American, United and Delta Air Lines said they were in close contact with local and federal authorities. Even before the attack on the Capitol, airline crews and passengers had reported encountering unruly passengers headed to Washington early on Wednesday. Flight attendant unions expressed concern after members reported having to confront passengers who were being disruptive, behaving aggressively or flouting mask requirements. Video and photos posted on social media showed pro-Trump passengers cheering, singing and yelling at other passengers. We are incredibly concerned about recent politically motivated incidents on board passenger aircraft, Julie Hedrick, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents 27,000 American flight attendants, said in a statement. Regardless of ones political beliefs, the cabin of a commercial aircraft must, out of necessity, be a calm environment for the safety of everyone onboard. In a note to members on Wednesday, Ms. Hedrick said that the airline would move all layover crews to airport hotels through next Sunday and offer private transportation to area airports. Remain extra vigilant on flights departing from the Washington, D.C., area for the next few days, and involve your fellow crew members if you have safety concerns, she wrote. In a separate statement, Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants, which has tens of thousands of members at 17 airlines, called on airlines and law enforcement to take all steps necessary to keep passengers and crews safe. The mob mentality behavior that took place on several flights to the D.C. area yesterday was unacceptable and threatened the safety and security of every single person onboard, she said in the statement on Wednesday.

Daimler responds: We depend on a reliable and stable political framework. A Freightliner truck, made by Daimler, ready for snow in Iowa City, Iowa. Daimler, which also makes Mercedes-Benz cars, employs more than 25,000 in the United States. Credit... Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen, via Associated Press German car and truck maker Daimler, which operates factories in Alabama and other states, joined other Europeans on Thursday in expressing dismay at the storming of the Capitol in Washington, suggesting that political polarization is bad for the economy. The United States Congress has been a symbol of freedom and democracy around the world for centuries, Daimler, which builds Mercedes-Benz cars at a factory in Tuscaloosa, Ala., said in a statement. We are saddened to see lawlessness and violence on Capitol Hill and hope that there will now be a peaceful transition of power to the incoming administration. As a company, we depend on a reliable and stable political framework that supports the creation of prosperity, employment and economic growth, Daimler said. Almost all of Alabamas congressional delegation supported efforts to overturn the results of the presidential election. Representative Terri Sewell, a Democrat whose district includes Tuscaloosa, was an exception. Besides being a major part of the Alabama economy, Daimler also builds Freightliner and Western Star trucks and Thomas Built Buses in Portland, Ore., and several other locations. The company employs more than 25,000 people in the United States, where it generated more than $20 billion in sales during the first half of 2020. We are an integral part of the economy and public in the U.S.A., Daimler said.

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The Capitol rampage drew rebukes from business leaders, but not always of the president. When Jamie Dimon, the chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, issued a statement condemning the violence in Washington on Wednesday, he urged our elected leaders to call for an end to it. He did not directly mention President Trump. Nor did the Charles Scharf, the chief executive of Wells Fargo (The behavior in Washington, D.C., today is unacceptable) or the chief executives of Goldman Sachs, Bank of America or Citigroup. Business leaders and organizations often instead referred to leaders or called for the peaceful transition of power to President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. Business leaders have rarely criticized Mr. Trump directly. When he announced, shortly before he was inaugurated, that Stephen K. Bannon would be his chief strategist in the White House, Democrats on the congressional committees that oversee the finance industry asked industry leaders to publicly oppose the appointment. The lawmakers called Mr. Bannon a bigot beloved by white supremacists and said the business leaders had a moral obligation to speak out. None did. After Mr. Trump took office, chief executives found themselves in the uncomfortable position of deciding whether to take part in so-called business advisory councils, common forums for business leaders to influence the policy of a new president, even as he was rolling out policies many saw as hateful. Several such councils disbanded after Mr. Trump declined in 2017 to condemn violence by white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va., and said there were very fine people and blame on both sides. With the presidents increasing efforts to subvert the election, organizations have grown bolder. On Monday, for example, 170 business leaders signed their names to a statement, organized by the business advocacy organization Partnership for New York City, urging Congress to certify the result of the presidential election, though some prominent members were missing. On Wednesday, as a mob stormed the Capitol, organizations not known for vocal statements seemed to no longer worry about the political ramifications of speaking up against Mr. Trump. The research group High Frequency Economics suspended regular publication of its research notes for the first time since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and sent a note to its clients: We at High Frequency Economics are disgusted by the role of the president of the United States in inciting this riot, and we are saddened that he cannot find the character to stand up in front of the mob he has created, quell the violence and send everyone home. And the Business Roundtable, a group of chief executives, including Mr. Dimon, from some of the nations largest companies, was direct as to the cause of the violence. The chaos unfolding in the nations capital is the result of unlawful efforts to overturn the legitimate results of a democratic election, the group said. The country deserves better. Business Roundtable calls on the president and all relevant officials to put an end to the chaos and to facilitate the peaceful transition of power. William P. Davis and

Unemployment claims remained high in the latest weekly report. The Royal Divinity Food Bank in Birmingham, Ala., says it has been feeding hundreds more families each month since the pandemic began. Credit... Audra Melton for The New York Times New claims for unemployment benefits remained high last week, the government reported on Thursday, the latest evidence that the pandemic-racked economy still has a lot of lost ground to make up heading into a new year. A total of 922,000 workers filed initial claims for state benefits during the final week of 2020, the Labor Department said, while another 161,000 new claims were filed under a federal pandemic jobless program. Neither figure is seasonally adjusted. On a seasonally adjusted basis, new state claims totaled 787,000. The labor market has improved since the coronavirus pandemic broke out and closed down the economy. But of the more than 22 million jobs that disappeared in the spring, 10 million remain lost. With a recently enacted $900 billion relief package that includes an extension of federal unemployment benefits, most of the unemployed can at least look forward to more financial help. Still, this winter is going to be very difficult, said Kathy Bostjancic, chief U.S. financial economist at Oxford Economics. Were seeing overall economic momentum is slowing, and that feeds through to the labor market. Employers are very cautious about rehiring at the same time they have had to increase layoffs, Ms. Bostjancic said, but the resurgence of the virus is really the main culprit here. A fuller picture of December employment will come Friday when the Labor Department releases its monthly jobs report, and most analysts are expecting minor payroll gains  or even the first net loss since April. As for Thursdays report, there was a sharp increase in claims for extended state benefits  payments to the long-term unemployed whose regular benefits have run out. But new claims under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program fell, most likely reflecting the exhaustion of benefits before Congress acted. Some fuzziness surrounding the count could be related to the difficulty of seasonally adjusting the numbers over the holidays, said Ernie Tedeschi, the head of fiscal analysis at Evercore ISI. The unadjusted number for new state claims was up by 77,000 from the previous week, while the seasonally adjusted number scarcely budged. But longer-term trends, Mr. Tedeschi noted, are more meaningful than any week-to-week changes.

Job postings and hiring reflect a rocky recovery. Even with the arrival of vaccines, employers are still cautious related to their work force strategy, said Amy Glaser of the staffing firm Adecco USA. Credit... Bryan Anselm for The New York Times While the availability of vaccines will speed the economys return to normal, employers remain wary about hiring, job recruiters say. Job postings and hiring typically fall off at the end of December, and the trend after the latest holiday season has been more pronounced than usual. Right now, employers are still cautious related to their work force strategy, said Amy Glaser, senior vice president at the staffing firm Adecco USA. The rebound has been bumpy, and employers have responded in kind, retaining flexibility to increase or reduce their staffing through the use of temporary workers, Ms. Glaser said. That could mean more people are cycling through jobs. Julia Pollak, a labor economist at the online job site ZipRecruiter, has seen the same caution. Employers are being apprehensive, and job seekers are not yet flocking back to the market in droves, either, Ms. Pollak said. The virus is still spreading, hospitalizations have hit a new record, and there is a pullback in demand for certain services. A lot of stay-at-home orders and restrictions are causing a further decline. Some industries have managed to thrive. A key measure of manufacturing, for instance, rose this week to its highest level since 2018. Construction spending and employment have grown along with a surge in home buying. Staffing agencies say they have seen hiring in the automotive business and financial services. The demand for warehouse and delivery workers also remains strong. One of the biggest trends has been the increase in customer service workers and call center representatives operating from home, Ms. Glaser of Adecco said. Those jobs require greater digital literacy than in the past, she said, because individuals must be able to set up their computers and solve problems themselves. There is no tech person sitting down the hallway, she said.

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Elon Musk has become the worlds richest person, as Teslas stock rallies. Credit... Odd Andersen/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX, is now the richest person in the world. An increase in Teslas share price on Thursday pushed Mr. Musk past Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a ranking of the worlds 500 wealthiest people. Mr. Musks net worth was $195 billion by the end of trading on Thursday, $10 billion more than that of Mr. Bezoss. Mr. Musks wealth has increased by more than $150 billion over the past 12 months, thanks to a rally in Teslas share price, which surged 743 percent in 2020. The carmakers shares rose nearly 8 percent on Thursday. How strange, Mr. Musk said on Twitter. Well, back to work, he added. Mr. Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur, would not have been able to edge out Mr. Bezos  who has held the title of the richest person in the world since Oct. 2017  were it not for Mr. Bezos philanthropy, including his donation of $680 million worth of Amazon shares in November, as well as his divorce, which caused him to relinquish about 25 percent of his stock in the e-commerce giant to MacKenzie Scott, his ex-wife.



But the rally in Teslas stock price was also propelled by the companys success last year. Tesla delivered nearly 500,000 cars in 2020 as sales rose 36 percent from the year before. The company reported profits in the last four quarters, and its stock was added to the S&P 500 index.

LVMH completes its acquisition of Tiffany, and an executive shake-up follows. The Tiffany-LVMH saga has finally come to a well-polished, multifaceted end. LVMH, the French conglomerate, completed its acquisition of the American jewelry brand on Thursday, and it was out with the old and in with the new  executives, anyway. The fresh slate of power players comes with a pedigree steeped in LVMH tradition, and is sure to set off a new round of speculation over the future leadership of the worlds largest luxury group. After a brief transition period, gone will be Reed Krakoff, Tiffanys chief artistic officer and former New York Fashion Week designer, who tried to update the brand the blue box built with Lady Gaga as a celebrity face and ironic $1,000 silver tin cans. Also leaving will be Daniella Vitale, the chief brand officer, who joined from Barneys after that retailer went bankrupt. In their place comes Alexandre Arnault, the 28-year-old second son of Bernard Arnault, LVMHs chairman and chief executive. The younger Mr. Arnault has been named executive vice president, product and communications. Its the next step in the ascension of Alexandre Arnault within the family business. He was previously head of Rimowa, the LVMH-owned German luggage brand, and was also the only LVMH family member to accompany his father to the opening of a new Louis Vuitton factory in Texas where President Trump did the ribbon-cutting honors. (His younger brother, Frederic, is chief executive of Tag Heuer; his elder half brother, Antoine, is chief executive of Berluti, chairman of Loro Piana, an LVMH board member and group director of communications; and his elder half sister, Delphine, is Louis Vuittons executive vice president and an LVMH board member.) In addition, Michael Burke, the chief executive of Louis Vuitton and a longtime Arnault family consiglieri, will also become chairman of the Tiffany board of directors, and Anthony Ledru, executive vice president for global commercial activities at Louis Vuitton, will take Alessandro Bogliolos place as Tiffany chief executive. They will start their positions at a good moment for Tiffany, which earlier this week reported its best holiday sales period in its history and announced it had acquired an 80-carat diamond that would become the largest such stone it had ever offered for sale. Gives new meaning to jewel in the crown.
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Outgoing United States President Donald Trump on Thursday conceded defeat to President-Elect Joe Biden and condemned the previous days violence at the US Capitol in Washington DC. He called it a heinous attack and said he was outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem.

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America is and must always be a nation of law and order, Trump said in a video message on Twitter. To demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol: you have defiled the seat of American democracy. To those who engage in the acts of violence and destruction: you do not represent our country. And to those who broke the law: you will pay.





Before we understand what happened on Wednesday, let us first see what's next for US and Trump in a list of consequential things that happened on Thursday in relatively short succession:



Sen. Chuck Schumer, who will soon be majority leader, believes that President Donald Trump should be removed from office using the 25th Amendment. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, whose is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, resigned citing Trump's role in instigating his supporters to storm the US Capitol on Wednesday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that if Trump is not removed from office using the 25th Amendment, the House will move to impeach him.

AFP via Getty

Why the 25th Amendment?

It's the one that provides for the replacement of a president who has been deemed "unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office." Unless the president has declared himself incapacitated -- say, for a medical procedure -- putting it into action requires the agreement of a majority of the Cabinet.

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So why is the chain of events above so important?

McConnell, who has partnered with Trump to reshape the federal judiciary, forcefully rebuked him on Wednesday -- twice -- and shot down Republican objections to counting electoral votes for President-elect Joe Biden. If there were going to be a Cabinet member who would help generate support for Trump's ouster using the 25th Amendment, it might have been McConnell's wife, Chao.

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So her departure from the Cabinet dims the likelihood of using the amendment to remove Trump, who is increasingly isolated in these final days of his term but still, as many have pointed out, has access to the nuclear codes. Chao's resignation isn't effective until Monday, but any effort to protect the country from these last days of Trump would probably have to go through the Congress via a lightning-quick impeachment process -- Trump's second -- as Pelosi suggested. "My phone is exploding with 'impeach, impeach, impeach,'" she told reporters Thursday.



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Timeline of how the chaos unfolded

In an precedented turn of events, bedlam broke loose in the US Capitol on Wednesday when President Donald Trumps supporters laid siege to the building. They scaled walls to enter the premises, knocking violently on senate office doors and shouting obscenities at senators who hid behind chairs and closed doors. This after Trump at a rally had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol.

Reuters

Here's how the chaos unfolded as per an eyewitness account by New York Times reporters.

A ceremonial session of Congress to formally declare President-elect Joe Bidens victory devolved in an instant into a scene of violence and mayhem in the Capitol when a pro-Trump mob stormed the building, halting the counting of electoral votes. The session was disrupted by pro-Trump slogans coming from outside the Senate Hall.

Whoa: Trump supporters going at it with the police on the steps of the Capitol as Congress counts the Electoral College ballots inside pic.twitter.com/LiQhaa5KkQ  philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 6, 2021

No long after Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky warned fellow Republican senators that any efforts to upend the US elections would trigger a death spell for the democracy, fear surged through the Senate chamber.



Reuters

Large mob breached US Capitol

A large group of pro-Trump protesters broke through barricades breached the building, and police whisked Vice President Mike Pence off the dais and out of the chamber, as the shouts of the mob could be heard outside the door.



Watch as this hyper-aggressive mob terrorizes a Black police officer defending the Capitol. Cant even imagine what was going through his mind. No backup for half the video. Who knows what could have happened to him. pic.twitter.com/HfJVn7CoYj  Demetria Obilor (@DemetriaObilor) January 6, 2021

The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building.  Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 6, 2021





Above the Senate floor, inside the press gallery, reporters craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the mayhem outside. Journalists were rushed into the Senate chamber, and asked by the staff aides to quickly decide if they want to be inside the Senate chamber or leave. Senator Todd Young, R-Ind., yelled for the doors to be locked, the New York Times said.

CNN

View from inside the Capitol as people gather on the West Front. The Capitol is currently on lockdown. pic.twitter.com/XKNKWNbHxZ  Caroline Brehman (@carolinebrehman) January 6, 2021





Shots were fired in the melee

Looking at her phone, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., alerted fellow senators to the escalating danger and shouted out that there had been shots fired somewhere in the melee. Panic tinged the voices of both lawmakers and journalists.

CNN

Some Senate aides barred the doors of their offices as protesters beat on them, shouting profanities. As it became clear the Senate chamber was not safe, security officers ordered the senators to leave. US media reports suggest that some of the Trump supporters were even armed with explosives that securities agencies were able to neutralize later.

Police officers are holding them steps away from the Senate chamber, which is locked. Senators are inside. I see a few confederate flags. pic.twitter.com/YI7X7KmuUG  Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 6, 2021

As lawmakers and staff rushed out, aides grabbed hold of the boxes containing the Electoral College certificates, making sure that the vandals could not literally steal the results of the election. If our capable floor staff hadnt grabbed them, they would have been burned by the mob, said Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.

Through the tunnels of the Capitol, senators walked quickly with an armed police escort.

Twitter

Around 4.15 am (Indian Standard Time), US officials said they successfully secured the Capitol building following a four-hour confrontation with pro-Trump rioters. The Capitol Police is now in the process of dispersing Trump supporters from the site, officials added.

Despite the presence of officers in full riot gear, dozens of Trump supporters were seen violating the curfew ordered by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Trump supporters chase away the outnumbered Capitol Police and throw objects at them. pic.twitter.com/SHLCslQOty  Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) January 6, 2021

Meanwhile, US Vice President Mike Pence reconvened the US Congress to certify President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College win once the Capitol building was cleared of Trump supporters.

4 died in violence

The violence resulted in deaths of four people. One woman was shot by the US Capitol police as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door, and three died in medical emergencies. The police also arrested 30 people for violating a curfew that was imposed in Washington, DC, after rioters stormed the US Capitol.

AP

For now, the Mayor of Washington DC has extended the public emergency for 15 days. Reacting to the rioting and violence by unruly Trump supporters, Twitter and Facebook have decided to freeze US President Donald Trump's accounts on their platforms.

As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy. https://t.co/k6OkjNG3bM  Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 7, 2021

Multiple reports of arson and violence were coming in from outside the Capitol building and other parts of the city.

These images capture the horrific scene that took place outside of the Capitol building today.



Truly disgraceful.



Oh waitmy mistake. These are actually from the BLM protests over the summer. pic.twitter.com/BFO3ZJdVbD  Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) January 7, 2021





Top White House aides resign

Two top aides to first lady Melania Trump resigned in the wake of violence, and more top White House officials were considering resigning, including national security adviser Robert OBrien and his deputy, Matthew Pottinger, sources familiar with the matter said.

Addressing the nation following the storming of the US Capitol, President-elect Joe Biden said, "At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault. Unlike anything we have seen in modern times. An assault on the citadel of liberty, the Capitol itself."

President-elect Biden addresses the nation: https://t.co/BXM3SZK25R  Biden-Harris Presidential Transition (@Transition46) January 6, 2021

Former President of the US Barack Obama also released a statement following the violence.

Heres my statement on todays violence at the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/jLCKo2D1Ya  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 7, 2021

"History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation," Obama said in the statement on Wednesday evening. "But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise," he added.

REUTERS

World leaders condemn violence

World leaders, including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, also condemned the attack on the US Capitol. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "In such circumstances, it is important that political leaders impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence, as well as to respect democratic processes and the rule of law."

CNN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet said he is "distressed" to see the news.



Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021

Remember, the mobs march on the Capitol came just after Trump encouraged supporters to do so during a 70-minute address rehashing his false claims that Democrats stole the election, experts believe. Trump who was speaking at a Save America March gathering at the opposite end of the National Mall, vowed to never concede the election and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol to pressure Republican lawmakers to act with the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country  by rejecting states election results that show Biden won.




A little girl who could only communicate with her eyes after collapsing with a previously undiagnosed brain tumour has died.

Abigail Johnston, nine, had been a 'generally fit and well child' before it happened in September last year.

She was rushed to hospital from her house in Norris Green, Liverpool, where doctors said she had a bleed on the brain.

Further tests then revealed she had a very aggressive and terminal tumour and she had been living at Clare House Hospice.

Abigail died in the early hours of Christmas Day, her family revealed in an emotional tribute.

Father Shaun said: 'Abbi passed away shortly after Santa visited her and left all her presents at Clare House in the early hours of Christmas morning.

'Abbi was a kind, caring, loving and intelligent young lady, with a mischievous side and the most beautiful cheesy smile.

Abigail Johnston, nine, had died on Christmas Day after collapsing in September last year

'She left behind a heartbroken family including dad Shaun, mum becky and her siblings Emily 17, Big Jasmine 20 and Little Jasmin, 9. And all of her nans, aunties, uncles and cousins.'

He added to the Liverpool Echo: 'Once again we would like to thank Alder Hey hospital for the care and amazing support throughout.

'And Claire House for making her last three weeks as magical as it could be and not just looking after Abbi,but myself, Becky and Jas too.'

Abigail had fallen ill after a normal summer enjoying her holidays with her family.

Father Shaun said the little girl had 'left behind a heartbroken family' after she had died

Her father told how Abigail - who he called Abbi - had 'the most beautiful cheesy smile'

She had returned to school and had been watching television with her sister before she suddenly collapsed.

At first doctors at Alder Hey Children's Hospital had predicted she may only have had hours to live.

The locked in syndrome she had meant she was fully aware of her surroundings but could not talk or move.

It meant she needed 24-hour care and could only communicate by moving her eye to signal yes or no.

Her tumour was very aggressive but practically undetectable.
Helmut Claas, the long-time managing director of the Claas Group - a major German agri-machinery exporter - has passed away at the age of 94.

Claas died on 5 January, the agricultural company said in a statement, calling it a 'great shock' for the firm's 11,000 employees.

Claas, born in 1926 in Harsewinkel, Germany, became the business's managing director in 1962.

He was the son of August Claas, who founded the company.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford led tributes to 'one of the worlds best-known pioneers of agricultural machinery'.

Helmut Claas has been a very important figure in the agricultural machinery business for more than six decades," he said.

"A passionate farmer and engineer, the worldwide agricultural industry is going to miss him tremendously."

Lord Bamford added: "From one family business to another, I extend my deepest sympathy to Cathrina and all the Claas family.

Claas' daughter Catherina Claas-Muhlhauser has taken over as manging director of the business.
The mother of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal has died aged 92 in a Russian hospital after contracting Covid-19.

Elena Skripal's death was announced by Viktoria Skripal, 48, Sergei's niece, who was the pensioner's main carer.

She died in a hospital in Yaroslavl, her home city, where she had been receiving oxygen after she was admitted on 30 December with a high fever and coronavirus symptoms.

The mother of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal has died aged 92 in a Russian hospital after contracting Covid-19

Sergei has not seen his mother since he was poisoned along with his daughter Yulia in Salisbury in 2018

Viktoria herself had also contracted Covid-19.

Sergei Skripal - who had secretly spied for MI6 while working for the Russian GRU - had not seen his mother since he was released from a Russian jail and exchanged in a swap that also involved glamour agent Anna Chapman in 2010.

She had longed to see him again, and spoke out six months after he was poisoned with novichok by Russian agents.

She said: 'I just want to see and hold my son again for one more time.

Sergei, who secretly for MI6 while working for the Russian GRU, was the target of a chemical weapons attack

The future double agent, pictured with his mother and father on the left, has had a tracheostomy, and requires constant medical care at home

'I want to hug him. I miss him so much. My eldest son is dead.

'Sergei is the only son I have left and I love him.'

Viktoria said today that Elena had no way to contact Sergei nor his daughter Yulia, 36, who was also poisoned in the attack in Salisbury for which Britain blamed GRU agents.

She last saw her son in 2004, at his father's funeral.

Elena Skripal's death was announced by Viktoria Skripal (pictured), 48, Sergei's niece, who was the pensioner's main carer

'I remember it well,' she said in 2018.

'It was a such a sad occasion - I had no idea that would be the last time I would ever hold my son.'

Last month Viktoria disclosed a rare phone call from Yulia.

Yulia's (pictured) health is 'fully restored' since her poisoning except for a problem focusing her eyes

She claimed Yulia told her that Sergei lives permanently with a medic in Britain after his nerve agent poisoning.

He needed a pipe in his throat following a tracheostomy, and requires constant medical care at home.

Yulia's own health is 'fully restored', except for a problem focusing her eyes, she reportedly told Viktoria.
The storming of the US Capitol by a mob of pro-Trump vandals was a thuggish attempt to overturn a free and fair election. Those involved must face a reckoning, including President Donald Trump himself. It is important that all sides, including those once sympathetic to Mr Trump in Australia, accept the seriousness of what has happened and, worse, what might have happened.

This was not simply a random act of unrest that has cost people their lives. Or even just a desecration of one of the sacred sites of world democracy. It was part of a plot to prevent President-elect Joe Biden taking office. Mr Biden rightly described it as an "act bordering on sedition". It came after two months in which Mr Trump has falsely claimed the presidential election was stolen and refused to concede.

At a protest in Washington, Mr Trump told the crowd again about his illegal strategy to stay in office. The mob took this as incitement to disperse the joint sitting that had started in Congress to certify the result of the November 3 election. Mr Trump, who had no hesitation last year in sending troops against Black Lives Matter protesters, did nothing to protect the Capitol from the mob he directed to its steps.

Credible sources report the President rebuffed requests to deploy the National Guard. A belated order to do so was issued by others in his administration, who, to their credit, have refused to play Mr Trumps game. Without their intervention, the anarchy could have continued. Thankfully, the mob achieved nothing. Congress resumed sitting after several hours and continued certifying the election of Mr Biden.
A medical worker in a booth takes a sample from a man at a coronavirus testing site in Seoul, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. AP



South Korea's health authorities on Thursday confirmed three more cases of a more contagious variant of the new coronavirus that was first identified in Britain, bringing the variant's total caseload to 15.



The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said the three people, all family members of a COVID-19 patient who was infected with the variant, were confirmed to have the new COVID-19 strain. The patient arrived in South Korea from Britain on Dec. 19 last year.



The KDCA said it is also conducting further tests on another family member to confirm whether they have been infected with the COVID-19 variant.



The World Health Organization (WHO) said the new variant, referred to as VOC202012/01, was identified through viral genome sequencing.






Facebook has extended President Donald Trumps social media suspension for at least two weeks, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Thursday.

We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great, Zuckerberg wrote on Facebook. Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete.

In the video originally posted to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube the president told supporters that stormed the capitol that they are very special and asked for peace, while also continuing to state falsehoods about the presidential election. The video has been removed from all three platforms.

We have to have peace, Trump said in a video. So, go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Facebook and YouTube were first to remove the video.

His decision to use his platform to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building has rightly disturbed people in the US and around the world, Zuckerberg wrote. We removed these statements yesterday because we judged that their effect -- and likely their intent -- would be to provoke further violence.

The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining... Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday, January 7, 2021

Twitter has also since removed the video and locked Trumps account.

Twitter has required the president to delete the tweets to unlock the account. It also said permanent suspension was possible if its policy is continued to be violated.

As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy. https://t.co/k6OkjNG3bM  Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 7, 2021

As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy, Twitter tweeted.

The social media platform said that if the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked.

Future violations of the Twitter Rules, including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies, will result in permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account, Twitter said Wednesday night.

As of Thursday morning, the presidents Twitter account was still locked.

The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden, Zuckerberg wrote on Thursday.

Jennifer Grygiel, a Syracuse University communications professor and an expert on social media, told the Associated Press that Wednesdays events in D.C. are a direct result of Trumps use of social media, which he uses to spread propaganda and disinformation.

Theyre creeping along towards firmer action, Grygiel told the AP. Social media is complicit in this because he has repeatedly used social media to incite violence. Its a culmination of years of propaganda and abuse of media by the president of the United States.

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A tanker conveying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on Thursday morning rolled over and burst into flames on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos causing panic among commuters plying the route.

The Acting Zonal Coordinator, South-West Zonal Office, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Mr Farinloye said the incident occurred about 9.15 a.m., at Toyota Bus Stop, close to the Oshodi-Airport Road junction and directly in front of the Lagos State Fire Service Station located in the area.

He said the tanker was fully loaded with 44,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) when the incident occurred.

The tanker crashed on the side with another trailer on the motion. The trailer was fully loaded with iron rods.

It is believed that the two vehicles were trying to outsmart each other before the incident happened, Mr Farinloye said.

According to him, officials of the fire service have successfully separated the tanker body from the head and are making efforts to put out the inferno.

Mr Farinloye disclosed that no casualty had been confirmed yet from the incident.

NAN reports that a similar incident had occurred on Dec. 19, 2020, when another diesel tanker exploded on the Michael Otedola Bridge causing panic among commuters plying the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The tanker was fully loaded with 44,000 litres of AGO and was moving toward the Berger axis of the expressway when one of its tyres burst into flames.

No casualty was, however, recorded in the incident.

(NAN)
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

The LaRouche Solution Provides Direction in a Time of Created Chaos

Jan. 6 , 2021 (EIRNS)President Donald Trump won the presidency as the Republican candidate in 2016, not because he represented that party, but because he broke with many of its precepts. He vowed to drain the swamp, to take on the intelligence agencies, to foster good relations with Russia and China, to rebuild industry, and to uncompromisingly oppose Green policies. The movement that he built reached something special in the American psyche, and addressed itself to questions that the establishment Beltway politicians ignored: the well-being of the forgotten men and women, people derided as deplorables by Hillary Clinton. He mobilized enormous numbers of voters in 2020, and stood to be a significant force in reshaping the Republican Party.

How do the events of Wednesday fit in? Just as the House and Senate were debating the objections raised to the Arizona electoral votes, a violent mobsmall compared to the hundreds of thousands of people who turned out to support Trump that daythat broke through the security perimeter at the U.S. Capitol. Photos of a shirtless barbarian occupying the presiding officers chair in the Senate, of a man with a Trump hat walking off with the Speakers lectern, and of crowds of people smashing windows and breaking through doors to the Capitol have been used as ammunition to denounce Trump as a thug. He has been blamed as the instigator of the mob, as an inciter to violence. He has been accused of running a coup, and judged guilty of committing an unprecedented assault against democracy.

Impeachment is proposed, and there is talk of using the provisions of the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump from office. Meanwhile, he has been locked out of both Twitter and Facebook, in part because he posted a one-minute video urging people to peacefully leave the Capitol!

Cui bono? Who benefits from this situation? Who deployed the provocateurs? Who is responsible for the totally inadequate security on hand? These are all questions to be investigated and exposed. What is already clear is that the breaching of the Capitol derailed much of the force of the debate about the 2020 election, by shutting down the congressional session and making the mob itself the subject of discussion. Todays events are already being used to kick off a new round of attacks against Trump between now and Jan. 20, and to criminalize protest and limit free speech rights. Already Wednesday afternoon, the New York Times ran an article entitled, The Storming of Capitol Hill Was Organized on Social Media, which is only a small taste of the torrent of calls for censorship to come.

Where will this leave the Republican Party? Will it become again the party of the Bushes?

Trump may not be Americas next President, but he is Americas current President. What will he do in his remaining two weeks in office to overthrow the chessboard and deal a strategic blow to the British Empire and their American allies? Will he break from the anti-China lies being peddled by those posing as his friends? Will he take on the British Empires efforts to prevent cooperation among the worlds major powers to replace geopolitics with a new paradigm of international relations? Will he use his power to exonerate Lyndon LaRouche and pardon Snowden and Assange? This would dramatically improve the strategic situation, and be a profound blow to his enemies.

The LaRouche Organization was providing the needed leadership in this crisis even as todays events unfolded in Washington. The Jan. 6 issue of the Washington Times prominently featured a half-page ad on p. A3 of the print edition, with the headline: Stop the Fraud: Exonerate LaRouche!
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A number of celebrities took to social media after supporters of President Donald Trump violently stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to protest his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden, leading to the death of one woman and politicians scrambling to safety.

Amid Wednesday's events, authorities lost control as rioters entered the Capitol building vandalizing and trespassing, with some of the MAGA mob making it in to Nancy Pelosi's office. Four people died in the chaos.

Leading the messages was Captain America actor Chris Evans, who penned: 'I'm speechless. Just think of the carnage had they not been white. So many people enabled this.'

Along with Chris, many others questioned the effectiveness of authorities on hand, stating that the response would have been significantly different if the rioters were black. Filmmaker Ava DuVernay shared a clip from the day's events, writing: 'The language of white supremacy is a language of cowardice disguised as dominance.'

Disgraceful: A number of celebrities took to social media after supporters of President Donald Trump violently stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to protest his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden , leading to the death of one woman and politicians scrambling to safety

'I'm speechless,' said Captain America actor Chris Evans. 'Just think of the carnage had they not been white. So many people enabled this'. Filmmaker Ava DuVernay shared a clip from the day's events, writing: 'The language of white supremacy is a language of cowardice disguised as dominance'

A number of celebrities urged politicians to invoke the 25th amendment - which legislates for the Vice President to take control if the Commander-in-Chief is 'unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office' - and end the former Apprentice star's term two weeks earlier than planned.

Actor Armie Hammer wrote: 'Reported shots fired inside the house chambers. This is why we can't have nice things, you f***ing mouth breathers who stormed the capital ... It's a good thing this wasn't a BLM rally or else these a******s would have actual riot police to deal with.'

Other celebs called for the impeachment and removal of Trump, whose Twitter account was suspended in an unprecedented move, amid a series of tweets.

Sarah Jessica Parker tweeted: 'Unimaginable. Disgraceful. Shocking. But no surprise. So many to hold responsible. You know who you are. You dismissed the violent, divisive, cruel rhetoric. You made excuses. Cowards He/you are not leaders. We will try to re-build. You will try to live with yourselves.'

Chloe Grace Moretz blasted Senator Ted Cruz, tweeting: 'Look what you incentivized.'

Actor Jeffrey Wright penned: 'Hold on. You mean the 'grab 'em by the p****,' d*** joke at a Presidential debate, 'I could stand in the middle of 5th Ave & shoot somebody,' 'Russia, if you're listening,' 'I would like you to do us a favor tho,' 'Fellas, I need 11,000 votes.' guy was actually a criminal bum?!!'

Chloe Grace Moretz (left) blasted Sen ted Cruz tweeting: 'Look what you incentivized.'

The latest: Leading the messages was Captain America actor Chris Evans, who penned: 'I'm speechless. Just think of the carnage had they not been white. So many people enabled this'

Actor Armie Hammer said, 'This is why we can't have nice things, you f***ing mouth breathers who stormed the capital'

Actor Josh Gad wrote: 'Is there any single reason Donald Trump is not in handcuffs at this very moment? If any other American incited thousands into storming the Capital Building, they would already be behind bars.

'The 'Law and Order' President needs to face both right now.'

James Corden addressed the chaos with a monologue during the opening of his Late Late Show on Wednesday, as he spoke in an impassioned message - in which he branded Trump 'a lunatic'. He said: 'It's a crazy, sad day, a day that will go down as a dark one in the long history of America...

'It felt sad, it felt wrong, but mainly, it felt hopeless... I hope when the dust settles and we reflect on what happened on this awful day, that we still have hope. Because in two weeks on those same steps, where that mob fought and pushed past police, Joe Biden will be sworn in as president of the United States.'

Actor Jeffrey Wright was especially critical of the sitting president amid the chaos

The multi-talented entertainer named leaders after Trump supporters staged massive protests in tandem with the Republican congressional dispute of the election results

The latest: Selena Gomez, 28, took tech leaders to task on social media after the Trump supporters stormed the building

Jimmy Fallon also delivered a monologue, saying: 'This is what happens when there is no peaceful transition of power and what happens when there is bad leadership. This is not how you lose...

'Today was not patriotism, today was terrorism. I thought that President-elect Biden, President Biden, said it best when he said we have to step up, were at our best when we step up. Today was a disgrace. Today was disappointing. But sadly, today was not a surprise.'

Another star weighing in was Stevie Wonder, who called for 'narcissistic and dangerous' Trump to be removed from office following the horrific riots in Washington DC.

The Superstition signer watched the scenes of violence at the Capitol 'in disbelief' and tweeted: 'It is time for the leaders of this country to invoke the 25th Amendment. Isn't it obvious? Today has made me sad with disbelief with what is happening in my country, a country that has inspired my songs of hope and love.

Respect: Another star weighing in was Stevie Wonder, who called for 'narcissistic and dangerous' Trump to be removed from office following the horrific riots in Washington DC

Shocking: Cardi B highlighted the 'irony' between the violent protests and the was peaceful Black Lives Matters protests were handled over the summer

Shocking: Ashton Kutcher insisted there was nothing 'patriotic' about the protesters' conduct. He wrote: 'Support the peaceful transition of power!!!!!!!! That's being a patriot!(sic)'

'I am heartbroken and astounded that this narcissistic and dangerous president would put lives in danger and encourage violent sedition against our government. That man is no longer able to serve as President because he can't accept defeat. Can we afford 2 more weeks? I say NO!(sic)'

Bette Midler meanwhile wrote: 'As my friends have been pointing out, he just did the most treasonous thing EVER. He is a flat-out traitor. I think Twitter would be justified in deleting his account. Forever.'

Cardi B highlighted the 'irony' between the violent protests and the was peaceful Black Lives Matters protests were handled over the summer. She tweeted: 'The irony is pretty funny.........weren't people just wild animals in the summer for demanding justice and now? [thinking face emojis]......Let me just watch.(sic)'

A number of stars called into question how the incident response would have differed if the protesters were Black

Ashton Kutcher insisted there was nothing 'patriotic' about the protesters' conduct. He wrote: 'Support the peaceful transition of power!!!!!!!! That's being a patriot!(sic)'

Mark Ruffalo insisted the actions had 'been allowed', despite widespread outrage. He posted: 'Imagine if this was our side. There would be rivers of our blood in the streets and not a single one of us would be armed. This has been allowed. #CoupAttempt (sic)'

A number of stars called into question how the incident response would have differed if the protesters were black, including Gabrielle Union, Dwayne Wade and Tika Sumpter.

'I'm sorry but if these protesters were BLACK...WTF. Stopping a constitutional hearing...,' she wrote.

Contrast: Union's spouse Dwayne Wade pointed out Trump's treatment of Colin Kaepernick in contrast to Wednesday's melee

The remarks came amid massive protests in tandem with the Republican congressional dispute of the election results ahead of Biden's planned inauguration January 20.

Twitter suspended Trump's account after a series of tweets that did little to quell the ongoing violence.

'We have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity Policy,' the social media company said.

It continued: 'This means that the account of @realDonaldTrump will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets. If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked.'

Miami, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/07/2021 -- Hastens wanted to spruce up its shop window display, showing an enticing bedroom atmosphere, using the artistic eye of Swedish designer Yvonne Borjesson. To complement the bed and its well-recognized blue check pattern, which has become deeply tied with the brand, Borjesson spent the time to fully appreciate what Hastens represents and used a Tamerlan headboard. A series of Maseiro lamps crafted by hand also accentuated the bed, further confirming Hastens' long-standing practice of making its beds carefully and fully by hand using the talents of skilled artisans.



Customers interested in Hastens beds are encouraged to visit the Miami Design District store at 112 NE 41st Street.



About Brickell Mattress

Brickell Mattress is devoted to redefining the bed or mattress shopping experience by welcoming clients in a relaxed environment where the focus is ease and assurance. Each specialist has a minimum of five years of experience in the industry and is highly trained in providing customers comprehensive information on the science of sleep and mattresses by some of the world's most acclaimed top mattresses brands including Swedish manufacturers Hastens, Carpe Diem Beds of Sweden, and more. For additional information please call 305-326-4000, check out the website at www.brickellmattress.com or visit Brickell Mattress at 1030 SW 8th Street in the heart of Miami. Hastens beds are also sold at the Miami Design District: 112 NE 41 Street, Suite # 100, Miami, FL 33137.
1. Yes. The public must have assurances that ethical standards are met by everyone.

2. Yes. As long as an independent board hears the grievances, its a worthwhile idea.

3. No. The concept is too broad. It should be limited to the citys elected officials.

4. No. There are plenty of stipulations in place already. An ordinance is a waste of time.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without seeing how it would be structured and applied.

Vote

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Asylum seekers and refugees participate in a rally held in Seoul's Jongno District and organized by Amnesty International and NANCEN, a refugee rights group based in Eunpyeong District, calling for better treatment and support in this September 2018 photo. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



'Korea needs better refugee screening, not stricter application rules'



By Lee Hyo-jin



Darwish Musab, 28, was granted refugee status in Korea in April 2018. But, like many thousands of asylum seekers, he had to go through a long process as his application was initially denied.



The civic activist from Egypt and his wife entered the country in May 2016 seeking political asylum. But the Seoul Immigration Office rejected their application after a 30-minute interview. He launched an appeal regarding the decision but was again rejected.



He then took the case to the administrative court, where it was revealed that a written translation of his testimony had been deliberately mis-interpreted with fabrications. The document described Darwish as a construction worker who came here for money. Only after the trial was he given another interview.



"During the whole process, they didn't even look at my evidence  hundreds of documents and videos  of the political persecution I faced in my home country. And the interview documents were full of mistranslation and fabrications," Darwish told The Korea Times.



But Darwish considers himself one of the lucky ones as he was given a second chance though it took the help of lawyers to find a legal remedy.



"About 90 percent of asylum seekers are screened out in the initial stage through hastily conducted interviews. That is why applicants need their cases to be thoroughly reviewed several times," he said.



However, it seems that fewer asylum seekers to Korea will see their cases being overturned through appeals and trials, as the Ministry of Justice plans to apply tougher rules for reapplication, according to planned revisions to the Refugee Act announced in December.



Under the revision, those who reapply for refugee status without major changes in their circumstances will be classified within 14 days as "ineligible," a decision which will also deny them opportunities to appeal or file for an administrative trial.



The ministry stated that those whose reason for application was not clearly included among those stipulated in the Refugee Act, will have their application rejected under the category "clearly ungrounded application." Rejected applicants will be given limited access to appeal, and will not be able to receive a work permit.



The ministry said the rules were brought up in a bid to prevent abuse of the refugee law by "fake asylum seekers," adding it made references from similar policies used widely in other countries such as Germany, Canada and the United Kingdom.



The announcement sparked an immediate backlash from refugee rights groups, who believe that the government is using its lack of ability to distinguish those seeking asylum under false pretenses as an excuse to raise the barrier to all asylum seekers.



"Since the government does not have any data to measure the risk of persecution in the applicants' home countries, the current screening process is only focused on examining whether they are here for economic reasons or not," read a statement issued by a coalition of civic groups.



Pointing out the absence of a humanitarian approach in the screening procedures, they urged the government to refrain from making unilateral assumptions that asylum seekers were abusing the system.



Lee Il, a lawyer at Advocates for Public Interest Law (APIL), said that the "retrogressive" policies may negatively affect the country's reputation in the international community.



"Although Korea has been proudly representing itself since 2013 as the first country in East Asia to enact the Refugee Act, the system has been poorly operated throughout the past seven years. And now the revisions clearly show that the country is retrogressing on its refugee policies," he said.



Lee stated that the justice ministry is pushing forward revisions that failed to win support from the Korean Bar Association and the National Human Rights Commission of Korea.



"The government seems to be using the public's anti-refugee sentiment, triggered by the Jeju refugee crisis in 2018, as grounds to implement harsher laws against all refugees," he said.



In order to address the "fake refugee" issue, instead of a higher bar for applicants, he suggested strengthening screening from the initial stage through proper interviews. "Our refugee system is not ready to adopt all the policies of European countries that are fundamentally more open to refugees. Korea's approval rate stays slightly above 1 percent," Lee said.



He urged the government to retract the revision plan and start from square one through discussions with civic activists and the local community.



The justice ministry did not reply to The Korea Times' inquiry for its comment on the matter.


Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
Its time again for Lenovo to update its products, and brace yourselves, because theres a ton of them. As part of its CES 2021 newspalooza, the company is announcing a slew of new devices like laptops, tablets, all-in-ones and monitors. Of note are the new IdeaPad 5G 14-inch, the Yoga AiO 7 and new IdeaPad 5 Pros with AMD chips. Most of these arent slated to arrive in the US at the moment, though its possible they will in the future.

Lets start with the most eye-catching: the 27-inch Yoga AiO 7. It features Lenovos patent-pending rotating hinge that can help the screen flip between landscape and portrait orientations. The companys previous all-in-one PCs have had hinges that allow for different setups, but this is the first to be able to turn entirely vertical. So in case you wanted to work on a giant phone screen, youll have the option. But you can still tilt the monitor to prop up at up to 20 degrees for easier interaction if you like.

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Lenovo also offers integrated wireless casting hardware here so you can stream your tablet or smartphone content to the AiO 7, and promises a future update that can turn the device into a smart TV. The display itself has a 4K resolution and supports 99 percent DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB color standards. Theres also a detachable 5-megapixel webcam at the top of the screen which, based on the pictures Lenovo provided, has super thin bezels on the top, left and right sides. The AiO 7 also appears to have a clean, minimalist design based on those photos.

Powering this all-in-one is an up to AMD Ryzen 7 4800H processor with an NVIDIA RTX 2060 GPU that should provide plenty of power for most tasks and games. You can also use the AiOs built-in mics to interact with Amazons Alexa (or Cortana if you prefer). If youre already drooling at the images of the Yoga AiO 7, and are ready to drop the $1,599 asking price for it, youll have to wait till February when it becomes available in China. At this time, Lenovo said the AiO 7 is not available in North America.

If youre looking for something more portable, the company also unveiled a series of IdeaPad laptops today. The IdeaPad 5G 14-inch uses Qualcomms Snapdragon 8cx chipset (and not the 8cx Gen 2 that was announced last year), meaning it runs Windows on ARM. Like most Snapdragon PCs, the IdeaPad 5G promises long-lasting battery life of up to 20 hours, as well as built-in cellular connectivity. As its name suggests, this laptop will connect to 5G networks where available, and will drop to 4G LTE when not. When you prefer to use your home or office network, the IdeaPad 5G will connect via WiFi 5, which is an interesting choice given WiFi 6 is becoming more common in new laptops.

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The IdeaPad 5Gs 14-inch IPS display runs at a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and can get up to 300 nits of brightness. Keeping everything running alongside the Snapdragon 8cx is 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Like most Snapdragon PCs, too, the IdeaPad 5G has no fans, so it should be fairly thin and light. Though, at 2.6 pounds heavy and 0.59 inches thick, the IdeaPad 5G isnt quite as sleek as other ultraportables from Apple, Samsung and Dell. Of course, Windows on ARM still has its problems  if you dont expect to need any obscure apps or smoothly run Adobes editing software, you should be fine. If you need something high-end though, the IdeaPad 5G might not be enough.

In that case, you could consider Lenovos pair of new IdeaPad 5 Pros. Theyre available in 14- and 16-inch models, as well as Intel and AMD chip configurations. The Intel-powered models are named the IdeaPad 5i Pro, and use up to 11th-gen Core i7 processors, while the AMD versions come with a choice of next-gen (H-series) Ryzen Mobile processors. Lenovo hasnt shared more details on the AMD cards at the moment.

Regardless of the brand of CPU you pick, you can get an up to NVIDIA MX450 graphics card, though the 16-inch AMD model can go up to the next-gen NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs. Again, Lenovo wasnt able to specify which models are available. The smaller units (and the bigger Intel option) offer up to 16GB of RAM while the larger AMD version can accommodate up to 32GB. The 16-inch Intel model does offer a Thunderbolt 4 port in addition to the pair of USB-C sockets, two USB-A (USB 3.1) slots, microSD card reader, headphone jack and HDMI port.

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The laptops themselves offer screens with a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is a first for the series and an increasingly popular trait. The 14-inch IPS panels run at a 2.8K resolution and a 60hz or 90hz refresh rate, while the 16-inch screens, also IPS, go up to 120hz but drop to a 2.5K resolution. The displays are also certified by TUV Rheinland for eye care technology that reduces blue light output, which can cause visual strain.

The IdeaPad 5 Pros also have IR webcams for Windows Hello logins and time-of-flight sensors to detect if youre paying attention for features like pausing your movie when you walk away from your laptop. Lenovo also highlights the laptops trackpads, which are larger than previous generations, and says the keyboards have been improved to feel bouncier with soft-landing switches.

If youre keen on the IdeaPad 5 Pro line and are in the US, only the 16-inch AMD version is available stateside. Itll start at $1,150 and start retailing in May. The other models are expected to be selling in Europe, Middle East and Africa from 699 in March. The IdeaPad 5G is also not slated to be available in America at the moment.

Lenovo also unveiled a pair of L-series monitors in 24-inch and 27-inch variants. The L24i-30 and L27e-30 are IPS panels with hidden cable management features and a built-in groove in the stand to prop your phone up. If you like these, youre in luck  theyll be available in the US in March at $160 for the 24-inch model and $190 for the 27-inch version.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner early Thursday after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in a stunning attempt to overturn Americas presidential election, undercut the nations democracy and keep Trump in the White House.

Lawmakers were resolved to complete the Electoral College tally in a display to the country, and the world, of the nations enduring commitment to uphold the will of the voters and the peaceful transfer of power. They pushed through the night with tensions high and the nations capital on alert.

Before dawn Thursday, lawmakers finished their work, confirming Biden won the election.

Vice President Mike Pence, presiding over the joint session, announced the tally, 306-232.

Trump, who had repeatedly refused to concede the election, said in a statement immediately after the vote that there will be a smooth transition of power on Inauguration Day.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th, Trump said in a statement posted to Twitter by an aide.

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The Capitol was under siege Wednesday, as the nations elected representatives scrambled to crouch under desks and don gas masks while police futilely tried to barricade the building, one of the most jarring scenes ever to unfold in a seat of American political power. A woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol, and Washingtons mayor instituted an evening curfew in an attempt to contain the violence.

The rioters were egged on by Trump, who has spent weeks falsely attacking the integrity of the election and had urged his supporters to descend on Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens victory. Some Republican lawmakers were in the midst of raising objections to the results on his behalf when the proceedings were abruptly halted by the mob.

Together, the protests and the GOP election objections amounted to an almost unthinkable challenge to American democracy and exposed the depths of the divisions that have coursed through the country during Trumps four years in office. Though the efforts to block Biden from being sworn in on Jan. 20 were sure to fail, the support Trump has received for his efforts to overturn the election results have badly strained the nations democratic guardrails.

Now Playing: Video: Associated Press

Congress reconvened in the evening, with lawmakers decrying the protests that defaced the Capitol and vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College vote for Bidens election, even if it took all night.

Pence reopened the Senate and directly addressed the demonstrators: You did not win.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the failed insurrection underscored lawmakers duty to finish the count. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress would show the world what America is made of" with the outcome.

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Now Playing: Video: Associated Press

The president gave his supporters a boost into action Wednesday morning at a rally outside the White House, where he urged them to march to the Capitol. He spent much of the afternoon in his private dining room off the Oval Office watching scenes of the violence on television. At the urging of his staff, he reluctantly issued a pair of tweets and a taped video telling his supporters it was time to go home in peace  yet he still said he backed their cause.

Hours later, Twitter for the first time time locked Trumps account, demanded that he remove tweets excusing violence and threatened permanent suspension.

A somber President-elect Biden, two weeks away from being inaugurated, said American democracy was under unprecedented assault,  a sentiment echoed by many in Congress, including some Republicans. Former President George W. Bush said he watched the events in disbelief and dismay.

The domed Capitol building has for centuries been the scene of protests and occasional violence. But Wednesdays events were particularly astounding both because they unfolded at least initially with the implicit blessing of the president and because of the underlying goal of overturning the results of a free and fair presidential election.

Tensions were already running high when lawmakers gathered early Wednesday afternoon for the constitutionally mandated counting of the Electoral College results, in which Biden defeated Trump, 306-232. Despite pleas from McConnell, more than 150 GOP lawmakers planned to support objections to some of the results, though lacking evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Trump spent the lead-up to the proceedings publicly hectoring Pence, who had a largely ceremonial role, to aid the effort to throw out the results. He tweeted, Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!

But Pence, in a statement shortly before presiding, defied Trump, saying he could not claim unilateral authority to reject the electoral votes that make Biden president.

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Now Playing: Video: Associated Press

In the aftermath of the siege, several Republicans announced they would drop their objections to the election, including Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who lost her bid for reelection Tuesday.

Earlier, protesters had fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls, many without masks during the COVID-19 crisis. Lawmakers were told to duck under their seats for cover and put on gas masks after tear gas was used in the Capitol Rotunda. Some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices.

Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., told reporters he was in the House chamber when rioters began storming it. Security officers made us all get down, you could see that they were fending off some sort of assault."

He said they had a piece of furniture up against the door. "And they had guns pulled, Peters said. Glass panes to a House door were shattered.

The woman who was killed was part of a crowd that was breaking down the doors to a barricaded room where armed officers stood on the other side, police said. She was shot in the chest by Capitol Police and taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. City police said three other people died from medical emergencies during the long protest on and around the Capitol grounds.

Staff members grabbed boxes of Electoral College votes as the evacuation took place. Otherwise, said Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., the ballots likely would have been destroyed by the protesters.

The mobs storming of Congress prompted outrage, mostly from Democrats but from Republicans as well, as lawmakers accused Trump of fomenting the violence with his relentless falsehoods about election fraud.

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Now Playing: Video: Associated Press

Count me out, said Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Enough is enough.

Several suggested that Trump be prosecuted for a crime or even removed under the Constitution's 25th Amendment, which seemed unlikely two weeks from when his term expires.

I think Donald Trump probably should be brought up on treason for something like this, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., told reporters. This is how a coup is started. And this is how democracy dies.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., who has at times clashed with Trump, issued a statement saying: Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the Presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

Despite Trumps repeated claims of voter fraud, election officials and his own former attorney general have said there were no problems on a scale that would change the outcome. All the states have certified their results as fair and accurate, by Republican and Democratic officials alike.

Punctuating their resolve, both the House and Senate soundly rejected an objection to election results from Arizona, which had been raised by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., and another from Pennsylvania brought by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa. Still, most House Republicans supported the objections. Other objections to results from Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin fizzled.

The Pentagon said about 1,100 District of Columbia National Guard members were being mobilized to help support law enforcement at the Capitol. Dozens of people were arrested.

Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Zeke Miller, Kevin Freking, Alan Fram, Matthew Daly, Ben Fox and Ashraf Khalil in Washington and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.
While events in Washington may have been shocking and embarrassing to many, the history of political transition of power have seldom been peaceful. As a matter of fact, in America it was not till 1801 that the first peaceful transition of power took place. That year, the countrys second president, John Adams quietly walked out of Washington, D.C. in the cover of night. Following his humiliating defeat to close friend, and political rival, Thomas Jefferson, Adams decided to not even attend the inauguration ceremony. But stories of violent transitions have continued around the globe.

Capitol Hill of shame



View Full Image No longer can the United States go about the world preaching democracy and democratic values.

No longer can the United States go about the world preaching democracy and democratic values. What happened in Washington D.C. on Wednesday would go down as perhaps the most shameful, and horrible, incident in the annals of the worlds oldest democracy. Hundreds of armed supporters of grudgingly-outgoing president Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol Hill, in an attempt to stall the certification of the November general election in which Democratic Partys Joe Biden won. Trump refused to concede, urging his supporters to help him overturn what he called a rigged vote. Wednesdays rioting unfolded after Trump addressed supporters outside the White House and asked them to reach the Capitol to vent their anger at the voting process. His supporters did not disappoint in mounting a vile attack on Americas democracy.

In past imperfect

View Full Image A file photo of Herbert Hoover

The transition of power between Herbert Hoover to Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first one to take place during a national economic collapse since the Panic of 1893. During this time, there was a longer transition period, ending on 4 March 1933 instead of the current 20 January. According to Hoovers biographer, William Leuchtenburg, Hoover considered Roosevelt very badly informed" and refused to be photographed with him. On the other hand, Roosevelt refused his predecessors request for a meeting to come up with a joint program to stop the crisis and calm investors and even dropped Hoover from the official White House birthday greetings messages. Roosevelt also survived an assassination attemptthe first to occur in a presidential transition. However, the mayor of Chicago and a woman standing in the crowd lost their lives to the bullet.

The 44-day civil war

View Full Image The Costa Rican Civil War of 1948 was caused by the February vote of the Costa Rican Legislature.

The Costa Rican Civil War of 1948 was caused by the February vote of the Costa Rican Legislature. The countrys politics in the 1940s was characterized by disputes of political groups trying to retain or win power. Much like the present crisis in US, when Opposition candidate Otilio Ulate won the elections by a landslide, the legislature alleged that he had used fraudulent ways. The Electoral Tribunal even declared Ulate the winner, but later, due to significant irregularities the new congress nullified the presidential election. This resulted in an uprising of the National Liberation Army, led by commander Jose Figueres. More than 2,000 lives were lost during the 44-day civil war, which culminated in the defeat of President Teodoro Picado. After the war, Figueres ruled for a year and a half as head of a provisional government junta which abolished the military.

Tradition vs democracy

View Full Image Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba

African nations are no stranger to election violence. The 1992 Angolan election led to a 10-year civil war while the 2007/08 Kenyan election left over 1,500 people dead. Similar stories have been reported in Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Gambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and more. In 2016, Gabon erupted in violent protests after incumbent President Ali Bongo defeated opposition candidate Jean Ping. Claims of fraud led to the Parliament and other government buildings being set ablaze. Bongo had taken power from his father, Omar Bongo in 2009, and his re-election would mean another seven years of the familys rule. Incumbent leaders viewing government positions as their patrimony, and wanting to prolong their stay in power has been a problem for many African nations. When such cultures clash with democratic norms, violence is the result.

Myanmars experiment

View Full Image Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmars current leader Aung San Suu Kyi was not allowed to take power in 1990 by the countrys military despite her leading her National League for Democracy (NLD) party to victory in the national election. Instead, she was put in jail. The military junta ruled until 2010, when a party backed by it won the national election boycotted by Suu Kyis party. In November 2015, the military-backed president Thein Sein agreed to a peaceful transfer of power after the NLD registered a landslide victory in the polls, ending more than five decades of military-backed government in Myanmar. Suu Kyi is not the president, as the countrys rules bar people with foreign spouses or children, as she does, from the top post. Still, she is the de facto leader. In 1991, Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, while still under house arrest, and hailed as an example of the power of the powerless".

Curated by Sohini Sen. Have something to share with us? Write to us at feedback@livemint or tweet to @shohinisen





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Three distinct groups  Capitol Police, rioters and members of Congress  were spending time indoors, without social distancing, for long periods of time, said Dr. Joshua Barocas, an infectious diseases physician at Boston University. The melee likely was a super-spreader event, he added, especially given the backdrop of the highly transmissible variants that are circulating.

Dr. Barocas was referring to a highly contagious new variant of the coronavirus, first identified in Britain. It has been spotted in several U.S. states but may well have spread everywhere in the country, making events like the Capitol riot even more risky, he said.

The idea that members of Congress may have been exposed, amid an already difficult transfer of power, particularly disturbed some scientists. I am worried not only that it could lead to super-spreading, but also super-spreading to people who are elected officials, said Dr. Tom Inglesby, director of the Center for Health Security at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

And infected members of Congress and law enforcement could have spread the virus to one another as they sheltered from the violence, he noted.

Rep. Jake LaTurner, Republican of Kansas, announced on Twitter early Thursday morning that he had tested positive for the virus. Mr. LaTurner was cloistered in the chamber with other members of Congress for much of the day.

At least a dozen of the 400 or so lawmakers and staff who were huddling in one committee room refused to wear masks even after being offered one, or wore them improperly below their chins, said Representative Susan Wild, Democrat of Pennsylvania.

They gathered in a committee room that quickly became crowded, making social distancing impossible, she said. Some of the lawmakers were unmasked, and several were shouting: Tensions were high, and people were yelling at each other.
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On Thursday, French teacher Djibril Coulibaly, 50, walked quietly out of the Pine Prairie Correctional Center and into an SUV driven by his cousin, Bissy Coumare.

Coulibaly grasped his cousin and other friends in joy and relief after he was buzzed through a security gate to freedom. Though Coulibaly had no comment about his experience, Coumare said that, in his younger cousins face, he saw a man who was happy to be released but still overwhelmed by sadness because of the turmoil he had been through. Though he had no words, his facial expressions are speaking for him, said Coumare, who also teaches French with Coulibaly in Thibodaux.

When Coulibaly was able to speak a few hours later, it became clear that the look of sorrow his cousin witnessed was partly health-related: on the way home, he tested positive for COVID-19, a result that didnt surprise him, because four out of 43 men in his dorm had tested positive during his three-week stay there. Hed lost eight pounds during his detention and so, though his COVID symptoms were mild, he did not feel well.

Im getting weaker and weaker, he said. And Ive lost my appetite.

He also was extremely disappointed that he would not be able to hug his wife or his three children when he arrived home in Thibodaux. Instead, he had been on the phone with his wife, to set aside one of their homes bedrooms as a quarantine-only area where he would spend the next few weeks alone. Though he had been longing to return to work, that was also impossible.

Among the small group of people waiting outside the immigration-detention facility was Boubacar Maiga, 62, a French teacher and Malian immigrant in St. Landry Parish who has faced similar visa struggles after an administrative paperwork error by his employer.

U.S. Immigrant and Customs Enforcement officials had no explanation for the change in circumstances for Coulibaly. Last week, the soft-spoken elementary-school teacher who has taught in Louisiana for 19 years was told by a Pine Prairie officer that he was facing immediate deportation to his native Mali, in West Africa.

And on Monday, his attorney, Loyola University Law Professor Hiroko Kusuda, believed deportation was imminent when shed received an email telling her that an ICE administrator had refused Coulibalys petition for a stay of deportation. Then, on Wednesday afternoon, out of the blue, Kusuda said, she got a call telling her that her client would be released Thursday under an order of supervision, the immigration equivalent of probation that came with an ankle monitor visible to those who witnessed Coulibalys release.

Coulibalys family credits a groundswell of public support, from educators, neighbors, former Peace Corps members, all of whom wrote letters and made phone calls on behalf of the soft-spoken teacher, after eight squad cars and a swarm of armed ICE officers apprehended Coulibaly as hed paused his 2001 Toyota minivan at a stop sign outside W.S. Lafargue school, where he works, about three weeks ago.

As of Thursday afternoon, a GoFundMe created to support the family had raised over $17,800 and a Change.org petition challenging Coulibalys planned deportation had over 3,000 signatures.

But those rough indicators dont show the level of interest in Coulibalys case: from neighbors in Thibodaux, who brought food, giftcards, hugs and prayers to his wife and three children; from French-cultural officials who helped to bring Coulibaly to Louisiana to teach nearly 20 years ago; and from hundreds of former Peace Corps volunteers who had been trained and taught French and other languages by Coulibaly.

Nicholls State University professor Robin White, a former Peace Corps volunteer, wrote letters pleading for Coulibalys release to ICE officials and U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, who recently resigned to move to the administration of President-elect Joe Biden. White also spread word of Coulibalys detention to fellow professors, colleagues nationwide and returned Peace Corps volunteers.

White, who served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali three decades ago, met Coulibaly at Cercle Francophone, a French table in Thibodaux, and described him as a friendly, humble and open man who had a quiet demeanor and a kind spirit. Basically, Coulibaly carried the spirit of Mali, said White, remembering how she adapted to the culture with the help of generous locals  the kindest, most hospitable people who had nothing.

Those experiences left a lasting impression on her heart and motivated her to advocate for Coulibaly. His case  I just thought it was impossible this is happening and I felt passionate about it, given the experiences I had had in Mali, White said.

Louisianas Francophone community rallied around Coulibaly because he and other teachers like him become treasured members of their communities, said Matt Mick, spokesman for CODOFIL, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana.

The bond between teachers and community is especially strong in Acadiana, where grandparents who speak Cajun French visit the classrooms of French teachers like Coulibaly, happy to know that their descendants are learning their cultural heritage and language. People see us as carrying out a mission. We arrive here as missionaries of the French language, said Coulibalys co-worker Bani Ningbinnin, who was recruited from Benin to teach French in Louisiana schools.

According to Coulibalys legal filings, Coulibaly had taught French in Acadiana schools under a legal work permit for 19 years. But in 2010, the St. Landry Parish School Board missed a deadline to renew Coulibalys visa. Given the amount of time that Coulibalys case has spent in immigration court, its unclear what prompted the ICE task force to drive to Thibodaux last month to apprehend Coulibaly.

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Mick said hes heard of teachers having visa troubles after phasing out of CODOFILs oversight, but he had not heard of any other teacher being forcibly arrested and threatened with deportation.

In Coulibalys case, though the error was recognized quickly, immigration officials view small errors like that as incurable mistakes, said Michele McKenzie, deputy director for The Advocates for Human Rights, a Minneapolis-based organization that works to represent asylum seekers and people in detention across the nation.

A normal way to react would be, Why dont you fix the paperwork and lets reinstate. Instead, its basically, You cant correct that, its over, said McKenzie, noting that the current set of immigration laws were designed more than 50 years ago, to exclude and expel.

In 2011, the year after the mistake, then-Sen. Mary Landrieu sponsored a bill on Coulibalys behalf, which would have basically used an act of Congress to reinstate his lawful immigration status. Legislation like this, known as private bills, were very common a half century ago. That was how things got done, McKenzie said. Eventually, she said, Congress tired of the private bills and created new ways to stave off deportations  without really changing the inflexible immigration law that was at the root of the Congressional requests, McKenzie said.

As a result, McKenzie said, there is no cut-and-dried way to resolve cases like Coulibalys, except to use political back-channels and public outcry to plead for immigration officials to use the prosecutorial discretion in a specific case. It seems that is what happened Wednesday.

We are so grateful for everyone who spoke up for him. Its more than exciting, said Coumare, 65, who teaches French with his younger cousin at W.S. Lafargue Elementary School in Thibodaux and also taught with Coulibaly for years in their native Mali, where the two of them led trainings of U.S. Peace Corps volunteers together.

Shauna Sias, a community advocate present for Coulibalys release, said advocates arranged for the 50-year-old to receive a medical evaluation and rapid COVID-19 test upon release to ensure his health. Sias stressed while Thursday was joyous, theres a long road ahead for Coulibaly and his security in the country.

It is unclear if timing ultimately made a difference in Coulibalys case: President-elect Joe Biden, who takes office in two weeks, has pledged a moratorium on deportations in the first 100 days of his administration.

But advocates say that Bidens pledge to hit pause on deportations does not seem to change how ICE agents are acting in the waning days of the Trump administration. Though ICE apprehensions dipped last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an uptick in ICE apprehensions in recent months, said Michele McKenzie, deputy director for The Advocates for Human Rights, a Minneapolis-based organization that works to represent asylum seekers and people in detention across the nation.

In this case, you had eight cars going up to Thibodaux to get one person who is a visa overstay. This is consistent with what is happening across the country, McKenzie said.

Maiga, the French teacher and Malian immigrant from St. Landry Parish, said his experiences were remarkably similar to that of Coulibaly. In 2001, just one day apart, the two men immigrated from Mali, worked in St. Landry Parish together and have experienced the same visa processes and struggles. Their families remain tight-knit and see each other often, even after the Coulibaly family moved to Lafourche Parish.

Still, fear about his personal circumstances was not enough to keep Maiga away on such an important day.

I wanted to show him my support and tell him hes not alone. I want to show him I know what hes going through, the French teacher said.

Pine Prairie and other ICE facilities in Louisiana have long been deportation-staging areas for immigrants apprehended from across the United States. Last year, nearly 90 percent of detainees who left Pine Prairie left on ICEs fleet of deportation airplanes, which take immigrants home to the places of their birth, in Central and South America and Africa.

And yet, somehow this week, something moved in Coulibalys favor within ICE, possibly because of the outpouring of community support.

People called and wrote letters because they could see the value of an individual human being, something that our immigration policy has failed to do for generations, said McKenzie, of The Advocates for Human Rights.

Maiga said that, despite the happy life he lives in Louisiana, his close friends disappearance was an unwelcome reminder of the potential danger and upheaval he also faces.

Any time there is a knock on the door you dont know if its ICE coming. Its very emotional, Maiga said.
Bounty Claims Adjoin Block A of GoldON's West Madsen Gold Project and the Pure Gold Red Lake Mine property, Canada's newest high-grade gold mine

Victoria, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - GoldON Resources Ltd. (TSXV: GLD) ("GoldON" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has elected to accelerate the option agreement with Bounty Gold Corp. (see news release of July 29, 2020) and has acquired a 100% interest in the two claim blocks that adjoin Block A of the West Madsen Gold Project.

In keeping with the terms of the option agreement, GoldON paid Bounty a total of $80,000 in cash and issued 250,000 common shares to complete the acquisition. GoldON now owns a 100% interest in the Flat Lake and Madsen-Medicine Stone claim groups. Bounty will retain a 2% net smelter returns royalty of which GoldON may purchase half for $1,000,000.

About the West Madsen Gold Project:

Now covering 5,862 hectares of prime gold exploration real estate in the heart of the Red Lake Camp, the West Madsen Project is comprised of the original Block A and B claim groups, where GoldON has the right to earn a 100% interest through an option agreement with Great Bear Resources (see news release of May 28, 2019); the Bounty Gold claims; and claims GoldON acquired via staking in December (see Red Lake regional map).

The West Madsen Project is contiguous with the Pure Gold Red Lake Mine property, where they poured first gold on December 29 and anticipate being in commercial production by the end of Q1 2021 (see Pure Gold's news release of December 30, 2020). Pure Gold's reserves and resources are hosted in a seven-kilometre-long gold system that follows the major crustal break or contact between the Balmer and Confederation assemblages. This same Balmer-Confederation contact has been exposed in outcrop 1.6 kilometres (km) west of the Pure Gold property boundary and is interpreted to continue for ~8 km across Block A of GoldON's property.

GoldON completed ~2,100 metres of the proposed 7,000 metre Phase II drilling program before Christmas break and assays are pending. The focus of the Phase II drilling program is to aggressively test the strike-extension of both the known gold mineralization to the east and follow-up on the gold mineralization discovered during GoldON's Phase I drilling (see news release of July 22, 2020).

Drilling will resume next week and the black ellipse in Figure 1 below depicts the area of the interpreted east-west trending Balmer-Confederation contact along with the completed and proposed Phase II drill holes to systematically test the extension of the stratigraphy within the structurally controlled corridor.

Figure 1: Phase II Target Area and Drill Plan for the West Madsen Project

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7436/71505_472f551a3488cb63_001full.jpg

Ian Russell, P. Geo., an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.

About Bounty Gold Corp.

Bounty Gold Corp is a privately held gold exploration company based in Red Lake, Ontario. Bounty Gold is focused on advancing its flagship 4,000-hectare Laird Lake Gold Project in Red Lake, where nine high-grade surface gold showings exceeding 5 g/t gold (up to 140.59 g/t gold in selective grab samples) have been exposed along 5.4 km of the geological contact between the Balmer-Confederation assemblages to the west of GoldON's West Madsen - Block A and the Pure Gold Red Lake Mine property.

About GoldON Resources Ltd.

GoldON is an exploration company focused on discovery-stage properties located in the prolific gold mining belts of northwestern Ontario, Canada. Our current project portfolio includes four properties in the Red Lake Mining Division (West Madsen, Pipestone Bay, McDonough and Bruce Lake) and a fifth property in the Patricia Mining Division (Slate Falls). GoldON is fully funded to complete the Phase II drilling program in progress at West Madsen.

For additional information: please visit our website at goldonresources.com, you can download our latest investor presentation by clicking here and you can follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GoldONResources.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "Michael Romanik"

Michael Romanik, President

GoldON Resources Ltd.

Direct line: (204) 724-0613

Email: info@goldonresources.com

Suite 108 - 800 Kelly Road, Suite 416

Victoria, BC, V9B 6J9

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" that 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.

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/71505
ROCHESTER, Minn. - January is Health Care Month in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development held a virtual meeting with the state's health care employers, educators, organizations, and employees to discuss careers and more in health care.

According to the Workforce Development Director at Mayo Clinic, there is a need for jobs at Mayo Clinic.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says health care is the largest workforce by sector in the state with almost 500,000 people.

According to employers on this call, there is an overwhelming need to hire more people in health care.

Guy Finne with Mayo Clinic says Mayo has hundreds of openings and not many applicants.

He says logistics, including childcare challenges may be to blame.

But Finne also says some people are scared to work in health care these days.

"You know, I can speak on behalf of Mayo, and I'm sure some of my colleagues here are in similar situations. The atmosphere, our facilities, are a safe place to work. And it would be nice if somehow we could deal with that fear," says Finne.

Mayo Clinic says it wants to partner with schools or MN DEED to create an incentive for people to go into the training programs right here in Rochester.
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A North Scranton man faces charges after fleeing from the scene of a crash Tuesday night on North Main Avenue, city police said.

Bob Levis, 40, 1112 Wood St., was taken into custody after officers found him hiding inside his home, Capt. Dennis Lukasewicz said.

Levis took off on foot after his vehicle hit another vehicle, pushing it into a utility pole, around 8:17 p.m. in the 1100 block of North Main, police said. Officers traced his vehicle to the Wood Street address, where the owner initially reported it stolen before Levis was located inside.

Levis was charged with accidents involving death or personal injury, driving under the influence and other offenses, police said.

The ongoing COVID-19 crisis and the ensuing lockdowns in India have greatly interrupted and impacted the educational lives of students in India. With Government Schools opening in the new year, Embassy Group has mobilized their corporate and NGO partners, under their Corporate Connect Program, to work with the Government and Department of Education to prepare schools for the return of their students.

Initiative Impact Preventive Health Kits 22,500 health kits to 19,200 students across India Preventive Covid-19 Awareness 19,200 students Nutritional Supplements 1,47,440 supplements to 3,560 students Deep Cleaning, Sanitization & Daily Maintenance 17 Government Schools Face Shields for Teachers 5,949 Face Shields distributed across 126 Government Schools

Congratulating the corporates and making an appeal for others organisations to join this partnership, Sri S.R. Umashankar, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Primary & Secondary Education, Government of Karnataka, said It is extremely heartening to see corporates such as Embassy Group providing a model for partnering with the Government in providing equitable and safe education to our underprivileged children. We are very pleased to renew this meaningful partnership to strengthen our existing education system, and hope such initiatives encourage other corporates to join us.

HAMDEN  Some 50 police officers, firefighters, residents and town employees gathered outside the rotunda at Memorial Town Hall Wednesday to celebrate the swearing-in of police Chief John Sullivan.

Hamden has always been an important part of my life, Sullivan, who attended Hamden High School, told the crowd. Im honored to be standing before you as the chief of police in this great town.

While the chief thanked Town Clerk Vera Morrison for performing all his swearing-in ceremonies for the positions he has held over his 25 years with the department, the latest ceremony had a special guest: retired Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper Jr.

This time, it was Harper, dressed in his judicial robes, who read Sullivan his oath.

It is a distinct pleasure and honor to me to have the opportunity on this celebratory occasion to administer the oath of office for chief of the town of Hamden, my good friend John Sullivan, Harper said in remarks prior to the ceremony. Mayor (Curt) Leng recognized Johns impressive qualifications, experiences and abilities to continue the efforts to reform Hamdens Police Department.

Despite some concerns over the hiring process, including a police chief public input committee whose work was never finished, the towns Legislative Council confirmed Sullivans appointment Monday by a vote of 10-4.

He already has led the department for six months, having taken over as acting chief after the retirement of former police Chief John Cappiello. Mayor Leng last month tapped Sullivan to take on the position permanently.

No matter what the problem is, Chief Sully is always willing to lend a hand, Leng said in remarks prior to the swearing-in ceremony.

Sullivan especially impressed officials with his efforts to enhance community policing methods. Among other initiatives, he implemented a Strengthening Police & Community Partnerships program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Chief Sullivans perfect fit for this role is demonstrated in the way that he and his team work with, communicate with and count on our community members, both individuals and our block watches, together toward all of our common goal, a stronger and safer Hamden, Leng said.

The chief thanked a long list of people in his remarks, including the mayor, the Legislative Council, residents, his officers, other members of his staff, the town clerk, his family and his girlfriend, who were in the crowd.

When he first told his parents he wanted to become a police officer, they werent exactly very happy with my choice, he said.

They said to me, Just dont be a bad police officer, dont be a bad person, dont be a bad cop. And I know exactly what they meant, he said. Every day that I put the uniform on, I think of that conversation. And I want every one of my officers to think of that when they put their uniform on every day when they come into work.

Sullivans permanent appointment ends more than two years of uncertainty over the future of the departments leadership.

After former Chief Thomas Wydra, who headed the force for 12 years, retired in 2018, Cappiello took over as acting chief. About a year later, he dropped acting from his title but, with plans to retire, served just six months more.

Sullivan took over in July.

meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com
There was shock amongst Italians on the streets of Rome on Thursday at events on Capitol Hill in Washington the previous evening, with many blaming outgoing US President Donald Trump.

"I saw these terrible images that nobody ever would have expected to see on Capitol Hill in Washington," said Rome resident Gisella Suparaku.

Francesco Marzano, another Rome resident, said he thought the protesters were "spitting" on the US constitution and the will of the people, and what happened was a "mirror of what has always been the politics of a person like Donald Trump".

Dramatic Italian newspaper headlines announced "The End", "Gunshots on Democracy," and "USA  Day of the Coup" and "Assault on the USA Congress".

After the violence on Wednesday, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tweeted that he was following events with "great concern".

"Violence is incompatible with the exercise of democratic rights and freedoms. I am confident in the strength and robustness of the institutions of the United States," he wrote.

His tweet was posted in Italian and English and got over one million retweets in both languages.

Conte's concerns were echoed in tweets by leaders across the political spectrum. Opposition leader Matteo Salvini from the League Party tweeted, "Violence is never a solution, never. Long live liberty, democracy, always and everywhere."

Italian foreign minister Luigi Di Maio, from the Five Star movement, tweeted: "We strongly condemn any form of violence, and we hope that there will soon be an orderly and peaceful passage of power."

Nicola Zingaretti, leader of the Democratic Party, tweeted,:"This is where political extremism takes us."

(Image credit: AP)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Thursday, 07 January 2021 16:51:02 (GMT+3) | Istanbul

Belarus-based Byelorussian Steel Works (BMZ) has announced that its first batch of steel products for export in 2021, shipped on January 1, will be delivered to Spain. A customer in the northern Spanish province of Biscaya will receive a batch of round rolled products intended for the automotive industry.

The companys first export batch of 2021 was produced at the companys rolling mill No. 2. In the first hours of the new year, the company also shipped rebar to Israel. As for Spain, BMZ started stable deliveries of rolled structures to this country in 2020. The company aims to continue its presence in the Spanish steel market in 2021.

According to the companys statement, BMZ exported almost two million mt of steel products to 53 countries in 2020. In the given year, the company sold over 180,000 mt of rolled structures with diameters of 20-160 mm abroad, rising by 125 percent compared to 2019.

A group of senators and members of Congress are meeting secretly to discuss invoking the 25th Amendment to take Trump out of the White House, it has been claimed this morning.

The move was prompted after Trump supporters violently stormed the Capitol on Wednesday to protest the results of the presidential election.

Under the 25th Amendment a president can be removed if they are unable to discharge the powers and duties of their office.

In the more than 50 years since the Constitution was amended to create a way to remove a president unable to do their job, the process has never been triggered.

However, Marg Brennan of CBS reported on Wednesday night that some Cabinet secretaries are indeed considering this, though its unclear how serious this effort is.

Expand Close Violent protesters, loyal to President Donald Trump, storm the Capitol building on Wednesday (John Minchillo/AP) / Facebook

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Under that amendment, if the vice president and a majority of Cabinet secretaries conclude the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, they can put that in writing and send it to congressional leaders.

Once that happens, the vice president immediately becomes acting president. If the president disputes it, Congress decides the matter, with a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate needed to keep the vice president in charge.

Although Section 4 of the amendment has never been invoked, due to Trumps erratic governance, its come up often during his presidency  for instance, former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein discussed invoking it after Trump fired FBI director James Comey in 2017.

With days left in his tenure, the amendment was mentioned again after the head of the National Association of Manufactures said Trump incited the violence in an attempt to retain power.

"This is sedition and should be treated as such," said Jay Timmons, the group's president and CEO.

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He was joined by a growing chorus of calls that included the head of the left-leaning advocacy group Public Citizen, the head of the NAACP and Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican.

"President Trump should resign or be removed from office by his Cabinet, or by the Congress," Scott said in a series of tweets.

Florida Rep. Charlie Crist added: The 25th Amendment allows for the removal of a President, tweeted Crist, a former GOP governor who became a Democrat in 2012. It's time to remove the President.

According to TMZ, there is a meeting going on right now at an undisclosed location in DC where a group of senators and members of Congress are talking about how to invoke the 25th Amendment to yank Trump from the White House.

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TMZ in turn says this is according to American Urban Radio Network's White House Correspondent April Ryan.

Ms Ryan also tweeted this morning: "Rep. Ilhan Omar says she is drafting new articles of Impeachment against Trump. The Minnesota Congresswoman blames him for his supporters' attempt at an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday."

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Global consumers picked kimchi as their most preferred Korean dish, a poll showed Thursday, amid the growing popularity of traditional Korean food, known as hansik, in line with the boom of the country's pop culture around the world.







Nearly 34 percent of the respondents said they preferred eating kimchi, trailed by bibimbap with 27.8 percent and Korean-style fried chicken with 27 percent, according to the poll released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.







The survey was based on respondents from 16 major countries around the globe in 2020.







Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish normally made of fermented cabbage, salt and hot peppers. Bibimbap refers to rice mixed with a variety of vegetables and meat.







Separate data from the Korea International Trade Association showed exports of kimchi advanced 36.4 percent on-year over the first 10 months of 2020 to reach an all-time high of US$119 million.







The poll also showed that 57.4 percent of respondents were aware of Korean food, up 2.8 percentage points from the previous year.







The ministry said more people became aware of Korean dishes such as kimchi in line with the growing demand for healthier foodstuffs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.







By region, bulgogi, grilled marinated beef or pork, was cited as the most popular dish in North and Central America, while Europeans picked bibimbap as their most preferred Korean dish.







Respondents from Southeast Asia picked kimchi, while japchae, a dish of stir-fried glass noodles, was popular in Oceania, the Middle East and South America, according to the poll. (Yonhap)




Press Release

January 6, 2021 Expanding Pharma Zones: A 'win-win' solution for health and pandemic-stricken economy - Tolentino MANILA - Administration Senator Francis 'Tol' N. Tolentino believed that accelerating the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing zones under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) will not only give Filipinos better access to cheaper medicines but would also help stabilize the pandemic-stricken economy. Tolentino said expanding the so-called 'Pharma Zone' has both short and long term goals since aside from providing the public with locally manufactured but less expensive vaccines just like in the case of COVID-19 disease, it can also bring forth more investments and jobs for the pandemic-stricken economy. Tolentino noted that despite limitations in the delivery of health services, the Philippines remains one of the biggest pharmaceutical markets in the Southeast Asia region--next only to Indonesia and Thailand--based on a study conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). To date, more than 55 vaccines against measles, pneumonia, diarrhea, and rubella have been made available in the local market by research-based pharmaceutical companies according to Tolentino. The Senator earlier in December filed Senate Resolution No. 508, urging PEZA and the Board of Investments to accelerate the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing zones in the country and encourage the growth of the medical industry. He noted that the local pharmaceutical market will grow to reach P241.9 billion in 2025 following the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Act, based on a recent analysis made by the England-based GlobalData London. Tolentino said the national government should take advantage of the current situation amid the pandemic since expanding the Pharma Zones can boost the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to 4.5 percent which was projected by IMS consulting in a study commissioned by the Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). The First Bulacan Industrial City, which was established in 1991 and dubbed as the "Pharma City of the North," currently houses several firms, such as Lloyd Laboratories, Lumar Pharmaceutical, Pascual Laboratory, Cosmetique Asia, Cargill Philippines, Northfields Laboratories, Transcend, and Medi-RX Laboratories. The Phase II expansion of the Bulacan Industrial City, which would house the proposed Pharma City II, is just awaiting the go-signal from Malacanang. The local pharma industry currently infuses about P146 billion in economic output annually--employs more than 60,000 Filipinos and supports close to 100 other industries in the country. During the budget deliberations last November, Tolentino has bared the proposal of a western pharmaceutical giant to establish a manufacturing plant for COVID-19 vaccines to cater the needs of nations affected by the global pandemic.
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Burma Myanmar Rebel-Controlled Areas Carry Out Mass COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing in Mong La. / Mongla News

Yangon  Myanmars two largest ethnic armed groups, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), are conducting testing for COVID-19 in their territories following a coronavirus outbreak.

Panghsang, the capital of Wa State and headquarters of the UWSA, was placed under lockdown on Thursday and an emergency has been declared in Mong La, which is controlled by the NDAA.

Both areas are in northeastern Shan State and border China. Both armed groups signed a ceasefire with the then-military government in 1989 and have total control over their territories with no interference from Myanmars authorities. The two groups are conducting the COVID-19 tests independently from the Naypyitaw authorities.

We dont know when the lockdown in Panghsang will end. It depends on test results, said UWSA spokesman Nyi Rang.

The UWSA is carrying out citywide COVID-19 tests in Panghsang and its northern enclave at Mong Pawk, Ho Taung and Mong Pyan.

The Wa State COVID-19 committee said over 86,000 people were tested from Dec. 17 to Wednesday and 135 tested positive. Most of those infected are reportedly Chinese nationals. The UWSA issued two alerts on Wednesday asking people to cooperate in COVID-19 testing and those who have tested negative to stay at home. And the Wa authorities are treating patients at their COVID-19 centers.

A COVID-19 lab equipped by China was opened in early December in Panghsang. Chinese medics are also providing coronavirus assistance.

The NDAA has been carrying out tests in Mong La, also known as Special Region 4, since mid-December. The pandemic has been under control in Mong La district. Over 85,000 people have been tested. We will start testing in Sele and Nanban tomorrow. Only after that will we know the situation in the entire region, said U Kyi Myint, the special regions general secretary.

He did not provide the number of COVID-19 cases in Mong La but said the situation is under control. Everyone in the region will be tested, he said.

The Tatmadaw [Myanmars military] has donated pharmaceuticals and medical equipment four times. The government also provided us with rice when we quarantined workers from Myanmar. China also provided considerable aid with pharmaceuticals and medical teams, said U Kyi Myint.

Chinese medics have been assisting COVID-19 measures since February last year in Mong La and Panghsang.

No COVID-19 infections were officially reported in Wa and Mong La until early December. A Chinese citizen who stayed in Mong La for a month and returned to China through Mong Pawk and Panghsang in Wa tested positive for coronavirus on Dec. 14. The incident prompted the two armed groups to start testing.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko

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When it comes to footwear, formalwear or The Queens English, Australians are endearingly relaxed. But lord help any airline that aggrieves Aussie business class flyers.

As we discovered last year, Australian pointy end flyers despise disappointment. While you could write this off as snobbishness (maybe fliers should give airlines more leeway because of the pandemic?), you could also look at it another way.

You could see it as an admirable refusal to ever have the wool pulled over ones eyes. A smart way to keep airlines in check. Common sense, even. Now, before you throw your United MileagePlus card at us, or soil your linen pants with rage; a disclaimer.

Were well aware holding business class to a high standard can come across as irritatingly pedantic, or involve brewing a storm in a two-minute noodle cup.

RELATED: Entitled Business Class Passenger Reports Invasion Of Their Toilet By Economy Peasants

Were also well aware Australia has a much smaller domestic aviation market than America, with just two main competitors (one being now far more dominant), and the vast majority of the remainder of flight options comprising of these two competitors (Qantas and Virgin Australias) subsidiaries.

America has a more cutthroat scene, which lends itself less to luxurious domestic seats, and more to commercial competition (not to mention crushed kneecaps; passenger altercations). Indeed, theres no such thing as business class domestically in the US, with plane sections being broken into economy and first (first being the rough equivalent of Australian business class).

Australian business class passengers fear of this dynamic making its way across the pond was demonstrated various times last year.

Virgin Australias transition to a leaner, meaner airline (post voluntary administration) had Australian business class passengers nervous, furious and teary all at once, with tributes to its domestic business class  a favourite in everyones book  rolling in (when news broke it could be on the chopping block).

Then there were Qantas repatriation flights. Though many whinged there werent enough of them, others argued they prove why its so important to have accountable airlines which, cheesy as some of the advertising campaigns are, use being quintessentially Aussie as a marketing tool (and then feel the heat to help out in moments like pandemics).

Finally; Noodlegate. How could we forget? Arguably the turning point when people really started talking about the Americanisation of business class in Australia.

Frequent flyer and Flight Hacks founder Immanuel Debeer told DMARGE Noodlegate was part of an appalling cost-cutting trend.

I think Bain is on a cost cutting spree and these days you can get away with almost anything in the name of Covid.

Virgin used to have (in my opinion) the worlds best domestic business class product in terms of food, service and seats. Now were seeing the Americanisation of business class.

Aussies are used to getting better so its no wonder the Bain budget carrier approach wont go down well unless the prices of the tickets reflect the actual service.

Virgin Australia quickly rectified the situation (they claimed to have run out of food the day this happened) and are now serving snack boxes including baked Lavosh crackers (with a new and improved challenger menu to Qantas still to be revealed).

Need further evidence Americans should consider adopting a bit of the Australian business class culture?

Check out the clamouring for memorabilia  and the outpouring of grief and nostalgia  we saw when Qantas retired the Queen of the Skies last year. We rarely see an American airline go to such elaborate lengths to appeal to customers historical sensibilities either (see: Secret Message Behind Qantas Last Ever 747 Flight), and  as far as weve seen  there is rarely such a response from customers in return.

Then there are articles like the following (which describes one passengers disgruntled experience of 15 hours in the worst seat in A380 business class), which show Australians maintain their high standards even when soaring internationally on non-Aussie airlines.

Looking to the future of Australian aviation, Rico Merkert, USYD Professor of Transport and Supply Chain Management, told DMARGE late last year he believes Virgin Australia will continue to transition to a middle-market carrier, while Qantas will mostly stay business as usual (though not necessarily immune to cutbacks).

The new CEO of Virgin will position to airline closer to the LCC business model and passengers (say business) will be able to add extra services to their seat a la carte and will be expected to pay for those add-ons.

As such, you could argue that Qantas has won the business traveller market in the domestic Australian market. There may be a little bit of competition with Rex and Alliance though and to some extent even with Virgin as some corporate travellers may now at least initially be price sensitive.

International[ly], however, Merkert told us, it is a totally different picture as Qatar, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and a few others pose strong competition to Qantas, in particular as they are currently flying in and out of Australia while Qantas is not.

Whats next? Watch this (air) space.

Read Next


DUBLIN, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Botulinum Toxin Market: Size & Forecasts with Impact Analysis of COVID-19 (2020-2024 Edition)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The report provides an in-depth analysis of the global botulinum toxin market with detailed analysis of the actual and the expected market size along with the market size of each market segment on the basis of application, products as well as regional.

The report provides a detailed regional analysis of the US, Europe, Japan, Asia (excluding Japan), Korea and China for the botulinum toxin market. Regional analysis includes the market share of each region or country and the actual and forecasted market size of the botulinum toxin market along with the market segments of the aforementioned regions.

The report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall global botulinum toxin market has also been forecasted for the period 2020-2024, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.

The competition in the global botulinum toxin market is stiff and dominated by big players like Allergan. Further, key players of the botulinum toxin market Ipsen and Revance are also profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.

Regional Coverage

The US

Europe

The global botulinum toxin market has increased at a significant annual growth rate in 2019 as compared to the preceding year 2018 and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2020-2024 tremendously.

On the basis of product, type the market is divided into Botox and Dysport. The market can be segmented on the basis of application as therapeutics and cosmetic/aesthetic, of which therapeutics govern the market. The major growth drivers for the botulinum toxin market are: ageing population, escalating numbers of surgeons, upsurge in facial aesthetics procedures, rising alternative of non-surgical procedures, increasing healthcare spending in emerging markets. Despite the market is governed by various growth drivers, there are certain challenges faced by the market such as potential health risk associated with botulinum toxin and botulinum toxins as bio-terror threat.

FDA approval to Botulinum Toxin for new indications, rise in medical tourism, reduced safety concerns and simple and instant characteristic and scope of botulinum toxin in treatment of Necrotizing Fasciitis are some of the latest trends existing in the market.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary

2. Introduction

2.1 Botulinum Toxin: An Overview

2.2 Botulinum Toxin: Indications Overview

2.3 Botulinum Toxin: Products Overview

3. Global Market Analysis

3.1 Global Botulinum Toxin Market: An Analysis

3.1.1 Global Botulinum Toxin Market by Value

3.2 Global Botulinum Toxin Market: Application Analysis

3.2.1 Global Botulinum Toxin Market by Application

3.2.2 Global Therapeutic Botulinum Toxin Market by Value

3.2.3 Global Cosmetic/Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Market by Value

3.3 Global Botulinum Toxin Market: Products Analysis

3.3.1 Global Botulinum Toxin Market by Products

3.4 Global Botox Market: An Analysis

3.4.1 Global Botox Market by Value

3.4.2 Global Botox Market by Application

3.5 Global Dysport Market: An Analysis

3.5.1 Global Dysport Market by Value

3.6 Global Botulinum Toxin Market: Regional Analysis

3.6.1 Global Botulinum Toxin Market by Region

4. Regional Market Analysis

4.1 The US Botulinum Toxin Market: An Analysis

4.1.1 The US Botulinum Toxin Market by Value

4.1.2 The US Botulinum Toxin Market by Application

4.2 Europe Botulinum Toxin Market: An Analysis

4.2.1 Europe Botulinum Toxin Market by Value

5. Impact of COVID-19

5.1 Impact on Global Botulinum Toxin Market

5.1.1 Impact on Market Players

5.1.2 Demand Generation from Influencers

6. Market Dynamics

6.1 Growth Drivers

6.1.1 Ageing Population

6.1.2 Escalating Number of Plastic Surgeons

6.1.3 Upsurge in Facial Aesthetics Procedures

6.1.4 Rising Alternative of Non-Surgical Procedures

6.1.5 Increasing Healthcare Spending in Emerging Markets

6.2 Challenges

6.2.1 Potential Health Risk Associated with Botulinum Toxin

6.2.2 Botulinum Toxins As Bio-terror Threat

6.3 Market Trends

6.3.1 FDA approval to Botulinum Toxin for new indications

6.3.2 Rise In Medical Tourism

6.3.3 Reduced Safety Concerns and Simple & Instant Characteristic

6.3.4 Scope of Botulinum Toxin in Treatment of Necrotizing Fasciitis

7. Competitive Landscape

7.1 Global Botulinum Toxin Market by Players

7.1.1 Global Botulinum Toxin Market Share by Players

7.1.2 Global Botulinum Toxin Market Key Development Schedule for Players

7.2 The US Botulinum Toxin Market Players: An Analysis

7.2.1 The US Botulinum Toxin Market Share by Players

7.3 Europe Botulinum Toxin Market Players: An Analysis

7.3.1 Europe Botulinum Toxin Market Share by Players

8. Company Profiles

8.1 Abbvie Inc.

8.1.1 Business Overview

8.1.2 Financial Overview

8.1.3 Business Strategy

8.2 Ipsen

8.2.1 Business Overview

8.2.2 Financial Overview

8.2.3 Business Strategy

8.3 Revance Therapeutics, Inc.

8.3.1 Business Overview

8.3.2 Financial Overview

8.3.3 Business Strategy

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/94m7iy

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.



Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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The Red Bank Commission discussed backyard chickens during their Tuesday work session.

Mayor Hollie Berry said, Our current ordinances allow livestock like chickens only on lots over two acres, but right now people are interested in keeping a handful of backyard chickens for eggs. And as you know, most lots in Red Bank are much less than two acres.

City manager Tim Thornbury said he came up with a draft and has submitted it to the city attorney. He told the Commission he wanted to get the consensus of the board. Vice Mayor Stefanie Dalton said she is on-board with the idea of allowing chickens in smaller yards.

I did have a few people who told me they wanted chickens in their back or side yard, but because of the acreage restriction, they cant do that. Like Mayor Berry said, its just really exclusive for a lot of our citizens.

Vice Mayor Dalton said she was not sure what the acreage should be, but she liked the idea of changing the ordinances. She said that roosters should not be allowed. Commissioner Pete Phillips said he also supported the idea, but also noted that restrictions and regulations are necessary.

I dont know if youve been around a chicken coop in July because it gets a little pungent, Commissioner Phillips said. I dont want someone coming in thinking they can put up a chicken farm.

Commissioner Ruth Jeno asked if anyone had done research on the kinds of diseases that are associated with chickens. Vice Mayor Dalton said she has done some research, and that there are ordinances that require veterinarians to check out the chickens. She said that is something Red Bank could include in a new ordinance.

Commissioner Juno wanted to know who would regulate this, and City Manager Thornbury said code enforcement would do that. Commissioner Jeno said she knew someone who developed a disease coming from a chicken.

Im okay with chickens, dont get me wrong, Commissioner Jeno said. But I think it really needs to be limited to at least one acre. I dont think we need to put them in neighborhoods or subdivisions.

Mayor Berry said that would still be exclusionary, as most lots are less than an acre. Commissioner Juno said the amount could be dropped to three-quarters of an acre. She said for houses built on a quarter of an acre, there wouldnt be enough space in her opinion.

Think of other people beside yourself, Commissioner Jeno said. You have to think of the big picture, not just five or 10 people in Red Bank who want chickens.

And we should also think of all the good it can do, since America is a place of independence and self-reliance, Mayor Berry said. Some people want to take matters into their own hands and be more sustainable and to take care of their families.

Mayor Berry said there will also be a limit on the number of chickens at four, and the chickens cannot be used for commercial purposes. She said it will be a $35 permit and the coop needs to be inspected before they are allowed.

Vice Mayor Dalton advised allowing a certain number of chickens per quarter acre of land, an idea both Commissioner Jeno and Mayor Berry both agreed upon.
Photo: (Photo : Photo by Lars Niki/Getty Images for WSJ. Magazine Innovators Awards)

There is no third party to the Kim Kardashian-Kanye West divorce rumors. However, Kim has reportedly had enough of her husband from his bipolar disease to his ambition to run for the United States presidency. Meanwhile, Kanye allegedly wanted to divorce Kim for years now, having enough of the Kardashian family.

Kim Hires Celeb Attorney Laura Wassner

The KKW Beauty founder reportedly has had a celebrity attorney on retainer for months now, Dailymail UK reported. Celeb divorce attorney Laura Wassner handled high-net-worth divorce cases like that of Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, Heidi Klum, and Ashton Kutcher.

Wassner is also the divorce attorney who handled the Kim Kardashian Kris Humphries divorce. The ex-couple were married in 2011 for only 72 days. Meanwhile, Kim has been married to Kanye for almost seven years.

ALSO READ: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Proudly Celebrates 6th Wedding Anniversary

Kim Kardashian Wants Full Custody of Kids

Neither the divorce case nor the custody battle has begun as of date. The couple is reportedly still going through counseling. Kardashian is keen on making the best decision for her children before making the final choice of filing for divorce, Elle reported.

Kardashian and West have four children together-North West, 7, Saint West, 5, Chicago West, 2, and Psalm West, 1. The parents are said to be keen on fighting hard for their kids. Meanwhile, Kim reportedly made it clear to Kanye that she wants full custody of their kids. If Kanye fights her, the custody battle is set to be a brutal one.

The "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star is focused on what is best for her kids and will protect them at all cost. While she will always care for the rapper, it is not about their marriage anymore. Kardashian reportedly felt overwhelmed taking care of Kanye. Still, she wants to carefully think the divorce through and not just walk away from it.

Kim is looking to have an amicable settlement and co-parent with Kanye as best as possible. All Kardashian wants now is to focus on law school and raise her kids safely and in a stable environment.

Kim Kardashian Kanye West Separated

Kim and Kanye reportedly had a big fight early in December. The couple was apart for Christmas and did not spend the holidays together as a family. Kardashian was with their kids in California while West stayed at their Wyoming ranch.

The pair is no longer living together and have been living separate lives for months. Kardashian's fans were quick to spot the socialite without her wedding ring in a mirror selfie.

ALSO READ: Khloe Kardashian Might Borrow Sperm From Tristan Thompson to Give True a Sibling

Kanye West Makes Shocking Statements at Presidential Campaign

The Yeezus rapper stirred a commotion during the launch of his presidential campaign in July. He admitted to almost killing their firstborn North when he wanted Kim to have an abortion. The rapper further insinuated that Kim had an inappropriate relationship with Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill. He tweeted that he had been trying to divorce his wife since then.

Meanwhile, Kim reportedly jetted to Wyoming after the event. Kim was photographed breaking down in the car during an emotional conversation with West. Kim reportedly feels very hurt, exhausted, and ignored by Kanye. She reportedly knows for a while now that her marriage with Kanye is over.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention on 9 January. Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi will be the chief guest and deliver the keynote address, the Ministry of External Affairs said in statement on Thursday.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indians, the MEA said in a statement.

"In view of the sentiments of our vibrant diaspora community, the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being organised on January 9, 2021, despite the ongoing COVID pandemic. The Convention will be held in virtual format, as were the PBD Conferences held recently in the run-up to the Convention," it said.

The theme of 16th PBD Convention 2021 is "Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat".

The PBD Convention will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi and will feature a keynote address by the chief guest, the Suriname President. The winners of the online 'Bharat ko Janiye Quiz' for the youth will also be announced.

The Inaugural session will be followed by the two plenary sessions. The first plenary on 'Role of Diaspora in Aatmanirbhar Bharat' will feature addresses by the External Affairs Minister and the Commerce and Industry Minister, while the second plenary on 'Facing Post Covid Challenges - Scenario in Health, Economy, Social and International Relations' will be addressed by the Minister of Health and the Minister of State for External Affairs.

Both plenaries will feature panel discussions inviting eminent diaspora experts.

The finale would be the Valedictory Session where President Ram Nath Kovind will deliver his Valedictory address to mark the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

The names of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees for 2020-21 will also be announced. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards are conferred to select Indian diaspora members to recognise their achievements and honour their contributions to various fields, both in India and abroad.

The Youth PBD will also be celebrated virtually on the theme 'Bringing together Young Achievers from India and Indian Diaspora' on January 8, 2021, and will be anchored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

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A boutique cinema has urged Sydneysiders to wear face masks with a hilarious Star Wars-themed announcement.

The Ritz Cinema in Randwick, in the city's eastern suburbs, placed the message above the theatre doors on Thursday encouraging film buffs to wear masks inside.

'If Darth Vader can wear a mask for 23 years, you can for your movie!' the sign read.

'Masks now mandatory. Keep Sydney safe.'

'If Darth Vader can wear a mask for 23 years, you can for your movie!' the sign read

Darth Vader wears his signature black garb, including a face-concealing helmet, for 23 years until Luke Skywalker finally reveals the villain's mottled head

In the Star Wars franchise, Anakin becomes Darth Vader at the age of 22 and wears his signature black garb, including a face-concealing helmet, until his demise 23 years later when Luke Skywalker finally reveals the villain's mottled head.

Social media users praised the heritage-listed cinema for the creative warning.

'Impressed they got that bit of trivia right. Props to the Ritz for the sign, and the accuracy,' one user wrote.

'Simple but a great way to encourage mask wearing, good on them for going about it the right way,' another shared.

Social media users praised the heritage-listed cinema (pictured) for the creative warning

Someone else pointed out that the famous antagonist was an exemplary mask-wearer, keeping it on even when the rest of his armour was removed.

'He even had a mask on when he spent time in the bacta tank and he took the rest of the suit off,' the insightful social media user said.

The cinema notice comes after premier Gladys Berejiklian made face masks mandatory in all indoor settings from midnight on Monday January 4.

Signs encourage customers to wear face masks at Westfield Bondi Junction on January 3

Infections then leeched in to the greater city region, forcing the premier (pictured on January 2) to make the drastic announcement

It followed a spike in coronavirus cases in Sydney's Northern Beaches that began on December 16.

Infections then leeched in to the greater city region, forcing the premier to make the drastic announcement.

Failure to wear a mask inside a public space or on train stations can result in an on-the-spot $200 fine.

NSW Health reported no new locally-aquired cases in the state on Thursday morning.
Photo taken on Jan. 1, 2021 shows citizens in Wuhan waiting in line to visit the Museum. People's lives rapidly get back on the normal track, since the epidemic has been well-handled.(Zhao Jun/Guangming Picture)

While the virus exacted a devastating toll on America, China's Wuhan, where the Covid-19 virus was first identified, rapidly bounced back from the pandemic, NBC News reported on Dec. 31, 2020.

From last January to March, China has conducted the largest medical support operation since 1949, funneling national resources and mobilizing nearly 43, 000 medical staff into the city, said the report.

"Wuhan, meanwhile, mass tested its entire population of 11 million last year and has recently begun vaccinating key groups in the city." it said.

According to the article, residents in Wuhan said their lives gradually are getting back on the normal track, since the epidemic has been well-handled. They have government authorities to thank for the return of quotidian life.

Benjamin Wilson, an American native who has lived in Wuhan for almost two decades, was quoted as saying that Wuhan is "one of the safest places in the world".

The English teacher added that, there is a stark contrast between his homeland and his adopted home.

"I would be very afraid if I were living in the States," said Wilson, who has stayed in Wuhan during the outbreak of the pandemic. "I didn't really think that I would be where I'm at now, worried more about my family than myself."

US President Donald Trump's administration has been criticized for mismanaging the public health crisis that has defined 2020.

"Trump held mask-free gatherings, appeared to promote unproven virus treatments, and later tested positive himself," said the article.

According to the real-time count kept by Johns Hopkins University, the United States has recorded over 357, 258 deaths so far, more than anywhere else in the world and more than Americans killed in battle during World War II.

For more information, find the original article at https://news.yahoo.com/one-since-coronavirus-emerged-wuhan-124536701.html

[ Editor: WXL ]
Facebook Blocks Trump Until at Least Jan. 20

President Donald Trump will be banned from his Facebook and Instagram accounts until at least Jan. 20, announced Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday.

Zuckerberg, in a post, said Trump will be barred from his accounts for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete.

The White House and the Trump campaign didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

Mike Hahn, director of social media for Trumps campaign, wrote on Twitter that his personal Facebook account was locked for merely having access to Trump pages.

The last thing I posted was about my new puppy (8 days ago). Apparently that deserves a suspension? Also, nobody from Facebook is getting back to us, he added.

Facebooks move came after Twitter deleted two of the presidents tweets and prevented him from using his account for at least 12 hours, according to a statement from the company.

Following the certification of the election results by Congress, the priority for the whole country must now be to ensure that the remaining 13 days and the days after inauguration pass peacefully and in accordance with established democratic norms, Zuckerberg wrote.

He added: We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great. Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete.

Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies at a Senate Judiciary and Commerce Committees Joint Hearing in Washington on April 10, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Zuckerberg said the social media platform removed one of Trumps videos on Wednesday because, according to the Facebook CEO, the president decided to use his platform to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building.

In the video, Trump called on the protesters to go home peacefully, while saying that the Nov. 3 election was fraught with voter fraud. The president also said that we love you, youre very special, and that I know your pain. I know youre hurt.

You have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order. We dont want anybody hurt, he remarked.

Several other White House administration officials, including most members of Congress, condemned the Capitol breach. Throngs of people entered the building as the Joint Session of Congress was being held to certify the Electoral College vote result for President-elect Joe Biden.

Before that, Trump told a group of supporters that people should demonstrate peacefully and patriotically.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a curfew beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, while the National Guard was called in.

Early on Thursday morning, Trump issued a statement via adviser Dan Scavino: Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th. I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
The Covid-19 pandemic is impacting people's mental health. But what helps and hinders people in getting through a lockdown? A new study led by researchers at the University of Basel addressed this question using data from 78 countries across the world. The results hint at the pivots and hinges on which the individual's psyche rests in the pandemic.

At the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, little was known about the impact of population-wide governmental lockdowns. What was known was taken from restricted quarantines of small groups of people. "On the one hand, such drastic changes to daily routines can be detrimental to mental health," explains Professor Andrew Gloster from the University of Basel, co-leader of the study now published in PLOS One. "On the other hand, because the entire population was more or less equally affected during the lockdown, it remained unclear whether this impact would occur."

To address this question, Gloster and his international colleagues conducted an online survey in 18 languages. Almost 10,000 people from 78 countries participated, giving information about their mental health and overall situation during the Covid-19 lockdown.

One in ten respondents reported low levels of mental health - including negative affect, stress, depressive behaviors and a pessimistic view of society. Another 50% had only moderate mental health, which has previously been found to be a risk factor for further complications. These figures are consistent with other studies addressing the impact of the pandemic on mental health.

Lowest levels of well-being in Hong Kong and Italy

Overall, the responses in the different surveyed countries were largely similar. However, although no country emerged as either consistently better or worse across all outcomes, there were some differences. Hong Kong and Turkey reported more stress than other countries; the USA reported more depressive symptoms; and well-being was lowest in Hong Kong and Italy. Participants in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, on the other hand, reported significantly fewer negative emotions (negative affect) than the average level across all countries.

These differences are likely due to a combination of chance, nation-specific responses to the pandemic, cultural differences and factors such as political unrest. Beyond that, they may in part be explained by factors the researchers found to be connected to outcomes. Loss of financial income compared to pre-lockdown levels and not having access to basic supplies were consistently associated with worse outcomes. Factors that consistently improved outcomes were having social support, higher education levels, and being able to respond and adapt flexibly to the situation.

"Public health initiatives should target people without social support and those whose finances worsen as a result of the lockdown. Based on these results, interventions that promote psychological flexibility like acceptance and commitment therapy hold promise when it comes to mitigating the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns," says Gloster. Given the continued fluid development of the pandemic and its economic consequences, attention to people's mental health remains important.

###
PENTICTON, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 6, 2021 / Eastwest Bioscience Inc. (TSXV:EAST) ("Eastwest" or the "Corporation") announces that the Corporation has appointed Ciska Asriel to serve as interim Chief Financial Officer, in addition to her regular duties as Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Asriel will replace Paul Marjerrison as Chief Financial Officer and the Corporation would like to thank Mr. Marjerrison for his dedicated service.

Ciska Asriel is the current Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation. Ms. Asriel has degrees in Economics, Finance and Computer Science with an MBA in International Business. Before joining EastWest as a Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Asriel worked as a consultant, senior analyst and project manager for small companies as well as major firms including Deloitte. Her career experience is with project management, data analysis and business development in industry sectors including information technology, retail franchise operations, automotive franchise operations and insurance, global shipping and most recently software engineering and the development of mobile applications. Ms. Asriel's appointment is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

About EastWest Bioscience Group

EastWest Bioscience is a vertically integrated wellness company with a multitude of business units and assets that allow for a seed-to-sale supply chain management. We source our raw material, process, manufacture, test, brand, market, and distribute our products to our customers in Canada, the United States, and beyond.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EASTWEST BIOSCIENCE INC.

"Rodney Gelineau"

Chief Executive Officer and Director

TSXV - Symbol: EAST

For Further Information

Company Website: www.eastwestbioscience.com

Contact: Rodney Gelineau on 1-800-409-1930 or investors@eastwestscience.com.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the appointment of certain officers. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: management's perceptions of the anticipated timeline in which the new appointment is complete, results of operations, operational matters, historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. 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. The Corporation 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.

SOURCE: Eastwest Bioscience Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623380/Eastwest-Announces-Resignation-of-CFO-and-Appointment-of-Interim-CFO
[January 07, 2021] MITRE Appoints Gerald Gilbert a MITRE Fellow

MITRE named Gerald Gilbert, Ph.D., a MITRE Fellow to expand MITRE's quantum science initiatives. MITRE Fellows are a select group of preeminent scientists in their fields who lead critically important programs. The MITRE Fellows program has a history of deeply impactful work to the nation and world, including the Global Positioning System (GPS) and adaptive signal processing. A 24-year MITRE veteran, Gilbert is the founder of quantum science research at MITRE and principal investigator of MITRE's quantum program. A partnership of leading physics research groups at MITRE, MIT (News - Alert) and Sandia National Labs, the project aims to build the world's first fully universal scalable quantum computer and integrated quantum network. The project is designing and building programmable nano-photonic quantum processors that will be the engines of a scalable universal quantum computer. "Gerry's contributions to MITRE and his field run deep - few people in the world have dedicated their lives to this level of expertise and innovation," said Charles Clancy, chief futurist, senior vice president, and general manager, MITRE Labs. "As a MITR Fellow, Gerry will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, which is mission critical in the race for global competitiveness in quantum science."



Our fellows are given a mandate and resources to develop and lead high-risk scientific or technical initiatives to address national- or global-scale problems. They also serve as subject matter experts and advisors to mission critical programs, officers, and board of trustees. They drive innovation in science and technology, accelerate solutions for the nation's biggest challenges, and deliver on MITRE's pioneering vision. Gilbert is a member of the IEEE Standards Board for Quantum (News - Alert) Technology and has served on the U.S. Defense Science Board and the U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board as an expert on quantum information science. He is co-inventor on five patents in quantum information science and has written or co-authored scientific publications spanning the fields of quantum information science, the theoretical physics of elementary particles, string theory and radar propagation.

Gilbert earned his doctorate in theoretical physics from the University of Texas under Nobel (News - Alert) Laureate Steven Weinberg. Afterward, he held academic research positions at the California Institute of Technology as Weingart Prize Research Fellow in Theoretical Physics, at Cambridge University under Professor Stephen Hawking and the University of Maryland at College Park. Gilbert has been at MITRE since 1996. About MITRE MITRE's mission-driven teams are dedicated to solving problems for a safer world. Through our public-private partnerships and federally funded R&D centers, we work across government and in partnership with industry to tackle challenges to the safety, stability, and well-being of our nation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005759/en/

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-08 04:53:13|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Displaced persons who are returning to Ethiopia's conflict-stricken Tigray region find their homes, government buildings and infrastructure looted and damaged or destroyed, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

Two joint needs assessment missions were deployed on Dec. 20 in Tigray after federal government forces began a military campaign in the northernmost state in early November.

The Southern Tigray mission said that life in Alamata, Mehoni and Mekelle is gradually returning to normalcy with the resumption of some basic services, including electricity and telecommunications, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in a release.

The majority of the displaced people have returned or are in the process of returning to their homes. However, most of their belongings have been looted or destroyed. Besides the looting of private properties, the mission also observed massive damage and/or vandalization of public health centers and the absence of health workers, said OCHA.

According to both assessment missions, food supplies are very limited, and only locally produced food items are available and at increasing prices. Food, security, shelter, non-food items, health, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene are the priority needs identified.

Infrastructure needs to urgently be restored as many buildings, including schools, hospitals and administration offices, have been looted and damaged. Health facilities outside major cities are non-functional and those in the major cities are partially working, with limited to no stock of supplies and absence of health workers, said OCHA.

Since the conflict erupted, only 77,000 people, mostly in the capital city of Mekelle and its surroundings, and 25,000 refugees in two camps received food support from the United Nations and its partners. Access to most parts of northwestern, eastern and central Tigray remains constrained due to the ongoing insecurity and bureaucratic hurdles. Two of the four refugee camps in the region are still not accessible, it said.

The interruption of COVID-19 surveillance and control activities in the region, coupled with mass displacements and overcrowded conditions in displacement setting, is feared to have facilitated massive community transmission. Limited prevention activities have started, including the distribution of 1,200 COVID-19 prevention and hygiene promotion leaflets and personal protective materials, provision of health education and organization of a sanitation campaign in displacement sites in Shire. Additional COVID-19 specific responses are planned by partners, it said.

"We continue to engage with the government for the unrestricted and safe passage of humanitarian personnel and supplies to all parts of Tigray region," said OCHA, which had been negotiating with the federal government for access to the area from virtually the beginning of the conflict in early November. Enditem
The Defense Department has formally activated roughly 6,200 members of the National Guard from six northeastern states to help support the Capitol Police and other law enforcement in Washington in the wake of the deadly riot Wednesday that rocked the U.S. Capitol.

Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller signed orders activating the National Guard from Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland for up to 30 days. A defense official said the goal is to have Guard members help secure the U.S. Capitol and the surrounding area through the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

The Guard members are arriving over the next several days. A total of 6,200 have been activated, but the exact number of troops that will actually get to the city may be less than that, depending on who is available in each state. The Guard wont be armed, but will have riot gear and protective clothing, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to provide troop details.

The orders come a day after angry and armed protesters broke into the U.S. Capitol, forcing Congress members to halt the ongoing vote to certify Bidens election and then flee from the House and Senate chambers.

Four people died, one of them a woman who was shot and killed by police inside the Capitol. Three other people died after suffering medical emergencies related to the breach, said Robert Contee, chief of the citys Metropolitan Police Department.

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Police said 52 people were arrested as of Wednesday night, including 26 on the Capitol grounds. Fourteen police officers were injured, Contee said.

The vote was later completed after the building was cleared, and Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner.
Domestic Disturbance Call Leads to Drug Arrest

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MAYFIELD - A Mayfield man was arrested Wednesday on methamphetamine and marijuana charges.The Mayfield Police Department said officers were called to a home on Pryor Street for a domestic disturbance in progress. When officers arrived, they found 60-year-old Jeff Brand, who told them he was waiting on a ride.Police said Brand was found in possession of marijuana and methamphetamine, and was placed under arrest.Brand was lodged in the Graves County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and tampering with physical evidence.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that terrorists fired on a Pakistani military post from the Afghan side of the border in the Mohmand tribal district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Wednesday night, Xinhua news agency reported.

Islamabad, Jan 7 (IANS) The Pakistan Army said on Thursday that a soldier was killed in firing from across the Afghan border.

Pakistani troops responded promptly and during exchange of fire, but the soldier of the paramilitary Frontier Corps lost his life, the ISPR statement said.

The outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistani security officials said that militants have crossed the border into Afghanistan as a result of major operations in the country's tribal regions.

Pakistan and Afghanistan share a nearly 2,600-km border, mostly porous.

Mohmand, bordering Afghanistan's Kunar province, is one of Pakistan's seven tribal districts, which was once a Taliban stronghold.

--IANS

ksk/
West Palm Beach, FL, Jan. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sterling Organization, a vertically integrated private equity real estate investment firm, has announced the acquisition of Mill Pond Village, a grocery-anchored property located in Sewell, NJ, an affluent suburb approximately 14 miles from downtown Philadelphia. The property was purchased on behalf of Sterling Organizations institutional Fund, Sterling United Properties II, LP (SUP II), from EDENS. Jim Galbally, Chris Munley and Colin Behr of JLL brokered the transaction.

Mill Pond Village is a 94,550-square-foot, 95% occupied shopping center anchored by a highly productive ShopRite grocery store, including a ShopRite Liquors. ShopRite, the dominant grocer in Southern New Jersey, has called Mill Pond Village its home for over 13 years. The property is located in an affluent southeastern Philadelphia suburb that is home to a population base of over 60,000 people earning an average annual household income exceeding $120,000 within a 3-mile radius of the property.

The investment thesis for our SUP series of Funds has always been that investing in and operating defensive assets anchored by market leading grocers will generate consistent and predictable cash flow. Never has this sentiment proven truer than during the devastating and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This category of essential use shopping centers has demonstrated tremendous resiliency in the most difficult of times, said Brian Kosoy, Managing Principal, President and CEO of Sterling Organization. With a high performing grocer as the propertys cornerstone, Mill Pond Village should fit squarely in and be a great addition to the SUP II portfolio. We feel confident that this asset will produce the risk-adjusted returns sought by our investment partners.

This transaction would not have come to fruition without the great folks at EDENS and JLL. We thank them both and look forward to executing on more transactions with each again soon, added Jordan Fried, Senior Managing Director of Investments of Sterling Organization.

With the addition of Mill Pond Village, the West Palm Beach, FL-based firm, along with its principals and investment partners, currently own 68 properties from coast to coast, comprising more than 12 million square feet of primarily retail real estate exceeding $2 billion in value.

###

About Sterling Organization: Sterling Organization is a vertically integrated private equity real estate investment firm whose national platform is focused on investing in consumer-centric real estate assets that serve the LAST HOURTM function within the retail supply chain. Sterling Organizations LAST HOURTM is a combination of services which includes the investment in, planning for, development of, and/or operation of real estate assets and physical networks that include shopping centers, other traditional brick and mortar retail properties, micro-fulfillment centers, logistics facilities and urban distribution centers that focus on and enable the efficient and rapid inventorying and distribution of consumer products to the ultimate customer resulting from their location or proximity to the population base they serve. Sterling Organization is headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL.

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Indian smartphone maker Lava has just announced the new Lava Z1, Lava Z2, Lava Z4 and the Lava Z6 as part of a renewed push for market share in the very competitive and aggressive affordable Android smartphone space in the country. The fact that all devices will be priced under Rs 10,000 but the real talking point, and one that should definitely catch your attention, is the ability to customize your Lava phone. These Lava Z-series phones, once customized, become the MyZ phones. The new Lava phone line-up come at a time when there is an even greater focus on smartphone manufacturing within India as well as the push for Made in India products as part of the larger Make In India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

The way this works is that you head to the Lava Mobiles online store and select the MyZ option to customize your phone as you would want it. And these arent just some cursory design or colour changes or wrapping a different skin on the phone you are buying. Lavas MyZ customizations include the rear camera, front camera, RAM, storage and the colour of the phone. You can choose these while ordering a new phone, but what if you want to upgrade some components of the phone later? Lava says that users can upgrade the RAM and storage in their phones at any time. This upgrade can be done by the Lava service centers and could just be a rather cost-effective alternative to buying a new phone that is either running low on storage as your usage increases, or just doesnt have enough RAM to keep up with multitasking.

At this time under the MyZ umbrella, Lava makes it fairly simple to choose certain components in your new phone, while the other specs are predefined. For instance, the MyZ phone is powered by a Mediatek Helio G35 processor, has a 6.51-inch IPS display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, a 5,000mAh battery and different iterations of Android depending on which storage option you choosethe 2GB RAM storage phones will run Android 10 Go while the 3GB, 4GB and 6GB RAM phones will run the more dynamic Android 10.

If you want to customize, here are your options. The rear camera choices that you have are a 13-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual camera setup or a 13-megapixel + 5-megapixel + 2-megapixel triple camera setup. At each step as you add components, you get an updated price for your phone. You can choose between 3GB, 4G and 6GB RAM options. Your storage options are 32GB, 64GB and 128GB. Front camera choice is between an 8-megapixel or 16-megapixel front camera. A fully loaded Lava MyZ with the triple cameras, 6GB RAM and 128GB storage and in the sophisticated blue colour comes to a total of Rs 10,699.

This rather interesting customization element comes at a time when the affordable Android smartphone space sees aggressive competition among multiple brands, including the likes of Xiaomi and Realme. However, at this time, no other brand offers this specific customization option, particularly for the specifications and components in a phone that you are about to buy. With this unique innovation, we will save customers' money, avoid the hassle of transferring data to a new phone, while ensuring environmental safety and offering protection from e-waste. We firmly align ourselves with the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of Make in India and an Atmanirbhar Bharat with zero defect and zero effect, says Sunil Raina, President and Business head, Lava International. The MyZ phones go on sale January 11 alongside the Lava Z2, Lava Z4 and Lava Z6 phones, and you can customise these now.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Republican and Democratic state officials in Ohio condemned the storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as lawmakers met to certify President-Elect Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

The volatile situation is ongoing, with reports of at least one person shot, and tear gas deployed by Capitol Police.

Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, called the actions of the pro-Trump mob an embarrassment to our country. He said Trump should call on his supporters to leave the Capitol.

The situation at the U.S. Capitol is an embarrassment to our country. This must stop immediately. The President should call for the demonstrators to leave our Capitol Building. The final step in the constitutional process of electing our president has been disrupted.  Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) January 6, 2021

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Jane Timken was among those who responded.

As Americans we have the constitutional right to redress our grievances but not with violence. Whats happening in the Capitol is wrong and not the way forward.  Jane Murphy Timken (@JaneyMurph) January 6, 2021

But Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes, an Akron Democrat, said Timken and other Republicans shared responsibility for the violence.

No. No. No. No. No. You own this Jane. You and the entire party you lead. Save these shallow words for someone else. This is on you and then rest of the republicans who let this crap happen for years. You wanted the glory. Now you take the blame. https://t.co/rzGd9ksc37  Emilia Sykes (@EmiliaSykesOH) January 6, 2021

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, a Republican, said Wednesday is a sad day for America.

Whats going on inside the U.S. Capitol looks like what we would see in a third-world nation. It does not look like America. It is not patriotic. The constitutional peaceful transfer of power is what makes America special. Whats happening right now is a sad day for America.  Jon Husted (@JonHusted) January 6, 2021

State Rep. Casey Weinstein, a Hudson Democrat, called the Trump supporters actions a violent attempt to overthrow our government.

I cannot believe what I am seeing. This is nothing short of a violent attempt to overthrow our government and end our democracy.  Rep. Casey Weinstein (@RepWeinstein) January 6, 2021

Ohio Sen. Matt Dolan, a Chagrin Falls Republican, also said Trump shared in the blame.

The US capitol protest is a failure of leadership. Starting with @realdonaltrump too many so called leaders perpetuated lies about the outcome of the November 2020 election. And the people who trust their leadership believes them. Real leaders lead not manipulate. Truth matters.  Matt Dolan (@ElectMattDolan) January 6, 2021

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, called on the Trump supporters to stand down:

The violence and flagrant disregard of the law at the U.S. Capitol is un-American. It goes against our values as a nation. There's no excuse for it. None.



Those bent on violence and destruction should leave so the work of our elected officials may continue.  Frank LaRose (@FrankLaRose) January 6, 2021

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, a Republican, issued a statement:

I condemn the storming of the Capitol. This is not protest, but lawlessness.



My prayers are with the law enforcement officers trying to restore order.  Dave Yost (@Yost4Ohio) January 6, 2021

Sen. Jay Hottinger, a Newark Republican, said the United States resembles a banana Republic.

Today I mourn for our country as we resemble a banana republic. Pray for our country.  Senator Jay Hottinger (@JayHottinger) January 6, 2021

State Rep. Brian Stewart, a Pickaway County Republican, also denounced the Trump supporters actions.

The occupation of the U.S. Capitol is a disgusting display & a national embarrassment. The GOP Im proud to be a part of has denounced violence & vandalism in cities across America throughout 2020, & well continue to do so regardless of which side is bashing in the windows.  Brian Stewart (@BrianStewartOH) January 6, 2021

From state Rep. Allison Russo, a suburban Columbus Democrat:

I am weeping for our country right now. Please pray for the safety of those staff and lawmakers inside the Capitol right now.  Rep. Allison Russo (@Russo4Ohio) January 6, 2021

In a statement, Ohio House Speaker Bob Cupp, a Lima Republican, said: I strongly condemn the vandalism and violence occurring in our nations capital and across our country. It must end immediately. It dangerously undermines the rule of law. Violence and vandalism are not peaceful protest nor free speech. I urge all Americans to support law enforcement as they work to restore proper order so that constitutional processes can resume.

In a statement, Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman, a Lima Republican, said: Violence and destruction are crimes and never acceptable under the peaceful right to protest provided by the First Amendment. The violence at our nations capitol is unacceptable, and not reflective of the will and intent of our countrys founding fathers.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid skirmishes by Trump supporters.

This post may be updated with additional reactions.

The Associated Press contributed.
A van driver who allegedly struck a teenage pedestrian so hard he was flung 20 metres has been charged while the boy he hit fights for his life.

The 17-year-old was walking with a friend on the footpath before he was allegedly thrown into a brick wall by a grey Kia Carnival on Thursday by a van police say veered across three lanes of the Hume Highway at Casula, south-west Sydney.

The driver, 37, from Leppington, was tested and later charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Teams of paramedics and police work to save a teenager who is fighting for his life after a van allegedly slammed him into a brick wall at Casula on Thursday

The teenage victim was allegedly thrown into the air and hit this brick house (pictured, left) from the footpath by the impact of the collision beside the Hume Highway

The man, who was unharmed, was refused bail and also had his licence suspended at Liverpool Police Station.

Police said he returned negative tests and is due to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Friday.

The teenage victim is in Westmead Hospital with serious head and leg injuries in a critical and unstable condition.

Multiple teams of paramedics and a dozen emergency workers had to navigate the busy road to save the badly injured boy and carefully get him to Westmead Hospital.

The incident caused chaos on the Hume Highway for hours.

Police say investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged horror crash are continuing.

The damage done to the Kia Carnival (pictured) at the scene of the alleged incident
SYRACUSE, N.Y.  The Most Rev. Douglas J. Lucia of the Syracuse Diocese will hold a Holy Hour Wednesday night to help bring peace to our nation after protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol in the day.

The event will be livestreamed from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Downtown Syracuse, starting at 7 p.m.

To view the livestream live on YouTube, click here.
MadridSpanish Minister of Health, Salvador Illa announced that Spain will receive the first doses of the Moderna vaccine next week. Illa claimed the country will have received 600,000 doses mid-February. If deadlines are met, some 5,800 doses will be in Catalonia by next week according to the Catalan Minister of Health, Alba Verges. In an interview with RAC1, Verges noted that they will be used to vaccinate 2,900 people, since - like the Pfizer vaccine - it is also given in two doses. "In total, we expect about 100,000," he said Verges.



State officials will start distributing most of Texas vaccine doses next week to a handful of large pharmacies and hospitals, creating vaccination hubs where more people can get a shot quickly, the Department of State Health Services said Thursday.

Those hubs will receive about 75 percent of the states vaccine allotment next week and could inoculate more than 100,000 people, officials said. The state will release the list of providers by Saturday, after the federal government decides how many doses Texas will receive next week.

The large-scale vaccination model represents a shift in strategy for the state, which so far has allocated a small number of vaccines to roughly 1,000 providers statewide. The new effort, DSHS officials said, will consolidate vaccination sites and provide people, especially vulnerable individuals, with a simpler way to sign up for an appointment.

The department issued a survey to providers earlier this month gauging their ability to operate large-scale community vaccination sites.

Providers participating in the program will post registration phone numbers and websites where people can sign up for a dose. Currently, the state is vaccinating Texans in groups 1A or 1B  health care workers, first responders, nursing home residents, those ages 65 and older, pregnant women and anyone 16 and older who has a pre-existing condition, such as cancer, obesity or sickle cell disease.

In total, both large and small providers statewide will receive about 200,000 more doses next week, according to DSHS. As of Thursday, Texas providers have received more than 1.3 million doses of the vaccine.

In San Antonio, Assistant City Manager Colleen Bridger said she expects about 19,725 doses to arrive in Bexar County next week just for the mass inoculation effort. Asuper small number of other doses will go to a handful of other providers, she said.

Health officials are planning to hold three large-scale vaccination events every week at locations on the North, central and South sides of the city, she said.

Bridger had previously indicated that both the state and Bexar County were moving toward a mass vaccination model, with an early example being one at Wonderland of the Americas mall. There, University Health System has been inoculating about 1,500 people a day, having started on Monday.

Theyre pivoting away from their original model, which was 100 doses (each) to 1,000 providers statewide, Bridger said earlier this week. And now theyre saying, Alright, we want to focus on mass-vaccination clinics, so were going to send 100,000 doses to a handful of providers.

The shift to a mass vaccination model accompanies widespread confusion surrounding the states vaccine rollout, with eligible Texans unsure where to turn to find a dose.

At the end of December, the state had said providers were leaving a significant portion of Texas vaccine allotment on shelves, while pharmacies and hospitals said they had scheduled out all available doses. Those data discrepancies, some of which were attributable to technological errors, only further muddled the publics understanding of the process.

The federal government has approved two vaccines  one by Pfizer, and the other by Moderna. Both are mRNA vaccines and have a 95 percent effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 disease in adults when given as directed in two doses.

For the Pfizer vaccine made with BioNTech, the second dose comes 21 days after the first one. Moderna's second dose is 28 days later.

Only about 322 Bexar County residents have received both doses as of Wednesday. That leaves more than 39,000 people in the San Antonio area  mostly front-line health care workers and nursing home residents  still in need of the second dose to get full protection against the coronavirus.

Statewide, more than 527,000 Texans have received their first dose, and nearly 14,000 people are fully vaccinated.

Providers are not responsible for reserving second doses for their patients; instead, the federal government is keeping track of that supply and will provide the doses when they are ready to be administered. This week, Texas providers received more than 325,000 first doses and nearly 225,000 second doses, according to DSHS.

Local officials are counting on federal leaders to continue following through on those allocations.

So far, they have kept their promise, said Dr. Robert Leverence, chief medical officer for UT Health San Antonio, the citys largest medical school. (It) does cause some anxiety, though.

Staff writer Brian Chasnoff contributed reporting.



Bengaluru, Jan 8 : Maintaining the trend, with 812 people have discharged in a day, recoveries were more than 761 new Covid cases in Karnataka, said the state health bulletin on Thursday.

"With 812 patients discharged in the day, recoveries rose to 9,03,629 so far, while 761 new cases on Wednesday increased the state's Covid tally to 9,24,898, including 9,119 active cases," said the bulletin.

With only seven succumbing to the infection, the state's death toll rose to 12,131 since the pandemic outbreak on March 8.

Bengaluru registered 399 new cases, taking its Covid tally to 3,91,184, including 5,622 active cases, while recoveries increased to 3,81,220, with 451 discharged during the last 24 hours.

The virus claimed five lives during the day, taking the city's death toll to 4,341.

Out of 205 patients in the intensive care units (ICUs) across the state, 89 are in Bengaluru hospitals, 13 in Tumakuru and 12 in Kalaburagi district.

Of the 1,29,763 tests conducted in the day, 10,377 were through rapid-antigen detection and 1,19,386 through RT-PCR method.

Of the 4,238 UK returnees since December 9, only 40 tested Covid positive along with 25 of their primary contacts, while 11 of them with the UK virus strain.

"Positivity rate for the day was 0.58 per cent and case fatality rate 0.91 per cent for the day across the state," added the bulleting.
Western Australias mid-sized travel agents look set to go to the wall after a known flaw in the rollout of a $128 million federal government package will end up paying out less than the state governments $3 million contribution.

After a bleak year of running at substantial losses of about $65,000 each, Attadale Travel owner Christine Ross and Global Travels Solution owner Jo Francis were absolutely ecstatic about the Commonwealth pledge, which offered them their last vestige of hope for survival going into 2021.

WA travel agents Christine Ross, left, and Jo Francis say their businesses won't survive if the federal government doesn't urgently revise the roll out of $128 million in aid.

It promised to ensure a mid-sized small business agent with a turnover of $5 million would receive about $50,000 to try and cover the expenses theyve already paid to date and to half make it through to next July.

It's supposed to be measured on the size of your agency as the support level because the expectation is that you have greater overheads and number of staff and expenses, Ms Ross said.
Democrats Lead in One of Two US Senate Runoffs Crucial to Bidens Agenda
(TNS)  Suspected Russian hackers broke into the Department of Justices email system and may have also compromised the U.S. federal judiciarys electronic filing and case management system, authorities said on Wednesday.The intrusions are part of a massive cyberattack that utilized malicious code implanted in Orion software by Texas-based SolarWinds Corp., which is widely used in government and the private sector for network management.In late December, the Justice Department learned of previously unknown malicious activity linked to the global SolarWinds incident that has affected multiple federal agencies and technology contractors, among others, Justice Department spokesman Marc Raimondi said Wednesday in a statement. He added that hackers were able to access the Departments Microsoft Corp. Office 365 email accounts.At this point, the number of potentially accessed O365 mailboxes appears limited to around 3% and we have no indication that any classified systems were impacted, Raimondi said. The Department of Justice, which found the hack on Dec. 24, has eliminated the identified method by which the actor was accessing the 0365 email environment, according to a statement.The judiciarys electronic filing and case management system suffered an apparent compromise, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts said Wednesday. A spokesperson for the Administrative Office said the incident was tied to the broader SolarWinds-related hacks.The federal courts are working with the Department of Homeland Security on an audit of the system, Administrative Office Director James Duff said in a memo distributed to federal courts. The federal courts suspended all national and local use of the Orion IT tool after the Department of Homeland Security issued a directive about the breach in December, according to an AO statement.Going forward highly sensitive documents will have to be submitted to the courts on paper or on a secure electronic device. Each court will make its own determination about which documents are highly sensitive.The hack targeted updates in SolarWindss Orion software, and the company has said as many as 18,000 customers may have received the malicious code. However, in a joint statement by intelligence agencies and the FBI on Tuesday, the U.S. officials said they believe the number of organizations that were actually targeted for follow-on activity, meaning further intrusions by the hackers, was far smaller.The officials said fewer than 10 government agencies fell into that category. They also said Russia was likely behind the attack.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Former US Secretary of State, George P. Shultz, who celebrated his 100th birthday on December 13, 2020, holds the first annual "Voices Youth Award" named in his honor and also in honor of Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the USSR. It will be presented to youth activist Kehkashan Basu of Toronto, Canada.

Former US Secretary of State, George P. Shultz, holds the first Voices Youth Award named in his honor and also in honor of Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the USSR. Photo Credit: David Fedor. Youth Activist Kehkashan Basu of Toronto, Canada, the first recipient of the Voices Youth Award."

A new international youth peace award for nuclear disarmament is bridging an eighty-year age gap between its first recipient and one of the two elder statesmen to whom it is dedicated. Former US Secretary of State, George P. Shultz, celebrated his 100th birthday on December 13, 2020. Kehkashan Basu, the first recipient of the "Voices Youth Award," is 20 years old.

Shultz and US President Ronald Reagan came close to an agreement with Gorbachev at the 1986 Reykjavik Summit in Iceland to abolish nuclear weapons. Shultz and Gorbachev have remained friends and are honored together for their "Nuclear Weapons Legacy."

The selection of Kehkashan Basu to receive the first annual "Voices Youth Award" was a part of this year's commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in August 1945. She received the newly minted award on January 6, 2021.

Basu has been an advocate for the rights of children and young people since the age of 12. She is the founder and president of Green Hope Foundation, an initiative that promotes peace, nuclear disarmament and sustainable development through education.

Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons is part of United Religions Initiative (URI) the largest grassroots interfaith network in the world: building bridges of compassion and understanding between people of different religious and cultural traditions. URI currently has 1,056 Cooperation Circles in 112 countries with over one million members. Every year URI impacts over 50 million people globally.

Nominations are being invited for the Second Annual "Voices Youth Award" from individuals or organizations promoting the abolition of nuclear weapons. Submission guidelines will be available on January 28, 2021 on the Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons website, www.voices-uri.org. The winner of the. Second Annual "Voices Youth Award" will be selected and announced by August 1, 2021 ahead of the anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings on August 6 and 9.

For more information: Julie Schelling

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.voices-URI.org

SOURCE Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons (URI)

Related Links

https://www.voices-uri.org/


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Protests against President Donald Trump and Republicans happened in Houston Thursday following the deadly insurrection of the U.S. Capitol.

Hey hey, ho ho, Ted Cruz has got to go, chanted a group of Houston activists around noon in front of the Leland Federal Building at 1919 Smith Street.

Around a dozen people gathered, some with signs that read, Remove Traitors, 25th Amendment and Trump lost, fascists get out.

Now Playing: Video: Laura Duclos

Drivers honked repeatedly as they passed the downtown skyscraper housing Sen. Ted Cruzs office, where the protestors stood. Most of them called for the senator's resignation following his support of an amendment challenging Arizonas electoral results on Wednesday.

There are politicians that work to divide us rather than to unite us, and we saw the culmination of that yesterday, said Brent Sullivan, with the environmental group Extinction Rebellion.

A slightly larger crowd gathered at 1 p.m. in the same location for an emergency demonstration against Trump supporters disruption of Congress. The Houston Socialist Movement, Houston United Front against Fascism and People's New Black Panther Party organized the event.

Similar to the earlier protest, activists also called for Cruzs resignation. One woman wore a sign that read Stacey help us, referencing Georgia politician Stacey Abrams recent success in helping elect two Georgia Democrats to the U.S. Senate.

Sara Hart joined the event along with roughly 20 others, most of whom also supported an invocation of the 25th Amendment for Trump.

I support the future I want to happen, she said. I want him out, if thats possible.

This is an independent working class political action, unaffiliated with either major political party or politicians, reads a statement from the group who organized the mid-day protest. Workers, oppressed people, and democratic-minded people will not allow Trump and his minions to stage a coup, and we will not accept the rise of fascism in this country.

Another group is gathering to promote unity at 5 p.m. on the front steps of City Hall at 901 Bagby St.

We need unity of all working people, progressives, community groups, labor unions, and socialists to send the far right packing, a statement from organizers reads.

The Houston Socialist Alternative, which is organizing the rally, also said in the statement that the difference in police response to the riot by Trump supporters compared to George Floyd and Black Lives Matter demonstrations is another reason to organize.

Over the summer, police and the National Guard in Minneapolis, Houston, and around the country shot rubber bullets and tear gas at working people demonstrating against racism and police brutality, but today Trump supporters storming the Congressional Chambers met hardly any resistance, the statement says.

A multi-church candlelight vigil and prayer for healing is planned for 6 p.m. at the Good Shepherd parking lot at 20155 Cypresswood Dr. in Cypress.

On Wednesday, hundreds of people expressed interest in attending an event called "Occupy The Capitol for Trump - Austin" advertised on Facebook. Around 700 to 800 people showed up to the pro-Trump demonstration, according to media reports, and no arrests were made. Out of caution, the Texas Capitol was closed to the public on Wednesday. It reopened on Thursday.

Other pro-Trump rallies have been planned for later this month in the Houston region. More than 150 people expressed interest on Facebook in a Trump 2020 Victory Cruise Rally in Baytown.

hannah.dellinger@chron.com

samantha.ketterer@chron.com
Albany, N.Y.  Members of New Yorks National Guard are being sent to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks, at the request of U.S. National Guard officials.

For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively, Cuomo said in a statement.

The presidents supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden.

READ MORE:

Rep. John Katko: Trump must take more forceful stand over violence at Capitol

Anthony Brindisi: Trump incited violent insurrection, attack on our democracy

Twitter locks Trumps account after tweet appearing to justify Capitol violence

Trump is unfit to lead. Remove him now (Editorial)
HORRY COUNTY  With tax refunds and stimulus money appearing in bank accounts soon, Santee Cooper is asking for the public to be aware of scammers attempting to take advantage.

The electric utility's customers recently were greeted to a robocall system, unbeknownst to them, after dialing the company's main telephone number.

"If the customer hit '1' they were directed to a person, where they were asked for their personal information and given a made-up balance," according to the company.

Any questioning of the scammer led to a threat of a power cut-off and customers were given an option of paying with a gift card.

Santee Cooper said that recipients of these types of calls are usually asking to pay with that form of currency because they can't be traced back to return any money lost.

"We will never ask you to pay with a pre-paid gift card," the company said. "A pre-paid, third-party payment card request is a red flag. These cards are used to hide the identity of the recipient. Also, it is very difficult to stop the process once the serial number on the card has been entered."

Another red flag is that the scammer usually calls outside of business hours while Santee Cooper said that isn't in their policy.

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"Scammers will use off-hours so the customer cannot make a 'verification call' to the actual company during business hours," the company said. "Anytime someone has called you demanding immediate payment, hang up and call us directly. Do not call a number provided by the caller."

Santee Cooper said they "will never demand payment over the phone."

They also remind customers to never give personal information out over the phone when they "are not the one who made contact."

The company said these calls come in "waves."

While reports have slowed down since Christmas, they say law enforcement expects another wave in mid-January.

"We encourage anyone who gets a phone call from someone claiming to be a company, or demanding payment or personal information, to double check who the caller may be," Horry County Police PIO Mikayla Moskov said. "You can do so by ending the call without providing the information requested, and then calling the alleged company or individual back at an officially recognized number."
World leaders on Wednesday expressed their shock as supporters of US President Donald Trump stormed here the US Capitol building where Congress meets in an attempt to overturn the results of the Nov. 3 election won by Joe Biden.

Here are reactions from around the world:

UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "saddened" by the events at the US Capitol, his spokesman said.

"In such circumstances, it is important that political leaders impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence, as well as to respect democratic processes and the rule of law," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

SWEDEN

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven in a tweet described the scenes as "an attack on democracy". "President Trump and many members of Congress bear significant responsibility for what's now taking place. The democratic process of electing a president must be respected."

UNITED KINGDOM

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a tweet called the events in the US Congress a "disgrace", saying the United States stood for democracy around the world and that was it was "vital" now that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.

GERMANY

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said democracy's enemies would be cheered by scenes of violence at the United States Capitol, and he called on Trump to accept US voters' decision.

In a tweet, Maas said the violence had been caused by inflammatory rhetoric. "Trump and his supporters must accept the decision of American voters at last and stop trampling on democracy."

RUSSIA

"Quite Maidan-style pictures are coming from DC," Russia's deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy posted on Twitter, referring to protests in Ukraine that toppled Russian-backed President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovich in 2014.

"Some of my friends ask whether someone will distribute crackers to the protesters to echo Victoria Nuland stunt," he said, citing a 2013 visit to Ukraine when then-US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland offered food to protesters.

AUSTRALIA

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the scenes in Washington as "distressing." "We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition," he posted on Twitter.

NATO

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called the violent protests in Washington "shocking scenes" and said the outcome of the democratic US election must be respected.

SPAIN

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a tweet: "I am following with concern the news that are coming from Capitol Hill in Washington. I trust in the strength of America's democracy.

"The new Presidency of @JoeBiden will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people."

CANADA

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his concern about events in Washington. "Obviously we're concerned and we're following the situation minute by minute," Trudeau told the News 1130 Vancouver radio station. "I think the American democratic institutions are strong, and hopefully everything will return to normal shortly."

Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on Twitter: "Canada is deeply shocked by the situation in Washington DC. The peaceful transition of power is fundamental to democracy - it must continue and it will. We are following developments closely and our thoughts are with the American people."

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Twitter: "Democracy - the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob. Our thoughts are with everyone who is as devastated as we are by the events of today. I have no doubt democracy will prevail."

FINLAND

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said in a statement: "The attack on Capitol Hill in Washington DC is a very serious and worrying matter. It shows how important it is to firmly and strongly defend democracy at all times."

TURKEY

Turkey's foreign ministry issued a statement expressing concern about the violence and called for calm and common sense while urging its citizens to avoid crowds and the protest area.

FRANCE

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Twitter: "The violence against the American institutions is a grave attack on democracy. I condemn it. The will and the vote of the American people must be respected."

EUROPEAN UNION

Charles Michel, chairman of EU leaders, on Twitter expressed his shock at the scenes in Washington. "The US Congress is a temple of democracy...We trust the US to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to @JoeBiden"

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "I believe in the strength of US institutions and democracy. Peaceful transition of power is at the core. @JoeBiden won the election. I look forward to working with him as the next President of the USA."

VENEZUELA

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted: "Venezuela expresses its concern for the violent events that are taking place in the city of Washington, USA; condemns the political polarization and hopes that the American people will open a new path toward stability and social justice."

NORWAY

Norwegian Prime Minster Erna Solberg posted on Twitter: "This is an unacceptable attack on the US democracy. President Trump is responsible for stopping this. Scary images, and unbelievable that this is happening in the United States."

IRELAND

Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney called the scenes in Washington "a deliberate assault on Democracy by a sitting President & his supporters, attempting to overturn a free & fair election! The world is watching! We hope for restoration of calm."

ARGENTINA

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez tweeted: "We express our condemnation of the serious acts of violence and the affront to Congress that occurred today in Washington DC. We trust that there will be a peaceful transition that respects the popular will and we express our strongest support for President-elect Joe Biden."

Also read: Lawlessness, violence at US Capitol 'antithesis of democracy': Pichai

Also read: Guns and teargas in U.S. Capitol as Trump supporters attempt to overturn his loss

Also read: Trump supporters storm US Capitol, National Guard deployed

Industry body Noida Entrepreneurs Association (NEA) on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prioritise labourers working in the MSME sector for Covid-19 vaccine and provide them the jabs free of cost.

In a letter to the prime minister, the city-based NEA, which has over 6,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) as members, cited media reports that claim that the vaccine may cost anything between Rs 200 and Rs 1,000.

In the letter, NEA President Vipin Malhan said the MSME sector employs lakhs of labourers who are aged below 50 years and earn around Rs 15,000 a month.

These labourers make an important contribution for the country, work on daily wages and work day and night to manage a living for themselves and their families, Malhan said.

He added that an amount of Rs 1,000 for the vaccine will be a big sum for them to bear.

It is requested to you that people working in registered companies in the MSME sector and those dependent on them should be given a priority in vaccination, he urged the prime minister.

They could be given the vaccination by the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) or any other institution free of cost, Malhan added.

The Drugs Controller General of India has approved Oxfords Covid-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, and Bharat Biotechs indigenously developed Covaxin for restricted emergency use in the country.
National Guard troops patrol the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. (John Moore/Getty Images)

US Capitol Police Investigating Killing of Ashley Babbitt; Family Speaks Out

The U.S. Capitol Police is investigating the killing of a woman who entered the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6 during a joint session of Congress.

These individuals actively attacked United States Capitol Police Officers and other uniformed law enforcement officers with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants, and took up other weapons against our officers. They were determined to enter into the Capitol Building by causing great damage, the police forces chief, Steven Sund, said on Jan. 7 in a statement.

As the individuals forcing their way toward the House chamber, where members of Congress were sheltering in place, a sworn U.S. Capitol Police employee discharged their service weapon, striking an adult female, Sund said.

The female was later identified as Ashley Babbitt (also spelt Ashli), a U.S. Air Force veteran, Sund said. She was 35. Medical assistance was given to Babbitt before she was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead, Sund said.

The U.S. Capitol Police employee who discharged their weapon was placed on administrative leave pending a joint investigation with the Metropolitan Police Department into the matter. Video footage showed a male firing his weapon and striking her.

Police Chief Robert Contee III told reporters during a press conference on Jan. 7 that his department is handling the probe into the death. Three additional deaths took place on Capitol grounds, but their circumstances werent detailed.

Babbitts family members said theyre seeking answers about what happened.

A social media selfie photo shows Ashli Babbitt. (Twitter/Ashli Babbitt)

No one has contacted us, a family member told the San Diego Union-Tribune. No official person has gotten back to us despite the many phone calls.

Babbitts ex-husband, Timothy McEntee, stated that she was a wonderful woman with a big heart and a strong mind, according to the Washington Examiner.

I am in a state of shock and feel absolutely terrible for her family, McEntee said. She loved America with all her heart. Its truly a sad day.

McEntee, who was married to Babbitt for 14 years, said they served in the U.S. Air Force together.

[I] immediately knew it was her, but was unaware she was in town, so I initially had doubts because she lives in California, McEntee said. But [I] reached out to a friend, and he said she was in town for the rally.

In the statement, Sund said the breach of the Capitol by protesters was unprecedented.

Make no mistakethese mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior, Sund said

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
Diane Dodds said the 10.6 million covers the period of July to September when the rest of hospitality was allowed to open (Liam McBurney/PA)

Closed pubs which do not serve food are to receive more than 10m support for the lost summer months.

'Wet bars' were required to remain shut for longer than other businesses as pandemic restrictions eased during the summer.

The 10.6m covers the period of July to September, when the rest of hospitality was allowed to open.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds said: "Our hospitality industry has been hugely impacted as a result of Covid health regulations and amongst those hardest hit are those traditional pubs only serving alcohol.

"These establishments have been required to remain closed for longer than other businesses and been unable to trade."

Rollout of the scheme will commence next week.

Qualifying wet pubs will be identified by the department from a list of recipients of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme provided by Land and Property Services.

Businesses will be asked to supply supporting information to ensure all recipients are correctly identified and to minimise the risk of fraud and error.

Once applications are verified payments will be made as soon as possible thereafter.

Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, said: "The harsh reality is that since March last year non-food traditional pubs have only been able to open for 23 out of a total of a potential 290 trading days, and under severe restrictions at that.

"Those that have been able to survive this far have been lucky, many will never open their doors again."

He said the funding will help offset debt.

"The cost of having the doors shut, no trade, but still having to keep businesses alive has had such a negative financial impact on owners," he added.

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson welcomed the support scheme but said the delay had been a "long and distressing process".

Mr Dickson said it had come too late for many.

"The idea of a financial support scheme for those 'wet pubs' is a welcome one, and one which is completely necessary," he said.

"However, the range of support schemes brought forward by the Department for the Economy have been categorised by delay and this is another example. This long and distressing process for all has led to some pubs which closed their doors not being able to open them again at all.

"Whilst closures have been necessary due to the ongoing public health crisis, it has risked devastation throughout the industry, putting many jobs at risk.

"The slowness in getting the department's financial support schemes out to help people has only compounded that."

Belfast Telegraph


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Locked-down Britons slammed actress Priyanka Chopra tonight as she and her mother were let off attending a hair salon after saying it was for a film - as officers were seen stopping normal members of the public for less.

The Indian actress, 38, was seen by officers after they discovered her attending an appointment at the Josh Wood Colour salon in Notting Hill.

Tonight it emerged they had escaped a fine after showing police paperwork stating the hair colouring session was for a film.

A spokesperson for the actress said: 'Following government guidance, Priyanka Chopra Jonas hair was coloured by Josh Wood for the purpose of the film she is currently shooting.

'The salon was opened privately for the production and everyone involved had been tested and followed both the DCMS working guidelines and the film production regulations.

'As per Film London and current government advice, by continuing to follow the approved COVID-19 guidance, Film and TV production can continue in the Capital and locations can continue to accommodate shoots and recces that are carried out in-line with the guidance.'

Priyanka Chopra was seen on Wednesday evening when police found her attending the Josh Wood Colour salon in Notting Hill

The Indian actress, 38, who is currently living in London with her husband Nick Jonas, 28, was pictured arriving at the shop

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are married and are currently living in London, which is under strict lockdown with the UK

Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle are close friends and she attended the royal wedding to Harry

Priyanka is currently living in London with her husband Nick Jonas, 28, and was pictured arriving at the shop alongside her mother Madhu before two police officers arrived in a squad car and appeared to order the customers out.

The pictures sparked disbelief from members of the public who have been subject to increasingly tight lockdown rules.

Fans turned on the star today, questioning online if she thought she was above the rules.

One directly contacted her on Twitter, asking Why are you and your mum pictured at a salon getting your hair done when it's against the rules in the UK right now??!!

Why are the rules different for you, who do you think you are?

Sarah Nichols said: Getting so fed up with celebrities thinking they don't have to do this lockdown like the rest of us.

Why should Priyanka Chopra be able to get her hair done. Why does some swanky London salon think it's above the rules. GRRRRRRR

Another added: Why should Priyanka think she is above the law and flout the regulations? Selfish beyond belief. I hope Josh Wood her stylist gets 10k fine.

A spokesperson for the Met Police told MailOnline: 'Police were alerted at around 17:40hrs on Wednesday, 6 January to reports of a Covid breach taking place within a hairdressers on Lansdowne Mews, Notting Hill.

'Officers attended and the owner of the salon was given a verbal reminder of the important need to comply with all regulations regarding Covid-19 and signposted to sources of advice. No fixed penalty notices were issued.'

In attendance: The police were seemingly tipped off about the salon's opening

Touching down: The squad car arrived during Priyanka's appointment

Rules: Government guidelines on hair salons in lockdown state: 'Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty, tanning and nail salons. Tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services must also close. These services should not be provided in other peoples homes'

Members of the public were infuriated at seeing the actress going for a hair appointment when others are unable to visit

Law on hairdressers closing during Englands third lockdown All personal care facilities across England such as hair, beauty, tanning and nail salons had to close under the third national lockdown which became law at 0.01am yesterday. Tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services also had to close. Government guidance adds that these services should not be provided in other peoples homes. The applicable law is the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 3) and (All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021. There is no exemption set out within the law for hair salons opening for private appointments. Before the lockdown, hair salons were allowed to open in regions operating in tier one, two or three of local restrictions  but had to shut in tier four areas. However there is an exception for a business providing services which incorporate personal care services and treatments required by those with disabilities. Advertisement

On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the UK was being plunged into national lockdown with immediate effect, meaning the visit was an apparent blatant violation of the rules, which state that business owners could be fined up to 10,000 for breaking the rules.

Government guidelines on hair salons in lockdown state: 'Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty, tanning and nail salons. Tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services must also close. These services should not be provided in other peoples homes'.

Despite the new rules, Priyanka still made her way to the salon.

Before arriving, she wrapped up in a warm winter coat as she walked with her mother, who was walking along with Priyanka's beloved dog, Diana, a chihuahua mix, that often features on her social media accounts.

When the pair, alongside an aide were inside the shop, the police arrived in their squad car and stood at the door speaking to those inside the salon, before Priyanka then headed out shortly with a bag of Josh Wood goodies.

On Monday, Britons were warned they 'should expect more enforcement' from police under the new lockdown. John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, predicted there would be more fines handed out and less tolerance from officers as there are 'no excuses' for not knowing the rules this time.

But he also warned police could be cast as 'villains of the pandemic' as they bear the brunt of the public's lockdown fatigue and frustration. Mr Apter said the record number of fines handed out on New Year's Eve demonstrated that increasing numbers of young people were prepared to break the rules.

Coming and going: A spokesperson for the Met Police told MailOnline: 'Police were alerted at around 17:40hrs on Wednesday, 6 January to reports of a Covid breach taking place within a hairdressers on Lansdowne Mews, Notting Hill.

Arrival: On Monday, Britons were warned they 'should expect more enforcement' from police under the new lockdown. John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, predicted there would be more fines handed out and less tolerance from officers as there are 'no excuses' for not knowing the rules this time

Hundreds of partygoers were slapped with fines of up to 10,000. Mr Apter said, after almost a year of enforcing Covid restrictions, many officers are 'knackered'.

He added of the lockdown: 'It will be easier for police to have one consistent rule for people to follow across the whole country, which means it is easier for people to understand and comply with what is expected of them....

'People should expect to see more enforcement as a consequence because there really are no excuses for not knowing the rules this time.

'But, where it is different from March is we now have a hardcore element who are against the rules. We have anti-lockdown, anti-vaccine protests to deal with and... crime levels have increased from March. The majority of the public will do what is expected of them, but I think there is a real issue over virus and lockdown fatigue...

'There is a real frustration and the police often deal with the sharp end of that as people are angry when challenged.' He added: 'More and more people are dying and we have to play our part in bringing infection rates under control.

'The public will expect the police to act against those wilfully breaking the rules and putting others at risk.'

Celebrity stylist: Josh Wood was in attendance at his salon and was scolded by police but not given a fine

Off out: Priyanka wrapped up in a warm winter coat as she walked with her mother, who was walking along with Priyanka's beloved dog, Diana, a chihuahua mix, that often features on her social media accounts

All white? Priyanka and Joe are currently residing in the UK capital while she films her new movie Text For You, which the boy band star was seen filming a cameo for last month

Priyanka and Joe are currently residing in the UK capital while she films her new movie Text For You, which the boy band star was seen filming a cameo for last month.

The stylist frequently colours Priyanka's hair and in November, she shared a selfie whilst getting her hair styled by Josh with the caption 'finishing touches' while shooting her upcoming movie.

Text For You follows a young woman as she grieves the tragic loss of her fiance and decides to send romantic messages to his old phone number.

Out and about: She was joined by her mother Madhu, with whom she is famously close

Comfort: She sported a tracksuit and warm coat and grabbed a takeaway coffee

As she does so, the woman begins to form an attachment to the man who the phone number was reassigned to, and who is also struggling with a similar heartbreak. The pair meet and can't deny the connection they feel with one another, and decide to give love another chance.

Priyanka takes on the lead role in the film and stars in it alongside Highlander star Sam Heughan, while her other co-stars include Celine Dion, Russell Tovey, and Omid Djalili.

Celine is set to also write and sing music for the film, which will also serve as a catalyst in the couple's budding relationship. The film is an English remake of the German film SMS Fur Dich, which itself is based on the novel of the same name by Sofie Cramer.

On hand: The police were seen entering the building before the attendees departed
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SARATOGA SPRINGS  Saratoga County officials say they are working with the state to trace all potential exposures that a jewelry store employee had with others, after it was revealed Monday that he had the state's first case of a more contagious coronavirus variant first detected in the United Kingdom.

The state swabbed and tested five more people associated with the N. Fox Jewelers store in Saratoga Springs on Monday. Four of them tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, but further testing was underway Tuesday to determine whether they were infected with the new B117 variant, the county said. Of the four who tested positive, three were previously known to be positive, and one had been ill and isolating before learning of their test result, the county said.

No additional people had tested positive for the variant as of Tuesday evening, the county said.

"It concerns us, in a sense," said Mike McEvoy, EMS coordinator for the county, during a Facebook Live event Tuesday. "If there is a widespread outbreak of (the variant) we would have more people ill in a community faster and our capacity to take care of those people in public health and in the hospitals could potentially be compromised."

The variant was first detected in the UK last fall, and has since been identified in California, Colorado, Florida and 37 countries. While scientists estimate the variant is anywhere from 40 to 70 percent more infectious than the last one, they say it does not appear to be more lethal and is unlikely to change the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines currently being rolled out.

A 'game changer'

The variant's arrival comes at a perilous time for the region, state and nation, though.

The Capital Region is already dealing with record-breaking infections and hospitalizations that show no signs of slowing, hospital capacity nationwide is dwindling, and vaccine rollout to much of the general public is still months away. In the Capital Region, ICU capacity remains the lowest in the state at 16 percent Tuesday. Area hospital officials say they have begun drawing on non-clinical and agency staff to increase their bed capacity.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Tuesday the variant's arrival in New York constitutes a new, serious danger and could be a "game changer."

"The numbers are frightening on the increase of the transmittal of the virus," he said. "This is something we have to watch and we have to pay careful attention to."

The new variant upsets the dynamic between vaccinations versus infection rate that Cuomo has compared to a "footrace" and "the light at the end of the tunnel"  meaning it could lead to extra deaths as New Yorkers await their turn to receive the inoculations that will bring an end to this pandemic.

Eli Rosenberg, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University at Albany, said a more contagious virus may mean that governments need to raise their bar for vaccine coverage. Experts have said anywhere from 75 to 85 percent of the population will need to be vaccinated against coronavirus for any meaningful level of herd immunity to be achieved.

"Theres this classic mathematical relationship between transmissibility and herd immunity," Rosenberg said. "And basically as something spreads more easily you need to have higher coverage for herd immunity... if this becomes the (dominant) strain, then the bar is moved on vaccine coverage."

On Tuesday, Cuomo encouraged anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the variant while visiting the Saratoga Springs jewelry store, located at 404 Broadway, between Dec. 18 and Dec. 24 to schedule a test. The state set up a free test site just for patrons of the store in the Saratoga Spa State Park, located at 99 E. West Road in Saratoga Springs.

Patrons can register here. The site will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until Friday.

Anyone who was exposed, anyone who was exposed to someone who was exposed, please contact us," Cuomo said, speaking directly to people who live in the Capital Region. "Theres nothing to be ashamed of, this is a virus. It travels, but we have to know. Containment is vitally important here.

Not just a Capital Region problem

While the new variant was first identified in Saratoga Springs, it's unlikely the problem is confined to the Saratoga or even broader Capital Region, said Rosenberg.

"All of this with the Saratoga case, with the UK cases  you have to remember that theyre all based on small samples," he said. "So for every one were detecting, theres a whole lot were not."

Detecting specific strains of coronavirus is an involved and time-consuming process that involves sequencing an entire genome. The U.S. has been criticized for not sequencing enough samples throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week said it hopes to more than double the number of samples being sequenced each week from about 3,000 to 6,500.

In New York, the state's Wadsworth Laboratory and private laboratories have sequenced nearly 5,000 random coronavirus samples since March, said Jonah Bruno, a spokesperson for the state Department of Health. The pace of sequencing picked up in December, as the transmissibility of the UK variant was making headlines.

Of the more than 1,600 samples Wadsworth has sequenced so far, 870 have occurred since Dec. 23, Bruno said.

"As part of an expanded effort to determine to what extent the variant from the UK is present in New York state, hospitals and clinical laboratories from across the state are submitting COVID-19 specimens to the Wadsworth Center, and Wadsworth has dramatically increased the number of samples it is sequencing," he said.

The increase is not nearly dramatic enough for the number of positive COVID-19 tests that turn up every day in New York, however. That number has crossed 10,000 for 21 of the last 30 days, according to the state's COVID-19 tracker.

"Were testing a fraction of what is coming up positive every day in New York," said Rosenberg, referring to the sequencing efforts.

"So I think its unlikely that its restricted to Saratoga or the Capital Region or what have you," he added.

State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker on Tuesday said that the state's Wadsworth Lab is able to detect the UK variant in about 44 hours, which is much quicker than other labs.

"I will note that we do this a lot quicker, a lot more efficiently than the federal government," he said. "The CDC takes a lot longer than that, and other states have reported it takes several weeks to get results back from the federal government. So were moving very quickly on this, regarding the samples that have come, to see whether the other individuals had the UK strain or have the UK strain."

Edward McKinley and Lauren Stanforth contributed to this report.
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A Chinese doctor has caused controversy after calling the country's COVID-19 vaccine 'the most unsafe in the world'.

Dr Tao Lina, a vaccine expert from Shanghai, pointed out to his 4.8million social media followers on Tuesday that the jab developed by Beijing's state-run drugmaker Sinopharm had 73 side effects.

After his remarks were widely reported outside mainland China, the medical worker today denied having criticised the vaccine and denounced foreign media outlets for 'twisting' and 'exploiting' his words.

Dr Tao Lina (left), a vaccine expert from Shanghai, apologised to his fellow countrymen on Thursday after calling the COVID-19 jab developed by China's state-run Sinopharm (right) 'the most unsafe in the world'. Dr Tao claimed that his words had been 'twisted' and 'exploited'

A screenshot of the post shows the medical worker wrote on Twitter-like Weibo that the jab had 'as many as 73 side effects, catapulting it to be the most unsafe vaccine in the world'

Dr Tao claimed his controversial post, which has disappeared, had been written in an 'extremely sarcastic' tone.

He insisted that the Chinese treatment was 'very safe' and apologised to his fellow countrymen for his 'imprudent' choice of words.

On New Year's Eve, Beijing's health authorities granted 'conditional' approval to Sinopharm's vaccine, which is reported to have an efficacy rate of 79.34 per cent.

The country is aiming to inoculate millions of people, mostly front-line workers and working-age population, before the upcoming Lunar New Year travel rush in mid-February.

On New Year's Eve, Chinese health authorities granted 'conditional' approval to Sinopharm's two-dose vaccine (pictured), which is reported to have an efficacy rate of 79.34 per cent

The vaccine outrage came to light earlier this week when Dr Tao published a blog titled 'Sinopharm's inactivated COVID-19 vaccine feared to be the most unsafe vaccine in the world'.

The article was uploaded to Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter, but is no longer visible on Dr Tao's account for unknown reasons as of writing.

A screenshot of the post shows the medic's controversial comments about the anti-coronavirus product.

He wrote that the jab had 'as many as 73 side effects, catapulting it to be the most unsafe vaccine in the world'.

Some of the listed side effects were pain around the injection area, headache, high blood pressure, the loss of vision and taste, and urinary incontinence.

The expert stated that none of the vaccines in the world 'has more side effects' than the two-dose COVID-19 regimen from Sinopharm and described the drug's potential adverse impact as 'unprecedented'.

China is aiming to inoculate millions of people, mostly front-line workers and working-age population from 18 to 59, before the upcoming Lunar New Year travel rush in mid-February

Dr Tao's assertions were quickly noticed and picked up by various news websites based outside mainland China, including Apple Daily, Voice of America and Taiwan News.

China.com, a website supervised by the Chinese Communist Party, also reported on Dr Tao's post, but the article appeared to be inaccessible on Thursday.

In a Weibo post on Thursday, Dr Tao refuted allegations that he had blasted Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccine.

He argued that his previous blog was an 'extremely sarcastic' column aimed at pointing out the errors in the manual of the Sinopharm vaccine.

He claimed he had suspected that many of the side effects had been listed by mistake. Therefore, he decided to write a blog to mock the flawed handbook to call for the drugmaker's attention.

To ensure his followers the safety of the medicine, Dr Tao claimed he had received the first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine and would get his second dose on Saturday.

'Hereby, I extend my apologies to numerous web users and citizens across the nation, and express my despisal against the evil actions of overseas media,' Dr Tao wrote.

China's capital city Beijing is racing to vaccinate nine 'key groups' of people ahead of Lunar New Year. Pictured, people walk to a COVID-19 vaccine center in Beijing on January 4

China is putting its working population at the top of the list. This photo shows people waiting to receive COVID-19 vaccines at a temporary vaccination centre in Beijing on January 3

The news came as China National Biotec Group (CNBG) said on Thursday that it had administered more than 4million COVID-19 vaccine doses as of January 4 via China's emergency use programme.

Two vaccines respectively from two institutes owned by CNBG, a unit of Sinopharm, are included in China's emergency vaccination scheme, which was officially launched in July targeting specific groups of people facing a high infection risk.

'No serious adverse reaction was reported in large-scale emergency use of Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccines,' CNBG said on Chinese social media WeChat.

While the United Kingdom and other Western countries prioritise the immunisation of senior citizens and essential workers to reach herd immunity, China is racing to vaccinate those aged between 18 and 59 who work for the government and public services or have plans to travel overseas.

The country is putting nine 'key groups' of people ahead of the queue in its inoculation campaign.

They include customs inspection and quarantine officers for imported frozen food, international and domestic transport workers, and employees of government organisations, police, fire brigades and local communities.

Staff in the logistics and public utility sectors are also included. So are those who plan to study or work overseas.
A lawyer who represented President Donald Trumps campaign in challenges to Philadelphias election sought to withdraw his representation Thursday, saying the president had used his services to perpetrate a crime.

In a remarkable but terse legal filing that came less than a day after rioters whipped up by the presidents rhetoric sacked the U.S. Capitol, Merion-based lawyer Jerome M. Marcus said he found the presidents recent actions repugnant and cited the states rules of professional conduct for attorneys in justifying his withdrawal request.

Marcus, a former federal prosecutor, represented the campaign in its federal court effort to challenge the level of access Philadelphia had granted to partisan monitors while it counted the citys votes in November.

His efforts during a Nov. 4 hearing before U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond led to one of the most quoted exchanges of Trumps legal effort to overturn the election, underscoring the feebleness of his campaigns claims of election malfeasance.

Under questioning from the judge, Marcus conceded that there were a nonzero number of Trump monitors allowed to view the vote counting.

Im sorry, Diamond responded, then whats your problem?

The case has remained largely dormant since that hearing, which Diamond concluded by urging the two sides to work out an accommodation.

In a statement Thursday to The Inquirer, Marcus said he stood by the case he argued in court. But he added: I believe that the filing of that and other cases was used by President Trump yesterday to incite people to violence.  I want absolutely no part of that.

Before his work for the Trump campaign, Marcus gained attention in Republican legal circles for leading Paula Jones sexual-misconduct lawsuit against President Bill Clinton in the 90s.

In November, he wrote a column in the Federalist, a right-wing website, touting his role in the Trump campaign case.

Before granting Marcus request to withdraw, Diamond issued an order Thursday requesting responses from the other parties in the case.

Read Marcus request to withdraw from Trumps legal challenge:
The wave of deaths and new infections sweeping across Germany and Europe is the direct result of the policies of the federal and state governments. Businesses, schools and day care centres were kept open and the most basic safety standards disregarded to secure corporate profits. The current lockdown in Germany deliberately allows many businesses and schools to remain operational.

In enforcing these inhumane policies, the federal and state governments, consisting of a broad range of political coalitions, can rely on the close cooperation of Germanys trade unions. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) supported the billion-dollar bailout packages for banks and corporations back in March.

IG Metall, Verdi and Germanys other major unions subsequently did everything in their power to ensure that the countrys auto plants, distribution centres and public transport remained fully operational, even under the most adverse and unsafe conditions, thereby exposing workers to massive health risks. This was the path taken to make good the billions handed out to the rich.

Schools and day care centres were also kept open to ensure that parents went to work, although it has been proven scientifically that schools are key factors for the spread of the pandemic. According to the figures issued by the main official health institute, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), over 20,000 teachers, teaching assistants and child care workers have been infected so far, along with 40,000 children. Seventeen teachers and care workers have died from COVID-19.

The German government finally responded and announced the closure of schools, initially until January 10 and now until the end of the month, only after parents and teachers increasingly expressed their opposition and pupils took strike action to demand safe conditions. In fact, most of the current lockdown took place during the Christmas vacations when schools were closed anyway. In addition, schools and day care centres were specifically told to ensure in-person care for the children of workers employed in non-essential businesses, thereby turning schools into mere custodial institutions.

This criminal policy is supported by the main teachers union, the Education and Science Workers Union (GEW), which has close links to the German government. When the federal and state governments announced the lockdown over Christmas, the union threw its weight behind the fraudulent scheme, describing school closures as most regrettable. It also immediately renewed its five-point program for restoring full regular operation of schools and day care centres beginning January 11.

In doing so, the GEW demands fall short of the official recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute, which proposed the dividing up of classes when the incidence of coronavirus infections exceeds the level stipulated by the RKI. The GEW, on the other hand, called for alternating classes to start only in the fifth grade, an age when children no longer need all-day care and parents can go to work despite reduced school hours, thereby guaranteeing dividends for the corporations.

The GEW plan does not envisage any dividing up of groups for day care centres, including high-risk groups, which, the union declares, should only receive advice from company doctors!

According to the wretched GEW, schools and day care centres can resume operations in January without mobile ventilation systems, which would cost just 100 euros ($US123) per student. Such ventilation could be installed, the union states, only when windows cannot be opened, i.e., the union expects lessons to take place with frequently opened windows in freezing weather.

In light of this policy, the unions other demands such as the purchase of digital terminals, the creation of hazard analyses and improved hygiene, free tests and flu shots, are nothing more than window dressing aimed at cloaking the criminal dangers involved by continuing in-person schooling. With its limited demands for safety measures, the GEW is only covering up its support for the unsafe opening of schools and day care centres.

An example of such diversionary measures was provided by the GEW in Bavaria with its legal action aimed at obtaining a temporary injunction to ensure compliance with the minimum distance of 1.5 meters at schools. The union deliberately filed the claim as a representative action and not, for example, in support of a teachers individual claim. This meant the court was able to dismiss the claim on formal grounds alone. The necessity of the distance compliance at schools was not even addressed in the court and the lawsuit merely provided the background music for the unsafe opening up of schools.

In fact, the GEW has supported government policy throughout the entire period of the pandemic. As the pandemic spread across Germany and scientists and the WSWS called for the closure of businesses and schools, Federal Education Minister Anja Karliczek (Christian Democratic Union, CDU) declared on March 12 that nationwide school closures were not on the agenda at this time and that efforts were being made to maintain normal operations for as long as possible. The GEW supported this policy at the time with a cynical emergency program for hot water, disinfectants, soap and disposable towels.

Following the spring closure of schools after widespread opposition to their continuing operation, a comprehensive campaign to reopen them began just a few weeks later. Here again, the GEW took the lead and, in the midst of the first wave of the pandemic, formulated conditions on April 14 for a gradual opening of day care centres and schools. The demands merely called for improvements in washrooms and toilets, minimum distances to be upheld and the pompous but meaningless slogan of making hygiene a top priority.

Finally, at the end of the summer vacations, federal and state governments decided to switch to unprotected regular operation. The only token measures advised were regular ventilation of school rooms and, in some places, the obligation to wear masks. The GEW has rejected the latter measure on several occasions and most recently in August described mask wearing as pedagogically nonsensical.

In the contract negotiations for public sector workers held in September and October, the GEW demonstrated that its policy of opening up schools was an integral part of a broad offensive against employees. Together with the Verdi, GdP and IG BAU unions, the GEW negotiated a drastic reduction of real wages for the majority of teachers, garbage workers, care workers, bus drivers and other occupational groups, who have stood in the front line during the pandemic.

At the same time, the unions ensured that the massive discontent on the part of workers over unsafe working conditions, the risk of contagion and excessive work schedules was quashed and that businesses could operate as usual, although conditions remained entirely unsafe. For the majority of workers who participated in large numbers in the unions warning strikes, workplace safety and pandemic control were at the center of their concerns. For their part, the unions refused to raise a single demand related to workplace safety.

**** Photo: GEW chairperson Marlis Tepe (Ziko van Dijk, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

The GEW has also gone so far as to support the federal governments vaccination rankings. On December 18, GEW president Marlis Tepe described the fact that police officers are to be vaccinated before teachers and child care workers as fundamentally okay. According to the union, a highly equipped state apparatus has priority over the health of teachers, students and teaching assistants.

With its policy of opening up schools, the GEW is continuing its decades-long function as an accomplice of the state apparatus. In Berlin, for example, the union worked closely together with the citys former Social Democratic Party (SPD)-Left Party coalition and now cooperates with the current SPD-Left Party-Green Party Senate to run down the citys education system. Working hours for teachers and other staff have increased without wage compensation, vacation and Christmas bonuses have been cut and wages reduced.

The coronavirus pandemic has revealed the thoroughly reactionary nature of the unions. Far from representing the interests of workers, they enforce the program of pandemic fatalities and massive social inequality. The result is tens of thousands of deaths, mass layoffs and loss of income for workers to ensure fabulous profits for a small elite.

To protect their lives and defend their interests, teachers and child care workers, together with workers in other sectors, must free themselves from the union straitjacket and build independent action committees to prepare a general strike to oppose the governments deadly pandemic policy. This is the perspective of the Socialist Equality Party and the Fourth International.
WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Thursday joined Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., in calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Trump from office.

"By inciting sedition as he did yesterday he must be removed for office. While there's only 13 days left any day could be a horror show for America," Pelosi told reporters on Capitol Hill.

Trump "invited an armed insurrection against the United States of America," Pelosi said Thursday, a day after a pro-Trump mob incited by the president stormed the Capitol, vandalizing the building and forcing lawmakers to be evacuated.

Pelosi left open the possibility of impeaching Trump a second time.

Under the 25th Amendment, the president can be removed from office by the vice president plus a majority of the Cabinet, or by the vice president and a body established by Congress, if they determine that he "is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office."

It would be an extraordinary step before the end of Trump's term on Jan. 20.

Meanwhile, Pelosi called on Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund to step down over criticism of his staff's handling of the insurrection, and she said House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving had submitted his resignation.

Pelosi praised the actions of individual Capitol Police officers, but she said there was a failure of leaders who had not contacted her after the attack on the Capitol.

"Many of our Capitol Police just acted so bravely and with such concern for the staff, for the members, for the Capitol, for the Capitol of the United States, many of them, and they deserve our gratitude," Pelosi said Thursday. "But there was a failure of leadership at the top of the Capitol Police. And I think Mr. Sund, he hasn't even called us since this had, you know, [occurred], so I had made him aware that I would be saying that we're calling for his resignation now."

Sund has been the chief of the Capitol Police since 2019. Irving has been the House Sergeant of Arms since 2012.

Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called on Senate Sergeant of Arms Michael Stenger to resign.

Pelosi said there also needs to be a full review of the security failures at the executive branch level, such as the FBI's intelligence, and how long it took the Pentagon to mobilize the National Guard.
Live video above: Congress reconvenes

A violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday and forced lawmakers into hiding, in a stunning attempt to overturn Americas presidential election, undercut the nations democracy and keep President-elect Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House.

One woman was confirmed to have been shot and killed. The National Guard and state and federal police were called in for control, and rare evening curfews were declared in Washington and nearby Virginia suburbs.

The protesters were egged on for weeks by Trump, who since the November presidential election had launched a barrage of false attacks on the integrity of the results. While rallying his supporters outside the White House Wednesday morning, he urged them to march to the Capitol. But later  hours after they fought police and breached the building  he told them in a now-deleted video that although they were "very special people and he backed their cause, they should go home in peace.

Other than a few tweets and that minute-long video, Trump was largely disengaged from the occupation of a main seat of the nations government. It was Vice President Mike Pence, not Trump, who spoke with senior defense leaders about calling up the National Guard.

President-elect Biden, two weeks away from being inaugurated, had declared in Wilmington, Delaware: "I call on President Trump to go on national television now to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege,

Biden said that democracy was "under unprecedented assault," a sentiment echoed by many in Congress, including some Republicans.







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Follow along below for updates on the situation:

10 p.m.

Police have arrested 30 people for violating a curfew imposed in Washington, D.C., after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say the 30 people were arrested Wednesday evening after being found on the streets after the 6 p.m. curfew.

The curfew had been imposed after scores of supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol, halting the constitutional process of voting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. They were later forcibly removed from the Capitol.

The Metropolitan Police Department said 15 other people had been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in various protest-related arrests on an array of charges, including weapons possession and assault.

Fire officials also took 13 people to area hospitals on Wednesday from protest-related injuries.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is comparing violence at the U.S. Capitol to protests against racial injustice over the summer after the killing of George Floyd by police.

The U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob supportive of President Donald Trump on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. Trump has falsely said there was widespread fraud in the election to explain his defeat and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington.

McCarthy said, Mobs dont rule America. Laws rule America. It was true when our cities were burning this summer and it is true now.

The comment got loud applause from Republicans. Democrats in the chamber sat silently.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, was killed in May after a white police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes even after he said he couldnt breathe.

McCarthy, an ally of Trump's, said Wednesday was the saddest day hes ever had in Congress.

He said: It is clear this Congress will not be the same after today.

9:15 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens election win will show the world it wont back down.

Pelosi made her comments as the House reconvened after being shut down for hours Wednesday by unruly pro-Trump protesters. She said that every four years the ritual provides an example to the world of American democracy.



Watch Pelosi's comments:

Pelosi says, Despite the shameful actions of today, we will still do so, we will be part of a history that shows the world what America is made of.

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, noted that Wednesday is the feast of the Epiphany and prayed that the violence would be an epiphany to heal for the country.

9:10 pm.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending 1,000 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., to help the peaceful transition of presidential power.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said 1,000 troops would be sent for up to two weeks at the request of U.S. National Guard officials. It comes after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters rampaged through the U.S. Capitol.

Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday: For 244 years, the cornerstone of our democracy has been the peaceful transfer of power, and New York stands ready to help ensure the will of the American people is carried out, safely and decisively.

They will join law enforcement from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey who are also coming to D.C.s aid.

The presidents supporters incited chaos in a protest over a transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Trump convinced them that he was cheated out of a victory by rampant, widespread voter fraud, a false claim.

Multiple Republican senators have reversed course and now say they wont object to congressional certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Their change of heart came after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier Wednesday and interrupted their proceedings. One person was fatally shot.

Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Braun of Indiana and Kelly Loeffler of Georgia all said in light of the violence they would stand down from planned objections to Bidens win.

Lawmakers gathered to certify the Electoral College votes from each state were forced to evacuate after an angry mob of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Loeffler said that the violence, the lawlessness, and siege of the halls of Congress were a direct attack on the sanctity of the American democratic process.

All three had previously signed on to Trump's false claims of widespread voter fraud to explain his defeat. Loeffler has just days left in her term. She lost her Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnock earlier Wednesday.

8:45 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Congress will not be deterred in confirming the results of the presidential election hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Republican leader reopened the Senate late Wednesday vowing to finish confirming the Electoral College for President-elect Joe Biden. It was interrupted earlier in the way when rioters breached the security perimeter and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. One person was fatally shot.

McConnell says demonstrators tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed.

Watch McConnell's statement:

McConnell plans to keep the Senate in session Wednesday to finish confirming the results.

Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true. He reiterated the claim in a video filmed as his demonstrators were storming the Capitol.

8:35 p.m.



Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump bears a great deal of the blame after a mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol.

As the Senate reconvened to count electoral votes that will confirm Democrat Joe Bidens win, Schumer said that Jan. 6, 2021, will live forever in infamy and will be a stain on the democracy.



Schumer said the events did not happen spontaneously.

He said Wednesday: The president, who promoted conspiracy theories that motivated these thugs, the president, who exhorted them to come to our nations capital, egged them on.

Watch Schumer's remarks:

Trump has falsely claimed that there was widespread fraud in the election to explain away his defeat.

Schumer says the protesters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Former President Barack Obama says history will rightly remember the violence at the Capitol as a moment of great dishonor and shame for the nation.

Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power.

Obama say the violence was incited by a sitting president who baselessly lied about the outcome of the presidential election. He has convinced his supporters that he lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden only because Democrats cheated, a false claim.

Obama says it should not have come as a surprise, and that for two months a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth.

He says their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now were seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.

The Senate has resumed debating the Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, more than six hours after pro-Trump mobs attacked the Capitol and forced lawmakers to flee.

Scores of Republican representatives and 13 GOP senators had planned to object Wednesday to the electoral votes of perhaps six states that backed Biden. It was unclear whether those objections would continue in light of the days violent events.

President Donald Trump has falsely insisted that the election was marred by fraud and that he actually won. He reiterated those claims in remarks to thousands of protesters outside the White House early Wednesday and goaded them to march to the Capitol, which many of them did.

The mayhem had forced the House and Senate to abruptly end the days debates and flee to safety under the protection of police. And it prompted bipartisan outrage as many lawmakers blamed Trump for fostering the violence.

Pence condemns insurrection: 'Violence never wins'

7:50 p.m.



Congress is resuming its joint session after a dramatic and unprecedented day saw a mob of violent protesters storm the U.S. Capitol building.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is set to reopen the proceeding in the Senate at 8 p.m.

7:20 p.m.

A West Virginia lawmaker took video of himself and other supporters of President Donald Trump rushing into the U.S. Capitol after they breached the security perimeter.

In the video by Republican Del. Derrick Evans, deleted from his social media page, he is shown wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Were in! Keep it moving, baby! he said in a packed doorway amid Trump followers holding flags and complaining of being pepper sprayed. Once inside, Evans could be seen on video milling around the Capitol Rotunda, where historical paintings depict the republics founding, and yelled, No vandalizing!"

State House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw said Evans will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today.

He said he has not spoken to Evans yet about his involvement.

The delegate from Wayne County said in a statement later on Facebook that he was heading back to West Virginia and was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history.

7:15 p.m.



Vice President Mike Pence has returned to the Senate, according to his press secretary.

"He never left the Capitol," Press Secretary Devin O'Malley said in a tweet Wednesday evening. "@VP was in regular contact w/ House & Senate leadership, Cap Police, DOJ, & DoD to facilitate efforts to secure the Capitol & reconvene Congress."

They plan to resume congressional debates Wednesday evening, according to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others.

"And now we will finish the Peoples business," O'Malley said.

7:10 p.m.



Twitter has locked President Donald Trump's social media account in an unprecedented move, while Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have all removed the president's content.



Twitter further said it was requiring Trump to remove tweets and locking the president's account "for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets.

If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked."

The company said Trump's account also could be suspended permanently if future violations of its rules, "including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies," occur.







6:45 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that Congress would resume the certification of the Electoral College votes on Wednesday after rioters incited by President Donald Trump breached the Capitol and halted the process of declaring President-elect Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 election.

Pelosi said that following calls with the Pentagon, Justice Department and Vice President Mike Pence, the count would resume at the Capitol once it was cleared for use.

Lawmakers in both parties made clear they were determined to finish the count following the chaos at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday when the House and Senate debates on an objection to Arizona's election results were halted by the rioters surrounding the chambers.



6:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump has appeared to justify the violent occupation of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

In a tweet Wednesday night, Trump said, These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

He added, Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building and clashed with law enforcement before disrupting Congress tallying of the Electoral College votes. Trump has repeatedly told his supporters that the November election was stolen from him, even though that is not true.

Trump has faced mounting criticism from Republican lawmakers to do more to condemn the violence being perpetrated in his name.





6:20 p.m.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen says the violent pro-Trump protest at the U.S. Capitol was an intolerable attack on a fundamental institution of democracy.

Rosen said Wednesday that the Justice Department has been working with U.S. Capitol Police and other federal law enforcement agencies to secure the Capitol. He says hundreds of federal agents from Justice Department agencies were sent to assist.

He called it an unacceptable situation and said federal prosecutors intend to enforce the laws of our land.

Dozens of President Donald Trumps supporters breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police declared the Capitol to be secure about four hours later.





6:10 p.m.



The Associated Press reports a woman who was shot as protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday has died from her injuries, according to a law enforcement source. The woman was shot by a law enforcement officer, but it was unclear which agency the officer belonged to. The woman's identity is unknown at this time.



The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting investigation. Police did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the shooting.

6 p.m.



Officials have declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end a nearly four-hour violent occupation by supporters of President Donald Trump.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday evening inside a secure location for officials of the House. Lawmakers applauded.

The occupation interrupted Congress Electoral College count that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations around the Capitol complex and Washington, D.C. after thousands of Trump supporters breached the building and skirmished with police officers.

Lawmakers have signaled that they would resume the constitutionally mandated count as soon as it was safe to do so.





5:45 p.m.

Police are using tear gas and percussion grenades to begin clearing pro-Trump protesters from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington.

Police donned gas masks as they moved in Wednesday evening with force to clear protesters from the Capitol grounds shortly before a curfew took hold. In the moments before, there were violent clashes between the police and protesters, who tore railing for the inauguration scaffolding and threw it at the officers.

Police used tear gas and percussion grenades to break up the crowd, which began dispersing.

Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump breached security perimeter and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote to affirm Democrat Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Police said at least one person was shot inside the Capitol; their condition was not immediately known.

The districts police chief said at least 13 people were arrested, and five firearms had been recovered during the pro-Trump protests on Wednesday.





5:30 p.m.

Republican Sen. Ben Sasse is directly blaming President Donald Trump for the storming of the Capitol by huge, angry crowds of pro-Trump protesters.

The Nebraska lawmaker and frequent critic of Trump said Wednesday evening that the Capitol was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard  tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution.

Sasse says in a written statement, Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the presidents addiction to constantly stoking division.

The protesters broke into the building as Congress was beginning the formal process of certifying the electoral votes that gave Democratic President-elect Joe Biden a victory over Trump in November. Vice President Mike Pence has the ceremonial role of overseeing that certification and resisted Trump efforts to pressure him to overturn the election results.

Trump has continued to fallaciously claim that the voting was marred by fraud and that he actually won. Earlier Wednesday Trump addressed a huge crowd of protesters outside the White House and urged them to gather at the Capitol.





5:25 p.m.

The Washington, D.C., police chief says at least five weapons have been recovered and at least 13 people have been arrested so far in pro-Trump protests.

The mostly maskless crowd stormed the Capitol earlier Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Bidens win. One person was shot; their condition is unknown.

Police Chief Robert Contee called the attack a riot.

As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.

Police were in full riot gear. They moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.

Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6 p.m. curfew.





5:15 p.m.

Pro-Trump demonstrators have massed outside statehouses across the country, forcing evacuations in at least two states. In St. Paul, Minnesota, cheers rang out from demonstrators in reaction to the news that supporters of President Donald Trump had stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Hundreds of mostly unmasked people people gathered outside capitols on Wednesday with Trump flags and Stop the Steal signs. In Georgia and Oklahoma, some demonstrators carried guns.

New Mexico state police evacuated staff from a statehouse building that includes the governors and secretary of states offices as a precaution shortly after hundreds of flag-waving supporters arrived in a vehicle caravan and on horseback. A spokesperson for the governor's office says there was no indication of threats at the statehouse.

The staff of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was sent home as several hundred pro-Trump demonstrators rallied outside the Capitol, though the demonstration remained relatively calm. A brief scuffle between pro-Trump demonstrators, who included members of the Proud Boys, and counterprotesters broke out in Columbus, Ohio, but there was no immediate threat to the Capitol.





5:05 p.m.

The police chief of Washington, D.C., says pro-Trump protesters deployed chemical irritants on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.

Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. One civilian was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behavior of the Trump supporters was shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful. She says, There will be law and order and this behavior will not be tolerated.

Metropolitan police have been sent to the Capitol, and authorities were coming in from Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey to help out. The National Guard was also deployed, as were Homeland Security investigators and Secret Service.

Trump had encouraged his supporters to come to Washington to fight Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win. He held a rally earlier Wednesday and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.



4:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump, in a video message, is urging supporters to go home but is also keeping up false attacks about the presidential election.

The video was issued more than two hours after protesters began storming the Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

Trump opened his video, saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

He also went on to call the supporters very special. He also said, we cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. The statement came as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.

Video: Biden calls on protesters to pull back

4:35 p.m.

At least one explosive device has been found near the U.S. Capitol amid a violent occupation of the building by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon.

Thousands of supporters of the president occupied the Capitol complex as lawmakers were beginning to tally the electoral votes that will formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Vice President Mike Pence has called on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately, going further than Trump, who merely called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

4:10 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden's condemnation came after violent protesters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elects victory in the November election.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.



4:05 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence is calling on protesters to leave the Capitol immediately.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Pence said, This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Pence, long a loyal aide to the president, defied Trump earlier Wednesday, tell him he didnt have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. Trump had publicly called on Pence to overturn the will of the voters, but Pences constitutional role in the process was only ceremonial.

Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Trump later issued a restrained call for peace but did not ask his supporters to disperse.

4 p.m.

The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

Video: Senate GOP leader says challenging Biden win threatens republic

A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the citys armory. The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.

The officials said the D.C. request for National Guard was not rejected earlier in the day. Instead, according to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military in a law enforcement role at the Capitol. As a result, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Hoffman said the law enforcement response to the violence will be led by the Justice Department.



3:55 p.m.

The top Democrats in Congress are demanding that President Donald Trump order his supporters to leave the Capitol following a chaotic protest aimed at blocking a peaceful transfer of power.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a joint statement on Wednesday after violent protesters stormed the Capitol. They said, We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately.

Video: Senators told to clear chamber as Sen. Lankford speaking

Trump earlier encouraged his supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he did not call for them to disperse. He held a rally earlier Wednesday in which he repeated his false claims that President-elect Joe Biden had won the election through voter fraud.

He urged his supporters to march to the Capitol, telling them to get rid of the weak Congress people and saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:50 p.m.

The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trumps supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that At President @realDonaldTrumps direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

She added, We reiterate President Trumps call against violence and to remain peaceful.

Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.

Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.

3:40 p.m.

Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on President Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters angry about his election loss.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he spoke with the president earlier Wednesday and told him to make a statement to make sure that we can calm individuals down.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that it is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey told The Associated Press that while he sympathizes with the protesters position, they shouldnt get violent, and it would be nice if Trump called on them to protest in a peaceful way in an appropriate spot, where you belong, where you should be.

Many Republicans had backed Trumps false claims of widespread voter spread to explain away his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.

This is Banana Republic crap that were watching right now, said Gallagher, who had spoken out against objections from fellow Republicans to certifying President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College vote.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has denounced the violence taking place at the U.S. Capitol in a tweet Wednesday afternoon.



"It Must Stop Now," Pence said. "Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building."

Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky also spoke out against the violence taking place at the U.S. Capitol.

"Violence and mob rule is wrong and un-American, and it will not bring about election reform," Paul said on Twitter. "Todays mayhem sets back any intelligent debate for a generation. Just stop it."

3:35 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending additional federal agents to the U.S. Capitol to help quell violence from supporters of President Donald Trump who are protesting Congress formal approval of President-elect Joe Bidens win.

A spokesperson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Secret Service agents are being sent to the scene. He says they were requested to assist by U.S. Capitol Police.

Dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. They were seen fighting with officers both inside the building and outside.

Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

3:30 p.m.

One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.

Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim had been taken to a hospital. Their condition was not known.

The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Bidens presidential win. Trump has riled up his supporters by falsely claiming widespread voter fraud to explain his loss.

3:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is encouraging supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful, but he is not calling for them to disperse.

As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, No violence! adding: Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.

But Trump did not ask supporters to vacate the area as the unrest continued.

Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol  at one point even suggesting he would join them. He is upset that he lost the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and has falsely claimed voter fraud to explain it away.

He also urged his supporters to get rid of the weak Congress people  presumably through primary challenges  saying, get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength.

3:10 p.m.

Pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump to condemn supporters who are violently clashing with law enforcement on Capitol Hill.

Among those urging Trump to act: his former communications director, Alyssa Farah, who tweeted that Trump should Condemn this now.

She says, you are the only one they will listen to. For our country!

Dozens of people have breached security perimeters at the Capitol, forcing the lockdown of the building and halting the vote to certify Joe Bidens presidential victory.

Trump has so far offered a single tweet asking his supporters to Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

His former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney tweeted: The Presidents tweet is not enough. He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home.

His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, also addressed Trump supporters in a tweet, calling them the patriots challenging the fraudulent election and telling them that POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY.

3 p.m.

Protesters backing President Donald Trump have breached the U.S. Capitol, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm Joe Bidens victory in the November election.

Trump urged his supporters to come to Washington to protest Congress formal approval of Bidens win. Several Republican lawmakers have backed his calls, despite there being no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing in the election.

Protesters are now inside the Senate chamber. One got up on the dais and yelled Trump won that election.

Several dozen are roaming through the halls, yelling, Where are they?

Some were also in the visitors galleries.

2:50 p.m.



Protesters have breached Senate chambers, according to reports, while House members have been asked to "lie down on the floor and put on our gas masks," Rep. Dan Kildee posted to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.

"Chamber security and Capitol Police have their guns drawn as protesters bang on the front door of the chamber," Rep. Kildee said on Twitter. "This is not a protest. This is an attack on America."

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani, Trump's attorney, asked for those protesting to do so peacefully on Twitter.

"POTUS wants you to EXPRESS YOUR OPINION PEACEFULLY," Giuliani said in part.

2:30 p.m.

Shortly after 1 p.m. hundreds of pro-Trump protesters pushed through barriers set up along the perimeter of the Capitol, where they tussled with officers in full riot gear, some calling the officers "traitors" for doing their jobs.

About 90 minutes later, police said demonstrators got into the building and the doors to the House and Senate were being locked.

Video from inside the Capitol showed Trump supporters marching through Statuary Hall. The U.S. Capitol Police is asking for additional law enforcement for assistance, including federal authorities, per a source familiar.

The protesters have breached exterior security barriers, and video footage shows protesters gathering and some clashing with police near the Capitol building. CNN's team on the ground saw a number of protesters trying to go up the side of the Capitol building. Several loud flash bangs have been heard.

Protesters could be seen pushing against metal fences and police using the fences to push protesters back, while other officers reached over the top to club people trying to cross their lines.

Flash bangs could be heard near the steps of the Capitol as smoke filled the air. In some instances officers could be seen deploying pepper spray. Tear gas has been deployed, but it's not clear whether by protesters or police, and people wiped tears from their eyes while coughing.

Trump supporters chanted "USA" and waved American and "Don't Tread on Me" flags toward the front of the crowd after things had calmed some.

House and Senate debates about Electoral College objections have been placed on recess.

The U.S. Capitol has been placed on lockdown.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has issued a citywide curfew that will go into effect beginning at 6 p.m. ET Wednesday and going into 6 a.m. ET Thursday.

11:30 a.m.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers have mobilized across Washington as thousands of supporters who refuse to accept President Donald Trump's election loss have flocked to the nation's capital to protest when Congress gathers Wednesday afternoon to put the final stamp on President-elect Joe Biden's victory.



By 10 a.m., Thousands of protesters gathered around the Washington Monument as the Elton John song "Tiny Dancer" played from loud speakers. The song was interrupted by an announcement telling people to leave behind backpacks, chairs and flagpoles so people could get through a security checkpoint. Hundreds of people carried flags. Some were American, some were Trump 2020 flags, among others.

As part of their preparations, police posted signs around the district warning of the illegality of gun possession during protests as Trump tweeted his support for the protesters, saying, "Our Country has had enough, they won't take it anymore!" and "We Hear you (and love you) from the Oval Office."

The Department of Homeland Security, which has staffed a "Virtual Situation Room" to help communication between different agencies, is "not currently tracking any active threats," spokesman Alexei Woltornist said.



Trump traveled a short distance from the White House to the rally Wednesday morning. About 20 aides were outside awaiting Trump's departure, audibly shouting "Save our country" as he boarded his SUV. Trump gave a fist bump and appeared to blow a kiss.

Trump addressed a large, tightly packed and largely maskless crowd of supporters on the Ellipse. His remarks got off to an inauspicious start as Trump's microphone appeared to be turned off as he began speaking.

"We can't hear you!" members of the audience were heard shouting on the video feed, though he appeared unaware and kept speaking.

Moments later, audio was restored, and Trump was railing against the media.

Trump's speech included calls for his vice president to step outside his constitutional bounds and overturn the results of the election.

"Hope Mike is going to do the right thing," Trump said at a rally on the Ellipse. "If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election."

Pence released a letter he wrote to congress Wednesday just after noon, saying he wouldn't object to Biden's victory.

A large glass barrier shielded Trump from the crowd, similar to when he spoke in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the Fourth of July 2019.

Ahead of Trump's speech, Rudy Giuliani was addressing the rally on the Ellipse, baselessly repeating claims that voting machines were "crooked," and continuing to insist that Pence can do something today to change the election's outcome, which he does not have power to do. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud.

"Let's have trial by combat!" Giuliani told the enthusiastic crowd.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the District is "absolutely prepared" for protests and announced that that at least ten people were arrested overnight related to the protests. At least one person was arrested for carrying an unlicensed gun and six people were charged with assault, including one for assaulting a police officer.

"We had several arrests related to that activity, but not a single one of them was a D.C. resident," she said.

Authorities  a mix that includes local police, National Guard and federal uniformed officers  had already arrested several people ahead of demonstrations including the leader of the Proud Boys, a far-right group that Trump directly addressed during an autumn debate to "stand back and stand by."

The Proud Boys' leader, Henry Tarrio, who goes by Enrique Tarrio, was released from police custody Tuesday on charges related to a protest last month and ordered by a local judge to stay out of DC as he awaits trial, including during this week's protests.

The Hearst TV National Desk contributed to this report.
The ASTI teaching union has directed its members not to comply with plans for Leaving Cert students to attend school for three days a week.

The union, which represents more than 17,500 teachers, said it was not consulted about the plan and had not received sufficient assurances that schools are sufficiently safe for students and teachers.

At an emergency meeting on Thursday, the ASTI standing committee decided to direct its members not to co-operate with the arrangements announced by the Minister for Education for in-school teaching.

Unfortunately, the assurances we sought have not been forthcoming. ASTI President Ann Piggott

The union said it will engage in remote teaching and learning from Monday January 11.

President Ann Piggott said: The ASTI has repeatedly sought sufficient assurances that schools are safe for students and teachers at this time, in the context of the new variant of Covid-19 circulating in the community and the alarmingly high numbers.

We engaged with the Department of Education and with public health officials today. Unfortunately, the assurances we sought have not been forthcoming.

Following the announcement, Sinn Fein education spokesman Donnchadh O Laoghaire said that should be the end of that.

He tweeted: That should be the end of that, if the Government has any sense at all They failed to prepare a contingency plan, and failed to consult with worker reps.

Back to the drawing board, and consult properly. Making leaving Certs a priority makes sense, but next Monday is too soon.

That should be the end of that, if the Government has any sense at all



They failed to prepare a contingency plan, and failed to consult with worker reps.



Back to the drawing board, and consult properly.



Making leaving Certs a priority makes sense, but next Monday is too soon https://t.co/hdTUtYpTrH  Donnchadh A Laoghaire (@Donnchadhol) January 7, 2021

It is one of a number of calls from from students and teachers unions for the Education Minister to rethink plans to reopen schools for Leaving Cert students.

Under the Governments latest lockdown strategy, schools are to close, except for final year students, who are to attend three days a week from Monday.

Education Minister Norma Foley has insisted that schools are safe and that the Leaving Cert will go ahead as normal this year.

But Labour leader Alan Kelly has said he was told by the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan that the public health body Nphet was not consulted over the decision.

One union said it does not have the trust and confidence that reopening for Leaving Cert students can be safely achieved.

The current unprecedented levels of Covid-19 in the community present a very real and significant threat to the health and safety of our students and staff Adrian Power, PDA

An emergency meeting of the officers of the Principals and Deputy Principals Association (PDA) of the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) took place on Thursday.

The TUI group have called on Minster Foley to immediately reconsider the matter.

President Adrian Power said: The current unprecedented levels of Covid-19 in the community present a very real and significant threat to the health and safety of our students and staff.

We believe that the decision of the Government  made without any consultation  is deeply damaging, particularly in light of the huge efforts of all in the school communities since the commencement of the academic year.

We do not have trust and confidence that opening schools as is proposed can be safely achieved under the current circumstances.

He added: Most Leaving Certificate students are young adults and any gathering of this age group would not be allowed in the community.

In addition, the 14-day incidence rate for this cohort is extremely high.

The danger of bring the virus into our homes is all too real Open letter to Norma Foley by Leaving Cert students

Students themselves have raised serious concerns about their own safety should they return to classrooms.

In an open letter to Minister Foley, Leaving Certificate students from Colaiste Bhaile Chlair in Co Galway, called for the department to scrap the idea of having sixth year students return for three days a week.

The letter, posted on social media, said: Considering the severity of this situation, we cannot help but feel a sense of indignation at the recent decision to disregard the idea of predicted grades, and the decision to put the Leaving Cert students at grave risk by returning them to school.

According to statistics, the new mutation of coronavirus is contracted mostly by students of our general age group, and therefore we are most at risk.

The danger of bringing the virus into our homes is all too real.

There are many students in our school and around the country living with people who have underlying health conditions.

Any suggestion to return to school, to the detriment of their health and well-being, is completely disgraceful.

The letter calls on the department to consider the option of predicted grades.

An open letter from Leaving Cert students, to Norma Foley #LeavingCert2021 #LeavingCert pic.twitter.com/9WLvTXNxiK  Shane Farragher  (@Shane_Far) January 6, 2021

Shane Farragher, an 18-year-old student at the school, said they wrote the letter following an uproar over the decision on social media.

It was like a war zone, he said.

We were also contacted, as student representatives, by some of our fellow students and informed of them having an increase in anxiety and stress with regards to the decision, especially among students with vulnerable family members.

An online petition calling for an end to the departments plans has gained almost 4,000 signatures.

Some students have set up a campaign group, 6th Year Boycott, and are calling for the Government to offer an option of predicted grades.

A spokesperson said: We are not advocating for days off school. We are not looking for excuses to stay off school.

Students in Ireland are genuinely worried for their health, and the health of their families, and are rightly concerned about their futures, dependent so heavily on their Leaving Cert results.

Expand Close Taoiseach Micheal Martin has defended plans to send Leaving Cert students back to school (Julien Behal/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Taoiseach Micheal Martin has defended plans to send Leaving Cert students back to school (Julien Behal/PA)

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) said the goal of holding a traditional Leaving Cert is challenged like never before by the complexities now presenting.

Spokesperson Clive Byrne has called on the Department of Education to engage with the union to chart a path forward.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) is holding an emergency meeting on Thursday evening to discuss their response to the plan.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin defended the proposals after they were announced on Wednesday.

He said: The issue is the mobilisation of people. Theres a big difference between 61,000 people coming in in a staggered way, 61,000 Leaving Cert students, as opposed to a million people which would involve the entire population of teachers and students.

PA Media
DALLAS, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lion Real Estate Group , LLC ("LREG"), a real estate investment and asset management firm focused on acquiring value-add and opportunistic multifamily and creative office properties, today announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Los Angeles to Dallas, Texas. The firm has taken space at 3811 Turtle Creek Blvd., less than five miles from Dallas' Main Street District, and will retain its Los Angeles office to support West Coast operations.

"The decision to relocate our corporate headquarters to Dallas aligns with our strategy of acquiring desirable multifamily assets outside of the urban core, both here in Texas and in other high-growth cities across the Sunbelt and Southeast," said Jeff Weller, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of LREG. "We also feel that the move will help us expand our network of family offices and High Net Worth individuals that are seeing the type of bespoke, long-term real estate investment opportunities that we offer on a one-off basis and via our Lion Funds."

"We are proactively on the lookout for attractive multi-family housing properties in areas with attractive economic prospects, extensive amenities, and convenient access to a mix of urban centers and major freeways in strong growth markets," said Mory Barak, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of LREG. "Having a physical presence in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington checks many of these boxes and will improve our ability to secure direct deals on attractive terms with strong potential rates of return."

Texas is already a key location for LREG, which has a national portfolio of 27 properties exceeding $900 million in estimated value as of December 29, 2020. The firm owns five residential properties in the Lone Star State, including Embry Apartments (2210 Marsh Lane), a 151-unit multifamily property in Carrollton, 13 miles northwest of downtown Dallas. As of August 2020, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington is one of the nation's 12 largest metropolitan statistical areas (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Where feasible, LREG's investment strategy also includes financing customized renovation projects to improve property values, tenant living experiences and the portfolio's overall performance. The firm, for example, entered the greater Atlanta market in September by acquiring two Gwinnett County apartment complexes for a combined $83 million, a deal that also included a $6.73 million three-year renovation plan to improve each site's cap rate.

About Lion Real Estate Group

Lion Real Estate Group ('Lion') is a real estate investment and asset management firm founded in 2007 by Jeff Weller and Mory Barak and headquartered in Dallas, Texas. With an estimated $900 million in assets under management, Lion focuses on the acquisition of value-add and opportunistic multifamily and creative office properties by leveraging its principals' experience to create value for investors through renovation, repositioning, better management and optimum capitalization of its properties. Lion has participated in real estate transactions collectively exceeding $1.5 billion. The firm currently owns and operates 5,065 multifamily units and three office properties, located in the Dallas, Los Angeles, Nashville, Denver, Durham, Austin, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City areas. For more information, visit www.lionreg.com .

Contact

Mickey Mandelbaum, Prosek Partners

(310) 709-8900

[email protected]

Aidan O'Connor, Prosek Partners

(646) 818-9283

[email protected]

SOURCE Lion Real Estate Group, LLC

Related Links

http://www.lionreg.com


Attack on U.S. Capitol shameful, Netanyahu says It must be vigorously condemned, democracy will prevail, PM

(ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, JANUARY 7 - The storming of Capitol Hill was ''shameful'' and must be ''vigorously condemned'', Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has said during a meeting in Jerusalem with US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.



''For generations - he said - American democracy has inspired millions around the world and in Israel. American democracy has always inspired me''. ''Lawlessness and violence are the opposite of the values we know Americans and Israelis consider sacred''. ''I have no doubt that American democracy will prevail'', he concluded. (ANSAmed) (ANSA).






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A blog-like thing on current events in western San Francisco with history in mind...

by Woody LaBounty

May 1, 2009

What's this article/blog all about?



The Western Neighborhoods Project (WNP) plays an active role in community affairs on San Francisco's west side. We try to figure out how to use history in a positive and effective way to improve the neighborhoods we love so much, and our organization often acts as a clearinghouse of information between activists, historians, researchers, residents, businesses and community nonprofits. This blog is about issues and events in the Richmond, Sunset, West of Twin Peaks, OMI and Lake Merced areas that have some bearing on WNP's work or the history of San Francisco's west side.

The Balboa Theater needs your help



The Balboa Theater, one of the last neighborhood movie theaters in San Francisco (here's an old article I wrote about their decline) is in tough financial shape. Gary Meyer has been working his butt off for the last decade to bring the magic of movies to the Richmond District, and has always been very mindful of the great impact a neighborhood cinema can have on surrounding businesses. He's always promoted local restaurants and community groups (like WNP) while making the Balboa a city treasure. The poor economy is killing lots of small businesses and this institution is feeling the pain acutely.

Don't take your movie-watching dollars to suburban multiplexes! Keep the money in town by patronizing the Balboa and the great films it offers. Go take in a flick in the fog. My family and I have the new "Star Trek" movie on our calendar for next week. Here's the Balboa's Web site.

The Earthquake Shack Lives



Last week I had the opportunity to check in on the earthquake refugee cottage WNP restored in 2005-2006. Since its starring role on Market Street for the centennial of the great 1906 earthquake and fire, the little cottage has been stored in the open air of the San Francisco Zoo's back lot.

I was shocked to walk up and find the shack had been bumped off its footers. The front door and a back window were detached and a good hunk of the original floor fanned up in shards after landing on a piece of concrete rubble. While I stood there, my mouth agape, Joe Fitting of the San Francisco Zoo pulled up in an electric cart and started telling me how the shack would be fixed up and put on public display in the zoo as part of conservation center.

This was all news to me. The zoo had told WNP back in 2005 that they had absolutely no interest in having the shack permanently. Because of that, we signed it over to the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society with hopes that it could be incorporated in the Old Mint project. Unfortunately that effort is a long slow one and the shack hasn't been part of the plans. Kristin Morris, Associate Curator at SFMHS, arrived for our meeting and seemed to think the Zoo idea was a pretty good one and SFMHS might be amenable to a long-term loan of the shack.

Of course, I want the darned thing open to the public and I want it properly cared for, so it sounds good to me too.

The WNP Office is Open, sort of...



I'm usually sitting in our new digs at 300 Taraval Street (at Funston) weekdays from about 9am to 3:30pm. David Gallagher, our whiz-bang technical genius is in and out. The place is shaping up, with maps and old photos on the walls, some furniture (thanks to all who donated items and even cash to help with that), and a kettle bubbling away for my morning cup of tea and afternoon cup of coffee. We still need to track down a small comfortable couch so folks can come in and sit a spell, which I encourage you all to do at our open house: May 16, 2009 (Saturday) from 11am - 3pm. Drop in for a cookie, a beverage and to take a look around.

We'll get a couch, a sofa, or a davenport by then, I promise.

Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places!
A few days ago, Dilip Chhabria, the founder of DC Design Studio was arrested by the Mumbai Police, after a case of cheating and forgery was filed against him. As per the latest report, comedian-actor Kapil Sharma has been called for inquiry today (January 7, 2021) by API Sachin Vaze (Crime Intelligence Unit-CIU), Mumbai regarding fake registered cars seized by Mumbai Police. According to Mumbai Police, Kapil had filed a complaint against the car designer for allegedly cheating him. He has been called to record his statement as a witness.

A couple of hours ago, ANI tweeted, "Comedian Kapil Sharma has been summoned by Crime Branch of Mumbai Police for his statement in connection with car designer Dilip Chhabria's alleged cheating and forgery case: Mumbai Police." ANI further tweeted, "Kapil Sharma had filed a complaint against car designer Dilip Chhabria for allegedly cheating him. Now he has been called to record his statement as a witness: Mumbai Police."

According to DNA report, Kapil had given money to Dilip to build his vanity van but had later registered a case with the police, as the latter did not get the work done.

Kapil Sharma claimed that he was duped of Rs 5.7 crore by Dilip Chhabria after promising the comedian to deliver a customised vanity van. According to TOI report, Kapil Sharma had filed a complaint with the economic offences wing (EOW) in September 2020, alleging that he had ordered a customised vanity van in 2017 and paid Dilip a total of Rs 5.7 crore, but it was never delivered. Kapil had also alleged that Dilip was demanding more money and even parking charges.

Milind Bharambe, joint commissioner of police (crime) was quoted by TOI as saying, "Preliminary inquiry shows that it is a fit case of cheating and misappropriation of funds. We are in the process of registering the FIR."

Apparently, the design studio of Dilip has modified and converted cars for many high-profile customers including Bollywood stars Hrithik Roshan and Madhuri Dixit.

Also Read: Anil Kapoor Reveals Kapil Sharma Rejected Mubarakan & 24; Says He's Ready To Play Kapil's Father Or Brother

Also Read: Kapil Sharma Makes An 'Auspicious' Announcement Of His Debut On Netflix
WASHINGTON - As President Donald Trump told a sprawling crowd outside the White House that they should never accept defeat, hundreds of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in what amounted to an attempted coup that they hoped would overturn the election he lost. In the chaos, law enforcement officials said, a California woman was shot and killed by Capitol Police and three people died of medical emergencies.

The violent scene - much of it incited by the president's incendiary language - was like no other in modern American history, bringing to a sudden halt the congressional certification of Joe Biden's electoral victory.

With poles bearing blue Trump flags, a mob that would eventually grow into the thousands bashed through Capitol doors and windows, forcing their way past police officers unprepared for the onslaught. Lawmakers were evacuated shortly before an armed standoff at the House chamber's entrance. The woman who was shot, 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt of San Diego, was rushed to an ambulance, police said, and later died. Canisters of tear gas were fired across the Rotunda's white marble floor, and on the steps outside the building, rioters flew Confederate flags.

"USA! USA!" chanted the would-be saboteurs of a 244-year-old democracy.

The Senate stopped its proceedings, and the House doors were closed. In a notification, U.S. Capitol Police said no one would be allowed to come or go from the building as they struggled to regain control. "Stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover," police warned.

All 1,100 members of the D.C. National Guard were activated, and Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, imposed a citywide curfew. From 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, Bowser said, no one other than essential personnel would be allowed outdoors in the city.

The mob had arrived hours earlier, charging past the metal barricades on the property's outer edge. Hundreds, then thousands followed them. Some scaled the Capitol's walls to reach entrances; others climbed over one another.

On the building's east side, police initially pushed the pro-Trump demonstrators back but soon gave up and fell back to the foot of the main steps. Within a half-hour, fights broke out again, and police retreated to the top of the stairs as screaming Trump supporters surged closer. After the police perimeters were breached, the elated crowd began to sing the national anthem.

For an hour, they banged on the doors, chanting, "Let us in! Let us in!" Police inside fired pepper balls and smoke bombs into the crowd but failed to turn them away. After each volley, the rioters, who were mostly White men, would cluster around the doors again, yelling, arguing, pledging revolution.

Sometime after 2:10 p.m., a man used a clear plastic riot shield to break through the windows on a first floor to the south side of the building, then hopped in with a few others. Once inside, police suspect, rioters opened doors to let in more of their compatriots.

A Capitol Police officer shouted from a higher stairway at the intruders, yelling at them to stop, but when they didn't, the officer fired at a man coming at him, two law enforcement officials said. Amid shouts and people rushing to get away from the sound of gunfire, protesters saw a woman in their group collapse. Police believe she was unarmed, a law enforcement official said, but the officer who shot her did not know that. Capitol Police had already been warned by D.C. police that many protesters were secretly carrying weapons.

"They shot a girl!" someone yelled as a group of Trump supporters ran out of the southeast entrance.

A team of paramedics with a gurney soon arrived and a Capitol Police officer stepped aside to let them pass. "White female, shot in the shoulder," the officer said as they hurried past. They emerged minutes later.

On the gurney was a woman in jeans, gazing vacantly to one side, her torso and face covered in blood. As the gurney was loaded into the back of the ambulance, pro-Trump protesters swarmed around it, screaming, "Murderers!"

Capitol Police officers with long guns pushed the rioters back, and the ambulance drove off.

Babbitt was shot while trying to climb through a broken window in an area behind the House chamber. Her ex-husband confirmed her death Wednesday night.

Three other people died of medical emergencies, D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee said in a Wednesday-night news conference.

The people's names, and the circumstances of their deaths, were not released during the news conference with Contee and Bowser.

Also at the news conference, Bowser declared a public emergency in the city until Jan. 21, to improve security "through the inauguration." The declaration gives her more authority to draw on resources to maintain city security. Inauguration Day is scheduled for Jan. 20.

Bowser called the attack on the Capitol an "affront on our American democracy" and implored city residents to abide by the city's curfew.

"I urge anyone who is not in place in your home or your hotel - and if you mean to cause trouble in the streets of D.C. you will be arrested," she said.

Bowser blamed the president for the rioting.

"We saw an unprecedented attack on our American Democracy incited by the United States president," Bowser said. "He must be held accountable. His constant and divisive rhetoric led to the abhorrent actions we saw today."

Contee said 14 D.C. officers were injured. One was pulled into a crowd, assaulted and hospitalized. Another received "significant facial injuries" after being hit by a projectile. Others are not as serious.

Contee said police had made at least 52 arrests: four for carrying pistols without licenses, one arrest for possession of a prohibited weapon and 47 arrests for curfew violations and unlawful entry. Twenty-six of the 52 arrests were made on Capitol grounds, Contee said.

The chief also confirmed that police recovered two pipe bombs at the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee offices. A cooler that contained molotov cocktails was also found on Capitol grounds, the chief said. Bowser said officials will review video and issue alerts for people who breached the Capitol, adding that they "need to be held accountable for the carnage."

Contee also said in the news conference that D.C. police had participated in "several planning meetings with Capitol Police" and other agencies to plan for protests on Wednesday. He said Capitol Police called for help at 1 p.m. because of "significant activity" outside the Capitol and that "we immediately deployed platoons to assist the Capitol Police."

During the siege in the Capitol, where lawmakers had donned gas masks kept under their chairs, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., could only think of his family as he and other lawmakers hid from the mob. Reeling from the loss of his 25-year-old son last week, Raskin had taken one of his daughters and his son-in-law to the Capitol to watch the debates unfold over certification of Biden's election, he said, "because we wanted to be together." Raskin was helping lead Democrats' arguments against Republican objectors.

"I thought I could show them the peaceful transfer of power in the United States of America," Raskin told C-SPAN earlier. "What was really going through my mind was their safety because they were not with me in the chamber, and I just wanted us all to get back together."

Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., said members were told that chemical irritants had been released in Statuary Hall and, for a moment, braced for the possibility that they would be exposed to tear gas. Capitol Police barricaded the doors with tables and bookshelves.

Spanberger, a former CIA case officer, said that it was a crisis she would only expect to see unfold in fragile, faraway places.

"This is what we see in failing countries," she said. "This is what leads to a death of democracy."

The shooting and the breach triggered an instant call for help across Washington to other law enforcement agencies. At the U.S. Secret Service, headquarters sent out an emergency alert to all gun-carrying Secret Service personnel to report to headquarters in preparation to help secure the Capitol.

Meanwhile, dozens of other rioters streamed into the building, where they smashed windows and vandalized offices.

"MURDER THE MEDIA," read a message written on one door.

"WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN," read another left in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who also refused to back down, later directing her colleagues to return and finish validating Biden's victory.

Rep. Karen Bass, a Democrat from California, shared a photo on Twitter of a long-haired man in a Trump hat carrying a rostrum adorned with the gold-colored seal of the speaker.

"Arrest this man," she demanded.

At 3:30 p.m., more law enforcement in riot gear arrived at the Capitol.

"Traitors," Trump supporters shouted. "What's your oath?"

Biden condemned what he called an "unprecedented assault" on American democracy, "unlike anything we've seen in modern times."

"This is not dissent. It's disorder. It's chaos," he said. "It borders on sedition, and it must end now."

For hours, Trump made little effort to quell the violence he had helped instigate, finally sharing a video at 4:17 p.m. in which he told people to "go home" - while continuing to promote the falsehood that he had won the election.

"We love you," he told them. "You're very special."

The Capitol has been the target of violence before. In 1954, Puerto Rican nationalists opened fire from a House gallery, injuring five lawmakers on the floor below. In 1971, a bomb planted by a radical left-wing group exploded, though no one was harmed. In 1998, a gunman opened fire, killing two Capitol Police officers. But not since the British set fire to the Capitol in 1814 has a mob overrun the ultimate symbol of American freedom.

At about 8:30 p.m., just more than an hour after hundreds of law enforcement officers had at last finished clearing the mob and removing Trump flags left inside the building, heavily armed FBI agents and police officers in riot gear escorted lawmakers back to work.

D.C. police had arrested 13 people by early evening, they said, including three in possession of firearms. About 6 p.m., a man was stabbed at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near Freedom Plaza, though it was unclear whether the attack was related to the demonstrations.

At the Capitol, those who had made it inside took on a celebrity status when they came back out. A woman who said she had footage on her phone of Capitol Police pointing guns at rioters was circled by dozens who wanted to see it. People traded what information they had about the woman who was shot inside. Some called her a "martyr."

After she was taken away, the mood soured, though many remained joyous. "We're making history," one woman said as she strolled down Independence Avenue with friends.

Beneath streaming flags, including some that read "F--- Biden" and that depicted Trump as the movie character Rambo, people loudly exhorted Jesus and chanted "USA!"

Many called friends and family and took videos.

"We weren't violent before, but we are now," a middle-aged White man said, talking into his cellphone. "There's no going back."

- - -

The WashingtonPost's Peter Hermann, Rachel Chason, Marissa J. Lang, Carol D. Leonnig, Perry Stein, Emily Davies, Jessica Contrera, Katie Mettler, Michael Brice-Saddler, Harrison Smith, Clarence Williams, Antonio Olivo, Teo Armus, Justin Wm. Moyer and Fredrick Kunkle contributed to this report.
PHOENIX, Ore.  The second phase of clean-up following the Almeda Fire is at last set to begin within the coming weeks, according to Jackson County officials.

Crews contracted by the federal EPA largely wrapped up efforts to remove hazardous waste from the burn areas in November. Though those crews removed roughly 300,000 pounds of waste from damaged Oregon properties, it only represents a small fraction of the debris left behind in the wake of those September fires.

RELATED: Oregon officials need info before debris clean-up from September fires can begin

The next step is to remove ash, structural debris, concrete foundations, and other debris. This process will begin around mid-January, Jackson County said.

"Oregon Wildfire Recovery cleanup crews are continuing their preparations of staging equipment, completing environmental testing and coordinating with property owners to begin Step 2 of the Almeda Fire ash and debris removal," officials said.

Once this second step is completed, properties will be ready for rebuilding. Property owners will receive a letter from Oregon DEQ stating that the clean-up is finished.

RELATED: Rebuilding after the Almeda Fire

"The removal of ash and debris is being planned and coordinated to be completed with efficiency and safety as priorities," Jackson County said. "This includes mobilizing crews to complete cleanup in communities in a combined effort prior to moving to other areas to begin work."

Clean-up has been prioritized into two tiers. The first includes Bear Lake Estates in Phoenix, Mountain View Estates in Talent, and Northridge Terrace in Medford.

Tier 2 includes the Barnum subdivision in Phoenix, Coleman Creek Mobile Home Park, the Samuel Loop Subdivision, and a number of Talent neighborhoods around Ganges Drive, Village Court, Creekside Way, and Davidson Way.

"As FEMA continues to refine their plans and complete agreements with selected mobile home park owners, these priorities will likely change to cleanup those mobile home parks where FEMA will place trailers for longer-term housing," Jackson County said.



AUSTIN, Minn.  Mower County commissioners are scheduled to vote on proposed changes to county septic system rules.

Its the conclusion of a year-long initiative to bring septic systems across the county into compliance with health and safety ordinances.

Poorly functioning septic systems are threats to human health and the environment, says Angela Lipelt, Mower Countys Environmental Services Supervisor. These proposed revisions will better help us find and fix systems that likely are not removing pathogens, nutrients and other chemicals from wastewater before it enters our groundwater, lakes and streams.

Mower County says it made record progress during the 2020 construction year working with property owners to get their septic systems into compliance. Overall, 128 new systems were installed, topping a previous record of 125 systems a decade ago, and another eight septic systems already have approval for construction in 2021.

The new septic system rules will be discussed at the January 12 meeting of the Mower County Board of Commissioners, which will begin on 9 am in the lower level of the Government Center.

Some of the major changes proposed include additional compliance-inspection prompts; commercial and industrial septic systems needing to maintain constant compliance either through inspections or operating permits; and septic systems (if not compliant) needing to be upgraded before transferring property or an escrow will need to be established to transfer the property.

Due to Covid-19 safety precautions, those who wish to attend the meeting in person are urged to notify Mower County Public Works staff in advance of the meeting. Social distancing and wearing facial masks are required for attendees.
January 6th's events are being seized on as a game-changer, leading to calls to invoke the 25th Amendment; calls to impeach and remove President Trump; and efforts to discredit Trump, his supporters, and conservatism. It has distracted attention from issues around the legitimacy of voting procedures in several key states and guaranteed the Electoral College vote just before 4 A.M. that ratified Joe Biden's and Kamala Harris's inauguration as president and vice president.

Applying the classic legal question "cui bono?" ("who benefits?"), it is clear that Democrats, anti-Trump establishment Republicans, the leftist media, and TDS-sufferers all are victorious.

Disturbing video available (for now) on Twitter shows Capitol Police allowing demonstrators to enter the Capitol grounds.



Twitter video (cropped).

Elsewhere at the Capitol, the police sent out to hold a perimeter were unable to hold off mobs.

Why was the United States Capitol left so vulnerable?

Even NBC News reported on law enforcement officials shocked at the abject failure:

Law enforcement officials across the country are in shock over the chaos at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, with some saying police were "entirely unprepared" and others calling the response "embarrassing." The majority said it was the failure of the Capitol Police to prevent the physical invasion of the building by pro-Trump rioters that concerned them most. Carmen Best, who was chief of the Seattle police from 2018 to September and is now an NBC News contributor, said that, like many other Americans, she watched the events at the Capitol unfold on television. "I was wondering, where were the cops? If they don't get there soon, what else could transpire? It felt like a very long time, and I'm sure millions of people were also watching and thinking the same thing," Best said. While she said she did not want to be overly critical of the Capitol Police, given that facts were still coming to light, she said the response "took way too long."

District of Columbia mayor Muriel Bowser was not anxious to see law enforcement deployed in strength. Jordan Davidson wrote in The Federalist:

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser told federal law enforcement to stand down just one day before a mob of Trump supporters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, smashing windows, entering the chambers, and forcing lawmakers and congressional staff inside into lockdown. "To be clear, the District of Columbia is not requesting other federal law enforcement personnel and discourages any additional deployment without immediate notification to, and consultation with, MPD if such plans are underway," Bowser wrote in a letter to acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller, and Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy. According to Bowser, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department in coordination with the U.S. Park Police, Capitol Police, and Secret Sevice [sic] were well-equipped to handle whatever problems could come up during the Trump rallies planned for Wednesday. "The District of Columbia Government has not requested personnel from any other federal law enforcement agencies," she continued. "To avoid confusion, we ask that any request for additional assistance be coordinated using the same process and procedures."

I wish that I could have faith in the investigatory bodies that no doubt will be examining the fiasco. But after seeing the behavior of senior FBI personnel in the Russia Hoax, it is reasonable to worry about the inquiries that will be coming.

It should be remembered that individual members of the Capitol Police were heroic in protecting members of the GOP Caucus when a Bernie Sanders fanatic supporter attempted mass murder on a softball diamond. The issue is the orders that they were given and the failure of other forces to be deployed sufficient to protect the Capitol.

BERLIN  As an angry mob stormed the heart of the worlds most powerful democracy, the rest of the world watched the once-unimaginable scenes unfolding in Washington with dismay and disbelief  and deep concern about what the turmoil could mean as authoritarian forces gain strength around the globe.

Many of those following live broadcasts of armed rioters forcing their way into the Capitol saw it as a stark and disturbing warning for all the worlds democracies: If this can happen in the United States, it can happen anywhere.

We currently witness an attack on the very fundaments of democratic structures and institutions, said Peter Beyer, the German governments coordinator for trans-Atlantic affairs. This is not merely a U.S. national issue, but it shakes the world, at least all democracies.

One by one, officials around the globe responded with the sort of statements previously issued by the United States State Department when political violence consumed other countries.
HAIFA, Israel, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tactile Mobility , the leading tactile virtual sensing and data company, announced today that it secured funding from Nexteer Automotive, a global leader in intuitive motion control, and The Group Ventures, an early stage North American venture firm. The investment acts as an extension to the previous $9 million round led by Porsche, and as a bridge to the next round of funding and brings total funding in the company to over $20M. Tactile Mobility plans to utilize the funds to support the rapidly growing demand for its sensing technology and data offerings, expand its go-to-market operations, and strengthen its traction among vehicle manufacturers, insurers, tire manufacturers and more across the US, Europe, and Asia.

The company's software collects first-order data using vehicles' built in, non-visual sensors including wheel speed, wheel angle, RPM, paddles position, gear position, and then analyzes it to yield actionable insights in real-time. These insights provide a clear-cut, highly-accurate description and analysis of the continually evolving state of vehicles, roads, and vehicle-road dynamics. The data insights are valuable across many sectors due to their availability, accuracy, and quality  from road planning and management, tracking tire conditions and ware, and even for insurance purposes.

"Having the support and vote of confidence from Nexteer  an automotive leader in intuitive motion control  and The Group Ventures  a VC that consistently invests in and promotes industry-leading companies  is sure to strengthen our position in the market, and we couldn't be more delighted" said Eitan Grosbard, VP of Business Development at Tactile Mobility. "We are seeing a burgeoning demand for our unique tactile sensing technology as well as our data which offers a true to life picture of the state of our road and mobility ecosystem in real-time. This funding will enable us to continue to harness the potential of that data with our partners - be they cities, municipalities, insurers, OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers."

"Nexteer's collaboration with Tactile Mobility is a perfect complement to our existing global software business model and focus on motion control software. We are looking forward to building-out even more of our software offerings that maximize over-the-air updates and connectivity for even safer, more reliable driving," said Robin Milavec, Senior Vice President, Executive Board Director, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Nexteer Automotive. "Software plays an important, central role in the automotive industry and especially in steering features and a driver's connection to the road. This investment is yet another example of how we are executing our strategy for growth in alignment with key industry megatrends."

"Tactile Mobility fits perfectly into our investment portfolio of category defining ventures," said Sion Balass, Managing Partner of the Group Ventures. "Tactile Mobility is creating a new category of automotive virtual sensors that has the potential to have a massive impact on driving and road safety. Together with the strong commercialization traction Tactile Mobility already has in place, and the caliber of investors they've assembled, we have little doubt that Tactile Mobility will quickly cement themselves as an industry leader in the sensor industry. We are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to contribute and be part of what promises to be an exciting journey."

Tactile Mobility has successfully executed partnerships with 10 road authorities and municipalities across the globe, including in the UK, Germany, Israel, Singapore, and Detroit as well as 6 vehicle manufacturers (including BMW and Porsche).

About Tactile Mobility:

Tactile Mobility is the world's leading tactile virtual sensing technology and data provider, enabling actionable insights for autonomous vehicles, municipalities, and fleet managers. Tactile Mobility's unique technology collects "first principle", crucial, anonymized real-time data generated from vehicles' non-visual, existing sensors and turns it into actionable insights on road attributes including grades, grip, and curvatures as well as vehicle attributes such as weight, tire parameters, and more. Insights provided by Tactile Mobility greatly enhance vehicle intelligence and ride safety, efficiency and experience as well as empower city officials with new and much higher value data to better conduct planned maintenance and detect hazards in near real-time. Tactile Mobility was co-founded in 2012 by Boaz Mizrachi, Yossi Shiri, and Alex Ackerman. The company is already working with multiple OEMs, road authorities, and municipalities and is based in Haifa, Israel with a presence in Europe, the US, and Asia.

About Nexteer Automotive:

Nexteer Automotive (HK 1316), a global leader in intuitive motion control, is a multi-billion-dollar global steering and driveline business delivering electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steering columns, driveline systems, as well as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving enabling technologies for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company has 27 manufacturing plants, four technical and software centers and 13 customer service centers strategically located in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The company serves more than 60 customers in every major region of the world including BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, PSA Groupe, Toyota and VW, as well as automakers in India and China. www.nexteer.com

About The Group Ventures:

The Group is an early stage North American venture firm investing in data driven platform tech companies with B2B and double-sided network effect business models poised to have a global impact. We are a Group of entrepreneurs, founders, and senior corporate executives with a track record of building value. We work with founders looking to reinvent industries and help them build value.

Tactile Mobility Media Contact:

Gavriella Weinreb

Headline Media

[email protected]

+1 914 775 5135

SOURCE Tactile Mobility

Related Links

http://www.tactilemobility.com


[January 06, 2021] Morganti & Co., P.C.: Shareholder Claims against Colt Resources Inc. have been Settled

Morganti & Co., P.C., announces that a settlement has been reached in the class action against Colt Resources Inc. ("Colt"), Nikolas Perrault, Shahab Jaffrey, Joe Kin Foon Tai, and Paul Yeou, alleging misrepresentations in connection with Colt's investment in a Turkish company in July of 2016. The settlement provides for the payment by the Defendants of the total amount of CDN $950,000, to resolve those claims (the "Settlement"). The Settlement is a compromise of disputed claims and is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by any of the Defendants. The Settlement must be approved by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. A Settlement approval hearing has been set for March 8, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. At or immediately after the hearing, the Court will also address a motion to approve Class Counsel's fees, which will not exceed 28% of the recovery plus reimbursement for expenses incurred in the litigation. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Colt's shares or units on any stock exchange, over-the-counter, or directly from Colt, on or after March 15, 2015, and held them until the cloe of trading on July 13, 2016, November 29, 2016, December 20, 2016, or January 30, 2017, you may be a Class Member.



Class Members do not have to do anything at this time to stay in the class action. If the Court approves the Settlement Agreement, the Settlement Amount will become available for distribution to the Class, you will be notified about how to request a portion of the Settlement Amount. If you stay in the class action you will be legally bound by all orders and judgments of the Court and will not be able to advance a claim against the Defendants regarding the legal claims made in this class action. If you want to opt-out of the class action and not participate in the Settlement, you must complete the online Opt-Out Form and provide copies of the documents identified therein to Morganti & Co., P.C. by no later than March 7, 2020 (the "Opt-Out Deadline").

A copy of the long-form notice providing greater detail about the Settlement, the Opt-Out Form, your right to oppose the Settlement, and the hearing date to approve the Settlement is available at https://morgantico.com/colt-resources-inc/ Class Members may express their views about the Settlement to the Court. If you wish to do so, you must act by March 8, 2021. For more information you may send an email to Ian Literovich at iliterovich@morgantico.com or call him at 647-344-1900. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210106005911/en/

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London: Britain says the mass arrest of politicians and activists in Hong Kong shows China "deliberately misled" the world over the true intentions of its National Security Law.

Police rounded up more than 50 of Hong Kong's prominent pro-democracy campaigners, accusing them of trying to overthrow Hong Kong's government.

Pro-democracy activists gesture during a press conference on January 6 in Hong Kong after 50 opposition figures were arrested under the national security law. Credit:Getty Images

More than 1000 officers took part in the dawn raids that have stunned Hong Kongers.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the arrests showed that China was using the law to "crush dissent and opposing political views".
While many know Audrey Hepburn as a Hollywood icon, those closest to her have revealed she was a 'vulnerable' woman deeply scarred by her father's abandonment.

Audrey Hepburn became a film sensation in the 1950s and changed the industry's image of a star thanks to her big eyes, black pixie hair cut and thin frame - during an era when the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Mamie Van Doren and Jayne Mansfield were renowned for their curves.

But new documentary, Audrey: More than an icon, which features interviews from those who knew her best - including her son Sean Ferrer and granddaughter Emma Ferrer - suggests life wasn't as picture-perfect as it may have seemed.

In a never-before-heard interview with the actress which forms the narration of the film, Audrey can be heard explaining how her dad Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston walked out on her when she was six, something she describes as a 'trauma' which left a 'very deep mark' on her.

In a never-before-heard interview featured in Audrey, the Hollywood actress can be hearding explaining how her father walking out on her when she was six left a 'very deep mark' on her'

Speaking in the documentary, Audrey's granddaughter Emma Ferrer (pictured) said: 'For the woman who is most loved in the world to have such a lack of love is so sad'

In one particularly emotional scene, Audrey's granddaughter Emma breaks down in tears as she explains: 'My dad said about my grandmother that the best-kept secret about Audrey is that she was sad. It really makes me sad to think about. I really think she just wanted love, and to be loved.

'I think she got that in her life, but I don't think she got that from a lot of people. You know, for the woman who is most loved in the world to have such a lack of love is so sad.'

Audrey Hepburn grew up during World War II in Belgium and suffered starvation while she was forced to hide from the Nazis.

'There came a moment where we had to live in the cellar because parts of our house kept being shot away,' Audrey explains in an interview during the film. 'We were sleeping on mattresses and waiting for the shootings to stop.

'My uncles were taken from their homes and shot. One brother was sent to Germany, the other was always hidden. My uncles were the first hostages to be shot in Holland and it was actually the turning point because from that day on, an underground was formed.'

Audrey lived with her Dutch-born baroness mother Ella van Heemstra after her father - a supporter of the fascist movement - walked out just days before the broke out in September 1939.

'My parents divorced when I was six,' Audrey says. 'It certainly stayed with me for the rest of my life. My father leaving us left me insecure, for life perhaps.

Audrey: More than an icon features interviews from those who knew her best - including her son Sean Ferrer, granddaughter Emma Ferrer and actress Mita Ungar

Audrey Hepburn became a film icon in the 1950s and changed the industry's image of a star with her big eyes, black pixie hair cut and her thin frame. Pictured, in Breakfast and Tiffany's

My mother explained very sweetly that he'd gone away on a trip and she didn't think he was coming back. I thought my mother was never going to stop crying.'

'She sobbed through the night. I would hear her sobbing in the next room. I would just try and be with her. I missed him terribly from he day he disappeared.'

'As a child you can't quite understand. That sense of helplessness...the strangeness of it too. Not really understanding and just knowing daddy's gone away. That was the first big blow I had as a child. It was one of the traumas that left a very deep mark on me.'

Audrey's son Sean also discusses a candid photograph that was taken of his mother and her father posing on some grass.

'She adored her father,' he explains. 'There's one photo of my mother with her father. The photo is just a candid shot probably taken by her mother, but you can tell me how she adored him. Then he disappeared one day.'

Audrey's granddaughter Emma adds: 'She really felt throughout her whole life the lack of her father and I know that's something she really struggled with.

'That wasn't really fixed through her relationships at all. There were many difficult times with the relationships she did have.'

Sean (pictured) referred to one photo taken of his mother with her father and said 'you can tell me how she adored him'

Speaking of this snap of Audrey and her father, Sean said: 'The photo is just a candid shot probably taken by her mother, but you can tell me how she adored him. Then he disappeared one day'

Emma continues: 'She survived the Dutch famine on bread made of tulips and when they liberated her she was living in her basement in the Netherlands.

The first UNICEF agents who had been assembled to provide aid to children and women after the war literally pulled her outside of the famine. She would always talk about how they arrived and handed her a chocolate bar and that was her turning point.'

At the height of the Depression in 1936, Ella moved her family to Arnhem in the Netherlands in 1936 to stay with relatives. Audrey, who first husband was to be Mel Ferrer, was then packed off to boarding school in England.

While she was desperate to become a dancer, it didn't work out so she started featuring in films - notably Roman Holiday - to earn some money.

'She really hadn't been training as an actress, but had been training to perform,' says film director Peter Bogdanovich. 'She had to draw on her own sad and difficult real life experiences so we feel closer to her, more familiar. Out of nowhere, this star was born.'

In 1964, after 25 years of total absence, Audrey expressed a desire to see her father. Pictured, together

Actress Mita Ungaro told how Audrey had a great career but that her 'private life wasn't that lucky' (pictured)

But in 1964, after 25 years of total absence, Audrey expressed a desire to see her father.

'Curiosity took over,' Audrey explains in the film. 'I wanted to know where he was, whether he was still alive. Through the Red cross I found where my father was - and that was in Ireland.'

But Audrey's friend and photographer John Isaac says how she was left upset following the reunion - despite still deciding to forgive him.

'When she was telling me the story she was crying,' he recalls. 'She said he was so cold. He did not receive her - and she said that really hurt her.'

The documentary then goes on to explain how in 1968, after marrying her second husband Andrea Dotti, the Breakfast at Tiffany's actress decided to give up a career in Hollywood to put her family first.

'I wanted to be a mother,' she says. 'Ever since I was a child, I loved babies, and when I was grown up I was going to have lots of babies. I think that has been a conducting theme in my life.'

As her voice narrates a home recording which shows her firstborn, Sean, playing around in the grass, she continues: 'Its what has made my decisions always. And because I wanted it so much, I wanted to enjoy it very much and not rip myself from it all the time.

'I don't want to be made to sound virtuous. It was a very knowing and if you like, selfish decision. It's what made me happy to stay at home with my children. It wasn't a sacrifice because I thought I should take care of my children.

'That feeling of family is terribly important. I think it's essential. I learned as a child it's terribly important for a child to have a father. For having my father cut off, or he cut himself off, I was desperate.

The late Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn pictured with her mother in 1953

Actress and dancer Audrey Hepburn (1929 - 1993) rehearsing at the barre, circa 1950 (pictured)

'If I could have just seen him regularly, I would have felt he loved me, and I would have had a father, and I tried desperately to avoid it for my children.

'You become very insecure about affection, and terribly grateful for it, and you have an enormous desire to give it.'

And when pregnant with her second son, Luca Dotti, Audrey continued to focus on her family life and marriage - although the latter wasn't to last.

She moved to Tolochenaz, Switzerland, where she could be away from the paparazzi, and worked as a UNICEF ambassador.

Commenting on Audrey's decision to look after her children, her granddaughter Emma says: 'I think she just had to kind of prove to herself that unconditional love was possible. I think she was just chasing that her whole life.'

'I'm still understanding the level of fame. It's a unique kind of fame that in my opinion, so few people have achieved and maintained.

'She had obviously this strength of character that was so appealing and you couldn't help but just fall in love with her but she also had this incredible vulnerability.'

Actress and Audrey's family friend Mita Ungaro adds: 'She had a great career but I think her private life wasn't that lucky.'

Audrey, who spent the last decade of her life with Robert Wolders, Dutch widower of film star Merle Oberon, died in 1993 in Switzerland at the age of 63 after battling colon cancer.

Her father Joseph died in Baggot Street Hospital, Dublin, on October 16, 1980, aged 91.
-- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, humanity has borne witness to the CPC's commitment to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

-- This new development paradigm "fully demonstrates the determination of the CPC and the Chinese government to continue opening up to the outside world," said Ezzat Saad, director of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs.

-- The CPC has set an example in both its efforts to combat poverty and the coronavirus.

BEIJING -- As the year of 2021 begins to unfold, the world is standing at a critical juncture with the cataclysmic COVID-19 pandemic continuing to wreak havoc across the globe.

Against such a challenging backdrop, China has embarked upon a new 15-year endeavor to build itself into a "modern socialist country" under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which celebrates its 100th founding anniversary this year.

With the world striving to tackle the pandemic, economic woes, climate change and various other global challenges, more and more solution-seekers are looking to China for inspiration and insight.

BOOSTING COOPERATION FOR SHARED FUTURE

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, humanity has borne witness to the CPC's commitment to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Abbas Zaki, a member of Palestinian Fatah Central Committee and commissioner for relations with Arab countries and China, said China has repeatedly called for joint efforts to combat COVID-19.

"While doing a good job in its own fight against COVID-19, China has attached great importance to anti-epidemic cooperation with developing countries," said Zaki, commending China for safeguarding global public health.

Noting that Laos and China are comprehensive strategic partners, Kingphet Mongkhonvilay, a senior official from the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, said that in the early days of the pandemic, Laos provided assistance for China, while China later returned the offer with large amounts of epidemic prevention materials.

"The mutual support stands as an example of building a community with a shared future for mankind," he said.

During their interviews with Xinhua, foreign scholars agreed that China's success against this once-in-a-century pandemic has shown the way forward.

"China has taken the lead in stepping out of the pandemic's shadow and reopening its economy," said Faruk Boric, a China expert in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "It bolsters the morale of the whole world."

Argentine economist and China expert Gonzalo Tordini said that the Chinese government and its people have demonstrated to the world "outstanding achievements obtained by orderly and persistent efforts to combat COVID-19."

To help developing countries plagued by the pandemic, China has pledged to make its vaccines a global public good, both accessible and affordable.

Noting that China was the first country to identify and largely defeat COVID-19, Dr. G. Weerasinghe, general secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, said China has been providing technical assistance for other countries and actively supporting the World Health Organization's COVAX program, which aims to ensure equal access to COVID-19 vaccines for all participating countries.

"The CPC's genuine commitment and dedication to a community with a shared future for mankind is proven beyond doubt through the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

EXPANDING OPENING-UP FOR WORLD RECOVERY

The year 2021 is crucial to China as the first year of the country's 14th Five-Year Plan. The nation is set to achieve its first centenary goal within the set time frame -- the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. It is set to embark on a journey toward the second goal: to fully build a modern socialist country by mid-century.

The year 2021 also marks the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the World Trade Organization.

Facing daunting economic challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of protectionism and anti-globalization, China has unveiled its "dual circulation" development pattern, where internal and external markets can reinforce each other, with the domestic market as the mainstay.

This new development paradigm "fully demonstrates the determination of the CPC and the Chinese government to continue opening up to the outside world," said Ezzat Saad, director of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs.

"It has shown that instead of closing its door, China will share its development achievements with the world," said Saad.

Since its inception, the Belt and Road Initiative has evolved into a crucial platform for global cooperation. Overseas observers noted that more and more countries are turning their attention to this open platform, hoping that a more bolstered connectivity will lead to an early recovery of the world economy.

"Connectivity is changing the fate of the poor and developing countries on a positive note," said former Pakistani Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani. "The Belt and Road Initiative... is triggering an economic development across the world and can become a great opportunity for the whole world."

For Robert Griffiths, general secretary of the Communist Party of Britain, China is "engaging the peoples of many countries in a mutually beneficial plan for growth and investment" through the Belt and Road.

SHOULDERING RESPONSIBILITY FOR GLOBAL PROSPERITY

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues unabated, the world is confronted with other formidable issues including extreme poverty, climate change and loss of biodiversity.

"Peace, health cooperation and poverty reduction are most serious issues facing the world. Without collaboration, there is no way out," said Rabbani, adding that the CPC has set an example in both its efforts to combat poverty and the coronavirus.

Later this year, China will host the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15).

China's holding of the COP15 is testimony of the increasing global recognition of the CPC's and the Chinese government's strenuous work in environmental protection, said Annerise Rodriguez, a Cuban expert on international issues.

Alexey Maslov, acting director of the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of Russian Academy of Sciences, said he expects China to foster more positive changes in such areas as climate change and marine ecology.

China has witnessed success in setting practical goals to cope with climate change, said Lionel Vairon, a French geopolitical expert and former diplomat, adding that France-China and European Union-China cooperation in this area is highly anticipated and set to bring about promising results.

Combating poverty has been a primary concern for China, the first developing country to meet one of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals directed at poverty.

"The UN Millennium Development Goals resonate with China's vision of a shared future for mankind," said Cavince Adhere, an international relations expert in Kenya.

"The realization of such development aspirations can only happen when countries work together," Adhere said.

Press Release

January 7, 2021 Pangilinan to industry: Be 'greener' this 2021, mass-produce alternatives to single-use plastics AS CONSUMER giants Coca-Cola and Carlsberg recently announced the switch to plant-based plastics that break down within a year, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan encourages local manufacturers to follow suit. "Magandang opportunity itong pandemya dahil sobrang dami ng mga nagpapa-take-out o nagpapadeliver. Kung merong biodegradable alternatives, tiyak na magiging matagumpay ito," he said. Pangilinan noted that his Senate Bill 40, which seeks to ban the use, manufacture, and importation of single-use plastic, also encourages the research and development of biodegradable alternatives, and incentivizes individuals and groups, including businesses, that manufacture these alternatives. Pangilinan's Single-Use Plastics Bill lists incentives for biodegradable manufacturing to include those in the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, the Barangay Micro-Business Enterprise Act of 2002, the Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987, or the Green Jobs Act of 2016. The bill, which also provides government technical and financial assistance to such manufacturers, is currently pending with the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change. From the demand side, Pangilinan encourages the consuming public to reduce single-use plastics. "Isama natin sa ating mga New Year's resolution ang pag-iwas sa paggamit ng mga single-use plastic. Meron ngang nag-o-order sa McDo na may dala ng sarili niyang lalagyan. Baka pwedeng ugaliin na rin natin na magdala ng sariling lalagyan sa mga food takeout," Pangilinan said. "Pag makakabuti sa health ng ating environment, makakabuti rin sa health natin ito," he added. According to a 2015 study by the United Nations Environment Programme, Filipinos produce about 6.2 million kilos of plastic waste (equivalent to over a thousand 6,000-kilo elephants) every single day, 81% of which are mismanaged and end up in the ocean. For an archipelago like the Philippines, where seafood is a major source of food, this can mean that microplastics can enter our bodies through the seafood that we eat. Scientists already have found microplastics in fish, shellfish, sea salt, chickens, and even in honey and beer. Over time, these may lead to serious health hazards. From the regulation side, Pangilinan also reiterated his call for Malacanang to certify as urgent his Senate Bill 40 on the ban on single-use plastics. Major global companies are joining the movement in reducing plastic pollution and are switching to sustainable plant-based bottles for packaging. Coca-Cola and Carlsberg plan to use fully recyclable bottles made from degradable plant sugars and wood fibers rather than fossil fuels. "Dito sa atin, kailangan na lang may mag-invest sa pag-manufacture ng containers na gawa sa buko, nanalo itong entry sa isang international science fair. At pwede ring gamitin ang seaweeds na ginagamit na sa mga medicine capsules," Pangilinan said. "Sa paggamit ng ganitong mga innovation, masisiguro natin ang isang malinis at malusog na Earth para ating mga anak," he added. This push toward eliminating single-use plastics continues last year's momentum to begin reducing plastic straw use in many countries and corporations around the globe. "Kahit hindi pa batas ang Single-Use Plastics Regulation and Management Act of 2019, marami na tayong pwedeng gawing mga simpleng bagay para sa kalikasan. Gumamit tayo ng mga alternatibo kagaya ng mga eco bag at i-recycle din natin and mga plastic sa tahanan tulad ng bote ng shampoo at softdrinks na maaring taniman ng halaman. Ugaliing magdala ng tumbler para sa tubig imbes na bumili ng bottled water. Nakatipid ka na, nakatulong ka pa sa kalikasan," Pangilinan said. "Gusto nating ma-experience pa ng mga anak natin ang magagandang beaches ng Pilipinas," he added.
On the bloody morning after, America woke up (apologies to the 90s alt-rock band Lit) with the wrecked car still parked in the front yard of the U.S. Capitol, as a nation that finally fell asleep with its clothes on around 3:45 a.m. is now  head throbbing  promising the world that the unfortunate events of January 6, 2021, were the absolute rock bottom.

In the wake of a full-blown insurrection that halted U.S. governance for more than 6 hours Wednesday, the national mood was one of nauseated, hungover contrition. Even on Fox News, megaphone for right-wing conspiracy craziness these last four-plus years, morning host Brian Kilmeade conceded Thursday morning that the presidents behavior has been terrible since he was defeated by Joe Biden in the November election and that Twitter was justified in suspending Donald Trumps incendiary account (even as Trump retains access to the nuclear codes).

As for the coup leader and 45th president of the United States, the muted commander-in-chief  in what felt like an effort to stop his Cabinet from invoking the 25th Amendment and removing him 13 days before the end of his term  promised for the first time, through an aides Twitter account, there will be an orderly transition on Jan. 20. That was also perhaps an acknowledgement of his sinking support in Congress  being on the receiving end of a violent mob can do that  among those whod earlier backed his insane challenges to Bidens victory. Soon-to-be-ex-Georgia-Sen. Kelly Loeffler, for example  stating that the violence, the lawlessness and siege of the halls of Congress are abhorrent  flipped sides and rejected the pro-Trump challenge, thus revealing it had all along been a cynical ploy for votes.

Is it too naive to ask, on the 2,021st anniversary of the Biblical moment when three previously in-the-dark wise men had their come-to-Jesus moment, whether America had some kind of at least small epiphany this Jan. 6? Will witnessing up-close the chaos that modern Republicans have unleashed upon the U.S. body politic force at least some of the GOP to pull back from the brink, and find ways to cooperate with the incoming Biden administration on the things that really matter, like getting coronavirus vaccines to every American and finally helping the millions facing eviction and hunger?

I know the cynical answer to those questions is no, that the nation has been in a long downward spiral toward civil war that maybe started with the Tea Party backlash to a Black U.S. president, or the lies that gave us the Iraq War, or the massive inequalities launched under St. Ronald Reagan, or waving the bloody shirt of the culture wars that began in the 1960s. Certainly, one can find a kind of a tragic symmetry in the youthful optimism that was crushed when four protesters died at Kent State on May 4, 1970, and the reactionary nihilism that caused four deaths at the U.S. Capitol this week.

Still, America does have a 244-year-long knack for stepping away from the abyss, and even in the present crisis there have been opportunities to pull back from madness and division that were squandered, because of too many media outlets and ambitious politicians who profit too much from chaos. One such lost opportunity, amid a senseless tragedy, came in early 2011 when a lone nut wounded Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in an assassination attempt and killed six others. Probably not coincidentally, Fox News stopped promoting the Tea Party  it vanished almost instantly  and pulled the plug on its craziest host, Glenn Beck. But the moment faded when a new demagoguery emerged in the short-fingered birtherism and xenophobia of fake billionaire Trump.

 READ MORE: Trump told us he would wreck America. Why didnt we believe him the first time? | Will Bunch

This time, there needs to be a more sincere commitment from the saner heads on Fox and the right-wing media, the Republicans in Congress who in the end needed the deaths of four people to back away from Trump, and others on what little is left of the center-right to find common ground not on the complicated issues  heck, argue the Pentagon budget or tax rates until the cows come home  but on actual facts like who won an election.

Millions of people  in a nation where historian Richard Hofstadter was writing about the paranoid style way back in 1964  will never get on this train. But if America can back away from the 50-50 path to Civil War II and rediscover a 70-30 consensus that stuff like science, a free press, and fair elections matters, we can start moving forward, however sporadically and despite the occasional spasms of violence that seem to be as American as cherry pie.

Where to begin?

President Trump, any aides who materially supported the insurrection, and its leaders on the ground must be investigated and prosecuted, so we can get back to some kind of baseline here of whats a crime (hint: this surely was) and who is above the law, which should be no one. Indeed, one argument for Vice President Mike Pence  said to be finally fed up after four years of lackeydom  and the Cabinet to rapidly remove Trump via the 25th Amendment would be to prevent him from pardoning his co-conspirators or himself. I also think that regardless of what federal and state prosecutors can do, the House  whenever it finds its way clear to get back to work  needs to impeach Trump again and urge his GOP critics in the Senate to convict, with the purpose of banning him from seeking the presidency in 2024.

I make these recommendations with some trepidation, because the long history of the U.S. Justice Department has been to go too far to criminalize dissent (just watch the Netflix movie The Trial of the Chicago 7 if you dont know what I mean). But those who took a righteous stand against, say, the Vietnam War never tried to breach the Capitol, despite sometimes massive numbers, and yet were often subjected to mass arrest. An insurrection with the clear intent of stopping a vital democratic function  the transfer of presidential power  demands real consequences.

Congress and possibly the Biden administration must launch a major, public investigation of the law-enforcement failures that allowed Wednesdays breach to occur  for two reasons. Most fundamentally, the failure to adequately deploy or equip personnel to keep the insurrectionists away from the Capitol  despite weeks of warning about the scale and intentions of the pro-Trump rally  is unconscionable. But the moment also speaks to a much greater loss of confidence in policing in America, which led to last springs George Floyd protests. Every theory about systemic racism within American law-enforcement was confirmed by Wednesdays kid-glove treatment of white rioters. These events must be a spark for sweeping reforms.

America starts the new year with common enemies  the pandemic currently killing more citizens than died on 9/11 every single day, and the economic misery that has resulted  that dont need to be viewed through some kind of crazy red-state-blue-state, pre-Civil War II prism. With widespread agreement on speeding vaccine distribution and getting help to small business owners, essential workers and those locked out, like restaurant servers, doing something about those things in early 2021 might actually curb some of the public anger and mistrust.

Again, I know the default position is cynicism, to argue that in todays world the tribalism of rural folks resenting know-it-all cosmopolitan elites and city slickers furious with the deplorables will trump (pun intended) any good idea  even ones with widespread public support like raising the minimum wage to $15 or making college affordable. My response would be, lets at least try it and see what happens!

Almost all of us have seen this pattern among our own family members and friends. Someone goes on a bender  OK, maybe not one that trashes the U.S. Capitol  and then assures the world that theyve finally reached rock bottom, only to hit a new low a few days or weeks later. On Wednesday, America totaled the Ford 150 but thankfully weve walked away from the wreckage, limping but still alive. Lets pray that the real road to Americas recovery started with an Epiphany  January 6, 2021.

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The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Mining (GNASSM) has described as refreshing and welcoming, President Akufo Addos admission of politicisation in the fight against illegal mining in the country.



It said the Presidents call for a united approach in the fight against galamsey was a vindication of the Associations earlier position that depoliticization was the only remedy to sanitize the sector to enable it contribute meaningfully to national development.



A statement signed by Mr Godwin Armah, General Secretary of GNASSM and issued in Kumasi, said the call by the President in his last State of the Nation Address that we, who are the leaders, own it to the country to take the subject out of the party political arena and have an honest conversation about this menace in the future was very appropriate.



He said the admission by the President alone, provided the opportunity to make amends and ensure that small scale mining was done responsibly and sustainably in Ghana.



Mr Armah said the Association had learnt many lessons following the NPP governments ban on small scale mining in its first term and would not support any attempt to ban licensed Small-Scale Mining again.



The Association, he said, had positioned itself well to collaborate with the government and provide all the needed assistance and direction to fight illegal small-scale mining menace popularly known as Galamsey in the country.



Mr. Armah hinted that the leadership of the Association was planning to meet the President after the swearing-in of his second term for possible dialogue to inform his next line of action.



He said the Presidents admonishment and posture was the reopening of a new chapter in the nations quest to secure mining and derive the maximum benefit in the areas of revenue, employment and development.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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ACROSS AMERICA  Connecticut State Police Trooper Patrick Dragon was one of the first officers to respond to the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012. With 26 deaths, the massacre ripped at America's heart, as most of the victims were between 5 and 7 years old.

A little more than eight years later, Dragon himself has become a fatal victim of another American tragedy. He died Jan. 2 after testing positive for the coronavirus, the Connecticut State Police said in a statement on Facebook.

Dragon, who was 50, according to a WCVB report, retired from Connecticut State Police in 2018, and more recently served as a dispatcher for local departments such as the one in Foster, Rhode Island. Foster Police Chief David Breit said on Facebook that Dragon fought a "valiant battle" against the virus.

He "was a great person, kind, caring and a friend to all who met him," Breit said. "There are not enough words, to describe the kind of person that Patrick was."

Dragon is among the more than 360,700 Americans and more than 6,000 from Connecticut to have died from the virus, Johns Hopkins University data shows.

The Latest

One of the first Americans to get a dose of the vaccine developed by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech has died, but Pfizer has said the death was unrelated to the vaccine.

Gregory Michael, a 56-year-old from New Jersey, died earlier this week in Florida. He took the first dose of the vaccine on Dec. 18, according to reports.



In a social media post, Michael's wife said the "very healthy" 56-year-old found a "strong set of petechiae" on his feet and hands three days after getting his first dose of the vaccine.



"He was a pro-vaccine advocate  that is why he got it himself," she said, alleging that the vaccine was connected to his death.

Pfizer acknowledged Michael's death, and will continue an investigation into it.

"It is a highly unusual clinical case of severe thrombocytopenia, a condition that decreases the body's ability to clot blood and stop internal bleeding," the New York-based drugmaker said in a statement. "We are actively investigating this case, but we don't believe at this time that there is any direct connection to the vaccine."



Story continues

Some others who have received vaccine doses have reported negative side effects. Twenty-one people who received doses of the Pfizer vaccine have had severe, and even life-threatening, allergic reactions, according to a New York Times report.

Still, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, told the Times that is a "rare outcome."

The B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant that originated in the United Kingdom was found in another state on Thursday, with the first case reported in Pennsylvania.



The person who tested positive with the new strain, which is believed to be more contagious, had known international exposure, officials in the Keystone State said. Previous variant cases reported in states such as California, New York and Florida have involved people with no recent travel history, suggesting community transmission has already begun.



Health experts have warned that there is no robust system to identify mutations like the U.K. variant.

Researchers only perform genome sequencing, a method that definitively spots the variant, on fewer than 3,000 of the 1.4 million people who test positive for the virus a week, according to a report from The New York Times.

Health experts predict that the variant will spread. National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins told The Washington Post on Wednesday, "I would be surprised if that doesn't grow pretty rapidly."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has also predicted the variant's spread in the coming weeks, has released details on what is known about it. There's nothing to suggest the variant increases the severity of the illness, the CDC has said.

American coronavirus deaths hit another daily record on Wednesday, with more than 3,900 reported.

The rising case and death totals come as states continue to work on speeding up their vaccination rollout plans.

As of Wednesday, more than three weeks into the U.S. vaccination campaign, 5.3 million people had gotten their first shot out of the 17 million doses distributed so far, according to the CDC. While that is believed to an undercount because of a lag in reporting, health officials it is still well behind where they wanted it to be, The Associated Press reported.

Meanwhile, in Florida, a nursing home in a high-end area of West Palm Beach has come into the spotlight after a report from The Washington Post surfaced accusing top officials of offering the vaccine to wealthy donors. The vaccines sent to MorseLife Health System were only for residents and staff.

He asked me if I wanted to have a vaccine, Ryna Greenbaum, 89, told The Post, recalling a phone message from the nursing home's CEO. Im one of the people who has given him some money.



Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said the country could soon provide vaccine doses to 1 million people a day, the AP reported Tuesday.



"Anytime you start a big program, there's always glitches," Fauci said. "I think the glitches have been worked out."

So far, federal officials have failed to outline a plan for distributing vaccines to U.S. states.

Newest Numbers

At least 3,169 deaths and 209,393 new cases of coronavirus were reported in the United States on Thursday as of 4:15 p.m. ET, according to a Washington Post database. The Post's reporting shows that over the past week, new daily cases increased by 17.6 percent, new daily deaths rose by 16.8 percent and new coronavirus-related hospitalizations increased by 5.7 percent.

Currently, more than 132,476 people are hospitalized with a coronavirus-related illness in the United States, more than ever before, according to the Covid Tracking Project.

As of Thursday, 48 states and Puerto Rico remained above the positive testing rate recommended by the World Health Organization to safely reopen. Only Vermont, Hawaii and the District of Columbia are currently below that rate. To safely reopen, the WHO recommends states remain at 5 percent or lower for at least 14 days.

As of Thursday afternoon, the United States had reported more than 21.4 million cases and more than 364,000 deaths from COVID-19-related illnesses, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Read more from Across America:

This article originally appeared on the Across America Patch
President Donald Trumps response to Wednesdays violent protests at the Capitol was wholly insufficient, former Gov. Chris Christie said Thursday.

Christie, an adviser to the president who was an early supporter of Trumps presidential campaign after his own run for the White House fizzled out, said on ABCs Good Morning America that the presidents video fell far short of what the situation called for.

He had to unequivocally stand up and tell those people to leave the grounds of the Capitol, and to get out and let the Congress do their work, Christie said. The video that he put was wholly insufficient to get that done. It was better than nothing but only slightly better than nothing.

Trump on Wednesday released a video via Twitter in which he told the protesters, who descended on the Capitol at the presidents urging following a rally in which he repeated his disproven claims of voter fraud, to go home.

I know your pain, I know youre hurt, Trump said in the minute-long video that later was removed. We had an election that was stolen from us.

But you have to go home now, he said.

The protesters, who smashed doors and ransacked congressional offices and carried Trump and Confederate flags, forced both houses of Congress to abruptly recess in the midst of counting the electoral votes that would make Joe Biden the next president of the United States.

Congress later returned and finished certifying the election results, with a majority of House Republicans (including Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd Dist., but not Rep. Chris Smith, R-4th Dist.), siding with the president and supporting two challenges to buttress his fraud claims even though they were rejected by dozens of judges and officials in all 50 states.

While Trump on Thursday finally conceded that there would be a peaceful transition of power later this month, he refused to give up his false claims of widespread voter fraud.

Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th, he said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Christie on Wednesday unloaded on Trump, saying he was absolutely sickened by what happened.

He continued to be critical of the president on Thursday.

It is easy to see where I sit that his conduct yesterday was selfish and self-centered and didnt take into account the responsibilities he has as president of the United States to all the people of the country, Christie said.

And thats a shame and completely violative of his oath and unacceptable for someone who sits in the highest office our country can grant.

The former governor has been one of the few prominent New Jersey Republicans to reject Trumps baseless fraud claims, declaring in November that Biden had won the election and calling the presidents legal team a national embarrassment.

He suggested on Thursday that Trump tell his supporters to stay away from Bidens inauguration on Jan. 20, or if they do, they should come only to do peaceful protesting.

Christie even suggested that members of the presidents administration might want to take a stand as well.

Whether that means taking action themselves by resigning, making other statements, I think they should be searching what they should be doing to make sure we are a government of laws and a Constitution and that no person can place themselves above that, Christie said.

Thats exactly what the president did yesterday at that rally on the Ellipse (the park where the rally was held) and its unacceptable.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant.

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Kendallville, IN (46755)

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Clear to partly cloudy. Low 49F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

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00:00 | Huanuco (Huanuco region), Jan. 7.

"I have to say, with great concern, that although 'Los Negritos' is a tradition in Huanuco and we must not forget our culture the health and lives of people must take the utmost priority for now," he commented.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a whopping 8.7 lakh expatriates from Kerala to return home, most of them from the Gulf, since last May with a majority of 5.67 lakh citing job loss as the reason for it, according to official data. The data from the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) department as of Thursday also showed that 1,11,151 of the 13,27,330 Keralites who came back from other parts of the country also cited loss of jobs as the reason for their return.

The second biggest reason cited by the returnees (2.08 lakh) was their job visas. The rest include senior citizens, or children, and family members of expats. Since May, when travel was allowed after the easing of the first COVID-19 lockdown, a total of 8,69,730 people returned from overseas, the department said.

Of those returning from within the country, the maximum number of people returned from neighbouring Tamil Nadu (3.12 lakh), followed by Karnataka (3.11 lakh) and Maharashtra (1.37 lakh). Overall 21.89 lakh Keralites have come back to the state from abroad and from within the country.

Of those returning from abroad, 8,62,544 used the air route to return, and 7,186 took the sea route. "As many as 8,69,730 Keralites returned from overseas between the first week of May and today (January 7). Of them, as many as 5,67,138 officially cited loss of job as the reason for returning, according to the NORKA.

There were 40 lakh Keralites living/working abroad and 13.73 lakh elsewhere in the country. The state has a resident population of 3.48 crore. However, S Irudaya Rajan, an expert on international migration, doesnt agree with the official numbers, saying tens of thousands have already gone back to their places of work, some of them even with new jobs.

"I dont think the official numbers on the Norka portal are true, especially the job-loss figures. While the actual number of returnees could be true, the vast majority of them citing job losses may not be factually correct," he told PTI. Rajan is the chair professor at the Ministry of Overseas Indian affairs research unit on international migration at the Centre for Development Studies in Thiruvananthapuram.

He said there were about 25 lakh Keralites in the Gulf nations and at best five lakh of them would have returned, yet that will make it the highest in the past 50 years. There are one crore Indians in the six of the most migrant-friendly Gulf nations. Even during the Kuwait or Iraq wars, the numbers of people who were forced out were far fewer, he said.

Rajan said he has undertaken a study and would come out with "a more accurate number" once it was completed in a few months from now. "We should not worry too much on how many have come back, as many are going back or have gone back already. We should instead worry about how to help better, how to make them more skilled, helping better migration later," he said.

The expert said the better news was that many were returning to their previous workplace or a new workplace in a new country. Ernakulam had maximum number of returnees overall at 2,48,113, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with 1,66,806, and Malappuram 1,43,709 and Kasargod had the least at 32,959 after Wayanad with 34,838 returnees.

But among those returning from overseas, Malappuram had the highest number at 1,40,931 followed by Kozhikode at 89,166 and Thrissur at 86,887. Idukki had the lowest at 7,370. Malappuram with a larger concentration of Muslim population has the highest penetration of families with expats in the Gulf region followed by Kozhikode.

Of those returnees from abroad, maximum (3.15 lakh) came through the airport in Kochi followed by Kozhikode airport (2.58 lakh), Thiruvananthapuram (1.76 lakh) and Kannur airport (1.09 lakh). Cochin Port was used by 2,955 people. The job losses of expatriates is not a good development for the state whose economy has been heavily leaning onto remittances ever since the Gulf boom began in the 1960s.

Among the states, Kerala has the highest NRI deposits at around Rs 93,000 crore in 2019 and the government was expecting this to cross the Rs one lakh crore mark last year, though it has not materialised due to the pandemic impact. Rajan also disagreed with the fear of a steep fall in remittances saying even the World Bank which had at the peak of the pandemic predicted a 23-25 per cent fall in remittances in 2020 has later revised it to be around 15 per cent, partly because of the steep fall in the value of rupee.

In the worst case scenario, the NRI deposits would have fallen by 10-12 per cent, he said, attributing it to the ingenuity of Keralites who take advantage of the record low interest in their country of work by borrowing cheap in local currencies and sending money back home. According to an official of the State Bank of India, which accounts for close to 30 per cent of NRI deposits in the states banking sector, the bank has been seeing a steady increase in NRI deposits during the pandemic months.

But he did not offer a number partly because of the falling rupee. Calls to the Federal Bank, which is the largest private lender in the state catering to a large number of expats, did not elicit any response.

.
JERUSALEM  Just last week, Israel was seen as a model coronavirus country, outstripping the rest of the world in the pace of vaccinating its citizens by a hefty margin.

But the virus had other ideas.

This week, Israel faces a tightened lockdown as infections have spiraled to more than 8,000 new cases a day, officials fear the more transmissible variant of the virus first identified in Britain is spreading rapidly and Israels vaccine supplies are running low.

The prospect that Israel would have the virus under control by spring, once promising, now seems uncertain. Health officials say that in the short term, at least, the vaccine campaign cannot compete with the soaring infection rates.

And the Palestinian Authority, which runs its own health care system in the occupied West Bank, has asked Israel for vaccines, prompting a debate over Israels responsibility to the Palestinians at a time when Israels vaccine supplies are dwindling.
January 07, 2021 " Information Clearing House " - The United States received a very small taste of its own medicine today as rioting Trump fanatics temporarily forced their way into the nation's Capitol building, and now the whole nation is freaking out.

I am being generous when I say that America was given a very small taste of its own medicine; unlike the horrific coups and violent uprisings the US routinely orchestrates in noncompliant nations around the world, this one stood exactly zero chance of seizing control of the government, and only one person was killed.

I am also being generous when I say the rioters "forced their way" in; DC chose not to increase its police presence in preparation for the protests despite knowing that they were planned, and there's footage of what appears to be cops actively letting them through a police barricade. There was some fighting between police and protesters, but contrasted with the unceasing barrage of police brutality footage which emerged from Black Lives Matter demonstrations a few months prior its fair to say the police response today was relatively gentle.

Predictably, this entirely American disruption has blue-checkmarked commentariat shrieking about Vladimir Putin on social media.

Just as predictably, it's also got them calling for the censorship of social media.

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The New York Times has published two new articles titled "The storming of Capitol Hill was organized on social media" and "Violence on Capitol Hill Is a Day of Reckoning for Social Media", both arguing for more heavy-handed restrictions on speech from Silicon Valley tech giants.

In the former, NYT's Sheera Frenkel writes "the violence Wednesday was the result of online movements operating in closed social media networks where people believed the claims of voter fraud and of the election being stolen from Mr. Trump," citing the expert analysis of think tank spinmeister Renee DiResta of "Tulsi Gabbard is a Russian asset" fame. As usual no mention is made of DiResta's involvement in the New Knowledge scandal in which a Russian interference "false flag" was staged for an Alabama Senate race.

These people are acting because they are convinced an election was stolen, DiResta said. This is a demonstration of the very real-world impact of echo chambers.

This has been a striking repudiation of the idea that there is an online and an offline world and that what is said online is in some way kept online, DiResta adds.

This narrative which seeds the idea that unregulated communication on the internet will lead to violent uprisings is funny coming from Frankel, who, as a Twitter follower recently observed, wrote a piece in 2018 condemning the Iranian government for restricting protesters' social media access during the demonstrations at that time.

"Social media and messaging apps have become crucial to antigovernment demonstrators around the world, as a means of both organizing and delivering messages to other citizens," Frankel wrote. "Not surprisingly, restricting access to such technology has become as important to government crackdowns as the physical presence of the police."

In the other article, co-authored by Frankel, Mike Isaac and Kate Conger, the message is driven home even less subtly.

"As pro-Trump protesters stormed the Capitol building on Wednesday and halted the certification of Electoral College votes, the role of social media companies such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube in spreading misinformation and being a megaphone for Mr. Trump came under renewed criticism," reads the article, adding, "So when violence broke out in Washington on Wednesday, it was, in the minds of longtime critics, the day the chickens came home to roost for the social media companies."

The article reports on the US president's temporary suspension of social media privileges for allegedly inciting violence with his posts, then discusses the various kinds of disinformation and violent ideation being circulated in Trump discussion forums.

"Those alternative social media sites were rife with Trump supporters organizing and communicating on Wednesday," NYT tells us. "On Parler, one trending hashtag was #stormthecapitol. Many Trump supporters on the sites also appeared to believe a false rumor that Antifa, a left-wing movement, was responsible for committing violence at the protests."

We know the social media companies have been lackadaisical at best at stopping extremism from growing on their platforms, Jonathan Greenblatt, director of the Anti-Defamation League, told NYT. Freedom of expression is not the freedom to incite violence. That is not protected speech.

We will likely see many more such articles in the coming days, arguing for increased regulation of internet communication to prevent future incidents like today.

In and of itself this won't sound terribly concerning to the average citizen. Nothing wrong with taking steps to prevent people from plotting violence and terrorism on social media, right?

But how do you predict what protests are going to be "violent"? How do you decide which protests and what political dissent need to be censored and which ones should be permitted to communicate freely? Do you just leave it up to Silicon Valley oligarchs to make the call? Or do you have them consult with the government like they've been doing? Are either of these institutions you'd trust to regulate what protests are worthy of being permitted to organize online?

Because the actual power structures in the United States seem to be interested in simply censoring the internet to eliminate political dissent altogether.

In 2017 top officials from Facebook, Twitter and Google were brought before the Senate Judiciary Committee and admonished to come up with policies that will "prevent the fomenting of discord" in the United States.

World Socialist Website reported the following in 2017.

Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii demanded, for her part, that the companies adopt a mission statement expressing their commitment to prevent the fomenting of discord. The most substantial portion of the testimony took place in the second part of the hearing, during which most of the Senators had left and two representatives of the US intelligence agencies testified before a room of mostly empty chairs. Clint Watts, a former U.S. Army officer, former FBI agent, and member of the Alliance for Securing Democracy, made the following apocalyptic proclamation: Civil wars dont start with gunshots, they start with words. Americas war with itself has already begun. We all must act now on the social media battlefield to quell information rebellions that can quickly lead to violent confrontations and easily transform us into the Divided States of America. He added, Stopping the false information artillery barrage landing on social media users comes only when those outlets distributing bogus stories are silencedsilence the guns and the barrage will end.

That sounds an awful like government officials and operatives telling social media corporations that it's their job to censor communication which could facilitate any kind of unrest, no matter how justified.

Do you trust these monopolistic megacorporations to decide whether or not people's dissident speech is acceptable? I don't.

As Julian Assange is condemned to remain falsely imprisoned and the mass media ramp up their case for more imperial narrative control, we are now in a battle for the sovereignty of our very minds.

Caitlin's articles are entirely reader-supported, so if you enjoyed this piece please consider sharing it around, liking her on Facebook, following her antics on Twitter, checking out her podcast, throwing some money into her hat on Patreon or Paypal, or buying her book Woke: A Field Guide for Utopia Preppers. https://caitlinjohnstone.com

A British hedge fund tycoon has been charged with fraud by Danish authorities relating to one of the biggest financial heists ever seen.

Sanjay Shah, who had his 15million Hyde Park mansion seized by the Danes last year, is accused of defrauding Denmark to the tune of 1.5billion after his firm Solo Capital drew up an elaborate financial wheeze.

Known as cum-ex trading, multi-millionaire Shah allegedly duped the Danish authorities using fake documents to claim tax relief in the country.

Great Dane robbery: Sanjay Shah is accused of defrauding Denmark to the tune of 1.5bn after his firm Solo Capital drew up an elaborate financial wheeze

In Denmark companies pay tax on share dividends but foreign investors can have the tax refunded.

The Danish tax authority says it was deceived into paying multiple refunds on dividends to British firms between 2012 and 2015.

At least 800million ended up in Solo Capital, Shah's fund, which closed in 2016. The 50-year-old married father of three who lives in Dubai is one of two charged.

The Danish state prosecutor said: 'This is a case of extremely serious and extraordinarily extensive crime committed against the Danish state.'

Prosecutors believe the two Britons submitted more than 3,000 separate applications to claim billions in tax refunds over the period.

They have charged both with fraud of an aggravated nature, crimes that carry an eight-year sentence, but said they would seek 12 years. Shah maintains he took advantage of loopholes, but did nothing illegal.

Last year he told news agency Bloomberg that two years ago Danish authorities wanted him to 'admit all allegations, pay all of the money you received and tell us how the trading was done'.

He said in return they offered 'a four day trial in Denmark rather than four months and a really nice cell for your four year sentence' before adding: 'I obviously rejected that.'
NEW DELHI (AP)  As the coronavirus tears through India, night watchman Sagar Kumar thinks constantly about getting vaccines for himself and his family of five amid critical shortages of shots in the country. But even if he knew how to get one, it wouldnt be easy.
A man has been charged with murder after a nine-month-old boy allegedly died of neglect at his family home west of Brisbane in 2019.

The 41-year-old man, who was wanted for questioning in relation to the death and was the partner of the baby's mother, was also charged with interfering with a corpse and with neglect offences.

The Sonter Street home in Raceview where the baby boy was found dead in July 2019. Credit:Nine News Queensland

The accused, who lived in Bellbowrie in Brisbane's south-west, was arrested in Oxley in Brisbane's south-west about 2am on Thursday and is due to face Ipswich Magistrates Court the same day.

The baby was found dead on June 21, 2019 at a home in Sonter Street in Raceview in Ipswich.
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Axios

Exxon shareholders, bucking company management, voted to install at least two new members to the oil giant's board in a push to make Exxon more aggressive on addressing climate change and more disciplined in its oil investments.Why it matters: Exxon management campaigned strongly against the entire slate of four people nominated by Engine No. 1, the activist investment group whose campaign was backed by several major pension funds.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeThe election of two of the four would avoid what could have been a categorical rebuke of the oil giant's strategy, but it still represents significant investor dissent.The vote in favor of the two new board members shows that many investors see Exxon, which has had a rocky financial performance in recent years, as poorly positioned for the future. Driving the news: Shareholders voted to add Gregory Goff and Kaisa Hietala at the oil giant's annual meeting Wednesday, Exxon said at the conclusion of voting. Tabulations on other candidates are still pending, though one of the Engine No. 1 candidates was voted down, Exxon stated in a press release. It's possible that one other activist candidate will still prevail.Hietala is a a former renewables executive with the refining company Neste and Goff is the former CEO of the refiner Andeavor.What they're saying: Charlie Penner, one of Engine No. 1's leaders, told shareholders at the meeting that Exxon management is "determined to fight off the future for as long as possible," but added: "change is coming."The big picture: The battle over replacing members of Exxon's 13-person board comes amid increasing pressure on oil majors to do more on climate change.European-based multinational giants are diversifying more widely and vowing long-term transformations to "net-zero" emissions companies by 2050.Engine No. 1 also says Exxon lacks "any serious diversification efforts" that will prepare it to thrive in a low-carbon world. The group says Exxon needs a more cautious investment approach around oil and gas.Engine No. 1's candidates won the backing of some of the company's largest shareholders, including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.Yes, but: Exxon says it's in step with the evolving energy mix, citing growing emphasis on carbon capture and large market opportunities there, and efforts on hydrogen and biofuels.Exxon also argues its adjusted capital strategy will deliver strong returns in oil and gas, which it notes will remain huge markets for decades despite low-carbon energy growth.The company recently set new near- and medium-term targets to cut emissions intensity (that is, emissions per unit of output), but has eschewed the long-term carbon neutrality vows of its European peers.ExxonMobil is in a strong position to create differentiating value throughout the energy transition, CEO Darren Woods said, touting Exxon's oil-and-gas portfolio and its investment in climate technologies."We welcome the new directors Gregory Goff in Kaisha Hietala to the board and look forward to working with them constructively and collectively on behalf of all shareholders," Woods said.Go deeper: The intensifying battle for Exxon's futureLike this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.
The Shapoorji Pallonji Group on Wednesday emerged as the lowest bidder for the Centres tender for the redevelopment and restructuring of the Central Vista Avenue after it quoted a financial bid of 477 crore, nearly 5% lower than the estimated cost of the project pegged at 502 crore.

The redevelopment of the avenue  which comprises Rajpath, leading from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate  will involve restructuring the avenue, creating underground passes, landscaping the green areas and giving a commitment to comprehensive maintenance and operation of the same for five years, documents reviewed by HT stated.

Four firms qualified for the financial bid that opened on January 1 to redevelop the avenue: ITD Cementation quoted Rs 490 crore, NCC Limited quoted Rs 601 crore and Tata Projects Limited quoted Rs 488 crore.

This will be the second phase of redevelopment after Tata Projects Limited was tasked with the construction of the new Parliament complex on September 29, 2020. A letter of award will be given to the selected firm in a fortnight, it is likely to be awarded to the L1 bidder, a ministry official said on Wednesday. L1 refers to the lowest bidder.

The Central Public Works Department, nodal agency for the redevelopment project, revised the estimated cost for the project from 463 crore to 502 crore in a modified tender document released in November. Of this, 372.9 crore is earmarked for civil work and horticulture, 113.7 crore for electrical and mechanical work and 15.51 crore for operation and maintenance, all for a period of five years.

This estimate, however, is given merely as a rough guide, the revised tender document stated.

The tender for the redevelopment of the Central Vista avenue also mandates the firms to maintain it for five years from completion, and requires that the project be completed within 300 days. Work will also need to be carried out in sections to minimise the portion of the avenue that is cordoned off at any given time. The contractor may have to execute the work in three shifts with large manpower of workers, supervisors and professional engineers, it added.

The next phase will involve razing the buildings on either side of the avenue that house ministry offices to make the Central Secretariat: a set of 11 buildings that will house all the 51 central government ministries.

The bid win comes in the backdrop of the Supreme Courts decision on Tuesday giving its nod to the project that included construction of a new Parliament Building and a common Central Secretariat by a 2:1 majority.

The apex court said that clearance of the Heritage Conservation Committee will be mandatory and the same should be obtained by the project consultant before proceeding with the development work.

The Bench also directed installation of smog guns at the project site to curb pollution and asked the Ministry of Environment and Forests to consider having smog guns while carrying out any such work in future.

The Centre had last month opened the technical bids for the tender narrowing on five firms, HT reported on December 14.

The plan, being handled by the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs, involves having a new Parliament building in place by Indias 75th Independence Day in 2022, while the entire project, which includes constructing 11 administrative buildings to house all the government ministries, is slated to be finished by 2024.
Washington: US President Donald Trump's reckless dishonesty has reached its horrifying but logical end point: blood on the floor of the US Capitol building and four people dead. A temple of American democracy under siege by a violent mob of domestic terrorists.

Tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel famously said in 2016 that Trump's supporters take him seriously but not literally.

But when Trump falsely claimed again and again that the November election had been stolen from him by corrupt Democrats and weak Republicans, tens of millions of his radicalised supporters took him at his word.

Never mind that dozens of judges around the country  including the conservative-dominated Supreme Court  tossed out the Trump campaign's election challenges as lacking in merit.
Over Singapore, it is Centre vs Delhi

Around 500 cases of black fungus in Delhi, injections in short supply: Kejriwal

COVID-19 Vaccine: Sputnik V-makers have agreed to supply jabs to Delhi, says Kejriwal

Why put our people at risk as Kejriwal urges Centre to extend ban on UK flights

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 07: With concerns over the new mutant strain of COVID-19 rising, Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal has urged the Centre to consider extending the ban on UK flights.

The Centre had partially lifted the ban and resumed India to UK flights from January 6 onwards. Kejriwal took to Twitter and urged the Centre not to lift the ban until January 31.

"Centre has decided to lift the ban and start UK flights. In view of extremely serious COVID situation in UK, I wud (sic)urge central govt to extend the ban till 31 Jan," Kejriwal said.

New COVID variant: Air India flight with 256 from UK to land in Delhi

With great difficulty, people have brought COVID situation in control. UK's COVID situation is v serious. Now, why lift ban and expose our people to risk, he also said.

Farmer Protest: Farmers carry out tractor rally against the farm laws|Oneindia News

UK on Wednesday recorded 1,041 deaths, the highest since the peak of the pandemic since April last year.

73 have tested positive for the new UK variant of the virus in India, the health ministry said on Wednesday.
Speculations of a change of guard in Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) is rife after the All India Congress Committee named former Union minister Bhakta Charan Das as the new in-charge of the state.

Current BPCC president Madan Mohan Jha is reported to have had offered to relinquish the post along with former AICC in-charge Shaktisinh Gohil and his secretaries, Virendra Rathore and Ajay Kapoor, after the partys poor performance in the recently concluded Assembly elections, which saw its tally reduce to 19 seats, eight less than the number of seats won in the previous Assembly polls.

Former Union minister Subodh Kant Sahay, who campaigned intensively in Bihar during the elections, said a new team was needed to rejuvenate the organisation in the politically significant state.

A section of senior party leaders pleaded that an urgent strengthening of the organisation was required through a revamp from the grassroots level.

The state unit continued to run in an ad-hoc manner after Jha was made the president in September 2018. AICC refused to clear the panel of functionaries of BPCC during Jhas tenure. However, five working presidents were appointed to assist the president in routine official matters, said a senior leader.

The change in BPCC is imminent also because Jha has completed almost three years as its president, an ideal tenure for any leader. Extension is generally granted on this post if achievements are extraordinary, said another senior leader.

Also Read: Congress appoints senior observers for poll-bound states

Senior leaders of the party, most of whom are aspiring for the BPCC chiefs post, have already intensified lobbying with leaders in the AICC. The change is almost on the cards. The process is believed to have been so confidential that none is able to get any hint, said a party legislator, adding that BPCC campaign committee chief and Rajya Sabha member, Akhilesh Prasad Singh, is among the top contenders for the post of the state chief.

Kadwa MLA Shakil Ahmad Khan, BPCC working president Samir Kumar Singh, MLC Prem Chandra Mishra, former MLA and state Mahila Congress chief Amita Bhushan, senior leader Kishore Kumar Jha and former BPCC vice president Pravin Kushwaha are also said to be in the race. Some leaders, however, believed that the new president may be named after the visit of Das, which is likely next week.

Also Read: Jitan Ram Manjhi pushes for cabinet, legislative council seat in Bihar

Former BPCC chief Anil Sharma on Wednesday urged chief minister Nitish Kumar to recommend names of freedom fighter late Veer Kunwar Singh, former chief minister Shrikrishna Singh, socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan, former deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram and former CM Karpoori Thakur for award of Bharat Ratna in recognition of their outstanding contributions during pre and post Independence era.
California Department of Education

News Release

California Department of Education

News Release

State Superintendent Thurmond Announces California Schools Recognized as National ESEA Distinguished Schools

SACRAMENTOState Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today congratulated two California schools for receiving national recognition as 2020 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schoolsformerly known as National Title I Distinguished Schools. Sixth Street Prep School in the Victor Elementary School District and Solano Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles Unified School District are two of up to 100 schools throughout the country being recognized.

Congratulations to principals Collin Rowe and Jorge Parra, as well as all of the educators, staff, administrators, parents, and students at these schools, said Thurmond. Not only were these two schools already named 2020 California Distinguished Schools, theyre also being recognized for their excellent work closing achievement gaps between student groups and ensuring academic growth for students who need extra assistance.

Sixth Street Prep School was selected because it performed exceptionally in Category 1 of the qualifying categories (exceptional student performance and academic growth for two or more consecutive years), while Solano Avenue Elementary School performed well in Category 2 (closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more consecutive years).

A project of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (formerly the National Title I Association), the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for the outstanding academic achievements of their students. It highlights schools across the country making significant improvements for their students. What makes National ESEA Distinguished Schools stories especially powerful are the documented student achievement gains that have resulted from their collaborative and targeted efforts and innovations.

The ESEA provides additional resources for vulnerable students and federal grants to state educational agencies to improve the quality of public elementary and secondary education. The association is a membership organization made up of state ESEA program administrators and staff from each of the states and territories who are charged with managing their states compliance with federal regulations. They ensure that all childrenespecially those living in economically disadvantaged conditionshave the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. More information about the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program is available on the ESEA Network website

# # # #

Tony Thurmond  State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100

Last Reviewed: Thursday, January 07, 2021


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Incredible images have captured the indigenous tribes of Brazil who act as guardians of the quickly diminishing Amazon rainforest and fight off outsiders intent on destroying it.

One stunning photo showed an 89-year-old tribe chief hunting for fish with a bow and arrow in a shallow bay.

Another captured a beautiful indigenous woman swimming underwater in a crystal clear river in the Chapada Imperial ecological sanctuary.

A tribe leader hunts for fish with a bow and arrow. Incredible images have captured the indigenous tribes of Brazil who act as guardians of the quickly diminishing Amazon rainforest and fight off outsiders intent on destroying it

This incredible photo captures an indigenous girl emerging from a watering hole in the Chapada Imperial ecological sanctuary

Being at one with nature is incredibly important to the indigenous people of Brazil. Portrait of a Brazilian beauty, right, captured when photographer Ricardo Stuckert first visited the Yanomami village in the state of Amazonas in 1997

Photographer Ricardo Stuckert, 50, from Brasilia, Brazil, took the spectacular images across different regions of his home country where the Brazilian Indians live including the states of Acre, Amazonas, Bahia, and Alagoas.

Here, the indigenous people develop sustainable management projects, reforest devastated areas and even fight off outsiders who cut down the forest for financial gain.

With 2020 witnessing some of the most devastating forest fires the Amazon has ever seen, the very existence of many of the indigenous people is under threat, since their land is the basis of their survival.

An indigenous woman swims in crystal clear waters. Photographer Ricardo Stuckert, 50, from Brasilia, Brazil, took the spectacular images across different regions of his home country where the Brazilian Indians live including the states of Acre, Amazonas, Bahia, and Alagoas

A Brazilian Indian from the Kalapalo ethnic group in his traditional dress, left and right. The indigenous people develop sustainable management projects, reforest devastated areas and even fight off outsiders who cut down the forest for financial gain

Ricardo capturing the tribes people for his Brazilian Indians project. With 2020 witnessing some of the most devastating forest fires the Amazon has ever seen, the very existence of many of the indigenous people is under threat, since their land is the basis of their survival

An indigenous girl is captured on camera in Apiwtxa village in the state of Acre. Ricardo hopes that his work will draw attention to the ongoing difficulties the indigenous people face through no fault of their own

Ricardo hopes that his work will draw attention to the ongoing difficulties the indigenous people face through no fault of their own.

Ricardo first met the indigenous tribes people in 1997 whilst photographing in Yanomami village on the border between Brazil and Venezuela.

Ricardo's latest images contribute to his 'Brazilian Indians Project' which aims to highlight the importance of protecting the indigenous people of Brazil as well as show that harmony can exist between nature and man.

Ricardo captured his images using a Canon EOS-1D X Mark ll camera, a drone and a GoPro.

'I have always been fascinated by indigenous culture,' Ricardo said.

Photographer Ricardo Stuckert shares a joke with this group of indigenous men. Ricardo first met the indigenous tribes people in 1997 whilst photographing in Yanomami village on the border between Brazil and Venezuela

This happy child leaps from a log. Ricardo captured his images using a Canon EOS-1D X Mark ll camera, a drone and a GoPro

A dad carries his two children, one on each shoulder. Ricardo's latest images contribute to his 'Brazilian Indians Project' which aims to highlight the importance of protecting the indigenous people of Brazil as well as show that harmony can exist between nature and man

'I think it is important to disseminate Brazilian culture and show the way that native peoples live today.

'In 1997, I started to photograph the Amazon and had my first contact with the native people of Brazil.

'Since then, I have tried to show the diversity and plurality of indigenous culture, as well as emphasise the importance of the Indians as guardians of the forest.

'There are young people who are being born who have never seen or will see an Indian in their lives.

'I think that photography has this power to transpose a culture like this to thousands of people.

'The importance of documentary photojournalism is to undo stigmas and propagate a culture that is being lost.

'We need to show the importance of indigenous people to the world, for the protection of our forests.

Thousands of stars can be seen in the clear night's sky. 'I think it is important to disseminate Brazilian culture and show the way that native peoples live today,' Ricardo said

A Brazilian Indian pictured in a spectacular traditional head dress specific to his tribe. Ricardo's Brazilian Indians project hopes to demonstrate the extraordinary multiculturalism that exists across Brazil - a country home to over 210 million people and almost one million of which belong to indigenous groups

A member of the indigenous Kalapalo people is picture covered in his traditional tribal markings

Ricardo is surrounded by children who are fascinated by his camera. 'I always try to leave the Indians at ease. I am there to make a documentary record of people who continuously struggle to protect nature,' he said

'I always try to leave the Indians at ease. I am there to make a documentary record of people who continuously struggle to protect nature.

'When you go to a forest or to a village, you are in another time. There is not the anxiety you feel when you are in a city.

'We think we are the owners of the world, but the Indians have taught me the art of stopping, breathing, and talking which we no longer do today because everything is done electronically.

'There, it is all about the importance of looking into the eyes, touching, and feeling one another.

'My great teaching was having to ask permission to enter a conversation. It is a spiritual permission to understand the other's culture.'

Ricardo's Brazilian Indians project hopes to demonstrate the extraordinary multiculturalism that exists across Brazil - a country home to over 210 million people and almost one million of which belong to indigenous groups.
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A pedestrian has been critically injured after being hit by a van.

The man was struck on the Hume Highway in Casula at 12.40pm and thrown 20 metres into the air.

Police said the Kia Carnival veered off the road hitting the man as he was walking with his friend on the footpath.

A young man has been hit in a high sped accident on the Hume Highway in Casula (pictured)

The pedestrian was walking on the footpath with a friend when the van struck him leaving him in a critical condition

He is believed to be in his 20s and was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance.

He was rushed to Liverpool Hospital in critical condition with serious head, lower leg and pelvis injuries.

Police arrested the 38-year-old male driver who was taken to Liverpool hospital for testing.

The other pedestrian was unhurt.

Pictures taken at the scene showed the van with a large dent in the front with one of the headlights missing.

Images also showed debris including car pieces, bloodied clothing and an uprooted pole, scattered on the footpath.

An investigation is ongoing.
Nearly all of Pennsylvania is out from under drought watch or warning after the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection today lifted its advisories from 20 counties.

Centre and Clearfield counties remain on drought watch. Clinton County is also on drought watch, having improved from drought warning conditions.

After a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, DEP lifted drought watch or warning for 20 counties: Bradford, Cameron, Columbia, Cumberland, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Juniata, Lycoming, McKean, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Warren and Wyoming.

Were getting close. Recent rainfall brought good news for many counties, said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. But three counties have a little ways to go to return to normal conditions.

Consumers on drought watch are asked to reduce their individual water use 5-10 percent, or 3-6 gallons of water per day.

DEP has notified water suppliers in Centre, Clearfield and Clinton counties of the need to monitor their supplies and update their drought contingency plans as necessary.

Varying localized conditions may lead water suppliers or municipalities to ask residents for more stringent conservation actions.

Several public water suppliers in these counties are requiring consumers to reduce their water use or requesting voluntary reductions. Suppliers in a few other counties are still asking for voluntary reductions as water levels recover.

DEP noted there are many ways to reduce water use indoors, including:

Dont let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or shaving. Shorten the time you let the water run to warm up before showering. Use a bucket to catch the water and reuse it to water your plants.

Run the dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.

Repair household leaks. For example, a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily.

Sweep your sidewalk, deck, or driveway, rather than hosing it off.

Replace older appliances with high-efficiency, front-loading models that use about 30 percent less water and 40-50 percent less energy.

Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets.

Find more tips to save water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

DEP makes drought watch, warning or emergency declaration recommendations based on 4 numeric indicators. The agency gets stream flow and groundwater level data from a statewide network of gauges maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, DEP monitors precipitation and soil moisture. DEP also factors in information it receives from public water suppliers.

There are normal ranges for all four indicators, and DEP makes its drought status recommendations after assessing the departures from those normal ranges for all indicators for periods of 3-12 months.

DEP shares the data and its recommendations with other state and federal agency personnel, who make up the Commonwealth Drought Task Force. Drought watch and warning declarations are determined by DEP, with the concurrence of the task force. Drought emergency declarations follow the same process, with final approval by the Governor.

A drought emergency has not been declared for any county.

The next Drought Task Force meeting will be held on Thursday, January 21.
NEW DELHI: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said that the COVID-19 vaccines 'Covishield' and 'Covaxin' are on the verge of being available in the country.

COVID-19 vaccines 'Covishield' and 'Covaxin' are on the verge of being available in the country. Our efforts are to ensure seamless last mile delivery of the vaccine: Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan pic.twitter.com/hqHWOoTL5T  ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2021

The Health Minister, while addressing a press conference, said, ''COVID-19 vaccines 'Covishield' and 'Covaxin' are on the verge of being available in the country. Our efforts are to ensure seamless last-mile delivery of the vaccine.''

The Union Health Minister said this after his meeting with the health ministers of all states & UTs. He further informed that the feedback on the dry run of the COVID0-19 vaccine in 4 states was reviewed.

"We have made improvements based on the feedback. Tomorrow (January 8), a dry run will be done in 33 states & Union Territories,'' Harsh Vardhan said.

Feedback on dry run of COVID vaccine in 4 states was reviewed. We have made improvements based on the feedback. Tomorrow dry run will be done in 33 states & Union Territories: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan at the meeting with health ministers of all states & UTs. pic.twitter.com/xZlgAbZKbg  ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2021

"Maharashtra, Kerala and Chhattisgarh have seen a sudden spike in coronavirus cases recently. This gives us a warning that we shouldn't forget precautions and continue our fight against COVID-19,'' Dr Harsh Vardhan said.

The Minister further stated that some priority groups have been decided for vaccination as advised by the experts' group formed by PM Narendra Modi. The Union Health Minister added, "We have to ensure that no misinformation campaign on the COVID-19 vaccine is successful.''

#WATCH | Some priority groups have been decided for vaccination as advised by the experts' group formed by PM Narendra Modi: Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan pic.twitter.com/jogQ3tbfTz  ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2021

Meanwhile, government sources said that the transportation of the COVID-19 vaccine will begin by today or tomorrow. The Centre has allowed passenger aircraft to transport vaccines. Pune will be the central hub from where vaccine distribution will take place. 41 destinations across the country have been finalised for delivery of vaccines, the govt sources told ANI.

For northern India, Delhi & Karnal will be made mini hubs. For the eastern region, Kolkata will be the hub, it will also be a nodal point for the northeast. Chennai & Hyderabad to be designated points for southern India, the sources said.
"Compassion and generosity."

As manifestations of common decency go, these would rank alongside the traditional theological virtues of faith, hope and charity  traits we should aspire to display in our variously stressed daily doings.

Theyre the sort of qualities we hope to see our chosen leaders demonstrate, and encourage  by both deeds and words  the public to embrace. And theyre courtesies we all hope to be granted in our moments of weakness and doubt.

It was curious, however, to observe the manner in which Premier Brian Pallister this week chose, ostensibly in the interest of charitable good will, to beseech Manitobans to temper their reaction to recent unsettling events.

At issue, of course, were the decisions by some politicians and government officials to flout stay-at-home recommendations by travelling outside the province during the holidays. While stating he was "clearly not pleased" by the wayward wanderings of members of his government cluster, Mr. Pallister said the MLA who took a westbound road trip and political staffers who ventured to eastern Canada will not be disciplined for their actions.

No sanctions will be imposed on Radisson MLA James Teitsma, Mr. Pallister explained, because "hes not a cabinet member" and the premier "cant remove him from a cabinet hes not a member of." Apparently, removal from cabinet represents the sum total of disciplinary actions available to the leader of the provincial government.

And when it came to decisions by Clerk of the Executive Council David McLaughlin, the provinces chief bureaucrat, and senior communications officer Logan-Theanna Ross to travel outside Manitoba, the premier defended his no-sanctions response with the aforementioned plea for kid-gloves kindness.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES David McLaughlin, clerk of the executive council, was given two weeks leave in December to travel to Ontario to be with family.

Mr. McLaughlin, the PC Partys former campaign manager and a trusted adviser to the premier, should be cut some extra advisory-flouting slack because he works for Manitoba but his family resides elsewhere, the premier suggested. Government officials have also defended the travel by stating Mr. McLaughlin was working remotely while out of the province, not simply enjoying festive family time.

"When we talk of someone who lives in Winnipeg whose wife and children live in another part of the country and they can work from home for a few days in isolation, carefully, I dont know that we should be judging them harshly," Mr. Pallister intoned.

One cant help wondering how this weeks call for grace and understanding meshes with Mr. Pallisters earlier inclination to name, blame and shame various non-governmental "idiots" who have contravened public-health guidelines during the pandemic. Compassion and generosity seemed notably absent, for instance, in the premiers public castigation of a rural hotelier for breaking public-health orders  an accusation the business owner promptly and emphatically denied.

One might ask where compassion and generosity factor into Mr. Pallisters dealings with Manitobas nurses, front-line stalwarts throughout the pandemic who have been working without a fairly negotiated union contract since 2017.

And one might be inclined to wonder how the premiers plea for understanding of his closest advisers familial plight might be received by the legions of rule-respecting Manitobans who have been unable to visit loved ones  in many cases, denied a last visit to offer a final embrace to an in-care elder  and whose holiday celebrations were torn asunder by COVID-19-related grief.

In that broader context, its difficult to perceive the premiers targeted plaintive defence as purely benevolent. Perhaps Mr. Pallister might want to exercise a couple of other classical virtues  prudence and justice  rather than blithely offering his inner circle blanket immunity from consequence.

CHICO, Calif. - The events that unfolded at the Capitol were felt all over the country including here at home.

"I'm not necessarily surprised but it's a little disturbing," said Chase Mitchell when asked what his reaction was to the breaching of the Capitol.

"Speak freedom instead of putting people in harm's way," said Houston Willow.

"If I had the money I would be there. I'm a Trump supporter, I voted for him. Republicans want to meet there and show their support for the President," said Kathy Vann, standing next to Willow. "I think they're being pushed into acting violent, and I, I just don't agree with that."

"How crazy everything is, and I think it's just wrong," said Mitchell. "I feel like that's not how you should go about doing something that you feel is wrong."

"They are there to show their support, and I see nothing wrong with that," added Vann.

"If the vote comes out Biden, sure, that's the election and that's American," said confidentially Willow.

When events like what unfolded at the Capitol happen, the National Guard is often called in to assist in containing the situation, and whatever situation arises, they'll be ready.

"That situation when law enforcement agency in a county or a city needs support for whatever the specific incident may be. They can make a request to the governor," said Colonel Jonathan Shiroma of the California National Guard over the phone. "The Governor is our commander and chief. If there is a mission specific to what the Cal guard can support. They would send us a mission request and we would accept it and therefore support whatever the mission can be."

"Republican or Democratic, freedom will prevail," concluded Willow.

Colonel Jonathan Shiroma said this past year, the National Guard helped throughout California during the civil unrest in June and the wildfires in September. If things arise in the state this year, they'll be prepared.

Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington D.C. placed the city under a curfew that started at 6 p-m local Eastern time.
A Ryanair plane lands at Dublin Airport in Ireland on Sept. 21, 2017. (Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images)

Ryanair Cuts Flights, Lashes Out at UK, Irish Governments Over New Lockdowns

Ryanair has announced significant cuts to its flight schedules in response to the new lockdown and travel restrictions imposed by the UK and Irish governments to curb the spread of the CCP virus.

These new cutbacks will reduce its flight schedules from Thursday, Jan. 21 through to March. As a result, few, if any flights will fly from and to the UK and Ireland until these draconian travel restrictions are removed, the low-cost airline said in a statement.

Ryanair expects a reduction of at least 5 million passengers from its initial forecast of flying below 35 million to between 26 million to 30 million passengers for the full year to March 2021.

Customers affected by cancellations will receive emails offering free reschedules or refunds, Ryanair said.

Ryanair was critical of the Irish and UK governments over the lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Irelands Covid-19 travel restrictions are already the most stringent in Europe, a spokesperson for Ryanair said, and so these new flight restrictions are inexplicable and ineffective when Ireland continues to operate an open border between the Republic and the North of Ireland.

The airline urged the governments to accelerate the pace of vaccine rollouts. It also demanded NPHET, Irelands public health team, to release daily vaccination figures and explain why they continue to run behind the vaccination rates of other similar sized EU countries.

Why is Ireland so slow with the rollout of its vaccine programme compared to other countries? What is NPHET doing to speed up vaccines? Denmark, with a similar population, has vaccinated ten times the amount of people as Ireland in the same time period  pic.twitter.com/97kezd06Zm  Ryanair Press Office (@RyanairPress) January 6, 2021

Airline companies have been hit heavily by the pandemic. Although Christmas bookings improved the travel figures from November to December, overall the passenger numbers were much lower than the previous year.

Ryanair Group was flying over 150 million passengers in 2019 and dropped 66 percent to 52 million in 2020.

Finnairs passenger traffic in December dropped 92 percent compared to the same period in 2019, and overall reduced by 76.2 percent for the whole year.

The Finnish traffic authority has suspended passenger flights from the UK until Jan. 11, though flights are still going from Finland to the UK.

We continue to follow demand developments and authority instructions and adjust our flight program as needed. This goes for all our routes, a Finnair spokesperson told The Epoch Times via e-mail.

Norwegian airlines saw a decrease of 94 percent in December compared to the same period last year. The capacity and total passenger traffic were both down by 98 percent.

The pandemic continues to have a negative impact on our business as it has had since March 2020, Norwegians CEO Jacob Schram said in a statement. Norwegian was headed for a positive result in 2020; instead 2020 has been a very challenging year and we now find ourselves fighting for survival.


The Supreme Court on Thursday drew a comparison between the farmers camped at Delhis borders to protest against the Centres farm laws and the congregation of Tablighi Jamaat in March last year to voice the apprehension that it may lead to a similar problem, alluding to the rise in Covid-19 cases reported after the Markaz event.

Same problem will arise from the farmers protest... Dont know if they are protected from COVID-19... You must tell us what is happening, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde asked the Centre. Certainly not, Solicitor General Mehta responded before adding he will find out the status.

The International Muslim missionary group had been charged with aggravating the health emergency in India and the episode had given rise to Islamophobic propaganda. The government had also blacklisted over 950 foreign nationals, before a series of rulings by high courts and lower courts had quashed cases against the attendees who challenged the charges and stood their ground.

The top court, however, raised concerns that the farmers protest may result in a similar spike. "We are trying to ensure that COVID does not spread. Ensure that guidelines are being followed".

The top was hearing a plea seeking various reliefs including CBI probe into the matter related to assembly of people at Anand Vihar Bus Terminal and the Tablighi Jamaat congregation at Nizammudin Markaz in the national capital.

It is not that everything is over, said CJI Bobde, referring to the pandemic. The bench also comprised Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian. Mehta said that he will file a report within two weeks on what has been done and what needs to be done.

The plea, filed by lawyer Supriya Pandita, alleged that Delhi police had failed to control the congregation of people and the Nizamuddin Markaz chief Maulana Saad was still evading arrest.

Advocate Om Prakash Parihar, appearing for the petitioner, said that no statement has been made by the Centre about the whereabouts of Maulana Saad. The bench told Parihar, Why are you interested in one person? We are on the issue of COVID. Why do you want controversy? We are interested that COVID guidelines should be there.

The top court issued formal notice in the matter after which Mehta said that he will file a report in the matter. The Centre had on June 5 last year told the top court that probe into assembly of people at Anand Vihar Bus Terminal in east Delhi during nationwide lockdown and the Tablighi Jamaat event is being conducted on day-to-day basis by Delhi Police and there was no need for CBI investigation.
While Premier Brian Pallister boasted about the provinces readiness to vaccinate Manitobans quickly, his officials couldnt say Wednesday how many immunizers have been hired or how many are needed.

While Premier Brian Pallister boasted about the provinces readiness to vaccinate Manitobans quickly, his officials couldnt say Wednesday how many immunizers have been hired or how many are needed.

It was also learned that Manitoba is just now in the process of hiring a provincial COVID-19 immunization director.

Pallister announced that the first personal care home residents in Manitoba will begin receiving the virus vaccine Jan. 11.

Seven long-term care homes in Winnipeg, Brandon, Carman, Selkirk and The Pas will be the first stops for immunization teams who are expected to vaccinate 1,157 residents next week.

The province has developed a plan to provide a first dose of vaccine to all of Manitoba's estimated 9,834 personal care home residents within 28 days of Monday's launch  as long as Ottawa delivers a sufficient vaccine supply.

"I'm pleased to tell you today that by mid-March, every single eligible PCH resident will have received both doses and the fullest protection we can provide them with against this deadly virus," the premier said Wednesday.

While Manitoba has lagged behind all other provinces in the number of vaccinations delivered compared to available supplies, Pallister said as of Wednesday morning the province was fifth in that regard.

Despite having only adminstered 21 per cent of available COVID-19 vaccinations, Premier Brian Pallister says the limiting factor is how quickly the province gets the vaccine from Ottawa. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

The premier said he didn't appreciate criticism by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other federal officials that provinces have been slow to immunize Canadians.

He said given sufficient vaccine supplies, Manitoba has the capacity to immunize "100 per cent of those who want it... by the end of March."

He estimated the province won't receive supplies to vaccinate more than 10 per cent of its population by that date.

"Our limiting factor isn't our capabilities here," Pallister said. "Our limiting factor is how quickly we can get the vaccine (from Ottawa)."

Following up on the launch of its super coronavirus vaccination site at the RBC Convention Centre on Monday, the province will open a second super site in Brandon on Jan. 18 and a third large centre in Thompson in early February.

Dr. Joss Reimer, a medical officer of health and a member of the province's COVID-19 vaccine task force, said the province could perform more immunizations if it had a greater supply of vaccines.

But she wouldn't say if Manitoba could vaccinate everyone by the end of March if it had unlimited supplies.

"It's very difficult for me to speculate on the exact numbers that we would be able to do in what time frame," Reimer said, when told about the premier's comments. "What I can say is that at this point the main limitation to the numbers that we're doing is the vaccine supply."

Reimer said the province has the ability to scale up its vaccination efforts.

But for a second day in a row, Manitoba officials could not say how many people will need to be hired to carry out its COVID-19 immunization program. Neither could they say how many had been recruited so far, except that it was "in the hundreds."

On Wednesday, Reimer said officials had not yet decided whether major vaccination sites such as the convention centre would eventually open up around the clock. She said the super site will extend its hours, including operating on weekends.

Reimer said the provincial immunization director the government is in the process of hiring will assist with long-term COVID-19 vaccination planning.

"This immunization campaign is going to be going on for many months in the future," she told reporters.

Currently, staff involved in the immunization effort have been pulled from various areas of the Health Department and other parts of government. The government wants to expand the team while freeing up workers to return to their old jobs, Reimer said.

At a news conference on Dec. 9, Pallister said planning for the massive vaccination effort had been "underway, literally, for months," while the province's chief public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, said recruitment had started to find people to carry out vaccinations.

However, the province still hasn't provided details about the level of staffing required and how close it is to meeting its needs.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew dismissed the premier's assertion that the province could vaccinate every Manitoban who wants it by the end of March.

"The fact that they're posting for a job (provincial immunization director) now  even though health officials were telling us in September that there is a 50 per cent chance of a vaccine being ready for January  tells you that this government was ignoring public health advice yet again," he said. "Now, it's Manitobans who wanted to get a vaccine right away who are the ones paying the price."

Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said there are vaccine doses in Manitoba right now that could be going into people's arms, but aren't.

"It's not happening because this government isn't organized," he said, noting Wednesday's job posting for a provincial immunization director "should have been advertised and filled in June or July."

The rollout is also being delayed while the government tries to turn the pandemic into a business opportunity, he charged.

Late on Dec. 23, the province posted a request for proposals for "COVID-19 immunizers and post-immunization observers service" on the Merx website, where government contracts are tendered. "The overall objective is to create a pool of prequalified contractors to supply personnel to perform COVID-19 immunization administration services," the RFP says.

"This government has decided that this is a for-profit thing that has to be done," Lamont said. "Instead of making sure we're ready and engaging our public health care system, Pallister has actually chosen to delay the rollout of vaccinations in Manitoba so that private companies can make a profit off of it."

To date, Manitoba has received a total of 22,230 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which includes approximately 7,000 doses delivered Tuesday. As of Wednesday morning, 5,165 people had been immunized with the Pfizer vaccine. There are currently about 17,000 doses of Pfizer in the province, which will be used for the remainder of this weeks immunizations (5,250) as well as the 6,650 appointments for first- and second-dose immunizations that will be scheduled at the super site next week.

On Tuesday, 871 people received the COVID-19 vaccine at the convention centre.

Next week, the following personal care homes will receive teams to provide on-site immunizations: Boyne Lodge, Carman (Southern Health), Charleswood Care Centre (Winnipeg Regional Health Authority), Hillcrest Place, Brandon (Prairie Mountain Health), Oakview Place (WRHA), St. Pauls Residence, The Pas (Northern Health), Tudor House, Selkirk (Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority) and Tuxedo Villa (WRHA).

 with files from Katie May

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca

Carol Sanders

Legislature reporter After 20 years of reporting on the growing diversity of people calling Manitoba home, Carol moved to the legislature bureau in early 2020. Read full biography

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will take the oath of office in Parliament tomorrow, January 7th to begin his second four-year term.



The investiture, which comes along with the swearing-in of the Vice President-Elect, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, would be witnessed by Heads of State and guests from across the continent as Nana Akufo-Addo outlines his second term agenda to Ghanaians and the world, as the Eighth President of the Fourth Republic.



The national capital appears set for the big event with principal streets and road intersections decorated in colours of the national flag and pictures of the President-Elect and the Vice President-Elect.



The inauguration is expected to be characterized by cultural displays and a parade by the military.



Dissolution of the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic at midnight, today, will be done in accordance with Article 113(1) of the 1992 Constitution, to pave way for the investiture tomorrow.



The President, in 2016, promised free senior high school education and industrialization and was declared winner by the Electoral Commission in the 2020 December polls for a second term to consolidate the gains.



President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, January 5th, delivered his final State of the Nation address in accordance with Article 67 of the Constitution.



In the Address, the President described the seventh Parliament as the busiest ever, and, arguably the most productive, saying, You have passed almost 50 pieces of legislative instruments

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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THE Kerry family of a CNN journalist has spoken of their pride as he earned worldwide plaudits for his cool coverage of the Washington violence.

CNN journalist Donie O'Sullivan, from Cahersiveen in Kerry, reported from outside the US Capitol as it was stormed by hundreds of supporters of President Donald Trump.

He also offered live updates from around the Washington streets as the clashes between Trump supporters, including far right groups, and Washington police continued throughout the day.

Four died in the violence which shocked the US.

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His calm informed coverage - often despite barracking from protestors involved in the mayhem - earned praise across the US, Ireland and other countries.

However, his mother Noreen admitted she feared for her son as the scenes around the Capitol grew more violent - and was relieved when the protests finally ended and she learned her son was unscathed.

The Kerryman's Washington coverage made headlines locally with Radio Kerry.

"We were watching it and my husband said it was great that Donie was keeping such a cool head," she said.

"But I was worried. I was off the wall a bit with fright - watching it back afterwards at 3am I thought he had done incredibly well to be so cool under pressure."

"He was very calm and level-headed throughout it all."

Noreen - who is a US citizen - lives with her husband, Donal, in Cahersiveen.

She said she was very proud of her son's work in Washington and admitted he was fulfilling a cherished dream.

"Donie said he always wanted to be a journalist," she added. "We are very proud of him."

Amongst those who paid tribute to his coverage was CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan and even CNN anchor John King.

The Irish Embassy in Washington also posted a tribute to the Kerry reporter for "the light cast by journalists...on a dark day."

His detailed coverage of the violence on CNN attracted such a following that his name even trended on Twitter.

Donie's sister, Sinead O'Sullivan, a Cork-based law student, said they were overwhelmed by the reaction to his reports from Washington streets.

"Everyone seems to know my big brother now," she said.

"So proud of you Donie - Up Kerry!"

Sinead is herself no stranger to covering news events having worked for University Express.

A native of Cahersiveen, Donie has now worked in the US for almost a decade.

He has been with CNN for the past five years.

Previously, he worked with CNN's prestigious investigations team which has dealt with stories ranging from the rise of far right groups to the social media controversies arising from the 2016 US Presidential election.

He also worked as part of CNN's Social Discovery team, finding and verifying videos, pictures, and eyewitness accounts from social media during breaking news events.

Prior to joining CNN, Donie worked for Storyful, a social media news verification agency, both in New York and in Dublin.

He graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) and Queen's University in Belfast where he studied political science.

Read More

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Johnny Depp is accusing ex-wife Amber Heard of pocketing the massive $7m settlement from their divorce and repeatedly lying about giving it all to charity, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

Heard, 34, declared that she didn't want Depp's money after their explosive 2016 breakup and vowed instead to split the payment between two charities.

But the actor's lawyers believe the altruistic gesture was a 'sham' and have spent the past year chasing the Children's Hospital Los Angeles and American Civil Liberties Union to find out how much they actually received from the actress.

The ACLU has so far refused to cooperate with multiple subpoenas but documents produced by the hospital and seen exclusively by DailyMail.com suggest it only received $100,000  way short of the promised $3.5m 'gift'.

In fact, bosses at the renowned LA kids facility, which cares for sick youngsters regardless of health insurance or their ability to pay, became so concerned they wrote to Heard in June 2019 to ask 'if the pledge will not be fulfilled.'

Depp's lawyers believe the correspondence is the 'smoking gun' that proves Heard was lying when she boasted about the giveaway, not only in media interviews but in recent evidence she gave to a London court.

Johnny Depp is accusing ex-wife Amber Heard of pocketing the massive $7m settlement from their divorce while repeatedly lying about giving it all to charity, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal

Heard, 34, declared that she didn't want Depp's money after their explosive 2016 breakup and vowed instead to split the payment between two charities. But the actor's lawyers believe the altruistic gesture was a 'sham' and have spent the past year chasing the Children's Hospital Los Angeles and American Civil Liberties Union to find out how much they actually got

Edward L. White, a certified public accountant, wrote to Tiffanie Al-Nasser, a senior executive at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, enclosing a check for $100,000 (pictured)

In fact, bosses at the renowned LA kids facility, which cares for sick youngsters regardless of health insurance or their ability to pay, became so upset by the alleged snub they wrote to Heard in June 2019 to ask 'if the pledge will not be fulfilled' (pictured)

The Pirates of the Caribbean star lost a bruising defamation case last year against the UK's Sun newspaper when a British High Court judge agreed the publication's depiction of him as a 'wife beater' was 'substantially true' based on blood-curdling accounts of their numerous bust-ups.

Giving evidence in a witness statement dated February 26, 2020, Heard stated: 'I remained financially independent from him [Depp] the whole time we were together and the entire amount of my divorce settlement was donated to charity.'

Judge Andrew Nichol cited the gesture while deciding the case in The Sun's favor, writing: 'Her donation of the $7 million to charity is hardly the act one would expect of a gold-digger.'

DailyMail.com has learned Depp's team will seize upon the judge's remarks in their efforts to appeal the London verdict which left Depp's reputation and career in tatters.

The troubled actor, 57, is also plowing on with a separate $50 defamation suit filed in Fairfax County, Virginia, which accuses Heard of creating a 'hoax' account of being a domestic violence survivor for a 2018 newspaper article.

The Washington Post op-ed  headlined 'I spoke up against sexual violence and faced our culture's wrath, That has to change' - didn't mention Depp by name but he claims it wrecked his reputation and got him axed from his coveted role of Captain Jack Sparrow.

This week the Children's Hospital Los Angeles refused to discuss Heard's donations with DailyMail.com, insisting it was a private matter. The ACLU did not respond to our questions.

Heard's attorney, Elaine Charlson Bredehoft, would not specify how much her client had given to either charity to date, saying only that she intended to fulfill the $7m pledge 'eventually'.

She blamed Depp for the delay, saying Heard has been forced to spend millions defending herself against 'false accusations' made against her in the ongoing defamation case.

Depp's lawyers believe the correspondence is the 'smoking gun' that proves Heard was lying when she boasted about the giveaway, not only in media interviews but in recent evidence she gave to a London court

However the Washington Post op-ed was not published until December 2018 and Depp didn't file his complaint until March 2019  some two and a half years after Heard publicly declared she was giving away her divorce money.

Heard said in August 2016: 'As described in the restraining order and divorce settlement, money played no role for me personally and never has, except to the extent that I could donate it to charity and, in doing so, hopefully help those less able to defend themselves.

'As reported in the media, the amount received in the divorce was $7 million and $7 million is being donated. This is over and above any funds that I have given away in the past and will continue to give away in the future.

'The donation will be divided equally between the ACLU, with a particular focus to stop violence against women, and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles where I have worked as a volunteer for past 10 years.'

Days later, Edward L. White, a certified public accountant, wrote to Tiffanie Al-Nasser, a senior executive at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, enclosing a check for $100,000.

The check was signed John C. Depp II but White said in his letter that the donation was on behalf of Heard and was the first installment of a 'pledged gift of $3,500,000'.

Depp said publicly at the time that, seeing as his wife had pledged her entire $7m divorce settlement to charity, he would go ahead and start paying the money directly to the organizations involved 'in the name of Amber Heard.

He backed off from sending further money on her behalf, however, when Heard suggested it would breach their deal and challenged him to double the amount.

If Johnny wishes to alter the settlement agreement, we must insist that he honor the full amount by donating $14m to charity, which after accounting for his tax deduction, is equal to his $7m payment obligation to Amber, her spokesman said in late August 2016.

We would also insist that the full amount be paid immediately and not drawn out over many years.

She was also included on a 2017 donor's list recognizing contributions in excess of $1m

The hospital's thrilled CEO, Paul Viviano, meanwhile, thanked Heard for her 'tremendous gift' in a gushing media statement, saying it would 'support lifesaving treatments and cures  for critically ill children.'

She was also included on a 2017 donor's list recognizing contributions in excess of $1m.

But on June 26, 2019 Associate Senior Vice President Candie Davidson-Goldbronn wrote to the Aquaman actress asking to know why they had not received further installments.

'I am inquiring if you have knowledge if CHLA should expect further payment installment(s) on your behalf or if the pledge will not be fulfilled,' she wrote. 'I appreciate any insights on this matter.'

Depp's legal team are confident there was no further payments or correspondence because the hospital would have been legally compelled to hand it over.

Their subpoena demanded 'all documents that refer, reflect or relate to any donations made to you or for your benefit by Ms Heard from January 1, 2016 through and including the present.'

Adding to the confusion, DailyMail.com has learned of two further donations that the hospital received of $500,000 in 2017 and $250,000 in 2018, both in 'honor of Amber Heard'.

The funds came from an anonymous donor, however, rather than from Heard herself, and not from Depp.

The hospitals June 2019 letter only refers to the initial $100,000, suggesting bosses did not consider the two payments part of Heards pledged $3.5m.

Depp and Heard met on the set of The Rum Diary back in 2011 and married four years later before a now-infamous blowout fight ended their marriage in May 2016.

Heard sought a restraining order and a divorce claiming Depp hurled a phone in her face but after months of back and forth accusations they reached a surprise deal.

Depp and Heard met on the set of The Rum Diary back in 2011 and married four years later before a now-infamous blowout fight ended their marriage in May 2016. Heard cataloged the 'horrific' abuse she claims to have suffered at Depp's hands, describing him as 'the monster' and recalling many of the allegations she made during their divorce. The filing included photos of bruises and scars (left and right)

Heard has included a horrifying photo of Johnny Depp's finger after he allegedly cut off the tip during a fit of rage in court papers filed in her domestic abuse case against the actor

She was asked about the divorce money during an October 2018 appearance on a current affairs show for Dutch broadcaster RTL.

'Seven million dollars in total was donated, I split it between the ACLU and Children's Hospital Los Angeles,' she replied. 'I wanted nothing.'

Bredehoft told DailyMail.com in a statement: 'Ms. Depp's effort to plant stories in the media criticizing Amber for not yet fulfilling all the donations she pledged to charity is yet another desperate attempt to divert attention from the UK Court's findings relating to allegations of Mr. Depp committing domestic abuse.

'Amber has already been responsible for seven figures in donations to charitable causes and intends to continue to contribute and eventually fulfil her pledge.

'However, Amber has been delayed in that goal because Mr. Depp filed a lawsuit against her, and consequently, she has been forced to spend millions of dollars defending Mr. Depp's false accusations against her.'

A spokesman for the Children's Hospital Los Angeles declined to answer a list of questions submitted by DailyMail.com, stating that 'as a matter of policy, communications with a donor are confidential.'

Reached by telephone a spokeswoman for the ACLU refused to discuss Heard's 'donations' and asked that our questions be submitted via email. She did not respond to the email.
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Middle Eastern carriers reported a decline of 2.2 per cent in year-on-year international cargo volumes in November, a 1.1 per cent deterioration from October, according to figures released by the International Air Transport Association (Iata).

The lack of international connectivity is hampering air cargo recovery in the region, however seasonally adjusted demand remains on an upward trend. International capacity decreased by 18.6 per cent.

Latin American (-19.4 per cent) and European (-13.7 per cent) carriers suffered sizeable declines in year-on-year growth in international air cargo demand in November 2020, while Asia-Pacific (-9.5 per cent) carriers experienced more moderate falls. Middle East, North America and Africa recorded nominal declines of -2.2 per cent, -1 per cent and -1.7 per cent in November 2020.

Data released by Iata for global air freight markets in November 2020 showed that freight volumes improved compared to October, but remain depressed compared to 2019. Capacity remains constrained from the loss of available belly cargo space as passenger aircraft remain parked.

 Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), was 6.6 per cent below previous-year levels in November (-7.7 per cent for international operations). This was on par with the 6.2 per cent year-on-year drop in October. The year-on-year decline is skewed as November 2019 had a boost in demand from the waning US-China trade war.

 Seasonally adjusted demand (SA CTKs) continued to improve, increasing 1.6 per cent month-on-month in November. This was a slight improvement over the monthly growth rate of 1.1 per cent in October. Current month-on-month gains indicate that SA CTKs will return to 2019 levels around March or April 2021.

 Global capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), shrank by 20 per cent in November (21.3 per cent for international operations) compared to the previous year. That is nearly three times larger than the contraction in demand. The capacity crunch is caused by a 53% decrease in in belly capacity. This has only been partially offset by a 20 per cent increase in freighter capacity.

 Strong regional variations continue with North American carriers reporting year-on-year gains in demand (+5 per cent), while all other regions remained in negative territory compared to a year earlier.

 Economic conditions in November, normally the peak season for air cargo, remained positive:

 The new export orders component of the manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) remained in growth territory in both developed and emerging markets for the third month in a row after two years of indicating negative growth.

 Retail sales for November were up by around 5 per cent over 2019 for both China and the US, propelled by events like Black Friday and Singles Day.

Air cargo demand is still down 6.6 per cent compared to the previous year, however we are seeing continuing month-on-month improvements. Severe capacity constraints persist as large parts of the passenger fleet remain grounded. This will put pressure on the industry as it gears up to deliver vital Covid-19 vaccines, said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO. - TradeArabia News Service
Residents at Hillcrest Place personal care home are among those getting vaccinated in the first wave of personal care home vaccinations that start on Monday.

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Residents at Hillcrest Place personal care home are among those getting vaccinated in the first wave of personal care home vaccinations that start on Monday.

Premier Brian Pallister said all personal care home residents at 135 sites in the province will be vaccinated in a 28-day campaign.

"By mid-March, every single eligible PCH resident will have received both doses and the fullest protection we can provide them with against this virus," he said at a Wednesday afternoon media conference.

The immunization campaign begins on Jan. 11, when 1,157 residents at the following care homes will start getting vaccinated:

 Hillcrest Place, Brandon, Prairie Mountain Health;

 Boyne Lodge, Carman, Southern HealthSante Sud;

 Charleswood Care Centre, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority;

 Oakview Place, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority;

 St. Pauls Residence, The Pas, Northern Health Region;

 Tudor House, Selkirk, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority; and

 Tuxedo Villa, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

The province estimates that 9,834 care home residents across the province will receive their first dose of vaccine within 28 days of the programs start as long as shipments of vaccine from the federal government are received on time.

Eligible health-care workers in personal care homes will still need to make an appointment at the RBC Convention Centre so vaccines can be preserved as much as possible for those who cant travel, Dr. Joss Reimer of the provinces vaccine implementation task force said during the daily COVID update.

"The focus immunization teams are very effective, but there are many unique challenges that theyre going to need to face going into these settings," she said. "So some of the things that theyre going to need to be considering is when PPE especially if theyre going into an outbreak setting  and PPE may need to be changed in between every client.

"They may also need to move from room to room to reach all of the clients. So because of this, we know that theres going to be additional challenges on these teams that will make them less efficient than if you go to a supersite."

She added that public health used an algorithm looking at the size of each personal care home and the proportion of shared bed spaces to determine which care homes would receive vaccinations first.

Larger sites are earlier to move through quickly, she said, and theyve heard from care homes that following infection prevention and control measures is harder when residents have roommates.

According to Pallister, the province has the capacity to do "a lot more" when it comes to immunizations if the federal government were to increase shipments to Manitoba, though he said health officials have more faith in the vaccine supply than they used to.

"Theres been some comment (coming) out from the federal government and from the prime minister and from the federal health minister critical of the provinces for not getting enough vaccines out fast enough," he said. " I dont think its helpful and I would also say that here in Manitoba ... were ready with a massive firehose to fight COVID. We could get everybody in Manitoba who wanted a vaccine that vaccine by the end of March. Thats our readiness. Were ready for that, but unfortunately thats not going to be possible because the federal governments process of getting vaccines to Canada means instead of a firehose, were working with a squirt gun right now."

Residents will only be immunized if they consent, and those who have already tested positive for COVID-19 will still be offered the vaccine as long as their medical condition allows.

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be used for the care home campaign.

Earlier this week, Shared Health and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority posted a job opening for a COVID immunization provincial director.

Pallister would not discuss the role this director would have or why the province waited until now to post the position, instead deferring to the health officials at the daily COVID briefing.

The premier also took time to thank Manitobans for their part in lower daily COVID-19 case counts in recent weeks.

However, he warned that it was unlikely the province would see any significant changes in public health orders when they get renewed before expiring on Jan. 8.

"I think Dr. Roussin signalled pretty clearly that he feels it would be premature and his advisory feels it would be premature to move on lessening restrictions in advance of knowing what the case maturation might be in as a consequence of the holiday season."

 cslark@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ColinSlark
Washington:

Visiting a religious place gives us satisfaction from inside but according to a new study this may also lower your stress level, boost physical health and increase life expectancy.



Researchers from Vanderbilt University in the US found that adults between the age group of 40 to 65 years who attend church or other houses of worship reduce their risk for mortality by 55 per cent.



"Our findings support the overall hypothesis that increased religiosity - as determined by attendance at worship services - is associated with less stress and enhanced longevity," said Marino Bruce, research associate professor at Vanderbilt University.



"We have found that being in a place where you can flex those spiritual muscles is actually beneficial for your health," Bruce said.



Researchers surveyed about 5,449 people of all races and both sexes of which 64 per cent were regular worshippers. They analysed the subjects' attendance at worship services, mortality and allostatic load.



Allostatic load is a physiological measurement of factors including cardiovascular (blood pressure, cholesterol-high density lipoprotein ration), nutritional/inflammatory (albumin) and metabolic (waist-hip ratio, glycated haemoglobin) measures.



The higher the allostatic load, the more stressed an individual was interpreted as being.



Researchers found that non-worshippers had significantly higher overall allostatic load scores and higher prevalence of high-risk values for three of the 10 markers of the allostatic load than did church-goers and other worshippers.



The effects of attendance at worship services remained after education, poverty, health insurance and social support status were all taken into consideration, researchers said.



"We found that they go to church for factors beyond social support. That is where we begin to think about this idea of compassionate thinking, that we are trying to improve the lives of others as well as being connected to a body larger than ourselves," Bruce said.



The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE.

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Paris, January 7, 2021 - 18:00 CET



ATEME (ISIN: FR0011992700), the emerging leader in video delivery infrastructure, today announces its financial communication agenda for 2021. Each publication will be released after Euronext market closing.



Friday, January 29, 2021 2020 Annual Revenues Thursday, March 25, 2021 2020 Year-End Results Thursday, May 6, 2021 2021 First Quarter Revenues Wednesday, June 9, 2021 Annual Shareholders Meeting Friday, July 16, 2021 2021 Half-Year Revenues Tuesday, September 28, 2021 2021 Half-Year Results Friday, November 5, 2021 2021 Third Quarter Revenues



This calendar of publication dates is for reference only, it is subject to change if necessary.



About ATEME: ATEME is the emerging leader of video delivery infrastructure, servicing the world's largest content and service providers. Listed on Euronext Paris since 2014, ATEME has a history of transforming video delivery, being the first to market with a 10-bit 4:2:2 solution, the first production-ready HEVC & HDR, and recently, the first genuine video delivery NFV software solution designed to lead service providers' transition to video datacenter. To complement its cutting-edge technology, ATEME has partnered with leaders such as Intel, Apple and Microsoft to create best-in-class video delivery solutions. ATEME is a leading member of industry forums and organizations, such as the DVB and SMPTE, actively participated in the ITU in the standardization of HEVC in 2013 and joined the Alliance for Open Media to help develop the AV1 open and royalty-free video codec in June 2014. ATEME is headquartered in Velizy near Paris, with worldwide support and R&D offices in Rennes, Denver, Sao-Paulo, Singapore and Sydney. With a commercial presence in 24 countries, ATEME counts 319 employees, including some 150 of the world's leading R&D video experts. In 2019 ATEME served close to 400 customers worldwide with revenues of 66.3 million, of which 93% outside its home market.



Name: ATEME - ISIN Code: FR0011992700 - Ticker: ATEME - Compartment: C



ATEME INVESTOR RELATIONS PRESS RELATIONS Michel Artieres

President and CEO Olivier Lambert

Tel: +33 (0)4 72 18 04 91

ateme@actus.fr Anne-Catherine Bonjour

Tel: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 93

acbonjour@actus.fr

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Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

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Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.

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River of Light was founded in 1989, following a meeting between Russ Pratali, president and founder, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Shortly after that meeting, a friend asked Pratali to pick up a pallet of cookies and bring it to a local food bank. That experience gave Pratali a close-up look at the challenges food agencies face while trying to meet the needs of those in need of food, household items and clothing.






SINGAPORE, Jan 7, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - Calling all Cloud enthusiasts!W.Media is gathering ASEAN's best and brightest for a 4-day virtual conference to cover everything from datacenter deployment to digital banking. From 23-26 February, network with 7000+ Senior IT Leaders across the Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand markets.Digital Week is the webinar experience: REVAMPED.Our virtual platform is a community hub for you to access more content and engagement than ever:- Interactive industry chat rooms- Live speaker Q&A sessions- 1-on-1 video calls between attendees- Conference-wide prizes and competitionsRegistration is open. Join the conversation today!Register here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/digit2_202102/For more information, please visit https://w.media/digital-week/.About W.MediaW.Media is a global B2B technology marketing agency specialising in PR, Media, and Events. It is the anchor of the cloud, datacenter and cybersecurity communities in Asia Pacific, combining market knowledge and network to uplift brands via targeted communication. W.Media educates both industry stakeholders and the public on the latest developments in these industries through personalized engagement with the marketplace.From its founding in 2018, W.Media began organising Cloud & Datacenter Conventions throughout the APAC region, in countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea. In 2020, W.Media complemented its in-person events offerings by launching a series of webinars to connect top industry professionals in the three pillars driving tech today: Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Datacenters.Beyond events, W.Media works closely with its clients to curate effective content marketing, editorial coverage, and digital advertising campaigns. This expertise and expansive regional network make W.Media a key player in Asia's Cloud and Datacenter market.About Digital Week (Southeast Asia)With cloud migration and storage demands at an all-time high, it's essential to stay up to date on the market's latest developments and technologies. So, our W.Media team has created a space for IT professionals to come together and share their insights while reaching an even broader, digitized network: Digital Week.Our Digital Weeks combine the informational expertise of a leading webinar series with the personal touch of in-person conferences and exhibitions. This four-day virtual event brings together experts from the Cloud, Data Center, and Cybersecurity industries to share both regional overviews and local observations, as well as enables you speak directly to potential clients or future business partners one-on-one.Our first Digital Week kicks off in February 2021 and caters specifically to key players across South East Asia: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia. Join thousands of industry peers--from specialists to C-suite--as we explore the future of Cloud in ASEAN. We'll be covering: Datacenter Deployment Trends, Regional Cybersecurity Risk Assessments, The Future of Fintech, Cloud Migration Case Studies, Digital Transformation Developments, Sustainable Infrastructure Innovations, Data Sovereignty Best Practices, 5G and IoT Adoption Analysis, and much, much more.Source: W.MediaCopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.

LONDON (dpa-AFX) - PerkinElmer, Inc. (PKI) and Oxford Immunotec Global PLC (OXFD) have reached an agreement on terms under which PerkinElmer will acquire Oxford Immunotec. Oxford shareholders will be entitled to receive $22.00 in cash for each outstanding ordinary share. This value the company's entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital at approximately $591 million. Headquartered in Abingdon, UK, Oxford Immunotec is recognized as a global leader of proprietary test kits for latent tuberculosis. PerkinElmer anticipates the deal to be modestly accretive to non-GAAP earnings in year-one following the close. 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.
North Korea should return to dialogue



North Korea's economy appears to be in a far more serious situation than had been previously thought, with its leader Kim Jong-un admitting to the failure of the country's five-year development plan which ended last year.



At the opening session of the eighth congress of the ruling Workers' Party, Tuesday, Kim said the country's achievements over the past five years fell far short of its development goals. Given the nature of the North's rigid regime and closed society, it is unusual for its leader to acknowledge such a policy failure. As such, his remarks reflected the hard reality.



In fact, the North has been undergoing a triple whammy: the devastating consequences of typhoons last summer; a drawn-out border closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic; and crippling international sanctions. The more the country is isolated, the gloomier the economic outlook becomes. It can be said that the North Korean leadership has caused economic hardship due to its misguided policies.



In the previous party congress in 2016, the North adopted the "byongjin" policy of developing nuclear weapons and making economic advances simultaneously. It achieved one of the two goals by conducting nuclear tests and launching intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). But it failed to achieve economic development. This shows how difficult it is to reconstruct a moribund economy while pouring a large sum of money into becoming a nuclear weapons state.



Kim should learn a lesson from his economic failure. The key point is that North Korea cannot revive its struggling economy without ending its isolation. It is a delusion to create a self-reliant economy while escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula with nuclear threats.



The North destroyed an inter-Korean liaison office in the border town of Gaeseong last June. Its military killed a South Korean fisheries official who drifted into North Korean waters in the West Sea in September.



Such incidents have further deteriorated inter-Korean ties which had already been stalled since Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump failed to strike a denuclearization deal in their second summit in Hanoi in February 2019. We urge the Kim regime to return to dialogue with the South and the U.S. to find a negotiated solution to the nuclear showdown.



It is disappointing for Kim to repeat his pledge to strengthen his country's military capabilities at the party congress Wednesday. Yet he refrained from using provocative words such as nuclear arms development and war deterrent. Probably he was trying not to irritate the U.S. before President-elect Joe Biden takes office Jan. 20.



The party congress is drawing attention as North Korea may come up with a new foreign policy during the ongoing session. We hope Pyongyang will change its hardline stance and restart nuclear negotiations with the incoming Biden administration. Kim must keep in mind that he cannot realize economic revival without taking a path to denuclearization and peace.






Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 22:12:59|Editor: huaxia

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DOHA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Qatari health ministry on Thursday announced 210 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total confirmed number in the Gulf state to 145,271, official Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

Meanwhile, 132 more recovered from the virus, bringing the overall recoveries to 142,314, while the death toll remained at 245 for the 10th day, according to a ministry statement quoted by QNA.

A total of 1,272,766 persons in Qatar have taken tests for COVID-19 so far.

China and Qatar offered mutual help during the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. On Feb. 11, 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar on the phone, expressing appreciation to Qatar for voicing support to China during the fight against the coronavirus and for assisting in the shipment of epidemic control supplies.

Later on Feb. 21, five Qatar Airways cargo freighters flew to China carrying approximately 300 tons of medical supplies donated by the airline. Enditem
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.
NEW YORK: The riotous mob that laid siege to the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday was the product of the destructive forces that President Donald Trump has been stirring for years, culminating in the disruption of a democratic ritual that would formally end his unconstitutional bid to stay in power.

The scene that unfolded pushing through police barricades, breaking windows, then occupying seats of power was one that Americans are accustomed to watching in distant lands with authoritarian regimes.

But the violence, which included gunshots fired in the Capitol, one death, and an armed occupation of the Senate floor, was born from the man who swore an oath to protect the very democratic traditions that rioters tried to undo in his name.

The rioters chose to storm the Capitol, a building symbolic as a citadel of democracy, and stirred echoes of the the angst and blood of the Civil War era. Only this time it was instigated by a duly elected president unwilling to honor the foundational creed of a peaceful transfer of power.

This is an attempted coup dtat incited by the President of the United States, said presidential historian Michael Beschloss. We are in an unprecedented moment when a president who is willing to conspire with mobs to bring down his own government. This is totally against the idea of democracy for which the nation has stood for over two centuries.

The certification of the Electoral College votes that formalizes President-elect Joe Bidens victory, a Constitutionally-enshrined ceremony typically designed to show American democracys strength, was disrupted within hours of Trumps incendiary demand for action in a speech to his supporters, as he implored them to fight to stop the steal of the election and march on the Capitol.

After this, were going to walk down and Ill be there with you were going to walk down, were going to walk down to the Capitol, Trump said, and were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them.

As his presidency enters its final days, Trumps speech was a valedictory that seethed with anger, and roused those who took it as a call to insurrection. Rioters overran and overmatched Capitol security forces, breaking windows, stealing mementos and mocking the institution with photos showing them in seats of power.

One in the mob seized House Speaker Nancy Pelosis dais, another her office. A sea of red Make America Great Again hats stormed through Statuary Hall, a part of the Capitol familiar to tourists. One man carried a Confederate flag under the same rotunda where Abraham Lincoln and, just last year, the congressman and civil rights hero John Lewis had laid in state. A noose was photographed not far from the Capitols west front.

And the inauguration stand where Biden will put his hand on a Bible in two weeks was used by U.S. Capitol Police to fire pepper spray into the violent crowd.

Few escaped Trumps rage, not even his most loyal lieutenant, Vice President Mike Pence who had, for once, said he could not honor the presidents wishes that he overturn the electoral vote count because there was no legal authority for him to do so.

At his rally on the Ellipse, Trump said he would be very disappointed in his vice president, who a short time later had to be whisked to safety by Secret Service when the Capitols barriers were breached.

But the groundwork for the violence was laid far before the rally, which also included a call from the presidents personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, for a trial by combat to settle accusations of election fraud.

Trump, who has long shied away from committing to a peaceful transfer of power, spent the better part of 2020 declaring that the election was rigged while making baseless accusations of widespread voter fraud that numerous federal courts and his former attorney general said did not exist.

The president was enabled by dozens of his fellow Republicans, who said they were willing to object to the count, a maneuver they knew would delay but not change the outcome.

Even when it became clear he had lost the election, Trump refused to acknowledge reality, insisting repeatedly that he had won in a landslide. His lost to Biden by seven million voters.

But his supporters were more than willing to accept his effort to subvert the verdict of voters.

Just weeks ago, he tweeted Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild! And even after siege began, and members of his own party including some trapped in the Capitol and hiding for their lives begged him to forcibly condemn the act of domestic terrorism, Trump refused.

He spent most of the afternoon in his private dining room off the Oval Office, watching the violence in Washington on a large mounted television, though most of his attention was fixated on Pences disloyalty.

He reluctantly taped a video in which he called for peace and the rioters to go home but he bracketed his request with further false claims of election fraud and told the insurrectionists that We love you. Youre very special.

In a tweet, rather than directly criticizing the mob action, he offered an apologia for them. These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. And he encouraged them to remember the day as though it would some day be seen as a celebration rather than a riot.

The post was later removed by Twitter.

His words were a remarkable contrast to the man who defeated him and one who came before him.

At their best, the words of a president can inspire. At their worst, they can incite, said Biden in an address to the nation from Delaware. The work of the moment and the work of the next four years must be the restoration of democracy and the recovery of respect for the rule of law, and the renewal of a politics thats about solving problems not stoking the flames of hate and chaos. He implored Trump to step up. Trump did not.

George W. Bush, the most recent Republican president, declared that the Insurrection could do grave damage to our nation and reputation.

The violent assault on the Capitol and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes, Bush said.

Trump has long been slow to condemn violent extremism, refusing to denounce white supremacists, cheering armed protesters at the Michigan state capital last spring and telling the far right Proud Boys to Stand back and stand by.

The U.S. Capitol was breached Wednesday for the first time since 1814, when the British attacked it and set it on fire during the war of 1812, according to the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. And the moment of internal strife, one fueled by the president, can only be reminiscent of the Civil War, according to presidential historian Julian Zelizer.

This is an attack on the government, said Zelizer, who teaches at Princeton University The president has been stoking divisions and he called for this protest, he called for this chaos. We have never been here before.

____

Lemire has covered the White House and politics for The Associated Press since 2013.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 20:33:18|Editor: huaxia

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ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths on Thursday arrived in the country's southern port city of Aden to meet senior officials of the new power-sharing government backed by Saudi Arabia.

According to a local official who asked to remain anonymous, the UN envoy landed at Aden's International Airport and immediately headed to the headquarters of the country's new government to meet the country's Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik based in the city.

A brief statement released by the UN envoy's office on the official Twitter account confirmed that Griffiths arrived in Aden, considered as Yemen's temporary capital.

"The governor of Aden, Ahmad Lamlas, briefed Mr. Griffiths and his accompanying delegation on last week's horrific attack in Aden international airport that resulted in dozens of civilian deaths and injuries," the statement said.

On Wednesday, Griffiths held a meeting with Yemen's President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, and discussed a UN-brokered plan to push forward peace in the war-ravaged Arab country.

The UN envoy recently proposed an agreement between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels to enable resumption of political talks to end civil war.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized control of several northern provinces and forced the internationally-recognized government of Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.

The six-year-old war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 4 million and pushed Yemen to the brink of starvation. Enditem
Kaitlan Collins, a CNN White House correspondent born in Alabama, tweeted criticism towards President Donald Trump as violent protesters loyal to the president stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

The Associated Press called it a stunning attempt to overturn Americas presidential election that undercut the nations democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House.

Collins reported on the chaos, tweeting updates and appearing on the network sporadically during its round-the-clock coverage. Below is a sequence of her reporting via Twitter, including a few critical comments of the president and his supporters.

RELATED: Kaitlan Collins held White House accountable in 2020, against all odds

While covering Trumps speech in Washington earlier in the day, Collins noted the president went back to the White House even after hinting he would march to the U.S. Capitol after speaking.

Despite suggesting multiple times he was going to march to Capitol Hill after his speech, President Trump just returned to the White House. Many of his supporters are on their way.  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 6, 2021

As protestors stormed the Capitol, as suggested by Trump, Collins tweeted she sought a comment from the White House but came up empty.

I've asked the White House for a comment from President Trump on the chaos unfolding on Capitol Hill right now by a mob wearing MAGA sweatshirts and waving Trump flags. No response yet.  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 6, 2021

The Prattville native then updated on Trumps whereabouts, still in the Oval Office, where he hadnt yet publicly asked his supporters to stand down from the chaos.

Meanwhile, Trump is currently sitting in the Oval Office and has not yet instructed his supporters to get out of the Capitol they've breached. The vice president's office hasn't said where he is amid reports he was evacuated. https://t.co/SEjMYRtBMa  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 6, 2021

She then called the armed standoff in the House chamber unbelievable, sharing the AP photo of it.

After Trump finally tweeted about the events in and around the Capitol, in which he asked his supporters to remain peaceful, Collins countered that theyd already breached the building and that there was nothing peaceful about what had happened.

"Remain peaceful"? They've already breached the building, there is an armed standoff and leadership has been evacuated as reinforcements are being rushed to the scene. Nothing peaceful about what's happening. https://t.co/91GSIuYkTB  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 6, 2021

Collins then reported Trump was watching television coverage of the violent protests from the West Wing instead of encouraging his supporters to end it.

Trump is being encouraged by staff to put out a stronger statement after his supporters breached the Capitol, but so far has declined to do so or tell people to leave the building. He's watching coverage from the West Wing, I'm told.  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 6, 2021

Collins then took aim at White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who offered a critical tweet of Collins network during their coverage of the protests. Collins and McEnany shared a terse exchange in the White House briefing room last November when the press secretary labeled the CNN reporter an activist at the end of a presser.

This from the press secretary didn't age well. https://t.co/IrcALcuPZP  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 6, 2021

Collins then said Trump was more concerned with Vice President Mike Pences decision to preside over the Electoral College count than the escalating situation at the Capitol, while also sharing the latest statement from the president.

Trump has been more focused on Pence defying him earlier today than the chaos unfolding as federal buildings are being breached, per multiple people. Unlike Pence, who told people to leave the building, Trump has not and has ignored requests for a stronger statement so far.  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 6, 2021

Trump repeats claims about the election being stolen from him but says, "We can't play into the hands of these people...So go home. We love you. You're very special...I know how you feel, but go home & go in peace." His former chief of staff said many are "domestic terrorists."  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 6, 2021

Collins called the breach of the U.S. Capitol shameful, noting it was the first time it happened since 1814.

The U.S. Capitol was breached today for the first time since 1814, when the British attacked it and set it on fire during the war of 1812, according to the director of scholarship and operations with the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. How shameful.  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 6, 2021

She then reported Trump wasnt expected to make anymore appearances on Wednesday, with the White House calling a lid on the day. She said that while Trump instructed the mob to go home but also defended their actions.

There are no more appearances expected from President Trump tonight after he simultaneously instructed the pro-Trump mob to go home while defending their actions, which were fueled by his lies about the election. The White House has called a lid.  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 6, 2021

Collins joined CNN in 2017, covering the Trump White House and quickly rising to the top of her field. Collins is from Prattville and is a graduate of the University of Alabama.

She recently spoke to AL.com about covering the White House during the COVID-19 pandemic, racial unrest in the aftermath of George Floyds death and other events that have happened this year.

We asked how she deals with shifting storylines like that in a breaking news cycle, where she made so much progress covering one global topic while immediately dropping it to move on to reporting something so brand new that captures the nation by storm.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Twenty years ago, when protests erupted over the contested election between George Bush and Al Gore, Pat Davis was a rookie officer with the U.S. Capitol Police Department.

He remembers freezing on the cold streets as disgruntled voters from both sides poured into Washington, D.C., for rallies and marches.

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Needless to say, the scene on Wednesday as mobs stormed the Capitol was very different.

(Back then) we didnt have the president of the United States encouraging people to fight, and take over and move forward to stop an election, said Davis, now an Albuquerque city councilor. People respected the process, they just wanted their voice to be heard. Nobody clashed with police, no one thought violence was the answer.

For days, President Donald Trump has urged supporters to hold a massive rally in the nations capital Wednesday to protest what he continues to claim are fraudulent election results.

Davis said he was surprised that the Capitol Police Department, which he described as full of some of the best trained officers when it comes to protests and demonstrations, didnt prepare for rioting or to keep protesters from rushing into the building.

In six months of training, we never trained for armed American citizens storming the Capitol to stop the election or a session of congress, Davis said. We worried more about airplane terrorists.

For more than two months now, President Trump has fomented dissent by claiming the election was stolen from him.

Several Republican members of Congress, including Rep. Yvette Herrell, R-N.M., said they would object to the counting of electoral votes, citing concerns over election fraud. The House and Senate were in the midst of debating over an objection to Arizonas electoral votes when the mob entered the Capitol, breaking windows and roaming the halls and chambers. The proceedings were delayed for hours.

Former Sen. Tom Udall, a Democrat, blasted the president, calling him dangerous to our democracy and unfit for the presidency and laying blame for the days events on him and his administration and supporters in Congress.

Todays tragic and horrific events will go down in infamy in American history, Udall wrote in a statement. President Trump and his enablers in his cabinet and Congress bear the blame for inflaming hateful and baseless conspiracy theories that have led to predictable violence and blood being shed in the U.S. Capitol. Our nations shared safety and prosperity rely on the rule of law and peaceful transfer of power  and the presidents incitement to insurrection puts that all at risk for all Americans today and for future generations.

Decertification bill

Before the riots, state Rep. Cathrynn Brown, R-Carlsbad, said Wednesday morning that she planned to introduce legislation during the coming 60-day legislative session that would decertify New Mexicos five electoral votes for Joe Biden. The long-shot bill could be largely symbolic, as Biden is scheduled to be inaugurated as president the day after the sessions Jan. 19 start date.

Biden defeated President Trump in New Mexico by 11 percentage points in the November general election, marking the fourth consecutive election cycle in which a Democratic presidential candidate has triumphed in the state.

However, Brown alluded to claims of unspecified voting irregularities in New Mexico, specifically in Dona Ana County, as the motivation for her bill.

Hundreds of protesters, several of whom were armed, also gathered in New Mexicos capital, converging on the Roundhouse in Santa Fe, in reaction to the unfounded claims of voter fraud. The state Capitol building was evacuated, and courts in Santa Fe and Albuquerque were closed for the day.

Santa Fes demonstration was largely peaceful, although a small fight broke out between Trump supporters and counterprotesters holding a pride flag. Dozens of police officers were soon on the scene, but both sides declined to press charges.

Protest effort doomed

Although some Republicans on the national stage earlier objected to electoral votes, Michael Rocca, an associate professor of political science at the University of New Mexico, said the effort was doomed because there wasnt enough support to continue investigating the unfounded claims.

Calling the situation a classic chicken-and-egg issue, Rocca pointed out that the reason so many citizens are concerned about the legitimacy of the election is that those in power are casting doubt on it.

Now whats happening is members of Congress, objectors, are saying I wouldnt be doing my job if I werent objecting, because so many people believe that the election was fraudulent,' Rocca said. The problem is the reason so many people believe the election was fraudulent is so many political leaders are claiming its fraudulent without any evidence that it was fraudulent.

Although Rocca is quick to say that he sees those who stormed the Capitol on Wednesday as a fringe element of the Republican Party, and not representative of all those who voted for Trump, he also said the scene is a reflection of the animosity and polarization of the country.

Depending on who youre listening to, what TV station youre watching, who is on your Twitter feed, you have a completely different understanding of what world were living in, Rocca said. Its also a function, I think, of the presidents own rhetoric. In some ways hes a product of that environment, but hes also an instigator in some ways too.

For UNM Professor Finnie Coleman, who teaches English and Africana Studies, the response by law enforcement and Republican leaders to the scene in Washington, D.C., stood in sharp contrast to how largely peaceful protests in support of racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement were treated.

The hypocrisy of it, Coleman said. Any person who is a MAGA person who said anytime in the past, Oh Black Lives Matter is a bunch of hoodlums and thugs. Look what theyre doing in the streets, they dont have a leg to stand on. Unless youre right now speaking out against what happened in our nations capitol today, youre a hypocrite.

Furthermore, he said, the mob overshadowed the historic election of a Black man and a Jewish man to the senate from Georgia.

But it gives him some reason for optimism that the country might be a more progressive, cohesive nation in the future.

This is the tipping point, Coleman said. Well still have political rancor. But those senators and congressmen who are hunkered down together today they have to realize in ways that they might not otherwise that we are all in this together, independent of our political stripes, and we have to be careful of our rhetoric.

s Dan Boyd, Kyle Land, and Ryan Boetel contributed to this report.
As the communitys hunger to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine grows, the states allocations of doses to Laredo has shrunk.

In Week 1, the states Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel allotted 2,925 doses to Webb County, and in Week 2, Webb County providers received 5,775 doses. In the third week  when qualifying members of the public began to receive the vaccine  3,900 doses were allocated to local providers.

But now in the fourth week, only 700 doses are being sent to Laredo.

Laredo Health Director Richard Chamberlain said they would assume that these allocations would increase as time goes on. There has been no communication from the Department of State Health Services as to why the citys doses decreased this week, he said.

City leaders on Wednesday reiterated that they have little to no control over how the vaccine is distributed in the community.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention divvy up the doses between each state. In Texas, the Department of State Health Services vaccine panel then allocates the doses to health providers all over the state.

In Laredo, there are 16 certified health care providers who can administer the vaccine, including the Health Department, hospitals, clinics and several pharmacies. So far, the largest number of doses have gone to standalone emergency rooms. In fact, the only reason the city was able to hold drive-thru vaccination clinics is because Laredo Emergency Room gave them 3,500 of their allocated doses.

The city believes there are ways this vaccine administration could go more smoothly, but they cannot supersede a state order to take doses from other entities, City Manager Robert Eads said.

Mayor Pete Saenz said he does not know why some providers are getting more doses than others, but he believes it is based on their storage capacity rather than ability to vaccinate.

However, Gateway Community Health Center  which on top of having the storage capacity also has the staff and infrastructure to vaccinate widely  has only received 100 doses of the vaccine as of this week, he noted.

These are questions out there that I as a mayor have not received clear answers to, Saenz said. Im told that may be a combination of Warp Speed from Washington in collaboration with our state officials. But if an answer is out there, please provide that, so at least when people call and ask me, I can have an answer as well.

Health Authority Dr. Victor Trevino signed a public health order on Monday that implements rules in this process and makes the city a central agency for all vaccine providers in the area. The 15 other providers now must notify the Health Department daily of the total number of vaccines in their inventory, the address for any vaccine disbursements and the number of vaccines they administer at each site.

Chamberlain said all the providers are cooperating, and theyre getting more accurate numbers than what the state has on their website. However, as of Wednesday afternoon, most of the providers had exhausted their supplies, he said.

Julia Wallace may be reached at 956-728-2543 or jwallace@lmtonline.com
MARYVILLE  A new Dominos store is now open and ready to serve the local community.

We are thrilled to bring the first Dominos location in Maryville to local residents, said Mark Ratterman, Maryville Dominos franchise owner. We look forward to providing delicious pizza and great customer service to this area.

Dominos, located at 4996 State Route 159, offers contactless carryout and delivery, as well as Dominos Carside Delivery, which is a contactless carryout option for customers who would like the convenience of picking up their order without leaving their vehicle.

The health and safety of our team members and customers is our No. 1 priority, said Ratterman. We are committed to providing the safest service possible for everyone, and have implemented a number of precautions based on the advice of the Centers for Disease Control.

Dominos is also looking to hire delivery drivers, customer service representatives and assistant managers. More than 95% of Dominos U.S. franchise owners actually began their career as part-time delivery drivers or pizza makers, including Ratterman. He began working at Dominos as a delivery driver in 1981 and worked his way up. He purchased his first store in 1983 and now owns 56 Dominos locations throughout Missouri and Illinois.

Dominos is a great place to work, said Ratterman. Our stores provide a fantastic opportunity to those who show initiative and a desire to advance. Whether youre looking for a part-time job with flexibility or a career, this is the place to be.

Those who are interested in applying for a job may do so at jobs.dominos.com. To place an order from Dominos in Maryville, customers can visit www.dominos.com or call 618-437-6400.
Beijing has fired another round of insults at Australia and claimed that speaking out on Chinese human rights abuses is the 'the new political correctness'.

An op-ed published in the Communist Party mouthpiece the Global Times said 'the writing is the wall' for relations to deteriorate further in 2021 unless Canberra stops seeing China's as a 'threat'.

The latest criticism of Australia's 'confronting' attitude towards China comes just one day after the authoritarian regime arrested over 50 pro-democracy campaigners in Hong Kong and banned World Health Organisation officials from investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic in Wuhan.

Relations between Australia have soured dramatically since April after Prime Minister Scott Morrisons called for virus investigators to be granted access to China and given the same wide-reaching powers as UN weapons inspectors.

In retaliation for speaking out against Beijing, President Xi Jinping has looked to punish Australia by hitting Australian exports like wine, beef, barley, copper, lobster, timbre, cotton and coal with soaring tariffs and unofficial bans.

Relations between Australia have soured dramatically since April after Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured right) called for virus investigators to be granted access to China and given the same wide-reaching powers as UN weapons inspectors (pictured left Chinese President Xi Jinping)

Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers assemble during military training at Pamir Mountains in Kashgar, northwestern China's Xinjiang region on January 4, 2021

The somewhat comical article suggests that in the face of the belligerent campaign of economic coercion Australia has 'developed a mindset of hostility' toward China.

But the author put that down to domestic party squabbles, rather than growing aggression from Beijing policy makers.

'In recent years, Australia's domestic partisan fights and political factional differences have become more open and white-hot,' the article read.

'Against this backdrop, the Australian government has to adjust its foreign policies - including its ever important China policy.

'In Australia's strategic cognition, China has suddenly turned from a partner to a "threat" to its sovereign security.

'The assumption that China is a rival is emerging, and confronting China has become a new political correctness in Australia.'

Pro-democracy activist Lester Shum is led away by police in a Wednesday morning crackdown which saw more than 50 activists arrested in Hong Kong

Ben Chung, a member of a pro-democracy political group, is led away by police during the round-up of more than 50 Hong Kong opposition figures

The article also insinuates that Chinese Australians have to 'constantly prove their loyalty to Australia' as a result of 'paranoid' anti-China pundits.

The comments come as one of China's most prominent figure's Jack Ma is feared to have been 'disappeared' by authorities or hiding in exile after Beijing announced an arbitrary anti-monopoly investigation into his billion-dollar business Alibaba.

China launched the probe immediately after the technology tycoon criticised the country's tightly-controlled financial system.

In the past 24 hours another high-profile story about China's notoriously opaque government has also made headlines.

Beijing were accused of 'shameful behaviour' by the international community after they refused entry to a team of virus investigators from the World Health Organisation.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne slammed China for stymieing the investigation.

'The WHO-convened scientific study is an important part of this work, and we look forward to the findings from the international field mission to China,' she said on Wednesday.

'We hope that the necessary permissions for the WHO team's travel to China can be issued without delay.

'During this global pandemic that has affected all countries, international co-operation and partnerships will maximise our ability to respond and to equip us for the next pandemic.'

Hostilities between Australia and China have soared in recent years after a number of diplomatic spats (Penfolds wine is stacked on a shelf in China)

Five Australian beef suppliers were blacklisted in China in 2020 (stock image)

Coal exports have also been targeted by Beijing (pictured, Coal & Allied coalmine in the Hunter region of NSW)

China's '14 grievances' 1. 'Incessant wanton interference in China's Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan affairs' 2. 'Siding with the US' anti-China campaign and spreading misinformation' 3. 'Thinly veiled allegations against China on cyber attacks without any evidence' 4. 'An unfriendly or antagonistic report on China by media' 5. Providing funding to 'anti-China think tank for spreading untrue reports' 6. 'Foreign interference legislation' 7. 'Foreign investment decisions' 8. 'Banning Huawei technologies and ZTE from the 5G network' 9. 'Politicisation and stigmatisation of the normal exchanges and coorperation between China and Australia' 10. Making statements 'on the South China Sea to the United Nations' 11. 'Outrageous condemnation of the governing party of China by MPs and racist attacks against Chinese or Asian people' 12. 'The early drawn search and reckless seizure of Chinese journalists' homes and properties' 13. Calls for an independent inquiry into Covid-19 14. 'Legislation to scrutinise agreements with a foreign government' Advertisement

Beijing officials have tried desperately to control the narrative in the wake of the pandemic which has crippled the global economy.

The totalitarian state have shut down calls for an independent investigation into the role of Chinese officials in the immediate aftermath of the outbreak and put a stop to any meaningful foreign research being carried out at the Wuhan seafood market where the coronavirus first appeared in November 2019.

Australia's call to ban Huawei from the nation's 5G network in 2018 on the grounds of national security concerns infuriated the Communist Party.

But it was Mr Morrison's call for an independent international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus back in April which prompted a furious backlash from China.

Beijing immediately slapped an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley, suspended beef imports and told students and tourists not to travel Down Under.

Li Wenliang, 34, caught the public's attention after he was reprimanded by police and accused of spreading 'fake news' for warning on social media of 'SARS at a Wuhan seafood market'

China again responded with fury and outrage in November when Mr Morrison set off to Japan - one of China's greatest historic rivals - to strengthen trade and military ties.

Days after, Beijing published a list of 14 bizarre grievances.

The laundry list included everything from 'unfair media reports' to Canberra's criticism of China over its human rights abuses as payback China has targeted up to $20billion in key Australian exports - including barley, coal, sugar, timber, lobster, copper, cotton and wine.

In November Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lijian Zhao posted a doctored image showing a grinning Australian soldier holding a knife to the throat of an Afghan child.

The artwork referred to revelations made in the Bereton inquiry, claiming 25 Australian soldiers unlawfully killed 39 Afghan civilians and prisoners.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison demanded an apology and called for the Asian superpower to take down the 'repugnant' fake image.

The Chinese government has attacked Australia over war crimes allegations by posting this falsified image on Twitter

Australian Defence Force personnel are seen during an official farewell at the Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane, Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Upping the ante of the protest against the Centres new farm reform laws, farmers will kick-off a tractor rally on Thursday at the four borders of Delhi, including Eastern and Western peripheral. The tractor rally has been convened by close to 40 farmer unions and in view of this the police have issued traffic guideline for Delhi, Noida and Gurugram. The farmers had decided to hold tractor rally on KMP expressway on Wednesday but due to heavy downpour they had postponed it to Thursday.

The Eastern Peripheral Expressway also known as the Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal Expressway is a 135-km-long six-lane road stretch connecting Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. It passes through Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Here are the top 10 points regarding the farmers tractor rally:

1. There will be diversions on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway during the afternoon on Thursday in view of a 'tractor rally' called by farmers protesting against the new central farm laws, said Noida police. The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police said the tractor rally has been called by the Sanyuta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of 40 farmers' unions, and is scheduled to start from Ghazipur border in Ghaziabad towards Palwal in Haryana and back through the expressway.

2. Vehicles will not be allowed to get on the eastern peripheral expressway from Beel Akbarpur and Sirsa cut towards Palwal from 12 pm to 3 pm. Similarly, vehicles won't be allowed on the expressway from Sirsa Cut and Beel Akbarpur towards Sonipat from 2 pm to 5 pm and will be diverted, the police said in a statement.

3. Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Alok Singh on Wednesday inspected the situation along the Eastern Peripheral Expressway ahead of the major rally by protesting farmers, according to officials. Singh, along with Additional CP (law and order) Love Kumar and DCP Greater Noida Rajesh Kumar Singh, visited the Beel Akbarpur toll, Sirsa toll and Palwal border area and instructed officials to ensure law and order situation on Thursday.

4. Keeping in view the tractor rally planned by the farmers' unions on Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) expressway on Thursday, the Gurugram Police have already intensified their security arrangements on the KMP as well as the border areas of the district.

5. According to the police, the KMP expressway was largely unaffected by the farmers protests till now but on Thursday the demonstrating farmers could hamper the traffic movement on the expressway too. The police inputs also disclosed that the farmers can take Nuh, Farrukhnagar, Manesar and Badli in Jhajjar district entry points to reach the KMP.

6. "We have also enhanced our security arrangements at the border points in view of ongoing farmers' demonstrations. We have issued an advisory to all the concerned officials to take necessary precautionary measures in view of blocking the expressway and tractor rally," said Subhash Boken, spokesperson of the Gurugram police. "The police have already beefed up the security and have made appropriate arrangements to prevent any untoward incident. Also, nearly 2,000 policemen have been deployed in sensitive locations on the expressway. The Gurugram police will also be in touch with the adjoining districts and state's police to follow movement of the people," he added.

7. Police deployment has been increased at Kapdiwas border, Bilaspur Chowk, Panchgaon Chowk, Manesar Chowk and Farrukhnagar.

8. The Delhi-Jaipur highway (NH-48) has already been blocked at several locations which forced the police to divert the traffic movements on alternative routes. Also, after the clash between the police and the protesting farmers at Dharuhera in Rewari on Sunday, the police in both Gurugram and Rewari districts are taking extra measures about the traffic movements.

9. Since Monday, commuters travelling between Delhi to Jaipur have faced a lot of inconvenience as police placed barricades and diverted traffic at several key points on the national highway.

10. The passengers on the expressway are waiting for roadways buses and others to reach their destinations and even walking 2-3 kilometres to catch vehicles for travelling. "The Gurugram police are already on high alert. The number of police forces including a rapid action force and extra force have been deputed to face any untoward situations across the district," Boken said.

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has given its nod to Tinaighat-Castlerock-Caranzol railway doubling project. The project is likely to involve diversion of 10.45 ha of forest land of which 9.57 ha is in Dandeli wildlife sanctuary in Karnatakas Western Ghats.

Happy to inform that in its 60th meeting, NBWL has recommended the proposal for Tinaighat-Castlerock-Caranzol Railway doubling of southwestern railways, Karnataka with certain mitigation measures as advised by the Wildlife Institute of India, tweeted Union environment minister, Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday. The minutes of the meeting are yet to be published.

According to a note by the Southwestern Railways, the existing railway single line between Hospet and Vasco was laid in 1900 and connects industrial areas in Hospet and Marmugoa port and various tourist places in Goa and Karnataka. Due to industrial growth and increase in tourists, the single line is saturated.

According to a site inspection report by forest department published on the environment ministrys Parivesh website, the area covering both Kali Tiger Reserve and Anshi Wildlife Division, harbours tigers, leopards, gaur, sambar etc and is endemic to Castlerock Night Frog. There are already Alnavar-Londa Vasco and Londa Khanapur railway lines in the region where many wildlife casualties have been reported due to train accidents. The proposal will involve the loss of 5,413 trees in Kali Tiger Reserve alone. The doubling of the railway line is mainly proposed for transport of coal according to the report.

The project was vehemently opposed by wildlife scientists in Karnataka and by some members of the Karnataka Wildlife Board also. The rail line will pass through a very eco-sensitive region. It also runs parallel to the NH4A which is being expanded. The two projects together will be a death knell for wildlife and biodiversity here, said a senior wildlife scientist from Karnataka on condition of anonymity.

The Castlerock area was included in the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in 2011 due to its ecological importance as it holds tigers, dholes and several other endangered wildlife species. It connects Dandeli to Bhimghad Wildlife Sanctuary. Adjoining Castlerock are the protected areas in Goa hence it is one of the largest contiguous wildlife habitats in central Western Ghats. It also acts as watershed for several of our streams, rivers and dams, said Sanjay Gubbi, Conservation Biologist.
The unprecedented scenes of violence in Washington on Wednesday drew a mix of shock, sadness and thinly veiled schadenfreude in the Middle East, with adversaries and allies alike condemning what many described as an assault on American democracy.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the rampage a disgraceful act. The Israeli leader, who has enjoyed a warm relationship with outgoing President Donald Trump, spoke alongside US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who was in Jerusalem.

American democracy will prevail. It always has, Netanyahu said.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz tweeted, "The photos from Washington hurt the heart of anyone who believes in democracy. Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi tweeted he was "shocked" by the attack on the worlds beacon of democracy.

For former Palestinian official Hanan Ashrwai, the attack was proof that despots everywhere thrive on repression, oppression, & violence. She went on, "While people in Palestine & in many other places in the world are struggling to achieve democracy, there are those in the US who are actively sabotaging theirs."

A mob of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing their way into the building as lawmakers were voting to formalize the presidential election results. Trump has maintained without evidence that the vote was fraudulent, a claim he repeated as the night dragged on.

At least four people died in the unrest and as of Thursday morning, police had made 52 arrests and found a number of firearms, two pipe bombs and a cooler containing Molotov cocktails.

Some saw the violent mayhem that unfolded Wednesday as an opportunity to chastise the United States. Irans President Hassan Rouhani said the "calamities," which he blamed squarely on Trump, demonstrated how fragile and vulnerable Western democracy is.

Tensions between the United States and Iran are running high over the anniversary of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimanis assassination and the Trump administrations widening sanctions campaign on Tehran.

When a sick person takes office, we see how he disgraces his country and creates trouble for the world, Rouhani said of Trump in a televised address Thursday.

Turkey was among the first countries to respond as rioters challenged police in the nations capital on Wednesday. The NATO ally urged restraint  advice some found laughable given the violent clash between protesters and President Recep Tayyip Erdogans bodyguards outside the ambassadors DC residence in May 2017.

We believe the U.S. will overcome this internal political crisis in a mature manner," the Foreign Ministry said.

Turkey's parliament speaker Mustafa Sentop struck a similar tone. We believe that problems will always be solved within law and democracy, he tweeted. "As Turkey, we have always been in favor of the law and democracy and we recommend it to everyone."

A number of Middle East countries whose governments the Trump administration has criticized for human rights abuses reacted to the storming of the US Capitol with alarm. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates issued statements on Twitter telling their citizens to avoid the protest area and abide by the curfew order set by the citys mayor.

Mayor Lisa Helps speaks during a vigil in Victoria on January 31, 2017. Helps says she's disappointed in the poor judgment exercised by a member of council who travelled outside of Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
The Camp Hill Board of School Directors appointed Daniel D. Serfass as the new superintendent of the Camp Hill School District, according to a statement from the district released Wednesday.

The appointment was made during a board meeting on Monday, and Serfass is expected to assume the role on or before April 5, 2021.

Camp Hill is an excellent school district with tremendous potential to move to the next level of excellence, Serfass said. I am excited to partner with the school board, the staff and the community to specifically define what that next level will look like, and provide the students of Camp Hill with a tremendous educational experience. Ive had the opportunity to work closely with some phenomenal school leaders during my time in public education and in my military service, and I plan on leveraging those experiences in Camp Hill.

Serfass is currently the Assistant Superintendent of the Elizabethtown Area School District, and previously was the assistant to the Superintendent for Learning and High School at the district.

Serfass is a retired U.S. Naval Officer, which included roles as a principal in multiple Department of Defense public schools in European counties, according to the district.

We are excited to bring Mr. Serfass into the district, Board President Steve Karl said. We undertook a thorough search that included a series of outstanding candidates.

Karl went on to say they considered candidates who had executive skills and leadership accomplishments, and a commitment to collaboration.

As a board, we felt at the end of this process that Mr. Serfass deep knowledge base and diverse experiences in leadership, interpersonal skill and professional accomplishments as an educational leader make him a great fit for Camp Hill, Karl said.

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Nick de la Torre / HC

Devon Energy has completed its acquisition of rival WPX Energy, creating one of the nations largest shale players with a dominant position in West Texas.

The acquisition gives Oklahoma City-based Devon access to 400,000 acres in the Delaware Basin that spans West Texas and New Mexico. The combined company is expected to have production of 277,000 barrels a day and save $575 million in costs
lcva/iStockBy KELLY MCCARTHY, GMA



(LOS ANGELES) -- Food deliveries continue to be one of the only options left for restaurants to serve their customers in California amid COVID-19 related restrictions. A new law will now ensure that third-party platforms have direct partnerships with those eateries before adding menus on their apps.



Third-party apps like Uber Eats, Door Dash, Caviar and PostMates have removed tens of thousands of restaurant options as a result of the Fair Food Delivery Act that went into effect in California on Jan. 1.



Last September, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Bill 2149 into law, which requires food delivery platforms to get explicit authorization from restaurants in order to list them on their apps for orders and deliveries.



"A food delivery platform shall not arrange for the delivery of an order from a food facility without first obtaining an agreement with the food facility expressly authorizing the food delivery platform to take orders and deliver meals prepared by the food facility," the legislation states.



The bill was first introduced by California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez last year after restaurant owners across the state spoke out against the practice of delivery services that were adding them to their platforms without notifying them.



"When Uber Eats, DoorDash and other gig companies operate under their own rules, businesses and consumers are harmed," she said when she first proposed the measure. "Im grateful to see the legislature and governor stand up for small and family-owned businesses against massive overreach by delivery app companies."



From fast-food chains to fine dining, operators like Pim Techamuanvivit said the practice could hurt their businesses by posting outdated menu offerings, prices and other issues like failure to check the food quality, according to Food and Wine.



Techamuanvivit, owner of the Michelin-starred Thai restaurant Kin Khao, first took to Twitter last January to shed light on the delivery app issue when GrubHub, Seamless and DoorDash were listing her purported menu for delivery without her permission. She told the San Francisco Chronicle at the time that rules were necessary to protect both restaurants and customers, especially amid the pandemic.



"When these apps would just pull our menu from somewhere without letting us know, customers might order something that we dont offer anymore, especially if the restaurants menu is seasonal, Techamuanvivit told the paper. "Customers dont blame the delivery company when they get told we dont have something, they blame the restaurant. That mistake isnt something we can take right now."



In California, where restaurants have been reduced to takeout and delivery options, chefs and owners continue to encourage customers to order directly from their restaurants to curb additional third party transactions and fees.



A representative for Uber Eats and PostMates in California declined to comment on how the new law has impacted their platforms.



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The alphabet was invented by illiterate Canaanite miners in ancient Egypt who turned elaborate hieroglyphs into basic letters 4,000 years ago, a study claimed.

In 2006, Egyptologist Orly Goldwasser argued that symbols on artefacts from a temple in the Sinai are prototypes of the letters that we use to read and write today.

While it had long been assumed that the first alphabet was the product of the highly educated elite, Professor Goldwasser believes the exact opposite was true.

Inspired by the hieroglyphs they saw around them, the immigrant labourers forged letters for their own Semitic language based on the Egyptian glyphs' shapes.

The miner's 'Sinaitic' script would go on to develop into Ancient South Arabian and Phoenician script, from which the Greek and Latin alphabets are derived.

The alphabet was invented by illiterate Canaanite miners in ancient Egypt who turned elaborate hieroglyphs into basic letters 4,000 years ago, a study claimed. Pictured, a Sandstone sphinx from Serabit el-Khadim, with the 'Sinaitic' script etched on its side. The text reads: 'Beloved of Ba'alat', which is a reference to a Canaanite goddess

In 2006, Egyptologist Orly Goldwasser argued that symbols (pictured) on artefacts unearthed from a temple in the Sinai in 1905 are prototypes of the letters that we use to write today

The carvings of the earliest alphabet were unearthed by the Egyptologists Flinders and Hilda Petrie, a married British couple, in the year 1905.

The duo excavated a site on the Serabit el-Khadim plateau, in the south-west Sinai Peninsula, which sported a turquoise mine, mining camp and a temple to Hathor.

As a major goddess, Hathor played various roles in the Ancient Egyptian religion  most notably being a sky deity, the 'mistress of love' and an escort of souls entering the afterlife  but was also associated with both the colour and mineral turquoise.

The mining efforts  blessed by offerings to Hathor  would have provided the Egyptians with a supply of the precious stone, which they saw as symbolising rebirth and, consequently, was used to colour the walls of many a grand tomb.

Immigrant miners from the neighbouring land of Canaan were among the workers whose names and jobs were inscribed, in hieroglyphics, on giant upright slabs that lined the path that led to the temple.

Alongside hieroglyphs, however, the Petries found the other, unknown, symbols  which resembled the Egyptian icons and were carved into the faces of the turquoise mine, as well as on the walls of buildings and small statues.

One in particular  a reddish sandstone sphynx  was among the artefacts that they brought back with them to London. It currently resides in the British Museum.

Ten years later, the British Egyptologist and linguist Alan Gardiner succeeded in deciphering the script on the side of the sphynx, translating it to mean 'Beloved of Ba'alat', a reference to a Canaanite goddess.

The carvings of the earliest alphabet were unearthed by the Egyptologists Flinders and Hilda Petrie, a married British couple, in the year 1905. The duo excavated a site on the Serabit el-Khadim plateau which sported a turquoise mine and a temple to Hathor, pictured

As a major goddess, Hathor played various roles in the Ancient Egyptian religion  most notably being a sky deity and an escort of souls entering the afterlife  but was also associated with the colour and mineral turquoise. Pictured, left, a statue of Hathor from the Luxor Temple and, right, hieroglyphs on a stone stelae from her temple at Serabit el-Khadim

Immigrant miners from the neighbouring land of Canaan were among the workers whose names and jobs were inscribed, in hieroglyphics, on giant upright slabs that lined the path that led to the temple of Hathor at the Serabit el-Khadim site, which is depicted in the above painting by a member of a Prussian expedition from the mid-19th century

The little sphynx beating the early letter is 'worth all the gold in Egypt,' Professor Goldwasser told Smithsonian Magazine.

'Every word we read and write started with him and his friends,' she added.

According to Goldwasser, the Canaanite miners were likely inspired to create their own written script after seeing the glyphs that their counterparts used to dedicate their gifts to Hathor  offerings given in hope of plentiful yields from the mine.

'The mines were dark and very narrow. Its an unpleasant situation. You have to pray a lot to get out in good shape from this situation,' she told The World.

'You are in a place with thousands of beautiful hieroglyphs. And you want so much to write your gods [names] and write your name.'

Unable to properly read the hieroglyphs  or speak Coptic, the corresponding language spoken by the ancient Egyptians  they borrowed elements to write down their own language in a novel way.

Detailed the process that she thinks the Canaanites used to get from glyph to letter, Professor Goldwasser said: 'Call the picture by name, pick up only the first sound and discard the picture from your mind.' In this way, for example, the hieroglyph representing an ox  an animal whose name the miners would have pronounced as 'aleph'  became the loose basis for the shape of the letter 'a', but now divorced from its original connection to the ox. In the same fashion, the glyph for house  'bet'  became 'b', and so on. Pictured, a table illustrating the evolution of the alphabet from the hieroglyphs that inspired it to more recent scripts

Detailed the process that she thinks the Canaanites used to get from glyph to letter, Professor Goldwasser said: 'Call the picture by name, pick up only the first sound and discard the picture from your mind.'

In this way, for example, the hieroglyph representing an ox  an animal whose name the miners would have pronounced as 'aleph'  became the loose basis for the shape of the letter 'a', but now divorced from its original connection to the ox.

In the same fashion, the glyph for house  'bet'  became 'b', and so on, with some letters borrowing from the hieroglyphs and others from objects from life. These first two letters provided the root of the name of the writing system  the 'alphabet'.

According to the former president of the French Society of Egyptology, Pierre Tallet, the theory that the alphabet has its origins in illiterate miners, rather than the educated elite, makes perfect sense.

'It is clear that whoever wrote these inscriptions in the Sinai did not know hieroglyphs,' he told Smithsonian Magazine.

'The words they are writing are in a Semitic language, so they must have been Canaanites  who we know were there from the Egyptians own written record here in the temple.'

The 'proto-Sinaitic' script would go on to develop into Ancient South Arabian and Phoenician script, from which the Greek and Latin alphabets are derived. Pictured, left, Flinders Petrie, who first unearthed the early alphabet with his wife Hilda in 1905  and, right, Orly Goldwasser, who first proposed that the script was invented by illiterate miners

Other scholars, however, have expressed doubt  such as, for example, . Hebrew scholar Christopher Rollston of the George Washington University, in the US.

'It would be improbable that illiterate miners were capable of, or responsible for, the invention of the alphabet,' he told Smithsonian Magazine  adding that he felt that the script's writers must have known hieroglyphics.

However, Professor Goldwasser cautions, 'we must be careful not to be blinded by the genius of the invention of the alphabet, and, therefore, that such a breakthrough could be born only in the circles of highly educated scribes.

'These supposed scribes are presumed to be Canaanites, yet masters of all variations of Egyptian scriptshieroglyphs and hieratic,' she continued.

'My thesis differs sharply from those of former scholars, in suggesting that the inventors of the alphabet could not read Egyptianneither hieroglyphs nor hieratic.'

'I believe that the inventors related to the image alone, to the pictorial part of the Egyptian hieroglyph. They saw hieroglyphs as little pictures of items in their world.

'They chose those pictures that were relevant to their lives and made a completely new use of them, a use that disregarded entirely their function in the "mother script" the original Egyptian hieroglyphic system.'

'If someone comes and says, "Orly, its incorrect, they were real scribes"  I will accept it, but I will be sad,' Professor Goldwasser told The World.

'I like so much my miners, and the idea that they were not an elite society, they were not the privileged one of their times, and still they were able to emerge from all that with a fantastic innovation that changed the world until today.'

The full findings of Professor Goldwasser's study were published in the journal Egypt and the Levant.
Police in Washington, DC, found two pipe bombs near the Capitol after protesters stormed the building on Wednesday.

An image of the pipe bomb, obtained by ABC News, shows it lying on the ground near the Republican National Committee headquarters.

The second bomb, which hasn't been pictured, was found a couple blocks away near the Democratic National Committee headquarters.

Authorities evacuated both the DNC and RNC on Wednesday after the discovery of the pipe bombs were made.

Police in Washington, DC, found two pipe bombs near the Capitol after protesters stormed the building on Wednesday. An image of the pipe bomb (pictured), shows it lying on the ground of the near the Republican National Committee headquarters

The second bomb was found a couple blocks away near the Democratic National Committee headquarters. In addition to the pipe bombs, police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail. Protesters are seen storming the Capitol

According to ABC, bomb technicians used water cannons to break apart the devices, rendering them harmless.

Authorities from the FBI, ATF, Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department, are now investigating what's left of the devices.

Officials hope to uncover clues about where the parts came from and who built them.

In addition to the pipe bombs, police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

According to the Justice Department, an individual who had 11 Molotov cocktails 'ready to go' was arrested on Wednesday.

The department also told reporters that they will file 15 federal cases in connection with the attack on the Capitol.

The pipe bombs and other devices were left on Capitol grounds on Wednesday when supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the building.

DC Police Chief Robert Contee said a total of four people died in the riots.

Dozens of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building on Wednesday

Workers clean damage on Thursday near an overrun Capitol Police checkpoint a day after a pro-Trump mob broke into the US Capitol

The death total included Ashli Babbitt, 35, who was shot by Capitol Police, and three others who died in 'medical emergencies.'

Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the Capitol building before it was cleared Wednesday evening by law enforcement.

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side.

She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

Trump has since released a statement claiming there 'will be an orderly transition on January 20th' after Congress concluded the electoral vote count certifying President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

The president said in the statement tweeted by his social media director Dan Scavino: 'Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.

'I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, its only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again.'

Trump, whose Twitter account is currently locked, has spent the last two months refusing to concede the election and making baseless allegations of mass voter fraud that have been rejected by dozens of courts and Republican officials, including his former attorney general.

Vice President Mike Pence presided over the formal session that ended early Thursday morning tallying the electoral college vote.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  With the race to vaccinate hospital staff well underway, the next steps in the road to conduct coronavirus (COVID-19) immunizations across Staten Island remains a process fraught with questions and technical hurdles that could stymie the effort.

Its quite convoluted and were working layer by layer to get some clarity, said Borough President James Oddo. Im not saying this is simple, but the science of creating the vaccine shouldnt be easier in retrospect than the logistics and the people component.

After Mayor Bill de Blasio announced three vaccine hubs would be created in New York City on Monday  none of which were on Staten Island  it elicited the ire of the Islands politicians, including Oddo.

Im sorry, did I miss the hub slated for Staten Island...?, he wrote on Twitter following the announcement.

I'm sorry, did I miss the hub slated for Staten Island...? https://t.co/5KCbBSeYzi  Jimmy Oddo (@HeyNowJO) January 4, 2021

Since the initial rollout, Councilman Steven Matteo (R-Mid-Island) announced the borough will be receiving a hub  at the New York Citys Health + Hospitals Vanderbilt clinic, located at 165 Vanderbilt Ave. in Clifton.

That location, which became operational on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m., will be used for eligible health care workers who are unaffiliated [with a federally qualified health care center] who still need to be vaccinated to have a place to go, said Oddo during an interview with the Advance/SILive.com Tuesday afternoon.

We are still in 1a, meaning health care workers, said Oddo, referring to the first group of people recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to receive the vaccine in the United States, and the newly-opened vaccine hub will help address that community.

The Vanderbilt hub will be operational seven days a week, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

A second hub was announced by Assemblyman Mike Reilly (R-South Shore) at Beacon Christian Community Health Center in Mariners Harbor.

That site will also serve those currently ELIGIBLE to receive the vaccine, said Reilly on Twitter.

On Wednesday, hubs were also announced at Port Richmond High School and Staten Island Technical High School. Those two sites will be operational next Friday.

 Update regarding Staten Island #COVID19 Vaccination Sites...



As of today, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, there will be two locations for those currently ELIGIBLE to receive the vaccine.



(see photo below for list of eligible groups and see next tweet for list of locations) pic.twitter.com/afcplDGQo8  Mike Reilly (@TeamReillyNY) January 6, 2021

WHAT COMES NEXT?

The next group that will be targeted  people 75 and older and frontline essential workers of the 1b classification in the CDCs vaccination recommendations  could start receiving shots maybe late January and early February, said Oddo.

Where those individuals will receive their vaccines on Staten Island still remains to be seen.

Mass vaccination sites, which de Blasio said will be open 24/7, are slated to become a place where anyone [in the appropriate categories] can come any hour of the day, get a free vaccine, get it quickly.

Im thinking about all of the essential workers, the public workers, the first responders, the educators, but also the grocery store workers, the folks who have been with us through this crisis, the folks who are at the frontline to help make sure we all get food; transit workers, the folks who bore the brunt of this crisis in so many ways, but were there for us, said de Blasio on Tuesday. I want it to be easy for all of them to get vaccinated.

It is not immediately clear where Staten Islands mass vaccination site would be located, or exactly when it would be brought online.

Joed Diaz, a PCA in emergency medicine at SIUH, was among those receiving the booster shot this week. (Photo courtesy of SIUH)

HOW FAST?

As hospitals on Staten Island have begun administering the second round of immunizations to staff on the borough and federally-qualified health care clinics also move to immunize staff, Dr. Ginny Mantello, the boroughs health and wellness director, said the speed at which that population will be vaccinated will largely depend on the ability for authorities to be pliable.

It also depends on how much theyre willing to bend in terms of 1a, said Mantello. First they said theyre not willing to move [to] 1b unless 1a is finished ... but youve got to have some sort of percentage that is acceptable.

It cant be 100%  were never going to move to 1b then, said Mantello.

That flexibility, according to Oddo and Mantello, will need to be present in the coming days and weeks as concerns over the speed of the citys vaccination efforts comes to a boil. City data shows that around 120,000 people have received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine as of Tuesday  making de Blasios goal of administering one million shots by the end of January appear to be a difficult threshold to reach.

City Comptroller Scott Stringer sent a letter to de Blasio calling for the vaccination effort to be streamlined as quickly as possible.

He recommended the city create a database that can help major health care institutions track demand and usage of the vaccine, develop a standby list of high-risk individuals to receive shots if bottlenecks in distribution arise and urged for further outreach to New Yorkers.

The moment demands a vaccine rollout that is transparent, expeditious and equitable, but I am concerned that early delays in utilizing our initial allotment of vaccines have left New Yorkers confused and concerned about our vaccination plan, Stringer wrote.

Oddo said if hospitals and other institutions have vaccine in hand and theyve gotten it to all of their 1a folks, allow them to get it to the 1b regardless of the timeline so we utilize the vaccine and we add to the universe of vaccinated people.

PHASE 2

When the vaccine will get into the arms of the Islands population within phase 2  which includes all older adults not included in phase 1, people at moderate risk and a trove of other people in high-risk settings  remains unclear at this point.

Oddo and Mantello both said the rest of the more general population is tentatively believed to be in line for the vaccine in mid-2021.

Vaccines are, to us, no different than PPE, ventilators, staffing, said Oddo, commenting on the boroughs past experience fighting to get adequate aid from city and state agencies. We are doing everything in our power, working with our partners from the city and state, utilizing every partnership and relationship to make sure we get our fair share.
Thiruvananthapuram:

BJP President Amit Shah is on a tour of Kerala and he held a series of meetings with office bearers of the party and the RSS as part of efforts to strengthen the party base in Kerala ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls on Saturday.

Shah, who arrived here on the second leg of his Kerala tour, began with garlanding the statue of social reformer and dalit leader Ayyankali.

He will also interact with social leaders on Saturday.

Shahs three-day visit is aimed at wooing the dalits and the minority communites in the state, where the party has been struggling to get a foothold.

The BJP leader had yesterday met Church heads, including Cardinal George Alencherry of the Syro-Malabar Church, in an effort to woo the minority community, which accounted for 18-20 per cent of votes in Kerala.

Referring to the frequent attacks on BJP cadres by CPI(M), Shah had said the growth of his party cannot be stopped by violent means.

Addressing a party meeting in Kochi yesterday, Shah had said the southern state was important in the BJPs strategy for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Also read: 3 years of Modi Govt: Have met peoples aspirations, says Amit Shah

He had said the BJP, which had won several Assembly polls in the country after the 2014 Lok Sabha election, would not be fully satisfied till it tasted victory in the Kerala Assembly polls.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) state Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan took a dig at Shah saying he had come to Kerala during the 2016 assembly polls stating that the saffron party would win 70 plus of the total 140 seats, but got just one seat. Now Shah has come to say that they will bag maximum parliament seats. This desire will not succeed, he said.

At a time when the country is facing a crisis due to the Centres ban on sale of cattle in animal markets for slaughter, the BJP leader has come to the state to woo the minority communities into NDA, Balakrishnan said.

The BJP does not have a single MP in the lower house from the state, which has 20 seats. In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, its efforts to win a couple of seats had crashed, he said.

In the assembly, the BJP managed to win a single seat from the state capital constituency of Nemom.

Also read: 3 years of Modi govt: Amit Shah defends Centre on unemployment, says not possible to give jobs to all

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2021 4:56 pm

January is School Board Recognition Month. Its a great time to recognize our elected community members who selflessly give their time and energy in support of high-quality public schooling for our youth. School board members in Mossyrock School District are entrusted by this community with responsibility for an annual budget of $8,294,480 million, 540 students, 74 employees and 5 buildings.

School boards are charged with making decisions that can sometimes be quite difficult, or require sifting through a great deal of information. They also bear responsibility for developing a vision that will guide the school district for years to come. Through collaboration as a team, and with school district staff, their governance and advocacy are building the future of education in Washington state.

This January, were encouraging all members of the community to thank a board member. Please thank them for volunteering their time and playing a critical civic role that helps form the bedrock of our democracy  public education. As a crucial bridge between the local community and the school district, their efforts are instrumental in helping all of us realize the hopes and dreams we have for the children of our community.

The men and women serving Mossyrock School District and their years of service are:

Denise Weise  Serving since 2009

Darren Kolb  Serving since 2016

Tanissa Lovan  Serving since 2017

Jerry Brindle  Serving since 2017

Amber Gerard  Serving since 2019

For more information about the Mossyrock School Board, visit MossyrockSchools.Org.

Dr. Glenn E. Malone

Interim Superintendent, Mossyrock School District

ATLANTA (AP)  Democrats have won both Georgia Senate seats  and with them, the U.S. Senate majority. That's a stunning defeat for President Donald Trump in his final days in office and it dramatically improves the fate of President-elect Joe Bidens progressive agenda. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, Democratic challengers who represented the diversity of their partys evolving coalition, defeated Republicans David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler.

The twin victories Wednesday end nearly two decades in which Democrats have been shut out of statewide victories in Georgia. Biden became the first Democratic presidential candidate to carry the state since 1992.
Social media users are sharing their past life doppelgangers after stumbling across them in museums around the world.

Twitter user artgate2 shared an astonishing thread of tourists posing in front of their doubles, which quickly gathered 13K likes and 2.1K retweets.

The viral thread inspired others to share similar snapshots of themselves posed in front of various works of art after they unexpectedly came across their doppelgangers.

The photos also featured some celebrity doppelgangers, including a dead-ringer for Game Of Thrones stat Peter Dinklage at Museo Nacional del Prado in Spain, and a double of Matrix actor Keanu Reeves.

Here, FEMAIL reveals startling doubles museum visitors have come across while examining artworks around the globe.

Art fans have been sharing their uncanny resemblance to museum portraits, including this woman who stood in front of William-Adolphe Bouguereau's 'The Broken Pitcher'

Sam, from the UK, is a dead-ringer for Vincent Van Gogh and posed in front of one of his self-portraits

This social media user posed in front of a painting at the Louvre in Paris after discovering an uncanny resemblance

This man shared an astonishing side-by-side comparison of him with an old painting during a museum visit

This US-based man posed in front of a 17th-century painting of a bearded warrior in armor by Jan van Bijlert at the Norton Simon Museum

Sean, from the UK, joked on Twitter that he looked like he was 'was part of the 1943 Warsaw uprising' in this picture

One social media user shared a dead-ringer for Game Of Thrones stat Peter Dinklage at Museo Nacional del Prado

Leanne, from the UK, shared a picture of herself posing in front of a statue at the Vatican Museums in Rome

Katherine, from the UK, shared a double of Matrix actor Keanu Reeves she discovered while visiting a museum

Mark, from the UK, shared a picture of his double at the Escher Museum in Den Haag in the Netherlands

Giulia, from Poland, shared a picture of her husband's doppleganger, Ottoman sultan, in Istanbul

Paul, from Scotland, shared a snap taken of himself besides his lookalike statue during a visit to a Rome museum
Red zone arrivals face quarantine in Phuket

PHUKET: All people arriving from any of the 28 provinces currently declared red zones will be asked to undergo swab tests for COVID-19 and will face a 14-day quarantine after arriving on the island, Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew has announced.

COVID-19Coronavirushealth

By The Phuket News

Thursday 7 January 2021, 08:30AM

The news was announced at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Jan 6), but will not come into effect until a provincial order has been issued. Photo: PR Phuket

The news was announced at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Jan 6), but will not come into effect until a provincial order has been issued. Photo: PR Phuket

The news was announced at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Jan 6), but will not come into effect until a provincial order has been issued. Photo: PR Phuket

The news was announced at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Jan 6), but will not come into effect until a provincial order has been issued. Photo: PR Phuket

The news was announced at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Jan 6), but will not come into effect until a provincial order has been issued. Photo: PR Phuket

The news was announced at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Jan 6), but will not come into effect until a provincial order has been issued. Photo: PR Phuket

The new high-level precautions to prevent COVID-19 from being brought onto the island were announced at the meeting of the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee at Phuket Provincial Hall late yesterday afternoon (Jan 6).

The news was publicly posted by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket) last night.

The new requirements apply to all people arriving from the 28 red zone provinces, both tourists and people registered as living in Phuket, said the PR Phuket report.

However, the new precautions will come into effect only after an official provincial order has been issued, PR Phuket noted.

In order to be allowed to enter Phuket, all people arriving from any of the 28 provinces currently declared red zones must first register through the go.phuget.com web platform, announced the report.

However, the web platform is not operational just yet, PR Phuket noted.

The go.phuget online registration system, operated by Phuket Provincial Police, was first launched in the wake of the COVID-19 national lockdown last April, but was quietly  and confusingly  dropped out of service by June.

The web platform will be relaunched and is expected to be online by Jan 9, PR Phuket noted in its report.

All people travelling to Phuket are asked to register through the Mor Chana COVID-tracking app, said the report.

People arriving from the eight highest risk provinces must be screened and must show their permission to travel as issued by a competent official at the travelers place of origin, the report noted.

The eight provinces were named as: 1) Bangkok (Nong Khaem, Bang Phlat, Bang Khae, Bang Khun Thian Districts); 2) Samut Sakhon; 3) Rayong; 4) Chonburi; 5) Chanthaburi; 6) Samut Prakan; 7) Nonthaburi; and 8) Nakhon Pathom.

All arrivals from these areas must observe a 14-day quarantine either at a Local Quarantine venue or at the Phuket residents home.

All arrivals from the eight provinces will be asked to undergo swab tests for COVID-19, which will cost B3,000 each, said the PR Phuket report.

The arrivals will have to pay for the swab tests, but those with state welfare cards will not have to pay the full price, it was explained yesterday.

People arriving from any of the remaining 20 of the 28 red zone provinces will be required to observe the 14-day quarantine, but the swab tests will not be mandatory.

Governor Narong yesterday also announced that an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was to be set up to receive reports of all arrivals from the 28 risk provinces.

All village heads, health volunteers and local residents were asked to be alert for any strangers or newcomers in their areas, and to report finding any such people to local health officials.

The operation and implementation of the above guidelines will be carried out only when the provincial announcement is officially released, PR Phuket report explained.

However, at this time, people who enter the Phuket area by land, sea and air can enter as normal but will have intensive screening, and [we] ask for everyones cooperation to install the Mor Chana application, it added.
Beijing: The mercury dipped to minus 19.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday morning in Beijing as a strong cold wave swept through the city, marking the coldest morning in the Chinese capital since 1966.

The Nanjiao station, located in Beijing's Daxing district, is a national-level meteorological station founded in 1912. Its data are used by experts to make historical comparisons.

On early Thursday morning, half of Beijing's 20 national-level meteorological stations registered their lowest ever early-January temperatures, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported, quoting Lei Lei, chief forecaster of the Beijing municipal meteorological station.

The cold wave gripped Beijing since Wednesday, bringing drastic temperature drops and strong winds.

As of Thursday morning, the city's weather authorities have maintained blue alerts for continuous low temperature and heavy winds, the lowest level in China's four-tier colour-coded warning system.

The authorities have also advised the public to take precautions against the cold weather.

The cold wave is forecast to continue in Beijing until Friday, with the daily maximum temperature remaining below zero, Lei said, adding that the temperature is expected to climb on Saturday, with the daily maximum temperature rising above 1 degree Celsius.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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Democrat Raphael Warnock has defeated Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler in their Georgia runoff. The race between Democrat Jon Ossoff and former Sen. David Perdue is still too close to call.

More than 3 million people (40% of the states registered voters) cast a ballot in the runoff before yesterday. Between 800,000 and over a million people were expected to vote on Election Day. Absentee ballots postmarked by Tuesday and received by Friday will be counted. If the final margins in either contest are within 0.5% of the vote, the losing candidate has the right under Georgia law to ask for a recount.

While we wait for results that will determine the leadership of the U.S. Senate, Congress is meeting later today to discuss the Electoral College votes, the last step in certifying the next president of the United States.

Given the unprecedented complexities of these events in American political life, I need to write a two-part Daily Article. Today, well survey what will take place in our nations capital and then close with a biblical reflection. Tomorrow, after we (presumably) have the results of todays events, well discuss what they mean for our country and our future.

Objections and an audit

Under federal law, Electoral College votes are counted in a joint session of Congress presided over by the president of the Senatein this case, Vice President Mike Pence. The process begins this afternoon at 1 p.m. EST.

The vice president opens the states sealed certificates in alphabetical order, then hands them to one of four tellersa Republican and a Democrat from each chamber of Congress. They review the certificates and announce the states votes. The process continues uninterrupted until all the votes are announced and tabulated.

Unless there is a recognized objection.

An objection to a states vote requires a written document signed by at least one member of the House of Representatives and one member of the Senate. Such an objection to a states entire slate of electors has been raised only once since the Electoral Count Act was enacted in 1887.

This is expected later today, however, as a dozen Republican House members have said they plan to object to votes from swing states won by Joe Biden. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced last week that he plans to join at least some of these challenges.

On Saturday, eleven more GOP senators also stated that they would vote to sustain objections in six swing statesArizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsinunless there is a ten-day audit to review votes that have already been certified.

How Congress could change the election

If there is a recognized objection to a states vote, the vote counting is halted. Both chambers then engage in up to two hours of debate. Twelve members per side have a maximum of five minutes each. This is the time when evidence is presented before Congress (and the American public) regarding the integrity of that states presidential election.

Each chamber then votes on whether to sustain the objection and dismiss the states votes. Majorities of both houses would have to vote to sustain this objection; if one chamber votes to reject the states votes but the other does not, the objection is dismissed.

According to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, the entire process could take up to four hours per state, factoring in the time it would take for both chambers to finish voting and then return to the floor. After the objection is voted on, the joint congressional session reconvenes and the count continues. If theres another formal objection to another states vote, the process is repeated.

In 2005, an objection to Ohios electors by Democrats delayed the count by almost three hours. If the same occurs in all six states targeted this time, the vote count could easily go into tomorrow.

If successful challenges cost Joe Biden 37 electoral votes, his total would be reduced from 306 to 269. In this case, the House would select the next president. Under the Twelfth Amendment to the US Constitution, each state congressional delegation gets one vote. Each state decides how it will cast this vote. Since Republicans have a majority of representatives in twenty-six states, it is plausible that they would carry the election for President Trump.

However, Democrats have majority control of the House and are expected to be unified against any objection to a states vote. This would defeat a formal objection, but the Senate is not likely to vote in favor of an objection, either, as several GOP senators have opposed throwing out a states votes.

'Give grace to those who hear'

Tomorrow we will explore the larger significance of these monumental events. For today, lets focus on this biblical fact: the way we discuss the divisive politics of our day relates directly to our ability to influence our culture for Christ.

Scripture calls us to put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander (1 Peter 2:1). We are to walk in wisdom toward outsiders (Colossians 4:5) and to let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person (v. 6).

Long after the political events of this week are over, every person you know will still need the eternal life only Jesus can offer. Our political engagement, even when motivated by a desire for truth and integrity in our political system, can be so divisive and caustic that nonbelievers will judge Christ by Christians and reject both.

This is why it is imperative to let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).

Will you give grace to those who hear you today?

Originally published at the Denison Forum

City of Mason identifies translational lab space in Mason Tech Elevator to help company scale and serve corporate manufacturing community.

MASON, OH / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2021 / Mobility Health, a biohealth start-up located at 5155 Financial Way, one of three Mason Tech Elevator campuses, launched its mobile infectious disease testing laboratory, offering businesses and organizations a highly-accurate, rapid COVID-19 tests to protect employees and customers. On Monday, Jan. 4, Mobility Health's mobile lab performed testing at a Mason-based manufacturing company on three shifts of employees as they returned from the holiday break. Overall, more than 250 employees were tested with results delivered the same day.

Sandra Gunselman, Ph.D., who founded Mobility Health and serves as president and CEO, was the vice president of lab operations for Assurex Health, a successful Mason biohealth start-up in pharmacogenetics, that eventually was purchased by Myriad Genetics.

"The idea for Mobility Health really came to me as I was watching the news back in January about the pandemic," said Gunselman. "Testing was inaccurate, but it was all we had. As I talked with colleagues around the world, I just knew it could be done better and was imperative to stop the spread. Finding the best rapid technology out there, validating it, and making it available in a mobile lab seemed like the ideal solution."

Mobility Health is the first company to market with a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test for SARS-CoV-2 - which causes COVID-19 - which is more accurate and faster than other tests, according to Gunselman. "We went through a rigorous validation process based on CDC and CMS guidelines to confirm the accuracy of this rapid test before taking it to market," she said. "Not only were we able to show higher accuracy (100% specificity - no false negatives) and (99% sensitivity - fewer false positives) than other tests on the market, but we showed strong reproducibility and robustness, meaning we can replicate the test across different equipment and technicians with the same results. The test is a mid-turbinate nasal swab with results available in about 2 hours."

Gunselman noted that the LAMP test was designed anticipating there would be variants of the COVID-19 virus, as recently discovered. As a result, the test is not affected by the virus variants and still performs at the same level of accuracy and precision. In contrast, the typical polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on the market ranges from 24 hours to several days for results and has a 90-97% sensitivity rate and 98% specificity.

"When I made the decision to start the company and considered where to locate, Mason was the obvious choice. It was an amazing experience working with the City while I was at Assurex, and I knew they had the talent pipeline, the attractive location for recruitment, and the network of biohealth experts and community partners to help me. It has turned out to be a brilliant choice," said Gunselman.

"This is an exciting addition to our biohub," said Michele Blair, director of economic development for the City of Mason. "We have a lot of experience and momentum now helping rapid-growth companies scale, and with a critical mass of like-minded scientists, we've developed a living lab that leverages our resources and partnerships to support initial data mining and proof of concept."

Mobility Health's first engagement will help provide proof of concept data as the company continues to grow and expand. The company is in early discussions with investors regarding an initial funding round, according to Gunselman. Next year, Mobility Health will have the ability to test individuals attending events and send results to cell phones via QR code that can be scanned to confirm a negative result before entering. Mobility Health is developing a full panel of infectious diseases, including influenza A, B, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza, and others.

As a hub for biohealth technology and innovation, the City of Mason worked closely with Mobility Health and helped the company secure space in the Mason Tech Elevator. This unique platform fosters an environment where young growth companies with scalable technology, particularly those focused on solving complex population health challenges, have access to resources and talent to bring new concepts to market.

About Mobility Health

Mobility Health is a biohealth diagnostic company focused on providing accurate, rapid testing of infectious diseases in a mobile environment to protect population health and safety. Established in 2020, the company serves industries and organizations on-site to provide confidence to employees, event attendees, and communities at-large of their health status for specific infectious diseases. Current testing panel includes: COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) and plans to launch testing for three strains of Influenza A, Influenza B, Rhinovirus, Respiratory Syncytial virus (A/B), Parainfluenza viruses 1-4, Adenovirus, Human Bocavirus, Measles, Virus, and Mycoplasma spp in 2021. More information at www.mobilityhealthlab.com.



About the City of Mason, Ohio

As the largest city in Warren County and part of the Greater Cincinnati region in southwest Ohio, Mason, is nationally recognized for its low cost of living, award-winning schools, and intentional culture of wellness. Mason has a strong small business community and is an established hub for bioscience innovation, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology companies. Mason's economic development mission is focused on attracting and supporting the growth of top companies and creating jobs in these sectors, while also leveraging partnerships to attract foreign direct investment. For more information about the City of Mason, visit www.whymason.com or www.imaginemason.org.

Contact: Mimi Rasor @ 513-910-8385 or Mimi@GoRasor.com

SOURCE: City of Mason

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623329/Mason-Biohealth-Start-Up-Mobility-Health-Launches-Mobile-Infectious-Disease-Testing-to-Help-Businesses-and-Organizations-Battle-COVID-19
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Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

HAMDEN  Police plan to close part of Whitney Avenue Thursday evening as part of an investigation into a fatal accident that occurred on New Years Day.

The road will be closed between Buell Street and Millbrook Road, Hamden police Capt. Ronald Smith said in an email. Police vehicles, barricades, detour signs and traffic cones will be utilized.
Innovation in Air and Space Technology Is Focus of Fairfax County EDA Webinar Series Starting Jan. 27

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) is presenting a three-part international webinar series on January 27, February 3 and February 10, focused on innovative technologies in aviation and space for commercial and defense applications - many of which are being developed or advanced in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia.

Day 1 (Jan. 27) of the "Air & Space Innovation Series" will spotlight "Air Innovation: Flying Cars, Drones and Unmanned Air Systems." Day 2 (Feb. 3) will focus on "Space Innovation, Novel Communications and Expeditions." Day 3 (Feb. 10) will spotlight "Defense Innovation in Air and Space."

Companies and organizations that are involved with the series include AFWERX, Airbus America, Aireon, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, ANRA Technologies, BAE Systems, Ball Aerospace, BlackSky, Center for Innovative Technology, DroneShield, Elroy Air, Israel Aerospace Industries North America, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Northrop Grumman, OneWeb, SatixFy and Scout.







Click here for registration details. The virtual series will be broadcast using the Whova platform, which allows for additional networking opportunities beyond the program and presentations.

"The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority thanks the notable experts who will be discussing the latest technologies in aviation and space for commercial and defense applications during the international webinar series," said Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the FCEDA. "Many of the companies that will be represented are located within or conduct substantial business operations in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia - exemplifying the region as a major global aerospace technology hub."

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. In addition to its headquarters in Tysons, Fairfax County's largest business district, the FCEDA maintains business investment offices in six important global business centers: Bangalore/Mumbai, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Seoul and Tel Aviv. Follow the FCEDA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

The FCEDA is a member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Other members: the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Arlington County, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park and the Prince William County Department of Economic Development.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005813/en/
All the four Indian-American Democratic lawmakers, Dr Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi have expressed disgust after they were forced to take shelter at safe places as thousands of angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol.

Lawmakers were evacuated to secure locations after protesters breached security and entered the Capitol building on Wednesday, where members of the Congress were going through the process of counting and certifying the Electoral College votes to affirm Joe Biden's victory in the November 3 presidential election.

Sheltering in Cannon (building), Congressman Khanna tweeted. Cannon building is one of the prominent buildings within the US Capitol that houses officers of the member of the US House of Representatives. Trump was rejected in courts by people his party appointed, rejected by states where his party was in power, and now by his party's Senate leader and Vice President. Democracy is still sacred for Americans. That spirit will overcome today's violence. Prayers for the injured, Khanna said.

Congresswoman Jayapal said that she was safe. I was one of a dozen representatives in the gallery above the House floor. We pulled out gas masks and had to get down on the ground. Capitol police barricaded the doors and had guns drawn. We were eventually told that we had to quickly exit, said the first-ever Indian American woman elected to the US House of Representatives.

I can't contain my rage at Donald Trump and Republicans who invited, incited, and fuelled this terror. Our country and our democracy will have to recover from these deep wounds and it won't be easy. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and thoughts for our safety and for America, she tweeted. Congressman Bera, the senior-most member of the so-called Samosa Caucus, tweeted that he was safe. "The storming of the US Capitol is dangerous and disgusting, he said.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi was also locked down when Trump supporters stormed the Congress. He said that he is in fight or flight mode. The Indian-American Congressman blamed the speech of President Trump for the unprecedented breach of the US Capitol. Our country is better than this, our democracy is stronger than this, and we will move forward. But this is a dark day for our country, he said. Trump  who lost the popular and electoral college vote  continues to dispute the results. He alleges that there was massive voters fraud and electoral malpractice. Election officials have denied the allegations.

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It took five years of Donald Trump shouting his authoritarian intent for Republican Party leaders to wake up and try to stop him.

It came way too late. The question is, what do they do about it now?

There is a straight line between the Republican Partys failure to confront Trump when he first emerged in the GOP primary in 2015 and the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Trump was clear from the beginning of his candidacy that he had no regard for the U.S. Constitution, the rule of law or the idea of adhering to truth and facts. He made numerous statements during the 2016 campaign that indicated his intent to do anything with power he could, including bending or breaking rules to gain or hold on to that power.

Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they storm the Capitol. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)

And he made it a core objective of his to break the link between his supporters and reality, taking them deeper and deeper into a rabbit hole of conspiracies, lies and fantasies, and demonizing anyone who dared contradict him.

At every turn, with few exceptions over those years, GOP leaders accommodated and appeased Trump and his supporters rather than confronting him. If the GOP does take quick decisive action now to forcefully denounce Trump, the chaos he has unleashed is likely to continue.

And even if they do confront him and make it clear he has gone too far, have they already created a monster that is out of control?

As Van Jones wondered aloud on CNN, Is this the end of something, or the beginning of something?  This can never happen again, he said.

There were calls to impeach Trump immediately by neoconservative stalwarts such as Bill Kristol, and at least one Democrat said she was drafting articles of impeachment. But will Republican lawmakers who have cowered in fear from him have the nerve? There were also calls for the invocation of the 25th Amendment to be invoked by the Cabinet instead, to remove Trump from office. One of those recommending that course of action was Ed Whelan of the right-leaning Ethics and Public Policy Center, generally a reliable GOP ally, especially on the subject of judicial nominations. Late in the day, CBS News reported that members of Trumps Cabinet were discussing such an option.

And the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, retired Adm. Mike Mullen, said the consideration of removing Trump is very, very important because he incited the violence and is not in position to lead the next 14 days."

"I don't think we're done. Today was not it. We need to act in a preventive way to prevent more from happening, Mullen told PBS Newshour.

Yet even if the GOP does summon the will to dismiss Trump, have they allowed this to go on for so long that he could start a third party?

Deana Bass, who has been a spokesperson and adviser to Secretary of Housing Ben Carson, told Yahoo News that what happened on Wednesday is not my party or my movement. She expressed hope that this anarchy will give the weak courage to speak out against POTUSs flame-stoking.

But the GOPs past record does not spur confidence.

It was not until Wednesday morning that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a stirring rebuke to the presidents attempt to overturn the election.

(via Reuters video)

The senator from Kentucky told his fellow Republicans in the Senate that their effort to challenge the election results was a poisonous path that would plunge America into lawlessness and violence.

The voters, the court and the states have all spoken. If we overrule them, it would damage our republic. ... If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side, our democracy would enter a death spiral, McConnell said in a speech on the floor of the Senate.

Yet as he spoke, a mob outside advanced on Capitol Police. They had been riled up for months by Trumps stream of lies about election fraud.

And just a little over an hour earlier, Trump had stood before a crowd in front of the White House and urged them to march to the Capitol to pressure Congress to overturn the election.

Were going to walk down and Ill be there with you. Were going to walk down, he said. Were going to walk down to the Capitol, and were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women. Were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them because youll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength, and you have to be strong.

Trump legal adviser Rudy Giuliani spoke from the stage as well, telling the crowd, Lets have trial by combat.

Not long after, and moments after McConnell spoke, the mob stormed into the Capitol, forcing the evacuation of lawmakers. It was an unprecedented scene in American history. One woman, as yet unidentified, was shot and killed.

As what amounted to an insurrection unfolded, Trump did nothing to stop it, and Cruz and Hawley both sent out fundraising solicitations in the moments before and during the invasion of the Capitol.

Trump speaking near the White House on Wednesday. (Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

But McConnell and other Republicans also did little to slow the buildup since the Nov. 3 election of festering anger among Trumps supporters about an imagined stolen election.

For weeks, the GOP refused to forcefully repudiate the presidents avalanche of lies about the election. And Republicans like Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, along with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., encouraged those lies, which drew thousands of Trump supporters to clash violently outside the U.S. Capitol as McConnell spoke on Wednesday.

McConnell may have sensed what was coming, leading him to make his forceful remarks. It wasnt until after the mob had broken into the Capitol that other Republican leaders finally came to their senses.

McConnell spoke at the beginning of debate in the Senate over the results of the election. But the congressional role is a mere formality in any election where a candidate has a majority of votes in the Electoral College.

President-elect Joe Biden won the Electoral College by a count of 306 to 232.

But Trump has never conceded his loss, and has instead perpetuated the lie that he won in a landslide and was cheated. Millions of his supporters have ignored the fact that there is no evidence to support the presidents claims.

It wasnt until after it was too late that Trumps biggest accomplices called on Trump supporters to stand down. Cruz pleaded that those storming the Capitol need to stop NOW.

This has to stop and it has to stop now, McCarthy said. He called on Trump to demand that the rioters and insurrectionists leave the Capitol.

Radical supporters of Trump climb on walls at the Capitol building on Wednesday. (Stephanie Keith/Reuters)

Trump finally issued a video more than two hours after the violence began in which he asked supporters to go home while also continuing to lie about the election and telling his supporters they were very special. He said nothing to condemn the violent assault on the nations democratic foundations.

Later in the day, Trump essentially justified the days shocking violence and anarchy, claiming that these are the things and events that happen if he is cheated, which he was not. Remember this day forever! he tweeted.

In an unprecedented move, Twitter removed the presidents tweet entirely. Twitter then suspended the presidents account for 12 hours and said his account would remain locked until he removed the tweets. Twitter said it would permanently suspend his account in the event of future violations of the Twitter Rules, including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies.

And Hawley, who was photographed holding up a raised fist to the mob before they broke into the Capitol, was silent as well for two hours before issuing a statement. He said that the violence must end, those who attacked police and broke the law must be prosecuted, and Congress must get back to work and finish its job.

It was not clear how many Republicans would continue to object to the election results as they had earlier in the day. But Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., for one, said he would oppose any such move and called it a lie to claim  as Hawley and Cruz have  that it was simply giving voice to voters.

[Its] not a protest; the vote today is literally to overturn the election! Paul tweeted.

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., told CNNs Manu Raju that he and other Republicans were trying to expedite the process of certifying the election results to show unity in the face of the days lawlessness and anarchy.

Members of Congress returned to their respective chambers shortly after 8 p.m., and it became clear that the Republican objections to the election would be dropped. But it remains to be seen how determined they are to impose a political cost on the president who brought the country to the brink of civil war, not over any principle or ideological disagreement, but over mere ego.

Rep. Liz Cheney, the third-ranking House member, had been one of the few GOP leaders to forcefully oppose Trumps attempted coup and his allies in Congress supporting it. She issued a forceful statement in which she said that what [Trump] caused here is something that weve never seen before in our history.

In front of the Capitol Building on Wednesday. (Stephanie Keith/Reuters)

It has been 245 years and no president has ever failed to concede or agree to leave office after the Electoral College has voted. I think what were seeing today is a result of that, a result of convincing people that somehow Congress was going to overturn the results of this election, a result of suggesting he wouldn't leave office. Those are very, very dangerous things. This will be remembered and this will be part of his legacy, and it is a dangerous moment for our country, Cheney said.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, blistered the president and his allies.

What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the President of the United States. Those who choose to continue to support his dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate, democratic election will forever be seen as being complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy. They will be remembered for their role in this shameful episode in American history. That will be their legacy, Romney said.

Around 6 p.m., former President George W. Bush issued a statement calling the days events an insurrection and pointed the finger at Trump and his Republican allies.

I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders, Bush said. The violent assault on the Capitol  was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.

But New Yorker magazine staff writer Susan Glasser noted that for days and days Bush was asked to speak out about the unconstitutional attack on the election by members of his party. He said nothing. Until now.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
In 1950, 1959, 1990, 2008, and 2019, over a timespan of seven decades, I captured the lives of four generations of this family through my lens. As I flip through these photos today and familiar faces appear before my eyes, I see not just the people themselves, but all the millions upon millions of Chinese farmers. I see their kindness, their assiduousness, their humble simplicity, and their dependable character, and appreciate how they have built a brighter future through their own efforts.

I am now 90 years old, but thinking back, it feels like only yesterday that I first travelled to Jiaxing.

The first picture is a family portrait, and I returned to the family in 1959. As I listened to Gentu describe all that had happened over the years, and as I looked around at the Ye family's neat and tidy little courtyard, I was suddenly so moved that I didn't know how to react. All I could do was lift up my camera again and say, "Let me take another family portrait for you!"

A few days before National Day in 1962, I received this letter from Gentu, inviting me to attend his daughter's wedding, and immediately I went to the bus station to buy a ticket. I soon realized, however, that I could not attend a wedding empty handed, but what should I bring as a gift? The photos sandwiched between the pages of my notebook gave me an idea.

"I'm afraid I don't have anything nice to give Guifeng, just these family portraits that I developed and framed. I hope that she can look at them often when she is with her husband's family and that they remind her how much her life has changed from the hard days of the past." These humble gifts were an expression of my friendship, and my way of giving my best wishes to the bride and Gentu's family.

Standing in front of all the well-wishers present, he turned to his daughter and said, "Guifeng, though our bellies are now full, we cannot forget the past. Twelve years ago when we lived in Jiaxing, this comrade took our picture. Three years ago, he visited us again in Huangyan and took another photo of our family. These two photos are a record of how much our family has changed over the years. Today is your wedding day, and though I didn't originally prepare a dowry for you, I want to give you these photos as family heirlooms that you can bring to your husband's home. In the future, you can look at them to see how things have changed, and when you have your own children, you can tell them about how we used to be." With that, he passed the framed pictures to the newlywed couple.

My wife still remembers me telling her about the great project that I had envisioned after I returned from the wedding: "I want to make each of the five people in the photos individual subjects, and produce a photo report every five years to tell the story of this family over a 30-year period."

Neither of us could have guessed that the coming Cultural Revolution (1966-76) would upset my plans.

When I finally returned to Liangpengling in late December, 1978, I learned that it had already been four years since Ye Gentu passed away.

After that, I would visit Jiaxing and Huangyan three or four times a year to see how the rest of his family were getting along. They also made a point of meeting me whenever they came to Hangzhou, and shared all of the big news in their lives with me as soon as it happened.

In May of 1984, I made a special trip to visit Jiaxing at Gentu's oldest son, Xingfu's invitation. Ten years earlier when he was discharged from the army, he decided to stay and build a life for himself there. At the time of my visit, he was already in charge of a large unit of workers at a local farm and responsible for more than 30 hectares of cropland. Coincidentally, the place where he worked was the same place where he was born.

When my boat floated up to the bank, I saw that Xingfu's whole family was already on the dock waiting for me. Before we even had a chance to greet each other, two lively looking children dressed in nice new clothes bounced over and, under Xingfu's instructions, called out to me "Grandpa! Grandpa!"

Arriving at Xingfu's home, I found that his family lived in a spacious and tidy house filled with trendy furniture. They had a bicycle and a sewing machine, and basically all of the other possessions that the average worker's family had.

Impressed, I said to Xingfu, "Before liberation, your mother would always sigh about your name, saying that giving you a name meaning prosperity was just wishful thinking since there was no prosperity to be found at the time. But now look at you, you've lived up to your name!"

"By all accounts, good times have come at last," he replied. "Now the kids can have a good life, with nice clothes to wear and fresh food to eat."

Xingfu's son Shengzhong chimed in with his father and proclaimed his own lofty aspirations. "I want to keep becoming more capable until I'm a master at what I do!" Listening to this wide-eyed and innocent child speak, I couldn't help but smile.

Little did I know, Shengzhong would stay true to his word.

In the fall of 1992, 20-year-old Ye Shengzhong entered the Minfeng Paper Mill in Jiaxing. Starting as an ordinary shift worker, he quickly became hailed as a young expert.

At the beginning of the summer in 2004, Xingfu phoned to invite me to Shengzhong's wedding.

"I'll definitely be there," I replied excitedly, "and I'll bring another family 'heirloom' to give to Shengzhong."

After that, I also attended the wedding of Weiping, another grandson of Gentu's.

I was already 86 years old by then. Worried that I would have trouble walking around, my wife stayed with me the night before in Taizhou and accompanied me the following day to Liangpengling.

By that time, I wasn't just like a relative to the Ye family, but also a friend of the whole village. People called me Grandpa Xu and joked that I had been to the village so many times that I had basically become a fixture there.

"Are you worried I didn't bring a gift for your grandson?" I joked as I signaled my wife to take out our present  another family portrait! This photo was taken when I came to Huangyan during the Mid-Autumn Festival the previous year.

Seeing the young and old members of the Ye family holding the picture and smiling, I cannot help but raise my camera once again.

Seven decades, four generations. In Jiaxing and Huangyan, the Ye family blossomed and grew. Xingfu's son Shengzhong got a job at a state-owned enterprise, Gentu's second son, Xingyou's son, Chengjian opened a seafood restaurant in Taizhou, and Xingfa's son Weiping ran a hardware business. Only Guifeng's son Yang Huijun was still a farmer.

However, he was already a very different kind of farmer than Gentu was.

The specialty of Maoshe Village is growing watermelon, with two-thirds of its working-age young people in the watermelon business. Over the years, Huijun not only mastered the skills for growing watermelon, but also developed a keen ability to analyze the market. Going all over the place to plant vast crops of watermelon, he can be counted among the new generation of skilled farmers who have found their talents in high demand beyond the confines of their villages.

As a lifelong friend of the Ye family, if there is one thing that I asked of them, it is that I could see one of their family go to university.

On June 8, 2013, this dream of mine finally came true  Guifeng's eldest granddaughter, that is Huijun's daughter Yang Xichen was about to graduate from East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai with a degree in bioengineering!

How could I miss such an important moment? I had to go. There, I took a photo of Xichen in her graduation gown.

Is this where the Ye family's story ended? Of course not.

On the eve of the Lantern Festival in 2019, I went to Taizhou, Jiaxing, and Huangyan with a few young reporters from Zhejiang Daily to take photos of the Ye family's descendants.

Looking out the window as our car sped down the highway, I found the villages and factories we passed looked brand new. All those years ago, it was a difficult journey that required weaving around on many roads, but now you can drive straight there. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, Zhejiang has thrived economically and enjoyed a beautiful environment, and everywhere one goes one can feel that a new era has begun.

China Mosaic

http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm

A Photographer and A Family 70 Years of Friendship

http://v.china.com.cn/2020-12/29/content_77060464.htm

SOURCE China.org.cn
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A shirtless Barack Obama has been paddle boarding over the calm Hawaiian waves thousands of miles away from the storm in Washington DC.

The 59-year-old former president, who accused Donald Trump of inciting yesterday's carnage which left four dead, was pictured in a pair of swimming trunks gliding across Kailua Bay on Monday.

But Obama took to Twitter last night to condemn his White House successor for bringing 'dishonor and shame' to the seat of America's democracy as hundreds of Trump supporters broke into the Capitol Building.

'History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation,' Obama wrote.

Chilling: The 59-year-old former president, who accused Donald Trump of inciting yesterday's carnage which left four dead, was pictured in a pair of swimming trunks gliding across Kailua Bay on Monday

Obama wading through the breakers in Hawaii earlier this week before carnage erupted in DC

The fit former president makes easy work of the calm waters in Hawaii on Monday

Obama looked relaxed on the beach earlier this week but he didn't mince his words last night

He added: 'But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.'

Obama remained largely silent on the scene taking place in D.C. on January 6  the same day Congress moved to certify the election for Joe Biden, who served as Obama's vice president for eight years.

He weighed in, finally, around 8.00pm, as the massive scene at the Capitol dissipated and Congress continued their joint session to accept the Electoral College results six hours behind schedule.

'Here's my statement on today's violence at the Capitol,' Obama wrote in a tweet with an image of his statement attached.

'Their [Republicans'] fantasy narrative has spiralled further and further fro reality, and it builds upon years of resentment,' Obama wrote. 'Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up in a violent crescendo.'

Obama is shadowed by a man in a kayak off Hawaii on Monday. Barrack and Michelle went on a kayaking trip shortly before Christmas and they were spotted at Mid-Pacific Country Club in Kailua earlier in December.

Obama showed off his toned upper body on a Hawaiian beach Monday

The former president wades through the warm waters of the Pacific on Monday

Obama squints into the sunlight as he makes his way over the flat, calm waters of the bay

The former president has spent many holidays in Hawaii, his home state where he spent his childhood.

Obama striding through the water on Monday

Obama shows off his fit physique on a shirtless stand up paddle board session while on holiday in Hawaii

Obama shows off his physique on the shores of Hawaii, the state where he grew up

After listening to Trump speak at the Ellipse Wednesday afternoon, thousands of supporters marched from there to Capitol Hill, where they were able to successfully breach the Capitol and obstruct Congress from their duty to certify the election.

The Capitol immediately went on lockdown, and lawmakers escorted from their respective chambers.

Obama said he feels optimistic that members of the GOP are turning against the president, claiming: 'We need more leaders like these.'

The former president has spent many holidays in Hawaii, his home state where he spent his childhood.

He and Michelle went on a kayaking trip shortly before Christmas and they were spotted at Mid-Pacific Country Club in Kailua earlier in December.

Fire and fury: The flash of a police munition lights up the steps of the Capitol during the invasion by a Trump-incited mob
It is well known that NATO member states agreed at the 2016 Summit in Warsaw to enhance NATOs military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance. So, the arrival of the multinational Allied battlegroup in Latvia in June 2017 concluded the deployment of forces under NATOs Enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic States and Poland.

Since than NATO has been actively enhancing its military capabilities in the Baltic States. It increased the number of troops and deployed heavy weapons including tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery. Canada is the framework nation for the battalion-size NATO battlegroup deployed to Latvia, Eurasia Review writes in the article NATO Invents New Threat In Baltic States  OpEd.

It was said that NATOs enhanced forward presence is defensive, proportionate, and in line with international commitments. Though it was absolutely evident that NATO pursues not only the stated goals, but some hidden ones. Among them are convincing of the need to increase defence budgets of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, political support at all levels, loyalty to all decisions made by leading NATO member states. The more so, NATO has invented a new threat in the Baltic States. All of a sudden the Baltic States have been turned into a drone test site. In order to justify NATO new interests, it was said that unmanned aerial vehicles are an emerging threat to NATO soldiers deployed around the world, and especially in the Baltic region.

The leadership of the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia even held a symposium in Camp Adazi in November to talk about how to deal with the drone threat. Latvias Battle Group Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Norton said that NATO recognized this threat as they prepared to deploy to Latvia, and made it a priority to come up with solutions. When I was looking at our adversaries and the way in which they have conducted recent operations around the world, it was obvious that they used UAS to great effect, he said. I determined that if we were to continue to be successful in deterring foreign aggression, we must demonstrate the ability to counter the threat of UAS. This is what led me to the idea of running a counter-UAS symposium and exercise.

In his turn Latvian Minister of Defense Artis Pabriks acknowledged that the Latvian Defence Department has taken into account the lessons learned from the use of drones in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It should be said that this conclusion looks more than odd. Does Pabriks consider Armenia and Azerbadzan as adversaries?

The symposium combined presentations by experts from the United Kingdom and Canada with open discussion between members of all nine nations of the Battle Group as well as members of the Latvian National Armed Forces about the capabilities they have in Adazi, and how they could use them to minimize the UAS threat. Finally, they tested some of their weapon systems in shooting down target drones at the Camp Adazi range. And, probably, this was the main goal.

Major Matt Bentley, the organizer of the symposium, stressed that this is a complex problem that will not be solved with one symposium. He said it was an important first step in the process of developing practices and capabilities that can defend Allied soldiers from drones while defending Latvia. Following the symposium, the Battle Group drafted a service paper to send to all sending nations for each ally to consider as they develop ways to defeat this threat.

According to LCol Norton, as Allied nations develop ways and means to combat the threat posed by UAS, the Battle Group will be in a good position to test them in a multinational context. In the meantime, the Battle Group will continue to build and refine tactics, techniques and procedures using the tools at hand to mitigate the threat.

So, NATO invented a new threat in the Baltic States to convince these countries in need to pay more and to deploy more foreign troops on their territory. And all this against the backdrop of a pandemic and an acute shortage of funds for medicine in Latvia.

Vietnamese blogger Nguyen Tuong Thuy, who was arrested on May 23, 2020 on charges of 'making, storing and disseminating documents and materials for anti-state purposes,' is shown in undated photos.

The United States and European Union called on Vietnam on Wednesday to immediately free three jailed Vietnamese journalists, one of them a blogger for RFA, sentenced this week to long jail terms for writing articles online criticizing Vietnams one-party communist government.

Nguyen Tuong Thuy, who had blogged for RFA for six years on civil rights and press-freedom issues, was convicted in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday with Pham Chi Dung and Le Huu Minh Tuan on charges of anti-state activity, and was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Pham Chi Dung and Le Huu Minh Tuanfellow members of the Vietnam Independent Journalists Association and indicated with Thuy in November under Article 117 of Vietnams Penal Codereceived sentences of 15 and 11 years respectively.

In a statement Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi slammed the conviction of the three journalists, calling the sentences handed down the latest in a worrisome trend of arrests and convictions aimed at Vietnamese citizens exercising rights enshrined in Vietnams constitution.

Press freedom is fundamental to transparency and accountable governance, the U.S. embassy said. Authors, bloggers, and journalists often do their work at great risk, and we urge governments and citizens worldwideincluding the government of Vietnamto ensure their protection.

The right to freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Vietnamese Constitution and by international conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that Vietnam has signed and joined, the EU noted in a statement on Wednesday.

States must protect freedom of expression and create a favourable environment for public debate even when the opinions expressed are contrary to those held by the authorities, the EU said.

The European Union expects the Vietnamese authorities to immediately release Mr. Dung, Mr. Thuy and Mr. Tuan, as well as journalists, bloggers and human rights defenders imprisoned for having peacefully expressed their views.

Land rights, death penalty cases

Among the blog entries written by Thuy for RFAs Vietnamese Service were criticisms of the governments handling of the victims of land grabs and other protesters, and of a well-known death penalty case in Vietnam in which the defendants sentence was upheld on appeal on June 15.

Ho Duy Hai was arrested in March 2008 and convicted nine months later of murdering two postal employees in Long An province, for which the Peoples Court in Long An sentenced him to death. His execution has not yet been carried out.

Observers have pointed to procedural errors in Hos case, noting that it was largely based on a confession that he later said had been coerced from him under pressure from police during his pre-trial detention.

Additionally, prosecutors in the case lacked crucial evidence, as no time of death for the two victims was ever established, fingerprints found at the crime scene did not match Hos, and the alleged murder weapons were later misplaced by the police departments forensics team.

Thuy had involved himself in Hos case out of compassion, because he believes that Ho is innocent, Thuys wife Pham Thi Lan told RFA on Wednesday. But although he has written about the case, in fact it is actually impossible for him to do anything.

Thuy always reminded us during family dinners to remember those in Vietnam who are wretchedly poor, Pham said.

Pham said that Thuy also wrote extensively on the plight of victims of land grabs in Vietnam, where state authorities sometimes collude with business firms to seize village land, often leaving farmers without adequate compensation for lost homes, orchards, and fields.

He would always go to see land-grab victims on the eve of Lunar New Year, and I would go with him because I was afraid that unlucky things might happen to him. I see his work as that of a conscientious person, Pham said.

Thuy had also written on the April 30 anniversary of the 1975 fall of Saigon to communist forces to counter state-run media criticisms of Vietnamese who had fled the country at the end of the war, pointing to what he called the repressed condition of the country 45 years later.

'Calm, friendly, active'

Also speaking to RFA, longtime friend Nguyen Huu Vinh called Thuy calm, friendly, and active in his work for progress and justice in Vietnam.

The arrest and sentencing of people like Thuy is simply the governments revenge against those who dare to fight for justice and tell the truth, he said.

Thuy and the other sentenced journalists now join the estimated 170 prisoners of conscience currently held in Vietnam, Emerlynne Gilldeputy regional director for Amnesty Internationalsaid on Tuesday, adding that the courts verdicts against the three underscore the Vietnamese governments contempt for free media.

Even by its own deeply repressive standards, the severity of the sentences show the depths being reached by Vietnams censors, Gill said.

Two other RFA Vietnamese contributors are serving jail terms in Vietnam. They are Truong Duy Nhat, a blogger who was sentenced in March last year to 10 years, and Nguyen Van Hoa, a videographer who was sentenced in November 2017 to seven years.

Vietnams already low tolerance of dissent deteriorated sharply last year with a spate of arrests of independent journalists, publishers, and Facebook personalities as authorities continued to stifle critics in the run-up to the ruling Communist Party congress in late January.

Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Huy Le. Written in English by Richard Finney.

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Farmers from Nuh were allegedly prevented from joining the tractor rally at Palwal by the Nuh police on Thursday. Civil society members and social activists from Gurugram also couldnt join the farmers rally and instead, marched with their tractors within the city.

Ramzan Chaudhary, head of Jai Kisan Andolans Nuh unit, said that tractors from various blocks in Nuh were supposed to head towards Palwal as part of the farmers rally on Thursday. However, the police allegedly prevented farmers from proceeding ahead due to which many of them couldnt participate in the rally. Chaudhary said that he was placed under house arrest by the police and taken into preventive custody later.

Our plan was to join the march with members from different blocks. Only two to three people could step out whereas the rest were placed under house arrest. I was the first one to be picked up at 8am. They did not allow us to gather. Those who managed to come out with their tractors were detained by the police and not allowed to move till 3pm, said Chaudhary. He said that while the participation in the march was curtailed heavily due to the police, some people were able to join the farmers agitation at Palwal towards the evening.

Farmers from across the country have been protesting against the three new farm laws that were passed by the Centre in September last year. They fear that the new laws will leave them at the mercy of corporations and end the minimum support price (MSP) for important crops. The call for Thursdays march was given by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha the umbrella body of farmer unions protesting at Delhis borders.

Farmer leaders said that the rally was a rehearsal for the Republic Day parade that they plan to take out on January 26 to protest against the three agriculture laws.

Rashid Ahmed, an advocate, was detained by the Nuh police, along with several others at Punhana, said that the police had given no reason except that they had official directions. We were taken into custody in the morning and made to sit at the police station. We were released only post afternoon, said Ahmed, who said around 100-150 farmers were planning to join the march in the morning but were stopped by the police.

We told the police that we simply wanted to join the farmers march and were not doing anything unlawful. They said they had directions from their seniors, said Ahmed, who joined the farmers rally at Palwal in the evening.

RS Rathee, head of Gurgaon Citizen Council, said that residents protesting against the three laws were supposed to proceed towards Delhi with tractors but the police didnt allow them to cross the border. We were going to Delhi with our tractors but the police did not allow us to cross the Sirhaul toll. So, we decided to cover various parts of the city on our tractors. With 15 tractors from Jharsa and Daulatabad villages, we marched through Sohna Road, Sector 5, Sector 14 and old Gurugram, said Rathee.

Inspector Rajesh Kumar, station house officer, KMP Expressway, said that no significant movement of farmers was recorded near Pachgaon. The traffic situation was not affected, said Kumar.

Deputy superintendent of police, Nuh, Punhana Vivek Chaudhary, said that the police had not detained anyone but only prevented them from moving ahead. These allegations are baseless. We did not detain anyone. We simply didnt allow them to cross and they were asked to go back, said Chaudhary.

The private sector is willing to support and augment government's capacity across the value chain of COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration, industry body FICCI on Thursday said.

In this regard, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has submitted a detailed plan outlining what support private sector, including healthcare, can provide, through the FICCI-EY Strategy paper on 'Protecting India - Public Private Partnership for vaccinating against COVID-19'. The strategy paper was submitted to the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) last month.

"Given that we are on the verge of launching the largest ever and a complex vaccination programme, effective partnerships and seamless collaborations will be pivotal for its success. We hope that the government has taken note of the intent and commitment from private sector players for accelerating the process of targeted vaccination across the country," FICCI Chair Health Services Committee and Chairman Medica Group of Hospitals Alok Roy said in a statement.

The FICCI-EY paper, that was developed in consultation with various stakeholders from healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, logistics, cold chain and allied sectors, states that India would need 1.3-1.4 lakh vaccination centres, 1 lakh healthcare professionals and 2.0 lakh support staff/ volunteers to support government's mass-inoculation programme.

Private healthcare sector, responsible for almost 70 per cent of healthcare delivery in the country, can adequately supplement the physical and human infrastructure supply in key capacity constrained regions, specifically in urban and semi-urban areas, FICCI noted.

A FICCI survey conducted in collaboration with EY and NABH, showed that 81 per cent of survey respondents from private healthcare industry are willing to inoculate front-line workers in local areas and 75 per cent are willing to inoculate their local communities, 70 per cent are willing to allocate manpower in semi-urban/rural areas for vaccination and 94 per cent are willing to impart training for inoculation, it added.

The private players are now waiting for a direction from the government on how to contribute towards the massive vaccination program, in national interest, FICCI said.

Also read: Hyderabad, Dubai airports ink pacts for seamless vaccine logistics
The Secret Service in 2013 shot and killed a female motorist with a 1-year-old in the backseat after she made a U-turn near the White House.

But when a horde of right-wing insurrectionists stormed into the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of the presidential election, there was one confirmed gun-related fatality and far fewer arrests than youd expect given the number of intruders.

You can guess what the difference was: Motorist Miriam Carey was African American.

The vast majority of Wednesdays rioters were white, angry Trump supporters. Some were bold enough to climb the steps of the Capitol toting Confederate flags and weapons. They broke windows. They put their feet on peoples desks. They fought with police. All the while, their white privilege protected them.

Had they been Black, blood would have flowed down those white steps. They would have been shot with rubber bullets before they even made it inside one of the nations most important buildings. African Americans would have been rounded up and taken away by the busloads, the way they were last summer during Black Lives Matter protests.

Its nothing new. Law enforcement has always had a tendency to overestimate the level of violence that can be expected when it comes to dealing with African American gatherings and underestimate that of whites.

Yes, they were overwhelmed, but they could have prepared better, said David Fisher, a retired Philadelphia police officer and president of the National Black Police Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter.

They didnt expect those white folks to act like that, so they werent prepared. They didnt think in their wildest dreams that those folks were going to go in there and overpower the Capitol, he said. But of course, you saw how they prepared for Black Lives Matter because they are scared of Black folks, and thats obvious. I didnt see any nightsticks flying. We barely saw any shields.

Yes, President Donald Trump deserves the lions share of the blame because of his incessant, baseless lies and also for inciting his boneheaded followers. Hes a self-centered demagogue who has done irreparable harm to our democracy. Inauguration Day cant come soon enough. The American people deserve better than the ugliness he called for and got on Wednesday.

Before then, I didnt know people could push past U.S. Capitol Police like that and force their way into a federal building without there being grave consequences.

My one and only run-in with the Capitol Police years ago didnt end well. I had been driving while Black by the Library of Congress when I got pulled over and questioned. It was an intimidating experience.

But Wednesday, a much-circulated video on social media appears to show men with Capitol Police printed on their clothing opening up a gate and allowing mob members to come through. (Whether they were actually members of the force remains unclear.) One cop even posed for a selfie with them.

The people who work at the Capitol deserve better protection than they got. The Capitol Police chief needs to be fired. (Chief Steven Sund intends to resign Jan. 16, the department announced Thursday night.) The entire force needs to be retrained, because its clear that the force let their preconceived biases blind them on a day when America needed them most. Congressman Dwight Evans (D., Phila.), who was locked in his office during the mayhem, told me, There definitely needs to be an investigation.

Meanwhile, Miriam Careys sister, Valarie, a retired New York Police Department sergeant, said her family is still seeking justice.

It is incomprehensible how these same officers who were so zealous in pursuing an unarmed woman allowed thugs into the Capitol to desecrate our Capitol. They were trespassing, Carey said. You can see what the difference is. Its white privilege. They felt emboldened by this outgoing administration to think that what they did was OK. They knew that they were not going to be harmed. They knew that their lives were not in danger.

And for the most part, they were correct.
SAS Australia's Firass Dirani has reacted to the U.S. riots after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol on Wednesday to protest his election loss.

Authorities lost control as rioters trespassed and vandalised the building in Washington, D.C., leading to the death of four people.

Firass implied the police response would have been significantly different if the rioters were black.

Response: SAS Australia's Firass Dirani has reacted to the U.S. riots after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol on Wednesday to protest his election loss

'There should have been a bloodbath of white folk at Capitol Hill. Just to balance the score? No?' the Underbelly actor, 36, wrote on Instagram.

He added in another post: 'These days when it's all futile I remind myself. Breathe in. Out. Breathe again. Deeply. Repeat 10 times. Thank your limbs for being there for so long.

'Simplicity here is sobering. Breathing momentarily resets. Breathing is an art form. Best natural remedy. Let go of the image you have constructed about yourself. That's the clincher. Slowly.'

'There should have been a bloodbath of white folk at Capitol Hill. Just to balance the score?' Firass implied the police response would have been very different if the rioters were black

Calm down: In another Instagram post, Firass shared a message of calmness. 'These days when it's all futile I remind myself. Breathe in. Out. Breathe again. Deeply. Repeat 10 times. Thank your limbs for being there for so long,' he wrote

'Shift focus, no catastrophizing. Clouds, like thoughts/ are fleeting. Let them fleet, float away. I always go back to the simplest and most effective methods. Spirituality,' he concluded.

On Wednesday, two men and two women died in the violent siege in Washington, D.C, including 35-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit, who was shot dead by police after she tried to clamber through a barricaded entrance.

A total of 68 people were arrested near the Capitol Building, with more expected to be charged as authorities continue to identify and search for suspects.

Having his say: Firass is known for being outspoken, and was dubbed the 'villain' on the latest season of SAS Australia

Of those arrests, five were related to unlawful firearm possession and two were for other prohibited weapons including metal knuckles and blackjack-like weapons.

The majority of arrests were related to curfew violations and unlawful entry, with 48 arrests made on Capitol grounds.

Dozens of those involved in the violent siege, labelled 'great patriots' by President Trump, are yet to be identified and the FBI is now asking the public for assistance.
Lavish Bonus? Luxury Trip? Health Benefits? US Brokers Will Have to Disclose What They Receive from the Insurance Industry

Employers trust brokers to guide them to the best value, but conflicts of interest abound. Tucked into the coronavirus relief bill, a new federal requirement will mandate more transparency.

Like a lot of big federal spending bills, the new coronavirus relief package is a grab bag of unrelated legislation.

And one provision in the 5,593-page measure passed last month could lead to revealing conversations between employers and the brokers they rely on to find them the best deals on health insurance and other benefits.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the much-debated legislation that authorized a new round of stimulus checks for many U.S. households, mandates that brokers disclose to employers how much they make from insurance carriers and vendors.

Health benefits brokers are trusted advisers to employers, who sponsor health plans for about 150 million Americans. But ProPublica showed in 2019 how the insurance industry influences the consultants behind the scenes with cash and gifts  from six-figure bonuses to swanky island getaways. Critics called it a classic conflict-of-interest that may cause brokers to put the industrys interests above those of their employer clients, which drives up costs. In response to the ProPublica story, senators proposed legislation to require disclosure of the perks and payments.

Companies provide an array of services to employer sponsored health plans, including traditional health insurance, vision and dental products, pharmacy benefits, third-party administration, claims review and more. Each service provider may provide payments to brokers that might be unknown to the employer. For example, a pharmacy benefit manager might pay a broker a fee for every prescription filled under a health plan. Or a third-party administrator might give the broker a payment for each employee on a health plan.

Under the newly passed requirement, brokers and consultants must tell employers the various forms of direct or indirect compensation they receive from vendors associated with a health plan. The disclosures must take place at the time the employer enters into the agreement with the broker or when its renewed. The act also requires brokers to disclose their compensation to individuals who purchase insurance plans.

It is a game changer, said Doug Aldeen, a Texas attorney who specializes in law and regulations related to health plans. The requirement goes into effect in December, a year after the bill was signed into law, but Aldeen said employers should demand the big reveal now. Frankly, its big money.

A brokers base commission can be 3% to 6% of the total health insurance premium, ProPublica found. That means the broker makes more as premiums go up. Commissions for some supplemental products can be as high as 40%, and bonuses could be as high as $150,000 for a single employer group.

Three physicians have written an open letter to President-elect Joe Biden's incoming administration to implement a mask initiative upon taking office.

The group, from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard - as well as a founder of YouTube educational channel - says that while cloth and surgical masks offer some protection against COVID-19, high filtration (hi-fi) masks such as N95s are more effective at preventing wears from inhaling tiny infectious droplets.

First published on STAT News on Thursday, the letter begs the incoming team to produce and distribute these hi-fi masks to home across the U.S.

It comes as a more cases of an infectious variant of the coronavirus, called B.1.1.7 and first identified in the UK, are identified across the nation and the vaccine rollout continues to be very slow.

Physicians from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard and the founder of a YouTube educational channel wrote a letter to the Biden administration. Pictured: Biden removes his facemask as he arrives to deliver remarks on the Electoral College certification at the Queen Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware, December 2020

The group called for an initiative for N95 masks (above) to be mass produced and fir a set of masks to be mailed to each U.S. household every month

N95 masks, considered the 'gold standard', are meant to fit much more closely to the face than surgical masks and are designed to filter airborne particles.

The 'N95' number means that during tests, the respirator blocked at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles.

Most of these coverings are manufactured for use in fields such as construction, where workers may be exposed to dust and small particles.

By comparison, surgical and cloth masks are loose-fitting and and can protect against splashes and large-particle droplets.

However, they do not 'filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes or certain medical procedures,' according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The authors of the letter, Drs Abraar Karan and Ranu Dhillon as well as Devabhaktuni Srikrishna, founder of channel Patient Knowhow, say N95s have protected them against the virus when interacting with infected patients.

'While most masks provide some level of protection for the wearers and those around them, many masks...only partially filter the small Covid-19-spreading particles known as aerosols,' the group wrote.

Aerosols are emitted when people cough, sneeze, breathe or speak and are very tiny particles, measuring less than five micrometers, which is smaller than a particle of pollen.

These aerosols can be inhaled, and if enough are, have the ability to cause infection.

The group notes that numerous studies have shown that N95 masks offer the best protection against these small particles.

'As the country awaits the scale up of population immunity through vaccination, we need a National Hi-Fi Mask Initiative,' they wrote.

The goal of the initiative would be invoke the Defense Production Act 'to churn out' N95 masks and send them to every home in the county.

'Ideally, a set of masks would be mailed to each US household every month - thee costs of doing so pale in comparison to the pandemics toll on lives and the economy,' they continued.

'The use of such masks would, in combination with other risk-reduction strategies, create safer workplaces for essential workers, many who are not currently prioritized to get early vaccinations.'

Public health experts say it is more critical now than ever before that the general population wear masks due to the newly discovered variant.

B.1.1.7 - which was first detected in the UK - has now infected at least 52 people in seven states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but officials say it may be even more widespread.

Additionally, the national vaccine rollout has been much slower than expected with only 5.3 million people across the U.S. receiving their first dose of either Pfizer or Moderna's vaccine, according to the CDC tracker.

That figure is well short of the 20 million people the Trump administration had hoped to immunized by New Year's Eve - and most people are not expected to get their first dose until the spring or summer.

'Measures such as wearing masks, hand hygiene, social distancing, and strategic testing of people who are not ill will be foundational to slowing the spread of COVID-19 until safe and effective vaccines are available and widely used,' CDC authors wrote in a recent study.
After many New Jerseyans complained about problems with the states online system to pre-register for the coronavirus vaccine, the state sent out emails Wednesday allowing people to address issues with their sign-ups.

The email notifications, which started to go out late Wednesday, were meant to address questions about what users should do if they thought there was a mistake when they signed up.

Among the reported issues were health care workers who said they should have been assigned to Phase 1a but werent, and older people who said the system ignored their birthdate, which would have put them in the 1b category but they were instead put into 1c.

We strive to ensure every New Jerseyan who registers to schedule a vaccine appointment can do so without error, the emails said. However, if you experience an error or need support, please fill out this form and we will work to resolve your issue as quickly as we can.

It then provides a link  https://covid19.nj.gov/forms/vaccine/vss-feedback  that goes to a feedback form.

New Jersey is offering a feedback form for people who had trouble with the state's vaccine registration site.

The forms first question asks what kind of issue the user has experienced, and it offers a drop down menu with five choices:

I believe I should be assigned to phase 1A, but was assigned to another phase

I need to change something that I entered during registration

I would like to confirm that my registration was successful

I had a problem while trying to register

I have another issue (please describe below)

It then offers users fields where users can enter details about the problem along with their name and email address.

The Department of Health didnt immediately respond to questions, but during the governors Wednesday coronavirus briefing, Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said people having problems should go back to the site after 24 hours and try again.

She also said healthcare workers who were told they were ineligible for a vaccine as part of Phase 1a should contact the health department.

Persichilli said eventually, as more vaccine doses become available, users will receive a follow-up email when they are eligible for a vaccine. They will be directed to a link that will give drop down menus where users can identify where you want to go and you can sign up for an appointment, she said.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Gov. Phil Murphy said that more than 450,000 people had used the tool to pre-register as of midday Wednesday despite slowdowns and technical issues when the site launched.

Assemblyman Herb Conaway, D-Burlington, chairman of the Assembly Health Committee, said the website launch is vital because it allows the Murphy administration to let the federal government see what our need is.

When it is time for vaccination  much of the information will already be in the system -- work activity, health care infirmities so they know extra caution needs to be taken,' said Conaway, who is also a physician.

Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, said he will host a Facebook Live event 10 a.m. Monday with Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli to discuss the vaccination distribution plan. He understands there are many questions about the process and he wants to give the public a chance to learn more information.

There are many moving parts to this process, Vitale said, noting that the commissioner Wednesday made a public call for retired health care workers to help administer the vaccines, because there are not enough trained people available to meet the demand.

The state has been doing the best it can, Vitale said.

Officials announced Wednesday that police and fire personnel would be the first people from Phase 1b to be eligible for the vaccine starting on Thursday.

There have been at least 137,829 vaccine doses administered in New Jersey as of Wednesday since the first shots were given three weeks ago, though that may be an undercount due to reporting delays, Murphy said.

The state hopes to vaccinate 70% of New Jersey adult residents  about 4.7 million people  in the next six months.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

NJ Advance Media Statehouse reporter Susan K. Livio contributed to this report.

Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com.
Nearly a week has passed since Indias central drugs regulator granted restricted approval to vaccines against Covid-19, however, the state governments are still awaiting clarity on the financial burden of the vaccines on their exchequer.

Although the Centre has informed states that it will take care of the procurement of vaccines, the state governments are not sure as to what expense formula would be adopted for the mass vaccination drive.

News18 spoke to top health department officials of Punjab, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh on this issue. The officials confirmed that as yet there was no official clarity on this matter.

On Thursday, the Union Health Minister is scheduled to hold a video conference meeting with state health ministers to review preparedness ahead of the January 8 nationwide dry run on administering of Covid-19 vaccine.

However, the countrys existing Universal Immunization Programme which covers children and pregnant women is fully sponsored by the central government.

Last week, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan had tweeted that, In 1st phase of Covid19 vaccination free vaccine shall be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that including 1 crore healthcare & 2 crore frontline workers (sic).

Despite the union health ministers statement, there is still a lack of clarity on which sections covered under Phase I of vaccination will get it for free, T S Singh Deo, Chhattisgarh health minister said.

It is not proper to keep the announcement in suspension. Preparations have to be made, whether states will have the capacity to do it. How will it be managed if it is left to the states? Some states have said they will be doing it. So, this is not the way to go about it in a national pandemic. This is not the way to deal with it. There must be complete clarity and openness, Deo said.

The Chhattisgarh health minister added that he was hopeful that states would get some clarity on the issue during the meeting with the health minister on Thursday afternoon.

The concerns raised come in the backdrop of demands made by several cash-strapped states, particularly opposition ruled, that the centre should give more financial assistance to tide over the losses owing to the pandemic and the Covid-19-triggered national lockdown.

Last year, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh and his Chhattisgarh counterpart Bhupesh Baghel had written to Modi seeking special financial assistance and revenue grant for FY 2020-21. Kerala too had urged that more borrowing should be allowed, while Tamil Nadu had sought for release of a grant to tide over the pandemic and Delhi had demanded that disaster funding should be made available to them.

Similar views were echoed by top health officials in other states. The Government of India will come out with a policy on who will pay and who will not pay. All those engaged in the Covid pandemic, healthcare workers, and frontline workers will get it for free. Rest, with regards to those above 50-55 years of age we dont know yet to know what will be the system, whether they have to be given it for free or they have to be charged? Hopefully, we will get more clarity on this as well as on supplies, said Punjabs Principal Health Secretary, Hussan Lal.

Karnataka health secretary, Jawaid Akhtar, when asked about the potential expenses states have to bear for vaccines, said it would be appropriate to check on the issue with the Government of India. Meanwhile, the health secretaries of Odisha, Pradipta Kumar Mahapatra; of West Bengal, Narayan Swaroop Nigam and of J Radhakrishnan of Tamil Nadu also said that while the procurement part is clear, there was no indication about the costs to be borne by state governments.

India has so far approved two vaccines- Serum Institute of Indias Covishield vaccine and Bharat Biotechs Covaxin. Following the approval, swift developments have occurred on dry runs to test on ground rollout of the vaccines. The health ministry said Tuesday that it is likely to roll out the vaccine on January 13.

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New Delhi:

Mongolia is all set to send its first ever satellite to space on June 4 and it has been named after the countrys endangered gobi bear Mazaalai. The satellite will be launched alongwith the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Xinhua reported. The project under which the satellite will be launched is supported by UNESCO and Japan.



The Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite is a cross-border interdisciplinary satellite project for non-space-faring nations. It aims at supporting developing countries to make and launch their first satellite.

The duration of the project is two years and 15 students from participating countries including Mongolia, Ghana, Japan, Bangladesh and Nigeria will design, develop and operate five units of identical 1U CubeStats, a type of miniaturised satellite for space research.



Mongolia will be able to contact the satellite which will be sent off 400km away from the earth 5-6 times a day. A satellite is advantageous for the nation in many ways such as bringing the ability to conduct independent space studies, capture the geographic picture of a country, develop more accurate maps, and better prevent natural disasters, the Deputy Prime Minister and head of emergency affairs of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa said.



The satellite, which was supposed to be launched on June 2, was rescheduled for June 4 due to rain. Mongolia has plans to launch the second satellite in 2019.

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A nurse who was accused of lifting up her skirt and showing her underwear to a colleague at a work Chirstmas party has successfully appealed her punishment.

Nurse Emma Hayes organised the 'ED Xmas in July Party' for her Ipswich Hospital Emergency Department colleagues at a public venue on July 18, 2020.

After the event, Queensland Health alleged Ms Hayes 'inappropriately lifted her skirt' and did not behave as was expected of a West Moreton Health employee.

Ms Hayes appealed the disciplinary action and Queensland Industrial Relations Commissioner Minna Knight concluded 'the allegations are unsubstantiated'.

Nurse Emma Hayes was accused of 'inappropriately lifting her skirt and showing her underwear to a West Moreton Health employee' by Queensland Health at a work Christmas party she organised at a public venue on July 18, 2020 (stock image)

The legal battle began when Ms Hayes received correspondence from Queensland Health inviting her to respond to the allegations two weeks after the party.

Queensland Health provided heavily redacted emails and file notes summarising discussions about the party between witnesses and management as evidence.

'At approximately 8:00pm, [the appellant] lifted her skirt and flashed her underwear directly at [redacted] resulted in [redacted] feeling uncomfortable,' one email read.

Another email said a female member of the public witnessed Ms Hayes being removed from the male toilets on numerous occasions during the night.

The state health department also provided a photo of Ms Hayes posing and drinking among friends at one of their residences before the party as evidence.

Queensland Health made a decision that there were grounds to discipline Ms Hayes under the Public Service Act 2008 on October 13, 2020.

But Ms Hayes, represented by the Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union, argued that Queensland Health relied on hearsay, heavily redacted correspondence, and duplicated their allegations.

An email used as evidence by Queensland Health alleged Ms Hayes 'lifted her skirt and flashed her underwear' at a colleague, which made them feel 'uncomfortable' at the Christmas in July party (stock image)

Ms Hayes works at Ipswich Hospital (pictured). She appealed the disciplinary action and Queensland Industrial Relations Commissioner Minna Knight concluded 'the allegations are unsubstantiated' on December 24 last year

The allegations being that Ms Hayes both 'inappropriately lifted her skirt and showed her underwear to a West Moreton Health employee' and 'did not demonstrate the expected behaviours of a West Moreton Health employee'.

Commissioner Knight ruled in Ms Hayes' favour, saying there was 'an unwarranted duplication of allegations' and 'confusion about the basis on which the appellant (Ms Hayes) was being disciplined'.

She also said she had 'serious misgivings as to the quality of the evidence relied upon' by Queensland Health.

'The file notes and emails contain limited detail. The appellant (Ms Hayes) is mentioned either fleetingly or not at all,' Commissioner Knight said.

'The 'statements', which are not first-hand but instead paraphrased, contain hearsay, subjective perceptions and references to innuendo or gossip.

'The redactions deny any possibility of understanding the context surrounding the incidents.'

Commissioner Knight overturned Queensland Health's October decision because 'the allegations are not substantiated'.
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Syracuse, N.Y. -- When police officers arrived on Hatch Street on a warm spring morning, they found a man stabbed, dying in the street.

They saw an open door to a nearby house and inside they found a second man who had been stabbed. He was dead. Nearby they found a knife in a stairwell.

What happened was not immediately clear. Had someone killed two men and gotten away? Did something else happen?

Syracuse police investigators have been able to determine that the two men had an argument and killed each other, possibly using the same knife, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard recently.

Fitzpatrick, who has worked as a lawyer and prosecutor for more than 40 years, said hes never seen a similar situation where two people killed each other.

Its still unclear whether the same knife may have been used, though the knife had both mens DNA on it, Fitzpatrick said. Its also unclear who started the fight.

Its impossible to tell if one guy was the aggressor, he said.

Zantonious Wiley, 27, the man in the street, and William Johnson, 27, the man in the stairwell, were roommates in a house at 322 Hatch St.

At the time of the murders on May 27, the Syracuse Police Department did not release many details about Wileys and Johnsons deaths.

Investigators have since learned that Wiley and Johnson had been arguing that morning. They shared the house with two other roommates who told police Wiley and Johnson had been in an argument that turned into a fight.

The fight started in the bathroom, Fitzpatrick said. Investigators found a toilet that had been knocked over during the argument.

One roommate heard a commotion and left the house, the DA said. The other roommate only spoke Spanish and didnt fully understand what the two men were arguing about, he said.

Wiley and Johnson had previously had disagreements about how clean the apartment should be, Fitzpatrick said.

A week earlier Wiley called 911 and told dispatchers that Johnson and several other men had jumped him, Fitzpatrick said. When officers arrived, they talked to Wiley, who declined to press charges against Johnson.

Wiley told police that he had been frustrated because Johnson was not keeping the apartment clean and that led to an argument, Fitzpatrick said.

A week later the two would end up killing each other.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter.
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Massachusetts Congressman Jake Auchincloss was in his office waiting to get called into the House floor for the Electoral College certification vote when he started to get alerts of a breach.

Auchincloss stayed put. Between alerts from Capitol police and social media, he caught a glimpse of the scene unfolding. Crowds storming the building. Rioters entering the Senate chamber, challenging the election results. Lawmakers sheltering in place in the House chamber as people tried to break in.

This was the Newton Democrats third day on the job on Capitol Hill, having won the 4th Congressional District race in November. Massachusetts voters joined millions of others in backing Joe Biden for president, unseating President Donald Trump.

Its a dark day for our democracy, but its not going to stop Congress from upholding its constitutional responsibility to accept and certify the electoral college votes that made Joe Biden and Kamala Harris the 46th president and vice president of the United States, Auchincloss said in a phone interview.

Massachusetts lawmakers sheltered in place as word spread of the breach. Every lawmaker in the delegation reported being safe in tweets or in emails to MassLive.

Rep. Jim McGovern, who said the crowds should be labeled domestic terrorists rather than protesters or rioters, tweeted he was in the House chamber. The doors were locked to stop people from coming in. We will not be intimidated, he wrote.

The Massachusetts Democrat tweeted shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday that lawmakers would resume the certification vote.

I am currently in the House Chamber presiding in the chair. The doors to the chamber have been locked because protesters have breached security. We will not be intimidated.  Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) January 6, 2021

Rep. Ayanna Pressley called for Trumps swift impeachment and removal from office.

Our democracy is literally under assault, she wrote. Donald J. Trump incited this violence and is directly responsible for this attempted coup.

Our democracy is literally under assault.



Donald J. Trump incited this violence and is directly responsible for this attempted coup.



He must be impeached and removed from office immediately.  Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) January 6, 2021

Before the vote on the Electoral College results began, Auchincloss issued a statement saying he would vote to certify the results. He said the outgoing president and a subset of Republicans are manufacturing a constitutional crisis in continuing to make claims of election fraud.

Despite multiple failed attempts to challenge votes in court, Trump continues to cast doubt on the results. In a video to protesters who stormed the building, he appealed to the pain he said they must feel.

I know your pain. I know youre hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, Trump said in a video before telling protesters to go home.

Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, an avid Trump supporter, made similar points. He condemned the violence yet reiterated claims of voter fraud.

The fastest way to end the ongoing debate over elections issues and the deep divide in our country is to have an audit prior to Jan. 20 so both Democrats and Republicans can be assured they can continue to have faith in our elections, he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Auchincloss and his colleagues plan to press on with the vote.

I am even more resolved to keep going, he said. This might disrupt or delay, but its not going to stop.

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Then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at a press conference at the State Department in Washington on Oct. 21, 2020. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images)

Pompeo Warns of US Sanctions Over Mass Arrests of Hong Kong Opposition Figures

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has threatened U.S. sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for the mass arrests of more than 50 opposition figures in Hong Kong.

The United States will not stand idly by while the people of Hong Kong suffer under communist oppression, said Pompeo in a Jan. 6 statement.

He called on those arrested to be released immediately and unconditionally, since they are guilty of nothing but exercising the democratic rights promised to them by treaty, and due to them through virtue of their humanity. 

In addition to sanctions, Pompeo said that the U.S. government will explore restrictions against the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in the United States, which are official representatives of the Hong Kong government, with offices in Washington, New York, and San Francisco.

A total of 53 pro-democracy activists were arrested on Jan. 6, the largest action against the citys opposition camp since Beijings national security law went into effect on June 30 last year. The law penalizes vaguely defined crimes such as subversion and secession with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The activists were arrested on suspicion of committing crimes under the national security law, for their roles in a primary election held by the pan-democracy camp in July, two months ahead of Legislative Council (LegCo) elections.

Among those arrested were many former lawmakers, local activists, and politicians, as well as human rights lawyer John Clancey, a U.S. citizen, after the police raided his law firm Ho, Tse, Wai & Partners. According to Hong Kong media, Clancey has been released on bail.

John Clancey, a human rights lawyer, is led away from his office by police after being arrested in Hong Kong on Jan. 6, 2020. (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images)

I am also appalled by the news of the arrest of an American citizen as part of this campaign of political repression. Let me be clear: The United States will not tolerate the arbitrary detention or harassment of U.S. citizens, Pompeo stated.

He added that the United States will also take additional immediate actions against officials who have undermined Hong Kongs democratic processes.

In July, President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending the United States preferential trade treatment with Hong Kong. In August, the Trump administration blacklisted 11 Hong Kong and Chinese officials, among them Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, for their roles in undermining the citys autonomy and freedoms.

The mass arrests drew international outrage. Australia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan have all expressed concerns, while the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, a group of international lawmakers, also condemned the arrests.

In addition to Pompeo, many U.S. officials also have publicly denounced the Chinese Communist Party over the arrests, including Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft.

Pompeos statement immediately drew a strong response from the regime in Beijing. Chinas foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, in a daily briefing on Jan. 7, accused the United States of interfering in Chinas internal affairs with Pompeos remarks.

Hua added that China will take necessary measures to safeguard its interests, and the United States will pay a heavy price for its actions.
Darren Elias Wins First GGPoker Super MILLION$ of 2021

January 07 2021 Matthew Pitt

Darren Elias has started 2021 like a house on fire by taking down the first GGPoker Super MILLON$ event of the year. First place in this $10,300 buy-in high stakes spectacular weighed in at an incredible $448,842.

Winning almost half a million dollars during the first week of 2021 is obviously fantastic for Elias, but the manner in which he secured this prize is equally as impressive. The final table was ridiculously stacked and any one of the nine finalists would have made a worthy champion. Heres how Elias got the job done under the watchful eye of the GGPoker YouTube stream.

Watch This Star-Studded Final Table Unfold Watch nine amazing poker players lock horns in the Super MILLION$ Head to GGPoker's YouTube channel

Super MILLON$ Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Darren Elias Canada $448,842 2 Niklas Astedt Canada $346,104 3 Ami Barer Canada $266,833 4 Enrico Camosci Tunisia $205,795 5 Rui Ferreira Brazil $158,689 6 Adrian Mateos United Kingdom $122,366 7 Aleks Ponakovs Latvia $94,357 8 Bert Stevens Mexico $72,759 9 Seth Davies Canada $56,105

*countries as shown in the GGPoker client

Seth Davies

Seth Davies started the final table sixth in chips but he was the first superstar out of the door. Davies lost a huge pot with pocket sixes versus Aleks Ponakovs superior tens to be left with less than seven big blinds and he never recovered.

Davies final hand took place during the 30,000/60,000/7,500a level. WSOP bracelet winner Enrico Camosci opened to 120,000 on the button with pocket tens and Davies called in the big blind with nine-seven. A queen-jack-eight flop saw both players check, but a ten on the turn gifted Davies a straight. He moved all-in for 247,827 into the 337,500 pot and was called. Camosci filled up on the river courtesy of another jack landing, and Davies was gone.

Bert Stevens busted a couple of hands later. Stevens open-shoved for a shade over 13 big blinds from the button with king-queen. Rui Ferreira woke up in the small blind with a pair of jacks in the hole and he three-bet all-in for 2,605,295. Ferreira flopped a set, which held despite Stevens having a straight draw, and the final table was suddenly down to seven players.

Marcin Dziubdziela Crowned GGMasters Player of the Year

Ponakovs Sent Packing By Camosci

Aleksejs Ponakovs

Those seven became six with the elimination of Ponakovs. The Estonian was flying high at one stage but his world came crumbling down. Ponakovs final hand was a battle of the blinds with Camosci. Camosci limped in from the small blind with trey-deuce of hearts and Ponakovs checked with king-seven of diamonds. Camosci bet small on the ten-four-six flop, a flop with two hearts, and Ponakovs called.

The king of hearts turn gave Camosci a small flush and Ponakovs top pair. Camosci led for 254,625 into 339,500 and was called. The river bricked and Camosci over-bet shoved, putting Ponakovs to the test for his 1,332,299 stack. Randy Nanonoko Lew commented the move looked like a bluff and thats how Ponakovs saw it because he called off his stack only to be shown the bad news.

Mateos Busts Just Before The Break

Adrian Mateos

Adrian Mateos crashed out just before the first break of the final table. Camosci min-raised to 140,000 from the cutoff with pocket threes, Ferreira called on the button with ace-king, Niklas Astedt put in calling chip in the small blind with deuces, and Mateos ripped it in for 1,497,707 with pocket tens. Only Ferreira called and soared into the chip lead courtesy of the door card being an ace.

Nothing went well for Ferreira after this point as he lost pot after pot. He was down to a mere 3.8 big blinds at the start of his final hand. That micro stack went into the middle from the cutoff with jack-five and Astedt called on the button with ace-jack. Astedts hand held and Ferreira went from hero to zero and busted in fifth-place.

Camoscis run ended in a fourth-place finish during the 80,000/160,000/20,000a level. Astedt raised to 400,000 with pocket fives and Camosci called in the big blind with queen-nine. Camosci opted to move all-in for 1,444,667 into the 960,000 pot on the eight-high flop. Unfortunately for Camosci, Astedt had flopped a set and snap-called. Camosci was drawing dead after the turn.

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Superstars Lock Horns Three-Handed

Elias, Ami Barer and Astedt were the last three players in the tournament, can you think of a time when such a talented trio locked horns in such a big event?

Something had to give eventually and it did when Barer busted in third. Elias sent Barer to the showers.

Elias raised slightly more than twice the big blind with 420,000 with ace-queen. Barer, in the big blind, jammed for 19 big blinds with pocket sevens, and Elias beat him into the pot with a call. A queen on the turn sealed the deal for Elias and resigned Barer to a third-place finish.

Astedt held a 14,160,341 to 8,039,659 lead over Elias and looked a dead cert to win his first Super MILLION$ event. It wasnt meant to be, however, as Elias gained the upper hand before sending Astedt home in the runner-up spot.

The final hand started with a min-raise to 700,000 from Astedt and a jam for 12,078,400 from Elias. Astedt called and turned over pocket queens, Elias the ace-seven. Again, Elias hit top pair on the turn to win the pot and the tournament.

@pokershares @GGPoker @DarrenElias ### thank you https://t.co/A7hg7YkBRP  Max Pescatori  (@maxpescatori)

Italian poker pro Max Pescatori was delighted with Elias victory but not because he bought a piece of him. Pescatori placed a $511 bet on Elias winning using the new built-in betting app and walked away with $3,781.40!

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She's the Kiwi model known for strutting her stuff on the catwalk in designer labels like Balmain and Ellie Saab.

But on Tuesday, Georgia Fowler cut a casual figure as she treated herself to a manicure and pedicure after having breakfast in Sydney's Double Bay.

The 28-year-old was all smiles as she was joined at the restaurant by her parents Peter and Kim.

Out and about: On Tuesday, Georgia Fowler cut a casual figure as she treated herself to a manicure and pedicure after having breakfast in Sydney's Double Bay

Georgia opted for an all black ensemble featuring exercise leggings and a T-shirt and toted a yellow handbag.

She pulled her brunette tresses into a messy bun and flaunted her natural beauty going makeup free for the outing.

Meanwhile, Kim opted for a teal silk shirt, while Peter opted for a blue collared shirt.

Waiter! Georgia opted for an all black ensemble featuring exercise leggings and a T-shirt and toted a yellow handbag

Family catch-up: The 28-year-old was all smiles as she was joined at the restaurant by her parents Peter and Kim

The family appeared to be in good spirits as they laughed and chatted away while enjoying some beverages at the cafe.

Following their catch up, Georgia went to a nail salon where she treated herself to a manicure and pedicure.

Abiding by the new COVID-19 restrictions, Georgia donned a black face mask while getting her nails done.

Natural beauty: She pulled her brunette tresses into a messy bun and flaunted her natural beauty going makeup free for the outing

Spa day! Following their catch up, Georgia went to a nail salon where she treated herself to a manicure and pedicure

Safety first: Abiding by the new COVID-19 restrictions, Georgia donned a black face mask while getting her nails done

Face masks are now mandatory in certain indoor venues in Greater Sydney including beauty salons.

The brunette beauty appeared relaxed as she put in her ear pods and listened to something while at the salon.

Her outing comes after she adopted an adorable puppy with her boyfriend, Nathan Dalah last month.

Growing brood: Georgia and her boyfriend Nathan Dalah have welcomed a new addition to their family - a puppy named Chilli

The pair named their pet pooch Chilli and introduced him to her fans by sharing a series of photos of the pup on Instagram.

'Welcome to the pack (best day of my life) @chillithegrood,' she captioned the post.

In one image, Georgia and Nathan posed together with the new addition to their family.

The New Zealand born beauty also shared several other snaps of her cuddling up to the dog along with a cute close up of his little paws.

Puppy love: The New Zealand born beauty also shared several snaps of her cuddling up to the dog along with a cute close up of his little paws
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Thursday that the violence that occurred at the U.S. Capitol is "unacceptable and must stop."

Mnuchin spoke from Jerusalem just moments after Congress validated President-Elect Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election.

"Our democracy will prevail and our institutions will remain strong. Now is the time for our nation to come together as one and to respect the democratic process in the United States," Mnuchin said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned what he described as a "rampage" by the pro-Trump mob on the U.S. Capitol building, saying it ran contrary to the shared values of the two countries.

"The rampage at the Capitol yesterday was a disgraceful act and it must be vigorously condemned," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu also thanked Mnuchin and the Trump administration for achieving normalisation deals with four Arab countries, among them Sudan, where Mnuchin visited this week to finalise its accord.

With the Biden administration expected to aim to resume negotiations with Iran on its nuclear program, Mnuchin called on any future talks with Iran to include Israel and its Arab neighbors.

(Image credit: AP)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
BOSTON AND LONDON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- L.E.K. Consulting, a global management consulting firm, has announced 18 new partners. The promotions strengthen the expertise and value that L.E.K. provides to clients across multiple industry sectors and geographies.

"Over the past year, our teams at L.E.K. have performed in extraordinary ways under profoundly challenging circumstances  in society, individuals' lives and the business world. The resilience and ingenuity that all of our people have demonstrated and applied to our work with clients stand out. So it is with deep gratitude and a sense of honor that we announce our newest partner promotions. Over the years, including the very long 2020, these colleagues have helped our clients achieve outstanding results and contributed to the growth and expanded capabilities of our firm and our people," said Stuart Jackson, Global Managing Partner.

L.E.K.'s new partners are as follows:

Sinho Bae, a founding member of the Seoul office, advises clients on corporate growth strategies and M&A across different industries, mainly in the consumer sector. Bae has particular expertise in value creation across the full M&A transaction cycle. Prior to joining L.E.K. in 2013, he worked for Monitor Group Seoul (currently Monitor Deloitte). Bae holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management and a BA in sociology from Seoul National University.

Jean-Guillaume Bayada is a member of the European Healthcare practice. Based in the Paris office, he has more than 10 years of experience advising senior executive leadership of healthcare and medtech companies on growth strategy, market access strategy and transformation projects. He also provides transaction and post-merger support on both the buy and sell side. Bayada holds a Master in Management from ESSEC Business School.

TJ Bilodeau, based in the Boston office, is a member of the Healthcare practice. He supports clients across the healthcare industry, with a focus on growth strategy for emerging and midsize biopharmas. He has extensive experience in commercialization strategy, portfolio optimization, transaction support and broader strategic planning. He recently led L.E.K.'s global Healthcare Insights Center and remains on its steering committee. TJ is a member of the board of directors at Medicines for Humanity, a nonprofit organization focused on child and maternal health. He holds a BA in government from Harvard College.

Paul Bromfield, based in the New York office, is an industrial sector specialist focused on building products and construction. With over 20 years of experience, Bromfield has a strong record of helping companies accelerate growth and drive major change, including product and service innovation, multi-channel strategy, digital acceleration and diversification through M&A and new ventures. Prior to joining L.E.K., he was CMO, head of corporate development and a GM/business unit leader at GAF. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in economics and politics from Oxford University.

Amanda Davis Winters is a member of the Industrials practice, focusing on packaging, chemicals and environmental services. Based in the New York office, she has deep expertise in market entry strategy, market segment prioritization, go-to-market and commercial planning, inorganic growth strategy and both buy- and sell-side diligence. She holds an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business and a BA in psychology and communication from the University of Pennsylvania.

Lauren DeVestern, based in the Boston office, is a member of the Consumer and Retail practice. A thought leader on pet industry dynamics, she leads L.E.K.'s Pet practice, advising industry clients on issue ranging from growth and channel/go-to-market strategy to brand positioning and M&A support. Lauren joined L.E.K. in 2010 and is a frequent participant in industry events and conferences. The recipient of Consulting Magazine's 2020 Rising Stars Award, she received a BA in economics from Barnard College.

Aakash Gandhi is based in the Sydney office. With over 20 years of experience across technology and telecommunications, he has particular expertise in cloud computing, software/SaaS, data and analytics, digitization, communications (telecom, satellites, submarine cables) and data centers. Prior to L.E.K., he held senior leadership roles at Telstra, Optus, Infoplex, Bulletproof and HorizonX. Gandhi holds a Bachelor's degree in electronics and telecommunications engineering from MIT, University of Pune, India; an MS in network systems from Swinburne University of Technology and an Executive MBA from AGSM.

Amar Gujral, based in the Houston office, is a member of the Energy & Environment practice. He works with clients on growth strategy, new product commercialization and M&A transaction support, and brings deep expertise across power, renewables, energy transition, oilfield services and downstream fuels. Before joining L.E.K., Gujral was an engagement manager on the energy team at Strategy& and an equity research analyst at Guggenheim Partners. He holds MS degrees from the Colorado School of Mines and IFP School and a BA in engineering from Lafayette College.

Tian Han is a member of the Life Sciences practice. Based in the Los Angeles office, he specializes in precision medicine, advanced diagnostics, life science research tools and advanced therapeutic bioprocessing. Since joining L.E.K. in 2008, Han advises clients on corporate and business strategy, product strategy, commercial planning and transaction support. Han received a Masters of Applied Life Sciences from the Keck Graduate Institute.

Geoff McQueen, based in the Los Angeles office, is part of the Technology, Media and Telecom (TMT) and Consumer practices. McQueen advises clients on growth strategies, international market expansion, new product launches, M&A and digital transformation. His expertise spans digital sport and over-the-top (OTT) media, digital fitness, pricing and live events strategies. Prior to L.E.K., McQueen spent five years in the Tampa Bay Rays' corporate partnerships department. He holds an MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago and a BS in economics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Tim O'Neil, based in the Chicago office, advises clients on growth strategy, pricing strategy and mergers and acquisitions projects related to building products and construction services. He joined L.E.K. as a Consultant in 2013, then from 2015-17 he worked in strategy and business development at James Hardie Building Products before rejoining L.E.K. in 2018. O'Neil earned his MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management and holds a BA in finance from the University of Illinois.

Dominic Perrett is a leader in the firm's Tech practice, having led over 100 engagements in the sector. Based in the San Francisco office, he advises corporate and private equity clients on long-term growth strategies, new product expansion opportunities, transactions, pricing and customer segmentation. His expertise spans technology infrastructure, IT services, data management, cloud networks and security. Perrett holds a BA from the University of Cambridge.

Michael Ringleb, based in the Munich office, focuses on the industrial and technology sectors, including industrial equipment and services, packaging, energy and environment, software and IT infrastructure components. He advises clients on issues including growth strategy development, commercial and financial diagnostics, organizational strategy and organizational agility. He also has significant experience in transaction support on both the buy- and sell-side. Ringleb holds an MS in business management from EDHEC Business School.

Stephen Roper is based in the London office and a member of the European Healthcare practice. He focuses on the life sciences sector, with extensive experience in strategic and transaction-related assignments for pharma, biotech and diagnostics companies, as well as contract services providers and investors. Roper advises clients on growth strategy, opportunity assessment, revenue forecasting and valuation, indication prioritization, commercial due diligence and acquisition screening. He holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Genetics and an MA in Natural Sciences, both from the University of Cambridge.

Emile Santos, based in the New York office, leads teams serving consumer products, health and wellness, retail and automotive clients. His expertise includes consumer-led growth strategy, consumer insights and segmentation, brand positioning, customer experience and loyalty, new product development and financial forecasting. Santos has been with L.E.K. since 2006 and holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and a BA in economics and operations research from Columbia University.

Arathi Sasidharan, based in the Singapore office, is a leader in the Asia-Pacific Life Sciences and Healthcare practice. She advises pharmaceutical companies on navigating the Southeast Asian and broader Asia-Pacific healthcare landscape, and has particular expertise in growth strategy, go-to-market planning, product launch, commercial model development, digital health opportunities and M&A. Sasidharan earned an MBA with Honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Gold Medalist from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India.

Rebecca Scottorn, based in the London office, is a member of the global Industrials practice focusing on building and construction, industrial technology and energy and environment sectors. A leader of L.E.K.'s work on ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) and sustainability strategy development, she advises clients on taking a holistic, commercial approach to sustainability and making the right strategic choices to realize value creation. Scottorn has an MA in natural sciences from the University of Cambridge.

Evan Zeng is based in the Shanghai office. A member of the Life Sciences practice, he advises pharmaceutical, medical technology and health and wellness clients. Zeng holds an MBA from Kellogg School of Management and an MS from Stanford University, and is fluent in Mandarin and English.

About L.E.K. Consulting

L.E.K. Consulting is a global management consulting firm that uses deep industry expertise and rigorous analysis to help business leaders achieve practical results with real impact. We are uncompromising in our approach to helping clients consistently make better decisions, deliver improved business performance and create greater shareholder returns. The firm advises and supports global companies that are leaders in their industries  including the largest private and public-sector organizations, private equity firms, and emerging entrepreneurial businesses. Founded in 1983, L.E.K. employs more than 1,600 professionals across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. For more information, go to www.lek.com.

Media contact:

Michael-Jon Romano

[email protected]

+1 (212) 255-8386

SOURCE L.E.K. Consulting

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Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne called for an investigation into COVID-19 origins in April. (Brendan Smialowski / POOL /AFP via Getty Images)

Foreign Minister Payne Urges CCP to Grant WHO Entry Without Delay

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne has urged the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to grant the World Health Organisation (WHO) team investigating the origins to the COVID-19 pandemic access to China.

It follows reports from the WHO that Chinese officials are yet to finalize the necessary permissions for the group of specialists to enter as expected this week.

Payne said the Australian government had consistently sought transparency in relation to the origins of, and responses to the coronavirus. She also noted that the government hoped that the approvals needed for the WHO teams travel to China could be issued without delay, the Australian Financial Review (AFR) reported.

The WHO-convened scientific study is an important part of this work, and we look forward to the findings from the international field mission to China, Payne said in a statement.

Sydney-based virologist, Professor Dominic Dwyer, and 9 other health experts were due to commence a fortnight of quarantine in China before travelling to Wuhan, where COVID-19 originated where they would study documents from their Chinese counterparts.

Australia has been a vocal proponent of an inquiry into the origins of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, (novel coronavirus) with Payne calling for an independent inquiry at the start of the global pandemic.

In May, 2020 Australia supported the European-led resolution at the United Nations to investigate the origins of the CCP virus, along with 137 other countries, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The Australian Labor Party has also supported the Morrison governments push for the global COVID-19 inquiry.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said the whole world needs this investigation to happen, not just Australia.

He agreed with Paynes comments that it should happen openly and transparently, Albanese told Sky News, And that should be facilitated by China.

In November WHO spokesperson Dr Margaret Harris said due to travel restrictions the first meeting into the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 would be handled virtually.

Which was five months after WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pledged, at the earliest appropriate moment he would initiate a probe.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on April 6, 2020. (AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking at the first press conference of the year Tedros said this is a priority, We are eager to get the mission underway as soon as possible, after saying that he was very disappointed and the delay.

Especially as two members had already begun their journeys [and] others were not able to travel at the last minute. he said in a statement.

The rare public rebuke comes in the midst of criticism that the WHO and Tedros improperly defended the CCPs handling of the outbreak in early 2020.
Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- A decade ago, after hackers were caught infiltrating natural gas pipeline operations and an al-Qaeda video emerged calling for an electronic jihad on U.S. infrastructure, then-Senator Joseph Lieberman tried to sound the alarm.The system is blinking red, Lieberman warned his Senate colleagues during debate on the threat in 2012. Privately owned and operated cyber infrastructure can well be, and probably some day will be, the target of an enemy attack.Led by the Connecticut independent and one-time vice presidential candidate, lawmakers sought to require energy companies to strengthen computer security. But the effort withered under fierce lobbying by oil companies and other corporate interests that succeeded in killing the legislation. That left in place a system of voluntary guidelines that failed to stop last months ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline Co., which paralyzed a major artery for fuel along the East Coast.Its really a lost opportunity, said Lieberman, now senior counsel at Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP. The attack on the Colonial Pipeline might not have happened if we passed the legislation.Now, in response to the attack, the Department of Homeland Security is preparing to jettison the voluntary approach and impose cybersecurity requirements on pipelines, according to a person familiar with the plans who asked not to be identified before a formal announcement.That would be a defeat for oil companies and pipeline operators that for more than a decade have successfully fought off federal standards to thwart cyberattacks from legislation or regulatory agencies. Unlike power plants, U.S. pipelines are not required to follow any federal cybersecurity mandates, even though Homeland Security was given the authority to impose them when it was created in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.The Transportation Security Administration, the DHS agency in charge of protecting the nations pipelines, will issue a directive this week requiring pipeline companies to report cyber incidents, according to the person familiar with the plans. Additional requirements for safeguarding facilities and responding to attacks are set to be advanced in coming weeks, the Washington Post reported.The Biden administration is taking further action to better secure our nations critical infrastructure, DHS said in a statement on Tuesday. We will release additional details in the days ahead.Until now, the TSA had resisted using its authority to mandate cyberprotection measures.My belief was we could get quicker and better security through working with the industry instead of regulating them because regulations set minimum security standards and industry in many cases was doing more than that, said Jack Fox, who served as the agencys manager of pipeline security before retiring in 2016.Liebermans bill would have imposed cybersecurity performance requirements on privately owned critical infrastructure -- and slap fines on companies that fell short. The rules would have been applied to more than pipelines: sectors where a hostile take-down of computer systems could lead to mass casualties, the collapse of financial markets or the disruption of energy and water supplies, were to be included.Even a watered-down version of the bill failed to overcome a Republican-led filibuster.Pipeline CompaniesFor Lieberman, the failure still stings.We would sort of ask ourselves who is driving this aggressive opposition and the answer we were getting was the energy companies and the pipeline companies, he said.Every major U.S. oil company -- including Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp. and ConocoPhillips -- lobbied on the legislation, alongside some refiners and at least one pipeline operator. Colonial didnt lobby on the measure in 2012, according to disclosure forms it filed with Congress. However, groups it belonged to did, including the American Petroleum Institute, the Association of Oil Pipe Lines and the Chamber of Commerce -- a political titan that reported spending $103.9 million influencing government policies in 2012.The Chamber opposed the legislation at the time, calling it an overly broad, heavy-handed approach to regulation that threatened to create an adversarial relationship between the government and private industry instead of fostering collaboration against cyberattacks. The group backed an alternative approach focused on greater sharing of threat information, a stance it continues to endorse today.We support a public-private collaboration that strengthens our cybersecurity in all sectors, including pipelines, to benefit all Americans, said Matthew Eggers, vice president of cybersecurity policy for the Chamber.Cybersecurity experts and government officials have cautioned for years about the consequences of a pipeline hack, including in 2019 when the Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued a report warning a cyberattack could disrupt a pipeline for days to weeks.Nevertheless, there was widespread business opposition to the Lieberman bill, with almost every affected industry, from financial services to communications, getting involved to warn the proposed cybersecurity mandates would insert the heavy hand of government into corporate affairs.But proponents warned that mandates were essential to ensure there were sufficient safeguards amid a barrage of ever-more sophisticated attacks on private companies running power plants, dams and other critical infrastructure.al-Qaeda VideoWeeks after the bills introduction, the Department of Homeland Security warned hackers had spent months trying to infiltrate computer systems for a number of natural gas pipeline operators. ABC News reported the FBI had obtained an al-Qaeda video calling for electronic jihad against U.S. critical infrastructure. And computer security firm McAfee Corp. warned of coordinated, ongoing cyberattacks on global energy companies in 2011.The hacking episodes foreshadowed how alluring fuel delivery systems are to cyber-criminals, like the Russia-linked group that used DarkSide ransomware to hold Colonials computer systems hostage around May 7. The company was forced to shut down its roughly 5,500-mile-long (8,851-kilometers-long) pipeline system, which provides about 45% of the fuel used on the East Coast, spurring outages at filling stations and the payment of a $5 million ransom before service resumed five days later.Its not clear whether mandates would have thwarted the attack, and investigations are still underway. Colonial has pledged to review any proposal that takes lessons learned from this event that strengthens or hardens our infrastructure.Oil and pipeline trade groups steadfastly insist now is not the time for prescriptive federal mandates.Any discussion of regulation is premature until we have a full understanding of the details surrounding the Colonial attack, said Suzanne Lemieux, APIs manager of operations security and emergency response. But we are committed to continuing our robust coordination with all levels of government.The trade association added in a statement it was generally aligned with the Chamber on the issue in 2012 and cautioned against a prescriptive one-size-fits all regulatory approach that it said would be counterproductive.John Stoody, a spokesman for the Association of Oil Pipe Lines, whose members include Colonial Pipeline, said We want TSA to get right anything they plan to do.For example, an overly broad reporting requirement could overwhelm TSA with hundreds of thousands of cyberattack reports every day that would not do anyone any good, he said.PartnershipChevron said in an emailed statement that federal regulation should take a risk-based approach that gives companies flexibility to defend against threats. And Exxon noted that the rapid evolution of cyber threats means any formal and prescriptive cybersecurity requirements for the industry are often outdated upon completion.The Transportation Security Administration has long taken a similar approach. A branch manager in the agencys office of surface operations last year boasted it involves very few regulations and a cooperative approach to industry adoption of security measure, according to a presentation archived on the agencys website.The TSA opted not to regulate the pipeline sector because it felt a partnership with industry was more efficient, said Fox, the retired TSA manager of pipeline security.A regulation takes months or years to change, Fox said in a phone interview. With this partnership we could make a phone call and say we need you to do such and such and it would be reacted to the next day.Republican FilibusterFox said he didnt think the Lieberman bill would have prevented the Colonial cyberattack.You can regulate whatever you like, Fox said. We have regulations on speed limits and gun control and all kinds of things so if you regulate something it does not means its not going to happen.Ultimately in 2012, Lieberman and Collins watered down their bill in a desperate bid to win over Republicans to get it passed. They dropped mandates and fines in favor of a measure that would create only optional requirements.But even the pared-back bill wasnt enough. Continued concerns about liability and privacy haunted the legislation, and the Chamber opposed the new version too. It was twice defeated by a Republican-led filibuster, ultimately falling nine votes shy of the 60 needed to cut off debate in November 2012.Amy Myers Jaffe, a Tufts University professor and author of Energys Digital Future, said the Colonial cyberattack may be the pipeline industrys Macondo moment.Thats a reference to the Gulf of Mexico oil well that blew out in 2010, killing 11 workers and unleashing the worst oil spill in U.S. history.An overly cozy relationship between federal regulators and oil companies was blamed for contributing to the disaster, Jaffe said. Its shocking to me to think that an industry that likes to brag about its safety records would ever have lobbied against having government-run standards that are mandatory for cyber-security in vital energy infrastructure.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.

Popular American Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and rapper Kanye West's fans have their eyes on the couple since reports about problems in their marriage and their divorce have surfaced. As Kim and Kanye currently try to figure out their marriage, people have started guessing who is the "Keeping up with the Kardashians" star going to date post-divorce.

Rumours have been rife about the reality star dating the 52-year-old CNN commentator Van Jones. Many users shared images of Jones and Kardashian at Criminal Justice Reform Summit in 2018, hosted jointly by Variety and Rolling Stone. This show focused on prison system reforms in the US.

Here's how Twitter reacted to Kim Kardashian and Van Jones





Kim Kardashian is dating Van Jones??? Am I hearing this right!?!?!?   Vou Pam (@SamanthaVouPam) January 7, 2021

ok .. pause on the politics. Van Jones & Kim Kardashian??? Kanye West & Jeffree Star??? what is going on?   certifiedcee! (@Vibeewithcee) January 7, 2021

Hearing that Kim Kardashian is *allegedly* dating Van Jones even though news of her alleged divorce just broke has my brain in circles. pic.twitter.com/0pEk8B97kZ  Court  (@herroyalcourtt) January 6, 2021

.......IF KIM KARDASHIAN IS ACTUALLY DATING VAN JONES...............WE ALL GO TO THE MOON IVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS PLANET............  Zach Schiffman (@schlife) January 6, 2021

*the most important senate race of my lifetime currently happing*

Me searching Kim kardashian and van jones on twitter pic.twitter.com/syOMaC6Ckh  KC (@KCziemann) January 6, 2021

According to a Page Six report, the 40-year-old reality TV star and the 43-year-old rapper's divorce is imminent. Another media report stated the couple, who has two daughters- North and Chicago and two sons - Saint and Psalm, is "keeping it low-key but they are done".

Kim has reportedly hired Laura Wasser as her attorney and they are in settlement talks."

Kim is busy preparing for law exams and is focusing on her prison reform campaign. Kanye is done with the Kardashians and their over-the-top reality star lives , as per a report in Page Six.

The report further adds, "He is completely over the entire family. He wants nothing to do with them."

Even though their divorce talks are on, the couple has reportedly not taken a call on division of their properties.

Also read: Kim Kardashian, Kanye West getting a divorce? 'She has had enough', say reports
Immune cells, which look like small, clear circles, next to a small red sphere of neuroblastoma (cancer) cells. When researchers add an anti-neuroblastoma antibody, the antibody sticks to the cancer cells. This enables the immune cells to recognize the antibody-coated neuroblastoma cells and kill them. Credit: Amy Erbe

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health are breaking new ground to make cancer cells more susceptible to attack by the body's own immune system.

Working in mice, a team led by Jamey Weichert, professor of radiology, and Zachary Morris, professor of human oncology, is combining two different techniques in its approach, using targeted radionuclide therapy, which delivers a low dose of cell-weakening radiation specifically to cancer cells, followed by immunotherapy, which helps the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The animal research is laying the foundation for future human and veterinary clinical trials.

"This has a huge advantage because we can target tumors systemically, regardless of number and anatomic location," explains Weichert. "I often describe it as scuffing up the tumor with this low amount of radiation to make it easier for the immune system to recognize it."

The team has been awarded $12.5 million in funding from the National Cancer Institute to further develop this approach to treating a variety of cancers, including prostate cancer and cancer in dogs.

The research effort includes four projects and four research and support cores led by Weichert, Morris and a suite of other UWMadison researchersmany of them members of the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center.

In contrast to traditional external beam radiation therapy, which is delivered to all or large parts of the body in a non-targeted way, targeted radionuclide therapy involves linking a radioactive atom (also known as a radionuclide) to a molecule that is taken up mostly by tumor cells.

Weichert's team uses a radioactive element and a molecule that mimics a kind of lipid found in rapidly dividing cancer cells. They also use imaging techniques to enable precision dosing of the agents, which are injected into the bloodstream.

The scientists have found in mice that using immunotherapy in combination with targeted radionuclide therapy is more powerful than either approach alone. They will be further investigating combinations of different immunotherapy agents to combat the many ways that cancer can evade the immune system.

For example, some cancer cells have a way of turning "off" immune cells that try to attack them. The team is using immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are drugs that block the cancer cells' ability to neutralize immune cells, so the immune cells have a fighting chance.

Another area of research focuses on how immune cells themselves are activated. Paul Sondel, professor of pediatrics and human oncology, is studying an "in situ vaccine" that attracts immune cells to the tumor and activates them so that they recognize and kill cancer cells at the tumor site. The technique trains the immune system to retain a memory of the particular cancer in a manner similar to vaccines against infectious diseases, which direct the immune system to recognize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

Douglas McNeel, professor of medicine, is applying this synergistic approach to prostate cancer by combining his team's work on prostate tumor vaccines with targeted radionuclide therapy. His team will investigate whether targeted radiation therapy will weaken the tumor first, resulting in better vaccine performance from stimulated immune cells attacking prostate cancer cells.

Morris likens these combination therapies to a bulldozer destroying a tumor.

The ignition of the bulldozer needs to be turned on, and in some cases, a cancer vaccine can facilitate this process. Powering and accelerating the bulldozer requires fuel, which can be provided by drugs that expand and proliferate cancer-attacking immune cells. Checkpoint inhibitors can further speed acceleration by disengaging the brakes of the immune system. And when there are multiple tumors, targeted radionuclide therapy can travel through the bloodstream to every tumor in the body. This paves the path by which the anti-tumor immune response can kill cancer cells throughout the body.

The group has studied a narrow set of targeted radionuclide therapies and immunotherapies so farpreliminary work that was made possible by a UW2020 grant from the UWMadison Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. The National Cancer Institute funding will allow them to broaden their work to include multiple types of these therapies and study them in isolation and in combination.

"The number of variables here begins to become enormous and highlights that we know very little about how to optimize the interactions between these therapies," Morris says. "The only way to really understand these is to do head-to-head comparisons experimentally in a very controlled way like this grant is giving us the resources to do."

Others involved in this group are experts on data analysis, radiation dosing, therapy agent production, and the application of these treatments in canine oncology patients when owners consent to trying them for experimental treatment. They include Kyungmann Kim, Michael Newton, Bryan Bednarz, Joe Grudzinski, Reinier Hernandez, Jonathan Engle and David Vail.

"There are really only one or two other institutions in the country that could do this kind of research, that have access to the necessary expertise and resources," says Weichert. "We've got the top people in the world in each of these disciplines. We believe we are launching a new cancer therapy field here. It's very exciting, and the research team is incredible."

Explore further Targeted radionuclide therapy enhances prostate cancer response to immunotherapies
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A 95-year-old grandfather from Cork became the first person to receive a Covid-19 vaccination in Co Kerry on Thursday.

Killarney Community Hospital has began vaccinations for Covid-19 among its residents and staff as part of Cork-Kerry Community Healthcare's vaccination programme.

John Cremin, a 95-year-old father and grandfather resident at Killarney Community Hospital, was first in line for the vaccination.

John Cremin, 95, the first resident to receive his vaccine at Killarney Community Hospitals today, from peer vaccinator Alan Horgan. A day of hope and optimism! #holdfirm #ckch @ourhealthservice pic.twitter.com/0BCUQ3ii9m  CorkKerryCommunityHealthcare (@CorkKerryCH) January 7, 2021

Mr Cremin, originally from Knocknagree in Co Cork, is a father of four and has six grandchildren. He has been a resident at Killarney Community Hospital since 2013. Thanks to the vaccine, he says he can now look forward to a time when he can have visitors again.

We havent been able to have visitors for a while now. Im not a bit worried about getting the vaccine, its good that its here. Im very glad to be getting my vaccine today, its not something that happens every week,

he said.

Vaccinations will continue at Killarney Community Hospital from Thursday until Sunday.

The ambitious roll-out programme will see Cork Kerry Community Healthcare teams travel to more than 125 locations across Cork and Kerry to vaccinate residents and staff in private nursing homes and the voluntary sector.

Throughout the next week alone, teams are expected to travel to more than 30 public and private facilities in Cork (22) and Kerry (11), where more than 3,500 staff and residents will receive the vaccination.

Director of Nursing Maire Flynn was the first staff member at Killarney Community Hospital to receive the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine by Nurse Elaine Moran on Thursday morning. Picture: Don MacMonagle

Director of Nursing Maire Flynn was the first staff member at Killarney Community Hospital to be vaccinated.

I am delighted that we are receiving the vaccine and so happy for our residents and our staff. We are so grateful to everyone who has made this happen, and so happy to be a part of this.

"Our residents are very excited and are thrilled to be getting something that gives us all new hope for 2021. The important thing about these vaccinations is that they will help us to keep our residents safe, said Ms Flynn.

Everyone vaccinated on Thursday was given a HSE vaccine information leaflet, along with a more detailed manufacturers patient information leaflet, before getting the vaccine.

Afterwards, each person vaccinated was given a vaccine record card, showing the name and batch of the vaccine they had received.

They will each receive a second dose, to be fully protected, in three weeks.

Elaine Sheehan is assistant director of nursing at Killarney Community Hospital, and part of the team of vaccinators delivering the first vaccines on Thursday. She said she was delighted to be part of the team rolling out the vaccine and keeping residents safe.

Weve a busy few days ahead but itll all be worth it. It is just great to be at this point where we can begin to see some light at the end of the tunnel. People realised that we cant continue to live like this. For staff, this is not just about ourselves, this is about protecting our residents, said Ms Sheehan.

Some of the peer vaccinators at Killarney Community Hospitals. We are delighted that our Covid-19 vaccination programme started today. Residents and staff there will be offered the vaccine over the next three days. #holdfirm #ourhealthservice @HSELive pic.twitter.com/yrYeY7L1VA  CorkKerryCommunityHealthcare (@CorkKerryCH) January 7, 2021

It comes as Kerry has seen a dramatic rise in the number of Covid cases, 552 new cases in the last week.

Earlier, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said Ireland would have 460,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccinations by the end of March.

This includes a combination of 350,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 110,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine, with hopes high that the AstraZeneca vaccine and a further vaccine from Johnson & Johnson could be approved soon too, boosting supplies further.
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A cleaner at one of Queensland's quarantine hotels has tested positive to COVID-19  the first case of local transmission in the state for almost four months.

Residents in the Brisbane suburbs of Sunnybank Hills, Algester and Calamvale have been urged to come forward for testing if they develop symptoms after the Hotel Grand Chancellor worker tested positive.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk reveals a cleaner has tested positive. Credit:Jono Searle/Getty

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the plea in an update on Thursday morning as she praised the Hotel Grand Chancellor cleaner for doing everything right.

However, we need to ensure there is no community spread, she said.
on Thursday said it has received an order from State Board directing the company to stop part of the dyeing process which leads to the generation of 'category-IV' effluent in three of its units located at Baddi.

"The company had received an order dated 1.1.2021 issued by the member secretary, State Board directing to stop that part of the dyeing process which leads to the generation of category-IV effluent in three of our units located at Baddi in viz; Auro Textiles, Auro Dyeing and Auro Textiles unit-ll," said in a regulatory filing.

said these three units are generating two types of effluent, category-I and category- IV, and the company is fully compliant with regards to category-I effluent.

"For category-IV, the FDS (fixed dissolved solids) standards were notified by the Himachal State government in December 2019, and immediately thereafter, the company had taken up a project to install the FDS Control System which is targeted to be completed by June 2021," the company said.

Vardhman Textiles said since the orders issued by the member secretary are not in accordance with law, on the advice of legal counsel, the company is in the process of seeking appropriate relief from the competent court of law.

"In the meanwhile, all the three units are operational by making changes in the product mix distribution and processes in order to remain compliant with the order of member secretary and this has already been informed to the concerned authorities," the company added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


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The FTAs official announcement came on the day that U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chau announced she will be resigning in the wake of Wednesdays attack on the U.S. Capitol by protesters loyal to President Donald Trump. Chaus husband, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, was in the Capitol during the attack.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - American Airlines has unveiled proposed changes to its policies and procedures, allowing individuals with disabilities to travel with service animals. Meanwhile, animals that previously traveled as emotional support animals and no longer qualify as service animals may travel as carry-on pets or as cargo pets, as long as they meet the requirements. The forthcoming changes are in line with regulations that were issued recently by the U.S. Department of Transportation or DOT. As per the DOT's new rule, a service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability - a narrower definition than in the past. The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline noted that when the rule goes into effect January 11, it will no longer authorize new travel for animals that do not meet that definition, such as emotional support animals. Existing bookings involving emotional support animals will be honored through February 1, when the airline's new policies go into effect. Starting February 1, American will ask customers traveling with service animals to complete a DOT form attesting to the dog's behavior, training and health. This form needs to be submitted electronically 48 hours in advance of a flight, unless the reservation is booked within 48 hours of travel. The authorization for a service animal will be valid for one year or until the expiration of its vaccinations. The service animal forms, along with further new policy details, will be available on the company website in the coming days. 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.
Probably most telling from the analysis from the UBS Quant team is that momentum as a factor (Last 12 month returns), has outperformed an equal weighted benchmark by a factor of 8. In a risk-rally, you will see value and high beta names (those stocks prone to volatility) outperform. A quick scan of the winners in the last six weeks, clearly articulates this point. But notably, the "Value + Beta" chart profiles for the most part are quite choppy over longer duration, as risk-rallies tend to come to an abrupt end. The UBS Quant team point to combining "Value + Quality" as the strategy for duration, whereby cumulative returns are less volatile and outperform their "Beta + Value" counterparts. Value + quality = turnaround It is easy to buy a business with momentum. Everyone likes a stock going up. But small cap managers have made their names on backing a turnaround and buying early. A turnaround usually follows these steps. A former market darling missteps and is punished severely by investors as future growth expectations are reset, and a multiple that was once justified for the quality of management, the track record of execution, the expectation of earnings upgrades is promptly bought back to earth.

The register usually full of like investors turns over, as the dreams can no longer be realised and whats left is what some investors may characterise as a value opportunity while for others its banished to the archives never to be invested in again. To even consider backing a turnaround, you need an open mind. If you were like the many investors caught up on the falls of Slater & Gordon, Speedcast or Vocation, I could go on, I liken it to a relationship breakdown. When you have been burnt by a former love, it is incredibly hard to go back to see if they have actually changed. As alluded to above the market cannot help but buy 12-month underperformers when searching for value in their universe. Not surprisingly a future turnaround would start in this camp after its fall. There will be those who advocate it's cheap, while there will be those who refuse to entertain the thought. Getting over the hatred barrier is hard but normally the catalyst is change. Board renewal, new management, the kitchen sink  significant write downs, restructuring charges, a new PowerPoint presentation and finally a strategy day. If any of these things are remotely engaging it can warrant a second look. I asked my team which companies they would regard as the greatest turnarounds. We came up with following list: Cleanaway, Vocus, Elders, Lynas Corporation, Navigator (post GFC), Accent Group and failed IPO Temple & Webster. At the top of the list would be Cleanaway.

Heart on sleeve (reputation on pocket) I recall a trip to Brisbane in 2015 with the team. We like so many other small cap investors were there to see the darlings of the day  Mantra, G8 Education and future F1 race car tech play PWR. On our back up list was Transpacific. We had lost track whether their HQ was in Brisbane or in Melbourne. A sleepy industrial, that acquired the former Brambles waste management business at the peak in 2007 from its relatively brief stint owned by private equity, had almost collapsed during the GFC under a debt burden of around $2.1 billion. The market had disengaged with the lack of strategic direction, despite managements attempts to simplify the business with the divestment of the commercial vehicle, and its New Zealand waste businesses a few years earlier. In July of that year, the company appointed a new chief executive, Vik Bansal  a relative unknown to listed corporate life hailing from the US where he had successfully orchestrated the turnaround of NYSE listed Valmont Industries. Very rarely do you see a complete CV attached to an ASX release, it certainly piqued our curiosity that this leader was going to be about full disclosure. Cleanaway boss Vik Bansal is a key example of a boss who has pulled off a business turnaround. Credit:Peter Braig A year later we started to see the beginning of what this turnaround would entail. Revenue and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation growth for the first time in three years was re-emerging for Australias largest waste management company. A name change to Cleanaway Waste Management, a unified brand, a more consistent approach to customer service, cost out, improving capital discipline was just the start.

The Cleanaway of old, had at times been financially irresponsible, was over geared, had chased market share and ultimately did not behave like an industry leader. Upon Bansals arrival, he made it clear he needed to get his own house in order first and better control the capital spending. What began as a cost out strategy, migrated to reducing churn/driving revenue growth and operating leverage, while at the same time Bansal articulated the medium to long term strategy positioning Cleanaway in the virtual circle of waste. Once the market got comfortable that earnings growth could be delivered, Bansal was given the endorsement to acquire. Its not a straight line Turnarounds are never usually smooth sailing, typically they take longer, cost more and require a significant amount of patience. Investors will engage early with a charismatic CEO and an impressive Venn diagram that can articulate TAM (total addressable market), but if the earnings trajectory fails to turn fast enough, the stock can fall afoul of the market. Several management teams have started well but underestimated the magnitude of the challenge to turn the Queen Mary and bring the investors along for the ride. In some cases, the problem is not the management team or operating model, it is a business which has been superseded by newer technology or disrupted by a challenger with a better mouse trap. Flexigroup has had a few false starts as has Fletcher Building, Myer and Invocare. Several turnarounds have started promising such a Emeco, Noni B, Helloworld, but succumbed to structural headwinds, commodity cycles or pandemics. Some are underway. The Reject Shop is embarking on at least its third turnaround, BWX under David Fenlons stewardship is expanding distribution, improving margin and driving dollars per kilo. Blackmores is also early stage and one to not lose sight of is Whitehaven, albeit not a turnaround per se, it is staging its third comeback.

When a business has been built through acquisition and been subject to multiple management iterations in its lifetime, it takes time to unwind, unpack and decipher the assets with true value, and realise the earnings potential. Vocus chief executive Kevin Russell knows a thing or two about turning around a company's fortunes. Credit:Steven Siewert From darling to detested It was easy to see why the market fell in love with Vocus in the early days. A charismatic founder CEO. A sector where an oligopoly had reigned, but at the time was struggling to keep up with the changing needs of the customer. A challenger brand emerged with a customer centric, service focus and there was an opportunity to consolidate the space, get scale and take market share from the incumbents. In the early days, the market liked the acquisitions, in many cases debt funded with significant accretion and synergies. With its acquisition of Amcom in mid-2015, with this multiple data centres, a New Zealand presence in FX Networks, Vocus was on a roll. However, the merger with M2, that saw Vocus enter the consumer broadband space, was the ultimate turning point for the stock. Burdened with debt and the structural change that was occurring in the consumer market (NBN rollout) saw organic growth vanish. Key management departed and the equity value fell to an five-year low of $2.22 in early 2018.

In the turnaround playbook, board renewal begins and new management is appointed. The market is undoubtedly curious as to the candidate, but many fallen angels are brushed aside for some time as focus shifts to the next shiny company with momentum. After months of speculation a Scotsman with vast experience at the major Australian telcos was drafted in to lead the charge in repairing Vocus. At Vocus's full-year 2018 result there was no big strategy deck, the message was simple Vocus's primary focus going forward is sustainable, profitable growth. When you have one of the best fibre network infrastructure assets in the country and its significantly under-utilised, fixing distribution to drive revenue was key. As often is the case when a market darling falls, vultures circle to see what can be salvaged. There were two corporate approaches to take Vocus private that both fell through and the market began to question what they had seen during due diligence. To his credit new boss Kevin Russell has stuck to script. Right-sizing the executive team, fixing the accounts, demonstrating the quality of the core network services business and its ability to grow, and emphasising to the market the opportunity that lies ahead. Two and a bit years into the process, the turnaround is close to the final quarter. Sales have improved in the core network services business, enterprise, government and wholesale are re-engaged, the New Zealand business is up for sale and there are green shoots emerging within the consumer division. To the board and managements credit an emergency capital raising was never undertaken during the pandemic and the quality of the cashflows have meant excessive leverage is now also no longer an issue. For investors that joined the register at a similar time to Russell's appointment, a circa 22 per cent annualised return over the past two-and-a-half years is very impressive. Boiling it down why this turnaround has been successful in a relatively short time frame is that Vocus, at its heart, has a very good product in the network services division and operates in a good industry structure. It was a challenger with a strategic plan to take market share from the incumbents. Having the right leader is just one of the ingredients, a strong and clear vision is ultimately required for success.

What does success look like? The success of a turnaround is hard to quantify. Total shareholder return is a crude metric of success, but more tangible improvements include better transparency, predictability of earnings, confidence in financial accounts and a track record of delivery over multiple periods. In the case of Vocus it is still underway, but success is evident. For Cleanaway and Elders the proof is probably in the shareholder return metrics. It is easy to see why investors engage as most fund managers would characterise themselves as optimists, and hence hope that good businesses can be saved. At its core, people like to back the underdog. As for where to now for value, I think it comes down to your view on the macro outlook. The rotation has been sharp, losers have been bought, and the relativity versus growth is nowhere near as extreme as it once was. Investors will continue to debate whether Netflix kill cinemas, Tesla kills the internal combustion engine or social media kills traditional media. It will not be an overnight phenomenon, and there will be opportunities for investors to make money through adopting traditional value disciplines when sorting the wheat from the chaff. The old way of doing something may not be the wrong way. The COVID beneficiary darlings of 2020, could well be those discarded in 2021 as vaccines rule the world and we adopt some normality. Dont lose sight of quality businesses that have mis-stepped or just struggle to match the success of previous years. A discounted valuation may present the perfect entry point to back the next turnaround. Nick Guiera is an analyst at Eley Griffiths Group. The information in this piece is of a general nature only.
Jennifer Martinez was charged with three counts of driving under the influence, including aggravated DUI, Chicago police said. Martinez, who was arrested shortly after the collision, was also charged with driving an uninsured vehicle.
Updated, 1/8: Discord has now followed Twitch in banning Trump-related accounts. It's announced a ban of "The Donald" Discord server.

A spokesperson told tech reporter Casey Newton that the decision was "due to its overt connection to an online forum used to incite violence and plan an armed insurrection."

That's a much more major step than Twitch's ban, as multiple journalists have pointed to Donald Trump-related online sites (like TheDonald.win, and this corrolary Discord server) as spots where key instigators of Wednesday's events allegedly discussed their intent to move on the Capitol.

Banning TheDonald's server potentially blunts the group from discussing further action, or at least forces them to another platform.

Original story follows below.

Twitch has taken another step in response to yesterday's assault on the US Capitol. It's now suspended the Twitch account of US President Donald Trump.

The move comes after Facebook locked down the President's accounts on Facebook and Instagram. In an e-mail to Kotaku, a Twitch representative said that the move was meant to prevent the President from "inciting further violence." 1/8 update: Twitter has now done the same.

In light of yesterdays shocking attack on the Capitol, we have disabled President Trumps Twitch channel, they said. Given the current extraordinary circumstances and the Presidents incendiary rhetoric, we believe this is a necessary step to protect our community and prevent Twitch from being used to incite further violence.

The spokesperson said that the suspension has no end date at this time. We are focused on minimizing harm leading up to the transition of government and will reassess his account after he leaves office.

It's slightly unclear what constitutes a suspension in this case. Donald Trump's account is still viewable on Twitch and one can view older videos uploaded to the account. It's possible Twitch might have suspended the ability to broadcast or upload new videos for the time being.

This is the second time the US President's Twitch account has been suspended. Twitch briefly suspended his account in June for broadcasting "hateful content."

Twitch (and Facebook's) decision to band the president's social media accounts feel somewhat like shutting the barn door after the horse has escaped, run down to Washington DC, and encouraged a crowd of pro-Trump supporters to march on capitol hill. Little of what the President has posted on social media in the last week has varied from what he's posted since losing the election in November.

For Twitch's part, it's not like Donald Trump was hopping on the channel and streaming Fortnite while spreading incendiary content. The account seemed to mostly serve as a spot to rebroadcast Trump's rallies for a game-playing audience.

In 2020, the normally video-game-focused Twitch now found itself as a popular hub for political mobilization thanks in part to politicians like President-elect Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Senator Bernie Sanders, and House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez using the platform to engage with US voters.
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President-elect Joe Biden has called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business.

Biden also demanded President Donald Trump to immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence that he described as an unprecedented assault as pro-Trump protestors violently occupy U.S. Capitol.

Biden's condemnation came after violent protesters breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm the president-elects victory in the November election.

Biden addressed the violent protests as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers.


Tesla and other electric vehicle makers active in California have a chance to benefit from a $1.5-billion package aimed at motivating businesses and individuals to switch from regular cars to EVs and hydrogen vehicles, CNBC reports.

The package is part of a $4.5-billion budget proposal for this year by Governor Gavin Newsom, a renewable energy hardliner who last year proposed that sales of internal combustion engine cars be banned from 2035.

The package, in addition to a stimulus for the purchase of electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, also seeks to stimulate investment in related infrastructure such as charging points, which is essential for the mass proliferation of EVs and hydrogen cars.

Governor Newsom last September signed an executive order seeking to ban the sales of new ICE cars in the state of California from 2035.

In the next 15 years we will eliminate in the state of California the sales of internal combustion engines, the Governor said at a news conference before signing the executive order. If you want to reduce asthma, if you want to mitigate the rise of sea level, if you want to mitigate the loss of ice sheets around the globe, then this is a policy for other states to follow.

California is the biggest single car market in the States and the biggest EV market. Like other car markets, however, sales there so far this year have been stifled by the pandemic and the movement restrictions it necessitated.

The future, however, is bright. According to the CNBC report, this year will see the release of as many as 11 new electric car models, all made in the U.S. Several import models by Volkswagen and Nissan, among others, will also debut in the States this year.

The proposed package will likely additionally boost EV makers stocks, even those of companies that have yet to show something more than a prototype. Tesla, which recently hit a market cap of $700 billion for the first time ever, will likely continue rising further.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Paris, TX (75460)

Today

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Visitors from Sydney will be shut out of Queensland until at least February, with authorities also "very concerned" about cases of COVID-19 in Victoria.

Queensland was due to review its hard border closure with greater Sydney on Friday, but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that date had been extended until the end of January.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the state would extend the ban on visitors from Greater Sydney until at least the end of the month. Credit:Jono Searle/ Getty Images

"I know this is very disappointing for people during this time, but we are concerned still about greater Sydney," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"We have a watching brief, as well, on Victoria, we are also very concerned about Victoria."
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - The Tupelo Police Department and Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi are trying to identify three suspects involved in a theft.

According to Tupelo police, the theft happened at a pawn shop in Tupelo.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-773-TIPS (8477).
K.-based air ventilation and fan company will re-establish North American presence

Woods Air Movement will invest more than $3 million in Rutherford County

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Woods Air Movement officials announced today that the ventilation and fan company will establish a U.S. facility in Murfreesboro.

Woods Air Movement will re-establish its North American presence in the U.S. market by investing $3.6 million and creating 27 jobs in Rutherford County.

The company is constructing a new, purpose-built 25,000-square-foot facility, which will be its North American headquarters and manufacturing facility for industrial ventilation products used in road and rail tunnels, non-residential buildings and underground parking garages. The facility will also function as a product testing center, which will be accessible to customers.

Originally established in 1909 in Colchester, England, Woods Air Movement is globally recognized in a variety of markets from building ventilation and fire safety to customized industrial projects. Woods Air Movement manufactures smoke and fire safety products as well as centrifugal, axial Jet Thrust and roof fans. The company also specializes in acoustic and engineering support services.

Over the last five years, TNECD has supported more than 20 economic development projects in Rutherford County, resulting in approximately 3,000 job commitments and $540 million in capital investment.

QUOTES

We welcome Woods Air Movement to Tennessee and are proud to be the top choice for this international companys new U.S. operations. We saw how hard-working and resilient Tennesseans were in 2020, and I look forward to seeing this company develop and provide new opportunities for our residents in the new year.  Gov. Bill Lee

As we enter into a new year, TNECD continues to recruit top global companies to do business in Tennessee. Woods Air Movements decision to locate its North American headquarters in our state underscores Tennessees pro-business environment, central location and talented workforce. We thank the company for investing and creating new family-wage jobs in Rutherford County.  TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe

I am delighted to start this new chapter in our history and establish Woods Air Movements brand new, state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing facility here in Rutherford County. My thanks go to the TNECD and Rutherford County Chamber teams for their unwavering support and professionalism throughout this process. We are committed to developing, building and contributing to the local community as we grow as an organization.  Jamie Slowgrove, president, Woods Air Movement

One of the top goals of the Murfreesboro City Council along with our partners at the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce is to attract higher paying jobs to help keep talented MTSU graduates in our community. We are excited to celebrate the decision by Woods Air Movement to locate an advanced manufacturing and R&D facility in Murfreesboro. We look forward to welcoming Woods leadership and nearly 30 engineering jobs to our growing and livable community.  Rutherford County Mayor Shane McFarland

 TVA and Middle Tennessee Electric congratulate Woods Air Movement on its decision to locate operations in Murfreesboro. Helping to attract quality jobs and investment to the Valley is fundamental to TVAs mission of service and we are proud to partner with Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help further that mission and celebrate this announcement.  John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development

"I am pleased Woods Air has chosen Murfreesboro as its premier R&D testing facility in the U.S. Our community offers a great workforce, a business-friendly environment and many opportunities for expanding businesses. I congratulate Woods Air on this new U.S. location and appreciate the work of state and local officials who helped secure these jobs and investment for Murfreesboro."  Sen. Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro)

Woods Air Movement is well-known all over the world for its innovation, new product development and successful growth. Its exciting when a company like theirs recognizes the opportunities provided by Rutherford County. I welcome our newest employer and I look forward to following their continued success developing new technologies in our community.  Rep. Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro)

TNECD Media Contact

Molly Hair, Public Information Officer

(615) 878-0063

Molly.Hair@tn.gov

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Developments mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.

###
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Protesters who back President Donald Trump massed at the the Statehouse in Santa Fe, N.M., on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Morgan Lee)

Protesters Flood Statehouses in 17 States

Supporters of President Donald Trump flocked to the capitals of more than a dozen states on Jan. 6 as a group of protesters in Washington broke into the U.S. Capitol.

Small and mostly peaceful protests challenging the legitimacy of the 2020 election took place outside the statehouses in Arizona, California, Mississipi, Tennessee, Minnesota, Georgia, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Washington, Ohio, Oregon, Kansas, Hawaii, Wisconsin, and South Carolina.

Signs saying Stop the steal and Four more years were common throughout amid the presidents ongoing dispute of the election results in seven states. Only a few arrests were reported and scuffles broke out in states like Ohio and California.

A caravan of flag-waving protesters on horseback and in vehicles prompted New Mexico police to evacuate a statehouse building, which contains the offices of the governor and the secretary of state. The demonstrators sang God Bless America, honked horns, and claimed on a megaphone that Trump was the rightful election winner.

At the epicenter of the protest in Washington, D.C., Air Force veteran and Trump supporter Ashli Babbit, who was among those who broke into the Capitol building, was shot and died from her injuries. The violence beyond that was not widespread and protesters were seen commingling with law enforcement inside the building. Those who left the building were not allowed to return.

The breach of the U.S. Capitol occurred as lawmakers debated over the objection to the counting of a slate of presidential Arizona electors for former Vice President Joe Biden. Arizona is one of seven states where Trump has challenged the outcome of the election, citing unconstitutional changes to election law and several categories of potentially illegal votes.

News of the breach of the U.S. Capitol triggered cheers at the protests in Minnesota and Arizona, where protesters exercising their second amendment rights marched at the capitol in Phoenix.

In Georgia, Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger evacuated his offices at the capitol after 100 protesters gathered outside, some armed with long guns.

We saw stuff happening at the Georgia capitol and said we should not be around here, we should not be a spark, Gabriel Sterling, a top official with Raffenspergers office, told The Associated Press.

Trump has criticized Raffensperger and Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp for being uncooperative with his effort to audit the election, most recently by declining a signature audit in Fulton County.

Kemp called the breach of the U.S. Capitol as a disgrace and quite honestly un-American. The governor said he was extending an executive order from protests over the summer, activating the National Guard in case they are needed to protect the state capitol on Monday when the legislative session begins.

In Washington state, protesters broke through a gate at the governors mansion and dozens of people gathered on the lawn. The State Patrol said authorities were responding and that Gov. Jay Inslee and his family are in a safe location.

Earlier, dozens of people gathered at the state capitol, demanding a recount of the U.S. presidential election and Washingtons gubernatorial election, which Inslee, a Democrat, won by more than 500,000 votes.

In Utah, the staff of Gov. Spencer Cox was sent home as several hundred people gathered in Salt Lake City. Salt Lake Tribune photographer Rick Egan said he was pepper-sprayed by a demonstrator who taunted him for wearing a mask and shoved him as he was shooting video of the protest.

At least one person was arrested at the Oregon capitol in Salem on suspicion of harassment and disorderly conduct as police in riot gear tried to get peoplemany of them armedto leave.

In Topeka, Kansas, a rally ended with Trump supporters filing peacefully into the statehouse building through security checkpoints and milling around historical exhibits.

In Honolulu, Hawaii, about dozens of protesters lined the road outside the state capitol waving American and Trump 2020 flags at passing cars.

In Madison, Wisconsin, Trump supporters circled the state capitol building in cars and trucks adorned with Trump and U.S. flags for several hours Wednesday, blaring their horns.

In Colorado, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock ordered city agencies to close buildings after hundreds gathered in front of the capitol building.

In South Carolina, protesters supporting Trump came to the Statehouse but the gathering had broken up by the time the U.S. Capitol was breached.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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The former Special Presidential Envoy to the US-led International Coalition has been tipped for a position on Joe Bidens National Security Council reports North Press.

US President-elect Joe Biden is likely to choose Brett McGurk for a senior job on the US National Security Council (NSC), managing the Middle East and North Africa. McGurk was a top National Security Advisor to three consecutive US presidents (2004-2018), and former Special Presidential Envoy to the US-led International Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State (ISIS).

McGurk led sensitive negotiations with Russia on the Syria crisis and shuttled between global capitals to build coalitions and narrow differences between friends and adversaries.

As Special Presidential Envoy leading the campaign to defeat ISIS, McGurk helped build the coalition of 75 countries and four international organizationsthe largest coalition in historyto confront ISIS.

Trumps decision to withdraw was heavily criticized by former national security personnel. Donald Trump is not a Commander-in-Chief, said Brett McGurk, who resigned in protest last year as the Trump administrations Special Envoy to the Coalition.

He makes impulsive decisions with no knowledge or deliberation. He sends military personnel into harms way with no backing. He blusters and then leaves our allies exposed when adversaries call his bluff or he confronts a hard phone call, he added.

He also criticized Turkeys invasion of northeastern Syria, saying that Turkey has neither the intent, desire, nor capacity to manage 60,000 detainees in al-Hol Camp. The Turkish proposed safe zone would effectively extend Turkeys border 30km into Syria, including areas where Christians, Kurds, and other vulnerable minorities are present. Our diplomats were working on a plan to forestall such a debacle he added.

This article was 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 shadow of an airplane on Highway 953 in Miami on Dec. 18, 2020. (Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images)

Survey: Americans Look Forward to Traveling Without COVID-19 Restrictions in 2021

Americans are looking forward to traveling without COVID-19 restrictions and spending more time with family and friends in 2021, a new survey indicates.

The What Matters 2021 survey was conducted for Agoda, a travel agency.

Asked last month what they were most looking forward to in 2021, 34 percent of respondents answered spending more quality time with loved ones, 29 percent answered traveling more with friends or family, and 20 percent answered traveling unhindered.

Other choices included taking more spontaneous trips and traveling at a slower pace.

Respondents aged 55 and above were most likely looking forward to traveling without restrictions. Respondents between the ages of 25 and 54 said they looked forward to spending quality time with people, while those 18 to 24 most looked forward to making a difference.

2020 was a year of survival and of making the best of it. Despite all that struggle and hardship, our research shows that theres a global desire for travel, connection, meaning, and spending time with friends and family. Travel will resume eventually, because, ultimately, the human desire to travel is unstoppable, said Tim Hughes, vice president of corporate development for Agoda, in a statement.

Travel is one of the top things people look forward to in 2021. More than thatpeople are committed to making a difference, traveling with people who matter, open to more unplanned, last-minute trips, and considering the environmental impact they make as they travel.

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred many counties, including the United States, to impose harsh restrictions to try to curb the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

Amid lockdowns, some states forbade outsiders from entering. Others implemented measures including testing negative for COVID-19 before entering.

Agodas survey was conducted between Dec. 10 and Dec. 16, 2020. The total sample size was 16,064.

Answers to what people looked forward to the most varied across countries.

Spending more quality time with loved ones was the top choice in the United Kingdom, Thailand, the United States, the Philippines, Malaysia, and China.

Being able to travel without restrictions appeals most to Singaporeans, South Koreans, and Japanese.

Indonesians, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese said they most looked forward to doing things that matter or make a difference.

Few respondents had chosen to return to the workplace. Remote work has skyrocketed around the world, and a growing number of people prefer working from home. Attending live, sporting, or large-scale events was the second-least-popular choice, though 8 percent of Americans picked that option.
Watching in shock and dismay at the overrun of the Capitol on Wednesday, instigated by the president of the United States, emotions ran the range from heartbreak and fury, all the way to  delight. The melee was cleared by police, though the damage was done and at least one and as many as four lives lost. It was not hard to reimagine the scene and the death count had the mob not been mostly white. Theres no shortage of commentary with politicians finding some backbone instead of chasing the wind.

Politicians and pundits insisted, This is not America.

But this is America.

We are helplessly divided, entrenched, angry, and unrepentantall characteristics Scripture characterizes as the world (1 Cor. 1), a state of reality opposed to the kingdom of God.

As Christians, we default to prayer, asking God for help, for peace, for justice, for righteousness to roll. Somehow some still prayed for overturning the election, abetting the mob and giving into the falsehood. The aims and objects of prayer depended on the side you sit on. The answers depend on the Lordas Abraham Lincoln recognized even amid four years of a blood-soaked civil war:

Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. (Lincolns Second Inaugural, March 4, 1865)

The Civil War was won, and lost, and its deadly and racist ripples persist. That Congress was compelled by yesterdays violence to come to its senses and sort itself out, while welcomed, will likely last but a moment. As fallen humans, our capacities for righteousness and best intentions remain finite and tainted by sin and self-interest. We struggle to discern evil from good.

In Matthew 13:4750, Jesus tells a parable about fishermen who hauled a daily catch ashore and culled the good from the bad. The parable portrays the end of the age, the final sorting, so to speak. We assume the shore to be eternity and the fish to be humans, though interestingly, the Greek text never expressly mentions the word fish.

The kingdom net hauls in the whole of creation. Everything finds it way to shore.

The kingdom net is specifically a dragnet that indiscriminately rakes in everythingfish to be sure, but also seaweed, flotsam, jetsam, plastic bottles, boots and beer cans and rusted anchors, every kind of marine debris. The kingdom net hauls in the whole of creation without question. Sink or swim, the kingdom net rejects nothing; everything finds it way to shore.

Once ashore there is a sorting, and since Jesus told his disciplesand by extension you and methat they were the fishers of people, we presume we get to determine whos good and whos not, whats right and whats not, what goes into the basket and who gnashes their teeth in the furnace of fire. Surely every misogynist; racist; and fear-mongering, foul-mouthed, and morally repulsive demagogue and his followers all get the roaster. There they sizzle alongside the smug, the condescending and self-righteous, the entrenched and entitled who buy their way out of tension and trouble. It all depends on the sea you swim in.

But, wisely and rightly, Jesus assigns the sorting to unbiased angels, messengers of God with no agenda save the Lords own. As for us humans, let us judge not that we be not judged. Do not take revenge, the apostle Paul wrote to Roman Christians, but leave room for Gods wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord (12:19). God Almighty is not impartial toward evil, but the Lord does love mercy. He loves mercy more than we do.

As Christians, whatever our politics, yesterday demands we disentangle and reject the suspicions, lies, grievances, umbrages, and arrogance that have characterized our politics and country and its leaders of late. We must refuse to let our faith be co-opted by political power and principalitiesdespite our allegiance to countryand recommit, with humble hearts, to Christ and his kingdom, a full net, bursting to the breakpoint, a nod to Gods love for all things. The kingdom hauls in the whole of creation without question, then sorts the good fish from the bad (though I dare say, the good still gets fried in a pan and eaten for supper). The Almighty has his own purposes.

At the risk of cliche, the truth of the gospel asserts love never fails or stands down. It casts out fear (1 John 4:18), but also anger, hate, anxiety, and deceit. Rather than any passive acquiescence, love ferociously resists with the force of resurrection, day by day, defeating even death and the Devil for the sake of justice and mercy and humility on earth. Without love we are nothing (1 Cor. 13:13), because love is everything.

Daniel Harrell is editor in chief at Christianity Today.
The ISSCR's VISION2030 gathers global leaders in stem cell research and regenerative medicine

Skokie, IL - The ISSCR's VISION2030 is bringing together biotech CEOs who have successfully transformed scientific breakthroughs into thriving businesses that are improving human health. Join us for in-depth executive interviews that explore the next decade for the field on 7-8 January 2021. The event comes at a pivotal moment in regenerative medicine and stem cell science as discovery, translation, and investment intersect. Register and see the full program.

Thursday, 7 January

12:00 to 17:30 EST

12:00 EST

Welcome Remarks

Christine L. Mummery, ISSCR President / Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands

Deepak Srivastava, Gladstone Institute/UCSF, USA l ISSCR Immediate Past President

Leonard I. Zon, Boston Children's Hospital, USA l ISSCR Founder

12:15 EST

BlueRock Therapeutics Executive Interview

Emile Nuwaysir, President and Chief Executive Officer, BlueRock Therapeutics, USA

Lorenz Studer, Founding Scientist, BlueRock Therapeutics l Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, USA

Viviane Tabar, Founding Scientist, BlueRock Therapeutics l Memorial Sloan Kettering Center, USA

Interviewed by ISSCR Board Member Arnold R. Kriegstein, University of California, San Francisco, USA

BlueRock Therapeutics is advancing their novel cell+gene platform to develop, manufacture, and deliver an entirely new generation of authentic and engineered cell therapies across three therapeutic areas: neurology, cardiology, and immunology.

12:45 EST

Surrozen Executive Interview

Craig Parker, Chief Executive Officer, Surrozen, USA

Claudia Janda, Princes Maxima Centrum, Netherlands l Surrozen Founder

Interviewed by ISSCR Past President Hans C. Clevers, Hubrecht Institute, Netherlands l Surrozen Founder

Surrozen is pioneering a new class of targeted regenerative antibodies to repair a broad range of tissues and restore organs damaged by serious disease.

13:25 EST

ElevateBio Executive Interview

Mitchell H. Finer, Scientific Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ElevateBio, USA

Melissa K. Carpenter, Chief Scientific Officer, ElevateBio, USA

Interviewed by ISSCR Board Member Martin F. Pera, The Jackson Laboratories, USA l Stem Cell Reports Editor-in-Chief

ElevateBio is accelerating the rate of innovation in cell and gene therapy with a disruptive capital-efficient model.

13:55 EST

STEMCELL Technologies Executive Interview

Allen C. Eaves, Scientific Founder l Chief Executive Officer, STEMCELL Technologies, Canada

Interviewed by ISSCR Board Member Valentina Greco, Yale University School of Medicine, USA

STEMCELL Technologies' mission is to advance the pursuit of scientific knowledge by supplying high quality, innovative reagents, tools, and services that enable life science research.

14:40 EST

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Executive Interview

Jeffrey Leiden, Executive Chairman, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, USA

Bastiano Sanna, Executive Vice President, Chief of Cell & Genetic Therapies & VCGT Site Head, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, USA

Interviewed by ISSCR Past President Douglas A. Melton, Scientific Founder, Semma Therapeutics, now Vertex Pharmaceuticals l Harvard University, USA

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases.

15:15 EST

FUTURECAST--STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.

Andrew Gaffney, Associate Director, iPSC and Differentiated Cells

Sponsored content

15:20 EST

Tenaya Therapeutics Executive Interview

Faraz Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Tenaya Therapeutics, USA

Deepak Srivastava, Scientific Founder, Tenaya Therapeutics l Gladstone Institute/UCSF, USA l ISSCR Immediate Past President

Interviewed by ISSCR Board Member Charles E. Murry, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington/Sana Biotechnologies, USA

Tenaya Therapeutics is a company with a mission to discover, develop, and deliver curative therapies that target the underlying causes of heart disease.

?

16:00 EST

Fate Therapeutics Executive Interview

Scott Wolchko, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fate Therapeutics, USA

Leonard I. Zon, Scientific Founder, Fate Therapeutics l Boston Children's Hospital, USA l ISSCR Founder

Interviewed by ISSCR Board Member Takanori Takebe, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA/Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Yokohama City University, Japan

Fate Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of next-generation cellular immunotherapies for cancer and immune disorders.

16:30 EST

Thought Leaders--Pivoting to the Future

Margaret A. Hamburg, Co-Chair, WHO Expert Advisory Group on Developing Global Standards for Governance and Oversight of Human Genome Editing and Global Standards for Governance and Oversight of Human Genome Editing l Former FDA Commissioner, USA

Rajiv Kaul, Sector Manager, Fidelity Select Biotechnology Portfolio and Fidelity Advisor Biotechnology Fund, USA

Andrew Plump, President, Research & Development, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Member of the Board of Directors, USA

Jim Tananbaum, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Foresite Capital, USA

Interviewed by ISSCR Immediate Past President Deepak Srivastava, Gladstone Institute/UCSF, USA

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Christine Mummery, ISSCR President / Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands

Friday, 8 January

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About the International Society for Stem Cell Research

With nearly 4,000 members from more than 60 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health. Additional information about stem cell science is available at A Closer Look at Stem Cells, an initiative of the Society to inform the public about stem cell research and its potential to improve human health.

This story has been published on: 2021-01-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
SPRINGFIELD  Hours after rioters seeking to block the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens November election victory first began storming the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker called on Congress to impeach and remove sitting President Donald Trump.

The Associated Press reported one woman was shot and killed at the Capitol on Wednesday, and members of Congress were sent fleeing as angry Trump supporters stormed the floor of the U.S. House and Senate.

Pritzker, in a statement, said, Two weeks is too long for Donald Trump to remain in office, where he can continue to incite more untold violence.

Because of todays events incited by the President, I had to ask the Illinois State Police and other law enforcement resources, engaged in important life-saving missions, to redeploy to heighten their presence at government buildings and the Capitol in Springfield, Pritzker added.

A small group of 75 to 100 protestors demonstrated peaceably Wednesday outside of the Illinois State Capitol, a far cry from the events in Washington, D.C.

As the heart of our democracy was under siege and blood was literally being spilled in our most sacred halls, Donald Trump was praising the attackers. There are real questions about what efforts the president made to protect our Congress or what obstructions he committed that has prevented the ending of the siege, Pritzker said in the statement.

Trump, in a video statement released Wednesday afternoon, urged the rioters to go home while still incorrectly maintaining the election was stolen by Democrats. Trump has filed several lawsuits alleging voter fraud, repeatedly being rejected by judges for lack of evidence.

Trump also praised the rioters in the video statement, calling them very special and telling them he loved them.

On Twitter, the social media platform began removing some of the presidents tweets after he criticized Vice President Mike Pence for not being more proactive in blocking the results of the November election. Wednesday evening, Twitter placed a 12-hour block on his account, noting it would continue until certain tweets deemed a threat to public safety were removed.

Several Republican members of Congress planned to object to Bidens certification Wednesday before it was waylaid by the rioters.

But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the joint session would reconvene Wednesday night to certify Bidens election victory.

There is no doubt in my mind that his efforts to encourage a coup represent high treason to this democracy, our Constitution and all Americans, Pritzker said in his statement. He poses a danger to our nation. He must be impeached and removed from office immediately. And every person in a position of public trust, elected or otherwise, who enabled the systematic dismantling of our democratic norms and failed to speak up or take action bears some responsibility for the culmination of four years of spreading bile.

Legislative Republicans in the state also rebuked the events in Washington.

The events unfolding at the United States Capitol today, and the inflammatory remarks by members of the Republican Party, are a disgrace to the core values and beliefs of our great nation, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, said in a statement. These actions do not represent our Republican Party, and are against everything we stand for as Americans. I am sickened and deeply saddened by what I have witnessed today. Any public officials who condone these actions have no place in the Republican party or in our democracy.

Dan McConchie, Senate minority leader designate, also issued a statement.

The horrible violence at our nations Capitol is a disgrace to all Americans, McConchie said. This violence does not reflect the United States that generations of Americans have fought so hard to build. I stand with members of all parties in condemning these un-American acts of violence and treachery, and will do my part here in Illinois to repair the devastating divide that has been created in our country.

Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, and House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, also issued statements condemning the rioters.

The peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our great democracy, Harmon said. To disrupt that transition is an affront to the very fabric of the United States of America. The U.S. Capitol has stood strong in the face of attacks by confederates and terrorists. We will survive todays sad acts to once again be a beacon of hope, change and equality for the world.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
The leader of the United Armenia party, Artur Kazinyan, is sure that the wife of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Anna Hakobyan, must be interrogated.

He recalled that Nikol Pashinyan, the de jure head of the state, previously admitted that he had sent his wife to the generals at the command post to provide them with moral support.

"Only this circumstance is subject to legal assessment since his wife simply does not have the right to be at the command post," News.am quotes the politician as saying.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 06:09:20|Editor: huaxia

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A worker picks cotton at an industrial park in Syrdarya region, Uzbekistan, Sept. 26, 2019. (Photo by Zafar Khalilov/Xinhua)

The economic recovery will be supported by foreign direct investment as the subregion deepens its integration with the Belt and Road Initiative, the World Bank said.



TASHKENT, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The economy of the Central Asian countries is expected to recover to 3 percent in 2021 due to a modest rise in commodity prices and investments within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China, said the World Bank in a report on Wednesday.

The economic recovery "will be supported by foreign direct investment as the subregion deepens its integration with the Belt and Road Initiative," the World Bank said in its latest Global Economic Prospects.

In particular, the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of Uzbekistan, the region's most populous country, will reach 4.3 percent in 2021 and 4.5 percent in 2022, it said.

According to the bank, Uzbekistan registered a 0.6-percent GDP growth in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the bank pointed out the setbacks for Central Asia's economic development in the future.

"The immediate outlook for economic growth in the region is clouded by uncertainty over the recent surge in COVID-19, which has contributed to social unrest in some countries, as well as the risk of escalating geopolitical tensions," it said. 

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You know (perhaps) that Dwight Eisenhower served as President of the United States at some point during the 20th century. But did you know that his post-presidential papers include cooking directions typed by his staff  or clipped from other sources  and pasted into a scrapbook alongside some of his own enormous recipes (like a beef stew that feeds 60)? Or that he requested Queen Elizabeths recipe for drop scones after she hosted him at Balmoral Castle in August 1959? Or that the queen sent the recipe several months later accompanied by a handwritten note which featured cooking tips that seemed only to render the recipe much more confusing?

Everybody loves that recipe, said Ms. Parkinson.

Does history come alive in the kitchen when one attempts to recreate the queens drop scones in ones own kitchen? From personal experience, the answer is: not really  or else the president implored the Queen of England to send him the recipe for a kind of very airy, slightly metallic, burnt floppy pancake. (Success may be thwarted by the queens tip about reducing serving size, which presents this as the rare baking recipe in which ingredient ratios are irrelevant: Though the quantities are for 16 people, she scrawled, when there are fewer, I generally put in less flour and milk, but use the other ingredients as stated.)

Did the queen intentionally send the president a mostly-directionless recipe to prevent him from replicating her treat? Would he, as a midcentury cooking enthusiast, have been able to intuit the instructions? Did Dwight Eisenhower enjoy the taste of slightly metallic, burnt floppy pancakes? Did he request the recipe out of mere politeness  or, perhaps, as a scheme to acquire an item penned in the queens handwriting for his personal recipe collection? The Archives do not contain such information.

But they do offer something useful: the urge to learn more.
Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesBy KIRIT RADIA and ALLIE YANG, ABC News



(WASHINGTON) -- As the country watched thousands of pro-Trump protesters storm the United States Capitol Wednesday afternoon, leaders around the world publically condemned their actions.



Several foreign embassies in Washington, D.C., have also issued warnings to their citizens who are in the country's capital to stay home or shelter in place, including Bulgaria, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.



Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said obviously were concerned about the situation in Washington, D.C.



Were following the situation minute by minute, Trudeau told the News 1130 Vancouver radio station. I think the American democratic institutions are strong, and hopefully everything will return to normal shortly.



The United Kingdoms Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had been seen as a Trump ally before the presidential election in November, said the scene at the capitol is disgraceful.



The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power, he tweeted.



London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has long feuded with Trump, said the scenes coming out of the U.S. capital are deeply disturbing.



Solidarity with our friends in America tonight, Khan said. These extremists are intent on attacking democracy and stoking division."



Erna Solberg, prime minister of Norway, wrote that Wednesday's actions were unbelievable and a totally unacceptable attack on Democracy. A heavy responsibility now rests on President Trump to put a stop to this."



She was the first leader to rebuke Trump for leaving the World Health Organization (WHO) in June.



Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has previously voiced support for the incoming president Joe Biden, said he trusts in the strength of America's democracy. The new Presidency of [JoeBiden] will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people."



Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte called on Trump to recognise [Joe Biden] as the next president today."



Icelands Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir said that the attack on Capitol Hill is an attack on democracy. We are witnessing disturbing scenes of violence in Washington, D.C. Liberty, democracy and decency must be respected."



Violence is incompatible with the exercise of political rights and democratic freedoms, Italys Prime Minister Guiseppe Conte wrote in Italian on Twitter. I trust in the solidity and strength of the Institutions of the United States. #CapitolHill"



NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the scenes have been shocking and urged that the outcome of this democratic election ... be respected."



Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote he is extremely troubled by the violence and horrible events taking place in Washington, D.C. American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis."



Sebastian Pinera, president of Chile, wrote that the country rejects actions aimed at altering the democratic process in the United States and condemns violence and undue interference with constitutional institutions in Spanish on Twitter.



Chile relies on the strength of U.S. democracy to guarantee the rule of law," he added.



German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who has previously called the president out for stoking unrest in June, also weighed in on the crisis on Capitol Hill.



Insurgent words turn into violent acts -- on the steps of the Reichstag, and now in the #Capitol, he wrote in German, referring to the government building in Berlin that was also the name of the pseudo-Parliament put in place during Nazi Germany.



The disdain for democratic institutions is devastating ...Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling democracy," he said.



Belgium's PM Alexander de Croo said the U.S. Capitol is a symbol of American democracy. We trust the strong institutions of the United States will overcome this challenging moment. Full support to President-elect [Joe Biden]."



"The U.S. Congress is a temple of democracy, said Charles Michel, president of the European Union, on Twitter. To witness tonights scenes in #WashingtonDC is a shock. We trust the U.S. to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to [Joe Biden]."



First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said that Wednesdays events were utterly horrifying.



Shame on those who have incited this attack on democracy, he said.



David Sassoli, president of European Parliament, said there are "deeply concerning scenes from the U.S. Capitol tonight. Democratic votes must be respected. We are certain the U.S. will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected."



Chair of U.K. foreign affairs committee Tom Tugendhat said, "The U.S. Republic has inspired millions. Not today... The actions of [Donald Trump] threaten us all."



"Those of us who fought side-by-side with [82nd Airborne, America's Division] and [U.S. Marine Corps] need no lessons in loyalty or the privilege of having U.S. allies, he added. The U.S. is a great nation and great people. Only our enemies will watch with anything but sadness."



Tugendhat served in the British Army until 2013.



Turkey's Foreign Ministry issued a statement in Turkish saying that it's following the situation and invite all parties in the USA to use moderation and common sense. We recommend our citizens in the USA to stay away from crowded places and places where shows are held."



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
This editorial appears in the January 8, 2021 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

EDITORIAL

Crush the Malthusian

Green Finance Scam

[Print version of this editorial]

UN/Mark Garten

Jan. 1The worlds central bankers, guided by the former head of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, have activated their genocidal plan to use the power of the central banks and the associated too big to fail mega-banks to take over economic policy making from elected governments, cutting off credit to any business which produces what they consider to be too large a carbon footprint. The fact that carbon has nothing to do with climate is known to every competent scientist in the worldthose who rely on creative mentation, rather than computer projections.

The British Imperial plan is not about climate; this is nothing but the latest manufactured excuse for committing genocide. Once it was eugenicsthat the inferior races in Africa and India simply didnt understand the moral necessity of carrying out contracts to export their food, simply because millions of Indians and Africans were starving to death. (See Matthew Ogdens article in this issue of EIR, on how the forced famines in India helped convince Americas Founding Fathers to revolt against the British Empire.)

Then it was the natural law of the right to private property. (See Fred Haights article in this issue of EIR on John Lockes constitution for his slave colony of Carolina, defining the right to own people as Gods natural law. This genocidal view was kept out of the U.S. Constitution, which instead asserted Leibnizs right to pursue happiness.)

White House

Now it is the scientific fraud known as anthropogenic climate change created by carboncarbon compounds generated by machines, by farm animals, and by human beings. No matter that carbon dioxide is the food for plant lifeit must be eliminated, and the people and the animals along with it. As an ideology, this evil movement has been denounced, and countered with real science, for decades by the LaRouche movement. But now it is no longer an ideological issue. It is a Malthusian scheme to carry out Prince Charless proposed reduction of the human population to about one billion peoplewhich the British Lords and Ladies describe as the maximum carrying capacity of our Earth. Recall that Bertrand Russell once said: If a black death could be spread throughout the world once in every generation, survivors could procreate freely without making the world too full. And it was Barack Obama who told the young Africans at a university in Soweto that they must not aspire to having big houses, air conditioning and cars, lest the world boil over. To make clear that he had no intention to actually solve the energy problem, Obama told supporters in the U.S. that we wouldnt need to invent some fancy new fusion energy or anything, instead peddling insulation of homes and returning to primitive, low-energy flux density solar and wind, which could not sustain a human population more than a few billion.

It is obvious to any thinking human being, that the current pandemic and the famine it has engenderedtodays black deathcould have been prevented had the Western nations not intentionally taken down their health care systems as part of the privatization processshort-term profit over human liveswhile also denying access to functioning health care systems for the poorer nations.

Resolving this crisis requires the cooperation of the worlds leading economies and scientific institutions, especially those of the U.S., China, and Russia. Consider this in trying to understand the thinking behind the demonization of Russia and China. Are the proponents of this new McCarthyism in the UK and the U.S. unaware that this division of the world into competing, geopolitical blocs is causing millions of deathsor is this their intent?

President Trump was elected because he rejected this Cold War relic, insisting that it is a good thing, not a bad thing to be friends with Russia and with China. He was maneuvered into backing off from that noble commitment by the Russiagate coup plotters and the spokesmen for the military-industrial complex, who maneuvered themselves into his Cabinet.

It is not too late for Trump to act. Were he to call a summit of Presidents Putin, Xi, and himself, to address all aspects of the global crisis, the controlled environment could be broken. Pardoning Julian Assange and Edward Snowden would be a useful first step.

The LaRouche Organization, TLO, was founded just before Christmas, to address all these aspects of the global crisis. Together with the Schiller Institute, TLO is pulling together those people of good will around the world who otherwise would be isolated. This is a crisis of civilization, not of each individual nation. Make this the opportunity to implement a new paradigm for mankind. Think, then act.
(Natural News) UPDATE and corrections: We now know the storming of the Capitol Building was a false flag operation led by Antifa / BLM. (See below.)

Operators have stormed the Capitol Building and now occupy the Senate Chambers.

Another group now occupies Nancy Pelosis office where they are now reportedly reading emails from Pelosis staff computers.

Earlier reports indicated weapons were drawn and fired in the chambers, with one person reportedly shot and killed by the Capitol Police, although this has not yet been confirmed. The situation is changing rapidly, and information is sketchy.

The storming of the Capitol Building began after treasonous Democrats began reading prepared statements that falsely claimed Joe Biden won the popular vote and that the elections were completely fair, honest and transparent. In reality, there is overwhelming evidence of widespread, coordinated election rigging and fraud.

Trump tweeted out:

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021

Capitol Police reportedly fired on a female Trump supporter, killing her. Heres a frame from the video:

And heres the video (WARNING, GRAPHIC):

Holy Shit! here is the video of cops shooting and what looks like killing a Trump-supporting woman inside of the capitol #WashingtonDC pic.twitter.com/wVjg7g1mav  Luke Rudkowski (@Lukewearechange) January 6, 2021

It is now confirmed she was shot in the neck by Capitol police, who of course would never fire on Antifa or BLM:

Here is a photo of what is claimed to be emails from Nancy Pelosis office:

Earlier, members of Congress were warned to hide under their desks as the patriots breached the building.

Jeffrey Prather is now warning that this was an obvious false flag operation, led by Antifa / BLM:

The following video shows Capitol Police waving protester into a staging area so they could breach the building. It was all planned by the police, working with Antifa / BLM false flag operatives:

We believe that what were watching here is a small taste of things to come if Trump doesnt invoke the Insurrection Act and arrest the traitors who obviously and blatantly rigged the elections.
In an unprecedented step, Facebook and Twitter suspended President Donald Trump from posting to their platforms Wednesday following the storming of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

Twitter locked Trump out of his account for 12 hours and said that future violations by Trump could result in a permanent suspension. The company required the removal of three of Trump's tweets, including a short video in which he urged those supporters to go home while also repeating falsehoods about the integrity of the presidential election. Trump's account deleted those posts, Twitter said; had they remained, Twitter had threatened to extend his suspension.

Facebook followed up in the evening, announcing that Trump wouldn't be able to post for 24 hours following two violations of its policies. The White House did not immediately offer a response to the actions.

This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trump's video. We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence.  Guy Rosen (@guyro) January 6, 2021

While some cheered the platforms' actions, experts noted that the companies' actions follow years of hemming and hawing on Trump and his supporters spreading dangerous misinformation and encouraging violence that have contributed to Wednesday's violence.

Jennifer Grygiel, a Syracuse University communications professor and an expert on social media, said Wednesdays events in Washington, D.C. are a direct result of Trumps use of social media to spread propaganda and disinformation, and that the platforms should bear some responsibility for their inaction.

This is what happens, said Grygiel. We didnt just see a breach at the Capitol. Social media platforms have been breached by the president repeatedly. This is disinformation. This was a coup attempt in the United States.

Grygiel said the platforms decision to remove the video  and Twitters suspension  are too little, too late.

Theyre creeping along towards firmer action, Grygiel said, calling Trump Exhibit A for the need for greater regulation of social media. Social media is complicit in this because he has repeatedly used social media to incite violence. Its a culmination of years of propaganda and abuse of media by the president of the United States."

Trump posted that video more than two hours after protesters entered the Capitol, interrupting lawmakers meeting in an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

So far, YouTube has not taken similar action to muzzle Trump, although it said it also removed Trump's video. But that video remained available as of Wednesday afternoon.

Guy Rosen, Facebooks vice president of integrity, said on Twitter Wednesday that the video was removed because it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence.

This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trumps video, Rosen said on Twitter.

Twitter initially left the video up but blocked people from being able to retweet it or comment on it. Only later in the day did the platform delete it entirely.

Trump opened his video saying, I know your pain. I know your hurt. But you have to go home now.

After repeating false claims about voter fraud affecting the election, Trump went on to say: We cant play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. Youre very special.

ALSO READ: Trump orders ban on transactions with more Chinese apps

Republican lawmakers and previous administration officials had begged Trump to give a statement to his supporters to quell the violence. He posted his video as authorities struggled to take control of a chaotic situation at the Capitol that led to the evacuation of lawmakers and the death of at least one person.

Trump has harnessed social media  especially Twitter  as a potent tool for spreading misinformation about the election. Wednesday's riot only increased calls to ban Trump from the platform.

The President has promoted sedition and incited violence," Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive officer of the Anti-Defamation League said in a statement. More than anything, what is happening right now at the Capitol is a direct result of the fear and disinformation that has been spewed consistently from the Oval Office."
Some Houstonians will get their COVID-19 vaccines at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, as the city temporarily relocates its inoculation clinic.

The current site, the Bayou City Event Center, will close for an unrelated event. Only residents who already have booked appointments for Saturday will be allowed to get shots at the ballpark.

The inoculations will return to the Event Center on Sunday. The city is calling people affected by the change to notify them.

Mayor Sylvester Turner had hoped to set up what he calls a mega vaccination site on Saturday, but he said the delivery of the vaccine did not allow for that.

We just dont have the supply, Turner said. He said he hopes to have the mega site up and running the following week at Minute Maid Park, aiming to inoculate as many as 6,000 people a day when possible.

The citys health department has received roughly 13,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. Through Thursday afternoon, it had vaccinated 8,169 people, about 1,000 people a day. It also transferred about 1,900 doses to other providers, Turner said. The mayor said the Houston region expects to receive a significant shipment of the vaccine next week.

Health Department Director Stephen Williams said the city will use Saturday to test how it can ramp up capacity in the near future.

Turner used a news conference Thursday to plead residents to remain vigilant against the virus, as hospitalizations climb and a new, more contagious variant has been found in the area.

I simply want to reinforce the importance of us pumping the brakes, Turner said, encouraging people to distance themselves, keep wearing masks and washing their hands. We all need to pump the brakes.

A person in Southwest Harris County was confirmed to have the new strain of the virus, the first case in Texas. City health officials said Houston has not had a confirmed case, but it is safe to assume it is present given the mans proximity to the city and the fact that he had not traveled recently.

I just assume its already here, Turner said.

dylan.mcguinness@chron.com

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) - Hornby Bay Mineral Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: HBE) (OTCQX: HBEXF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of its annual and special meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held earlier today.

All matters presented for approval at the Meeting were duly authorized and approved, as follows:

1. Election of Directors The following nominees were elected as directors of the Company. The results of the votes cast are as follows:





Votes For Votes Withheld



(a) Frederic Leigh 56,931,381

(99.895%) 59,865

(0.105%)

(b) Chris Irwin 56,921,547

(99.878%) 69,699

(0.122%)

(c) Galen McNamara 56,945,547

(99.920%) 45,699

(0.080%)

(d) Maurice Colson 56,945,547

(99.920%) 45,699

(0.080%)

2. Election of Directors



The following nominees were elected as directors of the Company, conditional on and effective upon completion of the proposed transaction (the "Proposed Transaction"), as more fully described in the Company's press release of December 3, 2020 and management information circular dated December 8, 2020. The results of the votes cast are as follows:





Votes For Votes Withheld

(a) Victor Cantore 56,935,548

(99.902%) 55,698

(0.098%)

(b) Simon Marcotte 56,925,548

(99.885%) 65,698

(0.115%)

(c) Frank Guillemette 56,901,548

(99.843%) 89,698

(0.157%)

(d) Brad Humphrey 56,925,548

(99.885%) 65,698

(0.115%)

(e) Maurice Colson 56,925,548

(99.885%) 65,698

(0.115%)

3. Appointment of Auditor



Wasserman Ramsay, Chartered Accountants were appointed as auditor of the Company until the next annual meeting of shareholders and the board of directors were authorized to fix the remuneration of the auditor.

4. Approval of Stock Option Plan



The approval and confirmation of the stock option plan of the Company was approved by shareholders.

5. Approval of Name Change



The approval to change the name of the Company to such name as the directors of the Company, in their sole discretion, may determine and as may be acceptable to the Director appointed under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) was approved by shareholders.

6. Approval of Consolidation



The approval to effect the consolidation of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company on the basis of up to seven (7) old common shares for one (1) new common share was approved by shareholders.

7. Approval of Control Person



The approval of Frank Guillemette as the new "Control Person" of the Company, conditional on and effective upon completion of the Proposed Transaction was approved by a majority of the disinterested shareholders.

8. Approval of RSU/DSU Plan



The approval of adoption by the Company of a restricted share unit and deferred share unit compensation plan and any grants to be made thereunder was approved by a majority of the disinterested shareholders.

For further information, please contact:

Fred Leigh

President & CEO of Hornby Bay Mineral Exploration Ltd.

Phone: (416) 861-5933

Email: info@hornbybay.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and, if applicable, disinterested shareholder approval. The Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Further details of the Proposed Transaction contemplated by the definitive agreement with respect to the Proposed Transaction will be included in subsequent news releases and disclosure documents to be filed by the Company.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71600
The Supreme Court on Thursday cited a large congregation at the Tablighi Jamaats headquarters in Delhi in March that was blamed for a sharp increase in Covid-19 infections and asked the Centre what guidelines had been put in place to prevent a similar situation at the farmers protest sites on the Capitals borders. It issued a notice seeking the Centres reply within two weeks.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde remarked: This same problem is going to arise during the farmers protest. We do not know if farmers are being protected from Covid. What guidelines have you issued for prevention of such things?

Have you learnt from your experience in handling this [Jamaat] event? Have you found out how it happened? the bench, which also comprised justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, asked solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Centre.

Thousands of farmers have massed on Delhis borders since November 26 to protest against three laws seeking to open up agricultural markets that cultivators say would hurt their interests, weaken their bargaining power and leave them at the mercy of large agribusinesses.

Mehta told the bench that an investigation of the Jamaat congregation was still underway by Delhi Police. He added that guidelines seeking to curb large gatherings were in place and sought two weeks to file a reply.

The remarks were made during the hearing of a public interest litigation by Jammu-based lawyer Supriya Pandita for a CBI probe into the Jamaat gathering.

Panditas lawyer, OP Parihar, cited the Jamaat gathering and added that the groups chief Maulana Saad had not yet been arrested. The bench said it is not interested in one person. We are interested in ensuring Covid guidelines are prepared and implemented.
Thursday, January 7, 2021

In the lawsuit to stop Garrison's perjury charges, Judge Herbert Christenberry held three days of hearings in January of 1971. Jim Garrison, still the District Attorney, was forced to take the stand and was examined by Clay Shaw's attorneys - Edward Wegmann and Irvin Dymond. John Volz and William Alford were the lawyers for Garrison.

Here are some of the highlights of Garrison's testimony:

Right off the bat, Garrison is confused about how many times he asked Clay Shaw in for an interview. Shaw came in late December 1966, and then on March 1st when he was arrested). He's not even sure why he was a suspect.

Garrison doesn't even know how many times Perry Russo was hypnotized (it was three times).

Garrison is then shown a copy of Clay Shaw's indictment and then claimed that David Ferrie was alive when Clay was indicted.

This is all not true. Ferrie had died a week earlier, and while Garrison claimed at the time that he was considering indicting Ferrie, that was later contradicted by James Alcock, his second-in-command.

Garrison would not tell the court what witnesses he based the Shaw indictment on.

Judge Christenberry answered the question for Garrison - the only witness he had prior to the arrest of Clay Shaw was Perry Russo.

Shaw's lawyers then probed about the case against Clay Shaw, and it is a trap. If Garrison admits that proving Shaw knew Oswald and Ferrie was an essential part of his case, then Shaw's acquital would mean he could not be charged with perjury. And so, Garrison did not want to answer the question.

And, what about the witnesses who discussed the assassination in Dallas.

Garrison was then asked about witness Charles Spiesel:

I don't believe this for a second. There is no evidence that Garrison recommended Spiesel not be called as a witness.

Garrison is then questioned about Perry Russo's lie detector test. Edward O'Donnell interviewed Russo and tried to deliver a polygraph test on June 16, 1967. The readings were erratic and so the test was stopped. O'Donnell kept asking questions, and Russo admitted that perhaps Clay Shaw might not have been at the meeting at Ferrie's apartment.

Here is the O'Donnell report:

Garrison is then shown a copy of this report:

Garrison was then asked about witness Vernon Bundy.

So, the Court was forced to make a determination (which was correct) that they found Bundy after Shaw was arrested.

Garrison continued to be uncooperative.

Garrison was asked whether the perjury charges against Clay Shaw were unique:

The Judge then had a question for Garrison:

And, there was this revelation from Garrison in a discussion about his book, A Heritage of Stone:

This was news to everybody. But, Garrison had plans:

Garrison then turned emotional and waxed eloquently about how he cared for Clay Shaw.

That mood didn't last long:

And to end Garrison's testimony, the theater of the absurd!

You can read more about Boxley in my book, On The Trail of Delusion - Jim Garrison: The Great Accuser. Boxley was perhaps Garrison's favorite investigator because he fed back the same conspiracy theories. He was not a CIA agent - Harold Weisberg and Vincent Salandria convinced Garrison he was so that he could be fired.
It is the ingenuity and the resourcefulness of Indian entrepreneurs as well as family businesses that hauled us out of that era of scarcity and want.

The recent incident of telecom infrastructure belonging to Reliance Jio in Punjab being vandalised by some people opposed to the three disputed farm bills isnt an isolated example of big business being targeted. It comes on the heels of the violence at Wistron Corps iPhone manufacturing plant at Narasapura industrial area in Karnataka. In the past too, Tata Steel had faced the ire of local people in Kalinga Nagar over allegations related to the displacement of tribals from their land even though it had been allotted to the company by the government.

While the anxiety of farmers, workers and displaced people is understandable, what isnt acceptable is violence as a means to address such issues and the tendency to attack corporate assets and executives merely because they are visible and are seen to represent a faceless enemy. The discredited socialist-era mindset which perceived business to be a powerful and malevolent force is partly responsible for this attitude towards large and successful companies. In the 29 years since the liberalisation of the economy, Indian business, big and small, has become a part and parcel of our daily lives, producing goods and services that are integral to our existence. The post-1991 generation can never really understand how coveted a telephone connection or a power line were in the dark decades of the 1970s and 1980s when the state had capped the size and scope of private business activities in the country.

It is the ingenuity and the resourcefulness of Indian entrepreneurs as well as family businesses that hauled us out of that era of scarcity and want. With the opening up of the economy, following the governments belated realisation that it had neither the means nor the wherewithal to create and run successful enterprises, private Indian and foreign business rushed to fill the vacuum. In the process, many of them have grown big and prospered. Many others fell by the wayside after they were found wanting by the markets. The bloodbath in sectors like aviation and telecom shows how fraught with the risk it is to do business in a dynamic and global environment.

In this matrix, where the risk far outweighs the rewards, the latter can often be exponential particularly when pursued with the kind of zeal many of Indias best businessmen and women have shown over these last three decades. In highly capital-intensive sectors like retail, pharma, telecom and manufacturing, or in globally competitive ones like IT services, businesses have to aim for rapid and sustained growth. Staying small and thereby below the radar isnt an option.

All big businesses are basically small businesses which succeeded in growing after overcoming initial hurdles. Google and Facebook, today the very epitome of Big Tech, and vilified as being avaricious and predatory, didnt exist 25 years ago.

More contextually, Jio, against whom some of the present ire has been directed, started operations barely five years ago and while it is backed by the vast resources of the Reliance group, its rise to the top came after competing with equally well-funded and powerful competitors. Thus, in September 2016, when Jio launched its commercial services in the country, Vodafone was a global telecom giant with a market cap of nearly $80 billion.

Business today is cut-throat and hypercompetitive in ways it has never been before. One or two missteps can condemn the largest of companies to oblivion. In such a scenario, companies need to keep growing profitably to stave off competition and address the growing demands of their various stakeholders. Penalising them for this, purely on the perception that their profits are unfairly made or that their very existence constitutes a threat to some section of society, betrays a lack of reason and understanding.

Of course, all businesses are required to operate within the margins of the law. That applies equally to the small as well as the big though it is the latter we expect will uphold the principles of corporate governance more strongly. But the judges of corporate misdemeanors cannot be walking the streets of our villages and towns. For that, we have regulators and oversight agencies whose job it is to ensure that the rules are followed and any failure to comply with them is punished.

Picking on big businesses merely on the suspicion that they must necessarily be doing something wrong or because it draws the maximum eyeballs can be counterproductive. The infamous Singur agitation in Bengal which forced Tata Motors out of the state 10 years ago, also put paid to its ambitions to emerge as an auto manufacturing hub.

Sundeep Khanna is a former editor and the co-author of the recently released Azim Premji: The Man Beyond the Billions. Views are personal

The article was first published in CNBC-TV-18 and has been reproduced as is, with permission
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWines office has not shared any details on how the state will vaccinate educators, Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper said in a conference call on Thursday.

DeWine previously has said that educators and staff at Ohios schools that plan to return to or stay with in-person learning would be vaccinated as part of Phase 1B of the vaccination process, expected to begin in about two weeks. But there has been little information on the logistics of distribution and how the governors office has planned for the rollout of the vaccine.

What has been made clear is that the state wants to link vaccination of school teachers and staff to districts teaching in buildings. DeWine said the prioritization of educators is a policy decision meant to get kids back into classrooms.

Croppers union represents 20,000 members in more than 50 locals. She said even if the vaccine is offered to educators, making return-to-school mandatory could be dangerous.

If it is offered to all, but only 50-60% take it, it may not be safe to reopen, Cropper said.

In nursing homes, where the vaccine is currently being offered, DeWine said about 40% of staff have opted to take the vaccine. There are no state mandates on taking the vaccine.

Cropper listed other factors that would make it safe to return to buildings, like robust testing programs and the ability of the school district to implement mask and social distancing measures. She also noted community spread as something that should play into that decision.

Cropper also expressed concern with the states decision to not require students and staff exposed to a confirmed coronavirus case to quarantine if everyone was properly wearing masks, because it might cause districts to be more lax on other measures.

Please understand that early vaccinations are certainly not wasted if they are given to educators and school staff without the precondition of opening schools, Cropper said. Keep in mind our teachers are still educating students when not in buildings. These vaccines will reduce the amount of missed time for educators, helping to maintain consistency.
BJP state president Somu Veerraju said the party would seek permission from the state government for the visit for prayers to Lord Rama.  DC Image

Visakhapatnam: State BJP leaders will make a fresh attempt to visit Ramateertham and offer prayers at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple atop Bodikonda, Nellimerla, in Vizianagaram district.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, BJP state president Somu Veerraju said the party would seek permission from the state government for the visit for prayers to Lord Rama. When they allowed Rajya Sabha member V Vijay Sai Reddy and Opposition leader Nara Chandrababu Naidu, what would be the harm if we are allowed, Veerraju asked.

Stressing that the BJP is not against other religions, he said the party would honour the sentiments of Hindus who comprised 80 per cent of the population in the state, and demand protection of Hinduism and Hindu temples.

He said the state BJP unit would, after January 20, launch a Jana Jagrana Yatra from Ramateertham to Tirumala via Pithapuram, Antarvedi, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Srisailem, where temples were attacked.

It was unfortunate that not a single person was taken into custody in any of the attacks made so far on the temples.

Asked whether the BJP would demand a CBI inquiry, Veeerraju said it was the responsibility of the state government to identify the culprits.

The BJP leader also strongly reacted to the presence of police personnel at the Visakhapatnam BJP office and at the GVMC dharna programme. The YSRCP leaders, on one hand, have been saying the BJP has no presence in Andhra Pradesh and would lose deposits in all polls. On the other hand, they are wary of the BJP and obstructing the partys programmes, he said.
Hillsong Dallas lead pastors step down after 15 years with ministry

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The lead pastors at Hillsong Dallas have announced that they are stepping down from their positions after over 15 years with the international ministry.

Reed Bogard and his wife, Jess Bogard, who head the Australian-based megachurchs Dallas location, announced during service Sunday that they are resigning from their roles after over a decade of service.

The announcement was made by Reed Bogard in the form of a pre-recorded video in which he thanked those who helped them plant Hillsong Dallas.

It has been an incredible ride thus far. We have had some crazy days, some great days, seen God do many, many miracles, Bogard said. We are so grateful for that. With that said, the last 10 years of being in church-planting mode has really taken a bit of a toll on Jess and I and our family.

Bogard, 38, said that he and his wife, who met while studying at Hillsong International Leadership College, feel that the time is right to transition off of our staff and take some time to remain healthy, get healthy and to really see what this next season holds for us.

I am so grateful for our global senior pastors, Pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston, for believing in us and entrusting this to us. They have trusted so much along the way. They have been the greatest cheerleaders, the greatest supporters. I never met two people who believe in people so much. We are just so grateful for you, Pastors Brian and Bobbie.

After college, the Bogards worked in different roles within the church and have helped plant three different churches during their tenure, including the turmoil-ridden Hillsong NYC/East Coast, the campus in Los Angeles and in Dallas, where they were given the responsibility of lead pastors.

Hillsong founding Pastor Brian Houston also addressed the congregation by video and thanked the Bogards for their service.

Reed and Jess have given their heart and soul to the pioneering of Hillsong Dallas over the last couple of years, Houston said. We are grateful for that and grateful for the work they have done.

Houston assured that there will eventually be new lead pastors at Hillsong Dallas but said the church is not going to rush it.

I do believe in the future of Hillsong Dallas, he said. In the meantime, we will make sure week by week that the church is being cared for. We have a great team over in America and around the world. Even though we are restricted in what we can and cant do right now in terms of travel, you are not going to be forsaken.

The announcement comes as Hillsong NYC has been hit hard by scandals in recent months including the November firing of Hillsong NYC Pastor Carl Lentz for moral failures and the surfacing of 2018 claims of inappropriate sexual relations between Hillsong NYC staff and volunteers.

Lentz later admitted to being unfaithful in his marriage. A leaked audio recording reported by the Daily Mail of Houston talking with church leaders and donors about the Letnz situation indicated that the celebrity pastor had more than one affair before his firing.

Last month, Hillsong told The Christian Post in a statement that the ministry received a letter with serious allegations regarding staff and volunteers at the Hillsong NYC campus in 2018. Upon a three-month investigation into the letters claims, the church said that it learned that some of the allegations were true.

In response, our team took immediate action to address those allegations, the December statement reads. Though some of the letters allegations were found to be inaccurate, we realized that those situations required care and concern as well.

Reed Bogards video didnt explain why now is the right timing for the couple to step down, nor was there mention of anything related to Hillsong NYC.

The Bogards, who are both in their 30s, have three children.

Reed and I have been talking now over a period of time and we both agreed it would be a perfect time for them to come to a new season in their life, which means a new season also for Hillsong Dallas, Houston said in his pre-recorded video to the congregation.

In November, Hillsong announced that it hired a New York-based legal firm to conduct an independent investigation into Hillsong NYC and Hillsong East Coast. The investigation will look into all concerns and any wider cultural issues.

We are taking this extremely seriously and on the basis of this report, we will be better positioned to take whatever actions are deemed necessary to right the wrongs and see Hillsong East Coast move forward in a way that enables many more people to find hope in Jesus," the statement explained.

Hillsong NYC is known for having been attended by celebrities such as Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber. Bieber recently distanced himself from Hillsong by stating publicly that he is a member of Churchome led by Judah Smith.

Hailey Bieber said in an interview last year with Elle that it was Hillsong Church that helped her get in touch with her faith. According to Elle, Hailey Bieber first attended the church when she was 16.

Founded in 1983, Hillsong Church has campuses in over 28 countries. According to its website, Hillsong Church has an average weekly attendance of 150,000. Hillsong is also globally known for its popular worship bands and worship music widely used by other churches and ministries.
Bollywood and Hollywood stars have reacted strongly to the storming of the United States Capitol building by enraged supporters of US President Donald Trump. As Congress moved toward confirming President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 presidential election on Wednesday, hundreds of pro-Trump protesters stormed and occupied the Capitol, disrupting the final electoral count.

Chris Evans, Ashton Kutcher, Sacha Baron Cohen, Michael Keaton, Cardi B, Ava DuVernay, Edward Norton, Shonda Rhimes were among the many from Hollywood, who expressed their outrage at the situation on social media. Some even called for the arrest of President Trump, alleging that the Republican politician instigated the violence. Several Bollywood stars including Swara Bhasker and Richa Chadha, are also speaking out on social media.

If armed people of color; black, Latino, Muslim- stormed the US Capitol to disrupt the transfer of power following an election, thered be no tear gas & rubber bullets phase of the response. Theyd be shot dead before they got 10 steps into the grounds, Edward Norton tweeted.

Sacha Baron Cohen tweeted, "Hey Mark Zuckerberg, @jack, @SusanWojcicki and @sundarpichai-- Donald Trump just incited a violent attack on American democracy. Is that FINALLY enough for you to act? It's time to ban Donald Trump from your platforms once and for all!"

Hey Mark Zuckerberg, @jack, @SusanWojcicki and @sundarpichai -- Donald Trump just incited a violent attack on American democracy. Is that FINALLY enough for you to act?!It's time to ban Donald Trump from your platforms once and for all! pic.twitter.com/4oWoiMu0eC Sacha Baron Cohen (@SachaBaronCohen) January 6, 2021

Here's what others tweeted:

Leah Remini: "Praying for our country. Sickened & saddened by what I'm seeing-on so many levels. Cowards. Disgraceful. We will get through this. #CapitolRiots"

Meghan McCain: "This one one of America's darkest days in our entire history."

Charli D'Amelio: "Today has been a difficult day for our country my heart is with everyone and im just hoping everyone can stay safe and out of any harm. please everyone in the washington dc area stay safe!!"

Michael Keaton: "I was chased and run through tear gas demonstrating against the war in the 70s. What the police DIDN'T do today was shocking. They sure were ready during the BLM demos which was peaceful."

Chris Evans: "I'm speechless"

Pink: "As a United States Citizen, and the daughter of two veterans, and the sister of another, I am ashamed of what is happening in Washington. Hypocrisy, shame, Embarrassment. Unpatriotic hypocritical sheep drinking poison Kool aid. This a sad day for America."

Octavia Spencer: "If the election is invalid, then these newly elected people should technically not be in office. How can they reject the top of the ticket, but support their Own wins?"

Armie Hammer: "Hey, America.... are you ok??"

Gizelle Bryant: "People that don't live in DC don't have a full appreciation of how F-ing difficult it is to actually get anywhere near that building and the fact that these hooligans got inside is UNBELIEVABLE."

Rachel Lindsay: "This is the type of America half the country votes for."

Ashton Kutcher: "Support the peaceful transition of power!!!!!!!! That's being a patriot!"

Cardi B: "The irony is pretty funny.........weren't people just wild animals in the summer for demanding justice and now?[thinking face emoji]......Let me just watch."

Swara Bhasker: HOW were they allowed to get this far? Where are the guns and sophisticated machinery that peaceful BLM activists were faced with?

Richa Chadha: Unfolding like a QAnon prophecy... now awaiting reptilians...dark dark day for America... erstwhile spreader of offshore democracy."
Altering the way we think about death, and teaching people to discuss it in a more positive way, could improve end-of-life health care for patients, scientists claim.

Flinders University researchers surveyed 1,491 people to determine what language they used to describe their feelings when it came to dying.

For many people death is one of the most taboo topics, especially if someone has recently experienced loss and the words they use can show their comfort level.

People who are not comfortable with the topic are more likely to choose emotional words such as 'fear or scary' whereas others will use terms like 'inevitable or natural'.

Encouraging people to view death as a natural part of life, could help them make better decisions as they prepare for what is inevitably to come, the researchers say.

Flinders University researchers surveyed 1,491 people to determine what language they used to describe their feelings when it came to dying. Stock image

Adding that working with people to take a positive approach to death could help people manage their needs and expectations when it comes to supportive care.

Study lead author Dr Lauren Miller-Lewis, of Flinders University in Australia, said the population is getting older and when our elders are terminally ill they are often cared for by health professionals in residential care settings rather than at home.

Adding that because of this situation of pushing death away 'we can go through life without really discussing or witnessing the end of life.'

'Tackling and changing these perspectives will help the community to plan for and manage future needs and expectations of care at end-of-life,' she said.

Adding it will also 'improve patient and family care, including greater preparedness for death and also help develop future health services.'

The 1,491 participants in the survey were enrolled on a six-week open online course, dubbed Dying2Learn where they were encouraged to discuss dying.

What words participants used when discussing death before and after the course was analysed using automated sentiment analysis.

By the end of the course, participants were able to use more pleasant, calmer and in-control words to express themselves on the topic, the researchers say.

Dr Miller-Lewis said: 'Words aren't neutral, so understanding the emotional connotations tied to words we use could help guide palliative care conversations.'

Younger participants showed the greatest increase in positive vocabulary.

Co-author Dr Trent Lewis said learning how to openly discuss and address feelings about death can help the general public gain an acceptance of it as part of life.

A collection of the automated sentiment or emotional analysis of words commonly used to talk about death and dying of a loved one

Differences between how participants talked about death with other people rather than their own feelings was also observed by the researchers.

When talking about someone else's loss, participants were more likely to use words such as sad, fear, scary and loss - whereas speaking about themselves they were less emotionally negative using words like inevitable, peace and natural.

Dr Lewis said: 'The assumption was that others feel more negatively about death than they do themselves.

Dr Miller-Lewis added that this could impact on our willingness to start conservations about death with others.

'Do we avoid it because we think others will get upset if we bring it up, and does this then leave important things unsaid?'

The findings were published in the journal PLOS One.
One in ten foreign criminals could now slip across the UK border after a fall in the number of wanted notices received from EU nations, it emerged last night.

Britain negotiated a comprehensive package of crime and security measures as part of its transition deal with Brussels at the end of last month.

But part of the system relies on EU member states sending notices for wanted criminals through Interpol, the international policing organisation.

Home Office sources said the number of notifications sent through Interpol from EU members since the start of this month is around 90 per cent of what was being received under the old system.

One in ten foreign criminals (stock image) could now slip across the UK border after a fall in the number of wanted notices received from EU nations, it emerged last night

The potential information gap raises questions about foreign criminals being able to enter this country undetected because they have not been flagged by police or security services on the Continent.

It has also emerged that EU nationals have been granted until later this year to switch over from using their national identity cards to enter the UK.

When Britain was in the EU, Europeans did not need a passport to cross the border and were allowed to show ID cards instead.

That concession is being phased out under the transition agreement  but the cards will only cease to be valid for entry to the UK from October.

Home Office sources said the number of notifications sent through Interpol from EU members since the start of this month is around 90 per cent of what was being received under the old system. (File image of the Home Office building)

Home Office sources said that this would be a major boost to border security because ID cards are particularly subject to fraud.

EU nationals who are allowed to carry on living in Britain under the EU Settlement Scheme  which accounts for nearly 4.5million people according to the latest figures  will be allowed five years to switch over from ID cards to more secure biometric documents.

Sources have said the deal agreed with Brussels had replaced the vast majority of EU crime-fighting measures which Britain is no longer able to take part in.

Britain had proposed a way to carry on accessing one key database  known as the Schengen Information System II (SISII)  but Brussels insisted it was impossible on legal grounds, they added.

Steve Rodhouse, director-general of the National Crime Agency (pictured), told a home affairs committee last month: 'I cannot be sure of the extent to which all and every EU member state will make use of the Interpol route'

Last month MPs heard senior police officers express grave reservations about their ability to keep track on foreign criminals when they lost SISII and had to fall back on Interpol.

Steve Rodhouse, director-general of the National Crime Agency, told the home affairs committee at the time: I cannot be sure of the extent to which all and every EU member state will make use of the Interpol route. It may be there is almost complete compliance, in which case the data gap will be minimal. He added: But I think it would be right for me to raise prospect that there will be some EU member states, in some circumstances, who dont use Interpol alerts.

And of course, if the UK doesnt have access that provides a gap for us.

Earlier this week, former Scotland Yard chief Lord Blair said Britains loss of access to EU crime databases had made the country less safe.

Pratt & Whitney, a division of Raytheon Technologies Corp., and Aircalin, the flag carrier airline of New Caledonia, a French territory comprised of islands in the South Pacific, celebrated the delivery of the airlines first Airbus A320neo aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. The airline committed to purchase two aircraft in 2018.

The GTF engine was a clear choice in terms of fuel efficiency, service and support when we selected Pratt & Whitney in 2018, said Didier Tappero, chief executive officer at Aircalin. We are excited to provide our customers with a quieter, more sustainable flying experience.

Aircalin currently operates two Viking Air DHC-6-300 Twin Otter aircraft with Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines, as well as two Airbus A320ceo aircraft with V2500 engines from IAE International Aero Engines AG, a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise Pratt & Whitney, Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation, and MTU Aero Engines GmbH.

Aircalin became a Pratt & Whitney customer in 2000 with the Airbus A310 aircraft and PW4000 engines, said Rick Deurloo, Chief Commercial Officer and Senior Vice President at Pratt & Whitney. Now, with Airbus A320neo aircraft and GTF engines, we look forward to delivering industry-leading technology, fuel efficiency and environmental performance to Aircalin.

Since entering service in early 2016, the GTF engine has demonstrated its promised ability to reduce fuel burn by 16 per cent, to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 50 per cent to the regulatory standard, and to reduce the noise footprint by 75 per cent. - TradeArabia News Service
Amid concerns over the new mutant strain of SARS-Cov-2 virus in India, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday urged the Centre to consider extending the ban on UK flights. The Centre partially lifted the ban and resumed India to UK flights from January 6. The first flight from the UK will arrive in India on January 8. The civil aviation ministry has revised the number of flights allowed to operate between India and the UK and brought down the number to 30, from 70 till January 23. A detailed guideline has also been issued by the Union health ministry for passengers arriving in India from the UK. However, the Delhi CM took to Twitter and urged the Centre to not lift the ban until January 31.

Centre has decided to lift the ban and start UK flights.



In view of extremely serious COVID situation in UK, I wud urge central govt to extend the ban till 31 Jan  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 7, 2021

After a new, possibly more contagious strain of Coronavirus was detected in the United Kingdom in December, several countries imposed a ban on flights from the UK. India, too, on December 21 announced an embargo on UK flights which was effective from December 23 to December 31. Later, it was extended to January 7.

With great difficulty, people have brought COVID situation in control. UKs COVID situation is v serious. Now, why lift ban and expose our people to risk? https://t.co/ql8WIXHFFa  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 7, 2021

The civil aviation ministry clarified that while flights from the UK will be allowed to enter the country from January 8, India could start its flights to the UK from January 6. Two Air India flights were scheduled on January 6, after a gap of almost a fortnight.

The Covid-19 situation in the United Kingdom is extremely serious, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted as he urged the Centre to reconsider the lifting of restrictions. With great difficulty, people have brought Covid-19 situation in control. UKs COVID situation is very serious. Now, why lift ban and expose our people to risk? Kejriwal tweeted. As UK flights are mostly destined to Delhi and Mumbai, the caseload of the cities might get affected by the resumption of the flights.

The UK on Wednesday recorded 1,041 deaths  the highest since the peak of the pandemic since April last year. The number of people who have tested positive for the new UK variant of virus in India has reached 73, according to the health ministry on Wednesday.
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Coeur Mining files NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Expansion of the Rochester and Packard Mines, Nevada

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2021) -Ely Gold Royalties Inc. (TSXV: ELY) (OTCQX: ELYGF) ("Ely Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has acquired, from a private family trust ("the Seller"), 100% of all rights and interests to a one percent (1.00%) net smelter returns royalty ("NSR") on the Lincoln Hill Property, located in Pershing County, Nevada (the "Lincoln Hill Royalty"), operated by Coeur Mining Inc. (NYSE: CDE) ("Coeur"). The Transaction was first announced by the Company in a press release dated July 21, 2020.

With this transaction, Ely Gold increases its Lincoln Hill Royalty interest to a two percent (2%) NSR. Coeur received Project Record of Decision for the Plan of Operations that includes a new 300-million-ton Stage VI leach pad at the Rochester Mine ("Rochester"). The Final Environmental Impact Statement analyzing the environmental effects of the proposed expansion of the Rochester and Packard Mines, was published in the Federal Register Feb. 24, 2020 and Coeur filed an updated NI 43-101 technical report for the Rochester expansion on SEDAR on December 16, 2020.

The Transaction

Ely Gold paid the Seller a total consideration as follows:

US$1,000,000 at Closing

Within 5 days of Closing, Ely Gold will issue to the Seller 1,000,000 common stock purchase warrants. Each full warrant will allow the Seller to purchase one share of Ely Gold common stock at CAD$1.69 for two years from Closing.

Trey Wasser, President and CEO of Ely Gold commented on the Transaction, "We are very pleased to add another 1% NSR of the Lincoln Hill Royalty to our royalty portfolio. Purchasing additional royalties on our Key Assets is a critical part of our near-term growth strategy. With permitting completed on the leach pad expansion, the higher gold grade Lincoln Hill ore will be in very close proximity to the operations and is expected to extend the life of mine at Rochester. We look forward to delivering more news as Coeur is now undertaking confirmation drilling at Lincoln Hill."

Overview of Lincoln Hill

Lincoln Hill is adjacent to the Rochester open-pit, heap leach mine, providing significant operational synergies for Coeur. The Lincoln Hill Royalty covers ninety-seven (97) unpatented claims and one (1) patented lode claim. Coeur purchased the Lincoln Hill Property, as part of a larger property package, from Alio Gold Inc., in October 2018. The purchase was announced, by Coeur, in a press release dated October 16, 2018.

The Lincoln Hill property package also includes 23 unpatented claims known as the Rosal Claims, where Ely Gold currently holds a 1.5% NSR and is included in Ely Gold's Development Assets. Development Assets are simply defined as properties "at or near" producing mines increasing the chance for the royalty to be productive.

Qualified Person

Stephen Kenwood, P. Geo, is director of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Kenwood has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release.

About Ely Gold Royalties Inc.

Ely Gold Royalties Inc. is a Nevada focused gold royalty company. Its current portfolio includes royalties on the Jerritt Canyon, Goldstrike and Marigold, three of Nevada's largest gold mines, as well as the Fenelon mine in Quebec, operated by Wallbridge Mining. The Company continues to actively seek opportunities to purchase producing or near-term producing royalties. Ely Gold also generates development royalties through property sales on projects that are located at or near producing mines. Management believes that due to the Company's ability to locate and purchase third-party royalties, its strategy of organically creating royalties and its gold focus, Ely Gold offers shareholders a favourable leverage to gold prices and low-cost access to long-term gold royalties in safe mining jurisdictions.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Signed "Trey Wasser"

Trey Wasser, President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Trey Wasser, President & CEO

trey@elygoldinc.com

972-803-3087

Joanne Jobin, Investor Relations Officer

jjobin@elygoldinc.com

647 964 0292

FORWARD-LOOKING CAUTIONS: This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including, but not limited to, statements regarding completion of the Transaction. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the Company's inability to control whether the buy-down right will ever be exercised, and whether the right of first refusal will ever be triggered, uncertainty as to whether any mining will occur on the property covered by the Probe Royalty such that the Company will receive any payment therefrom, and the general risks and uncertainties relating to the mineral exploration, development and production business. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effect.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider 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/71506
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Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statement tonight when Congress returned to work counting Electoral College votes after being disrupted this afternoon by rioters who stormed the Capitol.

Tonight, as our elected representatives reconvened in the U.S. Capitol, Vice President Pence reminded us that violence never wins in our great nation  freedom wins, Ivey said. I am pleased to see the peoples work continue and the rule of law upheld. The resiliency of our country will always prevail.

The House and Senate met at noon today in a joint session to count the Electoral College votes, the last step in certifying Joe Bidens win in the presidential race.

A mob supporting President Trump, who has refused to concede and has continued to make unsupported claims that the election was stolen, broke through security around the Capitol, causing violence and damage and shutting down the proceedings for hours.

When they reconvened tonight, lawmakers and the vice president condemned the mobs actions.

You did not win, Pence said, during his comments directed at the rioters.

The chairs of the Alabama Democratic Party and Alabama Republican Party also responded to todays chaos in Washington.

Live updates on tonights proceedings.

Secretary of State John Merrill issued a statement earlier today on the violence.

The type of behavior witnessed today in Washington, D.C. should never be encouraged or allowed, Merrill said. Human life is far more important than pandering to any politician or political group. President Trump should call on his supporters, who claim to support law and order, to stand down, follow the law, and unite behind our democratic process.

Now is the time for Congress, not violent protestors, to either certify or reject the states electoral votes as required by our Constitution. Full faith and confidence in our elections must be restored. In order for that to happen, our Nations leaders must promote unity, understanding, and the willingness to work with those who may see things differently. This process begins with the actions of our Commander in Chief.
LOS ANGELESIcon Brands has just released its new collection of realistic dildos, Shades, six new thermoplastic rubber (TPR) toys that fade from one shade to the next, as in red to purple, yellow to orange, and emerald and aqua to ice, when activated.

Shades is the result of a proprietary technology developed over the better part of a year, said a spokesman for the company, in which the actual weight of the colors vary, so as one color sinks, the other rises, creating unlimited shades" in-between, in jewel-like tones.

Theyre so sparkling that storeowners think theyre glass, said Icon sales manager Sara Hentcy. They were squeezing them at trade shows just to make sure they were TPR and not crystal.

Shades debuts in six styles: two 8 blends, two 7 and two 6.

We sized them for women, and women are all about the 6, 7 and 8, as we all know, joked Hentcy. "The pieces are packaged in clamshells to let their sparkle shine through, with Icons trademark bright graphics behind them."

Retailers may wish to grab some Shade in time for Valentine's Day. For sales, contact Sara at (424) 644-7431.
2021 has already kicked off with some changes in San Antonio TV news.

Denise Cabello, co-host of San Antonio Living, bid farewell on Dec. 31. She announced her departure on social media.

"New Year, new chapter. After 8 years, Im leaving WOAI/KABB," she wrote. "In those 8 years, I found my loving husband. We started our beautiful family with our amazing daughter, Izzy."

After nearly a decade with the WOAI-TV lifestyle show, Cabello says it wasn't an easy decision but says it was best for her and her family.

"It wasnt an easy decision to leave San Antonio Living after 8 years. This was the best decision I could make for me and my family right now. 2020 gave me a new focus, like Im sure it did for many people," she told mySA. "Im excited to find new experiences and challenges in my future."

MORE SAN ANTONIO TV NEWS: Shakeups that rocked San Antonio TV news in 2020



Cabello started her TV career as an intern at the San Antonio station, was then later hired as a production assistant and soon climbed the ladder.

"I was controlling the big studio cameras that we had while we were downtown. I was still a production assistant the first few times I appeared on the show," she said. "Then, I became an editor for San Antonio Living & Daytime at Nine while also reporting for both shows."



The San Antonio native then became an associate producer while she continued reporting. She then landed the big chair - co-hosting next to veteran host Shelly Miles.

But as COVID-19 forced people to work from home, Cabello was able to do something memorable with her daughter.



"I had the chance to make segments with my daughter. Im so grateful for those."



While she won't be on-air anymore, she encourages viewers to keep up with her via social media.

WOAI-TV isn't the only local station starting off the new year with changes. KSAT12 has hired a new reporter - Jonathan Cotto.

Cotto joined the ABC affiliate as a multi-media journalist on Jan. 4.



Jonathan most recently worked for the Univision/Fox stations in McAllen and served eight years in the US Navy prior to attending college and then beginning his broadcast career." said KSAT12 News Director Bernice Kearney. Jonathan really stood out among the many candidates who applied for our recent reporter position, and above all else, hes completely bilingual and a veteran of the Navy!"



KSAT12 Vice President and General Manager Phil Lane echoed the enthusiasm.



"We're very proud to have a military veteran and strong bilingual multi-media journalist join our family."



You can catch Cotto on the weekend edition of The Nightbeat and during some weeknights as well.

Candice.Garcia@express-news.net | Twitter @_candicegarcia
The Government has been forced into a U-turn on plans to allow Leaving Cert students return to school next week.

Leaving Cert Students will now study remotely along with all other pupils until January 31. The issue will then be reviewed.

Plans to reopen special schools next week are also to be cancelled.

The move comes after the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland instructed members not to attend classes next week.

Read More

The ASTI had instructed its members not to cooperate with government plans to reopen schools for in-person teaching for Leaving Cert students next Monday,

The union says it will only engage in remote teaching from next Monday and has said the decision is based on concerns around health and safety.

This follows an emergency meeting of the ASTI today to discuss plans to reopen schools on Monday with Leaving cert students expected to be in classes for three days every week.

Speaking after the meeting, ASTI President Ann Piggott said: The ASTI has repeatedly sought sufficient assurances that schools are safe for students and teachers at this time, in the context of the new variant of Covid-19 circulating in the community and the alarmingly high numbers.

We engaged with the Department of Education and with public health officials today. Unfortunately, the assurances we sought have not been forthcoming.

The Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) said it didnt want to have to oppose the partial reopening of special schools and classes "but we must be able to work together to respond appropriately to the public health challenges we face.".

The union said "consultation and engagement were "everything".

It added that its members "will seek to support their students from Monday with passion and determination.

Education Minister Norma Foley confirmed schools would be closed for all classes from Monday.

It is with regret that I announce that, despite the confirmation by Public Health that schools remain safe, that children in special schools and special classes and Leaving Certificate students will not be extended in-person learning, said Minister Foley.

My Department has engaged with the unions and public health officials with a view to maintaining on site learning for this vulnerable group of students.

It remains my strong belief that this period of time is crucial for the mental wellbeing of all children with special needs.

I also felt it was the right thing to extend in-class teaching to our Leaving Certificate students who are approaching a crucial time in their exam year.

Unfortunately I am left with no alternative but to pause the limited reopening on Monday to allow further engagement with all education stakeholders.

The plan to allow Leaving Cert students attend school three days a week had been met with widespread opposition from teachers, parents, pupils and special needs assistants.

Secondary school principals pleaded with the Government to reverse its decision on the partial reopening of schools as they have grave concerns over the safety of staff and students.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan advised the Government that the full reopening of schools would constitute a very significant additional risk as the country battles with an unprecedented level of Covid-19 transmission in the community.

In a letter to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, dated January 5, Dr Holohan noted that data received by the National Public Health Emergency Team shows schools are a safe environment.

However, given the current epidemiological situation, significant levels of mobility and linked activity generated by the reopening of schools would pose too risky, he said.

Read More

Online Editors
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India reported 20,346 new cases of coronavirus in a span of 24 hours, pushing the overall positive cases in the country to 1,03,95,278, according to an update by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With this, the total number of active cases in the country now stands at 2,28,083.

Also Read | The faces behind the farmer revolt

As many as 222 Covid-19 patients succumbed to the infection in 24 hours, taking the death toll in the country to 1,50,336.

Meanwhile, out of the total 1,03,95,278 positive cases, there are 1,00,16,859 recovered cases in the country with 19,587 fresh recoveries in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said.

So far, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has tested 9,37,590 samples for Covid-19 on Saturday. The total number of samples tested so far stands at 17,84,00,995, the ICMR informed.

Covid-19 vaccine developments in India

1) A second dry run of the coronavirus vaccination will be held across all states and Union Territories on 8 January, the central government has said.

2) Barring Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, where the exercise had been scheduled for 5 January and 7 January, respectively, the vaccine dry run will cover all districts across other states.

3) The aim of the drill is to test the linkages between planning and implementation and identify the challenges. It will also test the operational feasibility in the use of CoWIN application -- a digital platform to roll out and scale up the vaccination drive -- in a field environment.

4) A meeting of Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan with the health ministers of states and Union territories is scheduled to take place today at 12:30 pm to guide them on conducting the dry run.

5) Also, 71 people in the country have been identified as carrying the new UK virus. As per the government data, 28 infections have been reported from Delhi, 30 in Pune, 11 from Bengaluru, 3 in Hyderabad and 1 from Kolkata.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-07 13:17:02|Editor: huaxia

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HANOI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam earned roughly 50.9 billion U.S. dollars from exporting phones and components in 2020, posting a year-on-year decline of 1 percent and accounting for 18.1 percent of Vietnam's total export revenue, according to the country's General Statistics Office on Thursday.

In December alone, however, Vietnam earned around 4.3 billion U.S. dollars from selling the products overseas, surging 50.8 percent on a yearly basis.

In 2020, Vietnam spent nearly 16.6 billion U.S. dollars importing phones and their components, seeing an increase of 13.3 percent from 2019, said the office. Enditem
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DUBLIN, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Surgical Site Infection Control Market 2021-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

After analyzing the global surgical site infection control market in detail, the publisher has concluded that the industry would display an upward trend, with a CAGR of 5.95% in terms of revenue in the forecasting years of 2021 to 2028.

Factors such as the adoption of best practices for infection prevention & control and growth in the elderly population are majorly fueling the growth of this industry. However, the lack of proper infection control programs is hindering this growth process. Moreover, the growing adoption of outpatient procedures and enhanced usage of medical disposable items are hampering the market growth even further. On the bright side, the growing incidence of surgical procedures and a significant increase in the occurrence of complications from HAIs are creating avenues for the growth of the surgical site infection control market.



The global market for surgical site infection control encompasses the regions of Latin America, Europe, North America, the Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.



Latin America's SSI control market is projected to grow at the fastest rate globally in the forthcoming period. Brazil was plagued with the burden of surgical site infections in patients, affecting their safety. This, resulted in causing them suffering, pain, delayed healing, increased antibiotics usage, revision surgery, increased length of stays at hospitals, morbidity, and mortality rates. It also reflected in increased healthcare costs. Therefore, institutional surveillance was implemented by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in the year 1992, in order to address the growing need to control healthcare-associated infections, and has been practiced since. The ministry has made the establishment of an HAI control committee in private and public hospitals mandatory. Such factors are driving the growth of the Brazilian SSI control market.



The major competitors in this market are Pacon Manufacturing Corporation, 3M Company, Lac-Mac, Biomerieux SA, Steris Corporation, American Polyfilm, Gama Healthcare, Kimberly-Clark, Stryker Corporation, Becton Dickinson and Company (BD), Getinge AB, Belimed AG, Ansell Ltd, Johnson & Johnson, and Sotera Health LLC.



Becton Dickinson and Company (BD) is a globally renowned med-tech company. It develops, manufactures, and sells medical devices, diagnostic products, and laboratory equipment. The major products of the company include syringes & pen needles, IV catheters, infusion pumps & disposables, automated medication dispensing systems, respiratory ventilation & diagnostics equipment, diagnostics specimens, as well as instruments to detect numerous infectious diseases, healthcare-associated infections & cancers and various clinical research tools. Founded in 1897, the company operates across North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia-Pacific.



Key Topics Covered:



1. Global Surgical Site Infection Control Market - Summary



2. Industry Outlook

2.1. Market Definition

2.2. Porter's Five Forces Model

2.2.1. Threat of New Entrants

2.2.2. Threat of Substitute Products

2.2.3. Bargaining Power of Buyers

2.2.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

2.2.5. Competitive Rivalry

2.3. Impact of Covid-19 on Surgical Site Infection Control Market

2.4. Market Attractiveness Index

2.5. Vendor Scorecard

2.6. Key Insights

2.7. Market Drivers

2.7.1. Enactment of the Best Infection Prevention and Control Practices

2.7.2. Growing Aging Population

2.8. Market Restraints

2.8.1. Lack of Infection Control Programs

2.8.2. Surging Use of Outpatient Procedures

2.8.3. Increased Usages of Medical Disposable Items

2.9. Market Opportunities

2.9.1. Rising Incidence of Surgical Procedures

2.9.2. Significant Rise in the Occurrence of Complications from Healthcare-Associated Infections



3. Surgical Site Infection Control Market Outlook - by Procedure

3.1. Laparoscopy

3.2. Orthopedic Surgery

3.3. Cardiovascular

3.4. Obstetrics and Gynecology

3.5. Wound Closure

3.6. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

3.7. Thoracic Surgery

3.8. Microvascular

3.9. Urology

3.10. Neurosurgery

3.11. Other Procedures



4. Surgical Site Infection Control Market Outlook - by Type of Infection

4.1. Superficial Incisional Ssi

4.2. Deep Incisional Ssi

4.3. Organ or Space Ssi



5. Surgical Site Infection Control Market Outlook - by Industry Vertical

5.1. Hospitals

5.2. Ambulatory Surgical Centers



6. Surgical Site Infection Control Market Outlook - by Product

6.1. Disinfectants

6.1.1.1. Skin Disinfectants

6.1.1.2. Hand Disinfectants

6.2. Manual Reprocessors Solution

6.3. Surgical Drapes

6.4. Surgical Gloves

6.5. Skin Preparation Solution

6.6. Surgical Irrigation

6.7. Surgical Scrubs

6.8. Hair Clippers

6.9. Medical Nonwovens

6.10. Other Products



7. Surgical Site Infection Control Market - Regional Outlook

7.1. North America

7.1.1. Market by Procedure

7.1.2. Market by Type of Infection

7.1.3. Market by Industry Vertical

7.1.4. Market by Product

7.1.5. Country Analysis

7.1.5.1. The United States

7.1.5.2. Canada

7.2. Europe

7.2.1. Market by Procedure

7.2.2. Market by Type of Infection

7.2.3. Market by Industry Vertical

7.2.4. Market by Product

7.2.5. Country Analysis

7.2.5.1. The United Kingdom

7.2.5.2. Germany

7.2.5.3. France

7.2.5.4. Italy

7.2.5.5. Russia

7.2.5.6. Spain

7.2.5.7. Rest of Europe

7.3. Asia-Pacific

7.3.1. Market by Procedure

7.3.2. Market by Type of Infection

7.3.3. Market by Industry Vertical

7.3.4. Market by Product

7.3.5. Country Analysis

7.3.5.1. China

7.3.5.2. Japan

7.3.5.3. India

7.3.5.4. Australia & New Zealand

7.3.5.5. South Korea

7.3.5.6. Asean Countries

7.3.5.7. Rest of Asia-Pacific

7.4. Latin America

7.4.1. Market by Procedure

7.4.2. Market by Type of Infection

7.4.3. Market by Industry Vertical

7.4.4. Market by Product

7.4.5. Country Analysis

7.4.5.1. Mexico

7.4.5.2. Brazil

7.4.5.3. Rest of Latin America

7.5. Middle East and Africa

7.5.1. Market by Procedure

7.5.2. Market by Type of Infection

7.5.3. Market by Industry Vertical

7.5.4. Market by Product

7.5.5. Country Analysis

7.5.5.1. Israel

7.5.5.2. Saudi Arabia

7.5.5.3. United Arab Emirates

7.5.5.4. Turkey

7.5.5.5. South Africa

7.5.5.6. Rest of Middle East & Africa



8. Company Profiles

8.1. Sotera Health LLC

8.2. Pacon Manufacturing Corporation

8.3. Steris Corporation

8.4. American Polyfilm

8.5. Biomerieux Sa

8.6. Stryker Corporation

8.7. Belimed AG

8.8. Gama Healthcare

8.9. Becton Dickinson and Company (Bd)

8.10. 3M Company

8.11. Getinge Ab

8.12. Johnson & Johnson

8.13. Ansell Ltd

8.14. Kimberly-Clark

8.15. Lac-Mac



9. Research Methodology & Scope

9.1. Research Scope & Deliverables

9.1.1. Objectives of Study

9.1.2. Scope of Study

9.2. Sources of Data

9.2.1. Primary Data Sources

9.2.2. Secondary Data Sources

9.3. Research Methodology

9.3.1. Evaluation of Proposed Market

9.3.2. Identification of Data Sources

9.3.3. Assessment of Market Determinants

9.3.4. Data Collection

9.3.5. Data Validation & Analysis



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3elz7v

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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Corden addressed the chaos in D.C. in a clip posted online Wednesday night. In it, he says, I got to thinking that when the dust settles, and we reflect on what happened on this awful day, that we still have hope because if there is one thing we can have after the last month in this country its hope.
But for the clammy embrace of an elderly priest, the culinary fortunes of this country might never have been the same.

As a boy of 14, Albert Roux was training for the priesthood in his native France when an unholy encounter with a 'smelly' man of the cloth saw him switch from clerical robes to chef's whites.

It was the most providential change of direction for his adopted country, Britain, whose eating habits he would change for ever. It was also a wise decision. 'I would have made a very bad priest because I am  was  a philanderer,' said the restaurateur, who has died aged 85.

'Imagine myself visiting a nunnery, that would have been bad . . .'

Indeed, Roux's weakness for women was as pronounced as the rich souffle suissesse that was among his signature dishes.

As a boy of 14, Albert Roux (pictured with his wife Cheryl) was training for the priesthood in his native France when an unholy encounter with a 'smelly' man of the cloth saw him switch from clerical robes to chef's whites

Not that this addiction to the fairer sex was as fine-tuned when he first arrived here in 1953. 'I didn't have a great perception of this country,' he recalled. 'I thought the women were ugly and flat-chested, but that turned out not to be a true reflection of the English rose, as I discovered to my great pleasure.'

On his new country's post-war food, he was on firmer ground. 'There was still rationing, which had ended in France in 1946. Britain was a total gastronomic desert.

'Just Joe Lyons (the tea room chain) and a biscuit or Swiss roll wrapped up in beautiful paper,' he said recently, before remarking on how things had changed. 'Nowadays the taxi driver discusses lobster.'

For that we are indebted to the thrice-married boulevardier whose death comes just ten months after that of his younger brother, Michel, with whom he changed the way the world felt about British food.

They made gastronomic history in 1982 when their London restaurant, Le Gavroche, with its eye-wateringly pricey French menu, became the first in Britain to be awarded three Michelin stars.

Their impact was not just on the food we eat and the way we cook it, but in influencing a generation of chefs who have come in their wake. Indeed the roll call of chefs who went through the doors of Le Gavroche and The Waterside Inn, the Roux brothers' Thames-side restaurant in Berkshire, was a significant proportion of the contemporary British restaurant scene.

Indeed, Roux's (pictured with his wife Monique) weakness for women was as pronounced as the rich souffle suissesse that was among his signature dishes

Gordon Ramsay, who earned his stripes at Le Gavroche, led the tributes. 'So, so sad the (sic) hear about the passing of this legend, the man who installed Gastronomy in Britain,' he wrote on Instagram.

Marco Pierre White, Marcus Wareing, Rowley Leigh and Monica Galetti also rose through the ranks at Le Gavroche. In his tribute, TV chef James Martin described Roux as 'a true titan of the food scene [who] inspired and trained some of the best and biggest names in the business'.

But while Michel Roux was famously dismissive of the era of the celebrity chef, brother Albert was more nuanced. Asked about Gordon Ramsay's notorious temper, Roux suggested that a good kitchen needed to have humour and humanity. 'In my days my washer-up was king and he was treated decently,' he said.

He did make an exception for the famously fiery Marco Pierre White, whom he had employed aged 19. 'He is truly a talented man . . . but he has got a chip on his shoulder. No, there is something wrong with Marco.'

Nor was he at all high-minded about food, admitting to a secret love for Big Macs.

The eldest son of a butcher from eastern France, Albert Roux left school at 13. He never revealed what happened to make him change vocation beyond saying: 'Something happened, something you read about in the papers.' A year later was he apprenticed to a patissier in Paris.

Through his godfather, chef to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor at their mansion in the Bois de Boulogne, he secured a job as scullery boy for Lady Astor, the first woman to sit in Parliament.

He arrived at Cliveden, the Astor mansion, during the shooting season and his first task was to pluck pheasants, woodcock and pigeons without spoiling their skin.

He recalled his first week's employment with a shudder. Lady Astor had six people for lunch and they ate asparagus with Hollandaise sauce. 'At 2.30 she came downstairs and berated the chef. He had made the Hollandaise with margarine. 'Do we not have cows on the estate?' she asked acidly.

Apart from one terrible bungle, when the Oeufs en Cocotte destined for serving prime minister Harold Macmillan were jammed in the dumb waiter by the young commis de cuisine, the apprenticeship went smoothly. Roux returned to France for national service and, after being demobbed, was shocked to find that the British would not renew his work permit.

He ended up back in Paris, working in the kitchen of the British Embassy. One day the ambassador's wife requested rice pudding for a special guest, the war hero Viscount Montgomery.

Monty adored it, and after supper the young Roux was summoned by the ex-soldier. 'He gave me an envelope containing a ten shilling note and a note saying it was the best rice pudding he had ever tasted.'

Soon, thanks to ambassador Gladwyn Jebb, Albert was back in Britain with his childhood sweetheart, Monique, whom he married in 1959 and with whom he had two children. He was now working for the family of the Queen Mother's racehorse trainer, Major Peter Cazalet. And soon he was impressing another celebrated palate, that of Winston Churchill.

His dish this time was an extravagant birthday cake, decorated with violets and a marzipan cigar.

'He asked to see me,' Roux recalled later, 'and pointed to a painting on the wall. 'That is art and this is art,' he said. 'The only difference is that this will be forgotten tomorrow.' '

Roux stayed at Fairlawne, the Cazalet house in Kent, for eight happy years. And then in 1967, with 3,000 savings and money borrowed from friends including the Cazalets, he and Michel, five years his junior, who had followed him to Britain, opened Le Gavroche in Chelsea. First-night guests, including Charlie Chaplin, Sophia Lauren, Ava Gardner and Robert Redford, flocked to celebrate the arrival of a new 'star'.

With uncompromising standards, elaborate presentation and first-rate service, it raised the standards of haute cuisine in a then limited English restaurant scene. It moved to Mayfair in 1981, and soon became the first British-based establishment to carry the maximum three Michelin stars.

'An Olympic gold medal,' Albert said at the time. 'I have had no other ambition.'

At the height of its popularity in the 1980s, securing a table required a lot of planning  or bare-faced cheek. 'The waiting list was often three months long, and the only way round it was a generous inducement to the doorman,' recalls a regular diner.

Its kitchen would become the training ground for a new generation of British chefs. The brothers launched the Roux Scholarship, an annual competition, in 1983, with many scholars going on to win Michelin stars of their own.

Albert and Michel opened a string of other restaurants, fronted a 13-part TV series on BBC2 in 1990, and published a series of best-selling books about French cookery.

Domestic life, however, always came second. Marriage to Monique ended in divorce in 2001, and despite a well-nourished girth Albert became a ladies' man about town. Soon he was dating Cheryl Smith, an elegant Zimbabwean who was 27 years his junior.

Initially, Cheryl rejected his advances, aware of his reputation for carrying on multiple affairs.

'When I met Albert, he had seven girlfriends, two of whom believed they were living with him,' she once said.

'I told him I wasn't prepared to be part of his harem.'

Undeterred, Roux spent seven months wooing her, and discarding his other girlfriends, before finally Cheryl agreed to date him.

They married in 2006 and at first the relationship seemed to go well, with Cheryl said to have played an important part in the business.

But the marriage ended after he was reported to have begun an affair with a hat-check girl at one of his restaurants.

He married for a third time in 2018, to Maria Rodrigues, a director at accountancy firm KPMG.

Not long ago he reflected on his marital ups and downs. 'If I had to redo my life I would try to keep away more from women,' he said. 'I was born a womaniser and I adore the company of women, and not particularly for sex.'

As for affairs, he quipped: 'OK it's bad, but it doesn't affect your cooking.'

For which British diners can only be grateful.
[January 07, 2021] More Broadcast Markets, More Receiver Options, More Innovations Will Drive Next Steps in NEXTGEN TV Deployment

On the heels of the initial rollout of NEXTGEN TV broadcasting that has now reached more than 20 cities and 80 TV stations, America's broadcasters are now planning a push this year that will initiate next-generation ATSC 3.0 service in nearly 20 more cities by the end of the summer. Pearl TV, a business group comprised of owners of more than 750 broadcast stations, and the Phoenix Model Market partners announced the plans today in the lead-up to the virtual 2021 CES (News - Alert) . "Today, almost 20 percent of America's TV viewers already have access to NEXTGEN TV broadcasts, and the television broadcasting industry is moving aggressively to expand the reach of NEXTGEN TV in a herculean, collaborative effort to reach over half of American TV viewers by this fall. Broadcasters are working like never before to launch new NEXTGEN TV channels that offer better picture and more expansive audio options for viewers. As the consumer technology industry begins to diversify its choices with more models and more affordable products for viewers, broadcasters will continue to push ahead with plans to initiate NEXTGEN TV service in key markets throughout the country. We're also doing our part to help to educate consumers about the benefits of NEXTGEN TV," said Pearl TV Managing Director Anne Schelle. "The Future of Television Has Arrived" Pearl's promotional effort highlights the capabilities of NEXTGEN TV powered by the groundbreaking ATSC 3.0 standard. By merging over-the-air TV with the Internet, NEXTGEN TV is going to change the way viewers watch live broadcast television, Schelle explained. Stations can now personalize their news, sports, live events and shows with interactive features that give viewers the content most relevant to them. NEXTGEN TV is a feature built into a growing number of new televisions and set-top receivers. NEXTGEN TV is designed to be upgradable so that the experience advances with the latest technology. With NEXTGEN TV, viewers can get*: stunning 4K Ultra HD and High Dynamic Range video

movie theater quality sound

added voice clarity with the "Voice +" Dolby dialogue enhancement audio sysem

consistent volume across programs and channels

enhanced Internet content on demand



www.WatchNextGenTV.com, an easy "one-stop shop" for information about what cities have NEXTGEN TV service available, what specific channels are broadcasting, what benefits can be enjoyed, and where to find NEXTGEN TV receivers. Starting Thursday, nearly 20 cities have been added to the broadcasters' target list of those planning to initiate NEXTGEN TV service by the end of summer 2021. An Eye on Future Innovation

Work is also now underway to develop cable compatibility standards for NEXTGEN TV, and broadcasters are introducing an interactive application in select cities that uses a common "application framework" developed by Pearl TV and the Phoenix Model Market Partners. The new framework provides users with the ability to access more news content, including weather and emergency alert information that is integrated with live broadcasts. The application platform is now open for third party developers. Additionally, TV broadcasters in Detroit just launched a cooperative effort with the automobile industry called the "Motown 3.0 Test Track" to demonstrate the ATSC 3.0 datacasting capability of next-generation broadcasting for infotainment, emergency alerting, telematics and other data services delivered to connected cars. "NEXTGEN TV gives broadcasters a direct IP path to viewers at home and on-the-go. With a connected device, we know that television broadcasting will be a powerful tool for viewers who want new experiences and more content choices," Schelle said. More Models in the Pipeline "We're also encouraged by the initial rollout of NEXTGEN TV-equipped TV receivers from LG Electronics (News - Alert) , Samsung and Sony, and we're expecting more TV manufacturers to join in this year as more cities sign on-air with NEXTGEN TV. And consumers will have the availability of set-top receivers such as the ZapperBox from BitRouter and HDHomeRun CONNECT 4K from SiliconDust that will give consumers with existing TV sets the ability to receive NEXTGEN TV broadcasts," Schelle said. * NEXTGEN TV features will vary by device and by broadcaster as commercial service becomes available in local markets. About Pearl TV: Pearl TV is a business organization of U.S. broadcast companies with a shared interest in exploring forward-looking broadcasting opportunities, including innovative ways of promoting local broadcast TV content and developing digital media and wireless platforms for the broadcast industry. Pearl's membership, comprising more than 750 TV stations, includes nine of the largest broadcast companies in America: Cox (News - Alert) Media Group, Graham Media Group, Gray Television, Hearst Television Inc., Meredith Local Media Group, Nexstar Media Group, Sinclair Broadcast Group, the E.W. Scripps Company, and TEGNA, Inc. About the Phoenix Model Market: The Phoenix Model Market is a collaborative effort with a dozen Phoenix, Arizona TV broadcasters who are launching next-gen TV service marketwide, as a model for the TV industry. Participating TV groups and stations in the Phoenix Model Market include: Arizona State University's Arizona PBS (KAET), Fox Television Stations' KSAZ (Fox) and KUTP (MyTV), Meredith's KPHO (CBS) and KTVK (Independent), E.W. Scripps' KNXV (ABC) and KASW (CW), Telemundo Station Group's KTAZ (Telemundo), TEGNA's KPNX (NBC), and Univision's KFPH-CD (UniMas) and KTVW (Univision). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210107005704/en/

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Discovery by Brazilian scientists paves the way for the study of more potent molecules capable of directly destroying parasites underlying elephantiasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis, with fewer adverse side-effects

Brazilian researchers have managed to decipher the structure of a protein found in parasites that cause neglected tropical diseases, paving the way to the development of novel medications. Thanks to the discovery it will be possible to seek more potent molecules capable of destroying the pathogens directly, with fewer adverse side-effects for patients.

The study detailed the structural characteristics of the protein deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS), found in Brugia malayi, one of the mosquito-borne parasites that cause elephantiasis, and in Leishmania major, the protozoan that causes cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is an infection of the lymph system that can lead to swelling of the legs, arms, and genitalia. It may also harden and thicken the skin, limiting movement, and hindering normal activities.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis produces skin lesions weeks or months after the insect bite that transfers the parasite. Lesions may persist for years and leave scars similar to those caused by burns. Over 300,000 cases were notified in Brazil between 2003 and 2018, according to data from the Ministry of Health.

The study is reported in an article published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. The first authors are Suelen Silva and Angelica Klippel, PhD candidates at Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) in Araraquara. Silva is in the Biotechnology Program, and Klippel is in Bioscience and Biotech Applied to Pharmacy, with a scholarship from FAPESP, supervised by Cleslei Zanelli.

The research is conducted under the aegis of the National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT) for Open-Access Medicinal Chemistry hosted by the University of Campinas's Center for Medicinal Chemistry (CQMED-UNICAMP). It receives funding from FAPESP, and federally from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) at the Ministry of Science and Technology and CAPES, the Ministry of Education's Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personel.

The group achieved two important major advances with regard to DHS: standardization of a yeast-based platform to study the enzyme for Leishmania major, and three-dimensional assembly of the molecule found in the elephantiasis protozoan.

The identification of this novel target will now be followed by more research to develop or find molecules that inhibit DHS-mediated biochemical processes and stop the disease from progressing. If specific inhibitors are identified as the basis for drug development, it will be possible to reduce or completely avoid the adverse side-effects of current treatments, such as fever, nausea, and insomnia. In the case of elephantiasis, some medications are not even capable of killing adult worms.

"At CQMED we try to elucidate proteins that haven't been studied in depth and to determine their crystal structure. The study revealed the structure of DHS in these parasites for the first time. We began with these two parasites [Brugia and Leishmania], but we want to go on to investigate four more organisms including Plasmodium, which causes malaria," Katlin Massirer, principal investigator of the INCT, told Agencia FAPESP. Massirer is affiliated with the University of Campinas's Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG-UNICAMP).

Crystallography is an essential tool in research on the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Scientists use the technique to analyze the positions of the proteins' atoms and their interactions, to understand how they act in the human organism, and to investigate how a prospective drug will have to bind to a given protein. Analyzing crystal structure also helps understand how each drug works so as to enhance its efficacy.

The study included in vitro synthesis of the active enzyme, the form in which DHS acts on the parasite, and assays to test its activity while screening the molecules that could become novel medications.

"The structure of the protein serves as a basis on which to identify the differences and try to find an inhibitor that will fit into the parasite's enzyme without affecting the similar protein found in humans. It's a big challenge," Klippel said.

Progress

According to Massirer, it takes between 12 and 15 years on average to research, develop and bring novel medications to market, but in the case of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) lead times can be even longer because so little research is done on these health problems. "You could say that the stage we're at is equivalent to two years of this process," she said.

NTDs are estimated to affect some 1.5 billion people in more than 150 countries, mainly in the world's poorest regions. Besides leishmaniasis and elephantiasis, the list of NTDs published by the World Health Organization (WHO) includes Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, dengue fever, and chikungunya.

More than 350 research institutions, civil society organizations, companies, and governments of countries around the world signed up to celebrate the first-ever World NTD Day on January 30, 2020. The date was chosen because it was the anniversary of the 2012 London Declaration on NTDs, which redoubled global efforts to eradicate NTDs. Pharmaceutical companies, donors, endemic countries, and NGOs committed to control, eliminate or eradicate ten diseases by 2020 and improve the lives of over a billion people. Not all the goals have been met, however.

Scant interest in NTDs was one of the reasons Klippel chose to work on the problem. "For my PhD research I wanted to leverage my training as a pharmacist and to focus on a neglected area, to participate in something important but not highly valued," she said. "Every stage is a victory. We've built a tool, and now we must take the next step."

At CQMED, Massirer explained, the next step will consist of acquiring DHS from other species and at the same time searching repositories for molecules at home and abroad. The research has been proceeding more slowly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Our center lets groups from anywhere in Brazil propose innovative projects for collaborative research by the network," she said.

The institute's mission includes fostering partnerships among researchers at different centers to investigate little-studied proteins and increase the impact of discoveries.

CQMED is a unit of the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Research and Innovation (EMBRAPII). It was created with support from FAPESP through its Research Partnership for Technological Innovation Program (PITE), in cooperation with the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), a collaborative network of academics, pharmaceutical companies, and funding agencies working together to accelerate drug development.

###

About Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)


Supporters of American President Donald Trump attacked and occupied the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., Wednesday, stopping members of Congress from counting electoral votes. The event is the final step in confirming the winner of the presidential election held November 3. President-elect Joe Biden defeated Trump in the voting.

The violence on Capitol Hill forced Congress to suspend its meeting and move lawmakers and others to safety. Those lawmakers include Vice President Mike Pence, who presides over the count.



The mob pushed down metal barriers at the bottom of the steps to the Capitol Building entrances. The rioters pushed past police officers, even as they fired tear gas. Others broke windows and climbed up the sides of the building. The attackers marched through the famous Rotunda area and the Senate chamber. They carried signs and took pictures. At least one stood at the Senate podium, saying Trump won that election.

One woman was shot and reportedly died later at a nearby hospital.



Just hours earlier, Trump had spoken to supporters gathered near the White House. He repeated false claims of voting fraud and told the group that the election had been stolen. He encouraged the crowd to march to the Capitol and at one point suggested that he would join along.

Trump urged Vice President Mike Pence to block the final confirmation of Bidens win. Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us, he said, and if he doesnt, its a sad day for our country.

Pence does not have such power under the United States Constitution. In a statement issued minutes before the joint meeting of Congress began, Pence said, my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not.

Biden received 306 Electoral College votes over 232 for Trump. Only 270 are needed to win. And Congress was meeting to officially confirm Bidens victory.



As images of the violent clashes were seen on television, Trump wrote on Twitter, I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!

Speaking from Wilmington, Delaware, President-elect Joe Biden called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the peoples business. Biden also demanded President Donald Trump immediately make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence.

Republican lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senator Marco Rubio, asked Trump to call back his supporters. And Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a joint statement, We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately.



The unrest led Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser to establish a nighttime curfew in the city. Officials say about 1,100 members of the D.C. National Guard are helping to support local and federal law enforcement services.

By late afternoon, Trump called on people who had stormed the Capitol to go home in a video message posted to Twitter.

Officials declared the U.S. Capitol complex secure after heavily armed police moved to end the almost four-hour-long violent occupation.

An announcement saying the Capitol is secure rang out Wednesday night inside a secure site for officials of Congress. Lawmakers there cheered.

Im Caty Weaver.

Hai Do wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

chamber - n. a large room where members of a government group have meetings

fraud - n. the crime of using dishonest methods

encourage - v. to make someone likely do something

unilateral - adj. involving only one person or one group

authority - n. the power to make decisions

determine - v. to officially decide something

assault - n. a violent, physical attack
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A police officer has been put on leave pending an investigation after shooting dead a Trump-supporting Air Force veteran as a riotous mob stormed the US Capitol Building in Washington DC yesterday.

Ashli Babbitt, 35, from San Diego, was shot in the chest when she tried to clamber through a barricaded entrance as police faced off with hundreds of MAGA supporters inside the legislature. She died several hours later.

Babbitt's husband told KUSI she was a 14-year veteran who served four tours with USAF in the Middle East as a 'high level security official,' and described her as a fervent Trump supporter who was 'a great patriot to all who knew her.' The couple owned a swimming pool repair business together in Spring Valley.

Newly surfaced footage of the fatal incident shows Babbitt and a group of Trump supporters attempting to force their way through double doors which had been barricaded after hundreds poured through the hallways of the Capitol to demand Biden's election be overturned.

Members of the group are seen attempting to smash windows and physically push through the doors as a number of armed officers stand guard on the other side, with their guns drawn.

As Babbitt can be seen attempting to climb up through a broken window, one rioter shouts 'He's got a gun' but the warning comes too late. The officer then fires a single shot, sending the veteran crashing down to the ground on her back.

A number of shocked on-lookers are heard shouting as the video cuts out. A second clip shows blood pouring from her mouth as protesters scramble around her and officers with rifles move in to secure the hallway, telling the rioters to get on the ground.

Republican Congressman Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, witnessed the shooting and told ABC Thursday the US Capitol Police officer who fatally shot Babbitt 'didn't have a choice' but to open fire.

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on leave pending an investigation, the US Capitol PD confirmed in a statement Thursday.

The White House also issued a statement this morning through deputy press secretary Judd Deere, which reads: 'The White House grieves the loss of life that occurred yesterday and extends sympathies to their families and loved ones. We also continue to pray for a speedy recovery for those who suffered injury.'

In addition to Babbitt, three other people died from 'medical emergencies' during Wednesday's siege, officials said. 52 people were arrested in total, including 26 on Capitol grounds.

DailyMail.com exclusively reported Thursday that Babbitt was previously prosecuted for reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property and tampering with a car, and was the subject of two restraining orders.

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Ashli Babbitt (left and right) has been identified as the woman who was shot and killed inside the US Capitol when Donald Trump's supporters stormed the building and violently clashed with police in a bid to stop Joe Biden's victory being certified

Video showed Babbitt climbing through a broken window seconds before she was shot

Paramedics tend to Babbit moments after she was shot inside the Capitol on Wednesday

Babbitt was a 14-year veteran who served four tours with USAF s a 'high level security official,' she was a fervent Trump supporter and 'a great patriot to all who knew her', her husband said

After Babbitt's death, her mother-in-law told Fox5 she 'really wasn't sure' why she decided the attend the DC protest, but posts on her social media accounts have helped to provide a clearer idea.

The 35-year-old regularly vocalized her support for Trump on Twitter. While she seldom tweeting herself, she often re-shared posts from conservative and right-wing figures, including Michael Flynn, Jack Posobiec and Lin Wood.

On the day before her death, on January 5, Babbitt had replied to a tweet regarding flights allegedly being cancelled to DC, despite there being 'no bad weather'.

'Nothing will stop us,' she responded in one of her final posts. 'They can try and try and try but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours.dark to light!'

Babbitt also appeared to be a supporter of QAnon, having posted a series of images to Twitter in early September, showing her attending a Trump Boat Parade in San Diego, wearing a tank top with the conspiracy group's logo and slogan on it.

Other posts to her social media page indicate as though she supported conspiracies that Chief Justice Roberts and other high profile politicians in DC engaged in pedophilia. She also referred to California's lockdown orders as 'Commie bulls***' in December, and referred to the COVID-19 pandemic as a 'f***ing joke'.

In September, she wrote, 'Trump 2020 landslide! Let freedom ring!'

Babbitt also posted a chain of videos on Twitter in 2018, expressing anger over California's Democratic politicians in a rant about immigration at San Diego's southern border, accusing them of 'refusing to choose America' over their political party.

'Im driving right now but Im like really heated all of a sudden,' she begins, 'I am so sick of these politicians in this god damned state, theyre all worried about what Trump is doing. How about we worry about what the hell youre doing?

'Maxine Waters, what have you done? Youre talking about, oh this thing at the border, its a political ploy that Trumps done. Where are you? Youre not even here!'

Babbit, growing more irate, then calls out a host of other elected officials in the Golden State, including Kamala Harris, Ted Lieu, Jerry Brown, and Gavin Newsom, telling them she was 'putting you all on notice'.

'Our economy is going to take an absolute tank because you guys refuse to choose America over your stupid political party,' she said. 'You can consider yourself put on notice, me and the American people. I am so tired of this. I am woke, man. This is absolutely unbelievable. Get your s*** together. Thank you.'

Babbitt also appeared to be a supporter of QAnon, having posted a series of images to Twitter in early September, showing her attending a Trump Boat Parade in San Diego, wearing a tank top with the conspiracy group's logo and slogan

Babbitt traveled to Washington DC from her home in California alone, without her husband (who is pictured above). They owned a pool repair business together

In a post shared to their pool services company's 'Inspiration' tab on Veteran's Day, a post read: 'A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with freedom. Happy Veterans Day from all of us at Fowlers Pool Service

Her last posts to Twitter heavily referenced the January 6 protest. On January 1 Babbitt responded to a user asking, 'When do we start winning?' to which she responded, 'Jan 6, 2021,' with an American flag and hang five emoji.

Babbitt was shot by a plainclothes officer after trying to enter the House chamber yesterday, confirmed Washington Police Chief Robert Contee.

Rep. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, detailed for ABC how he witnessed the moment Babbitt was fatally shot while sheltering inside the House Chamber.

'They were trying to come through the front door, which is where I was at in the chamber, and in the back they were trying to come through the speaker's lobby, and that's problematic when you're trying to defend two fronts,' he said on Good Morning America.

'When they broke the glass in the back, the [police] lieutenant that was there, him and I already had multiple conversations prior to this, and he didn't have a choice at that time.

'The mob was going to come through the door, there was a lot of members and staff that were in danger at the time. And when he [drew] his weapon, that's a decision that's very hard for anyone to make and, once you draw your weapon like that, you have to defend yourself with deadly force.'

Mullin added that he believed the police 'showed a lot of restraint' and 'did the best they could', considering the circumstances.

'That young lady's family's lives changed and his [the officer's] life also changed,' Mullin continued. 'But what also happened is that mob that was trying to go through that door, they left. And his actions will may be judged in a lot of different ways moving forward, but his actions I believe saved people's lives even more. Unfortunately, it did take one though.'

The Congressman said he 'never thought' he'd ever witness such scenes unfolding in the United States.

'I get people being passionate and being frustrated, but there's a right way and and wrong way to do things and yesterday was wrong. There was absolutely no excuse for it.

'We're very fortunate a lot more people didn't actually lose their life. One is way too many,' he said.

US Capitol Police Chief Steven A. Sund released a statement Thursday morning confirming the officer who fatally shot Babbitt has been placed on leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

'USCP officers and out law enforcement partners responded valiantly when faced with thousands of individuals involved in riotous actions as the stormed the United States Capitol Building,' the statement began.

'These individuals actively attacked United States Capitol Police Officer and other uniformed law enforcement with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants, and took up other weapons against our officers. They were determined to enter into the Capitol building by causing great damage.'

Sund confirmed the shooting took place as a large crowd of protesters attempted to force their way into the House Chamber 'where members of Congress were sheltering in place.'

'A sworn USCP employee discharged their service weapon, striking an adult female. Medical assistance was rendered immediately, and the female was transported to the hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.'

'As per USCP policy, [the officer] has been placed on administrative leave and their police powers have been suspended pending the outcome of a joint Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and USCP investigation.'

Sund concluded his statement by adding that 'the attack on the US Capitol was unlike any I have experienced in my 30 years of law enforcement here in Washington DC.'

Babbitt also posted a chain of videos on Twitter in 2018, expressing anger over California's Democratic politicians in a rant about immigration at San Diego's southern border, accusing them of 'refusing to choose America' over their political party

Rep. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, detailed for ABC how he witnessed the moment Babbitt was fatally shot while sheltering inside the House Chamber. He said the officer had 'no choice'

Mullin is pictured as U.S. Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber

US Capitol Police Chief Steven A. Sund released a statement Thursday morning confirming the officer who fatally shot Babbitt has been placed on leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Shortly before 2pm, the rioters descended on Capitol Hill while lawmakers were inside certifying the vote. Over the next two hours, the violence escalated. Some broke into politicians' offices, tauntingly sat at their desks and left threatening notes. One of the protesters was shot dead by cops (bottom right)

A witness looks down at Babbitt collapsed on the ground in shock seconds after she was shot

Babbitt traveled to DC from her home in California without her husband, FOX 5 DC reported. Her mother-in-law Robin Babbitt told the outlet: 'I really don't know why she decided to do this.'

'I'm numb. I'm devastated. Nobody from DC notified my son and we found out on TV,' she later told the New York Post.

According to her since-deleted Facebook page, Babbitt owned and operated a pool repair and services company with her husband called Fowlers Pool Service and Supply Co.

A post shared to the company's 'Inspiration' tab on Veteran's Day, which included a picture of Babbitt and her husband read: 'A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with freedom. Happy Veterans Day from all of us at Fowlers Pool Service.

'We are so honored to be led by these two who are our fearless leaders and who inspire us everyday with their strength and positivity. You both have been through so much and we owe our freedom to you and all of the other veterans out there who have risked everything. We appreciate everything you do for us and all of our amazing clients.'

An image circulating on social media purports to show one of Babbitt's final text exchanges.

In the screenshot, the unknown respondent writes to Babbitt: 'Be safe. 'I cannot lose you.'

Babbitt appears to respond with a selfie of her on what appears to be a plane, with a Trump 2020 facemask on.

'Tons of Trump supporters on my plane!!!!' she responded. 'I'll watch my 6.'

Speaking to NBC, her brother-in-law, Justin Jackson, remembered Babbitt as 'extremely passionate about what she believed in.

'She loved this country and felt honored to have served in our Armed Forces,' he continued. 'Please keep her family in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this time.'

An image circulating on social media purports to show one of Babbitt's final text exchanges

Babbitt was shot by a plainclothes officer after trying to enter the House chamber yesterday, confirmed Washington Police Chief Robert Contee

According to her since-deleted Facebook page, Babbitt owned and operated a pool repair and services company with her husband called Fowlers Pool Service and Supply Co.

Two other witnesses spoke to CNN's Anderson Cooper, describing how Babbitt was shot as she tired to climb through the broken window into the area officers were blocking off.

John Sullivan, recorded a video of the aftermath, showing police with guns drawn and Babbitt lying in a pool of blood in a stairway inside the Capitol.

Sullivan is the founder of the left-wing activist group Insurgence USA. He said he was not at the Capitol as part of the protest but did not specify what exactly brought him there.

Describing the moments leading up to the shooting, Sullivan said protesters were trying to get into the main entrance of the chamber when they came upon two guards who refused to move.

The group then went down another hallway and used flag poles and other items to break windows to get into the chamber before a group of police emerged.

'All we see is these guns coming out of the doorway, just guns, and all you can see is their hands. You could not see faces,' he said.

'Right when I saw that I was yelling to people: 'Guys, there is guns, you don't want to go through there. They're going to shoot.''

Babbitt ignored Sullivan's plea and went ahead anyway, he said.

'The second that she climbed through the window, she got shot right in the neck area and fell backwards,' he said.

'I just remember, like, the sense of shock and sorrow that somebody just died and did not need to die because she didn't have a weapon and she was not violent.'

He said the area the protesters were trying to get into was completely blocked off with chairs and tables barricading the doors.

Babbitt's shooting is being probed by the police force's internal affairs unit, as is standard procedure for any death involving an officer

Babbitt regularly voiced her support for Trump on social media. Above is a picture of several pro-Trump bumper stickers she uploaded to Twitter

Babbitt's husband remembered her as a 'true patriot' to local media, shortly after her death on Wednesday

Blood is seen on the floor after a woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol during a riot on Wednesday

Babbitt frequently shared her support for Trump on Twitter. She is seen above in this February 2020 post

Sullivan also described trying to deescalate the situation by speaking to police officers before the shooting took place.

'By no means am I there on the Trump side or the MAGA side, but I don't want to see people get hurt unnecessarily especially when there should be a better way to go about it,' he said.

'I remember just coming up and seeing one of [the officers] crying and saying they want to go home to their kids,' he said.

Meanwhile the protesters were yelling: 'Let us in here, we are not trying to hurt you,' he said.

A fellow Trump supporter told WUSA 9: 'A number of police and secret service were saying "get back, get down, get out of the way."

'She didn't heed the call and as we kind of raced up to grab people and pull them back they shot her in the neck and she fell back on me.

'And she started to say "it's fine, it's cool" and then she started kinda moving weird and blood was coming out of her mouth and neck and nose and I don't know if she's alive or dead any more.'

He added: 'I'm not injured... it could have been me, but she went in first.'

On social media, supporters of the protests have paid tribute to Babbit, calling her a 'true patriot'.

'Ashli Babbit, you truly defended the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. What happened to you today was senseless! Rest In Peace beautiful patriot!,' one user wrote.

Right-wing commentator Kaitlin Bennett added: 'DC Police murdered a veteran in cold blood today, but there won't be any vigils for her like George Floyd. She won't get a plaza dedicated to her. She won't even have her name mentioned on the House floor & given a moment of silence.'

Similarly, another user concurred: 'The veteran Ashli Babbit, a 14-year veteran, who served four tours with the US Air Force, and was a high level security official throughout her time in service is being portrayed as an extremist.. George Floyd portrayed as a hero..'

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday

The mostly maskless crowd flooded the halls of the Capitol with little resistance from police

Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress

Supporters of Donald Trump are seen inside the US Capitol after rioters breached security and entered the Capitol

Witness John Sullivan (right) spoke to CNN's Anderson Cooper on Wednesday evening and suggested that Babbitt may have been shot by a police officer when she tired to climb through a broken window into an area that officers were blocking off

Multiple police officers were reportedly injured during the violence that took over the Capitol grounds on Wednesday afternoon and continued well into the night.

In addition to Babbitt, three other people died from 'medical emergencies' during the siege, officials said. 52 people were arrested in total:five for firearms offences and 47 for curfew violations and unlawful entry. Twenty-six of those arrested were on the grounds of the US Capitol.

A cooler packed with molotov cocktails was also found on US Capitol grounds. Police recovered two pipe bombs at the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee offices.

The chaotic scenes unfolded at about 3pm, soon after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters and encouraged them to march to the Capitol, where lawmakers were convened to certify Joe Biden's Electoral College victory in the presidential election.

Dozens of protesters - many of them armed and most not wearing masks - breached barricades around the building and pushed past countless police officers to enter the Rotunda.

A small group managed to get into the chamber, where lawmakers were told to take cover and put on gas masks as tear gas filled the air.

One protester occupied the Senate dais and yelled: 'Trump won that election'. Some protesters even occupied Pelosi's office, sitting mockingly at a desk.

When the violence kicked off Trump took to Twitter and urged the protesters to 'stay peaceful'. A few hours later he posted a video telling his 'very special' supporters inside the Capitol that he loves them and understands their pain but urged them 'to go home'.

Meanwhile Biden called for the 'mob to pull back' and said the uprising bordered on sedition.

The National Guard was quickly deployed to help police enforce a 6pm curfew in DC. Hundreds of protesters remained on the Capitol grounds after the curfew went into effect.

Just before 8pm lawmakers who had been whisked to safety during the siege began arriving back at the Capitol to resume the certification proceedings.

The lawmakers were seen flanked by armed guards as they made their way into the Capitol.

In the near-24 hours since, dozens of high profile politicians have spoken out to condemn yesterday's siege, with many blaming president Trump for inciting the chaos.

On Twitter Thursday, former House Speaker John Boehner calling for the GOP to 'awaken' following Wednesday's 'invasion' of the US Capitol.

'I once said the party of Lincoln and Reagan is off taking a nap. The nap has become a nightmare for our nation. The GOP must awaken. The invasion of our Capitol by a mob, incited by lies from some entrusted with power, is a disgrace to all who sacrificed to build our Republic,' Boehner wrote.

Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have also called for Trump to be immediately removed from office.

'Sadly, yesterday it became clear that the president not only abdicated his duty to protect the American people and the people's house, he invoked and inflamed passions that gave fuel to the insurrection we saw here,' Kinzinger said in a video posted to Twitter. 'When pressed to move and denounce the violence he barely did so, while, of course, victimizing himself.'

'All indications are that the president has become unmoored, not just from his duty, or even his health, but from reality itself. It is for this reason that I call for the vice president and members of the Cabinet to ensure that the next few weeks are safe for the American people, and that we have a sane captain of the ship.'

In a separate statement, Schumer said the 'quickest and most effective' way to remove Trump from the White House would be for Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the use of the 25th Amendment.

'What happened at the U.S. Capitol yesterday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president. This president should not hold office one day longer,' Schumer said. 'The quickest and most effective way - it can be done today - to remove this president from office would be for the Vice President to immediately invoke the 25th amendment.

'If the Vice President and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president,' he said.

According to ABC, there have been discussions among members of Trump's cabinet and his allies to invoke the 25th Amendment.

A Trump supporter posed alongside a statue of President Gerald Ford inside the Capitol

A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber

A supporter of US President Donald J. Trump sits on the desk of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Paramedics and protesters work together to transport a wounded man on a barrier near the Capitol

Police try to hold back protesters pushing into a doorway at the Capitol on Wednesday
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